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PERSPECTIVESPANTHER Hear from Haven students about the topics that matter to them.
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W
PANTHERS PROWL FOR VICTORY Girls’ track team places third place at States.
The hour-long event was organized by a team of students led by junior Luke Mandel with the help of junior Evan Hoffman and sophomores Ava Dijstelbloem, Noa Dijstelbloem, and Mira Patel.
Evelyn Meeker ‘21 Editor-in-Chief
The town hall forum took place during fourth block and many teachers permitted their classes to attend, nearly filling the auditorium. However, the senior class was dismissed early from school for prom that evening, so many seniors were not in attendance.
LinckeKaibydesignPageFront//MeekerEvelynbyIllustration
Detailed in an article for the New York Times, a recent analysis by the RAND corporation has estimated that delaying school start times to 8:30 or later would contribute $83 billion to the economy within a decade. This would be due to greater academic performance for more well-rested students, and thereby increased lifetime earnings, as well as reduced rates of car accidents among adolescent drivers.
ith her eyes fighting to stay open, she rests her head down on her desk, cradled in her arms. Her words drag behind her as she searches for an answer to the teacher’s question. Her mind is somewhere else.This is not unusual in the life of a high school student. Teenagers are naturally disposed to sleeping in later, but a lack of sleep for high schoolers has become an epidemic impacting concentration, performance, and mental health. These consequences can be deadly, as young drivers who sleep on average less than six hours a night are twenty-percent more likely to be involved in a car accident, according to a study at the George Institute in Sydney.
On Friday May 31st, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon visited Strath Haven to answer questions and encourage discussion about various political topics within the school environment. This was the first event organized by the Committee for Educational Speakers, a new group at Strath Haven that plans to invite professors, artists, activists, authors, and others to speak throughout the year for anyone interested in an extra educational opportunity.
Strath Haven High School is among the schools in the area looking into the implications of later start times on student health, scheduling, and budget.
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MEETING MCADOO Get to know Haven’s Diversity Consultant in an interview.exclusive
Page 7 MaJune 2019
Exploring School Start Times
Sleeping isn’t the only point of benefit these schools considered, either. While there are costs to a later start time, in research referenced by the Regional Adolescent Sleep Needs Coalition, the economic benefits are also made clear.
Luke Mandel ‘20 Online Editor
As nearby districts make the switch to a later start time, WSSD is committing to year-long research process.
DESTINATIONSSENIOR
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STRATH HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL, WALLINGFORD, PA 19086 Inside This Issue... Continued on Page 3 >>
See where this year’s graduating class is headed!
WASHINGTON TO WALLINGFORD: Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon answers a question during the town hall held at Haven on May 31, 2019.
Photo courtesy Finn Szybist
That’s why more and more schools, some nearby, are changing to a later start time. The Radnor and Tredyffrin-Easttown School Districts are just a few to announce that they will be making the shift in the 2019-2020 school year.
Scanlon Visits Strath Haven
Panther Press
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You and Cece are musically inclined with a personality.welcoming
You and Samah have a very strong connection to community.your
Like Evelyn, you are a creative soul and a natural leader with a passion for journalism and art.
Which 2019-2020 Panther Press Editor Are You?
Created by Will Garrett, ‘21 // Designer
Congratulations and thank you to the graduating seniors of the Panther Press Editorial Board!
You Got Detours
You Got Designer
Pick a color: Red
It was a ofanycrosswordswantedwouldn’texperience.greatIhavetomakeforothergroupkids.Youguys
brought out the best in me.
You and David both have a strong sense of who you are and what you stand for. a
You Got
Pick a type
Being part of the Panther Press has been really gratifying—seeing how much behind-the-scenes work and collaboration that goes into a few pages and then seeing your own name in the finished product is a really special feeling. I also love that we started making the content more Haven-related this year; it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone to learn more about the perspectives of people around me. So, thank you Panther Press for giving me such a valuable experience!
Sports
I’m really sad to leave the Panther Press. I’ve learned a lot from these past four years, grown as a writer, explored boundaries as a journalist, and most of all, met some amazing people. I’ll miss stressing out over last minute section deadlines and article writer’s block.
Youfood:ofGot
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Abby Loiselle, Editor-in-Chief
Like Maria, you are headstrong and determined, but know when to have fun.
Editors’
subject: Sweet Would you rather go to a: SportsGame Concert Blue Pick genre:musica Math English Pick an animal: Bird ClassicDogCatRockPop
Along with Will, Kai, and Lily, you are detail-oriented with a creative flair.
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PageMAJUNE 2019 Page 2 Strath Haven High School
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Ryan Krouse, Sports
I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the Panther Press for the past four years. Thank you to everyone that has helped to keep the paper a huge success, and good luck to the incoming editors!
Like Emma, you are independent and fun. You love to move and be active.
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Get to know your new Editorial Board by starting here and following the arrows!
My time on the newspaper has really inspired a love of writing. I’ve been able to reach out to new people through different articles and get to know their stories and share them with others. I never expected to grow so fond of something like this. Writing had always been a chore that I was forced to do in English class, but it has become so much more. I am constantly amazed by the efforts of others, and being able to show off their talents to the entire school is something I am beyond proud to do. While the paper may be read more often to find out where students are going to college, there is so much work put into every article that should be admired by all who read it. Whether I’ve had the pleasure of making you laugh or smile, I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Couldn’t imagine a better way to spend three years.
“How would that impact parents? How would that impact students? How would that impact teachers? Those are the kinds of things we have to take into consideration.”
Transportation is one factor that cannot afford to be overlooked.“Idon’tknow that we physically have the buses, or the capacity to be able to support that, and still make sure that all the middle school and elementary school children get home when they’re supposed to,” Brown said.
A Brookings Institute policy brief confirmed this, stating that the academic benefits of a later start time would add about $17,500 to a student’s earnings over the course of a lifetime.
According to Dr. Brown, “Additional sleep is really going to be a fantastic thing.” Yet there is no real guarantee that students would use a later start time to their benefit.
Additionally, at the meeting on May 13, the School Board motioned to join the Regional Adolescent Sleep Needs Coalition. A task force will evaluate and provide a recommendation so that if there is a change in schedule, it can be implemented for the 2020-2021 school year.
“Would students consider, ‘Yes, I’ll get more sleep,’ or, ‘No, I’ll stay up later,’” he said. “What would the real impactEvenbe?”with the schedule pushed back, students will likely endure the same, often significant homework load. A change in start time does not necessarily equal a change in stress levels. Could students still lack sleep, and is sleep not the only Nonetheless,problem?as the Radnor and Tredyffrin-Easttown School Districts have made the change to a later start time, the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District has committed to a year-long study on adolescent sleep needs. This will involve research before the beginning of the next school year, as well as opportunities for community involvement.
criminal justice system, and gun regulation as her motivation to run for Congress. She spoke passionately about her determination to get money out of politics, and more specifically about her support for HR1, a bill that would federalize the funding of Scanlonelections.alsoput to rest a rumor that she did not support Net Neutrality, an Obama era policy generally supported by Democrats, that spread due to the fact that her second largest campaign contributor was Comcast. Scanlon explained how it was an oversight on her part, but not indicative of her position on the issue, and that she has since signed on to legislation supporting NetTheNeutrality.townhall was, overall, a success, with an enthusiastic and supportive audience and a series of sincere questions.
not a problem, there is still the question of when sports practices will occur: could they potentially be held in the morning? Or will they be pushed back later in the day?
Students and teachers alike came
Photo courtesy Anna Hicks
So, starting school later seems like the simple solution, right? Well, not exactly.
Brown went on to explain the importance of examining how other impacted.opportunitiesextracurricularcouldbe
“Being able to voice my concerns to someone in a position of power who can help make positive changes to legislation was a really great experience.”
“I would stress that we’re not coming into this with the intention of changing the schedule,” Brown said. “We’re coming into it with the intent of seeing if it’s even worthwhile to go down that road. So there’s no predetermined outcome here.”
Strath Haven High School
While no formal decision has been made, the district is invested in understanding the issue through-and-through in order to reach the most beneficial outcome.
MAJUNE 2019
Additionally, while the Brookings Institute brief has expressed a long-term benefit for students academically and economically, the same study shows that transportation costs with a later start time could increase up to $150 per student.Sports are also a vital component of Haven’s school community that could be impacted by a change in start time. In the school board meeting on May 13, Dr. Robert Rieger brought up the point of central league athletic participation. As schools that Strath Haven athletic teams compete with are changing start times, how might athletes, coaches, and parents be impacted?This question was addressed by Superintendent Lisa Palmer in the meeting, and Dr. Brown also emphasized that Radnor, in particular, was very quick to communicate with the other districts, Not only will some sports be unaffected by the change in start time, but they are confident that they will be able to sort out the scheduling matters that do conflict.
Some audience members, however, weren’t completely satisfied by all of Scanlon’s answers. “There were one or two questions that I thought she kind of shied away from and didn’t want to give a definitive answer for, like the one about whether college should be free or not,” said sophomore Lily Marks. “Overall I thought it was an interesting and worthwhile experience, though.”
In an email sent out by Dr. Lisa Palmer on behalf of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, she explained that the administration is dedicated to evaluating the issue in terms of our “unique context.” So, what makes our context different from other schools considering a change in start time?For one thing, according to Dr. Brown, “We have a very unique schedule now with a fifth block that has a
The team worked hard over the past few months to invite Scanlon, plan the meeting, and advertise with the goal of exposing students to political thought and action.
Scanlon represents the Fifth Congressional District, which includes all of Delaware County, some of Montgomery County, and some of southern Pennsylvania. She was also the Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board President from 2009-2011.
Scanlon repeatedly pointed out her frustration over gerrymandering, the
second bus run.”
Even if our ability to compete with other schools is
The audience’s reaction to the event were generally positive. Many thought that Scanlon’s answers to each question were engaging and comprehensive. Scanlon also gave each question the respect it deserved, regardless of how difficult the question was to answer.
Scanlon >> Continued from Page
Because of these questions, athletics are a point of potential concern. However, multiple sources have also emphasized the necessity of adequate sleep for studentathletes. According to sleep expert Mary Carskadon, quoted by the Washington Post, “If you’re running track and your reaction time slows by even 10 milliseconds, it’s huge.”There is also the question of how effective a change in start time will actually be. One matter is that a change could mean anything from twenty-minutes to an hour. While Radnor High School will now be starting school at 8:30 am, Conestoga will be beginning at 7:50. The district will have to assess what change, if any, would be most beneficial for Strath Haven.
