Football team makes playoffs

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mt. lebanon high school • 155 cochran road volume 54• October 30, 2020 • issue 2 the Devil’s Advocate the student voice of Mt. Lebanon High School A House Divided

2020 election reveals generation gap jack horrigan & kendall lankford proximity to the election,” McClinchie really discuss politics when my siblings in hard facts and information. But po- editors-in-chief said. “Also, I have noticed that every- and I are bold enough to bring them up litically, I don’t think I could ever switch one’s views are super polarized nowa- or when something major happens, like them.” the debates. Other than that, we tend to Like many politically active youth, As we inch closer and closer to one of in my family, and I’m interested to see Hendrick was drawn into politics after the most important elections in Amer- how this plays out after the election.” McClinchie believes that most of the the 2016 election. Social justice issues ican history, some families are inching days. This has definitely caused conflict Political discussions are not uncom- - closer and closer to some of the deep- avoid it to avoid the conflict altogether.” mon during this time, and McClinchie es in belief, but also in the gap between development. est belief-based divisions seen to date. believes that this particular political generations, in that nowadays it is easi- “It wasn’t necessarily my parents, With the polarization of politics conflict stems not only from differenc especially influenced her ideological climate is contributing to the fact that er to form an opinion for yourself. because they’re pretty socially liber- in recent years and the presidential many peaceful conversations are quick- McClinchie is not alone. Senior Mel- al,” Hendrick said. “But the Republican election looming, tensions between ly turning vitriolic. anie Hendrick also disagrees with her Party as a whole, I did not like how they the political parties have dramatically “When we discuss something major, parents, leading to similar volatility. handle social issues like Black Lives escalated. These divisions are seen in like a super important issue that is re- “At my house there is a politics ban,” Matter, LGBTQ issues, and women’s the debates, news, and in the homes of ally relevant or really divisive, people in Hendrick explained. “We cannot talk rights.” Lebo students. Junior Sadie McClinchie, my house will hold a grudge for days, about political things very often, be- who disagrees with some of her family and it usually involves a lot of yelling,” cause it does end up in arguments.” members politically, believes that fam- McClinchie said. Despite this, Hendrick does not be- ily dynamics have gotten increasingly “If we aren’t careful about the way lieve that the arguments are fruitless. more volatile recently. that we discuss politics it can get really “I think on certain things, I could Continued on page 8 “I think that things have gotten more tense for long periods of time, even af- change their mind,” Hendrick said. “Es- extreme, especially now because of the ter the end of the discussion. We only pecially with social issues, when I bring

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 2 News Uighurs face human rights abuses An ethnic and religious minority in the northwest region of China faces torment at the hands of their government

jack silverman so many people into these never really had much of a Emirates, all majority Muslim, China has really slapped us camps and stripping their care for the Uighurs, but since supported China’s policies on in the face,” Savarese said. news editor rights, and the world never Xi Jinping has been in power “The U.S. really can’t say much really cared,” Savarese said. since 2012, he has made the tions last year. these days because we are not With endless mention of He is referring to Chinese Uighurs an example of what the“They Uighurs look at theat ChinaUnited as Na a in a strong position with hu China in everything from po “re-education” camps where will happen to any of these future investor so they won’t man rights or with allies.” litical television ads, presi Uighurs are being detained. groups if they step out of line.” say anything critical,” Sava dential debates, and congres China claims the camps are “We must be as harsh as rese said. “Maybe things could Minister Jacinda Ardern took sional hearings, it is hard to voluntary vocational train possible and show absolutely change with a different US a surprisingWhile New Zealand’sstep, becoming Prime be ignorant about the eco ing centers and has painted no mercy,” Xi said of ethnic one of few southeast nations nomic threat many believe a rosy picture of the Uighurs’ China poses to the United plight releasing videos show president and after COVID-19 States. But few media outlets ing “students” gleefully danc and political candidates have ing or playing volleyball. This “The Uighurs are the forgotten and taken ample time to focus on misrepresents reality. the human rights abuses Chi The Uighurs are being na is currently committing. forcefully detained, often sep lost souls when it comes to human China’s cruelty towards one arated from their families, in ethnic group, the Uighurs, has order to undergo what is es rights currently, and the only crime prompted alarm from human sentially political indoctrina rights investigators. tion. The Uighurs (pro “You’re talking about up they have committed is that they are nounced WEE-gurs), some to a million people in these times spelled Uyghurs, are camps where they are forced a Turkic Muslim group who to abandon their language an ethnic minority in China.” live in the northwest terri for mandarin, abandon their tory of Xinjiang (pronounced religion of Islam and China - has tried very hard to keep 2% of China’s population this very very quite,” Savarese SHinˈjaNG),practice Islam China. and Only nearly about all said. “After two years, they George Savarese of them reside in this region. will evaluate if you have been minorities privately in docu dies down and a vaccine ends to publicly criticize China over Xinjiang brings political brainwashed enough to be re the pandemic because no one their treatment, they largely implications for China as it leased again into society.” York Times. really wants to challenge Chi stand alone and more nations And it does not stop there. ments But obtainedcomplicated by economic the New na right now because of the will need to join them for any ing the 1940s until 1949 when They must listen to hours of consequences compounded issues within their own coun wasChina briefly regained independent control, which dur speeches by Xi Jinping, Chi by the rise of right-wing poli tries.” “There just seems to be no it has had since maintained. na’s leader, sing nationalistic ticians and the reality of a President Trump has cer significantone that is actiongonna totake be ontaken. Chi In the 1990s and early 2000s songs and listen to propa pandemic have made it dif tainly not made the equa na right now and the Uighurs an independence movement ganda about the Communist tion any easier. When his are the forgotten and lost paired with separatism and Party. China has even banned advocates in any nations. secretary of state issued a souls when it comes to human radical islam led to instabil a list of names for Uighur par ficult“Even for thenow Uighurs many toEuro find statement criticizing their rights currently and the only ity and occassional terrorist ents when they are expecting peans and Americans don’t treatment, China’s foreign crime they have committed is attacks. The domestic terror children, namely Mohammed. believe these atrocities,” the minister responded saying that they are an ethnic minor ism was largely attributed to a There have even been ac anonymous woman said of “I can’t breathe,” an allusion ity in China,” Savarese said. minority of Uighur extremists. counts of physical torture, in other nations. “I am shocked However, Savarese main cluding a “tiger chair” where we have to face such a cruel unrest that many believe the tains that there is still hope if International Relations teach victims are painfully electro reality.” to Georgepresident Floyd andhas themishan civic more people across the world er, Georgeclaims that Savarese, while concerns Honors cuted. Worse, many of the dled. just simply start paying atten are warranted, China has used “I begged them to kill me,” majority Muslim “That’s tion. past terrorist incidents to nations in the “The only thing that serve insidious goals. Middle East time will change this is if people de “There was a very, very oneAccording victim testified to an before anony the have turned the first cide it really matters to them small group advocating in Unitedmous Uighur States woman, Government. all wom a blind eye and if you see online boycotts dependence, and China has en ages 18-59 were forced to to the Ui against companies and cor used that to crack down on have IUDs (one of the most ef ghurs, pur porations like Disney [who millions of people,” Savarese fective forms of birth control) suing the said. “They used a legitimate implanted. Despite this, it did prospects movie, Mulan, in Xinjiang],” concern about a few terrorists not work for her, and she was of trade recentlyhe said. filmed“If consumers their ever new that have done some really forced to undergo a steriliza with Chi started to show any genu horrible things to put so many tion operation. She claims the na. In fact, ine disgust over this that innocent people into what Uighurs have been oppressed 54 coun would take shape, then are essentially concentration for years but never so overtly, tries, in you would see China camps.” and she believes these actions cluding start to worry.” China now views Uighurs come from an attempt by the Saudi and other Muslim minority Arabia, groups as potential separat ly kill off parts of the popula Iran and ists or even terrrorists, which Chinesetion and Government force the remaining to swift the explains why they are being Uighurs to assimilate. United targeted. The instability and “There are 55 ethnic mi Arab fears of separatism have led to norities in China, and the Ui Xinjiang being heavily moni ghurs are the ones that China tored, with security check has really picked out to step points everywhere. From su on, and the reason is because permarkets to train stations, they want to send a message it is virtually impossible to live to all the other groups, like a daily life in Xinjiang without the Buddhists in Tibet, being checked multiple times that they won’t meet a day. Military, cameras, and any calls for inde police are everywhere. pendence or re “You want to talk about form,” Savarese terrorism, talk about putting said. “China

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 3 news Lebo Fights Racism and Inequity Mt. Lebanon Organization for Racial Equality (M.O.R.E.) takes shape

sam harris based on current social justice legisla- research that promote transparency to the organization’s newsletter, com- news writer tion and the principles of anti-racism. in policy making, implementation plete with links to articles, local ac- - and outcomes. In regards to policing, tions and committee meeting invites ber Stephanie Edmond-Myers spoke the Justice Committee has had very - M.O.R.E.about how Steering the Education Committee Committee mem productive conversations with Mt. with young people is key. Edmond- non as “a community featuring a mass operates in conveying information and andMyers updates. highlighted For M.O.R.E, the role connecting the next of preppyUrban Dictionarykids going todefines school Mt. separat Leba- the importance of that information. increase transparency within the de- generation will need to play. ed from the real world” for good rea- “[Education] could be anywhere Lebanonpartment. Police Edmond-Myers Chief Aaron explained Lauth to “We are very pleased to see young son. The “isolated” township is mostly from webinars, social justice watch why residents’ voices are so crucial to people getting involved in anti-racism upper-middle class and over 93% parties, book studies, discussion be heard when formulating policing education,” Edmond-Myers said. “We white according to census data. The groups and forums,” Edmond-Myers standards. want to lift up their voices. We encour- overwhelming white population of Mt. said. “The possibilities are endless “According to The President’s Task - and the time is ripe because people Force on 21 Century Policing, commu- cial justice work is ultimately for them, has a long history of intentionally bar- are hungry for this information. They nity involvement in the major aspects ageyou youngsee. They people are developingto join M.O.R.E. the tools So Lebanonring non white is no residents accident. from Mt. Lebanon moving want to know how to help, to grow, to of policy leads to more buy-in from to be the architects of their own fu- in. The most famous example tures. I love to see it.” of this happening in 1971 For people skeptical of when descrimination from - white residents ultimately pecially with policing, Ed- prevented Black heavyweight mond-MyersM.O.R.E.’s overall delivered goals, one es champion and activist Muh- hamad Ali from purchasing a “When some people hear final message. This ugly racial history that they are just trying to bash homestill affects in Virginia the Manor.demographic policethe police,’” reform Edmond-Myers they think, ‘Oh said. “Far from it. We hope to along with a renewed focus have a collaborative relation- dataon systemic of Mt. racism Lebanon after today the ship with our police depart- ment. At a recent forum on police reform, [Police] Chief deathMonroe of Georgeand John Floyd Donoghue is what In the wake of the tragedies of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, there has been renewed interest in making led Mt. Lebanon residents Al- suburban communities like Mt. Lebanon more racially equitable. Mt. Lebanon Organization for Racial Equity always room for improve- (M.O.R.E for short) was founded in the wake of this interest. ganization for Racial Equality Lauthment agreedin the thatdepartment. there is to found The Mt. Lebanon Or A future initiative will be to (M.O.R.E.)a mission inof Junepursuing of this racial year. equality get involved. Awareness and educa- the public,” Edmond-Myers said. “Citi- coordinateThat with is the why police M.O.R.E department exists. Overall, M.O.R.E. commits to - tion are crucial to becoming an effec- zens are more apt to see policy as fair to help diversify our police force so tees: anti-racism education and justice tive ally.” and authority as legitimate when they that the department more accurately inreform. Mt. Lebanon through two commit The other committee within have a hand in its development and - implementation. This is just common our community. We all have families the Education Committee. This com- cusing more on advocating and talking sense: anyone who has a hand in build- reflectsand loved the ones. changing In the demographics end, we want of mitteeThe firstaddresses main pillarthe often of M.O.R.E. uncom is- M.O.R.E.to community is the leadersJustice Committee.including state Fo ing something will appreciate it more, fortable topic of talking and learning representatives Dan Miller and Jordan nurture it more, support it more.” valued, and returns home at the end of about racism in society. It is dedicated Harris, the Justice Committee aims tothe make day.” sure EVERYONE feels safe, is to developing an effective education to implement reforms based on solid website is automatically subscribed Anyone who signs up on M.O.R.E.’s

-“IRiley definitely Sweet (12) need structure, but do I create structure? No. I’m only going to do that if I’m in school. Like, right now I’m sitting on my couch” Students struggle to find motivation, focus in pandemic setting

anna mares to engage with one’s classmates, it’s performance.” me, and I feel that I’m not learning to guest writer - Cottingham underlined the impor- my highest potential because of that,” tivation necessary for success. For tance of human interaction, empha- she said. Empty classrooms. Silent hallways. virtuallysophomore impossible Estelle Smith, to find this the new mo- sizing that simulating connection is A once bustling school, emptied in found lack of drive increased procras- students are responding to the mate- - tination. Smith has utilized the cross- rooms and turning on cameras are all rialOne is by way providing educators them can with make “authen sure- - country team as a method to de-stress crucial.incredibly Zoom important discussions, for engaging breakout stu- tic and deep feedback,” according to dents’minutes. hopes As COVID-19’s and habits, unprecedent many have after the school day, however it still dents. edbeen impact forced flushed to adapt. the school of stu hasn’t been enough. Although it seems small, these of the Highlander Institute, in an Au- The sudden, unpredictable, nature “It’s not really interactive anymore, changes can make a world of differ- Shawngust Hechinger Rubin, chiefReport education interview. officer so it’s hard for my brain to stay moti- ence according to Smith. “If students know their teacher will of security many students and teach- vated or focused and to not zone out,” “Sometimes it’s not helpful if we actually give their assignments a real of COVID-19 ripped away the sense she said. are in random breakout rooms with look and provide them with personal, schedule of a normal school day, many Although Smith confessed to pro- people we don’t know,” Smith said. “It’s ersstudents rely on. fell Lacking out of touch the formerly with their rigid as- crastination in previous years, she la- not really interactive. Sometimes there the work more seriously,” Rubin said. signments. mented that this habit has gone to the are only two people talking with three specific, targeted feedback, they’ll take- Senior Riley Sweet acknowledges “extreme” as she sits in her room day other people in the group not saying versity’s Kelsey Miller recommends a that she struggled to create an en- after day, class after class. anything.” plethoraMore concretely,of software Northeastern in a July article Uni vironment echoing the school day’s Benjamin Cottingham, Associate Di- Without knowing the other stu- for students worried about organiza- rector of Strategic Partnership, shared dents and starting the year as strang- tion and mental health. To organize, Chemistry, one of the hardest classes some recommendations for teachers ers, Smith believes that being thrown she suggests Trello or Smartsheet. For rigidity.in the school, Enrolled Sweet in struggles Honors Organic to bal- hoping to better engage their students into a group with students she hasn’t those preferring traditional to-do lists, ance a hectic schedule. in an August interview with Hechinger met and often can’t see isn’t an effec- she encourages digital notebooks like Report. tive solution. Todoist, Wunderlist, or Evernote. “Because so many students are feel- Sweet also struggled to engage with As the school year proceeds on its only“I definitelygoing to do need that structure, if I’m in butschool. do I ing a sense of isolation right now, us- her classes, noticing a change in her at- tumultuous path, it is important for create structure? No,” Sweet said. “I’m ing that face time in any way to facili- titude. students to maintain as much struc- When my camera is off, it’s sometimes tate the interactions that they’ve lost is “Being online, I realize I miss be- ture as possible and work with their Like,better right for menow to I’m focus, sitting but on other my couch. times going to be really helpful,” Cottingham ing able to walk into a teacher’s room teachers to make hybrid a successful it’s just me going on my phone.” revealed. “Such use of time can not when I had a question, because I’m experience for all. - only enhance student engagement, but ties of distraction. Without the ability also improve academic outcomes and this platform has taken that away from Many are vulnerable to the difficul definitely an interactive student and

