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Challenge Day at NHS

April 29, 2013 By

by Gillian McGoldrick, sophomore, Neshaminy High School

Ever walk into a room with everyone cheering for you, celebrating you for being you? This is how Challenge Day on February 21st began at Neshaminy High School.

Many knew that their day ahead would be life-changing. It began uncomfortably with silly games that involved strangers dancing with each other, or telling a random person who your hero was.

Leaders Jen Wilson and Schan Baker kept repeating the phrase, “You can’t get through the day without at least three hugs.” So as you could assume, there was also a ton of hugging – especially many hugs with strangers.

Many students had misconceptions going into Challenge Day.

Sophomore and first-time participant, Tori Cancel, explains her different expectations for the emotional day she had: “Going into Challenge Day, I thought I wasn’t going to open up to anybody. I didn’t think I would react how I did,” Cancel said. “By the end of the day, I felt so much closer to every single person in the room even if I hadn’t talked to them. I felt like we all had a connection in some way.”

Students were put into groups of six. Everyone was close (with a box of tissues in the middle of course) and began to tell the people in our group that, “If you really knew me, you would know…”

Students shared their stories and made me thankful for those around me and the support I have. They not only made me appreciate how my life is, but also opened my eyes that every person I see is also setting up a front of so-called “happiness.”

All students were put on one side of the gym and when Wilson read a sentence, if it were true to them and their family, they were to cross the line and face the other participants. With many people crossing under categories I would never have expected, I was shocked.

I also shocked myself on how many things I actually did cross for, not even realizing some of them were such big problems. Many other participants noticed this, too.

After other activities Wilson and Baker began empowering us to “Be The Change.” They spoke of the three steps to actually changing something “Notice, Choose, Act.” These steps are run internationally with the Challenge Day program, helping schools make big changes that were once ignored.

Now that it has been over a full month since Challenge Day, where does Neshaminy stand? We definitely see the new connections in Neshaminy and get a lot of feedback from students.

Many students come back the very next day and sign right up for next year to be a leader.

For Neshaminy to be able to really change and bring the Challenge Day values to everyone, more students need to be involved. More students should get the opportunity before they graduate to participate in something as empowering as Challenge Day.

For more information about Challenge Day, visit http://challengeday.org/.

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Gym Night involves talent, dedication, and spirit

April 8, 2013 By

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From left, Lori Paulitz, Kelsey Stetz, Amber Lewis, Pailey Curran, Danni McGinty, Kristine Logan, and Jamie Vanderslice

 

by Mimi Rowland

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Neshaminy High School’s Gym Night, an enormous outpouring of talent, dedication, school spirit, and fun that spans two days and involves about half of the school’s students. Although the name has changed over the years from Field Day to Fun Night to its current incarnation, some aspects have remained the same, such as the Magic Carpet Ride Relay.

The elaborate dance numbers have undoubtedly evolved from years ago, but they have kept the tradition of including square dancing, a skill taught in Physical Education at Neshaminy, as a part of the senior teams’ dance exhibition.

The event is entirely student-focused. The school is divided into blue and red teams by last name, then students wishing to run for captain of their grade-level team fill out an application expressing why they would like to be captain. If they meet certain requirements such as good grades, their name is put on the ballot to be voted upon by the students who will be participating in Gym Night. Once the captains are elected in November, they get right to work choosing themes and picking out music for the dance numbers.

The dances are choreographed by the students under the direction of the captains. Practices and mural painting take place after school beginning after winter break and continue until Gym Night. Each team has a faculty supervisor, but they remain in the background, allowing the captains to learn valuable leadership skills from being in front of their peers.

The event itself, which now spans three shows on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night, is an astounding display of teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship (for which points are awarded), showcasing what high school students are capable of when they put their minds to it.

Every show is sold out each year, with only two tickets available per student. Lines form on Ticket Night when the public can purchase the remaining seats, and only two tickets per customer are allowed. All tickets sales go directly back into Gym Night, covering such costs as building expenses, security, supervision, and officials.

All funding for costumes, accessories, and props comes from parents, sponsors, and donations.

Phys Ed and Health Lead Teacher Jan King says that for some kids, this is the only school activity they are involved in.

“It crosses all barriers,” she notes. “It’s a safe place for everyone.”

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Gym Night involves talent, dedication, and spirit

April 8, 2013 By

LL GYM NIGHT1

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◄ Back
Picture 1 of 4

Senior Blue Team Co-Captains Madeh Cooper and Annie Kopera

 

by Mimi Rowland

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Neshaminy High School’s Gym Night, an enormous outpouring of talent, dedication, school spirit, and fun that spans two days and involves about half of the school’s students. Although the name has changed over the years from Field Day to Fun Night to its current incarnation, some aspects have remained the same, such as the Magic Carpet Ride Relay.

