"The Stinger is a student-run newspaper designed to give voice to the Marion Center
Junior/Senior High School student body. The staff aims to demonstrate the value of free speech
and a free press through creating an informative and responsible newspaper that focuses on
issues and events important to the school community."
Junior/Senior High School student body. The staff aims to demonstrate the value of free speech
and a free press through creating an informative and responsible newspaper that focuses on
issues and events important to the school community."
News
Click the link below to check out MC's latest issue!
Pennies for Hearts
By Cherise Schultz and Grace Rougeaux
This year, Marion Center Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) had high hopes for their contribution to the state organization. Unlike past years, the club members this year wanted to give more, especially because many of the members are personally connected with this organization-- The American Heart Association. The club members started brainstorming quickly, knowing that there would need to be lots of preparation to make any fundraising a success. After days of contemplating, the final plan was set; FBLA was going to host a penny war.
After not having a penny war for years, it seemed like the prime opportunity to have one, but this one was going to be different. To try and meet the initial $250 goal, club members came up to with new ideas to help raise more money while also incorporating the idea of hearts. Along with the the basic rules for the penny way (pennies give you points, and silver coins go against your total) FBLA incorporated heart cutouts that students could buy that multiplied the classrooms penny total. The hearts were displayed outside of the teachers door, showing other students which rooms were the highest. On the third day of the penny war, new surprise came; black hearts.
For every $10 in pennies collected by a classroom, that class could give a black heart to another room, which takes away one of their heart multipliers. The students idea behind the black hearts was how heart issues happen suddenly, just like a classroom receiving a black heart. All of these new twists were well received by teachers and students alike, but mostly by the club members. All of the new twists on an old style penny war helped to push the club past their goal and everyone's expectations.
FBLA members Mia Urbani, Alyson Semetkoskey, Joe Semetkoskey, Marcus Badzik, T.J. Lynn, Cherise Schultz, Kaleb Farmery, and Dylan Ribeck helped to collect all of the money during 8th period every day during the week of the penny war. By the end of the week, the final total came in, far exceeding the initial goal: $2025.31 for The American Heart Association.
"I was really excited to see how well penny war went," Cherise Schultz said, "all of the students got really into it and so did the teachers." With all of the coins, the students in charge of collecting and organizing for the fundraiser helped take all of the money to the bank to deposit. This fundraiser has been the most successful fundraiser ever for Marion Center FBLA. With all of this success, the club now looks forward to states in April, where they hope to get recognition for the contribution for The American Heart Association.
By Cherise Schultz and Grace Rougeaux
This year, Marion Center Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) had high hopes for their contribution to the state organization. Unlike past years, the club members this year wanted to give more, especially because many of the members are personally connected with this organization-- The American Heart Association. The club members started brainstorming quickly, knowing that there would need to be lots of preparation to make any fundraising a success. After days of contemplating, the final plan was set; FBLA was going to host a penny war.
After not having a penny war for years, it seemed like the prime opportunity to have one, but this one was going to be different. To try and meet the initial $250 goal, club members came up to with new ideas to help raise more money while also incorporating the idea of hearts. Along with the the basic rules for the penny way (pennies give you points, and silver coins go against your total) FBLA incorporated heart cutouts that students could buy that multiplied the classrooms penny total. The hearts were displayed outside of the teachers door, showing other students which rooms were the highest. On the third day of the penny war, new surprise came; black hearts.
For every $10 in pennies collected by a classroom, that class could give a black heart to another room, which takes away one of their heart multipliers. The students idea behind the black hearts was how heart issues happen suddenly, just like a classroom receiving a black heart. All of these new twists were well received by teachers and students alike, but mostly by the club members. All of the new twists on an old style penny war helped to push the club past their goal and everyone's expectations.
FBLA members Mia Urbani, Alyson Semetkoskey, Joe Semetkoskey, Marcus Badzik, T.J. Lynn, Cherise Schultz, Kaleb Farmery, and Dylan Ribeck helped to collect all of the money during 8th period every day during the week of the penny war. By the end of the week, the final total came in, far exceeding the initial goal: $2025.31 for The American Heart Association.
"I was really excited to see how well penny war went," Cherise Schultz said, "all of the students got really into it and so did the teachers." With all of the coins, the students in charge of collecting and organizing for the fundraiser helped take all of the money to the bank to deposit. This fundraiser has been the most successful fundraiser ever for Marion Center FBLA. With all of this success, the club now looks forward to states in April, where they hope to get recognition for the contribution for The American Heart Association.
The Stingers Storeroom
By Lilly Ryer
As you walk into the Marion Center High School, a big green bin is set up in the lobby that reads, “Stingers Storeroom Donations”. What is the Stinger Storeroom? It is a place where the students of Marion Center can be provided clothing for any activity they made need it for. The donation box is how the Stinger Storeroom is stocked. People can drop off any clothing gently used at the front of the school. Senior Kaleb Farmery, a member of National Honors Society (NHS) who helps sort the donations said, "All of the clothes that have been collected have been donations from local people which will be sorted and provided to families in need.”
The Stinger Storeroom is looking for clothing donations of all kinds. In Marion Center there is a need for work clothing, such as boots or scrubs, formal attire that could be worn for an interview, and everyday clothing. The target of the Stingers Storeroom is for students from grade 7-12.
Many groups were involved in the creation of this project, but the idea originated from other school districts with a similar clothing closet. Ms. Lisa Magill and Mrs. Desiree Fuqua introduced this project to Marion Center. Students were very excited to learn about the project and wanted to help set up the Stingers Storeroom.
How does a storeroom become a reality? The students of Marion Center have been working diligently to make it come to life. A logo for the Stinger Storeroom was created by one of Mrs. Jill Cirelli’s art students, Clarissa Marshall. The donation bins were created by Mr. Jeremy Cattau’s students. These bins are overflowing with clothing to be sorted. NHS, Athena, and the seventh grade LEAD program all help organize the clothes donated for the store room. All of the volunteers were pleasantly surprised to see the donation bins filled to the rim with clothing that needed sorting. The life skills students wash, dry, and fold the donated clothing to clean them before students pick them out. As you can see, this new project has been very successful in finding donations and many students willing to help.
The way the Stinger Store Room is going to work is students can either pick out the clothing in school or order the clothing of their choosing on an online catalog to provide an anonymous environment for the students. This was made to make an embarrassment free site for students to get clothing. Mr. Scott Peterson is working to create this catalog. You may be wondering how this works when finished, students will be able to go to the Marion Center school website (mcasd.net) to order clothing. This clothing will then be set aside and the students will be able to pick it up at school at a given time.
Heading towards the future, many visions and hopes for this project have been set. The president of NHS, Isaac Ryer, said, "The hope is that it will allow students to be provided clothing to go to job interviews, dances, or just for everyday clothes to help give them advantages that weren't previously given to them."
As time continues, Ms. Magill is hoping to expand to clothing for school dances and hygiene supplies as well. Right now the Stinger Storeroom only has clothing for students grades 7-12, but, with help from the community, could expand to elementary ages in the future.
By Lilly Ryer
As you walk into the Marion Center High School, a big green bin is set up in the lobby that reads, “Stingers Storeroom Donations”. What is the Stinger Storeroom? It is a place where the students of Marion Center can be provided clothing for any activity they made need it for. The donation box is how the Stinger Storeroom is stocked. People can drop off any clothing gently used at the front of the school. Senior Kaleb Farmery, a member of National Honors Society (NHS) who helps sort the donations said, "All of the clothes that have been collected have been donations from local people which will be sorted and provided to families in need.”
The Stinger Storeroom is looking for clothing donations of all kinds. In Marion Center there is a need for work clothing, such as boots or scrubs, formal attire that could be worn for an interview, and everyday clothing. The target of the Stingers Storeroom is for students from grade 7-12.
Many groups were involved in the creation of this project, but the idea originated from other school districts with a similar clothing closet. Ms. Lisa Magill and Mrs. Desiree Fuqua introduced this project to Marion Center. Students were very excited to learn about the project and wanted to help set up the Stingers Storeroom.
How does a storeroom become a reality? The students of Marion Center have been working diligently to make it come to life. A logo for the Stinger Storeroom was created by one of Mrs. Jill Cirelli’s art students, Clarissa Marshall. The donation bins were created by Mr. Jeremy Cattau’s students. These bins are overflowing with clothing to be sorted. NHS, Athena, and the seventh grade LEAD program all help organize the clothes donated for the store room. All of the volunteers were pleasantly surprised to see the donation bins filled to the rim with clothing that needed sorting. The life skills students wash, dry, and fold the donated clothing to clean them before students pick them out. As you can see, this new project has been very successful in finding donations and many students willing to help.
The way the Stinger Store Room is going to work is students can either pick out the clothing in school or order the clothing of their choosing on an online catalog to provide an anonymous environment for the students. This was made to make an embarrassment free site for students to get clothing. Mr. Scott Peterson is working to create this catalog. You may be wondering how this works when finished, students will be able to go to the Marion Center school website (mcasd.net) to order clothing. This clothing will then be set aside and the students will be able to pick it up at school at a given time.
Heading towards the future, many visions and hopes for this project have been set. The president of NHS, Isaac Ryer, said, "The hope is that it will allow students to be provided clothing to go to job interviews, dances, or just for everyday clothes to help give them advantages that weren't previously given to them."
As time continues, Ms. Magill is hoping to expand to clothing for school dances and hygiene supplies as well. Right now the Stinger Storeroom only has clothing for students grades 7-12, but, with help from the community, could expand to elementary ages in the future.
Miles of Competition
By Cherise Schultz
With the arrival of the winter snow, ice, and bitter cold, also comes the seasonal sports everyone knows and loves. Basketball, swimming, and wrestling occupy the majority of the year-round athletes, but for many of the other athletes, the winter season can be one where they lose the benefits from all of their work and training over the summer and fall. However, for many of the year-round runners that are part of the track and cross country teams, the winter season is one where they can train hard and be ahead by the time spring track comes around. The winter track team is making big strides this year, ones looking to increase athlete training, as well as the coaches personal training.
From an idea first proposed by coaches Chris Peters, Nicole Dann, and Luke Sitosky, the winter track team has implemented a competition between coaches and student athletes. Through the activity tracking app Strava, coaches and athletes track the miles they run, and a portion of distances from their other activities, hoping to be in the top three runners, based off of mileage, at the end of the week. "My hope is to use this as a fun way to encourage everyone to stay active over winter." Coach Peters says. Unlike some of the skills learned in other sports, consistently running and staying moving is crucial to hold onto the gains made throughout track and cross country seasons.
Just like over the summer and mid-season, winter training can help runners keep and improve on their skills, technique, and endurance. Keeping in line with the 2017 Marion Center Cross Country motto, "Keep Moving!", new and life long runners alike are doing just that this winter. State champions and beginner runners; previous high school athletes and collegiate athletes-- people from all backgrounds are stepping up to the challenge. “We are all really competitive,” Sophomore Charlotte Gardner says, “the competition is pushing us to keep running between practices, on our own.”
With this new level of training over the winter, the athletes and coaches have high hopes for the quickly approaching spring track season. With the team growing every year, and with the upbringing of junior high athletes, this season looks to be one of their most successful yet.
By Cherise Schultz
With the arrival of the winter snow, ice, and bitter cold, also comes the seasonal sports everyone knows and loves. Basketball, swimming, and wrestling occupy the majority of the year-round athletes, but for many of the other athletes, the winter season can be one where they lose the benefits from all of their work and training over the summer and fall. However, for many of the year-round runners that are part of the track and cross country teams, the winter season is one where they can train hard and be ahead by the time spring track comes around. The winter track team is making big strides this year, ones looking to increase athlete training, as well as the coaches personal training.
From an idea first proposed by coaches Chris Peters, Nicole Dann, and Luke Sitosky, the winter track team has implemented a competition between coaches and student athletes. Through the activity tracking app Strava, coaches and athletes track the miles they run, and a portion of distances from their other activities, hoping to be in the top three runners, based off of mileage, at the end of the week. "My hope is to use this as a fun way to encourage everyone to stay active over winter." Coach Peters says. Unlike some of the skills learned in other sports, consistently running and staying moving is crucial to hold onto the gains made throughout track and cross country seasons.
Just like over the summer and mid-season, winter training can help runners keep and improve on their skills, technique, and endurance. Keeping in line with the 2017 Marion Center Cross Country motto, "Keep Moving!", new and life long runners alike are doing just that this winter. State champions and beginner runners; previous high school athletes and collegiate athletes-- people from all backgrounds are stepping up to the challenge. “We are all really competitive,” Sophomore Charlotte Gardner says, “the competition is pushing us to keep running between practices, on our own.”
With this new level of training over the winter, the athletes and coaches have high hopes for the quickly approaching spring track season. With the team growing every year, and with the upbringing of junior high athletes, this season looks to be one of their most successful yet.
Making History: MC Quiz Bowl Advances to the State Competition
By Lilly Ryer
The Marion Center Quiz Bowl Team competed at the Indiana County Academic League (ICAL) on December 18th, 2019 at the Rustic Lodge. The varsity team of Riley Hays, Hunter Peterson, Joe Semetkoskey, Josh Tozer, and Jonah Vaglia placed first at the ICAL. The junior varsity team of Callie Bland, Rhys Davies, Kaleb Farmery, Isaac Ryer, and Zack Short also performed very well, and placed second overall.
The varsity team is advancing to states, which is on April 24th at the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Mrs. Alyson Berezanksy, an English teacher at Marion Center, is the coach of Quiz Bowl. She was thrilled about the team winning. “I’m so unbelievably proud of the work and dedication from these students and that it paid off!” Berezanksy said, with a beaming smile.
Senior Josh Tozer earned MVP honors for the varsity Quiz Bowl team. This is his second year of participating in Quiz Bowl. He was very excited about winning, just like the rest of the teams and the school community. “When I found out our team had won,” Tozer exclaims “I jumped off the stage and hugged Mrs. Berezansky!”
After years of trying to build up the team through constant studying and practice, the seniors, along with the other team members, finally got what they have been working so hard for. Another one of the eight seniors, Riley Hays, was very excited about winning. “I was shocked,” Riley said, “However, I had high hopes going in.” Those high aspirations paired with their hard work is what pushed the team to the top.
The Quiz Bowl team regularly practices every Wednesday. Mrs. Berezansky said in preparation for states they will, “Practice questions in the format they are going to be in at the state competition, which is different than the ICAL.” At states, instead of five varsity students competing, only four varsity students can compete. Also, there are different rounds such as the 10 Point Toss Up and Fan Fair. All this considered, the team will have to prepare more than ever before to make the most of this opportunity.
This win was very exhilarating for the whole team. “This is the first time Marion Center Quiz Bowl has made it to states in our memory.” Berezansky said. The team has diligently been practicing and Berezansky stated, “I think we are going to do well [at states] based on their diversity of knowledge.” The students and school community look forward to see how the team performs at states.
By Lilly Ryer
The Marion Center Quiz Bowl Team competed at the Indiana County Academic League (ICAL) on December 18th, 2019 at the Rustic Lodge. The varsity team of Riley Hays, Hunter Peterson, Joe Semetkoskey, Josh Tozer, and Jonah Vaglia placed first at the ICAL. The junior varsity team of Callie Bland, Rhys Davies, Kaleb Farmery, Isaac Ryer, and Zack Short also performed very well, and placed second overall.
