Governor Tom Wolf Makes Historic Visit to Hamburg Area High School Sarah Hanlon – 12

March 17, 2015 Volume XXI Hawk Issue 11 Happenings

A Publication of Hamburg Area High School, Windsor Street, Hamburg, PA 19526 Governor Tom Wolf makes historic visit to Hamburg Area High School Sarah Hanlon – 12

March 6, 2015 was a historic day for Hamburg; in addition to calling the first ever three hour delay, the governor of Pennsylvania visited the high school to see how the STEM (Science, Technology, Electronics, and Mathematics) program is incorporated into all levels of education. As an advocate for the use of STEM techniques in education, Governor Tom Wolf was presented with information from staff and students regarding how and why Hamburg’s curriculum is heavily focused on using 21st century technology. Dr. Elizabeth Lambi began by explaining that STEM education gives students experience in solving real world problems. This education begins at the elementary level, with students Students could benefit from later school gaining experience through working in science labs. Mr. Dickson Borger represented the middle school by describing Project Lead the Way curriculum and presenting projects start time completed by students in his Industrial Technology class. From basic airplane models to mobile cars, Mr. Borger stressed the importance of immersing students in the entire Julian Warner – 12 engineering process, from crafting preliminary ideas to the production of their models. Several freshmen represented the high school, and they discussed their coursework from For several years, psychologists and researchers have ardently suggested Physics and Integrated Science classes. Nora Barter and Lyndsey Carr described their that a later school starting time would correlate to higher grades for students as involvement in the TEAMS competition, and Seth Boyce and Gurp Saggi demonstrated a whole. The University of Oxford, located in England, is setting out on a large-scale their virtual bridge building project. Adam Degler further explained the physical construction study to test their hypotheses. If the test proves to be successful, the implications of bridges, while Mike Ansel and Daniel Baumert showed how they incorporate higher and changes could be far-reaching, stemming to countries around the globe. level math techniques, such as trigonometry, into their Physics lessons to power lights This trial in particular will track approximately 32,000 GCSE (General Certificate of through a circuit. Secondary Education) students in over 100 schools in Britain to determine the correlation To see STEM techniques in action, Gov. Wolf toured Mr. Greg King’s engineering class. between a later school start and higher grades. Increases in average grades would imply He had the opportunity to speak with various students about the work they did in the class, that students who start school at a later time are retaining more of the information that from computer design to using the new 3D printer. “I see problem solving here,” he said. they are learning in their classes. Nonetheless, there are other variables that may impact “Learning to solve problems is necessary for the future.” results which the study will not track, such as the differing teachers from school to school. Gov. Wolf concluded his visit by giving a press conference in the James A. Gilmartin room. Scientists have always been aware of the importance of sleep in general, but have Superintendent Steven Keifer gave an introduction about the importance of Gov. Wolf’s not yet developed a comprehensive understanding of the unique teenage sleeping promise to restore the funding to education that was lost in previous years. “On behalf of needs. In recent times, these scientist have become interested in the circadian 1.8 million public school students, thank you. On behalf of more than 125,000 public school rhythm of youths. Scientific observations indicate that there are changes occurring educators, thank you.” Gov. Wolf said, “We are investing in education. We are investing in the developmental years leading teens to not be tired at a normal bedtime, so they through the kids.” When asked why STEM education should be taught from kindergarten are tired in the morning. It is believed that teenager’s internal sleeping schedule is through high school, he said “It’s practical education. We’re trying to prepare students for life.” about two hours behind that of adults, and the study will help substantiate the claim. For more on Gov. Wolf’s visit, see page seven. Looking at what small-scale testing has been done, and the sleeping patterns of high school students in general, it is logical that a one-hour school delay could certainly impact and improve test scores in any country. There are, nonetheless, 24 American Studies Presents the hours in one day, so students will still be immensely tired unless they are able to make significant improvements in their lifestyles with a later start time. The school start time adjustment is not an extra hour of sleep, but instead it is a one hour shift to foster a Great Depression more teenager-friendly sleeping schedule. Even if students do not get more hours of Morgan DeLong – 11 sleep, there remains the chance that the sleep that they do get will be more restful sleep. If the results of the Oxford tests are convincing, countries such as the United Mr. Kline’s eleventh grade States will likely follow suit by conducting tests of their own. US schools, however, American Studies class did a have their own idiosyncrasies that distinguish them from the British education “museum project” to present the system. While the Oxford studies may prove to be helpful to education in Britain, it Great Depression to the students may not effect change with the same depth in schools throughout other countries. and administration on February For more information: http://www.bbc.com/news/education-29461685 13. Each student chose a topic, from Keynesian Economics to hobos, during the time period. Music in our schools month Yelitza Pagan – 10 After researching their topic, the students created a tri-fold poster Students at Hamburg Area high school should be taking advantage of the fantastic board to represent a museum music programs that are offered at Hamburg. It allows the students to expand their exhibit for their chosen topic. knowledge and have fun doing it. Chorus is being offered during period 8 days two, four, The students could dress and six. Band is offered during period 8 days one, three, and fifth. It is always great to try up to represent their topic or foreign languages. Orchestra is being offered period 8 days 6. dress professionally in order to There are many classes that can be taken for the next school year. A very interesting present the topic to visitors. The class is music production. Hamburg High School has a room just for producing music! presentations were as if the students worked at a museum and presenting an exhibit. Music production is taught by Dr. Christine Ryan. Learn how to climb your way to the top of The visitors included teachers, students, and other administration such as Mr. Spohn, Mr. the music business. Other classes Dr. Ryan teaches is Piano one, Piano two, and music Netznik, and the School Board members. theory. The LGI was set up with the “exhibits” around the entire room. The visitors could roam According to The Effective Music Teaching website, playing an instrument can sharpen around the room, visit several exhibits throughout second and third period, and learn all concentration, promote happiness in life of those around, and enhance respiratory about the many topics of the Great Depression. Many of the visitors congratulated Mr. Kline system. Playing a musical instrument has many benefits and should encourage students for the job well done, but he said it was his students that did the work and deserved the to participate in Hamburg’s music program. For more information on joining a musical recognition. Many students who visited said that they enjoyed the set up and learned new group contact any of these teachers @ [email protected] (orchestra/musical pit things. Michael Madara, who is a student who presented said that he enjoyed teaching his conductor), [email protected] (Band conductor), and [email protected] fellow classmates about his topic. (choral conductor). March Holidays LISA Visits Tilden Gov. Wolf’s Visit Inside: Mini View- Pg. 2

