Informer May 2013 Issue - Woodlynde School

A magical nightat prom ...More photoson page 5For photos, videos, and news,check out: woodlynde.org/informerGet all the latest updates: Like“Woodlynde Informer” on Facebook.Golfer stayscool underpressure ...Page 8Woodlynde School’s Award-Winning Student NewspaperMay 30, 2013Issue 7Growing Upwith 2 Momsor Dads IsNo DifferentBy Cassia EnrightEditor-in-Chief“What happened to your dad?” Isabel Tirado-Barrett’s friend asked.Isabel was only 10 and this was first time shehad ever been asked this question. But knowingthat her friend was just confused and curious, Isabelstayed calm and wasn’t offended.“Well,there isn’tany dad,”she replied.“I’ve got myGod Momand myMom, andthat’s justPhoto by Maya HollowayIsabel Tirado-Barrett, KaliDerderian, and BreanaDaniel-Schnobrich.fine.”Like agrowingnumber ofchildren inthe United States, Isabel was adopted by a samesex couple — when she was just one year old. Sheand two other Woodlynde students in the same situation,who were interviewed by The Informer, findSee PARENTS on page 3A Fantastic Field DayPhoto by Cameron Jordan, PhotographerSophomore Baird Register sprints during the over-undercompetition. The Blue Team narrowly won Field Day, whichwas held May 17th under beautiful blue skies.See more photos on page 4.Ideas toImproveWoodlyndeBy Caroline Kothari and Liz CarneyStaff WritersA student lounge, nap time, ordering in Chinesefood for lunch, more sports teams and school trips,relaxed dress every Friday, a swimming pool, a biggergym, and a study hall at the end of the day.Those were some of the more interesting suggestionsoffered during a recent Informer poll of morethan 25 Middle and Upper School students. Whetherany of these are possible, however, would ofcourse be up to the administration.In addition, The Informer poll revealed that studentsoverwhelmingly felt that Woodlynde is filledwith kind students — and that the teachers are incrediblynice and are always there to help you."One of my favorite things about Woodlynde isthe close, family-like community,” said senior HaleyVan Schaick. “I love that I can be friends with myteachers and how safe Woodlynde makes me feel. Ialso love how everybody stands up for one anotherand makes Woodlynde a second home.”Students had many suggestions on what theschool could add to make it even better.Sophomore Eliza Griffin told The Informer shewould like to see a student lounge, something theschool used to have many years ago for seniors.“It would be great if Woodlynde had a studentlounge where students could hang out and do homeworkin a comfortable environment,” she said.See IDEAS on page 2People to People:Students Excitedto Tour EuropeBy Christa DeckmanStaff WriterJunior Emily Bank can’t wait for thesummer so she can go abroad to Ireland,England, Wales, Northern Ireland, andScotland.She is most looking forward to seeingIreland, “Because I am adopted and I justfigured out I’m Irish.”Emily isn’t the only from Woodlyndewho is involved in People to People, a nationalorganization whose goal is “to bridgecultural and political borders through educationand exchange, creating global citizensand making the world a better placefor future generations,” according to itswebsite.Sophomore Kelan Reilly is going to thesame countries as Emily on a different tour.“... Well my cousin did it a few years agoand she said it was a life changing experience,”Kelan said. “Also, in my opinion, itseems like a once in a lifetime experiencethat I did not want to pass up.”People to People takes students ingrades five through twelve on an experiencethat opens them up to the world and itsSee EUROPE on page 6Third Time’s a CharmPhoto by Julia Wolfe, Assistant Photography EditorProudly hoisting their third consecutive championship trophy are Varsity Golf team members (from left) CoachRobison, Patrick Nucci, Mason Stamps, Ben Kotler, Max Rein, Charlie Tabas and Coach Larentowicz. Missing areseniors Ryan Mullen and Michael Peduto. See story on page 3.

