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News Education The Spoke is published seven times per year at Bartash Printing. It consistently receives the Gold Award from the Pennsylvania School Press Association and is a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker awardwinning publication. The Spoke serves as a public forum for student expression. Editors-in-Chief: Suproteem Sarkar, Simran Singh, Yuge Xiao News Editor: Michael Hong Features Editors: Courtney Kennedy, Mary Mei Opinion Editor: Meagan O’Rourke Sports Editors: Andy Backstrom, Navin Zachariah Convergence Editors: Michael Li, Jerry Zhu Business Manager: Shivani Sanghani Copy Editor: Paula Miller Graphic Designers: Liz Lawton, Ben Red, Michael Zhang Staff: Betty Ben-Dor, Elizabeth Billman, Maggie Chen, Allan Du, Nour Elkassabany, Rose Kantorczyk, Camille Kurtz, Liz Lawton, Cissy Ming, Kyle Nicholson, Ian Ong, Matt Paolizzi, Emma Purinton, Allison Reagan, Matt Soderberg, Caleigh Sturgeon, Michelle Xu, Eric Xue, Lyvia Yan, Michael Zhang, Warren Zhao Faculty Advisers: Susan Gregory, Cyndi Crothers-Hyatt
Submissions Letters to the editor may be submitted to Suproteem Sarkar, Simran Singh or Yuge Xiao, or advisers Susan Gregory or Cyndi Crothers-Hyatt. Unsigned editorials represent the views of The Spoke editorial board, and 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.
Keystones: Test or graduation requirement?
Eric Xue
Keystone testing begins May 13. The classes of 2017 and 2018 must pass these exams in order to graduate. However, Keystones may be soon removed as a graduation requirement. On Feb. 23, the Tredyffrin/ Easttown School Board approved a resolution that supports House Bill 168. Introduced in January, House Bill 168 amends the act of March 10, 1949, eliminating the Keystone exams as a high school graduation requirement. The Keystone exams are assessments given to students in Pennsylvania at the end of a course to test their proficiency in the subject. Currently, students are required to take Keystone exams in Algebra I, Biology and Literature to graduate high school. In addition, within the course of the next three years, two more Keystones will be added to that list: Composition and Civics and Government. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website, the Keystones will help school districts guide their students to meet state standards. However, Principal Dr. Amy Meisinger feels that such tests are not necessary. “We have a very robust curriculum. We have outstanding success with our students graduating from here and moving forward, and a proficiency on a standardized test such as this should not be something that determines
whether a student is suited to graduate,” Meisinger said. Karen Cruickshank, a member of the school board and chairwoman of the Board Education Committee, explains why she and her fellow board members support the bill. “The opinion of myself and the entire school board in Tredyffrin is that we don’t want these [Keystone exams] given to our students here. We think it is an absolute waste of students’ time, teachers’ time and a waste of taxpayer money because these [tests] get expensive,” Cruickshank said. According to Cruickshank, there are a handful of students who do not pass the tests every year, and the way Keystone regulations are currently written, if a student does not pass, then he or she cannot graduate high school. Cruickshank says that this is what makes Keystone exams such high-stakes assessments and also why the school board opposes them so much. “Let’s say we have 20 kids who aren’t good at test taking. Well that’s 20 kids who were supposed to be able to graduate,” Cruickshank said. “They’re perfectly smart, they know the material, and for those 20 kids, that’s important, very important. I think we’re all in this together; it’s important for all of us.” Students who score basic or below do not pass the Keystone exams and must receive remediation. The following year, students are then allowed to
retake the Keystone. However, if they do not pass the exam the second time, two options will be presented: students can either choose to continue the cycle of remediation then take the test until they pass, or students can go into a project-based assessment.
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-Principal Dr. Amy Meisinger However, if House Bill 168 passes, the process for students who do not score proficient or higher will be reconsidered and possibly eliminated, a result Meisinger predicts will eventually happen. But for now, she hopes to see the Keystones taken off the list of graduation requirements. “I would say that it is my strong hope that [the bill] comes to fruition and that Keystones are not a requirement for graduation for our kids or for any of the kids in Pennsylvania. Testing is not
the best means of determining a student fit for graduation,” Meisinger said. Biology teacher Jacqueline Gontarek expressed her opposition to the Keystone exams and her support of the elimination of the standardized tests as a graduation requirement. “Some kids are not able to pass the [Keystone exams] with learning issues and attention issues. It’s just not a fair statement that everybody can pass a certain test, and to tie it to graduation I think does even more damage,” Gontarek said. Students taking the Keystones this year show opposition to the assessment. “The Keystones are an unnecessary test,” freshman Brianna Twombly said. “I know a lot of students in our school barely pass the Keystones, and there are students down in schools in Philadelphia who are failing them. How are they supposed to graduate if they can’t even pass that test?” Sophomore Christian Godfrey also opposes the Keystones. “I don’t even know why we have the Keystones and personally, I think they should be eliminated. Students are already preoccupied studying for their tests for school and tests like the SATs,” Godfrey said. The process for passing a bill is long, but Meisinger sees a positive future for the bill. “I’m hopeful, and I think legislators are going to have to give this a hard look,” Meisinger said.
2014 Keystone Results Biology Literature Algebra I 41.4%
52.4%
40.1%
76.3%
81.0%
90.4%
Contact Us Email: spoke@stoga.net Phone: 610-240-1046 The Spoke accepts paid advertisements. Email: ssanghani@stoganews.com Visit The Spoke online at www.stoganews.com Web News Directors: Michael Li, Jerry Zhu mli@stoganews.com jzhu@stoganews.com
2 The Spoke
% Scoring above proficient
Michael Zhang/The SPOKE
News State
State implements volunteer background check policy Warren Zhao Annually, more than 900 parents and community members volunteer at T/E schools, from classroom aides to CPR trainers. However, as of Jan. 1, 2015, all volunteers for T/E need to get at least two background checks in
order to be eligible to volunteer during the 2015-16 school year. “As part of an additional measure to support a safe school environment, the Pennsylvania legislature has made recent revisions to a Pennsylvania child protection law that will require most school volunteers to have background clearances in order
to serve in our school buildings,” Principal Dr. Amy Meisinger said. According to TESD’s report on the new requirements, volunteers will need background clearances if they are “involved directly with the care, supervision, guidance or control of children, or will have routine interaction with children.” Recent changes to the law re-
quire school volunteers to obtain and provide proof of participation in the Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. In addition, potential volunteers who have been residents of Pennsylvania for fewer than 10 years will need to get the Federal Criminal History Clearance through the FBI. Volunteers who have lived in the state for more than 10 years can submit an affidavit in place of the Federal Criminal History Clearance to for volunteer service because of a criminal conviction. People who have volunteered previously can volunteer until July 1, 2015. After this date, they ances in order to continue volunteering. These changes were put into effect across the state. All three background checks can be applied and paid for electronically. In addition, the FBI-
Serving the community:
Yuge Xiao/The SPOKE
submission. Currently, it costs $10 each for the Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI Criminal History Clearance costs $28.75. Once the results of the checks are received, volunteers must send
a copy to the TESD Personnel Ofindependent contractors working for the district, volunteers must renew their clearances every three years. “We really can’t get along without our volunteers. We use over 400 a year, just at Conestoga, not to mention the other elementary and middle schools. We tried to make the process as simple as possible, and we condensed the regulations to a shorter form,” TESD Community and Volunteer wood said. district contacted all T/E parents earlier this year and explained the new state regulations, enrequirements. “In this school [district], I honestly don’t think we need the regulations. We have a group of people who volunteer who are very committed to what they do. When you look at all these organizations that are volunteer-run, be it sports teams, Snow Day in May, or CAPCO, the kids [participating] are never in any kind of danger. I don’t believe that will change, regulations or not,” volunteer and librarian Shefali Macedo said.
The Spoke 3
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News School
Maslowsky’s score had qualiof two students chosen from the Philadelphia area.
Co-Features Editor When junior Callie Maslowsky found out that she had scored in the 98th percentile on the National German Exam, she was surprised by the news. paid off,” Maslowsky said.
demic realm.
-
from June 24–July 27, is paid for stay with a host family and at-
with host families, and hopefully -
cultural and historical landmarks.
Maslowsky said.
short response questions and at-
problems. -
“The language has really impacted the way I see everything. This trip to Germany will be a great way to open my eyes to the world.” -Junior
it comes.”
said. “Her score on the National German Exam accurately represents her dedication to the German
for me to learn, it’s been such a this trip to Germany will be a world.” Despite her recent success,
Maslowsky’s success in Ger-
Mary Mei/The SPOKE
Ich spreche Deutsch: Junior Callie Maslowsky looks forward ing the National German Exam and scoring in the 98th percentile.
Allan Du
Outlook. All emails sent to current
abilities is also accompanied by her excitement to spend more time in Germany, a place that has alally and academically” and has “an
ticipant in class, Callie really into the classroom with her con-
faculty use, which is limited to
She plans to double major in German and likes the possibility of an international career.
Maslowsky said.
and this will allow them to install and tablets and co-edit documents
and faculty members will soon be
be forwarded to the new email mented.
Wood said. folders.
on a computer.
-
-
a lot cleaner, more in tune to what we need now, more up-to-date, modern and less like the old one
more space than what we currently
run spreadsheets well, especially
space,” said Derrick Wood, chemsuch as Word and Excel from any
Office 365
Announced in mid-March dur-
Middle school students will also email account.
Microsoft Office 2013 count username followed by the @
line.com. -
Liz Lawton/The SPOKE
satisfactory,” sophomore Daphne Conroy said. -
cludes Word, PowerPoint and Ex-
be able to more easily access their -
to co-edit documents in real time,
lack of mobile application support With Outlook, students and faculty will be able to use all the features of a modern email client,
dents and staff.
