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Northern Lehigh High School Summer 2019

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Published by The Slate News, 2019-10-14 13:05:28

Summer, 2019

Northern Lehigh High School Summer 2019

The Voice of Northern Lehigh High School Summer Edition — June 2019, Issue Five

SCIENCE MAKEOVER, LOCKER SHIFT BEGINS Students go 1:1 in
the fall with laptop
replacements

NL Superintendent Mr. Matthew Link, Assistant Principal Mrs. Tanya Simms, Principal Mr. Robert Vlasaty and Director of Support Services Mr. Greg Technology upgrade to offer
Derr review plans with Mark Minniti, Senior Project Manager and Chris McKissick, Site Superintendent of McClure Company of Harrisburg. The first-
floor center area will be renovated throughout the summer. more access in classroom, home

Out with the old By Jamie Knerr
Editor in Chief
By Ava Rosario es. Construction began on the $2 those science labs,” Principal Mr.
Incoming Editor in Chief million project around May 20, and Robert Vlasaty said. “[Interim NL Expect big changes to Northern Lehigh High
is being done by the McClure Com- Superintendent Mr. Jack Corbi] invit- School coming in the 2019-20 school year.
As the school year comes to a pany of Wilkes-Barre. Affected classes ed the school board to take a tour Along with the renovations taking place, the
close and students gear up for finals are being temporarily taught else- with me to take a look at the science technology department will be converting the
and vacations, staff and administra- where in the building, including the rooms last year. The best way to high school to a complete 1:1 environment.
tion are preparing for NL’s major auditorium, library, and cafeteria, but demonstrate that we needed a reno-
first-floor metamorphosis. The plan is all renovations occur after the school vation is actually seeing it yourself.” This means every student in the high school
to build two new classrooms, with day. will be assigned his or her own laptop. Students
four outer-room renovations, plus a NLHS was built in 1981, so the will have the opportunity to use this laptop to
locker relocation. “Everything has a life expectancy, science rooms are almost 40 years complete school work and become more adapt
and I believe that our science depart- old. Even with careful use by the to using technology inside and outside the class-
Teachers are prepping for the ment has done an outstanding job in room. The new advances in technology come as
ultimate move as the date approach- getting every bit of usefulness out of NL welcomes a new Director of Technology, Mr.
Eric Hill, as Mr. John Hrizuk, director of 21
years, will retire at the end of this school year.

In the fall, Mr. Stephen Haas will become
the new Technology Systems Coordinator. Ms.
Kayla Micklos and Mr. Kyle Kreamer are the
district’s new technology support technicians.
These technicians will be in the middle school
and high school to aid students using the 1:1
technology. Last year, the 1:1 initiative began
when each middle school student was given a
personal Chromebook to complete assignments.

Mr. Hrizuk explained that the plan to make
the move to the 1:1 ratio at the high school has
been in the works for a while now. “The admin-
istration has been very helpful in finding a way
to make the switch possible,” he said. Northern
Lehigh School District Assistant to the Superin-

Annual concert showcases songs, sounds and BEEF

By Shayla Smith guard performance consisting of eight The show featured choreography tunity to perform in, but this year's show
Staff Writer female students. Their portion of the with flags, rifles, and fabrics, all com- and the girls I've had the pleasure
bined in order to display a beautiful visu- of working with will hold a special place
On May 10th, the Northern Lehigh concert was a performance to Castle of al masterpiece. “It was definitely tough in my memory.”
High School’s auditorium was a place of work, and there were many obstacles to
energy, excitement, and music. Talented Glass by Linkin Park, written and choreo- overcome. But against all odds, we The choir portion of the concert
NL students in grades 7-12 gathered to- graphed by senior Julia Thomason. “The pulled together and created something featured three different singing ensem-
gether to perform its annual concert for winter guard program has always been a really cool. We are so proud of the show bles: Concert Choir, Women’s Choir,
the parents, friends and the community. fun way to keep practicing our color we worked so hard to put out. I cherish and Men’s Choir. Concert Choir is open
guard skills between marching band sea- each and every show I've had the oppor-
The concert opened with a color sons and a chance to get others involved
in the activity,” she said.

SENIOR REFLECTIONS: A Few Thoughts Before the Big Day — Pages 3, 4. CONGRATULATIONS!

Page 2 The Slate

RENOVATIONS improving the overall flow of the school. they’ve done a nice job in working with
Making the lockers more easily accessible me and helping the science department
will help lessen these concerns, he said. through this tough time. It’s difficult
having been here for a while, to have
To explain the new layout, the lockers everything temporarily stored and then
brought back, and they have to unpack
“I shared with him my idea of taking that currently line the main hall will stay, everything again,” he added.

the locker banks and dispersing the lock- as well as ones that will border the two The four classrooms being renovated
are expected to be finished by the begin-
teachers, time has forced an inevitable ers upstairs,” Mr. Vlasaty said. “Having new classrooms. ning of next school year. The two new
ones, though, may be built but not yet
upgrade. 500 students converge on one area, alt- Not only were science teachers affect- ready for occupation. “I’m hoping that
the two teachers, Ms. Fleming and Mr.
The two new classrooms located in hough it may be convenient to have in ed by this renovation, but others have Gupta, will be able to move into those
classrooms by the end of September,”
the middle of the first floor will not only Mr. Vlasaty said.

be science rooms, so if a non-science Mr. Link thinks this reconstruction
will not only benefit students and how
teacher were to occupy the space in the efficient their day is but also teachers.
“The two new classrooms will help elimi-
future, they could just be used as normal nate some teachers not having the same
dedicated classroom for them to instruct
rooms. These rooms will be updated in each period,” Mr. Link said. “The
renovation of the existing classrooms will
with white boards instead of black result in modern instructional spaces for
teaching and learning to occur.”
boards, and an interactive projector to
Thanks to the help of the science
replace the promethean board. Addition- teachers, custodians, technology depart-
ment, Director of Support Services Mr.
ally, new lab tables will be added. Greg Derr, Mr. Vlasaty, and Mr. Link,
the high school’s major first-floor over-
“It's very exciting to have the rooms haul achieved the goal of hitting pre-
construction timelines. All the efforts
renovated as the cabinetry was in dire should help the renovations proceed
smoothly and in a timely manner that
need of repair. Shelves had begun to will hopefully be ready by the 2019-20
school year. Hopefully there will not be
collapse as you would move items in any mutations in this sequence of reno-
vations.
cabinets, so it is very necessary,” said NL

science teacher Mrs. Julie Everett. “There

is a bit of melancholy as you remember

the many people who have been a part of

your life in the rooms and have moved School administration, along with workers from McClure company, face one of the two areas that will be reno-
on. I'm looking forward to seeing it in vated throughout the summer to make room for two brand-new classrooms. Stay tuned to our Instagram over
August and making wonderful new the next few months for photo updates.
memories.”

