The Spoke June 2018

Creating with Coffee?

Senior Destinations Map

Senior wins Congressional Award

Find out where the seniors are going next

See page 2.

See page 6&7

THE Conestoga High School, Berwyn PA

Volume 68 No. 7

June 7, 2018

Spoke.news

CAPS OFF TO CLASS OF 2018

By Audrey Kim, Maddie Lamonica and Avery Maslowsky

Managing Web Editor, News Editor & Co-Editor-in-Chief Editor’s note: The Spoke apologizes for including misleading word choice about the decisions of the commencement speaker selection committee. The intent of the original article was to report this year’s graduation highlights.

Avery Maslowsky/The SPOKE

Standing tall: Seniors Grace Lanouette, Eddie Chafale and Mikayla Renwick read from their respective speeches. They were selected through an audition process held by teachers to speak for the class of 2018. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 5. honored. As long as they do that, I think a shorter ceremony is a good thing.”

The names of the colleges that All-School Scholars are attending next fall will also not be read aloud, another change in tradition.

“Students pick colleges for different reasons,” Meisinger said.

“For some families, and many families, it is a private decision what school and why they choose a school and by making that information public, it can convey information that really maybe isn’t ours to share. If families want to share that information, we are happy for them to do that, but it isn’t something that we necessarily need to broadcast.”

According to Jennifer Kratsa, who serves as a guidance counselor and the head of the awards committee, these changes are expected to remain.

“Graduation is about celebrating every student and the entire class finishing high school,” Kratsa said. “I believe that the new program will help shift the focus back to that.”

And for the first time in recent memory, the three commencement speakers are people of color.

“We’ve had the same selection process for over 20 years. Any student is invited to audition for commencement,” senior class adviser Tricia Ebarvia said. “We do have guidelines for what we’re looking for — presentation, content of their message. We score

them, we discuss them as a committee and we come to a consensus as a committee of teachers on which were the best speakers for graduation.”

The three individuals selected were seniors Eddie Chafale, Lanouette and Mikayla Renwick. English teacher Katherine Pokalo sat in on the commencement audition.

“I remember Mikayla’s content, Eddie’s delivery and the grace in which Grace spoke,” Pokalo said.

The three speakers aim to connect to the entire student body.

“I’m really grateful to have this opportunity to speak at graduation. At other schools, only valedictorians can speak,” Chafale said. “One thing that is great is that other students of different aptitudes and abilities have the opportunity to speak about what they feel in a large commencement like this in order to get their point across.”

Chafale believes that this group of speakers in particular reflects society.

“I think it shows that this is an age where different people of color are gaining prominence in their high school and other parts of society,” Chafale said. “Racial barriers are getting torn down to the point where it’s indistinguishable the difference between who you are and who I am. We’re just all equal.”

Renwick hopes that her speech

Olivia Thompson/The SPOKE

Tradition of Excellence: Seniors Rachel DiRico and Kent Hjelm accept two awards for their achievements at Awards Night on May 31. Awards Night is an event separate from commencement that highlights the individual accomplishments of the graduating students.

will address the underdog moments of life, yet allow reflection on her class’ influence on one another.

“Coming from a school with not a ton of diversity, being able to represent my grade and address them as a black woman is really amazing,” Renwick said.

“I hope that people find a part of my speech that they can relate to. We are all going our separate ways, but let us not forget where we came from and how we shaped each other into different people.”

Lanouette hopes to inspire her class and plans to reference her philosophy teacher, John Koenig,

by relating some of the advice he gave her.

“Mr. Koenig once said to me to ‘make something good of it,’ and I think that it’s something everybody can remember when life gets difficult,” Lanouette said. “It’s important for us who are having completely new experiences after high school to remember to always have a positive outlook and how we approach what happens to us.”

Lanouette hopes the commencement speakers will spread unity.

“What It means to me is that people who historically haven’t

been able to say what they want to say have something to say and I think it’s great for people to hear that,” Lanouette said. “I know that a lot of the content of the speeches is completely irrelevant to the speakers being people of color, I don’t necessarily think that graduation as an event necessarily has to be about that. It’s still really important that people see people of color getting up there and speaking up.”

The ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 6 on Teamer Field, after being rescheduled because of a threat of rain on June 5.

'Stoga Theatre wins 'Best Musical' Cappie for third consecutive year Renato DiStefano Copy Editor

The Conestoga Theater Department’s production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" brought home the “Best Musical” award for the third consecutive year from the Cappies Awards Program of the Philadelphia area on May 20.

The Cappies is an international program that combines journalism and theater to celebrate high school theater. This year, ’Stoga Theatre was nominated in 18 categories and won four awards.

“Our hard work paid off,” said Brookelyn McAllister, a junior and ensemble member. “So much work goes into the making of a musical. After school practices, early weekend practices, rehearsal after rehearsal. Without our directors pushing us to perfect even the slightest of errors, there is no way that the show would turn out the way it does.”

In addition to the presentation of the awards, The Cappies gala included performances from high schools from the greater Philadelphia area. Many members of ’Stoga’s cast and ensemble attended the ceremony and performed the song “Fascinating Rhythm.” One of the ensemble members was freshman Jack Susanin. Susanin enjoyed performing at the gala, as well as participating in the musical as a whole.

“My favorite part was making more friends and having fun performing with them,” Susanin said.

“It has (also helped me) get more confident about myself.”

Several students also won individual awards throughout the night, including seniors Bryce Bundens for Best Supporting Actor and Caroline Blank for

Best Stage Management. Senior Charlotte Kalilec won for Best Student Choreography. Kalilec worked with the dance ensemble and lead actor Max Mooney to

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I want us all to most importantly have fun and make amazing memories.

Brookelyn McAllister

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This year’s commencement ceremony scheduled for June 6 will differ from previous years, as there will no longer be a separate section of the ceremony solely for All-School Scholars.

This designation, recognizing students with a cumulative GPA of 4.8 or higher, originally had a separate section of the graduation program in which students received a bowl and cord signifying their accomplishment. The scholars then returned back to the stage to pick up their diploma along with the rest of their class. This year, students with All-School Scholars status will simultaneously receive their awards and diplomas.

“We wanted all students to feel like it was their night and not that some students were recognized differently, because this is a graduation, not an awards ceremony,” Principal Amy Meisinger said.

“We wanted to somehow recognize these students without making it out of balance.”

Senior Madeleine Alwine believes that this change will maintain the unifying feeling that a graduation should have.

“I think taking the AllSchool Scholar section out of graduation is a good idea,” Alwine said. “Graduation should be a day where everyone can be happy about what they’ve accomplished in high school and not have to worry about feeling inadequate compared to their peers. This way the All-School Scholars still get their award, but it isn’t such a big deal.”

Not everyone is satisfied with the changes. While senior Grace Lanouette personally sees no problems with the removal, she acknowledges the hard work of All-School Scholars.

“It might be a little unfortunate for the people who are getting those awards, because they want to be recognized,” Lanouette said.

“I guess I just hope that the school will still do it in a way that honors the people that deserve to be

Ensemble Member

choreograph the song “I Gotta Be There.”

“I think our shows are so good because we (pay attention to) details. The actors and crew

heads spend their whole winter break marking up their scripts, so when rehearsals come around, everyone is always on top of their game,” Kalilec said.

For seniors like Kalilec, this year's production was a memorable last experience with ’Stoga Theatre.

“This year I loved working with the dance ensemble,” Kalilec said. “They are an incredible group of girls and were so patient and supportive to me through the choreography process.”

McAllister hopes that ’Stoga Theatre can get more wins in the coming years.

“We are losing an amazing batch of talented seniors, so we have to work harder than before,” McAllister said. “I want us all to most importantly have fun and make amazing memories. If we focus and perform with all that we have, we can secure (future wins).”

Courtesy 'Stoga Music Theatre

Nice Work: The cast and crew of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" pose with their awards at the Cappies Awards Program. The musical was nominated in 18 categories and took home four awards, including Best Musical.

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News

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Growing pains: District responds to increasing enrollment Justin Huang

Co-Editor-in-Chief

“Everyone can tell you that when going to the cafeteria during B lunch, (the growing student body) is a little bit of a disaster,” junior R.J. Mita said.

“There isn’t anywhere to go.”

It is projected that the number of students in the 2018-2019 school year will be 2,237 and 2,512 in the 20232024 school year. In response to the lack of resources to accomidate these large class sizes, the school administration has initiated both short and long-term plans for possible solutions.

Next year, the school will have classrooms in the social studies office, the computer rooms in the library and a part of a business classroom, according to Principal Dr. Meisinger.

Administration also plans on adding to the building in order to lower skyrocketing room utilization rates. On May 7 and May 17, Meisinger, with Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick and Director of Cur-

riculum Dr. Wendy Towle, discussed options to distribute the student body and lessen growing pressure in classrooms to the Education and Facilities Committees. The three recommended creating a second high school, moving the freshman class out of Conestoga or adding an additional wing to the school. Ultimately, the administration and school board committees concluded that one option stood out as the most feasible solution: expansion.

“If we want to continue to maintain our current program, we’re going to need to make some changes, and if we’re not able to do that, there would need to be modifications to the program, and the education committee felt very strongly that they did not want to modify the program,” Meisinger said. “They want to look at options for maintaining the program.”

