The Spoke March 2015

March 17, 2015 Conestoga High School Berwyn, Pennsylvania Stoganews.com Volume 65 No. 5

SEEING THE

UNSEEN See p. 14

Photo Illustration: Ben Red and Yuge Xiao/The SPOKE

AP U.S. History p. 2

Colorful Hair p. 9

Letter to a Friend p. 17

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.

AP U.S. History APUSH to the edge for some

Cissy Ming

As Conestoga sophomores prepare for the AP U.S. History exam, politicians and citizens alike wage a, quite literally, historical battle over the education of the nation’s students.

Part of an ongoing College Board initiative to update its AP program, the new AP U.S. History curriculum went into effect this school year.

Before the revisions, the College Board guidelines for AP U.S. Hislist of suggested topics and themes for each historical period. From 2008-12, a board of history teachers appointed by the College Board worked on an extensive framework meant to clarify expectations for students and shift the course’s focus from memorization to developing historical thinking skills.

The new 142-page framework contains a concept outline with basic analysis of historical trends and possible examples for use in teaching each concept. Critics, such as Larry Krieger, the retired New Jersey history teacher who first spoke out against the framework, contend that the outline’s statements indicate liberal bias.

In an editorial published by The Heartland Institute, Krieger and co-author Jane Robbins claim the framework focuses too much on the negative aspects of history and ignores great American achievements. For example, the framework contains a statement claiming the idea of Manifest Destiny came from Americans’ belief in their racial and cultural supremacy, which Krieger and Robbins refer to as “radically

revisionist,” undermining traditional perceptions of Manifest Destiny as a movement driven by desire to spread democracy. Responding to these allegations, the creators of the framework stated in an open letter that the framework serves only as a starting point for teachers and remains open to classroom debate.

According to AP U.S. History teacher John Koenig, the debate raises important questions about shaping the country’s view of history.

USH D AP L O age outline 5

p

al themes ne r e G ive” view osit P “ ective Obj

accurate view of historical events,” Phelps said. “We need Republicans and liberals, but also moderates and independents [to determine what is prioritized].”

Since June, lawmakers in several states have protested teaching the revised course in public schools, while the Republican National Committee collectively denounced the framework in August. On Feb. 16, the Oklahoma House Education Committee voted in favor of cutting state funds to the AP U.S.

W APUSH E N page outline 2 14

ic topics ecif p S ve” view gati e “N lusive Exc

Liz Lawton/The SPOKE

History course on the grounds that of the importance of history in our national fabric,” Koenig said.

“Good history attempts to uncover competing voices. A history that overprioritizes one set of voices is not good.”

According to senior Victoria Phelps, president of Young Republicans, cooperation between people of different political views is necessary in deciding historical narratives.

“Ideally, the AP U.S. History course shouldn’t contain any bias because it’s supposed to provide an

emphasis on “American exceptionalism” and neglects to mention important aspects of U.S. History, such as the Founding Fathers and several key documents. Though the bill’s sponsor has since withdrawn it from consideration, the controversy persists.

Senior Katherine Kahley strongly disagrees with legislators’ attacks on the revised AP U.S. History course.

“People who are trying to take [AP U.S. History] out are trying to

prevent others from getting a proper view of U.S. history and beautify what we’ve done as a country,” Kahley said.

At Conestoga, the materials and activities used to teach AP U.S. History come largely from the teachers themselves, who in turn channel in their classes. Koenig describes teaching the course as a “collective effort” among teachers, past and present.

Koenig insists the College Board’s changes have had little effect on AP U.S. History at Conestoga, but sees the revisions overall as being well intentioned.

“The transition is largely in the way the College Board wants us to speak about [U.S. History]. This year, I’m referencing their historical thinking skills and their themes more often,” Koenig said. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing, those are the themes of history.”

The debate over bias in AP U.S. History has also inspired controversy over control of education. While the College Board’s opponents argue for state and local control of education, some supporters of AP U.S. History favor the course because it sets a consistent standard for students across the nation.

Kahley believes the College Board’s AP U.S. History curriculum provides an unbiased overview of U.S. history and supports its inclusion in the classroom.

“No matter what, you’ll have learn,” Kahley said. “Standardization is better because everyone should know the basics so looking back at our history, we can try to improve.”

Military representatives speak to students

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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

Cissy Ming/The SPOKE

Inspiring a generation: Representatives from the U.S. military speak to students about their service. The representatives came to Conestoga on March 13 for Military Day.

Cissy Ming/The SPOKE

The few, the proud: A table displays a poster and various brochures about the Marines on Military Day. Students were able to learn about local ROTC programs and the various military branches.

Club sponsors compensated for time and service

Allan Du & Shivani Sanghani

Conestoga High School remains a bustling building long past the afternoon bell. Hundreds of club meetings occurs inside the doors, run by student leaders and their faculty sponsors. What may seem like a simple after-school activity meeting once a week often requires numerous hours of preparation and planning and results in these club sponsors’ financial compensation for holding extra club responsibilities by the school district.

According to TESD pub lic financial expenditure records, teachers may receive up to $15,000 in stipends for serving as advisers for non-athletic extracurricular activities, with most teachers receiving $1,000 to $2,000 on average.

Tredyffrin Easttown Education Association (TEEA) President Robert DeSipio said that Extra Duty Responsibility (EDR) Contracts, or club sponsor stipends, are not based on any systematic evaluation but on a club adviser’s request to be compensated further for provid-

ing service to a particular school club or activity.

“There really isn’t any strict procedure to acquiring a stipend,” DeSipio said. “Teachers who feel that they are putting forth excessive time and effort to a particular club can ask the administration to grant them compensation.”

Principal Dr. Amy Meisinger said that TESD Personnel Services establishes position control after recommendation from high school administration. Sponsors are compensated based on the degree of responsibility they will bear for a specific club or activity, with the EDR money being funded by the school district’s general fund. Meisinger said that Conestoga’s Activities Office advertises these EDRs to the faculty members.

Chemistry teachers Scott Best and Derrick Wood co-sponsor Science Olympiad. They open their rooms after school to members wishing to work on their science events and planning for the Conestoga team to participate in tournaments. The club was originally scheduled to meet every Wednesday. Now, it has expanded to hold mentor and practice sessions almost every day of the week.

“All of our invitational tourna-

ments occur during the weekend.

It’s my weekend time. I really want to support all of our students in what they do, which is why Dr. Best and I, and some of the other teachers here, spend our time after school,” Wood said. “It’s fun to develop closer relationships with students, different from the kind that you build just in a normal classroom setting. When [the students] go off to college, they’re more likely to keep close

contact with their teachers and keep us updated on what they have pursued.”

For this amount of work, preparation and coordination with the club’s student leadership, Best and Wood are each compensated with an annual stipend of $1,500, much of which is spent on materials and equipment for science tournaments.

“I don’t think that club sponsors do anything for the money. I

High School Sponsor Stipends Non-athletic stipends

Athletic

AASU stipends

$333 to $15,000

$3,500 $750 to $19,030

$1,000 to $2,000 on average Liz Lawton/The SPOKE

News School

would never want to calculate the hourly rate for my compensation as a club sponsor,” Best said. “It’s really about the students here.”

The TESD public financial records use a “step” system, which is used to represent the amount of experience a sponsor has advising a certain extracurricular activity. Club sponsors who are in their first to third year of advising a certain club are in “step one,” whereas club advisers who have sponsored a club for more than three years are in “step level two.”

Chess Team sponsor David Zimmerman uses his annual stipend of $1,074 provided by the school district to buy chess supplies for the club. Zimmerman said that he doesn’t sponsor the chess team for any monetary incentives.

