Mia Dutkin and Lillian Hyatt

Name: Austin K

Grade: 9th

How long have you been involved in theater? 

This year, Radium Girls is my 3rd performance.

What’s your favorite part of this particular show?

Meeting new people and having fun.

Why do you think people should come out to see the show?

Everyone in the cast and crew put a lot of effort into making the show happen and people should come and support.

Is there anything that makes this show unique? 

The show is a historical event production that came from North Jersey (pretty close to us).

What made you want to get involved in theater?

Doing theater and acting  in general and meeting people.

Do you plan to continue throughout high school? 

YES!

Name: Emma H

Grade: Senior 

How long have you been involved in theater? 

I’ve been involved in Theater since 6th grade!  But this is my 4th year in Seneca Theater. 

What’s your favorite part of this particular show?

My favorite part about Radium Girls is getting to work with new people! So many new people joined this year and it’s so fun meeting them all! 

Why do you think people should come out to see the show?

We worked really hard on this show and have spend a lot of time on it! It’s also really good! Everyone in the cast is doing amazing!

Is there anything that makes this show unique? 

This show is based on a true story and it brings awareness to a topic not many people know about! 

What made you want to get involved in theater?

I’ve always been a pretty dramatic person, so now I can use that to create a show for people to watch! It’s my favorite thing to do!

What is your favorite memory from your high school theater experience? 

My favorite memory is probably one of the first rehearsals of Anastasia where we learned the scene of Learn To Do It! 

Name: Jenna P

Grade: 11

How long have you been involved in theater? 

6 years

What’s your favorite part of this particular show? 

Everyone having a role/lines

Why do you think people should come out to see the show? 

It’s  an informative show that is an important part of history

Is there anything that makes this show unique?

 More dramatic than many of our shows

What made you want to get involved in theater? 

I love singing/dancing and acting. 

Do you plan to continue throughout high school? 

Yes, absolutely 

Name: Geo H

Grade: 9th

How long have you been involved in theater? Since he was 8 years old.

What’s your favorite part of this particular show? 

The more vintage and old timey elements of the show.

Why do you think people should come out to see the show? 

There’s really something for everyone to enjoy, a lot of cool elements to it. 

Is there anything that makes this show unique? 

A lot of our actors have a lot of experience in acting and they do a very good job in setting the tone and portraying emotion. 

What made you want to get involved in theater? 

Because he has never done a play before, and you wanted to get involved in the acting field and not just music. 

Do you plan to continue throughout high school? 

Yes

Name: Kasaper H

Grade: Senior 

How long have you been involved in theater? 

Since the beginning of their sophomore year, for Seneca they have been doing theater itself since 5th grade.

What’s your favorite part of this particular show? 

How unexpectedly dark it got randomly. 

Why do you think people should come out to see the show? 

Experience the drama genre, and not the comedy like the recent shows we have put on. 

Is there anything that makes this show unique? 

This is the first show that has been this dark and depressing. 

What made you want to get involved in theater? 

They were already involved in theatre before high school. 

What is your favorite memory from your experience in Seneca theater?

 In Matilda, I was circled atop a table eating cake while the cast sang “Bruce”. I don’t like chocolate cake.  

Name: Mr. Barber

Role: Business Manager

How long have you been involved in Seneca Theater? 

4th show, 2 years. 

What’s your favorite part of this particular show? 

It’s a local NJ Story

Why do you think people should come out to see the show? 

Because the students are incredible actors and our crew is really talented. They all work really hard and deserve to play to a full audience. We promise you’ll love the show.

Is there anything that makes this show unique?

 It’s his first serious play. 

What made you want to get involved in theater? 

All of his friends work with theater, and Mr. Yates is a good guy.

What is your goal by the end of this show for fundraising? 

Sell out every show. 

Daniyal Ansari

The Seneca Medical Research Club, founded by Daniyal A. Ansari, offers something that most high schoolers won’t have access to—an opportunity to engage in real medical research without the high costs or limited availability of traditional internships. As one of the first clubs of its kind in the Lenape Regional High School District, it serves as a gateway for students to explore their interests in science and medicine while simultaneously advancing their future careers.

Why is this Important in High School?

