June 2024

PHOTO: CHARLOTTE HORETSKY, KATE PLOWS, KELLY MONTAGUE, MARIN LENT

EDITORIAL: From blank boxes to graduation gowns

We commend the senior class of 2024 for their perseverance.

Editorial Board

The unsigned editorial represents the opinion of the Editorial Board, which consists of the majority of the student editorial staff listed on this page.

Representing everything from scientists to musicians to historians, the class of 2024 has a lot of talent and a lot of dreams.

Freshman year didn’t take that away from them.

Halfway through eighth grade, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Their bridge ceremony was attended on Zoom by an audience of black screens, with tiny white names replacing the relieved smiles of kids who had just survived middle school.

Instead of singing on the band bus or at pizza parties with teammates, Haven’s class of 2024 endured a freshman year of isolation at home, or five different schedules and social distancing at school.

According to the CDC: “...more than a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.”

Defiant in the face of that terrifying statistic, the class of 2024 is still standing. Seniors have learned how to communicate openly about mental health and withstand the torrential roar of social media. They had to learn these lessons quickly because their sophomore year’s new normal was difficult to navigate in different ways. Masks filled the halls instead of smiles, and it was difficult to make real connections. How could you be part of a community of activities if you were struggling just to figure out how to

adjust to in-person schooling?

Some clubs lack senior representatives this year because seniors just had to find out who they wanted to be over the last few years. Despite obstacles to creative outlets like extracurriculars, seniors continue to push themselves to think outside the box. Just look at what they brought instead of their backpacks on May 21: mini-fridges, kayaks, wheelbarrows, tires, and a list of other creative ideas.

Flash forward to 2024 brought even more changes, especially in technology. In many classes, Chromebooks digitized schoolwork. Earbuds and apps competed for attention. They had to learn how to live in a world with artificial intelligence and turn it from a weapon to a tool. Basically, life has hit them with quite a lot. It rained the night of their junior prom. The one school constant, Google Classroom, was replaced by Schoology midyear. TikTok became a thing. They are even seeing the possible downfall of TikTok while still in high school. They’ve seen so much that they seem equivalent to storytelling elders, with the general air of, “Well, I’ve seen four years too long of Strath Haven, so if you want to know ___, I got you.”

For Evelynn Lin, one of our editors, the senior class of 2024 holds a special place in her heart. Being a 2021-2022 freshman—the first grade to emerge to a full in-person after a year online—made it extremely hard to adapt to the high

school setting. She struggled to fit in as a new student. It was hard to find a place to belong, but one senior she met through band gave shared piece of advice: “I know it’s hard right now, but take it with a grain of salt. One day you’re going to look back and realize it was truly all worth the pain.”

That senior constantly acted like an older sister to Evelynn. Even as a sophomore, this current senior stepped up to care for her. Evelynn was able to build a collection of memories, from the senior introducing her to new friends in a new setting to being her mentor and friend to sharing laughs and smiles at student events.

Each senior who has extended such a kind hand to the underclassmen embodied what it meant to be in the class of 2024.

As our seniors squint towards the bright future awaiting them, the wrecking ball reality of rising college tuition, higherthan-ever housing costs, and general adulting is creeping ever closer. Of course, our seniors are also figuring out this as you read this.

Seniors, appreciate the fact that you rock. You are masters of the art of adapting and compromise. You made it to June 2024, and you’re throwing that grad cap in the air no matter what.

Next year, four years from now, 40 years from now, we are confident that your resilience will only have grown stronger.*

Farewell from the president Student council president and morale-boosting announcer says

Lola Babin ‘24

Student Council President

As this very fast year comes to an end, I would like to take the time to reflect on my experience at Strath Haven. As cliche as this may sound, it truly feels like just last month, we were walking into the building to start the year (in August)! When you get to your senior year and people tell you that it will be the fastest year of your life, listen to them. They are right. It’s crazy to me that four years ago, we were sitting on Zoom, starting high school from our beds. If you would have told my freshman self that she would be writing as the Student Council President, she probably would have laughed at you. That title still makes me a little uncomfortable, but I would not trade this experience for anything.

It has been my truest honor, privilege, and pleasure to serve as your Student Council President for the 2023-2024 school year. I would like to take this opportunity to begin to share with you what I have learned in high school and some of the things we accomplished here during my time as President.

One of the main things I have learned from my experience at Strath Haven is that the only constant in life is change. You will never truly be in the moment you are currently in, so learn to embrace it. Go to school events. Try that new activity. Become friends with that one person. Just do it! Sometimes, things can be enjoyable even when you’re not good at them. Knowing that you put forth your best effort and had some fun while doing it is more than likely to yield a content result.

Another thing, don’t stress the small stuff. I can not even count the amount of times I stayed up wayyy too late because of one assignment. Now listen, I am not, by any means, discouraging you from putting your best effort into schoolwork; however, I have found that your mental health is much more important than a grade in the portal. As Mr. Miraglia likes to call me an OCPC (obsessive-compulsive portal checker), I have taken this as a lesson to remind myself that you can be proud of your accomplishments, you can be proud of your trophies, but there is nothing more important than remaining true to yourself. People may not remember what award you got, the value of those may fade as time passes. However, during the process of achieving those successes, there is something that you will only learn the value of once it’s gone. Take time to enjoy the journey, not just the reward. Motivation is key. You cannot let the fear of making mistakes halt your pursuit of success. Once you have

her goodbyes.

found self-motivation, other people will see that spark, believe in you, and want to help you.

On to the statistical stuff. We started the year by welcoming our freshmen Class of 2027 through a barbecue! I know I would’ve loved that as a freshman, so I hope that it was as much of an enjoyable experience for you all! Then, on the second day of school, we welcomed everyone back with a mini pep rally and over ¾ of the senior class wore their senior jeans! The Homecoming theme was A Night In The City, and it was the second year that students were able to vote for a theme. The Toy Drive was brought back after many years, which granted us the ability to gift over 100 toys to families in the area in need. We also welcomed back the Blood Drive for its second year returning, where we donated 103 units of blood with over 150 participants! Spring Fling was also a huge success, with a record number of attendees and club tables! This had to be my favorite event by far. Despite the undesirable weather, everyone showed out with a smile on their face. I have to owe all credit to those who participated– the Coffeehouse performers, 25 clubs and sports teams, the outstanding crowd, and our team who put it all together! Finally, we brought back the Powderpuff Game after many years, accompanied by our new scoreboard with amazing video and audio advancements.

We had a total of 20 spirit days, including three spirit weeks. Still, we also honed in on important conversations with the administration, such as school WiFi, improved lunch menus, mental health excused absences, and, most importantly, transparency. I’m confident that you will see these positive changes within your time left at Strath Haven! Despite many difficulties that led us to re-imagine some of our projects, Student Council was luckily able to organize many exciting events this year to advocate for the student body. I could not be more appreciative of this opportunity, and I truly hope that our group’s contributions benefited our community. Having met and worked with many of next year’s officers, I have no doubt that they will fill our shoes and more. Thank you for allowing me to represent you and for trusting me to be an emblem of the student body. I will forever be grateful for your support, and I hope I’ve made you proud.

My advice to you all is to fight for what makes you optimistic about the world. Find it, insist on it, dig into it, go after it, and remember that there can’t be flowers without some rain on the way. Never forget to have fun and smile.

I wish you all immense success and best wishes for the future.*

About The Panther Press is the student-run publication of Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, PA. The Panther Press publishes 500 copies bimonthly in print and is distributed to classrooms and students at Strath Haven High School. The publication is also online at www. shpantherpress.com

The Panther Press is first and foremost a reflection of the opinions and interests of the student body. For this reason, we do not publish any anonymous or teacher-written submissions, and we do not discriminate against any ideology or political opinion. While we are bound by school policy (and funding) and we will not render any article neutral, although individual points may be edited for obscene or inflammatory content. Finally, the articles published in The Panther Press do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or advisers.

Submissions

All Strath Haven students are welcome to learn the basics of journalism and become contributors to The Panther Press. Our 2023-2024 Google Classroom code is rhupbc. Interested students should join the page to learn about upcoming meetings and training sessions.

Letters to the editor are encouraged. Any reader may submit a letter to the editor via email to strathhavenpantherpress@gmail.com. Anonymous letters will not be published. Editors reserve the right to contact letter writers or edit submissions for reasons of space or clarity.

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2023-2024 Editorial Staff

Editors in Chief

Sasha

FEATURED CLASS: Creative Writing encourages team building and self-expression

Elective allows students to think outside of the box and learn how to give and receive criticism.

Evelynn Lin ‘25 Editor-in-Chief

Create a story that shows, not tells. Create a story that vividly shows imagery. Create a story you would be willing to share with your classmates.

Ms. Reagan Lattari’s Creative Writing elective is all about creating.

“It’s mostly a fiction writing workshop, although we do dabble at the end in some creative nonfiction and some poetry,” Lattari said.

The English-based elective teaches various story elements and allows students to use their imagination to create stories from a given prompt.

“We’ll talk about characterization, point of view, voice, imagery, and the good old showing versus telling. We’ll do different activities and reading exercises that really focus on that one specific skill,” Lattari said.

The prompts result in pieces from fantasy pieces to more realistic pieces, which Lattari finds impressive.

“When that student really puts the time into like worldbuilding, those stories blow my mind, because it takes so much to write a believable world that we all are part of, but then to create one in the limitations that I give them for the story,” Lattari said. “It’s always so interesting to see what they come up with when they’re given the freedom to write about whatever they want.”

Towards the second quarter, students within the class write stories that are workshopped and shared with other students.

“My favorite unit was probably just the workshop because that was really helpful,” sophomore Eme Choi said. “Being given a blank sheet of paper was a lot harder than I thought it would be to actually come up with a story and write it. Especially knowing that there’s a deadline and that everyone in the class is going to read it

and criticize you for it. It taught me a lot of good lessons.”

One lesson was learning to constructively criticize and accept feedback from peers.

“It taught [me] how to give criticism nicely and not hurt everybody’s feelings,” Choi said. “But accepting criticism– people catch so many things that you don’t catch, and for me, I have a tendency to not explain things fully, so getting people to tell me what I neglected to explain, what I forgot to mention, it was really helpful.”

Junior Sage Pahl also enjoyed the freedom and motivation the class offered them.

“I’d say it’s a lot like other arts electives– for the most part you can do what you want, as long as your stuff gets done,” Pahl said. “I think it was easier to turn things in on time for creative writing, simply because I was more motivated to finish this stuff. You would get into a flow of things, and then, it would be like ‘Oh, crap, class is over.’”

One challenge is writer’s block.

While writer’s block can be common, the course has encouraged students to develop the patience it takes to find and write about an idea.

“When I had a day where I couldn’t write anything, I would just not force it, and I would read some books,” Pahl said. “Reading a really good book gives me ideas, like, ‘Oh, wow, that’s like a good idea.’ Or ‘I liked that writing style.’”

The fluid deadlines also help give students the chance to fully develop and create stories that are meaningful to them.

“I know that writing is a process and it’s different for everybody,” Lattari said. “For some people, they might come up with something they’re happy with immediately and other people might have to let it marinate for a while.

A 40-year past inspires Haven’s future

I think that’s what kids really like about the course, that there isn’t really homework. There isn’t really a restrictive due date.”

Choi recommends the elective for any student looking for a creative outlet or wants to de-stress.

“I don’t think you’re ever going to get a chance to creative write in the school,” Choi said. “Like, we neglect it so much, and replace it with academic writing, like essays and stuff. This is a really good chance to just express yourself through literature.”*

For teachers who have been here from the beginning, reminiscing highlights values to uphold 40 years into the future.

Kaitlyn Ho ‘26

Managing Editor of Web / Health and Sciences Editor

Past, present, and future—some things about Strath Haven will never change.

It’s impossible to imagine what Strath Haven will be like in 40 years without wondering what Strath Haven was like 40 years ago.

Strath Haven was formed through the union of Nether Providence High School and Swarthmore High School, opening its doors as a merged school in the 1983-84 school year.

Music teacher Mr. John Shankweiler, who will be retiring this year, has been here for nearly all of the years since.

“I think the most exciting part of it is that I came in at a time when the program needed to be rebuilt,” Shankweiler said. “And in many ways, it was easy to come into that. There was no string program at all, in the district… I started strings at all the three elementary schools.”

of Strath Haven that have sustained since the very beginning. Shankweiler hopes that those aspects will continue to be prevalent in 40 years.

“The educational technology stuff is so different. And again, where we thought we were going to be 40 years ago is not where we’re at.”

Mr. Richard Foulk

Spanish teacher Mrs. Staci Gawne, who has been at the school for more than 30 years, feels that the student experience was vastly different from how it is today.

“I think at that time, there was way more time for just fun and high school stuff. And I feel like it was more like the movies, just like the homecoming and the dances—I felt it was different, just more relaxed,” Gawne said. Technology is just one component of Strath Haven that has quickly evolved since its conception. Imagine what it will be like 40 years from now.

“I think [Strath Haven]’s going to be changed dramatically,” history teacher Mr. Richard Foulk, who has taught at Strath Haven for 32 years, said. “But do I even want to try and imagine what that is? 40 years, just the educational technology stuff is so different. And again, where we thought we were going to be 40 years ago is not where we’re at.”

Gawne remembers use of older technology, such as overheads, which were similar to today’s projectors.

“If you would have asked me thirty years ago, what would school be like now, I could have never imagined what it is, because there were no computers,” Gawne said. “There were no cell phones, iPhones, there was nothing when I started. So I couldn’t even imagine.” Despite changes in technology, there are core aspects

“It was always about innovation and being different when I started here,” Shankweiler said. “Very much a quirky school district… It was a public school but yet had a private school flavor to it. Everybody’s quirkiness was embraced, and that was a big thing.”

Foulk believes Strath Haven harbored a special spark that made it stand out from the other schools.

“I think [Haven’s uniqueness is] changing. And I would agree with [Shankweiler]. It was different, and I think we were unique,” Foulk said.

Principal Dr. Greg Hilden would like to see music, academics, and strong relationships continue to be valued in the future, especially student socialization.

“I think you don’t want to lose human contact, right?” Hilden said. “We live in society because we are humans who relate to other people. I think there are alternate ways of educating people that are unique and fulfill a need for some people. But I think that we can’t lose the socialization piece.”

When Hilden was introduced to Strath Haven four years ago, he noticed an unusually high number of alumni tended to return to re-engage in the community.

“I’ve not been anywhere else where so many people come back to the school where they grew up, and want to be a part of it. And I think that says a lot about the identity of the school,” Hilden said.

The more eccentric parts of Strath Haven may be what attracts students to come back, and in 40 years, perhaps the students of today will feel the same.

“Can I just say, I hope Haven keeps its unique characteristics?” Shankweiler said. “Not playing to the masses but embracing the individual uniqueness of every student.”

“If we lose our character, we lose what makes us special,” he said. “We are a little bizarre, and we love it.”*

AT THE BEGINNING • TOP: The 1983-1984 Panther Press staff poses for their yearbook photo. LEFT: Although the photo has no caption, we believe this was the original panther mascot caption.

MAKING MEMORIES • Ms. Reagan Lattari’s fall semester

Creative Writing class pose for a picture together at the end of the semester. The picture is printed and hung on a wall full of past creative writing and English classes. PHOTO: REAGAN LATTARI

Teachers gear up to get out

Saying goodbye to their classrooms for an entire summer is a big deal for teachers.

Claire Salera ‘27 Reporter

Like it or not, summer is upon us. You can probably already taste that chocolate ice cream on your tongue, feel the sand between your toes, or smell the popcorn from the boardwalk.

Although most students get to burst out of the school doors for the last time on Tuesday, June 11, teachers continue until Thursday, June 13 to wrap up gradebooks and clear out their classrooms for the summer. However, not all teachers pack up their rooms in the same way. Although the school administration provides a list of guidelines, each teacher uses their own organization system.

Spanish teacher Mrs. Pamela Kaneda follows these guidelines when packing up her classroom.

“Some of it is just paperwork. We’re supposed to cover open shelving,” Kaneda said. “I have to take these giant reams of paper and cover them

French Teacher Ms. Suzanne Stadnicki also notes that teachers are expected to move things around, so it is important to limit the amount of items left on shelves and surfaces.

“We are asked to take everything off of the shelves and unplug everything. I defrost my refrigerator,” Stadnicki said. “I take everything off of surfaces, other than the computer and the printer.”

Depending on the teacher and

subject, organization methods can vary. Physics teacher Mr. William Rothenbach plans ahead, following through a little bit at a time as the end of the year nears.

“I start off with a really good plan, and everything is getting put away really nicely and organized,” Rothenbach said. “As we get closer to the last day of school, things get put in empty paper boxes from the copy room, put on a shelf, and labeled with the year As I put things away, I try to wipe them down.”

Conversely, graphic design teacher Ms. Regina Iannello does not have as many materials to pack up. She finds that utilizing her space and keeping track of her materials are important steps in her organization process.

Dubs said. “I usually put my little trinkets away in the closet, just so they don’t fall off of my desk when they move it.”

Furthermore, dust is a factor that teachers keep in mind when cleaning up their rooms. With classrooms remaining vacant for about two months, the tiny particles are bound to accumulate on classroom surfaces.

“Because the airconditioning and air-circulation systems are off over the summer, I try to cover anything that has a horizontal surface.”

“I’m lucky because I don’t have a whole lot of art supplies,” Iannello said. “So mine consists of making sure I have enough supplies for next year and itemizing everything. The decorations, I put away, use them for the next year. I don’t have a ton of extra space, so I just make sure I can get as much in the closets as I can.”

