Spotlight Senior Issue May 2021

THE SPOTLIGHT May 2021

Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street Center Valley, PA 18034

Volume 64 Issue 1

Class of 2021 Graduates After Uncertain Year

by Evelyn Blower

On June 4th, the class of 2021 will graduate at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. Photo Credit:Evelyn Blower

Summer is at our fingertips, and graduation for the seniors is, yet again, right around the corner. The Southern Lehigh administration has planned senior celebrations dedicated to celebrating the hardworking Class of 2021 that has persisted through over a year of disruptions amidst a pandemic. As the 62nd graduating class from the high school, these seniors are the second class to graduate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying restrictions.

Last year’s Class of 2020 graduation consisted of an outdoor video celebration at Becky’s Drive In, a drive-in movie theatre located in Walnutport, a parade of decorated cars through the district campus, and the decorations of lawns with signs recognizing the seniors stuck inside. Students received their diplomas with their families at individual small group cap and gown ceremonies at the high school in the following weeks.

This year, the district’s administration was able to put together a festival of parades, celebrations, and an in person graduation ceremony for the entire class to receive their diplomas together.

One of last year’s socially distant celebrations was carried forward as a new tradition.

Scheduled for June 3rd, the family car parade will be routed through the district campuses where teachers will be lining the parade route to cheer on the graduates.

The May 20th athletic and academic awards and scholarship ceremony, an annual event that was held online in 2020, was restored to its in person setting.

Most notably, the students have an in-person (not in-car) event to attend in place of

a Stabler Arena graduation; a ceremony at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown on June 4th.

The large field as well as the massive campus allows seniors families to be present as the graduates receive their diplomas, while social distancing and mask wearing will be expected to adhere to health and safety guidelines.

“I’m not exactly happy about it, but I think it’s really the best we can do given the situation we’re in,” senior Amy Schwartz said. “I’m glad we can at least have an in person graduation. It hasn’t been an ideal year, so I’m glad I do get to walk and have my family see me graduate.”

During prior school years, graduation was held at the Stabler Area, a part of Lehigh University’s Athletic campus, which had ample room when there were no social distancing distancing restrictions. This year, due in part to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the event was held in a larger facility, meant to hold more than Stabler’s 6,000. Coca-Cola Park has a maximum capacity of 10,178, making it ideal for ensuring social distancing during celebrations.

“I really wanted to make sure we had a safe graduation for students and their families and with the entire senior class together,” high school principal Mrs. Beth Guarriello said.

“Planning to try to make things run smoothly and also [creating] an enjoyable event for the families and students is a lot of fun for me.”

New events that celebrate this year’s seniors are a Senior Sunset Celebration and a Walking Parade through Southern Lehigh Middle School and the Joseph P. Liberati Intermediate School.

The Sunset Celebration, taking place on

June 3rd in the Southern Lehigh Stadium, provides an opportunity for the seniors to gather in person for one last social event before graduation. They are encouraged to bring their extra white mortar board caps to decorate, and there will be refreshments and other gifts for the graduating class. Yearbooks will also be distributed to the students.

The Walking Parade, also held on June 3rd, honors the Class of 2021 as they walk through the intermediate and middle schools in display of the younger students and former teachers.

While some seniors wish things were different, others are looking on the bright side. After over a year of remote and hybrid learning, these events create the first opportunity for many seniors to see their classmates together in person since March of last year.

“I think we are making the most out of the current situation,” senior Ethan Yazdanyar said. “but I’m concerned about the limit on tickets [for graduation]; since I have a large family, I won’t be able to get enough.”

“Although it’d be nice to have a traditional graduation, the school went above and beyond our expectations and gave us more than they asked for,” said senior Morgan Pawlowski.

“Getting to graduate at a huge [stadium] and getting to have my whole family there is something I’m most excited for.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has done much to disrupt the world as we knew it. However, because of the hard work of the administration and the grit of the seniors, graduation will be a safe, enjoyable affair that will celebrate this year’s graduating class for completing a tumultuous yet successful year.

Page 2 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

Southern Lehigh School District looks a

Faculty Adviser

Mrs. Marlo Spritzer

Editor-in-Chief & Opinion Editor Saskia Van’t Hof

News & Sports Editor Alex Kane

Our World & Social Media Editor Lucas Zhang

Entertainment & Features Editor Noelle Nelson

Web Editor

Lauren Volkodav

Staff Reporters

Kishore Annambhotla Evelyn Blower Sarah Cassavaugh Aisha Durrani Arden Glad Savanna Lippincott Elyse Paugh Erika Patel Lorelei Reigle Alexis Volkodav James Zbyszinski Pennsylvania School Press Association 2020 Silver Rating 2019 Silver Rating 2018 Gold Rating 2017 Gold Rating 2016 Gold Rating 2015 Gold Rating 2014 Gold Rating 2013 Silver Rating National School Press Association 2019 First Class Rating 2018 All-American Rating with Four Marks of Distinction 2017 First Class Rating 2016 First Class Rating 2015 First Class Rating

From infrastructure updates to planning for the future Southern Lehigh School DIstrict is looking forward.

District continues planning renovations to building infrastructure and athletic fields

by Alex Kane

Built in 1955, Southern Lehigh High School and its athletics facilities are showing their age, in more ways than one. Much of the 2019 football season was spent with “home” games being played at alternate venues due to the condition of the field. Within the building, another memorable mishap was the day in March of 2020 when the students of Southern Lehigh High School were sent home early by a plumbing failure.

“What I remember most is that we had a giant Algebra II test that we were supposed to take that day,” junior Aiden Tobin said. “We were stressing out because Mrs. Dottery hadn’t walked into the room yet, [and then] the announcement came on and the entire class started chanting in celebration.”

District administration is aware of the issues and sought out several bids and options over the past few years. The proposed updates to the high school building itself are extensive and range from cosmetic adjustments to structural maintenance and updating, to preparations for future expansion. Notably, a February 2019 presentation to the Southern Lehigh School Board prioritized sewer system overhauls as well as expanding areas that have long been outgrown and outdated.

“I know we are looking at a new stadium, a new performing arts center, some secure entrances, and are looking to update other spaces such as the guidance office and tech ed,” said high school principal Mrs. Beth Guarriello.

Such extensive work would not come without a cost, however, both monetary and temporal. Mrs. Guariello said that the financial cost of renovations could vary depending on which of the proposed plans are selected. Per documents from a February 2019 school board workshop, the proposed work on the high school could total $190,037,861.

Despite the towering costs, however, Mrs. Guariello believes that renovations will impact the high school in more ways than one.

“These renovations will have a tremendously positive impact, though it will be challenging during renovations since we would not be able to use the spaces,”

she said. “I believe the inconvenience will be worth it.”

The looming question now is how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected renovation plans, and the answer is rather unexpected and complex.

“Planning and meetings are carrying on as scheduled, though I don’t know how it will impact construction,” Mrs. Guarriello said, “and the pandemic may affect funding for renovations.”

While seven options for renovations to district facilities were proposed, the school board selected “option six,” according to the 2019 records, due to the belief that it would satisfy a number of criteria ranging from aging infrastructure to maintenance and security.

Beyond updates to the classroom, the selected renovation plan would vastly overhaul the district’s athletics facilities, with $5,042,730 earmarked for these renovations, with an impact on sports equal to the impact on the classroom.

“The renovations would have an extremely positive impact on district athletics,” athletic director Mr. Marc Zimmerman said. “Our coaches have wanted improvements for a long time, so I know it will be received in a positive way by all groups, and give us as a school district something to be proud of.”

As with updates to the district’s education facilities, it remains yet to be seen how greatly the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the plans. Through the renovation process, the level of impact on athletic field usage and scheduling could vary, depending on what is updated when.

The transformation of the present stadium field to a synthetic turf surface opens up the possibility of hosting events such as Colonial League and PIAA District XI postseason football games to the district.

With many memorable manifestations of age, it is clear that time has not been kind to Southern Lehigh High School or its associated athletics facilities. From the infamous early dismissal to the rapid and severe deterioration of the football field, there remains a great deal that needs to be done to repair and rebuild district facilities.

May 2021

News Page 3

ahead to the 2021-22 school year and the future

Photo Credit: Southern Lehigh School DIstrict

With cautious optimisim, Southern Lehigh schools plan for a five-day in-person return for 2021-22

by Alex Kane As one school year comes to an end, the Southern Lehigh community has raised questions on how the next one will begin. Many are cautiously optimistic for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with it, the restoration of some semblance of pre-pandemic life. Southern Lehigh School District has finally decided on a balance between safety and normalcy in their 2021-2022 reopening plans.

While nothing is completely confirmed yet, the tentative plan for the next year is promising. Students will return to full in person learning five days a week, and face coverings will be mandated at all times, with the exception of lunch when students are eating. Since six-foot social distancing will no longer be necessary, desks can be returned to the classrooms, and new tables will be ordered for the cafeteria. Remote synchronous learning through online hybrid classes via zoom will no longer be supported, so students who wish to attend school online must do so via E-Learn platforms, as they have done in previous years.

