mete chronicler · drawing faces using abstract art. each student attempted to incorporate all...

METEOR CHRONICLE MAY 2002 PAGE 1

Art Projects Excite Elementary Students

Produced by the students of the Montrose Area Junior/Senior High School

Massage Therapist Goes to Choconut0

Patriotism Hits Montrose AreaPage 6

Storybook Characters Visit MASDPage 5

Volume 17, Issue 3 May 2002Montrose Area School District

March is “Youth ArtMonth,” and Lathrop Streetand Choconut are brim fullwith the work of students ingrades one through six.

“We are doing so manythings [projects] right now,”said elementary art teacherLori Keihl. “They [thestudents] love art! It excitesme to teach something Iknow they love.”

Students’ recentendeavors included a “parodyproject” that required themto use a computer designprogram to alter famouspaintings. Some studentsplaced their own faces overthe man and wife in GrantWood’s portrait, AmericanGothic, for instance.

By Cathy Keene

The idea was forstudents to recognizehistorical art pieces and theirsignificance and then to alterthem in a satiric form tolearn the concept of parody.

In classic Andy Warholstyle, students also paintedtheir favorite logos indifferent technicolor blockson sheets of black paper.These logos includedeverything from the Nikesymbol to the well-knownNittany lion.

The fourth graders havelearned about Picasso. Oneof their projects includeddrawing faces using abstractart. Each student attemptedto incorporate all angles ofthe face into a single picture.

Mete Chronicler

“The students learnedhow to blend different colorsand be creative with theseprojects,” said Mrs. Keihl.“Every single kid can besuccessful.”

Many of these projectswere displayed at LathropStreet’s open house March21, but Mrs. Keihl regretsthat the students’ workdoesn’t get more attention.

Kindergarten doesn’teven have an art class, shesaid, and grades one throughsix have art only one day outof the six-day cycle.

“The students love art,”said Mrs. Keihl. “They’reconstantly asking me whythey can’t have art moreoften.”

Photos courtesy of Mrs. Lori Keihl

Fourth grader Renee Oleniaczmodels Picasso’s style

Fourth graders’ version ofPicasso’s “Three Musicians”

Sixth grader Cooper Hewitt’sparody of American Gothic

Colin VanZandbergen’sMooona Lisa

Sixth grader Brackney Brotzman and her sunflower parody

Fifth grader Megan Butlerand her self-portrait

Some of Mrs. Keihl’s sixth gradersmake plaster figurines

The Montrose Area HighSchool is trying to live up to its newslogan, “Good Things areHappening,” by placing two newTVs and a vending machine thatdispenses juice in the high schoolcafeteria.

“The idea was brought up by theLiaison Committee at the annualmeeting with the school board andthe administration,” said StudentCouncil adviser Eric Powers. “Mr.Gould [board president] wasespecially supportive of this idea aswell.”

The TVs were paid for by theschool district, and the vendingmachine was donated by MontroseBeverage, according to Mr. Powers.

“The vending machine isbasically a profit maker for StudentCouncil,” said Mr. Powers. “We justwant the students to be able to relax

and enjoy themselves, and if all goeswell, two more TVs may be on theway.”

“We use the money from thevending machine to help put on thingslike dances and other stuff to helpout our school,” said Student Councilofficer Mathew Fearnley.

“I’ve gotten a lot of positivecomments about the TVs,” said Mr.Powers.

“I think certain studentsappreciate the TVs more thanothers,” said Matt. “I know the seniorhigh students appreciate them, but Ihear the junior high kids don’t reallypay much attention to them.”

Any comments or questionsabout the new additions in thecafeteria may be directed to Mr.Powers or Student Council officersMathew Fearnley, John McPherson,Brianna Strope, or Thera Sousouris.

‘Good Things Are Happening’ in MAHS Cafeteria

By Nick Harasymczuk

Sixth grader Chad Schurr posesin Josh Devine’s parody

of “The Scream”

To assist both students and thecommunity at large, MAHStechnology director Craig Owensrecently organized the ComputerClub for students in grades seventhrough twelve.

The organization is similar to aguild in that most of the club’s twelvemembers are already experiencedwith computers but are interested inlearning more, says senior AndrewRepine, president of the ComputerClub.

Membership is open, however,to any student, whether he/she hascomputer experience or not.Interested students should contactAndrew, junior Morgan Potter, orMr. Owens.

What is the MAHS Computer Club?

By Luke Smith

The activities of the ComputerClub are numerous and varied. Onegoal is to provide members with anopportunity to share ideas and assisteach other in exploring individualinterests in computers, therebygaining greater knowledge aboutcomputer technology.

Another goal of the club is toexpose members to careeropportunities that are available in thefield of computer technology.

“We hope to identify interestsin areas in emerging technology andidentify experts in the community thatwe can talk to,” says Mr. Owens.

The Computer Club also assistsmembers in developing leadershipand teamwork skills as they work

(See Computers, Page 10)

Girls’ Softball Receives Big TurnoutPage 11

METEOR CHRONICLEMAY 2002PAGE 2

STAFFJamie Aldrich, Steve Bluhm, Sarah Bollinger, James Dean,

Julia Edwards, Ashley Groll, Courtney Groll, NickHarasymczuk, Leah Kelly, Nate Libal, Krystle Loomis, Sarah

MacNeal, Chris Reinwald, Luke Smith, Elizabeth Zappe

Editor in Chief..............................................Cathy KeeneAssistant Editor................................Andy HoneychuckNews/Features Editor........................Amanda PoodiackOpinion/Entertainment Editor................Kaleena YoungSports Editor.....................................................Ryan EhrieAdviser..................................................Mrs. Sandy Kaub

Meteor Chronicle

The Meteor Chronicle is a student publication researched, written and produced by members of the newspaper staff namedabove. The unsigned editorials on this or other pages of the Chronicle are written by the editor in chief or a designee and reflectsolely the opinion of the newspaper staff. Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be published as space allows. Letters mustbe signed although names will be withheld upon request. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity,and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy, and disruption of the school process as are all contents ofthe newspaper. The editorial policy of the Meteor Chronicle is available upon request.

Montrose Area Junior/Senior High School RR3 Box 28 Montrose PA 18801-9507 (570) 278-3731

My Best Friend is Your Worst Enemy

Opinion

Chronicle Corrections Editor’s Note: The staff of the MeteorChronicle regrets that we misreportedthe following information in Issue Twoof the newspaper:

Mrs. Mary Beth Ohmnacht andgraduate Stephan Lahr’s names were mis-spelled.

Fencing student Erin Kika was incor-rectly identified as Heather Brewster.Weightlifter Stephanie MacNamee was in-correctly identified as Jenn Oliver.

Jason Truman, a McKelvey SilverScholarship winner, will receive 50 percentof his unmet financial needs to attend RITnext year.

CommentarySarah Bollinger

[email protected]

Section 12.9 of Chapter 22 ofthe Pennsylvania School Codeconcerns student publications and therights and responsibilities of studentreporters and editors. It begins witha reference to the 1969 United StatesSupreme Court decision, Tinker v.Des Moines Community SchoolDistrict:

Students have the right toexpress themselves unless theexpression materially andsubstantially interferes with theeducational process, threatensimmediate harm to the welfare of theschool or community, encouragesunlawful activity or interferes withanother individual’s rights.

The staff of the MeteorChronicle works tirelessly to followthis mandate. We attempt to publishstories that are well-researched,factually accurate, and written asprofessionally as student journalistscan. Occasional errors by ourreporters are taken very seriously,and every attempt is made to correctan error as soon as possible.

One of the many challengesfacing any journalist is recognizingthe appropriate ethical tenets thatshould guide his/her work. Section12.9 of the Pennsylvania code alsodirects student journalists to “beaware of the feelings and opinionsof others.....”

This requirement is sometimesdifficult to meet because we cannever anticipate every reaction ofevery reader. No writer is ever ableto please every reader every timethey write.

In the last issue of the MeteorChronicle, we published dual

Please Let Us Writecommentaries on the controversialtopic of athleticism in cheerleading.Two reporters wrote essaysexplaining why they believecheerleading is or is not a sport.

Perhaps the reporter whoargued that cheering is not a sportwas conscious of the feelings of thosewho would read her commentary.Perhaps she was not.

However, it is vital that readersunderstand that high schooljournalism is a learning process. Andmost importantly, nearly everythingthat students learn about journalismcomes from writing about difficulttopics.

The prom features and birthdayannouncements in the newspaperdon’t teach reporters how to thinkmaturely and act responsibly. Thesequalities come from a broad writingbackground that includesoccasionally questioning the rules andlearning the boundaries of one’s ownjournalistic ethics.

If readers don’t allow studentjournalists to test their limits, to learnfirsthand about fairness and accuracyand balance in reporting, whatbecomes of the reporter?

A newspaper that consistssolely of baseball statistics andStudent Council meeting dates willnot be taken seriously by anyone, itsown staff included, nor will itchallenge the student journalist andstretch his/her ability.

The goal of the MeteorChronicle remains, as our editorialpolicy states, to uphold the standardsof responsible, quality scholasticjournalism. And our staff remainscommitted to providing a forum forfree and responsible expression ofstudent opinion.

