education

Anything Goes is Underway

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by Annabelle Volk

Anything goes here at GS! 

This year, GS will present “Anything Goes” on Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and March 1. 

“‘Anything Goes’ is a triple love story,” sophomore Janna Miller said. “Of course, there are other factors that go along with it. Everyone on the boat works together to make sure the right people are with each other by the end.”  

Though this year’s musical is characterized by true love and marriage, it also incorporates comedy to keep the audience giggling.  

Anything Goes posters hanging in classrooms and in the hallways promoting the show.

Photo by: Annabelle Volk

“Anything Goes” features four complete numbers of tap-dancing routines.  

“It’s very funny to watch,” Miller said. “There’s lots of tap dancing in it, too. The whole cast works together in order to make all the tapping sounds in sync.”  

Rehearsals are in full swing as opening night approaches.  

“It’s tech week,” she said. “It’s the week that prepares us for the actual musical. We run the show full out every day of the week and slowly start adding in more things like lights, costumes, mics, and even the live orchestra.”  

Tech week serves to prepare the cast for opening night by perfecting quick changes and other behind-the-scenes operations.  

“Tech week is really like seeing the fruits of your labor,” senior Ian Smith said. “Rehearsals are much longer. Everything in the show is finally laid out.” 

Students singing “Bon Voyage” during rehearsals.

Photo by: Annabelle Volk

Between the dancing and singing, many characters appear back-to-back.  

“Most people have very few quick changes,” sophomore Rachel Reese said. “But some people have to wear wigs and also change their costumes. I pity the Angels, and I pity Reno with all ofmy heart because of the number of quick changes those girls have.” 

Many cast members remarked on their quick changes between scenes, but they all agreed that Reno has the most difficult changes.  

“I have 11 costumes,” junior Magee Heverly said. “Sometimes I layer the costumes. They made me my own personal dressing room under the set because I have so many quick changes.” 

Despite all of the chaos backstage, the show must go on. Cast members are excited to perform for their family and friends and bring the writing of “Anything Goes” to life.  

“It’s almost like star-crossed lovers,” Smith said. “It’s a Golden Age musical where reality bends to the will of the characters.”  

The plot is complex and captivates the audience with bursts of comedy and vulnerable dialogue. It’s proven difficult to describe it shortly. 

“I like to put it this way,” senior Dakota Glad said. “Think Titanic, but it doesn’t sink. Mix in some tap dancing, and you have ‘Anything Goes.’” 

DECA Club Takes on Hershey

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by Abigail Romeo

GS’s DECA team has qualified for States.  

The program has sky-rocketed in the last two school years. DECA is preparing high school students for careers specified in marketing, business, finances, hospitality and management.  

“Mrs. Pozik told my friend Lola and I about it, and it seemed fun and outside of my comfort zone, so I wanted to do it,” junior Hope Ewing said.  

Students were introduced to the program in the 2024-2025 school year and sprang into action.  

“I was looking to expand and strengthen our business department and noticed that we didn’t have a club for students to join,” Business Teacher Mrs. Rachael Pozik said. “I met with PA DECA representatives and decided it would be a great fit for our students.” 

Starting the organization, the main focus was the amount of impact it would have. 

“DECA helps to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, preparing students to become future business leaders while positively representing their school in the community,” Mrs. Pozik said.  

Students often find the program as something that helps them to pursue their future careers and create new adventures within their high school education.  

 DECA Club students pose outside of Duquesne’s business building after their district competition.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Pozik

“I saw it as a way to pursue my specific career, heard about adventuring to different places,” junior Connor Wilson said.  

Skills are needed within the program; students grow as they move forward.  

“I have gained problem solving, confidence when talking in front of people, communication skills and time management while in DECA,” Ewing said.  

Committing to the DECA program throughout high school shows a strong level of dedication, responsibility and personal growth, even with the demanding commitments.   

“The pressure of going into an event and only having 15 minutes or less to present your project or role play,” Wilson said.  

The dedication from all students and staff elevates the importance of the organization.  

