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NEWS
THE SPOKE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2009
CONESTOGA NEWSLINE News in Brief
State budget for Governor’s Schools dropped
In the face of a growing economic recession, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has decided to eliminate state funding for the Governor’s Schools of Excellence, a summer program that has been a staple for Conestoga students for years. The decision, which is still pending final approval from the state legislature, was part of a larger statewide budget reduction program made official Feb. 4. While it will not go into effect until summer 2010, the elimination of the program has already been met with opposition, particularly from current applicants and alumni. This year alone, 60 students—mostly juniors—from Conestoga applied to one of nine individual Governor’s Schools, according to guidance department registrar Susan O’Keefe. Among its other attractions, each individual school offers its programs over the five-week period free of charge. This has given students from high schools in less fortunate areas an equal opportunity when it comes to the education that each program offers. “It gives everybody an opportunity,” said junior Lauren Clark, who submitted her application to the Governor’s School for the Sciences earlier this year. “To cut a program like that is a huge shame. It’s definitely a wake up call to the state of today’s economy.” See p. 8 for a student opinion on this issue. - Seth Zweifler
Suburban and Wayne Times paper shuts down
As a result of a merger in January with Main Line Life, the 123-year-old Suburban and Wayne Times has been renamed Main Line Suburban Life. The merger, which resulted in major staff cuts, was made “in order to consolidate work and coverage,” according to Executive Editor Tom Murray. - Meghan Morris
Political clubs prepare for series of debates
Gun Violence Awareness Club is hosting a series of national-issue debates the week of March 2. The Conestoga Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Young Socialists and Young Libertarians will discuss solutions to the recession on March - Seth Zweifler 3 and will address domestic and foreign topics on March 9.
Henry Rome/The SPOKE
Senior Alyssa Markle gives blood while fellow senior Emily Heckman gives moral support at the blood drive on Feb. 5.
stoganews
.com
Go online for news photos and extras from The Spoke’s February issue.
Inside this issue: Top stories to look for
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2009 Presidential Inauguration
Barack to the future. Read to hear about the experiences of various students on the historic day.
From Timmy D to A-Meis
Turn the page for the low-down on Amy Meisinger’s transition to principal of Conestoga.
Checkmate, mate.
Conestoga’s chess team welcomes the rookies. Read more for information on the team’s resurrection.
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Be mine, Valentine.
Loveseat for two. Check out the best places to dine on the most romantic day of the year.
Girls’ Freestylin’
Dive in to page 21 to hear about the girls’ swimming team’s ninth consecutive Central League title.
Nothing but net
Check out this page for more on the boys’ basketball team’s journey to States.