The High Post A Publication of Greater Latrobe Senior High School
March 30, 2012
highpostonline.com
Saving a Life
Volume 89 Issue 10
On Tuesday, March 27, many Greater Latrobe Senior High students participated in the annual Red Cross Blood Drive. Senior Phill Schnupp helped to continue the tradition of giving by donating blood. The support of students and the community made the event successful. See the full story inside on page 3.
2 • News
The High Post A Publication of Greater Latrobe High School
131 High School Road, Latrobe PA 15650
March 30, 2012 Volume 89 Issue 10
Editorial Board Shea Augustine, Ally Bair, Klaudia Long, Kaitlin Newingham, Lizzie Ruppen, Jimmy Singer, and Rachel Stauffer Staff Chelsea Croner, Colin Bauerle, Stevie Huston, Sarah Haenel, Courtney Joseph, Sam Prasnitz, Alex Morris, Haley Sheffield, Katie Stallings, Selena Sweeny, and Maria Yokopenic Interns Casey Columbus, Clare Harkins, Justin Maust, Michael Nicely, Natalie Ryall, and Morgan Stout Broadcast & Production II Staff Ally Bair, Zach Daigle, Dan Kubus, Audrie Kuntz, Josh McIntyre, Jillian McLaren, Mickey Orange, Alex Palmer, Kasey Paul, Tory Russo, Jessica Shivetts, Morgan Stout, Adam Stynchula, and Julia West Advisors Mrs. Acacia Houck Mrs. Renee Stallings Administration Mr. Steve LoCascio Mr. Chad Krehlik Mr. Matt Smith
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
The High Post
Community to ‘TakeOff’ Greater Latrobe students and community encouraged to participate in third annual benefit race Stevie Huston Police and other law enforcement agencies in Reporter Pennsylvania. Reducing DUIs on the road According to the National Highway Traffic is part of the fight to end the destruction of Safety Administration, approximately 10,000 families and lives due to impaired driving. people will die in drunk driving crashes every “This [PBT] is not only used to assist with year – one every 50 minutes. An opportunity arrests, but more importantly, for saving lives. for everyone to have an impact in making our For this reason, I cannot nearly describe the roads safer is available through participating in importance of this donation and how much the TakeOff race and walk in loving memory of it means to me, my fellow troopers and our Pennsylvania State Trooper Kenton Iwaniec, families,” said Trooper Gregory R. Strayer. the brother of senior high teacher Mrs. Houck. Since 2009, 168 PBTs have been donated Trooper Iwaniec was killed on March 28, throughout the state at approximately $5002008, by an impaired driver, with a blood $700 per unit. alcohol concentration level four times the legal “The PBT is an integral tool necessary to limit. After completing his shift, just two miles a [drug recognition expert], having this PBT away from his station, Iwaniec’s vehicle was hit ensures consistent results and avoids delays head on by the impaired Entry Information looking for or waiting on driver. The race is a one of the station PBTs • $25 Early Registration proactive memorial to to become available,” • $30 Registration received honor Trooper Iwaniec. said Trooper James M. after April 4 “The idea for the race Bivens. “Thank you for was started by our father, • $15 Early Registration for making such a valuable Ken, who ran with a lot asset readily available for ages 10 and under with my brother while he me to better do my job.” was training to enter the • $20 Registration received The race, on April State Police Academy,” 21 at Saint Vincent after April 4 for ages 10 and said senior high teacher, College, will begin with under Mrs. Houck. This race registration opening at is designed to “honor the past and shape the 7:00 am, and the race beginning at 9:00 am. future” by helping to save lives by stopping Different races are available for participants impaired drivers. including a I mile fun walk, a 5k fun walk, a 5k This is the third year for the race and it run, a 10k run, a 100M sprint (6 and under), has been very successful so far. Last year, and a ½ mile children’s run (10 and under). over $52,000 was raised with proceeds going Educational and interactive activities as well as towards purchasing preliminary breath test a Chinese auction are available for those not devices (PBTs), or breathalyzers for State participating in the races or for participants to
check out before and after they run. “Students are taking part in the race for multiple reasons,” said Houck, “They themselves may have been impacted by an impaired driver, they see the devastation resulting from impaired driving, or they want their peers to know that they don’t have to use drugs or alcohol to be accepted and enjoy life. My family greatly appreciates all of the support that we receive from Greater Latrobe students and staff.” Students from the SADD club, student council, and the broadcast and publications staffs will be volunteering at the event. “The memories and experience from the race are priceless,” said senior David Moffa who volunteered last year. “The funds for the distribution of breathalyzers to various police departments is making our community and state a better place to live.” The TakeOff race is a wonderful way to honor Trooper Iwaniec’s memory because he was directly involved in enforcing the laws against impaired driving as part of his job. The PBTs donated as a result of this race are an integral part of an officer’s duty in making the roads a safer place for everyone. Registration forms are available outside of the athletic office and Mrs. Houck’s room C107 or go to www.trooperiwaniec.org. Below, student and community participants of the 2011 race run, bringing the community together for a great cause. Through the event, steps are taken to promote a safer environment in the community, state and country, free from impaired drivers.
Cover Photo By Ally Bair
Take a snapshot of this QR Code with your smart phone camera to link to www.highpostonline.com
Photograph by Dan Kubus
The High Post
News • 3
Helping to Fill the Need
Q&A
Why did you choose to donate blood?
