The history behind the new Coach Cuskie statue 10

Could the boy wizard be The back for an Students’ Newspaper of Issue 1 October 29, 2010 eighth book? 11 2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, Pa. 19047 Neshaminy High www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us/playwickian/ School Redskins show pride at homecoming

On Friday Oct. 8, students and faculty members from Neshaminy’s Tawanka Learning Center aided the Churchville Nature Center for the ninth year in a row. They helped prepare for the Annual Pumpkin Festival at Core Creek Park for quite a few hours. The effort required loads of physical labor, but the endeavor was well worth it in the end. The students learned valuable community service skills while highly benefi tting their community.

Neshaminy students make their school spirit evident while cheering from the stands on Oct. 15 in a 28-21 loss against rival Council Rock South. Photo/Susie Mayer By Molly K. Lichtner and Although this year’s celebrations Alma Mater, conducted by senior, Emily Deanna Zaro were supposed to begin with a bonfi re Faust. Martin said. “It’s nice to be a part of it.” Staff Writer and News Editor symbolizing the start of our festivities, it During half-time, the Neshaminy’s The cheerleaders also made a performance was canceled due to high winds and the marching band and color guard took the during half-time. On Oct. 15, Playwickians came chance of rain. Despite this cancellation, fi eld to perform their show, “Rhapsody Directly preceding the band’s half- together to celebrate one of Neshaminy’s Neshaminy spirit was still present, with for an Era.” time performance came the moment many greatest traditions: Homecoming. With students and family members coming “It’s a great experience to see the had been waiting for: the crowning of the booths ranging from the National Honor dressed in red to support our football crowd from the fi eld,” senior marching homecoming King and Queen. Marco society’s Alex’s Lemonade Stand to “Pie team in their game against Council Rock band member Anthony Spadaccino Dapkey, captain of the football team, an Administrator” set up by the Senior South. said. “It’s fun to see the crowd from the and Caitlin Carrazola received the honor Class Offi cers, there was something there Starting off the eventful night was fi eld.” of being crowned this year’s king and for everyone. Council Rock South’s marching band Throughout the game, the cheerleaders queen. There was even a charming button and color guard. Once their performance threw plastic footballs and T-shirts into the Though the football game turned out booth that sold an assortment of different was done, the Neshaminy Concert Choir stands and entertained the crowd. to be ill-fated for Neshaminy, the night pins varying from the football teams, to sang the National Anthem, conducted by “Everyone is supportive and excited certainly didn’t suffer much. Homecoming cheerleading, to marching band. senior, Haidee Reznik, and the Neshaminy to be here,” junior cheerleader Maggie was as exciting and entertaining as ever. Roadies get spooky, kooky

By Kylie Winkler do so this year. “At fi rst I felt disappointed Staff Writer because it’s my fi rst year in the Roadies. The elementary schools look forward to This is the fi rst year that the NHS seeing us, they look up to us and they’re Roadies presented their Spooky and excited to see the show we perform. I Kooky Show in the Black Box Theater was still a little disappointed now but we instead of the elementary and middle raised a lot of money for charity this way,” schools. Although the Roadies were not sophomore Kaitlyn Jones said. able to visit the students at their schools, Since there are only 140 seats in the they still could have came to see the Black Box Theater as opposed to the show at the high school on Oct. 27, 2010, hundreds of seats in the 11 schools they all while supporting Ryan’s Hope for used to visit, not as many people were able Juvenile Diabetes. to attend the show. However, the ticket Many young kids look forward every sales defi nitely made up for that. Every year to the Roadies going to their schools The cast of the Roadies’ fall show Spooky and Kooky performing a scene during and performing for them, but with the a practice on Oct. 20. All proceeds of the show were donated to Ryan’s Hope for teacher contract dispute they are unable to See SPOOKY on page 2 Juvenile Diabetes. Photo/Susie Mayer

NNewsews SSpecialpecial FeaturesFeatures SSportsports Local community rallys support for Captain Marco Dapkey inspires Recent suicide draws attention to breat cancer patients 2 issues facing sexual orientation 6 many in his fight against cancer 9

OOp-Edp-Ed SStudenttudent LLifeife EEntertainmentntertainment “I Love Boobies” bands are being Senioritis spreads through the VViraliral videosvideos reachreach shockingshocking levelslevels 1111 wrongfully outlawed. 3 halls 8 Page 2 The Playwickian News October 29, 2010 Strict policy protects victims, Bullying: punishes offenders

By Meaghan Breitkreutz One of the fastest growing problems 553 for the convenience of students and parent/guardian conference, detention, News Editor experienced by teens in school - parents. suspension, expulsion, a loss of school bullying. According to the policy, bullying is privileges and/or exclusion from school- All too often a student is called into Bullying appears in many forms “a pattern of repeated harmful behavior sponsored activities.” the offi ce by a principal and is given a such as physical bullying, verbal bullying, by a person with more physical of social Building principals are authorized to consequence they had no idea could come racial bullying, gender bullying, and cyber power toward a less powerful person.” “investigate reports of bullying brought from an act that to them was not such a bullying. A student that to their attention by students, parents/ big deal. “Today’s world bullies faces guardians, school employees or bus At the beginning of every school is fraught with disciplinary drivers”. year, students gather in the auditorium in violence, and “We need to make our school actions from the Also, the “privacy of the complaining their respected grades so the high school bullying and school whenever student, individuals) against whom the administrators can emphasize the “over cyber bullying campus a warm, welcoming the offender complaint is fi led, and the witnesses will arching” expectations for them. are but two is within the be respected as much as possible...” “The Student Over arching more ways environment for all. jurisdiction Bullying is defi nitely an issue in high Expectations serve as umbrella statements to level pain ” of the school schools that can be prevented through for the many rules, procedures, and on another ~Peggy Gale district; on school proactive means to create safer schools. expected student behaviors at NHS,” person,” property, while “Each of us is responsible for our Principal Rob McGee said. “The goal is Coordinator in attendance of effect on another person and School to encompass these details in a few, easy of Student school-sponsored Board Policy 553 is a reminder to us to to remember, enduring statements that can Assistance Peggy Gale said. “ Most times activities, and where at anytime the make our interactions with each other guide conversation and decision-making the damages that can not be seen are the misconduct risks the health and safety of positive ones,” Gale said. “We each need as we all strive to coexist and excel in the ones that are the most long-lasting.” a student or staff member. to take the lead and show respect for all NHS community.” In the Neshaminy School District’s If a student exhibits such behaviors, with all forms of our communication. We The information provided only grazes Policies and Procedures by the Board he or she is subject to consequences need to make our school campus a warm, the surface of topics that deserve specifi c of School Directors, the district’s policy and discipline by the school’s principal, welcoming environment for all.” attention though. for bullying is written out in Section including “referral for counseling, a Chilean miners make safe exit after 69 days By Deanna Zaro their families. The miners were even able his wife Monica Araya, 33. brought your shift out like a good captain.” News Editor to watch a soccer match through a small Another more discussed reunion was Reported the Los Angeles Times. projector sent down the tube. that of Yonnie Barrios, the 21st miner After being reunited with loved On Aug. 5 a mining accident in In a two-day effort the miners were to be rescued, and his mistress, Susana ones, the miners were whisked away for Copiapó, Chile left 33 gold and copper taken from their dark, a 48 hour medical exam to evaluate their miners trapped underground. The men deep imprisonment physical and mental health. spent 69 harsh days in the mine before to a world they had So far, no serious problems have been they were rescued on Oct. 13 and Oct. not seen in over two reported. “At least one miner is fi ghting 14. months. Among acute pneumonia, two will need dental The Chilean government’s rescue those waiting with surgery, and others have skin problems operation included using a rescue capsule anticipation for the or lesions in their eyes. Yet for all the to transport the men up from the mine to miners’ return to the 33 miners’ challenges the past 69 days, the surface. This capsule was about two surface was Chilean trapped a half-mile underground in the feet wide; enough for one miner to fi t President Sebastian San Jose mine without light, health care inside of it at a time. Painted red, blue Pinera. and other basics, those who have emerged and white, the colors of the Chilean fl ag, The miners were appear surprisingly healthy, Chile’s health and named the Phoenix, the capsule had greeted emotionally minister said.” According to CNN. to go through tests to ensure the safety of by their family and The humble Chile miners now seem the rescue operation. friends as they made The miners rejoice and breathe fresh air after being captive since to have celebrity status. Oodles of gifts Prior to the use of the capsule, the their homecoming. Aug. 5. Courtesey of Guardian.co.uk are pouring for the miners, from Apple men received necessities such as food and The very fi rst to be Ipods to tours of the Greek islands. There water through a small tube going from the brought up was 31 have been book offers to Victor Segovia, a dark and humid mine, to the free air; 2,000 -year-old Florencio Alvalos. “Avalos Valenzuela. miner who kept a journal of his time spent ft above. The miners were also sent down appeared in good health and hugged his Last to leave the mine, Forman Luis 700 yards into the earth. The story of the shampoo, fresh clothing, and letters from sobbing seven-year-old son Bairon, and Urzua was told by President Pinera: “You miners has also inspired several fi lms. Breast Cancer support in Bucks County shines through public is welcome. breast cancer and invite everybody to disease.” By Brielle Ballantine According to www.wjhg.com, on participate. You can’t do that with a ten Other foundations like the Keep A Copy Editor Oct. 10, more than one thousand people mile walk.” Breast Foundation are spreading the word showed up at Pier Park for the annual According to www.24-7/pressrelease. about breast cancer awareness from their October is National Breast Cancer Making Strides Against Breast Cancer com. The Oxford Valley Mall also invited popular “I Love Boobies’ bracelets to Awareness Month, and many people and walk raising over $100,000 totally Dr. Beth DuPree, the Medical Director their clothing lines sold at many teenage foundations in the community obliterating their goal of the Breast Health Program at Holy stores such as Zumiez, Spencers and many are doing things to get the of $72,000. Another Redeemer Hospital, to meet participants more. word out. walk which took and also participate in the walk. October is the time of year where Breast Cancer is a disease place at the Oxford “I see the many challenges that breast bonfires, pumpkins and Halloween that affects many women and Valley Mall was the cancer patients face every day, and I try are a major thing, but it’s also time to their families all over the Big sMall Walk for to integrate numerous healing strategies think about women everywhere and this world, but in Bucks Country, Breast Cancer. that complement the medical and surgical dangerous disease. To fi nd out about more people are trying their hardest The in-door care I provide,” Dr. DuPree said. “I fundraisers and support groups near you, to raise money and awareness Walk-A-Thon was am delighted to be a part of Oxford visit www.buckshappening.com. Think to help support every victim. held on Oct. 23, Valley Mall’s program to help fi ght this Pink! Many support groups are starting at 7:30 a.m. held every month at hospitals to help raise money such as: Doylestown Hospital, for the support of SPOOKY: Roadies perform Halloween production Lower Bucks Hospital, and St. the Bolt Cancer from page 1 Mary Medical Center. All are Center at Holy year Drama Department Director, Gina Chiolan, chooses a different charity This open to anyone who is willing Redeemer Hospital year she donated to Ryan’s Hope for Juvenile Diabetes by working with Suzi Drake, to help support the cause. in Meadowbrook, who is also a Drama Director and runs the Interact Club. They both decided that Other groups such as Gilda’s Pa. this would be a great charity to give 100% of the proceeds. Club, a networking group that meets Jim Malervy, Director of Marketing “This year was different but still exciting,” senior Brian Beloff said. With many every last Wednesday of each month, at the Oxford Valley Mall, said. “Many new Roadies, 21 in total, this is the biggest cast yet. This show was fi lled with old helps young survivors, victims and their Walk-A-Thons are ten miles or more, but and new faces, and skits were all about entertainment. “We design our shows based family and friends meet with other people we want to make our event accessible on the audience,” Chiolan said. affected and builds emotional and social to as many people as possible. Hence The show, on Wednesday, Oct. 27, was great for all ages, and offered a wide variety support. Lectures, workshops and support the ‘sMALL Walk’--it’s only two miles. of entertainment; from Count Dracula to Disney characters. The Roadie’s Spooky groups are free and anyone from the We want to raise awareness about and Kooky Show was an amazing addition to Neshaminy’s fall celebrations. October 29, 2010 The Playwickian Opinion Page 3

