The 2024 Election  

by: Ever Schmidt 

As the election approaches students and teachers discuss their options.  

Many people do not pay attention to politics and how it is affecting their everyday life, but if you look around at the world today, it is quite different than it used to be. 

The republican nominees for president are former president Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance, and the democrat nominees are Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.  

English Teacher Mrs. Mary Logan said that in her classes there is a lesson where she shows her students how news sources can make things biased. She shows them the headlines and how things are embedded into the articles and how they can be persuasive.  


A poster outside the Library encourages students to register to vote.

Photo by: Emma Helmick


The election is November 5th, 2024. 

 Having different news sources showing each side of politics can be helpful, but it also be hard to find the truth. They can make the other nominees seem different and might use their own opinion and make one seem better than the other, which can cause outrage from supporters of both parties. 

 “I think it is important for students to see how different places like the media and news may be attempting to manipulate them, but from there, I hope they can see the bias and make their own decisions and know when the persuasive techniques are working,” Mrs. Logan said. 

 Being able to understand politics and being too involved in them are quite different. When teachers talk about politics in a classroom, students could listen to the teacher and get informed instead of taking it personally and getting mad about other people’s opinions. It is perfectly fine to have your own views and beliefs on politics and the candidates.  

  I do not have an opinion on either side of the parties, but I do follow along with them,” junior Olivia Humberger said. “I believe it is interesting seeing the different sides even though I don’t have my own opinion.”   

  Being able to be open-minded helps to hear both sides of the parties. It helps to gain factual knowledge and being able to understand the election. Going to factual news sources that are unbiased also helps to get full knowledge from both sides. 

 “The election will be very close again; I think no matter what, whoever wins half of America will be upset no matter what,” accounting Teacher Mr. Lou Downey said. “Most of the election is all about debating and not what the nominees are going to do better for America.” 

Many people find a lot of information on online bulletin boards, commercials, ads, and most social media. Harris is ahead of the polls by about two percent according to The New York Times. Some people are basing their information off what they hear and say they are going to do with the country. Most adults are voting and some seniors at GS are, too.  

 “I will be voting because I personally feel that there is a lot at stake this election,” senior Lily Slavnik said. 

2024-2025 Rule and Policy Changes 

by: Ari Case 

Every school year brings new changes, and this year is no different. 

During the class meetings held the first day of school, High School Principal Mr. Adam Jones and Dean of Students Mr. Jeff Kronenwetter reminded students of old and changing rules in the school. These included the returning cell phone rule, a change in second run bussing and the attendance policy. 

The cell phone rule, initiated last year, dictates that each student is required to place their phone into numbered and assigned pockets before class. All students are prohibited from using phones during classes and exceptions must be approved prior to implementation. 


A typical phone holder hangs on a door.

Photo by: Ari Case


“We did it [to] get kids more engaged in their learning,” Mr. Jones said.  

Teachers have varying opinions on it, but most appreciate the value in removing classroom distraction.  

“The teacher part of me loves it, [because] it is a distraction for students that have them out in class,” Mr. Kronenwetter said. 

Student views on the rule are hard to quantify, but many agree with the idea—just not the execution. Some students aren’t normally on their phones but prefer to have them in backpacks or pockets. 

“It’s not that I like being on my phone, but I like it being near me,” junior Nico Bortz said. “So at least I know if I need it in any case of emergency, it’s there.” 

The rule has not changed since last year, but its application is stricter. Previously, many teachers did not mind if students kept their phones away in their bags or used them to listen to music during independent work time. This year, however, students felt some teachers had been rude or overbearing about their cell phones even if they did not want to be. 

Bortz shared that the rule can distract them from learning more than their phone at times. One class they accidentally put their phone in the wrong numbered pocket, which prompted the teacher to disrupt class and have them move the phone. 

Students, like senior Leia Felmley, feel the rules are causing “unnecessary mayhem” and extra stress. 

This added stress, for students like Bortz, takes away from their learning. 

“I come to school and I want to learn,” they said. “I don’t want to have to worry about making sure my phone’s put away so I don’t get a detention.”  

Some have raised concerns about the potential negative impact on student learning when there is reliance on only school-provided technology. Historically, school devices and Wi-Fi networks are unreliable and cause consistent issues for many students and teachers. 

“A lot of our classes depend on technology,” Felmley said. “A lot of us went through Covid, and [technology] was our only source of education.” 

According to Jones, teachers are expected to have a backup plan for all lessons that can be completed without technology.  