The first-floor lockers in the middle

area are being relocated as well; the cur- one spot, I don’t believe it’s the safest moved too. For example, health class is

rent bulk of them will be replaced by the nor the most efficient way for students to typically taught in room 311A, but with

two new classrooms. After Mr. Matthew get their things out of the lockers or to the renovations, that was no longer be

Link became NL’s full-time superinten- put stuff in.” possible. “I told [the physical education

dent, Mr. Vlasaty showed him what Mr. Vlasaty believes that these new department] they had to rearrange when

changes needed to be made to the class- lockers will improve efficiency through- they’re going to teach health, and they’ve

rooms, and they agreed that the lockers out the school day, but another concern been outstanding,” Mr. Vlasaty said.

also needed a change. was the safety of the locker banks and “Everybody’s actually pitched in and

Northern Lehigh High School CONCERT awards ceremonies, and also in the commu- and go.”
1 Bulldog Lane nity, such as churches for holidays. He also describes the type of music that
Slatington, PA 18080 to any student in grades 7-12, while Men’s
610-767-9832 ext. 1243 Choir is open to 9-12th grade men. Ninth “I love being involved in Women’s the band creates as a mix between rock,
grade Men’s Choir performer Parker Choir because I get to sing with my friends blues, jazz, and anything they feel like do-
[email protected] Musselman discloses his favorite part about who all share a passion for music. I am so ing. Fleischmann says he hopes BEEF will
being in the program: “The song we per- lucky to be a part of a group that is so sup- be able to continue in some capacity in the
The Slate Staff formed, Fugue For Tinhorns (from the portive, and having Mr. Schnyderite do future. Senior trombonist Austin Deibert
Broadway musical Guys and Dolls) is really everything he can to bring us to our full was welcomed into BEEF last year, and
MANAGING ADVISER cool, because it just allows us to have fun. potential is incredible. All of the girls in- shared his thoughts on the group.
Mr. Christopher Barnes My favorite part of Men’s Choir would just volved have a close bond full of constant
EDITOR IN CHIEF have to be spending time with great people, laughter, jokes and always being there for “Beef was an exciting opportunity to
Jamie Knerr and learning to sing with those great peo- each other. Singing your heart out in front learn and share music that we were able to
SPORTS EDITORS ple.” of an auditorium full of people is a feeling create ourselves. It allowed me to learn and
Katie Guelcher, Brianna Schuck like no other.” grow as a musician and as a performer,” he
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR In order to be selected for Women’s said. “Chuck did a great job in leading us
Ava Rosario Choir, female students in grades 9-12 must The last, largest, and longest section of as musicians and as a group and it's all
COMMUNITY EDITOR go through an audition process and be the concert was devoted to NL’s band pro- thanks to him that I had the great oppor-
Dylan Kuntz chosen by the choir director, Mr. James gram. Performing a variety of songs was the tunity of joining.” Fleischmann adds, “The
STAFF WRITERS Schnyderite, for admission into the group. school’s Concert Band, Jazz Band, and best thing about BEEF to me is that there
Kristen Guelcher, Shayla Smith, This year’s Women’s Choir consisted of Percussion Ensemble, both consisting of a are no rules. We can play whatever we
Madison Hoffman, Owen Levan-Uhler, nine young ladies who displayed their gift- mix of both high school and middle school want, how we want it.”
Anthony Bardelli ed voices by singing a variety of selections, musicians.
with titles including Ubi Caritas and Sing As a senior and a member of the music
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alleluia, Allelu. Brianna Strohl is a senior BEEF, a band organized by students department for all four years of my high
member of this vocal group, and shares with a passion for music, took the stage school career, I feel as if I can speak for all
Administration what was her favorite song. and jammed out for the third year in a row. of the seniors in saying that there is noth-
This year’s original composition was titled ing that can top the feeling of being on that
SUPERINTENDENT “Seasons of Love from the musical Rent. I stage and seeing the audience be enthralled
Mr. Matthew Link got the amazing opportunity to have a solo Sidewalk Funk and performed by original by what we are able to do. Even as a per-
ASST. TO THE SUPERINTENDENT in this song alongside of Shayla Smith,” she BEEF members Charles Fleischmann and former, I am absolutely astounded by the
Dr. Tania Stoker said. Michael Martineau, recently joined mem- art I witness my peers create before my
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL bers Austin Deibert, Chance Herman, Dyl- eyes.
Mr. Robert Vlasaty Unlike the other vocal groups, Wom- an Kuntz, Cat Shelley, Nia Nicholson, and
HIGH SCHOOL ASST. PRINCIPAL en’s Choir goes beyond singing in just con- graduated member, Lorenzo Cozzi. Any student who has an interest in
Mrs. Tanya Simms certs. The members can be found singing at music can join the department, and every-
other school events like football games and “BEEF has been a defining feature of body else is always welcome to watch the
The Slate is proud to be the voice of Northern my entire high school career. I have written hard work, passion, and dedication flourish
Lehigh High School. It is printed by The Times songs and developed guitar techniques that on stage. Whichever position you are in,
News of Lehighton. We thank you for reading I have been unable to create before,” both are most definitely worth the experi-
and please pass it on! Fleischmann said. “BEEF is special because ence.
it continues to evolve as members come

The Slate @theslatenews Page 3

Growing up in a Bulldog family Involvement the key to high school

“Congratulations to the class of When I was little, my parents and When I look back on the past four lieve that in the end, you control what
2019!” The words that we once thought
were so far away will soon godparents would always make such a years, I realize that underneath all the type of experience you have, how enjoy-
be upon us. The past few
months have been the busi- big deal out of the first day of school. stereotypes about high school, it is real- able it is, and what kind of impact it
est time of high school
thus far, with little time to Everyone would wake up ly just a time for young will have on you and
stop and reflect on the
current moment we’re in. early and my entire fami- adults to learn the most those around you.
We will no longer walk the
halls of Northern Lehigh High School, Jamie ly would be there to take about the people that Katie For me, one of the
race to the cafeteria to be the first in Knerr pictures of me getting on they are striving to be-
line at lunch, or hear Mr. Vlasaty’s the school bus. This come. Guelcher best ways that I was able
“Have a Bulldog Day!” over the speak- to make the most out of
ers. When we walk across that stage and
are handed our diplomas, our lives as tradition continued every We are constantly my high school career
high school students are over.
year, until I grew up and learning new lessons was getting involved in
I have gone back and forth from
being excited to graduate and ready to became embarrassed that my friends and principles that we will end up using activities that I truly enjoyed participat-
move on, then realizing it will all soon
be over and we won’t get this time back. might see my parents waiting for me to for the rest of our lives. Each individu- ing in. I heavily involved myself in a
I can say “I’m so ready to graduate”
enough times to make myself believe it, get on the bus. al goes through many periods of growth wide variety of extracurricular activities
but in reality, we will grow to miss this
time in our lives whether it is in a Now as a senior, looking back on and development at different times and as well as sports.
month, five years, or 30. We have all
grown up together in a small communi- those days, I cannot even remember the at various paces all throughout high Getting involved in each of these
ty. Northern Lehigh School District is a
family. last time I rode a school bus. Our lives school. Each stage occurs in different activities allowed me to have endless

change in so many little ways as we grow ways within everyone. ways in which I could create irreplacea-

up and go through the years, until we’re However, through my experiences I ble memories and an overall positive

almost at the end and look back and feel that one of the most important high school experience. I was able to

realize that everything is completely dif- lessons I learned that can be applied to form relationships and bonds with oth-

ferent. anyone is that your own high school ers that majorly contributed to the posi-

We all have that one person that no experience is what you make it. tive experiences of high school.