The Playwickian L K 2001 Old Lincoln Highway AT IT OUR WAY Langhorne, PA 19047 (215) 809-6670 Breast cancer awareness denied Editorial Board It’s not uncommon for different charities and non-profi ts to Editor in Chief market and sell products to further benefi t their cause, as these efforts Tori Hyndman have proven time and again to globally get the word out and increase What do you say to the person opening their awareness. front door to give you candy on Halloween night? Managing Editor Lance Armstrong succeeded with his iconic Livestrong bracelets, Lera Salmon the Project (Red) campaign associated with Gap and Converse has donated $150 million to the Global Fund since 2006 for AIDS Business Editor programs in Africa, and now the Keep A Breast Foundation, a Dan Coleman nonprofi t organization based in Carlsbad, California is attempting to follow in the same direction by selling their colorful and festively fun “I Love Boobies” rubber bracelets to help battle breast cancer. News Editors Despite how good the cause may be, these specifi c bracelets— Meghan Breitkreutz, Casey accessories that are popping up everywhere these days, becoming Senior Senior Rosseljong and Deanna Zaro a fashion staple for teens and tweeners nationwide, are unjustly Dwight Williams Taylor Orfe facing controversy and belittlement as numerous school districts in Op-Ed Editors at least seven states have began banning these bracelets on the basis “Where da candy at?” “Yo let me get Becca Erskine and Jess Thor- of sexually explicit and crude content. some of that.” son Not even considering that the content on the bracelets is not really offensive at all to begin with, it is ridiculous that power-hungry Student Life Editors school districts and uptight parents are frowning upon adolescents— What would your Jersey Shore name be? Emily Duke, Emiline Jarvie individuals who generally do not want to be bothered with charities or donations—actually getting involved and becoming a part of the and Josh Reznik fi ght against breast cancer. Keep A Breast’s chief incentive is to increase breast cancer Special Features Editors awareness in young adults, as it is these current generations who will Mel Matyi and Rachel Rot- later be affected by the epidemic in the next 20-30 years. Teenagers teveel are invincible, infallible to anything and everything, or so we believe, and to positively yet directly get the message out that breast cancer, Entertainment Editors and just cancer in general, is a very serious, malicious monster that Senior Senior Dana Jeffers, Jocelyn Joseph does not care who are what it destroys, is something that cannot and Krista Tidman Alex Green and Juliette Rihl should not be taken away. It’s a harsh reality for sure, but everyone needs to know. “Krista-Not-So- “Alex -The Last This way, with better awareness of the disease, teens, and Sweetheart” Call- Green” Sports Editors really everyone, can take precaution and proper measures to better Jon Mettus and Sam Pipe protect themselves from falling to cancer. Keep A Breast’s mission statement even says it’s so, wanting to “help eradicate breast cancer If you had the chance to star in MTV’s show Expressions Editors by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection MADE, what would you be made into and why? Lexi Rotunno and Katey and support,” and taking away the bracelets from teens who actually Smythe are interested in educating themselves about the cause is considerably more harmful than anything “provocative” written on a thick rubber Photography Editors bracelet could bring. Susie Mayer and Matt Rein- These bracelets are even doing what many other charities often hold struggle to do—extending to a huge consumer base. Kids love them because they are colorful and fun and the new cool thing to have on your wrist next to the handmade friendship Graphics Editor bracelets and sillybandz. Boys love them because of a combination of Mariya Pilipenko Sophomore Junior the previous two, plus simply because they do, in fact, love boobies. Marisa Shapley And lastly, women love them for the message they are sending and Marquis Crespo Circulation Editors promoting—that we need to take care and take action to keep the “A singer, because I feel “A boxer so that people Tiffany McMahon, Ashley things in our life that we love. like when you sing, you think I’m tough and not That so many different people and age groups are drawn to this Titler let people feel what’s really so whimpy.” product has to say something about the importance of them. The goal inside you.” Copy Editors of the cheekily-inscribed bracelets is to get people talking. That’s Brielle Ballantine, Amanda what founder and executive director Shaney Jo Darden, wanted all Covon, Lauren Driscoll, Cait- along. “That’s the whole idea, to get people to talk about breast cancer,” What are you going to be for Halloween this lin Rauch, Joanna Sauer and Darden said to USA TODAY in a recently published article. “It’s year? Janelle Thee getting people to share their feelings about how this disease has affected their life,” she added. Archivist And that’s all that is going on. For the most part, the people Dan O’Rourke wearing these bracelets are mature enough not to snicker at the sight of the word “boobies”, and if they do in fact expel a giggle or two, Offi ce Manager so what? Karla Onate It’s likely that these schools who are making a big deal out of nothing could be otherwise focusing their attention into preventing Adviser more serious matters, such as cyber bullying, disrespect of teachers Senior Senior and fellow classmates, drug usage or crime on campus, because in Jason Grigoras Paige Carson Tara Huber all honesty, how much harm can a bracelet do? Staff Writers A bracelet. An inch and a half of colorful silicone rubber exuding “A chalupa.” “Ya mother.” Jill Aaronson, Bill Banks, Katelyn efforts to combat cancer. A bracelet? Let’s face it: these bracelets Begley, Colin Bonner, Danielle Brown, are not causing problems, they are preventing bigger ones. Mike Brunell, Jess Bussman, Shannon Byrne, Bryn Conlan, Marmonee Cooper, This unsigned editorial represents the majority view Maya Crenshaw, Megan Fantini, Carly of the editorial board. Fario, Sarah Grudza, Christina Har- man, Kieran Hastings, Jess Heinsinger, Jacqueline Henry, Mark Henry Jr., Awards Christian Hodge, Lily Humphreys, Published monthly, the student newspaper of Neshaminy High School is a public forum, with its student editorial The publication has received recognition by Robert Juza, Sabina Khantsas, Tyler board making all decisions concerning its contents. The student exercise of freedom of expression and press freedom the Columbia Scholastic Press Associati in Kitchenman, Corey LaQuay, Bre- is protected by PA Code Section 12.9 and the First Amendment to the Constitution. School offi cials exercise their the following years - First Place: 1976, 1977, anna Leedom, Molly Lichtner, Grant right to Prior Review. 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1989, Longden, Francesca Mancino, Sabrina 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994. Bronze Medalist: Matles, Aubrey McCaulley, Alexis The Playwickian refers to the “Associated Press Stylebook” on matters of grammar, punctuation, spelling, McGuire, Shealyn Miles, Sean Murtha, style and usage. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editors 2001. Silver Medalist: 1995, 2000, 2003, Brett Nabit, Corrine Nelson, Jenna Nel- should not exceed 300 words. Letters must be signed and of appropriate subject matter. Guest opinions, 500 2008. Gold Medalist: 1996, 1997, 1998, son, Antonella Pilaras, Juliet Powell, words or more, will be published as space allows. 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009. Alyssa Schnepp, Emily Scott, Mason The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing Shope, Marissa Silverman, Victor Sim- obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school’s educational process. Opinions in letters or commentaries Send us a letter mons, Jess Sooby, TomScottnick, Joe are attributed to the author. Such views are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in Email your Letters to the Editor at Turner, Meagan Veacock, Ashley [email protected] Vespe, Julia Walsh, Kylie Winkler. a public forum be construed as the opinion or the policy of the adviser or administration, unless so attributed. Page 4 The Playwickian Opinion October 29, 2010

