1. Smoke Signals
November 24, 2008 • volume 40 • issue 01 • Peters Township High School
Congratulations PT Boys and Girls
Soccer! Great Season!
PT Fundraising
Altered By
State Policy
Renée Wunderlich
Editor -in-Chief
Photos By: Stephanie Nitschmann and Kelsey Hoskins
Students Selected for
Westinghouse Honors Institute
Andrea Briggs
Assistant Editor
Left to right: Erica Schwotzer, Julia Girouard, Ben Gauthier, and Claire LaRosa
President-elect barack
Obama takes office,
makes history
– page 3
Inside
BEYOND THE BUBBLE
SPOTLIGHT:
THE GREATER PITTSBURGH
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN
pITTSBURGH
– page 9
opinion
Sports
cROSS cOUNTRY Season
RUNS ON TRADITION
– page 11
the same interests as they did.
“I know that anything I
learn in this program will help
me narrow down what field of
medicine and science I want to
eventually pursue as a career,
and having fun along the way
is certainly the way to go,” said
Schwotzer.
features
great thing to have on a résumé, and
I know that I’ll enjoy myself, too.”
Participants
were
also
able to attend a special field trip to
the nuclear reactor at Penn State
University after the lecture on
nuclear power and engineering. By
participating, the students were able
to interact and socialize with peers
outside of their school that shared
news
Four PTHS juniors were
recently selected to participate in
the Westinghouse Science Honors
Institute. The course consists of a
series of lectures held on Saturday
mornings, with topics ranging from
meteorology and putting humans
on Mars, to using human fat as
a source of stem cells. After an
intense application process, Erica
Schwotzer, Claire LaRosa, Ben
Gauthier, and Julia Girouard were
the lucky applicants chosen to
attend this program.
“All of the speakers are
very qualified and known in their
field for their subject,” said junior
Erica Schwotzer. “For the lecture
on knee injuries and repairing the
ACL, Dr. Freddie Fu will come and
speak. I’m very excited to attend
– my dad had the kind of injury that
Dr. Fu is famous for masterfully
repairing.”
In order to apply, students
had to complete an application form,
as well as write a 100-word essay to
be turned into the guidance office.
Junior Ben Gauthier said, “It’s a
Sprung up from concerns over the
lack of nutritional value present in the average
Sarris chocolate-covered pretzel, new standards
are now in place to encourage the selling of
products dubbed as healthier alternatives. Fruit
and cheese, naturally low fat pretzels, specialty
shaped pastas, boxes of citrus fruits, and bottled
water with a PTHS label are some of the options
suggested by the School District Administration.
“I love chocolate and other candy,”
said District Superintendent Dr. Nina Zetty, “but
because some students, especially in the middle
school and high school may not eat breakfast, we
as a township should be able to provide them with
something healthy that can give them the right kind
of energy, rather than a sugar rush. Research
has proven that students who grab a piece of
fruit rather than a candy bar perform better in
class, on tests, and in after school activities. We
teach classes like Health and Personal Wellness,
and need to start practicing what we preach.”
Zetty supervises Peters Township’s district-wide
approach to follow the guidelines set by the state
of Pennsylvania to promote proper nutrition and
physical fitness.
The Board is also proposing alternative
fundraisers such as Bowl-a-Thons, Fun-Runs,
and horseshoe competitions in an effort to
promote healthy physical activity. As far as
material fundraisers are concerned, Board
members suggest first-aid kits, bath accessories,
and cookbooks for easy and healthy after-school
snacks.
“This is only one of the many aspects
that will be changing to reflect the state’s new
nutritional standards.” said Zetty, “A few years ago,
soda machines were stocked with flavored water
and fruit drinks, replacing more sugary drinks.
That was another aspect of the Wellness Plan.
The Plan does not limit the selling of candy items
outside of school – it is the in-school environment
that it focuses on.”
While the School Board and other District
Administrators are optimistic about the transition
from junk food to healthy snacks, many students
are reported as being uneasy to the change.
“We should be able to choose what we eat,” said
sophomore Andy Shope, “We should make those
choices – not the state.”
Through the selling of food during school
through fundraisers is still permitted, all sales
will be restricted until at least thirty minutes
after the last lunch period. All fundraising
projects must still be submitted for district
approval – meaning they must pass through the
principal’s office as well as be reviewed by the
school board. Any questions concerning the
new fundraising policy, nutritional standards, or
activity guidelines, visit the district web page at
http://www.ptsd.k12.pa.us/index.php.
– page 4
Photo By: Casey Dunleavy
Photo By: Amber Doerr
2. reference
November 24, 2008
Sunday
23
Monday
24
Tuesday
25
Smoke Signals
Wednesday Thursday
26
27
28
1
2
3
9
10
1973: NASA’s
Pioneer sends
images of
Jupiter
NO SCHOOL
8
Pearl Harbor
1941
14
c
e
D
21
22
HANUKKAH
begins at
NO SCHOOL
sundown
Winter Begins
23
28
30
NO SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL
Smoke Signals
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Renée Wunderlich
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Andrea Briggs
LAYOUT EDITOR
Emily Correal
MANAGING EDITOR
Katie Ellis
2
r
e
b
m
e
17
Slavery
Abolished
Smoke Signals is produced
eight times during a school year
by the students of Media II, III,
IV Journalism and extracurricular staff at Peters Towship High
School, 264 E. McMurray Road,
McMurray PA 15317. Telephone: 724-941-6250 x.5379.
E-mail: sitlern@pt-sd.org.
Commentaries, reviews, and
opinion columns are the expressed opinion of the author
and not of Smoke Signals, its
advisor or the Peters Township
School District. Member of the
Pennsylvania School Press
Association.
8
0
0
5
12
6
13
Frank Sinatra
Born 1915
16
29
NO SCHOOL
HANUKKAH
ends at
sundown
4
11
National
Brownie Day
15
29
November 2008
National
“Stay Home
Because You’re
Well” Day
7
Saturday
NO SCHOOL
Black Friday
NO SCHOOL
30
Friday
24
NO SCHOOL
18
19
National Bake
Cookies Day
25
26
NO SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS
20
1988: NBC
signs lease to
stay in NYC for
33 years
27
NO SCHOOL
31
NO SCHOOL
NEW YEAR’S
EVE
Sudoku
NEWS EDITOR
Stephanie Cotugno
FEATURES EDITORS
Dana Hoelle
Bridget Stasenko
Directions
Fill in the grid so
that every row,
every column,
and every 3x3
box contains the
digits 1 through
9. The grid is
9x9, so all digits
appear only one
time on every
row, column and
in every box of
3x3.
