Nationalism and the Pledge

Staff Writer: Keaghan Knight

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of America, and to the republic for which stands one nation under god indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

This oath is recited every morning by millions of students. However I challenge the nationalistic speech, and call it out for manipulation. Children are forced to learn the pledge from a young age, but have no idea what they are reciting. These children cannot be expected to even understand what they are pledging allegiance to, let alone understand what they are mindlessly saying. Let’s take the line “liberty and justice for all”. Does America really follow this, does the LGBT community have equal rights, do women have equal rights in the workplace, and are African Americans being treated equally by our police force?

The pledge originated in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Christian socialist and extreme nationalist. It was originally drafted in an attempt to revive americanism among the youth. As a result thousands of schools began reciting the pledge as a part of their daily routine. The image was a classroom full of kids spewing the same thing day after day in unison. The pledge was accompanied by the bellamy salute, which looks very similar to the Nazi salute. If the government of any other country was forcing their children to do the same daily routine they would immediately be criticized. However in America the government cannot force any student to say the pledge of allegiance due to the first amendment. In the 1943 Supreme Court case West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, the Supreme Court ruled that students are not required to say the pledge.

One of the biggest reasons to not say the pledge is the addition of the phrase “under god”. The phrase was added 1954 as a way to distance ourselves from the atheistic communist state that the Soviets adopted. It was only an excuse used during the Cold War to add religious basis to our patriotism. The phrase itself needs to be taken out of the pledge, because it affiliates the government with a religion. “Under god” is clearly referencing the Christian god, and it discriminates against Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism etc. If the pledge incorporated the words “under Allah”, Americans would be outraged. It is time to lose the pledge, and the remnants of the cold war.

Slaying Hills

Staff writer: Stephen Searle

Snowboarding is a fun, thrilling, and all round crazy sport. Snowboarding has changed a lot since the 60's when it started to be marketed. It's nice have so many options these days for boards to ride but which one should you pick?

There is a type of snowboard called all mountain. Theses boards can go on mostly every terrain on the slopes.This board is mostly for going really fast down the crazy terrains up in the mountains. The shape is traditional camber. That means the board bends like an N.  

I feel the best all mountain board is the 2015 Lib Tech TRS. This board has lite fibers and it has a classic shape to it. Its a twin shape. This board was given the good wood award by Transworld snowboarding. this board is heavier. It turns better than the last year board. The pop on the board is pretty good if you want to hit a big ramp. It will start to get a little shaky with ice but its not to bad. This board will be a good ride for any snowboarder out there.

You could also get a park board. This type of board is meant if the park area mostly because of the shape. It has a twin, reverse camber shape. The boards are made very flexible so you can do tricks. Not the best for big mountain snowboarding.

  The board I would tell anyone to get for a fun time would be Capita The Outsiders. This board has a flex that is great for popping. The pop helps getting more air to make crazy  tricks.  This board doesn’t make up speed as fast as the other board. It’s not a board that should go far from the park. The sidecut blend zones toward its tips which helps going at high speeds and not catching the edge. This board has a wax infused Base so it's always very smooth. Made lighter this time. Personally out of these to I'd take the park board because I find that fun. It was also given the good wood award by Transworld snowboarding.

Marvel’s New All Female Team

The “A-Force” is the first all female team for Marvel.

As “The Avengers” are ending, they will be replaced with all female heroes. It seems that not everyone is excited about the new team, feeling as if the original team are being replaced. The original characters are being turned into females to make the new team, with only a few new and different members.

“She-Hulk, Dazzler, Medusa and Nico Minoru are Earth's mightiest superheroines in the pages of A-Force…”

As far as I’ve learned, “A-Force” will come out in May sometime.This new team is a huge step up from other all female comics, like “Marvel Diva”.

“We’ve purposefully assembled a team composed of different characters from disparate parts of the Marvel U, with very different power sets, identities and ideologies.”

“A-Force” is the first all female Avenger’s team, but it is not the first team to consist of all women. The “A-Force” will be going and saving civilians from all the evil villains.

"This new series will unite Marvel’s mightiest heroines with the exceptionally creative minds of writers G. Willow Wilson and Marguerite Bennett to craft a story full of epic battles, personal triumphs, and heart-stopping peril ... and an all-new character who will push the boundaries of diversity in comic books even further.”

“A-Force seeks to include a diverse cast of women, while also introducing a few new ones—including Singularity, a cosmically powered hero.”

When the idea was made up, Marvel had told G. Willow Wilson and editor, Daniel Ketchum to make their own team, the only rule was that it had to contain all women. There is even a new character, Singularity. Singularity is not even human, she is ‘cosmological’, and she does not have a specific gender, but chooses to be a female. She seems to be very interesting and cool, from what she is made to do and the superpowers she’s given.

“...according to Wilson, she is a pocket universe that gained self-consciousness during the radical upheaval of Secret Wars.”

“Wilson says they want to "strip it all the way down to the basics: What does it mean to be a woman and what would that look like to somebody who was learning about the human race as an outsider and is learning about what it means to have relationships with other people.”

