2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA June 14, 2017
The Playwickian Issue 5
Volume 85
The Newspaper of Neshaminy High School www.playwickian.com
Class of 7 1 0 2
Farewell, Class of 2017 Dear Seniors in the NHS Class of 2017, It gives me great pleasure to be one of the first to welcome you to the ever-growing family of Neshaminy Alumni. You are now among a group of people dating back many decades who can proudly state, “I am a Neshaminy graduate.” Congratulations on your accomplishment as it marks the culmination of a 12-year pursuit. Take a short break, you have earned it, but not for too long. Though your graduation marks the end of your high school experience, it is just the beginning of a much longer journey, a much more important journey. Continue this journey; pursue your goals; pursue your dreams; pursue your passions; and along the way, use your talents to help make the world a better place for yourself and others. We need you. Your community needs you. Your nation needs you and our world needs you to make a difference, just as you have made a difference at NHS. Remember when you first came to NHS? We asked you to be part of the solution, to help us build a better school inside our facility. I am proud to say, “Mission Accomplished!” Over a four year period of time, each of you, individually and collectively, has helped redefine how NHS acts, how it thinks, and what it values through your commitment and actions over the last several years. Look back on your experiences at Neshaminy: smile, reflect, laugh, cry, shake your head, be critical, and celebrate. But also give thanks, as those experiences have helped shape you and prepare you for the challenges yet to come. These experiences will be a part of you forever. Thank you for helping us move NHS forward academically, socially and emotionally. Collectively, the Class of 2017, through your day-to-day, hour-to-hour actions, has left future classes with a positive foundation and climate. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed watching you enjoy your senior year. Again, congratulations, and welcome to the club! Rob McGee, Ph.D. Principal Neshaminy High School
Principal: Doctor McGee
Assistant Principal: Ms. Knotts Farewell Seniors,
The years have gone by so fast. I will miss each and everyone of you. It has been an amazing journey. You all have grown so much. Remember the good times you had over the last four years. This class has been memorable for many reasons, if you know what I mean. Take these last few weeks to enjoy each other because these days are never coming back. Believe it or not, this was the easy part. The next phase will be challenging as you make decisions as young adults. I want to say, “stay strong and never give up.” Remember, tough times are usually short lived and you will come out of it even stronger. Best Wishes to the Class of 2017, Ms. Knotts
Senior Class Adviser: Ms. Johnson Class of 2017Someone once told me that you never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory. Over your past four years at Neshaminy High School, you have had numerous opportunities to create moments that have turned into lifelong memories. You have had the obvious moments… attending dances and proms, riding roller coasters and jumping in puddles on the junior class trip, Friday night football games and of course, competing in Gym Night. There have also been moments that are not so obvious…Monday morning homerooms, running to the building from the senior parking lot, and naturally…hanging out with your friends in the senior locker bank. Eventually, as time passes, you will start to forget some of these moments.
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You will forget some of the some of the theories and equations that you learned in your classes. You will forget the names of all but one or two of your favorite teachers. You will forget what period you had phys ed or what period you had lunch. You may even forget the exact location of your locker, but you will never forget the moments that have led you to the person you have become. You will find that these moments have turned into life lessons that will have helped to shape the rest of your lives. I would like to take a moment to recognize five amazing young women who have dedicated countless hours over the last four years to the Class of 2017: Emily Alexis, Maggie Daeche, Mia Sexton, Elena Donato and Rachel Sufrin. These girls have worked hard to create lifelong memories for each and every one of you. I would like to take this moment to personally thank them for their countless hours of preparation, early morning meetings, their precision and attention to detail for every event and their dedication to the Class of 2017. These girls have become family to me and I commend the Class of 2017 for choosing such extraordinary individuals to be their leaders. In the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, “For what it’s worth… it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be… I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you are proud of, and if you find that you’re not… I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” Congratulations and good luck! Ms. Johnson
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Valedictorian: Jonathan Vadaketh Goodbyes are hard. They bring down the guillotine on feelings and experiences that have bloomed with different relationships. Putting the end to a fated meeting of people is just so final that the ensuing sorrow seems to be inevitable. In spite of this, I would like to believe that the friendships we spent four precious years of our lives building are not so shallow that separation would cause them to lose their meaning. Instead, I wish to think that the experience and lessons gained with each relationship will continue to strengthen our characters for the rest of our lives. As a valedictorian, I suppose I should focus on my battle in school. So, without exaggerating, school was tough. Classes like AP US History ran me over and left me on the street for roadkill. The sheer amount of work I had to do in various classes was unlike anything I have ever experienced until this point. Truthfully, the only thing I could take solace in was the fact that I was not alone. Knowing that my classmates had to do the same work created a bond that would create a foundation for many friendships. I, along with many others, learned how to complain a lot while still being able to get the job done. The various experiences of getting through the demanding projects and tests alongside my friends will
definitely support me when I go off to college. Even when I leave many of them behind in high school, I will be able to remember the hard work we completed together, and I have no doubt that the mere memory will give me strength in future strenuous endeavors. Surely the memories we have made in and out of class are strong enough to withstand a goodbye. There is no greater experience than seeing the hard work put in by you and your friends, classmates, teammates, and comrades bear the fruit of success, and I have been fortunate enough to have many of these kinds of experiences. Even just the lighthearted times of kicking back and having fun with friends will help us remember how to relax amidst the chaos of whatever we are doing. Therefore, we should not focus on the sadness of a goodbye, and instead employ the happy phrase employed in the Ocean’s Thirteen movie, “See you when I see you!”
Valedictorian: Shawn Barrett As a member of the Class of 2017 at Neshaminy High School, I would first like to thank all of the parents, teachers, coaches, directors, family members, and mentors who have all helped guide the way to our graduation over the years. The support networks we create in high school help us grow and develop from middle school students into young adults, ready to move into the world, whether it be through college, work, or any other avenue into adulthood. Since our graduating class is now experiencing this transition period, we must say our farewells, either temporary or permanent, to many of those within our networks of support. For most people, these goodbyes create a sense of vulnerability or even fear, since the future contains unknown trials and tribulations for all of us. Although we may be apprehensive of the future, it is important to remember that we are not alone. Through our individual journeys in the years to come, each of us will meet others who are just as afraid or who are even more
afraid than we are when faced with the future. This creates the perfect opportunity to create new support networks, and to create strength and inspiration out of what was originally a shared anxiety of what the coming months and years will hold. As these new connections develop, it becomes more clear that the farewells we say to each other now, whether they are short-term or long-term, lead to opportunities to meet new people and to create new relationships in the future. As these connections grow and flourish, and as we all encounter success and failure in the years to come, I would like to share the thought that “success is not final, failure is not fatal—it is the courage to continue that counts,” and although the origin of this line is not truly known, it is something that I believe is important to understand. With this said, I will never forget my years at Neshaminy, and I truly thank everyone who contributes to the thriving Neshaminy community. To all of the graduates of 2017, take the experiences you gained from high school and apply them in the future on your road to success, and good luck!
