Dadich reflects on his first 30 days as principal Q: What changes or adjustments have you implemented and why? A: Listening to students. Believe it or Editor-in-Chief not, a couple adjustments already have On the cable network FX, 30 Days been made based on the students and is a show that examined one person teachers. No changes have been made living an entire month in an unfamiliar really, other than kind of enforcing social situation. Living in prison or on what is there. You can see the list of the an Indian reservation may seem exLeadership Committee, with the teachtreme, but what about living life as a ers and students that are... ready. We’ll principal? This position at FHS was be meeting in a couple weeks. The sturecently filled by a brand new face, Mr. dents have responded, actually, very Dadich. So what experiences occurred in the first 30 days of his new job?
Sarah Choflet
Q: Could you sum up how you felt about your experiences from the first thirty days in thirty words or less? A: I’ll give you two: love it. Love it. Really, I do. I think it’s fantastic here. … When I say that I see Freedom being number one high school in the state, that’s not because of me.
Q: What has made the experience rewarding so far? A: I don’t know if there’s one rewarding experience. I mean I’ll be honest, I know it sounds cheesy -- like an afterschool special -- but I really do love coming here every single day. I think, probably, if I were to say a rewarding experience, I don’t want to say it’s one, but the fact that students who were, I don’t know, kind of eyeing me up the first several days now walk by and they’ll ‘hello,’ they’ll stop and talk to me, they’ll stop and they’ll smile for once. I think it’s probably the most rewarding because it’s what we’re here for.
Q: Do you have trouble keeping yourself motivated? Where does that motivation come from? A: No. No, that’s not an issue at all. No, I love coming Photo by Anna Patsch here... I was by no means a perfect student, holy Mr. Dadich in his new office within view of the hallway smokes, not at all, Q: What was the and the fact that I biggest challenge well. I’m waiting for a couple students had so many teachers give up on me, you faced? A: I don’t want to say ‘was’ because I to stop skipping, you know, and wandidn’t hold high expectations, the fact think it still ‘is.’ I’d probably say the dering the halls, but other than that, you that one [teacher] did, kept the bar high biggest challenge is fitting in, I supguys have responded really well. So and even raised it, reached out to me pose. As promised, I didn’t change any I’m ready to start moving forward with and then made a difference. I think rules; I’ve just been enforcing stuff. I’d the Advisory Committee and start mak- that’s where the motivation comes from be lying if I said I don’t know, like it ing those changes that the school needs. because [my teacher] didn’t give up on doesn’t bother me a little bit when you me and he didn’t give up on a lot of walk down the hallways. It’s getting Q: Do you plan on incorporating any other students, so, I mean, I could easbetter, but that initial shock factor... I’m more changes in the future? ily throw my hands up and say ‘forget not Mr. Dadich; I’m probably every A: Well that’s probably what’s the best about it...’ but you guys deserve better name under the sun. I mean I’d be lying part of it: I don’t have any plans. I don’t than that, and the school deserves better if I said it didn’t bother me, but at the want to say it’s like I’m gonna shoot than that. So that’s where my motivasame time, I’m pretty confident with from the hip, ‘cause it’s not. I mean I tion comes from, just wanting to do what other students have said and with have an idea of where I’d like us to what’s right. teachers and everything else enforcing move and where I’d like us to go, but some of these rules and making sure like I said in the spring when I said that that expectations are shared equally any changes [that are going to be made] across the board. It’s the right thing to are going to come from the student Comments? E-mail Sarah at do. body and the staff... schoflet@freedomarea.org
In this issue…
Notice any new teachers at Freedom this year? See page 2
“My Life as Lex” kicks off with a story of summer. See page 7
Athletic assistant trainers and what they to do See page 12
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27 September 2012
A familiar face returns to FHS Desiree Davis Sports Editor
“It’s better to work hard now so that you don’t have to work so hard later. As opposed to not working hard now and spending the rest of your life trying to catch up,” Mrs. Hartman said. This is a piece of advice that she’d like all of her students to take with them; this advice also ties into her teaching ethic. To some of the students Hartman may look like a new face, but the sophomores and freshmen may know her best. In 2009, Hartman moved from the high school to the middle school to teach seventh grade English. Her first year teaching in the middle school was shared with this year’s sophomores. She enjoys seeing familiar faces; “It’s like walking in and having old friends there,” she said. She is really interested in seeing how they have grown. This year she is the librarian, teaching English 10 - cyber and in school - and communications. Hartman hopes that when students leave her, they will one day remember what she taught them. “All learning applies. It’s just when it will apply, I suppose,” Hartman said. She not only hopes they remember the material, but one day will use it in real life situations. She also believes that all students can learn. “I’m not going to let a student slip through the cracks because they choose not to learn. I’m going to try to get them involved in my class. I’m going to try to help them understand the material, and hopefully I can add some fun to it,” Hartman said. Besides being
ready to learn, Hartman only expects one thing: effort from her students. Even though Hartman is teaching two different types of classes and handles the library, she can do much more. Hartman is certified in many areas, including: English, communications, marketing and distributive education and library media. She used to be the president of a small company in the business world, which is what she majored in at Westminster College. Hartman then became Photo by Amanda Hryckowian an emergency substitute teacher for apReturning staff member, Mrs. Hartman, takes on English 10, proximately one year. The principal at what Communications and the role of librarian. used to be Center High really enjoying the staff and the students,” Hartman School convinced her to get her teaching certificate. said. This is when she got her teaching certification from Robert Morris University. On top of everything, she said that all is going Comments? E-mail Desiree at well. “I’m very happy to be in the high school. I’m ddavis@freedomarea.org
Freedom acquires new history teacher Evan Stiger
Photo by Evan Stiger
Miss McNees plans to use hands-on learning to help teach history.
