The High Post A Publication of Greater Latrobe Senior High School
March 2014
highpostonline.com
Volume 91; Issue 8
Remembering Cheyenne Uncapher Students Visit Washington D.C
Creating Art to Wear
Meet Kayla Owens The Ugly Truth About Drugs
#ThatsAwkward
2• News
The High Post
Greater Latrobe Senior High School 131 High School Road Latrobe PA 15650
February 2014 Volume 91, Issue 8 Editors-in-Chief
Katie Stallings Maria Yokopenic Editorial Board Julianne Rosa, Connor Belak, Jake Stallings, Anna Ayers Staff Vincent Bonar, Emily Daily, Lain Fisher, Erika Kellerman, Matt Kalning, Anja Lenhart, Olivia Marcanio, Ryan Mattioli, Kayla Murphy, Frances Piper, Korben Repko, Johnny Saunders, Brett Vallorani, Sarah Weise 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 Erika Kellerman
The High Post
Remembering Cheyenne Uncapher If you take the time to look into someone to find their beauty, I promise you, it will be there. You, my friend, have potential. If you look, you will find. A desk full of colorful flowers in her honor, but students are full of grief and sorrow. Students mourn the loss of Cheyenne Uncapher, a junior at Latrobe. Students comfort each other on the day some thought would never come: October 28, 2013. We should appreciate the kind, rare, and beautiful girl she was. “Cheyenne was never really bored, and she was always having fun no matter what. I love her and I’m not really over her death, but I learn to deal with it,” said Magen Hoyle, a friend of Cheyenne. Cheyenne’s friends, and the rest of Latrobe, remember Cheyenne for her outgoing personality, her benign approach towards everyone and most of all: the smile that brought happiness. Zach Ruffner says, “She was always her true self, and was always friends with everyone, no matter what they could’ve said or done to her. Cheyenne was a true blessing.” To remember Cheyenne and always feel her with you, memorial bracelets were made. Junior, Danielle Clark, created bracelets to remember Cheyenne and help the student body as well. “Cheyenne was the type of person who you didn’t have to talk o every day to know you’re friends, she’s just always there to help and talk with when you need her. She was nice to everyone,” said Danielle. Losing a classmate affects each individual differently. Whether it was a best friend, an acquaintance, or someone you saw everyday. Death influences us in ways that can’t be described. We just have to keep on going. One thing must be learned in this life: be yourself. The right people will love you for who you are and see your true beauty. We need uniqueness, we need people who are brave enough to express their true colors and personality. Someone could have their hair all the colors of the rainbow, be at the top of her class for welding at EWCTC, be the best artist, and have the sweetest soul. Someone who could always make you feel better about yourself and appreciate you for who you are. Cheyenne is remembered for being that someone. Students continue to reminisce in the memories they shared with her and strive to keep her spirit alive. To this day, students, family members, friends of hers, remember Cheyenne for her dignity, uniqueness and ability to make someone smile. Every person is special to someone, you matter. Cheyenne was special to many. Dan Kaser, the Pastor at the Life Church where Cheyenne’s service was held, told the story of when he first met Cheyenne. She told him of her artwork, and her passion for it, as well as her love for welding. Artistic welding was a subject suitable to her taste, as Pastor Dan recalled. She also told him she wanted to study anime in Japan someday. After seeing some of Cheyenne’s artwork, Pastor Dan understood her talent for art. Just before the funeral, The Life Church was brand new when Pastor Dan asked Cheyenne to paint the rec room. He asked Cheyenne, with her creativity to give a hand in artistically designing this room. She gleefully accepted. Being able to paint the room gives her a great opportunity to show her true self with art. Pastor Dan Kaser, who knew her well, presided the
Julianne Rosa, Editor and Olivia Marcanio, Reporter
service: “We want to honor Cheyenne for being the one of a kind, rare person – well – just “simply Cheyenne” as one friend put it – that she was – but we want to do it in a way that honors Cheyenne,” “Whether it was her rainbow hair – a different color for every outfit – because Chey was colorful through and through…Whether it was her wild sense of humor because you never knew what she was going to come up with next…. Whether it was her bravery and toughness…little tiny Chey strapping on the big old welding mask….or trying to lift a pumpkin as big as her…or being the one to run down into the waves to dig out the prized seashell…whether it was her intense love for others…that overrode her frustration with them…determined to care about people even if they sometimes made her mad…Whether it was her helpfulness…her gorgeousness that came from the inside out….her chunkiness, her artistic nature…Cheyenne was just simply Cheyenne…” Even though Cheyenne is not phsically still here with all of us, she will always be here in spirit.
The High Post
3• News
Instrumentalists Excel in Festivals
Sarah Weise, Reporter PMEA’s annual District Band East Festival took place on February, 6 and 8 at Penn Hills High School. Four Greater Latrobe instrumentalists, Chris Nakles, Mara LeJeune, Stephanie Smith, and Carly Lubic were in attendance. Music festivals such as PMEA present challenging opportunities for gifted musicians. Festivals are known to be very difficult within the music department and multiple are hosted throughout the year for interested students. PMEA in particular stands for Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. The PMEA organization is a local leader in choral and instrumental possibilities with their goal being to “advance comprehensive and innovative music education for all.” Senior band member Alura Manning said, “The pieces are very challenging and I admire those who are able to do it.” This year’s PMEA selections included “Symphony 3: Slavyanskya”, “Whistle Down March”, “Symphony Dance No. 3”, and “The Sea Lullaby.” Stephanie Smith enjoyed the festival regardless of the rigorous musical selection.
Smith said, “My favorite piece was ‘Sea Lullaby’ because I sang the choral version once.” Greater Latrobe has many students who participate in choral festivals as well. Lindsay Anna, Sarah Hennessey, Savannah McElhany, Jacob Ballard, Dylan Pal, and Alex Jabbour in particular have been selected to be in PMEA Region 1 Choir, a festival in which they had to audition for spots. For senior percussionist Chris Nakles, District Band East is already the second festival he attended during 2014,
seeing as he went to the District One Orchestra Festival. Nakles was the only selected GLHS instrumentalist for PMEA Region 1 Band. Chris said the festivals are one of the many things he’ll miss after graduating. All in all band festivals are unique experiences for talented musicians who have the skills to excel while attending them. Senior saxophone player Carly Lubic said “I feel special to get to have played with the area’s top instrumentalists. It’s truly a privilege.”
Above are the 2014 PMEA Region 1 chorus members from Greater Latrobe. They are Lindsey Anna, Savannah McElhaney, Sarah Hennessy, Jacob Ballard, Dylan Palm, and Alex Jabbour. To the left, are the 2014 Greater Latrobe students that participated in district band., Carly Lubic, Mara LeJeune, Chris Nakles, and Stephanie Smith. Congratulations to these students who have excelled musically.
Students Recognized as Champions Forensics Team Debating Well Kayla Murphy, Reporter Every month students are selected by teachers for their academic and personal achievements, attitude towards class, and their character. The Breakfast of Champions was started by the Student Assistance Program (SAP) in the year of 2000. The breakfast, held in the faculty dining room, recognizes those high school students. Guests are nvited including: parents, family, peers, guidance counselors, administration, and school board members. Each recipient receives a certificate and keychain while listening to teachers eulogize a new side of the student. The breakfast is held during homeroom and most of first period. Students feel excited and accomplished when they get recognized for their achievements. “Students really do enjoy bringing their parents in for
the breakfast and being recognized by their teachers, it’s a really neat program,” said Mrs. Muchnock. Marque Piper, a student nominated by Dr. Wnek, felt honored to be nominated for Breakfast of Champions. “I feel very honored to be a part of Breakfast of Champions because very few people get picked,” said Marque. “I nominated Marque Piper because she brings a lot of energy and motivation to
class, and always starts my day off on a good note,” said Dr. Wnek. Another student nominated as a champion was Olivia Stas, whose positive attitude emanates and matures. “Olivia always goes an extra mile in class, and has a great attitude. From having in her class last year to having her in class this year, I’ve watched her develop into an outstanding leader,” said Miss Zeunges.
