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WHO WE ARE...
2022 Cheerleaders
CALLING ALL
FRANKFORD ALUMNI
MID-CENTURY TO NEW MILLENNIUM
FIVE REASONS YOU
SHOULD ATTEND...
1. You're a New Millennium grad and your class never had a reunion.
2. You're a 20th Century grad and had a blast at your last reunion.
3. You've never connected with anyone since high school.
4. You keep in touch with classmates on Social Media and need a reason to party!
5. Adulthood is hard, let's go back to a simpler time for atleast a few hours.
Before the Turkey &
the Pumpkin Pie
Despite Uncertainties and School Renovation Plight
Cheer for our Home Team, as they go for the win Thanksgiving Day 2023.
Click Our Feature Boxes Below for Profiles
FEATURE GALLERY
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2022 Cheerleaders
FRANKFORD CLASS OF 1959--64TH CLASS REUNION
On Thursday Oct.19th some members of the Jan. 1959 Graduation Class met for our 64th Class Reunion Luncheon at the Huntingdon Valley Country Club. We have met annually for lunch since our 50th Reunion except for the 2 years of Covid. The number of people attending has dropped due to illness, living out of state and death. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about our school years and our families! We have already set a date to meet on the third Thursday in October 2024.
2023 Frankford High School News
Frankford High School gets creative as part of school still closed off due to asbestos...
Part of Frankford High School is closed off while work continues to get rid of the asbestos inside and the school has gotten creative utilizing the rest of the building that’s safe for students. NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle gives us a tour of the space.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023
Class of 1969
55th Reunion
May 18, 2024
Somerton Springs
More info. to come...
CLASS OF 1977 45TH REUNION
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CLASS OF 1987 &1988 35TH REUNION
GET-TOGETHER AT CURRAN'S
By Tamiko Ward
A "Get-Together" was organized by Stephanie Bennett and Megan Forrestal-Stalker for the Class of 1987 and Class of 1988. The event was held on Friday, November 18, 2022 @ Curran's in Philadelphia, PA. The event was held to celebrate 35 years for Class of 1987. Approximately 50 people attended the event. Thank you to everyone who attended this event
CLASS OF 1982 WILDWOOD REUNION -JULY 23, 2022
AT THE INLET NORTH WILDWOOD
CLASS OF 1971 50TH REUNION OCTOBER 2021
CLASSES OF 1975 & 1976 45TH JOINT REUNIONS
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
CLASS OF 1970 50TH REUNION
Describe your image
CLASS OF 1981 40TH REUNION
FRANKFORD
CLASS OF 1950
FRANKFORD UPDATE TEASERS
Robert Craven, 113th Pioneer Recipient 1966, Helping Where Needed
Joseph Fraioli - Motivating Young Minds
Laquana Nagby - Class of 2016
Roslyn Smith 1975
Sue Feola 1975 - Retires after 43 Years Teaching Special Ed.
Bright Solar Futures on CBS 3 News
Frankford's 2016 Alumni Graduate from College!
Khalil Lindsey 2020
Indira Graham 2021
FKD TELEVISION IS LIVE!
2021 Update - Aviation Academy
New Robotics Team
MY COVID ROADTRIP
113th PIONEER AWARD CEREMONY
ROBERT CRAVEN - MAY 11, 2022
2022
113th Pioneer
Award Winner
Robert E. Craven
Class of 1966
Pioneer Ceremony
May 11, 2022 10 a.m.
LAQUANA NAGBY, CLASS OF 2016
ASSOCIATE DEGREE, LAKAWANA COLLEGE 2018, Pennsylvania State University, (Abington) - Current Pursuing B.A. in Communications
FKD NEWS & STAFF PROFILES - AT A GLANCE
JOSEPH FRAIOLI
JROTC - ARMY INSTRUCTOR
CLICK to READ MORE
FRANKFORD'S BRIGHT SOLAR FUTURES ACADEMY
RIBBON CUTTING ON CBS3
ISAIAH THOMAS, CLASS OF 2003, PIONEER AWARD WINNER
114TH PIONEER CEREMONY STAY TUNED....
