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Hurricane Season  

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 By: Adison Poole 

This year’s hurricane season is bringing catastrophic damage to areas near not only the coasts, but also mountain areas that weren’t built to withstand harsh weather.  

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall for the first time in Florida. The storm continued its destructive path through Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and both of the Carolinas.  

Helene was a category four hurricane with wind gusts up to 140 mph. The storm lasted from Tuesday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 29.  

“My grandma’s house was hit by the storm,” senior Nolan McDade said. “She had trees down all around her house and one even landed on it.” 

The damage not only devastated areas along the water, but also several mountain regions. Mudslides throughout the area caused destruction to properties everywhere.  

Mudslides like these were reported throughout the Carolinas and Tennessee.  

In some cases, these mudslides were deadly and claimed the lives of people caught in them. One family in North Carolina lost 11 members to Helene.  

“I heard about how bad the damage was,” McDade said. “My grandma didn’t experience anything like that, though.”  

Almost directly following Helene, Hurricane Milton raised concern throughout Florida. Prior to the storm making landfall, several news stations spoke of the threat posed by the upcoming storm. The hurricane reached category level 6 before eventually making landfall as a category 3.  

The storm struck the Florida coast near Tampa Bay on Oct. 9. The storm spanned throughout the night and pushed through Tampa straight across Florida all the way to Melbourne.  

“My sister Heidi attends USF, which is the University of South Florida,” senior Greta Hagofsky said. “She lives in Tampa, just off of campus.”

A tree down on apartments after Hurricane Milton.

Photo Courtesy: Greta Hagofsky

Many in the area fled to seek safety from the storms. The hurricane caused local hotel prices to skyrocket.  

“On the day of the hurricane, they decided that they were going to stay in Orlando in order to stay safe,” Hagofsky said. “They paid triple the normal cost of the hotel because of the hurricane.”   

Milton was responsible for 41 tornadoes and counting throughout the affected areas. Once all the damage surveys are completed that number will be expected to rise.  

“Once it was over, they went back to their apartment complex,” she explained. “They have multiple buildings there and it wasn’t Heidi’s that got hit, but a big tree fell on one of the other buildings.”  

Not only did Milton bring strong winds and flash floods, but also devastating tornadoes and storm surges. The storm also left 2.6 million without power and claimed 12 lives.   

“They didn’t have power for three days of being there,” she said. “That was only after being back, but it was the third day they finally got their power back.”  

Cleanup from the hurricanes is ongoing.  

“There was a bunch of debris everywhere,” Hagofsky said. “There was just a lot going on with all the flooding and trees down. Luckily their apartment was perfectly fine, so they ended up being all good.”  

Football Playoffs  

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By: Rubee Stillwagon

With a record of 7-3, the GS football team made it to the first round of WPIAL playoffs. Although they lost the playoff game, the team had a memorable season. 

By upsetting Southmoreland with a score of 28-21, GS finished their in-conference games with a winning season. This was enough for the team to receive a wild-card seed in the playoffs. This set them up to play Avonworth on Friday, Nov. 1. 

“Beating Southmoreland to finish the regular season and sending the seniors off with a win at Offut was great,” Head Football Coach Mr. Tyler George said. 

With a record of 2-8 for the 2023 football season, the team put in the work for this year’s winning season. 

The GS Football team huddles up during a timeout.

Photo courtesy: Blessing Gantt

The players and coaches did things on and off the field to stay motivated and keep the team together. 

“We would have someone come in and speak to the team on Thursday, show inspirational videos of alumni before games and leave motivational messages or goals on the board for players to see before games,” Coach George said. 

While coaches put in the effort to prepare the team for what they would face while on the field, players had their own ways of ensuring they were ready. 

“I really had to do my best to pay attention, work hard and lock in on and off the field,” senior Brady Smith said. “We also had team dinners and other things we would do that put me and the team in the right mindsets for Friday nights.” 

The last time GS football went to the playoffs was in 2019. The team played against Blackhawk High School and lost 36-7.  

Aside from this being the first time since 2019 to make playoffs, there were also other achievements.  

“This was our first time starting 1-0 since 2013, first time starting 4-0 since 1999 and first winning record since 2011,” Coach George said. 

Senior Kai Brunot also won fan votes for Pennsylvania Player of the Week for GS’ game against Ligonier Valley. The team won 43-14 and Brunot rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown. 