FEBRUARY CHAMPIONS -Kelsey Paul, Mrs. Houck; English -John Showalter, Mr. Rohrbaugh; English -Oliva Stas, Miss Zeunges; Phys. Ed -Erin Wilt, Mrs. Echard; Math -Heather Hartley, Mr. Reaugh; Science -Marque Piper, Dr. Wnek; Science -Payton Knupp, Miss Harvey; Spanish -Sarah Rosenbaum, Mrs. Roy; German
Sarah Weise, Reporter Lara Daigle, a sophomore GLSHS student made the state qualifiers for forensics at Trinity High School on February 1 after her impressive performance in Dramatic Interpretation. A few other students qualified with Lara as well. Forensics are speech and debate activities that rely heavily on a person’s ability to speak publicly. Events can include congress, poetry reading, skits, impromptu reading, and much more. This season Daigle has taken a new approach to her forensics style by maining in Dramatic Interpretation, a speaking event characterized by solo performances. In this season’s repertoire she has acted the poem Oh Captain, My Captain, Annabelle Lee by Edgar Allen Poe, and There’s a Funeral in My Brain by Emily Dickinson. Her qualifying piece was an excerpt from Speak, a controversial novel regarding rape in a small high school. Lara said she chose her piece
because “it’s different and a little risky. The contents of the book are racey, and it’s fun for me to do a more heavy, emotional interpretation about such a sensitive topic.” Her particular excerpt is from a scene in the novel where the heroine is confronted by her rapist and a violent altercation ensues when he threatens her. David Wilson, a fellow forensics team member remarked on Lara’s piece which he witnessed at the qualifiers. Wilson called her performance “powerful, and almost creepy,” which was exactly Lara’s intent considering the mature nature of the piece. The next round of events takes on March 28 at Susquehanna University. Lara is happy with her involvement in forensics saying, “In junior high, forensics helped me meet new people and make friends. It has also helped me become a better actress. Whatever happens doesn’t really matter, I’m just having fun.”
The High Post
4• News
Anatomy Students Spread the Word about the Golden Hour
Students Shadow at Cardiac Unit
Mary Stas, Junior created an award winning scrap book of her grandfather’s experience of having a heart attack to teach about “The Golden Hour.” Sidney Raymond and Lauren Johnson, bot seniors also created an award winning tri-fold poster explainging the importance of the golden hour after having a heart attack or stroke. Both winners received $100.00 and will have a chance to go on to win $1,000.00. Photo by Anna Ayers, Editor
Greater Latrobe High School anatomy students have been hard at work, building projects about the Golden Hour for annual Heart Fair. The Heart Fair, sponsored by Excela Health, is a student project and contest that centers around educating about the Golden Hour, the hour after a stroke or heart attack in which the damage of a heart attack or stroke can be reversed with emergency medical treatment. In the Center for Student Creativity from Monday, February 10, 2014 through Friday, February 14, the Heart Fair showcased the work of students from anatomy classes taught by Jennifer LeVan. The projects included tri-fold poster boards displaying information about the Golden Hour with board games and clay models depicting the warning signs and sequence of events leading up to a heart attack or stroke. Throughout the week students and contest judges viewed the projects. At the end of the week the two contest winners were announced. The first place project, compiled by Mary Stas, was a picture scrapbook about the Golden Hour and her grandfather’s journey after suffering a heart attack. The group of Lauren Johnson and Sidney Raymond took second with their display board, Golden Hour survey, and shoots ‘n ladders Golden Hour board game. Both winners received a $100.00 reward and were entered into the regional competition, where their projects will be competing for two $1000.00 scholarships sponsored by Excela Health. Twelve other schools in the area, totalling 24 Golden Hour projects, will be in the running for the top prize. Mrs. LeVan has been participating in this competition since 2006 and has one at least one of the scholarships each year. “The projects this year were good. I always think that we have an excellent chance to win at least one of the scholarships, and this year is no different,” said LeVan. The fair included several guest speakers. Mrs. Dawn Davoli, a nutrition consultant also involved in cardiac rehab, represented Excela Health by speaking to students and leading a friendly and informative session of Golden Hour bingo. A Westmoreland EMT was also present, to share his experience in handling emergency situations with patients suffering from heart attack and stroke with GLHS students. As the final element to the Heart Fair, aside from the overall winners, student favorites were voted for by all classes that visited the CSC throughout the week. Nicole Sullivan, Sam Friedline, Hannah Phar, and Kennedy Graytok were the student favorites and receive bonus points for their final project grade. Each participating student’s hard work paying off to make this years Heart Fair a golden success.
Greater Latrobe High School anatomy students were offered an interesting and life-changing opportunity to participate in a shadowing experience at the cardiac care unit in Westmoreland hospital. 15 students participated, spread out into four groups that went throughout the month of January. Each group experienced different jobs and procedures performed in the cardiac unit of a hospital. One group witnessed the preparation process before open heart surgery is performed to set a stent in place, however, the patient experienced abnormal muscle contractions, so the surgery was called off. Other students shadowed a tech who worked in a lab and administered the stress tests to patients. In this part of the cardiac unit, before and after images of the heart are taken. Special measures must be taking because radioactive materials are used to produce useful images. Several students viewed catheterizations, where patients were fitted with stents by angioplasty surgery. Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure that can be used to open blocked heart arteries and stent placement is another option that can be done during angioplasty. Gabrielle Evancho, a sophomore in anatomy, witnessed this procedure, “I really enjoyed the experience, it was something you just don’t get to see in a classroom at school,” said Evancho. Greater Latrobe offers its students experiences that help students on the way to shaping their futures. The shadowing experience at a local hospital’s cardiac unit was yet another example of the many opportunities at Greater Latrobe.
Seton Hill Provides Great Opportunitys for Young Women
Every year two students from Greater Latrobe are nominated for the Seton Hill Women In Science Scholarship, one for Biology and one for Chemistry. On December 17, 2013 GLHS juniors, Amy O’Hearn and Claudia Torillo attended an award banquet where they were recognized for their work ethic and success in Biology and Chemistry respectively. Each nominee and her family were given a campus tour and then participated in activities related to Biology or Chemistry with the other nominees from local schools. Compiled by, Anna Ayers, Editor
The High Post
5• News
Students Create Art to Wear Latrobe Art Center hosts a fashion show featuring original, wearable student designs
Photos by Lain Fisher, Reporter
Lain Fisher, Reporter Ten artistically talented tudents selected to be a part of Art to Wear, showcaseed their final products in a fashion show Friday, February 1. Held at Latrobe Art Center in downtown Latrobe, the fashion show kicked off at noon with parents, administration and teachers in attendance. Senior high FACS teachers, Mrs. Balko and Mrs. Burford opened the program by discussing the affiliation of both classes with the program which combines the dyeing through the art classes and the sewing through the fabric arts. Mrs. Ross, senior high art teacher, explained the process of dyeing the students took as they made each individual tie dye piece. Just like a real cat-walk and fashion show, each girl walked out as the corresponding about the opportunity to show individuality. speaker announced their name along with a short bio of who they are and what they liked best. Junior Steph Kubus said, “I loved the dyeing days and mixing colors on the fabric! The program is an awesome creative outlet and I hope to use my new sewing skills.”Kubus took a different approach by making her fabric, darker ominous colors of green and black. Each scarf or shirt that was worn down the runway had a personal touch of colors, shapes and patterns.Each product showed complete
originality. The finished result reflected personal technique. Laurel Prengaman, a participant in the fashion show, said that her larger piece had almost every color in it and turned out eye-catchingly bright. Senior Larissa Hauser said, “The colors and shapes of mine were too unlike anyone else’s. It had my own personal touch! I chose to dye it using the tiger-striped pattern with pinks, greens, blues, and yellows.” Not only was the program an outlet to express creativity and individuality, but it also taught the girls skills to carry on throughout their life. “Learning how to sew and use different dyeing techniques is definitely beneficial to anyone’s future and something I will use in years to come,” said Hauser. Each participant ended up making at least one shirt product and/or scarves that they got to model and got to keep them in the end. “I love wearing my scarves and will get lots of use out of them,” said Kubus. Even though some students want to keep art and fashion in their future as a hobby, they left the program with new skills to utilize in their future and one-of-a-kind products they even get to wear.
