Spotlight Print Issue - June 2018

Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street, Center Valley, PA 18034 Volume 61 Issue 6

Prom King and Queen ‘Bear’ the Crown ‘Forever Tonight’ See more from this night to remember on page 20.

Photo credit: Christmas City Studios In this

Issue: Get to know The Spotlight senior staff members before they graduate on pages 7-9.

What does the future hold for the Class of 2018? Find out on pages 10 and 11.

Is “Avengers: Infinity War” an epic fail or hit? Read more on pages 18 and 19.

Page 2

Opinion

The Spotlight

Leave Body Shaming Out of Summer 2018

by Sarah Jacobson

Body image is a very common issue that many people struggle with, especially teenagers. Photo credit: Charlotte Downie

As we near summertime, one phrase is being repeated more and more often: “I have to get my beach body ready.” This is frustrating, mostly because your body does not need to be any different than it is currently in order to be at the beach. I’m pretty sure that you are allowed to go on a beach regardless of how you look or how much you weigh. This phrase, however, is a reflection of how much our society values physical attractiveness over actual health.

Body image is something that many people struggle with. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines body image as, “a subjective picture of one’s own physical appearance established both by self-observation and by noting the reactions of others.” The reactions of others is indeed a very impactful thing when it comes to how we view ourselves. “[Social media has] a very big impact. Body image nowadays comes from trends like, ‘Oh you have to have a thigh gap,’ or ‘you have to be really skinny,’” senior Courtney Todd said. “Those type of things are what teenagers and children think about now, and it really shouldn’t be.”

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), 50 percent of teenage girls and 33 percent of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives. Additionally, NEDA found that 95 percent of girls see negative beauty critiques on social media.

Given the lack of self confidence and media exposure, it’s not surprising that when the warmer months come around, teens aim to lose weight or tone muscle in order to appeal to societal standards. These standards are harmful to both physical and mental health, as NEDA also found that those who excessively restricted their eating were 18 times more likely to develop an eating disorder.

“Essentially, social media has made us think that our friends or people we follow are perfection, and we’re not thinking about the filters and the angles that are being used,” SAP mentor and teacher Mrs. Lauren Tocci said.

“It’s no different than magazines of previous generations.”

Social media is everywhere nowadays, and because of that, harmful messages spread faster than ever. It is also common for people to take matters into their own hands and comment about other people’s appearance

and weight underneath their photos. These comments usually run along the lines of, “I’m shaming your body because I’m worried about your health,” but the bottom line is is that unless you are that person’s doctor, their health is none of your business.

In fact, shaming people for how they look actually worsens their health.

Research done by the medical journal “Obesity” revealed that when women who are overweight internalize negative comments about their body, their risk for heart disease and diabetes increases. No matter how much or how little someone weighs, their health should not personally concern you, so if you think commenting negatively about someone’s weight will encourage them to “get healthy,” think again: you are actually hurting them in more ways than one.

“Do what you want as long as you’re happy with what you’re eating,” junior Tom Greer said. “You do you, just don’t hurt yourself.”

So how can you avoid these harmful messages? Well, it’s nearly impossible to avoid them altogether, but there are ways to defend yourself. By developing a positive body image, you can learn to love and accept yourself no matter what size you are.

The first step to accepting your body is respecting it and all of its abilities. Your thighs may seem “too big” or “too small,” but in actuality they allow you to walk, run, and have fun. Focusing on your inner strength and abilities also allows you to remember that there is more to life than appearances.

“You just have to learn to accept yourself,” junior Alyssa Kovacs said.

“You just have to own it for yourself. You can’t let the current trend dictate how you feel about your personal existence.”

This summer, remember that no matter what you look like, you are worthy of love and respect. Your size shouldn’t define you, and it certainly shouldn’t hold you back. No matter how much or how little you weigh, you are ready for the beach, warm weather, and anything the future might hold for you.

In the words of the late Carrie Fisher, “My body is a brain bag; it hauls me around to those places and in front of faces where there’s something to say or see.”

For More Information on Eating Disorders, Visit: nationaleatingdisorders.org allianceforeatingdisorders.com anad.org aedweb.org

Photo credit: nationaleatingdisorders.org

June 2018

Opinion Page 3

Staff Editorial: How High School Students Can Have a Fun AND Productive Summer

For most high schoolers, summer is a laid back time for relaxing, hanging out with friends, and sleeping in till 1:00 p.m.. However, summer can also be the perfect time to engage in some productive goal-setting, planning, and other activities.

Practicing productivity in the summer can help you land an awesome job or gain genuinely fun volunteer experience: two things that’ll look great on a college application and allow you to learn and grow as a person.

By keeping busy over the summer, you’ll develop a motivation and interest in learning that’ll work miracles when you’re trying to set aside time to work on a project during the next school year.

First, ask yourself what you enjoy doing. Are you athletic? Musical?

Do you enjoy writing? Painting? Photography? Summer is a great time to participate in an activity that you love to become better at it or increase its impact. For example, if you love baking, you could hold a community bake sale to raise money for a charity that you care about. You can even just work on some of your skills for fun by signing up for a summer camp that specifically pertains to your interests, like the Civic Theatre of Allentown’s Civic Theatre School, which is currently running two sessions from July 10 to July 21 and from July 24 to August 4.

Next, ask yourself how busy you want to be this summer. Do you have a lot of AP and summer reading work to catch up on? Are you going on many vacations? Are you just tired of working for hours every day? While it can be great for your tan, you don’t want to spend your entire summer lounging at the pool without practicing any productivity skills. Signing up for at least one activity that’s not too demanding does the trick; something as simple as volunteering as a counselor for the Moravian Historical Society’s Hands-On History Camp this summer is enough to exercise your brain and teach you useful skills without completely burning you out. You could also find a part-time job to provide you with valuable work experience, and impressive feat to include on your college applications, and a steady salary without taking up too much of your time.

No matter what you choose to do, remember not to overwhelm yourself, and most importantly, to just let loose and have fun. Summer is a three-month break for you to take a breather, and with all that time on your hands, it would be a waste not to do something productive that will benefit you in the future. Plus, it’ll put you in a motivated, effective mood for the upcoming school year so you don’t struggle to get back in the swing of things.

We Need Less Technology in Classrooms

by Sarah Jacobson and Erin Noneman

Students in Southern Lehigh have ample access to computers and other forms of technology. Photo credit: Erin Noneman

For several years now, the Southern Lehigh School District has made sure to keep students updated and equipped with the latest technology for classroom use, causing various programs and websites to become an essential part of day to day learning. However, technology has become such a huge part of our lives that few students stop to consider how much of a health risk it is for those of us growing up in the prime era of technology.

Due to the technological innovations of the last three decades, teen technology use has skyrocketed. Major companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google have greatly influenced and supported this change by making the Internet more accessible: but that’s not always a good thing.

“I think that because we grew up with technology, our communication skills are lacking,” senior Zack Campbell said. “We don’t know how to talk to each other professionally and hold a respectful conversation.”

Currently, teens are said to spend on average nine hours, more than a third of their day, doing

anything online, whether it’s scrolling through Twitter or playing video games. This heightened level of technology usage leaves little time for other more important responsibilities, like doing homework.

“I would like to see more technology [use in classes], and I would really like to see different kinds of technology and not just presentations,” senior Camille Palmer said.

“It’s really important for [students] to be able to understand how to use technology to your benefit, more than the basic, ‘here’s how to format a word document,’” junior Alyssa Kovacs said.

Technology has become more prevalent in classrooms, as teens have started to use more online tools like Google Classroom and Edmodo.

This is partially due to the fact that such websites and servers make it easier for students and teachers to communicate outside of class.

“Group projects can be easy with our technology because we can work with our group fairly easily, but when it comes to communication skills we seriously lack in our ability to work out small problems and issues that arise,” senior Aaron Focht said.

While technology use is helpful, it can also be harmful to student health. There are a variety of physical and psychological conditions that arise from excess computer and technology use, like Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), musculoskeletal pain and injury, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendon disorders, vision problems, and back, neck, and shoulder problems. Some of these conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, are only likely to occur following extreme overuse, but others, such as vision, back, neck, and shoulder problems, are far more common. This is because we rarely hold our computers or devices at eye-level, so we adjust our posture to see more comfortably, resulting in our hunched over backs and shoulders while resting our laptops on our desks or in our laps.

