Diabetes Awareness
Volume: 4 Isuue: 2
November 2011
By: Sarah Grapek
During the holiday season, Americans eat
many delicious foods. Many people believe
it would be awful to be a diabetic, because
they would be unable to eat sugar. That is
not the case. There is a significant part of
the American population with Diabetes.
As of 2011, 25.8 million people, including
children and adults, have Diabetes; a whopping 8.3 percent of the US population! Out
of these people, around 90-95 percent have
Type 2 Diabetes, whereas only 5-10 percent
have Type 1 Diabetes. Many people do not
realize there are two types. November is
Diabetes Awareness Month, and, like most
awareness months, time is spent spreading
public consciousness of the disease.
Diabetes starts in the pancreas. The
pancreas creates a hormone called insulin, opening up a body's cell to let sugar
in. When someone has Type 1 Diabetes,
their pancreas stops producing insulin all
together, because the body attacks what is
produced. As a result, the patient gets very
high blood sugar numbers that can usually
be controlled by insulin. If not treated,
high blood sugar can lead to coma or even
death. Type 1 Diabetes is usually called
Juvenile Onset Diabetes since children
and teens are usually diagnosed with
it. Symptoms may include high blood
sugar, unusual thirst, frequent urination,
extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, and
fatigue. In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas
becomes less efficient at producing insulin. People most at risk of contracting
Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese
Turkey Day Traditions
By: Katelyn Gulotta
Traditions are handed down from generation to generation. They differentiate
between families. Some traditions are based
on religious values and holidays, while others revolve around family bonding. Thanksgiving is a holiday, as well as a tradition in
America. People come together, feast, and
share what they are thankful for on Thanksgiving Day. A few Thanksgiving traditions
include making gratitude boxes, watching
the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade, and
preparing for Black Friday.
Making gratitude boxes prepares
families for Thanksgiving in a great
way. Start by making a box, which will
become the receptacle for the family to
collect written notes expressing what
they are grateful for. At the beginning
of November, have everyone write
what he or she is thankful for on a tiny
piece of paper. Then, place the notes
into the decorated container.
adults and the elderly, because their
bodies are less tolerant of sugars. Type
2 Diabetes’ symptoms include many
of the same listed for Type 1 Diabetes,
however many people with Type 2 Diabetes do not experience symptoms.
Treatment options vary for each type
of Diabetes. Type 1 diabetics have to
take insulin to keep blood sugar numbers in control. Diabetics stay in control
through shots of insulin during meals
or snacks, or through an insulin pump.
The pump delivers a little insulin by the
hour and at meals, through an injection
site that gets changed every few days.
Type 2 diabetics can treat their Diabetes
through weight loss, exercise, special
pills for blood sugar control, or, in some
cases, insulin. Both types of diabetics
need to check blood sugar numbers
frequently to make sure they are stable.
Taking care of Diabetes can be very
expensive. The average Type 1 diabetic
has to pay over one thousand dollars a
month in supplies, without the help of
insurance! With insurance, the cost is
reduced greatly.
Cont. on page 2 (Diabetes)
Continue writing “gratitude’s” until
Thanksgiving. At the Thanksgiving
feast, read aloud some of the items
that people were thankful for over the
past month.
For many people, waking up to the
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
is thought of as the highlight of the
Thanksgiving holiday. Though most
Cont. on page 3 (Traditions)
1
Diabetes (from page 1)
Nevertheless, it is still an additional
expense and takes a toll on families with
Diabetes. Since Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, many people contract other
diseases such as Celiac Disease, Hypothyroid Disease, and Adrenal Gland Disease.
All of these diseases are linked with Diabetes, due to the fact they are autoimmune
diseases. Many diabetics check for other
illnesses frequently with blood tests. If another malady is present, it gets diagnosed
and treated. Diabetes and its complications
can be pretty tricky.
Many diabetics learn about new research and facts, related to diabetic life,
through the American Diabetes Association. The American Diabetes Association
funds research to cure and manage Diabetes, delivers services to hundreds of
communities, gives a voice to those with
Diabetes who are denied their rights, and
provides objective and credible information to the diabetic society. When diabetics and supporters across the nation join
the American Diabetes Association, they
receive a Diabetes Forecast Magazine
to learn about medication and treatment,
receive important information, recipes,
and inspirational stories.