“Other options that include new construction have a longer lead time, cost more money and would potentially require the acquisition of land,” Gusick said.

During their meeting on May 21, the district school board unanimously “approved a goal to study plan designs for the 2018-19 school year.”

During his presentations, Gusick discussed the idea to turn the new wing into an area devoted to STEAM — devoted to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

Although nothing is currently set, there have been discussions about possibly adding a fabrication lab and other resources that the high school lacks.

“All of that is still very much up in the air, but we are definitely committed to providing STEAM opportunities for our students,” Meisinger said.

“How that will play out in the years to come will be partly determined with how we proceed with renovation or addition.”

As projects will not be completed in a summer, construction is likely to take two additional academic years beyond the planning year. Timelines for implementation, as well as additional details on the use of the new wing, will be deliberated during next school year.

Projections Room utilization 2017-2018 regular classrooms: 91%

science labs: 92%

Room utilization 2023-2024 regular classrooms: 100%

science labs: 105% Claire Guo/The SPOKE

‘13 Reasons Why’ season two sparks mental health warnings Brooke Deasy and Melinda Xu

Managing Editor and Web Editor

The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District recently sent out a letter concerning the second season of “13 Reasons Why,” a controversial Netflix series that covers sensitive topics such as suicide, sexual assault and bullying. Last year, when the series debuted on March 31, the district sent out a similar letter to forewarn parents of potential risks associated with the exposure to teen suicide. The purpose of this year’s letter was the same, advocating for parents to watch the show and then

discuss its content with their children.

“Students who are vulnerable or who have a history of dealing with depression, anxiety, or suicidality are at risk when they watch something of this nature without adult support,” Conestoga Mental Health Specialist Christine Dunleavy said. The series “dramatically shows different situations that teenagers do experience, but unfortunately without having appropriate conversation around those topics, it places the vulnerable population at a higher risk.”

As stated in the letter sent out by TESD mental health specialists Dunleavy, Joellen Corrocher, Lindsay Han-

nigan, Melissa Salzberg and T/E School District Director of Individualized Student Services Chris Groppe, “T/E takes our students’ emotional and mental health very seriously. We encourage students who may need help processing an event, or the series “13 Reasons Why,” to reach out to their school counselor.”

The series is based on a book of the same name by Jay Asher. The story follows the aftermath of character Hannah Baker’s suicide as the community reacts to the 13 tapes she recorded before her death and her family’s lawsuit against the school for negligence in preventing Hannah’s death. Both seasons depict

graphic scenes, particularly of sexual assault and Baker’s suicide.

Critics condemn the show for romanticizing suicide and portraying it as a plausible form of revenge. Others, however, applaud it for opening up needed discussions on mental health issues that students experience.

“The show is juggling between being entertainment and being a PSA about the issues in teen life, but their indecision about the show’s identity causes it to not be fully successful at either,” sophomore Violet Gottlieb said.

Junior Kyla Weil concedes that the show misrepresents some of the topics it covers, but appre-

ciates the opportunity it provides for openly discussing these issues.

“Conversations on social media and even between peers were brought up after the show was released. My parents even talked with me to make sure everything was okay. The show emphasized communication and just how important it can be towards mental health,” Weil said.

Gottlieb also appreciates some of the positive aspects of the series.

“The show’s depiction of grief after the loss of a loved one to suicide is depicted successfully. A friend of mine committed suicide, and how some of the characters feel— is it my fault, what could I

have done different, et cetera—is definitely how I felt,” Gottlieb said.

Dunleavy stresses the importance of communication with adults after watching the show, particularly students’ emotional responses to the content.

“We have to get students talking to adults about these topics because they watch it in isolation and they have conversations with themselves about it so information can be distorted or not appropriate and so we want them to be able to have accurate information by professionals regarding those topic matters,” Dunleavy said. “We want the message to be out there that with help comes hope.”

Senior wins Congressional art show with coffee concoction Reagan Gerrity Design Editor

Courtesy Chloe Castelli

Creating with Coffee: Senior Chloe Castelli poses with her first place award from the Artistic Discovery competition. Castelli’s painting, hanging behind her, will be on display in the United States Capitol Building for one year.

For senior Chloe Castelli, coffee isn’t just a caffeinated drink, but an art medium that led to Castelli’s first place win in the Artistic Discovery competition.

The nationwide competition is held each spring and sponsored by the Congressional Institute, a non-profit organization that sponsors conferences for members of Congress and their staff. Art teachers from each participating school in the county nominate five pieces to be considered for the congressional award. Congressman Ryan Costello, who represents the sixth district of Pennsylvania, chose his winner from an exhibit of more than 500 pieces organized by the Chester County Art Association.

“We always enjoy partici-

pating in the show because it’s really nice for students to exhibit their work among their peers and not just in Conestoga, but in the whole county,” said Amy Cruz, Castelli’s art teacher.

Castelli’s piece was a self portrait made entirely of coffee. She used different amounts of water to dilute the coffee grounds, making for several shades of brown to form value and dimension. She created the texture of the background by dipping the bottom of a mug in coffee and then stamping it onto her piece, leaving a perfect coffee stain.

Given the large number of entries in the competition, Castelli’s win came as a happy surprise.

“I literally looked at Mrs. Cruz astounded, and when they announced my name I didn’t know what to do. I felt

really proud of myself for accomplishing what I did in that moment, and at the same time it felt so unreal,” Castelli said.

Cruz believes that Castelli’s creative use of coffee helped contribute to her first place prize.

“It was an outstanding piece because it was so interesting. You look at the label and say, ‘wow, that was painted with coffee?’” Cruz said.

“There’s that little surprise element that I think is fun to experience.”

Until next year, Castelli’s portrait is on display in the United States Capitol Building along with winners from other states and districts.

“Anytime that art gets displayed, it has an impact, and I think that’s a really good thing for the art program at Conestoga and for the world at large,” Cruz said.

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News

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Parent focus groups to study school safety Justin Huang and Avery Maslowky Co-Editors-in-Chief

At the May 21 school board meeting, Tredyffrin-Easttown School District (TESD) officials introduced their efforts to involve parents in the continuing discussion of school safety by forming parent focus groups.

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My hope is that those focus groups will be filled to capacity, so that people can have their voice heard.

Rev. Scott Dorsey

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School Board President

“In recent days, parents have presented many thoughtful and well-reasoned ideas for enhancement, ” superintendent Richard Gusick said.

“We are always open to new thinking and opportunities to become better. We have heard suggestions that offer widely-varied approaches to responding to reported threats, and we’d like to provide additional opportunities to answer questions and to listen.”

After the announcement of the focus groups, 16 community members addressed the board about their concerns about student safety in schools and a lack of administrative communication with parents.

Among the speakers were two parents, who alluded to an alleged recent harassment incident at Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School. Other speakers questioned the district policy aimed at protecting their children, especially after recent school shootings like that of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. “The scariest thing to me is that most of these school shootings are done by students. It doesn’t matter if you have I.D. cards or locks — they get into the school. And that’s where they’re shooting people,” said district parent Chesco Lini. “ Has there been any discussion of metal detectors?”

With parental concerns in mind, Gusick and director of assessment and accountability Mark Cataldi hope to get ideas from the focus group sessions that will be held June 7 and 12.

“It has been our experience that collaboration between T/E parents and T/E school staff often results in some of the best ideas to benefit our students.

We are looking forward to the opportunity for productive dialogue,” Gusick and Cataldi said in an electronic newsletter sent May 25. “We are very fortunate to work with a supportive group of parents, who

Avery Maslowsky/The SPOKE

Stay focused: One district parent reads over the electronic newsletter regarding district focus groups organized to collaborate and generate ideas.

Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick and director of assessment and accountability Mark Cataldi hope to bring ideas from that dialogue back to the school board to address concerns about school safety and communication. have shared thoughtful recommendations to strengthen our policies regarding responses to reported threats.”

According to school board president Rev. Scott Dorsey, district policy is constantly changing.

Avery Maslowsky/The SPOKE

Standing tall: A line of parents forms behind the microphone on May 21 at the monthly school board meeting. Parents questioned district policies dealing with school safety.

“Sometimes policy is reactive, sometimes it is proactive and sometimes it is updating according to what the situation is,” Dorsey said. “My hope is that those focus groups will be filled to capacity, so that people can have their voice heard.”

Because policy is under ongoing district scrutiny, Dorsey says the board is able to react to different situations in different ways, a “case-by-case” basis. He mentioned an alleged hazing incident in 2015 involving the football team.

“As we went through hazing, as we’re going through trying to reflect where we are as a district — but more importantly as a society — we want to make sure that the discipline has updated to where we are today,” Dorsey said.

At the board meeting, parents also were critical of recent communication between the district and parents. Mother Elaina Mourner referenced a recent incident in which two Conestoga students said a racial slur in a video posted on Instagram to show the benefits

of keeping parents in the loop.

“When the recent incident happened with the racism on Instagram, I was really proud that the district came out and notified the larger community about what happened so that we could parent our children,” Mourner said. “Here, we heard nothing (regarding the alleged TEMS harassment), and I firmly believe that there was a way to do this — to notify the community so that we could talk to our kids, so that we could evaluate what was going on.”

