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BeaVolume 64 Issue 2 r FactsDecember 2020 Opinion Nation Staff reaches out to teachers, administrators Biden beats Trump, becomes 46th POTUS fellow students in Joe Biden, former Vice President, will be inaugurated in January as the nation’s 46th president. response to hybrid’s His running mate, Kamala Harris, California senator, will be the nation’s first female vice president challenges and the first woman of color to hold such a high office. Dear Teachers, By: Samantha Carey Vice President-elect Kamala 1. Be accessible. For instance, fter a very Harris takes the role as the first don’t make one Zoom meeting prolonged and Black, South Asian and female your only time that you are nerve wracking Vice President in all 46 years available to help us with presidential race, of American presidency. She questions before the quiz. on Athe eighth of November, is also the first Vice President Remember, we don’t all have our former Vice President and to have graduated from a own computers and some of us Senator Joe Biden was elected historically black university. are diversified occupations and/ the 46th President of the United Currently, Harris represents or dual enrollment students and States of America. California in the United States can’t make your Zoom meeting. Biden’s win was a close one, Senate. During the speech in taking hold of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Harris spoke of what 2. Be flexible. Sometimes Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, it means to be the first woman the only way we can do an and Georgia not on the third of of color Vice President. assignment is to handwrite it November, but on the fifth, two "While I may be the first and then scan it or upload a days after the polls closed. woman in this office, I will not be screenshot. We are still turning it The following Saturday, the last," Harris said. "Because in and that is what should matter. lancerfeed.com President-elect Biden held his every little girl watching tonight Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Again, we don’t all have our own sees that this is a country of victory speech in his home town Presidential election with 304 electoral votes compared computers or devices. When of Wilmington, Delaware. In possibilities, and to the children you require an assignment to his speech, Biden encouraged of our country, regardless of your to her 227. Four years later and just two electoral votes be turned in online, sometimes Americans to come together gender, our country has sent you shy, Demoractic nominee and former Vice President, it is double the work to type the in order to get through these a clear message: Dream with Joe Biden beat Republican Donald Trump in a much assignment we did by hand into tumultuous times. ambition, lead with conviction contested election. the computer. and see yourselves in a way that "I understand the Biden won key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan disappointment tonight. I've others may not, simply because 3. Don’t overload Google lost a couple of times myself. they've never seen it before. But and Wisconsin in his path to victory and takes with him Classroom. Although some But now, let's give each other a know that we will applaud you California Senator and one time fellow candidate in of us like when a teacher chance," said Biden. "This is the every step of the way." the race, Kamala Harris, making her the nation’s first posts an abundance of work time to heal in America." at the beginning of the week female Vice President. or the month, some find it District Academics overwhelming and confusing so they shut down. Then they Hines says goodbye to education Higher education rethinking SATs/ACTs don’t do the work. Consider After 42 years in education, Bob Hines, Colleges and universities across the scheduling assignments and organizing your Google associate principal, has left the building and nation are waiving the standardized testing Classroom with your students in the profession. Hines leaves behind more than requirement as part of the admissions process. mind. a vacant office in the JCM, he leaves behind a Many are doing this due to the pandemic but 4. Take your time. We legacy. the change could be permanent. understand that you only see By; Julia DeYoung By: Josh Garced out the SAT and ACT as an us in-person twice a week but Everyone knows he can The recent academic admissions requirement over that doesn’t mean you have to be found in the JCM office. struggles due to Covid have the next four years,” reported teach a weeks’ worth of lessons Everyone knows he’s loud caused multiple colleges to The New York Times. in two 55 minute periods. This when he’s angry. Everyone either waive or make the SATs In the past, SATs and ACTs raises our anxiety levels and we also knows he believes in and ACTs optional. have been very resourceful know it raises yours. We know you and he wants only the There is no doubt Covid-19 academic achievements for that it will be impossible to cover best for you. And now he’s has caused colleges to make those who scored perfect or everything you normally would, gone. many decisions that have made near perfect scores. However, so let’s try to focus on covering Bob Hines, associate learning harder. When the some Ivy League schools like the big ideas at a regular pace. principal, has “left the pandemic began in March and Harvard and Cornell have building” after 42 years in spread throughout the country, started to look at waiving 5. Remember learning styles. education, 21.5 of them as schools and colleges had to standardized requirements All of us learn in unique ways. the associate principal in courtesy of Matt Triolo react. Colleges sent students permanently. Whether we be visual, auditory the building. Before coming to the home, schools closed, and or kinesthetic learners, “I don’t have a ‘fondest district, Hines began his standardized testing stopped. See SAT/ACTs page 2 remember to take that into memory’ so to speak career as a social studies In response to this halt in consideration and try to vary the but I have enjoyed the learning, some colleges decided way you present your lessons so teacher then moved to opportunity to work with to waive standardized testing we all have an equal learning Dean of Students. Hines really great professionals requirements. experience. and students,” said Hines. even spent a few years “Some went further than See Editorial pg 3 as a principal. All of this that, with leaders of the was done in the Scranton/ University of California system Wilkes-Barre area. voting on May 21 to phase Find Inside: News: PG 1 & 2; Opinion: PG 3; Feature: PG 4,5 &6; Life & Style: PG 7; Sports: PG 8 2 Bear Facts December 2020 news/opinion BREAKING IGNORANCE In Our Opinion Black Lives Matter movement must become more than occasional fad While its most adamant supporters and its founders disagree or might not wish it so, many see the movement in the spotlight only when something happens. In order to effect change, the BLM movement can never leave the spotlight.