The varsity team is advancing to states, which is on April 24th at the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Mrs. Alyson Berezanksy, an English teacher at Marion Center, is the coach of Quiz Bowl. She was thrilled about the team winning. “I’m so unbelievably proud of the work and dedication from these students and that it paid off!” Berezanksy said, with a beaming smile.
Senior Josh Tozer earned MVP honors for the varsity Quiz Bowl team. This is his second year of participating in Quiz Bowl. He was very excited about winning, just like the rest of the teams and the school community. “When I found out our team had won,” Tozer exclaims “I jumped off the stage and hugged Mrs. Berezansky!”
After years of trying to build up the team through constant studying and practice, the seniors, along with the other team members, finally got what they have been working so hard for. Another one of the eight seniors, Riley Hays, was very excited about winning. “I was shocked,” Riley said, “However, I had high hopes going in.” Those high aspirations paired with their hard work is what pushed the team to the top.
The Quiz Bowl team regularly practices every Wednesday. Mrs. Berezansky said in preparation for states they will, “Practice questions in the format they are going to be in at the state competition, which is different than the ICAL.” At states, instead of five varsity students competing, only four varsity students can compete. Also, there are different rounds such as the 10 Point Toss Up and Fan Fair. All this considered, the team will have to prepare more than ever before to make the most of this opportunity.
This win was very exhilarating for the whole team. “This is the first time Marion Center Quiz Bowl has made it to states in our memory.” Berezansky said. The team has diligently been practicing and Berezansky stated, “I think we are going to do well [at states] based on their diversity of knowledge.” The students and school community look forward to see how the team performs at states.
Future Farmers of Marion Center; Success in FFA
By Cherise Schultz
Across the county, many high schools and their students take part in activities branching from all types of academics and athletics. Like many of the other rural schools around, Marion Center schools are strong in other aspects outside of the classroom and gym; Agriculture. Marion Center high school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) club is one of the busiest and most productive clubs for students. The new opportunities brought by it allows for students to build up what they have grown up around, and create new opportunities themselves.
Recently, some of the FFA club seniors reached new highs. Aurora Buterbaugh and Alaina Leasure, dedicated seniors and leaders of the club, received their Keystone Degree at the Mid-Winter Convention at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The Keystone Degree is not one that comes easily; senior club members must show their achievements and work in a supervised agricultural experience program (SAE). With each of their efforts and investments, the two seniors proved to be some of the best in the program. Especially given that only a small percentage of the club members across the state qualify for this degree, these two Marion Center students have represented their school, community, and family well.
“The Keystone Degree is the highest award you can receive,” Leasure says, “it’s nice to see all of the hard work over the years pay off.” To get this degree, you need to be constantly working towards it and your projects throughout high school. Each year the school sees just how much work these students put into their projects, and it is nice for the students, the school, and the club to see results like these after everything.
Along with the seniors, other students have shown their dedication in other aspects of FFA. Pennsylvania Future Farmers of America are big advocates for Agricultural Education, and they want to help spread awareness and knowledge. To help with this, the organization offers Learning by Doing Grants, and Junior Aiden Cattau applied and received this grant to help him with his own SAE with sheep.
There are opportunities for all students in the club, even first year members. New members Denton Park and Anthony Trent received their First Year FFA jackets. After completing writing prompts, these two Marion Center Freshmen proved to be some of the best across Pennsylvania.
With all of the club’s success across all grades, Marion Center FFA looks to continue its success throughout the community. Going along perfectly with the foundations goal of providing more agricultural opportunities and education, Marion Center’s current club members look to continue to grow awareness across the school and community. We wish all of these well accomplished club members luck in their future projects and goals.
By Cherise Schultz
Across the county, many high schools and their students take part in activities branching from all types of academics and athletics. Like many of the other rural schools around, Marion Center schools are strong in other aspects outside of the classroom and gym; Agriculture. Marion Center high school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) club is one of the busiest and most productive clubs for students. The new opportunities brought by it allows for students to build up what they have grown up around, and create new opportunities themselves.
Recently, some of the FFA club seniors reached new highs. Aurora Buterbaugh and Alaina Leasure, dedicated seniors and leaders of the club, received their Keystone Degree at the Mid-Winter Convention at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The Keystone Degree is not one that comes easily; senior club members must show their achievements and work in a supervised agricultural experience program (SAE). With each of their efforts and investments, the two seniors proved to be some of the best in the program. Especially given that only a small percentage of the club members across the state qualify for this degree, these two Marion Center students have represented their school, community, and family well.
“The Keystone Degree is the highest award you can receive,” Leasure says, “it’s nice to see all of the hard work over the years pay off.” To get this degree, you need to be constantly working towards it and your projects throughout high school. Each year the school sees just how much work these students put into their projects, and it is nice for the students, the school, and the club to see results like these after everything.
Along with the seniors, other students have shown their dedication in other aspects of FFA. Pennsylvania Future Farmers of America are big advocates for Agricultural Education, and they want to help spread awareness and knowledge. To help with this, the organization offers Learning by Doing Grants, and Junior Aiden Cattau applied and received this grant to help him with his own SAE with sheep.
There are opportunities for all students in the club, even first year members. New members Denton Park and Anthony Trent received their First Year FFA jackets. After completing writing prompts, these two Marion Center Freshmen proved to be some of the best across Pennsylvania.
With all of the club’s success across all grades, Marion Center FFA looks to continue its success throughout the community. Going along perfectly with the foundations goal of providing more agricultural opportunities and education, Marion Center’s current club members look to continue to grow awareness across the school and community. We wish all of these well accomplished club members luck in their future projects and goals.
Marion Center Business Leaders
By Cherise Schultz
Marion Center Future Business Leaders of America has been consistently one of the high school’s most successful clubs. Since 2011, the club has had students place in the top 10 at states, and they have attended nationals 3 times out of those years. With this history of success, it comes as no surprise that the club has sent another motivated group of people to states this year. This April, the club is taking one of its biggest groups to states, with 24 out of the 33 members going, all with high goals in mind.
The high school FBLA is advised by business and computer teacher Mr. Tyson Ellenberger and Mrs. Rebecca Usko. Ellenberger and Usko have been the advisors of this club since 2010. With the experience and knowledge they have gained over the years, they have been able to build on a system for success, giving students the best opportunity to succeed. Not only has this club turned into one that students strive to succeed in, but FBLA has become a passion to help guide many of the students, and has helped to open their eyes to new possibilities outside of highschool. “It doesn’t matter what they decide to do outside of school,” Ellenberger says,”if you are in FBLA, you will learn the leadership needed to succeed.”
Leadership is one of the biggest skills gained through FBLA. Seen year after year, Marion Center high school students look to get the most out of this club and the experiences brought to them. Marion Center students have consistently held officer positions at the region level, and now are even working towards potential state officer positions. FBLA Region 3 President, and Marion Center Chapter President Kaleb Farmery says “This position has allowed me to work on my leadership and communication skills.” All members, from the officers to the basic club members, get so many opportunities to build their character in ways that will benefit them for years to come.
Along with the success among the high school students in FBLA, the growing middle level branch at Marion Center has helped the chapter as a whole. Under the supervision of Mrs. Usko, students in middle level FBLA (an extended branch of FBLA for 7th and 8th grade students) have scored in the top places at states and have helped to grow the high school chapter. Since its start in 2014, younger students have begun to learn the value of the club and the types of experiences it brings. Many of the students who were part of the club during middle level have now moved on to succeed at the high school level. Motivated from their success last year, this year’s new members who were previously in middle level have already claimed their spots at states this year. With few schools offering middle level FBLA, this is an extra benefit that Marion Center offers to their students.
As the group from Marion Center continues to prepare for the state conference, the possibilities of moving on to nationals grows more and more. With hard work and high hopes from all of the members, advisors, and community, Marion Center FBLA looks to have one of its best turn-outs at states. The school wishes the students luck on their tests and performances, and hopes to see more success in the coming months.
By Cherise Schultz
Marion Center Future Business Leaders of America has been consistently one of the high school’s most successful clubs. Since 2011, the club has had students place in the top 10 at states, and they have attended nationals 3 times out of those years. With this history of success, it comes as no surprise that the club has sent another motivated group of people to states this year. This April, the club is taking one of its biggest groups to states, with 24 out of the 33 members going, all with high goals in mind.
The high school FBLA is advised by business and computer teacher Mr. Tyson Ellenberger and Mrs. Rebecca Usko. Ellenberger and Usko have been the advisors of this club since 2010. With the experience and knowledge they have gained over the years, they have been able to build on a system for success, giving students the best opportunity to succeed. Not only has this club turned into one that students strive to succeed in, but FBLA has become a passion to help guide many of the students, and has helped to open their eyes to new possibilities outside of highschool. “It doesn’t matter what they decide to do outside of school,” Ellenberger says,”if you are in FBLA, you will learn the leadership needed to succeed.”
Leadership is one of the biggest skills gained through FBLA. Seen year after year, Marion Center high school students look to get the most out of this club and the experiences brought to them. Marion Center students have consistently held officer positions at the region level, and now are even working towards potential state officer positions. FBLA Region 3 President, and Marion Center Chapter President Kaleb Farmery says “This position has allowed me to work on my leadership and communication skills.” All members, from the officers to the basic club members, get so many opportunities to build their character in ways that will benefit them for years to come.
Along with the success among the high school students in FBLA, the growing middle level branch at Marion Center has helped the chapter as a whole. Under the supervision of Mrs. Usko, students in middle level FBLA (an extended branch of FBLA for 7th and 8th grade students) have scored in the top places at states and have helped to grow the high school chapter. Since its start in 2014, younger students have begun to learn the value of the club and the types of experiences it brings. Many of the students who were part of the club during middle level have now moved on to succeed at the high school level. Motivated from their success last year, this year’s new members who were previously in middle level have already claimed their spots at states this year. With few schools offering middle level FBLA, this is an extra benefit that Marion Center offers to their students.
As the group from Marion Center continues to prepare for the state conference, the possibilities of moving on to nationals grows more and more. With hard work and high hopes from all of the members, advisors, and community, Marion Center FBLA looks to have one of its best turn-outs at states. The school wishes the students luck on their tests and performances, and hopes to see more success in the coming months.
Science in The Band Room; Unconventional and Successful Jazz Band
By Cherise Schultz and Lilly Ryer
Jazz, one of the most loved genres of music. Listening to jazz music can be exciting in itself, but playing in a jazz band can be a whole new experience. Like most high schools, Marion Center has a jazz band of its own, but there is something special about this high-achieving band; the director is a science teacher.
The jazz band director, Mr. Thomas Betts, has always been a lover of music. Along with being the director for the past three years, he has assisted with jazz bands for around thirty years. As a strong musician himself, playing in the IUP community for years, as well as being part of many other bands throughout his career, Betts has found a love in directing young students, as well as teaching them in his day to day science classes. “It's a really nice diversion,” Betts says, “because I've always loved music as well as science. This gives me a chance to do both.”
Over the past three years of being the high school’s primary jazz band director, Betts has been involved in 6 different concerts. With students of all backgrounds and from all grades, the Marion Center jazz band has proven to be one of the strongest bands in the county. Out of those three years, Betts has assisted in auditioning and sending 6 different students to district jazz band. This, along with the positive remarks and smiling faces after the jazz band plays, proves just how successful the band has been, and how much of an asset Betts has been to the students.
Like every year, this year’s jazz band has changed immensely. “The students this year are very talented and dedicated,” Betts said. This dedication is what makes the band so successful. Even having lost some members, the band continues to be successful, as they showed at their winter concert last week.
Betts is a big believer in solos, especially in jazz band. “Jazz band is a great opportunity,” Betts says. By being part of a smaller band, you are able to highlight individual players, and Betts does this at every concert. From the time he started directing the band, every song has had some form of solo section. He has even included a song with a singing feature from one of the students in every one of his programs. Jazz band encourages students to leave their comfort zones.
Tenth grader and jazz trumpet player Madison Walker shares her thoughts on the jazz band. “It is very fun because everyone wants to be there and have fun,” Walker says. With the dedication and desire to be a part of something great, the jazz band looks to be strong for years to come. Not only is the dedication from the students a must, but the love and dedication that Betts brings to the band creates an positive dynamic that will ensure success for a long time.
By Cherise Schultz and Lilly Ryer
Jazz, one of the most loved genres of music. Listening to jazz music can be exciting in itself, but playing in a jazz band can be a whole new experience. Like most high schools, Marion Center has a jazz band of its own, but there is something special about this high-achieving band; the director is a science teacher.
The jazz band director, Mr. Thomas Betts, has always been a lover of music. Along with being the director for the past three years, he has assisted with jazz bands for around thirty years. As a strong musician himself, playing in the IUP community for years, as well as being part of many other bands throughout his career, Betts has found a love in directing young students, as well as teaching them in his day to day science classes. “It's a really nice diversion,” Betts says, “because I've always loved music as well as science. This gives me a chance to do both.”
Over the past three years of being the high school’s primary jazz band director, Betts has been involved in 6 different concerts. With students of all backgrounds and from all grades, the Marion Center jazz band has proven to be one of the strongest bands in the county. Out of those three years, Betts has assisted in auditioning and sending 6 different students to district jazz band. This, along with the positive remarks and smiling faces after the jazz band plays, proves just how successful the band has been, and how much of an asset Betts has been to the students.
Like every year, this year’s jazz band has changed immensely. “The students this year are very talented and dedicated,” Betts said. This dedication is what makes the band so successful. Even having lost some members, the band continues to be successful, as they showed at their winter concert last week.
Betts is a big believer in solos, especially in jazz band. “Jazz band is a great opportunity,” Betts says. By being part of a smaller band, you are able to highlight individual players, and Betts does this at every concert. From the time he started directing the band, every song has had some form of solo section. He has even included a song with a singing feature from one of the students in every one of his programs. Jazz band encourages students to leave their comfort zones.
Tenth grader and jazz trumpet player Madison Walker shares her thoughts on the jazz band. “It is very fun because everyone wants to be there and have fun,” Walker says. With the dedication and desire to be a part of something great, the jazz band looks to be strong for years to come. Not only is the dedication from the students a must, but the love and dedication that Betts brings to the band creates an positive dynamic that will ensure success for a long time.
An A-maze-ing Time; FFA Hosts Fall Festival for Elementary Students
By Grace Rougeaux
Each year, the Marion Center FFA (Future Farmers of America) Club hosts a small festival for the Rayne and McCreery elementary students so they can learn about agriculture. Members of the club organize activities for the students to learn from; some of the members of the club even bring in a few of their farm animals such as baby pigs, cows, donkeys, sheep, horses, and bunnies. The elementary kids are allowed to pet the animals. They learn about them and other things at the activity-based learning stations. The educational stations available at the festival include musical hay bales, a walk through the zoo, seed art, pumpkin painting, a corn maze, and an apple cider making demonstration and a snack. 25 FFA students helped and 250 elementary students attended.
One of the most popular attractions, the corn maze, was made by the FFA students themselves! Keegan Whitfield and Hunter Armstrong, both seniors in the club, came up with the idea of making their own corn maze. They first drew out a template. Then they placed posts in the ground with wire that they used to weave around the corn stalks. Building the maze took about a week and roughly an acre of corn was cut to use for the maze. They also placed a trap door in the maze for fun. The kids absolutely loved it, and many even wrote in their thank you letters to the club that it was their favorite part.