Working to the contract: Are the teachers’ hands tied and they are just doing what they have to do to get a fair contract, or are the disputes unnecessary and detrimental to students? Teachers’ deserve contract ... or disputes affecting students?

check fi rst to see if the college to which By Jess Thorson fi sh any day. By Alyssa Sadowski they are applying even require the letters OP-ED editor Deciding how the curriculum will work Copy Editor in the fi rst place. Our teachers are still is one thing, but taking away a necessary doing their main job and serving their part of a students education is where the main purpose, and that is what counts. disagreement among students/parents and Our teachers are also cutting back on he Neshaminy School District teachers comes into play. anything extra that they do not have to do. teachers contract has become one In the end class trips prove to be hat more do our teachers The teachers are already working inside T of the most talked about subjects a successful part of learning and an want besides a contract the classroom and when they get home amongst students, parents, and even opportunity to visit places only a school W that satisfies their wants their job just never stops, there are always the local news stations. As students, could bring a class. and needs? The teachers’ union at papers to we are in the As a senior, I realized the confl icts Neshaminy School District is only grade and direct line between students and teachers have fi nally doing what is required, and they’re not lessons to of fire from become real. However, with a directive going any further until their contracts plan. the decisions from administration, issues over college are renewed. They are cutting back on The If you would like to see the teachers and the school the teachers dilemmas can be resolved. planning and attending trips, writing teachers make; yet we We are all thinking the same thing, college recommendations, and doing are cutting board come to an agreement regarding the contract, never even should we have to bring administration anything extra which is not in their back on receive honest into something as simple as writing a contract. Our teachers have been extra work take action and attend the next school board meet- answers to letter of recommendation for a former or working well over 800 days without and only questions we current student? No, and not only would it a contract; all they want is a good doing what ing on Nov. 29 to voice your opinion. Or contact the frequently solve problems if the teacher would write contract and a great health care plan is required bring up. it out of the kindness of their hearts, but to go with it. during president of the school board, Mr. Ritchie Webb, at it would make the situation less awkward Our teachers in the Neshaminy school school Whether the than bringing a principal to tell them to write a letter they should want to write district are beginning to cut back on class time. [email protected]. argument is trips. Not simply because they may or We, as over a largely and not feel obligated to complete. may not want to, they just don’t have a student disputed In addition, there is all the negative the time during their day to plan the trip body, topic such as publicity Neshaminy has received, “They as well as attend them. Our teachers are should be doing more to appreciate the teachers only fulfilling what they need to come to and agreement soon or already working long, hard days focusing the teachers in our district. Some of are required to do and nothing more, it’s really going to impact the students and on teaching, the last things they want to our teachers are working themselves to or something as simple as helping a the publicity is given Neshaminy a bad do is plan and attend a trip which takes death, bending over backwards to help senior out by writing them a letter of name,” senior Brittany Locklear said. place beyond their co-curricular adviser their students. They have been working recommendation for college; it is still vital The affects on Neshaminy students time and onto their own personal time. without a contract, and we need to try to to provide an education without adding were seen as vague until reporters began People need to give our teachers a understand why some of them are only loads of stress to already stressed out to show up in front of school from time lot more credit for what they do beyond doing the bare minimum. After all, they students. to time. A distraction that large could only the school day, and cut them a little more are still working and we are still receiving Although it seems understandable to mean one thing, less focused students. slack until they get a contract renewed. a solid education. follow certain contract guidelines such as The saying “the teachers hands are Teachers are not writing letters of The contract has been out of date leaving when the students leave at the end tied” can be argued against in many ways recommendation for college applicants since 2008. If our teachers’ want to cut of the day, removing class trips from the and there seems to be a never-ending unless the principal directs them to do so. back on extras then let them. Until the students school year on the other hand is feud among the school board and the Look at it this way - It is not our teachers’ contract gets renewed, our teachers have in no way understandable. Neshaminy Teachers Union. job to write letters, it is their job to lead a right to work to the contract. Give our School trips are an important part These negative topics commonly brought us students to college through educating teachers’ some credit, and let them do of a students education, especially the up are resulting in detrimental outcomes us in the classroom. Students today need what they decide in order to get a fair education of an elementary school student. on the students in the district. An end to to learn how to be more independent and contract. They already do way more than Adolescents would choose to go on an the battle of right and wrong would be a self-suffi cient. It is up to the student to us students can imagine anyway. adventure to an aquarium for science class good thing for the Neshaminy teachers to over sitting in a classroom learning about accomplish, sooner rather than later. Premature aging rushes adolescent stage By Tori Hyndman This pressure that is applied can be Editor In Chief Instead of worrying about what However unnecessary the desire others think, adolescents should consider and need to appear and act older may therefore embedded and instilled at a young age for children, young enough In the fast-paced, technologically their own wants and needs, as we all be, it is evident that society in various so that the unjustifi ed requests are truly whizzing, fall-behind-get-left-behind only have one chance forms can have signifi cant infl uences on taken to heart. society that we are all guiltily accustomed to make the most of this epidemic. Some It is also not uncommon for adolescents to, it is not surprising that today’s youth our life. And how can impatient parents to watch their older siblings and family is wanting to hurry the growing up it be rewarding and wish their children members go off onto college and into the process as quickly as possible, seeking fulfi lling if the entirety to behave and act as real world, boasting about the freedom and the metaphoric greener grass atop the hill is spent trying to please young mature adults exciting times out partying with friends. of adulthood; however, this longing for someone or something would, even if that’s Seeing this, a sense of jealousy or just rushed acceptance into the adult world else? not what or who they simple longing for that same happy and is causing individuals to miss out on the This time wasted are. free feeling can be established, causing crucial parts of adolescence. spent putting extra “I know lots teens who are too young for the types One does not have to look hard today effort into unnaturally of people who are of behavior and responsibility at hand to to see evidence of the previous claim. making one’s self basically forced into attempt to mimic the exhilarating lives Teens today are passing up “childish” appear differently certain activities and they view from afar. pastimes and paraphernalia for more could have been Young girls cake make-up on their clubs they’d rather And in doing so, their own opportunities mature gadgets and getups, all for fear of dedicated to doing faces to appear more adult. not be a part of of fun and excitement, much more suitable looking foolishly kiddish and immature, something pleasing Courtesy of Glasscityconnect just because their to them and what they need, may seem to an unthinkable occurrence. to the individual, parents want them to appear less desirable than the uncharted Girls at Neshaminy cake their face proving to be much more rewarding in act mature and well-rounded,” Neshaminy territory unfamiliar to them, causing with unnecessary amounts of makeup, the grand scheme of things, as it would senior Christine Nelson said. “It’s one students to miss out on making their own hike up hemlines and pull down necklines only be a matter of time before the sheer thing for people to get involved, but the memories and fun, all at the expense of all to appear older, more mature and superfi cial-ness of these attempts would experience can’t be worth it if you’re not someone else’s subjective opinion and sophisticated. shine through. doing what you want to do.” view of the word. October 29, 2010 The Playwickian Student Life Page 5 Honor Society continues tradition of service been a prominent group throughout the In fact, last year’s blood drive proved so for Alex’s Lemonade Stand to help fi ght school, and every year attempts to go successful, that they decided to hold a childhood cancer. “In addition to the above and beyond the previous class. second blood drive towards the end of the Alex’s Lemonade Stand at Homecoming, Many school year. we have a few ideas fl oating around for may Officers activities around the holidays,” vice associate Emily Duke, president Chad Stein said in an e-mail By Josh Reznik the National Chad Stein, interview. Student Life Editor Honor Braden Kelner This group of devoted individuals Society with and Sydney has committed much of their time to The members and advisers of the the students Goldstein and helping out the school and the surrounding National Honor Society are once again who come the members communities. “Honor Society means a preparing for another year of fundraising into their of the National group of selfl ess people getting together and other events for Neshaminy. Every homerooms Honor Society, to help others, and being happy to do so,” year, this academic organization gives to collect are committed secretary Sydney Goldstein said via an back not only to the school, but to the attendance to their e-mail interview about the signifi cance community as well. envelopes organization of the National Honor Society. This academic organization was for the and to serving This integral organization has always established in 1921 and serves as a way offi ce. That the community made their presence known, and is not to honor students who not only excel in is just the in a positive showing any signs of stopping. The the areas of academics, but also to those beginning The National Honor Society offi cers operated Alex’s way. Neshaminy chapter of the National Honor who make strides to give back to their of how Lemonade Stand at Homecoming on Oct. 15 to raise This year, Society is ready to head out and serve the community and have a positive infl uence busy these money for childhood cancer. at the annual school and local communities proudly. on the school atmosphere. devoted Photo/Kathy Mishin homecoming The Neshaminy students and staff can This organization bases all membership individuals football game, expect a lot of great functions this year, on the four pillars of scholarship, service, are, and the National courtesy of the dedication and hard work leadership, and character, according to the how important they are to the school Honor Society, under direction of the being brought forth by the members and organization’s offi cial website. community. advisers Lucy Weaver and Therese advisers of the National Honor Society. The Neshaminy High School chapter of The National Honor Society sponsors Szczurowski, had a stand to raise money the National Honor Society has historically an annual blood drive every December. Bando by day, Batman by night