By: Kelly Wiercinski rather than a consistent goal. bringing attention to the move- Out Tuesday” but it quickly fad- acial equality is Any large social movement is ment once again. ed from the public’s eye, along heavily talked shaped by the way it is spread. Police brutality and defund- with the rest of the movement, about in Ameri- The Civil Rights movement in ing became a topic almost ev- once again. can society. As a the 1960s, for example, was eryone had an opinion ;about Black Out Tuesday is the nation,R we have struggled with shaped by its marches and sit and it played a big part in the perfect example of how a social acceptance all throughout his- ins. The feminist movement was most recent election. However, movement is shaped by the way tory; one of the biggest ones be- shaped by the same but also lit- this quickly quieted as the topic it is spread, since BLM is largely ing race. Today, this is still one erature. as well, like Betty Frien- became less popular. People a social media movement and of the most discussed issues. dan’s “The Feminine Mystique.” stopped posting, protesting and this event occured on social Because of this, the Black Lives The Black Lives Matter move- bringing awareness. media platforms. Nevertheless, Matter movement has become ment is largely shaped by tech- Accordning to the Pew Re- it went away when the sun went a fundamental piece in a step nology, more specifically, social search center, support for Black down and many fear BLM will do towards equality. media. The downfall to this lies Lives Matter remains strong the same. This movement was first when the news quiets, so do the with African Americans but has “I belleve that to make the brought to the attention of the posts. decreased since June among movement more consistent and media back in 2013, after the “It’s aggravating because Hispanics and Whites. Pew’s less of a trend, we must stop death of Trayvon Martin, who although this summer was the statistics state, in June, 60 per- viewing it as one. As it isn’t.” was shot and killed by George most vocal people have ever cent of Whites supported the said Haley Katona, alumni. Zimmerman while walking to a been about the Black Lives movement but by September, “Just like the Civil Rights Move- friend’s house. Matter movement,” said Jordan that number had dropped to ment in the 60’s, it is a current The fight can’t stop This quickly became a mat- Daniel, alumna. “It seems like 45 percent. Hispanic support socio-political issue that needs once the cameras go ter of race, since Martin was it was just a thing to do since for the movement dopped 11 to be viewed as one, not simply off. However, the data black and Zimmerman is white, we were in lockdown. Once the percentage points from June to a “half in, half out” trend. This thus bringing more attention to quarantine restrictions loos- September, from 77 percent to leads to more polarization be- shows it might be hap- the racial divide and prompting ened up and people were get- 66 percent. tween support as people begin pening, with support for the hashtag “Black Lives Mat- ting back to their daily routines, Among the many ways peo- to assign roles of those who are Black Lives Matter quiet- ter” to be used for incidents all of the Black Lives Matter talk ple participated in the move- genuine and those who are ei- ing down when there is similar to this. faded into the background.” ment, one of the biggest was ther doing it to remain “normal” nothing to be loud about. But while social media After the protests and riots posting a plain black picture amongst their peers or to prove helped bring awareness to this this summer triggered by the on social media and caption- a point on their social media While there is still plenty issue, the movement would not death of George Floyd, many ing it with many things like presence.” of support, consistency is have stuck around for long and people were outraged and “Black Lives Matter” or “I can’t key to effecting change. was almost used as a trend speaking out on social media, breathe.” This was called “Black Nation Coney Barret sworn in as new SCOTUS SATs, cont’d Amy Coney Barret made history in October from pg 1 when she was confirmed to the Supreme Court The California Institute of of the United States as an associate justice. Technology has recently an- Since her nomination and appointment was so nounced they will no longer require ACT or SAT scores from close to election, there was no lack of conflict. their applicants. “The California Institute of By: Julia DeYoung She is a very religious woman Technology attracts a certain Judge Amy Coney Barret was as well. This is controversial be- kind of student, driven to ex- confirmed by the Senate on Oc- cause people think her religion plore science and engineering tober 26 to be the next justice will affect her stances on future at the highest levels,” reported on the Supreme Court of the court cases. The Washington Post in Octo- United States. She replaced a “She is proud of her faith but ber. “More than 90 percent legacy: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. has repeatedly stated that her who apply are turned away. Barret was appointed by faith does not influence how she Most who enrolled in recent Donald Trump September 26. evaluates legal matters of inter- years had perfect or near-per- This was controversial because prets the Constitution,” says fect math scores on the SAT or it was so close to an election Jason Robbins, social studies. ACT.” and some didn’t think this was “There are several cases com- Current high school stu- right for a possibly outgoing ing before the court this term dents are the ones who are president to appoint a justice so that will give us some insight on the most affected by this close. what impact her faith will have change in standardized test- Barret is a devout Catholic regarding her decision making.” ing requirements, especially and graduated from Notre Dame Barret gives the court a con- current seniors, as they apply University. She will be the first servative majority of 6-3. This to college. justice to not have attended an will affect decisions for many Members of the Class of Ivy League school. She clerked years to come. With a bigger 2021 are now questioning for Justice Antonin Scalia and majority than before, the inter- how or even when to take the refers to him as her mentor. pretation of the Constitution is SATs and ACTs if all the test- According to the New York bound to be more conservative. ing centers are shut down and Times, Donald Trump thinks According to the Washington if it is even worth it to to take Barret will be a female version Post, “A relative 5-4 balance has them. Many locations can- of Antonin Scalia. He thinks Bar- meant that neither bloc could celed the December SATs and ret is an outstanding candidate dominate, because a move by ACTs and the next scheduled for a justice. one conservative justice to the SAT is march, which is too late Barret has very conservative liberal side in a given case could for many seniors. views and is considered an origi- swing the outcome.” nalist. She believes in a strict in- terpretation of the Constitution. 