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The Devil’s Herald
Avon Grove High School, West Grove, Pa.
Friday, February 26, 2016
MR. AVON GROVE
MR. AVON GROVE 2016
Fifteen seniors vie for the annual title
-Photo by Cheyenne Lauesen Andrew Rossi performs stand-up comedy for his talent portion of the show. panel of three judges that were comprised By of Mr. Wimer, Ms. Kravel, and Mr. Ricketts. Cheyenne Lauesen Formal Wear Staff Writer With music of their choice playing in With prom tickets, free tux rental, free flowthe background, the boys strutted their stuff ers and hair-do for his date on the line, the across the stage while sporting their best fifteen seniors of Avon Grove competed for attire. the esteemed title of Mr. Avon Grove. The MC’s read the biography of each Contestants were evaluated during the contestant as they walked across the stage. formal wear, talent, and interview portions on February 17. These fifteen boys faced a
SEE MR. AG PAGE 5
Volume 17 Issue 6
COURSE SELECTION
Course scheduling revamp is geared towards students’ futures By Cassie Billig Staff Writer
As the 2016-2017 school year schedule gets a revamp, so do the opportunities for course scheduling. With many new classes comes a new scheduling system, making it easier for students, teachers, and guidance counselors to create a personalized schedule for each individual. This year, course selection is being done completely online. The students complete their own scheduling process through his or her PowerSchool account. From here, students are able to choose all of their top and alternative electives, languages, and main classes through this tool instead of using the paper selection sheets. “I encourage that students and families sit down together, since you don’t need a parent’s signature anymore, to discuss the best class options for the student,” stated senior guidance counselor Ms. Yucis. The teachers can input their core class recommendations through PowerSchool to students so that it is available to them directly when they go to start scheduling. “There will be an instructional video closer to the scheduling date, which will go through the process and show exactly how PowerSchool will work,” said Ms. Yucis. The entry window for scheduling opens February 25 and stays open until March 11. This is where students can officially go into his or her PowerSchool account and pick
classes for the upcoming year. “The nice thing about this year is that the course selection catalog has particular pathways listed for every single class. So if someone is in a certain pathway, they will know exactly what it pertains to,” explained Ms. Yucis. There are many new classes this year, but some of the same classes’ names and descriptions have changed. It is important that students check the course catalog before selecting their classes to make sure what they want is still applicable. “I think students often take what their friends decide to take and maybe not always what they should be taking,” SEE COURSES PAGE 4
COURSE SELECTION
New English classes to offer specified areas of study By Lauren Patel Staff Writer
With course selection season in full swing, students must carefully select their classes from an array of possibilities for the following school year. In the past, Avon Grove students have only been concerned about what level of English they should take—college prep, honors, or AP—but for next year, students are also faced with the choice of which type of English they would like to take. Four new English classes will be added in the 2016-2017 school year. These classes include Contemporary Literature, Film as Literature, College Writing, and The Art of Persuasion. Contemporary Literature will be similar to the average college prep English, except with a different focus. Students will be reading, analyzing, discussing, and writing about newer and more diverse books, rather than the stereotypical classics. Those who want to be exposed to different kinds of literature might be interested in taking this course. Film as Literature is a class in which students will “read” and
analyze movies in the same way they would a book. English teachers recognize that movies possess some of the same literary qualities books do, and realize that they are worth taking a closer look at as well. College Writing will expose students to the different styles of writing they might encounter in college. In this course, students will learn the differences between MLA, APA, and Chicago writing formats, and will have a heavy focus on research. This class is good for exploring writing for subjects other than English. The Art of Persuasion will focus more intensively on persuasive writing techniques through assignments such as essays, group and team debates, and individual speeches. “What teenager doesn’t want to learn how to be better at arguing?” remarked English teacher Mrs. Buono. These classes are only offered for juniors and seniors. “With these courses, it’s really important to have a strong foundation in English before going into them,” said principal Mr. DeShong, explaining why they
are only offered to certain grade levels. “These courses are very specific, but build off of basic foundational skills that are taught in ninth and tenth grade, and then expanded on in eleventh and twelfth.” Each class is one half credit, so if students do not wish to take the traditional college prep, honors, or AP course, they must choose two of these new classes. However, college prep, honors, and AP English will still be offered and students can take one of the traditional courses and their choice of the new classes as electives, if their schedule permits it. “The English department is really excited that we get to offer more choices to students who may want to focus on studying a more specialized area of the English language,” said Buono. Journalism and Creative Writing will still be offered as electives within the English department, but will not count for any English credits. However, the English classes aren’t the only things that are changing next year. As most know, a new schedule will be introduced as well.