N e v e runderestimate a dog.He might be sweet andgentle with his owner,but that demeanor canchange in a heartbeat.To him you may be athreat. To a dog, hisowner is his best friend, the hand thatfeeds him. He isn’t going to take achance that you might harm hiscompanion.

Occasionally we read stories inthe news about violent dog attacks.However, too often the reporter failsto go into detail about why the dogsuddenly became so aggressive.

One who observes closely cansee that usually attacks follow apattern. An onlooker gets too closeto a dog, causing him to feelthreatened and fearful that his owneris in danger. Growling and snarling,he lunges and snaps, trying to warnthe now frightened stranger to stayaway.

Despite the above warning,most dogs, especially large ones,should not be feared—justrespected. It is frustrating to watchstunned people cower in thepresence of large dogs, assumingevery mammoth breed is violent. As

the owner of twoboxers and arottweiler, I know thatlarge dogs areextremely protective,not insanely violent.They are loving andloyal and do not attack

unless threatened. And it’s not just large breed

dogs that are to blame for attacks.Smaller breeds tend to be moreaggressive than larger dogs and cancause severe damage.

I’ll be the first to agree that it isthe owner’s responsibility to controlhis/her dog, but when someoneapproaches a dog unexpectedly orignores a “Beware of Dog” sign, he/she is responsible for whateverdamage the dog does.

Some people believe that adog’s aggression is the result of theowner’s abuse. While this may betrue in some cases, for the most part,dogs become aggressive only whenthey perceive danger.

Often a dog is indeed “a man’s(or woman’s) best friend.” Largeand small dogs are unconditionallyloving and loyal, but don’t crossthem—they will fight to the death toprotect what is theirs.

Tangled Up in Black

Cartoon by Sarah MacNeal

5:59 A.M. 6:05 A.M.

Superintendent Mike Ognoskygets ready for a day of school...

No, no, anything butsnow!

Editorial Cartoon


Letters to the Editor

Roving ReporterHow do you feel about having a community college here in Susquehanna County?

“It’s a great idea! I think it willbring great opportunity for people

of this area.”Jen CooperGrade 12

“I think it would be great….reallygood for our community. It’ll givea chance to low-income families tosend their kids to school. It would

definitely help the [area’s]economy.”

William HostScience teacher

“I just don’t think people are goingto flock to Susquehanna County to

go to college.”Michele Steele

Grade 10

“I think it’s a good opportunity foreveryone here. It will definitelybenefit the community as long as

everything is organized.”Martiena Schneller

Grade 12

“It’s good for people to have moreopportunities to further their

education, but I doubt this areacan financially support a college.”

Marianne ScottFrench Teacher

“I think it would be awesome’cause that way no one would

have to be far away for holidays.”Larry Lundy

Grade 9

“I don’t care ’cause I don’t planon going there.”Kyle Lattner

Grade 11

“Although I advocate highereducation, the college is not

necessary due to its ten percenttax raise. If someone wants to goto college, Elk Lake offers classes,

and Broome does up north.”Matt Fearnley

Grade 11

Gabrielle Slanina, Seton Catholic High School

Imagine coming home from along cheerleading practice, havingonly one-and-a-half hours of relaxtime, and then going to a game.

You have bruises on your armsand knees, an ankle brace on yourfoot, and only a short time before youneed to leave to get suited up for agame.

Thinking about how the seasonhas ended and how no one has misseda practice for an invalid reason andno one would ever consider missinga game, you wonder when it becameso serious.

Then you flip through the mailas you are eating your dinner. Yousee it: the Meteor Chronicle. Iopened it up. Immediately catchingmy eyes were the words, “IsCheerleading a Sport?” This is aneverending battle.

Now, I give my snaps to LeahKelly for her effort in trying to saywhy she believes cheerleading is asport. Many of her reasons wereextremely valid.

Then I read Amanda Poodiack’sstory. Well researched, though notresearched enough.

Let me establish one thing first:I am a cheerleader. Maybe Seton isa different school environment, butit seems that cheerleaders are often“cheered for” at our school.

According to STAC (SouthernTier Athletic Conference),cheerleading is a sport. Many peoplemay disagree, but cheerleading is

considered a sport in many places.A state doesn’t need to proclaimcheerleading a sport for it to be asport. Many sections of the statehave that honor.

Cheerleading is a lot of work.If someone considers a game suchas golf a sport, they must notoverlook cheerleading.

Now I’m not here to preach thatcheerleading is a sport, and there isno other side because at times I donot even feel that way. But I amhere to ask Amanda Poodiack andothers what on-sight knowledge theyhave about cheerleading.

As a STAC cheerleader, I cantell you one thing...jewelry is notallowed in the sport or in nationalcompetitions.

The comment, “I’d like to seecheerleading groups not get windedafter a couple toe-touches,” waslaughable. Not one girl on my squadwould complain of being tired afterdoing a few toe-touches.

In fact, we make it through acomplete competition, including 18mounts and stunts total, a dance, twocheers, and lots of jumps—all whileyelling from our stomachs—just fine.

I’ve been cheerleading foralmost six years. If Poodiack sayscheerleaders need to showcommitment and ability to be takenseriously, then I’d like to have her sitthrough one of our seasons.

Then think about that article onemore time.

I’m writing in regards to thecheerleading commentary I wrote forIssue 2 of the Meteor Chronicle thatwas published in February 2002.

I realize that some people in ourcommunity took offense to myopinion of cheerleading as a non-sport. I would like to clarify what Isaid.

When I wrote the commentary,I did not mean to offend anycheerleaders or cheerleadingsupporters. The story was not meantas a personal attack against thosewho cheer. I was simply stating myown opinions of cheerleading as itpertains to athleticism.

I realize now that some of mycomments may have been a littleharsh. It is possible that I was toopersonal in some of my statements.Perhaps I should have been morecareful in how I addressed some ofmy points.

I strayed off the topic ofathleticism occasionally, and Iapologize for that.

However, mixed in with my ownopinions about cheerleading was avalid point about its athleticism.Cheerleading is not a sport. This pointwas, unfortunately, lost in my ranting.

In Pennsylvania cheerleading isnot recognized as a sport by thePennsylvania Interscholastic AthleticAssociation (PIAA), which governspublic school athletics. Period.

Unless an activity includesgenuine competition and a degree ofphysical aptitude, it should not bedeemed a sport.

Marching bands that only playat football games aren’t participatingin sports because they aren’tcompeting. The same is true ofcheerleading.

If a school’s cheerleadingprogram involves competitivecheerleading, then that activity is asport. However, a cheerleadingprogram that involves participants’simply cheering for another sport’splayers is not a sport, no matter howphysically trying the activity may be.

This was the argument I wastrying to make in my firstcommentary. I am sorry that it wasnot clearer, but I do not apologize forthis contention.

The bottom line is cheerleadingis cheerleading. If what you do isimportant to you, then more powerto you.

No hard feelings.

Cheerleading Still Not a Sport, But...Cheerleading Is a Sport

Amanda Poodiack, MAHS Junior

PHOTOS: JAMIE ALDRICH


EntertainmentA funny thing

happened to merecently when I wentto see the newlyreleased movie, WeWere Soldiers. I wasrefused entrancebecause the movie israted R, and I am not yet 17 yearsold.

We Were Soldiers, written anddirected by Randall Wallace andstarring Mel Gibson and Chris Klien,tells the story of a group of Americansoldiers fighting against impossibleodds during the Vietnam War. Basedon a true story, the script wasadapted from a book written by HalMoore and Joseph L. Galloway. Themovie depicts actual events thesetwo men faced during the war.

The movie carries an “R” ratingbecause of the intense violenceportayed throughout the story.Apparently some believe a teen myage might not be able to handle suchgraphic subject matter.

The irony of being denied anopportunity to see this movie is almostlaughable. Every day I see ontelevision and read in the newspaperabout the United States’ war onterrorism. I learn about the

Movie ReviewSarah Bollinger

Forgetting About War

Afghanies bombed inthier homes and thewomen brutalizedbecause of their secondclass stature.

In my history classI have studied themutiny of the American

Revolution and the genocide of WorldWar II. How could I ever removethe images in my brain of skeletalbodies being thrown into large holesand set on fire?

War is a violent act to be sure.It is destructive and violent and life-altering. But it is also reality.

Millions of American men andwomen have given their lives toprotect their homeland and keep itfree. America’s youth need to knowwhat these soldiers and sailors andMarines gave their lives for. To denyyoung people the opportunity to seethe courage displayed by thosepeople is a disgrace and the biggestdishonor any veteran could receive.

To every serviceman/womanout there, I say I will not forget whatyou have done for me, for America.You have saved us from knowing evilwhile death stalked you at every turn.I shall never forget your story, but Iwould like to understand it better.

Senior Plans Future in ArtBy Luke Smith

PHOTO: CATHY KEENE

Senior artist Talissa Mehringer holdsone of her recent paintings.

If you’vew a l k e dthrough theart wing ofMAHS, or ify o u ’ v echecked outthe displaycases in thehigh schooll o b b y ,chances areyou have seenartwork bysenior Talissa Mehringer.

Maybe you have seen one of herrecent surrealistic drawings, whichhas two detailed faucets pouring outskeletons.

Ever since she was young,Talissa has produced artwork. Nowat the age of 17, she is devoting moretime than ever to art.