Tattoos Reflect The Stories Of Students
Lucas Monteparte, Junior
Jaiden Brant, Sophomore Lauren Monsour,
Danielle Clark, Junior
The story behind my tattoo is to be dedicated to my best friend Zach Colucci who passed away September 17th, 2011. He was my best friend and it is a great example to keep his memory living on forever.
My tattoo is for Cheyenne Uncapher. The yin and yang heart is our best friend necklace; the forever was on her wrist but it also means that she will forever be my best friend.
There is a story behind all of my tattoos but there is one very special to me. When I first met Sarah Jane, we were at a birthday party. Someone was throwing around swedish fish, some being all over the floor, and the birthday girl’s parents came in and called them “ninnie fish”. So, since that was the day Sarah and I became close friends her nickname had to be “Ninnie”. She was my best friend for a long time back in the day and I wanted to make an impact like she did one me.
Sophomore
The story behind my tattoo is that my mom started a company to get money for bladder cancer after my grandfather died from it. The name of the company is “Seize the Ribbon” which she got from the saying Carpe Diem and that means “Seize the Day” in Italian.
History students travel to holocaust musuem in d.c.
News •6
The High Post
Seniors Rae Reed and Emma Kate Womack stand in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Juniors Kaitlyn Muchnock and Hannah Kennedy stand on the stairs where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Johnny Saunders, Reporter Arriving to the museum, most understood it would be a The Holocaust musuem is a unique example of our sad atmosphere. “Going into the trip I figured it would be rich history in all of the United States of America. Washinga typical museum,” said senior, Marcus Smail, “but I didn’t ton D.C. has a very strong history and students got to expeexpect it to be so interactive and graphic. It was something I rience it on a recent trip. Students who take United States wouldn’t get to see in a classroom.” History, Current Issues, or AP Human Geography went to The museum itself has artifacts, archival documents, our Nation’s Capitol, Washington D.C., on January 29 to go photographs, survivors, archival footage, library items, and to the holocaust museum. oral history testimonies. Many of these primary sources stuck According the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum out to students such as senior Emma Kate Womack. website, the museum is the United States’ official memorial She said there was a room filled with shoes of prisoners. With to the Holocaust, which was the systematic, bureaucratic, the amount of shoes, it showed the massive number of people state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six affected. million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. It was Sophomore Jessie Kostic said they got to meet a holocaust Hitler’s final solution. The museum is dedicated to helping survivor, who was at a concentration camp. “The most memoleaders and everyday citizens, to prevent genocide, promote rable thing for me was just how graphic some of the pictures human dignity, and strengthen democracy. and videos were,” said Kostic. “I felt really upset about it, and I know we have to prevent Leaving the museum students had many emotions. “I felt it from happening again,” said Kostic. You can try to prevent very solemn because the same thing is going on today in other genocide, as much as possible but it’s like war, we can pull out parts of the world, like Uganda and Rwanda.” said Womack. of a conflict, but it still happens in other places. You can slow The students gained insight into what really what went on it down. But unlike war, this can end. It is bullying, and during the Holocaust, after the trip and were definitely moved bullying can be stopped. by the visit. “My emotions were all over the place really. A Latrobe Senior High School students were elected to go mixture of grim and sadness for those who lost their lives but to the museum for various reasons. Some might have known furious to the people who caused it and the people who just about the Holocaust but wanted to know more. watched it happen. It will be a day I never forget.” said Smail. In order to go on the trip, the students had to participate in Womack said she will never forget this experience. “Education two meetings, once before and after the trip. They got a better is key in preventing this type of event from occurring today,” insight on what to expect and went in depth on the More visits need to happen in order for students to never Holocaust. They were taught how the Holocaust is forget and prevent such an atrocity from ever occurring again. intertwined with bullying at an entirely higher level.
The High Post
Revolution:
Impressions made in High School
Recently I was out doing some shopping with my grandma. She ran into her old friend who had graduated from high school with her. They spent so much time talking about their fifty year reunion and all of the people they grew up with and watched evolve from their high school years. They talked about the jocks, preps, bullies, underdogs, the goodnatured and everyone in between. They remembered each and every person and the name they made for themselves over their four final years of being together. Hearing them gossip and sharing memories together really got me thinking: the way we are in high school is the way people will always remember us. Think of ten years from now. Is it going to matter that the girl who sits next to you in math class has pink and green hair? Is it going to matter when you go to college whether the boy who has never done anything wrong to another person had his nose pierced? Will it ever matter to you that the girl who dressed in black with tattoos never dressed for gym? What will really matter when we leave high school is the way we treated one another to make the stress of school and the burden of teenage problems easier to deal with. Do not try to intersect the life you live with someone elses because in the long run, we cannot accurately evaluate the choices somebody else makes. We cannot say what is right and wrong for them. We need to be accountable for the wrongs made toward other people. We need to remember the impression that we make, present tense, leaves a mark on everyone we come in contact with. We need to manifest the ability to love ourselves and others. We shouldn’t worry about the lives others lead and try to judge them and compare them to what we consider “normal’’. Leave these years with good impressions and even better friends. We have grown with these people since kindergarten. We have seen broken crayons turn to broken hearts, coloring outside the lines turn into failing tests, and playing on the playground turn into having a full time job. We have watched each and every one become an original. These are the years that have made the most impact on our young lives thus far, and the people who have been a structure in our growth. My point is, we are all stars with trains of comets. We all have a past, present, and a future. We all have something that has affected us enough to make us they way we are. Everyone is fighting their own battle, so try not to be simple minded. Do everything for greatness and never in spite of anyone. The best legacy to leave behind is being a friend.”In the end we all become stories”, Margaret Atwood. Become a well written story with many blank pages, because it isn’t over yet. Lain Fisher, Reporter
Opinions • 7
