"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."
EXTRACURRICULAR
Holiday Door Decorating Competition
By: Brianna Adkins
January 3, 2016
Before Christmas break, National Honors Society hosted a “Holiday Door Decorating Competition”, where each homeroom was encouraged to decorate the door of their room with a holiday theme for the chance to win a donut party. Mrs. Shouse’s homeroom won 1st place with a Polar Express themed door.
By: Brianna Adkins
January 3, 2016
Before Christmas break, National Honors Society hosted a “Holiday Door Decorating Competition”, where each homeroom was encouraged to decorate the door of their room with a holiday theme for the chance to win a donut party. Mrs. Shouse’s homeroom won 1st place with a Polar Express themed door.
FBLA Article
By: Sydney Edwards
December 8, 2016
FBLA testing has begun. The members, approximately sixty students, have taken an online test in the IMC to determine if they will make it to State level in Hershey, PA and are anxiously waiting for the results. They have put a lot of hard work into their topics that will surely pay off when the results come in.
The members of FBLA have prepared themselves for testing by first, choosing a competitive event to test or preform in. To prepare for their event students have accessed practice test questions online and use quizlet to get more familiar with the topic they have chosen. If a student chooses a performance event they have researched information on whatever topic they have and practiced their performance to make it solid. In addition to this, Mr. Ellenburger makes time for study sessions, which can be performed in study halls, star periods, and after school.
Secretary of FBLA, Kaiana Bell, says, “I believe the overall goal of FBLA would be to get students involved and make them successful in whatever they choose. Also, to prepare and encourage students to make it to State level to receive that experience is another important goal in FBLA.”
The advisors who look over the club are Mr. Ellenburger and Mrs. Usko. Along with that, there are four advisors: April Murdick as president, Taylor Blanzy as vice president, Kaiana Bell as Secretary, and Maleah Orr as Treasurer. Having these leaders to look up to will surely help the other members of FBLA strive to do their complete best.
The members of FBLA will receive the results of how they performed at regions, which is held at the Kovalchick Center at IUP later this month. Many students made states last year, so hopefully this year will bring the same success. The students who are taken to stares will be able to see if they are capable of making Nationals later in the spring. Good luck to FBLA in the upcoming months!
By: Sydney Edwards
December 8, 2016
FBLA testing has begun. The members, approximately sixty students, have taken an online test in the IMC to determine if they will make it to State level in Hershey, PA and are anxiously waiting for the results. They have put a lot of hard work into their topics that will surely pay off when the results come in.
The members of FBLA have prepared themselves for testing by first, choosing a competitive event to test or preform in. To prepare for their event students have accessed practice test questions online and use quizlet to get more familiar with the topic they have chosen. If a student chooses a performance event they have researched information on whatever topic they have and practiced their performance to make it solid. In addition to this, Mr. Ellenburger makes time for study sessions, which can be performed in study halls, star periods, and after school.
Secretary of FBLA, Kaiana Bell, says, “I believe the overall goal of FBLA would be to get students involved and make them successful in whatever they choose. Also, to prepare and encourage students to make it to State level to receive that experience is another important goal in FBLA.”
The advisors who look over the club are Mr. Ellenburger and Mrs. Usko. Along with that, there are four advisors: April Murdick as president, Taylor Blanzy as vice president, Kaiana Bell as Secretary, and Maleah Orr as Treasurer. Having these leaders to look up to will surely help the other members of FBLA strive to do their complete best.
The members of FBLA will receive the results of how they performed at regions, which is held at the Kovalchick Center at IUP later this month. Many students made states last year, so hopefully this year will bring the same success. The students who are taken to stares will be able to see if they are capable of making Nationals later in the spring. Good luck to FBLA in the upcoming months!
Quizbowl: A Trivia Game for MC
Megan Taylor
January 2, 2016
Megan Taylor
January 2, 2016
What is Quizbowl exactly? It definitely has a presence in MC, with announcements often, competitions made known, and labels peppering the team member’s lockers, but do we know what it is? A trivia game, most would answer and they are not wrong at all. But knowing how this trivia game works is important too. This game is not an easy one.
