Making a Difference: September 2015

Kristine Tassanapark and Ashley Humphries

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Kristine Tassanapark and Ashley Humphries love Upper Darby High School, and it shows in the work that they do with The Royal Revolution. The Royal Revolution emphasizes to students at the high school the importance of pride in the high school and pride in each other. These upperclassmen epitomize what it means to be an Upper Darby Royal and encourage their classmates to do the same. The high school continues to be a better place because of their efforts and leadership.

Click here to learn more about Kristine and Ashley and how they are Making a Difference at UDHS!

UD Preseason Kicks Off and a word with Coach Gentile

As we end summer and near the school year, preseason for fall sports has kicked off, today, Monday August 17th. All fall sports are meeting at UD today to check in and get started.

Although today is the official start of the preseason, some teams have been working throughout the offseason. I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Gentile, head coach of the football team, about the offseason and more.

Gentile stated the team has been working out in the weight room since February, and around the first week of June started helmets and shoulder pads practice, 3-4 days a week.

In regards to being prepared Gentile said "We have a great group of seniors this year that did very well on the offensive side of the ball, and we are ready to get things moving."

Gentile has also been working the past few months on some new strategies, on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. "We're working on subtle changes in order to improve, polishing off certain plays, adding in some new ones, and making the game interesting.

My final question for Mr. Gentile was "What would you tell UD's student section, and all of the crowd for that matter to expect for this season?"

"Expect a very exciting and successful season, and we [the team] also ask they [student section] be there every game possible to support and help the team in tough games, because it's people like them, their enthusiasm and excitement, which helps motivate the team."

Lastly be sure to follow UD Football on twitter @UDFootball for updates on games and team activities. 

***Additionally YOU are deciding who this season's student section General is, log onto UD Football's twitter page and retweet who YOU want to lead us, voting ends Sunday, August 30th.

What fall sport team would you like to hear about next? Please contact me at kjj199748@gmail.com or on twitter @KyleJohnson00

Meet Your Authors!

For the 2015-2016 school year, I've recruited a hand-full of authors to help write for the Voices of Royalty blog. I would like to thank them immensely for helping during the upcoming school year(s), I wouldn't be able to do it without them. So, without future ado, here are your authors!

• Kristine Tassanapark, class of 2016
• Yosibeth Torres, class of 2017
• Trang Nguyen, class of 2016
• Grace Muldoon, class of 2018
• Annie Loeliger, class of 2016
• Stephanie Ho, class of 2017
• Ashley Humphries, class of 2017
• Kyle Johnson, class of 2016

I look forward to working with them during this upcoming school year, and we all look forward to continuing to spread the good name of Upper Darby throughout our entire community. We'll talk to you soon!

A Cappies Win

The Upper Darby's performance of "In the Heights" was nominated for 15 Cappies awards this year. With high hopes, Upper Darby boarded their buses and headed off to the awards ceremony this afternoon. For the first time in Upper Darby history, we were awarded with not only one, but two Cappies for Best Lighting and Best Ensemble! Congratulations to the cast and crew of "In the Heights"! We're so proud of all your hard work.

As the only writer for the UD blog that is not graduating this June, I would like to accept applicants for those interested in contributing to the Voices of UD blog for the upcoming school year.
If you are interested in doing so, please fill out the google form below and I will be evaluating all applicants and informing the public in a few weeks time. Thank you all so much!
http://goo.gl/forms/6161P7osyH

Upper Darby Fashion Show!

Are you in need of a prom dress? Are you attending multiple proms this year and need a quick fix? 

Come out to Upper Darby High School on WESNEDAY, APRIL 15TH. for a designer dress fashion show! The dresses will be modeled by Upper Darby students and all prom dresses will be sold for under $45.00! You might even find yourself some nice accessories to match!

Tickets will be sold at the door for ONLY $2 at the Performing Arts Center.

Everyone is encouraged to come, it will be a great show! Hopefully this will make everyone's prom season a little bit less stressful!  

MIST

The Muslim Inter-Scholastic Tournament (MIST) is a series of fun and educational competitions and workshops directed to expand the understanding of Islam and t fun. There are many competitions such as, Art, Poetry, Short film, Knowledge tests, Improv, and much more. Many schools come to represent their diversity and talent. Fortunately, in its first year, Upper Darby made its talent known. Our team won many awards. Junior, Sajal Khan, won third place in a knowledge test and is going to nationals. Waleed Muhammad was awarded first place in 2-D Art and second place in Improv and now qualify for nationals in both competitions. The overall experience was amazing for everyone and we cannot wait for Upper Darby to represent at next year's MIST!

We are so proud! Nice work guys!!