Each member of the club had a specific role in order to make sure the festival was successful. Marion Center FFA president, senior Alaina Leasure, said her role was to organize most of the festival, and make sure everything ran smoothly throughout the day. She also had help from senior Gabe McClellan who also made sure each station had all their materials and had everything under control.
Carter Lydic, a junior member of the club, said his favorite part was “seeing the joy of the little kids’ faces.” Lydic brought in some of his baby pigs for the elementary kids to see and learn about. Leasure and McCllelan also agreed that seeing the kids so happy was one of their favorite parts of the festival.
McCllelan added in that he enjoyed “talking to the kids and getting feedback from them so that we know what they like and dislike for the future festivals.” Leasure agreed, saying that she also enjoyed organizing the festival and seeing the kids have fun, along with the other FFA members, who were also enjoying the festival while teaching them about agriculture.
The Fall Festival was an overall success and the elementary students, as well as the high school, learned so much, while having a good time. The kids cannot wait for another festival! The schools thanks all of the club members and club advisor, Jeremy Cattau, for making this all possible.
By Grace Rougeaux
Each year, the Marion Center FFA (Future Farmers of America) Club hosts a small festival for the Rayne and McCreery elementary students so they can learn about agriculture. Members of the club organize activities for the students to learn from; some of the members of the club even bring in a few of their farm animals such as baby pigs, cows, donkeys, sheep, horses, and bunnies. The elementary kids are allowed to pet the animals. They learn about them and other things at the activity-based learning stations. The educational stations available at the festival include musical hay bales, a walk through the zoo, seed art, pumpkin painting, a corn maze, and an apple cider making demonstration and a snack. 25 FFA students helped and 250 elementary students attended.
One of the most popular attractions, the corn maze, was made by the FFA students themselves! Keegan Whitfield and Hunter Armstrong, both seniors in the club, came up with the idea of making their own corn maze. They first drew out a template. Then they placed posts in the ground with wire that they used to weave around the corn stalks. Building the maze took about a week and roughly an acre of corn was cut to use for the maze. They also placed a trap door in the maze for fun. The kids absolutely loved it, and many even wrote in their thank you letters to the club that it was their favorite part.
Each member of the club had a specific role in order to make sure the festival was successful. Marion Center FFA president, senior Alaina Leasure, said her role was to organize most of the festival, and make sure everything ran smoothly throughout the day. She also had help from senior Gabe McClellan who also made sure each station had all their materials and had everything under control.
Carter Lydic, a junior member of the club, said his favorite part was “seeing the joy of the little kids’ faces.” Lydic brought in some of his baby pigs for the elementary kids to see and learn about. Leasure and McCllelan also agreed that seeing the kids so happy was one of their favorite parts of the festival.
McCllelan added in that he enjoyed “talking to the kids and getting feedback from them so that we know what they like and dislike for the future festivals.” Leasure agreed, saying that she also enjoyed organizing the festival and seeing the kids have fun, along with the other FFA members, who were also enjoying the festival while teaching them about agriculture.
The Fall Festival was an overall success and the elementary students, as well as the high school, learned so much, while having a good time. The kids cannot wait for another festival! The schools thanks all of the club members and club advisor, Jeremy Cattau, for making this all possible.
Art for Sale; MCHS Art Club Students Fundraise for Trip
By Cherise Schultz
Throughout Marion Center high school, fundraisers fill the halls, giving teachers, students, and families the opportunity to purchase items to help local organizations. Typically, the go-to items to sell are food based, but with so many clubs and activities joining in on the food fundraising hype, it can be hard to make a considerable profit and make yourself and your club stick out from the rest. The Art Club, as it has for many years, is stepping outside of the box and creating fundraisers that will directly benefit the students, while still keeping the idea of art in mind.
Last week, Marion Center high school’s art club hosted its first “Paint Party.” Just like it sounds, this “Paint Party” invited anyone to come and make a fall themed painting, talk, listen to music, and enjoy some time with others with the same interests, art. Club members helped guide the attendees along in their painting, allowing them to make the best of their time there. “I was really proud to see how well they did,” club advisor and art teacher Mrs. Jill Cirelli said, “the kids have been working really hard for many years.” This year, the club hopes to take a trip to New York, to either visit art museums, see a musical, or something similar. With such high ambitions, the club has needed to come up with unique ideas in order to meet their goal.
With the funds needing to come quickly, and the possible trip approaching, the Art Club is working its hardest in order to raise enough money to help the cost. As holiday season starts rounding the corner, people can expect to see ornaments made by the pottery students, and other holiday gifts or decorations for sale. There is a possibility of a paint/glaze your own ornament night at the school in the coming months. Keep an eye out for any future fundraisers the art club has to bring, you may find something you can love, while still supporting some of the schools most creative students.
By Cherise Schultz
Throughout Marion Center high school, fundraisers fill the halls, giving teachers, students, and families the opportunity to purchase items to help local organizations. Typically, the go-to items to sell are food based, but with so many clubs and activities joining in on the food fundraising hype, it can be hard to make a considerable profit and make yourself and your club stick out from the rest. The Art Club, as it has for many years, is stepping outside of the box and creating fundraisers that will directly benefit the students, while still keeping the idea of art in mind.
Last week, Marion Center high school’s art club hosted its first “Paint Party.” Just like it sounds, this “Paint Party” invited anyone to come and make a fall themed painting, talk, listen to music, and enjoy some time with others with the same interests, art. Club members helped guide the attendees along in their painting, allowing them to make the best of their time there. “I was really proud to see how well they did,” club advisor and art teacher Mrs. Jill Cirelli said, “the kids have been working really hard for many years.” This year, the club hopes to take a trip to New York, to either visit art museums, see a musical, or something similar. With such high ambitions, the club has needed to come up with unique ideas in order to meet their goal.
With the funds needing to come quickly, and the possible trip approaching, the Art Club is working its hardest in order to raise enough money to help the cost. As holiday season starts rounding the corner, people can expect to see ornaments made by the pottery students, and other holiday gifts or decorations for sale. There is a possibility of a paint/glaze your own ornament night at the school in the coming months. Keep an eye out for any future fundraisers the art club has to bring, you may find something you can love, while still supporting some of the schools most creative students.
Marion Center Cross Country Fueling Station
By Grace Rougeaux
Marion Center High School, home of the defending girls’ Class A Cross Country State Champions, and Heritage Conference Boys Champions and a strong Junior High team, have found yet another way to make their team better. They call it the “Fueling Station.” The “Fueling Station” is exactly what is sounds like, a place where runners can go to get a before and after practice snack to help fuel them up helping them to develop into better athletes. This new addition to Marion Center’s cross country program is overseen by Assistant Cross Country Coach Nicole Dann, a registered sports dietitian who works for IUP and IRMC. After years of encouraging athletes to fuel themselves before and after practices, this new fueling station is helping to ensure that athletes are getting the vital nutrients they need. Foods such as cheese, pretzels, fruits, low-fat chocolate milk, and more are helping to give athletes the benefits to push through the season. When athletes get these types of foods shortly after practices, it can help “assist with proper recovery, repair damaged muscles, build new muscle, and reduce inflammation,” according to Dann. With the fueling station they are easily able to restore these nutrients right after practice.
Head Coach Chris Peters said, “Coach Dann adjusts the food that we provide to fit the workout and even the weather. Our Boosters follow her guidance and make sure that we have the foods our athletes need. We are very fortunate to have great Boosters and our very own sports dietitian as a coach.”
The biggest question on everyone’s minds is whether these new fueling stations are working. Dann is confident they are. “In the past, some runners would feel weak, light-headed, and not have enough energy to get through practice due to eating a very early lunch and not eating anything before practice.” A mini fueling station set up in Peters’ classroom has helped to fix this issue for the practices after school, but that is not where the fueling ends. Along with ensuring proper fuel during daily practices, a fueling station designed for after practices helps to prepare for practice days in advance. The “Fueling Station,” after practices helps “runners to recover more quickly between training sessions, which allows them to maximize and get more out of the next day’s training session, which leads to increased performances,” said Dann. This combination of pre-practice and post-practice fueling is what the coaches hope will give the team an extra edge this season.
Junior Levi Waltemire says that the station “is a valuable tool because you get an immediate intake of carbs and protein right after practice which helps with recovery.” His favorite snack they are offered, along with many other students, is the low-fat chocolate milk.
Coach Dann got the idea of bringing a fueling station to Marion Center’s cross country team because, as a collegiate sports dietitian, she has been familiar with their use by the most successful collegiate programs. In fact, she is also overseeing a fueling station at IUP this year. Coach Peters, was interested in the idea as well, and they worked together with the cross country boosters to bring the idea to life.
The fueling station seems to be working. Only time will tell whether or not it helps bring the State Championship back to Marion Center this fall.
By Grace Rougeaux
Marion Center High School, home of the defending girls’ Class A Cross Country State Champions, and Heritage Conference Boys Champions and a strong Junior High team, have found yet another way to make their team better. They call it the “Fueling Station.” The “Fueling Station” is exactly what is sounds like, a place where runners can go to get a before and after practice snack to help fuel them up helping them to develop into better athletes. This new addition to Marion Center’s cross country program is overseen by Assistant Cross Country Coach Nicole Dann, a registered sports dietitian who works for IUP and IRMC. After years of encouraging athletes to fuel themselves before and after practices, this new fueling station is helping to ensure that athletes are getting the vital nutrients they need. Foods such as cheese, pretzels, fruits, low-fat chocolate milk, and more are helping to give athletes the benefits to push through the season. When athletes get these types of foods shortly after practices, it can help “assist with proper recovery, repair damaged muscles, build new muscle, and reduce inflammation,” according to Dann. With the fueling station they are easily able to restore these nutrients right after practice.
Head Coach Chris Peters said, “Coach Dann adjusts the food that we provide to fit the workout and even the weather. Our Boosters follow her guidance and make sure that we have the foods our athletes need. We are very fortunate to have great Boosters and our very own sports dietitian as a coach.”
The biggest question on everyone’s minds is whether these new fueling stations are working. Dann is confident they are. “In the past, some runners would feel weak, light-headed, and not have enough energy to get through practice due to eating a very early lunch and not eating anything before practice.” A mini fueling station set up in Peters’ classroom has helped to fix this issue for the practices after school, but that is not where the fueling ends. Along with ensuring proper fuel during daily practices, a fueling station designed for after practices helps to prepare for practice days in advance. The “Fueling Station,” after practices helps “runners to recover more quickly between training sessions, which allows them to maximize and get more out of the next day’s training session, which leads to increased performances,” said Dann. This combination of pre-practice and post-practice fueling is what the coaches hope will give the team an extra edge this season.
Junior Levi Waltemire says that the station “is a valuable tool because you get an immediate intake of carbs and protein right after practice which helps with recovery.” His favorite snack they are offered, along with many other students, is the low-fat chocolate milk.
Coach Dann got the idea of bringing a fueling station to Marion Center’s cross country team because, as a collegiate sports dietitian, she has been familiar with their use by the most successful collegiate programs. In fact, she is also overseeing a fueling station at IUP this year. Coach Peters, was interested in the idea as well, and they worked together with the cross country boosters to bring the idea to life.
The fueling station seems to be working. Only time will tell whether or not it helps bring the State Championship back to Marion Center this fall.
Soaring High; Marion Center Eagle Scouts
By Cherise Schultz
Communities everywhere are full of children and adults who once were part of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations, helping them and the community grow. As these students grow and graduate from the organization, some move onto new things, while others stick around with the organization to continue their growth. At Marion Center High School, there is a new group of these students that have grown up with the scouting organizations, and many of them have recently reached the goal set in their mind since they were kids. Newly recognized Eagle Scouts Tyler Sacco and Anthony Scott have worked years for this honor, and people are beginning to take notice.
Most people have heard of Eagle Scouts and many even know one, but unless someone is close with the organization, very few people know and understand the honor that comes with reaching this rank. New Eagle Scout Anthony Scott, who recently reached this rank in March, has been working towards this accomplishment for the past 5 years. Unknown to many, the process of reaching an Eagle Scout rank is a very long one. Through the years it takes to achieve this, one must go through multiple different requirements, both physical and skill based, as well as proving and growing their leadership skills. Through many activities within the Boy Scout organization, people who stay with the scouts throughout school are set up to be able to earn the Eagle Scout rank.
One of the biggest challenges throughout the entire process is the project, and local Marion Center Eagle Scouts are making the most out of it. Tyler Sacco helped the community by building a new sign, marking the town and school district. Scott also helped the Mack Park pool by building a set of picnic tables and benches for community members to use while at the pool over the summer. Both projects required many hours of work from the future Eagle Scouts, and you can see that work reflected into the finished product. The project is one that most people focus on, but as Scott says, “the process is becoming, not the project,” showing everyone that there is so much more that goes into becoming an Eagle Scout, not just the project at the end. Through hard work and motivation, both had achieved the highest rank, and are just like the people they looked up to before, and will be people young scouts look to for years to come.
“It was fun,” says Scott, “toward the end, it was complicated, because of the focus on the project, but you get to apply all of the things you learned from the campouts, activities, and leaders over the years.” The final achievement highlights the importance of the smaller tasks done as a kid while part of the Boy Scouts, and will help to highlight and motivate members of the organization for years to come.
By Cherise Schultz
Communities everywhere are full of children and adults who once were part of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations, helping them and the community grow. As these students grow and graduate from the organization, some move onto new things, while others stick around with the organization to continue their growth. At Marion Center High School, there is a new group of these students that have grown up with the scouting organizations, and many of them have recently reached the goal set in their mind since they were kids. Newly recognized Eagle Scouts Tyler Sacco and Anthony Scott have worked years for this honor, and people are beginning to take notice.
Most people have heard of Eagle Scouts and many even know one, but unless someone is close with the organization, very few people know and understand the honor that comes with reaching this rank. New Eagle Scout Anthony Scott, who recently reached this rank in March, has been working towards this accomplishment for the past 5 years. Unknown to many, the process of reaching an Eagle Scout rank is a very long one. Through the years it takes to achieve this, one must go through multiple different requirements, both physical and skill based, as well as proving and growing their leadership skills. Through many activities within the Boy Scout organization, people who stay with the scouts throughout school are set up to be able to earn the Eagle Scout rank.
One of the biggest challenges throughout the entire process is the project, and local Marion Center Eagle Scouts are making the most out of it. Tyler Sacco helped the community by building a new sign, marking the town and school district. Scott also helped the Mack Park pool by building a set of picnic tables and benches for community members to use while at the pool over the summer. Both projects required many hours of work from the future Eagle Scouts, and you can see that work reflected into the finished product. The project is one that most people focus on, but as Scott says, “the process is becoming, not the project,” showing everyone that there is so much more that goes into becoming an Eagle Scout, not just the project at the end. Through hard work and motivation, both had achieved the highest rank, and are just like the people they looked up to before, and will be people young scouts look to for years to come.
“It was fun,” says Scott, “toward the end, it was complicated, because of the focus on the project, but you get to apply all of the things you learned from the campouts, activities, and leaders over the years.” The final achievement highlights the importance of the smaller tasks done as a kid while part of the Boy Scouts, and will help to highlight and motivate members of the organization for years to come.