David Nguyen and Hysiem Zimmerman have been friends for as long as they can remember.
Both North Philadelphia residents, they played football together growing up at various levels, but when they got to high school, they went different routes.
Nguyen started his varsity football career at Frankford High School. He’s a three-year starter, a three-year captain and one of the top players in the Public League. Zimmerman started his football career at Ben Franklin, but transferred into Frankford this year. It was the perfect way to end their high school careers.
“I came here because Frankford is family,” Zimmerman said. “We are all about family. Forget about me, I love you. That’s a saying we use at Frankford. It’s family. I came here because I wanted to be part of this. I love the school, but I’m happy I can play with (Nguyen). It’s a family here at Frankford, and I’m happy to be part of it.”
“This is how it’s been since I got here,” Nguyen said. “Frankford is all about family. That starts with the coaches. It’s what we play for. Forget about me, I love you. We always say that, and that’s how we act. We look out for each other.”
Nguyen and Zimmerman were happy to have one more game together when they led Frankford into a Thanksgiving Day game against Roman Catholic.
The Cahillites, who won the Catholic League 5A championship and fell just short of knocking off Imhotep Charter in the District 12 championship game, won the first game in the new Thanksgiving rivalry, besting the Pioneers 38-8.
And good news for Frankford, this game will be played again next year. Since North Catholic closed, Frankford has played a variety of teams on Thanksgiving, including Fels, Conwell-Egan, Boys Latin and last year Cheltenham.
The loss to Roman snapped a two-game winning streak for the Pioneers, who struggled this season, going 3-10. But a lot of that can be attributed to their schedule, which included tough games against Catholic League squads Father Judge and Archbishop Ryan, as well as Public League powers Northeast, Imhotep Charter and Olney Charter.
It wasn’t the season the seniors hoped to have after last year’s one-loss season that ended in the Public League championship game, but it was still a memorable campaign that included some great moments.
“I appreciate these seniors, I appreciate them so much,” said Frankford coach Damon Brockington, who last year coached Frankford to a 10-1 record, including seven shutouts. “I don’t like saying we didn’t have a good season, I like to say we played a very tough schedule. We have work to do. But these are my guys. I appreciate them. I appreciate everything they have done.”
It goes both ways.
According to Nguyen and Zimmerman, the pair learned a lot by playing for Frankford. But more than anything, they enjoyed representing the school.
“I’ve known Coach Brockington my whole life, I know what playing for Frankford meant before I got here,” said Nguyen, who starts at center and defensive tackle. “I love playing for Frankford. It’s special, to play for Frankford. I know how much it means. I’m proud that I was able to play here. We had a good year. We did a lot of good things. And they’re going to be good next year, too.”
“I really wanted to be here and when I got here, I was so happy,” said Zimmerman, who plays wide receiver, safety and cornerback. “I got here and it was like I was always here. I knew (David), but I became family with the other players right away. As soon as I got here, we just wanted to get better and win. We wanted to win football games. We didn’t win as many as I wanted, but I’m really proud of what we did.”
They hope to continue to make things happen on the football field. Both seniors have hopes of playing football in college, though both are unsure of where they’ll end up. They do have majors picked out and each has very good reasons for what they want to study. Both want to make the world a better place.
“I want to major in criminal justice, I want to make the city safer,” Nguyen said. “It’s dangerous. I would love to become a police officer. People need to feel safer, there’s a lot of violence out there. I want to help with that.”
“I’m looking at majoring in sports marketing, I want to stay around the game,” Zimmerman said. “But I really want to become a recruiter. I want to give back. I want to help kids get into school. I know that’s a very important job, a lot of kids need help. I think I would love to do that.”
They’ve now played their last game for Frankford, but they’ll always be Pioneers.
Brockington joked that Nguyen will eventually replace him as the coach of Frankford. He might not go that route, but like Brockington, he’ll always appreciate what Frankford did for him, and he’ll never be far way.