Senior Class President: Emily Alexis Class of 2017, First I want to thank you for making these past four years so memorable. From our freshman formal to Hershey Park sophomore year to JCT and finally to senior prom. We have made memories that will last a lifetime. Best of luck to wherever your future is taking you. I hope that your four years here at Neshaminy High School were filled with experiences that have not only guided you towards the right path, but also allowed you to have fun going through them. Love, Your senior class president Emily Alexis
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The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Editors Say Goodbye Gauri Mangala Managing Editor Gettysburg University
No one can prepare you for high school. Even if you have all your pencils and pens rainbow organized on the first day of school, you will resort to writing your homework in a crayon at some point during your high school experience. But that’s the beautiful thing: No matter how many crayon-moments you face in high school, there’s always tomorrow. I, myself, have had my fair share of crayon moments, but thankfully, I have had many people to help me through them. Firstly, to Mr. Lipton, the only person who has ever actually wanted me to be louder than I already am. While he meant to teach me music for four years, he unintentionally taught me so much more. It was always Mr. Lipton who en-
couraged me to give 150 percent towards everything I did, whether it was for orchestra, or otherwise. It is Mr. Lipton’s lessons of work ethic and perseverance that I will carry with me. Always. To my AE teachers: Mrs. McCreary, Mr. Murray, Dr. Hensel and Mrs. Marozsan, the craziest and kindest people to have ever had the misfortune of teaching me. The four of you have provided safe havens for me to be unapologetically myself over these last four years. Thank for the memories of fangirling, setting stuff on fire, pigs and puns. To my mother, who taught me first how to walk, and then how to fly. To my amazing friends that have come along the way. Thank you for the laughs, the tears, and the uncondi-
tional love. (And all the car rides.) Now, to the hardest thank you I can give, to the room and the people who have been a part of it all: G202. I was a 14-year-old nobody when I stepped into the newspaper office for the first time. I don’t think I could have ever imagined the kind of impact that being a part of The Playwickian would have on me. To Mrs. Huber, thank you for forcing me to apply for features; you opened up my mind to so much that I don’t think I could ever thank you for. Thank you for being school mom and feeding me. To Mrs. Kannengieszer, thank you for really trying to understand me. No one has given me as many chances and many opportunities as you
have. And even if I failed, you always gave me a second chance, so thank you for that. To the alums: Tim, Gill, Jack, Maddy and Eishna, even though I was absolutely terrified of you guys for a long time, you taught me so much. Thank you for giving me a shot. To my fellow senior editors: Ashley, Dorothy, Natalie, Riley, Nina and Brynn, thank you for sticking by my crazy for so long. You guys are going to rock the world, and I am so excited to see what you do. To the future of The Playwickian: Grace, Madison, Andy, Regina, Leanne, Catherine, Maggie and Connor, I learned so much from you guys, and I know that The Playwickian is in great hands. Congrats to my fellow seniors of the Class of 2017; it’s finally our time! Let’s kill it!
to check off the to do list.’ In a weird way, journalism became so much more to me. Through The Playwickian, I’ve had insane opportunities that would have never occurred if my parents hadn’t encouraged me to take a writing class my freshman year. I’m forever thankful for these opportunities, and, if I’m being completely honest, multiple highlights of both my junior and senior years were a direct result of being on staff at The Playwickian. To my fellow editors, regardless of
clashes of opinions, we were like one big dysfunctional family this year, and I’m forever thankful for the lessons each and every one of you taught me about high school, myself, and the ‘real world.’ To Mrs. Huber (AKA ‘school mom’), even though you are no longer our adviser, thank you for supporting me as a writer throughout my first years on The Playwickian, and showing me that high school journalism is still ‘real journalism.’ To Mrs. Kannengieszer, I may continuously forget how to spell your last name, but I won’t forget the way you fearlessly charged into improving the newspaper during a weird transition time, and your passion has only made me want to become a teacher even morethank you. To my parents, thank you for pushing me to take journalism freshman year- I would have never guessed it would take me as far as it did. To the entire Neshaminy community and student body, thank you for teaching me to speak out even when I do not agree with the popular opinion.
Natalie Pietrowski Busniess Editor Millersville University I was at work the other day, when a girl not much older than me claimed that I looked really familiar. After a few minutes of conversation about where we went to high school she exclaimed, “I know where I know you from! You’re the newspaper girl from Neshaminy!” Completely caught off guard, I had no idea how to respond, because I didn’t think anyone noticed us. Through The Playwickian, I’ve learned that people do notice you, even if you feel otherwise. So how do I say goodbye to something that has played such a large part in forming who I am today? As much as I may have vented, stressed, cried over newspaper layouts (RIP to the triangle), and even contemplated quitting, I cannot imagine my life without The Playwickian. Looking back to my freshman year when I was legitimately afraid to enter the office, and intimidated by the older
‘better’ senior editors, I never thought I would ever be a page editor, let alone a key part of the management team my senior year. Throughout the ever changing situations of high school, The Playwickian was one thing that always remained constant, and sometimes I really think that saved me. Despite the struggle to keep grades up, while running competitively for Neshaminy’s cross country and track teams, working, and still attempting to have a social life, one would think The Playwickian would be ‘just another thing
Ashley Reiss Campus Life Editor American University In the mundaneness of school and life, Neshaminy High School never fails to elicit something new. Within the confines of The Playwickian, I have garnered a voice that I didn’t know was there, and if it weren’t for the people and the teachers that frequent those two rooms in G-Hall, I definitely would not be headed in the direction that they have pushed me towards. I have seen people fight for what is right, I have seen people be callous in their judgement and I have seen people act as if nothing is happening. Our present state of affairs, within the microcosm of Neshaminy and
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within the world, has led me to want to go to Washington, D.C. and attend American University. These past four years have been a product of the teachers that surrounded me. They continually garnered within me a drive and a desire to be successful, even when senioritis plagued me the last few months. I am greatly appreciative to my friends who helped me with lab reports and stayed up late with me to finish presentations because procrastination seems to be most people’s fatal flaw. I am greatly appreciative of the guidance counselors who helped me along the way and the people who withstood me interrogating them through emails or in person for an article I was writing. Neshaminy will always have a hold over me as a result of the good times I’ve had that include all the people I have met along the way. Schools are ultimately universal, but the people aren’t, and I just wanted to spend my farewell thanking everyone I have came in contact with. So thank you for making me who I am today, an optimistic girl in search of a little equality. #Murica
Brynn MacDougall Op-Ed Editor Rider University
When you gotta graduate and leave The Playwickian
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Nina Taranenko Features Editor Arcadia University Saying farewell is always hard, or so I assume; my mom never said goodbye when she left. I know this is where I’m supposed to thank my parents, friends and The Playwickian staff for all the help they’ve given me, but I know they already know that. Who I’d really like to thank is the English department, the misfits of the teachers (along with the art teachers, who yes, do actually teach). It’s probably weird to thank the department as whole, but without them, I don’t think I would be where I am now. Starting with freshman English, I met one of the most stylish and inspiring women, Mrs. McCreary. She had to
Riley Turner Copy Editor Holy Family University
Dorothy O’Connor Art Editor Catholic University of America
My time with The Playwickian turned out rather differently than I expected it to when I signed up way back in freshman year. I’ve had a ringside seat to a national controversy, made the first page of a Google search, pushed myself as an artist, and made great friends. I’ve greatly enjoyed drawing graphics for the paper. No two requests are the same, and I’m proud of everything I’ve done. There is, however, one picture that I never did take credit for. Now that I’m safely graduating, however, I have a little confession to make. Some of you may remember four years ago, towards the beginning of the newspaper controversy, a certain cartoon was printed, featuring a certain principal. So, yes—I drew
deal with a bunch of college prep kids who didn’t care what she was teaching, but I did. She was the first person who helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life. Sophomore year is when I met Mrs. Fleming. She made teaching fun because every other sentence out of her mouth was a joke. In public speaking, she always wrote the most thoughtful and inspiring comments. It let me know I had a voice. The end of junior year is wen I finally go to meet the much talked about Mr. DiCicco. Taking his creative writing class was one of the best decisions I ever made. His class helped me grow as a writer and realize that I wanted to become an English teacher. Since I wanted to become an English teacher, I decided I should take AP Eng-
the infamous Dr. McGee cartoon. I would, however, like to set the record straight on one thing: someone else, I don’t know who, photoshopped it to make him look fat. To everyone at The Playwickian, past and present: I love you. You have been some of my best friends in high school. At the office there’s always a shoulder to lean on, a joke to laugh at, and a story to listen to. I’m going to miss all of you, especially my homeroom buddiesyou know who you are. Thank you to all the great teachers I’ve had, who’ve helped me find my passions, helped me appreciate what I have, and helped me understand how big, terrifying, and beautiful the world is. Thank you Mr. Lipton and everyone else in the music department for giving me the gift of your songs. My time playing with you will always be some of my fondest memories of high school. Thank you, everyone, for a great four years.