Saving Lives; Marion Center Lifeguards
By Cherise Schultz
Over the past two years, there has been a growing demand for the use of the pool at Marion Center, and with that came a whole new generation of fresh, talented lifeguards. After a lack of a certification course, Mrs. Monica Dehaven, a teacher at the high school, looked to bring back the lifeguard certification course into students’ school day. When the course was taken out of schedules in 2016, there were only a couple of guards around the school who were certified and able to work all of the activities hosted at the pool. As students graduated, that number continued to shrink, and as the need for more guards rose, something needed to be done. Beginning last year, Dehaven began teaching, training, and certifying new lifeguards in a free course that counted toward students’ graduation credits.
This revived class helped to fill the need for community guards, as well as guarding positions throughout Indiana County, and the program keeps growing every year. After the success with the course last year, the High School is also offering an alternative gym class (water mania) as well as a water safety course that will help build on the lifeguard certification and allow students to get an additional certification to begin teaching swim lessons. These classes are helping to grow high school students into helpful, working members of the community, while also helping to strengthen their character and future resume. This isn’t just good news for the community, but students and participants have also been very appreciative of the new classes.
Prior to the classes offered by the school, during the school day, students would have to get these types of certifications outside of school, generally a long drive away, and in most cases pay between 150 and 200 dollars. Allison Krecota, a junior at Marion Center high school, says, “its convenient because it’s during the school day, so you don’t have to travel after school. Also, you don’t have to worry about rushing through the training since you have an entire semester to complete it.” With all of these benefits for the students and for the community, these classes are ones hopeful to stay at the school for years to come.
By Cherise Schultz
Over the past two years, there has been a growing demand for the use of the pool at Marion Center, and with that came a whole new generation of fresh, talented lifeguards. After a lack of a certification course, Mrs. Monica Dehaven, a teacher at the high school, looked to bring back the lifeguard certification course into students’ school day. When the course was taken out of schedules in 2016, there were only a couple of guards around the school who were certified and able to work all of the activities hosted at the pool. As students graduated, that number continued to shrink, and as the need for more guards rose, something needed to be done. Beginning last year, Dehaven began teaching, training, and certifying new lifeguards in a free course that counted toward students’ graduation credits.
This revived class helped to fill the need for community guards, as well as guarding positions throughout Indiana County, and the program keeps growing every year. After the success with the course last year, the High School is also offering an alternative gym class (water mania) as well as a water safety course that will help build on the lifeguard certification and allow students to get an additional certification to begin teaching swim lessons. These classes are helping to grow high school students into helpful, working members of the community, while also helping to strengthen their character and future resume. This isn’t just good news for the community, but students and participants have also been very appreciative of the new classes.
Prior to the classes offered by the school, during the school day, students would have to get these types of certifications outside of school, generally a long drive away, and in most cases pay between 150 and 200 dollars. Allison Krecota, a junior at Marion Center high school, says, “its convenient because it’s during the school day, so you don’t have to travel after school. Also, you don’t have to worry about rushing through the training since you have an entire semester to complete it.” With all of these benefits for the students and for the community, these classes are ones hopeful to stay at the school for years to come.
JROTC Homecoming Tailgate!
Kaleb Farmery
On September 27, 2019, the Air Force Junior ROTC unit will be hosting a homecoming tailgate. Prices will be low and the fun will be plentiful. Enjoy some fun and food with the Junior ROTC corps as the proceeds will be used to shape better citizens of tomorrow. Music and activities will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue throughout the night. Food will be sold until 6:00 p.m.
The Junior ROTC corps will be joined by the United States Air Force and the United States Army. They will provide many opportunities like a football toss, some competitive corn hole, and a flight simulator. The Army will have an impressive pull-up station and the Air Force will be giving away shirts through the use of a t-shirt cannon. They will also be answering questions about their respective service. Feel free to stop in and ask questions. They will be glad to help.
Kaleb Farmery
On September 27, 2019, the Air Force Junior ROTC unit will be hosting a homecoming tailgate. Prices will be low and the fun will be plentiful. Enjoy some fun and food with the Junior ROTC corps as the proceeds will be used to shape better citizens of tomorrow. Music and activities will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue throughout the night. Food will be sold until 6:00 p.m.
The Junior ROTC corps will be joined by the United States Air Force and the United States Army. They will provide many opportunities like a football toss, some competitive corn hole, and a flight simulator. The Army will have an impressive pull-up station and the Air Force will be giving away shirts through the use of a t-shirt cannon. They will also be answering questions about their respective service. Feel free to stop in and ask questions. They will be glad to help.
Buffering; MCHS Internet Status
By Lilly Ryer
After coming back from a much needed summer break, students and teachers noticed the decline in internet strength for the school. Students couldn’t get online to finish assignments and even work on internet classes, and some teachers were not able to access their Powerschool accounts. But even days and weeks later, the internet is still not where it needs to be for students and teachers to function at a modern level. This leaves the same question on everyone’s mind; where is the internet, and when will it be back?
Principal Mr. Matthew Jioio shared his knowledge on the matter. Around July, the school’s previous internet provider left. The school went to another local internet provider, Comcast. However, this internet does not handle all of our internet needs as well as the previous provider. Teachers and students are able to check Powerschool, send emails, and do basic things with computers. They are not able to do many regular school activities used with the computers. Mr. Jioio says the internet will be fully working “near the end of September.”
Teachers and students are both eager to have the internet back up and running quickly again. Tenth grader, Bekah Miloser, says, “I’m excited because having the wifi not work makes it hard to work on things at school. That means I have to do it at home.” From the surface, the issues with the internet may not seem like much, but when teachers have to change their lesson plans, and students have to make time in their schedule to deal with the slow internet, it has a big impact. High hopes are here for the internet to be fully working in the near future.
By Lilly Ryer
After coming back from a much needed summer break, students and teachers noticed the decline in internet strength for the school. Students couldn’t get online to finish assignments and even work on internet classes, and some teachers were not able to access their Powerschool accounts. But even days and weeks later, the internet is still not where it needs to be for students and teachers to function at a modern level. This leaves the same question on everyone’s mind; where is the internet, and when will it be back?
Principal Mr. Matthew Jioio shared his knowledge on the matter. Around July, the school’s previous internet provider left. The school went to another local internet provider, Comcast. However, this internet does not handle all of our internet needs as well as the previous provider. Teachers and students are able to check Powerschool, send emails, and do basic things with computers. They are not able to do many regular school activities used with the computers. Mr. Jioio says the internet will be fully working “near the end of September.”
Teachers and students are both eager to have the internet back up and running quickly again. Tenth grader, Bekah Miloser, says, “I’m excited because having the wifi not work makes it hard to work on things at school. That means I have to do it at home.” From the surface, the issues with the internet may not seem like much, but when teachers have to change their lesson plans, and students have to make time in their schedule to deal with the slow internet, it has a big impact. High hopes are here for the internet to be fully working in the near future.
Teachers Wearing Shorts?! -- The New Heat Plan
By Grace Rougeaux
As we all know, August in Western Pennsylvania can be HOT, especially in Marion Center High School, where there is no air conditioning. This isn’t a case of it getting a little warm, only at the end of the day, but on the hottest days at the beginning and end of each school year, the temperatures on the second floor can reach up to ninety-five degrees before noon. The feeling of the heat during the school day is summed up well by Marion Center Junior Levi Waltemire. “It reminds me of working in the summer; it’s hot.” Not only does the heat make the students uncomfortable, but it makes it hard to concentrate and learn. Mr. Tyson Ellenberger, a long-time teacher at Marion Center high school says, “When overheated it’s difficult to concentrate, for the students and for the teachers.” So, in response to the rising temperatures in and out of the school, the staff put together a solution to help deal with the hot days.
They call it the Heat Plan. High School principal, Mr. Matthew Joio, explained that the administration talked to the Union Representatives and successfully came up with a way to help students to stay cool and concentrate. Now, every room on the second floor has an alternative destination to have class where air conditioning is located, so on the extremely hot days, students and teachers can go and cool off for a class or two. Although most of the school doesn’t have air conditioning, there are a few rooms where it is necessary, such as the Library and the Auditorium; these are where classes can be moved to. “It is not ideal for learning, but it keeps the students cool,” said Joio. As long as the office is notified to where classes are being moved to on hot days, students and teachers can go on with their normal class.
Another addition to the Heat Plan is allowing teachers to wear shorts. As long as they have a belt and follow school clothing policies, teachers (especially now male teachers) can wear professional clothes they want to, in reaction to the heat. The biggest issue with clothes during the heat plan was with the male teachers, since they were stuck wearing hot dress pants, while the female teachers could wear dresses and skirts without any issue. Now, all teachers have the freedom to stay professional, and cool during these warm times of the year.
The Heat Plan will continue to be reassessed as the heat begins to die away, but as these warm weeks keep coming, who knows how much longer the plan will stay in place.
By Grace Rougeaux
As we all know, August in Western Pennsylvania can be HOT, especially in Marion Center High School, where there is no air conditioning. This isn’t a case of it getting a little warm, only at the end of the day, but on the hottest days at the beginning and end of each school year, the temperatures on the second floor can reach up to ninety-five degrees before noon. The feeling of the heat during the school day is summed up well by Marion Center Junior Levi Waltemire. “It reminds me of working in the summer; it’s hot.” Not only does the heat make the students uncomfortable, but it makes it hard to concentrate and learn. Mr. Tyson Ellenberger, a long-time teacher at Marion Center high school says, “When overheated it’s difficult to concentrate, for the students and for the teachers.” So, in response to the rising temperatures in and out of the school, the staff put together a solution to help deal with the hot days.
They call it the Heat Plan. High School principal, Mr. Matthew Joio, explained that the administration talked to the Union Representatives and successfully came up with a way to help students to stay cool and concentrate. Now, every room on the second floor has an alternative destination to have class where air conditioning is located, so on the extremely hot days, students and teachers can go and cool off for a class or two. Although most of the school doesn’t have air conditioning, there are a few rooms where it is necessary, such as the Library and the Auditorium; these are where classes can be moved to. “It is not ideal for learning, but it keeps the students cool,” said Joio. As long as the office is notified to where classes are being moved to on hot days, students and teachers can go on with their normal class.
Another addition to the Heat Plan is allowing teachers to wear shorts. As long as they have a belt and follow school clothing policies, teachers (especially now male teachers) can wear professional clothes they want to, in reaction to the heat. The biggest issue with clothes during the heat plan was with the male teachers, since they were stuck wearing hot dress pants, while the female teachers could wear dresses and skirts without any issue. Now, all teachers have the freedom to stay professional, and cool during these warm times of the year.
The Heat Plan will continue to be reassessed as the heat begins to die away, but as these warm weeks keep coming, who knows how much longer the plan will stay in place.
Changing Policies; Should The Rule on Cell Phones be lifted?
By Lilly Ryer
As our world is continuing to grow, cell phones are becoming more prevalent in our
society. Students from surrounding schools and all across the country are allowed to be on their
phones during lunch, after completing class work, and in the halls, but Marion Center still bans
any use of phones during school hours; should this rule be lifted?
Several students at Marion Center share a common opinion that students should be
allowed phones during school hours. Sophomore, Kai Brocious, says, “If we don’t have anything
to do, we should be allowed to have our phones in the hallways or at least at lunch.” Another
student, Marcus Badzik, also supports phones in school. He says, “You should be allowed them
all throughout the day and if you’re on it in class it’s your fault.”
Phones are great, but also have negative consequences as the current principal at
Marion Center, Mr. Tom Trunzo, points out. “I dislike the use of phones in school, they create a
hazard.” Trunzo also said, ”It would not bother me if kids used their phones in lunch if there was
control, but I don’t have an answer for how to control them.” Trunzo can see the positive side of
phones, but the problem is how are teachers going to enforce the rules.
Marion Center science teacher, Mr. Thomas Betts, says “In school I can see the value of
the cell phone technology in some school activities as a research tool and as a record keeping
tool...in general I don’t think I’m a big fan of them.” Betts can see the use of phones
academically, but does not like the idea of letting students on their phones all day. He says that
students need to have “face to face contact.” Students tend to have their face buried into a
phone, so it’s good to have time without one.
There are different opinions floating around Marion Center, but most like the idea of
using phones in school. Mr. Tyson Ellenberger, a teacher at Marion Center, shares his thoughts
on the matter. “We could use the opportunity of using cell phones as teaching moments.
Students need to learn when and when not to use a phone in professional settings.” Students
would have practice in phone etiquette, for possible future jobs or interviews. Ellenberger also
said that “Using phones in the hallways in between periods and lunch would be acceptable but
once class starts they should not be touched, and if touched during class, severe
consequences.”
With time, it is possible that the rule of no phones at Marion Center will disappear. But,
do we want students to lose the little time they have everyday away from their phones?
By Lilly Ryer
As our world is continuing to grow, cell phones are becoming more prevalent in our
society. Students from surrounding schools and all across the country are allowed to be on their
phones during lunch, after completing class work, and in the halls, but Marion Center still bans
any use of phones during school hours; should this rule be lifted?
Several students at Marion Center share a common opinion that students should be
allowed phones during school hours. Sophomore, Kai Brocious, says, “If we don’t have anything
to do, we should be allowed to have our phones in the hallways or at least at lunch.” Another
student, Marcus Badzik, also supports phones in school. He says, “You should be allowed them
all throughout the day and if you’re on it in class it’s your fault.”
Phones are great, but also have negative consequences as the current principal at
Marion Center, Mr. Tom Trunzo, points out. “I dislike the use of phones in school, they create a
hazard.” Trunzo also said, ”It would not bother me if kids used their phones in lunch if there was
control, but I don’t have an answer for how to control them.” Trunzo can see the positive side of
phones, but the problem is how are teachers going to enforce the rules.
Marion Center science teacher, Mr. Thomas Betts, says “In school I can see the value of
the cell phone technology in some school activities as a research tool and as a record keeping
tool...in general I don’t think I’m a big fan of them.” Betts can see the use of phones
academically, but does not like the idea of letting students on their phones all day. He says that
students need to have “face to face contact.” Students tend to have their face buried into a
phone, so it’s good to have time without one.
There are different opinions floating around Marion Center, but most like the idea of
using phones in school. Mr. Tyson Ellenberger, a teacher at Marion Center, shares his thoughts
on the matter. “We could use the opportunity of using cell phones as teaching moments.
Students need to learn when and when not to use a phone in professional settings.” Students
would have practice in phone etiquette, for possible future jobs or interviews. Ellenberger also
said that “Using phones in the hallways in between periods and lunch would be acceptable but
once class starts they should not be touched, and if touched during class, severe
consequences.”
With time, it is possible that the rule of no phones at Marion Center will disappear. But,
do we want students to lose the little time they have everyday away from their phones?
MC Love Basket
By: Tessa Freeman
Did you know that there are 39.7 million poverty-stricken people in America including 12.8 million children? How can we as Americans expect these people to function properly when their basic needs aren’t met? The Marion Center High School students decided to make a difference and recently collected 680 nonperishable food items (an increase from 2017 which gave 531 items) for the “Love Basket”, a local food drive. Sydney Kimmel, who ran the drive, says “It was a very eye-opening experience, and it was great to see all the students coming together to make a change.” Could you imagine how many nonperishable food items we could collect in our community if everyone along with the students donated just one item? This food drive could make someone’s holiday so much better. With that in mind, please be grateful for all we have during this holiday season. Take time to remember the reason for the season and think about how you’d feel if you were worried about eating during the holidays. With the whole community pitching in, we could really make everyone’s holiday season as good as our own.
