October 2011

October ‘11

News

Features

Pages 2-3

Pages 4-5

Center Spread Pages 6-7

Editorial Page 8

Entertainment Page 9

Sports

Pages 10-11

spot light THE

Volume LV Issue 1

Inthis

issue

News - Head Trauma in Athletics - SLHS: The Forefront of Technology - New Clubs Students Should Join

Features - Peter Pan Preview

Southern Lehigh Homecoming: The Event of the Season

by Corinne Renner and Sara Zook Homecoming is one of the major events at Southern Lehigh High School. The homecoming festivities seem to be all the student body discusses during the first month of school. Mr. Ruch, the student council advisor at the high school, remarked, “it is one of the major social events of the school year.”

The student body exhibited a huge amount of spirit as a majority of the students participated in spirit days and helped in the preparation for this big event. On Thursday, October 6, the Southern Lehigh Key Club decorated the high school hallways after school in order to motivate the football team for their big game on Friday.

Prior to the football game, a grouping of clubs from the high school collaborated for the annual pre-game tailgate.

There was a pig roast as well as games, prizes, and lots of free food. Friday night the football team played Notre Dame and pulled away with a narrow win of 34-28.

However exciting the homecoming festivities were, the major event was the crowning of the homecoming king and queen. Amongst the entire senior class, the ten seniors selected to the homecoming court were: Dalton Biery, PJ Burris,

Mary Coleman, Bridgette Dougherty, Tyler Edmond, Kelly Hynes, Zoe Lycett, CJ Moyer, Ben Stohl and Brianna Yates. The 2011 homecoming king was Dalton Biery and the queen was Brianna Yates.

Because of the nature of the homecoming dance and related festivities, there was a lot of work that went into preparation for the long awaited week. The homecoming activities were primarily organized by Southern Lehigh’s student council.

“If you include the DJ, food, decorations and chaperones, the dance costs around $3,000, and the tailgate and activities at the game run about another $1,000,” stated Mr. Ruch to the newspaper staff. The income from the homecoming dance provides the majority of the student council budget for the rest of the year. This year homecoming was such a huge success that student council sold more tickets to the dance than they ever have in previous years.

Although the homecoming game and dance have passed, that week has created an endless amount of memories that the student body, especially the senior class, will look back on fondly.

- Solehi Alumni Turned Hero - Gay Straight Alliance

Editorial - A New Year, a New Paper - Facebook’s New Changes - Gym Class Running Down our GPA’s

Entertainment - Julia Nemeth Interview - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Movie Reviews - TV Guide

Sports - Fall Sports Recaps - Homecoming & Tailgate -Powderpuff Review

Back Row (Left to Right): Tyler Edmond, Dalton Biery, Ben Stohl, CJ Moyer, and PJ Burris. Front Row (Left to Right): Kelly Hynes, Mary Coleman, Brianna Yates, Zoe Lycett, and Bridgette Dougherty. Photo courtesy of Alan Sunners.

A New Year, a New Paper

by Corinne Renner, Editor-in-Chief This year The Spotlight staff celebrates over fifty years of operation. Even after all this time, the staff and journalism classes are still working diligently to revamp the paper and produce articles relevant and interesting to the student body.

English teacher, Mrs. Spritzer, is advising the journalism classes and The Spotlight team this school year.

She has been working with the editors since midsummer to restructure the pro-

gram and is eager to watch the paper’s growth throughout the 2011-2012 school year.

The journalism students, who take the class as an elective, are constantly searching for fresh ideas for articles. Through the use of the program Google Docs, the students are able to post, edit, review, and forward articles to the page editors as well as Mrs. Spritzer. Every article that goes to print is first edited by peers, the page editors, the

editor-in-chief, and lastly, Mrs. Spritzer herself. It is a successful system that has produced a series of high quality articles.

There are many changes that Southern Lehigh students should look for in the upcoming issues of The Spotlight. Managing editor Bruce Backa and layout editor Rylee Maron have collaborated over the past month and designed a completely new template for the newspaper. The staff hopes to highlight a greater

portion of the student body and intends to feature The Spotlight online this year.

While many changes have been made to the program, the overall integrity of the paper is still intact. Both The Spotlight staff and editors are enthusiastic about the new format and structure and are always open to suggestions.

Students should keep an eye out for upcoming issues during the 2011-2012 school year.

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Southern Lehigh Fun Fact For those of you who don’t already know (yes, all four of you), chicken Turnovers are sold on one Thursday of every month.

News

Spirit Club

by McKenzie Browne School spirit is a large part of every student’s high school experience. From the student sections at football games to the big pep rally, everyone seems to express some form of school spirit. Southern Lehigh now offers a spirit club.

Adviser Mr. Dougherty started the spirit club last year to promote school enthusiasm and create an atmosphere of unity.

The club is currently composed of thirteen members and led by sophomores Ashley Donnely and Haley Disbrow. The club meets every Thursday. However, while preparing for the pep rally, the club met daily. The pep rally was run by the spirit club from start to finish and hosted by two students who volunteered for the position.

Spirit means something different to everyone. Mr. Dougherty believes that “spirit is the drive to make something better, even when the challenge is difficult.” With that being said, keep your spirits up even when you’re feeling down.

Keep an eye out for the Spirit Club to organize possible food drives and other events throughout the school year. Go Spartans!

Ping Pong Club

Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street

by Michael Deutsch Center Valley, PA 18034 Twice a week after school, members of (610) 282-1421 x7122 the ping pong club gather in the gym for some slsdspotlight@gmail.com competitive table tennis. Mr. Haupt, a math teacher at Southern Lehigh, is the club’s adviser.

The Spotlight is published six times What is so great about ping pong club? annually by the student members Mr. Haupt says, “It’s fun just having fun and getof its staff. Its purpose is to present news concerning Southern Lehigh ting to know each other and getting competitive High School and the Southern at times.” The club makes sure it’s an acceptLehigh School District, as well as to ing environment for everyone. What would Mr provide a forum for student opinion.

Editorial content of The Spotlight Haupt like to change? “I would like to see more expresses the view of the paper and kids sign up and to show people how laid back not necessarily that of the Board of and fun it is.” The club plans to hold tournaEducation, Administration, or fac- ments in the future. ulty of the Southern Lehigh School Anyone who wants to join the ping pong District. Bylined editorial content and letters to the editor represent club can sign up with Mr. Haupt at any time. the opinion of the writer only. All Meetings are every Tuesday and Thursday from contents are copyrighted by The 3:00-5:00 pm.

Spotlight. Advertising and subscription rates are furnished upon request.

Faculty Adviser Mrs. Marlo Spritzer

Editor-in-Chief Corinne Renner

Managing Editor Bruce Backa

News Editors Lauren Gross Heather Smillie

Features Editors Casey Anthony Rachel Style

Entertainment Editor Mariah Janowski

Editorial Editors Maria McDonald Ally Quilty

Sports Editors Tim Filler Brad Zamoiski

Layout Editor Rylee Maron

Photo Editor Isabella Hoeke

Photographer Katelyn Scheetz

Spanish Club

by Rachel Style Have you ever wanted to join a club where you can experience a different culture without leaving the country? Well, Spanish Club is the place to go! The main purpose of Spanish club is to develop a greater cultural understanding of Spanish speaking countries in an entertaining way. Spanish Club meets in Sra. Imm’s room every Monday at 7:20 am. Sra. Imms is the advisor of the club and has been involved since the activity started during the 2010-2011 school year. The club is a student generated organization that was designed by Lilly Shields during her sophomore year at Southern Lehigh and has been popular ever since.

Spanish Club includes over 40 students and continues to grow every year. There are about the same amount of underclassmen as upperclassmen, but is dominated by junior class. This year Spanish club hopes to host a special event every month. They have already had a Mexican Independence day celebration in the month of September. Spanish club hopes to plan a cooking class for Latin foods as well as organize a Zumba session twice this school year. The biggest event planned is a Quinceanera where students can experience a traditional Mexican fifteenth birthday.