Greater Latrobe community comes together to help many during annual Red Cross blood drive Chelsea Croner Reporter
“I have O blood type, which is the ‘universal donor’, so I figured by donating I could give to many different people in need.” –Lauren Morlacci, senior
the blood drive. “I was thinking about him being in surgery and that people probably gave blood to help him get through this three hour surgery,” said Walker. “Although at first I
both the giver and receiver. Recent travel, infections, health problems, and medicines Students and the community continued a have to be provided in order for the process 14 year tradition, giving back in a unique way to begin. To be qualified to donate blood, all through the annual Red Cross blood participants have to be at least drive. On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 17 years of age with a weight students, community members, and of 110 pounds, and maintain a “If I ever need a blood Red Cross personal filled the senior healthy lifestyle. transfusion I will know I high gym with the opportunity to Though it may seem difficult change another’s life. “It is great to or uneasy for some; to be played my role in this process.” partner with the community and comfortable and get through –Matthew Wano, junior help others at the same, said Mrs. the process, many realized the Rost, senior high nurse. “There are importance of drinking plenty “During my father’s people who really need blood and it of water before and after to surgeries he required blood is good for the community to see a keep hydrated and eating transfusions, I understand bunch of terrific students who want healthy meals, avoiding fatty what a vital resource donated to make a difference.” foods that may cause infection blood can be.” Thirty students from the Red in the blood prior to donation. Cross Club supported the event “I tell students if you know -Michael Brooks, junior in many ways by organizing the you are going to give blood, registration process and preparing be sure to eat a health meal “The thought of saving food and drinks for the students and drink plenty of fluids to another life gives me a good Photographs by Ally Bair replace those you are losing,” and community donors. “The Red Sophomore Rheannie Newell smiles while donating blood. feeling” Cross blood drive developed from Many generous students throughout the day made donations said Rost. “This allows the –Jake Kouluder, senior a student’s idea eight years ago,” to the annual Red Cross Blood Drive, making it a success. donation to run smoothly said Mrs. Kubus, Red Cross Club without any problems.” advisor. “I thought it would be good for the thought I didn’t have time to go down there Giving blood can help millions of people “I feel that since I am able, it’s community and our school.” and made excuses, I realized it saves lives; it’s throughout the United States. According to my duty” According to the American Red Cross, a personal thing.” The donation of blood can the American Red Cross, approximately 1,000 –Tyler Peffer, senior one pint of blood is all that is needed to save make a difference whether it goes to thousands units equaling out a pint of blood must be up to three lives and gives the benefit of saving of disaster victims or just one sick child who is collected each weekday to meet the needs of “It’s a good thing to do” a person’s life. Choosing to donate helps a in desperate need. patients at hospitals within both the Greater – Austin Dorko, senior variety of those who are struggling to live and With a similar generous attitude, senior Alleghenies Region and elsewhere through many students made the positive decision. Emma Terek took the time to donate blood. Red Cross Blood Services. Yearly, the blood Mr. Walker, a Special Education instructor “I don’t mind giving blood because I’m not drive gives students and the community “I enjoy making a difference at the senior high, has a personal connection scared of the needles and I know I’ll be fine the opportunity to save another life, while by helping to saves lives” that truly put things into perspective; his doing so,” said Terek. impacting their own. – Mitchell Wilt, senior father-in-law was in surgery at the time of Requirements exist for the safety of
Blood by the Numbers...
14
Years GLSHS has hosted Red Cross Club Blood Drive
38,000 38 Blood donations needed daily.
“I would love to donate blood to help those in need but, I do not make the weight requirement.” –Julie Slezak, junior
3,000
Percent of the U.S. Number of hospitals population eligible The Red Cross provides to give blood. blood for patients across the United States
“I’m going out of the country and I don’t want to get sick so I cannot donate.” – Marissa Duval, junior ~Compiled By Alex Morris, Reporter
~Compiled From The American Red Cross by Jimmy Singer, News Editor
4 • Features
The High Post
Artist Encourages Students To Follow Their Dreams Ally Bair Photograph Editor
Adults stress to their children the importance of making money. They say to strive to succeed in math and science which will lead to a prestigious career such as a doctor, lawyer or banker; rarely do they tell them to follow their dreams and do what they love. Art educator Martha McKinley Murphy followed her dreams, realizing that one man’s “trash is another man’s treasure.” “I don’t think that [young] people realize that having a really high paying job and one you don’t like isn’t a good life. It may buy you the materials things you need, but it’s not going to fill you up, “ said Murphy. “As a visiting artist from Southern Allegheny Museum of Art’s Artists in Residence Program, Murphy taught the drawing and painting class over a three week period. She not only taught about the art style of impressionism, but also the necessity of passion and self-expression. Murphy moved from a career that she detested to pursue her passion of art. Although she always loved to paint, it wasn’t until much later that she considered artistry as a profession. For a birthday gift, a friend gave Murphy an oxyacetylene torch set. That was the fuel that fed her fire. Using the gift that began as a joke, she realized she could create art from junk. She started to dig through junk yards for old car parts she could use to create art. From those “useless” pieces, she sculpted lawn ornaments. Since then, she has made a name for herself by selling lawn ornaments to galleries across the country. “It is possible; you can do what you love and make a living out of it, not matter what that is,” said Murphy. However, she did not always feel that way; growing up, Murphy received little support for her artistic passion. “You need to surround yourself with people who have like dreams,” said Murphy. She recalls that she had a tough time finding people who thought with the same artistic flair as she. Her friends stifled her creativity and discouraged her artistic dreams. When she found like-minded people in college, she says that it taught her a lesson that impacted her life. “If the people you’re hanging out with aren’t supportive of what you’re doing, you need to find new people,” she advised. Every time Murphy visits Greater Latrobe, she is “blown away” by the art program. She admires the photography and pottery studios, two elements of GLSD’s art program that are virtually unheard of in other schools. Murphy also admires the “caliber of teaching artists”, like Mrs. Mack who teaches drawing and painting. Unfortunately, not all schools across the nation have the art program of GLSD. Murphy thinks the fact that the United States dropped from the number three school system in the world to the 28th spot is due to the lack of art in schools. She figures that not all students have talents in the “norm” classes, such a math and science. She believes that school districts cheat gives by refusing to give them a chance to shine through the expression of art. “It’s like pushing them under a rock and squashing them,” said Murphy. “I don’t want to be squashed.” Murphy discourages stifling creativity and encourages giving kids a place to let their passion shine, whatever that may be. She believes that students cannot live without passion and that schools should give students the tools to nurture individual passion. Martha Murphy lives happily because she has followed her passion of art and hopes that her students can learn artistic techniques from her as well as life lessons. Above, sophomore Josie Kimple gains advice from the visiting artist Martha McKinley Murphy during her art class at the senior high. Murphy shows her own passion in art through her education to others.
