VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 “HOME OF THE PHANTOMS” JANUARY 2017

The Colonial Theatre: More theatres, more movies!

around 60,” she said. Written by: The Colonial only hous- Ben Circus es one theatre at the moment, containing 658 If there’s seats— some of which one thing are perched atop a the inhabit- grand balcony. The key ants of to this whole expansion Phoenixville according to Foote is love, it’s the arts. That’s right, we that they’ll “be able to take immense pride in our diverse get film sooner. They’ll array of artistic programs, ranging get them the day they from festivals (celebrating the open anywhere else,” likes of “The Blob” and the Firebird, amongst other things), A graphic rendition of the smaller theatre. PEOPLE: to carnivals to community flea  Mrs. Lees markets. The Colonial Theatre Photos courtesy of Colonial Theatre stands tall and proud on the 11,000 square foot for fundraising events, as the main  Matt Garcia building was pur- lobby of the theatre “was never chased in 2008 designed to have 650 people flood  Mr. Karabetsos when The Journal it after a concert.”  Kayla Grammerstorf Register, the parent Emily Simmons, the develop- company of “The ment director at the Colonial, said, NEWS: Phoenix,” unloaded “There's not a lot of room for the building for 1.1 socializing, and that’s one of the  AP US Government Mock million dollars. things that the building next door Election “We were in the will afford us. People will hope- right place, and at fully not just see the Colonial as a  Office 365 the right time,” place where they can come for  Foote said. “We great entertainment, but also as a 2017 Impact Awards raised $950,000 place where they can do some  Cappies Review of “Taming [from our donors], socializing.” of the Shrew” and in that was a After nearly a year of construc- $250,000 grant tion, the expansion will open to  Firebird Festival  Spanish Club Gives Back A graphic rendition of the newer, larger theatre.  HOSA: Heroes of Healthcare lively Bridge Street, looming over allowing the Colo-  Theology Club Fundraiser the bustling suburban scene of nial to more effec- shops and restaurants alike. A tively compete with OPINIONS: hidden gem, the Colonial hosts a larger movie ven- wide array of cultural, social, and ues.  Midterms & Finals cinematic events, and proudly You may be won-  Tattoos stands as a major artistic landmark dering how exactly in Phoenixville’s extensive histo- the Colonial can  The Uber of Love ry. And this year, it’s getting an afford to expand its expansion. boundaries. The  James Sadowski’s Health Yes, you The larger of the two theatres. Although the two levels Update heard it are currently partitioned (shown in photo), this theatre correctly. will include around 170 seats. ENTERTAINMENT: The Coloni-  VVVVVV: Defying Gravity al Theatre from the state.” the public in spring of 2017. Alt- will be Amongst the features to be in- hough there will be no  Rogue One nearly dou- cluded in the expansion is the ‘groundbreaking ceremony,’ the bling in size in order to accommo- answer to this crucial question lies building of a new rooftop deck. theatre will open its doors to the  Quantico date more programs, such as “live in the building next door, former- The deck will have “big windows public in what is known as a “soft  Overwatch concerts, music, and comedy.” ly known as The National Bank of in a big space with the roof behind opening.” The theatre will open Mary Foote, the executive director Phoenixville. Previously housing it,” Foote said. The deck will immediately, and patrons will SPORTS: of the Colonial Theatre, said “The Phoenix” newspaper, the afford the theatre the more space have access to its amenities. Ei- they’ll “be able to get ther way, you can be  Phantoms Football more film.” That certainly It is important that everyone consider a gift to help sure to be thrilled by  2016 Philly Sports Recap seems to be the case, as the new features add- the expansion is to also support this expansion. Go to BankontheArts.org to ed to the already-  NFL Review & Predictions include “one theatre with make a tax-deductible contribution and be part of the amazing Colonial.  Philadelphia Union around 170 seats,” while excitement! another theatre “will have  Premier League Update

PEOPLE Mrs. Lees: Master art teacher and secret entrepreneur Outside of school, Mrs. Lees the Tredyffrin School District, lective will Written by: Austin loves spending time with her Powers Mrs. Lees made the decision to husband Michael and her two launch its web- become an art teacher and site and online kids, Adma and Gavin. You walk into the G- chose Kutztown University. shop in 2017. wing of Phoenixville She made the decision because Photos courtesy of Mrs. Lees Outside of Area High School, and she loved working with people working on art, before long you hear a and at the time there were not Mrs. Lees loves spending time with her joyful laugh.That laugh many career choices for artists husband, Mike, her two children, Gavin and belongs to none other than one of the three as a profession. Mrs. Lees Adma, and her dog Gibson. They enjoy art teachers here at the high school, Mrs. went to Kutztown University doing family activities together like karate, Lees. Mrs. Lees teaches multiple courses for four years and then went to traveling up to Lake Wallenpaupack, and here at PAHS, including Art 3, Ceramics 1, Saint Joseph’s University for spending time with their friends and family. Ceramics 2, Mixed Media, Sculpture and a two years to get her Masters in Most people do not know much about the new class called Mural Arts. There is much Educational Leadership. She teachers that help PAHS be the great school more to know about Mrs. Lees besides her has been teaching for fourteen it is. Mrs. Lees is one of those outgoing, fun, being an art teacher, all of which contribute years as a whole, eleven of supportive teachers who will help you finish to her being the happy, outgoing person she those years here at PASD, a year at Methac- jor form of her self-expression. She plans on your piece of artwork not because she has is. ton School District, Oley School district for teaching for the rest of her career, and she is to, but because art is who she is. While in a semester, and also at in the process of creating and selling art- high school at One of Mrs. Lees’ original pieces of art: a the Chester Springs Art work outside of school. Conestoga in rhino with a blue bird which was a base Studio. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Lees is drawing with mixed media elements tied in. When reflecting on her always working on artwork of her own, fourteen years of teach- including mixed media paintings and ceram- ing, Mrs. Lees stated, ics. She is even creating a business with her “My favorite experience while husband Mike to sell artwork. Their busi- teaching is observing students ness is called Woolly Collective and it is a work through the process of venue for artists to sell artwork that is made creating their artwork and enjoy- out of repurposed, upcycled materials such ing the accomplishment of a as cigar box guitars, cajons, and fine art finished work of art.” mixed media artwork in 2D and 3D. She Teaching art is not the only said about her up and coming business, “A reason Mrs. Lees loves the sub- percentage of the artwork, specifically made ject. She said that art as a subject by my husband and me, will be donated to is “just who I am. It has always different charities. It’s a way for customers Gibson is Mrs. Lees’s dog been a gift for me” and is a ma- to pay it forward.” Hopefully, Woolly Col- that she loves very dearly.

Matt Garcia: Behind the facemask Written by: Matthew Valdovinos Great Valley High School. Halfway All-Area team, and PAC through his sophomore year he transferred All-Conference team. On October 21st, 2016 to Phoenixville. Garcia said, “I really love Matt Garcia is a great the Phoenixville Area how close the community is and how every- leader and in even better High School football one interacts with each other.” When speak- teammate. He had a record record book was rewrit- ing about the differences between Texas year, but he couldn’t have ten when senior running-back Matt Garcia and Pennsylvania he said the biggest done it by himself. He gave set the Phantoms’ single season rushing change was the weather and the impact credit to his offensive line record. The original record was set by Jim- football has. Texas is known for its high that opened up holes all my Johnson in 1966, but Garcia finished his heats and long droughts, while Pennsylva- season, and Coach Bubba, season with more than 1800 yards. nia rarely goes a week without raining. the offensive line coach. Matt grew up in San Antonio, Texas. He Football in Texas is very different than The Phoenixville rushing lived in Texas until his freshman year when football in Pennsylvania. When driving unit as whole succeeded all he moved to Pennsylvania and attended through the state you might come across season as they averaged some towns that completely shut down on over 180 yards a game. The Matt evading a tackler. Matt breaking loose against Friday nights so the store owners and em- offensive line included ployees can go watch the local high school senior Matt “Tex” Valdovi- Photo: Lifetouch Pottstown. nos, play. juniors When Matt isn’t playing football you Photo: Lifetouch Jon Miller, Sean Sabo, Bryce Thompson, can sometimes find him at work as a and sophomore Xander Crawford. lifeguard for the local YMCA. In his free Matt Garcia says he would like to play time he also enjoys watching football. college football, but doesn’t know where he His favorite college team is the Texas wants to play yet. His football career at Longhorns and his favorite pro team is Phoenixville may be over, but he is far from the Pittsburgh Steelers. finished. Matt plans do either track or la- Matt isn’t the largest player on the crosse in the spring. Head Coach Evan field, but he makes up for it with the Breisblatt had nothing but praise for his star work he does off the field and in the running back: “I am extremely proud of the weight room. Garcia added 15 pounds of accomplishment Matt achieved this year. muscle over the offseason and he put it Matt broke a fifty year old record for Phoe- to good use. He had over 250 carries nixville Football. Phoenixville Football has throughout the season and he didn’t miss a long lineage of great running backs and to a single game. With those carries he Without his facemask and football think that we were all part of that record is averaged 7.1 yards per carry, and had 17 gear, Matt smiles for a photo. something that I will never forget.” touchdowns. Garcia was named to the Pennsylvania All-State team, Mercury Photo: Matt Valdovinos

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ;ISSUE 3 PAGE 2 PEOPLE Mr. Karabetsos: The man behind the fist bumps Written by: al because I felt it was time.” for ESPNU and Fox 29 News Brandon Simes As a professor he was a four time nominee in Philadelphia. for the “Who’s Who of America Teachers As a full time substitute All students have had a and College Professors” award, and 17 time teacher, building relationships substitute teacher in their nominee for the prestigious “Gould with students can be hard, but lifetime, but you haven’t Award,” which is for excellence in the Mr. K said, “You are students had a substitute quite like classroom and the impact teachers have on who try hard and a lot of you the man by the name of Mr. K.. Mr. George the lives of the students. He said, “I am very guys are college bound. Every Karabetsos is most known for his great proud of what I had accomplished during teacher and administrator and attitude, friendliness, awesome personality, those many years in and out of the college everybody in this school has and, of course, his fist bumps. classroom.” already been where you want So what is Mr. K’s story? There are many When he was younger, Mr. K was a very to go. I have a lot of respect for things that people don’t know about this competitive college soccer and baseball all of you, so I treat the stu- savvy substitute. For instance, Mr. Kara- player, and college and high school soccer dents with respect and digni- betsos was a psychology professor at Rut- coach. He also he loved to surf. He said, ty.” gers University for one year, and at Dela- “I'm an outdoorsman [and] I really like lake Mr. K has a lot of Mr. Karabetsos helping fresh- fishing. I know all the spots and I have a lot experience in substitut- man Nathan McMullan. ware County Community College for 27 Good advice, smiles, and of fun.” Mr. K also did some skydiving for ing, but he said, “My years, but after all those years he decided it handshakes are what a couple of years, which he says was favorite subject to teach is psychology, so was time to go. He said, “I basically walked make up Mr. Karabetsos. As for what stu- “Amazing. You really feel when I have a chance to sub for Mr. Staven- away from being a dents should take with them when they the rush and you’ll never ski, Mr. McLaughlin and Ms. Foresta it’s college professor and Mr. Karabetsos subbing Mr. leave high school, he said, “First of all, take look at the sky the same.” great to add my insight.” Today, Mr. K’s psychology profession- Laise’s class the memories; the most fun part of growing Mr. K is not only part of motivation is, “Improvement - looking at up is high school. Once you get into college the Phoenixville family. He things that have failed in the past, or have Photos: Brandon Simes it's business and you have to become more has one of his own. He has come up short in the past. I like to improve responsible.. Your maturity levels you gain a 27 year-old son named and the motivation becomes my vehicle to from high school carry on to college. The Nick who attended Immaculata become a better person.” biggest thing is maturity, responsibility, University and Widener Law Some people may wonder why Mr. K is at time management, and of course, take the School and he works for a very PAHS every day. He said, “Students, defi- memories with you man!” good law firm in Philadelphia. nitely the students, without a doubt. [I en- So when you see this savvy substitute in He also has a 30 year old daugh- joy] getting ready for school each morning, the halls or substi- ter named Andrea who is mar- knowing that I am coming in and subbing tuting your class, ried and who recently had a for different classes each day. It's more than make sure to give baby girl named Darla. She just the staff that I like and respect! The him one of his fa- graduated from Temple Univer- students are the greatest and my driving mous fist bumps! sity and was a sports reporter for force to want to come to Phoenixville Area Verizon Sports. She also worked High School everyday!.”