There are many ways to help prevent or cure such ailments, with the most effective method being reducing computer use. However, you can also practice proper posture, apply filters to dull the computer’s harsh brightness, stretch after using technology, and take frequent breaks from computer use. These solutions may seem minor,

but they mean the difference between living comfortably or living with chronic back pain.

“I try to spend as little time as I can using my [school] laptop in and out of class,” sophomore Lauren Dumas said. “I’m more comfortable taking notes on paper [rather] than typing them, or doing projects online.”

Another large consequence of increased technology use comes in the form of addiction.

While Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is not yet an established disease, many psychologists and psychiatrists acknowledge its existence. It’s estimated that as many as 26.3 percent of adolescents are addicted to the Internet in its various forms.

Sree Latha Krishna Jadapalle, MD, defines IAD as “an individual’s lack of control over his or her use of the Internet, resulting in marked distress, preoccupation, mood changes, tolerance, withdrawal, and functional impairments of social, occupational, and academic performance.”

With all these consequences, it’s clear that technology use is rampant and harmful to many users. Unfortunately, there are few clear solutions when it comes to solving these problems and reducing the risk of developing any ailments.

The most obvious solution would be reducing technology use, but this is not always easy, especially in classes that require computer use.

“I feel like using the laptops is efficient when we are doing certain activities in class, but I also feel like people rely too much on technology, ” junior Aries Baringer said.

The Vision Therapy Center recommends that teachers have their students shut their computers for a minimum of 20 seconds every 20 minutes and look at objects that are at least 20 feet away, like a window. This was deemed the 20-20-20 rule, and it helps reduce eye strain.

Another recommendation is to get students out and active in as many lessons as possible so that technology doesn’t become the only mode of learning.

There are a variety of different ways to start cutting down on the amount of time we spend using technology, and until computers and tablets become innovative enough to pose little to no risk to our health, we must remain vigilant in the face of technology overuse.

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.

Page 4

Our World

The Spotlight

Emotional Support Animals Cause Controversy

by Sarah Jacobson

Photo credit: Yukariryu. Any animal can be an emotional support animals, but cats and dogs are most common.

The National Service Animal Registry (NSAR) defines an emotional support animal as any animal that has “been prescribed by a person’s licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist (any licensed mental health professional). The animal is part of the treatment program for this person and is designed to bring comfort and minimize the negative symptoms of the person’s emotional/psychological disability.” These animals are with their clients around the clock, providing support in any way their owner might need.

However, there has been a lot of controversy over whether or not they should be granted the same privileges as other support animals.

Over the last few years, a debate has sparked over the role of emotional support animals. Many argue that the animals damage property and can be disruptive in public spaces, while others contend that they provide much needed emotional support to the mentally ill.

“I think people should understand more that [the emotional support animals] shouldn’t be pet, and that they serve a role in helping people with their daily lives,” junior Emily Simmons said. “I think there needs to be a lot of education with them.”

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), emotional support animals can decrease anxiety, increase feelings of comfort and safety, reduce loneliness, enhance self esteem, increase prosocial behaviors, and decrease behavioral problems.

“If [emotional service dogs] are proven to help [the mentally ill] then they should be welcomed by society,” junior and secretary of the animals rights activist club Christine Reichard said.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not define emotional support animals as working service animals, and the laws regarding their treatment tend to be different. While they are allowed in university dorms and on airplanes, they are not typically allowed in all public spaces. Beyond that, it can be difficult to understand various establishments’ rules regarding the animals, as many businesses interpret the act differently.

Therapypet.org reminds those with emotional service animals that airlines reserve the right to not allow the animal on the flight for whatever reason. Recent cases have been reported of people receiving unfair treatment because of their emotional support animals. One woman claimed that a stewardess had her flush her emotional support hamster down the toilet of the plane.

“[Emotional service animals should have the same rights as service dogs] because the owners still have something that they need help with,” sophomore Krya Lycett said. “If [the animal] makes their life easier and [allows them] to function in society, they should be able to have one.”

So what is the difference between emotional support animals and service dogs? According to the Emotional Service Animal Registration of America, emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefits to their

“If [emotional service dogs] are proven to help [the mentally ill] then they should be welcomed by society” -Christine Reichard

owners, while service animals need specialized training to handle specific tasks.

Another main difference is that emotional support animals can indeed be any animal that fulfills its role of companionship, while service animals must be a breed of animal that can carry out the tasks that they are assigned. Service animals tend to be dogs, and they help perform tasks that their owner is incapable of performing on their own.

“I think that if people feel like they need [an emotional support animal], they should obviously reach out [to a professional] because [the animals] can be really beneficial,” Simmons said.

There is still much controversy surrounding the role of emotional support animals, and despite the research that has been done on them, many claim that more investigation is needed on the benefits and drawbacks of having a furry companion by one’s side at all times.

If you have an interest in getting an emotional support animal, you can speak to a mental health professional to see if that is an available option.

Did you know The Spotlight has an Instagram?

Follow us @slsdspotlight

June 2018

Our World Page 5

Where Are They Now? Jeff and David Alpert

by Danielle Alpert

David, Danielle, and Jeff on vacation in Idaho. Photo Credit: Kristin Cheatwood.

After writing thirteen “Where Are They Now?” articles, I thought that since this is my last one, I had to go out with a bang. I kept on thinking about who I should choose to be the subject of my final article when I realized that I should choose the two Southern Lehigh alumni who mean the most to me: my brothers.

David Alpert While 2013 graduate David Alpert sustained injury after injury in high school, he never thought that being in constant recovery would inspire his future plans. After missing six months of sports sophomore year due to tearing his labrum and spending two and a half months of only going to school for half days during junior year due to a serious concussion, he realized that he no longer wanted to be the patient, but the physical therapist.

“Although I suffered injuries that prevented me from playing sports in high school, I wouldn’t change this part of my life because it led me to a career that I love in physical therapy,” D. Alpert said.

In high school, D. Alpert participated in soccer, lacrosse, National Honors Society, Key Club, and the Emerging Health Program. Like his older brother, he ranked Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.

“The physical therapist that I saw in my recoveries during my many, many, many, many injuries from soccer and lacrosse allowed me to participate in all the activities that I wanted to, and I want to give back to all of the others that want to play sports,” D. Alpert said.

After graduating from high school, D. Alpert went to the University of Vermont to study exercise and movement science. In college, he was the President of the Kayak Club for a year, and a leader for the Kayak Club and Outing Club for four years, during which he led trips and enjoyed the outdoors of Vermont. He also was a leader for TREK, which is a seven day wilderness expedition for incoming freshmen. On top of all that, he found time to conduct research towards his degree.

“I studied the effects of cognitive interference, or multitasking, with people who have Multiple Sclerosis (MS),” D. Alpert said.

He is now in graduate school to get his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Vermont. D. Alpert wants to do inpatient or sub

acute rehabilitation for patients that suffered trauma, strokes, or brain injuries.

“With inpatient or sub acute care, I would get to work with patients following a traumatic, life changing, or debilitating experience,” D. Alpert said.

“I would get them to be able to become independent and live on their own or with minimal care.”

If he is not in class, he is studying at least 60 hours a week. However, he sometimes finds time to hike with his dog, Annie, boof off a 30 foot waterfall in his kayak, shred it up on his snowboard, or take beautiful pictures of the outdoors of Vermont.

For seniors, he has these wise words of advice: “Don’t be afraid to pursue your passions, you’re never going to be any younger.”

David kayaking at New Haven, Vermont. Credit: Carli Beisel.

Jeff Alpert In high school, most students spend their time playing high school sports coached by an employee of the school. However, 2010 graduate Jeff Alpert was coached by a Norwegian Olympic athlete. A member of the Young Medalists Team and Dual Temp Cycling Team, J. Alpert became a nationally ranked cyclist.

