Winter 2010 - Western Wayne School District

Also inside
Turning recyclables into art
NAHS and NHS members team up to
‘green’ our school!
Read all about it on page 13.
All this and more inside & out!
Clowning around
7
Meet Betsy Olsommer
8
Ultimate Frisbee
16
Western Wayne High School
1970A Easton Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
Volume 5, Number 1 Oct./Nov. 2010
Homecoming takes center stage!
Congratulations abound
as students celebrate a
high school tradition!
Homecoming Court 2010
The day was surely one to remember
for Homecoming Court members Kevin
Botjer, Sarah Wildenstein, Natalie Ward, King Anthony
Kovaleski, Queen Betsy Olsommer, Andrew Green,
Brianna Vinton, Sara Coons, and Ryan Troiano.
Photos by Maria Ingaglio
Planet Wildcat
Page 2
Editorial
OPINION
Oct./Nov. 2010
Dropping out:
The perfect way to fall behind
by Katie DeVito
I have recently heard many of my friends talk about dropping out of high school. They all give me the same old excuses,
“It’s boring,” “It’s too hard,” “I’m never going to use this stuff in life.” We all have those days when we simply don’t like
school for whatever reason, whether it be a teacher or another student we don’t like, a lot of homework, or just a desire to
stay home. Becoming a high school dropout, however, is a major life decision.
According to the U.S. Department of Education about eight percent of students drop out every year. Most people who
drop out do it because they are not too interested in high school or because they have family or personal issues holding
them back from getting a real education. People who drop out are more likely to turn to a life of drugs and alcohol or will
end up becoming single parents in the future.
Some people who drop out of school do take the General Educational Development tests and earn their GED. Technically, a GED is measured the same as a high school diploma. In all reality though, employers do not look at a GED as a good
thing. It shows them you do not have the commitment to stay with something or the drive to do well. In today’s economy,
a good job is not easy to get, and if an employer has to choose between a person with a GED and a bona fide high school
graduate, they will almost always rather have the person who didn’t drop out.
Also, if you do not have the drive to stay in school, what makes you believe you will continue on to get your GED? The
GED test is not easy. To do well, you either need to take classes or study on your own. If you can’t even finish high school,
what is going to give you the drive to study or take classes for something that isn’t even required?
I always hear people say, “If I drop out I’ll just go into the military,” Well, that might not be as easy as you think. Each
branch of the military has a strict number of drop outs and GED holders they will accept each year. It has been found that
people who have quit high school usually do not make it through basic training or their first term of service. So if you’re
going to be one of those chosen few you have to be really impressive to the recruiters. Why would you want to take that
chance? If you do choose to drop out and then decide to go into the military, you can choose to go back to high school, if
you are still young enough, that is. If you’re older than 21, you are not allowed to go back to public high school. Anyway,
doesn’t going to back to school defeat the purpose of dropping out? Isn’t that what you were avoiding all along?
Another reason to not drop out are experiences you will miss. You won’t get to have those teenage years. You’ll miss out
on seeing your friends everyday. You’ll miss out on relationships. You’ll miss out on prom and graduation. You won’t get
to go to high school reunions. Why would you want to miss out on all of those fun opportunities and experiences? After
students drop out, most express regret for missing good times. In reality, the life of a drop out is usually quite boring.
People who drop out usually end up with not much in life. They don’t have the sense of accomplishment that high school
graduates have. They have issues making commitment to things. They often end up in ruts which lead many people to
destructive decisions. Some do end up getting their GED and ultimately go on to college or a trade school. Some drop outs
do well in life, but why not stay in high school and make that good life more of a guarantee than a chance?
In all reality, the only reason you should drop out of high school is because you legitimately find it too difficult. If high
school is just too hard for you, talk with your guidance counselor and find another pathway. However, if you are just too
lazy to do the work, you have no good reason to drop out of school. It’s only going to get harder down the line, so you better start paying attention now, or life is going to hit fast.
*Please note, the views expressed in this editorial are the views of the student writer and, as such, do not necessarily reflect the views of other
students at WWHS.
Planet Wildcat
1970A Easton Highway Lake Ariel, PA 18436
(570) 937-4112 EX. 3104
Reporters & Photographers: Ashley Padula, Katie DeVito,
Amanda Pritzlaff, Rachel Bartron, April Krayer, Mark Yamialkowski, Christina Gabriele, Maria Ingaglio, Markel McConeghy, Courtney Masker, Lauren Clark, Shaun Howard,
Carole Rosenbergen, Samantha Burge
Advisor: Mrs. Marianne Morgan
Tutoring and homework help
Help is available both during the day and after
school. Students who would like help during the
day should see their guidance counselor to set it up.
Those who would like to remain after school must have a permission slip which is available in the office.
Claws
& Paws
by Ashley Padula
PAWS to a future school apparel store
PAWS to the “Super Fans!”
PAWS to the morning announcements
PAWS to our spirited Homecoming pep rally
PAWS to September’s “Rain Day”
PAWS to seniors who received Gold Cards
PAWS to successful senior projects
PAWS to not having many CLAWS this issue
CLAWS to tough college decisions and tedious applications
CLAWS to this being Mr. Salley’s last year prior to retirement
CLAWS to overlong lunch lines (again this year)
CLAWS to the approaching cold weather
Planet Wildcat
OPINION
Oct./Nov. 2010
Page 3
The Tea Party A new twist on old ideas?
COMMENTARY by Kristy DeVito
In America we all know the two basic political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. The Democrats account for the
greatest number of registered voters in the
country, with a heavy number of young voters identifying themselves as supporters of
this party. The party is classified by their
more open views and a desire for change
in America. The Republicans, on the other hand, hold more conservative political
views and resist change. Both parties add a
great range of viewpoints and variety to the
political system in this country, keeping, for
the most part, a good balance.
When a closer look is taken at these two
parties we find many smaller political
groups inside, such as the Radical Republicans and the Liberal Democrats. One of the
newest and most controversial groups in the
mainstream is the Tea Party. The Tea Party
started as a movement of protests in 2009 on
topics such as healthcare reform or the failing
economy. The Tea Party is known for superconservative and extreme right wing views on
topics important to the everyday voter.
The Party is centered on three core ideas:
fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited
government, and free markets. Fiscal responsibility is the idea that the government should
respect and honor a person’s right to spend
their own hard-earned money. This idea calls
for lower taxes, lower public spending, and
overall less government debt. A constitutionally limited government is the desire to have
a government that completely adheres to the
rules set down in the Constitution. The idea
calls for the Constitution to be respected as
the highest law in the land. Finally, free markets hold to the idea that personal and economic liberties are indivisible. They believe a
person should have the right to earn as they
would like and use their earned money as they
please without the government’s involvement
infringing on their money.
Despite being such a new political group,
STUDENT SPEAK:
With Halloween comes talk of superstition
Here’s what some students had to say about
luck, prophecy, and spiritual beings!
the Tea Party has taken the political scene
by storm. Only a year and a half after its
creation the first people representing the
Tea Party are already running for office.
In this year’s race for a spot in the Senate,
Tea Partiers from several states are running under the Republican ticket. A man
from our own state is even running for a
senate seat under the title of a Tea Partier.
Pat Toomey is a former Representative of
Pennsylvania who is running on the Republican ticket this year against Democrat
Joe Sestak.
Many of the candidates running this
year have been supported by an unsuspected ally, Sarah Palin. In 2008 Palin was
the vice-president nominee running on
the ticket with Republican John McCain
against the Democratic candidate Barack
Obama. Palin was viewed as a surprising
choice to many people as her name was not
very well known to many, and there was a
list of people that would have been more
likely to be chosen. Palin, the former Governor of Alaska, resigned in 2009 after she
stated that she was spending more time
confronting complaints about her than actually doing her job.