Here in Bethlehem, at Steel Stacks,
there was a STEP OUT WALK to
stop Diabetes on October 23, 2011.
"The Step Out campaign is one of the
American Diabetes Association’s largest fundraisers of the year to support
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes research,
education and advocacy programs."
(www.diabetes.org). At the walk, participants form teams to raise money for
Diabetes research and receive t-shirts
and prizes in accordance with money
raised. There are many fun pre-walk
activities, including live music,
balloon animals, vendors and face
painting. Then, the participants warm
up and walk through South Bethlehem in support of stopping Diabetes.
The event concludes with food from
Applebee's and a car show. The walk
is a great way to support Diabetes research while having a fun time. Show
support by donating to the American
Diabetes Association or joining a
future walk. The diabetic population
in this country is growing, and together, the nation can put a stop to this
disease! Even one person can make a
difference in the world; all it takes is
the will to do it.
Allergy Free Sweets and Treats
No meat, no wheat, no dairy, no eggs, and no preservatives!
By: Sarah Grapek
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Ingredients:
3-5 Average Sized Sweet Potatoes
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper (or Cinnamon Sugar)
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, rinse off the potatoes, and cut them up in round slices. Make sure
they are not too thick (thick slices take longer to bake), but also not too thin (so the sweet potatoes do not end up like potato
chips). Place the potatoes into a baking pan, and spread out the slices. It’s okay if they overlap. Then, pour olive oil into
the pan so the bottom of the pan has a sufficient layer of oil. That way, the potatoes won't stick to the pan. Now, add salt
and pepper or cinnamon sugar (depending on if you want a snack or treat) to the potatoes. Put the pan into the oven for 20
minutes. After 20 minutes, check the sweet potatoes. If the potatoes need more time, put them back into the oven, checking
at five-minute intervals.
Pumpkin is a majorly popular treat in the fall. This recipe is delicious and moist. It’s a safe option for most everyone to
Sweet Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
2 cups Bob's Red Mill Biscuit and Baking Mix (or a similar baking mix)
3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Sugar
Cinnamon Sugar
Canola Oil (or Shortening)
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix the sugar, vanilla extract, and oil. Then, add the water and baking
flour slowly to the mix. Add the pumpkin and dash of cinnamon sugar into the mixture in short intervals, after the flour and water have
been added. Make sure the recipe is sweet enough by tasting it. It is safe to try. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly, and make sure
there aren't any clumps. Then, prepare a 9” by 9” baking pan (or a similar measurement) by spraying it with canola oil or by spreading
some sort of shortening over the interior of the pan like olive oil, melted butter, or margarine. Pour all of the batter into the baking pan,
and even it out with a spatula. To finish off, dust the top layer of the sweet pumpkin bread with cinnamon sugar. Put the pan into the
oven for approximately 25 minutes. Check and see if it is ready by putting a toothpick into the bread and making sure there is no batter
on it. Let it cool before eating. Enjoy!
*Note: Cinnamon Sugar is a mixture of pure cinnamon and sugar, commonly consisting of ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
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LVPA Halloween
By: Gina Lerman
Halloween is a day where people everywhere have an excuse to go all
out and let their freak flags fly. Since every day at LVPA is like that, we
have to kick the spooky festivities up a few notches at school. That is
why each year, on the Friday before October 31st, the Visual Art department holds a Halloween costume contest for willing participants of
all majors. The contest is always a wonderful means of putting student
enthusiasm to use, while simultaneously helping fund the annual Senior
Art Exhibit.
All students entering in the contest donate $2.00 to the Senior Exhibit.
The money goes towards purchasing the Exhibit’s venue and busing
people between the Senior Exhibit and the school, during the Spring
Artist’s Café. With their contribution, these contestants get to strut
through the Commons during Halloween lunch. As they do so, a specially selected panel of teachers collectively evaluates the contestants
on their costumes. The panel takes into account the costume’s appearance and creativity, then chooses a winner. The costume contest continuously proves to be a great time for everyone involved.
LVPA’s Halloween celebrations were especially enjoyable this year.
