By Mike Zolovich

When you walk down the hallways of Phoenixville, you may notice a whole group of people making fun of one poor, defenseless student. Seeing this sight, you casually pass on without a second look. Maybe you, yourself, are one of those people doing the teasing? As any student will know, discrimination/ making fun of people is a natural part of high school. However, I don’t think a lot of people realize what it’s like on the other end of the spectrum: being the one made fun of. Either it’s that, or people don’t realize others make fun of them behind their back, and they turn a blind eye to it.

Recently, I made a survey with ten questions which was given to 30 random people who completed it anonymously. The survey was given out in late December of 2008. Here are the results: analyze them how you wish.

• 14% of all the people polled said that they use a racial slur or rude name about someone/a certain race very frequently.
• 50% of people said they make fun of other people with their friends.
• 16% of people said they make fun of other people with their family.
• The groups that are made fun of the most are the “Weirdoes”, “Emo” kids, and Mexicans.
• 11% of people said they NEVER feel guilty after making fun of someone. 30% said they only feel guilty SOMETIMES.
• 38% of people said that they don’t know why they make fun of others. 21% said they do it to get a good laugh while 6% said they make fun of others because “they deserve it.”

There were six statements on the survey upon which the respondents had to rate whether they agreed with, or disagreed with. The ratings were from one to seven. This is the scale on which they rated these statements:

7=Strongly Agree 6=Agree 5=Somewhat Agree 4=Neutral

3=Slightly Disagree 2=Disagree 1=Strongly Disagree

Below are the six statements given on the survey and the average answer given out of 30 people:

People make fun of others because it’s the “cool thing” to do.

(Average Answer: 4)

People usually make fun of others because of their appearance.

(Average Answer: 5)

People make fun of others because they’re jealous of them.

(Average Answer: 5)

People make fun of others because of their interests.

(Average Answer: 5)

I try my hardest not to make fun of anybody

(Average Answer: 4)

The amount of discrimination/bullying in this school is ridiculous and needs to decrease

(Average Answer: 5)

The findings in this survey are both expected and shocking at the same time. It’s obvious that students in Phoenixville High School make fun of people, mostly with their friends. But what is really shocking is that these teenagers make fun of other kids with their own family. Only 11% of people ever feel guilty after making fun of someone. Even more people only feel guilty sometimes. The worst part of all of this: people don’t know why they make fun of others.

I have to say that I am quite appalled and angered buy these results. I cannot believe that 14% of people use racial slurs very frequently! I can’t even begin to imagine the kinds of words thy use. I’m sure the readers of this article can. I am extremely surprised that people make fun of others with their family! What kinds of things are the parents teaching their kids by doing this? Yeah, they’re great role models.

And why are the Weirdoes, Emo Kids, and Mexicans the groups that are made fun of the most? Some responses from students were: “Because it’s funny,” “It’s because of their actions,” “They’re annoying,” “It’s just a regular thing,” “They’re really awkward,” and “Because they’re not like me.” This aggravates me to the core! It shouldn’t be a regular thing to tease people, even if they seem awkward. And as for these groups not being like the rest of the fad-following teens in the high school, well I think that’s a good thing. I give these people credit for being themselves. There is no reason for teasing these people.

I don’t understand how people can’t feel guilty after making fun of someone. Think of how that person feels. If a kid gets made fun of everyday by people in this school, what do you think happens? Those kids probably go home to their house and cry because they’ve been going through this for who knows how long. Imagine how they must feel! What happens if they go home and think of suicide? You may laugh, but you don’t know what’s going on in that person’s life, and your taunting doesn’t help.

Why do students make fun of other people? According to this survey, most of them don’t know why! If they don’t have a reason (and because “they’re not like me” doesn’t count) then why bother to make fun of others? What satisfaction can they get? Again, imagine how people feel next time you go and tease them and maybe you’ll be nicer.

As for the statements with the average answers: I have to say that these answers are unbelievable, in the fact that I simply do not believe that the averages are true. I agree with the average for the “People make fun of each other because it’s the cool thing to do,” but I don’t agree with the average for the “People usually make fun of others because of their appearance.” I know for a FACT that people judge and discriminate based on someone’s appearance. I see it ALL THE TIME at school. I would have expected the average to be 7 (Strongly Agree). I also know for a fact that people make fun of others because they’re jealous of them and because of their interests. It’s just like you see some of the clubs in the school nowadays, like the GSA and Anime club, getting bashed because of what their group likes. I would have thought the people in this school would try harder not to make fun of people. I expected people to care more about this school’s bullying. In my opinion, it needs to go down a lot.

I suggest that everyone take part in “No Name Calling Week.” It takes place January 26^th-January 30^th. No Name Calling Week’s main purpose is help build tolerance by trying to stop kids from calling each other bad names. I think PAHS needs to practice this event. It would be a good idea. To learn more go to www.nonamecallingweek.org

I CAN say that I expected more honesty from the students in this school on this surevey. I can’t say, however, that I never make fun of people. I too am guilty of some of the things mentioned in the survey. I, however, recognize a lot of the things that happen at PAHS, while most people turn a blind eye to it. My diagnosis: this school needs an extreme makeover, myself included.

