Students plan fundraisers to help humanitarian crisis
She notes that these students were driven by the knowledge that there were people just like them, living in the midst of this conflict.
They realized that food always drew in a large crowd to raise money, so they began selling candy inside Easter eggs for 3 dollars each before spring break.While this initiative was largely student-led, faculty advisor Ms. Zanoni was there to help along the way.“The students met with me, however it was very student led and the students did the great
YEARBOOK ANNOUNCES NEW EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Fundraising hope
STRATH HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL, WALINGFORD, PA 19086 | MAJUNE 2022
Both the boys and girls ultimate frisbee teams placed fourth during the May 27-29 state championships in Pittsburgh.
majority of the work,” Zanoni said.“I was the adult who helped with logistics and planning, but they were the heart and soul behind the fundraisers.”
FRISBEE AT STATES
LITTLE PANTHERS CLASS OF ’22 Students from childhood classes assisted during the preschool graduation ceremony on May 19.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian military launched their invasion into Ukraine, escalating a conflict that has been brewing for years even further. The BBC reported in early May that almost 6 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine since the initial invasion. In the wake of this escalation, people worldwide were unsure how to help or react. With Ukraine almost 5,500 miles away, it seemed as if there was no way to help. However, students Aditi Halpe, Hannah Prokup, and Iris Cheng, among others, took charge to raise awareness and funds for Ukraine and UNICEF Ukraine.
Photo courtesy Kai Lincke
“The students found me after school and had the idea to show compassion and support to children just like them, but who live in Ukraine and are experiencing such tragedy,” she said.
IN THISResultsISSUE...anda review of the election process CONTINUING THE LEGACYSENIOR DESTINATIONS The class of 2022’s future plans The girls track team travels to states, reflects on years of dominance STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Photo courtesy Jack Henry
The National Art Honor Society sponsored rock painting during lunches on May 19 for mental health awareness month.
“Efforts have already continued. We have had several other mini fundraisers and are planning more. We have also involved many other clubs and activities to assist in raising money for a larger end goal,” sheOthersaid.clubs have focused their fundraising efforts on this cause, with money from Rainbow Dance tickets and the Dumpling Sale going to Ukraine.Zanoni is impressed by the students’ compassion and commitment.
With the prospective continued efforts of not only the students who ran the egg fundraiser, but other clubs, the support for the Ukrainian people still has momentum here at Haven. The Ukraine fundraisers represent the good that can come out of a horrible situation when students take initiative.
Panther Press
“We have a great life here, and to think that children in Ukraine are dying or losing their parents because of a conflict that had nothing to do with them is heartbreaking,” Prokup said.
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY: Seniors Zach Suico, Natalie Heisserman, Emily McGinn, Cara O’Brien and Ruth Young take a pause from dancing during senior ball on June 3 to pose for a picture. | Photo courtesy Riley Smith
Juniors Jessica Farhat, Jack Henry and Georgia Gianopulos will lead the 2023 Haven yearbook staff.
Photo courtesy Zoe Feinberg
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While the egg fundraiser became the most widely popular and well known, Zanoni explains that more fundraisers were planned to help the cause.
Jillian Thomas ’24 Staff Writer
Photo courtesy Ali Broome
News in brief
KINDNESS ROCKS
The students leading the Ukraine fundraisers drew ideas from clubs’ past fundraisers and activities.“Wewere inspired by earlier fundraisers at the school like GSA’s candy grams,” Prokup said.
“I could not be more proud of our students for their empathy,” she said.
I joined Panther Press in my junior year, but even in my short time on staff as a writer and an editor, I have grown as a writer and a leader. Having been given the opportunity to share my perspective on everything from school events to movies has been instrumental in improving and cultivating my journalistic writing. I am grateful to have edited the Haven Happenings section over this past year, and I wish the best of luck to next year’s staff! Don’t forget to have fun! #PenguinPress
Panther Press Disclaimer: The Panther Press is first and foremost a reflection of the opinions and interests of the student body. For this reason, we do not publish any anonymous or teacher written submissions, and we do not discriminate against any ideology or political opinion. While we are bound by school policy (and funding) and we will not render any article neutral, individual points may be edited for obscene or inflammatory content. Finally, the articles published in the Panther Press do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or advisers. Editor Graphics by Aaron Loving, '22
Morgan McErlean Haven Happenings
Editors Sawyer Bock ’22 Giorgia Mari ’22 Morgan McErlean ’22 Cece Olszewski ’22 Graphics Gabe Lawson ’22 Aaron Loving ’22 Editor-in-Chief Kai Lincke ’22 THANK YOU 2021-22
I only joined the Panther Press in my last year of High School, and I’m glad I did. I never felt like I belonged anywhere at Haven, but that was only because I didn’t look hard enough. It’s never too late to get involved. Thank you and congratulations to every single facet of the Panther Press team for the incredible amount of work you all put into each issue. You’re pretty cool.
GiorgiaDetoursMari
*Correction: The front page article in the winter issue, "Striving and Thriving" appeared without a byline. The reporter was Matthew Chen.
Ali Broome ’22 Matthew Chen ’23 Jess Farhat ’23 Zoe Feinberg ’22 Adah Kauffman ’22 Kelly Montague ’25 Sylvan Prey-Harbaugh ’23 Riley Smith ’25
Being a part of the Panther Press has been the most amazing experience of my senior year! I’m totally gonna miss working with these editors on all the creative, fun ideas that we get to make a reality. Thank you Panther Press!
Photographers
PAGE2 STAFF MaJune 2022 Advisers Mrs. Danielle PerriconeMr.MunnRobert Zakrzewski Staff Writers Gabriel Ball ’24 Matthew Chen ’23 Julia Gray ’23 Daniel Jing ’22 Aidan McLean ’23 Hannah Prokup ’23 Naomi Thallman ’22 Jillian Thomas ’24 Artists Michelangelo Bellini ’24 Leah Boris ’22
EDITORS’
THANK EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORS SAY GOODBYE
YOU, 2021-22
Sawyer Bock Sports
I am definitely sad to be saying goodbye after four whole years with the Panther Press. I have grown so much as a writer and worked with so many amazing people! Getting to be the Arts and Entertainment editor for the past three years has given me an incredible opportunity to connect with and recognize the outstanding artists and musicians in our Haven community, and I am super grateful.
