For most of us, we think of an exchange trip as a cultural endeavor that lasts a week or two; for Pien Gross, it was an entire school year in Exeter. The 17-year-old native of Berlin, Germany, spoke on the social, educational, and athletic opportunities that he benefited from in Exeter.

What motivates a teenager to pick their life up and spend it across the Atlantic Ocean for an entire school year? For Pien, it was the opportunity to experience different cultures and develop his personality, in which he took inspiration from his parents.  

“What got me here is that my parents suggested it really hard, because my mom did it for one year exactly at my age.”

Gross arrived in August of 2024 and quickly became accustomed to American society. He has been learning English since his third year of primary school in Germany, but cited American entertainment and pop culture as his greatest asset. 

As for his social circle, Pien has fit right in with the American crowds as well. “It was not so hard. I think the biggest thing I would always suggest to other people coming here is to do sports because over sports, you find all the friends, all the new people,” he said. 

In Germany, Gross played soccer for over a decade. He planned on playing for Exeter’s team in the fall, but an ACL tear ahead of his voyage prevented him from taking the pitch. Instead, Pien opted to join the team as a student-manager. 

During his time as the team’s manager, he became acquainted with Tyler Campbell, whose family also has a large presence in Exeter’s volleyball program. It was a perfect opportunity for Gross, who played from time to time in Berlin, while his father had years of experience in the sport. 

“It’s like a PE class, and they do volleyball from time to time. We had a school team, but in Germany, that’s nothing compared to an American school team”

Pien described major differences between European and American sports culture, particularly seasonal versus year-round play. 

“[In Germany], when you play sports, you always play club, so it doesn’t matter what sport you play, there’s no such thing like seasons you have in America. For example, I played soccer for 12 years, which means I played soccer for 12 years. You play all year round, you play the winter through summer,” Gross said.

Gross spent the spring on the boy’s volleyball team, which saw success as the county runner-up. When he saw the court, he was given the clever nickname of “The Berlin Wall” for his blocking ability. 

“It’s cool, but on the other hand, it’s also really hard to catch up as a person who has never played before…I wasn’t starting on the team because they’re all so good, but on the other hand, it was really nice cheering for a good team. So playing with a team that knows how to play: I think that also helped me to improve a lot,” he remarked. 

Despite the uphill climb as a newcomer, Pien may not have had this kind of opportunity in Germany. He cites the welcoming team culture as a major advantage of American sports culture. 

“When we’re talking about sports in general, I prefer the American way because I can see more people doing sports… a really big advantage here in America is you start being a freshman, 14 years old, and you can start a new sport; that’s nothing like Germany. If you haven’t played a sport until you’re 14 or 15 and they ask you ‘have you played before?’, and you say no, they’re like ‘I’m sorry, we can’t take you’.”

Outside of sport, three major cultural shocks to Gross included: schooling, diets, and illness. 

“School was, of course, my first big culture shock. It is the daily life you have here every day, the same day, the same classes… in Germany, the same schedule with the same classes, in the same order, we have every two weeks,"Gross remarked.

The abundance of fast food options was a surprise to Pien upon arrival, while the American expectation to work during sicknesses proved unalike. Since he’s been used to these differences for months, the organization facilitating the exchange, EF Education First, prepares students for “reverse culture shock” upon arrival home.

EF imposes certain restrictions upon students; for example, Pien and other travelers are only allowed to call their real families once weekly. He was easily able to maintain contact, while staying within this limit, calling home about three or fewer times monthly. 

“Fortunately, it was not a problem. I wasn’t homesick too much. There are other people who are like crazy homesick and they wanted to call [their parents] all the time, we’re not really allowed to call them all the time, and that was a problem, but I kept steady contact, but also not too much for me,” Pien described. 

Thankfully for Gross, his host family has been a blessing. EF assigns a suburban town and willing family up at random, which happened to be here in Exeter. Though it wasn’t his first choice, ranking behind locations in New York, North Carolina, and New England, he has been satisfied. 

“I’m very thankful that I got lucky with a very chill and nice host family, which I didn’t have any fighting or stress with,” he said. 

Gross will return home in just over two weeks on June 19th, but what has he learned from the trip? He takes back valuable knowledge back home in regards to the value of relationships.

“A really big thing I learned here is that friends and people you hang out with are really just people you like. That might sound pretty simple, but in Germany, multiple friend groups who I hang out with, I felt stressed and I felt pressured… I don’t have to be in that environment talking to those kinds of people, so I think going back to Germany, I will wisely choose who I hang out with,” he revealed. 

The year in America will not count towards Pien’s schooling back in Berlin; he will complete another two years in primary school. Nonetheless, he claimed, “I think it was a great experience here in America.”

I thank Pien for taking the time to sit down for an interview; for many others at Exeter, they thank him for the time he spent away from home to become a beloved member of our community. His journey, though an extreme, proves the value of stepping outside your comfort zone to garner new experiences

Should social media count as an addiction? Is it bad enough to be taken as seriously? Many psychologists believe that social media has become our generation's new drug. It hits all the points of a drug addiction such as mood modification, impacting relationships, and having devastating effects on mental health. Some even say that approximately 5 to 10 % of the American population currently meet the criteria of a social media addiction.

Back in November, I realised that I was constantly reaching for my phone, just to open it, stare at the screen, then put it back down. I found myself constantly opening Instagram just for it to not change. My attention span had shortened so much to the point where I would open Instagram to look for something, and the second I would open it, I would forget what I was there for and fall down a rabbit hole. 

So with a mission to stop my “addiction”, I decided to delete all social media. I was very hesitant at first, which now I realize was a sign of my attachment to it. I was constantly coming up with reasons why it would be a bad idea to delete them, even though I knew in the long run, it would be better for me. 

The first couple of days were very rough. I found myself picking up my phone just to stare at my lock screen, remember, and then put it back down. It was like a trigger instinct. Any moment I had free time, I was trying to fill the time with scrolling. I had been so used to always being up to date that I found myself not knowing how to sit with my thoughts. My attention span was not cut out for reading in silence or just watching a movie by itself. 

As time went on, I no longer sought it out. I found myself being able to sit with my own thoughts and find other ways to entertain myself. I read more than I had in months and started going back to physical media (CDs and DVDs). I realized that finally, the balance was tipping. I no longer was consuming and rather, was creating so much more. 

I think that humans, while they are very social creatures, need socialization in moderation. Social media, while great for connecting communities across the world, becomes overbearing at a certain point and starts pushing the boundaries of socialization, constantly knowing what everyone else is doing every moment of the day. 

Recently, I redownloaded Instagram after making new friends in different districts at Region Orchestra. I worried that I was going to fall back into my old habits. But after redownloading it, I found I was forgetting it was even on my phone. I had all notifications silenced and only went on a couple times a week. I was honestly very surprised at how well everything had panned out. I was so worried about missing out on things online, that I wasn’t being present in person. At the end of the day, I really didn’t miss anything important and was so much happier. 

Now, I feel free from the heavyweight that social media bore down on me for years, knowing that I have a healthy (detached) relationship with it. I can enjoy it in small increments, and that's what works best for me. So I ask everyone who has read this far, what is your relationship with social media like? Do you think you should or could give it up? From experience, I highly recommend it.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tap water in America has been treated with Fluoride since the 1950s. This was to help the public by strengthening their teeth and reducing their cavities. But now, many cities in America—and even the future leader of the Department of Health—are calling for its removal. Why is there such a switch? It all concerns some recent studies linking Fluoride-treated tap water and low IQ in children. 

Starting in 2016, the National Toxicology Program began a study on Fluoride's effects. They found “...drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter, are associated with lower IQ in children.” This may seem concerning, I mean isn’t there Fluoride being put in our water? The simple answer: no. Exeter Township’s water is supplied by Pennsylvania American Water, and in their 2023 Water Quality Report, they stated that they “...[do] not add fluoride to your water supply. EPA has set the amount of fluoride to 0.7 ppm to achieve an optimal fluoride level and prevent tooth decay. Pennsylvania's current maximum drinking water standard is 2.0 ppm.” 