Newstartschooltimes Radnor High HighConestogaSchool8:30AMSchool7:50AM
-ZoeFreshmanFeinberg
Haven Happenings
Feinberg explained how she appreciated the chance to talk to a representative about the ability to make change. “I’m very interested in activism and political issues,” Feinberg said. “Being able to voice my concerns to someone in a position of power who can help make positive changes to legislation was a really great experience.”
“How would that impact parents? How would that impact students? How would that impact teachers?” Brown said. “Those are the kinds of things that we have to take into consideration because there’s a lot more voices that need to go into the answer.”
were collected through a Google Survey in addition to coming from selected teachers Mrs. Miriam Drew, Mr. Kevin Haney, Mr. Tom Babcock, and Ms. Kate Plows.
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According to Principal Dr. Kristopher Brown, there are a lot of moving pieces to address while considering a change in school start time.
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Exploring >> Continued from Page 1
“It’s not as simple as picking everything up and shifting it back by an hour,” he said. “Because then, if we just move the high school, do we move the high school and the middle school? Do you move the high school, the middle school, and the elementary?
-Dr. Brown SHHS Principal
When asked how students can be a part of this discussion around start times, Dr. Brown explained that some form of survey will likely be involved during this process.Whether it be survey, email, or conference, Brown emphasized the importance of “clear and transparent communication” above all. This is why progress updates for the study will be given through the WSSD website as well as school board and public meetings.
up to the podium to ask questions with topics ranging from educational policy to abortion regulation. People who elected not to read their own questions were able to have their questions read by a panel. Questions were given by senior Lindsay Belliveau; juniors Nick Cardow, Ryan Driscoll, Evan Hoffman, Patrick Kirk, Clay LeBuhn, Will Lee, and Luke Mandel; sophomores Noa Dijstelbloem, Abby DiNardo, Nate Linderman, Zaina Maqbool, Nina Mesyngier, and Mira Patel; and freshman Zoe Feinberg. Questions
“Part of the benefit of our fifth block is we have unlimited access to music,” he said. “We have hundreds and hundreds of kids who get involved in different musical groups. And that’s a big part of what the district is. So how do you move or restructure without reducing the ability for people to do those things?”
STUDENT PARTICIPATION: Junior Will Lee poses a question to Congresswoman Scanlon. Lee was one of the selected students on the question-asking panel who spoke for people who didn’t want to ask their own questions.
More photographs will be made available on the Panther Press Scanwww.SHPANTHERPRESS.com.website,QRcodetoaccesswebsite.
share the goal to inspire students, but Student Council holds the broad goal of bettering the experience of the student body. This year the Student Council decided to pursue that goal by crafting new events like the Homecoming Festival and Senior Service while expanding our long-held traditions. Our efforts were all made with the purpose to build on what makes Haven special.
To all rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the responsibility now falls on you to uphold the uniqueness of Strath Haven. Take advantage of the opportunities you have and recognize that any challenge is also a chance to learn and mature. To all my friends and classmates graduating with me, thank you for making high school such a fun and exciting four years. Alumni often comment on how well their time at Strath Haven has prepared them for the real world, so do not enter college or the workforce with nervousness, enter it with boldness and confidence.
Student Council President Class of 2019
PASSING THE TORCH: 2018-2019 President Andrew Spangler hands off his position to newly elected 2019-2020 President Anya Hooper alongside their Vice Presidents.
Andrew
Upperclassmen aren’t as scary as they seem.
-Murphy Yarborough
Esposito and Styer agree: the new system works. Although it has been refined several times in the 25 years Mr. Styer has run the program, he promises “This is by far the best way and the best results.”
-Emily McGinn
The newly-elected Class of 2020 officials will have big shoes to fill. Still, students seem to think that President Anya Hooper, Vice Presidents Corey Harris and Michael Fergus, and School Board
Don’t try to walk down the big hill. You will fall.
Strath Haven High School
On Thursday May 24, Strath Haven found out that their new 2019-2020 Student Council will be led by President Anya Hooper and Vice Presidents Michael Fergus and Corey Harris.
has different plans for implementation, Esposito and Styer recommended focusing on the practicality of their promises. It is very possible to follow through on campaign promises, but goals must fit with the budget, be feasible for students, and elected officials must “have gumption.”
Don’t be afraid to talk to your guidance counselor.
When I think of Strath Haven, I can only think of how lucky I am to have attended such an incredible high school. Thank you to all who have made it the place that it is. I feel honored and humbled to have played a small part in its progression into the future.Sincerely, Spangler
If you need a mental health day, don’t hesitate, just take it.
-Ezra Paul
Class of 2019 officials were able to follow through on their vision for the Homecoming Festival, emulating what Styer says is “what we’re hoping to get from the [election] process.”
Photo courtesy Strath Haven Student Council via Instagram
Wear whatever you want.
Make sure you get some sleep. It’s very important.
So what should students consider when they’re voting? Who has the best posters? Likeability? In terms of policy, many of the candidates prioritize a similar theme: unifying Strath Haven with service opportunities and community building exercises. While every candidate
-Kai Lincke
Bring a sweatshirt because the school is freezing year-round.
Hooper Named Student Council President
Your lunch table is never secured.
-Sam Shay
Get to the gate to the trailers before the bell rings.
Keep track of your grades and pay attention in class.
-Naomi Thallman
With Vice Presidents Fergus and Harris by her side, Hooper looks forward exciting 2019-2020 school year.
Be open to new experiences and meeting new people.
-Brigit Wright
With twenty-six candidates, the pool was more than double the size of that six years ago. In response, students had three votes, instead of two, for the first time ever.
And while this was a visible example of Student Council’s impact, they serve the school in many different, less recognized ways. Recently, they funded the picnic tables outside of the cafeteria, and they annually organize the blood drive, pep rally, and homecoming.
Representative Samah Sharmin will do a great job, especially when joined by the twelve elected officers. All of the student council members are passionate about Strath Haven and the welcoming environment it strives to provide to students. Samah Sharmin, School Board Representative, hopes to make students of diverse faiths feel more at home at Haven, especially on religious holidays. Similarly, when VP Michael Fergus first came to Haven, he described feeling “amazed” at the way that students welcomed him, and he promises to extend that feeling to every single Haven student. Hopefully, Student Council will run with that promise.
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As the school-year closes, students’ optimism seems to be growing. Summer is near, and they feel content and excited about the students who will lead them in the year to come.
A defining moment for us came when our school captured the attention of the national media for a letter containing offensive and insensitive language. The defining moment was not the letter, it was the opportunity that the incident presented, an opportunity to acknowledge problems, previously too taboo to be sufficiently addressed. We still have work to do, but I am optimistic that progress will be made.
Alongside our challenges, we have had tremendous accomplishments to be proud of. This year, many of our sports teams advanced further than they ever have in recent memory. We created inspiring artwork, and performed music at exceptionally high levels. We worked harder than ever before to better ourselves and our school in the context of change, allowing Strath Haven to once again be distinguished as one of the best high schools in Pennsylvania.Ouraccomplishments are no accident, they are the product of committed teachers and faculty, all of whom want nothing more than to see us succeed. Every graduating senior can undoubtedly remember a teacher who broadened their perspectives and inspired them to pursue their passions. It is those faculty members who have encouraged me to push my boundaries and grow as a person, who I cannot thank enough. Without such caring and hardworking
adults in this school, I would not be anywhere near where I am today.Teachers
MAJUNE 2019
-Avery Cavanagh
-Daniel Jing
Go to fifth block for extra help or to make up late work.
-Alyse Wicentowski
Abby McElroy, ‘19 Staff Writer
Center photo courtesy Anya Hooper
Dear Strath Haven: A Farewell from the President
Four years ago, the Student Council elections changed for good. Before, the officers were elected purely by popular vote. After a succession of undedicated, disorganized presidents mangled homecoming and nearly caused the end of the pep rally, Esposito and Styer decided the process needed a change. The popular vote had turned into the popularity vote, and candidates were getting elected based on flashy videos and likeability alone, not their qualifications. Now, the election has three components, each equally weighted: student votes, teacher rankings, and an interview.Both
-Megan Bernard
-Zach Suico
Haven Happenings
What a year we’ve had! From a new principal to a new band director, 2018 and 2019 have brought many changes to our school. We embraced this change and found ways to improve because of it. Over this past year, I have had the privilege to serve as your Student Council President, and despite the challenges we faced, I still reflect on this year as a success because overcoming adversity is what gives us strength and allows us to mature as a student body.
MAJUNE 2019 Page 5 Strath Haven High School
To students, Morris-Brady was the perfect combination of compassion and discipline. Juniors Sophie Bergstrom and Alana Mackey cite Morris-Brady as “their favorite Spanish teacher” who cultivated a love for the language and introduced them to the famed “Jump-Up.” Sophomore Zaina Maqbool furthers that Morris-Brady’s “dedication to her students encouraged them” to explore Spanish and develop a deeper understanding of both the language and culture. Junior Lena Graziani and her alumnus brother Will corroborate that Morris-Brady “doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer;” she’ll push you until you succeed.Outside of the classroom, Morris-Brady’s presence can’t be overlooked. Junior Sara Myers-Maloney explains how Morris-Brady “made Spanish club a success,” organizing dinner field trips, cooking
Samah Sharmin, ‘20 Editor
sessions, and fiestas. She was always finding different ways to incorporate Spanish into students’ lives. Moreover, Senior Dana Hubbell describes MorrisBrady’s outstanding role in founding and organizing Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser that raises money for cancer patients. “She inspires me and many other students with her positive attitude and unwavering workMorris-Brady’sethic.” impact is not just felt on her students, but fellow teachers as well. Señora Kaneda writes that her “dedication to her students is unparalleled,” a fact made clear by her students’ testimonies above. Señora Fong, Morris-Brady’s best friend since graduate school, recalls a time when the two were “driving on the winding roads from Mexico City to Acapulco, and Señora was singing and trying not to get sick!”
Both Señora Fong and Señor Miraglia remember sharing conversations with Morris-Brady both early in morning when they came in and late in the evening when they were some of the last to leave. “When I had night games,” Miraglia recounts. “I would stay until 6 and she would still be here with students. Helping them, feeding them, whatever they needed. She cared about each and every one of her students like they were her own children.” He continues: “I would like to publicly thank her for the unlimited supply of tissues boxes that she has provided my students (I would never provide tissues for my students—I tell them to use their sleeves.)” In addition to saving students from the perils of a runny nose, Morris-Brady will be remembered for her endless compassion and dedication.
Señora Morris-Brady will be missed but never forgotten. The love of Spanish that she has endowed upon her students will resonate with them forever, making her legacy everlasting. Señora Morris-Brady truly did improve the lives of those around her. As she continues on with the next leg of her journey, Señora Fong recommends she “relax and find time for herself because she is ‘número uno.’”
