Senior High

Six More Students to Continue their Athletic Careers

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Today, six more senior Eagles symbolically signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level following graduation. These talented athletes will be playing for the following teams next year:

  • Alana Campbell - Eastern University - Cheerleading
  • Carter Cordora - Albright College - Baseball
  • Alana Durham - Alvernia University - Wrestling
  • Leilani Martinez - Cedar Crest College - Wrestling
  • Lucas Palange - Carnegie Mellon - Football
  • Zyion Paschall - Montgomery County Community College - Basketball

These six athletes join the 23 athletes who signed their letters of intent on National Signing Day in February. Congratulations to all!

Teacher Appreciation Week: Mrs. Julianne Bertin

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"When I think of Juli, I think of connection," said Senior High Principal Mr. Tom Campbell about English teacher Mrs. Julianne Bertin. "She really has a gift of connecting with a broad range of students--from those who are at-risk to those who are high achievers. She finds opportunities to lift up our reluctant learners or those who may feel alienated or may be dealing with tougher social issues." Echoing his sentiments from the faculty perspective, Ms. Jordan Sharp, a colleague of Mrs. Bertin, says, "Juli was assigned to be my mentor when I started at Exeter four years ago. However, she has quickly become a close friend. We jokingly say that she is my 'school mom' because she gives me advice, teaches me life lessons and supports me. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful person in my life, and she deserves every ounce of appreciation for her selfless work at Exeter," she says.

But in addition to connecting to her students, Mr. Campbell says that Mrs. Bertin possesses a unique ability to embrace change throughout her 33-year career as an English teacher at Exeter, as well as finding ways to make her lessons relevant to students' lives now and in the future. "It's at the heart of who she is as an educator." Today, we're so excited and proud to highlight Mrs. Julianne Bertin as we continue our series of the longest-serving teachers here in Exeter in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week:

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I had great teachers. I went through the Oley Valley School District (K through 12) and I had amazing teachers in the 1970's and 1980's. Mrs. Hart (grade 1) instilled in me a love of reading, Mrs. Rogers (grade 5) helped me find my confidence, Mr. Sample gave me the freedom to explore my creativity in the performing arts, Mrs. Ewing enabled me to see writing as personal self expression--they were amazing!

Q: Did you ever do anything other than teaching? If so, what?
A: I worked some interesting jobs in my college years. I was a telemarketer, an auto repair customer service representative, a waitress, a hostess, and I cleaned law offices in West Chester. But I have been a teacher ever since 1990.

Q: If you wouldn’t have been a teacher, what other career would you have pursued?
A: A lawyer, a singer, a travel writer

Q: Can you please tell us where you’ve taught, what you’ve taught and for how long?
A: I have taught here at the SHS for 33 years--in the English department--mostly American Literature and Career Communications

Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: The students--the job is pretty meaningless without them!

Q: What was your favorite grade or subject when you were a student?
A: Fifth grade was special. I had an incredible teacher and so many great memories. I loved reading, writing and literature classes for as long as I can remember.

Q: What’s a moment you’ll never forget from teaching? 
A: I took a group of students to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On the day of the trip, I had to tell two students they could not go because they had not submitted permission forms. In a school bus, on the Schuylkill Expressway the students in the back of the bus demanded I come to the back. The two students I had to leave behind, followed the bus in a red Honda! They parked and went on the tour with us.... I called Mr. Keller and he took care of the discipline consequences the following day. I learned that teens are often outrageous and impulsive--that has not changed!

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your students that you’ll never forget?
A: I see examples of strength and resilience from my students every day. This reminds me to always remain flexible in this profession.

Q: What’s the best thing about teaching in Exeter?
A: Exeter is a community that thrives on change. A lot has changed since I started teaching here. Change is not always easy to manage, but it certainly has kept my mind open to new outcomes and possibilities.

Q: What have you learned about the profession since becoming a teacher?
A: The world changes, trends in education come and go, leadership changes frequently, but high school students ALWAYS need consistency, safety and community to flourish.

Q: What teaching accomplishment fills you with pride?
A: Early in my career I was very involved in developing integrated English and Social Studies courses. Even though we no longer offer these courses, I am incredibly proud of that era of my career. It was very collaborative and reminded me that content cannot always be separated. The world is dynamic and making connections is the most critical aspect of producing life long learners.

Q: What’s one skill that you hope all students learn from you?
A: That no matter what they do, good communication skills are essential! Read, write, speak and listen confidently!