Senior Peyton Chismar won Play of the Week for his interception return for a touchdown. Chismar stepped in front of a pass and ran it for a pick-6 during GS’ game against Southmoreland. 

Senior Cooper Dann was put on The Steelers All-Peer Team for going above and beyond to provide support to his team. Dann was chosen along with 11 other high school football players for this team. 

“The fans and their support have been beyond incredible,” Coach George said. “The amazing atmosphere on Fridays was because of the energy and passion for the kids and the program. I sincerely cannot thank them enough.” 

The 2024 football season was one for GS to look back on. Coach George and the rest of the coaching staff and team will soon be starting preseason to start preparing for another successful season. 

“I feel the team worked hard throughout the whole season,” Smith said. “When preparing for games, even if we thought we were the underdog, we stuck together and put our all into the game. This season was one for the football team to be proud of.” 

Pumpkin Drop 

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By: Emma Helmick 

Pumpkins splatter as GS students attempt to build a device that will protect it from a four-story drop. 

On Nov. 1 physics and engineering classes went to Lynch Field Park to drop pumpkins off the drill tower.  

Almost 75 kids participated in the drop using materials that they brought into class and pumpkins that were donated by Sam’s Club. 

A pumpkin protected by the common device materials.

Photo by: Emma Helmick

“I wanted to get the kids more involved in my classroom as well as eventually bring a community element into it,” technology teacher Mr. Alan Gray said. “I did some research on some different projects and what kind are already out there in the GS world; throughout my research I found that West Virginia University did a pumpkin drop, so I proposed it to Mr. Jones last year.” 

The pumpkin drop was supposed to be a similar experience to what already exists at GS such as the egg drop, but with a fall twist. 

Students were to build a device to protect their pumpkin from the four story drop. Most students used cardboard and pillows, but some went as far as using pool floaties and parachutes. 

“I was honestly expecting my box to fail,” senior Hope Shrum said. “I came up with a risky strategy to help the pumpkin decrease its force and impact. It wasn’t cushioned and packaged like all the others, so I thought its chances of succeeding were slim to none.” 

Shrum’s device came in first place, which scored her a free milkshake from Main Street Sweets as a reward. 

However, most groups’ devices did not end in success. 

“My group’s pumpkin drop was not successful because we only had two very thin pillows that gave almost no cushion to the pumpkin,” junior Rhea Outley said. “I think that if we spent more time on our device and gave it more thought it could have worked. We underestimated how high the drop would be.” 

Community members and parents came to witness the drops. Sixth graders from the middle school were also in attendance. 

“At the end of the day, it’s about the students,” Mr. Gray said. “I saw smiles on faces and collaboration. I saw students wanting to go up and drop again, so it was a really cool thing.” 

A pumpkin falls from the drill tower.

Photo by: Emma Helmick

The Golden Lion Shoppe 

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By: Quinn Isenberg 

Students looking for a snack throughout the school day will be excited to hear that The Golden Lion Shoppe has reopened this school year.  

The shoppe is open every Tuesday and Thursday during advisory and is located across from the cafeteria. Students interested in the shoppe can get a pass from their advisory teacher to purchase items.  

“There’s mainly food, drinks and snacks like candy bars and chips,” shoppe supervisor Mrs. Leisa Ecklund said. “We also sell school supplies.”  

Food and school supplies aren’t all the shoppe has to offer. The Golden Lion Shoppe also acts as a way for students to get work experience.  

Students running The Lion Shoppe during advisory.

Photo by: Quinn Isenberg

“We wanted students to learn,” Mrs. Ecklund said. “We wanted the high school students to be able to come and get a snack and drink and then we also wanted our students to learn social skills that they can use for their future when they graduate high school.”  

The shoppe is an excellent simulation of what it’s like to work retail for the Life Skills students seeking work experience.  

“It feels like you’re actually doing business,” junior Joseph Sabolcik (JW) said.   

This business is teaching the students valuable things that they can take with them into adulthood and use in the real world.  

“It has taught me the different values of working and how it has more advantages than it seems,” freshman Belle Steward said.  

Working for the first time is difficult for most and can take time to adjust to. This opportunity is giving the students a head start in the workforce.  

“They get more comfortable interacting with other people,” Ecklund said. “I also see some students come out of their shell a little bit.”  