In 2007 and 2008, he traveled to compete in the U.S. Junior Road and Track Nationals Championships. The team also drove to Colorado in a tour bus, where they spent the week racing at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. In 2008, he and his team members journeyed to Los Angeles, California for two and a half weeks and competed in Road Nationals in Anaheim. They also raced at Track Nationals at the Home Depot Center, but J. Alpert was unable to compete at his top form due to a serious crash which resulted in a fractured femur and two months of recovery. Thankfully, by 2010, he was back to racing, and spent four weeks traveling again with the Young Medalists.

“We competed in a stage race in Massachusetts, the tour of Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and the Tour de L’Abitibi in Canada,” J. Alpert said. “Then our team flew out to Oregon to race at the USA Cycling Road Nationals.”

All together, he competed in seven USA Cycling National Championships and two Nations Cups in Canada.

Along with cycling, J. Alpert participated in Boy Scouts and the Emerging Health Program. He achieved the Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in Boy Scouts, and discovered his passion for medicine after shadowing doctors in various departments throughout the hospital.

“The most exciting and life changing experiences occurred while I was shadowing doctors in the operating room, getting to stand right next to doctors performing open-heart surgeries, brain surgeries, laparoscopic appendectomies and many more,” J. Alpert said.

After high school, J. Alpert went on to graduate from Gettysburg College with a Bachelors in Health Science and a minor in biology. At Gettysburg, he was a member of the Gettysburg Recreational Activity Board (GRAB) Staff, where he organized and guided rock climbing, kayaking, and backpacking trips. He also was a Director of the Gettysburg College Rock Climbing Gym, supervising staff, organizing competitions, administering belay certification courses, and creating and running experiential education summer camps for children of Gettysburg school. He was also an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and helped coach the Young Medalists Cycling Team.

After graduation, he went on to St. Luke’s School of Nursing to receive his degree in nursing, and was offered a job right away at St. Luke’s Miners Campus Hospital.

“All through nursing school, I knew that I didn’t want to be a floor nurse, I solely wanted to work in the ER. I was drawn to the fast paced excitement of the job. I started my first real job in the ER immediately after graduation,” J. Alpert said. “But after starting, I realized this wasn’t what I expected, nor what I wanted. That’s when I moved to Harrisburg and started in the OR.” Today, J. Alpert is an operating room nurse at UPMC Pinnacle Health Hospital in Harrisburg.

“I assist surgeons in procedures including kidney transplants, colectomies, cholecystectomies, and appendectomies,” J. Alpert said. “The OR I work at is big and just as fast paced as the ER, if not faster, but it’s a different type of nursing. There is still a patient care side of OR nursing, but a lot of OR nursing is technical and equipment as well as anatomy based.”

Whatever free time that he has J. Alpert fills with running, skiing, rock climbing, and traveling. The first race that he ran was the Harrisburg Marathon, in which he qualified for the Boston Marathon. He also participated in the Gunpowder Keg 50K and the Dirty German 50 miler.

He would like to remind all the seniors to not stress about what their future holds.

“I like to think of life as a puzzle that needs to be solved,” J. Alpert said. “All the pieces fit together; you just need to figure out how.”

Photo Credit: Anthony Skorochod. Jeff cycling in a road race.

Page 6

News

Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street Center Valley, PA 18034 (610) 282-1421 x7122 slsdspotlight@gmail.com Twitter: @SLSDspotlight Instagram: @slsdspotlight Facebook: Southern Lehigh Spotlight

The Spotlight

Longtime Principal Leaves Southern Lehigh High School

by Sarah Trebicka

Faculty Adviser

Mrs. Marlo Spritzer

Editor-in-Chief Sarah Trebicka

News Editor

Danielle Alpert

Features Editor Bridgette Lang

Opinion Editor Izza Choudhry

Our World Editor Sarah Jacobson

Entertainment Editor Quinn Schmidt

Sports Editor

Townsend Colley

Staff Reporters Ben Baca Jakob Bloss Erin Noneman Kennah Salvo Griffin Schmoyer Amanda Simko Saskia Van’t Hof

Photographers Nicole Karol Karin Naktin

Pennsylvania School Press Association 2017 Gold Rating 2016 Gold Rating 2015 Gold Rating 2014 Gold Rating 2013 Silver Rating National School Press Association 2016 First Class Rating 2015 First Class Rating

High school principal Mrs. Christine Siegfried has been a faculty member at Southern Lehigh School District since 1999.

Photo credit: Christmas City Studios

Southern Lehigh High School principal Mrs. Christine Siegfried has issued a resignation from her administrative position, effective July 1. The school board accepted her resignation in a voting meeting on February 26, 2018.

“I will definitely miss the staff and students,” she said. “I think that we’ve done so much over the time that I’ve been here to really improve the education that we offer to our students.”

Mrs. Siegfried has been with the Southern Lehigh School District since 1999. She served as an assistant principal at the high school before being promoted to principal in 2003.

“My favorite memory is really just being a Spartan and celebrating the traditions that we have and how they have transformed over the years: picnic day to carnival day, the pep rallies and what they’ve become,” she said.

“I’ve also always enjoyed graduation and seeing kids reach their potential to succeed and get ready to take that next step and start the next journey in life.”

Her proudest accomplishments include successfully revising the high school curriculum to match state standards, constantly updating the Program of Studies to incorporate relevant courses in a fast-changing world, implementing an AB block schedule, and creating a 1:1 laptop system that she believes “really transformed the way students learn and the way teachers teach.”

She is also especially proud of the successful enrichment and mediation dynamics of the Spartan period that was implemented in conjunction with a block sched-

ule.

“I think teachers were very creative in the different offerings to help develop students’ interests and really make connections and establish relationships with students,” she said. “There’s so much more in that enrichment and mediation period than just enrichment and mediation. You might sign up for a spartan period offered by a teacher that you don’t have, but you’ll end up developing a relationship with them anyway.”

On April 26, 2018, she was officially appointed middle school principal for the Upper Perkiomen School District with an annual salary of $135,000 following the resignation of former middle school principal Jeffrey Fries.

“I’m looking forward to working with middle school students and using what I know they need at that level to be prepared for high school to help them really develop their skills and talents for future success in high school,” Mrs. Siegfried said.

In a school board meeting from April 23, 2018, Saucon Valley High School principal Mrs. Beth Guarriello was voted to replace Mrs. Siegfried as Southern Lehigh High School principal.

As Mrs. Siegfried says goodbye to the Spartans, she offers a few helpful words of advice that she hopes students will always remember wherever life takes them: “Always strive to do your best. Treat people how they would wanna be treated. Give back in any way that you can. And just a good person all around.”

Get connected with the Spotlight!

Website: slspotlight.com Facebook: Southern Lehigh Spotlight Twitter: @slsdspotlight Instagram: @slsdspotlight

Features

June 2018

Page 7

A Look Ahead: Senior Features and Advice from Teachers

by Sarah Trebicka, Danielle Alpert, Izza Choudhry As the school year comes to a close, seniors begin to prepare for the difficult yet exciting transition to college. Graduating students of the Class of 2018 will be embarking on very different journeys this fall, travelling to places near and far.

Senior Jillian Werbisky, who will be attending the University of Pittsburgh on a full scholarship, plans to study psychology and political science in the hope of eventually joining the FBI to specialize in behavioral analysis. At DeSales University, senior Coby Rush will be studying biochemistry and molecular biology to become a chemist.

Senior Emma Duane, who is committed to the University of Virginia, will be majoring in global studies, and senior Hannah DelSordo, a future Dickinson University student, plans to study international relations.

Teachers want nothing but the best for their students, no matter where life takes them, and encourage them everyday with tidbits of information to help them along the way. Math teacher Mr. Matthew Greenawald cautions, “Don’t drink and derive,” while fellow math teacher Mr. Paul Malik offers a thought-provoking philosophical probe, “Would you bet the farm on that?”

No matter where seniors go -- college, the workforce, or the armed forces -- their futures will be bright as long as they continue to follow these wise words of advice.

“I think you should try new things, especially languages,” French teacher Mrs. Kaytlyn Byers said. “I think that you should travel and when people ask you to go on a trip, say ‘yes.’”

“What do President George Bush and Donald Trump have in common? They are both ‘C’ students who became president. What do you call the guy who graduates first from medical school?