Strath Haven celebrates the career and accomplisments of Spanish teacher Señora Jo-Ann Morris-Brady as she finishes her last year at the school.
Editors-in-Chief Abby EvelynMaddieLoiselleMarksMeeker* Advisors Mrs. Danielle Perricone-Munn Mr. Robert ZakrzewskiSTAFFPRESSPANTHER 2019MaJune Editors Lynnea Zhang David Ren Chloe Gong Kuba Naum Ryan Krouse Samah Sharmin* Cece Olszewski* Maria EmmaAndraos*Henry* Online Editor Luke Mandel Copy Editor Sam Charney Designers Will Garrett* Kai Lincke* Lily Marks* Staff Writers, Artists, and Photographers Evelyn ConorZainaSarahZoeAnnaColwynBlanchetteHalsHicksFeinbergLiebermanMaqboolMcCambridge Abby McElroy Perry FinnMaddieAndrewGraysonJyothiSosiRaoRaySpanglerSpeirsSzybistFIND MORE AT WWW.SHPANTHERPRESS.COM Editorial*2019-2020Board NEIGHBORLY LOVE: Ms. Jo-Ann Morris-Brady and Mr. Gino Miraglia share a smile as Morris-Brady’s last year at Strath Haven nears a close after 16 years. Photo courtesy Samah Sharmin Congratulations and thank you to these retiring staff members! Mr. EnglishLatinTeacherBrewsterJackofand 16 teachingyears Top and bottom photos courtesyYearbookSHHS Middle photo EvelyncourtesyMeeker Ms. Claudia Carlsson Teacher of Social Studies 32 years teaching Ms. Jane Rondepierre Teacher of Family & Consumer Sciences 22 years teaching “She inspires me and many other students with her positive attitude andworkunwaveringethic.” -DanaSeniorHubbell
Haven Happenings
The Lady Who Lives Next Door
“Mrs Morris-Brady? You mean the lady who lives next door?” Mr. Gino Miraglia asks. “Yeah, I know her.” Many people know and love Ms. Jo-Ann MorrisBrady, who will retire this year after teaching for 16 years. She is a beloved fixture of both the Strath Haven Spanish Department and Relay for Life, which she and Mr. Pat Keaveney started years ago. We interviewed several students and teachers to examine MorrisBrady’s influence, as well as MorrisBrady herself to discuss her future plans.
As for Morris-Brady herself, she’s looking forward to a relaxing future, staying with her sister in New York and perhaps traveling abroad to Machu Picchu, Santiago de La Compostela, and Auschwitz. Of course, she’ll miss her students here at Strath Haven too and she would like to thank her students who “helped her get through a difficult time when [her] husband was sick.” Particularly, Morris-Brady says she’ll miss the Relays, through which she got to meet “fabulous and supportive staff and students” including Mr. Keaveney, a “calm and giving” colleague who made everything they did together infinitely more enjoyable. The one thing Morris-Brady won’t miss is waiting for kids who bail on her during 5th block. Even the day we interviewed her, several students were missing.
I didn’t speak a single word of English until I was five. In elementary school, I had a few years of French education, and as of right now, I’ve had nearly ten years of Spanish classes. Above all else, I grew up speaking Urdu with my family and friends.Ihave a friend in Pakistan who, along with her four siblings and parents, lives in a house that is the size of my bedroom. I am so thankful that I have had the humbling experience of catching a glimpse into her world, of her struggles in finding education and working a grueling job. If it weren’t for my bilinguality, I would never have seen this side of Everypoverty.summer, I spend some time in a school for the underprivileged children of Pakistani servants. I have never experienced a joy more pure and perfect than teaching English to these children, seeing their faces light up when they finally get it right. If I didn’t speak their language, I would never be able to teach them ours.
Fighting health care providers and insurance companies to get top surgery was a year-long struggle that ended in insurance ultimately denying me and having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket because the surgery that gave me the ability to recognize my body was not considered necessary. I’m privileged enough to be able to afford this, but this debt forces thousands of transgender people to not get the gender affirming medical treatment they need and, in turn, suffer from crushing body dysphoria. This is why educating today’s society is important. We are the next doctors, lawmakers, insurance agents, and parents. We are the future, and we have a responsibility to end this ignorance before we have another generation of transgender kids with a 40% attempted suicide rate.
A social media “cleanse” for me meant deleting Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest from my phone Monday through Friday, and then re-downloading on Saturday. I asked my friends to do the cleanse along with me so I could get other perspectives (and so I wouldn’t be tempted to redownload).
donate.PS.Whenyouvisit,don’tforgettherearetreatsinabucketonthewallattheendofthekennels!
Explore the worlds of various Strath thoughts,theystudentsHavenassharetheirbeliefs,experiences,andstories.
I have been able to overcome the feelings that come along with the prejudice and stigma I experience as a marginalized person- fear, rejection, isolation, hopelessness, the list goes on- but many transgender people and other minorities are not that lucky. The United States Transgender Survey, which provides data on 28,000 transgender individuals, revealed that 40% attempted suicide in their life, nearly nine times the 4.6% rate in the US. 10% reported being physically assaulted out of transphobic violence in the past year, and 47% were sexually assaulted. I share these statistics not to sadden you, but to stress the injustice we face, and that something needs to change.
Panther Perspectives Haven High
If I didn’t speak Urdu, I would not know that Pakistani children dream of learning to read and write so they can change the world we all live in. I wouldn’t truly see the beauty in cultures and clothes, in food and religion, in slang and stories.
On the last day of seventh grade, my whole family piled into our car and drove down Providence Road. A right on Sandy Bank Road, and then a right into the driveway. When we pulled in, my parents warned us not to get our hopes up too high, we may not find what we want inside. Luckily, we found exactly what we wanted. As soon as we walked in, we saw a sign that said, “We need to go to the same home. We belong together like peanut butter and jelly.” We went home that day with the two tiniest, fuzziest little kittens you could possibly imagine. Five years later, they are still the best of friends, and the perfect addition to our family.
Iwas smiling as mymyloweredanesthesiologistthethemaskontoface.Throughoutlife,Ineverfelt
Over the past sixteen years, I’ve seen a lot of the world. My family and I visit Pakistan every summer. We’ve gone on safaris in Africa and fed elephants in Sri Lanka. We’ve toured temples in Thailand and seen the ancient beauty of London. I owe every single experience to language.
What do you do when the distraction from the mundane becomes mundane in itself?
at home in my body until I was able to hear my low voice and run my hands down my flat chest.
Finding the power to be visible as a queer transgender person in today's social climate is not easy. Walking around with two huge scars stretching across my chest for the rest of my life is something that takes serious courage. It’s terrifying sometimes, speaking publicly about the very identity that has prompted people to dehumanize me for years — but education is power, and if I can prevent another transgender person from experiencing the ignorance I have, it’s more than worth the fear. Not to mention, being open and free about who I am, calling myself a proud transgender man after a life of being scared into silence is the most empowering feeling I have ever had.
I was aware of the paradoxical nature of social media, however, I always thought that my use of it wasn’t too excessive. But I had been scrolling throughout my day without even noticing it. Waiting for the bell to start class, waiting for the bell after class ends, sitting on the bench waiting to be picked up. Social media had become more than an occasional distraction; it had become a way to fill in the empty gaps in which I wasn’t actively doing something. Its main job became to constantly keep my brain stimulated. I was also always using it to put off homework or my other responsibilities, which only led to me going to bed later.
Give it up. (Temporarily.)
I believe everyone should learn another language, see the world differently, connect with people in a way that is impossible through the language barrier. I hope that someday, we can all call ourselves multilingual so we can form meaningful relationships across this beautiful planet of ours.
Once I became conscious of this, social media wasn’t as fun for me anymore. I began to get stressed out as I scrolled, thinking of all of the responsibilities I was putting off and the work I could be doing instead. I also noticed that most of the content I was seeing was basically the same every day: someone was on vacation, went out with their friends, released a new video, wrote a new song. Nothing in particular ever stood out to me. It became such a subconscious action that I could barely even remember what I had just looked at. That was when I knew I had to take a break.
I wish that every person visit the shelter at least once. They may not be purebred, or perfectly well behaved, but there is no creature sweeter than a rescued pet. By choosing to adopt, you can save money, find a healthy and happy pet, and save a life all at the same time. They come in all shapes and sizes: if you look hard enough and have a bit of patience, you will be able to find the rescue of your dreams.
Whether you take them home at the end of your visit or not, please go visit the animals at Providence, or any of the other shelters in the area. They are also constantly seeking donations, ranging from money, to pet supplies, to used towels and office supplies. Consider checking out their website for a list of accepted materials and instructions on how to
MAJUNE 2019 Page 6 Strath
School Designed by Will Garrett, ‘21 // Designer
Looking back, I’m realizing that I learned a lot from the cleanse, even if it was only a week long. Being away from social media allowed me to be more present in the real world, my attention span recovered, and my screen time each day went down significantly. However, I still feel that faint sense of guilt whenever I check my phone — guilt that I’m procrastinating something, wasting time, not being present enough. I think that it was beneficial for me to recognize the extent to which I was using technology to distract from the real world, but it definitely opened up something in myself that I didn’t expect: a strange realization about the time I had been wasting. I’m realizing that sometimes you might need a distraction that isn’t necessarily meaningful, and that’s okay. But when you use it so often that it loses its substance and restricts your productivity, it might be time to take a break.
I’ve grown up in the United States, but my heart is split around the world. Every country I visit is a reminder that there's so much out there, so much that I have yet to understand. I truly believe that in order to connect with the world, it is our duty to learn to appreciate what is theirs. Language is the bridge that brings every cross-cultural similarity to light. We are not so different.
Recently, I’ve found myself taking the same turns, right back to the Providence Animal Center. I go every few days and play with the animals up for adoption. Even though it sometimes hurts to leave without one, I know that they appreciate every bit of love I’m able to give. Some of the animals have been in the shelter system for weeks, months, or even years.
PP: What has your experience been working with far? Havestressful?you PM:Oh,no,
PP: What does a typical day in your life look like?
Thomas Spock was the 3rd honoree this year, and he graduated in the Nether Providence High Class of 1974. Thomas was being recognized for his achievements as a sports executive in the NFL, but his speech addressed some advice he had for the senior class.
Dr. Philip McAdoo has visited Strath Haven several times this year during his work as a Diversity Consultant. His recommendations will shape Strath Haven’s efforts towards diversity and inclusion moving forward. We spoke with McAdoo on a recent visit.
HANDSHAKE WITH AN HONOREE: Wall of Honor award recipient Betty Ann Coleman Wilson shakes hands with a friend at the ceremony held on May 20, 2019. Wilson was awarded alongside three other Strath Haven alumni.