“Many schools have been involved with DECA much longer than we have and even have dedicated classes for their events,” Business Teacher Mr. Tyler Brinton said.  

As the 18 students prepare for State competition, set for February 18, 19, and 20 in Hershey, excitement and nerves are building among the students.  

“I felt proud of myself and the team because in my first year, about 85% of the team made it to States,” Wilson said. “Now that we have grown from last year, most of the team will return to Hershey, for another fun time.”  

A Season of Growth for GS Basketball Teams

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by Reese Price

The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams left the court for the last time this season.

The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams’ seasons came to an end as GS wrapped up the winter sports seasons. The girls’ team competed in WPIAL 5A Section II, a challenging section with many top competitors. The boys’ team was also in a competitive section, which was WPIAL 4A Section II.

“I tried my hardest and gave it my all on the court this season,” senior Mya Heasley said. “I will miss the team and the tight bonds we have because I’ve been playing with some of them for most of my basketball career.”

The girls’ team had a competitive start to their season, playing a few non section games against Franklin Regional and Mt. Pleasant, two well ranked non section teams. Over the course of the season they also traveled and hosted in season tournaments at GS.

 “We played well in the tournaments this season,” Heasley said. “Having the opportunities to play those extra games was really fun.”

Junior Sophie Beckerleg and sophomore Bella Dinkel both won All Tournament Team medals at the tip-off tournament at the beginning of the season hosted at GS. They both were recognized at half court for their efforts in contributing to GS basketball success. Throughout the season Dinkel played guard and Heasley played as the point guard and main ball handler for GS. 

“As a guard I really like giving my teammates the opportunities to score,” Dinkel said. “I like to score just as much as I like to see my teammates succeed.” 

As the season went on, leading into January and February, the Lady Lions battled in close contests within section play. The girls played Penn Trafford, Latrobe, Indiana, Kiski Area, McKeesport and West Mifflin. This season featured many returning players who helped shape the team and contribute to its success. 

Senior Mya Heasley dribbles the ball up the court.

Photo Courtesy: Talan Price

“Penn Trafford and Indiana were high ranked teams we haven’t beaten and sometimes only fell a couple points short to, so it’s always a battle between them,” she said.

Head Coach Mr. Rick Klimchock, who has coached at GS since 2017, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season. Mr. Klimchock also helps his son, Head Mens’ Basketball Coach at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, with games and practices and plays a tremendous part in his community.

“GS girls’ basketball has been a huge part of my life,” Klimchock said. “I love working with high school, middle school and elementary players. Creating relationships has been so important to me.”

The boys’ basketball team also had success this season going 10-11 overall and 5-7 in conference play, leading them to playoffs. The boys finished fifth in the section and continued to show growth and determination all season. The boys opened their season playing highly competitive teams like Hempfield and Greensburg Central Catholic, helping them prepare for the intensity of their conference play.

“We started preparing for our season last March with workouts and games,” Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Mr. Paul Sapotichne said. “Most of my key players started to prepare months and months ago.”

Throughout the season, they faced several setbacks due to injuries that forced players to step into unfamiliar roles and adjust to new lineups. While these injuries created challenges for consistency, they also allowed younger players to see the court and contribute to the games. The team remained focused and continued to compete against tough section opponents including Penn Trafford, Latrobe, Indiana, Kiski Area, McKeesport and West Mifflin. 

“I got through my injuries with pure will to play,” senior Justice Castaneda-Payne said. “I couldn’t have done it without the guys and especially our trainers.”

As the season progressed, they emphasized teamwork, defensive effort and composure in close and challenging games. The group steadily improved their chemistry on the court as they approached the final stretch of their schedule. Their ability to stay united during difficult games became a defining factor of their season.

“I think we’ve had great chemistry and connection this season because of how many years we’ve been playing together,” senior Ty Harkcom said.

Senior Ty Harkcom shoots a free throw as the GS Salem Psychos watch.

Photo Courtesy: Talan Price

Five seniors played an important role in leading the team both on and off the court, helping younger teammates adjust to varsity play when needed. 