Participating in research is crucial for students interested in medical or scientific careers, and starting early provides a significant advantage. High school is a time when students lay the foundation for their future education and careers. Gaining experience in medical research during these formative years allows students to:

• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Research requires deep analysis, problem-solving, and creativity. Engaging in these activities early builds the skills necessary for success in college and beyond.

• Stand Out in College Applications: Admissions committees, especially for competitive programs like BS/MD tracks and top Ivy League schools, seek students who have gone above and beyond. Involvement in a medical research club demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to learning—all qualities that make an application stand out.

• Prepare for Advanced Studies: Learning how to conduct research, write papers, and present findings equips students with essential skills for higher education, particularly in science-related fields.

Research Internships vs. the Seneca Medical Research Club

While traditional research internships are valuable, they often come with limitations:

• High Costs: Many summer research programs and internships for high school students carry hefty price tags, making them inaccessible to many. The Seneca Medical Research Club provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful research without the financial burden.

• Limited Availability: Most research internships are only available during the summer, leaving students without options to engage in research throughout the academic year. The Seneca Medical Research Club runs year-round, allowing members to consistently work on research projects and refine their skills.

• Competitive Admission: Many prestigious research programs are highly competitive, accepting only a small number of applicants. Our club is open to all students at Seneca, giving everyone a chance to explore medical research regardless of their background or experience.

A Year-Round Commitment to Research

Unlike summer-only programs, the Seneca Medical Research Club is a year-long commitment, allowing students to engage with their projects on a deeper level. This continuous involvement helps students develop comprehensive research papers and enables them to learn at a pace that allows for thorough exploration of topics.

Throughout the year, students have the chance to:

• Select and Explore Their Own Research Topics: Each student is encouraged to choose a medical or scientific subject that sparks their interest, ensuring a personal and passionate approach to their work.

• Conduct Experiments: Members design and execute experiments, collecting and analyzing data in ways that mirror real scientific research processes.

• Present and Publish Findings: One of the highlights of the club is the opportunity to present findings in the form of lectures and slideshows. We also encourage students to submit their research papers for publication, an achievement that adds immense value to a student’s academic portfolio.

Special Opportunities: Guest Speakers and Lectures

In addition to hands-on research, the Seneca Medical Research Club offers lectures on topics such as writing research papers, designing experiments, and understanding scientific literature. We regularly host guest speakers from the medical and scientific fields, providing students with insights from professionals and exposing them to real-world applications of their work. These sessions not only enhance the learning experience but also help students develop networks and mentorships that are critical for future success.

Why Join?

The Seneca Medical Research Club is more than just an academic opportunity; it’s a chance for students to develop the kind of hands-on experience that will set them apart from their peers. The club eliminates many barriers—cost, time, and access—that often prevent high school students from engaging in meaningful research. By providing this opportunity, we empower students to:

• Take Charge of Their Learning

• Build Lasting Relationships with Peers and Mentors

• Cultivate a Strong Foundation in Research and Scientific Inquiry

Whether you’re planning to pursue medicine, healthcare, scientific research, or aim for admission to a top-tier university or an Ivy League school, the skills and experiences you gain through the Seneca Medical Research Club will give you a head start on your path to success.

Interested in Joining?

Although spots may not currently be available, we encourage you to reach out to us at 732325@lrstudents.org to see if there's still an opportunity to join. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn, explore, and lead the way in medical research—right here at Seneca High School!

If there is one area where Seneca High School excels, it’s activities outside of the classroom. There are so many different clubs and sports to get involved in, and if there’s a club that you want to create, it’s definitely possible! Here are three new clubs that were established within the last year.

Taylor Swift Club

When the Eras Tour was announced, inspiration to form this club followed. The Taylor Swift Club was formed by a student who wanted to share her love for being a Swiftie. Fans can dissect song lyrics, watch music videos or performance live streams, and keep up-to-date with all the Taylor Swift news. Many students were delighted to hear about this club being formed. Advised by Mrs. Smith, a Swiftie herself, this is a student-led club that welcomes all Swifties. If this seems like the place for you, contact Mrs. Smith via email or in class for more information.

Golden Eagles Book Club

This club meets once a month in the library and each time members get a new book to read. If you enjoy reading in your free time, definitely stop by! Books are from a wide variety of genres with unique characters, authors, and stories. Students and teachers can join and offer their own voices to post-reading discussions. 