In Quizbowl, like other sports, you have your JV team and your Varsity team. Each are divided into smaller teams consisting of five members each. These smaller teams are put to the test in their competitions. Each member is on his or her own, despite there being four others. No conversing between your buddies is allowed, and there is a certain time limit depending on the question, none are long periods of time at all. When a member knows an answer they need to ring in, much like Jeopardy. The questions are random and teams are never told what kind of question they may get, unlike Jeopardy which has nifty categories. The question can be from many categories, practically anything really. Math, physics, music, art, literature, biology, history, sports and even video games. To master a game like this one must truly be well rounded. Questions are worth points and the team with the most wins.
The teams have a moderator, who reads the questions at competitions, and an adviser, who practices with the team and is very much like a coach. MC’s moderator is Mr. Betts, and our adviser is Mrs. Berezansky. Both do their absolute best to ensure the teams’ readiness and capability.
Marion Center’s Quizbowl team wrapped up their year in December. This year’s competitions were very close calls for our teams, as most of their matches ended in very close losses. And despite their losses the teams still deserves a pat on the back. Trivia is not something easily mastered and both JV and Varsity teams had a chance to test their mastery of that skill. The season is viewed by the teams as a great year for gaining experience to use for their next year and as an opportunity to improve their game and knowledge.
Trivia is no easy feat, and being able to answer random questions within a time limit takes a special talent to do. While it’s not a physical sport it is one all the same. Marion Center is proud of its hardworking Quizbowl teams no matter what kind of season they have, and we cannot wait to support them again next round.
In Quizbowl, like other sports, you have your JV team and your Varsity team. Each are divided into smaller teams consisting of five members each. These smaller teams are put to the test in their competitions. Each member is on his or her own, despite there being four others. No conversing between your buddies is allowed, and there is a certain time limit depending on the question, none are long periods of time at all. When a member knows an answer they need to ring in, much like Jeopardy. The questions are random and teams are never told what kind of question they may get, unlike Jeopardy which has nifty categories. The question can be from many categories, practically anything really. Math, physics, music, art, literature, biology, history, sports and even video games. To master a game like this one must truly be well rounded. Questions are worth points and the team with the most wins.
The teams have a moderator, who reads the questions at competitions, and an adviser, who practices with the team and is very much like a coach. MC’s moderator is Mr. Betts, and our adviser is Mrs. Berezansky. Both do their absolute best to ensure the teams’ readiness and capability.
Marion Center’s Quizbowl team wrapped up their year in December. This year’s competitions were very close calls for our teams, as most of their matches ended in very close losses. And despite their losses the teams still deserves a pat on the back. Trivia is not something easily mastered and both JV and Varsity teams had a chance to test their mastery of that skill. The season is viewed by the teams as a great year for gaining experience to use for their next year and as an opportunity to improve their game and knowledge.
Trivia is no easy feat, and being able to answer random questions within a time limit takes a special talent to do. While it’s not a physical sport it is one all the same. Marion Center is proud of its hardworking Quizbowl teams no matter what kind of season they have, and we cannot wait to support them again next round.
Creative Writing Club on the Rise
By: Megan Taylor
October 23, 2015
By: Megan Taylor
October 23, 2015
Marion Center has its prominent clubs, the biggies everyone always goes too. But we also have some more obscure, shadowy clubs that no one really seems to be a member of unless you ask them directly or they have a huge passion about it. Creative Writing Club is counted among these “lesser” clubs, but hopefully not for very long.
Creative Writing Club is on the prowl once again, hunting down anyone with even the tiniest of interest in writing. The club is frequently holding open functions and is welcoming to anyone who doesn’t count writing as a complete bore. The writers and their overseer, Mr. Patterson, consider the club as a safe-haven for those who haven’t exactly found their place and seem to only fit into the world in their heads. Interested in writing and need someone to unload your ideas on? We’re here for you! Just need someplace to go write and spill your ideas over a keyboard? We’re still here for you. So why not join?
Maybe you have some questions first. What does the club do? What are these mysterious open functions spoken of earlier?
Creative Writing Club does more than you would think. The club has held writing contests in the past, some with cash prizes even, and plan to hold at least 2 this current schoolyear. Multiple fundraisers are also held, the most popular being Valentine’s Day poems members were commissioned to write. The idea of a book drive is also circulating. The largest attractions by far are the afterschool activities planned throughout the year. All the activities take place right after school and end before the activity buses leave. They include writing workshops where members and visiting students can gain inspiration, ideas, and even the beginnings of a story through guided steps, usually on a disc set recommended by Mr. Patterson. The club also hosts readings, what we dub “Howls.” They are centered on members and visitors reading pieces aloud they’ve written or just enjoy to read aloud. The Howls are often themed. This year the club would love to host a Halloween Howl, Christmas or Holiday themed one, an un-themed reading, and an end of the school year howl.