Registration for the focus groups closed on June 1, but for now, the information received from the four sessions (June 7 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and June 12 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) is expected to be used for policy changes in the 2018-2019 school year.

“The information gathered from the focus groups and expert authorities will be used when considering potential policy enhancements to threat response protocols. We will share what we learn with the School Board Policy Committee,” Gusick said.

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Student Life

’Stoga film steals the silver screen, one award at a time ror spectacle “The Black-Eyed Children” and the public service announcement “It All Adds Up” received nominations at the festival, only one film placed: “The Crossing” earned second place.

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Film enables you to watch what was just a vision become reality.

Gabi Miko 'Stoga Film President

"In "The Crossing," a girl who forgets to take her medicine is sitting in class when she sees someone get hit by a car outside," producer Madison Ross said. "She goes outside to investigate, and soon

Courtesy 10 Day FIlm Challenge

Standing proud: Senior Madison Ross, senior Nick Maier, junior Katie Martin, junior Avery Maslowsky and senior Eddie Daou accept an award at the 10 Day Film Challenge for their film "Citadel of Madness." The film earned fifth place overall and was nominated for best screenplay.

finds herself in the middle of the street with a car speeding towards her. This piece is one of my favorites to have worked on because the viewer is left to determine whether the rest of her encounter is a hallucination or reality."

More recently, ’Stoga film traveled with the crew of Good Morning ’Stoga to NATAS, the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Student Emmy Awards. On May 23, senior Ronan Mayock and juniors Gabi Miko and Katie Rosenblum won the best music video category for their video “HAWT KOKO,” the sequel to last year’s firstplace piece in the music video category, “FINNA BE LIT FOR THE HOLIDAYS.” "I wasn't sure whether we'd be able to win again," Mayock said. "On one hand, we thought that the judges might want to give another group a shot, but on the other hand, we knew how our success last year could have led us to another victory.

I was a bit surprised but also proud to see our work being appreciated."

Courtesy Allison Ferriola But according to film club Fan favorite: "Another You" places second overall in the 10 Day Film president Miko, all this success Festival. Even the poster for the film was voted among the top 3 in the hasn't come out of nowhere, as competition. ’Stoga film is built on a bed of gala-type event had a turnout National Student Film Compepassion. of over 150 people and helped tition on June 10.

"It's amazing to watch what publicize the work of student Despite the pressure of was just a vision become a real- filmmakers. competition, Ferriola insists ity," Miko said. "You can paint a "The fest used to be held that the authenticity of her stumillion portraits or write a mil- during the day," TV teacher Ali- dents' work is more important lion stories, but none of them son Ferriola said. "But I thought than its likelihood of winning can amount to the intricacies it might be nice to have a more an award. that film captures." formal festival in the evening "I never go into projects Beyond their success in fes- that was also open to the gener- thinking, 'we should tailor this tivals and competitions, one of al student body." towards competitions,'" Ferriola 'Stoga Film's proudest moments The two Conestoga films, said. "I like to let students have happened right on campus at "Another You" and "Citadel of choice, and if something conthe 'Stoga Film Festival. The Madness" are bound for the tends for a competition, great."

Mt. Joy-ride: alumni form band, tour country Matthew Fan Staff Reporter

Mt. Joy: A mountain in Valley Forge National Park, or a band making its way to center-stage in the world of music. ’Stoga alumni Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper are the singer and guitarist of Mt. Joy, respectively. In January 2018, they and bassist Michael Byrnes, drummer Sotiris Eliopoulos and keyboardist Jackie Miclau welcomed a wave of success, performing their song “Silver Lining” on "Conan."

“Performing on 'Conan' was pretty surreal,” Quinn said. “That was exactly one year from when we played our first live show ever, so it was kind of surreal to be in the national TV spotlight for the first time.”

They released their debut album on March 2, 2018. Soon after, they went on tour. The tour continues through the summer and includes concerts at popular festivals like Bottleneck Napa and Bonnaroo.

“I think the best part about being in a band and going on tour is just being able to explore the country and seeing places that you’ve never been and probably wouldn’t otherwise go,” Cooper said. “And you meet a lot of very interesting and different people from all over the country who have different experiences and perspectives on a lot of different things.

But Quinn and Cooper's musical relationship first started at Conestoga, long before their commercial successes.

“When I got to high school, I was given more opportunities to perform and actually kind of realize the passion (for music) in a more tangible way,” Quinn said.

While attending Conestoga, Quinn and Cooper, who met through Cooper’s younger brother, played music together at Inkwell and a benefit concert for the Save Darfur Club.

“We used to play around the

“

I mean it was kind of a no-brainer to just give it a shot given the opportunity.

Matt Quinn

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With fingers crossed and legs trembling, four groups from Conestoga’s film program sat in anticipation at 1 p.m. on May 11 awaiting the top 10 results of the Pennsylvania Ten Day Film Challenge. Two of the groups went home with accolades from the state-level awards ceremony.

Although ’Stoga Film has participated in numerous film competitions over the years, this festival season was especially satisfying, as the class and club accumulated six awards along with numerous nominations for film production.

Of those awards, four came from the Pennsylvania 10 Day Film Challenge. As the name suggests, students were given 10 days to create an entire film that followed mandatory guidelines and script requirements.

"Creating a film from the ground up in such a short time was both stressful and fun," said co-director of the film “Citadel of Madness” Madison Ross. "It brought out the best in us as a team, as everyone was working as hard as possible to get it done. Luckily, we had a full day to work on (it) in school, which gave us much more flexibility than a class period."

In mid-May, two films from Conestoga were awarded in the top five of Pennsylvania, “Another You” and “Citadel of Madness.” Along with his second place ranking for his film “Another You,” senior director and videographer Neil Goldenthal won Best Cinematography in Pa. “Citadel of Madness” also received a second award for the Best Usage of Character.

Prior to the 10 Day Film Challenge, ’Stoga film participated in the Greenfield Youth Film Festival. While the hor-

“

Andrew Bucko

Co-Student Life Editor

Musician

area, like we played at MilkBoy,” Cooper said. “We played at Burlap and Bean on 252.”

Cooper was two grades above Quinn, so when he graduated in 2007, the duo pressed pause on their music endeavors. Cooper left for college and became a lawyer and Quinn attended Northeastern University. After finding their way through adulthood, the two found one another in Los Angeles, and eventually reconnected and recorded the song “Astrovan.”

“I was living in Los Angeles and dreaming of one day being able to be a full-time musician instead of what I was currently doing and the

song sort of grew out of the struggle of wanting to do that and wanting to follow that dream,” Quinn said.

“Astrovan” blew up on Spotify, racking up 6 million plays. Quinn and Cooper saw that this was their opportunity and seized it.

“We just said, ‘Let’s just do it,’” Cooper said. “Worst case scenario is it doesn’t work and we just go back to our jobs and our lives outside music. I mean it was kind of a no-brainer to just give it a shot given the opportunity.”

But it did work. Still, the pair rounded out their band with Byrnes, Eliopoulos and Miclau. Drawing inspiration from Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, the Shins and Vampire Weekend, Mt. Joy continued to write songs to keep up with their growing popularity.

Even with all the popularity, Quinn notes that it “can kind of wear on your body and your psyche.”

On “the days off, we just take the opportunity to just kind of hang out, watch Netflix,” Cooper said.

“When we’re in Philly, we’ll go to Wawa. Just your standard do-nothing day.”

Quinn wants to improve as a band, especially in the live setting.

He hopes that “things continue to grow” but at the same time, he is “trying to keepv it simple and let the bigger things fall if they’re going to fall.”

Quinn, Cooper and the rest of Mt. Joy are living out a dream, proving that—in the words of “Astrovan”—“dreams are more than paper things.”

Courtesy Mt. Joy

Climbing mountains: From left to right, Mt. Joy band members Matt Quinn, Sotiris Eliopoulos, Sam Cooper, Jackie Miclau and Michael Byrnes reflects on their success in the alternative music scene. After pausing their Conestoga musical careers, band members reunited in Los Angeles to pursue their dreams of fame.

End of the Trail: ’Stoga remembers retiring staff Tiffany He and Scott Hennessy

Co-Student Life Editor and Staff Reporter

As the school year winds down, Conestoga says goodbye to four staff members. This year, paraeducator Corrine Balin, music teacher Suzanne Dickinger, Chinese teacher Judy Lee, and art teacher Michael Starner reach the end of their journeys as ’Stoga Pioneers.

Corinne Balin: With a background in finance, Corrine Balin never imagined working as a paraeducator. Before coming to ’Stoga, she worked as the assistant vice president of an investment company and managed client services at Vanguard. However after the birth of her third child, she left her career in search of a more flexible work schedule for herself and her children.

“I thought, ‘What can I do that contributes somehow in my community, work and be on a school schedule?’ That was about 18 years ago. I left my career, moved here and it’s been wonderful,” Balin said.

18 years later, she continues to work to support students. Balin manages the Room 224 testing center at Conestoga. “ I will miss the students and the really wonderful relationships that I form with my students the most,” Balin said.

Post-retirement, Balin hopes to keep busy. She loves to garden, play Mahjong and attend book club meetings. In the summer, she also enjoys spending time on the Chesapeake with her family.

Unable to stay away, Balin even has plans to return next year.