The co-presidents of the club are Lily Shields and Julia Buonanno. If you have any questions about Spanish club you can contact them or Sra. Imms.

Cake Decorating Club

by Kylie Schmitt On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 13th, while most students were walking to their cars and buses, a group of students gathered in the cafeteria, marking the first meeting of the new cake decorating club. Mrs. Dapsis runs the new club every other Tuesday after school from 2:30-3:00. Many of her students know that aside from teaching science, she also teaches a cake decorating class.

The main reason Mrs. Dapsis started this club was so her students did not have to pay for her class outside of school. The club does not cost anything to join, and students are able to show up to the meetings they are able to attend. When asked if students needed to bring their own supplies Mrs. Dapsis

confirmed, “Yes, a list of supplies can be found on my website.”

The club decorated their first cakes during their second meeting, making stars and shell borders out of buttercream icing. In the upcoming meetings, Mrs. Dapsis will teach the students whatever they would like to learn.

Anyone interested in the cake decorating club does not need experience in cake decorating; Mrs. Dapsis will teach students everything they need to know. Any student who missed a meeting and would like to come to the next one can check out Mrs. Dapsis’s website for instructions about what to bring and if anything should be made ahead of time.

by Chris McCarthy Key Club International is an organization that is devoted to the improvement of the community. Key Club International is an organization comprised of high school students that offers scholarships and leadership opportunities to its members. Individuals who belong to Key Club assist the community through fundraisers, organizing food drives, and various other humanitarian actions. Not only does Key Club participate in national fundraisers, such as UNICEF, but it also allows club members to organize and create their own community activities.

Southern Lehigh High School has an extremely active and devoted Key Club. The club adviser, Mr. Beaupre, coordinates activities with outside organizations and collaborates with the club officers to devise unique and creative community service activities. The Southern Lehigh Key Club participates in

countless activities, including babysitting, senior citizen dinners, miracle league, and trick or treat. Key Club offers dozens of opportunities for leadership. You can be a club officer, take charge of community organizations, and sponsor your own activities.

The Southern Lehigh Key Club meets regularly every Tuesday morning in the auditorium at 7:20 A.M. Students who are interested in joining Key Club should fill out a membership form and dues. They must be willing to devote at least two hours every month to community service. If anyone has questions about Key Club, they may contact Mr. Beaupre in room 144. If you’re interested in giving back to your community and having fun at the same time, Key Club is the perfect organization for you.

Key Club

Will the Post Office Be No More?

by Lizzi Levis Everyone, at one time or another, has anxiously checked the mail to look for that card from Grandma or a college acceptance letter. What if you had to wait all weekend to check for that letter? That just might happen. The government has recently discussed closing post offices on Saturdays and laying off a large number of employees.

The United States postal service is experiencing major financial issues.

Email and other competing delivery services have diminished the role of the postal service. In order to make necessary budget cuts, an estimated one fifth of the postal labor source will lose their jobs, and the period of time between mail deliveries will lengthen significantly. Newspapers and television report job loss and benefit cuts daily.

How could something so seemingly insignificant affect the Southern Lehigh Community? Combined, Center Valley and Coopersburg have two post offices within a two-mile distance from

one another. To some, this may seem unnecessary, but many members of the community fill these jobs or receive their mail from one of these two post offices.

The government blames technology for the recent changes. They claim that the ability to pay bills, contact clients and co-workers, and send homework to teachers online has diminished the need for postal services.

Government officials feel it is in the country’s best interest to cut spending in the postal department.

To young, tech-friendly teens, working with computers and s m a r t phones to communicate is second nature, but older generations who have relied on the good old “pony express” for so many years may feel the effects more strongly. In other words, losing that extra day of postage may seem minuscule to some, but it will have a massive impact on others, especially those whose livelihood is at stake.

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Head Trauma in Athletics: the Unintended Consequences

by Madeleine Cole

A football player takes a blow to the head in a game. Great hit, the op- sports suffer a concussion each season, and for young people ages 15 to 24 years, posing team thinks. The player shakes it off as if it was nothing; he’s hit his head sports are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury behind only motor before. This time, however, it feels different: his vision is blurred, and he sees vehicle crashes. In a Time magazine study, many athletes who sustain concusspots on the field. He would sit down, but the coach shouts at him to get back sions disregard them, and approximately 41% return to play too soon.

How can our coaches, parents, and athletes, prevent concussions from in the game. There’s no time to deliberate, so he sprints back onto the field and causing serious damage throughout high school athletics? resumes his play.

The answer is simple: awareness. Athletes with possible Does this scenario sound familiar? If it doesn’t, then Unfortunately, many head trauma should stay out of contact sports until they it might be a more prevalent issue than you think. According to a recent article by Lindsay Barton, a writer for mom- athletes who sustain con- have been cleared, period. Some suggest that student athsTEAM.com, in nearly every American football game, at cussions disregard them, letes look out for their friends and know the symptoms of a concussion: headaches, temporary loss of consciousness, least one player sustains a minor concussion. For the most part, these go unnoticed, heightening the risk of second im- and approximately 41% confusion, pupil dilation, nausea, amnesia, and ringing in pact syndrome and ultimately death. Once an athlete has suf- return to play too soon. the ears are all telltale signs.

New guidelines from the American Academy of fered an initial concussion, his or her chances of sustaining a Neurology will be launched in 2012 in regards to concussecond one are three to six times greater than an athlete who sions. With the combined factors of awareness and new has never sustained a concussion.

Not only high school football players that are at risk. The Sports Con- technology for computerized concussion testing, athletes at the high school cussion Institute estimates that 10-19 percent of high school athletes in contact level can be kept safe while they play.

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On the Forefront of Technology

by Cassie Clarence “We are now at a point where we must educate our children in what no one knew yesterday, and prepare our schools for what no one knows yet,” stated Margaret Mead, pioneering anthropologist and Pennsylvanian, during the middle of the last century, but nowadays her claim seems to be even more relevant. Pennsylvania’s Classroom for the Future grant has taken a step toward promoting 21st century skills in Pennsylvania schools. It is a three-year initiative that provided $200 million toward improving teaching in the classrooms of math, science, English and social studies. Thanks in part to the CFF grant, Southern Lehigh High School has collected over 250 new instruments of technology. How is this technology helping students?

Southern Lehigh High school recently obtained new iPad 2 carts. Teachers were offered the opportunity to sign out an iPad over over the summer vacation to experiment with them. The iPads, along with the Mac laptops, will be available for teachers to use with students in the classroom. In the last several years, teachers’ classrooms have been updated with new SmartBoards, PolyVision boards, and Promethean boards. With these new interactive white boards, teachers can have students come up to the board and “write” directly on a screen with a projected image from a computer. It allows students to make corrections or answer questions in an easy and quick way. The teachers also have access to Mobis. A Mobi, the sister to a touchpad mouse, is a tablet that a teacher can walk around and interact with. “The Mobi will help with student-to-teacher interaction,” says Mr. Joe Breisch, Technology Coach of Southern Lehigh High School. “Something that is similar to the Mobi is the CPS clickers. They come in handy with answering multiple choice

questions.” Even the morning announcements use an abundance of technology! With sound, video cameras, and a green screen, the media team brings our school together in the morning to say the Pledge of Allegiance and share what is happening that day at school. In the near future, the library plans to stock Kindles. Flip cameras are also available to teachers whose lessons involve moving students around the environment of our building to make observations.

Technology integration begins as early as the elementary grades and continues through middle school, where students are also required to take a mandatory typing class. Now in the high school it is mandatory for students to take classes such as Career Technology Applications (CTA) to graduate; students use these skills to successfully complete projects in a variety of classes.

