The student news site of York Community High School

This Is York
The student news site of York Community High School

This Is York
The student news site of York Community High School

This Is York
All content by Photo by CeCe Lampa
On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans.

On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans. Meghan Sholtis

On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans. Seniors from left to right: Hannah Blanchette (University of Illinois), Maya Rebic (Eastern Illinois University), Molly Costello (University of Missouri), Kaitlyn Kjome (University of Missouri), Rena Sotos (University of Wisconsin La Crosse)

On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans. Seniors from left to right: Clare Cockman (Loyola University Chicago), Will Hughes (Stout), Judy Rosland (Luther College), Eli Casey (Toledo)

On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans. Seniors from left to right: Liam Felice (Miami University), Jeremy Becker (Louisville), Mitch Stephens (UW Madison), Ryan DeMotte (University of Southern California), Ian Keilman, Ben Zurlo (Indiana University)

On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans. Seniors from left to right: Ava Uditsky (Georgetown) and Lucas Freitag (University of Chicago)

On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans. Caeley San Juan (University of Illinois), Aidan San Juan (University of Wisconsin) and Elle Borchardt (Indiana University)

On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans. Seniors from left to right: Maddy van Heukelum (UT Austin), Megan Schlief (Tulane University) and Lizzie Curran (University of Minnesota)

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Drumline students rehearse in the soccer field during the fourth period block, greeting freshmen as they arrive on their first day. Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Drumline students rehearse in the soccer field during the fourth period block, greeting freshman as they arrive on their first day.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Assistant Principal of Student Services Meredith Sheriff welcomed students and checked for self health certification prior to entering the building. "I’ve been outside with students upon arrival every day this week, and it has been really fun to see their faces," Sheriff said. "The students have been very compliant with wearing masks and making sure they are doing the best they can to stand six feet [apart]. It has been really good to see life back in the building." Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Signs throughout the building outline social distancing expectations for returning students and staff. "It is going to be new for a lot of our kids coming into the building, making sure they are walking properly down the halls and maintaining social distance between each other,” Principal Shahe Bagdasarian said. “It is going to be different than what people may have been used to in the past. But, once we get adjusted, I think we are going to be okay with that." Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Freshmen Sarah Huber and Frannie Cunnigham waited outside their first in-person class, Biology. "I am feeling really nervous, but I am hopeful and excited for this year, " Huber said. Sept. 21, 2020.

[Photo] Freshmen embark on hybrid learning journey

September 21, 2020
Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. One Social Studies teacher outlined their COVID-19 safety expectations on paper hanging from the doorway. "Please follow these procedures when entering the classroom." Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. York Ambassadors greeted the freshmen and helped direct them to their classes throughout the day. Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Two freshmen students caught up on summer plans prior to their first class of the day in the Foreign Language Department. Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Freshmen began to fill a Family Consumer Science class on the first floor. Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. During their lunch period, students sat socially distanced in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse and complete any assignments. Sept. 21, 2020.

Freshmen attend their first day of school at York amid a historic 2020-21 school year. Sanitizing stations were placed around the school to enable students to keep their hands clean and germ-free. Sept. 21, 2020.

A York drama team led by senior CeCe Lampa gathers in Eldridge Park to distribute "Lift with love" notecards. The team included junior Jackie Cimino, freshman Giovanni Santoro, junior Owen Espinosa and sophomore Abby Conners. Sept. 10, 2020.

A father and daughter, sporting matching Black Lives Matter t-shirts, lead a chant. "Say his name. George Floyd. Say her name. Breonna Taylor." June 13, 2020.

Two Elmhurst teens make their way to the corner of York Road and St. Charles Road in the Elmhurst March for Equality. June 13, 2020

Graduate Carina Kanzler ('18), one of the primary organizers of the vigil in Wilder park, hands out waters to protesters during the Elmhurst March for Equality. June 13, 2020.

Graduate Eileen King ('18) directs traffic as a marshal volunteer for the Elmhurst March for Equality. "[Marshal volunteers] will help direct other protesters by keeping them on the designated route," organzier Nina Marie Villasenor said. June 13, 2020.

As the Elmhurst March for Equality begins, graduate Camille Steahly ('19) leads the chant "defund police, refund communities." June 13, 2020.