OPINION EDITOR
Emily Estep
SPORTS EDITOR
Taylor Relich
MARKETING EDITORS
Shelby Miller
Paige Burris
STAFF WRITERS
Gabrielle Brinsky, Amy
Burzotta, Averi Clements,
Conor Jackson, Ian Jackson, Colleen Lugar, Monica
Paterra, Kaitlyn Richert,
Matt Schilling, Matt Sikora,
Bethany Suchy
LAYOUT TEAM
Shelby Miller, Paige Burris,
Taylor Miller
ADVISOR
Mrs. Sitler
Courtesy of www.mrbaxter.com
3. news
November 24, 2008
Stephanie Cotugno
Smoke Signals
Chemists’ Glowing Accomplishment
News Editor
Last summer at Hilton Head Island, junior Sean
Berry was stung by a jellyfish. Berry had inadvertently swam into the middle of a jellyfish pond, which
led the 16 year old in aching pain. The jellyfish had
stung Berry on his ankle, which left him with many
dark red lines around the wound. The wound stung
at first, and then became itchy to Berry who had to
endure the stinging pain until the wound healed a
few days later. “I am not afraid of jellyfish,” stated
Berry, “But it was definitely a scary experience.”
On October 8, 2008, Osamu Shimomura,
Martin Chalfie, and Roger Y. Tsien won the
Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and
development of the green fluorescent protein, GFP.
GFP was first observed in a remarkable brightly
glowing jellyfish, Aequorea victoria in 1962. Since
the discovery of the protein, GFP has become
one of the most important tools in contemporary
bioscience. The acid of GFP has been used by
researchers to develop ways to watch processes
that were previously invisble like how cancer cells
are spread by making cells organs, and tissues light
up. The two American scientists, Tsien and Chalfie,
and the one Japanese scientist, Shimomura,
were presented with the award for the initial
discovery of GFP, which has helped researchers
use the protein as a glowing marker to watch the
movements, interactions, and positions of different
proteins. With the help of GFP, researchers have
been able to look into specific diseases like the
damage of nerve cells during Alzheimer’s disease,
or how insulin-producing beta cells are created in
the pancreas of a growing embryo. “It’s fascinating
to think of how far we have come in the world of
science over the centuries. What these scientists
did was truly an amazing accomplishment,” stated
Transition to Power, Transition to Change
Kaitlyn Richert
junior Carly Hancherick.
Together, the three scientists brought
together their talented skills to discover the
protein and successfully accomplish their goal.
Shimomura first isolated GFP from the jellyfish
Aequorea victoria. Then, Chalfie demonstrated
the value of GFP as a genetic tag for various
biological phenomenas. Finally, Tsien contributed
to the general understanding of how GFP glows.
He also extended the color palette beyond green
allowing researchers to give various proteins and
cells different colors, which enables scientists to
follow several different biological processes at the
same time. The three will share not only a title in
history, but 1.4 million dollar prize. “This is all really
cool, because jellyfish sting thousands of people
every year, but they have the ability to help save
millions,” stated senior Jack Hareza.
Backstage Pass
Gabrielle Brinsky
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
As the final
curtain of the 2008
presidential
election
closes, the future of
America will be in the
hands of the man who
will be our new president:
Barack Obama. The
young and charismatic
politician from Illinois
steps into the White
House with only one
mission– change. His
motives have been
questionable
among
citizens, as they wonder
if the concept of fighting
for change is something
the country is ready to
accomplish. However,
the majority of students
who voted for Obama
on November 4 believe
that this election will
have a positive impact
on their generation.
”I
believe
Obama was the right
choice because he
understands that we
need change. Our
‘trickle down’ theory
hasn’t worked in the
past, and personally, I
don’t think it will now,”
stated junior Devan
Vachon. Although more
than three fourths of high
school students weren’t
old enough to vote,
many held preference
to one candidate in the
election. Regardless of
whether or not some
students could vote,
many held colossal
beliefs that determined
their personal opinion.
social security, and their
future. The video also
stresses that by voting,
one can make an
effective impact in our
country’s development.
After viewing the video,
they emphasize sending
the link to five friends,
“America, this is our moment.
This is our time. Our time to
turn the page on the policies of
the past. Our time to bring new
energy and new ideas to the
challenges we face. Our time
to offer a new direction for this
country that we love.”
– Barack Obama
What’s better than
watching history unfold?
Being a part of it. The
positive message of
campaign ads caused
young citizens to vote.
The popular YouTube
video, “Five Friends,”
features
celebrities
directing the importance
of voting to concepts
such as ,global warming,
financial disasters,
healthcare, education,
What In The World...?
so the message may be
passedon.
Influential campaign ads
such as “Five Friends”
have ultimately helped
the number of young
voters multiply. This
year, an estimated 22 to
24 million young people
voted in this election, an
increase in turnout of at
least 2.2 million over
the 2004 election.While
young citizens saw the
2008 election as an
immediate opportunity
for a change in the
entire nation, they also
concluded how it would
greatly affect their own
generation. This election
will impact everyone in
some way, but students
are concerned with how
the election will affect
the cost of education,
as well as the economy.
These concepts are
essential to consider,
since many students
will soon be entering
college or venturing
out into the job market.
Points such as these
were prerequisites when
students
determined
which candidate should
receive their vote.
T h e 2 0 0 8
election will undoubtedly
go down in history,
not only for obvious
reasons,
but
also
because this was the first
election that reached
out and grabbed young
Americans’ attention.
As the final decision
was made, America
welcomes their new,
confident leader in
playing a role in the
change in America.
The typical teenager loves music, whether
they’re blasting it through headphones or in a car.
Of course, everyone’s favorite genre of music
differs according to his or her own personality.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have the ability and talent to
make your own music? Well why not support the
ones who can, who are brave enough to go on
stage and perform.
There are multiple bands that participate;
our school is lucky enough to have a band that
participates in Battle of the Bands. It is an event
that’s put together to encourage students from
different high schools to attend. The bands that
come play to gain the winners title. Each school
has a chance to host the battle of the bands.
The last event was October 13, held at PTHS
cafeteria. “I went to support my friend’s band, and
didn’t expect it to be that exciting,” sophomore
Rachel Belack remarked.
Band members are given a total of 40
tickets to sell to their peers. The price is five
dollars in advance, and eight dollars at the door.
The event usually sells out and the cafeteria is
packed. Peter’s band is called PITA. “We came up
with the name PITA before we started the band. It
stands for Pancakes In The Afterlife;” said senior
band member Adam Meyers.
Members of PITA include Meyers, Keith
Quinn, Trevor Oliver, and Jake Locke. The last
event sold t-shirts and had a DJ. They performed
on a stage and encouraged the crowd to cheer. “I
was really pumped about the crowd’s participation;
three kids got broken limbs, no one saw that one
coming,” commented senior Keith Quinn. When
the results were eventually revealed, they were
proud to hear that PITA came out on top. But who
will become victorious on December 30th?