By: Tessa Freeman
Did you know that there are 39.7 million poverty-stricken people in America including 12.8 million children? How can we as Americans expect these people to function properly when their basic needs aren’t met? The Marion Center High School students decided to make a difference and recently collected 680 nonperishable food items (an increase from 2017 which gave 531 items) for the “Love Basket”, a local food drive. Sydney Kimmel, who ran the drive, says “It was a very eye-opening experience, and it was great to see all the students coming together to make a change.” Could you imagine how many nonperishable food items we could collect in our community if everyone along with the students donated just one item? This food drive could make someone’s holiday so much better. With that in mind, please be grateful for all we have during this holiday season. Take time to remember the reason for the season and think about how you’d feel if you were worried about eating during the holidays. With the whole community pitching in, we could really make everyone’s holiday season as good as our own.
A Big Splash; Marion Center’s Growing Swim Team
By Cherise Schultz
Every school year, there is always a growth is some part of the school; whether that being in its academics or its sports, schools have been getting bigger and better for years. This year, at Marion Center, the swim team is showing its growth and will continue to show it. The most obvious growth showed at the first practices. Compared to past years, both boys and girls teams have more than enough people to fill up all the spots in each event. This is a nice change from a few years ago when the boys’ team barely had enough people to run all lanes in all the events. Not only have the participants increased, but the times have gotten faster across the board.
The swim team has already shown there speed in the three first swim meets. The boys’ team have won all three of their meets so far, and, the girls’ team has also won one of their meets, with the other two coming just short of a win. All swimmers were met with some closely matched competition, with most of the top finishes just fractions of a second apart. The completion has pushed many of the swimmers to get their best times, many of which are district qualifying. All of the individuals have high hopes for their performances to come. Xavier Valiga, who also swims for the YMCA, wants to make it to states with his YMCA team, and says that he also wants to place in the top three at the high school’s districts. Valiga, who is only a freshmen, has already marked a few qualifying times, so now it is just getting faster and faster.
With many new, and some experienced, swimmers coming into the picture, the outlook for the season is good. The team has gained 3 new and experienced YMCA swimmers who are looking to make an impact. Many swimmers have their eyes on some of the oldest records at Marion Center. Senior and boys team captain Seth White is looking to break the 50 yard freestyle record, and is getting closer to it every swim. Sophomore Robin Dehaven is hoping to move closer to the 100 breaststroke record, and Junior Cherise Schultz is closer than ever to the 100 Backstroke record, one of the oldest on the board. All this to say, the team is looking great this season and we are excited to see more in the upcoming meets.
By Cherise Schultz
Every school year, there is always a growth is some part of the school; whether that being in its academics or its sports, schools have been getting bigger and better for years. This year, at Marion Center, the swim team is showing its growth and will continue to show it. The most obvious growth showed at the first practices. Compared to past years, both boys and girls teams have more than enough people to fill up all the spots in each event. This is a nice change from a few years ago when the boys’ team barely had enough people to run all lanes in all the events. Not only have the participants increased, but the times have gotten faster across the board.
The swim team has already shown there speed in the three first swim meets. The boys’ team have won all three of their meets so far, and, the girls’ team has also won one of their meets, with the other two coming just short of a win. All swimmers were met with some closely matched competition, with most of the top finishes just fractions of a second apart. The completion has pushed many of the swimmers to get their best times, many of which are district qualifying. All of the individuals have high hopes for their performances to come. Xavier Valiga, who also swims for the YMCA, wants to make it to states with his YMCA team, and says that he also wants to place in the top three at the high school’s districts. Valiga, who is only a freshmen, has already marked a few qualifying times, so now it is just getting faster and faster.
With many new, and some experienced, swimmers coming into the picture, the outlook for the season is good. The team has gained 3 new and experienced YMCA swimmers who are looking to make an impact. Many swimmers have their eyes on some of the oldest records at Marion Center. Senior and boys team captain Seth White is looking to break the 50 yard freestyle record, and is getting closer to it every swim. Sophomore Robin Dehaven is hoping to move closer to the 100 breaststroke record, and Junior Cherise Schultz is closer than ever to the 100 Backstroke record, one of the oldest on the board. All this to say, the team is looking great this season and we are excited to see more in the upcoming meets.
Wizards at MC
Cherise Schultz
On October 30th Marion Center was invaded by wizards, well, the Harlem Wizards that is. In order to raise money for the school, teachers and staff from the Elementary and High Schools played against the Harlem Wizards basketball team. This was a fundraiser like no other the school has had before, bringing together the whole community in something that was fun for the players, spectators and beneficial to the school. With over 300 tickets sold, the game was enjoyed by all members of the community. High school student Madison Gatskie said that the best part was when the little kids came out onto the court to play with the Wizards to dance. Mrs. Sabrina Sandoval, a teacher at the High School, said “It was nice because it brought together the Elementary and High School in something they could cohesively be apart in the turnout was good and the reaction was definitely positive.”
The community will come together once again on November 7th for a donkey basketball show, to benefit the cheerleaders.
Cherise Schultz
On October 30th Marion Center was invaded by wizards, well, the Harlem Wizards that is. In order to raise money for the school, teachers and staff from the Elementary and High Schools played against the Harlem Wizards basketball team. This was a fundraiser like no other the school has had before, bringing together the whole community in something that was fun for the players, spectators and beneficial to the school. With over 300 tickets sold, the game was enjoyed by all members of the community. High school student Madison Gatskie said that the best part was when the little kids came out onto the court to play with the Wizards to dance. Mrs. Sabrina Sandoval, a teacher at the High School, said “It was nice because it brought together the Elementary and High School in something they could cohesively be apart in the turnout was good and the reaction was definitely positive.”
The community will come together once again on November 7th for a donkey basketball show, to benefit the cheerleaders.
Annual Marion Center Powderpuff Football Game
By Alyx Cornetto and Cherise Schultz
With the end of the varsity football season comes the annual powderpuff football game, played between girls from Marion Center’s junior and senior classes. After a rainy week, the two teams battled it out on the muddiest field imaginable. Annissa Orr, a senior player, said that “they [the juniors and seniors] were well matched teams.” So well matched that the final score was just 0-2, with the seniors taking the win with points coming from a safety.
Junior Eva Davenport says that it was fun and she is already excited for next year. Many of the girls enjoy the game so much that they end up playing both as a junior and senior. Jackie Fetsko, a senior who also played as a junior, described it as “a muddy battle against a cunning junior team.” In the end, the seniors ran away with the win, making a good end to the football season, which came to an end for the school the night prior to the powderpuff game. On Thursday a new tradition of powderpuff volleyball (boys from the junior and senior classes, and staff playing against each other) began, ending the fall sports season.
By Alyx Cornetto and Cherise Schultz
With the end of the varsity football season comes the annual powderpuff football game, played between girls from Marion Center’s junior and senior classes. After a rainy week, the two teams battled it out on the muddiest field imaginable. Annissa Orr, a senior player, said that “they [the juniors and seniors] were well matched teams.” So well matched that the final score was just 0-2, with the seniors taking the win with points coming from a safety.
Junior Eva Davenport says that it was fun and she is already excited for next year. Many of the girls enjoy the game so much that they end up playing both as a junior and senior. Jackie Fetsko, a senior who also played as a junior, described it as “a muddy battle against a cunning junior team.” In the end, the seniors ran away with the win, making a good end to the football season, which came to an end for the school the night prior to the powderpuff game. On Thursday a new tradition of powderpuff volleyball (boys from the junior and senior classes, and staff playing against each other) began, ending the fall sports season.
Marion Center Music News
Tessa Freeman
In December the Marion Center music department has to prepare for many upcoming events. We are sending students in grades 10-12 to districts in band, choir, orchestra, and jazz. Students going to district band include Maddie Penrose, Cherise Schultz, Michaela Gett, Rylie Schoch, Jadyn Schoch, Andrew Adams, and Marvin Beatty. Students going to district choir include Callie Bland, Bridget Gardener, Michaela Gett, Ethan Brewer, Zach Short, Andrew Adams, and Dylan Ribbeck. District orchestra includes Michaela Gett and Riley Schoch. Congratulations to Michaela Gett for getting into district jazz, along with all district band, orchestra, and choir.
Marion Center High School hosted county choir on November 14th which included the junior and senior high schools of 8 different schools and over 200 students. Coming up, United High School will host county band at the Indiana Junior High School. Marion Center is sending 33 kids to participate.
The Marion Center Marching Band hosted a benefit concert on November 17th to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Disney World in Florida in April. Featuring local bands 7 Mile Run and Striped Maple Hollow, the event provided live music along with a 50/50 raffle, over 70 baskets for a basket raffle, and concessions, which together raised nearly $3000. Along with this, the marching band participated in the Light-Up Night Parade on November 16th to celebrate Christmas as a community before it’s too cold to have parades. These two events mark the end of the marching band season this year.
With the holiday season coming up, you can count on Marion Center to provide the spirit with their upcoming concerts. The elementary concert, which includes band and chorus, for grades 5th and 6th will be on Tuesday, December 4th. The high school band concert is on Tuesday, December 11th, and the high school choir will perform on Wednesday, December 19th, which both feature their junior and senior high ensembles. The jazz band will also feature during the high school band concert, along with their concerts at the McCreery and Rayne elementary schools on Friday, December 21st.
Tessa Freeman
In December the Marion Center music department has to prepare for many upcoming events. We are sending students in grades 10-12 to districts in band, choir, orchestra, and jazz. Students going to district band include Maddie Penrose, Cherise Schultz, Michaela Gett, Rylie Schoch, Jadyn Schoch, Andrew Adams, and Marvin Beatty. Students going to district choir include Callie Bland, Bridget Gardener, Michaela Gett, Ethan Brewer, Zach Short, Andrew Adams, and Dylan Ribbeck. District orchestra includes Michaela Gett and Riley Schoch. Congratulations to Michaela Gett for getting into district jazz, along with all district band, orchestra, and choir.
Marion Center High School hosted county choir on November 14th which included the junior and senior high schools of 8 different schools and over 200 students. Coming up, United High School will host county band at the Indiana Junior High School. Marion Center is sending 33 kids to participate.
The Marion Center Marching Band hosted a benefit concert on November 17th to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Disney World in Florida in April. Featuring local bands 7 Mile Run and Striped Maple Hollow, the event provided live music along with a 50/50 raffle, over 70 baskets for a basket raffle, and concessions, which together raised nearly $3000. Along with this, the marching band participated in the Light-Up Night Parade on November 16th to celebrate Christmas as a community before it’s too cold to have parades. These two events mark the end of the marching band season this year.
With the holiday season coming up, you can count on Marion Center to provide the spirit with their upcoming concerts. The elementary concert, which includes band and chorus, for grades 5th and 6th will be on Tuesday, December 4th. The high school band concert is on Tuesday, December 11th, and the high school choir will perform on Wednesday, December 19th, which both feature their junior and senior high ensembles. The jazz band will also feature during the high school band concert, along with their concerts at the McCreery and Rayne elementary schools on Friday, December 21st.
A New Style; A New Art Teacher in the High School
By Cherise Schultz
At the start of every school year, there are always some changes. At Marion Center, the biggest change this year was the introduction of Mrs. Jill Cirelli to the high school teaching staff, more specifically, the art department. With the retirement of the previous teacher and artist Mrs. Cathey Paterson, the high school teaching position needed to be taken over, and was rightfully earned by Mrs. Cirelli. Having taught at Marion Center Elementary schools for years before, Mrs. Cirelli was no stranger to the students or the district, but teaching in the high school is a huge difference; she said that herself. Not only is it a different building and environment, but the teaching experience and students are complete opposite to that of the elementary.
One of the most immediate changes is shown in the elective classes. “Most people are choosing to be in the class, and you can really tell; they come in and immediately get to work. In the elementary there was a lot more preparation and instruction, but now I just provide the information and help, then they go make amazing things.” says Mrs. Cirelli. Along with the changes in Mrs. Cirelli’s school day, the changes are spread to the students, their art, and how their art is spread through the community. With the addition of Mrs. Cirelli in the art department, the number of students participating in her classes has had a very obvious increase. This year, there are two full pottery classes, unlike the past few years where there was only one. Whether this is a matter of general interest or the teacher influence, it doesn’t matter; the love of art in Marion Center is growing.
Growing too is the art, literally. This year, Mrs. Cirelli’s Advanced Art students participated in the “Paint the Plow” competition where the students painted a snow plow and then people all around voted on their favorite. The students went full force with their abilities and made a snow plow like no other. The changes continued to the pottery classes not only seeing an increase in numbers, but also an increase of size in their pieces. Starting the year off well, the students’ first major project showed huge and beautiful coil pots, unlike any the school has ever seen. All of the art is being positively spread through the best, most reachable way possible, Instagram. The addition of the MCASD_art page on Instagram to display the students’ art is a great way to share the students work with the community. All this is to say, Mrs. Cirelli has already shown her positive impact to the school, students, and the community. The students and school look forward to having Mrs. Cirelli for years to come.
By Cherise Schultz
At the start of every school year, there are always some changes. At Marion Center, the biggest change this year was the introduction of Mrs. Jill Cirelli to the high school teaching staff, more specifically, the art department. With the retirement of the previous teacher and artist Mrs. Cathey Paterson, the high school teaching position needed to be taken over, and was rightfully earned by Mrs. Cirelli. Having taught at Marion Center Elementary schools for years before, Mrs. Cirelli was no stranger to the students or the district, but teaching in the high school is a huge difference; she said that herself. Not only is it a different building and environment, but the teaching experience and students are complete opposite to that of the elementary.
One of the most immediate changes is shown in the elective classes. “Most people are choosing to be in the class, and you can really tell; they come in and immediately get to work. In the elementary there was a lot more preparation and instruction, but now I just provide the information and help, then they go make amazing things.” says Mrs. Cirelli. Along with the changes in Mrs. Cirelli’s school day, the changes are spread to the students, their art, and how their art is spread through the community. With the addition of Mrs. Cirelli in the art department, the number of students participating in her classes has had a very obvious increase. This year, there are two full pottery classes, unlike the past few years where there was only one. Whether this is a matter of general interest or the teacher influence, it doesn’t matter; the love of art in Marion Center is growing.
Growing too is the art, literally. This year, Mrs. Cirelli’s Advanced Art students participated in the “Paint the Plow” competition where the students painted a snow plow and then people all around voted on their favorite. The students went full force with their abilities and made a snow plow like no other. The changes continued to the pottery classes not only seeing an increase in numbers, but also an increase of size in their pieces. Starting the year off well, the students’ first major project showed huge and beautiful coil pots, unlike any the school has ever seen. All of the art is being positively spread through the best, most reachable way possible, Instagram. The addition of the MCASD_art page on Instagram to display the students’ art is a great way to share the students work with the community. All this is to say, Mrs. Cirelli has already shown her positive impact to the school, students, and the community. The students and school look forward to having Mrs. Cirelli for years to come.
Stingers Host County Singers
By: Tessa Freeman
November 14, 2018
This week the Marion Center Junior-Senior High School hosted this year’s Indiana County Chorus Festival which included the junior and senior high choirs of 8 different schools, including Blairsville, Saltsburg, Purchase Line, Homer Center, Indiana, United, and Seeds of Faith. Around 200 students were under the direction of guest conductors Francis J. Nesta and Susan Metelsky, along with accompanists Acey Gongaware and Scott Salser. The students involved rehearsed all day to prepare for their concert at 7:30 P.M.