Compared to this year, the 2021-2022 reopening plans seem more normal than ever. If all goes according to plan, zoom classes may become a distant memory. Nevertheless, much of the decision-making still depends on external factors.

“A lot depends on whether students choose to get vaccinated.” principal Mrs. Beth Guarriello said. “Not only that, but so much is determined by what the state mandates for us as well.”

This past year, incoming freshmen, many of whom had never been

inside the high school halls, had faced varying degrees of difficulty adjusting to high school.

“It was honestly easier than I expected it would be given the pandemic,” freshman Alex Lea said.

For the upcoming year, freshmen and new students can look forward to in-person welcome events, such as tours, orientation, and club rush.

The main challenge expressed by many students this year pertained to the hardships of virtual learning. Now more than ever, students and teachers alike understand the value of face-to-face instruction.

“One of the hardest parts about learning this year was having to learn online, which was definitely not ideal,” junior Leah Hundley said.

“Especially for my senior year, it would be nice to have a normal year, so I think it’s great that we’re going back in-person safely next year.”

Despite the progress forward, much is still undecided about Southern Lehigh’s reopening plans, including decisions about student spectator sections at athletic events. While a reopening plan is not airtight just yet, many see the prospect of returning back to a life resembling pre-pandemic days as appealing enough.

“I can’t wait. None of us—teachers, counselors, administrators— none of us got into this career to be talking to kids through screens,” Mrs.Guarriello said. “We’re all super excited to get our kids back in the building, because that’s why we’re here.”

Community members can follow updates on Southern Lehigh’s social media accounts. Photo Credit: Southern Lehigh School DIstrict Facebook Page @SouthernLehighSD

The Spotlight

Page 4 News

Farewell to Mrs. Lynne Kelly

by Lauren Volkodav

SLHS offers expanded dual enrollment options in 2021-22

by Kishore Annambhotla and Alex Kane

Photo Credit: Kishore Annambhotla

Mrs. Kelly will retire after nineteen years of service.

Photo Credit: Southern Lehigh School District

After serving the Southern Lehigh community for nineteen years, guidance counselor Mrs. Lynne Kelly is retiring. She has served our community in many capacities, from guidance counselor to AP Coordinator and National Honor Society chapter adviser up until 2018.

Mrs. Kelly came to Southern Lehigh in October 2002 after serving as a counselor at both Harrison Morton Middle School and Louis E. Dieruff High School in the Allentown School District.

During her time in our district, Mrs. Kelly has seen Southern Lehigh grow, but not without challenges, such as the increase in students’ mental health concerns and the negative effects social media have posed to our community as a whole. However, with a strong school spirit, students and staff persevered through these challenges. “‘Spartan strong’ is not just a slogan; it is alive and well at Southern Lehigh,” she said, observing that it is a “true community in every sense of the word.”

Mrs. Kelly also believes that Southern Lehigh High School provides “a top notch education within a culture that is safe and inclusive.”

“I hope that we continue to inspire excellence in the arts, academics and athletics while also maintaining dignity and respect for others,” she said.

Mrs. Kelly credits the Southern Lehigh community with accomplishing great things to help others, including raising money for Four Diamonds, the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and other charitable programs.

Clearly Mrs. Kelly has been very active in her role on campus. She is always talking to someone or in her office guiding a student through their high school experience with a kind smile. Her retirement will seemingly give her a pause from her busy lifestyle, but she has quite a few plans for free time.

“I will spend time with my family, my three grandsons, my daughters, my mom, and husband,” she said, as well as “traveling, biking, hiking, and having fun with less stress and more time to enjoy the simple pleasures, such as a good meal, captivating book and random adventures.”

Mrs. Kelly will miss the Southern Lehigh community just as much as it will miss her.

“Southern Lehigh students and my colleagues at the high school have continued to amaze and impress me with their dedication, determination and their desire to challenge themselves despite the many obstacles before them,” she said.

Some of Mrs. Kelly’s favorite memories at Southern Lehigh are the legendary high school pep rallies.

“A very special memory was the pep rally where teachers shaved their heads in front of the entire school to raise money for LLS,” she said. “Also the rap battle between Mr. Castagna and Mr. Haupt was a classic!”

Mrs. Kelly has also enjoyed her work with the many NHS Pennies for Patients campaigns.

While Mrs. Kelly will retire, she hopes her legacy of “being a team player and a strong advocate” for her students will endure.

For the current students, Mrs. Kelly offers one last bit of guidance.

“High school is four short years which have a tremendous impact on your future,” she said. “Use this time wisely; get involved, do your best academically, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, most of all, be kind and considerate of others.”

For students looking to broaden their horizons, Southern Lehigh High School will offer more dual enrollment courses starting next year. With the school board’s approval in early fall of 2020, the existing dual enrollment program will expand to include high school courses that offer college credit through Seton Hall University and the University of Pittsburgh.

A dual enrollment program allows students to enroll simultaneously at two academic institutions to earn credit for the same course. For example, students who take public speaking at Southern Lehigh can earn college credit at the same time. Students have also had the opportunity to take additional classes from several local colleges, including Moravian College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, DeSales University, Lehigh University and Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Typically, about 80 Southern Lehigh students are dual-enrolled each year. Thanks to greater viability of the program in virtual school, that number has increased to about 95 in 2020-2021. The expanded dual enrollment program will allow students more opportunity to take classes at Southern Lehigh that will earn credit toward graduation while they simultaneously earn college credit

“We have applied to both the University of Pittsburgh and Seton Hall, and both of those universities have programs where schools can apply for dual enrollment,” principal Mrs. Beth Guarriello said.

Five courses in the fields of math, computer science, and family and consumer science will be offered for dual enrollment credit with Seton Hall, while the University of Pittsburgh will offer credit through twenty-eight courses across english, math, science, social studies, world language, computer science, and family and consumer sciences, said assistant principal Ms. Jennifer Brinson.

“Having the experience of teaching, I can speak to many teachers about how the process works,” said Ms. Brinson, who formerly taught Seton Hall dual enrollment courses at Salisbury High School.

The attraction of dual enrollment is mainly due in part to its educational and economic soundness. Dual enrolled students receive high school and college credits, which are valuable for applying to any post-secondary institution. In addition, taking college courses through dual enrollment is much cheaper. For example, a typical 3-credit class at Seton Hall University costs around $4,000, while taking the same class through dual enrollment would only cost around $300.

“Because we are opening it up, we have all the core [classes] applying for some level of dual enrollment,” said Mrs. Guarriello. “Several sciences, several maths, several social studies, and many teachers are applying as far as related arts. We have representatives applying from every subject area, which is great.”

Pitt and Seton Hall had the best programs to meet Southern Lehigh’s goals for dual enrollment. Secretaries Mrs. Paula Barron and Mrs. Suzanne Lang have been working to facilitate dual enrollment applications including acquiring transcripts, uploading letters of recommendation, and any other documentation necessary to support the application.

“We are excited to see our kids build their experience with some college credits,” said Ms. Brinson.

Few outside of the faculty and staff have heard about the new dual enrollment plan thus far; however, students like junior Marley McGehee are interested in the opportunities provided by the program:

“Being able to get college credit for classes in high school makes the college class load and work load seem much less daunting,” she said.

May 2021

News

Page 5

Senior physics students have a blast in Mr. Dougherty’s now legendary ‘pirate lab’

by Alex Kane

Batten down the hatches mateys: we be on the hunt for treasure!

Candy awaited those brave enough to make the journey, and the calculations, to find the weight of the treasure. One false move and the trap would go off.

This was the conundrum faced by Mr. David Dougherty’s Electric and Magnet Physics classes. The students had to perform calculations to find the weight of a bag of treasure and replace it with a set of weights.

Those who missed the mark risked a faceful of shaving cream. (Raincoats and ponchos recommended.) Successful calcuations led students to a coveted candy treasure.

In order to make this lab a reality, Mr. Dougherty, known for his zany outfits and creative contraptions, personally constructed a brand new elaborate “cannon” made from PVC piping and a trigger wired to fire the “ammunition” -- a harmless dollop of shaving cream.

“When I create a lesson, I always step back and ask myself, ‘Would I want to be a student in my class on this day?’” Mr. Dougherty said. “I can always say ‘yes’ to this when I make activities that are creative, hands-on, and fun!”

Beyond his unique outfits and elaborate labs, Mr. Dougherty is also known to students for being a standout science teacher.

“Mr. Dougherty is probably my favorite teacher I’ve ever had,” senior Aidan Silvestri said. “He is very good at listening to students when they have a hard time and he will always stay after school for you if you need it.”

Mr. Dougherty first explained the Pirate Lab to his students, who were both in the classroom and Zooming in from home. Photo Credit: Spotlight staff

Seniors Max Sarko and Dylan Chase-Mayoral collaborate on their calculations. Photo Credit: Spotlight staff

Mr. Dougherty loads the PVC “cannon” with shaving cream for the next attempt. Photo Credit: Spotlight staff

Senior Vincent Moore puts his group’s calculations to the test. Photo Credit: Spotlight staff

Treasure awaited those who passed the test.