“I love the culture of Conestoga, and I have met some of the greatest forever friends that I will have in my whole life. I have just absolutely loved it here,” Balin said.“My three grown children are still keeping me busy , but I would like to come back as a substitute next year.”

Suzanne Dickinger: Mrs. Dickenger, more commonly known as Dixie, held the figurehead position of ’Stogamusic since 1990.

“Throughout the years, I think I had a hand in building a pretty huge elective program, I created a lot of the electives you can take now. And the choir program obviously is a lot larger now. When I first got here they did not do an annual musical,” Dickinger said.

After 28 years of living and breathing the music department, leaving Conestoga means big changes for Dickinger.

“I have mixed feelings. It’s time for me to retire, but I’m going to miss the kids. I’m going to miss the musicals and I’m going to miss the concerts a lot . And AP (Music) Theory because I created the course and I love teaching theory,” Dickinger said.

At the moment, Dickinger does not have a clear plan for her post-teaching life, but she is certain to spend more time with her children in California and her husband.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. Because this job is so

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Student Life

Thursday, June 7, 2018

all-encompassing, I never really had the time to think about what I am going to do with the rest of my life. So that’s very very scary,” Dickinger said.“But I don’t think I’m going to figure it out this summer . I think this summer is going to be decompression and getting myself together.”

Judy Lee: Two decades ago, no Chinese program was available within the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District curriculum. But in 1997, TESD district schools worked alongside Fudan University’s exchange program in Shanghai to begin offering a Chinese 1 course in 1998. To help teach the new course, Chinese teacher Judy Lee began her stay as a Conestoga Pioneer.

“I think the entire community is very serious about education.

That’s why they wanted to elevate the Chinese program. They want students to learn more about the world. We are proud of being the first public high school offering Chinese program in this suburban area,” Lee said.

Since then, Lee enjoys teaching her native language and culture to her students every day.

“I think I’m very lucky to have students who are really interested in learning Chinese, so it gives me a lot of pleasure in teaching the language,” Lee said. “I can teach students the real Chinese and the real culture. And I enjoy showing my students how many different ways of learning there are, even learning language.”

After leading the Chinese department at Conestoga for twenty years, Lee plans to visit her family in Taiwan after retirement and venture to more places as well.

“I’m teaching language and teaching them culture so I like to explore culture in other countries as well,” Lee said.

Michael Starner: “Art is a verb,” said retiring teacher Michael Starner to begin new classes at the start of each semester.

For Starner, the past 21 years working at Conestoga meant spreading a love for the creative process art develops in young individuals.

“I have a love for creativity.

The medium to me doesn’t matter. Creative thinking is what matters.You guys study facts in math, you study facts in science, you study facts in history you study facts and language, but what you do with those facts .

Those are the tools. What you do with those tools what you make with them is your creative side,” Starner said.

Starner taught every class in the art program except AP Art History during his time at Conestoga. But for Starner, the end of his classroom teaching career does not mean the end of his work as a teacher at Conestoga.

“I’m not retiring from (stage crew advising). I think sometimes better learning and teaching takes place (in the theatre) than it does in the classroom. I don’t have to wear a tie, I can be free, I can get power tools, I can show kids how to use them, and it’s a community of people that are stars that are never seen,” Starner said.

Teacher Feature: Jennifer Kratsa

Student Services chair Jennifer Kratsa discusses her decision to become a counselor, who inspires her the most, her past coaching experience and all-time favorite books.

Sanjana Sanghani Staff Reporter

Why did you choose to become a counselor?

I chose to become a counselor ten years into my career.

Before I was counselor, I was a teacher. I taught Spanish and English at Wissahickon High School. As I was teaching, I was thinking I would go back to my master’s to learn how to talk to students better and things like that. One thing led to another, and I finished my program and applied to T/E for a job as a counselor. I made the jump from teaching to counseling and it’s probably the best thing I’ve done because I really enjoy what I do.

What is it like interacting with Conestoga students?

The students at Conestoga have been wonderful through my years here. It’s a real pleasure to be able to get up in the morning to a job you really like. I encourage everybody to contemplate to do something they love because it’s a long life to live. I’m able to enjoy what I do all day and it’s so nice.

The students have been nice to work with and I enjoy helping them navigate their high school experience. That’s the fun part for me.

ors. There are some wonderful experiences I have but there are also sad times. The hardest part for me is that I can’t fix everything. I hate to see people sad.

I wish I had a magic wand to make their problems go away.

But I feel good about trying to be a person that will support the students. So while it can be hard, I feel good that I’m working towards the goal of making someone comfortable.

What is your favorite memory in the classroom?

What I miss about teaching is seeing the same students every day in a group and getting to know the students in a different way. When you’re a counselor and when you’re a teacher you get to know the students well but in different ways. So my fondest memories are the ones where I would come in the morning and we would catch up on our weekends. I felt like

What is one thing that students may be surprised to find out about you?

When I was teaching, I was also a lacrosse and hockey coach. I actually coached history teacher Ms. McDugall back in the day. I think it’s really fun to have her here.

How does it compare being a coach from a teacher or counselor?

It’s a neat experience to get to know students on different levels and in different ways. As a teacher, as a counselor, or as a coach you have different relationships with students and you do different things within those job descriptions. If I had the time to coach today, I would absolutely do it. I loved

being out on the field and I have a special place in my heart coaching for high school.

Who inspires you the most?

My dad is the best man I know. He is the nicest man to every single person he comes across. People love him, like if I tell people who my dad is, every single person always tells me how he’s the best guy ever.

He just makes other people smile and he’s a really caring person. He lives life with so much zest and I admire that. I always strive to be just like he is.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would you pick?

I love to cook and entertain.

My favorite person on the planet is Ina Garten. She’s known as the Barefoot Contessa. She’s a home cook that’s done amazing things.

If you were trapped on an island or in the desert what books or movies would you bring?

I would bring “Let’s Take the Long Way Home” by Gail Caldwell because that’s my favorite book and I read it over and over. I love stories about life or about somebody’s experience. I love home design and cooking so I would watch HGTV and Food Network.

What is the most difficult thing about being a counselor?

There are some really heavy things we deal with as counsel-

Olivia Thompson/The SPOKE

Counseling kids: Guidance counselor Jennifer Kratsa takes a break during her busy day. She taught as a Spanish and English teacher before dedicating her days to helping students.

Olivia Thompson/The SPOKE

Olivia Thompson/The SPOKE

10% w/ C OFF on Stud estoga ent I D

I was able to connect with my students well and I loved getting to know them and spending time with them.

Olivia Thompson/The SPOKE

Justin Huang/The SPOKE

Piecing it together (top right): Art teacher Michael Starner displays one of his ceramic pots at Unity Fair. Though he will be retiring at the end of this year, Starner plans to return to continue guiding ’Stoga Stage Crew.

Zai’jian (bottom right): Chinese teacher Judy Lee types at her laptop. Lee has taught Chinese at Conestoga for over two decades. She plans to visit her family in Taiwan after retiring.

Testing out (top left): Paraeducator Corrine Balin wears a big smile for the camera. She has worked as an aid at ’Stoga for 18 years. After retirement, Balin is excited to work on some of her hobbies, including gardening and Mahjong.

Decrescendo (bottom left): Music teacher Suzanne Dickinger plays the electric piano. Dickinger has taught choir and theater at Conestoga for 28 years.

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Senior Map

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Senior Map

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Thursday, June 7, 2018

Op/ed

From the Editor: Living life out on a limb

Avery Maslowsky Co-Editor in Chief

Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE

The role of investigative journalism in a democracy Last issue, The Spoke chose to investigate academic integrity at Conestoga for our front page story. Though we received a wide range of feedback, one pervasive response stood out. From students, teachers and administrators, we received the same objection to the story. As one student put it in a Spoke focus group survey, “Students’ integrity is nothing a newspaper should be discussing. Leave that to the teachers and the students’ parents.”

Our role as a newspaper is not to promote Conestoga with solely good press, nor is it to dramatize events for a wider readership. Our role is to pursue and relay the truth.

For last issue’s front page story, this role included opening an informed discussion about an important issue and finding the truthful answer to serious questions — is academic integrity compromised at Conestoga? And what are teachers and administrators doing to prevent academic dishonesty?

Some community members believe that our academic integrity story hurt Conestoga

by damaging its reputation.

We ask those community members to reconsider their priorities. Are we putting our reputation before truth? If we, as a school and community, look the other way when we encounter a controversial topic, then we lose the opportunity to work towards a solution.

If we look the other way when it comes to the unpleasant side of Conestoga, that side will never improve.

Investigative journalists of the early 1900s were labeled “muckrakers,” a negative term coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, who criticized them for dredging up the “vile and debasing” parts of society.

Yet their investigations led to concrete improvements. Ida Tarbell’s expose on Standard Oil and Rockefeller’s unjust business practices led to a landmark Supreme Court decision which broke up a large oil monopoly. The novels of other muckrakers like Upton Sinclair and Samuel Hopkins Adams led to the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act, which required food manufacturers to label their food

products correctly and resulted in the creation of the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. By pursuing unpleasant issues, muckrakers made America a better place to live.

At Conestoga, The Spoke doesn’t need to hunt for stories as doggedly as muckrakers did. Important stories are happening at our doorstep, and it would be wrong of us, as journalists, to ignore them.