3 opinion Editorial Your Voice In Our Opinion Opinions Continued from pg 1 so since the start of the school ing a Homecoming dance. Let take some time to destress and year. Furthermore, when life us have some parts of a senior be with some friends or family. form about goes back to normal, trying to year. Wear your mask. Not under Dear Administration, enforce the dress code is not re- your nose. Not under your chin. hybrid learning Do we really need one-way Dear Students, alistic. Therefore, we ask: does Wear the mask correctly. We are hallways? With an average class We understand. Work with the original intent of the dress keeping each other safe and it is size of four to six students, your teachers and administra- code still apply today? not that hard to do. The virus will there are not enough of us in tors. They will help us. A simple Can you talk to us? We are keep spreading if we don’t wear the building to make the one- email is all that needs to be always questioning why school our masks correctly or at all. way hallways necessary. Large done. They understand what we is being closed or why certain Wear your ID. Dress code schools like Emmaus and East are going through and are there events aren’t allowed to hap- may be out the window for this Stroudsburg South do not have to help us. pen. Just explain to us why year but let’s at least wear our one-way hallways and their stu- Work with others. Texting these things are happening and ID’s. Just put them in your bag dent population is bigger than a classmate could help with rumors will be less likey to start. after the school day so you can ours. One way hallways are ac- school work. Making a new Can we please have some- grab it in the morning again. ID’s tually increasing crowd sizes, friend if you don’t know anyone what of a senior year? Last are just keeping us safe so wear especially in stairwells, rather in small classes could make a year's seniors got the rest of them. than decreasing them. big difference on how well you their senior year taken away Is the dress code neces- are performing in school. We from them. Is this what is going sary? We know the faculty and are all here for each other. Sincerely, to happen to our entire senior administration are not enforc- Take care of yourself. Self 2020-2021 Bear Facts Staff year? We don’t get lockers in ing the dress code. We also all care is so important, especially the senior hallway and don’t get I hate it because it is hard know there are students who right now. Take a break every to sit at the senior lunch tables. to go back and forth from don’t have gym but dress like once in a while. You deserve it. You took away two of the days of Josh Garced and Julia DeYoung being in class to being on- they do and have been doing After going through all of this, Spirit Week and we aren’t hav- everyone is stressed out. So contributed to this article. line. - Olivia Alvarez, senior Commentary Politicians need to watch their mouths Lately politics have turned ugly. Politicians used to argue policy but within the last few years, and especially during this past presidential election, politicians are trading personal insults and slander. This behavior is on both sides of the political arena and is childish and needs to stop. ing President Donald Trump to day divided the country further, ing them they don’t even need Nancy Pelosi, they failed. Re- destroying any chance of unity to grow up, they just need a de- gardless of the political party between both sides. With each gree. you side with, these “leaders,” rip of the paper, the divide ex- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to put it simply, are acting like panded. This was an act of im- being called a derogatory term children. maturity. used negatively towards women On February 9th 2019, Pelosi could have expressed as means to make them feel Trump tweeted: “Today Eliza- her disdain for the President’s weak exemplifies the pettines beth Warren, sometimes re- speech through a speech of her and sexism in today’s political It’s ok. I prefer we stay in www.action-namibia.org ferred to by me as Pocahontas, own. These are the things that climate. Diplomatic insults school, though, instead of joined the race of President. Will should shape America, not ac- “Representative Yoho put his going virtual. have been flying for cen- she run as our first Native Amer- tions that make it to the trend- finger in my face,” said Cortez turies but with the help ican presidential candidate, or ing page of Twitter because they in response to Representative - Koda Delarosa, of social media platforms has she decided that after 32 draw attention, a form of child- Yoho. “He called me disgusting, freshman like Twitter, trading barbs years, this is not playing so well ishness in itself. he called me crazy, he called me anymore? See you on the cam- “Politicians tend to either out of my mind, and he called have become more fre- paign TRAIL, Liz!”. blow up or shoot the conversa- me dangerous.” quent and have changed It is no secret Trump em- tion right back at the person Representative Ted Yoho the face of politics for the braces his childish side and this confronting them or change the calling an educated woman worse. Whether it be Don- affects the American people. subject and misguide everyone the words too often used to de- ald Trump yelling at Nancy Many call him immature and who is listening,” said Hannah scribe her and many other pow- many of his supporters find it Moody, senior. “I think they erful women should no longer Pelosi or Alexandria Oca- hard to argue these claims. But should be more respectful and be tolerated in America. sio-Cortez yelling at Don- he is not the only one. think about how their redirec- Racism, sexism, and ho- ald Trump, the world of Other politicians are acting tion actually looks.” mophobia should have never politics, which has always like toddlers on a playground The presidential debates held a place in the United States been ugly, has shown its and Trump is simply a prime ex- also made a mockery of the and as a society, we need to do ample of this. country this year. To all politi- and be better. Without growth, ugly face in the publc are- The immaturity stems from cians: here’s a hint. If comedy we will descend into anarchy na. both sides of the political divide. shows can pull up real things and become what dystopian For example, when Nancy Pe- you’ve said in a debate word for novels such as 1984 and Brave It’s not ideal. I believe By: Sydney Umstead losi ripped up Trump’s State of word, please reconsider speak- New World warn us about. So, to students should be in the This year's election has been the Union speech in February of ing like you hold a position of all the name calling and mud- classroom. a test of political maturity, one 2020, many people congratu- power. Most kids as they grow slinging politicians: grow up. - TJ, Murphy, English that the biggest names in poli- lated her while many others up dream of being president tics have failed. From outgo- shamed her. Her actions that and politicians today are show-

