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Year in photos
Year in photos
June 13, 2025
Fresh and local: The Chester County Food Bank provides locally sourced vegetables to the Chester County community. The food bank received a notice from the USDA that a $250,000 food order would be canceled quarterly.
USDA cancels $250,000 Chester County Food Bank order
June 2, 2025
Personal perspectives: Junior Katie Fradkin reads the updated Challenges and Cirumstances prompt on the Common Application website. This prompt replaced the Community Disruption question in the application’s changes for next year.
Common Application makes changes for the 2025-26 year
June 2, 2025
Continuing the legacy: Laminated pages of The Spoke line the walls alongside signs with the school years. The newspaper served as a local news source, beginning under the name Eastfrin Echoes, shifting to The Conestoga Spoke and later choosing The Spoke.
The Spoke celebrates 75th year: Reporters, advisers reflect on beginnings, experience beyond graduation
June 2, 2025
On track: A SEPTA inbound train comes into Daylesford station in Berwyn. SEPTA proposed to cut this route in its 2026 fiscal year budget proposal.
SEPTA proposes service cuts, fare hikes
June 2, 2025
Year in photos
Year in photos
June 13, 2025
New Beginning: Seniors celebrate their time at Conestoga and reflect on valuable experiences, important lessons and treasured memories throughout high school. The graduating class enjoyed a performance by the senior members of Camerata and listened to speeches from their peers at Teamer Field.
Farewell until the future: Class of 2025 say their goodbyes to Conestoga
June 4, 2025
Mixed media masterpieces: Artwork ranging from sculptures to watercolor pieces from the Yellow Springs Art Show sit in the museum’s gallery. The museum recognized more than 4,500 pieces of art by 220 artists during the art show, which lasted from April 26 to May 11 in the Lincoln Building.
Historic Yellow Springs museum holds annual art show
June 2, 2025
Poised to learn: Math teacher Paul Poiesz sits at his desk and displays his mug with a math pun. Poiesz began teaching at Conestoga 28 years ago after teaching at Bishop McDevitt High School. He will retire at the end of this school year, wrapping up his 43-year teaching career.
Teacher Feature: Paul Poiesz
June 2, 2025
Radiant refreshments: Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe has a large selection of delicacies, including the Panino Turkey, Peach Green Tea Lemonade and Matcha Latte. The cafe had a pleasant ambiance and was a cozy place for our study session.
The Spork: Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe
June 2, 2025
Graphic: Philadelphia Field Trips
April 25, 2025
Graphic: Sports Photography
April 25, 2025
Graphic: Nonprofits
April 25, 2025
Calling all caffeine consumers!
Calling all caffeine consumers!
March 21, 2025
'Stoga Theater Presents: Chicago
‘Stoga Theater Presents: Chicago
March 21, 2025
Radiant refreshments: Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe has a large selection of delicacies, including the Panino Turkey, Peach Green Tea Lemonade and Matcha Latte. The cafe had a pleasant ambiance and was a cozy place for our study session.
The Spork: Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe
June 2, 2025
Noteworthy nachos: The El Tio Nachos come piled high with toppings, such as melted cheese, pico de gallo and avocado. The dish’s flavorful crunch was an excellent way to start the meal.
The SPORK: El Tio Mexican Restaurant
April 25, 2025
Colorful plating: The wok Amish chicken and gulf shrimp is served with lots of vegetables and a side of rice. Personally, the Vietnamese lime basil sauce was too sweet and threw off the balance of the dish.
The Spork: NECTAR Restaurant & Lounge
March 21, 2025
Fantastic fusion: Bartaco’s menu features options that blend tacos with other cuisines, such as the glazed pork belly taco. The restaurant had a casual atmosphere and rustic interior, perfect for having a good time.
The Spork: Bartaco
February 20, 2025
The Spork: Saigon Eats
The Spork: Saigon Eats
December 16, 2024