Kayla Grammerstorf: A dance legend in the making Written by: joys putting herself in some- high school basketball games. one else’s perspective when Dancing brings Kayla closer to her family Lorraine DiMauro reading. She stated,“I love because her two sisters Krista (senior) and getting to see what other Alexa (8th grade) take classes at Kimberton There are several stu- people experience and how I Dance Academy and are part of the Phoe- dents who stand out in can relate that to my life.” nixville Dance Team. Her family has been our school with their She also keeps herself her biggest support system throughout her talents, sports, and activities. One of the extremely busy after school dancing career and they come to all her most interesting candidates is sophomore with the Phoenixville dance performances. Kayla plans to take over as Kayla Grammerstorf who is one of the most team, attending dance clas- captain of the dance team after captains dedicated, hard-working students at Phoe- ses during the week at Krista Grammerstorf and Ellie Chittick nixville Area High School. Kimberton Dance Academy, Sisters Krista and Kayla Grammerstorf smile graduate. Kayla likes to keep herself very busy and and playing on the volley- for a Homecoming photo. Kayla’s hard work and dedication definite- challenges herself with different subjects. ball team during the fall. Not ly shows in everything she does, from the She is taking all honors classes as well as to mention, she managed to Photos courtesy of Kayla Grammerstorf classroom to the volleyball court. Most of AP US History. Kayla’s favorite subject is make varsity her first year English because she en- on the Kayla performing in The Nutcracker. team. With only got older. Kayla said that “I really feel com- being a Sopho- fortable when I'm performing for people. more, Kayla was even chosen Some people get stage fright but I'm used to for Honorable Mention at the performing for an audience, so it's definitely PAC-10 all around conference somewhere I consider a comfortable place.” for volleyball. She also performed for a while for a tap Kayla first started out danc- company called Footwerx. She had many ing when she was two and she performances with the company at venues in has stuck with it for 13 years. Philadelphia specifically the Kimmel Cen- She said that she has “really ter, the Arts’ Bank Theater, and the Wilma enjoyed getting to hang out Theater. with friends and learning the Kayla recently performed in the Nutcracker craft of dance.” She does at her dance studio and was casted as the multiple genres of dance such lead Arabian. She has also been involved in as ballet, modern, lyrical, tap, multiple performances with the school’s jazz, pointe, and hip hop. As a dance team such as the Halloween parade child, she started out with tap and the Christmas parade in downtown and ballet, which led her to Phoenixville. The dance team has advance to other genres as she several upcoming performances at Kayla serves up a rocket.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 3 NEWS A road to the presidency... of AP Government Written by: great break from note taking, but an inter- and creating a three month calendar of Logan Perrone esting and unique way to learn the road to non-stop events: ninety days of frenet- the Oval Office. “[Students] will soon be ic campaigning. The accountant was In the matter of a few days, the country will wel- voting in a year or two. It's important that the mathematician of each group. The come in its next Command- [they] understand how the electoral process accountant’s role was to raise money er in Chief. However, in Mrs. Kabatt’s clas- works so [they] can be intelligent citizens, for the campaign, track spending, and ses, the process has already come and gone. and that's why we do it,” Mrs. Kabatt said. receive endorsements from faculty During the month of December, Mrs. Getting students out of their seats is a great members. The final piece to the puz- Kabatt’s third, fourth, and sixth period AP way to get many, who are often not com- zle was the media specialist, whose Government classes held their very own fortable participating in a traditional setting, focus was to sell the candidate to the mock campaigns and elections. For the involved. world by making posters, buttons, Each person had a designated role within and, in one particular case, even a project, groups of three to four people made up multiple campaign teams that competed their campaigns. The candidate was the face crown. Digitally, media specialists of each campaign and was supported by a made social media ac- to get their candidate elected through the use of impactful speeches, social media campaign manager, an accountant, and a counts, video advertise- Matt Geiser stands proudly in accounts, FEC Finance regulations and media specialist. Bailey Meyer, who won ments, and some even front of the American flag. the took the job a step fur- insightful ideological platforms. The mock elections were not only a Nick Sinapius, who won the elec- presi- ther by making websites. election process. “I learned tion in third period, prepares for the dency Matt Geiser, president of fourth period, had how difficult it is to run for president” debate. in sixth many positive comments to make about the Geiser said, “This is a small scale project, period, project: “It’s not just a typical project… it but imagine the actual persons running for Photos: Logan Perrone de- seemed really realistic, and the time period president.” Meyer also weighed in saying, scribed we were in with the election this year [made “When I was going through [the project] I his role it] a fun thing to do.” A big part of the pro- thought that it was really tiring; I don’t of the candidate: “I had to create the cess that created that realistic feeling was know if I’d ever do something like this for platform, be in charge of everything, the debate. Geiser remarked, “The debate real.” give a speech, and debate.” His goal was definitely interesting. It was good be- For next year’s AP Government classes, of securing the election, however, cause everyone participated. The students this year’s elections are going to be hard to could not have been done unless the asked the candidates questions, candidates beat. Mrs. Kabatt said, “This is the best supporting staff carried their weight. [asked] each other, and we got to write [our [election project] in the last ten years… I Campaign managers were the brains own] questions, so I thought it made it dy- believe everyone had a clear vision of what for each group. They were in charge namic.” their responsibilities were and everyone of deciding what demographics they Students got to witness a two year or long- worked really well together.” would target, establishing an electoral er process in a matter of two weeks. For strategy to reach 270 electoral votes, many, this changed their perspectives on the Office 365: What’s the word? Written by: Miles that neat thing where we get students to a Noecker goal of one login. For years, place where they realize they can do what- students and faculty have been ever they want and keep their dreams alive.” Since the dawn of plagued by having to memorize For any student or staff member who is time, the Internet has their last names, with or without reluctant to use, or is uninformed on the been humanity’s sole their initials, with or without an switch to Office 365, Mr. Gibson encour- form of information and @pasd or an @pasdphantoms. ages you to reach out to the tech department entertainment. Without it, our society Are there words or numbers in to attend a small group or even a one-on-one would crumble and we, as human beings, your password? Or both? What training. In his experiences, the Directory of are worthless. Technology has taken over is happening? None of this is an Technology has noticed that once a new user and with it comes innovation after innova- issue with Office 365, as it man- gets immersed in the program, they tend to tion. The great technological innovator in ages all of its programs and prefer it over Google or Moodle. “The prod- Phoenixville, our one true king, Mr. Ken accessories under one login. uct now is speaking for itself,” Mr. Gibson Gibson, along with his fearless warriors in Director of Technology, Mr. Ken Gibson, Convenience and centralizing said, “and Microsoft just keeps making it the tech department, are here to maintain leading his team in implementing technologi- information are huge factors in more attractive for the educational space.” balance in the force and continue to im- cal change in Phoenixville School District. the importance of the program. Office 365’s integration is not the only prove upon our current technology. Office 365 has an array of programs that initiative in the tech department. In the fore- Mr. Ken Gibson is the Director of Technol- Photo: Miles Noecker students and faculty can take advantage of. seeable future, Mr. Gibson and the tech ogy in Phoenixville School District. Located While some we are used to, such as your department plan on updating Phoenixville’s in the district office, mere steps away from everyday Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, hardware. Mr. Gibson wants to continue to the high school, it’s Mr. Gibson’s job to who had installed Office 365 at home. We there are others that will be completely new. update laptop carts and plans on replacing oversee the district’s technology department, are now up to almost 200. As a valuable OneDrive compiles users’ files from any laptops students can sign out with, “more where they update existing programs and learning tool, Office 365’s accessibility program into, well, one drive. There are new modern and engaging machines,” such as hardware, as well as integrate new technolo- should be taken advantage of by all students methods to organize information and reports Microsoft Surfaces. Along with better lap- gy methods for the classroom environment. and staff. with programs like Sway. A program called tops, he also wants to offer the option for His newest tech initiative in Phoenixville is “When Google first came out, there really Lynda.com gives students and faculty 24/7 students to sign out hotspots, so everyone the transition to the new program, our sav- wasn’t an offering from Microsoft for that access to technology trainings in any field, can have access to the Internet at any time. ior, Microsoft Office 365. online environment,” said Mr. Gibson. “In such business, development, music, audio, Other initiatives include replacing the smart Students were introduced to the program in the past few years, Microsoft has answered education, etc. Lynda.com has over 7,500 boards with something less big and bulky November during the Office 365 training Google.” However, Mr. Gibson and the tech trainings and students have access to all of and installing Bose surround sound systems day. The program combines a multitude of department want to make it abundantly clear them in school, or at home. Regarding the into classrooms to improve sound quality Microsoft apps into one location. Free, easi- that they are not deleting Google. To clarify, many opportunities granted to students and, in turn, improve student engagement. ly-accessible, and collaborative, Office 365 the Director of Technology said, “That’s through Office 365, Mr. Gibson said, “It’s Technology and education work hand-in- provides a convenient platform for students been a big fear out there. I’ve never said hand and here at Phoenixville, this relation- to keep all of their documents and down- that [we were deleting Google] and I don’t ship continues to improve. Mr. Gibson said, loads in one place and work from any de- plan on doing it. If there’s a teacher that is “The idea is to offer as many opportunities vice. Every Phoenixville student gets five heavily involved in Google...I’m not going as possible.” With Office 365 and all of its licenses to download Office 365 on five to take that away from them. I don’t want programs, along with the new technology devices of their choosing. Regarding this to reinvent the wheel.” coming to the school, it’s safe to assume convenience, Mr. Gibson said, “Before we Another advantage of the switch to Office students and faculty will be afforded a vast did the training, there were 15 staff members 365 is the concept of finally realizing the number of opportunities.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13; ISSUE 3 PAGE 4 NEWS Class of 2017: The Impact Awards are coming Written by: Mr. be picked up outside my room, D-14. Who is invited to the Impact Awards? Impact Award certificate from the senior The Impact Awards Dinner is free for those who nominated them. There were quite a Coyne How many nominees can a senior sub- people nominated, the seniors who nomi- few tears and many hugs of appreciation. mit? Each senior is allowed to only nomi- In the fall of 2015 the nated a person, and invited guests only. We hope that the seniors of the Class of nate one person. So consider fully who you student government of 2017 will take a few minutes and consider a would like to nominate. How should I dress for the impact Phoenixville Area High worthy person for their nominee for the awards? School established the 2017 Impact Awards dinner. Mrs. Moak and Rodrigo Campos- This is a Impact Awards. Sanchez semi-formal Phoenixville Area High School Student What are the Impact Awards? The awards Government believes that this is a special Impact Awards are for seniors only to Photos: Sandra Claus program. event that will be an excellent way in which nominate a Phoenixville Area School Young men our seniors can recognize people who im- District employee (past or present) who should dress with a shirt, tie, and nice pacted their lives. We hope that the Impact impacted the senior’s life from kindergar- slacks. Young ladies should wear a Awards will be a continued tradition here at ten to 12th grade. dress and or nice pants outfit. Hint: our high school. dress as if you are going for Who can this nominee be? The nomi- your first major job interview. nee must be in good standing with the district. This could be a teacher, coach, Who should I speak to if I administrator, bus driver, custodian, etc. have any further questions? The person could be a teacher in elemen- Please see me in room D-14. I tary school, an administrator in the mid- will answer all your questions. dle school, or even a bus driver with The 2016 Impact Awards Wolfington Bus Company. Dinner was a huge success. How can I nominate a person? This The Class of 2016 nominated past September, I spoke about the Impact 25 individuals to receive the first Awards to the class of 2017 and I men- When is the nomination due? All nomi- Impact awards. The free reception tioned a nomination form. On the form the nations must be turned in to me in room D- and dinner began at 6:00 PM with nominating senior is asked to print the 14 by February 1, 2017. a time of fellowship and fond name of the nominee, where the nominee is When and where will the impact awards memories. After the dinner the employed, and include a statement of 50 be held? The 2017 Impact Awards will be Student Government officers read words or less on how the nominee impacted held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in the the biographies of the nom- the senior. The nomination form is on the PAHS cafeteria. Reception will be at 6:00 inees as the nominees were Mr. Stavenski and high school web site and the form can also presented with a framed p.m. and the dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Armani Mayberry

