The Spoke October 2015

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ou were able to hear a pin drop,” said Spanish teacher Ann Karcewski. Pope Francis delivered his speech in slow, deliberate and softly spoken Spanish in front of the meeting place of the founding fathers — Independence Hall. Although not every jumbotron displayed English translations, people intently listened to his speech on immigration and religious freedom.

“The guy next to me was an old

man who worked in a private school in New Jersey. He was the athletic director [and] did not speak a word of Spanish and he and his wife were transfixed,” Karcewski said. “It was really something special to see.”

Karcewski wanted to be a part of the diverse audience greeting the first Latin American pope to Philadelphia. Immigration rights’ groups,

Catholic school students, families and curious visitors care

fully stepped over the picnickers on blankets and the nuns sitting and snacking to get closer to the pontiff.

“The people around me were just happy. They weren’t grumpy or miserable. There was just this sheer sense of joy,” Karcewski said.

See pages 6 and 7.

Photos by Meagan O’Rourke/The SPOKE

A young worshiper in the crowd shows off her Pope Francis doll during the wait to go through security before mass on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Mr. Wood p. 2

Pope Visit p. 6

New Teachers p. 12

Speciesism p. 17

Pope Francis greets crowds lined around Independence Mall before his speech on immigration on Saturday, Sept. 26.

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News

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Chemistry teacher honored by President Betty Ben Dor Photography Editor Conestoga chemistry teacher Derrick Wood discovered that he had been selected as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science when President Obama announced the 108 national winners on July 1.

“I feel very proud, very blessed, very honored to be selected among such elite educators from across the country and even among the school — we have so many great teachers at Conestoga,” Wood said. “It’s really a reflection of our superior faculty here and our great students.”

The award is presented every other year to seventh through 12th grade math and science teachers. Two winners are picked from each state, as well as from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

Wood was nominated for the award by a former college professor with whom he conducted research. He then began the process of compiling his application, which included a video of himself teaching a lesson for 45 minutes, as well as a 12-page reflection with 10 pages of supplementary material.

For his lesson video, Wood chose to film himself teaching an AP Chemistry II class and giving an interactive lecture on quantum mechanics.

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Science Department Chair Dr. Scott Best, alumnus Jed Thompson and T/E Curriculum Supervisor Nancy Adams wrote letters of recommendation for Wood.

banquet held at Pennsylvania State University, where he met the other two finalists from Pennsylvania.

“To be recognized as an outstanding educator amongst so

working events. The Office of Science and Technology Policy hosted the winners who met with the United States Chief Technology Officer, Megan Smith, as well as President Obama.

Betty Ben Dor/The SPOKE

Executive Accolade: Chemistry teacher Derrick Wood was honored by the White House on July 1 for excellence in math and science teaching. He joined 107 other recipients of the award in Washington over the summer.

“He has made a difference right from the very beginning.

He creates a dynamic classroom experience and is always enthusiastic,” Adams said.

Wood submitted his application in May 2013, and in August of that year he was named a state finalist. That December, Wood attended a recognition

many great educators that we have, not only from Conestoga, but throughout the state, is pretty incredible,” Wood said.

During the five-day national award ceremony held this August in Washington D.C., Wood spent time at the White House and the National Science Foundation, attending several net-

Wood said he enjoyed talking to other teachers outside of the Conestoga environment, an opportunity he said is rare.

“It was a really great experience, networking and hearing what types of things they do in their classrooms,” Wood said.

“It’s hard to stay current and on

the cutting edge of what are the best teaching methods and new types of activities that people are doing.”

At Conestoga, one of Wood’s roles is coaching the Science Olympiad team, which he has led to the state championships several times.

“He is very motivational — whenever we go into a competition, he likes giving speeches to help us prepare and to motivate us,” junior Jordan Gusdorff said.

Science Olympiad co-captain Lauren Harris said that Wood “really puts an emphasis on everyone being valuable and able to contribute. He works hard to foster a team environment.”

Adams stressed Wood’s continuing support of science education across T/E, as well as his efforts to increase students’ interest in the subjects he teaches.

“He really works tirelessly to push science forward in the district. He stands out as a person and a teacher in his willingness to give back and how he treats his students,” Adams said.

Wood has introduced several innovative forms of science technology to the district and has taken strides to make chemistry and science more popular among students.

“I always try to be an innovator in the classroom. I focus on authentic examples making sure everything is relevant and applicable,” Wood said. “I try to keep it real for the students.”

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

News

BYOD opens new frontiers in digital education Jordan Liu & Cissy Ming Staff Reporters When he first posted one of the now ubiquitous yellow signs in his classroom, U.S. History and philosophy teacher John Koenig never imagined his idea would spread across the school.

Koenig wanted to remind students to “respect and protect (themselves) and others” while online, worried about the potential consequences of their electronic activity.

His message resonated with Director of Instructional Technology, Dr. Michael Szymendera, who found it relevant in Conestoga’s transition to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

While Koenig encourages students and faculty to take advantage of BYOD, he also recognizes the importance of moderation.

“There are new and interesting technologies today, with unseen consequences,” Koenig said. “The signs were the most visual way to create a concept that spoke to those concerns.”

“If we don’t prepare our students to be good digital users, we aren’t preparing them for life.”

-School Board Member Karen Cruickshank Prior to this school year, the Student Code of Conduct mandated that students keep their electronic devices off and out of reach during the school day.

However, everyday experience told a different story.

The school district’s BYOD initiative, launched on Sept.

21, marks a change in its official stance toward electronic devices. Students now have the option of using their personal devices in designated areas within Conestoga, including the library, cafeteria, hallways, courtyard and classroom with teacher approval.

Because he viewed the previous electronics policy as poorly enforced, sophomore Connor Feldman doubts BYOD will make an impact.

“I think that it’s basically just going to be as it was before, only we’re allowed to use Wi-Fi,” Feldman said. “I really don’t think it’s going to affect us, since we had our phones out before.”

Sophomore Jack Broadhurst believes that with BYOD, students will become more independent in their use of technology.

“Students are going to have more opportunities to use their own devices and be less dependent on the school to provide,” Broadhurst said.

Conestoga joins an increasing number of schools across the nation with BYOD programs, which address the needs of technologically inclined students. According to K-12 Blueprint, an Intel-sponsored initiative which aims to integrate electronics into school curriculums, 67 percent of students surveyed preferred using their personal devices for learning.

Additionally, the same survey revealed that 75 percent of students favored studying from tablets to reading paper textbooks.

Conestoga principal Dr. Amy Meisinger has received mainly positive responses to BYOD from the student body.

“The feedback we’ve been getting is generally, kids are happy to have their devices,” Meisinger said. “We have found a way to open BYOD for them and we hope students see this as a positive way to enhance what they’re doing in the classroom.”

According to math teacher Travis Hartley, allowing personal devices in the classroom will improve his students’ learning experience.

“In statistics, technology is so critical. We use it a lot and it’s much easier if students have their own devices so they can personally see what we’re learning,” Hartley said. “I’m excited and look forward to taking the time to find ways to change learning.”

However, Koenig intends to continue barring students from using their devices during class.

“I want a device free zone in the room, since devices are the most distracting things,” Koenig said. “As someone who didn’t grow up with technology, it’s worrisome that people are over-reliant on it and see it as an easy solution.”

The revised electronics policy in the Student Code of Conduct also limits students’ electronic activity. Students are to use Internet provided by the school while within the building, which allows the district to filter and monitor their browsing. To maintain a quiet learning environment, students

“If something comes up that we’re made aware of and we need to learn more about, there are certain things we can look into to do that, but on a regular basis it’s not a practice to look at any of those things,” Szymendera said.

To register a device with the BYOD Wi-Fi network,

option of registering their devices on the district network during the 2014-2015 school year through a BYOD pilot program.

School board member Karen Cruickshank expressed support for the initiative at the board’s Sept. 21 general meeting.

“It’s not right to make stu-

Betty Ben Dor/The SPOKE

Online: The BYOD initiative launched last month after a one year delay. Students must register their devices on the district network by installing two profiles and accepting the updated Acceptable Use Agreement. may only speak into their devices in certain areas. Without permission from school staff or administrators, students cannot take photographs or record videos and audio. In enforcing the policy, the T/E School District Wi-Fi network blocks popular photo sharing apps, such as Instagram.

Librarian Brooke Hauer trusts Conestoga students will adhere to the new regulations.

“We expect students to honor the Acceptable Use Agreement like they always have,” Hauer said. “We’re not here to hunt you down and catch you breaking the AUA, we’re here to help you and support you through this process and make it as positive an experience as possible.”

Although administrators can access Internet history and student files stored on school servers, Szymendera explains that the district only uses monitoring when administrators have a “reasonable suspicion” of a policy violation.

students must install a profile checker. Szymendera explains that each of the three required downloads help to connect student devices to the network and sync them to the owner’s school account. As a result, students can still access the BYOD network despite changes to their account information, such as passwords.

Originally scheduled to launch in September 2014, conflicts with the school board and technical difficulties resulted in a one year delay. Instead, students and teachers had the

dents put their electronic devices away because this is not the way the world is going,” Cruickshank said. “If we don’t prepare our students to be good digital users, we aren’t preparing them for life.”

Despite the delay, Hartley feels grateful to the school board and district for their commitment to BYOD. “I appreciate the time we took to implement BYOD,” Hartley said. “The school board and district were ready, they didn’t rush into it and that was important.”

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Water and fun: UNICEF holds charity race Jeffrey Xue Staff Reporter Senior Brian Weiss dashed across the finish line, one of the first to finish the 5K race at Wilson Farm Park. Weiss, an avid cross-country runner, has run many races before, but this time he did it for charity.

On Sept. 20, the Conestoga UNICEF Club teamed up with other UNICEF clubs from Henderson, Lower Merion and Northeastern High Schools to host the first-ever UNICEF 5K at Wilson Farm Park in Wayne.

Seeking to raise money for charitable causes around the world, the club designed the 5K as a fundraiser that would allow runners in the community to both get a workout and donate to a philanthropic cause.

Thirty runners took off from the starting line to trace the five kilometer circuit around the park. Along the way, UNICEF club members lined up along the trail to direct competitors and, at some junctions, throw water balloons. Some runners were there for the cause, others for the com-

petition and many simply for the fun.

For Weiss, it was all three.

“A lot of my friends were helping to organize it,” he said.

“It’s for a great cause, so I thought it would be a good way to help out.”

Led by its president, senior Jason Kim, and its vice president, senior Linda Ashmead, the club managed to connect with not only similar groups from other schools, but also officials from the club’s parent organization, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The American branch of an international children’s relief fund, UNICEF USA, provides guidance for local clubs in support of the world-wide charity that focuses on helping needy children in impoverished countries.

“We’ve been working since the beginning of summer,” Ashmead said. “Every Sunday we would have Google Hangouts with the leaders of the other high schools we were collaborating with, and we talked about logistics and which school was going to be in charge of what.”

In addition to the run, a fair

Jeffrey Xue/The SPOKE

On Marks: Racers prepare at Wilson Farm Park for the 5K on Sunday, Sept. 20. A total of 30 runners of all ages particpated in the event, representing four school districts. Over $2,500 was raised over the weekend. was set up near the Wilson amphitheater, complete with ring tosses, ping-pong balls and a DJ UNICEF received proceeds from the event through sales of race and fair tickets, T-shirts, concession stands and company sponsored donations. Donations were particularly abundant, thanks in part to the affiliation with UNICEF USA, and ultimately the club managed to raise a sum of $2,524.75.

UNICEF sponsor Michael

Trainer, an English teacher at Conestoga, was impressed by the level of structure and commitment the club displayed. He believes that UNICEF’s goals remain higher still.

“I said this morning that you’re building a tradition,” Trainer said. “Each year (the number of runners) will increase. The people here today will see how cool it is, and next year they’ll say ‘Oh yeah, that was fun, let’s get more people to go.’”

The club is planning another fundraiser, Trick or Treat for October, and plans to also sponsor a station at the Pennsylvania State THON later this year.

The Tap Project, introduced last year as a method for students to both stay off their phones and donate water to kids in need, is scheduled to occur again as well. Rebooted last year from a once-defunct club, UNICEF is one of the fastest growing clubs in the school.

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Race Face: Event organizers watch from the sidelines as racers prepare to run for charity. UNICEF clubs from Henderson, Lower Merion and Northeastern High Schools teamed up over the summer to organize the 5K and fair.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

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The Spoke 5

News

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

From Paoli to Philly: Papal Pilgrimages Liz Lawton, Meagan O’Rourke, Jerry Zhu Staff Reporter, Co-Convergence Editor, News Editor Design by Adam Lockett Continued from p. 1 Since the announcement of the pope’s visit in November of last year, Philadelphia raced to prepare for visitors from across the world.