On Monday, May 20th, Haven celebrated its annual Wall of Honor Ceremony, a tradition set forth to honor former Strath Haven High School, Swarthmore High School, or Nether Providence High School alumsni for their achievements in career, contributions, charity, or character. The tradition was started in 2001 to reward alumni whom the administration has recognized to represent the best parts of the Wallingford-Swarthmore district. It has been going on strong ever since then.
PM: It begins on an airplane. But it's funny. At home we have a dog, and I work from home. So walking the dog, playing with the dog.
PP: Kai said that you met him at a concert?
PM: Well, I would say you all have a lot more in common than you think. It was really interesting, one of the first exercises that we did today was I asked students to write this down, one of their fears or things that they were afraid of or some of the negative things that they tell themselves. And then we kind of shared those out loud. And just from these thoughts, we all have similar insecurities. So that was a touch point that we can then begin to build off of.
Enrique concluded with important advice to all graduates this year—the idea that access and opportunity are the most important thing that this class could give others. Not pity, but the access and opportunity that many
Photo courtesy Wallingford-Swarthmore School District via Facebook
MAJUNE 2019 Page 7 Strath Haven High School
Dr. McAdoo Discusses Diversity at Haven
Haven students receive on a daily basis. That is how you make the world a better place, he said, thanking the school for their hearing impaired program letting him receiving an education at Haven.
I work with, well, some days, it could be a nonprofit, or it could be a school. So really looking at my notes and thinking about the different frameworks that we're trying to create around some of the issues that we're trying to
Lynnea Zhang, ‘19 Editor
I think that you’re a community that really wants to get to know each other. There was one moment in one of the groups where a girl said, you know, I don’t even know you and then at the end of it, they're like, I want to hang out with you, I want to be friends. So I think that you have a lot more in common than you think. I think there's a lot of space for you to agree to disagree.
Zoe, who spoke to the crowd from video as she was unable to attend in person, spoke about how her inspiration came as she was touched by Obama’s “Amazing Grace.” As Zoe’s father accepted the award on her behalf, she sang “The President Sang Amazing Grace” to the audience on her Thekeyboard.next honoree was Betty Ann Coleman Wilson, Class of 1958 from Swarthmore High School. Her daughter began by asking the crowd to sing Pomp and Circumstance before Betty Ann spoke about her years in high school. Her daughter finished the speech for her, detailing the trials and tribulations she went through in
Haven Inducts Four Alumni into Wall of Honor
Finally, Enrique Latoison from the Strath Haven High School Class of 1992, was recognized for his journey through post-secondary education from working, to attending Delaware County Community College, to enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania. He began the Latoison Law Scholarship for students in college to encourage student to pursue their education no matter what. His acceptance speech focused on his struggles with poverty and his gratefulness for the opportunity to study at Strath Haven despite living in Chester. He said he was “Angry, unmotivated...because of poverty.” Yet, it also included an important message of encouragement. His climb from repeating senior year to wild success in running his own law firm was especially encouraging.
Kai Lincke, ‘22 & Maddie Marks, ‘19 Designer & Editor-in-Chief
PM: That was, I want to say, maybe 2014.
Philip McAdoo: Dr. Brown, you know, I knew him and he knew about the work that I was doing. So he reached out to me and asked me if I would come in and just kind of assess the community and do some work with teachers and students.
And Dr. Brown is really deliberate in terms of [...] giving you all the space to really share your thoughts and your feedback, to get a sense of how you were doing and then to think about some of the things that we could do moving forward to really improve your experience at Strath Haven. I've been really amazed at how the students have taken advantage of the opportunity, and have really spoken out in such an eloquent and thoughtful way.
So typically, a really good day is really time that I had like today [May 2, 2019 at Strath Haven], I had two big meetings with students, and we just created an opportunity to get feedback for them to have conversations around building a more equitable and more inclusive community. We got really good feedback from the students in terms of how to create spaces for students to balance the academic stress and academic pressure with a sense of community and just kind of self celebration. So that's a good day, you know, for me when I can have and facilitate those conversations.
PP: If you were to address all of Strath Haven students, what advice would you give about the treatment of others and inclusion?
PM: Yeah, I met him at the Jay Z-Beyonce concert. He was a teacher and was there with a friend of his, so we met there. And he remembered through that conversation the work that I was doing, and so he reached out to me.
Photo courtesy Philip McAdoo
This year, joined by the senior class, friends, and family, the induction ceremony honored four graduates from the district in recognition of their achievements: Zoe Mulford, Betty Ann Coleman Wilson, Thomas Spock, and Enrique Latoison. The program began with honoring Zoe Mulford, who graduated in Strath Haven High School’s Class of 1986 and is now a musician splitting her time between the United Kingdom and the East Coast. Zoe wrote the song,“The President Sang Amazing Grace” in honor of the moment when President Barack Obama sang “Amazing Grace” after the 2015 tragic Charleston shootings that killed 9 people.
PM: Yeah, it's interesting. I've always been an educator and administrator, mostly in independent and private schools. I started off working in public schools in New York. But my early career was in acting and theater, and I just really cared about access points. I was first generation to college, and so I just really have always thought about ways to connect people, whether it's on stage, whether it's in the classroom, and so this just felt like a natural progression for me in my life.
Panther Press: How did you first become involved in working with Haven?
Yeah, it was the summer of 2014.
Haven Happenings
no, it's not stressful on me. I love having these conversations. I think it's been really enlightening. I'm learning a lot from everyone, and especially from the students. I think I've been really impressed with how thoughtful they are.
PP: How did you get involved in diversity and inclusion?
Also students; we’re working with students in independent schools, we work with students in public schools, also working with kids in foster care, finding that their needs are similar, and really thinking about ways [...] to bring those people together and create a touchpoint, some access points for them, so that they can learn from them. And ultimately, it’s just about creating opportunities for people to see their stories and their lives reflected in the lives of other people.
unpack at schools.
But I also think there's a lot of room for you to really celebrate who you are in this space and its community. So just take advantage and get to know one another because those four years are going to go by quickly. And I think that you all have too much to gain and have too much to share. It would be a shame, you know, after four years, if you haven't really taken the time to invest in the friendships and really get to know the people around you. So really take advantage of that opportunity.
Thomas told the audience of the history behind the bridge connecting the middle school to the high school: how a drunk driver plowed through the crowd after a basketball game and killed two of his classmates, Judy and Nancy. He reminded the audience that life is short and that people ought to enjoy it and keep in touch with high school classmates as he did.
PP: And when was
school. Betty Ann spent 37 years in education service to the Wallingford Swarthmore School District, and helped tremendously with A Better Chance, Women in Black, and the YMCA in Chester.
At its core, that is what the Wall of Honor is supposed to represent—rewarding individuals who persevered through their hardships to get to where they wanted to be in life. Access and opportunity are one part to an equation of success, but something common across all Wall of Honor recipients was their grit—their grit to continue going, no matter the circumstance.
Mei-Belle Sun — Washington University of St. Louis
Christopher Dahlke — Oberlin Conservatory
Jakub Naum — St. Lawrence University Kara Storjohann
Serena Elia — Washington University of St. Louis
University CLASS OF ‘19 FAST FACTS Of the 251 students with published destinations... 95.6%arebeginningpostsecondaryeducationinthefallof2019. are52.3%areattendingpostsecondaryschoolsinPennsylvania.9.6%committedtoplayonanathleticteamattheircollegeoruniversity.conservatory2.0%areattendingartormusiccolleges. Top 5 Colleges for Class of 2019 8.8%Delaware County Community College 7.2%Temple University 5.6%Penn State University — Main 3.6%Drexel University 2.4%Penn State University — Brandywine
Christian Camp — Miami University of Ohio Oxford
Jacob Zweier — University of Northwestern Ohio
Nia Heinrich — California State University Northridge
GAP YEAR
Abigail Loiselle — Pomona College
Gavin Vogel — Fort Lewis College Bocconi
Phineas L’Armand — Emerson College
Saumabha Gayen — Purdue University
Dana Hubbell — Northwestern University
Samuel Ogunde — University of Southern California
Emma Burke — Case Western Reserve University
Hailey Blum — Temple University
Madeline Fischer — United States Air Force Academy
Giovanni Stellabotte — Kent State University
Jaiese Davis — Arizona State University Grace Forbes — Rice University Dejuan Russell — Arizona State University
Natalie Schneider — Pepperdine University
Justin Cheng — Marquette University
MILITARY Joseph Larry — U.S. Air Force Ian Lembo — U.S. Marine Corps John Saccomandi — U.S. Air Force EMPLOYMENT Mya TyzineaChireau-RodriguezFoster INTL. Rory Cody —
Katalin Chapman — Colorado College
Grace Hodges — College of Wooster
Sydney Fransen — Bringham Young University
Timothy Jensen — Carleton College
Ryan Krouse — University of Michigan
Ethan Belville — Ursinus College
Angela Campanella Drexel University
Patrick Lanciano — Temple University
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Samuel Barnett — Penn State Brandywine
Wyeth Hackett — Syracuse University
Margaret Corson Franklin and Marshall College
Madeline Marks — Savannah College of Art and Design
Jocelyn Govannicci — University of Pittsburgh
Tara Bodi — Temple University
Ingrid Swanson— Ithaca College
Julia Lowman — Rowan University
Jonathan Speirs — Boston University
Lena Lofgren — Harvard College
Alli
Noah Atsaves — James Madison University
Kyler Shinkle-Stolar — Northeasten University
Editor-in-Chief‘19Marks,MaddiebyDesigned
Michaela Feehery — Villanova University
Michael Mazur — United States Military Academy
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Tess
Avery Temple University
Amelia Cusanno Millersville University
Emma Forbes — University of Delaware
Madelyn Speirs — Eckerd College
Liam Dickinson College
Nicholas Restrepo — College of New Jersey
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Matthieu Zhai — Cornell University
Lindsay Belliveau — Millersville University
Johniece Clark West Chester University
Alexander D’Amico — Drexel University
Mia Davis — Point Park University
Erin O’Brien — Syracuse University
Isabella Hunter — Penn State
Katlyn Davis — Chrome Institute of Cosmetology
Miranda Sharp — SUNY Stoney Brook
Vincent Palermo — Florida Institute of Technology
