Abby Whetzel – The Warrior Chronicles

What you need to know about Virtual Field Trips

thewarriorchronicles Around the School, In the Class May 13, 2020Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abby Whetzel

On Friday May 8th, the English, Mathematics and Language departments hosted a virtual field trip. In recent times, it is easy for students to become caught up with life under quarantine and overwhelmed surrounding their current remote learning workload. In order to combat this, teachers at NEHS have orchestrated virtual field trips in which students can embark on an exciting journey to several places that allow them to learn more about their world.

The first field trip was brought to students through the English Department. Students were able to take a walking tour of New York City through several 50 minute virtual reality videos featuring the different parts of the city. Students then were able to click through and look at all areas of the city and focus on what interested them most. Whether it was the historic buildings that lined nearly every side street or visiting the countless memorials and landmarks throughout the city. In addition to this, the English Department also presented students with a show at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, a hotspot for several monumental pieces of theatre.

Following this, the language department put together several field trips for students studying both Spanish and French. Students interested in Spanish will have several options for worldwide virtual travel including Machu Picchu (one of the new Seven Wonders of the World), the Basilica in Barcelona and several other prominent Spanish monuments. French students were able to embark on virtual guided tours of The Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower, both located in Paris, France.

The mathematics departments took students on an exclusive behind the scenes tour of EA sports, a popular gaming program responsible for games like Madden NFL, EA Sports FIFA, The Sims, and Battlefield. In their virtual field trip students were able to analyze the relationship between data and video game development, while also learning how data collection, statistics, and insights work in tandem to create an interactive gaming experience.

The English Department’s virtual field trip was a chance for students to apply the knowledge acquired in their core classes in order to have a fun and interactive experience entirely online. On behalf of everyone at the chronicles I would like to thank our teachers for putting together such a unique experience for students to pause from the everyday realities of our remote learning and create a comprehensive view of our subjects outside of the classroom. Make sure you don’t miss out on the coming virtual field trips on May 21st and June 5th.

Supporting Local Business One T-Shirt At a Time

thewarriorchronicles Town Talk May 11, 2020Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abby Whetzel

On Thursday, April 2nd, Plumsted Township School District created a fundraiser aimed at supporting local businesses here in New Egypt. The initiative originally named the Give Back Fundraiser partnered with local printing company Perks Custom Prints, in order to produce custom New Egypt “United We Battle” T-shirts. A message was released to the district through Student Square, the Plumsted Township School District’s communication platform, stating, “We understand the importance of the Stay Home movement, and we respect how important this is for flattening the curve of COVID-19. We also know, however, that staying home has great ramifications for local businesses and families.”

The fundraiser quickly gained traction through social media as orders piled in throughout the district. However, the T-shirts could not be delivered traditionally due to social distancing concerns, John Percodani, owner of Perks Custom Prints recalled. Instead, the Percodanis took a unique approach in order to deliver the custom t-shirts to their customers. John began brainstorming a remote control or drone that would drop packages to the customers curbside. However, John’s final idea gained much more appreciation through his customers. The Percodanis created a makeshift zipline that took shirts from their garage all the way to customers waiting curbside. Beth Kimmick looks back on receiving her shirts through the zipline, “I picked up my United We Battle T-Shirts with full social distancing rules in place! Proud to support the Plumsted Township School District Giveback Fundraiser. Thank you Perks Custom Prints for helping us be Warrior Strong!”

This fundraiser not only helped boost morale during these uncertain times, but also helped to support local businesses that make New Egypt so unique. Proceeds made by the District would be donated to local businesses struggling to keep their doors open in light of the current pandemic. In fact, in a statement the initiative pledged to support local businesses through gift cards, “The Plumsted Township School District will use all profits from the sale to support local New Egypt businesses through the purchase of gift cards. Those gift cards will then be distributed to families in need from our community.” Great job to the Percodani Family! Stay safe New Egypt!

Blue Angels and Thunderbirds Sent Out Over NY/NJ to Raise Spirits During Pandemic

thewarriorchronicles Town Talk April 30, 2020Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abby Whetzel

Tuesday April 28th, the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flew over several areas throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to honor healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight began at noon in New York City and continued through all five boroughs, the New York Suburbs and Newark, New Jersey before their arrival at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. About an hour later the formation flew over Levittown and Trenton before turning South and making its final trip through Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware.

