October 2016 by Playwickian

2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA October 28, 2016

The Playwickian Issue 2

Volume 84

The Newspaper of Neshaminy High School www.playwickian.com

No more clowning around for the East Coast: Police attempt to unmask “phantoms” people that ever reported seeing clowns were children, naming the epidemic Phantom Clown Syndrome. These Clown sightings are popping up clown sightings along the Massachusetts and down the East Coast, but are these and neighboring New England areas sightings just a hoax for the remake of were reported months the movie “It” or are they real? before the week of On Aug. 21, 2016 the first of Halloween, just as many clown reports appeared many are seeing now. around Greenville County, S.C. A reason for this Clowns were spotted wandering p h e nomenon was the streets at 2:30 am, hanging out u n c l ear then and around stores, and camping out in remains unclear now. residential areas. Since this event has As the clowns spread, police happened in the past, received reports of clowns police are skeptical wielding machetes, trying to lure about it being a hoax children into the woods, peeping and they are worried in windows, sending threats about possible violence to schools, and driving around from people trying to scaring people in trucks. Police protect themselves finally began to make arrests in from the clowns. fear of clowns becoming violent. Even though At first, police thought the the clowns have clowns were a marketing ploy for been spreading fear the remaking of the movie “It” throughout the East premiering Sep. 8, 2017. However, Clown sightings were on the rise in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Coast, no deaths have been the movie’s spokesperson Cathy reported. Whether it is Nam, who is affiliated with the company remaking the movie, claimed across the East Coast, then what does? the recurrence of the Phantom Clown Clown sightings date back to Syndrome epidemic or a marketing that they are not involved in the clown sightings that are spreading across the Boston, Mass. in 1981. Reports of clowns tactic, the clowns only seem to be there were rapidly popping up, but the only to scare, not hurt people. East Coast. By Shannon O’Grady

“I doubt it’s a marketing tactic. That would be a horrible way to advertise,” said Jake Brody, senior. If the advertisement of “It” does not explain why clowns have appeared

Debate on homework continues age-old question By Catherine Hillard

learning and development,” wrote Pope. Schools across the nation have begun to question the effectiveness of homework, with some even discarding homework all together. Kelly Elementary School in Holyoke, Mass. has done just that, providing all instruction and extra help students need during the school day. Beginning this school year, the Holyoke District, which has among the lowest standardized test scores in the state, is extending its school day an extra two hours, changing the school day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., hoping to give teachers more instructional time with their students. Junior Charles Marone stated, “ I believe that schools should stick with the traditional homework method and school day. Not only does homework

reinforce what students have learned during the school day, but it gives students ample time to spend with their families and friends, as well as the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, instead of spending most of their day in a desk at school.” Before implementing this new homework-free atmosphere, the district surveyed the teachers, parents, and students. Receiving mixed reviews, teachers felt that some students needed the reinforcement of homework to better understand the skills being taught, while others felt that homework had no value to the students. The widespread debate over the effectiveness of homework continues to be debated across the nation.

As students enter their homes after a strenuous day at school, they begin their daily after-school routines: completing homework assignments, projects, and essays as well as studying for upcoming exams. While most are involved with extracurricular activities or after-school jobs, students struggle to find time to manage all their activities. Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, conducted a survey to test the effects of too much homework on students in March 2014. A total of 4,317 students from 10 high-performing high schools in upper-middle-class California communities were surveyed, and 93 percent went on to either a 2-year or 4-year college. Pope and her colleagues found that too much homework can reduce its effectiveness and possibly be counterproductive. Excessive homework was found to be associated with greater stress on students to maintain their grades, an increase in health issues including headaches, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, weight loss and stomach problems, and less time with family and friends. Students are “not meeting their developmental needs or cultivating other critical life skills,” as they are forced to drop out of their extracurricular activities, according to the researchers. The results provided evidence that many students struggled to manage school work, social lives, and afterschool activities. Students often found their homework to be “pointless” or “mindless” and only necessary in order to keep their grades up. “Rather, any homework assigned should have a purpose and benefit, The effectiveness of homework continues to be debated in schools around the nation. Photo/Catherine Hilliard and it should be designed to cultivate

