Pledging Allegiance to Mrs. Aitken - Archmere Academy

The
Green Arch
Volume 78, Number 3 Archmere Academy’s Student Newspaper March 2012
Mr. Jordan Brings Enthusiasm,
Optimism to New Role
By Amelia Altoe ’13
On January 31, 2012, eagerly
awaiting Archmere Academy students,
parents, faculty and staff
were e-mailed the news of who
would succeed Dr. Bill Doyle as
principal following a nation-wide
search.
A r c h m e r e
headmaster Dr.
Michael Marinelli
announced that Mr.
John Jordan would
become the new
principal for the
2012-13 school
year, effective July
1st.
Most students
were not surprised
by Mr. Jordan’s
promotion, and
most appeared
very excited and
optimistic regarding
the future.
“I feel that Mr. Jordan will be
great as the new principal,” said
junior Ed Gomes. “The way he
carries himself and the relationship
that he has with the students
is something that not many others
have.
“From having him as my (cross
country) coach, I know that he is
understanding but can be firm at
the same time. I feel that he is a
good leader and knows how to
listen to others and understand
their point of view.”
Mr. Jordan, a 1980 graduate of
Archmere who on his graduation
day was awarded the prestigious
Archmere medal, has been a major
fixture at Archmere throughout
most of his life. In addition to
being the current admissions
director for the past five years,
English teacher for 22 years, and
cross-country coach for 16 years
(over the course of two stints), Mr.
Jordan has also enjoyed being an
Archmere parent.
As a student in the late 70’s, Mr.
Jordan said he never dreamed of
coming back to
Archmere as a teacher – let alone
as principal. However, he said
that among those who provided
a positive influence on him was
Fr. Joseph Bozzelli, who became
principal in 1979.
“He was a hard-working guy,”
said Mr. Jordan, “and I hoped to
do the same.”
In the late 80’s, Mr. Jordan found
himself coming back to Archmere
after Fr. McLaughlin asked to join
the faculty as a part-time teacher.
After almost 30 years of being part
of the Archmere community, Mr.
Jordan was presented with another
opportunity of applying for the
role of principal after Dr. Doyle
announced early in the 2011-12
school year that he was resigning
PHOTO BY ORCEL KOUNGA !12
“Mr.” Jordan is about to become “Principal”
Jordan
his post as principal at the end of
the year and would return to teach
mathematics full time.
“My experience with the school,
students, faculty, and families
helped me decide to (apply to
become) principal,” Mr. Jordan
said.
Now that he
will be taking
another position
a t A r c h m e r e ,
Mr. Jordan plans
on maintaining
his positive and
upbeat attitude
as he meets new
and different challenges.
S e n i o r To r i
Grimm is convinced
that Mr.
Jordan indeed will
be “enthusiastic”
when he takes
over.
“That’s his personality,”
she said. “You can tell
he loves his job. I’m bummed that
I won’t have a chance to be here
when he starts his new job.”
Senior Bill Repetto agrees.
“Mr. Jordan captures the Archmere
spirit,” he said. “He’s a good
guy.”
As principal, Mr. Jordan said
his first major course of action
would be increasing communication
with the student body and
building upon that. As far as the
near future is concerned, Mr. Jordan
did not mention any immediate
changes.
Among those who will work
closely with Mr. Jordan is English
teacher Mr. Tim Dougherty, who
serves as Archmere’s Director of
Curriculum and Instruction.
“I am excited to be led by the
enthusiasm and the tradition that
Mr. Jordan will continue bringing
to the school in this new capacity,”
Mr. Dougherty said. “He has
always been a reliable and trustworthy
colleague and I am going
to rely on that to continue.”
Since becoming admissions
director, every incoming Archmere
student has had the chance to
know Mr. Jordan. Not only has he
welcomed them to the Archmere
community as new students, but
before they officially appeared on
campus, he set up most of them
with a “buddy” with whom they
could follow throughout an entire
day.
“He embodies a feeling of community
and family,” Gomes said.
“When he greets you, his greeting
seems to say more than just ‘Hi’
or ‘How’s it going?’ He seems to
genuinely say ‘Good to see you.
I’m glad you’re here.’”
Archmere students and faculty
feel the same way.
Pledging Allegiance to Mrs. Aitken
By Carley DeMarco ’13
“Hi! I’m not here to take your call.
But if you leave a message I will get
back to you as soon as possible! Now
go . . . and make it a great day!”
If it wasn’t obvious already, those
are the exact words you would hear
on Mrs. Marcy Aitken’s answering
message machine.
Among Archmere’s most beloved
figures throughout her almost-four
decades of service, Mrs. Aitken has
touched the lives of countless people
along the way. Although everyone
hopes she never leaves this institution,
this seems like as good a time
as any to count our blessings for the
gift of hearing her on the loudspeaker,
or seeing her on stage during
assemblies, or meeting with students
in the Student Life Center.
Various people from the Archmere
community were asked: What do
you think of when you think of Mrs.
Aitken?
“The pledge of Allegiance,” said
sophomore Charlotte Lynch.
“The flag!” said junior Austin
Blaisdell.
“The pledge!” said junior Caroline
Dougherty.
“America,” said junior Lauren
Cutler.
While most people immediately
answered with something in relation
to Mrs. Aitken’s obvious loyalty
to her country, what most of don’t
know is how that all began.
Thirty seven years ago . . .
Mrs. Atiken, then a mother of
eight, was contacted by Archmere
Academy – an all-boys school at the
time – that was turning co-ed and
interested in hiring her expertise.
Before she even went to the interview
she told her late husband Joe
she didn’t want the job because she
had too many things to do and too
many kids to take care of.