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 4 news Open for business Small businesses adjust to pandemic economy

will brubaker from the government news writer got support, which took money away from the businesses that re- Small businesses have taken ally need it. a hard hit from the outbreak of - Subs and other small ing at these businesses are lo- businessesPlaces likeare Lebohav- COVID-19.cal teens trying Many to people earn worksome ing a hard time get- extra money, but with the wide- ting money because spread pandemic taking over, they lost a lot of busi- they take on way more respon- sibilities. shutdown and the gov- nessernment due toisn’t the COVIDgiving was very vocal about the lack them any more money of supportOne business they hadin Mt. during Lebanon the because the money is going to major restau- to no funding from the govern- rant chains. pandemic.ment, and Leboput signs Subs gotin front little “I wouldn’t say of their restaurant to tell the that we struggled too community the truth about the much,” Polk said. “But funding they were promised. Teens working there have no- upset that we didn’t ticed that their managers have we definitely were become very stressed due to support we hoped for the pandemic, causing them to Some small businesses have been getting creative during the pandemic while they deal with the politics of the fed- receivefrom the thegovernment. financial have to take on more responsi- eral government. Pictured above is the sign on the door to Lebo Subs giving potential customers options for how to The government says support them when they need it the most (Photo by Will Brubaker). bility. they are giving money Emily Polk, junior, has are more precautions that have to be in have a big rush and have to answer to small businesses - but in reality it is still going to large gust of 2019, and she has noticed that place now. Some businesses are doing phones,” Polk said. “Which can take a take-out only or 50% capacity to help few minutes, and make orders at the corporations who are classifying their workedthere are at new Lebo pros Subs and since cons Au of how individual branches as small business- she works. Dealing with customers - same time.” tization has become very important to es.” seems to be a big issue because there Shopping small is very important to are a lot of questions that remain controlkeep its the workers spread and of COVID-19.customers Sanisafe, little support from the government. but it has made work more of a hassle. TheLebo owner Subs put has signs also on been display receiving on the the local economy. In times like these about how stores are operating. it is even more crucial to help local “It has been less stressful because “We do take-out only and make storefront telling the community how people place their orders over the the government hasn’t been giving businesses stay in business and sup- we don’t have to work in front of the port the families that own them. customers,” Polk said. “But we have phone and also pay with a credit/debit them enough support. card,” Polk said. “They are not allowed - to be more understanding and help- can continue to do is to support small ful to the customers. We had, and still to come in and order at all. We have a - tip jar in the front and sanitize all the nessesThe federaldue to thegovernment hardship madethey faced. a CO businesses“One thing in your that community,” the community Polk do have, customers that are very upset said. “Instead of eating at chain res- they have to call in an order and can’t money we receive.” VID-19The government relief plan made to help a bill small of $350busi Working during a pandemic has million to give to small businesses taurants try to eat at the local family sit in the store. Dealing with the angry owned ones, those are the ones that customers can be tough, but through- really need the support right now.” out the past couple of months it has for teens who have to work the store outbreak. The problem with this is gotten a lot easier to interact with definitelyfront and dealbecome with an their adjustment, customers, but it sincethat massive the beginning corporations of the were COVID-19 mark- them.” ing franchises as small businesses, Working in a local restaurant there “It can get overwhelming when we so places that didn’t really need help can get difficult. Marching Band finishes masked, socially distanced season

The Mount Lebanon High School Marching Band finished up their sea- son recently. It was a huge adjustment for a very collaborative activity to make the transition to a COVID-19 safe environment. But the band had a successful season playing their halftime show, Motown. Pictured to the left is the Percus- sion

Front Ensemble (often nicknamed “The Pit,” playing their parts during the halftime show (Photo by M. Kline Photography)

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 5 news Pennsylvania: 2020’s Florida? Keystone state is likely to decide 2020 election Pittsburgh area who represents the ryan vuillemot Pennsylvania Democrats, has been in- news writer volved in the Biden ground game and had a number of details to provide. - Pennsylvania’s coveted 20 electoral half of the Pennsylvania Democratic votes are almost certain to play a cru- PartyVanistendael’s has been to makeprimary calls role to voters.on be - According to the election modeler egy of the Democrats in Pennsylvania cialFiveThirtyEight, role in this November’sPennsylvania election. “looks Accordingprimarily revolves to Vanistendael around generating the strat like the most important state of the turnout from registered Democratic 2020 election.” By their estimates, if voters, who are, for the most part, al- - ready planning to vote. ber, President Trump will have an “Because I am calling registered Pennsylvania84% chance of goes being red reelected; this Novem were Democrats, the most common re- sponse as the election has gotten Joe Biden will have a 96% chance of closer is that they are planning to itkicking to go him blue, out. former By all Vice accounts, President the vote for the Democratic candidates,” Keystone state is very likely to be the keystone of either candidate’s victory gotten a few undecided, a few who in this election cycle. saidhave Vanistendael.switched to supporting “However, Donald I have For 24 years prior to the 2016 elec- Trump, and one respondent who cast tion, Pennsylvania maintained a con- sistent record of just barely tipping in favor of the Democrats. However, amethods vote for bythe whichLibertarian the Pennsylvania candidate.” by riding a wave of PA’s high concen- DemocratsVanistendael have tried also to discussed get people en the- tration of non-Hispanic white people gaged in the voting process through- without bachelor’s degrees, Trump out the election cycle. managed to eke out a win in Pennsyl- “Prior to the Pennsylvania primary Pennsylvania voters will play a crucial role in determining the results of this election. vania in 2016 by a margin of less than election in May, the goal was to inform Charlotte Parsons (12) votes early and masked (Photo courtesy of Parsons). 1% of the vote. as many Democrats as possible about This year, however, the state ap- citing concerns over potential voter in ballots and that Trump, by raising pears more likely to once again break “As we have gotten closer to the gen- fraud and lack of election security. concerns early on, could capitalize on for Democrats. According to the mail-ineral election, ballots,” the questions Vanistendael pertain said to . Many have pointed to the fact that such a scenario and take the election aggregated polling from FiveThir- whether or not people plan to vote for these concerns don’t hold up to scru- to the courts. tyEight, Biden is polling over Trump Joe Biden and other Democrats on the tiny to make the case that the Repub- Therefore, it is very likely by a margin of about 7%. Some polls ballot.” lican’s disdain for mail-in voting is that the Pennsylvania Republican even show Biden up by more than The Devil’s Advocate reached out due to electoral concerns rather than strategy in Pennsylvania would be the 10 points at the moment. If the polls to a number of regional Republican security concerns. Many believe that exact opposite of the aforementioned prove correct, Biden will have a very operatives for comment. Unfortunate- because Trump voters are more likely strategy of the Pennsylvania Demo- clear path to the presidency; if Trump ly, none of them responded. to vote in person, the initial count will crats, namely to discourage their vot- manages to overcome them, his re- The aforementioned part of the show Trump with a slim lead despite ers from using mail-in ballots. These election will be similarly certain. Pennsylvania Democrats’ strategy in him consistently losing in the national two opposing strategies, when put to- particular is unlikely to be replicated gether, make the possibility of such a to play a pivotal role in the election, by the Republicans. Throughout the in, the count could shift rapidly in fa- nightmare scenario even more likely, bothGiven sides that are the investing state is greatly so likely in election cycle, President Trump and polling.vor of Biden. Once the It hasmail-in been ballots suggested come and because of Pennsylvania’s de- their respective ground games. Carrie the Republicans have made clear their that this could create fertile breeding cisive role in the election, the state disapproval of the mail-in process, ground for allegations of irregularities could end up in the center of it. and thus fraud on behalf of the mail- Vanistendael, a resident of the greater

Hugo Davies Teddy Pettko Sophie What is (12) (12) Toussaint (10)

the most “Healthcare “I feel that the “Climate change important because every- most important because our earth one’s life matters issue is how cannot sustain issue in and our current we are going to another four years system needs to recover from the without major this be changed to pandemic and climate reform.” who is going to do election? a better job at it.” reflect that.”

Follow us on Twitter Devil’s Advocate Staff @The_LeboDA The Devil’s Advocate is published monthly during the school year by

editors-in-chief centerspread staff writers Phone 412.344.2000, ext. 13408. It is designed to serve as a forum for student Jack Horrigan Maggie Goldman Ethan Bell students of Mt. Lebanon High School, 155 Cochran Rd., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15228. Kendall Lankford Francesca Ricci Will Brubaker Emily Golden issues. Opinions expressed in The Devil’s Advocate do not necessarily represent news editor features editors Halle Grant Jack Silverman Lauren Masteller Kate Kessler the official position of Mt. Lebanon School District. Published writers embrace their liberties of freedom of speech, press, and all rights granted under the first Ava Patak Annabel Lecky - trending editors amendment. The Devil’s Advocate is an open forum. Opinions expressed in The Bridget Bruni Genna Leibow opinion editor Devil’s Advocate editorials are those of the majority of the editorial board. Opin Isabelle Stoehr Hannah Morelli editor should be no longer than 250 words and can be delivered to room D408 Peter Swindal Malena Pasquale ions expressed in individual columns are those of the columnist. Letters to the sports editor backpage editor Thomas Pesacreta appropriate content. Sophie Coyne Aidan Witte Ryan Vuillemot or sent to [email protected]. Letters are subject to editing for length and Colin Witte Molly Zimmerman

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 6 Trending 1600 is the magic number Racist history of the SAT lives on with the continuation of the test

kate kessler So why do we still trending writer colleges and therefore end up getting nottake sorry.’” the test? Hughes worse jobs, continuing the cycle of- believes the answer is The SAT: most Mt. Lebanon stu- poor communities being packed with dents enter their junior year worry- minority races. This raises some sus picion because the College Board is- obvious—Americawas when the test was is notorious for making a huge profit off still racist, just like it ingthinking about skills, the notoriously many students difficult worry test. of tests like the SAT and AP exams ac Bythat putting they might so much not befocus able onto to docritical well cording to Gregory Mantsios, author of created.we have to ask our- ClassAdditionally, in America, many despite poorer being students a self- “In modern America text in the way the SAT requires them described non-profit organization. onto. However,it because the they average struggle Mt. to Lebanon analyze selves, ‘Why are we student does not have to worry about cannot afford or cannot find time for still taking it? Why are- resources to do well on the tests, such weswer stillto that doing question, this?’” as one-on-one tutoring. According to Hughesan answer said. that “The people an the possible effects of their race and Collegeand a lot Raptor, of money. most tutors charge by will not like at all, is level of education on their score. the hour, which adds up to a lot of time - The SAT has been accused of being racist in that it perpetuates a cycle of The Devil’s Advocate contacted the- that America is still rac povertyuse questions for minority that are races seemingly by having de- Collegespond. Board to get their word on ist.many Super institutions racist. Lookare the most important test in the country- these accusations, but they did not re at the country now. So- - signedtion all tothe trip way up into Black modern and underprivi day. questionsMerrily are Schweers, harder for a underserved tutor for the built with a racist foun leged students since the test’s concep- SAT, agrees with other teachers that- - According to the Princeton Com students because they use sophisti mons the SAT was created by eugeni catedmany poorer word choice,students difficult might not critical get cistJewish, Carl mediterranean Brigham to prove and thatother white stu- thinking skills, and experiences that students were smarter than Black, - to experience, but she also argues dents of color, and the SAT’s racist thatthe test. the test reflects the imbalances origins still affect the test today. Ques- in society that already existed before tionspher, useso students complex wholanguage attend that under only- an avid reader would be able to deci “Sadly, all communities are not- An example of a racially and economically biased SAT question that was in the real test. equal,”er urban Schweers or rural, said. are “Students being short-who The SAT’s have come under scrutiny for being unfair towards certain groups of students funded schools would do worse on the attend underserved schools, wheth from the beginning of the test. (Photo courtesy of clearchoicetestprep.com). test.have over Questions underprivileged also tend tokids; focus for ex on- experiences that privileged kids would changed daily. A lower tax base limits- every aspect of education—facilities,- ample, a teacher on Quora pointed out state-of-the-art computers, extracur thatable to many answer privileged a question children on it, but would an ricular activities, AP course availabil recognizeunderprivileged the word kid might “regatta” have and never be ity, teacher salary. The list is endless,- seen the word before. and the facts are indisputable: when with the hopes that no one ever men- best of it.’ That’s my motto. Unless, I - funding is inadequate, schools are in dation and it’s just getting covered up findAs a schoolfor the that future is good offor methe andSAT, is ferior and students score lower on the test-optional, I’ll take it.” The SAT has also been accused of us SAT.” - tions it.” ing differential item functioning (DIF) servesJunior through Kenzie its Hughes test. is also fed up Though the test seems problematic, Schweersto allow students believes tothat use schools the test should as it to unfairly evaluate students according- with the racial biases that the SAT pre- Schweers still tutors it because she tryworks to for move them. to a test optional policy to Inside Higher Ed. On easy questions, loves to teach, and she believes that- the DIF seems to favor white, privi “In all honesty, I think it’s extreme critical thinking is a crucial life skill. not guarantee that a student will do legedright. children,However, soon they the haveharder a higherques- ly unfair especially because so many have“It to is read exhilarating the whole to passage watch before a stu “Obtaining the coveted 1600 does chance of getting the easier questions students can’t afford to take the test,” dent whose first question is, ‘Oh, do I - so the questions that are already hard Hughes said. “It’s expensive to take welles, tested in college,” leadership, Schweers independent said. “A tions,enough the and DIF that favors most Blackstudents children, might the test, let alone to prepare for it. I I answer the questions?’ progress to a strong work ethic, challenging cours- miss anyway are the ones that are sup- feel like it’s biased and doesn’t show a- student who can execute a thorough - student’s worth of getting into college. line-by-line analysis,” Schweers said. study, summer internships and effi - It’sSadly, just something Hughes is from not America’s surprised rac by “I am genuinely thrilled when they cient time management of extracurric posed to “favor” Black children. This ist past that we carried over.” ‘get it.’ Even more wonderful is when ularsHughes, correlate however, positively disagrees with student with cannot beget achieved on easy questions.through using By makingexperi at all. studentsthey now finallyhave a understand shot at answering what the it success in college.” encesthe easy underprivileged questions easier students for mightwhite the test’s biases, or any racial biases question is asking and realize that an important test and believes that it people and keeping the hard questions -these skills are the same for all stu- theshould idea be of eliminated. making money off of such “I’ve been surrounded by racism correctly.dents...These Black, are brown, skills madeLatinx, by white- one- - my whole life and at this point, I’m money you have in order to prepare difficult,tions they it missputs haveminority more race weight scores than at like, ‘Yeah, that sounds about right,’” - “They really only show how much athe huge ones disadvantage a white person because misses. the ques Hughes said. “I guess most people on-one tutoring. They came for SAT- tests, they really are for the big ballers, - won’tdoes surprise know. I me didn’t though, even and know it prob until- prep, but my serious students discov for it,” Hughes said. “These aptitude I looked into it for this article. What eredSo, that should critical people reading take is fundamen the SAT? Though economic status mostly af tal to lifelong learning.” wealthy community, to boast about fects test scores, due to the remnants- ably shouldn’t, is that no one ever how ‘smart’ their students are. It’s all of segregation laws and racism that- mentions how racist this test is. Like- Hughes is upset with the test’s past, about money.” are still very prevalent in today’s so counselors don’t mention, colleges are but feels she has no choice. ciety, most of the time, these under all hush hush about it. Call me an op “Personally, I have to acknowledge privileged, underfunded communities timist, but it’s pretty important to say- that the world is racist,” Hughes said. are filled with minority race students.- ‘Hey, here’s this extremely racist test “I have to make it work in my favor as Becauseally well on these the test, kids they cannot go to get worse the that was created to allow whites to re best I can. My mom always tells me education they need to do exception tain racial superiority. Yeah, you want ‘You know, America wasn’t made for into college, you have to take it. Sorry us (Blacks), but we have to make the