This November 11th-13th, the Seneca High School Fall Drama will be putting on a production of Almost, Maine, a play written by John Cariani. This play first premiered in 2004 and was composed of nine short plays that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical town called Almost, Maine. It took the theater world by storm. It has been one of the most frequently produced plays in high schools and is equally as popular in other countries! 

Madame Ayer, the assistant director, believes the positive energy and enthusiasm from the cast will prove strong and that the production will be a success. Seneca High School Senior, Mikayla Kobler explained, ¨Everyone is super excited to get back on stage after the past year a half. I can't wait to see how it comes together.¨ 

Come this November 11th and 12th at 7 pm and November 13th at 1 pm and 7 pm to support our Fall Drama! Tickets are sold at the door for $10, 30 minutes prior to each show! 

Check out the link below for more information:

https://www.lrhsd.org/site/default.aspx?DomainID=1328 

Courtney Moore

On Saturday, September 18, 2021, our Seneca Marching Band traveled to their first competition since Covid-19 began. They went to the U.S. Band competition in Bordentown, New Jersey at Bordentown High School on their turf field. The band performed their new routine, Blueprint “Construction of an Artist”. The performance is about the different elements of being an artist. It tells a story about the elements used to be an amazing performer and captures the beauty of all of them coming together in one performance. The band won first place in visual art, first place in performance art, and first place for best colorguard!

Mr. Grady Barber, director of the Seneca Marching Band, has been with us at Seneca High School for three years. In his first year, he served as assistant director alongside Mr. Styers. Prior, he directed the Marching Band at Riverside High School for a year. When asked about the recent win, he said, “[It’s] always a fun and good time when you win.”

Senior Zach Dahmas, who is in his 4th year in the Seneca Marching Band and is the drum major and trumpet section leader, explained, “I definitely feel good. I’m super excited to see what we can do going forward, but I still know we have a long way to go and a lot more to learn and improve on. Overall, I feel like it was a solid starting point for the season and I can’t wait to see what more we can do.” I spoke to the other drum major, Mikayla Kobler, who is a senior this year and also in her 4th year in the Seneca Marching Band. She said “I was very proud of the band for putting in so much hard work this early in the season. I’m very excited to see us improve from here because we have a lot of potential and space to grow.” Lastly, I spoke to Colorguard Captain, senior Hailey Hernandez who has been in the Seneca Marching Band for 4 years now. Hailey had this to say “I am really proud of our recent win, we all put everything  we have into the performance and I feel our win reflected that. We can’t wait to keep building upon that and making our show even better.”

What a great way to start the band season! Especially after the disaster of Covid-19 that affected multiple people and groups, including music programs locally and globally. Overall, the Seneca Golden Eagles Marching Band are super excited to be back performing and ready to make their show better and better. One competition down, more to win. 

Around the end of May, a sign will appear outside both of the art rooms -- “Preparing for the Art Show!” As the name says, this event is primarily for art students who show off their hard work and dedication to their craft at the end of the year.

Unfortunately, this year, the viewing of the Art Show was limited to only a few guests at the night show, but students were able to see the displays during their health and gym classes.

The art program runs around seven to eight different classes, starting from Foundations of Art all the way to AP Studio Art. Classes in between these levels go from Creative Arts Media 1 & 2, as well as Art Major, Sculpture, and Contemporary Arts and Ideas. Each class will build upon each other and every one will create beautiful pieces of art they can be proud of.

Below are some interviews from Mr. Dooley, one of the two art teachers at school, as well as three students each picked from a different level of art class.

ART TEACHER RESPONSE

What is your favorite part about the art show?

“Seeing the pride the kids have in their work when someone outside of their class recognizes their ability and hard work,” (Mr. Dooley)

What is your least favorite part about the art show?

“Set up day, it’s always extremely hectic and stressful,” (Mr. Dooley).

Did COVID-19 have a large impact on the preparation process/execution of the art show this year? Would you have done anything differently?

“Yes, it changed EVERYTHING. Normally my “to do” list is about 100 things and my stress level is topped out[,] but this year my list more than doubled and the stress was overwhelming at times,” (Mr. Dooley).

Why do you think the art show is so special to the students?