Cappies review of the performance of “Taming of the Shrew” Written by: Julia Jennings of Upper Moreland ensues, and through many twists, turns, and The supporting High School false identities, Katherina is finally married cast added incredible off and tamed into an obedient wife. energy and comedy As the cameras started rolling for Phoe- The cast and crew handled the sophisti- to the performance. nixville Area High School's production of cated language and style impeccably well, Michele McCaleb, The Taming of the Shrew, the audience interspersing modern touches to better Xandra Coleman, was transported into William Shake- convey the point. The actors kept up in- and Rachael Hesse speare's comedic story, incorporating ele- credible energy throughout the entire pro- as the widows were ments of sophisticated traditional English duction, mastering their traditional Shake- audience favorites, with a dash of lighthearted fun. spearean characters. appearing between The plot opens as a live, televised pro- As the headstrong and stubborn Katheri- scenes to clear up duction of The Taming of the Shrew, an na, Willetta Wisely brought authentic emo- any misunderstand- original element added to the story by tion and anger to the story, never once ing that may arise Phoenixville's creative team. The play itself breaking character. Her portrayal added to with the traditional centers around the Minola family, intent on the believability of the story, showing the Shakespearean lan- marrying off their older daughter, shrewish truly dramatic transformation of Katherina. guage. They spoke Katherina, before Bianca, their younger Dominic Nattle brought to life his eccentric directly to the audi- daughter, may be courted. Comedic chaos and somewhat conceited character, ence with clev- Petruchio, mastering Katherina (Willetta Wisely) slipping the com- away from Petruchio (Dominic Nattle). plexities of duction with many a dynamic and er, humorous lines that they had written actors requiring mics. devious role. themselves. Shay Comiskey and Noah The costumes were The potent Horton fantastically portrayed the duo of extraordinary, adding chemistry Lucentio and Tranio, and Julianita Vlad to the historic Euro- between Wise- brought a stellar performance as their comi- pean flavor of the ly and Nattle cal servant, Biondella. Matt Duff added performance. was a high- humor to the story by appearing at random Effectively performing a Shakespearean light of the as Christopher Sly, a drunken tinker. play is difficult, but Phoenixville Area production, The Shakespearean set was beautifully High School handled it with mastery. To moving the constructed, with quiet, elegant music quote Padua's favorite widows, Widow plot forward played in the background to set the scene. Out! The love triangle between Lucentio with moments Although there were a few issues with (Noah Horton), Bianca (India Knight), of both enmity microphone timing, the sound engineers and Hortensio (Josh Saeger). and grace. did an impressive job of balancing a pro-

Photos: Mr. Mike Lantzy

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 5 NEWS Firebird Festival: A growing blaze Written by: Lor- for the past five years. He first created the far, the festival has had five raine DiMauro idea of the festival with a group of six peo- different designers. People ple called “The Art and Entertainment who wish to design the fire- The thirteenth annual Committee.” They were supporting bring- bird must first make a realis- firebird was lit in a blaze ing new art and creativity to the town. The tic model out of popsicle of renewal and resurrec- group embraced the idea of the burning of sticks, and the best one is tion as the town’s sym- the phoenix after group member Lynn Mil- chosen. The designer of this bol of a fresh start on Saturday, December lerin suggested it. The myth of the phoenix year’s firebird was an 18 year 3rd, 2016. The Phoenixville Firebird Festi- is perfect for describing our town because it old named Aidan McDowell. val has been a tradition for many years and symbolizes a renewal. This year, many festivities plays a huge part in bringing our communi- The process of building the firebird has occurred besides the the burn- ty together. Just like the Blob Festival, the become much longer over the years. With ing of the phoenix. The town Firebird Festival is something unique to the festival increasing in popularity, the hired musicians, storytellers, Phoenixville and it involves a lot of people. bird has also increased in size. Anyone can and street performers (fire The reason for design the firebird, and so spinners and dancers) to en- the Firebird Designer of the 2016 firebird Aidan hance the festival. Festival’s suc- McDowell poses with the model in The location cess is the col- front of the finished masterpiece. of the festival Finished product of the laboration and has also phoenix. hard work from Photos: Virginia Lindak changed. the town. The Since it has again, a group called “The Order Firebird Festival always takes relocated to the north side of of the Phoenix” has been established to place the first weekend in De- Phoenixville, local businesses protect the sculpture. They guard the phoe- cember. In the beginning, the downtown have suffered. To fix nix once it is completed in case anything firebird was able to be built in this issue, the afternoon portion of might happen. Thankfully, this year on only four weekends. However, the festival remained on the 200 December 3rd, the firebird was lit when with the popularity of the Firebird block of Bridge Street. Busses planned. Festival, the bird grew bigger were also available this year from The festival had a turnout of over fifteen every year, and it now takes fif- Downtown Phoenixville to the thousand people this teen weekends to build. The festival’s new location at Friend- year and was a huge festival is run by Henrik Stubbe ship Field for people who did not success. The fire of Teglbjaerg, who has been in- wish to walk. the festival continues volved since the start of the Fire- Two years ago, the firebird was to burn more every bird Festival in 2004. prematurely burned down in 2014 year in a blaze of Teglbjaerg has been the sole by vandals who had been messing renewal and resurrec- holder of the space, (meaning the around late at night. To be sure tion that lights a new person who organizes everything) that this issue doesn’t happen fire in the town of

PAHS students give back Written by: Meghan O’Neill said. “There were also raffles and things things we were going to be doing to help,” lenging] if they don’t speak English very donated by some of the organizations.” said Mr. Acosta. well,” added junior Sophie Bierly, “because It’s a well-known fact Several students from both Activate Phoe- In many ways, the seminar was eye- they don’t have [many] opportunities, like that moving can be hard, nixville and the Spanish club volunteered at opening for some of the volunteers. The going to get medical care, because they whether it be to a new problems that immigrants typically have to have someone they can trust who school, state, or country. Sophie Bierly, Emily Holmberg, Heather face are often overlooked and ignored, speaks the same language as them, and they Uprooting everything you know and accli- Branan, Kaitlyn Casiano, Cindy Nguyen, though not necessarily on purpose. It don’t always have that.” mating to a completely new environment is and Mr. Acosta volunteered at the seminar. is a dizzying subject to try to wrap This seminar was a great help to women a daunting task. Despite this, many people your head around: the who have immigrated to this country; it are willing to take this challenge on in Photos courtesy of Mr. Acosta task of abandoning provided them with necessary and useful hopes of a better life, opportunities, and the almost everything that information, helping them navigate that undying pursuit of the American Dream. On you call home and em- several challenges that come along with the November 19th, Mr. Acosta and a few mem- barking on a challenging journey. Many of the women enjoyed the bers from the Spanish club volunteered at a journey to a new coun- seminar and thanked the volunteers for seminar that was held for female immi- try, new society, and a attending and assisting at the event. The grants in the Phoenixville community that new way of life. seminar provided a safe space for women focused on coping with the many challenges “I was so oblivious to who share the same struggles to gather and and obstacles that come with immigration. the problems they were learn together how to overcome their obsta- The seminar was held for all female immi- facing,” said junior cles and establish a successful life in their grants in the Phoenixville community who Cindy Nguyen, “They new homes. wanted to learn more about how to over- were talking about The seminar highlighted the many chal- come the many obstacles that come along things such as domestic lenges immigrants face when they move to a with immigration. It covered topics such as abuse… and it was new country, exposing some of the often abuse, immigration policies, and other sub- really upsetting.” overlooked struggles that many citizens jects that are helpful during the immigration Senior Heather Branan have never been forced to face. Trying to process. The seminar was completely free commented, “We real- acclimate to a new home is hard enough, but for anyone who wanted to attend, and child ized everything that was most immigrants face many more struggles care was provided during the lecture. “They this event, helping with various jobs such as secret, like the things that than we can imagine. It serves as a reminder received a lot of information and even a watching the children, serving food, and were going on that we that a human is a human, no matter which copy of a book that had been written by a passing out additional information. “The were oblivious to.” corner of the world they may come from. survivor [of] domestic abuse,” Mr. Acosta students were excited because of the many “[It’s especially chal-

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 6 NEWS HOSA: Heroes of health care Written by: Aaron its members. Many community charities are puzzles, and art supplies for Hin overlooked when compared to the bigger the children to use and keep national organizations. Although it is great within their classroom. During the holidays, to help out the bigger charities, the chapter Mrs. Manley, the high many clubs aim to help tries to support the local organizations in school nurse, described those in need. Whether our area. For three years, HOSA has been some of the goals of the it's helping raise money for cancer research, serving the Phoenixville community in a chapter. “We hope to en- less fortunate children, or the homeless, any multitude of ways. hance the learning experi- bit of cooperation is highly appreciated. On December 16th, the HOSA chapter ence of the students housed HOSA- Future Health Professionals, is a and many of its members took a trip to in the multiple disabilities student organization here at Phoenixville Schuylkill Elementary School to meet a classroom, along with teach- Area High School with a mission of en- special needs classroom. HOSA members ing HOSA members about hancing the delivery of compassionate, visited the MDS classroom, which houses those who are less fortu- quality healthcare by providing opportuni- children with a number of disabilities. MDS nate.” ties for is short for “Multiple Disa- One of the most influential Jess Anthony and HOSA President knowledge, skill HOSA members gather with MDS bilities Support” and these members on the HOSA Hayley Conway assist a student with and leadership students and their teacher, Ms. classrooms are offered roster is chapter president Hayley Conway. a new game. development to Heinaman. throughout many schools Hayley has been a member of this chapter around the na- for two years. As president, Hayley con- With this project, members were able to Photos courtesy of Nurse Manley tion. The stu- ducts school meetings, takes on a leader- build relationships with the many students dents in the ship role when working with other mem- in the classroom. Members got a greater classroom have bers of the chapter, and helps coordinate understanding of students who are less been diagnosed activities with Mrs. Manley, along with the fortunate and need a little extra support. with many types other officers. The MDS students found themselves with of disabilities Mrs. Manley acknowledged Hayley’s new classroom tools, games, and activities. including Downs work ethic, “Hayley has taken initiative to Most importantly, they were able to build Syndrome, Cere- share ideas with the chapter for different bral Palsy, de- projects. She also serves as a great role layed hearing, model for the other students in the chapter.” and many other Hayley has always been interested in the physical and field of health care, and she is passionate mental disabili- about helping, healing, and forming rela- ties. HOSA tionships with patients. members pur- Overall, HOSA’s Schuylkill Elementary chased games, School service project was a major success. Theology club fundraiser: Giving hope to Syrian refugees

