Senior Issue Distributed
By Karla Erdman, adviser
June 1, 2012
The senior issue of The Freedom Forum was distributed to all graduates this morning at the first graduation practice at Freedom High School.
The Forum editors and staff congratulate all graduates.
Graduation will be held on Tues., June 5 at 7 p.m. at Stabler Arena. Tickets are needed in order to attend the ceremony.
Correction in the Senior Issue:
Shana Peterson is incorrectly listed as the NHS vice-president. Peterson was an officer of NHS for 2011/12 school year; however, she held the position of secretary. Luisa Marin held the vice-president position of NHS for the 2011/12 school year.
June 1, 2012
The senior issue of The Freedom Forum was distributed to all graduates this morning at the first graduation practice at Freedom High School.
The Forum editors and staff congratulate all graduates.
Graduation will be held on Tues., June 5 at 7 p.m. at Stabler Arena. Tickets are needed in order to attend the ceremony.
Correction in the Senior Issue:
Shana Peterson is incorrectly listed as the NHS vice-president. Peterson was an officer of NHS for 2011/12 school year; however, she held the position of secretary. Luisa Marin held the vice-president position of NHS for the 2011/12 school year.
High School Students: Pick up a Book and Put Down the Remote!
By Andrea Miller
June 1, 2012 To be able to come home from school, plop down on the sofa, and click on the television with a simple remote and watch mindless sitcoms does not sound like a half-bad idea to any teenager. After a few hours of schooling, why would they want to put their minds under any more intellectual pressure? These average teenage children do not think of the benefits of seemingly educational activities, especially that of reading. Students who read widely and frequently are higher achievers than students who read rarely and narrowly. In childhood, they learn an average of 4,000 to 12,000 new words each year as a result of book reading, and as they continue to grow, reading never ceases to be an important activity. Reading helps the cultivation of imaginations, whereas the constant playing of video games does nothing for the development of analytical and intellectual skills. It is dire that high school students read more frequently and of texts that can challenge their abilities. High school English teachers highly recommend the hobby of reading for numerous reasons; it can bring you a form of travel without having to buy a plane ticket, and it can higher your levels of understanding, resulting in benefits that can last a lifetime. “Why read? Well, I’ve been a voracious reader since first grade. One reason to read is to learn cool words like ‘voracious.’ But without reading, I can’t imagine who I would be. By reading, I’ve traveled to Mars; I’ve lived in Morocco; and I’ve walked the streets of Victorian England. Without books, I ‘d scarcely know what it means to be human, and I’d be largely ignorant of what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes – including a poor child in Calcutta. Reading is my life,” said David Kleist, an English teacher at Freedom High School. Reading takes people on adventures and at the very same time stimulates their minds in a way that it cannot be with technological advances. It is important for students to read all they can, including magazines and newspapers. Students who do this regularly for enjoyment also tend to be better readers than those who do not. In recent years literacy rates in the U.S. have plummeted. Forecasters have predicted that if static literacy levels continue, then by 2030 the entire Literacy Level distribution of the U.S. population will have decreased, creating an American workforce that is unequipped and unskilled to work in the demanding global market. If students were to lose themselves in a novel as opposed to movie, then the literacy rate of America can start to slowly make its way back up to par. This can only be successful if high school students take use of a library card rather than a television remote when they return home from school. Sources: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/top-reading_n_1373680.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/18/12th-grade-reading-scores_n_785442.html?1332530428 http://www.scholastic.com/readeveryday/facts.htm ( The Annie E. Casey Foundation ) (Educational Testing Service) ( Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ) (Scholastic: Classroom Libraries Work!) |
Is the Death Penalty Right?
By Matthew Kluska
June 1, 2012 Imagine being strapped to a chair, your family watching through a glass window; they see you, but you cannot see them. Officers ask for your final words, and with that they administer a drug that ends your life. Your eyes shut and you slip away from life. That is what is happening when criminals are facing their death after committing a crime. The death penalty is currently making the headlines in the Lehigh Valley, Pa. George Hitcho Jr. was sentenced to death for killing police officer Robert Lasso in 2011. But, is the death penalty the right thing to do? Currently 35 of the 50 states have the death penalty. Since 1976 there have been 1226 executions. The average cost for 1 death penalty case is $2.4 million. That is a lot of money that could be going somewhere else. The price to keep criminals in jail for the rest of their lives is cheaper than putting them to death. “It is a tough thing to comment on...As for George Hitcho, I think he will not be put to death, but [will] sit on death row until he dies of natural causes. It takes too long for them to get the appeals done,” said Officer Jeremy Anderson, resource officer at Freedom High School. According to the website deathpenaltyinfo.org, since January 1, 2012, 3,189 people are sitting on death row. The truth is that many will die of natural causes and will not get what they are sentence. Additionally, death row cells cost more because of better and more security. “Taxpayer money is what funds the death penalty,” said Officer Anderson. In the end, it takes too long to put the convicts to death, and it costs the public too much money. For these reasons alone, the death penalty should be abolished from the United States. |
And the Freddy Goes to...
"Thoroughly Modern Millie" actors during the production's jail scene. Photo By: Willem Ytsma
Written By: Zachary Ward, Managing Editor of Digital Media and Mrs. Karla Erdman, Advisor
May 25, 2012
Thirty-five percent on a test is failing, however, 35 percent at the Freddy Awards is winning.
The “Year of Greatness” continued Thursday night with Freedom High School’s Theatre Company being highly recognized for its production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
Out of 17 nominations, the highest any school has ever received, Freedom walked away with 6, including the top award of Best Overall Production.
“It was an amazing night. I was so proud of our kids, both as performers and people,” said Ms. Jennifer Wescoe, Freedom High School Theatre Company director.
In addition, Hannah Arnold won best performance by a lead actress for her role as Millie Dillmount.
“She’s an actress that takes direction extremely well and is helpful to all members of the cast and crew,” said Ms. Gail Nagy, FHS English teacher, who assists with the company’s productions.
Last year Freedom was nominated for 16 awards and won none of them. This year turned out to be a year of redemption, as Freedom captured the most nominations and actual awards.
“It was nice to see that the committee involved with choosing the winners recognized the talent and hard work of Freedom High School’s Theatre Company. The kids are very deserving of the awards. In fact, they probably should have won even more,” said Mr. Michael DiBilio, assistant principal.
Freddy Awards List:
Overall production: Freedom, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Performance by a lead actress: Hannah Arnold, Millie Dillmount, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Freedom
Production number: "The Speed Test," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Freedom
Chorus: Freedom, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Lighting: Freedom, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Costumes: Freedom, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
For more information go to Lehigh Valley Live
FHSTC Grabs Astounding 17 Freddy Nominations
Written By: Zachary Ward, Managing Editor of Digital Media
May 11, 2012
Channel 69 announced the yearly nominees for the Freddy Awards on May 10, 2012 ; a prestigious awards ceremony to honor the thespians from 29 local schools. Freedom paved the way by grabbing a school-record 17 nominations and for beating out other powerhouses by a five nomination tally. Make sure to note that the awards ceremony itself will take place on May 24 at the State Theatre in Easton. Hats off to FHSTC on a prolific year and best of luck in the upcoming weeks.
May 11, 2012
Channel 69 announced the yearly nominees for the Freddy Awards on May 10, 2012 ; a prestigious awards ceremony to honor the thespians from 29 local schools. Freedom paved the way by grabbing a school-record 17 nominations and for beating out other powerhouses by a five nomination tally. Make sure to note that the awards ceremony itself will take place on May 24 at the State Theatre in Easton. Hats off to FHSTC on a prolific year and best of luck in the upcoming weeks.
Year of Greatness Ends with
the Most Important Day of the Year
Written by: Jordan Lewis
May 9, 2012
Graduation is the most important day for a senior.
Freedom High School’s graduation will take place on June 5 at Stabler Arena.
Nobody really knows how much work, time, and effort goes into setting up for this important day.
Mr. Bryan Callahan and Mr. Joseph Stellato, health and physical education teachers, are in charge of making sure that graduation runs smoothly. They help with rehearsal, the seating order of the seniors, how they walk in and walk out, where they stand and how the kids are supposed to act on this important day. Most importantly they are in charge of the timing because 10 seconds off can make a big difference.
“Rehearsal is much needed because you spend 12 years in school and want this day to go right,” said Mr. Callahan.
Ms. Jennifer Wescoe, English teacher and advisor for the FHS Theatre Company and SADD, has the task to work on student speech presentations. The speakers read their speeches to her, and she helps them speak clearly and properly.
Additionally, SADD puts messages about Teen Safety Driving every year in the diplomas.
Ms. Anna Marmaros works with senior speakers and picks a theme. She has multiple rehearsals and revisions to make it perfect. During rehearsals, Ms. Marmaros makes sure all students are present, and she passes out caps and gowns.
Mrs. Terry Jacobs, a secretary in the main office, is responsible for putting the program together, and she makes sure that everyone is seated properly on stage. She makes sure Mr. Michael LaPorta, principal, has his book at the podium to keep him organized. Mrs. Jacobs works together with Mrs. Joanne Carraghan, another secretary in the main office, to get the diplomas ready and have the names and awards on them.
“It’s like preparing for a wedding. You have to make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i’s,” said Mrs. Jacobs.
With all these wonderful people coming together and many more, let’s hope Freedom can end the year of greatness with the best graduation in Freedom High School’s history.
May 9, 2012
Graduation is the most important day for a senior.
Freedom High School’s graduation will take place on June 5 at Stabler Arena.
Nobody really knows how much work, time, and effort goes into setting up for this important day.
Mr. Bryan Callahan and Mr. Joseph Stellato, health and physical education teachers, are in charge of making sure that graduation runs smoothly. They help with rehearsal, the seating order of the seniors, how they walk in and walk out, where they stand and how the kids are supposed to act on this important day. Most importantly they are in charge of the timing because 10 seconds off can make a big difference.
“Rehearsal is much needed because you spend 12 years in school and want this day to go right,” said Mr. Callahan.
Ms. Jennifer Wescoe, English teacher and advisor for the FHS Theatre Company and SADD, has the task to work on student speech presentations. The speakers read their speeches to her, and she helps them speak clearly and properly.
Additionally, SADD puts messages about Teen Safety Driving every year in the diplomas.
Ms. Anna Marmaros works with senior speakers and picks a theme. She has multiple rehearsals and revisions to make it perfect. During rehearsals, Ms. Marmaros makes sure all students are present, and she passes out caps and gowns.
Mrs. Terry Jacobs, a secretary in the main office, is responsible for putting the program together, and she makes sure that everyone is seated properly on stage. She makes sure Mr. Michael LaPorta, principal, has his book at the podium to keep him organized. Mrs. Jacobs works together with Mrs. Joanne Carraghan, another secretary in the main office, to get the diplomas ready and have the names and awards on them.
“It’s like preparing for a wedding. You have to make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i’s,” said Mrs. Jacobs.
With all these wonderful people coming together and many more, let’s hope Freedom can end the year of greatness with the best graduation in Freedom High School’s history.
Peterson Wins Writing Contest
Submitted by: Marie Guido Peterson
May 3, 2012
Shana Peterson, senior at Freedom High School, entered an essay in the Teacher of the Year Contest sponsored by Barnes and Noble that won round one in the local contest and will now go on to compete for regional winner in round two. Peterson and Ms. Amber Zehner, science teacher, each won $15 and first edition books for the school. Round two is a regional contest and if won, the school would win $500 and a Nook for the teacher. The final round, national winner, could mean 5K for the teacher and 5K for FHS. Congratulations Shana and Ms. Zehner!