Continued on Page 5
“I don’t like black
cats. When I see
one, I always try to
avoid it.”
- Candice Moser,
9th grade
Photos and interview byMarkel McConeghy
“I always take a
pinch of salt and
throw it over my
shoulder before I go
anywhere!”
- Cassie Bauer, 12th
grade
“I always carry two
lucky rabbit paws in
my back pockets.”
- Branda Sobotka,
12h grade
“I never break
mirrors because it is
seven years of bad
luck!”
- Cory Franc, 9th
grade
“I walk little kids
around, and I make
sure they don’t step on
the sidewalk cracks so
they don’t break their
mother’s backs!”
-Michaela Killian, 9th
grade
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Page 4
poetry
BioPoem
author
Krista Locklin
Krista
S m a r t , athletic, nice
D a u g hter of Cindy
L o v e r o f m u s ic, animals and sports
W h o f e e l s s t r essed, is energetic and
h a rdworking
W h o f e a r s b e es, water, and spiders
W h o w o u l d l i ke her bed, some sleep
a n d s omething to eat
R e s i d ent of Hamlin
Locklin
poetry
BioPoem
author
Shawney Matoushek
Shawney
Fierce, Modest, Strong
Daughter of Christopher
Lover of Martial Arts, Dance, and Hunting
Who Feels Intimidating, Brave, and WellRounded
Who Fears Snakes, Foam Pits, and Loneliness
Who Would Like Peace, Love, and a Whatchamacallit
Resident of a Dispersed Home
Matoushek
P oet’s
S oul
poetry
BioPoem
author
Samantha Giombetti
Samantha
Amicable, active, perfectionist
Daughter of Giombetti’s and Cosgrove’s
Love of swimming, dancing, and movies
Who feels tired, stressed, and gloomy
Who fears scary movies, pizza, and being
caught
Who would like relief, summer, and sleep
Resident of America
Giombetti
Photography by Courtney Masker
Oct./Nov. 2010
poetry
BioPoem
author
Emily Funk
Emily
Happy, Nice, Caring
Daughter of the Funks and Bous
Lover of Food, Animals, and Laughter
Who feels Happiness, Motivation, and Exhilaration
Who Fears Bees, Humiliation, and Loneliness
Who would like to hang out with friends, a simple life, and to become wealthy
Resident of USA
Funk
poetry
BioPoem
author
Deborah Bernstein
Deborah
Curious, tenacious, impatient
Daughter of the Bernsteins and Bashams
Lover of art, far away places, and salt & vinegar
chips
Who feels anxiety, boredom, and hunger
Who fears E.T., tomatoes, and being chased
Who would like world peace, a trip to Paris, and
a strawberry smoothie
Resident of America
Bernstein
Do you listen to music
when you study?
by Samantha Burge
Amber Hanstein, 9th grade: Yes! I listen to “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars.
It’s my favorite song right now.”
Jessica Ujobai, 9th grade: I do. I listen to NeverShoutNever! when I study. I love
the lyrics of the lead singer, Christopher Drew.
Nicole Henwood, 11th grade: I like to listen to “Not Afraid” by Eminem when I
study. I like him because he’s a good rapper, and it is a really good song.
Caleb Frey, 11th grade: Yes, I do listen to music when I study. I like metal music. I
prefer the band Disturbed. They get me pumped up!
C o n r a d
Borowski,
10th
grade,
also likes to
listen to music
when he studies. “I like to
listen to the
band We Gutter the Bread
with Butter. I
like this band
because it is
very random.”
Tyler Murphy, 10th grade: Yes, I listen when I study. I like the song “Give Me a Sign” by Breaking Benjamin. I like to listen to this when I
study because I like the beat.
Julie Kaudelky, 10th grade: I like to listen to Pink Floyd when I study. It helps to get me in a serious mood.
John Miller, 12th grade: I like to listen to a variety of bands when I study. I like Jeffree Star, Blond the Dance Floor, and Sotty Vanity. I like to
listen to these bands because they are different from a lot of other bands.
Samantha Merrifield, 9th grade: I like to listen to bands like NeverShoutNever, Owl City, Hollywood Undead, and Eminem. I like to listen to
techno music because it calms me down and puts me into an emotional state. I also listen to different songs while I am doing art work, so I can
put the right emotions into my art.
Leah Kellogg, 10th grade: I shuffle my iPod when I study. I listen to music when I study because it calms me down. It also depends on my mood.
If I am happy, I will listen to upbeat songs. If I am in a bad mood, I listen to more hardcore music. If I am upset, I will listen to more sad songs.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Oct./Nov. 2010
Page 5
‘Tea Party’ controversy
If you HAD to
Choose. . .
Commentary
From Page 4
• Fast Facts:
by Lauren Clark
Apple pie
or
Pumpkin pie?
Kaitlin Hemmler: Apple pie because I do not like pumpkin.
Steven Trygar: Pumpkin because I don’t like apples.
or
Costume contest Costume party?
April Krayer: Party because I like socializing.
Juan Rivera: Party because it seems like it would be more fun.
or
Candy apples?
Caramel apples?
Keandra Zdziarski: Caramel because it’s less sticky than a candy apple.
Josh Chamberlain: Caramel apple because it tastes better.
or
Candy corn?
Lollipops?
Charles Rennekamp: Lollipops because they last longer.
Sarah Hampton: Lollipops because I really don’t like candy corn.
or
Corn maze?
Haunted house?
Celeena Tomala: Haunted house because it is more interesting.
Keishanda Phillips: Haunted house because there are so many unexpected
things.
or
Painting pumpkins Carving pumpkins?
Kaitlyn Torquati: Painting because it’s more vibrant.
Bridget Quinn: Carving because it’s a tradition.
or
Ghosts?
Skeletons?
Homer Hollister: Skeletons because you can play the xylophone on their
ribs.
Allison Clark: Ghosts because they are cool.
or
Raking leaves?
Jumping in leaves?
Tyne Clookey: Jumping in leaves because I would rather have fun
than work.
John Anderson: Raking leaves because I like to do work.
or
Scary costume?
Funny costume?
Mike Sanders: Funny because I like to make people laugh.
Alisha Burns: Funny costume because I want people to think I am
funny, not scary!
Hershey bar?
Starburst?
Mercedes Drake: Hershey bar! I like chocolate.
Paul Faux: Hershey bar because chocolate is better than chewy.
• More than 30 Tea Party-supported candidates
seized victories in the November elections.
• Among the winners in the Senate were Rand Paul
in Kentucky, Marco Rubio in Florida, and Pat
Toomey in Pennsylvania.
• Despite their victories, the Tea Party did have
some big loses such as Christine O’Donnell in
Delaware’s Senate race, Ken buck in Colorado’s
Senate race, and Carl Paladino in the New York
Govenor race.
Palin also cited family reasons for her resignation. However,
soon afterwards she took on a new title as a Tea Party member and continued to be as active in politics as ever.. She has
supported several candidates this year, including the controversial Christine O’Donnell from Delaware. “I am not a witch,”
O’Donnell said in the opening of one of her political advertisements after old news clips showed her discussing her past
pracctice of witchcraft. This, rather than her Tea Party status, is
considered the cause of O’Donnell’s defeat.
