June 2014 - Western Wayne School District

Planet Wildcat
Western Wayne HS
Lake Ariel, PA
Volume 7, Number 3 June 2014
Retirement! Ah, sweet bliss!
Retirement opens doors for
new experiences
by Caroline Laabs, co-editor
This year, unfortunately, we are saying goodbye
to four beloved teachers: Ms. Frances Vitovsky,
Mr. Richard Jacques, Ms. Karen James, and Mr.
Raymond Stedenfeld. Throughout their careers
they have educated, led, and loved their jobs and
their students. As the doors on the 2014 Western
Wayne school year close, our hearts will remain
open for these teachers who have not only
improved our knowledge, but also our lives.
Spending time with family but also
concentrating on music performance are
priorities for retiring band director/music
teacher, Mr. Stedenfeld.
Mr. Raymond Stedenfeld:
Passion Nonpareil
“He is dedicated to his students and it really
showed through in the final products whether
performances were in parades, concerts or
competitions,” band student Zach Curtis said
about retiring teacher Mr. Raymond Stedenfeld.
Strong dedication is just one of the traits that
make Mr. Stedenfeld’s position a difficult void
to fill. Mr. Stedenfeld, widely recognized as one
of the top teachers in our district, is retiring after
18 years here, and 32 1/2 years when combined
with teaching time in other districts.
Although Mr. Stedenfeld has many positive
memories from his long tenure at Western
Wayne, one in particular stands out. “I had a
student who was much more talented than
myself,” he explained.
“Cory Neville served as drum major at a time
when the band program was too big for one
teacher and the school had not hired a middle
school director yet. Cory served almost as an
assistant band director for me, and at the same
time drained me of all musical knowledge I
possessed. Though more talented than I, he
always held me in the highest regard and treated
me with the utmost respect. Today, he is a
successful band director near Pittsburgh, and he
often sends me recordings of his band who he
calls ‘my musical grandchildren.’”
Mr. Stedenfeld has always believed that making
music together is the most wonderful thing that
people can do, and it was this appreciation of
the power of music that influenced his career
decision. “My guidance counselor called me
down one day and asked if I had thought about
what I wanted to do after high school. When I
replied no, he asked what I like to do now. ‘I like
to hang out in the band room,’ I said. He asked
if I had ever thought about being a band director.
. . and I have never looked back!”
Today Mr. Stedenfeld is pleased to offer
worthy advice to students considering a career
in the teaching profession: “Teaching must be
your passion. To become a teacher, you must
believe in the future and believe in what you are
doing almost more than you believe in yourself.
Teaching is not a job. It’s a way of life. If you
are to become a good teacher, it must be who you
are, not what you do,” he said.
“Always work to make yourself a better you
and work to be a better teacher. Believe in what
others do not. You must have a vision of your
own for the future and be willing to work within
the teaching system to help your students become
the best them they can be.”
Mr. Stedenfeld knows he will miss much from
his time in our school, particularly working with
students and seeing them achieve those “ah-hah”
moments when they finally get something they
did not understand before.
Still, he is looking forward to much in
retirement. “I am not sure if I have one thing I
am most looking forward to,” he said, “but I am
looking forward to having more time to spend
with our three grandchildren and sharing music
with them. I look forward to spending winters
at our Florida home and doing more performing
for myself.”
Mr. Stedenfeld’s students and colleagues will
surely miss him. As an educator and friend, Mr.
Stedenfeld will be unforgettable. Mr. Stedenfeld
- good luck in all you do; you are forever a part
of us!
Golfing and fishing are on the agenda of Mr.
Jacques as he happily plans for retirement.
Mr. Rick Jacques:
Service with a smile
A second of these beloved teachers is Mr.
Richard Jacques. Students and faculty alike
appreciate Mr. Jacques for his unfailing sense
of humor even in difficult situations and his
comfortingly familiar presence in the hallways.
Fifteen years ago Mr. Jacques came here to
teach, but that is only half of his entire career
which actually totals 30 years.
Since family is very important to him, Mr.
Jacques is looking forward to spending more
time with his grandchildren and watching his
daughter Jordyn play volleyball on the college
level. He also anticipates spending many hours
fishing and improving his golf game. Of course,
he tempers these expectations with his usual
banter. “I expect all of my retirement money to
go to my children’s college funds,” he joked.
Mr. Jacques, who attended Lock Haven
University to earn a Bachelors of Science
degree in special education, also holds a degree
in elementary education. His long career has
given him the opportunity to witness the success
of numerous students, in addition to his own
success as a teacher.
Please see Page 5
Inside this issue
8-10
SENIOR
SPECIAL
Outstanding
seniors
honored
15
Spirit Games
rocked our
school
FEATURES
16
FEATURES
Lookin’
good at
prom
Planet Wildcat
Page 2
Editorial
OPINION
MEET THE PRESS
Assemblies vital to
student life
School assemblies are a vital part of the high school experience,
yet their importance is often overlooked. Assemblies not only
teach students about topics they may have never considered, but
gather the entirety of the school and educate them about the
same topic. Assemblies expose students to new and unfamiliar
information, provide a sense of unity, and give students
something to consider and discuss.
Although some believe assemblies bring a monetary strain to
the district, assemblies are actually extremely beneficial, and
most really don’t cost a substantial amount of money. Many
guest speakers will speak for free because they feel passionately
about the information they are sharing, and many speakers are
also funded by larger organizations. Moreover, studies show
that spending money on assemblies has a positive impact on the
student body. It is no cliche’; assemblies are money well spent.
Additionally, assemblies don’t necessarily mean a speaker must
be brought from an outside source. For example, having the
drama department perform the school play in front of the school
would be all-around beneficial: not only do the performers,
musicians, and stage crew have the opportunity to run through
the show once more, but the student body gets to witness a
performance they may not have been able to see otherwise at
little or no extra cost. Performances from the many clubs and
extracurricular groups that exist in our high school would
not only cost the district nothing, but would give the students
something extra to appreciate and look forward to.
Some argue that assemblies should be avoided because they
interrupt the school day. However, there are many situations in
which class time is lost for less educational purposes: Don’t we
miss class time for pep rallies, class meetings, the purchasing
of class rings, and other non-educational reasons? We should
grant more time to assemblies which keep students interested
in school and provide a supplemental educational experience.
By learning about subjects that are not a part of the traditional
school curriculum, students will gain a wider understanding of
the world in which they live.
Claws &Paws
June 2014
Meet Planet Wildcat
co-editor Jessica Hampton. As a
member of the staff for two years,
Jessica has been a versatile editor.
She excels whether writing, editing,
taking pictures, or helping with the
puzzle of layout.
However, she most enjoys the
writing aspect of her position. “It’s
a great method of self-expression.
Whether it’s widely read or not,
just putting my writing forth to the
public is something I really enjoy,”
she said.
Recently, Jessica was able to share her writing with the public by reading
her award winning essay, “A World of Influence,” to members of the Hamlin
Rotary who judged her essay as a First Place winner in the local level of
the Rotary competition. Jess’s work went on to win Second Place at the
District level, carrying total cash prizes of $500! “It made me very proud to
know that something that came solely from my own thoughts was impressive
enough to win awards. It really drives me to want more, to write more. It’s
opened my eyes to the opportunities there are just for writing competitions
and evaluations,” she said.
Although Jessica is only a junior, she is already thinking ahead. “I’ve been
looking at a lot of schools lately including Columbia University and Penn
State Main Campus, but I tend to waiver in where I’d like to go and what I’d
like to do.” Jessica intends to start visiting schools this summer and is also
surveying summer programs.