~Puzzle Time~ Q: If you were living in the prehistoric era, what type of dinosaur would you be and why? A: I would be a pterodactyl, since I can fl y.

Q: Do you prefer cats or dogs as pets? By Emily Duke A: Dogs because cats are the most selfi sh Student Life Editor beings on the planet. Sorry, cat lovers.

Senior Danny O’Neill triumphs in musical excellence, shows passionate animosity towards bees, and tends to be a bit loquacious, but still fi nds time to build his wizard army, “one bando at a time.”

Q: What things do you love about Halloween and what do you hate? A: I love the candy, but I hate those people who give you healthy O’Neill gets physical with a rack for music foods like apples. stands. Photo/Susie Mayer Q: What would you do if zombies tried to take over Neshaminy? A: I’d have a picnic. Q: Who is your favorite teacher? A: Mr. Boffa because he’s perfect. Q: Which movie character do you feel that you relate to the most and why? Q: Where is the weirdest place you have A: I would defi nitely have to say Jacob ever played a musical instrument in? from the Twilight movies because just like A: In a bathroom, in a batman costume. Oct. 31 him, I totally have a six pack. Halloween Q: If a genie granted you three wishes, Q: Which one is better: Oprah or Dr. what would they be? Nov. 2 Phil? A: Become a prince, escape the guards, No School for Students - Election Day A: Oprah, because she’s hot. and then free the genie. Q: If you could trade places with Q: Where do you see yourself in fi ve Nov. 5 anyone in the world for one day, who years? End of the First Marking Period would you pick? A: Married to Megan Fox. A: Justin Bieber Nov. 5 Varsity Football Game vs. Pennsbury High School Harry E. Franks Stadium, 7 p.m.

Nov. 11 No School - Veteran’s Day

Nov. 17 to Nov. 19 “The Children’s Hour” Fall Drama Show Black Box Theater, 6 p.m. Page 6The Playwickian Special Features October 29 , 2010 October 29, 2010 The Playwickian Special Features Page 7 Awareness

