Talented Students Take the Bocce Court

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by Annabelle Volk and Dylan Sedlacko

The Unified Bocce season is approaching its end, with two games remaining. 

The GS Unified Bocce team is still relatively new. This winter marks the second year Bocce has been included in the district’s winter sports. Despite the sport still being fairly new, it sees plenty of support from staff and students.  

“The entire football team was there,” Girls’ Basketball Assistant Coach Miss Sierra Aires said. “The entire girls’ basketball team was there, too. Some other teachers were seated throughout with more students and, of course, the parents of the players.” 

The Bocce matches are typically supported by student athletes. Some student-athletes requested that their coaches incorporate Bocce match attendance into their practice schedule.  

Ryleigh Peters prepares to roll the ball as her teammates watch down the court.

Photo by: Mr.Lenzi

“We just kinda built it into our schedule,” Miss Aires said. “I know Patty Redinger had heard about it from one of the kids on the Bocce team, and she asked if we could go to it and support it. We were all about that, so we decided to show up.” 

Although the game scheduled for the evening of the 28th was rescheduled due to the weather, the team competed on the 21st in the GS gym. 

“Wednesday’s Bocce game was against Latrobe,” sophomore Brady Gillott said. “We blew them out in the first match. The second match was a little closer, but we came out with both wins.”  

Danny Pavolik rolls the bocce ball across the floor.

Photo by: Mr. Lenzi

Gillott’s favorite part of participating in a unified sport is the strategizing behind it. He enjoys working with the other athletes to improve their gameplay and ensure a win.  

“I’ve played since my 9th-grade year,” he said. “It’s the first coed sport I’ve played.”  

In addition to some new student-athletes, the team has a new assistant coach for the 25-26 season.  

“I have a passion to work with students who have disabilities,” Assistant Coach Mr. Alan Gray said. “I’m actually the son of a life skills teacher. My mom taught special ed and life skills for 36 years, so it’s just kind of something I’ve always had a passion for.” 

Finley Steward watches to see if he scores in their match against Greater Latrobe.

Photo by: Mr. Lenzi

Though the sport is still relatively new to the district, it has seen support from students and staff, as well as passion from its coaches.  

“My goal for students on the Bocce team is to have fun, build relationships, and to gain exposure to other individuals, schools, and activities,” Mr. Gray said.  

ChatGPT Enters the Classroom

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by Gabi Elentri and Abigail Romeo

Although one of the reasons artificial intelligence was invented is to improve education, today’s students use it in a separate way. 

Students today view artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT as a free cheat sheet instead of the education enhancing technology it was created to be.  

ChatGPT offers instant information and quick answers. While it is a great tool for things like immediate homework help and language translation, convenience comes with a cost.  

Some students have discarded the idea of ChatGPT being a tool to help learn new things and have replaced it with it being a tool that does work for them. 

“Most students use ChatGPT to cheat on assignments and quizzes instead of studying,” sophomore Katie Jurkiewicz said.  

 ChatGPT can be used negatively by copying answers and using it to do the work for them, which avoids the challenging work needed to understand a subject.  

“Students also use ChatGPT to write entire essays instead of just researching themselves,” Jurkiewicz said. 

Reliance on ChatGPT can make students lazy, skipping the demanding work needed to understand a subject. It can also give answers that are not always correct, which is just confusing.  

“Students are losing the ability to conduct actual research,” History teacher Mr. Mark Zahorchak said.  

 What may seem like a harmless habit now can expand into long lasting behaviors. Relying on ChatGPT will cause students to trust information without checking twice, weaken their critical thinking, and their struggle to solve problems on their own will worsen.  

“It’s going to ruin people’s ability eventually because they are not going to learn how to articulate their thoughts and writing,” English teacher Mr. Marcus Moffa said.  

Teachers have learned to adapt to the use of ChatGPT and have started to run each essay through Ai detecting websites. Some students run their writing through the same websites to makesure it looks like their own work.  

A student uses ChatGPT for research in the classroom.