News

Zika tests limited By Shannon O’Grady Due to the increasing number of concerned parents and parents-tobe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued strict guidelines as to who should be tested for the Zika virus. The CDC gives pregnant women first priority to tests; however, the new policy neglects women who are trying to conceive. Not only are tests hard to come by, but tests are not covered by some insurances. Costs vary between $229 and $800 if patients do not fit the CDC’s testing criteria. Doctors have found that positive tests definitively show that the person has the virus; however, if someone tests negative for Zika, that does not mean they are Zika free. This is because some cases of Zika have very low concentrations in the blood stream, so the test does not pick up on it. A study by the Blood Systems Research Institute in San Francisco, Calif. found that about 39 percent of the tests for the virus came up negative even when it was present. Tests are not just expensive and hard to come by, but they are not always accurate either. “I think that before they do a lot of testing, they should try to perfect the test. Once they do, more people will be able to get it and the more money they will make which means that the price could lower, and more people could afford it and maybe more insurances would cover it,” said freshman Abby Cherry. With continuously advancing technology, doctors and researchers are doing everything they can to increase the accuracy and availability of the tests.

October 28, 2016

Visit www.playwickian.com to see how Maloney, alongside his students, plans to improve the environment.

Neshaminy science teacher James Maloney partnered with Toyota this summer to travel across the country. Photo/James Maloney By Ashley Reiss

in late May, and on June 6 Maloney “How far will you take it” is Toy- had a new Hybrid Rav4 that he could ota’s slogan for its new Hybrid Rav4, use to fulfill his long-standing dream a slogan that Neshaminy AP Environ- and test the validity of Toyota’s slogan. mental Science and Biology teacher, Maloney always had an interest in James Maloney, brought to life with his the outdoors; he enjoys hiking, mounfiance, Lea, on a cross-country trek. He taineering and birding, and many othwished to view as many national parks er outdoor activities. He has a Master’s as possible on his trip of the United Degree in Zoology, as well as a Master’s States that Degree in Educastarted in tion. “Protecting the environment June of 2016 His outdoor indoes not mean that every and ended in terests are evident wooded area can be a July. in his aspiration to National Park. [Instead] we Prior to trek across the naneed to be stewards for the trip, Mation, not only to our own pieces of wilderness, loney had bask in the beauty which starts with contacted nuof the world but personal actions.” merous car also to take a critical companies look at the plight of hoping to find a car. While numerous the environmental landscape. car companies supported the idea, “I was impressed with the magnionly Toyota volunteered to help. They tude of some areas of the country and agreed to donate a brand new Hybrid the expansive views, high peaks, iconic Rav4 for Maloney’s trip because their structures and waterways,” Maloney slogan matched what he wished to do. said. The official partnership took place With the beauty Maloney was able

to take in, also came the realization of how much hurt people are unleashing and how it drastically changes the landscape. As an environmental teacher, he stresses the adage, “Think Global, Act Local.” “Protecting the environment does not mean that every wooded area can be a National Park.” Instead, “We need to be stewards for our own pieces of wilderness, which starts with personal actions,” Maloney said. These personal actions start with everyone, “holding themselves accountable for their actions; then change will occur,” Maloney said. Throughout his trip, Maloney noticed several concerning issues. “There are invasive species threats out west, but they make a more concerted effort to minimize their transfer and impact on the environment. The biggest observation was the connection of human settlements with water. Water is the ultimate limiting factor of the ecosystems and when it is present, the area shows its presence,” Maloney said.

Maloney, through the work of Neshaminy, wishes to be more proactive with implementing ways to aide in our most basic environmental concerns. “We can eliminate single use plastic bottles, we can recycle more, and we can stop disrespecting the area by littering,” Maloney said. “I want to see Neshaminy’s campus be a model for practicality and sustainability.” According to Maloney, making environmental consciousness the norm would foster monumental changes for our planet and would eradicate the wasteful thinking that we have grown accustomed to. “The trip was everything I could have asked for. I would do it again in a heartbeat; there is still so much more of the country to see,” Maloney said. Maloney’s partnership with Toyota did not stop with the return of the Hybrid Rav4 in August. Toyota agreed to fund the students of Neshaminy High School 10,000 dollars for projects associated with the themes of the trip.

Devils Tower rises from the ground in Black Hills National Forest.

Stuck behind traffic on Mount Rainier, Maloney captured this photo.

