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Building prison leadership: Chester County Prison continues to expand leadership development efforts through the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Leadership training program. The prison’s entire command staff completed the program.
Chester County Prison leadership participates in FBI training
June 2, 2026
Seeking support: The Chester County Government Services Center in West Chester provides support to local veterans. The Chester County Department of Veteran Affairs launched the Peer Ambassadors Program to further this mission.
Chester County Peer Ambassador Program strives to improve veteran support
June 2, 2026
Digital development: A student opens Bluebook on his laptop to view his upcoming Advanced Placement exams from College Board. In 2025, College Board completed its transition from paper-and-pencil exams to digital or hybrid testing.
District adapts as state, College Board shift to digital exams
June 2, 2026
Continued discontent: Signs continue to advocate against the Sentinel Green Fig Data Center, even though the expansion was renounced in May. The AI data center proposal in East Whiteland Township prompted nearby townships to draft legislation regarding AI data centers.
Tredyffrin responds to local AI data center proposal
June 2, 2026
Tranquil tea room: Light pours through the tea room, a serene environment where only natural materials are allowed. On May 29, tea artist and scholar Bin Wu brought tea supplies to Conestoga and taught members of the Asian Student Alliance (ASA) how to pour and receive tea following traditional Japanese tea ceremony etiquette.
ASA members attend tea ceremony, develop cultural respect
June 2, 2026
Bold Mediterranean flavors: The Olive Tree serves authentic Greek cuisine, with dishes such as the Grilled Chicken Gyro Platter. The entree took around 30 minutes to arrive and had a distinct charred flavor.
The Olive Tree
June 2, 2026
English enthusiast: English teacher Michael Trainer sits at his desk. Trainer minored in English at the University of Scranton and received his master’s at Temple University. He plans to retire this year after 20 years of teaching at Conestoga.
Teacher Feature: Michael Trainer
June 2, 2026
Peaceful pony: People watch as a barn manager feeds a horse after demonstrating a trick. On May 3, the nonprofit mental health service Gateway HorseWorks hosted its first Picnic with the Ponies event, where community members gathered on its farm to observe the a of equine therapy.
Picnic with the Ponies: Gateway HorseWorks organizes community event, demonstrates equine therapy treatment
June 2, 2026
Triumphant together: Members of Conestoga’s Science Olympiad team gather together with the medals and team trophy they won at the regional Science Olympiad competition, where they placed second and qualified for the state competition. Conestoga placed ninth overall at states.
Science Olympiad places top 10 at state competition
June 2, 2026
Lasting legacy: Conestoga tech specialist Katrinia Stokes (second from right) stands with her coworkers in the school library for a picture, including library aide Kathy Polites (right). In 1999, Stokes worked as a tech aide at TEMS and then became a high school tech specialist in 2001.
Respected retiree: Tech specialist retires after 27 years in district
June 2, 2026
Day 6: Editor Gift Recommendations
Day 6: Editor Gift Recommendations
December 17, 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
Bold Mediterranean flavors: The Olive Tree serves authentic Greek cuisine, with dishes such as the Grilled Chicken Gyro Platter. The entree took around 30 minutes to arrive and had a distinct charred flavor.
The Olive Tree
June 2, 2026
Shared starters: Maggiano’s Little Italy offers a variety of appetizers, including Wagyu Beef Meatballs and Truffle Garlic Bread. The Calamari Fritté was tender and well-cooked and set a comforting tone for the meal.
The Spork: Maggiano’s Little Italy
March 10, 2026
Taste the rainbow: Eshkol Ethiopian Cuisine & Cafe offers two different Meat Combos and sides. The Single Meat Combo with a side of Shiro was packed with flavor and offered a colorful platter with a balance of meat, vegetables and grain.
The Spork: Eshkol Ethiopian Cuisine & Cafe
February 9, 2026
Green on green: The Atlantic and Lafayette sandwiches are served with a side of an arugula salad. On a Sunday morning, customers filled the cafe.
The Spork: Matines Cafe
December 12, 2025
Three-tiered tradition: Eight pieces of tea sandwiches, a warm scone with clotted cream, lemon curd, strawberry preserves and three assorted mini pastries fill the stand as part of the shop’s full afternoon tea. The set cost $40 and came with unlimited tea refills for the table.
The Spork: A Taste of Britain
November 3, 2025