“I think this is the best final season I could have had,” Harkcom said. “We made playoffs and broke the five win curse.”

With the regular season complete, the boys prepared to face Hopewell in the first round of playoff competition. The team focused on perfecting their plays, improving execution, and staying disciplined on defense. On Feb. 13, the boys fell short to Hopewell, losing 74-49. 

“I am very proud of our team and players,” Sapotichne said. “We had many films of Hopewell, and all of the coaching staff watched their games and prepared a game plan.”

GS Girls Flip into WPIALS

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by Grace Cardoni

Sticking the landing on their spot in the WPIAL, the GS girls’ gymnastics team found their hard work has paid off, the final time for many on the team.  

On Feb. 4 and 5, the GS gymnastics team traveled to Moon Area High School and Monaca Turners Gymnastics to compete in the WPIAL championships.  

“It’s been a bit stressful because you want to make sure your scores are high enough in order to qualify and perform well, but you get used to it,” sophomore gymnast Caylee Kingerski said. 

The WPIAL meet consisted of various divisions and events like beam, vault, bars and floor.  

GS gymnasts pose in front of the floor before starting their competition.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs.Price

“There are different divisions based on scores which tell you where you will be,” senior gymnast Sophia Kunkle said. “You then rotate through all the events until you are done and then they have awards.”  

With outstanding performances all around in each division, the five seniors on the team finished tying or beating their best scores in each of their events, a fitting conclusion to a year of demanding work.  

“I think the senior performances at WPIALs this year were impressive and showed their dedication,” gymnastics Coach Mrs. Amy White said. “All the girls know what they need to do, and they trust themselves and their skills.” 

Not only did the seniors have an incredible performance, but they also shared their final moments on the floor together. 

“I feel like it is bittersweet,” senior gymnast Emma Visnick said. “We had a great end to the season and I’m happy with how everything went, but I’m going to miss the other girls a lot.” 

With five out of the seven members of the team leaving, that marks a major turning point for the GS gymnastics team, but they leave behind a strong group that they have helped lead throughout their time in the program.  

“While the team is going to be very different without them, they have helped foster an upfront environment and connection that will undoubtably influence the team long after they’ve graduated,” Mrs. White said.  

ChatGPT Enters the Classroom

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by Gabi Elentri and Abigail Romeo

Although one of the reasons artificial intelligence was invented is to improve education, today’s students use it in a separate way. 

Students today view artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT as a free cheat sheet instead of the education enhancing technology it was created to be.  

ChatGPT offers instant information and quick answers. While it is a great tool for things like immediate homework help and language translation, convenience comes with a cost.  

Some students have discarded the idea of ChatGPT being a tool to help learn new things and have replaced it with it being a tool that does work for them. 

“Most students use ChatGPT to cheat on assignments and quizzes instead of studying,” sophomore Katie Jurkiewicz said.  

 ChatGPT can be used negatively by copying answers and using it to do the work for them, which avoids the challenging work needed to understand a subject.  

“Students also use ChatGPT to write entire essays instead of just researching themselves,” Jurkiewicz said. 

Reliance on ChatGPT can make students lazy, skipping the demanding work needed to understand a subject. It can also give answers that are not always correct, which is just confusing.  

“Students are losing the ability to conduct actual research,” History teacher Mr. Mark Zahorchak said.  

 What may seem like a harmless habit now can expand into long lasting behaviors. Relying on ChatGPT will cause students to trust information without checking twice, weaken their critical thinking, and their struggle to solve problems on their own will worsen.  

“It’s going to ruin people’s ability eventually because they are not going to learn how to articulate their thoughts and writing,” English teacher Mr. Marcus Moffa said.  

Teachers have learned to adapt to the use of ChatGPT and have started to run each essay through Ai detecting websites. Some students run their writing through the same websites to makesure it looks like their own work.  

A student uses ChatGPT for research in the classroom.

Photo by: Abigail Romeo

“I think the hardest part is that we don’t necessarily know anymore when kids are cheating,” Mr. Moffa said. “With some it’s hard to tell.”  

