Opinions

Universites: Universalize!

The college admissions process, if nothing else, is flawed. In comparing over 37,000 high schools, public and private, urban and suburban, rich and poor, college admissions officers have a very challenging job in distinguishing between candidates who come from schools with different types of students, different grading scales and different areas of the country. While this may seem like an insurmountable task, there is a very simple solution. [more]

This November be thankful

As the fourth Thursday of November comes upon us, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of discontent with the fact that Americans everywhere seem to misinterpret the meaning of Thanksgiving. As a people we are losing more focus each year and forgetting what we are actually supposed to be celebrating. When did the practice of giving thanks become less about the principles and more so about the meal we serve following the thanks? [more]

News

A youth perspective on drugs, alcohol

Last March, eighth graders, sophomores and seniors took a survey entitled "Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors". The survey candidly asked teens about their involvement with substance abuse and their relationship with their parents. A varied group of high school students gathered on Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. to present to parents their views on the provocative findings of the survey. [more]

Student Council reaches out

With the economy in shambles over the past few years, many schools have had to cut extra-curricular activities and educational resources. That is why the Lower Merion Student Council is planning to set up a program to donate time and money to help Our Lady Of Lourdes School in West Philadelphia and expand its extra curricular options. [more]

Features

New treasures from old art: LM junior restores faded mansion

Old things have always fascinated me. It all began with my grandfather’s pocket watch years ago. I remember being mesmerized by its intricate system of metal gears, perfectly balanced and perfectly placed. From there my interest grew; whether it was a watch or a pipe organ, you could find me taking it apart. It turned out I had a real knack for fixing these old things. [more]

Senior Austin Klein goes above and beyond as a volunteer EMT

On the surface, senior Austin Klein seems like your normal LM student. He goes to most of his classes, keeps his grades up, and cheers at LM sporting events. But there is a large difference between Klein and other students. Klein is a part-time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a job that requires focus, strength, commitment, and the ability to deal with very intense situations. [more]

Arts & Entertainment

Support the fall musical: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (November 17, 18, and 19) at 7 p.m., Lower Merion Players will present How to Succeed in Business directed by junior Mira Nathanson. This will be the first year a musical will be shown in the new auditorium. [more]

Friday Night Lights deserves more respect

Thanksgiving: A celebratory time filled with great feasts, family, midnight sales, and football. This holiday season, if you cannot bear to watch another Eagles game, but do not want to miss out on the magic of football, we’ve got a new team for you to root for: the Dillon Panthers. [more]

Sports

Hoopes concludes famed coaching career

In 1969, a slightly less seasoned Sandra Niles (now Hoopes) began her career coaching field hockey. After playing field hockey from 7th grade through her four years of college at West Chester University, Hoopes decided to start coaching. She felt this was the next best activity to keep her involved in the sport, and that she could pass on her love and knowledge of field hockey to a new generation through coaching. [more]

Lady Aces have historic season

For the Lady Aces, giving up is not an option. Despite going 6-5 in the Central League, they continued to play on, qualifying for the District and State Tournaments. In the district playoffs they were given the 28th seed, the very last seed in the district. To gain entry into the state playoffs they had to win three games against teams ranked much higher than them. [more]