The elaborate dance numbers have undoubtedly evolved from years ago, but they have kept the tradition of including square dancing, a skill taught in Physical Education at Neshaminy, as a part of the senior teams’ dance exhibition.

The event is entirely student-focused. The school is divided into blue and red teams by last name, then students wishing to run for captain of their grade-level team fill out an application expressing why they would like to be captain.

If they meet certain requirements such as good grades, their name is put on the ballot to be voted upon by the students who will be participating in Gym Night. Once the captains are elected in November, they get right to work choosing themes and picking out music for the dance numbers.

The dances are choreographed by the students under the direction of the captains. Practices and mural painting take place after school beginning after winter break and continue until Gym Night.

Each team has a faculty supervisor, but they remain in the background, allowing the captains to learn valuable leadership skills from being in front of their peers.

The event itself, which now spans three shows on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night, is an astounding display of teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship (for which points are awarded), showcasing what high school students are capable of when they put their minds to it.

Every show is sold out each year, with only two tickets available per student. Lines form on Ticket Night when the public can purchase the remaining seats, and only two tickets per customer are allowed.

All tickets sales go directly back into Gym Night, covering such costs as building expenses, security, supervision, and officials. All funding for costumes, accessories, and props comes from parents, sponsors, and donations.

Phys Ed and Health Lead Teacher Jan King says that for some kids, this is the only school activity they are involved in.

“It crosses all barriers,” she notes. “It’s a safe place for everyone.”

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Find out whodunit when NVMT presents ‘Curtains’

March 25, 2013 By

“Curtains” will be presented by Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre on April 12th and 19th at 8:00pm, and April 13th and 20th at 3:00pm and 8:00pm at the Neshaminy High School’s Kloos Auditorium in Langhorne.

It’s 1959…a new musical tries out in Boston…and dies.  Unfortunately, so does the leading lady, along with several other not-so-likable characters.

Boston police detective Frank Cioffi is sent to solve the crimes and also sets out to save the show, with hilarious results! 

“Curtains” is a bright and bouncy tribute to musical theatre, spoofing many of the great musicals of the past while still declaring a passionate love for the theatre - and for the people who make theatre happen!

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/under 18. A discounted price of $18 is available for adult tickets purchased before April 1st. Active military personnel with I.D. are free.

Open-seating tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance by calling 267-733-8876 or by contacting NVMTtkts@aol.com.

The show is directed and choreographed by Stephen Casey, former Artistic Director of the Bucks County Playhouse.

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NHS students reap the benefits of volunteering at Woods Community Service

March 22, 2013 By

by Melanie Matyi, Neshaminy High School

High school is undoubtedly a stressful time for most teens. However, there are many ways to lessen daily stress brought on by classes, homework and relationships. As I have discovered, along with a group of Interacts, community service is one of the best stress-relievers, soul-healers and feel-better activities.

Interact has long been active in the community by organizing opportunities for students to participate in service. This year, we implemented a new program in which a small group travels to Woods Services to spend time engaging with clients in games and other activities. Woods Services is a community whose purpose is to serve those with special needs.

Although Interact’s mission is to help others, the Interacters and I have gained much more than we have given to this program. Personally, time spent at Woods is like hitting the pause button on my life. While at Woods my homework, pending college and scholarship applications, and other daily stressors cease to exist.

“It makes me appreciate life more seeing how excited and how they get into Bingo or kickball,” senior Kaitlyn Jones said. “They are happy about life’s little things.”

The moment we walk into the gym, we are welcomed with smiles stretching from ear to ear accompanied by handshakes and hugs. We are welcomed like old friends and quickly integrated regardless of the time passed between our visits or if we are new acquaintances.

“I love going there. It’s awesome that they let us into their world,” Jones stated. In a time where people are so critical, it is refreshing to meet unconditionally welcoming individuals.

During my last visit we played the most competitive game of Bingo I have experienced. Never have I seen Bingo evoke such strong emotions, which served as a powerful reminder that life is what you make of it.

Small things, like winning Bingo, can be just as rewarding as elaborate things if you allow them.

“They are so optimistic it’s exciting to see their excitement,” junior Jasmin Tharakan said.

While playing Bingo, I met a new friend. Soon to be off to Florida to visit his mom, he couldn’t stop talking about his upcoming venture. He boasted of the food he planned to gorge upon over the course of his trip.

The daily coffee that I feel entitled to is his cherished treat. His excitement brought life back into perspective, challenged me to rethink what I take for granted.