The InformerPage 2 May 30, 2013The Karate KidsStudents Are Studying Martial ArtsBy Isabel Tirado-Barrett and Nicholas BraytonStaff Writers“Well, it was a regular Thursday night” in karateclass, eighth grader Nick Marcellino recalled, andhe was sparring with his friend, Matt.Nick tried to punch Matt. In self-defense, Mattused his knee to block the punch, which missed.Matt’s knee ended up hitting Nick’s wrist, breakingit and putting Nick out of action for six months.Despite that unexpected injury, Nickfinds martial arts fascinating and enjoyable.“You can learn more from it, andyou … have tricks up your sleeve,things you are confident about, even ifsomeone tries to pick on you.”Martial arts is a competitive sportthat entails commitment, persistence,and dedication. When a student workshard enough, they earn belts alongthe way. Woodlynde has several studentsdedicated to martial arts.Freshman Colin Reedy recentlybegan MMA (Mixed Martial Arts),which is a competitive fighting sport,where students can become championsby winning a match against theiropponents. Though Colin is on hiswhite belt, his goal is to win any competitionhe enters.To him, memorizing his moves isthe hardest part about martial arts, sohe practices three times a week. Interestinglyenough, he uses Jujutsualong with kickboxing techniques toenhance his performance.Colin said he wants to learn martial arts“because there are some bad people out there.”KALI: 2nd DEGREE BLACK BELTSophomore Kali Derderian is an avid Tae-Kwon-Do martial artist, having practiced the artfor over eight years. She is already on her seconddegreeblack belt.Kali is a member of the junior Olympics team,Photo by Julia Wolfe, Assistant Photography EditorMartial arts students (from left) eighth grader Nick Marcellino, sophomoreKali Derderian, and freshman Colin Reedy greatly enjoy their craft.part of team USA for NAFMA (North AmericanFederation of Martial Arts), as well as captain ofher upper demonstration team and lower demonstrationteam.She said she plans to pursue becoming a memberof the NASKA (North American Sport KarateAssociation) team; she is also considering teachingadolescents, as well as others, her knowledge ofTae-Kwon-Do, and possibly opening her own dojo.She also is thinking about working as a stunt doublein movies or music videos.Nick, who is now recovered fromhis broken wrist from sparring, hasrecently earned his brown belt in karate,which took three years to gain.But it was worth it, he said.NICK’S GOAL: BLACK BELTDuring practice, Nick has to reviewa lot of moves, and his goal is to earn ablack belt. “I think it’s fun. You canlearn a lot, such as theory … I go overforms, techniques, mainly.”Nick and Colin have models whomthey see themselves emulating duringtheir time as martial art students.Colin said Anderson Silva, a famousBrazilian UFC champion, led him towork hard and achieve his goal of becominga mixed martial arts student.Colin said he hasn’t had any streetfights since he started practicingMMA. “I’m too scary for [people],” hejoked.No TeachersLeavingScience at WorkThe freshman class collected and identified organismsat the annual stream study at Mill Road Park.By Trevor BowesStaff WriterIn an unusual event, as of Informerdeadline, Woodlynde has no teachers whohave said they are leaving or retiring atthe end of this year.Teachers who left last year includeScience teachers Mrs. Rheam and Mrs.Jacob, Spanish teacher Mrs. Feldman,Lower School teacher Mrs. Borchardt,English teacher Mr. Simson, and Historyteachers Mr. Burke and Mr. Brennan.“It seems like the new teachers havebreathed new life into the school,” saidHistory teacher Mr. Smith.(Right photo):Seth Lapensohnand Liz Carneycarefully collectsamples.(Left photo):CraigMechanicwades in thewater in searchof organisms.Photos byMaya Holloway,PhotographerStudents Have Many Ideas to Improve WoodlyndeIDEAS from page 1Eliza also thinks adding a study hall to the end of theday would be helpful. “... It would be nice if it was at theend of the day so that I could get my homework donethat day."CHINESE FOOD FOR LUNCHEighth grader Anna Lambert would like lunch toinclude an option of Chinese food ordered in from a restaurant.“... that would be really nice because some kids, let’ssay they don't like pizza and they just have to have peanutbutter and jelly, they might not like that but theymight like to have something better, like Chinese food.”