Hannah DelSordo will attend Dickinson Univeristy in the fall of 2019. Photo credit: Sarah Trebicka

Doctor. What do you call the guy who graduates last from medical school? Doctor,” English teacher Mr. Joseph Castagna said. “I don’t know which one I’d rather see, but they both became doctors.

Don’t worry so much guys, live your lives, enjoy it, because one day we’re all gonna be dead.”

As the seniors say goodbye to Southern Lehigh this June, we all wish them the best and hope that they find success in whatever they choose to pursue. Good luck, seniors, and always remember the wise words of psychology teacher Mr. Matthew Cooper: “Wherever you go, there you are.”

Check out the full video at our news site: slspotlight.com!

Farewell to the Spotlight Seniors! continued on pages 8 and 9

Ben Baca

Staff Reporter

by Kennah Salvo

Benjamin Baca is a two-year Spotlight staff reporter. Prior to joining the staff as a junior, Ben had already started his own entertainment blog, “The Detective Librarian.” He brought his love of television and film to the Spotlight with his passionate critiques of “The Disaster Artist,” “Get Out,” and “Stranger Things 2,” to name a few.

Though Ben enjoys many genres, he tends to lean more towards classics and animations.

Ben first decided to explore journalistic writing to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Alex, a 2016 graduate who served as the web editor for the Spotlight. In high school, Ben’s all-time favorite class was the now-discontinued Introduction to Journalism with yearbook advisor Mrs. Lauren Tocci.

“It was really fun to learn more about journalism, and Mrs. Tocci was a great teacher with great interests,” he said.

Ben is especially proud of the honor roll status he has successfully maintained throughout his high school career, but he is also thankful that high school has taught him above and beyond

Photo credit: Christmas City Studios

what he learned in class. “[High school has taught me] to broaden my horizons and communicate better,” he said.

In addition to the newspaper, Ben also ran cross country his junior and senior years. Outside of school, he enjoys playing X-Box, going on social media, and catching up on his favorite television shows. This summer, he has a part time job working at Giant.

In the fall, Ben plans to study ComputerAided Design at LCTI. He hopes to be able to use the skills that he gains there in a design-related career.

Mostly, Ben says he will miss the environment around Southern Lehigh, as well as the people he has come to know in his classes and extracurricular activities. He recommends students work hard to realize their potential and, above all, be smart.

“I wish I had focused more on what I really wanted to do, realized more of my talents in the first place,” he said.

Page 8

Features

The Spotlight

Sarah Trebicka

Editor-in-Chief

by Sarah Jacobson

Editor-in-chief Sarah Trebicka has big plans for her future, and this four-year staff member has done quite a bit of goal setting to prepare.

Sarah joined “The Spotlight” freshman year because she loved to write, and now she hopes to continue composing articles well into the future.

“I joined [The Spotlight] because my entire life, I have always had a passion for writing,” she said. “I was really shy and intimidated by high school when I was a freshman, but I knew that I had to do some extracurriculars, and the first thing I thought of doing was newspaper.”

Sarah served as Our World editor her sophomore and junior years before becoming editor-inchief her senior year. Writing Our World articles is how she developed a love and appreciation for political journalism and unbiased, in-depth news coverage.

“I never would’ve even considered applying for editor-in-chief when I was a freshman,” she said, “but being on the staff really worked out for me and brought me out of my shell because at the time I wanted to be a doctor, and now I want to be a journalist.”

Aside from newspaper, Sarah has also been a part of WSOL, the Feminist Student Union, the Animal Rights Activists Club, the National Honor Society, and the Art and Literary Club. Her extracurricular involvement makes leaving high school difficult because of all of the friendships she’s created.

“I’ll miss seeing and talking to the people I’ve grown so close with over the last four years who helped shape me into who I am today,” Sarah said.

Sarah’s favorite class in high school was Honors English 11 because she found books like

Danielle Alpert

Photo credit: Christmas City Studios

“Hamlet,” “Night,” and “The Stranger” really fascinating, and the subsequent discussions rich and thought provoking. As the bilingual, well-traveled daughter of Albanian immigrants, she also loved learning about the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures for four years, and looks forward to becoming trilingual in college and maybe even studying abroad in Madrid. “[I am going to miss] Sarah’s insight and her writing ability. She has tremendous skill and command,” Honors English 11 teacher Mr. Jeff Hershey said. “I think she’ll go pretty far in journalism or whatever she chooses to pursue.”

Sarah will be gearing up to attend the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in the

fall, where she plans to double major in journalism and international affairs with a concentration in international politics, as well as possibly minor in Spanish. She is excited to have a fresh start, meet new people, and discover more about herself in college.

“I’m really looking forward to living in D.C. and learning about politics, current affairs, and journalism where all the action is,” Sarah said.

As of now, her dream job is to work as a political correspondent for a national newspaper like The Washington Post or as an intelligence analyst for the FBI or CIA. After four years of dedicating a large chunk of her time to the Spotlight, Sarah has learned to manage her time wisely, stay organized, look at things from an unbiased perspective, and, obviously, become a stronger writer. She hopes to continue to apply these skills at GW’s school newspaper, The Hatchet.

Outside of school, Sarah enjoys reading, writing, photography, watching Netflix, spending time with her dog, and attending political events and protests. She has a passion for traveling and learning about new cultures, and she will be exploring Portugal and Spain in June and Peru in July.

Sarah offered some advice for rising seniors: “Don’t give up on everything just yet because you still have work to do, but make sure you enjoy [senior year] because it’s never gonna be this easy ever again. You should push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things because it’s your last year of high school, so you should go out with a bang.”

News Editor

by Saskia Van’t Hof

When senior Danielle Alpert first signed up to take Introduction to Journalism, she never planned on spending the rest of her high school career writing for the Spotlight. And yet, four years later, she has excelled as news editor her senior year and as center spread editor her sophomore and junior years.

As a freshman, Alpert intended on taking the introductory class as a stepping stone to join yearbook. Until high school, Alpert didn’t think of herself as the strongest writer, so she never expected to find herself falling in love with journalistic writing. It was only a matter of time before journalism teacher Mrs. Marlo Spritzer convinced her to stay.

Out of all of the contributions Alpert made to the Spotlight, she is most proud of her “Where Are They Now” column. Since early 2016, the column, which follows Southern Lehigh High School alumni a few years post graduation, has helped her get out of her comfort zone and further develop her writing skills.

“I learned what I was good at in journalism and that I loved telling people’s stories,” Alpert said. “I felt like my writing really came out though that column. I’ve also talked to some really cool people that have graduated from Southern Lehigh, so that’s been a really cool opportunity.”

Alpert says that the past few years on the Spotlight staff has been filled with unforgettable memories. She recalls one afternoon back in late 2015, when the staff managed to pull together an entire issue in a matter of hours. Alpert, then a sophomore, stayed until 9 p.m. alongside other classmates to finish the newspaper. De-

Photo credit: David Alpert

spite the long hours, Alpert said it was “one of those nights you never forget.”

Outside of the newspaper, Alpert has been a teen counselor for three years, and has also helped organize the school prom fashion show during her sophomore and junior years.

Additionally, dancing has always been a central part of Alpert’s life outside of school.

She took her first dance class when she was just four years old, and has been attending the Diane Medeiros Academy of Dance for 14 years. Alpert says that one of her greatest accomplishments is the relationship that she’s built with her dance

teachers over the years.

“I will miss my teachers and my friends [at school], but I’m going to miss the dance studio the most,” Alpert said. “It’s my second home. I can’t even imagine not going there everyday like I do now.”

After graduation, Alpert will major in hospitality at the College of Hospitality at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island. She plans on taking advantage of the the 4+1 Accelerated Program at her school, which will allow her to gain both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. One day, Alpert dreams of opening up her own inn. Until then, she wants to spend a few years working on a cruise ship to gain experience and travel the world.

“The idea of majoring in hospitality first came to me when I started watching the show ‘Gilmore Girls.’ I always thought that what Lorelai did with the whole inn was really cool,” Alpert said. “Now it’s becoming a reality for me, I guess.”

With high school graduation so close, Alpert intends to enjoy every last moment with her friends before they scatter across the country. That being said, as much as she will miss high school, Alpert is also excited to begin a new chapter in her life.