Written by: Sophia organization dedicated to help- Members of the White Helmets rush into a Kopko ing victims of the civil war bomb sight to save children from the rubble. crimes. The Syrian Civil War: In its first year, Comparative Photo: Whitehelmets.org chemical weapons, war Theology club is dedicated to crimes, 500,000 dead, 4.8 discovering how the world’s Syrian refugees as a result of million innocent people religions interact. “Even xenophobia (a fear of people fleeing their home state. Since 1970, politi- though the world is growing from other countries) or Islam- cal and religious wars have stricken the increasingly more secular, we ophobia (the fear of Muslims). region of Syria. More recently, mass bomb- still see a massive influence of These refugees are left with ings and terrorist attacks on its cities have religion on the world and on nowhere to go. Even worse, been brought to worldwide attention, the America today,” said club those that stay in their home latest news being the seizing of Syria’s president senior Carly Gold- state fall victim to bombings capital city, Aleppo, by ISIL (Islamic State berg. The club was formed by and war crimes. of Iraq and the Levant). Almost everyone Goldberg and her friends to Whether you believe it or not, has heard about this conflict in the Middle help students understand how we are fortunate to be living in Eastern country, important and influential religion is in the such a safe, equal opportunity nation. The whether on the news, world today. Members aren’t required to victims of the Syrian Civil War are depend- in history class, or have any religious beliefs; in fact, Goldberg ing on people like us to support them. Do- even on Twitter. But states that the club has “a few passionate nating just four dollars can buy a volunteer no one can truly atheists.” a pair of safety goggles. “That is such a know the full extent The founders and officers of the club small thing,” said Goldberg. “I’m sure we of the war, unless include President Carly Goldberg, Vice all have four dollars on us, so donating that they experience it President Julia Yancik, Treasurer Alicia much can be the difference between some- first hand. Handian, and Secretaries Julia and Sarah one saving a life, and not.” The fundraising A lot of people Jones. The club advisor is Mrs. Shaw. goal is about three hundred dollars, which think: What can I do So how did this idea to fundraise for the can buy a heart defibrillator. to help? Well, right White Helmets come about? As a club that Be on the lookout for members of the club here in our very own is concerned with the world’s religions, carrying around jars and collecting money Phoenixville Area raising money to support those affected by during lunches and in the hallways. If any- High School, Com- the Syrian Civil War only seemed fitting. one would like to help with the fundraiser parative Theology After all, more than 4.8 million people have Theology club officers, Carly Goldberg, by carrying a jar, contact one of the offic- club is staging a fled the country of Syria due to the mass Julia Jones, Alicia Handian, Sarah ers, or the club advisor Mrs. Shaw. As John fundraiser to raise bombings driven by religious hatred. How- Jones, and Julia Yancik. Bunyan once said, “You have not lived money for the White ever, many countries have closed their today until you have done something for Helmets, a volunteer borders (including the United States) to Photo: Anna Florio someone who can never repay you.”

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 7 OPINION Mid-terms and finals: Necessary, or tradition?

Written by: Gabrielle homework. During the have they not also done this with Dato school year, assign- midterms and finals? ments and a lot of I believe the best and fairest solu- The Purple Press is As midterms ap- studying is enough to tion to the midterm and final prob- written, edited, and pro- proach, I find my- keep my grades up, but lem is to give students the choice to duced by the Phoe- self, once again, midterms and finals either take a test, or do a project. nixville Area High School pondering the importance of the have the ability to de- This would benefit the good cram- Journalism class (Period dreaded midterm exam. After stroy this. mers and test takers, and also en- 1). spending the entire first two mark- Because of all these courage students willing to put a ing periods studying for tests, work- different aspects, mid- little extra effort in crafting and Advisor: Mr. Zittel ing on projects, and doing home- term week is one of my producing a project. Layout editor: Alaina work, I legitimately fear the test that worst weeks of every I do believe that the administration DeLeone will either make or break my grade. year. Yes, I can under- understands the midterm/final prob- Staff: Scott Armstrong, In certain classes, no matter how stand the argument that lem, but I don’t have faith that they Hayley Barvitskie, Ben Circus, Gabrielle Dato, much effort I exert when studying, midterms are necessary will make the change students at Lorraine DiMauro, Carly the sheer volume of the exam con- because they require Phoenixville need. Not because of Goldberg, Kerry Halloran, tent dooms me to fail. students to review eve- any logical answer, but because they Aaron Hin, Lauren Hoff- During midterm week, I feel per- rything they have are not man, India Knight, Sophia A fellow student, upset about her sonally disregarded by the PAHS learned throughout the daunt- Kopko, Miles Noecker, staff and administration. I have no year, but that argument midterm grade. less Meghan O’Neill, Logan road to success, no matter what I do. is not valid. As a stu- enough Perrone, Austin Powers, I have always been taught that if I dent, and not as somebody from the tribute that percentage Photo: Gabrielle Dato to stand James Sadowski, Juan put enough effort into something, I outside looking in, I can say that to the other marking up to Sanchez, Brandon Simes, will succeed - but midterms have most people don’t really learn when periods. This is the most obvious kill this unfair tradi- Matt Valdovinos proven that false. In the end, I al- they study for these exams. It’s a answer to the problem, and probably tion. Administration - please give ways end up unsatisfied with my matter of cramming the day before. the most rational. students like me a realistic road to The opinions expressed testing results. Students study all day and all night The other solution to the midterm/ success, and allow the option to in this paper are those of For some reason the administration in order to get their best grade, not final problem is replacing the tests alternate midterm testing. Why not? the writers and don’t has not realised that some students really re-learning anything. The with some other assessment to necessarily reflect those are poor test takers. As a poor test grade received on a midterm or final gauge students’ learning. One alter- of school administration taker myself, I can walk into a test reflects a student's ability to cram native way to gauge students’ learn- and/or faculty members. fully understanding the material, but information, not demonstrate what ing is with projects. Project based still somehow manage to mess up they know. There are two solutions learning (PBL) has been proven to If you have a comment, because of wordings of questions, to this problem. be an extremely effective and an question, or concern about time constraints, or just test anxiety. The first solution is to eradicate enjoyable way to learn. Recently, the paper or you wish to Because of this fault, I have had to midterm (and final exams) all to- the PAHS staff has been encouraged submit an article to The rely on other ways to succeed in gether. Instead of having two tests by administration to incorporate Purple Press please e-mail Mr. Zittel at: classes with projects, papers and equivalent to 20% of a grade, dis- more projects and less tests. Why [email protected].

Are tattoos still taboo? Written by: Austin Powers As I have my first tattoo, I their work ethic, so why should they multiple would have to say be turned away? As much as certain Students have tattoos, I that it did not hurt as people do not like ink, there are them, parents have have seen bad as many people more and more people who are them, teachers have both sides make it out to. My getting tattoos every day. Celebri- them, and even of the argu- parents allowed me ties, musicians, and major sport some high ranking officials have them. ment. After to get it because athletes are getting inked and are So why are they still being frowned getting my they are both cov- helping to take the hate off of tat- upon by many? first tattoo, ered in tattoos and toos. Tattoos are becoming more Many people link tattoos with mis- most peo- believed that getting realistic, beautiful, and complex chief and deviance. Having a tattoo has ple’s view a tattoo would not every day. If you can think of an often been a hindrance to people find- on me as a change who I am. idea and find the right tattoo artist, ing a job in some fields, as many em- person did Despite some anything can be translated into a ployers believed that having a tattoo is not change, people’s negative beautiful piece of body art. Getting tied with inexperience or disrespect. As but there views about tattoos, a tattoo should not be looked down times have changed and tattoos have were a there does seem to upon as a horrible idea, as they are a become more mainstream, job aptitude select few be a change of opin- form of self-expression. is less linked with having a tattoo. who ques- ion with younger If you are planning on getting a However, there are still many bosses tioned and generations. In tattoo, just make sure you plan who will refuse to hire from a person almost 2012, a study run by ahead. Some steps you should take with a tattoo. scolded me STAPAW (Support in planning your tattoo process is In a poll run by NBC News/Wall about get- Tattoos and Pierc- knowing the legal age, which at Street Journal in 2014, 63% of people ting it. I got ings at Work), 73% most shops, is 16 (with parental over 60 deem it irresponsible and my first of people stated they permission) or 18, how painful the inappropriate to have a visible tattoo This is one of my newest tattoos which tattoo will hire someone location your tattoo is going to be, in the workplace. There is also an is an older style design tattoo inspired when I who has a the right shop to choose, and educational stigma about tattoos, by Sailor Jerry. was 16 at visible This is one of my sleeves that began with my how much the tattoo is go- which states that about 40% of peo- Seven tattoo. first tattoo I ever got. It is a biomechanical ing to cost. The cost of a ple that do not graduate high school Photos: Austin Powers Stars That design that I will add to in the future. tattoo depends on the com- have at least one tattoo. Employers Tattoo percent- plexity of the piece and what do have the right to hire who they want, so Shop in Phoenixville. I decided to get a age increases to about 94% if the person shop you decide to go to. Overall, tattoos if their view on tattoos is negative you may shoulder piece that ties together my love of hiring has tattoos. are a way to express your unique ideas and not get a job you interview for. cars and anything mechanical. With it being Tattoos do not always define a person and make them stand out in the sea of people.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 8 OPINION The Uber of Love Written by: dominance in your relationship. The learn the ways of the goatherd. Eat nothing Lauren Hoffman simple answer to fix this is a little but white meat and sprouts for dinner, and tool called a label maker. Make sure draw power from the moon. Only then, he understands the power plastic through the power of the mountain people, sticky tape can have on a person by shall you be cured. Then you can come back labelling everything he owns. If he to civilization and ask that hot chick out, Well folks, it’s that gets mad, just simply tell him that and like...take her to a movie? I don’t know time of year again. We have a new you are doing what his chauvinist man. I hear the Assassin's Creed movie was president, Vine is dead, and global personality couldn’t do, and then decent. Nothing says romance like fifty- warming is slowly destroying our plan- label his forehead, letting everyone something year old’s getting their man- et, so humanity has once again turned to within ten feet know he is YOUR panties in a tizzy in fifteenth century Spain. the only logical desire in times of utter property now. For added effect, Alas, the distant ringing of my iPhone turmoil: love. make sure you lecture him about signals, it is once again time to depart. With Unfortunately, due to my boss, Mr. gender roles in the modern culture, the turmoil that January 20th, Vine being Love Train, dying from watching and promptly assure him that every- dead, and global warming will inevitably every Mark Wahlberg movie until The woes of pit-stains thing is a social construct. bring, it is important that you hold your his eyes bled out, I have taken over loved ones close to your bosom. Remember his practice of giving love advice to the less nearest table, chair, piano, ladder, or 3) My final question comes from to keep sending your questions to romantically gifted in the school. However, fridge and crow like a rooster at the John Jacob Jingleheimer II, and he [email protected], and don’t forget: as I cannot be Mr. Love Train (because no top of your lungs as loud as you can, wrote, no love problem is too big or too small, one can just simply be Mr. Love Train), I for as long as you can. Don’t forget to flail  “Uh yeah, Uber of Love? There’s this they’re all equally have decided to rename myself in lieu of the your arms to give you the sensual feel of a super hot chick I like, but mediocre! Until next movement towards the use of the 50% relia- banshee who has just been divorced! The every time I talk to her, like, ble ride-sharing company, Uber. So sit back, frantic wailing and yelling will draw your my pits sweat. What do I relax, and enjoy the woes of your peers. lover’s attention--or the cops, whoever gets do?” there first. Either way, you’ll have a great Well John, it sounds like you’ve 1) The first question I have is from story to tell your kids some day! got a case of hyperhidrosis, and @TheDarkKnight, via my Reddit thread. I’m afraid it’s incurable. My best  She asked: “Ms. Uber of Love, there is 2) The next question was sent into me by diagnosis would be to seclude a guy in my Astronomy class who really [email protected]. yourself in the mountains for caught my eye, but I don’t know how to talk  She said,“This guy I’m seeing says exactly thirty-seven days, and to him. Any tips on how to flirt with him?” that he doesn’t want to ‘put a label’ on Good question, @TheDarkKnight! From things. What does this mean????” @TheDarkKnight putting that my own personal experience, I can tell you Well, guppygurl23, I think that your boy- love advice to good use! that bird calls work wonders. Stand on the friend might have an issue asserting his Photos: Lauren Hoffman