Making A Marc: Same Sex Marriage From pop culture to politics, sports and campaigns, acceptance and equality is revolutionizing society. Individuals are publicly stepping up and making a difference by expressing their personal preferences on a public platform. Pop icons Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, professed heterosexuals, witnessed 32 same sex marriages at 2014 Grammy’s. Macklemore performed his hit “Same Love” with Mary Lambert after the ceremonies which emphasizes same sex relationships and acceptance. Macklemore was not the only person to be all for loving who you love regardless of gender. Kacey Musgraves sang “Follow Your Arrow,” mentioning that doing what you want, and being free minded is totally okay. “Say what you think, love who you love,” sings Musgraves. Along with musicians, sports figures are becoming willingly proud to admit their sexuality. Michael Sam, a Missouri defensive end, was the first NFL draft recruit to profess “I am gay.” February 9, Sam told ESPN that he is comfortable with who he is. He wanted to tell “his” story with honesty. He said, “It’s 2014, and I can’t tell society to agree with this or not to agree with this.” “I want to be defined Michael Sam for being a great person and great character,” Sam told the reporter. Others agree with him. Outside of Westboro Baptist Church in Columbia, Missouri on February 15, 4800 students of Missouri State took a “Stand with Sam” to oppose members of the church that were against Sam’s decision to reveal his true self. The openness of professional American sports figures has spread worldwide. Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, made a statement before the Olympics that gay athletes were to leave Russian children untouched, implying that homosexuals are pedophiles. In reaction, the world protested. Google Inc, took a stand-instead of sporting their classic Olympic rings, Google made their logo rainbow in spite of Putin’s statement about gay athletes. Germany also wore rainbow uniforms to the opening ceremonies, which seemed like a political statement, but officials claim it wasn’t. Yet another platform demonstrates collective acceptance of homosexual lifestyles. Ellen Page, an actress who played a pregnant teenager in Juno, spoke at a Time to Thrive LGBT conference in Las Vegas on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Page talked of audience members striving to be who they are because of unsupportive people in their lives. She praised the organization and she deeply admired the campaign. At the grand finale of her speech she said, “I’m here today because I am gay. And because...maybe I can make a difference.” Page’s proclamation triggered much applause and support. She is making her mark, “following her arrow”; like Michael Sam, Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Kacey Musgraves. Acceptance and equality are two attributes that we as a whole are building. Gay marriage is legal in 17 states, 35 more to go. As people publicly Make a Marc with pride, we will continue and grow to understand, as individuals, as a country, as a world; it’s Time to Thrive. Olivia Marcanio, Reporter
Diary of an Adventurer: Overcoming Fear
I was always a rebel. Growing up as a middle child, I was the one who was pushed to do the things my brother and sister didn’t want to get caught for. Early on, I adopted this insubordinate, punk rock attitude where the only reason I did things was because people told me not to. I dyed my hair every color of the rainbow, started piercing my ears and wore things just to upset other people. I was never subtle at expressing the fact that I was my own person and no one would ever control what I did. It was no surprise to my mom when I turned eighteen, my first legal year of freedom and adulthood, that I would be expending the privileges that came along with it. Eighteen was the first year where I could play the lottery, vote, buy a snuggie off of HSN without my mom’s permission, and even better, the year where I could sign my soul to the tattooed society. Since sixth grade I dreamed about all the tattoos I would have someday and what they would look like. But when I come down to making a permanent decision I’d have to live with for the rest of my life, I tend to think about it a little bit harder and a little bit longer. So I drew, looked at song lyrics, and drew some more hoping something would hit me as being part of me. Nothing did. But I still made an appointment before my birthday to push myself to really find something to represent me, my thoughts and my revolutionary attitude. I had to think of options of lettering for my idea, all different fonts, all different styles. Not only was finding the perfect tattoo an already tough decision, I had to think about this being a permanent decision i would have to live with for the rest of my life. It only took me twenty minutes and two juice boxes later to decide on the typewriter font. I was always a fan of anything vintage. Vintage stores, dresses from the sixties, furniture, and jewelry. I like anything that has a past and can tell a story. “I am the hero of this story; I don’t need to be saved”. Showed that I am my own hero and I am in charge of how my story plays out according to me, myself, and I. I will save myself and do not need to depend on a single person. Six months and eight days later I was back in the chair again. I had the same tough decisions, the same procrastination of ideas, and the same nerves even though I can remember exactly how it felt. I picked the same typewriter font and the same black ink. With all of the similarities between my two experiences, I did however, choose a more public place so people would question the meaning of it. My wrist was the perfect canvas. The word “catalyst” in Biology, is an agent that starts a chemical reaction which leads to another. To me, a catalyst is anything that inspires a reaction, starts it and leads to make more. That was the word I wanted to see everyday on my wrist. It’s to remind me, we are all factors in life, there are no control or experimental variables, we do not know the outcome and we do not know our exact potential in life. However, if you act as a catalyst you can determine your course of actions. You can decide the reaction you cause in life to lead other people to follow. I want to be a catalyst in life, for people who can’t be their own. And that word fits me perfectly. In about 20 minutes that tattoo was finished, a one word, black ink tattoo, simple but with a complex meaning. It hurt, of course, but to be honest the pain was worth it, because now when people ask me what it means, when my kids ask me what it means and when my grandkids do the same, I will get to explain my past, present and my future. I will tell them how I always fought for what I believed in, stood for what was right, and was a catalyst to my own reaction, to my own story, which has yet to be finished. Spend the night in a haunted house Write on the “Before I Die” wall in New Orleans See a psychic and have my palms read Spend an entire day watching Disney Movies Stay up for 24 hours straight Lain Fisher, Reporter
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8 • In-Depth
REALITY, MYTHS and FACTS The real truth about
teenagers who act without knowing the possible consequences The Scene
Energized and dressed head to toe in neon colors, the crowd feels like celebrating after the big game. Suddenly someone shouts “Party at my house.” Everyone shows up at the “party house” and just as predicted bad decisions are made and some kids suffered severe consequences… Maria Yokopenic, Editor-in-Chief Vincent Bonar, Alaina Fisher, Frances Piper, Reporters Emily Daily, Sarah Weise, Illustrators
The High Post wants readers to know that this situation is completely hypothetical, yet realistic in today’s society. We care about the safety and well being of the student body and ask that they make the right decisions and not take part in any unhealthy activities.
The High Post • 9
#1
Medical is so much stronger Marijuana Fact: Marijuana can be laced
“I have some medicinal marijuana”
“Because my dad is in chronic pain due to his cancer, he was prescribed medical marijuana. When I visited him in Distric of Columbia, I stole some. It couldn’t be that bad right? It was legal for him to have possession of it in District of Columbia. And I believed that too, until I got busted and charged with a $500 fine, and caused some trouble for my dad too!” Myth: Medical marijuana is completely legal. Fact: According to Pennsylvania State Law, having marijuana of any kind in a minor’s possession, even if you did not personally purchase it, is a misdemeanor offense. It can lead to a $500 or greater fine, and up to 30 days in jail. (www.norml.org)
#2
Recreational Marijuana
“I thought it was jusr weed”
“I’ve never smoked weed before but everybody else was doing it so I figured it would be okay. I was instantly sick. Only to find out, it was laced with PCP, a very strong hallucinogenic.”
