The Playwickian

Commentary from former student about moniker controversy: 5

December 18, 2013 Volume 82 Issue 3

The Students’ Newspaper of Neshaminy High School 2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, Pa. 19047 www.playwickian.com

Webb resigns from board, Congdon steps up

By Gillian McGoldrick Editor in Chief and Entertainment Editor

It was a routine realignment meeting – one in which had happened at the close of every year. But this year, a major change was to be put forth. Neshaminy School Board president Ritchie Webb resigned from his five-year position to begin Dec. 31.

His decision to step down from his place on the board in which he stood during the five-year teacher impasse debacle was brought forward on Dec. 2, to focus on his personal life.

This decision of Webb’s did not come about on a whim of boredom with the board, but a well thought-out plan to step down at the end of the month of December. “It was an extremely hard decision after ten years of service,” Webb said. “However, it was time for family and other projects in my life that I delayed.”

After Webb’s resignation at the meeting, he received a standing ovation from the community members that were in attendance, applauding all he had done for the district in the past ten years.

“I can’t express how honored I am to have such wonderful support as they thank me for my service to the community,” Webb said.

“Mr. Webb was a tremendous leader Ten year Neshaminy School Board member and five-year board president has resigned from his long-time posi- for the Neshaminy School Directors,” tion on Dec. 2. He will be replaced by fellow board member Scott Congdon as board president starting after Dec. Superintendent of School’s Robert 31.

Photo/phillyburbs.com Copeland said.

See RESIGNATION: 3

Blood drive tradition continues saving lives . .. e u s is is th n I

News: Revolutionary Nelson Mandela dies: 3

Op-Ed: Clinical Depression a serious issue: 4 Special Features: Lenni Lenape culture: 8, 9 Student Life: Teacher of the Issue is Michael Cochran: 10 Entertainment: Jennifer Lawrence acts as role model for teenage girls: 12 Sports: Merrill Reese visits Neshaminy: 15

By Gauri Mangala Staff Writer

National Honor Society’s blood drive for the Red Cross is returning on Dec. 23. Held for over a decade, it has met great success in the past two years with over 200 donors at each event.

All students need parent permission and be 16 or older to donate. Forms are available before school and during lunch from members. After signing up, the person will receive a donation time.

NHS adviser, Kim Kelley is concerned about gathering participants since “it’s the last school day before break when many students will be leaving early for family vacations and, of course, rumors of the senior skip day,” Kelley said.

Any student that has a valid ID, or license should bring it on the day of the blood drive. Students and staff are strongly encouraged to drink plenty of water before their appointment.

Blood Drive T-shirts are available for purchase until Dec. 13. The cost is $10 for short sleeve and $12 for long sleeve. Sample T-shirts can be seen at

any blood drive sign-up area.

“One person donating blood saves three lives,” junior Saje Breuer said.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, The drive will give scholarships to National Honor Society members.

Depending on the number of donations given, the National Honor Society will be given funds.

Kelley and co-adviser, Last year’s spring blood drive was hosted in Gym Marisa Quaranta, will 3 with 200 participants and foreshadows the Photo /NHS Yearbook decide who in the National similarity of this year.

Honor Society will receive are chosen based on the National Honor them.

Scholarships will range between $500 Society’s key attributes of scholarship, to $2,000 dollars, depending upon the leadership and service,” Kelley explained.

“People should sign up because blood number of donations given. Last year they drives are a great way to help those in received $1,500 in scholarship funding need.

They shouldn’t be scared because it and three students were awarded $500 isn’t that painful and the reward is more each. lives being saved, which is awesome.”

“We provide the Red Cross with the National Honor Society’s secretary, students’ names and schools and they Brenna McGrath said. issue the check to them. These students

The Playwickian

News

December 18, 2013

New year brings new directors:

Four elites aspire to elevate district with ideas

By Eishna Ranganathan News Editor

With the commencement of the 20132014 school year, Neshaminy School District has appointed four new directors to the Administrative Offices at Maple Point Middle School to oversee district operations including Don Harm, David Geanette, Gloria Hancock and Cliff Fiedler.

Harm holds the position of “Assistant to the Superintendent for Administration.”

He works closely with staff analysis, team building, student enrollment positions and constructing an evaluation program for new teachers hired. Harm is retired and is only a substitute for a cabinet position in which a potential candidate will control all district functions.

“My primary task is to develop a strategic plan to make Neshaminy the best place for both staff and students.

Since October I have visited each building at least two to three times and held discussions with administration and faculty and worked with them on the plan,” Harm said.

He has previously had 17 years of experience working with the Pennsbury and Morrisville school districts.

Hancock serves as “Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.” She applied with the support of a recruitment officer from Mission One, an educational placement company. She is hired only for a short amount of time as well.

challenges too. As a lifelong learner I continue to be pleasantly surprised by all of my experiences.” Hancock said.

She considers her job an honor and a privilege to work with a team of great professionals deeply committed to providing the very best educational experience for all students.

Geanette has been hired as “Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Math and Science.” Over the summer he heard about the opportunity and has been in communication with the district since. It is his fifteenth year as an administrator overall, previously being principal in other school districts, but is brand new to Neshaminy. It is a permanent job, meaning it is not time-bound or temporary like Harm’s or Hancock’s.

Mainly he is working with “Project Lead the Way,” a national program, which provides curricula and programs for schools, emphasizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Part of it’s mission is preparing students for the global economy.

Geanette is also turning his focus to the gifted education courses at our school, meaning students partaking in the AE program with GIEPs. This is something he classifies as new experience, not acquired in jobs prior. Additionally, he will work to expand extracurriculars in STEM areas David Geanette is one of the four and talk with companies and business directors, who upholds the pos- partners to set that vision into motion. tion of Director of Math and Science The gist of the job involves curriculum and has plans to expand STEM at development requiring more time with Neshaminy. Photo/neshaminy.org

She works alongside educators and the greater community in order to provide and execute new scholastic ideas brought to the district. She plans to use several techniques to ensure that students will be able to not only compete with, but beat anyone in both the academic and athletic arenas.

“Every day is an opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally as long as you remain open to the possibilities. I welcome the

principals and faculty, rather than being directly involved with the students. He plans to possibly change the course sequence in the Math Department, i.e.

Algebra 2 before Geometry and supports gifted education teachers with any resources needed to implement effective learning in the classroom.

He also is required to evaluate and analyze data from the Keystone testing.

With the results he will regulate formative assessments for teachers so each student can pursue learning strategies tailored to them.

“Overall I am happy to be part of the Neshaminy family and am looking forward to building STEM, as well as integrate math, technology and science throughout NSD and take any measures necessary for students and staff to achieve success with it,” Geanette said.

Fiedler also has major plans as Security Director for the district with 26 years of experience as an FBI officer in New Haven and Philadelphia. He has met with the Lower Southampton Police Dept. and police chiefs and acquainted himself with the layout of the schools.

This is the first year the position was created, as no “Director of Security” existed previously.

“I give tribute to Copeland and administration for taking safety seriously, I applaud them for that. I hope to create an ideal environment at Neshaminy in which both staff and students do not need to worry about their safety,” Fiedler said.

World mourns life, legacy of political icon

By Kerri Rafferty Staff Writer

A man who defied odds and adversity could not defy death. Nelson Mandela, 95, was declared deceased on Dec. 5 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mandela is recognized worldwide for not only his determination to end racial conflict in South Africa, but his success in doing so, despite the trials he faced.

Mandela led and inspired revolutionary movements to end the apartheid and proceeded to become South Africa’s first black president.

Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in South Africa. He attended a Methodist primary school near Qunu, South Africa where he was given the name Nelson by a teacher. His given forename was Rolihlahla, meaning troublemaker.

Many of Mandela’s views were inspired by his early experiences. During his childhood, he discovered his love for African history and his loathe of imperialism, both of which were apparent later in his political actions.

Continuing his education, Mandela attended four different colleges. At the University College of Fort Hare in Alice, he was temporarily expelled for boycotts challenging the quality of food at the school.

In 1941, Mandela fled to Johannesburg to escape an arranged marriage. Here, he was offered employment in a law firm where he became increasingly interested and involved in politics.

He began to attend African National Congress (ANC) meetings, a group dedicated to unify South Africa and overcome a racially oppressive government.

In the span of about thirty years, Mandela was arrested on three occasions

and served a total of 27 years and nine months in prison. Mandela briefly identified with the Communist Party and was a militant leader of the ANC’s underground operations named Umkhonto we Sizwe, also known as MK. This, in addition to a largely corrupt government, led to his imprisonment.

After his release, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and proceeded to become South Africa’s first black president in the country’s first democratic election, serving from 1994 to 1999.

During his presidency, Mandela concentrated on national reconciliation between whites and b l a c k s , a p p o i n t i n g a From world diplomats to local civilians , a crowd gathered to honor the deceased South Truth and Reconciliation African anti-apartheid leader at a memorial service in Soweto, South Africa on Dec. 10.

Photo/MCT Campus Commission to investigate crimes committed under the apartheid courageous, profoundly good human appearance. regime.

91 world leaders attended the He increased welfare spending beings that any of us will share time with memorial, including Obama, Bill Clinton, on this earth,” said Obama.

significantly, providing water, electricity, George W. Bush Jr., and Jimmy Carter.

President of the World Affairs Club, housing, employment and education to the Each morning, Mandela’s body was senior Courtney Okwara, believes that general public. carried through the streets to the capital, students should feel just as inspired as He published three books and to give the citizens of South Africa a Obama, “ I believe that students should established three charitable foundations chance to pay their final respects before apply the ideas of unity and reconciliation which concentrate on promoting health the funeral on Dec. 15 in Qunu. The state and education in South Africa. After to their own lives. Mandela demonstrating had declared a period of mourning from his capacity to change, to move on, and to battling illnesses including prostate cancer Dec. 5 to Dec. 15. look forward to the future is something all and respiratory infections, he retired from However, the world will mourn over human beings need to do.” public appearances altogether. the great loss of Mandela for much longer

The world recognized Mandela on

Obama made a short speech on Dec.5 than a mere ten days.

Dec. 9 in Soweto, South Africa.

The concerning Mandela’s death and legacy. memorial took place in a soccer stadium “We have lost one of the most influential, where Mandela made his final public

December 18, 2013

News

The Playwickian

Ukrainians rise to preserve independent nation loans, previously accompanied with a threat of a trade war, which would sever the country’s already unstable economy even further.