May 3, 2012
Shana Peterson, senior at Freedom High School, entered an essay in the Teacher of the Year Contest sponsored by Barnes and Noble that won round one in the local contest and will now go on to compete for regional winner in round two. Peterson and Ms. Amber Zehner, science teacher, each won $15 and first edition books for the school. Round two is a regional contest and if won, the school would win $500 and a Nook for the teacher. The final round, national winner, could mean 5K for the teacher and 5K for FHS. Congratulations Shana and Ms. Zehner!
Keeper of the Files
Krystal Domin / Web Editor
By Sergio Flor
As a secretary in office 101, Mrs. Alicia Cruz makes the environment in the office less threatening for some students, while aiding the
assistant principals in their daily duties. As a result, the workplace is enjoyable for all.
Read more . . .
As a secretary in office 101, Mrs. Alicia Cruz makes the environment in the office less threatening for some students, while aiding the
assistant principals in their daily duties. As a result, the workplace is enjoyable for all.
Read more . . .
We Believe in Freedom VarsityGabby Spadaccia, special to the Freedom Forum
By Kaelee Alpha
The Freedom Varsity Cheerleading Squad traveled to Disney World this past week in order to compete in Ameri-Cheer International Championships. They placed 2nd overall. Read more . . . Freedom vs. Liberty Varsity Basketball: I Believe That We Have Won!Tyler Alicea / Editor-in-Chief
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Wrestling into the New Year
Freedom High School's wrestling team finished 1th place out of 26 teams in the Hurricane Wrestling Classic. This tournament is one of the most competitive wrestling tournaments in the Nation.
Read more. . . |
Dancing with Color:
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Students Excellence Recognized at Student Luncheon
By: Brenna Webb (4.26.12)
Recipients of the National Merit Scholarship gathered at a luncheon at Freedom High School on April 20 to celebrate their high achievements. An estimated 1.5 million students take the practice SAT tests. The top 50,000 students with the highest scores are finalists for the National Merit Scholarship. At Freedom High school this past Friday those students that qualified for the National Merit Scholarship celebrated at a quaint luncheon at the school. The students all accepted their awards on a small stage in the Freedom Black Box Theatre. The students each invited a teacher that has supported them and encouraged them throughout their academic journey to the luncheon to also be honored for their teaching and academic support. Courtney Barrow, a senior at Freedom High School, was one of the seven students being honored for her achievements. She plans on attending Penn State Main Campus to major in broadcast journalism. “I was at Barnes and Nobles buying a book when my parents called to tell me the news I bought myself a coffee to celebrate,” said Barrow. There were many proud parents among the room enjoying the luncheon as well, all with proud smiles on their faces as their children accepted their awards from Principal Michael Laporta, Jr. “Yes, my parents are very proud. I wouldn’t be here without my parents,” said Barrow. From guidance counselors to teachers to proud parents, the room was full of excitement to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional students. Overall the students hard work and dedication to their education paid off and were honored at this luncheon. |
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2011-2012 Articles
Jerry / flickr.com
On March 28, the student council is teaming up with Miller Keystone for the annual blood drive here at Freedom. Students who are eighteen may participate without a parent consent form while students who seventeen need a parent or guardian consent.
Read more . . . |
Where is the Spirit?from zieak / flickr.com
By Abby Deely
During the course of the Holiday season everyone is the giving mood. Why not be during throughout the whole? There are numerous charities that are in need of donations. Read more . . . |
We believe in Freedom Varsity
By: Kaelee Alpha
3/22/12
Walt Disney World, the place not only where dreams come true, but the location of the Ameri-Cheer International Championships. This past weekend, the Freedom Varsity Competition Team competed and earned second place. Their season might be over, however; the amount of success the girls attained is undeniable.
The varsity competition squad begins practices in July and continues on for two to three times a week until the end of March. In order for the team to qualify for the internationals, a bid had to be earned by entering a video of the key elements in their routine. This includes the pyramid, stunt sequence, jumps, dance and tumbling.
The squad had a successful season prior to the championships, earning first place and the title of “grand champions” in the school division at the Mardi Gras Competition held by JamFest.
The weeks nearing the trip, the girls put in extra practices and exerted a passion like no other in hopes to compete to their highest potential. This hard work paid off considering the squad displayed a near perfect routine and won second place. The squad missed first place by 1.3 points, a miniscule amount in the cheer world.
In addition to the team effort, an individual first place was earned by Gabby Spaddacia, a senior, and the senior prep stunt group. The senior stunt group earned second place as well.
The Freedom Varsity Competition squad began their season as strangers and ended as a family, with a newfound appreciation for each individual. As a result
of their talent, the squad was able to maintain the high reputation and represent Freedom High School with a sense of love, dignity and most importantly, pride.
3/22/12
Walt Disney World, the place not only where dreams come true, but the location of the Ameri-Cheer International Championships. This past weekend, the Freedom Varsity Competition Team competed and earned second place. Their season might be over, however; the amount of success the girls attained is undeniable.
The varsity competition squad begins practices in July and continues on for two to three times a week until the end of March. In order for the team to qualify for the internationals, a bid had to be earned by entering a video of the key elements in their routine. This includes the pyramid, stunt sequence, jumps, dance and tumbling.
The squad had a successful season prior to the championships, earning first place and the title of “grand champions” in the school division at the Mardi Gras Competition held by JamFest.
The weeks nearing the trip, the girls put in extra practices and exerted a passion like no other in hopes to compete to their highest potential. This hard work paid off considering the squad displayed a near perfect routine and won second place. The squad missed first place by 1.3 points, a miniscule amount in the cheer world.
In addition to the team effort, an individual first place was earned by Gabby Spaddacia, a senior, and the senior prep stunt group. The senior stunt group earned second place as well.
The Freedom Varsity Competition squad began their season as strangers and ended as a family, with a newfound appreciation for each individual. As a result
of their talent, the squad was able to maintain the high reputation and represent Freedom High School with a sense of love, dignity and most importantly, pride.
Pros and cons to community service
By: Justin Alicea
3/14/14
In addition to academic excellence, unlike most other school districts, The Bethlehem Are School District requires sixty (60) hours of community service in order to graduate. This practice has been controversial
since it was first instituted over two decades ago.
In 1998 nearly 20 percent of the 50 largest school districts in the U.S required volunteer service, and nearly half provided the opportunity to earn an academic
credit for community service, according to a study published the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Historically, community service requirements have been found in
religious schools.
Although the community service requirement is not popular in other Lehigh Valley school districts, nationally the trend is gaining some strength.
One of the pros of doing community service is the natural good feeling one gets from helping others. Another benefit of doing community service is it
gives students a taste of what the real practical world is like and can help students better prepare themselves for their own futures. The students are able to interact with people who they do not normally surround themselves with and learn how to deal with all kinds of people. One of the biggest pros is that community service opens up many new doors for a person.
Today, outside of the required community service there are many groups that help encourage community service like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
The question remains if community service should be required for graduation.
In 1999 a study found that students who were required to complete community service and felt
controlled, were less likely to participate in community service in the future on his or her own. Another
negative part of required community service is that today academics have become more competitive, and students are pulled in many directions and makes time for school. In turn, makes life tasks more difficult. Another issue is the Bethlehem Area School District doesn’t tell you why it is necessary to complete community service, but instead the school district encourages the students to complete it and tells the students where to complete the service.
Some students at Freedom believe that it should not be required to graduate. Sophomore John Wiegand said, “I believe that community service is not necessary to graduate, but I feel that community service is a good way to give back to the community.” Wiegand also said that even if he wasn’t required to do community service he would still because it feel good to give back.
Freshman Lexi Davis said, “It’s good to do community service but you shouldn’t have to force students to help one another”.
The true question is do you believe that Community service is required?
3/14/14
In addition to academic excellence, unlike most other school districts, The Bethlehem Are School District requires sixty (60) hours of community service in order to graduate. This practice has been controversial
since it was first instituted over two decades ago.
In 1998 nearly 20 percent of the 50 largest school districts in the U.S required volunteer service, and nearly half provided the opportunity to earn an academic
credit for community service, according to a study published the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Historically, community service requirements have been found in
religious schools.
Although the community service requirement is not popular in other Lehigh Valley school districts, nationally the trend is gaining some strength.
One of the pros of doing community service is the natural good feeling one gets from helping others. Another benefit of doing community service is it
gives students a taste of what the real practical world is like and can help students better prepare themselves for their own futures. The students are able to interact with people who they do not normally surround themselves with and learn how to deal with all kinds of people. One of the biggest pros is that community service opens up many new doors for a person.
Today, outside of the required community service there are many groups that help encourage community service like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
The question remains if community service should be required for graduation.
In 1999 a study found that students who were required to complete community service and felt
controlled, were less likely to participate in community service in the future on his or her own. Another
negative part of required community service is that today academics have become more competitive, and students are pulled in many directions and makes time for school. In turn, makes life tasks more difficult. Another issue is the Bethlehem Area School District doesn’t tell you why it is necessary to complete community service, but instead the school district encourages the students to complete it and tells the students where to complete the service.
Some students at Freedom believe that it should not be required to graduate. Sophomore John Wiegand said, “I believe that community service is not necessary to graduate, but I feel that community service is a good way to give back to the community.” Wiegand also said that even if he wasn’t required to do community service he would still because it feel good to give back.
Freshman Lexi Davis said, “It’s good to do community service but you shouldn’t have to force students to help one another”.
The true question is do you believe that Community service is required?
Where is the spirit?
By: Abby Deely
2/26/12
During the holiday season everyone seems to be in an extremely giving mood and love ones are not the only ones getting gifts.
The number of donations to none-profit charities go up extremely high but after all the snow and holiday cheer melt away donations dwindle down.
The majority of charities and non-profit groups relay very heavily on the giving season to continue their often life saving work. Sadly about 2% of non-profits fail every year; these are groups who provide care to homeless youth, civil rights groups, or preform life saving operations in third word nations.
There are eight different types of non-profits, at least in the United States, but five of these eight are so uncommon there are only a handful.
The major three types are 1) Private Foundation 2) Public Charitable Organization and 3) Quasi Non profit organization.
Private foundations often solicits a few major donors, who give millions a year, and the foundation uses that money, but not though direct charity work, for a main cause; i.e. Gates Foundation. Public Charitable Organizations gain funding for anyone one who will make a donation.
To even be classified as ‘Public’ the group has to have a continuing public fund raising program, i.e. Humane society.
Finally Quasi Non profit organization is a hybrid with influences from the other two major non-profit structure and government. These group structure is rather complex and nearly impossible to explain; i.e. center for invasive plant management.
All these groups have huge impacts on people’s lives and without the help from donors they will fail.
Even though the holiday season is over, one can still donate one of these charities to help those in need.
2/26/12
During the holiday season everyone seems to be in an extremely giving mood and love ones are not the only ones getting gifts.
The number of donations to none-profit charities go up extremely high but after all the snow and holiday cheer melt away donations dwindle down.
The majority of charities and non-profit groups relay very heavily on the giving season to continue their often life saving work. Sadly about 2% of non-profits fail every year; these are groups who provide care to homeless youth, civil rights groups, or preform life saving operations in third word nations.
There are eight different types of non-profits, at least in the United States, but five of these eight are so uncommon there are only a handful.