Photo Credit: Spotlight staff

The Spotlight’s own junior Alex Kane after an encounter with Mr. Dougherty’s cannon. Photo Credit: Lucas Zhang

Senior Audrey Zeidenberg wasn’t going to let Mr. Dougherty have all the dress-up fun. Photo Credit: Spotlight staff

Senior Dylan Chase-Mayoral trips the traps.

Photo Credit: Spotlight staff

The Spotlight

Page 6 Features

Spotlight Says Goodbye to Senior Staff

Saskia Van’t Hof: Editor-in-Chief, Opinion Editor

by Evelyn Blower

Saskia Van’t Hof has been a member of the Spotlight staff for four years, serving in a number of roles: staff reporter, features editor, opinion editor, and editor-in-chief. She will continue her education at the University of Pittsburgh.

Photo credit: Saskia Van’t Hof

Saskia Van’t Hof, a four-year member of the Spotlight staff, is hanging up her hat as the editor-in-chief, a role she cherishes playing.

With her experience as an editor for three years and editor-in-chief for two, she reminisces on her time as a journalist.

“I just wanted to take a journalism class in the beginning, and I was attracted by the co-curricular part, but by taking more responsibility and finding my place in there [it] really built my confidence,” she said. “I really liked that you had the power to portray people how they deserve to be portrayed.”

In Saskia’s sophomore year, she became features editor: a position she was inspired to take after winning a regional award at the PA School Press Association competition. In her junior year, she became opinion editor and editor-in-chief, and carried the same roles into her senior year. Though being a journalist hasn’t always been easy, Saskia notes the importance of triumph over anxieties to overcome the obstacles.

“Losing that self consciousness to pursue stories and talk to people, which is your job as a journalist, is crucial,” she said. “You’re going to have to put yourself in situations that you’re not comfortable with because it’s not your story to tell, but in order to tell [someone’s] story, you have to put yourself in that little bit of discomfort.”

She believes the best article she wrote was one on the gifted programs in the United States, titled “Being Labeled ‘Gifted’ Isn’t Always a Gift,” which was “more than just an assignment” to her. This article was republished nationally by “Best of SNO,” which showcases top student journalism published through School Newspapers Online member schools.

In addition to her work with the Spotlight, Saskia also played field hockey, participated in

stage crew for the school musicals and plays, and held officer and president positions for Key Club, and is a member of National Honor Society and Spartan Ambassadors.

“I hope, in each of those different activities, even if I wasn’t the star, I was still an important person and an important team player,” she said. “I want to be a good student, but I also want to be a good person, in and out of all of those activities.”

After graduating high school, Saskia plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh’s Honor College for international and area studies, possibly taking a semester abroad. With her degree, she hopes to work in public policy or humanitarian aid. At Pitt, she also might try the student publication program in order to continue her path as a journalist.

“Having this journalism experience in high school also gave me a lot of technical skill with editing, so I can definitely see myself pursuing aspects of journalism through digital design or research,” she said.

Before entering high school, Saskia lived in Japan for 12 years, which she attributes to be a large influence on her life.

“It wasn’t just a place I lived in for my childhood; it really did influence who I am today,” she said. “I have a strong American identity now, but I think growing up abroad is humbling; you really know that other people are living a completely different life than you.”

When Saskia has some time to herself, she cherishes time cooking, and brushing up on her literature skills by reading. With her experience on the Spotlight, as well as everything else she brings with her to her future, Saskia hopes to become an inspiration and an approachable person, and someone remembered for her generosity and affable personality.

Sarah Cassavaugh: Staff Reporter

by Lorelei Reigle

Sarah Cassavaugh is a one-year staff reporter for the Spotlight. As she continues her education, she plans to study genetics, and Photo credit: Sarah Cassavaugh

Writing for the school newspaper can definitely be difficult, especially with all of the pressure and deadlines that come along with the task. Despite this, Sarah Cassavaugh has persevered, and she has written two thought-provoking articles in her time as a first-year staff reporter for The Spotlight.

Not only does Sarah’s writing often focus heavily on diversity in today’s society, but she also speaks about the importance of including diversity in the media. She writes on the effects of the pandemic as well, and dealing with the stress of being locked down.

It’s obvious that Sarah is passionate about her writing and cares about the issues that she is speaking on, but she still does her best to remain an unbiased journalist.

Although she is senior, and she will be leaving Southern Lehigh’s Spotlight behind her, this by no means implies that she will stop writing. With her dedication, it is obvious that Sarah will find a way to continue enjoying this hobby and continue some other favorite hobbies as well.

“I really love to read and write!” Sarah

said. “But I also spend absurd amounts of time playing Minecraft.”

Outside of the Spotlight, Sarah is also a member of both GSA and Aevidum. Although it can be difficult to be involved in activities as a “fully remote” student, she still thoroughly cherishes these clubs and commits herself to them.

Sarah also holds much appreciation for her English classes and the literary opportunities that these courses offer.

“I really love my English classes,” Sarah said. “They give me a chance to read things that I otherwise wouldn’t have picked up.”

In general, Sarah Cassavaugh has many dreams, hobbies, and aspirations. Where these will lead her, there is no way of knowing, but we wish her luck and happiness as she moves on with her life after high school.

Sarah leaves her classmates with one piece of advice: to care.

“Care about your work and put yourself out there,” she said. “Joining clubs is the easiest way to find friends.”

May 2021

Features Page 7

Lucas Zhang: Our World and Social Media Editor

by Alex Kane

Lucas Zhang has spent two years with the Spotlight as a staff reporter, Our World editor and social media editor. He will continue his education at Boston University and ultimately enter the Marine Corps. Photo credit: Lucas Zhang

C’est la vie. That’s life. That is the phrase which most inspires senior Lucas Zhang.

Throughout his tenure with The Spotlight, Lucas served as the Our World section editor and the Social Media editor. Lucas is also known colloquially within the paper and beyond as “Photoshopper-in-Chief” on account of his skills with Adobe Photoshop. These roles might come as a surprise given how he joined The Spotlight.

“Looking back, I joined The Spotlight as sort of a spur of the moment type thing at the end of my sophomore year,” he said. “I think I

joined just to try something new.”

This spur-of-the-moment decision paved the way for Lucas to write fifteen articles and create additional graphics for two articles beyond the ones he personally wrote.

The Spotlight is often seen as an opportunity for students to express themselves and shine light on global issues that they are passionate about. These articles often become the student’s favorite to write and Lucas is no exception.

“The one I’m working on right now is a three part series on Asian-American issues in

general, and it’s my favorite so far,” he said.

Outside of The Spotlight, Lucas participates in Speech and Debate and is the president of Student Council. Throughout his time at Southern Lehigh, Lucas has run on the cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams; he has been a member of the cross country and outdoor track teams for all four years of high school, and a member of the indoor track team since his sophomore year.

Lucas will attend Boston University where he plans to major in international relations with a minor in philosophy, and he will pursue a Marine Option in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program. After graduation, he plans to achieve a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

It is tradition for graduating seniors to impart wisdom to the class that will follow them, and the advice Lucas gives applies to juniors who will soon be finishing their penultimate year of high school, one made even more stressful and complicated by a global pandemic.

“You’ve made it,” he said. “Don’t stay too uptight because this is your last year here, and a lot of the hard part’s done.”

While every teacher is familiar with the four-year cycle of time, it is something far harder to accept as a student, and I can say without a doubt this the hardest article I’ve ever had to write. Over the course of the three years I have known Lucas, it has been both a privilege and an honor getting to know him, both in the classroom and on the field of competition. I’ve seen him grow from someone who was reserved, into a capable and confident leader. I can say I have met few people whose dedication and work ethic can come even close to equalling or eclipsing Lucas’s.

I’m proud to have had the opportunity to meet Lucas and become friends with him, and I and the rest of The Spotlight staff wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors. Good hunting, and tear ‘em up Mr. Zhang.

Aisha Durrani: Staff Reporter

by Kishore Annambhotla

Aisha Durrani has been a Spotlight staff reporter for three years. She will continue her education at Northeastern University. Photo credit: Aisha Durrani

Since her sophomore year, Aisha Durrani has been a valuable asset to the Spotlight staff.

Her passion for writing has helped to make her a skilled journalist with many talents.

“I joined the Spotlight because I love writing,” Aisha said, “and I wanted to learn how to write proper articles.”

Aisha has been a highly involved member of several clubs and groups throughout her high school career. In addition to being writing for the Spotlight, she is also the speech captain of the Speech and Debate team, treasurer of the Key Club, secretary of the National Honor Society, and vice president and co-founder of the High School Democrats club.

In her free time, Aisha may be writing, reading, watching TV, or staying up-to-date with current events. As graduation nears, she reflects on her high school experiences, citing her favorite high school class to be AP Biology, taught by Mr. Edward Sinkler. Thanks to her positive experiences, she also plans to minor in biology in college.