Like O’Donnell, many of the Tea Party candidates have been
controversial. Their ideas are similar: the rights to their money
and their guns under the 2nd Amendment. All members want
to cut government spending and lower taxes. They generally are
against abortion, gay marriage, and a pathway for illegal immigrants to become legal citizens.
They also oppose social security, health care reform, but support increased benefits for veterans. I am not against giving benefits to those who have protected our country, but why would
we choose to help veterans but take social security away from
out elderly?
Are Tea Party members are just trying to revive old ideas? I
think so. That isn’t always a bad thing, but it has been more
than 200 years since the Constitution was written. Things have
changed, and the same old rules don’t always apply. We aren’t
in the 1700’s anymore. Issues are not black and white.
For the most part, members of the Tea Party are not looking out for the interest of the country as a whole. For example,
they would rather the wealthy have more money in their own
pockets than to have health care for all. They do not respect the
rights to all people and their happiness in life, money just means
everything to them. I like to think money can’t buy everything
in life, especially happiness.
Why should marriage be denied to those who are gay? Why
should healthcare be denied to those who are poor? What is the
point of being rich if you can’t marry someone because of your
sexual affiliation? What is the point of being rich if a young
child is sick and doesn’t have enough money for health insurance? Money isn’t everything in life. Our representatives must
care for others, not just vote for their own interests.
In conclusion, the Tea Party is trying to take ideas set forth by
our forefathers some 200 years ago and make them work today.
The cliche is true. Things can only stay the same for so long. It
is senseless to hold onto the past. The Tea Party is just a second
try at old ideas that didn’t hold up to well the first time.
*Please note, the views expressed in this opinion piece are
the views of the student writer and, as such, do not necessarily reflect the views of other students at WWHS.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Page 6
Originality rules on Halloween
Oct./Nov. 2010
by Christina Gabriele
Tired of Halloween costumes that are over priced and lack of creativity? You can create your Halloween costume at home that’s much cheaper and more original! All you need is some of your own
clothing,makeup,and sewing machine if desired.
You might be
surprised to find
that you enjoy your
homemade costume
more than the storebought version!
For this Halloween, junior Chelsey Leslie wanted to be Snookie
from MTV’s Jersey Shore, but she didn’t want to spend a lot of money.
Instead Chelsey used her own clothing and accessories from her home
instead of buying from a Halloween costume store. First, she found a
pink-purplish semi dress with pink high heels right out of her closet.
When asked how much money she thought it would cost her from a
Halloween store, she replied “I think at least $25 which isn’t reasonable because you only get the dress and not the Snookie wig.”
After she found the dress she wanted to wear, it was time for the
famous Snookie poof. All you need is a hair tie, bobby pins, and lots of hairspray! To make your hair
rise, simply tease your hair with a comb and spray hairspray to hair. When you feel that your hair has
reached its highest, apply many bobby pins and a hair tie. Chelsey’s advice for Snookie goers is “Wear
lots of hairspray, tanning lotion, find comfortable heals, and a jar of pickles.”
Finally, it’s makeup time! All you need is liquid eyeliner or pencil, blue, metallic purple,pink, or
any dark eye shadow to complete this look. Make sure to apply makeup dark. If you don’t have any
of these items, visit your local store. This look only took 20 minutes to complete! Chelsey says she
loves being a “guidette” for a few hours!
Photo by Christina Gabriele
There are many other easy and fun homemade costumes you can create. For example, you can be She’s all about Snookie! Junior Chelsey Lesa air freshener! All you need to do is simply wear a black shirt, pants, and cut out a green tree so you lie had fun making her own costume this year,
and she saved a lot of money, too.
can wear it around your neck to make the air freshener.
Some other ideas for costumes are Lady Gaga, Kesha, fairy, grandma, clown, iPhone and many
more! If you have a sewing machine and fabric, you can make your own costume. Many costumes at Halloween stores cost around $25 to $45. If you
make your costumes, they can cost you next to nothing! Homemade costumes are both affordable and original.
You may be surprised to find out that you enjoy your homemade costume more than the store bought costume.
A perk for band members is dressing up for elementary school visits.
Check out their great costumes!
Left: Kyle Williams
Below: Janine Cavage &
Samantha Fawcett
Above: Michael Danchak
Right: Sally Jellock and Rachel
Yamialkowski
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Oct./Nov. 2010
Page 7
Mrs. Donohue happy in new
role of assistant principal
‘I’m pleased with the
students’ positive
behavior and their
commitment to
academics.’
Photo by
Maria
Ingaglio
‘Put on a happy face’ says
WW’s favorite clown,
Nick Fischetti
by Maria Ingaglio
Junior Nick Fischetti is not only a class clown,
but a clown in real life. At age eight, Nick, also
known as “Calamity the Clown,” started his
clowning career with support from his dad, a
prior circus clown, and his mother, a clown at
parties within their family clowning business.
If you’re looking for a good chuckle, turn to
Nick. One of Nick’s favorite parts about being a
clown is that his job is to be obnoxious and make
people laugh, all while having a great time himself. Don’t think clowning is an easy job. It takes
Nick about two and half hours to get completely
decked out in his clown costume and full face of
makeup. After getting fully ready, Nick enjoys
showcasing his clowning skills at parades, birthday parties, school pep rallies and Spirit Week.
At the recent pep rally, Mr. Zoppi pointed out
Nick as Western Wayne’s most spirited fan as he
worked the crowd from his spot in the bleachers.
For Nick, summer break offers a chance to attend “clown camp”, refreshing his skills and
learning new routines. Nick, whose his parents
were once professional clowns in the New York
City area, is proud to be carrying on the family trade. “It’s something I learned when I was
young, and it is natural for me,” he said.
To Nick, clowning is more than just making
people laugh; it’s a release from the real world.
Even when he has a bad day he feels that clowning has helped him “to cope with problems because when I am in that clown suit, I have to
put on a happy face.” Rather than tossing aside
problems, Nick’s clowning has “taught me how
to put bad things aside and focus on the beauty
of life rather than the flaws.”
Although Nick is not planning to make clowning his full-time career in the future, he still aspires to do clowning on the side and continue to
brighten people’s day.
- Mrs. Donohue
by Carole Rosenbergen
Assistant Principal, Mrs.
Kristen Donohue, is new to
the high school but familar
to students since she taught
many of them when she
was a Spanish teacher in the
middle school.
Photo by Courtney Masker
Reporter Carole Rosenbergen was happy to interview
WWHS’s new assistant principal, Mrs. Kristen Donohue. “I’m
excited to introduce Mrs. Donohue to our students. I had her
as a Spanish teacher and really liked her.,” Carole said.
Mrs. Donohue, a graduate
of The University of Scranton, is excited about her new
position, and feedback from
faculty and students has
been positive. PW is pleased to introduce her here.
Q: Being the new person at just
about anything is hard. What
has been most difficult for you in
stepping into this new position?
A: Learning the routine of the high
school and learning the names of
the faculty and staff members.
A few favorites...
Quotation: “Ordinary people with commitment can make
an extraordinary impact on their world.”
- John C. Maxwell
Book: Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Sport: Basketball
‘Anything’ about WWHS: The students, faculty, and staff
Food: Pasta
Movie: The Holiday
have all been positive role models. They have alQ: Why did you accept this position?
A: While teaching I was pursing my masters ways supported my career decisions and helped
degree in education administrator. Being an ad- make this transition successful.”
ministrator has always been a goal of mine.
Q: How do you feel you can be a positive role
model to your students?
Q: What are your goals for this year?
A: To continue to provide a safe school and pro- A: By setting high expectations both for myself
and for our students.
mote school spirit.