In addition to her work with Planet Wildcat, Jessica also enjoys band for
which she plays flute and is Section Leader and band president. “It’s not
academic in the sense that everyone thinks since it’s not a core class, but it still
tests your abilities. It goes to show that if you work hard at something, you
really can achieve what you want, which is not always the case in ‘normal’
classes,” she said. Jessica enjoyed this year’s spring trip to New York, and is
now looking forward to next year’s trip to Disney.
Jess is also involved in FCCLA and highly recommends the club to anyone
looking for something enjoyable to do. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence in
public speaking, a sense of responsibility, and a chance to learn more timemanagement and teamwork skills,” Jess said.
Wishing you a great summer!
Compiled by Mrs. Morgan’s Am. Lit. Honors students
PAWS to the weather getting warmer
PAWS to the cute bird in the library courtyard
PAWS to cafeteria favorites (chicken tenders with
buttered noodles and Mickey’s white pizza)
PAWS to summer vacation fast approaching
PAWS to the number of field trips in the Spring
PAWS to friends home for summer break
PAWS to the joy of new beginnings for seniors
CLAWS to running out of food during third lunch
CLAWS to no Nationals competitions for most clubs
CLAWS to finals and long days of testing
CLAWS to the retirements of Ms. Vitovsky, Mr.
Stedenfeld, Mr. Jacques, and Mrs. James.
CLAWS to the end-of-the-year slump
CLAWS to lack of school funding for trips
CLAWS to all of the make-up snow days taking away
our summer
CLAWS to repetitive lunch menus and leftovers
Planet Wildcat
1970A Easton Turnpike
Lake Ariel, PA 18436
570.937.4112
Caroline Laabs, Jessica Hampton, Ashley Gay, Alexandra Mosomillo,
Bennett Urian, Laura Kern, Cossette Orehek, Brandon Hall, Samantha
Burge, Morgan Silfies, Shannon Wittick, and Vikki Gutierrez
Advisor: Mrs. Marianne Morgan
Special thank you to Mrs. Morgan for your outstanding advisorship for
20 years of our award-winning Planet Wildcat!
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
June 2014
Read someone happy
Page 3
Justin Gisinger and Jan Lugo chose to present a
bilingual reading of “Jack and the Beanstalk. “It
was so popular that they delivered it to several
different classrooms.
“The excitement of the high
school students traveling on the
bus, many of them traveling to
their own elementary schools, was
matched by the excitement of the
elementary children,” Ms. Swingle
said. “They were captivated!” In
fact, she and Mrs. SanClemente
were so delighted they plan to
make the event a tradition.
Stop for one minute and look
around. Chances are you’re
surrounded by print! The fact
that literacy is fundamental
cannot be debated, and in
today’s complex world, it is
more important than ever.
Literacy increases the
likelihood of performing well
in school, developing a positive
self-image, getting a good
Participants included Tanya
Burns, Tyler Butler, Spencer
job, earning a solid paycheck,
Carey, Jon Cobb, Trevor Cobb,
and becoming a productive
Samantha Decker, Bree Degroat,
citizen. Students who read for
Anthony DeLucia, Dakota
enjoyment have higher reading
Dilatush, Hannah Ellingsen,
proficiency scores, and reading
Justin Gisinger, Brandon Goble,,
proficiency is linked to higher
Dakota Hardick, Homer Hollister,
Justin Gisinger and Jan Lugo enthralled their young audience with a
math and science scores, too.
Alexis Kerr, Nicole Kizer, James
Recognition of these facts led reading of “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
Limberopolis, Jan Lugo, Harley
fairy tales and folk tales and by researching
a group of English students,
McAndrew, Colton McDonald,
accompanied by their teachers Miss Rebecca activities and props that could compliment the Maverick Mentz, Tania Molinuevo, Josh
Swingle and Mrs. Erin SanClemente to the selections. They then created sock puppets, Mondak, Jacob Mostowski, Quinlin Murphy,
Evergreen and RD Wilson Elementary Schools traditional puppets, popsicle-stick puppets, Ben Osborn, Brooke Petrilak, Nicolle Post, Chris
to read to the second grade students and act as and even a working spinning wheel that spun Rios, Isaiah Robinson, Dylan Roses, Mike Roses,
Rumpelstiltskin’s “golden” string, all designed Tracey Schroder, Noah Shandor, Andrew Stine,
role models to reading.
Carly Swingle, Nick Swingle, Austin Swoyer, and
The students prepared by reviewing popular to enchant the second graders.
Nick Weis.
He Said She Said
Bennett Urian & Alexandra Mosomillo go head-to-head on today’s issues.
Just how helpful is summer work? Bennett and Ally explore the boundaries.
“Every day that you don’t practice is a day
you’re getting worse.”
― Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
Photos by Jessica Hampton
During the summer break
before every new school
year, many students find
themselves bombarded with
school work. The topic has
not been taught yet; they
have barely been introduced
to their new teachers, and
they struggle with finding
and keeping a summer job to
afford new responsibilities
that will come their way. For
these students, receiving an
abundance of homework to
complete during the summer
vacation will have negative
consequences.
Once given the assignments,
these students are almost
completely on their own.
The teacher cannot teach
the lesson, so students are
left to learn it themselves.
Not learning the material the
correct way (or the way their
teacher wants them to learn
it) can strongly affect their
grade for the assignment
as well as other upcoming
grades.
Some students may have
plenty of free time over the
summer, but this is not the
case for those who have a
job. More than half of high
school students say that
they’ve dropped a hobby,
activity, or job because of
the amount of homework
given to them throughout the
year, including the summer.
Without any extra time to
work, spend with family, or
even enjoy the summer, it
makes sense that more than
two-thirds of students report
being stressed out about the
work assigned.
For these reasons, summer
homework is not a good
idea. It prevents students
from enjoying summer and
focusing on any other aspect
of their lives. This is why
teachers should assign less
summer work.
Summer begins, but school
remains the priority. Free
time is scarce. With regret,
one question rises: “Why
did I take on honor classes?”
Yes, taking on honors and
AP classes does involve
summer work. However,
it also brings the benefits
that come with attaining
a better understanding
of expectations for the
next school year. Having
additional work over
the summer also allows
opportunities to practice
prioritizing. Completing
summer work has multiple
advantages for those who
choose to invest their extra
time in this way.
When the school year
ends, students begin to forget
the information, but taking
classes that involve summer
work allows them to stay
fresh, remember the topics
learned, and even expand
upon them. Students gain
a deeper understanding of
the subjects being taught
when they are introduced
to new topics for future
classes through summer
assignments.
Opportunities to practice
prioritizing overlapping
needs can also be gained
by taking on summer work.
Instead of choosing to hang
out with friends, deadlines
push students to finish their
school work before having
fun. These teens gain an
even stronger perspective
on tactics needed to balance
conflicting demands and
desires.
Summer work also
provides perspective for the
future because students learn
to recognize what is most
important each day and how
to stay on top of growing life
demands.
Through the three-month
summer break, students
forget information and lose
their stride. Summer work,
on the other hand, helps a
student maintain that pace.
Completing academics
during the summer is really
no different than practicing
for a team; as we all know,
practice makes perfect.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Page 4
June 2014
Wisdom incorporates other virtues that are essential to happiness. A wise
person will have embraced principles of love, learning, service and concern
for others. These are the essence of success in human relationships.