5 Farewells
I’m Neshaminy student number 792805, and I have met the government requirements to move on with my life by the standards that the man sees fit. As a school, we celebrate this as an event called graduation where I and the rest of the cogs of the class of 2017 are authorized to leave this institution to do what we wish with our lives--as long as we comply with their rules and further the living machine we call society, how nice of them. I could be anywhere or at any point of time in the void of space, and through scribbles, you can hear my voice. I can share my thoughts and feelings by using your mind to interpret the ink on a transformed tree corpse, maybe a collection of tree corpses; I’m not too familiar with the papermaking process, but hey, isn’t reading weird. I’m somehow a part of this newspaper and over the course of a year and a half my thoughts are deemed important enough by people you probably don’t know to write something meaningful. Please try to focus on the thoughts I’m sending to you via arbitrarily shaped scribbles and not a bright red parrot singing the Addams family theme song. The Playwickian is not a newspaper that I would normally align myself with politically-- plus I’ve never taken a journalism or creative writing course--and I cannot spell to save my life, yet I’m here, and I cannot begin to describe how tremendous the experience has been. If I had simply dwelled on the political background and my lack of experience, I would not have gotten out of my comfort zone, and I would have missed out on making great
The Playwickian
lish. I’m still trying to figure out whether this was a good or bad thing. Having Mr. August as teacher is... an experience, but I’m glad I learned Gregor loves his family. Another teacher to make my senior year is Mrs. Kannengieszer aka Mom. Taking on the newspaper and dealing with all of us was a lot, but she did it and helped me to become a better journalist. The one English teacher, who I never even had as an actual teacher, who has impacted me the most in my time here at Neshaminy, is Sean Daly. Knowing Sean for the past four years made me realize three things: vans will be always in style, Africa by Toto is a classic and Eoin. So goodbye to the English department, and to everyone else that has impacted me greatly. You know who you are.
friends and even greater memories. Going through school is like learning to drive a car with a broken dashboard; you don’t know your speed, there are no service lights, and you only have a vague idea how much gas you have left. No matter what road you take, your actions determine your course. Any wrong turns don’t have to affect your driving, if you don’t let them. Keep in mind, the world around won’t slow down no matter how many times you pump the breaks. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” This quote comes from the best movie of all time, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” I, for one, have spent a copious amount of time looking around and have very few regrets about doing so. We have one life, so I see no point in rushing it or being laser focused on any single thing. Although grades are super important, when I reminisce on my life, the best parts could have been easily missed if I just sat around doing school work. So, remember, “If you believe it, you can achieve it.” Don’t forget to drink water, wear sunscreen, realize that grades are important but enjoying life is paramount, and appreciate the absurdities in life. We as humans do some weird things when you start thinking about it.
June 14, 2017
Teacher Awards Takes No Excuses Mr.Palkovics
Teacher Awards were chosen by the senior class through a survey.
Best Dressed Male Mr.Daly
Best Dressed Female & Most Likely to Ship Students
Most School Spirit Mr.Davis
Mrs.Markey
Most Likely to Roast You Mr.Heaney
Most Likely to Adopt You Mrs. Maroszan
Most Absent Most Likely to Cry at Graduation Mrs.Cohen
Best Facial Hair Mr.Woodward
6 Awards
Mr.McKee
Most Likely to be Mistaken for a Student Mr.DiCicco
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Commendable-5 Courses Isabella Abbamondi Emily Alexis Antonio Alicea Shawn Barrett Corey Barsky Taylor Benton John Browning Megan Campbell Vincent Capaldi Jake Cautilli Savona Cerra Chad Delahanty AP Michael Didok Sarah Ewekil Tom Gerace Sahil Ghayal AP Zaven Hamazaspyan Jarret Hoelzle AP Trent Holden AP Lauren Hutt AP Amanda Johnson Amanda Kala AP Shaun Kelly Yoona Kim Maxine Kholer AP Liam Krimmel AP Karlyn Larson AP Allison Lemongelli Hannah Lindley Margarita Makarova AP Emily Masi AP
Alex Monaco Lauren Morris Breanna Morris Madeleine Mueller AP John Mullin AP Valerie Musse Riley Nyhus Shannon O’Grady AP Neel Patel AP Samuel Peterson AP Jamie Riley AP Brooke Romberger AP Eric Rotteveel AP Kayli Russo Emma Saloky AP Jenna Schauder AP Kaitlyn Sibre AP Jessica Sloan Darry Spadacino Chase Stanley Rachel Sufrin Olivia Tippy Alyssa Tobin Andrew Trench AP Riley Turner Samantha Turner Jonathan Vadeketh Cassandra Weber Sophie Weber Seth Wilcox
Outstanding-6 Jon Albarran AP Elanur Atunbas Corinne Bernatowicz AP Shane Bishop AP Joshua Blonder Smauel Borochaner AP Dan Cho AP Courtney Coffin AP Samantha Covell AP Elena Donato AP Caliee Fodor Julia Geisheimer Skye Glover Wesley Hoffner Devon Iffrig
Courses
Momina Khan AP Darsaan Khanna AP Kylie LaQuay Rachel Lewandowski AP Andy Li AP Kaitlyn Lynch Sean Martin Fakiaha Milan AP Amyanne Murray AP Amanda O’Neill Mitchell Range AP Valentino Scarsellato AP Roman Tkach AP Thyra Tuttle Zacary Weston AP
Exceptional- 7 Courses Nicole Bespalov Maggie Daeche AP Craig Klevan AP Victoria Lieber AP
7 Awards
The Playwickian
Patrick McCormic AP Nora Okwara AP Payal Patel AP Jaslin Tharakan AP
June 14, 2017
Abbamondi, Isabella Temple University Abduazizova, Maftuna 2 year college Acker, Campbell BCCC Adami, Richard East Stroudsburg Univer sity Albarran, Jonathan PSU, University Park Alexis, Emily Sacred Heart University Alicea, Antonio Virginia Tech Allen, Christopher Career education Almanzar, Danaisha Wake Forest University Altunbas, Elanur Arcadia University Amaro, Christopher 4 year college Amati, Vann Undecided Anella, Michael PSU, University Park Anselmi, Robert BCCC Applegate, Dylan US Marine Corps Aquila, Kaylee Bryn Athyn College of the New Church Arlen, Ryleigh Bloomsburg University Arnott, Eric Apprenticeship Arrendell, Manuel BCCC Atabas, Camal Work Force Avci, Anil 2 year college Awar, Gold 4 year college Baker, Asia 2 year college Barbieri, Rachel Kutztown University Barnes, Andrew Other Barnhardt, Mich Apprenticeship Barrett, Samantha BCCC Barrett, Shawn Harvard University Barsky, Corey University of Pittsburgh Bavarella, Erica BCCC Beck, David Apprenticeship Benedict, Sean Undecided Bennett, Nicholas BCCC Benton, Taylor Arcadia University Bernatowicz, Corinne University of Pittsburgh Bespalov, Nicole Lucy Drexel University Beyer, Erica BCCC Bilger, James 2 year college
Bishop, Bryce The College of New Jer sey Bishop, Shane Maran University of the Sciences Blank, Lauren Shippensburg University Blaydon, Antonio PSU, University Park Blonder, Joshua West Chester University Bolt, Corey 4 year college Bombino, Emily BCCC Bond, Dean BCCC Booda, Daniel Rider University Boop, Zachary Lehigh University Borochaner, Samuel BCCC Borovskiy, Alice College prep school Bouffard, Joseph West Chester University Bowman, Ford Temple University Boyle, Andrew University of Maryland Brace, Natalie Cabrini College Bradley, Korin College prep school Braun, Thomas BCCC Bravo, Allison Year off Bremser, Michael Army Brody, Jacob West Chester University Brolly, Pearse Palm Beach Atlantic Uni versity Browning, Joseph Apprenticeship Buchys, Madison West Chester University Buday, Madison BCCC Burkiewicz, Dominika La Salle University Burns, Mark Work Force Buttry, John PennCo Tech Cafferty, Matthew BCCC Caja, Emily Duquesne University Calderon, Maria Indiana University at Bloomington Calvert, Katelyn East Stroudsburg Univer sity Camaratta, Lisa 18-21 program