“Just being there, seeing them smile makes you feel so much better.” Tharakan continued. “The time goes by so fast because you’re having so much fun.”

Taking part in this program is transforming and transcends age. Our adviser, Suzi Drake, has stated that there are many positive outcomes of participating.

“I was pushed out of my comfort zone to do something incredibly rewarding,” Drake stated.

Interacting with the clients at Woods is a unique experience but worth the initial slight discomfort.

Upon my departure, I received a big hug, heartfelt smile and waves until I was out of sight. I had no idea that my attentive ear had such a high market value.

“You can’t help but leave with smile on your face because the clients and staff are so supportive of one another and so filled with joy,” Drake said.

We were the volunteers giving up our time to serve our community. Yet, we leave Woods after each visit with lifted moods, lightened hearts and a brighter perspective of the world around us.

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Langhorne Rotary recognizes Rachel Rotteveel

March 11, 2013 By
Rachel Rotteveel

 

The Langhorne Rotary club recognized Rachel Rotteveel on January 17th as the Student of the Month for January.

Rachel is a senior at the Neshaminy High School living in Langhorne with her parents, Leonard and Cherie Rotteveel. Not only is Rachel an excellent student, in the top 5% of her class, but is the first violinist in the orchestra, captain of the varsity field hockey team, president of the Model UN club and vice president of the Future Problem Solving Club.

She will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology next year.

Rachel is also dedicated to serving others by volunteering at the Pickering Manor Assisted Living facility, is a member of the Aid for Friends organization at St. Andrews Church, and volunteers at the Bucks County Public Library.

Pictured is Rachel (left) and Langhorne Rotary President Dave Carson.

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Codi Regan changes lives through community service

March 8, 2013 By

NESH TEEN by Ashley Titler, senior, Neshaminy High School

Neshaminy High School senior Codi Regan has devoted much of her life to giving back. From her local community to the Dominican Republic, Codi has always made it a priority to lend a hand.

She has worked at the Mary Jane Rescue Center, providing food and clothing to the homeless. Codi has also become involved with Sunrise Assisted Living, a center for abandoned mothers and their children.

“There are so many things to do in and out of our area, it is insane,” she said.

This past Thanksgiving, she and her family decided to give up a relaxing day of watching the Macy’s Day Parade in order to prepare meals for the homeless in Kensington. Codi not only sacrifices her holidays, but also her summers when she embarks on a trip to the Dominican Republic.

Every year, at the end of June, she travels to the “other side of the island” to lend a hand.

Codi began her annual trips at the age of 14. Her life-changing experience in the Dominican Republic helped her form a new take on volunteering.

“I would really like to eventually travel to different parts of the world such as India and Africa to see the different ways people live in different cultures,” she said.

During her time in the Dominican Republic, Codi worked with others to help construct a building that would serve as a church, school, medical clinic and water treatment facility.

The first summer the focus of the project was clearing the site by cutting down trees and leveling the land. During the second and third summers the focus was building the walls and structuring the building. The fourth year consisted of the construction of the second floor.

All of this hard work was completed by hand by volunteer workers.

“There is no such thing as a power tool in the Dominican, so we cut down trees with machetes and cleared and leveled the ground with shovels and pick axes,” Codi said. “Even the concrete we used was made by hand with sand, water and rocks.”

Codi has touched the lives of so many individuals by giving back, but her experiences with community service have touched her life just as much.

“Most people think that when they do community service it is to help and change other people’s lives, but what you tend to discover is that your life is the one that is changed.”

PHOTO CAP: Codi Regan

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Juliette Rihl named Student of the Month

February 25, 2013 By

Juliette Rihl The Langhorne Rotary Student of the Month for December was Juliette Rihl, a senior at the Neshaminy High School. Juliette’s parents were present at the weekly luncheon of the Langhorne Rotary on December 19th, as was Ms. Lynn Knotts, grade level Assistant Principal at the high school.

Juliette is presently first in her class of 685. She is the Vice President of Student Council, President of the Future Problems club and a member of the SOL Champion Field Hockey team. She is also a member of the winter and spring track team.

Juliette is considering a number of universities after graduation and plans to study Political Science and Journalism.

Langhorne Rotary continues to be impressed with the outstanding students that are recommended as Student’s of the Month from Neshaminy High School.

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Service Learning Club at Neshaminy High School

February 1, 2013 By

by Shannon Byrne

Kelly Macauley is a teacher and Chair for the Family and Consumer Science Department of Neshaminy High School. She teaches Nutrition and the FCS Major and, alongside special education teacher Ms. Romano, organizes and supervises the brand new Service Learning Club at Neshaminy.

Mrs. Macauley believes that as a member of this community “everyone has a personal responsibility to try and make someone else’s life better by whatever means they can.”

