Students Receive Scholarships from NH Auto Show

Row behind the car: Kelly Turner, Ryan Moss, Thomas Hische, Nicole Kelner, David Morin, Brett Wachtendorf
Row in front of car: Shirley Liu, Audrey Neumann, Mary Clare Cosner, Erin Moss, Caitlin Kerr
Not pictured: Kristen Taylor

The New Hope-Solebury Community Association in conjunction with the New Hope Automobile Show announced this year’s recipients of their annual Scholarship Fund for 12 New Hope-Solebury High School graduates. Each student was awarded $1,000. The scholarships are made possible through the proceeds raised from the New Hope Automobile Show. Every year, the New Hope Automobile Show raises thousands of dollars, which are contributed to academic scholarships and various local civic/community clubs and organizations.

The students are photographed with the stylish and 2011 New Hope Automobile poster car, a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, courtesy of owner Gene Epstein. The 54th Annual New Hope Automobile Show takes place on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday August 14 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, rain or shine on the grounds of New Hope-Solebury High School. Visit http://www.newhopeautoshow.com/ for more information

COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Patti Cosner, MaryClare Cosner, Ellen Anthonisen, Frank Cosner, Jr.
Scholarship Committee Member Ralph Prosceno, Community School Coordinating Director Nancy Lawson, Dr. Stephen Young, Dr. Raymond Boccuti, Scholarship Committee Member Earlene Austin, and Scholarship Committee Chairman Larry Weikel

On June 9th, the Community School of New Hope-Solebury presented New Hope-Solebury High School senior Mary Clare Cosner with a $1000 scholarship. Scholarship committee chairman, Larry Weikel, presented the award along with past president Ellen Anthonisen and committee members Nancy Lawson, Earlene Austin and Ralph Prosceno. There to witness the presentation of the scholarship were superintendent, Ray Boccuti and high school principal, Stephen Young, as well as the parents of Mary Clare.

The Community School’s mission is to offer continuing education through creative, physical, and intellectual opportunities. “We believe the lifeblood of our community is our teachers, our Board members, and especially our students,” remarked Weikel. “With this in mind, a committee was formed to award a NH-S graduating senior a scholarship to further his or her educational pursuit.” The seven qualities which the Board look for are community service, financial need, passion, overcoming adversity, leadership, initiative, and academics.

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TO GET UNIQUE LOOK AT U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY WHILE ATTENDING FAST-PACED SUMMER SEMINAR

Connor Gauvin, a junior at New Hope-Solebury High School, will participate in the 2011 U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar program in Annapolis, Maryland. The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) invited a select group of approximately 2,250 young men and women from around the nation and internationally to attend the Naval Academy Summer Seminar program this year. Summer Seminar is a fast-paced experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school and are considering applying for admission to USNA after graduation.

Summer Seminar teaches prospective applicants about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation's leaders. Each student will attend a six-day session and experience a part of USNA life. Students in the program live in Bancroft Hall (the dormitory in which all USNA midshipmen live), eat in the dining hall, participate in academic and leadership workshops and participate in daily physical training involving group runs and conditioning exercises. They will have an opportunity to see first-hand what the Naval Academy has to offer through its exceptional academic, athletic, extracurricular activities and leadership training programs.

For more information on the U.S. Naval Academy and the Summer Seminar program, visit http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/nass.htm. For more information on the Naval Academy, visit http://www.usna.edu.

LACROSSE STUDENT EARNS ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN

Tommy with his parents (standing from left): Dr. Stephen Young (principal), Sean Gracey (Assistant Coach), Patrick Ryan (Coach) and Ted Harrington (Athletic Director)

On June 10, New Hope-Solebury High School senior, Tommy Sutton, was presented the US Lacrosse Academic All-American award by his coaches and school administrators. A US Lacrosse Academic All-American is a player who exhibits exemplary lacrosse skills and excellent sportsmanship on the field while also representing high standards of academic achievement in the classroom. Additionally, a US Lacrosse Academic All-American has left his mark by making significant contributions of service to the school or community.

"Tommy Sutton's hard work on the lacrosse field and in the classroom over the last four years has been justified by his receiving the Academic All American award from the EPSLA and US Lacrosse respectively,” commented coach, Patrick Ryan.
“I am proud to know him and see him as the prime example of what all New Hope Solebury student athlete should strive to be both in competition and in academics."