Students were very creative with their costumes. Walking through the
halls this Halloween, one could find students dressed cute, scary, and
everything in between. There were gorillas, a banana, zombies, vampires, Dr. Who, Tinkerbell, the woman from Alfred Hitchcock’s The
Birds, Red Riding Hood and the wolf. Voldemort himself even cast a
few spells as he sauntered through the Commons.
Halle Barrett, a junior, vocal major, dressed as a 1920’s flapper this
Halloween. Some of the best costumes she saw were “Edward Scissorhands and the Three Blind Mice.” Her favorite part about the holiday at school is seeing how the teachers dress up. Tianna Mcgregor,
a junior, visual art major, supported her department by dressing as a
statue. She painted herself white, wore a toga, and was rolled through
the costume contest by her lovely assistant.
Junior, vocal major, Fabian Gomez, was a “sugar skull,” and enjoyed
seeing everyone else’s costumes for Halloween. When asked if she had
watched the costume contest, one sophomore, instrumental major, Erin
Adolt answered, “Who didn’t?” She later went on to list some of her
favorite costumes, including Sarah Tyler as a “lost tourist” and Carlo
Acerra as an acorn. Erin liked the fact that “you don’t feel like an outcast when you want to dress up” at LVPA.
This special feeling of kinship that most people have on Halloween is
usually caused by excess amounts of sugary candies, tight spandex, and
fake blood. However, here, at LVPA, we are lucky enough to enjoy this
connection with our fellow students all year round… the spandex is just
an added bonus.
Traditions (from page 1)
people cannot attend the parade,
the live coverage allows the
atmosphere and excitement to be
brought into the viewers home.
Most children look forward to
the end of the procession, when
Santa Claus makes his first appearance of the year. This event
is not only for children, but also
adults, who find enjoyment in
the live entertainment before the
parade.
Black Friday is the first day of
the official Christmas shopping
season. It is the day shoppers get
the best buys for the upcoming
holidays. On Thanksgiving, millions of newspapers are sold in
order to circulate the upcoming
deals amongst the people. Once
everyone is nice and full from
the feast, they plan the upcoming
day of shopping. The tradition
of stores holding amazing deals
to launch off the holiday season
was started when businesses
wanted to get out of “the red,”
which meant getting out of debt
and gaining more profits during
the holiday season. Therefore,
Black Friday became a win-win
for both the buyers and owners
of the stores.
Traditions are the most memorable parts of the holidays. They
bring families together to share
time and to have fun. Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition, involving delicious food, wonderful family, and sharing gratitude
towards those you are thankful
for. This Thanksgiving, try to
share some of your customs with
other people and start a chain
reaction of traditions.
3
Turkey Trot
By: Katelyn Gulotta
On November 26th, the Historic Bethlehem Partnership is holding a 5K run/walk for Thanksgiving: the
Turkey Trot. The organization benefits 19 historic sites and 3 centuries of history. The racing fee for the 5K
is $25 for both walkers and runners. Register at www.runreg.com. The race will start promptly at 9:00 AM
for runners and 9:05AM for walkers. The course begins at the Colonial Quarter by Monocacy Creek, and
ends at Sand Island.
Want to make the race into a fun friend or family bonding experience? You can build a “turkey team!”
Team shirts and costumes show team spirit and are encouraged. Race forms are due by November 11th,
in order to be guaranteed a free long sleeved shirt. All athletes will receive refreshments and a goody bag.
Prizes will be presented to the overall male and female winners and to the top 3 male and female runners in
each age group.
Race packets will be available for pickup at Lukenbach Mill, 459 Old York Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018
from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on November 25th. Arrive early on race day for some warm-up exercises at
8:30AM. Parking will be available at the North Street Parking Garage and the Walnut Street Garage
Black Friday
By: Lana Brucker
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become the busiest shopping day of the entire retail year.
Stores boom with outrageous sales to kick off the holiday season and open at the crack of dawn, often 4
AM or earlier. This year, some stores are opening at midnight, a record time for Black Friday sales! Such
stores include Macy’s, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, and Target. Moreover, many retailers are beginning to
take advantage of Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas to increase profits. For instance, Target is
extending its hours throughout the holiday season. The company’s Black Friday Sale runs from midnight
until 11 PM, its Christmas Eve sale runs from 7 AM to 7pm (or 8pm, depending on location), and its day
after Christmas sale start at 7 AM and runs until 11 PM.
