Nest Fest, one of the Student Council's biggest events to end the year, started off with a cold and gloomy day. Although the weather was not cooperative for such an event, students still showed up and made the best of it. Nest Fest starts with Student Council members going out to the stadium to set up the activities. These include cornhole, mini-golf, spike ball, and Kanjam. They rented out blow-up activities such as axe throwing, basketball hoops, and even a batting cage. To pair with the activities, they also hired Mr. Softee trucks and allowed clubs and classes to set up tables to sell food like cookies, pizza, wings, and much more. Classes were dismissed around 12:30 pm to head out to the stadium and let the fun begin! Activities were also set up for class competition, such as tug of war, relay race, wing-eating contest, and much more. The relay race was saved for the end of the day, where they used beach balls and tried to run back and forth with the beach balls between them, gaining more people as they went. Some other activities that were offered were soccer, football, and students even created a volleyball circle. Students were also welcome to sit on the turf and the bleachers during Nest Fest to talk to their friends. In the end, the Freshman class won Nest Fest (previous winners of the pep rally). To win Nest Fest, you have to win the most number of challenges. The Freshman, who historically lost Nest Fest and the Pep rally in previous years, came in first and showed that being the underdog doesn't put them at a disadvantage. The day concluded with students going back to their classes to wait for the bell to dismiss them. To conclude, Next Fest was a huge success and a great way to end the school year.

A couple of weeks ago, Dr. Carol Birnbohn, the Lenape Regional High School District superintendent for 13 years, announced that she is retiring from her position. After hearing the news, I decided to send her an email asking general questions to highlight her career. Below are the questions that I and the leaders of the Birds Eye View came up with for her to answer.

1. Before you were a superintendent, what did you teach?

2. Why were you interested in a superintendent position?

3. What are your greater strengths as a superintendent?

4. What is your favorite thing you have implemented?

5. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

6. What made you decide to retire at this point in your life?

7. How long have you been the superintendent at Lenape Regional School District?

8. What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

9. What are some of your favorite interactions with your students?

10. What advice would you give to the next superintendent?

11. What changes have you seen in education between the start of your career to now?

12. What do you plan to do during retirement?

She replied quickly with the answers to the questions. Below is what she replied with.

1. Before you were a superintendent, what did you teach?

I taught math at Cherokee high school. I also coached several sports and got involved in many after-school activities. I really enjoyed seeing my students both in the classroom and doing the activities they were passionate about.

2. Why were you interested in a superintendent position?

Simply put, I wanted to be the superintendent here because I love this district. There are many reasons. The Board members are a pleasure to work for because they care deeply about our students, staff and community and serve with grace and knowledge. Our central office and school leaders prioritize what matters most: keeping our schools safe, engaging and academically strong. It is evident that our faculty and staff enjoy what they do and work hard at sharing their expertise, making our schools the best places to be a student. And lastly, our students continue to amaze me with their vulnerability, talents and dedication to community service. I truly love being the superintendent of this incredible place.

3. What are your greatest strengths as a superintendent?

I think to be an effective leader you must lead from your individual strengths. What works for one superintendent may not work for another superintendent. For me, I believe my strengths are:            

1. I care deeply.

2. I work hard.

3. I communicate well.

4. I plan ahead.

4. What is your favorite thing you have implemented?

We’ve accomplished a lot during my thirteen years as superintendent, and I don’t take individual credit for any of it. One of my favorite changes was converting our old 13-period schedule to the current Four-Day Rotating schedule. I especially loved the process of making this change. It took two years from start to finish. We brought students and staff to visit other districts and explore different scheduling models. Multiple committees worked through all the details of the proposed schedule, and we collaborated closely with everyone who would play a key role in its implementation. That teamwork helped make the transition successful and, ultimately, more beneficial for our students and staff.

5. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the positive school cultures that exist in each of our schools. We’ve faced our share of challenges with tight budgets, a global pandemic and heartbreaking losses. But watching our students and staff care for and support each other through those times has brought me my proudest moments. A thriving, positive culture is paramount for happiness.

6. What made you decide to retire at this point in your life?                            And

7.  How long have you been the superintendent at Lenape Regional School District?

(I combined these two questions)

I’ve completed thirteen years as the Superintendent of Schools for LRHSD, which is actually the longest I’ve focused on any one role in my career. Before this, I was a teacher and coach for nine years, an assistant principal for three, a director for three, and the Assistant Superintendent for five. Each of those roles helped shape who I am as an educator and a leader. I guess I’ve reached a point where I’m ready for whatever comes next…whatever my “next thing” may be!

8. What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

Loyal (protective), hardworking and enthusiastic.

9. What are some of your favorite interactions with your students?

I hold “Lunch and Learn” meetings several times a year with random groups of students at all of our high schools.  No other staff members are present, so students can speak freely to me about their school. They’re always honest and share what they love and what we could do better. My favorite part is when I ask them, “Who in your school makes you a better person?” Their answers always stay with me. They mention all kinds of staff (teachers, secretaries, trainers, counselors, custodians, etc.) and what’s truly amazing is the depth of connection they feel. It’s powerful to hear how those relationships help shape who our students are becoming.

10. What advice would you give to the next superintendent?

I would encourage the next LRHSD superintendent to first discover their own strengths, and lead from them. Value the strong foundation that has been built here (well before my time) and use it as a springboard. Most of all, inspire everyone in the organization to grow and embrace change, always with the goal of continuous improvement.

11. What changes have you seen in education between the start of your career to now?

I’ve seen a technological explosion in education since I started my career. My friend and I were the first teachers in the district to create a classroom web page (in the 1990s!) and using email was brand new. Can you believe that?

But one of the best changes I have seen has been our increased awareness of mental health. Being a teenager is difficult, and I’m so glad it’s now more acceptable to ask for help when you're feeling anxious or depressed. When I was a teen, or even early in my teaching career, that wasn’t always the case. I believe asking for help for mental health wellness should be just as routine as seeing a doctor for a sore throat. We’re not entirely there yet, but I’m hopeful we’ll get there soon.

