by: Theresa Schuetz

Markquee outside of the High school that lists important events: Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

May is GS’ last full month of school with many important deadlines or exciting events lining the month’s days. 

Many students will be entering summer vacation without looking back; however, seniors may find it hard to leave without doing so. Senior projects are being presented on May 5^th, marking the end of many seniors’ journey at GS. 

“Senior projects are our first real experience of anything that will be remotely close to anything you’re going to do when you graduate here,” Mrs. Jackie Yuhas said. 

Senior projects aren’t the only things happening this May that help shape students’ futures; scattered throughout May are the AP tests for students who are striving to get college credits during high school. 

“I hope to do well and get credits for it (APUSH),” sophomore Alice Wilkinson said. 

May is also filled with many fun things that are celebrated outside of school, such as Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. 

GS’ annual Culture Day arrives shortly after Cinco de Mayo. Culture Day is used to educate students on French and Spanish culture who don’t take a language and some elementary students who come to the high school as well.  

“Culture Day is really a great day for our students to take pride in what they learn in class, but also a way for them to connect what they do in class to something they’re passionate about outside in their own personal lives,” French teacher Madame Stephanie Grace said. 

Following culture day closely is Prom. Students spend months picking out clothing, shoes, makeup, hair and flowers to prepare for the formal dance. Many are excited over the whimsical enchanted garden theme of this year’s Prom which was suggested by current seniors last year.  

“I honestly love this year’s theme; I think it was a great idea and I’m excited to see how it will look,” sophomore Greta Hagofsky said. 

Due to senior project day, prom, and Memorial Day, students will have three days off school this month, leaving only 21 days left of school as of May 4^th. 

“I was able to meet some really amazing teachers this year and make some new friends, but I’m excited for summer break,” sophomore Shaniah Wills said. 

by: Leah Kaylor

Mental health awareness assembly. Photo submitted by: Emma Helmick

The month of May is dedicated to bringing awareness to those who have experienced depression or anxiety and to bringing light to the struggles people go through day to day.  

Sophomore Alice Wilkinson is hoping that schools mandate more discussions on students’ mental health. 

“I think there are people that are struggling in GS with their mental health, and anyone can struggle,” Wilkinson said. “It doesn’t matter whether you have a perfect life or not, anyone can experience depression.” 

In just 2023, there have been over 47,000 suicides in the US, and the highest percentage are young adults who have experienced depression and/or anxiety, according to the CDC. 

Junior Ashlan Price hopes that the stereotype of mental health will one day break and students can open up more about their struggles without having to feel judged.  

“In high school I think it’s hard on students, especially with sports and the stress of a high school student,” Price said. “There are so many aspects of mental health; you can be tired or just feel sad which all can affect how you perform, especially in school.” 

The CDC states that suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of premature death between the ages of 10-24 in the United States. 

According to Psychology Today, there are studies that show that seeing a therapist has helped or even treated clinical depression. Therapists are able to engage and learn about a person’s life or struggles without becoming a part of it.  

“If someone is struggling, I would definitely suggest talking to someone such as a therapist,” junior Ella Henry said. “It’s about finding what works for you and what helps you such as drawing or journaling to cope with what you’re dealing with.” 

The CDC states that a person’s mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Mental health includes a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  

“Mental health is a person’s ability to respond and cope to certain thoughts, feelings or emotions,” Mrs. Alyssa Lukatch said. “When disruptions in those thoughts, feelings or emotions start to occur, mental instability starts to happen.” 

Mrs. Lukatch believes the concentration should be one’s mental wellness instead. Each individual needs to look at what self-care methods or coping strategies they have in place in times of emotional and mental instability. 

“The school does a great job prioritizing mental health,” Lukatch said. “I think that at some point we as individuals need to prioritize our own mental health.” 

  

by: Luke Shevchik

Junior Kason Tai. Photo by: Luke Shevchik

Vee Neal Aviation recently expanded its operations at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport by building an aircraft hangar and flight school. 

The Westmoreland County Airport Authority approved and granted the option to construct two new hangars at the end of the airport.  

According to TRIB Live, government officials have estimated there will be about 18,000 openings annually for airline and commercial pilots this decade. 

Junior Kason Tai attended flight school through Vee Neal Aviation in Pittsburgh and is still in the process of pursuing his career as a pilot. 

“I had to study and research how to fly the plane and the protocols,” Tai said. “After a few trainings I got to fly the plane with my instructor.” 

Senior Alex Toth, who is currently a member of the U.S Army, advises anyone looking to pursue this field to attend a flight school because it can be beneficial. 

“This will help kids planning on going into the service by broadening their career options in the future and better their knowledge regarding carers in aviation,” Toth said. 

