Greensburg

GS’ 2025 Prom | “Meet Me at Midnight”

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

by: Theresa Schuetz

GS’ prom 2025 had a theme tailored for students, made by students.  

At the end of last school year, SCA met and started to plan homecoming and prom as well as their themes. The president of SCA, senior Lauryn Swierczynski, helped to pick the theme of “Meet Me at Midnight.”  

The event was held on May 9, starting at 6 pm and ending at 10 pm.  

Teachers and students dine as dinner is served at Stratigos.

Photo by: Emma Helmick

“Me and my other group partners, one of them being Anna Spigarelli, are big Taylor Swift fans,” Swierczynski said. “We thought why not put two and two together and make a subtle Taylor Swift reference while also making the general vision purple and blue.”  

Prom was held at Stratigos this year, just as it has been for years. The banquet facility was recently renovated as well, providing more space for attendees to enjoy the night.  

“Prom is the nice end of the year event for all schools,” physics teacher Christopher Gazze said. “It’s a very prototypical high school event.”  

Everyone who attended voted for prom king and queen out of a list of seniors picked out by the seniors through a form. The students nominated to be prom queen were Sloane Potter, Anna Shevchik, Ksena Spencer, Lauryn Swierczynski, Grace Sybesma and Tymara White. Students nominated for prom king were Logan Dunkerly, Azreal Franklin, Gregory Paravate, Nick Reinhart, Dominic Rosensteel and Keegan Young. 

On each ticket bought for prom there was a spot to vote for prom king and queen. The winner for prom king was Gregory Paravate and the winner for prom queen was Anna Shevchik.  

“I did not expect to win prom queen, but it was a nice surprise to wrap the night up with,” Shevchik said. 

“Meet Me at Midnight” proved to be a fitting theme for an evening that was as magical as it was memorable, marking a highlight in the high school journey for students who attended.  

“Seeing and hanging out with the students in my grade all in one place before graduation was the most memorable part of the night,” Paravate said.  

Storm Season

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

by: Adison Poole  

This year storms have seemed more and more common in the area. With constant rain and thunder rolling in, several areas have experienced power outages and damage to their property.  

A storm develops in the sky.

Photo Courtesy: Logan Dunkerly

“We lost power from about 5:30 pm on Tuesday until about 4:30 pm Friday,” history Mrs. Beth Simone said. “We quickly realized the damage around our neighborhood was much more extensive than previous storms, so we would most likely not get power back quickly.” 

Many experienced power outages throughout the area. Nearby school districts even experienced closures due to the outages.  

“My daughter did not have school on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday,” Mrs. Simone said. “Her school building did not have power restored until Sunday, so they were able to go on Monday, but they did not have phones or internet at that point.”  

Others who lost power struggled with the lack of air conditioning and keeping a refrigerator running without a generator.  

“It was hot outside, so my house was definitely stuffy,” senior Grace Sybesma said. “I didn’t realize that our garage doors wouldn’t open, so we had to find a key for out front door.”  

Some reported issues with power companies and lack of response on their end.  

“It was annoying because we have West Penn Power and every time we would call them, there was never an estimated time of when it would be back on,” senior Gracie Susick said.  

Others were lucky enough to have a generator on standby in case of emergencies.  

“Luckily we already owned a generator, so we were able to use that to run the refrigerator, a few lights and our Wi-Fi,” Simone said. “The generator is loud, so we turned it off for much of the night, but we were still able to preserve our food and keep devices charged. My husband works from home, so Wi-Fi was essential.”  

The storm also caused damage to several properties. Many experienced fallen trees and road closures due to the strong winds from the storms. 

A tree covers Route 8-19 in the middle of a storm.

Photo by: Reese Price

“An approximately 80 foot pine tree collapsed in my back yard,” she said. “It did not hit the house, so there was no structural damage. We had the tree removed on Monday, just shy of two weeks after the storm.”  

Many people kept busy while experiencing the power outages and pushing through in the dark until power could be restored.  