Spotlights- Pg. 4

Entertainment- Pg. 6 Pg. Pg. 5 Pg. 7 Page 2 Hawk Happenings March 17, 2015 Snow tubing with Wilderness Club H a m b u r g / S c h u y l k i l l Rachael Noecker – 10 Valley Ice Hockey finishes On February 20, the Wilderness Club went snow tubing at Blue Mountain. 2014-15 season Everyone who went on the trip met in the student parking lot at 4:50 p.m. The club Erik Fleischel – 11 left and about half way there, they got stuck in traffic. The club was supposed to tube from six to nine, but since they got stuck in traffic, they did not make it there until As spring approaches, the season for high school ice about 7:00 pm. The president, Rebecca Fritz, and the club advisor, Mr. Hetrich, did hockey teams comes to a close. The Hamburg/Schuylkill not want the student’s money to go to waste, so they asked if they could get their Valley Ice Hockey varsity team completed the regular season time changed to seven to ten, and they were approved to get their time changed. with a record of 2-11-1, finishing in seventh place for the Everyone snow tubed for about two hours, and Mr. Hetrich decided the group was going varsity division of the EPSHL. The team has made their way to leave at 9:15 because everyone was getting tired and ready to go home. There were into the double-elimination playoffs for the season and lost three different types of tubes that the students could go in. There was a family tube that against Exeter on Monday, March 2. This brought the team to the loser’s bracket, and on held four people, a double tube that held two people and a single tube made for one person. Thursday, March 5, they lost against Governor Mifflin which ended the varsity season. The people who went on the trip were: Mr. Hetrich, Kayla Arndt, McKenzie Carter, Jordon The Junior Varsity team, however, finished the regular season with a record of 8-0-0, Daugherty, Andrea Fink, Rebecca Fritz, Skylar Gerner, Mo Hassanein, Helen Kerschner, leading their division in standings. The team now looks to win a championship in the single Brianna Knarr, Dakota Kolbe, Kellie LaPearl, Kyle Machmer, JR Molnar, Rachael Noecker, elimination JV playoffs within the next two weeks. Samantha Nye, Austin Schlenker, Emily Schreiner, Amber Shuey. The Hamburg/Schuylkill Valley varsity team will be losing six seniors but still looks forward to improving for next season. The varsity team is projected to do much better and Hamburg students attend genocide will perhaps make it further into the playoffs with their new roster. discussion Mini View: What Lucky Charms do you Hannah Stertzel – 12 On Monday February 23, Hamburg Area High School students attended a discussion believe in? on the Armenian Genocide at Albright College. The students that attended were Seniors Megan Krick – 9 Shelby Levan, Adam Lenz, and Hannah Stertzel, as well as junior at Hamburg Avery Werley. The discussion was held in the Klein Lecture Hall at 7p.m. The discussion, “ON Genocide and its Denial: A Conversation on the 1915 Armenian Genocide” was being held to mark the 100 anniversary of the genocide. The Armenian Genocide is the discrimination of the Armenians within the Ottoman Empire. It was the creation of Turkey as the Turks pushed the Armenians out of the area. Yes, I believe the four leaf clover is lucky. - Brooke Bensinger, Freshman This free lecture was led by Sylvia Alajaji, Ph.D., associate professor of music at Franklin and Marshall, and Rev. Susan Minasian, chaplain and Franklin and Marshall College. Alajaji and Minasian have an Armenian ancestry. When this genocide first occurred is was all throughout international news, but now nobody has really even heard of it. Alajaji and Minasian talked about the controversy of whether or not the genocide actually occurred, Turkey’s denial of the genocide, and what people can do so more know about the genocide. The discussion was very informative and educational. In fact Mr. Evans learned a few things that he was not aware of. Including the large number or people that were murdered. He also stated that “The Death Marches and gassing in caves made me realize that extreme actions were not invented by the NAZIS.” He was also not aware of the controversy of recognizing the actions of the Turks as genocide.

Keeping the drama on the stage I believe in pre-game rituals. - Wesley Krick, Sophomore Alex Strausser – 11

Each year the Drama Hawks of Hamburg put on a musical. This year they are performing a comedy musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” This is something new for all the cast members, forcing them to embrace their goofy side. The whole cast has become a big happy family. They must think outside the box to make the musical memorable. The major goal of this club is to make enough profit to keep their program running for more years to come. They work hard at keeping this program alive. They enjoy entertaining others, and putting smiles on faces. They like meeting and preforming with newcomers to the club. I believe in having a lucky coin. – Jarrod Bickley, Junior Ticket sales will go on through the month of April, but tickets can also be purchased at the door. There is a way to call and receive a ticket early with a seat reserved. See one of the cast members to purchase tickets early. The tickets are $7. The musical is directed by Beth Geisinger, she has been the director at Hamburg for six years. The performance is May 1st and 2nd at 7:00 pm and May 3rd at 2:00 pm. The main characters include: senior Dakota Kolbe as the Man in Chair, senior Marley Wheeler as the Drowsy Chaperone, junior Hannah Schreffler as Janet, and sophomore Michael Hertzog as Robert. Then there is junior Kylie Whitmoyer the stage manager behind all the magic, and props that belong on stage. All the other characters are not as common throughout the musical but play a big role as well. Junior Charles Carr as George, freshman Jose Galarza as Adolpher, freshman Eileen Deiseman as Mrs. Tottendale, sophomore Tyler West as Underling, eighth grader Harley No, I believe you make your own luck through your own attributes. Although I do think four Ludy as Mr. Feltzieg, sophomore Paige Anderson as Kitty, sophomore Sam Livingston as leaf clovers are lucky since my mom found one on my birthday. - Dan Fink, Senior Trix, and freshman Will Browder and sophomore Dillion Hamilton as the Gangsters.