Users will also be able to install the Outlook app on their mobile -
is one’s school account password.
istry teacher and member of the
Students and faculty will be able librarian and member of the district -
PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote onto their personal computers for
The Spoke 5
FEATURES
Photos by Suproteem Sarkar and Betty Ben-Dor Design by Adam Lockett
On Friday, April 24, Conestoga seniors celebrated their Senior Prom at the Phoenixville Foundry. Seniors were greeted by English teacher Michael Trainer, who interviewed students arriving at the dance for Good Morning ’Stoga. The night featured three chocolate fountains, a do-it-yourself photobooth and a rustic chic theme. A. Junior Evan Haynos and senior Sarah Whelan smile for the camera after checking in at prom. B. English teacher Michael Trainer interviews senior Cassie Rompala and her date for Good Morning ’Stoga. C. Senior Lexi Rappaport and her date smile for their red carpet interview with Trainer. D. Senior Sophia Weng poses with her bow tie-wearing pineapple. E. DJ played a variety of music as requested by Conestoga students.
6 The Spoke
Features Music
Check your Voice Males: A cappella group leaves a message Story by Copy Editor Paula Miller
Nour Elkassabany/The SPOKE
Crowd Pleasers: Voice Males, a student a cappella group, gears up for its performance on April 23 at the choir concert. The group consists of seniors Kirin Zachariah, Bobby Pragada, junior Nick Marcil, seniors and Pat Evans.
With performances at every event from the UNICEF Benefest to Junior Cabaret, Voice Males has become a crowd favorite. A longstanding tradition, the allmale a cappella group has made its mark on Conestoga. Unlike other musical organizations at Conestoga, Voice Males is completely student run. The club is exclusively for upperclassmen and has a total of 10 members this year. In previous years, returning members simply chose new members to join the club. However, this year, the club held auditions for the first time and accepted three new seniors and one junior. “When students are picking other students, people always get stressed about the politics of it all, but really, this year, it’s all about making sure we have a nice distribution of different vocal parts,” senior Peter Brown said. Senior Kirin Zachariah joined Voice Males this year after attending auditions and has become close friends with the other members of the group.
“It’s all good fun—it’s laid back,” Zachariah said. “I just like singing in a group of people, and I kind of want to do it in college, so I feel like this would be a good way to get ready for that.” Vo i c e M a l e s h a s a l s o i n creased its presence in the community this year.
“If you just go up there and you have a good time and you have a positive energy that people can relate to, it works really well.” -Senior Peter Brown “This year we have expanded more than we ever have in the past,” senior Asher Goldfinger said. “We usually do two performances a year. That is the winter concert and the spring concert,
and that’s pretty much it.” Over the course of the school year, the club has performed at more than 10 different events, including Junior Cabaret, the library coffee houses and the spring concert. Preparing for each performance usually involves two to three rehearsals, beginning a couple weeks before the event. Recent performances featured an arrangement of “Uptown Funk,” a “Guardians of the Galaxy” medley and a Queen medley. “We try to differ it up. I think we have an unspoken rule that we don’t do the same song more than three times,” Goldfinger said. Senior Bobby Pragada and Zachariah both noted the “Guardians of the Galaxy” medley from Junior Cabaret as their favorite performance so far this year. “I think we were really on that day and the crowd loved us,” Pragada said. “I think that’s one of our major strengths in that we
might not be the absolute best at singing, but we do know how to put on a good show and we’ll give the audience a phenomenal time no matter what.” Brown agrees that there is more to the performance than just singing. “If you just go up there and you have a good time and you have a positive energy that people can relate to, it works really well,” Brown said. Goldfinger is primarily responsible for arranging the music, although other club members, including seniors Michael Godfrey and Noah Berkowitz, have arranged pieces as well. However, a cappella is relatively new to Goldfinger, who only began singing his freshman year. “I only sang in choirs and a cappella is a really different experience because you’re experimenting with popular music instead of choral music,” Goldfinger said. “We didn’t have a designated arranger at the beginning of the year, so I
thought it would be kind of fun to play around with some stuff and I have a ton of fun doing it.” For Zachariah, the major difference between singing in Voice Males and singing in choir is the degree to which he has to know his part. In an a cappella group “they obviously rely on you more because there’s less people, so your part is more integral,” Zachariah said. As the year draws to a close, Voice Males has planned its own concert on May 20 during 8th period in the auditorium as its last performance. However, with the seniors leaving for internship, the club’s only junior, Nick Marcil, now faces the task of leading the club into next year. He plans to hold auditions to recruit new members. “For next year I want to try and do at least the majority of the performances we’ve done this year,” Marcil said. “The hopes for it is just to keep it going,
that’s the one thing.”
7 The Spoke
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8 The Spoke
Features Entertainment
Concert Culture: ’Stoga students crave the rave ing tickets. He claims more than 30 ’Stoga students had bought tickets for the Dirtyphonics event. “It wasn’t as easy as a show to sell because apparently not a lot of people knew who Dirtyphonics was,” Martino said. “But [Warren] still sold a fair amount of tickets, and a fair amount of Conestoga students went.” In addition to concerts, students also attend music festivals, most
Ian Ong/The SPOKE
Beat Seekers: Lines of spectators gather outside Penn’s Landing for entrance to Life in Color, also known as LIC. The concert, attended by groups of ‘Stoga students, was one of many electronic-themed performances held in early April.
From wobbling bass to stabbing treble, local music concerts appeal to a multitude of audiences and have become a typical weekend activity for some Conestoga students. From April 10-11, numerous concerts were held downtown showcasing electronic artists and events, including Dirtyphonics and Must Die!, at SoundGarden Hall and the Life in Color Concert at Penn’s Landing. Groups of Conestoga students attended these events, bringing along friends to listen to some of their favorite electronic artists and DJs. Juniors Grace Jumbo, Julia Hess, Miranda Moody and Valerie HouckMeloni were among the audience at the Life in Color Concert. There, fans older than 16 years old enjoyed an energetic performance accompanied with colorful paint that was shot at party-goers. “It was a really good time, and the paint is super gross. It’s really sticky and it’s oil-based so it dries quickly,” Jumbo said. “But as soon as you get it wet again, like when you shower, it turns right back into the slime they shot at you with guns.” Students who attended the concerts prepared by picking out what
white clothes to wear, organizing transportation and doing research on artists. Even after the concert began at 6 p.m., mobs of teenagers all clad in white clothing were still queuing up at the entrance. The line stretched back for several blocks. “My friends and I went to the mall to get cheap white clothes because we were going to get paint on them,” Houck-Meloni said. In addition, transportation can be time-consuming. “We took the train down to the city, then a cab from the train station. We waited in the line for probably
“Especially once in a while on the weekend, concerts are a good way to get away from it all if you are really stressed.” Junior Miranda Moody a half an hour to get in,” Hess said. The concert was open-air and was held on Festival Pier. There, electronic artists Jauz, David Solano, Heff and Wavo played remixes and original songs for dancing crowds. At 8 p.m. the “paint blast” happened; people on stage began to
Festival, which will be held this June 18-21 in Dover, Delaware. “It’s a four day concert festival, and I’m going with a few friends, and it’s just a bunch of really good artists that I’m really excited to see,” Houck-Meloni said. Martino says festivals provide a different experience and environment than regular concerts. “A lot of people like to go for the atmosphere, everyone’s there for the music, and it’s a really good time, like a worry-free area,” Martino said. “Last year they camped out, and then afterward there was like a hundred posts on Facebook like, a whole different world.”
Students claim that the performances give them a sort of escape from school. The concerts are enjoyable venues where they can witness their favorite artists. “They give you something to look forward to after that big test,” Jumbo said. “Whatever is going on, there’s one more thing to look forward to this weekend, so it’s motivational.” Moody also believes that concerts provide a needed outlet for students. “Especially once in a while on the weekend, they are a good way to just get away from it all if you are really stressed,” Moody said. Martino says that music is a medium that can connect all types of students and bring them together, whether it be through a concert, a festival or a rave. “I mean, I can’t think of any other high school in the area that has a kid who’s going to be opening up for a famous act, so that’s pretty impressive,” Martino said. “Whether it is a jam band, or a country show, or whatever, Conestoga students have always been going to concerts, at least as long as I’ve been there.”
some people were already stained by paint bottles that fans had the opportunity to buy beforehand. the performance list, with the event “I think I enjoyed DJ Aoki’s set the most, just because I listen to him more than the openers. I had no idea who they were,” Hess said. Jumbo described the train station they stopped at as being like a “Conestoga refugee camp.” “You can’t not run into Conestoga kids, which is kind of nice because if you get lost, there’s a lot of ’Stoga kids you could go with,” Jumbo said. According to Moody, ticket takers allegedly did not verify ages, allowing younger students to attend the restricted 16+ event. “There were some sophomores there. I’m not really sure about freshmen,” Moody said. “But they weren’t checking IDs and we were expecting them to, but they didn’t.” Conestoga senior Phillip Warren performed at the Dirtyphonics concert under the name BluFire Bass at another festivity downtown at SoundGarden Hall. Senior Sam Martino attends hip-hop concerts regularly and is a self-proclaimed right-hand man to -
The Spoke 9
Features Technology
App-lying technology in the classrooms
Emma Purinton Few Conestoga students acknowledge the bolded phrase in the handbook commanding that all cell phones should be powered off during the school day. But teacher-endorsed cell phone and iPad use have increasingly become part of Conestoga classrooms. Modern technology is becoming a stronger presence in classes of all types around Conestoga, from iPhone pictures of bacteria in Microbiology labs to leaving Google Voice messages for a foreign language teacher. Along with this growth of the use of phones, iPads and computers are the growth of the apps that go with them. English teacher Karen Gately uses multiple apps on school iPads in her AP Literature and Composition classes. Gately says that during the year, she uses the Shakespeare Pro and Digital Dubliners apps to enhance students’ by Shakespeare and James Joyce. “As you read, [Digital Dubliners] and they’ll have criticism at the end. And at the end of every short story is an interview from a professor,” Gately said.