Photograph By Ally Bair
The High Post
Features • 5
SPRING BREAK Students have many different plans for the week-long break this Spring
“I am going on a five day Caribbean cruise with my family.” -Taylor Pollock, senior “I am going to the Virgin Islands to visit my sister.” -Hannah David , senior
“I’m going to my friend’s lake house for a couple of days.” -Hannah Hemminger, senior
“For the first part of break I will be in Disney World with the band and chorus.” -Kylie Tallerico, senior
“I am going to the beach with my cousin from Philadelphia” -Jess Doris, senior ~Compiled By Lizzie Ruppen, Print Editor
Not going away for Spring break? Here are some fun trip ideas you have access to right at home Are you staying home over spring break? Are you thinking there is no fun to be had without vacationing in the Bahamas? If so, you’re wrong! There are plenty of fun things to do in the area that provide an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Take a day trip to either Linn Run or Ohiopyle and ride on their famous rock slide. Take a bike ride on the Five Star Trail at Lynch Field in Greensburg. The trail runs for nearly eight miles, so you’ll get plenty of fresh air. Have a picnic at Twin Lakes and spend the day fishing or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. Bring your bathing suit and beach ball to Keystone State Park. You can spend a day at their “beach” laying out on the sand and taking a dip in the water. Spend the day in Pittsburgh and take a boat ride on the river. “Just Ducky” boat tours begin on April 1 and run at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30 and 3:00. This tour begins as a bus ride through the city and then turns into a boat ride! Play a pick-up game of soccer or frisbee with friends. Mammoth Park or Legion Keeener locations are perfect for this!
1 2 3 4 5 6
“Devon Gjebre and I are going to Daytona Beach in Florida” -Copley Fry, senior
~Compiled By Courtney Joseph, Reporter
Marching Band and Chamber Choir visit the place where all dreams come true
Courtney Joseph Reporter
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” –Walt Disney. The Marching Band and Chamber Choir will be pursuing their dreams this spring break performing in Disney World. Greater Latrobe’s Marching Band will take its annual trip to Disney World. Sixty one students will march down the streets of Hollywood in Disney from GLSD’s Marching Band, while seventeen Chamber Choir students will sing for well known critics and musicians including Russell Robinson. This year is unique because it is the first time the choir will join the band on their escapades. Students explain their enthusiasm. “I am excited to see the Disney princesses—especially Belle!” said senior Kylie Tallarico. The musicians will depart Thursday March 29 and return Monday April 2. During their trip, the band will participate in a musical festival held by Disney in which nationally recognized clinicians will provide feedback for the ensembles. The students will represent the band, school, and state. Mr. Sheridan, the band director, is looking forward to the trip. “It’s a memorable, unique performing
opportunity with many people watching,” said Sheridan. The Chamber Choir director, Mr. Murray, explains why his choir students will be joining this trip. “This is something we’ve been talking about for a long time. It will provide a chance to perform and be adjudicated,” said Murray. The choir will perform three pieces of music to showcase talent in the group. Students will not only hear feedback from judges and attend music workshops, but will also compete against other Chamber Choirs from across the country. Aside from performance, students will also get to experience all the magic of Disney. “Students get to spend one day at each park including Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Animal Kingdom, and Downtown Disney,” said Sheridan. Murray is just as excited about Disney as his students. “I am most looking forward to seeing the Mainstreet Electrical Parade, Goofy, and Voices of Liberty,” said Murray. This trip will undoubtedly be one to remember.
6 • Features
The High Post
Children of Eden Takes Breaths Away The Greater Latrobe Senior High School musical was another success
Klaudia Long Opinions Editor “You have a show,” Mr. Krack, Dramatics Director, exclaimed two days before the show’s premiere on Wednesday, March 21. Krack has carried on this tradition from former director Mrs. Rebecca Snyder. This phrase lets the cast know that he is fully confident that they are prepared to perform Children of Eden. Rachel Komisak, senior, was a core dancer and snake in this year’s musical. She says, “When you do a show with Mr. Krack, it’s obviously very important to get his approval of all your hard work since he is the director. The most rewarding thing for us to hear after three months of long, hard musical practices was ‘YOU HAVE A SHOW!’ When he tells us this it means that he is ready for us to perform for an audience." Children of Eden, a show that took much time, energy, and talent to perfect, was performed on March 23 and 24. Including an all-star cast, Mr. Krack, director, prepared his kids well. Mickey Orange, senior, held the lead as Father. Mickey was god-like not only through his range in vocal, but in talented acting. He behaved proud, disappointed, furious, and elated, all in the matter of three hours. Just as Father gave the world an excellent beginning, Mickey started the show with a smash when he sang “Let There Be.” Within the first five minutes of the show, he created the planet, creatures, light, and, eventually humans. Mickey says, “’Let There Be’ was the hardest song for me since it needs to start the show with a big bang. My voice is flying in different directions, from high to low, so it was hard maintaining it without cracking.”