Though not an actual holiday, Black Friday has become a national phenomenon. In fact, it even occupies
its own website called TheBlackFriday.com. On the site, one can locate any of their favorite stores and discover what deals they offer. Many stores keep their Black Friday specials a secret until Thanksgiving Day.
Nevertheless, some give a sneak peek preview of a few deals. For instance, Macy’s has revealed 15 of their
sale items; an extra 20% off all dresses, “buy one American Rag sweater and get one American Rag pair
of jeans free,” and designer down coats from DKNY, Laundry, Calvin Klein and Rampage. Other sales
include overcoats from Kenneth Cole, New York & Company, and Nautica, as well as wool coats from ESpirit, Steve Madden, and more. Bath and Body Works has embraced Black Friday to the point of including
the title in a sale item. This year, the store offers a “Black Friday VIP Bag” for $20 with any $40 purchase!
Black Friday has become not only a day of celebration for customers and retailers all over the nation,
but also a fashion trademark. This year, stores open earlier and provide previews of the massive impending
sales. Look out for the hottest deals of the season! From designer brands to delightful fragrances, the stores
flood with fresh, new style for the holiday season. To find out more about this year’s Black Friday sale
items, go to www.theblackfriday.com. Each store posts new deals and information every day. Happy sales!
4
Community Article:
Terra Cafe
By: Jackie Bastidas
Have you ever wanted a place to display your artwork or share your
musical talent? Are you trying to find a new place to hang out and meet
new people, or a place to bring your friends for some amazing "sandwiches, soups, coffee, and tasty treats?" Terra Cafe is the place to go.
In 2010, owners Manuel Fresnda and Marcel Bedoya opened a new
Terra Cafe in a second location, Bethlehem. Five minutes from LVPA,
Terra's becoming a fast favorite for many studetns. The cafe, located at
316 S. New Street, offers free wifi and is wheelchair accessible. Terra
Cafe's original location is in Easton, making both locations central to
the Lehigh Valley.
The food and overall feel of the cafe comes from its name. Terra
means "mother earth." Anyone who visits the cafe can feel the downto- earth nature, from their food to their hospitality. Terra offers both
vegan and vegetarian friendly food. They support the arts, and offers
countless ways to help artists, whether visual, theatrical, or musical, get
their name out to the public.
Some ways Terra Cafe gives to the community, while helping students and adults alike, is through their artist galleries and open mic
nights. Terra's location in Easton offers a professional gallery space.
Bethlehem's Terra cafe offers an informal gallery space for visual artists. Manuel Fresnda says "were looking for young, but serious, up
and coming artists trying to start their careers." Both owners try to find
fresh talent and feature a different visual artist each month, including
LVPA's own, Jessica Bastidas. On Monday and Tuesday nights from 7
pm until 12 am, Terra Cafe in Bethlehem offers Open Mic Night. Open
Mic Night offers an opportunity for vocalists, comedians, musicians,
bands, and many other performers to "get found." Open Mic Night is
a very informal event. People come, sign up to perform, relax, drink
coffee, and meet new people. On Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm until
12am, Terra Cafe has live music. Live Music nights provide professional gigs for musicians and bands.
All in all, Terra Cafe is an amazing place to be. It's perfect for LVPA
students because we are all artists in our own right. Come visit Terra
Cafe in Bethlehem on New Street. Eat delicious, healthy food. Sign up
and share your love and passion for music with the world. Talk to the
owners and have your artwork featured, or call Terra at 610.330.6900
and find out more.
Fact
or Fake?
By: Kalina Mellman
Can you tell which one is fact
.....or fake?? In last monthes issue
both stories were fact.
The Pain of Making Art
Art: for many artists, it is a pain
staking process, but for this woman it was
nothing but pain. Marni Kotak, 36, gave
birth to her beautiful baby boy, Ajax, during
her Performance piece. During the duration
of her piece, which was titled The Birth of
Baby X, she interacted with the audience
about her experiences in motherhood. Kotak later told the audience that if they left
contact information, she would call them
when she went into labor. The baby was
born in front of 19 to 20 people. Kotak’s
art piece was meant to break social taboos
and bring something that was private to the
public.
