February2017 final

Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street, Center Valley, PA 18034 Volume 60 Issue 3

Solehi Students Recognized by Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Learn more about these creatives on pages 2 - 3 and 16 Art: Senior Lexi Brown In this

Issue: Did you know many staff members at Solehi spend their lunch periods playing ping pong? Learn more about this informal clun on pages 4-5.

Last month, the Art and Literary Club hosted its first annual Coffee House.

See the highlights on pages 12-13.

The Boys Basketball team is pushing for the playoffs. Find out more on pages 14-15.

Page 2

The Spotlight

News

From left to right: seniors Caleigh Schmid, Lexi Brown, and Lauren Jardine, sophomore Jacob Finkbeiner, freshman Christian Clausnitzer, and junior Raahi Klar-Chaudhuri.

Photo credit: Karin Naktin

Six Vocalists Advance to PMEA District Chorus

by Izza Choudhry

From January 12 to January 14, freshman Christian Clausnitzer, sophomore Jacob Finkbeiner, junior Raahi Klar-Chaudhuri, and seniors Lexi Brown, Lauren Jardine, and Caleigh Schmid performed in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) district chorus festival at Bangor High School. This selective choir was composed of 200 local high school students. “[District chorus] brings together the best musicians from across our seven county area,” chorus teacher Mr. Matthew Wehr said. “I do think it is an honor for the music program to get the number of students we do. It reflects the quality of the music program and of the students’ work.”

In order to gain a spot in the district choir, students had to undergo a thorough audition process. They received their music a while in advance, and then had the responsibility to learn and perfect it before the start of the festival.

“I knew that districts, being selective among

the best singers across a handful of counties, would be of a higher caliber as an ensemble than any other group I’ve been part of so far,” KlarChaudhuri said. “I thought it would be a [great] privilege to try out and be selected.”

The festivities of district chorus are similar to a rehearsal situation, but with a large group a students. It brings together the students selected from schools within the seven counties in our area, and culminates in one or two public concerts. At districts, students have the opportunity to audition for the next round, which is regions.

While students are able to study the district audition piece months before the audition, they are unaware of the required piece for regional auditions. The audition included singing a portion of music to a panel of judges using sheet music they had quickly read beforehand.

“Being in district chorus has allowed me to meet new people and strengthen my relationships with my friends,” Brown said. “I am pas-

sionate about music because it is a way for me to find solace in daily life, escape, and do something I truly love at least once a day,” The chorus is divided into the positions of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, with each of those positions also being divided into two more positions. There are 25 singers on a part, making the 200 people in the chorus evenly balanced.

“Personally, being in districts caused my confidence as a singer to skyrocket,” Klar-Chaudhuri said. “Our district in particular is one of the strongest in the state, and I’m glad I got to be a part of a talented ensemble with such an amazing sound.”

Lauren Jardine and Caleigh Schmid have advanced to regions, which will be hosted by Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts at the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University from February 23 to 25.

Students Win Big in Scholastic Art and Writing Competition

by Aries Baringer and Sarah Jacobson

Southern Lehigh High School students won gold, silver, and honorable mentions at this year’s Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Photo credit: Cora Heitzer

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is an annual competition that gives creative students the chance to compete with other students around the country. Students submit a variety of art and writing pieces, from photography to poems. This school year, 33 students at Southern Lehigh High School won gold, silver, and honorable mention awards for their pieces.

“For anybody wanting to enter, I would definitely advise to do so!” senior Ashley Lee said. “There is no harm in entering, and regardless of whether you win an award or not, the exposure and sense of community is wonderful enough.”

This year, 30 students won awards for their art pieces. Senior Lexi Brown won a gold key for her photography. Freshman Cora Heitzer and senior Ashley Lee won silver keys for their artwork. Junior Maggie Moerder also won a silver key as well as an honorable mention for her photography. Freshmen Krishna Annambhotla and Rebekah Guindi, and seniors Daniel Flounders and Caitlin Roth won honorable mentions.

“I was surprised and the award was helpful because it told me I am doing something right,” Flounders said.

Two students won awards for their writing. Senior Alexandra McCue won a silver key, and senior Talia Trackim won two honorable mentions and two silver keys.

“I was actually surprised,” McCue said. “I entered my portfolio last minute, and I didn’t really think

much of it.”

The competition has been giving up-and-coming artists and writers in schools around the nation a chance to compete since 1923. The awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, a nonprofit organization whose goal is, “to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.”

“My favorite thing about participating in these awards is that you always have a chance to see how good your art really is when it’s being compared to that of others your age,” Heitzer said. “I think that Scholastic gives you a reality check, while allowing you to explore different areas of art and think more creatively.”

Students in grades 7-12 are welcome to submit their artwork and writing pieces in 29 individual categories, including design, comic art, painting, journalism, flash fiction, and more. In 2016, 320,000 pieces of work were submitted, “[The number of submissions] varies. In the past there have been a lot more. I think we had about 39 this year,” art teacher Mrs. Stephanie Donald said.

“We had almost all photography this year.”

The winners from the regional competition go on to compete at the national level, where they have the chance to win National Medals. The National Medalists, along with their teachers, will participate in the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

February 2017

News

Page 3

Students Raise Money for Pennies for Patients

by Sarah Walters

This February, Southern Lehigh High School students have spent much of their time raising money for Pennies for Patients. This annual campaign raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the largest voluntary organization dedicated to funding research and finding cures for blood cancer patients. The campaign lasts for three weeks.

“I am very excited to see the entire school come together to raise this money, and showcase it at the pep rally on March 9,” junior Vanessa Oviedo, fundraiser co-president, said. “We are raising this money for a very good cause, and we are also having fun along the way.”

The fundraiser is led by the juniors of the National Honor Society. This year they aim to break last year’s record of $4,500.01. To raise money, the fundraising team has sold cookies, spinners, and raffle tickets to participate in the pep rally. The group has also been working closely with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “[As head of public relations], my tasks consist of maintaining contact with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, ensuring our school’s chapter of Pennies for Patients maintains a social media presence, and sharing our message with the rest of the school and the community,” junior Sean Duane, head of public relations, said.

Similar to last year, the fundraiser will culminate in a pep rally aimed at celebrating donation milestones. The NHS recruited 16 staff members to participate in the pep rally, with each milestone occurring in $1,000 increments.

When donations reach $1,000, a pie in the face will land upon French teacher Mrs. Kaytlyn Byers, business teacher Mrs. JoAnn Peralta, Spanish teacher Ms. Jessica Swartz, Chinese teacher Mrs. Patricia Gouck, and English teachers Mrs. Lauren Tocci, Mrs. Kelly Howsare, and Mrs. Sheryl Ciotti.

At the $2,000 mark, assistant principals Mrs. Beth Guarriello and Mr. Thomas Ruhf will eat gross foods. At $3,000 science teachers Mr. Ed Sinkler and Mr. Jeremy Deyton will face-off sumo-wrestler style.

A step up to $4,000 leads to principal Mrs. Christine Siegfried and Officer Brian McLaughlin getting slimed. The final goal, $5,000, is a rap battle between math teacher Mr. Ryan Haupt and English teacher Mr. Joseph

Southern Lehigh is aiming to raise $5,000 for Pennies for Patients this year. Photo credit: Sarah Walters

Castagna.

“It’s a really great cause since [Leukemia] is the number one cancer to affect children,” NHS adviser Mrs. Lynne Kelly said. “We encourage everyone to support this cause through the school because it helps those in need, when just the little bit we give helps so much.”

‘Sister Act’ to Spring onto the Solehi Stage in March

by Bridgette Lang

“Sister Act” was originally a comedy movie, but is now performed as a musical. Photo credit: Sloane Sexton

This year’s spring musical at Southern Lehigh deals with two polar elements: nuns and comedy. “Sister Act” brings together these components to form a surprisingly wonderful musical.

“There are a lot of strong female roles” director Mr. Matthew Wehr said. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also serious, too.”

“Sister Act” originated as a comedy movie. It was released in 1992, but it was later adapted to a play to be performed on Broadway. The film was directed by Emile Ardolino and starred Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, and Harvey Keitel. “Sister Act” was immensely successful, grossing $231,605,150 total and is 1992’s eighth highest grossing film worldwide.

“It’s a lot more modern, fun, and lively,” sophomore cast member Colette Curry said.

“The audience will have an easy time relating [to the show] compared to the [shows] we’ve done in the past, like ‘Carousel’.”

The theater department will be performing the U.S. National Tour version of “Sister Act.” The story centers around Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer and girlfriend to gangster Curtis Jackson. After witnessing Curtis commit murder, she runs to the police and who put her in the witness protection program. She is taken to a convent where she hides herself as a nun under the name Sister Mary Clarence, and takes on the role of choir director, leading the group to fame and success.