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Campana, Delaney Campbell, Megan Cantrell, Timothy Capaldi, Vincent Carman, Alexa
Temple University PSU, University Park BCCC University of Maine Air Force
Carney, Christian 2 year college Carrasquillo, Sofia BCCC Castagna, Sage BCCC Castillo Sanchez, Angel Brightwood Career Institute Castillo Sanchez, Mayerling Unknown Cautilli, Jacob Colorado State University Cereby, Camryn Lock Haven University Cerra, Savona Ursinus College Chang, Angel Drexel University Cherkas, Haley BCCC Cherry, Emily PSU, University Park Cho, Daniel University of Pittsburgh Cimino, Jocelyn Millersville University Cloud, Ian Work Force Cofer, Rachael PSU, University Park
h The P Senior
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Coffin, Courtney Coleman, Emily Colon, Lucia Sofia Cooper, Brittany Cooperman, Jared Cordero, Madison Costabile, Gerard Covell, Samantha
Wilkes University BCCC 2 year college 2 year college University of Pittsburgh 2 year college BCCC Drexel University
Craigle, Chance Career education Crescenzo, Mackenzie Temple University Crispell, Joshua PSU, Abington Cruz, Elani 2 year college Curtin, Elayna Temple University Dabbour, Omar BCCC Daeche, Maggie Drexel University Dando, Kristen BCCC Davids, Lauren BCCC Davis, Alexandria BCCC DeCrescio, Anthony Unknown Degner, Jenna BCCC Delahanty, Chad University of Pittsburgh Deon, Kailyn West Chester University DeRosa, Elisabeth Unknown Desanto, Evan Unknown DeSei, Adriana University of the Sciences Devine, Summer 2 year college Devlin, Michael PSU, Abington Didok, Michael BCCC DiFerdinando, Luke PSU, Altoona DiFrank, Ryan 4 year college Dogba, William Albright College Donato, Elena The University of Scran ton Donnelly, Crystal BCCC Dopson, Cailie BCCC Douglas, Nicole PSU, University Park Douyon, Matthew PSU, Altoona Dugger, Tara BCCC Dukes, Zachary BCCC Ebinger, Tyler PSU, University Park Edelman, Brooke Mount Aloysius College Edwards, Nicholas West Chester University Edwards, Thomas Temple University Elwekil, Sarah East Stroudsburg Univer sity Emsley, David Temple University Engel, Justin Work Force Enoch, Alyssa BCCC Esher, Sarah BCCC Falcone, Keith Career education Ferguson, Jonathan 2 year college Ferguson, Morrigan BCCC Fisher, Jack Shippensburg University Flaig, Carly University of Pittsburgh Fleming, Alexandra St. Francis University
Fodor, Cailee Temple University Fogg, Tiera Lebanon Valley College Foraker, Owen Arcadia University Fortune, Nathanial Army Fox, Alexa BCCC Fox, Beau Apprenticeship Frederick, Kevin BCCC Fuller, Angelyse West Chester University Gale, Eric PSU, University Park Gallo, Kathryn BCCC Gavaghan, Gregory PSU, Altoona Gaydula, Trevor BCCC Geisheimer, Julia Messiah College Gentry, Mark 2 year college Gerace, Thomas Temple University Gesualdi, Justine Keystone College Ghayal, Sahil Temple University Gianni, Melissa BCCC Gibson, Connor PSU, University Park Glass, Emily BCCC Glicker, Nicholas Temple University Glover, Skye Delaware Valley Univer sity Godoy, Mario Automotive Training Center Gonzalez, Cassandra Work Force Gonzalez, Sabrina La Salle University Gordon, Amy PSU, University Park Gordon, Jacob James Madison Univer sity Gordon, William Temple University Grauber, Adam Unknown Grauel, Alyssa Holy Family University Gray, Samantha BCCC Greco, Kerri St. Joseph’s University Green, Ryan BCCC Grindrod, Daniel West Chester University Guise, Joseph Work Force Guld, Justin BCCC Gursky, James PSU, University Park Guzman, Jorge BCCC Haberacker-Malott, Gage Navy Hafele, Dawson Work Force Hamazaspyan, Zaven Temple University Hampton, Gabrielle 4 year college Hargadon, Mark BCCC
Places The rs Will Go! 9 Destinations
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Harrison, Bradford BCCC Hart, Hunter PSU, University Park Hartley, Joshua Shippensburg University Harvey, Tyler US Marine Corps Hayes, Jordan Temple University Hayn, Olivia West Chester University Head, Ashlee BCCC Hebron, Saloni Morgan State University Hegner, Kaitlyn The Beauty Institute Henry, Noel BCCC Herder, Dante IUP Hernandez, Ramon BCCC Hernandez, Samantha Career education Hewlett, Maggie East Stroudsburg Univer sity Hobby, Holly BCCC Hodgson, Bryanna Year off Hoelzle, Jarett PSU, University Park Hoffner, Wesley Shippensburg University Holden, Trent Delaware Valley Univer sity Hopkins, Stephen Temple University Hornick, Paige Work Force Hornung, Jacob Drexel University Howley, Erin Temple University Hudicek, William 2 year college Hudson, Codi Work Force Huett, Jordan 2 year college Hughes, Jill PSU, University Park Hughes, Joshua Career education Hutt, Lauren St. Francis University Idell, Ryan BCCC Iffrig, Devon Virginia Tech Ireland, Joseph West Chester University Iskra, Nolan Temple University Johnson, Aliyah BCCC Johnson, Amanda PSU, University Park Johnson, Miles Johnson University Jolly, Samantha BCCC Jones, Emily Work Force Jones, Jacob Eastern University Jones, Mason University of Delaware Jones, Sierra BCCC Jusinski, April West Chester University Kala, Amanda BCCC Kane, Ryan Air Force Kane, Tessa Bloomsburg University Kanuck, Hailee Army Kasper, Mark BCCC Keen, Haylee Delaware Valley Univer sity Kelly, Brittany West Chester University Kelly, Sarah Bloomsburg University Kelly, Shaun Temple University Kelly, William US Marine Corps Kelmansky, Valerie Temple University Kennedy-Defrehn, Kyle Air Force Khan, Momina Drexel University Khanna, Darsaan University of the Sciences Kim, Yoona Temple University Kirk, Holly M BCCC Kirk, Megan Temple University Kletcheck, Ryan Coast Guard Klevan, Craig University of Delaware Kloiber, Aaron BCCC Knight, Patrick Career education Knoneborg, Johnny 2 year college Kogan, Mark BCCC Kohler, Maxene Drexel University Kolomenskaia, EkaterinaBCCC Kosiba, Jeremy Entrepreneur Kraft, William Drexel University Krimmel, Liam IUP Kruise, Andrew PennCo Tech Kwiatkowski, Karlee BCCC Lake, Dalton PennCo Tech Lanctot, David BCCC Lannen, Johnathan Year off
10 Destinations
LaQuay, Kylie Palm Beach Atlantic Uni versity Larkin, Autumn Other Larson, Karlyn PSU, University Park Lemongelli, Allison University of the Sciences Leonard, Kathryn Delaware Valley Univer sity Leshkiv, Tetyana Temple University Lesko, Mackenzie Bloomsburg University Levitsky, Danielle Temple University Lewandowski, Justin Apprenticeship Lewandowski, Rachel Temple University Li, Andy PSU, University Park Liberty, Caitlyn Career education Lieber, Victoria Hofstra University Lindley, Hannah BCCC Lindsey, Nicholas BCCC Lisowski, Keith BCCC Loesch, Brenna Undecided Lopez, Jocelyn BCCC Lord, Taylor Temple University Lucas, Megan Robert Morris University Lynch, Kaitlyn Temple University Lynch, Olivia Temple University Mabin, Rhianna BCCC MacDougall, Brynn Rider University Maddocks, Jordan Work Force Majors, Devon Other Makarova, Margarita Temple University Malageri, Dominic 4 year college Maldonado, Evan Career education Malia, Jacob Career education Mandolesi, Daniel Florida Institute of Tech nology Mangala, Gauri Gettysburg College Mann, Kyle Navy Marinelli, Jake Temple University Marren, Francesca BCCC Martin, Brandi Lancaster Bible College Martin, Sean PSU, University Park Masciulli, Devan Millersville University Masi, Emily University of Pittsburgh Masterson, Riley Other Matthews, Evan Misericordia University Mavi, Jordan Drexel University Mayorquin, Osmin Unknown McArdle, Ryan PennCo Tech McCabe, Bryan Work Force McCaffrey, Harleigh Work Force McCaulley, Emma BCCC McCormick, Chandler University of Pittsburgh McCormick, Patrick West Chester University McCoy, Joseph Daytona State College McDonald, Dylan Syracuse University McGarry, Corey Rosemont College McGinley, Kaitlyn The Beauty Institute McGoldrick, Brendan BCCC McKinley, Melissa Unknown McNally, Emmaleigh BCCC McShane, Stephen Work Force Megahan, Kristen 4 year college Merlino, Isabella BCCC Merritt, Kristopher 2 year college Messer, Lia BCCC Mian, Fakiaha Drexel University Michelotti, Mateo BCCC Middlebrooks, BriannaBCCC Mitchell, Gianni BCCC Mitchell, Jillian BCCC Mochol, Martin 4 year college Mohanty, Paloma Pace University Monaco, Alexandra BCCC Montalvo, Miguel PSU, University Park Moore, Kayleen BCCC Moran, Alyssa BCCC Morris, Bailey BCCC Morris, Breanna BCCC
