The High Post A Publication of Greater Latrobe Senior High School
December 2013
highpostonline.com
Volume 91; Issue 6
The Keystones and you Winter Sports in full effect
Tis’ the Season
Remember a ledgend
Do you believe in ghosts?
Welcome Miss. Welty
2• News
The High Post
Greater Latrobe Senior High School 131 High School Road Latrobe PA 15650
December 2013 Volume 91, Issue 6 Editors-in-Chief
Katie Stallings Maria Yokopenic Editorial Board Connor Belak, Julianne Rosa, Jake Stallings, Anna Ayers Staff Vincent Bonar, Emily Daily, Lain Fisher, Erika Kellerman, Matt Kalning, Anja Lenhart, Abbey Machesney, Olivia Marcanio, Ryan Mattioli, Kayla Murphy, Patrick Murtha, Frances Piper, Johnny Saunders, Amber Smith, Brett Vallorani, Sarah Weise, Ryan Wilhelm Advisors Mrs. Renee Stallings Administration Mr. LoCascio Mr. Ingle Mr. Shivetts
Printed by the Latrobe Bulletin Editorial Policy The staff of The High Post is committed to serving the student body of Greater Latrobe Senior High School. The opinions articles contain the ideas and views of individuals and do not represent the views of the staff, the advisors, or administration in its entirety. The High Post is a public forum for student expression; therefore, any student who wishes to create dialogue concerning an issue may do so by submitting articles or letters to editors in C109. In order to uphold the integrity of the publication, The High Post reserves the right to edit the submissions for grammar, style, and available space. Submissions should not exceed 300 words. Cover Photo by Maria Yokopenic
The High Post
Latrobe Administers Keystone Exams
Lain Fisher, Reporter The 2012-2013 school year has seen some changes to the way Greater Latrobe administers standardized tests. Last year was the first year Greater Latrobe, along with the state of Pennsylvania, switched from the PSSAs to the Keystone State Exams. “Keystones are an end of the year subject based test,” said Mrs. Kuhn, a Greater Latrobe Senior High guidance counselor, “The assessments cover material that is considered to a standard knowledge base. So it is information that can be used in college, work and everyday life.” The exam is broken down into three core subjects: math, English, and biology. The math portion focuses on Algebra I, where students are tested on Operations and Linear Equations & Inequalities, Linear Functions and Data Organizations. The math exam is based on a standard knowledge and understanding of Algebra I and consists of a combination of multiple choice and open-ended questions. “It is important that all students are learning at a high level in this country. In order to do well outside of high school, all students must be properly prepared academically. Even if their job does not seem to require academics, the knowledge you obtain and the ability to ‘think’ is important in any vocational,” said Ms. Fennel, a GLHS math teacher. The math department prepares students to take the portion of the test by reviewing common test material and by
providing additional tutoring during lunches and study halls in the math lab. EWCTC also provides students with extra time to review math to ensure students are well-equipped.“All assessments to assure that our students are progressing and
stay on their final high school transcript whether they passed the state tests or not. It’s always nice to show colleges and employers that you passed the Algebra I Keystone test.” The English portion of the exam follows the same format, including both multiple choice and open-ended questions with material based on Fiction and Nonfiction (theme, literary devices, inference questions, and reading comprehension). Just like the Math department, the English Assistant principals Mr. Shivetts and Mr. Ingel department is taking initiablock off the upstairs S building to make sure tive in order to that students are not interrupted while tak- better-prepare ing the biology Keystones last week. students for the Photo by Maria Yokopenic, Editor-in-Chief standardized test. “We do understanding the concepts practice questions, especially necessary is important,” said constructed response. We do a Ms. Fennel. lot of practice passages; we give It is clear that the them an opportunity in class Math department is on full that is connected with class board with the Keystone Exams material to also practice those by explaining the importance same skills,” said Mrs. Snyof standardized testing. “ It der, a GLHS English teacher. holds students accountable for Mrs. Snyder believes that by their effort in class and it gives switching from the PSSAs, the students a bigger motivawhich felt more like a reading tion to try their best and give it exam, to the Keystones, which everything that they have,” said test students more on critical Mrs. Shannon, also a GLHS analysis, it is better preparing math teacher, “Keystone’s are the students for their future in important to current senior college and career. “We have high students because it will made a good move as we make
the transition from PSSA to Keystone. We are headed in a more effective direction in terms of students being able to get a read on what their strengths and weaknesses are as they take the next step,” said Snyder. Much like the Math and English Exams, the Biology exam will be tested on different areas of the subject: Cells/cell processes, continuity and unity of life. The exam will be comprised of both multiple choice questions and short answers. The biology exams will be administered on the mornings of January 9 and 10 at the senior high school. Those who will be taking the exams will be sophomores and juniors who have completed a biology course. Students who have not completed a biology course will not be asked to report to school until 9:00 AM on the testing days as they will not be taking the exam. The exams display many benefits to both students, teachers, and school districts all across the state of Pennsylvania. Along side of the academic reasons for the new change in standardized tests, it also paves the way for stronger and brighter futures of Greater Latrobe students. “In terms of the future, this is something they need in order to take the next step and leave high school with a diploma that’s been endorsed by the state. They give you an opportunity to really figure out where your strengths and weaknesses are,” said Snyder.
Young Engineers Have Promising Future
Olivia Marcanio, Reporter the program in fall of 2011. His Twice a week, innovative Ken- are very different, demonstratYoung Engineers, a proconcern was within the engi- nametal employees help out ing the differences in the engigram offered by Kennametal, neering workforce, as he didn’t with the program, doing hands neering profession. is a free engineering course for feel as though a lot of young on activities in their different Mrs. Pompelia is the mentor high school students of Greater people were going into the field. areas of expertise. for this program, and has been Latrobe. Every Tuesday and He wanted students to under“I learned a lot about engi- since it’s start in 2012. “WatchThursday during 11th period, stand all aspects of engineering. neering., It’s definitely not what ing students engage in real engistudents in the program get Mr. Cardoso wanted to expose I thought it was. There’s a lot neering, pursue and progress is a better understanding of the students to the multiple career more marketing involved than the best part of being a mentor,” profession through multiple fields included in engineering. I thought. What engineering said Mrs. Pompelia. aspects. “Young Engineers is ba- In the Spring of 2012, the teaches you to do is think. It Mr. Glamp co-teaches the sically a course for high school first semester for the program prepares you for many different course with Mrs. Pompelia. students if you’re interested in began. Even though the pro- things you’ll encounter. Overall He really lends a hand in the engineering or think you might gram just got going in the fall, I think it’s pretty fun, it’s nice project when they have to make want to go into it,” said Marina and students had already made to get hands on experience and a prototype of a product to sell. Shenouda, a current senior in their schedules for the year, to be able to talk to real engi- “Mr. Glamp is really good with the program. the GLSH administration was neers.” said Shenouda. projects and tools,” Mrs. PomThis is the third year for the very supportive of starting the In the program, students pelia said. program. It operates in semes- program in the spring. have taken field trips to CleveKennametal is good about ters, this being the fifth. Carlos The program runs every land, Ohio and Bedford, Penn- being interesting, and is open to Cardoso, the CEO of Kenna- Tuesday and Thursday during sylvania to engineering plants to change. The program is always a metal, got the ball rolling for 11th period in each semester. tour the facilities. The facilities work in progress.
