Planning Ahead

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by Abby Romeo

Students across GS are beginning to plan their course schedule for next school year.  

At the beginning of March the idea of scheduling was being talked about and quickly became everyone’s focus.  

“We try to prepare and start early, and as early as we can so administration can look at the course requests and build a master schedule based on the requests of the students,” Guidance Counselor Mr. John Manley said.  

Classes met with guidance counselors to communicate about requirements, electives and tips within their grade level.  

“We like to review the entire rundown, especially with juniors,” Mr. Manley said. “We like to provide other information about post-secondary, extra high school college courses and graduation requirements.” 

The meetings give students the chance to choose electives, review graduation requirements and start thinking about their future academic plans.  

“We provide students with papers of the schedules for them to prepare within the time of our meeting and their private scheduling meeting,” Manley said.  

Counselors want this process to be simple and meaningful to the students; they know that scheduling can be challenging at times.  

“This year’s scheduling process was exciting and enjoyable for me,” junior Kalina Kreutzer said. “It’s a different ballgame when planning for senior year.”  

Both counselors count on making sure the students are on the right path and make sure they are prepared in every possible way they can.  

“The more you communicate with teachers, counselors, admin, upperclassmen and parents should help you gain a more confident and open mindset within scheduling,” Guidance Counselor Mrs. Laura Klipa said.  

Scheduling times are posted outside of the office for students to check before meeting with guidance counselors.

Photo by: Abby Romeo

As school years fly by, more courses open within the school district.  

“GS has a lot of elective course options,” Mr. Manley said. “It gives students more opportunities to expand their interest.”  

Students often notice the new courses and focus on which classes may raise their skills within their interests.  

“I plan to go into real estate or interior designing,” Kreutzer said. “I took Accounting 1 and Accounting 2; any business class really spiked my interest.”  

Students also choose the fun courses that they know they would enjoy.  

“I look forward to taking Child Development and American History,” freshman Kessler McIntyre said.  

The process of finding the classes can be stressful and hard to decide; it’s hard to decide what course to commit to when there are many others out there that may help get to the goalstudents want to achieve.  

“Some of the scheduling process is challenging,” McIntyre said.  

Counselors work through all the processes of trying to make the scheduling process easy going for students and not a stressful situation. 

“It’s okay to be overwhelmed and stressed,” Mr. Manley said. “All students are supported by so many people.”  

Mr. GS

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by Mae Grisenthwaite

Nine seniors made a break from jail at Mr. GS this year, booking it to steal the spotlight. 

Led by the GS Student Council Association, this club-funded event gave the participants the opportunity to win free prom tickets, a gift card and or a suit from MB Prom. Along with this, MB Prom also donated suits to all participants in the Mr. GS competition. 

“For MB Prom to donate to the entire cast of Mr. GS is very generous,” SCA advisor Mr. Christopher Gazze said. 

 Each year SCA picks the theme for the event, adding an extra element of fun. 

“Before we left for the [last] school year, we came up with a theme,” Mr. Gazze said. “The theme must be something that the opening video can fit with, along with the music, dancing and the casual wear section, too.” 

Mr. GS was held on March 6 in the High School auditorium as it has for the past eight years. 

“It’s just a fun night for the community,” Gazze said. “If you get a big crowd, a lot of energy and a group of people who are willing to participate, it gives everyone a chance to be part of something.” 

The cast of Mr.GS claps for Braedon Poole after he was announced as Mr. GS, Mr. Congeniality and Fan Favorite.

Photo By: Gabi Elentri

The cast of Mr. GS this year was made up of nine senior guys with unique talents.  

“A lot of thought and time went into all aspects of the show,” senior Braden Poole said. 

Each senior individually took center stage showing the crowd their talents, hoping to take home the title of Mr. GS and the prizes that came with it. 

Poole said that all the talent and skit ideas were “creative and over the top,” adding a bit of fun for both the crowd and participants. 

Tobyn Anderson, Austin Brown, Rocco Himes, AJ Lehnhardt, Raymond Yurko, Tanner Schmidt, Alex Swatchick, Henry Weimann and Poole hit the stage at 7:30 pm. 

“I reminded myself through the show to make sure to keep the crowd excited,” Poole said.  

Senior Braedon Poole sings Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer”

for the talent portion of the competition.

Photo by: Gabi Elentri

Each contestant performed then answered a question given by SCA president Ian Smith and member Marley Perrone. 