Morris, Brian Rowan University Morris, Lauren Temple University Morrison, DeZhanieke Delaware County Com munity College Motz, Michael BCCC Mucha, Robert The Culinary Institute of America Mueller, Madeleine The University of Tampa Mueller, Markus Temple University Mullaney, Kenneth 2 year college Mullin, John BCCC Munder, Gregory BCCC Murmillo, Alyssa BCCC Murphy, Hope Temple University Murray, Amyanne PSU, University Park Musse, Valerie Temple University Nabit, Grant Rider University Neilson, Jake BCCC Nelson, Benjamin Work Force Nguyen, Quan Temple University Nikolaenko, Dasha Career education Nisbet, Brittany Work Force Noble, Jacob Temple University Noble, Sophie Drexel University Nolan, Tyler Arcadia University Note, Andrew Work Force Nyhus, Riley Arcadia University O’Brien, Isabella 4 year college O’Connor, Dorothy Catholic University of America O’Grady, Garrett Duquesne University O’Grady, Shannon University of Maine O’Neill, Alaina West Chester University O’Neill, Amanda Cedar Crest College O’Neill, Zachariah Work Force Okwara, Nora-Lovette Columbia University Olavarria, Victor BCCC Oliver, Harry BCCC Orwig, Robert Temple University Osterhoudt, Kyle King’s College Owczarzak, Katrina Year off Ozdemir, Jason BCCC Paglaiccetti, Justina BCCC Parry, Edmund East Stroudsburg Univer sity Parry, Nakada BCCC Patel, Harshil BCCC Patel, Neel PSU, University Park Patel, Payal University of Pittsburgh Patel, Shiv BCCC Paul, Timothy Work Force Pennock, Kyle PSU, University Park Perko, Scarlett BCCC Perrin, Joseph 2 year college Peters, Dominique BCCC Petersen, Samuel City College of New York Petryshyna, Karina BCCC Pfender, Emily PSU, University Park Phelps, Jaz 2 year college Piccone, Ryan PSU, University Park Pierre, Romel BCCC Pietrowski, Natalie Millersville University Pirrone, Kaysi BCCC Plunkett, Jessica Widener University Pomroy, Madison West Chester University Ponocevnai, Gheorghe Stevens Institute of Tech nology Popal, Yousuf Holy Family University Potakh, Anna Eugenia Millersville University Potash, Maeve Temple University Prehl, Jenna Work Force Prendergast, Avery BCCC Pringle, Katie BCCC Quinlisk, Dennis Widener University Raab, Benjamin Juniata College Rabea, Geno Work Force Raffin, Rebecca The College of New Jer sey
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Range, Mitchell PSU, University Park Rapposelli, Anthony Shippensburg University Ratka, Nicholas 18-21 program Raupp, Leanna BCCC Raykovitz, Daniel PSU, University Park Rayner, Brianna BCCC Reed, Jack 4 year college Reed, Ryan BCCC Reheil, Lauryn Montgomery County Community College Reich, Steven PSU, University Park Reinhart, Anya BCCC Reiser, Emily BCCC Reiss, Ashley American University Repash, Daniel Work Force Riley, Jaime Temple University Riley, Jake BCCC Rios, Brenden Navy SEALs Rippert, Joseph The College of New Jer sey Ritchie, Alexa 2 year college Rivells, Matthew BCCC Rivera, Alexandra BCCC Roberts, Kahla University of Pittsburgh Rodgers, Jonathan BCCC Roman, Matthew Temple University Romberger, Brooke PSU, University Park Rooney, Hayden Lycoming College Rosado Maldonado, Andrew Other Rosseljong, Kevin Temple University Roton, Julia BCCC Rotteveel, Eric Clemson University Rubin, Alec Syracuse University Ruggero, Nicholas Army Rusevych, Bozhena BCCC Russell, Zoey West Chester University Russo, Kayli East Stroudsburg Univer sity Sacchetti, Jesse Stockton University Saglimben, Brian Bloomsburg University Saloky, Emma Bucknell University Sanchez, Anthony Work Force Sanderson, Molly West Chester University Sands, Daniel BCCC Sangmeister, Grace Juniata College Sanko, Andrew Lebanon Valley College Santis, Victoria BCCC Sawyer, Sean University of Pittsburgh Saxton, Courtney Temple University Scarsellato, Valentino Temple University Scavone, Jerry Ursinus College Schaffer, Joshua PSU, Altoona Schaffer, Justin PSU, Altoona Schatzan, Mackenzie BCCC Schauder, Jenna Millersville University Scheinert, Rebecca Millersville University Schettino, Alexander Wentworth Institute of Technology Schiavoni, Joseph BCCC Schoenemann, Brittany PSU, University Park Schwenke, Kyle Montgomery County Community College Schwitters, Adam Union- Trade School Sckupakus, Jake Temple University Scotto, Gessica BCCC Seidel, Brittney BCCC Sexton, Mia Temple University Sfida, Paige Shippensburg University Shafer, Amanda Temple University Shaltens, John Widener University Shennard, Kelsey 2 year college Sheplock, Brett Kutztown University Shinn, Nicholas Rochester Institute of Technology Shuster, Jeremy Army Sibre, Kaitlyn Temple University Slivka, Matthew PEnnCo Tech
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Sloan, Jessica Alvernia University Smink, Matthew Arcadia University Smith, Macey Army Snead, William BCCC Solomon, Emily New York University Sordo, Alfredo Other Souders, Sydney Widener University Spadaccino, Darcy University of Alabama Spano, Collin Work Force Sparks, Melissa Unknown Spencer, Stephanie Fashion Institute of Tech nology Spiese, Ryan Other Stabilito, Vincent Unknown Stacey, Luther Year off Stanford, Justin US Marine Corps Staniskis, Angela Year off Stanley, Chase West Chester University Stewart, Holden BCCC Stewart, Sean Temple University Storms, Devon Neumann University Stressman, Timothy Work Force Strokachenko, Valeriya 2 year college Sufrin, Rachel West Chester University Sweet, Vinnie Work Force Swisher, Gavin Year off Taranenko, Nina Arcadia University Tarity, Matthew BCCC Taylor, Mariah 2 year college Teel, Adrien BCCC Teoh, Crystal Temple University Terman, Breanna Monmouth University Tharakan, Jaslin Rowan University Tharakan, Jeffrey Drexel University Thatcher, Alexa Unknown Tilli, David College of William and Mary Tippy, Olivia 4 year college Tkach, Roman Drexel University Tobin, Alyssa West Chester University Toll, Sarah The College of New Jer sey Tomes, Christian BCCC Tomko, Cali PSU, University Park Tomlinson, Emily Millersville University Toriola, Adewale PSU, University Park Torrieri, Noah University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Tracy, Jack Air Force Tredway, Zachary Monmouth University Trench, Andrew PSU, University Park Trujillo, Michael Army Tsolova, Bilyana BCCC Tu, Trevor University of California, Santa Cruz Tulk, Bethany Work Force Turner, Riley Holy Family University Turner, Samantha PSU, University Park Turner, Zakary BCCC Tuttle, Thyra University of Rhode Island Tynan, Nicole BCCC Udischas, Aaron Temple University- Japan Campus Umrania, Marmik BCCC Usewicz, Amanda BCCC Vadaketh, Jonathan PSU, University Park Valeri, Matthew 18-21 program Vallette, Bryce BCCC Valovatsky, Elizaveta Temple University Vass, Rachel Holy Family University Verrecchio, Anthony Navy SEALs Vest, Kierstyn PSU, University Park Vogenitz, Jessica Bloomsburg University Wagner, Madison 4 year college Walraven, Sarah Rider University Walsh, Megan Temple University
Ward, Casey BCCC Ward, Victoria BCCC Weaver, David BCCC Weber, Cassandra Bloomsburg University Weber, Sophie Muhlenberg University Weldon, Nicole BCCC Werler, Austin Apprenticeship Wert, Eric Work Force Weston, Zachary PSU, University Park Whelan, Jessica Year off Wiatrowski, Chad Palm Beach Atlantic Uni versity Wilcox, Seth PSU, University Park Wilson, Christopher Wagner College Wilson, Tyler BCCC Wilt, Samantha BCCC Winters, Megan BCCC Wisser, Rebecca PSU, University Park Wojdylo, Andrew BCCC Worthington, Raymond St. Joseph’s University Wrobel, Jennifer BCCC Wynn, Matthew Year off Yilmaz, Kaitlyn Undecided Yilmaz, Sarah Year off Yori, L. Hayden BCCC Zagorodny, Bryant BCCC Zauflik, Jennifer BCCC Ziemba, Nicholas Work Force