Megan Lowry — Barnard College
Anna Scharf — Mountclair University
Benjamin Kropac — Marist College
Daniel Gallagher — Penn State Brandywine
Conor McCambridge — College of William and Mary Abigail McElroy — Harvard College
Sharif Hassan — Delaware County CC
Erica Hartman — Neumann University
Luke Hatzell — Elizabethtown College
Lindsey Kung — University of Pittsburgh
Noah Mansor — Rowan University
Matthew Delmar — Penn State
Kenna Donaldson — Temple University
Bethany Anderson — University of Delaware
Dylan Demo — Elon University
Chloe Cairncross — SUNY Binghamton
CC
Ava Fowler — Ithaca College
Abigail MacPherson — Northeastern University
Mira Sherif — SUNY ESF
Maria DiGiovanni — University of Rochester
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Gretchen Crow Drexel University
Brian Davis — Williamson College of Trades
Michael Irey — Temple University
Julio Bell — Harcum College
Ashley Jackson — West Chester University
Brooke Bender — East UniversityStroudsburg
Virginia Finney — University of Mississippi
Kathleen McAndrews — University of Delaware
Dylan Kempter — Delaware County CC
Kira Lorraine — Penn State
Zachary Leahy — Delaware County CC
Karthik Thangavel — Georgia Institute of Technology
Jaclyn Angelus — University of Maryland
Ruoyi Gong — Columbia University
Olivia Riess — Tulane University
Jenna Beucler — Bucknell University
Julia Diamandi — Villanova University
Morgan Galioto — Florida Atlantic University
Michelle Diamandi — Villanova University
Madeline Haggerty — Penn State
Joshua Bartlett — Penn State Brandywine
Zackariah Hussein — Ursinus College Rosemary Iannello — West UniversityChester
Katherine Kane — Duquesne University
Sydney Lewis — Penn State
Alexandra Hehn — Temple University
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Joan Levis — Temple University
Danmei Chen — Cornell University
Nina Santisi — University of Maryland
Spencer Bellet — Belmont University
Madeline Casalena — West Virginia University
Campbell —
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Julia George — Drexel University
Kiana Boyer — Penn State Berks
Mica Forney — Delaware County CC
Aaron Garcia — Penn State
Vincent Griffin — Williamson College of Trades
Sarah Lieberman — Bryn Mawr College
Dagny Lott — University of Pennsylvania Avery Lucas — West Chester University Valery Luo — Drexel University Ellen McCullough — University of Pittsburgh Madison Miller — Delaware County CC Ian Mon — Penn State Brandywine Zachary Mongon — Moravian College Spencer Nicolson — Delaware County CC Robert O’Reilly — Temple University Pooja Patel — University of the Sciences Sarah Peichel — Franklin and Marshall College Kristin Pennoni — Villanova University Aiden Perkins — Allegheny College Tyler Perkins — Penn State Brandywine Ingrid Peura — Elizabethtown College Isabella Pinto — Penn State University Emma Porter — University of Pittsburg Evan Rainey — Penn State Blayden Reid — TempleUniversity Mark Roberts — Temple University Katherine Rook — Delaware County CC Brian Scott — Delaware County CC James Scott — Delaware County CC Rachel Sherman — Penn State Elisha Sidhu — University of Pittsburgh Sunday Siomades — Penn State Andrew Spangler — University Pennsylvaniaof Ryan Spanier — Penn State Berks Hailey Stauffer — West Chester Aiden Subers — Penn State Audrey Subers — Penn State Jacob Sullivan — Indiana University of Pennsylvania Christopher Tagliaterra — CCCountyDelaware Tyler Thomas — Eastern Gateway Ryan Tian — Temple University Robert Umile — Delaware County CC Benjamin Wainfan — LehighUniversity Kaylee Ward — Delaware County CC Jennifer Weinberg — Robert UniversityMorris Amanda Whitsett — Delaware County CC Jaiden Williams — Delaware County CC Steven Woolard — Cabrini University Andrew Yates — Widener University Tinjin Zhang — Temple University Xiyu Zhou — University of Pittsburg
Leslieann Cordero Rodriguez Temple University
Gavin Blair — Delaware County CC
Richard Michael — Ithaca College
Adwaita Patil — University of Rochester
Francisco Cruz-Urbanc Drexel University
Ashley Hassell — Fordham University
Rachel Hertz — Monmouth University
Lindsay Kernen — Syracuse University
Kylee Davis — Fashion Institute of Technology
Dante Cangemi Delaware County
Zachary Lesher — University of Pittsburgh
Garrett Brunner Drexel University
Nikhil Gaur — Temple University
Ibrahim Kacimi — West Chester University
Kiera Booth — King’s College PA
John Crawford Franklin and Marshall College
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Ian Guilday — Temple University
Sara Flynn — Drexel University
Jack Ferry — Penn State Altoona
Alice Ho — Carnegie Mellon University
Julia Thack — Syracus University
Isaiah Kim — Harvard College
Parker Hsin — University of the Sciences
CC
Sierra Hellman — University of Pittsburgh
Johnny Glavicic — Widener University
Dylan Taylor — University of Mass. Amherst
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Joseph Lawrence — Temple University
Kiersten Smith — Townson University
Andrew Pak — Emory University
Anabel Brentar — George Washington University
Nicholas Palermo — University of Tampa
Carney —
Isabelle Fantalis Gross — Baruch College
Phineas L’Armand — Emerson College
Joseph Bonett — DeSales University
Helen
Giancarlo Carbonara Delaware County
Graham Hogg — College of William and Mary Megan Kidd — Methodist University
Joe Andraos — Villanova University Ashbrook — Moravian College Bagley Delaware County CC Bailey — University of Pittsburgh Ryan Baker — West Chester University
Miles Koziol — Delaware County CC
Katherine Zhuravytsky — Northeastern University
Hayden Davis — Delaware County CC
Naomi Hayes — Delaware County CC
Samuel Bartlett — Temple University
Dylan Fitzgerald — Delaware County CC
Andrew Manwaring — Masssachusetts Institute of Technology
Sabrina Caputo — New York University
Sophie Furman — Tulane University
Gretchen Clauss — Bowdoin College
Jacob Davidson — Rhode Island School of Design
Sophia Haase — Williams College
Nathaniel Perrins — Catholic University
Nora Scott — Maryland Institute College of Art Adam Semler — Rochester Institute of Technology
Victoria Viera — Johnson and Wales University
Zachary Hellman — University of Pittsburgh
Molly Gray — Millersville University
Isabel Zarrow — Boston University
Jacob Fisher — Widener University
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Perry Sosi — Boston University
Madeline Perry — Cornell University
Dahlia Mason — University of Miami
Luke Healy — Penn State
Nicholas Kokol — University of Delaware
Trevor Lowe — University of Maine
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Abigail Malarkey — Georgetown University
Saadiyah Cromwell — Lesley University
Caroline Zidek — University of Delware
Gavin Birch — Penn State Brandywine
Phoebe Vella — University of Tampa
Julien Clauser Drexel University
Brady Mutz — Monmouth University
Marybeth Monaco-Vavrick — Davidson College
Thomas Bennett — Penn State University
Jordan Brown — Temple University
Olivia Malley — Loyola University Maryland
Lynnea Zhang — Emory University
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Ella Kane — University of Pittsburgh
Nolan Diggins — Indiana University of PA
David Ren, ‘21 Editor
Body Positivity Can Include Self-Improvement
As summer comes nearer and nearer, people can be expected to wear more revealing clothing due to the rising temperatures. And as they do, body shaming can also be expected to occur.
Because I am going to college so close, it always prompts people to ask the question “Are you going to live at home?” This isn’t a bad question. My college is very close and commuting would be easy. It would definitely be a better financial option and would have a lot more perks. Yet there is something that feels wrong about sleeping in your childhood bedroom every night while your classmates go to parties. Is having the college dormitory experience worth working all summer all through high school and being in debt until you are
I believe that the answer is yes. This is because passing an AP course with a satisfactory grade and scoring well on
being overweight; those who are concerned about someone’s weight has the right to consult with them and offer advice.
Percent increase from 2009 to 2017 in passing AP test scores.
Percent increase from 2009 to 2017 in students who took at least one AP test.
Colwyn Hals, ‘21 Staff Writer
However, many students that took an AP exam still fret over their performance and their score, which will be released in July. Naturally, these students are frustrated about the AP exams. Some feel cheated, whether it be out of a course selection (since they had to take an AP course), their time (since they spent a lot of time preparing for their AP exam), or their money (since the standard cost of registration is $94). These students are justified in their frustration. After all, for many, the AP course might not be worth it, to go through the months of strain that the course offered, and pay an entrance fee (that may prove troublesome for economically disadvantaged families) to take a difficult exam that only about 60% pass. Plus, some colleges don’t accept AP credits, seemingly making the concept of AP courses and exams meaningless. Thus, the question must be asked: “Is it worth one’s time and money to take an AP course and exam?”
Statistics from National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease ControlPreventionand
in your forties?
AP EXAMS By the Numbers 1.17
As you can guess, this can cause a lot of problems within the Strath Haven High School community. The problems of body shaming are pretty obvious. Body shaming is a form of bullying that can ultimately destroy a people’s self-confidence and can cause major emotional suffering. Therefore, it should not, and cannot, occur. Period. That’s pretty obvious.
Million students in the class of 2017 took at least one AP course.
MAJUNE 2019 Page 10 Strath Haven High School
Opinions
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I am lucky — I have the option to live on campus. Having time away at college can help students change into people they want to be in their adult lives. The last eighteen years they have been following other people’s rules and living by other people’s standards, but wthey are about to venture into a brand new world where they can reinvent who they are creating their own lives without the restraint of our parents. The appeal of freedom; the movielike four years where you can be your own person before you are tied down by a nine to five job.
But there are certain ways to go about this. Instead of shaming their body, you should give them suggestions and tell them about your forebodings. Instead of leaving that person with mental scars or an eating disorder by insulting them, you should gently remind them about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise, and the disadvantages of unhealthy eating and a lack of exercise.This is not to say that body positivity is a bad thing. Body positivity is still a good thing and everyone should feel at home in their skin. No one should feel as if they have to look a certain way, or feel as if they have to achieve a certain standard to be happy. However, people should understand that they have the potential to become better. I think that this is a universal fact.
Annual deaths in the U.S. caused by obesity
“All in all, a $94 exam for a thousandollar college course seems like a pretty decent trade. Even if you didn’t pass your AP exam or achieve the score you wanted, that doesn’t mean that the course and the exam were useless.”
“Having time away at college can help us change into people we want to be in our adult lives.”
Flying the Nest
As the end of the year approaches, seniors who are going away to college in the fall have decided where they are going to spend the next four years. From California to Florida to Boston, the graduating seniors are spreading all across the country, and some even around the world, for gap years. However, some of us choose colleges in a closer radius, including UPenn, West Chester, or Drexel. I myself have chosen to attend Bryn Mawr College.
Sarah Lieberman, ‘19 Staff Writer
Taking an AP Exam: Is it Worth It?