“It’s very serious at moments, but there’s still a lot of comic relief to balance it out,”

junior cast member Anthony Campolei said.

“Sister Act” is both similar and different from past productions. This year’s fall play “The Crucible,” also deals with religion.

Last year’s musical “Carousel,” elaborated on more serious topics, such as death and redemption.

“Sister Act” is an opportunity for the Southern Lehigh cast to take a break from heavy and disconsolate topics and to focus on the more cheerful side of theater.

“Certainly ‘Sister Act’ is the opposite of ‘Carousel,’” Mr. Wehr said. “It’s very similar to ‘Shrek’ or ‘the Drowsy Chaperone.’ It’s more lighthearted.”

The show features senior Giuliana Augello as Deloris, senior Lexi Brown as Mother Superior, senior Daniel Zelenkofske as Lieutenant Eddie Souther, and senior Garrison Piel as Curtis Jackson.

“I definitely think the theme of the play is to not judge a book by its cover,” Augello said.

“I also feel like it deals a lot with acceptance of others,” Brown said.

The cast is looking forward to showing off all of their dedication and hard work.

“Sister Act” will be performed at the high school auditorium from March 16 to March 19. The prices are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors. Tickets can be purchased through SouthernLehighTheatre@gmail.com or 484919-3851.

Page 4

Features

The Spotlight

For 30 Minutes a Day, These Teachers are Ping Pong Pros

by Allison Borelli

out brackets and everything, and it was pretty intense. Not bad enough that you were going to lose friends over [it], but just some of the mind games that went on, the teasing, just typical guy stuff.”

Math teacher Mr. Matt Greenawald, social studies teachers Mr. Troy Ruch and Mr. Thomas Beaupre, and former Southern Lehigh faculty member Mr. John Zuk were the founding fathers of this unofficial club. It all started about 10 to 12 years ago when they decided to sit down one quarter and, in a way, avoid school.

The first ping pong table they ever had was one of the physical education ping pong tables, but as the unofficial club gained more members, it was more awkward when the table was removed for a week. The members all pitched in to buy the second table, which was accidentally broken by one of the custodial staff. The next table met its end accidentally when school resource officer Mr. Brian McLaughlin slipped on it. They are currently on their fourth table.

“[Matches are] usually intense, but also comical. We all have our own little expressions we say when we make mistakes,” social studies teacher Mr. Lee Zeisloft said. “We’re all friends and make it a friendly environment, but we’re all competitive and we all still want to win.”

“We like the dives, the trick shots. When someone dives it’s like, ‘Wow, where’s ESPN?’ It’s like, if Sportscenter were here, that would be in the top ten [play] for this week,” math teacher Mr. Ryan Haupt said. “You don’t forget those shots.”

Teachers bring their own paddles to play with, but the memories they make are shared. “[Memorable moments include] any time something extremely physical happens, such as a player falling, running into a wall, getting hit hard by the ball, or when a wall or paddle breaks,” Spanish teacher Ms. Megan Markwich said.

“We literally have a teacher who fell into the wall and put a big dent into the wall, that’s still there,” Mr.Greenawald said. “We had a time where Mr. Ruch got so upset he threw his paddle across the room and put a dent in the wall, that’s still there.”

Some teachers even do a little extra to prepare. It is not unusual for a teacher to pack items they can eat quickly or eat lunch beforehand while on lunch duty. However, it is just as normal to eat while they play.

“I just love that competitive energy, and just being able to enjoy what you had as a kid with your coworkers is fun,” social studies teacher Ms. Erin Laney said. “And I’m also a super competitive person anyways.”

Ping Pong is just one activity that helps theses teachers brighten their day.

“The thing I most enjoy about [ping pong], is to beat Mr.Greenawald in a game, because any sport that involves a ball, whether it’s a baseball or smaller, he’s really good at,” Mr. Zeisloft said.

“So in ping pong, he’s probably the best player of the group, so any time I get a W against him it’s a lot of fun.”

a [college] resume, but it shouldn’t be your only reason,” senior co-founder Corinne Koziel said.

“There is a lot of experience to gain from this club.”

Seniors Corrine “Tinny” Koziel and Simranpreet Kaur created this club with the intention of giving students the chance to become involved with healthcare, while still experiencing the rigor that comes with a full day at school.

“I got accepted into EHP [Emerging Health Program], but I wanted to stay here for the full day and still have interactions in the medical field,” said Kaur.

Last winter, Koziel came up with the idea of Future Medical Professionals and presented it to Kaur, who was delighted and joined in with Koziel to help form the club. The idea was approved by the administration, and they chose guidance counselor Mrs. Tamme Westbrooks as their adviser.

“I look up to Mrs. Westbrooks as a mentor,” Koziel said, “and I realized that she was probably one of the only people that would be able to make this idea happen.”

Both Kaur and Koziel agree that learning about yourself is best done through exposing yourself to opportunities and experiences, and this club has many to offer.

“Future Medical Professionals prepares students for the future [by] allowing us to further discover specific jobs in the medical field,”

freshman club member Paige Zamichieli said. “I became interested in this club because I have always wanted to pursue a job in the medical field, and I thought that the club would be helpful.”

For many students in the club, like Zamichieli, the medical field has always been their dream, even at a young age.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I always imagined myself in a white doctor’s suit,” Kaur said. “I wanted to become something for myself and my family to be proud of.”

Recently, school nurse Ms. Merrilyn Pysher spoke to the club about her occupation and experiences. “[The medical field] is really growing in the need that there are always jobs and opportunities,” Ms. Pysher said. “It encompasses so much that you can always change your direction.”

Kaur and Koziel plan to have Ms. Pysher visit the club again to teach CPR and First Aid classes.

“If you have this dream of going into the healthfield, you can find resources within Future Medical Professionals to prepare yourself,” Kaur said. “It also allows you to get experience and to find what you like.”

The club began to meet in the beginning of December 2016. Meetings are held during Spartan period on Day 1. Members of the club are expected to be in good academic standing and must have an interest in learning more about medical careers.

(Left to right) Mr.Greenawald, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Zeisloft, and Mr. Skrapits engage in a particularly intense match of ping pong. Photo credit: Rachael Borelli

Ping pong and lunch don’t typically have a lot in common. However, during their daily lunch break, many Southern Lehigh High School teachers choose to relax with a fun, competitive game of ping pong.

“It’s good to have that outlet, to be able to connect with colleagues in a way you normally couldn’t,” social studies teacher Mr. Matthew Cooper said.

Lunch time ping-pong is often described by teachers that do play as “intense, competitive, and fun.” It’s a time to relax, not talk about school, and unwind. Not all teachers play, and it takes some luck to get a group of teachers willing to play all in the same lunch. Usually it’s a 2v2 match that goes until someone reaches 21 points, and they play for bragging rights.

“It’s the camaraderie with your friends. We’ve had so many funny moments and good games, [and] anytime you can beat Mr. Greenawald it’s a good thing,” math teacher Mr. Lou Skrapits said.

“Years ago we’d have tournaments. We drew

Future Medical Professionals Club Keeps an Eye on the Future

by Bridgette Lang

Simranpreet Kaur (left) and Corrine Koziel (right) both wish to pursue a career in the medical field. Photo credit: Bridgette Lang

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of healthcare occupations is expected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024. As the medical field continues to grow, the need for medical professionals also increases. One of the newest SLHS clubs is the Future Medical Professionals, which aims to prepare students who plan to be a part of this rapidly expanding field.

Future Medical Professionals offers unique opportunities, such as volunteering, donating, guest speakers, and job shadows. This opens the door to students who are unsure of what career they want to pursue, and want to explore options.

“Future Medical Professionals looks good on

Features

February 2017

Page 5

Student Spotlight: An Inside Look at the EMR Life

by Aries Baringer

Growing up, sophomore Thomas Hummel was influenced greatly by his parents, who both work to help others. As the years passed, his passion also became unbearable. Now, for the past three years, he has been a registered emergency medical responder, or EMR. “Once you start, you really can’t stop in this profession. You can’t just come into a profession and say, ‘Eh, I don’t know if I really want to do this.’ All the hands-on, everything you learn, you can’t just put it aside,” Hummel said. “You have to put it all in the practice. It is a lot to do and a lot to learn. It’s something you have to know you really want to do.”

He works for Cetronia Ambulance Corps, and he is able to choose his own hours. He works with a crew of two other people, an emergency medical technician (EMT), and a paramedic.

Their main responsibilities are to help out when needed and keep some of the medical papers in order.