matter what happens, he or she always When talking to individuals who In high school, if you constantly go

has your back. I am lucky to have had have graduated high school already, into something with a negative attitude

that friend in Katie for the past nine some will tell you that high school was you will most likely end-up giving your-

years. The people who have come and the best four years of their life. There self a negative experience. I learned to

gone in my life taught me more about are others who will tell you the exact focus on the positive aspects and just

opposite and say that high school was

the worst four years of their life. I be-

Page 4 The Slate

Conquering the chaotic turbulence Small-town girl enters big city school

As the days do mounted. To be true, it has Change. It’s a word each year it found a way
that sends chills up your to get worse. Don’t get
dwindle, for all things been a chaotic turbulence. spine and raises the Courtney me wrong, there were
hairs on the back of Trumbore some good parts like
must in the eternal Anthony They, those mystical your neck. Change is junior prom and the
ebb and flow of aeonic something we have all musicals, but other
whims that legacy Bardelli Elders from bygone Ages, encountered. Some- than that I felt trapped.
say the most growth hap- times, change can be really great. Other Being in a small school can provide
a sense of comfort, but it can also give a
which is left must be pens during high school. times, it really, really blows, but we keep sense of confinement. For years, I was
going. happy to be in a small school. I felt safe,
chronicled. So do I Throughout the longevity of like no one was going to hurt me. Then
Change is something that invokes as the years went on, I became curious.
say, thusly. my time, I have formed my identity and fear in people. People are scared of I wanted to know what this so-called
moving or changing their job. No one “real world” was like. I wanted to ex-
Scribing this, I must reflect upon for once in my life feel proud and com- ever said change was going to be easy, plore and expand my horizons. I felt as
but no one said that change is some- though I was never going to find myself
the certainty that I have been all that I fortable in my own armour. thing we have to fear either. unless I took a leap of faith. So I did.
During my college search, I focused
can, and shed this earthly bondage and As I entered high school things I have been waiting for this moment on finding small schools. I looked at
since the beginning of this school year. schools like DeSales University,
ascend into new strata of growth. Fur- were distorted, an oddity which I had The date that I would finally be free of Muhlenberg, and Arcadia. Then some-
thing changed. I told my parents that I
thermore in this have I looked back no idea how to maneuver. For years I this prison called “high school.” Adults
typically look back at their four years of
upon the years which formulated my had felt sadness that — I would later high school and say, “That was the best
four years of my life!” Will I be doing
quintessence, an in the haze of decaying discover — is depression and constant that? Not quite. The past four years
have been nothing short of hell and
memory know only remorse for the paranoia. I had nobody who knew what

facade which I donned. Throughout it felt like to be me.

the years I have been fool, bastard, an- I was alone for years. It was enough

noyance, but more importantly some- to drive a man to insanity and it pushed

thing of an enigmatic, amorphous thing me to the edge on multiple occasions.

with no discernable identity. Having nobody, being berated for being

During freshman year, I was per- who I am, and feeling suicidal was not

plexed by the world. That is to say, my fun.

emotional and mental health was… It was perhaps because of bleak

unstable, and was unravelling as stress

Sucker-punched by maturity, I got things together

So, ready or not, my entire life is cialize, or stand up for speak much louder than people and pretend that I know what is going
going to begin to change over the course on.
myself. If you wrap all of Shayla words, and you’ll find your-
of this coming summer, and that kind of these details into one Smith self meeting and coming to I graduate on June 14th. I assure you
freaks me out. statement, what I’m love people that you had that I am indeed still a dork, except now
I wear collared shirts and I can vote in
Before that though, let me pause this basically trying to say is: once never thought that elections. The walls of this high school
final level and revisit past ones that I have given me ambition, virtues, and
have already beaten. I wistfully recall I was a complete dork. you would. If none of these hope. I didn’t have these things served to
myself as a wide-eyed and wishful fresh- me; I had to look for them. I had to
man. My dear underclass- things has happened to you stretch tall and reach for them myself. It
wasn’t easy, but as I can see now, it also
I wore Gravity Falls t-shirts with men — maturity isn’t going to give you a yet, I promise you that they will soon. I was not impossible. More so than any-
Pokémon bracelets and wrote an un- thing else, my encounters in this high
healthy amount of fan-fiction. I’d get a heads-up before it sucker-punches you also promise that if I can get through it, school have helped me to develop an
full eight hours of sleep every single undying love for my friends, my men-
night, which fully prepared me to spend and tells you that it’s time for you to get you can too. tors, and for the world as a whole.
hours taking Sonic games 10 times more
seriously than I had ever taken home- it together. You’re going to acquire the The threshold in between high Thank you, Northern Lehigh.
work.
absolute best version of yourself through school and university is beyond any oth- *snort* ...Shayla Smith
I had no idea how to empathize, so-
what is essentially a never-ending loop of er bittersweetness I have ever felt. It’s

trial and error. Like me, you’re going to also really weird. I’m nervous to be call-

say words you wish you hadn’t and ing University of the Sciences my home

you’re going to say yes to people you for four years. I’m apprehensive to really

wish you had denied. begin to fend for myself, by myself. As an

You’re going to learn that actions adult, I’m going to need to interact with new

Admin’s first full year looks toward a strong 2020

As Dr. Stoker and I approach the the equity gap by en- major construction our stages, and on our athletic fields and
end of our first full year in Northern courts every day. We look forward to
Lehigh School District, we agree that it suring that every stu- projects around the sharing those stories, not only with the
has been a tremendously rewarding and Northern Lehigh community, but the
challenging year. dent has access to a district for a while. entire world.

Since we started at NL in January of Chromebook or lap- At the core of our During the final weeks of the school
2018, the fall semester was another new year, when you see us around campus,
beginning for us, as we did not get to top in school and at experiences during this please stop and share some of your favor-
experience the opening of the school ite memories from this school year; may-
year, homecoming activities, the commu- home during the aca- first full year have been be it is about a friend, a teacher, a fun
nity bonfire, and seeing kindergarteners event, or a barrier you overcame. You
attend their first day as a Peters Pup. demic year. the relationships we can also simply tell us what you are look-
Hopefully you Mr. Link & Dr. Stoker continue to build with- ing forward to this summer.
The areas of need also became clearer
for us; the K-12 curriculum needed a have noticed progress in the district and the Either way, thanks for the memories
booster shot, mental health supports this year and we wish you all a safe and
were not readily available, and we still in each of these areas. We still have work community. Seeing our high school stu- fun summer. To our seniors, best of luck
had a lot of work to do in upgrading and in the next chapter of your life and re-
modernizing our facilities. to do! dents mature into young adults and our member we are always here for you!

We also wanted to begin to bridge Things to keep an eye out for as you seniors ready to launch into post-

return in the fall include renovated sci- secondary life inspires and energizes us

ence rooms at the high school with the each day. Telling the story of Northern

addition of two new classrooms, a new Lehigh School District gets easier and

HVAC system at the high school, laptops more exciting all the time.

for every student at the high school, an We love when students, staff, and

emphasis on college and career readiness parents tell us about the accomplish-

at every building level, and an end to ments that happen in our classrooms, on

The Slate @theslatenews Page 5

District updates director of technology JAMIE

Mr. Eric Hill replaces retiring IT leader of 21 years myself than anything. Through high school, I
have learned who I really am and what I want
By Jamie Knerr “I’m happy to be leaving with Mr. Eric Hill will serve as new Director of Technol- to do. I have become independent and have
Editor in Chief such a great guy in charge. The ogy for Northern Lehigh. taken on responsibilities I never thought I
school district is really on the could handle. My senior year of high school
As big changes come to the tech- right track,” Hrizuk said of wel- has been the best year of my life. I have gotten
nology world at Northern Lehigh coming the new director. close with the people who are important to
High School, changes are also taking me, experienced moments I will remember for
place in the staff of the Technology Mr. Hill attended the Pennsyl- the rest of my life, laughed harder than ever
Department for the entire district. vania Institute of Technology to before, and pushed myself to be the best per-
Mr. Eric Hill will be replacing previ- obtain his associate’s degree. He son I can be. The only thing you can do in life
ous tech director of 21 years, Mr. then continued his education at is live everyday the way you want. If you make
John Hrizuk, who has lead the tech- Muhlenberg College to receive a mistake, take it as a lesson and make yourself
nology department in the recent his bachelor’s degree in Manage- better from it. That is what high school is all
changes made in NL schools. ment Information Systems. Mr. about.
Hill is coming to Northern
In 2018, Northern Lehigh Middle Lehigh with four years of experi- KATIE
School students were given their own ence as a computer technician
personal Chromebook to complete and almost 15 years as an IT coor- simply enjoy each new experience you go
homework and school assignments. dinator at Jim Thorpe School through. It is important to learn from your
By the start of the 2019-20 school District. mistakes and continue to grow as a person.
year, Mr. Hill, along with Mr. Hrizuk, Everyone has to go through high school, and in
will complete the project of assigning He is also no stranger to order to give yourself the best chance at having
a personal laptop to each student at Lehigh County, as he attended a great experience, you might as well just put in
the high school. the work to make it the best it can be.