She went to the interview anyway.
The principal at the time, the late
Father Robert Sliben, told her that
she would be beginning all of the
girls’ programs. Her response?
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can
do it,” she said. “What you need
is a young girl that just got out of
college.”
Fr. Sliben looked over to her husband
and asked, “Can she do this?”
He replied, “Without a doubt.”
The final verdict from Fr. Sliben?
“You’ve got the job.”
The couple went home that night
and Mrs. Aitken told her husband
that she planned on working at Archmere
for only three years. Now, 37
years later, she is still roaming the
community with the same smile on
her face that she walked in with on
her very first day in 1975.
That year Mrs. Aitken started with
the original 50 girls and began all
the girls’ sports programs, including
cheerleading, basketball, and
softball.
Now, it’s easy to imagine one wondering
how the petite Mrs. Aitken
PHOTO BY MS. COLLEEN DEFRUSCIO, ARCHMERE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
A typically enthusiastic Mrs. Aitken pumps her fist as she finishes a recent morning pledge with campus
minister Mr. Mike Johnson.
could play basketball, right? Truth
is, she was so good that she once
played college basketball at Immaculata
College.
Though she loved sports and
coaching, in 1981 she asked the
school if she could turn her focus
fully to drug and alcohol counseling.
After this she became a health
teacher for 11 years.
And today, Mrs. Aitken is still
active on behalf of every Archmere
student. She comes in two times
a week to perform much-needed
work/help. Her job is still alcohol
and drug counseling, but she makes
sure her work is more one-on-one,
active, and involved, so she meets
with freshmen separately and talks
to them about keeping a good head
on their shoulders.
“The greatest part about my job as
an alcohol and drug counselor is that
all of my work is confidential,” she
said. “Archmere never asks me who
I am helping and no one knows our
conversation.”
When asked her favorite part about
Archmere, she replied, “The kids.”
That’s all she needed to say.
“It’s just a great place to me,” she
said. “It’s like my home.”
Now obviously her claim to fame
is her school spirit and our community
patriotism can be credited
to Mrs. Aitken, so it would only be
appropriate to address the beginnings
of the pledge.
Seven years ago many Archmere
classrooms didn’t have flags, so Mrs.
Aitken bought flags for every single
room and the maintenance department
put them up for her.
But why is she so patriotic?
“My brother was in the service
for twenty years and my husband
was in the navy for four,” she said.
“He was very patriotic and it grew
on me.”
A friend of Vice-President Joe
Biden, Mrs. Aitken said it is “very
meaningful to me to be patriotic.
“I was so thrilled at the Thanksgiving
Day mass when I was standing
on stage and watching every single
student singing God Bless America,”
she said. “It is one of the moments
that I will forever remember from
Archmere, and I’m so glad it is a
tradition now.”
Spanish teacher Mrs. Terry Mehringer
possesses a particular affection
for Mrs. Aitken. When her son
Michael, a 1999 Archmere graduate,
was in the military for nine years,
Mrs. Aiken often asked Mrs. Mehringer
for updates (this after having
first sought permission in case
the subject was too emotional to be
reminded about) and occasionally
would invite Mrs. Mehringer onto
the stage.
Mrs. Mehringer said she “will never
forget” the sensitivity and compassion
that Mrs. Aitken afforded her
during those oft-frightening times.
“She’s a great lady,” Mrs. Mehringer
said. “She really understood
what I was going through and could
not have been more loving and caring.
I will always, always appreciate
that.”
Another tradition that is cherished
by students and faculty is when Mrs.
Aitken leads the cheer of “Go and
make it a great day!” at morning
assemblies. But where did that
derive from?
“The Saint Francis prayer is very
important to me but it is too long of
a prayer and it dawned on me that if
all of us say that one line a day we
Continued on page 3
An Orientation
on Orientation
See page 2
Cancer Meets
Tough Opponent
in Mr. Kropp
See page 3
Ask
Beanz
See page 2

2 The Green Arch March 2012
Ask
Beanz
A typical teenage
girl answering
typical teenage
questions
Inspiring Students to Extinction
By Jonathan Lobo ’14
Education serves a variety of
purposes, most notably to pass on
imperative knowledge and values
to prepare the next generation for a
successful future. At school, teachers
generously offer their knowledge and
expertise to zealous learners. The
consummate education is restricted
to the classroom, which eliminates
the corrosive influence of sports and
extracurricular activities.
However, when students return
home, they may stray from the
noble path, waste valuable time,
and participate in nefarious leisure
activities. Thankfully, teachers, in
their infinite wisdom, have devised
ingenious strategies in the ongoing
war against the delinquency of the
young American citizenry.
With inspiration from the regimes
of deposed dictators, teachers have
successfully deployed the weapon of
mass destruction called homework
and plunged every school-goer’s
day into darkness. Keeping students
perpetually occupied with work and
school-related activities, whether
at home or at school, they reason,
not only instills responsibility and
furthers education, but also produces
knowledgeable, human resources for
our great nation.
Academics has been the raison
d’etre of Archmere since the dawn of
the 20th century. Recently, however,
a disturbing phenomenon known as
Occupy Philadelphia Pike has made
inroads into this placid academic utopia.
The mass movement’s members,
all of whom are disgruntled students,
have demanded a work stoppage,
shorter hours, wages, and social justice.
This resistance is enough to tarnish
the verdant green of Archmere
Academy and to threaten the Great
Auk with extinction.
But all is not lost. The one-percent
remaining minority of the student
body not affiliated with the protests
has dedicated itself to the preservation
of the status quo by joining
forces with the beleaguered faculty.