“I have always had a passion for being in the emergency field. My dad is a police officer and I have had a lot of fun experiences having his friends take me out in emergency vehicles doing fun stuff,” Hummel said. “My mom is also in the health field as a senior tech assistant at Lehigh Valley Health Network Laboratories, so I’m constantly surrounded by it.”

Being an EMR is not only time consuming, but it also impacts the volunteers in many different ways.

“I used to be a troublemaker as a little kid. I never listened much and I was always doing my own thing,” Hummel said. “Being in the medical field, I’ve been able to get myself to be profes-

sional now. It’s helped me a lot because now I know skills that no normal person would know, and it’s just a great experience.”

Even though he is fully committed to the job, there are still some incidents that he wishes he didn’t have to encounter.

“There have been people on the verge of death that we have resuscitated through CPR,” Hummel said. “There have also been times where we have arrived on scene and the patient has been dead and there was nothing we could really do.”

However, there is one reason why Hummel continues to volunteer, day after day.

“One of my favorite parts is having the ultimate joy of knowing that someone’s bad day was turned into a good one,” he said.

Many of Hummel’s friends and teachers respect him because of all the hard work he does and are proud of him for doing what makes him happy.

“I think this is beneficial for any student, but especially for Tom because I know he will have a future in it,” health and physical education teacher Mr. Matthew Hummel said. “It also shows a lot about Tom’s personality, that he’s giving of his time and cares about the wellbeing of others.”

Day after day, Thomas Hummel continues to help others in any way he is able. Although the job can be stressful and very time consuming, he is fully dedicated to being an EMR. “I think this makes him a good person,” sophomore Rose Rivera said. “He is constantly concerned about the wellbeing of others. He’s a good person to have around.”

“When you get there, what is described on the radio can be completely different from when you’re actually there.

It’s always a surprise and a challenge for every call.”

Photo credit: Aries Baringer

Southern Lehigh’s Electives Offer Something for Everyone

by Sarah Jacobson

With the third quarter in full swing and spring fast approaching, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are in the process of selecting their courses for next year. Many students are funneled into core classes based on requirements and teacher recommendations, but the vast array of elective courses allow students to choose whatever topics suit their interests. Many choices can leave students unsure of what courses to take, but with the right information they can be sent down the path to success.

For those interested in media, Mass Media I and II are half year courses that are good for students interested in learning about the history behind mass media and film. For students interested in eventually taking Newspaper Journalism or Yearbook, they must first complete Introduction to Journalism. All three of these classes involve writing, design, and editing.

“Intro to Journalism is nice because it will expose students to graphic design, nonfiction writing techniques, and how to use programs like InDesign and Photoshop,” Introduction to Journalism and Yearbook teacher Mrs. Lauren Tocci said. “The nice thing about the course is that it becomes a catch-all for the media courses.”

The visual arts courses provide students with full and half-year creative electives. Many of the classes are offered to all grades, but some, such as Portfolio, are grade specific. Other arts courses include Ceramics I or II, Foundations of Art, and Methods and Materials.

For the music virtuosos of the school, students can choose from an array of music courses to expand their talents. Band, Chorus, Color Guard, and Theatre are just some of the options for those wishing to pursue musical hobbies or careers. These courses can be full year or half year, and they are offered to a multitude of

Explore all the electives available in the Program of Studies for the 2017-2018 school year. Photo credit: SLHS

grades depending on the course.

“I enjoy learning unconventional skills for myself personally and being part of a group where I am needed and able to represent the school as a whole,” sophomore color guard member Kendall Chenault said.

Technology courses are excellent for those wishing to immerse themselves within the technological and engineering worlds. Students from all grades are offered an array of these full and half-year courses. Foundations of Technology, Manufacturing Technology, and Principals of Engineering can expand students’ knowledge of the STEM world.

Accountants, future business tycoons, or students looking for a way to introduce themselves to the world of accounting and business should look into Southern Lehigh’s Business,

Computer and Information Technology course offerings. Classes such as Accounting I and II, and Business Law are full or half year offerings for students in all grades.

“In Accounting I and II, students are learning an actual skill that they can use in the real world,” business teacher Mrs. JoAnn Peralta said. “It also helps them when they take accounting in college because it can be difficult and this gives them exposure before going into a college level course.”

Family and Consumer Science classes are filled with helpful information about cooking, cleaning, sewing, and family care that students can utilize in their everyday lives. Concepts in Clothing, Family Living, and Independent living are three of many half and full-year courses offered to students from all grades.

Social studies electives allow students to study behavior of humans and their societies and behaviors. Psychology, AP Psychology, and Sociology are full or half-year courses offered to juniors and seniors.

“It’s an AP course so it does have its ups and downs. There are pop quizzes so you have to make sure you read for the class,” junior Sydney Dunbar said. “I would recommend [AP Psychology] because it is a fun class to take regardless if you like psychology or not.”

Southern Lehigh’s many elective offerings allow students to choose from a multitude of enriching topics to keep their minds intrigued and entertained. The program of studies provides a detailed description of all courses offered, and it is a great way to get even more information on these courses or others. Whether you wish to satisfy an artistic craving, prepare for the business world, or just explore a new topic, Southern Lehigh has you covered.

Page 6 Opinion

The Spotlight

Staff Editorial: We Should Make Mental Health One of Our Greatest Priorities Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street Center Valley, PA 18034 (610) 282-1421 x7122 slsdspotlight@gmail.com Twitter: @SLSDspotlight Facebook: Southern Lehigh Spotlight The Spotlight is published six times annually by the student members of its staff. Its purpose is to present news concerning Southern Lehigh High School and the Southern Lehigh School District, as well as to provide a forum for student opinion. Editorial content of The Spotlight expresses the view of the paper and not necessarily that of the Board of Education, Administration, or faculty of the Southern Lehigh School District. Bylined editorial content and letters to the editor represent the opinion of the writer only. All contents are copyrighted by The Spotlight. Advertising and subscription rates are furnished upon request.

Faculty Adviser Mrs. Marlo Spritzer

Editor-in-Chief Talia Trackim

Multimedia Editor

In January, psychologist and actor Mykee Fowlin visited Southern Lehigh to discuss acceptance of diversity, mental health, and self-care in environments where students feel pressured to suppress their issues and pretend to be perfect. By acting out three stereotypical characters, he not only illustrated how we never know what lies beneath a person’s exterior, but he also abstractly stressed the importance of taking care of yourself and voicing your problems when you feel overwhelmed. He showed the student body that there is no reason to be ashamed of who you are, or for feeling like you need help trying to handle everything life throws at you.

It is not uncommon to hear Southern Lehigh students complaining about stress, anxiety, and mountains of school work. Often times, we seem to feel like we are required to prioritize schoolwork, good grades, and a rigorous schedule, but many of us fail to prioritize our mental health. While many teenagers aspire to attend their dream colleges or find careers that they are passionate about and love, these goals will prove to be impossible if they are constantly unhappy and anxious.

High school is supposed to be an overall enjoyable experience, but we often take on so many responsibilities and pack our schedules with countless activities and AP classes, that we lose time to do activities that we truly enjoy and care about. We find ourselves faced with the

Should American Sign Language be Offered for Credit at Southern Lehigh?

by Sarah Walters

“ASL,” or American Sign Language, is the official language of those deaf or speech impaired. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Diversity can be found in schools from cultural differences to language barriers. But American Sign Language, or ASL, often falls beneath the radar. Bringing ASL to Southern Lehigh could be a favorable addition to our students’ education and careers.

According to research.gallaudet.edu, there are between 250,000 to 500,000 users of American Sign Language in the United States and Canada. It is also used in West Africa and Southeast Asia. Around 70 billion people use sign language as their native language.

Learning ASL takes just as long of a duration as learning any spoken language. Offering two or three years of sign language could be just as easy as offering any other language course in school.

“I don’t see any major downsides to the transition over, but there are always negatives to everything,” guidance secretary Mrs. Melody Davis said.

While English shares the oral and written language with ASL, many people find it difficult to learn signs to match words. According to the website StartASL, there is not one universal sign language, so it differs all the way up to more than three hundred variances.

Communicating with deaf people makes the conversation more personable and engaging, having to open your eyes wide open and constantly watching their motions, because deaf people actually love to keep talking.

Learning sign language can help with communicating with others who have disabilities.

“ASL is a great communication aid to use when voices can’t be used,” instructional aide Ms. Jana Brown said. “My son Jared has disabilities that affect his ability to speak clearly at times, and using sign language helps him get his words out and his ideas shared.”