Ways to limit ChatGPT usage might involve re-introducing traditional paper-pencil assignments and making sure every assignment does not leave the classroom.  

“I could go back to paper assignments, but I don’t really want to do that because that’s not the real world,” Moffa said.  

Restricting electronics and having students complete every assignment on paper might seem ideal, but it doesn’t reflect real-world expectations. 

“I think that ChatGPT can be helpful to education if used correctly,” freshman Shayne Grzelewski said.  

 In most jobs and adult life, people manage tasks in their own time. If students never practice working independently outside the classroom, they might struggle with time management and self-discipline later on. 

While ChatGPT and similar tools offer opportunities to enhance learning, it’s important to use them wisely.  

Education can be designed to help students complete assignments while also encouraging critical thinking, time management, and the development of skills that may be useful beyond the classroom. Striking a balance between these aspects can support students in their future.  

“ChatGPT can be a helpful classroom tool if used correctly,” Jurkiewicz said. “I do think it can be beneficial, but it shouldn’t do all the work.” 

Idewild

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by Ever Schmidt

The world’s largest rubber duck is splash landing at Idlewild this summer. 

Idlewild is one of many amusement parks in the Pittsburgh area. They opened May 24 and this is the 148th season.  

“I go every year with my family,” junior Mariah Mann said. “I have two younger siblings and it’s something we enjoy doing together. Personally, I am very excited that they are adding the rubber duck; I think it will bring some personality to the park.”   

An example of a season pass to Idewild

Photo by: Ever Schmidt

The rubber duck is going to be part of a special event from June 27-29 at Idlewild as a part of duck themed games and merchandise, according to CBS News. This year is going to be the first since 2013 that the duck is visiting the Pittsburgh area.  

“I have gone since I was a little kid, even now that I am an adult,” math teacher Mr. Jake Cole said. “My daughter is a little over two years old and this is going to be the first year we are going to be taking her.”  

Many people, like Mr. Cole, have gone from a young age and continue to go with their families. Now, as summer approaches, people are ready to enjoy the water again. Health and Physical Education teacher Mrs. Alyssa Lukatch has season passes. 

“I have season passes and I’m going to take my daughter,” Mrs. Lukatch said. “We have already gone once this year and have more fun memories.”  

Senior Academic and Athletic Awards Ceremonies

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by Theresa Schuetz

The class of 2025 had their academic and athletic achievements recognized with two assemblies open to parents, guardians and fellow classmates.

Each May, GS honors its seniors with academic and extra curricular assemblies mentioning the scholarships and achievements seniors have received. This year the class of 2025 welcomed parents and guardians to come and acknowledge their accomplishments.

The first assembly was Tuesday, May 20and it honored the Athletics and Activities successes students have completed throughout their high school careers. Varsity letters students earned through sports, as well as some students’ extra activities they took part in throughout high school, such as the gifted program, as well as band and choral talents, were recognized throughout the assembly.

Students on stage listen to a speaker at the awards ceremony

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“I was recognized for being a four sport athlete, and I was also recognized for the Westmoreland County Scholar Athlete award,” senior Olivia Smith said.

Wednesday, May 21 marked the Academic Achievements Ceremony. Students were recognized for scholarships, their involvement in Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center and the rigorous courses they have taken.

“I learned about the scholarships and the scholarships page on the class of 2025’s Teams page,” senior Bailie Merichko said. “Once I filled out certain scholarships, some of them directed me to others I also was applicable for.”

No matter what the Members of the Class of 2025’s goals are for the future, GS or WCTC helped lay down a foundation for their goals and may have inspired post secondary plans.

“It is okay if you change direction or don’t know what you want to do after high school,” guidance office Administrative Assistant Mrs. Julie Ebersole said. “Life is about trying, experimenting, failing and learning; test the waters until you find what is right for you.”

Seniors Return to Camp Soles

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by Reese Price

Trading smartphones for s’mores, a group of seniors took a step back in time to guide sixth graders through the Camp Soles experience.

