Students slam staff in basketball gameFriday the 13th sparked a series of events, but not the kind that’s expected on this significant day. Students and teachers packed into the Fitzkee center at the end of the day to witness an intense game. The crowd filled the bleachers as the players were introduced onto the court. As the ball flew into the air, the annual Staff V.S. Students basketball game began.
After the May-April sign ups, the game featured teachers Mr. Bull, Mr. Dennish, Mr. Schmel, Mr. Bell, Mr. McCleary, Mr. Neff, Mr. Shaeffer, Mr. Fritzuis, Mr. Masser, Mrs. Gillis, Mrs. Knaper, Mrs. Hinkle, and Mrs. Grove. It also featured varsity club members such as Judge Kunce, Ian Shaeffer, Brian Treible, Jason Rebuck, Ian Adler, Taylor Funke, and Kendrick Boyd Gillespie and referee Chris Carr. The event was hosted by health teacher Mr. Dennish. He is notoriously known for his “dunking” skills, which were displayed at the 2015 Student V.S. Staff basketball game when he dunked on previous senior, Bradley Irizarry. He displayed them once again at this year’s event, scoring his team an additional two points. His display of dunking caused an uproar among the crowd. A roaring turn of events occurred as the leading team switched back and forth. As the staff scored points, the students did as well. The members of each team switched with other members to allow everyone a chance to play. While racing down the court, health teacher Mrs. Hinkle took a trip downward and fell, creating one of the many highlights of the game. Senior student Taylor Funke, on the opposing team, assisted her in regaining her balance. Last year, the student team beat the staff team. Their hopes of continuing that streak were met. The game ended with a score of -, resulting in a student victory. Online regulations become "The Regular" for studentsAny student who attends public school and uses their Wi-Fi connection understands that there are certain regulations to follow when online. As far as the regular “no inappropriate searching” rule goes, students understand what rules need to be followed. School administrators have the right to review what students use the school internet connection for, and whether or not it’s being misused. However, when do regulations go too far? Is it when students can barely search helpful sites without it being blocked by the school Wi-Fi connection? That’s where Red Lion Senior High currently stands. It’s extremely time consuming and stressful for students to complete assignments when they have to exit every other site due to prohibitions. The sole purpose of the school internet connection is to allow students to complete online work when in school. So, the question remains unanswered. Why are we blocking potentially helpful websites to students? The answer may be to avoid inappropriate advertising, or any other sort of online misconduct. Regulations are important to have, especially for those who may abuse school internet privileges. It’s important to consider the behavior of those who are simply trying to complete work, but can’t access resources due to blockages. When asked about the restrictions, students agreed that the prohibitions were far too strict. “I think we should have restrictions,” said Junior, Tyler Buffington. “I just think they should be less strict on everything”. This leads us to wonder what is more important, online restrictions or student learning? As of now, it seems as though the restrictions are in favor. Knepp family sponsored by Red Lion Area Senior High School’s Mini-THON The bell rings, classes flood into the halls, and students begin filling the gym. The bleachers are filled with students wearing shirts marked with a four diamond logo. Game supplies are scattered about the room and a microphone stands ready. This isn’t an everyday assembly, it is the Red Lion Mini-THON kickoff assembly.
As seventh period ended, students watched a Mini-THON video produced by Ben Otte to introduce the idea of the event. This featured families that have been impacted by cancer and helped by the Four Diamonds Foundation. The foundation helped families in need and provided financial support to children at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Red Lion Senior High School annually conducts a Mini-THON event to help raise money for a family that has been affected by cancer. This year, the Knepp family was sponsored. On October 13, 2014, a young kindergarten student named Landen was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma cancer. A speech was given by his mother, Katie Knepp, who told the story of Landon and how their family was impacted. “When the Four Diamonds representative came and told us that we didn’t have to worry about any medical bills, there was a huge weight off of our shoulders,” Knepp said. “I can not even imagine the amount of money we would have had to pay without something like Four Diamonds.” After the speech, several games were hosted by the Mini-THON chair members. Volunteers were selected from the crowd to play each game. Students participated in Mummy, Junk in the Trunk, and a free throw competition. Classmates cheered and music blared as the school watched the games take place. On January 11, 2016, Landen was officially in remission from his cancer. His family hosted a party to celebrate, and now looks forward to attending THON. “We’re incredibly excited and honored to be apart of this. I know he can’t wait to be here.” Knepp said. The Red Lion Area Senior High School Mini-THON will be on April 6, 2016. Hoverboard users strolling with styleIs it a new method of transportation or a flaming death trap? The idea of hoverboards originated in the Back to the Future Part II movie in 2015. This idea has been adapted and transformed by recent companies to create a hoverboard-like transportation device.