Commonly people who have speech impediments to the point of not being able to speak use signing as a second option. No one wants to lose the ability to communicate with other people, and when this sense is lost, it pushes a person further to learn sign language.

“I taught my kids a few signs instead of seeing them stressed about communicating with me,” Spanish teacher

Mrs. Joan Imms-Geiser said.

In his article “ASL as a Foreign Language Fact Sheet,” Sherman Wilcox said, “Many colleges and universities are beginning to recognize the study of ASL and Deaf culture as legitimate academic pursuits and are starting to accept ASL in fulfillment of their foreign language entrance and exit requirements.”

Our neighboring school, Parkland High School, offers ASL. From freshman to senior year, students are allowed to take the language as a credited course.

Interest at Southern Lehigh could be tested during a Spartan period, which is a non-credited shortened activity and enrichment period. If there are enough students interested, maybe the school district would consider a teacher.

“Maybe not a full time and paid teacher would run the course but maybe a college student who needs classroom hours and instruction would be a good idea,” business teacher Ms. Bonnie Organski said.

A credited course would need to be approved by the administrators and the school board. “[From] middle school to now, we’ve only [gotten] the chance to sample [a few spoken] languages and carry on with the chosen one we like more,” junior Maddie Bailey said.

After asking multiple students, a majority said they have taken the same language for the past three years.

Bailey said it would be more fun to switch to something that we have not already studied for two years for high school.

“I feel [American Sign Language] should be offered in our school since it is a good opportunity for many future careers,” sophomore Abby Wagner said.

Most colleges suggest to have at least two high school years of a language. Two or three years provide the basic concepts to be able to hold a conversation in that dialect.

American Sign Language offers a way to communicate to hard of hearing and deaf people. They learn to communicate with us, so we should be able to learn basic signs to meet them halfway.

Nicole Schroy

News Editor Izza Choudhry

Features Editor Allison Borelli

Center Spread Editor Danielle Alpert

Opinion Editors

Caitlin Roth and Rachael Borelli

Our World Editor Sarah Trebicka

Entertainment Editor Jamie Kish

Sports Editor

Townsend Colley

Staff Members Ben Baca Aries Baringer Sarah Jacobson Ashley Jann Maggie Moerder Quinn Schmidt Sarah Walters

Pennsylvania School Press Association 2016 Gold Rating 2015 Gold Rating 2014 Gold Rating 2013 Silver Rating National School Press Association 2015 First Class Rating

struggle of remaining laser-focused and excelling in every subject, and so we forget to spend time on ourselves or with our friends. Will the attainment of your sky-high aspirations truly be a reward if you look back with resentment and regret on the four years you spent trying to achieve them?

It is extremely important to spend more time enjoying the present and less time worrying and stressing about the future. The unfortunate truth is that students take on more than they can handle in the hopes that it will lead them to automatic success and, therefore, happiness.

While overwhelming yourself might make you successful, it is certainly not guaranteed to make you happy.

Students, parents, and teachers need to understand and stress the fact that mental health should always be one of our greatest priorities. It is no secret that success takes hard work and dedication, but it is not worth sacrificing your health and time that could be spent living your life the way you want to. While it is vital to set realistic goals that will open doors for opportunity in the future, success is not a one-way ticket to happiness. In the midst of all your hard work, never forget to take a step back once in awhile and give yourself some well-deserved recognition. Most importantly, never be afraid to ask for help when you need it: we all struggle and feel overwhelmed sometimes, and it is not a crime to take a break.

February 2017

Opinion

Page 7

Hate crimes towards American Muslims have reached the highest point they have been since the September 11, 2001 attacks. Photo credit: JMacPherson

Fear Causes Unfair Discrimination of U.S. Muslims

by Sarah Trebicka

While the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which promises free exercise of religion, is meant to apply to all residents of the United States regardless of their religious beliefs, many outspoken bigots seem to believe that this freedom applies only to non-Muslims. About 1.6 billion people, or 23 percent of the world’s population, practice Islam, yet Muslims are too often subjected to discrimination, hate crimes, and ignorance simply for being incorrectly linked to radical terrorism. This harsh generalization is false and hypocritical, and it sprouts from a place of fear.

According to the New York Times, hate crimes against American Muslims have skyrocketed to their highest levels since the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, and they have increased by 67 percent from 2014 to 2015. More than 480 antiMuslim crimes occurred following 9/11; in 2015, the FBI recorded a total of 257 assaults, attacks on mosques, and other hate crimes against Muslims. Additionally, 91 anti-Muslim assaults were reported in 2015; 93 were reported in 2001.

“I am saddened by attacks perpetuated by fear and ignorance on the religion of Islam, and on anyone who is Middle Eastern and assumed to be Muslim,” social studies teacher Mrs. Jennifer Wlodek said. “I say to my students, ‘Are all teenagers alike?’ and they say, ‘No,’ and I say, ‘Exactly.’

Not all people who come from a certain religion, culture, or country are exactly the same.”

A 2016 Pew Research survey found that 59 percent of U.S. adults believe there is “a lot” of discrimination against Muslims in the United States today, and about 75 percent believe discrimination against Muslims is increasing. The same survey found that 49 percent of American adults think at least “some Muslims” in the U.S. are anti-American, and 11 percent think “all Muslims” are anti-American. A different Pew Research survey from 2015 found that 46 percent of Americans thought Islam was more likely than other religion to encourage violence.

“I think it is a shame that people think [Islam is a violent religion], but from what people watch and read on the news, it’s often not hard to have that belief. Islam, like Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, is not a violent religion,” world history teacher Mr. Lee Zeisloft said. “There have been violent acts committed by people who practice all faiths, but they aren’t a true reflection of any of the core beliefs of those religions, or of a majority of the followers. It’s unfortunate that people who don’t practice or re-

ally understand the religion try to categorize all the people within a faith as something that they are not.”

Sharp increases in anti-Muslim prejudice could be the result of divisive language and xenophobic rhetoric expressed on the 2015 campaign trail in response to terrorism. Former Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz floated around ideas calling for law enforcement to patrol Muslim neighborhoods, and President Donald Trump once even called for implementing a federal database to track all Muslims. Both these policies single out Muslim Americans, thus conflicting with traditional American commitments to religious tolerance and freedom.

Even worse, President Trump recently signed an executive order closing American borders to refugees and immigrants from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and Libya: all majority Muslim countries. However, this ban will prioritize Christian refugees, even though according to the Pew Research Center, less than one percent of Syrians granted refugee status last year are Christian. How can the U.S. promise freedom of religion and “liberty and justice for all” when the leader of the free world himself seems to value Christian lives more than Muslim lives? Why are Muslims labeled as terrorists, but Christians are not?

“Mass shootings in schools and even in Planned Parenthoods are usually committed by white men, yet people do not stereotype all white Christian men as mass shooters,” junior Emma Duane said. “I am much more likely to get trapped in one of these situations than I am to find myself in a terrorist attack with a Muslim individual.”

According to a 2016 study by Duke University sociologist Charles Kurzman, only 46 Muslim Americans were tied to domestic or foreign terrorism last year. Of those 46, 24 actually participated in a concrete terrorist plot. Those plots claimed a total of 54 lives, 49 of which were lost during the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. While these abominable acts are still inexcusable, it is important to note that they make up a microscopic minority of global terrorism; therefore, it is simply inaccurate to paint all Muslim Americans as a dangerous, menacing threat to the U.S. According to the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security, attacks

by Muslims accounted for only one third of one percent of all murders in America last year. In fact, you’re more likely to be strangled by your

own clothing or shot by a toddler with a gun than you are to die in a terrorist attack committed by a Muslim immigrant (a chance that measures up to roughly 1 in 3.6 million).

“If the media pushes the idea that ‘Islamic terrorists’ are not a reflection of an overwhelming majority of Muslims around the world, I think it’ll slowly improve how we as a society view the religion,” Mr. Zeisloft said. “And I’ll make sure, as a world history teacher, to do my part to continue to focus on the positive aspects of Islam and its importance in world history.”

We also cannot ignore the fact that extremism is not exclusive to Muslims. Between 2001 and 2015, more Americans were killed by white supremacists, anarchists, and other homegrown right-wing extremists than by radical Muslims.

Furthermore, Muslims are victims of terrorism, too; according to the Global Terrorism Index, 82 percent of fatalities due to terrorist attacks occurred in majority Muslim countries such as Syria and Iraq. A 2016 survey by the Pew Research Center found that most people (94 percent in Jordan, for instance) in majority Muslim countries have an unfavorable view of ISIS, and believe that violence against civilians in the name of Islam is rarely or never justified.