12. What do you plan to do during retirement?

The beauty of retirement is that you don’t have to plan anything, but of course, I have a few ideas! I plan to focus on my loved ones. My kids are adults now, and it’s fascinating to watch them discover who they are and what they want to do with their lives. I’d love to travel more with family and friends. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, so there will definitely be plenty of that. I’m an outdoors woman at heart, and I enjoy walking, kayaking, golfing, fishing, or anything that allows me to connect with nature. My phone is filled with photos of sunsets, sunrises, trails, birds, and other beautiful scenes I come across when I take the time to be still and relax. There’s so much more to see, and I’m ready for it all!

During her career, she brought concepts to the school that created a better learning environment. For example, she implemented the 4-day rotating schedule that is noticeably more efficient than the old 13-period schedule. Another example would be the creation of Lunch and Learn. This has enabled students to do more in the classroom while also being able to enjoy their break for the day. In her answers, she highlighted how she loved to see students grow and help each other during the school days. She mentioned that she would hold meetings during lunch with random students so they could talk freely about the school and the positivity that shines through. After her 33-year-long career, she is excited to have a fully free schedule where she can enjoy the outdoors and spend time with loved ones. Overall, she has made her mark in this district, which has created a positive and efficient environment for all students and staff.

Unified Basketball, a unique program offered at Seneca, has been thriving for 3 years now. Upon application and acceptance, it provides opportunities for Seneca’s special education students to interact and play the sport alongside a handful of selected general education juniors and seniors. The team brings athletes, partners, and coaches together to share the court in a supportive environment. This season, like no other, was full of unforgettable memories from road trips to the famed Day Game. 

Starting off the season strong, on January 9th, Seneca’s Unified Basketball program had the chance to play in a collegiate setting when they were invited to practice with the men's basketball team at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). While working on all sorts of dribbling and shooting drills, the players got the opportunity to build special bonds with the college athletes and see what it takes to play at the next level. After a hard day's work on the court, Seneca’s team thanked TCNJ and headed off to Chick-fil-A for a group lunch. 

Another season highlight occurred when, for the second year in a row, Unified Basketball got the opportunity to run an intersquad scrimmage on the 76ers’ court in Philadelphia. Stepping onto the same floor as the pros and soaking in the energy, the athletes played with incredible energy. After the scrimmage, the team ate lunch at Xfinity Live just around the corner before returning to the Wells Fargo Center to watch the first quarter of the 76ers vs Nuggets game. Seeing real NBA players in action up close gave many of the athletes a new spirit and investment in the sport (video). 

On February 21, the seasons closed out with a Seneca student and staff favorite—the day game against Shawnee. The athletes and partners from both high schools, along with special education programs from middle schools in Southampton and Olson, gathered together in the large gym prior to the game’s start to share lunch together. The big event kicked off at 12:30 sharp, with the entire Seneca population in the stands, radiating support. The room was filled with cheers and excitement as the team showcased everything they had worked for throughout the season. It was a tight game, with lots of ups and downs, but Seneca was able to pull through with the win in the end. Every play, pass, and shot was met with amazing energy, truly showcasing the real meaning of “Seneca Family.”

As the season comes to a close, the Unified Basketball team reflects on all the wonderful memories made on and off the court. The program is about much more than just a game; it’s about fostering a sense of community where every athlete feels a sense of belonging. Throughout the season, each member grew not only in skill but also in character and connections with one another. With the continued support of coaches, teammates, and fans, the Unified Basketball team looks forward to building on this season’s success and making many more memories in the future.

On Wednesday, November 20, Seneca transformed the big gym into a center for life-saving generosity as students and staff were invited to participate in the annual Fall Blood Drive. Organized in collaboration with the Seneca’s Student Council, the American Red Cross was able to collect 32 pints of blood. 

Open to donors ages 16 and up, the drive encouraged students to give back in a meaningful way. Many were first-time donors and learned lots about the life-saving contributions they were making. Each pint of blood collected has the potential to save up to 3 lives, and it is estimated that every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood. According to the American Red Cross, it is a necessity for surgeries, cancer treatments, traumatic injuries and more. The effort from students and staff at Seneca played a critical role in supporting patients in need. 

Members of Seneca’s StuCo helped ensure that the event ran smoothly. They assisted with advertisement, check in, keeping donors company throughout the process, and passing out snacks following each donation. StuCo also provided each donor a free T-shirt and fun sock pack as a thanks for their contribution. 

Seneca plans to host their next event with the American Red Cross around March of 2025, the annual Spring Blood Drive. If you or someone you know is interested in donating blood, platelets, or plasma, visit redcross.org/give-blood to learn more. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who participated, the blood drive was a huge success, and the community can feel proud of the impact made. Seneca looks forward to continuing this tradition of giving in the future. 

One of the biggest events at Seneca High School is homecoming week and pep rally. Homecoming week is the week leading up to homecoming to get kids excited for the dance. This year’s homecoming is October 26th, and homecoming week is the 21st-25th. The very first event to kick off homecoming is the pink out game on Friday, the 18th. The following week is when the fun starts! 

Each day is a different theme for each student to participate in and get them engaged in homecoming week. Monday is minion day.  This allows each student to use their creative freedom and dress as some type of minion. Most students wore yellow shirts and blue jeans, while others went all out and painted their faces. Tuesday is a dynamic duo. For this, each student will pick a partner to pair up with and coordinate outfits. Think of it as a duo costume. Some examples would be Batman and Robin, Barbie and Ken, Tom and Jerry, and Spongebob and Patrick. Wednesday is anything but a backpack day. It is exactly what it sounds like. Kids can use anything except a backpack to put their school belongings in and carry throughout the school day . This year's hit was a toilet. Thursday, each class will dress up in their designated colors. Seniors will dress in all green, juniors will dress in all black, sophomores will dress in all purple, and freshmen will dress in all red. Thursday is also the day of the pep rally, where each grade will perform a skit that relates to their theme and participate in games to help win their class points. Friday is dressed like Adam Sandler day, where everyone can wear the typical Adam Sandler outfit: oversized t-shirts and long shorts.