SO... THIS HAPPENED With that being said, I believe this is an
extremely valuable lesson that will be important
Donkey Basketball returned to Northern Lehigh on April 8. SADD and the All Night Party committee of parents to remember after we graduate and each of us
ran the fundraiser to raise money for the senior class All Night Party after graduation on June 14. Pictured, goes our separate ways. Life is going to change
Mrs. Kelly Follweiler looks for an open team member. (Background) Mrs. Jess Frew attempts to steer her stub- drastically after high school, in some ways it
born mule down court. No donkeys were harmed in the event but they sure were confused. will become better and in other ways, not so
much.

No matter what happens in life, reminding
yourself that things are what you make them
will help you to positively impact every other
experience you go through.

COURTNEY

Photo by Jamie Knerr wanted to go visit Temple University and let’s
just say they were just as surprised as I was.
THE BARD came to save my life. What made me and language loving, heathen mad- Who would have thought that a small-town girl
obscure made others too, and it was man I am today, off and about with would want to go to a big city, Philadelphia no
times that life changed. Coming in by the fates we would gather. All I insane ravings of dragons and lost less. So the planning began. We picked one of
was awkward and there were the had were niche interests, hobbies, tales. their open house dates and drove down.
same, if not more, challenges. and nothing else.
Were it not for friends, my fami- The moment I stepped onto campus, some-
Looking back upon those battles, When I entered high school my ly, I would not be here. To the peo- thing was different. The constant movement of
I realize that it was not they which social spectrum grew beyond the con- ple able to stand the discombobulat- people, the noisy subway, the tall buildings, it
defined my legacy, but the people fines of what I knew the world to be, ed plethora of oxymoronic idiosyn- all felt right. I felt like I found a part of me that
along the journey. As the people like an explorer sailing into the sea. I crasies, which is The Bard, I owe my was missing. It was just up to the admissions
around you begin to mature, you just had to find my island, which I thanks and love to you. team to fill that part. I waited in anticipation
realize your self and friends. The did when I found true friends in staff for their answer. I checked the mailbox every
bonds I made during high school and students in unlikely places. High school was, when boiled single day, even when we weren’t supposed to
down, the greatest time of my life. As get mail. Then it came, like the dove carrying
They fashioned me into what I the Romans said, “Acta non verba.” the olive branch. My sign, my future. It was
am today from an oddness of disturb- Stay strong; there will be a rainbow right there in that cherry red envelope.
ing qualities into the flaming, history in the dark.
Why are people afraid of change? Maybe
it’s because they’ve gotten too comfortable with
their surroundings. Maybe it’s because they’re
too scared to jump. Am I afraid of change? Not
anymore. I’ve learned to embrace it and chal-
lenge it. Temple University is going to be my
home for the next four years and after that...I
don’t know, but for once, I’m okay with that.

Summer Edition — June 2019 @theslatenews

Page 6

What was all this? This revolution revitalized
a sense of the written ‘self’
A five-issue journalistic journey
The Slate helped to lower the mask and drop the shield
spoke to the entire community
By Jamie Knerr the interest level in writers before beginning to
What you are holding is a sincere sense of pride. At the begin- Editor in Chief assign articles for the first issue. We had sat
ning of the year, during the first meeting of The Slate, I said to down at the meeting, unsure what to expect.
whomever showed up, “We have the potential to create something Writing can take on many different masks. However, Mr. Barnes already had the entire
amazing.” The rest was a bit unknown. Showcase who you are and your opinions. vision of what we could make this newspaper
Communicate to others who you want to be or become.
My vision was to bring seven years of journalism experience to what you are feeling. Writing can be an escape
create a respectable, interesting, attractive student-created publica- or outlet for some. It is a way to turn a thought He had goals to allow everyone to become
tion full of integrity and accuracy. Look through the pages and it is into powerful words. involved and planned ways to reach out to peo-
clear that this mission was accomplished more than I had ever ple farther than just our school. At this point, I
planned. For me, it has become a huge part of my knew I wanted to have a greater involvement
life. Working with The Slate has given me such than just writing for each issue. I wanted to be
It is no secret that the newspaper is a struggling medium. It a better insight into the world of journalism a part of the entire process of creating the news-
simply cannot compete with the pace of immediate technology and how it affects our media and society. paper.
where headlines update themselves with every swipe.
I had never written nor had I been involved Becoming editor in chief of The Slate my
So rather than accepting this dinosaur’s extinction, we polished
the bones, took the DNA and, like a journalistic jurassic experi- Jamie Knerr, far right, spoke a few months ago with fellow Slate staffers to a group of Slatington Elementary students
ment, created a new revolution for the NL student voice. to get them pumped about — of all things — a newspaper! The revolution is real.

What did we just do? We told stories. It is that basic. Stories with this school newspaper before my senior senior year was one of the greatest experiences
that all Bulldogs and their families (along with the rest of the com- year. Writing articles for a newspaper that all of high school. Not only did I learn the foun-
munity) would enjoy reading. The dedicated work this staff pro- my peers would read never seemed like some- dation of how to construct a legitimate newspa-
duced made me prouder than ever. thing I would be interested in. Whether I was per and the journalism process, but I also
shy or couldn’t find a passion for it at that time, learned a lot about myself and how I write. I
Honest, heartfelt opinions on finding inner-peace on the theater I now wish I could go back and begin my high learned how to put thoughts into meaningful
stage, overcoming a daily struggle with a speech impediment, meth- school career with my love for writing already words, get readers intrigued in your story with a
ods of how to conquer hate, and searching for inner-confidence discovered. powerful “lede,” and much more from Mr.
with help from the Queer Guys. Barnes’s mini grammar lessons.
The Slate has undergone many changes over
Then our sports editors hit home runs every issue, introducing the past school year. With a revitalized look Throughout my senior year, I have learned
readers to amazing athletic milestones. Cross country flash Reagan and a new adviser who has a dedication to al- more about myself and who I want to be more
Pender will return for her senior year and possible even more med- lowing students to find their voice, Mr. Christo- than any other time in my life. Part of this rea-
als; and basketball phenoms Jada Saeger and Brandon Hess pher Barnes, many people expected The Slate son is because I discovered how much I enjoy
(surpassing 1,000 buckets each) are not only killers on the court but to turn into a largely known and respected writing and learning about journalism, thanks
all-around respectable young adults about to take on the world. piece of journalism. When Mr. Barnes took to being a part of The Slate.
over the position of managing adviser for my
Then there are the stories that humanized teachers, which was senior year, I wanted to become involved in the One moment I will never forget took place
one of my favorite features. From good old Mr. Graver jumping new process of our school newspaper. the week of Read Across America when fellow
from a plane and Dave Oertner immersing his super-self into cul- members of our staff, Mr. Barnes and I went to
tures on the other side of the world, to Mr. Gupta making us all I will always remember the first meeting
jealous of his spontaneous explorations, we proved that teachers are held in September to gain an understanding of
actually people, too, outside the classroom.