“I don’t think of [serving as a sponsor] as a sacrifice. I think sometimes, a sacrifice means giving something up, and I don’t think anything is being sacrificed by me here,” Zimmerman said.

Other club sponsors at Conestoga are not compensated at all for their contributions. Bill Dewees, sponsor of Computer Science Club, said that he does his work “simply because of his passion for programming.”

Pit complements musical performance beneath stage

Kyle Nicholson “It’s exhausting, it’s really tiring nitely necessary because this is all a lot more advanced than what we normally do in school. It’s not just getting it together, it’s getting it with the characters, with the stage crew,” senior Vinay Ekambaram said.

For weeks before the performance, “Beauty and the Beast,” the pit practices every day to perfect the

to continue with the pace of the play while reacting to the cast.

Initially, the musicians must acclimate themselves to their music and practice individually, having to visualize corresponding parts. They accompany the cast. These individual melodies join as one collective sound.

“It is really a team effort because we sound okay by ourselves, but during a concert or rehearsal you

Yuge Xiao/The SPOKE

In the dark: Senior Vinay Ekambaram and freshman Betty Ben-Dor play in the pit during the dress rehearsal on March 2. Pit musicians use stand lights to see their music in the dark.

really hear the entire pit come together,” senior Sophia Chen said.

The pit’s performance is two hours of nonstop playing, which is very different compared to the split music of concerts. They must create consistency.

“Between us and the cast it is are spots where we’re playing and they’re doing lines, so we have to play slowly enough that they can that we can get to the rest of the song,” junior Katy Marotto said.

All the lights are on the set, the stage and the actors, so rather than being the focus of the performance, the pit supports it. The pit responds to the speed and tempo of the lines.

For this process there must be safety rhythms at which the pit can continue to play until the actor reaches a line where a song begins or there is a new rhythm. This process is completely about countering the actors’ actions and supporting their lines with song.

“It’s more depending on adjusting to what you play for each show.

You have to react to the actors and how fast they say their lines or sing their song,” junior Grace Purinton said.

Yuge Xiao/The SPOKE

Beauty and the Beast: Seniors Sarah Whelan and Michael Godfrey perform in the dress rehearsal. Ticketed performances happened on March 4, 6, 7 and 8.

The Spoke 5

FEATURES

English teacher Richard Short discusses his former career as a sommelier and his embarrassing moment with blue hair dye.

RICHARD SHORT

Interview by Co-Editor-in-Chief Simran Singh

What do you like about Conestoga?

Everything. I like the general climate, I like the faculty, I like the students, I like the fact that we have the freedom to make good choices as teachers. We are really empowered by the administration which is something that I know not every district can say.

I like the fact that we kind of push ourselves and are pushed in turn by the students. I hate to say a desire to strive for excellence cause that’s so hackneyed, but that’s kind of what it is, It’s a desire to do really well, not just do. I think that’s inspiring in education.

What caused you to switch careers?

It was the hours. I tell people about the sorts of things I used to do at work and they get really jealous cause it was pretty great, but the hours were obscene. Basically when the restaurant was open, you were there. I felt like I wasn’t spending enough time with my son, with my friends. I reached this point in my career where it was either time to move to a major city and

When did you start teaching, and what did you do before?

January of 2011. Prior to that I was a sommelier, a wine steward. I started working in restaurants to put myself through college, and kind of worked my way up the echelon to various

What do you like about teaching English?

When I was young, I wanted to be a poet. Everybody told me that there was no money in it, but you don’t really hear that when you’re young and idealistic. I always was very passionate about art in general, but literature in particular. I spend my days talking to interesting people about books and encouraging in them a love for this thing that I so enjoy. I feel like art in general has this attribute, but no other art, at least for me, does what literature can do in that it broadens our tiny scope of personal experience into something

dining. Some really smart people took me under their wing and kind of introduced me to the whole culture of wine, and the history, and the pageantry of tors. Wine itself, a lot of people don’t realize, is a living, evolving thing. I kind of fell in love with that, and spent more and more time reading about that, and pretty soon it became my job.

And I did. I went back to school, got my teaching degree and fairly quickly ended up here.

its ability to do that, transcend temporal boundaries, physical boundaries to kind of unite and explain, and I get to stoke that in other people.

What is your favorite course that you have taught?

Honors Language and Com-

position and Accelerated American Literature. It’s kind of interesting teaching a writing oriented and a literature oriented course, the two parts of the discipline. It’s cool going back and forth over the course of my day between those. [All the courses I have taught] have their various perks.

Do you have any siblings?

I have an older sister and a younger sister. My younger sister is an English All of my nuclear family lives right around the West Chester area, so we get to see each other very frequently, help each other with childcare; we’re pretty clan-ish in that way. Once in a while I’ll teach a book that I’ll have never taught before and [my sister] has, so she’ll give me some ideas.

Do you have any kids?

I have a 20-year-old son. For a while, I was in this sweet spot where I knew all of my students’ cultural references, cause I had watched all the shows they had watched growing up so I could make jokes about “Hey Arnold!,” “Pokemon.” But it’s starting to wear a little thin, so in a couple of years I’ll be lost again, but that was pretty useful.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to dye my hair blue.

But I was too hardcore to go buy Manic Panic, which is that temporary hair dye so I bleached my hair and made my own dye. she should have, and she made me put turpentine in my hair to get the dye out. It all ran down my face and neck and it dyed my skin blue so I looked like a Smurf for four days and had to go to school like that. Not the cool I was hoping for.

What is something you hope to accomplish in the future?

I’m doing my master’s degree at

Favorites:

in the next year or two.

Favorite food: Fight to the death between pizza and sushi.

Favorite song: “Rubber Ring” by

s

Favorite sport: MMA Favorite hobby: Reading Favorite book: “Ulysses” by James Joyce

Mary Mei/The SPOKE

6 The Spoke

Yuge Xiao/The SPOKE

Any musical interests?

I used to sing. I used to be in bands when I was young.

Advice you’d give to a Conestoga student?

One day you will look back at yourself and think you were crazy to believe that you were too old to begin. Looking back over my life, I’ve constantly thought it’s too late to start that sport, it’s too late to pick up an instrument.

And then 10 years later, you look back and you’re like, “Why did I think that?”

It’s always time to begin.

Jav

t s i aG

For many Conestoga students, coffee—lots of it—is a staple in the morning to wake up for a 7:20 school start time.

the weekends and afternoons. Although Starbucks is always a good choice, check out these three places the next time you have a coffee craving.

A new brand of TV

Features Reviews

After the popularity of “Modern Family,” which successfully combined the hilarity of classic sitcoms with a more modern spin on representation, TV shows began targeting previously underrepresented demographics. With shows about the modern black family, new Asian immigrants and even a female superhero, television now provides commentary on complex social issues like racism and channels while procrastinating your homework, take a look at these new shows.

All show posters from IMDb.

Wawa Wawa, known for its cheap gas, fresh hoagies and mac and cheese that rivals Panera’s, should not be overlooked for its vast caffeine selection.

Wawa offers many cup sizes sizes with simple, easy names like 12 oz (not tall), 16 oz (not grande) and 20 oz (not venti). However, amidst the overwhelming selection of hot beverage choices lies a staple for habitual coffee consumers: regular coffee. Its mild classic blend or Arabica signature blend is perfect for a daily coffee go-to. It truly is the best “bang for your buck” coffee. Devoted coffee veterans know that the quality of the beverage is what really matters. It’s what’s inside the cup that counts.

Narrated by successful black advertising executive Andre “Dre” Johnson, “Black-ish” is about the modern upper middleclass black family. Between Dre, Johnson and his four children– socialite Zoey, nerdy Andre Jr. and twin pints of sass Jack and Diane—entertaining misadventures and misunderstandings ensue. While the show fearlessly addresses issues of racism and stereotypes, ultimately it focuses on themes that all families can relate to. “Black-ish” explores

“Black-ish” love, tradition and the meaning of family, just from a different perspective than the stereotypical white suburban family.

