WRITING PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN
Becomea published writer, photographer &designer!
Take the full-year elective
For more information see: Dr. Bracey in 222 Mrs. Baldaufff in 239
ELEVATE staff
EMMA DeLUCA
EMMA DeLUCA
EMILY FEBBRARO
Flight
JAI COLEFIELD
EMILY FEBBRARO Wildlife
JULIA MANCINI
CHRIS HNASKO & CHANCE CORTES College: From Stress to Oppor
VALDEZ
CHANCE CORTES
ALIYAH
Seni r Sunrise
FARAH ABUOLBA & EMILY FEBBRARO
It was a chilly, soggy morning as the Class of 2025 gathered for the second annual Senior Sunrise.
The early hour didn’t dampen the spirits of the seniors who began pulling into the stadium around 5:30 a.m., eager to witness the first sunrise of their final year. A long line of students formed as they waited to check in, most of them still only half awake, but excited for what was to come.
As they entered the stadium, they were greeted with custom "2025" sunglasses, perfect for watching the sun as it peeked over the horizon. Even though it was still pitch-black outside, students gathered with friends, exchanging sleepy smiles and light-hearted grumbles. "We can’t see!" one senior shouted. "It’s too dark out," another agreed. While others whined, "I just want Dunkin.”
Despite the initial fogginess, the sunrise soon began to work its magic. Students excitedly pulled out their phones, capturing the moment with pictures and videos. Some students, like Tyler Regan, took their photos to the next level, using a drone to get a bird’s-eye view of the scene below. He shared, “The Senior Sunrise was an opportunity to test out my skills, and I had a lot of help along the way. Mrs. Toleno and Mrs. Allshouse were instrumental in making sure everything went smoothly. As someone who loves taking sports photos, this event was an interesting challenge, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.” Not only did Tyler take the required test to fly the drone, he also ensured the safety of all spectators by not flying directly over students and staff.
Students from various clubs roamed, interviewing their peers with questions about how they were feeling or what they hoped to achieve in their final year Yearbook students, Emma DeLuca and Heidi Regan, called for all seniors to gather on the bleachers for a group photo. Everyone squeezed together as best as they could, while looking to the left, where the sun was just beginning to rise over the East High School. The whole moment was a blur of camera flashes, smiles, and excitement as the Class of 2025 marked this special occasion.
As the time ticked closer to 6:45 a.m., students gathered around to grab donuts and juice, savoring the last few minutes of relaxation before the school day began. They grabbed their bags and snapped a few more pictures for the road before heading back to the school, ready to take on their last days of high school.
by Tyler Regan I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.” -Tyler Regan “
Photo
The startof
The Class of 2025 started a new year with new traditions.
On the first day of school, high school seniors filled the halls with backpacks one would normally see in a kindergarten classroom. Seniors decided to join in on a TikTok backpack trend that started in 2023 Some wore Disney princesses and Marvel superheroes, while others, like Emily Olenick, resurrected her own kindergarten backpack, a brightly colored bag covered in hearts and custom embroidery With their special backpacks in tow, seniors kicked off their last year of school with a bit of nostalgia
This trend also allows for high school seniors from all over the world to connect In August 2023, an article by Kate Perez from USA Today stated, “Over 17,000 people have commented on the TikTok video, confirming that students from multiple states are also hopping on the trend, including in Arizona, California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and more ”
Seniors from Pocono Mountain East High School helped bring it to Pennsylvania. Seeing seniors carrying Minecraft, Bluey, and Spiderman backpacks, and in some cases the matching lunch box, reflected the camaraderie among the Class of 2025
EMMA DELUCA
New Leadership! FBLA
President-Chance Cortes (Senior)
Vice President-Zaya Youkhanna (Senior)
Secretary-Keziah Wilson (Senior)
Treasurer-Amatul Ismail (Senior)
Historian-Nyah Spooner (Senior)
Recorder-Heidi Regan (Sophomore)
HOODCANCER
Four Diamonds Mini-THON® is a K-12 opportunity for students to be empowered as leaders in the fight to conquer childhood cancer. Students gain work-ready skills in communication, critical thinking and problem solving, while promoting teamwork, creativity and spirit within their schools
Interested students should contact:
Mrs. Amy Martin at amartin@pmsd.org.