Most recently, we recognized the horrific Parkland shooting
anniversary with a front-page debate over gun rights. (We thank the
administration for allowing a free press for such controversial top-
ics, even at a scholastic level).

It has been so amazing and this train is just getting rolling.
Next year, we will go to 10 issues and double your Northern
Lehigh news, sports, opinions, and everything in between. I cannot
thank my seniors enough for their timely, punctual, thoughtful
work. My partner, Jamie Knerr, as this revolution’s maiden editor in
chief, was everything the position required -- classy, thoughtful, loy-
al, and able to tolerate me on every level. To the rest of the 12th-
graders, go help fix our world and please, stay in touch with your
Bulldog news on Instagram.
To our faithful readers, the rebirth is just getting started. Come
September, this polished dinosaur will rise and roar again.

Mr. Christopher Barnes
Managing Adviser

The Slate @theslatenews Page 7

Joker: A perfect origin story or just unnecessary?

By Owen Levan-Uhler do the same, but DC, at least in the
Staff Writer last couple of years, has had a bad
reputation of getting our hopes up
On April 3, a teaser trailer and then harshly letting them down.
dropped for the new Joaquin Phoenix
Joker film, directed by Todd Phillips. That isn’t my only reason for wari-
The trailer depicts a failed comedian ness. When I watch the trailer for
named Arthur Fleck who is battling
mental illness. Joker, the cinematography and feeling

He is caring for his elderly mother, of it seem very similar to The Dark
and as he slowly descends into mad-
ness, he turns to a life of crime. With Knight Rises. On the other side of the
an all star cast behind Phoenix, in- trailer, the story side, I believe that
cluding Robert De Niro, many are Joaquin Phoenix, whether he was
wondering if the film and Phoenix’s forced to or not, is trying to imitate
performance will be Oscar-worthy. Heath Ledger’s Joker too closely. Not
Well, I’m not so sure. that that’s a completely bad thing.

There are many reasons as to why Maybe that’s what the filmmakers
I am hesitant about this film. As soon and Joaquin Phoenix thought would
as the trailer came out, many individu- attract the most viewers, which it will,
als said that they believe Joker will win
an Oscar, but as much I believe this and that’s why it is somewhat of a bad
will be a good film, I believe it is too thing. I feel that viewers will get
early to tell how this movie will play sucked into the trap of, “Hey, this
out. DC tends to release excellent
trailers (for example Watchmen, and looks like The Dark Knight Rises, and
Suicide Squad), and then release a mov- wait a second. Is that Joaquin Phoe-
ie that is horrible and is nothing like nix?! I love him! Yep, I’m definitely
the trailers. going to see this.”

I’m not saying other studios don’t I also don’t think studios, especial-
ly DC, should be riding off of the
success of another movie. I wouldn’t
want anyone to go see this because it

Tears from the years of following the heroes

By Kristen Guelcher War, the Internet was flooding with
Staff Writer theories and rumors about the up-
coming sequel. With every new trail-
On April 25, millions of people er and piece of news that was re-
sat in theaters world-wide in anticipa-
tion of one of the most ambitious leased regarding Endgame, the excite-
crossovers in cinematic history. For ment grew exponentially. Fans were
almost 11 years, longtime fans have trying to put together every little
been waiting for the dramatic conclu- piece of information they could to
sion of a saga containing 22 movies understand more about what the
total. movie would entail. Fans asked them-
selves who they thought would die
First, Avengers: Infinity War had us and if some of the favorite heroes
all on the edge of our seats when would be returning.
more than half of our beloved heroes
were left dead. It had us waiting for Soon enough, the day arrived
what would happen next, but noth- where people would find out what
ing could have prepared us for what the exact fate of our Marvel heroes
was to come a year later in Avengers: would be and it left everyone in tears.
Endgame. There are still some people who do

Since the day we first saw Infinity

KNERR these kids are so inspired by our work. many people do our words actually comfort zone and try new things. Writ-
Each student was so curious and had reach? There are 1,000 printed – gone in ing promotes self-expression through
Slatington Elementary to talk to the stu- short time. your interests and opinions. It gives you
dents about what our high school news- such thoughtful questions that an hour a voice when you don’t think one exists.
paper does and to teach them the basics could never have been enough time to Nothing will ever be better than hav- I will always treasure the memories I
of journalism. I could sense the excite- answer them all. As we were about to ing people in our community come up to have gained by being editor in chief.
ment from Mr. Barnes from the very leave, we had a few copies of the latest me and say how wonderful our newspa-
start of the day because we were all so edition of The Slate to hand out. per is. Businesses look forward to receiv- Although writing for The Slate has
eager to share a piece of what we do with ing our newest issue to distribute to cus- been personally empowering, it never
the kids who, in a few years, will be the When we said this, the gym went tomers because they enjoy reading it and would have been the same without being
writers contributing to this newspaper. crazy and students were jumping up and hearing the latest news from NLHS and able to work so closely with Mr. Barnes.
down just to be given a copy of our news- beyond. I will forever be grateful for the insight I
After the presentation concluded, the paper. This day was one of the greatest gained into journalism and the inspira-
entire gymnasium lit up with eager stu- moments of being a part of The Slate I am going to miss being editor in tion I have found from working with
dents begging to get their questions an- staff because it made me realize how chief of The Slate. This has been one of such an amazing mentor. I wish nothing
swered about our school newspaper. I powerfully your words can impact other the most rewarding experiences of high but the best to next year’s staff and can-
had to take a step back and realize that people. school and I am so glad I decided to get not wait to come back and see The
involved. Slate’s success in the future!
To think, this was just in our own
school district. When we distribute our For anyone who thinks writing for
paper to local businesses and areas the newspaper may not be for him or
around our entire community, how her, I encourage you to break out of your