Q: What do you expect to accomplish this year?
A: I’d like to see improved morale in students
here at the high school. I feel that [knowing]
these students has been helpful in my transition.”
Q: What do you enjoy as a hobby or what do
you do in your spare time?
A: I like to cook, I like to run, and I like to spend
time with my family.
Q: Who has been a positive role model in your Q: Can you give me a fun fact about yourself
that your students might enjoy hearing?
life?
A: My parents, my husband, family and friends A: Bueno me gusta hablar Espanol!
R
Staff
Profile
Mr.James
Rebar
by Markel
McConeghy
Education:
Bachelor of Science degree - Mansfield University; Masters Degree - East
Stroudsburg University
Job title: English Teacher
Literary Magazine Advisor; Senior
Project Coordinator
Hobbies: I love to read and watch
old TV programs.
A few of my favorite things:
Author: David Eddings
Store: Borders
Food: A good steak
Movie: The Great Escape
Color: Blue
I’d like to meet: Actor Tom
Hanks
Planet Wildcat
Page 8
sy
t
e
B
t
!
e
Me mmer
o
Ols
all about
Betsy...
Who is the teacher she is
S
FEATURES
he’s creative, fun, and out-going!
Meet The Senior Class president!
Oct./Nov. 2010
Bits & Pieces
by Lauren Clark
Would you like to know a little more about Betsy?
She was born on June 19th and is 17 years old.
She has an older sister, Phoebe, and a younger
brother, Garrett.
Betsy is busy both in school and out!
most inspired by?
“Mrs. Carmody who has been
my advisor for the past four
years. I have learned so many
lessons and virtues from her!”
She works at Olsommer Christmas Tree Farm
during the winter. “I make and decorate wreaths,
and I am a cashier there. I really like the Christmas season, and I like my co-workers.”
Betsy is involved in many extra-curricular activities. She is on both the football and basketball
cheerleading squads. “I cheer because I really
enjoy it.”
Some favorites:
Book: Little White Lies
Music: All kinds
Color: Yellow
Drink: Lemonade
Food: Cucumbers
Subject: Art
Movie: Arsenic and Old
Lace
She is also a member of student council, SADD,
NHS, vice president of NHS, FBLA, FCCLA,
Stratigical Planning Committee, president of the
senior class, secretary of FCCLA, and is also in
her church’s youth group.
When asked why she is involved in so many activi- Betsy (right) poses with her grandfather, Mr.
Jerry Starling, and her sister, Phoebe.
ties, Betsy replies that she simply enjoys it. “I really love being involved and helping
others as much as I can.”
Betsy’s advice to
underclassmen:
“Don’t slack or goof off.
It’s important to establish
a close relationship with
your teachers and school
administrators.”
You may wonder where Betsy finds
any spare time. Well, she barely does
find any, but on that rare
occasion that she does she
enjoys dancing and spending
time with family and friends.
Her future plans include
attending Costal Carolina
University to major in marine
biology.
WHERE DOES SHE WANT
TO BE IN TEN YEARS? “I hope to
have a successful career and loving people
around me!”
The “best” lesson
she’s learned so far?
“That self-fulfillment comes from self-sacrifice!”
How would Betsy like her classmates to remember
her after graduation?
“As a well-liked person whom they could
depend upon!”
Her role model?
“My sister, Phoebe. She is passionate about everything she does and the people
around her. She is willing to go the extra mile for anyone!”
Lastly, what motivates this girl?
Her family! “I can’t live without my family...or cucumbers. I love them!”
Planet Wildcat
Oct./Nov. 2010
Dear Love Lady,
by Amanda Pritzlaff
FEATURES
Page 9
Dear Love Lady,
Lately my relationship with my boyfriend is
kind of messed up because of Megan Fox. He
has this new weird obsession with how “beautiful and sexy” she is and even has posters of
her. Although he hasn’t mentioned it, I think he
compares me with his ideal woman, I think it’s
because we watched Transformers last week, but
did I mention I hate her? I know it sounds stupid to be jealous of a movie star you don’t even
know and your boyfriend won’t ever meet, but
what should I do??
From “I’d be an extra in her movies”
Dear Love Lady,
My mom has a new boyfriend whom I really
can’t stand. He’s nice to her, spends a lot of time
and money on her and treats her like a gentleman.
However, he wasn’t my personal first choice.
Our next door neighbor, who is a little bit older
than my mom, has had kind of a crush on her for
about a year, and he’s way nicer than her current
boyfriend. (She hasn’t seen his mean side yet
like I have!) So, how can I get her to ditch this
guy and pay attention to our nice neighbor?
Dear Megan-Movie-Extra,
Sincerely, Little “Hitch”
First you need to know that teenage boys go
through that stage where their hormones are raging and sexy movie stars, like Ms. Fox, will apDear Little “Hitch,”
peal to them twice as much because unlike you,
If your neighbor wants your mom’s attention and
Megan’s job is to always be a sex symbol even
he is truly a “better” person than your mom’s
in serious roles. However, I’d be mad if my boycurrent boyfriend, who seems to be impressing
friend was obsessed with some unrealistic idea
her, then you should tell him to step his game up!
too. If you feel he’s comparing you to her, you
He’s liked her for so long but hasn’t said anyhave to let him know that you’re better than Mething and now it’s up to you, a kid, to hook them
gan because your real and she’s mostly fake.
up? I don’t think so! You can help him out by
Have you seen the pictures of her with no makeputting in a good word with your mom and exup or in a bikini? The girl’s got really short legs
plaining
why
her
new
man
is
not
cool,
but
it’s
reSubmit your letters to the Love Lady in the
and has that seductive face painted right over top
Planet Wildcat box inside the library en- ally in your neighbor’s hands. Try and give him of her own! Finally, if you find your boyfriend’s
trance. All letters must be suitable for school. a pep talk. He’ll probably listen to a youngster talks too often of attraction to her, tell him you
Responses are all in fun. Advice is neither se- who is hip and seemingly successful with own find it disrespectful and that he has a wonderful
relationships.
rious nor professional.
girlfriend right in front of him!
Love, Amanda
Love, Amanda
“Pay it forward” is a popular concept from the movie by the same name in which the young character
tries to change the world by creating a chain reaction of acts of kindness. This idea is being seen in
WWHS this year as a part of the Guidance Department’s new Character Education Program. Students
and staff who exhibit acts of kindness are being recognized for their actions. However, there is much
more to the new Character Education Program than this one component.
The program, in fact, consists of six pillars which represent the characteristics of trustworthiness,
respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. These six “Pillars of Character” will be displayed as banners in the cafeteria. You can expect to be introduced to these pillars through a variety of
school based activities as described by the “pillars” listed here:
Pillar 1: Trustworthiness- Promoting Healthy Relationships
Providing Awareness of the College Transition (PACT) are trained college students from the University
of Scranton who will come to speak with the 12th grade students in the Spring about healthy relationships, stalking, cyber-stalking, healthy choices,
and how it relates to the college transition process. An assembly held in October for 9th and 10h graders entitled ‘Dare to Move’ was designed to teach
students that hardships force us to ask questions, explore new options, and make responsible decisions by standing up to those bullying others, encouraging those who need help, and saying “No” to drugs and alcohol.
Pillar 2: Respect- Anti-Bullying & Cyber-bullying
A representative from Victims Intervention Program (VIP) will come to speak with students in 9th and 11th grades about bullying, cyber-bullying,
tolerance, acceptance, non-violence, courtesy, and following the Golden Rule of treating others the way you want to be treated.