Compiled by Katie Ellis
“It’s a hard knock life for us!” German inmate Hans Lang took a page out of Annie and hid himself in a box of dirty laundry
in order to escape jail. The box was then packaged and loaded onto a FedEx truck. At the next stop, Lang tore himself
out of the box, picked the lock, and escaped into the nearby woods. A spokesman in charge of the group hunting the
criminal said, “It’s the kind of thing people think only happens in films – but in this case, it’s very real.”
A dying dog in East Finchley, London had his life restored by a very unusual drug – Viagra. After lungworm spread to one
of Bently-the-dog’s heart artery, owner David Roach rushed his pooch to the vet. Veterinarian Ben Harris administered
the drug to relax the blood vessels and, luckily, it worked. Bently will now have to use Viagra for the rest of his life, though
it will not have the same effect on him that it would on a human.
The restoration of First Churches in Northampton’s 180-year-old pipe organ has been delayed indefinitely because four
delicate pipes have been damaged. The pieces were damaged after a homeless man mistook the pipes to be rolled-up
rugs and preceded to take a nap. The damage he caused is estimated to be about $15,000, but the church will not press
charges.
Halloween’s come a little late this year for an elderly woman who has been living with two skeletons and one badly
decomposed body of her siblings for at least twenty years. Authorities discovered the remains in covered in sheets in
various parts of the Evanston, Illinois home, but do not suspect any foul play. The woman, whose name has not been
released to the public, has been taken into a facility for care, and autopsies will be performed on the bodies as quickly
as possible.
4. features
November 24, 2008
Speak
OUT
what should
Obama’s numberone priority be
once he takes
office?
“He needs to work
on attaining world
peace”
- Eric Zalewski
Senior
Smoke Signals
Tough Medicine for Tough Acne
Bridget Stasenko
Features Editor
Acne is a problem that most
teenagers struggle with. It can be
embarrassing and can leave long term
scaring. I suffer from acne, and have tried
every face wash, antibiotic, and topical
cream out there, but nothing worked. My
doctor finally suggested one last option: the
controversial acne drug, Accutane. I have
only been on Accutane a couple of months
but it has already been a roller coaster. First,
my skin completely dried out. Then, I got a
severe rash all over my arms, forcing me
to take another medicine to treat the rash.
My skin cleared up at first, but then some
acne returned. My dermatologist said my
skin was going to get worse before it got
better. Hopefully, I will start seeing major
improvements by the end of next month.
Accutane is an oral acne medicine
people take when they have severe acne,
and is nothing more than vitamin A. It helps
reduce the oil in your skin allowing the skin
to renew itself more quickly. A doctor may
suggest Accutane after topical creams and
other antibiotics prove to be unsuccessful.
For clear skin, the drug is usually taken
Monica Paterra
for four to six months. So why is this
medicine so controversial?
In order to receive an Accutane
treatment, you have to go through a
system called IPLEDGE. This program
is designed regulate Accutane and
use it in the safest way possible. The
IPLEDGE system requires female
patients to go on a form of birth control,
answer questions monthly online, and
have two forms of pregnancy tests done.
Both males and females must have
blood work taken every month. After all
of these requirements are completed,
the doctor is then allowed to write the
prescription. The prescription must be
picked up within seven days, or you will
have to wait until the next month to start
the treatment. If you miss a dose then
you have to wait until the next day
to take it as to not overdose on the
medication. If an overdose does occur
seek emergency help immediately.
The reason Accutane causes
fear in users is due to its severe side
effects. The biggest concern is that
Accutane causes life-threatening birth
defects if the patient should get pregnant
while taking the medicine. A baby’s ears,
face, eyes, skull, heart and brain can be
affected in just one dose. The doctors and
the IPLEDGE program stress this point.
Other side effects to the patient include
hives, difficulty breathing, depression,
severe dryness, blurred vision, hearing
loss, fast heart rate, hallucinations,
seizures, and severe stomach pain.
While on Accutance, patients
should not give blood. If they do give
blood and a pregnant woman happens
to receive the blood, it could cause birth
defects to her child. Accutane patients
should avoid sun light, waxing, and taking
vitamin supplements that include Vitamin
A. Accutane is a potentially dangerous
medication, but it has an 80% success
rate. Every patient responds differently to
the drug, but some users start to notice
a difference after a couple of weeks.
Accutane is a tough medicine, but it can
clear tough acne.
Text Messaging Hazards
Staff Writer
“Obviously, the
economy needs to
improve .”
- Zoltan Latinovich
Junior
“He needs to make
the economy
better.”
- Sara Cavolo
Sophomore
“The economy
needs to be
reformed.”
- Nicole Monti
Freshman
Most people agree that life without electronics would
be very difficult. Since the 1980s, technology has been booming
and taken over a BIG part of American culture, transforming
the typical American’s way of life. One of the biggest means of
communicating today is a little hand-held device known as a
cell phone. The advent of the cell phone soon led to another
form of communication known as text messaging.
Although this way of communicating with friends
may seem fun and hassle-free, using it at the wrong place
and time comes with consequences. The state of California
is considering banning the use of cell phones while driving a
vehicle. “We have had far too many tragic incidents around the
country that are painful proof that this is a terrible problem,”
stated California senator Joe Simitian, in a recent New York
Times article. Residents of California are now required to use a
hands-free device while in conversation behind the wheel.
Ever since phones were transformed into portable
instant messaging devices, the number of messages sent worldwide
has increased into the billions. According to the Cellular Telephone
Industries Association, in June of this year, approximately 75 billion
text messages were sent in the United States alone, compared to 7.2
billion in 2005.
Researchers believe that texting while in the course of
another activity can cause injury. Hospitals are treating more patients
flowing into the emergency rooms from cell phone related accidents,
such as head injuries resulting from car crashes.
Research was recently conducted by Nielsen Mobile, which
kept track of 50,000 phone accounts. They concluded that Americans
sent out more text messages than phone calls, 357 to 204. In today’s
society, text messaging seems to take precedent over phone calls.
Because texting has become a major aspect of communication,
it is beginning to interfere with safety. Although cell phones may be
an easy way out to making a call, accidents can always happen with
the touch of a button.
Beyond the Bubble: Greater Pittsburgh Community
Food Bank
Renée Wunderlich
Assistant Editor
This month, we focus on The
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food
Bank (GPCFB), a non-profit organization
fights against hunger by providing food
for the less fortunate. The Food Bank
participates in food pantries, shelters,
after-school programs, soup kitchens
emergency-related food stations, and
Meals on Wheels. Through the selfless
dedication of Board members, staff, and
volunteers, GPCFB is able to serve an
estimated 18 million pounds of food per
year to the less fortunate. The Food Bank
is also a member of Feeding America,
the nation’s leading charity organization
for hunger-relief.