The shoppe not only benefits those who are working, but also the students who come to buy from them. 

“I can see the shoppe benefitting students because it provides a way for the students behind the register to learn how to use it, and it provides the students in front of the register a nice snack before third block,” sophomore Royce Boatright said.  

Proceeds from the shoppe are going towards supporting the Life Skills students for their hard work.  

“In the past we’ve used it towards field trips or educational tools for students like headphones,” Ecklund said. “Right now, we’re just trying to get up and running.” 

Seasonal Drinks in Greensburg 

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By: Ari Case 

From pumpkin spice to everything nice, seasonal menus bring holiday cheer to the GS community.  

Greensburg is home to many coffee shops and small businesses that embrace the seasons through special menus and promotional events.  

Of course, chains like Dunkin’ and Starbucks are consistently popularized during the fall and winter for their menu drops as well.  

“I like that they’re something different,” Starbucks enthusiast and band director Mrs. Jaime West said. “It gives you some variety so you’re not always drinking the same thing.” 

The fall menu dropped on Aug. 22 this year, bringing back the coveted pumpkin spice latte and new apple drinks many customers enjoyed. Starbucks made the winter menu available on Nov. 7 and is offering classics like the peppermint mocha alongside new concoctions. 

Mrs. West said her favorite drink so far is the iced gingerbread oatmilk chai, and that she is glad Starbucks is now offering more oat milk-based drinks. 

One of Starbucks’ biggest competitors, Dunkin’, dropped its fall and winter menus Aug. 28 and Nov. 1 respectively.  

Many students enjoy Dunkin’ during the school day, and the special menus have been a consistent hit—from a classic pumpkin spice latte to the returning cookie butter cold brew. 

“I love them!” senior Blanca Grillo said of the seasonal menus. “I couldn’t say how many [drinks] I’ve tried.” 

Although popular chains receive a lot of attention, there are many local options in Greensburg that can be just as buzz-worthy. 

“This seasonal approach is used to provide variety not only for customers, but [for] ourselves, and to create new joyful experiences all year round,” Cutie’s Coffee barista and GS alum Sara Thomas said. “This process is also a great way to bring in new customers and give returning ones something new to look forward to.” 

Cutie’s has special menu items and promotions like themed flights that change year-round. Grillo and junior Quinn Dieter have both enjoyed some seasonal drinks at Cutie’s and spoke highly of their experiences. 

Dieter also enjoys The White Rabbit Cafe and Patisserie, especially their pumpkin spice specials.  

“All of their desserts and coffees are just perfect,” she said. 

Another local spot, The Cattfeinated Cat Cafe, uses seasonal menus as creative expression for its baristas and new experiences for regular customers. 

A latte from The Cattfeinated Cat Cafe.

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Wertz

The cafe releases a new menu of specials every month and recently introduced seasonal drink flights as well. They also do themed fundraisers to benefit their rescue partner Wayward Whiskers. 

“I think that the seasonal menus are super great because we have customers return to the cafe repeatedly not only to see our cats and kittens, but also they look forward to our new ideas and creations,” barista and GS alum Taylor Wertz said. 

Another local shop, Steep Mountain Tea Company, is partnering with a rescue this holiday season. A portion of proceeds from one of their seasonal special drinks—Carl’s Christmas Chai—will go to the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Western PA.  

Steep Mountain has done seasonal menus for a few years now, and they’re always a hit among customers. 

“They have really good seasonal [menus] that [are] unique to them, and that you wouldn’t find anywhere else,” junior Ty Schlesman expressed. 

Many people enjoy seasonal menus for the holiday spirit they provide, including Steep Mountain co-owner Marcus Weakland. 

“For me, it has nothing to do with the business aspect,” Weakland explained. “My favorite part [of seasonal menus] is the nostalgia of the flavors. It just makes it feel like the holidays.” 

Both Weakland and Thomas expressed thanks to the Greensburg community for giving them the opportunity to share their passions and pursue what they love. 

Seasonal menus are consistently well-received by customers of both chains and local spots, and many, like Dieter, West and Schlesman await them every year. 

“I get really excited when they come out because there’s so many different [drinks] for the season, and there’s always one I love,” Schlesman said. 

Greensburg Musicals 

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By: Kerrick Shaw  

No seats have been left empty with musicals rolling through Greensburg stages left and right this Fall season. 

