Newspaper in Education Student Supplement 2015

2 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

The Gazette

congratulates all the NIE contest winners What’s inside ● Design-an-ad winners Page 3 ● A full list of participating teachers Pages 3-5 ● A complete list of the winners Page 4 ● Student

feature stories and opinion columns Pages 5-32 ● A full list of all participating students Pages 32-43 ● Winners

TOM PEEL/Gazette

HASTIE KINTER spoke recently with students at United Elementary School about the NIE various contests.

NIE program celebrates young writers The Indiana Gazette is proud to be celebrating its 30th year of publication of this Newspaper in Education Student Supplement, which highlights the talents of local students from kindergarten through Grade 12 in a variety of contests.

All of the work included within has been created by students in our readership area.

Kindergarteners and first- and second-graders are asked to complete the last frame of a comic strip that has been developed by one of our Gazette artists.

At the third-grade level, students are asked to write a short essay paragraph on a topic that changes yearly; and fourththrough sixth-grade students design ads that are sponsored by

local businesses.

At the high school level, students have the opportunity to showcase their writing abilities through an opinion writing contest and feature writing contest; and also compete in a photography contest that spotlights their best feature, sports and news photographs.

Even the cover is designed by a student.

The goal of The Indiana Gazette’s NIE program is to reinforce a positive lifetime reading habit in students by engaging them in reading a newspaper, a life skill that will benefit them into adulthood.

It also provides them with an opportunity to have their work published, something few school-age students have the opportunity to do.

of the feature, news and sports photo contests Pages 48-52 ● Third-grade students’ “Tell us about a book character you would like to meet and why” stories Pages 44-47, 53-57, 63 ● The

winners of the classic comic contest Pages 60-62

Thank you!

The following teachers took part in this year’s Newspaper in Education contests featured in this supplement:

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 3

Design-an-ad winners Area students in grades 4, 5 and 6 designed advertisements for approximately 94 local businesses.

The advertisements were then taken to the business owners, who chose the ones that appear in today’s special section.

Members of the art department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania then selected these winners from each grade.

APOLLO-RIDGE ELEMENTARY Nikki Dunmire, Janie Fryer, Cindy Kulick, Christina Anderson, Jeneanne Kehew, Michael Saxion, Sharon Friday, Tabi Torrell

BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY Tammie Brunetta, Heather Redinger, Sarah Bond, Liz Gatskie, Kristine Cook, Keri Marshall, Katie Sherman, Sarah Coleman, Alicia Clark, Laura Lorelli, Patricia Hilliard, Maria Olechovski, Jill Kazubowski, Edward Kocinski, Shannon Tokar, Angela Petroff, Deb Horvath, Pat McKee, Laura Wissinger, Amy Mountain

1st

2nd

3rd

ARDEN MACK United Elementary Grade 4

ABBY PAZAK Saltsburg Elementary Grade 4

CAMRYN SACCO W.A. McCreery Elementary Grade 4

1st

2nd

3rd

ABBY KILLAM Eisenhower Elementary Grade 5

SARAH SMITH Purchase Line Elementary Grade 5

Continued on Page 4

On the cover

Veronica Mears, a senior at Seeds of Faith Christian Academy, created the winning artwork featured on the cover of the 2015 NIE Newspaper in Education Student Contest Supplement.

1st EMILY MARSHALL St. Bernard Regional Catholic School Grade 6

JAKE JOHNS Penns Manor Elementary Grade 5

2nd

3rd

3rd

DEVIN McCUNN Penns Manor Jr. Sr. High Grade 6

EMMA KWISNEK Homer-Center Elementary Grade 6

GRACIE AGNELLO Indiana Area Junior High Grade 6

4 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

A list of this year’s winners The following is a list of winners in this year’s Newspaper in Education Contests featured in this supplement:

COMICS KINDERGARTEN: Meredith Massey, first, Purchase Line Elementary School; Joseph Mains, second, St. Bernard Regional Catholic School; Ryan Bell, third, Ben Franklin Elementary GRADE 1: Sarah Genchur, first, East Pike Elementary; Tessalyn Massey, second, Purchase Line Elementary; P.J. Shellhammer, third, Rayne Elementary GRADE 2: Hope Vasquez, first, Homer-Center Elementary; Lilianna DeVaughn, second, Blairsville Elementary; Makayla Wisneski, third, Ben Franklin Elementary

THIRD-GRADE WRITING CONTEST Isabella Yuha, first, Ben Franklin Elementary; Queen Wigfall, second, East Pike Elementary; Thomas Kauffman, third-place tie, Ben Franklin Elementary; Stella Rummel, third-place tie, Homeschool

DESIGN-AN-AD CONTEST GRADE 4: Arden Mack, first, United Elementary; Abby Pazak, second, Saltsburg Elementary; Camryn Sacco, third, McCreery Elementary GRADE 5: Jake Johns, first, Penns Manor Elementary, Abby Killam, second, Eisenhower Elementary; Sarah Smith, third, Purchase Line Elementary GRADE 6: Emily Marshall, first, St. Bernard Regional Catholic School; Devin McCunn, second, Penns Manor Elementary; Emma Kwisnek, third-tie, Homer-Center Elementary; Gracie Agnello, third-tie, Indiana Area Junior High

OPINION COLUMN GRADE 7: Kyle Platt, first, Blairsville Middle School; Candice Rainey, second, United High School; Shane Meckley, third, Calvary Baptist Academy GRADE 8: Tori Naugle, first, United High School; Sasha Walls, second, United High School; Karly Reasor, third, United High School GRADE 9: Scott McCoy, first, Calvary Baptist Academy; Luca Covato, second, Calvary Baptist Academy; Austin Meckley, third, Calvary Baptist Academy GRADE 10: Alex Williams, first, Saltsburg High School;

Caylin Carr, second, Saltsburg High School; Gina Clawson, third, Saltsburg High School GRADE 11: Autumn Wise, first, Northern Cambria High School; Isaiah Sharp, second, Calvary Baptist Academy; Brittany Prugh, third, Calvary Baptist Academy GRADE 12: Sara Fisanick, first, Northern Cambria High School; Hannah McConnell, second, Calvary Baptist Academy; Kylie Chuhran, third, Northern Cambria High School

FEATURE STORY GRADE 7: Alyssa Hixon, first, Blairsville Middle School; Jacob Brown, second, United High School; Caeli Woodring, third, United High School GRADE 8: Kylie Jasper, first, Blairsville Middle School; Kennedy Cameron, second, United High School GRADE 9: Emma Arblaster, first, United High School; Isabel Satler, second, Saltsburg High School GRADE 10: Lindsey Prasko, first, Northern Cambria High School; Anna Longwell, second, West Shamokin High School; River Shingledecker, third, Saltsburg High School GRADE 11: Kassidy Richards, first, Saltsburg High School; Teresa Shields, second, Saltsburg High School GRADE 12: Veronica Mears, first, Seeds of Faith Christian Academy; Darren Weber, second, Saltsburg High School; Charissa Mason, third, Northern Cambria High School

NEWS PHOTO FIRST: J.D. Hilditch, Indiana Area Senior High School SECOND: Tiffany Klimkowski, Indiana Area Senior High School THIRD: Hayley Bush, Indiana Area Senior High School

FEATURE PHOTO FIRST: Hayley Bush, Indiana Area Senior High School SECOND: J.D. Hilditch, Indiana Area Senior High School THIRD: Tiffany Klimkowski, Indiana Area Senior High School

SPORTS FIRST: Hayley Bush, Indiana Area Senior High School SECOND: Jamie Simmons, Indiana Area Senior High School THIRD: Tiffany Klimkowski, Indiana Area Senior High School

COVER DESIGN Veronica Mears, Seeds of Faith Christian Academy

Thank you!

Continued from Page 3

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY Diane Antonacci, Amy Stofa, Eileen Jeffries, Kimberly Henigin, Jennifer Surratt, Kathy Frola, Robin Henry, Monica Bell, Jennifer Little, Jessica Scardina, Steven Shannon, Jennifer Shirley, Hope Staats, Linzi Powers, Amanda Steele, Scott Stuchal, Michele Sisitki, Brenda Rovison, Susan Dunlap

BLAIRSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL Stacy Faulk, Andrea DelFavero, Kimberly Henigin, Joanna Morgan

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Melody Zitterbart, Mary Vick Boole, Diane Burbank, Kim Covato

DAYTON ELEMENTARY Courtney Gould

EAST PIKE ELEMENTARY Karen Morganti, Mandy Yanoschick, Leigh Heidenthal, Corine Schrecengost, Jason Stubbe, Peg Soukup, Deb Patterson, Jenna Hawk, Natalie McKee, Heidi Higbee, Diana Bennett, Hollee Jones

EISENHOWER ELEMENTARY Zach Whited, Caroline Detwiler, Barbara Bell, Mark Morrow, Rob Stewart, Kendy Walker, Melissa Bender, Brad Trout, Jenna Irwin

HOME SCHOOL Rebekah Rummel, Jen Sleppy, Kristy Scherf, Kristin McKelvy

HOMER-CENTER ELEMENTARY Nancy Skultety, Nicole Houser, Emily Gates, Nicole Baker, Cathy Hays, Amy Skoff, Lauri Shoup, Dawn Yurkey, Joe Kotelnicki, David King, Suzanne Mateer, Cheryl Turk, Erin Hildebrand, Carol Mlakar Continued on Page 5

Madeline Menta, Grade 5, Eisenhower Elementary School

Eli Clevenger, Grade 6, United Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 5

A special thank-you RAYNE ELEMENTARY

Continued from Page 4

HORACE MANN ELEMENTARY Linda Medvetz, Julie Duffee, Donna Sabbia, Lori Laverick, Paige McCombie

INDIANA AREA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Jamie Lichtenfels, Jeff Reed

Lindy Herr, Jackie Smathers, Rebecca Blews, Kim Todd, Lisa Nelson, Renee Tiesi, Christina Stone, Megan DeOre, Leslie Meyer

SALTSBURG ELEMENTARY Brandy DelleDonne, Carly Hruska, Heather Bole, Ramona Taylor, Jeff Smathers, Melissa Hall, Doug Titmus, Tim Frassenei, Kristy Harrington

INDIANA AREA SENIOR HIGH Erik Puskar

W.A. McCREERY ELEMENTARY Shannon Race, Sherri Kutsch, Ed McCunn, Katie Proch, Lee Hudzicki, Debbie Malicky, Alyssa Antalis, Susan Moore, Christine McGee, Max Falisec, Linda Stupic, Randy Corosu

NORTHERN CAMBRIA ELEMENTARY Anne Marie Shaffer, Anne Weber, Lea Born, Jackie Paronish, Tracey Ruddock, Michelle Paronish, Sandy Serafin, Richard Work

NORTHERN CAMBRIA HIGH SCHOOL Deb Frontino

SALTSBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL Eugene Riley, Mark Freeman, Melissa Milanak

SALTSBURG HIGH SCHOOL Geoff Dixon, Lauren Cunningham, Cara Coulter

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Jason Marshall, Sharon Vivian, Sally Buchanan, Stacy Marquez, Susan Wilson, Kristin Kodman, Gretchen Anderson, Caroline Killiam, Jeniece Dochon

SHANNOCK VALLEY ELEMENTARY

PENNS MANOR ELEMENTARY

Michele DiMaio

Amy Mountain, Debbie Hoover, Connie Myers, Alyce Zuchelli, Christine Carpenter, Adam Shearer, Carson Rhea

PENNS MANOR JR. SR. HIGH SCHOOL Beth Palilla, Jason Miloser

ST. BERNARD REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Angela Brody, Melissa Ryan, Janet Arone, Vera Leonard, Megan Pomputius, Tracy Dixson, Stephanie Mallis

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY

UNITED ELEMENTARY

Sue Lieb, Tia Neal, Holly Edwards, Danielle Malicky, Diane Fenton, Tiffany DeStefano, Rebecca Manzek, Tina Anderson, Christy Falisec, Beth Farabaugh, Melissa Lynch, Deb Johnson, Leslie Hanley, Dian Matko, Kerri Mountain, Krista Peles, Robin Laney, Greg Pack, Debra Miller, Denise Bence-Fetsko, Debbie Hoover

Chris Matava, Greg Mytrysak, Mary Douglas, Ryan Long, Megan Swanson

UNITED HIGH SCHOOL Jim Cawley, John Dunn

WEST SHAMOKIN HIGH SCHOOL Glenda Brewer

Writing contest for the best

feature story Students in grades 7 through 12 were asked to write feature stories using the theme “Write about a person or an event that had a positive impact on your life.” The stories were judged by the IUP Journalism Department.

Here are the winners.

Untitled “They’re so much more than ‘just a band’ to me. They were there for me when you weren’t” — Unknown 5 Seconds of Summer, or 5SOS, has definitely influenced me in a positive way.

Formed in 2011, the band consists of Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin. Ashton, who is the drummer, might just be the most inspiring to me out of all of them. Before the band, he was going through a pretty hard time. He was constantly bullied by his peers, and the fact that he had to act as sort of a “father figure” to his two smaller siblings for most of his life because his dad left him and his mother as a child didn’t help the situation. He was under an extreme amount of pressure and struggled with depression and self-harm. In December of 2011, when he was 17, he joined 5 Seconds of Summer and found a new purpose in his life. He realized that he had people that cared, and that he was loved, and hasn’t hurt himself since. Now, he inspires people daily, having quotes like, “Be you.

Being you is cool, OK?”; “People aren’t kind, you aren’t perfect, they aren’t perfect, no one is. Hearts break, you fall in love, you are alive to feel, you are alive”; and “every single one of you are extremely important to more people than you think.”

1st ALYSSA HIXON Blairsville Middle School Grade 7 Before the band, which he joined when he was 16, Michael didn’t have many friends.

He wasn’t able to “fit in” with the crowd and it’s almost a good thing that he didn’t or he may have never found the three boys who would later become like brothers to him.

Prior to 5SOS, he and the lead singer, Luke, had a bit of a grudge held on each other.

They worked past that, and started making amazing music with the rest of the band while having the time of their lives.

Michael’s not really one for quotes, but, “real bands save fans, real fans save bands,” is a pretty awesome one and it’s extremely true.

Continued on Page 6

Dexter Froud, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

Ellie Wadding, Grade 4, Eisenhower Elementary School

6 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best feature story UNTITLED, Alyssa Hixon, Blairsville Middle School, Grade 7, first place Continued from Page 5 Calum was 16 and about to go in to his football (soccer) career when he realized that music was what he really wanted to do.

He had always juggled between the both of them, but when he had to choose between continuing with the band and performing at their first gig and going with his soccer career, he chose 5 Seconds of Summer. He knew that it was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, and now he is living his dream. He gets to tour the world with his best friends and make people happy.

Luke, the lead singer, was only 15 when he started to make YouTube videos on his account, Hemmo1996. He originally was a solo artist on his channel, before he was joined

by Michael and Calum. He had moved to Michael and Calum’s school when he was in seventh grade, so it was hard for him to make friends. After the band was together for about a year, their YouTube video was noticed by Louis Tomlinson from the band One Direction. He wanted them to go on a world tour with his band and be their opening act.

Now, the band has a self-titled debut album, a live album (“LIVESOS”) and are working on their second studio album, which is yet to be named. They’re going on a world tour of their own this year, visiting almost everywhere, from their home country of Australia to Japan. To look back at Hemmo1996 and watch Luke Hemmings’ first video, a cover of “Please Don’t Go,” by Mike Posner, and look at the band now reminds me that anything is possible. I can be whatever I want to be if I put my mind to it and never give up hope.

Ashton Irwin taught me to never stop trying, because things will get better. You can conquer whatever’s bringing you down,

whether it be depression, self-harm, a disorder, or just the horrible thought of things never getting better. They can, and they will.

He draws butterflies on the wrists of fans who have previously hurt themselves to tell them that it’ll be OK and that he’s there for them.

Michael Clifford taught me to express myself and be who I want to be, and not to care of what others think. He constantly changes his hair to exciting new colors, and if someone hates him for it, he shrugs it off and keeps going. He gets tons of hate telling him that doesn’t belong in the band and that he’s “the ugly one” in the group. It’s not true, no one should be told that, but he is able to just ignore it and keep going.

Calum Hood has taught me to help others when they’re down. He’s always the one to try to cheer everyone up and defend the band when false rumors and trends start about them. He calls out people that start nasty “trends” on Twitter, like “#keepcutting ashtonyouretrash” and “#michaelgirls shouldcommit” and tells fans to just ignore it and keep going, that it’s not true and they are loved.

5 Seconds of Summer was never “just a band” to me, nor will they ever be. They’ve cheered me up so many times when I was down, whether it be one of their tweets or watching some of their video diaries, and to know that they were all considered the “rejects” of their school, because they were all into music while the rest of their class were sports players. They didn’t let that stop them and kept doing what they loved. Anyone can do what they love, whether it’s the “popular” thing to do or not, as long as they put their mind to it. This band has worked extremely hard to get to where they are, and they aren’t stopping here.

Rick Riordan “Hercules, huh?” Percy frowned. “That guy was like the Starbucks of ancient Greece. Everywhere you turn, there he is.”

This is a quote from one of Rick Riordan’s book series. The series is called “The Heroes of Olympus.” He has a series before that which has the same characters, called “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” This is a quote specifically from the book “The Mark of Athena.” Rick Riordan is famous for his Percy Jackson books. In his books there are things that can be relatable and that can also be influential.

Rick Riordan affected my life in many ways. One way that he has affected my life is that, before I started to read his books I hated to read. Now because of his books I love to read. Another way that he has affected my life is by the lessons that I learned throughout his books. In each of Rick Riordan’s books there are many lessons learned. My personal favorite lesson is from his first book, “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.” The lesson is that your enemy might just be one of your closest friends. How Percy learns this in “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” is that when he first gets to Camp Half-Blood one of the first people he meets is named Luke.

As the story progresses, you find out that Luke is actually the bad guy. That is how Rick Riordan has affected my life.

I personally learned a lot from Rick Riordan and his books’ morals. One thing that I learned is that although it may not seem like it, everyone has a weak spot. Even the toughest of your enemies has a weak spot.

How Percy has learned this in “Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian” is he had to become invincible but there had to be a weak spot. So he figured out that his enemy did the same thing. So he found the weak spot and he defeated his enemy.

This is just one thing that I learned from

2nd JACOB BROWN United High School Grade 7 Rick Riordan and his books.

You can learn a lot from Rick Riordan’s books. One thing that you can learn a lot from in his books are morals. The next thing you might learn about in your experience reading these books is about true friendship. In Rick’s second book, “Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters,” Percy’s best friend Grover gets kidnapped and Percy goes to find and save him. These are just a few of the things that you can learn from Rick Riordan and his books.

Did you know that reading books doesn’t always have to be boring? Before I only read because I had to read. Now I can read for fun! One way you can make reading fun is by finding the right book type. If you don’t like the genre that your books are, then reading them won’t be fun. The next step to reading for fun is once you find the right book genre, to find a series of books and start at the beginning of the series.

Therefore, reading can be fun for anyone.

You, the reader, might be thinking, “What am I supposed to get out of this essay?”

Well I am glad you asked. What you should take out of this essay is that authors can be influential to the readers. Rick Riordan influenced me and he can do the same for you.

Noah Peles, Grade 5, Purchase Line Elementary School

1st Emily Marshall, Grade 6, Saint Bernard Regional Catholic School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 7

Writing contest for the best feature story Untitled

A Perfect Best Friend If it weren’t for an amazing girl named Lauren Traves, I don’t know what I would do. She always stands up for me when people make fun of me.

She also gives a shoulder to cry on. Lastly, she can always make me laugh. I couldn’t make it without her.

One year, when I was little, my mom had asked me if I wanted to join Girl Scouts. That sounded interesting to me, but I didn’t really know if anyone else was in Girl Scouts, and I didn’t want to do it by myself. I told her that, and she said that Lauren Traves, a girl from my class, was in it. I knew her, but we didn’t really talk. I wish I would’ve joined Girl Scouts earlier.

Lauren always stands up for me. Every time someone is making fun of me, she flips on them.

When Lauren is around, no one will mess with me.

They know they shouldn’t do it with her around.

She will always stand up for me.

She also gives me a shoulder to cry on. When I’m upset she will hug me and tell me it’s OK. As an example, at her birthday party there was a sad song that came on, and that I have had experience with.

She saw me and ran straight to me and hugged me because she knew exactly what was going on. She held me for 10 minutes. I’m so glad to have her as a friend.

Lauren is so funny. She’s probably the funniest person I know. She can just look at me and we’ll start busting out laughing. Someone can ask us a simple question as to how many inside jokes we have, and we do something. When someone says this, we say a quote from one of our favorite

3rd CAELI WOODRING United High School Grade 7 movies, “The Fault in Our Stars,” as fast as we can, which is: “Some infinities are bigger than others.”

Then she yells, “Keep it together, Lauren!” and I say, “Yeah, keep it together, Lauren!” Then in unison we say, “and scene.” So if I were you, I would not ask how many inside jokes we have. We also have many words that we use that mean the opposite things you would probably think. So it probably sounds really weird and funny from a bystander’s point of view. It’s like we have our own secret language just for us. I would tell you more about the language, but then it wouldn’t be secret.

Do you have a friend as good as I do? Well, my best friend always stands up for me. She also gives me a shoulder to cry on whenever I need it. Lastly, she is always making me laugh till I can’t breathe. I hope that you do have as great of a friend as I do. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her.

I couldn’t ask for anyone better.

There’s no human being on this earth that has had a more positive impact in my life than J.K. Rowling, the author of the seven books in the bestselling Harry Potter series. Through the struggles and losses in her life, KYLIE Rowling still managed to do the thing she loved: writing. From JASPER an extremely early age, I took Blairsville pleasure in writing stories and presenting them to my family. Middle School Grade 8 While other kids played ball in the yard and drew chalk paintings in their driveway, I would sit at the family computer, typing away, bringing to life the fun little stories I had orchestrated in my wild, premature mind. Discovering Rowling’s writings years later instantly sparked a mature passion in my heart to write books as a career. Since then, my desire has not changed. And it’s all because of J.K. Rowling.

Like me, J.K. Rowling wrote stories from an early age and developed a passion for it. She soon had the ambition of becoming a writer, and sure enough, she set to it. However, her life was not exempt from the struggles we all experience every day. She lost her beloved mother to multiple sclerosis, which sent Rowling hurtling into a depression for many years. She entered into a marriage that quickly ended in divorce, sending Rowling and her infant daughter into the streets.

Rowling moved into a small apartment near her younger sister Diane, and struggled to balance her writing career and raising her daughter on welfare for the next few years. Rowling wrote and continued to develop the Harry Potter series whenever she could, stealing quiet moments when her daughter was napping, to write.

Continued on Page 8

1st

Gregory Kenning, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

8 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best feature story UNTITLED, Kylie Jasper, Blairsville Middle School, Grade 8, first place Continued from Page 7 I have to believe that all of the difficulties in Rowling’s life helped her become a stronger writer.

Even though it took her several years to publish her first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” she never gave up, suffering many rejections in the process, but eventually succeeding victoriously.

She’s proven to not just me, but many other aspiring writers out there, that through the hopeless times, doing what you love, with all of your heart, always makes you a winner.

No matter what.

I had grown out of writing. I was 12 and had not been writing steadily for a few years.

I became preoccupied with reading, checking four to five books out of the library at one time.

Shortly after my grandfather’s death in February of 2013, I discovered all seven Harry Potter volumes in my grandparent’s basement, amongst their enormous collection of books (they were — my grandmother still is — avid readers, often raiding whatever bookstore they set foot in).

I borrowed the first book in the series from my grandmother, and before I knew it, I tore through all seven books in less than five months, falling in love with the series.

These were the first stories I had ever read that affected me so deeply.

I read page after page, soaking in every

word Rowling wrote with a hunger that was driven by my sudden enthusiasm for writing again.

I admired the way she painted with words, and how she vividly delivered the story.

From then on, writing wasn’t a fun little hobby anymore.

Writing was now a passion that burned in my heart again.

Eugene Ionesco once said, “A writer never has a vacation. For a writer, life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.”

This quote always makes me chuckle because of the truth in it that applies to my life every single day.

After completing the Harry Potter series, my conscience became focused on writing,

My Parents

ideas constantly filtering through my mind, and demanding to be written down. Writing became real for me.

Today, I’m still writing with spirit.

When I’m writing and my heart is pounding with excitement, I know that this is what I’m meant to do and that God has given me this gift to share with others in a great way.

I haven’t exactly figured out the “changing the world” part just yet, but for now my heart is invested in writing and I will likely stay that way for a long time.

J.K. Rowling has molded and shaped me into the writer I am today, and I will forever remember the influence and positive impact she has given me in my life.

My Biggest Fan

There are many people who affect many lives, but there are two people who affect my life in many ways.

My two people are my mom and dad. My parents are a big part of my life.

They are helpful, kind and many other things, too.

First, I am going to tell you about my mom.

My mom is a big part in my life. She teaches me so KENNEDY many things and impacts my life in so many ways.

CAMERON One thing that my mom teaches me is to be responsible by helping me stay organized.

United High Also, she takes care of the things she has to do, like School paying bills and going to work. I think by her doing Grade 8 those things, she’s showing me how to be when I grow up and get a job.

Next, I am going to tell you about my dad. My dad is also a big part of my life and impacts my life in many ways.

My dad is also very responsible because he gets up every morning and goes to work. He also mows the lawn, helps take care of our pool in the summer and many other things.

My parents do many things like go to work and get paychecks so we can get nice things and play the sports that we want to play and do things like go on vacations in the summer.

They also take care of me and my brother when we are sick or hurt.

As you can tell, my parents are a really big part of my life.

I love spending time with them and being with my family.

I hope you realize how they impact my life.

2nd

I am a senior in high school. I am a point guard on the basketball team.

Tonight is the championship game and the most important game of my life. There are recruiters from colleges scouting for the right player.

This night could decide my future as EMMA a college student. We are down 1 point ARBLASTER with 2 seconds left on the clock. I was fouled, resulting in me having to shoot United High two shots.

School I have had a good game, making at Grade 9 least 20 points, 10 or more rebounds, having many steals and assists, and making all my foul shots except one. I walk up to the foul line confident but feeling the weight of the game on my shoulders. My future and the championship are in these shots. The referee hands me the ball. The gym is dead silent, hoping that I make both of these shots for the win. I take a deep breath. I shoot the ball. It hits the back of the rim and bounces out! I step away, flustered and disappointed. You can hear the crowd’s disappointment. I pull myself together and pretend it didn’t happen. I still have one more shot to at least tie the game. I have to make this shot so we still have a chance to win the championship. I take a deep breath and look to my dad in the stands.

Continued on Page 9

1st

Jayde Rummell, Grade 5, W.A. McCreery Elementary School

Allison Yeomans, Grade 4, W.A. McCreery Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 9

Writing contest for the best feature story MY BIGGEST FAN, Emma Arblaster, United High School, Grade 9, first place Continued from Page 8 He smiles and winks, giving me confidence.

The referee hands me the ball again. I shoot …

This same girl 10 years ago, at the age of 7, couldn’t even get the balls to the net, her ballhandling wasn’t good, and she knew nothing about the game except that she loved it.

She was determined and she was confident.

Every morning before school, her dad took her to the courts to shoot 100 foul shots and work on her ballhandling.

Each day she got better and better. Her dad took her where she needed to go and provided her with an overload of encouragement. There were days that her shots were off, and there were days that she kept losing the ball. She would be frustrated and discouraged, but her dad was always there to get her back up and back to her game.

Through years of hard work, sweat, blood and tears, she became a starter as freshman on her high school varsity team, where she remained a starter through the following years.

She led the team to many victories and her dad, her biggest fan, was always in the stands. Whether he knows it or not, he has helped shape his daughter.

Fathers are extremely important in a daughter’s life. Research has shown that the involvement of a father in daughter’s life can have a powerful influence.

Fathers help daughters become more competent, more achievement-oriented, and successful. Girls with good relationships with their fathers score higher in subjects like ad-

vanced math and science. Their academic confidence level is high and they tend to move toward high-ranking jobs.

Girls who are encouraged to participate in sports with the support and help from their fathers give a girl an assertive edge.

This assertive edge becomes evident in all areas of life.

Girls learn to have self-worth and self-esteem, and they make better relationship choices based on their father’s example of what a man should be and how a man should treat a woman. This makes a difference in the areas of teen pregnancies and substance abuse.

Overall, a father’s involvement and influence can create a strong, confident, well-rounded, successful, healthy woman who will contribute a positive influence to society. This 17year-old senior in high school, with her dad by her side, is on her way to a bright future. … As the ball left my hand I knew right away it was a miss.

The ball left my hand, hit the side of the rim, and hit the floor.

It was all a blur after that. All I remember is the buzzer going off, signaling the end of the game. Our opponent screamed for joy, making the loss even worse. I lost the game for my team, and maybe even my chance of playing for a college! A we shake our opponents’ hands I walk over to my dad. My eyes fill with tears and disappointment overwhelms me. He wraps his around me and I melt. Tears stream down my face. “I lost the game, Dad! I lost it!” My dad looks at me and smiles. “It’s OK. It doesn’t change who you are or your accomplishments.” “I lost the game for my team! That’s not OK,” I said. My dad takes his hand and wipes the tears off my face. “I want you to compose

yourself. There’s someone I want you to meet.” He takes my hand and we both walk up to a man with a clipboard. He is a tall man. He has grayish hair, glasses, and is dressed in a suit.

My dad looks at me and says, “I want you to meet Mr. Stuart.

He’s from the University of Connecticut. Mr. Stuart and I have been having a great conversation about you.” I smile and shake his hand. “Hello, Emma! I would like to discuss an opportunity with you. Can we walk and talk,” he asks. “Yes,” I say enthusiastically, the loss of the game fading. Both of us start walking. As we walk I look back over my shoulder to my dad.

Our eyes meet. With tears in his eyes, he smiles and mouths the words, “I am proud of you.”

This hasn’t happened … yet. And it may not happen exactly this way, but this could be my future story. Regardless of how my future unfolds, the dad in this future story is my dad now.

My dad inspires me to be the best I can, regardless of wins, losses, failures or successes.

My dad has helped me overcome my struggles and has encouraged me. He is an inspiration and a role model. He is helping to shape my future with academics, sports and even with my future husband.

My future isn’t determined yet, and anything can happen, but I am secure and confident. I look forward to moving ahead and facing whatever challenges that lie in front of me.

I am not alone. I have my dad.

My dad means the world to me. I know one thing is for sure: He’s my biggest fan. That future player could be me one day, except I will make both of my foul shots for the win!

Logan Huey, Grade 4, Homer Center Elementary School

Zaeda Cline, Grade 4, Purchase Line Elementary School

10 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best feature story The Unwanted Journey People say that black holes only exist in space, but I can prove that wrong. There’s one in my mind. Yes, it’s definitely a crazy thing for me to say, but on a cold, bitter Friday in October of 2013, that hole was created.