Pillar 3: Responsibility- Anti-Drug & Alcohol Use
The high school organization called Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) will conduct various activities during Red Ribbon Week in October to promote anti-drug & alcohol use.
Pillar 4: Fairness- Peer Mediation
The district plans to train students to be peer mediators who will mediate for others and learn how to use negotiation skills to help resolve conflicts
among their fellow students.
Pillar 5: Caring- Promoting ‘Acts of Kindness’
‘Acts of Kindness’ is designed to recognize students who go out of their way to do something kind for another student, teacher, or staff member. This
can include; opening the door for a faculty member or classmate, helping a classmate who dropped their books in the hallway, sharing a lunch with
someone who forgot their money, or giving someone a pen or pencil when they forgot their own. Students who are caught performing an act of kindness will be acknowledged in school and possibly the local newspaper. The identified students will also receive a prize. In order to recognize a student
for performing an act of kindness, student and staff members can fill out a nomination form found in the guidance office and put the nomination form
in the Acts of Kindness jar also found in the guidance office.
Pillar 6: Citizenship- Promoting Volunteering and Involvement in Extracurricular Activities & Sports
WWHS will promote and highlight students who participate in their own volunteer activities, involve themselves in extracurricular activities in the
community, or excel at sports. These highlighted students will be recognized on the Citizenship banner in the café with a picture, brief biography, and
a small write up on the activity. Students may be announced over the school announcements or in the local newspaper.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Page 10
Oct./Nov. 2010
One sweet project!
Senior gets a taste of family tradition
5
‘Many people just buy their food from the
grocery store and never even think about
how it was made and where it came from!’
- Senior Adam Thomas
Getting the fire
hot enough is an
important step.
Are you one of those people who wake up on Sunday morning to the
smell of pancakes drowned in maple syrup? If you are, then you are eating
a product that for some family’s is a time-honored tradition. For senior
Adam Thomas, the graduation project provided a great reason to learn the
process that his family had been following for years.
“I chose to make maple syrup for my project because I wanted to learn
a craft that my grandfather has done for years. Learning this will help
preserve old time methods of making the syrup, which I can teach others,”
he said.
The process is not easy. Adam had to first learn how to identify the maple
trees, drill for sap, and then collect the sap once it was running. “I had to
washing all of the equpment prior to use to prevent contamination of the
sap and syrup,” he explained.
Next, Adam learned to idenitfy the proper trees which he explained must
be at least 12’ in diameter and healthy. “You can tap a tree as many as
three times, depending on its size,” he said.
Once the sap was collected, he learned to process it in an evaporator, a
machine that takes maple sap and boils it down into syrup. Processing and
sanitation of the maple syrup was a big job, but it gave Adam a taste of
what his family has been doing for years. Best of all, he is now enjoying
the results of his labor on his morning pancakes!
1
2
3
Once the syrup was ready, Adam poured
it into sterilized canning jars.
For collecting the sap, Adam was lucky
enough to use his uncle’s Rhino. He poured
liquid in the sap bucket into a larger bucket
and carried it to the Rhino where he then
dumped it into antique milk cans. Once all
of the buckets were
emptied, he took it
to the shed to store it
in garbage cans until
they had enough to
boil.
Drilling into the maple trees is technical. The tap hole
should be about a height of three feet. Adam drilled
about 2 to 2 1/2 inches into the tree, slightly upward.
Next, he inserted the tap into the tree using a hammer.
In
October,
Adam and his
uncle cut and
stacked about
two cords of
wood (4 ft. high
and 4 ft. wide by 8
ft. long = one cord).
The wood was
needed for the fire
which fueled the
evaporation process which would
turn the maple sap
into syrup.
6&7
4
Having the proper, clean
equipment is essential to
the process.
Photos courtesy of Adam Thomas
7
Interesting Facts
• It takes 30 to 50 gallons of sap to
make one gallon of syrup!
• One gallon of maple syrup weighs
about 11 pounds.
• Maple season may last 8 to 10
weeks, depending on the weather.
• The sugar content of sap is 2.5%,
while the sugar content of maple
syrup is at least 66%.
• Tapping does no permanent damage to the tree since only about
10% of the sap is collected.
• Each tap will yield an average of
10 gallons of sap per season to
make about one quart of syrup.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Oct./Nov. 2010
Page 11
Projects on display
Senior Projects
showcase students’ interests, talents
in and out of the classroom!
Golf outing benefits Ronald
McDonald House!
In what Ronald McDonald House Executive Director
Richard Bradshaw termed “a fabulous job,” seniors
Corey Teeple and Evan Decker held a golf outing that
raised more than $1,000 for the charity.
Because the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton is a
non-profit organization that only exists with community
support, fundraisers like this one are vital to its operation. Evan and Corey’s work included
getting permission for the event, marking holes, and raising prizes.
Restoration of grandfather’s tractor proves to be worthwhile project!
When senior Brandon Cole was considering a project for his graduation project, restoration of his Cub Cadet 1330 tractor was a quick pick. As a student
who farms, Brandon relies on tractors everyday to take care of his animals
and do chores.
“My life revolves around farming,” he said. “My Cub Cadet
tractor is used to haul the mature and chop the corn for feed.
Without it, life would be really tough because the cores would
require more manual labor.”
The project also had sentimental value because the tractor
was his grandfather’s for years. Brandon’s tasks included charging and cleaning the battery and
wires, taking off sheet metal and power washing it, sanding and painting, and reassembling everything. Now he is confident that the tractor will better withstand weathering rather than rusting
away under the old worn conditions.
1 Tell us about tennis and FBLA and theatre!
by Maria Ingaglio
Sara plans to attend
Millersville Uniiversity
or Elizabethtown College to major in broadcast journalism with a
minor in dance.
Age: 17
Family: Brother Kyle;
Parents: Kurt and Diane Coons
Resides: Waymart
Favorite quotation:
“Be the change that you
want to see in the world!”
Surprisingly enough, as a freshman, I auditioned for the school’s
production of Grease on a dare. After I received one of the main
roles, I knew I had found my nitch. FBLA made me decide what
I wanted to do after high school. I have been fortunate enough to
place twice at the FBLA National Conferences.
2 What have you gained the most from FBLA?
Not only from the memories, but from the individual people I have
met from all over the country.
3. Which character from the musicals was your favorite to play?
I would have to say that I don’t have a specific one I enjoyed most. I loved playing all of them.
Each one of them was so different from who I really was. That’s what I love about acting. For
that time you are on stage, you become someone you aren’t.
4 What is one of your fondest memories?
Overall, I can’t choose just one memory that I am most fond of. I have been lucky to recieve
so many opportunities throughout high school and have been able to make so many memories.
From all of the school dances, to my two trips to FBLA Nationals, to all of the school plays that
I have done to just the simple memories made with my closest friends.
5 Who’s your biggest inspiration?
In Step with
SARA COONS
That would have to be my mom. She not only is the person that I go to for advice, but she is the
driving force behind everything that I do.
6. Where do you see yourself in ten years? “As a major news anchor. In other words, I’m going
to be the next Diane Sawyer!
Planet Wildcat
Page 12
FEATURES
Oct./Nov. 2010
Experiencing life abroad
Charles Rennekamp,
drum major,
entertains the crowd.
Seniors share their experiences
Photo courtesy of Mark
Yamialkowski
Band, chorus readying for
concert, competition
by Ashley Padula
Photos courtesy of Markel McConeghy
Japan, Anyone?