Reportedly, the blame would fall on teachers if students were caught with their phones during classes. This has increased classroom tension, and Felmley disagrees with the choice to broadly pressure teachers when only some behaviors are truly disruptive or problematic.  

Education has changed drastically in large part due to the pandemic, coupled with technological advancements—many teachers have had to shift how they teach in recent years. 

“The teacher’s job is to educate their students,” Felmley said. “They should not be punished for it [because] it’s making them feel like they aren’t doing a good job of teaching when they’re trying their best just to learn how to redo everything again.” 

The high school also changed the procedure for second run bussing this year. 

Previously, students who rode second run buses waited in the auditorium lobby or outside after school. This year, they are assigned seating areas in the auditorium based on which bus they ride and dismissed accordingly.  

It was explained that the reason for changing the bussing procedure was initially unrelated to students. In previous years, the buses were often clumped and out of order, sometimes blocking the road. Along with some conflicts between students, the main goal was to organize things for the sake of safety and efficiency.  


Students wait in the auditorium for their buses.

Photo by: Quinn Isenberg


Jones explained that “it just streamlines the process” of getting students home safely. He also said that it is important they are able to find students in case of emergency. 

Second run bus riders have decidedly less positive views about the change. 

“I absolutely hate it because [it] is wickedly hot in the auditorium, even though we have an air conditioning unit in there, and it seems like they aren’t applying something that they put lots of money towards,” Felmley explained.  

She believes the air conditioning has been on some days, but it has not seemed like it most days.  

Bortz expressed frustration at losing the freedom of standing outside. 

“It feels like they’re treating us like elementary schoolers,” they said. “I don’t like being treated like that when I’m 16 years old in high school. It’s kind of annoying and demeaning.” 

Both Bortz and Felmley resent being separated from friends and social groups. 

“It feels like you’re being isolated, away from those people you normally would bond with,” Felmley said. 

The bus procedure is new this year, but the attendance policy remains the same on paper as it has been for years.  

In recent years, several unexpected challenges disrupted the attendance policy at GS. Now, Kronenwetter hopes to get attendance more consistent. 

“We’re trying to help establish good habits,” he explained. 

He expressed that during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, he was just glad to see students attending school at all. 

The district policy is that any absences after 12 missed days count towards sanctions. A student on the sanctions list must make up two hours for every day missed over the limit and may not participate in school-related activities like sports or dances. 

The school legally excuses any absence with a note, but notes from parents still mean an absence counts toward sanctions. Any absence excused by a third party, like a doctor, does not count toward the sanctions limit. Neither do pre-approved absences for vacations, college visits, job shadows and senior projects. 

Bortz expressed concerns for specific medical and family situations, and the appearance of transcripts for college. Kronenwetter explained that he isn’t concerned about potential issues, because they can be handled on a case-by-case basis—and the rules aren’t the important part to him. 

“I know the academics come first,” he said. 

The policy has not significantly changed this year, so any grievances are largely the same as last year. General frustration at the scheduling of school is the most common, with such an early start in the morning. 

“There’s so many reasons for being tardy to school that should be excusable, but to the school are not,” Bortz said, mentioning car and health problems. 

Both Bortz and Felmley expressed concerns about COVID-19, considering the recent surge in cases. Current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines do not have a set quarantine, though they were previously five days at least. Now, quarantining until fever-free and limiting contact while wearing a mask for several days are recommended. 

According to Jones, the district has no current policy on COVID-19, and “it’s treated as any illness.” If you do not have a doctor’s note, days missed because of it will count towards the sanctions limit. 

Amid student frustration and added stress from new rules and policies, most students just want to be treated like their opinions and experiences matter. 

“I know that as a young adult, I hope that our voices will be heard,” Felmley said. 

Salem Psychos  

By: Rubee Stillwagon 

With fall sports in full swing, the Salem Psychos are busy showing their support. 

The student section at sports events is there to bring fun to games and encourage the teams. These students are led by five leaders. 

“Lauryn Swierczynski is our main leader,” Salem Psychos Advisor Mr. Nick DeMary said. “Then we have Kayla Ramer, Grace Sybesma, Dom Rosensteel and Cooper Dann.” 

These leaders do their best to ensure that students have fun at sports events. But beyond this, they make sure that student athletes always have someone supporting them. 


The HS student section at the GS vs. Valley football game.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Andrea Redinger


“The student section is a major driving factor of school spirit, no doubt,” Swierczynski said. “As an athlete, having your peers come to your games really does make a difference. It gives you another reason to play, to push through and gives the team a wave of school pride.” 