While Ya n u k o v y c h puzzles people on whether his pro-EU talks are reliable, he continues his presidency with the attempt of preventing Ukraine from sliding into political chaos. “ H o p e f u l l y, this does not accumulate into a war because this country has had enough struggles in its history. It’s time for a peaceful The population of Ukraine created an uprising in order to protect their independence and resolution, one maintain a democratic government in Kiev. With the people peacefully rebelling against the that consists of president’s decision for closer ties with Russia instead of the EU, the riot police were called upon s e v e r i n g t i e s unnecessarily.

Photo/MCT Campus with Russia and building a future with the West,” bringing forth a pro-western, through

By Solomiya Syvyk popular vote, leader, Viktor Yushchenko. said freshman, Tanya Leshkiv.

Literary Editor

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians While the peaceful protesters have

On Nov. 29th, Viktor Yanukovych, the are now back on the streets, in protest. been voicing their necessities, the city current president of Ukraine, presented an Yanukovych met behind closed doors with police, kept a fair distance between the unexpected decision which accounted for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec. diplomatic activists and the riot police, 7 in Sochi with an invitation of having the Berkut. the largest revolution in the country.

For more than a year, Ukraine has Ukraine join the anti- EU project, known Meanwhile, one week prior, photos of the police men beating the non-violent been on its way to signing the Association as the Eurasian Union.

Agreement with the European Union; but To make matters even worse, “the campaigners with batons was publicized three weeks ago, Yanukovych refused to country has been in recession for more and accounted for as being unauthorized ratify the document, but proposed a new than a year, and the government is in actions. On Tuesday Dec. 10, Ukrainian contract, which resulted in mass protests desperate need of foreign funding to avoid Interior Minister, Vitaliy Zakharchenko, told the public that the police were placed a default,” published Fox News. in the capital of Kiev.

Ukraine is known for being the “bread Knowing of Ukraine’s financial to keep the roads clear, not to disperse the basket of Europe”, therefore, significantly situation, the EU is working on bettering people.

With this reasoning, many disbanded required by both the European Union its offer, but Moscow has played out to and Russia. Ukraine’s independence was be the aggressive negotiator, gaining for the night, with the clear intention represented in the November of 2004 leverage on Yanukovych’s decision. of returning the next day.

“Orange Revolution.” The old election Russia supplies Ukraine with natural Their plans were hastened when was annulled and a new one was held, gas, and has offered price discounts and the riot police force, at about 1 a.m.,

no longer Resignation: Webb part of Neshaminy continued from 1

“Very few people recognize his long hours of commitment and appreciate his extraordinary intellectual strengths.”

Copeland also spoke of Webb’s undeniable commitment to the students’ of the district and his contributions to the district through his leadership.

The board elected fellow member Scott Congdon with a vote of 5-4 to fill his shoes as president and Irene Boyle as vice president. Also, Stephen Pirritano was sworn in after his recent election onto the board.

“Ultimately, the board and the NFT settled upon a contract that was best for the students - and that’s the single most important thing that came about from the lengthy impasse,” teacher and vice president of the Neshaminy Federation of Teacher’s union, Anne Schmidt, said, summing up Webb’s work for settlement of a contract.

The settlement of this teachers’ contract is one of many accomplishments Webb has contributed greatly in finishing.

“I played a part in the re-construction of

leadership

Neshaminy High School and Poquessing renovations, four years of financial stability during very trying times, negotiating all the current labor contracts- all of which I am proud to have been a part of.”

Over the past ten years, Webb has devoted himself to finding the best opportunities for the students of Neshaminy. He put up a firm defense for the taxpayers in all situations during his time on the board.

“I want to thank the Neshaminy community for the honor of allowing me to represent them and our children the past ten years,” Webb said.

Webb plans on staying active in the community, but at a lesser degree. “I am very proud to have served on the board of directors with some of the most dedicated men and women I have ever met,” Webb said. “I definitely will miss the people and the support they gave me during my time on the board as well as the involvement with the students and just being a part of such a great organization.”

fanned across Kiev, creating a virtual lockdown.

The Berkut attacked and destroyed the well-structured barricades manned by the demonstrators, and in the process, evicting people into the below-freezing weather, some of whom came across the country in order to help to fight for nothing less than their country’s independence.

“The crackdown by the authorities came hours after a three-and-a-half-hour meeting between Mr. Yanukovych and Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s foreign policy chief,” wrote David Herszenhorn and Andrew Kramer from the New York Times.

Ashton said in a statement on Wednesday morning. “The authorities did not need to act under the cover of night.” Influential figures such as George Clooney, Hayden Panettiere and William Hague have expressed their concern for the innocent people and opinion about the government’s decision to send in the riot police.

Laura Smith-Spark wrote in CNN that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry criticized the crackdown on protesters by stating, “The United States expresses its disgust with the decision of Ukrainian authorities to meet the peaceful protest in Maidan Square with riot police, bulldozers, and batons, rather than with respect for democratic rights and human dignity.”

There are currently two top opposition leaders, Vitali Klitschko, a reigning world heavyweight boxing champion and Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Chairman of the Parliament.

Ukraine’s revolutionaries have made it clear that they will no longer allow for their country to be dominated through fraudulence since the belief is held that the nation’s destiny is to be free.

Neshaminy teacher named 2013 Business Educator of the Year

Congratulations to High School BCIT Teacher/Department Chair Janet Dougherty for being named 2013 Pennsylvania Business Education Association’s Business Educator of the Year. Dougherty was nominated by members of her department and was selected by a state board committee as this year’s recipient.

She has been a BCIT Teacher at Neshaminy for 16 years. Dougherty is the advisors to the award winning FBLA Club for the past 10 years, serves on the BCIT Advisory committee, and partners with community businesses, financial institutions and colleges to bring real-world academic experiences into the classroom.

Classes Dougherty recently taught include Info Processing, Finance and Investment, and Entrepreneurship.

She is a graduate of Penn State University, La Salle University, and Gwynedd- Mercy University with a BS in accounting and MBA in Finance.

Prior to teaching she worked in the actuarial and auditing departments of insurance companies in Philadelphia.

Dougherty will be recognized at the state conference on November 22 in Harrisburg, Pa.

The Playwickian

Clinical depression is a growing epidemic among teens across the nation and suicide is becoming a more and more common cause of death.

Despite this, the topic is still taboo-one no one wants to discuss. Although these things are ever-present in our daily lives, we do our best to avoid them. It seems we’ve done more to take away from student resources then to add.

As of last year, the Challenge Day Club has been removed from the school’s extensive list of clubs for the 2013-2014 school year. Also, whether or not we will even have a Challenge Day is being questioned.

We’ve eliminated our Sanctuary Room, cut social workers and the guidance department is more of a labyrinth of appointment making. Students need a place to turn for help.

After the many tragedies Neshaminy suffered from last year, it would make

Editorial

December 18, 2013

more sense that we add resources for the students, rather than take them away.

Immediately following the hardships, the school did bring in grief counselors, but left briefly after. The grief doesn’t go away in a week and the struggles the students are facing won’t ever come at convenient times for the school.

We should have a constant support system for our students, to deal with problems before they become tragedies.

Often times those suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts or tendencies want to talk about how they’re feeling and be reassured that they aren’t alone.

According to an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention national survey, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10 to 24. With numbers like these, it’s imperative we educate ourselves on the topic.

We need to put more emphasis on suicide prevention, the warning signs of suicide -- the threats that may even seem to be joking, but really aren’t, the strange goodbyes, the premature “will”, the friend giving away all their personal belongings, the sudden changes in personality-- we also need to know that these don’t always happen.

Clinical depression is a mental disorder and it’s very important to understand that. The condition is much more than sadness-- it can even be caused by physical issues like a chemical

imbalance. Handling this very important situation is a necessary skill.

In part to help with these issues, Neshaminy holds Challenge Day annually.

Challenge Day is a movement implemented in many schools nationwide.

The Challenge Day mission is to provide students with experiential programs that are meant to demonstrate love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and expression without fear. Not everyone can participate in Challenge Day. Students must be recommended to participate in it by their teachers or guidance counselors.

Kate Livingstone was the adviser of the Challenge Day Club, a co-curricular club similar to a support group. The Club was a way to reach out to the students that have participated in Challenge Day, but also students who didn’t get the opportunity to. It’s goal was to create a safe haven for students and allow them to express themselves easier. Due to the fact that we had “too many clubs,” it was cut from Neshaminy.

On the guidance department’s web page you can find crisis information. The page gives the numbers to multiple crisis centers and the national suicide hotline.

The question lies as, is the district doing enough to support students in crisis?

The editorial board feels that it would benefit the student body if the Challenge Day Club was brought back and if the school did more to speak about these issues and reach out to its students. It is

imperative that every student understands that having these depressed feelings doesn’t make them crazy or abnormal.

It is essential that the district makes this school a safe place for everyone and that each student is comfortable speaking up.

This isn’t something that needs to be spoken of in hushed tones or carried around shamefully. We need to talk and we need to be proactive. Depression and suicide are some of the most real things we are facing today.

Budget cuts seem to be the main blame for cuts. Finances shouldn’t outweigh the importance of our student’s mental health. Neshaminy should be doing everything in their power to provide the students with consistent programs and places to go to combat the issues they are facing.

The biggest thing that Neshaminy students should know is that despite our differences, despite anything at all, we are in this together – and there is not a single person in the school that should feel that they are all alone. Without crisis prevention and intervention programs, students are left in the dark. The district must reinstate such programs for the betterment of the student body. What is the cost of a life in comparison to implementing a safe haven?

by spending their income. A positive impact on GDP leads to job creation and employment growth.

Fortunately for those in favor, the leader of this country, Barack Obama, has hopes of raising the minimum wage.

According to thedailybeast.com, President Obama, has the intention of raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour over the next two years. When asked if he thought that wage increases lead to unemployment, he replied that he is aware of all the arguments made against a higher minimum wage. “`Some say it actually hurts low-wage workers—businesses will be less likely to hire them. But there’s no solid evidence that a higher minimum wage costs jobs…`” said Obama. This statement can relate to more low-wage Americans working for large corporations rather than small businesses, large

corporations that earn strong profits today and can afford higher wages.

Some people believe that it’s only teenagers being affected by the low minimum wage but don’t realize that in all 50 states, there is not one where someone working 40 hours a week can afford a two bedroom apartment from working a minimum wage job.

So how do adults survive from receiving minimum wage? Well it’s not easy; they have to apply for other jobs that consume their lives, hoping that they will be hired. Then they have the option of receiving government help: food stamps, Medicaid, subsidized housing, etc. These programs sound like good solutions but are not effective.