Page 8 The Slate

HILL Once Upon a Time in the West

Lehighton Area High School growing up. “I Back when it was still cold and dark, The
really love the size of this district. It drew
me toward this area because it’s familiar to Slate traveled west to the light and warmth.
me. There is such a sense of community This anonymous world explorer took the voice
within Northern Lehigh,” Mr. Hill said of
his move. of Northern Lehigh High School as far west
as Phoenix, Arizona. If you take The Slate on
Mr. Hill’s goal leaving Jim Thorpe was to vacation with the family this summer, send
find a director’s position in the technology
department of a high school. When the us pics!
opportunity came to move to Northern
Lehigh, he immediately knew it was the best JOKER name! He was this chilling, psychotic MCU. Joker is supposed to be taking
decision. “I’ve lived in this area all of my place before Batman is even a thing in
life, and a director position was what I was looks like a movie that was made be- character that you really didn’t feel Gotham.
really looking for. This was the best oppor- fore or just because it has a good cast, much sympathy for. You simply were-
tunity,” he said. and then it is a let-down. n’t supposed to. But with this new So ignoring the fact that the
movie, you are seeing the “good” side
Beginning his new role, Mr. Hill is look- My third reason for being cautious of him in a sense. 1960’s style Batmobile was supposedly
ing forward to the changes and improve- when it comes to Joker is the story. It is
ments Northern Lehigh will be making with too early to tell what this movie will We are going to feel sympathy for spotted on the set of Joker last fall, the
the use of technology in the classroom. “I’m truly be like. But this movie, like all him. Before, we weren’t supposed to.
excited to work with the administration and other movies, really, has the potential Not that I’m saying that this sympathy Joker has the stage to himself. Joker is
staff, to get to know the students, and the to have a really dry and unoriginal will be a bad thing either. I predict trying to establish the fact that while,
overall advancement of technology within story. yes, the image of the Joker needs Bat-
the district,” he said. While he adds that that in Joker, you’ll see Arthur Fleck as
Mr. Hrizuk has done a wonderful job over When Christopher Nolan used a character that is sort of loving and man to survive like we saw in The Dark
the past 20 years leading Northern Lehigh in the Joker in The Dark Knight, he and vulnerable, and then you will see how
the right direction, he is ready to take on Heath Ledger played off of Joker’s much abuse and violence can really Knight, he is able to stand as his own
this position and continue to build the infra- mentality and unpredictability well. change someone, and that’s how character, at least in his origin story.
structure for technology the retiring director They created a true suspense and crim- they’ll get the same kind or even bet- That should be one of the best things
and district have set in place. inality out of the character, and a Jok- to emerge from this movie.
er not seen in any other live-action ter maniacality out of Joker’s character.
“The administration is always forward- Batman movie. Now, seeing Joker’s Many have asked, and many more Either way, I think DC has a de-
thinking, and we will be able to advance our twisted and sad backstory will add cent base to truly build a good movie
technology and continue to do this for many depth to the character. will: “Where’s Batman?” Well, I hate off of. We have a liked character that
years because of it,” he said. to break it to you, but this is an origin
Though what made the Joker so story. I feel like this is going to be a can be multi-layered with an excellent
Mr. Hill is no stranger to implementing good in Dark Knight Rises is that we actor that can bring what is needed to
the 1:1 effort in a school district. In recent didn’t really know anything about Venom-type situation in where people the big screen.
years, Jim Thorpe Area School District also him. Heck, we didn’t even know his don’t like it as much because the main
converted its high school to a 1:1 ratio of superhero isn’t in it. But, as a caution to you, I feel as if
students to technology. “This is beneficial this movie may very well be copying
to me because I know what worked and Venom, just like Joker is trying to what Chris Nolan and Heath Ledger
what didn’t in that process, so we can use do, tried to show that Venom could accomplished well, and I feel that
that experience to make the transition be his own character. This didn’t work people are getting their hopes up too
smooth and keep a good atmosphere for the to Sony’s advantage too well because
students.” Venom’s enemy, Spider-Man, already strongly. Joker does have the potential
existed in that point in time in the to be an Oscar-worthy film, but it also
“I’m excited to get things rolling. I think has the potential to be another really
the department is going to work great to- bad DC movie. I have faith for it,
gether and I’m so glad to have the support though.
from the administration and school board to
implement these changes,” Mr. Hill’s first AVENGERS ple saw a saga, that has brought mil- next for the MCU?”
goal of the 2019-20 school year is to success- lions of people together inside and With some characters now gone,
fully implement the 1:1 in the high school. not understand the obsession behind outside of theaters, come to an end.
Looking forward, he hopes to continue bet- this movie and why almost everyone Anyone who sees this movie, Marvel it's hard to say exactly what will hap-
tering our district’s use of technology in the left the theaters sobbing. Fans will tell fan or not, will be sad seeing it any- pen next. We already know of upcom-
classroom and possibly extending the 1:1 to those people that those tears are due way. However, for longtime fans, it hit ing movie releases from Marvel in the
higher grades in Slatington Elementary. to seeing the conclusion of 22 movies a little closer to home. near future, but we still aren’t exactly
“We just want students to be comfortable in made over the course of 11 years that sure what they could entail. What we
the school atmosphere they are in. Technol- are full of good-hearted and magical After this movie, the Marvel Cine- do know is that whatever happens
ogy is now such a huge factor of our lives, so characters who have the most un- matic Universe will be forever next, we fans will be patiently waiting
it’s important that our schools can conform breakable bonds and friendships. Peo- changed. We lost some of our favorite
to those changes.” characters in this movie that will cer- to see what is to come after Avengers:
tainly be missed. Now the only ques-
Next year, join the tion we can ask ourselves is “What is Endgame.

You can write here and write there.

Be a CONTRIBUTING WRITER!

[email protected]
for more info.

The Slate @theslatenews Page 9

Creative expression available in all the ‘arts’

By Trent Herman that one thing that they can’t live with- Creative expression can affect stu- more than just a performance. For many
Staff Writer out and that one thing that gives them dents in so many ways. It can be a great people, the arts are their driving force in
motivation. This may be football, writ- outlet if someone may be dealing with a life. I am very proud to say that theatre is
The arts are very important to have ing, track, or music. rough situation in their life. The arts are my driving force. If you have not found
in schools. Music and theatre are a huge more than just what you see. There are that one thing that makes you truly hap-
part of my life. They have affected me a Whatever it may be it’s that one many layers to what is being shown. For py, that’s OK. Maybe, you should try
great deal. thing that makes them into the person instance, a painting on a wall is more something new. Perhaps you could audi-
they are. The arts have truly made im- than just paint and canvas. tion for the musical or learn to play an
I love theatre because not only is it a pact on my life. I would not be the same instrument or join a club or a sports
place where I can truly be myself, but it’s person I am today if never found theatre. That picture represents something team. Just do what makes you happy and
a place where I can do that while being Theatre brings the best out in me. I feel the artist is trying to express or convey. A you’ll be surprised at what you may
someone else. Many people have that that the arts brings the best out in every- stage production has so many symbolic achieve.
one thing that they love so much. It’s one. and underlying tones to it. It is so much

LAPTOPS support staff throughout the district.
Some will also be kept as spares and
tendent Dr. Tania Stoker explained replacements if too many new laptops
that, “NLSD currently has an econom- are damaged or defected. The rest will
ically disadvantaged population over most likely be recycled or sold to a
45 percent, which could cause equity third party.
issues with access to technology. We
are excited to expand to our 1:1 initia- “Teachers can now turn a regular
tive by getting a laptop in the hands of classroom into a computer lab. The
every high school student.” best thing will be the ability to do
things immediately. Work can be
The HP ProBook 440 G6 will be shared and discussed very efficiently,”
given to each student, along with a Mr. Hill said. Dr. Stoker added that,
personal carrying case to prevent dam- “We will now be able to create a more
age from drops or spills. Each com- flexible learning environment in
puter has a 13-inch screen and a core which students are engaged in re-
i5 processor. If something were to searching, problem solving, and col-
happen to a student’s computer, the laboration – future-ready skills that
department has a plan in place. students will need not only for their
courses at Northern Lehigh, but for
Mr. Hrizuk explained that, their endeavors after high school.”
“Students must sign the Laptop Agree-
ment and will need to pay a fee as a Not only does this technology
self-insurance policy in case it drops, allow for more efficiency in the class-
gets spilled on, or anything happens room, but it will teach students a lot
to it that is not a technical problem.” about responsibility. Mr. Hrizuk ex-
plained that all students will be re-
The price for this insurance policy sponsible for making sure their laptop
has not yet been set. However, for is charged each day to get them
students to be able to take their lap- through their classes. “This will teach
tops home and off school campus, students how to treat something that
they will need to get the Laptop Agree- is not theirs, like it is theirs, and to
ment signed and the insurance paid. protect it so that nothing purposely
If they do not want to take it home, happens to it,” he said.
they will be able to leave it in a charg-
ing station overnight that will be set While technology does continue
up in the high school. to advance, Mr. Hill believes there will
always be some form of paper used in
Teachers will also be given the the classroom. “I don’t think we will
same new laptop as the students. ever be able to replace books com-
pletely, but moving to more online
“We wanted to start with a clean sources is the right direction for our
slate to ensure that every student and district.”
faculty member was given a laptop
with the same capabilities as all of the “It is going to be a lot of work for
others.” From an educational stand- our technology staff and a big change
point, Mr. Hill explains that it is im- for everyone in the high school, but in
portant for Northern Lehigh to keep the end, it is moving us forward. The
up with the new technology advances, staff and administration are looking
as we see many other districts switch forward to being an integral part of
to the 1:1 ratio as well. helping our district make this
change,” Mr. Hill said.
“It makes it more efficient for the
students, as they have the freedom To aid in the 1:1 switch next
and accessibility to complete their school year, the technology depart-
work on their own time. This will ment will be conducting a district-
keep up with new educational trends wide network infrastructure update to
and make sure our students have the increase the network’s capabilities and
proper equipment to get the best edu- enable each student to use his or her
cation possible.” 1:1 devices properly.