Myth: It’s just weed! But if it’s more than just weed, the high
with anything like cocaine, and PCP or embalming fluid. There is no way of telling if marijuana has been laced or not. If it has been, the effects can be extremely dangerous. Some effects might include, strong hallucinations, and extreme panic or rage. These symptoms can be even more dangerous if the user is expecting a typical marijuana high and is caught off guard. (CESAR)
#3
Alcohol “I got a UAD too”
“I got caught drinking and charged with a UAD, and a $500 fine. I didn’t think I would get caught, I figured I could sneak home after the party and sleep off my hangover. I was only drinking, it’s not like I had been doing any drugs or anything.” Myth: You can drink alcohol without any problems. Fact: Not if you’re under the age of 21. Even if you are of age, you can still be charged witha misdemeaner offense for Public Intoxication, or a DUI if you were to get in the car and drive. Truth is, under age drinking is more commonly busted than drug use or possession. In 2012 there were 13,959 cases of underage drinking convictions in Pennsylvania according to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. A UAD will stay on your personal record for life, and can affect you when trying to get a job (PennLive)
#4
Hookah
Fact: That’s only a matter of conducted on the safety of inhal-
“I love the flavors” opinion. Smoking causes about ing pure nicotine and therefore the 393,000 deaths per year. Smok- side effects are blurry and ques“It was fun to just sit around ing causes your fingernails and tionable. The FDA also states that smoking hookah with my friends. teeth to turn yellow, the smell manufacturers might not properly We just wanted to chill out and of cigarette smoke clings to report the true amount of nicotine try a few flavors. I know that I you, your clothes, and even the and chemicals in the e-cigs on their can’t get addicted” walls and furniture. The earlier labels, and users might be getting than what they’ve asked for. Myth: There is little or no nico- you start smoking, the greater more (Discovery Fit and Healthy) tine in hookah. It’s not harmful to your health
Fact: Hookah smoke is just
like tobacco smoke, both contain nicotine. The difference between the two is only the way that the smoke is produced. Tobacco smoke is produced by burning the tobacco, while hookah smoke is produce by heating the tobacco using charcoal, however, the end product is still the same. The health risks are also similar. In fact, smoking hookah for just one hour exposes the user to between 100 and 200 times the amount of smoke from one cigarette. Meaning that the user is exposed to even more harmful carcinogens, and nicotine. (University of Maryland Health Center)
#5
Smoking Cigarettes
“Just take a puff”
“I’m 18, I can smoke if I want to, and I did. It made me fit in and I felt like I was looking pretty cool”
Myth: Smoking as a teen won’t affect me later.
#8
Parents, Fact: In 2012, a girl was raped by Alcohol, male classmates at a party in SteubenOhio. The two boys were popular and Minors ville, football players. Many witnesses at the
“My parents bought it for me party had videotaped the whole thing. and my friends”
The biggest party of the year was at my house. My parents were out of town and we had beer and vodka for a few friends. But eventually, it got out of hand. People who I didn’t the risk for long term condieven know started to show up and tions such as heart disease, lung older kids came too. Soon enough, disease, lung and mouth cancer, the cops came and most of us got emphysema, osteoporosis, etc. busted, those who didn’t run of (Better Health) course. “ Myth: I’m just having a few friends over. No one will get in “I bought some Theraflu in the trouble. parking lot” Fact: In Pennsylvania, parents, or anybody over the age of 21 can be “I just wanted to try Heroin held accountable for anyone who once because I needed a new drinks underage because they are kind of high. I saw this new “I never wanted to smoke” seen as providing the alcohol, even brand and decided to give it a if they didn’t. Including anyone who try.” is legally allowed to drink. They can “My friends started to smoke these things called e cigs. While Myth: Using Heroin once is not get charged with contribution to minors. Penalties include a fine of we were all hanging out, I decided addictive or deadly. $1,000 - $2,500 for the first violato try it can’t be harmful. We just Fact: Heroin is a highly ad- tion, $2,500 for each subsequent passed it around the circle.” dictive drug. According to the violation and this includes up to Myth: It’s just water vapor. It’s Substance Abuse and Mental a year in jail. For anyone leaving a party, the parents are also liable for not the same as smoking an actual Health Services Administrawhoever gets hurt. cigarette. tion, all methods, injection, (Department of Health) Fact: E-cigs are not water vapor. snorting and smoking can lead to severe addiction. In 2011, Susan Cassidy of Discovery Fit Consensual and Health says that there is no 4.2 million Americans ages tobacco in e-cigarettes, instead 12 and up have used heroin Sex they are filled with liquid nicoat some point in their life. Of “I wasn’t ready” tine. When the nicotine is heated in the e-cig which produces the those 4.2 million 23% have “I was drunk at the “biggest party vapor that is inhaled and exhaled. become dependent on it. CBS of the year” with a bunch of my friends. I wasn’t feeling well so I went E-cigs are completely legal, how- Pittsburgh reports that 20 lay down upstairs. The next thing ever they are not regulated and people had died over the week- to I knew, I was next to the star athelete approved by the FDA. The FDA I had a crush on.” says that not enough research has end of January 24-26 due to an overdose of heroin that has Myth: We were both drunk and been liking each other and that’s why it been labeled as “Theraflu” was okay.
#6
E-Cigs
#7
Heroin
#9
(SAMHAS)
One of the football players proudly showed off what he had done to others. Days later, the girl was mocked and made fun of by her classmates. Some members of her community blamed her for the rape and for casting a bad light on the football team. Both football players received minimum time in a juvenile detention center. (CNN)
#10
MDMA
“Who is Molly?”
“The other night my buddies and I went to a party. There, I got offered some Molly, yanno, “pop a Molly,” like in those new rap songs, I thought it was going to be amazing. I thought wrong. After taking it, I ran around the party like a wild lunatic and knocked some lights over, hurting someone. I think it was laced with cocaine.”
Myth: Molly, a common
party drug, is what Miley Cyrus sings about! It can’t be bad.
Fact: Molly is almost always
not pure MDMA, or ecstasy. Due to its powdery physical characteristics, the drug can easily be and usually is mixed with other often harmful substances.
Sometimes each pill, or batch of pills, can have different combinations of substances in the mix and cause unknown (Teen Drug Abuse)
#11
Prescription Drugs
“I’m so stressed out”
“I had a huge test to study for and it was stressing me out. Because I was feeling stressed, I decided to still go to the party to relax and have fun, then I would leave early. I met this guy and told him how stressed I was and he told me how he could give me a “pick me up”. He had with him, his brother’s prescription of Ritalin. I took two, so I could stay focused for my exam.
Myth: Prescription drugs are safe, because you can get them from a doctor.