10 The Spoke
Gately explains that the apps allow her to offer more materials for students than she would be able to provide herself. “I would do my own PowerPoint or Prezi with parts of the books, but not nearly as detailed as the app, or in one place. Dubliners, and the Shakespeare app, make it super accessible for students,” Gately said. German teacher Kevin Nerz planned on using an app in his classes for more than a year. Nerz says that he planned to use the Dragon Dictation app, which writes out spoken foreign speech in that language, to allow students to read as well as hear the German he speaks in class. However, he now uses it to help students practice pronunciation. “It’s great for students to practice their pronunciation. Instead of one student reading at a time, they can all read to themselves and then review what they have read and see how accurate their pronunciation is,” Nerz said. Nerz says that the app is particularly helpful to perfect foreign language sounds that do not have an English equivalent, like the umlaut. The app helps “with what somemovements of the mouth and tongue
I’m just sending and it’s getting to the most accessible place for them, which is on their phone.” As for the future of apps in the classroom, Frazer believes that growth of apps such as the Remind app will be limited to certain classes. “I think it’ll be less common in classes that don’t require so much communication outside of class. Electives like TV are group-based–– we all work together in a group, and we are communicating about things all the time. In my English classes, my students, when they need to, check my website and I think that
Michael Zhang/The SPOKE
and throat that you otherwise wouldn’t be aware you need to do,” Nerz said. TV and English teacher Caitlin Frazer likes to use apps in her classes, but for less of an academic purpose. Frazer says she uses the Remind app to communicate with students outside of the classroom. The app creates “classes,” allowing the creator of the class to send text messages to all
the members. Frazer says that this technology appeals to students more than the traditional method of communication. “None of my students really check their emails. So it’s accessibility for them, but it’s nice because it also protects me,” Frazer said. “I don’t have to give them a phone number, I don’t have to give them my personal email–
said. Nerz believes that more Conestoga classes should look to utilize apps because the aid they provide improves the learning environment. “Technology creates more effective teaching and learning. And it’s easy to do. This is not something that creates more work for me––it reduces my workload,” Nerz said. “It’s up to people to change your fundamental way to how you approach your day. It’s like how you get out of bed in the morning, how you approach delivering a lesson. It’s a fundamental shift, but it’s an easy shift.”
Karen Copperthwaite
Features Teacher
Interview by Co-Features Editor Courtney Kennedy
Math Analysis AB and Algebra 3/Trigonometry
Math teacher Karen Copperthwaite discusses her love of math, her favorite things to do outside of school and her experiences playing Division I softball. What is one of your most memorable classroom memories or experiences as a teacher? Any time that you have a student have an “aha” moment, when something really clicks. Like when you’re working on a very difficult topic and it just suddenly clicks. For example, recently we’ve been working on rotation of conics, which is a very long process. But when students actually say, “Wow, I actually get that,” or even “this is fun”—that’s a really big one. That’s a proud moment for a teacher.
we are both math people. We have three children, all of which have nine-letter first names, seven-letter middle names and a 13-letter last name. So that was on purpose. Keeping math in the family. What is your favorite mathematical symbol? My favorite mathematical symbol is definitely pi.
How long have you been a teacher? I have been here at Conestoga for nine years, but I’ve been teaching for 12 years.
Courtney Kennedy/The SPOKE
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Newtown, Bucks County, not too far from here. I went to Villanova University and I majored in math. I also played softball at Villanova. I was a walk-on, so in the fall of my freshman year, I tried out for the team, and then played four years of Division I softball. Dr. Meisinger was actually a coach for the softball team at Villanova my freshman year. She was a pitching coach.
always have, ever since a young age. So I just put the two together and started teaching. What’s your favorite thing about math? I love everything about math. I love how it all comes together, how it builds off itself.
What position did you play? I walked on as a first baseman, but I also played second base and outfield.
If you had to teach a subject at Conestoga other than math, what would you teach? It would probably be a science. I’ve always had a second passion for the sciences. Physics, which is probably no surprise because it’s math based, but also biology.
Why did you decide to start teaching math? Math was always something that was fun for me. It was always something that felt like solving puzzles. It felt rewarding when you got the right answer, and it came pretty naturally to me. I enjoy working with kids—I
What is your favorite math subject? I like all subjects of math. This year I have a lot of the pre-calculus classes, and I really enjoy teaching the juniors and the seniors the pre-calculus concepts and getting them ready for calculus.
What do you like to do outside of school? I have three kids, so outside of school I like to play with them. I’m also a runner. I like to run. My favorite place to run is any of the parks. I like the Schuylkill River Trail and the Perkiomen River Trail. It’s close to home but far enough from home that I can escape everything. Do you like to share things with your classes? I do like to share. I start each of my classes at the beginning or end of the week with what you did over the weekend or what you’re doing, so I’m pretty open. Is there anything your students don’t know about you? My husband was also a math major at Villanova, so
Courtney Kennedy/The SPOKE
The Spoke 11
Features Teachers
Traveling teachers: Modern day nomads
Allison Reagan and Michael Zhang They travel farther than most of us walk during the day. Some push carts, roaming the halls with the air of traffic controllers, wary of the unfortunate students’ shins and the unexpected open door. Others juggle piles of extra note pages in one arm and various demonstration materials in the other, trying not to lose their one good pen in the unforgiving sea of students’ feet. Roomless teachers are our mod ern day classroom nomads. With no permanent room number to call their own, they pack up their belongings at the end of each period and move on to their next class, their home for the next 45 minutes. With strong showings in many of Conestoga’s departments, teaching courses in everything from science to language and history to english, these teachers, despite their lack of classroom residency, play an integral role in many students’ daily lives. Teaching without a room is no easy task, however. It can affect teaching style, organization, pre paredness and punctuality.
12 The Spoke
Former cart teacher Ryan Palmer said he struggled most with learning the idiosyncrasies of each room he traveled to, setting up all of the materi als for his Spanish classes before stu dents arrived and staying organized. “What I tried to carry, that kind of fell apart halfway through, was a reserve of all of the sheets I had given out,” Palmer said. “But that became really challenging, because there’s only so much space.” Physics teacher Ryan Roberts also experienced early issues with running class, especially with setting up class room demonstrations and labs in the curriculum.
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Ryan Palmer “If I’m trying to do a demonstra tion, and something goes wrong, I [to my prep room], get whatever part I need, and then go back,” Roberts said.
The language prep room was a “You almost have to stop twice, three times a day and reorganize. I found myself constantly having to stop,” he agreed. Despite the extra preparation that goes into making sure teaching materi als successfully get transported from one classroom to another, Roberts enjoys his time spent in the halls. “I get to see the school, which is helps you learn the layout of the school and the science wing,” Roberts said. And though he cringed then, Palm er says that he had many experiences with his cart that he laughs about now. “If the wheel is really loud, and there’s no one else in the hall, you’re just kind of screeching along and the doors are open and everyone’s look ing at you passing by. Or if you aren’t paying attention, you just kind of ram someone with your cart by accident, especially if you don’t know the stu dent,” Palmer said. But being able to get out in the halls more often also leads to more friendly interaction with students as well. “It’s really nice, meeting them in a slightly different atmosphere that isn’t a class, where I don’t have to be the teacher,” Roberts said. “I can just be a passerby and say hello.”
Yuge Xiao/The SPOKE
Nomadic teacher: Physics teacher Ryan Roberts is one Conestoga teacher without a classroom to himself. Roberts must pack
Features Reviews
Thrifting for local gems Finding the perfect pie: Best pizza around town Pizza is, for better or for worse, a staple of the American diet. Nothing tastes better than some gooey cheese on top of flavorful sauce on top of chewy crust, and luckily Conestoga students have several prime pizzerias right in our backyards. Here, The Spoke reveals the best places to pick up a perfect pie. Paola’s 128 N Wayne Avenue Wayne, PA Slice: $3 Pie: $12.50 I tried a slice of plain pizza at Paola’s, because, as the Italian-accented man behind the counter told me, “that is the best way to tell how a restaurant really makes its pizza.” And after one bite, I completely agree with him. Paola’s is thin crust pizza in the best sense—the crust is light, providing a slight crunch with each bite, and absolutely delicious. The dough is slightly sweet, and you can tell it’s freshly made. The slice as a whole isn’t overly saucy, which is nice if you’re like me and don’t enjoy wearing your meal on your shirt, and the cheese is good but not distinctive—it doesn’t overwhelm the Paola’s pizza rave reviews—it tastes just plain old fantastic. Lyvia Yan
Treasure Hunting: Stores like Chic and Simple Furniture (upper left), Yesterday’s on the Main Line (upper right) and Goodwill
Lyvia Yan Thrifting is taking the fashion world by storm, and the Main Line is catching on too. Perusing aisle after aisle can be a bit frustrating and time-consuming, but stumbling upon rine, thrifting can be fun, especially at these local thrift stores.
proceeds for job training and employment pro-
Plato’s Closet 27 Paoli Plaza, Paoli Plato’s closet is a cute consignment boutique catered mainly toward teens, boasting clothing from brands like Free People, An-
Yesterday’s on the Main Line 1029 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn Instead of breaking the bank investing in an absolutely gorgeous Louis Vuitton handbag, hit up Yesterday’s on the Main Line. Yesterday’s is a vintage consignment store just down the road from Goodwill. Its designer brand names aren’t limited to Louis Vuitton. Tory Burch, Gucci, Chanel and Jimmy Choo dresses, shirts and accessories are available at affordable prices at this small shop. However, prices are still relatively high compared to other consignment stores, but they have a colored tag system that indicates the discount applied at the register.
Beside clothing, Plato’s sells shoes, purses and jewelry. Prices range from the low teens to mid-20s. Keep an eye on their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts, where the store regularly posts promotions and coupons. The Palm Tree 21 Plank Avenue, Paoli The Palm Tree, a store run by the Paoli opened in 1973. The quaint store houses women’s clothing, jewelry, carpets and home tient programs and new projects, local orgahave helped fund a new Nurse Call System and two operating tables. Goodwill 766 East Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn Just a short walk away from Conestoga,
people with disabilities. It has well-organized and color-coded men and women’s clothing, shoes, linens and dressing rooms. Goodwill’s friendly and hard-working staff welcomes all and is willing to help anyone.