Teacher Appreciation Week: Mr. Terry “TA” Lorah

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As part of this year's Teacher Appreciation Week, we're excited and proud to highlight the longest-serving teachers at Exeter. Mr. Terry Lorah--or "TA" as most everyone knows him--has taught at Exeter since 1984, currently serving as the Senior High's metal and electronics teacher. Although he didn't initially plan to become a teacher, his nearly 40-year career as a teacher in Exeter has left a lasting impact on students and the district that's legacy-worthy as one of the founders of Exeter's esteemed STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) program. Moreover, Senior High Principal Mr. Tom Campbell describes TA as just one of those teachers that is immensely likable to everyone. "TA comes to work each day with joy and excitement. He connects to students throughout the district with his involvement in clubs, music, art--or helping kids who might need something built or fixed. His ability to connect with kids and get them excited is truly inspirational as a teacher."

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher? 
A: I started college without any idea what I wanted to do with my life. PSU insisted on choosing a major so I became a music major. That course of study lasted less than a year. So I changed my major to Industrial Arts Education as I really enjoyed my shop classes in HS. Mind, I still did not necessarily plan on being a teacher.

Q: Did you ever do anything other than teaching? If so, what?
A: I was fortunate to secure a job with Bechtel Corp. as an electrical engineer at the Limerick Generating Station working primarily with all electrical outside commodities and the Radwaste Building. I worked there for three years and absolutely loved that position.

Q: If you wouldn’t have been a teacher, what other career would you have pursued?
A: I enjoy motorsports and most likely would have pursued a position as a welder/fabricator with a team.

Q: Can you tell us where you’ve taught, what you’ve taught and for how long?
A: Exeter is the only school district that has employed me. I started teaching Power Tech half a day at the High School and then Junior High Woodshop the other half. I developed one of the first STEM-based classes at Exeter way before STEM was a thing. It was a hands-on science course co-taught by me and a science teacher. I also developed the RS&M (residential systems and maintenance) class and taught that for a while. When we were transitioning to a Project Lead the Way model, I was part of the 9th grade rotation team teaching a wide range of subjects. Metal Lab and Electricity classes are my focus now. I had many jobs and they all were good. I worked full time on a farm between 7th and 8th grade. A short stint at the Mt Penn Mickey Ds. The Columbian Cutlery Co hired me to run gigantic presses and do welding repair work. Powell Engineering hired me as a truck driver and roller operator constructing roads. I repaired and inspected cars part time during college at a used car establishment. All these jobs were important as they gave me insight on what I did not want to do the rest of my life.

Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: The students keep you young. I get great enjoyment watching someone build something from nothing and be very proud of it. My colleagues in the High School Tech Ed Department are all a team and it is great to work with them daily.

Q: What was your favorite grade or subject when you were a student?
A: I really enjoyed being in band and orchestra. My materials classes in high school were fun and I was really good at them. Other than my father, I learned more from my metal shop teacher (Mr. Tuckey) than any college class.

Q: What’s a moment you’ll never forget from teaching?
A: There was no specific moment, but I absolutely loved working with the lovely Micky Potlunas (now Mrs. Fergusen, who teaches/directs the band at Penn State) with marching band. We had lots of fun.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your students that you’ll never forget?
A: Computers and overall tech gadgets often fluster me and I can always count on a student to roll their eyes at me and say, "Let me show you."

Q: What’s the best thing about teaching in Exeter?
A: I live less than 10 minutes from school...very short commute even when missing many traffic lights. Exeter's school board and administrators have always been supportive of our tech programs, and now with our engineering based classes. I grew up in Exeter and it is nice having students of former students.

Q: Did you graduate from Exeter or have kids who went through Exeter?
A: Exeter is my alma mater--Class of '77.

Q: What have you learned about the profession since becoming a teacher?
A: Exeter is a very nice district but still many students arrive at school with tons of baggage, hungry, or have a questionable home life. It is great when we can identify individuals with issues and help to correct them.

Q: What teaching accomplishment fills you with pride?
A: It is always nice to run into Exeter grads and they tell you, "Thanks, I am the foreman on a construction crew," or "Thanks, I rewired my basement," or "Thanks, I am building shocks at Penske," etc. Success stories are always wonderful.

Q: What’s one skill that you hope all students learn from you?
A: I hope students learn three skills: Patience, accuracy, and perseverance.

Students Selected to Participate in Big 33 Football Classic

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We are thrilled to announce that Alana Campbell and Anthony Caccese were invited to participate in the PSFCA Big 33 66th Annual Football Classic at 7PM on May 28th in Harrisburg. According to the PSFCA, the Big 33 Football Classic is considered the "Super Bowl of High School Football," and represents a selection of the best cheerleaders and football players from around the state. Many of the players who have participated in this game are recruited by Division I colleges and universities and include notable former NFL players such as Kyle Brady, John Cappelletti, Kerry Collins, Sean Gilbert, Marvin Harrison, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, Ricky Watters, Ed McCaffrey, Larry Johnson and Steve Slaton, just to name a few.
 