The pep rally is an hour of fun and craziness. Towards the end of the day, every student will gather in the gym, sitting in their assigned class sections. To kick it off, the band and color guard perform in front of everyone, and then after that, the varsity cheerleading squad will perform a routine. Beforehand, each grade got to pick a theme that they would perform a skit to and decorate a hallway in. This year the themes were based around Halloween movies. Seniors picked Ghostbusters, Juniors picked Thriller, Sophomores picked Monsters Inc., and freshmen picked The Nightmare Before Christmas. After the band and cheer performances, freshmen were first to perform their skit they had prepared. Followed by sophomores, juniors, and finally seniors. Once all skits were done, the games began. The games consisted of fun, engaging activities for each class to compete in. For example, each grade competed against each other in a relay. This concludes the pep rally. Seniors were crowned the winners of Homecoming Week and pep rally.

Back to school night was expected to not have a good turnout. During back to school night, the Philadelphia Phillies had their playoff game against the New York Mets. However, Back to School Night was a success for many, even though the Phillies lost. Back to School Night is all about parents getting to know their kids' teachers and to understand what and how they learn in the classroom. Mrs. Wolfson stated, “During BTS night, I introduce myself and my background and review the curriculum by showing parents what students see each day on Google Classroom, what our class "looks like" on a daily basis, and what my expectations are to be successful.” 

The event is also a great way for clubs and other activities to earn money or to get parents to know about them. The Student Council decided to sell candy grams to the parents that would then be given to their child during the school day. Not only did this help the Student Council earn money for future activities, but they got understanding by parents attending. This can help with future events and future fundraising. Another club that was selling items during Back to school night was Student Government. They decided to sell magnets to people in attendance.

Back to school night was a huge success for anyone there. Parents got to understand the classroom, and teachers got to know the parents. Mrs. Wolfson shared that “Students spend a great deal of time in school, so it's nice for parents to "walk their walk" and see what their experience is like”. It is true, students at Seneca attend school about 7 hours a day, which is more than 30 hours a week. It's nice that the parents and teachers get the opportunity to see what happens during that time. Back to school night is a necessity for our schools so we can understand more about a student's daily schedule.

Here at Seneca High School, we have recently opened our doors to over a hundred students, welcoming them to the start of their high school years. This is a big step for most teens. High school has many different activities and experiences for kids to explore, and Seneca is no exception. 

Freshmen often have a hard time adjusting to the new schedule since it was so much easier for them back in middle school. When asked how they feel about the schedule, students had varying perspectives. Freshman Riley Johnson explains, “At first, the day 1-4 schedules were really confusing, but now that I've had time to get used to it, I feel it's beneficial and fun. I like that every day changes a little and I get to do different things as well as talk to different people each day.”

Our four-day rotating schedule can be very confusing; however, there is a solution: the Saturn app. Saturn is a more efficient way of checking what classes you have next and it has recently been updated to include room numbers. It is easy to set up too: simply download the app on your phone, choose to link it to your Snapchat if you wish (to help you locate your friends), and then choose Seneca from the list of schools.  Lastly, you will insert your classes. It's that simple, and it is way easier than having to read off a paper copy—at least for this generation!

Like most people, students love having options which are plentiful when it comes to selecting elective courses. The only drawback as a freshman is how many electives you are allowed to choose for the school year. Isabella Millerline, a freshman, mentioned how she would prefer to have at least one more elective, “I would change it to make study hall not count as an elective. I would like to take another class that interests me.” 

Speaking of options, here at Seneca students get to decide where they will have their lunch, unlike in middle school where there were very few options. During our nearly hour long lunch period, we have quite a lot of freedom, and can basically eat wherever we want whether that be in the halls, the cafeteria, classrooms, the library or even outside.. The long lunch period also gives students time to study or catch up on work if needed. Freshman Hannah Duke, says, “I really enjoy the freedom we have during lunch. We can roam around the entire school unlike middle school where we had to stay at a lunch table.” Even if many people may like how long lunch is, some people feel that lunch may be too early for school. Lunch & Learn starts at 10:36 and ends at 11:26. If given a choice, many students would opt for a later lunch. 

Overall, Seneca is definitely a very welcoming place. It makes kids feel loved and special. The teachers understand the students and really like seeing them learn. Students here at Seneca thrive and the activities here top everything. From our famous football team to any club here at Seneca, our activities shine. We can't wait to see how things change or develop over the next few years and we are excited to welcome future freshmen to Seneca.

Every year, Seneca High School’s Student Council hosts the Golden Eagle Pageant. This event features seniors who have been selected through a series of rounds starting with a staff nomination and ending with a student vote. Those selected then have two months to prepare for the big event which was held on March 30th and was directed by Abbie Cylc, Jackson Bauer, Braden Lambaise and myself. It also could not have been possible without the help of Ms. Betts, our Student Council Advisor. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes not only the day of the event, but also in the months leading up to it. Being part of this process, I got to take a closer look at exactly what that consists of. 

There are obvious elements that are essential to a pageant. This includes getting contestants and their acts ready with music and costumes and photographing them for the calendar which features one contestant for every month. For each of these elements, contestants are given a deadline which helps them to organize themselves and be deliberate in their choices.  Although it was a lengthy process, I found it a blessing to be part of it and to see the talent, creativity and growth of each contestant. 

The night of the pageant was incredibly exciting and energizing. We began the pageant with an opening act that consisted of not only the contestants but also the seniors who had not made it to the final round of selections. After the opening number, contestants immediately changed into their monthly themed outfits and paraded back on stage to show off their style as our MCs for the night, Kelly Carbone and Audrey McHugh, shared a little bit about each person. Following this, each person got to showcase a talent of their choice which is listed below.