Great news, if you have a low IQ, it is not from high levels of fluoride exposure! So, keep drinking the tap water in Exeter, with no fears of it making you more stupider. 

One day I opened TikTok and the very first video was of a girl walking past the climate clock in NYC every morning on her daily commute to work. Before that, I had never heard of this clock. Obviously, my curiosity peaked and I looked deeper into what exactly this huge countdown plastered on the side of a building was.

The Climate Clock is an amalgamation of art, science, and environmental activism. Originally launched in 2015, this clock was meant to show the time that humanity has left until the effects of climate change become irreversible. 

When I first saw it, it was just another thought in the back of my mind, but as time went on, the more the seed of dread grew in my brain. It was all I could think about. How is it possible that we really only have roughly 4 years left? 

As of writing this, the climate clock is at 4 years, 301 days, 03:58:54. If the timeline remains steady, we will be in an irreversible state before 2030. I will have just graduated college that spring. I will only be 22. How could we have let our world get to this? Personally, this inner dread sparked action. I already had a prior interest and love for environmentalism and conservation, but this slap of reality only pushed me to act more.

But the question is, does this looming dread push the general population to act now?

Scientists and most people argue that dread does illicit some kind of action. If dread causes action, then why is there not a mass support of climate conservation? In reality, it is a very complicated subject to wrap your head around. 

Many factors come into play with opinions on climate change. Often communities are blinded by politics and their own environment. Many people tend not to realize the importance of a situation because they are not experiencing the immediate effects of the climate. Because they are not set in the middle of the devastating effects of global warming, they often don’t see the reason behind working towards a greener world.

Not only that, but many people aren’t even aware of these climate clocks around the world. I know I didn’t even know such a thing existed until a couple weeks ago. Without the knowledge, how are we to know? I believe that more announcements like this should be made and pushed out to the mainstream. Making people aware is the most likely way to spark change.

As the clock ticks down, it is vital for us to promote awareness and action. Let’s transform dread into a movement for change!

Winter sucks. It’s cold, miserable, and makes everyone sad. Thus, as a culture, we have invented stupid holidays to fill the sad void left after the October-November-December holiday season. While New Year’s is somewhat lame for anyone who isn’t in their twenties and Valentine’s Day makes the lonely and bitter people of the world throw a fit, the green-themed and undeniably esteemed St. Patty’s Day is a holiday everyone can get behind. But really, what makes this great holiday so great?

It all started in Ireland a few centuries back when St. Patrick, originally from Great Britain-- enemies of the Irish, might I add-- started preaching about Christianity. He got everyone on board with how great it was, supposedly using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, and thus for the years to come, everyone threw a big party in his favor. Over many years, this sort of lame religious feast day turned into an out-of-control holiday where, as a culture, eat too much green.

Being mostly Irish in the 21st century, I’ve learned to enjoy the festivities that come with this underrated holiday. From the delicious toothpaste-flavored Shamrock Shake that is a yearly treat to the elaborate plans to catch a leprechaun in Elementary School, St. Patrick’s Day rocks. And this year, my St. Patty’s Day wish is for all to enjoy this season of green by spending time with your family, eating corned beef and cabbage, and most of all: pinching. A happy St. Patrick’s Day to all and to all a good night.

Starbucks recently released this year's Holiday drinks. The lineup consisted of notable favorites such as the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brûlée Latte, and, the newcomer, the Iced Gingerbread Chai. But out of all of these, one caught my attention: the Chestnut Praline Latte. It begged the question, what actually is a chestnut?

As holiday music blasts on every speaker, the (arguably) most famous one starts with “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”. But why does anyone care about chestnuts? The answer lies in the 18th century. Chestnut trees used to be all over the East Coast. In the late fall, the chestnuts would be roasted; these nuts were a calorie-dense and somewhat sweet snack, making it perfect for the cooler months. Sadly, around 1904, a blight from a chestnut tree imported to Long Island killed almost every tree in only forty years. This once-strong Holiday tradition has been reduced to a song lyric and Starbucks ingredient. Today, we will be hand-roasting and taste-testing our chestnuts to attempt to bring them back to what they once were.

The first obstacle was finding chestnuts; online, they were only sold either in bulk or pre-roasted. Luckily, a conveniently open box, completely unmarked with a price or label, of a somewhat concerning amount of chestnuts was available to take from and purchase at Giant. The next step was roasting them, which, for me at least, was the easiest step. To roast chestnuts, one must cut a slit across the skin of the 

chestnut, put them in water and take them out once the water starts boiling, and put them in the 400-degree oven for 25 minutes. The worst step was the taste test. I gathered my most willing friends and recorded their reactions. 

The chestnuts were bad. The reactions ranged from “This is weird!” -Kira Spencer, 12th grade to “I think it’s fine” -Neema Kamau, 11th grade, it was pretty gross unsalted, but with salt it was slightly better. Only very slightly. Chestnuts are a long-dead Holiday tradition that needs to stay dead. Don’t make the same mistake I did and just leave the chestnuts to Starbucks and Nat King Cole. 

In the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece, cats were worshiped as symbols of the divine. How did these animals descend from such positions of power to being feared by a group of the modern population?

The early Christian church maintained a cordial relationship with early witches, along with their closeness with nature and its creatures. Many “witches”, often women with a disdain for authority and tradition, found kindred spirits in cats for their similar demeanors. As the church gained power, practices and beliefs of witchcraft grew to be seen as a threat to Christianity. The church’s fear of witchcraft came to a head in 1233, in which Pope Gregory IX issued “Vox in Rama”, a document declaring black cats to be incarnations of Satan. It is unclear why black cats were specifically targeted, but the decree sparked a superstition that has persisted for centuries. 

In later years, the idea that witches and the Devil fraternized with black cats became ingrained in European folklore, contributing to arrests in the Salem Witch Trials. During this time, ownership of a black cat was grounds for execution. Elements of these beliefs linger today; in a National Library of Medicine study of roughly 8,000 cats admitted to a Kentucky animal shelter from 2010-2011, black cats were found to have the worst luck: out of 2641 black cats admitted, 1970 (74.6%) were euthanized, 256 (10%) were adopted, and 406 (15.4%) were transferred to other shelters. To combat this trend, many shelters offer free or reduced adoption of black cats for National Black Cat Day (August 17th). If you’re looking for a new pet, keep a lookout for events like this and consider a black cat the next time you visit a shelter!

The Reading Fightin’ Phils have called FirstEnergy Stadium their home for more than 50 years now, giving them the title of having the oldest minor league stadium in the northeastern conference. The stadium has its many charms, but it also is an aging relic. 

It all started when the MLB set out to purchase the rights to MiLB (minor league baseball). Coming from this purchase, the MLB set out new guidelines for stadiums around the league. FirstEnergy Stadium didn’t meet these guidelines, so the Reading Phillies franchise were set with a dire situation. 

The MLB demanded that the Fightins would have to either renovate their stadium (a project that would cost around 25 million dollars), or move to another location. People in the area became worried about this, especially the people who have gone to see baseball games at FirstEnergy for decades. However, the community banded together to meet these requirements, and with community, citywide, and organizational funding, that 25 million dollar bar was reached. 

FirstEnergy’s makeover calls for many quality-of-life changes. The stadium will receive new and improved locker rooms for both men and women and new bullpens all situated in a brick facade structure in right-center field. Now named the Redner’s Event Center, the new structure will house both those new team facilities but also a venue for any parties, weddings, or other events that may happen at the stadium. People have already made reservations at this building, which shows how excited the community is about these renovations. 

Along with these reservations, the Reading Phillies have also replaced the age-old lighting systems in the ballpark, replacing them with new state-of-the-art LEDs. The franchise has also partnered with the nearby Reading School District, with Reading High’s baseball team now playing at FirstEnergy for all of their home games. 