Photo by: Abigail Romeo

“I think the hardest part is that we don’t necessarily know anymore when kids are cheating,” Mr. Moffa said. “With some it’s hard to tell.”  

Ways to limit ChatGPT usage might involve re-introducing traditional paper-pencil assignments and making sure every assignment does not leave the classroom.  

“I could go back to paper assignments, but I don’t really want to do that because that’s not the real world,” Moffa said.  

Restricting electronics and having students complete every assignment on paper might seem ideal, but it doesn’t reflect real-world expectations. 

“I think that ChatGPT can be helpful to education if used correctly,” freshman Shayne Grzelewski said.  

 In most jobs and adult life, people manage tasks in their own time. If students never practice working independently outside the classroom, they might struggle with time management and self-discipline later on. 

While ChatGPT and similar tools offer opportunities to enhance learning, it’s important to use them wisely.  

Education can be designed to help students complete assignments while also encouraging critical thinking, time management, and the development of skills that may be useful beyond the classroom. Striking a balance between these aspects can support students in their future.  

“ChatGPT can be a helpful classroom tool if used correctly,” Jurkiewicz said. “I do think it can be beneficial, but it shouldn’t do all the work.” 

Students Thrive in NAHS and Mock-Trial

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by Grace Cardoni and Mae Grisenthwaite

Mock Trial and National Art Honors Society are vital parts of GS, yet many students and staff members remain unaware of their roles despite all of their accomplishments.  

Both organizations have been active for years and meet regularly, whether that be through a class or a club. Teachers in charge aide and guide members through the opportunities and challenges that come along with being a part of them. Despite all of this, many who are not involved are left unaware of what goes on behind the classroom doors.  

“With Mock Trial I know who’s on it but not really much of what they do; NAHS I know even less about,” senior Austin Brown said. 

The Mock Trial team, which is led by English Teacher Mrs. Kristen Solomon, is a competitive academic activity that challenges students to take on roles as lawyers and witnesses in a 30-minute simulated court room case.  

Members of the Mock Trial Team pose in the Cathedral of Learning after competing in a tournament at Pitt.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Solomon

“Mock Trial is part creative writing and part acting,” senior Mock Trial member Ian Smith said. “You work hard to write good material and then perform it to your best so you can win points.”  

Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to explore interests in law and exposes them to a fast-paced learning environment, whether that is through the Mock Trial class or the competitive team.  

“Mock Trial is a competition that tests your ability to think on your feet and respond to unknown elements,” Smith said. 

Similarly the National Art Honors Society is an organization that many students at GS may not realize exists, despite its long-standing presence.  

“We have had a chapter for probably about 15 years so it’s not new to our school, it’s just that we’ve kind of gone through some revitalization in the last couple years,” Art Teacher Mr.Darryl Audia said. 

National Art Honors Society, or NAHS, is a service organization that allows members to support others through their missions in art. They provide help to those who need it, doing things like face painting for Mini -THON or donating funds raised to organizations like the Giving Tree. 

“The mission is for them to gather service hours that are related to not just art, but helping people’s missions through art,” Mr. Audia said.  

Students utilize a model vinyl project created by Mr. Audia in order to create their own.

Photo By: Grace Cradoni

With these clubs not being well known by the school community, most students interested in either know truly little about how to get involved; Mock Trial being a great choice for students interested in law, and NAHS for any students interested in the arts.  

“Most students start in middle school with Mr. Doran,” sophomore Mock Trial member Ava Richards said. “Some of us started through the B- Team competition.” 

“B-Team” is a beginner trial attended once to see if there is true interest in the team. Mock Trial is a great choice for any student with a good writing foundation who can persevere in independent work. 

 “To solidify the understanding and concept it is great to take the Mock Trial class or Intro to Mock Trial class,” Richards said. 

NAHS also requires some further experience from students while still being broad enough that anyone interested can easily qualify to become part of the group. 