Max Borton: WWE match accompanied by Gabe Faducia 

Liv Cooper: Lip synced “Love Is An Open Door” with Ethan Cutts 

Faby Scott: Ghost With a Twist accompanied by Erika Meale, Lindsey Hough, Danae Poteat, and Peyton Dooley

Campbell Meaner: Eras Tour - Campbell’s Version

Dom Elentrio: Vote For Pedro Dance 

Nikki Meji- Ranno: Charcoal Drawing

Brayden Davis: Singing “Simple Man” 

Anja Strobl: Singing Jackson 5 featuring Grace Milesezko, Sophia Adler, Jillian Morris, and Lily Hardoon

Joe Casano & Kyle Pickard: Dancing to “Hello” with the help of a workout ball 

Riley Fearon: Lip syncing to “Single Ladies: with Caitlin Fearon, Julianna Zimm, and Cadence Ehrke

Liv Petruska: Lip syncing to famous musical duos with Jazmyn Cruz, Peyton Dooley, and Addison Rivera

After all of the talent round, came the questionnaire or “Fish Bowl” portion of the show. Michael Orth and Anthony Fedeli hosted this round where they randomly picked one question out of a fishbowl to ask each contestant. Once the “Fishbowl” portion of the night was over, the votes were counted and our winners were announced: 

Dom Elentrio won Charity Majesty by collecting the most money for Imagine NJ with a large donation of $560.61

Faby Scott was the audience’s favorite

Joe Casano and Campbell Maenner won the Gold Star (voted on by contestants) 

Kyle Pickard and Olivia Petruska won Mr. and Mrs. Golden Eagle

Even though not everyone could win, the night was definitely memorable and all the contestants did an outstanding job. I cannot wait to see next year's show and all the amazing things to come. 

According to the Special Olympics website, Unified Basketball “joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.” Seneca has embraced this principle with the creation of the Unified Basketball team. This season has been the first for the Varsity level Unified Basketball team here at Seneca, and the program immediately gained support and praise from students, staff, and parents alike.

Seneca hosted one game during the school day and encouraged teachers to bring their students down to the gym to cheer on the teams as they played; the atmosphere that the students created was incredibly positive and supportive; simply put, you could feel the excitement of everyone in that room. Coach Diorio stated that “It was such an incredible day for our unified basketball team and school as a whole. It was a chance for our unified athletes to get the spotlight and it is a memory that will stay with me for a long time,” as it will stay with many of the students at Seneca as well.

Mr. Diorio, a teacher here at Seneca, helped to jumpstart the program in our school and also became a coach for the team. He explains that he was inspired to start the team “to give our students with special needs the opportunity to be a part of an organized team and to have the spotlight.”  He goes on to say that the program would allow students to “have lifelong memories and a great experience here at Seneca.” He describes his coaching experience with the team as “rewarding” and says “ I have had some of my most memorable experiences at Seneca while coaching this team. It has been so much fun seeing our athletes work together to reach a common goal and to see the joy on their face when they have success.”

When asked about her experience as a player, Sophia Cooper stated that “Being part of the Seneca Unified Basketball team has given me life skills and new experiences I never expected to take on. Being part of this team means more than just playing basketball. This Unified team is about having fun and working together. Everyone supports everyone and we're all there for each other. I have learned to be patient and to celebrate the little things while being part of this team. Making a basket isn't about how many we score. But it shows the hard work we put into our practices and the joy and smiles that comes out of making the shot. This is my favorite team I have ever played on and there is never a dull moment with my awesome Unified team!”

Matty Potter, who is also a player on the team alongside his brother Chad, stated that “My favorite part of basketball is that everyone is so nice and I like playing with my brother. Basketball is my favorite sport and I love playing!”

Overall, the players and coaches have created an incredibly open and supportive environment where all students are welcome to come together to be a part of a team and play basketball.

Sources:

https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sports/unified-sports#:~:text=Unified%20Sports%20joins%20people%20with,of%20similar%20age%20and%20ability. 

Two of the most important things during the holiday season are to have fun and give back. This year, Seneca has made it possible to do both with ease. No matter what you celebrate during the winter, our school has activities to get you through these cold months. During the month of December, we have Spirit Fridays games, door decorating, and candy cane and churro sales. With these activities, we can not only raise money for the school through the food sales, but also make Seneca look magical while you walk the halls. 

Each classroom or club gets to make their own customized door using whatever resources are available in the media center or supplies they own. Some classrooms choose to take the opportunity to make jokes or use classic characters we all know and love. This lets everyone express their favorite things about the holidays. The Student Council decided to make their door a tropical Christmas theme with a snowman that looks eerily similar to Mr. Bauer (our school Principal). 

Last Friday, we had activities in the Media Center, the Gym, and Cafeteria during lunch hosted by the Student Council. In the Media Center, people got the chance to stuff as many marshmallows in their mouth as possible in a game called Chubby Bunny. The last person standing with Marshmallows in their mouth won. Inside the gym they played an intense game of musical chairs, and within the cafeteria they attempted to rush and make gingerbread houses with graham crackers. No matter where you got to see these games, it sure was entertaining. 

All of last week, candy canes were for sale in the media center and outside of the school store. They were being sold $1 for two candy canes, which will be given out prior to Winter Break. On them are notes with whom they are from and who they are to be given to and there is space to write a note on them. A perfect way to give a gift and the proceeds are going to the school. I personally cannot wait to see what next year's events bring and hope that these crazy and fun traditions will stay around. Happy Holidays!!!

It feels like everyone at Seneca is talking about the football team. After all, it isn't that common that a high school football team goes undefeated in the regular season. After going 3-7 last season, this season has been a remarkable turnaround and Seneca has been dominant, to say the least, on both sides of the ball, with the offense and defense performing amazingly well. The defense has had two shutouts so far this season and only lets up, on average, 7.5 points a game. On the other hand, the offense scores an average of 33 points a game. 

Playoffs start this Friday at home against Somerville. The theme is neon, and the game starts at 7:00pm. Show up and support our Golden Eagles!

This year’s senior prom was held at Battleship, New Jersey. Students were let out of school at 11:55 to allow for plenty of time to prepare beforehand. They eagerly got ready and when the clock struck 5, many ran off to Seneca’s Promenade. This was a place for friends and family to gather and take pictures together prior to attending the prom. As soon as everyone had finished with pictures, the limos, and party bus services arrived, ready to transport the students. Some students opted to drive themselves as another means of transport. 