The High Post
News • 5
Annual Career Fair Offers Opportunities
Kayla Murphy, Reporter
Each year at the senior high an annual Career Fair is held for all juniors. The career fair is focused on juniors, so they have an idea for a career by their senior year. This year the Career Fair was on Thursday, December 12 in the CSC. Students got to explore different job opportunities that they might consider having in the future. At the career fair thirty-five tables were set up, each with a different profession, and professionals from the community to talk to about the perspective career. Ms. Hager has organized the Career Fair for the last twelve years. In the past, there were three fairs a year, but smaller, Ms. Hager thought that it would be better if it was bigger on one day versus three. One of the thirty-five professions was Tangles Hair Salon/ Wig N’ More owned by Kathy Hendrickson, a Greater Latrobe graduate. Kathy attended Votech in a highschool to study cosmetology, then decided to make it a career after she graduated.
Kathy has been in the business for 25 years. Recently Hendrickson has expanded her business to fit the needs of society. Wigs N’ More provides wigs and medical breast fitting for those who have gone through or is going through cancer. “We love helping people and giving them good customer service. It is an amazing feeling know that you can help those that may need it. I have been in the business for 25 years and loved every day, month and year of it,” said Hendrickson. Matt Seremet went to the fair as a senior business student. “I really enjoyed talking to the insurance agents. They gave me a lot of information on how their business works and I thought it was really interesting,” said Seremet. The career fair, featuring a variety of people, jobs, and advice, highlights the community spirit of Greater Latrobe. Each person ‘s communication and conversation gave new insight between the workforce, the school student and the steps in between.
Remembering Adam Program Features Pride of Being Drug Free In late November, 2013, the year’s first participant in the Remembering Adam volunteer drug testing program was chosen from Greater Latrobe High School. Sarah Hice was the randomly selected student. She reported to the nurse where the test was administered. “I was scared when I was chosen but when it was over the nurse told me I had done a good job,” said Sarah. After attending the assembly and watching The Jonathan Morelli Story video presented in homeroom, Sarah decided to sign up for Remembering Adam. Her mother encouraged her to participate so she could honor people affected by dangerous substances. The Jonathan Morelli Story resonated with Sarah. “I like the program (Remembering Adam), but the video was really sad. I can’t stand seeing people in the hospital,” said Hice. Sarah believes Remembering Adam will be effective. “The program will definitely help in teaching kids not to do drugs and those sorts of things,” said Hice. ~Sarah Weise, Reporter
Check out the highpostonline.com to see the latest news going on around the school
Photo by Maria Yokopenic, Editor
Students Amber Reeping, Blake Engle, and Matt Cullen speak with Mark Mears, the GLSD’s athletic and transportation director. Students talked to many individuals in a variety of professions throughout the career fair on December 12 in the Center for Student Creativity. The guidance office planned the event for mainly juniors so they could get an idea of what they wanted to do with their future.
Chain Reaction Contraption Contest Yields Winners
Anna Ayers, Editor The minds of the
students at Greater Latrobe have figured out the code, once again. On December 13, 2013 six students competed in the Chain Reaction Contraption Contest held at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. The event celebrates National Engineers Week and is sponsored by Westinghouse Electric Company, in cooperation with Carnegie Science Center and the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania. This years’ task was to create a contraptition that can communicate a message in 20 steps or more. Each team went through an engineering process to create the “machine.” Teams
had to submit preliminary design drawings and progress photos that documented the evolution of the final product. At the event, the contraptions were presented and judged based on certain criteria: functionality, complexity, and creativity in achieving the task. The team was under the guidance of engineer mentor, Tom Irwin, and GLHS Chemistry teacher, Mr. Richter. After months of preparation and many hours of building, the Greater Latrobe team found the efforts rewarded by placing 3rd overall. The Titanic completed the task by communicating the message: SOS. Heidi Thorne, a junior, recognized the teams’ hard work. “We’ve been meeting and work-
ing since September, and not just to build our machine. We also spent a lot of time preparing a verbal presentation for the judges,” said Thorne. From engineering, to marketing and team work, each member gained more than just an award. Greater Latrobe has a history of winning this contest.
2013 Greater Latrobe Chain Recation Contraption Team Members
Coby Green Ajay Padmanabha Joey Peretti Maddie Ritter Tim Ruppen Heidi Thorne
4• Sports
The High Post
Hoop Planet
Young Team Plays the Game with Spirit
John Saunders, Reporter When a basketball team loses four senior starters and seven seniors in total to graduation, there will be new faces on the court and almost an entirely new team taking the hardwood. That’s what the 2013-14 squad is facing with this season. Although young, some players players with experience. Junior guard Matt Cullen is the lone player who consistently started for the Cats last season. Cullen wasn’t the only player who saw significant playing time on last season’s team playoff squad. Junior guard Chad Kissell, junior forward Seth Holler ,and sophomore guard Sean Graytok, who played as a freshman, all played significantly last season. With the youthful team, 13 underclassmen, everyone is battling for a role on the team. Having a younger team is beneficial, where everyone is working hard, pushing others to work harder, to gain an upper hand. Head Coach Brad Wetzel says the juniors are already feeling the heat from the underclassmen pressuring them for playing time, which he agrees is a good sign. Wetzel says their success will be dependent on how well they run the court against their opponents this season. Wetzel said they will “live and die” by how well they press opposing teams. “We’re really trying to utilize our speed, our
‘weapon of choice’, said Wetzel. Offensively, if they can, they’re going to try to push the ball up the court and ram it into the net before defenses can turn around, according to Wetzel. If they can, they’re going to do that. If they can pressure baseline to baseline, defensively, they’re going to do that also. “We CAN’T get into a half court shootout or half court slowdown game,” explained Wetzel. The team isn’t very tall. No player is over 6’4”, so getting into battles down low with players over 6’4” with the halfcourt game will be tough. Using their speed will help eliminate the mismatches. Certain players will use their agility to their advantage. Cullen has has the speed that will push teams, whereas Kissell and Graytok have their quickness to beat the opposing team with their first quickstep. Junior forward Lane Loughner is one of the “big guys” for Latrobe and Wetzel said his speed will help facing bigger guys. Wetzel said he ultimately wants the defense turned into offense, which happens with speed and quickness. But if he has to, he wants to play half court offense and defense, if it’s needed. The Wildcats opened up the season in the Julius McCoy Farrell Tip Off Tournament going 1-1, losing to the host team,
Farrell. The tournament was a success, the team got to see what winning and losing is like. What it’s like to dominant and get dominated. Inexperience became a word of the past for the team as 13 players got to see time on the hardwood, six for the first on the Varsity level. Loughner and Cullen lead the team in points in two games with 29 (14.5 ppg). Loughner, who dressed for a few varsity games last season, has battled to get into the starting lineup for the Cats. He has already made a difference for the team in the opening tournament at Farrell . Loughner is the tallest Wildcat at 6’3” but he also can shoot. He is currently shooting 78% from the field, five of nine from three point range, and also grabbed seven boards in two games. Loughner will be trying to step up and continue to make a difference this year for the cats. Latrobe will play six games over break, three of which are section games. They will also travel to Penn Hills to play in tournament, a habit of the past. A lot will be learned when school reopens in January. It’s been four years since the nets were last cut down in the gym. Four years too long.