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 7 trending Teachers stay with remote learning despite move to hybrid emily golden ninth grade students started hybrid trending writer when it was offered to the district and has experienced, first hand, some The COVID-19 pandemic has of the difficulties of having a virtual brought upon many hard decisions to teacher. communities all over the world. Many “It is hard to get to know her and educatorsstaff in addition are trying to keeping to balance everyone what for her to get to know us because she issafe. best for their students, faculty, and isn’t actually in the classroom,” Malone- - said. “Getting individual feedback is - easieredits and in person, while making especially sure with you Eng are Following many school board meet lish when you need to constantly make- ings, the Mount Lebanon School Dis trictimplement made of the in-person decision learning to move still to stillAs sticking hard and with untraditional all of the as require it is to hybrid on Oct. 5. However, this new ments.” - for their own health as well as their ing some positives in this new way of leavesfamilies, teachers while having who need a monitor to stay inhome the interactlearning. via screen, students are find room for the students in person.

- to worry“I like about being being able in to the have traditional a class Mrs. Sherri Miller, who teaches both- where I can ‘take a break’ and not have Honorsers who English needed 9 toand stay English home 12: for Lan the guagetime being. of Power, was one of our teach structured classroom,” Malone said. “ It is much less stressful than normal, especially in english which is probably students“The biggest that feed challenge my own by farenthusi is not- my hardest class.” having the personal interactions with- Even though having a virtual portunity to get to know my students teacher is similar both at school and asm,” Miller said. “I don’t have the op at home, many students are finding it more beneficial to learn from the quite as well as I would if we were in- classroom. English teacher Mrs. Miller’s home office for remote school. She is teaching from home the classroom.” - “While in the classroom I definitely amid the pandemic. (Photo by Miller). With the camera feature being op get more of an “in-person” experience- tional, many teachers are still strug while being among my peers,” Malone gling to connect with the “blank said. “Being surrounded by other stu - screen” they are faced with on Zoom. dents makes my classes much more ing a worthwhile environment and ex- “Non-verbal communication means intriguing and makes me excited to be One of the hardest things hybrid- to assist the teachers with still provid a lot, especially in English class,” Miller backabout in this the situation building.” and seeing how it has brought up is how teachers and said.or even “It’s paying difficult attention to know without if students be- Teachers are also finding positives students will connect. Communica perience for students. are on-board with what I’m teaching future. tion, especially face-to-face, is often for“Mt. students Lebo and has staff been throughout incredible the in can improve their classrooms for the- the key to success in many classrooms. their willingness to do what’s best ing able to see them.” - - Thisform newrelationships hybrid learning with their has students. caused more grateful to Mr. Hladio, Mr. Kavo, Although this is a decision many “I have found that I am more flex- teachers to become creative in how to pandemic,” Miller said. “I could not be- teachersby no means have easy. to make in order to pri ible in terms of understanding compli oritize the health of their families, it is cationsasking themthat come and alongtheir whenfamilies ‘life to hap be “I surveyed kids at the start of the Mr.emotional Petrich supportand Mrs. for Shine, me amongand for oth my pens’ to kids,” Miller said. “Because I’m- year to find out, among other things,- ers, for their non-stop physical and “Online class discussion is much- what their interests are,” Miller said. “I more challenging than face-to-face,” understanding of my unique and com try really hard to connect with kids be students.” Miller said. “I also don’t get those op plicated situation that necessitates I’m fore class begins by making small talk portunities before and after class to still working from home, I find myself with them about their activities and chat with them and find out who they more tolerant and compassionate and interests.” really are.” adaptable than I think I have ever been As difficult as it is to teach remotely, Michael Malone, one of Mrs. Miller’s in my career.” many staff members are reaching out

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 8 trending Electoral politics divide households Continued from Front Cover liberal now, history suggests that that liberal household, there was still a di- after the height of his protesting, he - videAlthough between Delano his parents, came from with a a fairly pas- come part of the system. Only 10 years - sionately anti-war mother and a father won’t last. Historically, social con - was chief of staff to a Congressman servatismthe people hasthe comeBaby Boomersback with rebelled a ven from Pennsylvania. Now, as a member- geance: the youth of the 1920s became feelDespite that the the disagreement tense environment has wors sur- a little less clear on the topic. of the mainstream media, Delano has roundingened her politics,relationship Hendrick with doesher par not- “I’m a mix of my past,” Delano said.- found his own methods being criti against in the 1960s, while Millenials ents. “My mother was a passionate liberal,- cized. and Gen Z are now rebelling against - and my father was a rather conserva “If you really want to affect change, the Boomers. DiNardo does, however, tive steel executive. And I consider my you need to elect people who share see reasons for our current liberalism. “We definitely still have a good re self a flaming moderate.” yourfrom views,”the younger Delano generation said. “I took who some did individualism“[Your generation] and is combining an lationship,” Hendrick said. “We just try of Yetthe thatmovement, too has changedbut his asliberalism he aged. flak on social media for saying that interesting set of connections between- to steer clear of [politics] whenever- Hehas always mellowed rejected over time.the extreme wings we’re together. But I still get along not appreciate what I was saying. They greater support for social demo with my parents on pretty much ev thoughtwas saying I was the minimizing protests in the and protests. of itself cratic values,” DiNardo said. “There is erythingforesee their else.” disagreement going away. “When I was that age, people would I was not minimizing the protests, - I a belief that we should have policies Despite this, Hendrick does not- have said I was pretty liberal,” Delano toThere prevent are far if more possible kids in and Mt. correct Lebanon if said. “I mean, there were some radical will not be effective. You’ve got to en necessary the prebirth lottery of luck. “I think it will be a bit relieved [af student groups back in those days. I gage in electoral politics if you want to - ter the election],” Hendrick said. “But would never have been a part of that.” change policy. Policy is not changed on High School today than there were in I still think since we don’t see eye-to- didWhile have theremany werefriends no whomajor disagreed political the streets. You can bring attention to the 80s that would recognize the privi- eye on politics there will always be a argumentswith their parents.in the Delano He attributes household, part he the need for policy change, and there’s lege of this community.” little bit of tension.” of that to the generational divide at the nothing wrong with that. Iengaged in parents,Of course, and hasthe patternkept his is values often brointo Both McClinchie and Hendrick are time. that myself. But for change to actually ken.adulthood. DiNardo disagreed with his own part of a larger trend. According to Pew change policy, you have to be part of - Research Center, Gen Z is more liberal - the process. I believed that then, and I than even Millennials on issues such- ple“The who olderwere stronggeneration supporters was Lyndon of the believe that now.” “With my own anecdotal experi as LGBTQ rights and racial equality. AP Johnson and Richard Nixon, two peo Delano acknowledges that personal ence, there’s no way I should be the Government teacher Pete DiNardo be politicsqualities often of youth. change as we age, and person I am today,” DiNardo said. “My lieves there’s a reason for this. - warmade and no weresense. sending So that Americanwas the older kids attributes much of the divides to the- mother still has no idea why I have the “I think the gaps that are happening to war in Vietnam,” Delano said. “That valuesdoubted that her she own believes opinions, in.” nor would are because of the inability of politi- “I sense maybe a degree of less toler Similarly, McClinchie has never- cians to make substantive progress on generation,people who were and part they of clearly the anti-war were ance in some of today’s young people, tain members of her family. keywill issues,”be better. DiNardo Your said.generation “Your gener lives notmovement? listening. Yes. Now, But were it was there largely older but I think that’s part of youth,” Delano she consider changing them for cer ation is unconvinced that your world- said. “I mean, everything seems black and thought for myself, rather than Yet the younger generation even at and white. And you’re either a good just“I going educated along myself with whatever on the matter they through domestic terror. Your genera driven by younger people.” guy or a bad guy. I probably engaged tionthough sees they climate widen crisis and up narrow the wazoo.” with in that, too.” really important in this day and age Generational gaps are nothing new, thatof students time was only not a monolithic.few years younger Delano happening,The same to pushback an extent, against today: youth- high- told me,” McClinchie said. “I think it’s recalledthan him beingwhile he attacked stood vigil by as a a group non- led movements in the 1960s are the times. The two largest schisms- fortheir kids information to really from educate more themselves than one weretive mainstream in the 1920s of the and time the en masse. 1960s, - profile Republicans have criticized on what’s going on, and also to get when youth rejected the conserva violenttests, was protest non-violent; outside heof thewas local raised post in movements such as March for Our office. The vigil, like all of Delano’s pro Lives and Greta Thunberg’s Fridays source, and especially not from our- Jon Delano, Mt. Lebanon graduate and For Future. DiNardo does not believe parents. I don’t think I could change Moneyanti-war and protests. Politics Editor for KDKA- theeven Quaker more than tradition, generation. and believes that the criticisms will be effective. their mind because they are so stub TV, was part of the 1960s youth-led- background influences political beliefs “There’s an idea of ‘well, wait a born. Although, they will never change second,’” DiNardo said. “John Lewis my mind. Never. I’ll keep these beliefs “I was involved in a number of pro “Depending on the background you- was 20 when he changed the world. becausea good person I know and what wanting I want everything to see test marches on Washington, D.C.,” cametion that from, everybody you probably within reflect the sameyour Thomas Jefferson was 26 to 33 when happen,to be fair, and and it understanding all comes down the to viewsbeing Delano said. “We would bus down parents’generation views,” has the Delano same said. views “This on noev- he changed the world. Why do you fromwas even Philadelphia an effort or to drive go over down to andthe have to wait until you’re 40 to change we would march on to the mall. There - the world?” of the other side. I don’t see myself erything is crazy.” Republicans may not have much changing my beliefs in the future to fit StudentsPentagon.” chooseNow, decades later, Delano to has be remainto fear. While the majority ofvirtual Gen Z is those of the people around me.” isabelle stoehr trending editor ways to keep all students en- at home during that instead of being at gone above and beyond finding each other, and I figured I’d rather be to Kearns. gaged in their classes, according school.” still missed for those going from waitedDonehue to go hybrid. likes online school and The craziness of the halls between- The social part of school is she feels like the school should’ve classes suddenly became going to the- have been able to return. kitchen to get a quick snack before log one Zoom to another. Luckily, “I kind of wish they waited until - ging into the next Zoom. Now, Mt. Leb many out of school activities the end of the first nine weeks, and I said. anon has welcomed the student body probably would’ve gone in, but so far - back to the building, with much less “I definitely miss seeing peo it seems like it’s going well,” Donehue - squeezingbut what about through those the who first are staircase still go- ple I don’t normally see outside - of the B building with 100 other kids, of school,” Kearns said. “Other Online kids are getting basically the Students who have remained re- wiseKearns I’m happy is keeping to not a bepositive miss same education, just with less of the attitude by using her study hall the building soon. ingmote to throughthe kitchen? the transition to hybrid ing out on extracurriculars.” in class experience, according to Do to go on walks and getting as nehue. She does plan on being back in throughout the day along with the Kearns feels as though staying at though there are still downsides to re- aredifferent receiving atmosphere. the same education as “I kind of miss seeing people mote learning. - those in the building, but with a much much sleep as possible. Even - teachersing a good in job person,” making Donehue everyone said. online “I homeing up hasof hybrid been was the rightrushed. decision for - feel like most of my teachers are do Senior Grace Kearns is staying her. She was concerned that the mov- home for school after, with the help of “The screen time is a bit draining her family, choosing to stay online. especially with the hours of home feel like they aren’t missing anything” make“I was the worriedplans for that a safe opening opening in Octoo work after school too,” Kearns said. Donehue plans on coming into the- “My sister is an elementary school tober rather than November could- teacher, so I’ve definitely kept her in Fellow senior Rachel Donehue classroom before the end of year, at the erything goes smoothly and everyone was originally intended for remote mind with my decision since there’s made the same choice to stay online latest by the start of the second semes rushed, but I certainly hope that ev learning. - a lot on the teachers’ plates trying to for the rest of the first nine weeks that ter. Until then, she will keep embracing - ing is having more time to sleep in and adaptgrandparents to the and circumstances,” know they and Kearns my the ups and downs of Zoom school. staysstill the safe,” same Kearns whether said. in the room or also“My having favorite extra part time of in remote between learn pe- said. “I spend lots of time with my The different form of education is- at home limiting my exposure. “I chose to stay online mainly be - and study hall periods are right after family feel more comfortable with me cause of the way my schedule ended at home. It has been something for ev up this year,” Donehue said. “My lunch riods,” Donehue said. “My least favor eryone to adapt too, but teachers have ite part is probably breakout rooms.”