The prices for these range from $300-$1000+. The devices are called “self-balancing scooters” by definition, which rely on the user’s balance to move. They are often compared to miniature segways without the handlebars. Some models can travel up to 20 miles on a full charge and weigh up to 300 pounds. Most boards max out at about 10 mph and do not require any manual motion. It came to surface when celebrities began endorsing the scooters. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber and John Legend have been seen using them, drawing more attention to the product. Rapper Wiz Khalifa was seen using one in a Los Angeles airport. This increased the popularity of the scooters. Lately, there has been a heated uprise of issues occurring with some models, literally. Several cheaper models of hoverboards have been bursting in flames, the culprit being faulty batteries and overheating. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been investigating all brands of these scooters, in an attempt to find other causes of the fires. Counterfeit boards are more prone to catch fire when made from third-party sellers. Companies warn consumers that a board costing $300 or less is most likely counterfeit and more dangerous. Overall, the scooters are being used by many. Their popularity continues to grow, despite some conflict. Whether it’s a fashionable fad or a technological advancement, hoverboards are here. |
United States currency meets civil changes"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” are the words of famous abolitionist Harriet Tubman. With feminism and equality petitioning on the rise, it's no surprise to find that the $20 bill is now adapting to accommodate equality.
Harriet Tubman is a famous African-American leader in history. She escaped Southern slavery and led hundreds of other African Americans to freedom through the Underground Railroad. This consisted of a network of safehouses and hidden paths to help African American slaves escape to free states. Tubman left the South in hopes of becoming an abolitionist, fighting against slavery and segregation in Maryland. She is one of the most famous civil rights activists due to her role in the operation of the Underground Railroad. When asked about the topic, students’ opinions divided greatly. “I think it's a good idea,” said Senior Derek Hammons. “Many people will support the new change. The world’s changing, so our money should too.” However, Junior Kelly Harris said “I think you shouldn't have to take off a president to appease the changing world.” This historical change was announced by Treasury Secretary Jacob J Lew. He proposed to include Harriet Tubman instead of Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. He also suggested adding images of other civil rights activists and women to the $5 and $10 bills. Jacob Lew’s proposals have launched several debates on women’s suffrage and civil rights as a whole. Supporters of the act have began debates and discussions on why Tubman should be the face of the American $20 bill. Lew said “the pattern became clear that Harriet Tubman struck a chord with people in all parts of the country, of all ages.”, in regards to why he suggested Tubman. His ideas were hoped to consider the opinions and ideas of all people. Harriet Tubman will be the first woman featured on United States currency since Martha Washington’s photo included on a $1 silver certificate in the late 19th century. The new renovation of currency is expected to be available in the year 2020 Dress code uncodedA currently debated topic with our school is the dress code. As temperature rises, clothing styles change. You may be asking yourself: “What can I wear and not wear?”
There are restrictions on certain styles. However, many students aren’t aware of the guidelines. Guidelines and additional dress code information is to be listed in the student handbook that everyone has received. In most cases, this information goes to be unread or overlooked by students. Excessively short shorts are not permitted, especially if the pockets are longer than the shorts altogether. Also, visible undergarments including men’s undershirts are not acceptable. “It’s a matter of modesty,” Principal Mrs. Mary Smith said. Compared to the Red Lion Area Junior High School, our dress code may seem a lot more lenient. Although there are restrictions, trust is put into the student body to choose appropriate attire for school. “The older you are, the more freedom you have to choose,” Mrs. Smith said. Dress code is not a major concern for this upcoming Spring, because most of the student population follows the dress code guidelines. If students do not follow the guidelines, they will be asked to change. If they refuse to change, disciplinary action will follow, according to Mrs.Smith A student is only asked to change clothing if it “causes a disruption to the learning process,” Mrs. Smith said. If students aren’t aware of the guidelines on dress code, it’s available on the school website or in the disc given out at the beginning of the school year. France responds to ISIS terror attacksOn November 13, 2015, terrorists executed an attack on Paris and Saint-Denis, France. This brutal attack resulted in 130 total casualties, along with 368 injuries. Three teams from the Islamic State, known as ISIS, attacked the area. The attacks are believed to be in retaliation to French airstrikes in Syria and Iraq.
At the Batacian Theatre, the attackers took hostages, which resulted in a police shootout. Seven of the attackers then died as police searched for others. 89 civilians were killed in the shootings. These attacks were the deadliest attacks on France since World War II. As a result of the losses, France mourns their deaths by darkening the famous Eiffel Tower’s lights “I think it’s really sad that the Eiffel Tower was darkened,” Junior, Kristen Nowicki said. "The attacks were brutal.” On the hunt for the suspected leader of the attacks, French police raided Saint-Denis. Abdelhamid Abaaoud was killed by ballistic trauma as an attack back on the Islamic State. He was said to be the brains behind the brutal operation. “I think it’s tragic,” French teacher Mr.Stein said. “We should empathize and give our support to those who have suffered as we have.” Soon after the attacks, France went into a state of emergency. Extra caution was then in place in hopes to prevent any other terroristic attacks. Two days later, on November 15, France fired back with an airstrike in Al-Raqqah, a city located in Syria, where the headquarters for the Islamic State are held. The French government issued an announcement for the civilians to remain strong, along with a great increase in French military applications. Soon, the city of lights will shine bright once more. Hoverboard user seen using a red model. Photo from https://www.cnet.com/how-to/buy-a-hoverboard/
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