My health update Written by: James Sadowski Flyers’ right winger Jakub to school, but I CHOP’s staff for everything they had done Voracek, James, and his mom. was on a three for me to help me get through my journey. The late 2015 into week cycle This glorious day came on Leap Day which 2016 school year was Photos: James Sadowski where I was makes it a little extra special. one year that I will home for two Now I am a high school senior and I am never forget. In case weeks then I would spend one doing great. I just had another one of my you don’t know I was diagnosed with prima- week at CHOP receiving chemo- three month check-ups at the CHOP in King ry mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, or in therapy. After I finally got home I of Prussia and everything went really well, other words, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, started losing my hair, which abso- as expected. Sometimes things happen in which is a form of cancer. My life turned lutely devastated me. Then the life that you really don’t know why they upside down right before my eyes. holidays were on the horizon and I happen to you, but I truly believe that I was At the time I was a high school junior get- was ready to party despite going put in my situation for a reason to show ting ready to start applying for college. through adversity and hardship. others that through adversity and hardship Then I found out I had cancer. When I After the new year, during early you can get through anything with a positive found out I looked at my doctor and said, 2016, I was still doing my thing attitude. My message to all is to just keep a “Ok, what do I need to do to get myself and keeping a positive attitude each positive attitude each and every day no mat- better?” I took a positive outlook as my and every day, no matter the situa- ter the situation because every day is a great natural way to help me beat the beast. tion because every During my first couple of weeks at Chil- day is a great day. drens Hospital of Philadelphia I had many Then the day visitors who popped in periodically to check the chemotherapy I was receiving. The where I would beat cancer in on me. Many were family at first, but chemotherapy was made up of multiple finally came. It was Febru- then my friends started flooding the halls of chemicals that consist of hard drugs that kill ary 29, 2016, a day I will CHOP. At first, I wondered how this situa- most of the cells in your body, just so I always remember. The day tion could be bestowed upon me out of all could get rid of my cancer. The chemo was was an absolutely great day, people. Then I got to thinking and I came put into bags that were hung up on a tall IV the nurses came in the up with the conclusion that I truly believe pole that I named Ivy, which I was attached morning to unhook me from that I was put in my situation for a reason. to. I got something put into my chest called my IV pole, and then my Weeks later, I got discharged from the a central line. This was a cord that was put doctors walked in and told hospital and got to go home. School was into my chest that then came out of my chest me that I had just beaten difficult to manage at first, but then I re- and was used to give me my chemo. cancer. At that very mo- ceived in home tutors that were teachers However, I kept my positive attitude and ment I started to get really from the high school who had volunteered to bared through the initial pain and sick feel- emotional, and then I began James at CHOP with visitors help me get my school work done. I didn’t ings. After a couple of weeks I started to get thanking my mom, the Emilie Lemon, Laura Beery feel good for the first few weeks because of used to the medicine. I then got to go back nurses, doctors, and all of and Jess Anthony.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 9 “John Cena.” ~Aric Cowan~

“Michael Scott; he’s the world’s best boss.” “Mr. Burns; he’s level- headed and thinks ~Maddie Cooke~ about his decisions.” ~Mr. Gamble~ Who would be a better president than Donald Trump and why?

“Mr. Gamble!” ~Kerri Mahar & Jada Miller~

“Abraham Lincoln, because he’s a vampire hunter.” ~Rob Sullivan~

“Jake Butterfield.” “Arnold Schwarzenegger, the ~Mr. Winters~ “Me, because I’m giod.” newest reality star. ~Enola Hihi~ ~Bailey Meyer~

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 10 “Pitbull, dale!” “Pablo Escobar. He made ~Eric Beery~ “Quavo. He wrote the best Colombia great again.” songs of 2014, 2015, 2016 and now 2017. Pipe it up.” ~Brendan Jenkins~ Who would be a better president ~Eric Nascari~ than Donald Trump and why?

“Kanye.” ~Danielle Dauphinais~

“Meryl Streep :)” ~Cali Mulzet~

“Arnold Schwarzenegger, the “No one’s better than “Dom Nattle. We’ll just newest reality star.” Trump!” get married, then we can ~Bailey Meyer~ ~Daniel Thompson~ both be in office.” ~Abby Sims~

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 11 ENTERTAINMENT VVVVVV: Defying gravity Written by: A room with “Yes Men” to ately flips the player’s playthrough. Some Juan Sanchez avoid, whoever they are. gravity if touched. The trinkets were almost Imagine being a space dimension also has impossible to find or captain, just for a mi- special trinkets to collect, which un- reach, the map was nute. You are taking lock music and other secrets in game. somewhat disor- another trip through the However, some are hard to get to, and ganized and hard to cosmos on your spaceship, when it sudden- require a lot of attempts to acquire. move around, and I never got far with No ly breaks down and splits up your crew. Other than the main game, the Death Mode. However, the game does get Would you travel the unstable dimension to player can also select Flip Mode, easier after every playthrough, the trinkets save your crew, restore power to your ship, Time Trials, Intermissions, No Death get easier to acquire, and the map gets and return home? That is what Captain Mode, and Player Levels. Flip Mode somewhat easier to navigate. Certain Viridian aims to do, with nothing but the is not as exciting as one would guess, achievements to die less often or complete- power of flipping his own gravity. But will as it is just the original game mode, ly master time trials are hard to get, but he be able to unite the team and fix the ship but everything is flipped. Time Trials keep me playing the game. before their dimension shatters apart? searches for his displaced team members. are challenges for the player to pass a level Want to test your own skill and patience? VVVVVV is a 2D puzzle platformer by This is one of those games that doesn’t as quickly as possible, all while collecting Take the role of Captain Viridian, save your Terry Cavanagh best known for its chal- try to live up to modern gaming with stun- trinkets and dying as little as possible. crew, and maybe save the dimension! Just lenging puzzles, chiptune music, and retro ning graphics. VVVVVV is appealing to Speaking of dying as little as possible, the don’t flip out over it. graphics. It was released for Microsoft most, with chiptune music and blocky visu- No Death Mode is the main Windows and OS X in 2010, then ported to als. The music was composed by Magnus game, but without checkpoints C++ in 2011, which allowed for releases on Palsson, and is overall exciting to play or saves. A single enemy or Nintendo 3DS, Playstation 4, Android and along to, especially the Tower’s track. As spike touch would end the several other platforms. The game is about for the enemies, they all look unique and game with much disappoint- a space captain who loses his crew upon odd, like stop sign heads, giant buses, and ment. The player levels are entering a crumbling dimension, and megaphones spewing LIES, all from Ter- custom stages made by other ry’s dream journal. players. The levels are made Grade: B+ The captain doesn’t have any way to with some programming, so if defeat the enemies. As a matter of fact, he that sounds like a lot of effort, Designer: Terry Cavanagh can’t even jump like in other games. In- stick to playing others’ levels. Publisher: Nicalis stead, with the power to reverse his gravity, They’re just as fun. Platforms: Windows, OSX, Linux, Viridian can avoid enemies and spikes, In my opinion, VVVVVV solve puzzles, and travel space to find his was extremely 3DS, PS4, PS Vita, iOS, Android, friends. Some places have special elements challenging One of the many puzzles to solve, Ouya, Open Pandora like the lab’s gravity lines, which immedi- during my first with headless jogging enemies.

Written by: Rogue One: A Star Wars article Scott Armstrong *SPOLIER ALERT* ous droid that provides wrong to have laughter throughout the such a lack of “Rogue One: A Star movie with sarcastic com- respect for the Wars Story” is the new- ments. An extremely en- deceased and suggested simply recasting the est addition to the “Star joyable moment of the characters. The producers believed that CGI Wars” series as a side story. It is not con- film is the reveal of Darth is the only way to effectively bring back sidered to be an actual episode, yet it does Vader, specifically during these characters that the movie could not be not fail to meet the expectations of a “Star the scene in which he without. I had no problem with the use of Wars” film. “Rogue One” falls between mercilessly slaughters CGI, and it was even difficult for me to tell “Star Wars: Episode III” and “Star Wars: several rebel forces as the difference. I feel that CGI was the only Episode IV,” but more relates to “Episode they scramble to get away way to successfully recreate these key char- IV” rather than the third episode. The with the Death Star plans. acters in the “Star Wars” franchise. film’s purpose is to tell the tale of how the Furthermore, the acting is “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is an rebels acquired the Death Star plans in Jyn, Cassian, and K2SO searching for phenomenal, especially incredible addition to the “Star Wars” series. “Episode IV” in the first place, all the Saw Gerrera on the desert moon from key characters such Despite the controversy over the use of CGI while giving background on each of the as Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), Cassian animation, “Rogue One” is a superb film On characters in the movie. (Diego Luna), Baze Malbus (Jiang that gives most “Star Wars” fans their fix. Jedha, Cassian and Jyn come across a blind “Rogue One” follows Jyn Erso, daughter Wen), and Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen). Every character in the film has a unique spiritual named Chirrut Îmwe, and his mer- of Galen Erso, an Imperial scientist, and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is one of personality that makes it hard to let go of at leader in designing the Death Star. Galen, a cenary friend, Baze Malbus. After they the best “Star Wars” films I have seen, and I the end of the movie. The movie proved retrieve the plans and Rook, they find out well educated fellow, realizes the corruption definitely wouldn’t mind watching it ten itself as well, pulling in over 829 million at where the plans are hidden, which is on a of the Empire, and escaped into a life of times over. box offices, second in 2016 only to “Finding base in Scarif, and attack the base, sacrific- agriculture with his wife, Lyra Erso, and Jyn Although “Rogue One” has been praised Dory.” I would definitely recommend this ing everyone’s lives, but successfully send- on the planet Lah’Mu. The Empire finds by moviegoers everywhere, it has received movie to anyone who enjoys “Star Wars,” them, however, and Jyn is sent to hide while ing the plans to the rebellion, who transfer some criticism from “Star Wars” fans for because this is a must watch for all fans. them to the same ship with Princess Leia her father is forced to design a super weap- the controversial way they revived key char- that appears in the beginning of “Episode on, known as the Death Star. Lyra is killed acters such as Grand Moff tarkin and Prin- IV.” That concludes the plot of “Rogue Grade: A during this raid. Jyn is found by Saw Gerre- cess Leia, as the actor Peter Cushing died One.” All the key characters seen in the ra, and raised to fight for the rebellion. some time ago. The people behind the Director: Gareth Edwards attack on Scarif die because their absence in Fifteen years later, an empirical pilot, Bo- screen decided to use CGI animation to the other episodes would raise many ques- Rating: PG-13 dhi Rook, escapes from the Empire, holding recreate the characters, with stand-ins (Guy tions. Genre: Science Fiction a message from Galen Erso. Jyn teams up Henry and Ingvild Deila) to put a body with Personally, “Rogue One” is one of the best with the rebellion to find this message, ac- the faces. The reason for doing this was Starring: Felicity Jones, Diego movies I have seen this year. I really en- companied by Cassian Andor and K-2SO, a because the filmmakers wanted to make the joyed the special effects, especially during Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, droid. The gang travels to Jedha to meet movie more realistic, as Tarkin and Leia are the battle on Scarif. The action is well Saw Gerrera, and retrieve the message from two key characters during the time of Jiang Wen, Mads Mikkelsen, thought-out, yet easy to follow, unlike most Galen, revealing a flaw in the Death Star. “Rogue One.” Still, some people consider it and Ben Mendelsohn action scenes. Also, K2SO acts as a hilari-