As for the laptop carts currently Both Mr. Hill and Mr. Hrizuk
being used in each classroom, it has agree that NL is very forward-thinking
been in discussion to give the newest and are appreciative that administra-
of those laptops to the educational tion and school board have pushed
the 1:1 ratio to come to fruition.

Summer Edition — June 2019 @theslatenews

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Page 10

Stay in
your lane

Swimming for the gold

in Lehman’s terms

By Madison Hoffman
Staff Writer

Benjamin Lehman is a well-rounded junior in
Northern Lehigh High School. He started the new
programming club and is a high honor roll and AP
student with outstanding grades and a superb SAT
score to back it up.

He is a Boy Scout and is
currently working on his
Eagle Scout project, putting
him on track to attain the
rank of Eagle Scout by the
end of this year. He plans
on studying Software Engi-
neering in college.

One thing, however,
that you might not have
known about him is that he
is a swimmer, and a good
one too.

“I started swimming competitively because my
dad wanted me to do a sport and I don’t like foot-
ball, and I ended up being really good at swim-
ming,” Ben said.

He has been swimming for as long as he can
remember and this year he has made it farther than

Preston Kemery and Reagan Pender were recently named Northern Lehigh Athletes of the Year for 2019-20.

Baseball/Softball, Track/Field wrap up seasons strong

By Brianna Schuck there were definitely some games they The “best” part of the season was knew they didn’t exactly have their work
& Katie Guelcher could have won, but many other games beating Wilson, which at the time, was cut out for them. Every team was proba-
that they didn’t give up in really showed in first place in the Colonial League. bly ready to give it their best shot and
Sports Editors the dedication from the boys. Most sig- They won on a walk-off suicide squeeze knock the Dawgs down.
nificantly, this was the most wins they by Daulton Lorrah to score both Caleb
Baseball: This year was a bit of a turn have had since 2011, and they hope they Wanamaker and AJ Berger to pull out a Although they were defending
-around season for the baseball boys; can continue on an upward trend in come-from-behind victory in the bottom League Champs, the girls were not dealt
their record being 7-13 with a three-game years to come. of the 7th inning. Coach King hopes a good hand of cards; however, they nev-
improvement from last year. Coach Greg everyone can recall that amazing feeling er gave up. Starting the season 0-4, they
King, however, had higher expectations. Aside from stats, there were six lead- and want to achieve that next year. found their first win at Notre Dame East
They were all disappointed that they ing seniors: Luke Eitner, Brandon Hess, Stroudsburg. From there, they continued
didn’t break .500, which ultimately Daulton Lorrah, Aaron Rudolph, Scott To conclude the season, Brandon to work hard at practice and strive for
would have pushed them forth to the Schaeffer, and Caleb Wanamaker. Hess was recognized as Honorable Men- victories. Being defeated early in the
PIAA District XI AAA playoff tourna- Coach King says, “Although it will be tion Shortstop for the Colonial All- season is never easy to overcome. Howev-
ment. hard to replace those seniors, there is a League Honors. Congratulations on a er, the girls never gave up. The second
good group of younger players which will hard-fought season, boys! half of their season they made sure teams
Although they did not reach their hopefully step in next year,” Coach King
goals, they didn’t miss the playoff brack- said. Softball: Being defending Colonial
ets by a landslide. Coach King says that League Champions, the Lady Dawgs

The Slate @theslatenews Page 11

LEHMAN Will Harper be
worthy through
he has ever before. He went to States after a 12 more years?
lot of hard work.
By Brianna Schuck
“To prepare, I went to three-hour prac- Sports Editor
tices, five days a week. I’m glad I was able to
qualify; it was fun to participate,” Ben said. As a diehard Philadelphia sports fan, the Phillies are always at
the top of my discussions. But when it comes to contracts, that’s
He made it to Seniors with great times when things get interesting.
for the 200, 100 breaststroke and the 200
IM (this stands for individual medley, Bryce Harper, one of the hottest faces of baseball, is now a Phila-
which means that he did all four techniques delphia Phillie. Yet, the deal is a bit controversial. Harper, 26, previ-
during this race). Seniors is a part of a dif- ously played with the Washington Nationals from 2012 until 2018.
ferent league, but it is still a significant In 2010, the Nats drafted him at the age of 19. At the end of the
achievement. Ben finished 3rd with a time 2018 season, the Nats offered him a 10-year deal worth $300 mil-
of 1:03 for the 100 IM and he finished 5th lion, but Harper rejected the offer.
with a time of 2:03 for the 200 breaststroke
in the district level swim meet which quali- In January, the Nats offered him a 12-year deal worth (only) $250
fied him for States. He finished 30th in million. With a decent reduction in the offer, he deferred and
States with a time of 1:03.66 for the 100m looked elsewhere. In Philly, he is making $330 million dollars over
breaststroke. “Swimming is just something the next 13 years, easily making his contract the most guaranteed to
I’ve always done, so it’s cool seeing years of any baseball player. This contract keeps him in Philly until 2031.
work pay off like that,” Ben said. “It’s a way
of staying fit too.” The question is, will Bryce be healthy? Many top-of-the-line base-
ball players are good until their 40s, but how good is good? Will he
Ben swims for PAAC during the offsea- be the stellar athlete fans expect? This deal locks him up on a no-
son and he swims for Northern Lehigh trade and no opt-out option. And Harper, in the meantime, thor-
during the school year, while Districts and oughly enjoys being the face of baseball. He has bids with companies
States are through Northern Lehigh. He all over, like Under Armour, T-Mobile, and Gatorade. Mike Trout,
also swims with another student from another star outfielder in MLB, has also been locked up on a similar
Northern Lehigh named Jovannie Avila. He deal, but he has laid low to the face of the media compared to Har-
swims in plenty of other meets throughout per.
the year, but this is a first for him to have
gotten this far. As a Philly fan, I strongly support the Harper deal. There is a
great concern of injury, although anyone can get injured on any giv-
“After six years of competitive swim- en day. Harper has proven his talent and love for the game is not
ming, I’m not planning to continue after going anywhere anytime soon. He has been working to gain the city’s
this year,” Ben said. “I might do water polo support over the course of the season, but he gained my support
in college to have fun and stay fit, though.” years prior.
This surely won’t be his last success, and all
of us here at Northern Lehigh wish him
good luck in his future endeavors.