“She’s completely dedicated,”said MAHS art teacher CathyRegan. “She’s here [in the art room]three periods out of the day.”

Although Talissa dabbles inpainting and sculpture, she says herspecialty is surrealistic drawing.

“It’s [surrealism] not somethingyou get interested in; you just areinterested in it,” said Talissa. “Youcan take inspiration from anything,whether it’s a rusted piece of metalor a rotten bag of potatoes.”

“Her drawing skills aremeticulous,” said Mrs. Regan. “I seeher having a career in art.”

Talissa says one of her greatestaccomplishments was attending the

P e n n s y l v a n i aGovernor’s Schoolfor the Arts lastsummer in Erie,PA.

Out of the1,500 people whoapplied foracceptance to theGovernor’s School,200 were selected.It took a lot of work(and luck) toqualify, she said.

“Everyone was very motivatedat Governor’s School,” said Talissa.“We all worked hard, and none of uswanted to waste any of our timethere.”

While Talissa was at theGovernor’s School, one of herfavorite projects was shooting herfirst short film. She went on to makeanti-tobacco documentaries for theAmerican Cancer Society.

“The documentaries were to getkids to not smoke,” she said.

Now Talissa is the video andphotography officer for SADD atMAHS.

After high school, Talissaexpects to attend the Pratt Institutein Brooklyn, NY, or the Universityof Southern California to studyfilmmaking.

“Filmmaking combineseverything I love perfectly,” she said.“I love the cameras, the lights, thetechnology, and I love the art.Eventually I want to do musicvideos.”

As sixth grade comes to an end,students start to think about what funis awaiting them in the high school.Many new and different things areto come, such as dances for juniorhigh students.

It seems like there is a juniorhigh dance almost every Friday nightfor a mere cost of $3 per person.What happens to all those dancesonce students hit senior high? Theyseem to disappear.

“One thing is that junior highstudents want to dance andsocialize,” comments Student Counciladviser Eric Powers. “Senior high[students] need an event to celebrateand an excuse to dress up.”

On several occasions, danceshave been planned for the senior highstudents, but turnout was low. Onesuch occasion was a Christmasdance last year.

Dance, Dance, DanceBy Kaleena Young

“[There was] not a big turnout,but the weather was bad,” states Mr.Powers.

Some students say that as theyget older, their priorities change.

“As a senior in high school, I amnot worried about going to a dance,”comments senior Steph Ainey. “Ihave too much other stuff on my mindto deal with.”

Dances are held throughout theyear by both SADD and StudentCouncil. A class has offered thembefore as a fundraiser, but mainly itis the groups from the high school.

The usual dances are wellknown, them being Homecoming inthe fall and Prom in the spring.

Although these two dances arehighly attended by most senior highstudents, the turn out for a danceother than those two is not high atall.

The Jungle Comes to Choconut

PHOTO: MISS J. PUZO

Featured Artist

These children hold one of the exhibits during “Live on Stage, THERAIN FOREST” at Choconut Elementary Feb. 26. The UnderstandingWildlife organization runs the show with head animal trainer MikeKohlrieser.


Cabaret musician RufusWainwright enjoyed making jokes,swirling a glass of wine, and showingthe audience a watch that MonicaLewinsky had given him. Inbetween, he would start a song, eachtime capturing the hearts andimaginations of the audience.

My ticket said generaladmission (standing room only), butwhen I entered the Electric Factoryin Philadelphia, PA, on Feb. 15, therewere portable chairs. I guesspromoters figured Rufus wouldn’tincite in concertgoers the excitementneeded for them to stand for threehours, but I would have easily stood.

Singer/songwriter TeddyThompson, the opening act, enteredthe stage, singing a few of his ownsongs and making cracks aboutRufus. He was later the guitarist inRufus’ band.

After intermission, the lightsdimmed, the crowd cheered, andRufus stepped onto the stage. Heimmediately sat down at the pianoand began “Taxio,” a song off hissophomore album, Poses (2001).The next two hours were brilliant.

Rufus is not only one of the bestmusicians I’ve ever heard but alsoan excellent performer with a greatsense of humor.

Rufus’ style of music is differentfrom anything I’ve heard,contemporary or old. He’sinfluenced by opera and cabaret. Hisband plays a variety of classical andmodern instruments. The guitar isused as a background instrument.

Rufus’ musical integrity spursfrom a family of other musicians. Hismother, Kate McGarrigle, and father,Loudon Wainwright III, were folksingers. “One Man Guy” from Posesis a cover of Loudon’s song. Heperforms with his sister Martha, aback-up singer.

Rufus’ first album, RufusWainwright (1997), isn’t quite ascatchy as Poses, but it contains greatsongs that display elegant lyrics andaccomplished piano, like“Barcelona.” With two albums out,he is firmly established in the musicbusiness.

Besides the albums, Rufus’music can be heard on moviesoundtracks such as “InstantPleasure” on the Big Daddy track(1999) and his cover of the Beatles’“Across the Universe” on I AmSam (2002). With the video for“Across the Universe” out, Rufus isa rising star.

I think we’ll soon be hearingmuch more from Rufus Wainwright.

Rufus Wainwright Adds Flavor to MusicBy Steve Bluhm

Concert Review

Liz ZappeCommentary

The cafeteria at

MAHS has always

been your typicallunchroom. Sociable

students, clashing lunch

trays, and filling foodhave always been

things to look forward

to when one’s lunch period camearound. But sometime in mid-

February our usual, plain eating

space changed.We used to have a cafeteria

that was equipped with long,

rectangular tables that the studentsat MAHS sat at to devour their

lunches. But now we have, in the

back left corner, round tables.I see nothing wrong with people

being able to look at everyone at their

seating area while they eat, but Iwonder why all the cafeteria tables

haven’t been replaced. I’m not

criticizing; I’m just a curiousteenager, wondering about my

surroundings.

I’d also like to know what thejuice machine is for? I know this may

be a simple question with a simple

answer, but I’m confused. Wealready have juice for sale in the

lunch lines periods 4-7. True, there

may have been limited choices of

Cafeteria Changes Provide Food for Thought

juice in the cafeteria, but

the machine only adds

some tropical flavors.The beverages are

basically the same.

And then there arethe new televisions,

which are tuned only to

ESPN and ESPN2. I don’tunderstand why we watch deer

hunting, chain saw races, and

basketball scores during lunch.I like sports, but why don’t we

watch something educational? I sit

in the back of the lunch room, andthe television there receives only two

sports channels. The television in the

front of the room also receives theWeather Channel. The discrepancy

really confuses me.

What baffles me most is howthis equipment got there. Who paid

for the TVs and vending machine?

And couldn’t that money have beenput toward something we need?

Televisions in the cafeteria aren’t a

necessity, and neither is a juicemachine.

I would have liked to see the

money go to some foreign languageclub trips, the new art and literary

magazine, or something else that

every student could learn from.

By Andy Honeychuck

Students Reinforce the Importance of Reading

Imaginesitting downin arestaurant,opening themenu, andlooking atthe words,not knowinghow to readany of them.

Then you order food that isn’tlisted, only to be told that you’ll haveto order from the menu.

But if you can’t read, how willyou know what items are on themenu?

According to a recent studyreported in the Binghamton Press &Sun-Bulletin , one out of every fiveadult Americans is unable to read atan adult level.

In Susquehanna County one outof every four county residents cannotread at an average adult level,

accordingto theSusquehannaC o u n t yL i t e r a c yCouncil. Addition-ally, one ofout every13 peoplein the

county has no formal educationbeyond eighth grade.

To foster literacy amongchildren as early as possible, theMASD special education departmentis involved in a national programknown as Read Across America,which encourages children to readwith their parents as well as on theirown.

“We decided to get involved inthe program because we felt that weneed to enforce reading at youngerages. Then maybe they [children]

will carry that habit into their teenand adult years,” said Mrs. CharleneKempa, special education teacher.“We thought that if we tried to makethe program fun as well aseducational, that it would be asuccess.”

This year’s Read AcrossAmerica month-long celebration,sponsored by the National EducationAssociation (NEA), began March 2,which is also the birthday of Dr.Seuss, writer of many children books,includingThe Catin theHat andHow theG r i n c hS t o l eChristmas. MAHSstudentsin Mrs.Kempa’s

classes, along with students fromMrs. Mary Keihl’s child developmentclass, dressed up as some of Dr.Seuss’ well-known characters andvisited Lathrop Street and ChoconutValley elementaries as well as SmartStart Preschool in Montrose and readto the children books that some ofthe high school students had writtenthemselves as well as other popularchildren’s stories.

“I think that this program is greatbecause it gives us high school kids

a chance toteach theyoung kidst h eeducationalaspects ofreading aswell as thefun aspectsof reading,”said seniorJulie Snyder.

Photos: Amanda Poodiack

Seniors Cody Layton and Julie Snyder pose withMrs. Karol Hopkins’ first grade class.

Dressed as Dr. Seuss characters, several high schoolstudents visited Choconut to promote reading.


For most students, the senior year is a bridge betweenreflections on childhood memories and propulsion into thefuture. Teens try to focus on having fun, spending time withfriends, and making plans for the next year.

For the most part, the biggest concerns seniors have arefilling out college and scholarship applications and decidingwhose graduation parties they will attend in June. It is a fun, ifnot stressful, year. A last chance at being a kid.