That day, with multicolored leaves swimming through the air, felt just like any other fall day. The sun was halfway out, halfway covered by the blankets of clouds, and everything felt perfect.

Three destructive words, however, flipped that perfect feeling around.

With all of the thoughts that run through my mind in the course of a day, never did the thought of something so horrific run through my mind that day. During school that day, everything felt so normal.

Class by class, the day dragged on. Due to our half-day Fridays, school thankfully ended around 12:10 p.m. My classmates and I all pushed through the short eight periods, eagerly waiting to be saved by the bell.

RINGGG. The bell sounded and a herd of students exited from the school doors. So many side stories being told between friends and couples, and all I was worried about was getting home to take a nap.

My mom’s car never makes me feel so good than when I see it after school, and

there it was in the parking lot. As I made my way to her, a huge smile on my mom’s face continued that normal feeling of that day.

“How was school?”

It felt like this question was programmed into her head because she asked it every day, but I answered with my usual, “Good!”

We talked on the way home with little inputs from my older sister, Olivia, and when we arrived home, I plopped myself down on the couch to take a little nap.

Remembering that I had homework and was planning on going to the football game that night, I miserably got up to get my backpack. After completing that, I grabbed a little snack and started to doze off, completely oblivious to what would wake me almost 40 minutes later.

“WHAT?!”

Light flashed into my sleep when I awoke to a loud cry from the kitchen. The beat of my heart bounced out of control, and nearly out of my chest, when my mom’s alarming scream raced through my ears causing what seemed to be a thousand thoughts racing into my mind.

What happened? Did someone get hurt? Is she just shocked about something a friend told her?

Instinctively, I hopped up and ran to the kitchen to find my mom sitting on the floor with a torrent of tears streaming down her face, hands over her eyes, and an expression

Alysa George, Grade 5, Homer Center Elementary School

2nd ISABEL SATLER Saltsburg High School Grade 9 of confusion lurking over her. Not knowing how to react, I frantically kept asking her what happened, and that’s when the three destructive words latched onto me.

Forcing the words out, through tears, my mom said, “Nana passed away,” and at that moment, that day’s normality left me. My heart, my mind, my everything, was completely gone.

Worry, sadness, confusion and so many other feelings were hovering over my mind like bees in a hive. They were throwing my sanity around like it was nothing, so I stopped everything I was doing.

“Nobody in my family has ever died before. How could my youngest grandparent be the first? This can’t be right,” I thought.

Not knowing what was happening, I dejectedly but furiously took off up the stairs.

Vividly, I saw my brother and sister on the way, but couldn’t stop to console them. I had to find a place of serenity to allow myself to grasp this whole situation.

Controlling my emotions, I gently shut my bedroom door and sunk onto my bed to let everything out. It felt like I was a character in a movie, putting my head in my pillow to cry, but that’s what felt right.

I laid there, rolling around in a puddle of tears and emotions, for what seemed to be days, and after the puddle dried, I decided to find my mom.

My world seemed to be on a merry-goround that went on for infinity, and the only thing that I wanted was reassurance. I didn’t know how my Nana died, or why it all happened so suddenly, but I wanted to figure it out.

My door creaked open and the sound of gentle sobs entered my ears. I walked into my parents’ room to find my mom still in a state of shock, and all I could do was assure her that it wasn’t her fault and she couldn’t do anything about it.

However, my words seemed to bounce right off of her. I had nothing left. I didn’t know what to do so I went back to my room and drenched myself with thoughts.

As soon as I knew it, my dad was home from work.

He had to leave early because my mom was really worked up and he, from past experience, deals with death so much better than the rest of us.

He came upstairs to find me and all I could

do was hug him. I didn’t say anything or do anything. I just cried and hugged him. My dad let me know what was going to have to happen in the next few days and I accepted the plans and let him go.

Later that night, I made the decision to spend time with my friends. I thought that going to the football game would push my fears and worries away for a while, so I texted one of my friends and we went.

Her mom knew what had happened, and she decided she would take us to get pizza so I would have something more to distract me.

Although nothing could override my feelings at that point, my night wasn’t so bad.

Everything began to feel like a dream to me.

The thought of Nana being gone seemed ridiculous to me, and I kept asking myself if it really did happen.

When I got home around midnight, my memories of earlier that day hit me like a brick wall.

Arriving home, I expected to see my parents, but they weren’t there. Wondering what could be taking so long, I texted my mom to ask when she would be back. I didn’t know where they went, or why they left, but I figured it was to my grandparents’ house, and I finally got a reply of, “I’m sorry, we’ll be home soon. We had to get things straight with Pap and make sure he was doing alright. We set up an appointment with the funeral director tomorrow, so we’ll be home within an hour. I love you!”

The funeral. The thought of it wrapped around me and wouldn’t let go. I had never been to a funeral of a loved one before. What should I expect? Honestly, I had no idea what to think until I was in the car three days later on the way there.

It felt like my mom and dad had lived at my grandparents’ house for those three days because of the planning that they had to do and I just wanted it to be all over.

I wanted to get the funeral over with and I wanted to be able to go home with no worries.

The day of the viewing, I got out of school around 11. Most middle-schoolers would be jumping for joy to leave early, but I was nervous. I was nervous about how I would react to the sight of the casket. When we arrived at the funeral home, my nerves spiked through the roof.

Nervous but anxious to go inside, I worked up the courage to do so and when I did, that blanket of emotions returned.

I cried a mixture of happy and sad tears. It was relieving to know that my Nana wouldn’t have to suffer from her health problems anymore, but I was terrified that she was gone.

The funeral the next day acted as my life jacket through the waves of grief, and it was the most relieving part of that week.

It gave me my reassurance and helped me regain my positive feelings.

Exactly two months following her passing, Christmas came along.

Continued on Page 11

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 11

Writing contest for the best feature story A Mother and a Friend On Mother’s Day, children all around the world prepare to make their mothers feel as special as the day is.

Young children make homemade cards and plan breakfast in bed. Older children buy gifts or write to their mothers about how much they truly mean.

Mother’s Day is special and I always make sure my mom and l celebrate her day in a memorable way; however, I do not need a certain day to recognize how important my mother is to me.

My mom has had a positive impact on my life, and I show her my love. respect, and appreciation daily.

My mother taught me how to treat people and how people should treat me.

Not many mothers teach their children that or realize that their children are being treated wrong. If I am ever upset or fighting with a friend, my mother is there to help me

cope with the situation.

She gives me encouraging advice like “just be yourself” or “things will get better.” Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to deal with all the high school drama and the arguments that I’ve been through. She showed me that being kind, respectful and understanding is the only way people should treat me and the only way I should act toward others.

When I was in competitive cheerleading, not all of my family could make it to every competition, but my mom was always there.

When I was done performing, I would run to her after every performance to see what she had to say.

She never had a bad thing to say. She would say things like, “You improved so much,” or “Practicing really does pay off!”

I knew even if I felt like I haven’t achieved my best, my mother would be there to tell me how well I did.

In all my other sports and activities, she

has told me the same thing. I’m not always confident with what I do, but my mother’s optimism and unconditional support have made my confidence grow.

She is not only my mother, but my friend. I can act with her as I would with my friends. I can talk to her about anything from high school, schoolwork, or anything that I need to talk about.

We laugh together about funny things that happened or embarrassing moments, and we cry when we have a bad day or if something did not go as planned.

No matter what, she is there with me through it all.

She is a friend that I know I can trust and will always be there for me.

There are many reasons why my mother has such a positive impact on my life; these were just some that really meant the most to me.

She is supportive, trusting, and understanding, which are some qualities every

1st LINDSEY PRASKO Northern Cambria High School Grade 10 mother should possess.

My mother has taught me how to live life in the best way I can. I may not always agree with her, but I know she is always doing what is best for me.

Without her I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

THE UNWANTED JOURNEY, Isabel Satler, Saltsburg High School, Grade 9, second place Continued from Page 10 For the past 14 years of my life, Dec. 25 was always spent at her house with my cousins and the rest of my family, but we all knew that had to change and we all knew it would be tough.

Even though nobody spoke of her that day,

there was a burden over us.

At the dinner table, there was something missing, around the tree during the opening of presents there was something missing, and there was sadly one less goodbye to make that evening.

When I say that three words changed my

life, and when I say there is a black hole in my mind, I mean it.

My Nana wasn’t just a grandparent to me.

She was a role model and a sign of hope for me.

She had gone through many obstacles throughout her life, and I knew that with the

happiness and joy that she managed to bring to my family and me, I could always overcome anything I may be afraid of.

Yes, the hole will continue to be open in my mind, but I know that she is in there somewhere.

Peyton Falisec, Grade 4, Purchase Line Elementary School

Hailey Drennen, Grade 4, Horace Mann Elementary School

12 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best feature story Untitled Everyone is impacted throughout life different ways. It could be an elderly grandmother who shares her passion for life with everyone around her, or it could be the beauty of Earth, or it could be an organization that has taught many life lessons. For me, I have been greatly impacted in a positive way by being a member of the Armstrong County 4-H program. 4-H has taught me so many great life lessons that will guide me throughout my life. I have learned many great skills that have impacted me which l can take with me forever, such as responsibility, teamwork, and public speaking.

One of the biggest ways that 4-H has impacted my life is by teaching me responsibility. Since I raise and show lambs for the Dayton Fair, my lambs must be fed twice a day.

That includes getting up a 6:30 in the morning on weekends and going out when it is negative 5 degrees because the animals are still hungry. I also spend all of my summer off from school at home, walking my lambs and taking care of tasks such as baling hay and growing barley. These tasks require dedication and heart to commit yourself to the

Being a Christian in Your School Being a Christian in your school is tough, trust me. I live it everyday. It’s hard to lose friends, be an outsider, and be left out. But if it’s so hard, then why do I do it? Why would anyone do it? Is it because of the weird looks that we get? Or maybe it’s the way that people think we dress? I’m going to tell you why!

My name is River Shindledecker. I am 16 years old and I go to Blairsville-Saltsburg School District. Ever since I could open my green eyes I’ve been raised to believe in the power of the unknown. Yes, I was and still

responsibilities expected of 4-H’ers.

Another way that 4-H has impacted my life is by teaching me to keep accurate records and data for my livestock books.

From the time my lambs are born I have to keep track of all the feed that they eat, their weight, and any medicine that I give them.

This is important when creating a budget, so I know how much I can spend that year on new show covers or blades for my clippers.

Keeping accurate records also helps to see if I lost money or earned money that year. This

impacted my life by being able to budget my money according to what I have.

In 4-H there are always events where we work as a team. When I was in the “Incognito Robotics” Club, our team would build a robot in six weeks that would throw a basketball across a court or complete some other challenge such as Ultimate Frisbee. In our team we had builders, programmers, advertisers and people who were fundraisers. Additionally, at the fair, we help each other out if someone needs help cleaning a pen or washing their lamb. We also teach the younger members showmanship skills so that they can get better at showing their animals. 4-H is about teamwork in everything that we do.

Being able to speak in front of other people is a great skill that has impacted my life. I am able to speak in front of crowd or with people I do not know because of my 4-H experience. Every fall in 4-H there is a contest for the Outstanding 4-Her. In this contest, one is interviewed about livestock, community service, activity involvement, and many other criteria. Taking part in these interviews has taught me skills that I used to win “Senior Outstanding 4-Her” this year. For

am a Wednesday evening and Sunday morning churchgoer. I was home-schooled from kindergarten through eighth grade.

My ninth-grade year I was cyber schooled and now I am a full-time student at Saltsburg Middle/High School. Why do l tell you this? I tell you this so that you know that I’m a normal kid.

I have the same struggles, fears and worries as any other one of my peers.

As a Christian in your school, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one. In fact, I feel that way a lot. I talk to some friends and they say that they’re Christians as well, but then I turn around and I’m alone again. Also, as a Christian, my friends know that I don’t cuss,

do drugs, party or talk about girls and sex.

Now, I’m not saying that I’m a perfect boy and that people should worship me, but I don’t participate in a lot of things that my friends/peers do. It’s hard to not join in with the crowd and want to do what they do, and to be honest, I’m tempted to, a lot.

I can’t tell you how many times I came home wondering why some of my friends can’t accept me for who I am. I’m not saying that I’m neglected or shunned, but if the guys are going to the basketball game, I don’t get invited.

As a kid, that hurts, and I’m sure that some people can relate to what I am saying.

Continued on Page 13

2nd ANNA LONGWELL West Shamokin High School Grade 10

“Incognito Robotics,” we had to fund raise for a 4-H program that involves talking to business owners and community leaders to explain our program and why we think it is of value. This takes a lot of courage and these skills come with practice and experience. I have also been involved in projects at the Dayton Fair where we did robotic demonstrations and taught younger children about chicks that were hatched out during the fair. All of these events have impacted my life by helping me to be able to talk to adults or to a boss without getting extremely nervous.

All the experiences that I have obtained from my time in 4-H have led me to become a better person and will help me throughout the rest of my life.

The qualities that have been bestowed upon me through my time in 4-H have greatly impacted my future plans. Due to the extensive work I have done with my animals, I am looking into a career in the veterinary field to continue to help animals using the skills that 4-H has taught me. 4-H teaches many lessons that would impact anyone’s life forever such as responsibility, teamwork, and public speaking skills.

3rd RIVER SHINDLEDECKER Saltsburg Midddle/High School Grade 10

Chloe Hunter, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

Lilly Ryer, Grade 5, Rayne Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 13

Writing contest for the best feature story BEING A CHRISTIAN IN YOUR SCHOOL, River Shindledecker, Saltsburg Middle/High School, Grade 10, third place Continued from Page 12 You might be asking, “River, if it’s as hard as you say it is, then why do you do it?” This is my response.

God has had such an impact in my life.

From my first step, to my last breath, He has my world in his hands. My God is a loving God who picks me up when I fall and loves me for who I am.

He gives me strength to go on and the will to fight hard. To the world I’m not perfect, a piece of garbage, a mistake, but in His eyes, I’m a masterpiece. That’s just it!

God is love. No matter what I’ll do, or what I’ve done, God loves me.

Only His love can sustain me like that.

That’s why I do it. I am a Christian in my school because of what God has done for me. God has called me and all Christians to a higher standard.

God wants me to be bold and share my faith, and I love to. I’m unashamed of what God has done for me. That may mean sacrificing some friends, or even family members, but let me tell you as a person that lives it … it is so worth it!

If you’re a Christian in your school, keep on charging. Don’t give up! God will reward you and me for our perseverance.

Don’t give up faith, for the impact that you have cannot be measured by words.

If you’re not a Christian, I encourage you to dig into it. I didn’t always have God in my life, but when I found Him, I found something that I wasn’t expecting to find.

What have you got to lose?

My name is River Shindledecker and I am a Christian in my school.

My First Lifeline Throughout my first seven years of dance, I found myself lost, searching for a way to express myself and to find out what I need to do. After taking a break for two years, I found the person who helped me discover the things necessary to shape me into the person behind the name, Kassidy Richards.

If you asked me to invite a fun-loving, outgoing, innocuous and eccentric woman to your house, Susan Yadamec would walk through your front door. The pear-shaped woman standing before you drapes herself in all black loose-fitting garments like that of the grim reaper. Her colorful personality contradicts with her fashion style, like trying to pet an adorable cute puppy, only for it to attack and bite you. She talks and presents herself in such a way that everyone who knows her wants to be as confident as her.

Her pale, white complexion and soft, raincloud gray eyes add to her austere appearance if you caught her offguard, but that rarely happens. Her spiked, bleach blonde pixie haircut stands up like frozen grass on a winter morning.

However, her most apparent features, jubilance and quirkiness, characterize her the most. She has the ability to make everything into a joke which everyone knows not to take seriously. Even when things get arduous in her life, she never shows it. Some people think she acts like a child or presents herself peculiarly, but those people will never get to see her for who she truly is.

She treats everyone the same. She initiates every conversation with, “Hey, haven’t talked to you in a while, but how is your week going?” The way people respond characterizes them.

There are two types of people I know of when it comes to this: the apocryphal people who respond, “Good,” in a condescending sort of way and say nothing else, and then the people who carry out a conversation and truly care. Which type would you

Matthew Lee, Grade 5, Seeds of Faith Christian Academy

1st KASSIDY RICHARDS Saltsburg High School Grade 11 want to be your friend? I would choose the second kind. A room brightens when she enters in both laughter and mood. A friend to everyone, no matter what age: 5, 10, 17, or 48. She never lets you down.

The day I walked into Susan Yadamec’s Dance Studio was the beginning of what I call my own revelation, a feeling like walking into a new school and finding your first friend. As I walked to the door marked 1, images and photographs of smiling people jumped from the walls and consumed my mind.

As I opened the marked door, I saw 15 girls my age leaning against the old wooden railing at the far end of the studio near the bath-

rooms. They circled around the woman I would later call my lifeline. Laughing and talking about previous events characterize the five to 10 minutes of every dance class.

Throughout the year, I met new people and made new friends, some of which acted as the key to me realizing the significance in knowing Susan.

Tears shed in the studio never resulted from events that occurred within the studio.

Those tears were shed in comfort and in search of advice. I remember one time in particular when a girl once sat crying on the blue carpet beside the wooden dance floor.

She blew her nose into her tissue when she sniffled and said, “I just don’t know what to do. And I don’t want to be the cause of all of this.” Her parents had previously fought in front of her and she thought she was the cause of it all.

Susan sat beside the girl and said these comforting words: “Listen, this isn’t your issue, and you need to realize that you’re not the reason this is occurring. What you have to do is be strong and not let it affect you or what you do in anyway. You can’t let yourself crumble because of a surrounding issue; you have to let it make you stronger.” This taught me that I can pick the times when I need strength and when I need vulnerability. It taught me strength is something you choose.

Continued on Page 14

Elizabeth Shirley, Grade 5, Homer Center Elementary School

14 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best feature story MY FIRST LIFELINE, Kassidy Richards, Saltsburg High School, Grade 11, first place Continued from Page 13 Susan Yadamec also taught me a lot through her actions. Specifically, the one time after a car accident which resulted in severe whiplash, she still showed up to dance class and danced with us, teaching us every motion. Though she experienced excruciating pain, she kept pushing through it and tried to keep going. This showed me that even if something in my life causes me to struggle, I need to keep pushing and

make sure that it remains a struggle rather than a reason of failure.

One other thing that Susan taught not only me, but all of my classmates, is “don’t be afraid of where we are heading with our lives.” She says every year to the graduating seniors, “I have come to get to know and love all of you, and now it’s time for you to move on. Don’t be afraid of what the future might and will bring. It will teach you a lot of what you’ll need to know. You know you

My First Lifeline As an eighth-grade student, two years of my life had already taken place at Saltsburg Middle/High School. My grades continued to soar, so I felt comfortable with my studies.

I had all intentions of resuming my traditional success since the majority of my teachers taught in a similar way: listen and take notes. Then, one teacher who I hadn’t had knowledge of made his presence as he entered our sixth-period English class. It surprised me to see someone so ambitious and professional in a classroom setting. Little did I know that this one particular person would eventually change my perspective on life. His name was Mr. Judge.

He was an older teacher about to retire.

His upbeat personality and goofy behavior masked his dedication and seriousness for education. My older friends told me of his class, but I still had no recollection of him. I spoke of his name to my mother and she exclaimed, “Oh, I had Mr. Judge for English!” I felt as if I were the only one in the world who didn’t know Mr. Judge. That next school year I established an acquaintance with Kevin Judge. I heard of the intensity of his class, but I felt prepared. The class of 2016 appreciated our reputable teacher who neared retirement by 180 days. He even counted

2nd TERESA SHIELDS Saltsburg High School Grade 11 down the days himself.

Mr. Judge made several moments of my eighth-grade year memorable. Silence cascaded throughout the room as each student entered and immediately realized his limited patience among their presence. My mindset changed completely the second I sat down. All eyes focused on Mr. Judge and his formal attire when his thundering voice flooded our ears. Paralyzed with astonishment, I witnessed his staggering method of teaching. I could hardly believe so many people favored the college-like course I attended. I continued to wonder if Mr. Judge’s class would turn out like I’ve least expected.

have made a second home at the studio, so don’t be a stranger and come back and visit.”

Every Tuesday I go to dance class for four hours. I look forward to those four hours because I know I wouldn’t be the person you see today if I hadn’t learned how to persevere through struggles and fight adversity from my amazing dance teacher.

I look forward to that day out of the week because not only do I want to go and dance, but I want to see what other things I can

learn from Susan Yadamec. I know that I don’t know all I need to know.

An extraordinary woman, teacher, and mother not only to her own kids, but to her dance kids as well.

I know if there is ever a time I need to talk to someone or need some advice about what to do I can go to her. She has had many life experiences and will have many more, and I can’t wait to see what other lessons I can learn from her.

I remember the first vocabulary test. Five words each fit appropriately to one incomplete sentence. Although I favored Mr. Judge’s grading system of returning the graded work the next day, devastation consumed me as I falsely earned an 80 percent on the 10-point quiz.

When I confronted my teacher of his grading error, he exclaimed that my print failed to portray correct spelling. He could not interpret my close-written letters of the correctly spelled word. Thus, the grade stood firm. That moment motivated me not only to better myself, but to better my overall knowledge.

Mr. Judge and his teaching techniques made themselves accustomed to my class as the year progressed. When he wasn’t teaching or reading, he gave lectures and inspiring messages. Most conversations began due to a disobedient student. I valued his words that contained boosts of confidence and advice. Mr. Judge often stopped during his speeches to ask the class, “Are you following me?” I treasure the moments he spoke directly to me in front of the class. For example I felt truly valuable when he told me, “You have potential. You know that, right?” It seemed so frequent that he asked of my college plans. At the time, and still today, I had ignorance of an exact major, but

I favored education. I consider(ed) becoming an English major because of my flexibility and love for writing. That topic always rose my self-esteem, as well as Mr. Judge’s enthusiasm.

After his venerable lesson, Mr. Judge transformed into a totally different person. His jolly personality brought out his optimism and humor. Jokes, stories, and random conversations filled the time between the end of his lesson and the tintinnabular. Being a fanatic of puns, I idolize the times he said, “I’m on a roll, I must be butter!” His corny jokes always got a laugh, at least from me.

Mr. Judge used simple ways to teach, so he seldom used technology. But one occasion consisted of the class constructing an electronic board game. Mr. Judge called upon a few older pupils to be our contestants. The roll-the-dice-and-move-that-many-squares game thrilled everyone. Mr. Judge’s laidback attitude shown through as he smiled and laughed at our collective game. A sense of pride flourished from the look upon his face.

The play my class performed amused Mr. Judge the most. During our English lab rotations, each quarter of the school year consisted of rehearsing and presenting “Twelve Angry Men” by Reginald Rose.

Continued on Page 15

Gracie Agnello, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

3rd

Zach Nixon, Grade 6, United Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 15

Writing contest for the best feature story MY FIRST LIF LINE, Teresa Shields, Saltsburg High School, Grade 11, second place Continued from Page 14 My class spent the majority of the nine weeks practicing in the classroom as well as in the auditorium for our live show. Despite my minor role, I very much enjoyed the time spent with my peers and ecstatic educator.

Underclassmen and teachers attended our performances, and Mr. Judge displayed pure delight. No matter how difficult his class seemed, the thrill of the play made me realize my admiration for Mr. Judge.

The end of the school year approached rapidly, so I began to cherish the last few days of Mr. Judge’s class. Evidently no one wanted Mr. Judge to retire, but he assured us of his return. “I’m going to tutor kids and teach through cyberschool,” he said, “but when they need a sub, I’ll come back.” The bittersweet moment of his absence and possible return almost brought tears to my eyes.

I knew to make the last few days of school worthwhile.

School let out that year and during summer vacation I received an unexpected postcard in the mail. Miraculously, Mr. Judge sent it. It read: Teresa: I wanted to take this opportunity to commend you for the effort you put into your

classwork for Language Arts 8. Without a doubt you were one of the brightest and hardest working students 1 was lucky to have taught in my last year at Saltsburg. You should know that if you continue on your current path, you will be extremely successful. Thanks again for a great year.

Sincerely, Kevin Judge As I walked up the stairs of my house reading such an inspirational letter, I could hardly believe it was addressed in my name. I literally cried as I knew Mr. Judge retired from being my teacher. I knew at the beginning of the prior school year that applying and dedicating myself to education would lead to success. Almost a year later, Mr. Judge’s letter gave me the awareness and strength to continue my academic triumph. I believe that teachers should not only teach, but instruct life lessons, and Mr. Judge did exactly that. He took pride in his job and cared about his students’ education. Mr. Judge shared with me his knowledge of the English language as well as his wisdom. He taught in such a motivational manner that it left a permanent mark on me. That’s why I consider Mr. Judge my favorite teacher.

Be the Positive Impact “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”

Maya Angelou, an acclaimed activist, autobiographer, poet and storyteller made this statement in an interview in the April 2011 edition of O, the Oprah magazine. Angelou’s childhood was in the poor care of others, but she used her encounter with abuse as inspiration to raise the moral standards of living. Just like Maya Angelou, we all encounter experiences, to some degree, that negatively influence us. How we react to our experiences is what makes the difference between merely surviving and thriving.

A few years ago, I encountered a young man who was emotionally struggling due to his accumulation of negative experiences. For the sake of privacy, I will refer to him as “Rick.” Despite his smile and sense of humor, Rick could not decipher the commendation from the condemnation that he received from family members and peers.

Coming from a large, immigrant family, Rick was often viewed below some of his more “talented” siblings. He viewed his parents highly, but their lack of personal

1st VERONICA MEARS Seeds of Faith Christian Academy Grade 12 attention to Rick effected how he socially interacted. Attending a large school, Rick was either verbally harassed or ignored completely. His relationships with teachers were no better, as some called him “stupid” or “useless.” Do not be confused, Rick was very intelligent, able to comprehend scientific and mathematic concepts well beyond the average of his grade, but this did not reflect on his academic performance. Rick’s constant search for perfection only made him overwhelmed, and therefore, he gave up completely. I thought that I could help Rick’s situation by simply telling him that he was a very smart person, and that he should not take what his classmates said to heart.

Continued on Page 16

Connor Keith, Grade 6, Penns Manor High School

Isabel Pynos, Grade 5, Blairsville Elementary School

16 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best feature story BE THE POSITIVE IMPACT, Veronica Mears, Seeds of Faith Christian Academy, Grade 12, first place Continued from Page 15 Quickly, I realized that he needed more than a simple compliment; Rick needed to know that others cared about him. Initially, I only expected to help Rick with his selfimage. Little did I know, Rick has had a positive impact on my life, as well.

It was obvious that Rick’s family and classmates had negative influences on him, but I wanted to get to the root of the problem.

After talking with him several times, it seemed that Rick’s low self-esteem was due to the lack of social interaction with people who viewed him as equal.

Instead of focusing on his good qualities, Rick pondered on what made him socially deficient. Rather than acknowledging his intelligence, wit and sincerity, he lived his life based on the views of others on social media sites. I did not know how to relate to Rick, as l have been lucky to never experience bullying, but I knew that simply listening was something that not many people have given him the satisfaction of. l needed to figure out a way to show him that it is not what he experiences, but how he reacts to experiences, that positively or

negatively influence him. Being from out of the area, I knew that I would probably never see Rick again after the development of our friendship.

Oftentimes, one feels that they are the only one going through a certain situation, but understanding that all people experience criticism, despair, doubt, and insecurity is crucial for a balance between emotional and rational mind.

One of the last times I talked to Rick, I decided that he needed a lasting positive influence on him, so I emailed him the following: Dear Rick, Life’s highways are filled with potholes, but the road can still lead you in the right direction if you keep an eye out for obstacles and have an idea as to where you want to go. With so many social media sites, it is easy to think that everyone is living a much happier life than your own. Comparing media sites, yourself to others in this sense is a dead-end.

First and foremost, you will never be anyone except yourself, so you might as well embrace your best qualities and make adjustments to your negative ones. Second, you al-

Ella Zhou, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

ready have everything you need to live a happy and productive life. If you believe in yourself, and are willing to make some changes, you will see this come true rather quickly. Personally, I would be lying if I told you I knew exactly how you feel, as I love my family and enjoy school, but I do understand that it is difficult to not reach your own expectations. Third, everyone has had their share of problems, but it is when one sees the valuable life lessons within them, life begins to build clearer paths.

If your friends or family constantly upset you, it may be a time to confront them. I sincerely believe that once you get them to listen, you will have the strength to resolve your differences and gain respect.

Honestly, not everyone will believe in you, but it is when you believe in your own abilities, you will realize that their opinions do not limit your capabilities. It is normal to want to find your place in society, but there comes a time when you also have to break out from the pack and discover the path that you are intended to take. Nothing on this earth is perfect, but that also means that you are needed to help make this world a better

place. There will always be obstacles in your path, but I believe that you will do great things. Now, it is up to you to take ownership of your greatness.

Sincerely, Veronica Rick and l continued writing to each other for some time after, but he never fully overcame his greatest obstacle – himself. I do not know if I have had any influence on Rick, but he has certainly made a lasting impression on me. Much of my email did not only apply to Rick’s life, but to every person’s life, including my own.

I am thankful for a family that supports and strengthens me through my multiple endeavors, but Rick’s situation taught me that not everyone can be considered as fortunate. As a single person, l cannot change the way people treat one another, but I can be a positive influence in the midst of negativity.

If Rick has impacted my life in any way, it would be that what I say and do have a lasting impression on others. I want my life to heighten someone from merely surviving to thriving.

Madhav Sharda, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 17

Writing contest for the best feature story Untitled How should a man be measured? Should it be by what he accomplishes, his personality, or maybe his goals? I think it should be a measurement of what he leaves behind once he’s no longer with us.

A man, a worker, a dreamer, a genius, a teacher, and a father; is it possible for a man to be all of the previous at the same time?

Many would say it’s impossible, but to that, I would say, “well then, you’ve never met my father.”

I believe that it is possible to change the way people think. My father taught me that in his final lesson to me, and that would be his passing away. I always enjoyed playing games, and when I got my first computer, I was basically in kid heaven.

My father believed that there’s nothing that can’t be done with the help of technology, and that just because it’s not possible yet, doesn’t mean that it will remain impossible once technology’s evolution takes its next step.

He proved that by wiring (some of it), programming, and automating a large portion of the place where he worked towards his own perfection.

That place would be the brewery in La-

2nd DARREN WEBER Saltsburg High School Grade 12 trobe, the now City Brewery, but former Rolling Rock.

When he worked there, the place was still called Rolling Rock, and he was their only electronic engineer.

I’m unsure of exactly which college he attended, but, heck, he sure was a genius with electronics.

Almost all that I know about electricity. circuitry, computers, etc., comes from him.

And I’m learning now, as he was before, that there is limitless learnable information in this world.

The amount of information I have already

Alexander Tebbs, Grade 4, Saint Bernard Regional Catholic School

assimilated into what I call “my book of knowledge” and its sequel, “my book of useless knowledge,” is staggering, but I am still learning even more and I hope to surpass him one day, assuming that I haven’t already.