I only started writing for the Panther Press late last year, but as my confidence with this type of writing has grown, it has become a creative outlet for me and inspired an interest in journalism. Passing out the finished issues around the school as a group is one of the most fun and rewarding memories from my senior year. I want to shout out and thank Kai for empowering all of the editors and writers this year and working insanely hard to execute an awesome vision for the paper!
Aaron Loving Haven Happenings
Gabe Lawson Haven Happenings
EDITORIAL BOARD Cece Olszewski Arts & Entertainment
I’ve really appreciated my time with the Panther Press, and I’ve especially appreciated being credited as a graphic designer when all I did was make the comics. Writing a clean joke for the school paper was always a fun challenge— maybe a little more challenging than it should have been. I’m really excited to see someone take over for me next year!
I’ve found that it helps to say “hi” to people in the hallway and invite anyone to your lunch table. For me, sleeping is more useful than studying the night before a test. I have realized the importance of distinguishing between what truly matters to me and what I think I’m supposed to do. Also, school dances are weird and scary. Go to them. Sometimes,
Most of all, this year, I’ve been fulfilled and impressed by what students are capable of accomplishing when we work together to combine our creativity, talents, and convictions. My favorite parts of everything I’ve been involved with at Strath Haven are when we help each other to achieve goals, which often brings out our authenticity and light-heartedness. The best projects at Strath Haven are those that students care about, those with which we utilize our ability to propose change and spreadDespitepositivity.many difficulties that led us to re-imagine some of our projects (and my infamous impeachment…), student council was luckily able to organize many exciting events this year and have a seat at the table to advocate for the student body. I greatly appreciate being given this experience, and I hope that our group’s contributions benefited our community. Having met and worked with many of
Bock emphasizes that the elected candidates’ most important job is to work for the students.“Part of signing up for this job is to represent the student body,” he said.
“I had little to no experience on social media so my strategy was to make some small social media posts to raise awareness about my campaign,” Bock said. “I then created the slogan ‘Bock Rocks’ to expand my candidacy.”
After this period campaigning concludes, the student vote occurs. The vote is a variation of a ranked choice voting system.
Bock explains that during these elections, students launch their candidacies by filling out an application form and writing a page-long student biography about themselves. The biographies are subsequently posted on Instagram by the student council, along with the biographies of the other candidates. These biographies will be available for viewing by any students who wish to research the candidates.
3 Dear Strath
“The best projects at Strath Haven are those that students care about, those with which we utilize our ability to propose change and positivity.”spread“Partofsigningupforthisjobistorepresentthestudentbody.”
-Sawyer Bock, ‘22 StudentPresidentCouncil
election.After this process concluded and all of the votes and scores were counted, the resulting elected student council officers were announced on June 6. Next year’s president will be Aashna Pandey, with Ella Grossman and Tyler Debusschere as vice presidents. The newly elected group has 16 officers including the president, vice presidents, and the school board representative, Supraja Sudarsan. Although many candidates could not be offered a position, those who want to participate in student council planning and have their voice heard may still join the student council general assembly as a representative next year.
Stay groovy, Haven!
Around the time of the student vote, the teachers also provide input on the candidates and who they think is a good fit for the job. Taking into account the student vote and teacher input, the senior student council officers and advisors will then finalize the results of the
MaJune 2022
next year’s officers, I have no doubt that they will fill our shoes and more. As Ms. Esposito and Ms. Szeliga step down after all of their work to support student council, next year presents an opportunity to build upon and redefine what student council has to offer for Strath Haven.
I’ve been thinking about the letter I wrote to my future self at the end of the year in freshman English class because I’m looking forward to reading it again soon. “9th grade me” probably would have been really surprised if someone told him that he was writing to the ~student council president~. Not only does the title have a ring to it that still makes me a little bit uncomfortable, but I also wouldn’t have expected to put myself out there in such a public way, let alone be known by (and friends with) enough people to receive many votes. Maybe this “farewell letter” can contain what I would tell my past self—and anyone who’s looking toward their next year at Strath Haven or graduating with me—about what I’ve actually picked up since then.
Gabriel Ball ‘24 Staff Writer
The fast moving world of politics has arrived again at Strath Haven. As the Pennsylvania senate and gubernatorial races kicked into high gear, so did the Student Council Elections in Strath Haven High School. In the period from mid May until June, students were given the opportunity to run for positions on the student council including president, vice president, officer, and school board representative. The election process is a multi-stage system including interviews with senior officers, a teacher rating system, and a popular vote conducted by the student body. To get a deeper understanding of the process, The Panther Press spoke to senior Sawyer Bock, the current Student Council President.
Candidates are permitted to use appropriate banners, posters, and flyers to promote their candidacy. Campaign promotion is allowed on school grounds, however there are limits to the location and frequency of these forms of advertising. For example, candidates may not place campaign material on any artwork or murals.
Though it was conducted in a school setting, the election represents the spirit of democracy and representation which serves as the guiding principle of the American form of government. In this election, students’ votes were their voices.
helping plan school wide events like dances, communicating with the student body, meeting with administrators, and organizing fundraisers. Given the significant amount of responsibility, the advisers want to ensure that candidates would be committed to the position before they are allowed to run. Candidates who seem to be serious about accepting the responsibilities of a student council officer may then start campaigning. Bock explains that advertising is a key aspect of running for office.
Vote!
things can be enjoyable even when I’m not good at them; when I have put forth my best effort, regardless of the circumstance, I can live happily with the result. I’ve learned to stand up for myself and expect respect from others because that’s what we deserve.
After individuals apply for candidacy, they meet with senior student officers and the current faculty advisers, Ms. Esposito and Ms. Szeliga. This meeting allows these advisers to develop an idea about each candidate’s character and level of responsibility. The legislative responsibilities of the Student Council President include being in charge of
On the google form which serves as the ballot, all of the candidates are be listed. Freshmen, sophomore and junior voters select four individuals who they approve of for the position of officer. Unlike a ranked choice voting system, each individual selected receives one vote. The student popular vote counts for one third of the eventual decision.