“I really enjoyed the last bit where they were in their formal wear and they had to answer a question,” Mr. Dylan Rinehart said.  

With each performance Mr. Kerry Dieter, Mr. Jeremy Lenzi and Mr. Rinehart judged, making note of who they believed deserved the title of Mr. GS for the 2026 school year. 

“The guys had lots of great talent and lots of personality, so it was very difficult judging,” Rinehart said. 

Poole wowed not only the crowd, but the judges, too, taking home the label of Mr. GS 2026, Fan Favorite and Mr. Congeniality. 

“Thank you to everyone who attended and to all the staff and faculty for making it happen,” Poole said. “I’m honored to be the winner.” 

Mini-THON is Quickly Approaching

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by Grace Cardoni

GS Mini-THON is shining hope to infinity and beyond in the fight against pediatric cancer.  

  On March 28, the 11th annual Mini-THON will take place in the gym, where GS students and community join to celebrate the fundraising efforts made throughout the year.   

  “Mini-THON means a small community coming together to make a big difference for people when they need it the most,” junior Mini-THON member Anna Sybesma said.   

Mini-THON began at GS in 2015, inspired by Penn State’s THON event. Both are a part of a nationwide effort connected to Four Diamonds—an organization dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer through funding research and supporting affected families.   

“Funds raised help to cover medical bills and other expenses that cause stress during such a difficult time so that family can focus on what matters most” junior member Reese Pittler said.  

Mini-THON at GS is led by a team of upperclassmen who work hard to host smaller events throughout the school year to spread awareness and fundraise for the grand reveal on the night of the big event. 

Students fundraise by canning near the Seton Hill Dance Center in Greensburg.

Photo Courtesy: Reese Pittler

“There are a lot of things that go into planning,” senior Overall Team Lead Rhea Outly said. “Like organizing activities, communicating with teachers and students and making sure all things run smoothly for the night of.”  

This year’s leadership team faced unique challenges being down four positions compared to years past.  

“I think that this year’s team has done a good job of navigating that kind of uncharted territory,” Senior Project Advisor Mr. Matthew Boe said. “It ultimately creates just a little bit more work for all of the seniors involved. It doesn’t allow them to dive nearly as deep as years past.”  

Mini-THON helpers pose by Santa for the Breakfast With Santa event held in the cafeteria.

Photo Courtesy: Courtney Paul Photography

Even with these challenges, student involvement remains one of the most important parts of the organization. Leaders hope to continue building interest among younger students so the tradition will carry on  

“Getting more out to younger kids is one of the biggest things,” Sybesma said. “Making sure underclassmen know what Mini-THON is and continuing the tradition for when it is their turn is what we really try to focus on.”   

For many involved, Mini-THON is more than just a fundraiser or a tradition to carry on. It is an opportunity for students to make a real difference in the lives of others.  

“I think that it provides avenues for helping others without expecting anything in return,” Mr. Boe said. “And I think that that speaks volumes about character and leadership and the different pillars that we try to support at Greensburg Salem.”  

Women In Male Dominated Fields

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by Reese Price

At GS, more girls are stepping into classes and career paths that were once considered male dominated.

For many years careers like engineering, construction, aviation and many technology fields were dominated by men. However, that is beginning to change as more young women are being introduced to new opportunities. More young students are showing interest in STEM classes, technical programs and leadership roles that are changing expectations.

“I became interested in the STEM classes because they connect to careers where you can help people, which made me more interested in healthcare,” senior Marley Perrone said.

Senior Marley Perrone works on wiring a robot to walk for BotsIQ.       

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Redinger  

While progress has been made in these specific areas, women in these fields often still face challenges such as underrepresentation, stereotypes and limited opportunities.

 “What bothers me is that girls can do the exact same job as men and men still get better opportunities,” sophomore Caylee Kingerski said.

Despite these obstacles, many students continue to push forward, motivated by their passions for their dreams and a desire to change the future. Their changes are reshaping workplaces and encouraging younger girls to consider careers they may not have thought of.

“Many STEM careers are still seen as being male dominated,” Perrone said. “Sometimes that can make it feel like women have to work harder than men to prove themselves.”

High school can be an important time for students to explore these interests. Many classes at GS allow students the opportunities to try new things and grow as learners. This year, there were various new electives such as Sustainable Design and Technology as well as Epidemiology and Public Health that opened students up to learning and trying new things.

“There tends to be a strong interest among female students connected to biological and life sciences,” Science Teacher Mr. Christopher Gazze said. 