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Commitment to Service
Photo/Gauri Mangala
On Thursday May 25, 12 Neshaminy seniors were honnored for their commitment to join the armed forces after graduation. Students were joined by recruiters from each of the respective branches of service. FIRST ROW (L-R): Hailee Kanuck (US Army), Macey Smith (US Army) SECOND ROW (L-R): Michael Bresmer (US Army), Nicholas Ruggero (US Army), Tyler Harvey (US Marine Corps), Ryan Kane (Air Force) , Gage Haberacker-Malott (Navy) THIRD ROW (L-R): Jeremy Shuster (US Army), Dylan Applegate (US Marine Corps) Brenden Rios (US Marine Corps), Michael Trujillo (US Army), Anthony Verrecchio (Navy)
Senior Anthony Verrecchio recieves a certificate from his Navy recruiter.
Photo/Natalie Pietrowski
Senior Brenden Rios recieves a certificate from his Marine Corps recruiter. Photo/Gauri Mangala
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Destinations
Photo/Natalie Pietrowski
Seniors Michael Bresmer and Jeremy Shuster show off their certificates. Photo/Gauri Mangala
Senior Macey Smith poses with her parents while wearing a sash from the US Army.
The Playwickian
Photo/Gauri Mangala
June 14, 2017
2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA June 14, 2017
The Playwickian Issue 5
The Newspaper of Neshaminy High School www.playwickian.com
Volume 85
Chaos arises during Venezuelan Protests, 56 dead By Dorothy O’Connor Protests in Venezuela continue amid the multiple crises faced by the South American nation. The current death count is now at least 56. Once peaceful marches now frequently turn violent, as opposition protesters clash with police. On May 10, protesters threw fecal matter in glass bottles at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. The opposition wants free elections, and to unseat President Maduro and the Socialist Party, who have ridden the country into the ground. Venezuela is a socialist dictatorship, with Maduro at its head. Maduro and his supporters are locked in a political battle with the opposition, which seeks to remove Maduro from power and reform the government. Maduro, meanwhile, most recently tried to consolidate power and cripple the opposition by dissolving Venezuela’s representative body. The president backed down after international condemnation and threats of embargo. Venezuela, which sits on the largest oil reserve in the world, and once boasted a sizable tourism industry, is on the verge of total economic collapse. Massive inflation, 255 percent last year, and 122 percent in 2015, has crippled the nation's economy. According to es-
timates by the International Monetary Fund, Venezuela's economy shrank by 18 percent last year, in comparison to Greece's 9.1 percent. Economic troubles have lead to widespread food shortages. Price controls on basic food items combined with inflation-driven high prices on other staples has led to shortages of affordable bread, as bakers produce non-controlled, more expensive pastries in order to keep up with their own living costs. Borders have closed to prevent citizens of neighboring countries from purchasing price-controlled items, but have exacerbated shortages by preventing Venezuelans from purchasing goods unavailable in their own country elsewhere. The black market thrives. In addition to food shortages, Venezuela's quality of medical care has reached dangerously low levels. Antibiotics are nowhere to be found, making otherwise minor cuts and scrapes potentially fatal. Intravenous solutions and cancer drugs are likewise near impossible to obtain, and even more disturbingly, basic items like surgical gloves and soap have disappeared from some hospitals. The hospitals themselves are overcrowded and in poor repair; one public clinic in Barcelona, a Caribbean port town, lacks functional X-ray and di-
56 people died in Venezuelan protests amid the multiple crises faced by the South American nation. Photo/Wikimedia Commons alysis machines. Electrical blackouts can knock out what mechanical aid is available at any time. At the same hospital, four sick newborns died within a day after a power outage shut down the facility's respirators. Clean water has become hard to come by. At the University of the Andes Hospital in Mérida, surgeons resorted to using seltzer bottles to clean their hands between operations due to water
shortages. Though opposition lawmakers declared a humanitarian crisis last January, and passed a law allowing for international aid last year, Maduro and his supporters have fought the effort, seeing it as a seditious attempt to undermine his authority and privatize the health-care system. Hospital conditions continue to decay.
Trump struggles to push agenda to fund wall By Daniel Cho Of the still widely controversial issue of funding for the wall, President Donald Trump scrambles to push his agendas forward to meet and uphold his promises for increased border protection. However, with Democrats within Congress blocking his actions, this promise may not occur anytime soon as the Democratic bulwark against Trump’s proposed funding creates a greater divide within and between Congress and the President. The funding for the wall that Trump has been pushing for has been blocked by Democrats on reasons that this policy will negatively impact the middle class due to the high cost and maintenance, as well as the fact that American taxpayers instead of Mexicans will be paying for this construction. The policies that he plans on cutting funds from include programs like medical research, infrastructure, community grants as well as other areas would be drastically cut in order to meet the costs for funding the wall. As a result, the Democrats who support such programs are adamant in supporting the President and his proposed policies while the Republicans, on the other hand, favor Trump’s agenda as they believe the benefits outweigh the costs. However, a perspective taken by some Republicans is that the wall that Trump pushed for should not be taken literally. “There will never be a 2,200-mile wall built, period. I think it’s become symbolic of better border security. It’s a code word for better
Graphic/Dorothy O’Connor
13 News
border security,” Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) told the Washington Post. Due to this perspective, some supporters have fallen off of Trump’s support and expressed disappointment due to not fully meeting his promise of the scale of the wall. “There is no funding for it because it was a lie. It’s not going to get built,” said senior Danny Sands, a Republican. The main conflict for cooperation occurs, however, in the Senate as Republicans are tight-pressed to appease the Democrats as the threat of a filibuster creates the need for compromise unlike in the House where the Republicans are free to push their legislations through with more ease in comparison. This could change if the rule of the required amount of votes for a filibuster requiring 51 votes is changed to 60 votes in order to halt the threat of a bill from being obstructed which would allow more bills and policy to be passed despite Democrats’ dissent. Though Trump struggles to push his agenda for funding the wall, he may still have a chance for funding the wall despite the Democrats’ willingness. With this, the Republicans would have a major advantage in legislation and policy, such as funds for increased border protection, would be much easier to pass if the proposed rule change over the filibuster comes to pass. However, it is still uncertain whether Trump will have enough backing for this rule change as well as support for the wall due to the fall-off from supporters and ardent protests from Democrats alike.