Chic and Simple 573 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn Shopping and ice cream? Chic and Simple is right across from Handel’s and has separate buildings for clothing, furniture and donations. It is spacious, well-organized and homey. The clothing section offers a variety of brands from St. John, Prada, Hermes and Chanel to Talbots, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Jones New York. breadth of trinkets and furnishings, the upscale
Jules Thin Crust 114 E Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA Slice: $3 Pie: $19.75 There’s no such thing as plain pizza at Jules Thin Crust, where oblong rectangle-shaped pies are heaped with organic ingredients. Jules offers a wide variety of vegetarian options, with toppings ranging from butternut squash to baby bella mushrooms, but their bestseller is a white pizza featuring chicken, barbecue sauce and when you take a bite of this complex combination of ingredients is sweetness, but the more you The chicken, spices and cheese all complement each other nicely. As the name implies, this pizza’s crust is very thin, but also very dense, and the thickened, sauceless crust that appears at the end of traditional pizza slices is nonexistent. offers a unique and yummy alternative to your typical pepperoni pie. Whole Foods 821 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA Slice: $4 Pie: $16.99 Usually, I only go into Whole Foods for the organic free samples hiding at the end of every aisle—it’s definitely not a place you would expect to serve pizza. I picked up a slice of white pizza weighed down with mushrooms and onions, which, like at Pie in the Sky, was very large and hard to eat. The cheese had very little flavor, and the crust was nothing special—it seems like someone just threw mushrooms and onions onto a pizza without giving it much thought. The crust was pretty good, chewy and fresh, with flour still dusting the end of the slice. Overall, though, I found the pizza here average, a little topping-heavy, a little bland. Good thing Whole Foods has those samples to fall back on.
The Spoke 13
OPINION Put a check on background checks Schools have an obligation to protect students from danger. In light of the recent rise of school shootings and other criminal activity at schools, regulations must be stricter to protect the students in the district. Effective Jan. 1, volunteers in the district will need to pay for at least two background checks before helping out in the school or with students. All volunteers must have criminal and child abuse background checks, and those who have lived in the state for fewer than 10 years must also get an FBI clearance. The requirement may seem excessive to some. However, just six years ago in 2009, two-time bank robber Marcellus Oliphant was arrested. He was a custodian at New Eagle Elementary School. Luckily, he did not directly harm any children. But the idea that criminals may be in the dis-
trict, masquerading as employees or volunteers is not farfetched. Without background checks, how can we know whether students will be in contact with dangerous people?
Forcing volunteers to pay for their background checks is unfair to generous community members who sacrifice their time for the district. However, forcing volunteers to pay for their background checks is unfair to generous community for the district.
Unlike employees who are paid for their work in the district, community members are not compensated. Volunteers serve the community out of the goodness of the heart. Parents and community members gain nothing out of trips (except the joy of helping educate youth) so charging them to help is unjust and may deter potential volunteers. To remedy this injustice, the district should reimburse volunteers for the fees. For now, we encourage parents and community members to continue volunteering, as our district depends on their assistance with trips. Background checks will always be an inevitable and necessary part of ensuring safety, and unfortunately, they will have to cost the community members time and money.
Editor’s Note: The board supported the state’s background check policy. Eleven board members favored district reimbursement of volunteer background checks. One dissented over the costs, potentially $8,000 to $20,000, to the district. One abstained.
From the Editor: After graduation goodbye
Simran Singh Co-Editor-in-Chief In just a little bit over a month, 503 Conestoga students will walk across the stage at the Villanova Pavilion to receive their diploma. I, as one of these hundreds of students, will pace myself and try very hard not to trip over 1,000 people. The word that comes to mind when I think of graduation and moving forward—especially in regards to a gathering of over 1,000 individuals united by one common accomplishment—is sonder, a word that is quickly becoming better known through websites like Urban Dictionary. Sonder is the epiphany that you can have when you look around and realize that every individual around you has her own life story. You realize that everyone has their own perspectives, thoughts and ideas that are just are to you. This feeling often comes while you are driving on a highway standing in a crowded Conestoga hall, watching the faces pass by. As you move on to college, travel the world or pursue a career path, you will meet hundreds of thousands of people, all from different walks of life. Within our school, we have
Liz Lawton/The SPOKE
16 The Spoke
we meet. We all come from the same community, and are thus rather similar in our background and experiences. Whether you will be leaving Conestoga next year, or staying and broadening your horizons through your activities and classes, you will meet individuals who will be radically different from you, in ideology, appearance, pursuits and origins. Take the time to listen to them, hear their viewpoints and learn from them. The greatest learning experiences are not those in which you hear from likeminded individuals who continue to preach the beliefs you already hold
dear. The most valuable interactions are those in which you are forced to question your own notions, be open minded and receptive and challenge and defend the beliefs of others to form and rebuild your own. So if you are the varsity captain of some sports team, or the calc whiz who spent her entire high school career studying, talk to one another; see where you both come from. Share your similarities, acknowledge your differences. In addition, remember to be grateful for the impact that all of these inthat,” is perhaps one of my favorite quotes. We cannot singlehandedly take credit for our acheivements. Sure, you helped build that, but it So as we move on from Conestoga, and are empowered to expose ourselves to all the world has to offer, take the time to talk to your peers,
Sonder is the epiphany that you can have when you look around and realize that every individual around you has her own life story. your coworkers, your fellow travelyou have anything in common with. Remember that the hard work that will culminate in your successes, both minor and major, both past and future, are not just results of our own individual efforts; it is the collaborative success of diligent peers, wonderful teachers, and devoted parents and that random person you walk past on your way to French every morning. To the seniors who will leave this building within a few days as well as the underclassmen who will return to Conestoga in the fall, continue to not only learn alongside but also from the individuals that you will go on to meet, for if we do so, we have the ability to make our world an even better place than the one we have inherited.
Starbucks races together
Opinion Commentary
Farewells are not forever us wonder if we’ll ever happen upon each other again after we leave. Will we ever laugh about the same old jokes again? Ever hold conversations with each other again? Ever see each other again? The pragmatic part of me has tried to cheer me up. The departure of
Michelle Xu Columnist
Liz Lawton/The SPOKE
Liz Lawton Columnist Alex from Starbucks calls out out with a Grande Vanilla Latte for Liz, name spelled perfectly. Instead of extra “z’s” or a random “y” though, I see #racetogether accompanying my flawlessly Sharpied name. I recall hearing about a Starbucks campaign with baristas and talking about race, but no barista seems to have a spare moment. Cup in hand, I leave the store pondering the effectiveness of what had occurred, but marveling at the attempt of overpriced caffeine to be a catalyst for change. Unconscious bias and racism reside in many corners of our country and our lives, but we often shy away from directly addressing inequality and discrimination. The CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, took issue with this lack of conversation and decided to use his company as a force for change. Starbucks encouraged its baristas to write “Race Together” or place a sticker with the phrase on customers’ cups, if the barista so chose. The goal of this barista involvement was to spur conversation about race in a casual environment, with the hope of it being carried on elsewhere. These good intentions, how-
ever, were overshadowed by immense skepticism and antagonism in the form of tweets, letters and media coverage. Starbucks cups can be found daily in classrooms and hallways throughout ’Stoga. When the phrase “Race Together” started appearing on sides of coffees and refreshers, varied but strong reactions ensued, not just in Conestoga, but nationally. The criticism included hateful social media attacks on Starbucks’ vice president of communications, Corey DuBrowa, to temporarily delete his Twitter account. A wide variety of reaction is expected with any societal leap by a company, but much of the scorn and ridicule was excessive. Threatening a person or enterprise for their desire to better society is unfair and unproductive, especially when this energy could be devoted to encouraging Starbucks to employ a better strategy. Starbucks may not have adequately equipped its baristas to prompt customer discussions. In that regard, the campaign could be said to have been poorly executed, but Starbucks recognized the need for an increased awareness of racial inequality. In a country where blacks make up nearly 15 percent of the nation but take home seven percent of its wages, where every 28 hours, a black man is killed ignored, but inherent need for discussion, response and change. Starbucks took a risk in the right direction. They fell short in their ultimate execution, but they were right to call the issue to the forefront of society’s mind. They were right to take a necessary first step in making a positive difference.
“40.” A couple of weeks ago, this mysterious message pinged its way onto my pile of Facebook messages. When I asked for further context from the sender, I was met with a message of excitement: “It’s the number of days left of school for seniors!” He, a senior, had punctuated it with a joyfully grinning emoticon, but I, a junior, couldn’t share in his joy. The heart of all my worries lies in the idea of diffusion. Conestoga is where we are isolated from the outside world. When seniors graduate, they are leaving our ’Stoga microcosm, and diffusing into the Great Big Out There, which is exciting because it’s oh so great and big. However, this greatness and bigness of the outside world also makes
and the hallways will be much smoother. Some classes will be reduced to just me. The departure of seniors signals that summer will be coming soon. The people who accompanied me through three years of high school will now be scattering to places around the world where I’ll never ever see them ever again. Well, so much for cheering up. I’m not the only one with a rather gloomy outlook on the future either— all my fellow non-seniors share my pain. Even the seniors themselves realize that their countdown to freedom hourglass of their high school experience. High school, though a source of dreaded homework and unneeded stress, has become a place of memories. I’ve only done three years of time here and I’m already bawling at the thought of leaving. Eventually, reality crashes into my pessimism, on the tails of another Facebook message. We live in the modern
era, the era of instant messages and long distance communications. With our Instatwitters and Facetumblrs, most of the burden of keeping up with people has been eliminated. If there’s anyone from our past that we want to keep in our lives, we strong, almostindependent teenagers can text them ourselves! After all, if back in the 16th century transcontinental friends and family still held on to each other across thousands of miles of unsanitary ship passage or perilous horseback with letters of ink and parchment, we can most certainly send to someone the simple “hey wassup?” Farewells are scary, but they’re not forever. Perhaps our senior friends are leaving behind this portion of their life, but they are only beginning their adventure in the great outside world. And true, the memories shared at ’Stoga will never be repeated, but time always has been moving on, ever since we entered the hallways as freshmen. Just because the backdrops have changed from off-white hallways to college campuses or city skylines doesn’t mean the strengths of our friendships have to change too. So here’s a toast. To the seniors, best of luck with the Great Big Out There. And to the rest of us, best of day.