Editorial Policy of Bear Facts Staff Editorial Board The Bear Facts is the official student newspaper at Pleasant Valley Reporters: EDitor in Chief: High School. Its primary purpose is to inform, interpret and entertain Sydney Umstead through accurate and factual reports. It will strive to be accurate, Julia Haldimann fair, impartial and responsible in its coverage of issues that affect Samantha Carey News/Opinion Editor: the school community. The Bear Facts will not publish any attack Julia deYoung material that is obscene, libelous invasive of others’ privacy or that Chase Garced encourages physical disruption of school activities. It will not pub- Feature editor: lish any material regarding individuals’ religion, gender, age, men- PHOTOGRAPHER: kelly wiercinski tal or physical ability, ethnicity, race, culture or lifestyle choices. The Bear Facts accepts advertising as a fundraiser and reserves the JOSH GARCED Life & Style Editor: right to reject any advertising not in accordance with school pol- JOSH GARCED icy. All editorials are written by a member of the Editorial Board. ADVISOR: Sports Editor: Letters to the editors are welcome, but must be signed and have the JACQUELINE BRINKER JULIA DEYOUNG & writer’s homeroom. Anonymous letters will not be published. All let- ters become the property of the Bear Facts. JOSH GARCED 4 Bear facts December 2020 centerspread 5 Bear facts Centerspread 2020 Presidential Election: contested results, COVID-filled, controversy-dominated

Can we heal the divide? Candidates use Twitter to spread message, response Trump challenges election results in key states The division between political parties has always existed. Within the Twitter has become a tool for journalists, a sharing spot for the average citizen, and a voice for politicians last few years, though, party politics has become more divisive, even Alleging voter fraud in many ways, President Trump and his legal among many other things. The presidential candidates uses Twitter to campaign throughout the year. They ugly. The political divide has ruined marriages, friendships, and even team are challenging the results of the election and vow to take their shared their platforms and they tweeted their criticisms. Election day, Nov. 3rd, was no different a day on professional lives. Both sides have called for healing but a healing on fight to the Supreme Court if necessary. As a result of these challeng- Twitter. Both Trump and Biden encouraged people to vote. Biden, though, still tweeted his platform while their terms. es, Trump has not conceded to Joe Biden. The USA Today, in an article news. Clickbait article titles are Trump focused on gratitude. By: Sydney Umstead titled, “7 ideas to reduce politi- also a part of this, as they breed As a nation, America is deep- cal polarization. And save Amer- ignorance. Pennsylvania ly divided on most core political ica from itself,” discusses ways In an article published by issues. In today’s day and age, if to take the first step in -over Time Magazine titled, “The Trump filed a lawsuit in Philadelphia you lean towards the left you're coming the mass manipulation Growing Danger of Political Vio- county regarding the counting of ballots considered a snowflake and are caused by the negative opinions lence Threatens to Destabilize received up to Nov 12. A state court or- told your opinions are irrelevant. each party has of the other. The America,” multiple accounts of dered those ballots segregated from the However, if you gear towards the first tip is to acknowledge the violence in regards to a politi- rest as did the U.S Supreme Court. In right, you have no morals. issues within each party, even cal party are remembered, such spite of this, the state was called in favor We are the most divided your own. Another, is to practice as when,two members of the of Biden on Nov 7th. we’ve ever been and this is dan- empathy towards those with con- Boogaloo Movement, a far-right On a seperate motion, a state court gerous. The further the country flicting viewpoints. movement intending to ignite also ruled the election official could drifts apart, the more likely a The media also plays an im- a second-civil war, murdered stand closer to the ballot counters than chance for a civil war becomes portant role in bridging the gap. two law enforcement officers in regularly mandated but the request to clear. As a general rule of thumb, the northern California. stop counting over this was dismissed. pennsylvaniavisitorsnetwork.com The future of the United mass amount of the population These instances are popping Other Republian lawmakers have States is at risk if people can also needs to remember to steer up all over America with no signs since filed suit claiming unfair and- un not find a bridge to cross the gap clear of misinformation spread of stopping. The partisan hostil- equal treatment of Republicans over the that is the political divide. We by the media. An example of how ity is growing daily and if there is election. will turn into a society consumed far America has strayed from the no end to it, the future of the na- by war within its own walls with intention of a balanced party tion is grim. people too afraid to form any system is the hate each oppos- When getting into a politi- Michigan opinion that does not align with ing side has for different media cal argument remember, hate others. outlets such as Fox and CNN breeds hate. The city of Detroit is the focus of election lawsuits. The Trump campaign In 2016, when Republicans took the is claiming a lack of transparency in the White House, they called for the na- voting process but two judges have de- tion to come together and unite. That nied those claims. Still Trump is not giving up. His law- same call was repeated in November by yers are claiming more evidence is com- president-elect Joe Biden and echoed ing and, in the meantime, two Repub- by Democrats throughout the country. lican voters have filed lawsuits alleging Many speculate the political divide is multiple crimes on the part of election greater now than it ever was, though. officials, accusing them of counting gainsevilletimes.com votes of unregistered voters and the ar- rival of more absentee ballots after be- ing told all ballots were on the premises Mail in voting played major role in outcome and using false information to process drawingdetroit.com ballots just to name a few. Mail in voting, which was largely Democratic in party alignment, dominated the results of this year’s presidential election, ultimately resulting in the race officially called in favor of Joe Biden, a Democrat. Arizona Votes were still being counted long after Nov 3rd ended. By: Josh Garced enough to change any results. “Mail in ballots can be sent The fight in this state is all over a Sharpie. Yes, a Sharpie. 