“I love Frankford, I’m so glad I’m here,” Zimmerman said. “I’m better for it. In football and in school.”
“I know I’ll be here, helping out anytime I can,” Nguyen said. “I’ll be here next Thanksgiving when I’m home from college. I love it here. I’ll always be here because I love (Brockington), and I love Frankford. This is my home.”
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Frankford News from the Philadelphia Inquirer
Press conference announcing a $5 million grant awarded to the Philadelphia Education Fund.
Photo: Heather Khalifa, Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Photographer
A federal college-access program, available at five Philly schools, to expand to Frankford High with
$5 million
Updated
Dec 1, 2021
A college access program will now serve almost 2,000 students at Bartram, Frankford, Furness, Kensington Creative and Performing Arts, Roxborough and Olney Charter high schools.
When Mirranda Cunningham was younger, she didn’t think she wanted to go to college.
Now the teen, a strong student at Frankford High, thinks of higher education as a path to a better life. And soon, she will have a road map for how she can get there someday.
Thanks to a $5 million U.S. Department of Education grant announced Wednesday, the Philadelphia Education Fund will expand a college-access program that provides full-time, in-school guidance, one-on-one advising, and campus visits, as well as other offerings over the course of students’ high school careers.
The program offered by the nonprofit, which provides education services and scholarships for Philadelphia schools and students, will serve nearly 2,000 kids — 500 at Frankford.
The college access model exists at five city schools — Bartram, Furness, Kensington Creative and Performing Arts, Roxborough, and Olney Charter. It will now expand to Frankford, a large, high-needs high school where Cunningham, a junior, and her classmates will have access to resources beginning in January.
Farah Jimenez, Education Fund CEO, reminded students gathered in Frankford’s auditorium Wednesday of something her immigrant parents told her after they fled Cuba penniless — education is the only thing nobody can take away from you. “Education remains life’s most durable good,” Jimenez said.
For Michael Calderone, Frankford’s principal, the outside resources are a game-changer, a way to start students thinking as freshmen about what comes after high school, whether it’s college or career.
“It’s going to serve these kids in ways you almost can’t dream of in these current budget situations,” said Calderone. “It’s an opportunity for our kids, and one that’s long overdue.”
Frankford, with nearly 1,000 students, has four counselors who are “so overburdened responding to mental health and trauma issues,” especially in this pandemic year, said Calderone. Removing some of the college and career piece from their plates will positively affect students on multiple levels, he said.
WE'RE LIVE ON FKD TELEVISION!
A Chat with Adam Anderson, New Director
of Frankford High School Television
Five Years Ago, A Rumor
About Frankford Closing
Adam: That couldn't be further from the truth. We're growing.
We've added eight teachers, Enrollment has gone up. When you bring back stuff that make things important to kids, it gets them to come into the building.
Today's students want to learn more than the normal things--english, math, history. They want to delve into art, music, culinary, photography... These type of classes get them here and drive them to keep coming back. When they started crunching programs in the 1970s & 1980s, school got harder for kids to stay in the building. With the TV station, I get to showcase this new programming surge.
FKD-TV Gets Green Lit
A few years ago I applied for a PTSD grant to get cameras and equipment. The teacher who was supposed to get the grant, left the school, so it fell into my lap. I started doing film classes. I talked about doing episodes and recording. This year, they created my position, Director of Frankford High School Television, and I was happy to take it on.
I'm transforming my photography and film classes into learning how to produce shows and record events. I teach five classes, three Photographic Media 1, where students learn how to photoshop, create graphics, and learn the basics of photo camera, video camera and animation. Photographic Media 2--along with the above, we focus on video production and a daily news broadcast.
This year, they're learning how to use the cameras, create shots, composition, and we added aditional video skills in order to produce news content.
Photo Media 3 has the same features, but with additional independent projects. Some of the independent projects include: Creating pun jokes episodes. We also interviewed Ms. Blackman, Director of Equity and Inclusion. They recorded some events through Blackman. For example, she coordinated the Snipes episode. Snipes Sneaker Company came out and did a demonstration with a local Artist, Jay Coreano, in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). He demonstrated how to create a painting on a sneaker.
