Author: Layla Morales

Campus Life

McCaskey health careers students learn the quiet heroism of serving others

By Nemari Morales The average high school experience usually doesn’t consist of helping strangers shower or tending to the sick, but these McCaskey students take their contributions above and beyond.  Health Careers is a two-year program offered to McCaskey students interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field, from aspiring travel nurses to up-and-coming morticians, the goals of these students vary widely. Yet, the … Continue reading McCaskey health careers students learn the quiet heroism of serving others

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
Campus Life

Educators Rising creates pathways for students to become educators

By Nemari Morales With the demand for teachers on the rise, it’s no surprise that McCaskey has chosen to empower students in the field with a brand new opportunity — Educators Rising. Educators Rising is a community-based movement that serves schools and students interested in pursuing teaching careers, providing funding and foundations with the support of the State Departments of Education. EdRising reaches students through … Continue reading Educators Rising creates pathways for students to become educators

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
Campus Life

Reach Retreat 2024 Recap

By Nemari Morales Every year since 1991, McCaskey’s Reach Club embraces the tradition of a weekend long retreat to Camp Swatara in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with nature and overcoming obstacles. The Reach Community of the 2023-2024 school year made no exception, despite a major obstacle presented to us.  Brother Albrecht, a former gym teacher and leader of the reflection center at McCaskey … Continue reading Reach Retreat 2024 Recap

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
News, Politics

The Affordable Housing Crisis in Lancaster

by Nemari Morales Instead of learning to walk and talk in 2007, it seems as though today’s teens should’ve been investing in a home.  When passing by the Lancaster County Government Center on my way home from work, I noticed that the complex was lined with people on the outside. Looking closer to understand the situation, I was disheartened to see tents, carts and bags … Continue reading The Affordable Housing Crisis in Lancaster

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
News, Politics

Pro-Palestine Boycotts: What is Going On, and Why?

By Nemari Morales Social media and news sources within the United States have been bursting with daily updates, insights, and conversation about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Choosing to educate themselves, some have expressed support for Palestine by participating in the BDS Movement, others believing the movement to be anti-Semitic. But, many remain clueless as to what is happening in other parts of the … Continue reading Pro-Palestine Boycotts: What is Going On, and Why?

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
Campus Life

Meet Moustafa Hamed

By Nemari Morales Fighting an unjust government isn’t on your typical middle schooler’s roster, but for Moustafa Hamed, a 12th-grade electronics student at McCaskey, a nightmare became a reality.  Moustafa was just 13 years old when his mother, Reem Desouky, was accused of running a Facebook page that criticized Egypt’s president. Desouky was immediately arrested on charges including “promoting a terrorist group and publishing false … Continue reading Meet Moustafa Hamed

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
News

“Our Momma’s Kitchen” Serves Up Soul Food with Love

By Nemari Morales Upon the intersection of North Franklin and East Walnut Street, Our Momma’s Kitchen, a recently established and family owned soul-food restaurant has captured the hearts of many locals.  Aside from the unique options the restaurant offers in comparison to other places in the area, the aura is important to recognize. Everyone who comes in is greeted with a smiling face and a … Continue reading “Our Momma’s Kitchen” Serves Up Soul Food with Love

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
Opinion

Raised By The Internet: Why Children Shouldn’t be Given Access to Social Media

At what age would you give your child their first device? Seven? Twelve? The debate of when it is best to give a child access to the internet is extremely important in today’s society with the newest generation, Generation Alpha (also referred to as “IPad Kids”) growing up. But, the answer to that question is clear as day.  The internet is being used much more … Continue reading Raised By The Internet: Why Children Shouldn’t be Given Access to Social Media

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales
Arts & Culture

The Impact of Black Representation in Cartoons

As a young child, I only enjoyed watching television shows with characters that weren’t human – Yo Gabba Gabba, SpongeBob, etc.  I was never able to really watch shows with humans, as I could never relate to the characters. It was always a mainly white cast with one or two stereotypical black characters: either a black female of a lighter skin tone, or a black … Continue reading The Impact of Black Representation in Cartoons

Unknown's avatarLayla Morales