English enthusiast: English teacher Michael Trainer sits at his desk. Trainer minored in English at the University of Scranton and received his master’s at Temple University. He plans to retire this year after 20 years of teaching at Conestoga.
Teacher Feature: Michael Trainer
June 2, 2026
French fanatic: French teacher Jamie Cappelleti smiles for a photo. After her sabbatical leave, Cappelleti returned to teaching at Conestoga and TEMS.
Teacher Feature: Jamie Cappelletti
February 9, 2026
Literary lens: English teacher and varsity football coach Scott Gee sits at his desk. Gee became the head coach for the football team in March 2024 and started teaching at Conestoga at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
Teacher Feature: Scott Gee
December 11, 2025
Engineering enthusiast: Business and technology department chair Noah Austin sits in the fabrication lab. Austin began teaching at Conestoga in 2006 and teaches engineering courses in addition to designing and implementing new ones.
Teacher Feature: Noah Austin
November 3, 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
You’re not niche — and you don’t need to be
You’re not niche — and you don’t need to be
June 2, 2026
“Michael” didn’t quite “Beat it”
“Michael” didn’t quite “Beat it”
June 2, 2026
The Title Paige: Being negative doesn’t make you deep
The Title Paige: Being negative doesn’t make you deep
June 2, 2026
My dupatta isn’t Scandinavian
My dupatta isn’t Scandinavian
June 2, 2026
Unsigned: Stop normalizing gun violence
Unsigned: Stop normalizing gun violence
June 2, 2026
Unsigned: Stop normalizing gun violence
Unsigned: Stop normalizing gun violence
June 2, 2026
Unsigned: Our overconsumption of media seriously threatens media literacy
Unsigned: Our overconsumption of media seriously threatens media literacy
December 11, 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
Satire: A day in the life of a perfect student
Satire: A day in the life of a perfect student
March 10, 2026
Satire: Eat as much AllNatural candy as you want!
Satire: Eat as much AllNatural candy as you want!
November 3, 2025
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
Review: ‘GOAT’ doesn’t live up to its name
Review: ‘GOAT’ doesn’t live up to its name
March 10, 2026
Review: ‘Wicked: For Good’ doesn’t quite defy gravity
Review: ‘Wicked: For Good’ doesn’t quite defy gravity
December 12, 2025
Review: ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ should be on no one’s ‘Wi$h Li$t’
Review: ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ should be on no one’s ‘Wi$h Li$t’
November 3, 2025
Review: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is as ‘Golden’ as everyone says
Review: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is as ‘Golden’ as everyone says
October 3, 2025
Review: ‘Thunderbolts*’ — flawed heroes, familiar story
Review: ‘Thunderbolts*’ — flawed heroes, familiar story
June 2, 2025
From the editors: Until next time
From the editors: Until next time
April 27, 2026
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
Jeff’s Gist: Why ICE threatens our moral ‘cost of living’
Jeff’s Gist: Why ICE threatens our moral ‘cost of living’
March 10, 2026
Jeff’s Gist: My (subtle) beef with the BYOD ban
Jeff’s Gist: My (subtle) beef with the BYOD ban
October 3, 2025
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
Conestoga competes in Penn Relays
Conestoga competes in Penn Relays
June 2, 2026
Final stretch: Tubbs begins the final lap of her race at Haverford. In this race, she broke the Conestoga girls’ record for the 3,200. She looks forward to running at John Hopkins University.
Smashing success: Senior breaks girls’ 3,200 meter record
June 2, 2026
Playing pickleball: Juniors Chelsea Bachman (left) and Isabel Laroque (right) compete in the 10th Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, earning bronze in the Women’s Doubles 3.5 Double Elimination 9-29 bracket. The girls competed at the US Open National Pickleball Center. Bachman and Laroque hope to compete in the championships and in local tournaments next year.
Juniors excel at US Open Pickleball Championships
June 2, 2026
Pushing the limits: Conestoga men’s varsity doubles team, made up of seniors Hudson Dunkle (left) and Avi Verma (right), rows in the Mid-Atlantic Youth Regional Championship as it qualified for the U.S. Rowing National Championships, which will be from June 11-14.
Making waves: Crew succeeds in medal season
June 2, 2026
BPALL hosts Challenger Day
BPALL hosts Challenger Day
June 2, 2026
Just starting out: Seniors Audrey Kim (left) and Abby Chong (right) get ready to try skiing. Seniors and dedicated skiers Sarah Bernholdt and Kate Khugaeva taught Chong and Kim to glide before approaching the mountain.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Learning the slopes
March 10, 2026
Aiming for the shot: Senior Lily Chen (left) aims her stick towards the net to shoot a goal after quickly learning to pass and cradle. Senior Sofia Calvitti (right), a member of the varsity girls’ lacrosse team, taught Chen to twist her body and swing through the shot.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Finding new aim