Sadly, 11.6% of all Pennsylvania
residents live in poverty (2007 American
Community Survey, US Census). There are
16.4% of children 18 and under in Allegheny
that live in poverty. And because junk
food costs more than ten times less than
healthy food, the majority of those eighteen
and under in poverty-stricken homes
are suffering from poor health, involving
inadequate nutrition and developmental
complications. (Children’s Sentinel Nutrition
Assessment Program (C-SNAP) February
2007 report “Food Stamps as Medicine”
http://doc2.bumc.bu.edu/csnappublic/)
When it comes to the world of
modern food banking, opportunities to
contribute to GPCFB are growing through
the web. There is now a Virtual Drive,
located on the organization’s website, where
monetary donators can contribute directly to
the types of food/supplies they wish to give
(ex. $13.00 may be donated specifically for
buying peanut butter). The organization also
holds multiple events on a monthly basis,
including drives, auctions, and even regular
Steelers events.
To volunteer for the Greater
Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, log on
to http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/ to
join the mailing list, email a local volunteer
coordinator, or organize a food donation to
end hunger in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
5. features
November 2008
Dress Code Daze
Assistant Editor
Colleen Lugar
Amy Burzotta
Thankful for Health:
Eat in Moderation
Thanksgiving Break is almost here! But after all that Halloween candy was consumed
it could be hard to resist all the temptations a Thanksgiving feast brings us. We all know
candy is bad for us, but you have to realize that a typical Thanksgiving meal could be just as
destructive. An average person eats roughly 4,500 calories per day during this holiday. This
is nearly double our calorie needs compared to a usual day. Did you know it would take over
forty miles of walking to burn that all off? Yes, you get your servings of vegetables from your
green beans and high intake of protein from all that turkey, but you might be more hesitant for
a second helping once informed about the calorie and fat content. Our bodies will be thanking
us for later if we choose to pay attention to the nutritional facts now.
As far as serving sizes goes, feel free to try everything, but keep the pies, sweet
drinks, and heavy cream-based dishes to a minimum. These foods are simply empty calories,
and will not keep you full long enough. This could lead to going back for more leftovers than
you would like. The nutrients that keep you full are the amount of protein and fiber inside food.
Protein can be found in turkey, beans and nuts. Fiber provides you with sustained energy and
a sufficient amount of nutrients, and can be found in green vegetables, carrots, and oats.
When filling your plate, try to have more vegetables and protein packed foods to fill
up on rather than the usual carbohydrates found in breads, stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Just cutting back on carbohydrates alone will save you from gaining the typical ten pounds
over the holidays.
With this in mind, a second, third or fourth helping of your favorite dish is going to
make a difference. This special holiday only comes once a year, and a brisk thirty-minute
jog could potentially help burn up to 100 calories or more; just don’t go back to the leftovers
afterwards. It is important to realize we just don’t need to consume that many calories in one
day. It is not necessary to cut yourself off completely from all of those specially prepared
recipes, but everything in moderation is the way to go.
Food
Turkey
Serving Size
3.5 ounces
Calories
160
Total Fat (g)
4
Sat. Fat (g)
1
Butter
1 tablespoon
100
11
7
Sweet Potato
Casserole
7 ounces
470
17
6
Pumpkin Pie
1/8 of twelve inch
pie
1/8 of twelve inch
pie
320
15
5
500
25
5
Corn bread
2 inch slice
170
5
1
Cranberry
Sauce
Campbell’s
Green Bean
Casserole
Cooked Carrots
Stuffing
1 cup
418
1
1
1 cup
160
9
3
1 cup
1 cup
50
110
1
3
1
0
Mashed Potatoes
½ cup
125
3
0
Egg Nog
1 cup
342
19
11
Staff Writer
FAshion
underpants, no matter how adorable the
plaid boxers may be. As far as girls are
concerned, visible bra straps and other
unmentionables are prohibited as well.
Excessive cleavage or other clothing
deemed to be immodest will also require
you to make a quick change into something
a little more appropriate.
So with all these restrictions, what
can you wear? As long as it’s not something
you wouldn’t wear in front of your grandma,
you should be okay. Long pants are always
in fashion, and if it truly is too hot to wear
them, Bermuda/cargo shorts and kneelength skirts are wonderful substitutes…
if they’re all in one piece. Lightweight
cardigans or zip-up sweaters can easily
cover up bra strap slips and keep you warm,
and hoodies are the perfect way to show
support for a school organization.
Staff Writer
Pecan Pie
Winter Wear
Andrea Briggs
Now that the first nine weeks
have passed, most students have become
acquainted with the rules of the school.
Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked
parts of the handbook deals with the dress
code, and it’s time for a refresher course.
However, with the ever-changing fashions of
today, what is a style-savvy student to do?
While it might be autumn now,
the weather is steadily getting colder. You
wouldn’t wear mile-high shorts and bare
your shoulders in the middle of a snowstorm,
would you? You also wouldn’t wear them in
school, according to the dress code. Shorts
and skirts must be fingertip length, and for the
guys, muscle shirts are a no-go.
Torn jeans or shorts aren’t allowed,
and pants that are not properly secured
about the waist are not acceptable. (And
really, gentlemen, is that difficult to wear a
belt correctly?) We don’t want to see your
Smoke Signals
As the seasons change, so does
fashion. If you remember these three
things when you’re shopping, you’ll be
staying warm and still looking great.
1.
Signature Scarves
When the temperature feels
like it’s negative 10 degrees, all
anyone wants to do it bundle up in
their warmest attire, purchasing that
signature scarf can help do that. So try
a scarf if you have a plain sweater and
need something to spice it up or you’re
just attempting to keep warm. Popular
styles include animal prints, and darker
colors such as a deep pinks and blues.
Sold at numerous stores including
HM, Forever 21, and Delia’s, a scarf
is a must have for all of the cold nights
we have ahead of us.
2.
Stylish Sweater Vests
A plain sweater in a gorgeous
color is a definite must have. But
you may need to make is a bit more
interesting; this can be done by adding
a sweater vest over top. There are
countless styles and patterns to chose
from including argyle, checkered, deep
v-necks, or bold colors. Add a little zest
to your plain sweater with a vest.
3.
Beautiful, Big-Collared
Sweaters
When going out for a fun night
this winter, we all obviously want to
look cute but still stay warm. A sweater
with a big collar is the perfect fit. A
stylish big collar is a must have look
with beautiful shades such as crèmes
and maroons. Add your own touch with
a bracelet or necklace, and then you’re
ready to go out and have a good time
with your friends.
Keep these three trends in mind when
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October 21, 2008
Under Pressure
Don’t Text While You…Walk.
Matthew Sikora
Dana Hoelle
Staff Writer
If you play sports then
you have a chance of getting a
concussion. You may not think
the headaches that you receive
from falling or getting hit in the
head are serious, but you must
be very careful in dealing with
severe headaches.