The students involved report that it was a very exhausting but worthwhile experience, and seemed to particularly enjoy collaborating with their fellow singers across the county. Ethan Miller, a freshman, reported that “It was a great turnout this year. We were glad to have everyone come and enjoy making music with others, along with the great experience for new members.” Along with it being a unique experience, Diana Gutierrez, a senior, told us that it “was impactful for all of us to be able to learn and perform with all of the schools in our county.” The participants really enjoyed the sense of community that they felt when preparing to perform with one another.
By: Tessa Freeman
November 14, 2018
This week the Marion Center Junior-Senior High School hosted this year’s Indiana County Chorus Festival which included the junior and senior high choirs of 8 different schools, including Blairsville, Saltsburg, Purchase Line, Homer Center, Indiana, United, and Seeds of Faith. Around 200 students were under the direction of guest conductors Francis J. Nesta and Susan Metelsky, along with accompanists Acey Gongaware and Scott Salser. The students involved rehearsed all day to prepare for their concert at 7:30 P.M.
The students involved report that it was a very exhausting but worthwhile experience, and seemed to particularly enjoy collaborating with their fellow singers across the county. Ethan Miller, a freshman, reported that “It was a great turnout this year. We were glad to have everyone come and enjoy making music with others, along with the great experience for new members.” Along with it being a unique experience, Diana Gutierrez, a senior, told us that it “was impactful for all of us to be able to learn and perform with all of the schools in our county.” The participants really enjoyed the sense of community that they felt when preparing to perform with one another.
Freedom Born Here
By: Cherise Schultz
October 17, 2018
On a quest to find and learn more information about local history, students of Mr. Chris Peters’ AP US History class found the little known story about some of the foundations of our country and our own local history.
In those days most of present day Indiana County was a part of Westmoreland County. Westmoreland County was the first county west of the mountains and Hanna’s Town was its county seat.
In May 1775, just weeks after the start of the Revolution in Massachusetts, representatives met in Hanna’s Town to consider what to do. The result were the Hanna’s Town Resolutions. Unknown to most people, the Hanna’s Town Resolutions were the colonies’ first call for independence. With the resolutions coming a full year before the Declaration of Independence, students Chrissy Lyttle, Jonah Valgia, Hunter Peterson, Isaac Ryer and Cherise Schultz set out to find more information about this important local history.
Although this started as a small research assignment, the want and need for more information grew as basic research proved to show little results. Most of the information was found from the Westmoreland County Historical Society, but they still fell short by not having the original text.
Through Mr. Peters, the students connected with Homer City native Andrew Dudash at Penn State’s Paterno Libraries. Mr. Dudash got the students a copy of the August 1775 edition of Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Gazette. It was the first public release of the resolutions. Buried among the stories and advertisements was a reprinting of the Hanna’s Town Resolutions.
On May 16, 1775, Hanna’s Town took a big leap towards our country’s independence, showing us all that even this seemingly small and insignificant county holds one of the most important pieces of our American History.
By: Cherise Schultz
October 17, 2018
On a quest to find and learn more information about local history, students of Mr. Chris Peters’ AP US History class found the little known story about some of the foundations of our country and our own local history.
In those days most of present day Indiana County was a part of Westmoreland County. Westmoreland County was the first county west of the mountains and Hanna’s Town was its county seat.
In May 1775, just weeks after the start of the Revolution in Massachusetts, representatives met in Hanna’s Town to consider what to do. The result were the Hanna’s Town Resolutions. Unknown to most people, the Hanna’s Town Resolutions were the colonies’ first call for independence. With the resolutions coming a full year before the Declaration of Independence, students Chrissy Lyttle, Jonah Valgia, Hunter Peterson, Isaac Ryer and Cherise Schultz set out to find more information about this important local history.
Although this started as a small research assignment, the want and need for more information grew as basic research proved to show little results. Most of the information was found from the Westmoreland County Historical Society, but they still fell short by not having the original text.
Through Mr. Peters, the students connected with Homer City native Andrew Dudash at Penn State’s Paterno Libraries. Mr. Dudash got the students a copy of the August 1775 edition of Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Gazette. It was the first public release of the resolutions. Buried among the stories and advertisements was a reprinting of the Hanna’s Town Resolutions.
On May 16, 1775, Hanna’s Town took a big leap towards our country’s independence, showing us all that even this seemingly small and insignificant county holds one of the most important pieces of our American History.
Self-Driven Research by Honors 10 Students at MC
By: Mackenzie Walker
March 13, 2018
Students in Mr. Jesse Patterson’s Honors 10 English class have a unique opportunity to conduct individual research on a topic of their choosing while completing class requirements. The students choose a topic that appeals to them and complete a synthesis essay by researching their chosen topic by evaluating and pulling information from several different sources. Due to the fact that the topics are chosen by students, a wide arrange of subjects can be seen, anything from a boiling river in the Amazon to an essay about music in the deaf community.
“One benefit of the research essay is giving students the opportunity to independently search for and evaluate reliable resources. Another benefit is encouraging students to research topics that they are genuinely interested in—from metallurgy to Metallica, almost all topics have a researchable claim.” Mr. Patterson says of the numerous benefits to this type of student-driven research essay.
“I assign the research essay because a large portion of my standards are tied to research and synthesizing sources in writing. It was one of the more useful parts of my own English education, as well…” He says as to why he chooses to introduce this type of assignment in his honors class.
“My essay is about why people procrastinate, like me” student Alyx Cornetto says with a laugh. “…People procrastinate not because they are lazy but because they are actually afraid of failure, success, or responsibility and that some people do it because they have mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.”
The opportunity to pursue a topic of personal interest is very unique and oftentimes rare among the strict structure of classroom curriculum nowadays, but the benefits are endless.
By: Mackenzie Walker
March 13, 2018
Students in Mr. Jesse Patterson’s Honors 10 English class have a unique opportunity to conduct individual research on a topic of their choosing while completing class requirements. The students choose a topic that appeals to them and complete a synthesis essay by researching their chosen topic by evaluating and pulling information from several different sources. Due to the fact that the topics are chosen by students, a wide arrange of subjects can be seen, anything from a boiling river in the Amazon to an essay about music in the deaf community.
“One benefit of the research essay is giving students the opportunity to independently search for and evaluate reliable resources. Another benefit is encouraging students to research topics that they are genuinely interested in—from metallurgy to Metallica, almost all topics have a researchable claim.” Mr. Patterson says of the numerous benefits to this type of student-driven research essay.
“I assign the research essay because a large portion of my standards are tied to research and synthesizing sources in writing. It was one of the more useful parts of my own English education, as well…” He says as to why he chooses to introduce this type of assignment in his honors class.
“My essay is about why people procrastinate, like me” student Alyx Cornetto says with a laugh. “…People procrastinate not because they are lazy but because they are actually afraid of failure, success, or responsibility and that some people do it because they have mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.”
The opportunity to pursue a topic of personal interest is very unique and oftentimes rare among the strict structure of classroom curriculum nowadays, but the benefits are endless.
Community Sports
By: Mackenzie Walker
March 2, 2018
Many Marion Center students choose to participate in a sport during their high school career whether it be football, basketball, or track and field. Most students tend to choose sports offered by the school itself including football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, swimming, wrestling, track and field, baseball, softball, and cheerleading. Some students, however, look for something different. Many community and other school sports programs accept students from different schools to participate in a sport that their home school might not offer. Vadims Wilkins, a sophomore at Marion Center plays soccer for Indiana. “Practices are normally two days a week” Vadims says about the team “I like it because I get to work with a lot of kids which is fun and it is good exercise.” Vadims also has big goals this season and hopes to be MVP for a few games of the season.
Soccer isn’t the only other outside sport that Marion Center students participate in. Ian Bertuzzi, a junior at MC plays on a hockey at Central Cambria. “I’ve watched hockey my whole life…I love it.” Bertuzzi says of his love for the sport. His team has won two tournaments and is currently 11-6-1. “I want to play D1 hockey in college,” he says of his goals. Participating in outside sports apart from a home school is a great experience but it does come with some drawbacks. Distance is often a problem as well as cost as its often more expensive than the traditional school sports offered by a home school.
By: Mackenzie Walker
March 2, 2018
Many Marion Center students choose to participate in a sport during their high school career whether it be football, basketball, or track and field. Most students tend to choose sports offered by the school itself including football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, swimming, wrestling, track and field, baseball, softball, and cheerleading. Some students, however, look for something different. Many community and other school sports programs accept students from different schools to participate in a sport that their home school might not offer. Vadims Wilkins, a sophomore at Marion Center plays soccer for Indiana. “Practices are normally two days a week” Vadims says about the team “I like it because I get to work with a lot of kids which is fun and it is good exercise.” Vadims also has big goals this season and hopes to be MVP for a few games of the season.
Soccer isn’t the only other outside sport that Marion Center students participate in. Ian Bertuzzi, a junior at MC plays on a hockey at Central Cambria. “I’ve watched hockey my whole life…I love it.” Bertuzzi says of his love for the sport. His team has won two tournaments and is currently 11-6-1. “I want to play D1 hockey in college,” he says of his goals. Participating in outside sports apart from a home school is a great experience but it does come with some drawbacks. Distance is often a problem as well as cost as its often more expensive than the traditional school sports offered by a home school.
Marion Center FFA Hosts Elementary Students
-Spreading Awareness for Agriculture
By: Mackenzie Walker
On Friday March 2, the Marion Center High School FFA students hosted an activity day for elementary students up to the third grade. Elementary students came to the high school to learn about farming, agriculture, and FFA through fun farm-themed activity stations including milking a cow, pedal tractor pulls, planting flowers, and musical straw bales. “This is beneficial to the kids because it teaches them about the importance of FFA and agriculture,” FFA member Curtis DeHaven says of the assembly.
This is the first year the FFA students hosted an assembly of this type. “The officers wanted to do something to educate young kids and to teach them about agriculture while having fun. This helps the kids become more literate about agriculture,” FFA advisor and teacher Mr. Jeremy Cattau said. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves while learning about agriculture and its importance.
One student, Cameron, said “I learned the different breed of cows, my favorite part was digging in the corn,” when asked what he thought about the assembly. “It’s fun.” The assembly was a great experience for the kids and it helped to spread awareness of the importance of agriculture and the FFA.
-Spreading Awareness for Agriculture
By: Mackenzie Walker
On Friday March 2, the Marion Center High School FFA students hosted an activity day for elementary students up to the third grade. Elementary students came to the high school to learn about farming, agriculture, and FFA through fun farm-themed activity stations including milking a cow, pedal tractor pulls, planting flowers, and musical straw bales. “This is beneficial to the kids because it teaches them about the importance of FFA and agriculture,” FFA member Curtis DeHaven says of the assembly.
This is the first year the FFA students hosted an assembly of this type. “The officers wanted to do something to educate young kids and to teach them about agriculture while having fun. This helps the kids become more literate about agriculture,” FFA advisor and teacher Mr. Jeremy Cattau said. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves while learning about agriculture and its importance.
One student, Cameron, said “I learned the different breed of cows, my favorite part was digging in the corn,” when asked what he thought about the assembly. “It’s fun.” The assembly was a great experience for the kids and it helped to spread awareness of the importance of agriculture and the FFA.
The Flu
By Seth White
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Spanish Influenza. This pandemic flu affected about a third of the world population, an estimated 500 million people. The flu killed an estimated 20 to 50 million people. The Spanish flu attacked the respiratory system, and therefore spread by coughing, sneezing, and talking; a person can also be infected by touching the afflicted and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
This anniversary is significant because this year’s flu season has been the worst recorded in 15 years. 24 children died in the first three weeks of January, and 37 have died since the start of the flu season. The dominant strain has been H3N2. This year they got the dominant strand right in preparing the flu shot. The problem was that the H3N2 strand is prone to egg-induced mutations, the eggs being the environment they use to grow the viruses for the vaccine. This does not mean that the flu vaccine this year is useless. The vaccine still protects against other strains of flu such as H1N1 and B virus, and it provides at least some immunity to H3N2.
The flu shot is the best bet for fighting against the flu, because the flu shot is not just about you. Getting the flu shot builds up herd immunity, the resistance to the spread of a contagious disease within a population that results if a sufficiently high proportion of individuals are immune to the disease, especially through vaccination. What this means is that if everyone were to get the flu shot in your area, that portion of the population would be immune to the strand the vaccine was for.
Other ways to prevent the spread of the flu are washing your hands, avoid close contact, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth, and stay home when you are sick.
By Seth White
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Spanish Influenza. This pandemic flu affected about a third of the world population, an estimated 500 million people. The flu killed an estimated 20 to 50 million people. The Spanish flu attacked the respiratory system, and therefore spread by coughing, sneezing, and talking; a person can also be infected by touching the afflicted and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
This anniversary is significant because this year’s flu season has been the worst recorded in 15 years. 24 children died in the first three weeks of January, and 37 have died since the start of the flu season. The dominant strain has been H3N2. This year they got the dominant strand right in preparing the flu shot. The problem was that the H3N2 strand is prone to egg-induced mutations, the eggs being the environment they use to grow the viruses for the vaccine. This does not mean that the flu vaccine this year is useless. The vaccine still protects against other strains of flu such as H1N1 and B virus, and it provides at least some immunity to H3N2.
The flu shot is the best bet for fighting against the flu, because the flu shot is not just about you. Getting the flu shot builds up herd immunity, the resistance to the spread of a contagious disease within a population that results if a sufficiently high proportion of individuals are immune to the disease, especially through vaccination. What this means is that if everyone were to get the flu shot in your area, that portion of the population would be immune to the strand the vaccine was for.
Other ways to prevent the spread of the flu are washing your hands, avoid close contact, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth, and stay home when you are sick.
MC Workers
By Cherise Schultz
February 15, 2018
Not only is the high school teaching students life lessons, but local Marion Center businesses are teaching students too. Restaurants right down the road from the school are hiring students to work. These types of opportunities are going to be one that the students will benefit from and remember for the rest of their lives. The Home Made is known to hire hard working students such as sophomore Aliyah Clowser. She works as a dishwasher, although it may not be the best sounding job, it had benefited her greatly. “It's made me learn a lot more responsibility,” says Clowser “I really love working there [The Home Made] I love everyone there and love what I do.” It's these first jobs where teenagers can learn the responsibility that will stay with them.
Another local restaurant is Sy’s Pizza. Student Mariah Skytich’s family is the owner of the this popular after school stop. She has heard many positive things about the business and knows that students typically enjoy food. “Our family is very passionate about sponsoring others” says Skytich “I'm glad that we have such a good community that has made this small business turn into something bigger and more successful.” Places like these are what help the students of MC make some money, and make an experience. Even teachers take time to support these students. Be sure to stop by the local favorites!
By Cherise Schultz
February 15, 2018
Not only is the high school teaching students life lessons, but local Marion Center businesses are teaching students too. Restaurants right down the road from the school are hiring students to work. These types of opportunities are going to be one that the students will benefit from and remember for the rest of their lives. The Home Made is known to hire hard working students such as sophomore Aliyah Clowser. She works as a dishwasher, although it may not be the best sounding job, it had benefited her greatly. “It's made me learn a lot more responsibility,” says Clowser “I really love working there [The Home Made] I love everyone there and love what I do.” It's these first jobs where teenagers can learn the responsibility that will stay with them.