The major three types are 1) Private Foundation 2) Public Charitable Organization and 3) Quasi Non profit organization.
Private foundations often solicits a few major donors, who give millions a year, and the foundation uses that money, but not though direct charity work, for a main cause; i.e. Gates Foundation. Public Charitable Organizations gain funding for anyone one who will make a donation.
To even be classified as ‘Public’ the group has to have a continuing public fund raising program, i.e. Humane society.
Finally Quasi Non profit organization is a hybrid with influences from the other two major non-profit structure and government. These group structure is rather complex and nearly impossible to explain; i.e. center for invasive plant management.
All these groups have huge impacts on people’s lives and without the help from donors they will fail.
Even though the holiday season is over, one can still donate one of these charities to help those in need.
Freedom vs. Liberty Varsity Basketball: I believe that we have won!
By: Kate Dawson
2/20/12
The only word that can do justice to the Freedom-Liberty basketball game this past Feb. 10 is incendiary.
Anticipation for the event was high, creating a mad rush at the door and making parking nearly impossible.
The hundreds of cars parked outside, though, were merely a skeleton of the enormous wealth of life ready to burst forth from the gymnasium.
Climbing up into the student section was something like entering a beehive –– a buzzing concentration of
people, in black and yellow nonetheless.
The Freedom Family black-out must have doubled if not tripled Liberty’s somewhat pathetic white-out in size and enthusiasm.
From the first passes made in period one to the final shots scored in double overtime, the crowd was left on the edge of their seats.
Although Liberty seemed to have gotten the go-ahead-run, leading the Patriots 15 to 9 at the end of period one, the Pates then became tied and moved ahead of Liberty, ending the second period with a score of 24 to 25 in favor of Freedom.
The game continued head to head and we were tied as the clock ran at the end of period three. The crowd cheered anxiously as the clock counted down but no shots were made, leaving us with a 43 to 43 tie at the start of period four.
Number eleven, Joe Lococo, then put Freedom ahead by scoring two foul points; something he did multiple
times during the game.
After that the game became something of a tennis match, leaving the audience looking back and forth for a five run scoring match, three for Liberty, two for
Freedom, ending in a 49 to 49 tie.
Then after another shot by Freedom, Liberty gained two foul points, and after a shot by number two, Jordan Young, and another shot for Liberty, Lococo brought the
game to a 56 to 56 tie, putting the game into overtime.
Liberty played keep-away for a good portion of the first overtime, where no one scored, and so the game
went into double overtime. After much anxiety, and another two foul shots by Lococo, the Patriots prevailed winning the game 65 - 62.
Spectators were thrilled just to have beared witness to this exciting event.
Junior Greg Adams, who was part of the student section that Friday night, said "It was an amazing game that I'll definitely remember for the rest of my life."
So what's next for the Freedom Varsity boys basketball team?
Coach Joseph Stellato said, "We play in the LVC Championships this Friday and continue to Districts whether we win or lose. If we lose, though, we play next Wednesday and if we win we play next weekend."
When asked to give a comment about the game, Stellato said "It was absolutely amazing the way the student body rallied around us.”
Needless to say, the Freedom High School Varsity basketball team and riot squad is thoroughly looking forward to the next games at the LVC Championships
and Districts.
2/20/12
The only word that can do justice to the Freedom-Liberty basketball game this past Feb. 10 is incendiary.
Anticipation for the event was high, creating a mad rush at the door and making parking nearly impossible.
The hundreds of cars parked outside, though, were merely a skeleton of the enormous wealth of life ready to burst forth from the gymnasium.
Climbing up into the student section was something like entering a beehive –– a buzzing concentration of
people, in black and yellow nonetheless.
The Freedom Family black-out must have doubled if not tripled Liberty’s somewhat pathetic white-out in size and enthusiasm.
From the first passes made in period one to the final shots scored in double overtime, the crowd was left on the edge of their seats.
Although Liberty seemed to have gotten the go-ahead-run, leading the Patriots 15 to 9 at the end of period one, the Pates then became tied and moved ahead of Liberty, ending the second period with a score of 24 to 25 in favor of Freedom.
The game continued head to head and we were tied as the clock ran at the end of period three. The crowd cheered anxiously as the clock counted down but no shots were made, leaving us with a 43 to 43 tie at the start of period four.
Number eleven, Joe Lococo, then put Freedom ahead by scoring two foul points; something he did multiple
times during the game.
After that the game became something of a tennis match, leaving the audience looking back and forth for a five run scoring match, three for Liberty, two for
Freedom, ending in a 49 to 49 tie.
Then after another shot by Freedom, Liberty gained two foul points, and after a shot by number two, Jordan Young, and another shot for Liberty, Lococo brought the
game to a 56 to 56 tie, putting the game into overtime.
Liberty played keep-away for a good portion of the first overtime, where no one scored, and so the game
went into double overtime. After much anxiety, and another two foul shots by Lococo, the Patriots prevailed winning the game 65 - 62.
Spectators were thrilled just to have beared witness to this exciting event.
Junior Greg Adams, who was part of the student section that Friday night, said "It was an amazing game that I'll definitely remember for the rest of my life."
So what's next for the Freedom Varsity boys basketball team?
Coach Joseph Stellato said, "We play in the LVC Championships this Friday and continue to Districts whether we win or lose. If we lose, though, we play next Wednesday and if we win we play next weekend."
When asked to give a comment about the game, Stellato said "It was absolutely amazing the way the student body rallied around us.”
Needless to say, the Freedom High School Varsity basketball team and riot squad is thoroughly looking forward to the next games at the LVC Championships
and Districts.
Swimming against the Hurricanes
By Nicole O'Connor
2/20/12
All of the practices lead up to an important meet in the Swim Team’s history: Freedom’s Swim Team vs.Liberty’s Swim Team.
The swim meet was held at Freedom on Feb. 16 which was also senior recognition night.
Freedom’s Boys’Swim Team triumphed over Liberty’s Boys’ Swim Team with an overall score of 98-91, one step closer to the bell.
On the contrary, the Freedom’s Girls’ Swim
Despite this devastating lost, sophomore Kaycee Stoudt and senior Carol Byrnes were able to beat Liberty in the diving competition. Stoudt took second place while Byrnes took first place.
The atmosphere during the meet made it a great environment.
With the energy from the swimmers and the student section made it memorable for the swimmers. At the end,
some students jumped in the pool with the swimmers.
This will be a meet to remember. The next meet for the Freedom swim team will be held at Emmaus High School.
2/20/12
All of the practices lead up to an important meet in the Swim Team’s history: Freedom’s Swim Team vs.Liberty’s Swim Team.
The swim meet was held at Freedom on Feb. 16 which was also senior recognition night.
Freedom’s Boys’Swim Team triumphed over Liberty’s Boys’ Swim Team with an overall score of 98-91, one step closer to the bell.
On the contrary, the Freedom’s Girls’ Swim
Despite this devastating lost, sophomore Kaycee Stoudt and senior Carol Byrnes were able to beat Liberty in the diving competition. Stoudt took second place while Byrnes took first place.
The atmosphere during the meet made it a great environment.
With the energy from the swimmers and the student section made it memorable for the swimmers. At the end,
some students jumped in the pool with the swimmers.
This will be a meet to remember. The next meet for the Freedom swim team will be held at Emmaus High School.
New arena being built in Allentown
By: Mike McGinty, Sports Editor
2/6/12
The storied AHL Franchise that feeds into the Philadelphia Flyers is now making their new home in Allentown.
The Phantoms’ Franchise was created in 1996 and was an instant success. In their first season they had the best record in the AHL and won the championship the year after. The Phantoms are an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, very similar to the relationship between the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and the Philadelphia Phillies. In fact, many former Flyers’ players, including Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, were originally on the Phantoms roster.
For the first thirteen years of the franchise the Phantoms were located in Philadelphia and played at the Wachovia Spectrum. However, the Spectrum was demolished in 2010, and underneath new management, the Philadelphia Phantoms became the Adirondack Phantoms, located in Glens Falls, New York.
“When I heard about the Spectrum being knocked down and saw it imploded, it felt like they took something away from me as memories where just vanished,” said Mike Sweeney, a resident of the Philadelphia suburbs.
However, the franchise has future plans of moving the franchise to Allentown after their brief stay in Glens Falls. Construction of the arena that they will be playing in has been underway in downtown Allentown for quite some time and required the demolition of two city blocks. The stadium will cost anywhere up to 175 million dollars, will be five times larger than the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, and will permanently seat 85,000 with the ability to seat an additional 15,000 for other events like concerts, The Morning Call reports.
When Sweeney heard the news he was certainly excited. “[I will] be able to see the team play again even with the changes that have happened over the years, and I would not have to wait once a year to see them come down to Philadelphia. Now I can go [to Phantoms’ games] more frequently.
Dylan Frankenfield, a junior at Freedom High School and die-hard Flyers fan, saw the Phantoms play on the Winter Classic Rink at Citizens Bank Park, the Friday after the Flyers played and had a different level of excitement when he heard the new Phantoms’ location would not only be closer, but in a neighboring city. “I became really excited knowing a team I was able to watch all of the time when i was younger is now going to be within a short drive away,” Frankenfield said.
The new arena will undoubtedly have a strong financial impact, but it will also have a strong impact among hockey fans across the region. The Phantoms are scheduled to start their first season in the new arena in the Fall of 2013.
2/6/12
The storied AHL Franchise that feeds into the Philadelphia Flyers is now making their new home in Allentown.
The Phantoms’ Franchise was created in 1996 and was an instant success. In their first season they had the best record in the AHL and won the championship the year after. The Phantoms are an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, very similar to the relationship between the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and the Philadelphia Phillies. In fact, many former Flyers’ players, including Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, were originally on the Phantoms roster.
For the first thirteen years of the franchise the Phantoms were located in Philadelphia and played at the Wachovia Spectrum. However, the Spectrum was demolished in 2010, and underneath new management, the Philadelphia Phantoms became the Adirondack Phantoms, located in Glens Falls, New York.
“When I heard about the Spectrum being knocked down and saw it imploded, it felt like they took something away from me as memories where just vanished,” said Mike Sweeney, a resident of the Philadelphia suburbs.
However, the franchise has future plans of moving the franchise to Allentown after their brief stay in Glens Falls. Construction of the arena that they will be playing in has been underway in downtown Allentown for quite some time and required the demolition of two city blocks. The stadium will cost anywhere up to 175 million dollars, will be five times larger than the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, and will permanently seat 85,000 with the ability to seat an additional 15,000 for other events like concerts, The Morning Call reports.
When Sweeney heard the news he was certainly excited. “[I will] be able to see the team play again even with the changes that have happened over the years, and I would not have to wait once a year to see them come down to Philadelphia. Now I can go [to Phantoms’ games] more frequently.
Dylan Frankenfield, a junior at Freedom High School and die-hard Flyers fan, saw the Phantoms play on the Winter Classic Rink at Citizens Bank Park, the Friday after the Flyers played and had a different level of excitement when he heard the new Phantoms’ location would not only be closer, but in a neighboring city. “I became really excited knowing a team I was able to watch all of the time when i was younger is now going to be within a short drive away,” Frankenfield said.
The new arena will undoubtedly have a strong financial impact, but it will also have a strong impact among hockey fans across the region. The Phantoms are scheduled to start their first season in the new arena in the Fall of 2013.
Who Cares about Class Rank?