Does the end of high school mean saying goodbye to your friends? “Yes, because we’re going out to many different places and while some of us may keep in touch, many of us will never see each other again.” -James Yan
“It is goodbye to some things but hello to new opportunities that will branch from these goodbyes.” -Fiona Copeland
“No. I see it as a ‘see you later.’ You still have memories and pieces of your life you left behind.” -Megan Wilson
“Not really because it is really nice how social media has advanced in the past years. We are so connected, it doesn’t matter where in the world we are.” -Jimmy Cooper
The Spoke 17
Opinion Commentary
Don’t change our change
How to go stag Hopefully your dress or tux is the right color, somewhere between char-
Matt Soderberg Columnist So you didn’t get asked to prom. Who cares? You still have to go, partially because of your mother’s insistence, but also because you are going to have the best prom of anyone, no matter if you have some awkward date who would barely speak to you. You have the best date—yourself. And if you follow these instructions, every one of your friends will be wishing they were going stag. First off, everybody knows the most important part of prom is the pictures, so get creative. Take a picture with everything. Who needs a Facebook album full of pictures with their boring date when you can be photographed with that guy from that commercial, a random pedestrian, your friend’s cousin or the cashier at congressman, that is a must. People will pretty clearly know that you are this exotic variety of photos. For transportation, I recommend a bus. Not a party bus, but SEPTA. Public transportation is a great way to meet really interesting people. Maybe you can take a picture with reach prom, you need to make an entrance.
stripes. When you walk in, recognize that this is a place of romance, and give your mating call. A loud bellow, somewhat similar to that of Dory in “Finding Nemo,” will be sure to get at least a chaperone to come talk to you. But keep making this sound throughout the night, just to make sure everyone knows you’re there. presence known—it is time to really start your prom. You will have, of course, planned out your dancing months—to potentially years—in advance. The really diverse music played at prom will be perfect. Dance moves like the “casually walk out to the bathroom during the slow dance” combined with the old classic “jump two or three times and try to play it off casually when everyone starts staring”
Typing my eighth grade social studies essay on Andrew Jackson, I could hardly think of a title to adequately describe my feelings of disgust toward the man I was “Andrew Jackson: A Disgrace to Our Nation.”
slavery during the war were solely for the purpose of preserving the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves only in the Confederacy, where the president had no authority, while ignoring those enslaved in states loyal to the Union. We also honor Lincoln because of his commitment to maintaining the Union, but gloss over some of his more unsavory tactics. To ensure that border states of Maryland, Missouri and Kentucky stayed with the Union, he used “supervised voting,” or stationing federal troops at polls to intimidate voters. During the war, he suspended the writ of habeas corpus without the consent of Congress while his administration made criticism of the war a criminal offense. As for mass murder, an accusa-
old proverb, “If you are ostracizing somebody, it’s likely someone else is falling in love with you.” Did you know that prom is short for promenade? Probably. But did you know that the word promenade also refers to an English Country dance move? Its main component: walking. So try it out. Start by circling that says, “I belong here.” Mingle through people, especially couples, and walk into conversations and just stand there. You’ve succeeded in Now retreat by promenading away. But what about after-prom? Don’t do something stupid like go to a party. Actually enjoy yourself. I suggest amount of self-satisfaction.
Liz Lawton/The SPOKE
18 The Spoke
Cissy Ming Columnist
Although Jackson has a less than stellar legacy, and I by no means excuse the deaths caused by the Indian Removal Act, I believe his presence on the $20 bill is not without merit. During his time, Jackson’s humble origins and his election, marking the first mass participation in American democracy, led historians to refer to him as “the people’s president.” His appeals to the common man empowered more voters to participate in politics. As far as I’m concerned, that’s as American as it gets. In response to the claim that Jackson engineered a “genocide,” nowhere does he state his intent to eliminate Native Americans as a people, so this claim is based only on the effects of his Indian Removal policy.
Maggie Chen/The SPOKE
Despite only a middle school education, I had no problem making the ultimate moral judgement weeks studying in class. Older and (somewhat) wiser, I now realize I made a mistake in denouncing Jackson so quickly as merely a stain in the historical record. As a result, I feel that arguments in favor of dislodging Jackson from the $20 bill oversimplify the question of whether or not he deserves commendation on the nation’s currency. Started in March 2015, in time for Women’s History Month, the Women On 20s campaign aims to replace the seventh president with a notable woman because of his key role in the suffering of thousands of Native Americans. According to the Washington Post, the campaign’s organizers believe having Jackson on the $20 bill disrespects Native American tribes affected by the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
According to the National Park Service, Jackson adopted a Native American boy he found with his dead mother and reportedly felt “deep sympathy” for the child. True, Jackson takes responsibility for the mother’s death, but this incidence hardly seems characteristic of an adamant racist. In addition, I have noticed a double standard when it comes to Consider why there is little clamor for a woman on the $5 bill or penny despite some of Abraham Lincoln’s questionable actions. Although Lincoln was hardly the hero who fought the Civil War to free the slaves I imagined as a third grader, I seldom hear anybody condemn Lincoln as a terrible person because of his policies or personal “sins,” as judged by contemporary moral standards. Although Lincoln considered himself an abolitionist, he once wrote that his actions in regard to
tion often leveled at Jackson for his support of Indian Removal, the same argument could be made against Lincoln, as he supported the Civil War, with more than 620,000 casualties. Unlike Lincoln, Jackson’s arbitrary uses of government power only contribute to the idea that he was a dishonorable president. These actions fit perfectly in a negative image of Jackson, so they stand out more. Neither president was perfect, yet it is possible to acknowledge their faults while also appreciating their strong points. As it stands I see no reason to banish Jackson from the face of our national currency. Keep in mind Jackson has been on the $20 bill for over 50 years. While I by no means oppose challenging the status quo, I believe a decision to change the face on our currency should not come lightly.
Adventures of babysitting: Childcare is the best job more from the mouths of babes than bing and feeds them gluten. By mixing bribery with stern ness when necessary, babysitting has prepared me more for the political and business world. I could probably crush it on Shark
asked me, “Why are there so many
different reasons, of course—and bow to my lofty demands with Being a kid:
Meagan O’Rourke Opinion Editor As an only child, I would stand a safe distance from any little one making them cry or stepping on them until I began babysitting. I learned that babysitting is the best gig around. Sure, there are times when I pouty brother or sister. Sometimes old to go to bed with extra bed time stories or quell meltdowns. tures in babysitting are nothing when considering all the upsides: Friends:
Pallavi Aakarapu/The SPOKE
happy to see you and hopefully listen to you. You are welcome houses and they will not judge you
Philosophy lessons: Sometimes I turn into one of those annoying babysitters who able moment. I specialize in string theory (friendship bracelets) and
chicken nuggets with them as part among this young friend group is minimal—with the exception of care for the class guppies or being deemed line leader. Negotiating: Kids are amazing little lobby ists. When negotiating with an inexperienced babysitter, kids can
she said in an innocent way, smiled and continued jumping on the tram poline. She was right. Although babysitting puts you in a position of authority and re sponsibility, it makes you realize the simple joys of childhood with sticky peanut butter and jelly hands we study to succeed. But in a game ing your horses in your fairy farm and taking all the magic powers away. You must lose your competi
friends—shorter, smaller, younger friends whose parents pay you to hang out with them—but friends, buddy and being the irresponsible
on a trampoline with one of the girls I babysat resonated with me. She asked me about what high school was like and I started talking about
Maggie Chen/The SPOKE
a kid...a kid who gets paid.
Superpowers come naturally opposing popularity is still a trend. While we may like to feel righteous
grumbles in reply: “Which is another personality. Barely tall enough to reach the
Camille Kurtz Columnist
remark, or why my mother smirked
push our opinions and interests—to the extent that they morph into the unnecessary desire to be the “most
meant—and realize the speed demon
our passion)—that we enter the dan gerous territory of sameness. We fall we become similarly different. Facing pressures from colleges to appear as the most outstanding student, or feeling trapped in the somewhat monotonous routine of
eyes steadily upon the scene unfold
long, bohemian skirts and drink herb al tea, we are no better than those who
Opinion Commentary
Report Card Emma Watson to play Belle
+Only two more years until the live action “Beauty and the Beast” comes out -Hermione cheating on Ron with a hairy man beast
Lip Sync Battles +Makes Miley Cyrus sound good -I didn’t want Anne Hathaway to come in like a Wrecking Ball
Kylie Jenner Challenge
+Congrats! You look like Kylie Jenner... -...having an allergic reaction after eating Botox
Fourth marking period lack of motivation +Burning through that -Psht...AP tests? What?
embracing a new conformity— the desire to stick out. Altering our true passions or pursuing a dream simply for the sake of checking another box on a college transcript actually upsets
despair— those that make fun of you are hypocritically joining a group of When we change our interests that special.