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 9 trending Meet the King and Queens Dance the pandemic away? Mt. Lebanon’s Newly Crowned Homecoming Royalty

Liv Blair Homecoming Queen What is your favorite part of homecoming? “Dancing with my friends.”

The members of the class of 2021 homecoming court. pose for a picture after the parade. From left to right Jack Dzi- ubek, Delfina Szigethy, MacK Ridge, Zach Nellas, Danny Biersdorf, Mira Morris, Liv Blair, Iso Karimov and Lexi Ribstein. (Photo courtesy of Principal Thompson). Student council hopes, plans for a winter homecoming

Bridget Bruni guidelines. trending editor - theylution can’t in the please middle. everyone, and they are trying hard to find a so “There will definitely be a DJ- has been that students are frus- with an amazing playlist but how masks. trated“The but feedback understand I have receivedthat we close we are allowed to be is un Dresses, suits, corsages and need to keep everyone safe, we decided yet,” Freedy said. “As the date gets closer administration That’s what homecoming in willThere go off was of the originally CDC guidelines talk of Iso Karimov 2020hopeful is thatgoing they to look will getlike. to In enjoy this are asking everyone to be flexible to make sure the dance is safe.” Sweet has felt the pressure of spring but this was vetoed given Homecoming King crazy year many students are- and patient during these times,” What is your favorite part of homecoming? Freedy said. homecoming being pushed to the “My favorite part of homecoming was the tried to put plans together that the longstanding high school tra- kindess that came from many people make everyone happy. spring. dition of homecoming. As of now these difficult times as she has the fact that there are so many supporting each other on homecoming court.” homecoming is scheduled for De activities already planned for the cember 19 but that is still subject - to change. “I think people just really want “It has been very difficult to Senior class officers Riley a dance, but I know there will be plan, we don’t want to push ev Sweetworking (Treasurer) hard with andMrs. MaggieKolko pushbackhard, we are about always the lettingguidelines some if- erything back to the spring in Freedy (Secretary) have been we do have one,” Sweet said. “It’s- casealso trying the CDC to stillmake has it a the legend same- preserve the year. guidelines but student council is planning some type of dance to- oneThere down was no also matter talk whatof possibly deci timing and guidelines has been ing to look different this year but sion we make.” ary dance, so trying to figure out- “Homecoming is definitely go to limit the amount of people, if doing a seniors only dance just very hard,” Freedy said. “Unfortu all the officers are determined to natelyskipped if buthomecoming Snowball willis not be able the make something happen,” Freedy the number of cases continue to to happen on the 19th it will be said. “As of now masks will be trend downwards as the dance worn and social distancing will approaches.have to be split into different next dance to look forward to.” - be enforced unless something- “The dance will most likely pressedDespite their the hopefulness initial setbacks, for the drastically changes.” Mrs.future. Kolko and Freedy both ex Safety is everyone’s first prior gradeyet, but levels,” it is possible Sweet it said.would “We be ity, but the officers are working to have not gotten to that decision try and find a solution. - “I think it’s really important “I don’t know the ins and outs seniors only. In general, seniors toand state that as everyonea disclaimer should that allstay of of the dance yet, but I know that will take precedent for all activi this can change at any moment Mr. Thompson explicitly stated to ties this year.” - Lexi Ribstein the officers that the dances would Freedy explained that there hopeful and healthy,” Freedy said. need to be socially distanced and would still definitely be a DJ. De “And more information will be Homecoming Queen What is your favorite part of homecoming? masked to occur,” Sweet said. spitepossible all thewhile changes following they all want the coming soon.” “My favorite part about homecoming is prob- Students have been voicing to keep the dance as normal as ably the dance itself. At the school you’re with their opinions on the topic, as all grade levels, in a fun environment. You get to “It has been very difficult to plan...” see everyone, something that doesn’t happen every weekend when you’re with your friends.” -Maggie Freedy

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 10 Sports Football fights on Lebo is playoff bound colin witte my teammates than my sports writer own family. If one of my teammates needs me From preparing for a I’m right there for them game one week to being and vise versa. It’s really forced to sit at home for unlike anything else.” two weeks straight, the Going from prepar- Mt. Lebanon Football ing for Upper Saint team has had quite the Clair week one to sit- offseason preparing for ting at home for two their eventful 2020 sea- weeks with no football son. practice going on, Mt. 2020 has been an Lebanon has had their hectic year for the Mt fair share of challenges Lebanon football team, with uncertainty for the going 6-5 last year with upcoming season, but a playoff exit to Cen- Decaro remained opti- tral Catholic. They look mistic throughout the determined to make process that the time a push for a WPIAL Championship. Though, “You have to just put not everything goes as wouldthe past finally in come.the past,” planned. Decaro said. “Our mind- As was the world, set switched to Canon the football team was impacted by COVID-19, everything we could to giving them restrictions Macprepare the firstfor day.that We game did for offseason work- even though we were at outs preparing for the home. The whole team season. Though these was pretty on edge. We workouts couldn’t be wanted to be playing but couldn’t. We just re- in person, it doesn’t Junior Joey Daniels looks for a pass during the home game against Norwin. The team will compete in the playoffs mean they couldn’t do ally wanted to get on the at home this Friday against Central Catholic (Photo by Marilee Kline). them from home. Ju- nior Inside Linebacker field.games being postponed, and Tight End Charlie head coach, the Mt.With Lebanon their firstended two Pellegrino talks about culture has since the challenges of such the season 4-2, with the playoffs beginning. changed, and the a crazy environment for team has valued the offseason workouts. With such a shortened season, Lebo had to get leadership and “Obviously doing brotherhood on these workouts virtu- a quick mindset to a ally was not the ideal win-now situation for every game. Although all times. Though setup for us,” Pellegrino andit may off theseem field like at said. “Coach Rizor gave they didn’t start the way they wanted to with a a job for a senior, us at home workouts Pellegrino thinks and we held each other loss to Canon Mac the opening week, Pellegri- some juniors lead accountable to do them. by example as We talked and gave no still likes where the team has played so far. well. feedback to each oth- “One of the er and Coach Rizor to “Although it started off with a tough loss to things I try to do make the workouts the and I know many best they could be. The Canon Mac, I believe these last two games others is to lead main idea was for every by example,” Pel- single guy at home to were crucial to our team’s success,” Pel- legrino said. “Be a be working toward one leader in the way common goal.” legrino said. “We are continuing to grow and Senior Andrew Decaro kneels with the team during Coach Palko’s post-game specech Although they could (Photo by Marilee Kline). learn as we go along, the way you ap- not be in person, the youproach watch a drillfilm orin team didn’t struggle to but most of all I believe we are playing fast and practice. It’s the create a bond with each little things that other. They seemed to tough in bigger games such as North Allegheny mean the most. players about the game the 2004 Boston Red One of Coach Palko’s have a brotherhood Cooper Austin is a of football. Once again Sox, who then went on main points of empha- with each other with and Central Catholic. How we practice also great example of that. they respect and want to win the World Series. sis is everyday, doing some leadership from He is not a very vocal to be a part of what he “I fully believe our the little things right be- the upperclassmen. - formance in the games. person but people re- is doing.” team can win a WPIAL cause of how easily they Senior Linebacker An- spect and want to be a With Mt. Lebanon championship. All year can be overlooked. Our drew Decaro talks about highlyWe want reflects every our day per of practice to be more part of what he’s doing playing their best foot- we have been saying the team’s bond and the because of how he ap- ball and the playoffs ‘why not us?’” Pellegri- growing but we can win relationship they have competitive than Fri- days games, so when proaches every aspect soon ahead, this team no said. “This has been teamthe WPIAL is definitely champion still- with each other. of the game. Another could make a run for the main question I ask ship.” “I mean we spend so the game does come we are more prepared than example is Joey Daniels. a WPIAL Champion- myself every day as I much time together it’s Some of the younger ship. Something that is go into practice. If we really like a brother- ever.” With Bob Palko go- kids are able to see how contagious around the trust in each other and hood,” Decaro said. “I locker room, Pellegrino do the little things right spend more time with ing into his second sea- son as the Blue Devil’s with the coaches and has a motto related to he watches film or talks we can definitely do it.

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 11 sports Serving up aces Volleyball team exceeds expectations sophie coyne son discourage them, and is I have a lot of glad to win games and get bet- sports editor ter with her teammates. our juniors and “I’m very proud that we confidencesophomores in Every sports team can re- were able to put last season and I can’t call the feeling after a game behind us and believe we wait to see that ended in a loss. For the could win so we could come what they ac- volleyball team, this was every out stronger and better,” Alex- complish next game last season. ander said. year.” Coming off of a losing sea- Senior Nora Kulzer also Junior Mia son and ranking third in the had high expectations going Alandete went section up to their last two into the season despite the into the sea- games, the girls volleyball outcome of the previous one. son with some team entered the new sea- She felt the frustration of put- doubts. The son with high hopes to pull ting in work at practice only to previous sea- through and make it to the fall apart at the games. son still had an - “I was expecting us to be a impact on her ning record. lot better because of how we expectations playoffs,Senior finishing Courtney with Alexander a win played last season and how for this year. was one of the players that got upset we all were, but I didn’t “Last season to experience the team’s 0-16 know if we would even end up our record was record last season. having one at all because of 0-16, which The volleyball seniors pose on the court for their annual picture day. The team had a suc- “It was very frustrating and COVID-19,” Kulzer said. “I’m was super up- cessful season that ended sooner than they hoped (Photo by TSS Photography). upsetting,” Alexander said. really proud of how far we’ve setting to all of come and I think we’ve gained us,” Alandete “We would always get so close court. Their record, 5-7, left “It was very upsetting and to winning a game and then said. “Going into this season Like Alexander, Kulzer I wasn’t super excited, con- them with high hopes of mak- frustrating after we had come we just couldn’t pull through - so far and then to lose to USC which was very discouraging.” aviews lot more the confidence.”team’s success in sidering the outcome of last her last season with mixed season, but realized it was im- ishing the season with a win- who we had previously beat,” For Alexander, the success ingning it record, to the but playoffs unfortunately and fin Alexander said. “We had been this season is bittersweet as emotions. portant for all of us to have a positive mindset.” the team was unable to make so successful all season and it she is a senior and will not be it all the way, losing to Upper was so exciting especially af- playing in college; however, because we’re doing so well Despite starting out with and“It’s I think definitely it’ll only bittersweet go up a negative attitude, the team Saint Clair in their last game of ter last season only to get so she is happy with the teams the season. close and end up losing.” ability to not let the past sea- from here,” Kulzer said. “But has shown success on the Getting their kicks Boys soccer concludes intense season thomas pesacreta without a playoff game. ish strategy. Their ability to pass and out a solid team that can compete Senior Leader Erich Bosch move the ball without focusing on one with any opponent in the section and sports writer led the team and was hoping for a high skill player gave them versatility beyond. Bosch believes that coaching shot at the championship. Bosch has and more opportunities. The team’s is a key reason for the team’s success been playing for 14 years and this year and why Going into the sea- believed this could have been they played so well. son, the boys were the year Lebo took it to - expecting to meet Highmark Stadium for “Coaching definitely plays a nitely plays a large some hard the championship. part“Coaching in the team’s defi competition, After losing multiple large part in the team’s suc- success”, said Bosch. but thanks starters last year, “Having a person to their the soccer team cess. Having a person that that can rally the grit forgot about the team and lead us to and re-build year stig- can rally the team and lead us the championship ma and faced the helps a lot.” challenge head- to the championship helps a Senior Joey hard on. Bosch knew Costello thought work, that the new coach lot.” the boy’s breathed new life into the -Eric Bosch their way to the soccer team soccer program. Before thechampionship team would after find put a valiant ef- the end of the season, the a hard-fought play- fort into the sea- team increased its in- off run but came up son this year. The tensity to prepare short. The challenge team competed for for the hardest com- unity from playing together with their of making the playoffs, winning out, a playoff spot, and petition that they had entire lives on the high school and and winning the championship was Coach Pancyzk was faced all year. The team the goal but has now been passed on rallied the troops in an rose to the occasion and increased their playability togeth- to the next generation of seniors. attempt to get another WPI- and practiced harder cluber. teams has solidified their bond “We worked hard all season AL title for the Blue Devils but than they had all sea- “Our ability to move the ball long and it is sad for the season to end sadly came up short. son. around a lot and keep the opposing with a loss,” said Costello. “If the team Through thick and thin, “We played team guessing was one of our greatest made it into the playoffs, I believe we the team looked strong re- ally well this season strengths this year,” Bosch said. “Usu- had a good chance of playing hard against all the opponents and it was a tough outcome but I ally we will put our fastest player on against any competition and getting a they faced. The team had know next year the new seniors will any D1 recruits to wear them out and win for Lebo.” the ability to make a big make it to Highmark and get us a win,” force the rest of the other team play- run but sadly had some Bosch said. “We had a lot of great guys ers to beat us.” Senior Nick Estabrook kicks the ball. unfortunate losses and this year and it was a great season.” Great coaching is a big factor in the the season ended Boys soccer finished with a final Although Lebo had no major game of soccer and luckily enough Mt. record of 5-6-1. (Photo by Marilee soccer recruits or committed players, Lebanon has a coach as great as Coach Kline) they played great with their non-self- Pancyzk. Every year, Mt. Lebanon puts dvice from seniors for seniors A(and others) “You have an exciting road ahead, and I look back on a road well-trav- eled. I offer advice in two categories; What you do and who you are. What you do focus on these three things: have bold goals, work hard, and make a difference. And who you are: take care of yourself, never stop learning, be the best you every day, and last from Mr. Rogers, be kind.” These sound words from Providence Point resident, Don Carter, can translate into all our of lives, especially during such unprecedented times. 2020 has been a persistent stretch of constant uncertainty. Whether you are a high school senior trying to figure out your future plans or any- one else who just feels overwhelmed with the state of the world, it is im- portant to listen to the advice of those wiser with more life experience. One of the easiest things you can do during this time of stress is to sit back and listen to others. Here’s what Providence Point seniors have to say to all who just feel like the load on their shoulders is getting too heavy.