“I would like to see Woodlynde have a one-week tripfor each grade to a different country, because it would befun and educational at the same time,” freshman JennaPavucek said. “They could go to a historical place thathad to do with what they were learning.”RELAXED DRESS FRIDAYSJenna also suggested a relaxed dress day everyFriday. “I think the students should be able to feelcomfortable at least once a week in school becausethen they would be less stressed on their work."Freshman Sheila Sullivan believes Woodlyndeshould offer a trip to a Phillies game as an extracurricular,“because the games are always fun to go to.”Avid swimmer Jacob Montenegro thinks addinga swimming pool to Woodlynde’s campus would bebeneficial. “I would like to have a swimming pool becauseI would like to stay in shape and it would be alot of fun,” the freshman said.NAP TIMESeveral students suggested nap time. “I would lovenap time, because we should have a break and relaxtime," said freshman Mary Pawlicki.Woodlynde should offer Advanced Placement classesfor sophomores and juniors, according to sophomoreChrista Deckman. In addition, she said, “Theyshould offer a wider variety of electives. I alwayswanted to try out culinary arts but Woodlynde doesnot have that as an option.”Students had many suggestions to improve theschool’s athletic program.BASEBALL TEAMSophomore Nick Spino would like to see theschool add another spring sport. “I would love forWoodlynde to have a baseball team because I lovebaseball. I know it would interfere with lacrosse, but Iwould love for there to be a baseball team."In addition to baseball, junior Luke Alonsowants to see an Ultimate Frisbee team and a men'svolleyball team.Both junior Emily Bank and senior Ryan Mullensuggested improvements to the athletic facilitiesby adding a bigger gym and a turf field.“I wish Woodlynde could get a turf field sometimesoon because I know it’s something they’ve alwayswanted and someday I’m pretty sure they will getone,” Ryan said.

Page 4 The InformerMay 30, 2013Going Full Out on Field Day4 JuniorsJoin NHSJuniors on the blue team give the tug of war competition everything they’ve got.Diving for thefinish line arefourth gradersVictor Vernickand BlakeSacchetta.Trevor BowesStaff WriterFour juniors — Emily Bank, Jordan Booth, ChrisLumsden, and Kaelin Wilcher — recently learned theyare being inducted into the National Honor Society.Earning acceptance into the NHS is an honorabletask that requires dedication."The four characteristics we look for are scholarship,service, leadership, and character," said NHSInterim Adviser Mrs. Tabun. "These four students reallydistinguished themselves amongst their classmatesand earned the honor."The students who made it into the programworked tirelessly.For example, Chris spent time over past summersperforming community service. He was delighted tobe accepted into the NHS. "I feel really excited andproud because my hard work and determination paidoff!"Fellow inductee Jordan feels the same way: "Itfeels great. I never expected it."The students were scheduled to be inducted onMay 29th, in assembly.Next year, Spanish teacher Ms. DiNicola, who hasbeen helping Mrs. Tabun this year, will be taking overas NHS adviser.Field Day Photos byCameron Jordan,Olivia Calabro, andAlane RibickExpectOnly MinorRenovationsThis SummerBy Alec KravittStaff WriterWhile the school was renovatedlast summer, including sounddampeners in the All-PurposeRoom, TVs in the hallways, and bigcircles and paint on the walls, don’texpect a major remodeling to happenagain in the near future.Even though no major renovationswill take place this summer,according to Head of School Dr.Fulco, that doesn't mean therewon’t be work done at Woodlyndeover the summer.“We will be painting, replacingsome older carpet in some classroomsand offices, refinishing thegym floor, and fixing many oddsand ends throughout the building,”he said.In September, after major renovationshad been completed, Dr.Fulco said the Woodlynde community“would take pride in a cleaner,more modern-looking interior".When asked recently if that goalwas accomplished, Dr. Fulco responded,“I do feel as though teachers,students and staff take pride inthe building. We also get many complimentsfrom prospective parentsand community members.”Sophomore Nick Scaramuzza shows off his FieldDay pride.Sixth grader Sami Smith has a ballduring the tire rolling competition.Photo by Julia Wolfe, Asst. Photo EditorNew NHS inductees (from left) Jordan Booth, ChrisLumsden, Emily Bank and Kaelin Wilcher stand with NHSadvisors Mrs. Tabun (far left) and Ms. DiNicola (far right).Sophomore Breana Daniel-Schnobrich is allbusiness during the egg and spoon event.