By: Marissa Rock

Do you think you could live without your cell phone?? Or would you self destruct without the ability to stay in constant contact with your friends and family? Teenagers have been exposed to a lot of technology that was not around years ago, like when we were in elementary school. Texting is one such form of communication that has developed over time. Do you think you text too much or are attached to your cell phone? An anonymous survey I conducted in December of 30 PAHS students showed just how important cell phones are to our daily lives.

Only one person out of the 30 surveyed Phoenixville High School students did not own their own cell phone. According to the surveys, nobody pays their own phone bill, so we should be thankful for our parents’ generosity! Or are they just trying to keep track of us? Either way, they seem to have chosen a reliable network because 60% of students have Verizon service, 27% have AT&T, and 53% hardly ever get dropped calls. What else is good or bad about your cell phone? 23% of our students believe their keyboard is the best part of their phone, while 20% of people think the worst is that they easily crack or don’t hold a battery for very long.

Everyone has their favorite kind of phone, but the surveyed students agree that the iPhone is the best, and the second best is the Blackberry or anything with a keyboard. These phones are designed for those texting freaks out there. Texting is very popular these days and it is shown through the 57% of us that have an unlimited texting plan. The cell phone survey shows that most of our students send about 10-50 texts per day. Texting is so addicting that there are students who can’t stop, even in class! 40% of our students admit they use their phone during class and most agreed the best way to get away with it is to hide it in your bag or don’t look at the keys when you’re typing. Some don’t hide it well, however, because 43% have gotten their phone taken away… more often by teachers than parents. Texting seems to be used more often than calling, but many people still talk on their phone as a means for communication because 53% of students have free nights and weekend calling.

So could our generation live without cell phones? 57% of Phoenixville students admitted they could live without their cell phone, but a few said only if they had some other form of contact with people such as a house phone, AIM or Facebook. So maybe you can try to live without your cell phone (at least during class) for a week or even a month to see if you stay sane!

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The most popular cell phone… the iPhone

By: Laura Gronski

“And I don’t know how it gets better than this / you take my hand and drag me headfirst / fearless…” These are just some of the powerful lyrics from 18 year old country singer Taylor Swift’s most recent album, Fearless. On her first album, Taylor Swift, she wrote most of the songs, explaining past relationships that usually did not turn out well. Now she’s back belting out new songs that are

climbing up the charts.

During November, Taylor’s song, “Love Story” went to No. 5 on the Billboard Top 100, making it her sixth top 20 in 2008. Fearless sold over 600, 000 copies in the first week on sale. This album also sold 129, 046 copies digitally.

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Although Taylor Swift is only 18, she has made a lot of major accomplishments in the music world. Of the 15 songs featured on Fearless, 13 of them spent time on the Hot 100. “Love Story” went No. 1 on the radio two weeks in a row. On November 29, Taylor won an AMA for Favorite Female Artist- Country.

This album is full of Taylor’s amazing insight. “In your life you’ll do greater things than dating a boy on the football team,” from the song “Fifteen,” shows Taylor’s perception of high school, giving us something to relate to. “Now it’s too late for you / and your white horse, to come around” are just a few of the lines from Taylor’s newest released single, “White Horse,” about a boy who was not right for Taylor.

Taylor Swift is also famous for her songs about harsh breakups and boy troubles. Whether it’s a boy who doesn’t notice how much she likes him or Taylor belting her anger out in a song, she holds nothing back and her songs are sure to be hits. Some of my favorite songs on Fearless include “Hey Stephen,” “Best Day” and “Change.”

With two successful albums before her 19th birthday, Taylor Swift is here to stay. Originally just a small town girl from Wyomissing, PA, Taylor Swift has turned her talent into extraordinary music for all her fans to hear. To listen to some of her songs or learn more about her, check out her website, www.taylorswift.com. Taylor Swift’s sound is inspiring and makes an impact on fans, so check out her new album on iTunes!

Jessica McGilvery

Yes of course you love your ice cream and your chips and all other kinds of junk food, but you can also love organic and healthier food. When people hear the term “organic” or all “natural,” many common reactions include: Never mind! Eww! Let’s go to the next aisle! But really, it’s not that bad and is a lot better for you than conventional foods. Once you start eating organic foods I guarantee that you will find a lot of organic foods actually taste better than conventional processed foods.

Organic food is grown in order to keep the natural health values. It is grown with absolutely NO pesticides, and keeps the health of the soil and the plants. It is much healthier due to higher antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Conventional foods usually have fewer nutrients and lots of times aren’t nearly as pure. Without all the pesticides your foods taste a lot better, especially your fruits and vegetables. Organic farming is also better because it uses less energy and produces less waste than conventional farming. The soil is much more rich in nutrients because of the natural resources used in their farming and because there are not any pesticides. This saves many ecosystems that would normally have been damaged or killed from the pesticides. So why shouldn’t you eat organic?