Student Council elections return to Haven
HAVEN HAPPENINGS Haven: a farewell from the president
Sawyer Bock Student ClassPresidentCouncilof2022
But hesitation continues as the virus consistently infects new people.
“Even towards the end, people congratulated each other,” Suico said.
important to] enjoy…things you can do, and don’t take them for granted,” Crawford said.
Morgan McErlean ’22 Haven Happenings Editor
“Yeah, I would say that we are starting to approach normalcy, like now that there’s not a threshold in school where we have to go back to wearing masks, or we’re having prom and graduation, so a lot of things…feel like they’re getting back to normal, and things aren’t getting canceled as much as they used to,” senior Ali Broome said.
or the first time since 2019, Haven’s Mini-Thon held Haven Heartthrob, a beauty-pageant-like competition between student contestants. This year the event took place in the auditorium on Friday, April 1. A total of six groups and eight contestants participated. The night was filled with a variety of outfits, acts, and answers to the question and answer portion of the night.
HAVEN HAPPENINGS
Haven’s4 Heartthrob
A return to normal?
Experts stress the importance of students continuing to comply with basic COVID-19 protocols, like wearing masks and getting tested after coming into contact with infected individuals, even with a decrease in coronavirus cases.
“Don’t wait to do things that you want to do,” she said.
Haven’s Heartthrob Senior Zach Suico speaks to the crowd during his presentation “Why Zach Suico is The Best Person in the Room” at the Haven Heartthroib event on April 1.
The spirit of the other participants helped Suico to relax. Despite most of them not knowing each other, backstage the contestants were “hyping each other up” and “really nice” to each other.
During the talent portion, seniors Nate Perlman and Evan Simley showed off their weight lifting skills. Junior Sean Gillespie ripped the pogo and drew a picture of an audience volunteer. Senior Charlie Shankweiler sang a country song accompanied by junior Archie Bracegirdle and senior Owen Burk. Seniors Ryan Doherty and Tanmay Patwardhan did a Backstreet Boys performance with teacher backup dancers. Charlotte Caywood danced to The“Rasputin.”winnerof the contest, receiving the most audience votes, was senior Zach Suico. Suico impressed the audience with his presentation and performance of why he is the “best person in the room.” He accompanied his comedic powerpoint by pretending to save fellow senior Nicole Estephan from a fake drowning in a swimming pool, and a demonstration of his dance skills, one of the reasons he was the best person in the room.
Lessons, perspectives on COVID-19 pandemic
Daniel Jing, ’22 Staff Writer
In the question portion of the competition, Suico was asked about his hair routine. It threw him off a little because he was not sure what to say.
Photo courtesy Kai Lincke
“To win, it was surreal,” Suico said.
Senior Zach Suico takes crown during April 1 Minithon fundraiser
While Suico is outgoing now, he was not always that way. In third grade, he remembers reading Manga and “having no friends.” He knows he acknowledges it a lot and referenced it in his speech after winning Haven Heartthrob, but he could have never imagined himself having friends at all, let alone winning essentially what is a “popularity contest.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than two years, and many students wonder whether the pandemic has truly ended. Is Strath Haven High School reaching normal from the COVID-19 pandemic? Overall, the school has loosened its restrictions, indicating an approach towards normal.
Photo courtesy
“The only thing I could think of is trying to tell a story,” he says. So, “[I] looked at Maysie and [I remembered] she saw me going to buy new shampoo [a few weeks ago].”Hisstory of buying dandruff shampoo at Target received laughter from the audience members. Comedy was the centerpiece of Sucio’s performance. It
FROSH RETURNS! Adah Kauffman
“I was a little nervous,” he said., “[But] raising money for the kids, I wanted to help as much as I can.”
MaJune 2022
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While students feel tempted to fully return to normal, nobody knows when cases will suddenly spike. Students must accept that restrictions still exist. In the meantime, Broome expresses that she is determined to make the most of each opportunity.
Frosh, the freshman/sophomore dance, returned this year on May 14. Freshman class advisers Mr. Keaveney and Mr. Styer and sophomore class advisers Mrs. Reid and Mrs. Rodgers planned the event with help from the sophomore class cabinet. To coordinate with the theme, Haven Hoedown, the gym was decorated with a saloon, light projections, and “wanted” posters featuring several Haven staff. An estimated 600+ students from all four grades attended the dance.
From the severity of the pandemic, students recognize they must learn to cope with a “nota-fully-normal” society. Senior Rowe Crawford explains the lingering pandemic allowed her to show more gratitude for the opportunities that she has
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“I think, right now, we’re definitely approaching normal, but, I don’t think [that] we’re ever gonna be like normal normal, back to where we were before. I think…we’re always going to be skeptical about viruses and things like that just because of the way that we handled this one,” senior Mason Green said.
clearly paid off with a landslide win in the competition.Going into the competition, Suico did not know what to expect. He found himself a little nervous for the event. Given the pandemic, he had never been to Haven Heartthrob and did not know exactly what it would be like.
of pig and cow 10. This 80s
by
Liked teenagers with special skill sets that are thrown together to complete a heist? How about moving them to space! When the students of Aurora Academy find a girl that has been trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, they realize the government wants to keep her a secret.
Still looking for the enemies to lovers trope but in fantasy? Pearson adds the forbidden romance, hidden motives and switches the iron-fisted order for a cloak and dagger society in Dance of Thieves.
tell you the time 9. Gummy
A Guide to BookTok and Summer Reading Recs
DETOURS5 MaJune 2022
Liked the story of a girl thrust into a world full of enemies, power dynamics, and rivals? Try a fantastical version with politics, an enemiesto-lovers trope, and morally gray characters in The Cruel Prince or modern version with familial hierarchies and rivals for wealth in The Inheritance Games.