The Halloween Howl is already set for October 30th, a Friday, afterschool. We invite everyone interested to join us for Halloween themes snacks and spooky or not-so-spooky short stories. We encourage others to bring original work, but will not frown upon anyone who just wants to listen in.
Convinced yet? Why not stop by and see what we’re all about? The club cannot stay behind the others forever, and is already growing in membership. With a meeting every club day 1 and 3, the members will be happy to receive you. With howls, workshops, fundraisers, and contests planned, it’s sure to be an imaginative year. So, in the words of Mr. Patterson, “there’s that.”
Creative Writing Club is on the prowl once again, hunting down anyone with even the tiniest of interest in writing. The club is frequently holding open functions and is welcoming to anyone who doesn’t count writing as a complete bore. The writers and their overseer, Mr. Patterson, consider the club as a safe-haven for those who haven’t exactly found their place and seem to only fit into the world in their heads. Interested in writing and need someone to unload your ideas on? We’re here for you! Just need someplace to go write and spill your ideas over a keyboard? We’re still here for you. So why not join?
Maybe you have some questions first. What does the club do? What are these mysterious open functions spoken of earlier?
Creative Writing Club does more than you would think. The club has held writing contests in the past, some with cash prizes even, and plan to hold at least 2 this current schoolyear. Multiple fundraisers are also held, the most popular being Valentine’s Day poems members were commissioned to write. The idea of a book drive is also circulating. The largest attractions by far are the afterschool activities planned throughout the year. All the activities take place right after school and end before the activity buses leave. They include writing workshops where members and visiting students can gain inspiration, ideas, and even the beginnings of a story through guided steps, usually on a disc set recommended by Mr. Patterson. The club also hosts readings, what we dub “Howls.” They are centered on members and visitors reading pieces aloud they’ve written or just enjoy to read aloud. The Howls are often themed. This year the club would love to host a Halloween Howl, Christmas or Holiday themed one, an un-themed reading, and an end of the school year howl.
The Halloween Howl is already set for October 30th, a Friday, afterschool. We invite everyone interested to join us for Halloween themes snacks and spooky or not-so-spooky short stories. We encourage others to bring original work, but will not frown upon anyone who just wants to listen in.
Convinced yet? Why not stop by and see what we’re all about? The club cannot stay behind the others forever, and is already growing in membership. With a meeting every club day 1 and 3, the members will be happy to receive you. With howls, workshops, fundraisers, and contests planned, it’s sure to be an imaginative year. So, in the words of Mr. Patterson, “there’s that.”
New Color: The Tree of Knowledge
By: Megan Taylor
October 19, 2015
By: Megan Taylor
October 19, 2015
Plenty would say that the walls of Marion Center are a little bland. The muted yellow tones are downright depressing. But one doesn’t need to fret over this any longer. MC’s trusty art students armed themselves with brushes and a fierce inspiration to bring color to our walls. Four hours of hard work and two after school sessions later our high school’s English and music hallway, known to others as old senior row, was blessed with color and pizazz by what the painters dub “The Tree of Knowledge.”
Our Tree started off as a vague idea in the mind of its creator, junior Arista Barnoff. It all began with the idea for a mural on the skinny wall slats above the ramp going to the music and English departments. Advanced Art set off to sketch out designs for this drab piece of plaster. After a short contest with Mrs. Paterson and Mr. Magolis as judges, Arista’s concept of the Tree won its way to MC’s walls. “I just started drawing and ended up with a tree.” the winning artist stated. Quite a happy way to end up.
The painting began a few weeks after the design was picked. Advanced Art members stayed after school to help paint the Tree. A few frustrated sighs and careful brushstrokes later the trunk, branches, and leaves were finished. Another after school session led to the books and wind wisps that now grace the trunk. When asked about the most challenging part of the painting Arista answered, “I was surprised at all the contrast I had to use to make it look good from a distance. You had to guess what it would look like far away from up close.” She also mentioned the rather sketchy scaffolding. “…it was nerve wracking to stand on it.”