159.8 million Americans That all changed this year. sent in by a certain time,” said And a rumor. cast their vote in this year’s “It changed it because peo- Chupa. “Absenteee ballots are The Trump Campaign here is claiming some voters had presidential election despite a ple did not go to vote in person used for someone who is physi- their ballots incorrectly rejected because they filled them out raging COVID-19. out of fear of catching the vi- cally not there to cast a vote.” with a Sharpie, which is a heavy, inedlible black marker. Many Americans showed up rus,” said Drew Dangler, social With the record number of This claim is perhaps the biggest one to go viral even to cast their vote in person on studies. eligible voters casting a ballot though Homeland Security officials have debunked the rumor Nov 3 but many also chose to Mail in voting, which allows this election, it was a common on its rumor controlled website. “mail in” their ballot. The overly eligible voters to request a bal- belief across the country the The lawsuit has since been dropped but Republicans did large number of mail in and lot, complete in, then either election would not be decided file a seperate lawsuit in the state alleging other votes were absentee ballots resulted in a mail it in or drop if off at desig- upon on the evening of Nov 3. Biden and Harris are celebrating another achievement this year but this one has incorrectly rejected. Most lawmakers are calling this suit base- race that was not called by the nated, secure drop boxes, was And it was not. Time less, though. Associated Press until two days popular this season due to the Battleground states Michi- drawn the ire of both sides of the political spectrum who are angry with Time Maga- This could be the Trump Campaign’s weakest challenge. after election day. pandemic. Those ballots, for gan, North Carolina, Georgia, zine for neglecting to choose first responders in the fight against COVID. “My wife and I watched many states, were not opened Wisonconin, Nevada and Penn- Magazine Perhaps one event that did the news intently on Election until the polls closed and the sylvania took up to three days night,” said Anthony Chupa, so- regular in-person votes were to count their mail in ballots, ul- cross the political divide was wikimediacommons.org cial studies. “I wish the states tallied. timately deciding the outcome names the reaction to Time Magazine’s that took longer to report their “The mail in voting offered of the election. choice for Person of the Year. results kept us up to date with people more options when it It was also no secret the Biden, Harris Even the fans of president-elect whatever information they came to casting their vote,” number of mail in voters were Joe Biden and vice president-elect Nevada & Georgia could.” said Chupa. “More voices were largely registered Democrats Kamala Harris called the maga- In a typical election, the heard for sure.” and cast their votes for Joe 2020 Person In Nevada, Trump’s lawyers probably had their best shot in slowing down the counting pro- votes are tallied as the polling An absentee ballot must Biden, the president-elect, zine’s decision a slight against the cess but their suit was denied. The Trump Campaign and the Nevada Republican party claimed centers close and those tallies also be requested but is re- while Trump supporters waited of the Year, nation’s health care workers and voting irregularities were occuring in Clark County, Nevada, the state’s largest populated county. are reported. Usually, before served for a person who will until Nov 3 to vote in person. other first responsders who put They argued the county should not have used a signature verification machine but their suit was the clock strikes midnight, the be “absent” from their home Either way, the voters have themselves and their loved ones denied by a federal court. country has a definited idea on the day of voting. Absentee spoken and the election was raising both at risk of becoming ill with COV- Georgia dismissed a lawsuit similar to the one filed in Philadelphia county regarding ballots of who will be the next Com- ballots follow strict guidelines called. Just not on Nov 3. received after 7pm on Election Day were included with legitimate ballots. Republicans based mander in Chief. Absentee bal- in regard to requests and sub- ID-19. Time did devote an April is- their suit on a GOP poll-watcher but little substantiation was recovered. lots, the insignificant number mission dates. They are also eyebrows, ire sue to them but many say this was This did not stop Republican lawmakers calling for the Georgia Secretary of State to resign of them, are counted in the fol- not counted until after the polls nytimes.com not enough. over election mishaps. lowing days and are usually not close. time.com 6 Bear Facts December 2020 FEATURE Extra Curricular Activities The Show Must Go On: HOSA chapter starts in building Drama Club adapts stage to COVID restrictions Future Health Pro- The Drama Club was not going to give up. After many of the students saw the cancellation fessionals, formerly of the spring musical, Dan Mulligan, advisor and director, was determined to get back on known as Health Oc- the stage and he did so with an early 20th century radio play: “Yes, Virginia! There is a Santa cupations Students Claus.” of America, has if Santa Claus is real, so she the situation. writes a letter to a newspaper “This makes the play more started a chapter in that reaches a reporter, who authentic,” said Dan Mulligan, the building. This is writes about this girl, causing advisor and director. “In a true unique, though, be- his article to become a popular radio hour broadcast from the reprinted newspaper editorial. 