With crowds estimated at two million people, city officials and the Secret Service planned stringent security measures to ensure the safety of visitors and the pope. The creation of two traffic boxes and a planned shutdown of major highways in and around the city facilitated the logistical demands of the event; however, this made it essentially impossible to drive within a three mile radius of Center City Philadelphia. For most, taking the train or

walking were the only means of entering the city.

In July, SEPTA announced the sale of special passes for the weekend of the visit. Riders were required to enter an online raffle to claim the 175,000 $10 tickets offered for each day of the event. On the Paoli-Thorndale line, Paoli and Radnor stations were the only stops open for service.

In addition to transportation restrictions, on Sept. 2 the World Meeting of Families announced that most closed off areas to see the pope would require tickets. Distributed on a first come, first served basis, a total of 30,000 tickets were made available on Eventbrite for free.

On Sept. 9, township officials in Tredyffrin voted to declare a state of emergency for the weekend of the pope’s visit, Sept. 26-27. Electing to ensure that students would be able to get home, school district officials announced a half day schedule on Sept. 25 and a two- hour delay on Sept. 28 to account for road closures and the increased security measures.

By Friday evening, the National Guard and state police began blocking off I-76 and major intersections near transit services.

Around Berwyn and Paoli, “No Parking” signs were posted along neighborhood roads and police contacted local residences to inform them of road closures and emergency preparation plans. At the Paoli station, Chester County sheriffs and Tredyffrin Police set up crowd control measures and provided increased security along with Amtrak and SEPTA Transit officials.

Detective Sgt. Todd Bredda of the Tredyffrin Police said that local law enforcement worked to plan for all possible threats months in advance of the event.

“Security is necessary because in this day and age with different threats, you have to take all precautions,” Bredda said. “We want to make sure that everyone can get to and from this special occasion safely. It’s better to plan for all eventualities.”

To make room for

riders with different time-slotted tickets, the parking lot was sectioned into three makeshift waiting areas.

Tredyffrin Police hired DJ Tom Dalton to play “upbeat music with religious undertones” to entertain passengers waiting for their respective trains.

“The crowd had been manageable in the sense they’ve been courteous with each other and with the people working the area,” Bredda said. “The DJ was able to create such a great atmosphere that people have even been doing the conga in line.”

As trains leaving from Paoli barreled through Stafford, Wayne and Ardmore, the scenery out the windows changed from bustling boulevards to deserted streets.

Nearing the city, the atmosphere in the trains grew tense with the anticipation of seeing the Holy Father.

Immigration Speech On Sept. 26 visitors waited to go through security for the pope’s speech at Independence Hall, blocks away from the shutdown Benjamin Franklin bridge.

As visitors walked closer to Independence Mall, ready for a day of standing, they heard crowds shouting, “Papa Francisco! Ra ra ra!”

Pope Francis rode past the Independence Hall Visitor Center at 4 p.m., leaving thousands of camera flashes and shouts of adoration in his wake. He left his Popemobile and emerged from the white doors of Independence Hall, ready to deliver his speech.

“Do not be ashamed of what is part of you,” Pope Francis said.

Standing on her tiptoes, Laura Rodriguez heard the speech after enduring a 23 hour drive from Houston — taking a tow truck ride from the Pennsylvania border after her car broke down. She was not going to pass up the opportunity to see the pope because she cannot leave the country to go to Vatican City.

Continued on p. 7

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Rodriguez is a DREAMer, a student who has a two-year work permit in the U.S. under the DREAM act. She is paying her way through the University of Houston, majoring in psychology.

She feels a sense of belonging in the U.S., and would not want to have to go back home to her birthplace in Mexico.

“Since I was raised in the (U.S.) my whole life, I know I would feel like an immigrant in my own country,” Rodriguez said.

Pope Francis specifically reached out to immigrants to the U.S., encouraging them not to lose their sense of hope or identity.

“Many of you have emigrated to this country at great personal cost, but in the hope of building a new life. Do not be discouraged by whatever challenges and hardships you face,” Pope Francis said.

Rodriguez connected with the pope’s message because “he is very humble” and “doesn’t care where people are from.”

Pope Francis stood by religious freedom and liberty in his speech.

Although the winds sometimes blew his robe over his head, he kept his message steadfast: “Let us preserve freedom. Let us cherish freedom.”

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Jerry Zhu/The SPOKE

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News

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

From Paoli to Philly: Papal Pilgrimages

Continued from p. 6 Festival of Families As the speech at Independence Hall came to a close, rumors of the pope’s time of arrival at the Festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway circulated between lawn chairs. Six o’clock came and went, and the palpable anticipation grew.

Every so often, the cops meandering on the parkway would spot especially eager festival-goers in the trees and kindly order them to come down.

Finally, a little after 7 p.m., cheers were heard and flashing lights were seen on the left side of the parkway as the papal parade began to make its loop. The tree-climbers realized their perfect opportunity and hopped back up into the branches, and people of all ages climbed on each other’s shoulders.

The motorcade made its journey and headed for the stage,

D

while the crowds settled down for the festival. The event began with an introduction from actor and the festival’s host, Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg briefly discussed his deep connection to the Catholic faith and belief that his success came from Catholicism. In line with the family theme, six families from six continents were invited to share their experiences of faith, family, hardship and love with Pope Francis and the pilgrims present.

Each speech was followed by a musical performance by people ranging from Aretha Franklin to Christian Rock artist, Matt Maher.

A 14-year-old from the Keystone Boys Choir particularly captured the audience’s attention.

“Everyone was dead silent— he had a beautiful voice. It was just angelic; it captivated everyone there,” senior Pedro Acosta said.

Acosta sat next to people of “every age, every color” and people speaking Spanish, English and Vietnamese.

With speakers as diverse as the audience, families from the US, Ukraine, Australia, Nigeria, Jordan and Argentina spoke, receiving an embrace and a blessing from the pope directly after.

As a commemorative gesture, artists presented the pope with a mural by the World Meeting of Families and requested that he sign it.

Finally, the crowds quieted and became attentive for the much anticipated speech. Teaming up with his translator, Monseigneur Mike Miles, Pope Francis discussed the importance of family, specifically children and grandchildren. He

get through security for mass in a crowd seven blocks long and 20 people wide. Halfway through the wait, Torres was given pizza from an assembly line stretching out of a tiny pizza shop on 21st street. Torres then did the rosary with a middle-aged couple she met in line.

Standing in the same line was Marian Moran from Media, Pennsylvania, leaning on her son and daughter at times for balance. The week before she had found out she was breast cancer free and decided she would go to mass despite the pain of her neuropathies.

“The mass is what makes it full circle. Being here with my son and daughter means a lot,” Moran said.

Sunday Mass Finally past security at 3:15 p.m., Torres boarded the train at Paoli Torres pressed against Station and was surprised that there the barricades around were empty seats. the parkway to see “The tension in the air was Pope Francis ride past palpable. The excitement started in his Popemobile. building as the train started mov- After stopping to bless baby after ing,” Torres said. “Everyone was so baby, Pope Francis waved and pahappy to be there and there was an raded past Torres behind a yellow overwhelming joy bouncing off of truck and scores of security. As everyone. It felt almost blessed.” hundreds of phones around her lit Arriving onto the elevated plat- up and children on shoulders shoutforms at 30th Street Station, Torres ed, Torres was able to see the Holy stepped out into a “ghost town.”

Father.

“It was eerie at points when we Librarian Janice Gottesfield also passed through the city and there caught a glimpse of the pope, but was no one there. The streets were from outside of the barricaded area. deserted almost and the parking gaShe arrived at the parkway two rage and offices that were usually and a half hours before mass, but so hectic were completely empty,” did not have enough time to go Torres recalled. “It was like every- through security. body left the city.”

“I was a little frustrated, but it Torres waited four hours to was to be expected because there (were) more people there on Sunday than on Saturday. But there was no sense in getting too frustrated because you couldn’t change it,” Gottesfield said.

Although not in the ticketed area, she watched the jumbotrons and worshipped.

“You were still able to feel like you could be a part of it. The bigger picture was that you could be with all these people — a group of diverse people,” Gottesfeld said.

Meanwhile, Torres, her father and her aunt staked out a spot for mass with their two folding chairs in front a jumbotron. Mass began at 4 p.m. and worshipers sang, “Exultate, Justi” in unison.

“It was so beautiful to see that many people at peace,” Torres said.

Pope Francis delivered his homily in Spanish to the nuns, visitors and families sitting on the concrete Jerry Zhu/The SPOKE under the gray sky dotted with the abandoned a prepared speech of a more political tone, opting for an impromptu one that received cheers, laughs and tears from every corner.

“He kept saying ‘pray for me’ and that type of humility I really liked to hear from him,” Acosta said.

The pope included anecdotes from his interactions with fans, noting a particularly difficult question from a child asking, “What did God do before creating the world?”

After much deliberation he said he responded, “Before creating the world, God loved. Because God is love,” eliciting cheers and chants throughout the parkway.

Meanwhile at home, senior Lissie Torres packed her sweatshirt, fleece blanket, snacks and two precious shiny tickets for Mass the next day.

flags of 90 countries on the parkway. Like his address at the festival, he emphasized inclusion and family as the center of faith.

“Anyone who wants to bring into this world a family which teaches children to be excited by every gesture aimed at overcoming evil — a family which shows that the Spirit is alive and at work will encounter our gratitude and our appreciation,” Pope Francis said. “Whatever the family, people, region or religion to which they belong!”

Wordlessly, people gravitated to the golden and white umbrellas at the edges of the barricades to receive communion after singing the Lord’s Prayer.

“It was really unorganized, but once you got it, you just had an immediate smile on your face,” said Acosta, who also waited in the four hour security line for mass.

Gradually, Acosta, Torres and the families who received communion rejoined the masses to sing “I Received the Living God.” “It was just really moving to see so many people in one place just enjoying one person’s presence,” Torres said.

The archbishop of Philadelphia thanked the crowds and the pope and announced that the next World Meeting of Families would take place in Dublin in 2018. After the recessional, the masses left shoulder to shoulder on the final leg of the pilgrimage — the way home.

A-Pennsylvania State Police from Pittsburgh secure Independence Mall while Pope Francis delivers his Immigration Speech B-Nuns load onto the R5 Paoli/ Thornedale train.

C-Brazilian visitors wave Vatican flags before entering security for Independenc Hall.

D-Argentinian spectators intently listen to the pope advocate for unity among different cultures.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

STUDENT LIFE Homes away from homes Story by Public Relations Manager Shivani Sanghani and Staff Reporter Emma Purinton Photos by Shivani Sanghani and Angela Nguyen Leaving their homes and traveling as far as 5,000 miles, four students joined new families and began their lives as exchange students in America. Victoria Barreda, Zala Korosec, Leon Hagenlocher and Amanda Santos describe their experiences adapting to Conestoga and the Main Line.

Victoria Barreda Argentina

Leon Hagenlocher Germany

Zala Korosec Slovenia

Amanda Santos Brazil

A senior from “la capital de la capital de Argentina,” or La Plata, Buenos Aires, Victoria Barreda enjoys spending her senior year at Conestoga.

“The people are really polite,” Barreda said. “At the stop sign, people actually stop. In Argentina, you would never see that. Most people would just drive through.”

Barreda said her favorite part of America is definitely “the bacon.”

Barreda said that she is used to a similar Argentinian dish, “el tocino,” which cannot compare to “the flavor” of American bacon.

Barreda also tried playing squash for the first time at Conestoga, as a way to try something new and meet other students.

“In Argentina, we only had about 37 students in our class, and now I am with more than 500,” Barreda said. “Yet even with so many more people, the traffic is so much less than in Argentina.”

According to Barreda, students in Argentina typically get 10 minutes between each class and remain in the same classroom all day. The teachers, instead of the students, travel from classroom to classroom.

“I really enjoy free periods and the greater degree of freedom that I get here,” Barreda said. “I can always get a small nap in during a free period.”

Before coming to Conestoga from Germany, senior Leon Hagenlocher prepared himself for a big change.

“It’s very different here, but I expected it. Everyone said, ‘Leon, you’re going to the next best school in the country,’ so I expected it to be hard,” Hagenlocher said.

Hagenlocher said that his experience with English while in Germany made the transition to life in America easier. In addition to speaking English, Hagenlocher is continuing to learn a third language at Conestoga.

“In Germany, you take English from the first grade. I love to speak English — it was my favorite subject in school, but I (also) love speaking a language in general. I take Spanish at Conestoga because I’ve had Spanish since the seventh grade in Germany,” Hagenlocher said.

