By: Reese Price 

GS alumnus Donny Chedrick turned his love for sports and journalism into a career on 93.7 The Fan.  

 Chedrick, also known as Donny Football, is a 2014 GS graduate who has become a well-known voice in Pittsburgh sports media. He is currently a host and producer for 93.7 The Fan and was just given the opportunity to expand his career with WPXI. His sports expertise is evident in his broadcasts on the radio and television. 

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Chedrick reports on the sidelines during a high school game.

Photo Courtesy: Ben Tenuta

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“Thinking back to my 15-year-old self I never would’ve thought that not only am I on the air every day at The Fan, but I am also a pretty normal voice,” Chedrick said. “It’s wild the amount of airtime I have gotten, and I am very thankful for my opportunities.” 

 He continues to advance his career, securing opportunities with WPXI Final Word on Sunday nights. He had his debut on Feb. 23, 2025, where he talked about the latest news in Pittsburgh sports. 

“I was surprised myself [at] how far I’ve come,” he said. “I never thought I would be on TV.” 

During his time at GS, Chedrick took multiple journalism classes and was also a major contributor to the school news. He took every class he could at GS to set him up for a well-versed background in communications for college. Many teachers could tell that Chedrick had a future in communications based on his love for sports, media and writing. 

“Donny was very natural at it,” STEM teacher Mr. Matthew King said. “It came as easily as breathing to him.” 

After graduating from GS, he attended Waynesburg University where he studied sports communication and played football. At Waynesburg, he was part of the school newspaper, The Yellow Jacket, as well as several television and radio broadcasts he participated in while in college. 

“Waynesburg was perfect for me,” he said.  “I will never regret picking Waynesburg for the experience I was able to get and not to mention I have more than a dozen close friends that I talk to daily.” 

He graduated from Waynesburg in 2018 with a B.A. in Sports Communication. From there he took multiple jobs in sports media, including jobs as a reporter and broadcaster for networks like the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) and other radio stations. In 2021, he was given the role of being the p.m. producer on 93.7 The Fan.

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Chedrick poses for a headshot.

Photo Courtesy: Ben Tenuta

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“I was a freshman in high school when the station started, so I am one of the younger guys,” he said. “I never really thought of it when I was in high school, but I knew I always had an interest in sports.” 

His role on The Fan has been to review and provide his opinions on sports, specifically football. He even adopted the name Donny Football because of his passion and ability to analyze and speak his mind about the sport.  

“I find it fun to listen to knowing that he was once at GS,” senior Cooper Dann said. “When a guy knows ball, I could listen to them talk all day.” 

He has gained a strong following, with many students listening to or checking his social media consistently. His content resonates with many students in the community. Whether it’s his thoughts, humor or way of conveying his opinion, students enjoy listening to him. As his career progresses, many students notice and are excited to see a GS alumnus grow. 

 “He’s a down to earth guy and I think it’s great to hear him speak on his knowledge of sports,” Dann said. 

By: Kerrick Shaw 

Crowds and acts alike will be flocking to The Palace Theatre with its latest and upcoming advancements. 

Over the past year, Greensburg’s Palace Theatre underwent changes in areas necessary for the comfort and experience of patrons and performers, including restorations, new lighting fixtures, updated marketing and remodeling for the convenience of setting up events.  

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The control box at the Palace Theatre.

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

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“You name it, we’ve pretty much touched on it,” Mr. Benjamin Luczak, Chief Executive Officer of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, said. “We got a new HVAC system, leveled out the basement to allow carts to move easily and for proper storage, restored the original ticket booth, and are getting ready to reupholster the chairs and replace the carpeting.” 

The Trust has brought on an ADA consultant who is in the process of looking at the theatre and will eventually give suggestions on how to make the space even more accessible. According to Mr. Luczak, two of the biggest upcoming projects are replacing the orchestra seats and completely redoing the dressing rooms.  

Technology teacher Mr. Matthew King, a regular attendee at The Palace Theatre, emphasized the importance of updated seating. “Being six-foot-seven, I would appreciate better seats,” he explained, noting that while the original seating is part of the theatre’s “charm,” more comfort is a change he looks forward to. 