The bottom line is that forming judgments and making decisions from a place of fear does nothing but amplify tensions and deepen divisions, and creating more enemies to fight a common enemy is not effective or beneficial. We as a country must remain united through compassion, and we must have the courage to stand up in the face of hatred. The U.S. has always been a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, a “golden door” for those seeking opportunity, and a safe haven for “huddled masses” escaping desperate and oppressive situations. It is arguably un-American to perpetuate hostility and intolerance against people who we may perceive as different or unfamiliar, and to build walls rather than bridges. “[The best approach to minimize terrorism] is education,” Mrs. Wlodek said. “We need to provide people with correct information, not some random person’s thoughts on social media.”

“I hope that we as a country will be able to unite in order to truly and justly exterminate the issues in America regarding terrorism, foreign affairs, racism, and more,” Duane said. “Will we?

Well, that’s up to us.”

Page 8

Center Spread

The Spotlight

Bromances and Womances

Te ac Edi h e r tio n

Photo Credit: Talia Trackim

by Talia Trackim

The Spotlight: What do you two have in common? How are you different?

Mr. Haupt: The family is a big thing. We’re both very family guys. I think that when it comes to that, how we value our wives and our children, I think that’s a really core part of who we are and we definitely share [our families] being a big part of our lives. We’ve had conversations, just

about being a father, about being a husband, and you know the impact that can have on your personal life as well as your professional life and different things that impact you.

Mr. Castagna: That’s way more profound than what I was gonna come up with. I was gonna say we’re both nerds and wimps.

Mr. Haupt: That’s also absolutely true.

Mr. Castagna: I have to hang up big pictures of me doing Spartan Races so that people think I’m tougher than I actually am. That’s the mask I wear of, like, late 20th century masculinity.

If you weren’t captain of the football team, so many doors were closed to you. So I had to act like I was tougher than I was.

Mr. Haupt: I’m totally okay with not being that way at all.

Mr. Castagna: [Mr. Haupt’s] way more comfortable with it. For me I’m still trying to shed the mask. He’s also incredibly out of shape.

Mr. Haupt: Incredibly. I’m trying to get in shape so I can keep up a little bit...

To catch the full interview go to slspotlight.com or scan this QR code with your smart phone.

February 2017

Center Spread

by Ashley Jann

Page 9

The Spotlight: What’s your favorite thing about the other person? What’s your least favorite thing?

Srta. Swartz: My least favorite is when she talks to me in the morning. But, she’s a very good listener and gives good advice.

Madame Byers: When she doesn’t want to talk to me in the morning is my least favorite. Her sense of humor and how she laughs at my jokes is my favorite though...

To catch the full interview go to slspotlight. com or scan this QR code with your smart phone.

Photo Credit: Ashley Jann

by Ben Baca

The Spotlight: How has your friendship evolved over the years?

Mrs. Howsare: We used to just be together occasionally at school.

Now it seems like we are always together. We have our Prep period together on Even days, so we are usually together then. Also, we do hang out occasionally outside of school. We used to attend an exercise class together. On Inservice days, we go out for lunch together, along with Ms. Viola, Mrs. Tocci, and Mrs. Spritzer. We also like going for afternoon coffee at the Promenade with Ms. Viola when we can.

Mrs. Ciotti: In the beginning of our friendship, we spent time together primarily at school during meetings and lunch. Over the years, we recognized that we enjoyed each other’s company and would meet both inside and outside of school. A few years ago, we began teaching the same course, so as a result we started meeting more frequently to plan. We now get together before school, during prep period, while eating lunch, and after school. We love to go out for coffee, shopping, dinner, movies, etc. Our friendship has grown stronger over the years that when one of us is not in school we feel a void. I don’t know what I will do when she retires before me...

Photo Credit: Ben Baca

To catch the full interview go to slspotlight.com or scan this QR code with your smart phone.

Page 10

Our World

The Spotlight

Studies Name 2016 Hottest Year on Record

by Rachael Borelli

A 1941 photograph (left) of the Muir Glacier and its tributary, Riggs Glacier, in Alaska, in which the two glaciers completely fill the Muir inlet. On the right, a 2004 photograph of the same two glaciers, in which the Muir Glacier is located 4 miles to the northwest (out of the field of view), the Riggs Glacier has retreated about 0.4 miles, and both glaciers have become substantially thinner. Photo credit: W. O. Field (left) and Bruce F. Molina (right)

The World Meteorological Organization revealed that 2016 is the new hottest year on record, and independent analyses by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate that this was the third consecutive global heat record-breaking year. In short, the planet is experiencing global warming: the gradual increase of the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its ocean.

and mosquitos, the swelling of pollen-producing ragweed population, and higher levels of air pollution. Global warming is also producing ocean acidification, which happens when humans release carbon into the atmosphere, thus raising the temperature. When the emission meets water, it creates carbonic acid, which lowers the PH of the water, thus raising the acidity. Some shellfish are already feeling the negative effects of ocean acidification, as their shells are dissolving faster than they can be produced.

From 1901 to 2011, the temperature has significantly warmed globally. Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

“We need to either figure out how to either slow [global warming], or adapt better to it,” science teacher Mr. Rick Dreves said.

Since recordkeeping began in the 19th century, the Earth’s temperature has risen by about two degrees Fahrenheit, and scientists predict that warming will continue to exceed records. For the nay sayers, 97 percent of climate papers stating a position on climate change agree that global warming is indeed happening, and that it is largely caused by human activities such as using large volumes of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, burning fossil fuels, agriculture, land clearing, and more.

Human-caused climate change is responsible for the record-warm years seen in the twenty-first century. In a recent New York Times article, climate scientist Michael E. Mann of the Earth Science Center at Pennsylvania State University said without these human factors, the level of global warming which we have achieved would have less than one-in-a-million odds of happening.

While a two-degree increase may not seem significant, a few consequences of those two degrees are the increase of allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks, all due to the spread of conditions beneficial for pathogens

“You’ve got tick outbreaks because of warmer temperatures, and [the ticks are] killing off moose because they’re [having their blood] sucked dry,” senior Garrison Piel said. “All these little side effects that we are not expecting are coming out of nowhere as the trend continues.

I’m worried about what the next surprise is.”

the U.S. “I am really just scared for when I’m here and when I’m gone. What’s going to happen?” Piel said. “I’m big into wildlife, and I see all the biodiversity around us already starting to die off and shrivel, and these statistics that are predicting that [human beings are causing] a sixth major extinction...because we are killing off so much of our wildlife.”

Last year was also the United States’ second warmest year in 122 years of record-keeping, and the 20th consecutive year that the annual average temperature exceeded the normal average temperature. However, weather dynamics often affect regional temperatures. For instance, the El Niño, a wide scale, irregularly occurring and complex atmosphere-ocean climate interaction linked to the unusually warm sea surface temperatures across the Equatorial Pacific regions every few years, is partly to blame for the speedier heating months of 2015 and early months of 2016. Therefore, not every region on Earth experienced record average temperatures last year.

“I think they need to relax a bit, because if they make it too big of an issue, issues that are more important won’t get solved,” junior Zackary Campbell said.

Nevertheless, many people believe that the temperature record is unreliable, glaciers are growing, or that the earth is actually cooling instead of warming. Unfortunately, these people are victims of misinformation influenced by commonly spread myths regarding global warming.

Many reputable online resources are available for education on the topic. SkepticalScience.com, for instance, debunks myths, and even contains both basic and intermediate-level explanations, while also citing a plethora of sources.

“Like anything, [climate change] has to be taken, interpreted, and chewed upon for a logical conclusion,” Mr. Dreves said. “If you care, you care, if you don’t, you don’t, but you should have some concern because it does affect you.”

If you are concerned about climate change and want to see what you can do, there are countless solutions that the average person can easily implement. You could install a programmable thermostat (which would save you about $100 a year on your energy bill), clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner, cover your pots while cooking, use the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full, take showers instead of baths, and much more. Such little, earth-friendly changes, over time, could begin to diminish the threat of human-induced global warming.

“All these little side effects that

we are not expecting are coming out of nowhere as the trend continues. I’m worried about what the next surprise is.”

According to multiple sources like the NOAA, Princeton University, and the University of Oxford, chances of the recurrence and ferocity of heavy rains has increased due to human-induced climate change. Rising temperatures are creating more powerful hurricanes, longer and hotter heat waves, frequent droughts, and heavier rainfall. For example, the 2016 Louisiana floods were 10 percent stronger and 40 percent more likely due to climate change. In fact, the U.S. experienced 15 weather and climate disasters, which caused 138 deaths and $46 billion in damages to

Our World Page 11

February 2017

Where are They Now? Solehi Alumni: Dana Urban

SL Portfolio Students Showcase Artwork for Black History Month

by Caitlin Roth

by Danielle Alpert

Several Southern Lehigh portfolio students painted portraits on display at Allentown Art Museum of famous African American poets. Photo credit: Caitlin Roth Southern Lehigh alumna Dana Urban is currently studying at Emory University as a dual master’s student. Photo credit: Rachel Urban

After graduating from high school, many people either think “I never have to go to school again!” or “Only four more years until I’m finally done with classes.” However, that is not the case for 2010 Southern Lehigh alumna Dana Urban.