Asst. News Editor Bustling within Room 204 this year is new teacher, Miss Kelly McNees. “I had some really bad history teachers and some really good history teachers… I decided I wanted to be one of those people that make history really interesting for the students,” McNees said. McNees’ goal is simple: to interest students in history. Her plan to achieve this goal is through relevant and interesting lessons. She plans to use skills she learned while teaching at North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. “I’m a hands-on learner, and I think it’s really cool to get students involved in projects,” she said. Hands-on learning is just one of the tricks McNees has up her sleeves. Another is her own demeanor. “I like to think I’m very passionate. Whether it’s teaching a classroom or coaching, I’m not a quiet person,” McNees said. Perhaps this passion will help her get further involved in Freedom. For example, her qualifications as a dance instructor may allow her to as-
sist some of Freedom’s extracurricular groups. “I started dancing when I was three years old, for probably the same reason a lot of kids get into dance. It was something that kind of stuck,” McNees said. Freedom’s musical productions were something that McNees was aware of before taking the job. The possibility of joining was also something she considered. “If there was an opportunity to help out…I’d love to,” she said. Dance is also useful in her teaching style. “I approach the way I would teach a dance the same way I’d teach a lesson. [When teaching a dance] you have to choreograph it, which is kind of like creating a lesson plan. You need to verbally give the commands, you need to demonstrate, you need to get them up and involved,” McNees said.
Comments? E-mail Evan at estiger@freedomarea.org
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Real life Music Man? Lauren Dubovi
Photo by Evan Stiger
Mr. Miklas gears up his projector for the day of teaching ahead.
Asst. Sports Editor Many students at Freedom have some kind of musical ability, but joining the FHS staff this year is a teacher who is classically trained to play tuba, trained to play the bass guitar, occasionally picks the strings of a ukulele and has a passion for the harmonica. Mr. Miklas, the new special education teacher, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and a Master’s Degree in Education and Special Education from Slippery Rock University. He is from North Lima, Ohio, and lives in Mercer with his wife of 17 years. They have a son in middle school and daughter in high school who are also musically gifted. Together, the combined Miklas family plays a variety of instruments including piccolo, oboe, tuba, euphonium, bass guitar, harmonica and ukulele, in addition to singing. Miklas faces an hour-long commute to Freedom every day, which is a challenge he feels has been an opportunity for him. He listens to encourag-
ing and uplifting music on 98.3 to get him ready for the day ahead of him. Miklas says his goal is to “always be available to my students, and all students, as well as the new staff.” By the time he was in eighth grade, he knew sports weren’t for him and he pursued music. Playing the harmonica, he has toured coast to coast, participated in symphony orchestras and played at 8,000 ft above sea level in the mountains of Idaho. His father played the harmonica for two generals in WWII: General George Patton and General Dwight Eisenhower, who later became the President. His favorite part of Freedom High School is “the students; [they] have welcomed me and in three short weeks. I feel like this is my home.” Comments? E-mail Evan at estiger@freedomarea.org
Feeling welcomed in the English department Lauren Dubovi
Asst. Sports Editor Works of literature such as Shakespearian plays and novels with themes that transcend generations might be staples in an English class, but a change to the department was made this year with new teacher Miss Catherine Stringer. Her classes include Academic English 12, Composition I and Honors English 10. Stringer graduated from Grove City Senior High School and moved on to pursue a major in English Literature with a minor in Religion at Grove City College. Before arriving at Freedom this year, she was a teacher at Mercer Middle-High School. While at Mercer, she taught seventh through ninth grade. Although Stringer has only been at Freedom for a few weeks, she said she likes Freedom because it’s “new.” She
also enjoys Freedom because “so far the students have been really respectful, and all of the teachers have been really welcoming,” Stringer said. She said her favorite part about teaching is getting to stand up and talk about literature in front of her students. “It’s always kind of been a part of my everyday life [and now] I get to talk about it all day. That’s what I get to do for a living,” Stringer said. Out of all the classes she’s in charge of this year, Stringer is looking forward to teaching “Hamlet” to her senior class the most. “I think it would be funny to have some of the seniors act out the play,” she said. Along with teaching a well-known play, she’s also looking forward to teaching a poetry unit to her Honors English 10 class. Although Stringer’s already assigned to teach Academic English 12, Composition I and II, and Honors Eng-
Photo by Anna Patsch
Ms. Stringer explains to her Composition 1 class the guidelines for integrating quotations into writing.
lish 10, she said she would like to teach other fantasy literature books,” Stringer a genre class. said. “If I could teach any book, I would do a fantasy literature class and do all C.S. Lewis, all the Narnia books, all the Comments? E-mail Lauren at Lord of the Rings books and a couple ldubovi@freedomarea.org
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27 September 2012
Blending the new with the familiar
Future for classrooms
fered a job to teach regular education students, she took the opportunity. Anderson stayed at Business Manager Some faculty members may be getting a Conway for another three years, in which time bit of déjà vu this school year. Mrs. Anderson, she earned her master’s degree in online teacha new technology hire, isn’t all that new. Most ing. students in the high school today won’t reShe missed the high school, and once member, but Anderson was a teacher in 2006 again when offered a position as the Cyber as well. She taught for three years with the Coordinator, she took it. So in her seventh special education department before she was year of teaching, Anderson is back in the high offered a job at Conway Elementary School. school. She runs the cyber school programs She double majored in special education provided by Freedom in all of the schools. She and elementary education. When she was of- has to meet with parents, help the teachers with their cyber curriculum and review students’ progress. In the cyber room with Anderson is the woman whom she calls “her eyes” of the room. Mrs. Willis, a graduate of New Brighton High, is an aide for Anderson. Ever since Willis was young, she would play school with her younger sister. During her education, there were a lot of teachers who helped her to reach her choice of being a teacher. She attended Clarion University and graduated with a degree in elementary and special education. After the special education job was filled, Mr. Dadich offered Willis a position as an aid. Because this is her first teaching job, she hopes that "This is my foot in the door to other teaching opportunities.”