Students and teachers have noticed differences in the number of male and female students in certain classes or activities due to the increased electives and schedule changes. 

“I’ve noticed strong enrollment from female students in AP Environmental Science and Epidemiology and Public Health,” Mr. Gazze said.

As more female students explore these opportunities, they continue to reshape expectations within the school community. Their participation shows younger students that they can pursue any subject or career that interest them, no matter what stereotypes may exist.

“I think more women going into male dominated fields helps break stereotypes and shows that women are just as capable to work in these careers,” Perrone said.

Nico’s Warriors

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by Gabi Elentri

Greensburg Salem sophomore Nico Salvio is facing another major health battle as doctors work to stop his body from rejecting his donor heart. 

Salvio, who has lived with a congenital heart defect since birth, was admitted to Independence Hospital in early February before being transferred to Children’s Hospital for specialized care.  

After multiple tests, doctors discovered fluid around his lungs and gallbladder and signs that his body had begun rejecting his transplanted heart.  

Since then, Salvio has been relying on a temporary heart pump as doctors closely monitor his condition. 

Doctors will soon begin testing how well Salvio’s heart can function without the assistance of the pump. If his heart cannot keep up on its own, the pump will remain in place.  

Because the current pump is only a temporary device, doctors may transition him to a different type of pump that could allow him to return home while continuing treatment.  

Recently, after 38 long days of tests and procedures, Salvio was able to return home. It will be necessary for Salvio to undergo weekly testing to make sure his heart has progressed. 

 Nico Salvio’s aunt, Chrissy Bartok, manages a Facebook page called Nico’s Warriors, where she shares updates about his health and organizes fundraisers to support him and his family. 

“I started Nico’s Warriors in 2016 because I wanted to help my brother and his family financially,” Bartok said.  

Bartok’sc brother, Gene, is the head of financial responsibilities. His wife Stacy, Nico’s mother, was left paralyzed after a stroke and is unable to work.  

Salvio’s brother, Jordan, and his fiancée, Liz, have stepped in to temporarily care for Stacy while Nico’s father spends most of his time at the hospital. 

Nico’s sister, Giavonna, has not left the hospital since he arrived. 

“We always knew that there was a chance of his donor heart rejecting, so I just wanted to be prepared financially for the families’ traveling, food, medication and health insurance costs,” she said. 

Nico has received support not only from his family, but also from members of the community.  

Local businesses including Hillview Bowling Lanes, Falbo’s Restaurant & Lounge and Mike Camlin Hyundai of Greensburg have all contributed to efforts to show their support. 

A Hillview Lanes Bowling fundraiser poster with event details and information about Salvio.

Photo Courtesy: Chrissy Bartok

Hillview Bowling Lanes will be hosting a tournament this June to raise money for Nico’s medical costs.  

The tournament will include a basket raffle to further raise money for Nico. Absolutely anyone, no matter their skill level, is encouraged to attend.  

 Student clubs and sports at GS have also joined efforts to help fundraise. 

Organizations like Interact Club and the GS Bowling Team are working to show their support for Salvio. 

GS Interact Club, a service-based club, is planning to support Nico by hosting an in-school campaign. 

 “Our motto is ‘service above self,’ so it’s important for our organization to support Nico in any way that we can,” club advisor Ms. Sierra Aires said. 

The GS Bowling Team is planning to host an Easter themed fundraiser in which all proceeds are donated to help cover the medical costs. 

“Not only are we showing our support for one of our players, but we are also bringing the community together,” GSBPA President Mrs. Katie Frick said. 

Salvio has inspired many hearts with his positive energy. 

“He’s a big inspiration to his teammates,” sophomore Andrew Pohland said. 

Students and families are also showing support outside of school by sending e-cards while Salvio recovers. 

“He’s been my best friend since first grade and we’ve always been there for each other,” Pohland said. “Seeing other people care about him the way I do means a lot to me.” 

Nico Salvio poses with a teddy bear he received while under treatment in the hospital.

Photo Courtesy: Chrissy Bartok

Salvio has been sent over 400 cards and has broken the hospital record for most cards received. 

Students are encouraged to support Salvio during this challenging time by attending fundraisers, sending e-cards or coming up with their own creative ways to help their classmate. 

“Nico is a fighter, so I know without a doubt he will be able to conquer this with the strength and courage he has always had,” Frick said.  