WRAP-UPS Best of luck, Lady Dawgs, in the PI- -place finishes in the shot-put and placed Junior high jumper Zach Moyer tied the
AA District XI AA playoff bracket! Strive high in the discus as well. For a majority high jump record with a height of 6’6”.
all around knew that they were not to be for that Gold! of the season, she was ranked as one of He has also placed first in many meets
taken lightly. And the second time the top throwers in the Colonial League. this season. Moyer also runs the 300m
around, they came very close to beating Track and Field: During a short sea- At the District XI Championship meet, hurdles, but his main focus is the high
teams that thought it was going to be a son of only 10 weeks, Northern Lehigh’s Evans threw a distance of 33’ 3.5” in the jump. Throughout most of the season,
walk in the park. track and field teams have been able to shot-put, earning her a silver medal. he was ranked first in the Colonial
achieve many huge accomplishments. League and other athletes knew he was a
The Lady Dawgs knew this season The season started back in March, forc- Junior runner Reagan Pender knew it force to be reckoned with. Moyer also
was going to be a whole new ballgame. ing the team to fight through cold and was going to be a great season, especially qualified for the State Championship
As Coach Katie Farber and Coach Mark rainy weather conditions for many early after coming off a state-qualifying cross meet by placing second with a height of
Hoffman say, the game of softball is bro- practices in order to prepare for the rest country season. She made her mark 6’3” at the District XI Championship
ken up into three (sometimes four) com- of the season. early this track season by achieving many meet.
ponents: offense, defense, pitching, and first-place finishes and breaking the
emotion. Where they lacked in one com- The team competed in 12 meets, school record multiple times in events Joining both these athletes at the
ponent, they found a way to make up for including two invitationals. At the end such as the 3200m, 1600m, and the State Championship meet this year is
it in another. Yet unfortunately, many of of the season, select athletes qualified to 800m. This season she has broken the sophomore sprinter Kristen Guelcher.
their games were within a two-run defi- participate in the Colonial League school record for the 3200m with a time Throughout the season Guelcher has
cit. Being said, the ball just wasn’t in Championships on May 10 and 11 as of 11:13 as well as in the 800m with a earned many first-place finishes in events
their court. well as the District XI Championships time of 2:21. On top of that, she broke such as the 100m dash, 200m dash,
on May 15 and 16. The girls team con- the school record for the 1600, which 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles. At the
Reflecting on the season, it’s easy to sistently worked hard at practice and she previously set last season, with a time District Championship race for the
label them and say they aren’t as good, never gave up, earning them an overall of 5:14. 100m dash, Guelcher was seated second
yet talent doesn’t always define a team. record of 2-9. The guys team also in the preliminary race. She finished
Heart, passion, and emotion make up worked hard this season and finished As the races went on, she continued second with a time of 12.86, only two
for the lost talent. And to Coach Farber, with a record of 1-10. For having low to set new personal records. This year hundredths of a second behind the first-
“This year was challenging for our team. numbers this season, each athlete never Pender was able to qualify for the State place time of 12.84. In the final race for
We took our lumps and learned a lot of failed to put forth their best effort dur- Championship meet for the 3200m by the 100m dash, she was able to pull
hard lessons. I can tell you this— my girls ing practice as well as in competition. running under the qualifying time of ahead and earn the title of District
work incredibly hard and a record will 11:35 with a time of 11:13 at the District Champion with her personal best and a
never define who we are as a team or There have been a few athletes on XI Championship Race, which also hap- state qualifying time of 12.69 seconds.
what we are capable of. Counting us the team who have displayed unlimited pened to be her personal best. She also Congratulations to all of our athletes,
‘out’ will only fuel their fire.” amounts of talent -- One of the them earned a silver medal in the 1600m race especially those who have broken records
being sophomore thrower, Hailey Evans. and a bronze medal in the 800m run. and qualified for States!
Evans has had an extremely strong year
throwing shot-put and discus. Through- Pender is not the only athlete to
out the season, she has earned many first reach a new school record this season.

Page 12 The Slate

The Slate @theslatenews Page 13

Excavated from the Slate archives, Northern Lehigh historians found this ancient photo of a hard-working, thoughtful staff, circa 1936. Oddly, the staff bears a striking resemblance to our modern-day journalistic Almost 100 years ago, The Slate eerily predicted the new editor in chief
heroes. Direct from the newsroom ledger and verified through the U.S. Library of Congress are the following names: (back row) Owen Levan-Uhler, Shayla Smith, Katie Guelcher, Madison Hoffman, Chase Jones, Trent for 2019-20, Ava Rosario. We hope it comes true and we wish her well.
Herman, Cydney Krause, (front row, from left) Kristen Guelcher, Courtney Trumbore, Brianna Schuck, Dylan Kuntz, Ava Rosario, Jamie Knerr and Mr. Christopher Barnes.

Telephones rang off the hook as Franklin D. Roosevelt won the 1936
re-election. Managing Adviser Mr. Christopher Barnes made one of his
famous wisecracks that brought staffer Ava Rosario to tears, while
Editor Jamie Knerr tried maintaining journalistic focus.

The Slate’s editorial staff, circa the late 1930s, was responsible for reporting on local sports, community events, arts and culture and news
of the (Slatington) world. (Back row) Sports Editor Katie Guelcher, Community Editor Dylan Kuntz, Sports Editor Brianna Schuck, Arts &
Culture Editor Ava Rosario, Managing Adviser Mr. Christopher Barnes and Editor in Chief Jamie Knerr.

Page 14 The Slate

Running of the Dawgs

Zach Polinsky ran with his dog, Kobe.

Sponsored by the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation, this year’s Running of the Dawgs event was held April 13 at Bulldog Stadium.

(clockwise): The Wertman family — Rich, Aliegh, Audriana, and Sydney not only participated but Sydney won the 1-mile Fun Run, prior to

the 5K. Photos by Jamie Knerr

Marketing, media internship available with LV dietitians

EMPOWER Nutrition & Well- platforms; creation of blog posts; utili- cation, journalism, public relations, cover letter and writing sample, plus an
ness, of the Lehigh Valley, is offering zation photos, videos to update web graphic design and multimedia. example of marketing work, along with
an (unpaid) internship opportunity for site, social and print media; network- social media handles via email to
a graduating high school senior or un- ing with in-house photographer; devel- Preferred skills and experience are [email protected]. Please
dergraduate college student to work opment of tactics for increasing cam- the ability to work independently, on- state “Marketing Intern Application”
closely with their Registered Dietitians paign participation, revenue growth site and remote work; a strong aptness in the subject line of the email mes-
and assist in the following areas. and community awareness. for pitching, developing and curating sage.
new and interesting ideas to the target
Development of marketing cam- Candidate must be enrolled or en- audience; exceptional written and com- The internship will start in June
paigns and social media strategies that tering as an undergraduate student at munication skills; knowledge of Word- 2019, located in Emmaus but also re-
align with the company’s strategic plan; an accredited college or university and Press, SEO and analytics tools are a mote, and require eight to 10 hours a
support of marking initiatives; creation have experience in one or more of the plus. week, for a total of three months.
of appropriate content for social media following areas: Marketing, communi-
To apply, please submit a resume,

The Slate @theslatenews Page 15

Present! They don’t want to miss a thing

Photo by Brooke Bower

The honorable Magistrate Mr. Tom Creighton and Principal Mr. Robert Vlasaty congratulate this year’s Perfect Attendance recipients: Alicia Quattrocchi, Isaac Rosario, Skylar Schellenberg, Zachary Moyer, Jacob Forker,
Jeremy Brensinger, Brooke Delancey and Julia Thomason. (Unavailable for photo were Preston Kemery, Abigail Merkle, Jada Saeger, Madyson Sterner.)

i Que la Virgen Este Contigo

Momentos divertidos con il club de espanol,
comida espanola y cultura hispana.

World Culture Day is a tradition at NLHS, which helps provide information about the Hispanic world to

the rest of the student body and faculty. Students enrolled in a Spring semester Spanish course research a
specific Spanish country, create a display board with sited information and prepare a recipe or two from

their location. The event takes place after school, around the Cinco de Mayo holiday. (Above) Sam Slack
and Alexia Mankos.

The Spanish Club recently went field-trippin’ to NYC.

Madison Hoffman was too willing to share. Raven Klimek and Brooke Nonnemacher shared Colombia culture.

Page 16 The Slate


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