People that need them either do not qualify for them, are too embarrassed to utilize them, or still can’t take care of

their lives because the program doesn’t provide enough. Situations like this can deeply hurt families that have guardians receiving minimum wage --how is someone supposed to be able to take care of a family when they barely make enough to take care of themselves? It’s simple, they can’t.

Several states have made smart decisions to take action on raising their minimum wage above the federal level.

The most significant raise being the state of Washington’s to $9.19 an hour.

The federal raise would not only help economic recovery but it will help many Americans already in debt. After paying off the debt they owe, those in debt will be able to eventually rise into a revitalized middle-class.

America’s lowest paid workers are falling behind and it’s time for this nation to take action.

Look At It Our Way is the unsigned editorial, which represents the unanimous view of the Editorial Board.

Minimum wage increase could help working poor

By Tylar Pomroy Staff Writer

Seven dollars and twenty-five cents an hour: the amount that many people in this country have to live off of. Is it really possible to make a living in this country off of minimum wage?

The minimum wage hasn’t been raised since 2009. If it had been steadily raising and kept in pace with inflation, the wage would be around $10.77. Now compare that to how much income is made in a week by working 30 hours, $217.50 to $323.10: a huge difference.

If the federal minimum was to be raised to $9.80 by Summer 2014, more than 28 million workers lives would be affected.

The move would push many of the working poor out of poverty. It would generate a positive impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country

Editorial Board

The Playwickian

Editor-In-Chief - Gillian McGoldrick Managing Editor: Maddy Buffardi Business and Advertising Editor - Emily Scott News Editors- Stephanie Harvey and Eishna Ranganathan Op-Ed Editors- Jack Haines and Emily Scott Student Life Editor- Maddy Buffardi and Tim Cho Special Features Editors- Shannon Byrne and Shealyn Miles Entertainment Editor- Gillian McGoldrick and Monica Dinh Sports Editors- Reed Hennessy and Kirstin Delaney Literary Editor- Solomiya Syvyk Photo/Graphics Editors- Corey LaQuay and Holly Muska Circulation Editor- Julianne Miller Copy Editors- Kaitie Andrews, Morgan Bond, Jessica Bussmann, Colleen Harley, Alli Kaufman, Natalie Pietrowski, Heather White Web and Social Media Editor - Stephanie Harvey Adviser - Tara Huber

Staff Writers

Georgi Binder, Angel Castillo, Evan Cheney, Daniel Cho, Rebecca Choi, Alisha Coughlin, Matt Cruz, Brianna Diodata, Sarah Elwekil, Anthony Giaquinto, Sabrina Gonzalez, Kayla Gowen, Julia Guindon,Grace Hitchen, Trent Holden, Hope Hunsberger, Kristen Hurlock, Kayla Johnson, Sara Kelly, Liam Krimmel, Brynn MacDougall, Gauri Mangala, Emily Martin, Makenzie Mason, Kimberly McCarrick, Jessica McClelland, Kayli McGlynn, Brendan McGoldrick, Emmaleigh McNally, James Merk, Gavin Negrotti- Hughes, Tylar Pomroy, Krystyn Pulyk, Kerri Rafferty, Brianna Rayner, Ashley Reiss, Laura Reyes, Eric Rotteveel, Melissa Sparks, Rebecca Scheinert, Nina Taranenko, Amanda Usewicz, Ema Woodson.

Policy Statement

Published monthly, the student newspaper of Neshaminy High School is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents. The student exercise of freedom of expression and press freedom is protected by PA Code Section 12.9 and the First Amendment to the Constitution. School officials exercise their right to Prior Review.

The Playwickian refers to the “Associated Press Stylebook” on matters of grammar, punctuation, spelling, style and usage. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editors should not exceed 300 words. Letters must be signed and of appropriate subject matter. Guest opinions, 500 words or more, will be published as space allows.

The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school’s educational process. Opinions in letters or commentaries are attributed to the author. Such views are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or the policy of the adviser or administration, unless so attributed.

Awards

The publication has received recognition by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in the following years- First Place: 1976,1977,1978,1980,1981,1982,1986,1989,1990,1992 ,1993,1994. Bronze Medalist,2001. Silver Medalist: 1995,2000, 2003,2008, 2012. Gold Medalist: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999,2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,2009,2011,2013. The publication has also received awards from the Pennsylvania School Press Association in the following years - Silver: 2012, Gold: 2013. www.playwickian.com Neshaminy High School 2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA 19047 215-809-6670

Contact

www.playwickian.com Neshaminy High School 2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA 19047 215-809-6670

© The Playwickian 2013

December 18, 2013

Opinion

The Playwickian

How the media stole Christmas

By Emily Scott Business and Op-Ed Editor The winter months hold a special place in the hearts of people. It is the time for the biggest holidays of the year; Christmas and Thanksgiving.

These holidays have deep spiritual and religious roots in which people give gifts and are thankful for the lives they lead each day. With deep ties to the concepts of modesty, humility and thankfulness, it is a time for families to get together and appreciate all that they have.

When turning on the television, it changes the entire experience of the season. Flipping through channels, each commercial has the same jingle bell ring to it with the expression of happy families. Ending the commercial, it usually includes some sort of huge deal that could be found at the local mall.

The entire concept of Christmas and Thanksgiving is being completely commercialized by the media in an unfortunately, successful attempt of making money. Is that what the idea of the holidays, a time to spend with loved ones has turned into?

It is easy to lose the meaning behind the holidays. It may be different to many, but it definitely has one centralized idea. The holidays are a time to spend with family. It’s the time to gather together in whatever environment is comfortable and forget the problems faced.

Today, it has become a contest between corporations to rake in the most customers and their money. According to American Research Group, an average family spends roughly 801 dollars on gifts for Christmas or other holidays.

Christmas, one of the biggest holidays in the United States, stemmed from the reflection in the birth of Christ. Yet, that meaning has been lost in the more preferred way of viewing the holiday; an excuse to buy gifts in exchange for the other person as well. It is now an explicit form of economic stimulus for

slow times. With that, many stores begin their Christmas sales as early as October; losing touch of other holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The dawn of the internet is to blame in this shift in the meaning behind the holidays. It has turned into a bloodbath for the “super deals”. Surprisingly, the death-count this year for Black Friday was only one, but with 15 injuries. The fact that there was even a single death is outrageous. These are the stakes people will go to for the deals on Thanksgiving, instead of being with their families.

Black Friday has been the busiest shopping day of the year since 2003, according to ShopperTrak. While most people are still recovering from the copious amounts of food they ingested that day, people rush to the local mall cutting their family times short. Originally, the term ‘Black Friday’ concerned the stifling traffic people faced the day after Thanksgiving.

N o w, d u e t o t h e commercialization, media uses this idea to describe the start of the holiday shopping season and mark the day retailers turn a profit for the year— the day ‘they are in the black’.

There is no reason to deny that Thanksgiving, Christmas and these other holidays are now consumer-based. If we just recognize this idea and decide where to go on it – to spend more quality time with our family—we’ll probably have a more enjoyable holiday. These holidays are a great excuse for businesses to exploit peoples’ feelings of guilt for profit though. The hype of the holidays, disguised under the “spirit of giving”, is just away to suck money out of people.

The question is, when will we move away from the madness of “Hallmark holidays”? Unfortunately, it is hard to foresee this without some sort of commercial revolution.

comments on the Neshaminy High School and Neshaminy Info pages (as well as others), in which community members insult the paper and those involved. Look on Twitter and school board member Mark Shubin can be seen engaging editors of the Playwickian one-on-one attempting to degrade the publication.

What kind of example as a community are we setting for our kids when we attack Dear Editor, a group of teenagers for utilizing their “In October, the Playwickian, Neshaminy High School’s student-run first amendment rights to express their newspaper published an article explaining opinion? While everyone may not agree the editorial board’s decision not use the with the opinion expressed or whether or Neshaminy team mascot, which it deemed not the editors have the right to not use to be a racial slur. Regardless of a person’s the word, the students should be praised position on the word, the purpose of the for taking on an issue that is much bigger editorial was to promote dialogue about an than them.

The editors of the Playwickian are all issue that has been brought up nationally and that the editorial board thought to be teenagers in high school. They should not be bullied by the community in which they important.

The article and the ensuing opposition reside, let alone a school board member to the censoring of the word by Neshaminy of the district they attend, for having a administration has achieved national different opinion or standing up for an attention, but has brought up a local issue. issue they believe in.”

Jon Mettus Members of the community and

Feasterville, Pa. school board have taken to social media Class of 2013 to attack the Playwickian and its editors.

Former Playwickian Facebook is riddled with posts and

Editor in Chief

‘Knock out’ game takes assault to new level

By Alli Kaufman Copy Editor

Since 1992, it’s been given plenty of names, polar-bearing, point ‘em out, knock ‘em out, and happy slapping. Currently, it’s called the knockout game.

A trend that has spread from the United Kingdom, France and across the United States, the knockout game is essentially an assault on an unsuspecting victim. A group of teenagers points out a random person and attempts to knock them out with one punch.

Recently, these assaults have been labeled hate crimes, accusing black teenagers of attacking white people during their game. “People need a label. If they’re selling toothpaste or CDs, or news stories, they need a label ... To me it’s an assault, plain and simple,” said victim James Addelspurger in an interview with the Huffington Post. Last October, Addelspurger was attacked by a black teenager walking home from work in Pittsburgh.

“This is savagery and it is getting very little attention… But let’s imagine that we saw young white kids attacking black people and posting the videos on the Internet. That would obviously be a national news story because it’s orchestrated racial violence,” said Bernie Goldberg, guest on the O’Reilly Factor.

Goldberg makes one good point, the media has made the knockout game seem like a myth, downplaying the trend when, like Addelspurger says, it’s an assault.

But pulling the “black racism towards whites goes unrecognized” card isn’t a fair argument, especially when the conservative media consistently uses it every time an incident like this occurs.

Goldberg threw out another winning line on the O’Reilly Factor, “This is a troubling situation and it goes back to the alienation of young black men in this country, primarily because they’re angry at not having a family and having a father who abandoned them.” Because abandonment issues are the reason for these assaults. Black teenagers are so overwhelmed by their missing father figure they have decided to take their anger out on white people, thus creating the knockout game.

The point is there is black vs. black crime, and white vs. white crime. Why do we suddenly need to throw out the term “hate crime” every time there is an interracial crime?