While the student section works to keep them supported outside of school, they are also working to arrange in school support. 

“I want to get involved in the school,” Mr. DeMary said. “Maybe a pep rally. We are also trying to get t-shirts made and stuff like that.” 

Getting the students involved may draw bigger crowds to school events. The leaders and DeMary are working hard to get advisory meetings set up. This would open the opportunity to get more ideas and opinions.  

“Hopefully we see student athletes from all grades and sports come down to Mr. DeMary’s room and have some input on future themes, chants and ways to get more involvement at games,” Swierczynski said. 

Having student input can be helpful when trying to gain involvement. If students like the themes and chants there will be more of a turn out. 

“Everything is truly for the students and your voice matters,” DeMary said. “What students want is important because I’m a teacher and what was cool six years ago isn’t anymore.” 

Although DeMary works to make things happen for students, the leaders play a role in keeping things up to date. 

“Right now, we are working on Gold Rush t-shirts that will most likely be free,” Swierczynski said. “Another thing the other leaders and I are working on is a short video to go over different chants and traditions we do at each game.” 

The chants are a way to keep the students having fun and interested at games. This video could help students be prepared for the games and louder when chants are called. 

Although all students are in the same general area, it can be hard for some groups to hear and stay involved due to the grade sectioning. In the student section seniors are in the front and it goes by grade level all the way to the back. 

“I think they could do a little better trying to involve the freshmen,” freshman Sophia Ginder said. “I think it’s awkward sometimes because they already know what they are going to do in the front and no one in the back knows what’s going on.” 

While it may be hard to hear chants, there are still fun things for the younger students participate in, such as themes. 

“I like the themes because I feel like it’s a way we can all be connected,” Ginder said. 

Another thing that has been updated this year is the location of the middle school student section. Instead of being on the other side of the field, it is now next to the band which is in between the two sections. 

“I personally like this change,” Swierczynski said. “Another section can hear the band better, and it creates connectivity between the middle and high school.” 

Introducing the middle school students to the high school section can help show them what they have to look forward to. It can get them excited for what they get to be involved with soon. 

“What I really want to see happen after I leave is the revival of the old days,” Swierczynski said. “What I mean by this is it being competitive to become a psycho. Bring back the passing of the torch culture. And keep the energy for all sports, not just football. Pack the section.” 

Overall, this year’s group of senior leaders have a lot of goals, and the hope is that they can achieve them all. But it’s also important that there is other students’ interest in carrying on the Salem Psycho traditions. 

“We are one at GS and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” DeMary said. 

Greensburg Summer Wrap-up 

By: Kerrick Shaw 

The community is soaking up the sounds that carried them through the past three months as the summer season events end. 

The summertime was packed full of concerts, markets and other events to keep locals busy over break. The festivities kicked off with Elton Rohn, the Elton John tribute band, at St. Clair Park for SummerSounds. 


Elton Rohn performs at St. Clair Park for SummerSounds.

Photo Courtesy: David Baldinger


SummerSounds is an annual free concert series put together entirely by 50 volunteers who present Greensburg with a wide variety of musicians over 14 weeks. Preshows lasted from 6:15 to 6:45, the main show then starting at 7 p.m.  

“It’s a very exciting thing,” junior Maddox Kunkle said. “I think it’s done very professionally, it’s more top-of-the-line.” 

The SummerSounds lineup included various tributes and original acts to appeal to music lovers of all ages. This summer’s end marks 24 years of concerts for SummerSounds with more to come under new management from the Greensburg Community Development Corporation. 

“Because it’s free, anyone could go if they wanted,” Kunkle added. “People might’ve even been in for a surprise with what bands they saw.” 

Once a month on select Thursdays from April through December, the Greensburg Night Market is active across four city blocks with over 140 vendors selling foods, art, jewelry and much more. 


A typical view of the street during the Greensburg Night Market.

Photo Courtesy: Alex Newill


“The turnout for all the markets was pretty good this year,” owner and founder of the Night Market Ms. Jessica Hickey said. 

The Greensburg Vintage Market was also active throughout the summer season. Over 50 vendors gather throughout St. Clair Park and the parking lot behind the Amphitheatre, selling vintage décor, collectables, clothing and other vintage items along with food and plants.   


The vintage market set up.

Photo Courtesy: Alex Newill


“The heat can be a bit of a challenge during the summertime,” Ms. Hickey said. “We had a couple hot markets, but our water refill station and being in the park for some shade helped a lot.” 