Mickey Orange Father
“I get my inspiration from Morgan Freeman. It’s easier dialogue than usual, and people tell me I have a father-like disposition. It’s a challenging vocal range though.”
Senior Adam Stynchula and sophomore Lindsey Ferguson played the iconic roles of Adam and Eve throughout the first act. Throughout the first half, Adam and Eve teach valuable lessons through their mistakes. When Eve is successfully tempted by an evil, talking snake, she took the fruit forbidden by Father, leading to a betrayal. Because of this betrayal, the whole world is turned upside down. Not only must Adam and Eve learn to survive on their own, but this was a catalyst for numerous other misfortunes. Eve’s betrayal showed that you should always keep promises. Ferguson closed the story of Adam and Eve with “Children of Eden.” In this powerful song, at the end of Act 1, Eve finally made reconciliation with Father for all of her mistakes. Ferguson says, “It’s very emotional and, while you want to convey those emotions, you have to keep yourself composed so you can sing as well as you can. That’s what makes it difficult, but mostly it just feels amazing knowing how the song can reach out and touch the audience if you perform it right.” In the second act junior Matthew Johnson portrayed Noah’s struggles. He took the responsibility of cleansing the earth. Father informed Noah of an impending storm that will wipe the earth of all life forms, so Noah built an ark to save his family and the animals. On the day the boat is finally finished, the animals finally come. In this adorable scene, the entire cast came in colorful costumes, in pairs of two, dressed as numerous creatures. The children ensemble also bounced out, acting out their animals. Audience member Alex Brant, senior, feels that the children made an excellent addition to the musical. She
says, “I thought they really enhanced the musical! It was really great to add in future generations of performers, plus they were all so cute! I loved it how they did a little dance before going on the ark!” The second act teaches the important lesson of not judging others by appearances. Each of Noah’s sons were allowed to take their wife with them on the ark. One son, Japheth, played by Graham Greene, senior, is not married. But, before they left, he confessed his love for Yonah, played by Kayla Bleckley, senior. Unfortunately, Yonah had the “Mark of Cain,” a mark that showed she was a descendent of the murderer Cain and therefore had his poor blood. Father forbade all descendents of Cain to be saved on the ark, so Noah made the difficult decision in not allowing her to come. However, Japheth sneaked her on. When the rain did not stop and everyone learned of Yonah being on the boat, they blamed it on her. In a heated scene, each character, except Yohan, behaved in a sinful manner with threats of death and violence. In this scene, the lesson of not judging others was revealed. Yohan was the only one who was supposed to behave aggressively, but she was the only one who remained calm. Yonah proved their judgments wrong, showing that judging others is immoral. Religious or not, anyone who saw Children of Eden loved the show. The messages were inspirational, the music catchy, the dancing superb, and the singing sensational. Komisak says, “We could all feel the energy on the stage. When the audience gave us a standing ovation before the final bows, which never happens, that just completely confirmed it.”
Photographs By Brianna Tryon
Lindsey Ferguson Eve
“I get a lot of my inspiration for the beginning of the show from my own childhood and the rest I get from my own experiences of loss and making mistakes and learning to deal with them.”
Adam Stynchula Adam
“I play young Adam and old Adam. With young Adam, I picture myself as an elementary school kid. With old Adam I picture myself as Mr. Saveikis.”
Graham Greene Cain & Japeth
Kayla Bleckley Yonah
“I am bringing them to life by using “My character takes a leap of faith many emotions like fury and sadfor love and I try to fulfill that role ness. I also try to be very rebellious while playing the part. In the end I in my roles for the show. I get my just sing my songs.” inspiration from past events in life and my family and friends.” ~Compiled By Stevie Huston, Reporter
The High Post
Features • 7
Which car belongs to which student? Go to www.highpostonline.com to view the answers
1.
2.
Alex Brant
Blake Reeping
3.
John Syster
4.
Alex Palmer
5.
David Moffa
6.