Though The Spoke is a high school paper operating at the local level, we believe in our work and our responsibility to cover weighty stories with journalistic integrity, regardless of feedback.

Looking the other way is irreconcilable with a newspaper’s responsibility to pursue the truth, however unpleasant it may be. Investigating issues consequential to our community, like cheating and academic dishonesty, like vaping and teachers’ contracts, is our job. Now it’s up to you — to students, families and administrators —to decide what to do with the information we bring to light.

Elementary-school Avery dreamed of becoming an international singing sensation. But, she also wanted to be a teacher. Then came along middle-school Avery, who decided medicine was her future, maybe dermatology, but maybe not. Perhaps some sort of surgeon, but then again, she couldn’t really handle quantities of blood larger than a paper cut. So that left her with pediatrics. Even then, young Avery was quite unsatisfied with any activity or career path her heart had already “destined” for itself — that is until I applied to The Spoke in February of eighth grade.

To think that in September, I will be entering my fourth year as a reporter with The Spoke completely baffles me; the thought provokes a strange intermingling of pride, happiness and downright fear. But nonetheless, these are emotions that I would never get to feel if I hadn’t gone out on a limb in middle school and applied for The Spoke.

On the outside, The Spoke just seems like a collection of stories and interviews, nothing really more, nothing really less. Yet, to me, it’s everything. From production nights till 7 p.m. to attending conventions halfway across the country, The Spoke is my platform for growth as an individual and as a journalist of the future.

There’s building a transcript, and then there’s building a future.

From having the opportunity to interview Conestoga alumni and ask each of them the question “What was the best part of your ’Stoga experience?”, I’ve learned

that high school experimentation is extremely influential. For current Cubs player Brendon Little, it was the varsity baseball team. For former co-editor-in-chief Meghan Morris, The Spoke played a role in writing her future journalistic career path. And for my father, who went on to play at Purdue University, it was the moments of playing on the football team that mark his fondest Conestoga memories.

High school is the time where it’s okay to dip your toes in just about everything — I myself take some form of membership in 42 clubs on Schoology, just because I can. You can’t find your future without considering your options.

Maybe you’ll fall in love with making yogurt in Microbiology Club.

Maybe you’ll find a passion for biomedical engineering through building a 3D-printed arm in

E-nable Club. Or maybe you’ll find yourself sitting in room 280A, like I have, falling in love with storytelling and writing over and over again as I send my final PDFs of each issue to the printer.

I often times think back to my eighth-grade self, who just assumed the newspaper would be just a newspaper. But I was wrong: here I am today, co-editorin-chief of The Spoke, anchor for Good Morning Stoga, hoping to one day pursue a career in journalism.

So, go out on a limb, join that club that you have been eyeing up since freshman year. We only have so much time in school to discover our loves and passions before the time runs out.

Everyone only lives once, so get out there and make the most of it.

Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE

The cliche jargon of high school graduations

Brooke Deasy

Managing Editor

A week or two ago in my AP Language and Composition class, I read an article that changed my perception on a commonly used phrase. The focus of the piece, written by Miya Tokumitsu, was the saying “do what you love,” which has become a mantra of sorts for today’s worker. After a first reading of the expression, the following adjectives might come to mind, as they did for me: sweet, motivating, passionate, happy, endearing and heart-warming.

However, analyzing the negative effects of this working ideology paints a much darker picture. For instance, in breeding workers to believe that they love what they do (even if they don’t), the saying allows for easier worker exploitation.

Why not work after hours if you love what you do? Why not work for free at an internship if you love what you do? Why not accept less money for your labor if you love what you do?

This saying is commonly chanted over the tops of graduation caps from a podium stand in the steamy June air. It is intended to warm the hearts

The Spoke is published seven times per year at Bartash Printing. It consistently receives a Gold rating from PSPA and CSPA, and it is a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker award-winning publication.

The Spoke serves as a public forum for student expression.

and uplift the spirits of both students and their families.

Without taking the time to contemplate the true meanings of such sayings, one may leave with a false sense of hope and ambition, or more importantly, without appreciating a moment for a good laugh. It seems only fitting in the heart of graduation season to take a skeptical look at some speaker favorites.

“This is not the end, but the beginning.”

I sincerely hope that graduation day is not The End, but the beginning? What happened to all those years of hard work that we just contributed to receive an education? Are we to forget about all those accomplishments for this New Beginning? Also, for the majority of graduates, the New Beginning entails college, which includes virtually everything we do on a daily basis at ’Stoga: attending classes, completing homework, scavenging social interaction whenever possible. Rather than being an end or a beginning, we are really just progressing on to another level of high school, a higher level I suppose, but still.

“You got so much more than ‘just an education.’”

The speaker probably intends for this saying to elicit memories of friendships being born, personal revelations or overall character development and growth. But, what they seem to implicitly leave out or fail to acknowledge are the hours scribbling slanted notes

Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE

across a lined sheet of paper in the darkest hours of the night, or learning that no matter how much you study for an exam, there is always the potential for failure. I do contend that all of these experiences contribute to who we are as people, but many of them are certainly not as happy-go-lucky as the speaker seems to promise.

“The skills you have learned here will guide you in everything you do.”

Let’s use a theoretical example to poke at this graduation cliche and the possible holes in the underlying argument.

Say, for example, that in my life I wanted to star in and run an independent circus which consists merely of me. The skills I learned at Conestoga may help with performance quality, organization and execution,

The SPOKE Staff Editors-in-Chief: Justin Huang, Avery Maslowsky Managing Editor: Brooke Deasy News Editor: Maddie Lamonica Student Life Editors: Andrew Bucko, Tiffany He Opinion Editor: Claire Guo Sports Editor: Aimee Buttenbaum Design Editor: Reagan Gerrity Photo Editor: Olivia Thompson Business Manager: Emma Clarke

but surely wouldn’t help with the art of circus-ry which may include the mastery of unicycling and taming of potentially vicious animals that could (not to get too depressing) kill me and the life of my show. In the most general terms of my career, sure Conestoga helped me to develop a (hopefully) successful circus, but the true achievement lies elsewhere, in everything that came outside of its doors.

“Never settle.”

As the highly exalted and intellectual pop-artist Justin Bieber has passionately declared through his music, “Never say never.” And he is right. Some people want to settle. They find comfort and peace in finding a rhythm in life and sticking with it, beat for beat. Not everyone desires to advance to the high-

Managing Web Editor: Audrey Kim Web Editors: Dhivya Arasappan, Ananya Kulkarni, Melinda Xu Copy Editor: Renato DiStefano Staff Reporters: Matthew Fan, Scott Hennessy, James P. Infortuna, Sanjana Sanghani Cartoonists: Kaitlyn Chen Faculty Advisers: Cyndi Crothers-Hyatt, Susan Gregory

est level in each career type, because the work itself typically changes in nature. There is more pressure, a greater workload and quite possibly less time to enjoy the things that make one happy.

“You are the future.”

While the majority of people will listen to this statement and feel a sense of drive and empowerment, it is also quite possible for some to feel an overwhelming sense of fear.

To be the future suggests that one significantly impacts the course of Earth’s history. It suggests that one’s actions have a direct effect on those who will live on this land in the coming years. That is a lot of pressure to place on a regular group of people, not to mention one that is teeming with a mix of confused emotions, namely hap-

Submissions: Letters to the editor may be submitted to Justin Huang or Avery Maslowsky,or advisers Cyndi Crothers-Hyatt or Susan Gregory. Unsigned editorials represent the views of The Spoke editorial board, not necessarily those of the administration, student body, community or advertisers. The opinions expressed in signed columns are those of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of The Spoke.

The Spoke accepts paid advertisements.

piness, sadness and nostalgia.

Besides lacking logical sense — no one can physically, literally, attain the title of the future — it is kind of alarming. If I am the future, then am I not in the present?

Of course, the above graduation cliches represent only a small proportion of those that frequent such ceremonies.

One can expect to hear at least one or two Dr. Seuss references, and anything symbolic of a “new chapter,” “new season” or “new phase” in life. My advice to those attending the 2018 Senior Graduation is to listen closely for similar phrases and upon hearing one allow for a moment of light-hearted reflection or soft laughter. These events can become slightly dull or monotonous, but don’t worry, the inclusion of graduation cliches is somewhat mandatory and certainly expected.

/thespoke @thespoke @thespoke the_spoke www.spoke.news hello@spoke.news

op/ed

Thursday, June 7, 2018

9

Other people’s problems: don’t belittle them

Claire Guo

Opinion Editor

How many hours did you sleep last night? Four? Two? Well, I didn’t sleep at all. You say you have an unbelievable amount of homework? Let me take this moment to passive-aggressively point out that I take more AP classes and have more homework, so there. My problems are more important than yours.

Sound familiar? Maybe no one says that last part—that their problems are more important than someone else’s—

but I know I’ve felt the implication. Honestly, I’ve been on the giving side of those bitter overtones, too. It’s easy to put down other people’s problems as less important than our own.

But we need to stop.

The habit of comparing one another’s life struggles is toxic.

It’s a habit that revels in having the worst situation and disparages others for an easier life.

