Embedded Files
Mental Health Awareness Month
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the silence, dismantling stigma, and prioritizing the emotional well-being of ourselves and others. As students, we often carry more than just our backpacks. Whether it is academic stress, social pressures, family issues, or personal struggles, they tend to have a drastic impact on our minds.
Mental health isn’t just about mental illness, it’s about mental wellness. Just like how we take care of our physical health with exercise, rest, and proper nutrition, our mental health deserves the same care. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and other emotional challenges are not signs of weakness, they are a part of what makes us human.
This month is a reminder that you are not alone. Whether you’re managing daily stress or dealing with deeper emotional struggles, there is help, hope, and healing. Talk to a trusted friend, teacher, counselor, or family member who can be the first step towards a better mental well-being. You are not alone.
As students & peers, we can create a culture of understanding. Let’s normalize asking for help, checking in on one another, and treating mental health with the same seriousness as physical health. Simple acts like kindness, listening, or just showing up can make all the difference. So as we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s start conversations, support each other, and remember: It’s okay not to be okay.
By: Manny Adeojo '28
Celebrating Our Planet: Happy Earth Day!
Every April 22nd, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day, a special day to show love for the planet we call home. From planting trees and picking up litter to recycling and saving water, there are so many small actions that make a big difference!
Earth Day reminds us that we all share one Earth, and it's up to us to take care of it. Whether you're turning off lights when you leave a room, reusing water bottles, or just enjoying the beauty of nature, every little step counts.
So this Earth Day, let's make a promise to be kind to our planet, not just today, but every day. Because a cleaner, greener world starts with us!
By: Ashleigh Mask '25
Once Upon a Mattress ~
Cast & Crew Interview
Name: Macy Lord
Grade: 10th
Role: ensemble
Clubs: art, chorus, & swim team
Hobbies/Interests: water polo & hanging out with friends
How Long in POP: 2 years
Why POP: “I’ve always loved watching musicals. I’ve gone to every one since SpongeBob and always wanted to be a part of it.”
Favorite Song or Performance: “Favorite performance I’ve done was The Little Mermaid because it was the first show I’ve seen and I grew up with it. It was kind of a full circle moment, and it was special being my first musical.”
Name: Taryn Rittenhouse
Grade: 12th
Role: stage crew
Clubs: NHS, yearbook, PYEA, & LEO club
Hobbies/Interests: sports, reading, & hanging out with friends
How Long in POP: 1 year
Why POP: “I always wanted to get more involved, and I have always loved the musicals. It was such a fun experience, and I loved hanging out with everyone.”
Favorite Song or Performance: “An Opening for a Princess”
Name: Galen Borkey
Grade: 11th
Role: stage crew
Clubs: PYEA & student council
Hobbies/Interests: track and cross country
How Long in POP: 4 years
Why POP: “Mr. Bagenstose asked me to do it.”
Favorite Song or Performance: “In a Little While”
Name: Cerina Readinger
Grade: 11th
Role: kitchen wench
Clubs: book club & lit mag
Hobbies/Interests: reading, crocheting, singing, clarinet, saxophone, & swimming
How Long in POP: 4 years
Why POP: “I love dancing and performing. It is always fun to see the whole show come together, and nothing beats the feeling of the lights on your face and cheers from the audience.”
Favorite Song or Performance: Mamma Mia
Name: Rani Patel
Grade: 11th
Role: stage crew
Clubs: PYEA, LEO club, & world languages
Hobbies/Interests: reading, listening to music, & traveling
How Long in POP: 1 year
Why POP: “I enjoy meeting new people and creating new experiences.”