Poised to learn: Math teacher Paul Poiesz sits at his desk and displays his mug with a math pun. Poiesz began teaching at Conestoga 28 years ago after teaching at Bishop McDevitt High School. He will retire at the end of this school year, wrapping up his 43-year teaching career.
Teacher Feature: Paul Poiesz
June 2, 2025
Coaching calculator: Math teacher and head coach of the girls’ tennis team Seth Shore sits at his desk. Shore started to teach at Conestoga in the fall of 1999 and began coaching the girls’ tennis team at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
Teacher Feature: Seth Shore
April 25, 2025
Running the rat race: Personal finance and accounting teacher Bernadette D’Emilio poses in front of the Rat Race Board, an activity in her personal finance class. D’Emilio began teaching at Conestoga in 2006 after working at Sun Valley High School.
Teacher Feature: Bernadette D’Emilio
March 21, 2025
Book lover: English department head Karen Gately poses with “College Girl Missing” by Shawn Cohen, the book she is currently reading. She had aspired to be a teacher since she was young. Gately will complete her 24th year teaching at Conestoga this year.
Teacher Feature: Karen Gately
February 20, 2025
Zooming in: Chemistry and forensics teacher Salvatore Colosi stands next to his double-lens Wi-Fi microscope, his favorite piece of forensic lab equipment. Colosi began his teaching career at Conestoga 12 years ago and has taught in the science department ever since.
Teacher Feature: Salvatore Colosi
December 16, 2024
Jeff’s Gist: I hate men
Jeff’s Gist: I hate men
June 2, 2025
From the editors: Here’s to 75 years
From the editors: Here’s to 75 years
June 2, 2025
The messy side of the clean girl aesthetic
The messy side of the clean girl aesthetic
June 2, 2025
Hit backspace on the Ghibli AI art trend
June 2, 2025
We must fight for SEPTA
We must fight for SEPTA
June 2, 2025
Unsigned: Our rights are in danger, don’t remain silent
Unsigned: Our rights are in danger, don’t remain silent
April 25, 2025
Unsigned: The press is part of the people, not the enemy
Unsigned: The press is part of the people, not the enemy
December 16, 2024
Unsigned: Looking behind the scenes of front page
Unsigned: Looking behind the scenes of front page
November 1, 2023
Unsigned: Court case victory is not the end
Unsigned: Court case victory is not the end
March 20, 2023
Unsigned: The future of AI in the classroom
Unsigned: The future of AI in the classroom
February 21, 2023
Satire: Spend more time on that darn phone!
Satire: Spend more time on that darn phone!
February 20, 2025
Satire: Why Groundhog Day rules
Satire: Why Groundhog Day rules
February 6, 2024
Satire: Why I absolutely will not be getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Satire: Why I absolutely will not be getting the COVID-19 vaccine
February 16, 2021
Satire: drinking boiling water kills the coronavirus
Satire: drinking boiling water kills the coronavirus
May 14, 2020
Review: ‘Common Side Effects’ brings healthcare corruption to light
Review: ‘Common Side Effects’ brings healthcare corruption to light
April 25, 2025
Review: Kendrick Lamar takes victory lap with ‘GNX’
Review: Kendrick Lamar takes victory lap with ‘GNX’
March 21, 2025
Review: ‘The End of Burnout’ reimagines work
Review: ‘The End of Burnout’ reimagines work
February 20, 2025
Review: Ten years later, ‘Interstellar’ highlights humanity
Review: Ten years later, ‘Interstellar’ highlights humanity
December 16, 2024
Review: ‘White Bird’ is your reminder to be kind, always
Review: ‘White Bird’ is your reminder to be kind, always
November 11, 2024
From the editors: Here’s to 75 years
From the editors: Here’s to 75 years
June 2, 2025
Letter from the Editors: It’s been an honor
Letter from the Editors: It’s been an honor
April 25, 2025
From the Editor: Goodbye and good luck
From the Editor: Goodbye and good luck
April 11, 2024
From the Editor: Why we removed student names from the Senior Destinations Map
From the Editor: Why we removed student names from the Senior Destinations Map
June 5, 2023
Letter from the Editors: Over and out
Letter from the Editors: Over and out
April 25, 2023
Jeff’s Gist: I hate men
Jeff’s Gist: I hate men
June 2, 2025
Jeff’s Gist: Censor injustice, not activists
Jeff’s Gist: Censor injustice, not activists
April 25, 2025
Jeff’s Gist: To be an introvert in loud political climates