On August 16, GS held the annual Back to School Bash at Offutt Field to kick off the 2024-2025 school year. 

“It seemed pretty crowded, and everyone had a great time,” Associate to the Superintendent and Back to School Bash Coordinator Mrs. Kayla Tamer said. “It was an exciting night.” 

The Bash was in conjunction with Mini-THON, which provided students and families with the dunk tank and cornhole fundraiser at the event. There were over 25 community vendors, 10 student organizations and five food vendors. 


Mr. Nick DeMary sits in the dunk tank.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Tamer


“It was a team approach,” Mrs. Tamer added. “The layout this year was a little bit different, we recognized the athletes and activities in the middle. I think the weather kept some people away, but overall, it was really fun.” 

On August 24, the Greensburg Music Fest was back for the 6th consecutive  year. This year’s festival was spread throughout three locations with five stages total and 15 bands who played throughout the day. The Music Fest is presented by the Westmorland Cultural trust in partnership with Green Beacon Gallery and Band Together Pittsburgh.  

“It was a fantastic experience,” senior Wesley Heverly said. “The talent from the kids who are a part of Band Together was mind blowing.” 

Band Together Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization that creates music with musicians on the autism spectrum. Heverly had the pleasure of participating in the event at St. Clair Park and helped promote it with posters he made himself.  

Greensburg always has something to look forward to, but especially during the summertime. Each of these events will be back around next year, with an all-new lineup of bands with SummerSounds for students and Greensburg locals to enjoy. 

“It’s always tough to see the summer end because of the events that occur during the season,” Greensburg Mayor Robert Bell said. “I couldn’t be more happy with the results of this past summer’s event calendar. Hopefully, we’ll be able to announce a few new events for next year.”   

National Honor Society Events 

by: Samarah Guy 

With school back in session, GS’ National Honors Society can begin helping the community once more. 

NHS is a group of senior students that helps other students become active leaders in their school and community. 

“It’s an organization that promotes and celebrates the character, scholarship, leadership and service courses,” NHS advisor Mrs. Cheryl Harper said. 

Each activity helps the participating students reach the criteria to become a better leader, while also reaching the standards to be in NHS.  

The students have the opportunity to use these skills while volunteering during different events or activities like the Croquet Tournament, Match-O-Matics, GS Threads and other school functions.  


GS Threads is up and running and being added to continuously.

Photo by: Samarah Guy


“The main event that we take part in every September is the croquet tournament held at the WCCC, where NHS members take part as referees and staff,” senior Nick Reinhart, NHS President, said. 

NHS has received a donation from this tournament for several years, but the main reason the students help at these events is to be a part of their local community.  

“The reason we perform so much service is to help our local community and make an impact on what we see around us,” Reinhart added. 

GS Threads is the major opportunity that NHS does throughout the school year to help students get clothes if they need them. 

“GS Threads is probably our biggest ongoing project,” senior Sabrina Kasic, NHS Vice-President said. “We get bags of clothes donated, we sort through them to make sure everything is good for students to take when they need.” 

NHS also offers great scholarship opportunities for those involved. This is another reason that drives many students to become active members in NHS. 

“A lot of people joined NHS for the scholarships at the end because if you have consistent good grades while also helping people you can get a scholarship,” Kasic added. “NHS is a group for people who like to help people, while also helping your chances of scholarships.” 

Besides the scholarships and leadership skills, NHS opens a whole new world for teens to get involved with their community and build good social skills. 

“NHS is a great program to be a part of, and it will benefit you in more ways than one could imagine,” senior Emily Ruggieri said. 

Greensburg ArtsWalk  

By Samarah Guy  

Photo by: Samarah Guy

On Saturday April 20th, GS students participated in the Greensburg ArtsWalk.  

The ArtsWalk is an annual event in Greensburg’s “Art Alley” where local artists and small businesses get to display and sell their work while enjoying live performances, food trucks, small activities and much more.  

“ArtsWalk is a collaborative effort between the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, Westmoreland Museum of American Art and Seton Hill Performing Arts to help showcase local artists and performers, while also generating downtown business,” Event and Program Specialist for Westmoreland Cultural Trust Ari Burkel said. “Many businesses within the cultural district of downtown Greensburg open their shops up to galleries, showcases, performances and activities that help advocate the importance of all kinds of art.”  

In the fall, students created their own individual designs and painted skateboards that are currently being displayed throughout the small businesses in Greensburg.  