1940s, one actor would play cause this club usual- The play was recorded al- multiple roles, changing his or ly exists only in voca- most like a movie that may be her voice for each character and played for students into Decem- that is what we did.” tional and technical ber and distributed to those who Overall, while COVID has af- schools like MCTI. participated for their families to fected many parts of this year However, all students watch at home. There were also and safety is a big concern for two chosen days for live action students, staff and parents; the are welcome to be- performances with social dis- cast and crew were still capa- come a part of the tancing precautions, including ble of presenting a play to the internationally recog- contributed by Dan Mulligan requiring the cast to wear clear, school and community in a safe At left: Miranda Chiong, senior, Aubrey Sawyer, se- shield-like masks. way. nized club. “Because of COVID, there “COVID definitely presented nior, Jaxon Havens, senior, Aleelah Thompson, senior, are less students participating challenges for how we per- By: Julia DeYoung Madison Jackson, senior and AJ Long, senior. in the play to keep it safer, so formed this and for every other If you are considering a ca- By: Kelly Wiercinksi adapted and chose a radio play, many of us are playing multiple performing arts activity in the reer in the healthcare industry, ust like every school one where the stage was not a roles in the play,” said Aubrey school that’s happening this you should try joining the club year, the drama club necessary setting. Sawyer, senior. “I think I’m play- year,” said Anthony Long, se- HOSA, right here in our school. put on a winter play. “Yes Virginia, There is a San- ing about three to four parts.” nior. “But, we pulled through HOSA is an international However, due to CO- ta Claus” takes place around Some may find this stressful, and it was great.” organization and Tyler Mann, VID-19,J things were a little dif- 1897. It is about a young girl however the students and direc- junior, created a local chapter ferent this year but the club named Virginia questioning tors were confident in handling in our school in 2019. Madison Fava, sophomore, is the vice Faculty Student Spotlight president and is the co-founder of this club. Reilly reads, runs, raises dogs Feldman, Knapp share common interests HOSA means Future Health Sandra Reilly, librarian, is a loyal friend, an avid run- Jonathan Feldman and Gentry Knapp, se- Professionals. This club is de- ner, an even more avid reader and mother to her very niors, are best friends for many reasons but signed to provide high school special dogs, Jo-Jo and Zoey, as well as a devoted fan students with an interest in the of horror movies. both agree their similarities are what makes medical field a glimpse of what them such good friends. their future professions could look like. By: Julia Haldimann According to Feldman, it's “Our goal is to provide in- Everyone knows them. Ev- hard to pick a favorite memory sight for our members into the eryone says they are exactly with Knapp because there are vast and ever changing world alike. Everyone says they are so many. He describes Knapp of medicine,” says Mann. always together. And as far as as fun to be around and a HOSA organizes commu- most can remember, everyone person who makes everything nity service events fundraisers has known they are best friends entertaining while Knapp de- and school events for its mem- even though they've only been scribes Feldman in the same bers. Members can also go to friends for a short time. way. state and leadership confer- Jonathan Feldman, senior, “Gentry is fun to be around ences. They work directly with and Gentry Knapp, senior, have and a good role model,” said the community to learn more enjoyed three years as friends Feldman. “I like that he is deter- about the medical field. contributed by Sandra Reilly and plan on continuing that mined to always better himself On a mission to get everyone to enjoy reading, Reilly “HOSA, to me, means lead- friendship after graduation. and complete his goals.” ership,” says Fava. “Everything reads to her dog Zoey but, from the looks of things, “I plan to maintain our we do as a club is a way to be a Zoey, doesn’t seem willing to learn. friendship by either going to the leader and help others around By: Samantha Carey I’m really learning a lot work- same college at Penn State or us.” keeping in touch as we have our Sandra Reilly, librarian, is ing with her,” said Nagy. “We’re Marianne Pitts, retired sci- group chat for our friend group much more than just a librarian. also very similar people.” ence teacher, Carol Patterson, and can make plans when we She is an avid runner and a de- Both Reilly and Nagy are world language, Jenna Wer- go home for break,” Feldman voted friend. Over her past five witty and sarcastic and love to nett, math and Mark Rehrig, states. years as the high school librar- read. science, are all co-advisors of Knapp and Feldman met ian, Reilly has been - and will On her free time, Reilly, be- this club. They all help out tre- through mutual friends and dis- continue to be - a helpful and sides reading, enjoys exercis- mendously with this club and covered shared interests. They amicable teacher. ing, playing with her dogs, and make everything possible for are both wrestlers, they take Reilly loves her job, espe- watching horror movies. the students in the club. honors classes, go to the gym cially being able to work with Lauren Staub, English, is HOSA is a great option if the together and they even like the students while getting to do one of Reilly’s close friends. medical field is a possible- fu same college. They are hoping contributed by Jonathan Feldman what she enjoys - reading and They share a passion for run- ture career path. You can learn to attend Penn State. Feldman and Knapp research. ning and and a love for their more about the medical field Most of their classmates, “I love working with the stu- dogs. Staub says she wished do everything together, and look at the different types sat, where one is, the other is dents,” said Reilly. “And I love she had met her earlier. apparently even being of medicine. not far behind. reading and research. I’m a “Mrs. Reilly is an amazing “Students should join HOSA “As far as I know, these two nominated for the Home- nerd.” friend,” said Staub. “She is al- because it provides amazing do everything together,” said coming Court this year as Diane Nagy, Reilly’s ways there for me. Whether it opportunities for them to see Brent Damato, PVCA senior. seniors. assistant,enjoys spending her be to run with or just someone many different aspects of the “They are very good friends.” days in the company of Reilly, to talk to, she gives great ad- medical field,” says Mann. “We and says she has been ex- vice. She is one of the most loy- also provide many opportuni- tremely helpful. Nagy came to al people I know. She’s a great ties for students to form rela- the high school this year after person and friend.” tionships and gain contacts years in the elementary library with people who can help them as the assistant. on their medical field journey.” “She’s helped me so much, 7 Life & Style Holiday Social media Gov’t officials encourage families to alter holiday plans Zooming turns into embarrassing Holiday traditions are changing for many families across the country as the nation wrestles moments with the pandemic and the infected numbers continue to rise. While state and federal officials Since the spring, the warn families to avoid holiday gatherings