dia. As the program grows, Anderson hopes to acquire Business Manager more classes for students. “[Blended curriculum is] Anderson also said that where the world is going,” because Freedom is a brick Mrs. Anderson said. Freeand mortar school, the district dom’s e2020 courses are now was forced to adapt in order to being held in Room 213 under compete with PA Cyber. Sevthe supervision of Mrs. eral students have indeed reAnderson and her aid, Mrs. turned to Freedom after havWillis. Currently there are ing previously dropped for PA around 60 students in the Cyber. Many schools in the e2020 program varying from state are instilling cyber opstudents in credit recovery to tions; Freedom isn’t the first, the various classes that are but is certainly on the foreoffered in an online version. front of this new schooling Some students do not method. The thing that makes excel in a traditional classFreedom so unique is that the room, which is why PA Cyber school is using its own teachis so alluring to high school ers for the cyber classes. students. What Freedom is According to Mr. Dadich, trying to do, however, is give the future for this program is students the option to have far beyond what Freedom stusome traditional and cyber dents ever imagined. He hopes classes. that one day the school will be All of the online classes able to set up internships with are offered through the e2020 companies before graduation, program, which was introproviding students with a very duced last year. This homecustomized and individualized based program is used to give education. students the opportunities of a cyber curriculum with a Freedom diploma. These classes include computer programComments? E-mail Emily at ming, Spanish, practical appliemajors@freedomarea.org cations, Chinese and multime-
Emily Majors
Photo by Anna Patsch
Mrs. Willis and Mrs. Anderson oversee the cyber center together.
Hope Ruckert
Asst. Features Editor With the departure of the class of 2012, Freedom Area High School also bid farewell to Ms. Ionta, former World Cultures teacher. With this change, Freedom Area High School welcomes Ms. Katherine Gigl to fill Ms. Ionta’s infinite amount of shoes. The change doesn’t just stop at Gigl; what used to be known as the World Cultures class has now changed to World History. Gigl’s class focuses more on things like time periods and big movements that happened around the whole world. World Cultures is picking a region and studying the history and cultures of only that region. Gigl favors World History over world cultures. Gigl would like her students to understand that there is more to history than just reading about it. “I hope that the kids in my classes take away that history can be theirs, and you don’t have to necessarily agree with everything,” Gigl said. Gigl came to us from New Jer-
Comments? E-mail Emily at emajors@freedomarea.org
Emily Majors
sey. After graduating from Ursinus College in Philadelphia, she did some supplemental activities in public schools near Pittsburgh. After a while, Gigl decided to get a more stable job. She came across Freedom at a job fair. So far she is really enjoying the school. “Freedom is awesome. I like it a lot, it’s great,” Gigl said. She hopes to make her own mark on Freedom and is very excited to do so. “I like Ms. Gigl because she makes class more fun, which is something important in history, because it can get boring,” Sophomore Breana Petrocelli said. Gigl hopes that her students always try their best to change history to make it their own. Photo by Amanda Hryckowian
Comments? E-mail Hope at hruckert@freedomarea.org
Ms. Gigl illustrates a concept to Sophomore Travis Hryckowian.
FHS Press
Ch-ch-ch-ch Changing As an old French Proverb states, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” With the new 2012-2013 school year already weeks in, Freedom students have been adjusting to the new feel of Freedom High School. “Adjusting”, however, is taking on a whole new meaning of the word with what has occurred at Freedom. Change is one thing that is absolutely certain in life, and at Freedom it is almost expected annually. Why, then, are the majority of Freedom students outraged at the beginning of each and every new school year? Is this type of behavior acceptable, or is it just plain repetitive and useless? Last year at Freedom, the main topic of discussion and disproval was the mandatory locks on lockers. Most students, outraged that they must use a lock that the school gave them to protect their things, complained and refused change. However, after a few short weeks the problem was a thing in the past, forgotten with the latest news in the school. The 2013 school year is no different. Problems arose regarding the new
AAP 30-minute class at the end of every day. Students’, not ready for that big of a leap, initially took offense to the weird schedule change. Being skeptical about new ideas is not a terrible thing and neither is speaking up for what is believed to be the best for the student body. But, there is a fine line between reaction and overreaction. Remembering that the student body at Freedom is comprised of teenagers is key to understanding that initial shock to these types of changes is normal. It would be abnormal to not see this behavior in the student body. No matter if it is locks, schedules, rules, or anything else that may change in life, the best thing to do is accept it and move one because it is one fraction of a thread in the over-sized sweatshirt of life. As the school year unfolds, change will always be present. The main thing to remember is to respond accurately without dragging it out past what it was actually worth.