We should, instead, listen to each other with open minds and without trying to one-up each other. We should understand that everyone has different problems, and that problems that seem trivial to us may feel life-changing to someone else.

It doesn’t have to be as grave or tragic as a substance abuse problem to warrant our attention and empathy. Maybe a friend is simply having writer’s block for an essay due tomorrow, and they’re panicking. Maybe four hours of sleep is a lot for you, but unbearable for a peer.

We also need to realize that rarely do we have the whole picture of someone’s life. Emotional turmoil could be hidden beneath the surface, hidden because she wants to seem cool and collected. Maybe a friend doesn’t have his hands full with crew, like you, but he’s extremely busy with Peer Mediation. Or maybe he’s not busy at all. He’s struggling to manage his self-esteem, not because of a dramatic, pinpoint-able reason, but simply because he is.

And that’s all the justification someone should need.

But what if my friend really is complaining about something dumb and overreacting like a stereotypical teenager?

Then can’t I put them down?

Well, according to several studies, the prefrontal cortex of teenagers—the calming, reasonable part of our brain— does not reach full development until adulthood. Meaning we, as a generation, are

Report Card Senior Lip-Dub + A solid 20 seconds of ’Stoga publications in the limelight - Not a single take like 2016’s lib-dub

Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE

biologically prone to irrational and passionate outbursts. As advice for parents with emotional daughters, psychotherapist Lisa Damour told The Globe and Mail: “What your daughter broadcasts matches what she actually experiences. Really, it’s just that intense, so take her feelings seriously, regardless of how overblown they might seem.” Give your friend some leeway concerning the triviality of their worries,

because we can’t help what we feel worried about.

There is one exception to not comparing our problems to others’—sometimes I think about someone somewhere living a much worse life, and that thought helps me feel more grateful for my own life and puts my problems into perspective. The truth is that my life is a privileged one and my problems are small. And there’s no problem with that.

Bridge closed + We will be getting a better bridge, right?

- No no, I love waking up 10 minutes earlier to get to school at the same time.

NK summit cancellation canceled + Route to semi-tolerant North Korean relations back underway - That’s strike one...

Graduation Changes

Q: In your daily life, who judges you the most?

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11

+ 1st time with all speakers of color

12

- Shorter ceremony, but still long

Royal wedding

“

Probably just myself.

Society puts pressure on people, especially teenagers today, to live up to expectations that are impossible, so then you judge yourself if you’re not up to those expectations.

Willow Freeman

“

My older brother Perry. He demands a lot, and it seems like I’m left in his shadow.

But he really wants the best for me.

“

Dominick Bachstein

Honestly my peers, because everything is a competition, especially at Conestoga. It’s very difficult to not care about what others think of you because there’s so many of us and everyone’s so competitive.

“

Ally Latoff

+ The most modern, diverse and American royal wedding yet Family members, just because they tend to be a little more judgmental than most people I know here. Maybe because they have certain expectations.

David Campbell

- Stole excitement from junior prom

Unity Fair + Foood.

- Where’s the giant inflatable foosball table? And the giant inflatable slides? And the giant...

Why we need public radio

Dhivya Arasappan Web Editor

Whether it’s in the morning on the frantic car ride to school, or on the way home, it’s more than likely that I’m listening to National Public Radio (NPR).

From “Morning Edition,” a program known for its in-depth news reporting to “Fresh Air,” an interview-based show hosted by Terry Gross, there’s a lot of different news stories, narratives and features being told over radio waves. Even after my parents pull into the garage, I’ll find myself unable to get out, instead sitting in the passenger seat, fully engaged in the artful storytelling that is an integral part of public radio.

A study conducted

by New York University last year concluded that Generation Z (those born after 1995) shows “little interest in traditional media, including radio, having grown up in an on-demand digital environment”. But our generation as high schoolers should listen to more public radio. Public radio programs such as “All Things Considered”, “Fresh Air”, “Marketplace” and “The World” have a lot to offer in the way of evocative writing, human stories and great audio artfully woven together

compelling reporting driven by unique angles to make people think and consider different perspectives, causes and effects that you might not have thought about otherwise. Some stories make you chuckle, some require a tissue box to relieve the oncoming tears and others make you ask yourself, what in the world? In just the past week I’ve heard stories on yellow crazy ants in Australia to what it’s like to cope with a eating disorder during Ramadan and even one on modern parenting.

Listening to public radio is definitely an experience and one not to miss out on. The first thing that grabbed my attention and one that I’ve come to appreciate about public radio is the importance given to the voices.

These voices of the hosts and anchors, of the people being interviewed and more importantly the emotion that comes with it isn’t removed or stripped down. Even when speaking a different language, that emotion, whether its anger, fear, sadness, or Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE joy isn’t lost in transone analysis from the Washington lation. You can hear it all in their Post, the median age of NPR’s ra- voice, person to person.

Also, we as a generation need dio audience has been steadily increasing from 45 years to 54 years to start listening to public raof age in the past two decades. dio because, while it may seem But that isn’t to say no one below old-fashioned and out of date getthe age of 55 is listening to public ting your news on the radio, it has radio. According to internal NPR a lot of things to offer. So listen records, 16% of all 25 to 54 year to some radio and if nothing else olds listened to an NPR member you will have given it a chance. So take a chance, spin that knob and station at least once a week.

Additionally, public radio of- listen to something new. There’s fers a range of in-depth new sto- not much else like it and, we as a ries to listen to. These stories are generation need to make sure it often incredibly insightful with doesn’t disappear. with clips of reporting, interviews, ambient noise and music, making it an experience that is both immersive and personal.

Non-profit media companies such as NPR or American Public Media (APM) are two of the largest producers and distributors of popular radio shows and contrary to popular belief are not losing their audiences. In fact, according to internal data from NPR as of 2016, there have been about 30 million weekly listeners on average who tune in to any NPR programming during the year which is up by 14% from 2015.

But the problem is that most of public radio’s audience consists of millennials and Generation X. In

Se is e un

Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE

In a digital age, value the real world

Audrey Kim

Managing Web Editor

A year ago, I deleted all my social media apps on Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, among others. And while I didn’t delete the accounts themselves, I found myself with a sense of relaxation and relief that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Our generation is often stereotyped as the kids that just can’t look up from their phones.

While I don’t necessarily agree with this, electronic devices have become a fundamental part of our lives, from quizzing ourselves for that next Spanish test or texting our friends for the latest news. Gone are the days where kids waiting in the bus stop or lunch line must

make awkward conversation.

Now, it’s much more common to see a row of downturned heads when you walk into a classroom in the middle of a breather.

After I deleted social media on my phone, I found myself with a lot more free time. I started to pick up reading again, an activity that I was once voracious with in elementary and middle school but declined in high school. Painting and drawing became much more frequent as well, as I stopped the immediate instinct to pick up my phone after taking a break.

According to a 2015 study by non-profit organization Common Sense Census, teenagers spend an average of nine hours per day online, and similarly, I hadn’t realized how much I had relied on the Internet until I quit. It removed the pressures of appearing to live the “better” life, whatever that may entail.

Suffice to say, I didn’t miss not seeing photos of classmates spending the weekend in Mexico or hiking upstate while I was stressing over an important paper due the next day.

But perhaps more importantly, removing myself from social media also reduced the need for feedback. Social media creates a world where we are never truly “alone,” both to our benefit and detriment. After quitting, I learned to stop relying on the validation and feedback from others.

Separating myself from constant updates on my phone gave me a newfound sense of appreciation for the world around me, rather than ignoring everyone and everything around me with headphones on and eyes glued to a screen.

Social media undoubtedly provides an important platform for news and opportunities.

However, we must be aware of the undue pressures it places on our generation to simultaneously conform and ignore the world around us. Learning to accept that our lives will continue without the need for constant updates on our and everyone else’s activities can provide a refuge from a constantly evolving world. Our lives may be increasingly manifesting online, but we must remember that they do not rely on-screen.

Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE

10

Sports

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Smooth sailing twins sea-ze victory Olivia Thompson Photo Editor

Sailing toward the finish line, mainsheet in hand, sophomores Justin and Garret Roach surge ahead the other sailboats to take second overall for the 20172018 season.

“I love being on the water. My favorite thing is the calmness and relaxation after

school,” Justin said.

During the fall and spring seasons, the Conestoga Sailing Team participates in the Main Line Scholastic Sailing Association (MLSSA) and races against 23 other local high schools. The team treks to the Delaware River in Essington, Pa. every Sunday in teams of two. Justin and his twin brother, sophomore Garrett Roach, make up one of those teams as part of the Regatta Fleet.

“I like sailing with Justin because we know each other so well, we can predict each other’s moves and finish the race in first. Since we sail with each other so much, we can go a whole race without (needing) to tell each other what to do,” Garrett said. “We just have the skill to get the job done.”

The twins fought through the fall season, and managed to come back to school with a surprising victory.

Ian Ong/The SPOKE

Sailing through the Delaware: Sophomore Justin Roach skippers the 420 with another crew member. Justin and his brother, Garrett, competed in the South Jersey Summer Series for the Mid-Atlantic Yacht Racing Association last summer.

“I knew Garrett and I had a shot at winning, but I didn’t know if it would actually happen or not,” Justin said. “Halfway through the fall season, our standings were looking pretty good, and we thought we might actually be able to win first. (During the banquet) at the end of November, it was such a gratifying moment when Garrett and I found out we won first place for the fall season.”