Another local restaurant is Sy’s Pizza. Student Mariah Skytich’s family is the owner of the this popular after school stop. She has heard many positive things about the business and knows that students typically enjoy food. “Our family is very passionate about sponsoring others” says Skytich “I'm glad that we have such a good community that has made this small business turn into something bigger and more successful.” Places like these are what help the students of MC make some money, and make an experience. Even teachers take time to support these students. Be sure to stop by the local favorites!
MC ROTC Competes in Drill Competition
By: Zakk Painter and Mackenzie Walker
February 13, 2018
On February 10th, 2018, the Marion Center Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) hosted a drill competition with fellow AFJROTC programs at the Marion Center High School. Marion Center brought twenty of the one hundred and seventy-five cadets enrolled in the program to the competition where they competed as eight teams to show examples of their training, discipline, and skill.
Of the six schools competing that day, Marion Center’s JROTC was able to earn a few solid placements. The Advanced Unarmed team, led by Dominic Urbani, and the Advanced Armed team, led by Seth White, were both able to place 2nd in their categories. In the drill Knockout there were three 1st year placements from Marion Center: Clarissa Gallo (5th), Alexa Meyer (3rd), and Noah Bennett (2nd). Some cadets felt the stress of the situation, Kaleb Farmery, grade 10, commented, “I commanded a team. I was pretty nervous… It was the highest score we’ve placed in the last year.” That isn’t to say that the environment was not a positive place, it was actually quite the opposite.
“They were really nice,” said Tia Cramer, grade 10, about the competitors at the competition, “Everyone was wishing each other good luck.”
Many of the students felt much more comfortable by the time the awards ceremony came around. With parents of the cadets chattering in anticipation, Marion Center’s JROTC was awarded their placements in what felt like the fastest part of the day. While this was the cadets’ last formal competition of the year, they are sure to keep practicing in order to improve and make the school proud in their next competition.
By: Zakk Painter and Mackenzie Walker
February 13, 2018
On February 10th, 2018, the Marion Center Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) hosted a drill competition with fellow AFJROTC programs at the Marion Center High School. Marion Center brought twenty of the one hundred and seventy-five cadets enrolled in the program to the competition where they competed as eight teams to show examples of their training, discipline, and skill.
Of the six schools competing that day, Marion Center’s JROTC was able to earn a few solid placements. The Advanced Unarmed team, led by Dominic Urbani, and the Advanced Armed team, led by Seth White, were both able to place 2nd in their categories. In the drill Knockout there were three 1st year placements from Marion Center: Clarissa Gallo (5th), Alexa Meyer (3rd), and Noah Bennett (2nd). Some cadets felt the stress of the situation, Kaleb Farmery, grade 10, commented, “I commanded a team. I was pretty nervous… It was the highest score we’ve placed in the last year.” That isn’t to say that the environment was not a positive place, it was actually quite the opposite.
“They were really nice,” said Tia Cramer, grade 10, about the competitors at the competition, “Everyone was wishing each other good luck.”
Many of the students felt much more comfortable by the time the awards ceremony came around. With parents of the cadets chattering in anticipation, Marion Center’s JROTC was awarded their placements in what felt like the fastest part of the day. While this was the cadets’ last formal competition of the year, they are sure to keep practicing in order to improve and make the school proud in their next competition.
Wickedly Great Times
By Cherise Schultz
February 8, 2018
With all the trips and activities happening every day at Marion Center, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Recently, the art club (along with some staff members) went on a trip to Pittsburgh to see the Broadway show Wicked. With fundraising through painting ceiling tiles at the school, the club was able to raise enough money to cover a considerable portion of the cost. “It was a lot of fun and a great experience” said Emily Risinger, one of the students who attended the show. All of the people who saw the show would agree that it was amazing, even Mr. Betts who has seen the show many times. Although the trip wasn't to NYC like last year's when the club went to see Phantom of the Opera, it was still just as great and an amazing opportunity for the students.
By Cherise Schultz
February 8, 2018
With all the trips and activities happening every day at Marion Center, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Recently, the art club (along with some staff members) went on a trip to Pittsburgh to see the Broadway show Wicked. With fundraising through painting ceiling tiles at the school, the club was able to raise enough money to cover a considerable portion of the cost. “It was a lot of fun and a great experience” said Emily Risinger, one of the students who attended the show. All of the people who saw the show would agree that it was amazing, even Mr. Betts who has seen the show many times. Although the trip wasn't to NYC like last year's when the club went to see Phantom of the Opera, it was still just as great and an amazing opportunity for the students.
Future Farmers of America
By: Seth White
February 8, 2018
At the Pennsylvania FFA Mid-Winter Convention at the PA Farm show, over 300 FFA members from across the state received Keystone Degrees. The candidates of this degree must demonstrate leadership abilities and earn or productively invest at least $1,000 and/or work at least 300 hours in a supervised agricultural experience program, or SAE program. Only 3-4 percent of FFA students qualify for the degree. Marion Center recipients are Madison McGinnis, Jenna Strittmatter, Michaela Lydic, and Madison Cattau.
FFA students who received grants for their SAE projects included Carter Lydic for his beef SAE, Madison Cattau for her swine SAE, and Aidan Cattau for his sheep SAE. These students had to complete an application for the grant. Applicants had to present their SAE idea and outline details of how they were going to use the funds they would receive. Second, they had to explain the impact of their SAE on their FFA Chapter. Lastly, applicants would submit an itemized budget on how the award would be used.
Students receiving their FFA jackets included Jack Shearer, Aidan Cattau, and Carter Lydic. These students had to complete an application to be judged by the PA FFA Alumni Association, responding to three writing prompts.
These awards have given students great opportunities to further their agricultural education and enhance their curriculum in the classroom.
By: Seth White
February 8, 2018
At the Pennsylvania FFA Mid-Winter Convention at the PA Farm show, over 300 FFA members from across the state received Keystone Degrees. The candidates of this degree must demonstrate leadership abilities and earn or productively invest at least $1,000 and/or work at least 300 hours in a supervised agricultural experience program, or SAE program. Only 3-4 percent of FFA students qualify for the degree. Marion Center recipients are Madison McGinnis, Jenna Strittmatter, Michaela Lydic, and Madison Cattau.
FFA students who received grants for their SAE projects included Carter Lydic for his beef SAE, Madison Cattau for her swine SAE, and Aidan Cattau for his sheep SAE. These students had to complete an application for the grant. Applicants had to present their SAE idea and outline details of how they were going to use the funds they would receive. Second, they had to explain the impact of their SAE on their FFA Chapter. Lastly, applicants would submit an itemized budget on how the award would be used.
Students receiving their FFA jackets included Jack Shearer, Aidan Cattau, and Carter Lydic. These students had to complete an application to be judged by the PA FFA Alumni Association, responding to three writing prompts.
These awards have given students great opportunities to further their agricultural education and enhance their curriculum in the classroom.
Making a Splash: YMCA Swimming at MC
By Cherise Schultz
This year a new activity is starting at Marion Center like no other; swim practices. These aren't just the ordinary practices for the swim team, but they are practices for everyone (primarily the younger kids who can't yet be on the swim team.) This is a great opportunity for younger students in the community, especially, because it is coached by Nathan Dill. He is currently a competitive swimmer for the IUP swim team, and he has prior coaching experience at his own YMCA in Maryland. The practices take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8:30, are are planning to be held most of the year.
Rachel Carloni, the YMCA’s aquatic director, has been working with people to make an activity like this happen for a about three years, but not until April of 2017 did the planning process actually start. Carloni says that the YMCA wants to “broaden our reach with serving more youth.” Of course, as always, the YMCA hopes to create more opportunities for physical activities, and they believe that swimming is not only a great physical activity, but that it also provides lifesaving skills. Swimming is “also a way to increase youth self-esteem” as told by Carloni. The kids that do the weekly swimming benefit greatly, and so will other programs. This practice for younger swimmers will help develop their strokes and make them stronger competitive swimmers, which is great for the local swim teams. Even Carloni agrees that the practices will act as a “feeder program” for the Marion Center team. Also, Carloni says that there is a possibility of aligning these practices with practices for the YMCA’s swim team. Regardless of all of the alternative benefits, this program is one that has long been waiting for the community. Get to MC and get swimming!
By Cherise Schultz
This year a new activity is starting at Marion Center like no other; swim practices. These aren't just the ordinary practices for the swim team, but they are practices for everyone (primarily the younger kids who can't yet be on the swim team.) This is a great opportunity for younger students in the community, especially, because it is coached by Nathan Dill. He is currently a competitive swimmer for the IUP swim team, and he has prior coaching experience at his own YMCA in Maryland. The practices take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8:30, are are planning to be held most of the year.
Rachel Carloni, the YMCA’s aquatic director, has been working with people to make an activity like this happen for a about three years, but not until April of 2017 did the planning process actually start. Carloni says that the YMCA wants to “broaden our reach with serving more youth.” Of course, as always, the YMCA hopes to create more opportunities for physical activities, and they believe that swimming is not only a great physical activity, but that it also provides lifesaving skills. Swimming is “also a way to increase youth self-esteem” as told by Carloni. The kids that do the weekly swimming benefit greatly, and so will other programs. This practice for younger swimmers will help develop their strokes and make them stronger competitive swimmers, which is great for the local swim teams. Even Carloni agrees that the practices will act as a “feeder program” for the Marion Center team. Also, Carloni says that there is a possibility of aligning these practices with practices for the YMCA’s swim team. Regardless of all of the alternative benefits, this program is one that has long been waiting for the community. Get to MC and get swimming!
Indoor Track at MC
By: Seth White
January 30, 2018
Marion Center has a club for those athletes who want to complete in Indoor Track and Field during the winter months. It is called called ‘Winter Track’ due to the fact that most of the training is done outdoors even as the snow flies. It is a non-school sponsored sport that student athletes join to train and can compete in during January and February. Students and coaches meet a couple of times a week to train and competes in Edinboro University’s indoor facility.
The athletes also got the opportunity to travel to Slippery Rock’s Morrow Field House on the 14th of January. They participated in a “Learning by Doing” Clinic, learning from Slippery Rock’s Coaches and Athletes. This was a great opportunity for MC’s athletes and coaches to learn and try new things.
At Edinboro students compete against many large schools, both public and private, from all over Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Southern New York.
Zack Short, a Freshman on the team said that he, “joined because I wanted to train for the spring season… I enjoy it in that it gives me an edge on the other teams.”
Ms. Desiree Fuqua, the jumps coach for the team said that, “winter track gives a competitive edge against other schools and teams who don’t have this opportunity, and it gives a chance for athletes to achieve individual improvements at the indoor meets.”
The team is coached by Fuqua, Mr. Chris Peters, Ms. Nicole Dann, and Mr. Luke Sitosky. Athletes still have two more meets at Edinboro, the next being the 10th of February, and the Championship meet the 17th.
By: Seth White
January 30, 2018
Marion Center has a club for those athletes who want to complete in Indoor Track and Field during the winter months. It is called called ‘Winter Track’ due to the fact that most of the training is done outdoors even as the snow flies. It is a non-school sponsored sport that student athletes join to train and can compete in during January and February. Students and coaches meet a couple of times a week to train and competes in Edinboro University’s indoor facility.
The athletes also got the opportunity to travel to Slippery Rock’s Morrow Field House on the 14th of January. They participated in a “Learning by Doing” Clinic, learning from Slippery Rock’s Coaches and Athletes. This was a great opportunity for MC’s athletes and coaches to learn and try new things.
At Edinboro students compete against many large schools, both public and private, from all over Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Southern New York.
Zack Short, a Freshman on the team said that he, “joined because I wanted to train for the spring season… I enjoy it in that it gives me an edge on the other teams.”
Ms. Desiree Fuqua, the jumps coach for the team said that, “winter track gives a competitive edge against other schools and teams who don’t have this opportunity, and it gives a chance for athletes to achieve individual improvements at the indoor meets.”
The team is coached by Fuqua, Mr. Chris Peters, Ms. Nicole Dann, and Mr. Luke Sitosky. Athletes still have two more meets at Edinboro, the next being the 10th of February, and the Championship meet the 17th.
MC Spring Musical 2018
By: Mackenzie Walker
January 22, 2018
With the new year underway and spring fast approaching, the time comes to announce the 2018 Marion Center Spring Musical. This year, the Marion Center Music Department will present Mary Poppins! The musical is based on the children’s’ book that was adapted into a Disney film.
Senior McKenzie Lucas will be playing the lead role of Mary Poppins. “I’m very excited to play this role!” Lucas says with a smile. However, this isn’t her first time taking the stage, she is an active member in the choir and has participated in many theatrical productions including Shrek: The Musical, Cinderella: Enchanted, Back to the 80’s, and Annie where she played the title role of Annie.
“One of my goals is to properly portray the character of Mary Poppins, which is going to be a challenge because of her mature personality and accent” Lucas says of her ambitions for the show. “I hope to accomplish a great last musical, being a senior, with the other great cast members.”
Other main roles include Zack Short as Bert, Rachel Wilkins as Mrs. Banks, Liam Dicken as Mr. Banks, Allison Yeomans as Jane, and Dillon Green as Michael. The musical will be performed on March 22nd through the 24th.
By: Mackenzie Walker
January 22, 2018
With the new year underway and spring fast approaching, the time comes to announce the 2018 Marion Center Spring Musical. This year, the Marion Center Music Department will present Mary Poppins! The musical is based on the children’s’ book that was adapted into a Disney film.
Senior McKenzie Lucas will be playing the lead role of Mary Poppins. “I’m very excited to play this role!” Lucas says with a smile. However, this isn’t her first time taking the stage, she is an active member in the choir and has participated in many theatrical productions including Shrek: The Musical, Cinderella: Enchanted, Back to the 80’s, and Annie where she played the title role of Annie.
“One of my goals is to properly portray the character of Mary Poppins, which is going to be a challenge because of her mature personality and accent” Lucas says of her ambitions for the show. “I hope to accomplish a great last musical, being a senior, with the other great cast members.”
Other main roles include Zack Short as Bert, Rachel Wilkins as Mrs. Banks, Liam Dicken as Mr. Banks, Allison Yeomans as Jane, and Dillon Green as Michael. The musical will be performed on March 22nd through the 24th.
Punxy Phil Visits MC
By: Mackenzie Walker
January 19, 2018
On January 18, elementary students at Marion Center got the chance of a lifetime to meet a bigtime celebrity who comes from just up the road. Punxytawney Phil came to visit the students of McCreery Elementary in order to teach and prepare them for Groundhog’s Day on the second of February.
The students were divided in two groups. One group believed that spring would come early this year and one group believed there was going to be 6 more weeks of winter. During the assembly both teachers and students participated in groundhog themed activities which included trivia, singing, and even getting groundhog names, Mr. Luke Sitosky, a fifth grade teacher, was dubbed “Mud Pie” for the special assembly.
“We bring Phil out so kids can see him and we keep the legend going because they remember him as kids and come back to visit” Mr. Ron Ploucha, “stumpmaster” and Phil’s retired handler says. “Phil goes to schools, nursing homes, parades and Phil even gets invited to weddings” he says with a laugh. Mr. Ploucha led the assembly and is part of Phil’s caretaker team.