Random Fact of the Month World’s largest Jack-O-Lantern
FHS Press — Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief ~ Sarah Choflet editor@freedomarea.org Managing Editor ~ Taylar McCoy managing@freedomarea.org News Editor ~ Amanda Hryckowian Asst. News Editor ~ Evan Stiger news@freedomarea.org
Sports Editor ~ Desiree Davis Asst. Sports Editor ~ Courtney Schreiner sports@freedomarea.org Copy Editor ~ Gigi DeWeese
Features Editor ~ Jon Bittner Asst. Features Editor ~ Evan Stiger features@freedomarea.org
Photo & Design Editor ~ Anna Patsch Web Editor ~ Emily Majors
Editorial Staff Business Manager ~ Emily Majors ads@freedomarea.org
Multimedia Content: Section flags provided by FHS Multimedia Students
Staff Writers: Brianna Haglan, Hope Ruckert, Alexa Yanyanin, Morgan Greco, Alexis Hancock, Lauren Dubovi Newspaper Adviser: Mr. Aaron Fitzpatrick afitzpatrick@freedomarea.org
Editorial Policies: FHS Press is the official student newspaper serving students and staff at Freedom Area High School, in Freedom, Pennsylvania. The views presented herein are not representative of the school, faculty, or administration; they are solely the views of individual student writers. The staff editorial is written based on the majority opinion of the student editorial board. The newspaper accepts and strives to publish signed letters to the editor under 250 words, which can be sent to editor@freedomarea.org. To submit comments, questions, or press releases, or to purchase advertising in the paper, email newspaper@freedomarea.org, or contact Mr. Fitzpatrick in Room 112.
The world's largest jack o'lantern was carved by Scott Cully (USA) from the world's largest pumpkin on October 31, 2005 in Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania, USA. The pumpkin was grown by Larry Checkon (USA) and weighed 666.32 kg (1,469 lb) at the Pennsylvania Giant Pumpkin Growers Association Weigh-off, on October 1, 2005. Fact found at http:// thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/ largest160.html
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September 27 2012
My Life as Lex If I was to go up to any random teenager and ask “ How did you spend your summer?” Nine times Alexa Yanyanin out of ten Asst. Managing Editor I’m sure I would receive the generic “I hung out with friends” answer. Hopefully, I can prove to you that isn’t the only response. On Thursday, June 7, aka the last day of school, my friends and I decided to make a pact. Each one of us was embarking on a new journey, and we knew this would be our last summer to spend together. We decided to give summer 2012 the name YOLO (if you honestly have no clue what that means by now, you’re un-American). It could not have described the events better. I’m going to break the summer up into three parts to make it easier for you, alright? So let’s start with part one: Pool Therapy. Pool Therapy was established by my mother last summer as a vent session late at night on our pool deck. You know the phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?”
Well that rule also applies to Pool Therapy. It’s a bonding time for my mother, my friends and myself while relaxing in the comfort of our swimming pool. Part two: Los Angeles, California My mom, my grandmother and I traveled to the City of Angels in late June. Putting our YOLO summer on hold -at least with my friends. I have a very close relationship with both my mother and grandmother, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Talk about a 10-day dream vacation. We shopped on Rodeo Dr., drove up and down the Pacific Coast Highway and stopped at Huntington and Laguna Beach during the journey, just to name a few. My personal favorite stop on our vacation was shopping at DASH Boutique, which is owned and run by the Kardashian sisters. I have no shame when saying I’m a die-hard Kardashian fan, same with my grandma (yes, my 79 year old grandmother religiously watches “Keeping Up.”) Unfortunately we missed a very pregnant Kourtney by 20 minutes. Part three: Chinese Food, Chinese Fire Drills In the beginning of July, I returned from California. I couldn’t wait to sleep in my own bed. But I couldn’t. Why
might you ask? My wonderful friends filled my room with confetti and balloons, so I couldn’t get to my bed for three days. (Thanks, guys.) It dawned on us midJuly that we only had a few true weeks of freedom left, due to the fact that we’re all in the band and band camp is the first week of August. We had to live up to our YOLO summer expectations, aka spontaneous trips all around the Pittsburgh area, at any time of the day…or night. We discovered this awesome Chinese buffet, which we visited on a daily basis, that literally had everything. It became an obsession; we had to eat Chinese every day. One day after our Chinese run, one of us had this wonderful idea to do a Chinese fire drill in the middle of Route 65. So of course we did it. You Only Live Once, after all. So, this was just a snippet of my summer. How did you spend yours?
Photo by Alexa Yanyanin
Alexa’s trashed room when she came home from vacation.
Comments? E-mail Lex at ayanyanin@freedomarea.org
Dear Freshmen, Anna’s Declassified Freshmen Survival Guide Dear Freshmen, If there is one thing that every newcomer dreads, it’s their very first day of Anna Patsch high school. Photo Editor I remember the sheer feeling of panic; I didn’t know where to go, who to talk to or how to act. You’re hit with more change than you could have ever thought humanly possible to process. Freshmen are at a big disadvantage. The upperclassmen already know what to expect, where to go and how to act like themselves. Fortunately for you, class of 2016, I’m here to help. Being a freshman is made out to be way scarier than it should be. Yes, change is scary, but if you listen to me and follow a few simple rules, you should make it through your freshman year just fine.