FirstEnergy stadium has been an iconic public place for the people living here in the Reading Area. The conglomerated support and cooperation affiliated with funding for these changes support just how much the people here in Reading care about our ballpark. Our hard work together as a community paid off, and now we can enjoy the madeover stadium together. 

Prom is surrounded by a multitude of questions. Who’s going? Are you going with a date? What are you wearing? And if you are going with a date, who buys the tickets? There are many factors and it's different for every couple, but in this article you will find a few things to consider when you’re trying to decide. 

I polled a variety of juniors and seniors to get a gauge of where students stood on the issue. There were four categories of who buys: the guy, the girl, whoever asks, or split the cost. Overwhelmingly students (boys and girls) agreed that the guy should buy the ticket. This is the traditional approach and many say that it is still the proper way to do things. When students were asked if they thought that making the guy buy the tickets was a step backwards, the majority said no. 

“It is just considerate for the guy to pay for the ticket since girls have so many additional costs to cover.” -anonymous

Girls tend to spend a lot more money on prom. They have to buy a dress and shoes and get their hair done and get makeup, and on and on. The costs add up quickly and a girl can spend anywhere from $150 - $800 easily before even buying their ticket. So for the guy to step in and take that extra cost away is much appreciated. 

“The guy should offer to pay and the girl should then refuse or pretend to and the guy should refuse her refusal.” -anonymous

As with everything we do there are theatrics involved. The above quote was a sentiment shared by almost everyone polled. It was not only expressed by girls which made it more interesting. Just another social conspiracy that everyone is in on, but no one wants to expose. 

Every couple is different and so there is no one size fits all answer. Do what works for you and makes you happy. But the popular opinion is that this one is on the guys. 

*Tickets are being sold from Tuesday 3/21/23 - Friday 3/31/23 in the library before and after school*

We are currently at the peak of Pennsylvania Winter. The days are getting colder, shorter, and for many students, increasingly stressful. As the cold creeps in, many of us may see negative changes in our mood. This is known for many as the “winter blues,” or the medical term of  SAD, seasonal affective disorder. In the United States, 3% of Americans have been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to tell if you are affected by the winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder, and tips to overcome their symptoms.

How do I know if I have a case of SAD?

SAD is characterized by a strong negative shift in mood during the winter months. Symptoms can include: Anxiety, Loneliness, loss of interest, mood swings, excess sleepiness, Insomnia, appetite changes, fatigue, irritability, social isolation, and lack of concentration. 

What is making me SAD?

In the winter months, as the days get shorter, the reduction of sunlight can mess with your body’s internal clock, your circadian rhythm. This can disrupt your sleep patterns and lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and depression. Reduced sunlight is also linked to a decrease in serotonin levels in many people. Without this essential serotonin, your brain’s “happy chemical”, many are left feeling depressed

How can I overcome being SAD?

1. Stay Active! Research shows that as little as 30 minutes a day of exercise can have a positive impact on your mood, releasing endorphins to balance out stress, sadness, and anxiety.

2. Eat Healthily.  Spending more time inside due to the cold can lead you to want to eat junk food out of sadness or boredom. While an indulgent treat here and there is never a bad idea, try to eat more balanced meals with complex carbohydrates with lean proteins, and colorful produce. Eating healthier foods like these is shown to enhance mood in many people.

3. Find new hobbies. Keeping your mind active and engaged is a good idea all year long. It is especially important to help ward off feelings of depression and stress in the winter. This can be any activity, like puzzles, crochet, baking, knitting, or board games.

4. Socialize with friends and family. A common symptom of SAD is social isolation. Challenge yourself to combat these feelings and make socializing a priority. While face-to-face interaction is best, something as small as a text, snap, or call can make you feel better, and that you aren’t alone with your feelings

5. Vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to decrease negative emotions, and increase feelings of happiness and serotonin. You can take in Vitamin D through your diet, sunlight, over-the-counter supplements, or a prescription from a doctor if you require a higher concentration.

6. Counseling. If your symptoms are ever affecting your ability to function and perform regular daily tasks, reach out to a medical professional who can get you the help you need and prescribe medication if needed.

The Cooper's Hawk is a frequent guest at North American bird feeders, but it does not feed on bird seed. Instead it frequents bird feeders to catch an easy meal of songbirds. Mr. Keebler, when interviewed on Turkey Vultures, explained his displeasure with Cooper’s Hawks feasting on songbirds. He would rather them “eat squirrels rather than songbirds” and legendary Exeter Township High School teacher Mr.Walsh does not appreciate the attack on songbirds either. Mr.Walsh has a fear of insects which many songbirds feast upon, and with the Cooper’s Hawk killing songbirds, the insect populations may rise at Mr. Walsh’s displeasure. Even with all the negatives associated with Cooper’s Hawks, there is much more to them than killing birds. 

Cooper’s Hawks are solitary for most of their lives preventing them from greatly affecting songbird populations (if you remove your bird feeder for a few days they eventually go away). In urban areas Cooper’s Hawks feast upon the invasive Rock Pigeons helping to lower their populations (in a small way). Feeding on songbirds is even dangerous according to Cornell University’s All About Bird.

 “In a study of more than 300 Cooper’s Hawk skeletons, 23 percent showed old, healed-over fractures in the bones of the chest.” Cooper’s Hawks are valuable members of the North American ecosystem even if they displease some songbird lovers from their diet. 

Ah, Christmas time. The season of giving, glad tidings, cozy moments with loved ones, and most importantly … Cookies! Here is the definitive ranking of the 6  best Christmas cookies for the 2022 holiday season + along with a bonus recipe for the #1 spot.

Snickerdoodles

• Pros: A staple in many homes, snickerdoodles have a melt-in-your-mouth effect and make you feel warm and cozy. Coated in sugar.

• Cons: The cinnamon in these cookies can be overpowering, and they also lose their appeal after about 2 bites.

• Ho Ho Ho’s: 2/3

• Taste: 6/10 Appearance: 4/10 Christmas-ness: 5/10 Total Score: 5/10

Frosted Sugar Cookies

• Pros: One of the most iconic Christmas cookies, So pretty! 

• Cons: Way too sweet and contribute nothing exciting in the flavor department.

• Ho Ho Ho’s: 2/3

• Taste: 4/10 Appearance: 10/10 Christmas-ness: 9 Total Score: 7.6/10

Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Pros: Always a classic, chocolate chip cookies never fail to be a crowd-pleaser, and can be dressed up with extra add-ins.

• Cons: Chocolate cookies are loved by all, but are not a holiday-specific cookie

• Ho Ho Ho’s: 1/3

• Taste: 10/10 Appearance: 4/10 Christmas-ness: 3/10 Total Score: 5.67/10

Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Pros: Very Yummy Cookies, Adorned with a beautiful Hershey's kiss.

• Cons: People with peanut allergies will not enjoy them being at your Christmas party.

• Ho Ho Ho’s: 1/3

• Taste: 10/10 Appearance: 8/10 Christmas-ness: 7/10 Total Score: 8.3/10

 Gingerbread 

• Pros: Arguably the most iconic Christmas cookie; so pretty, fun to attempt to create houses out of with loved ones during the holidays.

• Cons: You will spend hours making your gingerbread house into a gingerbread home, with a gingerbread family to match, then it will inevitably come crumbling down, killing its adorable residents  20 minutes later, leaving you defeated. Sometimes they have an odd flavor and become stale very quickly.

• Ho Ho Ho’s: 3/3

• Taste: 9/10 Appearance: 10/10 Christmas-ness: 10/10 Total Score: 9.6/10

 Snowball Cookies 

• Pros: The most delectable, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth, scrumptious, amazing cookies of all time. So beautiful, resemble a snowball from a crisp snowy Christmas morning. Coated in powdered sugar, have just the right amount of crunch and softness.

• Cons: None

• Ho Ho Ho’s: 3/3

• Taste: 10/10 Appearance: 10/10 Christmas-ness: 10/10 Total Score: 10/10

And the winner is… Snowball Cookies! 