-Photo by Lauren Patel Students who take the Contemporary Literature class will be able to read newer and different books outside of literary classics. With this new schedule, there Even just the introduction of will be longer class periods, and these classes will enhance stutherefore more time for teachers dents preparedness for college. to go in depth with lessons and “Students need to be mindlonger class discussions. This al- ful about what will best help them lows for teachers to teach more with their career path, just like specialized courses. they need to be mindful about “The ability to write, edit your choosing classes in college,” said own writing, and discuss special- Mrs. Buono. ized topics is important for when With this in mind, students must you guys go to college,” said Mr. think carefully about their choices DeShong. for next year.
OPINION PAGE 2
Friday, February 26, 2016
The Devil’s Herald
COURSE SELECTION
Advice for AG students as course selection begins for the 2016-17 school year By Daniela Morales Staff Writer
With only a few months left of school, students are eager to sign up for next year’s classes. But what classes should be taken? The answer varies with interest of the student. Avon Grove High School offers a variety of courses that could help with the career path that they have chosen. A handbook with the courses listed can be found on the Avon Grove High School website. The book gives a brief description of the course, the amount of credits,
and requirements needed to take the course. “Honors English is a class I enjoy. Mr. Wimer teaches my class and it really stimulates creativity and opens me up to new experiences,” senior Yasmin Koudstaal said. “I love English class because I want to be an English teacher; words are my passion. But I also really learn a lot of useful information in Earth and Space Science with Mr. Canby. Literally everything we learn can be applied to life, and it’s important and necessary information. I definitely rec-
ommend that class,” Kitsey Shehan said. If reading and writing are not your thing, there are other classes that can be taken (although an English course is required every year, but it doesn’t have to be honors or AP). “Languages have always been very interesting to me. I want to go to college and study them and so Italian is definitely my favorite class taken at Avon Grove. It will help later on in life with a job that I’m interested in, and it is a course offered up to level four,” Josey Baxter explained.
Some students know off the bat what they want to do in the future, and classes at the school help to prepare them even further by giving them experiences. “Choir has allowed me to make beautiful music with incredible people. I have known for a while that I want to study music therapy, and so choir has really had an impact on me and has even made me more sure of my decision!” Mikala Moorech exclaimed. Avon Grove lets students double up on classes too. If history and science really interests a student, they can take multiple
classes at a time (all depending on their grades and test scores). They have added new classes over the years, so it is important to read over the course selection book so there are no surprises on what the course actually offers. Some classes that you didn’t want to take may end up being your favorite. Branching out could help you decide what path is right for your future. The guidance counselor could help with any confusion; it’s just a meeting away.
Opinion
Opinion content in The Devil’s Herald expresses the singular view of the writer. The Devil’s Herald invites letters to the editor. Please email Mr. Gregory (
[email protected]).
