The Student News Website of Susquehannock High School,   Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

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The Student News Website of Susquehannock High School,   Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

SHS Courier

The Student News Website of Susquehannock High School,   Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

SHS Courier

SHS Tastes Hispanic Culture

  Ole! The Spanish club finishes out its year with a cultural trip to Fiesta Mexico, an authentic Mexican restaurant in York, PA.

  The Spanish Club had its first meeting in mid-September, and members simulated the Running of the Bulls by being chased by the Spanish teachers. Spanish I and V teacher Señor Nicholas Schiffgens named the meeting one of his favorites because it was fun and not too serious.

  The Spanish Club has almost always been a part of the Susquehannock community, and Schiffgens believes that it truly benefits students.

  “I think [Spanish Club] is important because it gives students an opportunity outside of the classroom to participate in cultural events and different activities,” said Schiffgens. “There are times when it provides them an opportunity to meet other students in other Spanish classes, which lets them know where they could be in a few years.”

  The club continued meeting throughout the year. In October, it had two meetings. It first was based on El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. The club watched short movies and created posters for their display at October Fun Night. Its second meeting was a part of October Fun Night, which included food and a display also based on El Día de los Muertos.

  The next meeting occurred in December when the club focused its attention to Spanish-speaking Christmas traditions. Not only did members play fun games with prizes, but they also exchanged Secret Santa gifts.

  In February, members went on a scavenger hunt that was based on El Día de San Valentín or Valentine’s Day. Most recently, the club traveled to Fiesta Mexico.

  Mostly recently, the club had an early dinner at Fiesta Mexico on Wednesday, March 26. Sophomore Megan Longerbeam, sophomore Tara Weaver, senior Jonathan Hayes, junior Kara Williams, all three club leaders, instructor Señor Nicholas Schiffgens, instructor Señora Heather Walker, and Walker’s two daughters, Alli and Emily, joined in on the fun.

  Senior Chelsey Simmers is a leader of the club along with senior Shane Stockslager and senior Sarah Lucabaugh. All three students are also enrolled in Spanish V.

  “We do fun events that grow interest in the culture,” said Simmers. “It’s not just all grammar.”

  To conclude the year, the club will have a Cinco de Mayo party on May 5. Everyone is invited to enjoy music, food, and possibly a pinata. More details will be announced closer to the date.

  This year, the club has made a lot of progress for the Spanish department. Because Spanish V students now lead the club, students have a voice in the club activities. Club participation was a little higher this year too. As a part of the Spanish V class, students plan for the next meeting, which has proved to be very effective.

  “The kids enjoys themselves,” said Schiffgens. “Some kids tried some new things that they hadn’t tried before, so it was good to see the more adventurous side.”

  Next year, the club hopes to have its voice heard by the student body more. At the beginning of the year, the club had a good number of members, but as the year went on, the numbers dwindled to just a few students. Schiffgens blames the low returning membership on lack of communication and conflicts with sports and other clubs.

  Sophomore Tara Weaver enjoyed her time in Spanish Club this year, and she definitely wants to participate next year as well.

  “[I’m looking forward to] more activities and getting to know people,” said Weaver. “[I like] practicing my español.”

  The Spanish Club will continue to provide a cultural outlet next year for students who are interested in the Spanish-speaking world.

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About the Contributor
Karly Matthews, Editor-in-Chief
Senior Karly Matthews, a third-year Courier reporter, is editor-in-chief of the publication. At Susquehannock, Karly is also a part of the yearbook staff, TV Studio, Spanish Club, and National Honors Society. Outside of school, Karly is a dancer and runs her own blog, which focuses on the entertainment world. In the future, she hopes to attend college as a broadcast journalism and political science double major. Karly looks forward to making The Courier the best it can be during her last year on the staff.
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SHS Tastes Hispanic Culture