The leading cause of
concussions is a hard blow received to the head. There are
three different types of concussions. A type one concussion
causes a temporary change
in mental state. This includes
trouble focusing and confusion, which usually resolves
within fifteen minutes. A type
two concussion has similar
symptoms, but it lasts longer
than fifteen minutes. A type
three concussion will result in
a loss of consciousness. Information from www.mayoclinic.
com
Kurt Thyreen, a high
school football player, kept his
concussion a secret and did
not tell his dad. During one
of his football games, he took
Smoke Signals
many hard blows but kept it
a secret from his parents and
the coach. The next week
his headaches were so severe that he could not play
in his school band. Thyreen
did not say anything until the
next game, when he ran off
of the field complaining that
he could not uncross his
eyes. He had a stroke on the
field that paralyzed his left
side. Thyreen was taken to
the hospital where the doctors found a clot on the right
side of his brain. The swelling
was past the point of being
helped. Five days later, Thyreen died.
If you are playing any
sport with physical contact
and feel major headaches,
report them to your coach
or parents immediately. You
should not play any physical
sport if you have headaches
or feel dizzy. Don’t try to play
if you still have a headache.
This will cause the symptoms
to continue and increase in
severity.
One of the greatest reasons that the players
do not say that they have
headaches is that they feel
pressure of having to play
all the time, to be able to get
a chance at a scholarship.
You will still be able to play in
college if you get a concussion. If you miss one or two
games because you have a
concussion, that will not alter whether or not you get a
scholarship. Another reason
is that the players want to
impress the coach, their parents, and their friends. Even
if they have a serious headache, they do not want to tell
anybody because they don’t
think it is serious.
All players should report headaches to the coach
or their parents immediately
to decrease the chances of a
concussion.
Got Facts?
Emily Estep
Staff Writer
After a grueling two years of
campaigning, Barack Obama pulled
off a landslide victory over John McCain, winning by more than six million votes. However, the greatest
question still remains: Did America
know who it was voting for?
Radio announcer Howard
Stern recently performed an experiment in which he asked individuals
in Harlem, New York, who they were
voting for and why. When the subjects responded that they were supporting Obama, Stern followed up
with questions about whether they
agreed with “Obama’s” views of supporting the War in Iraq, being prolife, and his vice-presidential pick of
Sarah Palin. A shocking number of
people that were put on-air during
Stern’s broadcast agreed that they
supported “Obama’s” views… even
though they actually comprised
John McCain’s platform.
Howard Stern’s startling
broadcast is just one of many
cases in which citizens were completely uninformed about the candidate they intended on voting for.
The founding fathers of this country
attempted to prohibit uneducated
citizens from voting by only allowing white male landowners – the
educated individuals of the time
– to vote in elections. What has
our country come to that we do not
know whom we are voting for or
why we are voting for him or her?
I urge all voters, whether Democrat or Republican, not to vote in
the next election unless they know
what their candidate supports…
and preferably who their vice-presidential selection is.
He
saying it to, rather than paying
attention to what you were doing before your phone vibrated.
And thinking that “Well I
don’t have to look at the screen
to text,” isn’t the answer. In
reality it does not matter because your brain is still doing
two things at once, and one is
likely to get less attention than
the other. Your reaction time
is slower when you text, and it
prevents you from paying close
attention to your surroundings.
You will not have enough time
to react while before completely
wiping out. “I once was texting while walking down the
stairs, and I completely fell. It
was not a good experience,”
stated senior Kristina Gaudy.
For many, it is hard to live
without texting. So the best thing
to do is to manage how, when,
and where you text. Next time,
to avoid injury, use good judgment, and think before you text.
We’ve all heard, “don’t text while
you drive,” but have you ever
heard someone say, “Don’t text
while you walk?” You’ve probably
seen a person bump into someone else or trip over something,
all while texting, but believe it or
not, people can also get seriously
hurt from doing this. Reports of
injuries caused by texting on the
move are increasing, and I think
we can all agree that we need to
be more vigilant about this issue.
The problem with texting
while you’re walking is obvious:
people can’t handle the task of
multitasking. No matter how alert
we are, the human brain just is not
capable of giving full concentration
to doing multiple things at once.
You are putting yourself in danger
when texting while doing something that demands your full attention. “When texting, you are too
busy worrying about where your
fingers are on the keypad, what
you are saying, and who you are
Entertainer of the Year: Tina Fey
Taylor Miller
Staff Writer
Said
Opinion Editor
The year 2008 is coming to a
close, so who should be crowned entertainer of the year? Tina Fey. Many know
Fey has been skyrocketing in the industry since her days on Saturday Night
Live (SNL), writing box office gold such
as Mean Girls, but this year is her best
yet. In 2008 alone her television show
30 Rock won a boatload of Emmy’s.
She starred in a number one movie at
the box office, Baby Mama, and resurrected SNL with her Sarah Palin impression.
Tina Fey created, stars in, and
writes the phenomenal NBC comedy
30 Rock, which was nominated for 17
Emmys this year and won 7, including Outstanding Comedy Series and
Outstanding Lead actress. 30 Rock
currently holds the record for most
Emmys ever nominated for a single comedy series in one year.
The current season of Saturday
Night Live is doing well, almost purely
because of veteran Fey, who used to
be a member and writer of the show.
A recent episode featuring Fey doing an impression of politician Sarah
Palin produced the highest ratings for
the show in 14 years. The ratings for
SNL have been slowly declining up
until this point, and Tina Fey has single-handedly pulled it from the dust
and brought it into the mainstream
once again.
When 38 year-old Fey wasn’t
starring in or writing for huge television shows and movies this year,
she somehow found time to raise
her 3-year old daughter Alice. She
was also a very involved member of
the Writer’s Strike earlier in the year
and signed a book deal in October.
Reportedly, the book deal was worth
more than 5 million dollars. It is predicted to be a nonfiction humor.
She Said
Ian Jackson
Amy burzotta
What would be an ideal Christmas gift?
What would be an ideal Christmas gift?
Xbox games
A car!
Do you think there should be a price limit when
shopping for a boyfriend or girlfriend?
Do you think there should be a price limit when shopping for a boyfriend or girlfriend?
No, the price doesn’t matter, if he’s going to like it.
No, if I think she’d like it I’ll get it anyway.
What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans
What is your favorite holiday dessert?
What would be the perfect New Years evening?
What would be the perfect New Years evening?
Hanging out with a bunch of people at
some one’s house.
Pumpkin Pie
Going downtown to a nice restaurant and watching the
ball drop on TV with everyone.
9. opinion
October 21, 2008
How to Escape the Bubble:
Top 10 things to do in Pittsburgh
Amy Burzotta
Smoke Signals
Movie
Reviews
Staff Writer
When Peters Township
comes to mind, fun and eventful
probably aren’t the best adjectives.
Picture a typical Friday night. It’s
been a long week, you can’t wait
hang out with friends and get out.