Regardless of the intent, we need to consider the seriousness of this issue. We’re diminishing the severity of this trend by calling it a game. In 2007 the epidemic of the choking game broke out. Instead of referring to what it really was, purposeful strangulation for a possible high, we made it a challenge for teenagers. Kids said it like a joke “hey want to play the choking game?” not realizing how truly serious it was.

While not many schools have made an effort to address the knockout game, in the height of the choking game presentations were given, students were told not to give into peer pressure, and everyone was advised on the dangers of this new teen fad, yet we still called it a game.

It’s time to stop blaming specific races for the world’s problems. It’s time to stop giving things labels as an explanation. And it’s time to take this seriously and do something about it. It’s time to educate both students and adults, and think of a positive way to end these assaults—and this game.

The scary “Knockout” trend has left many scared, and others questioning why the activity is so widespread.

Art/Angel Castillo

The Playwickian

Howler

Howler

~Neshaminy’s Own Literary Magazine

December 18, 2013

You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down. ~Mary Pickford

Fall of the Unknown

~Ashley Reiss

There are many types of falling There’s falling in love Lost At Sea ~Ema-Rae Woodson

Falling out of love There’s the falling down

I’ve been lost at sea for five years.

No one can rescue me at this point.

Falling back in place There’s the falling off a big mountain to safe waters Or just a sensation of falling

The water is up to my nose and I can’t help but want the black sea to engulf me, once and for all.

A sensation such as when you’re almost asleep but are awakened

It’s taken over my entire being; just end it already.

By a falling sensation followed up with a shot upwards through your spine Like you just fell out of a plane with no parachute

If I were to cascade into the cold darkness, who would miss me?

Walking down the hallway leaves me with nothing but anxiety clamping my chest, neglecting my need for air.

Another person shoves me, my books fall to the ground in a thud.

Another inch falling to the sea floor.

As a plummet towards the downward sky I scan my brain for a possible good outcome Although as every second passes I’m descending And losing all hope just as fast

Another month passes and I’m almost gone.

Two more inches in this water and I’ll fall to the underworld.

Hopefully it can offer me more than this life. Falling.

It has an intriguing ring to it.

Sinking.

My life flashes before me I can see people trying to help as I get closer to the ground And a huge safety net to fall in But my brain isn’t connecting the two All I see is the fear and unknown I see the wild thick forest traced with fear I see the pointy mountains waiting to stab me in the back I see the city skyscrapers for me to be swallowed in And again my brain is being torn apart by myself And losing all hope just as fast as I see I think how this could have happened I think of why this had to happen

It’s Time to Fly

One more day is all it will take, one more endless night, tossing and turning.

I can no longer see.

The water has blinded my eyes as I swiftly move deeper into the shallow depths of the black sea.

~Art/ Molly McDonald My mind.

~Krystyn Pulyk

Hold your breath, count to ten, It will soon be the end.

Take one step, leave your fears, No more hurting, no more tears.

Just the sensation of warmth and love

Off the edge you slip away, For friends and family are around me

Nothing else can make you stay.

Your heart is beating from your chest, Asking if I’m okay

You will soon be at rest.

I now know that with the help of them

Further from the edge you go, being always ready to catch me I will be

Why you did it, no one knows.

Falling faster than you can blink, Because love will overcome the fear

Your heart is racing, you cannot think. of falling

The wind brushes through you hair,

Hold on longer, you’re almost there.

One last breath to say goodbye,

Spread your wings it’s time to fly.

Howler Literary Magazine Staff

And then in a snap of a second There’s no more falling

Advisers: Dan Luongo & Christopher DiCicco

Playwickian Literary Editor: Solomiya Syvyk

Editor-In-Chief: Elsher Abraham

Head Submissions Manager: ShaeLynn Trapp

Head Art Editor: Ashley Smith

Head Poetry Editor: Laura Jones

Head Fiction Editors: Amanda Gatewood & Rebecca Hanko & Austin Philip

Don’t wait too long! Submit your work to: neshaminyhowler@gmail.com

December 18, 2013

Student Life

The Playwickian

Resident’s decorations light up holiday season

By Monica Dinh Entertainment Editor

For the past 21 years, Neil Dispirito has been lighting up the Levittown community with his spectacular display of Christmas lights located at 1 White Spruce Lane Levittown, Pa. What started off as small decorations using only ten sets of lights and a thousand paperclips has evolved to covering his entire yard and house with lights.

“The setup process usually takes about eight weeks so I take a four week vacation from my job as the electronic technician for the Neshaminy School District and another four weeks of nights and weekends in order to get everything done,” Dispirito said.

Over the past years the setup crew has amounted to 20 people ranging from ages 13 to 83. “Everyone has their own part in the process and it’s nice because I never ask any of them to come; they just

show up and are ready to help!”

Dispirito’s display includes 250 blow molds, two dozen inflatable characters, and 150,000 lights. In total he uses 48,000 watts of electricity.

Due to this, he has 42 circuit breakers and a dedicated serviceman just for the Christmas season. As an added note all the electrical outlets are GFI protected making sure that everyone’s safety is secured.

On the night of Dec. 7 around 3,000 people showed up at Dispirito’s home in order to it light up. An additional 100 other guests which included family and friends were housed inside.

“Every year I actually have to move all my furniture into the backyard in order to fit everyone into my house,” Dispirito said.

This year the event was one of the largest it’s ever been. The Men of Harmony, a local chorus, came to spread holiday cheer by singing Christmas carols.

People of all ages gathered around and belted out to “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Each and every year Santa picks out a child to be the one who turns on the Christmas lights.

This year it was the lucky Matt Hoias and coincidentally it was also his birthday.

There was a countdown and by the end of it the crowd roared with enchantment as the light flicked on.

The front lawn of the Dispirito home was completely filled with every thing that resembled Christmas imaginable. A massive Santa blowup, the Nativity scene, three turning Ferris Wheels, multiple Christmas trees, all of the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh including Rudolph and Thrasher, the evil reindeer from the 2009 Disney television special, “Prep and Landing.”

Then, there was the actual house itself which was covered from one end to the other in strings of lights.

Later on in the night a fire truck arrived with a special visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. As the truck pulled around the corner the joy and laughter of children echoed and kids climbed atop their parent’s shoulders just to get a closer glimpse of the man himself. Santa is at Dispirito’s house every Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will also be there on Christmas Eve night.

Dispirito definitely out did himself, but it was well worth all the hard work.

“My favorite part of Christmas is seeing all of the kids’ faces light up when they run up to the house or when they see Rudolph and automatically have go over to touch his red nose,” Dispirito said.

It’s certain that there’s something really magical about Neil Dispirito and how he warms the hearts of many people each and every Christmas season. He most certainly brings out the true meaning of Christmas.

Blood Drive Neshaminy High School Dec. 23

Algebra Keystones Neshaminy High School Jan. 9 and 10

Neil Dispirito’s annual Christmas decorations awe the Levittown community.

Photo/www.thatsalotoflights.com

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Dodgeball Tournament Neshaminy High School Dec. 19 Holiday Concert Theodore Kloos Auditorium Dec. 20 Roadies One Acts Neshaminy High School Dec. 20

Literature Keystones Neshaminy High School Jan. 16 and 17 Drama Nights Neshaminy High School Jan. 16,17,21,23 SAT Testing Neshaminy High School Jan. 25

History of Llamas uncovered

By Julianne Miller Circulation Editor Llamas are most commonly found on farms or in pens at petting zoos, but a good amount of llamas can also be found at Neshaminy High School. However, these aren’t just any llamas. These are two legged, fast running, Frisbee-catching human beings- called the Llamas.

The school’s Frisbee team is named the Neshaminy Llamas. Why have they strayed from the familiar Neshaminy mascot? What is the story behind the team name, “Llamas”?

Numerous rumors and student’s own renditions of the back story of the name often float around in Llama-oriented conversation, but the most common one has some truth in it.

“There was a kid, many years ago, who was named Llama and when they were at a competition, he told the judges the team name was Llamas and somehow that just stuck,” senior, Todge Rzepka said, “I like it. It sets us apart from the school.”

Although most of that has been deemed truthful, there was no infamous Frisbee player named Llama. “Basically, way back in 1998, Matt Heinemann, who was a part of the Frisbee team, was in Dave Bender’s class and kept yelling “Llama”, for no reason.

The team had signed up for tournaments and was unprepared, lacking a team name. Matt, being Matt, yelled out “Llama” again and so from then on their

name was The Llamas,” club adviser and science teacher Hank Oppenheimer said.

Being fond of the team name and the isolation from the Neshaminy mascot controversy, the Frisbee players can’t complain.

“With the whole mascot name argument, we like being the Llamas. It’s a relief,” senior, Alex Riley said, “We’re focused more on having fun rather than the sport.”

Although the club sport’s season just ended for the winter, there is always enough Neshaminy Llama spirit to make up for their time off.

A Llama prances through Neshaminy’s field focused on catching frisbees and having fun.

Photo/Julianne Miller

The Playwickian

Special Features

December 18, 2013

December 18, 2013

Turtle Clan:

Lenape history in Neshaminy community

Ranked as the most important, the Turtle Clan occupied the land south of the Lehigh Delaware area, all the way to Philadelphia.

The sachem, or chief of the tribal councils were from this clan. Head Sachem Tammanend, who made a peace treaty with William Penn, was of the Turtle Clan.

The Playwickian

Special Features

Living Lenape In this issue, we discover the traditions and lifestyles of the Lenape people in our community. We explore the impact that those traditions and their language have had in our area. We also pay special attention to the three matrilineal clans within the Lenape community: Turtle, Wolf and Turkey.

By Shannon Byrne Special Features Editor

The Neshaminy community has a rich history in Native American Culture. The Lenni Lenape Tribe, also referred to as the Delaware Indians, occupied the land called Lenapehoking. This land expanded all the way from northern Delaware to southeastern New York and from the Atlantic Ocean to the forests in Eastern Pennsylvania.

The name Lenni Lenape translates to “true men” or “original people.” They are called the original people because many of the traditions of the Algonquin Indian Tribes say that the Lenape homeland was the original birthplace of these Algonquin Indians. This is why the Lenape’s are referred to as their “grandfather” tribe by various other tribes.

They acquired the name Delaware Indians from English colonists in the Delaware Valley. Captain Samuel Argall coined the name Delaware in honor of Sir Thomas West, Third de la Warr, the governor of Virginia. This term was then used to name the river and the Native Americans who inhabited it.