After high school graduation, Urban earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Health from the University of Richmond. Now she is back in school as a dual degree master’s student to obtain a Master of Public Health degree, a Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant degree, and a Certificate in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies at Emory University.

“I’m working as a graduate research assistant with the Center for the Health of Incarcerated Populations at Emory. We do research on the health of people in jails and prisons, looking at things like access to HIV testing and treatment, and influenza outbreak prevention,” Urban said. “After college before graduate school, I spent time working as an Emergency Department Technician, working in an ER doing things like IVs, drawing blood, EKGs, and splints.”

Urban spent six months at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda, a home providing high quality counseling and education services to teenagers.

“I worked there doing Career Development, where I helped students decide their career paths, apply to colleges and jobs, work on resumes, learn typing, study for the SATs/TOEFL, and develop other professional skills,” Urban said. “I also coached their debate team, which was a really cool experience. It was amazing.”

Since Urban is studying global health, she has visited many different places around the world, including India, China, South Africa, Peru, Rwanda, and Israel. Urban is going back to South Africa this summer to study HIV care. Her goal is to get a job in outbreak investigation, HIV/AIDS treatment, or emergency response, which are all “in the intersection of public health and clinical medicine.”

Urban’s leadership skills were developed in high school, as she was a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, and Student Council. She was also very involved with the speech and debate team, which she calls one of the best experiences of her time in high school.

“Not only did I develop friendships with other students from around the country, I developed valuable skills in research, writing, and public speaking,” Urban said. “I am so thankful for the speech and debate team for helping me develop the skills and confidence that are a large part of me today.”

Urban was inspired to study global health after reading the book “The Hot Zone” by Richard Preston for AP Biology. She always had an interest in science and medicine, but this book and the class discussions were her introduction to infectious diseases.

When Urban is stressed by the challenges of her education, she always remembers this simple phrase as a helpful reality check: “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”

Throughout the entire month of February, the artwork of 13 Southern Lehigh portfolio students is on display at the Allentown Art Museum as a part of the museum’s celebration of Black History Month. The celebration includes artwork, guest speakers, poetry readings, and films. For the exhibition, Southern Lehigh students painted portraits of famous African-American poets specifically chosen by art teacher Mrs. Courtney Bathgate and the museum curator.

“My own work has been displayed at the museum, so I wanted to have the same opportunities for the portfolio students,” Mrs. Bathgate said. “Once we got our gallery secured, a theme was generated for the exhibition by myself and the museum curator. Since the paintings were going to be displayed in February, and there were going to be readings from African American poets, I decided we should honor some of those poets visually.”

Senior Allie Janda proudly snaps a selfie in front of her portrait for Black History Month at the Allentown Art Museum. Photo credit: Allie Janda

Each student was assigned a certain poet and required to complete an essay on the poet’s background and influence.

Then, the students created greyscale portraits of their poet, with the painting’s backdrop featuring lines from their most famous works.

Senior Sloane Sexton showcases her artwork at the Allentown Art Museum. Photo credit: Sloane Sexton

“I was assigned Daniel Webster Davis to paint. To be honest, I was pleased when I learned more about him and read a lot of his work,” senior Allie Janda said.

“It was all so moving!”

“I’m pretty excited [about having my art in this exhibition],” senior Sloane Sexton said. “I’ve never had my art shown before, and I’m really proud of the piece, too. Our families as well as the public are welcome.”

The exhibition can be viewed in the Auxiliary Auditorium Wednesdays through Sundays, with free admission Sunday and Thursday nights from 4 to 8 p.m.

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual observance for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora throughout the entire month of February. It was started by noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926, who designated the second week of February as a celebration of black history to coincide with thd birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, A few prominent figures we may honor during Black History Month are Maya Angelou, James Booker, Billie Holiday, Langston Hughes, Frederick Douglass, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Page 12 Arts and Entertainment

The Spotlight

‘Monster Trucks’: On the Road to Being a Cult Classic

by Caitlin Roth

Photo credit: Atlantic Records

If I could sum up my experience with the new film “Monster Trucks,” I would like to borrow the words of the wise kid sitting next to me in the crowded theater, “What is this?” What is this indeed. In all my years of movie going, no film has ever given me such mixed emotions. “Monster Trucks” is a $125 million idea straight from the mind of a producer’s four-year-old child (literally) about monsters in trucks. And that’s about it.

“Monster Trucks” is a difficult movie to explain, but I will try my best. The film opens on Rob Lowe, playing the character of “CEO of evil oil company with the worst Southern accent in cinematic history,” drilling for oil until an unexpected problem arises. Between the ground and the oil pocket is a vast lake with the possibility of containing life. Lowe, subtly showing you he’s the bad guy, says to just keep drilling anyway. Instead

of hitting oil, three squid-looking monsters pop out and blow up the entire oil plant. Two are caught and sent away to a lab for testing, while one escapes.

Cut to stereotypical hot young Hollywood blonde actor #27, a.k.a Lucas Till. He’s cool. He’s hot. He’s living in North Dakota. His name is Tripp. But do you know what Tripp doesn’t have?

A hot set of wheels. Tripp works part time in a junkyard, trying to build his own truck. But one night, everything changes because one of the giant octopus monsters from the oil drilling accident is in the junkyard. The creature, that Tripp creatively names “Creech,” has some super powers from drinking oil that allows him to basically become a car engine, because this is a movie, and logic does not matter. So they drive around a lot and have a grand old time.

But wait, there’s more! The evil oil company needs to track down the monster so they can dispose of it and erase all evidence of its existence. Also, the two they have in captivity conveniently are the parents of Tripp’s monster friend.

So Tripp has to free the two parent monsters, reunite them with their baby, and then take them back to their underground home.

This is literally the first 30 minutes of the movie, filled to the brim with a whirlwind of dizzying chase scenes and bright flashy colors. If you feel exhausted from just reading the synopsis of “Monster Trucks,” imagine sitting through runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

However, to my surprise, I would recommend this movie. I walked into “Monster Trucks” ready to tear it apart, expecting it to be the worst movie I will ever see. To be completely honest with you, it really was not all that bad. It may be my love for “so bad it’s good” cinema, or possibly I just needed something light-hearted after seeing the very depressing “A Monster Calls,” but I physically cannot dislike this movie. It is in no way good, but there still is something endearing and entertaining about it that I cannot help but admire.

With this film’s terrible acting, nonsensical plot, and garbage CGI effects, I could see “Monster Trucks” becoming a cult classic years down the road. For the kids, the movie is pure, unadulterated fun. For us, it is just fun to bash with a group of friends on movie night.

If “so bad it’s good” cinema isn’t your forte, at least the monster in “Monster Trucks” is very cute. “Creech” is a mixture between a squid, an octopus, a beluga whale, and a giant big glob of squishy stuff. He has many human-like qualities, like smiling, waving, and just flopping around on land. “Creech” is just basically a subterranean dog, whose antics even made me, a miserable cinema critic, go “hey that’s pretty cute.”

But then again, something I realized during “Monster Trucks” is that this is a movie created by an idea from a four-year-old, and obviously is geared toward that age group. As I watched children leave the theater with smiles on their faces, praising the movie and thanking their parents for taking them, I realized maybe it did not matter if “Monster Trucks” was good or bad. Maybe all that mattered is that families can see a movie together and have a genuine good time. Because if children, the target audience this movie is geared towards, enjoyed themselves and experienced even a little bit of happiness, than who am I to judge.

“Monster Trucks” is not a good movie in any sense, but it still has enough charm and cheesiness to be entertaining. However, it’s all how you view it too. If you go into this movie about octopus monsters in trucks thinking it is going to be the best picture nominee at the Oscars, then obviously you will be disappointed. Maybe it’s just the existential crisis I’m having while writing this, but I view “Monster Trucks” as an important life allegory: to not take yourself so seriously, to relax and enjoy a stupid movie once in awhile, and to let your inner kid shine.

But then again, what do I know. I’m just a film critic.

Ed Sheeran’s New Tracks Are ‘Sheer Brilliance’

by Ashley Jann

After a three-year long break from music making, Ed Sheeran has released two new tracks entitled, “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.” They will be part of his third studio album, “Divide.”