Hawk Happenings Publication Information

Adviser: Miss Terri McCarthy; Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Hanlon; Editorial Group: Jenn Guldin, Sarah Hanlon, Zoe Irey, Neal Kerschner, Abigail Livinghouse, Eliza Moseman, Caitlin Ramsey, Naomi Singer, Julian Warner, Kiana Wright; Staff: Sarah Aten, Meredith Browder, Kylie Clark, Mackenzie Daughtry, Eileen Deisemann, Morgan Delong, Nicole Eberhardt, Rhiannon Elias, Amber Fillman, Erik Fleischel, Melanie Haas, Jennifer Hoshauer, Olivia Jacobs, Connor Klang, Brenna Klinger, Megan Krick, Morgan Krick, Ronald Lavigne, Brea Lesher, Alexi Madara, Stephen Magrowski, Tara Maloney, Kiara Mariano, Alyssa Marzili, Taylor Millette, Laura Mills, Kyra Neff, Rachael Noecker, Yelitza Pagan, Emilee Sassaman, Kayla Sobonilla, Hannah Stertzel, Alex Strausser, Lydia Warner, Marley Wheeler, Ivory Yoder. Hawk Happenings, published 11 times per year by the students in the publications class at Hamburg Area High School, is printed by School Publications Company. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Hamburg Area High School community. The opinions in this newspaper represent those of the student writers and do not represent the opinions of the faculty, staff, administration, or school board of the Hamburg Area School District. We are a member of the Pennsylvania School Press Association (PSPA), the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), and Quill and Scroll. If you have any questions or comments regarding Hawk Happenings, anything that appears in its pages, or if you would like to sponsor our paper with a donation, please contact Miss Terri McCarthy, Hawk Happenings, Hamburg Area High School, Windsor Street, Hamburg, PA, 19526. Our email I do not believe in lucky charms because I believe that everything happens for a reason. address is [email protected] and our phone number is 610-562-3861, x2132. - Mrs. Kaucher, Teacher Page 3 Hawk Happenings March 17, 2015 March Holidays

Pi’s Playlist

Become aware this International of Life American π πano Man Earth Day Taylor Millette – 10 Walk the International Earth Day started on March Hip to Be 21, 1970, by John McConnel. He was a I Saw the newspaper publisher who wanted to see a 8 Days a Week change on the Earth. He went in front of the Take It to the lim x ∞ United Nations Educational, Scientific and Here Waiting for You

Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conference 9:26:53 AM Contestant #58979 The Opportunity of the Century! to propose his idea of the day in 1969. He choose this day because it was the vernal Hamburg goes wild on Pi day equinox, which is when the night and the day Mackenzie Daughtry – 9 are equal in length. Ever since then, this day Hamburg Area High School students in grades nine through 12th are celebrating Pi day has been stated a national holiday. on March 13. Students will participate in contests to recite as many digits of pi as they can. This year, International Earth Day is on T-shirts are sold to represent Pi day. The students wear the t-shirts the day the school March 20 as opposed to the United States’ celebrates. Earth Day being on April 22 every year. In the beginning of the school day, teachers cut the pies that are brought to school by McConnel made this a national day to raise students. An activity that goes on at Hamburg is tossing pi which is a project that includes the awareness on environmental issues like student’s calculator, toothpicks, pen, meter stick, and a large sheet of drawing paper. global warming and the need to recycle. He wanted people to be aware of needing to take Probably the most important part of the day is eating the pie! Many love pie and there care of the world before it becomes a wasteland. are so many different flavors to choose from depending on what the students brought in. http://environment.about.com/od/environmentalevents/a/twoearthdays.htm Eating the pie takes up a majority of the time. http://www.earthday.org/about-earth-day-network Another activity that happens in Hamburg Area High School is making a pi chain which http://www.fasthaul.com/ecoblog/2014/03/20/san-francisco-where-earth-day-took-flight/ includes 10 different colors of construction paper for each digit, zero through nine. Lastly, there is a pi scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt asks students different questions of pi. Pi day is filled with history of pi and full of different flavors of pies! For more information go to http://www.hasdhawks.org/webpages/targot/pi_day.cfm St. Patrick’s Day Women celebrate a day dedicated to them Rhiannon Elias – 11 Celebrated worldwide on March 17, St. Patrick’s Lydia Warner – 9 Day is a holiday recognizing Ireland’s patron saint and national apostle who lived during the fifth century. On March 8, countries around the world celebrate a day that recognizes the achievements He was born in Roman Britain, kidnapped at 16 and of women in regard to economics, politics, business, and many other categories. brought to Ireland as a slave, escaped custody, It was March 8, 1857, when female garment workers first decided to and then later returned to Ireland. Credited with march along the streets of New York City protesting against inhuman working bringing Christianity to the Irish, he has increasingly conditions, 12 hour work days, and low wages. The demonstration did not work as planned and many of the workers were injured and arrested. become more popular over the centuries. In honor of this event, women needle workers did the same march on the same day 51 years later The Irish people have been recognizing St. along the streets of New York City. They marched for the same reasons with the addition of the right Patrick’s Day since the 10th century, but the holiday of suffrage for women. The police, however, were present at this event as well. came to the United States in 1762. Irish soldiers In 1910, at the Second International, Clara Zetkin, who was a part of the International Labor serving in the English military marched through New Movement, declared that March 8th be International Day of Working Women. It was later York City and held the first St. Patrick’s Day parade. Today, there are more than 100 parades adopted by United Nations (UN) and renamed to International Women’s Day. held across the United States; New York City and Boston are home to the largest ones. The United Nations Charter was the first agreement to declare the equality between There are 34.7 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry, seven times the men and women. Since then, the UN has been a huge supporter of women’s rights. In population of Ireland itself, and approximately 144,588 current U.S. residents who 1979, they adopted an international bill of rights for women, also known as CEDAW, which were born in Ireland. Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day stands for The Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. dish, and around 26.1 billion pounds of beef and 2.3 billion pounds of cabbage Since these early years, International Women’s Day and all of the organizations involved with it has helped to commemorate all of the achievements of women and the support of were produced in the U.S. alone in 2009. This outrageous amount shouldn’t be women’s rights. More importantly, they are helping to ensure equality and safety in the that surprising considering the holiday is supposed to be a religious feast day. futures of women as well as attempting to make every day International Women’s Day. http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day For more information, visit internationalwomensday.com, un.org, and doonething.org. Uncover Friday the 13th superstitions MelanieNational Haas – 11 Anthem Day Zoe Irey - 10 On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Fort McHenry raised an American In March of 2015, the thirteenth day of the month falls on a Friday, earning flag signifying their defeat of British itself the title of the unlucky Friday the 13th. This year has a total of 3 Friday soldiers in the War of 1812. The stripes the 13ths. The superstition originates with written evidence from the 19th and stars on the American flag inspired century, but superstitions surrounding the day originate much farther back. Francis Scott Key to write a song that The number 13 itself has many superstitions surrounding it. There has he called the Star Spangled Banner. Key’s song showed how American’s been a longstanding myth that says that if 13 people dine together, value our flag and what it represents to one will die within a year. According to records, the number our country. The Star Spangled Banner 13 has been considered a cursed number for thousands later became the National Anthem of the of years, gathering up myths that fueled superstitions. United States of America on March 3, Like the number, Friday, too, has its fair share of superstition 1931. surrounding its unluckiness. The most prominent theory relates to Ever since 1931, National Anthem Christian scripture and the fact that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Day has been celebrated on March Several others are due to writings outlining Friday as a day of misfortune. 3. Many people believe that National According to a study in North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 Anthem Day is celebrated on September 14 because that is when Francis Scott Key wrote million people in the U.S. suffer from a fear of Friday the 13th. the Star Spangled Banner, but this is not the case. The intense fear has coined the name paraskevidekatriaphobia For more information on National Anthem Day visit www.holidayinsights.com. and is more common than one would guess. Students at Hamburg Area High School are also aware of This day in history: National Girl the superstitions surrounding the day. Skylar Gerner says that, “I didn’t believe in it until recently when I had one of the Scouts Month worst days in awhile on Friday the 13th. It proved me wrong.” Yelitza Pagan – 10 Cassidy Cordwell, however, says that, “I do not believe in the On March 12, 1912, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low assembled the first Girl Scout meeting superstitions. Nothing bad or out of the ordinary has ever happened in Savannah, Georgia in order to unite younger girls and teach them leadership skills. The to me or anyone I know on Friday the 13th, so it doesn’t seem legit.” group empowers girls to take a stand and discover new things and friendships. There are Leah Bertschy is on the same wavelength as Cassidy, stating currently 2.8 million Girl Scouts today! that she, too, “does not believe in Friday the 13th since nothing After assembling the first Girl Scout Meeting Juliette moved the nation headquarters to bad ever happens to me or anybody.on the day. Nobody in my New York City (1915). Girl Scout troops started to be created all throughout the country. Girl scouts promote character, good citizenship, and other services to their community. family is really afraid of it either, so it could just be a family thing.” The Mistletoe Troop, a troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, created the first batch of the famous For more, visit: http://www.ibtimes.com/friday-13th-history- Girl Scout Cookies. The troop sold the cookies as community service in the high school origins-myths-superstitions-unlucky-day-395108 cafeterias. Now, those Girl Scout Cookies are being sold throughout the whole world. Remember to support local troops by buying cookies or donating to their troop. All proceeds directly go to the girls to go on exciting trips such as the zoo, an amusement park, or some troops raise so much money they are able to go international! The Girl Scout Troops of America are always looking for volunteers to organize a troop, if interested visit www.girlscouts.org to learn more! Page 4 Hawk Happenings March 17, 2015 Spotlights Hannah Schreffler sings her way into Introducing the new the spotlight English teacher Tara Maloney – 9 Abigail Livinghouse – 12