Jodaron Realty, a real estate development firm, awarded $1.9 million in contracts for the first phase of the terminal addition and improvement to Allegheny Construction Group Incorporated and ABS Building Systems.  

“Seniors have taken a flight school for their senior projects in the past,” Physics Teacher Mrs. Cheryl Harper said. “I think it’s a fantastic learning experience for anyone going into that field and I’m glad that it is now available locally.” 

by: Luke Shevchik

Science teacher Mrs. Rachel Sassani. Photo by: Luke Shevchik

Earth Day, which is celebrated every year on April 22^nd, is an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which humans can contribute to the well-being of the planet.  

This year, as the calendar approaches Earth Day in 2023, it is more important than ever to raise awareness about environmental issues and protect the planet. 

From consuming natural resources to how to dispose of waste, citizens of the earth can have a profound impact on the planet’s health.  

“I think it’s important to have Earth Day,” sophomore Kayla Ramer said. “It helps support environmental awareness and informs younger generations on the importance of this day.” 

As the world continues to see the devastating effects of global warming, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a safer economy is crucial. 

By raising awareness about these issues, people can be encouraged to take steps to help the planet every day by making the health of the planet a priority in daily life.  

“I believe that earth day activities like planting trees shouldn’t be resourced to one day,” senior Zach Rush said. “Consistently trying to reduce your carbon footprint should be the goal. It is our responsibility to pick up the pieces from the previous generations.”  

The health of this planet is linked to the wellness of all living creatures, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.  

By protecting the environment, it can help ensure a healthier future for humanity and all the other species that call earth home. 

“Earth day is a good reminder that every day there are things we can do to enjoy and protect nature,” earth and space science teacher Mrs. Rachel Sassani said.  

by: Theresa Schuetz

Students interviewed, from left to right, Miley Riggs Maxx Arendas, and Emma Audia. Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

Schools are supposed to be safe spaces full of learning and growing ideas, however, as of late, more and more school shootings have been occurring. According to EducationWeek.org, there have been 13 school shootings so far in 2023.  

The most recent of the 13 shootings happened in Nashville, Tennessee, taking the lives of three children and three adults. School shootings have taken the lives of six children in total and four adults this year alone and injured 13 others this year according to Education Week.  

“We need protection to protect the children,” sophomore Miley Riggs said. 

Children die every day; however, according to CNN News, the leading cause of death for children is gun violence. The Washington Post states that since Columbine’s school shooting 376 other school shootings have taken place, traumatizing tens of thousands of students and teachers. 

“Thousands of children have lost their lives due to one person going into a place where we should be safe, and we’re not safe,” Riggs said. 

A common suggestion made for making schools safer has been to arm teachers in case of a shooting. 

“I don’t think teachers should carry guns on them,” sophomore Emma Audia said. “You don’t know who you’re giving a gun to.” 

Arming teachers has been debated since around 2018; many say that it won’t help slow down the number of school shootings, while others believe it is the best way for kids and adults to stay safe during one.  

“Now I wouldn’t say every teacher, but if you at least have one teacher that’s been there for a decent amount of time and they’re trusted among many and know their way around a firearm, I would not have an issue with arming a teacher,” junior Maxx Arendas said. 

With tensions high because of the number of shootings, people are torn apart, and schools are now threatened more than ever with gun threats. Every school in America practices drills and critiques what works for them when it comes to being threatened.  

Often times when there is a threat at GS, parents are informed and students continue what they’re doing in the moment, but there is a lot more going on behind the scenes to keep students and staff safe. 

“We take them very seriously,” Dean of Students Mr. Jeff Kronenwetter said. “I wouldn’t want our techniques to be spread out there, but we practice, we go through routines, we run through the fire drills and the active shooter drills.”  

Although there isn’t a concrete answer as to why people end up threatening schools or end up following through with their threats, there are some assumptions as to why they might. One of those theories is mental disorders which then sparks the debate about implicating more extensive background checks. 

Audrey Hale, the Covenant school shooter, legally purchased multiple firearms while allegedly struggling with mental disorders, which supports the debate about more extensive background checks.  

“The only gun restrictions that I think should be in effect are more extensive background checks,” Arendas said. 

The other theory as to why school shootings are so prominent is the easy access to obtaining high-grade weapons. 

The Uvalde shooter had a military-style rifle, which also causes controversy as to what types of guns should be sold to citizens and which types of guns should be restricted. 

“Automatics are too easy to get, and those are the most dangerous ones, there aren’t that many restrictions for them,” Audia said. 

School gun violence is a tough topic for people to talk about and is a major target that citizens want taken care of.  

“I think it’s genuinely the worst thing that isn’t being taken care of,” Riggs said. 

by: Leah Kaylor

GSHS girls flag football practice. Photo submitted by: Jordin Wespi

Head Coach Ms. Jess Melodía, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Passion football team, coaches the new GS girls’ flag football team and in addition to that, the team was given the opportunity to play under the lights of Acrisure Stadium.  