With this in mind, Planet Wildcat presents “Actual
Wisdom” from our faculty, and “Senior Wisdom” from
our seniors: In this issue, Mrs. Marianne Morgan and Caroline Laabs.
Actual Wisdom
Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer.
My writing skills! I’ve scored free flights, hotel rooms,
concert tickets and backstage passes - even an offer to stay
at The Fitzgerald Suite at The Plaza! (Think Gatsby!)
Your claim to fame?
Founding our award-winning newspaper, Planet Wildcat,
and advising it for 19 years!
Senior Wisdom
What’s your most valuable or unexpected high school
experience?
Discovering Robert F. Kennedy as my hero led me to study
communications and political science in college and then
to work in the Director’s Office of the FBI before teaching.
What’s the craziest student excuse/extension story you’ve
heard from a student?
A student once borrowed the newspaper camera with the
excuse of taking photos with his “dying” grandmother
when really he took inappropriate pictures with friends.
Three things you’ve learned at Western Wayne as a
teacher?
1. Even students who don’t like to read will enjoy it if given
time and a good book.
2. Teachers teach best when teaching to their passions.
3. A little kindness goes a long way.
What advice do you give to students/academics/the
human race in general?
My dad said it first and often, “No learning is ever wasted.”
Learn all you can; embrace what you love!
In Step with
Michael Carrasquillo
by Jessica Hampton, Co-Editor
Michael’s plans include
attending Mansfield
University for Biochemistry
Age: 18
Brother: Evan
Sister: Madison
Mother: Joanna Godfrey
Resides: Waymart
“To play a wrong note
is insignificant; to
play without passion is
inexcusable.” -Ludwig Van
Beethoven
Photo by Jessica Hampton
Justify your existence in 30 words or fewer.
Women are scientifically proven to be right even when they are wrong.
Your claim to fame?
Marching band, Planet Wildcat, and speaking Spanish whenever possible.
What was your most valuable or unexpected high school experience?
Meeting my best friends during my sophomore year. I know we’ll be friends
for a very long time.
What’s the craziest excuse/request for an extension story you’ve ever
given?
My mom wrote me a note one day that said we had “a problem and therefore
Caroline couldn’t go to school on time. She’ll try harder next time though.”
Three things you learned at Western Wayne as a student?
1. Eat as many snacks as you can throughout the day... Especially if you
have third lunch.
2. Only put the amount of work into something equal to what you want to get
out it.
3. Laughter really is the best medicine.
What advice do you give to students/academics/ the human race in
general?
Don’t believe anyone until they actually do what they said they would. Words
don’t really hold that much value.
1. Tell us about band and the play.
With both band and the play, I enjoy the musical aspect of the production.
Whether it be playing trumpet or singing, the music is really what interests
me. I also love being around the people involved in both; they really are great
individuals.
2. Favorite high school memory?
My junior year when Mr. Stedenfeld tried to jump over a fence
at a football game. It was a pretty funny memory!
3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, hopefully I’ll be finishing up my doctorate in
medicine so I can get out into the world and get a job.
4. If you could give one piece of advice to underclassmen,
what would it be?
Keep yourself open to people. Try not to be shy, and really get
involved. There are so many good people in this school. You
just need to find them and talk to them!
5. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My grandfather. He is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever
known. I aspire to be even half of the person he is.
Planet Wildcat
June 2014
FEATURES
Page 5
Teachers look forward to retirement
From Page 1
Mr. Jacques, continued
Although Mr. Jacques is looking forward to
the personal time that retirement allows, he
knows he will miss “all of the good friends and
students” that he has met here. Discussing the
value of friendship, athlete Muhammad Ali once
said, “If you haven’t learned the meaning of
friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”
Mr. Jacques has not only learned this lesson but
teaches it to his students every day, teaching
them that friendship not only requires mutual
respect and kindness, but also a little smile or
a joke to lighten one’s day. For this reason, his
colleagues and students will surely miss him.
Ms. Fran Vitovsky:
Goodbye to an FBLA friend
and she has met many during her 43 years here
at Western Wayne. In fact, Ms. Vitovsky’s long
career began when teaching at the old Waymart
High School.
As a 1971 graduate of Bloomsburg University,
she was eligible to teach more than ten different
courses within the business curriculum, most of
which she’s taught during her career. Although
Ms. Vitovsky’s original goal was to become a
data processor, that all changed when a cousin
told her parents she should become a teacher.
“And so I did,” she said. Her next choice was
between business and physical education, and
many appreciate the choice she made. Looking
back she said, “I’d say I made right decision.
They say most people today will change careers
six or seven times before retirement. I guess I’m
the exception.”
In retirement, Ms. Vitovsky plans to remain
active in FBLA on the state level as a member of
the Board of Directors and also to spend much
needed time with family. “My brother, sister, and
I have always been very close,” she explained, “I
feel like my three nephews are also my children,
so we will continue to be close. My nephew is
getting married in August,” she explained, “so I
have a great deal to look forward to.”
Ms. Karen James:
Teaching: a very special job
Even in retirement, Ms. Vitovsky (far right) will
stay active in FBLA. With her at the awards
ceremony are Mrs. Nancy Hollister and her
son, Brett, a former FBLA State President and
student of Ms. V.
Each year, students in schools from all around
the United States take part in one of the nation’s
most prestigious high school competitions. For
a few, months of hard work and determination
culminate in a trip to national competition held
in a different city each year, including Chicago,
Orlando, Anaheim, and Nashville
For students of business teacher Ms. Fran
Vitovsky, however, national competition is not
reserved for just one or two. This is because
Ms. Vitovsky knows the winning combination to
help her students excel. It is not surprising that
she is ending her retirement year by being named
the FBLA Business Teacher of the Year for the
state of Pennsylvania.
Although many of Ms. V’s students may know
her from classes, it is with FBLA that she has
truly made her mark. “I have had the opportunity
to see so many of my students grow and develop,
and I now count them as friends,” she said.
Of course, like most teachers Ms. Vitovsky
has relished working with all students, not only
through advisorship, but also in the classroom.
This is why it is “the kids” she will miss the most,
Special Education teacher Ms. Karen James
will also be leaving Western Wayne behind this
year as she retires after many years of service.
For her, the drive to teach came from a very
emotional and personal experience. “I was led
by my brother-in-law at the Dyberry Day Camp
for special needs children,” she explained, “and
through this experience my broken heart was
mended. I was inspired to pursue my education,”
she explained.
Since Ms. James chose her career because of
the potential it offered to help others, it is not
surprising that spending time with her students
is her most valued aspect of her position. Very
For special education teacher Ms. Karen
James, retirement is certain to open up new
ways to help others.
early in her career in Special Education, Ms.
James began to understand the different needs
of families with special needs individuals.
Wanting to help, she extended her services to be
supportive out of school time, providing respite
services within her home on weekends and for
extended periods of time during the summer.
“I was like a ‘Second Mom’ to many,” she said.
“I made renovations within my home to make
my time with everyone just as I would want it
if they were my own family members.” The
“great love” she received during this experience
prompted her to do even more.
“These short time visits actually led into a
long term relationship when I became a Family
Living Provider to one of my individuals when
my help was needed,” she said.
As for her plans after Western Wayne, she
is actually a bit apprehensive because of the
uncertainty of what lies ahead. One thing she is
sure of, however: Her future path will be one of
continued service.
Public speaking practice fun & worthwhile
Todd Falloon learned guitar from classmate Brittany
Antidormi while Zach Ortman learned how to ready
for sky diving with instruction from Anastasia Skold
during informative/demonstrative speeches in Mrs.