The list of upcoming projects for The Palace is vast, also including the installation of a new sound system, the current one being from 1994, new LED screens to replace the promotional posters and additional ADA advancements. 

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The new ticket booth outside the Palace Theatre.

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

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“We’re also looking at our programming,” Director of Marketing and Patron Experience of the Trust Daniel Stainer said. “Over the past couple of months, we’ve completely redone our brand. We have new logos and new websites that are very search friendly. We’re looking at the entire patron experience; it’s all very exciting.” 

The changes are not going unnoticed by performers, junior Braden Poole stating that they’re “boosting the overall quality” and will bring “a new form of life” to the people in attendance. Poole has performed in Jesus Christ Superstar five times at The Palace, in addition to participating in other plays and working backstage. 

“I think revamping things like the sound and lights will really keep things fresh in such a historical building,” he said.  

According to Luczak, the funding for these projects has primarily come from reserves the Trust had been investing in, amounting to around one million dollars spent so far. The Trust is engaging in a fundraising audit to determine if a capital campaign can be done for the remainder of the renovations. 

“I’m the first CEO in probably a quarter of a century to really look at this all with an arts and culture lens,” he said. “They knew there was significant deferred maintenance on all of our buildings; so, during the interview process, I asked ‘what’s the game plan?’ Most of the money has come from our reserves, which has been probably over a million dollars. With that being said, there are still multi-million-dollar projects left to do.” 

If it is deemed feasible that they can raise enough money, he added that they will “kick that off immediately.” 

“Traditionally, a lot of our entertainment is skewed more towards nostalgic tribute bands,” he said. “But now, we’re looking to bring in more headliners, more comedy and more family shows.” 

The future of The Palace Theatre is bright with the Trust’s 2024 Community Report displaying their 2025-27 strategic plan. The plan includes goals such as the development of an education and engagement department, capitalizing on The Palace’s centennial celebration and developing new audiences for all Cultural Trust events.  

“It’s not just another venue,” Stainer said. “It’s a place where people can experience joy. When you come to an event or a concert, you’re not thinking about what happened yesterday or what’s happening tomorrow; You are really in the present – in the moment. All of the changes we’re making, it’s all for the joy of live entertainment.”  

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The renovations of the outside of The Palace Theatre .

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

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By: Emma Helmick  

Defying stereotypical roles, the boys took to the court to serve. 

For her senior project, senior Sabrina Kasic put together a volleyball powderpuff game for junior and senior boys. 

“My inspiration for the project was I wanted to do something fun that people could enjoy,” Kasic said. “I’ve seen other schools doing things similar.” 

Many local schools have boys’ volleyball teams or clubs, but GS only has a girls’ team. 

“The best part of the game was being a part of a close game at the end,” junior Zachary Smith said. “The juniors won and swept the seniors.” 

They played best out of three sets and the juniors won both of their games, taking down the senior boys. 

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The seniors play defense against the juniors.

Photo Courtesy: Sabrina Kasic

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“I would definitely play again if presented with the option, it was really fun,” senior Jake Robl said. 

 Each team had three coaches chosen from the girls’ volleyball team. 

“Every one of the boys was begging us to put them on and it was funny how excited they got when we said they could,” junior Julie Elias said. 

SCA has considered having a volleyball powderpuff before, but now there is talk of making it annual. 

“The best part was watching it all unfold because I got to see all my hard work pay off in the end and I think it was very enjoyable,” Kasic said. 

By: Theresa Schuetz

The cubs are back in the den, as the preschool program has resumed for the second semester of the year.  

Throughout the year students work hard at both preparing and learning about what it means to be a teacher and work with smaller kids.  

“Having the kids back definitely adds a lot of color and fun to the classroom,” Child Development teacher Dr. Smietana- Lysell said. “It’s a lot of prep before the kids come; we have around a month for the high schoolers to get ready.” 

There are three different levels that can be considered in this class; level one, level two and level three. Each level can be mixed up between the class periods and each have their own set of expectations and jobs.  

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Photo By: Emma Helmick

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The level one students have a young student assigned to them that they are in charge of. Some students share a kid with someone else.  

