UDHS Purple & Gold

And of course we had to end the year with another fun shot of the amazing Miss Fern. And let's not forget Mr. Ballard celebrating "May the Fourth Be With You Day."

This past month, the English, Science, and Theatre departments held ceremonies for new and outgoing members of their respective societies. Congratulations to both new members and graduates!

As a fun way to end their respective spring seasons, the Upper Darby High School boys and girls lacrosse teams faced off against each other. It ended with a 5-5 draw!

In May, the Upper Darby Royals Varsity Softball team had the opportunity to visit West Chester University, taking in a great matchup between the Rams and the East Stroudsburg Warriors. It was a valuable chance to watch high-level competition and pick up ideas to bring back to their home field.

Audiences were treated to a spectacular show this past month as the Upper Darby High School Thespian Society brought the magic of The Lion King Jr. to life.

Students from the Upper Darby High School photography class had the fabulous opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, spending time outside the museum, capturing photos, and practicing their photography skills.

On Thursday May 15, students from Mr. Blinn's and Ms. Zoccola's classes experienced an all-day educational field trip that included lessons on navigating public transportation and learning about the inner workings of the 69th street transit center; a visit to the Upper Darby Township Building, which included talks from Mayor Ed Brown, Fire Chief Nick Martin, and Officer Anthony Bateman and K9 Officer Radar. Afterwards, the students traveled by trolley to Barclay Square Shopping Center, where they enjoyed lunch at the Ichiban Buffet and the Al-Safa Pizza and Grill.

UDHS Seniors had several events this past month to celebrate their upcoming graduation. First was Senior Decision Day, a first annual event during which students announced where they would be going after high school. Later in the month they enjoyed a "senior sunrise" event, during which they spent the early hours of the morning hanging out on the Upper Darby High School football field and watching the sun rise together.

We will miss you seniors!

This month's spotlight is on Debbie Beck, who is retiring this year after spending 19 years in the purchasing department, and 20 years at the school district altogether. Debbie has been everywhere, including being a Hillcrest homeroom parent for her three children for 15 years, working a year as a speech and language assistant at Primos, and holding several UDESPA positions (including treasurer and president). "I have loved my job at UDHS, because I feel like Santa Claus! I hope that I was able to help make all of my UDHS friends' jobs easier, and I also love being a small part of making our community stronger and our UDHS students ready to enter the adult world." We will miss you Sue!

We'd also like to highlight History Teacher Extraordinaire Charles Manns. Mr. Manns first joined Upper Darby High School in 2022, and holds a Master's Degree in Education from Cabrini University. He can often be seen on campus after hours working at one of the school's many sporting events.

And finally, we would like to thank a hard working group of unsung heroes that are integral to the high school but yet who not a lot of people know. They are the special education bus drivers who not only keep our students safe but also work to keep them calm and happy. There's too many to name but among them are Miss Lauren, Miss Julie (helped by Miss Corinne), Miss Barb (helped by Miss Alexis), Mr. Joe, and Mr. Jean (helped by Miss Liz). We couldn't do the job without them!

This month we had several nominees for star student...so many it was hard to choose! So we will highlight some of the standouts.

Marie was and continues to be an excellent student, not to mention an awesome human being! Marie has matured and grown from a shy, quiet little girl into an outspoken, confident young lady. I am more than proud of Marie, as I am sure that all of us who know her are. Marie is artistic, responsible, sweet, honest, and insightful, but most of all, Marie is kind! Marie is a leader and a great role model.

This year, Marie was in three Gen. Ed. classes. One of which was quite challenging. After giving her best effort, Marie advocated for herself to be placed in a more appropriate class. This was one of many challenges Marie had to face this year.

A few fun facts about Marie are:

• She loves scary movies!

• She is an adrenaline seeker: She has told us on more than one occasion that she wants to bungee jump in the dark!

• She loves to travel (especially with her mom and twin sister)

It has been a pleasure getting to know Marie and witnessing her grow and mature. I will miss seeing her smiling face.

He's the Secretary of our International Thespian Society, and student director of our production of The Lion King, Jr.

Jason Clarici from my 4th period Engineering 1 class. He's an A student who is also on the wrestling team, plays golf, and is in the marching band...I am not sure if he wants to be 'outed' but he is a great kid.

Kyra Williams is a 9th grade violinist in the Upper Darby High School Orchestra. She studies with Julienne Ikegami of Springfield, and performed in a recital at Community Music School in Trappe on Saturday, May 30. As a result of her hard work and dedication she was asked to join the Upper Darby High School String Ensemble, which is the high school’s most advanced group for orchestra. Ms. Nelson is very proud of her achievements!

She is an all star student. She is a soccer player, cheerleader, and softball player here plus a rugby player outside of school. She also is on a travel softball team.

He is a stellar math student, wrestler, and an all-around great kid.

Honorable mentions go to Lilyann Jones (nominated by Laura Barr); Eriena Chasi-Prortilla (nominated by Walt Udovich); and Joshua Sharp, Charlie Hegarty, Josmanny Martinez, Cornell Appiah, Josiah Bolger, Jordan Porter, Mekhi Oumarou, Amir Hill, Saafir Bolden, Tutmose Jackson, and Joseph Merrique (nominated by Kelsey Bierling).