New Egypt residents had a stunning view of the flyover due to our close proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Today’s shows have been in the works for over a month now in order to give a formal salute to healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers. The Navy and Air Force worked in part with local government to ensure spectators maintained social distancing and other current practices during each of the shows.

While the show’s initial purpose was aimed at honoring healthcare workers and those on the frontlines, it also fulfilled necessary flight requirements for both teams. Due to the global pandemic, many of the teams’ shows have been cancelled or postponed, and the flyover gave them an opportunity to unite the nation while satisfying their training requirements.

Following today’s riveting show of unity, it is rumored that both the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels will fly over other major cities including Baltimore, Atlanta, Houston and Austin, Texas in the next few weeks, however a definite flight path has yet to be released. “In order to reach the maximum number of Americans, some portions of America Strong will feature only the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds, while others will include both teams flying in their signature Delta formations simultaneously,” the Air Force said in a statement.

The initiative has been referred to as, “America Strong” and focuses around spreading a message of national unity and gratitude to all those being affected by the current pandemic. In a joint announcement from the United States Navy and Air Force they reported, “America Strong is a collaborative salute from the Navy and Air Force to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2164689/america-strong-blue-angels-thunderbirds-to-conduct-multi-city-flyovers-champion/

Pandemic Warrior, Connie Gross, Battles COVID 19 One Stitch at a Time

thewarriorchronicles Town Talk April 22, 2020Abby Whetzel 1 Comment

By Abby Whetzel

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have become aware that we are in desperate need of unity and masks across the country. While we are a small town, we are best known for our support of one and another during tough times. In our small community of New Egypt, many local heroes have stepped up in hopes to provide a sense of unity and safety in our town. Whether they are doctors, nurses, truckers, grocery-store workers, or law enforcement officials, these individuals are playing an important role in combating this pandemic.

We spoke with Connie Gross, a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, working on her days off to make masks for those in need. Connie is working on the front lines of this pandemic and while her hospital still has access to masks, she notes “other facilities and individuals do not have access to supplies. Many people that have immune-suppressed systems need masks [and cannot obtain them].” Connie, at the time of this interview, had made between 100 and 150 masks and was hoping to make more during her spare time, and does not intend to slow down anytime soon. She had originally found the fabric pattern from Youtube, and altered it to help her make them faster.

Connie is not in this fight alone. Many other like-minded people have posted on several media outlets, willing to make spare masks for those on the front lines. Connie added, “Ellen Smith is cutting fabric squares. Colleen Burkard is also making masks. Others have donated fabric and elastic and money to buy more supplies.” In fact, these supplies are not easy to come by. Connie notes that the hardest thing to find is “corded elastic, which is more comfortable behind the ear for prolonged use.” These masks, while becoming increasingly difficult to make, and taking up to the 10 minutes to produce, could ultimately save the life of a healthy individual. Connie left our readers with a final request, “Stay home and stay safe. You personally may not be compromised by this virus, but you may be a carrier. Staying home may save someone’s loved one.”

On behalf of the Warrior Chronicles, I would like to thank everyone on the front lines of this pandemic, from nurses, doctors, and truck drivers to local heroes just like Connie Gross. No one is alone in this fight, and please continue to stay home and stay safe.

Law and Justice Academy Meets with Assemblyman Ronald Dancer to Discuss Importance of Local Government

thewarriorchronicles Academies March 10, 2020Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abigail Whetzel

Photo Credit:www.njleg.state.nj.us Assemblyman Ronald Dancer

On Monday, March 9, 2020, Assemblyman Ronald Dancer, who serves in the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 12th Legislative District, visited students of the Law and Justice Academy. He took students on his journey from small-town mayor to an esteemed member of New Jersey’s Assembly. He spoke on numerous legislative processes ranging from Gerrymandering to sponsoring bills. Additionally, he is the co-sponsor to a bill that addresses the undisclosed formula to state aid for public schools. Assemblyman Dancer emphasized the importance of getting involved locally whether it is through committees or town councils. He assured students that you are never too young to get involved and make your voice heard in your community.