However, the duo faced more challenges during the spring when sailing against their biggest competition: Malvern Prep.

“Margay and Brendan Lord are both really good sailors who sail for Malvern,” Justin said.

“With both of their scores combined, they took first place in the spring season as well as overall first place.”

Despite their losses, Justin and Garrett remain optimistic and look forward to facing them again on the waters.

“I think the team is hoping for another fun season next year as well as pulling off some good wins just like this year,” Justin said.

“Louis Margay was one of the best sailors on the water, (but) I am hopeful that next year we should have a good shot at winning first both seasons.”

year in review Most Memorable Sports Moments Picked by Aimee Buttenbaum, Sports Editor Design by Reagan Gerrity, Design Editor

The football team whooped Lower Merion 38-20 on Sept. 15.

500th

This past fall, the girls’ varsity field hockey team took home a Central League trophy for the fifth year in a row.

Crew club sculls their way to West Coast water

On Friday, Nov. 17, the boys’ varsity soccer team won their second consecutive State Championship title at Hersheypark Stadium.

Emma Clarke

Business Manager

In their final feat of the season, members of the Conestoga Crew Club will be flying across the country to the crystalline blue waters of Sacramento, California’s Lake Natoma, a sharp contrast from the murky Schuylkill. Here, they will be attempting to row their way to victory at the 2018 Youth National Championships from June 8-10.

At this high-level regatta, Conestoga rowers will make up one of about 150 teams that are hoping for national titles.

Events are divided by boat classes, which correspond to the gender, level, and number of people in the boat. Three different boat classes, the women’s youth quad (Kate Concannon, Katherine Stanton, Victoria Budike, and Abigail Lewis), the men’s youth quad (Brenton Molsbergen, Shane Connell, Cole Fogarty, and Kale Wiley), and the women’s lightweight double (Natalia Bertolotti and Isobel Fellowes), qualified for the national competition through the Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships on May 13. Senior Kate Concannon, a captain of the team, believes that participation in strenuous practices and regattas throughout the season is what will have the ath-

Girls’ Tennis Coach Fran Tomaselli celebrated her 500th win on Oct. 2.

Junior Brendan Burns swam 1:42.94 in the 200-yard fly making him the second-fastest in the 15/16-year-old category behind Michael Phelps.

On Feb. 3, the cheerleading competition team competed at the Central League Cheerleading Championship, placing seventh overall.

Ananya Kulkarni/The SPOKE

Quad formation: The four girls come off the water after placing first at the Stotesbury Regatta. The quad qualified for nationals at the Mid-Atlantic Youth Rowing Championship. They hope to perform well at Youth Nationals in Sacramento. letes prepared for nationals.

“We have been training together as boats and racing every weekend to gain as much practice and experience as possible” Concannon said.

Off of the water, the team trains from January to May with running, weightlifting and erging. Combined with the daily commutes to Boathouse Row on the Schuylkill River for onthe-water practices, the athletes believe that their hours of work paid off, which regatta results show as well. At the Stotesbury Cup Regatta on May 19, the girl’s senior quad was able to take

home gold for the seventh year in a row.

While the intense practices have put the athletes in the position to do well in nationals, Coach John Hayburn feels that there is more to nationals than winning.

“Our goals are to always improve from previous years. As boats, we try to gain more speed each year. Even if we are a couple seconds faster, that can make a huge factor of who wins in a race,” Budike said.

Budike says nationals will also allow ’Stoga rowers to race against various competitive

Ananya Kulkarni/The SPOKE

COMMITMENT CORNER School: Indiana University Grade: 12 Sport: Swimming

Brendan Burns

teams.

“To compete at the national level means that we are getting more experience rowing with other crews that are not in this area,” Budike said.

In addition to the opportunities that nationals can give, the rowers believe that it has a deeper meaning than any other regatta. For Hayburn, the season’s efforts are shown at nationals.

“I am thrilled that [the rowers] are able to race at the highest level year after year. I think that it validates the team and the hard work that they put in all year and are rewarded with the invitations to compete at these invitational regattas,” Hayburn said.

For the graduating seniors, Concannon believes that this final competition will make it the most significant.

“It is a great honor to represent Conestoga Crew Club at Youth Nationals. As a senior, this will be my last race on the team so it will be my most

1:42.94

Ice Hockey Coach Mike Graves led the boys’ team to victory at the Central Playoff Championship but lost in the Flyer’s Cup.

.Both boys’ and girls’ swimming had undefeated seasons this past winter with 12 wins, making them both Central League Champions

Boys’ tennis went undefeated all season and took not only the Central League title but were crowned State Champions as well.

Girls’ freshman quad: The four lady pioneers launch from the dock at the Stotesbury Regatta on the Cooper River, located in South Jersey. The varsity women’s quad won first and the varsity men’s quad took third place in this regatta. Both quads will head to California for the Youth National Championship June 8-10.

Conestoga high school class of 1978 Join us for a wonderful night with old friends and sharing high school memories

The varsity girls’ lacrosse team scored a season-high of 21 goals when they beat Downingtown West at the 18th annual Katie Samson Foundation Lacrosse Festival.

40th Reunion Saturday September 29, 2018 Liseter Clubhouse, Newtown Square

Why IU? “I chose IU for the town of Bloomington, the coaches and Kelley School of Business.”

6:30 to 10 p.m.

Favorite Swimming Memory?

“My favorite memory is beating Radnor my freshman year at centrals when it came down to the very last event.”

Photo Booth

Affordable Cash Bar Dinner Stations

Advance ticket sale price $90

Pay for tickets on Zelle Use

conestogaclassof1978@gmail.com

as email address

11

Sports

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Tryoneer Pioneer: A “wicket” good time playing croquet James P. Infortuna Staff Reporter

What combines skills from golf, hockey and whack-a-mole?

Why croquet, of course. There are few things that sound more like they belong in a Town and Country Magazine than croquet. In fact just the mention of it conjures up images of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland or of the British.

But you may ask me, why play croquet? Well, the goal of the Tryoneer Pioneer is not just to place me in wacky situations, but to give you some new sports/activities to try out and with summer just around the corner, croquet is perfect for a cookout or any summer-y occasion.

My guide on this expedition was senior Tyler Jansen, who was in Good Morning Stoga with me.

One morning, much to my surprise, it came to light that he had a croquet set and was rather accomplished at the game. So I resolved to investigate A) what croquet was all about, and B) how truthful Jansen was about his ability.

The game of croquet has been around in different forms since as early as 1283 and in its modern incarnation since around the 1850s.

In the most generic and simple description I can muster, a series of wickets (small arches) are set up around a field and the goal is to hit your ball through them in a pattern to get it to strike a peg.

There are dozens of variations on the game, but for my limited purposes, these were the general guidelines we followed.

Jansen and I played on a Friday, smack in the middle of a week and a half of nothing but rain on the field inside the track. So, a game meant for balls to roll relatively easily was somewhat hindered by soft ground and tall grass.

Nonetheless, we persisted. Jansen set up a full game of croquet, and once I had the proper tunes playing (The Rolling Stones, you know, “croquet” music), we began.

There were 14 wickets total, and the first to hit the ball through seven down the field, hit the peg at that end, and then back through the other seven and hit the peg where you started would score 14 points and win. We alternated

hits, as is protocol, and were at opposite ends of the field to start.

At first we were both mired in the high soggy grass, wasting time and energy trying to gain our bearings. However, soon Jansen took a lead getting to the middle of the field before I was even a third of the way.

Then on one hit, he shot his ball way off course and during the several hits that ensued to rectify this, I was able to catch up. By the time we reached the halfway point, it was a dead heat.

The progression back down the field was fraught with competition. What I found was that Jansen ran into many of the same problems I did on my way up and I ran into many of the same problems he had on his way down.

Certain areas were easy for the both of us, while some were impossible.

Until the last wicket, we were still locked in a close game. But I hit my ball poorly and with little force which caused me to fall behind. Jansen finished first, thus winning, and I followed. Two hits behind.

So what did I learn playing cro-

quet at 7 p.m., in the middle of the Berwyn monsoon season, with the Rolling Stones blaring out of my pocket? I’m not sure.

I now possess the ability to play and hold a conversation about croquet. However, it remains to be seen whether that helps or hurts me. Do I recommend playing croquet? Yes. As always, I recommend you try whatever opportunity comes before you, but I found croquet particularly fun. So if this summer that odd uncle pulls out a croquet set, give it a whirl. You just might have a good time.

Following through (right): Senior Tyler Jansen swings at the ball. He aided J.P. Infortuna in learning the art of croquet.

Taking a swing (lower right): Sophomore J.P. Infortuna attempts to hit the ball through the wicket. Infortuna lost to Jansen in their match during mid-May. Infortuna hopes to play again some time soon.

Man and the mallet (lower left): Infortune takes a break from the game. He recalled that croquet was very tiring.

Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE

Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE

Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE

Fierce face-off: sophomore midfielder dominates draw Ananya Kulkarni Web Editor

“In Lacrosse, possession of the draw is the key to the game. Because of her determination to get the ball off the draw, she has created over 100 scoring opportunities for her team,” Coach Amy Orcutt said, reflecting on sophomore Cameron Evitts’ performance.