Jeff’s Gist: To be an introvert in loud political climates
March 21, 2025
Jeff’s Gist: ICE terrorizes undocumented immigrants
Jeff’s Gist: ICE terrorizes undocumented immigrants
February 20, 2025
Jeff's Gist: I Gru brain rot to a whole new level
Jeff’s Gist: I Gru brain rot to a whole new level
December 16, 2024
Year in photos
Year in photos
June 13, 2025
Package: Tryoneer Pioneer
June 6, 2025
Rising rugby: Atlantis’ women’s senior elite rugby team, including alumnae Elsa Burgo and Sarah Durant, poses together at the Tropical Sevens tournament. The team took seventh place overall in the tournament. Both alumna hope to compete with Atlantis again in the future.
Playing on Atlantis: Alumnae find rugby success
June 2, 2025
Watchful gaze: Varsity boys basketball head coach Sean Forcine observes his players during the home opener against Upper Darby on Dec. 17. The Pioneers won 58-44 and went on to win the district championship in the 2024-25 season.
Basketball coach receives All Area Coach of the Year
June 2, 2025
High pressure hockey: Sophomore Peyton Esposito chases the ball during a game against Episcopal Academy. She played for the U.S. Women’s Under-16 National Field Hockey Team for the Four Nations Tournament. In the future, she hopes to represent the U.S. at the Olympics.
Sophomore plays field hockey at international level
June 2, 2025
Breaking boards: Junior Rowan Chetty positions himself in front of junior Vaishnavi Sriadibhatla, ready to break a wooden board with a punch. Sriadibhatla taught Chetty the basics of taekwondo, a form of martial arts with Korean origins.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Kicking it up a notch
June 2, 2025
En garde: Senior Howard Kim (left) fences with junior Ritchie Zhang (right) at the Delaware Valley Fencers Club. Kim lost numerous rounds to Zhang but eventually found his rhythm, learning valuable lessons about patience and discipline along the way.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Sabre-ing the challenge
March 21, 2025
Tryoneer Pioneer: Aiming for the bullseye
Tryoneer Pioneer: Aiming for the bullseye
February 20, 2025
Hitting his stride: Fourteen miles into his race, junior Rowan Chetty runs in the 2024 AACR Philadelphia Marathon. Chetty finished in three hours and 11 minutes, placing 11th in his age group. He will continue to run during the winter track season.
Tryoneer pioneer: Running the Philly Marathon
December 16, 2024
Locked in: Junior George Zhang concentrates in anticipation of hitting the ball in a game of squash. Zhang eventually lost with a record of 2-1 a er a tough battle.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Squashed on the court
January 17, 2023
Sports opinion: Sports are more than just a game
Sports opinion: Sports are more than just a game
June 2, 2025
Sports opinon: Sports leagues should stop using lottery drafts
Sports opinon: Sports leagues should stop using lottery drafts
April 25, 2025
Sports Opinion: March Madness is the best sports tournament
Sports Opinion: March Madness is the best sports tournament
March 21, 2025
Sports opinion: Conestoga empowers women and girls in sports
Sports opinion: Conestoga empowers women and girls in sports
February 20, 2025
Sports Opinion: Every youth athlete deserves a fair chance
Sports Opinion: Every youth athlete deserves a fair chance
December 16, 2024
Package: Tryoneer Pioneer
June 6, 2025
Package: Students create pickleball club
May 8, 2025
Package: Mini THON
Package: Mini THON
April 27, 2025
Package: Tesla Takedown
April 25, 2025
Prepping for pep rally: Behind the school-wide spirit event
September 20, 2023
Day 12: Conestoga Wrapped
Day 12: Conestoga Wrapped
December 20, 2024
Day 11: Newlyweds game
December 19, 2024
Day 10: The Speak
Day 10: The Speak
December 18, 2024
Day 9: News Briefs
Day 9: News Briefs
December 17, 2024
Day 8: Short Story Contest
Day 8: Short Story Contest
December 16, 2024
Issue 6 Crossword 2024-2025
April 25, 2025
2025 Issue 5 Sudoku Answers
2025 Issue 5 Sudoku Answers
March 21, 2025
Day 2: News quiz
Day 2: News quiz
December 10, 2024
Day 1: Reindeer Games
Day 1: Reindeer Games
December 9, 2024
Issue 2 Crossword 2024-2025
Issue 2 Crossword 2024-2025
November 11, 2024
The Student News Site of Conestoga High School