JUNIOR AWARDED S.Y.S.T.E.M.S. SCHOLARSHIP

On behalf of the S.Y.S.T.E.M.S. Program (Stimulating Your Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Students), program coordinator, Michael Daly, announced that New Hope-Solebury junior, Jaxon Vallely, is a recipient of the S.Y.S.T.E.M.S. Star scholarship.
Jaxon received the scholarship to support his summer traineeship at UPHCSA (University of Pittsburg Health Careers Scholars Academy), formerly the Govenor's School for the Health Sciences.

The S.Y.S.T.E.M.S. program was initiated in collaboration with the NHSHS Parent Teacher Forum. The program introduces students to the diversity of career options available in the sciences. Each program features 5 adults (Ambassadors) that give a very personal overview of how they got interested in science, what training they received, what they do now and what they love about science. “These programs are highly interactive and not didactic,” said program coordinator, Michael Daley. “In addition, each of our Ambassadors has volunteered to serve as Mentors for the Senior Culminating Project for those interested in a science related topic”.

NEW HOPE HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Stephen Young (principal), Edwin Hild (NHHS Scholarship Committee chair), Matt Rodrigues, Ben Meadows (NHHS President), Jon Gonsiewski (New Hope-Solebury History teacher) and Les Isbrandt (NHHS Scholarship Committee member)

On June 8th, New Hope-Solebury senior, Matthew Rodrigues, received the 2011 Francis Curley Scholarship from the New Hope Historical Society. On hand to present the award were NHHS president, Ben Meadows, NHHS Scholarship Committee Chair, Edwin Hild and NHHS Scholarship Committee member, Les Isbrandt.

The criteria for scholarship candidates are as follows:
1. Planned to attend at an accredited university or college
2. Further academic study in the broad field of Social Studies
3. Demonstrated excellence in NH-S HS Social Studies course work
4. Community involvement
5. A student whose selection Francis Curley would have agreed with
6. Overall GPA

The New Hope Historical Society established the Francis Curley Memorial Scholarship in 2003 to be awarded to a civic minded New Hope Solebury High School senior who has displayed excellence in Social Studies and who is going on to a post secondary formal education in the broad field of Social Sciences.

“The scholarship honors Francis Curley’s many outstanding contributions which fostered a greater public appreciation for New Hope’s unique history,” said Isbrandt. “ His work in the Historical Society and our community will forever be remembered as an excellent model of how one individual can make a lasting impact. Until his death in 2001, Francis Curley was considered New Hope’s premier historian. After serving in the US Army during WWII, he taught history and social studies at the New Hope Solebury High School from 1957 to 1980. Francis was a member of the Lambertville and Bucks County Historical Societies and was an officer and director of the New Hope Historical Society. He also taught, as a volunteer, at Delaware Valley Community College”.

“On behalf of the members of the New Hope Historical Society, we want to thank the school district for giving us the opportunity to participate in the Senior Scholarship program,” remarked Isbrandt. “This is the ninth year that the Society has given scholarships to NH-S High School seniors. In total, including this year’s grant, the Society will have awarded ten $1,000 scholarships to deserving students”.

SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED IN PRINCIPAL’S NAME

On May 26th, senior Tommy Sutton was awarded the Dr. Stephen B. Young scholarship by the New Hope-Solebury High School Parent Teacher Forum. The scholarship, which will be awarded annually, was established this year to honor the retirement of the high school principal, Dr. Young. The criteria of the scholarship is based upon the three characters which Dr. Young embraced in his seventeen years as principal: thought, civility and joy.

The scholarship is awarded to students who (1) establish clear pattern and thoughtful engagement in the school curriculum (academics/clubs/sports),
(2) are a model of civility in their interaction among peers and adults (involvement in student government, service clubs, a peacemaker and a coalition builder) and
(3) express joy in interaction among those peers and adults as well as the academic and social aspects of school.

“Dr. Young's years of experience, success with staff and students, and his irreproachable character, calm demeanor and genuine nature will be sorely missed,” stated the Parent Teacher Forum board. “We thank him for his 17 years of wonderful service to our school district, and we wish him the very best in all future endeavors.”