Upon arriving at the prom, students greeted each other and new unfamiliar faces that students brought to accompany them. The ship was set up and ready for the night- lights were everywhere and there were tents that covered some of the tables and the food station. The side of the ship was a beautiful spot for pictures. When the sun went down, you could see the lights in Philadelphia which added to the magic of the night. Before people knew it, the food began to come out. My personal & absolute favorite had to be the mac & cheese bites. They were served to the prom-goers on little trays by caterers walking around. The main entree of the night was a chicken parm which was pretty yummy. After everyone filled up their stomachs, that's when everyone hit the dance floor. 

Popular songs were playing and students were having a blast. The classic dances of “Jump Up and Down to the Beat” & “Pump Your Fist to the Beat” were definitely used a lot. The laughter and screaming through the songs could be heard from a mile away. Soon enough, it was time to announce the prom court. The nominees for prom king were: Josh Swain, Mason Milone, Adam Klenk, Brandon Hale, Andrew Gardner, and Tom Besser. The prom queen nominees were: Kiersten White, Bella Capraro, Madeline Epps, Brooke Vaughn, Victoria Crooker, and Julianna Graeber. The drumroll began and the winners were announced... The official prom king & queen titles were won by Andrew Gardner and Victoria Crooker! Cheers roared out when their names were announced and the dancing resumed. The night ended happily and safely with several prom-goers hitting up the beach for their prom house weekend to begin.

Since the 2019 graduation class, Seneca has not been able to host a Senior Trip. After being hit by COVID-19 in 2020, its been a struggle to travel in large groups of people safely. Finally, after two school years, and with the tireless work of Mrs. Meyers & Mr. Carr, the Class of 2022 has been able to successfully plan and execute a senior trip. In fact, they just returned from Walt Disney World. There were some scary moments along the way, such as flight delays and temporary baggage loss, but in the end, everyone did make it there and back.

The first day was set in Magic Kingdom. Right away, it was clear which rides the students were rushing to. Space mountain & Splash mountain were the top two rides that the students rushed to. Space mountain is an indoor roller coaster with lots of jerks and has a decent amount of speed to it. Splash mountain is a log-flume ride that tells the story of brer fox, with a 50 foot drop awaiting toward the end of the ride. Many of the students who went on these two rides seem to have enjoyed it, because the photos from the rides were blasted all over social media after. I personally did enjoy both rides very much, since I was granted the opportunity to go on them twice each. Space mountain was crazy fun and for a coaster, decently long. Splash mountain took a long time, maybe about 6 minutes, but it was totally worth it for the huge drop at the end. The food was expensive.. Like $14 for a hot dog & $6 for a popsicle.. But still yummy. By the end of the day, we returned to our resort and tons of people were hopping in the pool to continue the fun.

The next day, we were set and ready for Animal Kingdom. Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur U.S.A were my personal favorites. I was really bummed that the Expedition Everest ride was closed down while we were there, but still we had fun nonetheless. Kali River Rapids was a ride where we got to go on a little inflatable raft, and we floated down the beautiful ride with a small surprise drop toward the end- my friends got soaked! Dinosaur U.S.A. had a beautiful queue line where you could see the bones of prehistoric animals, including a huge dinosaur replication in the main waiting area. The ride itself was jerky, bumpy, and so much fun! There was even a slight jump scare at the end that made for a great picture.

Our third day was spent in Hollywood Studios. About half of the seniors got up bright and early to try and beat the line to the “Rise of the Resistance” ride. The rest got there about an hour after and filled in the rest of the lines. Rock N Roller Coaster was a personal favorite of mine, but in case you couldn’t tell by now, I’m a coaster fanatic. It was fast, the loops were crazy, and the pictures were hilarious since they captured them right after takeoff. I personally didn’t get to go on Rise of The Resistance, since it was shut down for a few hours & we didn’t want to wait for it, but I heard amazing things about it, and highly recommend hitting that one if you ever find yourself in Hollywood Studios.

Our last day was spent in Epcot and let me tell you..best..food..ever. Epcot was by far the best place for food, and in my situation, the most damaging to my wallet. Those prices were not very nice. My favorite ride there was Mission Space, where you get to be put into a situation of landing on Mars. My group did the advanced version, and I’m not gonna lie, some of them looked like they were about to throw up from motion sickness afterward. Test Track was definitely fun but not worth the wait for it. Epcot doesn’t have very many rides so that's likely why the few rides that were there, were super backed up with people. 

Finally after a long few days of fun memories and feet aches, we hopped on our plane home. Seemingly, all the students had a blast in Disney World, and we were all so grateful to be able to have the senior trip we’ve always dreamed of. Big Big Big thank you to our class advisors, Mrs. Meyers & Mr. Carr for making this happen. They put so much time and effort into making this dream come true for us. Next up for the class of 2022.. PROM!

When many people hear the words, “high school theater”, their expectations drop. As an actor and theater enthusiast myself, I have to admit, I wasn’t too sure what to expect when going into Seneca’s production of Mamma Mia! on Saturday night. However, the cast, crew, and orchestra pit completely blew me away and created an immersive experience that tugged on the heartstrings of every single audience member.

For those unfamiliar with Mamma Mia!, the show was written by Catherine Johnson, based on songs by ABBA. First published in 1999, it officially made its theater debut the same year on the West End in England. Mamma Mia! follows Sophie, a 20-year-old girl living on a small Greek island as she prepares for her dream wedding. She, like many young girls around the world, dreams of her father giving her away. However, there’s just one problem with this—she doesn’t know who her father is! Upon sneaking into her mother Donna’s desk and reading her diary, Sophie discovers she has three possible dads—and invites them to the wedding! Mamma Mia! is a compelling show for all ages, one that has the audience laughing, crying, and dancing all within the span of around 90 minutes. 

With the musical’s high profile, after being adapted for the screen into two movies, high school productions of the show certainly have high standards to live up to. Seneca’s adaptation of Mamma Mia! not only met those standards, but surpassed them greatly as they produced a performance like never seen before. One major theme I noticed present throughout my experience watching the entire show was the fact that every single person on stage, whether they were dancers, singers, or leads, showed that they were genuinely enjoying themselves. It is rare to see a show that emits such a feeling! Each member of the cast fit their role perfectly and portrayed them with their own unique interpretations of the characters! 