Acceptance tolerance Coming out in the public eye: Gender stereotypes complicate sexual identity By Lexi Rotunno Celebrities overcome discrimination against sexual orientation Expressions Editor of dress and behavior. Although it appears to be so, how you dress and act does not necessarily determine your gender role. By Melanie Matyi magazine in 2008. Having dealt the death rate is climbing. Harris responded to the marriage” will sound totally Walking down the hallway on a normal day of school with huge crowds of students When other sexes excel at different roles, such as a guy who cooks and sews, Special Features Editor with discrimination himself, One life lost in this senseless Clementi tragedy through a video ridiculous. In the meantime, I scrambled around the lockers, the normal human instinct is to look at someone and or a girl who is great at football, the main issue comes into play. When teens feel Aiken now is a gay rights activist. clip on MTV giving will continue to speak out for immediately judge them. pressured to be a certain way, the road to depression begins. Over the years many According to his web site he encouraging advice to equality for all of us,” DeGeneres Upon seeing a girl who dresses more on the “guyish” side, the fi rst thing that “Adolescence is a period of time when most are learning about themselves and celebrities have “come out of supports the Gay, Lesbian and other struggling teens. said. comes to mind is, “Is she a homosexual?” Teenage years are a time when teenagers establishing a sense of who they are. Asking friends or adults for feedback about the closet” including comedian, Straight Education Network “Stand tall, be proud of At the national gay advocacy explore and discover their sexual identities. their attributes or relationships can be an important part of this identity development Ellen DeGeneres, singer, (GLSEN) and helped present who you are. This is a convention Aiken said, “Our Depression often occurs with teenagers because most teens are confl icted with process.” Mitch Prinstein, Term Professor and the Director of Clinical Psychology Ricky Martin, former ‘N Sync the Gay and Lesbian Alliance good time that we live in battle is now … The power trying to fi gure out who they are as well as who they want to be. at the University of North Carolina said. member, Lance Bass, 2003 Against Defamation (GLAAD) and were being granted of truth and living honestly is Sexual identity is determined by various factors. These include roles that he or When teens get ridiculed and bullied based on how they act and look they will American Idol runner up, Clay Awards in 2009. more and more rights very liberating … I was waiting she may adopt. Typically, while “he” is outside playing football or baseball, build up a lot of emotion inside. Friends and family play a huge role in peer pressure, Aiken, and actor, Neil Patrick But none of the discrimination and that’s awesome like so many folks are waiting “she” is in the house cooking, sewing or cleaning. Guys usually excel and it’s good when a teen has support from the people who they are closest to. Harris and each one has had to that these stars have been forced and it will continue in for change but the time for at things like math and science while girls are better at English, Some teens may not feel comfortable talking to parents or family members about overcome discrimination. to go through matches the that direction and be waiting has passed … art, and music. their sexual identity, especially if they are depressed about it. Adults might not take Following in the footsteps of invasion of others onto Tyler proud,” he said. Our time is These stereotypical roles are commonly used to a teenager seriously when they come to them for advice. DeGeneres, Bass came out in a Clementi’s life. Aiken gave a now.” determine how masculine “When parents start to see their teen struggling with school, relationships, or life cover story for People magazine A freshman at Rutgers gay rights speech in or feminine a person in general, parents need to wonder if something might be getting in the teen’s way. in 2006, after DeGeneres had University, Clementi had a video North Carolina at is. Throughout their Too often, parents assume that the diffi culties they see their teen experiencing are in 1997. Although DeGeneres of him engaging in sexual acts the Human Rights teenage years, teens just “part of being a teenager.” Gary E. Nelson, counselor and author of the book A was freed by letting everyone with another man streamed onto Campaign dinner experiment with Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression said. A way to get help for know she was gay, she did have the internet. He was so distraught which is a national different styles teens would be to seek professional help from someone like a counselor. to face discrimination. at being outted on the internet convention for gay “Suddenly I had become that he committed suicide. advocacy in February this person that everybody was The stars all remarked on the Ellen Degeneres and wife, Portia de Rossi, of 2010. “Our battle is saying, “Oh, I hate her. Oh, I incident involving Clementi, each speak about gay/lesbian rights on stage at now something much love her.” And I heard about knowing fi rsthand what Clementi the 20th Annual Glaad Media Awards. larger than the LGBT Student suicide heightens awareness all of it. It just got to be where had been going through. Photo Courtesy of Zimbio community; it’s about I couldn’t watch TV without that most American of “I am devastated over communicating and sharing Until people start to learn to somebody saying something notions, that all men and By Marissa Silverman the death of 18 year old Tyler Staff Writer information easy. Technology is tolerate the differences in others, mean. I was the punch line way is tragic. Four lives lost is women are created equal,” Aiken Clementi,” Ellen stated at the allowing people to act out in a more tragedies similar to this of every joke, like Monica a crisis. And these are just the said during his speech. beginning of her show after the Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers way they would not in real life. will continue to occur. Lewinsky,” DeGeneres said in stories that we hear about.” Ellen They are also hopeful that incident. “This needs to be a University freshman, jumped to “When something happens “Though it may not feel like The Advocate in 2000. continued after mentioning three one day the world will be more wake up call to everyone that his death on Sept. 22. After his at Neshaminy with a student it at times, a good percentage Aiken confi rmed that he other students that were teased accepting than it already is. “I teenage bullying and teasing is roommate secretly fi lmed him on the internet, we try to follow of our students are tolerant and was gay on the cover of People until they committed suicide. believe one day a “ban on gay an epidemic in this country and during a sexual encounter in his up on it. We’re sensitive to it,” welcoming, but we need to be dorm room and streamed it live Werner said. better. We all, staff and students on the internet, Clementi took Every day Neshaminy alike, need to pay more attention. The Edge: Cyberbullying pushes his own life. has a new quote on the daily We need to offer our support to Earlier that day, announcements. “Being tolerant all students, so Neshaminy can Clementi posted on his does not mean that I share be a safe place for everybody,” Facebook page saying, Dennis Howie, organizer of By Rachel Rotteveel teens to their limit another one’s belief. But it does “Jumping off the gw bridge mean that I acknowledge another Spectrum at Neshaminy, said. Special Features Editor worse effect than physical abuse, because toward Phoebe to make it sorry.” Police found items one’s right to believe, and obey, To support gay teens and to the emotional stress eats away at a person impossible for her to stay of Clementi’s on the George his own conscience,” the Oct. 15 remember those who have taken Since technology is so prevalent in eroding their self esteem. at school,” District Attorney Washington Bridge, including quote said. their own lives, Neshaminy the lives of young people, it is no surprise Recently, cyberbullying has proved to Elizabeth Scheibel said. The his freshman ID card, driver’s Rutgers student Dharun participated in Ally Week. All that cyberbullying takes place in today’s be fatal. Some students who have been conduct of those charged, she license and his wallet. Ravi, the student that secretly students were invited to wear society. Communication devices such pushed over the edge are taking drastic said, “far exceeded the limits “The question is, are we ever taped Clementi, did not tolerate purple to show their support. as cell phones, social networking sites, of normal teenage relationship- going to be able to keep up with the differences between him and Students also signed ally cards e-mail, messaging, and chat rooms allow related quarrels.” how we keep using technology his roommate. pledging not to use anti-LGBT teenagers to contact each other 24 hours To prevent cyberbullying, teens Please visit these web sites for these days,” Joseph Werner, “The world doesn’t want language, intervene when a day, seven days a week. can take a variety of measures. One more information- Social Worker at Neshaminy, diversity, they want us to be students are being harassed, With virtually unlimited access to solution would be to step away from www.aacap.org said. uniformed and be the way a and support the efforts to end these devices, teens are more frequently the computer or cell phone. Visiting www.safekids.com Technology has evolved person should be,” junior Kyre bullying and harassment. using them as a gateway for cyberbullying. social web site or constant texting is not www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov quickly and has made Singleton said. 42 percent of kids say they have been a healthy practice, especially when added Or call some of the following help bullied online, according to www.isafe. bullying is involved. Instead, it would org. Likewise, one in four admits bullying lines- be much more benefi cial to explore other has happened more than once. 1-800-SUICIDE outlets such as exercising. This number continues to grow with 1-888-THE-GLNH For teens who have been victimized the reliance upon and the emergence of 1-800-246-PRIDE by cyberbullying, it is also helpful to new forms of technology presenting a talk to an adult before the issue spirals mounting problem to teenagers. Since out of control. A study according to bullying has moved out of the classroom www.healthline.com shows that 58 to the internet, students may no longer percent of kids did not report an feel safe anywhere they go. incident of cyberbullying to Students are unable to retreat to an adult. the safety of their homes to avoid Cyberbullying harassment, because the bullies is a growing problem follows them to their Myspace in our society. As or Facebook pages, taunting technology has them even when they are not at school. measures to stop the constant bullying. become more widespread and Combined with the stress of school, One example is Phoebe Prince, a freshman teenagers are lured by access to family, jobs, and other obligations, who attended South Hadley High School instantaneous communication, cyberbullying is an added anxiety to the in Massachusetts. social networking needs to be daily life of a teenager. The repeated In January, Prince went so far as to handled responsibly. There use of negative comments, taunting, and commit suicide due to the ruthless attacks needs to be repercussions for The Spectrum group at Neshaminy wears purple during Ally Week to raise LGBT awareness and threats can overwhelm a teen to the point she received from fellow classmates both cyberbullying as well as increased support. where they are simply over the edge. in school and online. “The investigation education as to the harmful Photo/ Susie Mayer Sometimes mental abuse can have a revealed relentless activities directed consequences of its misuse. Page 8 The Playwickian Student Life October 29, 2010 Infectious senioritis plagues Neshaminy By Lera Salmon teacher Vikki Guarrari said, offering her in mind most community colleges offer more credits, therefore skipping over Managing Editor own suggestion introductory courses. for seniors Senior Sarah McGowan has already Senioritis is a devastating disease preparing to leave been accepted to Princeton University which infects many unsuspecting high for college. on an athletic scholarship for softball. school students and can be described as Many college McGowan sheds some light on her ideal a drastic decrease in motivation toward acceptance letters senior year including maintaining good one’s studies. state warnings grades as well as enjoying her last year Symptoms include procrastination, to seniors that at the high school. a simple “coasting” through academic their admission “I want to make sure I get all my performance, tardiness or complete is contingent on school work done fi rst and then I want to absence from classes and a plummeting a maintained have as much fun as possible during my GPA. success senior year,” McGowan said. Some experience early signs of throughout their Struggling seniors should keep in senioritis by exhibiting freshmanxiety; last year. Colleges mind that they are not alone and that the fi rst year of an on-going lethargy. This will refuse a there are plenty of helpful sources on crippling disease can be cured; all it takes student if his or the internet, and even in their own is a little focus, organization and a fueled her grades drop or Seniors relax now that the majority of college applications have school. Don’t hesitate to approach a will to graduate. any other criteria been sent a potential destination after high school. teacher, guidance counselor, or even a For many college bound students, is not meet that Photo/Lera Salmon fellow student if you fi nd yourself being applications have already been sent to is expected from smothered by your school work. their desired university. Unfortunately, the school. Just be sure to stay focused and make once those acceptance letters start rolling If you are the most of your senior year, after all in it will be diffi cult for some to stay on accepted there are many thing you can classes to high school students. In doing that’s what we’ve worked up for all these track and focus on carrying out the rest do to keep the senioritis infection from so you can keep focus on your goal of years. of their senior year. Having in mind that contaminating you. graduation and start off college with they have secured a destination after First, make the most out of your graduation keeps some teens from pulling senior year. Take the opportunity to their weight. join a new club, or invest more time in Gridlock in the hallways: “I still do my work, but I pretty much strengthening your skills. Whether it is don’t care about most things, and after inside or outside of school, try to open getting an acceptance letter, who knows yourself up to new experiences so that Patience tested during classes how much I’ll care then,” senior Joe you can be more prepared for challenges Boback said. Boback feels the affl iction in the road ahead. creeping up on him already in the fi rst Be sure to keep involved in your By Susie Mayer marking period. This can be a destructive schools’ activities as well as volunteer or Photography Editor move and could impair a students’ designs intern for something local that interests on heading off to college. you. Teachers see, fi rst-hand, the delicate Another great way to keep on track is situation in which some students find to consider taking a career-based course themselves in. “Students should keep a at a local college. If you are interested in When I fi rst started as a tenth grader in the high school, I imagined my biggest calendar and pace themselves so that they pursing a subject further and want some problems would be fi tting in, fi nding my classes, and making a name for myself in a don’t dig themselves a hole,” English experience with college courses keep school where I didn’t know more than half of my peers. I was wrong. My biggest struggle is getting to my locker in an easy, timely fashion. “It’s just really irritating that fi ve minutes is not enough time to get to my locker and get to class,” senior