The integration of technology has changed the way teachers provide instruction, since they no longer simply lecture but guide students in their learning. In an informal class vote of 19 students, 14 said the integration of technology is helping our students. For example, technology is helping our students to collaborate and communicate with each other as they learn. The use of technology in the classroom also makes it easier for students to research information. The use of Blackboard and GoogleDocs allows teachers and students to engage in conversation about their work in a constructive way. With technology at the tip of our fingers, teaching and learning has become more individualized.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lillisaurus/3791514093/

The New Face of Bullying

by Cody Hefflefinger and Robyn Somers Bullying is an unfortunate part of everyday life, whether you are being bullied, you are witnessing someone else being bullied, or you are in fact the bully. Sadly, bullying is a big problem that has been overlooked until recent years. Many people picture a bully as a bigger, older boy picking on a younger, “nerdier” kid in the lunch line and trying to take his food. However, with changes in technology and society, new forms of bullying have been created, including cyberbullying, haing, verbal bullying, social alienation, and threats, to name a few.

According to the website stomputbullying.com, one out of every four teens is bullied, and as many as 160,000 students stay home from school on a given day out of fear of being bullied. Each month, 282,000 students in secondary schools are attacked physically, and one out of every five teens admits to being a bully or bullying at least once. On average, every seven minutes someone is bullied.

The New York Times reports that in New Jersey’s East Hanover Schools, there has been a recent problem with lunch line bullies. The East Hanover School District has now teamed up with the Morris County sherriff ’s office program called Crimestoppers. The program hosts a website that accepts anonymous text messages or phone calls from children and teens who have problems with bullies.

They respond with help and various tips. Hanover is spending $3,000 to expand their anti-bullying program to provide training for all of their staff and faculty, including sports coaches, teachers, custodians, and even cafeteria staff. New Jersey school districts are now each required to have a safety team made up of parents, teachers, and other staff members. The team will look at every complaint; the principal has one school day from the time of the of the bullying to report. The will report all of the complaints to Trenton twice a year.

While the aforementioned facts do not pertain to Southern Lehigh, bullying does happen at our school. When asked if she witneses a lot of bullying at Southern Lehigh, freshman Dana DiGiovanni said, “No, I do not think bullying is a critical problem, particularly in our school.” However, in several anonymous interviews at the high school, the students revealed the truth: five students reveal that they have been bullied before, at times to the extent of going home in tears. None of the bullied victims reported to anyone or sought help because they were afraid, worried the bullying would get worse. The reason for bullying? Honest students who have bullied others say that they saw others bullying first, so they did not think it was a big deal, mainly peer pressure.

Our district has hosted guest speakers to talk to students about bullying, and some may wonder if it is really helping. Regardless, consequences are in place. Each school in the district now has a stronger punishment for bullies, and administrators are cracking down on bullying before it gets out of hand. At Southern Lehigh if a student is caught bullying, it can result in counseling within the school; a parent conference; loss of school privileges; transfer to another school building, classroom, or bus; exclusion from school activities; detention, suspension, or expulsion; counseling or therapy outside of school; or a referral to law enforcement officials. Southern Lehigh School District takes bullying very seriously, and the administration plans to do everything they can to prevent it.

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Features

SADD: The Real Faces of “Above the Influence”

Teen Counselors Tackle Teen Troubles

by Casey Anthony They are an elite group, fifty leader of SADD, “I think students need strong.

They teach middle school stua network like SADD.” dents to say no to drugs. They help According to Mr. Roncolato, SADD meetings are strictly business to work anxious ninth graders survive their first year of high school. They chapon upcoming activities. They spread erone middle school dances (and try to awareness through activities such as get the middle school kids to actually red ribbon week, teen driver safety week, healthy living expo, holiday gift dance). They pledge to stay drug and exchange, a PSA competition, a poster alcohol free. They are teen counselors.

Since its origin seven years ago, competition, a fun fair, and meeting the teen counseling program has grown county officials about drunk driving.

Currently they are working on a Valen- and changed. The most recent addition is freshman mentoring, which began in tines Day event in the future. the 2010-2011 school year. Each teen counselor is assigned to a freshman homeroom and periodically checks in to answer questions about everything from opening lockers to proper dress for homecoming. Feedback from freshman homeroom teachers reveals that the students find the program very helpful.

The influence of the teen counseling program is active both in the high school and across the street in the sevby Lizzi Levis enth-grade classrooms. Once a month, Are you interested in showing Five things you didn’t know about the teen counselors go to the middle your passion for blue and white? Do you school to talk to the seventh graders.

Varsity Club: love coming up with creative ways to They teach them strategies for saying spread school pride? Join in on all the 1. It has become one of the most no to drugs, as well as how drugs affect fun, and come to a Varsity Club meetpopular clubs this year, with 50 a person physically and mentally. Afing! ter the lesson, the teen counselors often people attending its first meeting!

In the past, the Varsity Club has lead a game or activity to reinforce the been open exclusively to students who 2. Your ideas and opinions will be points in a fun way. On the surface, the participate in a sport and have received a heard, valued, and potentially put varsity letter. After a lot of thought, Varinto action if you join. sity Club adviser Mr. Zeisloft decided to open participation to all interested 3. You can now find information students. The reasoning behind this is to about Southern Lehigh’s Varsity allow all students at Southern Lehigh, Club on Facebook and Twitter.

by Stan Tabor not just the athletes, to have their voices heard. The club also promotes great 4. If you love making new friends school spirit! and meeting new people, Varsity Varsity Club meets every Club is for you!

Wednesday morning at 7:20 to gather ideas and come up with ways to spread 5. You can join at any time!

Spartan spirit! The club provides a great avenue for school involvement and is always eager for new members.

by Natalie Baca SADD is an organization at Southern Lehigh that helps students not make destructive decisions involving anti-destructive behavior.

In the past, it has stood for Students Against Drunk Driving, but has recently changed its name to Students Against Destructive Decisions. This year, about 45 students are involved and the student leader is Jeffrey Funk.

Students who belong to SADD are against alcohol because they believe it alters judgement and actions.

They also believe that you can live and enjoyable life without alcohol and drugs, and that they are dangerous, especially while driving.

“I believe that a big percentage of students are involved with drugs and alcohol,” says Mr. Roncolato, the

Don’t Hide Your School Pride

information that teen counselors present is information students learn in health class, but the middle-schoolers take it more to heart because it is from another student, not an adult. “[Teen counseling is] another outlet for younger students teetering on bad decisions to look at a teen counselor and say, ‘Well, if he or she can [make a good decision], I can do it,’” explains Mrs. Bausher.

The students who become teen counselors take pride in what they do. Many of them were inspired by their own teen counselors when they were in middle school and have waited to join the program ever since.

When asked why she applied to join the program, teen counselor Courtney Long shared, “I knew I could help kids, who might not want to reach out, and encourage them to do the right thing. It has made me more understanding.”

Although the primary focus of teen counseling is to lead seventh graders in a positive direction, Courtney Long attests to the fact that teen counseling impacts the teen counselors, too. They gain leadership skills and confidence but they also learn that having fun doesn’t need to include drugs and alcohol.

Living Up to Legacy Drives Southern Lehigh Band

Book Club Spoiler Alert

by Rachel Style One of the newest additions to the array of activities offered at Southern Lehigh is book club. The club was established in the beginning of the school year by junior, Jillian Loomis, who was inspired by her passion for reading.

“I enjoyed discussing books in English class with my friends and we thought it would be a good idea to expand on that,” Loomis stated.

Loomis approached English teacher, Mrs. Ciotti, about the idea of the club because she likewise shared a passion for books.

The first meeting, which took place in room 150 (Mrs. Ciotti’s room), was held on September 27. At the meeting the members decided which books would be read over the course of the year. The meetings will con-

sist of a discussion on the book that had been assigned the previous month.