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Photos/Julia Capaldi
Rival school cancels student promposals
By Julia Capaldi As the school year comes to an end, the seniors at Neshaminy High School enjoyed one last school dance: senior prom. There was a lot of preparation that went into planning the event which took place May 13 at The Crystal Tea Room. This year’s theme was “Under the Downtown Lights.” The class of 2017 adviser, Laurie Johnson Smith, and class offi-
cers have been planning for senior prom since their freshman year. “The senior prom is always my favorite for students,” Johnson Smith said. “It is their final get together as a senior class. The location of the prom that the officers chose is absolutely beautiful and the food is delicious. I love seeing all the children dressed up for a night of fun in the city.”
By Connor Menzel After an extravagant promposal at Pennsbury High School on April 7, one in which the hallways were blocked by all the students stopping to watch it, the Pennsbury Administrators decided to ban all promposals during school hours. They believed the promposals were getting too out of hand. Pennsbury High School has the best prom in America, according to Reader’s Digest, so many were surprised when the administrators made this decision. “Based on my limited high school student knowledge, promposals are just an engaging and completely harmless way for the majority of the student body to get excited about prom (a school event) and to create bonds while facing the final stretch of high school,” Meghan Lucas, a student at Pennsbury High School, said in an article published in the Bucks County Courier Times. But the administrators make the argument that the promposals are increasingly disrupting class functions, and the promposal on April 7 was the last straw. Students that wanted to get to their next classes couldn’t even make their way through the hallways. Rob McGee, principal of Neshaminy High School, brings up the idea that the Pennsbury students may not have been “acting like adults” which explains Pennsbury’s decision to ban the promposals. He also stated that problems like the Pennsbury promposal on April 7 do not often occur at Neshaminy, but when they do, it is because the “student fails to coordinate the logistics in advance, causing uncertainty to the hallways.” According to McGee, promposals at Neshaminy are not in danger of being banned as long as “students continue to ask permission and coordinate logistics with the Neshaminy principals,” so that incidents like the promposal at Pennsbury do not happen. Neshaminy, in addition to Pennsbury, has a long tradition of promposals that the students would like to continue. One over-the-top promposal at Neshaminy was when a student coordinated with the office to have a fire drill on a certain day, and then drove up to the school in a fire truck with a sign hanging off the side that had “Prom?” written on the side of it. Promposals seem to be an emerging necessity of the high school experience, but Pennsbury Administrators seemed to have justified reasons for banning them during school hours. As fun as promposals can be, they cannot interfere with school operations.
Bucks rolls out new program for high school students By Julia Capaldi Starting next year, certain Neshaminy seniors will be enrolled in both Neshaminy High School and Bucks County Community College as part of a new pilot program. This program allows students to take college courses along with their regular high school classes. The school district will be covering the tuition cost, and the college has agreed to waive fees. “This program allows qualified students a head start at college,” Marlene Barlow, Bucks County Community College admissions director, said. “Participating students are immersed in a college setting, taking courses with college students, both traditional-age and even returning adults. By benefit of early college courses, a student can be more fully prepared for the rigors of postsecondary education, whether they choose to attend Bucks or another college or university. While we hope that participants will consider us as a viable educational choice, we value
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Campus Life
the opportunity to participate in Neshaminy students’ future by virtue of this program. Certainly, a head start on college will contribute to either lighter semesters as students matriculate or earlier degree completion, both benefits in today’s challenging college environment and competitive job market.” Both the college and Neshaminy School District share common goals for this program, which are centered on the success of students. They expressed the difficulties students face with college and how they hope to aid students in this process. “Our hope is that we contribute to an easier assimilation to life beyond high school, both at college and in a desired career,” Barlow said. “I have tremendous respect for our president and our faculty and have long been committed to the college’s mission in support of our community. As a result, I feel confident that Neshaminy students will reap great benefit as participants in this joint initiative.” Photo/Bucks County Community College
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
Students stand up to Pediatric Cancer By Leanne Khov Students at Neshaminy prove how working together as one and taking action can lead to lasting outcomes, especially if the lives of thousands of children are influenced. For six restless hours, students tirelessly danced and participated in various games without rest, knowing a bigger impact would come out of it. Neshaminy’s second annual Mini-THON, held May 6, showed the compassion, motivation, and determination of the Neshaminy student body to spread awareness about pediatric cancer. Along with the 135 students at Neshaminy, more than 70,000 student volunteers and approximately 300 schools in eight states participated in the interactive event according to Four Diamonds, an organization that inspires young adults to fight against pediatric cancer. Throughout the school year, Neshaminy students gave their time and effort to raise $16,185.84. With the money raised by students through different means, students at Neshaminy are able to help Four Diamonds conquer childhood cancer. The money goes to families at Penn State’s Children’s Hospital that are unable to pay for things insurance doesn’t cover as well as to research for a cure to pediatric cancer. “I think it’s amazing that students at Neshaminy are working so hard to improve the lives of children and their families,” math teacher Len Davis stated. “The support from pink-out for breast cancer in October up to Mini-THON last weekend. I believe the NHS student body truly cares about so many
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Campus Life
in need. It truly makes me proud and I brag about these kids constantly outside of school.” Organized by the Neshaminy Mini-THON executive committee, Mini-THON filled the gymnasium at Neshaminy with entertaining activities and fun-filled dance marathons. To start off the day, students learned a line dance created by the morale executive directors; the students did the line dance once every hour. Then, the students took part in a dodgeball tournament, musical spots (Mini-THON’s version of musical chairs since students are not allow to sit), steal the bacon, run to the mic (a finish the lyrics game), knockout, mat ball, parachute, and limbo. In addition, a staff family hour was added this year to invite staff and their kids to the event. During this hour, there were relay races and a pinata. The last hour of Mini-THON was community hour, during which the Pervis and Allen Family, two families of the Neshaminy School District who have been affected by childhood cancer, came to speak and to share their stories. “I am so proud to have had the opportunity to advise this event,” Mini-THON adviser Kimberly Aubrey said. “The Neshaminy Mini-THON executive committee did a great job in planning and running the event (this team was lead by Elayna Curtin and Brooke Romberger). I was proud of how smoothly the event ran and that we were able to raise $16,000 for the fight against pediatric cancer! For me, the most memorable moments were when Mr. McCaughey donated his hair to make wigs for cancer patients, and also that we were able to have
Photo/Chris Stanley
the Pervis Family and the Allen Family out to our event to share their stories. I think it is important that we remember why we have Mini-THON; it is a fun event meant to bring the school together, but our main goal is to help families who are dealing with this horrible disease.” Students are not allowed to rest, sleep, or sit throughout the entirety of the event. However, many students are grateful knowing that they were able to take part in an event that will have a lasting impact on children with pediatric cancer. “The best part of Mini-THON was seeing the amazing group of students in our community willing to join together as one and fight this terrible disease,” junior Jessa Raab stated. “It kind of hurt my feet standing for six hours straight, but in all honesty, it feels like a blessing that someone so small in the grand scheme of the world can make a lasting impact on maybe even just one person and their family. I learned about the amazing strength of the people experiencing awful situations because you could tangibly feel family’s and people like Mason’s distress and sadness, but they never gave up hope and that strength is the most remarkable thing to witness.” After a memorable and exhilarating day, MiniTHON ended with the revelation and celebration of the total money raised. Although the monetary goal of the Mini-THON’s Executive Committee was 25,000 dollars, Neshaminy was able to make a remarkable amount of money that will assist and make a difference for those battling against pediatric cancer.