Together, they have charitably issued
a manifesto that offers 10 effortless
steps to ensure the preservation of
all students’ futures and the reinforcement
of natural enthusiasm for
learning, by force if necessary. The
sterling doctrine is as follows:
1Productivity begins with homework.
Teachers, by assigning
unbounded amounts of homework,
you ensure that your students will
devote their evenings to the pursuit
of knowledge and leave the frivolous
pursuit of happiness by the wayside.
We recommend 30-45 minutes of
work in each of six to seven classes,
amounting to a minimum of three
hours of rigorous mental strain each
night. This will leave sufficient time
for sleep and the exercise of essential
bodily functions.
2Weekends must not be overlooked.
Double the homework
load. Better yet, triple it. Completing
homework on weekends ensures that
students never lose their focus on
education, the foremost priority.
3Satisfy your constituents. Teachers,
if parents notice that their
children have free time, they may
arrive at the misconception that
your class is far too easy. Therefore,
always assign homework,
even if you cannot determine what
to assign. Simply spend five minutes
typing up a worksheet, or find one
on the Internet and use it without
attribution. Don’t even bother to
read the worksheet for appropriateness.
Imagine the surprise plastered
on your students’ faces when you
supply them questions pertaining to
philosophy instead of calculus. Then
they can exclaim with sincerity, “It’s
all Greek to me!” Such an immense
contribution to your students’ education
cannot be undervalued.
4Utilize social networking. Reach
your students wherever and whenever
you please. Upload your assignment
on their walls, giving them
something to discuss with friends.
They will never forget you. Some
students might even be grateful.
extensive, time-con-
5Formulate suming essays and reports for
your students. When evaluating the
submissions, place only a check mark
at the top of the cover page and provide
no other feedback. Tell students
their grades are confidential.
6Assign group projects to be
completed outside of class.
With a nod to diversity, make sure
each group contains students from at
least two different states. For good
measure, verify that the minimum
distance between any two involved
parties’ homes is at least 30 miles.
7Threaten to give pop quizzes
or to collect homework for a
grade. This has the delightful effect
of forcing students to study or work
excessively in preparation. Whether
or not you actually follow through on
the quiz or collection is secondary,
because the knowledge has already
been ingrained in the students’ brains
and your authority exercised.
8Do not neglect the summer.
When June rolls around, your
students might be tempted to escape
and to vacation in exotic locales.
The Green Arch
Editor-in-Chief Sarah Waldis ’12
Features Editor Kerith Wang ‘12
Managing Editor Amelia Altoe ‘14
Sports Editor Sam Voge ‘13
Photo Editor Orcel Kounga ‘12
Copy Editors Amalia Brawley ‘12 and Kathy Huang ‘12
News/Current Events Tory Sylvestre ‘13
Opinions Taylor Bills ‘12
Games Editor Tori Zugehar ‘12
Cartoonist Pat Bastian ‘12
Columnist Jeannie Bastian ‘13
Photographer Courtney Wright ‘14 and Jamison Donahue ‘12
Contributors for this issue
Liz Barr ‘12, Carley DeMarco ‘13, Corinne Sullivan ‘13, Laura Jogani ‘13,
Jonathan Lobo ‘14, Camryn Hicks ‘14, and Avery Jamison ‘14
Moderator — Mr. John Knebels
Layout and Printing by Media Trends • 1-866-376-5400
Young brains are like sponges; they
fill quickly but empty all the more
quickly. Keep those brains saturated.
Assign summer work so that your
students retain all they have absorbed
and never lose focus, even while
sightseeing in Europe.
9Introduce mandatory electives.
This is directed to administrators
more than teachers. If all students
complete a fixed number of courses
in order to graduate, lazy students
will have no loophole to avoid the
workload. Rest assured, they will
thank you later.
Ban participation in all
10
sports. There is nothing as
valuable to society as an individual
with a strong mind. Coaches, holding
daily practice for at least one to
two hours works directly against the
principles that we cherish. Neither
conducting drills nor participating
in strenuous workouts accomplishes
By Liz Barr ’12
On Wednesday, February 29,
Archmere’s recently formed Diversity
Club hosted a discussion about
gender identity and sexual orientation.
The discussion, held in Ms.
O’Meara’s classroom with the added
allure of free food, was open to anyone
who was interested.
Despite the event struggling for
consistent advertising, about 20 students
came and participated in the
discussion.
The Diversity Club is led by seniors
Nathan Graf and Connell Donaghy,
as well as faculty moderators Ms.
O’Meara and Mr. Dougherty. Unfortunately,
for various reasons, some
leaders could not attend the meeting,
but the discussion was very competently
lead by Graf, senior Daniel
Parshall, junior Leigh Henjes, and
Ms. Jillian Waldman.
They began the forum by informing
the audience about
the many different
terms that can be
used to describe both
one’s gender identity
and sexuality. They
explained that while it
is not necessary to memorize or completely
understand every term, it is
important to understand that neither
gender nor sexuality is only divided
between two, rigid categories; there
is an entire spectrum for each.
They also explained the distinct
difference between sex and gender,
something which many people
believe are the same thing. Basically,
they clarified, sex is biological,
involving DNA and what body
parts one has, while gender is what
someone identifies as. For example,
someone may identify as female,
though physically, her sex is male, or
vice versa. People can even change
their sex through advanced operations.
After expanding their audience’s
anything to exercise the brain. Once
sports no longer subsist, the unused
playing fields can be rented out to
local farmers and the gym can be
converted into classrooms.
Perpetual adherence to these 10
simple precepts will provide the
antidote to all toxins that plague
society in our disintegrating world.
Busying students with work at all
times will undeniably channel their
energy and enthusiasm towards academic
goals.