HIGH SCHOOL LIFE
Avon Grove evaluates true meaning of happiness
loves life, uses mistakes as a catalyst for growth, tells the person they love that they love them, and makes the best out of bad situations. The best way to find this person is to become your ideal person, then Sit back and think about your life for a couple sec- love can grow from yourself to others,” said Bailey. As highschoolers, the most precious time to diconds. A couple seconds is all you need to identify and adjust what it is in your life that you think makes tate your life is now. “I know I am human and there will be moments of you a happier, better person. jealousy, anger, and disgust at myself, but these emoEvery morning, I wake up and I decide if I am going to play Bon Iver or Sublime. In other words, tions are only temporary if I allow them to be,” Bailey continued. is today going “I think to be a good p e o p l e day or is today should feel going to be a more confibad day is the dent about ultimate referthe person endum for me. they are. Growing up They have is a tricky proto know cess. As one that what develops, he/ m a k e s she will learn them hapthe tips and py comes tricks to makfirst and it ing the days go should nevby. However, er come this process second,” is harder for senior Marsome rather ty Hayburn than others. said. ”Don’t This is where let other the whole conpeople tell cept of self reyou what’s flection comes right or into play and wrong; just you realize make the that life is what decisions you choose that you to make it, think are and hopefully the best for you choose to you.” make it a good As teenone. agers, we Everyone are inexhas their probperienced, lems, and to helplessly sit back and -Photo by Carli Hunter vulnerable, think that what you’re Marty Hayburn, Madelin Hollingsworth, Lauren Bailey, and Max Henry are some of and we take personally go- Avon Grove’s happiest clan. Together, they shine their brightness on the halls of AG. everything way too far. ing through is However, as teenagers we have the power to see somehow worse than what everyone else may be experiencing, can be naive of you. Take that as a the good in bad, and to make the best out of a bad blessing in disguise; yes you may have your hard- situation. We have the power to shape and form our lives. ships, but no you don’t have it the worst. Life is too short to waste it worrying about who “If you’re going to spend your whole life with yourself make sure it’s with someone who you want to said or did what. Be your own role model.
By Carli Hunter Staff Writer
love. Loving yourself comes from finding who you want to be with when you first wake up and when you go to sleep,” said senior Lauren Bailey. ”I want to spend my days with someone who
AG COMMUNITY
World needs communication, but fears its storytellers By Emily Lytle Senior Editor
Only 27% of Americans trust journalists. They offer directions in a world where nuclear threats loom, racism haunts, tragedy strikes, and hope winks from beneath the rubble; yet the Gallup Poll reported that the general public refuses to believe that these reporters defend their duty to tell the truth. That seems strikingly contradictory. It is true that journalists yield a lot of power. They are granted the terrifying and honorable job of channeling the stories of the world to the television screens, newspapers, magazines, or mobile devices, of ordinary citizens. These citizens can, then, make knowledgeable decisions and opinions as they weave in and out of the confusion called life. “Getting the facts right is key not just for your audience and the people involved in the story, but also for your credibility,” said Nick Ciletti, anchor at ABC15 in Phoenix, Arizona, and Avon Grove alum. And that credibility starts now. As anchor, your role is to be the face and voice of the station, and that both motivates and intimidates me, as I—like many high school seniors—attempt to envision myself in the shoes of people like Nick Ciletti. “It’s also a great feeling when you can open someone’s mind,” Ciletti said of his role as a broadcast journalist. “Did you walk away learning something? Do you look at something a little differently than you did before? Did you at least walk away thinking?” In the first stages of developing my own journalistic vision, I assumed the motto of objectivity and viewed bias as my biggest enemy, but that leading light soon dimmed to a soft glow, providing only a silhouette of what it means to be a journalist.
“Most people talk about objectivity (which is perceived as the ideal virtue of the journalist) versus subjectivity (which is seen as the ultimate sin). But neither term is useful,” Mike Chalmers, former journalist for The News Journal, said. For example,Chalmers continued, to cover a two-hour student council meeting the journalist would be asked “to be subjective—and decide what’s the most important part of the meeting,” as opposed to reciting the meeting objectively word for word. That’s when I understood that the journalist’s judgment should not be antagonized, but instead respected as a vital element in delivering the news in a way that an audience with an eight-second attention span wants to hear it. Unfortunately, it is also true that some journalists make bad decisions. They choose to abuse this privilege of being the world’s storyteller, and they slide a deceiving lens over their reports. These low-level reporters will make assumptions, resist fact-checking, and rarely admit that what they reported was wrong. “When journalists get it wrong, the public should call them on it, and the journalist should set the record straight,” Chalmers explained the checks and balances of journalism. With smaller media outlets, like Twitter, Chalmers said, other journalists and your average news consumers can easily participate in this relationship that keeps storytelling alive and accurate. In the end, journalists know they are only reporting on “the best version of reality that’s available to them.” However, fear encapsulates and pressures viewers to generalize all reporters as self-serving and biased. Once, I was even told that journalists were “evil.” “The vast majority of reporters I knew and worked with tried very hard to be responsible with their stories, tried to be honest and SEE JOURNALISM PAGE 5
Upcoming Events
First Day of Daylight Spring Sports Savings Monday, March 7 Begins
Tri-M First Day of Coffee House Spring Tuesday, March 15
Saturday, March 20
Sunday, March 13 at 2:00a.m.