Senior Markel McConeghy, sophomore Katie DeVito and junior Jason
White all did something a little out of
the ordinary this summer. The three
adventurers set out for Japan from
June 19th until July 3rd. On their
journey they stopped in Osaka and
traveled to Hiroshima, Gifu, Mount
Fuji, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
All three of the travelers put in their fair share of hardwork which enabled them
the opportunity to make some life long memories. Markel was nominated by
someone in her community. She was then interviewed and chosen for the trip.
Markel revealed all the hard work behind the scenes which proved to take some
extra time. “I had to raise $7,000.00, complete fifteen hours of classroom instruction on culture, history, language, and social etiquette. I also had to complete a
community service project and take online tests about safety and packing.”
With the hard work complete, all three were ready for some adventure! One of
the most exciting or in some cases unexciting thing is to try different food from
different cultures. Markel, Katie, and Jason could all agree the food was very different from what they were used to back home.
The food they ate consisted of rice, vegetables, and meat. Katie was not a big
fan of the food. “I thought the food was horrible. The basics got old fast. There
was a huge bowl of rice at every single meal. I still can’t eat rice.”
Markel and Jason weren’t big fans of the food either. Alright, so the food wasn’t
fantastic, but what they did to pass the time was! Quite the daring group decided
to climb Mount Fuji.
Intimidating heights didn’t stop Katie. “It was very interesting and challenging.
The view was spectacular!” Aside from climbing they also visited Hiroshima, the
Imperial Palace, the Nijo Castle, attended a Japanese Tea Ceremony, went to the
Kio gan Theatre, the Nijo Castle, learned about calligraphy, attended school in
Japan for a day, visited little shops, and met new people.
Markel thought a day at school in Japan was quite different. “They eat lunch in
class and they have to take off their shoes and put slippers on before they go into
the building.”
Each of WW’s adventurers adapted well. They were happy to have each other,
but they each made several new friends. They would even go back if they had the
opportunity, but Markel would like to stay with the same family. “I would go back
if I was to see my host family again. They were my family for four days and three
nights. They took me into their home like I was their own child. I miss them so
much.”
Katie and Jason would both go back in a heartbeat. “We thought it was an amazing country with very kind people. It’s so beautiful and peaceful,” Katie said.
Sometimes some of the best experiences in life are when we escape from our
comfort zones. Markel, Katie, and Jason have proved that taking on new challenges and experiences can be exciting, educational, and full of memories to last
a lifetime.
Katie encourages students to take the opportunity if they get it. “If you ever
get the chance to travel, take advantage of it. It is an experience you can never
replace. You’ll see things that will stay with you for life. It is not a chance that
should be passed up.”
by Mark Yamialkowski
Dedicated musicians in band and chorus have begun working on their District 9 audition pieces. Students in chorus
who auditioned on Sunday, October 17, put a great amount
of effort into learning the pieces that they sang for judges.
Sara Coons, alto, Jeremy Clark, tenor, Josh Chamberlain, tenor, Brandyn Black, tenor, and Charles Rennekamp,
bass, are the students who had made the auditions and will
be representing our school at the District 9 Chorus Festival on January 12-14, 2011 at North Pocono High School.
The concert will be on Friday, January 14 at 7:00 PM in
the North Pocono High School Auditorium. The District 9
Chorus offers the talent of some of the most talented choral
arrangements sung by high school students, and the music
sends messages from the students’ hearts and their passion
for singing.
English teacher Rebecca Stewart, who participated in
District Chorus when she was in high school, said that it
was an “awesome” experience. She smiled as she reminisced about her experiences. “I still plays my CD recording of the festival!” she said. Also, Ms. Stewart emphasized the good time she had staying with her host family.
(A host family is a family or couple who volunteers to let
the festival participants live with them for the time of the
festival). Her host mom was an older lady who even gave
Ms. Stewart a teddy bear! WWHS band members lucky
enough to be going to Districts hope to build similar lasting
memories.
Not only have chorus students been working hard, but
band students have, too. On Sunday, November 21, band
and orchestra students from all over District 9 will be auditioning for spots in the District Band and Orchestra. Audition criteria is on scales, the audition piece, and sight reading. Sight reading is when a musician is given a piece of
music and is expected to play the music after just seeing
it for first time. Around 10-15 students from our band will
be auditioning for spots in the band. The festival will be
held on February 9-11 at Montrose Area High School and
the concert will be held in the Montrose Area High School
Auditorium. The music that the students will play at the
District 9 Band will determine their seats, and if they advance to Region Band.
Ashley Lindow, senior, has already auditioned for District
Band twice on flute. She had participated as a sophomore
in District Band and says that, “Sitting in the waiting rooms
and hearing the other hopefuls play the audition piece is
very nerve-racking.” Also, Ashley says that the wait makes
her hungry! This year, Ashley’s solo is entitled “Concerto
in G Major” by Johannes Quantz.
For her, the worst part of the solo is the second movement
because “it is slow, and the rhythms are WHACK!” Her
favorite part about Districts is getting to play with the other
musicians. Ashley gives this advice to others are thinking
of auditioning, “Practice, practice, practice!”
Planet Wildcat
Oct./Nov. 2010
If it’s recyclable
FEATURES
It’s art!
Creating art from recycled materials was a
great project as evidenced by Jaimie Cosgrove’s plastic bouquet (left): flowers, a vase,
and stems crafted from sprite and water bottles, a large clear soda bottle, with wire as her
armature and stems.
A two piece curly recycled tendrils and blossoms, with incorporated buttons was made
by student artist, Jen Quick (below).
Art students and NHS members team up
to turn WWHS ‘green’ and create
impressive art with recycled materials.
Photos by Amanda Pritzlaff
by Amanda Pritzlaff
Our school has been experiencing
many eco-friendly, “green” changes, especially in the recycling program which effects many unlikely
combinations of school groups including Ms. Flynn’s art students
under the direction of her student
teacher, Ms. Dorisa Minor. Ms.
Minor took advantage of the new
recycling program by designing her
lessons to include using recycled
bottles to make unique and eye
catching art. She used the work of
famous artists to spark the students’
creativity.
The Recylcing Program
Page 13
Student
teacher
Ms. Dorisa
Minor
(left) displays two
of her own
recycled
bottle
projects.
Jaimie Cosgrove is one student who showed a flair for
such creations. Her piece is
one of cheerful daisies made
out of the tops of Sprite and
clear soda bottles, with caps.
“It is different and fun, and almost everything you make has
a fancy, pretty look to it,” she
said.
Ms. Flynn will follow up this
assignment in the end of year
with a field trip to the Banana
Recycling is fun when working with
Glass Factory in Bethlehem
friends. Freshman Olivia Funk is one of
where students will see the art
the students taking part in the effort to
of glass blowing.
turn our school “Green”!
Why is WWHS suddenly
so gung-ho about saving the
earth? The answer lies with Ms.
Flynn who wanted to teach her
students positive habits they
could maintain for the rest of
their lives.
“If we educate students for
the future to know exactly
what’s happening with our
waste and how it effects the environment then good will come
from good. If we haphazardly
don’t care about our environment bad will come from that,”
Ms. Flynn said.
In the art room, a self-contained “breeding ground,” for hippie approved earth loving habits,
teens embraced the knowledge that
plastics, a large percentage of our
recyclables, take five hundred to
one thousand years to fully decompose. The students have vowed to
recycle rather than have the byproducts of completely man-made
plastic sinking into our water and
food supply.
Members of the National Honor
Society and National Art Honor
Society agreed to help, coordinating their schedules to organize a
student-controlled recycling collection.