The skateboards were auctioned off to raise money for two different causes: half of the funds raised went to The Giving Tree project (a GS tradition that helps students who may need financial assistance during Christmas time), while the other half went towards the art department for items like supplies, exhibition opportunities and field trips.  

Last year’s group of art students worked with partners to paint wooden chairs which were then auctioned off to raise money for the same purposes.  

“Last year we did an art auction of these chairs,” art teacher Mr. Darryl Audia said. “We didn’t make them go with the ArtsWalk because it was a month ahead. The local businesses supported this and said, ‘Why don’t we do it with something that’s already existing, which is the ArtsWalk.’”  

This year was the first year GS got to participate in the ArtsWalk. 16 students, Alexa Anker, John Ashbaugh, Sydney Dainty, Sarah Glowa, Josalynn Hayden, Adrien Isenberg, Laila Kerns, Paige Kline, Lucy McChesney, Chyna Moore, David Mori, Giavanna Rosensteel, Adrianna Scalzo, Kerrick Shaw, Tyler Shaw and Brad Skero were acknowledged for their contributions to the ArtsWalk.  

“Having my work showcased at an event like this was really cool,” Ashbaugh said. “Also, when we received our certificates from Mr. Audia, I felt honored to be recognized in front of so many people for my creativity.”  

The students were presented with certificates by Audia, after which they signed banners of their boards for display in the Art Alley.  

Photo by: Samarah Guy

 “I care very much for all my students, but it’s moments like these where I am so proud of not just their talent but also their selflessness,” he said. “It is one thing to make a killer work of art…that’s great stuff for sure.  However, it’s quite another matter to then go and give that awesome artwork away to benefit others. I have so much respect for our student skateboard design team.”  

The Clash | “London Calling”

 By Kerrick Shaw 

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

The Clash, nicknamed “The Only Band That Matters,” formed in 1976 and quickly rose to the top of the 70s punk movement, second only to the Sex Pistols. Swimming in the musical movement of 1974, The Clash was surrounded by bands like Television, The Ramones and The Damned, all jumping from garages to the stages. 

Formed by guitarist Mick Jones, the band, then named Weak Heartdrops and Psychotic Negatives, was made up of Paul Simonon (bass guitarist) and Terry Chimes (drummer). In search of their missing piece, the energetic and rough lead singer they needed, Joe Strummer left the 101’ers and completed the puzzle of The Clash. 

They were considered the most political band stemming out of the U.K., however they thought of themselves more as social, having focused their music on the hardships they saw in people’s everyday lives – serving as a look into the world of the less fortunate.  

Their explosive debut single “White Riot” and first studio album “The Clash,” both released in 1977, were kept on the shelf in America until their eventual, and late, releases in 1978.  

In 1977, Chimes had left the band due to their chaotic nature and he was then replaced by Nicky “Topper” Headen, who went on to play with the band until 1982. 

With their self-titled release considered too raw and disorderly for American audiences, their second album, “Give ‘Em Enough Rope” (1978), was overseen by an American producer in an attempt to make it more appealing for that potential audience. 

Regardless of their efforts, The Clash didn’t make their big breakthrough in America until the release of their third studio album, “London Calling,” which was released in 1979 in the U.K. and 1980 in the U.S. 

The album dips into multiple genres, stacking songs of blues and jazz on top of ska and dreary punk. Although the combinations may sound overbearing, they managed to make each song go together perfectly. To work around their controversially literal lyrics, “London Calling” displayed their growth in writing through hiding clever metaphors in the stories of each song.  

After reaching their definitive peak with “London Calling,” The Clash tried replicating the same feel with the following album, “Sandinista!” which came out in 1980. Unfortunately, it failed to spawn the same reaction. Their next release, “Combat Rock,” released in 1982, the last album featuring Jones as the lead guitarist, thankfully included “Rock the Casbah,” one of the band’s most popular songs today. 

However, they only put out one more, poorly received, album before disbanding in 1986. 

Although The Clash had a rough ending to their story, “London Calling” stands today as one of the most recognizable and popular punk albums, especially with its iconic cover: a photo of Simonon smashing his bass guitar. 

To throw a little spice into the album, some songs feature organ and piano (“The Card Cheat,” “Wrong ‘Em Boyo” and “Clampdown”), as well as horns poking through, especially noticeable on “Rudie Can’t Fail.”  

“London Calling” is essentially a greatest hits, only missing a few songs from their debut and future albums, such as “Should I Stay or Should I Go” from “Combat Rock.” 