Not only was the acting incredible, without even needing to take into consideration the fact that it is high school theater, but the sets transported the audience into the show; it was like we were in Kalokairi! Complete with a life-size dock directly in front of the audience, on which many parts of the show took place, Seneca’s production of Mamma Mia! was an immersive experience for everyone. 

All in all, it is important to take into consideration how much work and time these actors, directors, stage crew members, and set designers put into making this show happen. With the 2020 production being canceled due to Covid, devastating everyone involved, it was extremely gratifying to finally see it on its feet! To each and every one of the people involved in making this show happen, props to you! You achieved a very difficult task; creating a show so enjoyable for everyone is not easy, and you managed to make it an incredible experience.

The Golden Eagle Pageant was hosted this past Wednesday night, March 23rd. There’s a lot to it, but let me put it into simple terms. 12 students are chosen out of the entire senior class to compete for several titles. The titles are, “Mr or Miss Charity”, “Mr & Miss Congeniality”, the “Audience Favorite”, and then the overall winners who are named “Mr. & Ms. Seneca”. The Pageant begins with an “Opening Act” where all the contestants and even a few nominees dance together and start the show off with a bang!! A few guest talent acts fill the space in between the “Monthly portion”, the “Talent portion” & the “Formal portion”. 

Each contestant is given a month that they will try to portray within their outfits & they choose a piece of music to accompany them on their way out. The talent portion is just as it seems, our contestants will give it their all in this part & some even chose to bring props to give it that much more entertainment. Finally, we come to the formal portion, where the contestants will dress in their formal attire & answer a random question out of a fishbowl. The winners are then announced to our audience and are given their prizes. 

The winners of the 2021-2022 Golden Eagle Pageant were :

Miss Charity: Ally Evans

Audience Favorite: Tom Besser

Mr. & Ms. Congeniality: Colton Fejko & Ashley Smith

Mr. Seneca & Ms. Seneca: Grant Sevening & Ally Evans

I asked a few contestants about their experience. Bella Capraro, Miss January, recalled the night and detailed her favorite part “was getting all dressed up and being able to dance on stage with my dad. It was so much fun!” I asked her if she would recommend this event to others and she explained that she would, “absolutely recommend everyone to put their name in the bucket if they were to be elected to be in the pageant. It’s definitely a lot of work but so much fun in the end.” I, Ashley Smith, was also in the pageant, so I could definitely state my views. Honestly, it was such a rewarding experience for me.. I went with a super simple idea of a lip sync to “Party in the USA” for my talent, but I wanted it to be as basic as I could make it. My friends & I dressed the part and even got a HUGE patriotic beach ball to kick into the crowd for our grand finale. Even though I deal with stage fright, I had so much fun being up there & with my friends. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The cherry on top of the night was winning “Miss Congeniality” which gave me a chance to see that my fellow contestants noticed my kindness & support behind the scenes.

Overall, the pageant was an amazing experience to watch & to be in. If given the chance to be in it next year, I would definitely suggest taking the opportunity, because you never know what may come out of it. I also would totally recommend going to & watching next year's pageant! The acts are insane and the amount of effort everyone put in was astounding!

On Friday, March 11, 2022, Seneca High School held another junior dinner dance at Auletto Caterers in Deptford, New Jersey. The Junior Dinner Dance is essentially a junior prom, implying that everyone gets to dress up in fancy dresses and suits and have a great time, all while dancing to music. It was definitely a night to remember for the Class of 2023 as it was filled with awesome singing, amazing dance moves, and memories that we will cherish forever. 

For the class of 2023, it was a very special opportunity to finally reunite with the class as a whole after two years. Last year, when we were still sophomores, we missed out on the Sophomore Cotillion due to several complications with the pandemic at the time. Thus, as a replacement, we had the chance to attend the Phillies game towards the end of the year. Although that was an enjoyable and unique experience for most, it still left some upset because of the fact that we missed out on cotillion. Before JDD, our last dance as a class was January of 2020, our freshman year, which was the Freshman dance. That was the last time our high school experience felt normal as Covid-19 struck the United States shortly after the dance took place. That said, it was a miracle that we had the opportunity to have fun altogether at the junior dinner dance as it will be one of the last class events of our high school career.

To gain a better understanding of the juniors’ perspective on the Junior Dinner Dance, I interviewed some of my fellow classmates. The President of the Class of 2023, Peyton Dooley explained, “I think the Junior Dinner Dance was a huge success. Everyone looked phenomenal, and that night with friends was full of memories that will last a lifetime.” Class of 2023 Representative Kady Mull detailed, “JDD was definitely a night I will never forget. It was one of the first times since the beginning of my freshman year that everything felt normal. Everyone looked so happy and amazing. We all made some great memories together.”

Overall, although it took a few years to get the class officially together again for a dance, it was an experience unlike any other and one that we will all never forget.

Read Across America, which occurred on March 2, 2022, is a day devoted to motivating students of all ages to expand their love for reading. Though Read Across America is a year-long program, most special events occur around March second. Many schools encourage reading through events and fundraisers throughout the course of the week. It is meant to make kids excited about reading rather than see it as a chore, which many do. However, reading is a great way to put yourself in another person's shoes or another reality while you are gaining knowledge and life skills.

Read Across America was officially started in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA). It can also be known as Dr. Seuss Day as many schools center activities around Dr. Seuss due to his popularity especially among younger children; however, in recent years, Read Across America has been shifting to find more diverse books for kids.

Seneca even hosted young Tabernacle Elementary students to come to Seneca to hear high-school students read to them or perform to them. This sets good role models to the younger kids by having the older kids reinforcing the importance of reading to them. Reading is extremely important as it engages multiple parts of the brain and enforces education and life skills. Many other schools, ranging from elementary to high school, also host events for students to read, some even create competitions to see which classes or grade levels can read the most books over a certain period of time to get kids excited about reading.

So this March, create a goal for yourself to read a certain number of books and encourage your friends and family to participate as well to make it a fun competition!