Morgan’s Multicultural Literature classes.
Planet Wildcat
Page 6
S
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i
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Se
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Me aela
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Mic an!
i
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i
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FEATURES
June 2014
he’s artsy, interesting and
articulate!
Bits & Pieces
by Caroline Laabs, Co-Editor
Would you like to know a little more about Michaela? She was born
All About
Michaela...
on April 16th, 1996 and is 18 years old. She has three other siblings including two brothers and
a sister. Their names are Bobby, Anthony, and Samantha.
Some favorites:
Book: Remember Me? by Sophie
Kinsella
Music: Anything and everything!
City: Boston
Drink: Coffee
Food: Chinese
Subject: AP Chemistry
Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street
Artist: Justin Hayden
Actress: Sandra Bullock
Three people dead or alive you’d
like to have dinner with: Martin
Luther King, Jr., President
Abraham Lincoln, and Ron
Williams from The Innocent
Man.
Quotation: “What we call the
beginning is often the end. And
to make an end is to make a
beginning. The end is where we
start from.” -T.S. Eliot
Advice to underclassmen:
“As much as you want to
procrastinate, don’t! You’ll
thrive in high school if you finish
all your work on time and with
your best effort.”
Michaela has been in multiple extracurricular activities throughout high school, but one that
has stuck with her is art. Throughout her four years she has climbed the creative ladder to the
most advanced art class in Western Wayne: Studio Art III.
Another favorite of Michaela’s vast
extracurricular career is attending dance at
Christine’s School for Dance Studio in Hamlin.
She has been dancing since she was threethat’s fifteen years of tap, jazz, and ballet!
Every week she meets regularly with her friends
to prepare for their annual spring recital.
Art has been a major influence for Michaela all
throughout high school. She enjoys art because
it allows her to express her creativity. For two
years Michaela was working on a colored
pencil drawing of a motorcycle, and it is her all
time favorite personal piece.
Another favorite class of is Advanced
Placement Chemistry. “It’s a new type of
learning,” she explained. “Mrs. Masankay
makes you learn in a way that you’ve never
experienced. I’ve learned so much this year
already.”
In fact, Mrs. Maria Masankay tops Michaela’s
list of favorite teachers! Michaela appreciates
all the things that Mrs. Masankay has done for
not only her, but also her entire AP Chemistry
class. “She goes above and beyond to make sure we understand the material. Usually she does
way more work than she needs to, but I appreciate it so much!”
Michaela’s future plans include attending West
Chester University to major in nursing.
Fun fact: Her older brothers also attended West
Chester!
Family is everything to Michaela,
pictured here with her three
siblings.
Her role models?
“Mrs. McClure and my two older brothers are my
role models. Mrs. McClure has this amazing quality
of always appearing calm in every situation, even if she really isn’t.
My two brothers, Anthony and Bobby, have been able to chase their dreams, and I want to
follow right into their footsteps.”
Michaela really enjoys dancing!
Dance has played a very big role in Michaela’s life, and every year she enjoys
participating in a dance recital. This is her last year, and she will miss it in the future.
“I’m very sad about that,” she said.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
June 2014
The Planet according to
Spirt Games were
awesome as always!
Every year I’ve been in
high school have featured
spirit games that are more
interesting than the last!
Tug-o-War is my personal
favorite because every class
works so hard together to
hopefully beat their opponents! Go, Seniors!
Uh, no one told me that filling out scholarships
was emotionally draining! Every single
one varies from the others which makes for
gruelling work and multiple irritated seniors.
As I was searching through them I found only
a select few that I could personally use. Push
through though. Who knows, you might win a
lot of money!
“Life is spectacular. Forget the
dark things. Take a step back, and
let time wash them away to wherever time washes away to.”
The Spectacular Now
Caroline
Co-editor Caroline Laabs shares her final list of favorites!
This year the NHS trip was to Baltim
ore
Maryland! I was excited for not only
the amount of shopping that Baltimore
’s
Inner Harbor has, but the other activiti
es
as well! Six Flags,YES!
Lately, I’ve been watching an
obscene amount of movies that
are incredibly terrible, but one
that I actually appreciated is
White House Down. This movie
has the best of both worlds:
action for the guys and a great
story-line for the girls! Check it out!
As a senior in National Honor Society, my
award this year for maintaining a ninety
average or better for three years
is sweatpants! I think I speak
for every senior NHS member
when I say that this is probably
one of the best perks. Also,
congratulations to NHS new
members! May your time involved
be full of volunteering as you show the rest of
the world some of the best of WWHS!
“You don’t forget the
face of the person
who was your last
hope.” - The Hunger
Games
“A lot of the time,
life isn’t easy at all.
We just have to try
and make the best
of it.” - Safe Haven
Q: Tell us about art!
A: I have been doing art for
as long as I can remember
and
especially
enjoy
working with coloredpencil. This year I competed
in The Scholastics Art
Competition for the fourth
year in a row.
I decided upon a portfolio
because all of my pieces
matched wonderfully with
a common theme, “Small
Baltimore Inner
Harbor
What’s on your menu this summer, Wildcats?
Fun in the sun or shopping ‘till you drop?
Whatever you plan, have fun doing it! Juniors,
this is your last hoorah before your senior year!
Sophomores, you’re about to be upperclassmen,
and freshmen, you get to read The Great Gatsby
next year! Finally, to my fellow seniors, see you
all at our ten-year reunion!
“I always channel
my emotions into
work. That way, I
don’t hurt anyone
but myself.”
Catching Fire
Senior named ‘Artist of the Year’
Senior Paige Fratamico has been chosen as
the NEIU ‘Artist of the Year,’ a prestigious
award given to an area senior who represents
outstanding achievement in the arts. Co-Editor
Ashley Gay had an opportunity to learn more
about Paige.
Page 7
“And it may be
that sometimes love
occurs without pain
or misery.” -The
Shipping News
we got to see our work up in the gallery with
many friends and peers that share my love of art.
Q: What have you gained from art and high
school in general?
Moments.” These are images from my day-to- A: It makes me slow down my everyday life to
day life.
think through my problems and come up with a
solution. I especially appreciate the ability of
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
art to soothe my emotions. I enjoy expressing
A: My mom because she has always been myself through art.
supportive of me in art, school,
and everything I set my
sights on.
Q: If you could tell one thing to an underclassmen
what would it be?
Q: Where do you see A: Don’t let anyone else’s opinions of who you
yourself in 10 years?
are and what you do change you.
A: I would like to become
a nurse practitioner in a Quick Glance:
hospital in this area because Age: 17
I definitely want to stay close Family: Mother and father Peter and Jennifer
to family.
Fratamico
Favorite quotation: “I am always doing what I
Q: What is one of your can’t do, so I may learn how to do it.” - Vincent
fondest memories?
van Gogh
A: The art field trip to Top Job: Vice-President of Western Wayne’s
scholastics this year because chapter of the National Art Honor Society
Planet Wildcat
Page 8
2014
SENIOR SPECIAL
Cassie Reeke
What are your future plans?
I will be attending East
Stroudsburg University to major
in speech/language pathology
Of what are you most proud?
Juggling a job, school and
14 years of dance all while
challenging myself with AP
classes.
What is the best advice you’ve
ever received?
“Believe in yourself and you are
halfway there.” My mom told
me this, and it has empowered
me throughout high school.
2014
Caroline Laabs
What are your future
plans?
To attend the University
of Scranton and major
in secondary educationEnglish and minor in
Spanish.