Below is a recipe for you to try out snowball cookies for yourself this Holiday Season!

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Cooling Time: 15 mins Serves 40 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 heaping cup of pecans

• 1¼ cups powdered sugar, divided

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium skillet over low heat, toast the pecans for about 5 minutes, until fragrant. Transfer the nuts to a food processor and pulse them to form a coarse meal.

3. Measure ¾ cup of the powdered sugar into a medium bowl and set aside for rolling.

4. In another medium bowl, mix the flour and the cinnamon.

5. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, the remaining ½ cup powdered sugar, and the salt until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add the flour mixture and then the pecans and mix until combined.

6. Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Then, use your hands to roll it into balls and place them on the baking sheets. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling.

7. Bake for 13 to 16 minutes, until just golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in the reserved powdered sugar.

8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

(Copyright © 2022 Love and Lemons, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Halloween costumes have always been a staple of October. It’s the long-running tradition of traveling house to house asking for a nice treat while dressed up. Over the years many different costumes have been adopted by both children and adults alike. What are the most iconic costumes to wear on Halloween?

The earliest known start of the tradition goes back to 1585 in Scotland. The popularity soon would increase in the 18th and 19th centuries in Scotland, Ireland, Mann, Wales, and many more European countries. It's a folk tradition to dress up for the Samhain Festival and ward off ghosts.  

In the late 1800s, America would adopt the tradition of costumes for parades and trick or treating. It might surprise you that the costumes they wore are still relevant today. This includes: ghosts, skeletons, devils and witches. 

Companies would soon start producing ready made costumes for the average consumer. They would buy the rights to characters from different franchises, such as Disney, Marvel, and DC. One of the first costume companies was located in Collegeville, Pennsylvania! These characters are still a popular choice in today's culture, including the boom of slashers and scary movies of the 1950s to the 1990s. Characters such as Michael Myers, Jason Voorheese, Ghostface, Frankenstein’s Monster and Dracula are still popular choices. 

Surprisingly the most popular costume in 2022 is the classic witch. The witch costume is one of the earliest costumes in America, first made in 1910, 112 years ago! Other popular costumes this year include Spiderman, a Dinosaur, Stranger Things, and Fairies. 

Timeless is a more appropriate name for some of these costumes. No matter how old a costume is, it can still become quite the popular choice. I don’t see the tradition of Halloween ending anytime soon. 

So, what will you be this Halloween?

Sources

“Halloween Costume History.” LoveToKnow, 5 Oct. 2022, party.lovetoknow.com/halloween-party-ideas/halloween-costume-history.

“The History of Halloween Costumes.” Webb Weekly, 21 Oct. 2020, webbweekly.com/articles/2020/10/21/the-history-of-halloween-costumes.

Muhammad, Latifah. “The 25 Most Popular Halloween Costumes for 2022.” Billboard, 21 Oct. 2022, www.billboard.com/culture/product-recommendations/most-popular-halloween-costumes

When someone mentions fall foods, probably the first things that come to mind are apples, pumpkins, cranberries, and squash. While these foods are great, they can be overhyped. Here is a list of some great foods that are in season now that are being missed out on.

Figs: This fruit is rich in antioxidants and promotes digestive health. Popular ways to use figs are to pair them with goat cheese in side dishes, made into jam and spread on baguettes for appetizers, or added into a spiced cake. 

Passion fruit: Passion fruit is also rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber. Passion fruit tastes great in smoothies, yogurt parfaits, bars, and loaf cakes with olive oil. 

Pomegranates: Pomegranates help with inflammation and support digestive health. They can be used in salads, muffins, sorbets, and even pancakes!

Beets:  This pretty, purple vegetable helps balance energy, improve athletic performance, fight inflammation, and support brain health. With a sweet, earthy flavor, beets can be blended up into pasta sauces for extra nutrients, added to salads, pickled, or roasted with other veggies and meats. 

Brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts get a bad wrap but when they are prepared the right way they taste amazing. All they need is to be roasted until crispy and maybe even a few pieces of crumbled bacon. Plus, Brussel spouts help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Cabbage: Cabbage comes in a variety of shapes and colors. It helps improve digestion, and is packed with vitamin C. Cabbage isn’t just great for cole slaw and sauerkraut, it can also be stuffed with ground beef, stir-fried, charred, or made into curry and other soups.  

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Valentine's day? Annually, many people celebrate February 14th with the ones they love, but most don’t really know why. 

Who is St. Valentine?

Many people know that Valentine's Day comes from both Roman and Christian descent. Some may also know of St. Valentine. But who was he?

The most commonly believed legend is that St. Valentine was a priest who served during the 3rd century in Rome. The emperor decided that single men made better soldiers than married ones with families, so he forbade young men to marry. Valentine didn’t like that idea and continued to marry in secret. When what he did was discovered he was ordered to death.

Another popular legend is that while he was imprisoned for helping Christians escape their harsh prisons, he fell in love with a young girl. It is said that he wrote her a letter that said “From your Valentine”. This was thought to be the first ever valentine and the expression is still in use today. 

When?

Valentine's day is traditionally celebrated on February 14th to honor Valentine's death and burial. He is believed to have died around A.D. 270. 

Before St. Valentine's Day was formed, this time of year has also been linked to the annual Roman fertility festival, Lupercalia, that was held in mid February. This festival involved the sacrifice of goats and dogs. The goat's hide would be used to slap the women at the festival bringing them more fertility in the coming year. Afterwards, all the women would place their name in a big urn to be chosen by a bachelor whom they would be paired with. This festival was stopped by the 5th century and was replaced with St. Valentine's Day in the year A.D. 496, but it wasn’t widely celebrated until about the 14th century. 

Traditions as Old as Time

By the 1500s, formal messages, or valentines, appeared. By the late 1700s, commercially printed valentines were available. The first cards typically depicted Cupid, the Roman God of Love, along with hearts to set the emotion. In 1868, the first ever heart shaped box of chocolates was sold. Traditional gifts included and still include candy and flowers. Particularly red roses are gifted for their symbolism of beauty and love. Other traditional gifts that aren't as common for Valentine’s Day today include spoons and gloves. 

6 Fun Facts about Valentine's Day

There are many weird facts about Valentine's day and different places around the world.

1. In the middle ages, a heart was represented as looking like a pine cone.

2. Valentine’s Day is banned in Saudi Arabia, and no holiday paraphernalia like roses and chocolates are allowed to be sold on February 14th. Other countries that have banned the holiday for religious reasons include Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Malaysia. 

3. In present day America, the average that someone spends on people for the holiday is $185. Men spend more with an average of $286 and women spend an average of $106.

4. Have you ever thought that conversation hearts taste like medicine? They actually got their start as medicine lozenges. 

5. About 6 million couples become engaged on Valentine's Day. 

6. Worried about being single this Valentine’s Day? Worry no more because International QuirkyAlone Day is also February 14th for single people. 

Works Cited

Avery, Dan. “Valentine's Day: The History and Meaning behind the Romantic Holiday.” CNET, CNET, 10 Feb. 2022, www.cnet.com/how-to/valentines-day-2022-history-and-meaning/.

History.com Editors. “History of Valentine's Day.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 22 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2.

Jeon, Amanda Hawkins and Hannah Jeon. Editorial Fellow

Hannah is an editorial fellow at Good Housekeeping. “22 Things You Didn't Know About Valentine's Day.” Good Housekeeping, 9 Feb. 2022, www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/a26863/valentines-day-facts/.

“Valentine's Day.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Valentines-Day. 

As Christmas is coming up that means the year 2021 is winding down as we are looking ahead to the new year. At this time a lot of people make New Year’s resolutions, which is a promise to do something differently in the New Year. With that being said, most people struggle on what resolution to make and or being able to uphold the resolution. 