Dancer has a long history in Plumsted Township, initially entering the political realm as a member of the planning board in the 1970s. He became Mayor of Plumsted Township in 1990 and served until he was promoted by his constituents in 2012 to the state assembly after 22 years as mayor. He was elected to fill a vacancy in the General Assembly in 2002 by several Republican County Committee Representatives. Within the General Assembly, Dancer has served on numerous committees including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Military and Veterans Affairs, Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations and Tourism, Gaming and the Arts.

Commendation awarded to Abigail Whetzel for her participation in the Law and Justice Academy — Photo Credit: Dennis Wilno

Throughout his presentation, Assemblyman Dancer stressed his love for local government, reiterating, “I like the local level, it’s where we raise our families it’s where we decide the quality of life, the quality of our education.” Assemblyman Dancers’ presentation was followed by a question and answer session in which students were able to openly ask any questions they had regarding the legislative process, the local township government, and topics directly influencing New Egypt. He repeatedly urged students to engage with their elected officials more often. He has an open-door policy and would love for more students to get involved in committees, planning boards, and politics in general.

Over the course of his presentation, Assemblyman Dancer presented students with a large map of the 12th Legislative District. In addition, students were each given a formal commendation from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly which officially recognizes them as members of the New Egypt High School Law and Justice Academy. He elucidated that the 4 counties and 14 municipalities that make up New Jersey and asked students to name the municipalities and counties. He also explained the representation that the entire state of New Jersey has in the legislature and the 40 senators 80 assembly people that make up the total 120 legislators representing New Jersey.

Assemblyman Dancer completed his presentation by reiterating his passion for serving in local government. Serving in politics for close to 40 years, Assemblyman Dancer has seen first hand the formation and advancement of not only Plumsted Township, but the entire state of New Jersey.

To close, he left students with a final sentiment, “It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or a Republican, it’s all about where your heart is. My heart is in local government, it is our home and it is where we raise our children.”

Erin Brown pins down her legacy as New Egypt’s first female high school wrestler

thewarriorchronicles Sports February 29, 2020February 29, 2020Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abigail Whetzel

Erin Brown has made New Egypt High School history as the first female wrestler. Brown has competed in a total of 9 matches and attended the NJSIAA Girls North/South Regional Tournament Sunday, Feb. 23. Erin comes from an extensive wrestling background and began her career as a manager in her freshman year. This year, she decided to officially join the team and begin competing. “It was an adjustment…” she says, “…working with the boys every day, but after a while, you get used to it and you feel like you’re just part of a family.”

Erin had an overwhelming amount of support from her teammates and made significant strides throughout her season. She serves as a prominent influence for the team and was always determined to meet her goals as she showed in several of her matches. From the outside looking in, it would appear as though Erin is just another team member as she was treated exactly the same as the rest of her teammates.

It is no easy feat being the only female in a male-dominated sport. In fact, it was only in the fall of 2018 that New Jersey became the 13th

state to formally sanction an official female state championship. Since then, the women in the sport has grown tremendously and several female tournaments have been held throughout the state. Opportunities for women in these sports are beginning to present themselves more as time goes on. Many schools have even formed teams made entirely of female wrestlers.

Coach Kevin English recalls, “I am very proud of her for having the courage to be the first female wrestler in school history. I am proud of her for sticking with it. It is extremely difficult to be the only girl in your sport. I am hoping that Erin’s story opens up the minds of lots of other girls and shows them that there is a great opportunity to wrestle at our school.”

Television and Communication Academy, Journalism, Video and Photography club and Newspaper attended a live showing of Good Morning America.

thewarriorchronicles Around the School February 3, 2020Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abigail Whetzel

On Jan. 16, the Television and Communication Academy, Journalism, Video and Photography club and Newspaper attended a live showing of Good Morning America. The students were able to be on camera on the live news show while watching the behind the scenes of the show. While viewers at home were watching commercials, students were watching as stagehands moved sets and talent prepared for their following segments.

The show’s guests included Matthew Cherry who opened up about his Oscar-nominated film, “Hair Love” depicting an African American father attempting to do his daughter’s hair. He was followed by Keke Palmer, who delivered a very special message to a high school girl, her induction into the Disney Dreamer Academy. When the show concluded, students were able to take a picture with the hosts of the show including Robin Roberts.