Student Run Businesses Thrive at GS

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by Reese Price

From painting banners to planting flowers, GS students are turning their passions into businesses that brighten the community. 

Vento’s Landscaping, run by junior Luca Vento and senior Luke Dieter, began in 2021 and expanded in 2023 when the two officially partnered. They specialize in landscaping services that help homeowners across Westmoreland County maintain and improve the look of their yards through the warmer months. 

  Senior Luke Dieter and Junior Luca Vento pose in front of their equipment for an advertisement.

Photo Courtesy: Luke Dieter

“The most rewarding part about my job is being able to satisfy customers and give them the best quality work,” Vento said. 

During the winter they also offer snow plowing, making their business a year-round service. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work has made them a popular choice in the community. 

“Being able to snow plow this year was great for our business,” Dieter said. 

Another successful business is Pitty Paints, run by junior Reese Pittler. She creates banners that add a colorful and creative touch to all occasions. She paints banners for school events, partiesand other celebrations for people in the community. 

“I love being able to be a part of celebrations within my community and helping to make them extra special,” Pittler said. 

A birthday banner ready to be hung up for a party made by junior Reese Pittler.

Photo Courtesy: Reese Pittler

Her artistic talent has allowed her to build a reputation for designing well liked personalized decorations for a wide variety of events.  

“I typically come up with my designs on my own after getting a description of the event and themes from my customers,” she said. 

Photography has also made an impact on GS students with Ferace Photography. Junior Bryce Ferace specializes in senior portraits, sports, product photography and much more.  

“Photography gives me the opportunity to meet new people and build connections with individuals, businesses and organizations,” he said. “I also get to build trust, work together and be part of someone’s story or event.” 

Junior Bryce Ferace poses for a headshot to use for his business.

Photo Courtesy: Bryce Ferace

The business focuses on providing high quality photos that capture memories for clients and the community. 

“Students are never too young to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and take initiative,” Business Teacher Mr. Tyler Brinton said. “I hope our business classes at GS continue to inspire more students to start thinking seriously about their futures while still in high school.” 

Crystal View Window Cleaning is managed by junior Ace Klingensmith, sophomore Nathan Ross and sophomore Hayden Henry. Their business keeps homes sparkling clean, offering window cleaning services around the GS community.  

Sophomore Hayden Henry cleaning windows on the side of a building.

Photo Courtesy: Ace Kligensmith

“My friends and I have worked very hard to make this business and to be successful together,” Klingensmith said. 

These student run businesses reflect the creativity, work ethic and ambition of GS students. Each business not only provides service to the school and community, but also gives the students hands on experiences in entrepreneurship. 

“Starting a business at a young age teaches lessons that last a lifetime, even for students who don’t pursue business careers,” Mr. Brinton said. “Entrepreneurship builds perseverance, a growth mindset and other traits that transfer to any field.”

Bots IQ Team Scratch

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by Grace Cardoni

The GS Bots IQ team is building the future of engineering one robot at a time. 

Bots IQ is a robot-battling competition created by the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling and Machining Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on the future careers of high school students.  

“They wanted kids to get interested in machining, building, electronics and robotics,” Bots IQ Adviser Mr. Matthew King said. “So they started a program in high schools and some middle schools.”  

Each team is tasked with designing and building a 15-pound robot based on the television show BattleBots. The average robot can cost more than $1,000 with all the high-tech parts involved. 

“The average bot, if you had to buy everything brand new and not reuse electronics, you would have over $1,000 in it,” Mr. King said.  

Students will be headed to the preliminary round, along with 65 other schools at Westmoreland County Community College on March 12. This marks the 19th anniversary of the team at GS.  

“We started around two years after the program began,” King said. “So, it’s been about 19 years now; I’ve been on it for 18.” 

However, this season looks vastly different from years past. After graduating their entire team last year, the program had to rebuild from the ground up with nine freshmen. 

A 3D model of the mock Robot created on Fusion 360.

Photo Courtesy: Brandon Pigza

“This year we had a team scratch, all of us are freshman,” freshman Bots IQ member Peyton Comer said. “It went pretty good with Mr. King since he’s done it previous years.” 

Although the team is made up of a brand-new group, many members had experience from their time in the middle school.  

“The reason I think they were interested the most out of everyone, is because they were on the team last year in the middle school,” King said. 

Although most of the team had taken part previously in middle school, they are running on a tight schedule with the new change. 