Mr. Chris Gilroy at cgilroy@pmsd.org.
FBLA students attended the Kalahari Leadership Convention in November 2024: (Back) Kevin Davis, Hojun Lee, Eric Zheng, Heidi Regan, Giana Paust, Zaya Youkhanna, Andrew Nyakundi (Front) Emma Flood Madison Grives Chance Cortes Rain Ortiz Andrew Nyakundi
The Lunch Experience
JAI COLEFIELD
The Student Perspective
The cafeteria staff is highly appreciated for the warm and friendly environment they create each morning and afternoon. Students enjoy catching up with friends at lunchtime, allowing them to connect with peers they might not see during the regular school day.
Students explain that the cafeteria is a place to relax between classes and relieve stress from the school day. This downtime provides students a much-needed break to unwind, relax, and escape the stress that accompanies schoolwork. The cafeteria is a vital space for socializing and enjoying amazing food “Seeing the smiles from our cafeteria staff every afternoon brightens my day They always ask how I’m doing, and I look forward to seeing them,” said Senior Aida Dervisevic
Photos by Jai Colefield
Our Lunch Heroes
It can be any one of these wonderful It can be any one of these wonderful It can be any one of these wonderful women who serve lunch and a smile women who serve lunch and a smile women who serve lunch and a smile every day from 10:36 - 1:22. every day from 10:36 - 1:22. every day from 10:36 - 1:22.
LEILANI O’CONNOR
She expresses her deep connection with the students she serves at lunchtime. She mentions that she “feels like a mother to these kids.”
She enjoys bringing a smile to every child’s face. She fondly recalls a time when a student approached her while working during graduation The student proudly declared their determination to make her proud, which left her feeling overjoyed.
Who is she? Mrs. O’Connor.
Leilani O’Connor hails from Queens, New York, but has called Pennsylvania home for 14 years She lives with her husband, two children, and two dogs Her son, Kevin O’Connor, is a senior this year, and her daughter, Miley O’Connor, is a sophomore. Beyond her cafeteria duties, Mrs O’Connor actively engages in her children’s lives, dedicating five years to volunteering with the school’s marching band
She is determined and devoted to seeing her children succeed, a driving force behind her decision to become a food service worker In addition to the hours the job offers, she gets to learn new recipes In her spare time, Mrs O'Connor is always on the move She says, “I never seem to stop running around” She is very involved in her physical health She participates in cardio kickboxing, attends a striking class, and regularly performs gym workouts in her free time She is very committed to leading a healthy lifestyle
Ms Stru Ms. DiMezza
Not Pictured: Ms Ran, Ms Finigan, Ms Tallada, Ms Vega, Ms Gonzalez, Ms Magalhaes
Ms right Mrs. Hilliard Mrs. DiCandia
Photos by Jai Colefield
Transforming Words Into Legacy
EMMA DELUCA
G E T T O K N O W T H E A U T H O R
Q: What inspired you to write Rebirth?
A: I was inspired by the idea presented to me that we should be more understanding of our parent’s mistakes, because it is also their first shot at life It changed my perspective entirely, and I wanted to share that new light in my writing As many adolescents do, I argue with my mom often, because we share the same flame, and I had to find that emotional maturity to understand she was a little girl too, with a life full of sacrifices
Q: When finding out you were being published what did you feel?
A: Proud I felt like every hour of sleep I’ve lost crouched over my computer was given back to me Proud, passionate, and relieved to know that I have a shot in the world.
Q: How has PME helped you/your writing?
A: East has provided me with so many incredible English teachers Mrs Mizenko, Mrs Francis, Mr Orehotsky, Mrs Jackson-Petersen; they have seen the incredible and the ugly of my writing, and they have continued to encourage me I have learned so much from them, and they inspire me to keep creating every day
REBIRTH
Someoneoncetoldme, “Bekindtoyourmother. Thisisthefirstlifeshehaseverlived.” BythetimeIhadfirstheldmymother’shand, Myyoung,curiouseyespeeringaroundabustlingstreetcorner, Lookingatthecity,butnotyetseeing, Herfingertipswerealreadywornandcalloused LikethedryscrittaofanancientBible
Byalifewelllived
Scarshavelinedthemselvesuponherpalms
Themanyripefruitsshehascarvedforme, Knifetopalmasifshewasallshecouldeverneed, Acuttingboardcreatedfromherindependence Shehandedmeatangerine, Nowdrippingwiththejuiceofaself-madebloodorange
“Thisisthefirstlife shehaseverlived.”