If all goes according to plan,
students will be occupied into the
wee hours of the night, thoroughly
engrossed by their work. Then, following
a brief snooze, students will
arrive at school the next day, rejuvenated
and eager for another installment
of gratifying learning.
(This satire was written as an
assignment for Mr. Deakins’ Honors
American Literature class.)
An Orientation on Orientation
“As a school, we should
strive to create a
community that accepts
and welcomes all its
members and
all its diversity.”
vocabulary, the leaders opened the
discussion to questions and even
shared their personal experiences.
The event certainly was not a lecture
or a debate, but a dialogue. The
attendees participated actively and
respectfully. Everyone involved
was very open-minded, civil, and
receptive. Everyone was encouraged
to ask both personal and general
questions, as well as share
opinions and comments.
The main message the
leaders attempted to impart
on their audience was the
importance of acceptance.
A significant issue that
often goes uncorrected is
language.
“Anti-gay comments or slurs, no
matter your intentions, are inappropriate,”
Parshall said. “They create
an environment that says, ‘You’re
not a worthy human being,’ and
make many people, gay or not, very
uncomfortable.”
For example, phrases such as
“that’s so gay,” as well as offensive
slurs like “fag” are ubiquitously and
casually tossed around in our community,
which, as Parshall pointed
out, may create seriously concerning
consequences.
“It is basic human decency to
treat others with the respect
and dignity they inherently
deserve.”
While these expressions
may seem like no big deal,
especially when just used offhandedly
in conversations with friends,
their use perpetuates a negative
atmosphere, especially for those in
the community who do not identify
as straight. Using the word “gay” as
a pejorative description promotes
the idea that being gay is something
to be ashamed of. It is considered
an insult to be associated with that
word, or other synonyms with negative
connotations.
As a school, we should strive to
create a community that accepts
and welcomes all its members and
all its diversity, including the entire
Continued on page 3
Dear Beanz,
It’s “The Game.” It’s the last
game of the year, the game of
all games, and I promised my
significant other that I would
go out with her without realizing
that the biggest game of
the year is that day. How do I
break it to her that this game
means more to me?
Joe, 17, Media, PA
Dear Joe,
Let her know that this means
a lot to you, and this “game”
only comes once a year. If your
relationship is strong she will
understand and let you go to
the game. Just make sure you
promise her that you will hang
out with her another day. Don’t
worry, Joe, everything is going
to be fine and you will be able
to attend the big game!
Holla, Beanz.
Beanz,
So, my girlfriend just bought
her prom dress, and it is really
ugly. Should I tell her or should I
let her wear it? Help, Beanz!
Robbie, 17, Chadds Ford, PA
Dear Robbie,
Robbie, it is your girlfriend’s
prom. She is allowed to wear
whatever she wants. Do not
tell her. That is extremely hurtful
and rude! If anything, just
tell her that there might be a
more flattering option she could
choose.
Holla, Beanz.
Dear Beanz,
In my mind, I truly believe that
I am dating a British celebrity,
but deep down I know that it isn’t
true, and all my friends are making
fun of me! What do I do?
Ashley, 16, West Chester, PA
Dear Ashley,
I had the same problem a couple
of weeks back. I understand
that it is difficult to overcome
this obsession, but just know
that it’s highly unlikely that you
will meet or talk to this boy ever
in your life. Worshipping from
afar is one thing, but believing
that you are dating him is not
healthy. Good Luck, Ash!
Holla, Beanz.
Dear Beanz,
One of my good friends just
started modeling, and his
pictures are really good! I’m
starting to get a little bit jealous.
How do I keep myself from
becoming jealous of him because
I don’t want to let that affect our
friendship?
Sam, 16, Garnet Valley, PA
Dear Sam,
I understand that it might be
a little bit difficult to accept the
fact that your friend is now getting
all this attention from peers,
but it is important to support
your friend no matter what. I
have the reverse problem in my
life. My friend (I won’t mention
any names) is always jealous of
me because of my recent change
in looks, but don’t worry. She
has now come to accept and
love me for my beauty! Hope
this helps!
Holla, Beanz

March 2012 The Green Arch 3
Pledging Allegiance
to Mrs. Aitken
Continued from page 3
will make a great day for somebody
and then we will have a great day,”
she said.
If those weren’t enough accomplishments
to already leave a mark
on Archmere, the grandmother of 17
is one of only two Archmere employees
to have ever been employed
while simultaneously having a
grandchild attending Archmere, the
other being current administrative
assistant Mrs. Marie Parks.
Impressive, right?
“God has given me many blessings,”
she said. “My husband, eight
children, seventeen grandchildren,
and then my thirty seven years at
Archmere.”
From a woman that wasn’t going
to take the job in the first place, we
are all so thankful that she did.
“Mrs. Aitken is an inspiration for
me she is always happy and so kind,”
said junior Eli Munda.
“She is so enthusiastic and always
makes me smile,” said freshman
Emily Bradford.
“When I think of her I think of
Archmere,” said junior Megan Diggins.
“She IS Archmere. She makes
us a community.”
Mrs. Aitken is humbled by all of
the love and affection she has garnered
at Archmere.
“The day is going to come when
I’m going to have to leave,” said
Mrs. Aitken, “and I’m going to say
to myself, ‘You did it. You did it the
way God wanted you to do it.’”
And every person that has ever
met this inspirational woman is
going to shake his or her head up
and down.
“Yes,” they will say. “She did do it.”
An Orientation
on Orientation
Continued from page 2
spectra of gender identity and sexual
orientation. We do not want to foster
an environment that discourages
our fellow community members
from fully being and expressing
themselves.
