Category: Campus Life

Campus Life, Opinion

Four Perspectives on Surviving School During a Pandemic

When schools shut down on March 13, 2020, not very many people predicted the ongoing pandemic that upended almost every facet of life. The two weeks off school turned into a month, into two, until school was moved online for the next school year as well. The past two years were characterized by masks, discussions of ‘flattening the curve’, and exasperating Zoom calls that never … Continue reading Four Perspectives on Surviving School During a Pandemic

Unknown's avatarHannah Geiser
Arts & Culture, Campus Life

Kai Rowe: The Power of Friendship and Food

For the longest time, I was adamant about not making any new friends, and keeping to myself.  I don’t know what changed that, but it started with my interest in a person in my World Cultures class. I wasn’t really sure about how to approach this, so one day I just asked to sit next to them. Since that day, we’ve been friends ever since. … Continue reading Kai Rowe: The Power of Friendship and Food

Unknown's avatarMike DonesLeave a comment
Campus Life

Mr. Nelson Teaches Confidence Through Art

Note: The above image is an edited photo of Mr. Nelson, made by a student as part of a halloween project in fall 2021. Art shapes McCaskey in so many ways, whether that be performance arts such as theater and music, or visual arts like drawing and painting. Mr. Nelson is one of the few visual art teachers at McCaskey. He teaches Drawing and Painting … Continue reading Mr. Nelson Teaches Confidence Through Art

Unknown's avatarMichelle Lam
Campus Life

And the World Will Know: “Newsies” Brings Musical Theater Back to McCaskey

During the week of March 14, McCaskey’s performing arts department, under the direction of Reynolds Middle School Teacher Kristin Wolanin, will be presenting Disney’s Newsies.  “Preparing this show has been such an amazing experience,” said senior Jadyn Torres, who plays the lead role of Jack Kelly along with Zachary White. “Our cast is filled with the most insanely talented kids and I’m so excited for … Continue reading And the World Will Know: “Newsies” Brings Musical Theater Back to McCaskey

Unknown's avatarRose Carlson
Campus Life, Opinion

From Kanye to McCaskey: The Line Between Humor and Harassment

There’s a fine line between humor and harassment. Because the internet allows for instantaneous dissemination of information, often anonymously and with no fact-checking, there is great potential for abuses of power. And when these abuses are excused as “funny,” it’s even more difficult to enforce accountability for perpetrators.  The recent controversy between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian exemplifies this problem of the digital age. Although … Continue reading From Kanye to McCaskey: The Line Between Humor and Harassment

Unknown's avatarFrances Brogan
Campus Life, Politics

We Should Talk About the Pledge

Recently, McCaskey High School began playing the pledge of allegiance every morning on its announcements.  “It mocks our ancestor’s cries and screams: their terror,” shared Essence Winters. “What justice has America shown?” she asked. “Black people still haven’t received reparations.”  “Not saying it is disrespectful to those who have died. We should honor it, value it, and be fair to it,” said Sujan Upreti.  These … Continue reading We Should Talk About the Pledge

Unknown's avatarRose Carlson
Campus Life, Opinion

We Need Sensory Rooms

You are holding back tears in a classroom, triggered by some unknowingly hurtful statement made by the teacher.  You’re mad at the teacher, despite her not knowing she was causing you pain. You want to fight, or leave; that is if you could get unstuck from the prick of survival response, your brain snagged like a loose thread on the oversized sweater you wish you … Continue reading We Need Sensory Rooms

Unknown's avatarSophia KesslerLeave a comment
Arts & Culture, Campus Life

WMCC: The Story of a Morning Show

From 7:50 to 8:49 on every full day of school, 20 McCaskey students produce, write, film, edit, and livestream the WMCC Tornado Alert Morning Show, which features everything from campus sports news and information about upcoming events to current events reports and special videos.  “It’s a lot,” said Tacura Tobler, a senior who’s been in the class for a year and a half.  Since late … Continue reading WMCC: The Story of a Morning Show

Unknown's avatarRose Carlson
Arts & Culture, Campus Life

How Should We Talk About Sexual Assault?

In the midst of the brave individuals that have called out and spoken up about sexual assault (SA) in our McCaskey community, it is more important than ever to believe and support them. Speaking up about rape or SA is not something that comes easily. There are times where the individual will feel alone, depressed, and not speak up because, “who would believe me?” It … Continue reading How Should We Talk About Sexual Assault?

Unknown's avatarMike Dones
Campus Life, Opinion

Active Shooter Drills Do More Harm than Good

Wednesday’s active shooter training had McCaskey students abuzz with opinions. Two weeks after a Michigan school shooting killed four high schoolers, and in the wake of multiple shooting threats in our own community, fear of a school shooting is at the forefront of our minds once again. This has reignited debates about how to best prepare for a school shooting, and the ethics of said … Continue reading Active Shooter Drills Do More Harm than Good

Unknown's avatarFrances Brogan
Campus Life, Opinion

(Obviously) Teachers Should Not Use Racial Slurs

Education is essential to ensure that a child has a successful future. But, how can you expect black students to excel if they don’t feel as though school is a safe environment for them? First off, it’s not the black community’s responsibility to explain why the n-word should not be used by non-black individuals.  By now, most of us should know the harmful history behind … Continue reading (Obviously) Teachers Should Not Use Racial Slurs

Unknown's avatarPresleigh GroveLeave a comment
Campus Life, Sports

It’s Almost Time for McCaskey Winter Sports

As October comes to a close, so are McCaskey’s fall sports.  Although a few teams such as boy’s soccer are going into playoffs, it’s time to look ahead to the winter sports season. Last year, winter sports occurred under heavy pandemic restrictions, so teams are looking forward to an increased sense of normality this season.  The McCaskey girls wrestling team is especially excited, McCaskey having … Continue reading It’s Almost Time for McCaskey Winter Sports

Unknown's avatarHannah Geiser
Campus Life

Accurate Representation in Theatre: the Mission of McCaskey Fall Play Director Starleisha Gingrich

Image credit: Molly S. Photography In the summer of 2021, Starleisha Gingrich was hired to direct McCaskey’s 2021 fall play. It’s a dream come true for the actor, director, and current education and outreach coordinator of the Fulton Theatre, who has wanted to work at McCaskey ever since she moved to Lancaster in 2015.  “I love directing in general,” says Starleisha, “but directing high school … Continue reading Accurate Representation in Theatre: the Mission of McCaskey Fall Play Director Starleisha Gingrich

Unknown's avatarRose CarlsonLeave a comment
Campus Life

Cassidy Reddig: Ephrata Athlete to McCaskey Teacher

Cassidy Reddig is a 25 year old from Ephrata with a passion for pushing herself in all fields. This past year, she joined the teaching staff of McCaskey High School as an honors and IB history teacher. In high school, Reddig took every higher level class available to her, participating in swimming and soccer, but her main focus has always been teaching. “I wanted to … Continue reading Cassidy Reddig: Ephrata Athlete to McCaskey Teacher

Unknown's avatarThùy Nguyễn
Campus Life

Saying Goodbye to McCaskey’s Senior Cheerleaders

Image Credit: MSC Photographer  McCaskey cheerleaders are the school’s pride and joy when it comes to getting our crowd fired up and having school spirit.  Sadly, McCaskey will have 12 senior cheerleaders leaving us this year. A few of them gave their thoughts and experiences on what it’s like being a McCaskey cheerleader. As students who represent McCaskey in and out of school, cheerleaders know … Continue reading Saying Goodbye to McCaskey’s Senior Cheerleaders

Unknown's avatarNatalie Lopez