“I would recommend this class to other students,” sophomore Anna Sybesma said. “Level ones teach two lessons and are an overall helper for the kids they’re assigned.”   

The majority of level two students don’t have a kid; however, if there is a lack of level one students, they will have a kid assigned to them. They mostly oversee the daily tasks that occur.   

“I’m excited about the kids coming back; as a level two I get to build a relationship with not only one preschooler but all of them,” junior Lily Ewing said.  

Typically, level three students do the majority of the class teaching and circle time. Sometimes students in the lower levels teach, but they are then graded by level three students based on the content contained in lectures and performance on teaching. 

“I recommend using level threes for any questions, but most of all be confident in whatever you do,” senior Regan Kerr said.  

Having pre-school in a high school is not only beneficial to the kids with learning, but also beneficial if a student wants to go into teaching in the future. Child development is just an elective; however, it will soon be able to allow students to get a child development associate certificate.  

“If you complete all three modules of child development in our building, you can take a test and get your certification,” Dr. Smietana- Lysell said. 

Having this certification allows students to begin working with early childhood development right after high school in places like KinderCare, HeadStart and other daycares or pre-schools.  

“It won’t get you a bachelor’s degree, but it gets you into where you could start working right out of high school,” Smietana- Lysell said.  

Editorial  

By: Emma Helmick 

Music lovers of GS were left puzzled after the winner of album of the year was revealed at the 67^th Annual Grammys on Feb. 2. 

Many artists went home with awards, but most viewers and nominees stay to the end to see one thing: album of the year.  

The nominees this year were Andre 3000, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Jacob Collier, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift.   

“I think its disrespectful to the country music community because they’re very passionate,” History teacher Mr. Nick DeMary said. “Also, I’ve never heard a song off the album and I listen to music all the time.” 

Some music fans were upset when Beyoncé’s album “COWBOY CARTER” won album of the year. She also won best country album, which confused many listeners. 

“I believe that Billie Eilish’s album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ deserved to win album of the year because of her musical creativity and her talent to create music that can be listened to from many different perspectives,” freshman Ava Richards said. “I do think Beyoncé is a very successful artist, though.” 

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Ava Richards

Photo By: Emma Helmick

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Beyoncé has been nominated for 99 Grammys and has won 35 of them. She has more wins than any other artist. She has been nominated for album of the year five times, but didn’t win until this year.  

“I mean she had a lot of streams, but personally I’ve never actually heard anyone talk about it,” senior Elanor Swanson said. “It was popular, but it didn’t compare to the rest of the albums.” 

Unlike most award shows, the Grammys does not decide their winners off of voting from the general public. Artists first have to submit their work, then it goes through a review to make sure it meets the requirements and then a group of academy members vote a few times until a winner is determined. 

“I really wish the academy would take in the consumers’ point of view,” Swanson said.  

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Elanor Swanson

Photo By: Emma Helmick

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The Grammys in particular leaves viewers at home disappointed sometimes because it can seem unfair. 

“I wish they chose it by which artist had the most impact and influence around the world,” Richards said. “Especially today in our generation where we create trends and determine what is popular in today’s age.” 

By: Adison Poole  

Armed with talent and humor, nine senior boys fought for the title of Mr. GS on Mar. 8.  

Cooper Dann, Logan Dunkerly, Wesley Heverly, Logan Lewis, Ethan Miller, Everett Redinger, Nicholas Reinhart, Dominic Rosensteel and Keegan Young took part in the event.  

Mr. GS is a show put on by members of SCA every year that includes several different “talent” acts where the boys can show off and explain why they should be crowned Mr. GS. This year’s crown went to Dann, who was quick to show off how proud he was of this accomplishment.  

“I love my championship belt and my sash,” he said.  

The other categories awarded that night were Fan Favorite and Mr. Congeniality. The winners of these two awards were Heverly and Miller, respectively.  

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Dann performs his magic act in front of the judges.

Photo Courtesy: Mr. Gazze

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Runner-ups from the night also shared their experience with Mr. GS and shared what it was like being on stage.  