Natalie Kovatch
~Compiled By Kaitlin Newingham, In-Depth Editor
Each car has its own story
Nevin Stas is one of the few sophomores who was able to get his license this school year. He is a part of the even fewer that is able to get a who car for themselves. When deciding on the car that would suit him, the choice was almost as clear as day; he favors jeeps. “I like that I can take the doors and roof off in the summer,” says Stas. Jeeps are fun vehicles to drive, especially in the summer time. It was a long journey to get the car that he has today. He found this jeep on the internet. He took a crazy ride to Brooklyn, New York. When he got the jeep, it wasn’t in the best or safest shape to drive just yet. Nevin took his own time and skills to fix up the jeep so that it would be ready for the road. He also works hard so that he can pay off for insurance and gas on his own. Many high school students are fortunate enough to get a car as a gift, or from their parents and only have to pay for gas, or just insurance. As for Nevin he is a prime example of those whose hard work pays off, and they are able to feel self-pride in their accomplishments. ~Compiled By Maria Yokopenic, Reporter
Luke Zamiskie, a senior at Greater Latrobe received one of the greatest gifts that a high school student could ask for. He was handed his dad’s red '99 Chevy Silverado. “Its a very nice truck and very reliable,” says Luke. The best thing about it is he only has to pay for gas and a little bit of the insurance. But as everyone knows it’s almost too good to be true because with the freedom of having the truck anytime he wants. There is one thing that all drivers are cautious about on the road... other drivers! Luke has been plagued with unfortunate fender benders with other drivers. Four times he has been involved in fender benders that were not even his fault. Each wreck has rendered the car undriveable for weeks at a time. The fortunate thing is that his father was nice enough to pay for all the repairs. Ultimately, Luke still has a pretty awesome truck and not to mention a pretty cool dad! ~Compiled By Colin Baurle, Reporter
Enjoying the freedom of having your senior license is one thing, but enjoying the freedom with your own car is a completely different story. Eleventh grader Courtney Grossman knows the excitement that comes with purchasing a new car. On Friday, March 23, Grossman purchased her first car, a 2003 Volkswagon Passat Turbo for $5,000. The sunroof is perfect for the warm spring weather rolling in. Grossman was most excited to get her new car because “...now i have something worth while to waste my money on instead of dumb stuff.” She also knows the responsibilities attached with owning a car. Grossman holds a job at Shop N’ Save currently and is responsible to pay for her own car insurance. She is also expected to keep up with common maintenance any well-cared for car requires. Courtney Grossman plans to “deck out in camo” when she starts to personalize her car. She wants to buy a Ed Hardy air freshener and a cord to adapt her ipod to her car with so she can blast her music. Grossman said she plans to take a few friends and go on a big road trip with her new car, stopping to sightsee and have a good time. She understands the responsibilities but also is enjoying her newfound complete freedom. ~Compiled By Sarah Haenel, Reporter
Victoria Donley loves her green, convertible beetle. If you look in the car parking lot it’s the only one that you see. The car is just as unique as Vic Donley herself. Donley received the car her junior year. She has tried to name it a few times but wasn’t able to pick the perfect name. “Everybody always asks me what her name is, but I don’t have one. I just call my car a her,” said Donley. “My car is always full of surprises. The last time I cleaned her out I found a three month old homework assignment, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and dog treats,” Donley said. She enjoys the mysteries that her car has brought to her in the previous times she has cleaned her car out. Donley likes her car for many reasons. One of them is that is it is unique. Donley believes that she is unique herself. Other reasons include her ability of plugging in her iPod into her car so she is able to listen to her music. When she gives her friends rides they are able to connect their iPod to her car too. When the weather is warmer Donley can’t wait to put her top down. She enjoys driving on the road with the wind blowing through her hair. Her car is always able to get her from point A to point B. Her car gets great gas mileage. Donley enjoys being the only person at Greater Latrobe Senior High School with a green, ~Compiled By Kate Stallings, Reporter convertible beetle. Photographs By Kaitlin Newingham and Mike Nicely
8 • In-Depth
What Not to Wear
Rachel Stauffer on your way for a night out in Pittsburgh. Features Editor Dressing in short, tight skirts or very revealing shirts Walking through the mall, the cutest spring every day to school does not portray self- respect and and summer trends are everywhere. Short shorts it can be distracting to other students. It’s possible to available in pink, blue, green, and other bright dress appropriately and still look fashionable while colors line American Eagle’s shelves. The cute, giving off the allusion of self-respect and confidence. strapless Hollister dresses are adorable with polka Truth is, girls who wear low cut shirts with a Victoria’s dots and ribbons. The stretchy, sequined miniskirts Secret Bombshell, do it to show off. Just abstain from from Express would look perfect paired with newly wearing this to school for the rest of the students’ bought stiletto heels at Macy’s. Being surrounded sake. Little do these girls know that they are drawing by all of these adorable outfits when trapped in attraction for the wrong reason. Dressing tastefully jeans, boots, and sweaters all winter makes it even will attract people for the right reason and will allow more tempting to buy and wear right away to show them to respect you. off to friends. Now that it’s getting warmer, girls will Truth is, buying skirts and shorts to fit the tend to wear trends anytime they get the chance, dress code is tough in today’s fashion trends. The even at school. Girls disregard the school’s policy handbook states, “The student’s fingertips with on dress code, wearing skin tight skirts or shorts to arms straight should touch the bottom of the shorts school; clearly inappropriate. being worn.” The problem Greater Latrobe Senior High for most girls is the difficulty School students are required finding shorts that reach this to follow a dress code found requirement, especially if you on page 46 of the handbook. are a tall girl with naturally Students are required to dress in longer arms. Someone with a neat, clean, non-offensive, good shorter arms could probably get fashion. Clothing typically worn away with the same exact pair of in the warm summer months or shorts. Avoid this contradiction to parties is unacceptable in a altogether by wearing a pair learning environment. Students of capris or even cuffed jeans come to school at 7 in the with a cute, summery top and morning to learn for 7 hours. a pair of fashionable gladiator Junior Hannah Jones said, “I sandals. Since the school is air almost busted out my shorts conditioned, you will not be too this morning but decided not to hot in school if you wear jeans because I didn’t want to be the in the spring. A spring dress is only girl in shorts since it might another alternative; just make be too early in the season.” sure it is long enough and match School is basically a work place it with a cute cardigan if it is Photograph by Kaitlin Newingham for students; this is our job so we sleeveless. Students who do not need to treat it like one by dressing appropriately. follow the dress policy will be sent to the office to be Skin-tight skirts that cover only a few inches of your asked to change into more appropriate clothing or legs should be left at home for the weekend. will be handed a change of clothes. The handbook states, “Any form of dress judged Greater Latrobe High School enforces a dress to be offensive, not in good taste, or