Favorite Song or Performance: “Very Soft Shoes”
By: Ashleigh Mask '25 & Leiland Wisniewski '25
Once Upon a Mattress ~
Cast & Crew Interview **Continued
Name: Mia Arredondolopez
Grade: 10th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 1 year
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: Pantherette
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: maybe
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It was okay, it’s been alright.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: Mr. Miller influence
Name: Oliver Baumgard
Grade: 10th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 1 year
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: DND, Science Olympiad, & Pantherette
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: maybe (playwriting)
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “Generally pretty chaotic, but good to be a part of a community.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: likes musical theatre and saw this year as a good opportunity to start
Name: Aubrey Bensinger
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 3 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: DND, French club, & chorus
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “POP is extremely fun and enjoyable.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: has done the musical for the past 2 years, and wanted to continue her journey with POP for all 4 years at the high school
Name: Asahel Caban
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: POP, jazz band, & marching band
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “A fever dream… sometimes normal, sometimes crazy.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: was in the production of The Little Mermaid and wanted to do it again; the people around him were also fun to be around
Name: Abigail Caporal
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 3 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: no clubs
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It’s a very enjoyable experience.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: wanted to have this experience and do the musicals for the rest of her high school years
Name: Aliah Fox
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: chorus, book club, & Science Olympiad
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It’s very fun, and I get to make lots of new friends.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: wanted to continue doing it for the rest of her high school career
Name: Jack Gambler
Grade: 12th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 4 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: chorus, band, Valley Voices, jazz band, & marching band
Name: Michael Gauby
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: no clubs
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “A lot of work, though, I get to meet tons of new and nice people, and Mason.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: friends do it
Name: Jayleen Godfrey
Grade: 12th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years (1 year on stage, 1 year managing spotlight)
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: captain of color guard, quarter master of marching band, band, soprano section leader in chorus & Valley Voices, & jazz band
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “POP is fun, energetic, welcoming, and uplifting.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: push herself, to see how much she could manage on top of school and work
Name: Heaven Goho
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: marching band, Reading Olympics, & chorus
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “POP is a bunch of people having fun, and we make a really great product.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: never saw it before and found it very interesting
Name: Preston Hidalgo
Grade: 12th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: section leader in Valley Voices
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: yes (musicals in college)
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It is difficult but incredibly enjoyable.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: was in the cast for The Little Mermaid, and planned to be a part of this show regardless of what it was
Name: Andrew Kerper
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 4 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: band, jazz band, chorus, Valley Voices, county jazz, & senior county chorus
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: yes
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “Fun and time-consuming.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: loves Mr. Miller, and the musical is always fun
Name: Mason Leh
Grade: 12th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 3 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: chorus, NHS, PYEA, student council, & Valley Voices
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “I think POP has been a very important part of my high school career, and wouldn’t change any of it up to now.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: was pressured to try out
Name: Ian Luckey
Grade: 9th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 3 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: chorus, band, Valley Voices, jazz band, swim team, & track team
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It is very demanding and takes a lot of time to get everything right, but it’s worth it in the end.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: auditioned to have more years of experience, and the idea of making it
Name: Shane Pyne
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 1 year
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: chorus
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: yes
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It’s great being a part of POP.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: really enjoys being a part of musicals
Name: Ava Ramirez
Grade: 10th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 3 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: debate club & Jesus club
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “POP is exciting and surreal.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: get out of her comfort zone
Name: Aaron Raver
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 4 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: chorus, LEO club, DECA, band, Valley Voices, & jazz band
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: no
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It’s a very fun experience for everyone to bond together.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: lots of his friends were doing it; it’s become a tradition
Name: Ruby Rochotte
Grade: 10th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: LEO club, French club, & German Club
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: yes
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “It’s connected me, I look forward to rehearsals, and it’s a way for me to be creative.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: really liked the role; fell in love with it before she even got it
Name: Joshua Searfoss
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 4 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: TSA, chorus, band, & Valley Voices
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: maybe
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “A fun experience, people are very nice and great to work with, and I get to carry a mattress.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: seemed like an interesting show; never heard of Once Upon a Mattress; Mr. Miller influence
Name: Nico Solvino
Grade: 12th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 2 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: chorus, Valley Voices, VP in band, marching band, jazz band, treasurer for book club, treasurer for WAG, captain for cross country team, swim team, track team, & LEO club
Do you plan on pursuing any career in musical theatre?: yes
How would you describe the experience of being in the musical?: “Best decision I’ve ever made joining POP, the cast is very close, and theatre has taught me to get out of my comfort zone; forever thankful for that.”
Why did you decide to try out for the musical this year?: did it last year and figured why not; knew a lot of people from last year; saw himself getting a bigger role this year and has accomplished that goal
Name: Gracie Torres
Grade: 11th
How many years have you been a part of the musical?: 3 years
What clubs are you a part of, and do you hold any leadership positions in them?: PYEA, DECA, world languages, student council, Jesus club, NHS, & HOSA historian position
By: Grant Miller '26 & Randy Rosado '26
Short Stories and Poems
Short Stories and Poems
Spring Fever
As the weather gets warmer, and Keystones and AP tests approach, it can get hard to stay on track. Everyone starts to count down the days until summer break and we want to spend time outside. We get into a summer mindset and start to lose motivation in school. But, it’s important to finish off the year strong before starting the break. So, Pantherette has come up with some helpful tips to stay motivated in these last few weeks. For starters, take advantage of the nice weather! Take your homework outside or study in the park. You can take study breaks by going on a walk or playing outside. Another great way to stay on track is to make a schedule. Things can get crazy at the end of the year with finals and end-of-year projects and it can all be overwhelming. Writing out when different things are due can give you a better idea of how to distribute your time. Similarly, to-do lists are helpful to make sure you get upcoming work done and you can get into a routine. So, with these tips in mind, we can finish these last weeks of school off strong!
By: Kayleigh Carter '28
School/Club Advertisements
School/Club Advertisements
Special Track & Field Event
On May 7, we held our annual Special Track & Field Event in the high school stadium. Athletes participated in long jump, throwing events, meter races, and more. It was a beautiful day to get outside and cheer. Thank you to all the students, teachers, staff, and families who assisted with this event.
By: Ashleigh Mask '25
PYEA ~ Powderpuff & MiniTHON
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