 “Students have to be in an art elective or have taken an art elective before,” Audia said. “Students who don’t meet these requirements would do more service hours to balance that out.” 

Both Mock Trial and National Art Honors Society have proven themselves to be parts of GS that uphold a strong community and culture. 

“I really think everyone should look more into both honestly,” junior Mock Trial member Kagan McBreen said. “I know people who are part of both NAHS and Mock Trial, and I think they represent our school well.” 

Girls Hit the Mat as a Team for the First Time at GS

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by Reese Price, Editor in Chief

This season marked a major milestone for the Girls’ Wrestling Club as they took the mat for the first time.  

At the beginning of the school year, GS introduced a Girls’ Wrestling Club, creating a new athletic opportunity for female students. The club began practicing in the fall to prepare for their first season. The team is comprised of 14 student athletes who compete in high school and junior high matches. 

“Teaching them something new was definitely a challenge,” wrestling coach Mr. Randy Parsley said. 

The female wrestlers have been practicing alongside the boys’ team since preseason workouts started. During these shared practices, the athletes have learned new techniques and skills that have helped and impacted all of the athletes. The female wrestlers have been extremely dedicated and hardworking as they build the program and shape the future.  

“It was great seeing them compete with other girls, using the moves we’ve been going over,” Mr. Parsley said. “I am very impressed with them; they are very hardworking and are anxious to learn more.” 

The PIAA hosted its first season for girls wrestling in 2023-24, opening this sport up to many high school students across Pennsylvania. Girls wrestling has become one of the fastest growing girl’s sports in Pennsylvania. More than 100 girls wrestling teams have been established which was needed for the state to gain PIAA sponsorships. GS’s increase in female participation has allowed them to compete in girls’ wrestling events instead of wrestling only boys’ teams or not at all.  

“Wrestling has increased my self-confidence, mental toughness, resilience and discipline,” sophomore Zoey Zeoli said. “It teaches accountability and has empowered me to get in the best shape of my life.” 

GS hosted the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Wrestling Tournament, marking the school’s first year entering a girls’ team. As more local schools add programs, the participation in the sport has continued to grow.  

“It’s an honor to be a part of the first ever girls’ wrestling team and to pave the way for younger athletes who want to be involved in a sport that pushes them to be their very best,” Zeoli said. 

Senior wrestler Sadie Sarver has been competing since eighth grade and is a captain of the high school team. She committed to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to continue her academic and athletic career. Sarver is ranked 16 out of 118 wrestlers in District 7 girls wrestling so far this year.  

Senior Sadie Sarver looks into the crowd before a match

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Sarver

“The hardest part of wrestling is that you need to build a whole different mindset,” she said. “It’s physically demanding and learning how to wrestle takes time, but once you get used to it, it’s all about feel and looseness.” 

Learning and adapting to a new sport can be hard for any athlete, but these girls have paved the way for future athletes. Young middle school and elementary school kids have already showntheir interest in starting wrestling at a young age. The PIAA has worked very hard to grow the sport, involving 264 teams and over 100 clubs across Pennsylvania, with GS being one of them, which has contributed to the growth girls’ wrestling has seen in the past few years. 

“Wrestling has helped me become more confident and disciplined to be the best I can be, showing me a true supportive environment,” Sarver said 

Idewild

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by Ever Schmidt

The world’s largest rubber duck is splash landing at Idlewild this summer. 

Idlewild is one of many amusement parks in the Pittsburgh area. They opened May 24 and this is the 148th season.  

“I go every year with my family,” junior Mariah Mann said. “I have two younger siblings and it’s something we enjoy doing together. Personally, I am very excited that they are adding the rubber duck; I think it will bring some personality to the park.”   

An example of a season pass to Idewild

Photo by: Ever Schmidt

The rubber duck is going to be part of a special event from June 27-29 at Idlewild as a part of duck themed games and merchandise, according to CBS News. This year is going to be the first since 2013 that the duck is visiting the Pittsburgh area.  