interferes with code for the sake of other students in a learning the educational rights of others will be considered environment. Students have the freedom to choose inappropriate for school use.” This includes what brands, styles, and colors of clothing just suggestive or obscene remarks on clothing, tank as long as it is non-disruptive and in good taste. tops, bare midriffs, tube tops, miniskirts, spaghetti Assistant principal Mr. Krehlik says, “Students not straps, bandanas, etc. You wouldn’t see a lawyer walk cooperating or clearly not exercising good judgment into court with a miniskirt and stilettos and expect to will be sent home. They will either be asked to call be taken seriously because that is their job and right their parents or change into clothes provided by now school is ours. the school. They will be sent home if they are not Judging someone by what they wear is inevitable. taking responsibility for their inappropriate dress.” Senior Justin Maust says, “It doesn’t matter what a girl It may be difficult to have to say no to those brand is wearing, but mostly who is wearing it.” Clothing is new, cute pair of shorts in the morning when it’s a major aspect of personal expression and someone’s already warm out, but just think, you are saving personal style; it represents who they are, and it gets yourself from a trip to the office or a call home for a people talking. You are on your way to math class change of clothes. getting ready to take more notes on derivatives; not
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PDA is Not Okay Ally Bair Photography Editor As I sit in front of my television and watch old reruns on TVLand, I can’t help but notice how teenagers used to show their affections. In the olden days, teens expressed their emotions by exclaiming corny phrases to each other and sharing milkshakes at the local diner. Nowadays, on the other hand, teens share STDs instead of milkshakes. Even though our modern traditions differ from the Cleavers’ oldfashioned traditions, our goals when it comes to love have remained the same. Both generations believe that displaying love and care is important; however, the older generation valued intimacy, romance, and respect more than we do, as I can see as I walk through the hallways. Our generation shows no regard for these three sacred principles and suck face wherever they please. As I watch a couple make out, I can’t help but wonder, are they so insecure about their relationship that they have to show everyone that they care about each other? In my opinion, less is more. My good friend Merriam-Webster defines the word “intimacy” as “privacy, especially as suitable to the telling of a secret”. When you kiss another, you are having an intimate moment, also known as a private moment. How much privacy can you get when you’re surrounded by at least 30 other people? If you kiss someone in a school hallway, that moment of intimacy does not exist and the kiss feels typical, normal, boring. Don’t you want to feel excited when your significant other approaches you to bestow a kiss? Wouldn’t it make you feel special to share a secret with the person you care more about than anyone? If you answered yes to either of these questions, wait to kiss that special someone in private. It will seem much more significant and special because of the intimacy factor. In conclusion, the less you display your affection in public, the closer you and your partner will grow. Remember the scene in The Notebook in which star-crossed lovers Allie and Noah kiss in the rain; or how about the scene in The Sound of Music in which Maria and Captain Von Trapp kiss in the gazebo? Do you remember admiring the romantic atmosphere and exclaiming, “I want that!”? Why settle for any less? A school hallway pales in comparison to a dock in the rain or a moonlight gazebo. Most adults say that romance is dead, and unfortunately, our generation buys into that foolish notion. As long as we still watch movies like The Notebook and The Sound of Music and take notes from the romantic notions of Noah Calhoun and Captain Von Trapp, romance will never die. Don’t settle for less; settle for the best. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me!” Take a cue from the Queen of Soul, Miss Aretha Franklin, and find out what respect means to your peers. By kissing your significant other in the hallway, you will impact more people than you think. The hallways are typically occupied by at least 30 people; you and your significant other are not the only two in the hallway. Teachers and students alike roam the hallways between classes and neither of them wants to watch you swap spit. Teachers treat their workplace as a professional atmosphere. Like teachers, we produce most of our work at school. As for now, our number one profession is learning. We should treat it as a professional atmosphere, because for now, it is. The less PDA you display, the more professional our school will seem and the better you will learn. Let’s return to math class for a moment. In this equation, less PDA equals more intimacy, romance, and respect; all three good things. Those three things can be yours if you stop making out in the hallways. Stop PDA and get what you deserve.
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In-Depth • 9
Spread the Word to End the R-Word Greater Latrobe students join in on the ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’ Campaign Courtney Joseph Reporter
In 2008, the Special Olympics launched the web site www.r-word.org as a first step to eliminating the word “retarded” in a derogatory sense. They felt that the word’s meaning had been altered from a strictly medical term to a common word in society used to refer to things in a negative way. In their organization with the motto “Spread the Word to End the Word”, people of all ages pledge to stop using the r-word. By the end of 2011, over 200,000 pledges were collected. As an international project, this organization has reached all over America. From coast to coast, people make pledges every day in support of eliminating the r-word. The annual campaign took place March 7 and as a result, events were set up across the country. The purpose of these campaigns is to raise awareness of the hurtful feelings this derogatory word causes and give people the opportunity to pledge against saying it. GLSD gave students an opportunity to make a pledge on Wednesday March 7. At the elementary schools, kids were taught lessons about the r-word and being kind. At the junior high, students could pledge during homeroom. The high school made a morning announcement which directed students to the www.r-word.org where they could make a pledge. There is great importance in raising awareness of the hurtful meaning given to the r-word. Kelly Gibson, the GLSD psychologist intern, helped plan the events for this organization within the district. “When people use the r-word, it’s often not used in an offensive way. However,
people with intellectual disabilities can still take offense,” said Gibson. On Saturday, March 3rd, an event took place at the Westmoreland Mall sponsored by Spread the Word to End the Word to raise awareness and collect pledges. Students from the senior high volunteered their time to spread the word and get people to pledge. Senior Drew Eline worked at a station where she handed out bracelets and chocolate to those who made a pledge. “People don’t realize the fact that the word affects people
“Greater Latrobe should feel proud to have been part of the 2012 ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’ Campaign”
- Regina Sciullo
with intellectual challenges. It affects them and their families. Our society has just gotten so used to saying it casually,” Eline said. Other students who helped spread the word include Alex Brant, Geoffrey Critchfield, Dan Ferguson, Brendan Moss, Mickey Orange, Phil Piontkowski, Katie Thompson, and Rob Vasinko. Brendan Moss’s experience had a significant impact on
Photograph By Drew
Senior Brendan Moss makes a pledge to not say the R-word by singing the poster at a campaign event at Westmoreland Mall on March 3, 2012. Many Greater Latrobe students volunteered during the great cause to promote the campaign.