DISCLAIMER:
The team needs YOU for support to come out to as many home games as you can make (and even the away games). BE LOUD, CHEER LOUD. Make it difficult for the other team and cheer the boys to victory. More importantly, come out with your peers and have fun. They’re memories you WILL NOT forget. For upcoming themes and games give a follow
@GLDen2014
for more on the basketball team follow
@GLHoopPlantet
The 2012-13 boys basketball team saw their season come to an emotional defeat in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs to the eventual WPIAL back to back Champions, New Castle, who was seeded number one. The team finished with a 12-11 overall record.
Winter Athletes Give Competition Cold Shoulder
Wrestling
2012 RECORD: 8-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN: Luke Pletcher. Ethan McCoy Joey Russo Ethan Stas Jake Willoschell Jake Shaffer. Dom Scalise Luke Shaffer Zack Zavatsky Dylan Davis Tyler Mears. KEY GAMES: Wednesday 7:00pm January 10, Franklin Regional-state returning grapplers on Franklin Regional that went to states and placed. TOURNAMENTS: Counties, Powerade. QUOTE: “We have a solid team, and we are expected to do big things.” ~Tyler Mears, Junior, 2015. Heavyweight.
Boys Basketball
2012 RECORD (SECTION): 12-11 (7-5) *Playoffs RETURNING LETTERMEN: Matt Cullen Sean Graytok Chad Kissell Jake Puleo Seth Holler KEY GAMES: 12/20 NORWIN 1/7 CONNELLSVILLE 1/10 @Penn Trafford 1/14 HEMPFIELD 1/17 KISKI 1/24 @Norwin 1/31 @Connellsville 2/4 PENN TRAFFORD 2/7 @Hempfield TOURNAMENTS: Penn Hills (12/27 - 12/28) QUOTE: “We have been working hard everyday, and getting ready for the upcoming season. Our goal has always been to win a section championship.” ~Matt Cullen, Junior, Point Guard
Girls Basketball
2012 RECORD (SECTION): 9-14 (6-8) *Playoffs RETURNING LETTERMEN: Anna Ayers Emma Kate Womack Taley Dunaway Rachel Kollar Madison Kollar Jessica Havrilla KEY GAMES: 1/13 HEMPFIELD 1/16 NORWIN TOURNAMENTS: Indiana 12/6 - 12/7, Runner -Up Ligonier 12/27 - 12/28 WCCA 2/8 QUOTE: “This year we are more experienced and with a new coaching staff I think we are all motivated and excited to work hard. To be successful we all need to work together and encourage each other.”~Taley Dunaway, Senior, Point Guard
Hockey
2012 RECORD: 20-3 *Playoffs RETURNING LETTERMEN: Ryan Defelice Ben Douglas Adam Ferguson Dalton Hunter Brenden Johns Chris Johnson Tanner Shaffer Dan Staffen Drew Tonks Nathan Winebrenner Joey Wright KEY GAMES: Erie Prep 12/19 Hampton 1/23 Armstrong 2/6 Bishop 2/13 QUOTE: “With this great team and potential, I believe that we can win states back to back years.” -Brenden Johns, sophomore
Swimming/Diving
2012 RECORD: 13-2 *Playoffs RETURNING LETTERMEN: Brooke Boggio Rachel Boggs Jill Cline Gina DeFrancesco Megan Douds Rachel Douds Rachel Douglas Courtney Kinkead Karley Owens Kayla Owens Monica Sowinski Bailey Tallerico KEY GAMES: Vs. Franklin Regional @ Franklin Regional, January 2 vs. Hempfield @ Latrobe, February 13 QUOTE: "We hope for another successful season and are working hard to do the best we can to improve." -Kayla Owens, Senior
The High Post
Sports
5
Player Profile: Taley Dunaway Q: Basketball has been in your life since a young age, what keeps you motivated to play basketball? The love for the game and I want to be the best player that I can be.
Q: Being successful in basketball isn’t easy, how do you keep improving as an individual? I practice all year round trying to improve on my ball handling skills and my shooting. Q: You have grown up all around basketball, is their one player/ person that you have admired? I’ve always like to watch the point guard of the Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo Q: Knowing you have been so successful already, what is your number one goal for the future? My number one goal is to play basketball in college
Q; Success doesn't come easy, what's one part of your game that could improve? Theres always room for improvement but I would say my weakest part of my game is defense. Q: You have played basketball all of your life, what is your biggest accomplishment you have achieved? It has to be us making playoffs last year for the first time for the school in 5 years. Q: With a more experienced roster this season, what does the team hope to accomplish this year? We hope to be more competitive with some of the teams we have struggled with in the past and contend for the section. Q: As a senior/leader of this team, what do you individually have to
Steelers: Playing For Pride
Ryan Mattioli, Reporter The Pittsburgh Steelers currently stand at a 6-8 record in the 2013 NFL season. The Pittsburgh Steelers are in 3rd place behind the 8-6 Baltimore Ravens and the 9-5 Cincinnati Bengals. This year through the midpoint of the season all Pittsburgh fans could agree the Steelers had their ups and downs to the season. Ben Roethlisberger who has been leading his team to success has passed up NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw for most touchdown passes in The Pittsburgh Steelers organization. Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers all said they will not give up on the season. They will play every game like its a must win. All Pittsburgh Steeler fans know that the Steelers are a rebuilding team and I'm sure the fans and even the Steelers are going to have high expectations for the 2014-2015 NFL season. “The Steelers will be better next year, if they don't prove nothing next year they should get rid of Tomlin,” said Kyle Mattioli. Mike Tomlin who has been
recently fined for his actions during Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens who came away with the win by the final score of 22-20. “I like the steelers because of their awesome comebacks. they aren't always great, but they pull through at the end,” said Coltin Kifer Mike Tomlin was standing on the field during a kickoff return and got in the way of the return man for the Baltimore Ravens, Jacoby Jones, who looked like he was going to have a touchdown off the kick return. Tomlin recently got fined $100,000. The Pittsburgh Steelers may even lose a draft pick because of Tomlin’s mis-step. From what Tomlin has said it was not intentional and that he was extremely sorry for it. Alot of fans are saying the NFL is going overboard on their decisions so the fans are not happy about the decisions the NFL has made for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh Steelers have two final games and they will be looking to make a statement heading into the offseason.
do to help the team succeed this season? I have to motivate my teammates and help them be the best players they can be.
Q: Knowing its your last year playing high school basketball, what are you looking forward to the most in your senior year? It actually makes me sad knowing it is my last year. I love playing basketball for Latrobe. I love my teammates and will miss it. Q: With all the years and success you have had, do you have any superstitions that you use? No. I haven't really believed in superstitions.