Max Luber said. This gridlock epidemic is sweeping the halls of Neshaminy, raising complaints from everyone. Every morning I am barred from my locker by throngs of people – most of whom are football players and their possies – who seem to have decided that my locker row is the place to congregate. After two years of getting accidently shoved and stepped on, I’ve decided that enough is enough. And I’m not the only one who suffers. “I swear, sometimes I need a helmet or something because of how much I get pushed around trying to get to my locker,” Sophomore Caroline Crasnick said. It is time for the football players and their girlfriends to fi nd a new place to be affectionate. This is not to say they can’t be lovey-dovey in public. In fact, I’m happy that you’ve found a special someone. I just wish it didn’t have to mean making my locker life a hassle. The couples are not the only issue though. The couples’ friends, the friends Photo/Susie Mayer Courtesy of Keshaparty of their friends, the people who actually have lockers in that row, and their friends further exacerbate the issue. “It’s really awkward most of the time because I feel like Is this Neshaminy senior Allison Bretzel or pop music sensation I’m interrupting something every time I go to my locker when the couple next to me Ke$ha? is there,” senior Christine Nelson said. Going to your locker should not have to be a dreaded experience. In fact, it probably shouldn’t be an experience at all; it’s just changing books. Are locker banks the new Spirit Week 2010 water coolers or fl agpoles? Seriously, anyone walking by my locker row would, at fi rst glance, wonder how that many people fi t into that three-foot space. Every day, after practically fi ghting my way through the masses, I have the wonderful opportunity to awkwardly access my locker as the numerous people who have no idea why I’m there stare me at. If I didn’t know any better, I would say I have three heads after seeing the udder looks of “who is this girl?” on their faces. After fi nishing up exchanging books, I close my locker only to fi nd that I’m trapped between two solid walls of best friends and couples. Should I walk through the best friends and risk the awkward acknowledgment that seemingly none of them understand why I’m interrupting their gossip or walk through the couples that are entwined in PDAs and try desperately to avoid eye contact? Pick your poison. Don’t get me wrong; none of these people are evil and plotting against me. They just tend to be – with all due respect – in the way. Get your books, get out of the row, and move on. Neshaminy halls tend to be tight these days but there has to be some other place friends and couples can meet up to chat before class. I’m not asking for a lot. I would just like a locker visit that doesn’t leave me bumped, bruised, and all together frustrated. Make the Playwickian Newspaper your friend on The Student Council held its annual Spirit Week on Oct. 11-15 leading up to Homecoming. The Student Council and class offi cers, and other students are seen here partaking in the spirit days which included, from top left, Decade Day, Backwards Facebook and follow us on Day, Mismatch Day, and Twin Day. Courtesy of Neshaminy StudentCouncil Facebook Twitter October 29, 2010 The Playwickian Sports Page 9 Playoff run cut short By Tom Sottnick Bucks South and were shut out 2-0 against Staff Writer Souderton. They’re only win against a non The Neshaminy Redskins fi eld hockey conference appointment was a 2-0 shut out team fi nished their regular season with against Hatboro-Horsham. Neshaminy an 9-7-1 overall record and is 8-5-1 in makes up for their poor out of conference the National Conference in third behind play with convincing wins in there WWilliamillia Tennent and Council Rock conference. Majors guides ’Skins North. The Redskins have By Mason Shope As a No. 22 posted six shut outs Staff Writer seed their playoff this season in there hopes were dashed conference, their Corey Majors is a Neshaminy high school senior that leads by example for both with a 2-0 loss to most impressive, his teammates and his classmates alike. He has been a key part of the Neshaminy no. 11 Upper Dublin a 6-0 win at home football playbook for the past few years and recently he has been making his presence by Monday, Oct. against Harry S. as a defensive captain well known. 25. Truman. The Majors has been a vocal leader of the football team for some time now. He leads However the Redskins haven’t let the defense as well as the rest of the players as a cocaptain for this year’s varsity team. Redskin’s fast up more than two Despite receiving a minor injury to his start is no surprise goals in a conference right leg in a tough loss to Council to assistant coach game all season. Rock South during the homecoming Marlea Partlon. “We Council Rock game, Majors has helped lead the have a very nice North and Pennsbury Neshaminy Redskins to a respectable group of girls who appear to be the 6-1 record. have stepped it up Kaylee Logan passes to teammate Redskins toughest When asked about the team’s success and would play any Lindsay Blum opponents in there over the fi rst 7 weeks of the season Majors position they are Photo/Matt Rienhold conference. Both replied, “Most of us [on the team] have asked to,” Partlon these teams have been playing with or against each other said. given Neshaminy trouble this year as since middle school. This strong bond However, Partlon thinks that the team’s Neshaminy has lost 1-0 games against makes us successful as a football team.” biggest weakness is inconsistency. “We both and tied Pennsbury 1-1. The 6-foot-1-inch, 230 pound senior have a very talented team but we struggle “I look forward to the games against plays on both defense and offense and to maintain a high level of play,” Partlon Pennsbury and Council Rock North the has proved to be an invaluable asset noticed. most because they are our rivals and are playing on either side of the ball. While Neshaminy has dominated usually competing with us for top place He has become a very highly conference play they have struggled in out in the conference,” said assistant coach decorated player over the past three of conference play posting a 1-2 record. Partlon. years. Majors played on the fi rst string They lost a 5-1 game against Central Neshaminy is at the top three of their All State team and was Corey Majors leads the huddle also selected for the fi rst string Golden during a recent football game. team (a team that is created by the Courier Photo/ Matt Reinhold Times) during his Fall Sports Update sophomore year. As a junior, Majors made the 3rd team All State and the Football: 7-1 2nd string Golden team. Most recently he was recognized as 6ABC’s “Player of the Upcoming Games: Oct. 29 -Home vs. Tennent Week”. Majors’ accomplishments and awards clearly show that he knows what it Nov. 5- Home vs. Pennsbury takes to get it done on the fi eld and that it does not unnoticed. Despite receiving offers from both Temple University in Philadelphia and the Soccer: 11-6-1 Golf: 13-4 University of Pittsburgh, Majors recently made a verbal statement declaring that he Volleyball will be attending Villanova University for his freshman year of college. : 10-7 Majors is very excited to make the transition from a Neshaminy Redskin to a Villanova Wildcat, “I just took a visit and I loved it,” said Majors. Majors has been a standout athlete for some time but juggling school as well as being a powerful weapon on the football fi eld is no easy task. Bring on the playoffs Majors has found his own way to be as successful in school as he is on the football Neshaminy will be well represented in this years’ divisional playoffs and possibly fi eld, “I’ve been doing it for so long, it just comes natural to me” stated Majors.Majors even at the state playoff level. Neshaminy’s football, fi eld hockey, girls’ soccer, and is setting a stand up example of leadership and dedication for our student community boys’ soccer teams have all earned a berth in the 2010 District One Playoffs. at Neshaminy high school. Boys’ soccer (9-5-0, 11-6-1) earned the 12 seed and hosted No. 21 Marple-Newtown When asked how far he thinks the Redskins can advance this season Majors replied on Oct. 26. The Redskins got off to a rough start, losing their fi rst three league games, “we can go as far as we want to,” and with a strong leader like that as a captain on but fi nished 10-3 and have beaten both Pennsbury and CR North. both sides of the football that quote could not be more true. In the golf state championships, Neshaminy’s Colby Lederer shot an 81 while his teammate Mike Lam was at 85. Football captain’s strength, dedication brings hope By Samantha Pipe so much,” said Schmidt. “The team needs Sports Editor him as much as he needs us.” The football team has not let Marco’s High school football is all about situation bring down their spirits, instead dedication, teamwork, and the will to it has inspired them to a 7-1 record. win on the fi eld. Senior Football Captain, “The whole team works harder because Marco Dapkey, is the prime example of we realize what he is going through and all of these characteristics. All athletes how hard he has to work,” said Marco’s are tested on the fi eld, but it is Dapkey’s friend and varsity quarterback, Charlie fi ght off the fi eld that is inspiring a team, Marterella. a school and an entire community. Marco has inspired not only the Marco came to Neshaminy as a football team, but also the entire sophomore and immediately became part Neshaminy community. Neshaminy of the Redskin community by giving it showed their admiration and support for his all on the football fi eld. During his Marco by voting him Homecoming king junior year, Marco was on the Varsity of 2010. team and was Gym Night captain. This Marco Dapkey stands next to Caitlin Carrezola as homecoming king and queen Also our cheerleaders showed their year, as a senior, Dapkey was going to Photo/ Susie Mayer support for Marco by wearing number seven jerseys at a game, inscribed with the have the chance to shine, “Marco made change from a physical lifestyle to trips Despite this enormous obstacle, Marco phrase, “Finish the Fight.” This phrase can great improvements by the end of last to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has still remained an important part of also be seen on t-shirts and buttons that are year and was really stepping it up during for treatment. the football team. Marco, when he feels worn in support of Marco the summer practices both as a player and Football was one of the things that well enough, is dressed in his no.7 jersey Marco’s inspirational story has even captain,” said coach Mark Schmidt. helped save Marco’s life, “Marco was in at the football games to fulfi ll his duties spread beyond the Neshaminy School Then after being named varsity the greatest shape of his life while training as captain. District. At the football game versus Captain, Dapkey went to the hospital with for football and this physical condition has This dedication has been an inspiration Abington High School, Marco received a sinus infection and received a diagnosis helped him get through the treatment,” to his teammates, “I feel bad for the rest of a donation of $500 that was raised by the that turned his world upside down. The said Schmidt. Marco’s dedication to the team because it is tough to lose such a Abington school district to help him with doctors told Marco that he has Acute football now has transferred to dedication great teammate that cares about the team his fi ght against cancer. Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Marco had to towards winning his battle with cancer. Page 10 The Playwickian Sports October 29, 2010 Hall of famer’s legacy lives on through statue By Mason Shope Though he recorded success coaching at all levels of sports both amateur and Staff Writer professional, none of it measures up to his storied run with the Neshaminy Redskins. “He was a great coach here at Neshaminy as well as an outstanding person,“ said The Neshaminy football hall of fame committee recently Schmidt, who has friendly relationship with Cuskie outside honored former Neshaminy football head coach John of football. Petercuskie with the unveiling of a bronze statue inside A lifetime of on fi eld triumph is mirrored by many off the gates of Harry Frank Stadium. The bronze monument the fi eld triumphs as well. Coach Cuskie has three sons, stands as a tribute to a remarkable lifetime fi lled with John, Jerry (who is currently assistant head football coach at success both on and off the gridiron. Boston College) and Gary. He also has seven grandchildren. Petercuskie, or “Cuskie”, as he is commonly referred He and his wife, Dorothy, of more than 50 years currently to, led the Neshaminy Redskins to a 55-1-6 record from root for Neshaminy’s Redskins from their residence in Cape 1960 to 1965. While other signifi cant records such as Cod. Coach Cuskie is truly a victor both on and off the current head coach Mark Schmidt’s 2001 state champion football fi eld. team, that recorded a 15-0 undefeated season, it pales in Former Neshaminy High School strength coach, James comparison to the Cuskie record. Cuskie ended up leaving Gafgen Sr., who had the privilege of coaching beside Coach Neshaminy in 1966. It is speculated that his decision on Cuskie, sculpted the new statue. During the project Gafgen leaving was prompted by tension between him and the became ill and he credits his recovery to his desire to fi nish sculpting the bronze statue of the football giant. district. “If it were up to him, he would have lived and During the Hall of Fame’s dedication ceremony, Schmidt and Cuskie died here,” Schmidt says about Coach Cuskie’s decision stand in front of the staute that commemorates Cuskie’s coaching Just inside the front gates of Harry Frank Stadium to leave the Neshaminy football program. career. surrounded by the names of Neshaminy Football wall-of- He later pursued coaching careers at prestigious schools Photo/Neshaminy Football famers, the bronze likeness of coach Cuskie stands with including Dartmouth, Princeton, Harvard and Boston one arm raised, fi ngers fi ttingly pointing to the fi eld. With College. Soon after that Cuskie coached at the professional a legendary resume both as a coach and as a person, John level as the defensive line and special teams coach with the Cleveland Browns. Petercuskie has received the recognition from the community that he deserves. Girls’ tennis team fi nds success through dedication By Dann O’Rourke was the team’s number one spot. victory from both Bean and Mayer in their The team also had important Archives Editor Captain Susie Mayer, though facing singles’ categories. contributions from leaders in the doubles an early season injury due to a torn This tournament is a piece of the section. Players Courtney Clee and Girls’ varsity tennis has had a labrum, ended with a 4-5 record. “There overall growing success the team has Kelsy Filipo were the Skins’ fi rst spot for successful season with its fi rst winning has been signifi cant improvements during had. There is an obvious long term doubles. They performed very well this record in ten years. The girls’ team, which the time that I have played at Neshaminy improvement from the girls under Coach season and were models for the team’s ended with a 9-8 record, has been getting due to the dedication of the players,” said Bech. younger players. continually better. Mayer. These two players helped the team Bech offers a simple philosophy that There was no shortage of talent on the Head Coach Bech attributes the recent to a mid-season boost with triumph at the accounts for the betterment of the team. team. “Everyone on the team had talent success to the girls’ “maturity and right Cape May tournament. “Hard work pays off. The girls do a lot and knew what they were doing, there demeanor on the court”. A good amount The tournament, which took place in the offseason”. This work includes wasn’t any dead weight” Mayer said. of this success can be accredited to the in mid-September, is a very competitive the team’s physical workouts as well The Skins’ started off well and Redskins’ top players. Captain Alison contest that hosted four teams. Neshaminy as independent play from many of the continued their success despite some close Bean, who fi nished with a record of 7-10, returned from Cape May with a fi rst place athletes. losses.