“I’m just really excited to see where life takes me. I’m moving to Harrisburg, so it’s a big transition but I’m ready for it,” she said. “I’ve been in the same house and the same school district since kindergarten, so I’m excited to switch things up, meet new people, and go to new places.”

Features

June 2018

Page 9

Izza Choudhry

Opinion Editor

by Bridgette Lang

Four-year staff member and opinion editor Izza Choudhry has no regrets about the decisions she made in high school, because they’ve all led her to where she wants to be.

“I never thought I would make it to the point where I’m comfortable with what I want to do [in the future],” Izza said. “I’m so excited and happy about my future. High school is very stressful, but it’s nice to know that everything will eventually fall in place and all your hard work will pay off.”

During her time in high school, Izza has adventured far and near to gain new experiences. She went to France and Switzerland this year with EF Tours, which allowed her to practice her language skills and further grow her love for travel. Aside from being copy editor her sophomore year, news editor her junior year, and opinion editor her senior year, she has been involved in the National Honor Society, the Feminist Student Union, the Art and Literary Society, and the Animal Rights Activists club.

Outside of school, Izza works at Cosi (#CosiBetterWorld). Her hobbies include playing guitar, cooking and baking, watching true crime conspiracy theory videos, going to concerts, attending protests and marches, and traveling.

Izza prides herself on receiving “most inspiring service” twice in NHS for volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital for six months in the summer and fall. One of her proudest accomplishments is receiving a Best of SNO award nationally recognizing her article, “EpiPen Cost Inflation Causes Conflict Among Consumers,” for best localized news coverage.

“I have always really liked writing, but I always wanted to improve,” Izza said. “[By writing opinion articles], I get to examine topics that I want to write about but that I don’t get to write about in other classes.”

In high school, she enjoyed Honors English 11 because it exposed her to unique writing and diverse works, and AP Psychology, because it allowed her to discover her passion for medical psychology. Honors English 11 also introduced her to “The Kite Runner,” which is her all time favorite book.

This fall, Izza will attend the University of Pittsburgh’s Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences to study psychology on the pre-med track and to minor in French. She hopes to delve deeper into reading and playing guitar during her transition to college, and while she is excited about the freedom that college will bring, she’s also sad to leave behind her favorite teachers and friends.

“I wasn’t even considering applying [to the University of Pittsburgh]

Townsend Colley

Photo credit: Kyra Salamon

until I visited,” Choudhry said. “It has such a cool atmosphere, it’s a little city within the city, it’s really good for pre-med students, and I get in-state tuition four hours away from home, so my parents can’t surprise visit me.”

She hopes to work as a staff reporter for Pitt’s newspaper, and plans to explore a particular study abroad program that will allow her to spend a few weeks in London studying the neurological and psychological effects of war on children. She would also like to study abroad in France at some point.

“I want to go into pediatric medicine,” Choudhry said. “I want to focus on developmental psychology and adolescent psychology before I go to medical school.”

After finishing up her education and residency, Izza aspires to join Doctors Without Borders, which will satisfy both her love for travel and foreign languages and her passion for medicine. She hopes that a minor in French will help minimize the communication barriers with many African refugees.

In the future, she plans to specialize in pediatric oncology-hematology.

“Explore all your options,” Izza said. “Take it easy, but not too easy, because then you’ll lose all your motivation. High school is stressful at first, but then, there’s a beautiful moment where everything will fall into place.”

Sports Editor

by Quinn Schmidt

In most high school newspapers, the sports section is just an unimaginative recap of popular sports events going on in the world, and for the most part, it is skipped over. However, one man has changed the face of the sports page here at “The Spotlight,” gaining a hefty following of readers along the way. Sports editor and four-year staff member Townsend Colley has made a lasting mark on journalism in the Lehigh Valley, enough to rival that of the talented Keith Groeller. Each one of his articles will live on in the minds of sports fanatics long after his graduation this month.

Every dynasty has its beginning. For the Patriots, it was the drafting of hidden gem Tom Brady. For the Eagles, it was the signing of Carson Wentzylvania. The Sixers have kickstarted the process with rookie phenom Joel Embiid. But Townsend began his dynasty freshman year, when he joined “The Spotlight” as a mere staff reporter. From there, he hit the ground running. Since sophomore year, he has been reigning over Southern Lehigh as one of the most dedicated sports editors this world, maybe even this universe, has ever seen.

“I like writing because I can take one idea and transform it into something that people understand, but say it in a way they’ve never seen before,” Colley said.

Every aspiring journalist should look to Townsend as inspiration, as many of his colleagues have done already, because he was once a budding writer himself. He can recall many times when he has been criticized, but he never took any of it personally. Instead he took each critique as advice, which in turn changed him into the Peter King-esque writer seen today.

The most popular sports writers, like King, have established a sizeable number of readers who indulge in their works. But nobody else on the planet has read as many sports articles as Townsend. His early journalism career held a heavy dosage of Peter King, as well as other accredited writers like Bill Simmons and Richard Ingles. Townsend molded his own writing style from this arrangement of sportswriters, which is why he is truly a master of his craft.

Townsend excels on the football field as well. After pouring his heart and soul into the Southern Lehigh football program for three years, he received an opportunity his senior year. He extracted his inner Jason Celce, and anchored the offensive line while leading the team to a 10-2 season along with a District 11 silver medal. Townsend assisted on every one of the Spartan touchdowns that season, snapping the ball back to the quarterback every play.

Photo credit: Town Carpenter

Similar to Lebron making the decision to go back to Ohio for the 2014 basketball season, Townsend will be taking his talents to Ohio University in the fall, where he plans to double major in business analytics and journalism.

Townsend will miss grinding in the pub lab next year, along with his partner in crime, Quinn Schmidt. But most importantly, he would like to thank everyone who has developed him thus far: Mrs. Spritzer, Mr. Castagna, and especially Mr. Evans for throwing him plenty of article ideas.

Overall, it is a rare occurrence in the high school sports journalism field when the reader picks up an article about a high school team and becomes so enthralled in the writing that they find themselves incapable of putting it down, but Townsend has managed to achieve this feat every time he is published in “The Spotlight.” When the name Townsend Colley appears in the byline, readers’ eyes dart to the article faster than they do when Johnny Manziel’s name appears in a headline. Townsend strings words together to create not just school newspaper articles, but works of art.

Page 10

Center Spread

“Oh, the Places They’ll Go”

By Danielle Alpert

The Spotlight

II

June 2018

Center Spread

Page 11

Page 12

Sports

The Spotlight

Twenty Seven Southern Lehigh Athletes Commit To Niko Amory

Sport: Baseball

Thomas Matsumura

Sport: Cross Country/ Track

School: Marist College Red Foxes

School: Bucknell University Bison

What the Coaches say: “He was probably one

Photo credit: Jenna Peterson

of the most hyped baseball players we’ve seen walk through the doors as a freshman. He lived up to the hype to become our leader and he was grown into a complete young man,” head baseball coach Todd Miller said.

Colin Cramer

What the Coaches say: “Tom is one of the Photo credit: Alex Fillman

Avery Bennett

Sport: Cross Country/ Track

Sport: Basketball School: Gettysburg College Bullets

School: Cedarville University Yellow Jackets

What the Coaches say: “Avery was a big part

What the Coaches say: “Colin has incred-

Photo credit: Chad Remaly

ible work ethic, he’s a great motivator and encourages his teammates. Colin gives Photo credit: Ashley Pauls 110% effort in practice and in meets,” head cross country coach Justin Kocis said.

Amanda Mobley

Sport: Basketball

Photo credit: Hanna Ostrosky

most dedicated and passionate runners I’ve ever coached...Tom loves running, and he is willing to give everything he can to help the team,” Head track and field coach Cody Strong said.

of who we are as a spartan bsaketball team. She is probably one of the best players under pressure...We wouldn’t have had the success we had without her,” head girls basketball coach Matthew Cooper said.

Madeline Arnold

Sport: Field Hockey

School: Rider University Broncs

School: Temple University Owls

What the Coaches say: “A four year starter

What the Coaches say: “ Throghout Maddie’s

and a three year captain, a thousand point scorer. She was all league MVP in 2017, 2018 Morning Call player of the year, she was first team all state this year... She was the motor that kept us going,” head girls basketball coach Matthew Cooper said.