Hannah Schreffler is a beautiful, Melanie Hoffman is the newest addition to the hardworking, and dedicated junior at English department teaching eleventh and twelfth grade English. Miss Hoffman has experience Hamburg Area High. She is a singer, teaching American Studies as well, even though pianist, enjoys reading, studies music that is not what she is teaching here. Currently, on her free time, and participates in she teaches an eleventh grade PS class and three any musical endeavor that comes her twelfth grade PS classes. way. She is in four clubs at the school: Her first teaching job was at Nativity BVM High Chemistry, German, Mini-THON, and School for four and a half years where she taught Drama. the same content here and the same grades; Even though it is not an everyday eleventh and twelfth. Nativity was a Catholic class, Hannah’s favorite, is a music school and much smaller than Hamburg High. She theory independent study with Miss likes the fact that students and faculty all work well Reimer. Hannah has sung almost all of together here. Miss Hoffman was raised in Hazleton, PA, went to high school at Hazleton Area High her life. This girl was born to sing! She became more serious about music in fifth grade School, and studied at Lycoming College for four years before graduating with a Bachelor when she got lead in the elementary musical. Her director encouraged her to become of the Arts degree in English. Her favorite sections in English to teach are British Literature more involved, and as she did so, her great- great grandfather, the only musically inclined and educating students about writing papers and essays. member of her family, became her inspiration. In her free time Miss Hoffman enjoys reading and writing. She hopes to possibly publish When Hannah was asked if she ever thought of becoming a star one day she stated that a book one day and loves concentrating on creative writing. Miss Hoffman holds a small she has thought about it. There are a lot of “pressures” that come with the life of a star. second job in selling shoes online over the weekend and since she participated in her high Hannah likes keeping things in her life private. Hannah just wants to be a normal teen and school bowling team, she loves to bowl every now and then. enjoy every moment of her high school career and her musicals. Hannah wants to graduate high school and go to college. The musical junior also hopes to major in music education Caleb Smith steps out of the orchestra with a minor in psychology to become a high school teacher or college professor. Her future plans are to attend college to study music education and performance. She says room she most likely will be attending West Chester University. Jennifer Guldin – 10 Hannah is the daughter of Sandy and Wade Schreffler, and they are without a doubt Hannah’s biggest fans. She states, “They support me unconditionally and would do Caleb Smith, a sophomore, takes part in the high school orchestra. Caleb has been anything to ensure that I’m doing what’s making me happy”. She explains that having no playing the violin since third grade while attending Perry Elementary. Caleb chose to play siblings can be a blessing and also a curse at times. For example, it is an advantage for an instrument with influence from his parents to play a musical instrument Hannah because then she has free reign on her activities. Then, a disadvantage is when and felt that the violin was the best she can be beyond bored at home alone. choice for him. Since Hannah is living her busy dream, at home her family usually does laid back things Mrs. Dowd has been his teacher with one another. In the summer, Hannah and her dad like to go mini golfing, hiking, and since he began playing and he biking. looks up to her because not only is she a wonderful musician but she is always a great teacher, and is Former Da Vinci Center teacher relocates able to balance fun and learning to make a wonderful atmosphere in the to Hamburg orchestra room. Outside of school, Caleb does not Giovanni Klahr - 9 participate in anything music related and even admits that he should Mr. Justin Brown is a new teacher at Hamburg Area High School. He currently is practice more apart from at school. He has no plans to carry on his musical career after occupying room 33 in the science hallway and plans high school. Instead he hopes to go to college and focus on some sort of science major. on being the long term substitute for periods 1, 2, 3, Caleb will be performing in this coming spring concert at the high school with the 5, 6, 7, and sometimes period 8. He is taking over orchestra, and is looking forward to play Beyond the Forest from the major motion picture Physics, 9th grade science, Integrated Engineering, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. and occasional remediation. Mr. Brown was the Caleb enjoys spending time with the friends he has made in orchestra as well as all second substitute after Mr. Schroeder, for Mr. Forrer of the opportunities playing the violin with the school has brought him. He has also found who unexpectedly resigned from teaching. himself better at multi-tasking due to participating in the orchestra. Concentrating in school Mr. Brown is from the Allentown area, and before has also come easier to Caleb since playing in the orchestra. Something Caleb finds coming here, he worked at the Da Vinci Science difficult about it is that if one do not practice, really nothing will come easy. Without practice Center teaching science classes for children and one will never get better. When he makes a mistake he says he likes to take a breath, teens of young ages. Mr. Brown graduated from relax, and just looks for a place in the music until he catches up. As well as practicing, Emmaus High School. At the age of 23 he already Caleb would tell anybody who plays any instrument to, “never compare himself to other has his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Astronomy, musicians, it will only cause stress and will make it impossible to be able to focus solely and he is certified to teach Physics. These degrees on improving yourself.” come from Dickinson College. He says that his goal for this year is to have others enjoy science the way that he does. He knows how difficult science is in high school, and he says he did Ms. Hepner - Teacher Spotlight not like it when he was in high school. “I started to like science when I was in college. I hated science in Kyra Neff – 9 high school. I fell in love with it when I took my first physics course.” “When I was at college, I passed Hamburg all the time. I actually fell in love with the city Ms. Hepner has been a substitute teacher at Hamburg Area School District since October and when I heard of a position that opened up, I took it as quickly as I could.” 2010. For the first year she taught here, she was a daily substitute and after that she became Mr. Brown says that he loves the area around here because it is a beautiful place, loves a long term. Ms. Hepner taught grade 7 social studies, grade 8 science at Hamburg Area the quiet small town, and loves the cooperative and kind students. When he first came Middle School, as well as grade 7 and 8 math at the Roberto Clemente Charter School here, he was very overwhelmed and tired overall. before she came to Hamburg Area High School. She decided to apply for the job here He likes to explore, drive and see places, hike, and just everything that he can possibly because her time as a substitute at Roberto Clemente Charter School was almost up. do outdoors. He was a boy scout from the age of 7 until he was 18. Ms. Hepner has many hobbies such as learning about different cultures, His long term goal is for the students to think critically and look back at an enjoyed class. Mr. Brown plans on being a long term sub and hopes to stay here in the upcoming years. reading, drawing, volunteering, and her favorite which is traveling. Ms. Hepner graduated from Hamburg in 2006. “I chose to stay and teach here because it’s such a great district to be a part of,” she said. She enjoys working with her former teachers because she feels comfortable here. She already knew the building and other teachers when Getting to know the athlete Aaron she came. Both Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Bickelman were her teachers when she was a student. This year a job was opened after Mrs. Mennig left her position as a Social Studies Nelson teacher. Ms. Hepner applied for the job and was hired as the long term substitute. Ms. Kiara Mariano – 9 Hepner decided to apply for the position