Myemptybodyintheheavens
Anopenshellunearthedandunmade, Pleadedforaribtoweighmyfreshfleshtothesacredground Ayoungvesseldriftingdownintothewateroakleavesofan ancienttree
Sleepingpeacefullyinabassinet–Thatwaswovenoutofmymother’snailsandteeth. Tobehumanistobebredfromsacrifice Tocreateistofallderanged.
Parking arking arking
erfection
Being a senior definitely has its perks.
At East High School, personalizing a parking spot is one of the most exciting opportunities to take advantage of senior year
The East Pride Initiative Committee (EPIC) is a club that focuses on rewarding students for demonstrating PRIDE (Prepared, Respectful, Involved, Dependable, Empathetic) Led by Mrs. Moniqua Santiago, EPIC organizes the opportunity for seniors to start the school year with a personalized parking spot and special memories.
The initiative began two years ago when EPIC members saw other schools on social media painting their parking spots. They believed this would be a great way to show pride in our school. In its second year, the turnout doubled in size, increasing from 20 to 40 students
An event of this size takes a lot of planning To start, EPIC coordinated with administration to schedule days to paint Then, it's off to security and grounds crew, who coned off the lot and prepared that part of campus for the day Emails were sent to the participating seniors with a two-day window to complete the spots When the day came in late August, the seniors had their pre-approved designs, paint, brushes, and family and friends to help Mrs Santiago, club advisor and school psychologist, said “It was amazing to walk around and see the seniors with their friends and families, and just see everything come together!”
As for the future, EPIC wishes to keep the new tradition thriving. Just like the three minions, Monopoly spaces, Disney, and musical themes, there are so many amazing and creative spots to see out there!
Photos by
Julia Mancini and Mrs. Santiago
JULIA MANCINI
NEW
SRO
The Swiftwater Campus welcomed Officer Murgia to the school community as its new School Resource Officer this year!
A 2014 graduate of Pocono Mountain East High School, Officer Dan Murgia brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students and staff.
Growing up, Officer Murgia was inspired by his parents, who worked day and night to provide for their family. Their dedication instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire to serve others. Additionally, with several family members in law enforcement, he felt a calling to follow in their footsteps.
After graduating high school, Officer Murgia pursued a degree in Criminal Justice at East Stroudsburg University. Once he turned 21, he began applying to different law enforcement agencies and took a job as a Corrections Officer at the Monroe County Correctional Facility. For the past six years, he has been an officer with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department, first as a patrol officer for five years and now as a School Resource Officer. Officer Murgia is also an active member of the local SWAT team His future plan is to continue his education and be able to teach Criminal Justice when he retires
exciting opportunity to come back to a place that means so much to me,” he shared “I love what I do, and it’s important to me that everyone here feels safe ” Personally, Officer Murgia reflects fondly on his high school sweetheart, with whom he clicked instantly “I always knew I would marry her ” He reminisces about the moment he asked her to prom, a memory that still brings a smile to
w a y s knew Iwouldmarry her.”
“ I
“ I never expected to return to the school I attended.”
Officer Murgia believes that while the path to a career in law enforcement can be challenging, it is also rewarding. “If you’re motivated and enjoy overcoming obstacles, it can be a fulfilling job,” he advises aspiring officers He describes himself as fun, outgoing, and brave Officer Murgia aims to connect with students and be approachable
His family’s legacy in law enforcement inspires him every day, and he is eager to contribute positively to students’ lives East High School is excited to have Officer Murgia on board and looks forward to the positive impact he will have within the school community
FARAH ABUOLBA & ARIEL SOTO
Programming Lifelong Learners
Meet the newest computer science teacher at East High School, Mr. Ryan!
Mr. Ryan has been teaching in public education for 21 years This year, he took a leap from teaching elementary computer science to high school computer science Learn why Mr Ryan was inspired to teach, how he transitioned from the elementary school to the high school, the core values his newly inherited classes bring to his students, and much more!