The Lenni Lenape tribe was made up of three groups called “clans.” These clans were the Turtle, Wolf and Turkey. They were matrilineal, which means that every member traced their decent through their mother’s line and not their father’s.

They have a 130 year history of migration to Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Wisconsin and Kansas. Only some stayed permanently in these areas, but the largest population of the Lenape people went to reservations in Oklahoma and Ontario, Canada after European colonization began.

In the 17th century, the Susquehannock and the Lenape’s had preexisting hostilities that continued to escalate with the presence of the colonists. The Susquehannock wished to eliminate the Lenapes so they could dominate trade with the colonists, more specifically the Dutch and English. This occurred over a five year period.

There was an outbreak of smallpox along the Delaware and Hudson valleys during this war. The Lenape lost half of their original population due to these epidemic and attacks. They were forced to abandon a vast majority of their homeland and became an inferior people. For example, they had to ask the Susquehannocks for permission to sell their land to the Swedes.

However, in the mid 1600’s, a conflict between the Susquehannock and Iroquois erupted and resulted in the defeat of the Susquehannock and the Iroquois taking control of the Lenape tribes. During this time there was another epidemic of disease that affect all of the tribes, including the Lenapes.

The Lenape were eventually allowed to return to the west side of the Delaware, but they were made to be a part of a “covenant chain” with the Iroquois. This covenant chain allowed the Iroquois to speak in council and the Lenape’s were forced to do their bidding. They also had to pay a yearly tribute to the Iroquois.

Despite the low population, the Lenni Lenape people have continued to make a substantial impact on our community both outside and inside of our school.

Wolf Clan:

Neshaminy Nisha-men-ing “at the double drinking place” or “at the place where we drink twice” and probably referred to the Lenape village situated near two springs at the head of Neshaminy Creek near Chalfont, west of Doylestown.

The Wolf Clan, or the Munsee or Minsi (the name of the derivative of the Algonquin language that they speak), occupied the land northward along the Delaware River or the point where the Lehigh River meets the Delaware in the area that is now called Easton. The members of this clan were referred to as the “People of the Stony Country.”

Lenape traditions

Then and Now

By Colleen Harley Copy Editor

Lenape Now How Lenape people keep old traditions alive To “walk the red road” is to persist along a path, timeless in nature. Archaic traditions remain spirited in the hands of a people most passionately devoted to a respect for all relations. Seldom acknowledged for their rich history in our community, Lenape people strive to live their time-honored ways of life in a modern world of dwindling priorities.

“It is very difficult walking in two worlds, one of our culture and tradition, and one of what mainstream society demands of us. Often times, we get so caught up in society’s way of doing things that we fall off our paths,” Chuck DeMund, Ceremonial Chief, Lenape Nation of PA, said.

Despite these temptations for societal norms, DeMund explains that several people, including young children, continue to keep up with some of the oldest rituals to date. Among these ceremonies is

By Shealyn Miles Special Features Editor “going to the water.” It involves going to their homeland of Lenape Sipu (what is known to most as the Delaware River), and giving thanks for all that it gives. They sing songs and offer “prayer ties” to it as well. This is also a time for washing away the bad things in their lives.

“We try to maintain balance in our lives and work toward peaceful solutions, accepting others as they are,” Carla J. S. Messinger, cultural eduacator and consultant, said.

In the fast pace environment of the present age, Lenape people find themselves illustrating their culture in a fashion that is similar to many familiar service learning organizations. Messinger, for example, describes her view that people must not be wasteful, people should use items in as many ways possible in order to cut down on trash and recyclables.

The greatest belief of the Lenape

people is that everything—plants and animals just as people—are equal.

“In tribal living, issues are discussed in a circle,” Shelley DePaul, assistant chief, Lenape Nation, said.

Though elders hold a significant amount of credibility, even young children have their voices heard. DePaul recalled a story of a time in which the European people asked how many natives there were. The response, “How do you count the stars in the sky?”

As Lenape people continue with their traditional lives in a modern world, they continue to pass along their culture to future generations. (DePaul does this as she is the keeper of language, teaching it at Swarthmore to not only Lenape descendants, but any prospective students.)

For more information on Lenape Nation of PA please visit www.Playwickian. com for links to websites of interest.

Turkey Clan:

The Turkey Clan lived the furthest south. They occupied current-day Wilmington, Delaware. They were also referred to as the “People Who Live near the Ocean.”

The Lenni Lenape tribe has a lot of historical significance in the Neshaminy community, considering that the land that the high school is built on once belonged to the tribe. The Lenape tribe in our area lived along the Delaware River.

Lenape tribes lived in very big villages of about 200 to 300 people, but usually stayed together in smaller groups of about 25 to 50 people.

Inside the Lenape tribes, were smaller clans, They are the Wolf, Turtle, and Turkey. These clans traced their ancestry back through their mother’s side. Whichever clan the mother belonged to, her children did as well. A rule within the Lenape tribe was that sons couldn’t marry into the same clan; they had to marry into one of the other two. Inside the clans, everyone looked out for each other, and there was not much of a need for crimes like stealing considering they all shared the land, shelters, and food that they had. Even individual possessions were shared with everyone in the community.

Men and Women in the Lenape tribe did different tasks from one another, but everyone worked. Boys were taught from a young age how to woodwork and hunt. When the boys got older and grew into men, they cleared land, built homes, and even built canoes.

Girls were taught how to housekeep and garden at a very young age. When they grew up and became women, they began to garden and harvest crops for food. They also collected sap from trees for syrup. They would also weave baskets, mats and bags, and even corn husks to make slippers. Lenape women were also skilled at making clay pots and were responsible for making and preparing the hides for clothing and shelter.

Homes were dome shaped houses called “wigwams,” where a small family could live. They were made of bent poles and animal skins or mats. These homes lasted for only a short time because once the natural resources of the land they lived on were used up, they had to move away and find new land. Now, they live in modern homes just like the average American, and only build wigwams for fun or to connect back to their heritage.

The Lenape kept themselves very clean by taking their daily swim or steam bath. Women had long hair and usually kept it in a bun or braid. Also, their clothing consisted of skirts made of deer or beaver skin in the winter, and a light wrap around skirt in the summer.

Women also painted their faces red with dots on their cheeks, ears, and below the part in their hair. The paint was made from the bloodroot plant and mixed with bear grease. Men wore breechcloth and leggings, and had their hair cut into a Mohawk style, with a beaded headband with one or two feathers in it. Chiefs would wear big headdresses pointing straight up from the headband with many feathers in it. Men also were tattooed with depictions of animals. Both men and women wore deerskin moccasins, and long earrings made of animal bones and teeth.

Decedents of the tribe in modern times now wear average clothing and sometimes their moccasins and traditional headbands. Only on special occasions do they wear the feathers in their hair.

The Lenape tribe believed in storytelling as a key skill in teaching children how to grow up, including stories about creation, past events, and taught key social values for children to grow up as a fully functioning member of the tribe. They also believed in herbs and sweat lodges as a way of healing the sick, ill minded or the dying.

The Lenape tribe is a heritage rich in tradition and culture. The Lenape tribe has forever left their mark, not only in on American history, but in the Neshaminy community.

The Playwickian

Student Life

December 18, 2013

JROTC: positive possibility for Neshaminy

By Reed Hennessy Sports Editor

“To motivate young people to be better citizens,” this is the mission statement of the United States Army Junior Reserve of the Corps. Recently, a survey of 260 senior and junior students was conducted asking only two questions.

Would you join a “Military” Club at Neshaminy if one were to be established at Neshaminy?

Would you enroll in a JROTC (Junior Reserve of the Corps) class at Neshaminy if one were to be implemented? Of the 260 students, 72 students checked the Yes/Maybe option on the slip. The student body certainly has interest in a JROTC program or military club, before the school district can implement an Army JROTC program, that interest must be shown.

Therefore the beginnings of the Neshaminy “Patriots” club are underway.

The club will be modeled after that of a JROTC class, emphasizing physical fitness, military history, military science and military discipline. The main goal, eventually, is to re-establish an Army JROTC program at Neshaminy.

Neshaminy used to have a JROTC program from the mid ’60s to mid ’70s.

It was withdrawn due to low enrollment in protest to the Vietnam War. However, time has passed and the United States role in the world along with it.

There is a new generation of teens walking the halls of Neshaminy, a generation of teens yearning to apply themselves, a patriotic, loyal group of adolescents.

The Neshaminy student body and community will benefit greatly from a JROTC program advocating and teaching good morals and physical fitness, it will only yield positive results. “I do not lie, cheat or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds, and I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism,” is the official creed of an Army JROTC cadet.

The issue of cost will come up, but it is partly funded by the United States Department of Defense, the federal government subsidizes instructor salaries, cadet uniforms, equipment and textbooks.

The instructors who are usually retired military personnel the specific branch receive payment from the Federal Government and in addition the schools pay the difference from what the instructor would receive if they were active duty.

The service branch then reimburses the school for approximately half of the said amount paid to the instructor.

The relationship that Neshaminy currently has with the United States Army is clear, good and present. Recruiters can be seen walking the halls, in the cafeteria, and giving presentations to students interested in military careers or joining the Reserve for the Corps in college.

A common misconception among students and parents is that participation in a JROTC programs requires military service. This is not the case; in no way does taking a JROTC require a student to join the military after finishing high school. However, completion of a JROTC class will help a student prepare for service or a ROTC program should the

student pursue these options.

“I think it would be a great benefit and program to have at Neshaminy,” social studies teacher and army retiree Mark Petrucci said.

The opportunities, curriculum

and values the army JROTC program advocates are all incredible. The Neshaminy School District would be foolish to not have this program reimplemented into the high school.

Musically inclined sophomore shows his less serious side Adam Victor is a current sophomore here at Neshaminy High School. A dedicated, talented trumpet player, Victor enjoys spending his time playing in the high school Marching Band and Jazz Band. He has also been recently interested in playing the guitar. When not involved with his musical gift, he practices his layups and outfield skills in his two favorite sports, basketball and baseball.

By Julianne Miller Q: Which Jonas Brother would you Circulation Editor most compare yourself to?

Q: If the saying, “you are what you A: Kevin, because nobody likes him. eat” is true, then what are you?

A: I am a spaghetti noodle.

Q: What is your biggest fear and why?

A: Probably being a leader of something really important.

Q: If you had to run to be the next President of the United States, what would your campaign slogan be?

A: “Please don’t vote for me because I can’t do this.”

