The Lions' Den

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.” 

by Theresa Schuetz

GS Mini-THON members attending Penn States THON. Photo submitted by: Mr. Matthew Boe

On March 25^th, Greensburg Salem High School’s annual Mini-THON will be taking place to aid in the fight against pediatric cancer.

According to Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Care Center, cancer affects about 16,000 kids each year and according to AARP, treatment costs an average of $150,000. The National Cancer Institute states that out of the children afflicted with pediatric cancer, 1 in 5 are already living in poverty and are unable to pay for hospital bills, so Mini-THON fights to reduce these costs.

“Coming out of Mini-THON, I hope we raise a lot of money for the families and children affected by pediatric cancer, so no family has to pay a bill and so a cure can be found,” senior Madelyn Andolina said.

GS alumna Elsa Breakey started Mini-THON in 2015 to help fund Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Care Center after being inspired by Penn State’s THON.

“Having gone to Penn State I was kind of bouncing around the idea of bringing a replication of what they did to Greensburg Salem and it just kind of seemed to match Elsa’s vision,” history teacher Mr. Matthew Boe said.

Mini-THON is a fundraising event that consists of standing for 12 hours from 7 pm to 7 am. But it’s not just standing there; attendees play games with peers, dance and have a great time with friends.

“This year we have planned a few new games and brought back a few classics,” senior Sam Spigarelli said.

It is also open to the community from 7 pm to 10 pm. Community members are welcome to bring their children and introduce them into the tradition that has been built for the past eight years.

“I think it is the best community event that we have,” Co-Principal Mr. Adam Jones said.

 GS’ Mini-THON hosts many smaller fundraisers in the community and the school leading up to the main event. Some of those fundraisers include Doughnuts with Santa, No Shave November, Paint and Sip and more.

“My favorite of this year that this team came up with is the Doughnuts with Santa,” Mr. Boe said.

The Mini-THON team has been working hard to put together this event and many smaller events they hosted throughout the year. They have also reached out to businesses to obtain sponsorships to help with funding Four Diamonds.

“I have reached out to multiple businesses to sponsor Mini-THON and donate money to us,” Andolina said. “I also have organized painting sponsor banners and have reached out to businesses for food donations.”

Mini-THON is always welcoming volunteers for any of the many events they host throughout the year.

“The easiest way to get involved is to come to Mini-THON community hours on March 25^th from 7-10 pm,” Spigarelli said. “It is free and open to the public. There you can speak with Mini-THON members and learn when we will hold more events. We always welcome more volunteers. Additionally, we post all of our activities and meeting dates on Instagram.”

by Leah Kaylor

Mr. Congeniality Gibby Prikoszvich, Fan Favorite Ethan Wilson and Mr. GS Cole Willcox (From left to right). Photo submitted by: Ethan Wilson

The guys battled it out in hopes that their charm and humor would catch the audience’s eye, but only one took home the title of being Mr. GS. 

“I wanted to be in Mr. GS because I saw it in previous years and it looked like such a good time,” senior Cole Willcox said.  

Willcox took the time outside of school to practice his own act and the dances the guys had been practicing as a group. 

Senior Evan Malie focused on his talent act where he read a poem to the audience about his dream experience at GS. 

“I enjoyed watching my brother Liam Malie who won Mr. GS last year by singing a song, so I definitely had to step it up,” Malie said.  

Senior Gabriel Prikoszovich, a foreign exchange student from Austria, grabbed the audience’s attention with stories of his encounters so far.  

“I thought it would be a fun experience and I looked forward to telling a story about my experience in America,” Prikoszovich said.  

Mr. GS took place on March 9^th in the school auditorium with this year’s theme being Survivor, inspired by the popular TV show.  

“This is our 5^th Mr. GS, and I looked forward to it because of the excitement it brings the audience,” Physics Teacher Mr. Christopher Gazze said.  

Mr. Gazze looked to bring a new event into the school, and discovered another district performing something similar on YouTube. 

“I think Mr. GS is such an entertaining thing, not only for the students, but for the parents,” High School Co-Principal Mr. Adam Jones said. “We will definitely be continuing Mr. GS because of the joy and excitement it brings to the students and audience.” 

by Luke Shevchik

The SpongeBob musicals advertisement poster. Photo submitted by: Mrs. Sue Glowa

GS is preparing for the upcoming production of The SpongeBob Musical, which takes place from March 3-5^th. 

“I’m super pumped for this performance and being able to perform with this cast,” sophomore Wesley Heverly said. 

Heverly is taking on the role of SpongeBob and is prepared to show off his hard work on the stage. 

“When I was 5 years old my dad took me to Stage Right and I fell in love with it right away,” he said. 

Heverly looks to continue performing after high school while senior Ian Bortz is performing his last show in GS theater. 

“Musical has given me so much by allowing me to form and strengthen relationships within the cast,” senior Ian Bortz said. 

Bortz is cast as Squidward and is excited to show what the cast has put all their hard work into.  

Musical theater has been a main part of Bortz’s life; he was inspired by his Dad and sister to join the musical theater life.  

Since elementary age, senior Liz Houston also fell in love with musical theater.   