“I had to study for my tests with a flashlight,” Susick said. “For online work I went to either other people’s houses or Barnes and Noble.”  

Others went out and kept up with extracurricular activities to avoid being at home without power and to charge electronics.  

“During the outage, I actually had dance during the evenings,” Sybesma said. “While at dance, I would charge my phone and do homework so I could complete it in the light. After dance, I would go to my grandparent’s house to shower so that I could have warm water.”  

While the storm brought on hardships for many at GS, roads and properties have been cleared and storms have calmed down in the area since.  

“Even though I didn’t have power for some time, I’m just glad that nothing serious happened to my house,” senior Josselyn Blawas said. “It was a relief to be safe inside my house.”  

Promposals

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Reese Price 

From handwritten notes to sweet signs, this year’s proposals are just as unforgettable as the night itself. 

Prom tickets were on sale from April 22-25 which means students will be getting asked to go left and right. Students turned in their packets to SCA Advisor Mr. Christopher Gazze’s room last week. Many students in past years have asked their date with promposals.  

“I planned my promposal by getting inspiration from pictures online and getting other people’s opinions,” junior Andrew Lehnhardt said. “Once I had my idea, I bought the supplies I would need, then I went to her house and surprised her.” 

Lehnhardt’s candle-lit promposal.

Photo Courtesy: Andrew Lehnhardt

Promposals are a way for students to ask someone to prom in a memorable way. They often involve signs, gifts or even sometimes setup surprises. Many students will go all out for their promposal to make prom more special for the people going. Asking in this way also makes people excited to go to prom with their date.  

“I used her interest in music to ask her because I knew she would enjoy it,” senior Keegan Young said. 

The way someone asks their date to prom can reflect their personalities or interests. No matter the approach, promposals are a way of creating a meaningful moment for everyone. 

“My favorite promposals were both Mr. GS related,” Mr. Gazze said. “One of them happened on stage where they thought they were a part of the act and then they got asked in that way.” 

For girls, a promposal can be a really special moment. Many girls look forward to seeing the time and energy that they put into asking them. Reactions can be different for everyone, but they’re often seen as a way to make the invitation to prom memorable.  

“I was surprised with a cute promposal,” junior Elora Gridley said. “He gave me flowers as a gift, and I loved it.” 

For many years people have been asking others to prom in this way. With prom just around the corner, the excitement to see classmates promposals is high. With just a few weeks left until the big night, it’s likely that more promposals will pop up at GS. 

“I am excited for prom,” Lehnhardt said. “I think it will be a cool experience.” 

Spring Break Plans

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

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

Greensburg’s Night Market Returning for Another Season

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Reese Price 

The Greensburg Night Market is full of flavors, finds and fun. 

The Greensburg Night Market is coming back on select Thursdays with the opening date set for April 24. The monthly Night Market in downtown Greensburg features local food, artisans, vendors and small businesses. 

Lily Slavnik representing GS pottery students.

Photo Courtesy: Lily Slavnik

“I am excited for it to open back up,” junior Isabella Sefchok said. “I have been waiting for it to come back.” 

During the Market, South Pennsylvania Avenue between West Otterman Street and West 4th Street is shut down for vendors to display their unique items. To make attending the Night Market easier, free shuttles sponsored by Live Casino Pittsburgh are also available for everyone attending the event. 

“We have a free shuttle at the Night Market from April- Oct,” owner and founder of the Night Market Ms. Jessica Hickey said. “Attendees can park at the Greenburg Civic Center and take the shuttle to the market.” 

The Night Market holds over 140 vendors in total, with many of the vendors being small businesses located in or around the Greensburg area. The event coordinators hope to promote small businesses, culture and non-profits.  

“Main Street Sweets is one of my favorite vendors at the Night Market,” Sefchok said.  

When the Greensburg Night Market began in 2019 it started with a small group of vendors and has now blossomed into a highly anticipated event each month. With increasing support from local businesses and the community, more vendors offer more opportunities and experiences.  