Regardless of one’s personal
opinions about gender identity
and sexual orientation, it is basic
human decency to treat others with
the respect and dignity they inherently
deserve. No one has the right to
make anyone else feel unwelcome,
unsafe, or uncomfortable in his/her
own school. It should be a goal of
every member of this community to
correct discriminatory and offensive
behavior and language in themselves
and those around them, as the first
steps toward creating an accepting
and comfortable community at
Archmere.
Overall, the Diversity Club’s first
forum was well-informed, wellattended,
and well-received.
“It was informative and raised
awareness on how words we consider
harmless and use in day-to-day
language can affect those around us,”
said senior Dmitry Levin.
While one attendee said the event
“was good . . . It made me feel less
alone,” senior Orcel Kounga added,
“I think that the whole Q&A was
very interesting, and it was nice to
just listen to what they had to say and
try to get their perspective.”
Ms. Waldman voiced her pride.
“It’s good to see the Archmere
community coming together in support
of its own,” she said, “and living
up to our ideals of community and
respect for each other.”
The club members said they are
excited to further establish their
presence in the school. If anyone
is interested in being involved with
the club or has suggestions or questions,
feel free to contact one of the
aforementioned leaders.
Cancer Meets Tough Opponent in Mr. Kropp
By Carley DeMarco ’13
When people battle through a
serious illness, their life changes
in ways they could not have
imagined.
However, they have a choice.
Become angry or complacent and
pretend it away, or deal with it
courageously and diligently.
Archmere theology of studies
teacher Mr. Ken Kropp has
opted for the second choice. And
despite his constant smile and
sunny disposition, this cross has
been the most difficult challenge
he has ever endured.
“This time last year I was running,
now it’s a struggle to button
my shirt in the morning,” Mr.
Kropp said, describing the effects
of stage three non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma cancer.
In the darkest recesses of his
experience that began last year
and cost him close to an entire
missed school year, Mr. Kropp’s
battle included immense weight
loss, terrible weakness, and long
nights of sleeplessness.
“It’s not a pleasant road,” Mr.
Kropp said. However, he said,
though the list of negative things
could go on, many positive things
have come out of this bump in the
road.
“I learned to take everything
day by day, and nothing for
granted,” he said. “I learned to
pray from the heart more, that it’s
easy to feel like giving up but (at
the same time) remembering the
small things will push you to keep
going, and that God is always in
control of whatever we do.”
Throughout Mr. Kropp’s fight,
family members and close friends
have been very supportive, as has
Archmere. After his cancer went
into remission in mid- October,
Archmere allowed him to take
medical leave up until the first
quarter.
Mr. Kropp was visibly sincere
as he lauded Archmere for being
“very gracious to me through
my battle . . . Cards, e-mails,
calls, messages, and everything
else from our school community
to family members, to people I
haven’t talked to in years, are the
things that keep me fighting.”
He continually looks at the
bright side.
“This kind of journey is more
like a test, a test of faith,” he said.
“The whole thing has been a very
humbling experience. It really
shows how much everyone needs
others by their sides.”
Mr. Kropp, who last month
received a distinguished award
from “Pennsylvanians for Human
Life” for his diligent effort
to confront the horrors of abortion
as a long-time Pro-Life club
moderator, also talked about how
he noticed people’s dependence
on God’s grace working through
other people.
He went even deeper when describing
his own spiritual journey.
“God gave me exceptional
health for almost my entire life,”
he said, “but when I was diagnosed,
it was like hitting a road
block. But then a friend came
to me and said, ‘God is not finished
with you yet,’ and I believed
him.”
Mr. Kropp’s belief in God and
strong faith encouraged him to
make goals “to go out and walk
without a cane because even if
people say it’s not possible I will
never give up trying – never.”
A fan of movies that concern
concepts such as war and hope,
Mr. Kropp thinks about how his
own struggles involve hope. He is
now sure of two things: one, with
God all things are possible and
two, those possibilities may come
in ways other than what we plan,
that we never know the effect we
may have on other people even in
our broken condition.
From the comments made by
several faculty members, it is safe
to say that the Archmere community
believes in Mr. Kropp and
congratulates him on his amazing
exhibition of faith and trust
in God.
Longtime friend and colleague
Mr. John Knebels isn’t surprised.
“He’s one of the best all-around
persons I have ever met,” Mr.
Knebels said. “He has such a large
capacity to care. He is a great husband,
a wonderful father, a caring
and loving teacher who strives
very hard to make classes enjoyable
for freshman students who
are vulnerable to the elements of
a brand new school.
“He always thinks of others.
His spirituality is infectious.
When our religion department
saw him come in for the first time
since he went on leave, we were
thrilled that he had returned.
Physically he looked like he had
been through a war, but not his
core being – that was completely
intact.
“Now, take away the need to
balance himself on a cane now
and then, he looks better than
PHOTO BY ORCEL KOUNGA !12
A smiling Mr. Ken Kropp relaxes at his desk during a dress-down day.
ever. It’s an incredible blessing
to the school and to our students
that his future looks really good. I
often thank God for that and pray
that it continues.”
When asked why he wanted
to come back to Archmere, Mr.
Kropp paused for a brief second,
looked straight ahead and said, “I
wanted to finish what I started,
what God has had me start.”
He said he is glad he came back
because he loves his new freshman
classes, as he jokes with
them that in his thermos is only
water and not alcohol because
sometimes he wobbles and trips
as he walks.
Even with his positive outlook
on his experience, Mr. Kropp revealed
that he has a hidden fear
that his cancer may come back.
“Opening up that envelope that
holds your life inside of it is terrifying,”
he said. “You go from
holding your breath to either disappointment
or jumping for joy
and thanking our Lord.”