With an extremely personable narration, the show paints Dre as just another guy trying to find his way in the world. The other characters are similarly lovable, but each with their own distinct flavors that contribute to the dynamic and hilarious plotlines of every episode. Humor is kept in good taste without circumventing race, and laughs are sure to come by the dozens.

“Fresh Off the Boat” is an Asian American family sitcom set in 1995 and narrated by a middle school aged Eddie Huang. Having just moved from Washington D.C. to Orlando for his father ’s American Dream of owning a restaurant, Eddie and his family are just trying to adapt to their new suburban surroundings. Idealistic father Louis wants the restaurant to succeed, while dragon-lady mother Jessica wants the best for her family.

Eddie wants to be the “cool kid” for once, and younger siblings Emery and Evan are just along for the ride. Awkward culture clashes and entertaining shenanigans ensue, always tying back to

Pour Richard’s Coffee If café ambience is just as important to you as the drink in your Coffee, located near Strafford Station in Devon, provides a relaxing, down-to-earth atmosphere to enjoy your drink. As for actual menu items, a cappuccino is another assets. The “cap” delivers mellow, earthy foam to balance the strength Coffee also hosts events like free cuppings (coffee taste testing) every Sunday. If you’re looking for a relaxed hang out spot with a friend or a place to learn more about how artisan Coffee is for you.

the Asian American struggle. In the end though, the show is not about what makes the Huang family different, but about what family means despite cultural differences.

Being a sitcom, “Fresh off the Boat” definitely caricatures Asian American idiosyncrasies, but to an effect that is both inoffensive and hilarious. The contrast in the narration between the childish voice and the cynical words is incredibly comical; these episodes of Asian American struggles are sure to draw laughs from the crowd while simultaneously reminding its audience that everyone can be a little fresh off the boat.

Panera Bread themselves in the Gateway neighborhood, do not forget about Panera. Its soups and sandwiches are no doubt what it is known for, but everyone needs a drink to go with breakfast or lunch. Try a Caffe Mocha with your bagel or panini next time you’re there to grab a meal. Without being overpoweringly sweet, the Mocha achieves the hot chocolate that a good mocha should. Served with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this caffeine treat can be a perfect afternoon pick me up, especially when paired with a toasted

Marvel’s spinoff series from the “Captain America” movies, “Agent Carter” is more than just more world-building for the Marvel Universe. In this post-WWII era show, Agent Peggy Carter works for a top-secret government agency, her coworkers stereotype her as no more than a pretty desk ornament. Under their radar, though, the highly capable Carter dives into investigating the framing of Howard Stark, her friend from the war, while simultaneously trying to let go of her traumatizing past with Captain America.

Agent Carter is pretty much the new feminist superhero.

Her complex character can both shamelessly use her femininity to her advantage and remorselessly smack bad guys with large objects repeatedly.

While feminism may be an initial hook to the series, the thrilling episodes are up to par with any other TV drama in terms of plot twists, fight scenes and lovable and entertaining characters. Plus, the witty oneliners are set off perfectly with the prim British accent of Hayley Atwell.

7 The Spoke

Features St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day Tips and Tricks Don’t let the leprechaun take your cheer!

Here are seven ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Story by Co-Convergence Editor Jerry Zhu Design by Co-Editor-in-Chief Suproteem Sarkar

Listen to some Gaelic music

Learn some Gaelic Did you know the Irish have their own language? Alright.

You probably did, but now is a great time to learn some Gaelic words.

These are some common phrases you’ll hear if you visit Ireland or meet a frazzled leprechaun: uisce (ish-ka):water Márta (Mawr-ta): March glas (gloss): green bainne (bon-yeh): milk siúcra (shoo-kra): sugar

Learn the Irish stepdance You think you already know how to dance? Haha. Very funny. Seriously, do you even know what the stepdance is? Lucky for you, I’ve stared at Wikipedia long enough to understand the basics. Rumored to have been originated during the mid19th century, the stepdance can be performed solo or in groups of four, six or eight. While the term stepdance is a genre encompassing the jig, reel, slip and hornpipe, all dances are performed using hard or soft shoes with basic leg movements and leaps.

Get a good luck charm Whether you believe in superstitions or not, it’s not a bad idea to get a sentimental ornament to place your hopes and desire upon. From the four-leaf clover to more orthodox charms such as backpack chains or bracelets, you’ll have plenty of options to chose from. My recommendation: get something small and memorable.

You’ll need a charm that will be both durable and portable, something that can withstand your sweaty hands during an important basketball game and then withstand your anger after it fails.

Green galore Wear some green, any green. What’s not to love about being clad in all 73 Wikipedia-recognized shades of green?

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the only days when dressing like a tree won’t get you malicious stares. From a plain tee to an all out green attire, anything is acceptable this day. For more extreme zealots, dress up as a lepreuchan. All you’ll need is a green fedora, a red strap-on beard and a belligerent attitude.

What’s that? You’d rather listen to Kanye West or 5 Seconds of Summer over Irish Folk? OK. Fine. Be a party pooper. But If you really want to get into the mood of St. Patrick’s Day, immerse yourself with some traditional (or not so traditional) Irish folk music. My picks, “The Irish Rover,” “The Boys of the Old Brigade,” “The Fields of Atherny” and “There’s No One as Irish as Barack Obama.”

Try authentic Irish food No, I don’t mean a corned beef sandwich. Get into the spirit of the Irish by cooking or buying some traditional Irish dishes. From Irish Brown Bread to Shepard’s Pie, or even boiled ham and cabbage, explore the salivating range the full recipe list, visit “The Sporke” section of Stoganews.com

Grab a Shamrock Shake Minty. Cool. Refreshing. Like most McDonald’s products, these may not be the most healthy treats with more than 500 calories and 70 grams of sugar per serving, but these delectable shakes are an irresistible temptation that can’t be avoided. Surprisngly, the shake traces its root to Philadelphia. Proceeds from 1974 helped establish the House with help from the Eagles and CHOP.

8 The Spoke

Features Style

Story by Co-Features Editor Courtney Kennedy, Copy Editor Warren Zhao

hen junior Michelle Markert came into school after cutting 18 inches off her hair and dyeing it from blonde to red, even her friends did not recognize her.

“My one friend, he looked at me, then he looked at me again, then he didn’t speak for three minutes,” Markert said. “It was great, I loved it.”

Markert, who has since dyed her hair a white-blonde color, is one of many ’Stoga students who experiment with different haircuts and colors as a way to express themselves and their personalities. Junior Ben Terwilliger decided to grow out his hair from a buzzcut to an afro to express his inner rocker. Senior Cessily Carroll has dyed her hair a total of 12 times, switching from blonde to pink to black to purple. For Carroll, chang-

Michelle Markert “Short and Light”

ing her hair color was a natural part of getting older.

“I just needed something different,” Carroll said. “Boring, bland hair just Freshman Connor Simpkins, however, decided to dye his hair on a whim.

“I was walking through CVS one day and I saw this thing of red hair dye,” Simpkins said. just kind of bought it and thought, ‘Maybe this will be fun.’”

Now Simpkins says he thinks of his pink and blue hair as an extension of himself. Like Markert and Simpkins, junior Mike DeSoto decided to dye his hair to change up his looks.

different new DeSoto has had blue hair for a year and a half now. He chose blue because it was his favorite color and would match his eyes, although he says he does sometimes get tired of the color. When Simpkins wants a change in color, he will re-dye his hair or fuse another color to it, which is how he ended up with his current blue-pink hair.