Taley Dunaway Senior Point Guard # 33
Brett Vallorani, Reporter
Players To Watch KAYLA OWENS Events: 200 IM, 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly Personal Records: 2:03.11 in 200 IM, 1:04.05 IM 100 breaststroke, 57.17 in 100 butterfly School Records: 2:03.11 in 200 IM, 1:04.05 IM 100 breaststroke Other Achievements: national qualifying times 200 IM and 100 breaststrokes
GINA DEFRANCESCO Events: 500 freestyle, 400 freestyle relay Personal Records: 5:01.72 in 500 freestyle School Records: 400 freestyle relay Other Achievements: 400 freestyle relay won All-America, nationally ranked MONICA SOWINSKI Events: 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle Personal Records: 51.44 in 100 freestyle and 1:51.57 in the 200 freestyle School Records: 51.44 in 100 freestyle and 1:51.57 in the 200 freestyle Other Achievements: top 10 in the state for class of 2015
6 • In-Depth
The High Post • 7
NHS Gives Christmas to Young Children
Sarah Weise, Reporter Every holiday season Greater Latrobe’s National Honor Society works to spread holiday cheer to the community. The NHS organizes a community project every year where they collect gifts for children from impoverished families. The County Children’s Borough chose foster families who are struggling to provide their children with the Christmas of their dreams and collects toys for them by enlisting the help of local community groups and organizations. Once these families are chosen, the participating groups are assigned one or a number of children, depending on how
much the group can provide, to buy presents for. The NHS was able to purchase presents for two children this year. A brief bio about each child is provided to ensure they get the presents they’ve been writing to Santa about. Timothy, a two year old assigned to the NHS enjoys Batman, Superman, and Thomas the Tank. The NHS also received Andrew’s profile, he is a four year old who likes remote control cars and books. A total of 38 gifts were donated by The NHS for the boys and each receive 19 gifts. The gifts were collected by The County Children’s Borough on December 19 to ensure they make it to the families by Christmas with plenty of time to spare. This was Mrs. Kuhn’s first year running the project as Mrs. Pompelia, the past NHS head, was appointed the standing of math department head. Mrs. Kuhn had the community in mind when she opted to fill the position. “I thought it was a nice opportunity to meet more kids in the school. [This year’s Christmas project] is a way to make Christmas a little brighter for families,” said Kuhn. The NHS has truly made a difference in the lives of many children with their yearly project and we can be sure that Andrew and Timothy will have a very memorable Christmas.
Christmas time is busy and stressful for parents. To help ease the stress Junior, Lauren DeAngelo and the Key Club had set aside one night a year to be Santa’s Sitters. Santa’s Sitters is a program where students watch the faculty’s children so they can get Christmas shopping done. Children who attend have a variety of activities to keep them entertained. They can participate in making different things and watching a movie. Photo courtesy of Mr. Snyder
On Saturday, December 14 Miss Sirgey and the class officers organized a Breakfast With Santa at the Latrobe High School Commons Area. It benefited the community and all kids 14 and under. There were arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, donuts and hot chocolate, and movies. Mr. Scaffardi and his oldest son handed over toys to Junior, AJ Padmanabha where they would later be donated to a local charity. Photo by Connor Belak, Editor
Happy Holidays
Sarah Weise, Reporter
The term “ugly Christmas sweater” goes hand-in-hand with the holiday season as perfectly as “presents” or “cookies.” Every year you are bound to see one, whether it be on your eccentric uncle during a family dinner or a stylish hipster trying to finish their shopping about town. Maybe you’ve even been lucky enough to snag an invite to an infamous ugly sweater Christmas party. With these incredibly popular, festive sweaters seeming to be everywhere, what gave them such a bad, tacky reputation? I’ve personally always found them to being charming and fun. Nevertheless, it could be their creepily crocheted Santas, the never-ending amount of puffball detailing and glittery trim, or the boxy santas that manage to adorn almost every one. Whatever dubbed them lame, Americans have thrown caution to wind and started a sweater craze regardless. Now when you walk into a Goodwill, Salvation Army, or even a trendy store like PacSun, managing to find a vintage sweater is practically impossible, the racks picked clean by other spirited shoppers. The ugly Christmas sweater is clearly no longer ugly considering its wild popularity, so don’t be afraid to sport a cheesy garment this holiday season. I know I’m not considering my mildly embarrassing collection of more than 12 tacky threads. My sweater fixation started when a family friend gave me a box of her husband’s old sweaters from the 80’s when she heard I was invited to an ugly sweater Christmas party. Some of mine are adorned with the very cliche, classic reindeers and glitter Christmas trees whereas others just have terrifying patterns that incorporate snowflakes in a variety of colors. Since then, collecting more sweaters each year has become the personal mission of my mother and I. We have even managed to score an “ugly Halloween sweater” that has tiny knitted candy corns attached to little strings in the pockets. My obsession with the sweaters was solidified when I realized that each sweater has its own personality and qualities that make it a unique piece of clothing. In a strange way the sweaters almost seem to accentuate the quirks of the people wearing them. An ugly Christmas sweater is an accessory to your personality so go out and find the perfect one before this Christmas season is over.
May all your Christmas’ be
Tell us about White Connor Belak, Editor your Many Americans dream of a white Christmas. ugliest A white Christmas sets the scene of a perfect Christ Christmas mas, since December is portrayed as a snowy time of the year, in Charles’ Dickens “A Christmas Carol” or sweater!
Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” Christmas is the one time of year that Americans are happy to see snow. “Its got jingle bells on Here in Latrobe, we have a 50-75 percent the collar with red bows chance of having a white Christmas. A white Christmas is defined as having an inch or more of snow on on the sleeves and a the ground on Christmas day, according to NOAA. fuzzy green Christmas The snow does not have to fall on Christmas day, but tree on the front with as long as at least one inch of snow or more stays on lots of sparkles. It’s pretty the ground on Christmas day, we can call it a white bad!” Christmas. Over the past six years: 2007, 2008, and 2011 McKenzie Powell, Junior have been Christmas without snow. The Christmas of 2009, 2010, and 2012 were “white” Christmas. This “Its red with reindeer years probability of having a white Christmas here and snowflakes all in Latrobe is likely according to Accuweather as of over it. On a scale December 15. For a guaranteed white Christmas, travel to from 1 to 10 it’s a 9 on these U.S. cities: Salt Lake City, Utah; Marquette, the ugly scale. That is Michigan; Lake Placid, New York; and Caribou, precisely why it is awe- Maine. some.” This year has been a generally cold December with Tim Ruppen, Ju- much above the normal snowfall for the month. We have a total of 13.1 inches on the year in Latrobe and nior 6.0 inches thus far in December. The 5.8 inches is much above the average of 2.1 so far for the month, “It has a foot- but with December starting out so cold, it will be print with ant- interesting to see if the Arctic air will stay in place and lers on it making allow for a “white” Christmas. Currently it looks like the temperature will climb into a reindeer but the 40’s this weekend Dec. 20-22 before a cold front very poorly put tocomes through the area Sunday night. Precipitation gether” will most likely start as rain and then change over to Ryan Daigle, Soph- snow accumulating up to two inches. On the days omore leading up to Christmas the temperature will be right around “It had teddy the freezing mark. bears all over it. Lake effect snows Like...big teddy may kick in resultbears. My mom loves it, ing in additional snowfall. but I’m like..no!” Kolony Miller, Sopho- Hopefully this Christmas is white more just like all of the movies and songs “Its pink with a big portray them to be. “And may all your yellow reindeer on it and the antlers are Christmas’ be white,” as it says in the popular Christmas Carol “White Christmas.”
blue.” Tyler Mears, Junior
What is the Best Christmas Mopvie and Why?