suits had yet to make an appearance and the action had not quite picked special, it seems more like no one is. dancers are bobbing up and down to mind. As I watched, I took curious note
should stop trying to be special in our own way, though it does seem that the new norm. (When was the last time you heard someone tell you to
music taste. Becoming ironically more popular
power—which is what makes him exceptional. Although we struggle to irony remains that following a trend
Maggie Chen/The SPOKE
The Spoke 19
SPORTS Team dress-up days all in good spirit? Andy Backstrom and Kyle Nicholson Co-Sports Editor and
Students might be surprised to learn from the Conestoga Student Code of Conduct that “hats or head coverings of any kind are not permitted for females or males.” When it comes to the popular sports tradition of spirit days, the policy can be confusing and everevolving, as members of the boys’ lacrosse team recently discovered. Prior to the boys’ lacrosse team’s season opener, the team decided to get together to cut each other’s hair. It was not the conventional spirit day; the boys came to school the following week with all kinds of hairstyles, ranging from bowl cuts to bleached hair. Junior lacrosse player Dan Cepielik decided that, although the team’s actions departed from typical observances of a spirit day, the unconventional hair still represented the core values of what a spirit day should be. “It’s just something that we all did together; just walking through the hallways, all knowing that we are part of a team, which, in my humble opinion, is the most important aspect of a good team: team chemistry,” Cepielik said. According to Athletic Director Dr. Patrick Boyle, head coach Brody Bush asked the team to consider how they wanted to represent themselves in the halls of Conestoga and outside of school grounds. Senior lacrosse players Quinn Bridge and Matt Schleicher and junior lacrosse players Kyle Pecci and Cepielik interpreted this message to mean that their actions had violated school policy or that the administration had pulled the plug on their spirit day. Boyle said that this was not the intended message. “I think [Bush] is looking at it from a coaching perspective. You (the players) represent yourself, your team, your family, your community and your school. Do accordingly so that when people look at you, they know who you are,” Boyle said. Bush declined to comment for this article. Spirit days have changed over
20 The Spoke
the years at Conestoga and have become the norm around the school. English teacher Ben Smith even recalls when students would simply wear T-shirts, often bearing a double entendre to represent their team or club. Environmental science teacher and ’Stoga alumnus Kevin Strogen noted how spirit days have emerged among ’Stoga students since his days as a Pioneer. “I don't remember [spirit days]. I think the biggest difference between now and when I was here as a student is that there is way more involvement, and they are a much except students wearing
-
Junior Dan Cepielik uniforms to school,” Strogen said. “Now, you might have Hawaiian day or bathrobe day or toga day. And to me it’s really cool. I wish we had something like that back in my day.” This spring season has already been acquainted with several variations of spirit days, including
American (rugby), beach (crew), Clark Kent (track/field), tights (boys lacrosse) and camo day (girls lacrosse). While they may seem goofy to the common individual, Principal Dr. Amy spirit days serve a more serious purpose. “We look at spirit days as opportunities for team building. We’re teams,” Meisinger said. Junior rower Micky Kling acknowledged the satisfaction Courtesy Yang Tu that comes with the attention a spirit day Spirited incognito: gives to a club or team. spirit day before their meet against Lower Merion and Harriton on March 25. “My favorite part is having people come the theme last year. The runners look to continue the tradition in coming years. up and ask me about it, because it makes me feel proud about my team and the attention that we are getting,” Kling said. Due to their leadership role, captains of their respective teams feel that the effectiveness of the spirit days is in large part their responsibility. Senior Lindsay Richter, co-captain of the track/ field team, values the effect of spirit days. “It means a lot more to me if everyone on the team does the
Courtesy Humans of ’Stoga
Hair devils: The boys’ lacrosse team (above, from left to right: junior Tyler Soutendijk, senior John Roulston and junior Dan Cepielik) sported a haircut spirit day prior to their regular season opener against Lower Merion. Within a week, most of the players revised their haircuts. The team looks to stick with more conventional spirit days for the remainder of the season.
Spirit days becoming norm in ’Stoga culture
Sports Spirit
Continued from p. 20
we are all about the sport. And as a captain it is almost my job for them to be as excited about it as I am,” Richter said. Richter and her fellow captains have even made a spirit day schedule, coordinating each spirit day with its respective meet. This way, the girls track/field team is given future notice of when spirit days, like “fairy princess day”or “preppy day” are. The dress code is one limiting factor to this spirit. Cepielik said he wondered what is allowed and what is not. However, Kling said he understands that there are some themes that his team cannot sport. “You [boys] are not allowed to wear tights; you have to cover yourself up. I can see why the administration would not want to see it. I don’t think it could be a distraction but I think it is kind of indecency,” Kling said. Consequently, Kling understands that the trouble is discovering where that line lies as teams seek new and different ways to distinguish themselves on their spirit days. How does a student determine if his or her dress for the spirit day is indecent or obscene? Boyle described how the administration draws the line. “I think when you read the dress code in the handbook, there are certain aspects we expect the students
to [make] happen, and, if it is something that disrupts the educational environment, we expect the student to take action,” Boyle said. There have even been questions about whether spirit day activities can constitute hazing with the most recent case Photo courtesy Rilee Scott regarding the Ready for battle: The girls lacrosse team poses for a team picture, bearing their boys’ lacrosse team. Bridge, Cepielik and Pecci for the game. It also let the entire thought that their haircuts were the team’s reputation, but broke no school know that we had a game,” mistaken for a mandatory form of rules. freshman soccer player Hannah initiation. “According to what I know of Morgan said. “[The haircuts were] not in the hazing, and what I heard of the Morgan realized that least bit hazing. It was 100 percent participation from the entire team voluntary, and it wasn’t to initiate anything else,” Boyle said. displays a sense of togetherness. players. A lot of the old players Even with as much potential for She said spirit days help mold the did it too, so it wasn’t an initiation misunderstanding, spirit days still team’s unity. process,” Pecci said. brighten the transitions from class “I would say the purpose of The impression of hazing to class throughout the days; and spirit days is to get excited to play appears to have been the result of consistently promote team bonding. and also bond as a team. You don’t more confusion as Boyle claimed “I liked that [the spirit days] that the haircuts did not fall into really brought the team together, but it’s just great that the whole the category of hazing. Boyle said and got the entire team pumped up team is doing it,” Morgan said.
Richter said that spirit days should not be completed halfheartedly. She highlighted the “If everyone participates in the spirit day, and everyone goes all out, not just doing the minimal requirements. Like if we were to do a blackout that means you don’t just wear a black shirt and black shorts, that you go out and get a black headband, or black socks or black shoes. It’s really good if you do it all,” Richter said. Aside from the apparent confusion about how particular spirit days are expressed, Strogen noted that they contributed to a more spirited Conestoga. “I remember when I was a student, I didn't really think there was a lot of school spirit, but, with the spirit days, the Pioneer Pit and the Lawn Chair Nation. I think that is really cool because it really does build up a lot of school community,” Strogen said. “And I remember we’ve always been a great school academically, and, sports wise, we have gotten a lot better since I was a student. But I just think the school enthusiasm has gotten really strong; I think spirit days are really helpful because they build the unity, plus it’s fun to see things like that.”
The Spoke 21
Sports Little
Brendon Little pitching his way to the big leagues
Navin Zachariah Co-Sports Editor Whiff. That is the sound of hitters’ bats when they swing at Brendon Little’s blazing fastball. Little throws absolute heat with a fastball that clocks in at 95 mph. The 6’2 200-pounder’s deadly fastball is just one in a nasty repertoire of pitches that also includes a sharp straight curve in the upper 70 mph range, a circle changeup in the low 80 mph range and also a rare slider. The special quality of Little’s pitches has attracted Major League Baseball scouts to his games in preparation for the June MLB Draft. Already committed to the University of North Carolina, Little has a tough decision if he gets drafted: go to college at North Carolina or head straight to the professionals. Little’s dream of playing Major League Baseball began on the Field Berwyn, where he played much of his childhood in the Berwyn-Paoli Little League. Little’s father coached many of his teams during his years in the league. Little grew up in a family full of baseball. He has two older brothers, Austin and Jordon, who have played baseball all throughout their lives, and that made him want to pursue the sport as well. “I think what really drew me in was watching my older brothers play the sport and have so much fun with it. It made me want to do it too and it really was a family thing,” Little said. When Little was younger he struggled with weight problems because he did not work out enough and or eat healthy. One month, the YMCA held a contest to see who would come to work out the most—the winner would get an Apple iPod. Well, Little wanted the iPod. So he came to the gym the more than anyone else in the contest and won it. That was not the biggest impact of this contest, however, because from this contest Little learned how important it is to exercise and stay healthy. weight, honestly, and it’s like two totally different lifestyles. That competition though, got me to work out, eating healthy. From there, I just kept doing it, and especially when baseball season came around, I knew I needed to be healthy,” Little said. In addition, the YMCA competition was where Little began to see his strong work ethic appear both on and John Vogan, marvels at how dedicated Little is to the sport. “He is an all-year round player. He is a seven day a week athlete. He does everything he can both mentally and physically to prepare himself and help him be drafted or offered that chance
22 The Spoke
to play,” Vogan said. “His regime is rigid and he stays by it no matter what.” Little used to be the best hitter and the best pitcher on his teams. It was during his sophomore year of high school, however, that he started hitting less because he realized he needed to focus on becoming a better pitcher. “The team was really good that year, so I got my time through pitching. would take batting practice all day if I could—I love to do that stuff,” Little said. In the winter of Little’s junior year, he committed to play baseball at the University of North Carolina over the likes of UConn, Boston College and Nebraska. “I thought [North Carolina] had the best combination of athletics and academics, and also the weather is a and the players were actually really nice and the coaches too–I guess it’s the southern hospitality,” Little said. Little says that it was during the summer of his junior year that he began seeing his dream of playing in the MLB as more of a reality. “When I played with the All-Star [Academy] over the summer, my coach [Mike Manning] would contact a bunch of scouts and get them to come to our games. I started to see that it could happen then,” Little said. This past season, Conestoga baseball made a historic run to the State Championship with Little at the top of the rotation. Conestoga baseball was loaded with talent last year, including a Division I collegiate-level player at every single position on the diamond. Little believes that the camaraderie of the team is what allowed for the run. “Getting to the State Championship was the culmination of an exciting run with a lot of great teammates. We all and we have all known each other for a long time. We were all really good friends with each other,” Little said. Not being able to win the title last season only adds motivation for the team this time around. Now on a team that lost 18 players from last season, Little will be counted on to provideleadership to a team that has started the season with a hot 8-3 record. “I’m not the type to just tell everyone what to do. I think it’s better to really be there when they need me and be available to them, whether it’s after practice to hit them ground balls and to set a good example for them,” Little said. In addition to being observed by younger players as the leader of his team, Little must also deal with the eyes of professional scouts watching his every move on the mound. “Before the game and after the game, I can’t help but think about it and think about my starts a little more,”