What is your favorite
memory?
Every day in AP Literature
and AP Spanish! I love Mrs. Tylutki and Mrs. Sandrowicz!
Best advice you’ve received?
“You’re going to get into a college somewhere because someone
wants your money.” Mrs. Wayman said this. She’s quite witty.
2014
Haley Salak
What are your future plans?
To become an art education
major and minor in photography
at either Keystone or Marywood
University.
What are you most proud of?
How well I have done this year!
I’ve earned acceptance letters
and scholarships from multiple
universities.
What is your favorite memory?
Art class in Mr. Hayden’s room!
2014
Myranda Strada
What are your future plans?
To attend Marywood University
to study elementary education
with a dual certification in special
education.
Of what are you most proud?
My achievements in 4-H! I’ve
shown many cattle and hogs and
have received many awards.
What is your favorite memory?
Being accepted into Marywood
is my favorite memory because
there was a long, difficult process
involved.
2014
Abby Hemmler
What are your future plans?
To attend Drexel University to
major in fashion design
Of what are you most proud?
Getting accepted into a really
difficult program at Drexel with a
scholarship!
The best advice you’ve received?
“Do what you love, even if it’s
not practical. Practicality isn’t
important if you’re not happy.” -My
mom. This has helped me decide
my major, and I’m genuinely happy
about my decision!
2014
Isabella Esposito
What are your future plans?
To attend the University of Pittsburgh
and double major in political science
and anthropology.
Of what are you most proud?
Finalizing at the national level for
prepared presentation in TSA!
What is your favorite memory?
Having lunch with Mrs. Tylutki
and my AP Literature family while
reading Shakespeare.
2014
Paige Fratamico
What are your future plans?
I am going to attend Penn State
Worthington for a degree in
nursing.
Of what are you most proud?
My artistic achievements! They
have greatly influenced my
confidence.
What is the best advice you’ve
received?
Mrs. Masankay told me to seize
every opportunity I could when it
came to my education. This was
important to me because I was so unsure about my future!
2014
Kelsey Russo
What are your future plans?
I will be attending Penn State
University Park.
What is your favorite memory?
Scoring the game winning basket
on my senior night this basketball
season. I could not have asked for a
better way to end my sports career!
What is the best advice you’ve ever
received?
My parents told me not to wish away
high school! This is the part of my
life I’ll always remember!
June 2014
1
SENIOR SPECIAL
Planet Wildcat
June 2014
2014
Samantha Burge
What are your future plans?
I will be attending Empire
Beauty School for an 18 month
course in cosmetology.
Of what are you most proud?
I’m most proud of my grades
and receiving distinguished
honors my senior year!
What is a favorite memory?
All of my favorite memories
come from the art room! While
I’m there I can do what I love
with my friends.
2014
Autumn Booths
What are your future plans?
I plan on attending Kutztown
University to major in early
childhood education and have a
minor in Spanish!
Of what are you most proud?
The awards I have received for
photography! This makes me
feel good!
What is the best advice you’ve
received?
“Sit back, relax and enjoy the
ride. It all happens so fast.”
Mrs. Wayman
2014
Kyle Johnson
What are your future plans?
I plan to attend Lock Haven
University and major in preengineering. After, I would like to
go to Penn State for my masters in
civil engineering.
Of what are you most proud?
That I’ll be playing baseball at
Lock Haven!
What is your favorite memory?
Cooking out with the baseball team
and playing ping pong in the team
room.
2014
Mikayla Maher
What are your future
plans?
To attend Bloomsburg
University and major in
accounting.
Of what are you most
proud?
I’m most proud of the
person I have become. I
have grown and matured a
lot over the last four years.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Mrs. Carey told me to enjoy my time now because it will go by too
fast. High school really went by in the blink of an eye, and there
never seemed to be enough time to do everything I wanted.
2014
Page 9
Tarina Usher
What are your future plans?
To attend the University of
Pittsburgh for pre-clinical nutrition and a minor in psychology.
What is a favorite memory?
The band trip to Disney my
sophomore year.
What is the best advice you’ve
received?
During All-State Band, one of
the directors said, “What you
give is what you get.” I am a
firm believer in this because if you don’t work hard in life you won’t
get anything in return!
2014
Carly Thorpe
What are your future plans?
I am going to attend
Moravian College to major in
mathematics and continue my
track career.
Of what are you most proud?
Running track since seventh
grade!
What’s a favorite memory?
Finishing off my senior year
of soccer with a win on Senior
Night! We were tied with North
Pocono 0-0, but scored in
overtime to win!
2014
Sam Hoch
What are your future plans?
To attend Penn State University to
major in chemical engineering.
What’s a favorite memory?
Scoring the tying goal in a soccer
game against Wallenpaupack with
under a minute left in the game!
What is a favorite quotation?
The best advice I’ve received is
from my dad; he told me to work
as hard as I could until I get into
college. That’s paid off because I
received acceptance into my top
choice school!
2014
Ashley Gay
What are your future plans?
I would like to attend Mansfield
University to pursue a degree in
Journalism.
Of what are you most proud?
I am most proud of what I have
pushed myself into trying during
my high school years!
What is your favorite memory?
All of the memories I have made
with the casts of the school
musical productions over the
years! They taught me so much,
made me laugh so hard, and have
molded me into a better person.
Planet Wildcat
Page 10
SENIOR SPECIAL
2014
2014
Tristen Locklin
Morgan Fuller
What are your future plans?
To attend the University of
Scranton for a four year degree
in biology.
Of what are you most proud?
Getting accepted to all of the
colleges that I applied to!
What is your favorite
memory?
Running around with my
friends and Mr. Landry trying
to print and fold all of the
graduation programs in tenth
grade!
What are your future plans?
To attend Wilkes University to
major in biology/pre-medicine to
become a chiropractor.
Of what are you most proud?
I am Western Wayne Wrestling’s
Second All-Time wins leader with
121 career victories!
What is the best advice you’ve
received?
Do what you love, and always be
true to yourself! My mother tells
me this all the time to encourage
me to be the best I can.
2014
2014
Finn Malakin
Brandon Lamberton
What are your future plans?
Ideally I would like to save
all summer and then move to
New York City to join a ballet
company!
Of what are you most proud?
My ballet career! I’m proud
of all I’ve accomplished in 18
years.
What’s a favorite memory?
Friday night football games!
Cheering with my best friends
on the track is something that
will stay with me forever.
What are your future plans?
To attend Kutztown, Penn Tech or
the University of Pittsburgh!
Of what are you most proud?
I’m most proud of my family.
They’ve taught me that I need drive
and ambition to succeed and to
carry on throughout my entire life.
What are some favorite memories?
Mr. Lopatofsky said I am one of
the hardest workers he’s ever had.
That’s important to me because
generally I don’t hear that from
teachers! I’ll remember him forever.
2014
2014
Jacob Gillis
Devon Williams
What are your future plans?
To attend a four year university
to major in sports management,
marketing, or sport psychology.
Of what are you most proud?
I am most proud of being student
body president. It shows that I
have trust from my fellow students
because it’s a powerful position!
What is the best advice you’ve
received?
At the beginning of high school
my mom said to get involved with
as many activities as I can! Now I
have awesome college apps!
What are your future plans?
To attend either Cornell, University
of Scranton, or Lycoming College.
Of what are you most proud?
Overcoming the social difficulties
of being on the autism spectrum and
continuing the educational success I
have had.
Best advice you’ve received?