PLAYWICKIAN MEMBERS WANTED:

A dry area in Washington State, Palouse Falls, is where Maloney and his fiance hiked down dry, unpaved terrian and loose soil to get down to the falls. Photos/James Maloney

Campus Life

We need writers, photographers, videographers, and creative spirits!

October 28, 2016

The Playwickian 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 Connor Menzel News Editors Dan Cho and Catherine Hilliard Op-Ed Editors Brynn MacDougall and Shannon O’Grady 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 Eliyana Abraham, Jacob Callahan, Julia Capaldi, Samantha Diodata, Devon Horton, Kezia Joseph, Ryan Miller, Jenna Muller, April Phillips, Gwen Reckus, Jessica Schnur, Shane Schuchardt, David Tilli, Jacob VanDine, Cristiana Amaro, Payton Steckroat, Madison Maldonado, Amanda Kala

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.

October 28, 2016

Energy drinks cause potential health problems This unsigned editorial represents the majority view of the editorial board.

Within the current school year, Neshaminy High School started to sell Pepsi products in the school’s cafeteria. Among the list of the products sold, Kickstart, a beverage drink developed by Pepsi that is not federally considered an energy drink, was made available to students. The selling of Kickstart has since ceased due to its price and how much lunch money students were using towards them. However, it must be made clear that these types of beverages are harmful to students and should be avoided. Regardless of federal regulations, Kickstart is commonly considered to be an energy boost. Unlike coffee and other natural “peppy” drinks, energy drinks can cause “negative health, social, emotional and behavioral problems,” stated a USA Today article entitled “Don’t sell energy drinks to kids.” The statistics prove that as the years go on, the emergency-room visits tying adolescents with energy drink consumption have only risen. In 2007, the national number was 1,145 visits, and in 2011 the number jumped to 1,499. The addition of energy drinks to the a la carte menu at Neshaminy’s cafeteria, would only increase the risk. It is a good thing that energy drinks have been removed

from our cafeterias, but they are still present in other schools. Within the UK, a government movement has begun to ban energy drinks from schools completely. Government adviser, John Vincent, stated that these drinks are “effectively another form of drugs.” The Food Standards Agency of the United Kingdom remarked that these energy drinks “could potentially lead to short-term effects such as increased excitability, irritability, nervousness or anxiety.” Being teenagers in high school, students are already facing these symptoms every day and do not need more anxiety and irritability to add to it. Of course, the argument can be made that students who do not wish to take part in the consumption of Kickstart can simply not purchase any, but it must be understood that the power of suggestion is extremely influential. If a student has math homework due in two periods

or needs to cram for a history test in study hall, they may be more inclined to turn to these drinks, even though they are detrimental to their health. It is a school’s responsibility to regulate the health and wellness of the students to the best of its ability. It is for the benefit of the students that Kickstart, or any other similar beverage, never enters the halls of these institutions.

Are PSATs helpful? By Eliyana Abraham

Energy drinks are designed to give consumers a boost. Graphic/ Grace Marion

Energy drinks provide choices This unsigned editorial represents the minority view of the editorial board.

“If you act like adults, we will treat you like adults.” This phrase reverberates through the minds of all Neshaminy High School students. Students are expected to act like responsible, mature individuals who are able to think for themselves and make their own decisions. As a result, they should be given the responsibilities and opportunities that arise from this freedom to carry out decisions that they believe will benefit them. Because of this, the choice to consume unhealthy snacks, such as energy drinks, falls squarely on the shoulders of the students who buy those products rather than the school administration itself. In reality, the school can dictate what types of food are offered to students to force healthy eating. However, students ultimately are able to decide for themselves what they want and don’t want to consume. In the case of energy drinks, though they are unhealthy, they should be offered as an option for consumption, giving students the freedom to choose among various products that are sold. If energy drinks are banned, then similar unhealthy snacks should likewise be thrown out for the same reason. But such snacks, like chips and slushies, are not banned in order to provide variety. It’s not for schools to decide what students should be eating. Instead, students should decide on their own what they should eat. Schools can only