And as of recently, Mr. Kropp
has been jumping for joy and
thanking our Lord.
“The areas where I had cancer
A Beacon of Hope for Diabetes
By Tory Sylvestre ’13
On Wednesday, November 30,
2011, my eyes were opened into
a world of politics involving a
cause that affects millions of
people – myself included.
Diabetes.
I was invited to travel to
Washington D.C. to speak with
Congressman Harris about the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s
“Promise to Remember
Me” campaign. Establishing a
relationship with as many politicians
as possible through the
campaign, JDRF wants politicians
to remember a person, face,
family, or story when voting on
crucial technology.
Currently, new technology
called the “artificial pancreas”
has been developed and is working
through the FDA. The new
machine would be able to help
Type 1 diabetics better regulate
and would place less work and
stress on the patient.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic
condition where the body no
longer makes islet cells, which
produce insulin, a hormone that
helps break down food into energy.
A writer of a diabetes blog,
Kerri Sparling, quoted Dr. Henry
Anhalt, who said facing the challenges
of diabetes is “like failing
at something you never wanted to
do in the first place.”
Diabetes patients don’t have a
choice in caring for themselves.
It’s a daily requirement of management
and extensive planning
often consisting of 10-12 blood
sugar checks, weighing or measuring
of food, wearing an insulin
pump or taking 3-5 shots a day.
As a nine-year patient with diabetes,
the mantra of “I have diabetes,
but diabetes does not have
me” has developed. The amount
of work that goes into every decision
about exercise, stress, food
and more affects diabetes, but patients
have learned to adapt to the
inconsistencies. With the technology
of an artificial pancreas,
management would be simpler
and easier for a patient, and most
importantly, consistency, since
in today’s world, diabetes is a tedious,
working science of estimations
and is never perfect.
My second family, the Coopers,
invited me to travel to D.C.
en route to meet the congressman.
Family friend Wendy, her
son Garrison, and Type 1 diabetic
daughter Lily were delighted
with this wonderful opportunity
because we understand the daily
impact diabetes makes.
After being stuck in classic
“DC traffic” and getting stuck on
one-way streets, we finally found
our way to the Cannon Building.
Once inside the building,
we wandered up and around the
building through different state’s
offices until we found Congressman
Harris’ office. Once inside,
are all clear and normal-looking
and that is good news, though
there is still nerve damage that
will hopefully keep getting better,”
he said. “I’m learning to accept
it and still praying to Jesus
every day.”
That is no easy task.
“It’s a challenge to be positive
day to day . . . to keep going no
matter what, cause I see people
who are challenged even more
than myself and it instantly puts
things into perspective and I’m
glad that I get by in this life with
my family, friends, and God.”
Mr. Kropp takes a glimpse at
the crucifix above the door.
“If we leave God,” he said,
“whom do we go to?”
The way Mr. Kropp has dealt
with cancer has truly been an inspiration
mostly because of his
faithful journey. And when asked
about his journey he said, “It’s
one you do not want to take, but
it’s one that may be a part of life.
It affected me physically, mentally,
and spiritually . . . it challenged
my faith.”
Seems safe to say that he passed
the challenge.
our eyes were opened to a world
of politics; it was overwhelming
to see the daily life and the constant
bustle that goes on inside
the office.
Once we sat down for our meeting,
the clear stress of time was
evident, but we spoke concisely
and quickly to make our point
about the importance of voting on
bills to help diabetic patients with
the daily stress of life, because
it was important to us to make it
clear how diabetes affects the life
of all of those who are involved in
the care of diabetes. Though our
talk was brief, it was an amazing
experience to share the world of
diabetes in which that Lily and I
live every day of our lives.

4 The Green Arch March 2012
Academics
Mathematically
Superior
By Corinne Sullivan ’13
This year the Math League and
Academic Bowl teams had exceptional
performances, with many
outstanding individuals leading the
charge. Both the freshman team and
the 10th-through-12th Math League
team won all four of their meets this
year, capturing the regional championship
in convincing fashion.
Individually, five students placed
among the top nine in the state.
Freshman Mark Melvin placed
second overall while senior Kevin
Zhao and junior Edward Gomes tied
for third. Sophomore Brian Zhang
finished seventh and senior Nathan
Graf finished ninth.
On the freshman team, Raylin Xu
won the individual overall title and
Meiben Chen placed third. The state
meet is in April and strong finishes
are expected of the Archmere delegates.
Mr. Ethan Levine, moderator, notes
that the team had “great participation
this year, with 18 different students
attending meets over the course of
the season. Because of this, our team
is looking forward to a bright future
despite the graduation of seniors
Kevin Zhao, Nathan Graf, Kerith
Wang, and Isaac Seo.”
The Academic Bowl team also
had an outstanding year, placing
first in the state. The varsity team
finished the year undefeated, trouncing
Sallies in the final, 220-60. Team
members included seniors Zhao,
Graf , Seo, and Thomas Rummel,
as well as juniors Peter Zdunek and
Patrick Reilly.
Reilly was voted MVP by his teammates,
who collectively said that his
performances were “invaluable” and
the team “would not have competed
at such a high level without him.”
The junior varsity Academic Bowl
team also had a fantastic year, which
bodes well for the future of the program
at Archmere. The varsity team,
which practices every Friday, has
great expectations for next year as
well and is hoping for a repeat state
championship.
Spotlight on four of Archmere’s student athletes
Ben Creekmore
By Camryn Hicks ’14
Following the reputation of
a remarkable sibling athlete is
never an easy feat.