TV Show Fan Dies
Tom Tucker, 45, died on November 2nd, 2011, due to excessively high
alcohol intake and possible salmonella
poisoning. “All we did was play a game we
saw on TV,” states Tom’s friend, Charlie, a
participant in the “game.” Tom played this
supposed game with 3 of his friends, Charlie, Marc, and Kate. The game was called
“Chardee Macdennis.” The game rules
were to drink during the game, while trying
to win cards to proceed to the next level.
“Unfortunately for Tom, he was sent to jail.
To get out of jail, he had to eat the ingredients of a cake” Charlie told Philadelphia
Daily. Doctors say this, and the previous
intake of large amounts of alcohol, caused
Tom to go into cardiac arrest and eventually
die. Looks like you can’t trust what you see
on TV.
5
6
Comic Con Interveiw
By: Tabitha Arnold
Gabrielle Kash, a junior, art major at LVPA, attended New York City’s annual Comic-Con this month. Comic-Con is an internationally celebrated event, however, not everyone is exactly sure what it is. We asked her a few questions about her experience.
What is Comic-con all about?
New York Comic-con is the biggest pop-culture convention on the east coast. It has a large focus on comic books, videogames,
toys, movies, and TV shows. Companies promote new products and give stuff away.
What was the atmosphere like? What kinds of people did you see while you were there?
The event is at a huge convention center, so it’s really hectic and crowded. Everybody from the stereotypical “geek” to normal
families were there.
Did you see any cool costumes?
There were dozens of Batmen, Finn’s (from Adventure Time), Pokemon, and anime characters. Some of the really great costumes
were Jack Skellington, Transformers, and the scientist from Robot chicken.
What kinds of souvenirs did you end up getting?
I got T-shirts, pins, posters, stickers, and some really weird stuff, like a foam top hat and a headband with antennae. Some of the
panels gave out music samplers for games, demos, and posters. I also got a lot of free gum.
Did you get the autographs of any famous people?
Yes, I got an autographed poster from the creators of Bioshock. There were autographing tables for a lot of other things as well.
7
Teacher Feature
By: Tabitha Arnold
Raina Mast: Spanish Teacher
What is your favorite part about working at LVPA? Why?
The charter school brings kids together from different communities, economic backgrounds, and academic
levels, and bonds them together, through the arts. It's very inspiring, and in my ten years of teaching, I haven't
experienced a truly functional diversity like this. I also like that students want to be here, and earn a spot by
auditioning, because it keeps everybody working hard and wanting to be in school. Furthermore, the teachers
really care, which makes me feel like I am part of something bigger.
If you were a student at the school, which major(s) would you most likely be in?
Well, if I were a 32-year-old going back for additional education, I'd study music, since I already studied
Visual Arts in college. I regret not learning to sing/play an instrument and just started to play with music in
the last few years. It's tough to be limited to garageband and 5th grade level flute skills. If the question means
I had to re-live my teenage years, I'd be either a visual artist or dance major... probably a visual artist since at
age 12, a ballet teacher had given me a critique as having a "colty physique", which made me think I looked
like a horse. This equine complex was exacerbated by being cast for a solo as a unicorn and I stopped dancing
in high school until college.
Favorite:
Book
Type of Music
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Indie, reggae, romantic
(It blends beautiful fiction with bizarre, surreal history.) ballads
Food
raw oysters
Quote
TV Show
Dexter
Musical Artist
Mima
"Estoy jaya! (I'm found!)"-- Macha Colon
Subject in school
Spanish/ Oil Painting/ Ceramics
What is a hobby of yours, unrelated to your job at LVPA? Could it be something that is surprising for others
to hear about?
I like to quilt and make up how to do it. I never took a class, but I always liked to sew, so... Also, I like to finish a quilt only up until the last step and then stop and start another one. I have about 5 unfinished quilts.
What brought you to work at this school? What led you into your profession?
I like teaching and wanted to continue my work after leaving a great school in Puerto Rico to move back to
the Lehigh Valley, where I grew up. I studied Spanish and Art, so this seems like the perfect place for me.