The InformerPage 6 May 30, 2013The InformerWoodlynde School445 Upper Gulph RoadStrafford, PA 19087The Informer welcomesfeedback and letters to theeditor. Please send to:Informer@woodlynde.orgEditor-in-ChiefCassia EnrightEditors-at-LargePatrick TorphyMattie SweetJeremy CooperStaff WritersTrevor BowesNick BraytonJoel CuretonNick SpinoNick ScaramuzzaChrista DeckmanSamantha GoodmanElizabeth CarneyVictoria HartzellAlec KravittMatt SavitzRyan HarvieIsabel Tirado-BarrettPatrick NucciLiam McNeilAsst. Photo EditorJulia WolfePhotographersMaya HollowayBreana Daniel-SchnobrichAndrew RosenbergCameron JordanOlivia CalabroAlane RibickVideographersEmily BankBen WeismanKelan ReillyJordan GregsonMichael McGroaryGraphic ArtistMegan FlynnFaculty AdviserMr. GelmanAdviser-at-LargeMrs. ByrneCirculation AdviserMs. DeLibertyhistory. The program offers trips to Asia, Africa, Europe, North America,Central and South America, and Australia, according to its website.Two years ago, junior Ryan Harvie went on a three-week tour ofEngland, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, France, and Germany.“I looked forward to going to the Eiffel tower. It's so beautiful and Icouldn't wait to reach the top,” Ryan said.One of Ryan’s favorite sights in Europe was Paris, but he said thewhole trip was fantastic. “It was a great experience because I got totravel all over those countries and meet new people.”Emily said she islooking forward to“meeting new peopleand establishing newrelationships.”“Also, exploringplaces I’ve neverseen, expanding myhorizons, and tryingnew things like Haggis”— a Scottishdish of sheep’s orcalf’s offal, suet, oatmealand seasoning,boiled in a bag.Big Plans for Summer BreakBy Nick ScaramuzzaStaff WriterTexas, Australia, and starring in a play called Ragtime aresome of the interesting things that kids at Woodlynde are doingover the long summer break.Junior Isabel Tirado-Barrett can’t wait to go to Australia fortwo weeks. She is going with her mom and Godmother, because hermom is going to a work-related conference. Then she is touringBrisbane, Sydney, Cairns, and the Great Barrier Reef, which shesaid sounds really awesome to explore.“I am not excited for the 17-hour plane ride, but I will be excitedonce I get there,” Isabel said.Junior Charlie Tabas is going to Greece and Italy for twoweeks with a travel program. “I'm excited for the history aspectand the beauty aspect of Greece and Italy and I’m also excited forthe food,” he said.Eighth grader Josh Cameron is acting in a play called Ragtime,this month and in June at the Centre Theatre in Norristown.Ragtime is a musical about immigration and people’s ethnicdifferences in the early 1900s. Josh said that, by the end of the playeveryone learns that they are all the same.Josh, who is playing two roles in Ragtime, has previously actedin Woodlynde’s rendition of Footloose.Sophomore Ben Weisman is traveling to Dallas, TX, for aweek. Ben will be visiting his cousin, who is a teacher. “I am hopingwhen I am there she can teach me a few things, like betterstudy habits and better homework strategies,” Ben said. AlthoughStudents Are Goingto EuropeEUROPE from page 1Photo by AndrewRosenbergJunior Emily Bankcan’t wait to tryHaggis, a Scottishdish, during her tourwith the People toPeople program.he has been to Texas before, he said, “I am very excited to go.”Sophomore Christa Deckman will be going to a camp calledUnirondock, which she has been attending since she was eight.There are many fun activities such as sports, arts and crafts, andcookouts.Sophomore Victoria Hartzell is traveling to Northern Monteroin Canada for a week, and she is bringing her brand new goldenretriever puppy, named Cooper.Victoria and her family have four cabins. She said that she andher family do many awesome things such as boating, swimming,fishing and biking.In addition, freshman Polly Post is going to overnight camp inVermont for three and a half weeks. While she is there, she playssports, goes fishing and swimming, and climbs a rope course.“I am excited because I really enjoy the camp I am going to andthere are a lot of activities there to choose from.”Freshman Dan Wilson will be going to the beach in Sea IsleCity, N.J., and he looking forward to meeting new people whilehe’s there.Sophomore Dan Cervone is headed to Rehoboth beach for aweek with his girlfriend Kaitlyn in June.Sophomore Lacey Marsden is looking forward to having anawesome summer, because she is going to her arthritis camp inMillville, PA, for a week. Her camp is full of fun activities such asswimming, rock climbing, zip lining, and arts and crafts.