“I have gone since I was a little kid, even now that I am an adult,” math teacher Mr. Jake Cole said. “My daughter is a little over two years old and this is going to be the first year we are going to be taking her.”  

Many people, like Mr. Cole, have gone from a young age and continue to go with their families. Now, as summer approaches, people are ready to enjoy the water again. Health and Physical Education teacher Mrs. Alyssa Lukatch has season passes. 

“I have season passes and I’m going to take my daughter,” Mrs. Lukatch said. “We have already gone once this year and have more fun memories.”  

New Electronics for the 2025-26 School Year

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by Kerrick Shaw

District Approves $535K for iPads and MacBooks in 5–4 Vote

Students will be welcomed with new electronics next school year following the $535,000 funding approved by the GS School Board.

The decision, which followed a split vote of 5-4, will fund the purchase of updated devices and classroom technology designed to support student learning. The plan is part of the district’s ongoing effort to keep pace with the evolving demands of digital education.

The funding will provide 900 iPads for high school students and 65 MacBook Air laptops for teachers.

“We investigated multiple options for student use, including HP laptops, Google Chromebooks and iPads,” GS Superintendent Dr. Ken Bissell said. “Ultimately, the iPads met all of the instructional and learning needs and were the most cost-effective in building a four-year cycle of device replacement. The cost of the device includes a keyboard case, a plan for broken or replacement devices, and a buy-back plan at the end of the 0% lease.”

The total cost per device will be $513, according to Dr. Bissell; but this price will be discounted after the buyback by Apple in four years. 

Although the vote was not unanimous, board members who supported the investment emphasized the need to modernize the district’s educational tools. Board member Ms. Kacey Byrne-Houser described technology as “vital” rather than a luxury.

The exterior of a students’ old laptop

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

“It’s a smart, forward-thinking move that aligns with where education is headed,” Ms. Byrne-Houser explained. “This new approach not only saves money over time, but also supports sustainability and better tech management. I have a great deal of trust in our school administrators who spent considerable time researching and evaluating options before bringing this recommendation forward.”

In agreement, board member Mr. Brian Conway thinks the access to technology is essential, stating that the new electronics “will allow the district to ensure that the necessary devices are available.”

“Initially, I had reservations about transitioning from laptops to tablet devices,” Mr. Conway said. “However, after considering the inclusion of protective cases and keyboards, along with assurances from the administration that no additional technology would be necessary to facilitate the change, I ultimately supported it.”

While some board members opposed the purchase due to cost concerns, board Vice President, Mrs. Robin Savage, voted against the purchase based on the limited time board members had to fully review the details before voting.

“The main reason I voted against it is we were not given what I believe was enough time to review,” Mrs. Savage explained. “As a board member, I felt that we should have had a thorough discussion and had more time to review the proposal.”

Despite the differing viewpoints, the district will be able to move ahead with its technology replacement in time for the 2025–26 school year.

Students, who use the current laptops on a daily basis for everything from taking notes to submitting assignments, are especially eager about the arrival of the new technology. Sophomore Kelsey Wigfield said she found out about the purchase through teachers.

“I’m excited to have a working school device,” Wigfield said. “Our laptops now never wanted to load and are very slow; they freeze a lot, too. I know from having my own iPad that they work really well even if they’re not brand new.”

Students current laptop conditions

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

Sophomore Grady Rizzo heard about the iPads from other students. He explained the new electronics will be “great” as he uses his laptop in nearly every classroom.

The implementation of this Apple package is one of the most significant steps in upgrading the educational process over recent years, going along with multiple upgrades underway at different buildings in the district.

“At the end of the day, this isn’t just about upgrading devices,” Ms. Byrne-Houser said. “It’s about investing in our students’ future, supporting our educators, and making sure our district stays ahead of the curve.”

Senior Events

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by Adison Poole

The sun is setting for seniors as the school year comes to a close.

To wrap up the seniors’ final week, clubs such as SCA have planned several fun events to celebrate the upcoming graduation.

“The next two weeks are going to be extremely busy,” senior Kayla Ramer said.