My mom always told me to interact
with people, whether it was at lunch
or in class. This has helped me put a
new view on my life.
20 questions
in 20 seconds!
Valedictorian
Caleigh Wildenstein
Caleigh Wildenstein, one of
WWHS’s finest, will major in
pre-law at the University of
Scranton on a full scholarship.
We put her to the test with some
fast-paced questions!
We might be surprised to learn...
June 2014
That I don’t study for
anything.
What’s your funniest flaw?
I can’t make a kissy face!
The last time you laughed really
hard was...
Not listening to one of
Isabella Esposito’s jokes.
What’s your worst habit?
Biting my fingernails!
What’s your hidden talent?
Playing Just Dance!
And greatest accomplishment?
Being first in my class.
What’s your pet peeve?
Obnoxious people.
Where do you want to be at 30?
In Hawaii!
What is your favorite ice cream?
Cookie dough.
What’s your favorite book?
Sea of Tranquility.
What’s the best part of school?
Extra-curricular activities.
Where would you like to travel?
Europe! Particularly Spain.
What’s your greatest fear?
Spiders.
What is your favorite city?
Scranton! (Ha!)
What do you like to pig out on?
Ice cream.
What is your personal goal?
To be a successful lawyer!
What is your favorite season?
Summer.
What has being a student here
taught you?
That I would like to explore
other places.
What are you most thankful for?
Isabella Esposito.
What is the last lie you told?
That I was thankful for
Isabella!
Planet Wildcat
SENIOR SPECIAL
June 2014
Page 11
‘They deserve honor, too!’
Seniors nominate seniors they find outstanding
“PATRICK MILLER is a triathlete! A lot of other athletes look
up to him, and he’s a great friend.”
- Anthony Carachilo
“TREVOR ROBESON is always
the guy I look for when I need a
laugh or just to cheer me up.”
- Cassie Reeke
“EVAN WOOD is a very upbeat
person who is always positive and
a pleasant person to be around.
He stands for what he believes in,
which is a good sign of character.”
- Zachary Taylor
“MATT HOWE is a very smart
kid who has his life together.”
- Caroline Laabs
“ASHLEY STANKO is stronger
than most people I know. She
would have a million things going
on but still made time for me.”
- Nikki Post
“JAYSON FIGUEROA is the
type of guy who would feed
someone else before himself. He’s
a good all-around person and
friend.” - Sal Culotta
“ALYSSA NOBLE volunteers
with the fire hall, has joined the
army, but still has time for her
friends. She has her priorities
straight.” - Kasey Kosciuk
“KATELYNN LOSCIG never
turns on a friend and is a kind
person.” - Ashley Gay
“ZACH TAYLOR motivates his
friends to do their schoolwork. He
excels in AP/Honors courses. He’s
a good role model for others.”
- Billie Jean Durkin
‘We couldn’t have done it without you!’
. . . thanking teachers who have helped along the way!
uraged
have always enco
u
yo
,
Y
R
D
N
A
L
.
ces
“MR
With the experien
r.
he
rt
fu
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el
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m
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w
ol
ho
sc
om
fr
gained
er. Thank
und my future care
fo
ve
ha
I
,
es
iti
tiv
ac
you!”- Cody Wash
“MR. MCCLURE, thank you for
being so easy to approach. You
were personal and always would
check up on me to see how I was
doing. I appreciated such an open,
caring teacher.” - Bradley Stiffler
“MR. LANDRY, thank you for always helping me with
whatever issues I had. I do not think I would have been
able to accomplish the things that I have without your
help. Thank you for your continuous belief in me.”
- Isabella Esposito
“MR. KOBESKI, thank yuou for
encouraging me to join FCCLA. I have
enjoyed everything we have done as a
club. All of our trips will be some of my
best high school memories.”
- Kayla Phillips
“MS. SWINGLE helped me to pass two of my English classes!” - Chris Rios
“Thank you. You’re a fabulous teacher! You have helped me when I was
struggling and pushed me when you saw my work slide.” - Nikki Post
ach
r helping me re
fo
,
N
E
D
Y
A
H
R.
have been
“Thank you, M
ou, I wouldn’t
y
t
u
o
h
it
W
l.
a
ico
my full potenti
- Paige Fratam
.”
rt
a
in
l
u
sf
es
Burge
half as succ
for me.” - Sam
e
er
th
n
ee
b
s
y
a
g what I love.”
in
“You have alw
o
d
p
ee
k
to
e
ired m
“You have insp
moved
Haley Salak
uld never have
o
w
I
es
sh
u
p
r
field
“Without you
amantha Merri
S
.”
rt
a
y
m
a great
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pful and have
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h
y
er
v
s
y
a
“You were alw
ie Buckingham
m
a
-J
”
e!
ey
t
is
art
“I have MR. ZOPPI to thank for making my career
choice stand out.” - Kathleen Kellar
“You were a good teacher because of your enthusiasm
for the subjects you taught and how fun you made the
classes.” - Allison Clark
“Thank you for always going above and beyond the
text and teaching us in a fun and exciting new way.”Samantha Merrifield
“MR. REBAR, thank you
for having confidence in my
photography! I appreciate
your asking how busy I am
or what my most recent photo
shoot was.” - Autumn Booths
“I learned the most in my
American Literature class
like how to take notes without
them being shown to me.” Austin Spindler
“MR. LOPATOFSKY, Thank you for
always pushing me and inspiring me. I
owe so much to you.” - Ashley Gay
“MR. GILL made the learning fun.”- Jason Komar
“Thank you, MR. STEDENFELD, so much for
all your hard work and dedication to our music
program. All musicians should look up to you as a
role model.”- Michael Carrasquillo
“MRS. MCCLURE, you were a
good teacher and made the material
enjoyable to learn.” -Emery Jellock
“Thank you for being my mother at
school and for being my role model
for the rest of my life. I have learned
so much from you.” -Finn Malakin
TOM BETHEL is always willing
to give friend Abby Hemmler
a lift! “Tom is an awesome
athlete as well as one of the most
accepting, friendly, intelligent
people I’ve ever had the privilege
of meeting,” Abby said.
“MRS. WAYMAN has really opened my eyes to
government and political science, and she’s also
the only teacher that can just talk, and I actually
retain what she says.” - Caroline Laabs
s been
ur class has alway
to
“MRS. CAREY, yo
her who is willing
ac
te
t
ea
gr
a
re
u’
fun. Yo
nk you
lp her students. Tha
he
to
h
nc
lu
r
he
ip
sk
!” - Sal Culotta
for all you’ve done
“MRS. MASANKAY, thank you. I enjoyed
chemistry very much.” - Cory Franc
“Thank you for always being there for me.
You have given the best advice that I will never
forget. Thanks also for the laughs.” - Cassie
Reeke
“Thanks for giving me the learning skills
to thrive in college. Thanks for being so
supportive of us kids and teaching us way
more than chemistry.” - William Rennekamp
“Thank you, MRS. CARMODY, for a great year!
Nutrition and Wellness was a ton of fun. I learned
a great deal in your class.” - Morgan Fuller
“Thanks for being a great teacher. You always
make me laugh and smile. Your class is what I
would forward to every day.” - Nicole Kizer
“Thank you for believing in me and pushing me
toward something that I cannot wait to do for the
rest of my life. You’ve been like a second mom
as well as one of my biggest inspirations - Abby
Hemmler
“Thank you, MR. ROMANOWSKI, for putting up with
me!” - Andrew Stine
“Thank you for teaching me hard work and discipline.”