Simpkins has found that people’s reactions to his hair tend to correspond with their ideologies.

“If they’re ultra conservative, I’ve found that they’re usually kind of surprised,” Simpkins said. “If they’re super liberal, they’ll have no reaction at all.”

lot cheaper than going out and buying a lot of

Connor Simpkins “Self-extension”

Cessily Carroll “Watercolors”

Ben Terwilliger “Multi-dimensional”

she received mixed reactions, but now she usually gets positive feedback.

“I always get comments like, ‘Not a lot of people can pull off a pixie cut but you sure can,’” Markert said.

DeSoto says he often receives strange looks and comments from random people. sometimes gets sick of it. Terwilliger has had similar experiences.

“Sometimes my friends, and even some random people I don’t know, walk up and touch it. They’ll be like, ‘Oh sorry, I just had to touch it, man,’” Terwilliger said.

Despite the occasional peculiar reaction, Terwillinger still does not envision cutting his hair anytime soon and encourages other people to explore different hairstyles.

“If anyone else wants to grow their hair out, just go for it,” Terwilliger said.

Mike DeSoto “Wavy Ocean”

Maggie Lejeune “Long Bob” The Spoke 9

Features Fashion

Camille Kurtz

Students size up fashion independent studies from then on I made it my mission in

From Paris to London to Milan, fashion moguls across the world brave the cutting-edge style-frontier, innovating and reforming, needle and thread in hand to protect against the rugged “fashion felons” ruthlessly committing style faux pas. Not far behind trek Conestoga’s own fashion pioneers.

Among the array of extracurricular opportunities available to Conestoga students is the Independent Study Program. With focuses ranging from science to theatre, Independent Studies allow students to devote time to direction of a teacher.

Several students choose to focus on fashion and design, under the tutelage of consumer sciences teacher Dr. Mary Kaye Rhude-Faust. Junior Maddy Prachar, interested in fashion from a young Program after Rhude-Faust suggested she pursue fashion beyond the Fashion and Design Construction course offered as part of the regular curriculum.

“I had no experience in sewing, but I kind of crazy, and I had a few meltdowns and there was tulle everywhere, but that’s how I learned,” Prachar said.

10 The Spoke

to wear the things they want to wear without the fear of getting ridiculed,” Prachar said. “I think that everyone perceives the fashion industry as this cutthroat thing where you have to be super skinny or super beautiful to pull off anything and I think that’s not true.”

Freshman Pemmy Friedman plans Study Program next year. Friedman likes simple, classic looks and urges students to “be comfortable in [their] own clothes.”

“You can wear whatever you want, Camille Kurtz/The SPOKE

Fashion Forward: Junior Daryn Huang works on a dress design.

Huang is pursuing a fashion independent study. Dr. Mary Kaye RhudeFaust supervises fashion and design independent studies at Conestoga.

Prachar describes her personal style working with different textures and the marketing of fashion and promotion of other designers’ work.

“I love to design, but I think my

a great idea and giving them a voice but still keeping them to their roots, which are what makes them amazing,” Prachar said.

Prachar’s ultimate goal is encouraging people to express themselves and they are.”

wear something simple,” Friedman said.

Friedman examines her designs with an open perspective, trying to look at her clothes from all possible points of view.

Huang now experiments with “edgy” and “sassy” styles, even incorporating martial arts themes into his designs.

However, it was only recently that Huang has considered pursuing fashion as a career.

“I realized I was telling everyone tor,” Huang said. “It was probably the biggest lie I ever told anyone.”

Huang appreciates the time he has to focus on his designs with the Independent Study Program and desires to reconcile the differences he has found between adult and teen styles.

“There’s a huge disconnect between teenager and adult clothing,” Huang said. “I don’t get why teenagers can’t wear adult styles. I’ve been exposed to high fashion, and now I can never go back.”

Independent studies award students the chance to pursue their passions.

Rhude-Faust values this opportunity

people would see it, because they might not see what I see,” Friedman said.

New to the fashion independent

the students’ ambition and devotion to meeting their goals.

“It’s that intrinsic motivation that the students have. That’s what drives their desire to learn,” Rhude-Faust said.

Huang. After realizing his passion after seeing photos his Facebook friends posted of their winter formal dresses,

digging deeper. The notion that kids want to have an independent study is what every teacher dreams of.”

Features Student Life

Between cramming for the next history exam and participating in school sports and clubs, ’Stoga students don’t have much free time on their hands. However, several students still find a way to earn some extra spending money.

Along with the tremendous school workload, Conestoga students go to work in various food businesses. Working at minimum wage, these students rely mostly on tips. Tips waiters are paid a wage of $2.83, with the rest of their money from tips, either from serving tables or splitting up money from the tip basket.

“It’s definitely not easy to balance school and work when I only have an hour when I get home and I don’t come back until 10 p.m.,” junior Carly Robins said.

“It forces me to have some late nights studying but I can usually finish work in free time or hold off an assignment if it’s not due the next day.”

Robins works at the Gateway Shopping Center Saladworks along with fellow Conestoga

students, senior Gabby DiGiorgio, who works as a manager, juniors Sofia Russo and Megan Kundra and sophomore Emma Aigeldinger.

“I wanted to have money to save up as well as some spending money and I needed something to do over the summer so I thought a job would be a good idea,” Kundra said.

Although some students just work summer jobs, Robins continues to work throughout the year, with fewer hours during crew season. When not rowing,

she works five hour shifts, three or four days a week with 30 to 40 extra minutes for closing. Going through all the positions, she washes dishes, makes the salads and runs the cash register during times of high traffic.

Junior Rachel Dixon works at Jules Thin Crust Pizza two or three times a week, with three hour shifts. Dixon was a frequent Jules customer which helped her to sell to customers something that she knew she liked.

She helps customers with their orders, does table-side service, cleans tables and chairs and restocks supplies.

For Dixon, the whole process is made easier by having welcoming and helpful co-workers who make everything more fun.

“I wanted to have my own source of income and learn about business from a company who is so focused on customer service and serving a quality product,” Dixon said.

Dixon says that despite the long hours, there are benefits to working––besides the hardearned money.

“Having a job doesn’t let me procrastinate,” Dixon said.

Betty Ben-Dor/The SPOKE

Pizza, please: Junior Rachel Dixon works the cash register at Jules Thin Crust Pizza in Wayne. Dixon works three hour shifts two or three times a week, serving customers, cleaning tables and working the register.

The Spoke 11

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12 The Spoke

Features Entertainment

Matt Paolizzi

The vinyl countdown: record sales rise

that make up the complete vinyl Junior Norman Keyes avidly collects records and thinks that vinyl reflects the vision of the

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Classic novel gains sequel

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The Spoke 13

OPINION APUSH-ing the boundaries: The Spoke opposes censoring American history in classrooms The Oklahoma House Common Education Committee recently approved a bill that would cut spending on the AP U.S. History course offered by the College Board, claiming the course focuses on the unflattering parts of American history and does not emphasize American exceptionalism.

Instead, the committee created its own curriculum of suggested topics, omitting subjects such as unsuccessful wars and mistreatment of American Indians—two integral parts of American history.

By preventing students from learning about the harsh realities of American history, the committee promotes false patriotism. The committee’s attempt to censor the curriculum implies that it is ashamed of America’s culture. By rejecting the faults and wrongdoings in American history, the committee dishonors America’s past.

Patriotism is not about tooting

one’s own horn. Patriotism is about embracing one’s culture and history—both the good and the bad.

While the glory and triumphs of U.S. history are important, the issues that the nation faced as it was growing played just as important a role in shaping America today.