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 12 ENTERTAINMENT “Quantico” Review: Watch the first season Written by: cover as a CIA train- cliches and remains Carly Goldberg ee trying to investi- innovative, nu- gate a radical group anced, and surpris- Terrorist plots, gov- within the organiza- ing for all of its ernment conspiracies, tion; the other time- first year. The and the dark web all line features her characters are strong, especially Alex, Ni- sound like typical fodder for an FBI attempt at saving mah Amin (Yasmine Al Massri) and Simon drama. However, ABC’s “Quantico” New York City from Asher (Tate Ellington). The first season is manages to go far beyond the mold of a a biological weapon. exceptionally well-written, constantly inter- cliche “stop the bad guys” ordeal. It is This season airs esting, and definitely worth a binge-watch. the intricate writing of the series that Mondays at 10 PM Unfortunately, Season Two has so far expe- distinguishes the show from others of its on ABC. rienced a rather large decline in quality. The kind. But when the writing falls The primary appeal reuse of last year’s basic structure feels too flat, as it does sporadically in its Priyanka Chopra stars in ABC’s formulaic, and many of the strong charac- first year and frequently in its ters were lost and have been replaced with Quantico. second, the only stand-out high- weaker ones. The sharp writing of last light of the show is the lead season now feels convoluted and needless- actress’s performance. she is determined to find the ly complicated, with previously interesting Season One features two timelines of culprit, clear her name, and interactions now a tiresome back-and-forth. events that eventually meet. In the first time- prevent future attacks. Season One ended on a high note, but ra- line, FBI agent Alex Parrish (Priyanka Cho- The second timeline takes ther than continue from that point, the writ- pra) finds herself framed for a massive place before the first, and fol- ers chose an entirely different and, frankly, bombing at New York City’s Grand Central lows Alex’s training at Quan- worse, direction to go in. Station, unsure why she is being blamed. tico. Here we meet her fellow The one redeeming quality of the second She is given a tip that someone in her FBI trainees, any of whom could be season is Priyanka Chopra’s performance training class at Quantico is responsible, so responsible for the attack. The as Alex Parrish. “Quantico” was Chopra’s events of each hour-long epi- breakout into American culture, and her Grade: A sode switch between timelines, growing fame has earned her a People’s though the events always relate Choice Award and plenty of media atten- Genre: Drama/ Thriller to each other. This season aired Alex fights off terrorists known tion. Overall, “Quantico” merits a watch Starring: Priyanka Chopra, last year, and is currently avail- as the “Citizens’ Liberation for at least its first season, and the second able on Netflix. Front” in Season Two. season deserves a try at best, in the hopes Josh Hopkins, Jake McLaughlin, Season Two follows the same that the rest of this year’s episodes sudden- Aunjanue Davis two-timeline formula, with Alex officially of “Quantico” is its writing. The show man- ly advance in quality. dismissed from the FBI, but working under- ages to steer clear of the typical cop-drama Overwatch: Frustrating and fun Written by: ers. In games like Kerry Halloran Call of Duty, pretty much anyone can You are playing as pick up a controller or mouse and be just as Soldier 76 in the mid- good as someone who has been playing it for dle of a hectic fight months, or even years. Overwatch has a with the enemy team. The Reaper on your similar skill gap. It is a more lighthearted team gets sniped by a Widowmaker that game that anyone can pick up and have fun seems miles away. Four members of your with. For some people, that is a positive team are crowded behind Reinhardt’s shield. thing. Not everyone likes games that take All of a sudden, you hear the infamous line lots of practice. On the other hand, lots of “It’s high noon.” You turn around, knowing people like to see that they are progressing at the end is near, and see an enemy: McCree. the game, and low skill gaps make progress a Seconds later, all four members who were All of the playable Overwatch lot less noticeable. hiding behind Reinhardt are gone. McCree’s team-based FPS made by characters. have very different skill Graphically, Overwatch is a good looking ultimate ability to one-shot enemies took out Blizzard that was released sets; for example Tracer is a game and allows players to change around the majority of your team. Until you res- in May, 2016 for Xbox One, Playstation 4 quick, weaker character that is best used to settings like most games do. For those who pawn, the game will be in the hands of your and PC. Overwatch features several different annoy the enemy team. On the other hand, have slower computers, the option to change Roadhog teammate. game modes where heroes face off against Roadhog is huge, slow-moving and just a graphics settings is great because it can help Overwatch is a each other with different objectives few up-close shots from his scrap gun will raise frame rate. If you are tired of being Mercy blasting Pharah with her depending on the wipe most characters off of the map. disappointed every year by Call of Duty, mode. In Over- Roadhog also has more health points than Overwatch might be a refreshing change. ultimate ability. watch’s four game most other characters. Overwatch is very fun and is pretty easy to modes: Escort, As- Players can also choose to play a quick pick up. If you like fast-paced FPS games, sault, Hybrid and match or a competitive game. Quick matches Overwatch is for you. Control, players can can be joined at any time, have less rules, choose from a variety and are taken a lot less seriously. Competi- of characters, all of tive matches are typically taken a lot more Grade: B whom have different seriously by players and the results of them Rating: Teen skill sets. Players are determine the online ranks of players. Genre: FPS allowed to switch Overwatch plays like Team Fortress 2, characters throughout which means that people will undoubtedly Publisher: Blizzard Entertain- the game, which like it. The only problem that I have with ment allows them to coun- Overwatch is how small the skill gap is. For Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox ter the opposing those who don’t know, skill gap is the differ- team’s build. Heroes ence in skill between new and veteran play-

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 13 SPORTS Phantom Football: On the uphill climb

Written by: the kickers. Seniors Shyheim Abernathy, India Knight Durron Johnson, Matt Osisek-Byrne and Nasir Green were key receivers. The Phantom football Defensively, the Phantoms gave up too team has been getting many points, and were not always cohesive. better every year. Alt- The defensive line played well sometimes, hough the team did not win as many games but at other times they did not play well as a as they hoped to, they completed the season unit. with a 3-7 record, a strong offensive line, Although the Phantoms finished off their and a new rushing record. The varsity cap- season at 3-7, they made some major im- tains who motivated the team to a rewarding provements since last year. Coach Breisblatt season were Kyle Bennick, Matt Garcia, Jon stated, “We scored 23 points a game, so we Miller and Nasir Green. had one of the top half offenses in the entire “Everybody in football is a key player PAC.” The three Phantom victories came because everybody has to do their job or it against Pottstown, Chichester, and Upper will not work,” Head Coach Evan Breisblatt Moreland. Their most prominent victory said. This year, the offense was definitely came versus Pottstown at the Homecoming The Phantoms burst through the banner at one of the strongest parts of the team. Coach game, after a two-game losing streak. Coach the Red, White and Blue Military Game. Breisblatt added, “I thought our offensive Breisblatt recounted, “I just remember line continued to get better week in and Homecoming being an electric crowd, really that moment was Photos: Lifetouch tier Division Of- week out. I thought they really were in con- loud. The place was filled up. We played “pretty special.” After fense First Team trol of the line of scrimmage and they are one of our best football games that night. Garcia beat the record of 1,507 rushes in a Receiver award, and Bryce Thompson got going to be one of the top units next year.” The fan support this year has been excellent. season, some of the players from the team the All Frontier Division Offense 2nd Team The starting offensive line consisted of jun- We can really feed off that when you have that held that record from 1966 showed up Offensive Line award. Matt Garcia not only the twelth man. It gives you that extra ener- to support our football team at a home got the First Team Running back Award for Phantoms D-Line rushing the gy to play game. passer. hard.” This year Phoe- During nixville had a lot their of All-PAC Pottsgrove award winners game, alt- on the football hough they team. Junior Jon did not win, Miller got recog- the Phan- nized for the All toms scored Frontier Divi- 37 points, sion Defense for which was Second Team the most Defensive Line, points scored Head Coach Breisblatt and Assistant Coach against Fischer at the Homecoming Game during Pottsgrove the singing of the National Anthem. ior Jon Miller, senior Matt Valdovinos, in the whole PAC. Coach Breisblatt recalled junior Bryce Thompson, junior Sean Sabo, that game being, “the best football we’ve the All Frontier Division Offense, but senior Ricky Williams and sophomore Xan- played ever here in my tenure.” the First Team Offensive Line for the All the All Conference Offense too. He also der Crawford. Senior Troy Rossman was a The Pope John Paul game was also one of Frontier Division Offense, and for the All received an award for the All Frontier Divi- returning starting quarterback. the most eventful games of the season. Sen- Conference Offense awards. Senior Ricky sion Defense Second Team Outside Line- Other varsity starters included senior Matt ior Captain Matt Garcia surpassed the 1,507 Williams got the All Frontier Division De- backer/ Safety. Branch, a strong defensive end, and junior yard mark, and finished with 1,820 yards for fense Second Team Inside Linebacker This season has been good one for the Bobby Strunk at safety. Junior Nick Sin- the season on his last run of the night. Gar- award, and junior Bobby Strunk won All Phantoms. With work on the defensive line apius and senior Mitchell Coll were cia said that Frontier Division Defense Team Defensive and the continued support in the stands, Senior Zeke Frank-Vincent Back award. Nasir Green won the All Fron- Phantom football will continue to improve. trying to pick up a fumble.