Backpage by Maggie Goldman and Francesca Ricci

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 14 sports She shoots, she scores Seniors shoot for one more playoff season

hannah morelli all that matters is if you work hard and sports writer leave everything you

Soccer has become After a long summer of training and havean important on the field.” part of hard work, the Mt. Lebanon girls soc- all of these girls lives. cer team has seen great improvement Going down without from the previous season. With less - than two weeks left and their seven wins total, the seniors and their team aand fight defense, is not Lexi an Rib op- are hoping to secure a spot in playoffs tion.stein has Senior dedicated midfield 13 or even more. or more years to the Despite their initial setbacks and sport she loves and is ready to get back in the girls soccer team, Kendall Donati the game. uncertainty,remains hopeful senior and midfielderdetermined forto After her battle achieve the team goal of making play- with Lymphoma, get- ting back to what she of section champs and reaching WPI- loved the most was offs,ALS beforebut also she fulfill leaves. her personal goals a struggle itself, but “We are taking the season step by with the help and sup- step,” Donati said. “Our goal right now port of her teammates, is to make playoffs and then when we Ribstein was able to get there we want to take our goal have one more sea- even further.” son while also proving With current positions and times, people wrong. the girls are playing three games a The girls soccer team poses for picture on senior night. The team has had a successful season after a long “This season I really year of training. (Photo courtesy of Morgan Mcghee) week, leaving their bodies almost no just wanted to enjoy and be with my teammates, The team has adapted tremendous- but most importantly get timely to toevery recover, new but rule still and full regulationof fight. back into shape and prove a thrown at them this year. While con- lot of people wrong,” Ribstein tinuing to get better everyday, the girls said. “A few people told me I do their parts by following every rule probably shouldn’t play, that and expectation in order to keep their I couldn’t handle it. Going into successful season rolling. this season in August I had to “We’ve adapted really well,” Donati start from scratch, after treat- said. “It has not been harder than ex- ments I had no muscle left or pected, but at the end of the day we muscle memory. So this sea- all just want to play and are willing to son for me was really just get- do whatever it takes to ensure that we ting back to normal.” do.” After last season and Rib- While working together to over- stein’s’s diagnosis in Novem- come one of their biggest struggles ber, the girls team theme of and put their worst days behind them, “Stronger Together” not only the girls soccer team is on a road to demonstrates their approach victory, but are still stuck facing an un- and motivation for this sea- usual challenge. son, but also their support for “I think our biggest struggle was their teammate. before the season even started,” Do- “It really backs the idea nati said. “At that time a season for us of a team, and how my team- was still uncertain, but even now we mates supported me through struggle with the uncertainty of know- that time,” Ribstein said. “It ing that it could be shut down any day.” also works with playing our Senior Megan Cusick saves the ball from going out of bounds. (Photo by Marilee Kline). However, Donati’s soccer career season through the pandemic. will not see its end this year. After Together we are responsible in playing for a total of nine years, she a way for our season, not just team, so make the most of it,” Ribstein tirely out of the picture. still wants more. She will further her one individual person.” said. “Some days you may feel like you “I’m most proud of receiving the academic and athletic career at James Fighting her way back into senior Madison University, but will never for- need a break from everyone, but the most improved player award my soph- omore year,” McGhee said. “I put in an get her high school years. soccer, Ribstein plans to attend college your teammates can make or break immense amount of hard work during “My favorite memory of high school seasonand further and her her academic final year career of playing to be- your experience.” the summer to be ready for my sopho- soccer was my freshman year beating come a lawyer, but sad to say goodbye years fly by. Your relationship with more season.” USC to win the section,” Donati said. to soccer. “It was a really exciting game because “I always enjoyed high school soc- school soccer experience, Morgan still it was between us and them to win the cer, but I wish I could go back in time Senior midfielder, Morgan McGhee, of a sport that has captured a special wished she remained more positive section. It is something I will never and be more grateful for every little finds herself in a similar position as Relatively satisfied with her high - forget.” thing while it happened,” Ribstein her best friend. Facing her final year years old, Morgan is determined to cult times of being an athlete and ad- - said. “It goes by so fast, you hear the end her last season by winning WPI- vises the future players to do just that. nior Kendall Donati hopes to leave be- seniors say it freshman year, but you spot in her heart since she was five during the hardships and more diffi ALS. “I hope the underclassmen always hindHer her final hard season work nowand willingnessin motion, se to dont realize its truth until you are a “This season has been going very stay positive and always be there for do anything for her teammates. While senior.” well so far. After having a not so good each other, just like the senior class sad to leave behind all their traditions Filled with pride from her personal of a season last year, the senior class has demonstrated throughout this and the bonds she has made with girls development as a player and the dedi- wanted that to change for our last sea- season,” McGhee said. “Always enjoy from every grade, Donati has never cation her teammates have illustrated, son,” McGhee said. “We all were deter- it. Even through the hard parts, always been more proud of her team. Ribstein hopes to be a source of mo- mined to end high school soccer on a make the most of it because it really “I am most proud of my team being tivation for future players and an ex- high note for us.” does go by so fast.” able to turn around from a bad year ample of battling adversity, while also Proud of herself and her accom- last year,” Donati said. “My advice to demonstrating their theme “Stronger plishments, Morgan will attend col- younger players is you don’t need to Together.” lege the following year and focus on be the most skilled or even the best “You spend every day with your academics, but club soccer is not en- player to make an impact on the field

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 15 sports Tennis success causes a racket Girls tennis finishes great season ethan bell - chance to bring a WPIAL sports writer nals where she lost to Pine Richland’s Championship to Mt. erElaine made Quian, it all thewho way was to the the runner-up quarterfi Lebanon for the girls, in the WPIAL. and it was through com- The Mt. Lebanon girls tennis team After her defeat in the singles tour- peting in the team play- has had a lot of success this season, nament, Masteller knew it was time to offs. sending players to the singles and refocus and get ready for the doubles The girls faced off doubles WPIAL playoffs. The girls tournament. Mastellerr and her part- have also had the chance to com- ner, sophomore Lily Bosch, were ready round of the playoffs. pete in the team playoffs. This is due to prepare. againstBeating Moonthem in5-0. the Sadly, first “In order to get ready for the tour- the next round they fell coach, Chad Brown, and fantastic se- nament, Lily and I would practice short to Pine Richland niorto great leadership. coaching by first year head against other doubles on our team,” and their season was The team began the season with a Masteller said. “It really helped get us over. Masteller was dis- record of 7-0. During that stretch, they prepared for the playoffs.” appointed but was hap- recorded big section wins against Fox Masteller and Bosch made a run in py with how the team Chapel and North Allegheny. The team the playoffs and made it all the way to did considering the cir- the WPIAL Championship. Sadly, they cumstances. fell short to Peters Township’s Marra “It has gone really finished“I think with success a record can of 12-1 be andhard tied to Bruce and Katalina Wang. well. We’ve had some forquantify first in and the is section. subjective to each per- “I am really happy and proud of really big team wins son’s personal views, goals, and ex- how deep of a run Lily and I made in against North Allegh- pectations,” Coach Brown said. “But I the WPIAL bracket,” Masteller said. eny, Fox Chapel and Up- do believe that we had a very success- “During any other year, we would be per St. Clair,” Masteller ful season.” moving on to the PIAA tournament said. “Considering that Senior Lauren Masteller is current- since the top three teams in the WPIAL four starters graduated Lauren Masteller and Lily Bosch pose for a picture after ly the number one on the team and is their match. The tennis team found success during their qualify, but due to COVID-19, the state and that we pretty much one of the main reasons this team was rebuilding season after losing starters (Photo courtesy of has decided only to take the WPIAL had to rebuild the team, super successful. She had the opportu- Masteller). champion.” we’ve done extremely nity to compete in the singles, doubles Although it was crushing that they well.” and team playoffs, and she did not dis- were not able to compete for states appoint in these matches. as doubles, there was still one more In the singles tournament, Mastell-

‘My senior season was nothing like I anticipated’ -Farah Saad Girls field hockey team adjusts to pandemic

malena pasquale the repertoire, and taking into ac- count the strains COVID has on trending writer normalcy, it becomes all the more

After their many successful seasons, “Over the years, I have learned to difficult.make sure that I plan my week ac- found themselves working harder than cordingly to ensure I have enough theever Mt. in Lebanonhopes of girls achieving field hockey new goalsteam time to get all of my school work through their unexpected series of done,” Saad said. “I often see myself events. bringing lessons I learned from my coaches to my school life within a hockey team has endured a multitude of classroom and now in a zoom set- complications The Mt.regarding Lebanon their girls fall fieldsea- ting. I also feel I am much more son. While battling the global COVID-19 diligent when I have more on my pandemic the team has also been forced plate for that reason. Since I am a to make quick changes affecting their student-athlete, I am more moti- annual traditions and normal gameplay. vated to be successful, ultimately Senior Farah Saad has worked with causing me to push my limits and her fellow teammates to make the most accomplish my goals.” out of their situation. Playing a competitive team sport “My senior season was nothing like isn’t all about what goes on on the I anticipated,” Saad said.“We got a com- - pletely new coaching staff and because ey take discipline and accountabil- of covid, unfortunately, and we had an Field hockey seniors pose for a picture on their senior recognition night. The team finished field.ity, it Though also takes sports comradery, like field helping hock unusual preseason. Although this was 6-6 and is ranked fourth going into the playoffs (Photo by Marilee Kline). teach you how to respect not only yourself but also everyone around and exciting experience for the whole you. The activities involved with veryteam. upsetting, Nevertheless, it was I am definitely very grateful a new for two in- they strive to keep. “Quite honestly, I did not have extremely high credible new head coaches, Lina Trucco and Laine memories to be made. Greenawalt.” expectations for this season since almost all of our starters from last year graduated,” Hudak said. Mt. Lebanon girls field hockey allow friendships and When the team was faced with their head coach’s hard-working team that creates memories that can’t resignation due to the pandemic, the girls were “However, we still have a lot of skilled juniors, se- be Seniorfound anywhere captain, Delfina else. Szigethy, Strives to keep a forced to experience an atypical preseason as Saad niors, and some sophomores who are working really hard to make this season the best that it can be for “I like being part of a team sport because I love mentioned. having a group that I get to hang out and work to- With a complicated start, senior Lily Hudak strug- our team.” Through these unexpected alterations, the girls gether with to accomplish our goals,” Szigethy said. “My teammates make practice fun by joking around - student and an athlete. As we know, high school can and playing games. It makes me a better person by gledastic tobond, find ithope was for safe the to competitive say that they season would ahead. con- forcing me to constantly interact with teammates to Astinue the to team have built the excitingconfidence and through enjoyable their season enthusi that continueleave a strain to try on to students find the as balance they struggle between to balancebeing a their workload and social life. By adding a sport to get work done, teaching me important life skills.”

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 16 Features

(Left) Emma Chothani poses with a group of other freshmen at Mc- Gill University for a virtual orientation. (Right) Chothani holds up a drink while on a video call (Photos courtesy of Chothani). From dorm room to bedroom College freshmen continue classes off campus

molly zimmerman - - features writer live on campus, freshman online learning environ challenges with meet- the routine of just sitting at students were allowed to. ment is a difficult option, ing people because the my desk all day and that’s not “Inviting only freshmen while some students may virus has prevented ac great,” Edmonds said. “The to campus allowed them to- respond to this style of tivities from happening. actual classes aren’t too bad As many students pre- give everyone a single room education unlike others. “I think the best part about- though. The only thing that pared this summer for their to maximize the distance be “I think since we finished being a college freshman is- I really feel like I’m missing - tween each student, and this high school online it wasn’t- all the introduction activi is the interaction with other plan seems to be working that much of an adjustment,” ties planned for us to get ac students and the professor.” first year of college, the nor- because Emory has had very Edmonds said. “ I think pro climated and make friends, Some students have mal worries of leaving a place few COVID cases even with fessors with online offices- but we aren’t getting any of found unique ways to gain- they call home for a new en testing every on-campus are easier to approach as that this year,” Edmonds said. the sense of independence vironment were replaced student weekly,” Jones said. well. It’s way less intimidat Despite college freshmen that college brings with with feelings of being stuck at Some college students ing logging on to Zoom than missing out on typical social out even living on campus.- home and concerns of safety.- who started the semester- walking into an actual office.”- events, students use creative “I ended up moving into This fall semester, many at home have since been Many students not only waysmeet any to connect of my peers with in peers. per- an apartment near the Oak colleges around the coun allowed to return to cam face challenges with adjust “I haven’t been able to land and Shadyside area- try decided to implement- pus, including class of 2020- ing to a different learning- - to have my own space this a remote learning system Lebo graduate Veronica environment, but remote- son, but I stayed in touch with semester, which I am ex and decided not to have stu Edmonds, who attends Mi- learning also creates a com my would-have-been room tremely grateful for,” Jones dents return to campus due ami University of Ohio.- pletely different social atmo mate who is on campus, and said. “I think I’ve become to the coronavirus causing “We decided to start com sphere for college freshmen.- we FaceTime once a week to so much more independent health and safety concerns.- pletely remote at the begin “For a few of my classes I’ll stay connected,” Jones said.- from that experience, yet Mt. Lebanon graduate ning of August,” Edmonds- have a 16 person lab or tuto- For many students, after I’ve also been being able Emma Chothani attends Mc said. “That lasted for five rial session, and when we go weeks or even months of on to transition to college in a- Gill University in Montreal weeks and then students re- to breakout rooms I can con line learning, it is still difficult more familiar environment.”- and has been taking remote turned to campus, but most, nect with students, but I’ve to feel fully adjusted to this While every college fresh classes the whole semester. if not all of our classes, re really only made two or three- new learning environment. man who has had to experi- “A few weeks ago they mained online. I only have realnity to friends,” meet peers Chothani seems said. to “At first I honestly thought ence remote learning faces- decided to go online for one class with an in-person Not having the opportu it would be fine and super their own individual chal- the full second semester- option, and I am pretty much easy, because how hard could lenges, it is clear that stu as well,” Chothani said. “I the only student who shows- be a common struggle among they make online school?” dents not returning to cam- agree with the decision be up with limited exceptions.”- students“There who are couldno in not person start Chothani said. “But now that- pus creates a very different cause 50% of the school is While the decision for col- the semester on campus. I’m into spending hours upon environment than the typi international, and because leges to go remote is for stu hours constructing pendu- cal freshman year of college. we couldn’t immigrate, we dents safety, it impacts stu social activities going on,” lums for physics labs without “It’s hard,” Chothani said. needed to go online as well dents in many different ways.- Edmonds said. “I have my a lab partner or taking mid- “I’mthat doingand that my at best the and end just of as it is a lot safer for Covid.”- “To be honest it has been- roommate and we pretty terms realizing that I never trying to remind myself of Madison Jones, another really difficult for me,” Cho much only hangout with really understood the mate Lebo graduate who is a fresh- thani said. “I’m a very vi each other. It’s good since rial, I’m starting to despise it.” the day, getting a C in linear man at Emory University,- sual and face to face learner we really like each other Even for some students algebra of Zoom school my agreed with her school’s de so being in big, 400 person and we’ve become pretty who may not feel largely- first semester of freshman cision to start with the ma lectures on Zoom and not close already, but it would be impacted by the different year is not gonna kill me.” jority of their classes online knowing anyone has been nice to meet other people.” teaching style, not experi and she explained the safety extremely hard for me.” Even freshmen students encing the typical freshman precautions taken by Emory. For many students, who eventually were able year of college is upsetting. While Jones decided to not starting college with an to return to campus faced “I think I’ve gotten into