“Being an “art kid”, even for those who wouldn’t classify themselves as such, means being an often overlooked or easily dismissed kid. Often quiet or “weird” they almost never get the recognition they deserve. The art show is their chance to shine, their chance to show all their hard work (not the simple coloring people accuse us of), a chance to be the focal point of the school. The 2020 seniors got a chance to be in this year's show and nearly all of them said that of ALL THE THINGS they lost last year, the art show was the one that hurt the most. Some were tearful seeing their work on display one last time,” (Mr. Dooley).

What has been a favorite past experience of the art show for you?

“Of all time?! No idea. They are all so awesome in different ways. This year though I would say having a chance to enjoy the show with just the seniors and their guests and actually having a chance to talk to them all about their experiences,” (Mr. Dooley).

ART STUDENT RESPONSES

Is this your first art show? If so, how was it, despite COVID-19? If not, how was it compared to your other shows?

“This is the second art show that I attended in-person. I was happy to see my friends in the library this year and walk around to see everyone’s work,” (Meredith Waropay, Art Major).

“Yes, it was a bit stressful due to the shortened periods, but other than that the actual show was peaceful,” (Alex Bonhomme, Creative Arts Media).

“This was my first art show. Even with restrictions on how many people you could invite it was a fun experience,” (Rhiannon Donley, Foundations of Art).

What is your favorite thing about the art show? Least favorite?

“My favorite thing about the art show is looking at everyone’s pieces. I love seeing how everyone has their own individual art style,” (Meredith Waropay, Art Major).

“Being able to see and enjoy other peoples art, and my least favorite thing was prepping the art for the show,” (Alex Bonhomme, Creative Arts Media).

“My favorite thing was seeing how talented other artists are and getting inspiration. My least favorite was restrictions on people,” (Rhiannon Donley, Foundations of Art).

Why do you take art? Why is art special to you?

“I always liked to draw growing up. Being a part of the Seneca art program has helped me develop my skills even further over the past 3 years,” (Meredith Waropay, Art Major).

“Because I do want to be an artist as a career, and I need to know these skills in order to do that, and it's special to me because I find it calming and a distraction from the real world,” (Alex Bonhomme, Creative Arts Media).

“I take art to help me get better at something I love to do. Art helps me relax and be as creative as I want to be,” (Rhiannon Donley, Foundations of Art).

What's your favorite piece in the show? Least favorite?

“My favorite piece of mine is the one I did in colored pencil of an orange with sunflowers around it,” (Meredith Waropay, Art Major).

“Overall I wasn't super proud of my work this year, so I don't have a least favorite, but I did really like the colored pencil eyes that we did,” (Alex Bonhomme, Creative Arts Media).

“My favorite was “Just A Phase” by John Hall. I don’t think I had a least favorite, I loved all of the art in the show,” (Rhiannon Donley, Foundations of Art).

What kind of prepping work do you have to go through before the art show?

“I had to mount my pieces before I could hang them in my section. I also had to label everything with a title, my name, and my social media,” (Meredith Waropay, Art Major).

“We have to put a frame or a back on most of the pieces, label them, and then hang them. The framing was the toughest part because of how long it took and how little time we had,” (Alex Bonhomme, Creative Arts Media).

“There is a lot of prepping before the show. You have to make sure you have all the pieces you need, get a name tag, get them all mounted and look good. There is so much work that goes into it and the result is so worth it,” (Rhiannon Donley, Foundations of Art).

"Two heads are better than one" is a common phrase that we’ve all heard hundreds of times, but in this case, two clubs are better than one! In mid-February, Seneca’s NHS and the FCCLA decided to team up and accomplish great things in honor of their teachers for Valentine's Day. The students and advisors from each committee worked together to bring joy to all the Seneca staff with decorated, handmade treats!  

The plans were put into place by the club leaders, Mrs. Ritter, Ms. Enos, and Mrs. Doolittle, yet, the students involved really helped the event become a success. Firstly, Mrs. Ritter baked enough cookies for the entire Seneca staff! Whoa! Next, students involved in NHS and FCCLA put in the effort to personalize the cookies with colorful icing. Designs varied far and wide, including plaid, stripes, polkadots, hearts, and simple one-word messages. Ms. Enos even remarked, “Each student was able to add their own artistic flare to the cookies they decorated!” Although the clubs lost a vital day of decorating and distributing because the school had to unexpectedly go virtual for a week, the event was widely considered to be a success. As a result, positive feedback reverberated through the halls of the school! “[...] It was very well received by the staff as a surprise in their mailboxes when they returned from another virtual week. Countless staff commented on how much they enjoyed and appreciated their surprise!” exclaimed Mrs. Doolittle. Though the staff members were thrilled, the heartfelt event also had positive effects on the students who worked to make it happen by displaying the true spirit of teamwork, even through difficult times, like during Covid-19. 