CLASS OF 1973 50TH REUNION OCTOBER 2023
What's Covered on FKD-TV?
Our news episodes are weekly announcements and upcoming events twice a week. We plan to produce more content, more often in the near future. We're not able to produce formatted news content yet, but whenever there's an event, our camera crew covers it.
Our goal is to produce a five-day weekly news broadcast. We're trying to make connections with people who are in the broadcast field. I've talked to representatives from 6ABC, CBS3 and NBC10. I'm trying to get them here to talk to students about the field, how to get into it, daily challenges, etc. I'm hoping we can do some field trips to see how they operate.
EDITORS NOTE: If there are alumni, who work for local stations mentioned above, or New York or DC broadcast markets and would like to pay-it-forward with a talk, a tour, or possible intersnhip contact Adam Anderson at: aanderson2@philasd.org
Dreaming of a Late Night Set
A lot of kids are coming into it at entry-level and are excited about learning how to video record and edit and want to join. We've had 12 TVs installed. We produce slide shows, Instagram and Tick Tock projects.
We have the following:
Four video cameras for news content
Five cameras for photography
33 desktops
Final Cut Pro on Apple
All computers have iMovie and a few Photographic Media #2 and #3 have Final Cut Pro on Apple. We have a broadcasting system called Sling Studio. You can watch Sling TV everywhere.
We use this device to record the news, then export it out and record it on YouTube.
Our Eyes on Fundraising
We want to fundraise so we can get T-Shirts for Media #2 & #3 students, and furniture and accessories for the set, along with new (more shallow) computer desks, to get more editing space.
I'm in the process of using my carpentry skills to build a set in the classroom. We have some walls up. We'll have an 8 foot long and 5ft bottom in an L shape and build a whole second wall . So we can have a couch and plants, to make it look like a Late Night Television set.
112TH Pioneer Award Ceremony & 37th Annual Frankford High School & Friends Christmas Party,
CONGRATULATIONS
FRANKFORD HIGH SCHOOL 155TH GRADUATING
CLASS OF 2021
A Pandemic Didn't Stop You from Arriving to Your Destination with Grace and Determination.
Obituary of Francis X. Donohoe
FRANCIS X (Frank) DONOHOE of Linfield, PA, formerly of Philadelphia and Glenside, PA and Ocean City, NJ, died June 5, 2021 at the age of 87 following a brief illness.
Frank was born in Philadelphia, PA August 22, 1933 to the late Hugh A and Katharine (Gaughan) Donohoe and was pre-deceased in his youth by his brother, Hugh J Donohoe.
Frank attended Saint Athanasius grammar school before graduating from La Salle College High School (1951) and La Salle College (1955) and later earned a Master’s Degree from Saint Joseph’s University (1969).
Mr. D’s life’s work was teaching, including 25 years at Frankford High School in Philadelphia, PA, 8 years at Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, PA and 25 years at La Salle College (Evening Division) in Philadelphia, PA. Whenever he was asked what he taught, his answer was always, “Kids.” As such, he leaves behind a legacy as teacher and mentor in thousands of young lives.
Dad’s avocation was raising his five kids on love of God, love of family, Big 5 basketball doubleheaders and Notre Dame football. His quiet strength and determination were the perfect complement to Mom’s unfailing energy, enthusiasm and patience. In his later years, he liked nothing more than to spend time with family, make sure everybody had his or her favorite beverage, tell a story, share a word or two of wisdom and maybe sing a song…as long as there was a quiet place to hide when the silliness got out of hand.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Lou (White) Donohoe; sister Mary Gail Dwyer of Cherry Hill, NJ; daughter Katharine Truitt (Stephen) of Swarthmore, PA; son Patrick Donohoe (Allison) of Schnecksville, PA; son Dr. Michael Donohoe (MaryEllen) of Eagleville, PA; daughter Eileen Hedrick (Ron) of Collegeville, PA; daughter Theresa McDougall (Scott) of Farmington, MI; (11) grandchildren and (12) great grandchildren; (10) nieces and nephews and (24) great nieces and nephews; and family of the heart too numerous to count.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in Frank’s memory to La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, PA or Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, PA.
