By Emily Frazier

Art Show @ Pitt-Greensburg

Five advanced art students participated in an art show that took place at the Pitt-Greensburg campus library September 26-October 7. “Art Show @ Pitt-Greensburg” showcased many pieces by people of all ages from all over.

“Greensburg Salem submitted work on behalf of five of our current advanced students: Jasmine Kunkle, Lauren Mahkovic, Michelle Reynolds, Nico Wombacker and Rita Ruggieri,” art teacher Mr. Darryl Audia said.

All styles of art were accepted as long as they fell under the categories of painting, drawing, mixed media and digital or graphic art.

“I submitted two pieces of artwork, a scientific illustration of the state fossil, phacops rana and then my Drawing II final from last spring,” senior Lauren Mahkovic said. “We had to draw a collage, so I did a watercolor piece of a collage I did digitally.”

Mahkovic won third place in fan favorites.

“I was a little shocked, but definitely excited and happy,” she said.

Mahkovic received a gift bag containing many pieces of Pitt merchandise and gift cards.

The overall atmosphere was positive and the artists thrived as their works were on display.

“We kind of just walked around and looked at all the pieces,” senior Jasmine Kunkle said. “Everyone was really nice, and all the pieces were amazing.”

Socktober

Socktober is a national sock drive that benefits the homeless. The purpose is to provide new socks for the homeless as colder temperatures arrive.

“I ran into a YouTube video about Socktober when I worked in the middle school,” Mr. Audia said. “It was inspirational to me that we could make such a huge impact with a donation that was so small.”

At Greensburg Salem, the socks are donated then given to the Welcome Home shelter in downtown Greensburg. Welcome Home provides a temporary emergency shelter for displaced families and women. Each year they provide service to 250 women, children and men who are homeless.

At a young age, Mr. Audia suffered from some setbacks within his family. His parents divorced, which left his mom with financial issues as she tried to make her way back into the workforce. His father, though still very present in his life, was struggling with his mental health.

“Although I was never homeless, we did take advantage of the local foodbank and charitable clothing contributions from friends and our church to make ends meet,” he said. “The generosity of others during this time left a mark on me.”

The impact of such a small donation is grand.

“It is such a small price to pay to help a great cause,” he said. “Real human beings, no different from you or I, will directly benefit from your contribution.”

Socks should be donated in room 258.

“If everyone just donated one pair of socks, think about how much that could help the homeless in our own area,” Mr. Audia said.

Cultivations

Cultivations is an art show taking place at the Seton Hill University Harlan Gallery from October 20-November 18 for art educators and their students. Work by Mr. Audia, Mrs. Audia, Emily Frazier and Angelina Ranieri were expected to be seen in the show.

Both Mr. And Mrs. Audia submitted nonobjective abstract pieces. Mrs. Audia submitted a mixed media assemblage made of found wood, paper and melted wax and Mr. Audia submitted a painting done with oil and acrylic on canvas.

“We also each chose a student work to represent GS,” Mr. Audia said. “Mrs. Audia chose a beautiful ceramic tea set by senior Angelina Raneri, and I chose a captivating painting of dilapidated row houses by senior Emily Frazier.”

It was not required that the pieces between the teacher and their student correlate, but there were some connections.

“I think Mrs. Audia’s minimal and neutralized color palette goes well with Angelina’s glaze choices, and I equally think my overtly saturated vibrant color palette works well in conjunction with the color choices made by Emily,” he said.

The night ended with two wins. Frazier’s piece won best show in 2D, and Raneri’s set won best show in 3D. The gallery will be open until November 18.

“We wanted to focus on work that wasn’t just attractive and well crafted, but also had an obvious infusion of personal creativity on the part of the student artists,” he said.

National Art Honor Society

It’s not too late to join the National Art Honor Society. Sponsored by art teacher Mrs. Kelley Audia, NAHS is open for students who have taken a high school art class and have maintained a grade of A throughout.

“[The point of NAHS is to] give our students more ways to share and sell their work,” Mr. Audia said.

NAHS takes part in many events like the FCCLA Halloween Bash that just happened and other school-related activities. They can be seen painting faces or selling their creations and goods for the Artist Market.

“One of these opportunities will be the artist market pop-ups that will be in the library,” he said. “There will more than likely be a holiday sale coming up soon.”