You and your friends think, “what
should we do?” Then you all remember, “Wow there is absolutely
nothing to do here in good ol’ PT.”
Here is a list of top ten things to
do in Pittsburgh, PA. Hopefully this
helps you get out Friday night.
10. Andy Warhol Museum
Striking and intriguing both describe
the Andy Warhol Museum. All different sorts of paintings and pictures
are located here, making it a fun
and interesting place to be. Junior
Pat Walker says, “His paintings really show that he wasn’t afraid to
express himself and share his views
of life. I would definitely recommend
everyone visits the museum.”
9. Laser Storm
This may not be the ideal Friday
night activity, but it is definitely
something different to try. According
to laserstorm.org, this pleasurable
place is located on 7715 McKnight
Road. Laser Storm offers not only
laser tag, but food, drinks, and a private party room.
8. Tanger Outlets
You better stuff your wallet if you
plan on spending a day at the new
Tanger Outlets. Located in Washington, this shopping center is
the place to be. Old Navy, Guess,
American Eagle, and (my personal
favorite) Coach, are just a few of the
high-quality stores there. Tangeroutlet.com/Washington provides a
list of all stores, deals, and coming
attractions.
7. Station Square
Always find cause for celebration,
but where should you celebrate?
Station Square offers great restaurants, including Hard Rock, the
Melting Pot, and Buccs di Peppo.
At night there is a gorgeous view,
and Station Square is always
a popular place to be. Whether
or not you are celebrating a sixmonth anniversary or just partying with the girls, Station Square
is definitely a great option.
6. Dave and Buster’s
What better place to kick back, relax, and enjoy some gaming than
Dave and Busters? Dave and
Buster’s offers many things, from
restaurants, to a place to watch
the big sports game, to finally
getting that high score on your favorite video game. Dance Dance
Revolution, Nothing But Net, and
Super Trivia are just a few of the
games there.
5. Ice Skating at PPG Rink
There is no better way to enjoy
the season than with some iceskating in the city. Whether you’re
going with friends, family, a boyfriend or girlfriend it’ll be lots of
fun. With a beautifully lit tree in
the middle, it’s the place to make
some memories. So grab your
scarf and gloves, and come have
a good time.
4. South Side
Located on Carson Street, in
the South Side Wroks is a great
shopping center with the famous Cheesecake Factory. After a long hard day of shopping
from stores such as Forever 21,
HM, and Puma, there is no better place to relax and have great
meal. Choosing your dinner from
the long menu at the Cheesecake Factory can be difficult but
it’s much more difficult to choose
from over twenty-five different
kinds of mouth-watering, moist,
delicious cheesecakes.
3. Seven Springs
Powdery snow, clear skies,
and good weather are the ideal
conditions for every skier, and
Seven Springs offers these
sorts of conditions. This ski
resort is a great place where
skiers and non-skiers can
have a good time. Because it
offers not only slopes, you can
also kick back in the movie
theater, go bowling, or enjoy a
swim in the indoor pool. Seven Springs offers something
for everyone.
2. Mount Washington
A breathtaking view and delectable dishes are just two
of the things Mount Washington has to offer. A night walk
along the outskirts of the city
will give you a beautiful view
of it. If you are looking for a
fancier place for celebration,
Mount Washington is the perfect place for you with restaurants like Bella Vista, Cliffside,
and Grandview.
1. Pittsburgh Light Up
Night
Pittsburgh Light up Night only
comes around once a year,
and it is definitely an event
you do not want to miss. November 21 is when the city
kicks off the holiday season.
Not only does it give you a
beautiful view, but the PPG
rink opens that day and there
are all sorts of restaurants
around there. So bring your
friends, family, and everyone
you know for a stunning evening in Pittsburgh.
PT may not be the
most exciting place in the
world but going into the city
or shopping at the new outlets
can sure help you be entertained on your fun, relaxing
weekend.
As Seen on TV: Products Worth Buying
Bethany Suchy
Staff Writer
Day after day, hundreds of infomercials flash across our television screens. While
most of them are ignored, have you ever considered actually buying something? After interviews
with different people and testing various products, many of these infomercial items are actually worth buying. Ignore the ridiculous slogans
and terrible acting because these products work.
The Bender Ball, tested by junior Shannon
Smith, is a premium exercise tool. According to www.
asseenontv.com, this soft rubber ball is designed
to target your abdominals, thighs, arms, shoulders,
and back. Equipped with an exercise video, learn
the different exercise techniques to get into the best
shape of your life. It is portable and affordable with
a diameter of 65 cm and only one payment of $9.95.
“I really like the bender ball because it is easy to
use, but it gives an excellent workout,” said Smith.
A best selling product on television is the
Ped Egg. Without spending large sums of money
on pedicures, the Ped Egg allows you to get the spa
experience at home. What does this incredible
item do? The Ped Egg, which conveniently fits
into the palm of your hand, removes calluses
from the foot, making your feet look flawless.
Brittany Woodrow, a junior, exclaimed, “I never
thought the Ped Egg would actually work. It is
simple to use and works effectively every time.”
In the foods category, the magical
Green Bags were tested. These plastic bags
claim to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for
many weeks. Twenty bags can be purchased
for one payment of $9.95. Over 40 million
bags have been sold, and the number keeps
increasing. I tested out these bags myself,
and I can honestly say they work. I used the
bags on various fruits and vegetables and
they did remain fresh for weeks. This product will satisfy customers and is eco-friendly.
Although As Seen on TV products may seem strange, they are efficient, inexpensive and are worth buying.
Changeling
Emily Estep
Opinion Editor
Changeling is a long movie. It is roughly two hours
and twenty minutes long. This just goes to show,
how truly fantastic it is, because for all one hundred and forty minutes, it is entirely engrossing.
Changeling is about the true story of single woman
named Christine Collins, whose son goes missing. The movie takes place in the late 1920s when
the LAPD was considered to be almost completely corrupt and frowned upon by the masses. In an
attempt to fix their reputation, they then return, or
should I say replace, the son. Collins then spends
a majority of the movie trying to convince the police that the boy they gave her, is not her son, and
that he is still out there, in serious potential danger.
Angelina Jolie portrays Christine Collins brilliantly, in such a way that really connects the audience to the character. That is not to say, however, that her performance out shadows that of
John Malkovich, who plays a local reverend fixed
on the idea of taking down the LAPD and is one
of the few who believes in Collins from the beginning. His character is perhaps the strongest in the
whole movie, putting him in the spotlight for a potential Oscar nomination, along with Jolie. The entire cast was flawless to the point that even minor
characters shine. Changeling is dark, a little bit disturbing, and incredibly entertaining from start to finish. As one of the first ‘Oscar movies’ of the year to
be released, it sets a high standard for the rest of the
hopefuls. One of Clint Eastwood’s bests, and that’s
saying something, it will not go down without a fight
this awards season.