The SPOKE
The Student News Site of Conestoga High School

The SPOKE

Year in photos

Tvisha Jani, Lauren Pinheiro, Nolan Talley, Paige Vachris, and Erin Zhang
June 13, 2025
Categories:
Nolan Talley / The Spoke

September

Pep rally

Teacher tug: Conestoga’s faculty compete in a tense game of tug-of-war during the annual pep rally. On Friday, Sept. 21, 2024, Conestoga hosted its annual pep rally at Teamer Field, where students watched their classmates and staff compete in fun games. (Howard Kim / The Spoke)

Senior sunrise

Sentimental smiles: Seniors embrace one another as they pose for a picture at senior sunrise. On Friday, Sept. 21, 2024, Conestoga’s Class of 2025 students gathered in the main parking lot before school for senior sunrise, wearing painted jeans and enjoying the break of dawn to celebrate their final year at Conestoga. (Lily Chen)

October

Save Chinatown rallies

Rallying through the rain: Asian Americans United civic engagement director Wei Chen joins community members marching through the streets of Center City Philadelphia. The Save Chinatown Coalition organized the Sept. 7 rally to protest the proposed 76ers’ arena. (Lily Chen / The SPOKE)

Students adjust to new schedule

Shared time: Academic Competition Club advisers Michael Cruz and Michael Palmatier speak with members during the new “Lunch and Learn” period. The school board approved the schedule, including the hour-long lunch block, on Jan. 2. (Saktisri Gowrishankar / The SPOKE)

November

Cornucopia

Students play hacky sack in the courtyard during Cornucopia. On Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2024, Conestoga’s Peer Mediation hosted its annual Cornucopia event, where students enjoyed a fun day of activities without classes, such as playing floor hockey, making popping boba, writing letters for human rights advocacy and buying from club bake sales. This year, Peer Mediation introduced a new activity called Friendsgiving, where students and teachers enjoyed breakfast together during their first period classes.

Trump wins presidency

Political presence: Lawn signs and banners decorate the tents of the Tredyffrin Township Democrats and Tredyffrin Republicans as members engage with residents on Community Day. Both groups hosted youth activities and encouraged attendees to learn more about their candidates. (Lily Chen / The Spoke)

Student faculty volleyball game

A student jumps to spike the ball over the net. On Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, Conestoga Key Club hosted its third annual student-faculty volleyball game to support Four Diamonds Mini-THON, a childhood cancer organization. The event raised around $550 towards the club’s year-long goal of $25,000.