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 17 features Speech Education impediments affect changes over people worldwide the years lauren masteller ava patak features editor features editor - basic math computation, you never know if you are show- ing them the right way or not.” Unless you live under a rock, you’ve “I didn’t learn it Aside from the educa heard or seen things about the recent that way.” Almost- tional differences, Ziegler- political debates and town halls. In these everyone has been has noticed differences in back and forth interruption battles, in a similar situa the social aspect of school American citizens have criticized both tion where they ask ing since she graduated from political parties and both candidates for- their parents for help Langley High School, which- more than just the party they belong to. with school work, is now Langley K-8, in 1995. Many Americans have criticized for but they claim that “Socially, the biggest dif mer Vice President Joe Biden. Not for his they were taught ferenceThe amount is also of socialissues media that views, but because it seems that he cannot very differently than and technology,” Ziegler said.- form a sentence without stopping and he students are today. - fumbles over his words. It would seem to In today’s society, stem from social media post many that he can’t handle the nerves that- especially now with ing make it almost impos- come with being on stage and speaking to online learning, many sible for kids to stay clear of the nation and world, which is an under- families struggle to emotional issues that inter- standable belief, but little do people know provide each other fere with their school work.”- that Biden actually has speech impedi with help because Similarly, Jeff Ziegler, An ments that affect him in those debates.- of the differences in na’s dad, agrees that tech Now, this might come as a surprise theSenior current and Anna past nology is a big difference to you. One would think it’s very un education systems. since he graduated from high common for someone whose job relies- John Petrolia stands on the set of Penn State’s school, but he does not see a so heavily on their speaking abilities to Centre County Report. He is a former journalist Ziegler has clearly huge difference in the way he have an impediment, right? Well, it’s actu of The Devils Advocate and has had a suc- noticed the difference was taught compared to how ally way more common than many think. cessful broadcasting career despite a speech between the way- his daughter is being taught.- Some of the biggest figures in sports, film, impediment. (Photo courtesy of Petrolia). she has been taught “I feel that there are both and music have a speech impediment. and the way her par similarities and differenc Tiger Woods and Michael Phelps,- entsthere wereare so taught.many es to how I was educated,” two of the greatest athletes of all time, “I noticed that- Ziegler said. “I do not feel- both who have had countless accep - that it is a big difference, but tance speeches, have impediments. - new strategies to fig I do believe that technol Chart topping artists like Ed Sheeran paigning for president, that’s about as high ure out math prob ogy has come a long way.” and Kendrick Lamar also both have an im stress as you can get. I understand where he’s- lems now,” Ziegler Ziegler believes that it is pediment. Samuel L. Jackson and James Earl coming from with that, and I sympathize with- said. “My mom also- important to value the way Jones, whose entire careers are based on their him and other people that struggle with im doesn’t understand his children are learning, speech, have impediments. The list is endless.- pediments, including Joe Biden. I look at in all the paragraph for and seems to catch on to So, what exactly is a speech impediment?- stances where he struggles to get out a word or mats for English, so I the new techniques easily.- Well the term covers a variety of things. It in a sentence, and I see myself in some of those have to tell her about “I do not get frustrated cludes stutters, lisps, articulation issues, or so things he’s doing because I do those things. I how we learn to write when my child learns dif cial skill issues. These impediments can be very also have to remind myself of my strategies.” before she corrects ferently than I did,” Ziegler severe or barely noticeable and can be caused Mrs. Morse, the speech therapist at the high any of my mistakes.” said. I feel like I allow my by trauma or people- can just be born with school for the past 12 years who also worked Ziegler mentioned- child to learn the way that one. But many do withis hard to Petrolia, hear that her dad, who they were taught, but I become appar agrees that it is a math teacher, at- do try to add insights or- ent under high “It’s certainly difficult as a tempts to reteach ways of thinking as well.” stress situations.- speech therapist to hear the people criticize- her lessons a differ Although Ziegler’s par- John Petrolia is Biden’s speech. entThis waytends than to whatfrus- ents may find the current a 2014 Mt. Leba criticisms of Joe Biden’s debate “It’s certain- she has been taught. learning methods frustrat non graduate that- performance.” lypist difficultto hear as the a ingis important or difficult for at edu times,- has been battling -Suzanne Morse speech thera trate her, as it would they both believe that it with an impedi- any other student, ment of his own criticisms of Joe because her parents cation to continue to for years. He re Biden’s debate- claim she is doing the grow and become alized at a young performance,”- work wrong, but in- more complex. age that he has Morse said. “Peo- hindsight it is just a “I believe that- an impediment. ple who don’t un matter of the way ed educationter prepare needs “In preschool I would get my words jumbled derstand stuttering may not realize that stut- ucation has evolved. to evolve to bet up and none of my other friends were having tering can take many different forms. There’s Nancy Ziegler, Anna’s the same problem,” Petrolia said. “In sixth grade, sound repetitions, whole or part word repeti mom, agrees that the myoutside child for this kid in my class asked me what class I was tions, interjections, prolongations, and blocks. differences of her the world going to next, and I was going to literature and Mr. Biden appeared to have repetitions and high school in the 90s couldn’t not for the life of me get it out. I sort of interjectionsit easy for someone in his debateto assume performance.” he is in- and Anna’s in 2020, of high hit a roadblock. I just sort of got tongue tied.” According to Morse, his stutter makes can lead to some school,” Petrolia explained that he has a stutter and frustration when it Ziegler speaks fast, fast stuttering he calls it. While competent for the position of president. comes to helping said. some impediments are caused by trauma, his “If one didn’t know he was a stutterer, it would with school work. was just created by the environment he lived in. be easy for someone to say he was bumbling- “It is harder to “I grew up in a house where people talk fast,” and didn’t sound like he could get out a cohesive- help them when you Petrolia said. “My mother to this day, when I hear thought,” Morse said. “His stuttering is no indi learned differently,” her talk, she talks fast at a high rate of speed. cation of his mental capabilities, or his knowl Ziegler said. “It can be Somewhere along the way it got jumbled up.” edge of the subject about which he speaks.”- frustrating when they Similar to Biden, much of Petrolia’s life Political opinions aside, it is impressive that need help and you is broadcasted to the public. Petrolia has Biden has enough control over his impedi try to explain the worked in broadcast journalism for years- ment that he is able to campaign for president.- answer,andthat you are thendo- as a talk show host, sport broadcaster, and “Regardless of political affiliation, people they argue back one of Penn State’s play-by-play announc can learn something from Joe Biden,” Petro ers, so he understands being in high pressure lia said. “He is not letting it stop him from ing it the wrong situations and dealing with an impediment.- anything he wants to do. You can see that way. Especially “I would just like to say I am not by any with a lot of people with things that could- with math. With means endorsing or casting Biden off politi- hold them back, they use it to motivate the new ways of cally,” Petrolia said. “But, he’s at an age where them. People can look to him for inspira learning even things like this happen. When you’re cam tion as a person with a speech impediment.”

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 18 features Sign of the times Theft of political signs sparks conflict

the signs my parents put in my yard, being removed or a genna leibow all I could do was just try and tell him rash of Trump signs that and try to get him to leave. At one being removed. features writer point, he asked who I was voting for- It’s pretty equal.”- and I revealed I wasn’t even 18. This is Catching people in when he started to feel bad and real- the act is unusual con ized I was just a teen, and that clearly sidering how sporadic what he was doing wasn’t right. I final it happens. Henley said With the upcoming election, you ly asked him to leave and when he saw it comes in waves, and- can’t go 10 feet without spotting a that I was upset and crying, he backed when they respond to red, white and blue sign staked in a off and left my house. Because I was one person’s call com- freshly landscaped yard. Some may be home alone, I called my parents, and- plaining about a stolen big, some may be small, some may be then we ended up calling the cops.” sign, four more neigh- funny and some may just be missing. Kane has two yard signs, but spe bors will come over Lily Kane stands behind the “Anyone But Trump” sign Every four years, when the election cifically one that says “Anyone but and say theirs was sto- rolls around, signs in yards become a located in her front yard, with her cat beside her (Photo Trump 2020.” With political signs len or damaged as well. courtesy of Kane). trend all over the country. This allows everywhere, it is not unlikely that With all the com - people to project their opinion in a another person has experienced plaints, it raises the civil,yet clear way. To some people, it the same thing, but it proves that question on how police is not bothersome and barely a prob signs have become quite a big deal. officers actually deal lem, but to others, it is a huge deal. It is hard to believe that signs with such an ordeal. Senior Lily Kane keeps multiple are as civil as they seem. Officer “A fellow officer of we’re constantly chasing people signs in her yard that project not Henley, who has been in the police mine had recently dealt with a kid around or running into issues,” Henley - only a political standpoint, but shows department for 18 years, recalls who had been seen walking around said. “I think, in my opinion, more times support of the Black Lives Matter that while confrontations about with stolen signs, and he was just than not, kids will be walking around- movement. While this was her par signs have been uncommon, the- asked to return the signs and was and they just rip a couple signs out ents’ doing, she had gone through idea of people stealing signs isn’t. given a warning,” Henley said. “For just like the damaged Halloween dec a situation where she got verbally “I have never responded to some me, I’d treat it like any other call. It’s orations or Christmas decorations.” - attacked for the signs in her yard. thing like what happened to your- like if I got a call for an argument at This opinion seems to ring true, “I was sitting on my couch in the friend, that’s rare, but throughout- a restaurant. I’d go and break up the as an anonymous source seems living room and I saw someone walk my career, political signs [being sto parties, see what the problem is, and to do it whenever they see fit. ing up the staircase towards the len] have always been a thing,” Hen- handle it from there. I’d just have to “Whenever I see a sign when I’m house,” Kane said. “I could see it was ley said. “We do experience where weigh it all out and go from there.” driving, usually with my friends, I a man who was probably about 30 people’s yard signs will get sto Some people may find the idea of will just get out and take it and run years old, and he came up and rang len, or ripped up, or they will come stealing signs funny, or rude, or just- back to my car so no one sees me.”- - my doorbell. I opened my door and out in the morning and it’ll just be not even have a care in the world, As a Biden supporter, the before I could say anything he started thrown on the side of the house or but as a police officer, he could eas- anonymous source has clear rea yelling at me. He said, ‘you have a ter something like that. It really isn’t a ily have a differing thinking of it. sons as for why they decide rorist organization in the front of your big problem, but it does happen.”- “In my opinion it’s childish,” Hen to take signs in the first place. - house.’ It took me a few seconds to The stigma around signs is that ley said. “Obviously their motive to- “I do it because I hate - realize what he was talking about, but there are more Trump signs be do this is because they are on the Trump,” Anonymous said. then he replied with, ‘Black Lives Mat ing stolen then Biden, but Henley- other side of that person’s politi When asked how many times ter is a terrorist organization.’ He be cleared up that it’s really 50/50. cal spectrum and to show that, they they have done it, they said three gan to talk to me about the signs in my “There’s never really been a tar steal their sign, but it’s childish.” times, and that they have never yard saying things like, ‘what’s wrong geted group,” Henley said. “There’s When asked about the commonality been caught. Like Henley had said, with Trump’ and ‘tell me why you hate no rhyme or reason to it, it’s not of it, it seems to be less than imagined. it is unusual for them to get caught him so much.’ Considering these were Students finallylike we have a rash of Bidenhave signs “It’s ‘first’ not some habitual thing whereday in the act,of but it can stillschool happen.

annabel lecky features writer - A-L attend school on Monday it’s harder to become acquainted and Tuesday, and M-Z on Thurs- with new faces. Not to mention day and Friday. Wednesday is wearing a mask makes it harder - for cleaning, so everyone is on to decipher which kids are in- Everyone can remember their line. Students can also choose to which grades in the first place. first day of high school. Ah. Anxi stay home for the entire five day- Connor Ribstein is an ety. You walk into a building that week. While this is an extensive other freshman at the high- is double the size of your middle process, it’s undeniably an ef school this year and shares school, and you desperately ficient way of keeping students a similar concern with Gor search for a familiar face as an andCasey staff safe.Gorman However, is a freshmanhow easy man and most other freshmen. unfamiliar sea of people flood is it to navigate as a freshman?- “It was interesting to be in a- the stairwells and hallways. new school for the first time with But the times are a changin’,- at the high school who is par it being set up for social distanc aren’t they. This year, the first- ticipating in the hybrid version ing,” Ribstein said. “It was way day of “school’’ looks a lot differ of schooling. She reiterates the bigger and more confusing than ent for freshmen, but the time nerves of coming into high school. middle school. But once I figured less jitters still appear during “I was really nervous to out the gist of the building, all this transitioning period. Hybrid- come into school on the first of my classes were easy to find.” schooling varies throughout the day because I was afraid of country and can even look dif getting lost,” Gorman said. Continued on page 19 ferent in neighboring townships.- Gorman is on the varsity girls- While contrasting towns nearby soccer team this year, and she Connor Ribstein looks at the camera after eating his like Peters Township are partici explains how it is a great out lunch on the first day of school (Photo courtesy of pating in a traditional five day Ribstein). let to meet older kids in school. week, Mt. Lebanon has taken a When you’re only in the building different approach. Last names with about a third of students,