Melodía’s goal is to pass her love and understanding of the sport to girls who are interested in playing.  

“This was something new and when I heard about it, I was interested to try it for sure,” Carr said.  

Carr is looking to play better under pressure so she can give her all in her performance. 

“I had a lot of fun when I played in the powderpuff game,” senior Lilly Gatons said. “I enjoy playing with everyone on my team and we have a lot of fun.” 

Gatons is hoping for her and her teammates to learn more about the plays, so they can have the upper hand.  

“I’m excited to give the girls an opportunity to play football,” Athletic Director Frank Sundry said. “It’s the first time we’ve done this as a school, and currently we are the only school in Westmoreland County that offers this.” 

GS Girls’ flag football currently has a partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers which provides an opportunity for the girls. NFL cities are hosting leagues in their area, and the Steelers reached out to everyone in the WPIAL to see if they were interested. The Steelers provide the funding for the program and the jerseys. The Cameron Heyward Foundation provides the flags and footballs, which all gives the girls a real experience to get “riled up” for the game.  

“I am pumped that our school finally has a girls’ football team,” sophomore Lauryn Swierczynski said. “I’ve always liked football, but it’s a male dominated sport, so it’s been such a great opportunity for me to play.” 

The team has practice once a week and a game every Sunday, which takes place at the Acrisure Stadium where the Pittsburgh Steelers play.  

“I played football for the Pittsburgh Passion and wanted to use that experience for the girls to play in high school,” Melodía said. “I hope they develop a love for the game and truly just have fun playing it.” 

by Luke Shevchik

GSHS Mock trial team at Harrisburg for states. Photo submitted by: Anna Spigarelli

The Mock Trial team recently headed to the Pennsylvania Capitol where they wrapped up their successful season.  

“It was a fun experience, and I will for sure do it again next year,” sophomore Anna Spigarelli said. 

Spigarelli is satisfied with her season after the team competed in person for the first time since Covid. 

The Mock Trial team won against Penn Trafford in Counties and won regionals, beating Altoona and Ringgold. 

“It was an amazing experience, I was impressed that we got that far,” junior Aryana Galdo said. “We have a very young team, and the sophomores blew me away.” 

In this season alone Galdo has won two best advocate awards and five best witness awards. 

“Overall Mock Trial was a good experience, and I had a great time bonding with the team,” senior Rachel Leo said.  

Leo said their main focus was practicing five to six days a week at the Westmoreland County Courthouse. 

States for Mock Trial took place at the Pennsylvania Capito7l in Harrisburg, where the team took their first loss against Roman Catholic in the first trial. 

“Mrs. Solomon dedicates her personal time between her kid and our team while   accommodating us in our process,” Leo said. 

Mrs. Kristen Solomon has been the Mock Trial coach for six years; this year was one of the more successful years.  

“I’m so proud of this team,” Mrs. Solomon said. “They faced some unique challenges along the way yet continued to work hard and support each other. Their success is proof that they are a strong team and I look forward to seeing what they do next year.” 

by Luke Shevchik

Sophmore Katie Shea. Photo by: Luke Shevchik

The Willow Project has created controversy across the United States.  

“I’m really sad about it, our wildlife should come first,” sophomore Katie Shea said. “The oil doesn’t matter if our world is dying.”  

The Willow Project is a plan proposed by ConocoPhillips (Alaska’s largest crude oil producer) that would venture into oil drilling on the North slope of Alaska in the National Petroleum Reserve, as explained by Yahoo news. 

It’s up to President Biden and his administration to approve the drilling, which has lit a fire of controversy from environmentalists, according to Yahoo news. Drilling would release more than 280 tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere making the global temperatures increase dramatically, but would also increase the U.S income and oil supply.  

Rising temperatures would cause extreme climate change, causing lots of wildlife to struggle, especially in the tundra and polar regions. People would also be affected by global warming with the most impact going on the culture of Alaskan people, as stated on nrp.org.  

As mentioned on nrp.org, approving the project would help gas prices decline and increasing oil production would skyrocket income in the U.S.  

Sophmore Azreal Franklin. Photo by: Luke Shevchik

“I’m disappointed and frustrated,” sophomore Azzy Franklin said. “It’s so ridiculous that they care more about the money and not the environment.” 