Ben Creekmore, a 2011
graduate, was an all-star athlete,
eventually signing to
run this year at the Division
PHOTO BY
COURTNEY WRIGHT !14
1 University of Tennessee.
In the absence of his brother,
sophomore Ben took center stage in the Auks’
athletic realm this winter.
Not disappointing the Creekmore name, this
swimming season, Ben played a large factor in the
team’s success. Qualifying for a total of four events
at the state meet at the University of Delaware
campus this year, Ben came home with a first-place
medal after his 100 meter-freestyle victory.
Ben is very pleased with the team’s performance,
despite Archmere’s deficit of swimmers on the team
when competing against larger schools. The boys
closed the season with an incredible 10-3 record.
Because of Creekmore’s age, the NCAA prohibits
direct contact with college coaches. Through verbal
discussion, Creekmore knows of some interested
schools. He is excited to pursue swimming after
his Archmere career at what he hopes to be a Division
1 school.
The rigorous academic load Ben manages, along
with additional swimming commitments, leaves
Ben with limited free time. When he does have
free time, however, Ben enjoys playing Xbox and
visiting America’s finest dining institution – Olive
Garden.
Although he is the best in the state, Creekmore
still believes there is room for improvement and
is excited for the remaining Archmere swimming
seasons to come.
Conor Furey
By Avery Jamison ’14
As most people probably
know, sophomore Conor
Furey was one of the key
players on the varsity boys’
basketball team that recently
finished its season. However,
not many people know about
PHOTO BY
ORCEL KOUNGA !12
his early motivation to play
the very popular sport. Furey
began playing basketball at a young age.
“Second grade was the year I began to enjoy and
appreciate the sport,” Furey said. “After watching
the NBA for so long, I became entertained.”
And that’s when it all started.
Furey takes the meaning of Lil’ Bow Wow’s song,
“Basketball is my Favorite Sport,” very seriously.
Whenever he is practicing or getting ready for a
Sweeping Wins for Talented Choir
Compiled by Green Arch Staff
The Mastersingers traveled to
compete in the Festival Disney National
Invitational Choral Competition
at Orlando, Florida’s Walt Disney
World and left an enormously
positive impression before arriving
home on Sunday, March 25.
Just how enormously positive?
The Mastersingers swept the
competition, receiving perfect
scores from all judges in all categories
that merited a superior rating
for the group. They also captured
the best-in-class gold award for the
high school mixed choir division
and also won the best overall choral
group of the competition.
Senior Cara Tozzoli snared the
outstanding soloist award.
The Mastersingers were one
of seven high school choirs from
across the country invited to perform
in the competition. Along
with competing, they experienced
private workshops with the Director
of Music of Walt Disney World
and had a private tutoring session
with the singers that perform in
the live stage shows at the various
parks.
Director Mr. David Ifkovits
could not have been more proud
when the team met the judges after
finishing their performance.
“The head judge (the choral director
at the University of North
Carolina) turned to the audience,
which was made up of other competing
choirs, their directors and
families, and announced that this
group is truly one of the most outstanding
high school choirs in the
nation,” Mr. I said. “It was one
of the most amazing moments of
the trip. Many of the Mastersingers
said they had never felt such a
sense of pride for the group and for
themselves.”
During a private workshop with
the Disney Music department, the
Mastersingers listened as the clinician
discussed the various aspects
that go into being a performer for
the Disney Corporation.
The students were taught how to
do voiceovers to be used for film
and television as well as live performances.
They were also required
to sight read and rehearse a medley
from “The Lion King.” This was
then recorded with full orchestra
accompaniment and dubbed into
the actual scene of the movie “The
Lion King.”
Mr. Ifkovits said the staff was
highly impressed with the singers
to the point where members of the
music staff who were not involved
with the workshop were being
called into the studio to hear this
“amazing high school choir.”
After the workshop the staff
spoke to Mr. I and said in all the
years they had been conducting
these workshops they had never
heard a high school group “of this
quality with such a mature work
ethic and professional approach to
making music. “
“They are truly great kids who
did Archmere proud,” Mr. I said.
“They performed well, but more
importantly they behaved as ladies
and gentlemen at all times.”
big game, he goes all out.
“I get in what we call ‘MIKE mode,’ where the
team mentally prepares for an upcoming domination,”
he said. “The team dinners also help whenever
we’re hungry.”
Furey dedicated his success in basketball to Coach
Adam Bailey.
“Coach Bailey has trained and coached me a lot
on how to become a better player,” he said.
Not only does Furey play basketball, he is also
involved in other activities. Whenever he’s not
playing basketball, you can find him practicing
during the football season or the baseball season.
You may even occasionally find him swimming
for fun.
“The water keeps me cool,” he said.
Since he loves NBA basketball so much, Furey
was asked what player he thinks he would compare
himself to, as well as naming his overall favorite
player.
“Oh man, I think I would compare closely to
(Chicago Bulls’ forward) Brian Scalabrine because
he has that toughness and ability to play well, even
if he doesn’t start a lot,” he said. “I probably favor
(Oklahoma City star) Kevin Durant over any other
NBA player because Durant can just kill teams with
his jump shot and drive to the basket.”
Conor Furey’s experience and keen ability to play
basketball makes him a favorite for everyone who
sees him play in games or practices.
Laura Jogani
By Camryn Hicks ’14
Generally, Archmere’s star
athletes are talented, experienced,
and motivated upperclassmen.
A case in point is
sophomore Laura Jogani, who
continually proves herself as
an outstanding athlete, most
recently by her incredible
PHOTO BY
COURTNEY WRIGHT !14
By Samantha Spoll
Upper Dublin High School
With glistening gowns, shimmering
slippers, and a classic love story
between an unlikely pair, Archmere
Academy captured the essence of magic
and enchantment in their updated version
of “Cinderella.”