Evil Dead the Musical, Into the Woods and The Rocky Horror Show each drew full houses into their respective theatres this October and into November. 

Evil Dead the Musical was shown over three nights – Oct. 18, 19 and 20 – at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. Primarily following the plots of the first two Evil Dead movies, this official musical adaptation warps the classic horror into a campy comedy with showtunes and blood-covered audiences in over 500 productions across the globe. 

“I put this on for the first time in the back of a small bar in Toronto and thought there’d be seven performances,” Evil Dead the Musical book and lyrics writer George Reinblatt said. “All these years later, it being shown all over the world blows my mind. There has been a lot of lucky breaks for us over this process, I’m really fortunate.” 

The story follows five college students who unleash evil from within an abandoned cabin in the woods, turning them all into demons that Ash Williams, warehouse worker turned hero, must kill. The show is accompanied by elaborate sets, props and a blood splatter zone to take the audience through what Reinblatt considers a “crazy, fun ride.” 

 “The first time I saw it, I wasn’t expecting that level of intelligence and thoughtfulness in the construction of the whole thing,” English teacher Mrs. Mary Logan said. “If someone likes the movie, they have to see the musical. It’s fun, dark and hilarious all at the same time; it checks every box. Everything is so cleverly done.” 

Combining the fairy tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and several more, Into the Woods explores beyond the happily ever afters with stories from the lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. Presented by The Seton Hill Department of Theatre & Dance, it was shown at the Ryan Theatre over one week late October and early November.  

“Into the Woods is an exploration of the characters and stories of well-known fairy tales,” Into the Woods director Mr. Joseph Domencic said. “It’s a world filled with people trying to move forward and do what’s right as they follow their dreams, caught between what they want and what may be best for their neighbor and the community.” 

Into the Woods set.

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

This production encouraged the audience’s use of imagination, keeping set and wardrobe changes to a minimum and various props only being present through sound effects. Described as “funny” and “tragic” by Mr. Domencic, Into the Woods begins as a musical comedy and becomes a heartfelt music drama with the second act. 

“This is a classic Sondheim musical, a perfect initiation to arguably the most influential and iconic writer of musical theatre ever,” Domencic said. “It ultimately has a message of hope.” 

Westmoreland Performing Arts put on another year of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show for the weekend following Halloween, this year being the musical’s 50th anniversary of its US Premiere. Rocky Horror had both 8 p.m. and midnight showings for a total of four performances over two days at the Garden and Civic Center. 

“It’s a show I look forward to putting on every fall,” The Rocky Horror Show’s Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter, Cav O’Leary, said. “There is a comfort in returning to a role you know inside and out and can do in your sleep. All of the leads have done it together for three years in a row now, and this time felt like we finally settled into our characters and relationships with each other in a way that allowed us to trust ourselves more than before.” 

The Rocky Horror Show follows Brad and Janet, college students whose lives are tainted after encountering the mad scientist Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter and the wild cast of characters within his bizarre household.  

“The show was funny and iconic,” junior Veta Scherff said. “I had never seen it before, so I was definitely surprised by the storyline. My favorite part was the character Frank ‘N’ Furter; he was amazing and looked great too. It was such a cool experience.” 

More musicals are on the horizon for Greensburg with three January 2025 shows announced by WPA: Tink!, Peter Pan: a Musical Adventure and The Shadow of Peter Pan. Auditions are open to ages 13-18, 8-13 and 4-8 respectively.  

Seton Hill just held their auditions to all SHU students for their spring 2025 productions: Lysistrata, a modern translation of an ancient Greek comedy and Small Mouth Sounds following six people on a five-day silent retreat. 

GS’ 2025 musical auditions were held on Nov. 8 for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a show based around the story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis. The musical will be held in the auditorium next year from Feb. 28 through March 2. 

“Younger generations need the arts,” Domencic said. “I think the arts are central to being human. They recognize that the imagination isn’t just for kids, it is something sacred, something that we must respect. The arts are an avenue to truth and beauty.  They challenge us, make us laugh, heal us, inspire us, and ennoble our spirits.” 

Dancing with the Stars 

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By: Emma Helmick 

Fans of Dancing with the Stars continue to watch on the edge of their seats as celebrities become dancers and waltz towards the Mirrorball trophy. 