Q: What lyrics or words of wisdom would you want to live by?

A: The motto. YOLO Q: Would you rather be deaf or blind and why?

A: Blind because music is, like, my favorite thing.

Q: What game show or reality TV show would you most likely appear on?

A: Impractical Jokers.

Sophomore Adam Victor finds time to play the guitar.

Photo/Julianne Miller

Michael Cochran: Triple package of adventurer, Levittown native, teacher

By Reed Hennessy Sports Editor Michael Cochran, the epoch of what every teacher should aspire to be.

This 32 year old mountain of a man is a Neshaminy native, part of the class of 1999, Cochran started substitute teaching in the Neshaminy School District in 2007 this is his fifth year in the district and third at Neshaminy High School.

From Levittown, “A beautiful little hamlet, our very own ice cream and red juice driven piece of heaven,” Cochran said. The English 11/Public speaking teacher is on the younger side of the spectrum of Neshaminy teachers, clearly shown through his use of technology.

Cochran maintains his own website which can be found on his Neshaminy teacher page.

Currently aged 32 years, Cochran is an avid soccer fan, specifically West Ham. Cochran also enjoys high fives, stage dives and motorcycles. An owner of a Triumph Thruxton, Cochran is the “Steve McQueen” of Neshaminy. However,

Cochran did not always plan on being a teacher.

“It was always a thought, but I didn’t decide until I was a few years in at PSU,” said Cochran. After attending Cochran would continue his education at Holy Family University before moving on to enriching the minds of today’s youth.

Reading is one of the many great passions that burn deep within Cochran and he loves to see his students do the same.

“I’m a reader, so seeing students make connections to a book, especially when reading isn’t a favorite hobby, is always rewarding,” Cochran said.

Cochran has been described by many students, always in a positive light, “Bold,” “Original,” “Relatable,” “Cool,” and “Generally Awesome.”

Teaching with passion and commitment, the only negative aspect of teaching in Cochran’s mind is the extensive amount of paperwork.

Cochran is a well-respected and much liked teacher at Neshaminy High School. But to fully describe the man that is Michael Cochran rather than the teacher

here is an interesting anecdote from the life and times of Michael Cochran.

In the year 2006, Cochran’s birthday happened to fall on the day of the World Cup Final. “I was sitting around at home; I had tried to get tickets for the game in Munich but was unsuccessful. That was a Saturday; I booked my trip on Monday,” Cochran said. After taking off work the Friday before, and taking some time to spend a copious amount of time playing Donkey Kong Country.

Upon boarding the flight he had been up 40 hours straight. The flight was nine and a half hours, asleep most of the time, according to his companions he had slept through terrible conditions. “My buddies

said it was a horrible flight - an hour on the runway, enough turbulence to scare the pilot, slow speeds from headwinds,” Cochran said.

Finally ending up in the German town of Sankt Goar, at a fall festival called Rhine Aflame, Cochran and his buddies enjoyed some German hospitality, food, music and fireworks. It was a valuable experience in Cochran’s life.

All in all, Cochran is great teacher, person, man, sentient being or what have you. His time at the high school has been much appreciated and the student body looks forward to him being a part of the teaching staff in years to come.

Michael Cochran, 11th grade English and Public Speaking, teacher is an easy going teacher who sets high expectations for his students.

Photo/Reed Hennessy Photo Illustration/Corey LaQuay

The Playwickian

Entertainment

December 18, 2013

Multi-instrumental talent performs in highest honor band talented groups that make up the National Association for Music Education Honors Ensembles. Over 3000 students across the country auditioned to be a part of the ensembles, with only about 160 being accepted to each group.

“Rachel Jones is a very talented French horn player and an enthusiastic member of the NHS Instrumental Music Program. She is one of the finest student musicians that I have had the pleasure of working with during my 26 years at NHS. She has contributed much to our various NHS ensembles over the past four years and has distinguished herself in a variety of honors ensembles outside of NHS including BCMEA and PMEA Music Festivals,” Michael Lipton, the Instrumental Music Director at Neshaminy Rachel Jones (middle) is a multi-instrumental tal- said. ent whom has been accepted into many high- The most interesting honor bands for musical abilities. She plans on part of Jones’s story is continuing her practices in music as she leaves how she first chose the instrument that took her Neshaminy High School after graduation.

Photo/Gillian Mc- to Tennessee.

“In fourth grade when Goldrick they introduced band instruments, they said This past October, Jones flew to French horn was really hard to play and, Nashville, Tenn. for a four-day trip to being the stubborn kid I was, I wanted to perform with the National Concert Band. prove them wrong, and I think I have!”

The National Concert Band is one of four Jones said. musician who is always willing to improve herself as well as help others improve.

Nothing is musically beyond her reach,” senior Ben Vogel, Jones’ close friend and classmate, said.

By Heather White Copy Editor Every day, senior Rachel Jones dedicates the majority of her time to the music department of Neshaminy High School. She visits at least two times a day, playing the French horn in Wind Ensemble and the cello in her Symphony Orchestra class. Jones also plays the mellophone in the Neshaminy Marching Band, in addition to being a part of the school musical pit, Brass Ensemble, and PMEA Festivals.

As if those were not enough programs to be a part of, Jones is also a member of two out-of-school programs: the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County and the Philadephia Sinfonia.

“I love music, and when you love something you jump head first and go all in,” Jones said, “That’s how I’ve always wanted it to be. I like staying busy and always playing, hearing, or experiencing music.”

Jones’ older sister was a part of the music program at Neshaminy, which gave her the idea that it was a fun and exciting program that she did not want to pass up.

In addition to being inspired by her family, Jones surrounds herself with musicians as best friends that drive her to do better and give her lots of support.

“Rachel is an unbelievably talented

Academy of Music hosts annual ballet of The Nutcracker’

member Lillian Di Piazza all have received the most challenging, and famous role of the show: the Sugar Plum fairy. Acting like the queen, the Sugar Plum Fairy

By Makenzie Mason Staff Writer shows Marie and the Nutcracker prince around Candy land, and at the end of the second act performs a highly The Pennsylvania Ballet, a dance company based in technical pas de deux with her cavalier.

Philadelphia, is holding their annual holiday tradition, “George “I really am just in love with the whole second act Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” at the Academy of Music. Directed of the show,” said sophomore, and dancer Marlena

by Roy Kaiser, The Colsher. The Waltz Nutcracker is a magical of the Snowflakes, ballet about a girl’s the Chinese, and the dream through Candy Spanish are especially land with her Nutcracker my favorites.” turned handsome prince Other favorite by her side. characters in the Great for people of Nutcracker are the all ages, the Nutcracker snowflakes, and the thrills audiences Chinese dancers, and with breathtaking Mother Ginger and the music by Pyotr Ilyich polichinelles. Mother Tchaikovsky, performed Gi n g e r, gener al l y live by the Pennsylvania played by a man, is Ballet Orchestra, and the a woman who hides Philadelphia Boys Choir. all of her kids, the The music transports polichinelles under audiences alike into The Pennsylvania Ballet is performing “The Nutcracker” under di- her skirt. One by one, a winter wonderland rector Roy Kaiser at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia from Dec. they start to come out, filled with candy canes 7- Dec. 29. giving the audience and gum drops. The some comic relief.

Photo/www.paballet.org whimsical costumes by The Nutcracker lasts Judanna Lynn flaunt about two hours-long, extravagant tutus, and sparkling crowns, and accentuate George with one 20 minute intermission separating the two acts.

Balanchine’s thoughtful choreography.

Along with the Pennsylvania ballet company members, “My favorite character is probably the Sugar Plum Fairy there are dozens of dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet because that is who I would want to be if I were dancing in the School in it as well.

Nutcracker,” said dancer, and sophomore Jojo Knecht. “I also like The show runs from Dec. 7 to 29 and tickets are on the snow scene because there are a lot of dancers all in white on sale online at www.paballet.org. George Balanchine’s stage, and the music is really dynamic.”

The Nutcracker performed by the Pennsylvania Ballet

Principal dancers Amy Aldridge, Julie Diana, Lauren Fadeley, will captivate audiences of all ages with a hint sparkle Brooke Moore, soloist Gabriella Yudenich and corps de ballet and a few dancing sugar plums!

By Monica Dinh Entertainment Editor For the past two and a half years, junior Nina Caruso has been noticed for her sophisticated-yet-cool style throughout the school hallways. Her fun style matches perfectly with her indescribable personality. “I would describe my style as thrifty – I hate spending more than 5 dollars on a shirt,” Caruso said.

As the temperatures are beginning to drop in tow of the winter season, wearing lots of layers along with some wool socks or scarves is key Photo/Rita Iovine and Caruso loves doing just that. “My favorite piece of clothing in my closet right now is a fur coat,” Caruso said. “Actually I have three of them and I love them all!”

Some of the most reasonably priced stores around that Caruso can be found shopping at include Forever21, H&M, and thrift stores like Goodwill. “I love shopping at all these places because they always have such good deals,” Caruso said.

T o be thrifty and fashionable at the same time isn’t the easiest Photo/Rita Iovine t h i n g i n t h e world, but in today’s society finding unique clothing is embraced.

“From my perspective fashion is a way of expressing yourself, it’s an outlet for creativity,” Caruso said.

When it comes to fashion, inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere. For Caruso, her fashion inspiration comes in the form of whatever it is that she feels comfortable wearing.

Although, once in a while her inspiration can come from magazines like, “Teen Vogue,” or one of her favorite style icons, Lana Del Rey. “I don’t dress like her at all, but I really wish that I did,” she said.

E v e r y t h r i f t y p e r s o n h a s something they splurge on a little bit and in Caruso’s case it is shoes. “I admit that I spend the most money on shoes…I think I have around 50 pairs now, maybe more,” she said.

Although Caruso has been interested in fashion her whole entire life she doesn’t plan to go into it as a career choice. “It’s really hard to have a career in the fashion industry so I’ve decided that my dream job is to be a flight attendant,” Caruso said.

Entertainment

The Playwickian

December 18, 2013

Eminem holds down mom’s spaghetti after new album, ‘Marshall Mathers LP 2,’ release Slim Shady.” With the success of the original LP, high expectations were placed on the 41-year-old rapper to recapture the The newest album from Eminem, brilliance 13 years later. the highly-anticipated “Marshall Mathers The album started out with a bang after the release of the metal-rap single LP2”, was released Nov. 5, 2013.