Hagenlocher says that the first big difference he experienced in America was a completely different school schedule.

“We have breaks in Germany — we don’t have free periods. But generally the breaks are really long, like an hour-and-a-half, so you have time to eat or do homework,” Hagenlocher said.

Hagenlocher also changed in his activities when he came to Conestoga and has found a new passion for cross country.

“In Germany I did triathlons, but I do cross country now,” Hagenlocher said. “For me, cross country was an opportunity to meet people and make friends.”

Senior Zala Korosec likes that she can pick her own subjects at Conestoga, unlike in Slovenia, where the school mandates a set class schedule.

“It’s just so different from Slovenia.

I’ve never seen so many (opportunities) to take so many classes. I really enjoy taking television and writer’s craft as classes,” Korosec said.

Korosec said that she’s not used to eating dinner as part of her everyday lifestyle.

“In Slovenia, we have a family lunch after we come home from school at around 3 p.m., and then for dinner we usually just eat a small snack.”

Korosec also added that she doesn’t like the “fatty, unhealthy foods” of American culture.

“I’m taking gym in school, so that I won’t get fat. ‘AFS’ (or Another Fat Student) is our exchange student program’s motto. Everyone is scared that if we go to America, we’ll get fat. For example, the milk here is so much sweeter,” Korosec said. “We eat pretty much the same food in Slovenia, just that usually our mothers cook for us more often, so it’s very healthy food. I really hope to be able to continue eating home-cooked, healthy foods.”

Korosec has joined the Conestoga girls’ volleyball team and enjoys watching sports, especially football.

Senior Amanda Santos was struck with a big change from Brazil as soon as she arrived in America.

“I miss the weather. We don’t have any snow and in winter (it) is actually kind of hot,” Santos said.

Despite this big difference from home, Santos finds the transition to life at Conestoga fairly easy.

“I expected (the exchange) to be really fun, that I’d meet a lot of people and it would be full of new experiences,” Santos said. “I didn’t really know how school would be, but everyone was really nice with me and helped me with finding classes.”

Santos has gotten involved with several clubs at school, including Multi-Culture Club, Latino/Hispanic Culture Club and Stage Crew. Santos said that speaking English in her daily life is not too difficult, given her experience speaking the language.

“I’m not having trouble adjusting to English because (I have been) learning it since I was a child. My dad is an English teacher and also was an exchange student 30 years ago,” Santos said.

Although she has had a smooth transition overall, Santos says she was thrown off by a particular American custom.

“In Brazil we don’t like to touch our food, so (when) I was eating pizza with my host sister and I held mine with a napkin, she started laughing at me and I was really embarrassed,” Santos said.

8 The Spoke

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Student Life

Dare to flare: ’Stoga revives fashion trends Lyvia Yan Staff Reporter From Birkenstocks to chokers and turtlenecks to scrunchies, style at ’Stoga gets a blast from the past.

Hallways are yet again crowded with the retro trends from “Clueless” plaid skirts to “Friends” high-waisted jeans.

“It feels old-fashioned but it’s still cool,” junior Lily Cronin said.

Popular stores like Free People and American Apparel have stocked up on denim button-downs, maxi dresses and palazzo pants, embracing a modern ’70s bohemian look infused with the edge and punk-rock of the ’90s.

“Nineties style is more that pop-punk vibe — I’m not really into that,” Cronin said. “I like looking fresh, not like I’m angry at everyone, but sometimes I like that rock-and-roll look with leather jackets and ripped jeans.”

In addition to leather jackets and distressed jeans, the ’90s are also coming back in the form of Birkenstocks — sandals that were popular with hippies, tree-huggers and hipsters.

Lyvia Yan/The SPOKE

Fashion forward: Sophomores Katie Economou, Sally Wetheral and junior Lily Cronin wear popular styles from the ‘90s era. The school and community has seen a revival of retro fashion trends.

“I saw people in ’Stoga wear- formerly shunned, “ugly” shoe as Although Cronin is not a big ing them last year and decided to just that. fan of Birkenstocks, she does get a pair (of birkenstocks) over “Birkenstocks are kind of appreciate the return of the the summer because I like them, like ‘eh’ — they’re too ‘earthy- ’90s turtleneck trend. and I can wear them with almost crunchy’ and I’m not an ‘earthy“I love turtlenecks. I like anything and they’re really com- crunchy’ type of person, but big chunky sweaters, and now I fortable,” sophomore Dani Ditt- they’re good on other people. If want more, more,” Cronin said. mann said. you like them, you like them,” The fashion of the ’80s, inHowever, some still view the Cronin said. fluenced by figures like excer-

cise extraordinaire Jane Fonda, had an impact on the style of certain teachers.

The ’80s “were the exercise craze with the warm-up socks, leg warmers and scrunchies.

Yes, I wore them all the time,” English teacher Laurel Light said.

Newly popular trends, like flare jeans, are reminiscent of the ’70s styles familiar to choir director Suzanne Dickinger.

“The ’70s were an offshoot of the ’60s so you had the bell bottoms that went from knee down, were really wide and they came up to about [the hip] so they were practically falling off your body,” Dickinger said.

Dickinger was never a flower child when the hippie-craze came, but she still wore flare jeans, along with almost every other student on her college campus.

Although retro fashion trends are making a comeback, Light believes some ought to stay in their decade.

“One thing I hope does not come back are leisure suits and polyester,” Light said.

The Spoke 9

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Student Life

Shake it up: Students find alternate workouts Jahnavi Rao and Warren Zhao Staff Reporters Tired of devoting long hours after school and on the weekends to mind-numbing exercise at the gym, several Conestoga students are branching out. Pursuing workouts that do not just fulfill their extended experience requirements, but also provide opportunities to learn a new skill, these students have redefined the way they work-out.

An increasingly popular alternative to traditional fitness options is Cross-Fit. “I feel it’s really good for your brain, your heart and your body.

(CrossFit) is not as boring as just Warren Zhao/The SPOKE going on a machine in a gym,” junior Rosie Neff said.

Work it: Juniors Sophie Dunn, Jeffrey Gao and Christin Ealer begin their CrossFit exerThe number of student partici- cises at CrossFit Village Berwyn. Students are taking a new approach to extended experience. pants at CrossFit Village Berwyn has grown from only a few at the (students) at the end of last year CrossFit focuses on short, high-in- I’ve purposefully done twice so I end of the 2014-15 school year to and they really liked it and told tensity activities that range from could see if I improved,” Wilson 14. Instructor Wendi Wilson at- their friends. A lot of the kids 15-20 minutes, emphasizing said. tributes this growth to the student we have here know each other,” variety.

Kickboxing is another popathletes from last year.

Wilson said.

“I’ve been coming for a year ular workout option for students “I think word of mouth has Utilizing combinations of and a half and the only workouts seeking creative exercise opportu2015_HS_Newspapers (10.312 x 5.843).2_Layout 1 8/11/15 4:32 PM Page 1 been a big part. We had a couple weight and cardio exercises, I’ve ever done twice are the ones nities. Senior Melissa Zheng said

that kickboxing appeals to her because she can improve her health and learn how to defend herself.

Zheng attends kickboxing classes twice a week at the Nackord Karate System’s studio in Gateway Shopping Center, where she also serves as a karate instructor.

“Kickboxing is exercise intensive, starting with a warm-up/ stretch/pushup period. Then we do sets on the punching bag and then usually do kicks on the kicking shields. (Finally,) we have a ‘cooldown’ period of stretching,” Zheng said.

Discipline is very important in martial arts, and kickboxing is no exception. According to Zheng, one instructor assigns pushups for transgressions such as yawning, fooling around and speaking out of turn. However, Zheng still calls the class “exhilarating, de-stressing and empowering.”

“As high-schoolers, we deal with a lot of stress that needs to be purged in some way, so I suggest this form of exercise to play a triple role. (Students can) fulfill extended experience credit, hang out with friends and de-stress,” Zheng said.

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■ a personalized college planning timeline, ■ a working list of colleges for application.

For many students our program begins before the senior year.

The College Admissions Planning program is under the direction of David Clark, (Ed.M., Harvard Graduate School of Education), an independent college admission consultant with more than thirty-five years experience working with high school students and their families.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call David Clark at 610-642-4873, ext. 52 or email him at: david@collegesearchnow.net

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10 The Spoke

Student Life

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Teacher Feature Algebra 2 teacher Wendy DiRico discusses her secret talents, musical aspirations and most shocking moment.

Ian Ong Centerspread Editor How long have you been teaching at Conestoga?

I came to Conestoga in 1986.

I taught here for four years until 1990, when I had my oldest daughter. Then, I took 21 years off, and I came back a couple of years ago in 2011.

Did you have any jobs before deciding to become a teacher?

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, so I never really did anything other than working at the snack bar at the local pool. My grandmother owned a candy shop, so growing up we always worked in the market and sold candy. I’ve really never had another job other than being a teacher because it’s always what I really wanted to do.

Why did you become a math teacher?

I’ve always loved math because once you get to the answer, there’s no more work to be done.

In English, I’d write my paper and then I’d say to myself, “I know I can go back and make it better.”

I’d edit it, and then I’d say, “I know I can still make it better.”

The question is, where do you stop? I think that’s one reason I liked math, it was very concrete.

When I got the answer, I got the answer.

When you began teaching, what were your first impressions of Conestoga?

My first impressions in 1986 were that this is a totally different place than my first year of teaching. I had taught one year at a school district that was very different than Conestoga, where about 60 to 70 percent of the kids went to college, but the other 30 to 40 percent did not. The expectations were very different. From the time I had my first interview here, I knew I was coming to a place where expectations were high for the students and that the parents had high expectations as well. When we’re doing something and a student asks a question, thinking a step ahead of where we are, that’s one thing that has always hit me about Conestoga: students really care about what they’re learning.

Why do you think math is an important subject to study?

A couple of years ago, I had a student who was in my math class.

He really didn’t like math at all,

but he loved political science, so there was a day that I asked him to come up with a presentation on how math and political science are related. It is amazing that you see math everywhere: if you start talking about politics, if you want to win an election, you have to have the right number of votes. You have to know, “if I win a certain percentage in this district, is that enough to count the percentage I’m going to lose in this district?”

Then, when it comes to budgets, that has all to do with numbers.

Math is important because it shows up everywhere, even places where you wouldn’t think it does.

Tell me about your children.

I have five daughters. The oldest is Erica; she’s 25 and a math teacher at Radnor High School.

My second daughter, Tori, teaches seventh grade math and science in a little town called Pinetops, North Carolina. She is doing that through Teach for America, which is a national organization that recruits college students to teach in underprivileged schools.

She happens to be in a very rural area, so I’m really proud of her for being down there. My next daughter, Meredith, is at Penn State studying physical education, so all three of them are following in my footsteps as teachers. I have a daughter, Rachel, who is a sophomore here and a daughter, Christie, who is a 7th grader at Valley Forge Middle School.

What is your secret talent?

I know how to do something called clogging, which is a southern kind of tap-dancing. Unlike tap shoes, clogs have taps both on the front and the back, and it’s for very southern mountain-style western dancing. When we were growing up, my family went to this place called Fon-

tana Vi l l a g e in North Carolina, and we would do clogging lessons every year. My

brother, my sisters and I took lessons along with a lot of our friends, and we would put on performances for the guests. Even now, when we have a wedding anniversary party for my parents or when we have special events, the four of us will get together and do a little clogging performance.

Do you have any musical aspirations?

One of the things on my bucket list would be to be in the chorus for “Les Mis.” I love the “Les Mis” music, I love the story and I’ve always thought it would be

n e W

intervals. My first friend showed up at 6 p.m. that night, and they came with some excuse about a book that they had to return.

Then 10 minutes later, one of my other friends came to the door with flowers. Finally when the third person arrived, that’s when it hit me. It was about the third or fourth person when my husband said that this was my surprise party. There were probably 20 families that all showed up at different times, but we all ended up together at the end. Also, my daughters came home from college to be there, so

D dy

really fun to be on stage just as a member of the chorus for that. It would be really fun to be like Fantine, but I don’t think I have the voice for that.

What is your most shocking moment?

My husband threw a 50th “reverse surprise party” birthday party for me a couple of years ago, so rather than me showing up and everybody being there at the party, I was at home and he had people arrive at ten minute

Favorites: Song: “Your Great Name” by Natalie Grant Movie: “The Sound of Music” Things to watch on TV: Penn State Football games Food: Fitzkee’s chocolate Vacation Spot: Fontana Village, N.C.

o c i iR

a2 r b e Alg

er h c Tea

it was really fun. I’m not shocked easily, but that was just a total, total surprise.

