A Night to Remember: Prom
Catherine Powell ‘16
In the blink of an eye, nearly the entire school year has passed and prom season was upon us again. Excited voices filled the Cherokee halls--what were we going to do for dresses, shoes, hair, makeup, music? Everyone seemed about to pop with the anticipation for their big night of glamour, partying, and fun with their friends before graduation.
But what few people think about is the work that goes into organizing this huge event. Every year, the combined efforts of administration, numerous teachers, and Student Council are integral to prom happening at all. Student Council members have some say in the planning process, representing the wishes and ideas of the student body regarding the dance. They were often put in charge of specifics and details of the event--picking the invitations, choosing tablecloths and napkins--as well as big-picture activities like organizing the prom king and prom queen vote. Furthermore, throughout the four years of high school, Student Council has been fundraising to offset the cost of prom and some of the activities involved, such as the highly popular photo booths. Knowing all too well how insanely expensive prom has gotten, we should probably all be grateful for their unseen help in keeping the prices from reaching even more ridiculous heights.
Overseen by class advisors Mrs. Boland and Mr. Framo (as well as a number of teacher chaperones), prom day went off without a hitch. Elegantly dressed in sparkling, glittering dresses and sleek tuxedos, everyone had a wonderful time eating, laughing, dancing the night away, and of course, taking an exorbitant number of pictures. "I had a ton of fun and I think it went incredibly well!" commented Senior Class President Bec Moretti, one of the several Student Council members involved in the planning. "I'm also super happy to have awesome class advisors who coordinated everything so well." Indeed, it took the combined efforts of a small, unseen army to put together this magical night for our seniors.
But, after all, it's prom. Worth the work, and definitely worth the wait.
Eat Across the World
Sam Schepps ’18
Early this past April, the Cherokee World Language Department hosted the annual World Cafe Day in the North Media Center. Conceived as a celebration of all of the cultures represented and taught at Cherokee, the festivities lasted throughout the day. With food provided by students from a multitude of language classes and cultures, as well as music provided by various groups within the music department to enhance the surroundings, there was plenty for all to enjoy.
But it is not merely the snacks and atmosphere that make the day such an attraction for students and faculty alike. Rather, it was the context behind them that made the day a uniquely enjoyable one, according to several participants. “I liked the variety of foods from other countries that I probably never would have tried without the World Cafe,” commented Shane Conley, a sophomore French student.
Regarding the entertainment at the World Cafe, Sean Tencer, a sophomore German student reported that he “liked the musical performances based on the different cultures,” while Taha Rana, a sophomore Spanish student, claimed he enjoyed “how [the World Cafe] combined different cultures from different parts of the world in one setting.”
Needless to say, there were a myriad of things to gain from the exposure granted by the World Cafe. However, regardless of how one chose to enjoy it, or what one specifically got from the festivities, one thing remains clear: World Cafe Day is a genuinely enjoyable and culturally explorative experience for all who participate.
Sam Schepps ’18
Early this past April, the Cherokee World Language Department hosted the annual World Cafe Day in the North Media Center. Conceived as a celebration of all of the cultures represented and taught at Cherokee, the festivities lasted throughout the day. With food provided by students from a multitude of language classes and cultures, as well as music provided by various groups within the music department to enhance the surroundings, there was plenty for all to enjoy.
But it is not merely the snacks and atmosphere that make the day such an attraction for students and faculty alike. Rather, it was the context behind them that made the day a uniquely enjoyable one, according to several participants. “I liked the variety of foods from other countries that I probably never would have tried without the World Cafe,” commented Shane Conley, a sophomore French student.
Regarding the entertainment at the World Cafe, Sean Tencer, a sophomore German student reported that he “liked the musical performances based on the different cultures,” while Taha Rana, a sophomore Spanish student, claimed he enjoyed “how [the World Cafe] combined different cultures from different parts of the world in one setting.”
Needless to say, there were a myriad of things to gain from the exposure granted by the World Cafe. However, regardless of how one chose to enjoy it, or what one specifically got from the festivities, one thing remains clear: World Cafe Day is a genuinely enjoyable and culturally explorative experience for all who participate.