- Noah Sosa
Thank you for all of the opportunities you have given
us to develop into the people we are today.” -Tanner
Gillette and Kyle Johnson
Planet Wildcat
Page 12
FEATURES
June 2014
Family, Career and
Community leaders of
America (FCCLA) Western
Wayne Chapter attended
the PA State Leadership
Conference and STAR
Competition in Lancaster,
PA from March 19th through
March 21st. They had
the opportunity to attend
leadership workshops,
interact with other aspiring
leader-students and compete
in their STAR events.
Students brought a bit of the Big Apple to
WWHS in April with their production of the
Broadway musical Guys and Dolls. The play,
based on the story and characters of Damon
Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank
Loesser, focuses on the work of missionaries
trying to save lost souls in NYC.
Sophomore Callia Kroll is among those who
enjoyed the show. “They moved from scene to scene with complete costume changes just like
that,” she said with a click of her fingers. “They were all really good actors and actresses. I
wouldn’t be able to do any of that in such a short amount of time to learn everything. I stayed
after school to watch some practices, and it was honestly amazing to watch the show progress.”
PA Jr. Academy of
Science students
(below) did well this
year. Zach Curtis,
Adam Curtis,
Kellyn Kemmerer,
Mitchell Lee,
Danielle Swingle,
Jack VanHort, and
Isabella Esposito
earned first place
and advanced to Stages. Also, Julie Alvarez (above) won a
Community Medical College Fellowship!
Teachers were treated to
homemade eggs delivered
by culinary students, Jesse
Thorpe and Tyler Tirado.
Cats Club members, along with advisor Mrs.
Denise Johnson visited the Dessin Animal Shelter
with donations of food and other items.
Honor students in Mrs. Marianne Morgan’s English class celebrated reading The
Great Gatsby, with a 1920’s style soiree. Band members Margaret
Rennekamp, Ryan Batzel, and Paul Stachnik entertained with live
jazz music while students learned to dance a modern Charleston,
led by classmates Matt Russo and Alaina Lengner. Each student
created a ‘green card’ as a ticket to attend.
Lunch at Ellen’s Stardust
Diner was just one of the
fun stops on the English
Dept.’s trip to NYC for
juniors Ali Miller, Julie
Stine, and Naomi Smith.
They were part of a group
which saw the Broadway
musical Newsies, escorted
by teachers Mrs. Marianne
Morgan, Mr. James
Rebar, and Mrs. Jessica
McLaughlin.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
June 2014
If you HAD
to choose. . .
Page 13
Michelle Arnold
and Josh Miller
playfully pose
for Planet
Wildcat’s
camera.
Which fair event
would YOU
choose? The
fleeting fun of a
kissing booth or
the permanent
memory found in
the photo booth?
by Samantha Burge
or
Cotton Candy
Popcorn?
Jamie Buckingham 12th: Cotton candy because it’s pink and
tastes like sugar.
Kim Rodriquez 12th: Popcorn. Cotton candy is too sticky!
or
Carnival Swings Ferris Wheel?
Kayla Rosengrant 10th: Ferris wheel because I love to look at all
the lights and all of the rides from the top of it.
Jessica Gay 9th: Ferris wheels because you get to look at all the
rides.
or
Balloon Darts
Pick a Duck?
Maria Candelario 11th: Balloon darts because they pop!
Alec Salazar 11th: Pick a duck! There are guaranteed prizes.
or
Win a Stuffed Animal Win a Goldfish?
Armanne Burns 10th: A stuffed animal because they last longer.
Tanya Burns 12th: Stuffed animal because they last forever and
have more value.
or
Dunking Booth Test Your Strength?
Ronald Mrsich 12th: Dunking booth. It’s always funny when
someone gets soaked.
Caitlyn Shepps 11th: Dunking booth. It’s funny to watch the
person in the water flail around.
Scrambler
or
Whip?
Kori Burgerhoff 9th: Both! I love carnival rides.
Lauren Hanna 12th: Scrambler, because I would get less sick.
or
Kissing Booth
Photo Booth?
Lindsey Enslin 12th: Photo booth. I wouldn’t want to kiss a
random stranger.
Joshua Miller 11th: Photo booth because I could still kiss a girl
in there.
or
Funnel Cakes
Caramel Apples?
Jessica Burger 9th: Funnel cakes because they hit the spot for
something sweet, and they are delicious.
Katelynn Loscig 12th: Funnel cakes. Caramel apples are too
sticky!
Pony Ride or
Train Ride?
Alex Long 10th: Train rides! Who wants to ride a pony?
Nathan Faux 12th: Pony ride. I’ll get to feel like a pretty little
girl.
Merry-Go-Round
or
Rollercoaster?
Katielynn Petrilak 10th: Rollercoaster because it’s a cool
excitement.
Alainna White 11th: Rollercoaster because it’s an adrenalin
rush, but merry-go-rounds just spin around.
Commentary by Laura Kern
destress...explore...experience...consider..understand...
explore...experience...consider...understand...explore...
consider...experience...destress...understand...explore...
In search of the
over-soul
Rapper Eminem once stated, “The truth is you don’t know what is going
to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.”
Often times, when people get locked into their daily routines they lose the
quality of life. Doing the same thing day after day can give the unnerving
feeling of being a mouse on a running wheel, never getting anywhere.
Transcendentalists saw this and sought an alternative lifestyle. One
prominent belief they had was of the “over-soul.”
Transcendentalists were deeply religious, which led them to believe in
the over-soul, the idea that all souls are a part of one large soul, God’s
soul. Though many people have diverse religions, the concept of this
theory can apply to any large organization. Familiar examples include
not only religions, but also governments, and clubs like fraternities or
sororities where membership can cause the loss of individuality. People
have to compromise on their opinions in order to appease the majority.
The concept of an over soul is that no one loses their individuality but
are somehow connected to each other. It is one of the reasons why we
feel sad when we hear of deaths on the news due to tornadoes, mud
slides, and even murder. Death is sad even when it is distant because
humanity breeds compassion. However, this closeness began to dissolve
with advances first in industry and now in technology. Transcendentalists,
seeing this connection breaking, have turned to nature for refuge.
From a small sapling to a full grown elephant, all living beings are a
part of nature. Transcendentalists believe that becoming more in tune with
these natural elements would simplify life. When life grows complicated,
we find ourselves consumed more with the shallow, insignificant than with
the world around us. I experienced this recently at a Christmas party with a
few other girls who were a few years older than I am and a lot of children
younger. We were all gathered around opening presents when it came to
one of the older girl’s turn to open her present. However, she did not realize
it was her turn. She was too busy texting. This made me and all of the
others at the party feel a bit offended. Weren’t we good enough for her?
However, more than that, we felt disconnected.
As I read Transcendentalist literature in my English class this spring, I
thought about this incident. Is the Transcendentalist way of becoming one
with nature a fix for today’s disconnect? Is it time to self-evaluate and
focus more on living in the moment? Thoreau would probably advise us to
stop texting altogether. However, this is difficult because our days revolve
around the forever developing drama and rumor mill that is high school.
This adds variety to our lives. In the end, though, worrying about not only
yourself but at least one other person takes a lot of brain power that could
be used in a much more productive way.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
Page 14
June 2014
. . . And the envelope goes to . . .
Win, Win, Win!
William Rennekamp
12th grade
Thirteen students choose the classes
that make them feel like winners!