“It’s great to be out of your comfort zone and participate in school events,” Rosentseel said. “I think it brings people together.”  

Throughout the night, the boys performed their talent for a live audience. These acts ranged anywhere from singing all the way to synchronized swimming. Dann’s winning act was a one-man magic show.  

Not only did the boys perform their talent, but they also participated in several routines in-between acts. The opening dance routine set the feeling for the show that followed.  

“It was a little nerve racking to perform in front of a crowd, but I really felt honored since only a few other guys were involved,” Dann said. “It felt good to be selected to participate.” 

After each contestant performed their act, the boys came out for a question round where they each selected a question and were told to answer it on the spot. Rosensteel pulled the question “If you had three wishes, what would they be?” 

“The only thing I’d change from the night is my three wishes answer,” Rosensteel said. “I’d obviously make myself Mr. GS.”  

Others had nothing to change from the night and were just happy to be part of the show.  

“My favorite part was just hanging out with the guys and having fun,” Dann said. “During dance practice we would goof off, but we’d still get the job done and it was always a good time. Things were super laid back and we all just went out there and had fun the whole night.” 

This year, the crowd was filled with other students in a turnout that was much higher than expected.  

“This was our highest attendance, beating last year’s by 50 people,” SCA advisor Mr. Chistopher Gazze said. “It was nice to see the effort pay off with such a big enthusiastic crowd. I’m looking forward to it growing even more next year.”  

It takes more than just the contestants to put on a show, though. This year’s stage crew worked hard to create a production for the audience with a theme centered around Friday Night Fights.  

“This year was our biggest year in terms of student production,” Mr. Gazze said. “It was really cool to step it up in that area.”  

Participants spoke highly of the entire event and were glad to have been a part of the show.  

“It’s a fun event because you get to hang out with your friends and compete,” Dann said. “It gets people out of their comfort zone, and you get the chance to win some prizes. I would definitely tell people to participate if they get the chance.”   

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The Mr. GS crew after the show.

Photo Courtesy: Mr. Gazze

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By: Theresa Schuetz

The sudden surge of plane crashes has shocked the nation, raising questions about flight safety. 

The accidents continue one after another. The first fatal plane crash occurred Jan. 29; an American Airlines flight was traveling from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, D.C. when it collided with a Military Aircraft during its training flight. 

This collision led to all passengers on the American Airlines flight, and the BlackHawk flight, passing. The plane plummeted into the Potomac River in D.C. 

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Hyper Archer II

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

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These crashes have led to a decline in profit for airlines. According to Yahoo Finance, American Airlines stock price was $17.47 before the crash. It now remains at $14.86. This drop in stock sales occurred the day after the crash and it hasn’t recovered fully since. The sudden selling of stock surely hurt the business’ profits.  

“I haven’t been on a plane in a few years, but with my upcoming trip to Slovakia I am scared of the flight,” junior Olivia Humberger said. “I think it’s scary to see how often planes have been crashing.” 

Even with the reassurance on safety measures from airlines, another major plane crash occurred in Philadelphia, PA on Jan. 31.  This flight was a medical jet carrying a sick 12-year-old from Mexico, her mother and four crew members. All people aboard the flight died, as well as one other in the impact zone, totaling seven killed and 22 injured. 

The crashes are not only affecting and injuring people and families on the planes, but pedestrians as well. Regardless, some travelers are persistent in their travels and don’t let human error change their opinions on flights.  

“I enjoy flying a lot, it’s a time to relax and rest,” senior Leia Felmley said. 

A small commuter plane in Alaska also crashed recently, killing everyone on board. Officials believe the Bering Air crash was caused by severe ice and low visibility while they were flying, however, this has not been confirmed. 

The cause of this sudden surge of plane crashes hasn’t been determined, though some believe it to be caused by human error. However, according to Science teacher Mrs. Julie Firmstone, having better media coverage makes the recent plane crashes a lot more seen than they used to be.  

Even with the plane crashes raising fears among annual travelers, some don’t let what’s going on change their opinions on traveling and what method they prefer using. 

“Statistics on the news say that a plane crash is a one in one million chance,” Mrs. Firmstone said. “But a car crash is a lot more likely.”