Fact: Even though they can be
legally prescribed by a doctor, if you take them when they’re not prescribed to you, that’s illegal. Large doses of Ritalin can cause aggressive behavior, and allergic reactions. Because medication like Ritalin and Adderall are stimulants, when they are mixed with a depressant such as alcohol can make you unaware as to how intoxicated you really are. Meaning things like a higher blood-alcohol count could lead to alcohol poisoning or worse. TVNZ One News
10• Sports
The High Post
Do We Remember? Coaching with Style
Remember Mike Rice, the former Rutgers men’s basketball head coach, fired for verbally and physically abusing his players? Remember how just seven months later, the Rutgers Football team defensive coordinator was publicly alleged to have verbally abused a player and threatened the student-athlete with violence? Remember the New Orleans Saints ‘Bounty Scandal’ that broke in 2011? Remember how Saints coaches devised a system that rewarded defensive players for big plays during games and, even more controversial, for injuring opponents? And who could forget the actions of Jerry Sandusky. Remember how the former Penn State defensive coordinator was giving full access to campus facilities for his youth football camp, and remember how in November 2011 he was arrested on 40 counts of sexually abusing eight boys over fifteen years? While all of these coaches worked for organizations or schools that should also be held accountable, in the end it was these coaches who truly forgot their purpose. When did coaches stop being coaches? When did they stop honoring the sport they teach? When did they lose sight of what truly matters? When did developing players to their fullest potential and teaching them how to play the sport, and the game of life, the right way stop being the most important duty of every coach? With each season comes a new scandal or allegation, even on the high school level. Coaches involved with players, or coaches who ‘bend’ the rules to fit their programs needs, those are the stories we hear. What happened to coaches like John Wooden and Vince Lombardi? John Wooden was the revered UCLA head basketball coach, known for his inspirational quotes and his preachings of how to be successful in basketball and in life. Some argue that being too soft or trying to connect too much with players outside of the game is bad for winning games. John Wooden won ten NCAA championships in twelve years, an un-matched feat. Remember coaches like Wooden? Vince Lombardi was a legendary player, coach, and executive in the NFL, leading the Green Bay Packers to the Super Bowl five times in his career. Coming from humble, depression era beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Lombardi climbed through the ranks to become a coaching legend. He was the coach in an era of racial injustice who was known to be unprejudiced. For Lombardi, if you could play the game well, be a good person off the field, and had the will to win, he wanted to coach to greatness. Remember coaches like Lombardi? As players we step onto the court or field because we love the game. We go out there with our teammates and we represent the names on the front and the back of our jerseys to the best of our abilities. But have the men and women who coach us from the sidelines, who play such a big role in an athlete’s life, forgotten the true essence of being a coach? Have coaches forgotten the ways John Wooden connected with players, and still achieved success? Has Lombardi’s humble nature and unbiased will to win been completely lost in the coaching world? Have coaches stopped doing their jobs the right way? Are they hurting the game by disgracing their titles through instances of unacceptable behavior and in some cases criminal action? Are the players paying for the coaching void that is gripping the sidelines or is the spirit of the game invincible? Anna Ayers, Editor
HOOP PLANET
Mission Accomplished
Johnny Saunders, Reporter
The boys basketball team
came into the season with many questions. How will the team do after losing seven seniors to graduation? Will their youth affect their ability to win games in such a difficult section? Will they make the playoffs? Will they even be good? Despite the questions, the Cats “hushed” the critics and they let their ability do the talking this season. A section championship hasn’t been won for Latrobe since 2009, but the Cats certainly haven’t disappointed, by winning games and appearing in the postseason almost each season in and out. Any WPIAL boys basketball team has to be the best in their section in order to make the playoffs, and the Wildcats have made that happen and this year...they did it again. It’s not an easy task to go through the section without other teams beating each other up. All teams want to win against other section teams and compete at a high level. The talent level for each team is equally spread, making almost every game tough and very competitive. Every year the section has five or six teams battling to be in the top four by the second week of February. “A good team has to stay home, and we never want that to be us,” said Coach Wetzel. Wetzel alluded to last season, when he was asked about how this section is tough. He mentioned that Penn Trafford, who at one point was ranked in the top three in the WPIALs, didn’t even make the WPIAL playoffs last season. PT was very competitive the entire season. Their wheels didn’t fall off, there was no collapse. They beat two teams who won the section last year, one of them being Hempfield, who was highly competitive in the section until the end. They beat the Cats in their second to last conference game. Every year, there are one or two teams who are like the 2013 Penn Trafford team; this year it was Connellsville. They, too, beat Latrobe in the final meeting between the two teams. The Falcons saw their season end with buzzer beater at Norwin, that knocked them out of the playoffs. The playoff picture was set with Hempfield, the section champions, at the top followed by Kiski. They were the top dogs throughout the year and they both clinched playoffs spots during the middle of the season. Yet in spite of battling for a playoff berth at the end of the year, they were both going for a section championship. The final two spots in Section I belonged to Norwin and Latrobe. Norwin was a team, like the Cats, who were in the top four for
most of the season and had a good idea they were going to clinch a bid to the WPIAL playoffs. The section had its top four teams ready to go to the WPIAL playoffs and Latrobe was one of those elite teams, despite all the questions from the beginning of the season. The Cats made it to the playoffs, which accomplished one of Wetzel’s first goals. Latrobe’s next task was to play a team who was ranked number two in the state and ranked first in Western Pennsylvania, New Castle, for the second straight season. They also came into the game losing twice in their last 80 basketball games, 80. Latrobe didn’t roll over, they made the Red Hurricanes earn their win. The Cats got up to an early lead. They lead at both ends of the first and second quarter, halftime by two. Despite the leads, the Red Hurricanes heated up, and they couldn’t miss a shot. The Cats couldn’t keep up and for the second time in as many years, they fell to New Castle almost by the exact score as last season, 85-64 (last season: 85-64). After the loss Wetzel said, “you would be proud”. They executed and had the mental discipline against the best. The Cats played their best and New Castle certainly played their best but they didn’t lay down. Anyone can say after a long, tough battle, this was definitely another successful year of Latrobe basketball.
Photo by Johnny Saunders, Reporter
The High Post
Sports
Player Profile: Kayla Owens Q: You have swum a long time, what keeps you motivated to keep swimming? A: The desire to improve as an individual and for the younger kids that look up to me as an example and role model at the club I swim for.
Kayla Owens
Senior Events: 200 individual medley 100 breaststroke 100 butterfly
Q: Knowing swimming has been apart of your life so long, what is your biggest individual accomplishment? A: Qualifying for the USA Swimming Short Course Yard National Championships at the PIAA State Championships my junior year and swimming at Nationals in Knoxville, TN. Q: You put in hours of practice each year, how do you feel about morning practices? A: I feel morning practices help me improve on my individual events because
my coach splits us into groups based on our stroke and distance.
Q: All sports have obstacles, what has been the biggest struggle in your swimming career? A: Keeping my nerves under control and a fear of failing to complete my own goals. Q: Swimmers are in top shape, how do you manage to stay in such great shape? A: I train all year round and only take about three weeks off total between summer, fall, winter, and spring. I also run and do crossfit and lifting 4-5 times a week on top of swimming six days a week. Q: With all the matches, how do you prepare before each race, mentally and physically? A: Physically, I stretch the night before, eat a healthy dinner and drink lots of water. I also practice turns, flipturns, and techniques before each event. Mentally, I listen to music and think about key
things I have to do in my race. Q: People know that you are one of the best swimmers, do you feel any pressure when you get into the pool? A: Yes. I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well for the team and for myself. My parents help me through it and I try my best to stay focused on my swimming not everyone elses. Q: This is your last year swimming in high school, what is your favorite memory with the team? A: Winning counties two years in a row and placing 4th as a team at 2013 PIAA State Championships with four people. Q: You have a bright future, what is your number one goal as you move into college? A: To keep improving individually to be a contributor to the team effort and to excel in school and earn my degree. Q: Do you have any superstitions? A: No, I don’t believe in superstitions. I believe hard work pays off in the end. Brett Vallorani, Reporter
Latrobe Grapplers Take Second at States as a Team Ryan Mattioli, Reporter