encourage what they think is best for a student’s lifestyle, but other than that, they should not overstep their boundaries, as institutions based on learning and fostering citizenship, by dictating what should be allowed for consumption. Students must be responsible enough to make that decision on their own. Thus, if energy drinks were to be sold in the cafeteria, students should be given that opportunity to be allowed to consume the product. They should be able to experience and enhance their independent choice-making skills. Healthy or not, it is ultimately the student’s decision to make. High school is the last step before entering the real world. Students will soon be faced with a plethora of decisions and opportunities. As a result, they should be held accountable for their own actions by making what they believe is the right decision. Students are then forced to make their own choices and learn from their mistakes, which will prepare them for the real world. Schools should not be responsible for regulating student consumption of energy drinks as this is the responsibility of the students to be able to consume how much, if at all, they drink. Therefore, if students are to be prepared for the challenges of adulthood, they should be given the same choices of an adult.

Opinion-Editorial

PSATs were held at Neshaminy High School Saturday, Oct. 15. Across the nation, high school students are preparing for the SAT. However, some wonder if the practice test is really worth the trouble. Is the early Saturday morning, along with the registration cost, too much effort for this test? Parents, teachers, advisors, and mentors alike will likely say that the PSAT is worth it because it’s great practice. Grades may be good indicators of a student’s performance in class, but for many high school students, the SAT is in a frightening void of the unknown. In order to prepare for the SAT, students can get tutors or take classes, but the PSAT is one of the easiest ways to prepare. If a practice exam is offered, why not take it? The scores can give students an idea of how they might score on the real SAT and help them formulate a plan for the SAT. However, this poses the question of how many students would actually create a study plan, taking their PSAT scores into consideration. If a student would make good use of this practice, then taking the PSAT is a good choice. The PSAT also provides the opportunity to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. With the cost of college looming over high school students’ heads, another scholarship opportunity may sound like a gift to some. However, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation only selects 7,500 finalists out of the 50,000+ students who take the PSAT. The chances of receiving a scholarship are fairly slim, although still present. With the PSAT’s offered every year, students must consider why they want to take the exam. Are they taking the test to appease their parents or do they genuinely want extra practice and a chance at a scholarship? All in all, it’s a personal decision.

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Music changes through the ages By Grace Marion The year is 2016, and, like the generations before them, the young people of today listen to music-and lots of it. Rather than walking to the local record store, as their parents once did, today’s teens and young adults simply open their phones and click on their icon of choice. However, more has changed than just the venue. If art is a reflection of society, an analysis of America’s changing music taste has the ability to provide insight into our shifting cultural atmosphere. According to a study by Contently, the popular music of the years 1995 and 2015 used more references to sexual content than any other years within the study, which studied a particular calendar week every 10 years between 1965 and 2015, and showed a relative increase in such over time. This increase in references to sexual activity over time can be said to reflect how American society has become more open about such, as is shown through the University of Chicago’s NORC studies regarding Americans’ attitudes through particular issues over time, which shows declining rates in disapproval for all sexual behaviors, excluding extramarital affairs. Songs from 2005 used more profane language than any other year. The most frequent themes from this year included sex,

street life, freedom, lust, loneliness, partying, love and money according to the same Contently study. The rate at which violence was referenced is tied between 1965, 1985, and 1995 for highest frequency. The most common themes of the 1965 sample were love, escape, loneliness, lessons and loss. The year 1985 brought unity, lust, nostalgia, love, dancing and partying. The year 1995 brought along partying, sex, love, freedom and street life. Tied for most frequent references to drugs and alcohol are 2005 and 2015, more than doubling the amount of references from the 1965 and 1975 samples. The most common themes of the music sample from 2015 in the Contently study were love, partying, lust, life, loss, and being awesome. As time went on, many genres developed within the United States and around the world. Although the development of these genres was not always reflected into the mainstream, they still had a great effect on American society. Classical music evolved into folk and spiritual music prior to, and during, America’s great awakening in the 1700s, prior to its founding as a nation. Later, during the Civil War, both the North and South created popular melodies for patriotic means. Finally, late in the 19th century, ragtime evolved. From this came jazz, blues, and big band swing. In the early 1940s, blues became the basis for rock and roll, while jazz evolved into bebop. The 1940s also saw the first commercial successes of appalachian folk music, which would later lead to the development of the country music played today. In the 1950s, blues led to gospel and R&B music. Latin music, brought in from Cuba, also became somewhat popular in the 1950s, along with cajun and creole tunes.

