Russian plane crashes in Sinai, Egypt

Lexi Anderson

News Editor

On October 31, a Russian plane crashed in Sinai, Egypt, killing all 224 passengers aboard. Now, the exact cause of this disastrous event is being investigated, causing an uproar of conflicting ideas.

 The plane was en route to St.Petersburg, Russia from Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt when it crashed. About 25 minutes into the flight, the plane suddenly plummeted and disappeared from radar. The wreckage from the plane was spread over an 8 square mile piece of desert, evidence that the plane had disintegrated before it fell towards the ground. A memorial service was held in St. Petersburg at the city's St. Isaac's Cathedral. The cathedral bell was rung 224 times, in memory of each victim. So far, the remains of 58 victims have been identified through DNA testing.

 The source of the crash is still a mystery, although opinions and ideas have been circulating. President Obama thinks that there may have been a bomb on the plane, while Britain has jumped to an even more extreme idea that terrorists were behind the crash. Hossam Kamal, the Egyptian minister of civil aviation, is urging against jumping to conclusions so soon, saying that there is no evidence of a bombing. Egypt also isn’t revealing any information about the event to Western journalists, hoping to keep such accusations from developing.   However, American military officials have satellite footage of a flash of light occurring when the plane broke into pieces, proving that it had to have been blown up in some way, with one of the officials stating that it was 99.9% certain.

 In light of these events, President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi is trying his hardest to prevent any negative publicity from circulating regarding terrorists or poor airport security. Vladimir Putin is working to dismiss the idea that the crash had anything to do with Russia’s bombing campaign in Syria. Britain, on the other hand, is using this crash as an opportunity to shed light on Russia’s indecent involvement in the Syrian conflict.

 While the cause of the plane crash is still unknown, investigations are continuing every day to determine the root of the problem. In the meantime, different countries will use this crash as means to benefit themselves, or to place blame on another country.

Contributed by Alexandra Buchler

Troops in Afghanistan continue to serve until 2017

Bernadette del Prado and Parker Miele

Staff Writers

On October 15, 2015, Barack Obama, announced that the United States national troops stationed in Afghanistan would continue serving there at least until 2017, the end of Obama’s term, but could possibly be stationed there for longer. The continuing issue of the Taliban, ISIS, and other terrorist associations rose in the Middle-Eastern area, yet there have been a multitude of possible solutions that have not yet been established.

Obama claimed, “To the Afghan people, who have suffered so much – Americans’ commitment to you and to a secure, stable and unified Afghanistan, that remains firm … And as you defend and build your country, today is a reminder that the United States keeps our commitments.”  The main objective of the stationed U.S. troops in Afghanistan is to train Afghan soldiers, as well as make alliances with their national forces to create a stronger military to go against terrorists groups in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan. The Afghan military do not obtain an air force, a stable medical evacuation system, nor experienced training. The stationed troops in Afghanistan will create a more significant and beneficial relationship with the United States and Middle-Eastern nations suffering with the existence of terrorists groups in the country.

In 2001, approximately 100,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Currently, the U.S. obtains 10,000 troops in Afghanistan, and will attempt to maintain at least 5,500 to remain in Afghanistan. Withdrawal of troops was a constant dilemma with stationed soldiers in Afghanistan, but finally had the solution to reduce the amount, as the national military is experiencing the dilemma of medical limitations and having too many military forces, Obama hopes that this many troops will protect individuals from terrorist attacks through Asia and Africa.

Although all these very respected individuals have to experience a multitude of hardships being about from the thousands of emotional families, the troops have the job to serve our nation and play influential roles for our future generations.

Deer storms campus

Anna Sirianni

Editor-in-Chief

A deer charged through a pack of football players before the team’s practice on Oct. 8 at approximately 2:45 p.m. The team chased the deer as it ran from the woods near the weight room and past Junior Victoria Kalinovich.

 “I thought it was coming at me, but it wasn’t. Then it fell like three feet in front of me and made a big noise,” Kalinovich said. “I was actually terrified.”

 The deer ran into the library courtyard, which is a dead end. It was trapped as the football team quickly formed a crowd around it.

 “The deer kept hitting the walls of the school,” said Senior football player Alec Coburn.

 Within seconds, the deer charged through the crowd and back towards the weight room. The football team chased it away while shouting. Senior Cameron Skoroda filmed the deer’s escape with his iPhone.

 “I don’t know why we chased the deer...That thing came flying at us,” Coburn said.  

 “I don’t think [chasing the deer] was a good idea. It was on school property,” Kalinovich said.

 Deer are most active in September and October, so it is easier to spot deer at this time of year, even on campus.