ALUMNI PARTICIPATION
AT FRANKFORD
ALUMNI DAY JANUARY 16, 2023
It was Alumni Day at the double header boys & girls basketball games on MLK Day--January 16, 2023
Many alumni were in the stands cheering for our teams. After the game, approximately 30 alumni, Principal Calderone and alumni board members attended a fun networking event. It was great connecting with old classmates, making new friends and making plans on how we can give back to Frankford High School.
Thank you to everyone who attended! Special shout-out to the planning committee, school staff an hospitality students for a great event.
Don' miss updates, upcoming reunions and future alumni events. Stay connected with us via our Facebook -- Frankford High School Alumni Association page and alumni website--frankford-alumni.com
ALUMNI/STUDENT INTERACTION
Spearheaded by Tamiko Ward, Class of 1987 and Alumni Association board member -- there is a plan underway to get more alumni involvement with current Frankford students. "I met with Principal Calderone about almini participation at the school. The possible areas of involvement is: mentoring, career day panelists and club/sports support."
ALUMNI DAY -- JAN. 16, 2023
GIRLS BASKETBALL GAME 11:00 A.M.
BOYS BASKETBALL GAME 1:00 P.M.
ALUMNI NETWORKING EVENT 3-4:30 P.M.
LAMB STEW (Side dish or Turkey Alternative)
SPEND WITH PENNIES.COM
SHEPHERD'S PIE
Girl Gone Gourmet
2023 FALL FASHION TRENDS
Wraps & Coats
ATHLETIC SWIMWEAR
CONGRATULATIONS 112TH
PIONEER ACHIEVEMENT
2020 AWARD WINNER
JOHN "JACK"
PURDY
CLASS OF 1952
Jack moved from Scranton, PA to Philadelphia in 1939. He attended Wilson Junior High and then went on to Frankford where he ran track and played varsity baseball and basketball for two years. Jack was “All Public” two years in a row for baseball. During his time at Frankford he was also a member of the “Ye Monks” fraternity.
Throughout his school years, Jack played for numerous sandlot sports organizations. He played on the first PAL Team in the 27th District. In 1951 he was presented with the Inquirer award for winning the Baseball Federation championship of Philadelphia.
In 1953 Jack signed with the Milwaukee Braves until he was called to duty by the US Marine Corp. While stationed at Camp Lejeune for two years he played baseball and football. Upon returning from duty he resumed his professional career with the Braves. Through the ‘60’s into the ‘80’s Jack played for and managed local teams. At the same time, he scouted and ran try-out camps for the Phillies, as well as coaching local football organizations.
From 1991 until 1997 Jack coached baseball at Bucks County Community College and then moved on to coach at Council Rock High School for six years. Over his years as both player and coach, he helped teams win numerous championship honors. In 2011 Jack was elected to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Jack has also served as President of the Lower Bucks American Legion. He worked for Western Electric and AT&T for 38 years where he became President of the CWA (Communication Workers of America) Union Local.
BEST-SELLING GADGETS/PRODUCTS IN 2023
By Unforgettable Gadgets
1. A Scale that Lets You Look Inside Your Body
KoreScale is the smartest scale recently tested.
Step on to it with bare feet. It will use 4 precision sensors to scan and analyze your entire body. Then, see 14 important health metrics. You're now measuring, tracking, and seeing health trends in real time. This includes your body fat percentage, muscle and bone mass, hydration levels, and more. This BIA technology is the closest to taking a free physical exam at home.
2. Self-Washing Bed Sheets
Miracle has created the world's first ever self-washing, hygienic, luxury sheets. These sheets are able to fight bacteria, regulate temperature, and prevent the growth of odor-generating bacteria
3. Digitizing Old Memories
iMemories--If your bookshelf is filled with family photo albums – or your attic has a box full of VHS tapes or DVDs – then you're going to love what the folks at iMemories have done!