as a social studies teacher because she says, Aaron Nelson is a 17 year old junior who plays “History has always been my passion.” However, she says she enjoys teaching every football and track. Aaron has been playing football for four years and track for three. subject. Ms. Hepner was extremely excited about the teaching opportunity and she is He is the kicker, free safety and wide receiver when happy to be teaching here at the high school and back in the Hamburg School District for he plays football. Aaron’s favorite part about football is the rest of the year. hitting people so they drop the ball. Aaron also does track which he has done for three years. He does the 400, 100, 300 hurdles, and 4*1. Coming in Issue 12: Aaron does track because he likes to run. His favorite part about track is relays. Aaron thinks that track is Naomi Singer placed first in the News Feature category of the harder football because he needs to train so much in order to be good. Aaron’s advice to the underclassmen PSPA State Journalism Competition at Penn State Unvierstiy is, “Train all year round!!! Champions aren’t made Park. during the season!! They are made the whole couple of months before it.” Aaron’s hobbies include riding a four wheeler and snowboarding. After high school Cody Knight was named February Student of the Month. Aaron plans on going to college to major in business and play football. Page 5 Hawk Happenings March 17, 2015 RadioShack filed for bankruptcy Hannah Stertzel – 12 There were reports in mid-January that RadioShack would soon begin to file for bankruptcy protection, and now these reports have been confirmed. RadioShack is a chain of electronics stores that has been in business for 95 years. On February 5, RadioShack filed for Chapter 11 protection. At least 1,784 RadioShack stores are being shut down. The rest of RadioShack’s stores, approximately 4,000 within the U.S., are being sold to General Wireless. About 1,750 of the stores sold to General Wireless will be taken over by Sprint. These outlets will be cobranded with RadioShack. Closeout deals are happening at RadioShack stores that are closing. There are sales of up Say goodbye to dust to 50% of on things like headphones and toys. Laura Mills – 9 There will also be discounts for batteries and electronics. The store fixtures and equipment As the brutal winter starts to disappear, people are starting to break out their will also be up for sale at these locations. A list of these closing stores has appeared online. For more information visit: http://www.wsj.com/articles/radioshack-prepares-bankruptcy- cleaning supplies. It is a tradition that people have upheld for a long time, because filing-1421279360 it gives them a chance to have a cleaner start before the warmer weather. To http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2015/02/09/these-radioshack-stores-are-closing/ start some people need to know products to use and major places to clean. There are special cleaners for specific rooms. Sometimes though it can be a little difficult to know what products to use because there is some many out on the market How to prevent razor burn these days. For example if a person wants to dust, it would be best to use microfiber cloths Jennifer Hoshauer – 9 Razor burn is a common occurrence that happens to everybody. There are things that because unlike a regular hand-held feather duster, microfiber cloths, can get in those hard can cause, prevent, and treat it. Razor burn are small bumps caused by irritation of the to reach areas and do a better job than a feather duster. Another good tool to have on hand skin. Some might cause scarring. is a broom. A broom helps with those little messes around the house when a person does One cause of razor burn it is if people shave the wrong direction. Another reason is if not feel like bringing out the vacuum. Lastly, a must have cleaning tool to have would be the razor is dull or too sharp. Razor burn can also happen when not having any type of some kind of disinfectant spray. This will keep for less sickness, and less germs in a house moisturize on it. hold. For cleaning a specific room, it is recommended to use a stronger cleaning spray. To prevent razor burn, make sure the skin is always wet before shaving. Some shaving Obviously for all the rooms that a person cleans it is best to use a disinfectant spray as usual. cream is not creamy enough for sensitive skin. When shaving make sure the razor is going Another tip to use is split the cleaning time into sections. Nobody likes to do everything the right way along with the grain. at one time, unless a person really loves to clean. A best way to split up the time is to clean For treating razor burn the first thing to do is to moisturize it. It would also help to stop one room and then take a half an hour break before going onto the next room. This first shaving for a couple of days. It should go away in a couple of days. Do not use any alcohol depends on how big it is, first thing to do with any room that is being cleaned is to dust. medicines on razor burns because it will sting your skin. For more information: http://www.men-uusa.com/razor_burn_prevent.html, http://www. Do not be afraid to get dirty and get into the cracks where cob-webs can form webmd.com/beauty/hair-removal/razor-bumps-topic-overview over time. Then start vacuuming. After that is all done, next cleaning the furniture in that room. If it is wood and the person wants to polish it use a wood polish to give it some shine. Another tip is if the chair has a padded seat just wipe it off with a cloth History vs. Hollywood Elective offered for and some disinfectant spray to at least kill the germs. Finally after all is done for a little something extra if the person wants to take a spray to make the room smell 2016 school year good that makes the room feel more complete that would be great too. With these tips and tricks for spring cleaning, soon a person will be cleaning like a pro in no time. Kiana Wright – 9 For more information, visit http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/cleaning101/a/ springclnngguid.htm At Hamburg Area High School there is a new elective being offered for the 2015-2016 school year. Mr. Evans will be teaching this class, adding another class on to his list of classes. The L.I.S.A reads across America course content will include different time periods in Kiara Mariano – 9 history. The time periods include the Classic period On March 2, L.I.S.A, Leadership in Student Athletes, went to Tilden to read to Kindergarteners. Read across America is a week when schools celebrate Dr. Seuss all the way to the present day period. Researching a reading and the authors. L.I.S.A went to tell the students how important reading is and specific topic and critiquing a movie that covers the how it can help them in school because they use it every day. Three students went to each period will be a main focus in this class. This class kindergarten class and read books. will take half of the school year for the teacher to Hannah Burns, Junior, who plays field hockey read Where The Wild Things Are. She cover all topics that are included in the curriculum. says that in the book the main character is named Max and there was a kid named Max in Mr. Evans was given the opportunity to teach the the class room. Hannah says, “Every time I paused, the kid would start whispering ‘Max, class and that has not been a problem for him. He Max, Max…’ It was so cute. She also enjoyed seeing them appreciating the books. enjoys teaching history, especially American history. Natalie Clark, freshman, who plays soccer read Red fish Blue Fish One Fish Two Fish. Not only is he a successful teacher, but he is also She enjoyed seeing the kids react to the story. “They seemed interested and entertained.” dedicated and a very helpful teacher. He feels as Veronica Crespo, Freshman, who plays soccer and runs track read ABC. She felt proud though this class will absolutely be a success. He to be a Hamburg athlete knowing that the little kids looked up to them. “ I loved seeing their reactions because they’re cute.” once mentioned that they would be critiquing The Patriot. This really got the students to become very interested. He says that students like movies, and he enjoys teaching them how to judge a movie based on historical accuracy. This not only gives him a reason to watch a movie, but it also prepares students to question what they see in any artistic media that they may enjoy. For more information talk to Mr. Evans. Wilderness Survival – Volume 3 Neal Kerschner – 12