~ Staff Writer Christa Deckman contributed to this story.Evading CapturePhotos by Julia Wolfe, Assistant Photography EditorParticipating in the history department’s lesson onslavery are Rich Sposato (center) and Luke DeLeo. Thegoal was to get from the art room to the athletic fieldwithout being spotted.Freshmen Lauren Robinson (crouching) andMaya Holloway hide behind a parked car.What’s the Word?If you could be trapped in any video game, what would it be and why?Compiled by Michael McGroary Staff Writer"Mario Kart,because even if Ifall off a cliff, I willalways come back."~ Polly Post,freshman"Hitman, becauseI get to mowdown fools whoget in my way."~ Ben Weisman,sophomore“Pac-Man,because I coulddo nothing buteat all day.”~Mr. Sweeneymath teacher“Guitar Hero, becauseI could have a ton offan girls breakingdown my door.”A~ Alec Kravitt,sophomore“Lord of the RingsConquest, because Icould be Gandalf andsay, ‘You shall notpass!’ ”~ Oleg Kariouk,sophomore"Doom, because Iget to beat the[heck] out of monstersfrom Mars."~ Craig Mechanicfreshman

May 30, 2013Cassia EnrightMagazine EditorMAGAZINEHorrible-ScopesEditor’s note: This article may contain mature contentand is not be suitable for young children.ARIES- Olivia Calabro will, from here on out, photobomb every single one of your pictures while flashing apeace sign and making the duck face.TAURUS- All of the erasers in school will mysteriously disappear the week of exams, leaving you unable tocorrect anything on your test.GEMINI- A slight miscommunication will put a damper on your excitement for your plans to go to Sea World.As it turns out, your parents said Bee World. Pack your EpiPen because you’re also going to discover you’reterribly allergic.CANCER- Mrs. Byrne is known to hold a grudge, and in an attempt to avenge the loss of her Field Dayteam, she will fail you and everyone else on the winning team.LEO- You’ll be scouted by a model recruiter after your outstanding participation as a model in the fashionshow. Little do you know you’ll be modeling for a new line of diapers for teens.VIRGO- Surprise! The results from the GMADE you took earlier this month will determine your final gradefor math. It’s a shame you filled in every bubble randomly. Let the regret ensue.LIBRA- You’ll have ten of THE MOST unflattering photos in existence featured in the yearbook. In addition,your name will be incorrect, reading, “Tom Cruise”.SCORPIO- Make sure to get in shape this summer because your locker, and your locker only, will be moved tothe Hughes House to save space for the renovations taking place this summer.SAGITTARIUS – A wild pack of dogs will invade your final exam and tear up your test right when you areabout to hand it in. Moments later, you’ll realize there are no dogs, you have paper and spit stuck to your face,and you just experienced a hallucination brought on by nerves.CAPRICORN– On the sophomore trip, Joel Cureton will break the glass protecting theDeclaration of Independence and change its contents to a rap. Upon capture and interrogation, he will somehowmanage to convince the police you were to blame.AQUARIUS- When you attempt to print your homework for the next class, you’ll discover there is an actualprinter jam. Marmalade will be everywhere.PISCES– Unbeknownst to you, Gorilla Glue has spilled on your laundry. You won’t discover what hasoccurred until you try, and of course fail, to remove the articles of clothing. Have fun wearing pants and asweatshirt all summer!Music Review: Demi by Demi LovatoArtist Now Has a Warrior’s StrengthAfter stepping out of the spotlight for a littlewhile to renew and regroup, Demi Lovato hasfinally made a comeback.A lot has changed as she journeyed through herCamp Rock days and affiliations with Disney, andshe hit milestones on the way that will reflect on herlife forever.SamanthaGoodmanMusic CriticDemi has maturedfrom a pop singerto an artist. As amatter of fact,what I love mostabout the singerisn’t her voice itself; it’s that she has the strength ofa warrior.You’d be surprised at how many teenage girlssuffer from the emotionally demolishing effects ofdistorted body image. A way of describing this stateof mind is that it seems like many girls are involvedin a war that’s only fought between them and theirreflection.This infliction caused Demi to break down andhit rock bottom as the entire world watched. Sincethen, she’s completely redeemed herself throughhelping others who have fallen in the same directionas she did.Demi’s main message throughout her entire album,titled Demi (released May 10 th ), is that absolutelyno one