Friday, February 26, 2016
HIGH SCHOOL LIFE
AG Life
Page 3
“The Fortunate Twelve” learn the art of movable type at WCU’s Aralia Press By Lauren Davis Staff Writer
On a Friday, twelve shivering Creative Writing students hustled into Aralia Press. One could compare it to the seven children entering Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for the first time. Everyone was eager to see inside. Aralia Press is a small room located inside the Francis Harvey Green Library on the West Chester University campus. Here, the students met Mike Peich, founder of Aralia Press and former professor at West Chester University. Peich taught the students the history of printing. Prior to the trip, students composed a collection of original twoline aphorisms. Aphorisms are general truths with a witty and clever twist. These aphorisms were arranged and printed by the group with Peich’s assistance at Aralia Press. The final result was a sheet of paper titled, “The Fortunate Twelve.” The title was inspired by the twelve students’ bus ride to Aralia Press, where the students devoured a bag filled with fortune cookies. Aralia Press specializes in mov-
HIGH SCHOOL LIFE
able type printing. This is what Mr. Wimer’s Creative Writing students learned about. To start, one needs a composing stick and a lot of tiny metal pieces. These pieces have letters on them, which are arranged upside down on the composing stick. Once one finishes arranging their text on the composing stick, the text is binded together. The bundles of text are then arranged onto the printing press. Once the first sheet is printed, one needs to proof the text and make changes if necessary. Mr. Wimer’s group found a few mistakes in their first paper, including backwards C’s and an unnecessary A. “Then after everything has been proofed, the actual printing begins, and that takes quite a bit of time. Once the printing is complete, the sheets are sent to a bookbinder who binds the sheets by hand. It’s a long process that requires focused, careful attention to detail,” explained Peich. Overwhelmed? Believe it or not, at one point of time this was how books were made. Nowadays, everything is digital; from the text arrangement to the novel cover. In 1983, Mike Peich, established Aralia Press in a library on the West Chester University cam-
pus. He had three goals for the press: to promote poetry, teach the basics of poetry creation, and to link poetry to text design. “Just like a poet has to master traditional craft to create a poem, or a painter has to master traditional painting to create a canvas, a designer has to be aware of the history of her craft in order to develop a unique sense of design that is her own,” explained Peich. The press was open to all the students enrolled in the classes Peich taught. These classes were popular, and filled quickly. “Students had the option of taking two undergraduate classes in which they learned about the history of the book, and then put their knowledge to work by making a small chapbook of their own, and assisting me in the creation of an Aralia Press title,” said Peich. “Graduate students also studied the history of the book and created a chapbook. The students also did research on the history of the book and were required to create a research paper based on their discoveries.” So how did Aralia Press receive its name? “Aralia is derived from the aralia plant, a plant my wife grew some years ago,” explained Peich. “Its leaves are delicate and
-Courtesy of Mr. Wimer At Aralia Press, students crafted a unique collection of aphorisms. attractive, and they represent the kind of books I wanted to make— books that would give pleasure to the reader,” admitted Peich. “Plus I wanted to have my wife’s involvement in the press since she had been so supportive of me in my book and printing studies,” said Peich. Occasionally, now that he is retired, Peich will work with a student who is interested in learn-
ing about the printing process. If someone wanted to make a book, they would have to work with him directly to learn the basics of printing. As of now, Peich doesn’t know what the future holds for Aralia Press, but he continues to make books and promote the art of poetry.
AG celebrates love through fundraising By Katie Malone Staff Writer
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romantic love, but Avon Grove took this as an opportunity to give back. This past Valentine’s Day, Avon Grove clubs sold flowers and stuffed animals to raise money that goes back to the school. The Leo Club sold teddy bears during the second week of February. According to club president Chris Arencibia, all of the proceeds went to Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore “which is an organization that provides services to people with disabilities.”