David Weber was the name of the man who refused to be assimilated into the recession, but he was eventually laid off. Once that event took place, he focused on me, and transferred all of his knowledge into my two books.

I thought at first that he was just being fatherly and teaching his son, but as time passed, I began to fear his plans for himself.

He had been putting so much into his family and had done not one thing for himself in almost a year, I feared that he would die of neglect towards his personal health.

However, it wasn’t long before I would be taught his final lesson, how to deal with the loss of a father. My brother and my mother, especially, took the hit a lot harder than I did.

There was a project that he had started but never got to finishing. He called it “Big Blue.”

Said project was a supercomputer that had not been finished, but he had left all the wiring diagrams behind for me.

I found them one day while I was cleaning

out my desk.

Big Blue was finished in early 2013, and is still one of the most powerful computers in Saltsburg that’s not built specifically for a business. Said supercomputer is and will always be, at least for as long as I can predict, my lifelong project.

I plan on making it the most powerful computer in all of civilian Pennsylvania, civilian meaning it’s not built for business.

Honestly, if there’s one thing that I’ve learned from him, it’s how to deal with others. I’m not perfect, I’m on the autism spectrum, and I’m most certainly not a people person.

But when people saw the pain that I was and still am dealing with, they started to talk to me.

They started to befriend me. I even got a girlfriend out of my learning of a simple lesson, and that is the lesson of how to accept the fact that I’m not the only one that matters.

Thanks to him, I’m now a functioning member of society, and I’m no longer the screw-up oddball that nobody liked. I’m happy that he taught me his final lesson and that I was able to learn and understand it, even though his way of teaching it may have been a bit harsh.

Anna Cutshall, Grade 4, Homer Center Elementary School

18 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best feature story Tales of a Terrific Teacher As I sit in the student parking lot in the morning patiently awaiting the ringing of the school bell that I know is sure to come any moment now, I am already organizing all of the news — good or bad, that I am going to share with Mrs. Barlick. I hear the faint and CHARISSA distant ringing of the bell, which is my MASON cue to gather my belongings and exit Northern my car. From there, I go hurriedly up the small flight of stairs that lead to the Cambria High main entrance, dart to my locker.

School quickly scribble my name on the attenGrade 12 dance sheet, and then dash down the stairs to the home economics room where I know that Mrs. Barlick will be waiting for me with a jolly smile and a pair of listening ears. As I enter the doorway of her classroom, I am greeted with an enthusiastic, “Hey, Chach,” and from there the chattering begins.

We talk the entire way through home room period, as she prepares the kitchen stations for labs and works on doing some final tweaks to her lesson plans, about all of the excitements or tragedies of the day before. As busy as she is, she always manages to keep tuned into the conversation. We talk and talk, only to be interrupted by that dreaded bell that signals the need to proceed to class. We share conversations of practically anything that has been going on in life, and I know that I can trust her to keep everything between us and to help me out the best she can, when necessary, and to just be an attentive listener other times. Regardless of the situation, I know that she is always a person I can go to for help.

I go through the motions of my school-day routine all the way up through third period, when I have study hall. I then return to the room in which I spend so much of my free time.

Between lessons, Mrs. Barlick and I recap on our day thus far as well as tie up any loose ends from the prior conversations that were cut short that morning. During the period, when talking is not an option due to her busy lesson plans that day, I will often sit and observe the class from a distance. Although I don’t have her class this year, I can still continue to learn from her by just simply paying attention as she teaches. It’s easy to see by observation the passion she has not only for teaching but also for her students. She truly goes out of her way to tend to everyone’s unique needs

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and learning styles, and that in itself, is very inspirational.

Mrs. Barlick has impacted my life in more ways than one. Through speaking daily with her, she has helped to guide me in the right direction for my future.

My junior year, I took Human Development, a class taught by Mrs. Barlick, that proved to be a major factor in my future plans for college and a career.

From a young age, I have always had a passion for children.

I never knew what I wanted to do with that passion until I took Human Development. During class, I was intrigued by the lessons on pregnancy and the stages of life. I learned all about the developmental stages of a human being, starting at conception and going the entire way through life. A lesson that really caught my attention was one on birth defects. It gave me a deeper insight into the realities of the world. I learned about many defects from club foot to Down syndrome. As this lesson progressed, so did my knowledge and the desire to pursue a future focused on children with special needs.

Since then I have decided to attend college and take on a double major.

I will major in both Early Childhood Development and Disability Services. Thanks to Mrs. Barlick, I now have an extensive knowledge base that I know will be beneficial as I take the next steps in my life.

Not only is Mrs. Barlick an amazing teacher, she is also a great confidante. I know that at any and all times, I can consult with her if there is an issue going on in my life. She is constantly there to offer advice in a sympathetic tone. No matter how brief the talks may be, I always feel so much better afterwards.

Mrs. Barlick has proven to be one of the most influential and positive impacts on my life. She has helped me to choose a path for my future and played a part in shaping me into the individual that I am. Her enthusiasm put towards helping others and the advice she has given me reflects greatly on the special person that she is. I will have her to thank next year as I get through my freshman year in college, with minimal diffculties, pursuing majors that I know I will feel passionate about and really enjoy. I couldn’t possibly come up with a greater positive impact than a terrific teacher like Mrs. Barlick.

Writing contest for the best opinion column Untitled My opinion story is based on handicap accessibility awareness. Too many people are using the handicapped parking spots and do not have any kind of handicap.

Some have a minor handicap but do not qualify for the handicap placard provided by their state.

I feel it’s just not fair that handicapped people avoid going shopping on rainy days because the handicapped parking spots KYLE are taking by able-bodied PLATT people that just Blairsville are afraid they Middle School might get a Grade 7 little wet.

They have the right to go to malls or shopping centers on rainy days also. They need these close parking spaces because people in wheelchairs are exposed to the outdoors for a longer time, and it’s almost impossible to hold an umbrella and push a wheelchair straight. In the time it takes a person with a wheelchair to get it out of the vehicle, get on it, then get inside the building, an able-bodied person could walk at least twice that far.

I have a family member that deals with these frustrations all the time. People with a form of paralysis have need of these parking spaces the most. Some of these people drive with special controls. They can feel independent when they can go out by themselves. They can drive themselves, they can load and unload the wheelchair themselves, and they can get around the stores themselves.

Continued on Page 19

1st

Melissa Spohn, Grade 4, Horace Mann Elementary School

Abigayl McAdams, Grade 6, Homer Center Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 19

Writing contest for the best opinion column UNTITLED, Kyle Platt, Blairsville Middle School, Grade 7, first place Continued from Page 18 The frustration comes when the parking places are all taken or people are sitting in the car in a handicapped spot waiting on an able-bodied shopper to run out, jump in the car, and speed away to save a minute.

But the real frustration comes when you park your car in the provided handicap spot and go into the shop and when you come out to get your car, the car parked beside you did not leave you enough room to open your car door to get in your car with your wheelchair.

I feel maybe the people that can’t walk and need extra space to be independent should have a special designated spot.

Maybe a certain color handicapped emblem would work. The extra-large spaces provided for vans work well. We just need more of them.

I hope people would realize how much a paralyzed person has gone through to get that handicap spot.

Imagine their struggle. I would like to think that they would not take that parking space.

300 School Nights Your alarm clock does the normal sound it has been doing since that first day of school.

You put on your shorts and a T-shirt and walk to your bus stop.

The bus is filled with excitement, and for once, no students are sleeping.

You get to your class, but this time it’s different.

The air conditioning is up high and students are talking to each other about their summer plans.

The final bell rings. Summer vacation has started.

But what if there were no summer vacation?

Should students have more classes?

Should students be able to graduate earlier?

Should students have school year-round?

My personal belief is we should not have summer vacations. Instead, we could have school year-round with a few weeks in between grading periods.

A Duke University study even suggested kids attending year-round schools are at a slight advantage because they don’t forget what they’ve learned during the long summer breaks.

Also, a year-round schedule might reduce absences because the frequently scheduled breaks would allow for sick or exhausted teachers and students to recover before re-

2nd CANDICE RAINEY United High School Grade 7 turning to school.

Having a year-round school schedule could also allow the school to add more things like academic classes, such as reading, and special classes, such as computers.

Having more classes would help the student much more, and we wouldn’t have to worry about time since the schedule is yearround.

Our president, Barack Obama, said, “The challenges of the new century demand more time in the classroom!”

According to a recent report by the Congressional Research Service, the number of year-round schools has increased by 764,

Belinda Lin-Xu, Grade 4, Horace Mann Elementary School

Christian Jablanosky, Grade 4, Eisenhower Elementary School

about 26 percent since 2007.

Some people argue that scheduling is one of the toughest problems parents of children in both year-round and traditional schools face.

They also argue that we shouldn’t have a year-round schedule because of sports schedules and summer jobs.

Schools already let athletes out early and they can still continue to do this.

Also, some schools offer to let students out early if they have a job, then return to school when they’re done for the day, as long as they have good grades.

You wake up feeling well rested because you have had many breaks during the school year instead of one long school year with a break at the end.

You walk to your bus stop and head to school even though it’s summer.

You’re only in seventh grade, so your last day of school won’t be any time soon.

You aren’t bothered by the fact that it’s summer and you’re in school, because you get to graduate about two years earlier.

Having school year-round might help students out more academically.

It can also lower the possibility of a student failing or even going to summer school.

We should talk to our school board and administrators about getting a year-round schedule.

What have we got to lose?

20 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best opinion column Untitled Chapel time is very important at our school. At my school, you learn about God, which is very important. My school wants us to learn about God and tell others about Him. My school is a Christian school, obviously. Sometimes we have people come as guest speakers to our chapel time. Sometimes there are college representatives that come to our school chapel and tell us about college.

I like to go to chapel because I learn about God. Without Him I am pretty much nothing because I don’t deserve this good life that I have. I also take so many things for granted; we, as humans, don’t

usually appreciate what we have.

An example of taking things for granted is food because I never ever starve, even though I think I do.

My parents always take care of me. My dad tells me that he never lets me go hungry, which is very true even though, at times, I don’t think so.

Worry is an expression of fallen human tendency, to loom over ourselves looking for solutions to our problems rather than looking to God. Thinking about material needs is a normal responsibility, but worrying about them is sin.

There are several types of worry that affect our lives. Irrelevant worry says that worrying about things focuses on areas that can’t

make us happy. Ignorant worry states that worrying ignores that we have a heavenly father.

Ineffective worry shows that worrying doesn’t solve anything.

Illogical worry states that worrying doesn’t make sense because it questions whether God will take care of us. Worry is a lack of faith. There is a negative and a positive example of priorities.

The negative example states that worrying about physical necessities is acting like the world who doesn’t believe God will take care of them. The positive command states that you shouldn’t be conformed to the world. Worrying is conforming ourselves to the world’s philosophy and approach. There is God’s part and

Fuel efficiency is key to a better life

1st TORI NAUGLE United High School Grade 8

Do you like paying a fortune for gasoline?

Even though the price of gas dropped for a period of time, it is about to start getting higher and higher each day. If gas prices go up, families will not be able to pay for gas.

The demand for alternative power sources is also about to go up, so you better be ready.

The vehicles we drive now have been good enough for the past 100 years, but they are not good enough for our needs today. We need to find new ways to create fuel-efficient vehicles, whether it is gasoline, battery, hydrogen, solar or even wind powered. We must also find alternative ways to increase gas mileage. The benefits of increasing gas mileage would be a healthier environment, a boost in the economy and help for families across the United States. Our current vehicles are not acceptable in any of these categories.

our part of a promise.

God’s part states that God will take responsibility for that person’s material needs. Our part states that you shouldn’t worry about the bad things that could happen tomorrow.

Lastly, we should read our Bibles every day because God gives us vital information in the Bible.

We also should pray. We shouldn’t just ask for things, but we should also thank God for whatever happens. God is merciful and gracious, He can do anything. I just thank God for everything He has done, especially for a good Christian family and salvation.

God is great!

Using more fuel-efficient cars would be a lot easier on the environment. The cars that are on roads today spit out all kinds of pollution, but if we were to increase the fuel-efficiency of these cars, then the emissions output would be greatly decreased. One way to increase gas mileage would be to find another power source for vehicles. For instance, if we were to use hydrogen to power our vehicles, the only thing that would come out of the exhaust pipes would be all-natural H2O, also known as water.

I know you’re probably thinking that coming up with a way to power a vehicle with hydrogen would be a very difficult task, if not altogether impossible. The truth is that engineers are getting close to solving that problem, and some car companies have already developed a hydrogen-powered car. They don’t have all the bugs worked out yet, but they have made a very promising start toward using hydrogen power.

Another reason that fuel mileage should be

3rd SHANE MECKLEY Calvary Baptist Academy Grade 7

increased is because, in more than one way, it would boost our economy. As of now, our economy is slowly sliding into recession. If Congress were to pass a law requiring that all vehicles being made must get a certain amount of miles per gallon, then it would create many jobs around the nation, giving life to our economy.

With a sudden demand for new technology, automakers would be forced to hire people to take on the task of developing new engines that could achieve the given standard. They would also have to hire people to build these new cars. If you are thinking that this wouldn’t help the economy because they would just use the people they have already hired, you’re mistaken. Because this new technology would be saving people a lot of money on gas bills, there would be a constant demand for these cars, meaning that production would have to increase. This would then lead to the hiring of thousands of workers.

Continued on Page 21

Katie Kovalchick, Grade 4, Eisenhower Elementary School

Morgan Daugherty, Grade 5, W.A. McCreery Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 21

Writing contest for the best opinion column FUEL EFFICIENCY IS KEY TO A BETTER LIFE, Tori Naugle, United High School, Grade 8, first place Continued from Page 20 Since people would be buying them to save some money, they would be regenerating our economy.

Finally, better fuel mileage requirements would help out the families in our country.

Now, because gas prices are so high, families have had to cut back on their spending. As the price of oil goes up, so does the price of other goods that families frequently buy.

Eggs, cheese, milk and bread are just a few of

these things that have had price increases in the local grocery stores. It costs grocery stores to get it delivered because what do trucks use to drive? Gasoline. If the cost of gas goes up, then the cost of food will clearly go up.

The increased cost of these goods means families essentially pay for gas twice — once for gas itself and another time for the increased food prices. If fuel-efficient cars were developed, then it would provide relief

Untitled

nent damage.

Also, it is bad to carry more than 15 percent of your body weight over your shoulders, but many kids are carrying as much as 25 percent of their body weight to and from school. If schools don’t want students getting hurt, they need to give their students iPads, not books.

Going to your locker for different books for different classes can make you late. Then, if you’re late, you get yelled at. So if you decide you don’t want to be late and don’t stop at your locker, you get yelled at for not having what you need in class.

You could always carry all of your books to your classes, but the books are heavy and take up a lot of space. If schools don’t want you to be late to class, all schools need to do is give you an iPad. You can take it everywhere. It is a perfect size, light, and you can download everything you need for school on it. IPads can solve this problem and many others, too.

Homework can be a big issue. Students have so many classes a day that they can’t remember everything.

Do you go to school? Are you always late to class? Do you forget your homework at school? In school, do you need to carry heavy books? An iPad is the solution to all of these problems.

All kids who go to school should have an iPad. Instead of schools giving students books they should give students iPads. You can download everything students need on the iPad. Having iPads instead of books would improve schools everywhere.

IPads would help students so they don’t need to carry heavy books around. The website www.dailymail.co.uk reported how it is bad to carry heavy things.

If you have homework and need to take a book home, normally you put it in your backpack. Half of all children suffer back pain by age 14.

Doctors are reporting a rise in spinal abnormalities.

Health experts say backpacks filled with heavy books can cause long-term or perma-

Bryce Miller, Grade 5, Blairsville Elementary School

for many families across the United States by lowering their gas bills and hopefully, in the long run, their food bills, too. In the end more fuel-efficient cars would be in our best interest. This would help save the environment, regenerate our economy and lower bills.

Sure, cars are meant to do one thing — get us from point A to point B. But if they were more fuel efficient, they would help make our daily lives easier and more enjoyable.

2nd SASHA WALLS United High School Grade 8 Now I am not saying teachers can’t give out homework, but it is so easy to forget it at school.

If the school gave everyone iPads, you could always have your homework with you.

Or if you get a worksheet students can put a reminder on the iPad that can remind about their homework at the end of the day.

Most homework counts as a grade and since you don’t forget your homework if you

We can live with vehicles with low gas mileage, but we can also live without them. I strongly believe we can make our economy better if we use vehicles that run without gasoline.

What do you want your kids and grandkids driving? Do you want them to be driving some old car with low gas mileage that they end up living in? Do you want them living in a mansion with a vehicle that has very high gas mileage? It’s your choice.

have an iPad, I am sure many students will start getting better grades. If schools really want students to succeed, they would give students iPads.

You might think iPads cost too much and the students will just play games on them while the teacher is trying to teach. Well, you can get the money for the iPads with the money you save by not buying books.

Also, schools wouldn’t need as many computers because you can use an iPad. To stop students from being on them while the teacher is teaching, all you need to do is use the thing that makes all the screens go white.

It would be like what schools do to the computers to make them temporarily stop working. These problems can be solved, so there is no reason not to get iPads.

As you can see, having iPads in school instead of books is an all-around good idea.

IPads can help our schools. They can help students’ lives be a lot easier. It’s time to improve our schools everywhere and give students iPads and not books. Schools need to buy iPads for the students.

Kendal Escalona, Grade 4, Blairsville Elementary School

22 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best opinion column Boys’ volleyball Have you ever heard of a boy who wants to play volleyball? Maybe you’re a boy who wants to play but can’t because there is only a girls’ team. There are many boys who would play, but can’t because it isn’t offered at many schools. This is why boys’ volleyball should be offered at every school.

Boys want to play volleyball, but now they aren’t even allowed on the girls’ team. In my school, a boy played on the girls’ team in the 2013-14 school year. The next year, the PIAA prohibited boys on a girls’ team, so now he can’t play at all in his high school career.

There are many boys like him. Not all of the boys want to play make it on the girls’ team like he did. Many boys aren’t even aware that boys can play on a volleyball team. As www.maxpreps.com says, only 21 out of 50 states have a boys’ volleyball team. So not all boys are exposed to boys’ volleyball.

Bow Fishing Bow fishing is the best way to introduce new people to bow hunting and archery, especially since kids who are not quite old enough to hunt yet may be bored with accompanying someone else as an observer.

Bow fishing has a lot of advantages as a recruitment tool: It is often fast-action, it is typically done in warm weather, and you can hoot and holler all you want — the fish won’t mind. It is very enjoyable.

There are different kinds of bow fishing.

There is wading, night fishing on a boat, saltwater, and big-game bow fishing. So there are a lot of different varieties of bow fishing to choose from.

There are many places to bow fish. It is so nice to get out in the water because you can breathe in the fresh, moist lake, swamp or

Secondly, most boys play other sports such as basketball, football and baseball.

Volleyball prepares boys for these other sports. Volleyball has a lot of jumping involved in it. This will help train boys for basketball and other activities they jump in.

Also, it will strengthen their leg muscles.

With all the quick movements, you gain leg muscle. This will help them run faster and be better in other areas, too. Boys will also benefit in other sports with the arm muscle they gain. To serve the ball over the net you must have arm muscles. Then if you want a powerful hit, you will need those muscles in your arms and legs. There are many benefits for boys in other sports if they play volleyball. It will also give boys with an offseaosn something to do to keep in shape for their next sports season.

Volleyball is a national sport for boys and girls. Volleyball is a good opportunity for high school boys to earn a scholarship. Boys’

volleyball is also a growing sport in schools that offer it. In one school, www.eastvalley tribune.com published about how 16.2 percent of the boys joined boys’ volleyball in less than one year. This shows how boys want to play and will play when it’s offered. I

marshy air. You can bow fish in freshwater (lakes, rivers or ponds) and saltwater (bays, beaches or estuaries), but whatever body of water you choose, you’ll typically fish in clear, shallow areas 3 to 4 feet deep for several reasons.

First, the fish that you can hunt by bow fishing tend to hang out in shallow waters.

Second, water is dense and slows arrows down; the less water that your arrow has to transverse, the more force it will have when it strikes the target. So bow fishing is really tricky to learn for beginners. But in my opinion, if you work hard at improving your bowshooting skills and be really careful of what you’re aiming at, you will be a real genuine bow fisher.

Bow fishing is a flexible sport. It is also very patient, exciting and a very enjoyable sport for the archer. If you prefer daylight during

your bow fishing trips, you’ll want to head out in the spring around spawning time.

This is the best time when you can spend time outside with your family and friends.

Nighttime bow fishing, however, can be done at any time, although, again, you’ll probably have the best luck in the spring and in the fall when the water is clear. This is also the best time to get a clear and fun bow fishing experience. If you’re bent on big fish, plan to bow fish during the spring and summer when they’re most active. Bigger fish means bigger excitement!

A lot of people have the question, “How do I bow fish?” Well, you have to hunt around the shallow water for your target fish, especially near grasses and weeds that provide cover. If the fish sees you and senses your presence, that means the party is over.

Continued on Page 23

3rd KARLY REASOR United High School Grade 8

think that if every school was required to offer boys’ volleyball that it would grow to become one of the most known sports in the country.

Many people would say, “Boys can’t play volleyball; it is a girls’ sport.” Well, then why would the PIAA even come up with boys’ volleyball if it is a girls’ sport? They obviously agree that boys can and should be allowed to play. I think people say those things because they don’t want boys to play or they think it’s wrong. If a girl wants to wrestle, play football or baseball, they can, just like boys should be allowed to play volleyball.

Having a boys’ volleyball team would be beneficial for the school and the boys that participate. Boys’ volleyball will prepare them for other sports. They will become more athletic and active. It is a national sport that many boys play. This is why a boys’ volleyball team should be required to be offered at every high school.

1st SCOTT McCOY Calvary Baptist Academy Grade 9

Kaitlyn Gaston, Grade 4, Purchase Line Elementary School

Stone Williams, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 23

Writing contest for the best opinion column BOW FISHING, Scott McCoy, Calvary Baptist Academy, Grade 9, first place Continued from Page 22 Ideally, you want to be about 10 to 15 feet from your target. Try to avoid casting a shadow over the fish because that will spook it.

You also may want to approach it from upwind.

When you choose your target fish, aim your bow and shoot. However, there is a trick to aiming the bow. As light travels from one medium into another, it will bend or refract, so the fish that you see from the surface is actually the refracted image of the fish in the water. So you really have to be good at your aiming, so shoot straight!

When you shoot the fish, aim for the front half. This portion contains the brain and vital organs, so you will most likely kill the fish. In addition, remember that fish can swim fast in the water, so you don’t have much time to aim and shoot.

Mostly what I try to do with my bow is get your comfortable poundage, and try drawing as fast as you can without messing up.

Also, some larger fish, like alligator gars, may take more than one arrow to kill, so you’ll most definitely have to take a trip to the archery shop and stock up on lots of arrows.

Another thing you’ll have to do is save up some money and buy really good arrows.

Most people buy very cheap arrows, so

when they do shoot the fish, the arrow ends up breaking and either the fish gets away or the bow fisher ends up not using the arrow again and keeps making trips to the shop.

Big fish can be really tricky to kill. The best way to kill the fish is to aim for the head or the major organs. If someone does a gut shot, it just messes the fish up, so you have to try your best to do a clean kill.

Once you’ve struck the fish, haul in the line. Unlike rod and reel fishing, bow fishing kills the target fish and doesn’t allow catch and release.

As you can see, bow fishing is a really fun sport. It is also a really fun activity in warm weather when you’re not inside the house in the winter staying warm. Bow fishing for me is a really great experience and hobby to try out. And it is a great sport to kill time when you’re doing nothing.

When we do these things, it shows our relatives in the future to have valuable hobbies in life, and they also help us to get away from the crazy world. Bow fishing and archery for me are just to have some alone time and more goals in life to spend time with friends and family, and to try something interesting.

So go ahead and get your bow, arrows, boat and buddies, and head out there and have some fun!

Untitled In an effort to control the large skunk population in western Pennsylvania, the game commission introduced eastern coyote back into the animal “system.”

At one time, the eastern coyote was practically a “ghost” in Pennsylvania, but can now be found in every eastern state.

The original goal was for the coyote to “naturally” control the enlarged skunk population; however, the plan soon became flawed.

As the coyote found great food sources, their numbers grew astronomically and they flourished throughout western Pennsylvania.

They are now more common than the black bear and the bobcat combined. It wasn’t long until the deer population began to suffer as the growing number of coyote started targeting the young deer/fawns as a food source.

This now began to anger the deer hunters in the state.

The coyote is now rampant in some areas of Pennsylvania, preying on small livestock and fowl and angering area farmers.

Small pets also have become food tar-

Carina McClurg, Grade 4, Rayne Elementary School

1st Arden Mack, Grade 4, United Elementary School

2nd LUCA COVATO Calvary Baptist Academy Grade 9 gets as coyote numbers continue to grow.

Coyote numbers have now become a very big problem.

It quickly reached the point where the state allowed year-round coyote hunting with few restrictions because of the excellent resilience of the animal.

Even though the coyote might control some enlarged populations, they are not being controlled.

In a plan where coyote numbers are controlled, they are not necessarily a nuisance, but a necessary part of the “web” of woodland life.

24 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best opinion column Untitled The Diesel Particulate Filter, or DPF, is a cleaning device attached to the exhaust systems on diesel cars, SUVs and pickup trucks from 2007 to the present.

The reason for this is to prevent air pollution called smog. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, requires this device on all diesel vehicles. The purpose for the DPF is to filter the byproducts of the exhaust system.

There are two ways the diesel particulate filter works. First, the DPF is to automatically gather all the soot and aerosols. Second, once the filter is full, it raises the temperatures in the DPF to burn up all the soot and aerosols

as the exhaust gases pass through. This process is called regeneration mode.

The DPF is made up of a honeycomb ceramic monolith, like a catalytic converter of silicon carbide. The monolith is contained in a metal casing and consists of many tiny channels that run parallel to each other and are interconnected. Because of the DPF, some effects have been known to cause warping of the head or heads, major damage to the rear cylinders, pistons, bearings and valves. Another effect is poor fuel mileage or MPG, miles per gallon. Also, if the DPF system sensors fail it may cause a fire from soot buildup or from being stuck in regeneration mode.

For these reasons, some companies make a

Untitled

1st ALEX WILLIAMS Saltsburg High School Grade 10

The Blairsville-Saltsburg School District’s proposal for consolidation recently has been the hot topic between the two small towns.

As a student in the district, the topic has become an extremely relevant issue in my life. I hear the debate over the issue both at home and at school, and while many people are siding against the idea, I do not believe that the consolidation of our two schools would be a bad choice.

Many people from Saltsburg have sided against the idea. You will often hear students talk about how they have gone to this school

DPF delete kit for off-road use only. It is illegal for on-road use; however, some people do consider using the DPF delete kit on their onroad diesel vehicle. These individuals could end up paying a $10,000 fine if they get caught by the law. The DPF delete kit usually costs about $2,500, plus labor. If you get caught, there is a $50,000 fine for the shop that removed the DPF. The EPA says that without the DPF, it will create smog in the air that can cause cancer or the lungs of humans and animals to be inflamed or irritable. So I strongly advise people who are considering deleting the DPF because of the reasons stated that you do not delete your DPF and keep your vehicle stock.

their entire life, and hear adults talk about how their families have lived in this town their whole lives. I also have lived in Saltsburg the majority of my life, but I do not feel the personal connection to the town as many of the residents do.

While my stepdad is from Saltsburg, my mom, sister and I are not. Our attachment to the town does not run as deep as the majority of the town’s residents.

In my opinion, the consolidation of our two schools would provide a good change. After going to Saltsburg for almost 10 years and seeing the same people almost every day, I believe that the consolidation would be an

3rd AUSTIN MECKLEY Calvary Baptist Academy Grade 9

interesting experience. Every day we go through the same routine with the same people, and it starts to get old. The consolidation would provide a chance to make new friends and to meet new people.

Many people think that the consolidation will lead to many fights. I disagree. Our two schools have been a district together for many years, so a lot of the students know each other.

Several of our sports teams have already been combined, leading up to the start of combining our schools. I believe the consolidation will teach the two schools how to get along and overcome differences.

Caitlin Mumau, Grade 6, Homer Center Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 25

Writing contest for the best opinion column Untitled The fight for the Blairsville-Saltsburg consolidation has come to a minor stop, since the school board voted with a 4-4 tie. Those who are against it can breathe a short sigh of relief, because the topic can be voted on again as early as the upcoming fall. I, along with many others, remain skeptical about the “benefits” they claim consolidation would provide.

The school board has presented us with information, but not nearly enough to combine our two schools so soon. In their presentations, they have provided nothing but worst-case scenarios, and only the cons of our schools being separate. They have yet to show us realistic information, or any of the good things actually going on within our district.

Our school district ranked 69th out of 500 other schools in the state on the academic level. What’s wrong with that? We are doing outstanding. I don’t see any need to try and change what we are doing now.

The information they present us is solely based on numbers: taxes, enrollment decline, costs, etc., but we should be looked at as more than a “number.” I believe they should care about the welfare of our students more than the number of kids in each class. Recently, a study conducted by Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach has shown that smaller classes are beneficial. She even stated, “Class size matters. Research supports the common-sense notion that children learn more and teachers are more effective in smaller classes.” There are studies out there that prove smaller classes are more effective. They should be convincing enough.

Kevin McLaughlin, of Ligonier, has experienced the consequences of consolidation when Ligonier combined Cameron Albert, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

with Laurel Valley. He said that they had lost five years’ worth of subsidies since the taxes in the district have gone up.

CAYLIN The amount CARR of money that Saltsburg the school board claims High School we would save Grade 10 may not be accurate.

A school close to us has experienced the consequences of consolidation. It should be alarming that Ligonier had tried consolidation but failed. I think the school board should look more into the pros and cons of merging, not just the pros.

In order to have a valid argument, they need to look at both the good and bad of consolidation.

Hundreds of students will be forced to make the commute on a dangerous stretch of highway to reach Blairsville, including teen drivers.

The possibility for crashes is higher. Car accidents still remain the number one cause of death for adolescents.

Road conditions are one of the three major contributions that result in 75 percent of serious teen crashes.

So, school board members, would you rather be right a dozen times, or fatally wrong once? How would consolidation be best for students when there is a higher risk of crashes, academic failure, and money loss?

2nd

Untitled Female test scores are matching or exceeding that of their male peers. So why are there so few women in the STEM (science, technology, GINA engineering, math) CLAWSON fields?

Saltsburg There must be a reason why males High School are employed in Grade 10 STEM fields more often than women are. Is it a lack of qualified females? Or are they being driven out due to sexism?

In 2012 Yale researchers did an experiment where they configured identical résumés with the only difference being the name — whether it was traditionally male or female. They submitted these résumés to various STEM employers; the results showed the bias.

The female’s résumé was offered a $26,507.94 salary, and the male’s counterpart was offered a $30,238.10 salary.

With identical résumés, why was the female offered a 12 percent lower salary than the male? The problem comes down to gender bias.