“In the past, we have done really morbid or dark musicals, but this one is different,” senior Liz Houston said. “This musical feels so much different with all the upbeat dance and music.” 

Houston was skeptical when she was told about the musical being SpongeBob, but after practicing it, and the cast performing, she, along with the musical director Mrs. Sue Glowa, are very excited to show people what it really is. 

“The cast of SpongeBob is a highly motivated group who is doing so much work on the production,” musical director Mrs. Glowa said. “They take stage directions well and strive to all do their best.”  

Glowa earned 36 credits in Theater Arts attending Thiel College. She has performed as an actor, a costume designer, musical director, set designer builder and her current roles as a director and producer. 

The SpongeBob Musical will be the 12^th musical she has directed. The last two productions were historical musicals: “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables” which have a serious tone to them.  

“The production staff selected SpongeBob since it is a fun and creative show,” Mrs. Glowa said. “It has been a pleasure working with this group of students.”  

by Theresa Schuetz

Holocaust museums hall of remembrance. Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

Mr. Matthew Boe’s Holocaust elective, along with Mr. Jeremy Lenzi’s AP Language and Composition class went to DC’s Holocaust Museum Friday, February 24^th in order to learn more about the 13 million lives lost during the Holocaust. 

Students who attended the DC trip went mainly to the Holocaust Museum, however the field trip offered plenty of freedom in the first half of the day which captivated many students who attended. 

“I’m excited to have relatively free reign over what I can do, and what I get to see; in field trips in the past we didn’t really get to do that,” junior Emily Lehman said. 

After the freedom in the morning and the students enjoyed time walking around with their friends, they then met back up after lunch at the Holocaust Museum. 

“We’ll all meet up after lunch and all are required to go to the Holocaust Museum,” Mr. Boe said. 

The basis of the field trip is the Holocaust Museum and its effect on history as a whole. Boe’s hope for this field trip is to open eyes to the horrors of the Holocaust and understand the unsettling reality for people during that time frame. 

“To use resources outside of the classroom can only, in my opinion, help(s) students relate better,” he said. 

People who are in Mr. Lenzi’s AP Lang and Comp class were excited to be able to learn more about artifacts and pieces of history that hold a significant meaning to the Holocaust.  

“I think the Holocaust Museum has a lot in it I can learn about,” junior Thomas King said. 

This trip included students from either class. However, it was also opened to people outside of those classes. After outsiders were allowed to join the field trip many thought it sounded interesting or had friends going and came along. 

  “It seemed like a really cool experience and a lot of my friends are going so I thought it’d be fun,” sophomore Anna Spigarelli said.  

The reason that the spots were offered to students outside of the Holocaust elective and AP lang and comp were due to keeping prices for the trip down. 

“If we weren’t to take those 10 additional students the price for our other students would increase,” Boe said. 

This is the first year this trip is offered from taking the Holocaust class, and hopefully, it’s not the last. 

“We have not, we have tried to, but this is only our third year working with the Holocaust course,” Boe said. “So it’s still in its infancy.” 

by Leah Kaylor

Rubee Stillwagon accompanied by Sophia Demorest at the sams club fundraiser for feminine products. Photo submitted by: Tiffany Smietana-Lysell

Freshman Rubee Stillwagon raised $11,000 and filled countless carts with feminine hygiene products for the Blackburn Center. 

“I wanted to help women in need who aren’t as fortunate as us, and who don’t have these everyday resources we can go out and get,” Stillwagon said.  

Located in Greensburg the Blackburn Center, is an organization that provides services for victims of domestic or sexual violence. 

“My goal was $6,000 and right now we have a total of $11,000 which is well beyond my initial goal,” she said. 

Stillwagon held an event at the Greensburg Sam’s Club where she collected feminine products such as tampons, pads, diva cups, feminine wipes and money. 

“I did a lot of research about the Blackburn Center and what they were looking for,” she said. “A lot of things such as deodorant, tooth paste and hair products were donated, but I feel like people forgot necessary menstrual products.” 

Stillwagon reached out to companies such as First Quality, who is donating feminine products, and a staffing agency who donated $1,000.  

“It’s amazing for her to do something like this all by herself,” sophomore Karma Schall said. “It’s such an amazing thing to see.” 

The FCCLA club was in total support of her idea and was willing to do whatever Stillwagon needed.  

“I’m very proud of her for doing something like this because it is such an amazing cause,” sophomore Emily Ruggieri said. 

Stillwagon is looking to continue to do more to help the Blackburn Center.  

“I think it’s a wonderful thing that Rubee is only 15 and is assisting women in the community,” FCCLA sponsor Mrs. Tiffany Smietana-Lysell said.  

Mrs. Smietana-Lysell is very proud of Stillwagon’s accomplishments and hopes she inspires others within the community.  

“It’s amazing that she is so passionate about this, and I was very supportive when she presented it to the school board,” High School Co-Principal Mr. Adam Jones said.  

Mr. Jones hopes for more projects like this that help connect people throughout the community and that make a difference in someone’s life. 

“I love to see student led projects and ones that give back to the community,” Mr. Jones said.