Features

Political causes became a common feature in music throughout the 1960s. Girl groups, surf music, hot rod rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and soul all arose--in part-during this period. Soul and funk also became quite popular. In the 1970s, heavy metal, along with its subgenres of glam rock and country rock, came to the forefront. Outlaw country, hip hop, punk, disco, and Philly soul also became popular. The same trends continued into the 80s, with hip hop reaching the top of the charts, and gangster rap emerging. The 1990s saw grunge, and about two dozen other subgenres of rock, form in full. East Coast rap styles were replaced by those of the west, and techno music started to become popular. Indie and garage became the most popular forms of rock going into the 2000s, and contemporary, electronic, and R&B eventually led to the sounds we hear today. In the late 1950s into the 1960s, Americans throughout the country still hopped their socks to the melodies of The Beatles, Supremes, Rolling Stones, Four Seasons, Monkees and--the one and only--Elvis Presley. The following decade’s billboard hits consisted of Elton John, The Bee Gees, Paul McCartney and The Wings, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, KC & The Sunshine Band, and Barbra Streisand. With the 1980s came Whitney Houston, Madonna, Phil Collins, Hall and Oats, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Bon Jovi, and the Jackson 5 (minus 4). After the 1980s came Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, TLC, Celine Dion, Puff Daddy, and Monica--in addition to a sixth Jackson, Janet. The 2000s ushered in Usher, Rihanna, Beyonce, Nelly, Ludacris, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, and 50 Cent. Now, the most popular artists are Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Adele, Eminem, Ke$ha, Justin Bieber, Drake and Rihanna based on how many of their singles have reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 lists. These changes in popular artistry throughout the decades may be a reflection on changing technology in the music industry throughout the decades.

October 28, 2016

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Mrs.Rodgers-Guidance Department • “Nights Like These” -Lucero • “Hope For Me Yet” - Marc Broussard • “Humble & Kind” - Tim McGraw • “Love Somebody” - Jason Mraz • “Setting the World on Fire” - Kenny Chesney (with Pink) • “Good Rhythm” - Eric Hutchinson • “Best Day of My Life” - The Aquabats • “She Sets the City on Fire” - Gavin DeGraw • “Can’t Stop the Feeling”- Justin Timberlake • “House of Gold”- Twenty One Pilots

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Features

Live action Disney classics to hit big screen By Regina Thomas

After Disney’s success from the recent remakes of “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Jungle Book,” other beloved Disney classics such as “Mulan,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Lion King” are under production and are hitting the theaters again. Mulan, the action-packed story of a Chinese girl who takes the place of her father in the military to defeat the Huns while pretending to be male, is set to be released in November 2018. Rumors have been floating around that the love interest, Shang, will not be included in the film, and instead will be replaced by a European merchant. #MakeMulanRight was even a popular hashtag on Twitter. When asked if she would watch the live action “Mulan” movie if Shang were replaced by a European merchant, sophomore Hannah Whitty said, “I guess I would try not to. “Mulan” has absolutely no white people in it; movies can be good without having white cast members too.” However, producers put these rumors to rest and told “Vanity Fair” that “Mulan is, and will always be, the lead character in the story, and all primary roles, including the love

interest, are Chinese.” Executives are now launching a global casting search for a Chinese actress to play Mulan. Concerning the live action remake of “Beauty and the Beast” (set to hit theaters March 17, 2017), Emma Watson is playing the lead role of Belle. Other cast members include Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts. Paige O’ Hara, the woman behind the beautiful voice of Belle from the 1991 Disney classic, said the live action remake had the “perfect casting,” according to an MTV interview. With 2016 being the 25th anniversary of the hit classic, a lot of focus has been brought to this film. Most recently, Disney announced that they are teaming up again with “The Jungle Book” director, Jon Favreau, to make the live action version of “The Lion King.” Many people are wondering though how the remake is going to be done since the movie consists of only wild animals. Disney claims that they are going to use the same CGI technology as “The Jungle Book.” Although, if the whole movie is going to be completely in CGI, some believe that it shouldn’t be considered a “live action remake” at all. Aberdeen News said, “To look at (it) another way, this is Disney taking its remake strategy one step farther. Instead of translating animated films into live-action, bringing them to life with some help from modern CGI technology, this will instead be just a remake — animated film to animated film.” No release date or casting announcement has been made yet.