By Luke Dinkel

The Cafeteria Staff at GS currently serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day to students. With over 800 students enrolled, the Cafeteria Staff has to use a lot of ingredients in order for there to be enough meals. But just exactly how much food is used every day?

By Ari Case

A young boy in a peculiar suit directs strangers to look toward a fiery skeleton presiding over ghoulish jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins.

“Welcome to the Ruggieri family pumpkin patch,” he says. “We have over 100 real pumpkins. This is Lugosi, he’s the king of the patch.”

Lugosi the Skeleton King growls as they pass him, moving on to the next part of the tour.

The boy leading them through the creepy cemetery is Gabriel Ruggieri, the youngest member of the Ruggieri family.

The Ruggieris have turned their entire yard into a spooky exhibition for the whole community, not just because they love Halloween, but for a good cause.

As people walk through or drive by the house at 636 Mace Street in Southwest Greensburg, they can donate to Skeletons for St. Jude’s with cash or the online link.

Skeletons for St. Jude is a nonprofit that provides a way for over 500 houses nation-wide to turn their love of Halloween into a platform to benefit a noble cause. 100% of the proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help young victims of cancer and their families.

“St. Jude’s does a really good job at helping people,” sophomore Emily Ruggieri explained.

The Ruggieris have a connection to the cause that led them to the charity.

“My father passed away when I was a year old,” Emily said. “He passed away from cancer. [Since] then, we’ve always been motivated to try and help others who have been affected by cancer or had a loved one affected by cancer.”

The family’s goal is to raise $5000 by Halloween, and they are already more than halfway there. The success is driven by amazing decorations.

“When my family and I decide to do something, we try to take it to the next level,” she said. “So instead of just a skeleton holding a sign, we have a lot of animatronics—I’d say over 15.”

Everyone in the family has their favorites.

“For me I really like the tavern scene because it was my idea and I created it with Emily,” Gabriel said. “I like saying ‘Watch out! Joey over here is throwing darts and you might end up like this head!'”

Joey is a patron skeleton at the bar, waited on by Dean the animatronic barkeep–the prop that inspired the whole setup.

“As soon as I saw the animatronic, I knew we needed him,” he explained. “So, I just came up with the blind date scene in a bar.”

There are also many stationary pieces that make up the experience, from skeletons and tombstones to a bubbling cauldron.

Emily’s favorite decoration is the 6 by 18-foot mural, airbrushed by family friend Joe Davis.

“It took a total of 24 hours over 3 days,” she said. “We have lights flashing on it and you can see different things at different times. It’s awesome, my absolute favorite thing.”

Part of their success beyond the amazing decorations is the entertainment value of the tours.

Gabriel has fun teaching people about the design in spooky ways, even giving miniature lessons on certain horror movies. His theatrics coupled with charisma make for an enjoyable experience.

His favorite part of leading the tours is “getting the chance to show kids that Halloween isn’t a scary time and that it’s fun.”

He isn’t the only one who entertains guests, though.

“This is Gabriel’s Great Aunt Mildred,” Mr. John Ruggieri said, poking a skull in the fire pit. “She’s just as hot-headed in death as she was in life!”

Mr. and Mrs. Ruggieri said that they love putting the spectacle together, and especially enjoy seeing their kids entertain people.

“I lost my father to cancer and know how hard something like that can be,” Emily said. “I really enjoy knowing I brought someone joy or made someone’s life just a little bit better.”

Gabriel said that he hopes people have fun experiencing and interacting with the display.

“If you want to come down and check it out, we are more than happy to meet you,” he said. “There are treats here and we hope you consider sharing and/or donating.”

By Ari Case

The leaves are changing, it’s getting chilly and pumpkin spice everything is everywhere. Jack-o-lantern smiles creep around corners and witch’s brews bubble in stores as one of the most popular holidays approaches.  

GS students take Halloween just as seriously as Christmas when it comes to events. Student Council Association (SCA), Mini-THON and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) all have plans for the holiday, not to mention the Greensburg community traditions. 

The first event this month is a Halloween Bash hosted by FCCLA to support breast cancer awareness. On Oct. 24, from 6-8 p.m. in the high school gym, spooky fun and games will be open to any high school student. 

The event is raising money for the Pink Angel Fund with Westmoreland Walks. 