AG CLUBS
Arencibia also mentioned that the club completely sold out of the animals creating maximum profit and spreading maximum love. Student Council sold carnations during the same week for one dollar each or three for two dollars. The flowers included a personalized message and delivery during first period. The flowers came in a variety of colors, from yellow to pink, which actually symbolizes the relationship between the giver and recipient. According to TeleFlora.com, pink flowers convey youth and innocence, but dark red flowers are a symbol of serious love. Yellow flowers often indicate friendship, while purple are used to celebrate
success. Young couples sent each other flowers, but it wasn’t limited to romantic love. Best friends, favorite teachers, and even class acquaintances all received a special flower this year. The importance of friends celebrating each other was especially emphasized through a new tradition, Galentine’s Day. Deriving it’s name from a slang term for girl, gal, this holiday aims to help young women celebrate their friendships. Celebrated on February 13, females got together to show just how much they appreciate each other. “This date is about celebrating all of the different types of love present in a person’s life,” Kris-
-Photo By Katie Malone Flyers like this one were posted all around the school to encourage students to buy teddy bears. ten Reece said about her appre- lieves that “the ladies you love beciation for Galentine’s Day. She cause you encourage and support spent that Saturday at the mall one another” are the ones worth with her close friends, and be- celebrating.
P.E.A.C.E. Club embraces Black History By Kaitlyn Morrison Staff Writer
One teenager, a black rights’ activist, refused to stand up on March 2, 1955, when a white man demanded her seat. She influenced Black History Month in a tremendous way, carving a path for many other activists like Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcolm X. She ended up getting thrown in jail for her actions and made so the major laws for segregation on buses changed. Who was this woman? A then fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin. P.E.A.C.E, which stands for
Pursuing Equality and Achieving Change through Education, is exactly what this club aims to do. They spread awareness for important topics in the community like Black History or LGBT through creative posters and events. The leaders of the group, Carly Beehler and Katie Malone, are the main forces behind this club. This February, the -Photo by Kaitlyn Morrison Avon Grove P.E.A.C.E. Club celebrated Black Club member Mary Lennon finishes a poster celebrating MLK History Month by cele- Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
brating famous African Americans and how they have changed history in so many ways. This year they provided daily facts on the announcements and buttons like they did last year. They hopedto be adding a premiere of the movie Selma for the members on March 25. The members and leaders of the club looked forward to a large turnout. “I hope that people are listening to
daily facts and recognizing the importance of diversity,” stated P.E.A.C.E. Club leader Katie Malone. The most important part of the month, as believed by the club, is the ability to raise awareness for all of the causes and minor issues they may have faced. “There was lots of emphasis on it when we were younger,” said Malone, “but it gets lost in translation as we get older.” By having celebrated Black History Month in such a way, P.E.A.C.E. Club is able to bring the important accomplishments of the African American s to light.
NEWS PAGE 4
Friday, February 26, 2016
The Devil’s Herald
THE RACE IS ON Clinton and Cruz win Iowa, while Sanders
ELECTION 2016
and Trump blow away the competiton in NH By Vincent Garguilo Staff Writer
The preidential election has been a back and forth battle for both parties. With two election days and two different winners (as of February 15) citizens can expect a lot in the nine months that are left until election day. The Iowa caucus has foreshadowed just how close this election might be. In the Democratic Party race,
former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton edged U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders 49.9% to 49.6%. For the Republican Party, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz took the win with 27.6% of the vote. The runner up was none other than businessman Donald Trump with 24.3%. New Hampshire showed something different for both parties. The results displayed different winners and landslide victories. For the Democratic Party,
Sanders won a sizeable victory over Clinton by earning over 60% of the vote, while Trump held off Ohio Governor John Kasich 35% to 15%. The difference between the two elections is that Iowa was a caucus and New Hampshire was a primary election. A caucus is when voters gather to decide which candidates to support and select delegates for nominating conventions. A delegate is a person sent to represent others. In a primary election, voters
cast their votes for a candidate in secrecy and these votes are statewide. The primary results are used to determine the configuration of delegates at the national convention of each party. The results of the caucus are used to determine the amount of delegates that are allowed at national, state, and county nominating conventions for each party according to FactCheck.com. With the results from the first two states, rumors have been surfacing that the parties might expe-
rience a brokered convention. A brokered convention is when no single candidate has secured a preexisting majority of delegates. In this situation the nomination is decided through a process of political horse trading (bargaining to decide equal concessions by both sides in a dispute) and additional revotes.