“We’ve been designing the parts, and we’ve been putting them together on the CAD program to see kind of if it fits together since October,” Comer said. “We haven’t actually built it yet, but the parts are being manufactured.” 

Students note that this year has proved to be much more challenging than their experiences before but nonetheless rewarding.  

“It’s harder, much more complicated,” Peyton said. “But it’s much better; we are all really looking forward to the final product; the process has been fun.” 

Anything Goes is Underway

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by Annabelle Volk

Anything goes here at GS! 

This year, GS will present “Anything Goes” on Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and March 1. 

“‘Anything Goes’ is a triple love story,” sophomore Janna Miller said. “Of course, there are other factors that go along with it. Everyone on the boat works together to make sure the right people are with each other by the end.”  

Though this year’s musical is characterized by true love and marriage, it also incorporates comedy to keep the audience giggling.  

Anything Goes posters hanging in classrooms and in the hallways promoting the show.

Photo by: Annabelle Volk

“Anything Goes” features four complete numbers of tap-dancing routines.  

“It’s very funny to watch,” Miller said. “There’s lots of tap dancing in it, too. The whole cast works together in order to make all the tapping sounds in sync.”  

Rehearsals are in full swing as opening night approaches.  

“It’s tech week,” she said. “It’s the week that prepares us for the actual musical. We run the show full out every day of the week and slowly start adding in more things like lights, costumes, mics, and even the live orchestra.”  

Tech week serves to prepare the cast for opening night by perfecting quick changes and other behind-the-scenes operations.  

“Tech week is really like seeing the fruits of your labor,” senior Ian Smith said. “Rehearsals are much longer. Everything in the show is finally laid out.” 

Students singing “Bon Voyage” during rehearsals.

Photo by: Annabelle Volk

Between the dancing and singing, many characters appear back-to-back.  

“Most people have very few quick changes,” sophomore Rachel Reese said. “But some people have to wear wigs and also change their costumes. I pity the Angels, and I pity Reno with all ofmy heart because of the number of quick changes those girls have.” 

Many cast members remarked on their quick changes between scenes, but they all agreed that Reno has the most difficult changes.  

“I have 11 costumes,” junior Magee Heverly said. “Sometimes I layer the costumes. They made me my own personal dressing room under the set because I have so many quick changes.” 

Despite all of the chaos backstage, the show must go on. Cast members are excited to perform for their family and friends and bring the writing of “Anything Goes” to life.  

“It’s almost like star-crossed lovers,” Smith said. “It’s a Golden Age musical where reality bends to the will of the characters.”  

The plot is complex and captivates the audience with bursts of comedy and vulnerable dialogue. It’s proven difficult to describe it shortly. 

“I like to put it this way,” senior Dakota Glad said. “Think Titanic, but it doesn’t sink. Mix in some tap dancing, and you have ‘Anything Goes.’” 

DECA Club Takes on Hershey

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by Abigail Romeo

GS’s DECA team has qualified for States.  

The program has sky-rocketed in the last two school years. DECA is preparing high school students for careers specified in marketing, business, finances, hospitality and management.  

“Mrs. Pozik told my friend Lola and I about it, and it seemed fun and outside of my comfort zone, so I wanted to do it,” junior Hope Ewing said.  

Students were introduced to the program in the 2024-2025 school year and sprang into action.  

“I was looking to expand and strengthen our business department and noticed that we didn’t have a club for students to join,” Business Teacher Mrs. Rachael Pozik said. “I met with PA DECA representatives and decided it would be a great fit for our students.” 

Starting the organization, the main focus was the amount of impact it would have. 

“DECA helps to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, preparing students to become future business leaders while positively representing their school in the community,” Mrs. Pozik said.  

Students often find the program as something that helps them to pursue their future careers and create new adventures within their high school education.  

 DECA Club students pose outside of Duquesne’s business building after their district competition.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Pozik

“I saw it as a way to pursue my specific career, heard about adventuring to different places,” junior Connor Wilson said.  

Skills are needed within the program; students grow as they move forward.  

“I have gained problem solving, confidence when talking in front of people, communication skills and time management while in DECA,” Ewing said.  

Committing to the DECA program throughout high school shows a strong level of dedication, responsibility and personal growth, even with the demanding commitments.   

“The pressure of going into an event and only having 15 minutes or less to present your project or role play,” Wilson said.  

The dedication from all students and staff elevates the importance of the organization.  

“Many schools have been involved with DECA much longer than we have and even have dedicated classes for their events,” Business Teacher Mr. Tyler Brinton said.  