19 GS senior mentor students were offered an opportunity to attend the annual sixth grade field trip to Camp Soles. Sixth grade students at GS Middle School have been going on this trip for 55 years and GS plans to continue the tradition.

 “It was really nice to get a better idea of what everything looked like because I kind of forgot,” senior Braedon Leatherman said. “It’s crazy how big everything seemed because of how small I was.”

Camp Soles sits on 264 acres, offering wetlands, a lake, woods, meadows and other environmental attractions. This is a perfect opportunity for the students to combine learning and fun. Whether the students were figuring out how to get across the challenge course, ziplining, or testing the water quality, they were constantly learning through real experiences.

 “I really like fishing, finding little water bugs in the creek, and the wetlands,” Leatherman said.

Seniors who went back to Camp Soles pose for a group photo in the dining hall.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Rachel Brannigan

At the beginning of the school year, each senior mentor was offered a trip to Camp Soles if they had perfect attendance to freshman mentor sessions. Seniors were in charge of groups of sixth grade students to mentor them through the activities.

“To be able to get Seniors back to that spot, I felt was somewhat of a ‘full circle’ moment,” History teacher Mr. Matthew Boe said. “I’m grateful administration gave us the green light to get back.”

The trip included hands-on activities which encouraged all students to use teamwork and collaboration skills. All of the activities were spread across two and a half days for each sixth-grade group, with senior mentors joining in for one of those days.

“I feel like the sixth graders were happy that we were there,” senior Blessing Gantt said. “I feel like we made them have more fun especially since the day we went was rainy and cold.”

As older students, seniors being able to go allowed for aspiring students to have role models and mentors to guide them through the experience. The mentors were in charge of showing students how to be respectful, responsible, and kind, all while being able to learn and have fun.  

“To have Seniors back leading groups of 6th graders around and sharing their experiences I think was beneficial,” Mr. Boe said. “At the same time, it was in some ways a chance to say thank you to those Senior Mentors for their commitment to helping others find their path and making GS a better place for it.”

The hope for the seniors and the sixth graders is to interact and work together. The seniors were very excited to be able to go back and experience the amazing field trip to Camp Soles.

“I was super excited to put a place to all the memories I made there in sixth grade,” Leatherman said. “I also made a bunch of new friends there that I got to go back with as seniors, so that was nice.”

The Camp Soles field trip served as a valuable experience not just for the middle school, but also for the seniors who got to revisit a part of their middle school career. It was more than just a tradition; it was an opportunity to build connections, create memories, and to give back while reflecting on their journey through school.

“I really enjoyed going,” Gantt said. “It brought back a lot of memories, especially sitting in the dining hall and going near the fire.”

Seton Hill University | Senior Exhibition 

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by: Kerrick Shaw

Handmade monsters and canvas creatures lurked throughout the Seton Hill Arts Center with one student’s show pulling a full house on opening night. 

Jake Carnahan-Curcio, a senior art therapy major at Seton Hill University, recently wrapped up his senior exhibition titled “Creature Feature,” a deeply personal and imaginative body of work. 

Held in the Arts Center’s Critique Room from April 25 through May 10, the show’s opening reception was held on April 26 from 6 to 8 pm and had over 50 attendees connecting with the deeper meaning of the exhibition. 

“I’ve aspired to have a solo show since my freshman year of college,” Carnahan-Curcio said. “I didn’t know I would be making creatures until January of 2024, when I made my first painting about my mom who has stage 3A breast cancer; it then spiraled into a series about grief and how people cope with it. I struck gold with my painting ‘Der Doppelgänger,’ as he became the face of my series.” 

Carnahan-Curcio’s “Der Doppelgänger” sculpture.

Photo Courtesy: Jake Carnahan-Curcio

“Creature Feature” was his first self-curated exhibition full of his own work; however, he previously had the opportunities to curate two Seton Hill shows involving other students’ work and his own. 

In 2023, he put together the “Women in Art” exhibition, full of work from the school’s Women in Art seminar course. The following year, he curated a show titled “Intersections,” featuring work from beginner to advanced classes of his and the other advanced painting student at the time, Keelin Becker. 