If you weren’t a teacher, where would you be right now?

I did have a double major in political science in college, so there was always this thing about politics that really interested me. If I wasn’t a teacher, maybe I would do something in the political arena. Probably not running for office myself, but doing something behind the scenes, helping somebody else.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Spend time with my family, my daughters, my husband. I also help with our youth group at church, so that involves a fair amount of time. I would say between those two things and keeping my house clean, spending time with my family and helping out at church are probably the big things.

The Spoke 11

Student Life

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

MEET YOUR NEW TEACHERS! Story by Allison Reagan and Neil Goldenthal Design by Michael Zhang Mr. McDermott

Mrs. Davison

Guidance Counselor College: Loyola University Favorite Movie: "Caddyshack" Favorite Book: "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," "The Catcher in the Rye" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip Favorite Quote: “Thank you very little.” -Fletch Favorite Outside of School Activity: Basketball, soccer, spending time with kids, working as a career counselor Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: “Working with the students on helping them achieve their career goals and college goals.”

Librarian College: Roane University, Gratz College, George and Court University Favorite Movie: "The Book Thief" Favorite Book: "Wonder" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Anything with chocolate and peanut butter Favorite Quote: “I carry your heart, I carry your heart, in my heart.” -E.E. Cummings Favorite Outside of School Activity: Spending time with her daughter, reading Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: “I’m really having a good time getting to know the staff and really team-teaching and going in classrooms. We’re working on book talks right now and that is so much fun.”

Mrs. Showers

Mr. Sharick

H Chemistry, X Chemistry College: Pennsylvania State University Favorite Movie: "Dirty Dancing" Favorite Book: "Gone Girl" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Coffee Favorite Quote: “If you always set your expectations low, you’ll never be disappointed.”-Her dad Favorite Outside of School Activity: Running, spending time with her kids, watching her kids play sports Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: “I like the interactions with the kids and getting to know all my students, their ins and outs, in the classroom and outside of the classroom.”

H Physics, AP Computer Science, Alice and Java College: Carnegie Mellon University Favorite Movie: "The Matrix" trilogy Favorite Book: "Icewind Dale" trilogy Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vienna Mocha Chunk Favorite Outside of School Activity: Ultimate Frisbee, video games, watching and playing sports Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: “I think the thing that I look forward to every year of teaching is getting that new class and seeing how the dynamic changes with each class.

You get a chance to redo things that you’ve done in the past and do a better job.”

Ms. Stafford

Spanish 3, Spanish 5 College: Eastern University, currently attending West Chester University Favorite Movie: "The Wedding Planner," "Adventures in Babysitting," "Tommy Boy" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Anything dark chocolate Favorite Quote: “The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page.”

-Saint Augustine Favorite Outside of School Activity: Spending time with friends, travel, cooking, exercising, drinking coffee, eating really good food Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: “Getting to know the students and teaching what I love to teach.”

12 The Spoke

Ms. Matthews

Studio Art 1, 2 College: University of Delaware, Moore College of Art and Design Favorite Movie: "Dirty Dancing" Favorite Book: The "Harry Potter" series Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Favorite Quote: “Art takes time.”

Favorite Outside of School Activity: Hiking with her dogs Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: “Getting to know my students better so I can be a better teacher for them and help cater my assignments to bring out the best in them.”

Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Mr. Gallagher

H U.S. Government, H U.S. History College: University of Florida, Villanova University Favorite Movie: "Braveheart" Favorite Books: "Killer Angels" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chip Favorite Quote: “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

Favorite Outside of School Activity: Coaching baseball Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: Getting to know the students and going to school activities.

Ms. Baumann

Guidance Counselor College: Rutgers University, West Chester University Favorite Movie: "Remember the Titans" Favorite Book: "Walk Across America" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Allergic to dairy, prefers Watermelon Favorite Quote: “Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one’s courage.” -Anais Nin Favorite Outside of School Activity: Doing anything outdoorsy Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: “I am so excited to meet all of the students and hear about all they’re involved with. Students here do so much, and everyone does a little of everything, so it’s great to just learn and get to work with all you guys.”

Ms. Gazzara

Spanish 4, 5 College: Temple University Favorite Movie: "Volver" Favorite Book: "Viente Poemes de Amor" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chip Favorite Quote: Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize that they were the big things.”

Favorite Outside of School Activity: Vacationing at the Beach Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: Working with high schoolers.

Student Life Mr. Wilson

A, X World History, H U.S. History College: Temple University Favorite Movie: "Forrest Gump" Favorite Book: "The Da Vinci Code" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chip Favorite Quote: “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” –Theodore Roosevelt Favorite Outside of School Activity: Playing Soccer Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: Getting to know the students.

Ms. Hesse

Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar, Music Production College: Penn State, University of Delaware Favorite Movie: "Legally Blonde" Favorite Book: "5 People You Meet in Heaven" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Bittersweet Mint Favorite Quote: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” –Walt Disney Favorite Outside of School Activity: Playing in music groups Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: The marching band spirit days.

Ms. Corkhill

Guidance Counselor College: Gettysburg College Favorite Movie: "Pitch Perfect" Favorite Book: "Sarah’s Key" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Favorite Quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the thing you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trail winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Favorite Outside of School Activity: Coaching field hockey Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: Getting to know everyone and getting involved.

Ms. Zwart

Ms. McCain

Multi-Tiered Intervention Teacher College: East Carolina University Favorite Movie: N/A Favorite Book: N/A Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: N/A Favorite Quote: “I can’t pick a favorite!”

Favorite Outside of School Activity: Taking care of her new baby girl Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: The community aspect of Conestoga and all the opportunities.

H World History, H Government College: Quinnipiac University Favorite Movie: "The Princess Bride" Favorite Book: "After the First Death" Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Coconut Almond Joy Favorite Quote: “I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.” –Queen Elizabeth I Favorite Outside of School Activity: Visiting National Parks Most Looking Forward to at Stoga: Getting involved in the Stoga community and seeing the various talents of students here.

The Spoke 13

Story by Michael Li and Paula Miller Design by Ian Ong and Adam Lockett Photos by Michael Li, Paula Miller and Betty Ben Dor

How ‘hip’ is your ‘teach’?

slang (n): informal words and phrases The ’60s brought terms like Daddy-o, groovy and far-out. Thirty years later, as if!, phat and fly dominated the ’90s scene. Nowadays, we have on fleek, fire and squad.

Slang terms and abbreviations help characterize language and culture, be they short-lived fads or gradually accepted expressions. Each generation sports its own set of slang. Thanks to the internet and social media, millennials have developed a distinct, colorful vocabulary of abbreviations, expressions and slang. As swag replaces groovy and hype replaces hip, the language gap between students and teachers widens.

While words like fire and slay may be self explanatory, teachers found on fleek and ship more obscure.

“There’s way more slang now than there was before because of those internet sites I keep hearing about,” said environmental science teacher Kevin Strogen. “The slang can develop so much quicker now.”

For teachers, words like rufus, bounce, ttfn and phat may be more familiar than hype, shade, tbt and bae.

English teacher Melissa Pacitti noted that some terms “have evolved, but they pretty much mean the same thing.”

Another similarity is the idea behind an exclusive vocabulary.

“When you say something that’s slang, and you get it, you know, we’re cool with each other,” Strogen said.

Slang terms like bae, ship and squad have worked their way into everyday use for senior Leah Palomo.

“I started using them as a joke, and now I actually use them. I have mixed feelings about them,” Palomo said.

Whether the new wave of slang will stay around or fade away is still up for debate. As YouTubers, celebrities and musicians continue to invent new words, Pacitti thinks that some of today’s slang will stick, “especially because of the text talk, since a lot of them are abbreviations. Kids are always going to look for ways to abbreviate.”

on fleek

(expression): flawless, on point

Mrs. Gottesfeld: “I know what on point means, but on fleek, hm…”

Mr. Davey: “If I had to go with something, I would probably say it means on point.”

Mr. Short: “Really positive, it’s from a vine about eyebrows, I think.”

14 The Spoke

Dr. Melissa Pacitti

Mr. Kevin Strogen

ship

(v): to pair, often romantically

Mrs. Gottesfeld: “Is that your car? I don’t know what a ship would be.”

Mr. Davey: “Ship, like championship?”

Dr. Pacitti: “No idea. Send it?”

fire

(adj): amazing or awesome

Mr. Davey: “That’s easy. It’s awesome. Conestoga football is fire.”

Mr. Strogen: “Is that the same as spitting fire?”

Mrs. Gallo: “I’m spitting fire all day in class, you know?”

shade

(n): disrespect, slander, or attitude

Mrs. Gottesfeld: “You’re secretive, you don’t want people to see what’s up.”

Mr. Short: “Talking negatively about someone, like throwing shade.”

Mr. Davey: “Like throwing shade on somebody.”

bae (n): a person or thing you love a lot Mr. Davey: “Before anybody else.”

Mr. Short: “It’s a term of endearment for your loved one, and it’s beyond all else.”

Dr. Pacitti: “No idea.”

slay

(v): to do well or accomplish

Mr. Strogen: “Like ‘Oh I really did well on a test. I totally slayed that.’”

Mrs. Gottesfeld: “That just kills me, I just love it.”

Dr. Mihelcic: “Slay means something wowed me.”

squad

(n): a group you like to be around

Mrs. Gottesfeld: “My team, my group, my posse.”

Mr. Davey: “The crew, your clique.”

Dr. Pacitti: “Your group of friends.”

Mrs. Elizabeth Gallo

Mr. Richard Short

Mr. Justin Davey

A

Blast From The Past Students Respond to Slang...

Sike (exclamation):

Crib (n):

an expression typically added after a misleading or false sentence

A place of residence

Leah Palomo: “Just kidding.”

Ben Arndell: “Like an expletive.”

Brad Dessender: “House.”

David Nice: “Sike like: ‘You’re kidding.’”

Jason Vassiliou: “It’s where somebody hangs out and stuff.”

Behind the eight ball (expression):

Phat (adj): cool and hot

to be in a bad position or at a disadvantage

Leah Palomo: “Cool, like, ‘that’s so phat.’”

Brad Dessender: “Smart.”

Leah Palomo: “Slacking.”

Aidan Hunter: “That’s like you’re on top of things.”

Ben Arndell: “It means you don’t know it.”

Aidan Hunter: “That’s a little uncomfortable.

Like big?”

PYT (n): stands for “Pretty Young Thing,” the title of a song by Michael Jackson Leah Palomo: “Pierce your tongue.”

Sophia Wang: “It’s from ‘Another Cinderella Story.’ Pretty young thing.”

David Nice: “It’s a song. It’s a Michael Jackson song.”

Aidan Hunter: “I’m going to assume it stands for something.

Point your toes?”

Slang that stood the test of time: salty (adj): irritated, upset noob (n): a person new to a game; a loser chill (v): to calm down, relax

clutch (adj): awesome, said in a slow voice legit (adj): legitimate, genuine dope (adj): really good

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

OPINION Our Policy: 2015-16 Each academic year, the editorial board of The Spoke presents the policy that will guide the paper’s direction.

The following guidelines apply to The Spoke as well as Spoke.news, the recently updated digital component of the newspaper. We look forward to another great year of serving the community.

Our Mission The Spoke serves as a public forum for student expression.

We strive to report stories of interest to the Conestoga High School community accurately and fairly, providing analysis that is researched and impartial. In addition, we hope to report stories that are fresh, stories that we have not covered in the newspaper before. Though some topics may be deemed “controversial,” The Spoke will explore those that are relevant and newsworthy. With this in mind, we also try to adhere to the ethical guidelines that transcend simple written policies.

What We Cover Staff members gather relevant story ideas from around the community and submit them prior to each issue. In addition, community members can pitch story ideas by emailing Hello@spoke.news. The editorial board determines which stories go in the newspaper, based on the extent and nature of coverage, and on timeliness and relevance.

The staff of The Spoke strives to report news, student life and sports stories, without bias or conflict of interest. Reporters are encouraged to seek out a variety of sources for their stories, to present a bal-

anced and objective viewpoint.

Freedom of speech allows our opinion writers to express themselves and their opinions in signed columns. However, all opinions conveyed in signed columns are those of the writer, and not necessarily the opinion of The Spoke. All unsigned editorials represent the collective views of the editorial board and are written by editorial board members.

Publication Dates The Spoke is published seven times a year at Bartash Printing, in October, November, December, February, March, May and June. Copies of the newspaper can be found in school on publication days, as well as at selected locations around the community. Subscribers get issues mailed directly to their homes.