Another fact is the national average of female enrollment in computing electives is 20 to 25 percent, despite a national poll that found 74 percent of teenage girls are interested in STEM careers. What is the cause of the disparity of girls that are pursuing this interest?

Continued on Page 26

3rd

Alexa Furnari, Grade 6, United Elementary School

26 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best opinion column Don’t ‘Dis’ the Abled When I talk to my mom about the day I was born, we stay clear of emotional details.

We tend to talk more about the fact that I was supposed to be a boy rather than discussing the fact that I had a feeding tube and an incubator that constantly accompanied my tiny, 2-pound, 11-ounce body. I was born three months early at 27 weeks.

Because of my tiny size and early arrival, the doctors assumed that I’d never be able to sit up on my own or feed myself.

“It’s okay,” Mom remembers saying to me, as she held my fragile body to her chest.

“We’ll prove them wrong. You’re full of surprises.”

We decided then and there that we would do anything to ensure I had a normal life.

My story began with staying in the hospital for an extra three months in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) to better my health. Even when I was stable enough to leave the hospital, there were still struggles to be endured at home. I had the machines and monitors, fighting my battles for a normal life in society. Seventeen years later, I’m still battling, not so much for a normal life, but more so for society to see that I have one.

I was born with a condition called Spastic Diplegia, a form of the chronic neuromuscular disease Cerebral Palsy (CP). And although I was born with it, I had not been officially diagnosed with it until I was 2 years old, when my parents took me to see a spe-

cialist because I couldn’t roll over on my own.

This condition, like fingerprints, is different for all the people it affects. For me, it’s pretty mild compared to other cases; the only major effect is the immobility of my legs and a bit of tightness in my arms. In many other people with cerebral palsy, the effects can be much more severe, including loss of the ability to speak and lack of fine motor skills.

Even with the lack of skills used in daily activities, this doesn’t mean people with Cerebral Palsy are any different than everyone else. We have DNA and feelings, too. We’re still human. We have layers that peel back from our exterior.

We aren’t just a lifeless body who should only be known for those two metal spheres that propel us around. We’re so much more.

Why can’t people see that? Why can’t people see that our physical hurdles do not limit us, but rather push us to do remarkable and inspiring things?

I’m a living example. I’ve always been more than immobile legs, shaky hands and a lime green wheelchair.

Like all other babies, I went to the doctor for a developmental checkup when I was a few months old.

The results indicated that I was above the percentile for mental development, meaning I was further developed in my mental stages than what average babies were supposed to be.

This is true for many people with disabili-

1st AUTUMN WISE Northern Cambria High School Grade 11 ties. Studies have been done to prove that oftentimes babies born with different disabilities have a higher IQ/developmental intelligence level than babies born without them.

I like to think of this as fate’s way of redeeming itself. So what if fate didn’t give us legs that work or mouths that speak? It gave us awesome brains and an amazing work ethic.

I may not be able to play my favorite sport or run a 5K, but I’m still able to compete academically. From taking multiple honors level courses to my class rank being in the top five of my high school class, I have never let CP take captive my mental abilities and I never intend to.

Instead, I intend to use the power of my mind to ensure that the stigma that “disability equals dumb” disappears in society.

How do we stop the stigma of people with disabilities being considered just that: disabled? It’s simple.

People need to gain a stronger conscience.

If someone sees a person in a wheelchair, they need to retrain their brains from thinking, “What’s wrong with them?” to thinking, “Oh my gosh, look how cool her T-shirt is!”

It’s virtually like using Photoshop for the mind, eliminating the wheelchair but keeping the person; like the wheelchair isn’t part of them because really, it’s not part of them at all. It’s not a permanent piece of the puzzle.

The wheelchair is just like a piece of cardboard that keeps the puzzle stable; it gives the person their stability.

When I hear people making offensive remarks about disabled people, my first instinct is to roll my eyes, scoff and wheel away.

Their inappropriate comments always make me feel like I’m the problem, that there’s something wrong with me.

Then I remember this quote from Scott Hamilton, a famous figure skater, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer: “The only disability is a bad attitude.”

I think everyone in this world was put on Earth with a purpose. Proving that this quote is true is mine.

I hope I’ve done a job worthy of showing the doubters that no matter if someone’s mobility comes from metal spheres or limbs, all of our lives are normal; normal in our own special, unique ways.

UNTITLED, Gina Clawson, Saltsburg High School, Grade 10, third place Continued from Page 25 Girls are told they are “too pretty” to be smart, and looked at like objects incapable

of a thought process.

I can speak from personal experience that even I am not taken as seriously in science

and math classes as the boys are.

Females will not want to follow their interests if they know they are going to be looked

at like a joke. That is why I feel sexism is the cause of the lack of females in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Dannie Schleicher, Grade 4, Penns Manor Elementary School

Austin Miller, Grade 6, United Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 27

Writing contest for the best opinion column Less guns, less crime?

Guns and crime. These two words are often associated with one another, but do guns necessarily lead to crime?

The answer is no. Many, like myself, have been around guns all of our lives and have never committed a crime with them.

Instead, my dad and I shoot targets, skeet and go hunting whenever we can. These are very enjoyable for us, as well as several other sportsmen.

I would hate to see all of our guns being taken away. Sadly, this is exactly what those who are in favor of gun control want to accomplish.

This is why we, the American people, need to vote against those who are in favor of taking our guns away. The Second Amendment states “The Right to Bear Arms.”

People have speculated that the Second Amendment states that guns were only for the National Guard of the local militia in a time of crisis.

To settle this speculation, the Supreme Court met and issued a decision over the matter on June 26, 2008.

Their conclusion was that the Second Amendment protects the right of a single individual to possess a firearm freely and legally. The government’s plans and desire to take guns away from the common citizen would be detrimental to our country if put into action.

If the government tries to take the guns away from people, the criminals will not listen to the new law because criminals don’t listen to the laws anyway.

Gun control is an effort to stop the rise in violent crime by strengthening laws on the ownership of firearms.

2nd ISAIAH SHARP Calvary Baptist Academy Grade 11 Gun control first came to be by some political southerners after the Civil War. These men worried about “former slaves” owning guns and revolting against plantation owners.

More guns equal less crime. Most guns equal less crime. Most crimes are not even committed with guns. According to the National Rifle Association, the nation’s total violent crime rate hit an all-time high in 1991.

Thereafter, it declined 18 of the next 20 years, 49 percent overall, to a 41-year low in 2011. That included a 52 percent decrease in the nation’s murder rate, to a 48-year low, nearly the lowest point in U.S. history.

The FBI has preliminarily reported that in the first half of 2012, the murder rate dropped another 2.7 percent. Concurrently, gun ownership and the number of privately owned guns rose to an all-time high, the number of privately owned firearms in the U.S. rising by more than 120 million, including about 55 million handguns, about 80 percent of which were semi-automatic.

Continued on Page 28

Addison Olliver, Grade 4, Eisenhower Elementary School

Rebecca Krug, Grade 4, Northern Cambria Elementary School

Haley Anderson, Grade 5, Purschase Line Elementary School

Brooklynn Murlin, Grade 6, United Elementary School

28 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best opinion column LESS GUNS, LESS CRIME?, Isaiah Sharp, Calvary Baptist Academy, Grade 11, second place Continued from Page 27 The 120 million new firearms included more than 3.5 million AR-15 semi-automatic rifles and tens of millions of other firearms that gun control supporters call “assault weapons,” along with countless tens of millions of ammunition and magazines that hold 11 or more rounds, which gun control supporters think are too “large.”

According to FBI statistics in 2010, there were 12,996 murders in the U.S. Of these murders, 8,775 were caused by firearms, as opposed to 4,211 murders committed with various weapons other than guns.

Clearly, this shows if a person wants to kill somebody, he or she will find some other weapon in order to accomplish his/her task.

There are many real life instances that show gun control does not work. Gun-free zones such as schools are prime targets for shooters. In a small town called Harold, Texas, the local school board has recognized these facts and, in 2007, they unanimously voted to allow teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns. To date, there haven’t been any shootings.

David Ford, the superintendent of Harold Independent School District, said, “A shooter could easily take out a guard or officer with a visible, holstered weapon, but our

teachers are older and have had extensive handgun training, and their guns are hidden. We can protect our children.”

This school is located in what school officials call a “remote” location, 30 minutes away from the nearest police station. In another instance, from 1982 to present day, in Kennesaw, Ga., it has been mandatory that at least one firearm be kept in every home.

So far, in the 30+ years since then, there have only been three murders, two with a knife and one with a gun.

After the law was passed, the crime rate plummeted down to 74 percent, compared to dropping down another 45 percent from 1982 to 83.

You have heard the facts about gun control. Freedom is defined as an exemption from external control or the power to determine action without restraint.

Now this freedom is being challenged by government officials who are supporters of gun control.

Our Bill of Rights, written hundreds of years ago, represents fundamental freedoms written by these great men, all agreeing that “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” By voting against these congressmen who want to take away our freedom, we can make a difference.

Untitled Over the next decade, $12.7 trillion will be spent by the government on one budget item. This will cost the average tax-paying household $130,000 over the next 10 years. For what, you might ask? The money is being given to families on the welfare system.

There are 109,631,000 people that receive a check from the government that is to be used to help supply the basic needs for their family.

These basic needs include housing, food, clothing and health care. Sadly, this is not what some people use their money for. They use it for liquor, cigarettes and even concert tickets.

This misuse of resources by the recipients of welfare leads to increased cost for health care and food needs for children.

The hard-working people that are paying taxes stand in grocery lines watching those on welfare buy high-priced items that are unhealthy and not meeting their basic needs. The United States should have more strict enforcement policies on welfare.

The first thing our government needs to do is to have more strict enforcement of the regulations of the welfare system. Our government already has guidelines that are not being followed.

If the guidelines were followed, there

3rd BRITTANY PRUGH Calvary Baptist Academy Grade 11 would be less people misusing resources.

What are the guidelines?

The first guideline states that there must be a lack of gainful employment. This means that a family does not have enough money coming in to be able to support themselves.

People might say then why don’t we just raise the minimum wage? If the minimum wage was raised, could the companies still be able to have the same number of people working for them? No, they could not.

More companies would have to cut workers, leading to greater unemployment.

This would not help our country; it would hinder it.

Continued on Page 29

Cole McAnulty, Grade 4, Homer Center Elementary School

Anna Romance, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 29

Writing contest for the best opinion column UNTITLED, Brittany Prugh, Calvary Baptist Academy, Grade 11, third place Continued from Page 28 The second guideline requires that the adult family members would seek employment to become self-sufficient in the time frame that was given to them.

The grant that the United States gives is called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Welfare is not intended for people to draw from for their whole lives. It is set up to help them in a time of need.

The third guideline states that the dependents must live in the house and attend school on a regular basis. If a child lives with a father, the mother is not allowed to claim the child on her welfare, and vice versa.

The last guideline requires that the families must live in the state from which they receive benefits.

Our government also needs to have more strict enforcement on the handouts that are given to the recipients. The government gives out one trillion dollars every year to recipients of welfare. There are about 100 million people on welfare; this is about one-

Words Written for the World to See Through the halls of the school she walks, a girl that is conscious about everyone around her whispering as she passes.

When the bell rings to signify the end of the day, she only dreads what is being said about her online.

At home, she trudges to her room and shuts the door.

Reluctantly grabbing her laptop, she prepares herself to look at the posts.

The cruel words begin to spill over the screen and the whispers from the halls come alive in front of her eyes:

third of the United States population.

One writer at The Washington Post stated that the recipients of welfare get about $60,000 a year to meet basic needs. Not only is this money for food, clothing and housing, but it is also for medical care.

The government provides the people on welfare free health care. Since they get free health care, the hard-working people must pay extremely high co-pays when they go to the doctor or the hospital. People might say, “Well, how much does this affect the working population other than just paying more?”

The people on welfare don’t go to the urgent care or doctor’s offices because they must pay a co-pay. Most of the time they go to the emergency room for minor illnesses, because they are not required to pay a copay. This overuse of the emergency room causes delays in care. This causes frustration for everyone.

Most importantly, our government needs more strict enforcement on the purchases

made with welfare money. The money provided to the welfare recipients is intended to be used for the basic needs, but sadly this is not what it is being used for. Some of the recipients buy drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and even concert tickets. These things are not basic needs for life.

In Memphis, Tenn., it was reported that a man was allowed to use his card to buy $800 worth of alcohol. This should not be allowed because this is taking our tax money and using it for their habits.

One way our government is trying to stop the drug problem among welfare recipients is by requiring mandatory drug testing. In the state of Michigan, the Senate is trying to pass a law that states if anyone wants to stay on the welfare system, then they must be drug tested.

If they decline drug testing, then their benefits will be cut off in six months. When they test, if they are positive, they will offered rehab and if their decline rehab, their benefits will also be cut off. This will cut down on

“What a loser Amy is!”

“Why would anyone consider being friends with a girl that is so weird?”

“Why does Amy even bother waking up in the morning?”

Closing her eyes, Amy still sees the words materialize in her head as she realizes that even at home, she still feels the bullies’ grip choking her.

Amy may be a fictional character, but according to the website, Bullying Statistics, over 25 percent of teenagers have been bullied repeatedly through their cellphones or the Internet.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using some kind of technology such as cellphones, computers or tablets. It can happen

the number of people that abuse the system.

This will also stop the drug problem in America.

The government should be more strict on the enforcement of policies regulating welfare because the cost is crippling the taxpayers of America. Knowledge of the recipients will help the government know who needs help by receiving money and who might need help finding a job to be able to support themselves without the help of the government.

If we would require those that can work to seek employment, this would boost their self esteem. Once gainfully employed, they hopefully will feel motivated to strive for financial independence. Mandatory drug testing will help control the drug problem in our nation and limit the excessive financial spending on health care needs of the addicted.

The working, taxpaying citizens providing for the welfare program will feel better about helping those in need.

through social media sites, text messages, chat and other websites. Forms of this kind of bullying can range from harassment, stalking, sharing personal information about others without consent, mocking or even impersonating.

With a generation full of technology, it is easy for messages and images to be posted and distributed quickly to a wide audience.

After bullying is posted online, it is extremely difficult to delete and sometimes even impossible to trace the source.

Although social media sites can be used in a positive way, such as staying connected with friends and family, these sites can also be used to hurt others.

Continued on Page 30

Abby Killam, Grade 5, Eisenhower Elementary School

2nd

Elisabeth Ressler, Grade 4, United Elementary School

1st SARA FISANICK Northern Cambria High School Grade 12

30 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best opinion column WORDS WRITTEN FOR THE WORLD TO SEE, Sara Fisanick, Northern Cambria High School, Grade 12, first place Continued from Page 29 Effects of cyberbullying are numerous; victims are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, skip school, receive bad grades, have suicidal thoughts and possess a lower selfesteem. Cyberbullying can happen 24/7, which makes the afflicted child unable to catch a break from an attacker.

The effects of cyberbullying can be lifethreatening and are not to be taken lightly.

Signs that indicate someone is being attacked include being secretive or protective over their digital life, showing emotions of distress while using the Internet or the phone, avoiding social gatherings, being nervous when receiving a text message or email, displaying changes in mood, and avoiding discussions about computer or cellphone activities.

Anna Maria Chávez, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA and the first Latina to head the organization, said “Cyberbullies can hide behind a mask of anonymity online, and do not need direct physical access to their victims to do unimaginable harm.” She speaks volumes and should be heard all over the world to spread awareness about cyberbullying.

Many teens affected by cyberbullying do not seek help or try to stop the online bullying for many reasons. Targeted people normally feel weak and powerless compared to the bully that seems to have such power and control over the situation.

Often the victims believe that reporting a bully will not solve anything except encourage the bully to retaliate even worse than before. They feel pressured to keep quiet; most do not notify an adult in fear that their digital access will be taken away or restricted.

Most tormenters do not realize that bullying, whether online or in person, is a serious crime. Someone convicted of a criminal offense could face fines or imprisonment.

Do not wait to see if the cyberbullying diminishes on its own. Take immediate action by talking to a local law enforcement office for help.

Furthermore, victims should surround themselves with the strength of friendships to reduce the feeling of isolation. Cyberbullying has become a rising pandemic and can only get worse if we do not help those in need.

Caroline Bianco, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

Words Can Kill “You are fine.”

“You are just having a bad day.”

“You are just having a bad attitude about life.”

“Stop looking for attention.”

“You are stupid, because you bring this all on yourself.”

“Just eat and you would not have these problems.”

“You are crazy.”

“I do not feel sorry for you.”

These are just some of the things a person may hear if they are suffering from depression. Some of these quotes could be all a person needs to cause them to do an irreversible act.

Depression is a serious problem among teenagers and young adults today. Sadly, though, many people do not seek help. In America alone, 40,000 people commit suicide each year. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people between ages 15 and 24.

Not only does suicide occur among the younger generation, but it also affects the older generations.

About 78 percent of older people who have committed suicide visited their doctors a month before their suicide.

The leading causes of suicide among older

2nd HANNAH McCONNELL Calvary Baptist Academy Grade 12 people are divorce and death of their spouse.

On average, one person dies by suicide every 13.3 minutes. More than half of suicides committed in America are with a firearm. Others may try drug overdose and/or self-harm.

But what causes a young person to decide that life is not worth living? The strongest factor of suicide is depression.

Depression can be triggered by stress. This stress could be brought on by harassment, bullying, unexpected loss and even health issues. Many people cannot handle this stress.

Continued on Page 31

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 31

Writing contest for the best opinion column Let Music Live “I dreamed a dream, a silent dream, of a land not far away. Where no bird sang, no steeples rang, and teardrops fell like rain. I dreamed a dream; a silent dream. I dreamed a dream of a land so filled with pride. That every song, both weak and strong, withered and died. I dreamed a dream … No Hallelujah; not one hosanna! No song of love, no lullaby. And no choir sang to change the world. No pipers played, no dancers twirled. I dreamed a dream; a silent dream.”

To the eye of someone who is not in the musical world, the words above by Joseph M. Martin in his song “Awakening” might be meaningless, but to the musical world these words mean so much.

The “Awakening” is a song that tells about a

dream the composer had about a world that had no music, and how the world was a boring and dull place where the environment was colorless and people walked around like zombies.

There was no hope.

Everyone in the world loves music of some type. Unfortunately, some schools are eliminating or reducing our music classes.

For me, as a student who has had music classes since elementary school, I have to say that if this movement to cut our music continues, Joseph M. Martin’s nightmare of a silent dream may come true.

Some school districts, politicians, and even teachers have argued that music does not teach us anything.

They believe it’s a waste of time and money, that student won’t use it in real life, and so on.

Again, as someone who has had music in her life since birth, I have to disagree.

Through the past years of my schooling I have learned the history of music, the psychology of music, how music has stopped pain, and how it has helped elderly people with Alzheimer’s remember.

Without music, we would not have these medical discoveries and the songs that trace our world’s history and experiences. So the common speculations about music’s lack of importance are false.

With schools dropping music classes, music has become more and more important to the students who still have it in their schedules, and are always trying to show the community why music is important in school.

Continued on Page 32

3rd KYLIE CHUHRAN Northern Cambria High School Grade 12

WORDS CAN KILL, Hannah McConnell, Calvary Baptist Academy, Grade 12, second place Continued from Page 30 In teens, depression could easily lead to an eating disorder.

On average, about 150 people die each year from an eating disorder caused by depression.

Too many young people have ended their lives for reasons that could have been avoid-

ed. Many people have a hard time finding someone who will listen and understand.

About 80 percent of people who have received help were able to overcome their depression.

Suicide can be prevented.

If you know someone who is having depression and/or suicidal thoughts,

please encourage them to call a suicide helpline.

Help that person realize that there is always another solution, even if they cannot see it in that moment.

Please help this person see that there are people who care about them, like their family and friends.

Another good idea would be to get someone into our schools who could help a young person deal with their depression.

Talking to a person you trust is one of the most helpful options.

Suicide and depression will never be completely eliminated, but with help from others it can be greatly reduced.

Abby Pazak, Grade 4, Saltsburg Elementary School

2nd Carly Wang, Grade 5, Eisenhower Elementary School

32 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writing contest for the best opinion column LET MUSIC LIVE, Kylie Chuhran, Northern Cambria High School, Grade 12, third place Continued from Page 31 In 1973, the month of March was declared Music In Our Schools Month by the National Association for Music Education, and when this month comes around students are encouraged to show their community and school why music education is important to them and what they have learned from those classes. This provides not only a way of increasing our self-confidence but also gives us something to look forward to and

also lets us show the community what we are capable of. Music also provides a better understanding in schoolwork. A musician not only has a better report card, but also a better SAT score. This is because we are masters of memorization, are engaged in school, and are always trying to improve our work.

Music has opened our mind and let us become more observant and always wanting to improve, which shows in our schoolwork and our performance.

Musicians also have a better emotional development because music is relaxing, it gives us higher self-esteem and helps us cope with anxiety, all of which keeps the bullying rate in our schools down. It will also help us in the future with any difficult situations.

The reasons I have provided should be more than enough to make a parent step up and say, “I want my child in a musical program” to better their child’s education

and well-being.

Continuing the words of Joseph M. Martin, “Let music never die in me; forever let my spirit sing, wherever emptiness is found let there be joy and glorious sound. Let music never die in me; forever let my spirit sing! Let all our voices join as one to praise the giver of the sun! Awake, awake! Let music live!”

These words alone should explain why music is important in our schools and should not be done away with.

3,600 students participated in NIE Kindergarten

BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY Teacher: Sarah Bond Fahad Alzahrani, Laila Clifford, Alex Duncan, Nour Edradi, Addie Espejo, Lexi George, Caleb Hawk, Kyle Hughes, Jake Jadzak, Macey Jones, Christopher Lewis, Sammy Linn, Marlie Mangold, Stirling Murphy, Zack Rumery, Payten Schrecengost, Tristan Thomas, Ryan White Teacher: Heather Redinger Ilyan Alghslan, Sarima Wai-Ogosu, Ryan Bell, Rylin Blystone, Kaylee Bruner-Yeaples, Jasmine Coy, Avery DiCicco, Mark Dixon, Connor Fleming, Kayden Gallo, Matthew Gonos, Christian Gornick, Troy Hartman, Rachel Livermore, Jacob Neal, Heather Paul, Mitchell Rend, Erica Sexton, Dylan Shank, Emily Viamonte Teacher: Tammie Brunetta Braden Buterbaugh, Charlie Byers, Abigale Cramer, Sophia Elliott, Bryce Hatfield, Syler Kubala, Isabella Leon, Evan Luetkehans,

Lucas Mack, Lucas McKendrick, Emily Miller, Brady Oakes, Will Olsen, Tyreese Patterson, Charlotte Sadler, Jason Sharbaugh, Raven Wesner, Hunter Williams

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Amy Stofa Brendan Brezinski, Emmalee Devaughn, Ezekiel Doak, Abigail Ferris, Kaylee Hamill, Brody Houser, Jace Kirouac, Nathan Rodkey, Laura Rowley, Cecilia Serwinski, Kaleb Smith, McKenzie Stivison, Emilee Weinell, Joshua Wells, Grey Williams, Randy Wilson

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Melody Zitterbart Maggie Murray, Austin Robertson, Laken Smith

EAST PIKE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Mandy Yanoschick

Will Allison, Ryley Baker, Eliza Carper, Hazel Cormier, Harley Dwiggins, Anna Gardner, Aiden Glaser, Kaelin Gray, Ashlyn Hoyman, Liam Smith, Liam Templeton, Danny Trevorrow, Liliana Vello, Micah Vizza, Lauren Watkins, Parker Weber Teacher: Karen Morganti Alexander Brendlinger, Lila Burglund, Daniel Cherry, Sofia Conde, Nico Cusimano, Brody Filkosky, Dylan Foulk, Angel Henderson, Mitchel Michalek, Jacob Reiter, Arnav Sedhain, Claire Stanley, Brionna Szalkowski, Julia Weber, Addison Williams, Kylie Sanders

HOMESCHOOL Teacher: Rebekah Rummel Kate McKelvy, Patrick Sleppy

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Tiffany DeStefano Aidan Knepp, Jacob Stein, Ryan Matko, Miley Fulmer, Leehm Burnett, Keira Yuhas,

Anthony Colonna, Grade 5, Saint Bernard Regional Catholic School

Henry Rummell, Grade 4, Home School

Selena Mayall, Alexis Marlin, Ava Jozefczyk, Natalie Overman, Joshua Gould, Mitchell Fleming, Oliva Wray, Logan Little, Aiden Tavel, Evan Pearce, Zoey Barto, Emilee Buterbaugh Teacher: Sue Lieb Cole Ayers, Christian Barto, Ava Bourdess, Luke Chilcote, Quinton Clark, Noah Clossin, Wyatt Harbrige, Kiera Hugill, Riley Keith, Isaac Markle, Meredith Massey, Charles Patterson, Gavin Shaulis, Shayley Straw, Haley Strawcutter, Hunter Wilson Teacher: Tia Neal Lexen Lundberg, Layne Musselman, Brody Faught, Gabriel Stewart, Jacob Kitchen, Matthew Vogel, Nichole Jones, Sara Aikens-Freno, Lillian Fulmer, Bethany Smith, Olivia Imes, Niya Novella, Kaitlyn Houser, Kaitlyn Keith, Ryen Leydic, Leo Zurenko, Mason Shaffer Teacher: Diane Fenton Rose Adams, Devin Bouch, Tyler Buterbaugh, Madison Galloway, Xavier Galloway, Continued on Page 34

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 33

Steven Fisher, Grade 5, Penns Manor Elementary School

34 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 32 Taylor Hartman, Devan Keener, Scott Kephart, Alex Komlosky, Micah Lotson, Anthony Mountain, Mya Painter, Carl Painter, Jace Pearce, Chloe Stephenson, Lilliann Vance, Wyatt Lantz, Watson Gromley

ST. BERNARD REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Teacher: Angela Brody Zane Beppler, Austin Calvetti, Rhett Cashman, Chloe Cowie, Irene Dillaman, Angelina Donatelli, Adam Durant, Anthony Handa, Evan Hess, Elijah Krouse, Joseph Mains, Clarissa Pineda, Joe Pittman, Blair Rohlf, Jordan Smay

SALTSBURG ELEMENTARY Teacher: Brandy DelleDonne Samantha Beuten, Gavin Brant, Angelo DiLascio, Gavin Evanichko, Elizabeth Isaac, Brady Koffman, Andrea Kravetsky, Joey Lydinger, Victoria Marsolo, John McDivitt, Garett McKendrick, Paige Rokicsak, Savannah Rupert, Aphenia Skillings, Arabella Stapko, Jordan Steele, Trenten Stine, Evan Strouse, Shannon Tuttle, Kira Watt, Maisey Zvara GRADE 1

APOLLO-RIDGE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Michael Saxion Dakoda Allman, Nathan Fryer, Mario Gregg, Abbigail Hoover, Nathan Leeman, Isabelle Lytle, Ethan Marsh, Josalin McCauley, Brayden Myers, Alexis North, Breydon Orvosh, Richard Peach, Tessa Riley, Leslie Rupert, Julianna Saxion, Camden Umbaugh Teacher: Sharon Friday Mariah Azzarella, John Blank, Connor Bogdanski, Gabriella Cotter, Sydney Faulkner, Charles Frain, Dakota Gerheim, Alexis Guy, Brooke Kuntz, Dylan Lemley, DeLea Little, Brayden McCracken, Joshua McKendree, Charleigh Nunnamaker, Ethan Ra-

bickow, Leann Scanga, Madalyn Shank, Donna Remy Teacher: Tabi Torrell Jillian Blank, Alexander Clawson, Lukas Cyphert, Ava Floyd, Gretchen Freund, Lauryn Grantz, Briana Huffman, Aiden Karpik, Ethan Mackintosh, Nathan Matotek, Colten McAndrew, Jaden McCray, Jennifer Orvosh, Nashton Palmer, Randall Ralph, Alexis Shaner, Jocelyn Snyder, Ryleigh Kovacs, Cameron Newby Teacher: Jeneane Kehew Tabitha Bashioum, Allison Beighley, Julie Bertino, Gage Ferguson, Aerianne Getty, Kolson Grguric, Damon Harkleroad, Grace Havens, Katie Levesque, Alyis McMunn, Brayden F. Myers, Sarah Niel, Shannon Postle, Mitchell Prebish, Caleb Shearer, Madison Spix, Wyatt Taubler Teacher: Janie Fryer Adam Maginley, Ginevra McMillen, Darren Shellhammer, Elias Morrow, Isaiah Houser, Lauren Bayner, Kaylie Peace, Chad Sample, Avery Grant, Braelynn Corso, Marleigh Jackson, Gwendalyn Koehnlein, Justyce Baker, Haley Clark, Mya McClain, Lyric Jack, Cassie Shank

BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY Teacher: Keri Marshall Muwahhid Ahmed, Asim Alharthi, Garrett Goodrich, Sidra Bakri, Ben Campbell, Anna Carnovale, Christian Dunlap, Dayeong Eo, Alexandrea Evans, Joshua Fox, Elliot Fry, Emerson Fry, Joshuah Hodgson, Casey Jennings, Jayce Learn, Makenna McMasters, Kaylee Onder, Taylor Rowe, Zarek Struzzi Teacher: Katie Sherman Savannah Hoover, Jacob Wood, Andrew Beatty, Juliana Ritson, Justin Montague, Diyam Alsahli, Paige Fisanich, Zoey Motto, Jackson Albert, Emelia Campisano, Karina Hickson, Austin Schawl, Michael Zimmerman, Nathan Livermore, Kaylee Quick, Noah Sanders, Carter Mumau, Ezekiel McGinnis, Edmond Lin Teacher: Sarah Coleman

Zo Farrington, Elaina Fishel, Sara Fisher, Sadie Herman, Christian Juart, Jack Lehman, Joshua McIsaac, Gabriella McKendrick, Alyssa Meyer, Lexi Prugh, Alan Roberts, Brianca Ruffner, Hazel Sandoval, Ethan Shank, Paul Smith, Hunter Smola, Lauren Tyger, Asher Van Wieren, Justin Vojtek Teacher: Kristine Cook Isabella Ball, Ella Barley, Maddy Bauer, Peyton Beighley, Kaylee Byers, Mario Caporossi, Avrey Caruso, Michael Dubetsky, Lilli Fleming, Maddie Jablunovsky, Abbie Jarvis, Samantha Lawson, Brock Lewis, Joaquin Partida, Isaac Schrecengost, Jacob Shirley, Gavinn Sleigh, Cheyenne Sparks, Derek Zhang Teacher: Liz Gatskie Jihad Abdallah, Erica Adams, Wed Alawwad, Maizie Baunoch, Ava Curry, Heather Erickson, Cadence Esteb, Leo Fisher, Noah Galentine, Anna Kauffman, Lakin Kishlock, Antonio Knapik, Riley Komlosky, Alivia Lehman, Anya Li, Steven McCaulley, Zaine Parke, Elijah Thomas, Zeke Thomas, Tanner Welteroth