Mr Ryan knew he wanted to teach since early in his childhood He enjoyed rearranging his bedroom into a classroom and pretending to be a teacher When he came home from school each day, he would teach his parents anything new he learned Mr Ryan also developed a love for wildlife and the outdoors At one point, he considered becoming a nature or hunting guide, but later in his life, he discovered that his true career passion was always in education
Teaching Code to Generations
Mr. Ryan’s first teaching job was at Barrett Elementary Center (BEC), where he taught basic computer science to grades kindergarten through sixth Later, computer science classes at an elementary level were removed, causing him to transition to Swiftwater Elementary Center (SEC) where he became a math support teacher for two years Afterward, the district brought back elementary computer science classes, so he applied to Clear Run Intermediate. There, he would teach computers to students from third to sixth grade for ten years Mr Ryan’s elementary classes focused on block coding, which he and his students were very passionate about
While working at Clear Run Intermediate, Mr Ryan was actively seeking a computer science job opportunity at the high school level With his son studying in college and his daughter finished with college, he felt the desire to get into more advanced coding classes and problem solving by teaching older students He found a job opening at East High School as Mr Luciano, the former computer science teacher, recently retired. Here, Mr. Ryan teaches Intro to Java, Advanced Java, Computer Science (AP), and Computer Science Principles (AP). In these classes, he strives to teach his students more than just understanding code, but developing problem-solving skills, learning styles, and helping them to become lifelong learners
Mr Ryan acknowledged that at the high school level, his students are more independent than his elementary students. This allows him to act as more of a guide for them through Java programming and being there for them when they need him Ultimately, Mr. Ryan is thrilled to be joining the teaching staff at East High School. His diverse experience in education led him to a new position that he is passionate about, and the chance to continue to help students to learn and grow through problem solving and programming
Mr. Ryan assists Marcel Hecht and Joe McKingley in Java Programming
Photos by Chris Hnasko
CHRIS HNASKO
ompetitive
Equestrian
Meet Emma Jackson-Poush, a senior and exceptional equine student from Pocono Mountain East High School who has been riding since she was 10 years old.
Her journey began at 10 years of age, with a fascination for horses and the sport Over the past seven years, she has cultivated a deep passion for riding Emma’s dedication to the sport is evident in her rigorous schedule, riding 6-7 days a week during the summer and 2-5 days a week during the school year, balancing it all w
Po p y role in supporting her equestrian dreams The flexible schedule and understanding faculty have allowed her to manage her time effectively, ensuring she can attend to her studies while pursuing her passion.
EMILY FEBBRARO
Emma’s goal is to earn a degree in secondary education “I’d LOVE to ride professionally; however, my real passion is in teaching I hope to get my degree in secondary education and continue riding on the side as a hobby!” Emma’s plans reflect the school’s strong academic environment that nurtures both her scholastic and extracurricular ambitions
Riding has not only been a sport for Emma, but also a therapeutic outlet. “Riding helps SO much with mental health. As stressful as working with these animals can be, it’s a sort of therapy that can’t be found anywhere else.” Emma works on building relationships with the horses and with other equestrians. The relationships she has built with her trainers, Amber and Valerie, and her fellow riders, have been invaluable
The faculty, staff, and her peers have fostered a community that supports her equine pursuits, making East High School a place where students can thrive both academically and personally With the school's support and her relentless dedication, Emma continues to excel in both her studies and her equestrian endeavors
No hour of life is wasted
Photo by Amber Gorton
JAI COLEFIELD
Q: What interested you in flight?
A: To be honest, I just like being in the air. I undoubtedly like high places, and I am interested in astrophysics When I was younger and visited my grandparents, we would always fly to see them, and I always asked for the window seat because I enjoyed looking out.
Q: What do you want to do when you graduate?
A: I want to get my PhD in astrophysics when I am older I aspire to join NASA’s aerospace program, the astronaut candidate program. This program provides two years of training for space exploration Additionally, being a part of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) will allow me to gain knowledge of aerospace and support me in achieving my post-graduate goals Furthermore, I aim to obtain my pilot's license
Valerie Cooper
Q: What do you do in CAP?
Q: What experiences have you had with flight? (CAP), members have to ments This includes passing d aerospace, as well as l evaluations Attendance for advancement Once a certain level, they are craft. cement work in CAP?