and retailers encourage online shopping and curbside popular web-based pickup, Americans watch as COVID rates rise. tool Zoom has become By: Julia Haldimann fection of where they are travel- The National Retail Federa- s we attempt to ing to and to take precautions. tion is encouraging customers a staple in everyone’s plan our usual Some families, though, have to get their holiday shopping homes. Used for pro- holidays, many opted not to travel. done early. fessional and personal families are torn “My family and I were sup- According to CNBC, “The betweenA hosting diners and do- posed to go to Boston for National Retail Federation, gatherings, there is ing their Christmas shopping Thanksgiving,” said Donald recently debuted an ad cam- no shortage of Zoom Freeman, Junior. “We usually paign, ‘Shop safe, shop early,’ online. goodstockphotos.com Even though holidays are go every year to see our family to discuss the health benefits of users out there and meant to be spent with family there and because of COVID-19 shopping when stores are less The USA Today be- with this many users, and friends, many people feel we decided to skip it to not put crowded.” lieves the travel season there is bound to be this year is not the year to travel anyone at risk.” Also, many people are start- will be busier than ever, no shortage of em- and see people. Travel is not the only thing ing their gift shopping online, citing travel experts who Dr. Anthony Fauci himself to consider this season. Holi- and will complete most of it that barrassing moments said he and his family “will send day shopping will also be af- way. say families who have their love via Zoom.” fected. In order to avoid mas- CNBC states, “as much as not seen each other since caught on camera. Fauci is the director of the sive crowds, stores like Target, $6 billion of retail spending in quarantine will not heed By: Sydney Umstead National Institute of Allergy and Walmart and Home Depot are the U.S. that tends to take place the warnings and gather Since the beginning of the Infectious Diseases encouraging customers to use during Cyber Week in Novem- to celebrate the holidays pandemic, an app called Zoom, In the same interview, Fauci curbside pickup. These stores ber-and as much as $26 billion together anyway. used for large video calls urges Americans to avoid travel are also remaining closed on globally-is expected to be pulled has become a helpful aid for but if they must, consider the in- Thanksgiving day. into October this year.” teachers, students and many business personnel. But it has Holiday also led to many laughable mo- ments which we’re all in need Gift Buying Guide of during these times. Several videos have gone Keep it simple or get pricey with tech gifts, candles, socks viral on Twitter of people forget- ting to mute their microphone Holiday shopping has not changed much because what people are buying is not changing. or turn off their camera.One Twitter user was a teacher and Technology items like the lastest iPhone or gaming system will be popular but if those are too shared a video of her students pricey for you, you can never go wrong buying your relatives and friends comfy socks and can- pranking her by changing their dles. backgorund and her husband rushing to help her, while shirtless. The class all turned on their screens and they all shared an awkward Zoom mo- ment. Another viral video began trending at the peak of the pandemic of a person in a meeting heading to the bath- theguardian.com amazon.com costco.com amazon.com room, unaware their micro- With both Sony and Ever since laptops in- Whether it be a roll of Projectors have now be- LED lights for your room, phone was left on. Playstation coming out corporated touch screen come handheld so instead Zoom allows the user to with new gaming consoles technology, they have ri- an LED sign for your wall of having your friends hud- change the backgrounds be- this year, gamers are find- valed tablets like iPads or a halo light for your dle around your phone to hind them and many have used ing it hard not to upgrade and the Microsoft Sur- mirror, LED lights have see your prom pictures, this opportunity to make light of their situation with back- their systems. Reason- face. They are competi- taken off this year. LED you can connect your lights are sure to be a hit grounds of the beach or popu- ably priced and offering tively priced, too. Their phone via cable or blue- lar memes. Some have even two different versions, portability, their diversity, with any recipient and tooth to a projector and put themselves inside Disney both Playstation and Xbox the memory and their are easy on your wallet, display those pictures on classics such as Ratatouille. will be under many trees capabilities have made too, usually priced under a wall. They are also cost on Christmas morning this desktop computers prac- 50 dollars, even the ones effective, ranging in price year. tically obsolete. that blink and offer a from 50-250 dollars. range of colors. The Bear Facts

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However, if your socks and socks with course next year? ones, blankets are an fect inexpensive gift loved one isn’t interested fun designs are another Have room in your inexpensive gift as well for anyone on your list. in their room smelling cheap way to show your schedule? as a versatile one, so Champion hoodies are like a Big Mac or ketchup, appreciation of someone. don’t forget this option all the rage right now Join our Staff! just about any scented Find out what kind they when Valentine’s Day rolls but a simple grey hoodie candle will do. like the most and you can See Mrs. Brinker in around. works well with any color find the socks to match. scheme. J106 for more info 8 Bear Facts December 2020 SPORTS Senior Spotlight District Professional Land leads with love for “We got the Bucket!” Football team brings the Bucket back NBA makes sport and squad multiple After taking her sophomore year off from cheerleading, Jackie Land, senior, returned to changes to lead her squad as captain for her final year in blue and white. season four years old. The NBA is set to “I like cheering more for foot- return as the players ball,” said Land. “Friday night union has reached games are just the best feeling and being able to lead my team an agreement with makes me feel special.” the league. Changes Land and her teammates were unable to make states last include a shortened year, coming up short at the pre- contributed by James Ward season, a Media liminary competitions but she is It was not much of a season for fall sports this year Week that coincides planning on leading her team to but all of that went away on Nov 19th when the foot- the state competition this year. with individual player “Last year was a bad year for ball team took on Pocono Mountain East in the game workouts and a two