Photo credit: Megan Malicki

four years her will to improve her game has been unwavering. She has worked tremendously hard to not only improve her fundamentals but her tactical understanding of the game as well,” head field hockey coach Adrienne Searfoss said.

June 2018

Sports

Page 13

Continuing Their Athletic Careers at the Collegiate Level Lauren Jani

Sport: Field Hockey

Madison Reese

Sport: Field Hockey

School: Gwynned Mercy University Griffins What the Coaches say: “Through her hard

Photo credit: Emily Mackin

work Lauren was selected as a first team Colonial League forward. Lauren worked on her conditioning and fundamentals in the offseason which shows her dedication,” head field hockey coach Adrienne Searfoss said.

Meghan Reese

School:Penn State University Nittany Lions What the Coaches say: “Madison was the

Photo credit: Emily Mackin

Brandon Derby

Sport: Field Hockey

Sport: Football

School:Penn State University Nittany Lions

School:Ursinus College Bears What the Coaches say: “I’ll always remember

What the Coaches say: “Meghan is a feirce

Photo credit: Emily Mackin

competitor. That is constantly striving to be the best. These characteristics will be what the team misses next year,” head field hockey coach Adrienne Searfoss said.

Brennen Harding

Sport: Football

Photo credit: Alex Fillman

Sport: Football School:Franklin and Marshall College Diplomats What the Coaches say: “ My proudest memory

What the Coaches say: “ We needed a big

play and BJ grabbed the ensuing kickoff and broke through and returned the kickoff to the 25 yard line.

That play sparked us to a 35 point third quarter and an eventual mercy rule victory,” head football coach John Toman said.

how happy Brandon was to be on the football field. I could always count on Brandon to bring smiles to his coaches and teammates faces during practice and games,” head football coach John Toman said.

Luke Strauss

School:Misericordia University Cougars

Photo credit: Alex Fillman

most consistent player. It didn’t matter who we were playing or what we were playing for, Madison always made the play,” head field hockey coach Adrienne Searfoss said.

Photo credit: Alex Fillman

of Luke came this spring during the high school musical ...Luke played prince Eric. After the show I met Luke outside the auditorium and gave him a hug and told him,’I will always be proud of his football accomplishments but this was my proudest moment.” head football coach John Toman said.

Page 14

Sports

The Spotlight

Collegiate Athletes Cont.

Eli Price

James Gold

Sport: Football

Sport:Golf

School: Moravian College Greyhounds What the Coaches say: “Eli was a first team

Photo credit:Alex Fillman

all Colonial League wide receiver and second team all Colonial League outside linebacker... I will also always remember Eli from the video of him performing the cheerleaders routine behind them on the sideline during a game,” head football coach John Toman said.

Colin Hoff

Photo credit:Lauren Jani

School:Methodist University Monarchs What the Coaches say: “Jimmy is unquestion-

Photo credit:Emily Simmons

ably the top golfer that I’ve coached for the last four years. He’s led the team in scoring average during that time and consistently held his own in district and league championship,” head golf coach Matt Greenawald said.

Mike Sisselberger

Sport: Lacrosse

Sport: Lacrosse

School:University of Maryland Baltimore County Retrievers What the Coaches say: “Colin is one of the

School:Lehigh University Mountain Hawks What the Coaches say: “Michael’s primary role is to

most competitive players I’ve ever coached. He treats every single drill, especially those played for points in practice, like his Super Photo credit:Lauren Jani Bowl...His leadership stands above all else,” head lacrosse coach Ty souders said.

Jeanne Haverhill Sport: Rifle

Julia Baringer

Sport:Soccer

School: University of Akron Zips What the Coaches say: “Jeanne has been

one of the best athletes to ever compete as a member of the Southern Lehigh Photo credit:Kyra Lycett & Emily Mackin high school rifle team in its almost 70 years of competition. Since her freshman year she has worked extremely close with her coaches... to constantly improve,” head rifle coach Rob Gaugler said.

win faceoffs and give our team the possession. This position requires focus, strategy, grit, and maximum effort to be successful. It can be stressful, tiresome, and physical, but Michael has worked very hard to establish himself as not only one of the best faceoff men in the area but in the country as well,” assistant boys lacrosse coach Harrison Barnes said.

School:Susquehanna University River Hawks What the Coaches say: “But what has really

Photo credit: Elizabeth Swope

impressed us over the last year has just been her leadership as a captain… We stress teamwork and team achievements more so than individual success. No student athlete up here embodies that attitude more than Julia,” head girls soccer coach Andrew Filler said.

June 2018

Collegiate Athletes Cont.

Alex Milios

Sport: Soccer

Sports

Danielle Barnes

Sport: Softball

School: Desales University Bulldogs What the Coaches say: “For the past four seasons

Photo credit:Alex Fillman

Sport: Swimming

Photo credit:Angie Castano

What the Coaches say: ”In five to ten years I’ll prob-

ably forget the following things. Number one: three time first team all league, three time team MVP, three time all area softball player, possibly at three different positions. A .607 batting average last year, I mention that because .600 has never been reached by anybody who’s played softball at Southern Lehigh, except Danielle Barnes...The things I won’t forget is the personality and the person that she’s become,” head softball coach Brian Neefe said.

Andrew Johnson

Sport: Swimming

School: University of Rochester Yellow Jackets

School: Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks

What the Coaches say: “His enthusiasm and

What the Coaches say: “ Andrew under-

dedication to the sport and his teammates will surely represent the Spartan community well in Rochester, New York,” head swimming and diving coach Brandon Mazepa said.

Samantha Talecki

Photo credit:Frank Rochon

School: Bloomsburg University Huskies

Alex has waited next to the coaches as they met with players to let them know if they made the team or hadn’t made the team. This is pretty incredible. Alex put his arm around every player that hadn’t made the team, if they were open to it he walked with them and talked with them and let them know that there are people that care about them.

I can’t remember another player who Photo credit:Sophia Buonanno did that, who went so far out of there way to take care of hurting people,” head boys soccer coach Mark Evans said.

Raahi Klar-Chaudhuri

Page 15

Photo credit:Kyle Reyes

stands the capitalization of his strengths but also works on strengthening his weaknesses, this is a testimony to his personality and his leadership,” head swimming and diving coach Brandon Mazepa said.

Maddy Binder

Sport: Swimming

Sport: Tennis

School: Lafayette College Leopards

School: Elizabethtown College Blue Jays

What the Coaches say: “ Sam has a unique

What the Coaches say: ”I will miss Maddy dear-

understanding of the sport, leadership, and her teammates. I tend to believe that these attrivutes will serve her well moving on at Lafayette College,” head swimming and diving coach Brandon Mazepa said.

Photo credit:Sydney Hess & Katie Ferguson

ly next year. But, I am confident she will persevere in her new surroundings and become an integral part of there team just like she became an integral part of our team here at Southern Lehigh,” head tennis coach Andraea Drabenstott said.

Page 16

Sports

The Spotlight

Collegiate Athletes Cont.

Julia Laporta

Sport: Track and Field School: Towson University Tigers What the Coaches say: ”Julia is hard

Photo credit:Julia Laporta

working,she’s a great teammate,she’s always supporting her teammates, especially the younger athlete that she’s helping to guide whether it be out in the weight room or on the field. She is a leader and shes committed to her sport and to her team,” head track and field coach Cody Strong said.

Ashley Wilkins

Sport: Volleyball School:Bloomsburg University Huskies What the Coaches say: “ She was 2017 all-

Photo credit: Kyra Lycett

colonial league first team, 2017 all-district second team, and a 2017 captain.

She was our silent leader, she just did what she was asked to do,” head volleyball coach Donald West said.

Sela Herber

Sport: Volleyball School: Moravian College Greyhounds What the Coaches say: “She was a 2017 all-

Photo credit: Kyra Lycett

state selection. She was a two year captain and she was our vocal leader. Someone to be there for comfort, to talk to the kids and drive them in practice...Sela was there,” head volleyball coach Donald West said.