But this year’s senior class lost some of those carefreemonths back in early fall. In other years, seniors spent the fallvisiting colleges and searching for Homecoming dates.

All that changed when two towers came down. So muchfor being young. It was time to grow up.

Instead of focusing on homework and assemblies, myclass faced much bigger worries: the draft, the recession’seffects on our savings for college, and whether or not we willbe killed in battle next fall.

My best friend, someone I’ve known for over 12 years,turned 18 on Sept. 19. As you might imagine, we didn’t exactlycelebrate. Instead, he went to the post office to register forconscription. Now we wait to see whether or not he’ll be called

September 11 Still in Focus

Sept. 11, 2001

The morning of Sept.11, I was at my duty stationin Fort Meade, Maryland,located between Baltimoreand Washington, D.C.

I watched in horror atthe television.

Our commandautomatically went to“battle stations.” There wasa serious defensiveresponse deployed withinminutes of the attack on allmilitary posts.

We then stood by as the Pentagon was attackeda few miles away. We all were sure that people we knewpersonally had been killed.

I was mad, but I couldn’t fight back at thatmoment. Initially, I think that was the worst feeling.

Later on that day, shifts were assigned to patroland guard Fort Meade. We all shared the pain andcried, maybe not in the open, but we all did. I know it.

I thought of my daughter Courtney, who shouldhave been celebrating her fifteenth birthday on Sept.11. What a birthday! I was worried that the peopleback home were worried about me.

Even though we were in shock, the militarydiscipline kicked in, and we organized and performedhonorably. I watched a country lose so much in solittle time.

Then I saw something else. I saw my friends,then my country, get stronger like never before inhistory, right before my eyes.

I thought of Sir Winston Churchill’s famousquote: “This is our finest hour.”

Faith, by far, is our strongest weapon.

Deployment in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a very dry, hotcountry. Even in the end of December, it stays about85-90 degrees. The Saudi people are not the mostecologically sound. It shocked me that they pile theirwastes, like scraps from construction, old cars andbarrels along the road towards the open desert.

As you know, this area is very large in petroleumproduction. There is little control of air pollution;smokestacks are blazing smoke, and the smells makeme hope I don’t find out what I smell. My battalionexercises early in the morning. I go for a four-mile run,and my nose burns from pollution.

The desert is wide open, and you can’t see thehorizon. I guess in its own way the desert is beautifulbut not as beautiful as an Arizona desert.

There are camels [here] like there are cows backhome, but I really have not seen anything that capturesmy attention. It is not a colorful place; in fact, it seemslike everything is tan, brown, or black—very boring—not much green and very little change to the weather,always sunny with a little breeze.

I haven’t been here during the summer, but I amtold it will get up to 130 degrees or more. Mostly whatI see is what you see on the news, and that is gettingso predictable. Am I being too negative? Well, maybe.I miss home. There is no place like home. I have beenall over the world; I have lived in strange places, andso far the best place is Montrose.

Security, as you can figure, is very tight here.

(Editor’s Note: SSG David Story, father of seventh grader Trisha, freshman Courtney, andsophomore Ashley Groll, is currently serving in the U.S. Army in Riyadh, Kingdom of SaudiArabia (KSA). We asked Sgt. Story to share with our readers some of his observations andreactions to his assignment in Saudi Arabia, especially in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attackon the United States and the escalating conflict in the Middle East.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF C. GROLL

SSG David Story

9-11 Dampens Senior YearBy Cathy Keene

MAHS Grad Writes from Saudi Arabia

Because of the Islamic lawsand customs, not to mentionwe are at war, we cannot leavepost.

It is no secret that we trainfor the worst scenarios all thetime. That’s what saves lives.

The post here is about thesize of your school grounds.Everything is contained here: asmall PX and commissary, whichmeans like an Ames and amarket; a gym; and a place fordining.

You have to be able to keepyourself motivated here so you

don’t go crazy. I ride my mountain bike around—plentyof off-road but no mountains. Many people playbasketball and roller hockey. Not much in the way offield sports since there isn’t any grass.

It seems lately, the mission here leaves the courtsempty most of the time. I am sure now you can see theimportance of cable TV. Writing is a way to make theday go by quickly.

Saudi Culture and Customs

Americans find it hard to comprehend the strangelaws and customs here. There is no alcohol allowed inSaudi Arabia, as in most Arab countries. Islamic lawforbids women to drive here, and they must walk behindthe men five paces.

Women here must wear black robes with hoodsto cover their hair and faces. Not quite as bad as theAfghan pictures you see, but still, fashion for womenin public is zero in KSA.

Laws and customs dictate that it is okay, [in fact,a right] for family members or husbands to abusewomen. It is so barbaric!Saudis still publicly execute criminals. Being caughtwith drugs or alcohol means death by sword. Pettycrimes, such as stealing, mean a loss of a hand or footby sword. There isn’t much crime in KSA.

If you like pork and pork products, you will notbe thrilled [in KSA]. Pork is forbidden.

Magazines that show skin, like Time, Redbook ,or Seventeen, are either forbidden or blacked out. Saudinewspapers and Arab TV sources have a tendency todistort the truth to fit the popular vote: the “Arab wayof thinking.” I have watched live sessions on CNNand [then] read a Saudi newspaper in English; [reportswere] completely opposite. News is consideredentertainment here.

Islamic prayer is five times a day. Loud speakerson the prayer towers located all over any Islamic nationcall the faithful to prayer. The prayer time is loud, andit starts early, before sun-up. During this time allbusinesses close.

A Personal Message

As duty dictates, I can’t discuss in detail my lifein the armed forces and what Saudi Arabian life is like.

The key to understanding the Middle East’sfuture is understanding its past. That is hard forAmericans to do. It’s not how we think.

I encourage you to write to any soldier, airman,marine, or sailor over here, just to say hello. It willcertainly make a great boost in his/her day. I know itwould in mine.

Commentary

Thank YouBy Sarah Bollinger

To all those who have fought for America,Who have risked or given their lives,

I wish to give you my admiration and respect.But I could never express it enough through my

words.You are what makes me proud to be a part of

America.I think of you firefighters and soldiers and

ordinary civilians,When I hear the word “hero.”

But you are much more than that.To me your integrity is of the same as George

Washington and Abraham Lincoln.Your souls shall never perish.


September 11 Still in Focus9-11 Dampens Senior Year

By Cathy Keene

to fight. I never thought that becoming “of age” wouldfrightening to think about, especially if you are only 18.

Money for college has also become an even bigger deal.This country was in a recession even before we spent billionson relief efforts and war. The collapse of Enron is just oneexample of America’s financial hardships. Simply trying toland a part-time job has become nearly impossible.

Imagine finally being ready to go off to college and thenrealizing that you don’t have enough money toward your$35,000-a-year school. And good luck receiving financial aidbecause the nation has no money either.

I work two jobs so that I’ll have enough cash to make adown payment toward college by July. Between working 30hours a week and meeting responsibilities at school, I havelittle time to breathe.

People say the senior year is supposed to be fun. Thisyear few have had time to have fun.

Perhaps every senior year is difficult in one way oranother, but this one began with terrorist attacks and will endwith our country at war. Nothing prepared any of us for thissituation.

They have become a part of history.The sixth grade class at Choconut Valley

donated $552 to Nino’s Restaurant in New YorkCity last December.

Beginning Sept. 12, Nino closed his restaurantto the public and reopened it only to the reliefworkers at Ground Zero.

Open 24/7, the restaurant feeds workers andprovides a place for them to sleep, all at no charge.Meals are also delivered directly to the workersat Ground Zero, about 1,000 meals a day.

The money to feed the workers and pay theother bills has come out of Nino’s own pocket.

The restaurant will continue its services,according to Nino, until everything is cleaned up,which is estimated to be sometime in June.

The sixth graders learned about Nino’srestaurant through Fox Channel’s “The O’ReillyFactor.”

When the kids heard Nino’s story, theydecided to help him with expenses by taking the

Commentary

I know a soldier who is stationed in SaudiArabia.

A staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and anaudio-video technician, David Story has been inthe service for 16 years; he plans to retire in fouryears to pursue a career in teaching. He has beenstationed in numerous locations—Maryland,Kentucky, Illinois, Colorado, Germany and Japan.I know David because he is my father, and I amproud of him.

Sgt. Story is just one of thousands of menand women in the U.S. military who are servingtheir country in an effort to stop terrorism andprotect Americans. And they deserve my thanks,but there are others.

On Sept. 11, 2001, rescue teams andvolunteers, police and fire personnel, constructionworkers, clergy and counselors converged onGround Zero to provide safety, security andrestoration of order. They deserve my thanks.

And then there was the Pentagon and a fieldin Pennsylvania. As people rushed out, othersrushed in. They dug through rubble, searching forremains, and when hope of life was gone, theycontinued to dig. They too deserve my thanks.

I am sorry so many innocent people had todie on Sept. 11.

I am sorry that I could not do more to helpthose in need.

I am sorry that there are children who haveto grow up without their parents, and parentswithout their children, and husbands and wiveswho must grow old without their spouses.

I am sorry that anyone would do such horrificthings to other human beings, ironically in the nameof religion.

And I am sorry that I will never know allthose people who have served so selflessly. Theytoo deserve my thanks.