Fans learned of the new music when Sheeran returned to social media after a year-long hiatus and posted a picture of the color blue. Though many may think this is no big deal, those familiar with his past two album releases know that the usual signature look is a solid color with a mathematical symbol. The British singer kept true to the pattern, revealing the album art to be a blue background with the division sign.

The Grammy-winner’s music fits within the pop genre, but with soulful lyrics that connect with listeners. The single “Shape of You,” carries a classic pop tune and centers around a theme of finding love and holding on to it. The lyrics are catchy, much like previous songs he has made such as “Thinking Out Loud” and “Kiss Me.” It has a fast, upbeat sound that stays true throughout the single. “Shape of You” has since hit number one on the Billboard music charts as of January 17.

With “Castle on the Hill” the tempo is still quick, but Sheeran sings the nostalgic lyrics at a slower speed. The song talks about childhood and the cycle of growing up, and Sheeran plays grander riffs and strong instrumental chords. The track takes one look back on memories made when they were young. This single is also featured on Billboard’s music charts Top 100 singles at number six.

Overall, the two singles featured on “Divide” are both quite upbeat and great for when you either want to look back at good times or fall in love. The quick tempo makes the tracks instant pop hits, but with Sheeran’s signature passionate lyrics. The profound topics are similar to past albums; however, the themes are so far more cheerful than former featured singles, such as “A Team” or “Small Bump.”

“Divide” will include twelve singles, with many that hint at love and heartbreak. But from the contrasts shown between “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” listeners can most likely expect diverse sounds among the tracks. The album’s expected release date is March 3.

Photo credit: Atlantic Records

Follow The Spotlight on Twitter! @SLSDspotlight

February 2017

Arts and Entertainment

Page 13

Literary & Arts Club Hosts First Ever Coffee House

by Rachael Borelli

For the first time ever, on January 20th, the Art and Literary Club hosted a Coffeehouse fundraiser in the high school’s cafeteria from 7-9 pm. Co-founders and Co-Presidents Nicole Schroy and Talia Trackim planned the event, along with Vice-President Madeline Hoffert while fellow club members helped set up the event.

“I was interested to see my peers...to see their talents and what they could come up with,” senior Sarah Yanega said.

The coffeehouse sold baked goods (including in-house made waffles), displayed artwork, scheduled 11 performances with two intermissions to create three blocks of performances, and had an open mic at the end of the night.

“I attended the coffeehouse to support my friends who were performing in the coffeehouse,” senior Quinn Gaughan said.

While only half of the cafeteria was open to seating, almost all tables were occupied, and tables located in the front were practically filled to the brim with students supporting their friends, family members, and other audience members.

“I greatly admire the bravery to get up there and sing, and also the fact that they’re pretty good,” senior Sarah Yanega said. “I appreciate the bravery it takes to willingly perform in front of everyone.”

The lineup was as follows: Lauren Jardine and Garrison Piel performed “Dear Happy, Dan Zelenkofske performed “Blackbird” and “Is There Anybody out there?,” Alex McCue recited her poem, “Night”, Brooke Wellington, Sean Inniss, and Logan Clemmer performed “Riptide” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, Lauren Jardine then performed “Sick of Losing Soulmates,” Victor Aunt performed “Feel Good Inc.,” Abby Norton and Ryan Flynn as Grammatically Uncorrect performed “Words,” ”Not Scared,” and “Cop Graveyard,” Nicole Brintzenhoff read an excerpt from her story, “Flowers Die,” and the final scheduled performance was Maria Corrandini who sang “Break Free”.

“I feel like [the coffeehouse] was kinda low key and loving. I know a lot of people here have been friends for a long time. It’s people coming

Photo credit: Rachael Borelli

together for a common and interest, its friends coming together and reconnecting, “ senior Madeline Hoffert said. “[I enjoyed] just seeing friends go up and out of their comfort zone and sharing their work...It’s nice to have people come out and support them.”

‘Rogue One’ Shoots for the Stars (and Misses)

by Ben Baca

Photo credit: Walt Disney Pictures/Lucasfilm

“Rogue One” is the latest film in the franchise and the first installment of the “Star Wars” Anthology series as a standalone story. It first premiered in Los Angeles on December 10, 2016, before officially arriving in theatres on December 16, 2016.

The movie is set after the events of the prequel trilogy of Episodes I, II and III, where a female renegade named Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is rescued by the Rebel Alliance to help them find the details of how to destroy the Imperial Empire’s weapon, the Death Star. She joins forces with new allies, such as a Rebel Captain and Officer, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a droid named K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), and Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen), to form a group called “Rogue One.” “I think it’s a standalone movie for a reason,” senior Vince Bufanio said. “I can’t compare it with ‘The Force Awakens.’”

Sadly, “Rogue One” doesn’t live up to be as good as the other films in the series.

Instead of providing fan service, the movie just gives the audience new one-off characters for

marketing purposes. As the characters will not be seen in later films, it seems that the only reason that the movie was made was just for the sake of selling more toys.

Additionally, it features forgettable characters with bad development and bland personalities, based upon of cliched characters that have been overused many times in other stories. One example of this would be K-2SO, a supporting character that does nothing but provide comic relief.

The film’s premise was very mediocre, with some elements that worked and some that didn’t. It also had predictable moments regarding the main characters that could be seen from a mile away.

To be fair, the film did have amazing camera angles and visually appealing action scenes from the beginning to the end, but overall, it was a disappointment and wasn’t necessary as a prequel to the original trilogy. If you’re a big “Star Wars” fan, I would not recommend “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” I rate it a 4.5/10.

Upcoming Movies:

March 3 Logan 20th Century Fox

March 17 Beauty and the Beast Walt Disney Pictures

March 17 The Belko Experiment MGM

March 31 Ghost in the Shell Paramount Pictures

Page 14

Sports

The Spotlight

Souders Brings All-American Resume to Boys Lacrosse

by Townsend Colley

Couch Souders picks up a ground ball during a game with Lehigh during the 2014 season. Photo credit Justin Lafleur

Success in sports is hard to maintain. Very hard. Ask any current NFL coach not named Bill Belichick and they’ll tell you that to repeat as champions is one of the hardest things you can do. Apply the added complications that come with coaching a high school sports team, and soon you're facing an uphill climb on a sheer marble cliff. Whether it be due to graduation, injuries, or players just simply losing interest, attrition of players is an issue faced by any high school team in the nation. Now consider trying to repeat as champions with a reloaded roster and a brand new first-time head coach. Welcome to the life of Southern Lehigh boys lacrosse.

“A team with success, making it to districts just last year, a team coming off of a championship is gonna have a hard time trying to defend that district title and that's hard for a new coach to contend with,” junior midfielder Eli Price said.

Southern Lehigh concluded the 2016 season by winning the district championship with head coach Desi Gonzalez who had taken the Spartans to the championship game in his first year only to lose in triple overtime. Then while riding high off of a successful season, the Spartans were dealt a stupefying blow in the offseason when they learned Coach Gonzalez, who had taken the team to previously unprecedented heights, would be taking a new job as a coach at Bryn Athyn College. The Spartans suddenly had to deal with not only the loss of key players such as Southern Lehigh alumni Michael Nelson, Wyatt Noone, and Blake Levengood, but also their head coach.

And so the reloading process began with the hunt for a new coach, a search that turned up Ty Souders.

“It started out like any other process, we put it out in the newspapers and any applicable industry websites,” athletic director Chad Remaly said. “Initially it was just accumulating interest, accumulating applications, resumes and kind of evaluating them from there. So this process played out over the course of about four months.”

Souders isn’t your typical head coach that you’d bring in for a defending championship team. In fact, he is quite the opposite. His resume screams that he be the perfect man to turn around a team known across the league as a perennial dumpster fire that's in need of a young spark, a complete 180 of what the Spartan lacrosse program should be looking for in a coach. It's almost comical how much the resume of Ty Souders fits the definition of a new coach destined for a disaster team, the opposite of Southern Lehigh -- young, limited coaching experience, success as

a player, a local. However, in the mind of the Southern Lehigh lacrosse team, he is exactly what the team needed.

“We’re at a point where we're coming off an extremely successful year, and having the district title, and beating your Parklands and Emmauses,” Remaly said. “I think the expectations are really high, so I think in this case it was important for us to find, not only the right fit on paper, but to find someone whose name will keep the excitement where it's been at since last season ended.”