How Readers can get Involved For corrections and complaints, we encourage readers to contact The Spoke at Hello@spoke.news. Community members can also write Letters to the Editor that may be published in the paper. Businesses can support The Spoke by paying for advertisements in the paper. With regard to ads, we reserve the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement at

any time. Students not on the staff can guest-write, design or illustrate for the newspaper and the website by reaching out to an editor or adviser. Students can also apply to be on the staff in the spring.

Online Presence For years, Stoganews.com has complemented the print version of The Spoke, providing more coverage of community events through video, photo galleries and stories. Before the 2014-15 school year ended, the editorial board met to discuss a possible renovation of the website, in order to increase community interest in the online presence. Over the summer, our online editors and graphic designers worked together to create Spoke.news, a revamped and modernized source for news around Conestoga and the community. We have expanded our digital presence, with additions such as guest writers, a club spotlight and an online Commitment Corner. Come visit us at Spoke.news!

Wishes The Spoke staff hopes for another great year. It is our pleasure to produce and publish the newspaper, and we hope our readers take pleasure in reading this year’s volume of The Spoke.

From the Editor: Step out of the comfort zone

Michael Hong Co-Editor-in-Chief People like what they’re used to.

Humans are creatures of habit — we live our lives by repeating the same actions. Although we claim that variety is the spice of life, we also find solace in our everyday routine.

I’m used to math — it’s my passion. My father studied math, and perhaps because of his influence, I developed an interest in math throughout my education.

But during my freshman year, my World Literature teacher and current adviser, Mrs. Gregory, recommended me to apply for The Spoke. I applied, hoping to improve my writing and to experience something different. As someone who identified as a “math guy,” writing for the school newspaper was outside my comfort zone. Would I be considered an outsider? Would I even be accepted?

I was accepted, and thus began one of my most rewarding experiences in high school.

While I began by being discouraged by the poor grades and the tons of suggestions on my articles, they soon spurred me on to write and report better.

Having established my interest in journalism, I wanted to get more involved. I joined a student press rights association, became an editor and applied to attend a journalism conference. Yet once again, the same concerns of being an outsider came back to me. Why would an outsider be chosen?

But somehow, I was chosen to represent Pennsylvania at the 2015 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. With 50 other peers who represented each state and Washington D.C., I immersed myself in journalism for a week. I spoke to some of the most famous journalists, watched a live taping of Meet the Press and toured the offices of USA Today.

Before attending the conference, I feared that my peers would reject me for being a “math guy.” I was afraid that my passion for journalism would pale in comparison, and I would be judged for that.

But at the conference, I realized that my fears were for naught. My constant concerns about being an outsider were meaningless. I shared the passion for journalism that my peers had. I, a “math guy,” had become a “journalism guy” as well.

While journalism and writing were once outside of my comfort zone, they were now in it.

In hindsight, one of the best decisions I made in high school so far was to step outside of my comfort zone, to join The Spoke and experience something that I was not used to. Try something new and step out of your comfort zone every once in a while. Perhaps you’ll discover a new passion.

Find past issues and more online stories at:

16 The Spoke

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Opinion

Relationship Advice for Kim Davis

Remember Cecil but don’t forget the nameless

Camille Kurtz Copy Editor

Pallavi Aakarapu/The SPOKE

Rose Kantorczyk Columnist Kim Davis and Government got together in November 2014, when she was elected as a clerk in Rowan County, Ky. She thought it was the beginning of a long, happy relationship. Then, on June 26, 2015, Government did something Kim could never forgive — the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage.

Needless to say, they got in a big fight.

Part of Kim’s job as county clerk is issuing marriage licenses, but, as an Apostolic Christian, she believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Kim didn’t think this would be an issue going into her relationship, but, after the ruling, she felt like she didn’t even know who Government was anymore. When same-sex couples came to her office seeking licenses, Kim refused to issue them. Government wasn’t too happy about that, so the two decided to go on a break. Davis spent five days in jail, and was released when her deputies began issuing the licenses in her stead.

Now the couple is tentatively back together, but the relationship is still tumultuous. Kim is accused of altering the licenses by removing references to herself, her deputies and her office, as well as adding the note, “pursuant to a Federal Court Order.”

These actions render the legality of the licenses questionable and relegate LGBT couples to “second-class citizens unworthy of official recognition,” according to ACLU lawyers representing the license seekers.

Despite their troubled union, Government can’t quite bring itself to leave Kim. Her position as county clerk is an elected one, so she cannot be fired. When Kim and Government became official, they agreed that she would follow all United States laws and comply with Supreme Court rulings. Government wants to reconcile, but Kim refuses to meet halfway, and it’s having effects on people outside the relationship — the marriage license seekers.

It seems to me that Kim and Government maybe aren’t so compatible after all. We’re lucky to live in a country where everyone can freely and openly practice their religion, but when public officials begin picking and choosing which responsibilities to follow based on their beliefs, a line needs to be drawn; for example, police officers cannot refuse orders to stand guard outside abortion clinics just because their religion condemns abortion. In the same vein, Kim Davis cannot defy the Supreme Court and deny couples the right to marry because of her religious beliefs. That should be a relationship deal-breaker.

Maybe Kim Davis should consider breaking up with her position in government. Ms. Davis, I know the end of a relationship can be hard, but you deserve a job where you feel no reservations about fulfilling your duties, and the people of Rowan County deserve an official who will follow the letter of the law. This just wasn’t meant to be. It’s not you, it’s me — wait, nope, it is you.

A line of plush stuffed animals barricades the door of a Bloomington, Minn. business. In front of the building sits a young girl dressed in a lion costume and Velcro sandals. In her hands, a sign reads, “Protect Me don’t Hunt Me.” She sits in front of a funeral altar — a shrine dedicated to a victim of a merciless and coldblooded murder.

This image of 5-year-old Quinn Madison in front of the River Bluff Dental clinic, along with moving photos of other protesters, has shaken thousands throughout the country.

Over the summer, Dr. Walter Palmer was accused of luring Cecil, an African lion, away from his protected sanctuary and proceeding to hunt, shoot and, ultimately, behead him.

Palmer’s actions are inexcusable.

While the public outrage in response is a momentous step toward animal equality and recognition of animal rights, it does raise the question of our society’s susceptibility to speciesism. An unfamiliar term to most, “speciesism” refers to the valuing of one species over another. This discrimination can occur between non-human species and humans

(such as valuing humans over lions) or between two non-human species (such as believing cats are better and more deserving of rights than pigs.)

As positive as the popular backlash against Palmer is, in many ways it showcases a speciesist hypocrisy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture claims 63.7 billion animals are killed for food each year in the U.S. alone.

Animal Equality reports that every second 3,000 animals die in slaughterhouses across the world. We protest the death of a single lion yet remain silent as an incomprehensible amount of livestock is butchered for every breath we take.

There is a forceful backlash against the animal rights movement when it extends its compassion to animals that make up a part of our diet. While some may argue that Cecil’s death and the death of a chicken are not comparable, as Cecil was killed with selfish intention while the chicken died for human profit, these instances are equally horrendous.

The argument that killing the chicken is justified (as it will “benefit” people) while killing the lion is not is the very root of speciesism. It was a heinous crime to kill Cecil, a member of an endangered species, but it is equally as heinous to devote the entire existence of another animal to serving our speciesist needs.

I am in no way minimizing the impact of those who stood up for Cecil and protested his death. It is also not my intention to alienate readers and ostracize all meat-eaters — instead I merely would like us to question ourselves. How can we feel so entitled as to mourn Cecil but not

bat an eye at the cows whose horns are gouged and burned from their heads and whose ears are branded with hot metal? The male baby chicks who are gassed and minced to death because they cannot produce eggs? The pigs who are procedurally boiled alive?

The answers to these questions do not come easily. To answer them requires sacrifice — it’s difficult to truthfully face the issue without acknowledging that this confrontation could lead to unpleasant conclusions that we have been brushing under the rug. We fear realizing we have been raised in a world that depends on meat and animal products to function and where the consumption of such has become normalized. We fear sacrificing our ability to unwittingly encourage speciesism by keeping dogs and cats as pets but eating chicken nuggets and hotdogs.

I laud the valiant efforts of those that supported Cecil the lion, but I only urge that we consider the pervasiveness of speciesism in everyday life. The Union for the Conservation of Nature estimates 600 lions are killed for sport each year. This statistic is startling and nauseating, but no more significant than the fact that in the time it took for you to read this article another 900,000 animals have been brutally killed and excluded from the animal rights movement and the public’s compassion because of a speciesist culture of which we are hardly cognizant. The billion names of the animals we kill are never called out, their shrines never established. Stand with Cecil, but don’t abandon Piglet.

“I feel like a lot of people value their pets more. [People] don’t understand the struggles that livestock go through, like the slaughterhouses and the poor conditions they’re put in.”

- Ciara Freeman “People don’t eat their cats and dogs, they eat chickens and pigs so people aren’t as sympathetic to those animals.”

- Brooke Pellegrini “Based on the amount of land that we designate for each different species, I do think we designate more to certain animals.”

- Noah Haag “You see it with dog breeds: there are normal ones you can get from a shelter, mutts, [but] people don’t view them as precious as a purebred Tibetan mastiff.”

- Emily Charlotte Duffie-Fritz

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Opinion

White feminism: a bleach stain on our movement

Nour Elkassabany Columnist In this backwards, continuously messed up world in which we find ourselves, it gives me a bit of comfort to know that in 2015 feminism is an important and salient issue. However, this movement is far from perfect. Feminism should be the advocacy of rights for all types of women. But some of the most prominent faces and loudest voices of today’s youthful movement in feminism (think Lena Dunham, Taylor Swift) fail to do the work needed to improve the status of all women.

Instead, they practice a popular yet misguided breed of feminism: white feminism.

The phrase “white feminism” is not necessarily about being white.

It is about approaching feminism with a mindset that can only benefit a select group of women. This group tends to be white, cisgendered (born biologically female and self-identified as such) and straight. White feminism ignores all characteristics outside of gender; thus it fails to recognize how white privilege impacts its beneficiaries’ experiences with misogyny, as opposed to a black woman, who would suffer from misogyny and racism. The trick here is that her womanness and her blackness cannot be separated, and neither can the discrimination. The result then is a beefed up form of oppression with very different problems and very different solutions than those that work for a member of just one group. White privilege makes it easier for white, middle-class women to live with daily misogyny, because they only face a singular form of oppression, while other groups of women are further marginalized on multiple fronts.

To combat the problem of white feminism, we need intersectionality.

At its core, intersectionality is about examining how different facets of identity are connected in the great-

er scheme of discrimination. In the context of feminism, intersectionality means inclusivity — it means acknowledging the differences among women and carving out spaces for women of all backgrounds in today’s feminist movement to share and discuss the struggles exclusive to their lives.

Feminism without intersectionality is counterproductive and ineffective. While it’s great that Emma Watson can get up in front of the UN to

give a speech about gender equality, she will never be able to speak with the same perspective as Viola Davis, who addressed the lack of diversity on television during her Emmy acceptance speech. And white feminism has an incredible capacity for smothering the voices of other women. I want you to imagine it like the kid in your class who participates too much. They’re almost always talking, and eventually it starts to sound like static. It doesn’t mean

Pallavi Aakarapu/The SPOKE

much or it doesn’t make sense or it’s just wrong, but it takes up everyone else’s time. For example, white feminism argues against Muslim women wearing the hijab, claiming it is oppressive without hearing the thoughts of the actual women wearing it. Muslim women don’t need white feminism to save them; they need it to move out of the way and hand them the microphone.

I know how much the mainstream loves boiling feminism down to gender equality. That’s not completely incorrect, but trying to say that “woman = man” assumes that all women are the same, which is far from the truth. The billions of women in the world today will not fit into a mold of “white, able-bodied, middle class and straight,” so why should feminism try and make it so?

For as much work as it took (and still takes) to unlearn the harmful mindsets surrounding gender roles and to dismantle the expectations and judgments of other women, there has been marked improvement. With the same commitment and determination, intersectionality could transform the landscape of modern feminism for the better.

Poetic yellowface dishonors the literature world

Michelle Xu Opinion Editor I have to admit, perhaps shamefully, that I’ve always felt lucky to be born with an English-sounding name. I’m proud of my Chinese heritage and can unabashedly walk in the streets sipping on a large taro bubble tea while sporting Hello Kitty ornaments in my hair. But after hearing substitutes botch your last name of two letters for the umpteenth time, you thank the stars that at least you’re not the kid with the full-blown Asian name.

Ironically enough, however, for the past few years Michael Derrick Hudson has been lamenting that his name isn’t Asian enough.