Courtney L. Groll

To the True Heroes ofAmerica, My Thanks

Choconut Sixth Graders Aid 9-11 Relief WorkersBy Amanda Poodiack

money they would have spent on gifts for anexchange at Christmas and donating it to Nino.

“Nino was very generous to keep hisrestaurant open to the firefighters,” said AdamWest, a sixth grader at Choconut.

In addition, the kids made cards for thefirefighters and policemen, which Nino has hungon the walls in his restaurant.

“We even made cards to help the firefightersand Nino, to let them know we are thinking ofthem,” said sixth grader Corby Hull.

A fund has been set up to accept financialdonations as well as food to continue to feed andsupport the Ground Zero workers.

Lynn Appelle, a Special Projects Coordinatorof Nino’s Restaurant 9/11 Fund, wrote a letter tothe Choconut students, thanking them for their helpand for inspiring workers at Ground Zero.

“The students are not only helping to keepthe workers motivated during this difficult timebut also helping to create history,” said Ms. Appelle.

The events of September 11 not only triggereda national response but also global reactions. I,like other U.S. citizens, was greatly affected bythe attacks, but being an American in a foreigncountry made the situation very difficult for me.

I found the people of Spain to be very shockedby the news of a terrorist attack on the UnitedStates, but their emotion stopped there.

The other American exchange students andI in Pamplona were very mournful and homesick,but we had only each other to depend on sincewe received little support or sympathy from ourhost families and friends.

For many Americans, patriotism wasrediscovered after Sept. 11, and people foundthemselves better able to deal with the tragedybecause of it. I wanted to return to support mycountry and join in the nationwide patriotic rebirth.I realized more than ever how much we takeadvantage of our lives, and I have grown very

appreciative of everything I have back in theUnited States.

The Spanish people couldn’t understand whywe exchange students were so affected by theevents of Sept. 11 because they are unable tocomprehend patriotism or love for one’s country.

Pamplona is located close to the Vasquecountry, and from that area comes a terrorist groupcalled ETA that uses violence to further its questfor independence from Spain.

These violent acts, including murders and carbombings, have caused the people living in theNorth to be afraid to show any sign of unity withSpain.

One finds Spanish flags flying in Pamplonaonly on government buildings, and it is also verydangerous to hold a political job in this area. Mostof the ETA’s targets are political figures, but theywon’t hesitate to harm innocent civilians to provetheir point.

MAHS Alumna in Spain Grieves Over 9-11 Attack(Editor’s Note: Rotary exchange student Wendy O’Reilly ’01 sent us this letter from Pamplona,Spain, shortly after the terrorist attack on the United States.)


Board BytesKen Gould

Board President

Despitesome parentalconcerns re-sulting fromthe terrorists’attacks onSept. 11, sixMAHS stu-dents and twochaperoneswill travel tosouthern Ger-many, Austria,and Switzer-land this sum-mer.

Senior Talissa Mehringer,freshman Rasun Mehringer, juniorsJed Millard, Heather Brewster,Ashley Frey, and Audrey Norris andGerman teacher Jane Jerauld andher sister, Carol Crossen, will leaveJune 18 from Syracuse. They willfly into Frankfurt, Germany, to be-gin their ten-day trip.

“I [am not looking forward to]spend[ing] eight hours on the plane.Oh, and saying something I’m notsupposed to,” says Ashley.

Going to Germany was origi-nally Jed’s idea. It has taken the stu-dents a year-and-a-half to raise$1,900 each for the trip. They havecollected soda cans for recycling,held yard sales, and sold Christmaswreaths.

“Talissa made wreaths until herfingers hurt,” says Jed.

“We put up 80 signs for a yardsale in July, early in the morning, andthen [had to] take them down at

MAHS Students Off to GermanyBy Julia Edwards

night,” saysAshley.

Talissa andRasun areoriginallyf r o mM u n i c h ,Germany,and theylook for-ward to go-ing back af-ter beingaway fortwo years.

“I want to see my old friends,”says Talissa.

“It will be really interesting andeducational because some of thosethings [that we’re going to see] I’venever seen before,” says Rasun.

“I want to see the castles,” saysAshley.

The travelers will start their jour-ney in Frankfurt, then go down toAustria, across to Switzerland, andback up to Germany.

Talissa and Rasun speak Ger-man fluently, so they will be able tohelp the other students with the lan-guage barrier.

“Talissa is going to be our dic-tionary!” says Jed.

Since Sept. 11 traveling over-seas has been worrisome for somepeople.

“I don’t think it is really the stu-dents that are worried, but really theparents,” says Jed.

“We will go if we have to swimthere!” says Ashley.

Four MAHS students recentlyentered district competition in theannual Voice of Democracy EssayContest sponsored by VFWs acrossthe United States. Seventh gradersCaitlin Ely, Ashley Burger, andCarrie Bond, and sophomore CaitlinFeece represented the MontroseVFW.

Caitlin Ely tied for the seventhspot in district competition.

“It was a tough contest,” shesaid.

The theme of the junior highessay contest was “Is FreedomReally Free?” Approximately 11,000essays were submitted for districtcompetition, according to Mrs. MayBelle Golis, chairman of the Voiceof Democracy board.

Ashley Burger, who placed firstin local competition, and Carrie Bond,

Meteors Place in VFW Essay Contest

By Chris Reinwald

who placed second locally, tied forthe 23rd spot at the district level.

The theme of the senior highessay was “Reaching Out toAmerica’s Future.” After writingtheir essays, entrants recorded themonto cassette tapes and submitted thetapes to be judged.

Caitlin Feece placed fourth atthe district level and won $200.

Approximately 4,872 essayswere entered at the high schooldistrict level, said Mrs. Golis.

Since the VFW essay contestis an annual event, next year’s topicshave already been announced.

The junior high topic will be “MyPledge to America,” and the seniorhigh topic will be “Freedom’sObligations.”

The grand prize of this nationalcontest is a $10,000 scholarship.

Six MAHS students and two chaperones will spendten days in June touring southern Germany, Aus-tria, and Switzerland.

MAP COURTESY OF J. JERAULD

Trip Itinerary

The prom and graduation areapproaching quicker than one canimagine. These events are specialtimes for our students, staff andparents.

Many parents will be hostingparties for our soon-to-be graduates.Many of our students will be excitedabout attending these events and willperhaps drive family vehicles thatthey might not normally operate.

As a former police officer whohas had to notify parents that theirchildren had been involved invehicular mishaps, and as a schoolboard member who truly cares aboutMontrose students, I encourageparents to discuss the issues ofspeeding, drinking and driving withtheir children.

I am also a parent who hasreceived one of those calls in themiddle of the night that all parentsfear, telling me that my child was inan emergency room. It was a terribleexperience.

The most important asset in ourschool district is our student body.Our students will become the leadersin this community for years to come.

We, as parents, need to makesure they have the safest possibleprom and graduation.

We can help with gentlereminders about the conduct weexpect from our young people whenthey are operating vehicles.

We want the occasions of promand graduation to be happy, exciting,and safe.

I’ve been in Japan for severalmonths now, and it’s been interesting,to say the least.

I find at times Japan is like twodifferent places. At the mall or themovies it’s so much like America thatI forget that I am 7,000 miles fromhome. The rest of the time, it seemslike I’m worlds away.

Some of the most noticeabledifferences between Japan andAmerica, besides the language, arethe food, bowing, driving on the leftside of the road, and the metricsystem.

The raw meat is one of thehardest things for me. I have had theopportunity to eat raw fish, rawhorse, raw octopus, jellyfish, and rawostrich (yes, ostrich!).

I also eat rice every day.Chopsticks aren’t as hard to use asyou might think.

Green tea is very popular inJapan. For someone new to thecountry, though, it’s an acquired taste.I had to drink a whole lot of it beforeI could say that I liked it.

My other food problem wouldbe the fact that I don’t like soy sauce,and Japanese people put soy sauceon just about everything. Perhapsanother thing I’ll get used to.

School is very different, too. Fora start, in every Japanese high school,students wear uniforms.

Secondly, we go to school onSaturdays, with every second andfourth Saturday off.

Another big difference is thatstudents must take entrance examsto get into the high school of theirchoice.

Finally, at the end of the day, thestudents are required to clean theschool.

Of course, there are somethings about Japanese schools thatare the same. Students pass notesduring class, cheat on class work, andforget their phys. ed. clothes. Andduring any given history class, I canlook around the room and count atleast ten students fast asleep.

Japan is a very interesting place.Because it has such a long history, ithas many old traditions that the peoplework hard to continue.

I started taking lessons to learnto perform the Japanese teaceremony and Japanese calligraphy,two arts that are beginning to fade inJapan. I also joined Jyodou, and I amcurrently working hard towardsearning a black belt.

The town that I live in is Asahi-Machi, Yamagata-Ken. The peopleare really nice here. Everyone knowswho I am because there are only twoforeign people in my whole town.Complete strangers often come upand talk to me.

I’m having lots of fun in Japan.I’m even going bungee jumping, butI miss home a lot. Everyday I amglad that I am an American. And Ican’t wait for my return in June, justin time for graduation.