So far the “A-Force” will consist of Wilson’s and fan’s favorite characters from Marvel Universe.  All in all though, they are trying to make the “A-Force” different from everything else, trying not to repeat anything done before, unless they have to.

So are you excited yet? I think it’s going to be pretty cool.

What’s the fresh new show on ABC that takes on race?

Fresh Off The Boat   

Staff Writer, Alyssa Reed

Have you see ABC’S new show Fresh Off The Boat? If you have not seen this shown then you should.This comedy show is like nothing else you have seen before. This show aired on February 4th 2015.  Fresh Off The Boat is about an Asian family moving from Chinatown Washington, D.C to Orlando Florida and they begin to quickly learn that it’s very different. They have to adjust to Florida being suburb and “White”.  The main characters in this show are Louis Huang, Jessica Huang, Eddie Huang, Emery Huang, Evan Huang. These characters are played by Randall Park, Constance Wu, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler, Ian Chen.  This show is just great and takes on race.  Fresh off the boat is a T.V. Series focusing on the perspective of Louis Huang and Jessica Huang's oldest son named Eddie. He is a hip-hop lover and wants to trade in his smelly tofu for a punch-able. He wants to do this to fit into his ‘White School”. Louis Huang is very busy in this show by trying to make his western themed steakhouse better. On the other hand Jessica Huang is busy trying to understand human nature and American dreams.

You’re Somebody’s Type

Staff writer Nevan McFoy

When: Friday, March 20, 2015

Where: Avon Grove Charter School Gym

Who: Sponsored by American Red Cross 

What:  How many pints of blood do you hope to have donated?

 NHS President Sarah Morris : Donors give one pint of blood from everyone who comes to the blood drive and are hoping to get 65-70 people.

     What is the minimum age for donating blood?

 In Pa you at least have to be 16  to  give blood and if  you are 16 you need a parent to sign a form but if you're a sophomore or senior you don't have to.

     What are some restrictions to donating blood?

Some restrictions are if you have traveled recently to certain places or had certain illnesses you won't be able to give blood.  There are also many weight restrictions such as being tiny so you have enough volume of blood in your body so you can be safe.

     Is there gonna be food and drinks at the blood drive?

       The Red Cross will be providing free snacks who ever donates blood and they encourage you to eat a lot before, and eat a lot after to stay feeling good after it.        

  Where does the blood go when the blood drive is over?

The blood gathered from the blood drive will be going to a number of hospitals in the pennsylvania area but most of it will be going to local places, but it it can also travel to other places if there is a shortage of blood.

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                           What will be your role in the whole event?

NHS Supervisor Mrs.Miller: The event will be run by NHS and we asked the American Red Cross to come in, and ill just be roaming around to make sure everything is taken care of. We're also gonna have some of the NHS students helping throughout the day.

              What NHS’s goal in running the blood drive/what do you hope to accomplish?

The main thing is to offer a service to the community to help the Red Cross to get donations of blood they need on a regular basis, and to provide an opportunity for people who want to give blood to do that easily here at school.

How do you sign up?

You'll be able to starting next week the NHS members will be able to take down information for who wants to,  also we will be having an assembly  on tuesday during 5TH-6TH period  where students can come to get more information to find out if they're eligible to donate.   

Time: 8 Am-1PM

2015: A Mind Odyssey

Staff Writer, Sarah Morris

“Team Ready?” With these two words months of preparation come to a head, and the problem begins. Odyssey of the Mind is an aptly named competition- it truly is a journey for your brain. Teams spend the months leading up to the competition creating a solution to the problem given to them, and presenting it to the judges in a performance. Nothing is off limits here, and creativity is rewarded above anything else. The catch though, is that each problem has very specific rules and regulations that the solution must meet.

The problems range from building extremely light structures out of balsa wood and glue, designed to hold as much weight as possible until they crush, to writing and performing some of the most creative, out there seven minute shows you will ever see. And Charter is sending teams to this competition for the sixth year now. Five teams from our school will compete this month for a chance to move onto the state competition with the problems they have worked all year to create their solutions to. I got to talk to some of our competitors about their experiences with the unique event. Amelia Martinie and Conor Dillon are both seniors competing who have been involved since they were in seventh grade. When asked about her best experience, Amelia told me about the time last year that her team won a “Ranatra Fusca” award for the balsa wood structure they built, which sent their team on to the state level competition. The best part though, she shares, was when she got to pie her coach, Mr. Hashagen, in the face at the end.

Conor shared how rewarding it is for him when everything has come together, and he gets to perform his solution on stage for the judges. But it’s not all fun and games. Amelia shared how much of a time commitment the competition is, and how much effort it takes to design the solution. Odyssey of the Mind is a unique experience for students that teaches them about teamwork and creativity. Our school’s teams have been working hard getting ready for the regional competition coming up on March 14th, so be sure to show your support, and wish them good luck!