Many people say that they would get organic foods but they are too expensive. I can sympathize with this, though not all organic foods are more expensive. The way I think of it is, how much money do you spend at the doctor’s, or just paying for medicine when you get sick? If you just bought organic healthier foods regularly then you would be healthier in general, and would not need expensive doctor’s visits. Spend your money to just eat and live healthier, and use your sick days at work or school to do something fun!

Another benefit to organic foods and farming is that the animals that are raised just for consumption have a better life than most animals that are raised for food. It is better to buy organic meat because the animals have better living conditions where they can freely graze rather than being cooped up in small, over-crowded pens.

Eating organic is just a better idea than eating conventional foods. Your food tastes better and it is healthier for you because there aren’t any chemicals on them. Not only that, but organic farmers are way more environmentally friendly. The organic farmers also care about the animals’ lives and do not keep them in unkempt or crowded areas. So next time you are at a grocery store, like Giant, Redners, or Genuardi’s, definitely don’t skip over the organic foods aisle. Grab that organic fruit, or those yummy organic chips. Or, even better, go to Kimberton Whole Foods or Trader Joes; both have a wide variety of organic foods throughout the whole store.

Alexander Miller

In the past month the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club here at the high school traveled to Immaculata University for the Regional District 12 competitions. Several Phoenixville Area High School students placed in Regionals and are now moving on to State competitions. Each contestant must select a category to compete in: business, sports and marketing, or accounting. Contestants must prepare a resume, be interviewed, and take a written test in order to qualify. Marissa Rock, a senior at the high school, placed first place as Ms. FBLA. Ms. FBLA is a category for competition. Marissa stated, “Many people don’t compete in the Ms. FBLA category because it is very nerve-wracking. You must take a written test, and be interviewed.” Other students that placed at Regionals include Brynna Labik in Accounting 1, Nick Rabena in Computer Applications, Matt Peeling and John Borelli in Accounting 2, Tyler Lutz in Sports Marketing, and Alex Kray in Business Calculations. Each of those students will move onto States and represent Phoenixville Area High School. Perhaps some of these students will move on to Nationals!

FBLA has also established a yearlong “focus” on helping people who are less fortune than we are. They have held a toiletry drive to collect various toiletry items for those who are in poverty and they collected enough to fill two rows of tables in Mrs. Jenkins’ room. They have also held a luncheon for senior citizens at the Phoenixville Civic Center, and finally, they caroled for senior citizens at the Golden Living Home. Many senior citizens came out of their rooms to listen and watch. Many were clapping and singing along! FBLA students also brought leftover baked goods from the senior luncheon to give to the senior citizens who decided to listen to and watch the FBLA members carol.

FBLA sponsor and advisor Mrs. Jenkins stated, “I am extremely proud of my students, because they are the ones that prepare, work hard, and show up to the events. This group of students are of high caliber and show leadership potential and responsibility.”

Congratulations to all Phoenixville FBLA members who participated in the Regional competition, and a special congratulation to those members who have placed and are moving onto States.

By Charles Hanlon

Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image. The conductor entered, stood in front of 160 of the region’s best young vocalists, raised his baton, then instantly harmonious sound spread across the auditorium like warm butter on bread.

Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image. From January 15 to January 17, Phoenixville welcomed the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12 Choir Festival. The District Choir is comprised of 160 of the area’s best vocalists.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Seven students represented Phoenixville at the Festival. The participants were Andrew Cappelli (Tenor 1), Thomas Cappelli (Tenor 1), Andrew Williams (Bass 1), Liam Snead (Bass 1), Jessica Mahan (Soprano 2), Sarah Schaefer (Soprano 2), and Julie Weicheld (Soprano 2). Of the seven students, Sarah Schaefer, Liam Snead, and Andrew Cappelli will be representing Phoenixville at the Regional Choir Festival.

Your browser may not support display of this image. At 2:30 pm on January 17 the auditorium doors opened and parents, friends, and teachers filled the auditorium. When the concert started at 3 pm, the auditorium was packed.

Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image. The concert was guest conducted by Dr. William A. Payn. Dr. Payn is the Director of Choral Studies at Bucknell University, where he conducts several choirs that have gained national recognition. Dr. Payn has written over 30 published compositions. Bucknell awarded Dr. Payn with the highest award for inspirational teaching, “the Class of ’56 Lectureship.”

Mrs. Nice said that “though the task of hosting the PMEA District 12 Choral Festival was a daunting one, it has been most enjoyable. The highlight, certainly, has been watching the young people involved interact with one another and our highly esteemed guest conductor, Dr. William Payn.”

This year’s District Choir featured amazing talent and wondrous harmony. Good luck to those students attending the Regional Choir Festival!!!