When you were a young child, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
I had no idea. I started studying Spanish because my dad told me I could go on business trips with him if I
learned. Other than that, I was always making art messes, but it didn't occur to me that I could get paid for
that until I got to college and took my first oil painting course. I only discovered I liked teaching after college,
which surprised me because I had always been very shy. I quickly realized I liked to teach as a career and create art in my free time.
8
Cont. on page 9
Teacher Feature (from page 8)
Megan Casilio: Math
What is your favorite part about working at LVPA? Why?
I love the kids here. They are so talented and hardworking; I am so lucky to have such amazing kids :)
If you were a student at the school, which major(s) would you most likely be in?
Probably dance, since I danced when I was younger, but I am in no way as talented as the ladies in that department.
Favorite:
Book
any true crime thriller.
Nothing deep or exotic here!
I love learning about the mind and psychology.
I would love to have been an FBI Profiler
(Silence of the Lambs-ish).
Food
Type of Music
everything: emo, punk, alternative, hip hop, country.
I can listen to anything!
anything with tomato sauce - pizza, spaghetti, lasagna
Subject in School
TV Show
Top Chef or Barefoot
Contessa (or any
cooking show)
Musical Artist
The Used, Say Anything and
Taking Back Sunday
MATH OF COURSE!!
What is a hobby of yours, unrelated to your job at LVPA? Could it be something that is surprising for others to hear about?
I love to cook and bake. Where most people dread going home and having to cook dinner, I find it super
relaxing and a lot of fun. I love creating new recipes and trying new things. My favorite thing I've made
recently was homemade roasted butternut squash risotto. I would love to write a cookbook someday!!
What brought you to work at this school? What led you into your profession?
I went to DeSales University and had a lot of theatre and dance friends (including my husband). I learned to
appreciate everything that went into a show and the talent behind it. As for a mathematics profession, I love
math! I am a total math nerd and love being able to spread the love and appreciation of math to my students!
When you were a young child, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
A chef! I almost went to technical school during high school for culinary arts, but my mom wouldn't sign the
permission slip! I guess she won that round, since I am so happy with where I am and what I am doing with
my life!
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The
Inside Scoop on Dance Soup
By: Aly Wolf
Over the years, of all the LVPA Dance Department’s various performances and concerts,
Dance Soup stands out as one of the most uplifting, creative outlets for students studying
movement, performance, and choreography.
Dance Soup, a collection of student-choreographed works and senior college audition
solos, took place in the Black Box Theater on November 18th, 19th, and 20th. Since
proposals were due the first week of school, the young choreographers worked on their
pieces since the summertime. They passed initial auditions, presented various half-finished
showings, and prepared costumes for their pieces. Duets, groups, and solos are featured.
The choreographers were sometimes a part of the performing cast, or simply the creator of
a work that others presented.
Student choreographed and run concerts, an important part of many higher level dance education programs, allow students to try their hand at the production of pieces. LVPA dance
majors enjoy the less stringent policies of Dance Soup pieces. Music with lyrics is allowed,
as well as a variety of styles of dance not featured in other more formal concerts. This year,
senior, Victoria Kress brought a brand new feature to LVPA’s dance concerts: ballroom
dancing. “I have experience dancing both smooth and Latin ballroom dances – basically,
any of the dances that you see on Dancing With the Stars. My mom teaches ballroom, so
that is how I learned it. [I used to be a part of] a youth ballroom group, and performed at
dance parties every couple months or so,” she explained, pertaining to her experience in
ballroom which she has implemented in her fun cha-cha entitled “A Case of Senioritis.”
Pieces in Dance Soup ranged from silly and entertaining, such as the cha-cha and a piece
entitled “Play Time,” choreographed by sophomore, James DuChateau, to somber and serious, as seen in senior, Stacy Collado’s solo “An Ode To Women,” which put into intense
movement the issue of domestic violence.