Once the first two priorities have been met for those in a survival situation (shelter and a fire), there is one more dire priority that must be met. This is the consumption of water. According to livescience.com, the human body can go three days without water before succumbing to dehydration. Though this seems like plenty of time to find water, it is not always this simple. Most water must be purified; this is because in most water sources, there are millions of bacteria, which can cause sickness, and extreme cases, death. To prevent this, there are few simple ways to The season in review: Hamburg Wrestling purify water. The simplest form is boiling the water to purify it; however, this is easier Ronnie Lavigne – 12 said than done if the survivalist does not have a vessel for boiling. Iodine can also The wrestling season officially drew to a close on March 7, 2015. The be used to purify water. If worse comes to last matches of the high school season were wrestled at the GIANT Center in worse, water can be filtrated through cloth Hershey during the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Tournament. in an attempt to rid it of bacteria. This year, the only wrestler from Hamburg to qualify for the state tournament There are a few sources of water that was Ignacio Reynoso, a freshman wrestling at the 182 pound weight class. do not need purification. Mountain springs While the individual postseason was a struggle for the Hawks, the regular are almost always pure, when drunken from season was something to remember. With only two seniors in the fourteen-man the actual source. If a clear stream is found, starting lineup, the Hawks still found a way to go 13-6 overall and 6-0 in the Berks and there is no viable way of purification, the II Conference, securing themselves a league title for the second year in a row, safest way to consume the water is to drink something that not many projected would happen. The young team also did something from the moving part, the white colored rapid that not many thought they could do, qualified for the District Team Tournament. water going off of rocks; this is visible when After more than half of the team graduated last year, no one thought the Hawks looking at a waterfall. The faster speed of the could hope to retain their form and even be in contention for a District title. Well, that has water gives this white appearance. This is the certainly changed, and the Hawks are looking to return for next year stronger than ever. area of most movement in the stream and is less likely to harbor bacteria. However, if With one of the lightest graduation rates in District III, next year’s team has high hopes and at all possible, always purify the water. far-reaching aspirations that, with the right combination of hard work and closeness, could catapult them into another PIAA Tournament berth. Page 6 Hawk Happenings March 17, 2015