“It is a local nonprofit organization [that] provides research and treatment for those in Westmoreland County who need assistance,” FCS teacher and FCCLA advisor Mrs. Morgan Ferczak said.  

Admission is $10, including one slice of pizza, and $5 of each ticket—sold at lunches—will go directly to the Pink Angel Fund. More food and drink will be available for purchase, and most of the profits will also be donated. 

Beyond concessions, other proceeds will go towards Westmoreland Walks, like the cost of pie a teacher in the face and pumpkin painting. There will also be free activities like karaoke from Show Choir. 

“We hope that you come out and enjoy an evening supporting breast cancer awareness and just being [with] your friends and having good community [fun],” Mrs. Ferczak said.  

And for those with younger siblings, Mini-THON is hosting A Haunting on 65 Mennel Drive on Oct. 26 for all ages.  

To kick it off, kids can get a head-start on candy collection at Trunk or Treat starting at 5:30 p.m. 

After buckets and pillowcases are sufficiently filled, activities will be held in the courtyard, with concessions available for purchase.  

More activities will take place as well, like Pumpkin Chunkin’ for a price of $5. There will be a costume contest and a chance to win prizes including gift cards. 

Communications and Social Media Leader Reagan Lennert said going to the movie in the courtyard is one of her favorite Halloween memories.  

“I remember going to the movie in the courtyard [when] I was in middle school,” Lennert said. “It [was] a lot of fun.” 

Another fun family activity, if the kids involved are not afraid of skeletons, is the Ruggieri Family Halloween House.  

The Ruggieris have turned their entire yard into a spooky exhibition for the whole community, not just because they love Halloween, but for a good cause.  

As people walk through or drive by 636 Mace Street in Southwest Greensburg, they can donate to Skeletons for St. Jude with cash or the online link. 

“As they donate, they can come through and get candy and it’s like this big community-wide thing that brings people together and then raises money for St. Jude’s,” sophomore Emily Ruggieri said.  

Every Friday and Saturday evening through Halloween, anyone is invited to have some spooky fun. The family has put lots of time into creating something truly magical, and it’s an amazing sight. 

“Hopefully it’ll inspire you to, you know, open your hearts and wallets [and] share to people who need it,” Ruggieri said. “But honestly, it’s just a nice thing to do with your family in the evening.” 

Of course, on Oct. 31 itself, SCA is holding the annual Costume Day. 

The dress code still applies, but students are encouraged to have fun with their costumes to celebrate Halloween. Each year memories are made and photos that will be treasured forever are taken, so don’t miss out. 

After classes, get ready for the Greensburg Halloween Parade at Lynch Field. 

Anyone can march along with the GS Marching Band, which will be in costume as well. No registration is necessary and treat bags are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

The line-up for the parade is at 4:45 p.m., with step-off promptly at 5 p.m. 

Shortly after the parade, trick or treating begins in the city at 6 p.m. Until 8 p.m., many houses will be expecting visitors in costume from all over Greensburg, handing out treats to those who say the magic words. 

These and many more activities are open to anyone in Greensburg to celebrate Halloween.  

In the wise words of Tim Burton, “Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us.”  

By Mia Saraceni

One of the hottest and most widely debated topics in schools across the country has remained dress code policies, but how do people at GS feel about it?

When it comes to student opinions, it is generally agreed upon that the dress code is unfair, sexist and not something worth following. Many students are outright with their complaints while others keep quiet, but one of the most vocal students is senior Jeremiah Myers.

Myers’ opinion is a prime example of the thought process of most students. Riddled with disdain and thoughts of sexism, they believe the dress code to be old-fashioned and quite frankly, they hate it.

The animosity toward the dress code comes from the unfairness they think it holds.

“I do think it’s sexist because it literally surrounds the idea that men cannot control themselves and be distracted by someone’s shoulders,” they said.

The dress code contains many rules for females, such as not showing the midriff, shoulders, back, upper thigh or practically any part of the body that isn’t the hands and face.

These strict rules that seem to cater more towards women are the only ones that make an impact on the student body. The codes that ban profanity or drug/alcohol references on clothing don’t seem to anger anybody.

Myers believes that although this is a learning environment, students should be able to do whatever they want in regard to how they look/dress.