UPCOMING PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES
February 27 March 8 South Carolina (Democrat only) Hawaii (Republican only), Idaho, Michigan, March 1 “Super Tuesday” Mississippi Alabama, Alaska (Republican only), March 12 American Samoa, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia (Republican only) Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, OklaMarch 15 homa, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, March 5 Ohio Kansas, Kentucky (Republican only), LouMarch 22 isiana, Maine (Republican only), and NeArizona, Idaho (Democrat only), Utah braska (Democrat only) March 26 March 6 Alaska (Democrat only), Hawaii (Democrat Maine (Democrat only) and Puerto Rico only), Washington (Democrat only)
*Information from The New York Times
HIGH SCHOOL LIFE
COURSE SELECTION
Spring fling Students focus on futures dance hopes to with new course bring unity to AG selection process By Gabby Pino Staff Writer
Picking out a dress, setting up picture plans with your friends, and dancing all night with your peers is usually something only experienced once or twice a year. The student cabinet at Avon Grove wants every student to relive the feeling of happiness and unity that comes with dances by hosting a Spring Fling this March. On Friday, March 18, Avon Grove will be hosting a dance in the school gymnasium. “We really just wanted a community event since our last big one is homecoming,” said sophomore Vice President Kristen Reece. The dance will start at 7:00p.m. that Friday night. Ticket prices should be similar to homecoming, ranging between five and ten dollars. Students attending the dance should also be expected to dress fancy-casual. “If you have any difficulty figuring out what to wear, a lot of etiquette websites can help you decide,” advised Reece. This dance will also be very different than past homecomings.
The cabinet is in the process of recruiting local DJs in the area and having a “Battle of the DJs.” Prospective DJs will be auditioning for the cabinets in hope of being one of the DJs to battle it out. At the end of the dance, students will vote for the best DJ and the winner will receive a cash prize. Food trucks will also be placed outside for students who want to grab a quick snack in between songs. The different classes will also be outside selling drinks to raise money. An interesting idea being set up by the cabinet is a selfie booth. Selfie sticks will be provided so that students can take more pictures and not have to pay the high expenses that a photobooth would require. The dance should go off without a hitch, if enough students buy tickets. “We just need enough kids to buy tickets to pay for the DJ and food trucks,” said Reece. The money left over after covering all expenses will be split up between the classes.
COURSES FROM PAGE 1 explained Ms. Yucis. Many other seniors also believe that you have to make your own path instead of following what other people, whether they are peers or parents, want someone to do. “Take classes that you think you’ll enjoy instead of the ones that your parents or friends want you to take,” said senior Emma Beck. Many people also recommend that students continue to take classes that are interesting to them, not just because they’re challenging classes. “You should take classes that you are actually interested in, or think that you’re interested in, but not just because they’re AP courses or because you could get credit for them,” explained senior Hailey Maxwell. Although challenging courses can seem like a good idea, it may be stressful or too much to handle in the future. Ms. Yucis recommends finding a balance of school time and other activities. “Take challenging courses, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Juniors typically want to take the hardest classes, but when they get to senior year, they become
very stressed. Everyone knows that junior year is really important, but you can’t bog yourself down with all challenging courses. You have to take into account how much time you can spend outside of school doing this work,” stated Ms. Yucis. Seniors also had recommendations for classes that they think are most worthwhile and beneficial to take while still in high school. “Keyboarding is one of the most useful electives that I have ever taken throughout my high school career. I definitely think that everyone should try and take this class just because it improves your typing skills,” said senior Dan Hazewski. Students also have the opportunity to double up on subject specific classes, which can be a major advantage for students in the future. “I think that doubling up on classes can be a really good opportunity if you’re really interested in the subject because if you double up on a science, you have the option to not take it your senior year, plus you’re ahead of everyone else,” said senior Carlie Banter. Avon Grove also gives students
the opportunity to participate in multiple things such as Dual Enrollment, which is where students are able to go to the Delaware County Community College Pennocks Bridge Campus and take courses there. Students should speak with his or her guidance counselor to find more information about the opportunities they can have in the future. “I recommend doing Dual Enrollment because then you can use those classes you’ve already taken and transfer them over to some colleges, which is a lot cheaper and you get to be ahead your freshmen year of college,” explained senior Morgan Whiteside. Guidance counselors are available by scheduling a meeting and it is typically beneficial to get to know them over time so that they can help students plan their future effectively. “Meeting with counselors is a really important part of the course scheduling process. They’re there to help students and want the best for you in the future. Everyone should utilize them more,” said senior Lexie Dixson.