“Mr. Sinkler is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” Aisha said. “He made learning biology both interesting and fun. I’ve never laughed harder than when my friends and I were making biology jokes with him in that class.”

Overall, Aisha said her time in Speech and Debate has shaped her more than any other high school activity, and as she moves into the next stage of her life, she will miss it most.

“I found a home on that team, and it’s really become a part of me over the last four years,” Aisha said. “I’m gonna miss Mr. Long, my team, and the competition itself.”

Aisha sees Mr. David Long, the Speech and Debate coach, as another role model.

“I’ve never seen anyone quite as dedicated to something as Mr. Long is to Speech and Debate,” Aisha said. “Essentially, he’s the only reason Solehi Forensics exists. He’s an incredible coach as well, but his relentless dedication to the team never fails to inspire me.”

Starting in the fall, Aisha will attend Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she will major in nursing and minor in biology. After college, she plans to enter the medical field as a nurse.

As a final message to rising seniors, Aisha said not to overburden yourself with challenging classes.

“You could lose motivation to complete them, and may regret it,” she said. “Senior year is not an optimal time to be testing your academic limits anyway! Instead, pour that energy into your college applications.”

Page 8 Features

The Spotlight

Noelle Nelson: Entertainment and Features Editor

by Arden Glad

Noelle Nelson graduates after two years with the Spotlight, serving as a staff reporter, entertainment editor, and features editor. She will continue her education at Marist College. Photo credit: Noelle Nelson

Noelle Nelson, a two-year reporter and editor of the Spotlight, originally had no intention of joining the newspaper staff, but her friend Saskia Van’t Hof, the editor-in-chief, slowly convinced her to take journalism. The class ended up being far different from what she expected, and she soon saw how driven her classmates were to create the best material possible.

“This class definitely made me step out of my comfort zone,” she said, “but helped me with communication and showed me what a team was like.”

On the first day of class in her junior year, Noelle was thrown into the position of editor since the staff was so small and everyone had to take on a new role.

She was quick to pick up on the fast paced program, and she took the helm of the features and entertainment sections.

Noelle cherishes everything that she has learned over the past two years. ”I plan to bring some skills from journalism into the rest of my life,” she said.

“Some things aren’t always what they seem, and you have to do your own research.”

Noelle’s favorite part of being an editor was creating page layouts for the print issues of the Spotlight.

“I am a very organized person,” she said, “and the little rush when [I] had to make everything fit [on the page] is what gave me the most excitement.”

Outside of the Spotlight, Noelle is also the treasurer for Scholastic Scrimmage, a member of the National Honor Society, a Teen Counselor, and a member of the Art and Literary Club.

“As soon as I stepped out of my comfort zone and started joining more clubs, I loved the environment that the students shared,” she said.

After making years of lasting school memories, Noelle knows she will miss her friends and the bonds she has made.

“I’m also going to miss my parents and my twin sister because I will be six hours away and won’t have their up close support,” she said. “I will definitely also miss the teachers and the administration in general.”

For the next four years Noelle will attend Marist College in New York, pursuing a major in business administration and management with a concentration in finance, and a minor in fashion merchandising.

Before Noelle graduates she has some advice for her classmates.

“Dedicate your first three years of high school, and try to find a balance, but make sure you have that balance in school work and fun or you’ll lose the enjoyment aspect of it,” she said. “Find friends that have the same interests as you because those are the relationships that last.”

The last two years helped Noelle Nelson more than she could have imagined, and she is forever grateful for the relationship she has created with the Spotlight and its staff.

Savanna Lippincott: Staff Reporter

by Alexa Smith

Savanna Lippincott is a one-year staff reporter for the Spotlight who is glad she decided to try something new in her senior year. She will continue her education at Lehigh Carbon Community College Photo credit: Savanna Lippincott

Staff reporter Savanna Lippincott joined the newspaper this year because she enjoyed writing and was ready for something new.

“I just thought it was something different, and I’ve never really tried anything like this before,” she said. “I figured if it’s my last year, I might as well give it a shot.”

Even though she has only been in the journalism program for a short period of time, she has taken the challenge head on.

Of the articles she has written, Savanna’s favorite was an entertainment review on the Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” an authentic piece that illustrated her love for French culture. Savanna was in the French Club, and her favorite memories from high school took place in her French class, immersed in the culture and the language.

When Savanna is not writing for the Spotlight, she can be found enjoying her favorite sports: soccer and hockey. She also has a passion for creative writing which initiated her interest in writing for the newspaper. She also enjoys watching movies from time to time.

Throughout her high school career, Savanna has learned a few things that she would like to pass along.

“Keep working,” she said. “I know that it is so easy to have the ‘I don’t care’ mentality, but that spirals, and you’ll get senioritis while you’re still a freshman.”

After graduation, Savanna plans to take courses at Lehigh Carbon Community College, to “get a gist of what college is about.”

Savanna is not sure what career path she would like to pursue. Even though high school has helped her figure out her likes and dislikes in academia, she is still exploring her true life’s passion.

Even as Savanna looks to the future, she still looks back at all the fun she had in high school and what she feels is important. She encourages upcoming high schoolers to work hard and to be themselves.

“Keep at it. It’s difficult now but hard work truly does pay off,” she said.

“Stay true to yourself. It’s boring and cliche, but it still works.”

May 2021

Our World

Page 9

What can graduates expect at their colleges this fall?

by Alexis Volkodav

As the circumstances of the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to evolve, the answer to how colleges and universities will operate in the next school year is varied and at times, uncertain. Photo Credit: Alexis Volkodav

The coronavirus pandemic has forced high schools around the world to experiment with remote learning, causing change to student life. As seniors at these high schools move on to college, many wonder what their universities plan to do for the upcoming academic year.

While some colleges will continue to provide remote learning, others which decide to reopen in person are faced with the challenge of keeping students and staff safe. The CDC says the timeline for colleges to “return to normal” is significantly shorter than that for other establishments, indicating that life may return to normal for some students.

“The reopening of college and university campuses in the fall should be a national priority,” Brown University President, Christina Paxson, wrote in The New York Times. “Colleges and universities must be able to safely handle the possibility of infection on campus while maintaining the continuity of their core academic functions.”

Moreover, a potential solution promises to help colleges maintain the health of their students: the COVID-19 vaccine. Hundreds of colleges say students attending in person learning must get the COVID-19 vaccines.

Colleges such as Penn State, Rutgers University, Northwestern University and many others have updated their vaccine requirements to include the Covid-19 vaccine.

Although decisions like this sparked some outrage, many students found it fair. In a survey by College Pulse, 71% of students believe

colleges have the right to ask students to get vaccinated.

Graduating senior Jack Ziets said he will be attending his freshman year at American University in person, since students are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I’m excited about this decision, as I’m really looking forward to the traditional ‘college experience,’” Ziets said, “and the fact that almost every student on campus will be vaccinated definitely makes me feel safer.”

In addition to vaccines, colleges are implementing other measures.

Many colleges reopening in the fall will prompt students to wear a mask indoors, limit social gatherings and get frequently tested for covid. Along with these measures, colleges are likely to continue limiting their on-campus activities in order to ensure the safety of students. Some may plan for students to live on campus but only attend a few classes in person or on specific days, in order to ensure social distance, while others may return to fully in person daily classes with masks required.

Not all higher education institutions implement the same measures. For example, American University requires masks indoors and at large outdoor gatherings, while Florida State University recommends, but no longer requires, masks to be worn indoors.

“This represents a shift from the previous face-covering requirement and reflects our substantial efforts to vaccinate the university community, along with a low number of COVID-19 cases on campus,” Florida State

University said in a public statement.

Additionally, just as all colleges have individual responses to COVID-19, students have different responses to their measures.

This has the potential to degrade progress in eliminating COVID-19. In order to address the potential lack of student cooperation, various colleges are enforcing rules and regulations.

Some colleges offer incentives, while others push for mandates and strict punishment. Such examples include suspension from campus for a set period of time, assigned community service, or expulsion. Students’ noncompliance with the rules can impact their academic progression and financial situations.

Those who disobey the regulations are classified as a health risk, causing them to think twice before attending large-scale parties or gathering in dorm rooms.

At the end of the day, the responsibility of complying with policies and regulations is shared by the whole higher education community. These requirements are likely to stay. As their focus remains to protect the health of the student body, college life will look different from pre-pandemic years.

Seniors graduating this year may look forward to a “normal” college experience.

However, in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely students will return to college campuses in the fall with some restrictions in place, at least until a majority of the population is vaccinated.

Interested in becoming part of the Spotlight staff?

Consider joining the Newspaper Journalism class for next year!

For more information contact the Spotlight advisor, Mrs. Spritzer, via email at spritzerm@slsd.org, or email your guidance counselor to enroll.

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Page 10 Center Spread

Oh The Places They’ll Go The Next Step For the Class of 2021

The Spotlight

May 2021

Center Spread Page 11

Commitments to the Armed Forces

Page 12 Sports

The Spotlight

Twenty-one from ‘21 bound for college athletics Ben Clarke

Benjamin Clarke is a two year varisty lacrosse and soccer player. In that time he has scored 2 goals and caused 46 turnovers. Ben will be taking his talents to Elizabethtown College where he will play lacrosse and will major in biology on a pre-med track. His favorite sports memory is winning the district championship in lacrosse his sophomore year.