A few weeks ago, the poetry world exploded with his story. Hudson had been utilizing a pseudonym, Yi-Fen Chou, to submit poems to acclaimed publications like Prairie Schooner and Best American Poet-

18 The Spoke

ry 2015. He had ripped the name off of an old high school acquaintance, without her knowledge, to increase his works’ chance of being accepted.

And it worked. His poems were published in both those exceptional anthologies and others. No one would have been any wiser if he hadn’t ultimately sent Sherman Alexie, the editor of Best American Poetry 2015, a note telling all. Turns out that mysterious new Asian poet who dropped an unusual amount of European cultural references in his verses was just a white guy who works at a library in Indiana.

Quips aside though, this poetic version of the Rachel Dolezal scandal strikes upon a very tricky dilemma in the literature world: the role an author’s race should play in his publication. It clearly does a lot right now — some argue maybe too much. Hudson himself explained that he utilized the pseudonym because his poem would get rejected 40 times with his own name, while that number was lowered to only nine rejections with his Asianized persona. And Alexie admitted on his blog that the presumed Chinese-American identity had made him “more amenable to the poem.” The literary world is questioning: shouldn’t we be looking less at the authors and more at the actual verses?

To me, the answer is both yes and no. The content of an author’s work should be prioritized infinitely more than the content of the author’s name. After all, publications are about literature, not about nomenclature. However, a person’s writing and their cultural identity are bound to be inextricably tied to one another.

And if we want the cultural and perspective diversity that modern poetry is trying to gain, then we can’t just ignore authorship.

In this situation though, Hudson abused this want for cultural diversity and fraudulently exploited minority advantages given to the traditionally disadvantaged. Moreover, his actions insinuate that all one needs to succeed in the poetic world is the “right” race — discrediting the work and accomplishments of actually impressive poets that happened to be Asian, as well as the entire concept of increasing diversity in poetry.

And outside of the literary perspective, Hudson isn’t viewed in a pleasant light either. He basically employed the poetic equivalent of yellowface and tried to capitalize upon the few benefits of being an Asian American without recognizing any of the downsides. He hasn’t ever undergone immigrant discrimination or cultural humiliation. He hasn’t ever had to struggle as a for-

eigner who only ever fits in at the edge of American society. He most certainly hasn’t ever had his name butchered before by an unwitting substitute teacher.

Michael Derrick Hudson, you should try learning how to properly pronounce your pseudonym first — then we can talk about the dishonor you’ve brought upon yourself.

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Pallavi Aakarapu/The SPOKE

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Matt Soderberg Satirist In a little over a year, the people of the United States will, having finally rid themselves of an eight-year Kenyan invasion, elect a new president to the White House. Many have stepped forward to put their hat in the ring, and yet it is fruitless — the next president has already been decided. It was decided when one man, one deity per se, announced his candidacy.

The only candidate who is right when he is wrong. The only candidate whom, deep down, you know you believe. The true conservative who has only been a Democrat like, a couple of times. Donald J. Trump.

Donald Trump was born on June 14th, 1946, and from the beginning defined greatness. As he puts it, “The beauty of me is that I have a lot of money.”

Trump is a self-made man, who was given a whole lot of money by his parents and now, after overcoming many obstacles such as a CBS reality show and Mexicans, still has a whole lot of money. This is the type of spirit we need to instill in the privileged poor of today’s society. This is the American Dream.

When deciding what candidate to vote for, you cannot

Opinion

forget who has the best merchandising. It would be hard to forget “Trump: The Game.” The one which possesses the tagline, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s whether you win.”

Such truth and power does not arrive in the form of a tabletop game very often. No president before Him has arrived with such brand awareness. I mean, can you bear the wait until you can buy an official Trump bobble head? This is capitalism.

The true beauty of The Donald is that he really stands for what American conservatives desire. Do you feel we need a Christian in the White House?

Mr. Trump is a man of faith! As well as of three different marriages, but mostly, faith. Sure, Mr. Trump once declared he was “very pro-choice,” but He said Planned Parenthood was bad, and that’s what matters! He is the only candidate who will bring the true teachings of God to this country. Remember when Jesus said immigrants from Mexico are the root of American issues? Or when the Lord issued the 11th commandment: Women politicians shalt only be judged by appearance? Mr. Trump does too!

Of course, there are dissenters. Many claim He has made comments too scurrilous, too extreme for anyone who would be in charge of the country. His fellow candidates have even voiced concern about him possessing nuclear codes. Let all be assured, there will be no issue with The Donald and nuclear weapons. I mean, the Middle East will be gone, but hey, America! Boom!

Even other complainers yell that He has made comments that are “racist,” making him unfit for office. Yes, Mr. Trump has made comments that are offensive to Mexicans, but they don’t speak American, so why is this a problem? Can they even understand this? Why should He cater to the minorities when He has the option to revel among fellow white men?

Donald Trump has pushed so many families from their homes, why not one more? The Obama

administration has run this country with no respect. Does Obama have a tower? Does Obama have hair that many consider to be a dying beaver but is actually a symbol of power and money? No. All Obama has is a fake birth certificate.

Needless to say, our previous president has destroyed our country over the last eight years, but with 2016 we have a new hope. Elect Donald Trump.

For the people. For the money.

For the wall.

Report Card Pope in Philly +POPEMANIA!!!

-...but did we really need Pope bobbleheads?

“Till It Happens to You” +Finally a new Gaga power ballad -Music video will cause worldwide floods of tears

Schoolwide PSATs +Three hour delay for seniors -Three hour pain for everyone else

Hurricane Joaquin +No rain, no puddles, no wet roads -Water stayed in air and made everything damp

Water on Mars +Dream home on Mars could exist eventually!

-What else have we missed on Mars? Aliens?

Pallavi Aakarapu/The SPOKE

Life and Times of Connie Stoga

Jeffrey Xue/The SPOKE

The Spoke 19

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

SPORTS .

Getting back in the kick of things Kyle Nicholson Staff Reporter The 2012-13 Kentucky basketball team lost seven players after winning the NCAA tournament — the next year they lost in the first round of the NIT tournament.

The 2015-16 San Francisco 49ers lost several with the departure of their head coach Jim Harbaugh and started off the season 1-3, losing one of their games 47-7. These teams only lost seven and 11 players, but this year’s girls’ soccer team graduated 12.

“It’s different every single year because you have new players coming in and out. You really can’t compare any year to the next,” junior Katelyn Perz said. “We just know it is going to be tough.”

The team is coming off a season that had numerous graduating seniors and now is beginning with one that has several injured players dotting the roster. They have been facing tough opponents early on and new players have been immediately positioned on the starting roster. This season appears to be

Kyle Nicholson/The SPOKE

In the chase: Sophomore Rachel DiRico chases the ball during ’Stoga’s game versus Unionville on Oct. 3. The girls lost 0-1. After losing several seniors last season, the Pioneers look to continue bouncing back this season. shaping up into quite a challenge for the girls’ soccer team.

Starting off the season 2-7 is not something the Pit would cheer about. Head Coach Meghan Brogan has taken a positive stance on the season however.

“We have dealt with much adversity so early, yet so many players have stepped up to assist one another in learning new positions quickly,” Brogan said.

The girls have stepped up without a doubt, but regardless of how well they are doing this year, it is nearly impossible to compare to last season’s statistics. With 12 graduating seniors, three of which were all-league and one the league MVP, the team lost an extraordinary class and has piled on quite the deficit with their injuries.

The season has already stacked up to a very menacing challenge,

but there is an optimistic future.

Brogan has seen improvement in the girls’ game, and if they continue to progress on this trajectory, the season has possibility of finishing on a positive note. Playing significantly closer games, the record appears worse than it is, and the girls still have their goal in sight.

“We definitely want to win the central league again, and we re-

ally could be serious competitors later in the season if we put our minds to it,” Perz said.

The team has been working on building up chemistry with one another along with trying to keep morale up.

“In the beginning of the season it’s always a struggle, like finding out what the team is like and we’re really learning that it’s all about playing for a team and playing for your teammates,” senior Melanie Haughey said.

As hard as it is to take a team to a championship title, it is even harder to repeat one. It would be easy to just predict their success for future years as the team’s younger members grow to become seniors, but their future can be right now. The team knows it, and the players continue to impress their fans with their determination. Rather than losses, graduating seniors, injuries and new positioning, they simply see opportunities to surprise their opponent, new chances on the field for new players and a way to beat the odds.

Shooting for perfection: boys soccer piling wins

Ashley Greenberg Staff Reporter

The crowds’ cheers still ring in the ears of the players of the varsity boys’ soccer team a year after their big win. The players can still feel their heart beat out of their chest as the seconds countdown and the buzzer sounds. They still experience the adrenaline rush of when they were awarded Central League Champions.

After losing eight seniors from last year and gaining only one new skillset from a freshman, the question of whether the reigning champions can be awarded titles again in 2015 remains unanswered. Throughout the months of September and October, the team will be devoted to doing their best to try to reach their maximum success.

It will take determination, drive and teamwork to be awarded the prestigious titles once again, but the hopes are high for the 2015 team.

The Conestoga boys’ varsity soccer team, coached by Dave Zimmerman, has worked to gain

20 The Spoke

Betty Ben Dor/The SPOKE

Breaking through: Sophomore Mason Miller dribbles past two Garnet Valley defenders during the Pioneer’s Oct. 8 match. As the undefeated first place team in the Central League, the boys look to stay on top. titles such as Central League Champions and State Qualifiers over the past decade. The title of Central League Champions was achieved in 2014, State Qualifiers in 2013 and State Champions in 2011. The dominating squad has won the Central League four out of the past five years and made it to States three out of the past five years.

“I think this current year’s team has potential to get to that

level again,” said Zimmerman, explaining his expectations.

Zimmerman has coached Conestoga soccer for the past 21 years. With experience and knowledge of the game, Zimmerman plays his boys in a four-two-three-one formation.

He plans to play that formation again this season, considering the success it has brought to the team. This year’s team has a “deep bench,” meaning that the

substitutes are just as good as the starting eleven. A critical component of Zimmerman’s team is the solid defense, which leads the team to a lot of one-to-zero or two-to-one games due to their strong back line.

“For us, it’s always about taking it one game at a time,” said Zimmerman, regarding his preparation of his players for the upcoming competition.

Captain and goalkeeper Will Smith’s soccer career at Conestoga is coming to an end this year.

He has been a part of the team every year while he has been at ’Stoga and has been a part of many victories with the team.

Smith thinks that his team has the potential to get the Central League title and even States because of the team’s bond, talent and teamwork. Despite the loss of eight seniors, he believes that his team has added new players who are fulfilling the roles of the players who graduated.

“Out of all my years, this is the most chemistry we’ve had because everyone has been growing and playing together for so long,” Smith said.

Although last year’s team had similar chemistry, Smith is convinced that this year the teammates are closer than they have ever been. The team element of the sport is what Smith enjoys the most.

“I don’t know if I could play for another high school team besides Conestoga because of the kids on my team and the coaches,” Smith said.

After enduring preseason workouts and training, the team is prepared mentally and physically for the upcoming season.

The coaches have worked hard to transform the players’ minds to “the Conestoga way of playing soccer.”

“Mentally and physically, (the coaches have) gotten us into the best shape that we could be in for this season,” Smith said.

Smith and Zimmerman are looking forward to a successful, competitive and enjoyable season. With tough competition ahead, Smith and Zimmerman share an optimistic perspective.

“Now, it’s just up to us,” Smith said.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Kyle Kennedy Staff Reporter

Sports

Freshman golf phenom: not so green

As Samantha Yao approached the second hole, she pulled out her club, removed Duffner — her raccoon-shaped head cover — and took a few practice swings. Then she stepped back, readied her swing and struck the ball. As it soared through the sky, she packed away her driver and walked with a teammate to retrieve her ball.

Yao is the only freshman golfer on the Conestoga varsity golf team, but with her excellent swing technique and consistently low scores, she is a critical part of the future of the team.

Coach Pechin was impressed the first time he saw her.

“When she showed up for tryouts I knew right away with the swing that she had (that) she was the real deal,” Pechin said.

Players and coaches are looking for Yao, whose scores have reached as low as the thirties, to contribute to the team and keep improving. She practices her golfing several days a week.

“She definitely puts in the time and the effort, both with me and on her own,” Pechin said.

Yao said she golfs whenev-

Kyle Kennedy/The SPOKE

Putting farther: Freshman Samantha Yao plays in the first slot for the golf team at ’Stoga. She shot 36 (good for par) in her last three regular season rounds and will play in Districts on Oct. 12-13. er she can — usually three or for my first year on a team is a “We really just treat her like four times a week. She began really fun experience, and my any other member of the team, golfing when she was nine teammates are all really great.” any other golfer,” Hamilton years old and started tournaAlthough she is the youngest said. “Her being a freshman rement play two years later. This member of the team, Yao has not ally doesn’t impact the team dyis Yao’s first time, however, found it difficult to fit in. namic.” playing as a team member.