Spongebob SquarepantsEntertainment movie is a Will Grayson, Will Grayson: book review splash hit Kylie Clark – 9 Eliza Moseman - 9 Will Grayson, Will Grayson was co-written by John Green and David Leviathan. John Green On February 6, 2015, everyone’s favorite sponge wrote the odd-numbered chapters (Capitalized Will returned again in The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Grayson), while David Leviathan wrote the even- of Water. When Plankton finally steals the Krabby Patty numbered chapters (lowercase will grayson). This formula he has been searching tirelessly for, Spongebob book is written so that it shows the lives of the two main characters, both named Will Grayson. Squarepants (voiced by Tom Kenny) and his pals, Mr. One windy night in Chicago, two strangers are Krabs, Squidward, Sandy, Patrick, and even Plankton about to cross paths. Who other than the two Will go on journey through time searching for the secret Grayson’s. Since that meeting, their lives will be formula thief. In order to retrieve it, they have to go forever changed. With twist and turns, they learn to where no fish has gone before- out of water. The gang get through it. The first Will Grayson is friends with uses a magic quill to give themselves superpowers in Tiny Cooper and Jane Turner (his love interest). The order to defeat the nasty pirate that holds the formula. second Will Grayson is friends with Maura and Tiny To see what happens next- check it out! Cooper. He then starts talking to this person Issac online then later meets Tiny and starts to develop I have not watched Spongebob in years, but when I feelings for him. heard there was a new movie, I jumped at the chance People can get this book from the school library, to see it. I thought the movie was absolutely hilarious for a local library, or purchase it for a low price of $9.99. all ages, even though my group was really the only one laughing. The funniest part of the movie was definitely the all-seeing dolphin, Bubbles. I would give the movie a nine out of ten for delivering a fantastic nostalgic feeling and causing me to laugh like I have never laughed before. IMBd rates the movie 6.7 of a ten. The movie, directed by Paul Tibbitt, was hilariously funny and a must-see for Psych the TV show any Spongebob lover. Finding out the truth about Blue’s Clues Kayla Sobonilla – 10 Psych is a TV that is aired on the channel USA and airs at 8:00 PM. This show is Morgan Krick – 11 not new it has been on TV since 2006 and still running. The show is a comedy-mystery about a fake psychic named Everyone is familiar with the famous childhood television show Blue’s Clues. This Shawn Spencer and his children’s show was one of the most popular television show from 1996-2006. Steve partner, Burton Guster, who Burns, who is the original Steve who hosted Blue’s Clues, abruptly left in 2002. solve crimes. They work In Steve Burns’ final episode, he “left for college”. In 2002 when Burns left, he was actually 29. with the Santa Barbra Police This led to many rumors popping up all over. Burns died of a drug overdose, Burns left because he Department (SBPD), along was a drug addict, and he died in a car accident were all rumors that sprung up. with Shawn and Gus two Steve Burns was born in 1973 in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. After high school, Burns detectives named Carlton attended Desales University before moving to New York to pursue his career. He is friends Lassiter and Juliet O’hara. with Hamburg High’s very own Ms. McCarthy. “He was extremely talented, I realized that All four of them join forces when he starred in a version of Harvey”, said Ms. McCarthy. Some websites claimed that to solve crimes such as Burns left because he was balding. Watching some of the last few episodes of Blue’s homicides and murder that Clues, it is now obvious that Burns was indeed going through hair loss. He started wearing was made to look like a hats to cover up his disappearing, receding hairline. In an interview with Nick Jr. Special, suicide. Shawn uses his fake Burns said, “I refuse to lose my hair on a kid’s TV show. However, the real reason Burns psychic powers to help find left his hit TV show is because he wanted to shave his head, but Nickelodeon would not clues and piece together let him. Burns also did not want to do children’s entertainment his whole life. evidence that closes the case During Burns’ career he was named People’s most eligible bachelor in 2000. In and catches the bad guy. the following year of 2001, he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2001. Once he Gus and Shawn’s father left in 2002, Nickelodeon hired Donovan Patton to replace Burns. The TV serious are the only ones who know then continued for another four years and ended recording new episodes in 2006. Shawn does not have psychic powers. He does have a gift, however, and that gift allows Since Burns left Blue’s Clues he has pursued a career in music working with members him to remember distinct details and piece together things that he can come to a conclusion of The Flaming Lips to produce his debut album, “Songs for Dustmites”. that is 90 percent right. Gus and Shawn go under cover and talk to people, snoop around http://www.businessinsider.com/blues-clues-host-steve-left-the-show-because-of- and go to certain places that the cops did not know about to get a first glance at evidence balding-2014-6 so he can make a “Psychic vision” and lead them to the answer of the unsolved crime. Shawn is played by the actor James Roday, and Gus is played by Dule Hill. Carlton is “Fun” facts about Blue’s Clues: played by Timothy Omundson and Juliet is played my Maggie Lawson. Shawn’s father, -Blue is not a male dog, Blue is in fact a female. Henry, is played by Corbin Bernsen. The director of this show is Steve Franks. -Blue was initially supposed to be a kitten, however, Nickelodeon was already in the process of filming a show with a kitten. -Blue received her name because the actors were always filming in front of a blue Culture Shock Performing Dance screen. -Magenta is a male dog. Center goes to Disney http://www.omgfacts.com/lists/4764/Blue-from-Blue-s-Clues-is-female Eileen Deisemann – 9 Project Almanac review The local dance studio, Culture Shock Preforming Dance Center, is going to the Dance Nicole Eberhardt – 12 the World program at Disney World, Florida this year at the end of June into the beginning Project Almanac, directed by Dean Israelite was released On January 30, 2015. The of July. This program takes dance studios from all over the country and brings them plot line is about a group of teenagers that discover the layout for a “temporal displacement together in a four day event in device”, or simply, a time machine. They proceed to build the contraption, and when they Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. succeed, they go back in time to manipulate the time stream to make their present time The dance studios participating lives better. Although their lives may seem to be better, things slowly start changing around in this event have a 30 minute them and not for the better. excerpt given to them on a The entire movie was filmed by hand, so the stage either outside or in a constant movement and shaking may cause theatre. During that time, the some to become nauseous, giving headaches, dance studio may put on or making the viewer very dizzy at certain whatever numbers they please points. Loud ringing noises and explosions are to show off what they are best yet another constant occurrence throughout the at. Participating dance studios movie, so on top of the nausea and headaches, perform in the Magic Kingdom the viewer’s head may get worse due to all the parade while wearing red ruby noise. Overall, Project Almanac’s story line was character shoes. lacking substance. The plot stayed on track the This event will be an amazing entire time, but the viewer does not develop a experience for all of the dancers relationship or even an understanding of most being able to go to Disney this of the characters. The producers may have tried year. It will bring Culture Shock together even more as an Ohana. Ohana is what they to pack too much into a two hour movie, or the call each other because it stands for family in Hawaiian. To prepare for this event, Culture writers may have lacked the emotions that truly Shock is working very hard to perfect their production number. This number consist of capture a viewer. According to iMDB, the movie the studio’s three excel classes performing different dance routines in a 20 minute show. has an overall rating of 6.3/10 The production number consist of an opening, finale and other dances performed from After viewing Project Almanac, many people the individual excel classes. These excel classes are the studio’s advanced Polynesian may feel sick, either from the constant motion, dancers. The dancers also have to learn a detailed routine that will be performed in the the loud noises, the bright explosions, or even Magic Kingdom parade in front of Cinderella’s Castle. anger from the ending. Someone who loves a lot “I am really excited for the trip this summer and it will be a wonderful experience for of action, and suspense, the movie will be sure my dance family. It is also really cool that we are a small dance studio in Hamburg being to please. Though, if the viewer wants a better asked to go and perform at Disney. I am looking forward to dancing in the parade,” Grace connection and a deeper understanding of what Kutz, a mahulani dancer at Culture Shock Preforming Arts Center. was truly happening, the movie will be nothing but a disappointment. Source: www.iMDB.com Page 7 Hawk Happenings March 17, 2015 Gov. Wolf Visits Hamburg Freshmen Mike Ansel and Daniel Baumert describe Physics coursework.