his perspective. He made a pledge against using the r-word. “I like to stand up for people because as a person that could do something, I had to do something,” said Moss. The word “mental retardation” was changed to “intellectual disabilities” by Rosa’s Law, which was federally enacted last year, and recently enacted by the state of Pennsylvania. The law began because a freshman boy from Maryland felt the word had taken on such a derogatory meaning. As his sister, Rosa, has an intellectual disability, he knows how hurtful it can be. “Using the word so casually dehumanizes people with intellectual disabilities,” said Gibson. Regina Sciullo is enthusiastic about the cause and lent a huge hand to the Westmoreland County mission in “Spread the Word to End the Word”. “I feel it is a personal honor to my son, Nick, who is a sophomore at the senior high. Nick has always felt included and part of the school due to acceptance without hesitation by students, teachers and staff,” said Sciullo. She feels strongly that GLSD is a positive environment where each student is accepted. “Greater Latrobe should feel proud to have been a part of the 2012 ‘Spread the Word to End The Word’ campaign,” she said.
10 • Sports
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Playoff Swimmers End Seasons Respectively
Lizzie Ruppen Print Editor After putting in many hours at optional pre-season practices, waking up early for morning practices, and working hard at after school practices, six members of the varsity swimming and diving team qualified for the state championship at Bucknell University held on March 14-16, 2012. “I think it was a terrific season. They exceeded my expectations and made me very proud,” explained head coach Jess Adams. The boys qualified two members, diver Tim Cengia and swimmer Lucas Bureau. The girls qualified five swimmers Monica Sowinski, Maddie Hoops, Celeste Brasile, Kayla Owens, Gina DeFrancisco. Senior Tim Cengia, a four year letter
winner, a four year 200 point club member, and was the only diver from Latrobe this year to qualify for states. Tim finished 12th overall at Bucknell after finishing second at WPIALS. “I felt like I did okay at states. It was not my best meet, but I am still satisfied with my performance,” said Tim Cengia, senior. With a passion of winning, senior Lucas Bureau worked hard throughout the season to make it to the state championship. Bureau qualified in the 100 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle. He took first place in the 200 free with a time of 1:38.33, and second in 100 free with a time of 45.21 seconds. After winning a state title, Bureau said, “It felt good to accomplish something I’ve been dreaming of since freshman year.”
Sophomore Kayla Owens is a breakout swimming star for the girls team. Throughout the regular season she earned many points for Latrobe. She qualified for the 200 IM and 100 yard Breaststroke at the state meet. Owens placed fourth in the 200 IM with a time of 2:05.56. She also placed fifth in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:05.08. “Quote saying how she felt about her performance.” The girls’ team also qualified two relays, the 200 Freestyle and 400 Freesyle relays. Senior Celeste Brasile was a member of the 200 free relay and described her experience as a fun opportunity. “I was an alternate last year and this year was defiantly more stressful for me. I was glad to be in the same situation as Monica and have Maddie
and Kaylas’s experience to calm me down before my race,” explained Brasile. The 200 free relay finished 10th with a time of 1:38.40, and the 400 freestyle relay finished 8th with a time of 3:34.52. Hard work in the beginning of the season, determination during the season, and stellar performances at meets, truly paid off for the Greater Latrobe Varsity Swimming and Diving members. Congratulations on your success. Above, members of the swimming team who attended States at Bucknell University include sophomore Kayla Owens, senior Celeste Brasile, sophomore Dina DeFrancesco, junior Maddie Hoops, sophomore Monica Sowinski, junior Maria Mulheren, senior Copley Fry, and senior Katie Douds, and seniors Tim Cengia and Lucas Bureau.
Wrestling Standouts Finish Season With Satisfaction
Shea Augustine Sports Editor The wrestling team ended their season with two wrestlers making it to the PIAA State Tournament which was located in Hershey, PA. Senior Ty Lydic, who will be wrestling at the University of Pitt in the fall, finished fifth in his division. “Although I fell short of winning a state title, I feel like I accomplish many goals and had a great season,” said Lydic. As a sophomore this year, Zack Zavatsky did very well in the PIAA state tournament despite the variables of different injuries during playoffs. In his first match of states, Zavatsky sprained his knee but was able to wrestle through it and finish the match before getting it taped for the rest of the tournament. To make matters worse, in his last match of states, Zavatsky received a concussion and started to become dizzy so he had to stop wrestling and
default to eighth place. Although he was disappointed that he had to stop the match early, he still felt a lot better about this year than last year. “It felt different making it to states this year. Last year as a freshman I was kind of overwhelmed but this year I felt more mature and ready. I think I could’ve done better at states and had more expectations but my injuries made it difficult,” said Zavatsky. Coach Billet was very happy to see his wrestlers make it and actually expected them to be there. “Performancewise we wanted to do better, but that’s true at all competitions. We expect to be at the top of our game. It was a tough break with Zack Zavatsky getting injured Photograph by Bree Tryon his first match, but he really showed a lot of character in Shown above, senior Ty Lydic wrestles one of his many opponents in the PIAA State Tournament held in Hershey, coming back to place,” said Billet. PA. Lydic ended the tournament with a fifth place finish.