94
300k
the AP exam exempts you from the corresponding college course, and thus, allows you to save additional time and money. All in all, a $94 exam for a thousand-dollar college course seems like a pretty decent trade. Even if you didn’t pass your AP exam or achieve the score that you wanted, that doesn’t mean that the course and the exam were
In an ideal world, everything, such as commodities, education, housing, healthcare, and food would be free. However, we don’t live in an ideal world; writing, administering, and grading an AP exam is a very tedious and expensive process. Thus it would be an extremely expensive and tedious process for Strath Haven High School to pay for its students’ AP exams. But for those who do have trouble registering for an AP exam, Strath Haven High School will provide help in the form of payment waivers.
The Advanced Placement Exams have had an enormous impact on the educational and career paths of the millions upon millions of American students who have an AP exam. As May 2019 draws to a close, so draws to a close the administration of these crucial exams. Many students are relieved to be done, since the pressure, stress, and dread that preceded the exams has mostly vanished after the students had stepped, on a predetermined date, into the exam room, and under the watchful eyes of the proctors, took the exam, attempting to score a passing grade.
Information from The Washington Post and Inside Higher Ed.
However, that is not to say that people that are genuinely concerned about their friend’s or their family member’s physical health cannot offer advice, despite how awkward the situation can be. Obesity and smoking lead to similar rates of death, with obesity causing around 300,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and smoking causing around 480,000. Obviously, if someone were to smoke and you were concerned about them doing so, you would talk to them about it because smoking has adverse side effects. I believe that the same rules apply to those who are overweight, and those who are concerned about the people
But, if the AP exams are worth one’s time and money to take, then why doesn’t the school provide the registration fee?
143.5
So it is worth flying the nest? Personally, I think the experience is crucial in helping shape the person you will become. Life flies by and you shouldn’t miss out on any moments. As the mid-2000s teen drama One Tree Hill said “It's the oldest story in the world. One day, you're seventeen and planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And that someday is yesterday. And this is your life.”
Percent of schools in the U.S. with AP courses that require students to sit for all AP tests.
useless.Students who took an AP exam were more likely to major in their AP subject or a similarly related discipline (particularly in STEM subjects), regardless of whether or not they passed. For example, students who took an AP exam in the fields of biology were 14.2% more likely to major in that field than their counterparts. AP courses and exams foster an educational environment by giving students a sense of how college courses function and a better chance to comprehend college material.
When you’re staying close for college, how do you decide between living at home or on campus?
What is the most important this you try to say with how you dress?
how many of them sound very different now, in terms of emotion and expression, than when I first started learning them,” she says. You might have heard Park play the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in the winter instrumental concert, accompanied by the SHHS Symphony Orchestra. “Learning this piece with an orchestra has been such a fun experience for me. This is the first piano concerto for orchestra that I have ever played.” The pieces Park chose were written by some of the world’s most famous composers such as Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Barber, Schumann, and Mozart.
I try to look presentable and approachable. I try not to scare people.
Park has been taking piano lessons since she was 7 years old. She is very excited to have the opportunity to perform her own recital for her friends, family, and community. For her part of the concert, Park will be performing six selections from her advanced piano repertoire. “I have played many of these pieces for at least a year, and it’s fun for me to see
For the past year and a half, Graham Maola has been working on original music compositions. These compositions are mostly hip hop oriented, but Maola has been studying music for his entire life. He started piano lessons with his grandmother around first grade before transitioning to drums in second grade. From then on, Maola studied all genres of drumming from rock to jazz and everything in between.
“My background in the drums is clearly present in my current music,” he says. “I try to use everything that I have learned over the past fifteen years or so to inspire me to create new sounds.” All of Maola’s music is produced on his computer from a combination of software synths and live recorded instruments such as keyboard or guitar.
Luke O’Connor is a rising senior who participated with enthusiasm. Luke gets extra points for good manners.
What was your process getting ready today? Every morning I try to decide how I feel. I think a lot of people who are into fashion do that.
The4th. winners are splitting the concert between the two of them: the first half of the concert will be performed by Park, a classical pianist, and the second half will be performed by Maola, a composer of digitally produced music.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made?
Kylee Davis is a graduating senior who designs clothes and will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology this fall.
Meet the George H. Slick Arts Fellows of 2020
Arts & Entertainment MAJUNE 2019 Page 11 Strath Haven High School
What is your staple spring/summer clothing item?
Annie Mutz is a rising senior and a local fashion icon.
Who is your style icon?
Wearing clothes that I make. Do you remember when you first got into fashion?
During their freshman year, artists from the class of 2020 submitted applications for the George H. Slick Arts Fellowship and Grant. The program was created to honor Dr. George H. Slick, Superintendent of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District from 19781996 and 2006-2007. Its intention is to “recognize the importance of the arts in a nation that aspires to greatness.” The two winners of the fellowship, juniors Lauren Park and Graham Maola, will be performing a recital in the Lang Concert Hall at Swarthmore College at 7:30 pm on Tuesdya, June
Who is your style icon?
Yara Shahidi. Her style is so amazing. What makes you feel the most confident? Going against the grain.
What is your staple spring/summer clothing item?
Cece Olszewski, ‘22 Editor
Ariana Grande. Every time I see her perform, I just think how much I want those dresses. What makes you feel the most confident?
Both of these artists are not only looking forward to a great concert as the George H. Slick Arts Fellowship recipients, but also to the future where they will be able to continue practicing their music and share it with others.TheGeorge H. Slick Fellowship is a reminder of the incredibly gifted artists in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District and emphasizes the importance of art within the Strath Haven community. Congratulations and good luck to Lauren and Graham!
Fellowship winners Lauren Park and Graham Maola share their talents with WSSD.
Spring because everyone hops out of their winter depression.
My senior prom dress, which was inspired by waterfalls.
What makes you feel the most confident? Girls.
I used to sew clothes for my barbies, and everything just took off from there.
My red cowgirl boots. They’re classic and bold, so you can pair them with anything.
My Walker shirt. It’s drippy. What is your favorite season for fashion and why?
Juniors and hosts Jamie Day and Jane Schmucki showcase their own take on a Dance Haven number. Later in the night they had a dance battle with two young audience members.
Dance ShowcaseHaven
Kung Fu Tea is a bubble tea chain that recently opened a store in Media across from the restaurant Tom’s Dim Sum.
Seniors Mia Davis and Sam Ogunde perform a number to Laurie Anderson’s “O Superman”. The dance was choreographed by Davis and included all Dance Haven members.
“Definitely the pineapple slush with mango popping bubbles and mango jelly! Super sweet and tropical but with an exciting bit of sourness too.” -TianyiJuniorWang “Oooh, I have to say the matcha slush with red beans. It’s not everyone’s flavor profile, but I love it.” -SybillaJuniorMoore bubbleispopcorn“Thechickengreat,Ilovethetea,andthecrepesslap!” -MatteoSophomoreMachado Article
Originating from Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea is a tea-based drink often mixed with milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls (A.K.A “bubbles”). There are often many flavors available, such as Thai, Matcha, Taro, Honeydew… The list goes on and on. It has long been a hot commodity in Asia, but in recent years the drink has experienced a rapid growth in popularity in the United States as well.
‘19 // Editor-in-Chief
Senior Sam Ogunde presents a solo dance set to “Saa Magni” by Oumou Sangare. The number, which Ogunde choreographed himself, garnered much applause from the audience. Ogunde will be attending University of Southern California this fall, where he will be studying at the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. by Chloe Gong, Design by Maddie Marks,
NAFFAVORITES Arts & Entertainment MAJUNE 2019 Page 12 Strath Haven High School
Senior Jenna Buecler and freshman Theo Runiewicz perform a dance to Daniela Andrade’s “La Vie en Rose.” The number was choreographed by Buecler, who has been dancing for 13 years. She plans on attending Bucknell University this fall.
‘19 // Editor
On Friday, May 17, Dance Haven held their impressive last performance of the 2018-2019 school year. The dancers received a standing ovation from the nearly full auditorium.
Photographs by Kai Lincke // Captions by Maddie Marks
At the end of the night, Davis received a bouquet of flowers as a thank-you gift for the work and talent she brought to Dance Haven.
Danielle Haim, of the band
Father of the Bride is one of Vampire Weekend’s more accessible albums because of the simplistic vocabulary
The most touching moments of Avengers: Endgame are the completion of three major characters’ storylines. In the final moments of the battle, after Thanos has already tried and failed to use the stones again, Iron Man is the one that saves the day. Haltingly, he delivers the famous line, the one that began it all, “I am Iron Man.” He snaps his fingers and the entirety of Thanos and his army turn to dust. Once an arrogant and conceited playboy, Endgame completes Tony Stark’s character arc with one of the most selfless acts in all of the MCU. Stark lays back in the rubble as his loved ones come to speak to him. After a few parting words, Pepper Potts, Stark’s wife, and mother to his child, watches as Stark’s arc reactor flickers off.
Father of the Bride is overall a successful album. It is in many ways an exploration, but is nonetheless enjoyable. The songs all stand on their own, though all equally as touching and absurd. “Sympathy” begins quietly with a few simple spoken words, and “My Mistake” features music played over the soft patter of rain. The album contains two major types of songs: those dictated by the band’s classic guitar and drum mixes, and those with more electronic foundations. Despite these differences, all the songs have one important thing in common—lyrics. Koenig is famous for his complex and, at times, pretentious lyrics, and on this album he has definitely backed off this in that respect.
In the six years that followed Modern Vampires of the City, Vampire Weekend changed in a few major ways. A founding member, Rostam Batmanglij, left, and both
This movie answers many questions and resolves many storylines, but none is more important than this: Is Captain America worthy? This is answered with a dramatic, resounding yes. As Thanos prepares to slice into a defeated Thor, the scene cuts to Mjolnir shifting in the dirt when suddenly none other than Captain America hurls it right at Thanos. Finally, there’s a moment for the audience to celebrate as the tides begin to turn. This is one of the great moments in Avengers: Endgame where the the Russo brothers’ ability as directors to instill emotion in the audience is breathtaking.
You could go back as far as you want. To Iron Man, the movie that started it all in 2008, or maybe to the early comic books, The Invincible Iron Man, in May of 1968, forty years beforehand. All you can say for sure is, this movie has been a long time coming.Avengers:
Modern Vampires of the City, the third album, was largely similar in style, though laden with slower, softer songs. The change seen in the third album foreshadowed what was to come.