Together they’ve informed fellow
students about harmful green house
gases, and global climate change,
Not many students feel like they
want to pollute the environment after hearing officers such as senior
Shannon Meyers, explain that unsightly landfills take up 60% of the
entire U.S.!
A career in art
She has also worked as a teacher
at the Baum School of Art, taught
classes at Everhardt museum of
Science and Fine Art in Scranton
and at the Bethesda Day Treatment,
facility.
Opportunities for budding artists
Ms. Minor recommends that young
artists submit thier work to the Willow River Gallery and Hansen Gallery, Honesdale. “Since North Eastern Pennsylvania is the midpoint
between Philadelphia and New
York City, we are becoming more
artistic and culturally refined,” she
said. Scranton, is also prime spot
to investigate as a blooming artist.
now that local galleries host exhibits on the first Friday of each month.
Also, graphic art is a high-demand
area. As the world morphs into a
technology run place, the need for
computer savvy artists has grown.
Ms. Minor listed many options including the design of menus, brochures, magazines, jewelry, fashion, and CD covers.
The project born from recycling
Once recycling got underway, Ms.
While many students express an
Minor began a recycled bottle art interest in a career in art, they are
project providing inspiration from also daunted by the stereotype that
the artwork of sculptor and glass- it is a “dead” field. However, Ms.
blower Dale Chihuly.
Minor told her students that art caMr. Chihuly’s artwork ranges from reers are very much alive and sucdrawings to intricately twisted and cessful right now. “I started at Keyblown glass tendrils and spheres, stone majoring in art education,
often large in size and displayed in then switched to fine art, where
peculiar settings. He even crafted I studied art history and drawing
huge chandeliers of curling twisted abroad in Rome,” she said.
glass.
Chihuly’s slightly outrageous
style is evident in Ms. Minor’s
avant-garde approach on art.
She encouraged students to
imitate his style by using pieces of bottle cut into designs
and then melted by a hairdryer to better mold shape.
These were then painted with
a translucent paint –appearPictured (above right) is one
ance similar to glass.
of artist Dale Chihuly’s most mass produced creations: a huge chandelier of
The next step was to create colorful glass spirals and (above left) “Sunset Boat,” Chihuly’s incorporaan “armature,” or wire sup- tion of random objects with his traditional style were an inspiration for stuport stand, for the “glass” cre- dents assigned the art projects in Ms. Minor’s recycled art unit.
ations.
Planet Wildcat
Page 14
FEATURES
Oct./Nov. 2010
A look back at
BAND NEWS
Join columnist Shaun Howard for a chat about the month’s music, including accomplishments
of past musicians, how October influences musical preference, and tips for aspiring musicians.
From field show to stand
performance to a planned
trip to Disney, band starts
their busy year!
the “Opportune” music of October
Many great accomplishments have been made in the month of October. Halloween brings fun
and laughter, for the sights are hilarious! Rain brings
peacefulness and security, along with depression and
anger, but these do not stop a hungry musician. October has the ability to influence the greatest in the music
business and aspiring musicians as they are. By this period of the year, people are used to the new conditions
in school, at work, or wherever they may be. With music, people may travel anywhere they wish and enjoy
listening in school or at work, thus why music is such
a marvelous characteristic of life. The history of music
during this month holds many accomplishments.
October 1st, 1962: The Beatles sign their first real
management contract with Brian Epstein. George and
Paul’s fathers sign for their sons, who are still minors.
Epstein gets 25 percent of the group’s earnings.
October 1st, 1966: Jimi Hendrix makes his UK stage
debut, jumping on stage to jam with Cream at London
Polytechnic.
October 1st, 1971: John Lennon’s LP Imagine is certified gold.
October 31st, 1976: Elvis Presley makes his last recording, singing Jim Reeves’ “He’ll Have
To Go” over a pre-recorded backing track in the Jungle Room of his Graceland home.
The month has brought several worth-while album releases such as:
October 17th, 1969: Led Zeppelin II released along with the start of Led Zeppelin’s third U.S.
tour
October, 1975: Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody
October 5th, 2010: Bring Me the Horizon, Heaven & Hell
Among the releases and accomplishments of musicians, insurgent new giants were born.
October 17th, 1968: Ziggy Marley
October 17th, 1972: Eminem (Marshall Mathers)
Many activities take place in October that have to do with music. A 3 day festival called “The
Voodoo Music Experience” takes place in City Park, New Orleans on Halloween weekend.
This event is the epitome of Halloween in Louisiana, with an abundance of stages for music,
arts, and culture. “Le Carnival” is one section of the Voodoo festival, celebrating New Orleans’
underground arts and culture.
My musical preference for the month of October is progressive and calm, yet remaining heavy.
A band such as Tool fills the gap for me and allows me to concentrate even when they’re blasting out of all of my speakers and subwoofers! I highly encourage anyone with an open mind
to preview and consider the work of Tool and many other heavy, progressive bands out there.
I feel that every person should try to incorporate music into their life more every day. To do
this, listen to the lyrics; if you enjoy the lyrics, rest assured that the music will comfort you. If
the lyrics do not sound right to you, listen to music that describes the situations you’ve been in
or are in, your feelings at the moment, and/or even your location. These factors often help me
determine which type of music I shall listen to at the moment.
Tips for new and aspiring musicians: Never give up! Take lessons or classes involving music
theory if you want to learn the basics the right way. Don’t hold your breath expecting the instrument to play it-self; you must take action to fulfill your goals. I’ve been playing guitar for years
now and I’m still learning despite my precocious abilities. If you want to tackle music, you must
tackle it, don’t let it tackle you!
A life’s interest in music...
This month I’ve asked Tim Granata about how music has influenced or changed his life; His
response was as follows:
“Shaun, music does wonders for my life everyday. The sedulous idea is my reverberation
for each day and drives me to think diversely. It is entertaining to both listen to and play,
especially if you play what you love. As I play my guitar, I think back to previously heard
songs and break the music down to the basics, step by step. I am determined to obtain a better understanding of how to play like the pros on electric guitar. Many advanced guitarists
have the ability to expatiate on the basic principles of guitar playing and stimulate the ears.
I listen over and over to these techniques and try to grasp the feel, incorporating it into my
original music, compliantly. My favorite musical artists are Jimi Hendrix, the members of
Rage Against the Machine, and Led Zeppelin. Currently, I am listening to ‘Born of A Broken Man’ by Rage Against the Machine.”
by Mark Yamialkowski
When the stands filled with football fans every
Friday night, the WWHS Marching Band was
getting ready for an exciting field show performance. Drum majors Kristen Lopatofsky and
Charles Rennekamp and soloists Ashley Lindow, Adena Bianchi, and Keith Mattern began
the show with selections from the musical Fiddler on the Roof.
With the opening flute solo, the band was frozen like a painting, a backdrop for the beautiful
melodies. When Charles Rennekamp played his
rendition of, “If I Were a Rich Man,” fans were
transported to Czarist, Russia - a Jewish community in the year of 1905. With the ending of
his solo, the band exerted a powerful chord, and
the show continued with high energy.
The second song featured the band sections,
first the flute, second clarinets, third alto saxophones, fourth trumpets, and lastly low brass.
As the song built up, the whole band, with the
exception of the clarinets and flutes, cut off,
leaving a delicate sustained note until the whole
band jumped in with the joyous “L’chaim!” or
“To Life!” A trumpet player was featured with a
colorful, cheerful solo and the percussion highlighted with an exceptional “drum solo”.
