The SPOKE

The Student News Site of Conestoga High School
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Package: Youth participate in 2024 presidential election, step up to political stage
November 11, 2024
Station in the suburbs: A passenger train enters the Paoli train station. Chester, Berks and Montgomery counties joined together to create an official committee, eventually forming the formal Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. The organization will restore passenger rail service across the involved counties with its current restoration project.
SRPRA finishes stage one, starts stage two of passenger rail restoration
November 11, 2024
Visual learning: Junior Kushagra Behl draws a supply and demand graph he learned in AP Economics. For the 2024-25 school year, Behl registered for two dual enrollment courses.
Conestoga expands dual enrollment courses
November 11, 2024
Rising costs: A cafeteria cashier helps students check out at the lunch line. TESD increased meal prices by 75 cents and a la carte items by 6% for the 2024-25 school year.
District raises lunch meal prices for 2024-25 school year
November 11, 2024
Additional support: Third grade students raise their hands as Valley Forge Elementary School teacher Ashley White prepares to show a math informational video. Last school year, the math benchmark pilot committee began administering potential assessment benchmarks. White’s class will take the pilot third grade math benchmark assessment this year.
District plans, pilots math benchmarks for K-8 classes
November 11, 2024
School Board swears in new members, elects leadership
School Board swears in new members, elects leadership
December 4, 2023
Conestoga hosts therapy dogs for 'Wellness Wednesday'
Conestoga hosts therapy dogs for ‘Wellness Wednesday’
September 27, 2023
A very Barbie homecoming: Student Council holds annual dance
A very Barbie homecoming: Student Council holds annual dance
September 24, 2023
Celebrating Lunar New Year at Conestoga
Celebrating Lunar New Year at Conestoga
January 27, 2023
'Stoga's Big Give is a convenient spot for students to find different charities students can choose to donate to.
Day 3: Day of Service
December 12, 2022
Lighting the way: Community attends annual cancer research fundraiser
Lighting the way: Community attends annual cancer research fundraiser
October 8, 2023
Valley Forge Park's road renovations
Valley Forge Park’s road renovations
June 6, 2022
Coming to a conclusion: TESD Action Teams finish planning sessions
Coming to a conclusion: TESD Action Teams finish planning sessions
June 6, 2022
Cross-continental conflict
Cross-continental conflict
April 6, 2022
Deep discussion: Members of the Change Committee sit in a circle and talk about the team’s goals following a brief introduction. All action teams met for the first time in Conestoga on March 15. Over the next few weeks, teams will plan initiatives designed to improve district operations with respect to their designated areas of focus.
TESD Action Teams start regular meetings
April 6, 2022
Key Club hosts third annual student-faculty volleyball game for Mini-THON 
Key Club hosts third annual student-faculty volleyball game for Mini-THON 
November 17, 2024
Passionate player: Junior Sisi Xu plays the electric piano that she bought after moving from China to the United States. Since 2021, Xu has posted several musical covers of her favorite soundtracks from Chinese and Korean dramas.
Junior creates piano covers
November 11, 2024
Perfect pair: Seniors Celine Luo and Penelope Valenti (from left to right) practice guitar together. The two played in Rittenhouse Square on Oct. 3. They will make monthly trips there to perform.
Dynamic duets: Seniors busk in Philadelphia
November 11, 2024
Helping out: Members of Peer Mediation pose at the HES Trunk-or-Treat event. At the event, members raised money for Hurricane Helene victims.
Peer Mediation runs dollar drive to support Hurricane Helene victims
November 11, 2024
Leading change: Members of Write4Change present plans for their literary magazine NOVA at the Philadelphia Writing Project Conference. NOVA released its first issue earlier this year on Aug.13. Write4change will continue their research on the impact of AI on writing.
Alumni lead youth writing initiative Write4Change
November 11, 2024
Coding and creativity: HackStoga holds first Hack-A-Thon
Coding and creativity: HackStoga holds first Hack-A-Thon
April 6, 2022
Greening ’Stoga Gears Up to Tackle School’s Ecological Footprint
Greening ’Stoga Gears Up to Tackle School’s Ecological Footprint
March 30, 2022
SPCA Club: A Club for our Four-legged friends
SPCA Club: A Club for our Four-legged friends
March 29, 2022
AASU hosts “sock”cessful donation drive
AASU hosts “sock”cessful donation drive
January 31, 2022
The Heart of the Matter: MIT Speaker Discusses the Future of X-Rays with AI Club
The Heart of the Matter: MIT Speaker Discusses the Future of X-Rays with AI Club
January 31, 2022