“As part of the Professional Practices for the Arts course, we were given the opportunity to apply for a solo show or be part of a group exhibition,” he said. “The application was a proposal; showing the work that would be in the show, which is when I had to come up with a concept.” 

Other students visited the gallery room frequently throughout the exhibition’s stay. One student, freshman fine arts major Maxwell Hoffman, described Carnahan-Curcio’s character as “iconic.” 

“I really love the collaged, almost computer pop-up motif among all of his paintings,” Hoffman said. “I remember hearing people completely outside of the art majors talking about how excited they were to see the show. I got to see the evolution of his work periodically by just visiting the studio rooms.” 

Hoffman looks forward to his own senior exhibition, regardless of being a first-year student. He explained that he has already started to “conceptualize” his plan. 

The show’s reception was complimented with refreshments and a giveaway Carnahan-Curcio held through his Instagram. The winner was given a custom-printed T-shirt, a small sculpture of his character Der Doppelgänger and a print.  

The T-shirt, print and sculpture included in the giveaway.

Photo Courtesy: Jake Carnahan-Curcio

“The turnout was great,” he said. “I want to say over 50 people came; a lot of friends and family, but also underclassmen that I didn’t personally know and others who were just interested in the work.” 

GS’ art teacher Mrs. Kelley Audia expressed that everything about Seton Hill’s art program is “awesome.”  

“Every experience I’ve ever had there has been great,” Mrs. Audia said. “The facilities are great and the professors too; Mr. Audia and I have gotten to be a part of a bunch of different shows there. They have a really nice partnership with us, giving us a lot of cool chances for students.” 

Starting in the fall, following his graduation from Seton Hill, Carnahan-Curcio will be moving onto a program through PennWest Global Online. 

“I’m graduating with my Bachelor of Arts in art therapy,” Carnahan-Curcio said. “I’ll be doing the Masters of Science in Counseling art therapy program through PennWest. I already have a lot more ideas for a neon series I’m working on; I would love to do another show in the future.” 

Spring Break Plans

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By: Theresa Schuetz 

GS’ spring break this year was shortened because of this winter’s unfortunate weather, however, that didn’t stop students and staff from enjoying their time off. 

“I’m going to be watching a new show with my family, hang out with my friends and go thrifting,” senior Josselyn Blawas said. 

Josselyn Blawas

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“A lot of the break I’m going to work and do a lot of spring cleaning,” senior Anna Berlingo said. “I’m also going to spend Easter Day with my family.” 

Anna Berlingo

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“My grandkids are coming down from Penn State for Easter so I’m going to eat dinner with them and my son, Mr. Zahorchak is cooking,” Mrs. Joanie Zahorchak said. “Hopefully the weather will be nice, too, so I can do my yard work.”  

Mrs. Joanie Zahorchak

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“I’m going to be spending Easter with my family,” senior Cole Savage said.  

Cole Savage

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“Mostly I’ll be working, but my family is also going to be over so we can get baskets and spend Easter together,” senior Rachel Kuhn said. 

Rachel Kuhn

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“Over Spring Break I’m going to Top Golf for my birthday,” senior Alice Wilkinson said. 

“I’m going to be picking up a lot of shifts with the amount of time I’ll have,” senior Gracie Susick said. 

Gracie Susick and Alice Wilkinson

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“I’m going to be spending quality time with my family and friends over break,” junior Marley Perrone said. 

Marley Perrone

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“Easter Sunday my family and I will be having a big family dinner,” senior Tymara White said. 

Tymara White

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“I’m going out to eat with friends over Easter break in Pittsburgh,” senior Kai Brunot said. 

Seniors Cooper Dann, Kai Brunot and Nick Reinhart

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“Over break I’m going to relax and spend time with family,” junior Henry Weimann said.  

Henry Weimann

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz

“Over Easter break I’m going to Charleston, South Carolina with my family to enjoy the nice weather,” senior Grace Sybesma said.  

Grace Sybesma

Photo by: Theresa Schuetz