SPORTS / NEWS PAGE 5
GIRLS LACROSSE
Caldwell steps up for girls lacrosse team By Aimee Feuda Staff Writer
It was two months before spring sports were supposed to begin and the girls lacrosse team was coachless. Luckily for them, Tom Caldwell made the choice to apply for head coach. Athletic and activities director Ms. Robtison recently explained what it took to be accepted for the position. She was looking for someone who is “knowledgeable,” “believes in positive communication,” “a motivator,” and is “going to provide out-of-season opportunities.” Caldwell met all of these requirements and even had a background with the team since he was an assistant last season. He has also been playing lacrosse since the third grade and -Photo by Aimee Feuda “has picked up a lot of useful Caldwell stands in front of a lacrosse skills that will translate well into net after coaching the AG girls at USTC the girls’ game.” for a winter indoor team. His plan for the season to make crosse in college. Coach Caldwell it a successful one is to make hopes to see leadership stem sure everyone has “one hundred from them to the younger grades. percent effort as soon as the playPassion could be what changers step on the field, whether it be es the upcoming season to have a game or a practice.” a record that brings the team to Some areas of improvement districts for the first time in three Caldwell would like is to see more years. of a team effort overall, and a “I can make a difference,” said change from having only individCaldwell. He hopes to make evuals score goals in the offensive eryone a better player each day. end. When asked why he wants to Last season the girls had a recoach the team, he responded cord of 2-14. This season the first with a big smile. “They’re a bunch game will be on March 24. of goofballs with a lot of talent on They also have three seniors the team.” who are committed to playing la-
MR. AVON GROVE
Friday, February 26, 2016
The Devil’s Herald
WRESTLING
Wrestling team wraps up season against Downingtown West By Sean Goodwin Staff Writer The wrestling team hosted Downingtown West for Senior Night on February 10. Downingtown West won by a final score of 56-15, leaving Avon Grove with record of 7-15. The team was led by seniors Grant Boyd, Vincent Walls, Joseph Moran and Chris Castaneda. All four of them played a big part in the success of the team throughout the season. “They are our support and role models. You have to go through a harsh three month season and the seniors were there, keeping the air in the training room light. They inspired us to always try our best, no matter how high the odds are stacked against us,” said junior Robert Beatty. The seniors impacted everyone on the team. “They are very good at encouraging others and pushing us as a team,” said junior Brayden Peck. Vincent Walls finished with a 27-2 record during the regular The team captains posing for a picture. season which placed him 14th The group will be led by many overall in the Ches-Mont League. The team finished 0-5 in league different individuals including junior Brayden Peck. play. “I think it is something I am The future is very bright for the team as they have 11 freshmen, 9 looking forward to, but for right sophomores and 8 juniors on the now I am taking it one step at a roster, according to Pa-Wrestling. time and trying to get better at the sport because I haven’t been com.
AG COMMUNITY
-Photo courtesy of Mike Neils around it very long,” said Peck on being a leader next season. The season ended on February 20 as the team competed in the Ches-Mont Championships which took place at West Chester Rustin High School (too late for press time).