A story that has been cherished for centuries,
“Cinderella” was first adapted into
a musical production for television by the
illustrious duo of Rodgers and Hammerstein
in 1957. Originally starring Julie Andrews,
it was remade with Lesley Ann Warren and
Brandy in 1965 and 1997, respectively. With
glitz and glamour, Archmere’s “Enchanted
Edition” is based on the modernized 1997
teleplay and focuses on a revitalized message
of taking responsibility for your own
destiny.
With a cartoon-esque quality reminiscent
of the Disney film, the cast maintained
visibly animated expressions and effervescence
that allowed silly movements
and clichéd sentiments of love to appear
commonplace rather than out-of-place.
It is not an easy task to portray an iconic,
beloved character, but Megan Stellini
brought the perfect balance of innocence
swimming season.
Following a promising second
team all-state freshman season, Jogani returned
to the pools this year to solidify her reputation as
one of Archmere’s elite female swimmers, and she
did just that. Her hard work and dedication yielded
her a respective 5th and 8th place state title in the
100-meter butterfly and 200-meter freestyle races.
Despite being seated 3rd for the 100-meter butterfly
race entering states and having swam a personal
best of 59.07 seconds in the 100-meter butterfly
DIAA preliminary races, Jogani leaves the season
somewhat unsatisfied.
“I was a little disappointed,” she said, “but I hope
to capitalize on my experience and come back next
year even stronger.”
Jogani not only dedicates her time to the Archmere
swim team, but also commits to the Delaware swim
team throughout the year. Additionally, she began
and confidence to the titular role of Cinderella,
while illuminating the stage with
her lovely soprano and captivating vibrato.
Beside her was Evan Guerin as the charming
Prince Christopher, who played the part
with endearing vulnerability. The pair’s
vocals blended harmoniously in spellbinding
duets such as “Do I Love You Because
You’re Beautiful?”
Although the two leads drove most of
the plot’s action, the supporting characters
made a memorable mark on the performance
in a different way. As the infamous
stepmother, Karen Shantz commanded the
stage along with her on-stage daughters,
Christina Lawless and Sam Ciarrocchi,
who consistently inspired audible laughter
with their uproarious caricatures and strong
playing field hockey for the Auks this year and will
be returning for a second varsity women’s soccer
season this spring.
Perhaps her fondest memory of this year’s swim
season was the undeniable comradeship of the
team.
“I wouldn’t want to swim for anyone but Archmere,”
she said, “because of how close-knit the
group is.”
Being a superb underclassman athlete leaves
Jogani time to develop both her skills and plans
for college, whether or not they involve a sport.
Regardless, Jogani has established herself as a
great athlete through her dedication and drive in
the Auk athletic scene.
Amanda Vaile
By Laura Jogani ’13
Team captain of the Lady
Auks varsity basketball team
that recently ended its season
in the second round of
the state tournament, senior
Amanda Vaile is an enthusiastic
and determined athlete
and student.
Playing varsity basketball
PHOTO BY
ORCEL KOUNGA !12
for all four of her years, Vaile
has always tried to help the
team in any way possible.
Whether it’s playing forward or center, or helping
the team become mentally prepared for a game,
Vaile can be counted on to come through.
In the Blue-Gold basketball game on St. Patrick’s
Day at the University of Delaware, Vaile scored
13 points to help the Blue team emerge with a
73-58 victory.
“My favorite part of basketball is just playing
with the girls I’ve become so close with regardless
of how long they have been on the team,” Vaile
said. “We all get so close during the season and
I just love being able to play with all my favorite
people. We keep each other sane during the long
season by becoming the weirdest people you will
ever meet.”
Possessing a true love for the sport and her team,
Amanda says that she doesn’t know what she would
have done if she had not played basketball during
high school.
“It gets to be hard sometimes, but basketball has
always been and will always be a very important
part of my life,” Vaile said.
Aside from being a leader on the basketball
court, Vaile is also involved with field hockey and
lacrosse. Aside from sports, she also part takes
in academic clubs such as the National Honors
Society for Spanish and Art. After applying to
seven colleges, Amanda is considering University
of Delaware, Loyola Maryland, and George Mason
University.
Cinderella
2012 Cast of “Cinderella” gave glittering performance of this time PHOTO COURTESY OF BARKSDALE STUDIOS
honored classic. They definitely made our dreams come true.
comedic timing, most notably in “Stepsisters’
Lament.” Liam Freeh and Christine
Holmes also gave noteworthy performances
as Lionel and the Fairy Godmother, both
displaying powerful vocals in several numbers
throughout the show.
Each scene change was swiftly executed
by an impressively adept stage crew that
seemed invisible at times. Challenging
displays of “magic” were handled smoothly
and convincingly.
Archmere Academy’s “Cinderella”
delightfully demonstrated that “impossible
things are happening every day” by commendably
recreating a timeless tale in a
modern, memorable manner, proving that
this quintessential fairytale will never go
out of style.
Compiled by the Green Arch Staff
Great. Spectacular. Hilarious. Impressive.
As they exited the recent school play “Cinderella,” it was nearly impossible to find
someone who did not emerge with the above descriptive adjectives. Those were followed
by wide smiles and sincere hugs and high-fives for the wonderful cast, stage
crew, directors Mr. Brian Manelski and Mr. David Ifkovitz, and theater-hand Mr. Tim
Dougherty.
“As for reviewing the play, the Green Arch received permission to publish a
“Cappie” review that was originally submitted to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Not surprising,
Archmere’s production of “Cinderella” was described as rather scintillating.