BEST GLAMPING IN THE u.s.
Little Raccoon Key - Georgia
Asheville Glamping - Asheville, NC
If pitching a tent, crawling into an itchy sleeping bag, then sweating and swatting mosquitoes all night is not your idea of fun--then Glamping may be for you.
How does this sound? Daily complimentary breakfast or breakfast bar, chef prepared mills, air conditioning, queen/king bed, an en suite bathroom with soaker tub. If that doesn't make you cry out smores, add daily housekeeping, morning coffee and spa treatments.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Glamping!
Dunton River Camp - Dolores, CO
Mendocino Grove, Mendocino, CA
CLASS OF 2020
"Ask yourself...How can I be better today, than I was yesterday?"
FKD Class of 2020
CLASS OF 2019
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin - Hubspot.com
TEACHER HIGHLIGHT
school district of Philadelphia
Watch and learn how Marcel Reynolds, a special education teacher in Autistic Support, prepares her students for life after high school.
Jahri Evans, Roman Harper & Marco Garcia &
were inducted into the
Saints Hall of Fame
The media selection committee of the Saints Hall of Fame has selected guard Jahri Evans...6 feet 4, 318 pounds, he's one of the most decorated offensive linemen in franchise history. He played 11 seasons with the Saints from 2006-16 after being drafted in the fourth round in 2006 out of Bloomsburg.
Among his accolades were five consecutive selections to the Associated Press All-Pro teams, including four consecutive first-team honors from 2009-2012.
As We Travel Along the Rocky Shore of Life, this talented group of musicians, including Class of 75 alum, Leslie Aita (top left), reminds us, there's still beauty to embrace. Enjoy!
FRANKFORD'S
CULINARY AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM
Frankford High School is known for many things, especially its Culinary Arts Program. It is an award winning program that has been featured in a documentary and on Rachel Ray.
Students in this three-year program will have hands-on training in cooking techniques, baking skills, and restaurant service. Each part is supported by theoretical knowledge.
The program exposes students to different cuisines from around the world and uses equipment found in both large and small-scale restaurants.
.
CLASS OF 1981 20TH REUNION
FIVE CLEANING HACKS YOU'LL LOVE
(42 on Buzz Feed's Website)
1. If you have pieces of burnt, spilled food in your oven, a combination of dish soap, baking soda, and water is all you need to make it disappear.
2. Or, for an even easier way to clean your oven, place a shallow cookie sheet on the
bottom rack of your oven (or a reusable liner) to catch any spills.
3. Line refrigerator shelves with washable mats to prevent any dreaded spills from drying, getting crusty, and becoming impossible to clean off. Plus: it's much easier to wash these mats than your entire fridge shelf!
4. Soak your showerhead in a plastic bag filled with vinegar and a sprinkle of baking soda for a couple of hours, and then proceed to be shocked at how much mildew, rust, and build-up dissolves away.
5. Blast away all that stuck-on grime in your shower with this mold and mildew remover spray (RMR Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Removal so powerful, it could lift the filth from an old abandoned house. Or that one suspiciously stained corner of your shower.
...Through this program, students will be able to fly solo by age 16, earn their Private Pilot License by 17, achieve Certified Flight Instructor by 18, and become an Airline Pilot by 21.
BRIGHT SOLAR FUTURES
The Bright Solar Futures program provides training in solar installation, energy conservation, work site safety, construction and electricity basics, and job readiness.
Students will be prepared to earn the following industry credentials:
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OSHA10 – required for any construction work
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North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®) Associate Credential- recommended for applying to entry-level solar jobs
-
Construction and Skilled Trades Selection System (CAST)- required for some utility jobs.
The training will include hands-on training in the new Frankford Solar Lab, field trips to multiple solar sites, and paid summer internships.