MAHS Student Experiences Japan

By Sara Pickering

Commentary

(Editor’s Note: Senior Sara Pickering has spent her last year of high school as aRotary exchange student in Japan. As the school year nears its end, we thoughtreaders might be interested in Sarah’s letter to us.)


The chaos of “prom,” accordingto some MAHS students, is neveractually the dance or the after-promparty but everything beforehand:deciding where and with whom to goout to eat, getting themselves dressed,and taking pictures. Yet, moststudents agree that it’s all part of thefun of pre/post prom traditions.

“Last year it took me about fivehours to get ready,” says sophomoreValerie Shaffer. “I surmise that it willprobably take that much time this yearas well. A girl has to get her hair andmakeup done. After that, I go out todinner. I definitely suggest makingreservations to get hair done oreating at a restaurant ahead of time,or else you won’t get in.”

“Before prom I spend about anhour-and-a-half getting ready to look

Well, guys and gals, that time ofyear is coming again……..PROMTIME! And with prom time comesshopping and decisions about whatto wear.

What color dress should it be thisyear?

What color tux should I rent?Very important decisions to

make prom the best time ever.Thanks to the Internet, shopping

for prom attire is easier than ever.Check out these web sites if you’rehaving trouble picking out a tux or adress.

No Date, No Dance?By Sarah MacNeal

Is a date essential to prom fun? Is having a date even importantanymore?

Prom season is fast approaching, and here’s what some studentshave to say about going to the prom “stag.”

MAHS Students Continue Pre/Post-Prom TraditionsBy Krystle Loomis

nice,” says sophomore Aaron Olah.“Then I go to dinner. It usually takesa long time to decide where to go toeat, or if my date and I will make adinner, but it’s a lot of fun.”

“I usually get my hair done andget together with the gals to getdressed or what-not,” states seniorJulie Snyder. “Then we take pictureswith the men. Then, of course, wego out to eat and all. It’s an all-dayevent and a lot of driving, but it’s allfun.”

“I usually take about an hour orso to get ready,” remarks seniorBrian McCue. “I also have to makesure to buy a corsage or flowers formy date. Then it’s off to eat either ata restaurant, or a group of us makeour own dinner to save on money.The usual pre-prom tradition.”

The fun doesn’t end with thedance. SADD [Students AgainstDestructive Decisions] sponsors anafter-prom party, promoting a safe,clean alternative for the partiersinstead of drinking.

According to SADD adviserBill Host, this year a school bus willleave from the high school at midnight(an hour after the prom ends) andhead straight to Shadowbrook inTunkhannock.

There students can participatein activities such as bowling, moredancing, mini-golf, wally-ball, orwatching movies.

If students get tired, they cantake a respite in the lobby; no one isallowed to leave or rent rooms!

At 7 a.m. students will take acharter bus from Shadowbrook to

Hershey Park for rides and fun until4 p.m. The cost of this entire packageis $15.

“It’s a great deal,” sayssophomore Lisa Harasymczuk. “Youcan eat as much as you want, and[you] have so many different thingsto do for a cheap price. You’re nevergoing to be bored if you go.”

“The after-prom party is a lotof fun. Hershey Park is a blast,” sayssenior Ryan Healy. “It’s madefeasible for any student to attend. Isuggest sleeping on the charter busor for a little bit in Shadowbrook’slobby if you get tired.”

“It’s a great way to keep kidsfrom getting into trouble,” sayssophomore Mary Potter. “If you getsome friends to go, you’ll have ablast.”

Will you spend more money ongasoline than on dinner on prom night?

You don’t have to if you dine atone of the local restaurants. Perhapsone of these mouth-watering choiceswill tickle your palate.

Located on South Main Streetin Montrose, The MontroseHouse is one choice for a pre-promdinner. Prices range from $4.95 to$15.95. Reservations are required(278-1124).

Mastroserios , which islocated on Grow Avenue inMontrose, offers dinners rangingfrom $4.75 to $8.95. Their specialtyis pizza (278-9444).

Original Italian Pizza andRestaurant, which is also located onSouth Main Street in Montrose, is yetanother choice. Dinner prices rangefrom $6.50 to $9.25. Original isknown for their homemade bread,which is served with each dinner. Forreservations call (278-1500).

Dressing for PromBy Kaleena Young

Dresses:www.loralie.com/prom.php3www.drahoshcreations.com/

prompage/prl/prl.htmlwww.promdressshop.comwww.bridesbydebora.com/

Promtips.htmlwww.pagentsandmore.com/

dresses.htmlwww.101bridalgowns.com/

prom_dresses.html

Tuxes:www.awesometuxedo.com

2002 PROM PREPARATIONS

Dining Before DancingBy Leah Kelly

If you still insist on traveling, theSouthern Tier may offer a numberof eateries:Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill

& BarVestal $6-12, 607-729-4311

China Wok BuffetVestal, $7.49, 607-798-8060

Number 5Binghamton, $14-40, 607-723-0555

Friday’sVestal, $5-15, 607-798-0200Little Venice Restaurant

Binghamton, $6-29, 607-724-2513Outback Steakhouse

Vestal, $10-20, 607-766-9915Olive Garden

Vestal, $6.95-17.95, 607-748-5840Cortese Restaurant

Binghamton, $3.50-13.75607-723-6440Red Lobster

Vestal, $9.75-34.50, 607-754-3787Vestal Steakhouse

Vestal, $12.95-25, 607-798-7871

“Prom’s just about how much funyou have… If you go to prom withsomeone, it’s natural to tend to feeltied down. If you go stag, you feelfree to do whatever you want andhave fun with numerous people.Going stag is better because you are[free of] the expectations that a datemight have.”

Pat Coffey, Grade 12

“It’s nice to have a date for pictures.It’s [a date] not really necessary tohave fun. You just end up hangingout with your friends anyway.”

Jenn Oliver, Grade 11

“Yeah, I think it [a date to prom] is[important] because you can’texactly hang around other couplesjust because you don’t have anybodyto go with.”

Kenton Adriance, Grade 11

“I don’t think it’s [a date] that big ofa deal because when you go to theprom, you can just have fun! And[you] don’t have to worry abouthaving to dance with the person youcame with, but if you have a boy/girlfriend, it might [be important].”

Sarah Conaty, Grade 11

“I feel that a date for the prom is notthe key to enjoying yourself at adance. This would hold true if yourperception of prom as well aseveryone else’s was that prom wasall about having fun with yourfriends—a time for fun, memories,and pictures to take. However, promhas certainly digressed from that tobeing an event of popularity, gettingdressed up, hooked up, and what-have-you afterwards. Consideringthat this is now the new purpose forprom, I would say it would benecessary to have a date so that youcan walk in with your guy or gal onyour arm and show them off to yourfriends. Get hooked up, laugh andperform for the crowd. And let’s notforget the slow songs. No one wantsto be the ‘loser’ with no one to dancewith during a slow song. In today’sview of the prom, yes, a date isvital.”

Katie Grisafi, Grade 12

“No, it is not essential, though I thinkit is nicer to have one, but if you havecool friends to go with, then you havefun anyway so it doesn’t reallymatter.”

Quirjin Noordoven, Grade 12


Two years ago the schooldistrict’s social studiescurriculum for sixth graderschanged. The new curriculumconsists of the study of ancientcultures, beginning withancient Japan and concludingwith ancient Egypt.

At Choconut Valley, sixthgrade social studies teacherMary Eddy found thecurriculum revisionsdemanding.

“[The change] made mesearch all avenues in order to findthings kids can relate with andunderstand,” said Mrs. Eddy.

The sixth graders at LathropStreet Elementary completed severalactivities as part of their study ofJapan. One group constructed ediblemaps of Japan out of candy, icing,and dough.

“I liked making it [the ediblemap], forming the islands, and thengetting to eat it after Monica Barnesand I won first prize for the bestmap,” said Susan Barnhart.

Other groups of sixth gradersmade samurai or geisha dolls.

“I enjoyed cutting it [the samuraiwarrior] out and then coloring it andputting it together with brads so thatthe arms and legs moved,” saidLoren Welch.

Mrs. Yosko Ely visited LathropStreet and taught a fourth group ofsixth grade students about Japanesewriting.

“It [the Japanese writing] wasfascinating,” said Kristie Weinzettl.“I liked that Mrs. Ely had all ournames written in Japanese for us.”

Mrs. Eddy filled her unit withactivities such as preparation andsampling of Japanese cuisine and a

By Sarah MacNeal

Students Explore Japan in New Curriculum

Shiatsu (therapeutic massage)demonstration.

The children in Mrs. Eddy’shomeroom prepared Japaneserice, seaweed, tsukemono(pickled cabbage), umani(Japanese meatballs), andJapanese candy just to name afew dishes.

All the sixth grade studentsthen sampled the food andreceived their own pairs ofchopsticks.

“Eating Oriental food waspretty cool,” said student ChaseDevine. “It was hard to pronouncethe Japanese words but neat to learnabout their history.”

Licensed massage therapistKim Spolar demonstrated Shiatsu tothe students, teaching them about theflow of energy in their bodies.

“I really liked to study Japanbecause it was interesting to learnabout their culture. It was sodifferent from American history,which we studied in fifth grade,” saidLisa Jemmott. “Plus, I got to eatfoods I had never tried before. Itmade it even more interesting.”