Contributions, made payable to NH-S Parent Teacher Forum with a memo notation for "Dr. Young scholarship", can be dropped off in the high school office or can be mailed to: Parent Teacher Forum, c/o NH-S High School, 182 West Bridge St., New Hope, PA 18938.

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SAY A TEARFUL GOOD-BYE

Click on video to open in full-screen


On June 7th, New Hope-Solebury High School students and teachers surprised their beloved principal with a farewell assembly since he is retiring after seventeen years. As Dr. Young entered the school auditorium, students and teachers stood and cheered as Rod Stewart’s Forever Young played. Clapping and shouts of adornment continued as photographs of Dr. Young throughout the years were projected on the screen. Student leaders then presented him with kind words and lasting gifts.

Student government president, Nick Kinsley, let Dr. Young know that a wild lion in Africa has been adopted in his name on behalf of the student government: a fitting gift as the lion is the school mascot. “Dr. Young has given us a sense of community that most other schools can’t match. And most of all, he’s given us pride,” commented Nick.

Next, students presented Dr. Young with gifts that represent his school motto of “Thought, civility and joy.” For “thought”, student officers Emma Natale and Lindsey Czajkowski presented Dr. Young with journals for students to write their thoughts and sentiments about him. “He has created a safe and accepting place for us to learn and grow,” commented Emma.

Representing “civility”, National Honor Society president, Elizabeth Lucy, advised Dr. Young that the school’s National Honor Society committee donated a patio set to the school’s library courtyard in his honor. The cement table is painted with the words “Thought, Civility, Joy.” “ It is our belief that the table will be a place to gather, work together, collaborate and create stability,” commented Elizabeth.

For “joy”, senior class officer, Tom Hisch, presented Dr. Young with a plaque entitled, “The Stephen B. Young Courtyard” and announced that the library courtyard is dedicated in his name. “It’s clear to me that Dr. Young has derived much joy in his years here as high school principal,” said Tom. “Whether he is at a sporting event or some other extracurricular activity, or simple walking the halls, there is rarely a time when Dr. Young doesn’t possess an authentic smile.”

Student council member, Tim Gimple, was met with applause and laughter when he addressed Dr. Young and stated that the students wouldn’t be disappointed if he pulled a “Brett Favre” and came back from retirement.

Dr. Young concluded the celebration with words of appreciation and with words of encouragement and advice. His impromptu speech was touching and moving, bringing quite a few tears in the crowd. “I’ve loved my seventeen years here,” Dr. Young said through choked tears. “We couldn’t have a greater group of kids and faculty and a support of community. We really have something special and I ask that you maintain that. Build on it and cherish the time you have together as I have with you. I’ll remember this moment for the rest of my life.”

STUDENTS AWARDED FOR SAFETY BELT USE

On May 31st, students at New Hope-Solebury High School
were presented with a surprise award from the TMA Bucks (Transportation Management Association) and Bucks County Highway Safety. For the second year in a row, the high school students won the Bucks County High School Seatbelt Safety Challenge by showing the greatest percentage increase of seatbelt use in 2010-2011.Student drivers had the highest overall seatbelt use (97 percent) over 16 other Bucks County high schools. The student government group was presented with $500 donated by TMA Bucks and was also awarded a perpetual trophy plaque by TMA Bucks executive director Bill Rickett. The prize must be used by the school for safety-related purposes.

On that day, the students also learned about the dangers of drinking and driving through a Safety Bug program and a demonstration of the “Jaws of Life.” The annual event was organized by NHS Cares, the New Hope Borough and Solebury Township Police departments, and the Eagle Fire Company. The “Jaws of Life” is a procedure used to extricate trapped victims of vehicular accidents. The student body watched as a donated vehicle was destroyed with saws and clamps of all sorts. The other event of the day was the “Safety Bug” program, in which licensed students drove a custom-engineered car that simulates the effects of drunk driving. The program was delivered by the Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association. The events were in anticipation of the upcoming Junior-Senior Prom which was held on June 3rd.

NH-S SENIOR CHOSEN AS "BEST OF CLASS 2011"

NH-S senior, Eliot Avery Reshetar-Jost, has been selected by WPVI-TV 6ABC as part of “The Best of Class 2011.” Eliot was nominated as the top high school senior because of his outstanding academic standing.