Role Models
Amy Burzotta
Staff Writer
Hilarious, hilarious, hilarious. Those are the three
descriptive words I would use to describe Role
Models. Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, and
Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin’,) are just
three of the ridiculous characters that make up
the cast. Wheeler (Scott) and Danny (Rudd) are
two energy drink sales reps who are sentenced to
150 hours of community service, mentoring kids.
Wheeler is given a troubled little boy who has the
mouth of 10 sailors, while Danny mentors a nerdy
teen boy interested in dragons and quidditch. At
first dreading this task, Danny and Wheeler come
to realize this is not such a chore. The two kids
end up teaching them about themselves and responsibility. With (many) screw-ups, and (many)
laughs along the way, Role Models is definitely
a must see hysterical comedy of the season.
10. 10
sports
October 21, 2008
Shaving the Ice:
Pens off to a Solid Start
Connor Jackson
Smoke Signals
Brady’s Abrasion
Injures NFL
Matt Schilling
Staff Writer
The Pittsburgh Penguins are
the defending Eastern Conference
Champions, but the 2008-2009
team has changed greatly since last
season. Some key players, including
left-wingers Ryan Malone and Marian
Hossa, signed deals with the Tampa
Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red
Wings. But with newcomers Miroslav
Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko in
the lineup, the Pens should be on
their way to another Stanley Cup
appearance. They have started off with
a respectable record of 9-4. Centers
Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are
leading the team in points, with twentyfour and nineteen points respectively.
Crosby is becoming more and more of
a veteran captain of this hockey club.
He has earned the hype that he has
F
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H
T
A
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K
Staff Writer
received over the past couple of years,
with players such as center Tyler
Kennedy and defenseman Brooks
Orpik contributing as well. This is an
talented young team that has started
the season with a winning attitude.
The Penguins haven’t been a
really great team and lacked playoff
experience in the past. They had the
worst record in the league until rookie
sensation Sydney Crosby was drafted
in 2005. They have finally proven to the
hockey community that they can live
up to the challenge of being a source
of attraction in the city of Pittsburgh.
With the new stadium expected to be
completed by 2011 and the talented
players performing at such a high
intensity, the future of the Penguins
looks to be a great success.
In Conclusion of Fall Sports in PTHS:
Renée Wunderlich,
Editor-In-Chief
Averi Clements
After tearing his ACL on September 7, 2008, reports show that
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady underwent a second surgery. The first
surgery, conducted on October 6, was not as successful as his doctors had
first thought it would be due to complications involving an infected knee. The
wound was reopened to see how it was healing, and Brady was put on an
antibiotic to treat the infection. Even though doctors believe that Brady will be
healthy after six to eight weeks of physical rehabilitation, some rumors state
that Brady may not be completely healed by the start of next season.
Although the Patriots are third in their division, the race continues to
remain extremely tight. They sit right behind Brett Favre and the New York
Jets and the much-improved Miami Dolphins with the Buffalo Bills just barely
trailing behind. Second-string quarterback Matt Cassel, who has temporarily
replaced Brady, is being pressured from every angle. With Brady, the Patriots
would win with ease against teams such as the Miami Dolphins, but after
he was injured and replaced with Cassel, Miami proved to be too much for
the team to handle. However, the Patriots have continued to prove that they
are still a viable contender; the New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, and
Indianapolis Colts have been the only other teams to defeat them so far.
Cassel has contributed greatly to their success, shattering all doubts and
leading the team in a way that not many backup quarterbacks could. Besides,
replacing a player who has claimed NFL records, gone 16-0 in the 2007-2008
regular season, and won a Superbowl in his first year as a starter is not an
easy task. Even with Cassel’s talent and leadership skills, it is hard to say just
how far the Patriots will go in the race to the Superbowl this year… and how
the NFL will handle the loss of their biggest star.
Whether you like it or not, Tom Brady and wide-receiver Randy Moss are
a lethal combination, making for some heart-pounding NFL action during
every game. Add the rest of the New England’s gifted offense and impeccable
defense and the results are spectacular. The NFL lost a considerable amount
of appeal and luster due to Brady’s injury. Many fans pay top dollar to see
him play football. Even for fans of other teams, Brady was entertaining for a
simple reason: he scores a lot of points. For many people, the Patriots’ games
aren’t worth going to or watching if he doesn’t play. Due to fans not paying for
front-row seats and the loss of motivation to watch the games, the NFL loses
money for every game Brady misses.
Back on the Mat
Staff Writer
New coaches, new wrestlers, new season
– no one is quite sure what effect these changes
will have on the wrestling team. After winning a total
of only four matches in the past two years, one can
hope that things will only improve from here. With
the addition of Head Coach Jason Carpetta and
Assistant Coach Andy Shrader, fingers are crossed
that the old truth “change is good” will stand. Coach
Carpetta’s claim to fame was bringing Fort Cherry’s
varsity team back from the brink, ultimately becoming
the most successful wrestling coach in the school’s
history. There is no doubt in his mind that he will
be able to bring this talented group of athletes to
success as well. “The most important thing I want to
give the team is a good sense of pride,” said Coach
Carpetta.
The coaches will not be the only deciding factors
UnderReview
“13-3, because the Steelers
are AMAZING!”
Meredith Karavolis, ‘11
in the wrestling team’s record this year; the wrestlers
themselves are ultimately going to be the ones who have
the greatest effect on the scoreboard. It will certainly
not be an easy journey – the team lost five seniors to
graduation last year, two of which qualified for WPIALs.
Many former wrestlers will also not be participating in
the 2008-2009 season due to injuries and conflicts of
interest. However, younger wrestlers will be moving up
from the Junior Varsity team to fill in the empty weight
classes and compete for some that are already taken.
The veteran participants are ready to do their own part
in improving the team as well. Many wrestlers began
preparing themselves long before there was so much
as a whisper of after-school conditioning, governed
by nothing but their own motivation. “If I hadn’t started
conditioning before the season started, I think I would die
during practices and matches,” said junior Taylor DiBart.
As any athlete will tell you, though, enthusiasm
provides only a stepstool to victory. The wrestlers
must concentrate on becoming stronger, both
physically and technically. “I wrestle guys who
are bigger and stronger than me every year,”
said senior Taylor Miller. “I make up for that by
being better conditioned and outsmarting them.”
With the team’s first match approaching on
December 17, there is still time to make the
most of a fresh start. The Indians are refusing
to relinquish their future to chance. They are
and will continue to take down the obstacles in
their path, holding their heads high through it
all. It is this drive that will make the difference
between pins and decisions, wins and losses,
and disappointment and triumph.
What will the Steelers’ record be and why?
“11-5, because Big Ben will
probably get sacked 30 more
times this season.”
“They’re doing well so far and i
think they will keep it up.”