Tarina Usher
12th grade
Joshua Romance
12th grade
by Jessica Hampton
Sure you’ve learned something and had
Zachary Curtis
11th grade
some enjoyable moments in just about every
class you’ve taken, no matter how easy or how
difficult. But, what is the one class you look
back on and say, “Wow! I’m really glad I took
this!” See what some students had to say!
“Any AP. They
require different
styles of learning. I
was taught how to
adapt to different
types of teaching.”
Adam Curtis
11th grade
Kaitlyn Good
11th grade
“Chorus helped
me develop my
musicality on a
new level, and will
help in my career
after college.”
“Basically, my
favorite class is
just gym! Half of
the time gym is
the reason I come
to school.”
Walking the tight-rope
of school and work
Photo by Caroline Laabs
Senior Tristen Locklin finds it easy to handle
both work and school.
“Art! I have a
newfound love
of art; I enjoy
the class. I find
everything about it
peaceful.”
“AP Calc. I think
it’s a challenge
everyone should
experience and
definitely benefit
from!”
“I have learned
so much in band,
have had great
experiences,
and made many
friendships.”
Lindsey Enslin
12th grade
Kristin Thorpe
11th grade
Adam Vaccaro
11th grade
“I want to be an
engineer, so I
took a lot of tech
classes. Be sure
to take something
relaxing, too!”
“Honors Bio! For
the most part, I was
flying by the seat
of my pants, but
it really taught me
how to learn.”
Tim Shaffer
11th grade
“Honors
Chemistry. It
challenges me
and makes me
work for every
grade I get.”
Faith Cavage
11th grade
Sal Culotta
12th grade
Julie Alvarez
11th grade
“Health and
Consumer Skills
helped me most by
teaching things I’m
actually going to
use.”
“Honors Chemistry.
I wasn’t taught
just chem, I also
learned a different
way of learning that
can be applied to
other subjects.”
“Band relieves
stress. I get to do
something I love
with people who
are like extended
family.”
and wanted to focus on school and after-school
activities, but now that the end of her senior year
has approached, she feels it is an appropriate time
to get a job. Nonetheless, Ashley recommends
teens focus on school before getting a job.
According to snagajob.com, 86 percent of
high school students do have an after-school,
weekend or summer job, and Teenink reports that
“students who work between 10 and 20 hours per
week during the school year have statistically
higher grade-point averages than those who do
not work at all.” This is probably because more
responsibility helps teenagers prioritize time.
Senior Christian Sauter is a true believer in this
philosophy. Christian said working not only has
improved his grades, but has also given him a
drive to do more with both his school work and
his job duties. Christian worked this year at Weis
as a cashier where he was hoping to advance to
the bakery after turning age 18. He was inspired
to get a job as a means of paying for car insurance
“Art simply because
I just like art! I have
gotten so much
better at art, and Mr.
Hayden is a truly
great teacher.”
and gas, but has actually come to like it. “It’s
helped me to prioritize,” he said. To balance
school and work, Christian uses study halls to
complete most of his assignments. “I don’t work
on my job all the time. And I have a study hall
to do my work, so my job doesn’t interfere with
schoolwork.”
Christian feels the hours are pretty fair, and his
boss is flexible and understanding with the work
schedule. In fact, his grades even improved,
verifying that is possible to juggle school, sports,
and a job - at least for him! Still, getting a job
in high school is a debatable topic about which
some respondents are in a deadlock. Author and
parenting expert Wendy Mogel feels students
need to have jobs in high school, but others
contend that school is a teen’s true job.
The bottom line? It’s up to you to decide
whether you can master the tricky balancing act
that consists between the benefits of work and
the constraints of school.
Did you meet the Wildcat challenge?
by Vikki Gutierrez & Shannon Wittich
Getting a job in high school is a big decision
teens have faced for a long time. Is a job worth
all the possible stress and sacrifice that comes
with it? Senior Ashley Gay doesn’t think so.
“The main problem is balancing school and
extra-curricular activities,” she said. For Ashley,
this is a bit of a problem considering she’s in
FCCLA, Cats Club, SADD, Newspaper, Color
Guard, chorus, the play, stage crew, reading
team, and local history club. However, it wasn’t
entirely her decision to wait to get a job. Her
parents thought it was a good idea for her not to
work, but instead to just focus on school during
her first few years of high school.
At the time, Ashley agreed with her parents
Cheerleaders Alyssa Mackiew, Ashley Rhodes, Brianna Burns, Makenna Enslin,
Cassidy Howell-King (right) and flag member Kayla Hutchins (left) entertained the
crowd during the Wildcat Spirit and Rachel’s Challenge Event in May.
Planet Wildcat
FEATURES
June 2014
Page 15
Spirit Week ROCKS our school!
Let’s
Go,
Cats!
KELLYN
KEMMERER
do as a boyfriend. Take a step back me again afterward. Was it just a
and allow him to pursue these offers. one-time thing?
Yours truly,
Sincerely,
Kellyn
Confused
ADVICE,
INSIGHT,
AND COMMISERATION
by Kellyn Kemmerer
ASK
AWAY
Submit letters to Kellyn in
the box inside the library
entrance, give them to
Mrs. Morgan in room 104,
or email them to editor@
westernwayne.org.
All letters must be suitable for school. Responses are all in fun,
and the advice is neither serious nor professional.
Dear Kellyn,
My boyfriend and I have been dating
for a while now. When we go out and
I offer to pay, he gets offended. Why
is this?
Sincerely,
Independent
Dear Independent,
It’s chivalrous that your boyfriend
still insists on paying for you. When
you offer to pay, he may feel it is
taking a blow to his masculinity. He
probably feels it is a nice thing for
him to do and part of what he should
Dear Kellyn,
I’m going away to college next year,
but my girlfriend will still be in high
school. How can I make this longdistance relationship work as well
as our close one?
Sincerely,
College-Bound
Dear Confused,
He may have seen it as a one-time
thing, but if you’re not sure just ask!
You could even ask him out again if
you had fun the first time. Just take
a chance and see what he says!
Yours truly,
Kellyn
Dear Kellyn,
My best friend’s birthday is coming
up soon. We’ve been friends for a
long time, and I feel like I’ve already
used my good ideas for gifts. What
should I get her?
Sincerely,
Giftless
Dear Giftless,
Since you two have known each
other for so long, try to get something
personal. You can get pictures of the
two of you throughout the years and
Dear Kellyn,
make a collage or fill a photo album
When my crush asked me to prom, I with them. A gift like this is really
was so excited! We had a great time, timeless and a personal present.
but he never called or even texted
Yours truly,
Kellyn
Dear College-Bound,
Make sure you talk as much as you
usually do. A phone call would be
a nice addition. The main thing
you need is trust. If you two trust
each other, you’ll be just as close
as you are now. Try asking other
long-distance couples for advice in
order to gain insight about what you
should do yourself.
Yours truly,
Kellyn
‘When we look back...will we still remember everything we learned in school?’
Some memories live forever. . .
Faith Voorhees
with her date,
graduate Derek
Sosa (right)
Tori Aughe and
Josh Miller
Brittany Antidormi
Cheyenne King with Qusai Hassan
Allison Miller
Nathan Bond and Haley Salak
Naomi Smith and Michelle
Arnold with Matt Russo
Emery Jellock and Jillian Weston
Tia Franklin and date
Rachel Berger and Zack Ortman
Billie Jean Durkin
Prom Queen Nicole Kizer and date Nick Corazzi
Prom King William Rennekamp with Sarah Bifano,
Ellie Motichka, and Josh Romance
Brian Gagliardi and Sam Hoch
Kasey Kousick with date Brandon Tuite