NH- S STUDENT PLACES FIRST AT STATE ORCHESTRA

On April 13th through April 16th, Greg Chen of New Hope-Solebury High School participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All State Orchestra Festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Greg placed first in the second violin section which is the highest placement for any NH-S student in over 10 years. The State Orchestra festival is the culminating concert of the 2011 PMEA calendar. Greg successfully auditioned for the Bucks County , District 11 , and Region 6 music festivals before achieving “first chair” status at the All-State level.

“I received a letter from the Pennsylvania Legislator of Bucks County congratulating me for getting into States which was very cool,” remarked Chen. “I would especially like to thank Mr. Wehr, my violin teacher, and my mum who tirelessly drove me to all my lessons.”

NH-S HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVE JOB ASSISTANCE

Junior, Lauren McClusick, is congratulated on the acceptance of her new position

at Lambertville Station by Kate Graff (left) and Linda Matthews.

On April 27th, a student job fair was held for high school students at the New Hope-Solebury Upper Elementary School. The event was sponsored by the high school Parent Teacher Forum and the New Hope Chamber of Commerce. The high school guidance department provided booklets with information on how to obtain working papers, safety tips for job hunting and how to prepare a resume.

Representatives from various local businesses were on hand including Giant Food Store, Lambertville Station, New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Coach, Sugar Daddy's Candy Store, and The Stephan House Inn.

STUDENTS HEAR A HEART-FELT PRESENTATION

On April 27th, 9th graders of New Hope-Solebury High School heard an important message about obesity and the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. Coordinated through the high school’s health department, cardiologist Dr. David Smith from Doylestown Hospital talked to the students about the unsettling trend of obesity in America and the impact it is having on our overall health and life expectancy. Smith remarked that teenagers today may be the first generation which does not out-live the life span of their parents. He talked about the teenage trend of eating fast food and poor exercise habits due to increased computer and video game use.
“The best news for me as a cardiologist is that today we’ve never had better options and equipment available to take care of people’s hearts and their overall health. The worst news is that the lifestyle of Americans has never been worse in respect to their health,” said Smith.

Also on hand, was ultrasound technician, Patrice Blanchard, of Doylestown Hospital. After Smith showed the students images of ultrasounds of some unhealthy hearts, Blanchard took student volunteers and projected images of their hearts for the group to see. Thankfully, the volunteers’ hearts appeared to be healthy and normal! Students also had an opportunity to closely examine the hearts of a pig and cow so that they could get a real-life perspective of this organ which they have been learning about in health classes.

Smith and Blancard have been giving these presentations to school students for years in hopes that teenagers make positive changes in their lifestyles. “If I’ve made just one student make a positive change today, then this presentation is well worth my time,” said Smith.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ENTERED INTO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Elise Kalinovich, Greg Chen, Jaxon Vallely, Stephen Young, Kevin Li, Wesley Michaels, Victoria Hung and Samuel Present

On April 27, New Hope-Solebury High School principal, Stephen Young, announced that seven of their juniors have met the requirements to enter the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. With a Selection Index score of 202 or above on the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), these students are each among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants of some 1.5 million program entrants. Because these high performers have shown outstanding academic potential, they are now invited to be referred to two colleges or universities in the United States in which they are especially interested.

16,000 of the students who meet the program requirements will be named National Merit Program Semifinalists in September. These students will represent the top scorers in each state. Approximately 34,000 other high scorers will be commended for their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.

NHS SENIOR AWARDED NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

New Hope-Solebury senior, David Dwight, has been selected as the winner of a National Achievement $2,500 Scholarship. The National Achievement Scholarship Program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), and this Scholarship is underwritten by NMSC with its own funds.

More than 160,000 students who took the 2009 PSAT/NMSQT entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program and also requested consideration in the National Achievement Program, in which only Black Americans participate. Both competitions are conducted by NMSC. Last fall, some 1,600 participants in the National Achievement Program were named Semifinalists. They were designated in several geographic regions on a representational basis, in proportion to the total number of Black Americans in each region. Only these Semifinalists continued in the Achievement Scholarship competition, and approximately 1,300 of them fulfilled requirements necessary to become Finalists. All winners of more than 800 National Achievement Scholarships, worth more than $2.5 million, are being chosen from the group of outstanding Finalists.