Crossword Leah Boris for our school's mascot after sound of call, will also ingredient often made rock band sang about the blinker with Penguin whose song
Like enemies to lovers, fake relationships, and contemporary romance? Try Painter’s version with high schoolers. Liz and Wes have been enemies since childhood, however, when Liz’s old crush Michael returns to town, she must work with Wes to make sure her dream comes true.
CLUES
wars.Likebooks
of the striped cat 11. May's zodiac 13. Two words: movie title of a prehistoric animal predicament that involves tyranny and recklessness 14. Two words: adjustable tool named after a primate (Also a Foo Fighters song) 15. Arachnid-entrapment 17. Doja 20. PA's state fish is the brook ____, rhymes
does this 24. Disney character
the
solo
its
performance involves donkey-lifting 25. A comedy-horror film centers on a man who turns into this flippered marine mammal 26. Taylor Lautner's magnum opus role DOWN 1. ____ singing in the dead of night 2. When does the lion sleep? 4. Steinbeck’s Lennie dreams to tend and pet these animals 5. Marsupial momma from beloved Disney children’s 7.franchiseandHobbes (Also Snoop Dogg’s real name) 8. There’s a myth that Ben Franklin wanted this to be the national bird. Now it’s lunchmeat 12. Two words: Band known for the hit song “Do I Wanna Know?” (AKA Japanese Macaques) 14. An ursine stowaway’s favorite snack 16. Insect in Animal Jam logo 18. Bugs Bunny’s Tunes are... 19. Two words: Elton John’s reptilian song 22. Space Jam basketball star -Naomi Thallman, '22
"a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall" 21. Sugary fruit spreads, jam is an example 23. Cadence from Club
Liked This? Try That!
‘22 ACROSS 3. Synonym
that tackle social justice and police brutality? Try “Dear, Martin” and see how the narrator copes with being racially profiled through writing letters to Martin Luther King Jr.
6. Bird named
Liked Zusak’s masterpiece because of the setting and time period? Between Shades of Gray is a simpler, yet still impactful account of concentration camps of displaced peoples in Russia from the perspective of a teenage girl. What about its uniquely crafted structure and the characterization of Death? “Lovely War” is a compelling novel that twists together the stories of star-crossed lovers, an African American soldier, and the greek goddess Aphrodite during both world
Military
West Midwest
SHINE ON!
Abroad IE University, Madrid Other Gap Year, Undecided, Working Full Time
US West
All
Air Force, US Air Force Academy, Colorado, US Marines, US Military Academy at
West
Strath Haven High Class of 2022
data provided by SHHS counseling
Arizona State Chandler-GilbertUniversity,Community College, Pomona College, San Diego State University, Scripps College, University of California at Berkeley, University of Washington, Western Washington University
Point, US Naval Academy at Annapolis
Midwest
South
American University, Appalachian State University, Asbury University, Baylor University, Clemson University, College of Charleston, College of William and Mary, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Southwestern University, George Mason University, Georgetown University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Goucher College, James Madison University, Morgan State University, Rhodes College, Savannah College of Art and Design, St. John’s College, Tulane University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Athena, University of Maryland, University of Miami, University of Mississippi, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, University of Richmond, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech
counseling department as of May 30
MidwestSouthNortheastNortheast
High School Senior Destinations
Butler University, Case Western Reserve University, Loyola University, Chicago, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Oberlin College, Purdue University, University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin
Map design by Aaron Loving, Zoe Feinberg, Michelangelo Bellini, and Kai Lincke, assisted by Daniel Jing
Albright College, Alvernia University, Bloomsburg University, Bryn Mawr College, Bucknell University, California University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Champlain College, Clark University, Community College of Philadelphia, Dartmouth College, DCCC, Dickinson College, Drexel University, Duquesne University, Elizabethtown College, Fordham University, Haverford College, Ithaca College, Thomas Jefferson University, Kutztown University, Lock Haven University, Messiah Universi ty, Neumann University, New York University, PA College of Technology, Penn State Abington, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Schreyer Honors College, Penn State University, Rensselaer, Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Sacred Heart Universi ty, Slippery Rock University, St. Joseph’s University, Suffolk University, Swarthmore College, Syracuse University, Temple University, Tufts University, University of Delaware, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, University of Scranton, University of Vermont, Ursinus College, Villanova University, Wesleyan University, West Chester University, Widener University, Williamson College of Trades
1982-
Now, The Panther Press covers Haven Happenings, opinions about real-world issues, sports, entertainment, and Detours, all while being af fected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all years, the paper continues to inform Haven students!
1981-
information about a young activist who advocated for peace between the United States and the Soviet Union.
PANTHER PRESS on the TWOS8 MaJune 2022
2012-
1992-
COMIC Gabe
DiBonaventura siblings win National History Day Contest
The DiBonaventura siblings are part of the less than one percent of National History Day contestants who make it to Nationals. They will compete virtually next month.
-Matthew Chen, Julia Gray, Michelangelo Bellini Lawson, ’22
Photos courtesy Mrs. DiBonaventura
After Mr. DeJong and Mr. Sparks introduced the siblings to the contest at the middle school, one of Luke’s first projects won second place at Nationals in 2018. This year, Mr. Babcock served as the DiBonaventuras’ faculty adviser.
Students Luke (’23), Luci (’25) and Ella (‘25) DiBonaventura won first place at the state competition for National History Day, a contest in which students create a multimedia presentation based on research about a historical topic related to the annual theme.
The Bark, produced by students at Nether Providence High School, features stories covering exchange students to incoming teachers, one of whom teaches Latin. Students express their concern over the new administration, of which they had no input.
2001-
2022-
SHS Origins comes from 1982, one year before the Nether Providence High School and Swarthmore High School merged. It covers stories ranging from the success of an “International Weekend” to recent local sport wins, and includes ads for Pinocchio’s and Gigi’s Pizza.
Now called The Panther Press, with a similar logo to the modern one, this issue addressed the success of Gun N’ Roses and running in the halls.
The front page headline of the Decanuary issue of The Panther Press speculated whether the world would end on December 21, 2012. The reporter–Josh Kauffman ’15—suggested that students should stock up on boxes of Chex Mix and Goldfish, plenty of pineapple Fanta, and Nickel odeon DVDs. We’re glad the Class of 2022 made it past third grade.