This philosophy is something she tries to bring into her classes to make her students want to make a difference in their community while making lasting friendships through creative collaboration and using their “group genius” to help others. The increasingly popular FCS Major, according to Macauley, “focuses on character education and leadership.”

The FCS Major originally started as a ninth grade elective back when the freshman were still at the middle schools, and was created to be an introductory course to preview the different electives available at the high school. The classes’ old curriculum covered the four major areas of the FCS standards: child development, financial and resource management, food science and nutrition, and balancing family, work, and community responsibilities.

However when the class moved up to the high school along with the freshman classes the class itself changed.

Service Learning Club began in Tawanka Learning Center, but with the buildings’ close the club went away with it. However, High School Principle Dr. McGee wanted to continue to offer this opportunity to these students so Mrs. Macauley and Ms. Romano took over and brought it to the main building.

In Macauley and Romano’s Service Learning Club students take the lead to discover the needs in their community or even globally. The students work together to figure out how they can help on their own. The advisors are there to help and guide the students in any way they can, but refrain from telling them what to do.

SLC meets every other Wednesday in room C117 and are always looking for new students to take the lead in their community. This class and club have made a significant impact on the community surrounding the high school.

FCS frequently visits Woods Services and the Attleboro Nursing Home and packages meals for the well-known Aid for Friends, who provide meals to local elderly people who do not have the means to prepare or buy good wholesome meals.

Macauley wants her students to learn civic responsibility, teamwork, leadership, and selflessness with her guidance in hopes that it will teach them service which she believes “is a life skill that helps people appreciate their own circumstances, develop empathy, and grow personally, socially, and ethically.”

Community Service not only looks good on a college application, but can make one feel a personal sense of fulfillment and reward for making someone else’s life better.

I have only been a part of this class for a short while, but I already feel as if I’ve made a difference, however small it may be, in my community and it truly does make me appreciate what I do have in my own life and what I can bring to someone else’s to make them feel even just a little happier.

Mrs. Macauley is not only an exceptional teacher and guide, but a truly commendable human being and inspiration that Neshaminy and its student body are lucky to have as a role model.

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NHS Consumer Science classes prepare meals for those in need

December 29, 2012 By

by Ashley Titler, senior, Neshaminy High School

Neshaminy High School’s Family and Consumer Science classes recently prepared meals for a popular charity organization, Aid for Friends.

Aid for Friends originally began by a single woman cooking an extra meal every evening at dinnertime and delivering it to shut-ins nearby. Since then the organization has blossomed into a well-known charity that provides delicious and nutritious meals for shut-ins and other individuals in the five-county Philadelphia region who are unable to prepare home cooked meals.

“The mission of Aid for Friends is to alleviate the hunger and loneliness of isolated homebound individuals,” according the Aid for Friends website.

Mrs. Kelly Macauley and Mrs. Gail Krimstock, Family and Consumer Science teachers, have been packaging leftovers from Thanksgiving feasts for the last four years together.

Kelly was introduced to Aid for Friends by her student teacher, Mrs. Poeach, five years ago while she was still teaching at Maple Point. Kelly has been connected with the organization ever since. Her “Featuring Community Service” class has been contributing meals beginning when she was moved to the high school.

Mrs. Krimstock’s Today’s Foods classes spend every November creating the perfect Thanksgiving feast. Gail provides the experience of preparing a homemade Thanksgiving feast to all 150 students in the Today’s Foods class; therefore there is a significant amount of leftovers at the end of all this cooking.        

This is when Macauley’s Featuring Community Service class comes into the picture.

The FCS class freezes the turkey carcasses and scraps leftover from Gail’s feast. The FCS class is then taught how to make turkey soup.

The turkey carcasses are boiled for five hours in order to boil off all of the meat and nutrients in the turkey. Once the carcasses have boiled and cooled, students then skim the fat off the top of the pot and pick the bones out of the soup.

After the soup is ready it is packaged by Kelly’s FCS class. When sending soup it is packaged in a plastic re-sealable container. Sides are not sent with the soup like a typical meal prepared for Aid for Friends because the soup contains nutrients from meat, vegetables and the broth.

A typical meal that is prepared for Aid for Friends contains protein (usually meat), vegetables and starch. This collaboration with Aid for Friends is beneficial on both the giving and receiving end.

“Making meals for Aid for Friends teaches students how easy it can be to help others,” Kelly said.

The FCS classes at Neshaminy High School are a fun class for students that help them to get involved and give back to their community.

“I really enjoy the Family & Consumer Science class because Mrs. Macauley teaches her students the importance of giving back to the community,” sophomore Abby Gibson said.

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