David will be attending Washington University in St. Louis in the fall.

NHS SENIOR AWARDED MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

New Hope-Solebury senior, Shirley Liu, has been selected as the winner of a corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship award. The name of the Scholarship is National Merit Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Scholarship, sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Inc.

From approximately 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program, only about 16,000 were named Semifinalists. They were designated on a state representational basis, in proportion to each state’s percentage of the national total of high school graduating seniors. In order to advance in the competition and be considered for a merit Scholarship award, a Semifinalist had to become a Finalist by fulfilling several requirements that included submitting a detailed scholarship application and presenting a record of very high academic performance. All winners of about 8,400 National Merit Scholarships are being chosen from the group of approximately 15,000 distinguished Finalists.

Shirley will be attending Shreyer's Honor College at Penn State in the fall.

NH-S STUDENTS HELP CHILDREN OF JAPAN

Koren O’Leary was one of the biggest contributors of origami cranes.

Students at New Hope-Solebury High School helped to make a difference to the children of Japan by creating origami cranes. Encouraged by art teacher, Dawn Ferber, students throughout the school busied themselves by creating paper cranes of various colors and sizes. Ferber then delivered those cranes to the OshKosh clothing store which, for every paper crane received, donated one piece of children’s clothing to Japan. OshKosh ran this very special promotion during the month of April to aide the children who suffered from the recent tsunami and earthquakes.

“Together, the students created over 500 cranes,” exclaimed Ferber. “It’s wonderful that our students were able to give help towards such a great cause.”

NH-S STUDENTS GET AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AT SECRET SERVICE

On April 12th, New Hope-Solebury High School social studies teacher, Mr. Achenbach, hosted a former student from the NH-S class of 2005 to speak about his training and experiences since high school. Cory Beauregard discussed his college training, his years with the local fire station, his working for local law enforcement and his entrance into the Secret Service. He used Google Earth views of Washington, DC, to highlight the need for security for the President, Vice President and foreign diplomats. Students were able to ask questions about the difficulty of the training and the nature of his daily duties in protecting the president’s family.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT EXCELS ON TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

From March 30th to April 3rd, close to 100 New Hope-Solebury music students traveled to San Francisco to perform in the Heritage Music Festival. The students were accompanied by Band instructor, David Bachart, Choir instructor, Tom Bateman, and Strings instructor, Nick Wehr. “Students had the opportunity to experience one of our nation’s greatest cities as well as have the opportunity to perform on the Davie’s Symphony Hall stage,” exclaimed Bachart. “All of our performance groups played at a top level leaving everything on the stage."

Sophomore, Andrews Connors, received the Maestro Award which is the top soloist award for the competition. The other awards received are: Concert Choir - Superior - Second Place Wind Ensemble - Superior - First Place Jazz Ensemble - Superior - First Place Chamber Orchestra - Excellent - Second Place

HELP JAPAN BY CREATING A CRANE

OshKosh is offering a special promotion to help the children of Japan and NH-S students are invited to take part! For every origami crane which is created and shared with OshKosh, they will donate an article of clothing for a child in Japan. Paper and instructions can be found in the high school library. "One hundred of our students have already created cranes," says art teacher, Ms. Ferber! Be a part of this very special contribution. Hurry! The deadline is April 25th!

STUDENTS RECEIVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DRIVING SAFETY

On April 1st, Trooper First Class Steve Groman gave two separate presentations on safe driving to juniors and seniors at New Hope-Solebury High School. Trooper Groman recounted numerous incidents of serious automobile accidents involving teenagers and explained how those accidents may have been avoided with careful safety precautions. Also on hand for the presentations was Robert Johns, director of Bucks County Community Traffic Safety.

Groman and Johns told the students that they would be entered into the Bucks County High School Seatbelt Safety Challenge once again this year. Last year, the NH-S students won the challenge which is sponsored by TMA Bucks (Transportation Management Association) and Bucks County Highway Safety. The students showed the greatest percentage increase of seatbelt use in 2009-2010 and the school was presented with $500 and a perpetual trophy plaque. Baseline surveys on seatbelt usage by student drivers are conducted at high schools throughout the county without the knowledge of the schools in order to ensure the most accurate data sampling.