At the Elmhurst March for Equality, an Elmhurst mother leads her children through the crowd next to Immaculate Conception Church. "As you may have noticed, we have just changed the name of Tuesday's march to 'Elmhurst Family Walk for Racial Justice'" graduate Mat Shiley said in the Facebook group. "We want to make it known that this is a family-friendly event and we urge you all, younger and older, to come out and join the chorus of anti-racist voices that will be marching in support of the Black community." June 13, 2020.

An Elmhurst resident leads a chant, shouting "Black Lives Matter" during the Elmhurst March for Equality. Her sign stated the birthdate and deathdate of Breonna Taylor, following her death at the hands of police brutality several months ago. June 13, 2020.

Due to social distancing regulations, many Elmhurst residents showed their support for the Elmhurst March for Equality from afar, giving thumbs up or even chanting along from behind windows. June 13, 2020.

At the Elmhurst March for Equality, any protesters created signs based on phrases seen across social media in support of the movement. June 13, 2020.

A young Elmhurst resident prepares her scooter in Wilder Park to travel the route designated for the Elmhurst March for Equality. June 13, 2020.

An Elmhurst Police officer stands in front of his vehicle to monitor crowd behavior during the Elmhurst March for Equality protest to ensure peaceful actions. Police cars were parked at all corners of the route, blockading cars from entering. June 13, 2020.

Sandburg students raise up their signs in Wilder Park during speeches from the organizers of the Elmhurst March for Equality. June 13, 2020.

Following the first Black Lives Matter protest in Elmhurst, residents march and listen to speeches in Wilder Park.

At the Elmhurst March for Equality, many created signs quoting the Constitution and foundational American documents in their defense, redefining the purpose behind these words. June 13, 2020.

[Photo] "Who are we? Elmhurst. What is this? A peaceful protest."

June 13, 2020
During the Elmhurst March for Equality, two girls stand on the steps of Wilder Mansion with a sign they created: "Be kind to Black people." June 13, 2020.

An Elmhurst March for Equality organizer speaks to protesters in Wilder Park about the term "positionality" and its relation to the common phrase "white privilege." June 13, 2020.

At the Elmhurst March for Equality, the sidewalks surrounding Wilder Park feature chalk designs drawn prior to the arrival of protesters. June 13, 2020.

At the Elmhurst March for Equality, seniors Emma Taylor and Josie Park listen to prganizer Elise Tran's speech and show off a sign. "I went because I want to do more than the bare minimum," Taylor said. "Yes, posting on social media does help spread awareness, but we owe it to everyone to do more and make actual change by taking a stand and speaking out and showing up." June 13, 2020.

Elmhurst March for Equality organizer Nina Marie Villasenor explains the plan for the next several hours and logistics of the protest. June 13, 2020.

At the Elmhurst March for Equality, York band director Mike Pavlik and his wife Carol applaud organizer Nina Marie Villasenor throughout her speech in Wilder Park. June 13, 2020.

At the Elmhurst March for Equality, a group of York seniors prepared for the march and held up signs made prior to the event. "It is necessary to acknowledge and use my white privilege to amplify and support the voices of those that have been silenced historically," senior Fran Soldano said. "It is integral that white people like myself do our part and use the voices we have been given to fight the systemic injustices that plague our communities and communities around the world." June 13, 2020.

Elmhurst residents of all ages turned out for the March for Equality, beginning in Wilder Park, embracing the message from organizers that this is a "family" event. June 13, 2020.

Manufacturing student works on a part for his semester long project.

[Photo] New Manufacturing class gives students a leg up in engineering

October 10, 2019
Graduate Sydney Mountcastle works on project in Manufacturing class. With remote learning, students are unable to work in the York Family Consumer Science and Industrial Technology classrooms. Oct. 1, 2019.

[Photo] New Manufacturing class gives students a leg up in engineering

Sam Grabau, Reporter
October 10, 2019
Senior Derrick Hardimon works with mallet in designing his project for the new Manufacturing class.

Student reviews blueprints for project in Manufacturing class.

Band director Michael Pavlik leads the Cadet Band in playing Blue Ridge Reel.

Members of Cadet choir sing Duke's Place at their first York high school concert.

The Cadet Orchestra violin section plays "Dramatic Essay" by Mark Williams.