Senior Award Winners

Danielle Alpert - Diana’s Café Award Nikolas Amory - Copperhead Grille Scholar (Athlete Scholarship Spring), Homer H. & Thomas D. Fegely Memorial Baseball Scholarship, SL Baseball Memorial Scholarship Samantha Bamberger - Southern Lehigh Girl Scouts Service Unit, Southern Lehigh High School Award for Excellence in French Danielle Barnes - Copperhead Grille Scholar (Athlete Scholarship - All-Around) Elisabeth Belanger - Southern Lehigh High School Award for Scholastic Achievement Alexandra Blythe - Coopersburg Country Flowers Denise Boschetto - Southern Lehigh Girl Scouts Service Unit Kayle Bringenberg - Joseph P. Liberati Memorial Scholarship Andrew Buonanno - Southern Lehigh High School Academic Achievement Award, Southern Lehigh High School Scholastic Scrimmage Scholarship Nerissa Chase - Southern Lehigh Education Association Scholarship, Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivement Award Garret Clauser - Link Beverages, Inc. Award, Southern Lehigh Key Club Scholarship Temple Coldren - Lester W. Reiter Memorial Scholarship donated by Class of 1980, Southern Lehigh High School Scholastic Scrimmage Scholarship Tanner Colley - Coopersburg Fire Co. #1 Scholarship, Southern Lehigh Girl Scouts Service Unit Townsend Colley - Southern Lehigh Alumni Association Scholarship Mariah Conover - Southern Lehigh High School Academic Achievement Award Hannah Corrado - Southern Lehigh Alumni Association Scholarship Tonnie Craft - Ken Machik Scholarship donated by the Class of 2004 Colin Cramer - Copperhead Grille Scholar (Athlete Scholarship-Fall) Nathan Derby - Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivemnet Award Kara DeWeese - Southern Lehigh High School Award for Excellence in Chinese Anna Donato - Good Citizenship Award, Jay T. Ruch Memorial Scholarship, National Honor Society Southern Lehigh Chapter Scholarship Aidan Doyle - Southern Lehigh High School Scholastic Scrimmage Scholarship Emma Duane - Alvarez Orthodontics Award, National Honor Society Southern Lehigh Chapter Inspiring Service Scholarship, Southern Lehigh High School Award for Excellence in Social Studies Sean Duane - Good Citizenship Award, Saucon Rod and Gun Club Scholarship Ethan Dunham - Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivement Award Caitlin Farnsworth - Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivement Award Nicholas Fillman - Godshall’s Landscaping & Hydroseeding, Inc. Award Benjamin Forster - Coopersburg Sports, Putt U Minature Golf Award Kevin Gallagher - Lee Maurer Memorial Scholarship donated by Class of 2003 Jessica Grossman - Southern Lehigh High School Award for Excellence in Biology, Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivement Award Ian Hundley - Giant Food Store, Officer David Petzold Memorial Scholarship, Upper Saucon VolunteerFire Dept. Award Alexandra Jameson - Southern Lehigh High School Scholastic Scrimmage Scholarship Samuel Janney - SL Baseball Memorial Scholarship Andrew Johnson - Jeremy Allen Whetstone Memorial Scholarship Rabia Khan - Coopersburg Lions Club Scholarship, The Inside Scoop, National Honor Society Southern Lehigh Chapter Inspiring Service Scholarship, Southern Lehigh High Academic Acheivement Award Gwynn Kylish - Dorrit Emerich Agency, State Farm Insurance Brooke Lindley - Southern Lehigh High School Award for Excellence in Chemistry, Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivement Award Thomas Matsumura - Jessica Cascioli Memorial Scholarship donated by Class of 2003, Southern Lehigh Student Council Scholarship Olivia McDermott - 309 Truck Stop Corp Megan McGill - TW Cooper Insurance William McGlone - Ken Machik Scholarship donated by the Class of 2004 Keelin McLoughlin - Adrienne Elizabeth Bruchok Selgrath Class of 1997 Memorial Award, Southern Lehigh Music Parents Organization Chloe McNulty - Countryside Garden Club Award Holland Mittl - Dr. Paula A. Fantaski Scholarship, Southern Lehigh High School Award for Excellence in Spanish Immersion Steven Morales - Saucon Lodge No. 469 F&A.M. Award Nathan Morris - Link Beverages, Inc. Award Sidness Moyer - Young Medical Spa Thomas E. Young Karin Naktin - Upper Saucon Volunteer Fire Dept. Award Lin Li Oechsle - Saucon Lodge No. 469 F&A.M. Award Sarah Olson - Mary Miller Memorial Award donated by Southern Lehigh Cafeteria Personnel Alexander Ortiz - Lutron Foundation Award for Outstanding Vo-Tech Student, R. Allen Kleinginna Memorial Scholarship Camille Palmer - Kevin and Michaela Connelly Memorial Scholarship, Southern Lehigh Education Association Scholarship Matthew Palmer - Robert and Martha Fegley Memorial Golf Fund Thomas Patterson - Southern Lehigh High School Scholastic Scrimmage Scholarship, Upper Saucon Lions Club Scholarship Aaron Pearre - John Berenzy Scholarship, John L. Squarcia Award donated by Class of 1998, Lutron Foundation Award for Outstanding Physics Student, Southern Lehigh High School Award for Academic Excellence Valedictorian, Southern Lehigh High School Scholastic Scrimmage Scholarship Audrey Perrelli - Southern Lehigh Girl Scouts Service Unit, White Oak Counseling Center Scott Polek - Lower Milford Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 Award Carter Prokesch - Lower Milford Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 Award, Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivement Award Lauren Prokesch - Saucon Rod and Gun Club Scholarship, Shannon Quinn - Southern Lehigh High School Academic Acheivement Award, Southern Lehigh Music Parents Organization Kyle Reyes - Class of 1992 Award, Copperhead Grille Scholar (Athlete Scholarship-Winter), Quakertown National Bank Award, Southern Lehigh Student Council Scholarship Coby Rush - Nucor Corporation Certificate of Educational Award Katerina Sawickij - Upper Saucon Lions Club Scholarship Tia Schiaretta - Lutron Foundation Award for Outstanding Business Student Vinay Singh - Michael Mahala, Jr. Memorial Scholaraship donated by the Class of 2005, National Honor Society Southern Lehigh Chapter Scholarship Caleb Smith - Upper Saucon Lions Club Scholarship, Young Medical Spa - Thomas E. Young Luke Strauss - Amory Family, Jennifer Kaufenberg Memorial Scholarship Caleb Strobl - Norcross-Weber Funeral Home, Inc. Samantha Talecki - Upper Saucon Lions Club Scholarship Celeste Tran - Southern Lehigh Girl Scouts Service Unit Sarah Trebicka - James Roberts Memorial Scholarship, Southern Lehigh High School Award for Excellence in Spanish Ashley Vanbilliard - Mary Miller Memorial Award donated by Southern Lehigh Cafeteria Personnel Devin Venezia - National Honor Society Southern Lehigh Chapter Scholarship, Roger DeGroot Humanitarian Award Maxim Vezenov - Coopersburg Construction Corporation Award, Lutron Foundation Award for Outstanding Math Student, National Honor Society Southern Lehigh Chapter Scholarship, Southern Lehigh High School Award for academic Excellence Salutatorian Jillian Werbisky - June V. Fegley Memorial Scholarship Dean Wieder - Wegmans Gift Card Award Rachel Ziegler - National Honor Society Southern Lehigh Chapter Scholarship, Southern Lehigh Girl Scouts Service Unit

June 2018

Senior Favorites

Favorite Movies

Favorite Shows

Favorite Books

Favorite Songs

Favorite Teacher

College Majors

Page 17

Page 18 Arts and Entertainment

The Spotlight

‘This is America’ Makes Strong Statement

By Sarah Trebicka On May 6, 34-year-old singer-rapper Donald Glover released “This is America,” a new song filled with strategically constructed melodical contradictions and thought-provoking lyrics, under his musical-moniker Childish Gambino. However, what really captured audiences’ attention was the four-minute, single-take music video laden with metaphors about gun violence and race that dropped immediately after, and that many believe paints a powerful, poignant allegorical portrait of the black experience in twenty-first century America.