Prep, practice, perform
Prep, practice, perform
November 22, 2021
Performers in the musical learn their choreography in the school parking lot near the baseball field. The theater department moved the musical outdoors this year so they could adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and have a live audience.
“Broadway Musical Magic”: Theater department performs outdoors
June 7, 2021
Review: IT Chapter 2
Review: IT Chapter 2
October 1, 2019
Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Sony Pictures Animation's SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” redefines the hero
January 16, 2019
Review: Sierra Burgess is a Loser
Review: Sierra Burgess is a Loser
October 12, 2018
Latino Culture Club holds Heritage Month celebration night
Latino Culture Club holds Heritage Month celebration night
October 16, 2024
’Stoga spirit: Students and faculty enjoy annual pep rally
’Stoga spirit: Students and faculty enjoy annual pep rally
September 21, 2024
Seniors celebrate senior sunrise
Seniors celebrate senior sunrise
September 21, 2024
Desi Club holds annual Diwali Night
Desi Club holds annual Diwali Night
December 9, 2023
Black Student Union hosts annual Fall Gathering
Black Student Union hosts annual Fall Gathering
October 31, 2023
Issue 2 Crossword 2024-2025
Issue 2 Crossword 2024-2025
November 11, 2024
2024-2025 Issue 1 Crossword
2024-2025 Issue 1 Crossword
October 4, 2024
May 6 Crossword
May 6 Crossword
May 6, 2024
Issue 6 Crossword
Issue 6 Crossword
April 11, 2024
Day 4: Games
Day 4: Games
December 14, 2023
Meet the Teachers
Meet the Teachers
October 20, 2022
An immortal language- Kirsten Whitaker’s unexpected teaching journey
An immortal language- Kirsten Whitaker’s unexpected teaching journey
June 6, 2022
Teacher feature: Seth Dixon
Teacher feature: Seth Dixon
April 6, 2022
Teacher Feature: Stephanie Matula
Teacher Feature: Stephanie Matula
November 22, 2021
Small delights: The Strawberry and Cream Smoothie and Vanilla Frilla Coffee are placed next to a sugar cookie. The drinks and cookies were made from scratch.
The Spork: ANEU Café
November 29, 2022
The Spork: Olive Tree Bistro
The Spork: Olive Tree Bistro
June 6, 2022
The Spork: Ice cream cone-oisseur
The Spork: Ice cream cone-oisseur
April 6, 2022
The Spork: Oasis Juice Bar
The Spork: Oasis Juice Bar
January 31, 2022
The Spork: Elegance Cafe
The Spork: Elegance Cafe
November 22, 2021
Jeff’s Gist: Till discipline do us part
Jeff’s Gist: Till discipline do us part
November 11, 2024
Vote for third party candidates
Vote for third party candidates
November 11, 2024
Review: ‘White Bird’ is your reminder to be kind, always
Review: ‘White Bird’ is your reminder to be kind, always
November 11, 2024
Volume up, productivity down: We should stop listening to music while working
Volume up, productivity down: We should stop listening to music while working
November 11, 2024
Why radical climate activists deserve the recognition
Why radical climate activists deserve the recognition
November 11, 2024
Kaitlyn Chen/The SPOKE
Fast-paced: How running gets my life on track
March 13, 2019
The Philadelphia Eagles: A Season in Review
The Philadelphia Eagles: A Season in Review
February 11, 2019
Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio in ROMEO AND JULIET (1996)
Which “Romeo and Juliet” Adaption Should You Watch this Valentine’s Day?
February 10, 2021
Deck the halls with these new carols from "A Christmas Carol in Concert!"
Deck the halls with these new carols from “A Christmas Carol in Concert!”
January 6, 2021
"Crossover" review: An inventive look at virtual performance
“Crossover” review: An inventive look at virtual performance
December 15, 2020
THE PROM (L to R) NICO GREETHAM as NICK, LOGAN RILEY HASSEL as KAYLEE, ARIANA DEBOSE as ALYSSA GREENE, ANDREW RANNELLS as TRENT OLIVER, JO ELLEN PELLMAN as EMMA, SOFIA DELER as SHELBY, NATHANIEL POTVIN as KEVIN, TRACEY ULLMAN as VERA, JAMES CORDEN as BARRY GLICKMAN in THE PROM. Cr. MELINDA SUE GORDON/NETFLIX © 2020
“The Prom” review: Can Broadway actors fix intolerance?
December 15, 2020
THE PROM (L to R) NICO GREETHAM as NICK, LOGAN RILEY HASSEL as KAYLEE, ARIANA DEBOSE as ALYSSA GREENE, ANDREW RANNELLS as TRENT OLIVER, JO ELLEN PELLMAN as EMMA, SOFIA DELER as SHELBY, NATHANIEL POTVIN as KEVIN, TRACEY ULLMAN as VERA, JAMES CORDEN as BARRY GLICKMAN in THE PROM. Cr. MELINDA SUE GORDON/NETFLIX © 2020
Day 2: Introduction to the Cappies
December 15, 2020
Field hockey wins PIAA 3A State Championship
Field hockey wins PIAA 3A State Championship
November 17, 2024
Girls soccer loses to Downingtown West in PIAA 4A State Championship
Girls soccer loses to Downingtown West in PIAA 4A State Championship
November 17, 2024
Key Club hosts third annual student-faculty volleyball game for Mini-THON 
Key Club hosts third annual student-faculty volleyball game for Mini-THON 
November 17, 2024
Girls soccer beats Lower Merion 2-0 in state semifinals
Girls soccer beats Lower Merion 2-0 in state semifinals