“I should be able to wear whatever I want that makes me comfortable enough to learn,” they said. “If that means you show up in a crop top and booty shorts, then that’s what it is.”

 These rules, according to Myers, are archaic.

“Obviously, whoever made this dress code as an adult has gone through life and has had more experiences than us because they’re older, but at the same time the world is changing, and I think that we should change it to fit this new generation and to accurately represent people,” they said.

Junior Ava Saville agrees with Myers, providing similar answers and a remarkably similar mindset.

Saville’s view on the dress code also centers around sexism and women’s bodies and follows a similar path of self-expression as Myers.

“People aren’t allowed to truly express themselves and wear what they like,” she said. “It’s very oversexualized, too, especially when it comes to girls not showing their midriff or shoulders.”

A fresh take, Saville believes that the biggest problem with the code is its discriminatory use against different body types and attractiveness.

“It’s very focused on women and our bodies,” she said. “One woman with a certain body type can wear a crop top and if she is deemed as unattractive, there is an issue. But a girl who maybe is skinnier and prettier wears that same top, there’s no issue.”

The idea that the dress code offers unfairness between men and women is evidently a common viewpoint, but a view that suggests unfairness within the same gender isn’t as popular.

Co-Principal Mr. Adam Jones has opinions on this accusation, though, and they aren’t good.

“Wow, that couldn’t be further from the actual truth,” Mr. Jones said. “That is an unfair statement and purely someone’s opinion, to which they are entitled. As administrators, there is never an appropriate time to pick and choose based on anything other than policy.”

Saville’s claim was seen as extremely bold and borderline slanderous, and Jones vehemently disagrees with it.

Obviously, however, not all students agree with the robust opinions of Myers and Saville. One student, senior Kayleigh Hagan, thinks almost the complete opposite. Hagan believes that the dress code is not one bit sexist and should be taken more seriously by students.

Unpopularly, she thinks that the code is important and a fundamental part of the learning environment.

“I think having it [dress code] is good, especially when it’s warmer,” she said. “Obviously, it’s hot out and people want to start wearing more revealing clothing, but we have to make sure what we’re wearing isn’t inappropriate. It’s annoying to see people’s butts hanging out.”

Not only is she an avid fan of the dress code, but she also follows it to a tee and feels it isn’t really that hard to follow.

“It’s just whatever, I feel like people make too much of a big deal about it,” she said.

Hagan also disagrees with the claims that following the dress code is too difficult, citing that most of it is simply common sense.

“I’ve seen other people who’ve been reported for their clothing and most of the time it’s understandably so,” she said. “It’s just common sense that they all lacked.”

Jones roughly follows the same mindset as Hagan, but more in a nonchalant and unbothered way.

Although being one of the main recipients for dress code complaints, he argues that it really isn’t that big of a deal neither to him nor fellow Co-Principal Mr. David Zilli. He states that they have much better things to worry about.

“Inappropriate dress is a little subjective,” Jones said. “Our dress code doesn’t say anything about how many inches shorts or skirts have to be.”

 He held fast in his opinion that while applicable in some situations, it isn’t his top priority, nor does he walk around looking for kids who break the rules.

“I’d rather focus on kids learning than how they dress,” he said.

He even agrees with students who claim that the code is sexist, but he cites a completely different reason for his view.

“I think that [sexism] is kind of true, and I don’t think that’s right,” he said. “I think that comes from a societal thing and it comes from a fashion thing. Most guys wear gym shorts and a t-shirt or hoodie, you know. Girls tend to explore different fashion and press the envelope more.”

Jones offers a very insightful look into the brain of the administrators who actually deal with these rules and are constantly the ones the finger is pointed at. Most students would usually deny that the “bad guys” are on their side, but when it comes to the principals at GS, they seem to be.

Even though the popular opinion directly contradicts the rules and regulations of the dress code, the fact of the matter remains that students must grin and bear it. But don’t fret, the principals won’t send a student to the office for wearing a crop top.

“It’s so far down my list of worries,” he said. “We’re coming off of a pandemic, mental health concerns and highly rigorous coursework. There are just so many other things to worry about in my day.”

By Luke Dinkel

Sports are a huge part of a high school experience, whether students are playing or watching a football game. Besides hockey, golf, bowling and swimming, all school sports practice on a facility owned by the school district.