The Christmas Story because it’s a classic. Sadye Brant, Sophomore
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”- Buddy the Elf
Shake Up Christmas - Train This song made the list because it’s so catchy for a Christmas tune and it’s just It’s A Wonderful Life. Because its about no matter how bad things get, about being happy on the holidays. Santa Claus is Coming to Town if you have faith and believe things will get better. Mr. Marucco , Science Teacher Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi This Christmas jam has always been a Elf. It’s funny, serious, and heartfelt all at the same time. It’s a great classic since we all were young. Plus, flick for the whole family. Springsteen and Bon Jovi collaborating Chase Nemcheck, Sophomore to cover this jingle is the icing on the The Grinch because I’ve watched it a lot since I was little. cake. Izzy Peagler, Junior Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McHow The Grinch Stole Christmas because it was such a touching story. Cartney The one, the only, Paul McCartney. Although, the Grinch’s evil side is so admiring. Char Cole , Senior Wonderful Christmastime is a groovy tune and like he sings, “we’re all simply Compiled by Frankie Piper, Reporter having a wonderful Christmastime.” Let it Snow - Michael Buble What is your favorite Christmas cookie? Let it Snow has always been a classic, just like many other songs on this list. But, it being covered by Michael Buble “I like warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookies.” makes it all the more merrier. Rachel Baumann, Senior Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms “Gingerbread because they are cute and have little faces.” Heres another classic, this one from Britt Bueche, Senior 1957. This is the kind of tune that “Snickerdoodle because they are delicious.” makes you want to dance and prance in Breanna Bihon, Senior Jingle Bell Square, in the frosty air! “The cookies made by my grandmother. You can taste the Snoopy’s Christmas vs. The Red Baron - The Royal Guardsmen love.” Sam Cawood, Senior “Sugar cookies because you can decorate them however you This song is from 1967 and is still played on “oldies radio”. It’s a follow up want.” Liz Findley, Senior “Chocolate chip cookies because they can be eaten in any of their song “Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron” when Snoopy has to fight The Red season.” Josh Smith, Senior Baron on Christmas Eve. After a long dogfight, the Red Baron had Snoopy at Lain Fisher, Reporterhis mercy but instead of shooting him, he offers him a holiday toast. Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John Lennon and Yoko Ono This was the first Christmas song written and performed by one of the Beatles Snow Globe after they broke up. Happy Xmas (War Get a jar with a removable lid (preferably is Over) was the peak of more than two glass with a white plastic lid that sits tightly)- years of peace activism by John Lennon remove the lid and Yoko Ono. You’re a Mean one Mr. Grinch - Thurl Superglue to the lid a miniature Christmas tree Ravenscroft (preferably one with snow painted onto it) Another classic, of course. The Grinch was also a classic movie growing up. So, Fill the jar part up almost to the top (with a ½ why not? inch to an inch left empty) The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole Oh dear, another stinkin’ classic. But Add desired amount of white glitter to the jar that’s okay, because this classic is just the kind of feel good Christmas jingle. Yule Shoot Your Eye Out - Fall Out Close the jar by placing the lid on with the Christmas Boy tree pointing into the jar This song made it on the list because it’s about being dumped around the holidays and how you should care less Shut tightly and flip the jar upside down and shake because hey, it’s the holidays! even better holiday jam! Home Alone. Because every kid dreams of having their own house but in the end family is important. Mr. McCombie , Health Teacher
Do-it-Yourself Christmas
Lain Fisher, Reporter
Frankie Piper, Reporter
See more Do-It-Yourself Christmas Gifts and Holiday Jams online at the highpostonline.com
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Opinions • 7
Do We Remember? Best of 2013
Anna Ayers, Reporter Remember when the Mayan calendar supposedly predicted that the world would end in December, 2012? Remember how instead of an apocalypse, we got something much worse: 2013? In 2013 we saw the deaths of Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela, leaders we may never be able to get to see the likes of again. Terrorism shook the world for another year of heart and gut wrenching evenings as the nightly news airs. The Boston Marathon bombing devastated a city, while the chemical attacks in Syria and the Kenyan Mall attack threatened war throughout the world. Even Mother Nature had an especially devastating year. Earthquakes in China and a super typhoon in the Philippines claimed many lives and shattered millions more. However, as the holiday season surrounds us, it is imperative to recognize and be grateful that the Mayan calendar and the apocalyptic scare we all had this time last year was exactly that, just a scare. Remember how 2013 gave us all something truly great to never forget. Whether it was a story that touched hundreds or one that touched millions, the effect was the same: We may have the scars of the devastation and destruction of 2013, but we were healed by the stories of pure humanity we witnessed. We witnessed the courage of Malala Yousafzai. The Pakistani girl, after having been shot for speaking out for women’s rights and education, become the youngest person to ever be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. I n 2013 we saw the great effects of equality in action. President Barack Obama, the first African American to hold office, was inaugurated into office for his second term. Same sex marriages were performed in San Francisco, California, and in January, the Pentagon ended the ban on women serving on the front lines, overturning a 1994 decision that kept woman from certain ground combat units. The sports world saw an endless streak of great moments in 2013. In Super Bowl XLVII although difficult to see due to a stadium power outage, we saw a 20 year long post-season drought snapped by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and exit Sandman, the greatest closer in baseball, Mariano Rivera, pitched his last ball. Jack Hoffman reminded the entire sports world how important it is to never lose sight of true greatness of the field. Hoffman, an eight-year-old Nebraska fan, was going through treatment for brain cancer when his dream of playing for the Cornhuskers came true. In April, Hoffman not only got the hand off in front of a full stadium, but ran a 69-yard touchdown with the entire support of the team behind him. 2013 showed us that the sports world can be defined by a scrawny kid with a oversized helmet,and an unbeatable passion for life. We witnessed a dream of super proportion come true when ‘Batkid’ raced through the streets of San Francisco, CA to save the city. Five-year old Miles Scott struggled with his battle against leukemia but he never lost sight of his dream: Batman for a day. In November thousands lined the streets to watch Miles save the city from his foes, and as the story went viral on the Internet millions more got to see a true hero in action. 2013 may have nearly caused the collapse of the free world or the downfall of society as we know it, but as the holiday season engulfs us, we must remember what 2013 really gave us. For another year 2013 gave us the power to endure, to dream, and to always remember the beautiful effect of a wish coming true. Remember 2013 for what it was and hope that 2014 can fill its place for what truly can be.
