The Magic of NPR Tiny Desk Concerts
Considering the current trends in mainstream music, many listeners look for an artistic refuge from high-gloss, studio-produced music. This isn’t to say that high value music production is bad; many critically acclaimed albums of the past decade include just this type of production. But it’s important to consider the alternatives to this, and why they matter. The ultimate version of these alternatives is the NPR … Continue reading The Magic of NPR Tiny Desk Concerts
Protestors Head to Harrisburg as Fair Funding Trial Begins
What is fair funding? Many of Pennsylvania’s school districts, including our own School District of Lancaster, are not receiving adequate funding from the state. Part of this problem originates with property tax disparities. In Pennsylvania, education funding is collected through local property taxes; more expensive houses generate higher taxes, which produces more funding for school districts in affluent areas and reinforces economic injustice. In order … Continue reading Protestors Head to Harrisburg as Fair Funding Trial Begins
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
The Era of Tap and Swipe: How Social Media Affects Mental Health
For most teens, social media is a part of daily life. It brings a type of communication and connection, which everyone needs. But does it have too strong a grip in our lives? Since social media has gained popularity, issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and increased loneliness have arisen, among others. Perhaps it’s time to evaluate the effect social media has on our lives … Continue reading The Era of Tap and Swipe: How Social Media Affects Mental Health
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
A History of Sexual Abuse Haunts Local Scouts BSA Troops
The Pennsylvania Dutch Council of Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) is currently involved in a lawsuit over sexual abuse allegations, with the latest compensation set at $1.05 million. Of the 86 local victims, roughly 60 percent are from Lancaster county. For decades, Scouts BSA National has faced sexual abuse allegations, with lawsuits popping up all over the country. The lawsuit in PA is … Continue reading A History of Sexual Abuse Haunts Local Scouts BSA Troops
“Squid Game” offers Insightful Commentary and Powerful Asian Representation
Warning: This article contains spoilers. Squid Game is a nine-episode Netflix show that has taken the world by storm. With its creative and intense death game featuring a less-than-favorable commentary on capitalism, the show has struck a chord with not just South Koreans, but the rest of the world as well. As good as Squid Game is, its characters (and by extension its casting) are … Continue reading “Squid Game” offers Insightful Commentary and Powerful Asian Representation
Shooting at Park City Mall
Around 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2021, a shooting occurred at Park City Mall. Four people have been reported to have suffered injuries from gunshot wounds. The altercation first occurred between two young men: Jeremiah Josiah-Alberto Sanchez, 16, flashed his gun at 18-year-old Elijah Deliz in an attempt to scare him away. A bystander who happened to be licensed to carry stepped in, which led … Continue reading Shooting at Park City Mall
The Twitch Information Scandal: What it Means
Undoubtedly the largest live-streaming company in the world, Twitch has built a lucrative portfolio and reputation as a result of housing some of the biggest content creators in the internet era. The company has frequently been in a struggle with its creators over its often overly rigid terms of service, or the treatment of certain sects of creators. All of this consistent badgering is the … Continue reading The Twitch Information Scandal: What it Means
The Personal Is Political – So Drop a Commitment
When I walk down the halls of McCaskey, I can feel the stress in the air. It’s palpable. When I talk to my friends about their days, I hear it echoed in their frenetic voices as they describe their struggle to balance marching band, varsity sports, musical, a job, advanced classes, the mountain of homework from the history teacher who waitresses at night. 16-year-old fledgling … Continue reading The Personal Is Political – So Drop a Commitment
The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Controversial Holiday Classic
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a household favorite. Its plot follows Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King, who is getting tired of his routine of always planning for Halloween. He stumbles upon Christmas Town and is inspired and determined to spread the Christmas spirit and bring it home to Halloween Town. This stop-motion animated film is full of holiday wonder and is enjoyable to watch for … Continue reading The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Controversial Holiday Classic
Xinjiang ‘Re-Education Camps’: A Modern Genocide
Written by staff writer Presleigh Grove. TW: Sexual and Physical Abuse For the past four years, Uyghur muslims have been raped, tortured, murdered and forced to work in off-site factories or worksites in Xinjiang, China. In 2017, these ‘re-education camps’ were put in place to indoctrinate Uyghurs. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has made countless attempts to dissemble this genocide which could eventually lead … Continue reading Xinjiang ‘Re-Education Camps’: A Modern Genocide
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
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
“Euphoria” Gets LGBTQ+ Representation Right
The LGBTQ+ representation on display in the TV show Euphoria is one of the best examples of representation for the community. While it is inclusive to the different sexualities and gender identities, it also portrays them without forcing characters into the stereotypes of what people think being gay looks like. Although there are many cases of this, one good example would be the transgender representation … Continue reading “Euphoria” Gets LGBTQ+ Representation Right
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