Drawing/Dorthy O’Conner

FX comedy “Atlanta” is fall’s new must watch

By Daniel Reiss “Atlanta,” an FX original TV series, centers around three black men trying to make it in the Atlanta rap scene while struggling with the ideas of fame and money. The show’s leading men are Earnest “Earn” Marks, played by the series’ creator Donald Glover; Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles, played by original “Book of Mormon” cast member Brian Tyree Henry; and Darius, played by “Straight Outta Compton” cast member Keith Stanfield. An ambitious but business-minded character, Earn, wants to become Paper Boi’s manager. Paper Boi is creative and wants to stay where he is, but faces a quandary when one of his songs

suddenly grows popular. Darius is the wild card, who has no ambitions or hopes. Throughout the series, he often sets up comedic scenes and offers interesting insight from his strange and incredibly hilarious spot as a supporting character. Though “Atlanta” is an incredibly risky show that fully embraces what it is like to be black in society, it can appeal to any demographic because the characters and the situations are authentic and real. The show goes into directions not many shows would, including an entire episode solely devoted to a female side character. Each episode of the series is unique and covers a current topic, such as the perception of celebrity in media,

Falling in love with fall

the current police state in America, or modern female relationships. The series brings a new and current voice to TV media. Many current shows do not challenge the intelligence of the audience, but rather they cover the same mundane and overdone topics. “Atlanta” questions the audience and challenges their ideas on many different topics, including race in society and the complicated relationships between people. The show is authentic yet surreal, including moments with a black Justin Bieber, black kids putting on whiteface, and little kids spewing obscenities. Glover presents circumstances with his own perspective and signature wit, making “Atlanta” feel fresh and wholly original.

Donald Glover has written for shows like “30 Rock” and starred on the NBC series “Community.” Viewers may also be familiar with the writer and actor as the rapper “Childish Gambino.” Glover has had a multitude of careers and now has ventured into creating and directing his first TV series. Glover has become a major force in Hollywood with many people excited for his future creative endeavors. “Atlanta,” in one season, develops an incredibly rich environment with a thoroughly clear perspective, and creates three likeable leads that viewers are willing to follow into any strange direction. “Atlanta” is the new must watch show of this fall season.

By Gauri Mangala and Riley Turner Fall is here. The leaves are a-changing; the wind is a-blowing; the pumpkin spice is a-brewing. So grab a special someone and celebrate the change of seasons together. Some may think that fall is great because the colder weather meets hot cocoa and sweaters, but they are so very wrong. The great thing about the weather getting colder is that all the unnecessary, blood-sucking nuisances that are insects are returning to the deep pits of Tartarus where they belong. So, take advantage of the end of their reign over the outdoors and be one with nature! Take a leisurely stroll through a park, go on a picnic, stargaze – the sky is literally the limit! For many people, fall points to one specific holiday: Halloween. Whether you are in for the tricks or strictly the treats, sharing the joy of Halloween with a loved one is always a fun time. Making the shortlist, we highly suggest haunted hayrides and a horror movie marathon. But, of course, whichever is chosen, a fun time is guaranteed. If your significant other is not into the frights, carve some pumpkins together or pick out a cute couple’s costume and venture to a party. Nothing is more romantic than sharing a meal with your boyfriend/girlfriend. Go pick apples and make an all-American apple pie. Get some friends together for a mock Thanksgiving; the more the merrier. The change of season also means the return of everyone’s favorite stress inducer: school. Have no fear! Every boring and somewhat painful assignment is an opportunity for some quality time with that special someone. Form a study group or work on a shared assignment you two have. The return of school also means the return of football season. Catch a game together and support Neshaminy! Take advantage of the fall weather and plan a seasonal activity with your significant other!