1. First impressions are very important, so make good ones! I know it sounds like a simple task, but many people have mastered the art of coming on too strong; whether it be toward new teachers or new friends. Just be yourself and lay low for the first few days. 2. Next, figure out your schedule. I don’t just mean your class schedule; I mean at home too. Procrastination can swallow you whole if you’re not careful. Procrastination is made more difficult with the change in curriculum and increase in homework. Get yourself set on a schedule, and keep track of your work. 3. Be organized and study! High school is definitely not the same as middle school. You can’t just study the period before and expect to ace the test. Keep a planner and keep track of dates. It’ll really help you with staying on top of your grades. 4. Get out of your comfort zone. It sounds scary, but the sooner you do this the better! Talk to new people, sit with new people at lunch and team up with new people on projects. High school is
about growing up and learning how to function in the real world, after all. In the real world, all of your friends from eighth grade aren’t going to follow you to your new job. 5. Get yourself out there! Try out for new sports, clubs or after school activities. Again, I know it sounds cliché, but it really does help. The more time you spend with new people, the more comfortable you become. 6. Next, and please listen to me because all upperclassmen will appreciate this, learn to walk in the hallways. We understand that it’s safer to travel in packs, but upperclassmen are made increasingly angry every time we have to battle our way through a gaggle of freshmen. Thin the crowd a little, please. 7. Dress appropriately; this rule applies to more than just freshmen. I know you’re impressed with your super -speedy metabolism, but no one else is. People will take you seriously if you dress more appropriately. I don’t mean wear a suit or tights every day, but longer shorts would be appreciated.
8. Avoid the so-called “drama.” It’s a pretty simple rule. Just be honest, be nice and do what you’re supposed to. Don’t make any unnecessary trouble for yourself; it only makes you look bad. 9. Be a good student. It may sound stupid, but these four years determine where you go to college. Go to class on time, turn in your work and try your best. 10. Lastly and probably the most difficult: be yourself. High school is the time that shapes the person that you will become. It’s difficult to stay true to the person you are. Make wise decisions, and choose your friends carefully. So, my dear freshmen, please listen to my advice. It will make your first year of high school fly by faster than you know. Just be nice, be organized and be yourselves; the rest of high school should be a breeze. Comments? E-mail Anna at apatsch@freedomarea.org
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27 September 2012
If you haven’t, you should Anytime I hear the word “concert,” all I can think about is good times. In my opinion, concerts are a dying form of entertainment. Jon Bittner With today’s technology, Features Editor why would anyone go out and spend money to only see a couple of bands, when you can sit at home and literally listen to thousands of songs for free? I’ll tell you why: there is no experience out there like a concert, and if you have seen a show before, then you know what I’m talking about. I feel really bad for anyone in this school right now that has never been to one before. The cool thing about concerts is that there are shows out there for everyone. You can go see the most famous artist, or you can go to a festival, like the Mayhem Festival or Warped Tour.
Or you can go to my favorite type, small shows, in a packed, little venue. The best part about small shows is the price. For instance, my favorite band ever is coming to Pittsburgh, Dance Gavin Dance, and their tickets are only $17. But trust me, the band playing sometimes isn’t even the best part; it’s the crowd. It is really hard to explain, but just experiencing the really loud music, people jumping around and the crowd is like nothing else. Concerts aren’t going to go away just because all the free music on the web, so I really encourage more concertgoers. Concerts are definitely my favorite way to spend a weekend. I want to hear all about your concert experiences, so please e-mail them to me, and the best one might get published in the next issue of the FHS-Press.
Dee Dee Adams & Austin Bailey
Comments? E-mail Jon at jbittner@freedomarea.org
Caitlyn Bohach & Boe Bonzo
Emilee Baker & Samuel Beckey
Maddi Lewis & Nathan Fleming
Tippin Harkins & Tyler Diciero
Brooke Petcovic & Forrest Petcovic
Has freedom’s food evolved for the better...or the worse? The faculty and cafeteria staff Alexis Hancock would beStaff Writer lieve it has changed for the good of our school as a whole, while I to beg to differ. I stroll into lunch everyday just to hear the side comments and grunts concerning the meals on students’ trays. The main complaint last year was that the lines were too long. This year, it is quite the opposite. The cafeteria ladies and lunchroom staff have made a definite effort to fix that problem. On top of that change, the food portions are smaller and we are forced to take two containers
Zoe Sayre & Nicolas Schwab
of fruit or vegetables that do not look very fresh. Many people are taking the alternative route and packing a lunch from home. This creates another problem; there is only one microwave in the cafeteria! So as you wait in that line, you feel obligated to make small talk with people you necessarily don't want to. Otherwise you end up staring at your food cooking in the microwave like you’ve never eaten food before, which is just awkward. So my proposition to FHS is to either get fresh food and up the portion size, or get more than one microwave. What do you think, student body?