Mr. Ed McCunn, a third grade teacher at McCreery thought it was a great way for the kids to learn about groundhogs and Groundhog’s Day in general. “I thought it was very informative and the kids enjoyed it” he says with a smile. “I definitely think it’s beneficial especially since it’s so close [to Marion Center].”
Overall the assembly was a great and fun way for the students to learn about groundhogs and the tradition of predicting the weather through Groundhog’s Day. They were extremely enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of an up close encounter with the famous Punxytawney Phil himself.
By: Mackenzie Walker
January 19, 2018
On January 18, elementary students at Marion Center got the chance of a lifetime to meet a bigtime celebrity who comes from just up the road. Punxytawney Phil came to visit the students of McCreery Elementary in order to teach and prepare them for Groundhog’s Day on the second of February.
The students were divided in two groups. One group believed that spring would come early this year and one group believed there was going to be 6 more weeks of winter. During the assembly both teachers and students participated in groundhog themed activities which included trivia, singing, and even getting groundhog names, Mr. Luke Sitosky, a fifth grade teacher, was dubbed “Mud Pie” for the special assembly.
“We bring Phil out so kids can see him and we keep the legend going because they remember him as kids and come back to visit” Mr. Ron Ploucha, “stumpmaster” and Phil’s retired handler says. “Phil goes to schools, nursing homes, parades and Phil even gets invited to weddings” he says with a laugh. Mr. Ploucha led the assembly and is part of Phil’s caretaker team.
Mr. Ed McCunn, a third grade teacher at McCreery thought it was a great way for the kids to learn about groundhogs and Groundhog’s Day in general. “I thought it was very informative and the kids enjoyed it” he says with a smile. “I definitely think it’s beneficial especially since it’s so close [to Marion Center].”
Overall the assembly was a great and fun way for the students to learn about groundhogs and the tradition of predicting the weather through Groundhog’s Day. They were extremely enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of an up close encounter with the famous Punxytawney Phil himself.
What’s for Lunch?
By: Cherise Schultz
January 24, 2018
Lunch, it is students favorite part of the day; sitting and talking with your friends and finally getting to eat after your stomach has been growling all day. What’s better than being able to devour that turkey sandwich that you have had on your mind all day? Probably not much. What’s worse than that? Not eating at all. When it comes to school provided lunches, students and their families can apply to receive them free or reduced. There are certain guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture that determine if children will have assistance with meal costs. Depending on the income of families, students will or will not get school meals reduced. Although there are strict guidelines that decide who gets these reductions, it is not always seen as fair. Are school meal reductions given fairly?
At Marion Center, the students are about half and half with who buys school lunches and who brings their own from home. It is safe to say that the students who pack nearly every day don’t need, and don’t receive the reduced meal costs, but this is not always true. Some of the daily packers at Marion Center receive reduced, and in some cases, free lunches. Some students have openly said that they get free lunches but don’t feel that they need them. This anonymous student has said that they receive free meals at school, but they bring a lunch of their own nearly every day. This student also said that there are other students who “need it [a free lunch] but don’t get.” Although this is something that is completely out of student control, it is not going unnoticed. Other students say that “some of the people offered free/reduced lunches don’t need them.” Although it is no single person’s place to say what a family needs and doesn’t, it is hard not to assume when people who have assisted meal costs rarely use them. Not only do some students who get free lunches rarely use them, but when they do use them, they will sometimes give it to a friend who doesn’t have a lunch that day. This all further raises the question of how fair are the reduced lunch guidelines?
The problem with meal costs starts with a small number, only $1.30. Well, that is the breakfast cost at MC. The lunch cost is now up to $2.65. That can add up to a lot in a whole school year. Students who don’t receive meal reductions, and buy both breakfast and lunch can spend nearly $700 a year, and that isn’t counting the extra they can spend on snacks at lunch. Considering that most families have two or more children, that can add up to so much more. This is the reason why most families apply for the meal reductions. If a family does qualify for a reduced lunch, only $.30 is taken off the breakfast price, and $.40 is removed from lunch price. It may not seem like much, but for families that need it, it can help a lot (especially with students participating in school activities and trips.) All of these numbers mean so much more to the school than it does to students, families, and community members, but does the school need to be bothered with the numbers? This year Punxsutawney elementary and middle schools began offering free breakfast and lunches to all students. This school district isn’t very far from Marion Center, so why don’t all students at MC get free lunches? There are certain qualifications regarding schoolwide family income, and Marion Center doesn’t quite meet the mark. This may seem surprising considering that many students know that they have reduced or free lunches. With all the specific qualifications regarding assisted meal costs, it is no surprise that not all families who need assistance receive it. People always say that money is just a piece of paper, but today it is so much more. Money is what everyone lives off of, what everyone works towards and for, so why do families who don’t have much waste it on highly priced school meals?
By: Cherise Schultz
January 24, 2018
Lunch, it is students favorite part of the day; sitting and talking with your friends and finally getting to eat after your stomach has been growling all day. What’s better than being able to devour that turkey sandwich that you have had on your mind all day? Probably not much. What’s worse than that? Not eating at all. When it comes to school provided lunches, students and their families can apply to receive them free or reduced. There are certain guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture that determine if children will have assistance with meal costs. Depending on the income of families, students will or will not get school meals reduced. Although there are strict guidelines that decide who gets these reductions, it is not always seen as fair. Are school meal reductions given fairly?
At Marion Center, the students are about half and half with who buys school lunches and who brings their own from home. It is safe to say that the students who pack nearly every day don’t need, and don’t receive the reduced meal costs, but this is not always true. Some of the daily packers at Marion Center receive reduced, and in some cases, free lunches. Some students have openly said that they get free lunches but don’t feel that they need them. This anonymous student has said that they receive free meals at school, but they bring a lunch of their own nearly every day. This student also said that there are other students who “need it [a free lunch] but don’t get.” Although this is something that is completely out of student control, it is not going unnoticed. Other students say that “some of the people offered free/reduced lunches don’t need them.” Although it is no single person’s place to say what a family needs and doesn’t, it is hard not to assume when people who have assisted meal costs rarely use them. Not only do some students who get free lunches rarely use them, but when they do use them, they will sometimes give it to a friend who doesn’t have a lunch that day. This all further raises the question of how fair are the reduced lunch guidelines?
The problem with meal costs starts with a small number, only $1.30. Well, that is the breakfast cost at MC. The lunch cost is now up to $2.65. That can add up to a lot in a whole school year. Students who don’t receive meal reductions, and buy both breakfast and lunch can spend nearly $700 a year, and that isn’t counting the extra they can spend on snacks at lunch. Considering that most families have two or more children, that can add up to so much more. This is the reason why most families apply for the meal reductions. If a family does qualify for a reduced lunch, only $.30 is taken off the breakfast price, and $.40 is removed from lunch price. It may not seem like much, but for families that need it, it can help a lot (especially with students participating in school activities and trips.) All of these numbers mean so much more to the school than it does to students, families, and community members, but does the school need to be bothered with the numbers? This year Punxsutawney elementary and middle schools began offering free breakfast and lunches to all students. This school district isn’t very far from Marion Center, so why don’t all students at MC get free lunches? There are certain qualifications regarding schoolwide family income, and Marion Center doesn’t quite meet the mark. This may seem surprising considering that many students know that they have reduced or free lunches. With all the specific qualifications regarding assisted meal costs, it is no surprise that not all families who need assistance receive it. People always say that money is just a piece of paper, but today it is so much more. Money is what everyone lives off of, what everyone works towards and for, so why do families who don’t have much waste it on highly priced school meals?
The Dress Code
By: Brant Lydick
January 23, 2018
Marion Center school district like every other school around our area has a school dress code. The dress code sets a standard for what the students can wear to school on any given day with only a few exceptions. In our student handbook it states that “Students are expected to dress and groom themselves in an acceptable manner for an educational setting. Any dress or groom that draws attention to the student can be considered disruptive to the educational process. Statistics have proven that dress/groom affects performance and discipline” (MCHS School Handbook 2018).
Many students though feel that this is biased against girls. In an interview with Leah Strong, a senior at Marion Center High School, she stated that: “The dress code infringes upon the rights of individuals and citizens.” She describes this as being a barrier that the girls have to stay behind rather than being able to express themselves in the way that they want.
In our “School Board Policy Manual,” it states that “The Board recognizes that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference.” This shows that the School Board does care what the students want to wear or how they express themselves but there are limits to that.
On the other-hand our school’s Dean of Students Ms. Gena Anthony says that the limitations apply to both male and females alike. She also said that she sees nowhere where it could be seen as biased. Ms. Anthony believes that the only rules that she would want to change would be the “hair color rule because that really doesn’t matter in today’s society” and the rule that states that hoodies and long shirts have to be tucked in.
There may or may not be an issue with this but as of right now there will be no plans to change school dress code.
By: Brant Lydick
January 23, 2018
Marion Center school district like every other school around our area has a school dress code. The dress code sets a standard for what the students can wear to school on any given day with only a few exceptions. In our student handbook it states that “Students are expected to dress and groom themselves in an acceptable manner for an educational setting. Any dress or groom that draws attention to the student can be considered disruptive to the educational process. Statistics have proven that dress/groom affects performance and discipline” (MCHS School Handbook 2018).
Many students though feel that this is biased against girls. In an interview with Leah Strong, a senior at Marion Center High School, she stated that: “The dress code infringes upon the rights of individuals and citizens.” She describes this as being a barrier that the girls have to stay behind rather than being able to express themselves in the way that they want.
In our “School Board Policy Manual,” it states that “The Board recognizes that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference.” This shows that the School Board does care what the students want to wear or how they express themselves but there are limits to that.
On the other-hand our school’s Dean of Students Ms. Gena Anthony says that the limitations apply to both male and females alike. She also said that she sees nowhere where it could be seen as biased. Ms. Anthony believes that the only rules that she would want to change would be the “hair color rule because that really doesn’t matter in today’s society” and the rule that states that hoodies and long shirts have to be tucked in.
There may or may not be an issue with this but as of right now there will be no plans to change school dress code.
Class Comes to Life: Anatomy Watches Open Heart Surgery
By: Seth White
January 16, 2018
It has been just over a month since Mrs. Wilden’s Anatomy class took their annual trip to see an open-heart surgery at Allegheny General Hospital.
The procedure was an aortic valve replacement. They used a bovine valve to do so. Students were led up to an observation room where they were able to watch in real life and on a monitor the entire procedure. And no it is not how ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ suggests surgery is. The trip really brought to life the actuality of the medical field, one which students now understand. The students were surprised with how much prep work and behind the scenes action takes place during surgery. Students were able to see just how they prep the body, the anesthesiologists doing their work, and the tools they use to do the procedure.
“What a lot of people don’t understand is the down time the anesthesiologists have.” Pat, our guide explained. “They only have to check the monitor every ten minutes or so, and being out of the sterile field they are allowed to be on their phones.” Students were very surprised at this. When most of them thought surgery they thought that it would be unsafe to be distracted while operating. But because they were out of the sterile field, they could do so and it was completely safe.
The trip was a great opportunity for the students, and they are very grateful for the chance to observe.
By: Seth White
January 16, 2018
It has been just over a month since Mrs. Wilden’s Anatomy class took their annual trip to see an open-heart surgery at Allegheny General Hospital.
The procedure was an aortic valve replacement. They used a bovine valve to do so. Students were led up to an observation room where they were able to watch in real life and on a monitor the entire procedure. And no it is not how ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ suggests surgery is. The trip really brought to life the actuality of the medical field, one which students now understand. The students were surprised with how much prep work and behind the scenes action takes place during surgery. Students were able to see just how they prep the body, the anesthesiologists doing their work, and the tools they use to do the procedure.
“What a lot of people don’t understand is the down time the anesthesiologists have.” Pat, our guide explained. “They only have to check the monitor every ten minutes or so, and being out of the sterile field they are allowed to be on their phones.” Students were very surprised at this. When most of them thought surgery they thought that it would be unsafe to be distracted while operating. But because they were out of the sterile field, they could do so and it was completely safe.
The trip was a great opportunity for the students, and they are very grateful for the chance to observe.
Marion Center Power Lifting Club
By: Brant Lydic
January 18, 2018
Here in Marion Center High School weight lifting has become competitive. Mr. JohnAllen Snyder has created a weightlifting club that promotes safe and effective.
This club will be attending powerlifting competitions in the next couple of months. Mr. Snyder also says that he hopes Marion Center could even host a competition. The club hopes to not only do well at competitions but also help the power lifters be prepared for other sports.
The club is open to anyone who wanted to lift hard and get bigger for any reason at all. Many people who are in the club are there though because they want to get bigger for football. Edwin Anderson says that he’s there because he “loves to lift and wants to be the best football player he can be.” On the other hand, there are seniors in the club who are just there because they love to lift.
With this club more opportunities have been opened up for the students to lift and compete both at Marion Center and with other schools.
By: Brant Lydic
January 18, 2018
Here in Marion Center High School weight lifting has become competitive. Mr. JohnAllen Snyder has created a weightlifting club that promotes safe and effective.
This club will be attending powerlifting competitions in the next couple of months. Mr. Snyder also says that he hopes Marion Center could even host a competition. The club hopes to not only do well at competitions but also help the power lifters be prepared for other sports.
The club is open to anyone who wanted to lift hard and get bigger for any reason at all. Many people who are in the club are there though because they want to get bigger for football. Edwin Anderson says that he’s there because he “loves to lift and wants to be the best football player he can be.” On the other hand, there are seniors in the club who are just there because they love to lift.
With this club more opportunities have been opened up for the students to lift and compete both at Marion Center and with other schools.
MC Jazz Band Tours Elementary
By: Mackenzie Walker
December 21, 2017
On Thursday, December 21, 2017 the Marion Center High School Jazz Band under the direction of science teacher Mr. Betts, went on tour to share their holiday tunes with McCreery and Rayne Elementary students and staff. The band practices once a week and has about 23 members currently and a variety of instruments including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, baritone, trumpet, drums, guitar, piano, bass, and voice. The band played 4 songs featuring many soloists and features. One song featured singer and alto sax player Emma Bland singing the main theme to “(Everybody’s Waiting For The) Man With the Bag” arranged by Rick Stitzel. Soloists included Cherise Schultz, Alex Johnson, Claire Henderson, Andrew Adams, Rylie Schoch, Seth White, Logan Short, Rhys Davies, Robin DeHaven, and Emma Bland. This is the 2nd year in a row that the band traveled to perform for the students. The band hopes to continue this tradition in the future and share their love of music and holiday cheer.
By: Mackenzie Walker
December 21, 2017
On Thursday, December 21, 2017 the Marion Center High School Jazz Band under the direction of science teacher Mr. Betts, went on tour to share their holiday tunes with McCreery and Rayne Elementary students and staff. The band practices once a week and has about 23 members currently and a variety of instruments including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, baritone, trumpet, drums, guitar, piano, bass, and voice. The band played 4 songs featuring many soloists and features. One song featured singer and alto sax player Emma Bland singing the main theme to “(Everybody’s Waiting For The) Man With the Bag” arranged by Rick Stitzel. Soloists included Cherise Schultz, Alex Johnson, Claire Henderson, Andrew Adams, Rylie Schoch, Seth White, Logan Short, Rhys Davies, Robin DeHaven, and Emma Bland. This is the 2nd year in a row that the band traveled to perform for the students. The band hopes to continue this tradition in the future and share their love of music and holiday cheer.