The Panther, an edition of the paper from 2001, covered students say ing the pledge in school, beginning on October 12th 2001, and recent developments in entertainment.
The DiBonaventura siblings presented an interactive display about the Cold War. Their exhibit, titled “Raising the Iron Curtain: Samantha Smith, America’s Youngest Peace Ambassador”, provides
Kai Lincke ’22 Editor-in-Chief
Although the athletes and their hard work are, of course, central to the team’s success, many alumni and current team members attribute the team’s success to Coach Bill Coren and the entire coaching staff. Coren focuses on the athletes’ longevity, rather
PP: What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to ten years?
Zach Suico: Fencing Penn State University
As The Streak grew, Delco Champs became the meet that Coren anticipated the most at the start of each season. His predictions of the outcome became a ritual within the team, with Coren routinely stating, “this is the year we lose it; it’s not gonna happen,” according to former Strath Haven standout (and now Rice University star) Grace Forbes.
The three sport athlete discusses teams, dreams, life
PP: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gained from Coach Fili?
The Streak. Across many sports, that phrase has different meanings. Baseball fans might think of Joe DiMaggio’s 56 consecutive games of getting a hit. For women’s college basketball, it invokes the UConn Huskies’ 145 straight victories across nearly nine years. But in Delco track and field, The Streak means only one thing: 11 years of dominance by the Strath Haven Girls at the Delaware County Track & Field Championship meet.
Athree-sport athlete, Sam Milligan is known throughout the school for his game-winning touchdown in the 2021 District 1 5A Football Championship. In addition to this accomplish ment, he received All-Delco and state honors in wrestling and baseball. Panther Press reporter Aidan McLean sat down with him to ask him a few questions about his craft, especially in base ball, for which the season just ended.
SM: Mr. Fili has told us to focus on what we can control as a team, and it’s helped us, even when we have bad games, to focus on what we can control, and get out of games with Ws.
Kevin Morris: Lacrosse Eastern University
Sydney Bergstrom: Swimming University of Pennsylvania
SM: For baseball, it’s fun to hang out with the team before, listen to music, and play. And then after, it’s fun to go to Chipotle after a win as a team and celebrate.
11 years of dominance
than on short-term success. Whereas many coaches may take an athlete with obvious talent and train them too hard so that they achieve fast times early in their career, Coren purposefully restrains an athlete’s progress so that they steadily and healthily improve to run their fastest times as seniors. This restraint brings forth a consistently dominant team over others in Delco.
Though Coren would mentally prepare himself each year for a possible loss, the team has proven him wrong time and again. The pressure would mount every spring until their eventual victory broke the tension.Allie Wilson, another Strath Haven legend, Olympic-trials finalist, and current holder of this season’s world-fastest 800-meter time, acknowledges that Haven’s history of athletic success motivated her training.“Growing up going to all of the Haven sporting events and admiring all of the amazing athletes who had gone through our school always made me want to strive for success,” Wilson said.
Girls’ track team’s historic achievements create expanding expectations
PP: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
KEEPING THE STREAK ALIVE | Senior Teghan Sydnor races for the hurdles at the Haverford meet on April 2. Photo courtesy Sylvan Prey-Harbaugh
Ethan Barrar: Football Ursinus College
Zach Suico: Fencing Penn State University
Ali Broome: Lacrosse Dickinson College
Jake Millett: Football Ursinus College
Hannah Driscoll: XC/Track
Ryan Lynch: Ultimate Frisbee University of Massachussetts
Photo courtesy Kelly Montague.
Milly Pellegrini: Field Hockey Sacred Heart University
Aidan McLean ’23 Staff Writer
PANTHER PRESS: What sport is your favorite to play and why?
SM: In five to ten years… wow… uh, winning the Super Bowl. No, I’m kidding. Probably graduating high school and college and getting a job, and probably having some success in college sports.
After playing her own significant role in the early years of The Streak, she still feels “so much pride to have come from such an incredible program.”
PP: Tell me about your most successful season in sports.
Sam Milligan talks 2022 baseball season
Dahlia Kuzemka: Soccer Washington College
MikeyCOMMITMENTSATHLETICValente: Baseball
Celest McConnell: XC/Track Stevenson University
Teghan Sydnor: Track Tufts University
Hannah Prokup ’24 Staff Writer
ON THE MOUND
Case Western Reserve University
PP: What are your preferred pregame, locker room, and postgame routines in baseball?
Chase Barlow: Wrestling Bucknell University
Alonzo Ogunde: Track & Field Lincoln University
Matt Shingle: Lacrosse Widener University
Morgan McErlean: XC/Track Swarthmore College
The Panther Press wishes the best of luck to senior athletes continuing their athletic careers in college.
“We owe it to Coren; to be able to keep a streak alive for that long is truly amazing,” Maggie Forbes, another former Haven track star, said. Occasionally, another school would threaten the streak. In 2016, Penn Wood High School gave the Strath Haven team a scare, racking up 86 points to the Panthers’ 91. While the championship meets created plenty of stress, according to Maggie Forbes, “it strengthened the team’s unity and ability.” Wilson concurred, saying that the track program has “continually taken athletes from nothing to something.”Wilson’s statement will hopefully prove prophetic in 2023, as the Panthers are losing several highly talented and high-scoring seniors: Geena Seflin and Hannah Spielman in the discus, Winnie Stach in the 3200m, Rowe Crawford in the 1600m and 800m, and Teghan Sydnor in the 300m and 100m hurdles. And despite these seniors’ contributions, as the truism goes, all good things must end; and so, too, did The Streak. On May 7, a cold, rainy day at the Upper Darby High School track, an exceptionally deep Haverford girls team eked out a two-point victory over the Panthers at the Delco Track and Field Championships. But to the Strath Haven girls, the end of one streak simply provides the opportunity to start another.
SM: I made states in baseball, football, and wrestling, but I guess football was the most recent success for me. We won the district championship and made the state semifinals.