A: Every August, there is an Airport Flight Fest in Mount Pocono This is a place where young people can fly in planes I had the greatest experience attending this event; it was super cool! I’ve even had the chance to fly a plane through CAP. The flight went from Mount Pocono Airport to a Luzerne County Airport
A: In 2023, Mr Eick permitted the recruiters to come in and talk about musicrelated careers in the military Although I hadn’t considered a career in the military, there was mention of flight that piqued my interest I had already been captivated by the concept of a program where I get to fly planes After the presentation, I asked about non-military opportunities with one of the presenters, Donald Freeman He introduced me to Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a program in the aerospace field I have a strong interest in aerospace; I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in such a program I juggle CAP along with other programs, such as ones that I'm involved in at school including the Science Olympiad, Marching Band, TriM, Poetry Out Loud, Reading Competition, and Math Honor Society
A: In Civil Air Patrol (CAP), we typically meet once a week During our meetings, we focus on developing various skills such as search lines, leadership qualities, and basic medical injury treatment We also have physical training days to work on improving our physical fitness Furthermore, CAP members participate in various community service activities, such as helping to park cars In addition, CAP works with first responders to locate downed aircrafts and rescue missing persons
Q: How did you discover Civil Air Patrol?
Photos provided by Valerie Cooper
Preschool Dreams to Wildlife Rehabilitation
EMILY FEBBRARO
Since preschool, the dream a veterinarian has been a for Gianna Garcia, a sen Pocono Mountain East Hi
This dream was always embed love and care for animals This pa unexpected opportunity that wou future in ways she never imagine
One night, while scrolling throu post about a local wildlife rehabil need of volunteers caught her eye eager to help, she visited the Poco Rehabilitation and Education Cen later. The center welcomed her w within a month, she was offered a Gianna's aim is to work with sm as cats, dogs, and rodents, but she aspirations to work with farm and Opossums have become her favor in Pennsylvania, “especially after with them ” Her favorite animal is known for its friendly nature
The internship provides unforgettable experiences, including the thrill of working with animals she never thought she'd see up close, such as opossums, deer, squirrels, raccoons, and ducks Learning to draw up medications made her feel like a real vet, despite the tedious nature of ensuring precise dosages. This meticulousness, while challenging, reinforced her commitment to her lifelong goal.
Looking ahead, Gianna plans to major in Small Animal Science and minor in Large Animal Science at Delaware Valley University. After earning her Bachelor's Degree, she hopes to attend Cornell University for veterinary school She is considering careers as a veterinarian, veterinary technician, and zoologist, ensuring that her career will always involve her true passion: caring for animals “My favorite part of being with animals is how they instantly calm me down ” Research shows working with animals can positively benefit people who suffer from depression, mood swings, and anxiety
An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”
-Martin Buber
ACADEMICS ELEVATED
LK
A Closer at MCTI
It's not always part of the plan until you find that spark. Makai Reid is a third year welding student at MCTI. Makai didn’t always want to go into welding, but when he realized his options beyond school, he knew that it was right for him A typical day at MCTI for Makai starts by filling out his time card, which not only tracks his hours, but also has him answer a daily question about welding Then he heads to the workshop to continue the project he is currently working on, which is practicing positions
His favorite thing to do is weld in the flat position Makai explained, “Flat position is easiest to work with and also the quickest ” Makai plans to attend a secondary school for welding after graduation
For now, he’s making each day count “This year is looking pretty good so far and I am excited to keep learning and practicing ”
There really is a beauty to it all, especially for Sophomore Madison Hilfiger. As a first year cosmetology student at MCTI, she focuses on learning the varied aspects of managing a salon, from working with hair, nails, and skin, while also learning responsibilities such as cleanup and resetting the areas.
A typical day for Madison consists of signing in so her hours get tracked and checking the charts. As long as her teacher, Mrs Nonnemaker, isn't teaching a new lesson, Madison gets straight to work on her tasks for the day; right now that is perms As for the rest of her year, Madison is most excited to work on, “cutting and coloring hair, because it is fun to see the hair change, and it will expand my skills ” After completing her hours and getting her certificate, Madison plans to go to a four-year college to earn a business degree, and one day to own and manage her own salon
Starting at Monroe County Technical Institute was a big change for Autumn With students from high schools all over Monroe County, it was a whole new world The schedule was different too, with 30-minute classes followed by shop time for the rest of the day
Initially, she had her heart set on automotive technology or welding; however, she found herself loving the horticulture program more each day Studying horticulture includes two areas: floral culture and landscaping
She learned how to cut plants properly, make floral arrangements, build a patio, and create landscape plans
Autumn has gained valuable skills and discovered a new appreciation for the field She also has plans to become a game warden, and she has already taken boating license classes and hunting safety courses She knows the laws and is passionate about them
Her time in the horticulture program has given her a new perspective and a set of skills that will be valuable in any career she chooses to pursue.