“I came up with the idea by just doing some research on events and seeing new things and ideas when traveling,” Ms. Hickey said. 

Beyond the shopping and entertainment, the market also emphasizes the exciting community in Greensburg. Many vendors use eco-friendly packaging and local ingredients to further support local businesses. Non-profits in the area also set up booths to share volunteer opportunities and local events, which makes the market fun and allows for community connections.  

“Everyone is always very nice, and all of the vendors and the organizers are amazing,” senior Lily Slavnik said. 

GS students also are able to use the Night Market as a platform to showcase their talents and interests. Whether selling handmade jewelry, artwork, bake goods or custom items, it gives students a chance to share their passions with the community. This opportunity also provides valuable real-world experience in marketing and allows the students to build connections with other local vendors and shoppers. 

“I sold my own items which was nice to be able to sell my art beyond the school,” Slavnik said. “I also love going even when I’m not selling stuff.” 

Changes in the Greensburg Business Scene 

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By: Kerrick Shaw 

Various business locations have been rapidly cleaning out in Greensburg. 

Route 30’s Dick’s Sporting Goods, the South Greensburg Wendy’s restaurant and Greengate Center’s Big Lots have all been affected in recent months by poorly performing locations or filing for bankruptcy.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods 

Following the closing of its Route 30 location, the Westmoreland Mall is welcoming a Dick’s House of Sport into an anchor space in the mall that was previously occupied by Sears. Computer Science teacher Mr. Tyler Brinton believes the new store will be “great for the community.” 

“It’ll be a really great place for kids to get sports gear, especially being in the mall,” Mr. Brinton said. 

The House of Sport offers a more interactive experience for customers than a normal Dick’s Sporting Goods location; they are often larger than a Sporting Goods, with most locations, such as at Ross Park Mall, featuring golf simulators, spaces to practice sports and a 30-feet-tall rock wall. The store will also offer the expected athletic apparel and equipment. 

The outside of the Greensburg Dick’s location after being shut down.

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

Wendy’s and TGI Fridays 

  The Wendy’s restaurant located on South Main Street was one of over 100 U.S. restaurants closed in 2024 from failing to keep up with other spots. These closing sites will be balanced out by the opening of around 250 new restaurants across America. 

The outside of the South Greensburg Wendy’s.

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

“I was told we closed because our lease was up and we didn’t make enough to pay it,” Wendy’s employee, junior Nova Miller, said. “We’re all set at a new store now. They moved all of the employees at the South Greensburg one to the Wendy’s by the mall; we’ve basically combined stores.” 

The restaurant chain TGI Fridays filed for bankruptcy in November, leaving the location in the Hempfield Square shopping plaza, surrounded by Texas Roadhouse and PetSmart, available for lease. TGI Fridays Inc. operates less than 40 locations in the U.S. 

Big Lots 

Big Lots, located in the Greengate Shopping Center, recently had their windows covered with everything-must-go signs. The discount furniture and home décor chain filed for bankruptcy in September of last year, however, its debts were just picked up by Gordon Brothers, a global assets company.  

According to the Gordon Brothers press release, their purchasing of Big Lots Inc. will preserve the brand, keeping “hundreds of stores in operation and preventing thousands of layoffs.”  

Variety Wholesalers, a company included in the transfer of Big Lots’ assets, will operate about 200 stores under the Big Lots brand. Gordon Brothers will provide real estate services to support the future of Big Lots and have just put new-to-market store leases up for sale across 47 states, not including PA meaning the Greengate Center space will remain closed.  

 GS Libarian Mrs. Carrie Vottero believes the closing of these businesses is due to the ever-growing use of electronics. 

“I remember shopping a different way than how young people, and myself, shop today,” Mrs. Vottero said. “It’s bound to change; the world is changing. More things are continuously going electronic, like Amazon and DoorDash. That’s just how people shop now.”