#1 in Study Abroad!

• First Year Study Abroad Experience • Spring Break “Previews” for first-year students in London, Ireland, Mexico and other locations • Opportunities to study abroad in every major • #1 in the nation for undergraduate study abroad rate (Open Doors 2009) • Three-year accelerated degree programs

Metropolitan Philadelphia 1-877-ARCADIA • [email protected]

Fall Open House, Nov. 13 and Dec. 5 • Register: www.arcadia.edu/visit October 29, 2010 The Playwickian Entertainment Page 11 Classic horror movies stand test of time By Tyler Kitchenman Norman Bates dressed as his since the movies have just been opposing view. “I think that still more to horror. Staff Writer mother when he committed his getting worse. horror movies are in a sense Many fi lm makers strive to make murders. It drastically upset “Movies these days don’t getting more violent, but there scene or event that sends the Fear is one of most obscure conservative audiences in the take time establishing a good are definitely a few that are audience out of their seats with and unexplored emotions we United States. story,” Neshaminy Social becoming more artistic and terror. If anything has improved, experience as human beings. We Since then, the industry has Studies teacher Josh Stoner involved in their stories,” junior it has defi nitely been the movies’ fear what is unknown to us; it’s defi nitely grown into a monster said. “It’s always just some Ryan Trapp said. shock factor. as simple as that. of its own with releases like college girl getting torn New horror movies aren’t “I feel an example of a great An unidentifi able noise, a “Friday the 13th,” “Nightmare on to shreds.” always gory or lacking in a shock factor would be at the shadow of something we cannot Elm Street,” and “Halloween.” But on the plotline. Some of the most end of Friday the 13th, when detect, a stranger that stares at Horror movies as a genre other hand there are successful fi lms released in the you assume Jason is dead but one in such a way that sends have evolved containing a wide certain individuals past ten years include titles he reemerges from the lake to chills down the spine, all scare array of different plots, characters that have an such as “The Blair Witch capture the girl.” Sweeney said. us because we do not understand and settings. Some argue that Project,” “Paranormal Some scary classics like them. they have evolved in a negative Activity,” and “Let “Friday the 13th” and “Nightmare For the past fi fty years fi lm aspect; certain individuals feel Me In,” all of which on Elm Street” were revisited by makers have been attempting to that horror movies are no longer embodied new directors, adding more realistic perfectly capture this emotion, a respectful form of fear but branches of and more terrifying touches. to acquire a still frame of the just an hour-long gore fest horror. Yes, Some individuals from the older human fear that exists in all of containing college girls our current generations such as Stoner have us.Fifty years ago a visionary and frat parties. generation is trouble indentifying their perfect by the name of Alfred Hitchcock Many adults feel that entertained shock factor. “I think that any released a fi lm titled “Psycho.” the new generation’s with blood, movie that has David Bowie For many this was the horror is no where profanity, as the Goblin king would be beginning to a brand new genre near the level of fear in and sex, terrifying,” Stoner said. on the silver screen. “Psycho,” their own generation. but Either way horror movies are one of the fi rst fi lms to showcase Individuals feel that there changing and will continue to such ideas as nudity and pure the older movies is change, as long as there are fi lm insanity in a human being, was used a lot more makers willing to push to the extremely influential to film dialogue and good Generations of horror movies have set the standard, but can the most recent edge of reality and make their makers. In the fi lm the character writing and ever scary movies compete with the classics? Courtesy of imdb.com movies as scary as possible.