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Kathy Frola Hunter Adair, Katarina Burton, Emma Clawson, Malakai Dunn, Addison Ehman, Baylee Jelley, David Kimball, Kenady Kitner, Chloe Kroupa, Jack Kunkle, Kaleigh Libengood, Trinity Maxwell, Ethan Patz, Brady Shannon, Mia Snow, Hannah Stone, Eric Strouse, Raydain Vozsnyak, Michael Wano, King Woomer, Michael McKenith Teacher Michele Sisitki Nate Allen, Brennan Borbonus, Gabriel Brumagin, Allen Frederick-Buzzella, Eric Dinger, Sydney Doak, Madigan Dunlap, Maren Dunlap, Addison Fabian, Reginald Henderson Jr., Israel Hoopengarner, Brook Huber, Victoria Ingmire, Grace Jones, Danica Marsh, Devin Peiffer, Luke Pickerd, Desmond Reilly, Dakoda Sprague, Elijah Underwood, Hannah Wise,

Ian Zimmers Teacher: Jennifer Surratt Haileigh Artley, Donavin Day, Taylor Duffey, Brodie Forsha, Kristina Graham, Andrew Hebenthal, Gabbrieal Hilaire-Malave, Jacob Hissem, Lily Johnston, Alessia LaMantia, Tyson Lear, Kaycee Long, Kylee Mekic, Troy Milliron, Nicholas Mortimer, Trenton Mortimer, Marcus Niehenke, Brittany Shaffer, Gavin Steeves, Jakob Twinchek, Isabella Zetler, Gaberial Crook

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Mary Vick Boole Mikayla Mortimer, Troy Rattigan

EAST PIKE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Jason Stubbe Eli Aiken, Domanic Brendlinger, Drew Brocious, Avalyn Canals, Hope Cramer, Sean Crossman, Dominic Fanella, Erin Fleek, Sarah Genchur, Gabrielle Isenberg, Beth Lin, Reanna Louther, Kierce Magolis, Morgan Murphy, Eric Oskey, Jayla Peterson, Alliyah Webb, Justin Webber, Conner Norton, Augie Cardenas Teacher: Leigh Heidenthal Lelise Allison, Julia Antonacci, Quinn Burkhart, Lance Fennell, Emily Ferraro, Evan Francis, Braden Frederick, Morgan Grove, Melia Jarvie, Dominic Kasun, Kevin Liu, Dominic Lonetti, Elizabeth Major, Andrew Manzek, Isabella Pierce, Libby Porter, Benjamin Snead, Claire Stewart, Ava Thompson, Kevin Green

HOMESCHOOL Teacher: Rebekah Rummel Karsten Huff, Parker Sleppy, Beatrix Rummel

NORTHERN CAMBRIA ELEMENTARY Teacher: Anne Webber Alexis Bender, Travis Bennett, Cheyenne Brown, Zachary Cavallo, Emilee DePetro, Continued on Page 35

1st Hayley Douglas, Grade 5, Penns Manor Elementary School

Jake Johns, Grade 5, Penns Manor Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 35

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 34 Julie Dumm, Levi Jones, Tyler McCreery, Delilah Nave, Seth Noll, Benjamin Pounds, Aiden Rezk, Roxanne Ryen, Nathan Shultz, Ava Vella, Christopher Waugh Teacher: Anna Marie Shaffer Reese Baker, Rowan Buza, Arianna Farabaugh, Brent Findley, Hanah Hickok, Gabby Lentz, Julia Mitory, Nathan Nelson, Carson Paronish, Gauge Shonsky, Alayna Stanton Teacher: Jackie Paronish Matthew Allen, Zoey Anderson, Braden Bougher, Keita De Rosa, Justin Dong, Sadie Edmiston, Anna Griffiths, Anthony Kass, Alexis Keith, Alexander Kosh, Logan Llewellyn, Sophia Mason, Zachary Nelson, Lukas Prarko, Parker Shutty, Lillian Statler, Beth Woodhead Teacher: Lea Born Stephanie Kirsch, Samantha Bodek, Brayden Myers, Landon Chverchko, Riley Pershing, Malik Fox, Reese Wagner, Krista Platko, Connor Goss, Cole Knox, Isabella Toth, Nolan Wargo, Jeremiah Mathieson, Olivia Stivanelli, Michael Nardi, Carly Certo, Aubri Swanson, Gage Dumm

PENNS MANOR ELEMENTARY Teacher: Amy Mountain Jace Casses, Breanna Cessna, Abigaile Cramer, Templar DeFrahn, Justine Ferchalk, Meghan Galentine, Kaitlyn Germanaro, MaKenzie Hopkins, Lisa Mason, Seth

McCracken, Tyler Mellott, Macey Pegg, Allison Rhea, Alexander Silvis, Cody Sims, Griffin Tinsman

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Rebecca Manzek Ethan Bartlebaugh, Victor Bartlebaugh, Isabella Cessnoi, Tayler Confere, Alexis Davenport, Wesley Engle, Janelle Harkins, Damien Hartman, Morgan Kimmel, Lucas Lavendar, Gregory Learn, Landry McCullough, Shane Overman, Alicia Parrish, Dylan Rebovich, Mark Rushton, Jaysen Stiffler, Ethan Watson, Caelan Weaver, MaKenzie Wilshire Teacher: Tina Anderson Evan Blair, Jessica Butz, Mahlon Coblentz, Clayton Edwards, Mya Fulmer, Tila Harriger, Jacob Kauffman, Evan Learn, Lauren McCombs, Jackson Mort, Timothy Phillips, Michael Smith, Ava Spencer, Helayna Stibrik, Austin Walker, Mariah Wolfe Teacher: Melissa Lynch Chloe Barkey, Haley Esposti, Colton Falisec, Blayke Good, Xander Hammond, Jason Jenkins, Ian Layden, Tessalyn Massey, Jaycob McCulley, Morgan Moore, Keegan Musselman, Ryleigh Oaks, Kristian Pearce, Allison Peles, Leigh Ann Shultz, William Sokol, Gracie Rummel, Mea Spellman, Zackery Vogel Teacher: Christy Falisec Rylee Adams, Charles Blake, Gabrielle Cochran, Caiden Davidson, Seth Frantz, Na-

then Geer, Parker Gomolka, Elias Hamilton, Trinity Hanes, Austin Horchak, Kaylen Klingensmith, Aryanna Miller, Saige Nelson, Feria Newman, Lynsiey Patterson, Zachery Repik, Wyatt Sheredy, Jayden Spalla, Gabriel Trout, Alivia Weaver

RAYNE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Jackie Smathers Mylie Buffone, Clayton Burns, Ethan Buzzard, Jack Cooper, Austin Fisher, Isabella Franey, Miranda Gates, Aiden Lutz, Adam Ryer, Brooke Slade, Kathryn West, Tabitha Coy, Rayna Frew, Julia Clark Teacher: Lindy Herr Antonio Jordan, Camden Rising, Bryce Montgomery, Kyleigh McBurney, Skye Bugay, Alex Creighton, Austin McKendrick, Robby Slade, Joey Blystone, Devin Cook, Trevin Buente, Kara Trinkley, Layla McGraw, Brayden Stile, Katya Miller, P.J. Shellhammer, Noah Mason, Sierra Johnson

ST. BERNARD REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Teacher: Melissa Ryan Isaac Bennett, William Buchanan, Sara Gornick, Chloe Hain, Evan Hoover, Rebekah Marshall, Eva Nealen, Joseph Shipley, Audrey Yang, Leo Youssef

SALTSBURG ELEMENTARY Teacher: Heather Bole

Danielle Bish, Joshua Butz, Tyler Clark, Oliver Crowe, Lauren Gamble, Wyatt Gibbons, Brynne Henigan, Rilee Iapalucci, Michael Keeton, Landon Marchlewski, Odessia Nestor, Preston Shaulis, Brody Stuller, Breona Shirley, Casen Yingling, Journey Zvara, Miley Walmsley, Hunter Hendrick, Adeliene Yennerell Teacher: Carly Hruska Cameron Ader, Daleson Appleby, Amya Barrett, Noah Bedick, Madelyn Condor, Kameryn Crowe, Maurio Gardner, Kian Gibbons, Sierra Gresko, Elianna Gross, Justin Ostrawski, Jeremy Reed, Natalia Renna, Zak Resnick, Craig Rupert, Addison Stuller, Billy Weimer

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Sharon Vivian Kaiden Branan, Skylar Carson, Gionna Deyarmin, Noble Ditch, Anthony Long, Drew Allen Kimmel, Ty Marshall, Ean Wiggins GRADE 2

APOLLO-RIDGE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Cindy Kulick Caysan Adams, Makenzie Carlson, Jimmy Carnathan, Julia Carnathan, Mason Crawford, Hailey Cricks, Lana DeMetro, David Myers, Ava Remaley, Ryley Ringle, Jonathan Sadler, James Stump, Emily Tones, Malcolm Wyatt Continued on Page 36

Abby Pazak, Grade 4, Saltsburg Elementary School

Meghan Rummel, Grade 4, Horace Mann Elementary School

36 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 35

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY Teacher: Laura Lorelli Kailey Allen, Matthew Compardo, Rocco Cosentino, Charleigh Dougherty, Noah Greenlee, Emma Gutierrez, Hagen Jones, Elizabeth Kinneer, Chuckie Lawson, Addison Mosco, J’Dell Scott, Damion Shaffor, Ellie Speer, Addie Stossel, Liam Suggs, Sarah Tra, Hayden Witherite, Hayden Yankuskie, Brra Zelae Teacher: Patricia Hilliard Josh Anderson, Colden Augustine, Payton Cramer, Elizabeth Dillon, Kalise Dugan, Ethan Hatfield, Kole Hodak, Kyle Hodak, Max Julin, Preston Leeper, Jenna Lin, Hailey McDermott, Joshua Roumfort, Luke Rowe, Jeremiah Rushton, Allie Sundberg, Sera Todd, Makayla Wisneski Teacher: Jill Kaszubowski Layla Alsippi, Moniquea Dixon, Zoe Drahnak, Aaron Horn, Sekyoung Kim, Brogan McCreary, Luciana Menta, Gavin Mottin, Collin Musser, Mason Raglani, Olivia Ramer, Demetri Robinson, Peyton Scott, Gabrielle Sharp, Stella Stossel, Isaac Wadding, Stanford Webb, Alexis Dolan Teacher: Maria Olechovski Mary Todhunter, Tuscan Blystone, Mashayla Dlugos, Samuel Marshall, Brock Kuzneski, Grace Leeper, Maya Tirk, Preston Kessler, Ella Mosco, Madison Bazala, Mark Collinger, Tim Birch, Marcus Coy, Landon Bertuzzi, Izzy Garland, Mark Gardner, Hailey Rado, Madilyn Fair

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Robin Henry Aleeya Adams, Blaine Asbaugh, Logan Bollinger, Abbigail Borbonus, Autumn Bridge, Louise Bryner, Lillian Buckles, Dominic DeGruttola, Morgan Fairbanks, Preston Gomish, Amara Guesman, Logan Lear, Zoe Libengood, Haylee Mazzaferro, Eryk Milburn, Sophie Mize, Madison

Peightal, Jacob Risinger, Colin Serwinski, Chase Stuchal, Caden Vresilovic, Carlee Franklin Teacher: Monica Bell Jessica Barger, Emily Blauser, Chylynne Blazek, Benjamin Bongianino, Max Chambers, Caroline Clawson, Jaydin DamasJames, Arianna DiLascio, Kenneth Ferris, Jarrett Gongloff, Eric Goss, Shawn Knupp, Macy Maher, Hayden Michel, Sean Michel, Kira Olenchick, Tayman Oswald, Jaiden Palmer, Ava Persichetti, Brianna Ryan, Caden Smith, Kayleigh Trump, Samuel Yanits Teacher: Steven Shannon Austin Baker, Kenzie Bollinger, Gavin Burkhart, Shawn Cochran, Charity Culp, Lilianna Devaughn, Madison Fails, Joe Franklin, Olivia Ganoe, Maleia Good, Lauren Hamill, Katie Haynes, Aiden KennedyCiteroni, Callie Krause, Hunter Perkey, Landon Spaid, Kalea Struble, Willow Weimer, Devin Blauser Teacher: Jennifer Shirley Brooke Aikins, Makenna Bickel, Elaina Bodnar, Zackary Bollinger, Hope Brant, Dane Curnow, Brenden Evans, Kira Fabian, Holden Fridley, Roman Fritz, Brayden Greer, Isaiah Hoopengarner, Braxton Jelley, Keelyn Johnston, Ava Perfetti, Giavanna Previte, Callie Reaugh, Matthew Reeger, Jack Rummel, Matthew Smith, Nathan Wadding, Isabella Wolfe

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Mary Vick Boole Nathan Helman, Cyrus Murray, Peter Velardo

EAST PIKE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Deb Patterson Riley Bradosky, Zoe Brandon, Abi Burch, Alyssa Clawson, Kerieanna Drake, Cora Dunsmore, Brandon Ghiardi, Vega Hazley, Sam Knepper, Morgan Norland, Tovah Sharbaugh, Ava Thomas, Shakira Alexander, Zaliyah Covey

HOMER-CENTER ELEMENTARY Teacher: Dawn Yurky Max Bencic, Blaine Chronosky, Jimmy Clawson, Leanne Cooper, Gracie Fulton, Olivia Lear, Taneya Liggett, Benjamin Longwell, Crystal Mason, Julian Meda, Haley Mogle, Ivy Stocks, Blake Strong, Jackson Supko, Brianna Taylor, Landon Vargo, Bree Watt, Kristen Yackuboskey, Ella Cook Teacher: Erin Hildebrand Angelo Alexander, Ian Bocz, Aiden Bodkin, Brady Boston, Elijah Butterly, Olivia Crandall, Collin Daugherty, Brianna Deutsch, Hunter Elias, Kira Friedel, Maria Hippchen, William Jones, Taryne Kish, Ava Overdorff, Gionna Palmer, Isabelle Sprankle, Nicholas Turnbull, Hope Vasquez, Max Voyda, Zachary Wilson Teacher: Nancy Skultety Hannah Arone, Brianna Benamati, Isabella Bernard, Nathan Birchall, Jennica Black, Averie Budner, Rylee Cessna, Tanner Coleman, Braden Dunn, Melanie George, Chris Hoover, Elija Johnson, Daniel Jones, Ava King, Madison Lovejoy, Alexis Mitchell, Sarah Steffey, Landon Stuchel, Noah Turk, Sophie Winkelman

HOMESCHOOL Teacher: Rebekah Rummel Emily McKelvy, Brennon Huff, Caelie Jones, Isaiah McCracken

W.A. McCREERY ELEMENTARY Teacher: Sherri Kutsch Landon Ament, Mason Barthel, Sophia Charles, Noah Filipovich, Mikayla Gatskie, Noah Kirkland, Kenneth LaBryer, Liam LaVan, Kiersten Minshull, Cameron Pack, Reagan Pearce, Deserae Schmader, Mollie Shadle, Ethan Shields, Olivia Short, Seaira Watkins

PENNS MANOR ELEMENTARY Teacher: Debbie Hoover Alyssa Altemus, Keira Brady, Isabella Cochran, Hunter Decker, Erika Dixon, Aidan

Ford, Aveyah Foster, Amara Hemphill, Maggie Hill, Connor James, Andrew Keith, Amin Lieb, Kirsten Lute, Michelle Myers, John Patterson, Emma Pratt, Alexis Shaffer, Fiona Shick-Ripley, Adam Sinclair, Benjamin Smith, Justin Swanik, Evan Tuorinsky, Emmy Twigg, Taylor Wise

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Robin Laney Cody Blystone, Kylie Chigas, Javlyn Creamer, Gino Dominick, Gabriel Faught, Taylor Geer, Caleb Goodlin, Sarah Huber, McKenzie Keener, Austin Leamer, Carter McCracken, Isaiah McMillian, Jakob Mountain, Preston Powell, Amber Rushton, Garrett Small, Hannah Snyder, Cody Stebbins, Zander Stiffler, Katie Weaver, Isabella Yuhas, Alissa Zayac-Campos, Alonna Zayac-Campos Teacher: Deb Johnson Justin Lydic, Sierra Yarnall, Devlan Kordish, Alyssa Moore, Daniel Esposti, Levi Powell, Blake Deyarmin, Tyler Houser, Johnathan Good, Lindsay Timko, Elizabeth Coder, Kaiden Powell, Coby Byers, Phillip Gaston, Elizabeth Johnson, Ben McCombie, Electra Price, Isaac Kester, Jenna Shilling, Addison Buterbaugh, Matthew Rushnok, Natalie Misko, Kennedy Bennett Teacher: Beth Farabaugh Kaitlyn Patrick, Rachel Zurenko, Makayla Gibbons, Mark Pearce, Rebecca Depto, Ella Scott, Zeke Harris, Jianna Hopkins, Brandon Buterbaugh, Sophia White, Brady Bingaman, Iva Fox, Jace Misko, Sheree Huber, Morgan Fridley, Brooklynn Walker, Fath Goncher, Tyler Stiffler, Aaron Miller, Logan Smith, Katelin Komlosky, Natasha Burnett, Wyatt Edwards

RAYNE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Rebecca Blews Collin Anderson, Connor Barry, Olivia Boring, Mason Desmond, Olivia Dwire, Brynnley Haggerty, Garrett Helman, Ethen IsenContinued on Page 37

Zackery Huey, Grade 6, Seeds of Faith Christian Academy

3rd

Sarah Smith, Grade 5, Purchase Line Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 37

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 36 berg, Mareena James, Kadince Keith, Isaac Lewis, Sullivan McGraw, James Murphy, Isabella Patterson, Christopher Reinard, Hannah Rombaugh, Madison Schrecongost, Randy Smith, T.J. Smith, Elizabeth Stewart Teacher: Kim Todd Savannah Boring, Emma Brewer, Brooke Butterworth, Collin Craig, Olivia Gaston, Brooke Heigley, Aliya James, Chase Koches, Brayden Lockard, Dylan Coy, Kayden Park, Nicole Scott, Carley Shoop, Quashaun Smith-Briggs, Kassidy Steele, Evan Thomas, Chloe Trinkley, Trenton Walker, Ethan Wells, Jaden Weston

ST. BERNARD REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Teacher: Janet Arone Ceci Butler, Bella Donatelli, Isabella Fulmer, Kiersten Gardner, C.J. Hess, Fatima Sissoko, Cecilia Spadafora, William Thompson, Elizabeth Villa, Skylar Wensel

SALTSBURG ELEMENTARY Teacher: Jeff Smathers Aubrieonah Boring, Braylin Coleman, Samuel Ewing, Nicole Fairman, Mauriana Gardner, Bradley Henry, Leah Henry, Star Hopkins, Logan Iapalucci, Rain Igo, Aiden Kravetsky, Brayden McNellie, Dylan Mowry, Erika Mutchler, Nicholas Rogel,

Madilyn Shotts, Trenton Smith, William Syster, Dakota Watkins, Sebastian Waugaman Teacher: Ramona Taylor Terry Abbati, Grace Allshouse, Scout Barber, Mia Cornman, Ryan Eckenrode, Mia Faber, Aiden Huston, Logan Jeffers, Jake Jorgenson, MacKenzie Lescinsky, Braden Lutman, Haley Miller, Skylar Moran, Joey Ott, Luke Prohaska, Miranda Richards, Damauri Robinson, Abigail Shirley, Merreck Smith, Zander Stine, Justin Urban

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Sally Buchanan Kaleb Kimmel, Quinn Lipniskis, Katanan Fulmer, Madison Griffith, Rebecca Niel, Rayden Long, Trent Marshall, Manny Samms, Trinity Metcalf, Molly Marquez

UNITED Teacher: Mary Douglas Zoe Ash, Marissa Bowers, Gideon Bracken, Ashlynn Brendlinger, Jacob Derek, John Dunn, Gavin Fischer, Sydnee Foust, Melina Fry, Marissa Hansen, Coltin Henning, Rylee Horner, Kenley Ingalls, Ava Kovalcik, Kayleigh Lear, Sarah Marshall, Maddison McGinnis, Sawyer McGinnis, Aedyn Montgomery, Noah Pisarcik, Aidan Spaid, David Susick, Dillon Walters GRADE 3

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Susan Dunlap

Logan Barnhart, Auria Bumpass, Naomi Cochran, Alexander Cribbs, Falena Enrique, Zaya Fink, Kaytlin Gable, Jossalyn Griffen, Noah Horchar, Emily Jackson, Isabella Klingensmith, Rebecca Matous, Kassandra McConnell, Bailey Provias, Hunter Riggle, Siera Shirley, Ethan Sleasman, Aiden Ullrich, Nicholas Vadala, Meadow Wano, Riley Williams, Quinton Witmer, Jakub Zias, Katelynn Mekic Teacher: Jennifer Little Ben Ackley, Logan Bartels, Eli Borbonus, Jordan Cline, Andrew Dickson, Peyton Duffey, Gabbie Emerick, Tori Foust, Braden Garia, Micah Griffith, Walker Johnson, Sean Kelly, Mya McCallum, Sara McConnell, Sydney Mize, Tito Santiago, Shawn Shirley, Emerson Skirboll, Emilee Staats, Blake Strouse, Ciara Tatsch, Cody Taylor Teacher: Hope Stoats Ayden Allen, Braiden Ashbaugh, Kaden Barnhart, Bailey Dunlap, Carson Flickinger, Avery Foreman, Jacob Gillin, Rachel Howard, Aurora-Ahnyeam Hutton, Emilee Johns, Alexandria Kepple, Rylee Kitner, Zachariah Kralik, Jazmyn Milburn, Andrew Miller, James Murphy, Aidan Pollock, Ronny Ray, Luke Sarra, Carly Townsend, Aspin Wadding, Selena Whitfield, Vanessa Winters, Jayden Whitfield

BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY Teacher: Laura Wissinger Addison Toy, Delia Salser, Kadin Homer,

A.J. Lockard, Julian Sandoval, Taylor Fisanich, Charlotte Camp, Ella Myers, Wynston F., Brynlee Schawl, J’Raud Scott, Gavin Caruso, Katelynn Rearick, Jocelyn Santoro Teacher: Patrick McKee Evan Woodle, Allisyn Welch, Michael Tortorella, Talan Struzzi, Evan Speer, Willow Murphy, Jayden Montague, Harrison Martineau, Kylie Lockard, Cora Kushner, Max Johnson, Michael Jadzak, Summer Hartman, Will Filipovich, Izabel Dzuro, Kristian Dugan, Ciara Cunningham, Cole Amsler Teacher: Edward Kocinski Morgan Adamson, Ben Ryan, Yazeed Zelea, Philip Bell, Thomas Kauffman, Aryam Alharfi, Hannah Horvath, Eric McGarvey, Natalie Bianco, Alexis Klimkowski, Madalena Dixon, Zoe Vickhouse, Isic Sleigh, Catie Beth Akers, Bryan Todhunter Teacher: Angela Petroff Joey Baunoch, Austin Boring, Lizzie Carion, Chloe Carnahan, Luxy-Lynn DeLouisa, Korbin Erickson, Josh Eubanks, Skyler Garzoni, Jacob Killam, Fiona McQuaide, Alexa Millen, Patrick Nowak, Kamryn Snyder, Sarah Tyger, Abby Weaver, Johanna Welch, Aiden Murphy, Taylor Wood Teacher: Deb Horvath Jacob Kardell, Adam Nyland, Camryn Carnahan, Kaylynn Skinner, Isaac Anderson, Lucy Powers, Tyree Turner, Shanelle Eiselman, Isabella Yuha, Addie Lockard, Gabriel Continued on Page 38

2nd

Devin McCunn, Grade 6, Penns Manor Jr., Sr. High School

38 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 37 Kenning, Lizzie Olsen, Jack Julin, Sofia Wiggins, Madison Leydic, Rayan Rahman Teacher: Shannon Tokar Alex Bauer, Isabella Brunetto, Averial Cobaugh, Diler Su Cokguler, Keeley Davis, Reda El-Alous, Emma Eubanks, Westley Frenzel, Jayden Learn, Kate Lehman, Kayla Leon, Olivia Olmstead, Eva Pangonis, Ryan Powell, Paige Prebish, Evan Sheesley, Ronald Wang, Nate Wood

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Diane Burbank Sarah Covato, Wyatt Ackerson, Colin Oaks

EAST PIKE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Natalie McKee Ryder Baker, Wesley Bennett, Cassie Boyer, Ava Berglund, Ben Cochran, Gracie Cook, Teona Lohr, Hadley Long, James Mill, Garret Minnick, Celine Mukeba, Trevor Smith, Dakota Sparks, Trevor Todd, Emma Valentin, Noah Weigner, Dymond Whitstyne, Gabe Zaczyk Teacher: Hollee Jones Nevaeh Abrams, Jadyn Ball, Carson Beatty, Evan Brocious, Courtney Cass, Caleigh Clemons, India Cooper, Jocelyn Emrock, James Fisher, Haley Hamilton, Jayden Hoyman, Colton Jarvie, Hailynn Magas, Hunter Martin, Yana Noronha, Braden Riffer, Hunter Sexton, Kyla Weaver Teacher: Heidi Higbree Andrew McGee, Anthony Kowchuck, Aurora Kadash, Caleb Gittings, Charlie Weber, Haydn Frederick, Isabella Antonacci, Jacob Bradley, John Trevorrow, Kamron Mock, Mackenzie Detwiler, Marcus McGill, Marina Conjelko, Natalie Davis, Riley Lavely, Tess Kuzneski, Gabriel Olp, Tristan Redinger Teacher: Diana Bennett Arabella Clark, Max Duffee, Victoria Gallagher, Alex Gillham, Grant Gillham, Eden Gutierrez, Ash Lockard, Ella Long, Emma Masengale, Alaina Mears, Katarina Medvetz, Carter Mock, Zoe Sharbaugh, Bradley Shead, Hayden Sufka, Gavin Taylor, Lauren Wilson, Reed Zimmerman, Queen Wigfall

HOMESCHOOL Teacher: Rebekah Rummel Ava McKelvy, Molly Sleppy, Macey Sleppy, McKenna Jorda, Stella Rummel

W.A. McCREERY ELEMENTARY Teacher: Alyssa Antalis Jeremiah Adams, Dakoda Anthony, Annarose Blose, Jordon Bratton, Easton Cook, Kaelee Elkin, Ada Fetsko, Lindsay Fulmer, Logan Fulmer, Kayla Hill, Miranda Leasure, Malcolm McKown, Kari Miller, Sarah Mumau, Abigail Saxfield, Victoria Schultz, Paul Smith, Alekzander Vaglia, John Wetzel, Ethan Williard Teacher: Ed McCunn JaMarion Ceasar, Derek Fairman, Audrey Farmery, Emma Filipovich, Johnathan Frazer, Aubree Goss, Theresa Harkleroad, Alan Harmon, Jalyssa Kerr, Marcus Laney, Mya Lipsie, Jordan Palmer, Lita Reeger, Lilianna Sedan, MacKenzee Shotts, Alyssa Yarger,

Brandon Adams Teacher: Katie Proch Cheyenne Anthony, Edward Bell, Brooke Clawson, Anson Cribbs, Ashley Frye, Jonathan Leasure, McKenna McCausland, Allyson Plueckhahn, Evan Risinger, Jonathan Shuey, Milos Sinan, Abigail Smulik, Kyleighia Spade, Dalton Stenman, Alex Stewart, Grace Stonebraker, Mackenzie Thomas, Brady Weaver, McKenna Wood

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Kerri Mountain Quentin Brooks, Desiree Dressel, Charles Edwards, Bella Faught, Leland Johnston, Jonathan Kravarik, Liam Lamkie, Peyton Lavender, Anna Layden, Sophia Markle, Jakob Misko, Rozlynn Musselman, Hailey Nichol, Katie Patterson, Leeah Peles, Brooke Piper, Sadie Shaw, Samuel Smith, Jayden Sokol, Eddie Stewart, Wyatt Sturgeon, Rachael Ward, Landin Wilson, David Yuhas Teacher: Dian Matko Max Ball, Bella Bartlebaugh, Samara Blose, Daniel Boring, Dylan Bouch, Austin Chambers, Cynthia Creamer, Denise Deyarmin, Noelle Dow, Evan Falisec, Aaron Coblentz, Hailey Geer, Chelsey Himes, Braden Krolick, Stella Murdock, Daveigh Neely, Gage Orf, Kaitlyn Patterson, Alex Seger, Brock Small, Hannah Stonebraker, Katelin Woods Teacher: Leslie Hanley Diana Dilts, Alexandra Ball, Madison Davis, Toby Smarsh, Brooklyn Syster, Katrina Barkey, Ben Lundberg, Jalyn Buterbaugh, Hannah Westover, Brady Petras, MyKala Harriger, Gabe Padgett, Kadance Nedrow, Owen Misko, Bradley Arnold, Becky Patterson, Jaylin Robertson, Emma Spencer, Destiny Keener, Zachary Yingling, John Elick Crystal Sillman

RAYNE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Lisa Nelson Hunter Bailey, Alexis Bias, Isabel Blazavich, Hailey Critchley, Mathew Doolin, Averie Gerhart, Logan Gromley, Mason Mantini, Andre McClurg, Destany Miller, Evan Miller, Sierra Reinard, Shiane Richard, Anna Wilson Teacher: Renee Tiesi Ryanna Collazzo, Cobe Hankinson, Venecia Johnston, Chance Leasure, Risecen McGinnis, Brittany McIntire, Lydia Miller, Desiray Powell, Anthony Senter, Emma Shirley, Nathan Van Leer, Aaliyah Watkins, Megan Zombotti, Nathan Druschel

SALTSBURG ELEMENTARY Teacher: Melissa Hall Joseph Bedick, Colton Carr, Dylan Cass, Amelia Coleman, Donovan Corridoni, Mitchell Edmundson, Seth Gibbons, Kyleigh Harkins, Ray Heshizer, Matt Isaac, Hanna Koffman, Michelle Lynn, Bradley McDivitt, Jake McKnight, Hannah Montgomery, Emma Prenni, Samantha Pronko, Christopher Stapko, Sydney Walters, Johnathon Warnick, Shae Willett Teacher: Doug Titmus Landon Arndt, Domenic Bartolini, Gerald Brady, Gabriel Cornman, Addison DiLascio, Jenna Fox, Maya Gerhard, Ethan Hall,

Maxwell Hilty, Charles King, Nicole Koczan, Dylan Kunkle, Nicolas Maruca, MaKayla Rudy, Dominic Speal, Kiley Street, Carley Weimer, Luke Woodring, Kennedy Yingling

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Gretchen Anderson Christina Alsippi, Alex Bohnen, Grant Bohnen, Ashlynn Branan, Paige Broadbent.