An Eerie Feel to Anti-Semitism Germany

Staff writer, Justin Reed

The Jews of today in the western world are facing anti semitism that has reached a level close to the disastrous time that is World War II. Looking back to 1943, Denmark received orders from Berlin to arrest the Jewish population, which at that point reached nearly 8,000 men and women. The Danes managed to help nearly every Danish Jew escape into Sweden, and only 52 Danish Jews perished in the Holocaust (Braw).

Max Meyers, of Copenhagen Denmark remembers the time before the recent semitism, saying, “I could wear a Kippa if I wanted. There’s growing Semitism in Denmark. Some people have arrived here from the Middle East and bring their opinions about Israel with them…

But by Danes at large, We Jews are being held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government”

The man makes a good point, and one the world should consider. Not all of the Jewish people in the world have had a hand in the recent actions of the Israeli government, and should not be taking heat for any actions of Israel, their home land.

This idea, however, is not supported by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, after the killing of a Jewish security guard at a bar mitzvah celebration in Copenhagen, saying, “Israel is your home” (Braw).

Many Jews, including Rabbi, Shneur Kesselman have yet to pack their bags and journey home, he says,

To many Jews it’s a comfort knowing that they can move to Israel, especially after the Paris attacks when all these calls came, ‘Come to Israel, come to Israel. Jews have a right to live wherever they like, an in times of terror, Israel should focus on just that.

This is a problem that resides in more than just Denmark. Rod Nordland, of The New York Times, reports that the United States and Britain, two countries that have facilitated Jewish emigration from Yemen, along with most other Western countries, have closed their embassies. Yemeni Jews, and Jews of other Arab countries face constant scrutiny and persecution. Originally most Jews of Yemen lived in Saada Province. The Houthis, whose base is in Saada, force their anti semitic views through the nations, “Death to America, death to Israel, damnation to the Jews”.  

The Jews have every right to call their country, even if it is not Israel home, and should do so without having to stress over the views of their neighbors for their religious background. No other religious group has been targeted over the years quite like the Jews, and it’s about time that these people are given a break.

Rabbi, David Saperstein, U.S. ambassador for religious freedom puts it best, saying,

During my career, my mandate has indeed covered a wide range of issues, but there are few that have been as central to my heart as that of religious freedom, for like most Jews, I know all too well that over the centuries, the Jewish people have been a quintessential victim of religious persecution, ethnic cleansing, and demonization… Even in Western Europe we are witnessing a steady increase in anti-Muslim acts and rhetoric and anti-Semitic discourse and acts of desecration and violence against Jewish individuals, synagogues, and institutions and communities that we thought we would never, never see again after World War II

Perhaps it is time to move on from the views of the past, and see all people for who they are, and without judgement stemming from their religious views.

5 PA Tourist Attractions You Should Visit!

 (Staff Writer: Katelynn Roney)

Kennywood Amusement Park- It is located in West Mifflin, PA near Pittsburgh. The park first opened in 1898 and is still open with original vintage rides for anyone to have a great day spending it with family and friends. You could purchase a seasonal pass as well as just tickets for the day. There is a bunch of activities to do as you’re at Kennywood. You could also have your birthday party at Kennywood. It is a great place to check out during the summer!

Mt.  Washington and the Inclines- You cannot visit Pittsburgh without seeing this tourist attraction.  This tourist attraction is the best place to go for a “grand” view of Pittsburgh. Mt. Washington and the inclines was ranked the second most beautiful place in America in 2003.  During the nighttime, lights twinkle from both the city and more than 15 bridges. If you want to go on vacation this summer, this would be a great overlook for you and your family.

Hersheypark- Hersheypark is a great place to visit because there is many things to do while being there. There are 121 acres for the kids to play. They are located in Hershey PA. There are officially 12 roller coasters at the park, and a boardwalk as well. This tourist attraction is known as the chocolate world.  

                                                                         

The National Civil War Museum – This museum is the only one in the United States portrays the entire story about the civil war. It was established in 1990. A lot of school districts make arrangements for their students to take a field trip to explore the inside. Inside of the big building there is materials from the civil war back in time and has descriptions on them. This attraction is 

located in Harrisburg PA.

                                             

Farm Show-

This show is held in Gettysburg for everyone to come and enjoy him or herself as being there. This event is free and a great attraction if you're new to the area.  They make a giant sculpture made of butter every year. A few years ago in 2011, they showed a life size family and its cow eating a good farm breakfast. The breakfast was made out fi 1,000 lbs. of the yummy yellow fat. This event is held on January 8th till the 15th.

      

AGCS has Talent!

Staff Writer: Jesse Eckman

When will the show be?

March 11th from 7-8:30 PM at AGCS auditorium.

Who will be MC?

Mr. Majeed

Mr. Hashagan

Who will be judging it?

Ms.Stack

Mr.Scheller

Mrs.Kalmbach

Mr.June

Where/When were auditions held?

The auditions were held February 23rd to the 27th in Mr.June’s room, Mr.Cotter's room, and Mrs. Kalmbach’s room.

What will the rewards be?

1st place will get a $15 gift card. 2nd place will get a $10 gift card. 3rd will get a $5 gift card.

Who is sponsoring the talent show?

The National Honors Society.