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Features • 11
NHS Inducts New Members Greater Latrobe chapter of National Honor Society welcomes new members at induction ceremony
NHS is part of a national organization founded in 1921 to promote the recognition of high school students who excel in scholarship, character, service, and leadership.
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Students who have a or higher cumulative grade point average after the second quarter of their junior or senior year are scholastically eligible. These students complete a student activity information form, and then the faculty evaluates the students on the basis of character, service, and leadership. Once inducted into NHS, members are expected to participate in service activities and to maintain the standards
of scholarship, service, leadership, and character or risk being placed on probation or dismissal from the organization. - Information from Advisor Mrs. Pompelia
Junior Olivia Gumbita shakes Mr. LoCascio’s hand after accepting a certificate and membership card from current NHS officers Carmelena Moffa and David Moffa.
New National Honor Society President Sarah Fox and former President Bryan Brasile pass the “flame of knowledge” in the traditional ceremony.
Photographs By Ally Bair
Greater Latrobe Chamber Choir performed at this year’s induction ceremony entertaining members and their guests, singing two songs. Most members of the choir are also members of NHS
Congratulations to the 2012 inductees of the Greater Latrobe Chapter of the National Honor Society Morgan E. Allen Jacob L. Artuso Blaire M. Barnhart Justin W. Bolton Kevin R. Davoli Christina R. Douds Adam R. Drake Heather Fabery Francesca E. Fazzini Cierra V. Forsyth Sarah E. Fox Mary Frances Fratto Britney L. Gaia Brittany A. Garman Jordan Giannini* Hanna R. Green Olivia G. Gumbita Andrew C. Hanna Joshua C. Harter Benjamin J. Havrilla Emma E. Hill Adella Hillebrecht* Therese J. Holzapfel Madeleine E. Hoopes Shiloh E. Kail Amy E. Kaszycki
Maggie J. Kisick Jessica M. Koch Natalie M. Kovatch Daniel J. Krall Bryce P. Kramer April V. Krivoniak Lawrence H. Kunkel Ciara M. Lavelle Jacob T. LeJeune* Cameron D. Lipko Valerie A. Magda Claire E. Maxwell Joshua S. McIntyre Lance V. Metsger Ronald P. Monack Brendan Moss* Maria E. Mulheren Abby R. Muller Charles T. Owen Marissa M. Petrarca Joshua D. Parker Tera Pettina* Jane P. Piontkowski Breanna M. Piper Sean M. Pischke Gian M. Prosperi
Adam M. Redinger Blake R. Reeping Elizabeth A. Ritenour Paige R. Rossi D. Alexander Rutigliano Steven T. Sanner Nathan L. Schomer Cassidy M. Schultheis Hannah L. Shriver Hayley A. Simpson Joshua T. Singley Victor S. Sipe Robert J. Sisak Alec N. Spangler Jocelyn Stas* Sierra M. Stinson Morgan Stout* Laura A. Toman Christopher J. Ulishney Jenna K. Ulishney Robert J. Vasinko Andrew M. Voloshin Cacey Walor Mary J. Yeckley Carly D. Yelenic *Senior
CONGRATULATIONS Ray Sowinski YOu Are the Issue 10 PRIZE Winner!
Stop By C109 to picK Up your $10 SHeetz Card
12 • Features
Getting To Know Greater Latrobe’s Personality
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Mike LEONSCU Senior
EMMA KATE WOMACK Sophomore
Michael Brooks
Katie brinker
junior
junior
My nicknames include...
Pablo, KDX
Em, Ekw
The Wizard, Big Red
Kate, Brinks
My passion is...
Soccer
Soccer, Baseball
Denver Broncos Football
Friends
One word to describe me is... When I was 10, I wanted to be... The song or group that always gets me on the dance floor...
Outgoing
Friendly
A professional football player for the Green Bay Packers
Batman
A nurse
Kid Cudi
Anything but Mac Miller
LMFAO
Party Rock Anthem
Chick-fil-A
Five Guys Burger and Fries
Wendy’s
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
The Muppets
Subway
The best movie I’ve seen in the past year...
The Adjustment Bureau
I don’t like Latrobe, but I’ll I want to become a fighter pilot after I graduate miss it when I leave.
My quirkiest inherited trait...
Sense of humor
I can touch my tongue to my nose
The best mistake I’ve ever made...
Cheating in Accounting class
Becoming friends with Lindsay Smetanka
My favorite thing about Latrobe is...
The hockey team
My favorite quote is...
LOUD!
A police officer
If I’m eating fast food, you’ll find me here...
People would be surprised to know that...
Understanding
“Life without dreamin’ is a life without meanin’” ~Wale
The people “When I was 5 years old, my mother told me happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” ~John Lennon
The Vow
I’m a tennis God
My brother is one of my best friends
My dry sense of humor
My extremely curly hair that I always straighten
Playing tennis
Making a Facebook and Twitter account
The supportive students
Jessica Buchman and Maggie Kisick
“It’s only after we’ve lost “All our dreams can come everything that we’ve free to true, if we have the courage to do anything.” ~Fight Club pursue them.” ~Walt Disney
~Compiled by Jimmy Singer, News Editor