Diary of an Adventurer: Overcoming Fear
Ouija Boards have always been interesting to me; the concept of not knowing what is on the other side intrigues me to find out. Past experiences with Ouija Boards have lead me to believe in things that you cannot necessarily see. A few years ago I was alone in the house with my sister and her best friend who had supplied us with the Ouija Board. The triangle game piece never moved as our fingers trembled to know the answer. Behind us the guitar started off making a humming sound as the strings vibrated. It grew into actual strumming and we immediately turned the lights on to stop whatever was happening. That was the last time I have ever tried anything dealing with spirits, or so I thought. A few years ago I went to my friends party in upstate New York for her sixteenth birthday so it was pretty special. A psychic, her moms friend, was to be attending the party. The psychic, Anne, and I formed a strong bond right away. She asked me if I knew a tall man, thin, with a balding head. I told her yes: my late uncle Johnny, who had just passed a few years ago from terminal illness. Uncle Johnny was who she was talking about. Fit to a tee, she describe his personality: compassionate, honorable, all in all a great man. When he was in the room you knew it. She also went on in detail about his death. I was never really allowed to know about the illness other than it was terminal. Chills came up and down my arms as she talked about him, a man by whom I have never mentioned to anyone, especially in New York. Nobody knows that I have family in New Jersey, which is where he was from. She went on to tell me he was my “spirit guide”, a soul who provides guidance through your life. It was no surprise to me because my Uncle Johnny, who is my pappy’s uncle, was the exact person I was. It was all making sense to me why he chose me. Anne and I discussed who I am. I told her what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, which was to major in English and become some sort of writer or teacher. She looked at me funny and said, “I knew it. When I walked in I whispered to Tina, Kennedy’s mom,‘Who here is the English major?’.” That completely blew me away. I couldn’t understand how she knew. She explained to me that I gave
off a different energy than everyone else did and it was so strong that she could feel it as soon as she walked through the door. She demonstrated by swinging a pendulum (a crystal suspended by a chain) over my hand. It spun out of control which meant my energy was too high for it to work correctly, and she showed how the energy for others was normal and the pendulum had control. We then did past life regressions, where you recover memories of who you were in your past life and why. Me, I owned a burlesque (but we’ll keep this PG). I was a business woman who knew how and when to get things that I wanted. Which is identical to my personality. As we were doing this something came over me and I went unconscious and was not responding. They held crystals in my hand and rubbed them until I came back to it. They said I had been possessed but I had no recollection of the time missing. The last thing we did was play a psychic game. Everybody picked a color of the rainbow and colored an index card with that color. We then laid them face up and were blindfolded. You had to levitate your hand over the card and call out if it was a cool or warm color (blue, green, violet= cool/red, orange, yellow=warm). Out of all the girls I was the one who got 5 out of the six questions correct. It really inspired me to pursue this whole “psychic” thing and it was also another great opportunity to check another activity off of my bucket list. The week I went home, I bought my tarot cards. I learned how to read them and read other people. Honestly, at first sight, these things may freak people out. But I find it so fascinating to find out about yourself on a level where it is more than just words. This is really who you are: your thoughts in your subconscious mind. I highly recommend seeing a psychic to uncover things about yourself that you never thought you would know. Get a tarot card reading, get your palm read, it honestly will be worth the time spent. Lain Fisher, Bucket Lister 1. Follow through with a New Year’s Resolution 2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen 3. Sky diving 4. Be first in line for TFIOS 5. Interview Juliet Simms
Making your Marc It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Olivia Marcanio, Reporter Christmas is a time of happiness to share with those you love. It’s a time to be with each other. Giving to the people you love is totally great. You want to see that persons face light up when they open that perfect gift that you picked out. Those new purple Vans with blue laces that just came out for your brother, and a red pair for your sister. But in the eyes of retail it can seem a little different. Crowds of people pushing and shoving to go shopping. The workload is hard, with long days and long nights. Extended store hours and even longer hours to restock from the day’s damage.The games begin at 7 A.M. and comes to a hault just shy of midnight. In the eyes of retail, its beginning to look a lot like Christmas. When retail employers have to schedule employees at 6 A.M. to get ready to open early for Christmas doorbusters, it’s go time. People want customized products that aren’t typically sold, or atypical services. Putting select stereos into incompatible cars or specialized jewelry. But why? To make that gift perfect. Why do stores do it? To get the business of customers that have to get their shopping done. Without it, sales will decrease and the company won’t make their numbers. By offering certain services like wrapping gifts or giving discounts, guests are attracted into stores. No gift wrapping at Kohl’s? No problem, Penny’s has it, and they have the same product you wanted at Kohl’s, at a cheaper price. Christmas is a difficult time for retail. Corporate quotas have to be made, audits are being conducted. The stores are so busy that more people need to be working all the time. During the night, stores have to be restocked. No product, no sales. With a regular restock schedule of once every two weeks, its being stepped up with shipment twice a week. Christmas is supposed to be a happy, relaxed time to spend with family, but in the eyes of retail; it’s go time. Who can sell the most?
The High Post
9• Features
Sam Friedline Finds Self in Art
Kayla Murphy, Reporter Samantha Friedline, a sophomore National Art Honors Society student has been involved in art for years and continues on through high school. Being in the Art Honors Society for her first year, Samantha got the opportunity to speak for the Art Gala, for the art piece ‘Volume: Mute by Shelle Barron. “Art Honors Society is an honor in itself. I was given the opportunity to make a speech for the Art Gala, it was somewhat nerve wracking to speak in front of the whole school, but at the same time, and it was absolutely amazing, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity,” said Samantha. Samantha got into art by looking at different type of Japanese comic books and cartoons, and realized that she liked to create different things.”I really wasn’t good at anything as kid. Playing video games, sports, even singing. Once I got interested in Japanese comics books and cartoons I realized I wanted to create, create artwork for people that couldn’t and be an inspiration on others,” Samantha said. Although art isn’t that easy, Samantha has been taking art lessons for the last three years to improve her art, so she can get better and be the best she can be. Samantha’s art teacher is Jamie Cooper from Ligonier. Jamie has her own art studio, where she teaches Samantha once a week. “Jamie has dramatically helped me to improve my art from day one. She is willing to teach me
Michelle Kam Expresses Herself What art classes have you taken? Art Exploration Human Figures Fabric Arts How important is art to you? Art is my passion. I view the world with a more “stylistic” look and relate almost everything with art. What are you working on now? Currently, I am working on several “side-drawings”; since I am not taking any art classes this year, I have no big projects/ assignments due. However, I am still trying to finalize my ‘Taj Mahal’ drawing that I have started last year. You can imagine the immense details it calls for! Do you have any plans after high school with art? Not directly. But, I am planning on attending a Fashion school in New York City. I am hoping to incorporate art into business. Have you ever sold any of your works? I have not. That’s because I
rather give my artworks away as a gift, which I have done on several occasions. Whats your favorite medium? I classify myself as a sketcher and drawer. Personally, I like the defined and clean look of pencil drawings. But, sometimes I do like to throw in a little spunk of color to my work. Do you have any art displayed in the school? Some of my artworks have been displayed in the art show. How long have you been interested in art? I was first exposed to art when I was in pre-school in Chinatown, New York. I distinctly remember concentrating on drawing a perfect oval Easter egg. It was a definite challenge for a three-year-old, but I managed. And from then on, drawing with precision was second nature to me. It not only enhances my creativity, but also acts as a stress reliever. Emily Daily, Reporter
Latrobe Welcomes Miss Welty Kayla Murphy, Reporter The Greater Latrobe School district welcomes Miss Megan Welty back to the teaching staff. Welty grew up in Ligonier with her parents and an older brother. Throughout high school, Spanish was always a favorite subject for her. She loved it so much she decided that she wanted a career dealing with Spanish, especially since her Spanish teacherthat she look at a career in the language. After graduating high school, Welty attended Westminster College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and then continued her education at Saint Vincent College earning a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Media and Technology, with a specialization in Instructional Technology. During college, she spent a semester abroad in Salamanca, Spain, living with a host family while being immersed in Spanish every day. While
there, she had the opportunity to travel all around Spain and the Canary Islands. Welty was a long term substitute at GLSD in 2011 when she taught the current sophomores as 7th graders. Toward the end of her student teaching job, she was offered a job in Colorado. Welty looked at it as a great opportunity because she loves to ski. She enjoyed living and teaching in Denver, but she was far from home and her family so she decided to move back to PA. She said it’s going to be fun having the same students again and she is very excited to be back here at Latrobe. She is ready to make the class creative and to get students excited to learn Spanish. “The number one thing I love about teaching is being creative for the students so they can be excited to learn about Spanish,” said Welty.