Potter mania lives on By Breanna Leedom Staff Writer

J.K. Rowling, the author of the hit series “Harry Potter,” ignited hope in the eyes of her readers by stating to Oprah on national television on Oct. 2, that she is very open minded to prospects of writing an “eighth, ninth, tenth” Potter book. Since 1997, the world has been captivated by what soon became the cause of commotion amongst fantasy readers around the world. The Harry Potter series took fl ight after the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone” and continued to gain fame throughout the seventh-and-fi nal book “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” which was released in 2007. Many readers were split at the end of the series; however, either torn for more, or glad that Harry would have no more adventures at Hogwarts. According to senior Sean Parker, Rowling should in fact, continue the series “but only if she can develop a new story line, only because she ended the seventh book with Harry and his friends Art gives Hassinger skills for life growing up and moving on.” But with the rumor of an eighth book, one can only wonder what could Harry possibly get himself into in this new book? Parker thinks that “The only way J.K. Rowling should continue with the series is if she writes about Harrys’ children, since that’s By Lauren Driscoll the only way I can imagine the new book would be interesting,” Copy Editor Parker said. While some fans rejoice at the fact that Harry could join another The Bob-Ross-loving, crayon-naming senior at Neshaminy High School started drawing when remarkable journey, others will not be pleasantly surprised. Rowling she was four years old. Sarah Hassinger found her passion for drawing when her grandfather told her claims that “Harry’s had enough in his life already, so it’s time if she drew pictures and put them under the television, a candy bar might appear the next day in its to center in on Dudley Dursley, Harry’s cousin, and his family. place. He’s been shoved aside as a Muggle, but as the new generation Hassinger enjoys painting landscapes and portraits of Hogwarts students arrive, there’ll be more room for him in the with watercolors and oil paints. Watercolors are very plot – especially with another Hogwarts acceptance letter in the convenient for her to use while the oil paintings help family,” according to inewp.com. her create pieces that mirror Ross’s style. Bob Ross Although Rowling is still debating about what she plans to do, is her favorite artist for two main reasons. She loves millions of Potter fans will be eagerly awaiting her response, willing his work because it’s amazing and she enjoys the and ready to welcome another adventure. funny little things he whispers into the camera while he paints. The young artist didn’t become interested in drawing and painting until she was about 13. She enjoys art but considers it to be more of a hobby than a career. Hassinger has decided that becoming a doctor of pharmacy is a more dependable job than becoming a life long artist. “I had always planned to be an art teacher when I was young. I would say Senior Sarah Hassinger sketches a portrait in art that both my passions are of equal value, but like I class. Photo/Susie Mayer said before, I can do art on the side, not pharmacy,” Hassinger stated, in an interview via email. Since the option of creating the names of crayons is not a reliable job alternative, she gave some advice for students who are stuck in between two different majors that they love. “Do some soul searching. Do research on both majors (jobs, etc) and then go with your heart because you’ll more likely regret it if you don’t,” Hassinger added to the topic of choosing science over art. Hassinger fi nally added that art has helped her in the long run. From her days of drawing for candy Prospects of an addition to Harry Potter series makes enchanted bars to her advanced art three class, “[Art] has given me skills that I can apply to other things. Art has fans go wild for more magical adventures. given me an artistic perspective which allows me to think differently and solve problems differently Courtesy of mamapop.com which will defi nitely help me in the future,” Hassinger fi nally added. Page 12 The Playwickian Entertainment October 29, 2010

Charlie Bit Me- 239,687,738 views With all time ratings of top rated and most viewed, this video is the ultimate classic. For those who have been living in caves for the epoch of viral videos, this oh-so-adorable candid capture of the siblings has sparked worldwide obsession with funny little chaps with British accents. Evolution of Dance- 154,510,719 views Judson Laipply fl ies through the times while showing off his smooth moves in a ccompilationompilatitionon tthathat hhighlights the best dances of six decades, with songs ranging from “Greased Lightning” to “Can’t Touchh ThTThis”hisis” toto ““IceIIce Ice BaBaby.”ab Hahaha- 141,925,620 views The epitome of evil baby laugh. You can’t help but join in the laughterhteter afaafterfteter thtthishisis ttinyininy fefellowellllowow bbeltsele tsts ooututut his fanatical cackling laugh. Sneezing Panda- 81,494,261 views 10 seconds of silence, followed by one unbelievably loud sneeze from a babyaby panda ththat’satt’s’s aaboutb the size of tissue box. It’s enough to make a 300 pound mama panda jump and enough to make millions of people watch. David after the Dentist- 70,356,486 views Car ride and cost of visit to the Dentist: $500. Orthodontic surgery: $2000. Capturing a video of a seven-year-old in a medically drugged-out state: Priceless. Bed Intruder Song- 33,379,149 views This Gregory Brothers spoof has a catchy little jingle along with a strong message from Antoine Dodson for poten- tial rapists out there. “You are really dumb...Forreal”

Double Rainbows- 18,074,670 views All I can say is “Oh my [gosh], it’s so intense.” The video has it all: soul searching, hysterical melodramatic sobbing, a serene, mystifying landscape. “What does it mean?!”

* Number of views as of Oct. 22, 2010.

Artwork and Graphic/Mariya Pilipenko Clipart Graphics/Jocelyn Joseph

ous embarrassing moments that people web, while some just stand out in the contains a catchy jingle, which he found can’t get enough of. crowd. Most recently on a new interview to be overly amusing and said that it de- To name a few top rated videos, with a local Alabama newscast, Antoine livered a positive message. “David after the Dentist” was undoubt- Dodson has gained national status for In a TV interview with Katie Cou- edly a knee-slapper. David seems to be his catchy warning to the public, “hide ric, Dodson explained what he was do- under the infl uence of some heavy-duty your kids, hide your wife, and hide your ing with his newfound fame. Sporting medication, while he is really experi- husbands.” It immediately shot to promi- straightened, dyed hair, Dodson an- encing the after-effects of anesthesia for nence as the “Bed Intruder” video, as he nounced that he hired an agent for his orthodontic surgery. His father tapes the lectured a potential rapist he had chased various sales pitches, including a new sa- whole ordeal, while he asks mournfully, off when the anonymous intruder made lon, t-shirt business, and various objects By Jocelyn Joseph “why is this happening to me?” an advance on Dodson’s sister. emblazoned with his now-famous phras- Entertainment Editor “Charlie Bit my Finger” rules the The warning message became an in- es. An emerging hot-trend this upcoming most-popular-videos-of-all-time contest, stant classic as it inspired many songs Halloween will be an Antoine Dodson In the age where anything can go vi- as it not only acquired over 200 million and became the object of many spoofs get-up, complete with a black beater, red ral, most people have heard of Internet or views, but it’s defi nitely one of the most that play off the original video. One bandana, and luscious fro. YouTube videos that have grown in popu- widely-known viral videos. Whether you group in particular, the Gregory Broth- These beyond hilarious videos have larity over the last decade. They have not love the candid snapshot of brotherly ers, has a business of auto-tuning the sparked a new industry as well as cre- only grown in popularity but in hilarity love or can’t take much more talk of their news, in which they create a snappy song ated a new way to gain the infamous as well. They only seem to become more British accents, it’s safe to say that this by contorting the voices in videos. 15-seconds-of-fame.. These viral videos ludicrous as the time passes. Some of the video is something that makes everyone The Gregory Brothers made a digi- have had unprecedented success, while best invariably seem to exploit adorable giggle. tal remix based on the video and aptly they also tickle the bellies of millions of little children, while others contain vari- There are millions of videos on the named it the “Bed Intruder Song,” which viewers.