By: Thomas Nguyen
2/6/12
A single number assigns each student at Freedom High School a certain spot within the academic food chain.
Whether this number is a benefit or a detriment to the school and its students is up for debate, but regardless, the system is still in place, and it seems to serve its purpose.
When asked, Dhanu Thiyagarajan, a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh and a Freedom graduate, says, “Class rank did not influence my performance in high school.”
She believed that in the end, class rank had little impact for her college application, so she was not going to worry over a small detail. She believes that class rank is not very important in the application process, and it is more about a student’s GPA, SATs, and extra-curricular activities.
Regardless, she still saw many of her classmates getting stressed and anxious for what seemed to her as a moot point, but she does admit that there are benefits to the system.
Thiyagarajan says, “While applying to college, many of my classmates worked extra hard in order to boost their class rank for their college applications. The system is useful because some people use it to stay competitive and work hard for good grades.”
Senior Mervyn Lopez agrees as well. He says, “I compare my class rank with my peers and use it to gauge my own personal performance. It motivates me to step my game up and to shoot for higher grades.”
Class rank seems to serve its purpose in that respect, but there are also many problems with the system, especially when grades are weighted like they are at Freedom High School.
Lopez says, “Some people take class rank too seriously and go to unnecessary lengths to up their class rank.”
Some students have opted to take Honors classes instead of AP classes in order to still have a weighted class while theoretically have an easier time getting an A or A+.
Many students believe it is unfair that Honors and AP classes are weighted equally when AP classes are supposed to be harder. They feel the scales should be balanced so students are compensated for taking the risk of challenging themselves by taking what is equivalent to a college level course.
In addition, some students pick and choose which AP classes they take because of their difficulty rather than the subject matter. Instead of focusing on the classes that would help them the most with their future majors in college, they focus on classes that will give them the highest GPA.
Overall the ranking system helps the school by keeping students motivated and working hard, but it has flaws due its presumed importance.
2/6/12
A single number assigns each student at Freedom High School a certain spot within the academic food chain.
Whether this number is a benefit or a detriment to the school and its students is up for debate, but regardless, the system is still in place, and it seems to serve its purpose.
When asked, Dhanu Thiyagarajan, a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh and a Freedom graduate, says, “Class rank did not influence my performance in high school.”
She believed that in the end, class rank had little impact for her college application, so she was not going to worry over a small detail. She believes that class rank is not very important in the application process, and it is more about a student’s GPA, SATs, and extra-curricular activities.
Regardless, she still saw many of her classmates getting stressed and anxious for what seemed to her as a moot point, but she does admit that there are benefits to the system.
Thiyagarajan says, “While applying to college, many of my classmates worked extra hard in order to boost their class rank for their college applications. The system is useful because some people use it to stay competitive and work hard for good grades.”
Senior Mervyn Lopez agrees as well. He says, “I compare my class rank with my peers and use it to gauge my own personal performance. It motivates me to step my game up and to shoot for higher grades.”
Class rank seems to serve its purpose in that respect, but there are also many problems with the system, especially when grades are weighted like they are at Freedom High School.
Lopez says, “Some people take class rank too seriously and go to unnecessary lengths to up their class rank.”
Some students have opted to take Honors classes instead of AP classes in order to still have a weighted class while theoretically have an easier time getting an A or A+.
Many students believe it is unfair that Honors and AP classes are weighted equally when AP classes are supposed to be harder. They feel the scales should be balanced so students are compensated for taking the risk of challenging themselves by taking what is equivalent to a college level course.
In addition, some students pick and choose which AP classes they take because of their difficulty rather than the subject matter. Instead of focusing on the classes that would help them the most with their future majors in college, they focus on classes that will give them the highest GPA.
Overall the ranking system helps the school by keeping students motivated and working hard, but it has flaws due its presumed importance.
Television makes its winter comeback
By: Faarah Ameerally
2/6/12
What better way is there to spend a winter night than to cuddle up watching one of season’s hottest shows? There has been a large return of season premieres following the New Year.
It is a happy time for fans of ABC Family’s smash hit, “Pretty Little Liars.” Nothing creates more excitement than new episodes about the high school clique tormented by the all-knowing "A." The previews for the season have promised more suspense and thrill than ever before. The four girls have always been known for keeping secrets, but viewers will finally get to see what happens when all skeletons get come out of the closet. Many Freedom students, such as sophomores Christine Myers and Kasey Gallagher, have followed all seasons leading up to this one.
All the die-hard “Gossip Girl” fans have been a waiting this season more than ever before. Between the revealing of Blair’s pregnancy and the grand upcoming wedding, many shocking endings will soon be upon us. Unlike the previous season, the cast list has not been released, so a wait is necessary to find out who makes it back into the show.
The return of CW’s “Vampire Diaries” has also stirred up some interest.
“Oh my gosh! Elena and Damon are finally together; my life is complete!” screams Ashleigh Mecca, a sophomore, in excitement.
Just when fans thought the drama would be over, revenge strikes, leading to more conflict that ever. The suspenseful cliffhangers are what keep bloodthirsty viewers coming back for more.
There is no excuse from grabbing your favorite blanket and get a seat for one of these attention-grabbing series. Do not miss out on one of the hottest seasons for new shows, with every episode leaving you anxious and waiting for the next.
2/6/12
What better way is there to spend a winter night than to cuddle up watching one of season’s hottest shows? There has been a large return of season premieres following the New Year.
It is a happy time for fans of ABC Family’s smash hit, “Pretty Little Liars.” Nothing creates more excitement than new episodes about the high school clique tormented by the all-knowing "A." The previews for the season have promised more suspense and thrill than ever before. The four girls have always been known for keeping secrets, but viewers will finally get to see what happens when all skeletons get come out of the closet. Many Freedom students, such as sophomores Christine Myers and Kasey Gallagher, have followed all seasons leading up to this one.
All the die-hard “Gossip Girl” fans have been a waiting this season more than ever before. Between the revealing of Blair’s pregnancy and the grand upcoming wedding, many shocking endings will soon be upon us. Unlike the previous season, the cast list has not been released, so a wait is necessary to find out who makes it back into the show.
The return of CW’s “Vampire Diaries” has also stirred up some interest.
“Oh my gosh! Elena and Damon are finally together; my life is complete!” screams Ashleigh Mecca, a sophomore, in excitement.
Just when fans thought the drama would be over, revenge strikes, leading to more conflict that ever. The suspenseful cliffhangers are what keep bloodthirsty viewers coming back for more.
There is no excuse from grabbing your favorite blanket and get a seat for one of these attention-grabbing series. Do not miss out on one of the hottest seasons for new shows, with every episode leaving you anxious and waiting for the next.
Limited access to the coffee shop: good or bad?
By: Krystal Domin, Web Editor
2/6/12
Students were shocked to hear that they would no longer be allowed to go to the school store during blocks one and two.
Traditionally, students were allowed to go to the coffee shop during blocks one and two accompanied with a pass from a teacher.
In 2012, students will be able to place orders to the coffee shop and will be able to have their order delivered to them.
Although this change will create less traffic in the hallways and allow for less students leaving class, the coffee shop will be affected greatly in one of two ways. Either the coffee shop will take in more money since more students may participate in placing orders to the coffee if they do not have to leave class, or the coffee shop will take in less money due to a decreased number of customers
Assistant Principal Mr. Michael DiBilio said, “Personally, I believe more students will place orders.”
Some teachers, such as Mr. William DeNofa, are willing to place an order to the coffee shop for the students.
Notably, there have been more students placing orders as seen in DeNofa’s second block class. Will this trend continue?
It is still early in the semester to know for sure, but by the example that has been set in DeNofa’s class, it is most likely it will.
As for hallway control, there will be less students wandering around the hallways due to the teachers encouraging students to place an order to coffee shop.
So far, it looks like the coffee shop will make more money.
The coffee shop will get business, but by making deliveries some classes will still be interrupted. In retrospect however, it will not be as big an interruption as having to write passes out for students and having them make a scene while they come back to class.
2/6/12
Students were shocked to hear that they would no longer be allowed to go to the school store during blocks one and two.
Traditionally, students were allowed to go to the coffee shop during blocks one and two accompanied with a pass from a teacher.
In 2012, students will be able to place orders to the coffee shop and will be able to have their order delivered to them.
Although this change will create less traffic in the hallways and allow for less students leaving class, the coffee shop will be affected greatly in one of two ways. Either the coffee shop will take in more money since more students may participate in placing orders to the coffee if they do not have to leave class, or the coffee shop will take in less money due to a decreased number of customers
Assistant Principal Mr. Michael DiBilio said, “Personally, I believe more students will place orders.”
Some teachers, such as Mr. William DeNofa, are willing to place an order to the coffee shop for the students.
Notably, there have been more students placing orders as seen in DeNofa’s second block class. Will this trend continue?
It is still early in the semester to know for sure, but by the example that has been set in DeNofa’s class, it is most likely it will.
As for hallway control, there will be less students wandering around the hallways due to the teachers encouraging students to place an order to coffee shop.
So far, it looks like the coffee shop will make more money.
The coffee shop will get business, but by making deliveries some classes will still be interrupted. In retrospect however, it will not be as big an interruption as having to write passes out for students and having them make a scene while they come back to class.
This past week Ms. Jennifer Wescoe (left) and senior Navea Frazier (center) traveled to Washington, DC to meet with the other "PI Top Teen Schools." Frazier met with Mr. Michael Brown, Director of Office Impaired Driving and Occupant Protection, at the US Department of Transportation (right) and gave Frazier valuable information about his position and about distracted driving.[Courtesy of Ms. Jennifer Wescoe]
Making a Difference Through The TTYL Project (2012)
Leaping into Leap Year
By: Grace Mao
2/6/12
2012 just happens to be a spectacular year.
Not only is it the year that the world is supposedly going to end, and we are all going to come to our own tragic demises when we are still in our depressing high school years, but it is also a leap year.
As most people know, Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun.
It takes the Earth approximately 365.24 days to orbit the Sun once. However, the Gregorian calendar has only 365 days in a year, so if the extra day is not added on February 29 nearly every 4 years, approximately six hours would be taken off the calendar every year.
So what is one to do with the extra day?
Last leap year, it was a little more trouble than it was worth.
All students from Freedom and East Hills received letters from the school board explaining that a gang was supposedly going to Freedom for a shoot-out, and that it would be considered an excused absence if parents decided to keep their children home on February 29, 2008.
Junior Cole Donatelli went to school on that suspenseful day.
“We basically watched movies in every class. I wasn’t really scared at all,” he said.
However, there were many who were less courageous. Some like to say that it was just an opportunity for a free 24 hours off from school.
Senior Mike Newman put it into good use by “staying home and sleeping.”
Now that is a great way to spend any day.
Too cool for school
By: Ryan Shaikh, Asst. Sports Editor
1/22/12
With cold weather brings a cold school where students shiver and wear winter coats inside to stay warm.
As the weather changes outside, so does the climate inside Freedom High School.
Some students believe that this cold weather is affecting their abilities to learn because they are focused on trying to stay warm instead on their studies.
Senior Francisco Hernandez said, “There is a lot of lack of concentration due to the cold climate.”
If a cold school was not bad enough for the students, there is a rumor that when the students leave, whoever controls the heat turns it on to warm up the school says Freedom High School senior Kyle Seeger.
“I hear they turn on the heat after the students leave. I believe that is asinine,” says Seeger.