The bill, currently going through the state legislature, limits educational opportunities. The bill’s filter on the content taught to students leaves them with a limited understand-

ing of U.S. history. A student cannot complete a world history course without learning about the Holocaust. Why should students complete a U.S. history course without learning about Japanese internment camps?

All U.S history students, not just AP U.S. History students, should demand to learn about the whole truth. No country has a past unmarred by problems or mistakes. While the glory and triumphs of U.S. history are important, the obstacles that the nation overcame as it was growing played just as important a role in shaping America today.

Students can only appreciate the development of our nation and understand what we need to do in order to move forward by knowing the negative portions of U.S. history. As the saying goes, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Sorry Oklahoma, but you may have to repeat the past.

From the Editor: undermine purpose of education

Suproteem Sarkar Co-Editor-in-Chief Most of us know about the Barracuda message that pops up on school computers when a webpage gets caught in the district Web filter. You might get frustrated—I know I do—when that message shows up when you’re trying to fulfill some basic academic exercise, like gathering information for a project or looking for articles on a new subject.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act says that schools that receive federal subsidies on Internet infrastructure must filter visual depictions of obscenity (defined by Miller v. California as something that lacks “serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value”), child pornography or content “harmful to minors.”

It’s important to stress here that this act only expressly addresses visual depictions.

More importantly, the act states that a “determination regarding what matter is inappropriate for minors shall be made by the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority responsible for making the determination.”

So although the school district has to abide by some broad guidelines set up by the federal government, much of the control

over our Internet experience lies in the interpretation of what is harmful to minors by the school board and administration.

Although I see sense in the district’s decision to use the services of a filtering company to meet federal guidelines, I don’t understand why the current filter setup so explicitly goes past the restrictions required by federal law.

It’s particularly disconcerting when sites that could add to our learning experience like YouTube are still not fully accessible.

It’s also unfortunate that social media sites, which many educators and students have found to be valuable tools for discourse and learning, are dismissed as harmful.

“It makes no sense for schools to try to prepare us for the world we now live in by hindering us from experiencing important elements of that world.”

It makes no sense for schools to try to prepare us for the world we now live in by hindering us from experiencing important elements of that world. Education is supposed to expand our knowledge—to expose us to diverse viewpoints, to equip us for what comes ahead.

These filters, when they go past what’s required by law, take away experiences we can learn from.

Correction: Liz Lawton/The SPOKE

16 The Spoke

The article titled “Work or play: internships being abused?” published on p.6 in the Feb. 10, 2015 issue of The Spoke contained an error. The article stated that Stone Wang did not communicate with his internship adviser through email or phone during his internship.

His adviser, Megan Smyth, says she contacted him over email.

Opinion Commentary

A letter to a friend

Treat school as a privilege high school meant to them makes me

-

Mary Mei Co-Features Editor

forced to stay home for one year after -

Meagan O’Rourke/The SPOKE

is knowing that being able to get an

or selfish by acknowledging that -

-

Nobody can really know what

Is going to school a privilege or a burden?

Meagan O’Rourke Opinion Editor -

-

-

-Freshman Nick Remillard

as seemingly abstract as emotional kind of sad to think that

-Senior Tracey Meyers -

-

The Spoke 17

Opinion Commentary

Endorsed prescriptions are bitter pills to swallow

Allan Du Columnist High school science classes may be rigorous, but they do not qualify us as students to make and prescribe our own medications. So we are left to leave our health in the hands of physicians and pharmaceutical companies.

We should be able to trust our doctors, and prescription drugs have improved the lives of millions. But the truth behind some drug prescriptions paints another picture.

In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) settled a $3 billion lawsuit for the dishonest marketing of their antidepressant Wellbutrin in a practice known as off-label promotion. GSK promoted the drug to doctors as the “happy, horny, skinny” drug, although its only approved use was in treating depression. Patients who mistakenly used the drug for off-label purposes, such as treating sexual dysfunction and obesity, suffered seizures and birth defects in their babies.

This problem does not end with GSK. In fact, every major pharmaceutical company, including Astralawsuits for off-label promotion and physician kickbacks.

Although the main concern of pharmaceutical companies is to sell times, these corporations may employ off-label promotion and physician kickbacks to increase revenue. When this happens, the patient becomes the victim.

You may not be the one in the white lab coat behind the counter,

18 The Spoke

but you should still be able to ensure that what goes into your body is right.

Since doctors are responsible for making prescriptions, pharmaceutical companies spend $24 billion marketing drugs to doctors according to Cegedim Strategic Data, a research tices employed by such companies are often questionable.

According to former drug sales representative Shahram Ahari, many “drug reps” are former models and athletes, who are hired based on physical beauty rather than knowledgeability on the drugs themselves.

Phil Mickelson may be an amazing golfer, but he is not the chemist behind Enbrel.

These drug reps intentionally downplay the side effects of their products, instead focusing on giving loyalty of doctors.

Some doctors are aware of this and ignore the marketing pitches of drug reps. To persuade these doctors, drug companies often hire other doctors to give scripted presentations regarding the effectiveness of a drug.

Under the Affordable Care Act, pharmaceutical companies are required to make their transactions with physicians public. By visiting openpaymentsdata.cms.gov, you can paying your doctor, how much money they are paying them and for which products the payments were made.

Most of the time, doctors will look out for their patients. After all, their medical licenses depend on good medical practice. However, the pharmaceutical companies looking between honest and dishonest medical practice.

So take the matters of your health into your own hands. Few doctors will behind your doctor’s suggestions.

Liz Lawton/The SPOKE

Maggie Chen/The SPOKE

Columnist Around this time last year, Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 mysteriously disappeared out of the sky, seemingly causing hundreds of passengers to tragically never be reunited with their families. One year and countless search teams later, the plane has yet to be recovered.

Air transport has always been a matter of international concern. According to the American Psychological Association, up to 25 percent of all Americans suffer from nervousness about flying. Passenger hostility is a major contributor. Some feel anxious about entrusting their lives to faceless pilots in cockpits. Others are shocked by the occasional news story on the TV, let alone the nagging fear of “Snakes on a Plane.”

Studies by the International Air Transport Association however suggest the chance of dying on a plane is negligible: in 2013, more than 3 billion people flew on commercial aircraft, and only 210 fatalities occurred, a small

fraction of passengers. I believe that despite the bad press planes get, Americans should accept the risks associated with air transport and incorporate it into their lives.

Everyday the news app on my phone notifies me of the latest murder, scandal or dress, and while some stories are funny, others fill me with dread and terror.

One of the major proponents of panic in America is the media.

Take for example the coverage of the recent airplane disasters surrounding Malaysia and Indo-

“I believe that despite the bad press planes get, Americans should accept the risks associated with air transport and incorporate it into their lives.” nesia. Following infamous Flight 370, another Malaysian Airlines plane, Flight 17, was shot down over the Ukraine-Russia border in July. Then, AirAsia Flight 8501 crashed in December, killing all 155 passengers and making it the second-deadliest air accident in Indonesian territory.

As somebody who flies annually to visit family in Singapore, I definitely am alarmed by the

realization that I may never return. However, after looking at the big picture and some sobering statistics, I have come to realize that airplane anxiety is more psychological than an actual fear.

Not recognizing the irrational fear of flying may lead to future problems. After the tragic events of 9/11 for example, large numbers of Americans abandoned airports and instead drove long distances in cars.

However according to the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft research organization, an additional 1,595 people died that year in car-related accidents as a direct result of 9/11. And humans generally do not like anything with the possibility of randomly blowing up or vanishing, which explains why people flocked to familiar roads after the disaster.

What they did not realize was that driving causes more fatalities over time than plane crashes do instantly. If we as Americans learn to view the larger picture of the effects of shocking plane disasters, we can understand and overcome irrational panic.