What do students think about the quality of the facilities? Do coaches feel that their team is able to exercise their full abilities on these facilities?

The tennis courts seem to be the worst off.

“The courts were shut down one week prior to the start of the boys’ spring season in 2020,” Tennis Coach Mr. Christopher Gazze said. “They repaired cracks on two of the courts with concrete at the very end of the girls’ fall 2021 season, but we can only practice on them, not play matches. Two of the courts are unplayable for both games and practices.”

Since the team cannot play on the school’s facility, they are forced to play somewhere else.

“The team has to play at the Greensburg Racquet Club,” Mr. Gazze said.

Other teams have been affected by poor facilities; one specifically that doesn’t require much but a safe trail to run on.

“We have not been able to run on our trails,” junior Ashlan Price said. “It has been too muddy and has not been cleared out in a long time. It has become a hazard and is dangerous for our ankles.”

Some other students are concerned about injuries that can occur due to where they practice.

“I think it would be very beneficial for the soccer facility to be improved an expanded upon,” senior Landon Morrison said. “There are times that we have to be careful of injury due to the conditions of the field.”

Players have their own ideas on what to change.

“We only have two benches to sit on at the field,” Morrison said. “One of the benches has one leg and tips if you sit on that side. The field needs to be smoothed out since rolling ankles is a big concern for our team. The lines on the outside need to be redone since they are hard to see. I think that the grass needs cut on the field and around the net, and in some spots, there are just random patches of dirt.”

With the tennis courts remaining unplayable, players are wondering if the school board is planning to have them repaired anytime soon.

“At this time the board has nothing planned,” Athletic Director Mr. Frank Sundry said. “There is an open discussion about doing something with the courts, but nothing has been officially planned. We do hold district facility meetings at the beginning of every month to discuss improvements, and they are open to the public.”

Students are wondering if some of our facilities are becoming hazardous and are being cared for.

“I’m not entirely sure,” Mr. Sundry said. “I believe that the soccer practice field being located at the bottom of a hill leads to that drainage issue when it rains. The Greensburg Salem maintenance department cuts and takes care of the field and the cross-country trails. Coach Snider will go out before their meets and will paint lines.”

Many believe that not every facility needs some renovations.

“I believe that some of our facilities such as Offutt Field and our weight room rank up with bigger schools,” Sundry said. “I do think that other facilities’ at GS are in need of a facelift to improve our facilities’ footprint.”

By Brianna Campagna

The GS Lions’ Football team has and will go against new faces this season following a major change. Due to realignment within the WPIAL, which occurs every two years, the GS football team dropped from Class 4A Section 2 down to Class 3A Section 3.

“The section change was driven by the WPIAL reclassifying schools based on their enrollment numbers,” Head Coach Mr. Dave Keefer said. “Our enrollment declined, so therefore our classification changed from 4A to 3A.”

Mr. Keefer has been coaching the Lions’ football team for 17 years now. This is his tenth year as head coach. Assistant Coach Mr. Matthew Boe has been a part of the coaching staff for 10 years. The coaches begin pre-season practices with the players during the prior school year.

“For a lot of our guys, particularly those not involved in other sports, preparation began in late January through off-season weight-training,” Mr. Boe said. “That phase then led into summer-training that included both weight and speed training, as well as on-field training, primarily focusing on fundamentals and technique. This ultimately led us through two-a-days and in-season training where we’re at now, focusing on different concepts of how we want to defend or attack certain teams.”

Teams that are also in 3A Section 3 are Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward, Mt. Pleasant, South Allegheny and Southmoreland.

Boe feels as though not much has changed with the team other than the section.

“At the end of the day, it’s still football,” he said. “It’s still 11 guys lining up across from one another on a Friday night with intentions of imposing their will. It’s still six days a week for the players and seven for the coaches. It’s still battling injuries and learning from mistakes. None of that has really changed with the changing of sections. The only thing that has changed in that regard are some of the teams we’ll line up against throughout the season. That said, it’s nice to have a few more ‘local’ teams – Derry, Ligonier Valley, Southmoreland, etc. – on the schedule that provides opportunities for more engagement from our community.”

Coaches feel as though the players have easily handled the adjustment.