Most people go the route of losing weight which is a great goal, although most people can’t withhold that goal for too long because it is too vague. If you set a more specific goal you are more likely to keep and meet that goal. So if you want to lose weight you can set a specific weight that you want to lose, for example, 30 pounds. Another resolution for losing weight is going to the gym three or more times a week. A lot of people also like to set diet resolutions. Again, setting the goal of just a healthier diet is not going to last. You can go on a specific diet like weight watchers or the Keto diet. Some people like to go more simple and start off the new year with no carbohydrates or drinks. The ideas are endless, just make sure to set a more specific resolution. 

Another good idea for a resolution is to start up a new hobby. Starting up a new hobby can get your mind busy and focused on that activity instead of stress, which a lot of people find therapeutic. The biggest hobbies that people like to pick up are crocheting and knitting. These take time to learn and master, but they are very rewarding as you are constantly working towards projects that you can give as gifts or simply keep for yourself. You can also pick up baking or cooking more, like learning new recipes and cooking for friends and family. Rock painting has also been pretty popular. This is where you paint rocks and can either keep them or place them around your neighborhood for others to find. Hobbies can be a great resolution that not a lot of people think about. 

Technology has been taking over our lives. So as a New Year’s resolution you can set a goal about only watching tv for one to two hours a day or only being on your phone for two hours a day etc. Not using technology as much opens up a lot of time for you to spend with friends and family or opens you up to start up different things like the hobbies mentioned before. 

Another resolution that a lot of people don't consider to do, is to just improve your appearance. Especially if you are a high school student people can get caught in a lazy stage wear they don't put a lot of thought into what they are wearing or their hair. Your goal can be to dress up more/ brighten up your appearance. This can have a positive effect on the way you see yourself and your confidence. 

New Year’s resolutions can be absolutely anything that will improve your life for the better. Get creative and make sure it is achievable for you. You can have more than one, so start off small and work your way up. The opportunities are endless. Happy New Year!

As with any township, many people have lived in Exeter for many years but don’t fully understand the history of the area. 

Where it began:

Exeter Township was officially founded in 1741 which is about 40 years after the first settlers came to Berks County. Exeter had previously been considered part of Oley which was established in 1712. The name of the township is generally credited to the George Boone family. They were originally from a town called Bradninch which is just outside of Exeter, England. According to the United States Census Bureau, Exeter has a total of 24.6 square miles. 

Daniel Boone Homestead

The Daniel Boone Homestead is a historical tourist attraction in Exeter that encapsulates the childhood of the frontiersman Daniel Boone. The Homestead is 597 acres large. He was most known for helping blaze a trail through the Cumberland Gap. The Boone family only lived in Berks County until Daniel was sixteen years old because his father was thrown out of their church so they headed south. 

Buildings in the homestead that are open to the public include the Boone House, Smokehouse, Blacksmith Shop, Homestead Barn, Bertolet Loghouse with Bakehouse, and the Bertolet Sawmill. 

The Boone House evolved from a one story log house that was built by Daniel's father, Squire Boone, in 1730. Squire was a blacksmith by trade so he had a Blacksmith Shop. The shop dates back to 1769  and was moved back to the Homestead from Amityville. The Bertolet Sawmill is one of the oldest working water-powered vertical blade sawmills in Pennsylvania and was moved to the Homestead in 1972. 

Mordecai Lincoln House

Another famous historical site in Exeter Pennsylvania is the Mordecai Lincoln House which is a house built by Mordecai Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's great-great-grandfather in 1733. The house stands on a nine acre plot on Lincoln Road near the village of Lorraine. It is one of the oldest English-style houses in Berks County. The Lincoln and the Boone family are proved to have been clearly acquainted, and they only lived four miles from each other. 

Works Cited

“Daniel Boone Homestead.” VisitPA, www.visitpa.com/region/dutch-country-roads/daniel-boone-homestead.

“Exeter Township.” Welcome to Exeter Township, PA, www.exetertownship.com/community/history/index.php.

“History: The Daniel Boone Homestead.” Daniel Boone Home, www.thedanielboonehomestead.org/history.

“Mordecai Lincoln House (Lorane, Pennsylvania).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordecai_Lincoln_House_(Lorane,_Pennsylvania)#:~:text=The Mordecai Lincoln House is,of Lorane on Lincoln Road.

“The Real Story of Daniel Boone.” Visit PA Americana, visitpaamericana.com/americana/real-story-daniel-boone/. 

When you really think about it, life goes by so fast. One day you’re sitting in freshman math class goofing off with your best friends and the next you’re getting ready to walk across a stage as you sit next to all your high school classmates for the very last time. 

This week, I asked several of this year’s seniors about their time in high school, specifically regarding their favorite memories and advice for underclassmen. Without a doubt, the most frequently given piece of advice was to “cherish the little moments'' as senior Emily Lakin puts it. 

Morgan Truckermiller adds, “When people say it goes by fast, it truly does.'' 

Garrett Camelleri, another senior, says his best piece of advice is to “Make memories, although you don’t see it now, high school may just be some of your best days and (may) hold some of your best memories, so make the most out of it.” 

Even despite the circumstances of this crazy year, the 2021 senior class has still found ways to do just that and savor memories both this year and all throughout their high school experience. 

Ethan Goletz shared “Of all the memories I hold, by far the best one happened during a practice early in the (track) season.” During his sophomore year, he and a group of throwers were playing javelin golf. “It was all fun and games until we reached the last hole. As one of the seniors threw his javelin, it sailed right into an electrical line causing an explosion straight out of a Michael Bay movie.” He and his friends sprinted away from the blue burst of electricity. Ethan says that their “screams of fear eventually became cries of laughter”, and he also adds that he “hopes this story can bring closure to Exeter Residents wondering why their power went out on March 29, 2019. Sorry guys!” 

Many others shared that their best memories were at bigger events. Marcus Spiller said that his favorite memory would have to be “putting together mini-THON and seeing it all come together”. He plans on attending Penn State and getting involved in THON, so this year’s experience as a leader will be quite memorable for him. 

Morgan Truckermiller said that her favorite memory was going down to Florida with the girls’ basketball team during her junior year. 

Another senior, Ryan Murphy says his favorite memory was the “yearbook cover field trip (he) went on in 10th grade.” 

While everyone’s favorite memory may be different, there is no doubt that some of our most memorable moments were made during these four years of high school. 

In just a few short days, the senior class of 2021 will walk through the halls of the high school for their very last time. They will say goodbye to their teachers and hug their friends and classmates, some of which they may never see again. But even while these moments will be bittersweet, the memories made over the past four years make it all worthwhile; they serve as a reminder of the good times encountered in high school. 

To this year's senior class, congratulations on all your achievements. I wish you the best of luck on whatever path life takes you. Find something you are passionate about and chase it. But most importantly, never forget to appreciate life’s little moments before it’s too late. 

This past year, seniors here at Exeter have been forced to give up a lot due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, as graduation approaches, senior class advisor Mrs. Preston has been working especially hard to make sure the seniors get a memorable end to their final school year. This comes with a lot of questions. What are seniors events going to look like? When are they being held? And how are they going to work? In an effort to gain a better understanding of what activities are happening for the seniors, I conducted an interview with Mrs. Preston. 

*** Please keep in mind that all plans are subject to change if need be***

Question: Can you explain what events are going to take place for the seniors leading up to graduation?

Answer:

    5/24-5/28: Spirit Week (themes TBD)

• Tuesday, 6/1: 

  • Graduation practice

    • Cap and gown distribution

    • Class picture

  • Class of 2021 Grad Walk to JHS and Reiffton- visit the schools and walk through in your cap and gown so the kids and administrators can clap and cheer.

  • Class of 2021 Car Parade, 6:00 PM- Same route as last year.

  • Baccalaureate, 7:30 PM

• Wednesday, 6/2: 

  • Commencement Ceremony, 6:30 PM- in the stadium.  Tickets will be limited.  Exact number TBA

  • Thursday, 6/3: 

    • Prom, 7:00-9:00 PM in the stadium

Question: What is prom going to look like this year and how will it be different from previous years?