The album comes as a sequel to the “Berzerk”, in which Eminem brought critically-acclaimed and Grammy winner back the 80’s rap style of the Beastie 2001 album “The Marshall Mathers LP”, Boys, and paid tribute to old-school hipwhich included legendary songs such as hop. The initial reaction to the song was mixed, but many listeners came to appreciate the wit and boldness of the track the more times they had listened to it.

“At the beginning I wasn’t into the song,” said 9th grader and Eminem fan Eddie Parry.

“However, after I listened to it a few times the chorus began to be catchy and I learned to like it.”

After the release of “Berzerk,” “Rap God,” hit the airwaves and perhaps may be the most impressive track on the album. Eminem declared his immortal status and brought back the alter-ego “Slim Shady” in a six-minute whirlwind that included 97 words in a 15 second span. The rapper undoubtedly lived up to the declaration with his jaw-dropping lyrical mastery and Eminem’s new album, “The Marshall Mathers technical perfection that made up LP,” has many hits that have reached a high for a rather boring tune and lack of on the music charts. a chorus.

Photo/MCT Campus “The song was long, but it wasn’t repetitive, and I thought every verse “Stan,” “The Way I Am,” and “The Real was good,” freshman Tommy Edwards

By Eric Rotteveel Staff Writer

said.

In his last single to be released prior to the full album, Eminem once again teamed up with pop star Rihanna in the chart-topping hit “The Monster.” The duo did more than renewed the magic of the 2010 hit “Love the Way You Lie” with a catchy tune that has dominated iTunes and has already been well overplayed on the radio. In this song, Eminem refers to fame as ‘the monster’ and explains how he is still not comfortable dealing with it after all of these years.

The last single released before the Nov. 5 release date called “Survival,” which was the lead song on the new video game Call of Duty: Ghosts, was also at the top of the charts. As a whole, the singles that were released before the full album were successful and all sold well. The rest of the album, however, was more of a mixed bag.

The biggest disappointment on the album was Eminem’s team up with the surging Kendrick Lamar in “Love Game.” In a Nov. 6, 2013 article by Craig Jenkins on pitchfork.com, the song was described as “Eminem dragging his biggest competitor Kendrick into one of the worst songs of his young career.” It was also a surprise to many fans that Lamar was the only rapper to be featured in the entire album.

Two of the most interesting songs on the album to listen to are “Bad Guy” and “Headlights.” “Bad Guy” is a sequel to the song “Stan,” only this time, it

Jennifer Lawrence: the new role model that every girl should have

her un-Hollywood style, has inspired many for her refusal to fit the image of a typical Hollywood actress—high heels, long dresses, size zero pants. She told US Elle that, “I don’t want little girls to be like, ‘Oh, I want to look like Katniss, so

By Tim Cho I’m going to skip dinner.’ I was trying to Student Life Editor get my body to look fit and strong — not Jennifer Lawrence has been in thin and underfed.” the spotlight of popular The modern expectations of “thin culture for quite some equals beauty” has given young fans the time now, but she has b e e n idea that to be attractive, they need to be in action for much longer. thin. Lawrence has as a figure being true to Many view her as herself. “I’d rather look chubby on screen a beautiful actress, and like a person in real life,” she said to some view her as South African magazine Marie Claire. an inspirational Tripping up the stairs on the way individual refusing to receive her Best Actress Award to conform to during the Academy Awards and giving Hollywood reporters her middle finger afterwards expectations, were two examples of her acting, “like and some see her as a a regular person,” sophomore Paige role model to look Kaufmann said. up to.

According to HollyScoop, Lawrence Lawrence, was first discovered at the age of 14 in who is New York by a, “passer buyer,” and known for made her first on-screen appearance being in Devil You Know. She moved to proud Los Angeles to start her career o f with a minor role in Cold Case.

She then was in The Poker House and The Burning Plain in the same year. Her rise to fame was in 2010 when she starred in Winter’s Bone, which gave way to The Beaver and X-Men: First Class.

In 2012, she starred in Jennifer Lawrence speaking on stage after win- The Hunger Games, and no ning an Oscar in the category of “Best Actress” in further explanation of her fame from that point on is “Silver Linings Playbook.” necessary. All in all, she

Photo/MCT Campus started at a young age and

as a result, she knows of the

is Stan’s brother writing to Eminem.

“Headlights” is an emotional song of Eminem apologizing to his mom and forgiving her for their troubled past and his tough childhood. It features Fun singer Nate Ruess who performs the chorus.

Overall, the album is a display of the shear lyrical talent of Eminem. However, it appears he has lost his edge and the ‘wow’ factor he used to present. Although he is a much different rapper today, and the original Marshall Mathers LP is a difficult standard to live up to, the name itself begs for comparison.

“Despite his lyrical and vocal dexterity, Eminem falls short in recreating the spirit of the first Marshall Mathers LP; the absurdity that, by his own admission, made him White America’s favorite public enemy is no longer convincing,” said Rawiya Kameir in the Nov. 5, 2013 article on thedailybeast.com. “Really, expecting the 41-year-old Eminem to channel his late 20’s self was an impossibly ambitious demand.”

Despite the tough comparison, in no way is Eminem’s new album a flop.

In fact, it is on pace to be the second best-selling album of the year. Also, the songs “Berzerk,””Rap God,”“Survival” and “The Monster” have all cracked the billboard top 20.

There is no denying the talent that Eminem displays on this album, and it features everything that fans love about him.

“Everything he’s done best is here, from nourish murder fantasies with devilish twists to big-chorus pop songs with moments of great humor, anger, fear, self-reflection and verbal virtuosity impossible to untangle in just a few listens,” said Chris Talbott in a Nov. 16, 2013 article on kitsapsun.com.

It seems that even though his best days are behind him, Eminem is still one of the best artists out there. Now, can people expect a “Marshall Mathers LP3” in 2026? Well, it might be a stretch to say he’ll still be rapping by then, but as of

expectations and the image of a woman she is being pressured to meet.

“The world has a certain idea. We see this airbrushed perfect model,” she said during a discussion with Yahoo!

She knows of the social expectations, yet she stands strong against them.

A fresh breath of air in Hollywood, she has been attracting attention for her gathers more and more loyal fans with talents as an actress and for her sense her charisma and above all else, just how of what is right. “They [shows like “down to earth,” as Kaufmann said, she the Fashion Police] put values in all is. the things that are wrong and that it’s okay to just point at people and call them ugly and call them fat and they call if fun,” she told Yahoo!

T h e “Katniss Everdeen” Lawrence portrayed is a courageous, s t r o n g , independent and witty heroine while H o l l y w o o d Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence star in the movie h a s p r o v e n interpretation of the book by Suzanne Collins, “The Hunger to influence Games: Catching Fire.” its women to Photo/MCT Campus f l a u n t t h e i r bodies for fame; the example Lawrence is setting for her fans is superb. “Listen up and take points if your name rhymes with Smiley,” The Guardian Express said.

It’s evident to say that Lawrence has taken Hollywood by storm. She

“She is the kind of woman young girls should aspire to be,” online magazine Babble said. She is a true role model for the growing world her fans live in and it seems as if everybody can’t get enough of her. “Let’s hear it for Jennifer Lawrence!”

The Playwickian

Sports

December 18, 2013

squad faces off against St. Joe’s Prep, season Football: Varsity comes to an end at State Semifinals

By Reed Hennessy Sports Editor

“I am just so happy for everybody the parents, players, coaching staff and entire school,” Gabriel Infante head coach of St. Joe’s Prep said.

St. Joseph’s Prep will be going to Hershey, Pa. to face off against Pittsburgh Central Catholic for the State Championship title after defeating Neshaminy. The game on Dec. 7 ended with a score of Neshaminy 21, St. Joe’s 37. Neshaminy only took the lead for a short while in the first quarter, but the tone of the game was set early on.

Immediately after receiving the kickoff, St. Joe’s Prep senior quarter back Chris Martin threw a 67 yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Jawan McAllister, the point after was no good.

After punting on the following drive, Neshaminy regained possession when junior Boniface Stevens intercepted an attempted Martin pass.

Junior running back D’Andre Pollard would then run the ball into the end zone for a 20 yard touchdown. However, the Neshaminy defense would not be able to contain the St. Joe’s offense, junior running back Olamide Zaccheaus after receiving the handoff would run the ball for a 37 yard touchdown. The first quarter came to a close, St. Joe’s 13, Neshaminy 13.

The beginning of the second quarter did not differentiate itself from the beginning of the first quarter. St. Joe’s would again score on a run by senior running back Vince Moffet; however the attempted two point conversion was

The future of the NFL

possibility of going international

By Evan Cheney Staff Writer

In the past few years, the NFL has been expanding internationally. Mainly

by having games in London every year since 2007. But then that raises the question, is the NFL trying to put a team in London?

Do the people in London even want an NFL team? If attendance at the London games matter, then the answer is a resounding yes. Every London game in Wembley Stadium has been sold out for American Football games.

The capacity at Wembley Stadium is 85,000, which says a lot about American Football fans in London.

The next question would be, what team would be playing in London? It

is highly speculated that the Jacksonville Jaguars would be the team taking the trip over the pond.

Owner Shahid Khan has already signed a deal with the NFL to play as the home team in a London game for the next three years.

Think about it, how profitable would it be for the unpopular Jacksonville Jaguars to go to a nice big city such as London? Attendance has been low at Jaguars games, with an average attendance of 59,787. This makes them the fifth worst in the NFL. The Jaguars will have a much larger fan base. London has a population of over eight million, whereas Jacksonville only has a population of 836,507 people. That is a huge difference.

Another positive part about putting a team in London would be that it would add another time slot into the NFL day on Sundays.

Currently, the NFL has three game slots for any given Sunday. There are the 1:00 games, the 4:25 games, and finally, the 8:25 Sunday night game.

Since the U.K is five hours ahead of U.S time, 1:00 PM games for us are 6:00 PM games for them. But 1:00 PM games for them are 9:00 AM games for us. If a team in London played 1:00 local time games, the it would create a new 9 AM timeslot for American Football watchers. This is great for TV ad revenue, as there is much interest in adding a fourth game to the typical NFL game day.

With all of these things in mind, why wouldn’t the NFL want to put a team in London? Simple, because they haven’t put a team back in Los Angeles yet.

Since 1995, the second largest U.S T.V market has been without a NFL football team. That is when the Los Angeles Raiders left to go to Oakland.

Los Angeles was close to getting a NFL team in 1999 when they were expanding to a 32 team league.

The city was in negotiation with the NFL on stadium funding and location, but that agreement was never reached, and the 32nd NFL franchise was awarded to the Houston Texans.