After the 500th episode on Nov. 12, NBA player Dwight Howard and pro Daniella Karagach were eliminated after scoring a 26/30 in their Argentine Tango and a 48/60 on their instant dance.  

Nov. 19 was the semi-finals. 

Along with the judges, fans across America can also vote by texting their favorites to a number up to ten times. 

Four couples remain, Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong, Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson, Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold and Ilona Maher and her partner Alan Bersten. 

“I would like to see Ilona go home because while I like her, I don’t think she is as strong as the other competitors,” Chorus Director Ms. Maurissa Auer said. 

But after the semi-finals, Ms. Auer changed her mind about the Rugby Olympian. 

“I think after watching the semi-finals, I can tell she seemed a lot more confident and more sure of herself,” Auer said. 

When it came to eliminations, fans were shocked to see that all couples survived. 

“Rylee and Stephen are my favorites because Stephen was on the national gymnastics team, and I feel like they dance really well together,” junior Reese Price said. 

Price re-watches an episode in her free time.

Picture by: Emma Helmick

Nedoroscik is a two-time Olympic medalist, and this is Arnold’s second year as a Dancing with the Stars professional dancer. 

“Even though Jenna and Joey are my favorite couple, I think Chandler is really good and deserves to win,” senior Sloane Potter said. 

Kinney has managed to be a fan favorite of both viewers and judges by having the best score from the semi-finals. She has been in several shows and movies. 

“I expect Joey and Jenna to end up winning, though,” Potter said. 

Graziadei was on season 20 of the Bachelorette and was the season 28 Bachelor and this is his partner Jenna Johnson’s 8th season dancing as a pro. 

“The competition has been very high for a few years and this year has been full of very talented couples,” Price said. 

Unified Bocce 

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By: Quinn Isenberg 

 The winter sports line up is welcoming Unified Bocce as an exciting new option for athletes at GS.  

While the sport is new, it won’t be completely unfamiliar to students as it shares a lot of properties found in lawn games. 

“Bocce is an Italian game similar to horseshoes or cornhole,” Athletic Director Mr. Drake D’Angelo said. “You’re trying to get to a point, which is called the pallina. Then there’s two sets of four balls that you try to roll closest to that target.”   

Bocce is growing in popularity and GS has joined numerous other schools in the county in helping Bocce grow by starting a team.  

“The last district I taught at had bocce and it was not available here, and Mr. D’Angelo reached out to us about starting the program,” Unified Bocce coach Mrs. Christen Negich said. “I thought it would be a good program for our students.”  

Bocce at GS will be a Unified Sport, meaning it is a program sponsored by the Special Olympics in which students in special education programs will team up with students in general education programs on a single team. Unified Sports bring a lot of benefits to a school district.  

“It helps with inclusion, general education students becoming more understanding of our students that have disabilities and creating a good relationship between those students,” Mrs. Negich said.  

Those involved with the sport hope it will highlight the capabilities of the special education students at GS.  

Players listen to instructions while watching the demonstration.

Photo by: Quinn Isenberg

“It will get them out in front of the regular education population to showcase what skills they do have because a lot of times they’re not seen or heard, so this will help them be seen and heard in a positive manner,” she said.  

Due to the nature of Unified Sports, it is typical for at least one of the coaches of a Unified team to be a teacher with a background in special education. At GS both Unified Bocce coaches, Mrs. Kathryn Cutia and Mrs. Negich, have experience in this field.  

The coaches encourage students to make time to show up at games and give the athletes their support.  

“I would love to have people come and cheer on our team at the Bocce game because they’re a lot of fun and it feels really good to have the support of your classmates,” Mrs. Cutia said.  

The Unified Bocce season will be easy to follow for students looking to support the team.  

“We only have five games this season, so we’ll have three away games, and they’re all in the area no more than 45 minutes away, and then we have two home games,” she said.   

The odds are in the GS Unified Bocce team’s favor as the team has very dedicated and experienced players under its belt. 

“I’ve played about seven years, and this will be my eighth,” junior Janaya Thomas said.  

With the sport beginning, those involved are hoping for a bright future for Bocce at GS.  

“It would be awesome if we made it to state, but I would just love to see the school getting excited about Bocce the same way everybody does for other sports,” Mrs. Cutia said.  