“I think the adjustment has been fine,” Keefer said. “We will start our section games [September 30^th]. Many of the teams are teams that we are familiar with so it should be an easy adjustment.”

Players tend to feel as though the competition this year is potentially easier.

“So far it seems easier, but we haven’t hit conference yet so it’s hard to tell,” senior Cody Rubrecht said.

Although the competition level is not determinable at this point in the season, the aggressiveness has started to show its colors.

“Some teams are aggressive, and some teams aren’t as aggressive,” sophomore Kai Brunot said.

Although the section games are most indicative of the team’s chances of making playoffs, the team remains hopeful.

“I think the rest of the season will go great,” senior Christian McChesney said. “We have some tough games ahead, but we still have a very good chance of making the playoffs.”

The senior players on the team collectively agree on the game that they are most excited for.

“The game I’m most excited for is Elizbeth Forward because it is potentially the last home game we have and is our senior night,” McChesney said.

 As the Lions continue to prepare for their section games, they keep their eyes on the prize and keep their goals in mind.

“The goals from year to year don’t change,” Keefer said. “As Coach Tomlin always states, ‘the standard is the standard.’ From one year to the next we change players at positions but the way we expect our team to work, prepare and conduct themselves does not change. Our coaching staff takes a ton of pride in our program and how we represent our school district. We expect success every week we play but are realistic and know that there will be failure along the way. It is our belief that the greatest attribute in our program is dealing with failure and adversity and continuing to show up and work hard to improve and prepare for a new week of challenges. This belief is the core of why sports are so important for young people. It is the best lesson I could possibly teach our players about life and how to persevere when life is tough.”

By Emily Frazier

GS was buzzing with energy as Homecoming festivities took place. Sejah Franklin was crowned Homecoming Queen, SCA hosted events, prizes were won and memories were made.

“Homecoming is a time for alumni to reconnect with Greensburg Salem,” SCA Sponsor Mr. Christopher Gazze said. “For current students, it’s a way to celebrate school spirit and connect with the school community.”

Approaching the Homecoming game, SCA held a spirit week, bonfire and pep rally. The themes for spirit week were Pajama Day, Country vs. Country Club, Holiday Day, Decades Day and Whiteout Day. The winners were announced at the pep rally.

At the bonfire, there was a pie eating contest, numerous competitions and games, a blow-up obstacle course, marching band and cheer performances, varsity athlete meet and greets and a Homecoming Court announcement.

“In addition to the cheerleaders, band, and varsity athletes, we had numerous clubs sponsor tables,” Gazze said.

The scene was filled with people from all over and of all ages.

“We marketed our bouncy house for elementary students, and that’s getting them involved early on and encouraging them to come to events so they’re excited in high school to join SCA,” SCA Senior Class President Keegan Murtha said.

It was an event the entire community was able to be involved in.

That Friday, a pep rally took place during school. The marching band and cheerleaders were present to hype up the crowd.

There was also “tug of war, a free throw game, a relay race, a spirit screaming competition,” and more for the students to participate in, Murtha said.

The senior class won the competitions overall. A lion statue with a beaded blue necklace stands in honor of their win.

“I think everyone was super lively ‘cause it was leading up to our football game,” he said. “Everyone was just having fun and having a good time.”

At the game, seats were packed, and the field was lined with people as they waited to see the Homecoming Court ceremony. Dressed in their best, the Court rode to the field in their lavish cars and took their seats, anticipating the big moment. As halftime arrived, excitement filled the air. Each girl and her escort was announced on the field.

“Everybody was very supportive of each other,” senior Sejah Franklin said.

Escorted by Joey Costello, Franklin stood proud as she was crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen.

“Everybody was screaming and applauding,” she said. “It was kind of a shock.”

Coming back to school, she could feel the respect from her friends and peers and is ready to fill the role.

“It was a great feeling being recognized for everything,” she said.

According to many of her peers, Franklin is known for her spirited personality and constant kindness.

“She came in happy and with positive energy every day,” Gazze said. “She helped create the atmosphere in the class and made it one I will always remember.”

Alongside the Homecoming Court, alumni were represented at the game. Cheerleaders, marching band members, family and more returned to experience the Friday night lights once again.

“It was nice to hold all of the events for the first time in a few years,” Gazze said.

By Emma Helmick

Students scramble to grab their brown and gold gear and head to every school event SCA has planned.