When asked what some of her favorite books were, Loomis raved about Harry Potter, The City of Bones series and anything by Meg Cabot. Mrs. Ciotti also shared her list of favorite books which included To Kill A Mockingbird, The Historian, Atonement, and Wuthering Heights.

The approach of the discussions in book club will be a bit different from what students are accustomed to in English classes. The discussions will have more to do with what they liked about the book itself and less about analyzing every detail in search of symbolic meaning.

Just like other new clubs, active members make the activity a success. So if you have a free Tuesday in the near future, go check out book club and have a chat with fellow students who enjoy reading and discussing books.

Photo courtesy of Katelyn Scheetz

Each Friday you go to the football game to see the football team, the cheerleaders, and friends. Well, how about the marching band? Yes, at home games during that “break” called halftime, our school’s marching band takes the field to perform their field show; during away games they usually take to the field before the game begins.

However, football games are not the only events where the marching band plays; other events include parades, memorial services, community days, and band festivals.

The marching band is much like any sports team. According to band director, Mr. Bolasky, “The marching band convenes for the first time in late July to begin working on basics of marching/maneuvering and also instrumental fundamentals. The band rehearses two weeks prior to our first performance (usually Labor Day weekend). Each of those rehearsals

begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Once the school year [begins], band rehearses three times per week during period one and also may practice at 7:00 a.m. if there is a need to finish working on the details of the field show.” The constant demand for perfection and the amount of time that is put into the show yields to a greater product that has already established Southern Lehigh as one of the leading bands in the district.

While Southern Lehigh’s marching band has never been the largest, they have always received good ratings. Bolasky explains that with a smaller group, it is easier to clean up the details such as intonation, pitches, marching, and maneuvers: “We have a good reputation that has taken the Southern Lehigh band many, many years to establish. You don’t get that by being a sloppy group.”

Features

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Peter Pan Flies onto Southern Lehigh Stage

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by Joelle Smith

The annual fall play is rapidly approaching; performances will run through first weekend in November, hopefully accompanied by a play preview for high school students.This year’s production is Peter Pan. According to Mr. Wehr the play’s director, “Peter Pan is a classic that also involves opportunities for lots of actors which is not true of most of the great plays. I also wanted an audience show that would attract people out to see the production.”

Performers are eager to take on this fantasy-filled performance, “What I like best about being in Peter Pan is that I actually get to be a part of one of my favorite stories from when I was a kid.

What I love about acting and being in this production is the chance to perform for people and to entertain everyone in the audience,” states Addy Young, who will play Tiger Lily.

The play is based on a timeless tale about a boy who refuses to grow up. This story appeals to audiences of all ages. Casey McGinty, who will be playing Peter Pan, agrees:“Peter Pan is such a magical masterpiece of a play,and I can already tell that the audience is going to leave the theatre in a better mood. It’s just happy.”

Many are familiar with Disney’s film version of Peter Pan. The show slightly deviates from that story line.

McGinty explains, “We will be performing the original play, written by James M. Barrie in 1928. The Disney movie does follow the plot line very well, just in a more lighthearted, ‘kid-ish’ kind of way. This play actually has so much more deep, underlying symbolism than people realize. Even though kids will probably love it just as much as the movie, adults will find themes that [the kids] might not even be able to understand.”

The actors’ enthusiasm is evident on and off the stage as students anticipate the inevitable flight to Neverland. “We have a flight company coming in a week before opening night. They will spend three days teaching us how to fly and choreographing the sword fights and different scenes that involve flying. I can’t wait!” Casey exclaims. It goes without saying the show is action-packed, from epic sword battles to mythical mermaids, and the production is bound to entertain all who attend. Judging from the actors’ enthusiasm, the show is certain to be a crowd-pleaser.

“Peter Pan is

such a magical masterpeice of a play...

“ Cast members of Peter Pan rehearse daily putting in hard work to create a great production. Photos courtesy of Katelyn Scheetz.

Former Student Ryan Mindler In Pursuit of Equality Shares Military Experiences

by Casey Anthony

by Jack Hartenstein and Lauren Ortwein At the end of his junior year, when Mindler was home for two weeks 2010 graduate Ryan Mindler decided on what the military calls “R&R” to join the U.S. Army. During his se- -- rest and recovery. He was most exnior year, he started informal training cited to be home with his family and every Thursday at a recruiting center, to see all of his friends with whom he where he participated in running and had lost contact while he was serving.

Mindler explained the difficulty strength training. A month after graduating high school, Ryan headed to ba- in leaving his platoon as well: “The time sic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. definitely goes fast. We are always out Basic training is a difficult commitment and about and up to something -- out for many individuals, sending them on missions, patrols, working on the far away from home for the first time. trucks, or just messing around in the Mindler recalled, “Being away from barracks playing jokes on each other.”

Reflecting upon his overall exmy family made me realize how much I love them and how much I miss perience in the army, Mindler recomthem while I’m away. They support mends the military to those who are inme and help me with everything I do.” terested. “If you’re not really interested Ryan attended the training in joining, then it’s a bad idea to go into sessions for five months before re- the military. It changes your life. I was turning home. Shortly after, he was a lot different in high school. Just ask sent to his permanent base in Hawaii. some of the teachers I had. It definitely “They told me the first week put me in my place. The military is a I was there that we were deploying good way to start off your career though, to Afghanistan in April. My heart so yes I would recommend it to people.”

Although Mindler loves his job sunk,” reflected Mindler. After residing in Hawaii for seven months, he defending his country, he would rethink returned home once more before leav- the possibility of participating in another ing on his first tour in Afghanistan. tour in Afghanistan. However, Mindler At first, Ryan was unaware of when is eager to continue his work with the he would come home. No exact date military and encourages interested indiwas established until just weeks be- viduals to pursue the same route as well. fore his return in September 2011

The Gay Straight Alliance club, or GSA, is a small but powerful group making strides in opening the minds of Southern Lehigh students. According to Mrs. Mack, club adviser, their mission is to “combat discriminant attitudes towards the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning] community.” The club is not just for LGBT students, either. Mrs. Mack explains that the club is open to “[LGBT] students and their straight allies.”

Since its founding last year, GSA has provided a place for LGBT students and their straight allies to feel protected and supported. This year, the club has developed an official mission statement, reflecting their efforts to make an even bigger impact in the school community. The membership has grown since last year, and more of the members are attending the meetings consistently. With more members contributing their thoughts, Mrs. Mack says that the club has more specific ideas about how to move forward.

GSA meets Mondays after school in Mrs. Mack’s room and their most recent focus during that time is to generate ideas about how to raise awarenesss.

October is LGBT History Month, and Ally week is October 17-22. The club is planning activities all week long to promote awareness and respect for LGBT teens. Through these activities, the club hopes to “expose Southern Lehigh to all lifestyles, and combat discriminatory attitudes,” according to Mrs. Mack.

Ally Week: October 17-22

Each day during Ally Week, GSA will participate in spirit days to help promote awareness of LGBT youth. Show your support for your LGBT peers and their allies!

Monday- Lady Gaga Tuesday- PJ/Stuffy Wednesday- Ugly sweater Thursday- Superhero Friday- purple

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Center

HOMEC

SPIRIT

COLLEGE APPAREL DAY

What’s better than wearing a comfy college sweatshirt on a Monday? Probably nothing. Actually, definitely nothing. Walking through the halls, glimpses of Penn State, Lehigh, and Syracuse flash to the eyes, whether they be brand new from a recent college visit or a retro-sweatshirt from SalVal. It wasn’t exactly a day to go crazy, so no one student stood out. But it was definitely a day to go comfy, and in that, everyone succeeded.

DRESS UP DRESS DOWN DAY

On Tuesday the school seemed backwards. Students were dressed up in their finest garb, and teachers were seen wearing sweatshirts and jeans. Senior Jeff Funk donned a wig and a long black dress claiming he was posing as Miss Viola!.