suffers alone.In the ballad, “Warrior,” she confesses her darkeststruggles and reveals the battle wounds thatshe’s hidden for so long. She allows listeners tocatch a glimpse of the emotional trauma that she’sgone through, and what she’s done to turn it allaround.I must admit that I get chills every time I listento “Warrior.” Not only is this the most beautiful songI’ve heard on the album, it’s one of the most beautifulsongs I’ve heard in my life.The single “Heart Attack” picks up all of thisbuilt-up insecurity that she has felt and places it ina relationship. It’s lighter and more relatable than“Warrior.” It’s also pretty catchy! I could definitelyimagine this song being played on the radio.The last track that stands out is “Never BeenHurt.” It sounds like Demi is aiming this song towardone specificperson, but I thinkit has a much biggermeaning.The reason whyDemi’s breakdownseemed so suddenwas because shewas concealing thered flags that ledup to the episodefor the sake of heraudience. Everyone has to admit that they faked asmile when they were actually feeling sad at leastonce... “Never Been Hurt” is all about what it’s liketo hide how you truly feel.Demi Lovato is one of my top favorite artists andmy greatest role models. She stands as living proofthat even the toughest personal battles can be resolved,and she never fails to enlighten her listenersfrom around the world.Demi does what I always strive to do; she takesthe bad, and turns it into something astoundinglybeautiful.Senior PrankPhoto by Julia Wolfe,Assistant Photography EditorThe seniors managed to relocate thegolf cart into the All-Purpose Room fortheir senior prank the night of theirannual sleepover.Students (from left) Luke DeLeo,Matt Savitz, and Eliza Griffin clownaround at the end of assembly.Video Game Review:Page 7Resistance and Liberation3rd InstallmentIs PhenomenalLiam McNeilVideo GameCriticResistance and Liberation is a game thatstrays from the beaten path. If I ever had to callsomething my mod of the year, it would be thisfirst-person shooter that is set in 1944 duringWorld War II.RnL is one of the few games out there thathas no heads up display(HUD) or scoreboard.This adds tothe gameplay tomake an enjoyableand realistic experience,which helps separate RnL from othershooter games like Call of Duty and Battlefield.The reason a lot of people don't know aboutRnL is that it is a modification of a game calledHalf Life. Mods are games that are built off ofother games.The places where you fight are historic battlelocations like the beaches of Normandy andtowns like Eglise. You either play as an Americanparatrooper or a German soldier.Battles normally start with the Americansattacking German towns. For example, on themap Eglise, you parachute into a town and thenhopefully capture it. This is where the multiplayeraspect of the game comes in.Due to the fact that RnL is multiplayer, youwill be fighting against other gamers, not thecomputer. I find this makes the game more fun.However, you have help from your Americanallies, which are also other gamers. Anotherreason why RnL sticks out is that there is noglobal communication, which means that youcan only hear people if you're close to them.This once again helps the game feel incrediblyrealistic and makes the game more enjoyable.This also leads to tense situations where youhear two German players talking and thesounds are getting closer. With the scoreboardgone, there is no telling if the German you justshot at is dead or if your teammate next to youhas died. This stops people from just playingRnL to get a ton of kills, as there is no way totrack kills or track deaths, which stops me fromgetting frustrated with the game.Once, I was marching into town with abunch of other American teammates and wewere ambushed by Germans. Our squad leaderwas killed in the crossfire. I talked to my teammatesaround me and made a plan. I ordered forthem to cover me as I charged up the road. Withsome teamwork we pushed up the road and capturedthe town. Normally, you would only beable to get this kind of experience in singleplayer.The community surrounding RnL is interestingat best and clingy at worst. The problemswith RnL are small but can be rather annoying.At times, the game or the server you’re on willcrash.The problem that holds RnL back from beingan amazing mod is the amount of people whoplay the game. Sometimes, there will be nobodyplaying and you will be forced to wait until agroup of players join. But despite these minorissues, I recommend Resistance and Liberationto all gamers.Overall, I give RnL 4.5 out of 5 stars.