As the 18 students prepare for State competition, set for February 18, 19, and 20 in Hershey, excitement and nerves are building among the students.  

“I felt proud of myself and the team because in my first year, about 85% of the team made it to States,” Wilson said. “Now that we have grown from last year, most of the team will return to Hershey, for another fun time.”  

A Season of Growth for GS Basketball Teams

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by Reese Price

The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams left the court for the last time this season.

The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams’ seasons came to an end as GS wrapped up the winter sports seasons. The girls’ team competed in WPIAL 5A Section II, a challenging section with many top competitors. The boys’ team was also in a competitive section, which was WPIAL 4A Section II.

“I tried my hardest and gave it my all on the court this season,” senior Mya Heasley said. “I will miss the team and the tight bonds we have because I’ve been playing with some of them for most of my basketball career.”

The girls’ team had a competitive start to their season, playing a few non section games against Franklin Regional and Mt. Pleasant, two well ranked non section teams. Over the course of the season they also traveled and hosted in season tournaments at GS.

 “We played well in the tournaments this season,” Heasley said. “Having the opportunities to play those extra games was really fun.”

Junior Sophie Beckerleg and sophomore Bella Dinkel both won All Tournament Team medals at the tip-off tournament at the beginning of the season hosted at GS. They both were recognized at half court for their efforts in contributing to GS basketball success. Throughout the season Dinkel played guard and Heasley played as the point guard and main ball handler for GS. 

“As a guard I really like giving my teammates the opportunities to score,” Dinkel said. “I like to score just as much as I like to see my teammates succeed.” 

As the season went on, leading into January and February, the Lady Lions battled in close contests within section play. The girls played Penn Trafford, Latrobe, Indiana, Kiski Area, McKeesport and West Mifflin. This season featured many returning players who helped shape the team and contribute to its success. 

Senior Mya Heasley dribbles the ball up the court.

Photo Courtesy: Talan Price

“Penn Trafford and Indiana were high ranked teams we haven’t beaten and sometimes only fell a couple points short to, so it’s always a battle between them,” she said.

Head Coach Mr. Rick Klimchock, who has coached at GS since 2017, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season. Mr. Klimchock also helps his son, Head Mens’ Basketball Coach at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, with games and practices and plays a tremendous part in his community.

“GS girls’ basketball has been a huge part of my life,” Klimchock said. “I love working with high school, middle school and elementary players. Creating relationships has been so important to me.”

The boys’ basketball team also had success this season going 10-11 overall and 5-7 in conference play, leading them to playoffs. The boys finished fifth in the section and continued to show growth and determination all season. The boys opened their season playing highly competitive teams like Hempfield and Greensburg Central Catholic, helping them prepare for the intensity of their conference play.

“We started preparing for our season last March with workouts and games,” Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Mr. Paul Sapotichne said. “Most of my key players started to prepare months and months ago.”

Throughout the season, they faced several setbacks due to injuries that forced players to step into unfamiliar roles and adjust to new lineups. While these injuries created challenges for consistency, they also allowed younger players to see the court and contribute to the games. The team remained focused and continued to compete against tough section opponents including Penn Trafford, Latrobe, Indiana, Kiski Area, McKeesport and West Mifflin. 

“I got through my injuries with pure will to play,” senior Justice Castaneda-Payne said. “I couldn’t have done it without the guys and especially our trainers.”

As the season progressed, they emphasized teamwork, defensive effort and composure in close and challenging games. The group steadily improved their chemistry on the court as they approached the final stretch of their schedule. Their ability to stay united during difficult games became a defining factor of their season.

“I think we’ve had great chemistry and connection this season because of how many years we’ve been playing together,” senior Ty Harkcom said.

Senior Ty Harkcom shoots a free throw as the GS Salem Psychos watch.

Photo Courtesy: Talan Price

Five seniors played an important role in leading the team both on and off the court, helping younger teammates adjust to varsity play when needed. 

“I think this is the best final season I could have had,” Harkcom said. “We made playoffs and broke the five win curse.”

With the regular season complete, the boys prepared to face Hopewell in the first round of playoff competition. The team focused on perfecting their plays, improving execution, and staying disciplined on defense. On Feb. 13, the boys fell short to Hopewell, losing 74-49. 

“I am very proud of our team and players,” Sapotichne said. “We had many films of Hopewell, and all of the coaching staff watched their games and prepared a game plan.”