Latrobe varsity wrestling had a dream season. The Wildcat grapplers accomplished goals that the team was hoping to achieve. The statistics prove that this unbelievable season will be one for the history books Greater Latrobe. Latrobe qualified for a trip to the state class AAA tournament at the Giant Center in Hershey this year. This is only the second time in history Latrobe qualified for states. Coach Tad Harbert will always remember the great season his team had, “It was a great season. I love being associated with this group. It was are 600 team win after the North Allegheny match the team took me on the trip this year. I do my job coaching and they do there job wrestling. I love walking into my office and seeing all the trophies so many memories come back” said Harbert. Latrobe, Kiski, Hemifield and Franklin Regional were the final four teams in the section. Latrobe rallied against Franklin Regional in the finals for the section title. Franklin got the best of the Wildcats, by winning the section. Unfortunately this was the worst Latrobe performed against FR. In a unique situations at states, Latrobe met up again with a fierce FR in the finals. With a cut down on pins and by taking advantage of mistakes, Latrobe made a fierce attempt to battle back in the state finals. When Latrobe went to states in 2011, they went 2-2 which was a great experience for the team. They gained
more experience for the future during that time. Their experience gave insight of how to compete and what to expect in competition of the top two teams. In the WPIAL tournament ,Latrobe easily defeated Connellsville 47-18 and then went on to do the same to Peters Township 45-18 and they went on to crush Canon-McMillan with a final score of 42-20 earning their way to the WPIAL title against section rival Franklin Regional. The Cats ended up losing 42-19. Latrobe finished second in the WPIAL tournament. Despite the loss, Latrobe still put it behind them and looked forward to a performance at states in Hershey, PA. for states. They were looking forward to making school history by making it to the finals by easily defeating the other top teams of the state. Before states the team was enjoying the attention for making school history by making it to the “big mat”. Sophomore standout Jake Shaffer said, “I was prepared for the Giant Center last season I made it to states and wrested there. It’s an unbelievable environment.” Latrobe opened states up with a blowout win over Jersey Shore 60-6. Next, Latrobe wrestled Boyertown and the Cats won a close match 32-23. After that amazing win over Boyertown, Latrobe made it to the semi-finals. They moved on to the next match against a very solid team, North Allegheny. The whole match came down to the wire. Latrobe was up 31-29 going into the final weight class. It was a win or go home situation for both teams. Latrobe’s Jake Shaffer got a win 11-1 and the
11
final score was 34-29. “I knew I had to win for us to make it to the finals. It was the most nerve-racking moment of my wrestling career by far. I just went into the match with confidence and tried to not let me nerves g to me,” said Jake Shaffer. Latrobe was on their way against rival team Franklin Regional, who had beat Latrobe the first two times they met. Latrobe was motivated to put the past behind them and to focus about getting the win. Latrobe started off slow against Franklin Regional in the state match, but Franklin shut down and Latrobe tried to capitalize but were unable to do so Latrobe ended up losing by a final score of 37-23. It wa the closest match between those two teams all season and both teams have much respect for each other both teams stayed in the same hotel as each other and on the same floor so they hung out a good bit. “We knew Franklin Regional was going to be our toughest match from the start. We didn’t beat them this year but every time we faced them I felt like we got better,” said Ethan McCoy. Latrobe ended up making school history for making it that far in the state tournament as a runner-up. Everybody appreciated the hard work Latrobe put in everyday on the mat and off the mat and it was an unbelievable season. Latrobe still has individual state to go, “My goal for the rest of the season is to get to states and get on the podium,” said Jake Shaffer.
The High Post
12• Features
Student Spotlight: Danielle Charbonneau Kayla Murphy, Reporter
We Are All The Star of Our Own Story Emily Daily, Reporter Esther Earl was a girl with a dream. She wanted to be an author when she grew up. Since a young age she loved to read and write. Esther kept a journal and wrote in it constantly to improve her writing and to keep her sane through the tragedy that struck her life unexpectedly. At twelve Esther was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which has a 90% survival rate. Esther was in the 10% of people who would not. After Esther passed away, her parents wanted to help her fulfill her dream. Wayne and Lori Earl gathered works from her many journals and blogs and combined them into a book. Pages are filled with excerpts from her parents’ blog on Caringbridge and notes to and about Esther from friends, doctors, and John Green himself. They titled the book This Star Won’t Go Out. The book is visually appealing, with pages of different colors illustrating who the author is. Photographs of Esther and her drawings are printed in full color on many pages. Occasionally pages from her journal are tucked away, adding extra sentimental value. Reading this book
can be hard at times. All of the hardships Esther and her family go through seem surreal. Sometimes it feels like a work of fiction. Although, sadly, everything that happened in this story is real. Esther and her family write about every significant moment in their lives. They keep honest, up-to-date posts on Esther’s health, whether good or bad. The reader learns about life with cancer and have an insight on someone’s life that is about to end. Getting through the sad moments can be tough, but knowing that Esther can get through makes it easier. Her story isn’t just a sad one, but an inspirational one. No matter how bad things get, she is always positive. Instead of feeling bad about her condition, she spends her time thinking about how she wants to help people. Unfortunately, as the book comes to an end so does Esther’s life on earth. This Star Won’t Go Out follows the life of a girl with cancer, but in no way is it a story about a girl with cancer. It’s about a young girl who dreams and writes and lives her life to the fullest no matter the odds.
Book Review: The Tenth Circle Olivia Marcanio, Reporter In The Tenth Circle, Jodi Picoult raises the temperature to extremes with her omniscient perspective grinding down to the core with each complex character. The Tenth Circle reflects all kinds of relationships: parent to child, spouse to spouse, lover to lover, boyfriend to girlfriend, and most importantly girl to world. The novel references Dante’s Inferno and the nine circles of hell. Each person’s faults fall into one of the nine circles of hell, each one a “sin.” Not only are the characters deceiving one another, but most of all, themselves. “Nothing is easier than self-deceit, for what each man wishes that he also believes to be true.” - Demosthenes. Every aspect of Trixie Stone’s life was perfect; she had a perfect boyfriend, perfect parents, and perfect friends- so she thought, until Jason Underhill broke up with her. After the end of her relationship, Trixie felt alone and in need of getting him back. Meanwhile Trixie’s mom, Laura, is unhappy with
her marriage and struggling with her inner self, trying to find attention is the wrong places. To escape the reality of his wife’s affair, Daniel draws comics for a living. After each of the eight chapters, a graphic comic of Daniel’s, of it’s own story resembling the novel occurs. Their troubles are only beginning though when Jason rapes Trixie at a friend’s party in her attempt to get him back. While a trial is underway, Jason is struggling with the accusation of the rape when he thought it was something totally different. When everyone is thinking Trixie is lying about what happened at the party, her reputation spirals downward and the rumors are only beginning. After the death of someone close, Trixie flees from her one-horse town and finds herself somewhere only Daniel would know. Relationships are tested, people are killed, lives are ruined, and the deceit isn’t just for each other anymore.
Danielle Charbonneau, a senior, tennis player, ballet dancer and academic scholar. Since the age of five Danielle has been a ballerina. “I think every girl wants to do ballet when they are younger, or some kind of dance, and I just stuck with it,” said Danielle. When Danielle was ten, she got into tennis. “ I would say that my instructor at the Latrobe Country Club, Jim Rombaugh inspired me and got me involved in tennis. I wanted to try something new, which also inspired me,” said Danielle. She has worked hard and lettered in tennis for starting in more than seven matches her senior year. “My biggest accomplishment would be lettering, it really means alot to me. But, I would like to give some advice to the underclassmen, never give up and always try your best no matter what,” said Danielle. Danielle is also very academic. She is
a distinguished honor roll student and plans to stay that way. Danielle is in the National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society. Being a senior, she takes challenging classes. Being in two AP Mathematics, and a AP Physics and AP Literature class, she is well rounded. Danielle has a very busy schedule, with tennis, ballet, and academics. She says that she has to make a daily schedule to follow in order to get done what she has to get done. “ The key to finding time with so many activities is prioritizing,” said Danielle. “I like the atmosphere on campus and that it’s not too far away from home,” said Danielle. In the future, Danielle plans attending The University of Pittsburgh to earn a Doctorate in Biochemistry in order to do pharmaceutical research and development.
“Little Shop of Horrors,” the comedy horror musical, will be performed by Greater Latrobe High School in the Senior High Auditorium on March 7 and 8.