Endgame premiered April 26 and is already breaking box office records, having made over two billion dollars in under two weeks. It is one of the most action-packed, star-studded, gutwrenching, emotional rollercoaster movies of all time. But what makes it so great? It can’t just be eleven years of suspense, tension, and foundation.
moving wide shot, the audience sees Captain America facing the entirety of Thanos’ army. From behind him, Stephen Strange’s glowing yellow portals open up to reveal every Marvel hero that died in the snap. Suddenly, Cap is no longer alone. For the first time in the MCU, the famous words are spoken. “Avengers, assemble!”. The choice to leave this phrase until the final Avengers movie was fantastic and gives it a unique emotional weight.
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Avengers: Endgame mostly takes place in the past as the remaining Avengers time travel back in time in an effort to retrieve the Infinity stones and revive the fallen. Using time travel was a fantastic decision because it gives the audience glimpses and new takes on older Marvel movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy and the original Avengers. Seeing new scenes from old movies provides a sense of familiarity and sentiment for the audience, and proves to be not only touching but at times comedic. In this sense, it was very successful.One of the most remarkable scenes in Avengers: Endgame was the final battle — the culmination of eleven years of cinema. Thanos follows the Avengers to the future where an all-out battle between him and the standing Avengers follows.
“This Life” is more of a classical Vampire Weekend song. It has the same upbeat structure, absurd lyrics, and affinity for the guitar that made songs like “Campus” and “A-Punk” from their first album work so well. “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin” on the other hand, has more in common with Modern Vampires of the City, while still existing very much in a league of its own. The song is slow and soft, but in this one, the band has traded African drums and American guitar for the piano. Accompanied by the vocals of Koenig and Haim, this song is easily one of the best on the Vampirealbum. Weekend’s Father of the Bride was highly anticipated. After six years of waiting, this eighteensong monster of an album does not disappoint. While not every song is a winner, Ezra Koenig and the band, as well as the many contributors, deserve recognition for not only stepping out of their comfort zones, but once again creating an album with a totally unique and sure to be influential sound.
The next character arc completed is that of Captain America. While traveling in time, he came face to face with Peggy Carter, his old love, but refrained from communication. The movie is full of tasteful foreshadowing to the deserved ending that Captain America gets. The final scene shows Rogers and Peggy, back in the forties, dancing to music in their living room. After returning the stones, Captain America lived a full life instead of returning to the present. Endgame provides a fulfilling ending for Captain America that hearkens back to a relationship and loss that has always been a big part of his character.
Additionally, Endgame has drawn a great deal of criticism and controversy regarding Captain Marvel. Some hate her, others adore her, but one thing is for sure: Captain Marvel is no Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, or Natasha Romanoff. The audience has yet to build any emotional attachment, and at times her appearance in the film is no more than a nuisance. Throughout the movie, Captain Marvel’s role seems forced. In the eyes of many MCU fans, she is a newcomer, and while her role in Endgame was minimal, it still drew from the emotional weight of the film and even seemed like just poor writing.
Mjolnir.Ina
as any other character in the MCU. Unfortunately, that is not what she got. In the same way that Thanos was forced to sacrifice Gamora, Natasha sacrificed herself to allow Clint to return with the Soul Stone. The death was anticlimactic. It was not fulfilling or emotional, but rather a mere plot device. Marvel and the Russo brothers may claim it represents more, but the ambiguity begs to differ. A noble sacrifice indeed, but why brush over it so quickly? Iron Man had his funeral, Captain America finally got his dance, but Black Widow was just used.
the bassist and the drummer spent time working on solo projects. The band’s fourth album, Father of the Bride, reflects many of these changes.Father of the Bride branches out from Vampire Weekend’s safety net of style. The songs on this album are more diverse (in both lyrics, instruments, and quality), and the band has even gone so far as to bring in a number of outside contributors.
Strath Haven High
Lights, camera, snap!
HAIM, is featured on three songs, singing alongside Koenig, and Grammy-nominated musician Steve Lacy is featured on two.
The final character arc is that of Black Widow. As the first female Avenger, Black Widow deserves a conclusion as fulfilling
Just as people cried with grief, they wept tears of joy as Cap wields
One song blends into another, all melodically and lyrically similar. They are upbeat, with the signature mix of African styles and more common electric guitar work that makes them so distinct. Both albums are critically acclaimed.
Reviews
and the minimal ambiguity. As always, there are metaphors and double-meanings sprinkled in, but no song is bogged down by its lyrics.
Despite all of its shortcomings, Avengers: Endgame is still a phenomenal movie that will remain a lasting cultural icon for the rest of this generation’s lives, if not longer. While it has been (and will continue to be) criticized on the basis that it is just another superhero movie, relying on some regimented plot and conventions sure to make it a tearjerker, Avengers: Endgame is more than that (however cliché it may sound). It is a character study and an entertaining team-up, a comedy and a clip show. It is a buddy film and an explanation. It completes so many character arcs and ties up so many knots while leaving a frontier, distant and undiscovered, for those left standing. It is the end of an era, and that means leaving behind characters many of us have grown up with, because, most of all, it is a goodbye. A goodnight.
In 2008, Vampire Weekend released their self-titled debut album. It was a sound largely of their own invention, because Ezra Koenig, the tacit frontman of the band, wanted to make music that people hadn’t heard before. Their style has since been fittingly described as “African electric guitar pop.” The band’s first two albums, Vampire Weekend and Contra, captured Koenig’s ideas perfectly.
A few particularly notable songs off the album are “Married in a Gold Rush,” “This Life,” and “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin.” “Married in a Gold Rush” is a HaimKoenig duet all about a relationship, and more specifically, marriage. The term married in a goldrush is supposed to illustrate the idea of marrying with high expectations when everything is going seemingly perfectly; it’s communicated well, if not a little too subtly. “Married in a Gold Rush” is one of the songs on the album that favors electronic stylings with mere hints of guitar and drums.
DF: My boy Nick Sauce [Nicky Palermo] always gets the clutch goals and has big games when we need them.
Many new records were set during the course of the year in addition to the team’s success. In the early portion of the season, the quartet of Olivia Malley, Grace Forbes, Angela Campanella, and Dizari Hunter broke the sprint medley relay school record. The Distance Medley Relay (DMR), ran by Olivia Malley, Grace Forbes, Maggie Forbes, and Abby Loiselle, also broke the school and county records which had been
in place for 27 years. In personal events, Olivia Malley broke the open 400 record while Grace set a new mile record.
granted.As leaders, they also had key roles in fostering a sense of community within the entire team. When asked about the contributions of the seniors off the track, Olivia Malley
The 2019 Girls’ Track team had lofty expectations entering the season, justifiable for a team that has been towards the top of the Central League for nearly a decade; and somehow, the Panthers always manage to find new things to improve on. They coasted through the season on their way to winning the Central League championship as well as Delaware County championships, the latter being the tenth consecutive victory. Meanwhile, the girls managed to secure their 99th consecutive
The 2019 season serves as the swan song for the record breaking senior class.
DF: Honestly, I just go out there and play lacrosse. Half the time I have no idea what’s going on out there. I just go out there and chill and do my part.
QUICK Qs
Looks can be deceiving. This is clear when one looks at Haven Lacrosse Senior midfielder Dylan Fitzgerald. Upon first glance, his mischievous, bearded face makes him look like the weird uncle that your parents told you to stay away from at Thanksgiving. In reality, he’s the spark plug for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Central League meet win at the end of the season, one away from the illustrious centennial mark.
Conor McCambridge ‘19 Staff Writer
Lacrosse Player Dylan Fitzgerald Talks 2019 Season
DF: Episcopal, they just outplayed us. Nothing more to say than that.
With this program having such sustained success for such a long period of time, one may start to wonder, “Do people on the team ever just expect that they will be the best?” Senior Olivia Malley argued the contrary stating that the presence of past excellence pushes current team members to theirShelimits.states, “One of [Coach] Coren’s infamous quotes is: ‘You’re Strath Haven — act like it’. And I think this really says a lot about the history of the team, but also the expectations for the future. We have a legacy to uphold, and the pressure is really on for us to live up to the expectations, from not only our own coaching staff but also other teams in the area. I wouldn’t say that anyone expects that we’ll be the best, and I definitely think another reason for that is Coren’s attitude about meets. He always tells us that we can’t just expect to be the best team on the track, and that if we want to do well, we have to perform and go allTheyout.”certainly did just that, and with it being their last season at Strath Haven, the senior class surely delivered and left their mark on the program. There were thirteen seniors on the track team this year, all of whom were varsity point scorers. What seemed to set this class apart was the
great diversity of the event, allowing the Panthers to succeed in multiple areas. The seniors alone consisted of amazing athletes in the sprints, mid-distance, distance, throws, high jump/triple jump, hurdles, and even pole vault. This is highlighted by the fact that six seniors qualified for states. The ability of this senior class to be great in multiple different events is truly remarkable and should not be taken for
The legacy of this class, and team as a whole, is undeniably one of great talent, perseverance, and ultimately success. The contributions of the seniors will be missed next year as the team looks to carry on the sustained success of prior years. As this season concludes, the team achievements cannot be overlooked and prove to everyone that Strath Haven does indeed run Delco.
Dylan Fitzgerald: Obviously a state chip, but honestly for me it’s just about savoring my last moments on the field from here on out. These last games with the boys will be some of the best I’ll ever play.
What do you want to accomplish in the next five years? I want to finish college. What do you think your purpose in life is? To enjoy it.
Photo courtesy Dylan Fitzgerald
PP: Best team you’ve played this season?
GOING FOR GOLD: Senior Dylan Fitzgerald works hard and has fun on the field with the rest of the Haven Lacrosse team.
On Senior night, in front of what seemed like a sea of hundreds of Fitzgerald extended family members, Dylan dished out 2 assists in a win against Southern Lehigh. This Senior night was a satisfying culmination of years of practice for Fitzgerald; with playoffs looming Fitzgerald and the Panthers hope to not be done quite yet. I sat down with Dylan to talk about both lacrosse and life.
PP: How do you feel about embracing your role on the team?
GOING FOR GOLD: Olivia Malley, Maggie Forbes, Abby Loiselle, and Grace Forbes celebrate their victory in the Distance Medley Relay. The four broke the district and county records, records which haven’t been broken in 27 years.
SportsMAJUNE 2019 Page 14 Strath Haven High School
This year has been Fitzgerald’s first year getting significant time on the varsity lacrosse field, and he is making the most out of it. While not the obvious choice for a player spotlight, Fitzgerald has embraced his role and become a stellar midfielder for the panthers. Players like Delco point leader Ethan Belville, scoring specialists Ibo Pio and Nicky Palermo, and courageous Goalie Vincey Palermo are usually the ones making the flashiest plays. However, even when not scoring, Dylan is always doing the little things to help the team win. Whether scooping up ground balls and advancing the ball into a good scoring position or finding the open man near the net for the assist, Fitzgerald makes his teammates better through his hustle and deceptive quickness.