Landon Kodman, Haley Schreckengost, Joshua Whipple

ST. BERNARD REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Teacher: Vera Leonard Gianna Brody, Kara Broskin, Travis Calvetti, Daniel Carpenter, Ava Elliott, Jaime Levendusky, Eliana Pineda, Connor Rohlf, Isabella Thompson GRADE 4

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Linzi Powers John Aaron, Hannah Artley, David Baker, Charles Banks, Andrew Barris, Devon Bartlebaugh, Mallory Bish, Adam Blauser, Derrick Bryner, Paige Clawson, Kay-Lee Cole, Joseph Costello, Austin Deyarmin, Giovanni Dilascio, Jeremiah Dilts, Carson Elliot, Kendal Escalona, Rylan Fairchild, Jacob Farabaugh, Brooklynn Furman Teacher: Scott Stuchal Brayden Henry-Yanity, Savannah Mocek, Gage Pierce, Jordan Pierce, Julia Platt, Abby Pynos, Marcus Raby, Gracy Risinger, Dillon Roth, Brian Ryan, Madeline Serwinski, Luke Shannon, Olivia Stiles, Zach Strine, Cole Stuchal, Autumn Tatsch, Ray Ullrich, Amy Wang, Sasha Whitfield, Joe Wise Teacher: Amanda Steele Eden Ganoe, Kennedy Garvin, Chloe Gregg, Caleb Griffith, Nolan Howard, Ethan Kishlock, Rachel Knott, Evan Kralik, Zachary Kroupa, Anna Kurnocik, Caden Kuzemczak, Aiden Lamantia, Jordyn Gill, MaKenna Locke, Aleena Martin, Rylee McCallum, Megan McConnell, Victoria McCully, Trakina Hudson

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Diane Burbank Noah Meckley

Nickas, Abigail O, Addison Alliver, Tyler Ream, Donald Rotosky, Jake Roumfort, Gabe Sleigh, Damian Tripp, Kahriya Whittington, Izaak Bloch Teacher: Jenna Irwin Ibrahim Alburaidi, Andrew Anderson, Ian Bigler, Luca Cosentino, Shannon Filipovich, Katie Kovalchick, Bailey Oakes, James Richburg, David Scardina, Addison Sexton, Mia Shaffer, Karmyn Smith, Regan Trusal, Michael Voorhies Teacher: Zachary Whited Caroline Albert, Hatem Alharthi, Mohammed Alhasnan, Christian Brown, Deven Buterbaugh, Alexa Cikowski, Owen Cramer, Marquita Dixon, Paul Ewen, John Hodgson, Abbie Huey, Thomas Kelly, Andy KondaMunongo, Matthew Lloyd, Adriana Petroff, Alexi Rocco, Connor Sharp, Halie Shoup, Ana Van Wieren, Maria Voorhies, Kyle Zheng Teacher: Carolyn Detweiler Abigail York, Ellie Wadding, Emily Adams, Michael Strouse

HOMER-CENTER ELEMENTARY Teacher: Cathy Hays Madison Montegue, Ethan Tullis, Annaleigh Spade, Clark Freed, Domingo Benevides, Katlyn White, Logan Huey, Aurora Ellis, Alayna Mack, Kyle Henry, Gavin Jordan, Evan Tullis, Aidan Arone, Noah Johnson, Casey Harper, McKenna Kishlock, Riley Succhereli, Megan Steffey, Justin Sharp, Grace Barnett, Ryan Jackson, Michael Krejocic, Brian Dunmire Teacher: Joe Kotelnicki Caleb Anderson, Mason Bell, Isaiah Bence, Brandon Broskin, Haleigh Casteel, Cameron Cavalier, Anna Cutshall, Tru Duncan, McKenzie Greenawalt, Kaitlynn Harper, Molly Kosmack, Emmanuel McMillian, Alexander Morgan, Tayvin Pizer, Zachary Rouser, Macy Sardone, Abby Skoff, Joe Succheralli, Vinny Tagliati, Rose Terranova, Gavin Vann, Cordelia Zack, Austin Zenisek Teacher: Lauri Shoup Alexandra Schmidt, Julia King, Cole McAnulty, Mya Boxler, Lilly Freed, Aiden Bekina, Kia Cruz-Hoover, Romylos Dokos, Olivia Brown, Ashli Mumau, Abigail Ramsell, Laci Bryer, Noah Michael, Riley Clevenger, Logan Henry, Ashton Winkelman, Kaylie Bowser, Anderson Lee, Caden Vitalie, Joshua Elkin, Mark Perry, William Liming

HOMESCHOOL EISENHOWER ELEMENTARY Teacher: Barbara Bell Kyra Atherton, Americus Firestone, Matt Ray, Rylee Lee, Ryan Shaffer, Mason Fisher, Christian Jablunosky, Callan Romance, Gavin Stiffey, Rachel Buterbaugh, Chris Blystone, Rowan Lemmon, Nick Curci, Emerson Davis, Alyssa Carloni, Tala Al-Soud, Rayne Butler, Alli Birge, Garrison Dougherty, Ian Anderson, Sein Kim Teacher: Melissa Bender Alex Arbuckle, Nathian Creighton, Michael Dolan, Lilly English, Arianna Foreman, Brandon Gardner, Justin Gibbons, Gavin Homer, Cole Hosbach, Maycie Lorelli, La’Valle Marfo, Maykayla McKendrick, Julie

Teacher: Rebekah Rummel Henry Rummel, Abby Scherff, Elizabeth Ashe

HORACE MANN ELEMENTARY Teacher: Donna Sabbia Paige Abrams, Madison Apjok, Lauren Brocious, Jacob Bush, Sierra Bush, Austin Crawford, Shyann Curtis, McKenna Decker, Landon Henry, Sheyanne Hozak, Shamira Johnson, Rourke Jones, Isabella Lebrato, Chloe McHugh, Dylan McLaurine, Kaylee Mitchell, John Monk, Alyssa Myers, Bentley Schultz, Maiya Walls, Brooklyn Williams Teacher: Lori Laverick Continued on Page 39

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 39

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 38 Olivia Burkhart, Steven Budash, Emma Grim, Branden Yanity, Adam Clark, Hailey Drennen, Madison Conde, Mohammad Alrahmah, Victoria Manzek, Ixy Barnes, Cadence Ullman, Liam McFarlane, Sophia Rahman, Adam Cowburn, John MorgantiMartineau, Kaden Mitchell, Lee Rosenberger, Quinten Mittermeier, Maura Knepper, Jenna McLaine, Arden Neiderhiser, Carter Bohn Teacher: Paige McCombie Camden Dean, Kiley Branan, Belinda Lin-Xu, Julia Runge, Sophie Runge, Abigail Adamson, Ben Sebring, Aaron Roadarmel, Emilee Fields, Emma Green, Lydia Shaffer, Josh Nelson, Tyanna Redd, Will Berzonsky, Sofia Kipp, Ben Froud, Alek Clark, Tyler Skalican, Chaz Villa, Kara Somerville, Emily Sands, Victoria Kimmel, Luke Bonatch Teacher: Julie Duffee Gage Thompson, Lia McAnulty, Jacob Gill, Emma Means, Sara Mock, Makena Redhead-Kriston, Joey Groff, Tegan Tumbleston, Bob Sutton, Meghan Rummel, Audrea Barber, Cydne White, Michael Lubold, Skyler Mogle, A.J. Lamantia, Mikey Boyer, Na’Shawn Phillips, Emily Madey, ShayLynn Peddicord, Jayna Olp, Jon Berzonsky, Camille O’Brian Teacher: Linda Medvetz Caroline Porter, Eve Fiala, Alivin Liu, Connor Geesey, Chloe Bell, Emma Sheeran, Kameron Arndt, Cherise Milner, Maddy Anderson, Sophia Garzarelli, Amber Taylor, Audrey Hunter, Nevaeh Stiffey, Olivia Smathers, Alivia Marsh, Olivia Kirmin, Jason Wallace, Noah Petersen, Seth Weaver, Melissa Spohn, Michael Murphy, Tara Piffer, Kaleb Hamerzack

W.A. McCREERY ELEMENTARY Teacher: Lee Hudzicki Angel VanHorn, Dahsun Bidwell, Keisa Treadway, Camden Stewart, Xia Kerr, Kaleb Behune, Michael Bailey, Dillion Green, Shel-

by Murphy, Makayla Goodlin, Ethan Ashbaugh, Ella Wells, Dakota Bracken, Alex Cummins, Maddie Orr, Josh Graff Teacher: Susan Moore Justin Livingston, Olivia Vehovic, Sierra Fabbri, Timmy Barrett, Maggie Good, Dawson Bracken, Abigail Fabri, Camryn Sacco, Liam Cornetto, Haylie Vincent, Calvin Donahoo, Brady Leasure, Morgan Chichy, Danielle Adams, Kenadee Elkin Teacher: Deb Malicky Alex Beatty, Parker Black, Morgan Brunecke, Matt Cummins, Leah Herman, Cody Hoover, Savannah Hoover, Shayleah Juart, Haley Kellar, Kiley Long-Tate, Reagan Ryen, Sebastien Sedan, Maggie Shadle, Allison Yeomans

NORTHERN CAMBRIA ELEMENTARY Teacher: Michele Paronish Kara Abrams, Malayna Boring, Xander Dolansky, James Dumm, Brianna Falduto, MaKenzie Formeck, Samantha Frantz, Ben Janosko, Simon Kent, Jonathan Kirsch, Mary Kudlawiec, Alivia McCracken, Haley Pattison, Thomas Rezk, Ki Riva, Malia Shutty, Isabella Wargo, Logan Wargo, Lucas Weyandt, Evan Wiewiora, Samantha Wylie, Joshua Yachtis Teacher: Richard Work Bryce Barnosky, Ryan Bloom, Evan corson, Cody Dumm, Cristina Ernest, Bryce Gibbons, Joe Griffiths, Morgan Hassen, Cooper Keith, Rebecca Krug, Jaydee Lecorchick, Breanna Mallin, Drake Milko, Erik Nagle, Nicholas Pavelko, Bella Pozzini, Isaac Schlosser, Patrick Smith, Meadow Spanella, Emilia Waugh, Shyanne Whited, Jack Young, Rachel Young, Devon Knupp Teacher: Tracey Ruddock Joshua Allen, Brady Ashurst, Lakin Baker, Nicholas Barrett, Timothy Bassett, Courtney Bobik, Owen Bougher, Daniel Bradford, Ariana Bush, Cole Chuhran, Lauren Daisley, Ryan Harold, Dylan Hickok, Jonathan Jacobs, Brenden Jarvie, Kelsi Klemann, Laci Lanzendorfer, Braden Moriconi, Colton Pa-

ronish, Morgan Prasko, Skye Rummel, Alivia Tait, John Zemrose Teacher: Sandy Serafin Daniel Baxley, Christopher Booterbaugh, Olivia Cavello, Ken Christoff, Athena Colgan, Logan Dumm, Katelyn Feighner, Madison Hassen, Arla Homady, Kylee Hutchison, Collin Jones, Ed Luther, Rylee Maines, Martina Miller, Peyton Myers, Zane Novella, Nathan Offner, Madison Piatiak, Camron Sherry, Jonah Stivanelli, Jeremy Thomas, Meghan Vasil

PENNS MANOR ELEMENTARY Teacher: Connie Myers Dominic Bottali, Heather Campbell, John Chilinski, Cecilia Chiodini, Mercedes Dalton, Kathleen Dixon, Courtney Krouse, Mindy Krouse, Michael Lowman, Hunter Patterson, Adrien Pennington, Samantha Pennington, Jimmy Redden, Dannie Schleicher, Ethan Smith, Cheyenne Stanek, Nick Yackuboskey, Chance Mohney

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Krista Peles Emma Barto, Peyton Falisec, Jenica Fleming, Abigail Goncher, Jett Goss, MaKenzie Houck, Lucas Huey, Cherish Kauffman, Derek Komlosky, Nathan Kuhn, Tammy Larson, Madison Long, Christopher McCoy, Alexander Murdick, James Overman, Dakoda Patterson, Madilyn Ruddock, Andrew Smarsh, Bailey Weaver, Emma Weishner Teacher: Danielle Malicky Adam Ball, Joshua Burnsworth, John Edwards, Kaydence Fulmer, Kaitlyn Gaston, Kara Harbrige, Madison Jenkins, Jenna Mumau, Lacey Patterson, Lilly Patterson, Mia Pearce, Kamryn Rock, Laken Ruddock, Rachel Snyder, Austin Stephenson, Michael Zurenko Teacher: Holly Edwards Rodney Ball, Andrew Beer, Zaeda Cline, Autumn Gray, Lauren Hilty, Tessa Hudson, Courtney Jarvie, Cole Keith, Jadyn Leamer,

Olivia Mnich, Eric Overman, Justin Patterson, Benjamin Pearce, Makinna Pearce, Destiny Puit, Alexander Rushnok, Merissa Spellman, George Swanik, Zachary Wickens, Charlee Woods, Isabella Chable

RAYNE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Christina Stone Jacie Bender, Jordan Bender, Ayden Blanzy, Trenton Blanzy, Nathan Bothell, Madelyn Buffone, Aimee Cessna, Alex Cessna, Gatlin Clark, Chloe Davies, Alex Fry, Alexis Groce, Brenna Hodak, Milayna Leasure, Chelsea McAdams, Carina McClurg, Jeremy McGraw, Travis Midock, Emily Orr, Denton Park, Alexis Roush, Zackery Shultz, Klara Smith, Tessa Smith-Briggs, Rebecca Spence, Daniel Waltermire, Rachel Fox

ST. BERNARD REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Teacher: Megan Pomputius Emily Bennett, Ryan Conn, Daniel Gornick, Isaac Marshall, Rhyan McCracken, Nicolas Pacconi, Alexander Tebbs, Ivan Youssef

SALTSBURG ELEMENTARY Teacher: Tim Frassenei Bradley Miller, Robert Elias, Savanna Fink, Tiffany Evans, Sara Petro, Lukas Montgomery, Carmhyne Brown, Cheyenne Weimer, Garrett Koczan, Andrew Greene, Zach Bendis, Maggie Bates, Nathan McKendrick, Dalton Clawson, Abby Pazak, William Gibbons, Cheyanna Bryant, Sara Shaner, Michael Muir, Devin McCullough, Seven Barber, Tyler Pierce, Leah Carr, Jimmy Barrett, Korey Schmidt Teacher: Kristy Harrington Layne Baum, Emma Heeter, Madison Miller, Addison Heeter, Anna Hudson, Sydnie Nicewonger, Aliyah Eckenrode, Kayla Vought, Rylie Miller, Dominic Patrick, Justin Continued on Page 40

Lauren Brocious, Grade 4, Horace Mann Elementary School

Arla Homady, Grade 4, Northern Cambria Elementary School

Honorable mention

40 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 39 Blake Vincent, Rylee Doak, Cassidy Jakesh, Casey Allshouse, Zakkery Shirey, Kodi Bair, Alex Frain, Kyle Roessler, Brad Henigan, Alex DeLuke, Nathan Simpson

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Stacy Marquez Braydon Albright, Seth Brown, Isaac Deyarmin, Kaitlyn Hood, Sadie Juart, Amara Moore, Kobi Parks

UNITED ELEMENTARY Teacher: Megan Swanson Brent Kline-Glance, Logan Fisher, Arden Mack, Aliyah Bost, Jared Donelson, Tristan Hildebrand, John Reinard, Kevin Brunner, Kendell Felton, Jessica Elder, Abigail Baird, Drew Colson, Autumn Yates, Hunter Wilson, Joey McNally, Delia Meagher Teacher: Megan Swanson Bridger Blankenbicker, Isabella Swansboro, Dylan Dishong, Kaitlyn Dill, Jaelyn Lichtenfels, Sarah Plowman, Hayley Stiles, Sydney Fabrizio, Ciara Overdorff, Andrew Payne, Gadden Lych, Ty Gapshes, Evan McAnulty, Lauren Donelson, Emily Mack, Guy Hixson, Zoe Mack, Ian Friday, Tyler Robertson, Ashley Rhine Teacher: Ryan Long Breea Anderson, Raeanne Duman, Mia Duncan, Shelby Garland, Natalie George, Damon Grace, Remington Kish, Hunter Marino, Jessica Martin, Zachary McCachren, Brianna Olliver, Kylie Price, Elisabeth Ressler, Traystin Tomalson, Brian Torok, Harley Weir Teacher: Ryan Long Tye Ash, Aleah Bevard, Samantha Cole, Bryce Colson, Morgan Currie, Jacob Davis, Dakota Fairman, Bradley Felix, Reagan Gallaher, Isabella Karcher, Cloey Klingensmith, Cade Krouse, Tapanga Lichtenfels, Joseph Marino, Brooklyn McElwee, Hunter McGinnis, Kenneth Penrose, Alex Stewart, Cassandra Weber GRADE 5

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Eileen Jeffries Ethan Johns, Brandon Kelly, Aliyah Kendall, Jules Kirouac, James Latson, Isiah Lawson, Amber Long, Kody Long, Kiersten Marquis, Benjamin Matous, Carson McCully, Jaydon McCurdy, Daniel McGinity, Bryce Miller, Hannah Miller, Payton Mlakar, Brianna Oakes, Ashley Palmer, Timothy Palmer, Karlie Patterson, Julia Potts, Gloriannys Santiago, Kylee Kisamore Teacher: Brenda Rovison Andrew Baker, Frankie Benko, Sebastian Blauser, Savanna Bobro, Ryan Bonadio, Falisha Bopp, Cortney Bracken, Ella Burkhart, Michael Busani, Jolene Cribbs, Bella DePree, Sarah Detwiler, Ryleigh Dwulet, Caleb Empfield, Adrian Escalona, Sarah Fisher, Jacob Flickinger, Hannah Foust, Lydia Fowler, Brin Gardner Teacher: Diane Antonacci Logan Platt, Paige Podolski, Melina Pollock, Nathan Potter, Riley Provias, Isabel

Pynos, Cameron Reaugh, Conner Rebo, Sedona Reilly, Phoebe Ringler, Emma Shirley, Kira Shirley, Cade Simmons, Kaitlyn Simpson, Hank Skirboll, Braden Staats, Carissa Stipcak, Madison Stutzman, Connor Vatter, Jackson Vukman, Max Wilson, Isaac Witmer, Trenney Yanoff, John Couknas

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Diane Burbank Miranda Pounds

EISENHOWER ELEMENTARY Teacher: Rob Stewart Layan Alotaibi, Gabriella Clark, Nate Ebeling, Noah Hutton, Puroom Kim, Anne Kinneer, Karissa Knuckles, Luke Leon, Victoria Lloyd, Madeline Menta, Tiana Moracco, Leighanna Patterson, Louis Pesci, Peyton Ream, Aiden Rizzo, Natalie Schaeffer, Xavier Semone, Bryce Vojtek, Taylor Zook Teacher: Brad Trout Nyle Bajwa, Bernadette Batuncang, Connor Burtick, Evan Clawson, Gabe Leydic, Joey Everett, Kamryn Fulmer, Spencer Hatfield, Joshua Kardell, Abby Killam, Carson Midkiff, Melanie Navaratna, Trista Newman, Annie Rizzo, Katrinette Sexton, Garrett Shaffer, Matt Shupe, Ryan Stossel, Aviana Struzzi, Lillian Todhunter, Lincoln Trusal, Sara Welch, Kiara Wilson, Emma Gold, Kalynne Trusiak Teacher: Kendy Walker Anas Algubaisi, Faisal Bakri, Madison Boyer, Zach Cole, Amber Hendricks, Zach Herrington, Blake Hodak, Rylee Homer, Sarah Hozak, April Kim, Sydney Kishlock, Isaac Myers, Brock Petras, Ashley Shaw, Carly Wang, Zora Watson, Miranda Zuzek, Audreonna Putnam-Murphy, Josh Saurer Teacher: Mark Morrow Leah Amsler, Matt Bass, Sarah Bolyard, Alexandra Chelgren, Korey Ferringer, Devin Flint, Ainsley Herman, Melina Hilliard, Sally Kingan, Owen Lawson, Anna Margita, Thomas McCurdy, Izabella Musser, Shylina Parson, Cipriana Salazar, Amanda Skursky, Autumn Smith, Joshua Stone, Alexander Williams, Michael Wood, Hayden Zilner

HOMER-CENTER ELEMENTARY Teacher: Amy Skoff Lindsey Succheralli, Dalton Myer, Peyton Mohney, Landon Nellis, Riley Zelier, Noah Henry, Tanner Heidenthal, Sabastian Toro, Sophia Eastman, Gabi Page, Anthony Rowland, Marlee Kochman, Sage Bernard, Jamey Howard, Mya Fatula, Andrew Ruddock, Brooklynn Neal, Isaac Turk, Michael Catalano, Jacquelina LaRose, Ayannah Elliott, Bella Bence, Victorino Maratita, Nick Taylor, Elizabeth Shirley, Jacqueline Lear, Collin Troup, James Jaworski, Caleb Zack, Toby Bishop, Justin Walbeck, Rebecka Smith, Jared Orsargos, Zoe Renz, Quintin Neal, Stella Siwula, Kyersten Gett, Alexis Martin, Eli Normand, Alysa George, Mariah Strong, Cole Harper, Matthew Silk, Cody Housholder, Chad McQuiston, Brittany Casteel,

Matthew Mlakar, Ian Bennett

W.A. McCREERY ELEMENTARY Teacher: Max Falisec Nevada Armstrong, Grace Birk, Morgan Daugherty, Nathan DeHaven, Liam Dicken, Emily Fairman, Rachel Fairman, Hayley George, Carter Gilmore, Adison Gromley, Dixon Harkins, Bradley Heberling, Hailey LaBryer, Sierra Lucik, Maleia Miller, Bekah Miloser, Skyler Olp, Ty Ryen, Jared Scott, McKenna Shellhammer, Destinee Stiles, Laiken Stitt, Xavier Vaglia, Holli Weiss, Robert Wetzel, Cody Williard Teacher: Christine McGee Linda Abreght, Sara Burkhardt, Shawna Cook, Tristian Cribbs, Timothy Cummins, Brady Filipovich, Hailey Fulmer, Tori Gearhart, Payton Griffith, Claudia Hilty, Becca Kirkland, Noah Lingenfelter, Clara Marshall, Katie Moore, James Olp, Dakota Pappal, Joshua Rishell, Dylan Rummell, Jayde Rummell, Madison Shank, Gavin Stewart, Jayden Tozer, Arianna TreadwayGilbert

PENNS MANOR ELEMENTARY Teacher: Alyce Zuchelli Andrew Giermanski, Makayla Koscho, Keirstin McCachren, Julianna Shank, Joseph Johnston, Hayden Sturgeon, Jake Johns, Zach Ellis, Russell Sinclair, Ben Dumm, Luke Rainey, Gabby Wise, Alec Johnson, Hannah Mogle, Reilly Hill, Ty Fennell, Allison Johnson, Maria Carrozza, Matt Zayachak, Gretta Ratay, Greyson Esgro, Sam Weaver Teacher: Adam Shearer Anna Buggy, Jacob Buggy, Nicholas Buterbaugh, Cameron Custer, Nolan Detwiler, Hayley Douglas, Alyssa Grant, Bryan Koches, Brandon Lawer, Hannah Lieb, Aaron Lute, Michael Maderer, Maddison Martin, Ashley Mason, Kailee Mumau, Adalynn Ondo, Lily Orr, Tanner Petrunak, Natalie Pileski, Christopher Pilston, Andrew Rhea, Anthony Rizzo, Brock Sleppy, Alyssa Stack, Austin Stapleton, Caroline Super, Sedona Mohney Teacher: Christine Carpenter Tommy Bartlebaugh, Aleasha Brendlinger, Robert Davis, Sydney Duvall, Casandra Ferguson, Steven Fisher, Hunter Hagerman, Tyler Hill, Kevin Hoehn, Cole Jarvie, Abigal Lewis, Aaron Lowman, Keara Patterson, Koda Patterson, Tanner Platt, Connor Rainey, Julian Shultz, Katie Steiner, Joshua Summers, Kendra Thomas, Brent Tuorinsky, Benjamin Dean, Xander States

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Denise Bence-Fetsko Zander Bennett, Crist Coblentz, Brayden Faught, Hannah Hess, Hannah Homerski, James Huey, Diezel Jobe, Joseph Johnson, Abigayle Kitchen, Carter Knepp, Haley Little, Logan McCracken, Jade Misko, Madison Orf, Morgan Passmore, Noah Peles, Ethan Peterson, Madison Scalese, Vincenzo Scott, Faith Smith, Nolan Stewart, Katie Stiffler, Megan Timko, Tamara Walden, Alexis Wilshire Teacher: Debra Miller

Haley Anderson, Timothy Arlott, Rose Ball, Amber Barto, Ethan Bracken, Gabriella Burgett, Saphire Creamer, Jacob Esposti, Maximus Falisec, Matthew Ferguson, Mason Gearhart, Cory Hudson, Levi Kephart, Kahlan Lavender, Brock Lloyd, Kaylee Miller, Serinity Pearce, Makenna Rummel, Bethany Smith, Kyle Spencer, Michael Stibrik, Haleigh Thacker, Ashton Weaver, Korbin Wilson, Aaron Wright Teacher: Gregory Pack Amanda Bouch, Jayce Brooks, Paige Dilts, Mikey Esposti, Avery Falisec, Sean Furman, Abby Goss, Will Hoch, Hailey Kachmarchi, Angel Komlosky, Alex Leydic, Ryan Little, Shannon Passmore, Tyler Piper, Zoey Scott, Chessa Shaffer, Sarah Smith, Ashley Stebbins, Zachary Stiffler, Brady Syster, Carley Ward, Brandon Wilshire, Traver Wise

RAYNE ELEMENTARY Teacher: Megan DeOre Sydney Anderson, Jocelyn Stanford, Charlotte Gardner, Luke Winters, John Mason, JoAnn Abbey, Logan Miller, Trenton Marshall, Allison Semetkoskey, Tyler Lingenfelter, Austin Hoover, Mackenzie Creighton, Madison Walker, Nevaeh Allshouse, Michael West, Hannah Barr, Garrett Griffith Teacher: Leslie Meyer Ethan Miller, Aidan Druschel, Daniel Smith, Amanda Jack, Morgan Gelles, Cody Thompson, James Cook, Timothy Reichenbach, Lily Bryson, Lilly Ryer, T.J. Lynn, Daniel Niel, Roan Wilkins

ST. BERNARD REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Teacher: Stephanie Mallis Jonah Arone, Vince Belice, Zachary Brody, Anthony Colonna, Mara Kirsch, Dylan Majernik, Monica Turnbull, Athena Yang

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Susan M. Wilson Grace Rougeaux, Kaeden Parks, Lydia Murphy, Matthew Lee, Kara Marshall, Alexandria Williams, Noah Shepler

SHANNOCK VALLEY ELEMENTARY Teacher: Michele DiMaio/Mrs. Moore Nick McCausland, Cody Bargerstock, Kamryn Harris, Sean Nowacki, Monica Waugaman, Ella Brewer, Chloe Bennett, Owen Stover, Kyleigh Odosso, Matt Wheatley, Caleb Dinger, Kassie Mikita, Alyssa Lybarger, Logan Hayes, Taylor Goldstrohm, Jonathon Kotora, Natalee Sims, Tyler Harkleroad Teacher: Michele DiMaio Samantha Semler, Victoria McEntireBurns, Natalie Eddy, David Moore, Dawson Rupp, Trevor Smulik, Jacob Geist, Emily Blystone, Alexis Zik, Brayden Harkleroad, Abigail Toy, Jaden Reesman, Joshua Howells, Ryleigh Atherton, Caden Wagnon, Chase Stockdale, Jaxon Walker, Ryan Buckley, Marissa Krizmanich, Ariel Perkins, Bo Swartz, Kayla Slease, Archie Boarts, Leighton Myers, Ethan Crytzer.