Betty Ben-Dor/The SPOKE
In striking distance: Senior Brendon Little warms up in front of a large of group of Major League Baseball scouts before ’Stoga’s game versus Penncrest on April 21. The team dropped the game 2-6. Despite the small loss, Little’s future is very big. Little said. “But when I’m in the game I really don’t think about them and I don’t feel nervous because I’m in the moment and locked in.” Little says that he tries to have a purpose for every pitch he makes on the mound because sometimes the scouts may ask questions. The scouts, according to Little, say that they like how his pitches have good break and depth, that he has a live arm and that his mechanics are evolving. He agrees with the scouts on his strengths. “Being a lefty is always an advantage. They say for every 10 righties, there’s one lefty. The way the scouts grade pitches, I feel like I already have professional quality, sharp pitches right now and that I’m very coachable and have made good adjustments over the years. Also, I think I have a strong mental game and that I’m a smart baseball player who continues to evolve,” Little said. In May the scouts will start asking Little, “What’s your number?” That “number” signifies what monetary amount it would take the team to give Little for him to forego college at UNC. As of now, Little does not have an answer to that vital question. However, he has thought about the possibilities of his fate and knows that he will take his time and make an educated choice. “Honestly, the round doesn’t really matter to me just because teams can think there would have to be some type of monetary compensation for it to be enough to forego UNC,” Little said. “What that number is right now I don’t
really know. I’m going to wait another few weeks before I start to seriously think about that and as we get closer to the June Draft different levels of scouts will start to come, and based on how high the levels of the scouts are, I can start to gauge how much interest teams have in me.” There have been some very important people who have helped Little along the way to improve both on and Manning and Brian Henesy. Manning has helped Little improve his pitching mechanics, especially this past summer with All-Star Academy, and Henesy, who works at Overachieve Academy, has helped him with his conditioning. Little also appreciates his longtime teammate and friend, senior Ryne Ogren, for always being available to work out and long toss with him throughout the offseason. Little’s family, especially his parents, have been the most supportive of him over the years. They have welcomed dozens of scouts into their home and have come to all his games. That is why one of Little’s greatest motivations in continuing to work toward his MLB dream is to make his family proud. “It would be great to get there and to see that all my hard work in my sport has been worth it over the years,” Little said. “But honestly, I think making my friends and family proud would be huge for me and I would love to come to show them everything was worth it.” Ogren knows that if Little makes it to the professional level, he will always
stay true to the humble kid that he is at heart. “With the talent that Brendon has, it would be really easy for him to get his head up in the clouds. But that’s not him at all. He is the type of kid that will always be down to earth, will always be focused on achieving his goals and Ogren said. When Little grows up, he hopes he will be a successful pitcher in the MLB. No matter what happens though, he will always have fond memories of ’Stoga. Whether that was having a bus driver who drove the baseball team for an entire season, gave passionate pregame and postgame speeches and eventually bedazzled ‘Conestoga’onto his driving uniform for the team’s trip to the State Championship, or jumping the fence of Teamer Field with Ogren during the winter and shoveling the snow one night so that they could come back the next morning and long toss memories. Until his potential time in the MLB, however, Little is focused on “This high school season is all that matters right now. Honestly, this is what will determine my future, really, because either I go to UNC next year and try to get drafted out of my junior year, or I go into the farm system of an MLB team. This season will be a huge factor in my career for the rest of my life,” Little said. “So I’m totally all in on this season with my team. My dream is to play in the MLB and so I’m going to do everything I can, pitch every strike I can, to get there.”
la “It means a lot and I am incredibly honored, con‘Vanil o sidering all of the other talented female athletes e m l l h to c a er, w d used late Thund back in at our school. Also I’d like to give a shout out to a d y oco ball ool m le sch fan of Ch . I used to an assigned, Miss Brienza for being my biggest inspiration. We d d i m a s as out 6er erm nowhere clicked from day one and she was always there at rough Zimm phia 7 f e he w my games supporting me. Since she is a highly “All th er ’ becaus he Philadel year, Mr. , and out o y it.” n d t b m a n r a d respected track coach and physicist, we found comu Th o play fo in freshm chess te and live e t t i g h t d n mon ground on those subjects. She’s a great person y e i r us . Com cknames fo I’ve stuck b y a d and I’m so glad I’m in her class.” e i th dom n hunder and n a r s u illa T I got N
“I’m honored that I got chosen considering all of the other talented athletes throughout every sport at Conestoga. I’m grateful to be playing in such a competitive environment here at Conestoga.”
’Stoga Ball once again dominated the Central League during the regular season. In fact, the team went perfect in the regular season against Central League opponents despite missing senior captain and leading scorer Andrew Diehl for most of the season to an injury. With Diehl out, senior captain Martin Dorsey and junior Darryl Caldwell picked up the scoring load. In addition, senior captains Dan Vila and James VanDeventer were tenacious on defense. The team’s efforts in its regular season earned the boys their second consecutive number one seed in the district tournament and pumped up the Pioneer Pit all season.
the state and 13th in the nation. A large portion of their success is due to the level of play from the underclassmen on the team. With leadership from senior captains Sarah Nicholson and Maggie Stetson the girls established themselves right from the get-go with a victory over Vero Beach in Florida during Spring break. Play from juniors Hannah Ashton and Monica Borzillo, as well as from sophomore Scottie Growney, has elevated the Pioneers to the national stage. ’Stoga edged out Episcopal Academy 9-8 in the annual Katie Samson Festival this past weekend with a last-second goal from Stetson. Baseball has gotten off to a very hot start this season after losing 18 varsity players from last season’s state championship run that fell short. The team has added motivation this season, especially its three returning players, as they desire the ultimate goal of winning a state championship. Senior captains Brendon Little and Ryne Ogren have both gotten off to great starts in pitching and hitting respectively, and junior captain Tim Miller has turned some heads with his domination on the mound so far this season as well. Lawn Chair Nation may be having a profound effect.
the senior class. Photos Courtesy Conestoga Boys Basketball, Girls Lacrosse and Baseball
The Spoke 23
THE
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24 The Spoke
Sports Spring Michael Li Co-Convergence Editor Boys Baseball Pennsylvania State Champion, or bust. According to returning varsity player Tim Miller, a junior, this was the approach the 2014 Conestoga baseball team—a team loaded with seniors already committed to college—had to the season. The team rode its talent to the state championships in Hershey, eventually losing a bittersweet, extra-inning game to La Salle that saw Conestoga within 90 feet of winning it all. With 18 seniors from that team gone and only three returning players in Miller and seniors Brendon Little and Ryne Ogren, the 2015 Conestoga baseball team is one that looks much different from last year’s team, and one with a different approach to the season. “This year is more about the journey to get [to the state championships] instead of ‘We will get there, this is what we have to do to get there,’” Miller said. The winter weather that extended into March didn’t do the players any favors in the beginning of baseball season. Forced to practice indoors for the team did not get much time on the diamond. Instead, the players Boys Tennis After notching a string of Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) AAA State Championships from 2011 to 2013, the boys’ tennis team was denied a fourth straight title last May by Shady Side Academy, the team Conestoga had defeated for the state title in 2012 and 2013. Conestoga’s tennis team settled for runner-up, but this year, led by head coach Jonathan Goodman and new assistant coach John Matthews, the team is enjoying success and eyeing a chance to take back its state title. “We’re a deep team, so we are having success both at the top of the ladder and at the bottom of the ladder, which is a really good recipe for success,” Goodman said. This season, the team boasts a deep doubles squad, according to players and coaches. “I think we’re putting a lot more emphasis on the doubles teams this year. In years past we’ve had some pretty amazing singles players who we’ve been able to rely on, but that reliability has now shifted to the doubles,” junior Alex Moon said. Coach Goodman has been pleased with the consistent play of the doubles out the strongest pairings. He considers the quality of the doubles teams to be a “litmus test” for how good a team is. “With all due respect to those other
practiced pitching from turf mounds,
cones in a relay-style competition. “When you’re inside so much,
two batting tunnels. To keep practices from being repetitive, head coach John Vogan had the players do a variety of competitive activities. In one activity, he placed one cone at the end line of the basketball court and one cone at the foul line, and had players race to push a ball—with their noses—around the
up the monotony,” Vogan said.
Winding up:
is one where members are playing for each other. Each knows his individual part in helping the team achieve success. The team chemistry before the season started strong, since most of the players had played ball with each other at some point
or another in the past, be it Little League or Legion Baseball. More off-the-field bonding events like bowling and laser-tag also improved the team synergy. Vogan notes that it’s a relaxed, supportive atmosphere in practices and in games, and wants it to stay that way. “No one here’s getting paid $800,000 a year yet. I don’t want them to worry about all the pressure,” Vogan said. “The guys that know
Michael Li/The SPOKE
Richard Fitzgerald
about the pressure have already been through it so it’s no big deal then.” Doing the “little things” right, like bunting or hitting the cutoff men to the team’s success. The team has won four games by one or two runs, victories which have come as a result of the attention to detail that Vogan and the three captains (Little, Miller and Ogren) push for. “We’re playing a little more—I don’t like to say small ball—but we’re almost playing a little more small baseball, trying to get runners on and get them in,” Ogren said. ers have been working smoothly together. The pitchers “throw strikes and let the ball be put into play, and our defense makes the play for them. You can’t strike everybody out,” said freshman Luke Czepiel, who plays catcher. Coach Vogan stresses the importance of focus, of taking games one at a time. “I use the analogy of running up a staircase a lot. You run up a staircase as fast as you can, and you look at that top step, you’re going to skip the step you’re on, and you’re going to fall,” Vogan said. “That’s what we’ve got to try to avoid.”