Answer:

In previous years our prom was held at local hotels where it included dinner and dancing.  This year, due to covid restrictions, we are holding it in the stadium for multiple reasons.  One of which is, we have control over the venue. There is less room for "in door dining restrictions" to affect us.  There will be no dinner or food served, only dancing.  The students will have access to an outdoor photobooth. I will announce senior superlatives and some kind of prom court King and Queen.  There will also be door prizes for the seniors to win.  They will all receive a ticket as they enter and then the winner for various prizes will be announced throughout the night. 

 Students should come to prom with an open mind and excitement towards the event itself, not expecting it to be like other years because nothing about this year has been like the previous year.   It is still a formal event, gentlemen can wear a shirt and tie instead of a tux but ladies are encouraged to go as formal as they would in previous years or dance the night away in a short cocktail dress.  Completely up to the individual.

Question: What is graduation going to look like this year?

Answer: 

Tickets are unfortunately going to be limited.  Having graduation at the Santander was nice because we did not have to limit tickets but due to restrictions we will have to only allow students a certain amount of tickets.  The other factor affecting graduation will be weather.  We will have to be incredibly flexible with mother nature and hope for the best!

Question: Is there any advice you would like to give seniors as they head into graduation? 

Answer: 

Remain excited and flexible.  You are getting a nontraditional ending to a nontraditional school year.  The memories will still be made, they'll just look a little different.

A big thanks to Mrs. Preston for answering these questions. If you have any more questions about what the end-of-the-year activities are going to look like, your class advisor would be the best person to reach out to. Although this year is definitely going to be different, unique memories will still be made and hopefully our seniors will get to enjoy their last moments as high school students before pursuing their bright futures outside of Exeter.

This year the Exeter Jr. High School says hello to their new principal Mr.Brown. Mr. Brown started as the new principal on April 6th 2021. 

Mr. Brown went to Millersville University where he got his undergrad degree. He then got his Masters and his Principal's degree at Alvernia, and recently his superintendent eligibility degree through the California University of Pennsylvania. He grew up and still lives in Reading. Prior to working at Exeter he worked in the Reading school district for many years. He started teaching in the year 2000 at South West Middle School in Reading. Five years later he started in administration as an assistant principal for two years at North East Middle School and eventually became principal for another five years. After North East he went back to South West for another two years then transferred to administration at Reading Intermediate High School for another two years. After the intermediate high school he went back to North East where he has been for the past five years until he came to Exeter. 

Outside of School Mr. Brown is a VOiCEup Berks board member and serves as an adult leader for Youth Volunteer Corps Reading. A big program that they do is called the S.T.A.R program. It means Stand Together Against Racism. He says that these take up most of his time, but he also likes to spend a lot of time with his family. He has a son and a daughter. His son is a Junior in high school and is getting ready for college, so that is something he is busy with. Also Mr. Brown says that his daughter makes him watch anime, so he does that in his free time as well as a hobby. 

Mr. Brown has only been in Exeter for a short amount of time and he is already putting his touch on the school. He is implementing a fun work environment. He plays music through his bluetooth speaker as the students walk into school (he tries to play a new genre everyday). Also he plays a song before announcements. In the future he wants to do a meeting with parents to get to know him better but for right now he feels really welcomed. 

Mr. Brown says, “I would like to thank everyone in the Exeter community for being so welcoming and the students, staff, and families. I feel welcome and at home here. It has always been a dream of mine to be an Eagle but I thought that was playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, but I will take this as a second prize!” 

The holidays are all about giving, so what better time to give while also earning service hours? Volunteering during the holidays brings many people joy and cheer. However, during this pandemic, many nonprofit organizations have changed their service opportunities. 

Because of  COVID-19, many in-person volunteering activities have taken a turn. Nursing homes are avoiding volunteers at all costs due to the elderly being more prone to the coronavirus. However, Berkshire Commons, Berks Heim, and Elmcroft of Reading are accepting letters written for the holidays. There are many more homes besides these listed that are offering letter writing services to bring happiness. Be sure to check out Schoology, as Mrs. Freese is updating on deadlines for letters. Hope Rescue Mission is accepting letters all year round. Check out “LOVE HOPE HOME” for more details. Most letter writing opportunities are offering 30 minutes of community service hours per letter written. This is an amazing opportunity during this pandemic, so be sure to take advantage of it.

Besides virtual opportunities, there are also a few places offering in-person volunteering. Berks Restore of Habitat for Humanity is one. It is a used furniture store and volunteers would be helping with moving furniture, cleaning, and other household tasks. They have hours on the weekdays and weekends, but call at least a week before because it does involve a little paperwork. Olivet Boys and Girls club is offering various miscellaneous activities in person, so be sure to call ahead of time for upcoming opportunities. During flu season and especially during this pandemic, many patients are in need of blood and platelets. Miller Keystone Blood Center is offering teens community service hours for donating blood. An appointment is required and you must be at least 16 years old with parent consent. 

Besides in-person and virtual opportunities, you may be able to create your own project. Many nonprofit organizations like Exeter Food Pantry and Salvation Army allow you to create small holiday shoe boxes filled with small gifts and treats. And finally, Exeter has created its own “Create a Sign” program. You can decorate a yard sign with "happy holidays," a short inspirational quote, an encouraging message, etc. 

Be sure to check out the EHS Counseling Department Schoology page for more updates regarding volunteering. Mrs. Rosa and Mrs. Freese will regularly be posting about community service hours so do not hesitate to contact them if you have any questions. During these challenging times, a kind act of service can make anyone’s day!

Despite Covid-19, Exeter was able to successfully hold its annual homecoming football game on October 16th. The football game was held at Exeter’s Don Thomas stadium against the Berks Catholic Saints. 

This was also Exeter’s first football game in which students from the student council were allowed to occupy the stands. Student council president, Amy Bossler, shares her experience on her first football game of the 2020 season: 

“It was really nice to be able to sit inside the stadium and watch the football team, especially being a senior. I saw a lot of familiar faces and was able to catch up with those I haven’t seen in months. Although there were maybe ten students total inside the stadium, it was awesome to be there for the Homecoming game. I hope more students in the future will be able to sit inside and cheer on Exeter!”

The homecoming king and queen were announced during halftime too. Exeter also usually holds a dance the following Saturday of the game; however, it was canceled due to Covid-19. This year’s court was made up of seniors Angelina Bellettiere, Maurina Bignotti, Patrick Borja, Molly Brant, Leolina Farinelli, Olivia Haines, Benjamin Magovern, Gavin McCusker, Giovanni Nowatarski, and Asa Wilson. The court had to maintain a six feet distance as they walked across the field. Patrick Borja was crowned homecoming king and Leolina Farinelli was crowned homecoming queen. 

We were able to talk to the Homecoming king and queen on how they felt about homecoming this year.

 “The experience was almost as great as my mullet,” said Patrick Borja. 

Leolina Farinelli said, “It was a surreal experience and I’m thankful for everyone who saw me as a representation of what homecoming queen is. For what we were allowed to do, it was a fun experience and one I’ll never forget!”

The homecoming game ended with a Saints’ win over the Eagles, with a score 51-28. Touchdowns for Exeter were scored by juniors Eric Nangle and Tyler Yoccum and Senior Gavin McCusker.

Although different from previous years, Exeter students were still able to witness a homecoming in 2020, even if it was through their TV screens.

The American Flag. A symbol of our freedom from British rule and to the eyes of many, a symbol of the great promise of the American Dream. Even though this dream may be different to each American citizen, we can all agree that these rights and freedoms -- of speech, education, press, petition, religion -- are endowed to the people who occupy this nation. However, in order for us to stay “free” and safe, we must have a group of individuals who firmly believe in protecting the United States and her people. Individuals that enlist and serve in each one of our military branches, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army, National Guard and Coast Guard, are the ones that allow for us to practice our freedoms without the danger of enemy opposition.