Most girls were wearing pencil skirts and nice blouses, while all the boys brought out the suits and blazers, and even a few slicked back hair. Oh, and don’t forget all the sweater vests and nerdy glasses!

Background photo courtesy of Alan Sunners. Candid photos courtesy of Katelyn Scheetz and Rylee Maron.

This page: Top left: Marie Louise Matsinger and Julia Buonanno. Center cut out: Isabella Hoeke, Lilly Shields, and Thomas Corso. Bottom Center: Sophia Hoeke and Maria McDonald. Bottom: Jeffrey Funk dresses as Mrs. Viola. All showing school spirit!!

Opposite Page: Top: Thomas Corso Bottom: Center: Mr. Dougherty. Kyle Brown and Bradley Zamojki.

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OMING

WEEK

CLASS COLOR CRAZY HAT/HAIR DAY

Class Color Day says it all; the hallways flooded with a mix of the different colors. Seniors of course wore black, being the top dogs of the school. Juniors wore white, also a fairly easy yet flattering color to pull off. And of course, the underclassmen were dubbed with fitting colors: yellow and brown. As for the hats and hair, gel sculpted styles and silly caps made their way into the day. Senior Giovanna Palmer made a statement by wearing a motorcycle helmet all day long while junior Michelle Moreira simply dyed her hair green.

BLUE & WHITE DAY

Last but not least, came the big shabang.

Blue and White Day; game day.

Not only were the hallways decked out in outrageous school spirit, but so was the whole student body, as well as teacher. It was the rowdiest spirit day of them all, jam-packed with fun, facepaint and balloons. Blue and White Day perfectly wrapped up our spirit week while the pep rally seamlessly closed the day. “Friday was insane! So many people supported the school... every inch was covered in blue and white, we were all pumped for the game!”

DECADE DAY

Thursday’s flash to the past most likely took the prize for the craziest spirit day.

Characters ranged from 60s hippies and 80s workout instructors to 50s greasers and 90s grundgers. “I managed to find a gold stretchy jumpsuit that I couldn’t pass up wearing. I called it disco 70s gogo girl,” says junior Maria McDonald, “I was a big fan of Kyle Brown and Brad Zamojski’s greaser outfits as well as all the 90s plaid shirt, lightwashed jeans, and grungy edge.”

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Editorial

Too Pretty to Do Homework?

by Allison Quilty

jcpenny.com

“I’m too pretty to do homework, so my brother has to do it for me.”

This statement was displayed on a t-shirt in the girls’ department at JC Penney. There was such an influx of complaints about this tee that the store was forced to pull the shirt from its racks. The marketing copy for the shirt read “ who has time for homework when there’s a new Justin Beiber album out? She’ll love this tee that’s just as cute and sassy as she is.” The question is what is behind all the anger of the shoppers.

Shoppers were outraged over the gender stereotyping that was promoted by this shirt which promoted to girls aged 8-16 that being smart and pretty are mutually exclusive. The statement does not encourage young girls to try hard in school. It sends the message that all girls need to do is worry about being pretty, and that they should let the boys do all the brain work. However, the way to create a productive member of society is not to dumb a child down, but to encourage him or her to work hard and do well in school, whether the child is a girl or a boy.

One of the most disappointing aspects of this shirt is that the gender stereotyping is so antiquated. Hadn’t we finally gotten past the point in our history where boys were expected to do well in school and go to college, while girls kept house and looked pretty? This shirt brought to mind a 1924 ad for Palmolive soap[a]. It pictures a pretty woman sitting at mirror, with a caption reading, “Most men ask ‘is she pretty,’ not ‘is she clever.’” This outdated ad promotes the same ideals as JC Penny’s tee-shirt. No need to be smart, just be pretty. One would hope this idea would no longer exist in 2011, but apparently it does. While just one shirt is not a monumental problem, it may be part of a bigger problem.

Yet another ridiculous product is Walmart’s new geoGirl makeup line. This anti-aging makeup kit is marketed to 8-12 year old girls.

What 8-12 year old girl needs anti-aging products? This product, along with others like it, encourage young girls to focus only on looks. If a girl is raised to believe all that is important is her appearance, how will she ever know that being well-educated is the most important?

Young girls need to be taught that education and smarts are more important than looks. A person dances how she is taught to dance. If parents buy products like these, the lesson young girls will receive may not be the education their parents hope for.

WHAT’S IN AND OUT

We’re in the middle of Fall now, and trends for the season have officially been set.

Because students are comfortably back into the swing of things, it’s definitely time to get involved in the school community, and make a statement as an individual within your friend groups. To do so, you definitely need to know the ins and outs of this Fall, regarding fashion, things to do, school events, and everything in between.

These essential pieces of information are going to shape how you live your life (at least until the next issue comes out, and everything changes) so pay attention!

IN

OUT

School Events: - Homecoming Spirit Week - Attending fall sports’ playoff games, complete with body paint, posters, and noisemakers!

School Events: - Not participating in Spirit Week - Making excuses to skip school events.

C’mon, everyone can pull a late night in the name of school spirit!

Things to do: -Keeping your weekends insanely busy, with friends, and somewhere outdoors - Going on creative/ adventurous dates: pumpkin patches, fall festivals, hiking -Going on college visits: consider your options early and do research now, to avoid stress later!

Things to do: - Staying inside, playing video games, and being anti-social - Going on boring, typical dates: dinner and a movie, walking in pointless circles around the Promenade - Procrastinating on college plans: this will only stress you out and lesson your chances of success

Fashion: - Cozy sweaters, leggings, boots

Fashion: - Flip flops, tank tops, shorts

Running Down Our GPAs

by Cassie Clarence In order to graduate from Southern Lehigh High School, students are required to take a semester of physical education every year.

For athletes who play three sports year round, the same rule applies.

Starting with the 2011-12 academic year, the physical education requirements have changed for juniors and seniors. Upperclassmen now have the option to take personal fitness or competitive sports. However, some students feel the word “competitive” is being taken too seriously, with a grading policy so strict even student athletes are suffering.

Athletes who play three varsity sports year-round get the most physical activity possible. It is frustrating for year-round athletes to fulfill the requirements of a gym class on top of the requirements for their team.

Take into consideration a field hockey player who arrives late to school, missing first period gym class and

the dreaded beep test. Now she must make it up after school in order to get a good grade. Consequently, she arrives late to field hockey practice, just in time for running exercises.

She’s running again! In general, high school athletes get more exercise than a student in a typical gym class, so to run more in gym class seems unfair.

The physical education teachers wouldn’t agree. They know that bringing your heart rate up during the day will increase a person’s energy level. While this is true, I believe that athletes who are active and play sports year-round should not have to take a gym class. Instead, they should receive credit for their involvement in sports, where they are getting the exercise they need. With the implementation of stricter grading procedures, even a starting varsity athlete may have a B in gym class for failing the sit and reach test. It only lowers a student’s GPA and seems quite ridiculous.

Facebook Gets a New Face

by Lizzi Levis

How many times have you turned on your computer for a specific reason and, without thinkFasticon ing, logged into Facebook? We all have done it!

Well, if you have been “facebooking” lately, you will notice that there have been some major changes.

Facebook has completely evolved from what it started as in 2004.

Although Facebook’s format and look have changed a plethora of times, reports say in this particular instance, it has gone too far and is becoming “borderline creepy.” This new version lets users know what their closest friends are doing at any given moment through a moving “ticker” that shows updates as they happen. Hold on, how does Facebook know who my closest friends are? (Hence, “borderline creepy.”)

Considering a Facebook creator’s point of view, one can see that the programmers attempted to design

a more “user-friendly” website that displays my best buds’ updates, but changing everything around is just confusing, and a nuisance to many.