Senior boys pull out their Respect for journalists inner pageant queen MR. AG FROM PAGE 1 Chris Arencibia dressed in a pair of black pants and blazer with a blue button-up and a purple bow tie. Andrew Rossi and Peter Marino pulled several laughs with their corresponding Mr. Columbia and Mr. Philippines outfits. Joe Moran’s Red Devil costume was “perfection” and “onpoint” according to sophomore Jessica Sides. “The way he came out with outstretched arms reminded me of the Titanic,” she said. Talent Each contestant put together a talent act that ranged from singing or dancing to stand-up comedy. Joe Moran did a dance while wearing a white “Vote for Pedro” t-shirt. Dylan Black performed a ribbon dance with rainbow ribbons in his USA themed outfit. Eddy Kiesel performed an excerpt from his “original Broadway musical” written about his life. Andrew Rossi’s stand-up comedy show had sophomore Natalie Cressman cachinnating in her seat. “I was surprised by the amount of talent of our Avon Grove High School senior boys,” said Mr. Ricketts, “and some students who are usually pretty reserved came out and were very outgoing tonight.” Interview Each boy was asked two questions. The first was different for each contestant. The second re-
mained the same, “Why should you be Mr. Avon Grove?” Some of the questions included “If one color was going to represent you, what would it be and why?” or “If you could get rid of one emotion, what would it be and why?” Questions also included “If your name appeared on the headlines tomorrow, what would it say?” and “If you were to be sent to jail, what would it be for?” Staying in character, Andrew Rossi had one of Avon Grove’s Spanish teachers translate his answers, both of which were completely answered in Spanish. Sophomore Megan Kveragas’ favorite question was, “If you could join any organization in the world, what would it be and why?” Final Results There were four awards given out. The first was Mr. Congeniality. This award was voted on by the
contestants and given to the boy who the others thought was the best to work with. Henry Buchanan received this award. Third place was given to Andrew Rossi for his entertaining talent performance. Second place was awarded to Ryan Guckin because of his great performance and his consistency with his performances, according to Ms. Kravel. Anthony Grider won first place and the title of Mr. Avon Grove. Mr. Wimer said that he scored Grider the way that he did because he was “hamming it up” during the group dance, his “ace in the hole” of a talent especially when he brought back Mr. Prescott, and that he was unique and had really good stage presence. His interview questions were answered gracefully and his shoutout to the Sewing Club “made him seem like a pretty positive candidate.”
-Photo by Cheyenne Lauesen Anthony Grider waves at the audience after winning the Mr. Avon Grove Pageant.
JOURNALISM FROM PAGE 2 complete, tried to deal fairly with people,” Chalmers testified. Befuddled, I find myself wanting to defend journalists, but didn’t know where to start. Part of the blame for defaming journalism, I learned, can fall upon the big name corporations. In the recently released movie Truth about a historical 60 Minutes report on George W. Bush and his military service, anchor Dan Rather and producer Mary Mapes were forced to abandon their positions. Why? Although a panel of investigators determined that the 60 Minutes report showed no political bias as other news stations and viewers had claimed, CBS worried more about the reputation of their company than the journalistic ethics that their reporters upheld. After watching Truth, my blood boiled. The company, respected for its thorough and ground-breaking news, turned its back on the journalists and, instead, supported the 30% of Americans who suspect all reporters are corrupt. Why would you trust journalists when even their employers do not? While “it is perfectly healthy for the audience and other journalists to challenge what they see,” as Ciletti put it, unfounded distrust can be dangerous. When influential institutions like CBS choose plurality over accuracy, the politics of journalism thickens and
threatens to swallow what is left of journalistic integrity. This may well be the reason behind the popularity of conspicuously biased media. Sources like The Huffington Post, glaringly leaning to the left, and Fox News, indisputably conservative, confuse viewers about the purpose of journalism. “As journalists, we have the ability to give someone a voice that may not have been heard before,” Ciletti described. The role of the journalist is to amplify that voice, not distort it. “The problem is that too many people consider commentators like those on TV to be ‘journalists.’ They’re not. They’re paid to have opinions and express them,” Mike Chalmers explained. This ignorance is how the credibility of journalism degenerates. Therefore, I urge you to be a conscious viewer. Just as journalists strive to be objective, the relationship is mutual: respect them as professionals. Challenge them if you spot inaccuracies, but, overall, trust them. They are human beings with an immense amount of pressure to get it right and get it off the press and in your hands or on your television screen. They are communicators, and they are storytellers. “Journalism has changed so much in recent years, but I still believe we have the potential to really impact people’s lives,” Ciletti said.