Mackenzie Reese Mackenzie Reese is a four-year starter for the field hockey team, which she captained this year.

Reese also played lacrosse her freshman and sophomore years. These sports combine for a total of 41 goals and 31 assists. Reese will be taking her talents to Lock Haven University, where whe will major in biology with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant Alec Di Cesare

Avery Zuk

Alec is a three-time cross country captain, one time track captain and MVP. The teams Alec ran on won the Colonal League three times in both cross country and track and field. He contributed to the cross country team’s tenth place finish in the 2019 cross country state meet. Alec will be taking his talents to Lebanon Valley College where he will run track and cross country

Avery Zuk is a one-year captain of the swim team and won the team’s MVP award her freshman year. Her primary events were the 50 and 100 freestyle and the 100 backstroke. She will be taking her talents in the pool to Edinboro University where she will major in biology on a pre-med track.

Gavin Bealer

Gavin Bealer is a fouryear varsity soccer and three-year baseball player. In that time he has scored five goals in soccer and a home run for baseball. Gavin will be taking his athletic talents in soccer to York College and will major in sports management.

“Never forget to have fun while playing your sport,” he said.

Kaya Mobley

Kenneth Lebby

Kaya Mobley competed for the soccer, track, and basketball teams, and is best known for her role in the girls basketball team making the final four in PIAA 5A states two years in a row. Kaya will be taking her skills on the basketball court to Bloomsberg University, where she will major in early childhood education.

Kenneth Lebby is a member of the baseball team. He will be attending Centenary University where he will be majoring in criminal justice.

His advice to underclassmen is to work hard even when nobody is watching.

His favorite memory is the 2020 summer high school tournament.

Ruhbani Sidhu

Ruhbani Sidhu is a four year varsity swimmer who qualified three times for the mid-Atlantic championship meet.

Ruhbani participated in cross country and lacrosse her freshman year. She will be taking her talent in the pool to Franklin and Marshall College where she will major in psychology on a pre-med track.

May 2021

Sports

Page 13

Interviews by Alex Kane Photo Credits to the athletes and the Solehian yearbook staff

Richie Davis

Raul Ochoterena Richie Davis is a two year varsity football player with the Spartans.

He stepped in last year as the starting center.

Richie will be taking his talents on the field to Lycoming Valley College.

Brooke Adams

Tyler King

Stephanie Schmidt

Brooke Adams is fouryear volleyball player for Southern Lehigh.

This year she was also a team captain. Over the course of four years Brooke has racked up 1911 assists. Brooke will be taking her talents on the court to Rowan University where she will major in psychology.

Tyler is a starter for the soccer team. Over the course of his time with the Spartans he scored 23 goals and made 14 assists. Tyler will be taking his talents on the field to Elizabethtown College, where he will major in business.

Stephanie is a two-year varsity lacrosse player and basketball captain.

Stephanie will be taking her talents on the court to Widner University where she will major in biology.

Zoe Ritter

Raul Ochoterena is a four-year starting defender for the lacrosse team and also played on the soccer team for three years. Raul will be taking his talents on the lacrosse field to Lehigh University where he will major in a field yet to be decided.

Zoe Ritter is a four-year starter for the softball team and also played varisty field hockey. She captained the field hockey team her junior and senior years. Zoe will be taking her talents on the softball diamond to Arcadia University, where she will major in public health.

JC RIzzuto JC Rizzuto plays football.for the Spartans, and was a captain of the team his senior year. JC will be taking his talents on the football field to Ursinus College, where he will major in health and excercise physiology.

Holly Walter Holly is a member of the softball and basketball teams. She was on the league and district championship winning 20182019 basketball team.

She has scored five home runs for the softball team in her career.

Holly will take her talents on the softball diamond to Moravian College where she will major in nursing.

Page 14 Sports Jayden Henry

The Spotlight

Jayden Henry is a member of the football team and competed in the triple and long jumps for the track and field team.

On the football field he made six interceptions, 78 tackles, and scored four touchdowns. Jayden will be taking his talents on the football field to Wilkes University where he will major in sports management.

Isabella Touzeau Isabella Touzeau is a four-year member of the soccer team. She will be taking her talents on the soccer field to Messiah College.

Max Sarko

Zachary Lebby

Troy Scozzafava

Zachary Lebby plays tennis for the Spartans.

He was the 2021 league tournament champion and won a total of 35 games in his career.

Zachary will be taking his talents on the tennis court to Moravian University where he will major in physics.

Troy Scozzafava is a member of the lacrosse team. He will be taking his talents on the lacrosse field to Lycoming College.

Max Sarko is a four-year member of the soccer team. In that time he has scored one goal for varisty soccer. Max will be taking his talents on the soccer field to DeSales University, where he will major in Computer Science and Information Systems.

Did you know?

The Spotlight has an Instagram!

Follow us at @slsdspotlight.

May 2021

Opinion

Page 15

In the spring of 2021, two of our student journalists earned “Best of SNO” designations for the strength and quality of their opinion pieces, which were republished nationally by School Newspapers Online. On this and the following pages, we feature these articles by our award-winning writers, Evelyn Blower and Lucas Zhang.

Antisemitism: why awareness isn’t enough

by Evelyn Blower

Maybe you’ve driven by the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown, or seen the various synagogues that dot the region. You might have a friend or two who grew up Jewish, or still belongs to a Jewish congregation. As the Jewish community lives around you, the antisemitism around it does as well.

Five years ago, in late 2016, a number of Lehigh Valley schools made national news about racist and antisemitic acts of hatred. Among the various incidents, the media pointed out some students of Southern Lehigh, who engaged in the drawing of swastikas in bathroom walls, Nazi salutes in hallways, and the yelling of racial slurs to students of certain ethnic or religious backgrounds.

In an article by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a photo from a 2020 protest attended

by Proud Boys, the conspiracy theory group, showed a man wearing a “6MWE” t-shirt: 6MWE stands for “6 million wasn’t enough,” referring to Jews murdered in the mass genocide in the Holocaust. To have someone express that 6 million human lives ending wasn’t enough is something that settled dark in a pit in my stomach, where guilt and shame go to simmer.

“I remember in second grade we watched a video of American soldiers liberating a concentration camp, and my mom had cheesesteaks, tater tots, and apple sauce for dinner, and after eating, I went and threw up,” said high school principal Mrs. Beth Guarriello, who was raised Orthodox Jewish. “I was so sickened by it; it really made an impact.”

Anti-semitism, as defined by the International Holocaust Rememberance Alliance, is “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Yet, this definition (endorsed by the Biden administration) isn’t enough to even incorporate every antisemitic belief against Jews. It only cites the extremist nature in relation to the events of the Holocaust and other violent acts. Some Jewish activists have found this counteractive to pressing, less extremist issues, like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Many teens like myself haven’t felt comfortable talking about antisemitism, and this stems from the treatment in our education about the subject. We learn about the horrors of the Holocaust, about the Jews killed in Auschwitz or other death camps in Europe. We soberly read Elie Wiesel’s “Night” in English, and learn about Middle Eastern conflicts in World Cultures and History. We don’t continue to see or discuss the lingering effects of antisemitism in modern day society, beyond the years of the Holocaust and anti-Jewish extremism.

I, truthfully, needed a few hours of research before I felt near comfortable talking about

antisemitism in an educated manner. Many of us find ourselves more inclined to know more about racism against black people, or anti-LGBT sentiments, but somehow, antisemitism can get so easily brushed under the rug.

US. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, now stripped of all committee positions, is one of the most notable examples of using social media in 2018 to promote antisemitic theories and propaganda. There is a post where she claimed that a California wildfire originated from a laser from space controlled by the prominent Jewish Rothschild family. There’s a post concerning the American Muslim Women Political Action committee, where she wrote, “Wtf is their mission??? To make sure every women [sic] is dominated by Islam, is covered in sheets, loses our freedoms, and has to have our vaginas mutilated???”

Three years after posting these inflammatory statements, Greene holds Georgia’s 14th District representation in Congress, where there are 20 Jewish members.

Awareness isn’t enough. It’s time to take a stand against antisemitism. Photo credit: Evelyn Blower

Far right “media” sources fan the flames of antisemitism, which goes under the radar of much of the public. As much goes unseen, these offensive topics are brushed under the rug. We allow one thing after another to build up on the plate of things we are supposed to care about, and yet antisemitism always seems to go untouched. There are so many topics that go unnoticed (none of which I am trying to undermine) but the effect of antisemitism cannot go neglected any longer.

A recent occurrence sparked my interest in this topic. “The Mandalorian” actor Gina Carano, who plays the mercenary Cara Dune, is no longer employed by the Lucasfilms company. She reposted a picture on her Twitter, now deleted, saying “Jews were beaten in the streets, not by Nazi soldiers but by their neighbors.... even by children. Because history is edited, most people today don’t realize that to get to the point where Nazi soldiers could easily round up thousands of Jews, the government first made their own neighbors hate them

simply for being Jews. How is that any different from hating someone for their political views?”