us,” said Land. “We didn't make played every year for the Old Oaken Bucket. They came it to states and it was heart- away with a 42-0 victory. Top photo from left: Mason part release of team contributed by Jackie Land breaking. Maddy, Makayla, and DeMeglio, senior, Logan Bray, senior, John Brennan, ju- schedules in addition Cheerleading, a big I are ready to lead our team to nior, Liam Carroll, sophomore, and Ryan Blass, junior. to clearly defined CO- win and make it a better year part of her life ever since overall. Our team has bonded “Much more important than winning a physical re- VID regulations that elementary school, is her so much more this year so I ward, like a trophy, was the overall elation of observing include the league’s biggest passion right now. have a good feeling.” a group of young men finally get a chance to experi- inability to suspend Jackie Land, senior, sees Land shares her passion ence and celebrate the months of hard work, overcom- the sport and its value be- with her teammates. Although ing setbacks, and playing four quarters of extremely the season. she was only able to cheer two yond the pom poms and football games because of the phsyical football,” said James Ward, assistant coach. the sidelines. current pandemic, she is still By: Chase Garcia A little later than usual but By: Chase Garcia glad she was able to support the team. a little earlier than expect- strong competitor “The best part of cheer is ed, the NBA is set to start its and a passion- supporting the teams.” 2020/2021 season on Decem- ate athlete makes Land's passion for the sport ber 22nd. And yes, that means her way back into she loves brought her back her there will be the annual Christ- theA sport she loves but doesn't mas games. sophomore year after taking come back as a follower, she a year off to try another sport. The new season is going to comes back as a leader. When she came back she was be completely different this year Jackie Land, senior, is a new really focused on her goal and in many ways from what fans captain of the cheer team and accomplished it when she be- usually expect a big competitor when it comes came a captain of the cheer According to the league’s to the sport. Not only does she team. Her presence brings a lot website the season will last 72 cheer for the sports teams but of excitement in the room and games and be finished before she cheers against other cheer she hopes to lead her squad to the Olympics. teams on the mat. Land has states this year. Many fans expected to have been cheering since she was contributed by James Ward a normal season that will just start a little later but did not ex- COVID pect other changes. The NBA is Restrictions limit fan attendance on all althletic levels changing the amount of games Limits on large gatherings have invaded the athletic world. From professional sports to college held in the season reducing it from 82 to 72 and playing out sports to high school sports, the question of how many, if any, fans can come to an athletic event the season much quicker then has plagued officials on all levels just as much as COVID has plagued the country. normal. USA Today reports “The free off between them,” stated by Kera a higher number of fans can go. The agency period will begin two News, a website based in North district’s own athletic events were days after the NBA draft.” Texas. “That's a quarter of the sta- an example of how the guidelines The season and draft getting dium's capacity, an effort to socially have changed regarding how many stuffed into each other is going distance while COVID-19 cases are participants are allowed. to make the season much more surging again in surrounding Tarrant “For indoor events, we are al- exciting. As soon as the draft County.” lowed 15% of our max capacity ends free agency will start so The NBA has been using virtual which ends up being 363 people, there will be a lot of interesting fans as their “fans in the stands.” including the participants and es- moves made very quickly. There Now that this year’s schedule is over, sential personnel, which is a lot will only be one month of free there has been speculation abouth compared to the only 25 allowed in- agency. having actual fans in the stands for doors before the changes,” said by Also according to USA Today, next year’s schedule. There has also Tom Toth, Director of Athletics and nbcsports.com “Despite the uncertainty, 30 Due to recent changes to large gathering numbers, been speculation as to whether Activities. “For outdoor events in the teams will play in team arenas Philadelphia Eagles fans can only send cardboard cut- or not to play outside the Orlando stadium we are allowed 20% of our with fans in the stands.” outs to the home games this season. bubble and have the games at the max capacity which ends up being Although fans are excited to actual stadiums. 600 people which includes the par- get back to cheering on their as Ranger stadium and was done a By: Josh Garced “While ESPN reports that there ticipants and essential personnel, favorite teams at home games, bubble like how the NBA did. The Right before the previous issue are no immediate plans to decide and is also a lot compared to the it is still uncertain if they will be NBA bubble was put in place for the of the Bear Facts was published, on the league's calendar, delaying 250 participants allowed before the able to since COVID regulations start of the playoffs. They made sure state and local regulations regard- the start of next season could allow changes.” are changing almost daily and that only players, coaches, trainers, ing the number of fans to attend a fans to get back into league arenas *At the time of publication, Gov- vary by city and state. and essential family members were sporting event have changed. for most of next year,” stated by SI, a ernor Wolf has put a hold on winter Players and coaching staff let in the bubble. The players could These changes allowed a limited sports news site. sports for schools and has deemed will have to endure daily COVID not leave the bubble. If they did, they number of fans to attend national, For local sports, guidelines have no spectators allowed for collegiate tests and anyone who tests pos- would have to be quarantined for 2 state and local events. Neverthe- been updated and the maximum ca- and professional athletic events un- itive will either need two nega- two weeks before returning. less, fans must follow social distanc- pacity of fans to attend sport events til Jan 4th. * tive tests to return to the court “Roughly 11,000 fans will watch ing while cheering on their team. increased briefly only to decrease or endure a minimum ten day in person, scattered around the It began with baseball. as COVID rates rose. New guidelines quarantine. The World Series occurred in Tex- ballpark with empty seats taped were put in place and made it where