Bill Campbell, ‘09
Nicole Provident, ‘09
11. sports
October 21, 2008
Ian Jackson
Swinging to the Top
Smoke Signals
Sports Briefs
“the highlight of our season”
Staff Writer
The Peters Township Varsity Boys Golf Team
has a reputation in the area as a powerhouse program.
The 2008 boys lived up to that reputation and then some.
They brought home a WPIAL Championship, and they
ended the season as the runner-up in the PIAA State
Playoffs. Chris Resnik, John Ross, Hunter Stanchik,
Corey Martinez, Taylor Relick, and Stephen Radke led
the team to their impressive accomplishments. I took
a few of these players and asked them about the past
season.
Q: How did it feel to finally break out and win the
WPIAL title with the tough competition in the
conference?
Corey Martinez: It was a pretty good feeling. It was like
our hard work finally paid off.
Hunter Stanchik: It was great. It was the best moment of
my life. I ate a five-dollar-foot long afterwards and also
gave my mom a kiss.
Steve Radke: I was so pumped. The rivalries that we
have in the conference just made it so much sweeter to
win it.
Q: Which accomplishment was your favorite this
season?
CM: I think I will go with PIAA runner-ups. I mean second
in the whole state was a cool experience and the whole
trip was really fun.
SR: I disagree. I am going to have to go with the WPIAL
Championship. As a wise man once said, “If you ain’t
first, you’re last.” I’m happy with our season if we just
beat USC, let alone win the WPIAL.
Q: What was the funniest moment of the season?
HS: The funniest moment was probably when we won
our semifinal match in the WPIAL playoffs, I took off my
shirt and rode the bull around the green. The other teams
got really angry and actually threatened me.
Q: If you could summarize the season in one word
what would it be?
SR: Glorious.
CM: Fun
HS: Domination.
Q: Ok, this is for Steve and Corey only. What will you
Taylor Relich
Football
(2-7)
Beating Baldwin in our first
AAAA section game
-Jack Hareza
Cross Country
(13-5)
Trick-or-treating in the hotel
up in Hershey
-Kayla Keddal
Girls Soccer
(15-1-2)
Beating Seneca Valley in
double over time
Photo By: Stephanie Lusk
guys miss most about the team next year when you
go off to college?
SR: I will just miss being one of the guys. I’ll miss the
coaches and the free golf. I will miss the sweet clothes
we get to wear.
CM: I will miss my teammates and the coaches. I will miss
John Ross’s stories and Hunter of course.
Tradition: Keep on Running
Sports Co-Editor
The boys’ and girls’ crosscountry teams have been built on
a tradition of success, and the 2008
campaign did not change that. The
teams had a combined record of 135, with the girls’ team having only
one loss to Mt. Lebanon. The girls’
team was not only impressive in the
team events, but also in
the individual tournaments.
Sophomore Kayla Keddal
qualified for the WPIAL meet
and placed seventh overall.
From there she advanced
on to the PIAA meet, which
was held November 1 at
Parkview Cross Country
Course in Hershey, PA.
Keddal finished sixth in
the entire state, running
a time of 18:14 in the 3.1mile event. Keddal was not
the only contributor to the
Indians success though.
“We all had to work together
because
cross-country
is not an individual effort;
every runner matters,”
said senior captain Bridget
Stasenko. She and Katie
Nerone anchored the girls’
team, with Wes Groll, Will Bowler, and
Ricky Palacios as their counterparts on
the boys’ team, all of whom have four
years of experience running for the
team. Several underclassmen were
also vital parts of the Indians’ winning
seasons such as Mike Chamberlin and
Jon Radolec for the boys, and Laura
Crummie and Melissa Zuccarini for the
Photo By: Samanha Higgins
11
girls.
“Cross-country
is
an
experience; the people, the
coaches, and the atmosphere are
all so different from other sports.
Cross-country is like a family,
not just a team,” said senior Bill
Campbell. He also mentioned
that his favorite parts
of the season were
getting to run at the
Tri-State tournament
and painting his face
for the WPIAL meet.
The Indians’ unity
and team chemistry
have boosted them
to success in what
some
believe
to
be
an
essentially
individual sport. With
the
hard-working
underclassmen
and
team
unity,
the Indians look to
press on to another
winning season in
2009, carrying on
the
seldom-noticed
tradition of PTCC.
-Courtney Hannan
Boys Soccer
(13-5-0)
The highlight of our
season was definitely
winning WPIALs and
getting to states
-Greg Weimer
Girls Golf
(16-1)
Making it to the Western Regionals
-Jesse Parham
Boys Golf
(16-2)
Winning WPIALs
-Chris Resnik
Volleyball
(14-11-1)
We won one game in
the USC match; they
were expected to
crush us!
-Julia Broglie
Field Hockey
(12-0-1)
Kayla Howard: Being
Section Champions
-Kayla Howard
12. Voices Hall
in the
What unique family traditions do you have for thanksgiving?
Freshman Zach Sewada
“I go to my grandma’s house”
Sophomore Eric Yechley
“We go to Florida”
Junior Juliana Makrinos
“We go to California”
Senior Megan Graysay
“We go around the table and
say why we are thankful”
What are you most thankful for this thanksgiving?
Freshman Nico Summaria
“Food on the table”
Sophomore Kurt Sickmund
“Veterans overseas”
Junior Tom Norton
“Friends and family”
Senior Ben Kennel
“Family”
What do the Teachers think?
Mrs. Polard
“Every Thanksgiving morning, my
family and I play flag football”
Mr. Sussman
“Hines Ward”
Mr. Maize
“About twenty family members
come to my house ”
The PT Minute
Ryan Cassaday
Favorite holiday tradition?
My family comes over for dinner
What is your favorite food at Thanksgiving?
Turkey
Last year for break, I went...
Nowhere
If you were a vegetarian, what would you eat
instead of turkey?
Tofu turkey
Any Thanksgiving disasters/special memories?
My mom burned our turkey
What float would you add to the Thanksgiving Parade?
A Coldplay float
Alison Forbrich
Favorite holiday tradition?
Playing flag football with my family
What is your favorite food at Thanksgiving?
Pumpkin roll
Last year for break, I went...
To my cousin’s house
If you were a vegetarian, what would you eat
instead of turkey?
Pasta
Any Thanksgiving disasters/special memories?
My dog’s birthday is on Thanksgiving
What float would you add to the Thanksgiving Parade?
A root beer float
Ms. Ring
“My family, the people here at
school, and my health”
Teac
her
MRS. GEARHART
Min
ute
Favorite holiday tradition?
Sharing what we are all
thankful for before we pray
for our meal
What’s your favorite
Thanksgiving food?
Turkey and Pecan Pie
Last year for break, I...
Walked with my children
Any Thanksgiving disasters?
I baked a Jello dessert in the
oven in place of a spinach
casserole
What float would you add to
the Thanksgiving Parade?
A float celebrating chemistry!