The safety presentations on April 1st were endorsed by the NH-S Cares committee whose mission is to champion the healthy and full development of all youth in the New Hope-Solebury Community.

Trooper Gorman addresses students' questions after the presentation.

JOURNALISM STUDENTS EARN AWARDS

Drew Giorgi, Emma Singer, Angie House and Will Hicks

Three of Mr. Giorgi's journalism students have earned writing awards from The Intelligencer's Newspapers in Education. Senior -Will Hicks, sophomore -Angie House and freshman - Emma Singer each were selected as first-place winners in the 2011 Write a Poem Contest. In addition, Emma Singer was also selected as a first-place winner in the 2011 Design a Business Ad Contest. They and their families are invited to an awards ceremony at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit on April 14th where they will receive a medal and certificate commemorating their achievements. They will also be featured in a special issue of The Intelligencer on May 11th.

VIOLIN STUDENT ADVANCES TO STATE COMPETITION

New Hope-Solebury junior, Greg Chen, placed 6th on violin in the Regional Orchestra festival on March 10th at West Chester East High School. Greg will be moving on to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All State Orchestra competition on April 13th in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

AWARD-WINNING PAINTING DONATED TO NH-S HIGH SCHOOL

Principal, Stephen Young, accepts painting donation from Pamela Miller

On March 8, artist, Pamela Malabre Miller, generously donated her painting, January Afternoon Moon, to New Hope-Solebury High School. Pamela’s son, Tim, had attended New Hope-Solebury schools since kindergarten and graduated in 2006. “I’m giving the painting to the library as a thumbs-up to the district, teachers and principal, Dr. Young,” remarked Pamela. “This painting is award-winning and has been quite successful for me. It’s a pleasure to have it on display in the high school library.”

Pamela received both a bachelor of Arts degree in Art and a teacher certificate in Art Education from Northland College in Wisconsin. She has been painting with pastels for over twenty years and has won numerous awards for her paintings, as well as her ceramics. January Afternoon Moon has won the Radcliffe Gallery Award for Traditional Bucks County Landscape in 2009 at the Phillips Mill 80th Annual Fall Show and an award from the Lambertville House given at the 29th annual Lambertville and the Surrounding Area winter show. It was also accepted into the first juried art show for the New Hope Art League held at the Prallsville Mill, Stockton, NJ in 2010.

January Afternoon Moon is a scene of hayrolls on Kitchens Lane in Solebury before it became a housing community. “I like to compose landscapes defined by intense color and the changing light of day,” said Pamela. “Many of my landscapes represent the round shape in the familiar form of the hayroll. These hayrolls are part of the local New Hope scene that will soon disappear.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have this beautiful painting on display in our library,” said principal, Stephen Young.

STUDENTS GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT SCIENCE-RELATED CAREERS

S.Y.S.T.E.M.S. (Stimulating Your Science Technology Engineering and Math Students), is a New Hope-Solebury High School program which conducts multiple sessions throughout the school year about science-related careers. On March 22 from 7:00 – 8:00pm in the district’s administrative board room, one such session will be lead by founder and director, Michael Daley, Phd. He and local community and parent volunteers that work in science related careers will give a brief and personal overview of how they got interested in science, what training and education was required, what they do now and what they love about a career in science. The five ambassadors on the panel are:

an RN that went on to get her MBA and now has a company that does marketing support for the pharmaceutical industry
a PhD trained in Biochemistry that is a Research Assistant Professor at Rutgers
a practicing veterinarian that trained at the University of Pennsylvania
an environmental and geological scientist who works as a geotechnical consultant
an RN who now consults for pharmaceutical companies for medical writing and drug safety

“We invite you to come and hear how these scientists have enjoyed a challenging and rewarding career in science,” said Daley. There will also be applications for the 2011 the SYTEMS Star Summer Scholarship Award. New Hope-Solebury juniors can qualify for up to a $1000 scholarship for internships in a STEM related field this summer. “Come get an application (due May 16th ) and hear the specifics, as well as get updated on even more exciting SYTEMS Programs to come!” exclaimed Daley.

Click here for a S.Y.S.T.E.M.S. brochure!