Mr. William Rothenbach

English teacher Mr. Robert Zakrzewski agrees that putting away materials is not a big part of his end-ofyear routine either, which he attributes to the fact that he always plans on returning.

“Fortunately, I don’t pack up much,” Zakrzewski said. “I get to come back to it, so I can leave a lot. I just cover a lot of stuff up, because they clean a lot in here.”

Sometimes, teachers base their organizing and cleaning on what kind of technical work will occur in classrooms over the summer. Math teacher Mrs. Beth Benzing finds that her cleanup differs based on whether or not the classrooms are being painted.

“Every once in a while, they have to paint your room, so I have to take all of my T-shirts down, and all of the decorations,” Benzing said.

While the walls are only painted every so often, the floors of classrooms are cleaned almost every summer. Teachers must be mindful of what they leave on their desks, as it can be rearranged during the summer.

“They move everything in the hall over the summer so they can clean the floors,” French Teacher Mrs. Traci

“Because the air-conditioning and air-circulation systems are off over the summer, I try to cover anything that has a horizontal surface,” Rothenbach said. “I try to cover [surfaces] with plastic bags so that the dust collects on the plastic bags, not on the expensive equipment.”

While teachers do pack up and put away their things, not everything stays in the classroom over summer break. In addition to their school-issued laptops, teachers take some other items home to use during the break.

“I have a big class library, and I go through and pick books that I’ve been wanting to read all year, but didn’t get to,” Zakrzewski said.

Additionally, Kaneda watches out for the living aspects of her classroom.

“I take my plants home. I don’t want them to die,” Kaneda said.

Like several other procedures nowadays, technology has changed how teachers pack up their rooms and the number of items they take home with them. With almost all files and assignments existing online, teachers are finding that they do not need to take as many paper items home with them.

“Everything is on my computer, so [I just take home] my computer,” Benzing said. “All of my notes are already automated.”

Cleaning up at the end of the year doesn’t always have to be a hassle, though. Benzing takes the cleaning as an opportunity to clear her slate for the next school year.

“I love closure, so I love throwing everything away at the end of the year, and starting fresh in September,” Benzing said.*

THE WALL: Harvard grad and top surgeon reflects on high school years

Continuing our series on alumni featured on the Wall of Honor: Surgeon contemplates his roots at Nether Providence High School

Matteo Ventresca ‘25

Managing Editor of Print

William D. Emper is a sports physician and the Chief of Orthopedics at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Dr. Emper has been the team physician for Villanova University for more than twenty years, and Philadelphia Magazine recognized him as one of the area’s “Top Doctors.”

Emper graduated from Nether Providence High School in 1973 and Harvard University in 1977.

“I was able to enjoy the relationships and the closeness of the people, and the quality of the people that I got to know and grow up with in high school was something that you don’t get a chance to do multiple times in your life,” Emper said.

He believes that Nether Providence was vital in making him a more open person.

it was a good thing that I went and did something that was good for people and also that I enjoyed,” Emper said. Emper played football in college and applied to Harvard because of one of his friends who had previously attended Harvard.

“I think Nether Providence had diversity to a large degree, which was very helpful.”

Dr. William D. Emper

“I’d like to think that I’m more open-minded and broad. I think Nether Providence had diversity to a large degree, which was very helpful. I also felt that that was one of the things that was helpful for me in college,” Emper said. Emper’s involvement in high school was mainly in sports. He played three sports and was also part of the student council.

“Every day, the entire time I was in middle and high school, I played sports like football, basketball, and baseball,” he said.

Overall, Emper is glad that he was able to find a job that he enjoyed.

“The person that I was in high school would think that

“On the last day, I sent my application just so he would stop bugging me. It turns out he helped me get into Harvard by taking some football films up to the coach. That’s how they had to do it back then in the day. So I was recruited,” Emper said.

Apart from his friends, Emper believes that his high school teachers influenced his education.

“I had some good teachers in high school; we had good academics,” Emper said. “I thought I got a good exposure in communication skills in English and literature. I was fortunate to be in a school district that had teachers of that quality.” Emper was moved to pursue orthopedics through his personal experiences with orthopedics from a football player’s standpoint.

“I had a role model in college, the team orthopedic surgeon at Harvard, because I got hurt a little bit, and I got to know him,” Emper said. “He, fortunately, was just an incredibly humble but talented person who instilled a lot of student-athletes at Harvard into going into orthopedics.”

Emper believes that being an orthopedic surgeon is an excellent job because you do good things for people and

get rewarded with their kindness.

“It does help to know how to expose yourself to different kinds of things early on,” Emper said. “I think for any occupation, it always helps to do internships to actually get to know people and see them in their environment, and to try to understand that that’s what you want to do. If it is what you want to do, then you have, hopefully, that person or that workforce as someone who can help you go to the next step.”

Emper is grateful to have attended Nether Providence High School and is proud to have been a part of the excellent student body.

“Strath Haven is a great school,” Emper said. “I have the experience of Nether Providence and have that high level of participation in extracurricular activities, the diversity of the student body, and the intelligence of the student body.”*

DR. WILLIAM D. EMPER PROVIDED BY DR. WILLIAM D. EMPER

Strath Haven reacts to full semester using Schoology

After a semester to get used to Schoology, many students and teacher have strong opinions.

Claire

Salera ’27, Lavanya Dixit ’27

Reporters

Most students and teachers are finishing their first semester of using Schoology as a learning management system in the classroom, and the reactions are mixed.

Initially approved by the school board in February 2023 at an initial investment of over $49 thousand dollars as a replacement for Google Classroom, Schoology was expected to be utilized in all high school classrooms beginning with the spring semester.

According to communications with teachers, access to Google Classroom will end for students in summer 2024 and for teachers in June 2025.

Seeking administrative reaction to the first semester of Schoology at WSSD, we reached

out for comment to Assistant Superintendent Dr. James Conley, who led the Curriculum Council team that selected Schoology as a new learning management system for the school district. Conley, who will exit the district on June 30 to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education in the West Chester School District, did not provide comment prior to our publication deadline.

However, we received a statement from middle school assistant principal Mr. Stephen Krall, who believes that the transition to Schoology has been a success.

“Students in grades 3 to 12 across the district are experiencing this new Learning Management System in ways that are supporting their learning in a digital

WE ASKED: What do you think about Schoology?

“Schoology is a fine program, but it just needs some technical fixes. It’s really just sloppy. The organization isn’t really that good, and the app is terrible. The emailing in it isn’t that good, and it’s just not as good as Google Classroom.”

“I don’t like Schoology... it feels like a website from the early 2000s. It feels so old, and it is extremely hard to navigate. The main thing that people hate about it so far is that it is unfamiliar, but to me, it’s not unfamiliar, it is just ugly. Websites and the Internet have improved as far as what you can do and how you can design websites, and the fact that they do it so stupidly just makes me upset. We’re paying for something that is more stupid.”

“Not even all my teachers are fully switched to Schoology, so I have to switch from Google Classroom to Schoology, at this point. Trying to find assignments and everything takes up more of my data on my phone, and it’s hard to follow everything.”

“I really don’t like Schoology. I feel like it’s definitely not user friendly. I struggle with it a lot when turning in assignments. I have one class in particular where you have to do this crazy step to even attach the assignment. Google Classroom was so much better for that because you could just attach something from your Drive.”

environment, and by allowing that learning to be extended into their homes,” Krall wrote. Krall noted that Schoology allows easier parent access and communication due to its direct connection to PowerSchool, as well as easier syncing of student grades of assignments, classwork, or assessments.

“Big change is difficult for large organizations like schools and school districts, and this is always anticipated,” Krall wrote. “But even in this short period of time since the transition to Schoology began in January, many people are seeing the advantages of it, and that will continue to foster a better use of the system and a better experience in the end for our students.”*

“With Schoology, how are clubs supposed to function? Are we going to have to transfer that too? Personally, I’m in charge of a few clubs, so if I had to be in charge of a Schoology group and learn that on top of learning Schoology itself, it would be really difficult.”

“It’s fine. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but it lets you do all the things you need to do. It is nice that it is synced to the portal, so you do not have different grades in Schoology and Powerschool, like you sometimes had with Google Classroom. It takes a shorter time to grade, but since it is a new program, it takes me longer to set up assignments. I think it will feel normal in the long run.”

Google Classroom ends for students:

Google Classroom ends for teachers:

All files for the class of 2024 remaining on WSSD Google Drive will be deleted as of June 18, 2024.

“When we first started with Google Classroom, I figured it out without further instruction. I understand for the most part why they wanted to adopt it, but Schoology is not facilitating things for me as well… I have not adopted it 100%, it’s one of those things that I have put on the back burner. With time, it will get easier.”*

Student Council election results brings excitement for 2024-2025 school year

According to advisers, the election results were all in the numbers.

Evelynn Lin ‘25

Editor-in-Chief

After a week of campaigns, nervousness and anticipation filled the air. The votes, ratings, and interviews were in, and next year’s Student Council was being determined.

The selection process calculates and averages points from the three requirements: interviews, student votes, and teacher ratings.

“We do a ranking,” student council adviser and German teacher Herr Alex Paul said. “If they have the highest ranking from the teachers, then they get a one in that category. If they have the most votes, the highest interview ranking, they’re a one. Then we take that, and we do a third of each, and it averages out to another ranking, which is your overall ranking.”

The lower the final score, the higher the ranking, making a candidate more likely to win a position. Leadership qualities are also assessed, and no opinions are used to determine members.

“If they show a lot of leadership, or if they’re showing poise in the interview,

things like that, those things equate to numerical conversions as well,” student council adviser and math teacher Mrs. Maria Neeson said. “Because we do it mathematically, it leaves no room for any subjectiveness. It’s all pretty much in the numbers.”

After calculations were finalized, on Monday, May 13, the 2024-2025 school year Student Council cabinet was announced on the Student Council Instagram and Strath Haven Activities Google Classroom.

Candidates received emails, determining if they had gotten their desired position.

“I was in Miss Shepard’s room studying for AP Bio,” junior elected School Board Representative Tianyue Wang said. “The email subject title didn’t reveal anything, it just said ‘update’. So I was really scared to open the email, and then I was really excited and immediately went to go call Linden.”

Junior Ella Liberi will be next year’s Student Council president. Juniors

Josie Tolson and Madison Benzing will serve as vice presidents. Juniors Tianyue Wang and Linden Corbett are next year’s school board representatives.

The fourteen student council officers are Matt Caputo, Leah Cohen, Janet Huang, Emily Lin, Lila Martell, Ben Milligan, Snehal Pandey, Maya Putty, Minori Saito, Devon Soeiro, Olivia Stransky, Olivia Voshell, Anna Warley, and Vincent Zhu.

Elected president Ella Liberi expresses her gratitude for being nominated.

“Everyone who ran, not just for president, but VPs, officers, and school board reps, was absolutely amazing,” Liberi said. “I’m so grateful to have this opportunity. Everyone that got elected, I’m so excited to work with.”

Current Student Council president senior Lola Babin feels bittersweet and excited to pass the baton on.

“I’m going to miss the responsibility of being like the student-admin liaison. I feel like I have been the voice of so many people, and it has been good making

people feel heard and represented,” Babin said. “I’m excited for Ella because she had a lot of great ideas, like putting artwork up in the school. I’m excited to see the physical transformation and all the new ideas.”

As the 2023-2024 school year closes, the newly elected Student Council looks forward to initiatives that will improve the school community and enhance student life.

“One of the things I talked about was working on getting more artwork up on the school, emphasizing SEL days, mental health advocacy, spending more time talking with the students and the administration, and helping to create cleaner, better communication between everyone at Haven,” Liberi said.

“I just want to make Haven a better place. I’m looking forward to talking to administrators, advisors, other teachers, and just making the best school year for 2024-2025.”*

Pearl Tweedy ’26

Adam Hardy ’27

Mrs. Pamela Kaneda

Jaina Livingstone ’24

Mr. Matthew Morris

Claire Ross ’24

Logan Haggerty ’25

Science Olympiad team goes to states for first time in eight years

The high school division won up to seventh place in numerous events.

Kaitlyn Ho ’26

Managing Editor of Web / Health and Sciences Editor

Science Olympiad is a middle school and high school level competition where students study for different ‘events’ or topics.

Currently, the advisor for both middle and high school teams is Mr. Marc DeJong, who teaches Gifted Education at the middle school.

If the topic is purely study-based, students will take a test on the event during the competition, and if it’s buildbased, they will construct on-site at the competition.

“If you did physics wars in eighth grade with Miss Cobb, it’s kind of like that, except you procrastinate more, and you get better results usually,” sophomore Yuhang Li said. “You also have to adhere to a specific rule manual. Or alternatively, you can also just study up on some basically college-level topic and then you just take a test on it.”

Li and fellow sophomore Hari Ghatpande began Science Olympiad in sixth grade and have seen it through the middle school division, which ranges from sixth to ninth grade, to the high school division, which ranges from tenth to twelfth.

Science Olympiad has 21 students in their high school division, including alternates. Ever since he added himself to those ranks, Ghatpande has had a passion for Science Olympiad that expands beyond the classroom.

“I think the biggest difference is that in a classroom, you’re told exactly everything that you can learn,” Ghatpande said. “But generally [in Science Olympiad], you’re

going to be doing your own independent research, you’re going to be making your own notes, you’re going to be really learning stuff. And I think especially if you want to do something in science, it’s a very useful experience.”

The team qualified past regionals to states this year for the first time since 2016. Li attributes this partly to a shift in where they competed.

“We did have to go to the northeast division of the regional tournament because everybody had to go to Disney this year,” Li said. “Typically, the southeast, which is where we are, the competition is really high. I think we definitely would have had at least a harder time making it to states if we were in this division but, I mean, still, we made it to states.”

Ghatpande attributes the success to the strength of the advisor and students.

“This has been a goal of Mr. DeJong’s and also the whole team for a while. So I think we did really well,” Ghatpande said.

Other members agree with Ghatpande that this was a successful year, though by different benchmarks.

“As a high school team, we did a lot better than last year, but individually, when we were on the middle school team, we did better last year,” Science Olympiad member of three years, sophomore Casper Stockman said. “We all felt busier this year, and spent less time preparing, and the results showed.”

Ghatpande and Li would like to see Science Olympiad gain a stronger foothold in the high school, where it isn’t as focused as in the middle school.

“When you get to the high school, it’s barely there at all,” Ghatpande said. “I think that’s the main reason why the high school hasn’t gone to states for so long.” Li also mentioned a lack of a high school Science Olympiad advisor, which forces the high school division to go to the middle school if they want to practice.

“We hope to get a lot more people on the team from the middle school division, that would help us spread out the word more evenly,” Stockman said. Stockman thinks highly of the middle school division.

“They are so hungry to win,” Stockman

said. “[Haven’s high school division] are so hungry to have fun, which unfortunately impedes our ability to reach our desired level of success, which, in this case, is winning.”

They have already begun thinking about how they can improve for the future.

“We’re going do more invitationals throughout the year, so we get our notes done before regionals or before afterregionals,” Stockman said. “And we’re gonna win because we believe.”*

New Haven Reading Olympics team succeeds at their competition

Learn about Reading Olympics, what it is, and how it works.

Evie Fernandez ’27 Haven

Happenings Editor

Reading Olympics is an event that takes place every year for elementary, middle, and high school students. They read books off a set list and compete in April and May by answering trivia questions about their books.

Freshman Joy Yang began participating in Reading Olympics in elementary school and continued through middle school.

“I’ve always been doing Reading Olympics–I really enjoy it. Especially at the middle school, it was really fun. So when we got to the high school, I was like, ‘There’s no real Olympics, so I’m going to make it because I can’t live a year without it,’” Yang said.

The Reading Olympics team was a collaborative effort of eight students, who competed at the middle school, and all pitched in throughout the year.

“Well, I found Joy, and she was trying to organize this so I wanted to help her. And also they needed more people too and I enjoy reading, so it was just a fun thing to do,” freshman Reading Olympics member Izyan Weljie said.

The team is small, but they contributed to help win a blue ribbon in this year’s competition.

“It’s a small community that’s growing. Everyone’s really nice, and I also like reading a lot, so it’s fun,” sophomore team member Kathleen Kelly said.

The competition is judged uniquely to minimize a toxic competitive environment. Any number of blue

ribbons can be handed out, depending on how many teams accomplish the fifty points needed to earn one.

“It’s pretty laid back,” Weljie said. “It’s not really that competitive…It’s just if you got a certain amount of points, you get a certain ribbon, but you are playing against another team, so you can steal points from them. So in a sense, you are going against another team, but it’s not really that intense.”

The club is working on establishing itself as a viable extracurricular option for students at Strath Haven.

“The environment is really chill—even though we read books to compete, we’re not forcing anyone really to read,” Yang said. “It’s like one book per person, just because we know everyone’s super busy.”

Reading Olympics is also a good way to encourage people to read more.

“Well, I like that I get to read books that I’m not typically going to read, and see what other people my age are reading,” freshman team member Juliette Loyd said.

Though the club almost wasn’t able to compete, they managed to find two more members to participate, and they succeeded in their endeavors to win the blue ribbon.

“It’s just a really fun club, and I hope more people can join, even if it’s just to hang out and help out,” Yang said.*

READING OLYMPICS TEAM• The Reading Olympics team holds up their blue ribbons after their win. They won two out of their three rounds, and earned a total of 53 points. PHOTO: JOY YANG

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM • The middle and high school Strath Haven Science Olympiad divisions pose for a photo together at the state competition. PHOTO: BENNING WANG Vol. 6.1 Summer Playlist Strath Haven Panther Press ~ 15 songs, 52 min 18 sec

Salera ‘27

A new reason for missing school: mental health

In a first reading of the attendance policy, the Policy Committee has revised the policy to include “Social-Emotional Wellness Days” as an option for excused absences.