December

Field hockey wins state championship

Emotional ending: The girls’ varsity field hockey team rushes toward senior, co-captain and midfielder Shae Wozniak after she scores the winning goal in the PIAA 3A State Championship. On Nov. 16, the girls won 2-1 against Villa Maria in an overtime period. (Lily Chen / The SPOKE)
Screenshot 2024-12-16 at 9.37.12 PM
Screenshot 2024-12-16 at 9.36.17 PM

January

Conestoga hosts its first-ever robotics competition

Technology triumph: On January 25, Conestoga hosted its first ever robotics competition. The event invited high school and middle school divisions to compete in various challenges and win awards. (Milan Agarwala / The SPOKE)

February

Eagles win Super Bowl

“E-A-G-L-E-S! Eagles!”: Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, alongside Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and owner Jeffrey Lurie, holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Feb. 14 victory parade. The team’s win on Feb. 9 marked Barkley and Hurts’ first Super Bowl victory. (Rowan Chetty / The SPOKE)
Screenshot 2025-02-20 at 2.23.14 AM
Screenshot 2025-02-20 at 2.40.11 AM

March

Chicago musical

Putting on a show: More than 50 Conestoga students perform the Broadway musical “Chicago: Teen Edition,” showcasing the story of two women in jail for murder. Leading characters Roxie and Velma were played by seniors Emma Arruda and Caroline Morrissey, and performances ran from Feb. 26 to March 1. (Rowan Chetty / The Spoke)
Use (Jeff)
Use (Rowan) (2)
Use (Rowan) (1)

April

California marching band trip

Choir carols: Music teacher Nathan Shughart leads the Conestoga choir, which performed at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, California on March 28. The music department travelled to California from March 26 to 30, with more than 200 students in attendance. (Mary Wolters / The Spoke)

May

Unity fair

Friendly competition: Junior Krtin Ashokkumar slides across the gym floor during the air matress relay race. Peer Mediation hosted Unity Fair on May 23 with the goal to reduce stress and bring the school together, hosting fun activities throughout the day. (Lily Chen / The Spoke)