In one day, 200,000 barrels of oil will be produced. Over time, this will generate $17 billion in revenue for the oil companies, according to newyorker.com. A lot of oil would be shipped overseas to benefit other countries as well 

In the 2020 presidential campaign, Biden stated that he was going to stop new oil drillings on federal land. Approving the Willow Project would mean Biden would be contradicting himself as explained on newyorker.com 

“If they pass the Willow Project it would be a huge let down for American citizens,” issues and environment ecology teacher Mr. Angelo Testa said. “The Biden administration would be lying because they said they wouldn’t do it.” 

by Leah Kaylor

New Baseball coach Mr. Anthony Manley. Photo by: Leah Kaylor

Spring sports have begun to take off, welcoming two new faces and a new season of opportunities.   

GS welcomes new Head Baseball Coach Mr. Anthony Manley, who is planning to add a different perspective and more energy to the team.  

“Our goal this season is to win the section title,” Mr. Manley said. “I had a lot of role models growing up who were my coaches when I played baseball, and I just want to give back to the kids and prepare them for a good season.” 

Manley has been coaching baseball for six years as an assistant, alongside Mr. Bill Wisniewski, the previous Head Baseball Coach.  

“Mr. Manley was an assistant coach in the past and he did a good job, so I’m looking forward to working with him again,” junior Noah DeMary said.  

DeMary is looking to go all the way this season, with the new playbooks and more structured practices.  

“Manley brings years of experience being an alumnus here at GS, and playing Division 1 baseball at Duquesne University,” Athletic Director Mr. Frank Sundry said. “He has built a good staff around him, allowing the kids to have different perspectives and mindsets.” 

Manley made it a priority to focus on the off season, and to bring a new level of expertise as well as a new approach.  

“Coach Manley will have the kids prepared for this season by focusing on specific aspects such as pitching and hitting,” Mr. Sundry said.  

New Track and Field sprints coach Mr. Scott Steel. Photo by: Leah Kaylor.

GS also welcomes Mr. Scott Steel, a new track and field coach, who is taking the place of the previous sprint and hurdles coach, Mr. Jeremy Lenzi. 

“Coaching was something I’ve wanted to do since I ran track and knowing the other head coaches as well,” Mr. Steel said.  

Steel is an alumnus from GS; he placed 4^th in the state for hurdles as a senior, and 2^nd in the WPIAL. 

“I hope to see a foundation as a team,” Steel said. “I want to see the kids progress every year, and push them further along.” 

Steel hopes to bring his experience to the kids, and push them to reach goals, such as new PRs. 

“I like Mr. Steel, he seems to know what he is doing, and we are all still getting to know each other,” sophomore Taylor Dale said.  

Dale has a good feeling about this season with Mr. Steel’s new approaches and technique.  

“I’ve had a good experience with him so far because I think he’s really upbeat and fun,” Dale said.  

Dale is confident for this season with a new mindset and is excited to see what Steel continues to bring to the team. 

“Mr. Steel is bringing a lot of experience, knowledge and technique that the team needs to be successful,” Sundry said. “He has a history of sprinting and hurdling here at GS, where he did very well.” 

Steel wants to bring progression to every practice as well as a desire to want to perform better. 

“We are happy with his performance so far with his different approaches in training, and he continues to get to know the kids on a personal level,” Sundry said.  

by Theresa Schuetz

One of the two free prom dress events outside of Mr. Christopher Gazzes room. Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

GS threads is a school project that collects lightly used clothes and shoes and puts them up in the hallway for students to take home. 

This school “thrift shop” was started in 2019 by Mrs. Cheryl Harper and a few students to help people save money and maybe not throw away as many clothes. 

“We saw a lot of things like prom gowns or dance dresses that were not being used again and a lot of clothes that people didn’t know what to do with,” Mrs. Harper said. 

GS threads have had prom dresses available in previous years and hope to have more in years to come. This year four dresses were available, however, they were quickly snatched. 

“They’re still brand new because the girls wear them one time and that’s it, so it’s really nice if you can do that,” senior Ashley Smith said. 

With the price of prom dresses averaging from $85 to $700, according to Amarra.com, GS has promoted some events to help lessen the blow prom has on your wallet. 

“I think it’s a great program for girls who maybe don’t have the time or money or the resources to go out and buy a dress,” senior Kayla Wright said. 

Mr. Christopher Gazze is the teacher who’s promoting the events for free prom dresses that could really help someone who isn’t able to afford a prom dress.   

“To me it seems like everyone feels the need to buy an expensive new dress, and that’s maybe the mentality, but a prom dress is used pretty much one time so if you have a chance to get a really nice dress for free why not?” Mr. Gazze said. 

There are two events being promoted throughout the school where students are able to get free prom dresses; one is being held by Simply Pink from March 13^th to the 17^th. The other event is being held by Bless a Dress, which will be held at Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena from March 30^th to April 1st.  

“It’s a no-risk thing, you get to go down and if you don’t like anything then you tried,” Gazze said. “So I hope some people take advantage of it, I think it’s better than spending $600 to $700 on a dress.”