The trip was made possible by Elisa Tang, a New Egypt Alumni who is now a digital producer of Good Morning America. All students were members of the live studio audience and were featured on television at some point in the production.

After the show, students were led to the ground floor where a veteran stage director gave a tour of one of the several production rooms. He then talked to students about what it takes to make a career in TV and in several career fields while answering any questions students posed.

The trip to Good Morning America was extremely successful as Television and Communications advisor Lance Armstrong noted, “it was a great experience for our TV and Communications students to see what happens behind the scenes during a live national TV production. While the audience at home was seeing commercials our students got to see the production crew repositioning set pieces and cameras, while the on-camera talent reviewed their scripts and spoke to producers about upcoming show content. Another fun part of the trip was that almost all of the students who attended got a chance to be on camera at some point in the show.”

Boys Basketball Brings Holiday Cheer to the Student Body

thewarriorchronicles Sports, Student Highlights December 20, 2019Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abigail Whetzel

On the morning of Dec. 20th students of New Egypt High School were welcomed into school by members of the boys basketball team selling hot chocolate. The boys play their first game of the season at Palmyra High School at 5:30.

Head Coach Mick Hughes accounts, “We wanted to do a little something for the students; hopefully, it gave them a little holiday cheer to start their day. The best part about this time of year is that it gives everyone the chance to appreciate the people in their lives. We truly appreciate all the support we get from the student body during the season, so we wanted to thank them with a little holiday hot cocoa.”

We spoke with varsity player Xander Kimmick, “It was nice spread holiday cheer and surprise everyone with hot chocolate this morning. Especially, when people often come into school quietly in the morning to have everyone smiling and talking as soon as they came into school was really good to see.”

Wrestling Hopes to Build On Last Year’s Success

thewarriorchronicles Sports December 19, 2019Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abigail Whetzel

The New Egypt High School Warrior Wrestling program, after going 18-11 in their 2018-2019 season, is now looking forward to their upcoming winter season. Some standouts last year were 106 pounders AJ Beck (Senior) qualifying for states and Josh Martinez (Class of 2019) qualifying for regions. Despite the loss of several very competitive seniors this past year, the team hopes to overcome all obstacles and once again achieve a winning record.

The team has made significant strides in recent years according to Head Coach Kevin English, who took over after the team failed to win a match in 2014. For the first time in school history, the team features a female wrestler, Erin Brown alongside three other seniors. In addition, there is an overwhelming amount of underclassman, specifically freshman, coming into the sport. There is still work to be done though for the team as Coach English notes, “We are still a long way from where I want to be, but with consistency and lots of hard work, we will get back to the level we have been in the past.”

Come out and support the New Egypt High School Wrestlers in their upcoming tournament in Ewing on December 21st or in future events including the Palmyra tournament on December 28th or their first quad match on January 4th.

NEHS Hosts Winter Wonderland Craft Fair

thewarriorchronicles Around the School December 18, 2019Abby Whetzel 0 Comment

By: Abigail Whetzel

On Nov. 22, New Egypt High School hosted its fourth annual Winter Wonderland Craft Fair. The fair helped support the New Egypt High School Class of 2022, as well as numerous town crafters and vendors. The event featured an astonishing 85 vendors and crafters, the largest amount of vendors at the fair to date. Items for sale ranged from handcrafted items to Warrior apparel sold by the Class of 2022.

The event took place throughout the high school, and many students and teachers volunteered to ultimately make the event a success. In the cafeteria, several snacks and drinks were sold. Hallways were decorated with posters and countless holiday-inspired decorations.

An entrance fee of $3 was asked of everyone attending and included an entry in the annual raffle, which included a special prize from each of the vendor’s booths. Overall, the Class of 2022 alone raised roughly $3,200 which will help support future activities such as their senior trip and prom.

Class of 2022 advisor Kevin English notes, “I am happy the Winter Wonderland was successful. We had the most vendors and crafters. I hope that in the years to come it becomes increasingly more popular. I would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Potter for organizing sign-ups and helping run the event.”

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