Movie Review: The Hobbit PART 2
Emily Daily, Reporter Die hard Lord of the
Rings fans have been waiting one day short of a year for the second installment of The Hobbit. This unexpected journey began when a Grey Wizard, named Gandalf, assembled a team of Dwarves and a Hobbit to travel to the Lonely Mountain to conquer the great Dragon, Smaug, and take back the Kingdom of Erebor. The previous movie left off with the Dwarf King, Thorin, and his company finally seeing the first glance at the Lonely Mountain unaware that the dragon was waking from his slumber. The next chapter, The Desolation of Smaug, picks up right where the story left off after a quick look back at how Gandalf and Thorin came to be partners in their quest for all the riches
that Erebor holds, including the Arkenstone. Whomever possesses the Arkenstone is the king of all dwarves, and Thorin has his sights set on it. Gandalf on the other hand has an agenda all his own that no one seems to know. Quite unlike the first Hobbit, the action and adventure begin promptly. In the beginning the company is still being chased by orks into a dark forest where they find a dark magic is looming. Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, uses his cunningness to save the day once again. The giant spiders in this scene along with many other elements of the movie are computer generated images (CGI). Though many people did not like the special effects in the first one compared to the live action of The Lord of the
Rings, the effects and CGI were more believable in The Desolation of Smaug. On the note of CGI and Smaug, bravo to the geniuses behind the great beast. He appeared real down to every last scale, well as real as a dragon could possibly be. The movements and mannerisms appeared to be without flaw and he fit into the scenes seamlessly. The red glow in his belly may have been exaggerated at little but overall it was a nice touch. Director, Peter Jackson, brought back the swift and witty fighting style that fans were familiar with in the Lord of the Rings
trilogy. He has a way of choreographing fight scenes that is not only interesting but it leaves the viewer with a wow factor that not every movie can give.
Mixtape: New Leaf
• “Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked” - Cage the Elephant Everybody needs sleep, so don’t be wicked! Be good in the new year.
• “Wake Me Up” - Avicii Wake me up when its all over, this pop hit is about becoming wiser and older.
• “1901” - Phoenix elaborates on how the past and present don’t matter. Interestingly enough, the artist’s name is Phoenix, which represents death and rebirth.
• “My Shadow Days Are Over” - John Mayer In this hit ballad, John Mayer shows
us we all go through tough times, but through them we can find respect for the good times. • “Bang Bang” - Dispatch This song is about the great feeling of coming to a realization. Changing for the better must start somewhere. • “Semi-Charmed Life” - Third Eye Blind The singer searches for that extra happiness not granted through material objects. In the new year, look for happiness through achieving goals, not through money. • “Tomorrow’s Gonna Be A Brighter Day” - Jim Croce Jim Croce hopes for a brighter future with his lady, as he hasn’t always been there in the past. Through this, Croce shows how he can make up for his past using the future. Vince Bonar, Reporter
The High Post
Act on: Brian Drusky
Erika Kellerman, Reporter Sitting in his office, Brian Drusky is seen in a swivel chair. He checks his email thinking to reply to an artist wanting him to book their band at the Altar Bar. Instead, he receives an email from two anxious journalists asking to meet their favorite artist. He replies a quick “of course” and information about the show. These two girls later would meet Never Shout Never. Many concert promoters would turn the young, novice journalists away. Not Brian Drusky. He thinks of young journalists meeting their goals as much more. Brian Drusky, a concert promoter for Drusky Entertainment, has been in the entertainment business for almost nineteen years, but just seven for his own company. I like to think of him as an activist of kindness and paying it forward. Before Drusky Entertainment, Drusky was a promoter for Clear Channel. He took the chance of starting his own business. He now brings bands to small and large venues such as the Altar Bar, Consol Energy Center,Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead, and the Hard Rock Cafe. He has brought hundreds of bands and artists to the area such as My Chemical Romance, Nickelback, Panic at the Disco, Plain White T’s, Emily Osment, John Mayer, John Legend, Heffron Drive, Mayday Parade, You Me at Six, and Fall Out Boy. Drusky is a professional with a heart. He has the integrity, honesty, and trust that is hard to find in some professionals in the present time. Drusky has supported Latrobe and bands that had came out of Latrobe and Pittsburgh alike. The Rockdown (a charity event that had taken place in Latrobe in the past) had bands booked by Drusky. The bands offered to play for little to no money due to Drusky’s negotiations (The Clarks being one major band). Over the years, Drusky had helped the staff on the High Post to bring bands in for the Rockdown with no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
10 • Features
Erika:: Why do you pay it forward? Brian Drusky: Life is too short. There is too much animosity in the world and there really isn’t any reason not to do it. EK: How do you pay it forward? BD: I like to do good on a daily basis and to make people’s day. If someone needs help, there’s no reason not to do it. EK: What is the most inspiring thing that you’ve ever seen or heard? BD: I have a quote on my facebook. It says, “Your life is made of two dates and a dash. Make the most of that dash.” EK: What do you wish was better about the world? BD: The fact that people would be better towards one another. And instead of more takers in the world, I wish that there’d be more givers. EK: What advice can you give about paying it forward? BD: Try to help people on a daily basis. I’m all about helping people. Try being a good person and help others achieve their dreams and set a good example for others.