Clark Kerkstra

‘27

Reporter

Many reasons are considered valid for missing school. A sickness. A school activity. A family emergency. Even 10 days a year are allotted for “educational family trips.” But it seems that another reason may be added to the list.

At the May 8 meeting of the WSSD School Board’s Policy Committee, a group of students involved in Cultural Proficiency Equity Student Ambassadors, or CPESA for short, presented to the committee on student wellness in the district.

consecutive days, they should be meeting with a counselor,” Likely said. According to Likely, this topic is one they may bring to the board in the future.

“Even if the policy can change one person’s life, I wouldn’t be concerned about maybe the five people who are misusing the policy.”

Zoe Likely ‘25

The focal point of the student presentation was a proposed revision to the Attendance Policy. The proposed revision would allow four days a year allotted to each student as a SocialEmotional Wellness Day.

At the meeting, CPESA framed wellness days as a chance to recharge and improve their own well-being. According to CPESA, it was intended for students to meet with a counselor the next day after taking a mental health day, but this provision would not be included in the policy revision due to a lack of counseling resources.

Counselor Mr. Travis Edwards agreed that counseling check-ins following a wellness day could be challenging to manage.

“In theory, it would be wonderful for us to check in with the students in the next day. I think sometimes with scheduling, that can be difficult,” Edwards said.

Junior Zoe Likely, a member of CPESA who was charged with determining what a wellness day entails, expressed disappointment at the board’s decision but understood the reasoning.

“If the student just needs a day, there’s no reason why they should have to meet with the counselor. But I do think in those situations where students are taking

“It is a little bit detrimental, and maybe that’s just something we have to continue to work with the board on next year. But a step is a step,” Likely said. A further concern raised by some is that without this provision included, the policy could be abused.

“Without [counseling check-ins] I would say, good for people who need it, but I think people will abuse it, especially seniors,” senior Alex Zweier said.

Despite concerns that the policy could be abused, Likely argued that the value outweighs the possible costs of misuse.

“Even if the policy can change one person’s life, I wouldn’t be concerned about maybe the five people who are misusing the policy,” Likely said.

One of the methods of data gathering used by CPESA to inform their proposed revision to the policy was surveying the local community of parents, students, and teachers.

CPESA’s survey data overwhelmingly supported either three or four wellness days allowed per year. Teachers were the most resistant group to the idea, with about 25% of teachers recommending no wellness days be permitted.

English teacher Mr. Daniel Peterson was unsure of how the policy would be utilized by students but did not immediately dismiss the idea.

“We’ll see what happens,” Peterson said.

The idea of mental health days for students is not a new one. In February, the PA House Education Committee cleared House Bill 1519 from the committee.

The bill, sponsored by Representative

Bird flu: Covid reimagined?

Bird flu human transmission poses lethal threats.

Lavanya Dixit ‘27 Reporter

The avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, primarily affects poultry farms, but recent data confirms its spread to the human population.

Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease, most commonly found in birds, which spreads rapidly through contact with infected birds or their feces, causing recent outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that bird flu has been reported in 48 states, affecting 90,892,846 poultry.

An article by the New York Times titled “An Even Deadlier Pandemic Could Soon Be Here” emphasizes bird flu being contracted in mammals, threatening a reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With [bird flu’s] ability to now move from bird to mammal, back to bird, back to mammal and additionally other mammals, the move to [humans] is closer,” Biotechnology Teacher Mr. Timothy Styer said. “To go person to person, it needs a mutation where the virus can recognize a protein on our nose or face and not just in our lungs, like where it is now. Once it can do that, the show’s over, we’re gonna have ourselves

Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, would grant three mental health days per school year as excused absences.

The bill passed through committee 14-11 along party lines, and a dissent was issued by Jesse Topper, the Minority Chair of the committee. The bill has yet to be brought to the House floor for a vote.

“For many of our most at-risk students, being in school might be what’s best for them,” Topper said.

Some students feel that wellness days could help students in school better than being in school itself, as Topper suggested.

“It’s a good idea because it allows people to prioritize their mental health, which will help them do better in school,” Zweier said.

However, others say the opposite, further showcasing the significance of the removal of counseling check-ins.

“I feel like mental health is not enough of a valid excuse, I just feel like you need more of a substantial reason. It would get abused, because you have no way of proving it,” freshman Adam Neikam said.

It’s also worth noting that the Pennsylvania bill only allows three mental health days instead of the four proposed in the WSSD policy.

Some in the school community believe that three days a year works better, as seen in the survey results found in CPESA’s presentation.

“I think four [days] may be a bit too much, maybe three [days], but it seems like a relatively good number,” freshman Jonah Wimmer said.

While some feel that the policy could get abused, others feel that limiting the number of days will prevent significant misuse.

“I think with the four day limit it can’t be abused too heavily,” senior Max Kikkawa said.

According to Likely, CPESA would have recommended a looser restriction on the number of days if they could.

“In a perfect world, we would want an unlimited number of mental health days, like there’s an unlimited amount of sick days,” Likely said. “We also have to think about what the board would pass. Four is better than none.”

Edwards considers four days to be a good baseline, though he recognizes that some students may require more.

“It’s not the worst, right? And I think if a student was using more, or needed more, we would identify that really quickly,” Edwards said.

Likely emphasized the importance of flexibility with wellness days.

“I was one of the people who said it should be more flexible, just because we’re trying to end that stigma where you feel like you can’t tell anybody,” Likely said.

Despite the uncertain future of the law in PA, the WSSD school board voted to move the revised policy for a second reading eight to one.

The lone dissenting member was Nanette Whitsett, who raised concerns about the impact on parents and teachers.

“We just heard a really wonderful presentation from our students... But I just think we need a little more time to digest it. So I’m recommending that it not go to a second read and possibly just be tabled,” Whitsett said.

Assistant Board Secretary Mary Jo Witkowski-Smith expressed concern about the policy, but voted to advance the policy to a second read on the condition that it be reevaluated in the future.

The policy will move on for a second reading at the June Policy Committee Meeting.

During his report to the board, Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille encouraged the Board to continue working to improve student mental health.

“This is one piece, a small piece of the pie in addressing mental wellness,” Marseille said.*

our next pandemic.”

Bird flu has been observed in bird populations for a long time, yet after COVID-19, the virus took the back seat. However, recent contractions in mammals increase the chances of bird flu becoming a day-to-day threat.

“We went from 1967 to 2003 without having [a pandemic]. We were way overdue,” Styer said.

In 2003, SARS, the first strand of the Coronavirus, was a near miss. In 2009, there was an H1N1 (Swine flu) outbreak, and in 2019, there was the Coronavirus. After a prolonged period without pandemics, there has been a clear spike, with three pandemics in the past 20 years.

“We’re going the other way,” Styer said. “So, [bird flu] is going to be something we need to watch as it moves in the human population. [This spike] has a lot to do with population and climate change. Also, our interaction with animals is increasing as there has been a relaxation of the rules put in place in 2003 and 2004 to minimize animal-to-human contact.”

However, the threat posed by bird flu is less concerning than the immediate appearance of the Coronavirus, given

the previous research available about influenza.

“When COVID-19 hit...We had no antivirals, we had no vaccines, nothing to handle that,” Styer said. “We were starting from scratch. H5N1 is a Type A flu. We have medicines for type A flu. We have antivirals in place. Tamiflu is going to be effective against the H5N1. We have a vaccine.”

With that, Styer explains that, with the help of mRNA vaccines, it will be easier to combat the constantly changing virus. It will be okay if controlled quickly, but effort must be made to contain the flu.

“Bird flu is effective in the way it is moving into the mammal population, how far it is moving into the mammal population, and how quickly it is moving into the mammal population,” Styer said. “It was predicted to be the next pandemic in 2005.”

Concerns about the potential spread of the virus to humans have raised anxieties within the community. Teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic itself was difficult to navigate.

“None of [the teachers] are trained to teach online. Having hybrid classes

was even worse because you were never actually looking at all your students,” Modern World History teacher Mr. Jeffrey Kahn said.

The difference in teaching during the pandemic is apparent as the grades who spent middle school in lockdown enter high school.

“The last couple of years, students have been more likely to retreat into their phones and more likely to act like their own mute,” Kahn said.

Schools and communities may begin taking proactive steps to prevent the ramifications of bird flu.

“I don’t think we’re at an alarming level as of yet, but the biggest thing is to stay informed by credible sources,” School Nurse Sarah Fleming said.

Though there is no need to panic about the possible risks, the upcoming of this disease is one to stay alert for.

“I’m not worried about the potential of a bird flu pandemic, but at first, no one was worried about Covid either,” freshman Rheya Singh said.*

Incoming college freshmen consider campus safety, protests

As protests sweep college campuses nationwide, some seniors are apprehensive about entering universities where protests have occurred..

Kaitlyn Ho ’26, Clark Kerkstra ’27 Managing Editor of Web / Health and Sciences Editor, Reporter

When they first applied to college, they had no idea what was to come. But as protests take over the campus they are soon to live on, for some seniors, there’s no going back.

Across the country, many colleges have experienced protests in support of Palestine, with demonstrators often calling for their colleges to “divest,” or cut off any investments or financial ties with Israel or companies connected to the conflict in Gaza.

Protests have occurred at over 100 universities across the United States as of May 23, according to Campus Safety Magazine. At least 3,025 people have been arrested on the campuses of 61 colleges and universities, according to the Associated Press.

“Educate yourself first about what you’re seeing, don’t just be led into things blindly.”

“There’s so many other things to consider when deciding about college that whether or not there are protests going on [and] how much they’re affecting things, [it] just isn’t a big enough factor,” Rieger said. Senior Leah Gonzalaz-Diaz was admitted to binding early decision to Barnard, a Columbiaaffiliated college, at the forefront of the protests. Gonzalez-Diaz acknowledged that the protests are widespread but noted the restrictions on student expression created by the protests.

Henry Reacher ‘24

Senior Henry Reacher applied to the University of North Carolina in September through early action. The protests started far later, and Reacher had not seen them when he attended an admitted student day. At the UNC protests, demonstrators replaced an American flag with a Palestinian one. Reacher expresses apprehension over them.

“Having seen [the protests] on TV, it was a little bit nerve wracking,” Reacher said. “I think just seeing all that unrest on campus and especially when people— when it moves from being peaceful to violent, like [when] people were trying to barrage into buildings, it’s not as much UNC, but people were being more rowdy and more aggressive.”

Senior Caeli Rieger visited Smith College during the protests.

“I went to an event for nonbinary people in STEM and some of the people there were talking about the protests, were involved in the protests at Smith,” Rieger said. “So I definitely saw stuff about it.”

Rieger ultimately chose to attend Macalester College for reasons unrelated to the protests.

Where

“I think I would definitely be more concerned if this wasn’t happening at essentially every college campus,”

Gonzalez-Diaz said. “It’s a pretty universal issue overall. It definitely is concerning, especially with Barnard specifically,”

Gonzalez-Diaz feels that the protests are creating excuses to stifle free expression, such as Barnard banning door decorations, a major part of student identity. She also thinks the protests are creating pressure to pick one side or another.

“I don’t really like to speak out, especially with the current climate of things, where things are so polarized and everything you could say could be taken the wrong way,” Gonzalez-Diaz said. “It has been a bit scary, because I’m worried that I’ll be pulled into something that I don’t really want to be pulled into.”

Reacher emphasized the importance of making educated decisions about the protests.

“I think the best way to do it is not to get swept away with either side,” Reacher said. “To really think critically and really understand the issue that’s being protested about. And then if you feel the urge to take a side, then you take a side, you make your voice heard. But I don’t think that I’m going to necessarily be jumping headlong into any protests on my first week on campus.”

Strath Haven is no stranger to protests about the conflict in Gaza. When Joe Biden came to Strath Haven

are you working this summer?

Middle School in March, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered, protesting throughout the event and hanging signs that would be removed soon after the event.

Communications and Community Relations Liaison Ms. Rachel Riley previously told the Panther Press that the demonstrators could not be prevented from protesting as they were not on school grounds. That contrasts with the protests at universities, where protesters have been arrested for trespassing.

Reacher felt that some differences in how protests happened at Haven versus on campuses could be attributed to the size of larger colleges and universities like UNC.

“I think Haven is pretty good at being a sheltered environment, at least it’s [the] community that I’m fortunate to live in,” Reacher said. “And I think that UNC is also a phenomenal community. But it’s way bigger, and the scope of things are way bigger, just because there are so many more people. And I think that could contribute to more volatile things like this happening.”

Reacher encouraged his fellow students and younger students at Haven to observe the protests and learn from them.

“Look at it first and understand the whole scope of what you’re dealing with,” Reacher said. “Educate yourself first about what you’re seeing, don’t just be led into things blindly. And then from that educated position, then you decide: Is this something that I believe in facing?”

Reacher emphasized the power of protests to create peace instead of sowing conflict.

“I think that this is a conflict that people should protest,” Reacher said. “Really not necessarily for one side, but more protesting to foster agreements and try to come up with solutions rather than [causing conflict].”*

Students are utilizing their free time in the summer to make money and gain career experience.

Claire Salera ’27, Mia Fagone ’26 Reporters

Lane Harrington ‘27

*“I work at Scooped in Media, and I will be a lifeguard at the Strath Haven Condominium. I want to work two jobs, so that I can make money, and eventually buy a car.”

Catherine Caruso ‘24

*“I’m going to work at a summer camp for kids. It’s half-day, 9-12. I really like kids, and I babysit a lot. This is money, but in a fun way!”

*“I am a beach guard for Sea Isle City Beach Patrol. Basically, my job is just to watch the water and make sure that everyone knows what they are doing, and the right way that they should be doing it. So, when people are out in the water, we just have to keep them away from any dangers that could be out there.”

*”[I am working at] Camp Huckins, it’s in Freedom, New Hampshire. I really liked the environment there, and I like that it’s far away from here. I’ve gone to camp there for five years.”

*“I’m working at the snack bar this summer at Wallingford Swim and Racquet Club, because I want money. It’s a good way for me to get job experience, which I’ll need later on in life. I really like the food.”

*“[I am working at] the Penn Tennis Camp in Philadelphia. I am a summer camp counselor, so that means I watch over them [the campers], take them to get lunch, and teach them tennis throughout the day. I like money. Also, I’m good with kids, and I play tennis pretty well. This is my third year doing it.”

*“[I’m a server] at Lima Estates. I basically serve them [the residents] dinner from 4:30-ish to 6:45 on school days. 3:45 is actually when we’re supposed to go to work over the summer until closing, which is 7:30-7:45 usually, but it can go later. I wanted to work and Lilah Santore found this place, Lima, that she was going to apply to, and we’re like ‘Oh, let’s all work together, that would be fun. So we all applied, and we all got the job.’

*“I am working at the Paul, Flandreau & Berger law firm in Media. I’m a pretty basic level intern. There’s me and a few other high school students that are in charge of regular filing, shredding, taking the mail out, dropping things off at the courthouse, like a bunch of menial tasks, but it also lets us see the ins and outs of the law. I want to be a lawyer when I grow up, that’s the plan right now, so I think getting as close to it as possible is really good, especially since I’m young.”*

Emily Reilly ‘25

Elizabeth Coyle ’26

Cormac Tracy ’25

Ryan Schofield ‘27

Sofia Tsetseni ’26

Olivia Heisey-Terrell ’25

Seniors look back on AP experiences

Class of 2024 students and an administrator share stories and information about AP classes.

Mia Fagone ‘26 Reporter

Students taking this year’s Advanced Placement classes did everything from growing trees to analyzing academic journals, according to several graduating seniors who shared their experiences.

Because AP classes often include a more rigorous curriculum, students feel they can explore their interests on a deeper level and get increased support from their teachers.

However, they also expressed feeling like they missed exploring material that was outside the scope of the AP curriculum.

Several seniors said they also gained useful life skills in various AP classes, including better organizational and presentational skills as well as a better understanding of certain concepts, like in statistics and in STEM.

“I think all students should try an AP or honors class in an area of their interest and really stretch themselves if they can if they’re planning on going to college at any point,” Assistant Principal and former AP coordinator Mrs. Andrea LaPira said.

She added that choosing not to take an AP would not stop a student from attending college.

According to US News National Rankings, 63% percent of Strath Haven students participate in the AP program. The College Board’s list of most popular AP courses, AP Psychology, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Computer Science Principles A, are all offered as options at Haven.

“Bio was awesome,” senior Michelle Ding said. “You grow plants, you make trees, you tie-dye shirts, I presented about coral reefs. It teaches you how to be organized, how to study, [and] reading comprehension.”

Similar to Ding, other seniors benefitted from taking AP Biology, including senior Hannah Prokup.

“I just loved all the projects she [Ms. Shepard] had us do,” Prokup said. “The way she created the curriculum, it allowed me to learn but also have fun with it. Whereas some other AP classes, I’ve definitely been a lot more stressed and not been able to have fun and learn.”

Many students had positive experiences in their AP courses compared to their ‘normal’ classes, including Prokup.

“You get a more hands-on experience, and you get to learn things more in depth,” Prokup said. “If I’m in a normal class, I’ll learn the surface level of a certain topic, and if I’m really interested in it, I’ll want to dive deeper into it, but obviously you don’t do that with some honors classes.”

Ding, however, noted a positive aspect of honors classes over AP classes.

“Something that is helpful about not taking AP classes is that you can go on helpful tangents a lot more, so you can explore topics of your own interests that aren’t curriculum-based,” Ding said. “It’s not something you really get to do with AP classes.”