To help students see aconnection between what they arelearning in the classroom and whatthe achievement of their career goalsor dreams after high school willdemand, MAHS offers threevocational-educational programs tojuniors and seniors.

Co-op, job shadowing, and theYouth Apprenticeship Programprovide firsthand opportunities toobserve job requirements and gainon-the-job experience.

Co-op is a vocational programprimarily for the student who wantsto enter employment directly out ofhigh school. It helps him/her todevelop skills, understanding,attitudes, and work habits needed toenter and succeed in productiveemployment.

together to help manage the schoolcomputer systems and Web pagecontent and offer their expertise tothe MAHS community who mayhave computer-related needs.

Licensed massage therapist Kim Spolar demonstratesShiatsu on Principal Steve Placko during sixthgraders’ study of Japan.

PHOTO: MISS J. PUZO

(Computers Continued from Page 1)

Opening Doors with Vocational-Educational ProgramsBy Leah Kelly

“Co-op is a lot of responsibility,”said junior Tiffany Lake. “You haveto take a co-op class in school thatteaches things like work ethics andhow to be a good employee. It [theclass] basically teaches life skills.”

Job Shadowing is designed forstudents who want to explore upclose what a specific job requires.

“When I [shadowed] atSouthern Tier Physical Therapy, Iwould go and observe what thephysical therapists were doing,” saidsenior Courtney Parvin. “They wouldgo through things step-by-step so Icould learn. It’s a good way to see ifyou could handle the job.”

“If you have already picked a[college] major, it’s a good idea tojob shadow. You get to see firsthandwhat the job requires,” said guidance

counselor Mary Beth Ohmnacht.“Sometimes it’s [job shadowing]required by certain colleges forcareers.”

The Youth ApprenticeshipProgram integrates school-basedand work-based learning.

“Youth Apprenticeship givesyou on-the-job experiences,” saidsenior Corey Allen. “I work at P&G,and they give you the opportunity towork there after you graduate.”

To become involved in any ofthese programs, students shouldcontact Mrs. Omnacht in guidancefor more information.

For more information on TheYouth Apprenticeship Program,students may also call the NorthernTier Workforce Development Centerat 278-5038.

PHOTO: CATHY KEENE

Alumni Ray Osburn of the RegionalSchool to Work (STW) Partnershipspeaks to Mrs. Jane Jerauld’s tenthgrade English class about opportunitiesfor on-the-job experiences with theYouth Apprenticeship Program,sponsored by the Northern TierWorkforce Development Center.

“One project we are working onis the Community Exchangeprogram. Our goal is to providecomputers to families who can’tafford computers,” says Mr. Owens.“We are refurbishing old computersthat we are obtaining. So far wehave provided two computers.”

The Computer Club meetsevery other Friday at 3 p.m. in thedistance learning room. Anyone inthe community who may wish tocontact the club for more informationor assistance with a computer-relatedproject, may e-mail Andrew [email protected].

May 1: Red Cross blood drive high school gym 6 a.m.-3 p.m.May 3: Physics trip to Six Flags;

Varsity Club banquet high school cafe, aud, gym

2-11:30 p.m.May 7: Public budget meeting high school cafeteria 7-11 p.m.

MAHS Dates to RememberMay 8: Spanish Club trip to NYC

6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.May 10: Drama Club’s production

of The Egg and I high school auditorium

7 p.m. Junior high chorus competition

Dorney ParkMay 11: The Egg and I high school auditorium @ 7 p.m.

May 12: Mother’s DayMay 14: Junior high chorus concert high school auditorium 7 p.m.May 17: French 1 trip Philadelphia 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.May 18: Junior/Senior Prom high school gym 7-10:30 p.m.

May 21: Senior high chorus concert high school auditorium 7 p.m.May 22: French National Honor

Society induction high school library

2 p.m.May 27: Memorial Day

PHOTO: CATHY KEENE

Senior Computer Club PresidentAndrew Repine works on his desktop.


Spring Sports ’02

Boys’ Tennis Keeps Spirits UpBy Krystle Loomis

Girls’ Softball Draws LargeNumber for Tryouts

By Ashley Groll

Steady Eddie: Nah,Just Matt Hornak

By Ryan Ehrie

Like Father, LikeDaughter

By Julia Edwards

Three years. Three seasonsper year. Three sports per season?

Well, not quite, but junior MattHornak seems to be everywhere.This soccer, basketball, and baseballstandout has been around varsityathletics all three years he’s been astudent at MAHS. And he’s evenseen as a fan at other sports events.

“I like going to watch otherteams from Montrose play,” saidHornak. “It’s fun to just hang out withthe guys and mess around and yelland support your team.”

Not only is Hornak noticed atother sporting events but also he’squite visible on the basketball court,soccer field, and baseball diamond.His lanky six-foot-three frame makeshim much more noticeable.

“Matt’s always there. It alwaysseems that when you need somethingthe most, Matt always comes up withit,” said senior Matt Fabian, Hornak’steammate in all three sports. “Healways works hard, and you knowwhat you’re going to get out of him.”

Hornak’s skills provided a sparkto the Meteor boys’ basketball teamearly in the season, resulting in hisbeing named Athlete of the Week inhonor of his scoring onslaught at theoutset of the year. Then he hit a littleslump.

“I wasn’t playing well for awhile,” said Hornak. “But I knew Iwould get through my struggles andstart making some shots. I just triedto focus on my attitude and still bethe same person, and I knew I wouldcome around.”

But coming back from a difficulttime is only one of Hornak’sstrengths.

“Matt’s a versatile player,” saidsenior Chris Reichlen. “He playsthree sports, and in basketball he canscore, shoot, rebound, pass. Even inbaseball you can put him on themound or in the outfield. He’s a lotof fun. Matt can do a lot.”

Given these qualities, it’s nosurprise Hornak was awardedHonorable Mention by the areabasketball coaches this past winterin a division packed withupperclassmen. Not being named tothe first or second teams doesn’tbother Hornak.

“It would’ve been nice to benamed to one of the teams, but Ididn’t play consistently enoughthroughout the whole year,” saidHornak. “All I can do now is workharder and keep doing my best.”

Junior athlete Julie Teed, 16, hasher dad to thank for her passionatelove of track.

“My dad was a big time trackrunner, and he encouraged me to doit [track]. I started in eighth gradeand instantly fell in love with it,” saidTeed.

“She [Teed] is one of the nicest,hardest working people in this school.I thought enough of her to make hera captain as a junior, and that[position] is usually reserved for asenior,” said Eric Powers, head trackcoach.

To get in shape for track, Teedparticipates in cross country in thefall and runs with the Winter RunningClub. She runs about two miles aftermost school days during the wintermonths and practices jumping hurdlesin the school’s hallways.

“[Teed] works hard for track.She does hurdling all winter long.Cross country she does to stay inshape for track,” said Jim Fluck,cross country coach.

Teed’s track events are the 100-meter and the 300-meter hurdles, the200-meter dash, and the four-by-fourrelay. She is also learning to polevault.

“Teed will be the best hurdler inthe district this year,” said CoachPowers. “I think that if she continueswith [pole vault], she has the potentialto break the school’s record.”

Some of Teed’s teammates sayshe amazes them with her skills andwork ethic.

“She is very energetic and veryfriendly,” said senior JohnMcPherson, one of Teed’s friends.“Very easy to get along with; allaround great personality. And sheworks hard all winter.”

“[Teed] is a hard worker. Sheis constantly preparing herself fortrack,” said athletic director JoeGilhool. “Very supportive of otheractivities.”

Even students that don’t knowTeed very well respect her. Theysay she is very good at what she does,works hard and has fun.

“[Teed] likes what she is doing,”said freshman Kyle Adriance, a trackmember.

“We never have to worry abouther grades,” says Coach Fluck.“[Teed]’s pretty consistent. Sheseems to be liked by other kids, [and]that’s a plus. She listens, but she doeslack confidence in herself. She’s fun!We have a ball!”

Featured Athletes

PHOTOS: JAMIE ALDRICH

“Does Coach Gilhool know howdedicated I am?”

“Have my weak practices ruinedmy chances of making the team?”

These are only two of thequestions the varsity girls wereasking themselves during softballtryouts in early March.

“Thirty-eight people signed upfor the varsity softball team, but many[of them] who knew what girls theywere in competition with didn’t showup,” says softball coach Joe Gilhool.

After tryouts, 16 girls madevarsity and 14 girls junior high.

Mr Gilhool has been involved in

the softball program for six years “Mr. Gilhool is an awesome

coach. He knows the girls’limitations, and he’ll encourage youto do your best,” says freshman LizZappe.

“The varsity girls’ toughestcompetition this year would have tobe Lakeland and Riverside,” saysCoach Gilhool. “I have a good feelingabout this year. We have a lot oftalent back this year as well as a lotof new players.”

At press time the Meteors were4-3, allowing their victors a total ofonly three runs in three wins.

The MAHS boys’ tennis team has

put in grueling practices, consisting of

two hours per day, five to six days a week

in order to prepare for tough, upcoming

matches.

The boys start off their practices

with warm-up running around the court

and then continue with coordination

drills for a half hour. For the remainder

of their practice time, they compete

against each other.

According to senior captain James

Orr, 11 boys are on this year’s tennis

team, composed of eight returning

players and three new freshmen.