Michael Li/The SPOKE
Serving a challenge: Quinn Olson Alex Moon Steven Yang Max Howarth teams [in previous years]—they did help us win state championships—I really like our doubles teams this year,” Goodman said. “I think they’re about as good as we’ve ever had.” The new face assisting Goodman in coaching the team is ceramics teacher Matthews, who has had experience as a tennis player and as a coach. Currently he plays with the United States Tennis Association and captains a few local tennis squads. In past years, Matthews has coached football and track before coming to tennis. In the tennis season, the new assistant coach hopes to see “good tennis, good sportsmanship, and good wins.” One especially “good win” came in the season opener against Central
League rival Lower Merion on March 17. In cold, wintery conditions with snow barely off the courts, Conestoga triumphed six sets to one. According to senior Eric Yen, the team’s play in early-season doubts. The season opener was also noteworthy for another reason. against Lower Merion,” Moon said. “I’m looking forward to seeing more fans come out to the games.” has set the tempo for the rest of the season. As of press time Conestoga has not dropped more than a set per game against league opponents, and remains undefeated in the Central League.
The Spoke 25
Sports Opinion
Let’s reminisce: A letter to the Conestoga Class of 2015
Navin Zachariah Co-Sports Editor Dear Conestoga Class of 2015, I came into Conestoga as a totally unaware freshman. I remember how we stepped into probably the most successful year in ’Stoga sports history back in 2011 and I didn’t even realize it. Back then, we had boys soccer win a state championship in a thrilling final game in Hershey. We also found immense success in our spring sports teams as we achieved a Triple Crown of state championships, which included titles fromboys lacrosse, boys tennis and baseball. Boys lacrosse was one of the best teams in the nation, boys tennis would begin a streak of winning three straight State Championships and baseball won its first State Championship ever. During my freshman year I didn’t register how truly remarkable of a feat that was. We were State Champs in four sports. Since then, the upperclassmen have graduated and new underclassmen have taken their spots on varsity rosters, and I don’t believe that we have had the same success as we had in our first year here. But we have definitely left our mark here at Conestoga. It was during our time here that our rowdy student section, the Pioneer Pit, originated. Last year, led by our seniors, the Pit made a statement and really showed up for our basketball
UPDA
team, which had one of its most successful seasons in recent history. Beating hated Lower Merion in the district tournament and having everyone in the stands storm the court was probably one of the greatest memories that we all have here. That moment is what I think motivated the Pit to expand from not only basketball, but other sports too. Before, I don’t think teams really thought they would see the Pit in the stands. But after that moment, the Pit has become an expectation at ’Stoga. I would like to say that this year, in our senior season, the Pit has really been present at a variety of sporting events, even expanding into Lawn Chair Nation for the baseball team. We have exemplified what it truly means to have ’Stoga spirit.
I will never forget my times covering the teams here at ’Stoga. It’s been an exciting ride watching everyone work hard and succeed here. One of the main reasons why I have been so cognizant of ’Stoga sports teams’ successes over the past few years is because I have served as the Sports Editor of The Spoke since my junior year. In essence, I have been in charge of knowing what is going on with all the sports teams and I have witnessed how hard the athletes work. I have interviewed so many of the athletes here and I loved how willing everyone was to talk and help with a story. I think that the first story that I came into my own with as a sports writer was the one about the Little brothers having a unique baseball tradition. Now to be able to finish with a story about Brendon Little aiming to
Maggie Chen/The SPOKE
play Major League Baseball, feels like a good way to go out. The Spoke has a policy that if a person is featured in the newspaper more than twice, they are “banned.” It is with pleasure that I now reveal people who I have gotten “banned” from this publication. That list includes, but is not limited to: Martin Dorsey, Andrew Diehl, Chris Brady, Olivier Everts, Brendon Little, Ryne Ogren, Andrew Marston, Johanna Naesman, Grace Edgarton, Jake Moran, Ryan Frascella, Zack Yonda, Jack Braun, Jack McLean, Eddie Jean, Jake Scott, Matt Prestipino, Greg Taicher, Jill Mascioli, Andrew Turner, Austin Shirley, Darryl Caldwell and Brian Grodecki. Did I ever actually follow this “banned list” though? Absolutely not.
I came to a multitude of sporting events over the years, improved my writing ability, learned how to take pictures and eventually expanded my skills as a multimedia journalist by creating an 18-minute highlight tape for the basketball team. The evolution of my confidence as a sports journalist really did come from talking to all the athletes here and being able to write some very interesting stories. Whether writing about alumnus Mark Herzlich, Jimmy Wu’s comeback, Sonny DiMartini’s ’Stoga spirit or Andrew Diehl’s and Martin Dorsey’s multi-sport childhoods, I have always enjoyed telling stories to you all. It’s been an honor being your Sports Editor these past few years, and although the work usually frustrated me, I do feel
like it was worth it. It helped add a unique element to Conestoga sports that made everyone more excited to watch them and read about them. The highlight of my time on staff was not going to room 280A every day and dealing with a total lack of communication from the head of the editorial board, but rather, writing stories about all of you. I don’t know if I’ll pursue journalism further in the future, but I do know that I will never forget my times covering the teams here at ’Stoga. It’s been an exciting ride watching everyone work hard and succeed here. ’Stoga proud forever and always. Your Former Sports Editor, Navin Zachariah
Sports Lacrosse
The lacrosse season is in full swing. ’Stoga girls lacrosse has had a great start to their season with quality wins, both here and in Florida where they played over spring break. A special aspect of this year’s team is that they are a very close-knit group of girls who give their all, every day, according to Varsity Coach Amy Orcutt. Orcutt has been coaching the team for six years now and last year she led the team to the State Quarterfinals. To achieve this level of success, Orcutt teaches her team important lessons. “I think its really important to teach them how when things aren’t going your way to adjust your game as in life,” Orcutt said. “We teach them to work hard, they work so hard off the field that when it comes game time they are physically and mentally prepared.” Another part of the team’s success is “visualization,” as Orcutt puts it. The team watches game tape, Orcutt encourages the girls to visualize practice for the next day and they have a “mindful minute” before each practice. Senior Captain Sarah Nich-
olson says that the lacrosse team is very strong this year. To help with their season, each individual on the team has a set of goals for themselves and also for the other players. “[We] just give it all that we have because honestly the season is pretty short and it flies by. Obviously we want to win the Central League and be state champions but you have to take each goal at a time and each game at a time,” Nicholson said. As a captain Nicholson works hard to keep the unity and unique chemistry of her team together. “[We want to] just really focus on team chemistry because that is one of the reasons why we are doing so well,” Nicholson said. “We’ve really been clicking as a team both offensively and defensively and everyone has been working really hard in practice. The intensity level is definitely there and we have our goals, and we are working to reach them. We are giving 110 percent every day.” Senior Captain Maggie Stetson believes the team is so successful this year because of the quality time the team spent together last season. “I knew that this year we were going to be a really strong team
because we only had two more spots [at tryouts], so we were already really used to playing with each other,” Stetson said. In addition to having more time to bond with the team, Stetson believes their season started off well because they won competitive games at the beginning, building their momentum. “We had really big games at the beginning of the season like Agnes Irwin [and] Vero Beach. It was really hard our first game, we were just getting back in our groove but once we had beaten Vero Beach and the top teams it really made us confident. I really knew that we were going to be strong this year,” Stetson said. Vero Beach and Martin County were the two teams that the girls played while down in Florida over their Spring Break. They beat Vero Beach 10-7 and Martin County 15-5. Alongside Nicholson, Stetson wants to be a role model that the team can look up to for guidance and support. She also wants the younger members to not fear the upperclassmen and have a mutual level of respect. “I want to be serious, but I mostly want to be the fun laid back kind of person. [I want to be] someone that a younger girl
Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE
Hot pursuit: Sophomore Scottie Growney races towards the goal during ’Stoga’s matchup versus Great Valley on April 18. The Pioneers won 11-10. The girls are currently on top of the Central would look up to and think, ‘Oh when I’m older I want to be a captain so I can be like Maggie or Sarah’ and that can pull a team together, not just on the field but off the field,” Stetson said. Led by the captains and Coach Orcutt, the girls have been successful in spearheading an im-
pressive start to their season, as the team is the top ranked team in the state and the 15th ranked team in the nation. The girls will continue working hard and pushing towards their ultimate goal of winning a Central League title and a State Championship.
COMMITMENT CORNER University of Pennsylvania
University of North Carolina
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Lacrosse
Lacrosse
Attack “Academically it was one of the best schools I was looking at and it also had that lacrosse that I needed there. The campus was great, great atmosphere, great people there. It was just the right choice for me.” “Brotherhood, coming together as a team, play as one, and to never give up no matter how many people are against you.”
point as a Pioneer. I had an assist to my brother up top and he ripped a top corner.”
“Carolina is an incredible school academically and has a beautiful campus in Chapel Hill. Carolina has a great women’s lacrosse program that I am so excited to play for in the future!” “Conestoga lacrosse has taught me to be the best teammate I can be and to never give up on the opportunities presented to you.” “Beating Radnor on April 9 because Radnor was ranked very high at the time and the team knew it was a game we had to win.”
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INSIDE:
Sports Superlatives p. 23 Girls Lax top in state p. 27
Little Dreams
BIG
Brendon Little is committed to play baseball at the University of North Carolina. But with Major League scouting attention and a June draft looming, he could instead head straight to the majors. See p. 22
Betty Ben-Dor/The SPOKE
Senior Brendon Little looks up after the baseball team’s first Central League loss against Penncrest on April 21. Little is focused on one game at a time, because he knows that every pitch he makes is crucial in his pursuit to play Major League Baseball.