The month of May is National Military Appreciation Month as well the month that we celebrate Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day and a handful of days of observance for those who are serving, plan to serve, have served in the military, and their family members. In honor of this month of remembrance, I wanted to ask past Exeter students who plan to serve as well as currently serve, their take on what the American Flag means to them, as well as their views on current day American patriotism.

First, I asked Ms. Abigail Hassler, a current college freshman who is participating in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ARTOC) and hopes to later serve in the United States Army. To Ms. Hassler, the American flag is “a symbol of freedom and... is a part of the reason why the United States is free... It’s a sign of courage and determination, and while everyone in America is unique, the American flag represents one nation, one country. We all stand together in the US, but we all stand as a variety of individuals.”  

I also asked another individual, Private Wright, who is currently a member of the United States Marine Corps, a similar question: 

“To me, the American [flag] is a reminder that freedom isn’t free; that it only flies because of the people that sacrifice not only their lives, but their time with family and their own personal freedom to allow everyone else to be free.”

I then asked the women, what their view of American patriotism was as a member of the military and whether or not their views have shifted since joining. Private Wright responded, “My idea of patriotism is mainly the same, I just feel it more. I think that everyone should have to spend time studying the military and [about the] people that serve the country so they understand it goes beyond fighting wars. A lot of people give up a lot to serve so it really means a lot to me personally to show patriotism.”

Ms. Hassler responded similarly:

“To me, patriotism is showing respect to the flag and to those presently and previously serving in the military. It’s also when high school students have their calling to the military and they are encouraged to pursue that goal.” 

As one can see, the idea of patriotism runs a similar path in the eyes of military personnel and revolves around the idea of respect. Not only respect for our Star-Spangled Banner, but also for those who are currently serving and anyone who wants to join the military family. Always remember to respect any military member you meet as they are the ones who willingly protect us everyday.

I’m sure all of you have visited the grocery store during the pandemic and witnessed the shortage of essential items such as water bottles, bread, and hand sanitizer. Surprisingly, the product that is in highest demand is none other than toilet paper, and toilet paper isn’t even essential to survive. Even so, finding toilet paper in a store that is softer than one-ply feels like finding a four-leaf clover. There are tons of rumors and speculations circulating about the specific reasons for the toilet paper shortage, so I’m here to flush out the misinformation and get to the bottom of the cause.

The leading theories for the scarcity of toilet paper are: People are hoarding toilet paper because they are panicking that there won’t be any left when they need it; People are using way more toilet paper than usual while sheltered at home versus when they use the facilities while at work, school, and other public places; Or a combination of both. 

The first theory commonly occurs during natural disasters such as snowstorms and hurricanes, and the system can quickly rebound. However, this crisis has tested available supplies because the nationwide spike in demand has been ongoing, and businesses simply don’t know when the high demand will end. 

The second hypothesis is that the same number of people have the same need for toilet paper, but the industry was not prepared for a wholesale shift from work to home. One kind of  bath tissue, for the commercial market, is often made of one-ply recycled fiber and is generally found in public restrooms. The other type of bath tissue, used for the retail market, is often made of two-ply fiber and is much softer for at home use. Retail toilet paper demand swelled to unforeseen heights in March, with $1.45 billion in toilet paper sales, up from 112% from a year ago. In order to keep up with the demand, toilet paper manufacturers would need to expand capacity by buying more equipment, which is very expensive. All the business can do to immediately increase capacity is using overtime or by adding a few more shifts. Retail stores couldn’t keep enough supply stocked on the shelves, and as a result the supply chain became strained by the demand. 

The third proposition, it seems, is correct. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not as simple as putting big commercial rolls onto trucks. The two main ingredients used to make toilet paper are fiber and water, which are in strong supply. The issue is not necessarily supply and demand, it is that most industrial rolls don’t have barcodes on the packaging, so stores are having trouble stocking them. Grocery stores are currently adapting by putting code stickers, as seen on pieces of fruit, onto commercial rolls. 

So, how can you as an individual help ease the high demand of toilet paper? First of all, don’t hoard toilet paper to last for months on end. A standard four-person household needs about 17 double rolls, or 9 mega rolls, every two weeks. To help relieve supply and demand issues in stores, only buy a sufficient amount of toilet paper to last those two weeks and don’t stock up with extra rolls. Also, don’t buy extra rolls of toilet paper with the sole purpose of reselling them online at a ridiculously high price. Not only is that illegal when excessive, it’s just plain rude. 

To my fellow seniors,

This is not exactly how any of us wanted this year to go. Most of us are devastated. Senior athletes will not be able to play their favorite sport again. Musicians will not be able to perform their last concert. People in the musical will not be able to perform the show they had worked so hard on. Prom will not be the same. Graduation might be something new. These are things we have to accept. 

To me personally, the saddest part of this all is not knowing that our last day, March 12th, was our last day. We left the school for the last time being excited that it was an 11:30 dismissal. 

To my fellow classmates, I am grateful to have met each of you and I wish you luck with your future careers and lives. I want to thank every single one of my teachers who taught me everything I needed to know to succeed and make me the person I am today. Thank you, Exeter High School, for all the memories and leading me to success. 

I wanted to give the seniors a chance to have a voice. I asked many seniors from social media for their favorite memories and quotes. Thank you to all who participated.

Favorite Memories

Christopher Good - “Walking to Dairy Queen after school with Nick, Evan, Rowan, and Brannon.”

JT Yocom - “The senior season of soccer because of all the laughs and bonding.”

Kelsey Malone - “I will always cherish the moments at the football games where everyone was watching Exeter run the ball down and cheering. It just felt like every single person in the stadium came together in that moment, time slowed down, and we all were looking towards the same goal. Those are my favorite few seconds of football season.”

Gloria Kehinde - “The indoor track meets I got to compete at with my best friends.”

Katrina Marquard - “As a senior at Exeter knowing no matter what happens, we’re all one class, one famiy, we’re all Exeter.”

Alex Javier - “Scoring 1000 points on my senior night for basketball, a good way to finish the season.”

Tim Struk - “My favorite memory can all be found in the weight room with Vec. Everyday was something new with that guy, he’s hilarious and made my high school experience so much better.”

Bridget McNish - “ Hanging out in Chemistry with Bauer.”

Lauren Posey - “Being a football manager and the team making history in playoffs, going further than they ever had before. Even though it meant a lot of cold nights, it was super cool to be a part of. I’m also president of the Mock Trial team, and we went further in the competition this year than we had for the past five years.”

Alexa Piersol - “Winning Berks County championship against Wilson in Lacrosse.”

Josh Cupitt - “Beating Conrad Weiser on homecoming in football.”

Hope Davis - “Being on Homecoming court.”

Chloe Schurade - “Mr. Reese getting a physics tattoo and minithon.”

Dylan Fassbender - “Screaming my head off at sporting events, seeing all of my friends in school, and feeling myself grow over the four years.”

Reese Ganster - “Playing Volleyball with one of the most talented and hardworking young women. In addition, the high school experience of Friday night football games, being in the homecoming parade (and winning this past year), dressing up with my friends for school dances, long bus rides to games, listening to music in the senior lot in the morning, and taking long walks during class.”

Jon Garcia - “Mini-THON because it was the last high school event I participated in. Also winning homecoming king because it was an honor and a very humbling experience that I’ll never forget.”

Bella Karstien - “Doing bocce ball with Karlina, she was hilarious.”

Neha Adda - “The first football game in honor of Garhett Dawson.”

Lauren Beam - “‘Mom’ walking around the track during gym class with Miller and Fleischman.”

Abbi Powell - “Getting to apprentice with Mrs. Buchholtz for art. It was such a cool experience. Also falsetto Fridays in chorus with Frau Combs.”

Chase Turczynski - “Taking pictures for football games. I learned so much about a sport I never really cared for. Tons of fun!”

Katie Buniski - “Football and basketball games were my favorite memories.”

Megan Wilson - “The Hockey team winning the championship, football games under the lights, minithon, and spirit week!”