One big difference between an honors or CP test and an AP exam is the cost. In the 2024-2025 school year, regular AP exams cost $98 per exam, with an exception for AP Capstone Seminar and AP Research at $146.

Another difference is time.

“I would say that taking an AP test is a lot more of just being ‘Do you know this stuff?’ [but] it’s also, ‘Do you know this stuff and can you keep that mental dexterity going for multiple hours?’” Saveliev said.

While there are ways that AP exams can be helpful, such as preparing a student for standardized testing or covering a lot of topics of interest to study, there are also aspects of the exams that are similar to other testing run by the College Board.

“The way [Shepard] created the curriculum, it allowed me to learn but also have fun with it. Whereas some other AP classes, I’ve definitely been a lot more stressed and not been able to have fun and learn.”

Hannah Prokup ’24

Senior Audrey Stevens shares the sentiment about negative experiences when taking certain AP classes with more limits on content exploration.

“I really don’t like when the class turns into its end goal is just to get a five on the test,” Stevens said. “It minimizes whatever cool things you were going to learn into just what are the test strategies, what’s the College Board looking for on the FRQ [free response questions].”

This importance of the testing in AP curriculums often bothers AP students, including Stevens and Ding. However, senior Daniel Saveliev mentioned that the exam-focused element of the class is, in some ways, beneficial to a student’s learning and was a plus for him.

“Honestly, I feel like a) the teachers care about you getting a good AP score, so they’re generally more involved and care a lot more about you understanding something,” Saveliev said. “And b), they also understand that it’s generally going to be a harder class, so they’ll also typically do some stuff to offset that and make it more fun.”

We asked juniors: What are you most looking forward to next year?

Soon-to-be seniors look forward to their graduation year.

Anabella Larin ‘27 Contributor

*“I’m really excited for all the senior traditions, like senior jeans and

“They’re usually not a reflection of how you learn course material, they are a reflection of how well you know how to speak the College Board language,” Ding said. “I think AP tests, they’re still just a test but in this really weird niche language, so like taking the SATs, you’ll learn how to take the SATs, not how to be a good test taker. You’ve learned like, ‘this is what the College Board wants, and I’m gonna do it like they want.’”

When talking about the difficulty level of any AP exam, Prokup believes genuine interest in whatever topic you are being tested on will decrease the level of difficulty. For Stevens, the difficulty of the exam differentiates by which classes she feels are most important for her college career.

“I think it really depends if you’re trying to use that credit or not,” Stevens said. “Last year, I really wanted to be able to test out of calc in college, so I put a lot of work into studying for that test, and I found that kind of stressful.”

Stevens also mentioned that, overall, she considered her regular exams more stressful because they affected her GPA.

College credits are often in mind when students think of taking AP courses, but Ding said that she learned many useful life skills, such as presentational skills learning to write papers quickly through AP Seminar.

“Even if it’s a class that you know your college doesn’t really accept the credit for, if you think it’s going to be a good class for your future skills, I’d say take that class,” Ding said.

*“I’m most excited for the spring when I’ll be done with almost everything and everything will be more relaxed. And I really look forward to not feeling the pressure of having to think about colleges.”

eat

outside

the second floor exit on Friday, May 24. Students in AP Chemistry made the treat as an after-AP exam activity. “Making ice cream is really fun. It was a lot more chaotic than I thought and my arms are really tired,” Tjio said.

The College Board offers an AP Credit Policy Search on their website for reference on specific AP and college credit alignment.

On the topic of college credits and APs, LaPira said that many students are affected by the somewhat competitive atmosphere at Strath Haven.

“I think students feel pressure that they have to take certain AP courses in order to get into college,” LaPira said. “That’s not true.”

For this same reason, when giving advice to future AP students Stevens encourages adhering to your own interests.

“See if you’re interested in the class itself and do your research, like, what’s the reputation? Is it going to be something that you’re going to enjoy? And I would try not to let the fact that the College Board runs it dominate your learning,” Stevens said.

With several current AP students having taken classes they disliked, Prokup emphasizes the importance of taking classes you like over classes purely for the AP distinction, especially year-long classes.

“Honestly, just do what you’re interested in, because if you take an AP that you’re not interested in, not only is it going to be harder, but you’re not going to like it,” Prokup said.

While the AP program does not exactly replicate college classes, Saveliev points out that one of its benefits is to simulate the content and choices you may have in college classes.

“It exposes you to new interests and shows you what it’s going to look like at the beginning of college and to sort of get an idea of what that might look like in terms of difficulty,” Saveliev said. “I’d recommend taking a look.”*

*“I’m most excited for marching band season.”

*“I’m excited for being the leader of all the clubs and activities that I have worked on the most.”

*“I think I’m most excited for the classes that I’m taking because a few of them are very interesting. One of them is going to be AP Art, and I’ll have the chance to explore my interests more.”*

senior sunset.”

Madison Benzing ’25

Sophie Lin ’25

Greg Guron ’25

Ella Lee ’25

Ella Liberi ’25

SWEET TREATS, POST-EXAM • Seniors Kyle Cheim and Cherlin Tjio

ice cream

of

PHOTO: CHARLOTTE HORETSKY

Seniors make memories at last high school prom

For most, it was a memorable night of sparkles, cute photos, and matching prom fits.

Evelynn Lin ’25 Editor-in-Chief

From the 360 video booth to the Tuscan dinner and glamorous outfits, the class of 2024 enjoyed an unforgettable night of dancing and memory-making at their Senior Ball.

“I think overall it was a really fun experience,” senior Cristina Machado said. “It was great to see everyone all dressed up. The photo booth and the 360 camera, that was really cool that they did that.”

The seniors had ample time to glam up for the night, which many found beneficial.

“I think it was really nice because we got to see everybody in the morning for senior breakfast, and then we got dismissed at nine and we had the whole day,” Machado said. “I know that in other dances, it can feel very on the wire, especially if you have activities beforehand, so it was nice to have the whole day and take your time and have the most fun possible.”

The tradition of taking pictures at the Swarthmore Gardens continued again, with weather conditions better than at junior prom.

“[My favorite moment of the day] would probably be when I was at Swarthmore College taking pictures,” senior Tommy Tapino said. “It was all leading up to this, and once you see your

date and everything, it’s like, ‘This is it. You did it, you got here, and now the rest of it is up to you.’”

The venue basked in golden and disco lights at the prom, with decorated circular tables for guests and a dance floor.

“I think the venue was really great,” Machado said. “It was nice and big, which was awesome because there was a lot of space to just hang out with your friends. You didn’t have to always be on the dance floor, which was different from junior prom last year.”

Many noted that the music was a highlight of their night.

“[My favorite part of tonight was] probably when they played Mr. Brightside,” senior Julia Gaudet said. “I thought it was really good.”

For many, it was a bittersweet but overall enjoyable last high school dance–one to remember to close off their high school careers.

“[It was] a very nice way to conclude this era at the high school with going to prom, even if it started a little bit differently with our grade as freshmen,” senior Nick Tapino said.*

Students paint senior sidewalk with pawprints

Haven Helps brings back their annual paw printing painting on April 28, with students from different clubs painting their unique designs.

Luci DiBonaventura

’25

Detours Editor

Last year, Haven Helps held a painting session where students could paint paw prints representing their clubs. This year on Sunday, April 28, a variety of clubs came together again to revamp their old paw print design and add new designs into the sidewalk leading to the senior parking lot.

The organizers of the paw print painting were senior Grace Kelly and junior Madison Benzing. They were eager to bring this idea back for a second year, and reminisced about why they started the tradition of paw prints last year.

“I came up with this idea because I really wanted to add color and brightness to the school,” Benzing said. “Originally, we were going to paint parking spots, but we were worried about the paint jobs getting destroyed. So we came up with the paw prints, which allowed so many amazing clubs to be represented.”

Around twenty clubs had signed up for a spot to paint a paw print, with over 30 people who came to paint a paw print or help out.

On April 24, Haven Helps members painted 20 white pawprints in preparation.

“We posted a form for the clubs that wanted to paint a paw print,” said Benzing. “They paid 20 dollars to help cover the supplies, and the day before all the clubs came, we had some club members help paint the plain paw prints.”

The painting session allowed students to express their creativity and enjoy spending time with other classmates.

Senior Chloe Browne helped to design and paint a paw for the girls track team.

“I really enjoyed painting with the other captains, and it was fun walking to school and seeing our design,” Browne said.

“I think it was really relaxing just going out on a Sunday and not having to worry about schoolwork and having some time to enjoy something like this.”

Many students not only found the painting relaxing but also the weather.

Sunday morning’s weather was bright and sunny, allowing the paint to dry fast.

“The weather was great,” junior Cate Whitehead said. “The heat allowed the paint to dry quickly and Mr. Benzing walked around with water for us.”

Students were satisfied with the final result and found the pawprint painting was a great way to express and enjoy themselves.

“The reason I enjoyed the pawprint painting was I found it as a great way to express myself,” freshman Maisie Sentivan said. “I loved seeing the final result of our paw print and getting to see what the rest of the pawprints looked like.”

Haven Helps adviser Mrs. Beth Benzing, is thrilled that the second year of paw print painting helped build into the school community.

“It was completely student-run,” Benzing said. “We wanted to bring it back to fill up more of the sidewalk and include more of the clubs at Strath Haven.”

The paw prints on the sidewalk are not only here to stay but also to be expanded on. Haven Helps plans to add more

unique and colorful paw prints each year.

“We will always be open to students’ ideas,” Benzing said. “We’ve had many discussions and different ideas. I like the final result, and I’m glad it will be expanding in the future.”*

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY • TOP: Senior Carter Law lifts senior Aiden Gold on the dance floor at senior prom on Friday, May 17. BOTTOM LEFT: Seniors act out the ‘Tik Tok Rizz Party’ on the dance floor during the song ‘Carnival’ by ¥$ at Senior Ball. BOTTOM RIGHT: Seniors Joe Lynch and Michelle Ding smile as Lynch twirls Ding. PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ, KATE PLOWS

PAINTING PAWS • TOP: Haven Helps volunteers help pawprint painters get painting utensils and paint colors during the pawprint event on April 28. BOTTOM: Senior Chloe Browne laughs as senior Audrey Stevens grabs paint from her gloved hand to paint the womens’ track team paw. PHOTO: CIERRA HORETSKY

Mr. John Shankweiler retires after 40 years of

musical excellence

After four decades of inspiring young musicians, Shankweiler is bidding farewell to Strath Haven.

Josie Wieland ‘26

Reporter

As Mr. John Shankweiler retires, his legacy in music and performing arts will continue to impact the community.

Shankweiler’s career in music education started in 1984 after taking advice from Mr. Jack Hontz, late musical advisor, and Mr. Henry Pearlberg, past assistant director of the Strath Haven marching band, to help WSSD build their music program. From that point, he took on the roleofleadingthechoraldepartmentand formed a string program.

“I was a vocalist and a string major at West Chester, so it fit. I loved the smalltown community feel of Wallingford, Swarthmore, and Nether Providence,” Shankweiler said.

In 1985, Shankweiler formed the Silvertones, as a result of the growth of the school’s Camerata at that time, and it has become one of his most significant contributionstothechoraldepartmentat Strath Haven High School.

“Camerata became sort of the exclusive auditionedchoirthatwentfromseventeen to forty people during my first year, so I came up with an auditioned group that had around sixteen voices,” Shankweiler said. “I didn’t have a name for the program, so I went to the secretary of the principal at the time, who remembered that there was a radio called the Silver Tone, and that’s where the name came from.”

Along with his many achievements, Shankweiler has also had to navigate through hurdles and find ways to work through them with his students.

“I think the biggest challenge over the years was how we are still affected by the pandemic,” Shankweiler said. “Because there’s that big sort of window and in tenth and eleventh graders, not that many people came over in vocal music. I

could not be happier about the 9th to 12th grade classes, they are just great.”

Despite the difficulties that came with COVID, senior Silvertones member

Aiden Gold recognizes that Shankweiler’s perseverance is what empowered him during that challenging time.

“He was making it work and his energy and that level of beauty in music at that time was exactly what I needed,” Gold said.

Similarly to how Hontz and Pearlburg impacted Shankweiler’s beginnings at Strath Haven, music teacher Mr. Nicholas Pignataro looks back at how helpful Shankweiler was to him at the beginning of his SHHS career.

“He made me feel like it was okay to be myself and to bring my own artistic vision,” Pignataro said. “Some of the artistic vision I had was different from Mr. Hontz’s, and that was okay for the program. He gave me the artistic license to be myself.”

Pignataro has built a valuable connection with Shankweiler both as an educator and person, and is thankful for their friendship.

“He’s probably the only person that I can talk to who appreciates art the way I appreciate musical art, and he’s always pushing me to think a little bit more grandly about the art that we’re doing,” Pignataro said.

Not only have his colleagues felt the impact of Shankweiler’s presence within the school community, but his students share how he has left a mark on them.

“My favorite memory with Mr. Shankweiler was being a part of Grease and Mean Girls. That sense of community really brought my heart great joy,” sophomore Katie Snyder said.

From theater productions to choral ensembles, Shankweiler has made a

unique impact on each student that he has encountered.

“This is my first year doing Silvertones and through that, I’ve really seen how amazing he is, not only as a director, but as a person in general,” junior Silvertones member Sophie Lin said. “His musical talent and abilities have really driven the Silvertones to be such an amazing choral group, and to develop such good musicality.”

The annual Silvertones trip to Italy is something that members of the ensemble will never forget, as many memories and connections were formed.

“We were on the boat ride back from Stromboli, and Callie [Susek] and I were sitting with Shank,” senior Silvertones member Paige Trout said. “Everyone was on the verge of tears because there was a tropical storm, and we thought we were going to capsize. Shank was just smiling and telling a story about his new dog as people were puking all over.”

With Shankweiler retiring, it is expected that things will be different, but Pignataro explains that it is important to be open to this change.

“I think that they will see different music, and it will take several years for the new person to feel comfortable,” Pignataro said. “It took me about five to six years to feel comfortable with this job, because I think there’s such expectations of the way it should be. That person is going to have to learn to shed the Shankweiler way and to be their own person, the same way that I had to stop pretending to be Mr. Hontz.” Shankweiler plans to have a retirement filled with relaxation and simplicity, spending lots of time with his wife and children.

“I’m off to Pittsburgh because my wife will be at Carnegie Mellon as an MFA Candidate for three years. I’m going to

be living in Squirrel Hill, taking the girls to school, and going to Trader Joe’s every morning. We’ll get to live a very European life in Pittsburgh,” Shankweiler said. When people look back at his time at Strath Haven, Shankweiler wants to be remembered for giving his students the opportunity to grow musically.

“By giving them really good musical experiences through major works of art, they are exposed to beauty through music,” Shankweiler said. “I just want them to know that it’s not going to happen today, it might happen in five or ten years, but they’ll realize that they were exposed to some pretty cool stuff.

“It’s about the music, it’s always about the music,” he said.”*

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Digital art helps Lyla Kelly find creative freedom

With stylus in hand, freshman Lyla Kelly embarks on a journey of creativity and self-expression through digital art.

Josie Wieland ‘26

Reporter

Sometimes, you just need to press that undo button. For freshman Lyla Kelly, this feature is both a blessing and a challenge in her digital art process. Creating art digitally has allowed Kelly to connect with her friends and interests uniquely. It also offers her a chance to refine her artistic techniques.

“The thing I most enjoy about digital art is the fact that I can repeat one series of motions over and over again,” Kelly said. “The undo button is extremely helpful, but it has hindered my traditional art process. I have been trying to eliminate that, but it has helped me explore color and different shapes and faces.”

Kelly’s interest in digital art began during the COVID pandemic when she got an iPad for her sixth-grade birthday. Since then, her skills have developed greatly from her first time picking up a stylus.

“When going digital, you have a tendency to just draw a line and then undo it. I’ve tried to eliminate that from my art process, because it creates a smoother portrait, and it captures it better,” Kelly said.

Ms. Jennifer Rodgers taught Kelly in Art 1 and was able to see how her traditional and digital artwork overlap.

“The skills that she learned in Art 1 translate really well into the digital work that she does, specifically how she shades things with value and how she works with color,” Rodgers said.

Kelly took the initiative to explore art further through applying for the George H. Slick Fellowship and Grant, where she put together a portfolio of pieces that she was proud of. She was announced as the recipient of the grant

during 2025 fellow Sam Sentivan’s concert on May 31.

“One of the hardest pieces I did for the Slick was two self-portraits,” Kelly said. “That was an interesting reflection on me as an artist, and it was interesting to see my art through another person’s perspective.”

She also used the George Slick application as an opportunity to explain the digital portraits she made of her friends as part of her “Name Project.” A noteworthy piece in this collection features freshman Lorelei Karn and is titled “Die Lorelei.”

“[Lyla] sent me a screenshot of her draft, and it was a drawing of me with a really sweet description. She incorporated the origin of my name, which is low-key impressive because it comes from an old German fable about sirens,” Karn said.

As a primarily digital artist, Kelly is constantly exposed to different perspectives regarding digital art.

“In the art community, for some reason, there is a stigma against digital art,” Kelly said. “They often see it as an AI issue or as something more than what it is, and it is just art. And while yes, I did trace, it helped me learn. That doesn’t reflect badly on my art just because it’s digital.”

Despite the challenges that surround Kelly’s form of expression, she continues to find the motivation to create.

“What really inspires me is the deeper meaning of things, but especially people. It’s about how art reflects the world and how the reflection of the world reflects the world again,” Kelly said.

Being an artist in any form is no easy feat, but through her work, Kelly has proven that the right amount of confidence can make it achievable.