Comments? E-mail Lexi at lexih@freedomareaorg
Emilee Handyside & Branden Heckman
Brittany Mavrich & Allan-Michael Conforti
Stacey Wallis & Adam Shawger
Kylee Wolf & Alec Zindren
FHS Press
27 September 2012
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Summer of change: from dream vacations to deadly illnesses Taylar McCoy
Managing Editor I never realized how fast your life can change until this summer. Within a week, my summer went from the most exciting and life-altering experience of my life to the most traumatic. There are three parts to this story; family bonding, college life and ICU sleepovers. My summer started off with my annual month long trip to Hawaii, only this time it was better than normal.. For two out of the four weeks I was on the trip, I was with my family. My brother, Billy McCoy, and my “brother from another mother,” Nate Novak were going to be by my side. We hiked up mountains for miles, swam with sharks and tried the most disgusting foods you can imagine. We tried pig ear cartilage, cow stomach, blood pudding and that’s just the tip of our adventurous iceberg. It was the best time of my life for two reasons: spending quality time with my brothers and being crazy enough to let loose for a while. After our two weeks were up, Billy and Nate flew back to good ole’ Pittsburgh and headed off on a trip to Canada with Nate’s family. I spent my remaining two weeks lying on the beach,
soaking up sun and reading as many books as I could get my hands on. I’m the type of girl that reads a 400-page book a day and has a mother actually scolds me for buying more books. Maybe I should get a library card. Once I returned home, I saw my family members for less than 24 hours, just long enough to pack all of my things. My reason for packing was that I’d accepted an invitation to be in a summer program at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California for Law and Trial. I went from my 14-hour flight experience from Hawaii straight to my 11-hour cancellation and lay-over filled trip to Cali. I spent 10 glorious days staying in a crappy dorm room at one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States. I attended seminars and about four boring lectures per day. I ate the disgusting college food, and I even hung out with the students on campus. I went to a myriad of classes and made lifetime friendships, all while earning college credit. I also had the opportunity to visit my dream college: UC Berkeley. I don’t know if I was more nervous about swimming with those Hawaiian sharks or making a good first impression with the professors. Later in the trip, I participated in a mock trial,
which is the most interesting thing I’ve ever done. It felt as if I was actually involved in a murder case, and I loved it. It made my mind up about my career path. I definitely want to go into the law field. Even though it was my first college experience away from home, I felt like I’d never want to leave. I was grateful, however, that I would be able to go see my family for longer than a few hours during the summer. Unfortunately, I got home and got sick. At the same time, my parents went on an anniversary vacation. While on vacation, my brother Billy also became ill and I took care of him. He refused to go to the doctor when we thought he had tonsillitis, and that’s when my summer started to go downhill. When my parents returned, we rushed Billy to the family doctor for tests, taking days for results. Two days later, we took him to Beaver Medical Center after he hadn’t eaten more than a few strawberries and a bite of toast during the previous seven days. On Wednesday, August 22, the Medical Center diagnosed my brother with mono and sent him home with his symptoms tagging along. It was a dire mistake, which I don’t take lightly. The worst happened that Sunday,
August 26, when Billy was rushed to Sewickley Hospital by ambulance. When the ambulance came to pick him up, he was a sickly gray color. The paramedics explained that he was taking 80 breaths per minute and that his blood pressure was as close to death as they have ever seen. Once Billy was taken to Sewickley Hospital we learned that in the four days since he’d been to the hospital and released, he had developed double pneumonia. My ears were ringing until one phrase brought me back to reality: “I’m sorry, but this has blossomed into heart failure.” Could it be? My healthfreak 20-year-old brother could be going into heart failure? Through my tears, I could see the doctor’s solemn face as he told my parents that Sewickley Hospital wouldn’t be able to care for my big brother. With a portable ventilator in tow, a sedated Billy flew down the highway in an ambulance going 90 mph the whole way to Allegheny General Hospital (AGH). The doctors at AGH told us that Billy was the sickest patient in the entire hospital and that he had a better chance of dying than living. Read the full article online:
fhs-press.com
All the Clubs at FHS The start of a new school year means the start of a new you. There is the decision of what classes to take, if you should participate in sports or what clubs to join. Sometimes, the choice of Gigi DeWeese what clubs to join can be Copy Editor difficult. The idea of joining ski club sounds like a great time, but what is it even like? Who is the sponsor? There are many questions surrounding some clubs, and I might have some of those answers.
year, meeting every other Friday during AAP is a posAll of these clubs are a great way to get involved, sibility. meet new people and have fun! Giammaria, also the Pep Club sponsor, said, “The book can be from anywhere — Freedom’s library, a public library or purchased on your own.” Comments? E-mail Gigi at Math League, sponsored by Mr. Majors, is angdeweese@freedomareaorg other club that might not be known to all students at Freedom High School. The competitions are held monthly, starting in October and ending in March. The math problems seen at the competitions typically involve algebra, geometry, simple trigonometry and logical thinking. The competitions are held after school either here at Freedom or at other participating school districts. According to Mr. Majors, Math There are around 15 clubs offered at Freedom, League is a great way to compete with such as: Pep, Spanish, World Affairs, Varsity, Health other schools and maybe learn a math trick Careers, Rifle, Ski, Art, DECA and Photography club. or two. Refreshments are provided as All of these clubs are a great way to meet new well. people, get involved with the school and have a blast. YEA is sponsored by Mr. Rosa and is Some other clubs, including Book Club, Math targeted toward any students who plan on League and Youth Education Association (YEA) are pursuing a career in education. more ‘education’ based. These clubs not only help Anyone who wants to be a teacher’s you in school, but are an excellent addition to your aide, teacher or principal, should drop by high school transcript. Mr. Rosa’s room and ask for more inforBook Club, sponsored by Mrs. Giammaria, is mation. Photo by Gigi DeWeese open to anyone in grades 9-12 who has an interest in It is never too early to start getting reading. ready for your career! Juniors Nate Lundy and Mark Zurick dress up In the past, Book Club met just once a month to in morph suits for Spirit Week’s Twin Day. discuss a book that everyone agreed to read, but this
FHS Press
Morgan Greco
said.
Cowboy hats, face paint and football pride -- that’s what the “Dog Pound” is all The Bulldogs are back and ready for a about. successful season. Through summer training, Every Friday night, the football team after school practices and all the hard work, is cheered on by a group of students lathe team is ready to win. beled the Dog Pound. Sophomore Lucas Yeck hopes to have a Junior Matt Feits started the student winning record this season. “We have a lot section to help cheer on the Bulldog team. more experience and more committed play“I started it because I noticed other ers.” schools had really big student sections, and Senior Captain Sam Beckey, wishes to we didn’t, so I figured it was time to start win more than three games and make it to the the Dog Pound.” playoffs this season. Junior Nate Lundy, one of the many According to Beckey, Freedom’s biggest Dog Pound members, said he wanted to get rival is Ellwood City. At the Ellwood football pumped for the high school football seagame Sept. 7, Freedom won the game; the fans son. went crazy. You may have only seen the Dog Beckey feels they have a lot more experi- Pound at football games, but Lundy said he ence because there are more seniors on the wants to “spread the love” to all the other team this season. He also believes having the Bulldog teams. same coach for more than two years has made “I think that each athletic team needs a huge impact. respect as well as motivation from its felBeckey enjoys being a captain because low students,” Lundy said. “everyone knows you’re the leader.” Beckey “Everyone is welcome to come and says there aren’t any cons when it comes to cheer with us,” Feits said. being the captain. He would rather play for the students as opposed to their parents. “We appreciate the Comments? E-mail Morgan at support and we hope it continues,” Beckey mgreco@freedomarea.org Staff Writer
Photo by Amanda Hryckowian
Senior Forrest Petcovic hands the ball over to Sophomore Kahlil Caracter.