Remember John Lennon, a Working Class Hero J Frankie Piper, Reporter
John Winston Ono Lennon was an English musician, singer, and songwriter who rose to such glorious, worldwide fame as a founder of The Beatles, being the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music, generally received good reviews from critics. But when the group disbanded in 1970, he took up his own solo career. After this, he produced the iconic songs “Give Peace a Chance” and “Imagine”. Soon enough, in 1975 he detached from the music business to raise his infant son Sean with his wife Yoko Ono. Although, in 1980 he re-emerged with Ono and his new album Double Fantasy, sadly, the legend was murdered three weeks after its release. Around 10:50 p.m. on December 8, 1980, just as Lennon and Ono returned to their New York apartment, Mark David Chapman shot Lennon in the back four times as he was about to go into the apartment building. Lennon was taken to the emergency room and was pronounced dead on arrival at 11:07 p.m. The icon only being 40 years old. Strangely enough, Lennon signed a copy of Double Fantasy for Chapman earlier in the day. Yoko made a statement the next day that there would be no funeral for John. She ended with the words, “John loved and prayed for the human race. Please do the same for him.” The famous artist’s body was cremated and Ono scattered the ashes in New York’s Central Park, where the Strawberry Fields memorial was later created. Chapman Pleaded guilty of second degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years to life. Now, in 2013, he still sits in jail being denied parole for the seventh time. To some, war is the answer. To others peace
will prevail and John Lennon was one of those people. In the end, when anyone thinks about it, John Lennon was a peaceful man. As Yoko said the day after his death, he loved and prayed for the human race. In the Summer of 1969, at the height of the Vietnam Protest Movement, John wrote and recorded “Give Peace a Chance”. It quickly became a hit and encouraged a large collection of anti-war protests in the late 60’s and early 70’s. At this time, he was an important peace activist. During the 1970’s, the Vietnam war was still under occurrence, and John was the kind of man who demanded attention when he spoke. People wanted to know what he was feeling and his stance on certain issues such as this one. The famous Christmas tune “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” was written to protest the U.S involvement in the bloody war. Protests were largely noticed by the government, Lennon even experienced harassment from the CIA. 1973, he was sent a notice informing him that his “temporary stay in the United States was now over.” But, it was later overruled when President Nixon left office. When you think of influential protest singers, John Lennon was one of the most important. This being one of the many reasons why it was so sad that Lennon was murdered. No one was ever going to be able to hear the man’s wise words again. He was a peaceful, simple man, who was brought down by the thing he opposed the most. Violence and war. Lennon reminds many that everyone is equal, and all we’re saying is give peace a chance. He taught many to dream on and never give up your ideas because with a little hard work and elbow grease, anything is possible. Some admire this legend, including teenagers amongst the student body.
I Met Kendall Schmidt
In 2013, it is hard to find devoted, and honest artists. Some are too self absorbed and others are apathetic. To some, it’s all about money and not their fans. Others are out to “be different”, but stray from being a good role model. Kendall Schmidt isn’t like the rest. Born to Kathy and Kent Schmidt, Kendall was raised in a small town in Kansas. At a young age, he was taught to be a good person, just like every other kid (and young celebrity). He chose to live the life of an actor at a young age, starring in commercials, and later having cameos on popular tv shows such as CSI, ER, Ghost Whisperer, and Without a Trace. In 2009, his big break came by being casted as Kendall Knight on a Nickelodeon show called Big Time Rush. For four years, he sang and danced his way into children and teen’s hearts across America. Carlos Pena, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Schmidt have toured with Big Time Rush in almost every city America and continent in those four short years. Now in 2013, the show has ended and he and Big Time Rush are currently on hiatus until 2014. Schmidt has been a role
model in the eyes of teens and children for over five years. He hasn’t been caught with anything that could shame his name, he participates in charity events, and more importantly, he doesn’t make himself look bad. This means no drunk tweets, promotion of organic eating, and constantly reminding his fans how much he loves them and is there for them. He acts like a mature (okay, not really mature considering he’s a big kid at heart, but mature for a 23 year old) adult. As of October, Schmidt decided to go on a 21 date acoustic tour with his best friend, Dustin Belt as Heffron Drive. Schmidt was excited to get back on the road after Big Time Rush’s hiatus. Acoustic shows are more intimate than huge-filled arenas. The artist is basically ground level with their fans, with little security. Acoustic shows have a somewhat calmer vibe about them due to the fact that fewer attend. The ticket prices for general admission and meet and greet are less in comparison to a floor seat in Consol Energy Center. Kendall and Dustin have opted for fans to be able to have a meet and greet and audience at their soundcheck before the show.
Erika Kellerman, Reporter
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The High Post
Features •7
Paw Prints
Greater Latrobe High School
Zach ruffner
Mr. Snyder
What was your favourite Christmas present as a child? My white hamster named Snowball.
What was your favourite Christmas present as a child? My first puppy. I was four or five and my parents put him in a basket. I don’t remember this but my mother told me I ran down stairs yelling, “I hear my real life puppy!”
teacher
Junior
How did you learn the truth about Santa Claus? I was 13 and my grandma told me he wasn’t real and I didn’t believe her.
Gianna Johnson
SOPHOMORE
What is your favourite Christmas song? Jingle Bell Rock, yeyuuh! Which one of Santa’s reindeer is your favorite? Comet, cause he’s fast.
How did you learn the truth about Santa Claus? What do you mean “the truth”? I still believe!
Emily Porter
What is your favourite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells by Trans Siberian Orchestra
Favorite Christmas snack? French Cookie Maple Flavored Pizzelles.
Senior
What was your favorite Christmas present as a child? My first puppy.
Favorite Christmas snack? Christmas Breakfast.
What was your favorite Christmas present as a child? I got a guitar a good while ago.
How did you learn the truth about Santa Claus? I never really believed in him until I asked my dad if he was real and he said just said “No.”
What’s your favourite Christmas memory? Getting a Mickey Mouse doll with a CD and the CD said I was going to Disney World!
How did you learn the truth about Santa Claus? People in school were talking about him not being real.
What is your favorite Christmas song? Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!
Any New Year Resolutions? To be nicer to people, I guess.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Which one of Santa’s reindeer is your favorite? Comet because he is in all the “Santa Claus” movies.
What is 2014 going to look like for you? New opportunities.
Jingle Bells!
Which one of Santa’s reindeer is your favorite? Rudolph.
Favorite Christmas snack? Fire crackers.
Favorite Christmas snack? Candy Canes.
What’s your favourite Christmas memory? When I used to go sled riding with my older cousin and by the end of the day we’d be beating the crap out of each other.
What’s your favourite Christmas memory? Waking up and seeing all of the presents under the tree.
Any New Year Resolutions? To stop being such an opinionated, judgemental, mean person. What is 2014 going to look like for you? Trippy.
Any New Year Resolutions? To quit procrastinating in school. What is 2014 going to look like for you? Successful, hopefully.
Which one of Santa’s reindeer is your favorite? Blitzon
What’s your favourite Christmas memory? My dad getting gigantic trees when I was just a wee lad. Any New Year Resolutions? To stop making AP U.S History so easy. What is 2014 going to look like for you? Very busy because I’m announcing my candidacy for the presidential race of 2016.
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to make it right. � -Oprah