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
By Sam Diodata
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Arts & Entertainment
The Playwickian
June 14, 2017
The Playwickian CSPA Member 2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA 19047 www.playwickian.com 215-809-6670 theplaywickian@gmail.com Adviser
Genevieve Kannengieszer
Editor-in-Chief Grace Marion
Managing Editor Gauri Mangala
Business Editor
Natalie Pietrowski
Archive Editor Jake Callahan
News Editors
Catherine Hilliard and Connor Menzel
Op-Ed Editor
Brynn MacDougall
Campus Life Editors
Andy Nguyen and Ashley Reiss
Features Editors
Madison Pickul and Nina Taranenko
Entertainment Editors
Leanne Khov and Regina Thomas
Sports Editors
Maggie Aldrich and Natalie Pietrowski
Copy Editor Riley Turner
Staff Writers
Cristiana Amaro, Julia Capaldi, Sydney Crocker, Samantha Diodata, Devon Horton, Kezia Joseph, Amanda Kala, Madison Maldonado, Jenna Muller, Dorothy O’Connor, April Phillips, James Ruggiero, Shane Schuchardt, Payton Steckroat, David Tilli, Jacob VanDine The following is an excerpt from Policy 600, which the Playwickian staff must follow. The excerpt is not representative of Policy 600 in its entirety. The Playwickian has been directed to publish this excerpt of the Policy in its masthead. The staff feels this section of the policy is also important to be featured in the masthead: “It is the intent of the Board of School Directors of the School District that School District publications be considered government speech for purposes of the First Amendment and to the extent permitted by the First Amendment.” Playwickian Policy: The policy of the Playwickian which shall be published as part of the masthead of the newspaper shall be as follows: “Policy. Subject to applicable law and the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in Policy 600 of the Board of School Directors of the Neshaminy School District and this policy statement, it is the policy of School District that student journalists shall have the right to determine the content of the Playwickian. Except for advertisements, all content shall be prepared by students, subject to editing by others. Students: (a) strive to produce media based upon professional standards of accuracy, objectivity and fairness; (b) review material to improve sentence structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation; (c) check and verify all facts and verify the accuracy of all quotations; and (d) in the case of editorials or letters to the editor concerning controversial issues, determine the need for rebuttal comments and opinions and provide space therefore if appropriate. As examples, and not limitations on the proper authority of school officials, the following types of expression will not be approved for publication: (a) material that is obscene; (b) the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value; (c) indecent or vulgar language is not obscene; (d) material that violates the legal or constitutional rights of others; (e) material that will cause a material and substantial disruption of school activities; and (f) any other material that the school authorities reasonably believe should be prohibited. Within the terms, conditions and limitations of Policy 600 and this policy statement, students are free to express opinions. Specifically, a student may criticize school policy or the performance of teachers, administrators, school officials and other school employees. The viewpoints expressed by anyone in this paper shall not be deemed to be the viewpoints of the School District, any official or employee of the School District, or any student other than the student or students who expressed the viewpoint.
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Opinion
The Viewpoint: Charter schools bring both benefits and drawbacks to district For the past three years, Neshaminy School District has been fighting to stop a K-12 Northeast Philadelphia charter school, in which students would be admitted on a lottery system, from opening within the district. In December of 2016, the feud entered the State Supreme Court, in which it was found in favor of the opening of the charter school. On Wednesday evening, May 17, the Neshaminy School Board voted 9-0 to approve the Philadelphia-based MaST Charter School’s expansion in accordance with the court order. The editorial board, along with many members of the district have conflicting views of the entrance of this charter school, as it will prove to add many opportunities for students, while also adding many expenses to the district and broader Neshaminy community. The already established first MaST charter school has been celebrated as a Title I Distinguished School for High Achievement with an Apple Distinguished Program and has proven itself to be an innovative learning environment focused primary on integrating technology into the academic experience. MaST offers its students hands-on learning with its state-of-the-art Build IT Center. It is the hope of supporters of the new
charter school that these opportunities will also be offered to Neshaminy students. Contrary to regular public schools, who have to offer all options to all students, charter schools are able to provide specific niche-style visions to families that are interested. However, even though MaST may seem like a fantastic, high-tech alternative option to Neshaminy public schools, there are certain negative aspects of charter schools that must be brought into account. For one thing, the lottery system of charter schools means that not all students will be offered the same opportunities based on sheer chance, rather than merit. Because of this, students that would benefit tremendously from MaST may never get to step foot inside a classroom, simply because their proverbial lottery ticket did not win. Remaining on the topic of lost opportunities, charter schools like MaST take up a large amount of a district’s budget to supply students with all that they promise. This would mean that the public schools of Neshaminy would be facing budget cuts, beyond what they are already seeing. Conversely, Neshaminy School District has been attempting over the years to bring back what has been lost to the
curriculums and add more innovative practices to enhance the learning of students. With foreign language having recently been brought back to eighth grade and an increased concentration on STEM programs, it seems like a reasonable next step to offer completely converse-thinking education options for students. While it may not be financially sound to add MaST to Neshaminy School District currently, there are many positive aspects of this flexible and innovation addition to the Neshaminy community.
This unsigned editorial represents the view of the editorial board. The vote was 3-3. Check out more opinion pieces and other articles on our website, playwickian.com Submit your own articles to theplaywickian@gmail.com
School administration must do more to help students struggling with mental illness By Keri Marable of suicide that could include copycat have passed and their families, letting Students have shown disappoint- suicides and/or the romanticization of them know that the Neshaminy commument with the school's approach (or suicide. nity cares that we lost a member of the lack thereof) of the recent suicide and When one suicide occurs, there may Neshaminy family. Neshaminy should past tragic losses. The issue of the be a belief that others could see it as a acknowledge the fact that a student felt student’s dissatisfaction has reached a viable option. It may also be a belief that compelled to end their own life. While widespread influx of people. Students mourning the loss of those who commit- blame should not be put on anyone, have started petitions and expressed ted suicide through memorials or any the school should do everything in its thoughts on the matter through social kind of recognition is in a way roman- power to make it known that there are media. Genavive Teresa Cicirello, a ticising or glorifying suicide. However, resources: people to talk to and places sophomore, petitioned to “raise aware- the 851 voices of Cicirello’s petition to go if a student feels suicidal. ness about the school suicides that make it clear that this is not enough. The school district did send out occur within Neshaminy High School” a message directed to parents of Ne online through shaminy students change.org. on May 5, 2017 on Currently the school district supported by app in regards to 851 people and mental health, statcounting, the ing “listing of petition reflects community rethat Neshaminy sources [could This logo appears at the top of the online petition to raise awarness about families and many Neshaminy suicides, which was started by Genavive Cicirello. now be found] others share concern on the counselwith this topic. In the ing page of each past, Neshaminy has provided sup“The petition started by Gen is school website.” Although the school port for the community, as seen with amazing and would help many people if informed parents of resources, there is a tweet from July 18, 2015 on the @ the school would recognize it. This topic still little being done to directly reach NeshaminyHS twitter page after a Ne- is close to me and has been a struggle for out to students. shaminy student committed suicide: not only me but many other people in People have a tough time discussing “NHS will be open today, July 18, from our school,” Lillie Zielenski, Neshaminy mental health. Health classes glide past 3-6 pm to support students and families sophomore said. the conversation, but people should conin the wake of the sudden loss of NHS The school thinks it would be better sider mental health as a topic that needs senior…” Despite their previous stance, to have one or two days of it in health to stop being stigmatized and tip toed the school does have reasons for its cur- with videos that are outdated and do not around, especially in schools. Suicide rent withdrawal from the situation. do the topic justice. The school would and mental health awareness are critical Under district policy, which can rather keep these kinds of thing secret for a better learning environment and be found online through the district to ‘protect their image.’ the safety of the students. homepage, policy 527 states that “there It has nothing to do with romanti“I think the school should at least shall be no visible memorials to recog- have a moment of silence for our friends cizing the loss of those who passed and nize a suicide (i.e., planting trees, erect- and peers who have committed suicide. wishing them back to life. This struggle ing monuments, hanging of plaques, They spend time to acknowledge the demonstrates the people’s want for the etc.). Yearbook will not be dedicated sports teams yet cannot have a moment school to be there for those who are still to victims of suicide. There shall be no of silence for those we knew and may alive and those who suffer from grief of school-sponsored memorial service or have even been friends with,” Zielenski those who passed, those who struggle assembly for the victim of a suicide.” with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, continued. While the district does not go on It is obvious Neshaminy families and/or those who seek support. Stuto further explain the reasons for why want more from the district. As a whole dents should be able to find it from the they put this policy in place, a few unof- and united front, the school and its stu- school that claims to be family. ficial grievances against the recognition dents should pay respect to those who
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June 14, 2017
2017 Sports Year in Review
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June 14, 2017