“We really play as a team, Pechin sees Yao as a positive Team play “is a lot more we all get along and it’s a lot of addition to the team, and not just fun, since we are all working fun,” Yao said. on the athletic level. together,” Yao said. “Being on Yao's teammate, sophomore “Samantha’s personality is a team as good as Conestoga’s Michael Hamilton, agrees. one that (the team is) going

to welcome with open arms," Pechin said. "She’s easy to get along with, she has a great sense of humor and, with her golf game to back it up, you’d be foolish not to love her.”

Despite being one of the top players on the team, she has learned a lot from her teammates.

“They have taught me to relax, have fun and that the scores aren’t everything,” Yao said.

Yao appears to be adamant about her plans for the future, especially her future in golf.

“I definitely plan on playing in college. That seems like a lot of fun,” Yao said.

Pechin believes that this is an achievable goal.

“Samantha’s future is up to her; she has the talent to go as far as she wants — if she puts the work in,” Pechin said.

As for the team, it had an undefeated run that lasted until September of this year. In order to continue its winning reputation, the team will have to scramble in order to win the Central League this year.

“We’re going to be in contention, but it won’t be a cakewalk.

There are too many other good teams in the area,” Pechin said.

The Spoke 21

Sports

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Story by Matt Paolizzi Co-Sports Editor Graphics and Pictures by Adam Lockett Teamer Field has held an interesting place in the local community. By hosting events that help bring everyone together, the stadium aids in creating a sense of family across county lines. It’s not always perfect however, and the new scoreboard that now decorates the brick helps show this.

The old scoreboard has begun running into problems over the last few years. It was a continued maintenance issue. Parts became harder to come by. The board began to shut off randomly. The signal between the controller and the scoreboard became an issue and both controllers had to be completely revamped.

Bulbs became hard to replace.

Power surges were common and the motherboard of the scoreboard itself had to be replaced.

Conestoga athletic director Dr. Patrick Boyle was the closest involved in the process on Conestoga’s end. Boyle knew that work needed to be done.

“Between the first football game and the last lacrosse game there was a lot of work being done on the (old) machine over the last two years. It was problematic,” Boyle said.

The district took the lead on the purchase and the facilities committee was the group who drove the large amount of the decision making regarding the new scoreboard. Dr. Peter Motel, Kevin Buraks, Virginia Lastner and Liz Mercogliano are the board members on the facilities committee, along with Art McDonnell.

McDonnell who serves as the administrative liaison to the board facilities committee. He had a large role in the acquisition of the new scoreboard and was excited

to see it go down well.

“The construction project was a success and it’s a wonderful enhancement to the experience of a Teamer Field sporting event,” McDonnell said.

The preliminary budget for the project was based on the

“We react to when there’s a need for a situation. Right now, everything seems fine over there.”

-Dr. Patrick Boyle scope in the district’s infrastructure report evaluated by the facilities committee in the fall of 2014. As part of that budget, architect fees and permitting

fees were included in the project costs. The scoreboard itself cost $73,000.

The facilities committee reviewed the bid results for the Teamer Field scoreboard project in April 2015 and recommended its acceptance to the full board for their approval at their April 2015 meeting.

The district received two bids for the Teamer Field scoreboard project. AJM Electric, an electrical goods supplier based out of Chester, was the successful bidder with a bid of $113,000. One other bid was received, but district policy dictates committees to always select the lowest bids during any sort of bidding process. The board was installed by workers from AJM at the end of the summer.

McDonnell recognized the need for a new scoreboard to be installed and was for it completely.

“Over the past few years, the obsolete technology of the old Teamer Field scoreboard caused operational issues,” McDonnell

said. “Additionally, the district wanted to afford the several other sports teams that use Teamer Field access to the scoreboard, so a change to the ‘football-only’ design was desirable.”

The scoreboard so far has been a hit with spectators. One of the larger complaints attendees would mention was the fact that the scoreboard was not viewable from all angles. Those issues now seem to be resolved.

“People are responding positively about that. They can see, for example, if you’re sitting in the home stands, the way it used to be aligned you couldn’t see certain things. Now, they can see the score, time, and other information,” Boyle said.

Dr. Amy Meisinger and Boyle informed the Maintenance Department who from there brought it to the attention of the facilities committee. Meisinger was pleased with the look of the new scoreboard.

“It’s a better look. It’s got some color to the display as op-

down to the facts new scoreboard cost the 1st down: The district $73,000

2nd down: 3

rd

down:

4th down:

22 The Spoke

The scoreboard can instantly replay slow-motion video. The graphics can also be worked from a smartphone.

The total bid by AJM was $113,000, which included all expenses New features include more graphic options, new bulbs and 3-D capabilities

posed to just the bulbs and has some built in graphic kinds of things.

We’re just getting it serviced and getting used to it. I’m just glad that we’re having it up and running,” Meisinger said.

The individuals that volunteer their time to man the scoreboard have also expressed their positive feelings about the new technology. Peter Ricci, who teaches at Beaumont Elementary, has been working the scoreboard system for

four years. Over the summer, Boyle had Ricci and other volunteer operators learn the skills needed to work the board. Ricci appears to be a fan of the scoreboard.

“The scoreboard is well worth the cost,” Ricci said.

“The older board would overheat on warm nights and we would lose access to distance to go and sometimes even the time itself.”

The scoreboard is now being worked from a computer, but when fully implemented it will able to be

worked from a smartphone.

The scoreboard is larger and brighter then the older model, allowing spectators and operators to view it more easily.

With the installation of the new scoreboard and the positive feedback, further upgrades to Teamer Field appear to not be in consideration. Boyle seems to share that sentiment.

“We react to when there’s a need for a situation. Right now, everything seems fine over there,” Boyle said.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Sports

‘If you’re a senior, you should be playing Friday night lights’ Caleigh Sturgeon Co-Sports Editor Over the summer, most seniors pondered life after ’Stoga.

But for four Conestoga football players, the next step was the beginning of their football careers. Now Chris Smith, Tyler Monastero, Nick Salvo and Erfan Shakibaei are all playing “Friday night lights” football.

“Our program is there for anybody who wants to come out and give it a try. Whether you play a little or a lot, being part of the football team is a different experience for a lot of kids, so I never discourage anybody,” said Head Coach John Vogan.

Aside from Salvo, who played freshman year, all four seniors started their football careers just two months ago. Each joined for a different reason, but all of them have been working hard for playing time.

“All of those kids out there have done a wonderful job and they’re playing as hard as they can, but it’s tough for a first year senior to pick up what you have to pick up to become one of our best guys and get on the field on Friday nights,” Vogan said.

But one of this year’s rookies starts every game, and plays a role in nearly every touchdown: place kicker Chris Smith.

“Smith was a gift,” Vogan said. “It’s been one of the brightest spots this year, from something that we weren’t sure how it was going to be, to having Chris as a weapon.”

Smith played soccer freshman and sophomore year, but was forced to quit in order to avoid getting a cortisone shot in his knee. At the beginning of August this year, Smith asked

Andy Backstrom/The SPOKE

Stretching out: Senior place kicker Chris Smith kicks a 32-yard field goal against Episcopal on Sept.

11. Despite the Pioneers’ 24-10 loss to Episcopal Academy, Smith added his fair share to the game with a field goal just before the half that leveled the score. He has made three field goals so far this season.

Vogan for a bag of balls and began kicking footballs for the first time.

“There’s a lot of timing and stuff that I didn’t have down.

I had to get used to mechanics and stuff,” Smith said. “Vogan helped me with the steps, but other than that it was pretty much just me teaching myself.”

After Smith’s first few games, Vogan already felt more confident going for field goals.

“If I could say anything negative about Chris it would be that he needs to give his leg a rest because he’s out there kicking all the time,” Vogan said.

For Smith, football is a whole new experience. He’s one of the only players on the field who

Courtesy Tyler Monastero

Rookie reps: Senior Tyler Monastero sets up on kick return in Conestoga’s homecoming game against Harriton High School on Oct. 2. ’Stoga beat Harriton 49-8.

has all of the fans watching him during a single play in the game.

When he lines up for a kick, all eyes are on him.

“It’s nerve-wracking,” Smith said. “It’s a complete 360. I remember going to the games since I was little and seeing them play and then in the blink of an eye I was actually playing.”

The other first year seniors might not be starters, but they have taken on important roles on the team as well. Monastero earned a spot on kick return, and has been practicing for wide receiver. He may see time there before the end of the season, as long as he gets the offensive systems down pat.

“Especially for wide receiver, you have to learn all of the formations and play calling.

(Quarterback) Tim Miller knows basically the whole playbook so when he goes out there he just says a play and we go in and have to know the numbers and anything he calls,” Monastero said.

Alongside his friends, and fourth-year players, Corey Manning and Jon Locantore, Monastero has taken on a position of leadership on the team — despite being a rookie.

“Vogan sees me as a senior leader and I like that. He says he has trust in me,” Monastero said.

Salvo is a bit of a different story. He played football as a kid, in middle school and fresh-

man year, but decided not to come out sophomore, junior or senior year — until two weeks into school.

“It was a game-time decision,” Salvo said. “I was really not sure if I wanted to play and it came down to it and I just felt like it was the right move.”

So on Thursday, Sept. 10, Salvo approached Vogan in the cafeteria and asked if he could join. After clearing it with Athletic Director Patrick Boyle, Salvo was suited up for the next night’s home football game against Episcopal.

“It’s a shame he didn’t come out in August because had he come out and started with us earlier, there’s a chance he prob-

ably could be out on the field,” Vogan said.

Salvo has been practicing for cornerback, but understands that “because there are kids that have been there longer, they’ve put in more hours and they might deserve time over me.”

A similar understanding has contributed to Shakibaei’s positive experience on the football team this year.

Shakibaei had never been to a Conestoga football game before this year, when in his very first game he was on the field.

“If you’re a senior, you should be playing Friday night lights,” Shakibaei said. “That’s what I’m aiming for, to be able to play Friday night lights.”

Shakibaei has gained more important things than playing time this year and suggests joining to any underclassmen that think they could contribute to the team.

“It’s a worthwhile experience to have. You really get to see what it feels like to be a player on a team and a family,” Shakibaei said.

As these four seniors learn more about the reality of football, practice reacting instantaneously and become accustomed to the sport’s skill sets, they can better compete with the seniors who have been running the football system for two or three years.

“It’s very tough for a first year kid to come out and learn all of the things that you need to do,” Vogan said. “But if they demonstrate to me that they’re better than the guys that we have out there, I have no ego, we’ll put them in. I don’t care if you’re a fourth year starter or a first year senior, we’ll play the best kids.”

Andy Backstrom/The SPOKE

Drawing a crowd: Senior Chris Smith warms up before ’Stoga’s football game against Episcopal Academy on Sept. 11. Smith kicked for his first time this August, and now starts for ’Stoga.

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Sports

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Tennis talent brewing for years to come Avery Maslowsky Staff Reporter Usually the seniors lead sports teams to their victories or through their losses, and the freshmen follow in their footsteps, but on the Conestoga girls’ varsity tennis team,

the seniors are following the freshmen’s lead.

“Tenacious,” said Fran Tomaselli, head coach of the varsity team, describing the freshmen whom she coaches.

At the beginning of tryouts in August, Tomaselli knew she would have a problem and one that she has experienced

Avery Maslowsky/The SPOKE

Bouncing back: Freshman Ashley Griffith is ranked in the top five in the region and 90th nationally. Her injury has not affected her play.

rarely throughout her 39 years of coaching at Conestoga.

Between the talented new and existing players and only 14 spots on the varsity team, who was going to fill up the varsity spots?

After a week of nonstop playing, the coaches made their decisions. Along with numerous upperclassmen, three select freshmen — Ashley Griffith, Priya Aravindhan and Cassidy Landau — were invited to play with the best of the best within ’Stoga. Preseason play established the ranks and to some of the team’s surprise, it wasn’t the seniors and juniors taking up most of the singles spots. It was the freshmen.

Aravindhan, who plays third doubles with her partner, junior Sarah Aboseada, was instantly recognized during pre-season for her talent and dedication to the sport. Aravindhan has played tennis for nine years and was recently awarded fourth place in the region and state. The third doubles duo won all but one of their expected 12 games in the 2015 school season.

“I believe that because of the new freshman, in general, we are a stronger team with more camaraderie. Even though I thought playing with a freshman would be annoying, Priya is a great partner and she’s very encouraging,” Aboseada said.