Freshmen Visit Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

Alexandra Buchler

Staff Writer

The freshmen visited the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology to discover new career fields they may be interested in on Oct. 14. With career training in cosmetology, culinary arts, mechanics, movie making, child care, computer technology, construction, human health services, and more, MBIT is an extremely diverse trade school. Students heard the teachers in each department speak about their classes, giving a small overview of each individual course. Each class counts as credits towards college, and up to 18 credits can be earned.

 “It was cool to see how there was an actual daycare where students can go one-on-one with actual kids,” said Jordyn Sherman.

 “Me and some of my friends were really interested in the medicine department,” said Jon Li.

 “I never knew cosmetology could be so complicated!” said Lauren Adler.

The students toured MBIT in groups, each led by someone who worked there. The tour guides answered any questions the students had. All of the departments had people with all different experiences. Tours were in the morning and the students were there from 8:30 to 10:30. Most groups did not get around to all 23 programs, but MBIT is having an open house night in January for all students who wish to visit each program and receive a thorough explanation of the courses.

Hope for Haunted Woods

Julianna Slominski and Jack Slominski

Staff Writer

Rumor has it this will be the last haunted woods. With renovations occurring throughout the school, the woods are bound to be cut down. However, Mr. G said, “It won’t all be cut down.”

 If Mr. G’s prediction pulls through, then haunted woods will face changes. It is most likely that the route will be redirected throughout the remainder of the woods. With a smaller amount of space, is it going to be too cramped? Bernadette Del Prado said, “I don’t want to be able to hear or see what is going to happen before I even get to it.”

 Mr. Sherman is disappointed for what is going to happen to the haunted woods, but excited for his new workout room to take its place. Students question if it is worth it for new shiny equipment and more space.

 “If this plan were to follow through, then we all would feel something missing during the month of October,” said Parker Meile. He worries that the land is not being put to good use.

 As for this year, students have been working hard to make it the best year yet. Each section follows the central theme inspired from the hit TV series American Horror Story.

 Each grade level decided on a season from the show to decorate their section in the woods. The order isn’t the same as the previous years. The sophomore class has chose the first section similar to they did last year. Will they be brave and find new places to spook you or can you remember where they were hiding last year? The freshman follow the sophomore taking the second part and the seniors claimed the third spot leaving the juniors with the last section. All grade levels are hopeful for a frightful haunted woods this year.

Senior year’s new ending: meet the APEX project

Bailey Jaronski
Features Editor

Seniors will not be attending school beginning May 13, 2016. Instead, this year’s class will be the first to take on the APEX project.
  The APEX, which stands for Active Personal Educational eXperience, will allow students to seize the opportunity to branch out into the real world before graduation.
  Despite the necessary community service hours, this is the last project students will complete on their high school record to satisfy all requirements for graduation.
  Each student is encouraged to schedule an internship, shadowing or engaging in some type of hands-on experience that incorporates his or her passion with learning. Students are told not to expect or accept payment, as the APEX project is not an extended job.
 Students should treat this opportunity as an upaid internship on the high school level that mimcs the kinds of experiences usually reserved for college students.
  The students have to take notes to stay engaged throughout their internships and construct a presentation explaining their experience. Students will participate in check-ins with teachers throughout their APEX time to make sure they are utilizing the time for its proper purpose.
  Opportunities for internships are chosen by the student. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests and find a connection with a line of work they are interested in entering in the future.
  Mrs. Soriano and Mr. Finley are the head supervisors, along with Mr.  Malone. Students are free to meet with them as project dates gets closer.  The supervisors  can offer insight on available internships, guidelines, and recommendations.
  The value of the APEX projectwill largely be determined by the effort students put into it. This is the inaugural year, but many predict that the project is here for years to come.

Homecoming week brought school spirit

Claudia Kolinchak & Hannah Goulding
Staff Writers

Homecoming week began on Monday, Sept. 28. Leading up to this day, there were home night games to come out and watch to show school spirit.
  On Tuesday, the boys varsity soccer team played a night game at home against Lower Moreland and won 3-1. On Thursday, the girls JV volleyball team plays at 5:30 pm and varsity plays directly after at 6:30 p.m. Although originally scheduled for Friday, the homecoming football game against Bristol High School was rescheduled to Monday, Oct. 5. The football team the team handily defeated Bristol 25-8 to add to their winning record, now at 6-0 as we go to press. The Homecoming Dance was on Saturday night from 7-10 p.m. Students came to support NH-S teams and show school pride!
  To complement the evening sporting events and infuse school spirit, each school day had a dress up theme based on a candy brand. Monday was LifeSaver day with students wearing beach attire. Students paired up as twins on  Tuesday for Twix day. Wednesday was Jolly Rancher day with students dressed as cowboys and cowgirls. Thursday was Nerds day. To end Homecoming week, everyone dressed in head-to-toe school colors.
  Fall festival as been rescheduled to Oct. 24.