OUR NEW NORMAL
A NEW WAY OF LIVING
GAZE OUT THE WINDOW
FOR YOUR FUTURE.
GLANCE IN THE REAR VIEW
MIRROR AT YOUR PAST.
COVID TRAVELING - (Part One)
MY COVID ROAD TRIP
By Maryann Portone, Class of 1965
I have traveled a bit this year, but all of my trips have been by auto. I am not yet comfortable with flying, and I probably won't be until more people are vaccinated and we are in a better place regarding this pandemic.
Unfortunately, my trips were all tempered by the fact that I had a foot/ankle injury that inhibited my mobility. In May and June, I was in pain and limping badly. In July, I had surgery to repair the tears. By my September trip, I was walking, unsteadily; however, I wasn't permitted to go into the ocean. I was permitted to go onto the beach only if wearing my huge moonboot wrapped in a trash bag. I was also allowed to go into the pool only on one foot. Needless to say, I was quite the conversation piece on the beach and at the pool.
My traveling companion to South Carolina was my friend, Maureen, who sympathetically adjusted to my issues and helped me when necessary.
Williamsburg, Virginia
In May, we took a road trip to the South, visiting Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. First, we visited Colonial Williamsburg. One of the days was sunny and fairly warm, so the resort opened their pool. There was limited attendance, and very few people were wearing masks.
Even though I was double vaccinated in March, I wore my mask and tried to stay socially distant as much as possible. The resort required masks while indoors, and assured guests that sanitized “clean” pens were used at the front desk.
These were the only accommodations to Covid protocol. At the historic site, masks were required on the shuttle bus and in all indoor facilities, but there was no social distancing.
Gas Shortages
While we were in Virginia, the gas crisis happened—and we saw lines at the gas pumps blocks long. By the time we left Williamsburg, the lines were gone because none of the stations had any gasoline.
It was so strange to see plastic bags over all of the gas-pump dispensers. Fortunately, I was able to find a gas station off of I-95 in Virginia who still had gasoline.
Myrtle Beach
Once in Myrtle Beach, I found a few stations with gas; but the lines were long and the prices had jumped considerably. South Carolina usually has cheap gas, but not this time. So, the four states affected by this crisis were Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and I visited three of the four.
While in Myrtle Beach, I noticed a different mindset regarding Covid protocol. Masks were rarer, and social distancing almost non-existent. One night for dinner, we went to my favorite seafood buffet restaurant. As usual, the line, was out the door. However, people were lined up back-to-back with very few wearing masks.
When I asked the hostess about that, she said, "We stopped doing that several weeks ago." But, it was required that people wore plastic gloves when getting their food at the buffet.
Later in the week, I told my family members about this experience. My nephew told me,
“South Carolina never thought there was a pandemic."
North Carolina
Some of my family members live in North Carolina, so we stopped to visit them before coming home. There, I found more people wearing masks and observing social distancing. It was great seeing my family members after not having seen them for two years!
Atlantic City
In June, I went to Atlantic City for a week. Masks were required indoors, but no one was wearing them at the pool, on the beach or on the boardwalk. In the casinos and in the restaurants, everyone was wearing a mask because, I think, they were mandated. I believe New Jersey was one of the Northeast states where the pandemic was addressed seriously.
Back to Myrle Beach
In September, we went back to Myrtle Beach, spending a week in a resort on the beach. Once again, masks were seen indoors, usually, but never outdoors. By this time, many people were vaccinated, but the Delta variant had stirred things up again. At the seafood buffet, the situation was the same—no masks, long close lines and gloves were required to obtain food.
e
Christine Duffy, 2019
Pioneer Award Winner spent summers in France.
Christine's Mom
111th Pioneer Award Recipients -
2019 Pioneer Assembly at Frankford High School
Welcome Carnival Horizon!
"I was a below average student," Christine Duffy,
2019 Pioneer Award Winner,
announced at the 111th Pioneer Achievement
Award Ceremony in October.
" I didn't have a passion or a plan of what I wanted to do
after I graduated."