The final song, “Sunrise, Sunset,” featured
the clarinet section with an opening that cast a
spell over the audience. Clarinet players Adena
Bianchi and Tim Plaza captivated the audience
clarinet solo. The band next slowly formed
shape as a low brass came in with a dark, full
melody. As the rest of the ensemble joined in,
an energetic and quick end to the song caused
the crowd to cheer.
This is WWHS’s field show. Freshman Caroline Laabs rates the music “really fun and full
of variety” while her classmate William Rennekamp finds the music fun but in need of some
work. Sophomore Rachael Yamialkowski enjoys the solos most.
Caroline said that although learning to march
was difficult, there is nothing to dislike about
the band. It’s challenging and fun. Her classmate, Michael Richards said he finds it difficult
to keep his marching roll step perfect because
having “happy feet” is hard.
Accompanying the field show performance
is the band’s stand performance where tunes
are played to encourage and support the football team. Some band members’ favorites are
“Wipeout,” “Land of 1000 Dances,” “Everybody’s Everything,” and “Green Onions.” Band
members play stand music ranging from “Bad
Romance” to “Thriller” and from the classic
Beatles to “Notre Dame Victory March.”
With a diverse collection of music and plenty
of band and color guard members willing to
work hard, this year’s band has set high standards. They will be traveling to Florida for their
spring trip and will be performing in Disney.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL
Oct./Nov. 2010
Page 15
Smile! You’re in Planet shots
Photos by Markel McConeghy, Courtney Masker, & Carole Rosenbergen
Preparing food for a faculty luncheon is
clearly serious business for culinary students
Kay Reed, Ed Sizemore, and Tamara Jones
who are enrolled in Advanced Foods. Kayla
recently took a first place prize in her class’s
competition for making hot h’orderves.
Cheerleader Katie Getz (seated) spearheaded a project
selling sweats for “Pinked Day” to benefit the American
Cancer Society. Katie was assisted by her fellow cheerleaders and her advisors. Below Heather Butler, Mikaela Mayer, Courtney McDonald, Cody Osif, and Mrs.
Minicozzi stop by the sale table.
Art student Nikki Mullens created
this awesome wind chime using
recyled material which Kaitlyn
Jones, Allie Poltanis, and Jasmine
Mogdam (below, left) helped to
collect.
Proud to be
WWHS Marching band
members!
Senior Tim Plaza refurbished the marching band’s instrument trailer by painting
the outside and building interior shelving.
Read more about it in the next edition of
Planet Wildcat!
The C.A.T.S. Club
is back! Club members, advised by Ms.
Stewart, have planned
many service projects
and fundraisers including helping with the Kelly Sledzinski
Memorial 3 vs.3 Basketball Tournament.
Their first fundraiser, Pennies for Patients,
will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society. They also plan to volunteer with
the Salvation Army and visit nursing
homes and invite all students to participate. Help make lives better in our world
community!
Pictured here are officers President Tara
Hedden, Public Relations Officer Cora
Orehek, Secretary Taylor Layden, and Vice
President Jasmine Mogdam. Not pictured
is Treasurer Katrina Good.
Making this
beautiful pine
bench was a
project to long
remember for
senior Josh
Parry, who
donated it to a
local ball field
as a community
service project.
FBLA members scored
big at Nationals again
this summer!
Planet Wildcat
SPORTS
Oct./Nov. 2010
Page 16
Ultimate frisbee, champs on and off the field!
On Saturday October 16th Western Wayne hosted a small round robin Ultimate Frisbee tournament. 4 teams were involved. Western Wayne
had to face 3 distinct levels of competition. They
competed at the high school level against Wallenpaupack.
The Ultimate Frisbee team
are doing well this year. In
a recent eight-hour tournament against 13 college
teams WW finished an
amazing 11 out of 14.
They competed at the college level against Lafayette University. However, the hardest challenge of the day was competing at the club level
against the Slipped Discs, a private team that
both Coach Zoppi and Coach Buselli of Wallenpaupack play for, along with alumni from their
college teams and some Western Wayne and
Wallenpuapack alumni all stars.
The day would be long for the Cats as they
played from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. They had to
play all 3 of the other teams once, and then play
one more round based on their win/loss record
to determine their overall place. As each game
went on, injuries and exhaustion took its toll.
With only one win in round two, they went into
the final round fighting for 3rd or 4th place. In
the end, with five out of seven starters hurt on the
sideline, the cats fell hard in the last two games.
Still when healthy, the Cats played an excellent
1st second round. The results of the day are as
follows:
This came after seven
rounds, with the odds of
placing better than last
place against them because
they were the only high
school team competing.
Congratulations, Cats!
Round 1 Western Wayne 6 Lafayette Univ. 8
Round 2 Western Wayne 9 Wallenpaupack 7
Round 3 Western Wayne 4 Slipped Discs 13
Round 4 Western Wayne 4 Wallenpaupack 15
Overall Place: 4th
Three weeks later, on November 6, on what
was a cold, rainy Saturday morning, the WW
Ultimate team began an eight-hour tournament
against 13 college teams and knowing that the
odds of placing better than last place were against
them. However, after seven rounds, the Cats finished an amazing 11 out of 14.
Team members are
Andrew Warnock, Taylor McDevitt, Ryan McDevitt, Brendan Snyder, Rachel Yamialkowski,
Ronald Mrsich, James Hanley, Melody McClintock, Johnny Sizemore, Ronald Sizemore, John
Anderson, Michael Koch, Tyler Gale, Amanda Bowden, Samantha Parr, Doug Evarts, David
Gilligan, Wayne Gilligan, Tarina Usher, Timothy Plaza, and Sarah Hampton.
Among their accomplishments were two wins
against Haverford College (8-7) and Wilkes University B team (10-7), wins even more astounding since they were expected to be shut out by
some of the top college teams. “All teams play
five guys and two girls at all times,” said Coach
Zoppi.
“These were high school kids against college
kids, sometimes a high school freshman against
a college senior. Other teams ran over to congratulate them.”
The Wildcats never scored less than three
against any team and upset two. WW scored
three points against both Eastern College (who
came in second in the whole tournament) and
Wilkes University A team (who placed third).
“Two seniors, Ryan Lee and James Hanley,
even showed up at the start of round 5 after taking their SATs all morning, and all 21 members
of the team were academically eligible for the
Just Spit It Out!
spend it?
On nice cars and a nice house.
60 seconds with
senior Stan Bronson
4. If you could be a cartoon
character, whom would you
like to be?
Scooby Doo.
5. If you could choose, what
time would you live in?
The 1600’s.
6. If you could trade places
with a friend, who would it
be?
1. If a man condemned, what Miles Havenstrite.
would be your “last meal”?
7. If you could have a job in
A cheeseburger.
any profession, what would
2. What Hollywood celebrity it be?
Lawyer.
would you like to meet?
Jessica Alba!
3. If you had an endless supply of money, how would you
8. What book would you
have liked to be a character
in?
Of Mice and Men.
tournament,” boasted Zoppi.
College teams that played in the tournament included Wilkes University A and B, Eastern College, Haverford A and B, Bard College, University of Scranton, West Chester University, Marist
College, University of Southern Connecticut,
Kings College, West Coast (a private team), and
Team Heim (a private team).
The Cats was the only team from a high school.
Some college teams are a mix of college students
and alumni and have enough players to field two
separate teams.
“Wilkes plans on doing another tournament in
the spring and the Cats were told they would be
invited to try for more upsets. We also plan to
host a tournament,” Coach Zoppi said.
“The day was so moving that I consider it one
of the highlights of my career and the culmination of three years of work with a hard group of
kids.”
Go, Wildcats! Show your school pride!
Attend some of our Winter Sporting Events!