The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 19 features Coming together in the cold halle grant features writer to the cool weather by starting to try safe hangouts at houses. Sophomore Cate Collins, in addition to her usual outdoor fall activities, has started to meet safely at her friends’ houses. As the weather gets cooler and “When the pandemic started- the pandemic rages on, many are I didn’t see people until May 16,”- starting to question how to hang- Collins said. “During the quaran out safely with their friends. Some tine we always did group Face- are comfortable with meeting in Times. We also went to the Mt. doors, while others would prefer to- Lebanon Park and spent time to keep things outside. Some groups gether eating food and painting.”- are even taking a step back and re As quarantine progressed and turning to quarantine FaceTiming. the weather became even warm Most friend groups have been er, her and her friends started trying to take advantage of the nice- seeing each other more often. weather while it lasts, limiting their “Over the summer we would time indoors at others’ houses. Se go to parks and skateboard, paint nior Emma Heiser and her friends during a picnic, go to the drive have made the most out of the warm in, have photoshoots, have small weather starting in May by doing bonfires, and oftentimes go to the fun, but safe, activities outdoors.- city,” Collins said. “It was a great “I waited until around the time way to get out of the house and- school ended to start seeing peo still be safe by being outside.” ple in person,” Heiser said. “Before Collins and her friends have de then, we just texted and FaceTimed cided to continue as many outdoors a lot, then we moved to doing car activities as possible, even with the hangouts with our trunks open cool temperatures, while also trying- and spaced out from each other.”- to incorporate being inside safely. With higher temperatures and a “We normally go to each oth plethora of new activities to do out er’s houses to hang out, but due to side, Heiser and her friends have- the pandemic we’ve been outside- been able to safely leave their homes a lot more,” Collins said. “Lately, and switch completely to hang- we’ve been enjoying going on pho ing out with each other outdoors. toshoots downtown and having “We have been trying to get to- picnics. We also dressed up and gether outside in people’s yards, went to dinner for a fun night out.” like watching movies on a projec Collins and her friends may have a tor or bonfires,” Heiser said. “Over- dent in their usual fall plans, but they summer, we also went to some are prepared to make the most of it.- drive-in movies, celebrated birth “We’re trying to still be safe (From left to right) Cate Collins, Ella Keebler, and Emily Lowen ride on the “T” down- days in driveways, and had many and be outside as much as pos town. Students have been getting creative in finding new ways to have fun as the trunk picnics in parking lots.”- sible,” Collins said. “Although as the- weather continues to get colder. (Photo courtsey of Collins). During cold weather, the girls colder months approach we will usually go down to the city for din move inside and be as safe as pos ner, attend concerts, and go to each sible. I think the safest way to hang other’s houses. Due to the virus, out with friends is not having a lot - they haven’t been going to as many of people there and making sure line, and talked over the internet.” we’ll probably just play more video places as they usually go, and they you’re not sharing anything, which When Brown and his friends start games and other activities online.” try not to go to each other’s houses. is what my friends and I do now.” ed seeing each other again in June, they Though Brown doesn’t see his- “I think the safest way to hang There are also some trying to took advantage of the warm weather friends out as often as most, he- out with people is in smaller limit their time with friends almost by doing lots of safe, outdoor activities. feels that if you realize the dan groups with masks on,” Heiser completely as the weather gets “When we hang out in person, we gers and take the necessary pre said. “And if possible, outdoors.” cooler and the activities available typically play spikeball at one of the cautions, it should be acceptable. As the temperature drops, Heiser outside start to deplete. Senior Ben high school fields as far away as we- “Honestly, the only really safe plans to hangout indoors with her Brown and his friends have been can get from other parties,” Brown way to hang with friends is online,” friends, but only when it’s too cold adjusting back to quarantine times said. During fall and winter, Brown en Brown said. “But, no one is a perfect to be outside. They might even resort by starting to stay in more as the joys paddle tennis in the cold, a great human and you have to consider the- back to their parking lot hangouts. warm weather, and the activities option with the pandemic going on. fact that people get cabin fever and “The car picnics were nice in the that come with it, start to fade away. Though some days might be too cold, will see each other. The vast major summer since it was so warm, but it “For the first 3 months, I stayed him and his friends might go back to- ity of my interaction with friends is might be more difficult when it starts at home with my family all alone their quarantine days and stay inside. online but I’m not perfect and we do getting colder or starts to snow,” and did not hang out with anyone,”- “If we do hang out, it would prob see each other in person sometimes.” Heiser said. “It’s still an option though.” Brown said. “We played a lot more ably be inside to watch a movie Other friend groups are adapting video games, watched movies on or something,” Brown said. “But, Students adjust to new version of school

Continued from page 18 - during my days in the building.” The issue of excessive screen- constantly transitioning from school - One of the biggest issues pre time is an apparent one, and it- at home to school in the building. As- - sented to freshmen is the struggle- becomes excessive when teach a freshman, it takes longer to figure- While the first day brings excite of reconnecting with your middle ers give online homework in addi out the most effective methods of or- ment and new beginnings, it’s no se school friends in a magnified en tion to eight hours of online school. ganization in high school, and the hy cret that after time people will find- vironment. Plus, when you only Freshman Megan Cain shares that brid system makes it even more dif hybrid to be redundant, and will be have half of a chance of being with even though it’s a lot of time spent ficult to stay consistently organized.- wanting more alterations to this sys- your friends alphabetically, and a on the screen, the two days you are “I try my best to stay organized tem, potentially even a five day week. third of a chance of being in the in person are refreshing. However, on my computer and with my pa But for now, the students have sug same lunch period as them, these some teachers are not able to be in per documents,” Cain said. “ I like gestions and insight on what they like aren’t necessarily betting odds.- the physical building, so students to bookmark my zoom links and and don’t like about this hybrid model. “Once I knew I had a friend to are required to join the Zoom call important tabs on my computer “The worst part about hybrid sit near for lunch, I was not as wor the same way they would at home. so they are easily accessible. In my is being online for three days in a- ried as I would’ve been if I didn’t- “I think that when we are in the backpack I have some binders that I row,” Gorman said. “Although, it’s know anyone,” Ribstein said. “But building for our two days we should take to school and can take notes in better than not going in the build a lot my friends didn’t know any not be required to spend so much whether I’m at school or at home.” ing at all. I just wish I could be one going into their first day, which time on our screens,” Cain said. with both sections of the alphabet would definitely be more stressful.” Cain also describes the issues with The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 20 Opinion daeditoral - a house divided After one and a half years, almost $11 billion, and a crippling pan-

the same political opinion. Pew Research Center shows our country demic,instead the feeling 2020 fear? election is finally on us. Elections are normally filled is more polarized than it has been since they started collecting data. with apprehension, nervousness, excitement – why then, are millions Friendships are being broken, or not forming; families are avoiding - talking; violent rhetoric is creeping into mainstream discussion. It’s a scarily simple answer. We don’t know what’s going to This is counterintuitive. No lasting change has ever been made happen. We, all of us, are afraid of the other side. Some armed paramili by forcing the other side into subjugation. Without fail, the ideology tary groups have already declared this election won. Democrats and comes back with resentment and with fury. Republicans both fear that this election will be neither fair nor free. There is more that unites us as Americans than divides us, in the Our cover story this issue is “a House Divided.” We, of course, words of John F. Kennedy. There is also more that unites us as a school. borrowed the title from Abraham Lincoln’s famous phrase. The story Joe Biden or Donald Trump’s seat of power will be 250 miles away; we- is about divisions within families and between generations, but it can all spend each day in the same building. be more than that: perhaps we’re living in a School Divided too. We all know the ending to Lincoln’s aphorism: “A house di Polarization is on the rise on both sides. Mt. Lebanon is a- vided against itself cannot stand.” That is true for our country, that is Democratic community, so we’re far from immune: liberals are more true for our households, and that is true for our school. On Nov. 3, some likely than conservatives to break off friendships due to differing po of us will be disappointed. Some of us will be elated. But we all must litical beliefs, despite the tolerance most espouse. Research shows that remember – elections alone cannot divide our house. increasingly, younger people are self-sorting into friend groups with Should we respect opposing views? change on the face of the plan- and ridicule anyone that does not come with us, we start to live in echo chambers,- only really hearing the voices that reaffirm et: the U.S. military. Both of our beliefs, never growing and never pro which are borderline suicidal gressing forward. policiesignored inand such instead a dire moment.it is the I tend to hold more liberal values, but This atrocious shortcoming is I enjoy conversations with people to both supposed “divisions” it would my right and left, because they challenge addresswho are that otherwise are highlighted. wonder- me to consider that I am wrong. Politics Divisions, to the centrists, is far too nuanced for us to easily classify ourselves and each other. An assumption ful people, are almost without that your political beliefs are those of the exception society’s greatest jack silverman morally or ethically righteous reveals total ill.being They’ll able happilyto sit down watch and the news editor foolishness. If that assumption were true, ryan vuillemot worldhave a burnbeer ifwith it means their finallyracist wethan would the divisive not stand American so divided. debate over There is no better example of this news writer uncleAny without centrist the reading conversation this will a woman’s right to choose to abort. My going awry. L man, that they have another, ike the vast majority of Americans, I position is not from the center. I am pro- I likely say I’m attacking a straw struggle to watch cable news on any- choice, but that does not mean that I do t’s an extremely dire moment Pro-life friends open my eyes to rea- - networking bombarded without with feeling facts that stressed are either and not take the time to appreciate the pro-life for humanity, perhaps the - much better case to make. By frustrated. Who enjoys constantly be position. most dire of all time. Threats to organized human life have their reckoning the reason ad soning I may not have explored, and hope existed before, but this time dressing such divisions is so selectedare left more or manipulateddivided every to day, make viewing you important is because we must feel a certain way? The American people fully, I do the same for them. At the end of is different. This time it’s not the day, neither of us forfeit our beliefs (as In fact, a decade if the In- come together first in order to millennia or centuries we Any reading of history will manyhave an claim appreciation centrists fordo), why but there instead is dis we- have to stop it, but decades.- address issues like climate and those whom they disagree with as foes. others. - It is no surprise that President Donald recognize the nuance to these issues and est social changes in history tergovernmentalwhich is hardly a Panel body onat Clithe Trump’s inflammatory and authoritarian tellhave you almost otherwise. never Theemerged great agreement. There is not a right side when- mate Change is to be believed, style has prompted the Republican Party According to their estimates to take a sharp turn to the right. The more it comes to these issues. When the center is stronger, democra forefront of radical critique. unfortunate news is that many Democrats - fromchattel compromise. slavery, at theRather end theyof a have met this with a similarly sharp turn cies are often more stable. This is because emerged, like the abolition of- - we have until 2030 to halve to the left. Joe Biden is viewed as “too- it is much easier for the center-right to - our carbon emissions and pre- moderate” by some, prompting leftists to work with liberals than it is for the far gunbe said after for a the brutal abolition uncompro of al- right, and vice versa. In the United King- venttrial levels, the Earth after from which warming many “settle for Biden,” and some not voting al of the most cataclysmic effects misingmost every civil monarchywar. The same and diccan- ment of the center for far-right and far-left 1.5 degrees above pre-indus together in protest of his nomination. dom, the Brexit Referendum cast stark di done away with and the many This is antithetical to any real progress. visions on the union, leading to abandon recent civil rights advance- - - tatorship the world has thus far With our nation so divided, moving closer of climate change will likely ments which, despite historical to the center and unifying would seem like policies. Their economy and political besions irreversible. even more Thedramatically U.S., for standing have suffered as a consequence, as it is a relatively developed revisionism, came from move- an admirable goal. Instead, many are mov- its part, will have to cut emis ments engaging in disobedi- ing to the extremes, and they are proud of just like the United States. - it. In this new dichotomous political spec Germany’s current Chancellor, Angela trum, it makes sense that it is increasingly Merkel, has adopted a center-left strategy country capable of shoulder- - encechange that has was come anything from but the civil. ev- harder for the middle ground to survive.- despite being from the center-right CDU ing that burden. party. Her calculated and pragmatic style by last month’s edition of the er-deridedThroughout radicals history at the socialpoint Both sides routinely criticize centrists. A great illustration of cen - However, that criticism pales in compari has led to great economic and social suc trist delusion was provided cesses for Germany (with drawbacks of son to that of the other side. - change is desperately needed course). However, the rise of the far-right- Devil’s Advocate, in which one of a gun and not through com With liberals presuming conservatives promise or civility. Such social- are racist and conservatives assuming lib AfD party, which originated from staunch source being interviewed for trism and respect for the opin- a story praised Democratic- erals are baby killers, there really are no opposition to Merkel’s acceptance of Syr ions of others isn’t going to get nominee Joe Biden’s “more these days, and squishy cen winners. We cheat ourselves by shutting ian refugees, is dividing the country and bringing them closer to the fate of the US- moderate approach” to ad outFewer disagreement, Americans and have we haveclose no friends room - If ever there was a case of and UK. - dress climate change because history to venerate the slogan for growth because of it. it would, to their mind, “mend it. see a yard sign in someone’s yard and im- The center is vital to democracy. With out it, there is little compromise, and in the divisions between Repub with different political views. People will licans and Democrats.” creasedcloser to polarization. the middle, we Not can everyone overcome should this “socialism or barbarism” you’d be a centrist, but if more Americans move The concessions involved mediately cast judgement that they “kill- in Biden’s so-called “moderate think this would be the one. babies,” “want higher taxes,” “don’t care approach” go unmentioned, era of radical political tension. about human rights,” or the most com namely not banning fracking mon: “are stupid.” and expanding the size of the When we move so far to the extremes, largest contributor to climate The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30 @The_LeboDA page 21 opinion E Unum Pluribus Pandemic reveals federalism’s flaws–and value