Considering this event’s remarkable success, is another collaborated event in the works for the future? Thankfully, that answer appears to be a solid "Yes"! These clubs are already planning a trip to Camden's Cathedral Kitchen to make over 200 sandwiches for those in need. Mrs. Doolittle explained that the other advisors and herself were anticipating the event with excitement, as it is wonderful to see people come together for greater good. In agreement, Ms. Enos explains, “I definitely think we will continue the [Valentine's Day] event." With so many favorable reflections, there is no doubt that there is more kindness to come from the powerful students and advisors of the NHS and FCCLA here at Seneca High School!

Since the beginning of Seneca High School, we’ve had a history of outstanding yearbooks; the Yearbook Club works hard every single year to make sure of that. Submitting spreads by each deadline is hard enough as is, but this year provided much more of a challenge for yearbook club members, and they deserve to be recognized for their dedication to making an amazing yearbook. With the COVID-19 restrictions, it’s been difficult incorporating pictures of our Seneca Family, and adapting our yearbook to fit the pandemic. In spite of this, club members have persevered and continued to put in hours of effort and hard work!

I asked Mrs. Lambusta, one of the yearbook advisors, about how her experience has changed with the yearbook. She explained that, “[Yearbook Club is] now entirely online as opposed to meeting in person. Like with most organizations, not having the face-to-face interaction has been a bummer, but we try to be as social as we can during our meetings. We also had to redesign our yearbook to accommodate for the fact that most activities did not run, but we still needed to find a way to fill those pages. Not only did we have to brainstorm and develop new layouts, but we also had to develop a new strategy for collecting information. Ultimately, we developed Google Forms and, with the help of our amazing colleagues, we were able to distribute these forms to most students who could fill them out and provide pictures.” Student participation has been a huge part of the yearbook, and that’s what makes this one extra unique. 

Mrs. Lambusta continued, “I think our club members have been amazing. We have been able to meet every deadline despite the many challenges we've faced this school year. We are incredibly grateful to our members and we're looking forward to seeing our finished product.” 

The yearbook is one of the best parts of the year ending, because it acts as one huge recap and closing to the school year. I’m so excited to see the finished result, and we hope you are too! Thank you so much to our Yearbook Club, for all the hard work you put in!

Books have power, and it’s important for people of all ages to be exposed to them which is why, in 1998, the National Education Association launched Read Across America. Every year on March 2nd (March being National Reading Month) children are encouraged to get excited about books. Teachers, parents/guardians, librarians, and even some elected officials, athletes, and other public figures spread messages about the benefits and joys of reading. Within schools, the day often includes fun activities and spirit weeks that embellish the overall theme: the importance of reading. 

Read Across America has been a popular tradition for many years now. Even though Dr. Seuss’s works have traditionally been associated with this day, in recent months his works have come under scrutiny with critics suggesting many of them are racially insensitive. As a result, Read Across America has come to encompass many more diverse titles written by diverse authors so as to be more inclusive. However, that is not the only change. Due to the pandemic, many children were not able to show up to class on March 2nd. Fortunately, the NEA offered an assortment of solutions on their website, including reading aloud over a video call, inviting virtual guest readers, and having students create short presentations and/or slideshows on a book. 

Read Across America not only pushes for children to be open to books, but also for children to be open to the world around them. Teachers are encouraged to keep a collection of books with a wide range of topics, to expose children to situations that may not be everyday occurrences to them, but are to others around them. The NEA offers recommendations on their website under their Find Your Book tab. This tool acts as a cheat sheet of sorts for teachers and parents to guide their children towards an open mindset, one that will leave them curious and give them a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

Not only that, but Read Across America isn’t just a one day event. Each month holds a new discussion topic, along with books to go with it. For example, the theme for March 2021 is “Cultivate Compassion,” and includes some choices of books for varying age groups that follow said theme. “Reading diverse books helps students walk in someone else’s shoes- or try on a different hat!” reads the NEA website. The push for reading extends beyond just a designated national holiday. Overall, the end goal is to not only have students find the joy in books one day out of the year, but every day of the year. 