It seems that Facebook is always trying to look different from its original form, and come up with new ideas so people don’t tire of the same old thing.

While many agree change is good, and mixing things up is always a nice idea, what Facebook staff members don’t seem to realize is that they already generate over 800 million users, who are quite content with the original template!

Why would they want to change what is excessively used and loved?

When I go on a website that I have been using for years, and it is different from what I am used to, obviously I’m going to be annoyed, especially if parts are difficult to figure out. I know that technology is rapidly advancing and companies are trying to “keep up with the Joneses,” but alterations this drastic should be an option for the user. This allows people who want the “new” Facebook to use it, and the others to keep it the way they like it!

He Said She Said

by Bruce Backa and Lauren Gross

Do you think a guy should pay for every meal Guy: “NOOOOOO!!!!!!” -anonymous Girl: “If you’re on a date with someone who isn’t your boyfriend then yes, definitely. But, if you’ve been dating for a while then the girl can surprise the guy by paying every once in a while!” - Maria Mcdonald

What is an acceptable number of ‘chick’ shows for guys to enjoy Guy: “negative one” -Keifer Nagle Girl: “Two” -Ally Quilty What do you think the limit of PDA should be?

Guy: “A good, old slap in the rear.”

-anonymous Girl: “Kissin in the halls”- Morgan Kruczek

Entertainment

Julia Nemeth: No One is as Lucky as Us...or Her

by Mariah Janowski Q. What got you so interested in going to concerts?

What’s your favorite part about them?

A. Live music is just exciting to me, and I get to see my favorite bands in person. My favorite part is just like getting to sing along with the band and having fun.

Q. Which celebrities have you actually met before? Any multiple times?

A. I’ve met Paramore twice, 30 Seconds to Mars twice, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), Andrew McMahon (Jack’s Mannequin), Young the Giant, Passion Pit, and Wiz Khalifa.

Twitter contests are definitely all skill though. And I guess most people would call the rest “luck” but I think that because I have a positive way of living, positive/good things happen to me.

Q. Name your top 3 best celebrity experiences/moments.

A. First is definitely getting up on stage with Paramore recently. Also, Jared Leto once took a picture of me (because of a 30 Seconds to Mars shirt I made) and put it on his website! Last, getting up on stage with 30 Seconds to Mars...twice!

Q. How exactly did you get chosen to go up on stage with Paramore? Has anyQ. How many contests have you won thing changed in your life since that hapsince the beginning of your junior year? pened?

Also, how many concerts have you actuA. I had a meet and greet with the band ally had to pay for in this time? before the show and showed Hayley [WilA. I’ve won four twitter contests for radio liams] the sign and told her if she saw it 104.5--30 Seconds to Mars, Young the Gito bring me up on stage. Once “Misery ant, Switchfoot, and Jack’s Mannequin.

Business” started playing, she saw my sign And since the beginning of my junior year and brought me up. Nothing has really I paid for three out of twelve concerts I Photo courtesy of Brianna Yates changed in my life, but it was definitely the went to! greatest experience of my life. Oh and I got 35,000 views on MTV.com!

Q. How do you think you get so “lucky”? Is it actually luck or do you have some connections/some tricks up Q. Finally, you’ve met a lot of celebrities and have had a your sleeve? lot of amazing experiences. Is there anyone that you’re A. The majority of the concerts I get to go to for free are still dying to meet or have you fulfilled your dreams? through Reverb, an organization where I sign up to volunA. Ellen DeGeneres! Duh! Oh and Matt Damon, Alec Baldteer at concerts to give out info about going green, so I guess win, and John Hamm would be nice too! that’s a connection.

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Changing Channels

Best Shows of Summer True Blood (HBO) Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family) The Nine Lives of Chloe King (ABC Family) The Bachelorette (ABC) So You Think You Can Dance (FOX) Jersey Shore (MTV) Royal Pains (USA) Project Runway (Lifetime) Burn Notice (USA)

New Fall Premieres

The X Factor (Wednesdays, 8/7c, FOX) New Girl (Tuesdays, 9/8c, FOX) Hart of Dixie (Mondays, 9/8c, CW) Ringer (Tuesdays, 9/8c, CW) Charlie’s Angels (Thursdays, 8/7c, ABC) Person of Interest (Thursdays, 9/8c, CBS) Prime Suspect (Thursdays, 10/9c, NBC) Revenge (Wednesdays, 10/9c, ABC)

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

by Jacob Boyer By the end of June alone, we knew we had many movies to look forward to this past summer. As with any release of a genuinely good movie, though, you are bound to find at least several bad films that follow in the wake of a true masterpiece: Shark Night 3D, Spy Kids 4D: All the Time in the World, etc.

Then there were the movies we just didn’t know what to think of like Judy Moody and The Not-Bummer Summer, Glee 3D, and the list goes on. It’s hopeless to try and choose a legitimate ‘Best, Worst, and Weirdest’ out of these titles, so that’s why I turned to the population of the school. Surely your peers can advise you on what you should spend your ten dollar ticket on, or at least have you wait for the DVD...

THE GOOD: What was your Favorite Movie you Saw in Theaters?

THE BAD: What was your Least Favorite Movie you THE UGLY: Were there any Movies you saw that Saw in Theaters? were Under Rated or Over Rated?

“I’m going to have to go with Thor, because I have some Norwegian heritage in my family, and they are huge on the whole culture portrayed in the movie. I also thought they did a very good job of putting the story into a movie. It wasn’t your typical cliché action movie.”--Thomas Denton-Borhaug “I would say Glee 3D, because I love the shows, and I actually felt like I was at the concert with the screaming fans in the theater.”--Megan Luybli

“My least favorite was Crazy, Stupid, Love, because I felt Steve Carrell wasn’t at his finest in the movie. Also because there was too much going on at one time. I did enjoy it, but it wasn’t all I hoped it would have been.”--Alycia Fluck “For the love of Crom and Odin, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stop ruining my childhood!

Hollywood cashed in this summer by putting a high budget facade on the outside of a lack luster script in the hopes we will just stare at the pretty pictures.

Look for Thor or Conan the Barbarian (2011) to be great examples. I grew up with great and simple movies. They had heart; they had soul; they had a penurious budget. Rent the 1982 version of Conan the Barbarian...a shining example of a fantasy film elevated to greatness by an excellent script.”-- Mr. Dougherty

NOW PLAYING 50/50 Abduction Contagion Courageous Dream House Drive Footloose

Ghostbusters The Help The Ideas of March Killer Elite Moneyball Real Steel What’s Your Number?

“Cowboys and Aliens was underrated, because people don’t appreciate a good western, classic or not, and they thought it was a typical, comic book style movie with a present day twist, but they didn’t see the movie like I did.”--Weston Brown “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold is one of the most ingenious documentaries that I have ever had the pleasure to watch. It is a meta-documentary which is something better experienced than explained. It is a refreshing change of pace during this summer of remakes.”--Mr. Dougherty

COMING SOON Paranormal Activity 3 The Three Musketeers Margin Call Martha Marcy May Marlene Red State Johnny English Reborn

Anonymous Puss in Boots In Time The Rum Diary Like Crazy Sleeping Beauty

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Sports

Golf Team Driving for Victory

by Bradley Zamojski The Southern Lehigh golf team has always been considered one of the better golf programs in the colonial league and had no trouble continuing that reputation this year. Senior James Shaheen played a major role in the team’s Eric Perez drives the ball down the fairway. Photo success this year by courtesy of Christmas placing first in most of City Studios. the matches.

“It was a humbling feeling but, in the end it is a team effort, it’s not up to just one guy.

I always felt pressure playing because my team always expected good numbers,” remarked Shaheen about playing in the number one spot.

Ready, Set, States!

by Lizzi Levis

Practice makes perfect; that is the motto that the girls volleyball team lives by. Ever since the first week of preseason began, these ladies have been working hard and putting forth all of their effort to ensure a season nothing short of perfection.