The final statement stands out to me. She compared the hatred of conservative political views to the hatred toward Jews during the Holocaust. This blatantly antisemitic, blatantly hateful message is what it took to get her fired, in addition to her posts stating her belief of a fraudulent 2020 election, the use of “beep/bop/ boop” to signify her pronouns, and the ridicule of mask-wearers, calling them “sheep” and saying that Democrat leaders are using masking to “control the masses.”

Just recently, the Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard used an anti-semitic slur in a Twitch game stream. Apologizing on Instagram, he said, “While I didn’t know what the word meant at the time, my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse.”

That seems to be the recurring issue here.

Not knowing. And why don’t we know?

Anti-semitism is something deeply and grossly ingrained in our culture. It’s recognizable, it’s there, but it’s been overlooked. Before his passing, Elie Wiesel said, “What hurts the victim the most is not the cruelty of the oppressor, but the silence of the bystander.”

In our community, the silence of the bystanders is deafening. As we watched the clips of the January 6 Capitol riot where a man wore a “Camp Auschwitz” sweatshirt, how did that not spark the same outrage that people felt when a Confederate flag got into the Capitol building?

Anti-semitism is an epidemic of its own.

People are not educated about how hurtful some comments, actions, or behaviors are towards practicing Jewish members of the community. We need to teach how continued hatred perpetuates decades-old issues, modern day issues of racism and antisemitism, and general religious and cultural division.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), started in 1913, is rooted in the mission to end extremism and hatred against Jewish people, and to provide education to “secure justice and fair treatment for all.” Through their programs and resources, one can learn how to truly fight the effects of anti-semitism.

In 1999, following the mass school shooting at Columbine, the ADL formed a school climate improvement framework called No Place for Hate. Through this program, K-12 schools create inclusive communities where all students can thrive. Recently, Southern Lehigh High School began the work to bring No Place for Hate into our own school community. This is a perfect place to get started.

Schools should take action and educate students about antisemitism, and should inspire us to take action as soon as we can, in every way we can, to stop hatred for good. If it starts anywhere, it should start here.

The Spotlight

Page 16 Opinion

WE WILL NOT BE YOUR YELLOW PERIL The peril of using ‘China Virus’

by Lucas Zhang

Amidst the rise in racially motivated attacks against the Asian American community, actions such as using the term “China Virus” in reference to COVID-19, only contribute to intensifying the threats against the Asian American community. Photo credit: Lucas Zhang

As COVID-19 began to ravage the world, the many names for it became a ubiquitous part of our everyday vocabulary. Whether you called it COVID-19, the coronavirus, or simply corona, the plague had a name based in science. As the pandemic progressed, however, the names for the virus expanded, eventually coming to include the nonscientific term “China Virus.”

As harmless and as matter of fact the term may appear to be, usage of the term in and of itself has proven detrimental to the Asian American community, and the continued usage of the term only serves to exacerbate the already present threat this pandemic has created for the Asian American community.

The term “China Virus” first emerged as the pandemic spread on a global scale, and saw increased exposure through its use by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Unabashed by the criticism lodged at his usage of the term, the former President ultimately catapulted it into the wider public eye through the usage of the term at major events such as the 2020 Presidential Debates.

“Any figure that has authority, anything they say will be incredibly influential to the general public,” said senior Michelle Li, who is of Chinese descent. “So yes, I believe that his coining of the term definitely influenced a lot

of his supporters and just Americans in general to adopt the term as well.”

Defenders of the term would argue that it is a statement of the fact that the virus originated in China, or that the term lays the blame at the feet of the Chinese government.

Now, the discovery of COVID-19 in the city of Wuhan, China, is an undeniable fact. The potential culpability of China’s government is a matter which should be considered. However, justifying the usage of the term “China Virus” because of this potential culpability or origin of the virus does nothing to solve the issue and unjustly lays the responsibility on all Asians and Asian Americans.

As explained by the Yale School of Medicine, terms like these serve to propagate both conscious and unconscious discriminatory association between the virus and Chinese Americans, as well as Asian Americans who are assumed to be Chinese.

“I think it’s super harmful,” said senior Helena Munoz, who is of Taiwanese and Colombian descent. “I think we should just call it the coronavirus, because calling it the ‘Chinese Virus’ or anything else associates an entire race with the virus and basically blames a race when it’s not every Chinese person’s fault.”

The effect of this rhetoric is most clear in the rise of hate crimes against the Asian Amer-

“We will not be your Yellow Peril” is a three-part opinion series by senior Lucas Zhang.

Visit the Spotlight website at slspotlight.com to read part three in the series: “The crisis facing Asian American women.”

Scan the QR code to access the site from any device.

ican community. Physical assaults are often coupled with accusations of the victim being a carrier of the virus or somehow responsible for the virus’s spread.

From a Korean American Air Force Veteran being called “China Virus” and other racial slurs while being assaulted, to an Asian American family being delivered a threat to “take the Chinese virus back to China,” to the countless cases of Asian Americans being assaulted while being accused of having COVID or being told to go back to China, the cases mentioned only serve as a snapshot of the repercussions of the term.

Use of the term “China Virus” has exacerbated a situation in which Asian Americans are not only forced to take the blame for a crisis in which they had no part, but also subjected to prejudice and violence motivated by a fear that every member of our community has the virus.

Beyond these anecdotes alone, statistical evidence further gives validity to the harm which the phrase has posed. As reported by the American Journal of Public Health, 50% of posts on social media under the hashtag “#chinavirus” were identified as racist or xenophobic, while the first use of the term by President Trump on Twitter coincided with a subsequent rise in hate crimes and racist postage on social media under the previously mentioned hashtag.

The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University at San Bernardino reported that hate crimes targeting Asian Americans increased by 150%, with the highest spikes reported in New York City and Los Angeles.

“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous, and it’s important to recognize that viruses come from literally any place in the entire world,” Li said.

“They have come from every single country, and the fact that this specific virus came from China is definitely unfortunate, but it’s not something that we can control.”

COVID-19 sees no color, no nationality, and no race. Calling this virus the “China Virus” accomplishes nothing except putting a target on the backs of the Asian American community, and emboldening those who seek to harm our community. If we are to move past the trials of our current times and bring forth a better society, our work must start now, and that begins by stopping the use of the name “China Virus.”

May 2021

Opinion

Page 17

The detriment of the ‘Model Minority Myth’

by Lucas Zhang

Labels aid in categorization, based upon what are often surface level attributes and assumptions. Practically every person, place, or thing can fall under a label, for better or worse. And for the Asian American community, one label which has come to define us is the “Model Minority.”

While the title of “Model Minority” could be perceived as an advantage, supposedly shielding the Asian American community from the prejudice created by labels applied to other minorities, the stark reality of the myth’s effect is far from a benefit. The myth has opened the floodgates for the trivialization of problems facing Asian Americans, behind the veneer of monolithic success and alleged privilege.

The term “Model Minority” was first applied to Japanese Americans in research by sociologist William Peterson in 1966. Putting forth the idea that Asian Americans had elevated themselves above so called “problem minorities,” Peterson posited that Asian Americans offered a template for other marginalized groups to find success, despite discrimination.

Alleging inherent qualities such as a propensity to work hard, strong familial bonds, and a diligent non-confrontational nature, the myth proposes not only a general set of traits perceived to be shared by Asian Americans, but reinforces other Asian stereotypes as well.

The very nature of stereotypes seeks to apply a general set of characteristics to a group, and the ideas promoted by the Model Minority Myth go hand in hand with perpetuated Asian American stereotypes. The myth’s attribution of ubiquitous success among Asian Americans is almost identical to the stereotype of being studious and incredibly successful. The unassuming non confrontational character perpetuated by the myth serves to reflect stereotypes of submissiveness and meekness.

“It just creates microaggression and erases the difference of individuals,” said senior Daisy Jung, a South Korean immigrant. “As I moved to the U.S. a few years ago, I was confused that most Americans I met [made assumptions about me] based on this myth. For them, I should be good at STEM, and I should want to be a doctor, and that made me uncomfortable because I realized they were looking at me [through] a filter.”

Stereotypes like these serve to limit the potential of Asian Americans and keep us in a box, degrading our capabilities to do anything besides what we are all assumed to be best at.

“I think it’s harmful because it basically puts this pressure on Asian Americans to be this perfect student, perfect citizen; people expect that every single Asian American will fulfill these standards of grades and achievement,” said senior Helena Munoz, who is of Taiwanese and Colombian descent. “It erases the struggle that Asian Americans go through because it paints us all as successful when that’s not always true, and not every Asian American family and experience is the same.”

Numbers Don’t Lie The real world effects of the myth are most clearly seen in the concept of the “Bamboo Ceiling,” which refers to systemic or social barriers that affect Asian Americans in professional areas.