The varsity captains: seniors Nasir Green, Matt Garcia, Kyle Bennick, and junior Jon Miller.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 14 SPORTS 2016, A forgettable, but productive year in Philly Sports Written by: effective for their young quarterback all for a long time. Finishing with a 35-5 over- Brandon Simes season. On the other side of the ball, the all record, this was a team for the ages. With defense struggled the stop the pass all year, Ryan Arcidiacono, Patrick Farrell, Kevin 2016 was a but the pass rush was very good. Defensive Rafferty, Daniel Ochefu, Henry Lowe all year that really End Brandon Graham played fantastic and gone, this team will need to rely on Josh set the table for really proved his worth to the team. He Hart, Kris Jenkins, and Jalen Brunson to put the future of consistently stopped the run and put up a lot up points consistently as we near March. Philly sports. The 76ers, Eagles, of quarterback hurries. Even though he only The key player the team relies on is Josh Phillies, and Flyers have all had had 5.5 sacks this season, he played much Hart, a favorite to win the Wooden Award. seasons to build on for the future. better than the stats. If this team can sure up Hart has been very effective this season and Fortunately, Villanova basketball its wide receiving core and get some help in he averages 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 was able to bring home the National Eagles QB Carson Wentz throwing a pass the secondary this offseason, this team could assists a game. If Hart can stay hot, and the Championship for just the second against the Baltimore Ravens. be a real problem for the rest of the NFL. rest of the team can step it up as we ap- time in its history. So what’s in store for The Flyers are a team that can consistently proach the tournament, this team could most 2017? tential in the first half this past season. On make the playoffs, but haven’t been able to definitely repeat as champs. Despite the underwhelming performances the other side of the argument, the Phillies go far since the 2009 season. In the 2015-16 Even though 2016 wasn’t a year to re- of most of the teams, there were many posi- really struggled to get the bats going in a lot season Right Wing Wayne Simmonds and member (except for Villanova), it was sure- tives in the year of 2016 for Philly sports, of their games. Most of their wins early in Centerman Brayden Schenn lead the team in ly one that planted the seed for the near We start with the 76ers, who with the first the season came because of very good pitch- goals, combining for 58. The Flyers were future. If we think less about the overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft took forward ing. If they can get a few good bats in free middle of the pack in goals scored against record of each team and focus on the posi- Ben Simmons from LSU. He plays along- agency, or if young developmental players them with 210. The Flyers have really strug- tives, we can see that each team has given side former first round draft pick Joel Embi- can step up this upcoming season, then this gled to hold on to leads late in games this us some hope to bring more championships id, who has really started to prove his worth team could be a dark horse for the playoffs. season and goaltender (Steve Mason) this season. With Nerlens Noel and Jahlil After a very crazy offseason the Eagles has been scrutinized. If this team can Okafor already on roster, this team is des- were able to retain their same record as the start to hold on to wins as they ap- tined for a bright future. Even though the year before (7-9). There were a lot of moves proach the playoffs then this can be a 76ers aren't a playoff team this year, they in the 2016 offseason, including a trade one team worth talking about. With a cur- have shown much improvement from previ- week before the start of the season when rent record of (21-16) the Flyers still ous years and have reasons to be optimistic quarterback Sam Bradford was traded to the have plenty of time left to make a deep for the future. Minnesota Vikings and rookie Carson run in the playoffs and bring Philly The Phillies had a surprisingly good sea- Wentz was pressed into action right away. home a championship. son for what their expectations were heading To his credit, he played well for a rookie The Villanova Wildcats were able to into the 2016 season. Outfielder Odubel with a lot of expectation. Wentz flashed his cap off an amazing season by winning Herrera and third baseman Maikel Franco ability to evade blitzers and make pinpoint the National championship over the had breakout seasons, and the pitching staff throws when it mattered. The wide receivers North Carolina Tar Heels, 77-74. Kris started off strong winning many close were the kryptonite of this team; they could Jenkins’ 3 pointer at the buzzer is a games. Aaron Nola showed a lot of his po- not get open against defenders and really be moment in sports we will all remember Flyers Wing Wayne Simmonds NFL playoff review and predictions Written by: par, as Brock Osweiler left. Aaron Rodgers showed why he is the Matt Valdovinos beat Connor Cook 27- best QB in the league, wide receiver Jordan 14. Cook made the catch of his career, and The NFL Playoffs are not In the final wildcard kicker Mason Crosby showed he has ice in time for parties. Just ask game the Seattle Sea- veins. Overall, a great game and a good the New York Giants’ hawks took on the De- learning experience for the pair of Dallas receiving core. The usual- troit Lions. It was, rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. ly dynamic group of play- again, a blowout with My predictions for the rest of the playoffs makers were lackluster in their wildcard Seattle winning 26-6. are that Aaron Rodgers will out pass Matt game vs the Green Bay Packers. Odell Seattle’s ground game Ryan, and Green Bay will beat Atlanta 35- Beckham Jr. disappointed in his playoff was too much for De- 24. Le’Veon Bell will continue to put the debut and the Giants overall just could not troit to handle as the Steelers on his back as he rushes for more get anything going. However, the Packers Seahawks out than 200 yards and the Steelers beat the continued their hot streak as they disman- rushed the Patriots 28-27. Tom Brady will throw a last tled the New York and blew them out 38- Lions by 125 second touchdown, but the Patriots go for 13. Unfortunately, the Packers did not leave yards. Seattle the win and fail the two point conversion. the game without suffering any casualties. showed De- The possible matchup? Packers vs. Steelers I predict Superbowl LI, will be the Packers Jordy Nelson, Aaron Rodgers favorite wide troit and the vs the Steelers, with Aaron Rodgers trying receiver, broke multiple ribs and everyone rest of the and once he got hot, the game was over. to carry his team and Le’Veon Bell trying to is unsure when he will make his return. NFL why Expect him to try and carry another average carry his. Aaron Rodgers will throw for four In the next game of Wildcard Weekend they are a Patriots roster to another Super Bowl. touchdowns as the Packers will beat the fans enjoyed the second blowout in as many consistent In the other AFC match the Steelers bat- Steelers 34-28. Aaron Rodgers will win games. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the playoff tled the Kansas City Chiefs in a very con- MVP and the second Super Bowl of his Matt Moore led Miami Dolphins, 30-12. It’s threat. troversial game where many Chiefs players career. not that the Dolphins played poorly, it’s just However, in the first game of the Division- publicly complained about the officiating. This season has been eventful. From sus- simply that the Steelers played arguably al Round we saw the Atlanta Falcons defeat The Steelers again rode Le’Veon Bell all to pensions to injuries, from blowouts to their best game of the season. Le’Veon Bell the Seahawks 36-20. Atlanta’s explosive the red zone and the Steelers had to rely on comebacks, and some late season hot showed why he is the best running back in offense was just too much for Seattle’s Chris Boswell to score all their points. He streaks, we’ve pretty much seen it all. The the NFL and the Steelers are prepared to touted defense. Matt Ryan had the playoff had 170 rushing yards as he took his team Dolphins and Giants showed improvements ride him deep into the playoffs. game of his life and rightfully won Player to a 18-16 win. and made the postseason for the first time in In the next game we saw the Houston of the Game. Ryan dismantled the Sea- In by far the most amazing game we’ve a few seasons, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady Texans clash with the Oakland Raiders. I hawks defense as he threw for more than seen in quite some time, the Packers defeat- played some of the best football of their think most people would agree that if Oak- 300 yards and touchdowns. ed the Dallas Cowboys 34-31. Aaron Rodg- careers, and Dallas had a pair of rookies land’s quarterback Derek Carr hadn’t gotten Game two of the Divisional Round saw ers started hot and shot his team out to a 28- that will make Dallas a Super Bowl con- injured this game would’ve turned out dif- the New England Patriots outlasting the 13 3rd quarter lead, but of course the Cow- tender for years to come. Overall, it was ferently. Unfortunately, Carr did get injured Houston Texans, 36-16. In a game many boys found a way to claw their way back. another great year for the NFL with some and the Raiders had to rely on rookie quar- expected to be a blowout, the score was The one mistake the Cowboys made in the more action to come. terback Connor Cook making his first ca- surprisingly close at the half as the Texans second half was giving Aaron Rodgers the reer start. Overall, both teams looked sub- were within four points. Unfortunately, the ball back with 30 seconds and two timeouts Patriots have this guy named Tom Brady,

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 15 Philadelphia Union: A new hope

success, and he would go on to start all er against Premier League Written by: Aaron 34 regular season matches for Philadel- club, Arsenal FC. Blake was also named Hin phia and set a MLS rookie record by MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, which is one playing every minute during the season of the greatest accomplishments for that The 2016 Major League (3,060). Rosenberry was awarded with position in the league. Andre Blake had a Soccer season concluded the MLS Fair Play Award, after playing sensational season and the best has yet to just a month ago. Ever the entire season without receiving a come. since March 6th, 20 teams single yellow or red card from fouls. Surprisingly the Philadelphia Union was battled it out to secure their place in the Rosenberry was also the runner-up for led by a group of rookies in 2016. The first playoffs. Early in the season, the Philadel- the 2016 Rookie of the Year Award and round picks ended up paying dividends for phia Union looked great, with a positive earned his spot on the MLS All Star the club, with the top three picks playing win record and great player signings. Team. US National Team coach Bruce tremendous seasons. Andre Blake found Within the nine month time frame Arena was so impressed with the rook- himself climbing out of what seemed to be a of the MLS season and playoff Goalkeeper Andre Blake mak- ie's success that he signed Rosenberry to downfall in his career and others alike doing the team’s camp to train with all of the so as well. The Union made some great matches the Union was being led ing an incredible save to keep by a group of rookies. The Phila- other national team players. All of his choices this past Superdraft, and Union fans the Union in the lead. delphia Union’s top draft picks led surprise. Yaro achievements and personal success in such a will be waiting to see what they do next to major player breakthroughs and kicked right into short amount of time makes him one of the with their future draft picks. The Union has an overall successful season. gear in his first MLS start when he made his greatest draft picks in Union history. signed some of the brightest stars in the The Philadelphia Union came a long way Philadelphia Union debut in front of a Goalkeeper Andre Blake was also sensa- league and if they are willing to rebuild the since their start in 2008. Every year, MLS crowd over 35,000 at CenturyLink Field tional this year. He was not acquired during club from the ground up then they will find teams draft top college prospects from all against Seattle Sounders FC. Yaro would go the 2016 MLS Superdraft, but actually two themselves as one of the top MLS teams this over the US. This event is called the “MLS on to appear in 17 matches, starting in 15. years before in 2014. He was the first over- upcoming season. Superdraft.” In past years, the Union has Yaro accumulated 1,327 minutes on the all pick and the only goalkeeper to ever be come up short with their draft picks, with pitch for the Union, with a stretch of seven rated No. 1 overall. Entering the 2016 sea- most of the players being shipped off to consecutive starts that saw the club go 2-1-4 son, the Union had found themselves in a other clubs. This past year was a different with six consecutive positive results. goalkeeper dilemma. They had previously story. Three players in particular made an Right after signing Georgetown’s Joshua traded away both of their starting keepers, impact in the Union’s successful season. Yaro, the Union went on to sign another Zac MacMath to the Colorado Rapids, and The Union had three first round picks, Georgetown defender, Keegan Rosenberry. Rais M’Bolhi to Antalyaspor. The Union which ended up paying big dividends in the Again, this pick did not come as a surprise had to choose from two young keepers, 2016 season. All three of the Union’s picks to Union fans. The Union’s backfield has Andre Blake and John McCarthy, both with were top six overall. been the club’s weakness for the majority of starting potential. At first, McCarthy was The Union’s first pick, No. 2 overall de- their existence. The Union chose Rosenber- looking to secure the starting role for the fender Joshua Yaro, was on the Union’s ry because of his chemistry with college Union, but after a couple poor performances radar leading up to the draft. The Union has teammate, Joshua Yaro. The pair has played Union managers decided to bring in Blake been lacking depth in their backfield and on each other’s side for the past four years for a change. Blake soon found himself were in desperate need for defensive talent. at Georgetown. Rosenberry was signed after outperforming many of the other MLS goal- Defender Keegan Rosenberry So, spending their first pick on the highest Yaro, but had a better season by far. Rosen- keepers week to week. He was named to the (left) shoves an opposing rated defensive prospect did not come as a berry was the focal point of the Union’s MLS Best XI starting as the MLS goalkeep- attacker off the ball. Premier League Update: Can Chelsea hold on? Written by: Kerry Halloran Chelsea looks to make Manchester City midfielder signings this summer and it has been a poor another run at the title, Kevin de Bruyne drills a free showing for the Red Devils so far. After As we near the midpoint just as they did two kick in against Bournemouth. signing big names such as forward Zlatan of the Premier League sea- years ago. Ibrahimovic, midfielder Paul Pogba, and son, a lot of things have Despite many trans- midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, many peo- changed since August. Probably the most fers, Manchester City has largely ple thought they would be a commanding notable change from last season is that remained the same. On paper, they force in the league. Pogba has struggled a Leicester, the 2015-16 Premier League have one of the most talented lot in Manchester and while Mkhitaryan and Champions, are now sitting at 15th place in teams in the league; however, Ibrahimovic have found some success, it’s the league. After a few big signings, Leices- Manchester City manager Pep hard to be successful on a team full of medi- ter looked set to have another great season; Guardiola has continued to strug- ocre players. however, the team struggled to find its foot- gle to adjust the English game and Chelsea has looked very dominating this ing as the stars of last season, Riyad Mahrez style of play. While goalkeeper season, in large part due to their powerhouse and Jamie Vardy, have not been playing at Claudio Bravo may have seemed defense. With the signing of center back their full potential. Despite having 17 game like a fine option months ago, he David Luiz, the Chelsea defense went from appearances, Vardy (a forward) has netted has greatly struggled with Man- good to great and N’Golo Kante made a just five goals. Last season, Vardy managed chester- likely because he is not used to the good addition to the team’s midfield. The in-your-face style of the Premier League. transfer on several mediocre players, so Blues have looked increasingly dangerous to find the back of the net 24 times. This Klopp has not had the chance to sign many year, Liverpool has returned to form and With all of their talent, City looks like they as left winger Eden Hazard continues to find should easily win the league, but Guardiola big names. He has, however, been very his form and forward Diego Costa has truly has struggled to find much smart with buying and selling players, even been world-class this season. If Costa keeps success with his system. though not all of them have turned out to be up this form, he will certainly be a contend- Liverpool manager Jürgen amazing. With midfielder Adam Lallana er for the Premier League Golden Boot (Top Klopp looked like he had an performing at this high of a level, Liverpool Goalscorer). If Chelsea continues playing in impossible task when he first looks like a force to be reckoned with. this form, they look like the favorites to win came to Anfield last year, but Very few changes have happened at Arse- the league. Liverpool has actually been nal and they have been doing slightly worse While this season hasn’t been as surprising turned around. The team isn’t than last year, but it’s not too late to turn as last year’s, fans of the Premier League perfect by any means, but things around. Arsenal still has a long sea- have still been surprised by a lot of perfor- Klopp has definitely im- son ahead of them and if midfielder Mesut mances. Last year’s champions are nearing proved on the former manager Ozil starts performing well, they could find relegation territory and are fresh off of a 3-0 of Anfield, Brendan Rodgers’ themselves threatening other teams once loss to Chelsea. Many of the top teams are method of… wasting the again. Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez has incredibly close in talent and it’s too close Adam Lallana celebrating after club’s money. Rodgers wast- had several good showings and is the heart to call who will be crowned champions in his goal in Liverpool’s 5-1 ed all of the money that the and soul of Arsenal’s success this season. May. victory over Hull City. club made from the Suarez Manchester United made several huge