Monroe County Technical Institute Program Guide
Freshman- Autumn Hessek
Sophomore- Madison Hilfiger
Junior- Makai Reid
JULIA MANCINI & EMILY FEBBRARO
Pocono Mountain East Freshman Autumn Hessek started her first year of high school at MCTI studying horticulture
Photos by Julia Mancini & Emily Febbraro
C o l l e g e :
F r o m S t r e s s t o O p p o r t u n i t y
CHRIS HNASKO & CHANCE CORTES
Did you know that approximately 73% of East High School students plan to attend college after high school?
As the future rests in the palms of their hands, many students may feel overwhelmed with trying to figure out where to start East High School provides excellent resources to help ease students’ fears regarding college; and allow them to grow the confidence they need to continue their education.
In this article, read about student experiences as they prepare to apply to college; college application advice from an East alumni; and insight from Career Counselor, Ms Renee Garvey, on how students can plan for their futures
Madison Hoyumpa, a junior at East, shared that the college application process hasn't always been great She described feelings of “stress,” between low acceptance rates and affordability It took a great deal of self-motivation for her to set aside time to do online research as well as reach out for help from her guidance counselor, Mr Bias When creating applications, Madison believes that it’s best to share what you’re involved in Colleges are looking for more than impressive grades. They want students who are committed to various clubs, activities, or volunteer work. By pursuing a passion, a student is more likely to stand out to colleges reviewing applications
Emily Olenick, a senior, said, “Going into the college process, I initially felt pretty confident However, as time has passed, I’ve gotten a little more nervous about it ” Now that the time for applying has approached, she is having difficulty deciding where to start
I’m realizing how much work it is to apply, along with how confusing the process can actually be.” “
Regardless of Emily’s worries, East High School’s diverse selection of extracurricular activities assisted her in finding her passions toward a career path
Amelia Hnasko, a 2023 East High School graduate, originally had no idea what she wanted to pursue after she left Pocono Mountain This made searching for a college much more difficult than she had originally anticipated When picking a college, she found it important to look at her goals and interests, but also considered what community was right for her. Talking through scholarship opportunities with her guidance counselor helped open her mind to all of the possibilities in front of her Amelia’s classes at East High School helped her discover her love for physics, the major she now studies at Villanova University When making a decision, she recalls using a website called “Niche” to filter through different colleges in an easy, accessible way Amelia advises,
“
Trust that, in the end, you’ll end up where you’re meant to be.”
Ms Garvey, East High School’s Career Counselor, reminds students that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed when applying to colleges She believes that technology has made things more intimidating for students, now that college applications can be accessed in the blink of an eye She believes that students can maintain their confidence by limiting their college picks to environments students know they will succeed in If you do not know where to start, Ms Garvey suggests scheduling a meeting with her, another guidance counselor, or utilizing the many online resources available The first step is always going to be the hardest, but a general idea is all that a lot of students need “Many people change their careers. If you don’t know, then at least you’re honest and brave to say you don’t know.”
Ultimately, the multitude of resources accessible online and offered at East High School can make the college application process a less stressful situation for all students Regardless of your major, passions, or career path, Pocono Mountain East ensures that you have the resources needed to succeed beyond the classroom
THE ARTIST ETHAN ZUDJELOVIC
ALIYAH VALDEZ
Using different materials and m hard for some, but Senior Ethan He's an artist, creating many different p When asked how he got started, he expl
“Watching movies and animations
really got me into art.”
Ethan engages in all kinds of hobbies, painting, but his favorite medium is pain pieces are “Rhinestone Eyes,” “Flower fo Waters the Flowers,” featured below.