November 14, 2024
Package: ‘Stoga students participate in traditional Indian dance
November 11, 2024
Field hockey wins PIAA 3A State Championship
Field hockey wins PIAA 3A State Championship
November 17, 2024
Girls soccer loses to Downingtown West in PIAA 4A State Championship
Girls soccer loses to Downingtown West in PIAA 4A State Championship
November 17, 2024
Girls soccer beats Lower Merion 2-0 in state semifinals
Girls soccer beats Lower Merion 2-0 in state semifinals
November 14, 2024
Boys soccer clinches 1-0 win against Central Bucks South
Boys soccer clinches 1-0 win against Central Bucks South
October 29, 2024
Girls soccer beats Marple Newtown 3-0 on Senior Night
Girls soccer beats Marple Newtown 3-0 on Senior Night
October 20, 2024
Girls ice hockey loses 3-1 to Owen J. Roberts-Spring-Ford
Girls ice hockey loses 3-1 to Owen J. Roberts-Spring-Ford
February 26, 2024
Girls squash falls short in 2024 U.S. High School Squash Championships 7-0
Girls squash falls short in 2024 U.S. High School Squash Championships 7-0
February 23, 2024
Girls basketball dominates Upper Darby 66-32
Girls basketball dominates Upper Darby 66-32
February 21, 2024
Boys basketball defeats Harriton 47-37, advances to second round of playoff
Boys basketball defeats Harriton 47-37, advances to second round of playoff
February 12, 2024
Girls basketball takes close loss 43-42
Girls basketball takes close loss 43-42
February 12, 2024
Girls lacrosse dominates in second round of district playoffs 17-5
Girls lacrosse dominates in second round of district playoffs 17-5
May 19, 2024
Baseball ends regular season, loses to Haverford 8-2
Baseball ends regular season, loses to Haverford 8-2
May 15, 2024
Baseball falls short to Garnet Valley 4-3
Baseball falls short to Garnet Valley 4-3
May 9, 2024
Boys lacrosse loses to Radnor 13-3
Boys lacrosse loses to Radnor 13-3
May 9, 2024
Boys lacrosse defeats Wissahickon 8-3
Boys lacrosse defeats Wissahickon 8-3
May 5, 2024
Staying cool with hotter temperatures
Staying cool with hotter temperatures
May 24, 2021
Party like it's 1985 again?
Party like it’s 1985 again?
April 13, 2016
Super Bowl Prediction
Super Bowl Prediction
February 7, 2016
AFC and NFC Championship Predictions
AFC and NFC Championship Predictions
January 24, 2016
NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions
NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions
January 16, 2016
Leveling up: Freshman is professional Overwatch player
Leveling up: Freshman is professional Overwatch player
February 21, 2023
Gifted Gamer: Freshman Tony Xu sets up his computer and three moniters for a gaming session. Xu has played Fortnite for about 3 years now. He looks to continue growing his accounts and having fun creating content.
Profitable Passion: Freshman runs online Fortnite gaming accounts
June 7, 2021
Prepping for pep rally: Behind the school-wide spirit event
September 20, 2023
Conestoga holds Wellness Fair to wrap up Wellness Week
Conestoga holds Wellness Fair to wrap up Wellness Week
January 24, 2023
Wellness Week returns to Conestoga
Wellness Week returns to Conestoga
January 17, 2023
A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time
November 16, 2022
Day 12: Spoke Year in Review
Day 12: Spoke Year in Review
December 23, 2021
Celebrating with Cornucopia: Students participate in fall-themed festival before the Thanksgiving break
Celebrating with Cornucopia: Students participate in fall-themed festival before the Thanksgiving break
November 23, 2021
Day 5 of Spook 2021: Costume comeback; staff and students celebrate Halloween
Day 5 of Spook 2021: Costume comeback; staff and students celebrate Halloween
October 29, 2021
Pep Rally 2021
Pep Rally 2021
September 10, 2021
Final touches: preparing the atrium for student arrival
Final touches: preparing the atrium for student arrival
August 23, 2021
Senior Lip Dub: StogaFilm pursues long-standing tradition
Senior Lip Dub: StogaFilm pursues long-standing tradition
May 7, 2021
Freshmen Speak Out: Class of 2027 on the first week of school
Freshmen Speak Out: Class of 2027 on the first week of school
September 2, 2023
Day 4: The Newlyweds Game: Girls Soccer Edition
Day 4: The Newlyweds Game: Girls Soccer Edition
December 13, 2021
Day 5 of Spook 2021: Costume comeback; staff and students celebrate Halloween
Day 5 of Spook 2021: Costume comeback; staff and students celebrate Halloween
October 29, 2021
Call center in West Chester answers 911 calls for over 500,000 people
Call center in West Chester answers 911 calls for over 500,000 people
November 19, 2019
Obama visits Philadelphia to encourage voting
Obama visits Philadelphia to encourage voting
September 24, 2018
Day 12: Year in photos
Day 12: Year in photos
December 22, 2023
Day 11: New Year’s resolutions
Day 11: New Year’s resolutions
December 21, 2023
Day 10: The Speak
Day 10: The Speak
December 20, 2023
Day 9: News briefs
Day 9: News briefs
December 19, 2023
Day 8: Sports team traditions
December 18, 2023