If this is to be true it would show that the school cares more about the faculty feeling warm than its students who are trying to learn and better themselves for the future.
This problem that the school is facing there obviously has to be someone to blame.
Hernandez said, “I believe the school’s administration should be to blame because they are given a budget and one of their main priorities for their budget is to make it allows the students to feel comfortable in the classroom.”
Students should feel comfortable in the classroom, and not have to think about what to wear in class in order to stay warm. Instead they should concentrate on what to study for a test or how to do the homework for a particular class.
“I think I should not have to wear a coat,” said Hernandez.
The consensus around school is that this cold climate indoors is unacceptable for a school that does have heat and chooses not to turn it on. As a result it is affecting many students’ ability to learn at their highest level which goes against the purpose of what school is for.
This also could be a financial issue in where the school may believe that money is more important than the future of its students.
This is a “Year of Greatness” for Freedom High School not a “Year of Coldness” for the school.
Keeper of the Files
By Sergio Flor, Staff
12/20/12
Walking into office 101 may be scary for some, but with the charming personality of Mrs. Alicia Cruz, the experience may be less threatening.
As the secretary in office 101, Mrs. Cruz has been scheduling detentions, calling parents, and translating meetings between the principals and parents for five
years.
Cruz says that she feels like her job is “ to help students find their place.”
Before moving to Freedom, Cruz worked at Donegan Elementary School.
Cruz found her niche at Freedom by establishing excellent relationships with teachers and most importantly the students which Cruz cares the most about.
“I enjoy being with students and talking with them about their problems,” says Cruz.
Cruz’s goal is to give the students and teachers a positive influence when there may seem no hope, while aiding the assistant principals in their daily duties.
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kim Harper said that, “She’s very good with the busyness of the office.”
The assistant principals enjoy working with her on a daily basis. Due to her go-getter attitude and her friendliness, she makes the office a workable place
for all.
Cruz is an important knot that holds Freedom together and without her a definite asset to Freedom would be lost.
Visiting many countries in one night
By: Abby Deely, Staff
12/18/11
In one night alone, some students at Freedom traveled to 13 different countries.
Dec. 14 marked the night of French Club's International Fair. That night, they highlighted different nations and their cultures, foods, musics, and dance.
Those who attended had a global experience; they
could go from learning about the Hebrew language to sampling food common in London.
Although the fair was enjoyable for the fair goers, it was also a truly incredible experience for the club members.
Senior William Sampson worked on a presentation about Ireland which which included the traditional Irish soda bread.
Sampson said “having people sample my soda
bread was really cool and put me more in touch with my roots.”
This was a common feeling for all members of French Club.
Sophomore Corrine Marchese found that it was “really cool [that it] educated people.” Marchese informed the public about her country, Israel.
Near the end of the
night, traditional dances from Ireland, India, and Latin American were performed; all the dancers wore traditional outfits.
Senior TJ Singh was a
part of the dance presentations. She and senior Shaleen Oza danced a Indian dance duet.
Singh was very interested in the International Fair said that, “Vietnam was really cool, so was India.”
Senior and French Club president Julie Boylan found that “All members worked hard on presentation... to
show diversity in both French club and Freedom.”
Boylan hopes that the International fair will not only continue but get bigger in the future.
Freedom Grad Returns on a Note
12/9/11
Bob Marley. The Beatles. Jack Johnson. Adam Web.
Who is Adam Web, you say?
Web, 2001 graduate of Freedom, performed his original tunes on Thurs., Dec. 8 to a group of students in the FHS library.
Solo artist, with only a guitar and his voice, Web captivated his audience during the last block of the day.
After the performance, students questioned Web about his particular music and made comparisons to other musicians and bands.
“Writing is not just a skill you’ve been given, but something you need to work at,” Web said in response to questions about writing his own music.
Web, former point guard for the Patriots basketball team, said that when he walked into the building he “remembered the smell. It’s not a bad smell.” He said the building has a distinctive smell just reminded him of high school.
Web said he was pleased to be back, and he visited his former art teacher, Mrs. Lori DiRenzo.
Web, son of Craig Weber—FHS special education teacher, was scheduled the same evening to play at Hotel Bethlehem. Later in the month, he will play at the Riegelsville Inn.
For more information about Adam Web, check out his website: adamwebmusic.com.
Yale Marches in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
By: Abby Deely, Staff
11/25/11
Stephen Yale, Freedom’s Drum Major, was chosen to march with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.
Only 229 high schoolers from the entire country were selected to march. Other marchers consist of All-State instrumentalists or, like Yale, are Drum Major
Academy Alumni.
Rehearsals started on Saturday and Yale says that they were “Intense and high-spirited... we’ve had about 20 hours of rehearsal.”
Many would think Yale would be nervous about being on nationaltelevision but he is “really excited about this fantastic opportunity.”
It reflects greatly on Freedom to have a student marching at the parade.
Yale said, “It is truly an honor to represent Freedom on the national stage."
Almost everything I know about marching band comes from my experiences at Freedom and it’s amazing to see it come together with fellow musicians across
the nation.”
Everyone should watch the trumpet section tomorrow to see their peer march in this highly selective band. Yale playing the trumpet at the 85th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Macy’s Great American Marching Band.
Making a difference through teaching and coaching
By: Julie Boylan, OP-ED Editor
Few people in Freedom High School garner the same recognition as Mr. Jason
Roeder.
As the head coach of Freedom football team, Roeder is the face of every football game and most of the pep rallies. As a history teacher at Freedom who currently teaches three sections of U.S. history, Roeder also is a
prominent teacher in the school.
“I started to consider [teaching] in high school,” says Roeder, “but I finally made the decision to major in Education after my sophomore year in college.”
“I took some business classes, but they just didn’t excite me. I had some great teachers and coaches and they were the people I emulated, and I think that is what pushed me into education.”
Roeder made the plunge into coaching at the same time that he started teaching – his first year out of college in 1997. By 2005, Roeder had made his way to Freedom High School.
Teaching and coaching had made an impact on Roeder for the pure reason that it makes an impact on other people.
“I honestly believe you can make an impact on
peoples’ lives.” says Roeder. “I have been teaching and coaching long enough now to see my former players doing great things with their lives. When they come
back and tell you they appreciate the impact you had on them, it is definitely rewarding.”
Luckily for Freedom, Roeder seems to want to keep his teaching at Freedom and keep building Freedom football.
“I do foresee myself being here a long time. Anything can happen, but I feel Freedom is a great school with great people,”says Roeder. “We have worked hard to build a successful football program but there are more steps to make to get to the top and that is the vision and goal of the program – to get to the
top and stay there.”
Who is choking now?
By: Greg Adams, Staff
11/12/11
This season’s Freedom-Liberty football game can be summarized in three words: expect the unexpected.
For Freedom, there were a lot of unexpected elements in the last game of the regular season, and the season in general.
No one would have believed that Freedom’s first victory in nine years over its Bethlehem rival would be led by a junior quarterback, or that a Patriot team known this season for its solid defense and heavy dependence on its running game would allow 42 points and score four touchdowns through the air.
On Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, thesesurprises led to a victory for the Patriots that set them up for a post-seasonplayoff run.
Senior James McCarthy of Liberty and junior Brian Uliana of Freedom both showed their talent and did a lot for their teams as the quarterback.
The two grew up playing on baseball teams together at City Line Little League, and it was interesting to
see two childhood friends competing against each other as intercity rivals.
Senior quarterback James McCarthy for Liberty eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for rushing during the game, a milestone that is difficult for a high school running back to achieve, and especially rare for a high school quarterback.
Junior Brian Uliana proved he could also make big plays on the run, but relied more on his arm to defeat the Hurricanes. Brian Uliana threw for over 250
receiving yards and four touchdown passes over the course of the game.
On the other end of all four touchdown passes was senior wide receiver Frank Bucsi, who has proven to be a
consistent and reliable player on both sides of the ball throughout the season.
Bucsi said of his performance, “it felt good to not only be able to do it for my team, but also for everyone who has played for Freedom over the years and was cheering us on.”
Senior Okezie Alozie had a defensive and an offensive touchdown for Freedom.
Both teams used explosive plays and quick offensive drives during the game. Freedom and Liberty each found the end zone during their opening drives in under five plays.
Although each team played amazing offense, the game came down to the final minute. With the score tied and the ball in Freedom’s possession, Junior Sean Wrobel set up to kick a 35 yard field goal that would prove to win the game for the Patriots.
“The celebration was short lived after the kick,” Wrobel said.
This was because after the field goal their was still time left and the junior kicker still had to execute a difficult squib kick to eat up the clock and secure the win.
In the final two plays after the kick, Freedom made a great defensive stop that has seemed to be the team’s signature this season.
Hopefully the Patriots can follow Wrobel’s example of not celebrating prematurely and come out with a win againstEaston in the playoffs this Friday.
2009 PSSA Scores
By: Kristen Dalton, Staff
11/10/11
The statistical analysis report for the 2009 PSSA scores indicated that Freedom High School possibly cheated.
Freedom’s scores were inconsistent from the prior year which raised the questionable flag.
The report became public when it appeared in The Morning Call on July 13, 2011
The PSSA test is given to students in grades 3, 8 and 11.
PSSA scores must attain AYP status which is defined as adequate yearly progress under President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Law of 2002
The Department of Education by Data Recognition Corporation conducted the study that that Freedom High School cheated on these standardized tests.
This was an occasional review to check for possible problems that could indicate cheating. if there is an unusual amount of eraser marks, or if there were large swings in how students were identified by race, socio-economics and other demographics, are anomalies that the review board looks for.
It was strongly encouraged not to read into the data due to lack of evidence to indicate cheating. The report did not suggest that cheating actuallytook place.
However, Freedom High School was still in the media under this circumstance. In 2009, Freedom High School failed to make AYP which caused a red flag to be raised because there were drastic changes from the year before.
The state report raised three flags at Freedom.The report did not take into account the large increase of Freedom’s ESOL population due to the renovations being made at Liberty High School, they care to ask for any reasons pertaining to why Freedom failed to meet AYP, or why there were dramatic increases of race, socio-economics and other demographics.
These accusations were made without any investigation or warning to the school principle, Mr. Michael LaPorta, or the superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy.
Mr. LaPorta was more disappointed than offended when this information was leaked that accused Freedom of cheating.
“The state released [the] info into the media without an opportunity for Dr. Roy or me to give a reason as to why there is a difference in data. All ESOL students and programs were taken into Freedom and increased the Latino and Hispanic population, special education students, and economically disadvantage,” said LaPorta
One of the key aspects of this media coverage that let down Mr. LaPorta was that there was no written clarification.
The principal of Freedom High School makes it clear that he cares deeply for all of his students and believes that Freedom was definitely falsely accused of cheating.
Marielle McIntyre: An elite tennis player
By: Mike McGinty, Sports Editor
11/10/2011
After having an undefeated season and obtaining 1st place in the District Class AAA singles championship, Marielle McIntyre has proven that she is an elite tennis player this season.
On November 4th she faced an even larger challenge--the State Playoffs.
McIntyre had not lost a match all year, going 21-0, but she faced her largest challenge all year, competing against the other 15 best Class AAA tennis players in the state of Pennsylvania.
"It's going to be tough," McIntyre said before the tournament, "there are only 16 girls in the entire tournament. My expectations aren't too high though, and I'm excited just to experience the State Playoffs. However, I'm obviously going to try my best and win."