Arts & Entertainment

A couple ventures out into fall together. Photo/Grace Marion

October 28, 2016

Halloween inspires Neshaminy art students By Riley Turner

Autumn Larkin, a senior, has embraced her scary and quirky sides along with her artistic talents to turn herself into a walking halloween decoration-all year long. She gained the nickname Casper from her friends, for her spooky, friendly nature, along with her ghastly white complection. With ever-changing hair colors and her scarygood makeup skills, she frightens and intrigues all who dare to gaze upon her. “Tim Burton has always been my biggest inspiration. My mom always loved Halloween, so I grew up watching lots of his movies and fell in love with his work more and more as I got older,” said Larkin. With Tim Burton making the biggest impact on this young artist, her style inherited some of his flare. When asked to describe her art she responded, “Geez… .I’ve gotten creepy, grotesque, dark, spooky....I guess those seem about right most of the time.” Her creepiness has brought her through art major, drawing and painting, advanced art 2, AP studio art, and into the district art show, with seven pieces on display since freshman year. “I think art is really a good way to get my

mind off of things. No matter what the situation might be, I can always find a way to draw or mess around with makeup and ignore everything else for a while. Even in my classes, I would always draw on the sides of my papers or my arms. I drew on myself a looottt the past few years in class.” With her body as her canvas, she has begun to master the art of special effects makeup, creating abominations like Eligos from “Ash vs. Evil Dead,”

a demogorgon from “Stranger Things,” and many other creepy-esque makeup designs. This talent has secured her a job at Valley of Fear haunted hayride as the make up artist for the haunters. She plans on attending the New York campus of MakeUp Designory. Follow her on Instagram @autumn_leelee and like her on facebook.

Spano potrays his mysterious artistic style through his drawing of a gas mask.

Artist Autumn Larkin showcases her creativity through her eerie makeup designs.

Walking through the halls, traveling from art class to art class, is the disturbingly talented senior Collin Spano. Since Spano was a freshman, he has been producing some of the scariest art this high school has seen. Inspired by his mother, and with the help of his favorite art teacher, Ms. Luba, he developed his signature art style, which he describes as “very messy, creepy distorted, and disturbed.” Over his four years in high school, he has taken nine art classes including AP art, graphic design, digital art, and art major on top of countless hours and workshops outside of school. These classes are not just for show; they have enabled Spano to have 15 pieces of art displayed at the district art show, and changed him as a person. “[Art] has molded my style and personality. I can finally say who I really am and what things mean to me through art. I love art because it is a way to express myself in a way that no one gets otherwise,” said Spano. Spano plans on attending a community college to continue pursuing his love of art as a hobby. Although not pursuing art as a career, he isn’t opposed to “letting the world decide if it wants me.” Follow him and his artwork on his Instagram @GreyscaleGenerationArts. “To any aspiring artists or anyone who is interested in art, do not ever judge others. Don’t let others change who you are. What makes the world so interesting is the different kinds of people and what they can do. So just push yourself to find out who you are. When it comes to art, keep at it; never give up-even when you’re tired of drawing or painting. One day you will find your style and your voice,” said Spano.

Photo/ Autumn Larkin

Athletes of the Issue By Maggie Aldrich

Greg DeLuca, a junior, has been playing golf for his whole life and holds the highest record on the Neshaminy High School golf team. Photo/ Nina Taranenko

Golf

Greg DeLuca

Crystal Teoh

With a total of seven wins and five losses, the Neshaminy golf team is third in its national league. Within this group of talented players lies junior Greg DeLuca, who holds the number one rank on the team and maintains a nine-hole stroke average of 39-62. “I love how much golf relates to life and how many things you learn from it when you’re playing,” DeLuca says. DeLuca has been playing non-club golf for his entire life and Neshaminy golf since his freshman year. Along with playing golf, he manages to fit basketball and schoolwork into his busy schedule. “Greg has a great mindset for the game. He has the ability to think his way around the golf course and can mentally ‘move on’ when he has a bad hole. Greg is focused and diligent in his preparation and truly has an appreciation and a passion for the game,” head coach Dave Martys said. “Greg takes it upon himself to enter off season tournaments which enables him to perform at a high level during the high school golf season,” Martys said. “Playing with other very good players is a great way to elevate your game and prepare for the mental/emotional aspect of the game.”