Sources:

https://www.nea.org/resource-library/read-across-america-frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=Launched%20in%201998%20by%20the,are%20about%20everyone%2C%20for%20everyone. 

Here at Seneca High School, we host two blood drives a year, one in the fall and one close to spring. This upcoming drive will be on February 23rd, hosted by the Student Council. If you are eligible to do so, please donate to the Red Cross. Currently, they are experiencing a blood shortage which can prevent people from getting major life-changing surgeries. This is said to be the worst shortage in over a decade. The most contributing factors to the shortage are effects from the Covid-19 pandemic and staff limitations. 

As a result of Covid-19, schools had to be cautious with what events took place and this led to less blood drives. The Red Cross states that there was a “62% drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic. Student donors accounted for ~25% of donors in 2019 accounted for just ~10% during the pandemic.” Consequently, there has been a drop in donations but this is not the only reason. 

I'm sure we are all very aware of the economic impact from Covid-19 and how it affected unemployment rates. This created staffing limitations for the Red Cross that is ongoing. The U.S Department of Labor said that currently “the number of unemployed persons, at 6.5 million”. Although this is not nearly as bad as the year 2020, we are still recovering which causes cancellations for things such as blood drives. 

Consider donating blood this Wednesday to make a difference and help stop the blood shortage. Every donation is important and if you do decide to give back, you will receive a free blood drive T-shirt! 

Sources: 

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/red-cross-national-blood-shortage-crisis.html

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf 

Mrs. Horner was named Teacher of the Year for 2022! She is a science teacher here at Seneca and has an incredible ability to connect with her students. She was shocked when she learned that she won teacher of the year stating, “I never expected to hear my name and I was shocked but Mrs. Carroll (who was standing next to me) gave me a push forward saying, ‘It's you!!’ I was also so thankful and humbled at the moment,” and said she was very surprised when she heard she won. 

Before she realized she wanted to go into teaching, Mrs. Horner wanted to be a doctor, but ultimately ended up teaching as she admired both of her parents who were teachers and wanted students to appreciate biology and be able to connect biological concepts to their everyday lives. Her favorite part about teaching is the students, she loves “seeing them learn, grow, work through issues both big and small, and figure out where they are going in their next journeys after graduation.” Three words that Mrs. Horner thinks students would describe her teaching style as are caring because she cares about her students and wants them to succeed, overview because she tries to give her students the big picture, and connections because she encourages making connections in life going into college. She wants her students to “want to continue to learn and be accepting of the changes that come about in their life and world. I want them to always keep moving forward. And keep in touch.”

She is thankful to have been nominated for this achievement and stated, “It means so much that my colleagues nominated and selected me because I feel I work with the most amazing people and to have them recognize me is just unbelievable and I am so grateful.”As shown on the poster on the wall outside her room, she is also greatly appreciated by her students. She goes the extra mile to make sure her students understand the concepts in class and feel confident in their own skills and knowledge.  

Congratulations Mrs. Horner and thank you for everything you do!

This year, Seneca High School was able to hold its traditional Homecoming Dance, after cancelling it last year due to COVID-19 guidelines. The Homecoming Dance is one of the largest events of the school year that the entire student body looks forward to. It is organized by the Student Council and has events that lead up to the big night such as Spirit Week, the Pep Rally, and the Homecoming Game.

The original date set for the Homecoming Dance was Saturday, October 16th. Unfortunately, it had to be postponed a week later on October 23rd, due to concerning weather conditions. As mentioned earlier, there are various events that lead up to the big night. The first more so “competition” is Spirit Week. Spirit Week is where each grade has to dress up according to a specific theme each day in order to earn their team(grade) points. This year’s Spirit Week themes included Pink Out, Twin Day, Seneca Spirit, Graphic Tee Day, and Music Genre! These points were not only earned from dressing up throughout the week, but as well as the Pep Rally that was held on Friday, October 15th, in the stadium. The grades each put on a performance, dedicated to their music genre, and competed in various other competitions. The Pep Rally took place outside in the stadium at the end of the school day and everyone had a great time!

A couple hours later, a majority of the student body attended the Homecoming Game, where the Seneca HS Varsity Boys Football Team played their game against Egg Harbor. The theme for the game was Pink-Out, as a way to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The entire Bird’s Nest was packed and filled with enthusiasm the entire game which truly demonstrates the Seneca Family spirit.

As for the Homecoming Dance itself, it was organized slightly differently this year, as Seneca High School had to follow the updated COVID-19 guidelines. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be held inside the small and large gyms, as usual. Yet, the Seneca Family still made it work with holding the event between A and B halls outside in the courtyard area. It provided enough space for the students to play games, chat with friends, and of course, dance the night away! Despite the current circumstances, the Seneca High School students still had an amazing time and got to enjoy one of the biggest events of the school year!

Overall, despite the Homecoming Dance being postponed for a week later, the Seneca Family still had a great time. From dressing up throughout the week and competing in grade competitions, to the football game and dance, everyone had an amazing time!

On Friday, October 29, 2021, Seneca High School will be hosting its annual Safe Trick or Treat from 3 to 5 pm. This event allows children in 4th grade and below to interact with high school clubs while collecting delicious candy! This is one of Seneca’s largest events of the school year, with countless clubs, organizations, and sports participating. 

Safe Trick or Treat is hosted by the Renaissance Club. Renaissance “recognizes and promotes positive accomplishments of the students, faculty and staff at Seneca High School”. Additionally, the club highlights respect, citizenship, and reinforces academic performances of the student body. It is led by Special Education teacher, Mrs. Meyers and Business teacher, Mrs. Collins. Some other events that the Renaissance program hosts during the school year are the Senior Pinning, the People’s Choice Awards, and the Perfect Attendance Breakfast. 