Tragedies like Flight 370 always occur. Yet as a nation, we cannot live in fear of a miniscule chance. People have to win the battle against their own minds before they can influence anybody else. So if you are flying somewhere this spring break, fasten your seatbelt, keep your tray table up, crack a ginger ale and don’t worry—you’ll make it to your vacation destination.

Worrying won’t change that.

SPORTS

Design by Ben Red

Allison Reagan and Nour Elkassabany Often students tend to label Conestoga crew as simply a club sport. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the true essence of the sport, and the exquisite passion that the rowers have for their activity and their “second home” — Bachelors Barge Boathouse.

The Captains, seniors Niall Carlson and Amy Connell, agree that many of their peers did not understand the commitment they had for the sport when they started four years ago.

“If you’re not there, the rest of your boat won’t row that day.” Carlson said.

“It’s the same commitment as any varsity sport at Conestoga,” Connell added.

Because crew is an individual-based team sport, the only way to succeed is to take the initiative to put in the work to train and consistently give it your all in practice.

“In some other sports you can kind of slack off or ride on people’s tails, but in this sport, the coaches know really well who’s doing the work and

who’s not,” Carlson said. “It’s really nice to know you’re getting rewarded for how much you’re putting into it.”

The discipline necessary during conditioning is also beneficial to the rowers in other parts of their lives.

“Once we get into the actual season on the water, actually my grades get better because there’s no time to procrastinate. It forces you to manage your time and you can get help with homework from other people that are also here,” junior Caroline Gosnear said.

To t h e c a p t a i n s , g e t t i n g through the winter conditioning sessions while the river is still frozen over is the toughest part of the season.

“The new kids, they don’t know what they’re getting ready for. It’s really worth it, getting to be on the water.” Carlson said.

Last season, the crew team medaled at the Cooper Cup, Mid-Atlantic Junior Regionals, Stotesbury Cup and City regattas.

They traveled to California in June to compete in the Youth National Championships and placed high enough in some events that some boats are now nationally ranked.

“The girls’ team, we’re basically an undefeated

powerhouse on the Schuylkill, everyone kind of knows us as the winners. We’re very intimidating and we do really well,” Connell said. “I see how much dedication other teams have versus us and it makes me realize how great our coaches are and how great our teammates are.”

The place that the crew team calls home for almost six months of the year is Bachelors Barge, a boathouse on the iconic Boathouse Row. Founded in 1853, Bachelors Barge is the oldest boathouse on the Schuylkill. Conestoga shares it with other teams in the area, including Drexel and Wharton.

“I’d say it’s our home, really.

It symbolizes who we are. It’s like a haven after races,” Carlson said.

Gosnear feels the way about her teammates as she does about the boathouse.

“I really like the social aspect of it because it’s like having a second family. I met a lot of people and it’s like having a whole other set of brothers and sisters,” Gosnear said.

No matter how great the team is, however, there are still members who sometimes think they can no longer handle the sport.

“There’s times when we have

a really bad practice and something hasn’t gone well and we get so frustrated that we just want to stop but then we realize how much we put into it and how hard we’ve worked and it’s just one practice versus a hundred practices that we’re going to have,” Connell said.

But there are always far more

reasons for them to stay than for them to go.

“I’ve had a race once in a while that just puts you up there towards the edge, but you just have to sit down, think and you realize it’s really worth it,” Carlson said.

Bringing home the hardware: Last years’ girls lightweight quad collects their medals and plaque at the SRAA National compete in this Regatta at the end of this season as well.

Photos courtesy Niall Carlson and Amy Connell

Nationals bound: The Conestoga crews that qualified for Youth Nationals pose for a photo. ’Stoga sent seven boats for the Regatta in California. Coaches and supporters wish that the team can accomplish a similar feat this year.

20 The Spoke

In sync: The boys varsity quad rows in the Cooper Cup. Despite intense competition, the boat

Sports Shoes

-

-Junior Dan Iredale -

-Senior Maggie Stetson -Senior Paige Kozlowski

- Senior Andrew Marston -Freshman Reese Caldwell

The Spoke 21

Sports Features

Olympic exposure: McKenrick swims at Pro Swim Series Caleigh Sturgeon Sophomore Brian McKenrick swam a few laps and stopped at the wall. He looked up and saw a pair of feet inches away from the side of the pool. One of the feet displayed the iconic tattoo of the Olympic rings.

McKenrick stopped for a moment and thought “wow there’s an Olympian getting in my lane.”

McKenrick swam in the Arena Pro Swim Series of Orlando from Feb. 12-14. The Arena Pro Swim Series hosted nationally and internationally ranked swimmers, including Olympic athletes from all over the world. Three American Gold Medalists—including Ryan Lochte— attended, along with many other members of the USA National Team.

Among the less than 600 swimmers McKenrick was the youngest male.

McKenrick’s coach at the Upper Main Line YMCA, Lou Petto, decided that McKenrick should attend the Pro Swim Series.

“Brian’s got a talent level that’s going to potentially bring him to bigger and bigger meets. We wanted to get him in that environment so that

when he does make US nationals and potentially Olympic Trials he’s gotten that awe factor and gotten used to swimming in that environment,” Petto said.

McKenrick qualified for the Arena Pro Swim Series in the 100yard backstroke, enabling him to swim two additional events. On Thursday Feb. 12 he swam the 100-yard butterfly, on Friday the 100-yard backstroke and on Saturday the 200-yard backstroke. McKenrick swam a time of 58.28 to place 34th

ever, two Olympic gold medalists, Tyler Clary and Matt Grevers, both scratched (removed themselves from) the event. After all scratches were complete, McKenrick was around 8:20 p.m. Saturday. With a 29th.

Aside from meeting Olympians

the same lane as 11-time Olympic medalist, Ryan Lochte. Lochte has

all of his events, McKenrick gained something else important from the Arena Pro Swim Series.

McKenrick said the highlight of the meet was “getting exposure, because not only were there Olympians there, but there were also a lot of international kids. It was cool to meet all of the international kids and hear about how they train and how they swim.”

Even though McKenrick enjoyed talking to international swimmers, he believes that in an event it should not matter where his opponents are from, or how big they are.

“Another swimmer is just another swimmer to me, just to chase down and get him and beat him,” McKenrick said.

Coach Petto believes McKenrick did not let his bigger and stronger opponents bother him at the Arena Pro Swim Series.

“It was a little bit of an eye opener for him, he adjusted well and did in season best times in his races so it didn’t affect how he performed.

He’s got a work ethic and a focus that most people his age don’t have, or most people any age don’t have,” Petto said.

recognized him by his national team cap, and started the chat.

“He asked me how my race was and we had a little conversation,” McKenrick said.

“I had so much adrenaline in me race at the meet. I swam it more controlled than I normally swim it, and I was able to hold my breathing pattern throughout,” McKenrick said.

On Saturday, McKenrick set his yard backstroke, his strongest event.

However, McKenrick ended up adding about two and a half seconds to his seed time.

“I just psyched myself out before the race and didn’t get myself prepared for it,” McKenrick said.

McKenrick redeemed himself in his last event, the 200-yard backstroke. He finished 33rd, making

Courtesy of Brian McKenrick

Sophomore Brian McKenrick prepares to swim backstroke at the Arena Pro Swim Series. McKenrick competed in the PIAA State Championships on March 13 and 14.

When junior Emily Conaway tries

Emma Purinton Emily Conaway- #15, Shortstop, committed to La Salle

Photos Courtesy Emily Conaway and Jenna Wilson

22 The Spoke

In the warm down pool after

to play softball, she can’t remember that far. “ I couldn’t tell you. I was young.

I’ve been playing basically since I was born.”

For Conaway, this lifelong love of her sport led to much more—namely, a future continuing her passion after high school at La Salle University.