Many students are familiar with the upperclassmen on the varsity volleyball team. However, a fresh face has stepped onto the court this year. Freshman Jillian Grammer emerged as the starting setter for the Spartans this season. “Being on varsity as a freshman is a big deal, and an even bigger accomplishment, especially after all of the hard work and dedication I put into preseason and every practice,” Grammer stated.

Last season, the Spartan volleyball team did the unexpected and made it all the way to states for the first time. Although the Spartans lost a strong player due to injury, they pulled together as a team, and fought to the end. When was asked what his expecta-

On September 21st, Southern Lehigh competed in the Colonial League Championship at Bethlehem Golf Club and finished in second behind the strong Notre Dame Green Pond team. Coach Greenawald thought his team performed well but had the skill to do better. Overall he was pleased with the team’s successful season.

Most people do not realize that golf practices are more then hitting the course and playing. At practices Coach Greenawald spends time with each individual player in order to improve their game by working on specific skills.

Mr. Greenawald loved the team dynamics this season. Seniors Shaheen and Perez both wanted to thank their coach for all his hard work and dedication devoted to making them better golfers over the past four years. Both players are excited to play their last matches for the Southern Lehigh Golf Team.

tions are for this season, Coach West replied, “To win and and focus on one game at a time. I expect to make it to districts, pull through states, and win an overall title.”

With high expectations set for the team this year, the Spartan ladies do not plan to disappoint. Their toughest opponents so far have been the Parkland Trojans. “Unfortunately, they gave us our first loss,” commented Sarah Wukitch. “They knew exactly where to place the ball, had outstanding hitters, and managed to beat us mentally as well.” Most would think this to be a setback for the team, but it has only brought the girls closer together.

This team knows what determination looks like: they know what to expect and how to play in each game. Hopefully, this drive will allow the lady Spartans to not only win districts, but progress into the state competition as well.

Goooaaallll!!!!!

by Lauren Ortwein

The Southern Lehigh boys soccer team has surely been one to compete with throughout the years. In the Colonial league, they have ranked in the top five for the past several years. Back this year with nine seniors returning from last year, the team is sure to be back in leagues and districts.

“This season the soccer team expects to win districts and leagues again and hopefully make it to states,” commented senior midfielder Tim Filler. With Seth Leow being the leading scorer with 13 goals as of 9/26/11, its possible he can carry the team to League Champs. Starting off with a winning record it looks like the team is back with a vengeance.

Senior captain Griffin Koch, who has overcome two ACL surgeries is always there when the team is at a low to bring them back to the cheerful happy guys that they usually are. From spending five to six days a week together, sometimes the guys can get annoyed with each other but they all know they are there for one purpose and one purpose only, to win. With a tough schedule

ahead of them, the boys know it is not going to be easy to win every game the rest of the season but they are determined to give it their all and fight until they can’t fight anymore.

With senior goalkeeper Connor Vannin at the helm, it is obvious that they will have no problem. Coming out of an outstanding summer league, he knows his skills have stepped up tremendously since last season. Hearing the bench yelling “lets go hope” is all he needs to get going. If you have not supported the boys soccer team yet this year please go to one of their games and cheer them on.

www.freedigitalphotos.net

In-Line for Success

by Tim Filler It is a big deal when our Southern Lehigh athletic teams make it to districts, or even states. But when one individual places in worlds, states no longer seems the coveted accomplishment. The first few weeks of school you may have heard your teachers call the name, “McKenzie Browne” with no response from the empty seat.

That is because Browne was overseas in Yeosu, Korea, representing the United States as she competed in the world championships for in-line speed skating. Placing 17th out of 35 athletes, Browne did very well for herself.

Now 16 years old, McKenzie Browne has been speed skating since she was seven, when she bought her first pair of skates at Nestor’s. She first competed a Sports Fest race, and from that day forward, she never looked back.

In 2009, Browne became the

McKenzie Browne skates her way to a victory. Photo courtesy of David Browne.

Freshman Indoor National Champion, winning both the standard and novice divisions, an accomplishment that has never been matched by any other athlete. Obviously, her training has paid off: McKenzie trains three times a day during the training season and once, sometimes twice, a day in the off season. McKenzie also plays lacrosse and field hockey, but skating is her passion.

Her recent overseas experience in Korea was different for McKenzie: “The streets were really dirty, and the people did not really acknowledge you, plus it was super hot and humid.” Where skating was concerned, Brown says it was “really cool” to compete against the top skaters from around the world. She reflects, “Some of the countries we knew were good and were really intimidating, but the whole competition was pretty relaxed. I really enjoyed racing against girls from other countries while getting to represent mine, hanging out with my team, and making friends from other countries.”

The experience has definitely changed her life, and McKenzie Browne will always be here to represent our country in speed skating. If you see McKenzie, congratulate her on her accomplishments, and be there to cheer her on for the next round!

What’s All the Raquet?

by Tim Filler

Mud flowing through the streets of our campus can only mean one thing; construction.

Due to a large number of cracks and uneven surfaces, the tennis courts are being completely reconstructed. The girls’ tennis team, which competes during the fall season, now practices and hosts matches on the DeSales University courts.

“DeSales has a really nice court and it’s great to be able to play there, but it definitely doesn’t compare to our home court where we’ve had so many memories,” reflects senior Zoe Lycett.

With the recent injury of Janissa Nair, the other half of the leading doubles team, senior Tessa Peoples is now looking for a new teammate: “Losing my doubles partner was difficult because we played so well together. Unfortunately, Janissa can’t play tennis anymore due to a shoulder injury. But she will continue to be an active part of the team as

Isabella Uribe competes in a match for the Spartans. Photo credit of Christmas City Studios.

co-captain.”

With this being said please come out and cheer on our ladies’ tennis team in hope that they are back on the winning tract this year. By the end of September, they had a record of 8-4. The girls can use all the support they can get. With several matches just around the corner at DeSales it is simple to take an hour and cheer them on.

Sports

Clashing Helmets

by Maria McDonald When fall rolls around, it presents Although there is a significant core many changes: the start of school, the group of seasoned starters, key pieces changing of the leaves, and the begin- of the Spartan offense consist of unning of brisk autumn weather. How- derclassmen, who, while overflowing ever, to most high school students, in talent, may lack the experience necSouthern Lehigh football is the major essary for varsity football. Therefore, highlight of this season. As soon as the new conditioning programs are autumn hits, the football players gear essential, as the young players’ speed up in sharp, new uniforms, and the will be heavily relied on. The leaderstudent section begins to build, clad ship of captain and quarterback, Tyler from head to toe in Edmond, and the blue and white. The quickness of experiboys take the field enced receivers and as fans rise to their running-backs will feet, and the game also be key in the begins. Southern Spartans’ play. And Lehigh’s football is let’s not forget the not just an ordinary strength and reliabilsport. The team ity of the strong and generates hundreds talented defensive of fans and school line that will make spirit every Friday the difference in night. This year, to competitive games. meet all of these Football stressJason Shapiro and Kyle Durics celebrate. expectations, the es the concept of Spartan football Photo by Alan Sunners. “team over the players have preindividual.” This pared and practiced harder than ever. motto is evident throughout the seaThe notoriously difficult foot- son. For example, during “Meet the ball double practices changed a bit this Players” night, the football players preseason. The coaches now stress the do not introduce themselves individuimportance of total fitness. Not only ally; this demonstrates the importance does the team lift year round, but of the team. Bruce Backa, football seconditioning now includes exercises nior, comments on the concept, “Begeared toward cardiovascular endur- ing a part of football has really taught ance and speed. These changes will me that you need to be appreciative allow the Spartans to equalize play of those around you, not just on the against teams with greater size and field, but in life, and that as part of a experience. team, or as part of anything, you need to work together if you want anything accomplished.”