Special congratulations go out to Miranda Bradley, Stacy Collado, Victoria Kress, Natalia Lebo, Nicolle Lentz, Hope Newswanger, Corinne Shearer, Mia Velez, Nicole Watts, and Anna White. They make up a group of seniors whose solos were chosen for
the concert. As a senior dance major at LVPA, opportunity arises in the form of the presentation of solos, used primarily for auditions at dance colleges. To fill space in the Dance Soup concert, the dance teachers select a group of standout seniors, whose unique
solos moved them during the Senior Solo Showing, which happened the morning of October 20th. Beforehand, seniors slave over
perfecting their solos, hoping to impress the teachers with a unique piece. Mia Velez, an exceptionally devoted and emotionally
driven dancer, shared, “I really wanted my piece to be felt, more than anything. I go in this zone [when I dance] where I can't be
distracted and I put all my emotion into every little movement, so that one may feel what I'm feeling.” Hours upon hours went into
developing her solo, and she could be seen working and perfecting movement for it in between every technique class. Her solo,
“Calm Before the…,” tells the story of the serenity in the air felt right before Hurricane Irene swept over the East Coast. However,
it is ultimately up to the audience to determine important messages expressed through the students’ dancing and choreography.
The concert was a huge success. The works of art, constructed by the bodies and souls of peers, and uniquely invisioned pieces of
contemporary dance, solely created by high school students, entertained and impressed audiences all weekend. After all, there is no
better way to prepare for the cold season than, as concert director Jennifer Weaver always says, to snuggle up with “a steaming, hot
bowl of dance soup.”
Local Artist:
Aaron Kravette- musician
By: Jackie Bastidas
At age eight, Aaron Kravette started playing his first instrument, the guitar. He played in his living room, getting to know the
instrument and moving his hand along the fret board, not yet playing chords. He played "obnoxiously, heavy, and loud" that first
night. Since then, his love for music never left him.
After picking up guitar, Kravette, with the encouragement of his brother, Josh, and his father, started playing clarinet, piano,
soprano and tenor saxophone. Tenor saxophone became Aaron's favorite. Following the "beat of his brother," Kravette came
to LVPA for his first two years of high school in 2009. In his Junior year, Kravette recieved the opportunity to go to Moravian
Academy with a full scholarship. Knowing an amazing opportunity when it presents itself, Aaron jumped at the chance.
Aaron Kravette was inspired to pursue music by many sources, some family and some famous. Josh, his brother, and his father
were the first people to introduce Aaron to the world of music. In that world, Kravette became influenced by musical artists
such as Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Joshua Redman, and Brad Mehdaul. He was also inspired by songwriters Roger Waters,
Dave Gilmour, Jimmy Paige, and Nick Drake. These artists and songwriters influence both the types of music Aaron plays, as
well as what he listens to. Kravette's favorite music to play is contemporary jazz. His favorite music to listen to is jazz and classic rock bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, and the Grateful Dead.
To Aaron Kravette, "music means something when it moves someone in some way whether it be physically, emotionally, or
even spiritually; it differs from person to person and can't be fully explained." Kravette's music and passion grows more intense
everyday, and he loves to share this passion with the world every time he plays live music.
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Ali’s Advice Column:
My friend and I are fighting. We were so close for a long time, and now lately, we
can’t even hold a conversation. How can we solve this problem, move on, and not have
any more problems?
What you and your friend are fighting about doesn’t matter. Take a step back, and think
about how upset and heated you are over this topic. Now, look at your friend and realize
this; however mad you are over the topic at hand, your friend is feeling the exact same
way. However, they’re channeling their frustration towards something that you don’t
agree with. That’s why you’re fighting with your friend in the first place. So, take a few
minutes to think. It doesn’t mean you’re wrong or that the other person won the fight; it
means you’re taking a mature angle and looking at their side, before you say something
you’ll regret. Fighting isn’t about who wins or loses, or who is right or wrong. Fighting is about two different perspectives. If you can see the other person’s perspective, it
becomes much easier to get along. It seems so easy to see people around you clearly. On
the other hand, when it comes to looking at ourselves in the mirror, things seem foggy.
Perceptions are warped to how we want them to be. Have some patience with yourself
and with your friend and remember your perspective
RANT: Grade Grubbing
By: Ali Cimorelli
You got a decent grade. Good for you! Now, accept it. Don’t fight with the teacher
about how you’re right (even if you aren’t), in hopes of getting a better grade. If there is
a legitimate issue with the grading, wait until the end of class and talk to the teacher in
private. Don’t shoot your hand up and call the teacher over in the middle of class to point
out that you are still wrong. It interrupts the entire class and nothing else gets done. Stop
trying to convince the teacher that they graded something wrong. Most of the time, the
teacher is still right. The teachers usually offer extra credit and if you get the homework
done all the time (like you’re supposed to), a high B or low A won’t hurt your grades at
all. Accept the grade you’ve gotten, because it’s what you deserve. Don’t ask the teacher
to look at your grade specifically, or try to convince the teacher that they’re wrong.