Goodell has also discussed expanding the league to 34 teams. Making both a team in London and Los Angeles the most likely to be those two extra teams.

The city of Los Angeles is currently building a stadium in the LA Live complex, but the only problem is that there is no team to go in there. It already has a sponsor to, “Farmer Insurance”. The stadium will be named Farmers Field, when there is a team ready to move in there. The stadium will be ready at soon as 2016.

There are a few options of teams that would relocate in LA. The Raiders and their aging Oakland Coliseum are ready for a new stadium. The San Diego Chargers, whom are closest to LA are also in desperate need of a new stadium, with their Qualcomm stadium being 46 years old.

In my opinion, there should definitely not be a team in London before there is a team in Los Angeles. Football is an American sport first, before it is an international game.

stopped by the Neshaminy defense. Before the half was out, Neshaminy would answer right back.

After a series of wildcat plays to Pollard, senior running back Denny Lord would receive yet another wildcat, running the ball in for a nine yard touchdown. The half came to a close, St. Joe’s 19, Neshaminy 14.

The third quarter started out great for Neshaminy.

Senior quarter back Tyler Wombough was working the Led by senior quarterback Tyler Wombough, ball down field, with about the varsity squad huddles up.

6 minutes left in the game Photo/ Corey LaQuay Neshaminy was inside the Attempting the two point conversion Hawks 20 yard line. However, Neshaminy and again failing, the Hawks brought fumbled the ball and sophomore defensive the score to St. Joe’s 31, Neshaminy back Shawn Harris picked up the ball and 21. Neshaminy would not be able to returned it for a 98 yard touchdown. get anything going after that.

St. Joe’s would again miss the point After intercepting the ball on the after, bringing the score to St. Joe’s 25, next Neshaminy drive, the Hawks Neshaminy 14 the third quarter ended and would capitalize on the opportunity and was uneventful for Neshaminy. The fourth score another touchdown when Martin quarter proved to be the most exciting part completed an 18 yard pass to junior of Friday’s game. After receiving the call wide receiver Justin Montague, again for another wildcat, Lord ran the ball 44 the point after was missed but the game yards into the end zone, bringing the score was all but over. to a close St. Joe’s 25, Neshaminy 21.

The game ended, Neshaminy Unfortunately for Neshaminy, 21, St. Joe’s Prep 37. “I couldn’t be the Hawks were able to work the ball prouder of the boys, nobody quit they downfield and Martin, on a daring just battled harder than us,” head coach quarter back rush was able to run the Mike Schmidt said. ball in for a nine yard touchdown.

Sports announcer pays visit to Neshaminy

By Emily Scott Business and Op-Ed Editor

By Emily Scott Business and Op-Ed Editor

Sports radio announcer Merrill Reese paid a visit to Neshaminy High School on Dec. 7, to congratulate the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team on winning State Championships and to wish the Varsity Football team luck in their semifinals game to St. Joe’s Prep.

The visit was a live broadcast on WBCB 1490 AM radio, a local station based out of Levittown, Pennsylvania that includes news, talk, music and sports.

Joined with Reese was WBCB 1490 Program and Sports Director, Matt Mirro.

The girls’ soccer historical win was the first topic discussed. It featured guest commentary from senior players Katie Suchodolski and Stephanie Donahue as well their coach, Rachel Clemens.

Then, Varsity Football coach Mark Schmidt joined the talk to discuss the successful season thus far of the team. Plenty of jokes were made on any special preparations the boys take to prepare themselves for the games such as “chewing on razor blades” said Mirro.

Senior players such as Trokon Buesmaill, Luke Carrezola, Dan Johnson and Denny Lord spoke on the broadcast for a brief time as well.

“It was amazing talking to the guy I listen to every Sunday on the radio interview me,” Johnson said. The boys talked about how excited they were of their success this year and where the key to their success stemmed from.

“Since day one, I’ve know this was going to be a good season because of the hard work they have all put in, “Schmidt said.

Merrill Reese was pleased to visit Neshaminy and see the mass of support the sports teams receive.

“It was a great time…. We always enjoy broadcasting.

It was great being able to congratulate girls’ Merrill Reese, the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles, visited the high school on Friday Dec. 6.

Photo/ Corey LaQuay

The Playwickian Sports December 18, 2013

Girls’ winter track warms up for new season

By Emily Scott Business and Op-Ed Editor

By Natalie Pietrowski Copy Editor

As the weather cools and all the fall sports begin to come to a close, that’s when the girls track team begins to heat up. After last year, everyone is expecting a season full of new records and state qualifications.

Last year, freshman Dasia Pressley walked away from winter states in 6th place, broke the school record, and advanced to Nationals. Pressley was also on the 4x200m relay with returning r e l a y m e m b e r, C h e y e n n e Oswald, both advancing to nationals. Junior’s, Oswald and Abby Alexis competed in the 4x400m relay and also advanced to nationals.

“The girls winter track team will go far and possibly come away with a state title,” head coach, Margaret Stefan said.

Captain Cheyenne Oswald is also very hopeful for this year.

“I’m expecting a really good season,” she said Everyone is confident for this season and can’t wait to accomplish their goals. “I hope to qualify for districts and states in the 4x4 run, as well as beat my record for the 400 meter run,”

said Emily Tomlinson, freshman and new relay team member.

Sophomore Allyson Smoluk can’t wait to start competing in the pole vault and high jump again. “I hope to win at least one medal,” she said.

The weather is the worst part for many of the girls. “I just hate the cold,” said Tomlinson. The winter track team runs outside throughout the whole winter, rain or shine. It’s no surprise that the team is so well prepared for their meets.

“It’s so much easier to run, but harder to breathe because of the different air quality,” sophomore Alex Jackson said.

She also explained the different track styles, and what it’s like to compete indoors. The meets are held in an indoor facility, in Leigh, that’s always bustling with people, from all over the state.

“There are athletes from Philly to Upper Dublin,” Patterson explained.

Each meet has schools from all over the area competing for the same spot. “You have a lot of competition,” Patterson said. “But don’t let that get to you.”

The girl’s winter track team had their first meet on Friday, Dec. 13 and returning relay members Alexis, Oswald and Jackson hoped to win big. The girls have another meet this Friday, Dec 20 and are excited to continue the season.

Seniors Courtney Okwara, Emily Later and Lisa Patterson will be leading the 2013-2014 girl’s indoor track team.

“Our team is going to be amazing,” Patterson said.

Anxious to start the season, Patterson will be one of three upperclassmen. 27 underclassmen make up the rest, leaving Okwara, Later, and Patterson the task of leading the team.

Hopeful for a succesful season that is likely in their future.

Junior Jessie Cerankowski pushing foward in one of last year’s beginng matches.

Photo Credit/ NHS Yearbook

Total Tackles

144 National Rank 147 Height 6`3`` Weight 242 lbs

It was a successful season for the Varsity Neshaminy Football team. With a team total of 76 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, they have had a long run and for the seniors, it is bittersweet to see this all come to an end.

Luke Carrezola has wrapped up his senior year as a tight end. Carrezola started his Varsity career sophomore year and has been a driving force for both ends ever since. As a double –end player, Carrezola has run 45 total receiving yards this season.

Carrezola has left his mark at Neshaminy High School and will be continuing his football career on an athletic scholarship at University of Connecticut, a Division One school.

“Being on this team meant a lot to me. It has been a dream of mine since I was 6. Being able to play with this team was a real blessing.” Carrezola said.

It has been an impressive year ending the season with 13 wins and two losses. Bringing the year to a close as District Championships has left Carrezola with great memories.

“I’d like to say thank you to all of the fans that shows up for our games. You don’t know how much we love you guys,” Carrezola said.

In the defensive end position, Carrezola has racked up 144 tackles in his three years on the Neshaminy football team, ranked sixth among PA defensive ends. Not only is Carrezola an essential part of the team (being one of two captains), he is a fan favorite.

A massive cutout of Carrezola’s head can be seen hoisted up by his adoring fans in the student section.

Graduating this year, Carrezola will miss is high school football days, but is moving on to play for a Division One school and bring what he has learned at Neshaminy to the college level.

Carrezola will be missed by his fellow students, players, and the coaches who have been with him for three years of football.

Congratulations to Megan Schafer for making the High School soccer All-American team for 2013.

She is the only one to qualify for her third consecutive team. It’s her third straight All-America selection with a state title this season. Schafer will be moving on to play for Penn State next season.The teams will be recognized on Jan. 18 at the NCAA Convention in Philadelphia at noon.

December 18, 2013

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The Playwickian

The Playwickian

Person of the Year

December 18, 2013

Repetition, repetition, repetition. This is what Matt would do everyday for his extensive therapy at Magee Rehabilitation - repeat this exercise over and over until the point of exhaustion. And he would do this day in and day out until he could finally hold up his head and sit up in a chair by himself. Then type. Then feed himself. Through daily pain both mentally and physically, Matt has come above and beyond the expectations and uses the perfect representation of perseverance in his everyday life. “He decided to continue coming to school... He wants to do things for himself,” teacher Diana Jennings said.

“He’s become an advocate for himself always smiling, always with a positive attitude.”

To embody this characteristic, it takes much more than the measure of the width of a person’s biceps. Strength is a mental game, too - and Matt has shown his strength more than any other at Neshaminy. This is not am exaggeration; his strength both physically and mentally has gotten him to where he is today: right back in school with the students of Neshaminy. “Most people in his position and facing what he’s dealing with couldn’t handle it with such a positive attitude,” teacher Neal Oberto said. “He sets an example for me and everyone else who comes across him for being an upbeat, phenomenal person.”

Even though his recovery journey was a difficult one, Matt definitely made quick progress - both mentally and physically. “Regardless of the challenges he faces, he’s always positive and never fails to try and improve,” principal Dr. McGee said. Gratefully, Matt has had a safe recovery and is now focusing on his future dreams and aspirations.

“This past year has been a challenge, but I get a little bit stronger everyday.”

Photo/Bucks County Courier Times

- Matt Cruz

Staying strong and believing in hope was exactly what Matt did. Courage is not being completely fearless, but being scared and still pushing through anyway. Courage is a strong mind-set and Matt overcame many boundaries – pushing straight through fear and coming out victorious on the other side. “The first time I saw him, he couldn’t talk or move or anything,” junior and Matt’s close friend, Nathan Badgely, said. “A couple of weeks later he could move.... then he came home!”

Photo/Bucks County Courier Times