Unsung heroes on the sidelines The girls say that they basically “baby” the team. They get the players everything they need when they Sports Editor need it, and even stretch them when they’re cramping. Did you ever wonder who those girls are on the “For [almost] two weeks straight we had to massideline with the football team at Friday night games? sage Lucas Yeck’s upper hamstring. We do basically Taping, heating, icing and stretching out injuries for the what everyone else doesn’t want to do,” Sayre said. football team are only a few of the requirements of the “They’re great girls; they are smart and intelligent assistant athletic trainers. and the training room cannot do without assistant trainThe assistant athletic trainers for the current foot- ers,” Sinovic said. ball season are Seniors Emilee Handyside and Zoe He also said that they learn fast, and they come up Sayre and Sophomore Tina Davis. They are basically with great ideas, which are things he believes it takes to three miniature forms of Mr. Vince Sinovic running be an outstanding assistant athletic trainer. Not only around. does Sinovic appreciate the work these three girls do, The purpose these girls serve is getting things but so do the football players and coaches. done, like fixing minor injuries while Sinovic focuses Coach Guerra said that the girls’ assistance allows on the more seriously injured players. These three girls Sinovic to help with the more serious injuries. They can help hurt athletes and provide water more quickly. keep the boys on the field and healthy. The girls put Biofreeze on athletes’ pains and inju“I respect the fact that they could be spending their ries, which helps the football players in many ways with time doing so [many] other things,” Senior Captain Photo by Evan Stiger minor problems. If there is one thing Vince has taught Allan-Michael Conforti said, “but they don’t. They’re them, it’s how to prevent and tackle injuries. there every day for us.” Assistant Athletic Trainers Zoe “[Sinovic] has taught me a lot about the body and ligaSayre and Emilee Handyside check ments and bones,” Handyside said. This experience not only allows self-growth, but Comments? E-mail Desiree at the amount of water in each cooler. during the time of being an assistant athletic trainer ddavis@freedomarea.org learning is key, and it must be done from the beginning.
Desiree Davis
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FHS Press
Courtney Schreiner
Asst. Sports Editor With school back in session, fall sports are in full swing. Head Coach Bill Smith and the boys’ soccer team have been waiting and preparing for the 2012 season for months. The boys’ soccer team has been committed to training since April. Throughout the summer, the team could be seen practicing at the high school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Not only did this improve their soccer skills, but by working hard and practicing together it also was a great bonding experience for the everyone. “As a team, we’ve really improved a lot since last year,” Sophomore Sam Sharpless said. The team is very optimistic about this year’s season.
“Not too many seniors were lost “The teams in this last year, so luckily that wasn’t too bad division are bigger and of a hit,” Senior Captain Evan Mengel harder than before,” said. With a strong group of seniors in Mengel said. addition to both new and old underThe soccer team enclassmen, the team is confident that courages Freedom students their hard work will pay off. to show off their school They hope to be able to do even spirit and come out to supbetter than last year; during the 2011 port them this season. season, the boys’ soccer team made it to the playoffs. Making playoffs is the ultimate goal of this year’s team. “All of our games have been exciting so far, and we really have hopes to make it to playoffs this year,” Junior Tyler Shingleton said. The toughest challenge the team faces this season is the division Comments? change. Last year the boys were in the E-mail Courtney at A division, and have now moved to cshreiner@freedomarea.org AA this season.
Photo by Sarah Choflet
Senior Captain Evan Mengel warms up for the game against Beaver.
On the rise and playoff bound Lauren Dubovi
Staff Writer Which team has a record of 5-2 and has an 18:1 boy to girl ratio? There is only one sports team that can claim this statistic. If you guessed the golf team, you would be correct. Golf is a sport that not only uses the body, but also the mind. Junior Aaron McSorely said “if you aren’t mentally focused on golf, you can’t even begin to play.” Junior Jessica Canonge completely agrees. Many people do not know how a golf match works. The score is made up of how many strokes each player takes -- the more strokes, the more points. The goal is to have the least amount of points. In each match, six players from each team golf together. Both teams play in groups of four, with two people from one team and two from the other team. “In the end, each team gets rid of the worst score. Then you add up the five remaining scores, and the team with the lowest score wins,” Canonge said. Head Coach Mr. Fitzpatrick recently led the golf team to a victory over New Brighton for the first time in six years. Canonge said that he gives good pointers to help players practice, and he really cares about the golf team. Freshman Stu Skogsholm said “[Fitzpatrick] is
the best coach ever.” Senior Captain Nick Schwab said the team faces a lot of adversity and gets troubled by other Freedom sports teams. “Don’t knock it until you try it, because most people have never tried it,” Schwab said. Because of their good season, the team would also like to be recognized more by the students and faculty for their achievements. Coach Fitzpatrick said he is proud that golf team has a good chance at making the playoffs and maintaining a winning record, which has not happened in a few years.