Freshman Adam Degler explains his brdige construction project. Photo courtesy of The Reading Eagle.

Freshmen Nora Barter, Lyndsey Carr, Seth Boyce, and Gurp Saggi discuss their involvement in TEAMS and bridge building competitions.

Governor Wolf is greeted by Superintendent Steven Keifer, Mrs. Benz, Mr. Spohn, Mr. Netznik, and Dr. Lambi.

Mr. Weiss demonstrates his homemade earthquake simulatort hat is used in his Physics course. Photo courtesy of Freshman Jansen Kelchner shows The Reading Eagle. Governer Wolf a project for Mr. King’s engineering class.

Photo courtesy of The Reading Eagle PageF O L I O 8 L I N E Hawk FHappenings O L I O L I N E Tribune March News 17,Service 2015 BASEBALL IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A young boy swings a baseball bat on the streets of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. TERRENCE ANTONIO JAMES/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS) Where baseball is life Fueled by millions from MLB teams, sport thrives in impoverished country rich in talent By Jared S. Hopkins, Chicago Tribune the reluctant, rocky relationship between MLB and a net- Many here insist there are more opportunities to make work of independent Dominican scouts who train players, it as a ballplayer. They cite player showcases and the SAN PEDRO de MACORIS, Dominican Republic — known locally as buscones. plethora of academies who host them; MLB officials using Winding through the dusty and chaotic streets crammed “They depend on each other for survival and they the Internet to monitor player progress; and pro leagues with honking cars and buzzing scooters, you’d never know depend on each other to flourish,” said Alan Klein, a soci- that replaced the amateurs. this coastal city is a baseball mecca. ology professor at Northeastern University who has written “It’s a lot easier than when I used to play,” said ex- But past the rows of one-room concrete buildings with books on Dominican baseball. “So, who’s controlling the Chicago Cub Moises Alou, now the general manager of a peeling paint, and beyond the roads littered with garbage game? There’s no clear answer. It’s a new system.” Dominican Winter League team. “Everybody now plays and stray dogs, a sprawling park emerged. Kids there Baseball also remains a leading opportunity for kids baseball. There’s a lot of programs and tryouts and there’s scrambled around the ragged fields, their shouts in Spanish to escape a country where more than a third live below a lot of teams competing to sign players. Everyone wants piercing the afternoon heat. Bats cracked and balls thudded the poverty line. Likewise, its economy stretches to jobs to be the next Pedro Martinez and the next Sammy Sosa.” into leather gloves. far beyond the ballfields: landscapers who care for fields; The presence of MLB facilities is a crescendo from Among the dozens of young ballplayers was Richard cooks and housekeepers; even real estate agents teams hire more than 30 years ago. The newest of these glittery Paulino, 16, who stood along the first-base line, a few feet to find prospects housing. churches rival their stadiums in the United States and boast from what used to be a full backstop but had been whittled Don’t expect the growth to stop soon with the money classrooms, weight rooms and the thickest grass in the into a short stub of a fence. Muscular and a bit taller than at stake. MLB’s 20 players on the country’s last World Dominican. his teammates, Paulino just finished shagging fly balls in Baseball Classic team were paid a combined $105 million “The housing itself is bigger, more modern,” said Class the outfield. in MLB salaries. All major league clubs operate year- A St. Lucie Mets managers Luis Rojas, a Dominican “I want to play in the major leagues, of course,” he native who visits regularly. “It helps even more with the said, his face curving into a smile to show braces. “I am The 20 MLB players on the Dominican player, as far as they learn baseball they also develop as passionate about the game. I am focused.” Republic’s last World Baseball Classic human beings. Our education is not as high. Some guys Can Paulino reach his goal? He’s certainly in the right don’t finish high school.” country to get there. team were paid a combined $105 million Despite the growth, MLB continues to recover from The Dominican Republic delivers more talent to in MLB salaries. years of scandal in the Dominican. Age and identity the major leagues than any other country besides the fraud, performance-enhancing drugs and bonus-skimming United States. Kids here are four times more likely than round pristine academies to mold prospects. Legions of were regular headlines. In recent years, three White Sox their American counterparts to reach the major leagues. scouts are deployed to find them. employees went to federal prison in relation to kickbacks Dominicans make up between 25 and 40 percent of minor The growth of Dominican baseball reflects the diverse from players’ bonuses and contracts. leaguers. demographics of foreigners playing in the United States. To clean up the sport, MLB launched a task force about “It’s the second-most-prolific country of baseball tal- The Latino player population in the big leagues has a decade back. Some recommendations were enacted, but ent in the world,” said Kim Ng, Major League Baseball’s steadily increased to reach about 27 percent, according to the much-publicized idea for an international draft was senior vice president in charge of international operations. the most recent statistics from the Society for American shot down after Jacobo led a protest that included a peti- “The Dominican’s tremendously important and that’s why Baseball Research. tion from hundreds of pro players. we just opened a brand-new office down there.” By 2013, there were 510 Dominican player signings, an In recent years, Ng said, MLB has continued to reor- The sport thrives here because of the talent — kids reg- increase from 432 a decade before, according to MLB. The ganize its Dominican office, begun hosting showcases for ularly drop out of school to play — and the environment combined bonuses for player signings jumped from $13.7 players, and started registering prospects. that hastens its development. Money pumps in from the million to $61.5 million during that same time period. “It has gotten more organized, but I think again, given United States, thanks to major league teams and private But numbers alone don’t paint the complete picture of the inherent issues there, it’s not solved by any stretch,” investors who open academies. And success is still tied to baseball’s dominance in the Dominican. Ng said.

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