Over the course of the last two weeks of the school year, seniors will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as senior sunset, a class picnic and a spirit week just for seniors.

Seniors Alice Wilkinson and Olivia Smith pose in their favorite FNL themes

Photo by: Adison Poole

“Senior sunset is one of the newer ones,” SCA advisor Mr. Christopher Gazze said. “One of our senior class officers proposed that and it got approved a few years ago. It’s just kind of a cool hangout with a smaller group of people.”

Earlier in the year seniors participated in a senior sunrise. This was a day when seniors gathered in the gravel parking lot and were able to hangout with friends and watch the sunrise.

“We had a huge crowd for fall’s (event), so it would be cool it you guys could match that,” Mr. Gazze said.

Seniors also can take a walk through their old elementary school dressed in caps and gowns to visit old teachers and show off their graduation gear for the younger kids.

“I’m excited to see all my old teachers,” Ramer said. “I think it’s such a cute idea.”

At each of the scheduled events students can expect food and snacks provided and games such as spike ball and cornhole.

“I plan on playing spike ball the whole time,” senior Everett Redinger said.

Class picnics also provide students with one last opportunity to hang out before graduation. Students who ordered them receive their yearbooks right before, so it provides students with time to get them signed.

Seniors also had a chance to participate in a spirit week for their last week of school. The themes chosen were dress as your younger or older self-day, favorite FNL theme, dress as your favorite teacher and decision day.

“The themes made the week interesting,” senior Alice Wilkinson said. “I made sure to go all out since this is my last one ever.”

SCA plans events such as these to bring students together one last time and as a sort of send off to the graduating class.

“I think it’s good to hang out,” Ramer said. “It’s nice to all be together one last time.”

Senior Academic and Athletic Awards Ceremonies

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by Theresa Schuetz

The class of 2025 had their academic and athletic achievements recognized with two assemblies open to parents, guardians and fellow classmates.

Each May, GS honors its seniors with academic and extra curricular assemblies mentioning the scholarships and achievements seniors have received. This year the class of 2025 welcomed parents and guardians to come and acknowledge their accomplishments.

The first assembly was Tuesday, May 20and it honored the Athletics and Activities successes students have completed throughout their high school careers. Varsity letters students earned through sports, as well as some students’ extra activities they took part in throughout high school, such as the gifted program, as well as band and choral talents, were recognized throughout the assembly.

Students on stage listen to a speaker at the awards ceremony

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“I was recognized for being a four sport athlete, and I was also recognized for the Westmoreland County Scholar Athlete award,” senior Olivia Smith said.

Wednesday, May 21 marked the Academic Achievements Ceremony. Students were recognized for scholarships, their involvement in Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center and the rigorous courses they have taken.

“I learned about the scholarships and the scholarships page on the class of 2025’s Teams page,” senior Bailie Merichko said. “Once I filled out certain scholarships, some of them directed me to others I also was applicable for.”

No matter what the Members of the Class of 2025’s goals are for the future, GS or WCTC helped lay down a foundation for their goals and may have inspired post secondary plans.

“It is okay if you change direction or don’t know what you want to do after high school,” guidance office Administrative Assistant Mrs. Julie Ebersole said. “Life is about trying, experimenting, failing and learning; test the waters until you find what is right for you.”

Culture Day

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by Emma Helmick

The crowd roared as students were treated to dance battles, history and stories for culture day

The foreign language students usually come together at the end of the semester to create presentations, songs, skits and more as their final project. The shows were during first and second block.

“I love seeing students so excited about something related to foreign language,” Spanish teacher Miss Miranda Filak said. “I think it is uplifting to see such excitement brought to a class that sometimes people might associate with grammar and vocabulary when it is so much more than that.”

Every class had the opportunity to go; it was up to the teachers and if they were willing to take their students or not.

“A big improvement we made this year was more performances,” senior Greta Hagofsky said. “In years past, kids would sometimes do just presentations, but this year we saw a lot more of students partaking in dancing and singing.”