NH-S STUDENTS CELEBRATE READING

Top photo: Senior, Rob Parla, plays the guitar as principal, Ken Silver, and sophomore, Will Shadle, listen on.

Photo below: Sophomore, Nevin Rae, reads to a group of kindergartners.

On March 2nd, approximately twenty New Hope-Solebury High School students visited the district’s Lower Elementary school and read to the kindergartners and second graders. The trip, which was arranged by reading specialists Emi Lengyel and Nancy Rachlin, was in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Senior, Rob Parla, played his guitar for the students in addition to the reading.

“There was a mutual joy of reading between the older students and the younger students,” said Dr. Lengyel.

STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY INSPIRED BY MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

NHS Care Members John Warren and Frank Cosner, Milton Creagh, NHS Care Members Bill Reilly and Stephen Young (HS principal)

On February 22nd, New Hope-Solebury High School students were captivated by a presentation by Milton Creagh, a nationally recognized motivational speaker. A sizable man with a commanding presence, Creagh presented a straightforward, no-nonsense view of how drugs and alcohol can permanently change or end a life. Many times during Creagh’s presentation, he spoke directly to individual students about the dark reality of drug and alcohol use. He asked some tough questions about issues in the students’ lives, bringing attention to the fact that all communities must come to terms with addressing these concerns. “Do you think this just happens in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?” he inquired of the students. “No! Wake up, New Hope! It may look different here in your community, but you’re facing the same deadly issues as any other city.”
“I really liked him,” commented one freshman. “He was straightforward and really made an impact on all of us.”

In the evening, Creagh addressed the community in a presentation on how parents can help their children grow to be responsible and successful adults. This presentation was equally direct as his talks with students earlier in the day. Parents were encouraged to set reasonable limits for their children and to communicate directly and honestly with them on topics related to work ethic, the value of the dollar and the management of social and relational issues.

The presentations were sponsored by the NH-S Cares committee whose mission is to champion the healthy and full development of all youth in the New Hope-Solebury Community. Creagh, who has previously visited New Hope-Solebury through NH-S Cares sponsorship, is well known for his tough, inspirational talks to teenage students. He has served on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Expert in Residence program, has been invited to the White House, and has authored a book, Nobody Wants Your Child, about how to prepare young adults for the global workforce.

NH-S JUNIOR ADVANCES TO DEBATE FINALS

On February 4th and 5th, the New Hope-Solebury High School Debate Team competed in the 25th annual Pennsbury Falcon Invitational (PFI) at Pennsbury High School. PFI is a national tournament with over 50 schools competing.
Kevin Li, a junior, advanced to the Quarter Finals in the Lincoln Douglas debate. Of 89 participants, Li earned a 3rd seed spot for the out rounds. Out rounds started with a double octofinal bracket (top 32) and Li advanced to the semifinalist level. He lost to Elk Lake’s Austin Cohen who went on to win the tournament.
Li will be competing in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Debate League Finals held at New Hope-Solebury High School on February 16th.

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Stephen Young, principal of New Hope-Solebury High School, announced that seniors Tom Hische and Shirley Liu have advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program. They will each now be considered for the National Merit Scholarships offered in the spring of 2011.
More than 1.5 million juniors entered the 2011 National Merit Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. These students now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 8,400 Merit Scholarship awards.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER TO VISIT NH-S COMMUNITY

On February 22nd, the New Hope-Solebury High School will host Milton Creagh, a nationally recognized motivational speaker. During the school day, Creagh will speak to both middle school and high school students about the effect of drug and alcohol use and its impact on making responsible decisions. In the evening, the community is invited to his presentation on how parents can help their children grow to be responsible and successful adults. The community presentation will be held at 7:00pm in the Stephen J. Buck auditorium at no charge. All are welcome.

The presentations are sponsored by the NHS Cares committee whose mission is to champion the healthy and full development of all youth in the New Hope-Solebury Community. Creagh, who has previously visited New Hope-Solebury through NHS Cares sponsorship, is well known for his tough, inspirational talks to teenage students. He has served on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Expert in Residence program, has been invited to the White House, and has authored a book, Nobody Wants Your Child, about how to prepare young adults for the global workforce.