“We have a legacy to uphold, and the pressure is really on for us to live up to expectations.”the
Photo courtesy PA Prep Live
-OliviaSeniorMalley
DF: Pasta dinners.
PP: Who is the biggest defensive key?
Haven Girls’ Track Celebrates Another Stellar Season
The senior midfielder discusses the season and postseason push with the Panther Press.
DF: Zane [Mazur] really holds it down in the back.
PP: Who is the biggest offensive key for the team entering the playoffs?
“Oftentimes,stated,track is very separate due to the specialized events, and the individual nature of the sport. Usually the throwers and the runners never even see each other, although both competing for the same team. And the senior class this year has really helped break that divide and allowed the team to really feel unified.”
Panther Press: What are your hopes for rest of season?
Ryan Krouse ‘19 Editor
PP: What is your favorite high school lacrosse memory?
Name
We practice at Hines Rowing Center in Conshohocken, and practices were the highlight of my day everyday. Being on the water is also cool because you’re engulfed in nature. When we weren’t doing pieces we were often looking at turtles and ducks on the side of the river. Crew is also unique in that it’s six days a week, two and a half hours a day (even more on race days), and forty five minutes away. This wasn’t an easy change to make, but once I adjusted to this ruthless schedule, I became even more productive.
Monmouth University Widener University Williams College
A freshman crew team member gives a firsthand account of her experience on the team.
Jyothi Rao, ‘22 Staff Writer
Unfortunately, I had zero experience rowing before crew started, which made me super nervous about joining. I knew I had to start somewhere if I wanted to row so it was now or never; however, I learned that basically everyone who starts out freshman year has little to no experience.
KieraBrookeEthanJakeZachMikeRyanBlaydenNateGavinJohnAbbyGraceOliviaJordanMeganJackNicholasVincentLiamZaneSophieAndrewMutzYatesHaaseMazurCarneyPalermoPalermoFerryKiddBrownMalleyForbesLoiselleCrawfordBirchPerrinsReidSpanierIreyHusseinFisherBelvilleBenderBooth
Joining the Team
Sport
Photo courtesy Jyothi Rao
Loyola University Maryland Rice
MAJUNE 2019 Page 15 Strath Haven High School
Penn State University — Brandywine Catholic University Temple University
LacrosseLacrosseLacrosseLacrosseLacrosseLacrosseBaseballBaseball & Basketball TrackTennisand Field
Congratulations to all of the incredibly talented athletes in the Class of 2019!
I’ve always been a water person. From swimming in a pool to sitting by the ocean, I am happiest near water. Because of this, rowing instantly attracted me. I knew it was something I wanted to do and I was beyond excited to try it. You can imagine my excitement when I found out Strath Haven has a crew team. I absolutely could not wait to join, I dragged my dad to regattas in the city just to see the rowers. My experience rowing for Strath Haven was everything I imagined it to be.
Florida Institute of Technology Tampa University
Brady
During the winter training, everyone was eager to tell me how exciting the spring is and how much I’d love it. Still, I was nervous. I hadn’t done the learn to row program that most novices already did and rowing was unlike anything I had ever done, (I started as a soccer player). The first time on the water was difficult, but with the help of the upperclassmen, I learned and I began to love being on the Crewwater.isunique to other Strath Haven sports because we practice with Villa Maria, an all girls private school. There are about 20 Strath Haven Rowers and only three
novice girls. We took turns racing in doubles and singles, both of which are challenging but different and fun!
Track and Field Cross Country & Track Cross Country & Track
I was able to balance crew, music, and homework because my schedule forced me to. Not only did it force me to manage my time, but it also helped to boost my mental health.
FranklinPomonaUniversityCollegeandMarshall College
Penn State University — Altoona Methodist University Temple University
Unfortunately, we do lack numbers. There were only four new rowers this year, myself included. To anyone even remotely interested like I was, try it out; you won’t regret it!
USMA – West Point Dickinson College
Senior Athletic Commitments of the Class of 2019
SwimmingSoftballFootballFootballFootballIceIceIceSoccerSoccerWrestlingHockeyHockeyHockey
NEWBIE ON BOARD: Freshman Jyothi Rao practices rowing with her friend and teammate. This past year was Rao’s first year on the crew team, and even though she remembers being nervous about joining, she thinks of her experience on the team as fun and rewarding.
Penn State University — Berks Temple University Ursinus King’sEastUrsinusWidenerCollegeUniversityCollegeStroudsburgUniversityCollege
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Sports
Who knew saying goodbye to a paper would be so hard!
I’ve put off writing this letter for a long time, mostly because I didn’t want to endure the inevitable crying I’m going to do while writing it. But as the Panther Press often says, deadline is approaching, and rapidly — which means the end of my time as Editor-in-Chief is approaching as well.
You may notice that there’s quite a visual difference between our November 2018 edition and our Janbruary 2019 edition. The design, however, was just a tiny piece of a much larger change in the Panther Press.
Thank you also to Mr. Z, who has stood up for me on countless occasions when I felt absolutely hopeless and made me feel endlessly supported in all of my ideas and my endeavors. You’ve kept me grounded when I thought I was going crazy, which makes you the kind of person everyone needs in their life.
Our journalism became much more hard-hitting, as well as more Haven-oriented. We began to require all articles (except Reviews) to be related to Haven students and the school community. In an effort to eliminate fluffy or irrelevant pieces, we split our Detours section into Games & Comics and Reviews. We did away with Editors’ Picks and replaced them with the Editors’ Question, which serves as an outlet for our editors to voice
It is with immense pride, hope, and love that I hand the position of Panther Press Editor-in-Chief off to rising junior Evelyn Meeker. I have been working with Evelyn during lunch every day since January teaching her everything I know, and in that time she’s proved her ability to be a leader, a writer, and most importantly, a friend. The Panther Press is lucky to have her as head of all operations. My sadness at leaving the Panther Press is replaced with joy when I think about the incredible impact she is going to have not only on the newspaper, but also on the Strath Haven community.
Maddie Editor-in-Chief,Marks 2017-2019
I’m
Ian Shay, ‘22
Because I’ve been in work mode for the Panther Press for the past six weeks or so trying to get this edition together, I have had practically no time to stop and reflect on my experience with the Panther Press enough to write this letter. In fact, it’s been very hard to tear myself away from working on finishing this paper long enough to enter the headspace I need to write this article.
Sincerely,Press.
this summer? Kai Lincke, ‘22 // Designer
And sure, while a lot of people are just going to pick up the paper for the crossword or the senior destinations, I’ve never been prouder of the work that our staff and I have produced. I believe that my work as Editor-in-Chief has put the Panther Press on track to becoming the first to tackle the important issues at our school, the trusted voice of the student body, the connection between students and administration, and the news source alumni and parents turn towards to catch up on Haven.
Thank you so much to Mrs. Munn for being such an admirable leader and mentor. You have created a space for me to share my worst fears, deepest concerns, and greatest irritations about the paper. Your open-mindedness to my wacky ideas that work and close-mindedness to my wacky ideas that wouldn’t work has made the paper what it is today. (And thank you for talking to me during the Chris King game when Mrs. Drew was going to make me play basketball.)
Sybilla Moore, ‘20
I believe that the attitude towards the Panther Press has shifted as well, at least slightly. More people are asking me when the paper is coming out, and if they can write, photograph, or design for it. I like to think that the newspaper has gotten more serious, and that people have gotten more serious about it.
But the most significant thing that being Editor-in-Chief taught me is that endless money, resources, and people are no match for pure love. Pure love for this newspaper has helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life. I hope that as I move forward and onwards from this experience, I find something that I love, and that loves me, as much as the Panther
their opinion on topics that matter at our school.
We as a newspaper staff bonded, and we are now welcoming the largest Editorial Board we’ve had in a long time, with new positions such as Designer and Copy Editor. With just a simple change in environment and mindset, our Panther Press team was filled with the enthusiasm to create, design, write, produce, and start conversations.
This mist would soon completely deform me. I was locked in my mind by rampant thoughts of escapism, hatred, and despair. It took awhile to reach a place that was not only safe but healthy for me. But in the months that the black mist consumed me, the only thing that could pull the remaining pieces of my old, beloved self out was this newspaper.
“ getting my first job as a camp counselor. I don’t know what gradeteachingI’m or what type of kids I’ll have in my class yet but I’m forwardlookingtoit”
“I’m mainly gonna be down the beach in North Wildwood—I spend almost all my there.summerImainly just try to work there and try not to look ahead to school next doing
Backpage
Fast forward almost two years. I was also Editor-in-Chief when “working on the newspaper” switched to meaning access to the entire Visual Communications room filled with 20 plus up-to-date Macs with all the software we need and more. It started to mean connection to not just writers but editors, photographers, and graphic designers.
And finally, thank you Ms. Plows, Haven’s new Visual Communications teacher. Your room has become my second home, and even though I create giant messes there (physical and emotional), you’re always there to help me clean them up. Even on the worst days, I felt the warmth of your giant heart.
“This summer, I’m lifeguarding. Lifeguarding’s a big one—it’s kind of like a nice little community. I’m also doing a UPenn internship for diabetes research. And my family always goes to North Carolina—Duck, North Carolina is the place to be. Duck Donuts? If anyone knows what that is, that’s where it originated. Also a lot of college prep.”
When I started my first year as Editor-in-Chief, it was my junior year. Like every other junior, starting the school year was immensely stressful for me — but something was a little bit different. It wasn’t just regular old stress that plagued me. As August bled into September, October, November, a black mist settled over me.
I was Editor-in-Chief when “working on the newspaper” meant locking oneself in the third floor faculty break room, a space approximately the size of a large bathroom, in order to access the necessary software, Adobe InDesign. I spent more time waiting for things to load on the single ancient Mac we had in that room than I did working on the paper (at least it feels like it).
Dear Strath Haven,
But I didn’t care. In that little room with no cell service or ventilation, I found myself at peace moving around words and pictures. All of my feelings washed away with the gentle, steady pace of my hands, copying, pasting, and shifting. When crunch time came around, I would be in that room from 2 in the afternoon to 6 or 7 at night. I could have easily left earlier than that — the work I did in five hours could have absolutely fit into two. But working on the paper wasn’t a chore, so I didn’t. Working on the paper was a love, and until I chased the black mist away, the paper gave as much to me as I gave to it.
Leo McCue, ‘21 Hey Haven What... are you
MAJUNE 2019 Page 16 Strath Haven High School
Pieces of the black mist will most likely settle upon me again, but I know now I will be able to brush them off like the debris they are.
I’ve learned many things during my two years as Editor-in-Chief: how to be a leader, how to write a good article, how to interview people, how to use InDesign, how to motivate writers, and how to connect with people through