“Start coloring and stop relying on the undo button. As I’ve tried to transition my art to the traditional art world, it’s been a lot harder because I always want to undo it,” Kelly said. “You have to become confident in your mistakes, because most of the time, they aren’t mistakes. They are just what you see. What you see isn’t always a mistake, so just embrace it.”*

“DIE LORELEI” • A portrait Lyla Kelly ‘27 made as part of her “Name Project” featuring Lorelei Karn ‘27. PHOTO: LYLA KELLY

THE LAST CONCERT • Music teacher Mr. John Shankweiler smiles at student musicians from behind the conductor’s stand during his final choral concert on May 22.

PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

What teacher(s) had an impact on you, and why?

Seniors shared just some of the amazing teachers in the building who impacted their growth, learning, and experience as high schoolers.

Evelynn Lin ’25 Editor-in-Chief

“Teachers that had the most impact on me would probably be Mr. Haney because he just makes your day when you walk by him, and he’s helped me through a lot of personal stuff. He’s my favorite teacher. Mr. Foulk also made a really big impact because I had him for history, and I was not doing very good for history at all, and he really looked out for me, and he had a lot of confidence in me when I didn’t have any in myself, and he gave me a lot of chances. He could’ve put me in a very bad situation, but he actually helped me out, so I’m thankful for him.”

“I would say the teacher that impacted me the most was Mrs. Rieger, just because I’ve had her for so long, and she just helped me so much throughout high school. She’s the one who pushed us to do Dance Haven the first time and keeps me doing homework when I would rather not be doing homework, which is a challenge. Mr. Rothenbach. He just brings so much fun, he just keeps me on my toes every day. They’re all supporting of who we are and beyond the classroom through the extracurriculars, like Dance Haven and Wrestling. Mr. Styer is always talking in the hallway, asked about wrestling which I enjoy.”

“Mr. Miraglia, Mr. Haney, and Mr. Waldman. Mr. Miraglia, because he treats you like an adult. He teaches older classes, at least he did when I was in his class, and he talked to me like I was a high school student, rather than still in middle school, like I didn’t know what I was doing. And then Mr. Haney, everybody likes Mr. Haney. He’s one of the nicest teachers I’ve ever had. He’s a really good influence on the students in general. And then Mr. Waldman, same thing as Mr. Miraglia. They’re both pretty funny. And I think that Mr. Waldman, he keeps it real.

He’s super honest with his students, and I think that’s a good trait to have as a teacher.”

“We have the same answers, Mr. Torregrossa. We had him for AP Calculus AB, and he’s our favorite teacher ever. He always made us laugh, even when we had to do really hard lessons. Yeah, we were struggling, but he always had a funny joke to make when we were upset. It takes him a while to open up, but when he opens up to you, he’s such a good friend. He has a little dog named Pip that we talk about, and the stories about her never stop. They’re always sweet. We just appreciate him as a teacher. And now we see him in the hallway and he always says hello. We hope everyone can have him in their high school career.”

“First of all, Ms. Neeson. My favorite teacher of all time, I think Ms. Neeson impacted me the best because she was just always fun. She made learning fun, always had Airheads, she was giving out prizes, and sometimes, I would say after school just to talk to her, just to chat and have a good time, maybe get an Airhead. It was just my favorite class, and it made me enjoy math for a little bit for the first time. It was a pleasure to be in that class. I think Mr. Waldman’s class felt like a college class in the way he talks to you, it’s just like anyone could join in on the conversation, and it was just very open to your own interpretation. It wasn’t just about facts. It was like we were all having a conversation. He just said what he wanted to. I respect that, a lot of the freedom in that class.”*

Seniors reflect on freshman year letters

Julia McLean

“How’s covid? Are there still masks? Is everything normal again? I don’t think anything will be exactly the same anymore. It’s hard being a freshman in 2020. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve gotten lost. Did you ever get used to it?

Well anyway, I hope you are okay. I’m proud of you for persisting and making it this far. Give it up this summer. I hope you’ve become the mature young woman I imagined while writing this letter. I hope things have gotten better for you than they are now. I hope you shoot for the stars and never ‘blend’! You’re a star, Julia McLean! Never forget it. It’s your life. Only you can define your legacy.”

Q. What was your reaction when reading your letter?

A. There were tears, it was very emotional to me.

Q. What is a piece of advice you would give your freshman self now?

A. Don’t take everything so seriously, it’s not the end of the world. Like ‘Oh! You got a B on a test?’ ‘It’s not that deep, chill.’

Q. How do you think you’ve changed from freshman to senior year?

A. I’ve definitely matured a lot. I believe emotionally and mentally, I’m a different person. I’ve established my values, which is something I didn’t have freshman year, so I’m just a better person.

Hugo Rodgers

“I’m not really sure what I want to be in the future, but I hope you have a good idea. I don’t really care if you’re still a procrastinator. Everything is messy right now. I need to clean my desk and my room and get a bunch of work done. But I think I’ll get to visit Nana soon, so that’s good.

Also, right now I’m trying to get better at Valorant, so I hope you’re pretty good at it by now. I think extracurriculars are boring. I wonder if you’ll be into that kind of stuff. I mostly play video games and hang out with friends. There is nobody I really look up to right now, but I hope you have someone like that. I think I’ll be pretty tall when you’re reading this.”

Q. What was your reaction when reading your letter?

A. I thought my letter was pretty interesting. I wish my younger self put more time into it because I wrote like thirty words, but it’s alright.

Q. What is a piece of advice you would give your freshman self now?

A. I would have told my younger self to do extracurricular activities because I didn’t do anything at all for the first three years of high school.

Q. How do you think you’ve changed from freshman to senior year?

A. Freshman year, I did literally nothing, I joined regular sports, and it is a lot more fun.

SENIOR �� FLASHBACKS

Cassandra Hansel ’24 Nick Costa ’24

Sam Harrington ’24

Lila Hill ’24, Grace McAdoo ’24

Liam Szybist ’24

1: Freshman Fiona O’Rourke ’24 faces off against the Haverford freshman girls basketball team during her freshman year. Both teams played masked due to the ongoing pandemic, but the girls still succeeded despite the struggles of the pandemic.

2: Freshmen Lucy Karn ’24 and Brianne Caldwell ’24 practice for the fall play, Oedipus Rex, outside, during their freshman year. During their freshman year, COVID-19 hit, which led to all of the theatrical ventures of the year taking place outside. “It was very cold, and it snowed some of the time. It was not pleasant, but it was fun. There was a lot of bonding,” Karn said.

3: Freshman Audrey Stevens ’24 plays the flute at a spring marching band practice. The group met outdoors, spaced six feet apart, and had to play their instruments through special instrumentalist masks.

PHOTOS: KATE PLOWS, MARIN LENT

As seniors prepare to graduate, many are reflecting on their journeys from freshman year to now. Teachers recently returned heartfelt “future me” letters written in freshman year English classes to the class of 2024. A few seniors shared excerpts from their letters with us, revealing candid reflections, personal growth, and the advice theyd give to their younger selves.

Luci DiBonaventura ’25, Matthew Ramirez ’26 Detours Editor, Social Media Editor

Meg McManus

“How’s the 2024 election? AHHH! You’re an adult, how that terrifies me. I hope you’re happy. I know how vague and hard it is to achieve that, but if you can do that, then you’ve done well in my eyes. My unimportant eyes, but nonetheless.”

Q. What was your reaction when reading your letter?

A. A little bit of disappointment. I have some pretty personal stuff in there, and I was like, damn, I was not super well ahead. But then the rest of my letter was ‘As long as you’re happy, I’m proud of you, and it was nice.’

Q. What is a piece of advice you would give your freshman self now?

A. It’s not that deep. You don’t have to go home and think about every social interaction every day because people don’t care that much and just chill a bit. It’s going to be fun.

Q. How do you think you’ve changed from freshman to senior year?

A. I’ve made a lot of really great friends. When I was a freshman, I was new here, and I was over Zoom and stuff and so I didn’t have a great support system. But now, I have a lot of people who love and admire me. I’ve started to care a little less about people’s opinions, and I took that big to heart when I was a freshman.

Aditi Halpe

“Ok, actually last thing! I hope that whatever you do in the future, you are doing it with love and kindness. If this year has taught you anything, even in all the bad, there is so much good out there for you. So don’t waste it, and try your best! Stand up for yourself and others. Don’t waste your time caring about what others think about you, and be kind to others (and yourself!) I love you so much, and I hope that you are a person I would be proud to be!”

Q. What was your reaction when reading your letter?

A. I was really emotional because there’s a lot that’s changed since freshman year. I think seeing how I thought and felt during my freshman year was really emotional.

Q. What is a piece of advice you would give your freshman self now?

A. Relax. One thing I did a lot throughout my high school experience was just stress and being worried about things that didn’t matter that much in the long run instead of being present and focused on the good things happening in my life.

Q. How do you think you’ve changed from freshman to senior year?

A. I’m definitely more relaxed, I’ve learned to see the more important things in my life and really enjoy those things. Focusing on what matters to me and what I want to put my time and energy into and being more present now.

Chance Loomis

“Just make sure you make an impact however you can. There are too many normal people for you to be one too. (Thank Ms. Schmook for letting you use her pen).

Sorry, I didn’t put any money in here, I’m broke.”

Q. What was your reaction when reading your letter?

A. I was upset because I didn’t get any money. I thought I was a little melodramatic.

Q. What is a piece of advice you would give your freshman self now?

A. Not everything is as big a deal as it seems to be, relax. Also, don’t leave the computer open when you go to the bathroom.

Q. How do you think you’ve changed from freshman to senior year?

A. For the better, I hope.*

Looking BACK... *

FINAL GOODBYES

Our senior Journalists share some thoughts as their years of leadership come to a close.

Savor every story

There is more than just a beginning and an end.

Sasha Binder ‘24 Editor-in-Chief

To me, reading is like eating a piece of pie. The middle is always the best part.

A story isn’t complete without a plot, just like pie isn’t complete without its fruity filling.

I often find myself having to explain what sparked my sudden interest in joining the newspaper.

I am asked why, on top of all of my other responsibilities, I decided to add the school paper to the list. It took me a while to come up with an accurate response that didn’t involve my obsession with “Gilmore Girls.”

Truth be told, my interest WAS sparked after watching that show for the first time. I guess I was inspired by the aesthetic of journalism and less focused on its vitality. It wasn’t until a few meetings into my newspaper journey that I really fell in love with journalism.

I have always told people that the impact of my words on readers is one of the most rewarding parts of being

a journalist. Those who take the time to read a news article aren’t just learning about the subject, but they’re learning about me as a writer and taking a piece of me along with them. My words have an impact on them and are capable of making real change. I think that’s pretty cool.

The only problem is that a lot of teenagers aren’t always looking to read the full story. They don’t take the time to read all 700 words but instead, skim the lede and closing paragraphs. I understand as a teenager myself that there are only so many hours in the day, but I know I will always take the time to read someone’s story.

This is where the pie analogy comes in. I have never been the kind of person to skip pages to get to the end or to give up after only a few pages. That’s the same as throwing out a solid piece of pie after one bite of the crust and missing out on the fruity filling. Think of it this way: the information is the filling, and the lede and closing are the crusts, good but not as flavorful as the center grafs of an article.

My favorite thing about being on the staff is not reading

or writing my own stories but reading the work of the peers I admire so much. I know that by taking the time to read their work, I am taking a piece of them with me, along with what they’ve taught me through their writing. I know I would want someone to read my work from start to finish, as I’ve spent the time researching and presenting the information as best as I can. I owe them the same.

Words need to be written and read, songs need to be sung and heard, and good pie needs to be appreciated. I chose to join the newspaper because there are things to be said, and no one should be afraid to say them. More importantly, there are voices that need to be heard, and I hope that the world gets to hear them.

So, if you’ve made it through this piece, I’ll leave you with a few words of advice: use your voice, use your words, and make them mean something…and don’t forget to eat really good pie everyone once in a while.*

SENIORS • PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Seniors Jake Kitchin, CJ Chen, Sasha Binder, Jillian Thomas, and Gabe Ball pose for a photo on the last day of school for seniors. PHOTO: STAFF

Lessons through listening

“Every little thing, gonna be alright.”

Jake Kitchin ‘24 Reporter

My whole life, I have been surrounded by Bob Marley’s music. Whether it was my sister blasting it in her room, hearing it blend with the crashing waves and soothing breeze at the beach, or walking into Mr. Styer’s third-block Biotech class, there was, and still is, no leaving it.

I am not saying that I am annoyed or distressed by it because I never have been. Hearing more and more of Bob’s voice growing up made me want to be a part of the fan club that I am a part of today.

When I first began listening to Bob on my own, I heard the lyrics for more than what they were. Every word of every song had a positive connotation to it, and I knew I had to incorporate this music into my lifestyle. Ever since that first day of listening, I have tried finding positivity in everything I do. This includes going to school with an open mind, trying to achieve something that may seem impossible, or just simply being happy during the day. Since I am human like the rest of you, there are days when I am down and not as positive as I wish to be. If and when this does happen, I still go back to the songs that are sung by the great Bob Marley. Whether it is singing the songs or just humming them, the beat and rhythm get me back to that positive and calm mindset.

This past football season, during the offseason, I had to think of an artist to listen to before each game that would get me ready to lead my brothers to victory. At first, I tried listening to rap because that’s what I did my junior year, but that didn’t do it for me. The next option was country, but that quickly fell apart. The third and final option was the guy who has made me calm down my whole life.

I tested it out before our first game against Interboro, and I would say that was the most calm I have ever been before a game. Not only was Bob calming me down, but he also gave me the mindset I needed to complete the goal of winning. Before each game, I would listen to the same three songs. “Three Little Birds,” “Buffalo Soldier,” and “Is This Love.” This repetition ultimately led to us adding a couple more trophies to the trophy case, as well as helping me make some more memories with my brothers that will last a lifetime.

If you are reading this and you haven’t gotten anything out of it, let me try one last time. Bob Marley has taught me a lot of things in my life. He has taught me to spread positivity across the globe, relax when times aren’t at their best, and live life with a purpose every day.

These lessons given to me have changed my life for the better, and I hope you, as the reader, can put some headphones in and listen to the sweet sounds of Bob and just remember that “every little thing, gonna be alright.”*

Getting Involved: A high school necessity A reflection on school and community involvement.

Gabe Ball ‘24

Reporter

One constant truth I have witnessed over my four years of high school is the necessity of getting involved and participating in your respective communities. I have been a part of a great number of activities and organizations, and one thing that I have gleaned from all of them is the absolute certainty that I do not regret joining any of them.

I have had many memorable experiences that I will continue to relive far beyond my time at Strath Haven. Stepping on stage for my senior home Hi-Q match, winning my last regular season high school tennis match with my dad and grandfather looking on, and researching an article for the Panther Press about winter weather all come to mind.

I began high school online during the pandemic, spending my entire freshman year on Zoom. It wasn’t too bad, but I missed out on a lot of formative activities and bedrock experiences for high school. When I returned for my sophomore year, I was initially hesitant to join clubs and other ways to get involved.

However, as a junior, I broke out of that hesitation, joining Hi-Q, Model UN, the Panther Press and other activities. My experiences from joining these clubs not only exist as some of my fondest memories of high school, but also benefited my social well being. Getting involved in your community and working to better it provides immeasurable purpose and satisfaction like nothing else.

The phrase “getting involved” often has a connotation of school related activities, but it can mean so much more. Participating in a local religious charity group, starting a local intramural sports league, or even participating in the political process all fit this description. Voting or campaigning for a candidate or political group that you believe in can provide a sense of community and satisfaction.

For me, one of the most meaningful activities of my high school career has not been organized in any real manner at all, and that is playing stickball at lunch with my friends. Every day I look forward to getting to the roundabout to pick teams and engage in some friendly competition, simply playing for the fun of it.

3 things. That’s it.

Embrace not

CJ Chen ‘24 Reporter

knowing everything all the time.

Three things I wish I had known:

1). Things aren’t always linear.

Ms. Freeman walked into my instrumental music class to substitute and told us about her daughter’s awkward first date. In journalism, the story you start writing is not always the story you finish with. The sources you were dying to talk with might not have the best answers, and the idea you had on a whim might just become something great.

The conversation in the band room eventually shifted toward class pets, so I mentioned my club, the Fish Club, which keeps an aquarium in Mr. Styer’s room. Ms. Freeman perked up and pushed me to attend an Envirothon (a science competition) club meeting.

I ended up competing with the Envirothon team and on the bus ride home, listened in to a conversation about Rhys Hals’ experience working on a farm.

A farm? I thought. That sounds cool!

I wormed my way in (I was invited) to the field trip to the Willistown community farm with the AP Environmental Science class that following week. This year, I’m interning at Willistown with Ms. Freeman as my advisor. And now, because of this experience, I’ll continue doing environmental studies in college.

2). Trying things pays off.

I joined Panther Press because my friend, Lucy Karn, wanted company at a Journalism 101 meeting on a Saturday afternoon. There, I met the editor at the time and learned how to interview, unknowingly putting this skill in my back pocket for later.

Without joining the Panther Press, I would have never interviewed my classmate for my musician of the issue article, and we wouldn’t have become the inseparable friends we are now.

3). Someone will support your thing.

In more instances than not, if you ask, you will find people who say yes.

I came up with a mural design and brought it to Mrs. Rodgers. This spring, my hands are covered with paint, and the fourth-floor wall looks a little more colorful.

In the times when people say no to your idea, to an interview, or your request to release trout with the middle school, find an alternate route, refine your idea, and keep going (with a field trip to the Camden Aquarium).