With the tennis team losing in the semi-final of the District 11 Class AAA team playoffs, McIntyre had to prepare and practice for States without the rest of the Freedom team.
McIntyre drew Taylor Perz, a Senior from Pine Richland High School in the first round of the tournament. She lost in two sets, 6-0 6-1, but was still able to hold her head high knowing that she had been a district champion and state qualifier.
Perz continued to the semi-finals before being eliminated and losing in the 3rd place game.
Marielle McIntyre plans to play tennis in college, but is undecided as to which college she wants to attend.
By: Grace Mao
2/6/12
2012 just happens to be a spectacular year.
Not only is it the year that the world is supposedly going to end, and we are all going to come to our own tragic demises when we are still in our depressing high school years, but it is also a leap year.
As most people know, Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun.
It takes the Earth approximately 365.24 days to orbit the Sun once. However, the Gregorian calendar has only 365 days in a year, so if the extra day is not added on February 29 nearly every 4 years, approximately six hours would be taken off the calendar every year.
So what is one to do with the extra day?
Last leap year, it was a little more trouble than it was worth.
All students from Freedom and East Hills received letters from the school board explaining that a gang was supposedly going to Freedom for a shoot-out, and that it would be considered an excused absence if parents decided to keep their children home on February 29, 2008.
Junior Cole Donatelli went to school on that suspenseful day.
“We basically watched movies in every class. I wasn’t really scared at all,” he said.
However, there were many who were less courageous. Some like to say that it was just an opportunity for a free 24 hours off from school.
Senior Mike Newman put it into good use by “staying home and sleeping.”
Now that is a great way to spend any day.
Too cool for school
By: Ryan Shaikh, Asst. Sports Editor
1/22/12
With cold weather brings a cold school where students shiver and wear winter coats inside to stay warm.
As the weather changes outside, so does the climate inside Freedom High School.
Some students believe that this cold weather is affecting their abilities to learn because they are focused on trying to stay warm instead on their studies.
Senior Francisco Hernandez said, “There is a lot of lack of concentration due to the cold climate.”
If a cold school was not bad enough for the students, there is a rumor that when the students leave, whoever controls the heat turns it on to warm up the school says Freedom High School senior Kyle Seeger.
“I hear they turn on the heat after the students leave. I believe that is asinine,” says Seeger.
If this is to be true it would show that the school cares more about the faculty feeling warm than its students who are trying to learn and better themselves for the future.
This problem that the school is facing there obviously has to be someone to blame.
Hernandez said, “I believe the school’s administration should be to blame because they are given a budget and one of their main priorities for their budget is to make it allows the students to feel comfortable in the classroom.”
Students should feel comfortable in the classroom, and not have to think about what to wear in class in order to stay warm. Instead they should concentrate on what to study for a test or how to do the homework for a particular class.
“I think I should not have to wear a coat,” said Hernandez.
The consensus around school is that this cold climate indoors is unacceptable for a school that does have heat and chooses not to turn it on. As a result it is affecting many students’ ability to learn at their highest level which goes against the purpose of what school is for.
This also could be a financial issue in where the school may believe that money is more important than the future of its students.
This is a “Year of Greatness” for Freedom High School not a “Year of Coldness” for the school.
Keeper of the Files
By Sergio Flor, Staff
12/20/12
Walking into office 101 may be scary for some, but with the charming personality of Mrs. Alicia Cruz, the experience may be less threatening.
As the secretary in office 101, Mrs. Cruz has been scheduling detentions, calling parents, and translating meetings between the principals and parents for five
years.
Cruz says that she feels like her job is “ to help students find their place.”
Before moving to Freedom, Cruz worked at Donegan Elementary School.
Cruz found her niche at Freedom by establishing excellent relationships with teachers and most importantly the students which Cruz cares the most about.
“I enjoy being with students and talking with them about their problems,” says Cruz.
Cruz’s goal is to give the students and teachers a positive influence when there may seem no hope, while aiding the assistant principals in their daily duties.
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kim Harper said that, “She’s very good with the busyness of the office.”
The assistant principals enjoy working with her on a daily basis. Due to her go-getter attitude and her friendliness, she makes the office a workable place
for all.
Cruz is an important knot that holds Freedom together and without her a definite asset to Freedom would be lost.
Visiting many countries in one night
By: Abby Deely, Staff
12/18/11
In one night alone, some students at Freedom traveled to 13 different countries.
Dec. 14 marked the night of French Club's International Fair. That night, they highlighted different nations and their cultures, foods, musics, and dance.
Those who attended had a global experience; they
could go from learning about the Hebrew language to sampling food common in London.
Although the fair was enjoyable for the fair goers, it was also a truly incredible experience for the club members.
Senior William Sampson worked on a presentation about Ireland which which included the traditional Irish soda bread.
Sampson said “having people sample my soda
bread was really cool and put me more in touch with my roots.”
This was a common feeling for all members of French Club.
Sophomore Corrine Marchese found that it was “really cool [that it] educated people.” Marchese informed the public about her country, Israel.
Near the end of the
night, traditional dances from Ireland, India, and Latin American were performed; all the dancers wore traditional outfits.
Senior TJ Singh was a
part of the dance presentations. She and senior Shaleen Oza danced a Indian dance duet.
Singh was very interested in the International Fair said that, “Vietnam was really cool, so was India.”
Senior and French Club president Julie Boylan found that “All members worked hard on presentation... to
show diversity in both French club and Freedom.”
Boylan hopes that the International fair will not only continue but get bigger in the future.
Freedom Grad Returns on a Note
12/9/11
Bob Marley. The Beatles. Jack Johnson. Adam Web.
Who is Adam Web, you say?
Web, 2001 graduate of Freedom, performed his original tunes on Thurs., Dec. 8 to a group of students in the FHS library.
Solo artist, with only a guitar and his voice, Web captivated his audience during the last block of the day.
After the performance, students questioned Web about his particular music and made comparisons to other musicians and bands.
“Writing is not just a skill you’ve been given, but something you need to work at,” Web said in response to questions about writing his own music.
Web, former point guard for the Patriots basketball team, said that when he walked into the building he “remembered the smell. It’s not a bad smell.” He said the building has a distinctive smell just reminded him of high school.
Web said he was pleased to be back, and he visited his former art teacher, Mrs. Lori DiRenzo.
Web, son of Craig Weber—FHS special education teacher, was scheduled the same evening to play at Hotel Bethlehem. Later in the month, he will play at the Riegelsville Inn.
For more information about Adam Web, check out his website: adamwebmusic.com.
Yale Marches in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
By: Abby Deely, Staff
11/25/11
Stephen Yale, Freedom’s Drum Major, was chosen to march with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.
Only 229 high schoolers from the entire country were selected to march. Other marchers consist of All-State instrumentalists or, like Yale, are Drum Major
Academy Alumni.
Rehearsals started on Saturday and Yale says that they were “Intense and high-spirited... we’ve had about 20 hours of rehearsal.”
Many would think Yale would be nervous about being on nationaltelevision but he is “really excited about this fantastic opportunity.”
It reflects greatly on Freedom to have a student marching at the parade.
Yale said, “It is truly an honor to represent Freedom on the national stage."
Almost everything I know about marching band comes from my experiences at Freedom and it’s amazing to see it come together with fellow musicians across
the nation.”
Everyone should watch the trumpet section tomorrow to see their peer march in this highly selective band. Yale playing the trumpet at the 85th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Macy’s Great American Marching Band.
Making a difference through teaching and coaching
By: Julie Boylan, OP-ED Editor
Few people in Freedom High School garner the same recognition as Mr. Jason
Roeder.
As the head coach of Freedom football team, Roeder is the face of every football game and most of the pep rallies. As a history teacher at Freedom who currently teaches three sections of U.S. history, Roeder also is a
prominent teacher in the school.
“I started to consider [teaching] in high school,” says Roeder, “but I finally made the decision to major in Education after my sophomore year in college.”
“I took some business classes, but they just didn’t excite me. I had some great teachers and coaches and they were the people I emulated, and I think that is what pushed me into education.”
Roeder made the plunge into coaching at the same time that he started teaching – his first year out of college in 1997. By 2005, Roeder had made his way to Freedom High School.
Teaching and coaching had made an impact on Roeder for the pure reason that it makes an impact on other people.
“I honestly believe you can make an impact on
peoples’ lives.” says Roeder. “I have been teaching and coaching long enough now to see my former players doing great things with their lives. When they come
back and tell you they appreciate the impact you had on them, it is definitely rewarding.”
Luckily for Freedom, Roeder seems to want to keep his teaching at Freedom and keep building Freedom football.
“I do foresee myself being here a long time. Anything can happen, but I feel Freedom is a great school with great people,”says Roeder. “We have worked hard to build a successful football program but there are more steps to make to get to the top and that is the vision and goal of the program – to get to the
top and stay there.”
Who is choking now?
By: Greg Adams, Staff
11/12/11
This season’s Freedom-Liberty football game can be summarized in three words: expect the unexpected.
For Freedom, there were a lot of unexpected elements in the last game of the regular season, and the season in general.
No one would have believed that Freedom’s first victory in nine years over its Bethlehem rival would be led by a junior quarterback, or that a Patriot team known this season for its solid defense and heavy dependence on its running game would allow 42 points and score four touchdowns through the air.
On Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, thesesurprises led to a victory for the Patriots that set them up for a post-seasonplayoff run.
Senior James McCarthy of Liberty and junior Brian Uliana of Freedom both showed their talent and did a lot for their teams as the quarterback.
The two grew up playing on baseball teams together at City Line Little League, and it was interesting to
see two childhood friends competing against each other as intercity rivals.
Senior quarterback James McCarthy for Liberty eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for rushing during the game, a milestone that is difficult for a high school running back to achieve, and especially rare for a high school quarterback.
Junior Brian Uliana proved he could also make big plays on the run, but relied more on his arm to defeat the Hurricanes. Brian Uliana threw for over 250
receiving yards and four touchdown passes over the course of the game.
On the other end of all four touchdown passes was senior wide receiver Frank Bucsi, who has proven to be a
consistent and reliable player on both sides of the ball throughout the season.
Bucsi said of his performance, “it felt good to not only be able to do it for my team, but also for everyone who has played for Freedom over the years and was cheering us on.”
Senior Okezie Alozie had a defensive and an offensive touchdown for Freedom.
Both teams used explosive plays and quick offensive drives during the game. Freedom and Liberty each found the end zone during their opening drives in under five plays.
Although each team played amazing offense, the game came down to the final minute. With the score tied and the ball in Freedom’s possession, Junior Sean Wrobel set up to kick a 35 yard field goal that would prove to win the game for the Patriots.
“The celebration was short lived after the kick,” Wrobel said.
This was because after the field goal their was still time left and the junior kicker still had to execute a difficult squib kick to eat up the clock and secure the win.
In the final two plays after the kick, Freedom made a great defensive stop that has seemed to be the team’s signature this season.
Hopefully the Patriots can follow Wrobel’s example of not celebrating prematurely and come out with a win againstEaston in the playoffs this Friday.
2009 PSSA Scores
By: Kristen Dalton, Staff
11/10/11
The statistical analysis report for the 2009 PSSA scores indicated that Freedom High School possibly cheated.
Freedom’s scores were inconsistent from the prior year which raised the questionable flag.
The report became public when it appeared in The Morning Call on July 13, 2011
The PSSA test is given to students in grades 3, 8 and 11.