June

New Beginning: Seniors celebrate their time at Conestoga and reflect on valuable experiences, important lessons and treasured memories throughout high school. The graduating class enjoyed a performance by the senior members of Camerata and listened to speeches from their peers at Teamer Field. (Nolan Talley)
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About the Contributors
Tvisha Jani
Tvisha Jani, Co-Copy Editor
Tvisha Jani is a freshman and Co-Copy Editor for The Spoke. She mostly writes articles in the News section, but occasionally writes for T/E Life. Outside of the newspaper, she enjoys playing flute, drawing and reading.
Lauren Pinheiro
Lauren Pinheiro, Web Managing Editor
Lauren Pinheiro is a junior and the Web Managing Editor for The Spoke. She covers news stories, occasionally writes for the T/E Life section and has started her journey making multimedia packages. Outside of writing for the school newspaper, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends and enjoys playing tennis and piano.
Nolan Talley
Nolan Talley, Webmaster
Nolan Talley is a freshman and the webmaster for The Spoke. He likes to write about news within the T/E community. As webmaster, Nolan manages all web content on Spoke.news. Outside of The Spoke, Nolan enjoys playing baseball, watching sports and programming.
Paige Vachris
Paige Vachris, Staff Reporter
Paige Vachris is a freshman and a Staff Reporter at The Spoke. Outside of the newspaper, she enjoys theater, reading and creative writing.
Erin Zhang
Erin Zhang, Co-Copy Editor
Erin Zhang is a freshman and Co-Copy Editor for The Spoke. In addition to writing, she plays tennis and piano.
More to Discover
More in News
Fresh and local: The Chester County Food Bank provides locally sourced vegetables to the Chester County community. The food bank received a notice from the USDA that a $250,000 food order would be canceled quarterly.
USDA cancels $250,000 Chester County Food Bank order
Personal perspectives: Junior Katie Fradkin reads the updated Challenges and Cirumstances prompt on the Common Application website. This prompt replaced the Community Disruption question in the application’s changes for next year.
Common Application makes changes for the 2025-26 year
Continuing the legacy: Laminated pages of The Spoke line the walls alongside signs with the school years. The newspaper served as a local news source, beginning under the name Eastfrin Echoes, shifting to The Conestoga Spoke and later choosing The Spoke.
The Spoke celebrates 75th year: Reporters, advisers reflect on beginnings, experience beyond graduation
On track: A SEPTA inbound train comes into Daylesford station in Berwyn. SEPTA proposed to cut this route in its 2026 fiscal year budget proposal.
SEPTA proposes service cuts, fare hikes
Redrawing boundaries: The Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee discusses future plans to move forward with the redistricting process. The school board decided to create this committee to prepare for the opening of Bear Hill Elementary School.
TESD creates Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee
Kind reminder: A sign outside of the Paoli Hospital in Paoli reminds visitors that guns, alcohol and smoking are not allowed inside. CeaseFirePA began advocating for such community gun safety standards in 2002.
Gun reform organization urges investment in gun protection
More in Sports
Package: Tryoneer Pioneer
Rising rugby: Atlantis’ women’s senior elite rugby team, including alumnae Elsa Burgo and Sarah Durant, poses together at the Tropical Sevens tournament. The team took seventh place overall in the tournament. Both alumna hope to compete with Atlantis again in the future.
Playing on Atlantis: Alumnae find rugby success
Watchful gaze: Varsity boys basketball head coach Sean Forcine observes his players during the home opener against Upper Darby on Dec. 17. The Pioneers won 58-44 and went on to win the district championship in the 2024-25 season.
Basketball coach receives All Area Coach of the Year
High pressure hockey: Sophomore Peyton Esposito chases the ball during a game against Episcopal Academy. She played for the U.S. Women’s Under-16 National Field Hockey Team for the Four Nations Tournament. In the future, she hopes to represent the U.S. at the Olympics.
Sophomore plays field hockey at international level
Breaking boards: Junior Rowan Chetty positions himself in front of junior Vaishnavi Sriadibhatla, ready to break a wooden board with a punch. Sriadibhatla taught Chetty the basics of taekwondo, a form of martial arts with Korean origins.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Kicking it up a notch
Cavalier champion: Alumna sets lacrosse records at UVA
More in T/E Life
New Beginning: Seniors celebrate their time at Conestoga and reflect on valuable experiences, important lessons and treasured memories throughout high school. The graduating class enjoyed a performance by the senior members of Camerata and listened to speeches from their peers at Teamer Field.
Farewell until the future: Class of 2025 say their goodbyes to Conestoga
Mixed media masterpieces: Artwork ranging from sculptures to watercolor pieces from the Yellow Springs Art Show sit in the museum’s gallery. The museum recognized more than 4,500 pieces of art by 220 artists during the art show, which lasted from April 26 to May 11 in the Lincoln Building.
Historic Yellow Springs museum holds annual art show
Poised to learn: Math teacher Paul Poiesz sits at his desk and displays his mug with a math pun. Poiesz began teaching at Conestoga 28 years ago after teaching at Bishop McDevitt High School. He will retire at the end of this school year, wrapping up his 43-year teaching career.
Teacher Feature: Paul Poiesz
Radiant refreshments: Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe has a large selection of delicacies, including the Panino Turkey, Peach Green Tea Lemonade and Matcha Latte. The cafe had a pleasant ambiance and was a cozy place for our study session.
The Spork: Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe
Waiting for a new home: Donated bikes wait to be loaded onto a trailer at the Transportation Management Association of Chester County’s (TMACC) second annual bike drive. TMACC hosted the event on May 3 to refurbish gently used bikes.
TMACC hosts second annual Bike Drive
Friendly competition: Junior Krtin Ashokkumar slides across the gym floor during the air matress relay race. Peer Mediation hosted Unity Fair on May 23 with the goal to reduce stress and bring the school together, hosting fun activities throughout the day.
Fostering school spirit: Peer Mediation hosts annual Unity Fair