Regardless of the many different attributes I’ve explained for individual songs, a full listen through is the only way of understanding the level this album is on. As per usual with the albums I review, this one is another go-to pick when I need an album to play at room-filling volume. In my opinion, although The Clash aren’t at the top of my list for the best punk bands, “London Calling” is one of my favorite punk albums of all time.   

Mock Trial Recap 

By Samarah Guy  

Photo Courtesy: Mr. Zilli

GS’ Mock Trial team placed 3rd during the State Championships in Harrisburg.  

On March 24th, the team earned 1001 points by the end of the second trial, placing 3rd out of the 14 teams in the championships.  

“We were the only team in our district to go to states, and we had the third most points out of everyone there,” Mock Trial Advisor Ms. Kristen Solomon said.  

Mock Trial is an organization that gives students the opportunity to take part in the courtroom and understand how the court system works while also competing against other schools. 

“Mock Trial is a program where students can actually try to participate in a ‘mock’ trial and have an experience similar to a real trial,” Ms. Solomon said. 

The main goals are to score more points than the opposing team and to win the case with strong evidence. 

“They are given a case, and the students are either attorneys or witnesses,” Solomon added. “They also have to write open and close directs and cross examinations to present at the Mock Trial.” 

Direct and cross-examinations come at the beginning of the trial, providing information on the case. The performance and content of the examinations, as well as the attorneys’ performances are graded on a scale of 1-10. The opening and closing statements are also scored on the same scale. At the end of the trail, all the points are added up, and that number is the team’s final score. 

“There’s a ballot that has everything that happens in the trial on it,” senior Lea Kasmer said. “There’s opening and closing statements from both prosecution and defense, along with six witnesses who each have a direct and a cross examination on the ballot. The judges and jury will score it on a scale of 1-10.”  

Mock Trial helps students see and understand the court system firsthand. This group can help set students up for their futures in law, and it also helps form bonds. 

“To me, Mock Trial is not only about building cases, but it’s really important to have a relationship with your team and communicate with everyone,” junior Katie Shea said.             

FCCLA State Leadership Conference and STAR Event 

By Kerrick Shaw 

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Morgan Ferczak

GS FCCLA members were rewarded for their efforts in the State Leadership Conference and STAR Event. 

On March 20th, Students were recognized for their achievements and proficiency in chapter and individual attributions such as projects, leadership skills and career preparation. 

“FCCLA means ‘Family, Career and Community Leaders of America,’” Dr. Tiffany Smietana-Lysell, GS FCCLA Advisor of 5 years, said. “It’s a leadership organization for grades five through twelve … it focuses on personal development with students while doing community service and planning for their future.”  

They participated in the STAR state competition, which stands for “Students Taking Action and Recognition.” 

State leaderboard placements are determined using a point system with 90 through 100 earning Gold, 75 to 89 earning Silver and the remainder earning bronze. The more points a student earns, the higher up they are on the leaderboard. 

Three students qualified for nationals, each earning Gold in their respective categories: junior Lisa Leeman in National Programs in Action, junior Karma Schall in Chapter Service Display and junior Brenna Kohl in Chapter Service Display. 

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Morgan Ferczak

“It’s given me the opportunity to be more involved in the community, helping me with paying more attention to what other people need,” Kohl said. “We all try to tag team helping out in any way that we can.” 

Juniors Emily Ruggeri and Azreal Franklin earned Silver in Event Management and Professional Presentation, respectively.  

Along with them, junior Thomas Kohl was awarded for student timekeeper and voting delegate. 

All preparation and work that comes before the competition is primarily done outside of school, with their efforts being just as rigorous as what senior projects bring, according to Dr. Smietana-Lysell. 

Although everything is student led, the Advisors are able to keep them going in the right direction. 

“As Advisors, we act as guides and a resource for our student leaderships and officers,” Mrs. Morgan Ferczak, GS FCCLA Advisor of 3 years, said. “We work with our administration to do fundraising and events; we also make sure we can get in contact with our state and national representatives.” 

Students who made nationals will be attending the National Leadership Conference in Seattle this summer from June 29th through July 3rd.  

The conference is an opportunity for them to work with other members and Advisors from across the nation, as well as working with industry experts to further explore their career paths.    

“They did amazing, all placing Gold and Silver,” Dr. Smietana-Lysell said. “Azreal took third place in the whole state. … Karma and Brenna made second place … and Lisa got first in all of Pennsylvania. It was all absolutely remarkable.”