FRANKFORD HIGH SCHOOL -- FACULTY PROFILES
REBECCA WIZOV
Modern Band Teacher
Cheerleader Coach
Music Whisperer
“Music can name the un-nameable and communicate the unknowable.”
Leonard Bernstein
F-A.COM: How long have you taught at Frankford as a music teacher and choir director? Do you have any other responsibilities?
REBECCA WIZOV: This is my 2nd year at Frankford. In addition to leading the choir, I teach our modern band class which consists of a popular music ensemble, and I am the cheerleading coach for football & competition season.
F-A.COM: Where did you attend high school and college and when did you graduate?
REBECCA WIZOV: I attended Egg Harbor Township High School (in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey) and graduated in 2013.
F-A.COM: What were your immediate goals upon arriving at Frankford?
REBECCA WIZOV: My immediate #1 goal was to start a choir and use the “introduction to music” course I was teaching to give students a creative outlet to express themselves.
F-A.COM: What challenges did you overcome? What are your joys?
REBECCA WIZOV: Students lack of interest in music—especially those who were placed in my class anyway. I had to try a bunch of different methods to get them to participate.
My joys were finding the students that had a true passion and love for music, but didn’t necessarily have any foundation to build upon. I loved giving them the basic skills and tools to have fun performing music.
F-A.COM: What or who inspired you to become a music teacher? Who are your sheroes or heroes?
REBECCA WIZOV: My teachers growing up definitely inspired me. Not only the music teachers—although I had a wonderful relationship with them. They taught me a lot about who I am as a musician.
My high school French teacher and calculus teacher were also inspiring mentors. I learned how to foster meaningful relationships with students and that teaching more than just my subject is part of the job.
My parents are a also big reason I became a music teacher. I’m grateful that they initiated my love for music by signing me up for piano lessons as a mere 5-year- old.
They also respected my wishes when I decided to quit those lessons in middle school, but supported me when I began singing lessons.
They’ve been there every step of the way in my growth as a musician and now as a teacher, and I owe it all to them!
FA-COM: What plans do you have to build the music/arts program at Frankford?
REBECCA WIZOV: I want the choir program to continue to grow! I would like to, someday soon, have multiple choir classes during the day. That’s the goal.
Eventually, once I have a large number of singers, I’ll have two different ensembles—a non-auditioned group and an “advanced” audition group. And maybe I’ll add an a cappella group in the future, as well.
I’m looking forward to growing my modern band program, and having those students accompany the choir during performances. I’m also looking forward to seeing our orchestra and concert band grow under the direction of my colleague, Brittany Cramer.
F-A.COM: I understand you're also the cheerleading coach. What challenges have you experienced with the cheerleading squad?
REBECCA WIZOV: I’ve experienced a lack of commitment and consistency with the student athletes. It’s also extremely difficult managing an after school sport with all of the responsibilities that come with being a music teacher.
F-A.COM: I saw a cheerleading competition video from several years ago and was very impressed. Have they competed in any competitions since you have led it?
REBECCA WIZOV: This is my first year as the coach. Yes, we competed in the district cheerleading competition in December. The team did a wonderful job, especially considering the fact that all but four or five athletes were brand new to cheerleading.
F-A.COM: Do the students audition for choir and cheerleading? What do you look for in a choir member and cheerleader?
No, unfortunately I do not have enough students to hold auditions. If you want to join, you’re in.
With cheerleading, if you don’t commit to coming to practice and participating, then you cannot be a part of the team. It’s the same with choir—however, because it’s a roster course, it’s a bit different.
The students will still “be” in choir, but if they have poor attendance/participation, they will fail the class.
In choir, I look for students to be motivated, willing to learn, and to love singing. They do not need to have experience, as long as they are open to being taught and eager to learn.
Cheerleading should be the same, but the students also need to be aware of the physicality that comes with cheerleading. On the surface, cheerleading isn’t as rigorous of a sport…but there’s A LOT of work that goes with it.
So, in order to be a cheerleader, students need to commit to doing the physical work that comes with it, aka conditioning!