Thriftanifta: Ross
Black and White Nikes: $29.99
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The High Post
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A Mockery of the Day we Dedicate to Love
Sarah Weise, Reporter Ah, Valentine’s Day... It manages to bring out a strange mix of emotions in people that ranges from utter despair, to blatant disregard, and even love induced hysteria that can sicken unlucky observers. This year was no exception. Unfortunately, no matter my relationship status or the statuses of the people around me, I can’t seem to convince myself that Valentine’s Day has any charm. My disdain partially comes from Valentine’s Day being a completely frivolous woman’s holiday, a day in which women solely hype themselves up to receive obligatory knick knacks and chocolates. Now, I love a good frivolous holiday but just think for a second, there’s a reason why the Valentine’s Day section in stores were pink, red, and filled with teddy bears as opposed to power drills and beef jerky; Valentine’s Day isn’t for men. This realization then fuels my feelings of sympathy for guys. The majority of relationship-bound boys aren’t enthralled with the idea of shelling out their money on flowers that are shamelessly overpriced. Yes, ladies, I know that there’s a beautiful romantic ideal attached to receiving a bouquet of flowers, but is it really that romantic knowing that a holiday forced your man to get you those flowers? Underneath his cute demeanor he’s staring at them going, “I loath you, pretty flowers. Each of your petals will wither in time but they’ll haunt my wallet forever.” (No, that’s not an exaggeration, flowers are evil.)
I’d much rather receive flowers on October 7, or some other nondescript day of the year when the reason I’m receiving flowers is inspired by a random urge brought on by his feelings for me, not a sense of obligation. Now, who am I kidding? Another very small part of me melts at the thought of Valentine’s Day and how adorably romantic it can be since I do have a soul, and especially since this Valentine’s Day was on a Friday, the holy grail of weekdays. I’m going to have to wait another 7 years to be graced with a Friday Valentine’s Day as opposed to a less opportunistic day like Tuesday. There’s nothing romantic about a Tuesday. By the way, did you know it was a full moon on Valentine’s Day? Maybe that can explain the ridiculous actions of the over sappy crazies... Don’t worry though, fellow haters and secretly sappy nay-sayers, we had the chance to revel in Saturday the 15: Singles Awareness Day. Hopefully it’s just a coincidence that the abbreviation also spells “sad.” Nevertheless, this is the perfect opportunity to throw a “Black Hearts” party to celebrate your awe-inspiring, strong-willed, butt-kicking, independent singledom. As a final shoutout to the ladies, and possibly men, just remember not be a doormat to a commercial Hallmark holiday and “gurl, you don’t need no man.” As Al-Anon puts it, “If you don’t like being a doormat then get off the floor.”
Features • 13
Tell us your awkward moments....
“My crush asked me who my crush was and I told him I didn’t have one.” Madison Maughan, Sophomore “I went on this date with this guy and he gave me a good night high-five instead of a good night kiss.” Marissa Withrow, Sophomore “I had to burp in class and it ended up being a very loud, very obnoxious burp.” Mat Seremet, Senior
“Some students who had graduated stopped by my house during the summer. I had just finished taking a shower and answered the door in my bathrobe with my hair wrapped up in a towel.” Mrs. Penzera, Teacher “Once I jumped on my friends back because I wanted her to give me a piggyback ride and it wasn’t my friend, just a random stranger.” Morgan Wano, Senior
“One time I was thinking to myself on the bus and I started to talk to myself. Everyone thought I was nuts.” Hannah Petrucci, Junior “I was playing badminton with a student, he was borrowing another student’s gym shorts, and they fell down.” Miss Zeunges, Teacher “When I proposed to my wife, she cried. I had to wait awhile for her answer, in a middle of a restaurant! I’m glad she finally said yes!” Mr. Walker, Teacher “I fell down the steps in front of everyone, in a skirt.” Emily Biddle, Senior “When I was in 6th grade I passed out on the stage during a chorus concert.” Lexi Malletz, Sophomore Tweet your awkward moments to @thehighpost using #thatsawkward be featured in the paper
That Awkward Moment...
The new romantic comedy “That Awkward Moment” came to theatres just in time for Valentine’s Day. The movie stars Zac Efron as a book cover creator who has a close knit group of friends going through their own relationship troubles. The guys all end up in that awkward moment of a relationship when someone asks, “So, where is this going?” Instead of answering the dreaded question they all decide to swear off relationships together. Although now it doesn’t seem that easy. With three guys living together there are bound to be funny moments. There were hilarious scenes throughout the movie that had the theatre crowd laughing nonstop. At times the movie really made you think ‘aww thats so sweet’. All in all the movie was okay. Yes it was funny and sweet but it never seemed to end. Just when you thought it was going to be over it started back up again By the end I was tired and left with the feeling that I’m glad I don’t have to deal with a relationship like that. Emily Daily, Reporter
The High Post
March Awards
End of the 3rd Quarter
14• Features
The High Post
Features •15
Paw Prints
Greater Latrobe High School
Mike moore
Mr. Marucco
Childhood Hero: Batman
Childhood Hero: Joe Montana
Celebrity Crush: Ariana Grande
Celebrity Crush: Julia Roberts
Pick One: Rolling Stones Bruno Mars Red Hot Chili Peppers Lana Del Ray
Pick One: Rolling Stones Bruno Mars Red Hot Chili Peppers Lana Del Ray
teacher
Junior
Brandon Flack
SOPHOMORE
My Childhood Hero: Spiderman
My Celebrity Crush: Ariana Grande Pick One: a.) Kid Rock b.) Black Flag c.) Gucci Mane d.) Kenny Chesney My Favorite Quote: “Live fast, die young.” -MGMT My Quirkiest Inherited Trait: I can flip my eyelids #1 Thing on My Bucket List That I Want to Accomplish Before I am Gone: Walk around Pittsburgh at night
Favorite Form of Art: Music Favorite Sport/Player/Team: The Penguins Favorite Super Bowl Commercial: Doritos Time Machine. Favorite Thing About Latrobe: Nothing, Nothing at all. Favorite Quote: “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.” -Jim Hendrik One Super Power You Wish You Wish You Could Have: Being able to fly. One Thing You Want To Accomplish Before You Die: Street Race !
Kate Mahoney
Favorite Form of Art: Music
Childhood Hero: Skuttle from the Little Mermaid Celebrity Crush: Missy Peregrym
Favorite Thing About Latrobe: Family Oriented Community and it’s a great place for my kids to grow up!
Pick One: A.) Rolling Stones B.) Bruno Mars C.) Red Hot Chili Peppers D.) Lana Del Ray Favorite Form of Art: music, writing. Favorite Sport/Player/Team: Ice Hockey.
Favorite Quote: “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours!!”
Senior
Favorite Super Bowl Commercial: Didn’t watch it, but the Geico commercial makes me smile. The one with the pig singing “Boots and Pants”.
The Super Power I Wish I had: Flying
Favorite Thing About Latrobe: That I get to leave in 4 months.
Movie Night: Stay In or Go to a Theater? Theater
Favorite Quote: “What we think, we become.” - Buddha
Favorite Artist/Band: Chris Webby
One Super Power You Wish You Wish You Could Have: Being able to control people’s thoughts and emotions.
Favorite Thing About Latrobe: Its not Derry. Favorite Color: Blue I am Deathly Afraid of : Heights
One Thing You Want To Accomplish Before You Die: Going Sky Diving.
Favorite Sport/Player/Team: Football, Heath Miller, and the Steelers! Favorite Super Bowl Commercial: Doritos Time Machine.
One Super Power You Wish You Wish You Could Have: Being able to be in more than one place at any given time. One Thing You Want To Accomplish Before You Die: Travel with my wife to Europe (Specifically Italy and Ireland)
“Where there is love, there is life.� Mahatma Ghandi