A draw-control is a method of beginning play in which two players face each other and attempt to gain control of the ball. More often than not, winning the most draw controls can make or break a game of lacrosse.

According to Orcutt, Evitts’ hard work and dedication led to this moment.

“She gives 100% every single day and when she steps on

the field in games, she does the same thing. She pushes herself to improve every aspect of her game and because of her work ethic, she was able to accomplish this incredible achievement as a sophomore, which is really incredible,” Orcutt said.

While Evitts is proud of her achievement, her teammates have been a big part of her journey.

“My teammates have helped to pump me up and motivate everyone before and during the game, while also pushing us to be our best.”

Sophomore Alex Aufiero, Evitts’ team member on the lacrosse team, believes Evitts truly deserves the recognition she has received for her achievement.

Cameron “works hard everyday and deserves this so much. Everyone on the team is

very happy for Cam,” Aufiero said.

Of the many teams Evitts has played on, including HHH (Head-Heart-Hustle) Lacrosse Club, ’Stoga lacrosse will always stand out to her.

“Conestoga lacrosse to me means family, friendships, and being proud to represent ’Stoga with my teammates who will all be my friends forever,” Evitts said.

While Evitts has made many memories in the ’Stoga lacrosse program, she looks forward to continuing her career at the collegiate level.

This past April, she committed to Pennsylvania State University.

“I love the atmosphere [of PSU] and it’s the perfect fit of athletics and academics,” Evitts said.

No matter where she is, Evitts love for the sport and

Aimee Buttenbaum/The SPOKE

Eye on the ball: Sophomore Cameron Evitts stands proud as she celebrates her record of 100 draw controls.

In April 2017, Evitts committed to Pennsylvania State University. She is looking forward to new experiences at PSU. abundant amount of memories will always remain.

“I love the sport because of its competitive nature and being with my teammates, and making all these great friends along the way,” Evitts said.

“My favorite memories are the times we all spend together whether it’s at practice, on the bus, or having fun before and during games.”

Although thinking about graduation is bittersweet,

Evitts is thrilled for what PSU lacrosse has in store.

“I’m excited to play and become friends with my new teammates as well as go to school with friends I’ve already met,” Evitts said.

SPORTS

The SPOKE

Varsity softball runs the bases to Districts

Mane event: senior saddles up at Devon Aimee Buttenbaum Sports Editor

Every Memorial Day Weekend, residents of the Main Line gather at the Devon Horse Show for annual festivities of summer excitement and sugar galore. Behind the scenes of the assorted shops and carnival rides, many riders prepare for the show, including one of Conestoga’s own, senior Katie Ray. While Ray recently committed to University of Georgia for Division One Riding, she stuck to her roots this spring and showed during Juniors Weekend for the seventh time.

“Juniors Weekend is the first weekend at Devon where all of the riders 18 and under get to compete in various divisions.

It’s always a blast getting to compete with people from all over the country in this division,” Ray said.

Ray’s spot in the horse show was earned by how she performed throughout the year.

Riders across America are registered under an association called USEF, the United States Equestrian Federation. Each rider receives a score based on their best 15 shows from the year, and the top 30 riders from each division are then selected to show at Devon.

These riders compete in divisions which are grouped mostly by age: ponies, junior hunters, adults, and equitation.

Ray competed in the equitation division which was judged on the rider’s performance, but when she was younger, she showed in hunt teams.

“The pony hunt teams were always so cute and a lot fun. You and two of your best friends at the show got to dress up in

Thursday, June 7, 2018

costumes that have a matching theme and ride around together while the parents take tons of pictures,” Ray said. “One year, I remember I dressed up as Miss Piggy.”

Last year, Ray competed with her all-time favorite horse, Ozzie. This year, she rode a horse named Quentin, who Ray believes is a very sweet horse, but she has only been riding him for a short period of time.

While Ray competes in many shows throughout the year, locally and nationally, The Devon Horse Show holds a special place in her heart.

“It’s so special because of the history of the prestigious show, the great atmosphere, and how such a great show, that people from all over the country come to, is right in my backyard,” Ray said.

While Ray believes the show is mostly filled with fun and excitement, she also feels the pressure accompanied by such a large competition.

“It is one of the biggest horse shows all year, so it is nerve-wracking but it’s also such a fun environment,” Ray said.

The families accompanying the riders partake in the festivities as well. Ray’s younger sister, Laura, who is a sophomore at ‘Stoga, attended the show alongside her sister almost every day that Devon was open.

“My family loves supporting her, and I love going because it is such an exciting atmosphere,” Laura said.

Even as Ray moves on to pursue her riding career at UGA, she believes that The Devon Horse Show will always be something she looks forward to every year, whether she will be riding or simply enjoying the show.

Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE

Smiling proud: Senior Katie Ray enjoys the Devon Horse Show. Ray competed during Juniors Weekend for the seventh time, and this fall, will attend the University of Georgia for Division One Riding.

Courtesy Laura Ray

Spur of the moment: With her horse Quentin, senior Katie Ray competes in the equitation division. She has competed in this compeition for seven years in a row. She hopes to return in later years to compete or just watch the show.

Aimee Buttenbaum/The SPOKE

Sprinting to home plate: Sophomore Claire Overton runs to home plate after hitting a home run in the team’s game against Upper Darby. The varsity softball team took a loss against Upper Darby on May 9, but beat them in the second round of districts. The girls will not advance to states as they lost 16 to six against Neshanimy in the last qualifying round on May 31.

Childhood friends take Gettysburg Aimee Buttenbaum Sports Editor

Racing down the field, passing to a teammate who dodges the opposing team’s defense to score a game winning goal is what a varsity lacrosse player might call an amazing feeling, especially when the two players are best friends.

For seniors Jackson Niness and Tate Kienzle, playing lacrosse with each other is nothing new. The duo has not only been playing together since elementary school, but both players also committed to Gettysburg College to play Division Three lacrosse. Their chemistry on and off the field is something varsity head coach Brody Bush believes will take them far.

“I think Tate and Jackson will have an immediate impact on the field for Gettysburg. They bring great athleticism, work ethic and attitude and that will translate into success for (the team),” Bush said.

Throughout the boys’ high school careers, they have endured many games together, but one of Niness’s favorite memories is their playoff run in CYLAX U13, a boys’ recreational lacrosse team.

“We made it all the way to the championship game and lost in overtime, but it was a great run,” Niness said.

Over the last four years, the duo has further advanced their playing skills and tightened their bond as friends, but their friendship began ten years ago when Niness first moved to the district in the second grade.

“At first I thought his name was Tape, so for about two months I called him Tape,” Niness said. “When I finally admitted to him that I thought his name was Tape was when we became good friends.”

These years of friendship have increased their ability to work together on the field.

“We know what the other player will do, and we know how to help them,” Kienzle said.

“Jackson challenges me to work harder and never give up.”

While they have been playing

lacrosse together since second grade, they also began playing football together in seventh grade at VFMS. This continued into high school, making the friends two-sport varsity athletes.

The boys’ lacrosse coach from seventh grade, Coach Patrick Ryan, recalls Kienzle and Niness’ friendship on and off of the field.

“They have a contagious leadership that emphasized hard work with a foundation of having fun, knowing when to get focused or have a laugh,” Ryan said.

As most friends do, and given that the boys played two sports together for many years, they joked about attending the same college one day.

“It had always been a thought amongst our friends, how cool it would be to go to college together, but never thought it would actually work out. But here we are,” Niness said.

One of the main aspects of their friendship is helping each other, and as they move on to Gettysburg, Kienzle thinks their friendship will grow stronger as they “further guide each other on and off the field.”

After playing with each other for so many years, the boys have gained a unique respect for each other as they watch each other grow as players and people.

“Tate is one of the most competitive kids I’ve ever met, so he keeps it real and he keeps it honest,” Niness said.

Coach Bush is excited to watch the boys’ immense skill set improve on the field in college.

“I’m really interested in seeing where Gettysburg uses these players on the field and I’m looking forward to seeing them win a Division Three Championship,” Bush said.

Although the years will go on and the memories might fade, the duo will never forget how they shaped each other to become better people and players.

“Playing against (Tate) has always been a competition, and without a doubt he has made me the athlete and person I am today.

I wouldn’t laugh nearly as hard as I do today if I wasn’t buddies with him,” Niness said.

Courtesy Julie Niness

Post-game laughs: After a childhood lacrosse game at Valley Forge Middle School, Jackson Niness and Tate Kienzle pose for a post-win picture. The boys have played lacrosse together every year since elementary school. Next year, the duo will continue the tradition in college.

Olivia Thompson/The SPOKE

Ending their season in style: Tate Kienzle and Jackson Niness travel to a play-off game at Unionville High School. A few members of the team decided to style their hair in mullets for the final games of the season.

SCORELINE Baseball

W L T

• • •

11 6 0

B Lacrosse

• • •

18 5 0

Scores as of 5/30

G Lacrosse

• • •

12 9 0

B Rugby

• • •

1 0 6

G Rugby

• • •

2 0 2

B Track

• • •

1 0 10

G Track

• • •

1 0 10

Softball

• • •

16 6 0

B Tennis

• • •

12 1 0