SADD Club Blood Drive 

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By: Rubee Stillwagon 

On Monday November 25, students and teachers at GS put an arm in to help with blood shortages. 

Last year SADD club took over the blood drive after the Red Cross club disbanded.  

“Mrs. Firmstone has done it the whole time until last year when she started including SADD club,” SADD Club Advisor Mrs. Alyssa Lukatch said. 

The blood drive was held in the gym, where American Red Cross volunteers set up and got to work at meeting their goals. 

“We had a ton of people sign up this year,” Mrs. Lukatch said. “Our top amount that we had was 42 and all of those spots have been filled. We also had 22 other people on a wait list.” 

There are certain requirements donators must meet to give blood. One must be in good general health, have stable iron levels, be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent, be at least 110 pounds and have not donated blood in the last 56 days. 

Officer Dieter gets his blood taken.

Photo By: Emma Helmick

“Donating blood helps people who are struggling with severe blood loss,” sophomore Cora Lehman said. 

After the blood is donated, it is then processed and shipped out to medical facilities in need. Blood transfusions are given to patients in many situations such as surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments and so much more. 

For SADD club a lot went into planning for this event. 

“We had to have many meetings about it and walk around school asking people if they wanted to sign up,” Lehman said. “It worked out really well and we were able to get a lot of people to sign up.” 

Along with talking to students and teachers about the blood drive, members of the club also hung fliers throughout the school.  

They also set things up for people who have donated as a thank you for their donations. 

“After they donated, they got Chick-fil-A and there were also snacks and drinks,” Lukatch said. “They also got put into a drawing. We have ten different gift cards, and they are ten dollars each.” 

Students who did a Power Red donation, which is where one gives a concentrated dose of red blood cells, got their names entered in the drawing three times. The American Red Cross also gives out gift cards. 

“Students should donate because it can save a life, and the blood drive is a great opportunity for the school to help the community,” Lehman said. 

Student Help Programs 

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By: Kerrick Shaw 

Resources are available at GS for students who need a boost with their classes. 

Tutoring services at GS include the Next Step program and the National Honor Society’s student-led tutoring program. 

Next Step is a resource for students to work on missing assignments, make-up/retake assessments and get help with any questions they may have. Next Step takes place from 3:05 to 4:05 p.m. in room 373 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Transportation is available for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  

“It’s not meant to seem like a detention, it’s meant to be more relaxed,” Next Step teacher Dr. Taylor Guido said. “As a student, I would’ve liked to have this because when you get home, you get distracted. It’s a quiet, extra hour of working time for students who need it.” 

Next Step keeps students in “school mode,” according to Dr. Guido. No paperwork or form is required to participate in the program; students only need to communicate with Guido in advance, giving them freedom to pick and choose when they want to stay. 

Next Step times and goals.

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

“I like to ask students what their goal is for the day; I also communicate with their teachers,” she said. “More students have started to stay more recently, but I hope more do take advantage of it in the future.” 

On the other hand, tutoring through National Honor Society (NHS) requires filling out a Microsoft Form that’s available with a QR code posted throughout the school. The form requires the student’s name, advisory and advisory teacher, the class they need help in and answering a few multiple-choice questions that will help them be set up with the best-fitting mentor. 

NHS is a national program that gives students the opportunity to engage in community outreach and service and encourages the development of important skills. The GS chapter is a group of about 50 seniors who are highly engaged in the school and community. 

“I go through the NHS members and find who’s able to help students in need,” NHS Adviser Mrs. Cheryl Harper said. “Once they’re matched, they meet in advisories and work it out. I think the students who show up, and want the help, really do benefit from it.” 

NHS Member senior Everett Redinger believes the tutors are “very helpful” when working one-on-one. Tutors are working with the same education, having taken most of the same classes and knowing what hardships went with them. 

“I don’t think enough students that need help take advantage of it,” Redinger said. “The students are generally all aware of the tutoring program, but for students to sign up for it, they themselves must want help. If the students don’t want to truly improve in the area, tutoring can be very difficult.” 

Both Next Step and NHS’ tutoring have grown recently according to Dr. Guido and Mrs. Harper respectively, but both hope to see more students participate in the future. 

“I hope that students who need help become more self-advocating, more willing to ask for help,” Harper said. “I think the school’s tutoring services are something kids should turn to before falling behind and having more trouble. They’re here to help.”