Conaway says that she was skeptical college team’s atmosphere.

“The coach is so funny and I love his philosophy about softball and everything, and the girls are so sweet.

Overall, when I went, I just fell in love.

I felt at home.”

But as a junior, Conaway still has two more seasons of ‘Stoga softball ahead of her before she begins college softball. She hopes that this season, the team will go above and beyond what it has in the past.

“I hope we make playoffs. We have great senior leadership, so hoperound of playoffs.”

Conaway says that what will carry the team to victory is more than just lucky pregame traditions. She credits the team’s bond and mentality as what really makes the team strong.

“I try to help the girls that are getting down, and they do the same for me when I get down on myself--they pick me up.”

Jenna Wilson- #13, Out-

harder at softball. It was something I liked to work hard in and focus my attention on.”

tried softball in third grade, she had no idea that the sport would eventu-

with ‘Stoga softball, Wilson has gained some perspective on the unique experience school softball has given her.

The team is “still focused to win and to work hard, but there’s a little more relaxation that goes along with it.”

In addition to the good team mentality, Wilson says that her most

University.

“To be honest, I didn’t really know I was going to play softball in college until last year when I just went for it and asked coaches to see if they would want me,” Wilson said. “I guess I had always had a lot of good success with softball and I liked to work

the team is her “slapping,” or bunting ability.

“Because I’m really fast, my speed’s probably the biggest factor I have going for me. All I have to do is bunt and I’m safe every time.”

Although Wilson labels her speed as her strongest skill, she remembers a moment when her running got the best of her. communicated with me how far deep the ball was going, so I just kept running for it and I ran smack into the back fence trying to catch the ball, which ended up being a home run.”

Wilson says that although that moment did not become a movie-style catch for her, it reminds her of why she loves her sport.

“When you do catch ones like that right over the fence—that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Believe it, you make the cut:

Sports Comeback

The comeback story of Jimmy Wu

Navin Zachariah Co-Sports Editor Senior Jimmy Wu’s favorite part of a school day is coming back home and heading to the local Upper Main Line YMCA to play basketball.

On this particular day, Wu heads over to the gymnasium with his friends, seniors Nick Yan and Kay Zhang.

They shoot around to warm up, but then it is time for a game of one-on-one. Wu takes on scores on an uncontested drive to the basket.

He turns and laughs.

“The most important part of driving in basThis is a story about the little steps. Sometimes, taking those little steps can turn a life around. *** Wu’s normally cheerful attitude was not as apparent after freshman basketball practices three years ago. After each practice, Wu would endure serious stomach problems and become exhausted. He would need at least a week to recover from just one day of practice.

Wu believed that the reason he struggled to stay healthy was because he was too weak. He wanted to get better—he needed to get better.

So he went directly to the YMCA gymnasium after every practice. Wu lifted weights in order to get his body stronger and also spent another couple of hours shooting the basketball, trying to get more rhythm behind his shot.

He was overworking himself. He was not getting better. In fact, his health problems were compounding—but he had not seen the worst of it yet. *** Despite his nagging health concerns, Wu decided that he wanted to try out for the junior varsity basketball team during his sophomore year at ’Stoga. He thought he had a strong chance of making the team because he had unique athletiHe came out of the tryouts feeling as if his efforts were good enough. He felt safe.

About a week later, however, he found out through email that he was actually not safe—he had not made the cut.

Wu was not just discouraged, he was stunned.

The past few weeks before the tryouts Wu had been feeling increasingly despondent. He was convinced that he was not succeeding in school and that he did not have many friends.

The latest defeat of not making the basketball team put Wu over the top.

He felt unwanted.

“I think at the time, getting cut from the basketball team was a microcosm of what my life felt like. I felt unwanted and that I wasn’t good enough for people. I wasn’t prepared for what came next though,” Wu said.

What followed was a period of depression for Wu. For the next two

months, Wu stayed at home, avoiding school, church and other people. He could not face his peers. He felt that he did not make the cut in other people’s eyes.

His parents were supportive of him going through his tough time—one of them stayed at home with him at all times.

Wu’s days at home were very simple.

He woke up. He cried. He ate. He cried. He went back to sleep. He woke up. He cried. He watched TV. He cried some more.

Wu characterized his feelings while at home in one word.

“Helplessness. It feels like nothing is in your control anymore. It was hard to sit at home with that feeling,” Wu said.

In a time when Wu sensed everyone was against him, Wu knew his true friends were always for him. Yan and Zhang could not stand to watch their friend go through such a struggle.

They could not relate to him though. They did not know what advice to give. All they could do was stand by him and comfort him when they were needed.

“It was really hard to know the correct things to say at that time time actually making the team. He worked so hard trying to make the basketball team that year, every day going to the YMCA, and sometimes things just don’t work out,” Yan said.

“I just tried to always keep talking him through it and be considerate.”

Even through his depression, Wu never stopped playing basketball.

On the contrary, he used the extra time he had away f r o m school to play even more.

Al-

though he may not have been the best basketball player, he still loved the sport and refused to give it up. Basketball was an escape from his mundane home routine.

Although basketball was one factor that triggered his depression, it also helped Wu overcome his inner struggles.

“Eventually sitting at home for how long that I was there took a toll on me. I realized that I couldn’t just sit there and do nothing. Playing basketball got me up and active. I had to get up and do something with my life. I had to take at least a step in the right direction,” Wu said.

friends as “awkward.” All he wanted was to be to initiate ordinary conversation with his friends when he got back, he got increasingly comfortable around them as time went on.

Additionally, after having dropped all of his classes because of his two-month long absence from school, Wu was starting over in all of his classes. He believed that this was what he needed. He wanted to get off to a good start.

As Wu focused more on his schoolwork, his grades improved.

Another step had been taken, and Wu was regaining his rhythm.

dad’s friend was performing at his church one leave his house to watch the performance. But then came a crucial realization.

“I was like ‘Shoot! It’s literally now or time in a while and head out to church with my family,” Wu said.

Wu was just glad that he had taken “Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

You only have today, and you can’t make leaps and bounds in one day.

You have to take it one day at a time, one step at a time. When you The following step for Wu would include incorporating himself back into his friend circle and Conestoga’s rigorous academic did work up the courage to come back to school, he said that it was an uncomfortable experience.

Wu labeled his first interactions with teachers a n d

*** Having worked hard during his junior year to stay positive and upbeat, Wu began thinking about playing high school sports for Conestoga again in his senior year.

Wu decided to join the boys’ swim team.

Zhang, a four-year ’Stoga swimmer, helped Wu train and improve his technique for the upcoming season. Wu felt he would be ready to contribute to the team by the season’s start.

Then came the shocker. would hold tryouts.

Wu was surprised. He was uncertain that he would make the team now since he was only a though. He was determined to make the cut.

“I think my attitude trying to make the swim team this year represented the total opposite attitude I had when I was in 10th grade. I wasn’t going to back down from this challenge,” Wu said. in his heat during the tryouts.

“I was really hype when I found out I made it.

It was just really exciting. It’s like starting a new chapter when you’re eagerly reading a book. always excited to start the next one,” Wu said.

Zhang marvels at how successful Wu has did a good job each day. Especially with him good for us. It was amazing how well he swam with not much experience,” Zhang said.

During the season, Wu performed well enough to earn himself a spot at the Central League Championships. There, he was surrounded by some of the best swimmers in all of Delaware County.

“If anyone has gone through [depression] like I have, it’s just like taking each step in basketball. You have to take it one step at a time.

Maybe that’s starting to write a journal, maybe that’s talking to your friends, or maybe that’s paying more attention to your thoughts,” Wu said. “It’s all about taking steps and believing you can take those steps.” *** the game 11-9.