Senior Crystal Teoh has been a part of the volleyball family all four years that she has attended Neshaminy. Beginning the sport just five years ago, she’s made her mark on the team as an outside hitter. This season is Teoh’s first as a captain. She does a lot of helping others out, yet she still learns new things along the way. “I’ve learned teamwork and just working with others and knowing that I can’t do everything by myself; I need a team,” Teoh said. “They help pick you up whether it’s school related or volleyball related. It’s just really nice to have another family.” “Crystal has been a great role model for the team because she is always working so hard and is supportive,” Teoh’s teammate Isabelle Catapano said. “She is always trying to become a better player and tries to make everyone else better too.” The University of Maine at Presque Island is already interested in Teoh to play division three volleyball, as well as Kings College and Wentworth.Teoh is still exploring her options and isnt set with where she’s attending college yet. [I’ve learned to] enjoy it while it lasts because [volleyball] goes really fast,” Teoh said.

Crystal Teoh, a senior, is an outside hitter for the girls’ varsity volleyball team. This is her first year as a captain. Photo/ Nina Taranenko

Volleyball

October 28, 2016 A&E/ Sports 7

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY Record: 0-6 Key Athletes: Rusty Kudjych, Jason Fitch, Liam Krimmel, Michael Tarapchak, Pat O’Connell, Dan Busch

FOOTBALL Record: 9-0; 1st in SOL Key Athletes: Zach Treadway, Will Dogba, Mason Jones

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY Record: 4-2; 3rd in SOL Key Athletes: Kaylee McCullough, Kabrina Weaver, Becca Lehman, Shane Bishop, Abby Tomlinson

Photo/JS Garber

Photo/Syd White

Photo via Maxene Kohler

Photo/NHS Yearbook

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL Record: 4-14 Key Athletes: Crystal Teoh, Olivia Lynch, Courtney Arcidiacono

GOLF Season Record: 4-4 Key Athletes: Greg Deluca, Chris Benvenuto, Luke Sermarini, Brett Sheplock

GIRLS’ TENNIS Season Record: 7-5 Key Athletes: Maxene Kohler, Emily Caja, Yoona Kim, Kylie LaQuay, Elanur Altunbus

Photo/Crystal Teoh GIRLS’ SOCCER Record: 8-1-1; 2nd in the SOL Key Athletes: Maggie Daeche, Riley Nyhus, Brooke Mullin

FIELD HOCKEY Season Record: 10-2 Key Athletes: Emily Alexis, Elayna Curtin, Mia Sexton

Photo/JS Garber

BOYS’ SOCCER Record: 7-2 Key Athletes: Dan Grindrod, Jack McCourt, Chase Rider

Photo/JS Garber

Varsity football team on winning streak By Madison Maldonado On Friday night of the homecoming football game Neshaminy was up against Central Bucks South High School, and the student section was roaring. At halftime, the score was 42-14. Neshaminy ended the night with another outstanding win. Coach Steve Wilmot has been working with the Neshaminy football team for 22 years. He is now in his second year as head coach. “You have to be on your toes every week. You can’t let your guard down for one minute because every team wants to beat us, and being 7-0 you have a little bit of a target on your back,” he said. “The senior class is really a talented bunch. They’re a real high character group, although there are not a whole lot of them, only 13 on the roster, which is small for a normal year. I think they have been great leaders all year.” The team itself has a really great spirit and does well overcoming challenges. “We spend most of our time watching film, lifting, getting prepared, and

“You have to be on your toes every week...” -Coach Steve Wilmot

learning the different plays. We work hard every day to reach our goal for the big games Friday nights,” said junior Michael Crescenzo, who plays linebacker and running back. “We expect the same thing we do every week, working hard in practice, and overcoming obstacles during the game. If we do that we will hopefully have a great outcome,” said junior Giovanni Figueroa, who plays right tackle and defensive tackle. “Last year we were so close to making it to the final stage of the playoffs, so this year we all decided that we have to push harder to try to make it to the championship game,” Crescenzo said. “Coach Jones always tells us the date Dec. 10, [which is] the date for the state championship. He motivates us every day to be the best we can be on the team,” said Figueroa. “You never know if you will get to the playoffs. We just take it week by week and try to match up with the team that we’re playing with, and once we get to the playoffs that’s basically what it comes down to. I don’t really want to speculate how far we can go,” Coach Wilmot said.

Sports

Senior Zach Treadway recieves a touchdown pass during a game against Central Bucks South High School. The team will play rival school Pennsbury tonight, Oct. 28 at home. Photo/JS Garber

October 28, 2016