Often a result of stereotypes insinuating that Asian Americans lack necessary social or leadership skills, or of higher expectations compared to their white counterparts, the Bamboo Ceiling limits the professional advancement of Asian Americans by the sole factor of race alone.

Harvard Business Review found that de-

harassment to continue. “[The myth] has been used to silence Asian Americans and paint them as this group that won’t stand up for themselves, who won’t fight back,” said senior Michelle Li, who is of Chinese descent. “People need to start realizing that it’s not a compliment, and it’s actually very insulting because it makes it seem like it’s ok to be racist towards us, be discriminatory, and it makes it seem like we just accept it and we don’t do anything to change it. “

The Model Minority Myth has brought great harm to the Asian American Community. Photo credit: Lucas Zhang

spite Asian Americans comprising a plurality of white collar workers in Silicon Valley, they were the least likely to be promoted to higher leadership positions. In fact, they found similar disparities everywhere from Goldman Sachs to America’s law firms.

Goldman Sachs reported that 27% of its workforce was Asian American, though only 11% were in managerial positions, and none were executive officers in 2018.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association concluded that while Asian Americans comprised 10% of the graduates from the top 30 law schools in the country, they routinely struggled in career advancement.

Disparities such as these were identified as being the consequence of a lack of effort to find or develop leadership and talent, with Asian Americans being left out of initiatives seeking to promote minority groups.

Obscuring the Real Issues A belief in the monolithic success of Asian Americans ignores the differing levels of wealth between not only individuals and families, but the different ethnic groups within the Asian American community.

Burmese Americans were reported to have a median household income of $44,400, a value falling short of the national average for all Americans by over $20,000, as reported by Pew Research Center in 2019.

The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center indicated that Cambodian, Laotian, and Hmong Americans experience the lowest rates of college and high school graduation.

Disparities such as these highlight the contrasting levels of success that Asian American groups have found, and demonstrate how the unbending nature of the Model Minority Myth obscures the varied levels of prosperity within our community.

Disputing the issues we raise and brushing aside the racism we face by perpetuting the belief that our success means we have no right to complain, only enables discrimination against the Asian American community to continue.

Alternatively, this myth emboldens those who wish to harm our community as they perceive we have no respite from broader society.

“When you’re stereotyping another group, it dehumanizes them and [makes] you think you have an excuse ... to further harm them because you’re already opening the gateway to [harm] by making fun of them,” Munoz said.

From the previous outbreaks of violence to the current rise in racially motivated attacks, the denial of our concerns under the belief that our success makes us fine only allows for

Perpetuation of Racial Divides The effects of the myth have negatively affected other marginalized communities as well. The perpetuation of Asian American success has been used as a vehicle to attack calls for equality and civil rights by other minority communities.

White opponents of the Civil Rights Movement, for example, utilized the myth to discredit the calls of African Americans for more equality and civil rights. These opponents suggested that the success of Asian Americans proved that African Americans could also find success despite racial discrimination, and that they were responsible for their own situation.

The myth has not only trivialized the issues of Asian Americans, but pitted our community against other marginalized communities.

“While one may think that at least you have the privilege of being told that you are good enough within society, the truth is that it is really, really toxic to all minorities,” said senior Joy Fan, who is of Chinese descent. “Living in the United States as a minority is very difficult as it is, and for minorities to already conflict with each other through this Model Minority Myth, it causes a lot more harm.”

One of the Next Great Challenges One might perceive that the Model Minority Myth has become a fundamental element of the way Asian Americans are recognized by the broader American society. However, there is nothing which indicates that it must be this way or stay this way.

The detriment posed by the myth represents one of the next great challenges facing our community’s fight to reaffirm our rights and dignity as citizens of this country, and it can and will be overcome. By educating each other on the history and effects of concepts like the Model Minority Myth, this and other restrictive notions can be challenged and ended.

“Understanding the history is so important, because Asian American history is American history, and there are so many aspects and facets of this history that have not been covered in history textbooks,” Li said. “American history is told from a very Eurocentric narrative, and although I respect that it is difficult to fit every single group that has immigrated to America, and their history, into history textbooks, I think it’s still important to acknowledge the experiences of many different people of color that are living in America.”

Education offers us a broader worldview and better understanding of the challenges and circumstances which we individually face, and allows for us to develop a more empathetic, egalitarian society.

“Being aware of what you should say and what you shouldn’t say to a specific group of people is something you need to be educated on,” Fan said. “Overall, it isn’t about what you did in the past; it’s about how you are moving forward, and making sure that even though you’ve made mistakes in the past, you continue to grow, and educate yourself.”

Page 18 Arts & Entertainment

The Spotlight

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ provides Summer fun emotional and complex storytelling returns to the

by Kishore Annambhotla

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom addresses issues such as race, religion, and the exploitation of African Americans in the music industry. Photo credit: Netflix

Netflix’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” does not have thrilling action sequences or humorous moments. It leads you on, carefully building a subtle and emotional story, and finishes with a rattling resolution that will leave you shaken.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is an adaptation of the 1982 play of the same name by acclaimed playwright August Wilson.

The play is based on the real Ma Rainey, dubbed “The Mother of Blues.” The film stars Viola Davis as the peculiar Ma Rainey, and Chadwick Boseman as the volatile trumpeter Levee Green. The movie is also dedicated to Boseman, as this is his final film appearance after succumbing to colon cancer last August.

Davis and Boseman were nominated for Best Actress and Best Actor at the recent Academy Awards ceremony, neither winning in their categories. The film was also nominated for Best Production Design and won both Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” tells the story of a tumultuous recording session by Ma Rainey and her accompanying band.

It dramatically portrays themes of racism and pride, complete with distinct personalities that mesh well to complete the short yet tragic story.

As is often found in August Wilson’s plays, there are several profound monologues in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The young, hot-headed trumpet talent Levee dramatically recounts a traumatic childhood tale of a home invasion by a group of white men who attack his mother and slash him across the chest with a knife. He explains how he understands his place in the world as a struggling black man and asserts that he can navigate the “world

Popular on Netflix: • Dash & Lily • Blood of Zeus

of the white man.” Levee has the longest monologue of any character, and Boseman delivers it with easily the best performance in the film.

Shortly after, the wise and pragmatic Toledo, also the oldest member of the band, gives his monologue, featuring a profound analogy for racism. Over his own melancholy piano, he explains that Black people in America are a “stew,” in that a stew has many different ingredients, and African-Americans come from many different African cultures and tribes. However, he ends with a cynical tone, saying that “the colored man is the leftovers,” equating himself and his bandmates to the unwanted stew that society seems not to want or like. In an eerie manner, the scene ends as Toledo lifts his fingers off the piano and laughs to himself.

As indicated by its Oscar wins, the makeup, hairstyling, and costume design in the film are another reason to love it.

Ma Rainey wears an elegant yellow dress with bright red lipstick, heavy eye shadow, and a substantial amount of red blush.

The accompanying band appears in fully formal attire, with some wrinkles and wear from extensive use. To me, the attention to detail and historical accuracy of the costumes and makeup immerse the audience in the story.

However, the standout feature of the film would have to be the performances.

Viola Davis excellently encapsulates the eccentric Ma Rainey, with her striking tone and actions setting her apart from the cast. In my opinion, though, Chadwick Boseman is the real star of the show. Levee is a particularly complex character who evolves very quickly throughout the movie, but Boseman’s performances in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” show off incredible skill in understanding how to act a character. Knowing that this was Boseman’s last performance before his unexpected passing turns some of the more emotional scenes into gut-wrenching moments.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” has very few flaws. Some might see the 94-minute runtime as a bit short, but it never felt minimal within the complex monologues and powerful moments. This film contains multiple long scenes of somewhat general banter between the bandmates. It makes for a few underwhelming stretches where nothing remarkable happens, and the characters talk between themselves. The scenes of banter may be a drag to some viewers looking for more action.

In any case, I highly recommend you give “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” a chance.

This movie is easily one of the best I have seen in the past few years. It is emotional, deep, and complex, with immersive performances and robust dialogue tying the film together into a work of art.

• One Day at a Time • The Queen’s Gambit • Nailed It!

Lehigh Valley

by Noelle Nelson

The Lehigh Valley Mall is a perennial favorite summer spot to hang out. Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

After being on lockdown last summer and having additional covid-related challenges, everyone is looking forward to the summer and getting back to normalcy.

Whether it’s from being cooped up inside or not doing too much of anything this past year, we all want to get in the sun and have fun if we can. There are plenty of things to do in the Lehigh Valley that are open this summer and allow you to have the experiences that you wish for safely.

For those who miss their vitamin D, Dorney Park and Water Water Kingdom reopen in May. Enjoy local classic entertainment filled with fun rides, games, and other activities with your family or friends.

Allentown’s ArtsWalk Pocket Park is hosting a variety of activities: a free comedy night, drag queens, picnics in the park, trivia nights, live bands, free movies, and more, all at ArtsWalk on select days throughout the summer.

If you want to escape the heat, you can always go to the AMC theater in the Promenade Shops. Showing new releases and fan favorites, the theater offers a variety of shows. If you want more of an exclusive event, they offer private parties for up to 20 people for either $99 or $149.