During a break between songs, junior Anjaly Kappen drinks out of one of the reusable water bottles provided for the entire marching band.

[Photo] Go green, Dukes

September 19, 2019
Junior Lillian Marrah helps lead the crowd in a chant during the second quarter of Friday's game.

[Photo] Lighting up Friday night

September 17, 2019
Seniors and Drumline members Mason Lampa and Henrik Rividenara take a quick pause from sideline music.

The team lines up prior to the play in the first quarter of Friday night's game.

Quarterback and Junior Max Assaad looks for a reciever down the field.

Juniors Nev Lawless and Devon Proud rejoice over the first home game of the season.

On defense, senior Josh Mathiasen and junior Hayden Raniere tackle a member of Downers Grove South.

Marianetti and Concert Choir finish up another concert by acknowledging accompaniest Pamela Stefan. Stefan accompanies every non-accapella selection on piano.

[Photo] Choir puts a new swing on choral concerts

CeCe Lampa, Copy Editor
February 19, 2019
Freshman Ava Uditsky made a short statement about taking a stand, making it clear that "no" was not in her vocabulary.

Freshmen Anna Drewno and Gia Stephan hold up a sign that plays on the "Make America Great Again" slogan.

[Photo] York students participate in national walkout day, honor lives lost and demand change

Team Coverage
March 14, 2018
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Sophomore Graham Reid delivers a speech on further steps after the walkout, that this day cannot be the end.

Sophomore Maggie Wisnewski holds a sign exhibiting the length of this issue, with the first large, widely known school shooting was Columbine Masacre in 1999, almost twenty years ago.

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Freshman Allie Sidio raises up a sign stating our purpose, and saying "Girls Say Enough!"

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The elementary students perform the song "Casi Mama", featuring fun feet stamping and clapping to accompany their adorable voices.

Pride members surround guest speaker Hanna Kikos (7th from right), following her speaking about her personal college experiences.

[Photo] Duke PRIDE welcomes guest speaker Hanna Kikos and celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

CeCe Lampa, Reporter
March 12, 2018
Juniors Sidney Valdez and Jacki Riek sporting a "bumblebee look" for twin day. Both are members of the dance core, and are loving this show.

[Photo] Leaping into Tuck Everlasting rehearsals

CeCe Lampa, Reporter
February 26, 2018
Without the internet, senior Nicholas Scardon had a lucky day because he didn't have to take a planned assesment. "It hasn't really impact my day too much, but I didn't have a Spanish quiz that was supposed to be online today, so I didn't take the spanish quiz. I wasn't really prepared for it in the first place, though," said Scardon.

I found freshman Bella Prosser (left) and Olivia Shorter in a period that was meant to be an English class, but had become a study hall. "It kind of stinks because York is teaching us to use computers and technology more, but when this happens you can't really do anything about it," Prosser said.

Freshman Colin Boots was found aimlessly walking through the halls, trying to find something interesting in an utterly disgusting day. "I was not able to do my schoolwork, which we usually do on the chromebooks, which we use in every class, and I had to be innovative and use the textbook more," Boots said.

I next visited the math lab, were I found students rediscovering pencil and paper. Sophomore Michael Kudra was fascinated by these contraptions. "I have gotten innovative by using this thing called a pencil, I found out what that was today, and this other thing called paper, apparently they cut down trees to make it so that's not good," Kudra said. His friends surrounding him were also using these amazing inventions.

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Junior Bridey Costello and Sophomore Emily Walker performing the first scene of the second act at the Tilford House.

[Photo] York hosts first Fall Drama Festival

October 18, 2017
Junior Bridey Costello and Sophomore Emily Walker performing the first scene of the second act at the Tilford House.

[Photo] York hosts first Fall Drama Festival

CeCe Lampa, Reporter
October 18, 2017
Brown sporting her York Varsity Soccer Jacket over 20 years after her graduation

[Photo] Julie Brown Class of '93: Back to Elmhurst and Back to School

January 11, 2018
Italian Club's display featuring iconic Italian celebrities on Mount Rushmore. Thurs., Sept. 21, 2017.

Flags fill halls on the third floor the morning following hallway decorating. Thurs., Sept. 21, 2017.

[Photo] Homecoming Hallway Decorations

Gracie Tully, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2017
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