A New York University graduate, Glover has already established himself as an artist capable of doing it all. He took home multiple awards from last year’s Emmys and Golden Globes for his acting and directing work on the FX show “Atlanta,” his single “Redbone” scored him a No. 12 spot on the 2017 Billboard Hot 100, and his 2016 funkadelic LP “Awaken! My Love” made him one of the most nominated artists at last year’s Grammys.

However, despite these past successes, the incendiary “This is America” has by far become Glover’s biggest hit, as it wound up in the top spot on the Hot 100 just a week after its release.

In its rawest form, the central message of “This is America” revolves around gun violence in America and the public’s failure to counter it.

However, when applied to the music video, this reading barely scratches the surface and fails to shed light on the intricate artistic dilemmas faced

by Glover and Japanese-American director Hiro Murai (who also directs “Atlanta”) to impart the message as clearly as possible while still leaving plenty of room for interpretation.

The video opens with a black man in a chair playing guitar in an empty warehouse while a shirtless Glover sings melodies reminiscent of South African music with his back to the camera. He alternates between tribal dances and viral dances popularized by black entertainers while flashing exaggerated facial expressions.

“We just wanna party / Party just for you / We just want the money / Money just for you.”

Then comes the first shock of the video: Glover takes a pistol and shoots the man playing guitar in the back of the head. The buoyant South African melodies suddenly give way to a dark, Southern American trap beat.

“This is America / Don’t catch you slippin’ up.”

The rest of the video boasts a meaningfully chaotic barrage of symbolism. For example, Glover and a group of school children smile through impeccable dance moves that distract the audience from the violence and riots erupting behind them. Toward the middle of the video, a black gospel choir sings enthusiastically and jovially before Glover guns them down, which could allude to the 2015 Charleston Church massacre in which white supremacist Dylann Roof murdered nine black churchgoers.

The final moments of the video display Glover running from a mob of people down a long dark hallway with a petrified look on his face as rapper Young Thug sings, “You just a Black man in this world / You just a barcode, ayy,” insinuating that black Americans have a long history of having to run to save their lives. Some have also suggested that this scene depicts Glover trying to escape “The Sunken Place,” a reference to Jordan Peele’s 2017 racial horror film, “Get Out.” Glover also plants more subtle tokens in the video, like Jim Crow

“This is America” has become wildly popular since its release

on May 6. Photo Credit: Donald Glover

imagery represented by his contorted facial expressions and body stances and intended to further illustrate the historical implications of the black American experience. Also, each time the rapper fires a gun in the video, he gently hands it off to a well-dressed young man who carries it away with a red cloth while the gunned down bodies are roughly dragged away in the background. At the very least, this is a reference to American politicians’ willingness to value gun rights over people’s lives.

Many people believe that the jubilant events in the foreground contrasting with the tragic ones in the background seem to advert to the violent contradictions that come with living in America, but more specifically, being black in America. Black American culture in particular is amplified by constant resistance to the unjust discrimination and lethal violence directed at its makers, but it also abounds with complicity in and, sometimes, obliviousness to it.

We see the violence that plagues our country, especially in black communities, but we turn a blind eye and direct our attention towards black entertainers to distract ourselves. Glover’s suggesting that black entertainers often entertain to distract themselves, too. This dangerous juxtaposition cancels itself out in the public consciousness, and that’s exactly what this new masterpiece is trying to show us. Message received, loud and clear.

Arctic Monkeys’ Album is Freezing Cold

By Izza Choudhry

This new album ranks among the worst of albums created by the Artic Monkeys. Photo Credit: Domino Recording Company.

After a five-year break, British alternative rock band Arctic Monkeys has released a new album, “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino.” However, the mundane repetitiveness of this highly anticipated album has proven to be a disappointment for many of their fans who fell in love with their hypnotizing guitar riffs and lyrics.

While each individual song isn’t particularly bad on its own, the album blends together due to the monotonous rhythms and nonsensical lyrics.

“Kiss me underneath the moon’s sideboob” and “the leader of the free

world reminds you of a wrestler wearing tight golden trunks” sound like a series of drunken tweets rather than the strong lyrical craftsmanship the band has shown in the past.

The band’s lead singer Alex Turner even said himself that the guitar no longer inspires him, stating that “the guitar wasn’t getting me anywhere.” This provides somewhat of an explanation for the very underwhelming album produced after years of development.

While a unique element Turner did provide was turning towards the playing of the piano in the composition of the record, many fans still had a divisive opinion on this change. Even though Turner stated that the guitar was not feeding his muse in the way that it used to, many fans nevertheless mourned the loss of the band’s iconic guitar playing.

A good artist shows improvement and keeps their fans on edge by changing up their style and delivering new, unique sounds. However, Arctic Monkeys shocked their fans by not creating an album with a very similar sound to all of their previous albums.

For five years of anticipation, this album certainly did not live up to its expectations. Even from just shuffling through the songs and skipping to random snippets, each song sounds extremely similar.

June 2018

Arts and Entertainment

Page 19

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ is Infinitely Impressive

By Jakob Bloss

Marvel Studios has been working behind the scenes to create a powerful foe named Thanos (Josh Brolin), who frequently shows up in end credit scenes leading up to new film “Avengers: Infinity War.” Thanos would learn more and more about the Infinity Stones (stones that contain specialized powers) and the Avengers (a team consisting of Marvel’s greatest superheroes) in each end-credit scene he was featured in.

Marvel is considered one of the most successful film companies of the past decade since the start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which was created in 2008 with the release of one of the most critically acclaimed superhero movies: “Iron Man.” Since its release, the studio has kept itself busy by releasing eighteen more superhero movies, including “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and “Black Panther.”

After years of waiting, in “Infinity War,” Thanos finally begins his search for all six of the Infinity Stones. He assembles his so-called children named the “Black Order,” which starts its search on Earth doing everything in their power to find one of the stones yielded by Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Spider-Man (Tom Hol-

land) realize the danger after Doctor Strange is abducted by the Black Order’s ship. While Iron Man and Spiderman try to save Doctor Strange, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) contacts the other Avengers to warn them about the situation.

In light of Doctor Strange's abduction, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself saved by members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, including Starlord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Groot (Terry Notary), and Mantis (Pom Klementieff). Thor and Rocket decide to team up and take on Thanos while the other Guardians join forces with Iron Man, Spiderman, and Doctor Strange.

In the hope that Thanos did not gain all the Infinity Stones yet, Thor pays a visit to an old friend to have a new weapon created to defeat his newfound enemy. While waiting for a new weapon, Vision (Paul Bettany) decides to go to Wakanda with Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) to have an Infinity Stone planted on his forehead removed to prevent Thanos from retrieving it.

Looking for another stone, Thanos travels to Wakanda, where an all-out brawl ensues between the Avengers and the Black Order.

In my opinion, “Infinity War” manages to

execute a hard task perfectly by mixing all the Avengers on screen together. Each character got just enough screen time, and there were more story arcs than I expected. The action and comedy were also very well present; I rarely found myself bored during this movie. The film also does a great job of keeping fans on their toes; a few plot twists will surprise audiences who speculated all year about possible endings.

In spite of all the jam-packed action and laughs that “Infinity War” brings us, there are some cons. To start, the whole movie just felt a little bit rushed, and I feel like all of the characters were put together too quickly and by coincidence too often. This shouldn’t have been a problem considering the long run time (two hours and forty minutes), which is another a reason why I was dragging through the movie towards the end.

Generally speaking, “Infinity War” is what it needs to be: action-packed, surprising, and joyous. For something that Marvel fans been waiting on for ten years, I think their expectations will be met. When leaving the theater, audiences will be either shocked or amazed, and they’ll be asking themselves one question: what will happen next?

Upcoming Movies...

This oceanic thriller comes out on June 1. Photo Credit:STX Animation

“Incredibles 2” is sure to succeed in the box office upon it’s release on June 15. Photo Credit: Pixar Animation.

Mission Impossible movies just keep coming out, this one on July 27. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

This thriller comes out on June 12.

Photot Credit: Universal Pictures.

The star packed comedy releases on June 8. Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

“Raazi” comes into theatres on June 8. Photo Credit: A24.

Page 20 Odds and Ends

The Spotlight

June 2018

Prom-Goers Bop and Boogie at Bear Creek Resort

Photo credits: Christmas City Studios