Since 2010, the Strath Haven Girls’ Track and Field team has won the Delco Championship every year. Under the leadership of Coach Bill Coren, recently inducted into the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame, the Panthers’ domination has been undeniable.During those years, the Strath Haven Track team won by an average margin of nearly 31 points over the next highest-scoring team. In 2018, the team won by 74 points, nearly doubling the point total of the second-place team.
SM: I’m on the speech and debate team, as well as class cabinet and the prom committee. But sports are my favorite passion.
Winnie Stach: XC/Track Tufts University
Gavin Abrahamsson: Ultimate Frisbee University of Massachussetts
SAM MILLIGAN: Baseball and football both have big team aspects, which I like, and we’ve been very good the past couple of years at both. We [were] are looking to make a state push at baseball.
Greg Belville: Lacrosse Ursinus College
California University of Pennsylvania
Rowe Crawford: XC/Track American University
SPORTS9 MaJune 2022
Milligan winds up to throw a pitch.
Photo courtesy Zoe Feinberg
JR: [I’m] someone who is being really honest. It’s very vulnerable, but also I want people to understand that my music is very dramatic and kind of over the top, and I’m aware of that. I can laugh at myself a little bit. A lot of writers will embellish certain events in their life to create better art. Even though some of my music is kind of dark, it’s not all based in truth.
Summer Film Recommendations
JR: I first started writing for it before freshman year—I didn’t realize that was what was happening but some of that writing is in the EP now. One of the songs is my dad’s, and he wrote the song in the late 90s. But I really started working hard with the goal of an EP during junior year. The recording process began in September [and] lasted until March, with the space in between for polishing it up, then finally releasing it in April.
Rao talks “Fortune’s Fool”
JR: Definitely. There were so many times when I thought I couldn’t do it, like I was too embarrassed or I didn’t feel brave enough, or I felt like it was kind of silly and I would be laughed at—which hasn’t happened, which is nice. I struggled with writing lyrics a lot. It is embellished but it’s all based in truth.
Five assassins on a high speed bullet train keep bumping into each other until they realize they have related missions, a shiny briefcase. Based on a Japanese novel, the dark, come dic R rated thriller shows the complicated life of being an as sassin, the violence that comes with the job, and how to not die on a train with assassins.
JR: I think it was something that was passed on to me because my dad is a musician. My dad jokes that he was teaching me to sing while he was teaching me to talk. I feel like I was born with it. I always felt like [music] was really important to me and that this project was always going to happen.
NaOMI THALLMAN,
Tom Cruise is finally back in the cockpit in a sequel fans have been waiting for since 1996. Pete “Mav erick” Mitchell is now training Top Gun graduates, a job he never signed up for, to complete a daring flying mission. When he meets the son of his former partner and friend “Goose”, who died during a flight, Mitchell must face the dark fears of his past and find his will to con tinue the mission.
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PP: What do you want to accomplish with your music?
PP: What do you want people to know about you when they hear your music?
Do futuristic dinosaur movies ever go out of style? For 30 years the Jurassic Park franchise has been releasing movies on a dinosaur island. Now they are introducing dinosaurs to the continents of the world. The movie hopes to answer the question: will dinosaurs and humans coexist, or will an apex predator have to land on top? By the end of the movie viewers will question why dinosaurs are in the snow, if a motorcycle can outrun a dinosaur, and whether they would survive a dinosaur apocalypse.
JR: I took a songwriting class with Mr. Fischer and my Dad always told me to write about a single moment when I’m stuck. So for the first song, I wrote about the moment right after I hit a car, which was a very scary experience for me. Although it’s embellished, in the beginning, the whole “I’m not afraid” part is about how being in a car accident put everything else and my fears in perspective. The rest of the songs are mostly about love, heartbreak, or getting over something. Some of the songs aren’t about my own experiences. Taylor Swift said once that her early music is about movies or fictional characters, and I was inspired by that. I would take a feeling or an event and expand on it into a fictional world where, me, “Fortune’s Fool”, is in the world.
Senior musician discusses new EP, songwriting process
Jyothi10
WHERE CRAWDADSTHE SING
JR: I started making music with my dad, singing cover songs. He would play guitar and I would sing; he would teach me how to sing harmonies. Eventually I started writing poetry, then writing stuff on the piano, then finally combining it. I’m also classically trained in piano and used to take voice lessons.
‘22
THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Matthew Chen ’23 Editor-in-Chief
JR: There’s a line in the beginning of Romeo and Juliet where Romeo says “I’m Fortune’s Fool”, which basically means I’m fated to be a fool. He’s in love with someone who doesn’t love him back and feels really silly about it. That was something that really resonated with me. In tarot, there’s a recurring theme of the fool, of someone who is just beginning their journey. As someone who is going to college, everything feels very new —that just resonated deeply with me. At the peak of the bridge of one of my songs, “Guest House”, I say “I’m Fortune’s Fool”.
PP: Why “Fortune’s Fool”?
Based on the book written by Delia Owens, this on screen adaptation stars Marsh Girl, the marsh, and boats in the marsh. Kya was forced to grow up quickly after being abandoned by her family. Living a lonely life, and still a child at heart, Kya finds solace in her interaction with two men who completely changed her life and heart. Includes a new song from Taylor Swift!
A deep dive into a character from Toy Story, a childhood classic. Voiced by Chris Ev ans, the animated children’s action, this comedy movie follows the origin story of Buzz, where he actually has hair. After flying into the fu ture, Buzz becomes stuck in the future on a foreign planet fighting off alien robots.
JR: I always say I’m a musician, and I want something to point to and say, “this is mine”. I play live a lot but I’ve never had something that was like, this is me. I’m going to promote [the EP] more, and hopefully play some live shows, nothing crazy, more of an intimate setting. The goal isn’t to be famous or touring, I really just want to be an artist. I have other goals; I’m going to college for psychology and I want it to be something that I can do on the side and also share with people. I want people to have songs that they can sing to and be like, “yes, I relate to this”. Songs that will make them feel better if they‘re sad or make them feel like they’re not alone.
PP: When did you first start working on your EP?
PP: At what age did it occur to you that music was really important?