Student Council Association is a club that represents the student body. SCA organizes some of the school affiliated activities for all students and sometimes families.

“We plan events throughout the year and participate in various community and service events,” SCA co-advisor Mr. Christopher Gazze said.

The group sets events up including the homecoming bonfire, Mr. GS, powderpuff, prom and more. The members put in time to create occasions where everyone can come together to socialize and have a good time.

“I am hoping that this year we can get the elementary schools more involved in Student Council events,” senior Rachel O’Bryan, Student Council President, said. “After all, the elementary students will take the place of high school students, so we want to positively influence the kids the best way we can.”

SCA comes together to plans things for the school’s students and staff, but also the community. They find different ways to include the whole district to help the younger kids get more involved with the school.

“Student Council is always looking for new ideas and activities to add to the calendar,” SCA co-advisor Mrs. Sue Glowa said.  “It is a club that plans events and activities for the whole student body.”

It impacts the students who the events are being planned for, but it impacts the members as well.

“Just join it,” senior Lilly Gatons, Senior Class Secretary, said. “Signing up will not hurt. If you do not want to end up participating in events, you do not have to, but IT truly will improve your high school experience.”

The students have a voice this way and a say in what activities their classmates will take part in.

“Overall SCA is just a way to get every grade and even community members involved with the school,” Gatons said.

SCA is responsible for making most of social occasions that bring this school together.

“When I leave Greensburg Salem, I hope to leave the school knowing I left a positive influence,” O’Bryan said.

By Ksena Spencer

Please note: This is an Editorial written by a member of The Lions’ Den staff and does not necessarily reflect the views of the School District or Administrators.

Being a woman who has gotten her period isn’t easy; it changes your daily life.

Female students who are on their period in school have to use menstrual products for longer periods of time, which can cause higher risk of cervical cancer, toxic shock syndrome and other health issues resulting from product overuse.

 Going to school during your menstrual cycle can be difficult when every woman has different amounts of pain, cramps and other negative effects caused by periods.

“Periods 100% affect girls’ daily school life,” junior Giavanna Rosensteel said. “Speaking personally, I get extremely bad cramps that I have to miss school monthly for and I know many other girls who do, too.”

When girls are at home, they are able to change their menstrual items often and have enough items at their house so they don’t run out.

 At school, girls may have products in their bags. The problem is when girls don’t have the necessary items to use. Some girls just go to the nurse to get products, but often they will ask a friend for a pad or tampon.

“Right now, I know that Miss Salak, Mrs. Seitzinger and myself have maxi pads and tampons in our closets for girls who may request them from us,” GSMS English teacher Mrs. Barb Garofola said. “This was Miss Salak’s idea. She gave them to us, and we have them for those in need.”

Period products should be available for free in all women’s bathrooms throughout the school. Doing this would make having to go change a product easier for girls.

“I think people make it out to be something gross or almost like it should be a secret,” sophomore Elanor Swanson said. “This is not the case though, it is natural and should be normalized. We are expected to be in varying levels of pain throughout the day and act like we are perfectly fine, and this should not be normalized.”

Some girls are embarrassed or afraid someone will see them take a product to the bathroom so they might try to hide it in their pocket or their sleeve while going. They will often try to be quiet while unwrapping or opening the product while being in a bathroom for females only.

“Yes, periods affect the young ladies in our building,” Mrs. Garofola said. “Some girls get sick, some have pain, some have their clothes ruined. All of this weighs on the minds of these adolescents, and this could interfere greatly with their daily learning.”

Toilet paper, seat covers and hand soap are offered for free in public restrooms. These things could be considered “necessities” for anyone. Tampons and pads are a necessity for all women. These products aren’t even offered in all public restrooms, let alone offered for free.

“We are the wealthiest country in the world; we should be able to have free hygiene products for young women,” history teacher Mr. Robert Lehman said.

Attending school as a woman who is on her period can come with all sorts of pains and discomforts. Not having products available to you when you need them is difficult. Our school district would benefit by having free menstrual items in the bathrooms.

“Periods can happen unexpectedly, and even adult women can find themselves unprepared,” English teacher Mrs. Mary Logan said. “That can be a traumatic experience for a teenager, and it’s something I would hope we can find a way to avoid as a compassionate community.”