At Seneca High School, we have a program known as the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC). This program is led by two instructors: LtCol. Sevening and MSgt. Brooks.

MSgt. Brooks served in the U.S. Military, specifically the Air Force, for a total of twenty-two years, and he’s been helping run JROTC at Seneca for eleven years thus far.

The reason why MSgt. Brooks wanted to work with the AFJROTC program here at Seneca High School because he always had an interest in teaching. Additionally, his mother and sister were both teachers. MSgt. Brooks's sister is the one who strongly encouraged him to pursue the job at Seneca because she knew he would be able to make a difference in the lives of young people.

From his perspective, Msgt. Brooks believes that the mission of the ROTC program at our school is to “develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community”. He also noted that the main goals of the program are to instill values of citizenship, service to the United States of America, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment in high school students. Lastly, he explained that he believes the main purpose is to “educate as well as train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline, and provide instruction in air and space fundamentals”.

Msgt. Brooks closed his responses by stating that the daily interaction with the cadets, and watching the students develop positive leadership traits is one thing he loves the most. He described it as being very rewarding to see past cadets return to Seneca to say hello and share their post-high school experiences as either civilians or members of the United States Armed Forces. 

The second instructor of Seneca's program is LtCol. Sevening. LtCol. Sevening served in the United States Air Force for twenty years. He has been a part of Seneca's program alongside MSgt. Brooks for about two and a half years.

The reason why Sevening wanted to help run the ROTC program at Seneca was because he has always desired to give back to others. He explained, “Being an instructor in JROTC has allowed me to utilize my years of military experience to help share knowledge and develop our cadets so they are ready to face future life challenges head-on.”

LtCol. Sevening also believes strongly in the JROTC mission to “Develop Citizens of Character Dedicated to Serving Their Nation and Community”. He mentioned that everything the program does is geared toward accomplishing that specific goal. Sevening wrote, “Whether it be learning to march, how to wear a uniform properly and respectfully, how to improve at public speaking, participating in competitions...our lessons and interactions are geared toward doing so in a manner that allows the cadets to serve their Nation and Community better.”

Aside from the explicitly stated mission of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, he agrees that their central purpose is to develop each other as leaders and followers. Not only that, but to gain confidence, to be a great person to others even when no one is watching and not caring who gets the credit for the success of the unit.

For what Sevening loves most about the program, he answered enthusiastically that it would have to be the cadets! He further explained, “Watching them grow individually and as a team is what I truly enjoy the most.”

Finally, LtCol. Sevening closed with detailing the greatness of the AFJROTC. He wrote, “AFJROTC is an amazing environment to learn life skills, leadership skills, and teamwork skills.” Along with that, he described how, recently, he got to witness 5 Seneca JROTC cadets compete in the National CyberPatriot Competition and ended up finishing FIRST in the State of New Jersey for the Gold Tier/All-Services Division. “I watched the cadets take the initiative and start up this team, prepare, train, and compete...this is what it is all about.” Sevening hopes that even more students will become interested in the program and join it in order to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that it has to offer!

Paige Venable

Within the LRHSD, 3 out of the 4 high schools (Cherokee,Lenape,Seneca) offer some form of JROTC program. JROTC, also known as Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, “prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles, while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities and privileges as American citizens” (LRHSD Program of Studies 2020-2021). Essentially, any student in high school has an opportunity to start their preparation for joining the United States Military in advance. However, all of the schools represent different branches; for instance, Cherokee has the Naval JROTC, Lenape has the Army JROTC, and Seneca has the Air Force JROTC.

For Seneca, the students involved in the program have two instructors: Msgt. Brooks and LtCol. Sevening, both of whom served for the U.S. Air Force. Along with the two instructors of the AFJROTC, a few members are also given titles as well. For instance, the program has a Corps Commander, Deputy Corps Commander, and Senior Enlisted/First Sergeant. I had the opportunity to reach out to two of the cadets. Corps Commander Cadet Major Grace McGowan, a senior at Seneca, answered questions about the ROTC program and her experience so far as she has been a part of the program since her freshman year. When asked what she loves most about the AFJROTC, she wrote, “I love all of the leadership opportunities it has granted all the cadets.” McGowan continued, “Everyday, there is a chance for each cadet to be a leader--whether it is leading a discussion in class, or doing cadence for PT. I have been able to see myself and my fellow classmates grow as leaders and truly shine in the program.” 