French and Spanish Students present their projects for the crowd

Photo Courtesy: Kayla Tamer

Some of the acts changed between the first and second block show, but some are performed twice for the new audience.

TikTok content creator Maddox is Bussin’ not only attended this semester’s Culture Day, but he also participated in a dance battle on stage. His attendance was advertised around the high school and on social media days prior.

“It was a way for us to draw more kids to Culture Day,” Hagofsky said. “We saw a big turn out this year and I think we partially have Maddox to thank for it.”

Maddox came out on stage at the end of the second block show. He danced against seniors Wesley Heverly and Lauryn Swierczynski. The audience voted Maddox as the winner.

“I think that Culture Day was super fun, and it taught me a lot of things about what people in the French and Spanish cultures practice, do in their lives and are accustomed to,” freshman Ava Richards said.

The goal of Culture Day is to allow students to educate their peers about what they have learned throughout the semester. “I hope that it gives all students the opportunity to be exposed to something outside of what they see every day,” Miss Filak said. “Even if it’s just a minute or two of a catchy song in another language, it is always exciting to see students being exposed to something new and different.”

Seniors Return to Camp Soles

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by Reese Price

Trading smartphones for s’mores, a group of seniors took a step back in time to guide sixth graders through the Camp Soles experience.

19 GS senior mentor students were offered an opportunity to attend the annual sixth grade field trip to Camp Soles. Sixth grade students at GS Middle School have been going on this trip for 55 years and GS plans to continue the tradition.

 “It was really nice to get a better idea of what everything looked like because I kind of forgot,” senior Braedon Leatherman said. “It’s crazy how big everything seemed because of how small I was.”

Camp Soles sits on 264 acres, offering wetlands, a lake, woods, meadows and other environmental attractions. This is a perfect opportunity for the students to combine learning and fun. Whether the students were figuring out how to get across the challenge course, ziplining, or testing the water quality, they were constantly learning through real experiences.

 “I really like fishing, finding little water bugs in the creek, and the wetlands,” Leatherman said.

Seniors who went back to Camp Soles pose for a group photo in the dining hall.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Rachel Brannigan

At the beginning of the school year, each senior mentor was offered a trip to Camp Soles if they had perfect attendance to freshman mentor sessions. Seniors were in charge of groups of sixth grade students to mentor them through the activities.

“To be able to get Seniors back to that spot, I felt was somewhat of a ‘full circle’ moment,” History teacher Mr. Matthew Boe said. “I’m grateful administration gave us the green light to get back.”

The trip included hands-on activities which encouraged all students to use teamwork and collaboration skills. All of the activities were spread across two and a half days for each sixth-grade group, with senior mentors joining in for one of those days.

“I feel like the sixth graders were happy that we were there,” senior Blessing Gantt said. “I feel like we made them have more fun especially since the day we went was rainy and cold.”

As older students, seniors being able to go allowed for aspiring students to have role models and mentors to guide them through the experience. The mentors were in charge of showing students how to be respectful, responsible, and kind, all while being able to learn and have fun.  

“To have Seniors back leading groups of 6th graders around and sharing their experiences I think was beneficial,” Mr. Boe said. “At the same time, it was in some ways a chance to say thank you to those Senior Mentors for their commitment to helping others find their path and making GS a better place for it.”

The hope for the seniors and the sixth graders is to interact and work together. The seniors were very excited to be able to go back and experience the amazing field trip to Camp Soles.

“I was super excited to put a place to all the memories I made there in sixth grade,” Leatherman said. “I also made a bunch of new friends there that I got to go back with as seniors, so that was nice.”

The Camp Soles field trip served as a valuable experience not just for the middle school, but also for the seniors who got to revisit a part of their middle school career. It was more than just a tradition; it was an opportunity to build connections, create memories, and to give back while reflecting on their journey through school.

“I really enjoyed going,” Gantt said. “It brought back a lot of memories, especially sitting in the dining hall and going near the fire.”