- dwindling approval rating for his handling of the pandemic is any in- catchphrase of racists and Civil War viewedfor mass federalism disenfranchisement. as antithetical Natu to dication, Americans wanted a stron- apologists. This stigma is warranted. rally, Democrats have for decades As southern governments fought the - Voting Rights Act to preserve their their party platform. gersponse federal have response.dropped from Since 48% March, to segregation, “states’ rights” was their Like so many things, however, that- approval ratings for Mr Trump’s re justification. As Alabama governor changed under Mr. Trump. With the- while state approval ratings remain George Wallace blocked the door of Republican takeover of the presiden 37%, according to Pew Research, the University of Alabama, “states’ cy and both houses of Congress, Dem rights” was his euphemistic battle ocrats found themselves at the mercy much higher, if falling. - cry. - ofas adefenders Republican of progressivism federal government. rather So where does America go from There are myriad other examples: Thus, the left began to view the states- here? Will both sides recognize fed jack horrigan southern states have used federal - eralism as occasionally flawed, but editor in chief ism to fight Obamacare mandates, than the last bastions of racism. Lib- fundamentally good? Such a vision gun control, and abortion laws. As- eral dreams like sanctuary cities, le isas appealingwhen it comes yet chimeric. to federalism: Both sides for recently as 2013, federalism was galenacted recreational at a state marijuana, level, despite and strin the are rarely as openly opportunistic- Ireferred to the federal gov- still being used to justify racism. Af gentfederal carbon government regulation standing are all in being the cal federal government, party lead- n March, President Donald Trump ter the Supreme Court case Shelby all the Republican talk of a tyranni County v. Holder, which ended federal - ernment as “backup” for the ers have largely kept quiet about Mr. states dealing with COVID-19.- “With the Republican takeover of the Trump’scondemned expansive states for power. resisting Demo fed- Theing the president nation’s has pandemic been truere- crats are hardly better – they openly to his word. Rather than lead presidency and both houses of Congress, eral mandates under Mr. Trump’s sponse, the White House has Democrats found themselves at the mer- predecessor, Barack Obama, while left that unenviable task to the encouraging states to resist federal governors.with his constant Trump’s abdicationefforts to cy of a Republican federal government. mandates now. Both parties seem ofthwart responsibility state responses) (combined have willingIt is toin forgeteverybody’s the struggles best interest of the proved that his brand of federal- Thus, the left began to view the states as past four years. defenders of progressivism rather than this is not reason to condemn thatfederal this power, doesn’t especially happen. after America de- ism has failed this country. Yet- the last bastions of racism.” will benefit from another check on alism has been praised and - federalism as a whole. Feder cades of an ever-more-powerful presidency. Federalism has been po laudedstrip away by boththe politisation parties when that has liticized since its inception: one must it suits them, but it’s time to - preclearance for election policies in look no further than the Kentucky - and Virginia Resolutions, Prigg v. surrounded the principle and recog way. Indeed, Mr. Trump would be Pennsylvania, or the Civil War to see nizesovereignty it for what between it truly the is: federal necessary. and states with histories of voter sup free to meddle in ballot counting on the historical cleavages. Yet that is no American federalism is the dual- pression, southern states were once- Novemberelections largely 3, if not independent for the fact of thatthe reason to attack federalism itself. The again free to use the excuse of states’ state officials administer their own debate will surrounding be easier if federalism both sides will re- state governments guaranteed by rights to discriminate against thou- outlast even this pandemic, and that the Constitution. In a phrase, “states’ sands of black voters. Instead of Louis federal government. rights.” For many, those words are the Brandeis’s “laboratories of democra Yet COVID-19 has summoned some member its value. cy,” reserved powers have been used form of consensus. If Mr Trump’s The best time of the year is finallyhere

to switch out your wardrobes and opt picking, costume making, decorating- year.At Thethe endassortment of the day, of fallfood is isthe to sea die- for your most comfortable outfits. No your house, going on hikes, going trick for, and nothing can compare. - longer is it jean shorts, bathing suits, or treating, going to Halloween par and uncomfortable tanks, but it’s time ties, and the list goes on and on. son to beat. It has too many good qual for long sleeves, sweatpants, jeans, Let’s talk about trick or treating. ities, and honestly not enough bad, leggings, sweatshirts, and any of your I mentioned it in the list, but to spell making it number one in my heart, most comfortable items of clothing. it out for you, it is kids dressing up and at this point, it should be number You truly aren’t restricted to a certain in costumes, and getting free candy, one in yours. type of clothing because the weather that they will later go and eat until is just that good and allows for winter they pass out. I don’t know about you, and summer items. but as a kid that sounded like heaven. genna leibow timeWith to get fall together also comes with sports,friends and Ifriends, never forgetleaving my me costumes with only or how withfamily sports and ordercomes food football. and watchFall is the much fun I had when I went with my features writer - theeen bestis a memoriesholiday that of fall. NFL games, and it just brings good Like how Hallow F vibes all around, making you feel so orget about the hot summer days comfortable. It’s time for Friday night makes fall so great, when you go to the beach and lights and cozying up to watch the- you can never sweat until you die of heat, it’s time games, and not having to worry about forget about for fall. Fall is the best time of the year, too much because really it is the be Thanksgiving.family either and it really starts with its weather. ginning of the year. You and your air,It’s and that the timeleaves of areyear falling, when and you the go The most prominent part of fall is outside and there’s a slight chill in the obviously Halloween, and with that- pack up and there is all that comes with it. During leaveor get all for dressed your sky is blue, and everything is just as- winter, spring, and summer there re cousins house, it should be. This weather means it’s ally is only a limited number of things just time to get outside and do some to do, but with fall, you have too many up to go down to thing. It’s not too hot and not too cold, to choose from. Fall has the pumpkin your kitchen, but it’s perfect. Not only that, but it looks patch where you can go with your eitherone of the way, best you meals are of the gorgeous too, which puts the icing on friends to get pumpkins, then go home on your way to go eat the cake. and carve them. Then, there’s apple The chilly weather means it’s time The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30, 2020 @The_LeboDA page 22 opinion

There should be no need to wait 11 hours to vote. Voting is a human right. Let’s protect that right

- - an ultimate high. Texas is one state- exercise, but this is making it harder. no need to wait 11 hours to vote. This whose early voting just opened on Oc- These people are having to basically is obviously a special election happen toberties cast 13th. their On ballots, that day according 6.7% of to reg the plan a day in their schedule to go and ing in unprecedented times, so why istered voters in the ten largest coun stand in line waiting to vote. These arebeen we an treating option, it earlylike it’s voting the samehas alas- are the lines on early voting days.- any other? Mail in ballots have always Texas Tribune. That may seem like a oneImagine doesn’t what have the to lines spend will entire look days like smallgetting number, their votes but in really and thinkearly, aboutthat’s on November 3. We can hope every ways been an option. Yes, things were it. It sounds great, right? People are moved up, but it clearly hasn’t helped standingthe second in early line, voting but it was might opened, not be it much. exactly what we need. realistic.is still only Despite a small the percentage amazing turnout of vot- Voting should be easy. It should be- isabelle stoehr There’s one big issue. People are simplifiedphasis on democracyand made thismore election, accessible yet trending editor standing in lines for hours. Hours that for all Americans. There is a big em they don’t have. Hours taken out of ers. The other 93.3% of Texas voters their lives to vote. In Georgia, people in those ten counties still need to cast so many voters are confused and left T reported waiting for up to 11 hours. their vote. Even with the uptick in mail stranded. You’d think a government so seenhis the year’s endless election posts and has Instagram taken the Andtwisting this isthem being into praised. something The media that ballots, people will be showing up in keen on promoting voting would make country by storm. I know we’ve all is taking these people’s stories and masses to vote. it so more people could vote. Changes There is no real source to blame need to be made, but in the meantime stories urging people to vote, even shoulddealing bewith memorialized. something that They is hon are- this on. It’s not a bad thing that people- I guess we will keep waiting in line. though the majority of this school and making heroes out of voters who are want to vote and vote early. It’s also We will keep triple checking the rules everyone’swho are of age followers and can are vote too is young.seeing - not a bad thing that measures are be for mail in ballots. We will make our Although, the turnout of people estly not okay. ing taken to keep everyone safe in the voices heard. Don’t get me wrong, voting is essen process. It’s just an example of how tial. It’s a right that everyone should flawed the system is. There should be

Voting, by the candidates

Politics according to Pete Crossword Answers: Don’t Peek Vote for Joe Biden - - tering its third wave of infec- AHCA which would have gut world for the virus and is en tedof Americans, the bill. The and ACA Biden is byhas no a means perfect, but it helps tons tions.ignoring the tweets and the more Americans become in- Now I want you to stop plan to build on it and help even controversies, if you had any sured – not tear it down without doubt already that Donald a thereplacement. differences between the Trump should not get your twoAnd candidates’ should I climate even mention change vote. This is a man who has peter swindal admitted to sexual assault and opinion editor calledsay whether it “locker or not room he’s talk”. go- policies? Donald Trump barely This is a man who refuses to accepts that it exists, if he does- at all. Juxtapose the video of inggross to acceptnegligence the resultssent him of the to F - Trump telling a California of- election.the hospital This for is aseveral man whose days nally,our after long all years,the tweets, and all it the all ficial that “it’ll get colder, just- controversies,comes down all tothe this. reprehen We fi- watch” with Biden’s comprehen Interested in - sible statements later, we have sive climate plan. The picture be with COVID-19. Donald Trump comes clearer and clearer. isn’t competent or qualified submitted on time to be con- But this is all ignoring the enough to run a high school opinion heard? sidered for publication. - arrived at the 2020 election.- greater issue, his comprehensive student council, much less the having your Opinion pieces must be ac I want you to ignore all of the- mishandling of the COVID-19- executive branch of the United curate and not be used to tar tweets. Ignore the countless con pandemic. Simply the way he States. - get individuals. The Devil’s Advocate will troversies. Donald Trump’s poli downplayedin the hospital the forvirus several – and dayscon Joe Biden is not perfect. But- Any student can write an cies are abhorrent. opinion piece for publica not publish speech that is tinues to, even after ending up that doesn’t matter. Donald - deemed hateful or speech that The Affordable Care Act? Trump is so abhorrent in ev tion in The Devil’s Advocate. Say goodbye to it under Donald Ifes youor letters have something to the editor to say, to could serve as a disruption to with it, is awful. He fails to wear ery way possible – character, please submit opinion piec the school day. Trump. Not only is new Justice a mask in public and cultivate a policy,even be judgementconsidered –as that a legiti not- The Devil’s Advocate is- Barrett exceedingly likely to vote mask-wearing culture among his voting for Joe Biden shouldn’t both a class and a club at the to repeal it, Trump himself has Opinion Editor, Peter Swindal supporters. He is openly hostile at pswindal45@mtlstudents. high school. Any student in attempted to do it on multiple to medical experts like Dr. Fauci. mate possibility. net or to editors in chief Jack terested in joining can contact occasions – both through his And as a result the United States Horrigan at jhorrigan51@ Ms. Davenport, paper adviser, tax cuts which set the individual at [email protected] is by far the worst country in the mtlstudents.net and Kendall - mandate to $0, and through the Lankford at klankford81@ Any student who would like mtlstudents.net. to submit photos for publica Opinion pieces must be tion can also contact Ms. Dav enport. The Devil’s Advocate Friday, October 30 , 2020 @The_LeboDA page 23 opinion The Pirates: Pittsburgh’s disgrace

century, with the Penguins winning- The team also got rid of their two At least they get the first overall three Stanley Cups and the Steelers best prospects, Tyler Glasnow and pick for the 2021 MLB Draft, and they winninghave one two other Super team Bowls. that callsWhat Pitts peo- Austin Meadows, for a washed pitcher, will most likely pick Kumar Rocker, a- ple forget though is the fact that we Chris Archer, that has not been good generational talent from Vanderbilt. for five years. Since joining the Pirates, Except, I have a feeling that the Pi burgh home, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Archeris an embarrassment has an over five to ERAthis andcity that rates will somehow mess him up too. The Pirates have not won a World is terrible for a team’s “ace pitcher.” It The last two times the Pirates Series since 1979 and before 2013, the picked in the top five, they picked Pirates had a drought in which they- this team cannot get anything right. Jameson Taillon in 2010 at number finished under .500 for 21 years in a The 2020 MLB season only had two and Gerrit Cole at number one row. From 2013-2015, they gave Pitts 60 games and the MLB decided to in 2011. We have seen how these burgh hope that maybe they could be expandthere was the a little playoffs bit of to a eightchance teams. with two draft picks have worked out. ethan bell a contender for many years to come. People in Pittsburgh thought maybe Taillon’s career has been riddled- sports writer Sadly, that ended rather quickly. Since with injuries and inconsistency and 2015, a year in which the Pirates won eight teams making the playoffs. Cole was traded for pennies on the dol - 98 games, they have traded Andrew The Pirates shut down that thought lar. It’s the sad fate for the Pirates that E McCuttchen, the team superstar and- pretty quickly. They started out the this is what happens when they pick veryone knows the greatness be best player during the three year season with a record of four and in the top five. And it’s not likely that hind the Steelers and the Penguins playoff runs. They also traded Ger fourteen until finally getting a sweep Rocker is going to be the savior of as major sports brands in the city rit Cole, one of the best players in against the Milwaukee Brewers. They this sorry excuse for an MLB franchise. of Pittsburgh. They have been very the MLB, for Joe Musgrove and Colin finished the season with a 19-41 and it successful during the twenty-first Moran, two very mediocre players. was the worst record in the whole MLB. a crossword for all of your Mt. Lebanon needs Name Date (Key # 1 - 394414) 1 Across 2 Lebo students’ favorite breakfast item 4 Mt. Lebanon’s football coach 5 Your teachers’ new classrooms 6 Oldest pizza shop on Washington Road 8 A 14-day period stuck at home 12 Spirit week’s Thursday outfit 2 3 14 Want a taco? Head here. 17 Lebo grad and current owner of the Dallas Mavericks 4 20 Home of the Jack Rabbit 22 Author of book where Scout is the main 5 character 24 Mt. Lebanon’s favorite post-graduate destina- tion 6 7 25 The virus we are all trying not to catch 8 9 26 The name of our winter dance 27 Organization for freshmen orientation 10 28 Month early decision college applications are 11 12 due Down 13 14 15 16 1 Head here when you need a hammer 17 2 The dreaded US History exam that this year’s juniors won’t have to take 3 Pittsburgh’s favorite sandwich restaurant 18 4 Mt. Lebanon golfer who won the WPIAL golf 19 20 21 championships

22 7 Won the cross country state championships in 2019 23 9 Pittsburgh’s famous pop artist

24 10 Place to get a cold treat on Washington Road 11 Mt. Lebanon’s most popular musical ensemble 13 The gift winter gives us that sadly may no

25 26 longer exist 15 Mt. Lebanon’s resource officer 27 16 Name of Mt. Lebanon’s winter talent show 18 Club that has an annual bonfire in Bird Park 19 The 2020 Homecoming King 28 21 Mt. Lebanon’s pop singer 23 Name of the theater on Washington Road that will probably never open

Across 22 Author of book where Scout is the main character 2 Lebo students' favorite breakfast item 2020-2124 Mt. Lebanon's favorite post-graduate destination 4 Mt. da Lebanon's sponfootball coach sors 25 The virus we are all trying not to catch 5 Your teachers' new classrooms 26 The name of our winter dance is interested in becoming a white level If you or someone you know 6 Oldestgold pizza level shop on Washingtonblue Road level 27 Organization for freshmenindividual orientation level 8 A 14-dayRiley Hewitt period Witte stuck & Romano at homeWilke & Associates, CPAs 28The WitteMonth Family early decision college applications are sponsor, please contact Dawn 12 SpiritThe week's Brubaker Thursday Family outfit Todd and Tish Zimmerman due Davenport at ddavenport@ Anonymous The Pesacreta Family 14 Want a taco? Head here. mtlsd.net or (412) 344- Down 2000 ext. 13408. We thank 17 Lebo grad and current owner of the Dallas you for your support. Mavericks 1 Head here when you need a hammer 20 Home of the Jack Rabbit Q &A with The G.O.A.T Of Substitute Teachers If you won the How long lottery, what have you been would you do? subbing? Pay off all my bills, 18 years and live a good life.

How long have What is your you been a favorite subject teacher? to sub for? I have taught for Health and Phys 33 years. Ed

What is your What is your favorite favorite movie? sport? THe Naturals 1. Hockey 2. Tennis

What is your favorite If a genie gave thing about you 3 wishes, subbing? what would they be? The students. I Health, Wealth, and really like Happiness. the students.

If you could talk to What did you any animal, what an- want to be imal would you talk when you were to, and what woulld younger? you talk about? A Pittsburgh Pirate Just a dog. A nice dog. Baseball Player. Talk about being friendly and nice.

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