Colin Pinkerton - “Going to the Exeter hockey final this year and how it was for Garhett Dawson to get his championship and the three peat and everything.”

Aidan Bowman - “Going to Disney with a band.”

Rick Le - “Serving the community by creating the Minecraft room for Safe Halloween Night (Leo Club).

Adesh Randhawa - “Swimming with literally the best team a guy could ever have.”

Amanda Iswalt - “Taking pictures at football games, eating lunch with Ryan Murphy and Mohamed Sillah, ranting to my teachers and fellow classmates, school dances, and the yearbook field trip.”

Advice for Underclassmen 

JT Yocom - “Don’t be scared to try new things, it will be scary, but give it a try. Don’t care about what people say.”

Brian Truong - “Look up and jump for whatever goal you want, just remember where you jump.”

Katrina Marquard - “Senior year is a time in your life that makes those past years of hard work, crying through hours of homework, wanting to quit right then and there seem so worth it.”

Lauren Scholl - “I know our year was cut short, so that’s why it would have seemed ‘super fast,’ but those three years still flew by us. Don’t forget to take pictures of you and your friends, you never know what might happen in these four years. Savor every tiny moment, go to as many games as possible (especially hockey!!), and work hard for your grades! This is when you really grow up and find who you are.”

Josh Pack - “Don’t take the time you have at high school for granted. Cherish all the memories and live in the moment.”

Gary Winthorpe - “Donde esta la leche.”

Bridget McNish - “The four years feel like four minutes, so remember to take everything in, work hard, and enjoy it!”

Alexa Piersol - “Never take anything for granted, live everyday like it’s your last, learn to accept the things you cannot change, and always remember that every storm runs out of rain eventually.”

Gabe Epler - “It’s a mix of sleep deprivation and getting things done.” 

Josh Cupitt - “Don’t take school for granted.”

Mikayla Crawford - “Take every opportunity that comes your way, you never know where it may lead you.”

Hope Davis - “ High School isn’t for everybody, not everybody will enjoy it like others will, but whether you like high school or not, try to make the most of it. There are a lot of seniors right now who probably wish they did more or made a bigger impact then they did.”

James Johnson - “Always keep your head up no matter how tough it gets.”

Dylan Fassbender - “Keep trying and don’t give up. Don’t take advantage of the time you’re given because you never know when it’s going to end.”

Chloe Schurade - “We can’t become who we need to be by remaining what we are.”

Sara Dunkelberger - “Live everyday like it’s your last day of high school, because that actually happened to us. We had our last day of school together and we didn’t even know it. Also all my cute clothes are gonna go to waste now.”

Jon Garcia - “Cherish every school day like it’s going to be your last because it goes a lot faster than everyone says. Radiate positivity and become involved with school.”

Abby Campbell - “Make the most of little things, they end up meaning the most!”

Alexa Barwis - “Don’t take high school for granted and live it up before it’s gone!”

Neha Adda - “Never take any moment for granted because it can all be taken away in a blink of an eye. I wish I could take back all of the times I said I hate school because I would do anything to be back there right now.”

Abbi Powell - “As much as people say time flies… it does, but don’t take anything for granted!! Also, enjoy all of the little, small moments with your teachers and friends because one day you won’t have them, but you can look back and smile!”

Meghan Borton - “There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Simone Miller - “The best experiences occur during the most unlikely circumstances. So take the risk, make memories, and enjoy every moment with your classmates. You never know when the next unlikely circumstance will occur.”

Mohamed Sillah - “You saw what happened to us. Do everything we couldn’t do.”

Katie Buniski - “Underclassmen need to really appreciate the time they have and the four years really do go by so quickly.”

Colin Pinkerton - “The atmosphere at hockey games is so different from football games that a lot of people sometimes enjoy them more. So try to go to the hockey games more.”

Megan Wilson - “Don’t take the time you have with your peers for granted.”

Rick Le - “Talent is something you make bloom, Instinct is something you polish.”

Katie McKelvey - “Do good, don’t suck”- Kyle Luckenbill

Veronia Rateb - “I know it is cliche, but it really does go by fast. Don’t take anything for granted.”

Maria Brisita - “Learn to cherish every moment, whether it is the good, the bad, the ugly, or the great sometimes. In the blink of an eye, your high school experience will be behind you.”

Sierra Hartline - “Never take any moment of high school for granted and live it up to the fullest! #Xforever”

Abby Rosendale - “Everything happens for a reason.”

Amanda Iswalt - “Never stop being a good person because of bad people.”

Anonymous - “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

Dom Formando - “Vecchio for President.”

David Cirba - “Waking up is the second hardest thing to do in the morning. Just because there’s a goalie in net, it doesn’t mean you can’t score.”

How long will the quarantine last?

There is still a lot of controversy over specific dates to end quarantine in each of the respective states. The day quarantine ends will be a different date for each state. However, the national date set by President Trump April 30th, but this is subject to change.

When are schools reopening?

So far, 39 states have closed their schools for the rest of the school year. Schools are set to open up next fall, but many colleges, such as Boston University, have publicly said they would continue online schooling if the Coronavirus is not controlled by then.

Why is it called the Coronavirus?

“Corona” is latin for crown and when the virus is looked at under a microscope, points protrude outward from the circular virus giving it its infamous name.

Can animals contract the coronavirus?

Yes. On April 22, two cats tested positive for the Coronavirus with mild respiratory symptoms. These are the first household animals to have contracted the virus. The first animal in the U.S. was a tiger at the Bronx Zoo.

When is the next available SAT?

The May and June SATs were canceled due to the Coronavirus. The August test date is still on for test takers with special early registration opportunities for students who registered for June SAT and students without SAT scores. CollegeBoard announced that if they had to cancel the August test date as well, they will be looking into an online SAT, similar to how the AP exams are running this year.

Is it still safe to deliver food?

Although no type of contact is ideal, if you need to order food from restaurants, delivery is the safer option compared to takeout. Make sure to tip generously because delivery workers are also risking their health to deliver food.

Can I still plan my summer vacation?

Many officials are predicting social isolation measures to go on till August. However if you really do want to plan or have already planned your summer vacation, make sure to take a look at their refund policies.

What’s going on with the economy?

Since everything is closed and very little money is going into the economy right now, the economy isn’t doing so well. However, Trump has passed a 2 trillion dollar stimulus package to help businesses and companies shutdown due to quarantine, the biggest in modern history.

What makes this outbreak so different?

What scares many people about this pandemic is the fact that there is no known immunity or vaccine to combat it. It is also the first pandemic in modern history, leaving people to make unprecedented decisions and take drastic measures for the safety of others.

How is Coronavirus going to affect the 2020 election?

Many states have already canceled their primaries, with democratic candidate, Joe Biden, canceling his large rallies. It would be very difficult to cancel a general election, however, which does not seem likely at this time.

Saint Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, who, growing up, was not even religiously affiliated, nor was he actually an Irish native. Saint Patrick was born in Britain around A.D. 390, and legend says that he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland when he was 16 years old to become a slave. Around this time, he became very involved with religion. His religion caused him to “hear voices” telling him to escape his slave master and reunite with his family, though, once he successfully did, the voices told him to go back to Ireland. Most of Ireland at this time was pagan, so Saint Patrick was often beaten and imprisoned by royalty and pagan chiefs for his beliefs. He was forgotten almost entirely after his death, but the legend of Saint Patrick grew continuously until he was honored as the patron saint of Ireland. The legend was brought to America through Irish immigrants, most of which came during the potato famine in the mid-1800s. Most Irish-American traditions from Saint Patrick’s Day, such as corned beef, come from around this time. 

The traditions celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day are iconic. They are traditions that people from all around the world can recognize, from the four leaf clover to the “Kiss me, I’m Irish!” shirts. Although many do not know of Saint Patrick himself, it is important to understand why we celebrate the holiday to truly honor his death. So, as you go out and buy your Saint Patrick’s Day gear, be sure to think of where this iconic holiday really came from. ​