At the end of the day, the worst thing that could happen is being told no. Temporary embarrassment is worth the eventual success you’ll find when you find the right people and the right situation. My advice is: go for it. You definitely don’t know what will happen.*

Overinvolvement?

Getting involved brought me more than just college application material, it brought me a family.

Jillian Thomas ‘24 Sports Editor

When I started high school, I took the words “get involved”, spoken to us by every administrator and teacher, extremely seriously. I joined twelve clubs during my freshman year, all of which were held virtually, and most of which I abandoned after the ease of online clubs, realizing they were more commitment than they were worth.

Three programs stuck with me though: speech and debate, marching band, and Panther Press. Speech and debate and marching band were for leadership skills and college applications, truthfully, but I stayed with Panther Press because of the connections.

I started Panther Press because I was convinced that I wanted a career in journalism, and even when I decided that wasn’t what I wanted, Panther Press was still an outlet for me: I became interested in sports, even as someone severely unathletic, and made connections with people in every grade, in every sport. I am sure this would not have been possible without the community created by the Panther Press. This club pulled me out of my shell and catalyzed conversations I had never thought possible.

The opportunities provided by Panther Press are unlimited, the community is unparalleled, and the importance of journalism is ever-increasing, even in a society where journalism is seemingly dying. There is truly no other extracurricular in which you can explore your passions in such a way that they impact others, and no better way to amplify student voices.

I am endlessly proud of the work I have done, and that my editors have done, to paint a picture of Strath Haven in which everyone is represented and valued. To anyone reading this column who is unsure of where they belong in high school: you will always belong in room 223. *

Whether it’s at school, a local park, a recreation center, or on the campaign trail, getting involved with your community is a necessity in building a rich and purposeful life.* Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Editors-in-Chief: Matteo Ventresca ’25 & Evelynn Lin ’25 Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Managing Editors: Kaitlyn Ho ’26 & Matthew Ramirez ’26

the rest of our new leadership team in fall 2024.

Meet the 2024-2025 drum majors

Rising seniors Quinten Saylor, Cecily Heisey-Terrell, and Olivia Heisey-Terrell have been announced as the new drum majors.

Kaitlyn Ho ’26, Riley Smith ’25 Managing Editor of Web / Health and Sciences Editor, Contributor

Commanding a 300+ person tour de force, three high school students hold the power of the largest high school marching band in Pennsylvania.

On May 18 at 12:00 PM, the HeiseyTerrells were leaning close to the screen, anxious to find out who got drum major.

“I told her that we had to look at it together,” junior drum-major-to-be Olivia Heisey-Terrell said. “And I didn’t see it. Like at first, she pulled it open on her phone and just like, shrieked. So I was just in her room screaming.”

Olivia looks forward to conducting alongside her twin sister, Cecily HeiseyTerrell.

“It’s like, best case scenario. It’s gonna be so much fun having her next to me, and especially for my parents. They’re on top of the moon right now. It’s just really, it’s really great,” Olivia said.

Cecily and Olivia had prepared for parts of the audition together.

“I was nervous about my interview,” Olivia said. “But everything went well with the conducting, I think. Cecily taught me how to conduct, so I owe a lot of my success to her. But it went really well. I think I had, I guess, control over the band and felt good about it.”

Junior Cecily Heisey-Terrell is ecstatic about her new position but hopes to make the team as close as she and Olivia.

“We’re going on the AMA trip later this summer,” Cecily said. “So I really hope that we’ll have an opportunity to get closer.”

Cecily Heisey-Terrell Quinten Saylor

Olivia Heisey-Terrell

PHOTOS: CHARLOTTE

HORETSKY, KATE PLOWS

Junior Quinten Saylor is also excited to take up the new role.

“I just can’t wait to learn the scores, conduct it, know how everything works. Last year, it just looked like they were having so much fun up there,” Saylor said.

Saylor hopes to continue the tradition of the marching band’s tight-knit family.

“Our band is like, ‘Oh, we’re just like 300+ kids having a good time on a Friday night,’ you know? It’s so much more about community here than in other places,” Saylor said.

Band Director Mr. Nick Pignataro agrees.

“I hope they create an identity as the 2024 Marching Band,” Pignataro said.

Olivia believes they can best maintain that community by making the drum majors approachable.

“I want to be friendly,” Olivia said. “I want to be the one that you could come and talk to if you have a problem, that you’re not scared of, especially for freshmen because I remember I was always kind of scared of the drum major.”

Saylor has a similar goal of approachability.

“I’m going to put myself in the mindset of, what was I thinking when I was a freshman?”

Saylor said. “You know, I’m assuming that maybe every freshman had their mom force them to join the band. And then, I’m gonna walk around and make individual bonding. And I know it might be tough to find every single freshman like, ‘Hey, what’s up, how you doing? What do you need help with?’, but I do want to create a sense of community [next year as well].”

Dance Haven’s Spring Showcase dazzles with free-admission performance

The student-run club showcased a performance with diverse dance styles and talent.

Matthew Ramirez ’26 Social Media Editor

As music blared through the speakers, dancers with dazzling outfits set the stage on the evening of Friday, May 3, as Dance Haven performed their free-admission spring showcase.

Each semester, the student-run club presents a series of dances at the George H. Slick Auditorium at the high school.

“[Dance Haven] brings a lot of different people together, including all sorts of different styles and levels of dancing,” senior Dance Haven President Claire Ross said.

Dance Haven is also a platform for people to venture into the world of dance.

“If [people] want to get back into dancing or want to meet new people, Dance Haven is the best way to do it,” senior choreographer Riley McLaughlin said.

The club-based dance group fosters the art of dance while still providing a space to learn and grow as dancers.

“I like learning the dances, choreographing dances, and just making people happy,” McLaughlin said. “Many people tell me it’s one of their favorite events to come to.”

The preparation for presenting a showcase begins at the beginning of each semester.

“A Google form is sent out and people fill it out with how many dances they want to be in, what styles and other information,” senior Dance Haven President Jaina Livingstone said.

After the forms are filled out, dancers are placed into groups based on their dancing preferences and who they want to choreograph.

“Each group then meets individually each week

leading up to the show to choreograph and teach their piece,” Livingstone said.

During the week of the showcase, two dress rehearsals are held to work out the show’s logistics.

“We would stay way past three o’clock just rehearsing, setting lights, sound and everything else,” Livingstone said.

For each of the 21 acts, choreographers create dances from a selection of music.

“It’s a very visual process,” Ross said. “You really have to be creative and take a moment to think about what you want to do.”

Though the success of Dance Haven didn’t come without its difficulties, especially coordinating rehearsals to match everyone’s schedule.

“We have limited time and space to rehearse,” Livingstone said. “Everyone handles the schedule with such grace and talent, and it’s really impressive.”

After weeks of planning and coordination, Dance Haven was ready to perform to friends and family.

“I think it’s just a really fun atmosphere,” Livingstone said. “Everyone who’s here wants to be here because admission is free.”

Dance Haven also serves as an opportunity to represent dance.

“There’s not really a lot of other opportunities besides the musical, which is a huge time commitment for a lot of people,” Ross said. “People can be a part of dance at their school and showcase it to the community.” *

Mr. Pignataro’s small goals continue to build this year, drawing his focus to a specific trait.

“I believe everyone who’s on the team is exceptionally kind,” Pignataro said. “But I believe that every single one of these people values kindness over everything else, and that will spread to our whole band.”

As drum majors, they won’t get the chance to be directly surrounded by that community of marching band members during games, which Saylor will miss.

“I was asking for change this whole time, and now that it’s finally here, I’m like, what about my fourth quarter and going nuts in the stands?” Saylor said. “Now I have to freak out on the ladder all by myself. So that’s like one feeling where I’m just upset I’m gonna miss out on a lot.”

Despite her change in role, Cecily is increasingly enthusiastic about the upcoming season.

“I just keep thinking, what if we did this and this, and I just keep making up hypothetical situations for the next season. And I’m just really excited to see how it plays out,” Cecily said.

Olivia has advice to band members aspiring to become drum major.

“I think it was super valuable to have some band experience to play an instrument,” Olivia said. “I guess my advice is just join everything. Like, join all the bands. Try your best and just be really brave about it. Because you’re never going to find out whether or not you would have got it if you don’t try.”*

LET’S SKATE! • TOP: Dance Haven members preform a dance, choreographed by senior Riley McLaughlin, to the song ‘Skate’ by Silk Sonic. BOTTOM: Dance Haven performers take their final bow at the end of the night. PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

Band and orchestra concert offers symphony of American music

Haven Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra ensembles continue the legacy of Haven’s past musical performances.

Anabella Larin ’27

Contributor

On May 15th, enthusiastic parents and community members applauded Haven’s musical ensembles while sounds of American classics reverberated around the Strath Haven High School auditorium.

The concert, titled “Rhapsody in (Red, White, and) Blue”, was the second of two concerts exploring American music, featuring performances from three different student ensembles: the wind ensemble, the symphony and string orchestras, and the symphonic band.

“I usually theme the concert somehow, whether by the composers or the style of music or something within the music,” Band and Orchestra Director Mr. Nick Pignataro said. “All the composers for the past two concerts were either American composers, or composers from other countries that influenced United States music.”

With the exception of composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, who was born in Brazil, every composer featured in this concert was born in the United States. The mix of their differently styled music came together to showcase the beauty of American music.

Along with nine musical pieces that were performed live during the concert, the audience also heard music that the band had previously recorded during their Disney trip that took place in early March. During their trip, orchestra members had the opportunity to work in a professional recording studio and record Disney music that they had learned earlier that same day.

“That is the work of a three or four-hour morning,” Pignataro said. “Probably a highlight of my career so far was doing that–seeing that recording session.”

Now, months later, the audience at the Strath Haven concert was able to watch clips of the Disney movie “Moana”, accompanied by the music played by their own Strath Haven band. The concert also featured many student soloists. Some of the solos included senior Sara

Ventriglia’s cello solo and xylophone solos performed by senior Nathan Sepinwall and freshmen Franklin Griffin and Juliette Loyd.

The talent with which the soloists performed displayed the hard work that each had put into perfecting their pieces.

“We have been playing that [piece] since March regularly, but I have been practicing during lunch because we had to memorize it,” freshman Juliette Loyd said.

Loyd believes that the practice paid off.

“It was really exciting because I got to play with one of my best friends Frankie Griffin and my mentor Nate Sepinwall,” Loyd said. “It was a really fun piece.”

Along with the audience’s applause, the auditorium was also filled with laughter when senior Cristina Machado interrupted the musical pieces with a prank video targeting Pignataro.

“Seniors in the past have done a prank video, although last year the seniors didn’t do one,” Machado said. “So this year, I really wanted to make sure we could bring it back strong and make a good one, so that it would continue the tradition for next year.”

The video was a compilation of funny quotes that students had heard from Mr. Pignataro throughout the year. The audience continued laughing from the second the video began to play to the moment it ended and Mr. Pignataro could also be seen laughing along with every joke.

The music, energy, and the laughter and cheers made the May concert a fun experience for many.

“I love concerts because they are just a blast. [They are] a true celebration of our community,” Pignataro said.*

Silvertones deliver National Anthem at Phillies Game

The Silvertones sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Citizens Bank Park on May 5.

Matthew Ramirez ’26 Social Media Editor

The large crowd went quiet as the Strath Haven Silvertones patiently stood near the third base dugout of Citizens Bank Park, preparing to deliver The Star-Spangled Banner on Sunday, May 5th.

On Sunday afternoon at 4:45 PM, the Silvertones boarded a school bus, arrived at Citizens Bank Park, and were ushered underneath the stadium seating to the field tunnel entrance. Silence fell over the stadium as the Silvertones assembled. Soon, the first note of the national anthem rang out, carried by the best of Strath Haven’s voices.

Strath

“It was so cool to sing in one of the biggest audiences anyone can ever achieve,” senior Silvertone member Julia McLean said. “It’s just so awesome to be on the field and looking up and seeing levels upon levels of people.”

Haven Jazz Band shines at

The national anthem is one of the few rudimentary pieces that the Silvertones learn.

“We learned the national anthem on the first day of school,” McLean said. “We just brought it back out and whipped it into shape.”

The short 52-second performance was broadcasted onto the PhanaVision, the large video screen in the stadium.

“I thought it was super fun that we were able to have that experience to be on the jumbotron,” sophomore Silvertone member Lily Newport said. “It was just really fun to have everybody watch us show our talent.”

Family members of Silvertones members were also invited to watch the performance and game.

“A lot of my family came, and they were cheering us on,” Newport said. For many, it was the first time performing the national anthem at a Phillies game.

“I’m so grateful for the experience, it was really exciting and fun,” freshman Silvertone member Kayla Taylor said. “I was just so happy to be around my friends and to be able to sing in such an amazing place.”

After the performance, members were allowed to watch the game against the San Francisco Giants, in which the Phillies took the victory with a score of 5-4.

“We watched the game, we got food and we had lots of fun,” McLean said. Silvertones members grabbed a bite at the ballgame and spent the remaining time with friends and family. “We also got bucket hats because of Mothers Appreciation Day which was fun,” McLean said.*

OH, SAY CAN WE SEE • TOP LEFT: The Strath Haven Silvertones sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in choral ensemble position on the field of Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, May 5. BOTTOM LEFT: Silvertones members smile as they rehearse and warm up their voices backstage. TOP RIGHT: The Silvertones get ready to enter the stadium for their National Anthem performance. BOTTOM RIGHT: Silvertones members seniors Henry Reacher and freshman Scott Snyder carry senior Jo Kelly through part of the park at the Phillies game. PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

WORLD OF WOODWINDS • Instrumentalists from the symphonic band perform for an audience of community members on May 15. PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

LOOKING BACK ON SPRING SPORTS

VARSITY BOYS Lacrosse

OVERALL 4-12

LEAGUE 1-10

10th in League

All Central League Honors

Honorable Mention • Gabe Broome

VARSITY GIRLS LACROSSE

OVERALL 7-11

LEAGUE 3-8

9th in League

All Central League Honors

1st Team • Annie Dignazio, Ava Yancey

2nd Team • Kate Fox

Honorable Mention • Grace Kelly, Maryella Gill, Megan Nichols, Mallory Cavanagh

USA Lacrosse Honors

All American • Ava Yancey

All Academic • Annie Dignazio, Kate Fox, Mallory Cavanagh, Grace Kelly

VARSITY BASEBALL

OVERALL 13-4

LEAGUE 12-4

1st in League

All Central League Honors

1st Team • Luke D’Ancona, Zane Malarkey, Jake McDonough

2nd Team • Ben Milligan

Honorable Mention • Matt Kane

District 1 4th Place

SOFTBALL

OVERALL 7-12

LEAGUE 6-10

8th in League

BOYS TENNIS

OVERALL 8-4

LEAGUE 5th in League

All Central League Honors

1st Team • Andrew Deppen & Will Hall, Doubles

2nd Team • Eddie Gebhardt & Cormac

Tracy, Doubles

Districts Qualifiers

Andrew Deppen & Will Hall, Doubles

Boys Track

OVERALL 4-12

4th in League

States Results

Tied for 5th at States

Top Central League Team at States

Gavin Schmidt - 2nd Discus

Brian Seals - 9th Discus

AJ Glavicic - 3rd 400m

Jack Shronk, James Fisher, Colin Ruether, AJ Glavicic - 3rd 4 x 400 Relay

Colin Ruether - 12th 800m

Enoch Liu - 21st Javelin

New School Records

AJ Glavicic- 200m, 400m

Gavin Schmidt- Discus

Jack Shronk, James Fisher, Colin Ruether, AJ Glavicic - 4 x 400m Relay

GIRLS Track

OVERALL 9-2

3rd in League

Central League Champions

Districts Qualifiers

Maggie Conway, Samantha Czaplicki, Lucy Hewitt, Chloe Browne

VARSITY BOYS ULTIMATE FRISBEE

OVERALL 33-11

4-0 in League

4th in State

SHUGX

OVERALL 27-6

3-2 in League

State Champions, USA Ultimate (USAU) Ranked #14 in the nation

Seeded #10 for Nationals, June 7-8

FROM WSSD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, STRATHHAVEN.DIGITALSPORTS.COM, FRISBEE COACHES, TEAM INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS. COMPILED BY EDITORIAL STAFF

Senior duo qualify for tennis District Doubles Tournament

Good team chemistry, coaching, experience, and revenge help seniors and “good friends” Andrew Deppen and Will Hall qualify for the District Doubles tournament.

Mark Ball ’26

Reporter

Seniors Andrew Deppen and Will Hall played 1st Doubles on the Boys’ Tennis Team and had a record of 8-3 in the regular season.

“Two of the big matches that we won to qualify for the District Tournament were Garnet Valley and Radnor,” Hall said. “We lost to them in the regular season. Not only did we get our revenge and redemption, but we got to go to the District Tournament.”

As stated by an official record of the Central League Tournament, Hall and Deppen played Haverford in the first round of the Central League Doubles Tournament and won 6-2, 6-1. In the second round, they played Garnet Valley and won 6-4, 6-3, who according to Deppen, lost to in the regular season.

“It gave us more motivation to win and made us feel like we were playing for something,” Deppen said.

In the next round, Hall and Deppen played the first-seeded Conestoga team and lost 3-6, 2-6. After this, they were put in the back draw and played Radnor’s first and third singles players playing doubles and lost to them.

“We weren’t locked in in that match,” Hall said. “Then, we locked in and played

Radnor’s first doubles team, who we also lost to in the regular season, and beat them 6-6 (9-7) in a tiebreak and then 6-2 in the second set.”