JR: I had a lot of push from my dad. I’ve always been writing music but I started feeling proud of
enior Jyothi Rao released her five song EP “Fortune’s Fool” on April 27. Rao has been working on the project for the last four years. Incoming Editor-in-Chief Matthew Chen sat down with her to discuss her inspiration, songwriting process and reaction to the release.
A highly anticipated Marvel movie where Thor gets fit, finally moves on from Natalie Portman, and gets his Thunder back, hopefully. After literally burying the hatchet on his identity as a warrior god for peace, Thor goes on a journey to find himself, save something or someone, and possibly pick his magical hatchet back up.
BULLET TRAIN
LIGHTYEAR
what I was writing. I had a lot of inspiration based on personal [experiences], relationships, and changes, and that made me really inspired for those months, and I felt like I was writing my best work. I felt like this was something I could be proud of, and putting it out there and showing people.
MaJune 2022
Jyothi Rao performs her song “Better in the Morning” during the coffee house portion of Spring Fling on April 29.
PP: Tell me about your musical journey.
PP: Why did you feel inspired to make your EP?
PP: Did you have any challenges during the process?
PP: What was the creative process of writing your music?
TOP GUN: MAVERICK
JURASSIC WORLD
Photo courtesy Matthew Chen, ’23
2023 George Slick Fellow’s June 7 performance captivates audience
Arts Fellowship. The George H. Slick Arts Fellowship and Grant was created to honor Dr. George H. Slick, Superintendent of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District from 1978 to 1996 and 2006-2007. The intention of the fellowship is to “recognize the importance of the arts in a nation that aspires to greatness.” Taylor was excited to receive the fellowship.
Junior Dae Taylor plays in the sax quartet during the NAHS induction ceremony on April 26.
n a dreary Friday afternoon, May 11 Strath Haven’s Jazz and Modern bands traveled two hours to Rehoboth beach to participate in the annual Jazz Festival. The festival is a tradition between local high schools that has lasted over ten years. Strath Haven’s Modern Band featured singers Ella Grossman and Henry Reacher, who performed popular songs like “Mr. Brightside” and “Heart of Glass”. Even on a foggy and wet day, spectators still showed up to the pavilion to enjoy jazz music. The power of music was
All proceeds from the fundraiser went towards the Domestic Abuse Project (DAP) of Delaware County, Inc. DAP was created in 1976 as part of a movement to provide safety, advocacy and supportive services to victims of domestic abuse not otherwise available within Delaware County. The mission of the project is to prevent domestic violence and empower victims to move towards“Puttingself-sufficiency.theconcerttogether was definitely a struggle at times, but it’s also been a great experience,” Orr said. “The Domestic Abuse Project does incredible work for the community and I’m proud to be able to support them.”
In the spring of his freshman year at Haven, Dae was awarded the George H. Slick
Story of My Life One Direction11
songs you might find in a fifth grade end of year slideshow in 2015
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cece Olszewski ’22 Arts and Entertainment Editor
Jazz on the dunes
Compiled by Cece Olszewski
evident that night, as Strath Haven Jazz Band’s very own Nathan Sepinwall (vibraphone) decided on a whim to solo for another school’s band.
Taylor was introduced to music in elementary school. When the time came for him to choose an instrument to play in third grade, he followed in his father’s footsteps by choosing saxophone. Dae took to the instrument quickly and eventually began taking private lessons. Over the course of his time at Haven so far, Dae has contributed his skills to numerous ensembles including Saxophone Quartet, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and more.
Juniors Ella Grossman and sophie DeCristafaro share a laugh during the Modern band performonce on May 11.
The music was the antidote to the otherwise gloomy day.
Dae Taylor tunes up
Taylor’s recital consisted of several pieces from his advanced saxophone repertoire, including composers Iturralde, Mozart, Maslanka, Reed, and Demersseman. Taylor envisions that music will remain a very large part of his life as he considers studying at a conservatory, or simply continuing to play and improve his skills.
Haven jazz bands travel to Rehobeth Jazz Festival
Matthew Chen ’23 Editor-in-Chief
MaJune 2022
“I was incredibly honored and humbled,” Taylor said. “I was also super, super excited to be getting this rare opportunity.”
Senior Jess Orr hosts benefit concert for Domestic Abuse Project
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Photo courtesy Jess Farhat
Cece Olszewski ’22 and Sawyer Bock ’22 Arts & Entertainment Editor and Sports Editor
Jess Orr ’22 hosted a community benefit concert on Saturday, June 4th at 4pm in the Brookhaven parking lot at Strath Haven High School. The concert included almost 20 live coffeehouse-style performances by current and past Haven students as well as community members. Additionally, student and community artwork were put on display, raffle items were collected, and students sold baked goods, all to support a meaningful cause to Jess.
Even in the heat of the day, there was a great turnout of supporters for this exceptionally student-driven event, which raised over $1700.
Sophomore Henry Reacher sings during the Rehobeth performance on May 11.
SAXOPHONE IN SYMPHONY George Slick Fellow Dae Taylor plays the saxophone during the May 18 concert.
JAZZ BEATS
ae Taylor ‘23 presented his George H. Slick Arts Fellowship recital on June 7 at 7:00pm in the Strath Haven High School auditorium. His program consisted of several pieces for saxophone with piano accompaniment, along with a duet with his saxophone teacher.
Photo courtesy Matthew Chen, ’23
Performing for a cause
“It will definitely be a part of my life forever,” he said.
Photo courtesy Kai Lincke
“I was delighted to play with Cape Henlopen High School’s jazz band,” Sepinwall said. “I especially enjoyed the opportunity to solo with a new ensemble on a piece I was unfamiliar with, as I believe experiences like these are among the best ways to develop improvisational skills.”
11 THE PANTHER PLAYLIST Vol. 5: End of an Era The Panther Playlist~ 10 songs, 39 min 8 sec 1 I Lived One Republic We’re Going to Be Friends The White Stripes Good Riddance Green Day Photograph Ed Sheeran Geronimo Sheppard Carry On Fun Best Day of My Life American Authors Hey, Soul Sister Train Who Says Selena Gomez Ho, Hey The Lumineers1023456789 Scan here to access the Spotify playlist!