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 16 As a young child my dream was to As a young high school student I had hair have a pet chicken. past my shoulders and drove a Pontiac ~Mr. Herman~ I can belly dance. I also taught myself how to play GTO. guitar when I was 14 (I forget how to now though). ~Colonel Baldi~ While I was in college, I took 6 classes a semester as a single mom, and worked a part-time job. I was able to graduate with a 3.5 GPA. ~Miss Treivel~

I was exchanged at birth. That day in the I drove from Pennsylvania to Belize, and little country hospital, three children I've sung as part of a Mass at the Vatican. I’ve sailed to Bermuda. I was also a were born: a boy and two girls, both of ~Ms. Patton-McShane~ cheerleader in college. whom happened to have the same name. Fortunately, my mother didn’t ~Mr. Gamble~ think the coloring of the baby she got was likely given our family, and the nurses apologized profusely. The fact that I look very much like my mom and my sister is proof that she was right! ~Mrs. Tavani~

My brother and I have the same birthday on I was voted “Most School Spirit” in high St. Patrick’s Day, but are not twins. school and ran the Philadelphia Marathon. I can speak Latvian! ~Mrs. Dreyer~ ~Mrs. Celotto~ ~Mr. Carucci~

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 17 WRITTEN BY: HAYLEY BARVITSKIE & INDIA KNIGHT ARIES: (March 21 - April 20) LIBRA: (September 24 - October 22) As Venus makes its way into your star chart, you will Your love life, if you have one, will go downhill this continually be unlucky! Your dog will eat your home- month, because the Earth is inching closer to the Sun. work and all your left foot socks will go missing. You’ll In turn, it represents the fiery death of your relation- trip up the stairs on a busy staircase every day this ship. So try to stay away from your partner, and don’t month. However, to your advantage, not everything will eat any hot foods. On the upside, you should get a go wrong. Your secret crush will suddenly ask you out. significant rise in some of your grades, totally not due to hacking. This month: Put on lederhosen every day, and yodel when you hear the This month: Dress in all yellow, and act like a Golden Retriever. bell ring. TAURUS: (April 21 - May 21) SCORPIO: (October 23 - November 21) You will become very clumsy over these next few days due This month your star chart is communicating that your to the Earth slightly rotating off its axis. Wear a helmet and wealth will soon change. Buy lottery tickets or go on a safety pads so you don’t get any broken bones. Your world gameshow. Nevertheless, the excitement of new found view is changing, Taurus. If you once liked surfing, you wealth will bring many troubles with your career, so be will obtain a strong fear of the water. Don’t worry, you’ll careful to be extra nice to your boss. When your boss be back to normal once the Earth is back in alignment. asks you to kiss the floor they walk on, do it! This month: Dress like a Minion and run around chucking This month: Eat the outside of a cookie, and throw bananas at people. away the center. GEMINI: (May 22 - June 21) SAGITTARIUS: (November 22 - December 21) Put on your favorite outfit and make sure your hair is top notch, because this month you are getting discovered. Jupiter is entering your star chart, which for you means that Mars shifting towards your star chart is bringing you your friend group will soon grow. If someone wants to hang stardom. Whether it's with a new record deal or a football out with you and your friends, let them! You may make a contract, you can bet your lucky stars you’ll get some new lifelong best friend. However, Jupiter also predicts a high quality moolah. Be sure to invest your first change in your educational opportunities, so work hard! paycheck in a profitable company because your spending This month: Eat crickets for nutrition. Yum. habits will transform into a strong addiction. This month: Wear a crown or tiara and insist everyone call you by your majesty. CAPRICORN: (December 22 - January 19) Try to relax more! Saturn is moving into your star chart, so CANCER: (June 22 - July 23) anticipate great stress coming into your life. Don’t be sur- Beware of your emotions! With Mercury rotating prised if your binder rings won’t open easily this month. Get quickly into your star chart, all your feelings will be a massage, and treat yo’self. Instead of taking your tests or stirred up and you are likely to experience a lot of quizzes this month, just meditate during them. Wear your situations where you can’t make up your mind. Be PJs to school, so you don’t have to stress out about picking sure to avoid the Hallmark Channel, sad dog commer- out an outfit in the morning. cials that always make people cry, and the candy aisle. This month: Bow and say “namaste” whenever someone starts to talk to This month: Grab the mic at lunch and proclaim your passion for you. Fooditude. AQUARIUS: (January 20 - February 18) LEO: (July 24 - August 23) Pluto’s orbit is closer to the Earth right now, which means You are feeling very carefree recently as a result of Nep- that you will have a cravings for water, stupid ideas, and tune exiting your star chart. You feel at peace with na- Twinkies. You may also be able to speak to animals, but ture and have a sudden urge to practice yoga, and make don’t do it in front of people (to avoid being sent to a men- your own soaps and candles. Do not forget about your tal institution). However, if you do end up in a mental in- duties in this time of harmony Leo; they could really ruin stitution, they give you free snacks that look like Twinkies! the rest of your life. This month: Ride a cow to the supermarket. This month: Get dreadlocks and insist that society is a sham. PISCES: (February 19 - March 20) VIRGO: (August 24 - September 23) Neptune has increased its blue hue, so make sure you bring Love is in the air as Saturn spins directly into your your raincoat, your umbrella, and an extra pair of shorts star chart. You will find your one true love this because Neptune’s hot, rainy, and windy weather is coming month, whether it be a person, a puppy, or the best your way. You will have a literal cloud hanging over you, dang slushie you’ve ever had. With love comes flow- just you. This also means that you will not be happy this ers, which you will become deathly allergic to. Even month, making you an emotional train wreck, good luck. the thought of flowers will make you sneeze and snif- This month: Treat yourself to a new poncho and wear it to fle all over the place, so keep that allergy medication bed. on hand. This month: Walk around town barefoot and claim you’re wearing invisible shoes.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 18 By: Lauren Hoffman & Logan Perrone We all have that one president we think is better than the rest. Whether it be for their looks, political ideologies, or even their cute beard, your favorite national leader says a lot about you as a person. In honor of the presidential inauguration this month, take this quiz to see which Commander-in-Chief best represents your personality.

1) You’re faced with a crisis that may lead 6) How do you feel about the federal banks? to war. What’s the first thing you do? A. I’m a businessman, so money is my “forte.” A. Nuke everything in sight. B. We have far too much debt right now. B. Increase taxes! C. It’s the Treasury’s problem. C. Keep it a secret from all American citizens. D. Make new rules because I can. D. Consult the Secretary of State

2) On a rainy day you like to… 7) What do you think about war? A. Build walls. A. The more the better. I always win. B. Sit in your lovely Texas garden. B. I-raq at fighting wars! C. Constantly tell people you are not a C. I do not like it, but if it will benefit me in the long crook. run, then so be it. D. Cuddle on the couch with a significant D. It’s kinda like arguing with your significant other. other. 8) What is your favorite family-game-night 3) You have a day off in D.C. and decide game? to go out for lunch. Where do you go? A. Risk A. “It’s Gonna Be HUGE” Cafe B. Jenga B. Great Recession Lounge and Bar. C. Clue C. Watergate and Co. Brewery. D. Hedbanz. D. Nighttime Affair Diner.

4) What’s the best drink to have while 9) If you had to choose, which movie would you sitting in Cabinet meetings? watch? A. Orange Fanta soda. A. “The Dictator” B. The tears of our enemies! B. “American Sniper” C. Water. C. “Forrest Gump” D. Chamomile tea. D. “Cowboys and Aliens.”

5) What’s the best way to govern? 10) Are you trustworthy? A. Insult everyone around you, then get bitter A. Nah when they say they don’t like you. B. Yes? B. Engage in an ongoing War on Terror C. Depends if I can get my story right C. Create the biggest scandal in history, then insist it was an accident. D. Survey says: my wife says yes. D. Using a separate email server.

Add up the number of times you choose each letter, and then check your results below! Mostly A’s: Donald Trump is the president for you if you picked mostly A’s. You may find yourself complaining about Congress this election (well, let’s face it, more so than usual), as well as degrading multiple minority groups. Mostly B’s: George W. Bush is your man if you picked mostly B’s. This means you are a truly memorable person --in the sense that you will be- come defined by your misjudgment of most political affairs! Don’t get discouraged though-- you’ll only become a meme for about a year or so. Mostly C’s: Richard Nixon is your man if you picked mostly C’s. You thrive off of misconduct and scandals, and have a disregard for the sta- tus quo! However, you might seriously want to reconsider your personal morals (and take a crash course on proper answering machine technique). Mostly D’s: Bill Clinton is your spirit animal if you chose mostly D’s. You are a player, but everyone adores you. You may have had some per- sonal mistakes in your past, but your friends will only bring it up when absolutely hell-bent on making fun of you. But, do not be fooled; you will even- tually take a backseat to someone significant in your life, and it is imperative that you are there to show support.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 19 ~Quick Catch & Release~ (Acrylic Paint)

~Heavy Metal~

(Acrylic & Ink Paint) ~Trust the Process~ (Scratchboard)

~Thread Count~ (Watercolor & Thread) ~Lawn Mowing 7s~ (Chalk Pastel)

~Water Those~ (Watercolor)

I believe my artwork shows a little about myself. I enjoy making art because it is a different way of connecting people, and also connecting with your inner self. My art work is mostly directed toward myself, family, or inter- ests of mine. Art Major is my favorite art class because it gives me the freedom to work with whatever medium I want. I enjoy using pencil the most, but also I enjoy stitching into canvases which I started this year. I believe it is important to have diversity in whatever you do so I try and do everything. Through my four years in this high school I have taken six art classes. Even though art is a hobby for me, the teachers in the art wing are great and made it a very fun four years of art for me. I’m still narrowing down colleges and would like to study something in the field of science when I attend college.

THE PURPLE PRESS VOLUME 13 ; ISSUE 3 PAGE 20