For some old-fashioned fun, you can hit up the Bethlehem Skateway or go to a local bowling alley, such as Town & Country Lanes, located in Bethlehem.

Let’s not forget that Musikfest will be open for 2021 after closing last year. Despite some changes to the festival, there will still be plenty of enjoyment and blissful music. While not all the shows and activities are released yet, some acts including Willie Nelson & Family, Darius Rucker, Shinedown, and Kelea Ballerini have been confirmed to perform this season.

Many Lehigh Valley activities never seem to get old. Try a new restaurant, go on a new hiking trail, or just bring your friends out for a fun shopping day at Lehigh Valley Mall. There’s plenty of stuff to do right in our backyard.

No matter what you do this summer or who you do it with, it’s always important to have fun. With that being said, make sure to check websites and event pages for current covid restrictions, to make sure you have a good time while staying safe.

May 2021

Arts & Entertainment

Page 19

Best-selling novel ‘Sometimes I Lie’ keeps readers guessing until the end

by Elyse Paugh

‘Sometimes I Lie’ is rated 4.5 stars on Amazon and is on its way to the television screen.

Photo credit: Flatiron Books

Imagine waking up not knowing where you are and unable to move and talk. In Alice Feeney’s 2017 psychological thriller novel “Sometime I Lie,’’ a woman lies helpless waiting for her family around her to realize the truth about who tried to kill her. During this time, she makes the connection that reveals she won’t be getting better until someone puts the pieces together.

Amber Taylor wakes up in her body, but is unable to move, speak, or see. She’s in a coma.

She can’t remember how she ended up here, but the use of flashbacks to the weeks leading up to the accident gives the reader insight into who could be responsible for this “accident.”

Every chapter flips back and forth between diary entries from 1991 (when the characters were 10 years old), a week before the accident, and in the present moment, when she’s in a coma.

Unable to tell the difference between what’s real and what are her dreams, Amber recalls people from the past who were not so kind to her, and are now taking “care” of her. A past romantic interest posing as her doctor has everyone fooled about who he is and what his motives are. It isn’t until Paul becomes overprotective and sets up cameras in her room that we really learn who he is and what he has been doing after visiting hours.

At some points in the novel, I feel like I woke up in a dark room unaware of what is happening and unable to process the information I am being given. There is never a dull moment in the book, but the author throws different characters perspectives that don’t always make sense.

The story did have good structure when it came to the sequence of the reveals.

I can’t say the book didn’t leave me needing more and replaying the mini movie I made in my head. Amber and her sister’s relationship is revealed to be something more than anyone could have imagined. Her simple but messed up family turns into a tale that no one could have seen coming.

This soon to be tv series starring Sarah Michelle Geller, is a fresh take on a typical mystery book with hundreds of plot twists that will hold your attention and refuse to let it go until the last few words. You will create bonds with each of the characters and take a stroll through Amber’s unconscious words. The ending left all my questions answered until the very last sentence.

It will leave you breathless.

Hard-hit entertainment industry bounces back from pandemic by thinking outside of the box and creating audience opportunities

by Savanna Lippincott

After this year, the way that most of enjoyed our music and movie enertainment has changed. Since restrictions have lifted, things have begun to restore to normalcy. Photo credit: Bicanski on pixnio.com

.As the world slowly reopens and defines a “new normal,” society is slowly adjusting to this new way of life from what we’ve all grown to know over the last year of the pandemic.

Our day-to-day societal life wasn’t the only thing that was hit by COVID-19: the entertainment industry was hit hard too.

In March 2020, everything shut down.

Movie theaters closed, concerts and sporting events cancelled, production halted.

In short, doctors weren’t the only ones working around the clock to try to prevent further disaster from occurring. Owners and CEOs were scrambling to find possible solutions to the restrictions on public gatherings.

Even big names struggled. AMC Theatres, one of the biggest movie theater chains in the world, barely escaped bankruptcy. So, what does that mean for smaller, less fortunate companies?

Or what about the music industry? Entire tours and festivals were called off, from Taylor Swift’s Lover Fest to the mighty Coachella.

Even ceremonies from Eurovision and iHeartRadio were cancelled (despite later being replaced).

As for the impact on sports, Major League Baseball (MLB) had to push off their start date. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) had to postpone their playoffs. The National Football League (NFL) had to hold their annual draft via video calls.

Whether the music, film, sports, or some other type of entertainment, the same big question remains: has the industry really rebounded?

Online streaming became the official boredom killer of the pandemic. In fact, the figure grew 44% from the last three months of 2020

than that of 2019, according to Conviva.

“Streaming TV shows, movies, and other types of video over the Internet to all manner of devices, once a fringe habit, is now squarely a mainstream practice. Even people still paying for cable or satellite service often also have Netflix or Hulu accounts.” said Walt Mossberg in a 2017 article for The Verge.

Today, things are a bit different. Using the knowledge we’ve acquired since the beginning of the global lockdown, we can build on the current models and even plan for the future.

Covid regulations have been kept in mind as movie theaters and sporting events are opening back up at about half capacity (or less).

As for the future, the million dollar question is, where do we go from here? Obviously, these companies must have the confidence to continue on, even if what they’re doing is different or out of the box. The main concept at play is the “out with the old and in with the new.” The things in which we might not think twice about now, were merely far fetched ideas in the beginning.

Holding events over Zoom, enforcing mask and social distancing mandates, even one’s mentality can come into play. A fearful or overly-cautious mindset may lead to consumers not being as willing to spend time in public. On the other hand, others might look for anything to do that will get them out of the house. Businesses will need to take all of this into consideration when reopening.

Overall, it’s safe to say that there was critical damage done to the entertainment industry over the past year. However, through the lessons learned since the beginning of the pandemic and through innovative practices, the industry has a bright future.

Page 20

The Spotlight

Odds and Ends

May 2021

Congratulations to the new Spotlight Editorial Staff for 2021-22!

Co-Editors-in-Chief Alex Kane News Lauren Volkodav Features

Evelyn Blower Opinion

Section Editors

Kishore Annambhotla Our World

Lorelei Reigle Web Site

Arden Glad Sports

Alexis Volkodav Entertainment

Letter from the Editor

by Saskia Van’t Hof

I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the first meeting of the journalism class on my first day of high school. I remember being the youngest person in the room and trying to hide the fact that I was intimidated by the older, more experienced writers around me. Little did I know that eight semesters later, I would be sitting in the same chair as one of those older, more experienced writers, reflecting on my time with the Spotlight as Editor-in-Chief.

Throughout my four years, I have learned more from the day-to-day process of publishing the Spotlight than I learned in many of my strictly academic classes. With journalism, every year has its own challenges to overcome.

After learning to write articles during my first year, as a sophomore I had new responsibilities as an editor now that the senior editors from the year before had graduated.

During my junior year, the Spotlight had to rebuild and teach a small, brand new staff from scratch during the first semester, only to have to change the entire structure of the publication to adapt to pandemic closures in the spring. Finally during my senior year, the Spotlight transformed once again as our journalism transitioned from mostly print to all online during a school year that was largely virtual. Each of these years and their corre-

sponding challenges were uniquely different, so even as Editor-in-Chief, I couldn’t have done it alone.

The best thing about writing for the Spotlight was being able to work with other driven people who persevered through these challenges, despite most of them being extracurricular. Writers have the freedom to stop working once their assignment is graded, but what makes the organization work is the people who keep going. The Spotlight wouldn’t have survived these last few years if not for students who were willing to interview, write, and edit their articles long after school ended at 2:30. Whether it was sharing article ideas or suggesting interviewees or finding photography for each other, working with writers at the Spotlight highlighted how important teamwork is. Out of all the classes that I took in high school, the Spotlight was always unique in that way.

It feels strange to think about how I will not be returning to Mrs. Spritzer’s classroom next year. No matter what the rest of my schedule looked like, I could always count on The Spotlight being part of my day. Even watching the classroom itself change over my four years – the retirement of the life-sized Niall Horan cardboard cutout, the removal of the carpet from the floor and curtains from the

window, the rearrangement of desks – made me feel like Mrs.Spritzer and I were the permanent fixtures.

Turns out, four years passes by just as quickly as upperclassmen in years past warned me it would. Now, as the days until graduation creep closer, I am aware of just how few days I have left as Editor-in-Chief. Although it is difficult to say goodbye to the Spotlight, a club that has watched me grow as a writer, leader, and a person over the past four years, I am just as excited to see what the school newspaper will do without me.

I have full faith that whatever the class looks like next year and for years to come, the brilliant young writers of The Spotlight will continue to share Spartan stories. Even outside the classroom, I know that my place at Southern Lehigh will be filled by another young, curious 14-year-old, just like the girl I was when I first joined the Spotlight. I hope I represented the Class of 2021 well with the different versions of the Spotlight that I oversaw in the past few years, because I promise to take the lessons and memories I have gained as Editor-in-Chief with me.

I wish my friends at the Spotlight the best, Saskia