Cross Country: Born to Run

by Stan Tabor

Cross-country is a sport that involves running, but is completely different from the trackand-field which takes place during the winter and spring. Track-andfield involves a variety of races to run along with field events such as jumping and throwing. The crosscountry team, on the other hand, consistently races a 5K (about three miles) every meet.

“Cross country involves distance running only,” remarked Coach Strong about the cross country team in comparison to track-

and-field. “Courses vary in terrain with some courses being very flat, some with demanding hills, and others having a combination of both. Track-and-field incorporates eighteen different track and field events. All track events are held on very standard playing fields, whereas cross country meets differ from location to location.”

Coach Strong and Coach Latza conduct cross-country team practices every day after school.

Difficulty fluctuates from day to day.

Cross Country Team Starting the race. Photo taken by Katelyn Scheetz.

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Spartan Cheerleading

by Madeliene Cole

The Southern Lehigh varsity cheerleaders are best known for their attendance on the sidelines every Friday night, as well as their high-flying stunts, daring tumbling, and crowdleading cheers. Varsity cheerleaders love nothing more than an excited crowd and a competitive football game.

Rain or shine, the cheerleaders will always be there to cheer on the SL boys.

The seemingly simple routines during a football game involve much longer preparation than the two minutes that they are performed. On average, the spartan cheerleaders practice for 8-10 hours per week. Not only do they memorize countless cheers and stunts, but they take time out of their schedules each week to paint signs for senior football players as a means of encouragement and motivation.

“I love the time I get to spend with my teammates and the experiences I have throughout the season,” states junior co-captain Meghan Sunners.

Southern Lehigh has one of the better cheerleading programs in the Lehigh Valley. Over the summer, the cheerleaders attended camp at Pine Forest and placed first for their cheer routine. The team also won the Outstanding Program Award, an accolade which recognizes programs that consistently improve and place high in competition.

“My future goals for the squad are simple,” says head coach Colleen Ianetta. “ I want our team to get better each year. I always want to see the girls building on what they learned in the previous years and continuing to get stronger!”

Spartan cheerleading has been built from the ground up by Coach Ianetta.

Over the past six years, she has worked to bring the squad to an entirely new level. Many of the cheerleaders at Southern Lehigh now go on to cheer at division 1 schools across the country such as Wake Forest, Penn State, and Ole Miss. They send more athletes to the collegiate level than any other sport at the high school, giving spartan cheerleaders confidence of their prospects of making a collegiate team.

“I have gained a lot of tumbling and cheerleading skills over these past years,” says varsity cheerleader Danielle Renner. “I know because of the excellent cheerleading program we have at Southern Lehigh I have a higher chance of making a collegiate team.”

The competition squad, which is comprised of 16-20 girls, has won the Colonial League Championship for the past four years and attended the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida for the past three years as well. The team ranks among the top thirty schools in the nation and hopes to compete in semi-finals at nationals this year. While they have had to overcome several injuries and resignations this season, the cheerleaders plan to come back even stronger than before.

“I am very proud of all my girls and have nothing but confidence that they are strong, talented young ladies. I look forward to another fantastic season!” remarked coach Ianetta on the upcoming season.

The Spartans will be hosting their own competition at the high school on November 12th, and will be showcasing their routine. Come out and support the Southern Lehigh cheer-

leaders!

Field Hockey

by Dana DiGiovanni

Drive, shoot, score! Southern Lehigh High School Field Hockey is beginning another fiery season. So far, the team has beaten all of the teams they have played. Since the beginning of preseason, the group of girls started to look in tip-top shape. One may ask: How important is conditioning for the season? “Extremely important,” Coach Natalie Deacon states, “Field hockey is sport that requires the players to be in top shape because of the amount of running. It is an endurance and speed sport, and I think that conditioning is crucial to a quality team, because of the ability to keep up with other teams and to last the full sixty minutes.”

The field hockey team has dominated all local teams they have played this season. The game against Northwestern went into overtime and the winning goal was scored by Senior, Kelsey King. When asked which game was the best performance yet, Coach Deacon replied without hesitation, “Hands down, the Northwestern game for both JV and Varsity. The teams came togeth-

Senior captain Ali Newman chases down a ball during a game. Photo courtesy of Christmas City Studios.

er and played the best field hockey they could.” Varsity and JV are both holding a record of all wins to no losses.

Even though we are reaching only the ides of the season, there are still a lot of challenging games to come. “Spartan field hockey has many teams that want to beat them,” Deacon says, “so it’s important to be ready to play teams of all levels.”

Everyone is truly excited for another fantastic season of high school field hockey.

Odds and Ends Powderpuff Players Prove Persistent

by Maria McDonald

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, about 100 girls suited up in athletic gear, carefully applied war paint, and marched out onto the football field. Thus marked the commencement of the annual powderpuff game. This year, the competition was more intense than ever. Clad in new pinnies, the senior and freshmen class girls took the field for the first game of the night. Although the freshmen put up a good fight, the seniors dominated by the end of the first half. The game ended in a complete shut-out, with the seniors winning 24-0. The next game, between the sophomores and juniors, was a bit more competitive. After a rough battle, however, the sophomores came out on top with a score of 6-0.

The championship game, held directly after the sophomore and junior game, brought out the most competitive spirit seen in years at a powderpuff game. While tensions were high, the

light-hearted commentary from Kyle Brown, Riley Geis, and Brad Zamojski kept the spirit of the game comical, allowing it to continue without interruption. With a final score of 14-0, the seniors took the championship for the third time in their high school career. Even without the presence of strong powderpuff athletes from previous years, the seniors, lead by Corinne Ozanne, Julia Nemeth, and Kelly Hynes, were able to create a dominating offense and unbeatable defense.

Each class had a somewhat sizable student section, and many parents attended to watch their girls play football. The amount of support for the game provided an ideal atmosphere for raising money for charity, and increased school spirit and anticipation for the homecoming football game. The 2011 Southern Lehigh High School powderpuff game was a definite success.

Top 5 Southern Lehigh Homecoming Proposals

by Lauren Gross

These five girls got asked to homecoming in the cutest ways, and their dates did a great job of thinking out-of-the-box! Lovely work boys.

Hope you’re already thinking of ideas for Prom!

1) Asker: Carson Keim Askee: Morgan Kruczek Carson wrote “HC” on a pancake in chocolate chips and brought it to the cheerleading pancake breakfast. When Morgan came around to clear his dishes he told her that she forgot one plate, and he handed her a plate with her homecoming pancake on it!

Sophomore Emily Marshall carries the football in an attempt to score against the relentless senior class.

2) Asker: Jason Shapiro Askee: Lise Michel Jason wrote “homecoming?” on a baguette in Nutella, and brought it to Lise while she was in Madame Ligon’s third period French class. Jason then proceeded to ask Lise to homecoming in French.

3) Asker: Jake Cummings Askee: Lilly Shields While Madame Ligon’s third period French class (this seems to be a very romantic class) was doing an activity with the white boards Jake wrote “Lilly, will you go to homecoming with me?” on his white board in French. Jake tapped Lilly on the shoulder and asked her if the answer he had written on his board was right. While Lilly read the writing on the white board Jake pulled flowers out of his backpack.

4) Asker: Tim Flounders Askee: Amber Peiffer Tim (a red head) tied a note to Amber’s orangefurred cat that read “a ginger wants to ask you to homecoming”.

5) Asker: Matt Durkin Askee: Sophia Hoeke Matt put pictures in Sophia’s locker of her freshman and sophomore homecomings (which Matt accompanied her to as well), under both pictures were the words “round three?”. Matt also left flowers in Sophia’s locker.

Senior Sarah Hines demonstrates her aggression on the field.

The senior powderpuff champions for 2011!

Photos Courtesy of Alan Sunners

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