Over the past two years, the Safe Trick or Treat event has changed in various ways to accommodate for the COVID-19 restrictions. For instance, last year was the first time that this event was held outdoors along the perimeter of the school parking lot. Clubs had their own assigned areas and handed out candy to children through decorated tubes, per COVID-19 guidelines at the time. Prior to October 2020, the Safe Trick or Treat was held indoors with clubs assigned to a specific location within the halls of Seneca. Students would roam the school while “trick-or-treating” along the way. However, this year, it looks different from both 2019 and 2020. This is because it will be held outside, but this time, around the field in the stadium. Clubs will have their table and designated area to set up and decorate for trick-or-treaters. As per usual, each club will pick a certain theme and have its members dress up in order to add even more to the experience for the kids! When asked about the Safe-Trick-or-Treat, Mrs. Meyers explained that, “We had lots of positive feedback from parents last year with our outdoor Safe Trick or Treat, so we are keeping it outdoors with a little twist this year.”

Overall, the entire Seneca Family and community is thrilled to be able to participate in one of the most exciting community/school events of the year! On behalf of the Bird’s Eye View Staff, we would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe Halloween and hope to see you at the Safe Trick or Treat!!

Campbell Maenner

In need of a break? Stressed? Want to have fun with friends? Meet new ones? Girls Night Out was for you! Girls Night Out took place on Tuesday, October 19th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. It was run by Seneca’s Girls in Ascent Program, commonly known as GIA, Tickets to enter the event were $5. All proceeds from the event went towards making care packages for teen girls living in Harbour House in South Jersey. 

Girls in Ascent is designed to empower Seneca female students to thrive and take on leadership roles. This year, GIA has over 40 members, including 8 Core leaders, and 17 mentors! Members include Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who applied last school year to join. Core leaders are members of GIA who applied to take on a leadership role within GIA and they’re assigned PODS. PODS are assigned groups with a mix of sophomores, juniors, seniors, at least one GIA Core leader, and at least 2 mentors. Mentors of GIA are Seneca teachers, counselors, and other staff members who graciously guide the girls of Girls in Ascent. Through POD meetings each month, GIA members gather with their assigned groups to discuss monthly focuses, goals, and challenges they are facing!

Girls Night Out was an amazing opportunity to take care of yourself, hang out with friends, and have fun! When you arrived at the event, you signed up for two activities to attend throughout the night. Activities included yoga, pumpkin painting, bath bombs, learning how to change a car tire, kitten therapy, bleach dye, bracelet making, and more!  In between the two sessions chosen, there was a snack break on the side patio outside the Seneca large gym for all the girls. Snacks included apple cider donuts, candy, baked goods, and hot chocolate free of charge! 

Julianna Zimm, a junior and one of eight GIA Core leaders, expressed her happiness over Girls Night Out’s success! Specifically, she stated, “I definitely think this year’s GNO was a massive success.” Jules went on to highlight the significance of connection within our Seneca Family. She concluded with her excitement for the next Girls Night Out. “From those I talked to, a good time was had by all! I can’t wait for next year!” exclaimed Zimm.

Ms. Metzger, an Environmental Science and Biology teacher as well as a mentor for GIA, voiced the value that Girls Night Out has. She wrote, “Girls Night Out is an evening full of strong young women coming together to enjoy a night full of fun activities, at the best place on earth, Seneca High School!”. Stress is something that all high school girls struggle with and it can be very tough to cope with. Metzger expressed the importance of taking care of ourselves, doing activities that make us happy, and having an escape from stressful situations. Additionally, she asserted how proud she is of our Girls in Ascent leaders. Lastly, she ended with, “We are all looking forward to the tradition of GNO growing as each year continues to bring difference-making young women into our sisterhood!”.

Girls Night Out was a HUGE success! As someone who is part of GIA and was able to attend, it was such a great way to escape from stresses in my life, hang out with friends, come together with new girls, and have so much fun! I myself and so many other girls in attendance are so grateful for all GIA members, mentors, our advisors, Ms. Denn, Mrs. Beck, and Ms. Rominiecki, and anyone else not mentioned for making this event happen! As young women, we need to stick together and empower each other! We are sisters for life! 

Do not worry if you were not able to attend, we are hoping to have another Girls Night Out in the Spring!

Meghan Lepsis

One great thing about Seneca High School is how everyone here is seen as one big part of the Seneca Family! This is reinforced by the fact that Seneca has a number of staff members who previously attended the school as a student. The Bird’s Eye View reached out to a few of these staff members to ask them some questions about their time as students at Seneca, and now their time as teachers here.

First, Ms. Scarpello graduated from Seneca in the Class of 2016 and currently teaches the SOAR program here with Mr. Reed. This program works with special education graduates from Seneca to teach vocational skills along with life skills. She says that she has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember and even asked for a blackboard and overhead projector for Christmas when she was a kid. As a student, her favorite class was World Geography and she loves the school spirit that Seneca displays for all the special events. She was also Student Council President and was part of various clubs and sports teams during her time here. When choosing where to teach, she just couldn’t see herself working anywhere else.

Additionally, Ms. Metzger graduated from Seneca in 2012 and now teaches a couple of courses here, including Environmental Science and Biology. She has always known she wanted to be a teacher and stated, “teachers aspire to inspire--that is my goal every day.” She enjoyed her science courses the most as a student and those teachers who impacted her as a student now impact her as a teacher! She is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to come back and teach here!

Ms. Johnson graduated from Seneca in the class of 2018, and this is her first year teaching here at Seneca. She is also currently involved and teaches with the SOAR Program. Her favorite classes that she took as a student include AP Psychology, Creative Writing, and Debate, all of which she recommends to current students. Her favorite parts of Seneca as a student were mainly the family mentality and enthusiasm that Seneca showcases!

Finally, Mr. Donoghue graduated from Seneca in 2007, and was a member of the first class to attend Seneca for four years after opening! He currently teaches U.S. History I, U.S. History II, and World Geography. Growing up, both of his parents were teachers, which was a big inspiration to him when choosing a career path. Mr. Donoghue especially enjoyed playing numerous sports at Seneca including football, basketball, and baseball. He started as a teacher here at Seneca working one on one with special education students and became a history teacher the following year. 

Overall, many staff and students here appreciate the Seneca Family mentality and the school spirit that Seneca displays on a daily basis. The Bird’s Eye View would like to thank all the staff here at Seneca High School for helping create and continue these special qualities that our school has!!