But the Tree isn’t just there for the fun of it. It symbolizes something, as every work of art has some kind of hidden meaning. Arista comments, “It represents the growth of knowledge in all the subjects taught here.” And if you ever have the time to look closely at the colored books that adorn the tree, you’ll find that they all have titles representing subjects. Not just the biggies like English, Math, Science, and History –although they are represented—the artists also included ICTC, foods, languages, band, chorus, art, P.E, and a few others. Above anything else the Tree is about harmony in learning. How all things come together and increase integrity and, naturally, knowledge.
The art students are not the only ones who can appreciate the tree, however. Staff and students often comment on the hard work that went into it and how fitting it is sitting atop the ramp. The general opinion is reflected in Rachel Fleming’s, grade 11, testimony. “It’s really well done and adds needed color to the ugly wall.” The mural is like a fresh breath when seeing it. It stands out against the environment there and students enjoy seeing it on their way to their classes.
“The Tree of Knowledge” was not an easy feat, but it was well worth its trouble. Advanced Art can pat itself on the back, for they uplifted spirits and the décor of Marion Center High School. Thank you: Arista Barnoff, Jed Goss, Lindsay Herring, Carissa Kessler, and Megan Taylor!
Our Tree started off as a vague idea in the mind of its creator, junior Arista Barnoff. It all began with the idea for a mural on the skinny wall slats above the ramp going to the music and English departments. Advanced Art set off to sketch out designs for this drab piece of plaster. After a short contest with Mrs. Paterson and Mr. Magolis as judges, Arista’s concept of the Tree won its way to MC’s walls. “I just started drawing and ended up with a tree.” the winning artist stated. Quite a happy way to end up.
The painting began a few weeks after the design was picked. Advanced Art members stayed after school to help paint the Tree. A few frustrated sighs and careful brushstrokes later the trunk, branches, and leaves were finished. Another after school session led to the books and wind wisps that now grace the trunk. When asked about the most challenging part of the painting Arista answered, “I was surprised at all the contrast I had to use to make it look good from a distance. You had to guess what it would look like far away from up close.” She also mentioned the rather sketchy scaffolding. “…it was nerve wracking to stand on it.”
But the Tree isn’t just there for the fun of it. It symbolizes something, as every work of art has some kind of hidden meaning. Arista comments, “It represents the growth of knowledge in all the subjects taught here.” And if you ever have the time to look closely at the colored books that adorn the tree, you’ll find that they all have titles representing subjects. Not just the biggies like English, Math, Science, and History –although they are represented—the artists also included ICTC, foods, languages, band, chorus, art, P.E, and a few others. Above anything else the Tree is about harmony in learning. How all things come together and increase integrity and, naturally, knowledge.
The art students are not the only ones who can appreciate the tree, however. Staff and students often comment on the hard work that went into it and how fitting it is sitting atop the ramp. The general opinion is reflected in Rachel Fleming’s, grade 11, testimony. “It’s really well done and adds needed color to the ugly wall.” The mural is like a fresh breath when seeing it. It stands out against the environment there and students enjoy seeing it on their way to their classes.
“The Tree of Knowledge” was not an easy feat, but it was well worth its trouble. Advanced Art can pat itself on the back, for they uplifted spirits and the décor of Marion Center High School. Thank you: Arista Barnoff, Jed Goss, Lindsay Herring, Carissa Kessler, and Megan Taylor!
Student Council Rocks Marion Center
By: Chaise Stiteler
October 16, 2015
By: Chaise Stiteler
October 16, 2015
Student Council is the largest club in Marion Center and has over 80 members. Anyone in our high school can join this club, all seventh through twelfth graders are welcomed to be a part of it. This club is active in the school and community. The events they host include homecoming, Santa’s Breakfast, an Egg Hunt, bowling with the Life Skills students, and many other small projects for our students. Sophomore Leah Strong says, “I like being a part of something that betters our school and plans so many things to make sure our pep rallies and dances are unforgettable.”
Student Council’s supervisor is Mrs. Anthony and the officers are; Hanna Beer, President; Cassidy Lydick, Vice President; Vanessa Pappal, Treasurer; and Taylor Shearer, Secretary. Beer and Lydick are returning officers, while Pappal and Shearer will be new officers. Shearer says she enjoys having the responsibility and leadership of being an officer. “It’s a lot of work, but I wanted to be an officer because I like being in charge, and I want to make sure everything will be right. I like being able to be a leader as well. I knew I would take on a lot of responsibility but it’s worth it in the end.”