“We lost two great seniors [last

year], Tim Lizotte and Brian Aldrich... but

I have great confidence of our team’s

experience and dedication,” says Orr.

Thus far, the team is off to a slow

start with a record of 1-4, but that hasn’t

shaken Coach Jeffery Cornell’s hopes.

“We always try to be

optimistic,”says Coach Cornell. “We

may have started out a little shaky, but

we still have time to improve in our

upcoming games and tournaments.”

The last game of the season will be

held at East Stroudsburg North on May

2 at 4 p.m.

The girls’ varsity basketballteam ended its 2001-02 campaignwith a 25-6 record, placing secondin the Lackawanna League DivisionII North and also District 2.

The Lady Meteors were theleague champions after the first halfof the season.

Despite losing their first stateplayoff game to Central Columbia49-48, the girls managed to advancefurther in District 2 than any MAHSgirls’ basketball team before them.

The girls’ JV basketball teamfinished its season 11-11.

The seventh and eighthgrade teams ended their leagueseasons 17-2 and 17-3 respectively,resulting in the eighth grade team’sleague championship title.

The boys’ varsity basketballteam finished the season 18-9. Afterwinning the first-half division title, the

Meteors dispatched Blue Ridge toclaim the second-half and overallchampionship in the LackawannaLeague Division II North.

Gaining the third-seed in theDistrict 2 tournament, the boys lostto sixth seed and eventual runner-up,Bishop O’Reilly 48-43.

JV finished its season with a 14-7 record.

The ninth grade boys’ teamcompeted against 31 other teams inthe Epiphany tournament, held inSayre, PA, placing third and endingits season with a 13-3 record.

Despite a disappointing 1-11varsity wrestling season, seniorsJohn McPherson and MuhammadJami and freshman Jeff Snyderqualified for districts. Snyder placedsixth in district competition.

Junior high wrestlers finisheda strong season 16-11.

Winter Sports Wrap Up SeasonsBy Amanda Poodiack


SPORTLIGHT

Ryan EhrieCommentary

Baseball’s NewYork Yankees. Football’sGreen Bay Packers.Hockey’s MontrealCanadiens. Basketball’sBoston Celtics. Highs c h o o ls p o r t s ’ … M o n t r o s eMeteors?

All of theseprofessional teams knowwhat it takes to win under intensepressure. Four of the five above-mentioned athletic programs overtime have proven they belong in thecompany of the elite. The fifth,however, has shown only slight signsof greatness but nothing more topermanently fix them at the top ofthe list. Can you spot the misfit?

If you’re having trouble, I’ll giveyou a hint. The team’s logo is ameteor.

One state basketballchampionship in 1964, a third-placeshowing for the wrestling team in1983, one state wrestling championin Mike Cole in 1984, and numerousother state medals for wrestling andtrack and field athletes.

Add in numerous District 12titles and division championships inother sports, and you have the extentof what Montrose athletics hasaccomplished.

But if you really think about it,there are not a lot of championshipslisted above. For as long as the schoolhas been around, the number ofaccolades the MAHS’s athletes havegained aren’t as copious as theyshould be. Yet we, being supportiveand responsible fans, gripe whenMontrose sports don’t get enoughpress in the newspaper or a longenough spot on the 11 o’clock news.

For years I have heard athletes,parents, and fans complain abouthow Montrose is not getting therespect it supposedly deserves.Admittedly, at times I have been oneof those athletes or fans to whineabout the lack of coverage from theScranton papers.

Of course, the sports writers aregoing to show a certain bias towardsschools in the Scranton area, butsometimes it seems as if we’re totallyforgotten or overlooked, even ifsomebody from Montrose doessomething just as newsworthy assomeone from Scranton Prep.

But wait. Do we truly deserverespect and publicity, especially fromthe Scranton area? Are ourcomplaints, as fans and supportersof Montrose athletics, relevant?

No, we don’t and no they arenot.

It’s not that our athletes aren’tas good as the rest of the state. Ourtalent pool isn’t shallow either. Sowhy don’t we have more district andstate titles?

It all comes down to attitudeand the mental aspects of athletics.Sports are largely a mental challengeas well as a physical one.Confidence is one of the greatesttools any team can use to increaseits wins and enhance its respect.

It’s not that Montrose athletesaren’t confident but perhaps we’rea little too confident at times.

Montrose is in atough situation—we’re onthe bubble between beinga AA and AAA school.Fluctuating from one tothe other doesn’t help anyof our programs, and it isdifficult for coaches andathletes to becomeaccustomed to the type ofplay to expect from

opponents.Not only that, but we live in

Susquehanna County, not exactly thesports hub of the nation. For the mostpart, Montrose has always been thebiggest and the best in the county.But when our heads swell, we losefocus.

Beating up (and sometimesgetting beaten up) on teams likeForest City and Susquehanna andBlue Ridge doesn’t help us preparefor the big dance.

District and state playoffs are acompletely different atmosphere thanthe one Montrose athletes areaccustomed to. The highest intensitylevel most MAHS athletes reach iswhen we battle Elk Lake. Yet wedon’t repeat that intensity day afterday.

We struggle as a school to fielda full squad of athletes for each andevery sport. Therefore, coachescan’t pick and choose the best peoplefor the job, and that problem giveskids the reassurance that they’regoing to make the team no matterwhat.

That means kids don’t have towork as hard to make the cut andlack motivation or a force to pushthem to be their best throughout theremainder of the season.

When there is no competition fora spot on the team, naturally athleteswill think they automatically don’thave to work as hard. Nobody isthreatening his or her position.

Peer rivalry can sometimes bethe best thing for sports. It makeskids put out 100 percent every day,and to be successful that is what’sneeded.

Montrose doesn’t need that 100percent effort from everybody to besuccessful in Susquehanna County.What the rest of Susquehanna Countyis to us, we are to Scranton. We’rethe whipping boys and girls.

We’re the teams the Scrantonschools expect to come and give awhooping to. We’re the “farmers.”Yet we fail to realize that.

Until we put together asuccessful season in SusquehannaCounty and the Scranton area, wewill never get the credit we feel wedeserve. It takes effort fromeverybody, the student body, the fans,the athletes, and the school districtto gain that prestige.

We cannot continue to complainabout being underrated until we dosomething about it. We need to workhard enough to gain respect fromeverybody. If we still don’t get ourfair share, then we can gripe.

The future lies in our hands andhearts and desires. Until everybodyis working at full force and together,our next state or even district titlewill be a long time coming.

Montrose Mystique Not Up to Par M A H S ’baseball team

entered this

season withexperience, and

t h e y ’ r e

counting on thatexperience to

carry them to

the District 2championship.

“We have a very strong team,

and it could help us get into theplayoffs,” says senior Ryan Ehrie,

who plays shortstop/second base.

The Meteors are fielding a teamof five returning starters and eight

seniors. They hope to follow last

year’s strong performance (9-5 in theleague, 10-6 overall) with another

solid season, according to Ehrie.

“Besides all the returningseniors, we have a talented group of

underclassmen who work hard and

really care about the game,” saysAndy Honeychuck, a senior first

baseman.

Baseball Team Searches for Top of GameBy Nathan Libal

That groupof under-

c l a s s m e n

includes AaronTaylor and

Sean Brewer,

who will pitchfor the

Meteors this

season.“The whole team wants to work

on cutting down our errors,” says

Honeychuck. “If we play as a teamand everyone contributes, this season

will be very successful.”

Even with a slue of talent, theMeteors will face some tough

opposition.

“Our toughest competition forthe league title will be Lakeland

because they have a lot of people

coming back,” says senior BrianMcCue, pitcher and third baseman.

The Meteor boys have struggled

this year, losing to rival Lakeland 4-1, and starting the season sluggishly

at 1-5.

T h eMAHS trackteam is veryo p t i m i s t i cheading intothe 2002s e a s o n .Several strongstarters havereturned fromlast year, andthat boosts thet e a m ’ sconf idence ,according to some team members.

Captains Pat Coffey, a senior,and junior Julie Teed lead theMeteors.

“Both Pat and Julie have thepotential to go to states,” said trackhead coach Eric Powers. “We havea lot of great talent. [Junior] BobDean, the [school] discus recordholder; [senior] Mike Snow, distancerunner; and [junior] Lori Cooper, whoplaced in districts last year, all havethe potential to do really well.”

Track Team OptimisticAbout New Year

By Nick Harasymczuk

Senior baseball player Brian McCue roundsfirst base during pre-game on April 9.

PHOTO: KRYSTLE LOOMIS

“We shouldbe really goodthis year,” saidjunior highrunner MattLopez. “A lot ofpeople have triedout this year, andthat is always apositive.”

T h enumber ofstudents whohave gone out

for track this year is larger than inthe past. According to Mr. Powers,65 students are out for track this year.

“We will have three people inalmost every event for both the boysand the girls,” said Coach Powers.

“The past few years in ourprogram we have had a conflictbetween being both competitive andwinning consistently,” said CoachPowers. “I really wanted to betaking two buses to each meet, andthat goal is already accomplished.”

Junior Lisa Carden, assisted by sopho-more Denise Whitney and junior CoryConway, attempts a higher long jump atan April 9 practice.

PHOTO: KRYSTLE LOOMIS

mete chronicler · drawing faces using abstract art. each student attempted to incorporate all...

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