YS Pride October 2021

October 2021

YS PRIDE

YS Pride, October 2021

A Note About YS Pride YS Pride is focused on providing in-depth information about noteworthy students, employees, community members, and events. We’re excited to highlight the people and occurrences that make York Suburban so special!

In This Issue A Creative Journey Alumna Avery Volz Shares Her Story

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Staff Spotlight Highlighting Employees of YSSD

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In Case You Missed It Social Media Highlights

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Blast From The Past 1969 Yearbook Pictures

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YS Pride, October 2021

A Creative Journey

Dancing has transformed Avery Volz from a five-year-old, wide-eyed novice into Miss Dance America and a force on the world stage. But, despite all of the dancing accolades, she might be as talented in a very different yet equally creative arena.

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YS Pride, October 2021

A Creative Journey In many ways, Avery Volz (Class of 2021) is an average college teen.

She enjoys hanging out with friends, going to events, and exercising the newfound freedom that comes with adult life. Yet, she also displays levels of confidence, maturity, and introspection that are rare for her age.

These characteristics are hardly a surprise for those who know her well. She has been in the spotlight for most of her life, whether on small local stages or competing in world championships.

Her sport of choice, which does double duty as an expressive art form, is hip-hop dance.

Being successful at competinal photograph tive hip-hop dance is hard; it Avery poses for a professio . in the fall of 2020 is not merely a hobby and not for the faint of heart. Rather, it takes thousands of hours of training — including mental and physical preparation — and the ability to overcome setbacks consistently. Look no further than Avery’s recent team and individual accomplishments to illustrate how well she has navigated this lengthy and challenging 4

YS Pride, October 2021

process.

• 2018 World Dance Championship, 12th place • 2021 World Dance Championship, 3rd place • 2021 Miss Dance America Revolution, 1st place Clearly, Avery has soared to heights that few experience in competitive dance.

While her dance career has been remarkable, she has another talent that may be just as good — writing. Avery is under contract with a publisher to write a series of young adult novels, not just one book.

The first book in the series, titled To the One I Love, is in the editing stage and is slated to be released in 2022.

It would be easy to view Avery’s success in dancing and writing as expected results from someone with a lot of talent. However, the road hasn’t always been a smooth one. At times, Avery has struggled with her menAvery performing du tal health. Still, she is open and ring the 2018 Turn It Up Dance Challeng e in Lancaster, PA. honest about those challenges, preferring to discuss them instead of sweeping them under the rug. She is the first to admit that, 5

YS Pride, October 2021

at times, she wanted to quit dancing because of the overwhelming stress caused by trying to prove herself to others. Over time, and with some help, she learned to be confident in her abilities.

Avery’s success as a dancer and writer — along with her experiences with mental health — gives her a unique perspective about life and accomplishing goals. She hasn’t been content to keep these lessons learned to herself. Instead, she gives back through coaching at a local dance studio, where she helps youth discover the same passion that has helped her through dark times.

YS Pride recently sat down with Avery to learn more about her journey, hear her thoughts about addressing mental health, and discover her upcoming goals.

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YS Pride, October 2021

Starting to Dance Avery began to dance when she was five. In this clip, she describes her initial struggles and what eventually hooked her to the sport.

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Favorite Genre It’s no secret that hip-hop dancing is Avery’s favorite. Hear her describe what makes this genre so versatile and fulfilling.

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YS Pride, October 2021

Motivation to Continue Avery explains what initially motivated her to keep dancing and how that inspiration has changed over the years.

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Dancing Success In this clip, Avery shares some of the dancing titles that she’s won and her involvement in the world championships.

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YS Pride, October 2021

Close to Quitting Dancing at a high level is no easy task. On two occasions, Avery came close to quitting, but she found the confidence to continue.

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listens intently during ry ve A ld -o ar ye eiv F e lessons. one of her first danc

All smiles after her team finished in 3rd place at the 2021 W orld Championship.

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Advice to Aspiring Dancers Fear can be paralyzing. Avery has advice for those interested in dance but who might be scared to take that first step.

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Describing Her Book Avery is currently working on rewrites for her first book. In this clip, she provides some insight into the main character and story.

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YS Pride, October 2021

The Book-Writing Process The process of writing a book can be long and tedious. Avery describes the steps from beginning to end.

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Teacher Influences Mrs. Oathout and Mrs. Paraskevakos (pictured below) were big influences on Avery’s passion for writing.

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Writing or Dancing?

Avery explains whether she’ll focus primarily on her writing career or her other passion, dancing, in the future.

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Next Steps and Goals In this clip, learn about Avery’s short-term plans, which involve college, teaching dance, and joining Penn State’s dance team.

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h friends during her Avery hangs out wit Suburban. senior year at York

Posing with the Nit tany Lion statue on Penn State York’s ca mpus.

Looking Into the Future Avery has an affinity for psychology and mental wellness. Therefore, her long-term plans include a job in the mental health field.

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YS Pride, October 2021

Preparing at YSSD York Suburban’s academics helped Avery prepare for her future.

Listen to how some of her classes will have a lasting impact.

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Advice for Those Struggling Avery has learned a lot from her battles with mental health, and she has some advice for those who might be struggling.

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Senior Solo During her senior year, Avery perfected a solo hip-hop dance that she performed at several competitions. Using choreography that she developed specifically for the music — a track titled “By Your Side” by KVMO — it’s clear why Avery has had so much success.

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More Information Visit the following websites for more information about Avery and the places and events mentioned in this article.

