The Viking Call is Upper Merion High School’s student-run newspaper. Here, you can find archives of every article published in our paper as well as online exclusives, photographs, and videos. Explore and enjoy!
Any questions? Email us at umhsvikingcall@gmail.com
Interested in joining the paper? Email Mr. Darnell at jdarnell@umasd.org
Meet the Viking Call Team of 2021-2022!
Mr. Jason Darnell | Viking Call Advisor
Mr. Darnell teaches English 11 Honors-AP, Journalism, Film & TV History, and Writing Workshop at Upper Merion Area High School. He also is the editor of the UMAEA Update, the local teachers’ union newsletter. He loves being the advisor for The Viking Call because kids sure do say the darndest things! |
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Mr. Bill Alvini | Website Advisor
Mr. Alvini provides technical support to Upper Merion HS 1-to-1 laptop program and general tech support to the building and district. Often found in the iHelp room (C112), Mr. Alvini helps students find a common ground in technology and prepare for technological collaboration in the future. |
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Malak Ibrahim | Editor in Chief Malak is a junior and is delighted to be returning for her third year writing for VC and her second year as EIC. When she’s not coming up with questionable pieces of writing, she enjoys filming for the Viking Channel, participating in Speech & Debate, playing the flute in band, working in stage crew for the UM Underground Players, among many other extracurriculars. Outside of school (and procrastinating), Malak can be found watching an unhealthy amount of Netflix while drinking cold brew to cope with her stress 😉 |
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Writing is saying to no one and to everyone the things it is not possible to say to someone. ~Rebecca Solnit |
Somil Tare | Editor • Opinion Editorial My name is Somil Tare and this is my second year as the editor of the OPED section, and I can’t wait for another year editing the greatest section on the newspaper . In addition to writing, I like to play chess (we are working on making a chess club official , so if you know any teacher sponsors or people who might want to join, please contact me at my school email— somil.tare@umasd.net), think about life’s biggest questions and read books as well as the news. I have one older sister and my two parents while almost all of my extended family lives in India. My favorite book is probably the The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and my favorite movie is probably Lion King. Hakuna Matata! |
Michael Gribbin | Editor • News
Hi, I’m a cross country runner who enjoys writing many varieties of pieces, namely news … I enjoy keeping close tabs on the news and am excited to be the Viking Call News Editor. |
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Jocelyn Bilker | Editor • Arts & Entertainment When Jocelyn, a freshman at UMAHS, is not editing the website, you’ll find her busy with sewing, reading, practicing the violin, and enjoying the great outdoors … she also enjoys hanging out with her family and playing with her bird, Ti-Dy! She’s excited to be this year’s A&E Editor! |
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Kaitlyn Miller | Editor • Sports My name is Kaitlyn Miller, and I am the sports section editor here at Viking Call! A little bit about me is I am a senior here at Upper Merion and have been the sports section editor for three years now. I love sports and play varsity water polo, and swim here at the high school! Other than playing sports I love watching sports, my favorite team is the eagles (Go Birds!). Other than sports I love reading, my favorite books are: The Picture of Dorian Gray, Girl Underwater, and Six of Crows. |
Gina Labricciosa | Editor • Student Life Hey everyone! My nme is Gina Labricciosa and I am a senior at UM this year … I am so excited to be the editor for the Student Life section of The Viking Call. Some of my hobbies and interests include playing the piano, binge-watching shows on Netflix, hanging out with my friends, and playing with my dog! |
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Omar Bedak | Editor • STEM My name is Omar Bedak. I am a 12th grader here at UM. I am the STEM editor of the Viking Call. Along with the Newspaper Club, I am a Publicity Manager for Interact Club, a CAST High School Advisory Member, Varsity Cross Country and Track, and in Spanish Club, Garden Club, and No Place for Hate. I like to run, bike, swim, play football and basketball, and to read and write. I like to stay active and enjoy the outdoors as well as hang out with my friends. I am looking forward to a good year of a lot of fun opportunities to express our ongoing takes on the world and the goings-on of our school as we tread through this pandemic. To me, service and bringing factual, unbiased information is highly valued, and the good of the community is one of our biggest challenges, but nonetheless, one we can handle. Stay safe, stay strong, and GO VIKINGS!! |
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MarieClaire Schoucair | Photography Editor MarieClaire is a Junior at UMHS this year. This is her 3rd year as a Viking Call member and her first year as Editor of Photography. She is also Co-President of the French Club and one of the Executives of the CREATE Club, as well as a member of many other extracurriculars. When she’s not diligently studying, she is found playing the piano and enjoying nature. MarieClaire is passionate about her humanitarian work and always lends a hand to whoever is in need. |
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Celine Pham | Layout Designer My name is Celine. I joined The Viking Call in freshman year to draw, but by the end of the year, I was designing the layout! It has been quite the experience and always a surprise every month. Thanks for reading the Viking Call! |
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Cynthia Loufik | Creative Editor I am a senior at Upper Merion and an editor for the Creative Writing Group for the Viking Call. When I am not working for the paper, I am usually sitting at home either reading a good book or catching up on my favorite shows. I also am a digital artist, and I try to craft my ideas into existence when I can. Thanks to the Viking Call, I have been able to explore more of my creative side, and understand how to establish myself as a better writer and leader for my group. |
Jocelyn Bilker | Web Editor When Jocelyn, a freshman at UMAHS, is not editing the website, you’ll find her busy with sewing, reading, practicing the violin, and enjoying the great outdoors … she also enjoys hanging out with her family and playing with her bird, Ti-Dy! She’s excited to be this year’s Web Editor! |
See our old staff members here!
See old issues here!
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