Where the Magic Comes to Life
By:
Shreya Mehta ’16
Namratha Konduru ’16
Four years of anticipation and the moment had finally arrived. On Sunday, April 10, the Class of 2016 woke at the crack of dawn, packed their bags, and took off for a trip they will remember forever.
The plane ride to Florida was filled with bubbling energy and anxiousness for the next four days. Everyone clapped with joy as the plane landed in the hot, sunny, and beautiful Orlando, a nice break from the frigid Jersey weather. There was so much to do in so little time, and everyone quickly went their separate ways to explore the happiest and most magical place on Earth.
Suddenly, all of the seniors seemed to turn ten years old again -- meeting princesses, going on rides, and devouring $12 turkey legs! They were constantly purchasing ice cold water and popsicles to beat the heat. The days were filled with endless walking, screaming on rides, and creating fun memories with friends, while each night ended perfectly with magical fireworks lighting up the skies. As they returned, they carried their adorable new Disney pillow pets and lasting memories with forlorn faces, unwilling to be put back in the real world again.
Well, seniors, you’re back! Hopefully you will remember Cherokee with all the fun times you created. Good luck as you prepare to take on all that comes ahead of you, and hopefully your life will turn out to be just as magical as Disney World. Besides, as Walt Disney said, “Adults are only kids grown up” anyway!
And the Band Played On
Kayla Fericy ‘18
In spite of its national titles, the music program at Cherokee High School is sometimes overlooked. However, talent and hard work strike through again as the band’s wind ensemble (one of the highest levels in the music program) competed at the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Director's Association Concert Band Festival, earning an impressive score of 96 out of 100. With twenty minutes to impress the judges, the ensemble (comprised of 51 students of varying ages) played three songs: Gavorkna Fanfare, Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo, and Vesuvius. The performance earned a gold rating and the title of runner-up for all of South Jersey. This accomplishment was celebrated with a performance at the NJ State Gala evening concert at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. At the prestigious event, only six schools gave performances the audience. Cherokee’s band had qualified to attend the New Jersey Gala both this year and the last year it had competed. Music Director Mr. David Lynch says, “Music is a unique discipline that demands constant attention, especially at the highest level of musicianship.” A music teacher for nine years, and an avid trumpet player, Mr. Lynch and fellow music teacher Mr. Phillips have developed a boisterous and continuously growing music program. With a repertoire “carefully selected to match the educational needs of the students,” the whole band has flourished under the teachers’ tutelage. With one concert left for the year--the Elementary Honors Band on June 8--there is still time to see them play. Together, the students and teachers in the music program form a distinct collection of musical talent across all grades, combining to create a well-trained and hard-earned harmony.
Good Will for Everyone
By: Grace Henderson ‘18
Tonnage equals hope. Every year, the Lenape Regional High School District holds a Goodwill clothing drive that encourages the individual schools to compete against one another to donate the most clothing per student. However, not all students who make the toss into the bin know about how their generosity benefits Goodwill itself and those who work for the extraordinary company.
Goodwill is a large nonprofit organization that provides job training, employment placement service, and community based programs for adults with disabilities, criminal backgrounds, or other specialized needs. From them, people get the supportive services they need to be successful, such as English language training, special education, access to transportation, and child care. According to their mission statement, “[they] strive to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by helping people reach their full potential through education, skills training, and the power of work.”
Every donation made to Goodwill, items previously loved and used, can mean hope for many workers involved in the Goodwill community. Even when you visit a Goodwill store, every employee has a smile on his face that exemplifies his gratitude towards others’ generosity. Donating also has benefits for the planet, as recycling clothes and items betters our environment by using less energy than creating something new does.
With the return of warm weather, it also means that spring cleaning is in session. Clean out your closets, drawers, attics, kitchen... All things clothing and household can be sold and resold to contribute to the Goodwill cause. The collections in our school parking lot represent a lot more than just a gargantuan bin full of used clothes; they show that the opportunities and advantages that we have should not be taken for granted.