Alana, a senior, plans to continue cheerleading at Eastern University and Anthony, also a senior, plans to continue football at the University of Delaware. A Fan Fest will be open before the game on May 28th from 3:30PM to 6:30PM at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium in Harrisburg with food trucks, inflatables, music, activities and more. Kick off for the game will follow at 7PM. To purchase tickets for the game or for more information, please visit https://big33.org
 
Congratulations on this BIG achievement, Alana and Anthony! We're thrilled for both of you! 

Exeter Team Named Grand Champion in State STEM Competition

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From left: Leahnessa Ortiz, Zak Kauffman, Hansika Kunduru, Peyton Seamans and Olivia Maldonado. Below: Images from the team's prototype test at Blue Marsh Lake.

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A group of some of the brightest STEM students at Exeter won the distinct honor of presenting their design and working prototype of a remotely-operating water-sampling vehicle in the ninth annual Pennsylvania Governor’s STEM Competition--a statewide competition that challenges student teams from across the state to research, design and present a device or project that can make the quality of life better for Pennsylvanians by accomplishing a series of practical tasks that can fulfill real-world needs. Out of more than 60 entries from across the state, Exeter's team was named a Grand Champion, placing among the top teams in the state.

Exeter's team, who was selected and advised by Mr. Zachary Potter, consisted of Leahnessa Ortiz, Zak Kauffman, Hansika Kunduru, Peyton Seamans and Olivia Maldonado, who worked with Army Corps of Engineers representatives from Blue Marsh Lake to design and create a prototype meant to be used as part of Blue Marsh's harmful algae bloom (HABs) management program. "The device the team designed allows park rangers at Blue Marsh to conduct water sampling at the swim beach and other areas of the lake without having to enter the water and potentially come in contact with harmful cyanotoxins produced by the harmful algae bloom. In the summer, this sampling is required multiple times each week, and currently requires park rangers to wade into water chest deep to take samples," said Mr. Potter.

In the 10 years Mr. Potter's been advising the Governor's STEM team, this is the first year that one of his teams has qualified for the state-level championship. Additionally, he said, it's the first time that a team he's advised has ever been able to deliver and test a completed prototype of their design to their real-world partner, which is a requirement of the competition as teams are required to meet with a member of their local community or business to develop a solution to a real problem rooted in the community. This helps create an authentic experience for them, while providing opportunities for them to learn more about career pathways and employment opportunities based in STEM.

The theme for this year's competition was "Innovating the Commonwealth through Collaboration and Computing." In a press release announcing the winners, Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin congratulated Exeter and the other 19 winners and said, "The thought and innovation that went into this year’s projects continues to show us why Pennsylvania has long been seen as a national leader in STEM. The Commonwealth is fortunate to have such talented, knowledgeable, and creative students.”

Exeter bids “Auf Wiedersehen” to German Students

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A group of German students thank Exeter at the end of their stay by creating a bulletin board at the Senior High school. 
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For a classroom presentation, German students set up a pretend cafe in the senior high where Exeter German I students practiced speaking German by ordering food.
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German students and their Exeter student hosts. 
Right before spring break, Exeter bid a fond "Auf Wiedersehen" to 16 German students and two chaperones who were welcomed by host students and their families to experience school and life here in Exeter. Besides visiting New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. as a group, German students enjoyed some of the simpler enjoyments of American life, such as their first visit to Target and trying new foods and experiences with their Exeter host families--including trips to Amish Country, the Pagoda, Centralia and the King of Prussia Mall. They also were lucky enough to visit during the senior high's production of "Matilda" and the basketball state championship game in Hershey. In exchange, Exeter students loved classroom presentations given by the German students about their school system, political system, and more about their food, culture and history in the classes that they visited during their two-week stay.
 
Along with English teacher Mr. Robert Wickstrom, German teacher Mrs. Carolyn Woodford organized the Germans' stay and said that one of the things that she truly appreciates about the experience, which Exeter has been a part of for more than 30 years, is how it allows Exeter students to take new pride in their school and community. "The best way to experience another culture is to be a part of it. Host families made sure that our guests experienced a wide variety of activities, many of which were school-related and allowed our students to deepen their school pride and see everyday things through a new perspective," she said. "Our students have had the unique opportunity to form friendships that can potentially last a lifetime and lead to more visits in each other's respective countries. This program cannot be taught--it needs to be experienced!"