As a whole, the program has had quite a few major accomplishments, and continues to progress over time. McGowan explained that during her freshman year, they completed a weeks-long service camp at McGuire Fort Dix and also completed JCLC up at the New York Military Academy. Later on in her junior year, their drill team competed for the first time in 6 years, at least from what she remembers, and the academic team competed in the JLAB tournament. 

Despite the current circumstances, the program is still shining. For example, McGowan mentioned, “We have developed a new LDR, CyberPatriot, have completed many service events, and much more.” Not only that, but since the students can participate in this program to prepare for joining the U.S. Military Force, many end up doing so. For McGowan, she plans on joining the United States Air Force either through the academy or ROTC. She stated, “After everything we [have] learned in JROTC about the science of flight, I have dreamt of becoming a pilot. Although almost all branches have pilot opportunities, I really love the Air Force’s honor code and overall the huge focus on STEM and advancing technology.”

McGowan isn’t the only member who is happy to share her enthusiasm about the program with us. Another member is First Sergeant Lauren Smith, a junior here at Seneca High School. Smith writes, “I enjoy bonding with my fellow cadets, and participating in our Leadership Development Requirements (Drill Team, Color Guard, Kitty Hawk Air Society, Academic Team, and CyberPatriot). This program has allowed me to make so many new friends, and teach me how to excel as a leader.”

Overall, the AFJROTC at Seneca High School has offered a tremendous amount of opportunities to countless students over the years. Not only that, but it teaches its members leadership and self-discipline along with other important virtues which can help one to lead a successful life.

Follow the SAFJROTC on Twitter! --> @SAFJROTC (https://twitter.com/SAFJROTC)

Bonjour, ça va? Hello, how are you? This year for French Club, one of the officers came up with an interactive and cultural project for November. Each one of the members was to prepare and make a traditional French dish. All of us were given multiple options such as les crêpes (crepes) and la tarte tatin (apple pie)... and the results were amazing and beautiful. Riley Breen reported to the club, "I am so happy you all enjoyed my idea for this month's French Club Meeting! I also liked how even though we might not have liked it, someone else in our family may have," (Riley Breen).

The dish Riley Breen made was les chouquettes (sugar puffs). According to Riley,“...they were a little eggy, but overall perfect and sweet. Hope you guys can try it out."

The other members who made them agreed — some are going to try again and see if they can better themselves at making the recipe!

One of our members went above and beyond and made the famous dish from the Disney movie, Ratatouille — The French dish, ratatouille. In regards to making the meal, Abby Sheldon said, "... It was a super easy and quick recipe to follow. I had a great time cooking it and it was delicious! I didn't run into any issues making it. My mom and I really enjoyed it."

Regardless of the quality of the dish made, everyone deemed the project as a great success. Baking or cooking food from a different culture or country is definitely an enriching experience.

Try the recipes here!

• Les Crêpes (recipe) 

• Pain Perdu (recipe)

• Les chouquettes (recipe)

• La Tarte Tatin (recipe)

• Le Ratatouille (recipe)

Merci (thank you) to the Café Français (French Club) members who let me use their amazing photos of the treats we made!

Walking through the hallways, you have probably seen the murals that line the walls, such as the clock, the giant squid, and the beehive. Of course, these are not the only murals around the school. Plenty more are throughout classrooms or are simply in the process of being made, like our Freddie Mercury mural (that was unfortunately not finished last year). For instance, you might have seen them sprawling the walls of the media center or even in your lab room for Biology. However, did you know that these are all done by artists that may be in your classes sitting right next to you?

Seeing as we have newcomers and old comers, we should try to unite as one to make a brilliant piece for this year -- which is the mural we are currently working on. A collaborative mural is the best way (for art students) to come together and get to know each other. Everyone is assigned a chunk of the bigger picture and given a canvas to do it on. Everyones' results are different but still resemble what we chose as a group. "When everyone in the Art Club is painting the mural, it allows each of us to showcase our different style and interpretation of our reference picture," said Nikki Mejia-Ranno, a sophomore and a second-year Art Club member.