the most valuable player. This could be a member of the chosen team who is Contributing Writer having an outstanding week. Mr. Rosa, the athletic director, will For any given week, a player pick a sports team each week that will could be chosen for athleticism, spirit or choose an individual player to represent any other positive quality that exceeds Freedom as the Most Valuable Bulldog the expectations of a coach. (MVB). The first MVB was Sophomore The MVB is Freedom’s spin off of Patrick Baker for his accomplishments
Lexi Hancock
Photo by Anna Patsch
The golf team begins the match against Western Beaver and Lincoln Park with a group pow-wow. Comments? E-mail Lauren at laurendubovi@freedomarea.org
with golf. He was honored at the pep assembly Aug. 31. On Monday, Sept. 10, Seniors Jake DeWeese and Jon Cleek were featured on DTV after being chosen. DeWeese was selected for setting the school record in cross country, and Cleek for his performance during the week’s soccer and football games. Dur-
ing the week of Sept. 17, Sophomore Maura Evans, also featured on DTV, was chosen for her time and hard work devoted to the volleyball team. Every MVB is awarded with a complimentary T-shirt, self-pride and recognition for their efforts while representing Freedom in a positive light.
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Overcoming obstacles this season certainly has had a few obstacles to deal with this year. Asst. Features and News Editor One major change from last year “Our expectation is to return to was the loss of their goalie, playoffs for the third year in a row,” Mackenzie McGurgan. This made Senior Brittany Mavrich said. The things difficult since a goalie is “a key girls’ soccer team began their season component to any team,” Handyside with a win against South Side thanks said. to their hard work during the summer. Thankfully, the girls found a reAccording to Junior Sam placement: Senior Maddi Lewis. Not McFarland, the girls only is it Lewis’ first began practice at the “Maddi [Lewis is] year in goal, it’s also beginning of July. her first year playing doing a really good soccer. During the summer heat, the girls continHowever, some playjob in goal.” ued to start each prac~Brittany Mavrich ers don’t expect any tice with a mile run. problems. “I don’t The individual think it actually hinplayers also hope to keep the team ders us. Maddi’s doing a really good closely bonded through fun and food. job in goal,” Mavrich said. “She The team has been “having a family really stepped up this year.” dinner… Everybody brings food, and we just chill every Sunday night,” Mavrich said. The girls hope this work pays off for them in wins this season. “Our goal is to make it to the second round of playoffs. Not to be a Comments? E-mail Evan at first round contender, ” Senior estiger@freedomarea.org Emilee Handyside said. The team
Evan Stiger
Photo by Anna Patsch
Senor Brittany Mavrich outpaces an opponent from Avonworth to get the ball.
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FHS Press
Allan-Michael Conforti Favorite memory of your sport: “My favorite memory is when Sam Beckey was talking like Batman.” Hobbies other than school sports: “I hang out with my friends.”
Tina Davis
Jessica Canonge
Gigi DeWeese
Favorite memory of your sport: “Between chipping Emma’s [Wagner] tooth and playing F.A.S.T with all my friends, it’s hard to choose.”
Favorite memory of your sport: “My favorite memory would probably be beating New Brighton or getting a birdy in a match.”
Favorite memory of your sport: “All of the CDs that have been made for all the different invitationals and WPIALs.”
Hobbies other than school sports: “Skiing and I work.”
Hobbies other than school sports: “Homework and Harry Potter.”
Favorite season: My favorite season is summer because I have a lot of time and I can go golfing. And it’s warm out.”
Favorite season: “Fall because it’s the perfect running temperature, and, I don’t know, it’s beautiful.”
Future goals: “I want to be a pharmacist and next year I want to get fifth place or better at MACs and qualify for WPIALs.”
Future goals: “I want to graduate high school, go to college, possibly become a nutritionist and help the world become a better place.”
Hobbies other than school sports: “I dance and do gymnastics.”
Favorite season: “Fall because it’s football season.”
Favorite season: “My favorite season is fall because there are haunted house, it’s hoody and sweatpants weather and it’s soccer and football season. I also like Thanksgiving.”
Future goals: “To go to college.”
Future goals: “Go to states for track, win our section in soccer and set a record time for hurdles.”
Runners racing to achieve goals Eating healthy and staying in shape play a major part in cross country. Everyone has Staff Writer their favorite pre-race meals. Adams must Cross country: the sport where you run all always have her “three Gs”: gushers, goldfish the way across the country, right? Wrong. The and gummy worms. Conrad eats pasta two team might not trek across the USA, but they do nights before the race to load up on carbs. run long distances. Not many people know what Proper nutrition isn’t the only key to sucthe cross country team is capable of to say the cess for the cross country runners. Adams least. thinks about the other competitors and what Most team sports take a couple months off they are doing to get ready for the meets. after a hard working season. The cross country “I don’t like thinking about the race, so I team has a one week break after cross season and normally listen to my iPod and go talk to my one week after track. Besides that, running and friends from other schools until I have to training is a must. warm up,” Adams said. Senior Deedee Adams has a few goals for Those thoughts alone give her more mothis cross country season. She hopes to run a race tivation to push harder at practice and also to faster than 19 minutes, win the WPIAL race and help her stay focused while running. place in the top five at states. She has been training for this since June 15. Just like Adams, other members of the team also have goals for the season. Sophomore Danny Conrad especially tries to stay focused while racing the Vincentian Team, one of Freedom’s running rivals. Comments? E-mail Morgan at “We are one of the best in the section,” mgreco@freedomarea.org Conrad said.
Morgan Greco
Photo by Sarah Choflet
Seniors Wes Roberts and Jake DeWeese celebrate after winning medals at the Slippery Rock Invitational.