The SPOKE

The SPOKE
Vanessa Chen

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter

Vanessa Chen is a junior and Staff Reporter for The Spoke. She primarily writes for the T/E Life and News sections.

Vanessa Chen can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Vanessa Chen
Leading change: Members of Write4Change present plans for their literary magazine NOVA at the Philadelphia Writing Project Conference. NOVA released its first issue earlier this year on Aug.13. Write4change will continue their research on the impact of AI on writing.

Alumni lead youth writing initiative Write4Change

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
November 11, 2024
New Teachers

New Teachers

Vanessa Chen, Lauren Pinheiro, and Mary Wolters
October 4, 2024
Field hockey sweeps Lower Merion 9-0

Field hockey sweeps Lower Merion 9-0

Vanessa Chen and Saktisri Gowrishankar
September 25, 2024
Girls volleyball loses to Strath Haven 3-1

Girls volleyball loses to Strath Haven 3-1

Vanessa Chen and Saktisri Gowrishankar
September 12, 2024
Sophomore leads environmental cleanup

Sophomore leads environmental cleanup

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
May 29, 2024
Budding Barbers

Budding Barbers

Lily Chen, Mary Wolters, Vanessa Chen, and Madeline Pulliam
April 11, 2024
Penn Medicine deal to buy Brandywine Hospital falls through

Penn Medicine deal to buy Brandywine Hospital falls through

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
March 5, 2024
Package: NexTrex plastic collection challenge sees success at ’Stoga

Package: NexTrex plastic collection challenge sees success at ’Stoga

Lauren Pinheiro and Vanessa Chen
February 15, 2024
Girls ice hockey loses 10-3 to Downingtown East

Girls ice hockey loses 10-3 to Downingtown East

Vanessa Chen and Lauren Pinheiro
December 9, 2023
Moving toward mental health: The new Haven Behavioral Hospital in West Chester plans to provide 24/7 inpatient psychiatric care and walk-in clinical services. The Chester County Department of Human Services established the facility to set up a new comprehensive mental health system.

Haven Behavioral Hospital planned to open in West Chester

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
December 6, 2023
Automatic voter registration implemented in Pennsylvania

Automatic voter registration implemented in Pennsylvania

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
November 1, 2023
Girls tennis beats Unionville, secures spot in states

Girls tennis beats Unionville, secures spot in states

Vanessa Chen and Lauren Pinheiro
October 10, 2023
Girls soccer dominates Ridley 6-0

Girls soccer dominates Ridley 6-0

Vanessa Chen and Saktisri Gowrishankar
September 19, 2023
Pennsylvania House bill proposes greener education grants

Pennsylvania House bill proposes greener education grants

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
June 5, 2023
FBLA: New club sees success

FBLA: New club sees success

Vanessa Chen, Staff Reporter
April 25, 2023
'Stoga's got style

‘Stoga’s got style

Vanessa Chen and Aren Framil
March 20, 2023
Gov. DeSantis opposes AP African American Studies

Gov. DeSantis opposes AP African American Studies

Vanessa Chen and Isabelle Emmanuel
February 21, 2023
New Year's Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions

Raima Saha, Riddima Pandey, and Vanessa Chen
January 17, 2023
Day 6: Holiday Music Reviews

Day 6: Holiday Music Reviews

Maya Shah, Lauren Pinheiro, Vanessa Chen, and Mareska Chettiar
December 15, 2022
New and improved: Handel’s relocates across the street to a larger building. The move has allowed for expanded facilities and more efficient service.

Handel’s relocation: The inside scoop

Vanessa Chen and Eva Kennedy
November 29, 2022
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