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Warmly, Kai PantherLinckePress Editor-inchief, 2021-2022 LEDITOR 2022-2023 EDITORIAL BOARD Editors-in-Chief: Matthew Chen and Julia Gray Haven Happenings: Mirella DiPalma Sports: Hannah Prokup Opinions: Collin Woodland Arts & Entertainment: Rhys Hals Detours: Matteo Ventresca Photo Editor: Jess Farhat Designer: Michelangelo Bellini
That moment is one of the standouts in my highlight reel. From that day on, this newspaper has had a prominent role in my life. I’ve spent the last three years practicing design and writing skills and sitting with upperclassmen staff to observe their process.
Writers, thank you for jumping in to document this historic year. Most of you were new to journalism, but you quickly embraced this newspaper and committed to covering our school’s stories. Designers, thank you for saving me (often at the last minute) when I wasn’t sure how to “make things look better.” Staff, each and every one of you is critical to this newspaper, and I appreciate you all so much. Thank you to Mrs. Munn and Mr. Zakrzewski for giving me the incredible opportunity to lead the Panther Press. Thank you to Maddie Marks, Evelyn Meeker, and Will Garrett for allowing me to sit with you and learn how to put a newspaper together. I’m so grateful that you believed in me and took that timid freshman under your wing. Thank you to Ms. Plows for exchanging “THAT’S A STORY!” emails with me and encouraging my love for journalism. Thank you to my family, especially my parents, for supporting me through many stressful send to press weeks (and always).Iknow that I am leaving the paper with an amazing incoming staff. I am elated to announce that the Panther Press will welcome two editors-in-chief next year, Matthew Chen and Julia Gray. Already, they have proven that they have a strong work ethic, creative perspective, dedication to the publication, and care for others. Their writing, design, and photography skills will guide them well throughout the process. Matt and Gray, thank you both for stepping up and helping me to finish this issue. I am so grateful for all of your work.
Thank you readers for picking up our paper. Whether you’re here for the latest school news or the crossword, I’m so grateful that you’re taking the time to consider our staff’s work. If you see something you like here, get involved! The newspaper is always happy to have fresh perspective.
I didn’t have particular knowledge or passion about Earth Day, but I was determined to write the best darn Earth Day article this school had ever seen. I pored over the Panther Press website, trying to pick up journalistic lingo and formatting from the posted articles. I can still feel my heart racing and legs quivering as I worked up the nerve to interview teachers and students for the article. When the article was printed one month later, I sent an ecstatic text to my parents: “I’M PUBLISHED!”
None of this coverage would be possible without our staff. I am so proud of my team and all that we have documented this year. Editors, thank you for guiding your writers and
contributing your great ideas to this paper.
school’sThisstory.position has been both everything and nothing like I expected. Serving as editorin-chief has been one of the most stressful and rewarding opportunities of my high school career. While I’ve had the opportunity to tell many amazing stories this year, I often felt a massive responsibility to ensure that our newspaper captured it all and put pressure on myself to produce publications that documented all aspects of school life. I had New York Times-level aspirations at a high school newspaper. It took me a long time to accept that my big goals weren’t realistic for our publication.The pressure of producing an eight to twelve page publication often felt like a huge weight on my chest. There were some days when the newspaper defeated me, and I felt so much pressure that I struggled to come up for air. I think the most important thing I’ve learned this year is that it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s important to acknowledge our limits. It doesn’t make you weak, or a bad person. Constantly running around, trying to squeeze everything in isn’t healthy or sustainable. We can’t do it all, and people can’t help you if they don’t know you’re struggling.Thoughthis newspaper has often been stressful, I owe so much to the Panther Press. This newspaper was here for me for every stage of my high school journey. This newspaper was my introduction to journalism and sparked my love of storytelling. Writing articles about COVID procedures helped me to process my anxiety about returning to in person learning, and researching college admissions provided an outlet for me after I didn’t get in to my dream school.
Kai Lincke ’22 Editor-in-Chief
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to lead the newspaper as editor-inchief. When I inherited the newspaper last June, I knew I had a monumental task ahead of me: returning to print publications after a year of publishing online. Reviving this format meant expanding our staff, and rebuilding our role within the school. It was challenging to find our footing again, but we pushed through. With each publication, the design has improved, our staff has grown, and our writers have become more confident. I am so proud of all that our staff has accomplished this year—most of all, their commitment to jumping in and telling our
Three years later, there still is nothing like opening a freshly printed newspaper and seeing my name in print. Folding through our old newspapers is like taking a walk down memory lane. I was part of the Panther Press when we covered new chromebooks and new administrators, when we addressed stress and student mental health, and when we reported on the band’s masked miniseason. Each newspaper provides a snapshot in time, a glimpse into student life at Strath Haven. I almost can’t remember what my life was like without the Panther Press. As an underclassman, I found a community who welcomed me with open arms and showed me the ropes. As an upperclassman, I’ve had the opportunity to teach younger students about journalism and the power of student voices.
Dear readers,
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EDITORS PAGE12 MaJune 2022
ver the last few weeks, I’ve been rewinding the highlight reels of my four years at Haven. Amidst the awkward school dances and boisterous pep rallies, research papers and math homework, there has always been one constant: the Panther Press.
I walked into the media lab as an unsure freshman, learning the basics of photography and video in Ms. Plows’ Visual Communications class. Just by luck, or maybe by fate, the Panther Press editor-in-chief, Maddie Marks, frequently worked on the paper in the media lab during her independent study, the same block as my class. I was intrigued by her work and wanted to learn more. One day after class, I worked up the courage to stay for the staff meeting. I was timid and reserved at first, unsure how I fit in amongst a group of animated upperclassmen, but by the end of the meeting, I had signed up to write an article about Earth Day.
As June speeds by, I know it’s time to say goodbye to this paper—this beautiful, stressful, wonderful paper. I also know that the Panther Press will always be part of me. I am so grateful for all of the lessons and experiences that it has given me, most importantly the appreciation for stories and news. I’ve learned that everyone has a story if you take time to get to know them. Strath Haven, thank you for sharing yours.