Continued on Page 41

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 41

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 40 GRADE 6

BLAIRSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL Teacher: Kimberly Henigin Anthony Bouchard, Alexander Dickson, Haley Farabaugh, Marrisa Fay, Donevan Graham, Jacob Haynes, Kyle Ickes, Zoe Johnston, Lincoln Kovach, Jayson Lickenfelt, Jeremiah Marsh, Ashton Perfetti, Izabella Sprague, Alison Walbeck, Gia Bumpass, Shannon Doak, Lauren Alamo, Zak Artley, Morgan Ashbaugh, Eleighsa Bodnar, Alaina Constantino, Dalton Fairchild, Brayde Furman, Brandi Hebenthal, Raven Jones, Daniel Kukula, Heavenlee Lowman, Amber McConnell, Ravi Mikeska, Roman Podolski, Isabella Previte, Sydney Reed, Lexi Risinger, Molly Sisitki, Ian Smyth, Cody Taylor, Cole Townsend, Janelle Weaver, Harper Wehrer, Alexis Yanits, Dakota Francis Teacher: Joanna Morgan Jacob Faser, Jacob Mocek, Olivia Potts, Abby Hays, Amber Palmer, Madison Chambers, Harrison Gilligan, Hannah Griffen, Abby Pierce, Acacia Woodley, Madeline Ganoe, Joseph Boehm, Alex Kirkland, James Barger, Madison Almes, Luke Garvin, Dravyn John, Ryan Endress, Noah Ashbaugh, Robert Bowser, Daniel Schrack, Myrissa Perez, Isabella Luchsinger, Skyler Borbonus, Madison Repine, Corbin Ryan, Autumn Zedick, Brett Fails, Devon Witmer, Skyler Lutman

HOMER-CENTER ELEMENTARY Teacher: Suzanne Mateer Gregory Barenick, Kyleigh Bell, Tyler Bowser, Graceann Bush, Haley Clark, Brennan George, Evann Keslar, Drew Kochman, Nick Manzanilla, Travis Mock, Caitlin Mumau, Jacob Rowles, Ben Schmidt, Teagan Sharp, Tabitha Shields, Hannah Sisak, Thomas Smith, Dante Stover, Madison Succheralli, Emily Taylor, Caleb Vann, LaVada

Walbeck, Breanna Zenisek Teacher: David King Conner Alsippi, Arianna Ash, Abbey Bekina, Richie Bencic, Ariel Bishop, Tyler Blystone, Kailyn Bowser, Caden Brown, Clark Bush, Xander Cruz, Sam Darr, Rebecca George, Clinton Goldberg, Patricia Hullenbaugh, Micah Hurd, Emma Kwisnek, Brett Mlakar, Isabella Morgan, Takiya Rand, Jared Smyers, Dominic Terranova, Lauren Walters Teacher: Cheryl Turk Julieann Alexander, Brennen Berfield, Maitlyn Berfield, Richard Bowman, Alex Cessna, Jennifer Cooley, Joshua Diecidue, Genesis Gilbert, Brianne Ginter, Bryson Graham, Jonah Henry, Isaac Kelly, Abigayl McAdams, Evan Ober, Kevin Plowcha, Jordan Putnam, D’Shawn Robinson, Ryan Sardone, Cylie Shaffer, Shannon Sisko, Genevieve Spade, Mitchel Stillwagon, Timothy Troxell, Gillian Williams

INDIANA AREA JUNIOR HIGH Teacher: Jamie Lichtenfels/Mr. Weaver Adam Abrams, Joel Beckwith, Jasmine Burtick, Benjamin Coleman, Emily Curtis, Nickolas Detwiler, Shaylee Eiselman, Levi Gittings, Cameron Hamryszak, Aiden Hanthorn, Miles Johnson, Elijah Mauk, Alivia Parke, Adam Rapach, Hailey Schrecengost, Jason Stoker, Brandon Wolfgang, Rikkella Yachisko Teacher: Jamie Lichtenfels Hope Byers, Nathanial Clarkin, Samuel Fefolt, Alexis Husted-Williams, Vincent Krahe, Sophia McCabe, Corbin Murdick, Aaron Nickas, Nathan Petro, Madhav Sharda, Cameron Walls, Megan Zimmerman Teacher: Jamie Lichtenfels Benjamin Brown, Dexter Froud, Adriana Guth-Borowski, Chloe Kocinski, Alyssa Lyman, Quinn Martineau, Madison Palmer, Hannah Reilly, Kevin Roardarmel, Adam Shephard, Sophia Sigworth, Madelyn

Thompson, Makayla Williams, Stone Williams, Jason Zheng Teacher: Jamie Lichtenfels Hasan Ali, Caroline Bianco, Lucas Connell, Tucker Davis, Maddux Fisanich, Ryan Francis, Rebecca Fries, Austin Homer, Sara Kane, Max Kovalchick, Jossalyn Satterfield, Ethan Shearer, Clayton Weaver, Bastian Webber Teacher: Jamie Lichtenfels MaKayla Adderley, Janet Barber, Ethan Black, Isaac Gibbons, Patrick Greene, David Huang, Kiley Libengood, Dustin Miller, Gavin Prebish, Anna Romance, Gabriel Seevers, Shae Smith, Giavonna Spadafora, Kyle Thome, Jolene Wensel Teacher: Jeff Reed Gracie Agnell, Saleh Alawwad, Kaylee Becker-George, Caleigh Cessna, Emma Cramer, Debra Flint, Ethan Hazlett, Jonnessa Hughes, Joey Kuzneski, Sarah Love, Kylie McIntire, Lilly Nath, Olivia Peters, Kylen Sawtelle, Nathan Skalican, Jazmin Smith, Tanner Smith, Taylor Weaver Teacher: Jeff Reed Randela Alburadi, Beza Allison, Samantha Blystone, Chase Carnahan, Cole Dillon, April Elder, Courtney Hozak, Declan Kubala, Bonnie Lin Xu, Michelle Phillips, Andre Rubinstein, Hailey Stineman, Evan Truman, Harley Wolfgag Teacher: Jeff Reed Ethan Angello, Gavin Bernard, Kharis Bohn, Ryan Brocious, Kailyn Diaz, Isabella Edmonds, Parker Fritz, Ashley Hite, Gregory Kenning, Ethan Marcozzi, Gavin Millen, Gracie Porter, Walker Raykes, Kevin Tra, Zachary Wood Teacher: Jeff Reed Cameron Albert, Sydney Brice, Megan Brocious, Lauren Carloni, Orlando Clark, Giana Cosentino, Kiara Donofrio, Kaden Duffee, Zachary Eisenhower, Ethan Frederick, Timothy Hauge, Branden Kanick, Olivia Kuzneski, Kaitlyn Marshall, Maggie Medvetz, Audra Moore, Bryce Myers, Brad Petras, Allison Rutledge, Taylor Sheesley, Alexis Sin-

gle, Ethan Tomb, Daniel Williams, Lars Wingerter, Ella Zhou Teacher: Jeff Reed Carmella Barbara, Carlin Carion, Emily Eutsey, Tyler Gonos, Jesse Greve, Dominic Groman, Chloe Hunter, Alex Jadzak, Brody Kunselman, Nathan Metzger, Alicia Mitchell, Matthew Nelson, Justin Reese, Kylee Rifendifer, Silas Schiera, Nathan Semsick, Chloe Stancombe, Samuel Szep, Sara Zimmerman

W.A. McCREERY ELEMENTARY Teacher: Linda Stupic Katalina Arndt, Jenna Bourdess, Brittany Branan, Kole Uptegraph, Kristin Richards, Waylon Ferringer, Dylan Harmon, Xavier Int’Veld, Austin Moore Teacher: Randy Corosu Marvin Beatty, Joel Beckwith, Noah Bennet, Trey Blose, Ashlynne Coble, Preston Fox, Abriella Griffith, Hayden Johnston, Isabella Lee, Tanner MacBlane, Preston Orr, Dakota Palmer, Fawntana Plyler, Sunnie Shelstad, Zach Short, Elizabeth Smith, Alexis Stonebraker, Danielle VanHorn, Betha Anderson, Katalina Arndt, Austin Bailey, Jarrett Beatty, Callie Bland, Cassandra Blystone, Brittany Branan, Adam Caylor, Evan Crooks, Robin DeHaven, Waylon Ferringer, Michaela Gett, Jasmin Hill, Xavier Int’veld, Alex Melkonian, Savannah Mimis, Austin Moore, Alexis Morgan, Justin Peterson, Kristin Richards, Sarah Richardson, Jack Shearer, Abigail Shuey, Kole Uptegraph, Jordan Walker, Levi Waltemire, Alexa Ackerman, Andrew Adams, Morgan Blystone, Jenna Bourdess, Justine Brocious, Shiana Buterbaugh, Jerzey Coble, Alexis Evans, Morris Fleming, Kerry Frye, Dylan Harmon, Carter Lydic, Bradley McCunn, Dylan Roach, Jadyn Schoch, Briana Sirochman, Ellivia Solien, Hannah Venesky, Brad Ward, Emily Williard Continued on Page 42

Jordyn Gill, Grade 4, Blairsville Elementary School Morgan Gauble, Grade 6, Saltsburg Middle High School

42 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 41

PENNS MANOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Beth Palilla Lydia Cox, Kassidy Smith, Kevin Baum, Austin Hill, Rylee Shaffer, Devin McCunn, Brandon Dunmire, Allison Polenik, Bailee Britton, Parker Clayton, Dimitri Lieb, Hailey Warzel, Sarah Brown, Khylee Maglione, Dezirae Dwyer, Madelyn Misner, Anna Peterman, Jared Bowman, Reese Hays, Gwen Stahl, McKenna Bothell, Ethan Joiner Teacher: Jason Miloser Tyler Stiffler, Derek Ramos, Cole Cunningham, Catrenia Mack, Hayden Isenberg, Donavin Hendricks, Tony Shultz, Victor Santiago, Erick Helman, Eric Faber, Michael Hunter, Audrey Johns, Kaylee Babco, Katherine Kirsch, Katelyn LaBlue Teacher: Carson Rhea Connor Keith, Blake Eshelman, Cierra Dunmire, Tanner Greek, Autumn Cramer, Mason Engel, Dominic Hill, Libby Craig, Tyler Price, Draven Thomas, Ijae Karlinsey, Ashton Deyarmin, Richelle Klingensmith, Gavin Crowe, Nathan Baker, Aaron Lindley, Ben Ringler, Connor Antonio, Brock Eshelman, Kaitlyn Duncan

ST. BERNARD SCHOOL Teacher: Tracy Dixson Aidan Cattau, George Benamati, Vaz Smay, Alyson Krecota, Fima Sissoko, Emily Marshall

SALTSBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL Teacher: Eugene Riley Makenzie Simpson, Kevin McNellie, Isabella Koffman, Brooke Shirley, Eden Plowman, Morgan Gauble, Karly Cindric, Gino Bartolini, Kirstin Smith, Alyssa Adams, Carolynn Bucco, Thomas Dionisi, Tristan Roessler, Hope Stano, Hope Bryner, Emily Woodring, Anthony Aronson, Maddison

Guthrie, Rachel O’Day, Antonio Dilascio, Logan Bonnoni, Braden Yard, Abbie Dickie, Jacob Speedy, Dustin Sparks, David Stuller, Kerigan Staats, Kaitlyn McManis, Mark Lynn, Candra Bair, Michael Stover, Adam MacDonald, Mary Fischer, Cody Fairman, Santino Bartolini, Camryn Luther

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Kristin Kodman Korpo Parks, Victoria Sharp, Zackery Huey, Joellene Deyarmin, Ethan Marshall, Blake Mears, Jack Fischer, Molly Leasure, Eric Smith, Noah Whipple

UNITED ELEMENTARY Teacher: Chris Matava Savanna Brink, Naomi Campbell, Darienne Walters, Alexa Furnari, Mackenzie Regan, Hunter Cameron, Brett Maher, Reece Brendlinger, Lily Foust, Richie Janicsko, Gavin Cameron, Eric Ragley, Morgan McCarthy, Xarynya Heming, Odessa Bier, Eean Waldron, Tyler Vuckovich, Charles Baird, Riley Payne Teacher: Chris Matava Courtnee Garland, Zach Nixon, Myla Ingalls, Madison Duplin, Kylee Rodkey, Chad Colson, Austin Sparks, Lillian Ahlborn, Justin Sisitki, Hannah Green, Eric Timko, Austin Seybrecht, Dylan Kitzmiller, Deacon Suwolitch, Andrew Johnson, Mallory Getty, Kelly Pisarcik, Angel Bufagna, Charles Brunner, Rylei Vogel Teacher: Chris Matava Abby Stutzman, Annie Felton, Katie Duckworth, Grace Eritano, Emily Dill, Sophia Naugle, Tianna Hinton, Destiny Stewart, Austin Friday, Joey Means Teacher: Greg Mytrysak Jeremiah Blackburn, Hannah Baird, Tressa Mack, Michaela Bevard, Max Clevenger, Ashton Goodlin, Samantha Young, Briawna McElwee, Eli Clevenger, McKinley Colgan, Dustin Cramer

Teacher: Greg Mytrysak Brooklynn Murlin, Indica Martin, Skyler Martin, Dylan George, Grace Schrack, Maizee Fry, Justina Wagner-Smith, Hannah Livengood, Robert Rainey, Trevor Cline, Abbey Mountan, Katie Peters, Anna Gazdik, Cassandra Martin, Edward Wilson, Morgan Penrose, Ashley Hunt Teacher: Greg Mytrysak Brailee Price, Paige Burkett, Levi Cruz, Katlyn McDonald, Jayda Fyock, Haley Baird, Austin Miller, Ciara Fourhman, Austin Kovalcik, Grace Blankenbicker, Devin Croyle, Keirstyn Becker, Haley Robertson, Carlene Berkavich, Emily Miller, Erika Dixon, Preston Croft, Skyler Quick, Jordyn Ponchione GRADE 7

BLAIRSVILLE MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Andrea Del Favero Eli Clevenger, Gabriel Kennedy Citeroni, Jonathan Bush, Bridget Doyle, Robert Walker, Garrette Henigin, Konnar Cahill, Madison McKee, Brenna Henry, Hellen Wang, Kyle Platt, Diavian Fields, Amanda Iandiorio, Ashton Stiles, Brieana Cassidy, Angela Deyarmin, Lily Ringler, Sonya Demacek, Alyssa Hixon, Nadia Bongianino

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Kim Covato Shane Meckley

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Caroline Killam Stone Williams

Dixon, Hunter Guesman, Justin Higgins, Colby Joseph, Joshua Joseph, Alexandra Karcher, Isaac Kellichner, Gavin Leightley, Owen Ludwig, Emily Muchesko, Cheyenne Noel, Kyle Silk, Cole Smith, Lauren Traves, Cody Young Teacher: Jim Cawley Jared Bloom, Taylei Boring, Ashlyn Bowers, Alaina Campbell, Hannah Detwiler, Joshua Hamilton, Savanah Kelly, Delaney Mack, Sarah Marino, Emma McAnulty, Abigail Nibert, Marissa Poorbaugh, Ashley Rambish, Mattison Rodkey, Devon Slippy, India Staller, Laura Susick, Berkley Sutton, Mason Tantlinger Teachers: John Dunn and Carrie McGraw Caeli Woodring, James Hirsch, Arianna Stephens, Miranda Stiles, Dillon Weber, Payton Colson, Emily Ponchione, Hailey Hood, Jacob Brown Teacher: John Dunn Casey Naler, Aiden Ringler, Dale Croyle, Elizabeth Platko, Candice Rainey, Brett Long, Dan Eckels, Cade Taylor, Alexandra Johnson, Dan Peak, Rachel Sombronski, Carson Bennett, Lorel Bartlebaugh, Isaac Buchkoski, Brianna Perry, Kanyon Overdorff GRADE 8

BLAIRSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL Teacher: Stacy Faulk Kylie Jasper

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Kim Covato Sam Colgan, Logan Hoburg

UNITED JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

UNITED JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Teacher: Jim Cawley Emily Akers, Jonathan Bowser, Angel Brendlinger, Alexander Brosch, Taylor Collier, Tori Conway, Mitchell Dishong, Jakob

Teacher: Jim Cawley Alyssa Colo, Hanna Drawl, Ryan Henry, Kalee Hill, Cameron Hood, Marc Continued on Page 43

Archie Boarts, Grade 5, Shannock Valley Elementary School

Owen Lawson, Grade 5, Eisenhower Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 43

3,600 students participated in NIE Continued from Page 42 McCullough, Madison McCully, Symantha McGrath, Ashley Morgan, Amanda Mountan, Alexxis Neuner, Mark Parker, Cory Pollino, Blake Sherba, Abigail Short, Tyler Singer, Maddison Taylor, Regan Tomalson, Samantha Zaragoza, Dalton Dick, Joshua Stephens Teacher: Jim Cawley Hunter Berkavich, August Bevard, Abigail Bojanac, Alexandria Brown, Hannah Brown, Casey Cameron, Grace Clevenger, Anna Dolan, Morgan George, Zachary Heming, Heather Hershberger, Jordyn Kish, Kimberly McCachren, Luke Means, Collin Moore, Erin Nagle, Hunter Overdorff, Ashley Penrose, Karly Reasor, Joseph Turek, Michael Uncapher, Sasha Walls, Alexis Zaragoza, Cierra Zarnesky Teacher: John Dunn Cierra Trindle, Kallista Regan, Jerremy Rudnik, Mykaylah Duman, Madison Marcus, Lexi Brendlinger, Haiden Long, William McElhoes, Ian McCarthy, Avery Magalich Teacher: John Dunn Isabel Fernando, Mason Muir, David Croyle, Madison Roof, Jaslyn

Bier, Tori Naugle, Emily Harr, Marial Bracken, Gavin McCoy, Helena Ault, Derrick Walters, Madison Lewis Teacher: John Dunn Alan Barley, Dawson Brendlinger, Brandi Mathews, Summer Boring, Kennedy Cameron, Haley Baird, Reid Snyder, Kari Henry GRADE 9

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Kim Covato Andy Chen, Luca Covato, Scott McCoy, Austin Meckley

SALTSBURG HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Lauren Cunningham Isabel Satler

UNITED JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: John Dunn Emma Arblaster, Bracken

Michaela

GRADE 10

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Kim Covato Lucy Shao, Kayla Chambers, Jimmy Ye, Jack Marshall

INDIANA AREA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Erik Puskar Isabella Williams

NORTHERN CAMBRIA HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Deb Frontino Lindsey Prasko, Ann Marie Paterno

Martin, Brittany Prugh, Isaiah Sharp

INDIANA AREA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

INDIANA AREA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Teacher: Erik Puskar Hayley Bush, Tiffany Klimkowski, Aleah Groman, Danielle Hullenbaugh, Jasmine Wilson

Teacher: Erik Puskar J.D. Hilditch, Jamie Simmons, Marie Lieb

SALTSBURG MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL

NORTHERN CAMBRIA HIGH SCHOOL

Teacher: Mark Freeman Dominic Beitel Teacher: Geoff Dixon Derek Feiling, Abrielle Okopal, Sam Hefferin, Cheyenne Anderson, River Shingledecker, Andrew Deren, Anthony Lassick, Caylin Carr, Alex Williams, Gina Clawson, Laura McGinnis, Autumn Vincent

Teacher: Deb Frontino Autumn Wise, Zoey Gailey, Megan Yuhas, Holly Thomas, Emily Mason,

WEST SHAMONKIN JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Glenda Brewer Anna Longwell GRADE 11

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Kim Covato Rachel Covato, Joel Knupp, Caleb

SALTSBURG HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Mark Freeman Katherine Traegar Teacher: Lauren Cunningham Teresa Shields, Kassidy Richards Teacher: Cara Coulter Zac Zadjel GRADE 12

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY Teacher: Kim Covato Hannah McConnell

NORTHERN CAMBRIA HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Deb Frontino Sara Fisanick, Charissa Mason, Kylie Chuhran, Hannah Tibbott, Anthony Frontino, Angela Frontino, Patricia Sheredy, Jason Wise

SALTSBURG MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL Teacher: Mark Freeman Brooke Shindledecker, Alissa Simons, Dylan Shearer, Samantha Cicio Teacher: Geoff Dixon Kaleen Stewart, Darren Weber, Kayla Collello, Samantha Buchinsky, Ashley Demase, Alissa Simons, Dylan Shearer, Brooke Shingledecker

SEEDS OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Teacher: Caroline Killam Veronica Mears

Logan Wargo, Grade 4, Northern Cambria Elementary School

Miranda Pounds, Grade 5, Calvary Baptist Academy

44 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

The best stories are filled with characters that grab your attention, spark your imagination and take you on a thrilling adventure.

Characters like Harry Potter, Tom Sawyer and Cinderella become childhood friends.

This year, the third-grade students were asked to talk about their favorite characters by answering the question, “Tell us about a book character you would like to meet and why.”

Here are their answers:

FIRST PLACE BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY (Deb Horvath) ISABELLA YUHA I would like to meet Isabelle from “Isabelle Dances into the Spotlight.”

I like Isabelle because she never gives up on herself.

I like how she tries hard and then she finally gets it.

Sometimes she is not very trustworthy of her sister because her sister said, “Isabelle, you can do it!” but then she said she can’t.

I also like how Isabelle dresses because I like how most of her clothes have ruffles.

Plus, I like the way her pants stand out of the picISABELLA tures. I would like Isabelle to teach me how to dance YUHA like she does.

I think she dances amazing!

After I read this story, it kind of inspired me.

I would like to ask her if she was nervous when she tried out for “The Nutcracker,” and I would also ask if she was nervous and scared when she went to her new school.

Sometimes when I look at the book I think Isabelle looks like me.

Would you like to meet Isabelle too?

SECOND PLACE EAST PIKE ELEMENTARY (Diana Bennett) QUEEN WIGFALL I would love to meet the creator of the Percy Jackson books, which is Rick Riordan, because he has a creative style and a talented mind that I love.

When I saw the movie, I was wowed and blown away by his creation. He gave me the idea to do something creative like QUEEN that. I’m 8 and I think I have WIGFALL great taste in books.

The book that I’m going to be doing is called “Percy Jackson, the Wonderful Times.” If you get a chance to see my book, I hope you will love it and enjoy it too, because it will be a lovely dream.

THIRD PLACE (TIE) BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY (Ed Kocinski) THOMAS KAUFFMAN I would like to meet Jack and Annie from the “Magic Tree House” book series by Mary Pope Osborne.

Jack and Annie found a magic tree house that can take them places in time.

They have been in places that have changed history forever. The magic tree house is made out of wood and has a rope ladder. I would like to go on an adventure with them.

If I could I would want to THOMAS go to Gettysburg in 1863 and see a battlefield with no KAUFFMAN one fighting. I would also like to see how many books the tree house has.

In every book I have read, the tree house is full of books. I have admired Jack and Annie’s feelings while reading.

I like how Jack and Annie never give up on their mission, no matter how hard it is. They get their missions from Morgan LeFay and Merlin the Magician. The people that help them on their missions are Teddy and Kathleen.

If I could ask Jack and Annie a question, I would ask them how many missions they’ve been on. I have read almost all of their books, but I have never kept track on their missions. In every “Magic Tree House” book I’ve read, I think Jack and Annie are very smart and unique. So if you read a “Magic Tree House” book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

HOMESCHOOL (Rebekah Rummel) STELLA RUMMEL Do you have a crazy friend? You know, someone who is “different” from other people? The kind that’s generous, strong and rich?

Well, I do, and her name is Pippi Longstocking. She is the main character in one of my favorite books. I would love to meet her. If I met her, we would get shipwrecked on islands together, go on school picnics, swim in the gutter and tell stories. You don’t get any trips with Pippi that don’t STELLA turn into huge adventures.

RUMMEL Another thing that’s fascinating about Pippi is that she is rich and generous. She likes to buy kids the toys that they have been wanting. A very amusing thing about Pippi is that she is so strong that she can run around the house carrying horses and policemen.

She is just the kind of crazy friend who I’d just love to meet!

❏❏❏

BEN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY (Patrick McKee) EVAN WOODLE It would be cool to meet Stampy Longnose in real life. He has an awesome laugh. He’s extremely funny. His jokes are so ridiculous they’re hilarious. Stampy might let me in on some Stampy secrets. In the book he lets me in on one secret and I would like to know more.

MICHAEL TORTORELLA A book character I would like to meet is Thomas from “I Survived the Battle of the Gettysburg War.” I would like to meet Thomas because he is brave, nice and kind.

Also I would ask him how it would be to be a slave and be a Yankee. Thomas is brave because he fought in the Gettysburg War and his side won. I like Thomas because I think he would be a good friend. He is nice because he is caring and friendly. These are the reasons I picked Thomas.

CORA KUSHNER I would like to meet Alice from “Alice in Wonderland.” One reason I would like to meet Alice is to know what happened after that dream. Another reason is to ask her a question. The question would be, “Do you know the names of all the creatures in your dream?” Also, I would like to know about her life. One more reason I would like to meet her is to know what kind of party she went to. I think it would be awesome to meet her.

(Edward Kocinski) ZOE VICKHOUSE Rapunzel is an amazing person. She is the best character from “Tangled.” Rapunzel has magic hair that is super long. By the way, her magic is healing magic. She doesn’t cut her hair because she will lose her magic. Her hair glows when she sings. Rapunzel’s hair is how she heals people.

If she cuts her hair, she won’t be able to heal anyone or anything! Rapunzel is very caring and helpful to other people. If someone needs help she will help them. If someone is mean to her, she is still very polite to them. She wears a dress of my favorite colors, pink and purple! I like how she celebrates her birthday with a flying lantern, but why does your hair lose its power if you cut it?

PHILIP BELL Squanto would be the best person to meet. Squanto is a character from a book.

Squanto is a very famous Native American from America. Squanto meets someone who is English and he is a good guy. But when his friend goes over he fools the Indians to come over and sells them as slaves. I would like to meet Squanto because he could help me hunt and fish. He could help me catch a huge fish by telling me what kind of bait it likes and stuff like that. Another reason why I’d like to meet him is that I’d like to go back in time and see his tribe and how they made coats. They lived in the Wampanoag with his family. Last, I’d like to meet him because I could go back and meet

his friends and family. I could meet his mother, father, brothers and sisters. Maybe I could meet the chief of the tribe! If I could meet him it would be unbelievable. Maybe he could tell me about everything and everyone there! Guess what? I’m going to tell you what he looks like! He has a feather on his head with long hair and he’s as tan as a deer!

Wow, it would be unbelievable to meet Squanto! Thank you for reading my story.

MORGAN ADAMSON One of my favorite characters of all time is Squanto the Indian. Squanto was a part of several books but my favorite one is “Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims.” I decided to choose Squanto because he is a part of our most important and interesting history.

Squanto was a big help and was a part of the Wampanoag tribe. Squanto was kind by being nice to people even though they treated him very badly. Squanto had a lot of know-how when it came to hunting and animals. He even skinned his own animals. I would like to ask Squanto why he is also known as Tisquantum.

Squanto was very tan, he was as tan as a deer. If Squanto was living today, he would be very old. He was born Nov. 30, 1622, and he died in Burial Hill in Plymouth, Mass.

Squanto was a Christian. If I could talk to Squanto I’d ask him how life was as a slave.

Squanto had bravery, strength and, most importantly, loyalty and kindness. Squanto had bravery when trying to tell the English that no one should treat him that way.

Squanto had strength by carrying heavy things while he was a slave. Squanto showed loyalty by remembering his caring and loving family. I think you should learn all about Squanto because he is a very interesting person to learn about and a great role model.

(Angela Petroff) TAYLOR WOOD If I could meet a character from a book it would Little Willy from “Stone Fox.” He loves his grandfather and takes care of him. He also takes care of the crops and buys medicines for grandfather. There is something else he does that is very special. Willy can tell what grandfather is saying with his fingers.

Willy can respond to grandfather with his fingers. He also helps the dog Searchlight know the track by heart when he’s training for the sled dog race. This is why I want to meet Little Willy.

JACOB KILLAM If you know who Erin Hunter is, you will probably know what I’m talking about. I would like to meet Jayfeather from “Warriors.” I would want to meet him because he is blind but can track just as well (better) than any other cat. I also really like him because he’s grumpy, he’s smart, he’s a kitty and was rascally as a kitten. Some things that are interesting about him is he’s a medicine cat, so he knows all the herbs and he can travel into other cats’ thoughts because he has “the power of the stars.” I’d advise you, too, to read “Warriors” and I’ll bet you’d also like to meet Jayfeather.

Continued on Page 45

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 45

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 44 JOEY BAUNOCH Book characters can be important or unimportant. I decided to choose a kind of medium person. I chose Henry Alden because he is the oldest of the Boxcar Children.

I am the oldest of my sisters. We could do so much together!

First off, I could introduce him to Austin, Korbin and Jacob. Next, I could tell him about Pokemon. I could also show him Maizie and Teagan, my sisters.

Henry Alden is a great book character. I just told you why.

(Deb Horvath) GABRIEL KENNING Have you ever heard of a flying horse? It would be called a pegasus. Pegasuses are only in Greek mythology.

Yet in Percy Jackson and “The Titan’s Curse” by Rick Riordan, such creatures live.

Blackjack is a raven black pegasus with huge wings. If I were to meet him, I would ask how he could fly so fast.

I would ask him this because in the book “The Titan’s Curse,” it is said he could fly at 100 miles per hour. I would also ask him how he has feathers and fur on his body. Is he a mix of a bird and horse? Or did he grow wings?

If he did grow wings, how did he grow them? I would also ask him if his wings ever bothered him. If he sleeps in a stable, how do his wings fit? Does he fold his wings down? Or do they just disappear? That is why I would like to meet Blackjack the pegasus.

LUCY POWERS Have you ever wanted to meet a talking bear? Well I have! Do you who Paddington is? Well if you don’t, here’s who he is.

Paddington is a talking bear who was born in Darkest Peru.

He now lives at 32 Windsor Gardens in England with the Browns.

The reason I want to meet him is he’s a talking bear! Who wouldn’t want to meet

him? I also want to know how he gets into so many messes.

Like when he dropped a marmalade sandwich on a man’s head in the theater.

Wouldn’t you want to meet Paddington?

SOFIA WIGGINS Have you ever heard of Little Willy from the book “Stone Fox”? Well if you haven’t, Little Willy is the main character in the book.

In the story he and grandfather have a potato farm.

In the middle of the story grandfather gets really ill. Now it is up to Little Willy to take care of the farm. When he comes back from school there is a man standing at the door with a gun. Little Willy finds out why the man was standing there. It was because grandfather didn’t pay his rent and he owed $500 for the rent.

Later, Little Willy entered a race for $500 and that was exactly why he entered the race. I would like to meet this character because he is really nice. He loves to race or watch races and so do I. Also, Little Willy has a dog named Searchlight and every day after school he races to his house with Searchlight.

Also, Little Willy has good reflexes. He is really fast on his sled. Whenever Searchlight sees the house he takes all of his speed and runs faster and faster. Little Willy is just the best character ever. I think he should be your favorite character too. Every morning Little Willy feeds his grandfather oatmeal mush because everyone else in the house can’t cook. Well, it was nice writing this story and you reading it.

(Shannon Tokar) KATE LEHMAN It was a rainy day and I was looking for something to do. All of a sudden, Harry Potter appeared beside me!

He said, “Would you like to come to Hogwarts with me?”

I had always wanted to meet Harry Potter and his friends because he’s a hero in the magical world! He saved the people in that

world. Also, he was the only one to survive the Killing Curse! Another reason is, he was the youngest seeker in a century! I think it would be outstanding to play Quidditch with Harry Potter.

JAYDEN LEARN I would like to meet Geronimo Stilton because I think to be in his world or go on one of his adventures would be great. I would like to figure out who the peculiar pumpkin thief is. I think it would be spectacular to be a secret agent.

Or, to become a samurai! Or even to figure out an Egyptian mystery would be cool. I would like to do all of those things.

That is why I want to meet Geronimo Stilton.

ISABELLA BRUNETTO Have you ever wanted to meet a book character? Well I have! One of the book characters that I have always wanted to meet is Charlotte from “Charlotte’s Web.” I would like to meet Charlotte because I would like to see what she would think of me. The other reason is because I want to see what she would write in her web about me.

I hope it would be something good! Also, it is one of my favorite books. I love the book “Charlotte’s Web”!

(Laura Wissinger) CHARLOTTE CAMP Have you ever heard of a fairy named Tinker Bell? If not, I’ll tell you! I would like to meet Tinker Bell because my dad has been collecting the books of Tinker Bell for me for a long time.

He reads me three chapters every night. I’ll tell you some things about her life. Her life is quite amazing. First off, she’s a fairy. Not just any fairy. She likes to collect human things then fix them. Then she brings them back to the place where all the fairies are.

She gives them to two of her friends. They fix it then give it back to Tink. From there on she takes to little kids’ windows. Then the little kids enjoy their gifts Tink gave them.

After that, she would go home. I’m going to tell you something I would do with her.

First, she could put some of her fairy dust on me. Then she could teach me how to fly.

After that, she could take me to where she lives. Last, she could show me and introduce me to the other fairies.

Then, we could play some fairy games. I would have a monumental time. If you want to find more you should read the books!

DELIA SALSER Have you ever read the story “Charlotte’s Web”? Well, if you have you will recognize this character. If you haven’t I recommend that you should read it.

I picked the character Wilbur. I would want to meet Wilbur the pig because he is a loyal, trustworthy friend. If he makes a promise he always keeps it.

If I would meet Wilbur, I would meet him at Zuckerman’s farm. He would talk about all the other animals in the barn, including the spider named Charlotte. We would play and run around the trough.

We would also have some fun sneaking up on Templeton the rat. We would talk with Joy, Aranea and Nellie, Charlotte’s babies that stayed at the barn.

At the end of the day, we would say goodbye and we would look forward to playing with each other tomorrow.

ADDISON TOY I gave my character some thought and came up with Skippy Jon Jones. Skippy Jon Jones is a dog and likes to pretend to be things.

His mom wants him to settle down but he doesn’t. He always gets in trouble and his mom doesn’t like it. He acts like a dinosaur. I want to meet him so I can see what he looks like in real life.

I want to see if he knows how to swim, so we would go to the YMCA. We will go get ice cream. I really want to meet him and you would too.