PSSA scores must attain AYP status which is defined as adequate yearly progress under President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Law of 2002
The Department of Education by Data Recognition Corporation conducted the study that that Freedom High School cheated on these standardized tests.
This was an occasional review to check for possible problems that could indicate cheating. if there is an unusual amount of eraser marks, or if there were large swings in how students were identified by race, socio-economics and other demographics, are anomalies that the review board looks for.
It was strongly encouraged not to read into the data due to lack of evidence to indicate cheating. The report did not suggest that cheating actuallytook place.
However, Freedom High School was still in the media under this circumstance. In 2009, Freedom High School failed to make AYP which caused a red flag to be raised because there were drastic changes from the year before.
The state report raised three flags at Freedom.The report did not take into account the large increase of Freedom’s ESOL population due to the renovations being made at Liberty High School, they care to ask for any reasons pertaining to why Freedom failed to meet AYP, or why there were dramatic increases of race, socio-economics and other demographics.
These accusations were made without any investigation or warning to the school principle, Mr. Michael LaPorta, or the superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy.
Mr. LaPorta was more disappointed than offended when this information was leaked that accused Freedom of cheating.
“The state released [the] info into the media without an opportunity for Dr. Roy or me to give a reason as to why there is a difference in data. All ESOL students and programs were taken into Freedom and increased the Latino and Hispanic population, special education students, and economically disadvantage,” said LaPorta
One of the key aspects of this media coverage that let down Mr. LaPorta was that there was no written clarification.
The principal of Freedom High School makes it clear that he cares deeply for all of his students and believes that Freedom was definitely falsely accused of cheating.
Marielle McIntyre: An elite tennis player
By: Mike McGinty, Sports Editor
11/10/2011
After having an undefeated season and obtaining 1st place in the District Class AAA singles championship, Marielle McIntyre has proven that she is an elite tennis player this season.
On November 4th she faced an even larger challenge--the State Playoffs.
McIntyre had not lost a match all year, going 21-0, but she faced her largest challenge all year, competing against the other 15 best Class AAA tennis players in the state of Pennsylvania.
"It's going to be tough," McIntyre said before the tournament, "there are only 16 girls in the entire tournament. My expectations aren't too high though, and I'm excited just to experience the State Playoffs. However, I'm obviously going to try my best and win."
With the tennis team losing in the semi-final of the District 11 Class AAA team playoffs, McIntyre had to prepare and practice for States without the rest of the Freedom team.
McIntyre drew Taylor Perz, a Senior from Pine Richland High School in the first round of the tournament. She lost in two sets, 6-0 6-1, but was still able to hold her head high knowing that she had been a district champion and state qualifier.
Perz continued to the semi-finals before being eliminated and losing in the 3rd place game.
Marielle McIntyre plans to play tennis in college, but is undecided as to which college she wants to attend.
Running into success
By: Ashley Eichlin, Features Editor
11/2/11
Despite his multiple injuries this past year, senior Nathaniel Palmer, persevered to success.
Starting in 7th grade, running quickly became Palmer's new found niche.
Last fall, Palmer suffered from tendonitis in his left knee. Then, Palmer faced yet another setback.This past spring, Palmer pulled his hamstring and from there,
his injuries worsened which prevented him from reaching his dream.
It wasn't until Aug. when Palmer was fully
healed.
Fortunately for Palmer, he healed just in time for senior year. Leading
the cross country team as captain, Palmer set the bar high for all runners. This year alone, Palmer has been noted for his multiple accomplishments, including
his win for the LVC title.
“I was pretty content,” Palmer said
modestly.
Palmer said, “Thewin margin was low, but if I don't get a side stitch next week I think I can perform better at districts,” as he describes his future competitions.
When Palmer is not running cross country, he is running constantly to his AP classes.
Palmer has narrowed down his college search to three schools. They include Princeton, Duke, and William and Mary.
Unfortunately, he does not have any plans for a major yet.
However, one thing is for sure, Palmer plans on running in college.
Outside of cross country, Palmer engages himself in other activities.
Besides loading his school schedule with AP classes, he also has been working on his Eagle Scout rank.
Overall, Palmer's favorite activity would be hanging out with his friends.
Friend and teammate, senior, Derek Detweiler considers himself to be Palmer's “sidekick.”
“He really takes the knowledge of the sport
seriously...[and] he supports the team...[Palmer] gives a lot of people advice,” said Detweiler.
Detweiler expressed a strong opinion about Palmer's caring and supportive personality.
Detweiler said, “I think he [deserved] everything he got.”
Patriots Defeated In a Hard Fought Game
By Greg Adams, Staff
10/25/11
The Patriots endured a tough loss at Frank Banko field this friday. The Freedom Patriots, now with a record of 6-2, lost their second game of the season against Easton, losing 14-21 in overtime.
The Pates began the game slow, failing to find any rhythm with their normally explosive
running game. Quarterback Brian Uliana threw one interception and was pressured by Easton’s defense the entire
game.
“The play calling
was fine, we just couldn’t execute,” said junior Andrew Werth about the
offense.
On the other
side of the ball, the Patriots defense had a few defensive stops, but gave up
big plays to make the score 14-0, Eastonby the end of the half.
The Patriots came back after halftime and rallied to tie the game 14-14.
The final play of regulation time was a long pass play caught inside the
10 yard line by Freedom senior Demoree Hill.
The game progressed into overtime
where each team started with the ball at the 10 yard line.
Easton scored on their first possession of overtime, forcing Freedom into a do-or-die situation.
Freedom’s first play was ran by senior Okezie Alozie. Then, things took a turn for the worse.
The Patriots committed two
penalties that set them back around the 15 yard line on third down. Two incomplete passes ended the possession and the game for the Patriots.
Reactions of fans from both teams after the game were very different. Fans on the Easton side were loud and ecstatic. The Freedom side was stunned and silent.
Before being chased off by game officials, six students stood side by
side on the field to spell “Easton” with the letters painted on their chests. The students faced Freedom’s student section, and then took a sarcastic
bow.
The Patriots should use Easton’s taunt as motivation for the game next week against BethlehemCatholic High
School.
Freedom’s Tennis ace wins District Championship
By: Greg Adams, Staff
10/23/11
Few people ever get to see their name in lights, but this week, Freedom’s kiosk reads: “MARIELLE MCINTYRE: District 11 Girls Tennis Singles Champion.”
On Oct. 10, Marielle McIntyre, senior, defeated freshman Brittany Poje of East StroudsburgSouth High
School in the District 11 Girls Tennis Singles title
match.
McIntyre was all smiles when asked about her victory though, clearly reliving in her head the moments during and after the match at the West End Racquet Club.
McIntyre certainly deserves the distinction of district champion.McIntyre has spent 11 years putting strenuous hours into tennis lessons and
practices. McIntyre has played countless matches for Freedom as well as
independent clubs. All of her hard work led up to this match.
“It felt good to win because I came really close last year and the year before. It feels good to finally win my senior year” McIntyre said.
McIntyre dominated her senior year, finishing with an undefeated record of 21-0 in her individual matches.
McIntyre says she was inspired to play tennis by her cousin, Matt Potts, who had been playing on the professional tennis circuit around the time that she was born. McIntyre, her cousin, and her brother are the only people in their family that play tennis.
McIntyre plans to play tennis in college but is undecided as to what college she wants to attend.
After college, McIntyre wants to become a middle school guidance counselor or start her own tennis program.
Whether or not she decides to pursue tennis later in life, McIntyre’s future
appears to be as bright as her name in the lights of the Freedom High School kiosk.
Alleviating the Pain of College Applications
By: Christina DiStefano, Staff
10/6/11
There are so many things to keep track of when you’re applying to college! But do not stress out because I’m here to help. These are some helpful hints, right to the point, coming from the mouth of a college student himself who has been there and done that:
Finalize your list of colleges. You want to make sure you visit as many as possible so that you can rank your favorites.
When in doubt, meet with your guidance counselor! Your guidance counselor knows everything you need to know about applying. Also, they will send your transcripts to the colleges you choose.
Give collegeboard.org a try. Here you can send your SAT scores to the college you want to go to. Commonapp.org is another good one, you can apply to almost any college from there.
Ask you counselor/teachers for recommendation letters. Usually you will need at least 2-3 letters depending on the college.
DO NOT procrastinate. It is easy to be lazy. Rushing your applications can produce unintended errors that will reflect poorly on you.
Make sure to get all required forms by the deadlines. Don’t forget early decision or financial aid deadlines.
Getting a head start on college essays is a good idea. Personalize your essays as you want to stand apart from competing applicants for a better chance of being selected.
You should keep a copy of all documents (optional). It will help you keep organized and respond to any inquiries the college may have.
Take your SAT’s or ACT’s if you haven’t already.
Continue to perform well in school and don’t get caught with senioritis; colleges want to see strong second semester grades!
Yom Kippur: "It's never too late"
By: Sergio Flor, Staff
10/6/11
After the sun sets below the earth, after the last piece of food is eaten, a time of fasting, prayer, and repentance begins on Oct. 7.
Yom Kippur is a time when many Jews head to their local synagogue to ask God to give them a second chance.
In Hebrew, Yom Kippur means Day of Judgment. This is the day where Jews around the world ask God for forgiveness, but it means much more than that.
Rabbi Yaakov S. Halperin, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of the Lehigh Valley, said, “The message of Yom Kippur is that there’s always a second chance. It’s never too late [to repent].”
To understand this, one must go back ten days earlier to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. On this day, Jews are judged on whether or not they will have a year of happiness and health or a year of sadness and sickness. By the time Rosh Hashanah ends, the judgments are written down in God’s “Book” and will remain in effect for the whole year unless one repents.
That is when Yom Kippur comes in.
According to Chabad Lubavitch’s website, Jews fast on Yom Kippur for two reasons. One is that on Yom Kippur Jews are being “compared to angels, who have no physical needs.” This means that since angels connect to God on a spiritual level do not have human needs, Jews, must not give in to their human needs, such as eating and drinking. This allows Jews to connect with God on a higher level.
The website also says, “We afflict ourselves to demonstrate the extent of our regret for our past misdeeds.” This means that Jews fast to show that they are sorry for all the bad things that they have done in the past year.
The reason for all this fasting and prayer is to ask God to forgive Jews and to rewrite the judgments that He gave us on Rosh Hashanah.
Jews are asking God to help them in everything that they do.
2011 Hurricane Season
By: Ashley Eichlin, Features Editor
9/27/11
Every year, beginning in June, Americans on the east coast are greeted by powerful winds otherwise known as hurricanes.
According to Fox News, the 2010 and 2011 years are considered the two most aggressive hurricane seasons yet.
From this season alone, there have been 14 to 19 named storms. Of these storms, seven to 10 will become hurricanes and three to five will be considered major category three hurricanes. One of these hurricanes include Irene, which hit the east coast Aug. 28.
Although this season is not as powerful as the last year’s season, it is still creating conflict for local citizens.
From hurricane Irene alone, multiple houses in the community were left with flooded basements, fallen trees, and even prolonged power outages. Schools districts such as Easton and the Bethlehem Area used their first ‘snow day’ on the first day of school due to power conflicts.
When asked for predictions for the remaining hurricane season, Chris Eichlin, Bethlehem resident, said, “We won’t have anymore hurricanes in our area. We can only take so much rain.”
Julia Fox, senior at Freedom, said, “That the weather will remain turbulent, and we probably haven’t seen the last big storm.”
Typically, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. With over two months left of hurricane season, time will only tell.