Avery’s Instagram Account Adrenaline Dance of York Tivshe Publishing World Dance Championship 19

YS Pride, October 2021

Staff Spotlight

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Dr. Adelle Campbell

Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel York Suburban School District

Dear YSSD Families, I am happy to be working with the students and staff of York Suburban! As a resident of the District and the mom of two young boys, I know how important it is for our students to have proper support. My role allows me to collaborate with the District’s social workers, psychologist, nursing staff, and administrators to ensure that each child has the resources needed for success. You can learn more about my responsibilities by visiting the District’s pupil personnel web page. Go, Trojans!

Sincerely,

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YS Pride, October 2021

Shilen Parsons

Social Worker Contracted with YSSD via Sunbelt

Dear YSSD Families, As a social worker, it is my privilege to work with employees, students, and families to make sure everyone receives appropriate assistance inside and outside the school setting. Over the years, I have worked with adults and children in various situations. These experiences help me appreciate the importance of achieving well-being within each household. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you are experiencing a hardship with which I might be able to help.

Sincerely,

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YS Pride, October 2021

Jessica Runkle

Coordinator of Buildings & Grounds York Suburban School District

Dear YSSD Families, It is my responsibility to manage the custodial staff and keep the outdoor spaces of our school campuses looking great. My job is made easier because our groundskeeper and custodial crews take great pride in their work, as do I. During the pandemic, we have worked extra hard to give your students clean and sterile environments in which to learn, eat, and play. Please don’t hesitate to say hello if you see me at your child’s school; I love to meet the families that we serve!

Sincerely,

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In Case You Missed It

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YS Pride, October 2021

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Jul 8 Riley Musselman will be a third-grade student this fall. She is also well on her way to becoming a published author! Her book — titled Riley’s Magic Freckles — is slated to be available later this year. Learn more about her #YSBOLD work at http://magicfreckles.com.

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Jul 26 Recently, @YorkSuburbanHS students participated in the @NationalTSA conference. Matt Aulthouse, Leo Chen, and Cade Fogdall teamed up to place 9th in the board game design event. This is a #YSBOLD accomplishment for firsttime competitors on the national stage. Congratulations!

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York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 6 Talia (Class of 2032) was recently featured in Skating Magazine, a national publication by @USFigureSkating. We love it when students pursue their passions! Keep being #YSBOLD, Talia!

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 10 Today, a new group of employees began the orientation process. These teachers, nurses, and mental health professionals are definitely poised for great things. Welcome, and thank you for your commitment to our students! #YSBOLD

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YS Pride, October 2021

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 11 These paraprofessionals and administrative assistants began their York Suburban careers today! Based on their great questions and noticeable excitement, it’s clear they’re #YSBOLD material. Thank you for joining our team!

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 11 Congratulations to Emilyn Bedell (Class of 2023), whose poetry was recently published! The poem, titled Normal, appeared in a @shippensburgU publication called First Light. You can read Emilyn’s work by clicking on the link. #YSBOLD

First Light_Volume 2_2021.pdf drive.google.com

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York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 22 What’s it like to be an elementary student? We followed three second-grade classrooms to find out. Check out the resulting video to see the Class of 2032 in action. You won’t want to miss the making of jitter juice and an egg drop challenge! #YSBOLD What is it Like to be an Elementary Student?

We followed the second-grade classrooms of Mrs. Aughenbaugh, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. ... youtube.com

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 24 Pictures of the first few days of school continue to trickle in, so we’re posting more! Thank you to all of the teachers, staff, students, and families who helped start this school year on a great note! #YSBOLD

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YS Pride, October 2021

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 25 Two @YorkSuburbanHS seniors recently took part in the @distinguishedyw of @yorkcountypa program, which recognizes participants for talent, leadership, and scholastic achievement. Taysia Smiley was the fourth runner-up, and Kaithlyn Khuc earned a leadership award! #YSBOLD

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 25 Fourth-grade students in Mr. Hoffman’s class practiced teamwork by designing new outfits out of newspapers. Their creativity resulted in a prom dress, football uniform, interview suit, superhero costume, and more. This #YSBOLD work from @RockElementary is definitely inspiring!

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YS Pride, October 2021

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Aug 26 We’re proud to announce that @YSHSMiniTHON has surpassed a major milestone. Since the first York Suburban Mini-THON® in 2014, this group of students and advisors has raised over $500,000, which has all gone toward the fight against childhood cancer! #YSBOLD #FTK

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Sep 14 Loralei Stambaugh and Allie Klinedinst — along with a @wyasdblue student — earned their @girlscouts silver awards by making sensory kits for emergency personnel! These kits will help first responders better care for those with Autism and other specialized needs. #YSBOLD

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YS Pride, October 2021

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Sep 16 Yesterday was #InternationalDotDay, and @YorkshireElem celebrated in a big way! The #YSBOLD activities included sorting and graphing DOTS candy, making dot-themed art and headbands, and constructing STEM towers with dots. Check out the thread for photos!

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Sep 21 The 2022 rankings by @NicheSocial list us as the #1 school district in @yorkcountypa! Additionally, our middle school and high school were ranked #1 in the county. Visit bit.ly/niche22 for more details. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this recognition! #YSBOLD

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York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Sep 21 Thank you to Anne Gray, a district resident, who recently donated a collection of books by author @zettaelliott. They are being distributed to our libraries this week, and we’re excited to share them with students! #YSBOLD

York Suburban School District @YorkSuburban • Oct 7 Thank you to Dr. Noe Ortega, @PDESecretary, for visiting Mrs. Milesky’s firstgrade classroom in @YorkshireElem! He met with students and read the book “A Germ’s Journey,” which was written in 2011 by Thom Rooke. His presence brought an awesome, #YSBOLD energy to the building!

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Blast From The Past

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YS Pride, October 2021

Blast From The Past

These pictures appeared in York Suburban High School’s 1969 yearbook.

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Staff Nick Staab

Coordinator of Communications & Administrative Services

Awards & Recognition

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