As attested by Hall, winning that match qualified them as the sixth seed in the Central League Doubles Tournament and qualified them for the District Doubles Tournament. As stated by an official record of the PIAA District One Doubles Tournament, Deppen and Hall played Chichester in their first match and beat them 6-1, 6-1.

“And then we were unlucky enough to play the Conestoga one seed, which we then lost to very heavily and that doubles team went on to win Districts,” Deppen said.

According to Andrew Perella, the Varsity Coach of the Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis teams, Hall and Deppen have a unique situation because they have played doubles together for three years.

“They were really able to get to know each other as players and communicate without words on the tennis court, knowing where the other one was,” Perella said.

Perella stated that playing over 30 matches together has helped them

Black Sheep reign supreme at Powderpuff

succeed.

“Learning the skills is important but putting them to use under pressure is what builds great doubles teams and great players in any sport,” Perella said.

“Not just in practice can you do it, where if you miss, it doesn’t matter. It’s in the match where it does, and that only comes from matchplay.”

After a hiatus, Powderpuff was reinstated this year with strong senior attendance.

Kaitlyn Ho ’26

Managing Editor of Web / Health and Sciences Editor

On May 30, cheers clad in pink shorts stomped their way up and down the middle school turf.

A few Powderpuff players were adorned with sparkling pink paint dashed on their cheekbones.

The game was originally planned for May 24, but after the baseball team advanced to playoffs, they rescheduled. Four teams, the BS (Black Sheep), BSTFU, The Underdogs, and CadStuco, played in the Powderpuff championship, with every team except The Underdogs, which was composed of seniors.

In between games, BS team members psyched themselves up and celebrated one of their final memories as seniors.

“We’re all athletes and friends,” senior Laura Shea said. “We just wanted to come up, come out here, and have this one last chance to play with each other.”

Her teammate senior Marin Faggioli also appreciates Powderpuff’s reinstatement.

“I think it’s a great way for everyone to come together, be social,” Faggioli said. “I think that it was a really good idea by the president, student council office.”

Student Council President senior Lola Babin and Vice Presidents seniors Zane Malarkey and Madaline Bonhomme were the main organizers of the event.

“We got a lot of feedback at the beginning of the

year that one of the main things students wanted to bring back was Powderpuff,” Babin said. “But unfortunately, during homecoming week, it just got so busy. So [you] got towards the end of the year, and we were like, ‘let’s just do Powderpuff.’”

The BS won the championship with a team composed of seniors Bianca Penn, Gia Chaves, Ava Yancey, Shea, Faggioli, and Marley Feinburg. The MVP was Shea, while MVP of the runner-up team was Kairalucci Odenigbo.

“It was pretty fun, I mean, this is the first time we’ve actually had this since my sophomore year,” senior Haven football quarterback Jake Kitchin said. “So it was the first time we had all girls. It was a lot of fun to coach it because there’s a lot of spirit out here, lot of game that they have, so it was pretty fun.”*

Hall and Deppen have played tennis together since 3rd grade.

“Coming back to tennis every tennis season and being able to find the success that we have comes down to our great coaching but also my strong connection and chemistry with Andrew on the tennis court,” Hall said.*

SHUG succeeds at States To nationals, they go!

Evie Fernandez ‘27 Haven Happenings Editor

Energy was at an all-time high on May 26 as the Strath Haven Ultimate Girls’ frisbee team (SHUG) played in their final round of the state tournament against Springfield.

“The vibe of ultimate [was] a really nice vibe,” junior Sophie Lin said. “Everyone’s close with each other, and we don’t reach a level of super, super competitive kind of thing where people start wanting to outdo each other. I think it’s a very friendly environment, and very welcoming. Anyone who wants to play can come play, it’s a very open sport, and I think that’s the environment that we strive for.”

The ultimate team has many traditions, including spirit gifts, when team members choose opponents to compliment and give gifts to.

“It’s always great to talk and have fun with the other teams,” freshman Maisie Sentivan said. “Most of their teams were super nice and friendly. They had good vibes.”

The team is a close-knit group, and they enjoy spending time together playing the game.

“The team was a little tense in a couple of games. We got to universe point [the final point of the game], so the emotions were running high. But we eventually won finals with universe point, so the tension all evaporated after that,” freshman Lyla Kelly said.

The final point came once both teams had nine points. Players strategized before returning to the game for their big win.

“I was right there [by the goal],

and then I caught it,” senior Sophie Liu said. “And then I was like, ‘am I in? I think I’m in,’ and everyone was still for a moment. I was like, ‘I think I’m in unless you say I’m not in…’ and Violet just made the signal, and she started crying.”

The game was an emotionally charged win for everybody involved, particularly for Liu.

“Either one of the seniors or the past seniors said ‘you caught the last disk of the last throw of the last point of the last game of the last championship of your last year in high school,’ and I was just like, hugging the disk,” Liu said.

The game was very emotional, with team members celebrating and basking in the glow of their success- and in the excitement of going to nationals!

“For the most part, [after the game] was very celebratory,” Kelly said. “We got a giant trophy… we got a wooden disc as well. Overall, it was a great way to end the season– except for the fact that we’re not ending the season because we’re going to nationals.”*

IN IT TO WIN IT • Seniors Andrew Deppen and Will Hall pose with a smile despite losing to the #1 seed from Conestoga in the second round of the District Tournament. PHOTO: MICHELLE HALL

Seniors Chloe Browne, Claire Ross, Talia Rittenhouse, Kairalucci Odenigbo, Fiona O’Rourke, and Elise Molloy celebrate despite winning runner-up at Powderpuff on May 30. PHOTO: RILEY SMITH

CATCHING CONFIDENCE The winning disk caught by Sophie Liu, signed by all of her teammates.

PHOTO: SOPHIE LIU

Senior athlete commits dedicate to playing next level

With over twenty seniors committed to playing a sport in college, we asked a few to reflect on their high school sports careers and what they most look forward to.

Evelynn Lin ’25, Jillian Thomas ’24 Editor-in-Chief, Sports Editor

Ava Yancey

Stony Brook University

Q: What made you decide to commit to Stony Brook University?

“My junior year, I decided that I wanted to play and continue lacrosse in college. June 1 was when I got reached out by a lot of different colleges, and I went on tons of different visits. When I went to Stony Brook, I really felt like I was at home. I liked the atmosphere, I liked the coaches and the people I will be playing with next year. I loved being around them. So that’s why I chose Stony Brook.”

Q: What has been the most memorable part of your high school athletic career, and why?

“I wouldn’t say there’s a favorite moment. There’s definitely favorite moments. The feeling after winning a game and just celebrating with your team’s is one of the best feelings and just the people, that’s the best moment around.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about playing lacrosse in college?

“Meeting new people, being able to play with a new different team, and continuing winning and seeing how far I can get with that.”

Q: What challenges might you face when switching from high school athletics to college?

“When I go into college, I’m playing with people that are in their high 20s, like older kids. As a goalie, I’ll be facing people who have way more power in their shots. And going in as just a freshman, there’s people better than you and you got to deal with that.”

Q: What are some of your goals or hopes for playing lacrosse as a college student?

“I mean, there’s four other goalies there, so I want to go in and try to start. We’ll see. That’s one of my goals. Win a championship.”

Q: Anyone you’d like to shout out or thank?

“My parents and my coaches and my teachers. I shout them all out. They stuck with me. They helped me get through the process of committing.”

Marco Kaufman Dickinson College

Q: What made you decide to commit to Dickinson College?

“I was originally thinking about playing lacrosse. Basically, just when I went up on my visit to Dickinson, I loved all the people there. It’s very academic, and I loved the coaches.”

Q: What has been the most memorable part of your high school athletic career, and why?

“Probably when we won the District Champs, and I was with all my friends. That probably made me love football a lot more.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about playing football in college?

“Probably meeting all the guys, creating new friends, creating new relationships, and winning games up there.”

Q: What challenges might you face when switching from high school athletics to college?

“I will just say, it’s gonna be a challenge that I’m going up against 22, 23 year olds. With that comes the weightlifting and being bigger and stuff like that, that’s gonna be a challenge. So I’m gonna have to work at that, and just try and stay in the weight room as much as I can. And yeah, just learning all the new defenses, so gotta keep my brain as well as getting bigger.”

Q: What are some of your goals or hopes for playing football as a college student?

“Basically just get bigger, get faster, hopefully see some playing time my freshman year, and just continue to grow.”

Q: Anyone you’d like to shout or thank?

“I’ll probably just acknowledge every single one of my teammates, my defensive coach, Coach Mike Connor, and Coach Clancy.”

Matt Lund

University of Chicago

Q: What made you decide to commit to UChicago?

“I was talking to a bunch of coaches at a bunch of different schools I was interested in, and to be honest, the coach was the only one who would help me get in, and I liked the school a lot, too.”

Q: What has been the most memorable part of your high school athletic career, and why?

“Probably outdoor states last year. It was a really cool experience with the team, because we were all in the dorms at Shippensburg [University], and it was just really cool.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about running in college?

“I think just doing it at a higher level, it will be good competition and new training. Obviously, I’ll meet new friends and that will be really awesome, too.”

Q: What challenges might you face when switching from high school athletics to college?

“It’s the same as showing up as a freshman in high school: you’re much worse than all the good runners, so it’ll take some time to work my way up and become more competitive. It will definitely be challenging.”

Q: What are some of your goals or hopes for running track and cross country as a college student?

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll see how the end of the season goes, and then I’ll choose my goals for next year.”

Q: Anyone you’d like to shoutout or thank?

“Definitely the coaches were big role models, since they were very successful runners and mentors. Also, the people on the team. I remember when I was a freshman, the seniors on the team were huge role models.”

Sofia Anderson Towson University

Q: What made you decide to commit to Towson University?

“I knew that I wanted to play college tennis since I was nine. It’s just something that I’ve dedicated, like, my whole childhood to, and Towson was just a good fit academically and athletically. It was just a good environment, the team was inviting, and super competitive.”

Q: What has been the most memorable part of your high school athletic career, and why?

“At Strath Haven, probably my favorite memories are how our team qualified for Districts every year that I was here. Like even when I was hurt my senior year and I didn’t play, our team is still really good, and we did it. And that’s a good memory to have with Mr. Perella because I think that was our longest streak of doing that.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about playing tennis in college?

“ I’m excited to have more flexibility with my schedule, because we’re already planning our classes around practices and matches. I’m excited for the environment with the team. There’s a lot of freshmen coming in, so we’re just going to work through it together and travel every weekend.”

Q: What challenges might you face when switching from high school athletics to college?

“I think balancing academics and athletics. I’m attending the Honors College, starting as a freshman, and our season does start in the fall, but our main one is in the spring, so it’s going to be a good warm-up, I think, just to start all of it right away. It’s going to be overwhelming if you don’t stay on top of it.”

Q: What are some of your goals or hopes for playing tennis as a college student?

“Honestly, I don’t have that many expectations going into it. It is my dream to play for a Division One team. So it’s definitely going to be challenging, especially as an underclassmen coming in, but I’m just hoping to play as much as I can and improve as much as possible.”

Q: Anyone you’d like to shout or thank?

“I’ve had a lot of great coaches growing up. I would say my parents, my dad has been especially traveling with me to tournaments since I was in fifth grade. And also Mr. Perella because he believed in me, even when I came in as a freshman during COVID and everything.”

Matt Kane

Rowan University

Q: What made you decide to commit to Rowan University?

“So, I went on a campus visit there. I really loved it. I really loved everything about it. I loved the coaching staff, I loved the campus in general, and they had my major of education, which I was really excited about, so it just was the spot for me.”

Q: What has been the most memorable or enjoyable part of your high school athletic career, and why?

“Definitely, our huge state playoff run last year was a lot of fun, playing all the games, spending a lot of time with the guys. You know, there’s memories that you’ll always remember, even when you get older, and I’m really looking forward to hopefully another one this year, making those same memories with a bunch of new guys. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about playing baseball in college?

“Definitely the huge play-offs, like I love playing in a big atmosphere, and I think the college level is just going to expand that even more– more high intense games, high intense situations. So I’m really looking forward to playing at the next level.”

Q: What challenges might you face when switching from high school athletics to college?

“Definitely restarting the standard just because I’ll be a freshman again, and I’ll be playing with guys– some guys in their fifth years, sixth year, where they’re basically grown men. So it’ll definitely be an interesting perspective change to be the youngest again, but I’m really looking forward to that challenge.”

Q: What are some of your goals or hopes for playing baseball as a college student?

“Baseball-wise, definitely trying to get on the field right away, working hard this summer to be able to play as a freshman, which is definitely a little bit of a challenge, but I’m really looking forward to that.”

Q: Anyone you’d like to shout out or thank?

“I would definitely say my dad. Ever since I was a little kid, I could always remember him encouraging me to play baseball, and just continuing that journey. So I don’t really know what I would do without him on this journey.”*

Lacrosse Football

Tennis

Cross Country & Track Baseball

Teams shoot for success, hope for high-performing coaches

As things look up for the Strath Haven basketball program, players are vocal about what they want in their coaches and what they need to develop the program.

Zoe Likely ‘25 Contributer

The boys and girls’ basketball programs have struggled for the past few years. With both teams having a new coach for the 2023-2024 season, this being the boy’s third coach within three years, the teams are currently in a transition period.

It can be hard to adjust to new play and a new team, no matter how good the team is. The difficulty was apparent in their season, but after these tough times, the team has built character and grit, so future seasons are looking up.

“Whenever you get a new coach you get a new system, new plays, you have to figure out how a coach coaches,” Athletic Director Mrs. Lynelle Mosley said. “Both teams had to learn how to adjust to a new style of play, and while we like to have a winning season and we didn’t, the future looks really bright for both of our programs.”

feel unreachable to the kids.”

Gill has poured her heart and soul into this team being a varsity starter since her freshman year. And while next year will be her last season playing, she still cares about the future of the team and their advancements.

Gosnell also notes that any coach needs to be flexible, understanding, and look to move forward, not reflect on the past. While the girls’ team has found this with their coach Brandi Johnson, the boys are still working on this.

“Whenever you get a new coach you get a new system, new plays, you have to figure out how a coach coaches.”

Mrs. Lynelle Mosley

A winning record is not what defines the Strath Haven Panthers. What really defines the Panthers is family.

“The team itself is like a family,” junior Jack Gosnell said. “They all have my back, they’re my brothers, and even if we didn’t win, the family chemistry was on and off the court.”Jack has been on the team since his freshman year, and even as new players come in, the bonds still stand.

Gosnell explains that while that comes from the coaches, it also comes from the people, and that family aspect is a crucial part of Strath Haven sports.

“I think the coaches should encourage the team to get to know each other better and allow those bonds to happen,” junior Maryella Gill said. “That includes the coaches too, because if they’re too detached then they

“I was looking for a coach who would stay for the long haul,” Mosley said. “The best programs have time to be really good, so I was looking for someone who wanted to stick with the team and had a commitment to the program.”

While the boys have had multiple coaches during their time, it has not diminished their spirits or commitment to the team.

“Our team knows the record from last season, knows it wasn’t good, but we don’t think of ourselves like that,” Gosnell said. “We don’t think that’s the team we’re gonna be this year, and we’re gonna be a lot better.”

While other teams might have better records or more wins, the Panthers’ chemistry makes up for the game losses they have seen.

Tim Livingstone is the new varsity basketball coach for Strath Haven, and the team looks forward to his coaching. Livingstone has coached club basketball in the area and is familiar with a lot of the team including John Reilly, Jack Gosnell, and others. Gosnell and Mosley both agree his previous relationship with players will aid growth and make the transition period easier. Like with any coach’s first year, it will be challenging as

Athlete of the Issue: Softball captain discusses challenges, memories

Junior shares experiences with leadership and fun moments in softball career.

Advaya Singh ‘27 Reporter

Junior Ella Liberi started playing softball for a local recreation team around ten years ago. Now, she is the captain of Strath Haven’s Girls Softball Team.

“My dad played baseball in high school, he loves sports, and he sent me off to play for a local team,” Liberi said.

Liberi plays for a club outside Haven Softball called The Valley Forge Patriots.

“[A special moment was] probably my first over-thefence home run in a tournament bowl,” she said. “It’s a super cool experience to have that moment where you hit it over the fence and your whole team is cheering for you.”

She also mentions a challenge she and other players face while playing, known as hitting slumps. Hitting slumps are when you have not got a hit for a while, and it becomes a bad streak.

“Being able to play the sport is being able to overcome that error and learning hot to not only pick yourself up but to pick up your teammates.”

Ella Liberi

“A lot of the summer, I’ll travel around with my team, and a couple of girls from Strath Haven play with me on that team,” Liberi said.

One of her teammates for both the Patriots and Haven, junior Lilia Kochanowicz travels with Liberi and enjoys having Liberi’s company during tournaments and while at the hotel,

“She will take charge when you need her, and she’s somebody you can talk to,” Kochanowicz said.“I actually throw with her every day, and we just talk about our day and all that. She’s a good person.”

Assistant Coach Mr. Michael DeAngelo notices that Liberi has both playing skills and strong leadership and connection with her teammates.

“My first impression of her was that she is a a true leader, girls definitely look up to her on and off the field,” he said. “The best part of her game is hitting, last game of the year, actually, she had a home run.”

Liberi remembers a few special moments in her softball career.

“It’s not a mechanic thing,” Liberi said. “It’s a mentality thing, and I’ve had a few of them in high school. I know players who’ve had them, too. It’s something that happens.”

Liberi also remembers last year’s emotional senior night.

“It’s just this moment where you know the seniors like walk back into the dugout and they come in and we’ll meet in the middle we all hug and we get all emotional and we walk off a dugout and she’s like our it’s our way of saying like, ‘Goodbye, thank you for everything you’ve done,’” she said.