They’re teaching you. Obviously, they know more than you. So please, save my sanity
by accepting the grades you get in life, and don’t interrupt the entire class to prove that
you’re still wrong!
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Short Story: Waking Up
By: Erynn Molettieri
The terror was the first thing that hit me when I opened my eyes. A terror so extreme, it felt like my chest was closing in on itself.
The second thing to hit me was the screams. The screams could only be coming from someone being tortured, but they came
from every direction, pouring in and filling my ears. The third thing that hit me was the smell. It was a stench, like bodies decomposing, mixed with the medicinal smell of a hospital. And then, I realized where I was. I was used to the smell of a hospital from
growing up with my little brother being ill. But this time it wasn’t him in the bed, it was me. This wasn’t like any other hospital.
There was something different, more chaotic and dirty, in this place.
When the memories of how I’d gotten here didn't come back, I went into a panic. The realization began to smother me, and I
heard the beeping in the room grow frantic. I tried kicking and thrashing in my bed, only to realize I could not move. My whole
body was fighting against itself, and I suddenly felt very ill. I heard the doctors before I saw them. They charged into the room,
tools at the ready. I tried to fight against the unknown liquid in the needles that were about to go in my arms, but it was useless.
A convulsion tore through my stomach, and I was sick. It ejected from my mouth with a force I did not know was possible, over
myself and whoever else was within 3 feet of me. The doctors yelled to each other, but I could not understand. Gradually, the
panic stopped. The doctors dipped away, one by one.
When I left my house, it was mid-March. If it was still that time now, I had no way of knowing and no way of asking.
There was a lady in the bed next to me, but she seemed too traumatized by whatever happened to speak to me. The last thing I
remember is a feeling of utter terror as I ran through the streets of my town; terror that has clearly made its home inside of me. If
I ever made it home, I have no memory of it. Then, I felt it. Something worse than the terror building inside of me, a fear that was
white hot, that shook me to my core.
Family. How could I have forgotten my family? My mother, with her beautiful, long black hair and perfect smile, my father,
with his skinny build and genuine laugh, and, of course, my little brother…my little brother, with his ever-present cough and illness, with no cures and no answers. I wonder if he ever felt like this. I wonder why I didn’t notice before. Where were they now?
Did they know I was in this awful place? Were they worried? Were they looking for me? I needed them; it hit me like a ton of
bricks. I needed them here. I needed them next to me, like they were there for my brother. I became angry. I was angry and sick
and confused and terrified, all at once.
I screamed at the lady next to me. I told her to snap out of her trance and tell me what happened, just to tell me why I was here.
Then, she looked over at me with such calmness; it made me suddenly quiet.
"The storm. It destroyed everything. Everything the storm destroyed…" she whispered.
"What kind of a storm could destroy everything?" I asked her, thinking she was crazy.
"A tsunami can." Then, she was smiling, "A tsunami can. You’re in nothing but a rescue tent. Soon, they’ll put you out. Soon,
they’ll put us all out."
I felt myself breaking from understanding those words, the truth in them. The look on this sick old lady's face made me
understand. It made me realize there was no escaping this fate. I was crying. I was crying for the truth: for what I knew and what
I wished I didn't know. I was crying for what could possibly be the deaths of my family, for my friends, and neighbors. I cried,
wondering if I would ever see them again. I cried for myself, for my disgusting reality, and for the part of me I had lost through
all of this.
Performer Staff:
Tabitha Arnold (Columnist)
Katelyn Gulotta (Columnist)
Jackie Bastidas (Content Editior)
Gina Lerman (Junior Layout Editior)
Lana Brucker (Senior Editior)
Kalina Mellman (Senior Layout Editior)
Ali Cimorelli (Columnist)
Erynn Molettieri (Columnist)
Sarah Grapek (Columnist)
Aly Wolf (Grammar Editior)
For questions, comments, and contributions, contact The Performer at
[email protected]
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