With all the members involved in Student Council, there are many opportunities for them to have a say in what is going on in the club. Strong suggests that more students should be a part of the event for that reason. “[The students] should get more involved in the club because this is their school and it allows us to get a say in everything that is going on. And if the younger kids have new things they’d like to do, it brings more options to our school so it’s not the same every year.”
The upcoming event that has everybody talking is homecoming, which is sponsored by Student Council. Little does our school know, it takes a lot of preparation for this event to go smoothly. Shearer talks about how much time is put into homecoming. “[The officers] started working back in the summer and every chance we get whether it’s study hall, star period, or after school, we are in Mrs. Anthony’s room preparing for it.” The theme this year will be “Autumn in New York” and the officers have very creative minds to bring it to life. “We create what we want it to look like and go from there with the decorating plans,” explains Shearer. The plans are to really make it feel as if we are dancing in New York during the fall.
Student Council’s supervisor is Mrs. Anthony and the officers are; Hanna Beer, President; Cassidy Lydick, Vice President; Vanessa Pappal, Treasurer; and Taylor Shearer, Secretary. Beer and Lydick are returning officers, while Pappal and Shearer will be new officers. Shearer says she enjoys having the responsibility and leadership of being an officer. “It’s a lot of work, but I wanted to be an officer because I like being in charge, and I want to make sure everything will be right. I like being able to be a leader as well. I knew I would take on a lot of responsibility but it’s worth it in the end.”
With all the members involved in Student Council, there are many opportunities for them to have a say in what is going on in the club. Strong suggests that more students should be a part of the event for that reason. “[The students] should get more involved in the club because this is their school and it allows us to get a say in everything that is going on. And if the younger kids have new things they’d like to do, it brings more options to our school so it’s not the same every year.”
The upcoming event that has everybody talking is homecoming, which is sponsored by Student Council. Little does our school know, it takes a lot of preparation for this event to go smoothly. Shearer talks about how much time is put into homecoming. “[The officers] started working back in the summer and every chance we get whether it’s study hall, star period, or after school, we are in Mrs. Anthony’s room preparing for it.” The theme this year will be “Autumn in New York” and the officers have very creative minds to bring it to life. “We create what we want it to look like and go from there with the decorating plans,” explains Shearer. The plans are to really make it feel as if we are dancing in New York during the fall.
Art Club
By: Lindsay Herring
October 5, 2015
By: Lindsay Herring
October 5, 2015
Art Club is back and painting its mark on the world! Members are drawing inspiration in hopes of making it the most colorful year yet.
They began the year with the election of officers. The results are as follows: Lindsay Herring, president, Arista Barnoff, vice president, Taylor Lecce, Treasurer, and Tessa Freeman, secretary. Along with the other members of art club, they started making plans and goals for the school year.
The most prominent topic of discussion was fundraising. One fundraiser that is being put on right now is painted stools. For $50, you can have whatever you can imagine, granted that it’s school appropriate, painted by an Art Club member. Another fundraiser that is planned to hit big is a pottery sale during Christmas. There is also talk of selling magnets during the spring.
Why so many fundraisers, you ask? Art club is planning to travel to either Washington D.C., or New York City. To help the students pay less, they are fundraising as much as possible.
Besides the plans for fundraising, there are plans to paint murals around the school. They will also be tie dying shirts, which has been an annual affair for the past 4 years.
Above all, art club wants to put its members out there and make the students become aware of their artistic talent. If you have any questions, or if you would like to purchase a stool, see an art club member soon!
They began the year with the election of officers. The results are as follows: Lindsay Herring, president, Arista Barnoff, vice president, Taylor Lecce, Treasurer, and Tessa Freeman, secretary. Along with the other members of art club, they started making plans and goals for the school year.
The most prominent topic of discussion was fundraising. One fundraiser that is being put on right now is painted stools. For $50, you can have whatever you can imagine, granted that it’s school appropriate, painted by an Art Club member. Another fundraiser that is planned to hit big is a pottery sale during Christmas. There is also talk of selling magnets during the spring.
Why so many fundraisers, you ask? Art club is planning to travel to either Washington D.C., or New York City. To help the students pay less, they are fundraising as much as possible.
Besides the plans for fundraising, there are plans to paint murals around the school. They will also be tie dying shirts, which has been an annual affair for the past 4 years.
Above all, art club wants to put its members out there and make the students become aware of their artistic talent. If you have any questions, or if you would like to purchase a stool, see an art club member soon!