Liberi hopes she can help shape the future of the high school’s Varsity Softball Team by mentoring younger players and fostering teamwork.

“We have a really young team right now– we have one senior, four juniors, three sophomores and about eight freshmen,” she said. “I want them [freshmen] to have an amazing four years in the program.”

As a captain, she values the importance of teamwork and camaraderie.

“There’s no player who goes a whole season without making an error. It just doesn’t happen. So a big part of being able to play the sport is being able to overcome that error and learning how to not only pick yourself up but to pick up your teammates,” Liberi said.*

the transition period can be frustrating and discouraging. Coming into a new job, meeting new kids, building a relationship, and coaching simultaneously is a tough job. However, Livingstone is up to the challenge and is fearless of everything. The basketball program is looking up, as they continue to win, and continue to grow their bonds on the team.

“For the athletes who are probably seniors now, this will be their fourth coach– that’s not fair to them, and at the end of the day, this is for the kids. They need some longevity in the program, and we’re hopeful for that in the upcoming season.” Mosley said.*

REPORT CARD

Last semester of school

+ Summer is almost here!!!

+ Super chill after AP tests

+ The World Series is looking promising this year!!! BF B A

- More work for non-AP classes

- Will miss the seniors dearly :(

Library closed for testing

- Lost a great study spot

- Can’t get books

- Cafeteria isn’t the same

The Tortured Poets Department

+ AND The Anthology is wild

- Wasn’t as poetic as expecting

- It all kind of blended together, only a few standouts

The Phillies

+ Hot start

+ Great lead over the Braves in NL East

TEAM AS FAMILY • The 2024 varsity boys basketball team stands for the national anthem before their 30-62 loss against Conestoga on January 4. PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

A SWING TO SUCCESS

Ella Liberi shows off her swing on media day.

PHOTO: YEARBOOK STAFF

Spill Our Guts (deluxe edition): A school year of pop culture

What is going on in the pop culture world? Let’s look at it from another perspective regarding our school year.

Zoe Likely ’25 Contributor

It ain’t just the “big three” when talking about pop culture. There’s a lot from this school year that needs to be covered. From the first day of school, August 28th, to Gen Pop’s last day on June 12th, a lot has been going on in the entertainment world. Biggest beef of the school year: Drake, J Cole, and Kendrick Lamar

If we worked backward, we can’t talk about beef and not talk about the recent, day-by-day play of the Drake, J Cole, and Kendrick Lamar beef. It all started with “First-Person Shooter,” a song by Drake and J Cole, where J Cole states: “Love when they argue the hardest MC Is it K-Dot? Is it Aubrey? Or me? We, the big three, like we started a league, but right now, I feel like Muhammad Ali.”

Kendrick responded, “Mother **** the big three, ***** It’s just big me!” And thus the beef began.

This has been an ongoing beef for the last two weeks, and the two artists have created many songs to diss each other like Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us”.s. It’s hard to declare a “winner” in this battle, because of Kendrick’s advanced lyricism, and Drake’s mastery of beats. But the one thing for sure is that this drama will be taking up attention for the next few weeks.

Best Met Gala Looks: Lana Del Rey, Zendaya, Emma Chamberlain

Even though the Met Gala has been growing in controversy, we at least need to recognize some fabulous looks today’s celebrities put out.

Lana Del Rey spent $50,000 on her ticket to the Met Gala, yet still had money left over for the breathtaking Alexander McQueen collection. Her woodsy aesthetic perfectly fits the theme of “The Garden of Time”. Even so, Lana could have worn a paper bag with a trash bag

May book recommendations

belt and still looked perfect.

Next, when she’s not acting in movies, playing tennis, or singing on a stage, Zendaya showed her feathers in full effect arriving in a peacock-inspired dress by John Galliano. While the world was surprised by her beautiful look, it’s Zendaya, we couldn’t expect anything less than stupendous.

Finally, businesswoman and model Emma Chamberlain served in a sparkling dress by Jean Paul Gaultier. This dress, meant to represent a darker perspective on the theme, showcases a beautiful full train, corset, and ivy lace tendrils. While it gives off a lived-in, aging dress, the piece is actually in peak condition, taking a total of 640 hours to customize.

Best Artist of the school year: Taylor Swift

As Editor-in-Chief Sasha Binder said best, “Taylor Swift has always been iconic in the music industry, but this year was a game changer for her career, hence why she is THE top artist of this year.”

This trend continues until the end of our school year. Her new album, “The Tortured Poet Department” tells the story of her early 2022 boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, and captures the struggling passion of being young and in love, all in 17 songs.

At this point, Taylor is not slowing down, even at the beginning. So, if you’re tired of Taylor Swift, she will let the “haters hate” and “shake it off.”

Best Album of the School Year: Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter”

Giddy up and yell “yee-haw” for Queen B’s newest album “Cowboy Carter.” Beyonce herself is one of the most influential across genres, including R&B and pop, she’s now dipped her toe into the pool of country music. While some may think this album was made “just for

fun,” Beyonce changed the game of country music all while riding a beautiful stallion horse.

Best upcoming artist: Chappell Roan

Sticking on the topic of music, Chappell Roan has risen to the top of the charts with her enchanting voice and relatable songs to people of all groups. Currently, she’s most known for her single “Good Luck, Babe!” And her 2023 album “The Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess.” She is on tour right now going all over the country with her next adventure being in Cleveland Ohio. Good luck Chappell, and don’t forget the little people!

Best Philly sports team of the year: The Phillies

They just keep winning! While it might not be pop culture, this here is Philly culture. The Phillies are looking forward to an amazing, and hopefully long season. With 34 wins and 14 losses, they have the best record in the national league and continue to fight until they make the playoffs. We unfortunately did not have the best luck with the Eagles, Sixers, or Flyers this season, but most of the city residents are proud of what Philly has done and hope to see some amazing seasons next year. Even if you aren’t a Philly sports fan, the city that loves you back has all the support in the world. Honorable mentions:

We can’t cover everything, but it is clear that this school year has been an eventful one. Here are some other artists, albums, and movies who have left the world awed that you may want to know:

Movies: Challengers, Barbie, Oppenheimer.

Albums: Guts(deluxe) by

and

*

Hear from four members of our school community about their book recommendations for this May.

Evie Fernandez ‘27 Haven Happenings Editor

New month, new book reviews!

Sophomore Pearl Tweedy recommends “She Who Became the Sun” by Shelley Parker-Chan.

“It is about this girl named Zhu, and after her family is killed by barbarians, she decides to take the identity of her brother. He was destined to be great, and so she decided to become great herself. So she goes to a monastery and becomes a monk, and now she is going to war and she’s leading armies, and she takes his faith and she really does become great. It’s beautifully written, it’s just really incredible. I also just liked the plot, and I like being able to see into her mind. It’s really interesting,” Tweedy said. Junior Simone Sauve recommends “Children of Time” by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

“It’s set in the future, and it’s about how humans are traveling to other planets and colonizing those planets by genetically engineering the animals on those planets to prepare the planet for them before they arrive. So on one of these planets, the spiders grow. They get really big, and it shows the development throughout, and their connection to the humans and how that works, Sauve said. “I kind of like bugs and spiders, they’re kind of cool, and it was very well written. I liked how he [Tchaikovsky] showed the development of the spiders’ brains as the generations progressed, and it was just like nothing I’ve ever read before.”

Freshman Anna Karpyn recommends “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara.

“It’s about these four college students who meet at a prestigious law school, and it follows them from then to when they die. Everyone kind of revolves around the main character of the four, Jude, because he struggles a lot with mental health, and had a really traumatic childhood. It was really, really good. It was realistic and well thought out, and the worldbuilding was incredible, and it really made you feel like it was a real story with real people,” Karpyn said.

I recommend “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon. The story is a fantasy focused on two main characters in two warring lands, the East and the West. The East focuses on Tané, a girl training to be a dragon rider who has a secret– she smuggled a citizen out of the East and into the West. In the West, the reader focuses on Ead Duryan, a sorceress and assassin assigned to protect their Queen, despite the fact that she’d come from the East and disagreed with all of her beliefs. I liked the story because while it was long, it didn’t feel that way. It was fun, and it was interesting in the fact that it was a retelling of a story I’m unfamiliar with. I’m definitely interested in reading the original now, though! I enjoyed the unique storytelling of the different characters, and it was a wild ride emotionally. I’m very glad I read it, and if you like fantasy, you should too!*

Olivia Rodrigo, Atavista by Childish Gambino,

Better Off Alone by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.

June Crossword

Luci DiBonaventura ‘25 Reporter Down

1. Wireless earbuds

3. Soup brand Andy Warhol painted

4. Become cheerful or benefit an employee

7. capital of Alaska

8. Smelly

10. Known as the “Big Apple Cities”

12. Has four legs but doesn’t move

14. Planet known as red planet

15. Plays music out loud

Across

2. Blow on it to make a wish

5. “All __ on deck”

6. Cheesy cracker

7. President who received a happy birthday song from Marilyn Monroe

9. Greek god of the sea

11. Greek hero of the Trojan War

13. The longest bone in the human body

16. No cats are on this runway

17. Currency in Japan

18. “Out of this __”

19. Building where goods are manufactured

20. Mimic

ANSWERS AT SHPANTHERPRESS.COM

CHEESE CORNER: The breath ‘stanking’ garlic bread cheese

The cheesiest column you’ll see in this issue!

Joseph Lynch

’24

Guest Contributor

Welcome back to the Cheese Corner! I’ll be taking over for Matteo this issue, and I’m bread-y to send you into the summer with a new cheese recommendation: Garlic Bread Cheese.

Garlic Bread cheese is a member of a wider family of cheeses known as “bread cheeses,” which, somewhat surprisingly, do not contain any bread.

Bread cheeses come from Scandinavia, originally called Juustoleipä, and they get their title from mimicking the structure of a loaf of bread.

Bread cheeses are baked in special ovens that caramelize the sugars present in milk, giving the cheese a toasted crust and a softer inner layer, just like most breads.

This crust gives bread cheeses a sweeter taste profile and a stronger structure than most cheeses, and their unique taste profile lends itself to sweeter pairings, like fruit jams or honey and savory options, like sliced tomatoes or bacon. Additionally, they are often served warm or sautéed.

The Garlic Bread Cheese I had for this review came from Aldi’s collection of bread cheeses, including traditional bread cheese and bacon bread cheese. The packaging recommends cutting the square into strips or small cubes, heating it in a microwave or pan frying, and serving it with marinara sauce.

Adding garlic gives the cheese a flavor that fairly accurately replicates garlic bread when standing alone, and the flavor blends with marinara sauce quite well. It is best served after being sauteéd in strips so the edges sear slightly while still warm.

I would recommend Garlic Bread Cheese as a standalone side dish for an Italian meal or even as a snack on its own. Currently, it is on sale at Aldi as a seasonal item, so if the cheese interests you, try it sooner rather than later!*

Critter Corner: Harold, Gizmo, Houdini Junior

twins share their bond with their dogs.

Lavanya Dixit ’27 Reporter

For this publication’s regular feature of the Critter Corner, juniors Ella DiBonaventura and Luci DiBonaventura talk about their special bond with their dogs, Harold, Gizmo, and Houdini.

Q. What’s your pet’s name?

A. We have a Chihuahua mix, Harold, he’s the most recent one we got. My other two dogs are Gizmo, the Russell Terrier, and Houdini, she’s a Rat Terrier. (Ella)

Q. How long have you had them?

A. Houdini and Gizmo, we’ve had since around 4th grade, so probably 7 years, and then Harold we just got a year ago. (Ella)

Q. How old are they?

A. I think Houdini and Gizmo are around seven years old. We aren’t sure about Harold, but he still plays with squeaky toys, so we’re assuming he’s probably one or two years old. (Ella)

Q. How would you describe your family’s bond with your dogs?

A. The dogs favor my dad the most, and he was the one who didn’t want to get them to begin with, but he’s always taking them on two-hourlong walks, and he feeds them all the time. But, now I understand what parents mean when they say they can’t choose a favorite child because I love all my dogs so much. (Ella)

Q. How is life living with three dogs?

A. I could not imagine not having dogs. They’re kind of like vacuums because when I drop food, I don’t have to go and pick it up and throw it in the

trash, they can just eat it—it’s just so cute. They can be really funny, too. We used to have a big cherry tree in our yard, but my dog, Harold, started eating all the cherries from the tree, and he smelled so bad because he would sweat out the odor from the cherries. So, we didn’t know what to do, so we just cut down this entire tree. The smell disappeared but not until a few weeks later because he had a hidden cherry stash. My two other dogs, Gizmo and Houdini, when they were puppies, we had this bench by our kitchen table and they just ate through it like beavers. (Ella)

Q. What do you love about your pets?

A. I love my dogs so much, they’re so cute. Anytime I’m coming home from vacation, I’m not sad because I get to go home and see what brings me the most joy in the world. When I’m sad, I get to see my dogs. When I’m happy, I get to spread my joy with my dogs and share it with them. When I’m sick, they can cuddle with me.*

GARLIC BREAD CHEESE PHOTO: JOE LYNCH

COUCH POTATOES • Juniors Ella DiBonaventura and Luci DiBonaventura’s three dogs rest on the family’s couch. The family has had dogs since the sisters were elementary schoolers. PHOTO: ELLA DIBONAVENTURA

Lavanya Dixit ‘27

1: Luci DiBonaventura wrote “How school kills creativity” and I saw it and thought I would have loved to have helped with that.

2: The excited feeling of finding out Claire’s and my CTE story was picked to be featured in SNO.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

We asked returning our members of the Panther Press three questions to close out the school year:

1: What story did you WANT to write for the Panther Press this year, but didn’t get around to writing?

2: What was one highlights of your time on staff this year?

3: Make a prediction for something that will be newsworthy next year at Strath Haven.

Thanks, Haven! -The Panther Press Staff

MADDIE Posternack ‘26

3: Student council plans and new ideas they will carry out next year could be newsworthy.

CLARK Kerkstra ‘27

1: A story on the system around tracking and honors/CP classes.

2: Covering Joe Biden, plus the trips and preseason training.

3: Joe Biden comes again and is found asleep in the cafeteria after consuming the school lunch.

MIA Fagone ‘26

1: I would have loved to have done the article on how seniors transfer their files before leaving the school, it seemed interesting and informative.

2: My highlight was being able to talk to a bunch of cool people when interviewing for my articles who I would never have talked to otherwise. It was a great

1: Trying people’s holiday food and reviewing.

2: Spending time with everybody in Boston and watching Bluey.

3: Another teacher is going to retire.

KAITLYN

Ho ‘26

1: I wanted to write about the new engineering class, but didn’t have enough sources.

2: Pizza nights working on design.

3: The new choral director.

ZOE Likely ‘25

I would have loved to cover possibly an artist of an issue, but someone from band during peak band season. I think it would’ve been really fun, especially with all of the commotion around the band in the late fall.

Probably Luci editing my work during APUSH before I turned in my first article, because I was so scared about turning in my first article and she helped me a lot but she’d also make fun of me which was also

I think next year Strath Haven will adopt a panther and we will have a field trip to meet the new member of Strath Haven High School.

EVELYNN Lin ‘25

1: I wanted to write an editorial, but I had either already signed up for a lot to do or someone else on the staff wanted to do it, so I didn’t get around to writing one.

1: Something about sports.

2: I joined and was able to enjoy myself while doing this.

3: A gossip column and possibly an administration scandal.

MATTHEW Ramirez ‘26

1: I wanted to write an opinion about my hatred toward Chromebooks.

2: I was really proud of obtaining press credentials to photograph President Joe Biden.

3: Hopefully not Chromebooks.

CLAIRE Salera ‘27

RILEY Smith ‘25

1: I wish I could have written about more student life activities. I love interviewing people, and writing student life stories is one of my favorite things.

2: While on the Boston Trip with the team, Josie, Marilyn, and I took a class together, and learned problem-solving skills as a group. We grew a lot closer through the day, and we had a lot of fun talking about how we could implement the ideas into Panther Press.

3: I predict that next school year will be better than this year.

1: This year, I wanted to write about a featured club, but these types of stories were usually already signed up for.

2: My most memorable moment was the staff meeting where we ate cake and played that journalism card game. It was so much fun!

2: In terms of contributions, the most memorable was my PA Bill Story, where I interviewed a Pennsylvania House Representative. It was a pretty epic experience. I also enjoyed doing the the homework center spread with Sasha!

3: I predict that it will rain meatballs on one of the nights of a dance.

3: Next year, we can cover the new choir/ musical director.

MATTEO Ventresca ‘25

1: I really wanted to get to a story about the PIAA. It’s basically about how they change way too much money to stream games. I didn’t get to it because there was so much to do and I didnt have enough time but I will get to it next year.

2: I really enjoyed attending the Saturday workshops, when we design with the editors. It’s just so fun to joke around while also getting the paper ready for print.

Mr. Kevin Haney becomes a professional wrestler.

JOSIE Wieland ‘26

1: I would have really liked to cover the Asian Haven Fire Noodle Challenge because I know how fun and chaotic it is every year, as well as how many funny photos are taken at the event.

ADVAYA Singh ‘27

1: A story on student nutrition.

2: I think my most memorable part was when I wrote about the ref shortage, because I think it started a conversation with the administration.

3: Matteo Ventresca steals all the cheese in the cafeteria and gets rid of the rat and mouse problem.

2: I really loved starting up the Artist Spotlight feature because it makes me so happy to recognize the talented artists in our school and learn about different forms of creative expression.

3: I predict that the football team will win every single game except for the homecoming game for the second year in a row.*

EVIE Fernandez ‘27