NH-S VIOLIN STUDENTS PROGRESS TO REGIONAL COMPETITION

Brett Wachtendorf, Kevin Li, Greg Chen, Nick Wehr and Jessica Bauer

Four New Hope-Solebury High School violin students will be competing in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s Regional VI orchestra competition at West Chester East High School in March. They are advancing from the districts competition which was held at Quakertown High School on January 27th, 28th and 29th.
The students placed as follows: Greg Chen (sophomore) – Second place, Brett Wachtendorf (senior) – Sixth place, Jessica Bauer (sophomore) - Tenth place and Kevin Li (junior) - Twelfth place.
“We have never had this many students achieve this success in the same year at NH-S,” commented orchestra instructor, Nick Wehr. “We are extremely proud of them!”

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST ANNOUNCED

Stephen Young, principal of New Hope-Solebury High School, announced that NH-S senior, David Dwight, has advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Dwight will now be considered for the National Merit Scholarships offered in the spring of 2011.
More than 1.5 million juniors in about 22,000 U.S. high schools entered the 2011 National Merit Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinialists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.

NHS STUDENTS PROGRESS TO DISTRICT ORCHESTRA AND BAND COMPETITION

Greg Chen, Rebecca Longworth, Brett Wachendorff, Jessica Bauer, Kevin Li and Andrea Detlefsen

Six New Hope-Solebury High School students are advancing to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association district competition for orchestra and band. They had competed in the auditions on December 11th at the Central Bucks East High School, along with five other New Hope-Solebury High School students. Senior, Rebecca Longworth, will be competing in the band district competition on flute from February 10th – 12th. Competing in the orchestra district competition on January 27th – 29th are senior, Brett Wachtendorff, juniors Kevin Li and Greg Chen, sophomore, Jessica Bauer, and freshman, Andrea Detlefsen, all on violin.

“A DAY OF HOPE”: GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS BRING AWARENESS TO EPILEPSY

Tess Frelick on the court

The New Hope-Solebury Girls Varsity Basketball team is joining the Princeton Day School’s (PDS) Girls Basketball team to raise awareness about epilepsy during a game between the two teams on Saturday, February 5th at 7:00 PM in the New Hope-Solebury High School gym.

Motivated by her own diagnosis with epilepsy, Tess Frelick, a junior on the NH-S basketball team, and her friend from PDS, Molly Rubin, came up with the idea of the game. They believe that the event will let other children and adolescents with epilepsy know they are not alone and will also educate the public about the condition. Molly, a teammate of Tess’ on an AAU basketball team, also has friends and family affected by epilepsy.

Tess is not only a stand-out guard on the basketball team, but also is on the varsity tennis and soccer teams. She was diagnosed with epilepsy during her freshman year.
“She is doing very well since being placed on medication. Epilepsy has not slowed her down, athletically or academically,” commented Tess’ mother, Terri Maxwell. Although Tess and Molly might battle on the basketball court on February 5th, the two girls and their teams are working together to dispel the myths, stigma and misunderstandings associated with epilepsy. The girls ask that the whole community come out and support “A Day of Hope” on Saturday, February 5th at 7 PM. There is no charge for the event. However, donations collected will go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. There is also a JV game at 5:30 PM.

Click here for a flyer about the event.
Click here for information about epilepsy.

NH-S HIGH SCHOOL HELPS STUDENTS PLAN FOR COLLEGE

Back row (from left): Hebat El-Turky (NH-S Guidance Counselor), Michelle Cosner (College Board) and Veronica Wierzbowski (NH-S Guidance Counselor).

Front Row (from left): Matt Middleton (The College of New Jersey), Susan Burns (Lafayette College), Steven Mostert (Pennsylvania State University), Kate Balboni (Drew University), Stephanie Wujcik (Bryn Mawr College), Holly Bull (Center for Interim Programs) and Gabriella Crimi (graduate of New Hope-Solebury High School).

On January 6^th, the New Hope-Solebury High School guidance department hosted a College Planning presentation for 10th and 11th grade students and their parents. Michelle Cosner, a representative from College Board, gave a presentation about the importance of the PSAT test and how to evaluate the results. In addition, a college admissions panel gave a presentation on the college application and admission process, followed by a question and answer session. Guidance counselors Veronica Wierzbowski and Hebat El-Turky arranged for and hosted the presentation which drew approximately 200 students and parents.