Wu is still smiling though—he’s not upset.

He’s ready—ready for a rematch and ready to overcome anything. Most of all, however, he’s ready for a swim.

The Spoke 25

Sports Opinion

If you think life is a numbers game, reevaluate yourself well, and others cloud their college image with efforts thought to be underwhelming or subpar. The Combine is considered a measure of the players’ natural ability and numbers. It’s their statistics that wow the scouts, general managers and coaches.

Andy Backstrom Co-Sports Editor

are overlooking the most important part of a player, or just person in

general – heart.

I have said it time and time again. Sports aren’t just about games and statistics; they are activities that are representative of valuable life lessons.

For instance, in school, every test, grade and statistic contributes to the college admission process in some way. Some focus on those tangibles – the SAT/ACTs, transcript

and GPA. There is a tendency to reduce each candidate to a mere number.

In my language and composition course, we read Margaret Talbot’s essay, “Best in Class,” which discusses the pros and cons of crowning a valedictorian in high school. After investigation, Talbot concludes that the process of conferring this honor simply provokes mindless competistudent with the best number.

One number.

Whether it is in sports or academics, a number is just that. Admission to college, an application for a job or the chance to be drafted into the NFL should never be decided upon numerical evidence. You may think it is logical, but it just isn’t.

Of the last 10 quarterbacks to be selected with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, only Eli Manning has reached the Super Bowl. Height, weight, arm strength? Let’s take a look at Russell Wilson. The Se-

The margin between a 4.40 and a 4.70 second 40-yard dash could make all the difference for an aspiring NFL player’s career.

This one number can dictate where a player is drafted and how much they are paid. The numerical difference is small, but the effect is much larger.

Recently, the NFL Combine has been covered on NFL Network, as the top college football players preparing for the NFL Draft ventured to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to showcase their talents for all 32 teams in the league. Each player is tested in tangible challenges — the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump and respective position drills.

Some players help their “draft stock” by performing

Andy Backstrom/The SPOKE

11 inches tall and 204 pounds.

He was given a draft grade of 68.5. Yeah, well, the thirdround Super Bowl winner has

proved the doubters wrong because of his intangibles. Wilson has heart, work ethic and determination.

Whoever says that life is a numbers game should reevaluate their equation. There are several more variables to account for.

Talbot later examined the fates of the valedictorians discussed in the essay. She concluded that, after college, valedictorians follow more systematic career paths but otherwise are virtually the same as most of their classmates in their post-high school years.

It is unfortunate that colleges and general managers do not give more weight to the kind of person someone is, the kind of character they have, when making decisions that can influence the student or player’s career.

Several colleges are currently missing out on the Tom Bradys of the academic world right now. The students whose tangibles do not equate to the expected standards, and are doubted, are the ones that are destined to power past expectations.

Numbers are irrelevant once you make it to the next stage of life. Many will see that in college, and many of these athletes at the Combine, regardless of where they are drafted, will see that in the NFL, come OTAs and Training Camp.

IN CHIP WE TRUST? Andy Backstrom & Navin Zachariah Co-Sports Editors Andy

I have never witnessed a roster turnover in Professional football like the Philadelphia Eagles’ this offseason. Not even in my Madden Franchise Mode. After Chip Kelly took over as Director of Player Personnel for the Eagles’ organization earlier this year, I expected change, but not anything as drastic as this.

As astounding as their actions have been, I’m not here to bash Kelly and company. On paper, the Eagles will be a playoff team next season.

The change from LeSean McCoy to DeMarco Murray is not major, as both are premier backs in the NFL. But, the depth chart below Murray is special. Ryan Matthews, if he remains on the roster by the start of the season, will provide a “one-two” punch with Murray. Snatching Murray also hurts their divisional rival, the reigning NFC East Champion Dallas Cowboys.

The swapping of quarterbacks Nick Foles and Sam Bradford be-

26 The Spoke

tween the Eagles and the St. Louis Rams respectively was the most controversial deal the organization made. I think of it this way: Bradford yet to prove himself, as he has been plagued by injury. In his short time of play, he has shown promise. Not to mention that he will be paired up with his fellow Oklahoma running back, DeMarco Murray.

Inside linebacker Kiko Alonso was attained from Buffalo in the McCoy trade that was the start of the Free Agency frenzy. Yeah, Alonso is another Oregon Duck, but remember, he was the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

You may be thinking that I have forgotten about injury implications of these transactions. Here’s the deal.

Bradford is coming off his second ACL injury in his NFL career, but seems to have recovered well. If he is carted off once more, Mark Sanchez will have to produce just like he did this year. Alonso’s ACL is nothing to be too concerned about, as his upside from his rookie season is simply too good to pass on. Who knows though.

Could this be another “Dream Team” from 2010? That’s why they play the game.

Navin Chip Kelly is absolutely nuts.

Sometimes being nuts can be a good thing as the General Manager, but defend the LeSean McCoy trade, for the reasons that he said he made the decision for. That reasoning was tothen he turns right around and signs both Ryan Matthews and DeMarco Murray. Those are some good players that he found a way to sign. However, he is an absolute hypocrtite.

He says he made the decision about then he turns right around and puts a ton of money in that same position, and to two very injury-prone players.

Here lies another issue. He signed players who have a high chance of getting injured. Sam Bradford may be the decision that I totally cannot see a reason for. If he prefers Sam when he trades another second round pick to get Bradford, who really when I have a problem. I may be a biased Dallas Cowboys fan, but I truly wish all Eagles fans a lot of luck as they begin the season with Sam Bradford at quarterback.

Andy Backstrom/The SPOKE

SportsLine: A look into the postseason

Sports Briefs

Yuge Xiao/THE SPOKE

Courtesy Ryan Comstock

A season to remember: Junior Darryl Caldwell drives to the basket in Conestoga’s victory over Academy Park. The team won 54-31 on Feb. 18. After two straight state tournament appearences, the Pioneers look to continue to build their reputation.

On to Nationals: Conestoga (second column over from the left)

Boys Basketball Honors: Senior Andrew Diehl - First-Team All-Central League Junior Darryl Caldwell - First-Team All-Central League Senior Martin Dorsey - Second-Team All-Central League

Track and Field Championships at Penn State University on March 1.

The Pioneers (from bottom to top of column: seniors Jimmy Cooper, Andrew Marston, Killian Nelson and junior PJ Murray) participated in the Distance Medley Relay. With their placing, the boys ran in the National Championships at the Armory in New York on March 13.

Reporting by Co-Sports Editors Andy Backstrom and Navin Zachariah

COMMITMENT CORNER Ryne Ogren

Anna Tellefsen

School: Elon University

School: Emory University

Grade: 12 Sport: Baseball

Grade: 12 Sport: Soccer

Position: Shortstop

Position:

Why Elon?

“It felt like the right fit. It is a great campus and it has a great team and great coaches. It just felt like the right choice.”

Why Emory?

“I chose Emory because it has a perfect balance between academics and athlet-

What ’Stoga Baseball taught him: “Definitely how to be a team player. How to learn, how to mesh with the other teamates. It taught me how to work with each other and get some wins.”

Favorite ’Stoga Baseball Memory: Playing in the State Championship Game last season

coaches and players were so welcoming and really helped me to make my decision.”

What ’Stoga Soccer taught her: work with a group of people towards a common goal. I think we did a really good job welcoming the freshman this

Favorite ’Stoga Soccer Memory: Winning the Central League Championship this season The Spoke 27

SPORTS

INSIDE:

Inside Bachelors Barge p. 20 Wu’s Comeback p. 25

A Run to Remember

Andy Backstrom/The SPOKE

Junior MJ Lezanic

UPDATED AS OF 3/16