February 9, 2026
Up and over: Senior Lauren Pinheiro clears a 30-inch hurdle at the Conestoga track after hours of learning the proper form. Senior Rheeya Sudhagar, a member of the track and field team, taught her to keep her lead leg straight while bending in her trail leg to complete the hurdling motion.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Clearing new heights
December 11, 2025
Tee time: Lining up his shot, senior Ryan Ding prepares to tee off at roughly 200 yards from the hole at Turtle Creek Golf Course. Ding took about 130 strokes over 16 holes. With some hard work and practice, he hopes to beat his best score and complete a course in under 100 strokes, a milestone for experienced golfers.
Tryoneer Pioneer: Teeing up
November 3, 2025
Package: Tryoneer Pioneer
Package: Tryoneer Pioneer
October 4, 2025
Sports opinion: Equal pay vs. equal play in professional tennis
Sports opinion: Equal pay vs. equal play in professional tennis
March 10, 2026
Sports opinion: Teens, don’t let running pass you by
Sports opinion: Teens, don’t let running pass you by
February 9, 2026
Sports opinion: F1 finishes ahead of NASCAR
Sports opinion: F1 finishes ahead of NASCAR
December 11, 2025
Sports opinion: MLB ABS system is an overdue call
Sports opinion: MLB ABS system is an overdue call
November 3, 2025
Sports opinion: Legalizing checking will level the ice for women
Sports opinion: Legalizing checking will level the ice for women
October 3, 2025
Football loses to Marple Newtown 49-7 on Senior Night
Football loses to Marple Newtown 49-7 on Senior Night
October 18, 2025
Boys soccer secures 3-1 win against Marple Newtown on Senior Night
Boys soccer secures 3-1 win against Marple Newtown on Senior Night
October 16, 2025
Boys soccer beats Holy Ghost Prep 2-1
Boys soccer beats Holy Ghost Prep 2-1
October 11, 2025
Girls volleyball takes tough loss to Bayard Rustin 3-0
Girls volleyball takes tough loss to Bayard Rustin 3-0
October 11, 2025
Girls volleyball falls to Springfield 3-0 on Senior Night
Girls volleyball falls to Springfield 3-0 on Senior Night
October 9, 2025
Boys ice hockey clinches win against Haverford
Boys ice hockey clinches win against Haverford
February 21, 2026
Conestoga girls’ basketball team reigns victorious in the Central League Championships
Conestoga girls’ basketball team reigns victorious in the Central League Championships
February 11, 2026
Boys basketball clinches Central League title 48-43 for first time since 2008
Boys basketball clinches Central League title 48-43 for first time since 2008
February 11, 2026
Boys ice hockey secures victory over Downingtown East 5-3
Boys ice hockey secures victory over Downingtown East 5-3
February 10, 2026
Boys basketball beats Haverford 62-43 on Senior Night
Boys basketball beats Haverford 62-43 on Senior Night
February 4, 2026
Girls softball celebrates Senior Night, defeats Upper Darby 10-0
Girls softball celebrates Senior Night, defeats Upper Darby 10-0
May 12, 2026
Softball secures win against Garnet Valley 14-9
Softball secures win against Garnet Valley 14-9
May 5, 2026
Boys lacrosse loses 13-5 against Radnor
Boys lacrosse loses 13-5 against Radnor
May 1, 2026
Softball sweeps Lower Merion 15-1
Softball sweeps Lower Merion 15-1
April 29, 2026
Girls lacrosse takes narrow loss to Henderson 8-7
Girls lacrosse takes narrow loss to Henderson 8-7
April 25, 2026
Package: BPALL hosts Challenger Day
June 2, 2026
Package: Main Line’s first Mahjong studio opens
June 2, 2026
Package: Conestoga Robotics Teams Qualify for Worlds
April 27, 2026
Package: Boys Tennis
April 27, 2026
Package: Speed Bump Project
April 27, 2026
Day 12: Conestoga Wrapped
Day 12: Conestoga Wrapped
December 23, 2025
Day 11: Spotify Wrapped Package
Day 11: Spotify Wrapped Package
December 22, 2025
Day 10: Yearly Recap
Day 10: Yearly Recap
December 21, 2025
Day 9: New Years Resolutions
Day 9: New Years Resolutions
December 20, 2025
Day 8: Reindeer Games
Day 8: Reindeer Games
December 19, 2025
The Crossword Answers Issue 7 2025-26
The Crossword Answers Issue 7 2025-26
June 2, 2026
2025-26 Issue 6 Sudoku Answers
2025-26 Issue 6 Sudoku Answers
April 27, 2026
The Crossword Answers Issue 4 2025-26
The Crossword Answers Issue 4 2025-26
February 9, 2026
Issue 2 Crossword 2025-2026
November 3, 2025
Issue 6 Crossword 2024-2025
April 25, 2025
The Student News Site of Conestoga High School

The SPOKE
The Student News Site of Conestoga High School

The SPOKE
Erin Zhang

Erin Zhang, Co-T/E Life Editor

Erin Zhang is a sophomore and Co-T/E Life Editor of The Spoke. She writes mostly in the T/E Life and News sections. In addition to writing, she enjoys volunteering and plays tennis and piano.

Erin Zhang can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Erin Zhang
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