Continued on Page 46

Kristin Richards, Grade 6, W.A. McCreery Elementary School

Luke Winters, Grade 5, Rayne Elementary School

46 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 45

BLAIRSVILLE ELEMENTARY (Susan Dunlap) REBECCA MATOUS If I could meet any book character ever I would choose Emily from my favorite book called “Amulet.” I want to meet her more than ever because she is brave and loyal and her book is the best! I love her even more than Peter from “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” which is a total #2.Judy Blume is a great author. Basically Emily moves away to a house that once belonged to her grandfather who had a lab in the upstairs of the house. Emily finds a necklace and it goes on from there. Anyway, it’s a really cool book and that’s why I want to meet Emily.

ALEXANDER CRIBBS I would like to meet Percy Jackson. I will you why. For one thing, he is my favorite character from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and the Heroes of Olympians series. He is also a child of one of the big three: Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. He is a son of Poseidon, the sea god. He has powers like theirs: Personal hurricane, fuse water as a weapon, and power to talk to horses. He is also very kind, loyal, helpful, smart and fun. For a second thing, he is a good friend. That is why I want to meet Percy Jackson.

MEADOW WANO The book character I would like to meet is

Crace Tomas. I would like to meet her because she is always ready to stir up something sweet and tasty, like a croissant or a macaroon!

Another reason is because she opens a French bakery in France and she is inspired by her grandparents’ bakery in the USA. My last reason is because she is an inspiration to all girls and she is fun, creative and won’t give up! Grace has brown hair with blue eyes and looks fantastic. That is why I want to meet Grace Tomas.

(Hope Staats) BAILEY DUNLAP I’ve read a book called “Stranded” and my favorite character is Vanessa! I like her the most because she is the leader, says her friends Jane, Carter and Buzz. She looks out for her friends. She tries to do her best to help herself and her friends on “Nowhere Island,” as they call it. She is very brave and adventurous. I want to meet her super bad! I would want to meet her because she seems friendly in all three books. I still don’t know what she looks like and I would love to find out! I bet she will be very friendly to me. And that is why I picked Vanessa!

RYLEE KITNER One book character I would like to meet would be Annie from the Magic Tree House books. First, I’d like to meet her because she is my favorite character in the Magic Tree House books.

Second, I’d like to meet her so I could

come with her to the tree house and see all their books and stuff from their adventures.

Third, I would like to meet her because in the books she seems like a really, really nice person from just those books and even be able to go on adventures with her. That’s why I would like to meet Annie if I could meet a book character.

RACHEL HOWARD If I could pick a character from a book and meet them it would Greg Heffley. Greg is from “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and he is the middle child of the family. But I love to read it and can’t stop. His life is always wild and crazy. But he does have an older brother, Roderick, who is always getting him in trouble; his little brother Manny, who is always doing the same thing; his overprotective mother; his anger issues dad; and his weird friend Rowley. So that’s why I would want to meet Greg Heffley if I could pick a character from a book to meet.

(Jennifer Little) ELI BORBONUS I would like to meet the Cat in the Hat. I would like to meet the Cat in the Hat because he is funny, cool and crazy! This character is from “The Cat in the Hat.” I would also like to meet him because I could watch him do his tricks and show me his pets Thing 1 and Thing 2. This character would probably be amazing! I would probably clap and clap after he was done with his acts. I would like he could clean up after himself

after he is all done with his tricks. I would like to run around with his tamed pets Thing 1 and Thing 2 outside playing tag or chase. I would definitely want to meet the Cat in the Hat! EMERSON SKIRBOLL I would like to meet a girl named Minty in a book called” The Secret Tree.” I want to meet her because she loves to roller skate and she loves roller derby. Her roller derby name is Minty Fresh. I think that’s a cool name. Her dad and her friend Raymond spy on people’s houses to find out their secrets.

She and Raymond are sly. Also, she has tons of friends. Her two best friends are probably Raymond and Paz. Paz roller skates, too. Her roller derby name is Pax a Punch. Those are the reasons why I would want to meet Minty.

One last thing: I would rate her 4? stars. Now, that is why I want to meet her.

EMILEE STAATS I would like to meet Greg Heffley in the book “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” I would like to meet him because he is a great person in the book. He always says stuff in a funny way. He is funny when he does not like things that his family does. He says stuff that he likes but his family doesn’t. His brother Roderick and Manny are funny. But I like Greg better. I only read two of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and I still like them. I really want to read more of them. You should try reading them.

Continued on Page 47

Sydnie Nicewonger, Grade 4, Saltsburg Elementary School

3rd

Emma Kwisnek, Grade 6, Homer Center Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 47

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 46

CALVARY BAPTIST ACADEMY (Diane Burbank) SARAH COVATO I would like to meet Sarah Whitcher from “Sarah Whitcher’s Story.” She’s really creative. She’s really brave. She slept with a bear! She thought a bear was her dog! She held out flowers and the bear ate them.

WYATT ACKERSON I would like to see Abraham Lincoln. He is very tall and nice. Billy Brown was his neighbor. In 1864, Billy Brown made a trip to Washington to see the president. He read about the war and learned that some people blamed Mr. Lincoln because it lasted so long.

COLIN OAKS I would like to meet Zoey’s papa. He was a slave. He planned to escape on the Underground Railroad. In the beginning it was sad. In the end it was exciting because they were free.

EAST PIKE ELEMENTARY (Diana Bennett) ALAINA MEARS I wish I could meet Beverly Cleary. She wrote one of my most favorite books. She wrote “Socks”! I don’t mean the kind you wear on your feet, I mean Socks the kitten. I wonder how she comes up with all of the events in the story? I like how she gives all of

those descriptions and details. “Socks” is about a little black kitten with a white upside-down triangle on his chest, and tiny white paws that look like socks. Beverly Cleary makes millions of books. I am serious, I can’t stop reading her books. I renewed “Socks” five times. I think Beverly Cleary should keep on writing good books.

EMMA MASENGALE If I had the chance to meet one storybook character, I would want to meet Pippi Longstocking. One reason why I would choose Pippi is because she is very adventurous and she tells good stories. Although some of her stories are tall tales, they are still fun and interesting stories to listen to. Another reason why I would choose Pippi is because she’s brave. For example, in one of Pippi’s books, at the fair, she decides to fight the strongest man in the world. The funny thing about that is she wins! Pippi has her own way of doing things and she’s never afraid of a little competition. Although she isn’t always the brightest, she’s still unique in her own very special way. That is why Pippi would be my character.

BRADLEY SHEAD If I were to choose a storybook character, I would pick the Cat in the Hat, because he would take me all around the world in his flying machine. He would take me to a weird world and probably eat a lot of cake. I would go to his house and see Thing One and Two. I would get to see his big red hat. He would

take me into a beehive, wolf den, and I would get to see the life of a wolf. Would you like to meet the Cat in the Hat? (Heidi Higbee) TRISTAN REDINGER I want to meet Dumbledore from “Harry Potter” because Dumbledore protected Hogwarts from Voldemort and he has the strongest wand in the books.

Here are three reasons. My first reason is that he is trusting to others. My next reason is that he is caring. My final reason is that he is brave.

This is why I want to meet Dumbledore, because he is brave, caring and trusting to others.

MARINA CONJELKO My character is Hermione from “Harry Potter.” Hermione is brave, nice, cool and she always gets her work done. She goes into places that would be scary. Hermione is always with her friends, especially when something bad is happening. She is a great character. Hermione can go back in time with her time turner to make things right.

She always knows what to do. She is a great wizard. She knows how to cast spells with her wand. Hermione has a good and cool wand. Those are just a few reasons why I like her character.

ANTHONY KOWCHUCK I want to meet Humphrey from “Friendship According to Humphrey.” He teaches us about being a good third-grade friend. He

also teaches us life lessons and he is a talking hamster. He also understands people when they are talking to him. In room 26, his third-grade friends like to play with Humphrey. They also get to take him home on the weekends. I would like to take him home, too! That is why I want to meet Humphrey.

(Hollee Jones) COLTON JARVIE I would like to meet Dr. Seuss. He is smart and funny. He comes up with good ideas for books. He makes great books that are funny.

He wrote “The Lorax” book with crazy ideas and characters to entertain kids.

If I could meet a book character, it would be Dr. Seuss.

JOCELYN EMROCK I would like to meet Benjamin Franklin.

He is a very interesting guy. He was very loyal to our country. He is very courageous.

He also discovered electricity. He was a Quaker that did not believe in war. He invented a lot of things like the Franklin stove, lightning rod and a lot of other things. He was also on the $100 bill. That is why I want to meet Benjamin Franklin.

JADYN BALL I would like to meet Junie B. Jones. She is very funny because she does not speak proper English and she makes up words. She dresses cool because she wears tutus and her pajamas to school.

Continued on Page 53

Skyler Lutman, Grade 6, Blairsville Middle School

48 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

NIE contest winners for the best photos BEST NEWS PHOTO

1st J.D. HILDITCH

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 11

2nd TIFFANY KLIMKOWSKI

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 12

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 49

NIE contest winners for the best photos BEST NEWS PHOTO

3rd HAYLEY BUSH

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 12

Randela Alburadi, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

Caroline Albert, Grade 4, Eisenhower Elementary School

50 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

NIE contest winners for the best photos BEST FEATURE PHOTO

1st HAYLEY BUSH

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 12

2nd J.D. HILDITCH

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 11

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 51

NIE contest winners for the best photos BEST FEATURE PHOTO

1st HAYLEY BUSH

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 12

BEST SPORTS PHOTO

THIS PHOTO was taken at Grove Chapel Lutheran Church.

3rd TIFFANY KLIMKOWSKI

Indiana Area Senior HIgh Grade 12

52 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

NIE contest winners for the best photos BEST SPORTS PHOTO

2nd JAMIE SIMMONS

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 11

3rd TIFFANY KLIMKOWSKI

Indiana Area Senior High Grade 12

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 53

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 47 She’s always exaggerating, like when she lost her mittens and said someone stole them. If I could meet a book character, it would be Junie B. Jones.

(Natalie McKee) CASSIE BOYER I would like to meet Annie from “Magic Tree House.” I would like to meet Annie because she is brave. I like her being brave because if I could, I would go on an adventure with her. A second reason is she likes adventures. I like adventures. The adventure I would like to go on is a pirate adventure. Finally, she is kind. I respect that quality because she would be a good friend. She would treat me how I want to be treated. We would have fun together. That is why I want to meet Annie.

CELINE MUKEBA The book character I’d like to meet is Martin Luther King Jr. I’d like to meet him because he changed the laws and our rights peacefully. For example, his famous speech “I Have a Dream” changed the laws. Another reason I want to meet this character is because he did not use violence to change the laws. He peacefully changed them. Finally, I want to meet Martin Luther King Jr. because I want him to teach how to understand that violence is not going to change anything.

Peace is the way.

JAMES MILL If I could, I would love to meet Dan C. I

would love to meet this adventurous kid because I love adventures and Dan C. goes on the biggest adventures ever (I think). I also like Dan C. because he collects stuff (such as baseball cards) and baseball is my favorite sport. He also collects other stuff (such as coins and weapons). One more reason I would like to meet this amazing guy is because at the end of the book he is nice to his sister, and I need to work on that. In closing, I think it would be neat to meet Dan C.

HOMESCHOOL (Kristin McKelvy) AVA McKELVY I would want to meet Annie from the Magic Tree House books. She and her brother travel back in time to different places to visit dinosaurs, knights, ancient Egyptians, pirates and more. It would be my dream to travel in time with them. I would ask them to take me to the time of the dinosaurs to see all sorts of things and fly on the back of a dinosaur.

(Jen Sleppy) MACEY SLEPPY I would like to meet the character Farley Hatcher, from the books by Judy Blume. He is a 5-year-old little boy whose friends call him “Fudge.” If they don’t call him Fudge, he will kick them. He is a very funny boy. This is what makes him funny: He ate two flower petals and a turtle. He wants to be a bird.

One time he jumped off the jungle gym and Kassie Mikita, Grade 5, Shannock Valley School

he knocked out his two front teeth! That must have hurt! Fudge has a bird named Uncle Feather. If I had a bird, I would name him Feathers. I would like to meet Fudge because he is very funny just like me.

MOLLY SLEPPY I would like to meet the character Logan Sweet from the book “The Candymakers,”

by Wendy Mass. Logan is a nice boy. He makes people smile by saying good morning to the people in the factory. He tastes the candy to make his dad happy. His dad thinks he has a gift as a candy taster. Logan lives in a candy factory. I like him because he is homeschooled like me. He likes to eat oatmeal bars in the morning. He has blond hair.

He is a very fast runner. He is fast as lightning! I would like to meet Logan Sweet because he lives in a candy factory and he is a very nice boy.

W.A. McCREERY ELEMENTARY (Katie Proch) McKENNA McCAUSLAND The character I would love to meet is Amelia Bedilia from “The Dream Bike.” The first reason I would like to meet Amelia is because she is different from other people.

Amelia is different from other people because she works at Pet’s Diner and she is only 10 years old. She also is different because she has her own style of doing things.

The second reason I would like to meet Amelia is because she inspires me, because

she is not afraid to do anything and she is willing to take a risk. She inspires me because she is so outgoing toward other people. She inspires me to open up to the world and be me! The third reason I would want to meet Amelia is because she gets in trouble a lot. She gets in trouble a lot because when someone says something like “it’s on the house” Amelia will say “whose house?” and that is how she gets in trouble. She also gets in trouble because she gets fired from every job. She always makes her dad mad when Amelia’s mom has to correct him because of Amelia. She also gets yelled at when she picks flowers from where she is not supposed to. Those are all the reasons why you would like this story as much as I do!

EVAN RISINGER The book character I would like to meet most is Manny from “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book. The first reason I would like to meet Manny is that he is funny. The first thing that is funny about Manny is that he has a pet pig. Next, he is funny because he is really small. Finally, he has to have a portable toilet wherever he goes.

The next reason I want to meet Manny is because he has a pet pig. The first thing I think it’s cool to have a pet pig because it is different. Next, the pig is smart and teaches Manny things.

Finally, it would keep Manny entertained.

The last reason is that he is smart.

Continued on Page 54 Lakin Baker, Grade 4, Northern Cambria School

54 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 53 The first reason he is smart is because the pig taught him. The next reason is, he can teach me Spanish. Finally, he knows how to use the electric panel. Now you can see how much I like Manny.

BRADY WEAVER The character I would like to meet is Greg Heffley. The first reason I would like to meet Greg Heffley is because he is sneaky. Greg Heffley is sneaky by spying on people, taking things and buying things.

The second reason I would like to meet Greg Heffley is because he is funny. Greg Heffley is funny by writing funny things, by drawing funny things and by screwing things up. The third reason I would like to meet Greg Heffley is because he is wimpy.

Greg Heffley is wimpy by writing in a diary, playing video games and playing in the bathroom. Now you can see why I want to meet Greg Heffley.

(Ed McCunn) MYA LIPSIE The character I would like to meet is Eep, from the book “The Croods.” Eep takes a shower by hitting herself with a stick. When Eep hits herself with a stick, bugs fly off of her body. Eep climbs really well. When Eep climbs out of the cave and up to the canyon, she is at the top in a snap.

Eep is curious. Eep is curious because she wonders what will happen if she goes out of the canyon. Now that’s why I want to meet

Eep from the book “The Croods.”

BRANDON ADAMS The character I would like to meet from the book “Dirt Bike History” is Mike Metzger. I like him because of the cool motocross tricks he does. My favorite form of dirt bike racing is freestyle. Landspeed racing is cool because you can race on dry lake beds and other flat, large areas of land. Mike Metzger has a lot of talent and that is why I would like to meet him.

LILIANNA SEDAN The character I would like to meet is Dr. Adam from the book “Pony in a Package,” by Ben M. Baglio, because he is helping Mandy.

Dr. Adam loves to help animals and I love to help animals. Dr. Adams cures horses when they are hurt. Dr. Adam loves horses and he doesn’t want to see them hurt. He loves them because he sees them every day. Dr. Adam is gentle with Mandy, and I would be very gentle with Mandy. Dr. Adam makes me think of animals. Dr. Adam takes care of horses like I will someday. Mandy is very hurt, so he has to be very gentle with her. He makes me think about animals because he loves animals like me. Dr. Adam loves animals so much, he inspired me to become a vet. He is unique by helping animals. I would ask him to give me lessons. He is so nice to animals. Dr. Adam makes me want to be a vet. I would ask him to give me lessons.

Now you see why I love the book “Pony in a Package.”

(Alyssa Antalis) ALEKZANDER VAGLIA A book character I would most like to meet is Carter in “Stranded.” The first reason I would like to meet Carter is because he is athletic. He is athletic because he can run up a hill in one minute and he always runs and he always tries to stay fit.

Another reason I want to meet Carter is because he is nice. He is nice because he cares for others and he thinks of others before himself and he has never yelled in his life. The last reason I want to meet Carter is because he is amazing. He is amazing because he can run up a big hill in one minute and he is amazing because he can swim really well. The last reason I think he is amazing is because he can make a lean-to. Don’t you want to meet Carter now?

VICTORIA SCHULTZ The character I would most like to meet is Jane Benson in “Stranded.” The first reason I want to meet Jane Benson is because she always wants to help with the work. Jane is helpful because she likes to do all of the hard work. She is always there when you need her. When you are in trouble, she can help.

Jane never gives up. She always keeps going.

She is strong and not scared at all. She will never give up, no matter what. Jane is very adventurous and never scared. She always has a flashlight if you need one. She always has what you need. Now you know why I like this character in this book.

ABIGAIL SAXFIELD The book character I would like to meet is Vanessa Diaz from “Stranded 2: Trial by Fire.” First, I would like to meet Vanessa Diaz because she is loving. I think that Vanessa is loving because she takes care of her family.

She is also loving because she watches over her family. Second, I would like to meet Vanessa because she is adventurous. I think she is adventurous because she went across the beach by herself. She is also adventurous because she tries to go and look at the old boat. Third, I would like to meet Vanessa because she is tough. I think that Vanessa is tough with her emotions because she just walks away. That is why I want to meet Vanessa Diaz.

PURCHASE LINE ELEMENTARY (Leslie Hanley) JOHN ELICK A book character I would like to meet is the Cat in the Hat. I always wanted to meet him because I wondered if he would play with me like the two other kids. He would juggle my fish, and I could see Thing One and Thing Two. We could play with them. We could go on an adventure, shovel snow together and ride on the thingamajig.

One more reason I would want to meet the Cat in the Hat is because he is funny, and I like funny characters.

Continued on Page 55 Katie Duckworth, Grade 6, United Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 55

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 54 I think he is the best because he is always nice to people. That is why I think meeting the Cat in the Hat would be fun.

JALYN BUTERBAUGH I have always wanted to meet Annie. She is in “The Magic Tree House.” I want to meet her because she is funny and smart. She always has an adventure. One time she walked on the moon, and she saw astronauts. She only had two hours of air, and she had to go home. Annie survived on the moon by going into a building and getting more air. Meeting Annie would be an adventure.

BROOKLYN SYSTER A book character I would like to meet is Amy from the Pony Carousel series, Brightheart, because she seems interesting in the book. She seems interesting because she is going to a fairground to play games. One game she is going to play is Beat the Goalie.

Another game she is going to play is Ring the Bottles.

I want to meet Amy because I like the way she dresses. She looks like me. Another reason why I like the way she dresses is because she wears cute outfits. Amy is brave to go to the fairground by herself and to do things on her own. She made me laugh when she rang one of the bottles, because she did a funny dance and had a big smile on her face. Amy is smart because she saved her money to go to the fairground.

Amy and I have a lot in common. That’s why I would like to meet Amy from the Pony Carousel series!

(Dian Matko) KATELIN WOODS I have read lots of books, but one character I would like to meet is Emily Elizabeth from Clifford. She is nice and has a cute and helpful dog. I would ask her how it felt to love Clifford so much that he grew so big that he had to have his own house.

Also, I like how she rides on Clifford.

STELLA MURDOCK I want to meet Camilla Cream from “A Bad Case of Stripes” because I want to know how Camilla felt after she didn’t go to her first day of school. Why did Camilla feel relieved because she didn’t know what to wear to school with those crazy stripes? How did you feel when people teased you?

BELLA BARTLEBAUGH One of the characters I want to meet is Rudy Steiner from the book “The Book Thief.” I want to meet him to know what it is like to have a sneaky friend. I want to know what it is like to be in Germany. This is why I want to meet Rudy Steiner.

(Kerri Mountain) LEEAH PELES If I could meet a book character, it would be Leo Valdez, who’s from “The Lost Hero”

by Rick Riodran, but Leo is in more books in the series. The reason why I would like to meet Leo is because he’s really funny and can control fire.

In the first book about Leo, he was on a quest with two of his friends, Jason Chase and Piper McLean.

They wanted to defeat Gea, Mother Earth, herself. Before the quest, Leo finds Festus, which in Latin means happy. Happy the dragon leads Leo to Bunker 9. Leo is a son of the god of fire and is really good at building and fixing things.

After the quest, Leo showed his friends Bunker 9. If I could actually meet Leo, I’d almost pass out!

SOPHIA MARKLE I would like to meet the characters Jack and Annie. Magic Tree House books have lots of fun and facts. They go on really cool adventures, and they can do lots of magic with Teddy and Merlin. I would like to do magic, too!

Continued from Page 56

Kobi Parks, Grade 4, Seeds of Faith Christian Academy

Maddison Guthrie, Grade 6, Saltsburg Middle High School

Camryn Sacco, Grade 4, W.A. McCreery Elementary School

Katelyn LaBlue, Grade 6, Penns Manor High School

3rd

56 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 55 Maybe someday I will be a magician. It would be awesome if I could meet them.

I love how the words flow throughout the book. Some books are nonfiction and fiction stories. For example, a fiction bok is Abe Lincoln at last! Wouldn’t it be cool if I actually was able to meet them?!

CHARLES EDWARDS I would want to meet Dan and Amy from “The 39 Clues.” Amy is dramatic, and so is Dan. Dan likes to travel to historic sites, Amy sometimes doesn’t. I would like to meet them because I could ask them questions, like why do you always run away from danger, and why do you always argue at the wrong time?

Where was the favorite place you went?

Out of both, my favorite is Dan, because he finds most of the clues, like scrolls with secret writing, hidden rooms, and compartments. My favorite book in the series was “Beyond the Grave,” because they find lots of clues, like that scroll in the crescent moon. That is who I would like to meet from my favorite book.

RAYNE ELEMENTARY (Lisa Nelson) MASON MANTINI A book character I would like to meet is Jack from the “Magic Tree House series.”

One reason is that I want to see if he looks like I think he does. I also want to see if he

Lincoln Kovach, Grade 6, Blairsville Middle School

knows what his next trip is going to be about. Then, I would see if he would want to eat pizza with me. I would also ask him if he wants to go bowling. Next, I will take him to the bookstore and buy all of his books. We might go to the treehouse and go on an adventure. Finally, the adventure we would go on is the one where he meets penguins. I would say, “That was a fun day, but I have to go home and get ready for bed.” I hope my dream will come true.

ALEXIS BIAS A book character that I would like to meet is Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.” I would like to meet Dorothy because I would like to see how sparkly and magical her red slippers are. Maybe I’ll be able to try them on. Next, I would like to see her family and ask them how they felt when Dorothy wasn’t home during the tornado. It was probably scary.

Then, I would ask her if the Wicked Witch scared her or if she thought it wasn’t that scary. My guess would be scary. It would be cool to meet Dorothy!

EVAN MILLER A book character I would like to meet is Jack from the “Magic Tree House” book series, because Jack is cool and he says the right things. Also, in “A Perfect Time for Pandas” Jack snapped out of his dreamlike thoughts. If I saw Jack, I would freak out and ask to get a picture with him and wish I could be just like him. Also, I would shake hands with Jack and never wash my hands

again. I would like to be like Jack because he’s cool and awesome. Also, I wish I could go on adventures with him. Those are all the reasons why I would like to be like Jack.

(Renee Tiesi) AALIYAH WATKINS The book character I would like to meet would be Annie from the “Magic Tree House” books. First, I would like to meet Annie because she is a really important character in the books. Next, I would like to meet Annie in the book “Lions at Lunchtime” because she and her brother Jack have to get away from the lions. I’d ask her if she was scared. Last, I’d like to meet Annie because she is close to my age and she is an awesome main character in every book! We would make good friends. That is why I would like to meet Annie in the Magic Treehouse books by Mary Pope Osborne.

LYDIA MILLER The book character that I would like to meet is Annie from the book “Magic Tree House.” First, I would like to meet her because I think that she is smart. Also, I love how she is funny most of the time. She is a wonderful kid to her mom and dad. She is, because she follows the rules and respects her parents. That is why I would like to meet Annie. She would make a great friend.

VENECIA JOHNSTON Have you ever wanted to meet the funniest character ever? I would love to meet Junie B. Jones from “Junie B. Jones and the Yucky

Blucky Fruitcake.” One reason why I would like to meet her is, she goes to the fair and wins a cake at the cakewalk, and she picks a cake with foil on it. She unwraps it and it’s a fruitcake. She doesn’t like the taste so she uses it like a car seat. I think this is so funny.

Another reason is because she knew what the games were, so she practiced them at home. She used a golf club and a grapefruit to practice mini golf. I would hit a grapefruit with her because I don’t like them. A final reason is because she practiced throwing sponges in her toilet so she’d be good at throwing sponges at her principal. We would have such a good time together!

SALTSBURG ELEMENTARY (MelissaHall) DONOVAN CORRIDONI Have you ever met Harry Potter? Would you like to? I know I would! I would like to meet Harry Potter because I think it would be cool. I would ask him, “Can I join Hogwarts School?” I would like to play Quidditch. If you’re wondering what Quidditch is, it is when you fly on brooms and try to catch a tiny flying ball. Dumbledore seems nice and awesome, so I would like to meet him.

Ron and Hermione would seem nice, in my opinion. I would ask Harry Potter how much work you need to do in Hogwarts. That’s what I would ask Harry Potter!

Continued on Page 57

58 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

The Indiana Gazette’s NIE contests have been

TOM PEEL/Gazette

HASTIE KINTER, right, demonstrated to students at Purchase Line High School how to make pressman hats using a sheet of newspaper during a visit on March 6, 1987.

STUDENTS proudly wore their pressman hats.

Brin Gardner, Grade 5, Blairsville Elementary School

Zoe Mack, Grade 4, United Elementary School

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 59

honoring student-created work for 30 years

IGGY, the Gazette’s mascot, was on hand to congratulate winners in 1994.

TOM PEEL/Gazette

HASTIE KINTER, right, led NIE contest winners on a tour of the Gazette on March 23, 1994.

Xia Kerr, Grade 4, W.A. McCreery Elementary School

Benjamin Coleman, Grade 6, Indiana Junior High School

60 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Kindergarten classic comic winners 1st MEREDITH MASSEY Purchase Line Elementary

2nd JOSEPH MAINS St. Bernard Regional Catholic School

3rd RYAN BELL Ben Franklin Elementary

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 61

First-grade classic comic winners 1st SARAH GENCHUR East Pike Elementary

2nd TESSALYN MASSEY Purchase Line Elementary

3rd P.J. SHELLHAMMER Rayne Elementary

62 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Second-grade classic comic winners 1st HOPE VASQUEZ Homer-Center Elementary

2nd LILIANNA DEVAUGHN Blairsville Elementary

3rd MAKAYLA WISNESKI Ben Franklin Elementary

Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 — 63

“Tell us about a book character you would like to meet ...”

Continued from Page 57 If I would meet the tree, I would ask her, “Why did you sacrifice your branches and leaves?” My last thing to write is this is why I like The Giving Tree.

JAIME LEVENDUSKY I would like to meet the book character Sam because he is cool and because he is nice. He is also silly, funny and awesome. In the “Green Eggs and Ham” book, he wants the man to like green eggs and ham and that’s why I like Sam.

Do you know the history of NIE?

By The Indiana Gazette Did you know the origin of Newspaper in Education can be traced to the late 1700s?

According to the website nieworld. com, the idea dates to June 8, 1795, when the Portland (Maine) Eastern Herald published this as an editorial: “Much has been said and written on the utility of newspaper; but one principal advantage which might be derived from these publications has been neglected; we mean that of reading them in schools, and by the children in families. Try it for one session — Do you wish your child to improve reading solely, give him a newspaper — it furnishes a variety, some parts of which must infallibly touch his fancy.

Do you wish to instruct him in geography, nothing will so indelibly fix the relative situation of different places, as the stories and events published in the papers. In time, do you wish to have him acquainted with the manners of country or city, the mode of doing business, public or private; or do you wish him to have a smattering of every kind of science useful and amusing, give him a newspaper — newspapers are plenty and cheap — the cheapest kind of book that can be bought, and the more you buy the better for your children, because every part furnishes some new and valuable information!”

The program grew nationally in the 1930s and 1940s, when The New York Times and the Milwaukee Journal sponsored programs and provided information and newspapers to classrooms.

Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger, wife of the publisher of The New York Times, didn’t know that she’d become the “mother of NIE” when she filled a request for teachers in New York City to use the Times in the classrooms. While it was not yet called NIE, the program was referred to as the “Living Textbook Program.”

In the 1950s, schools began using newspapers as a nationally supported program. A survey conducted by the Des Moines Register showed that 30 to 40 percent of the students did not read outside the classroom.

In 1957, the national “Newspaper in the Classroom” program first sponsored

by International Circulation Managers Association and later by the American Newspaper Publishers Association, which became the Newspaper Association of America in 1992. The first result of the national program was the creation of three annual graduate credit summer workshops that trained up to 100 teachers each year in the classroom use of newspapers.

During the 1960s, local newspapers started their own workshops to promote the use of the newspaper in classroom.

At this time, more than 100 programs were being offered.

By the mid-1970s, more than 350 newspapers sponsored local programs and the Canadian Daily Newspaper Publishers Association coined the name “Newspaper in Education” as the news program title.

In the 1980s, newspapers were used in classrooms from kindergarten through college. The Indiana Gazette started its Newspaper in Education program in 1985, with Hastie Kinter taking the lead, as she still does today.

The ANPA Foundation (which became the NAA Foundation in 1992) and the International Reading Association joined forces to sponsor an NIE Week each March.

By 1989, more than 700 NIE programs were taking place nationwide, with materials also being used for adult education and tutoring, in prisons, nursing homes and mental institutions.

There are now more than 950 NIE programs in existence throughout the country, with newspapers reaching nearly 40 percent of all public school students in the United States.

Participants in The Indiana Gazette’s NIE program create all of the content within the publication — the artwork on the cover, the feature and opinion stories contained within, the advertisements, the comic strips, and the sports, news and feature photography. This publication was created by them and is printed for them.

Information for this article came from the websites www.nieworld.com, www. nwi times.com and www.nieinstitute. org.

Andrew Adams, Grade 6, W.A McCreery Elementary School

64 — Indiana Gazette NIE Supplement, Tuesday, March 24, 2015

THANK YOU YOU YO U help make this program a suc ccess!

ALSO