Souders grew up in the Lehigh Valley where he had played lacrosse since he was in seventh grade. He starred at Emmaus High School, where he was a four-year letter-winner and a captain during both his junior and senior seasons. Following a district championship season, Souders committed to play for Coach Kevin Cassese at Lehigh University, where he was a four-year starter and a three-time all-Patriot League selection.

Following his career at Lehigh, Souders was drafted to the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse with the 22nd overall pick. Upon the conclusion of his MLL career, Souders worked in finance before coming back to the Lehigh Valley to coach lacrosse and work in his father’s construction company. His primary coaching experience stems from being an assistant coach at Penn Charter and coaching club lacrosse at Club HHH. Coaching at Southern Lehigh will be the first endeavor for Souders as a head coach.

“It's gonna be a learning experience for me, logistically, obviously there is a lot involved outside the Xs and Os, off the field, on the field,” Coach Souders said. “I’ll do the best I can. Will it be perfect? Absolutely not. But I think it will be a fun challenge that I look forward to taking on.”

Despite the new hire, life goes on in the world of Lehigh Valley lacrosse, and the Spartans have already begun to prepare for the 2017 spring season. Immediately upon his arrival, Coach Souders began to assemble his first coaching staff.

“Coach is looking for a balance. Him being more of a defensiveminded coach based on his background and where he played, he’s trying to balance that out with some offensive minds,” Remaly said. “He’s looking to bring coaches into the program that can really relate with the student-athletes.”

While his coaching staff is largely set, Souders will need to overall the Spartans’ roster from the losses of the 2016 senior class. Despite winning the district title last year, the Spartans lost many starters on both offense and defense that proved to be a large part of the Spartans’ success over the last two years.

For the 2017 season, a new group of seniors will be tasked with carrying the banner for Southern Lehigh lacrosse. Anchored by senior defenseman Andrew Malicki, the team will be built around a strong close defense unit and several returning pieces of offensive firepower, including sophomore attackman Ken Wolfe, who led the team in goals last year with 51. To add to the tumultuous challenge, for the first time in two seasons, the Spartans will have a new face in between the pipes after the graduation of goaltender Alex Amann.

“We’re going to look to identify who our best players are,” Souders said. “I think the unique thing about coaching high school is that you have to come up with schemes and sets that fit the best part of your team and coach to their strengths.”

Coach Souders believes that despite the losses, the team is in a position to add another title to the banner.

“You need to set your goals as high as possible,” he said. “Not to be to cliche, but if you aim high and miss by a little bit, you still had a pretty successful season.”

by Nicole Schroy

Scan the QR code for a web exclusive article about the cheerleading team and their road to nationals in Orlando.

Photo credit Kaitlyn Torcivia

Cheerleading Leads the Way to Nationals

February 2017

Sports

Page 15

Miller and Brown Inducted Into Miracle League HOF

by Quinn Schmidt

On July 26, 2006, the lives of Lehigh Valley children were changed by the addition of a baseball diamond in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. The five-acre complex was completed in order to give children with disabilities the chance to play baseball. This specialized field represents one of the now 275 Miracle League organizations spanning all across the globe.

On December 8, freshman Sara Miller was inducted into the Miracle League Hall of Fame alongside Jared Brown, the son of instructional assistant Mrs. Jana Brown. Both are distinguished veterans of the Miracle League, entering their tenth year in the organization.

The Lehigh Valley Miracle League is an organization that allows special needs children in the Valley to play in a baseball league of their own. The playing field is not composed of the usual grass and dirt, but instead a Mondo Super X Performance turf that allows wheelchairs to travel safely. They try to stay as close to the rules of baseball as possible, but with a twist. In 1998 when the Miracle League was founded, it was determined that each player would get to bat and score each inning, and that every game would end in a tie. This provided each player the opportunity to round the bases just like the pros, and feel the same sense of pride and joy felt by their peers when they win a game.

Baseball has given Miller and Brown the chance to play the sport they share a passion for. They have spent numerous weekends at the field, and not just in the games. Miller, who has lived with Segawa Syndrome for her whole life, was previously a player. However, because she has been rapidly improving, she is able to volunteer more. She often runs the scoreboard on the weekends, and she occasionally gets to hop in and play a few games.

“I feel like I’ve been there for awhile and I know everyone’s names,” Miller said. “I help people that need help.”

Brown lives with general dystonia, a movement disorder that confines him to a wheelchair. Through the efforts of the volunteers at the Miracle League, he along with many others are able to play the sport they love.

At the head of the Lehigh Valley Miracle League Organization is Kate Miller, Sara Miller’s mother. As executive director, Miller handles fundraising as well as planning winter activities for players.

Jared Brown and Sarah Miller at the Miracle League Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Photo credit Kate Miller

“Most kids can’t get out of the house in the winter,” Mrs. Miller said, “so I give them opportunities to do things they normally can’t do.”

Sara’s father also plays a role in the Miracle League. As the head baseball coach at Southern Lehigh, Mr. Todd Miller brings his team to the Miracle League to help the players.

“It’s fun to see all the kids come out and have a great time playing the sport they truly love,” sophomore baseball player Alex Knecht said. “I’m proud to be part of their baseball experience.

The Miller family has spent the past nine years dedicating themselves to the Miracle League so children all over the Lehigh Valley can play baseball.

Whether that be through the persistent efforts in fundraising by Mrs. Miller, or the countless hours spent volunteering by Sara, the Millers have left a lasting impression on the Miracle League.

Southern Lehigh Boys Basketball Team Seeks to Propel Themselves Through Playoffs

by Quinn Schmidt

Seniors Hudson, Patel, Miller, Welsh and Dougherty have been motivated to lead the team to success. Photo credit: Quinn Schmidt

When Ben Tannous took over the Spartan boys basketball program four years ago, he turned the team into a winning machine. In his last two years, he has racked up a combined 35 wins, with a mere 14 losses. However, previous seasons have all had the same disappointing storyline: a strong start followed by an unfortunate early playoff loss. This year, the Spartans will look to rise above the ranks of mediocrity in the playoffs.

“We just won’t talk about the losses,” Coach Tannous said. “If anything we can use it as motivation and experience so we just play as if it was any other game.”

The Spartans have yet to string together multiple playoff wins in a row under Tannous’s lead, but this year's team has the potential to break that streak.

From day one the focal point for coaches and players has been togetherness, something that this year's squad has that previous Southern Lehigh teams have not.

“We have the chemistry, we’ve been playing together for four years. We’re embracing the challenge,” senior captain Sean Welsh said. “We want this more than any other team.”

Welsh is one of seven seniors on the roster, and he has been competing on the varsity team alongside fellow senior captains Lucas Hudson and Jack Zamichieli for three years.

The starting lineup consists of five seniors who have experienced disappointing losses before. Last year the Spartans were seeded third in Colonial League playoffs, but they suffered a disheartening loss to Salisbury in the semifinals. Their District 11 playoff run was also cut short by a loss to Whitehall in the first round of the tournament.

However, the senior-heavy team has shown growth. Hudson has established himself as one of the premier ball-handlers in the Lehigh Valley, and despite an early injury, Zamichieli has racked up 164 points this season and is averaging 9.5 PPG since his return. Leading scorer Kevin Patel has made an astounding 52 three-pointers, giving the Spartans a lethal shooter from the outside. Forward Mike Miller has also had a productive year, ranking fifth on the team in scoring.

The Spartans struggled early in the season including suffering a tough loss to Bangor at home. However, after starting the season with a 2-2 record the Spartans went on to win their next 13 games, with victories over third-ranked Notre Dame, a blowout victory against Salisbury, and a 35-point rout of fifth ranked Saucon Valley. Southern Lehigh finished the regular season with a 15-3 record in conference play.

But winning a championship is easier said than done. The Spartans squandered their chance for Colonial League title this past Friday, losing to undefeated powerhouse Bangor. A new district classification also put Bangor, Whitehall, Pottsville, and Central Catholic in the way of the Spartans’ hunt for their first district championship since 2009.

“We need to continue to play together and keep bringing it every day against every team so we can win the championship,” Zamichieli said.

Ultimately, the success of the Spartans will depend on their comradery. It has been a mantra echoed by the players and coaches throughout the season.

The chemistry between this season’s senior class could be the tipping point that gives them an advantage over other teams. In the mind of the players, it may push the Spartans over the playoff hump and break the streak of Southern

Lehigh’s playoff losing streak.

Page 16 Odds and Ends

The Spotlight

February 2017

The 2017 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Solehi Recipients

Freshman Cora Heitzer

Senior Daniel Flounders

“Sweetness” Writing Portfolio by Senior Alex McCue

Senior Ashley Lee

“The Birds and the Sea” Writing Portfolio by Senior Talia Trackim

Junior Maggie Moerder