As the Class of 2024 comes in with aspiring artists, we have countless more people involved in the Art Club this year. As a member myself, it's nice to see fresh faces whenever I pop into the art room. 

<---- Thank you to the Art Clubbers who let me showcase some of their work!

The music department here at Seneca High School looks drastically different than it has in previous years; because of COVID-19, members of choir had to figure out a safe yet efficient way to practice. Masks made it very difficult to sing clearly, but wearing them was the only way to keep students safe in the choir room. Mr. DiLauro’s solution was to either move practice  outside or into the auditorium. These are the only two locations at Seneca where the class can stand a safe distance apart without their masks on. Although this problem was fixed, choir students still face many others. While standing a safe distance apart, it can be hard to hear one another, causing a struggle to harmonize within the group. “It’s hard to sing when you have to be far from one another or when wearing a mask, but it’s important that we don’t let the inconvenience of it compromise our safety,” said Hannah Dunn, a member of the Female Ensemble. One thing that all music students agree on is that you must stick together and keep an optimistic attitude; positivity is what pushes them all through, and keeps them all motivated. 

With COVID-19 unexpectedly sweeping the world and everyone in it earlier this year, we were forced to adapt as quickly as possible. Unfortunately for us, we were quarantined in our houses  with almost nothing to do! Our sports, clubs, activities, and events were all canceled which led to many heartbreaks.

As a stage crew member and multi-clubber, this hit me hard -- just like it did for everyone else. Within the art department, I decided to interview a student (and friend of mine), Megan Thomas, a featured singer in the canceled musical Mamma Mia.

What was your first reaction to hearing about the cancelation of Mamma Mia?

When I heard that the show was canceled, I was devastated. It was going to be my first show here at Seneca, and I was really looking forward to it. For me, it was a nail to the heart. I was really looking forward to having my family and friends come to see the show that I’d been talking non-stop about.

Why do you like performing/the arts so much, and why was it devastating to hear about the cancellation?

Theater has always been a passion for me. I've always been fascinated by all the singing, dancing, and dramatic scenes that would be portrayed. The emotions that the actors get to express through the show is amazing! Finally getting to be in one and working with so many new people, it was an amazing experience. One of the main reasons I was so bummed that they canceled the show was that I wouldn't get to laugh and hang out with a bunch of new friends I had made. 

What was the impact of not performing on you personally?

I had to adjust to staying at home away from rehearsals early in the morning, as well as the hours of practice after school. I didn't have to go over my music or dance routines anymore, and I felt a little empty. I was definitely down for a few days after the cancelation, and to cheer myself up I'd listen to the soundtrack from time to time. Going from practicing all the time to not at all was a huge difference.

Do you think if COVID-19 did not prevent you from performing, would it have improved your mental health during quarantine?

100%. Not being able to perform the show brought my spirits down. Without it, it was like all our hard work was for nothing. I know that mentally, I would have done better throughout this quarantine without all these cancelations. 

How do you think others felt about not being able to perform?

After the message was sent out that we would not be doing the musical, I got a bunch of messages from friends, expressing their feelings. Almost all of them were in the same state I was; sad, shocked, and devastated. Those who had bigger leads in this production must have been more down than I was, to be honest. Especially the seniors. It was their last year performing with Seneca and it was canceled on them… I felt so bad.

Do you have an idea on what is going on for the drama department this year?

So far, I have not heard anything on a spring musical, but the fall drama is getting to work! I’m hoping to join them this year as well. Forms and information have been sent out, giving me a little hope that the drama department will be up and running again this year!

What modifications or plans are being made?

We have already begun to discuss the possibilities for the fall drama this year. Questions like “Are you comfortable going to in person practices?”, and “Would there be any conflicts with our schedule?” are giving us optimistic thoughts. We would have to take special precautions to stay safe and probably limit our interactions for the start, but hopefully, we can fully carry out a proper performance.

As you can see, Megan’s heart dropped when she heard about the musical being canceled (mine and countless of my other drama friends did as well), but now we are bouncing back with as much positivity and hope as possible. Let’s break a leg, theatre department!