Griffith, despite recovering from an injury, showed the coach her ability and love

Avery Maslowsky/The SPOKE

Almost perfect: Freshman Priya Aravindhan is ranked fourth in the state. She has won all but one of her doubles matches this season. for tennis. By continuous- school, called Split Steps, she ly winning more and more in placed 11th at nationals.

“When I first got to the team matches, she was finally ranked as third best in singles. actual preseason, I don’t think Before her injury, Griffith was some of the seniors liked me ranked 90th nationally and in very much because freshmen the top five within the region. came in and the people who “It’s a little weird (being were expected to play singles ranked higher than the upper- got dropped down to doubles, classmen), because they’ve so I think it took a while (for been on the team longer and them to get used to it), but I feel if they’re older they they all are so nice now,” Lanshould play more. I don’t want dau said.

Senior and varsity captain to take their spot, but (it’s already decided),” Griffith Hannah Ashton was impressed and excited when she saw the said.

Landau has worked her way freshmen’s talent at tryouts.

“The freshmen are a great to the top — first singles. Tennis became her passion at an addition to the varsity team early age, a passion that has and a great way to rebuild led her to earn the ranking of because we lost so many not only first within the team, seniors last year. Plus, they but within the region and give us great competition.” state. With her team outside of Ashton said.

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Avery Maslowsky/The SPOKE

First in state: Freshman Cassidy Landau has played tennis for most of her life. Now, she brings her talents to Conestoga. Landau is ranked first in the state of Pennsylvania in singles.

24 The Spoke

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

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Sports

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Yogi Berra 1925-2015: Take it with a grain of salt

Matt Paolizzi Co-Sports Editor Yogi Berra passed away on September 22. The Yankees mourn him. Baseball mourns him. Yogi touched so many, mainly with his numerous quotes.

Whether it’s “when you come to a fork in the road, take it,” “always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours” or perhaps possibly the most American saying there could be: "it ain’t over ’til it’s over.”, Yogi’s sayings have become incredibly popular. But Yogi’s accomplishments both as a player and as a manager cannot be forgotten.

Yogi, the son of Italian immigrants, was born Lawrence Peter Berra in St. Louis on May 12, 1925. He received his famous nickname of Yogi while playing

on an American Legion team.

His friend, future professional player Jack Maguire, said Yogi resembled a Hindu yogi whenever he sat around with arms and legs crossed while waiting to bat or when looking sad after a losing game. The name stuck and a baseball hero was born.

Yogi’s accomplishments on the field are often overshadowed by his quotes. Everything Yogi did is overshadowed by his quotes.

Yogi was possibly the greatest catcher to ever play the game of baseball. After serving his country in World War II, Yogi went on to hit .285 with 358 home runs and 1,430 RBIs. The RBIs are even more impressive when you count in the fact that from 1949 to 1955, on a team that had such greats as Mantle and DiMaggio, it was Berra who led the Yankees in RBIs for seven straight seasons.

He caught Don Larsen’s perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series, still the only one in postseason history. He made 18 All-Star Games, won 3 American League MVP’s and won an astounding 10 World Series as a key

player of the legendary Yankee’s teams of the mid-20th century.

These feats are all the more remarkable considering the added strain players had to go through during that time period. Teams didn’t have luxury jets and scheduling was poorly done. Doubleheaders were common and Yogi caught those fully 117 times. In fact, he never missed more than 13 games in his prime, only missing 4 twice. The baseball season was 154 games long back then.

Yogi is probably least remembered for his feats as a manager.

After retiring in 1964, he was immediately selected to replace the great Ralph Houk as manager of the New York Yankees. Berra won the ’64 series as manager before being fired. His relationship with the Yankees had become strained over the years.

Following a loss, infielder Phil Linz was playing his harmonica, and upset with the way the team had played, Yogi ordered him to stop. Seated on the other end of the bus, Linz could not hear what Berra had said. Mickey Mantle then jokingly asked Linz, "to play it louder." When Linz did so, a fu-

Pallavi Aakarapu/The SPOKE

rious Yogi slapped the harmonica out of his hands. After his firing, Berra then went on to coach and later manage the New York Mets, who he led to an outstanding upset over the “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds to win the ’73 pennant.

Yogi was not a bumbling goof who spat out the occasional genius quote. He was a deeply intelligent man and was especially passionate about baseball, a trait shown in his reaction to Linz’s harmonica antics.

Derek Jeter wrote a touching story in the Player’s Tribune about his relationship with Yogi.

The two were close friends. Jeter discusses the intricacies of Yogi’s wisdom. His simple mantras hold great truth. Jeter mentions Yogi’s determination to keep baseball fun. In discussing the greatness of Yogi Berra and how much the world of baseball will miss him, it is Jeter who puts Yogi into perspective. “Yogi’s mission was to put a smile on people’s faces, and he succeeded.”

Change is the constant; its effect is the variable

Andy Backstrom Co-Editor-in-Chief Panera Bread recently changed its menu. When I went to get my smokehouse turkey panini for dinner, it was no longer there.

The menu had changed. While this change is trivial, it threw me off my game when I was standing at the cash register ready to order.

Whether it will lead to something better remains to be seen.

So it is with sports.

Sometimes trades and substitutions are the perfect catalysts for success. A breath of fresh air that introduces a new concept, such as the “Wildcat” formation of the 2008 Miami Dolphins or the philosophy “Moneyball,” pioneered by the 2002 Oakland Athletics, stimulates excitement and can spark a championship.

However, revising a situation

26 The Spoke

that already boasts positive re- Rodgers-Cromartie, Jason Babin sults often ends in turmoil. Just and Cullen Jenkins. Coming off as the New York Knicks were on a 10-6 season, expectations were the rise in 2011, they made the high. move to trade for Denver NugYet, Philadelphia only won gets star, Carmelo Anthony. The eight games that year — the defiorganization passed on its youth nition of mediocre in the National to Denver and, after a few playoff Football League— a finish that stints, regressed. Likewise, when was anything but a dream. The the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled year after that, they managed a the plug on head coach Jon Grud- mere four wins. en and quarterback Jeff Garcia Then came an end to the Andy after a 9-7 season in 2009 disaster Reid era, a positive change. With struck. After making the playoffs new head coach Chip Kelly and the year before, the Buccaneers the quick-firing offense, postseamissed out, causing the organiza- son football returned to Lincoln tion to panic. Tampa Bay hasn’t clinched a postseason birth since.

Change can be scary, but, in the realm of sports, it is often inspiring, encouraging. Eagles’ fans can remember quite well.

“Dream Team.” No, not Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and the remainder of the United States’ 1992 Olympic basketball team – the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles. Vince Young was the one who coined the nickname. That should be enough said. Reid and the Eagles signed numerous free agents, including Nmandi Asomugha, Dominique Andy Backstrom/The SPOKE

Financial Field. Nick Foles, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Desean Jackson and other weapons on the offensive side of the ball helped rejuvenate the city of Philadelphia.

But then came our old nemesis — change; it just couldn’t stay away. Following back-toback 10 win seasons, the Eagles organization named Kelly as the Player Personnel Director.

Kelly began signing his own kind of players, some of whom had ties to the University of Oregon (Kelly’s former home.) His additions raised suspicion, but his sending incumbents elsewhere also was confusing. The Eagles’ most potent weapons from two seasons ago: gone.

Some trusted, some revolted, but Kelly remained persistent. He was reforming the Eagles’ identity.

Bringing in DeMarco Murray, Sam Bradford, Byron Maxwell, Ryan Matthews, etc. marked a new beginning — it marked change.

Like any foe, change can be deceiving. The Eagles looked like a Super Bowl contender in the preseason. But, the preseason has no say in the results of the regular season.

The promise of a coherent offense in August did not last. Two losses into this new season, Murray has rushed for just 11 yards in two games. Bradford looks like a deer in the headlights. Jordan Matthews has been inconsistent.

Ironically, the defense has been the only bright spot on this team.

And change, just like a friend, can be unpredictable. You never know which side it’ll be on. That won’t change. But what can is your reaction to such change or it’s effect.

Just like an NFL team that begins it season 0-2 with four percent odds to make the playoffs, you’ll be “paralyzed” if you decide to stay where you are. Trust me, if this wasn’t true, I’d still be in line at Panera waiting for a smokehouse turkey panini.

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Sports

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

SportsLine: Setting a pace Elizabeth Billman Staff Reporter Cross Country Cross country competed in its first Central League meet on Sept.

16 against Ridley and Lower Merion. Then on Sept. 18 and 19, the cross country team brought a select group of girls and boys to compete in the North Carolina State Adidas Cross Country Challenge. The girls placed 13th out of 36 teams in the championship race, and the boys finished 10th out of 36 teams in the invitational race.

Sophomore Dominique Schultz said that the team trained hard over the summer. However, head coach Ryan Comstock said that this year the difference in competition is that the athletes are coming into the program already confident and motivated.

“We had a group of six seniors last year that were outstanding leaders. They were very vocal and had confident, relentless attitudes,” Comstock said.

Almost all of the varsity runners participate in lactate testing, which Schultz and Comstock said helps in training. The test con-

Kyle Nicholson/The SPOKE

Running the clock: Senior Theo Roberts endures an uphill run in cross country’s home meet against Harriton and Penncrest. Boys cross country beat Penncrest, but lost to Harriton.

sists of athletes running at various paces and different lengths on the track. Then Shanon Grady, an outside professional, tests the athlete’s lactate level, which is used to create a personalized training program for each athlete.

The team hopes that the lactate testing will guide it to the PIAA AAA State Championships in Hershey, Pa. “I want my team to do well, and I just want us to go to States together,” Schultz said.

Volleyball Unsuccessful in their last season with a record of 6-5 in the regular season and 9-12 overall, the girls volleyball team is determined to dominate the Central League.

Senior Jasmine Boyer plays defensive specialist, otherwise known as Libero. Boyer believes the team last year was cohesive but that it lost its focus towards the end of the season.

“I feel like everyone’s mindset is more focused and we are ready to take on the entire season. It is almost the same team as last year and we have blended with the new people on the team so well,” Boyer said.

Boyer and her fellow captains, seniors Emma Brown and Olivia

Elizabeth Billman/The SPOKE

Spiking a fire: Junior Lauren Harris spikes a bullet against Haverford on Sept. 30. The volleyball team rebounded from last year’s record to go 8-6 so far this year.

Schappell, work hard to lead by example and communicate with the rest of the team when something is not going right or more effort needs to be put in.

At the helm of the volleyball team’s success this year is head coach Diana Felker. Felker said that the biggest obstacle the team faced last year was inconsistency, especially in serving and hit-

ting. This year the team has two new setters who are contributing to the success of the team.

“We are playing a little bit better as a team and we are still trying to find the right chemistry.

We lost a match to Strath Haven in a match that we didn’t really fight hard in. That is something that we have been striving to get better at,” Felker said.

COMMITMENT CORNER Tim Miller ’16

Olivia Schappell ’16

School: Richmond University Grade: 12 Sport: Baseball Position: Pitcher Why Richmond?

“I’ve always had family in Virginia and my grandfather coached there so I have a bit of a legacy there. I love the school. It’s a beautiful campus. The coaches are great guys and the kids are fun to be around.”

What ’Stoga Baseball taught him: “‘The highs and lows of being on the team that lost the state championship definitely taught me a lot about how to overcome stuff like that.”

Favorite ’Stoga Baseball Memory: “Playing at Penn State for sure. It stinks that we lost it but the fact that we got there and just the opportunity to play in the championship game.“

School: Carnegie Mellon University Grade: 12 Sport: Volleyball Position: Right Side/Middle Hitter Why Carnegie Mellon?

“I’m planning on majoring in decision sciences, and it’s one of the only schools that has the program for that.

I really clicked with all the players, and the coach has been super supportive throughout the whole process.”

What ’Stoga Volleyball taught her: “I had never played volleyball before ’Stoga, so it got me into the sport.

It has helped me to become a team player.”

Favorite ‘Stoga Volleyball Memory: “I have to say, my favorite memory is what’s been going on this year. It really makes me excited to see the team coming together as a whole my senior year.”

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INSIDE: Scoreboard p. 22 Freshman Phenom p. 21

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Face-off With only ďŹ ve games left in the regular season, girls ďŹ eld hockey remains undefeated in the Central League.

Caleigh Sturgeon/The SPOKE

F r e s h m a n C h a r l o t t e D e Vr i e s p a s s e s a D o w n i n g t o w n E a s t d e f e n d e r o n S e p t . 8 . C o n e s t o g a w e n t o n t o l o s e t o Downingtown East 0-1, but this out-of-league defeat has not tainted their first place ranking in the Central League.

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