Ethan is fascinated by how everyone has their own interpretations and ability to be free when viewing or making art
Just as everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, so does Ethan “Creating new ideas for my artwork is my strength, and my weakness is having some trouble starting Sometimes I get stuck,” stated Ethan He has contributed in designing dress code pins, which are used to help cover logos Ethan also designs lettering for local businesses, like Stonewall Garden Center, where he recently created a custom sign for the Boy Scouts to display in the Barrett Township Halloween Parade.
In the future he sees himself doing art as a “side thing,” or integrating it into his job “After high school I want to study engineering with robotics, while also combining art into it I was thinking of starting my studies at Northampton Community College at the Monroe Campus,” explained Ethan He may eventually continue his studies at Stevens Institute of Technology.
NavigatingGriefatEast
CHANCE CORTES
“At the blueness of skies and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.”
-Rabbi Sylvan Kamens
When faced with the intricacies of grief, some might feel overwhelmed, frightened, or confused Unfortunately, students and staff at East High School have been treading this road of grief slowly over the past year following the tragic passing of former East student, wrestler, and friend Scotty J Raymond
Enduring the grieving process is a necessary step toward healing, but it can be difficult to process Grief manifests itself in many different ways– sadness, anger, frustration, and confusion Grief might take a student who exceeds expectations in their sport and cause them to miss out on weekly practices Senior Kaydan Skibber, beloved friend and teammate of Scotty Raymond, shared solemnly, “At first, wrestling again was really difficult. After losing Scotty, my wrestling skills tanked ” He expressed how different life feels after experiencing such a sudden and devastating loss “The whole wrestling team lost Scotty, so we mourned together.”
In the beginning, Kaydan surrounded himself with friends to help alleviate the loneliness created
by grief “Every day is different,” Kaydan described “Some days are harder than others, but I have learned how to keep Scotty in my heart instead of only in my mind.”
Kaydan began his path of healing by dedicating his accomplishments and experiences like wrestling banquets, scholarships, and awards, to Scotty Knowing that he is continuing to do something that both he and Scotty adored has been a way of memorializing him, and finding meaning and motivation through his grief Continuing to wrestle for East High School has been one way for Kaydan and his teammates to continue to find meaning in their everyday lives Kaydan offers this to any of his peers sharing his battle with grief: “Surround yourself with your friends. Find something that you enjoy doing and can focus on; it is a long journey, but life is short ”
Kaydan’s words of wisdom resonate with many East High School students and staff Whether it is the loss of a friend, parent, grandparent, or pet, grief inevitably becomes a part of many students’ lives East High School’s staff offers many resources to help navigate grief’s unpredictable path and create an environment where growth is achievable
The East High School staff provides various programs designed to support students and their families
The Student Assistance Program, better known as SAP, is a statemandated program that assists school personnel in identifying students with mental health issues, as well as with drug and alcohol problems, which pose a barrier to a student’s success This team, made up of professionally trained individuals includes teachers, counselors, administrators, psychologist, nurse, a drug & alcohol prevention specialist, and a mental health professional Students seeking assistance with the grieving process should contact their guidance counselor to initiate the SAP process Through the SAP program, they can also be referred to Mr John Hough, the in-house St Luke’s YESS! therapist He meets with referred students every Tuesday Mr Hough hopes that students will utilize his resources to gain a better mental well-being and understanding of themselves and the world we live in Mr Hough provides individual counseling, family counseling, techniques to better mental health and various workbooks and activities regarding mental health and grief “Talk about the positive things surrounding the person or animal that is being grieved,” Mr. Hough suggests “Don’t try to move on or avoid it Talk about the positive things and remember them! Recognize the good times that they brought to this world.”
Regardless of which stage of grief you might be in, East High School aims to establish an environment where students feel supported, cared for, and understood Reach out to your counselors and your peers; for grief is a long journey, but at East High School, it never has to be a lonely one.
Photo Submitted by Kaydan Skibber
Scotty Raymond and Kaydan Skibber
PMETrivia!
WhatyeardidPMSDbeginoperation?
What buildingwasEastHighSchool whenitoriginallyopened?
WhatyeardidPME’sfootballteamgo undefeated?
WhatisPME’smascot’selectedname?
WhatphotographycompanytakesPME’s schoolpictures?
WhatEastHighSchoolteamisconsistently mostvictorious?