FHS Football dominates at first home game
By: Luisa Marin, News Editor
9/8/11
The first home game for our football team was Friday, September 2 against East Stroudsburg South.
Thirty minutes before the game began, there were eager seniors prepared to cheer on their team. Most had body paint which spelled out Freedom Patriots with an extra “e” and four exclamation points.
The game started promptly at seven and after the first quarter Freedom was winning 21-0. East Stroudsburg was never able to catch up. They scored on two occasions, but Freedom was able to score 7 times.
The final score was 49-7, making Patriot fans very happy. It was an excellent way to start the season. The next home game is against Central Catholic on Friday, September 9, and fans are hoping to see an even better Patriot team.
Welcome to The Freedom Forum's Website!
Welcome everyone to The Freedom Forum's brand new website. The newspaper staff takes great pride in our publication and we want to make it available to as many people as possible. Spread the word about our new website!
This page will be where the top stories from the school newspaper will be posted, but until the September 2011 issue, this page won't be updated.
The Forum staff wishes everyone a happy and safe summer. See you in the fall!
By: Ashley Eichlin, Features Editor
11/2/11
Despite his multiple injuries this past year, senior Nathaniel Palmer, persevered to success.
Starting in 7th grade, running quickly became Palmer's new found niche.
Last fall, Palmer suffered from tendonitis in his left knee. Then, Palmer faced yet another setback.This past spring, Palmer pulled his hamstring and from there,
his injuries worsened which prevented him from reaching his dream.
It wasn't until Aug. when Palmer was fully
healed.
Fortunately for Palmer, he healed just in time for senior year. Leading
the cross country team as captain, Palmer set the bar high for all runners. This year alone, Palmer has been noted for his multiple accomplishments, including
his win for the LVC title.
“I was pretty content,” Palmer said
modestly.
Palmer said, “Thewin margin was low, but if I don't get a side stitch next week I think I can perform better at districts,” as he describes his future competitions.
When Palmer is not running cross country, he is running constantly to his AP classes.
Palmer has narrowed down his college search to three schools. They include Princeton, Duke, and William and Mary.
Unfortunately, he does not have any plans for a major yet.
However, one thing is for sure, Palmer plans on running in college.
Outside of cross country, Palmer engages himself in other activities.
Besides loading his school schedule with AP classes, he also has been working on his Eagle Scout rank.
Overall, Palmer's favorite activity would be hanging out with his friends.
Friend and teammate, senior, Derek Detweiler considers himself to be Palmer's “sidekick.”
“He really takes the knowledge of the sport
seriously...[and] he supports the team...[Palmer] gives a lot of people advice,” said Detweiler.
Detweiler expressed a strong opinion about Palmer's caring and supportive personality.
Detweiler said, “I think he [deserved] everything he got.”
Patriots Defeated In a Hard Fought Game
By Greg Adams, Staff
10/25/11
The Patriots endured a tough loss at Frank Banko field this friday. The Freedom Patriots, now with a record of 6-2, lost their second game of the season against Easton, losing 14-21 in overtime.
The Pates began the game slow, failing to find any rhythm with their normally explosive
running game. Quarterback Brian Uliana threw one interception and was pressured by Easton’s defense the entire
game.
“The play calling
was fine, we just couldn’t execute,” said junior Andrew Werth about the
offense.
On the other
side of the ball, the Patriots defense had a few defensive stops, but gave up
big plays to make the score 14-0, Eastonby the end of the half.
The Patriots came back after halftime and rallied to tie the game 14-14.
The final play of regulation time was a long pass play caught inside the
10 yard line by Freedom senior Demoree Hill.
The game progressed into overtime
where each team started with the ball at the 10 yard line.
Easton scored on their first possession of overtime, forcing Freedom into a do-or-die situation.
Freedom’s first play was ran by senior Okezie Alozie. Then, things took a turn for the worse.
The Patriots committed two
penalties that set them back around the 15 yard line on third down. Two incomplete passes ended the possession and the game for the Patriots.
Reactions of fans from both teams after the game were very different. Fans on the Easton side were loud and ecstatic. The Freedom side was stunned and silent.
Before being chased off by game officials, six students stood side by
side on the field to spell “Easton” with the letters painted on their chests. The students faced Freedom’s student section, and then took a sarcastic
bow.
The Patriots should use Easton’s taunt as motivation for the game next week against BethlehemCatholic High
School.
Freedom’s Tennis ace wins District Championship
By: Greg Adams, Staff
10/23/11
Few people ever get to see their name in lights, but this week, Freedom’s kiosk reads: “MARIELLE MCINTYRE: District 11 Girls Tennis Singles Champion.”
On Oct. 10, Marielle McIntyre, senior, defeated freshman Brittany Poje of East StroudsburgSouth High
School in the District 11 Girls Tennis Singles title
match.
McIntyre was all smiles when asked about her victory though, clearly reliving in her head the moments during and after the match at the West End Racquet Club.
McIntyre certainly deserves the distinction of district champion.McIntyre has spent 11 years putting strenuous hours into tennis lessons and
practices. McIntyre has played countless matches for Freedom as well as
independent clubs. All of her hard work led up to this match.
“It felt good to win because I came really close last year and the year before. It feels good to finally win my senior year” McIntyre said.
McIntyre dominated her senior year, finishing with an undefeated record of 21-0 in her individual matches.
McIntyre says she was inspired to play tennis by her cousin, Matt Potts, who had been playing on the professional tennis circuit around the time that she was born. McIntyre, her cousin, and her brother are the only people in their family that play tennis.
McIntyre plans to play tennis in college but is undecided as to what college she wants to attend.
After college, McIntyre wants to become a middle school guidance counselor or start her own tennis program.
Whether or not she decides to pursue tennis later in life, McIntyre’s future
appears to be as bright as her name in the lights of the Freedom High School kiosk.
Alleviating the Pain of College Applications
By: Christina DiStefano, Staff
10/6/11
There are so many things to keep track of when you’re applying to college! But do not stress out because I’m here to help. These are some helpful hints, right to the point, coming from the mouth of a college student himself who has been there and done that:
Finalize your list of colleges. You want to make sure you visit as many as possible so that you can rank your favorites.
When in doubt, meet with your guidance counselor! Your guidance counselor knows everything you need to know about applying. Also, they will send your transcripts to the colleges you choose.
Give collegeboard.org a try. Here you can send your SAT scores to the college you want to go to. Commonapp.org is another good one, you can apply to almost any college from there.
Ask you counselor/teachers for recommendation letters. Usually you will need at least 2-3 letters depending on the college.
DO NOT procrastinate. It is easy to be lazy. Rushing your applications can produce unintended errors that will reflect poorly on you.
Make sure to get all required forms by the deadlines. Don’t forget early decision or financial aid deadlines.
Getting a head start on college essays is a good idea. Personalize your essays as you want to stand apart from competing applicants for a better chance of being selected.
You should keep a copy of all documents (optional). It will help you keep organized and respond to any inquiries the college may have.
Take your SAT’s or ACT’s if you haven’t already.
Continue to perform well in school and don’t get caught with senioritis; colleges want to see strong second semester grades!
Yom Kippur: "It's never too late"
By: Sergio Flor, Staff
10/6/11
After the sun sets below the earth, after the last piece of food is eaten, a time of fasting, prayer, and repentance begins on Oct. 7.
Yom Kippur is a time when many Jews head to their local synagogue to ask God to give them a second chance.
In Hebrew, Yom Kippur means Day of Judgment. This is the day where Jews around the world ask God for forgiveness, but it means much more than that.
Rabbi Yaakov S. Halperin, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of the Lehigh Valley, said, “The message of Yom Kippur is that there’s always a second chance. It’s never too late [to repent].”
To understand this, one must go back ten days earlier to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. On this day, Jews are judged on whether or not they will have a year of happiness and health or a year of sadness and sickness. By the time Rosh Hashanah ends, the judgments are written down in God’s “Book” and will remain in effect for the whole year unless one repents.
That is when Yom Kippur comes in.
According to Chabad Lubavitch’s website, Jews fast on Yom Kippur for two reasons. One is that on Yom Kippur Jews are being “compared to angels, who have no physical needs.” This means that since angels connect to God on a spiritual level do not have human needs, Jews, must not give in to their human needs, such as eating and drinking. This allows Jews to connect with God on a higher level.
The website also says, “We afflict ourselves to demonstrate the extent of our regret for our past misdeeds.” This means that Jews fast to show that they are sorry for all the bad things that they have done in the past year.
The reason for all this fasting and prayer is to ask God to forgive Jews and to rewrite the judgments that He gave us on Rosh Hashanah.
Jews are asking God to help them in everything that they do.
2011 Hurricane Season
By: Ashley Eichlin, Features Editor
9/27/11
Every year, beginning in June, Americans on the east coast are greeted by powerful winds otherwise known as hurricanes.
According to Fox News, the 2010 and 2011 years are considered the two most aggressive hurricane seasons yet.
From this season alone, there have been 14 to 19 named storms. Of these storms, seven to 10 will become hurricanes and three to five will be considered major category three hurricanes. One of these hurricanes include Irene, which hit the east coast Aug. 28.
Although this season is not as powerful as the last year’s season, it is still creating conflict for local citizens.
From hurricane Irene alone, multiple houses in the community were left with flooded basements, fallen trees, and even prolonged power outages. Schools districts such as Easton and the Bethlehem Area used their first ‘snow day’ on the first day of school due to power conflicts.
When asked for predictions for the remaining hurricane season, Chris Eichlin, Bethlehem resident, said, “We won’t have anymore hurricanes in our area. We can only take so much rain.”
Julia Fox, senior at Freedom, said, “That the weather will remain turbulent, and we probably haven’t seen the last big storm.”
Typically, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. With over two months left of hurricane season, time will only tell.
FHS Football dominates at first home game
By: Luisa Marin, News Editor
9/8/11
The first home game for our football team was Friday, September 2 against East Stroudsburg South.
Thirty minutes before the game began, there were eager seniors prepared to cheer on their team. Most had body paint which spelled out Freedom Patriots with an extra “e” and four exclamation points.
The game started promptly at seven and after the first quarter Freedom was winning 21-0. East Stroudsburg was never able to catch up. They scored on two occasions, but Freedom was able to score 7 times.
The final score was 49-7, making Patriot fans very happy. It was an excellent way to start the season. The next home game is against Central Catholic on Friday, September 9, and fans are hoping to see an even better Patriot team.
Welcome to The Freedom Forum's Website!
Welcome everyone to The Freedom Forum's brand new website. The newspaper staff takes great pride in our publication and we want to make it available to as many people as possible. Spread the word about our new website!
This page will be where the top stories from the school newspaper will be posted, but until the September 2011 issue, this page won't be updated.
The Forum staff wishes everyone a happy and safe summer. See you in the fall!
Congratulations to Freedom and Liberty Musicians
2012
Congratulations to FHS student Priyanka Koti and LHS student Colin Worrich who participated in the PMEA District 10 Band Festival held at Nazareth High School. Also congratulations to Freedom students Ed Milisits and Kelsey Ko and LHS students Marrissa Guarriello and Victor Neumann who represented Freedom and Liberty in the PMEA District 10 Orchestra Festival held at Parkland High School. LHS student Colin Worrich participated in the PMEA Region 5 Band. FHS student Ed Milisits has also made the Region IV/V Orchestra Festival which will be held at Williamsport High School next month. Congratulations again to these fine BASD musicians!