This year, the senior class
decided to pick up an old tradition by holding a student/faculty
basketball game. The idea is to get the teachers and the students
together to play a game of good ol' fashioned b-ball. The game
was held during school so all the students could attend. The tickets
sold for $.50 and those who did not want to watch were sent to
the library. I think that all spectators would agree when I say
that this event was a total success, not to mention a good laugh.
The teachers that participated in this event are as follows: Mr.
Moore, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Boyer, Mr. Julian, Mr. Stackhouse, Mr.
Sease, Mrs. Leonard, Mr. Buben, Mrs. Shiley, and Mr. Lohr. The
students who participated were: Henry Sobieski, Adam Barnes, Jay
Evanchesky, Danielle Marko, Holly Pruss, Chris Posa, Becky Zubek,
Kristen Pasierb, Ron Maga, and Joanna Nieves.
For this game, all the bases were covered, there was even cheerleaders
at the game: Becky Leipchack, Amy Thomas, Holly Pietz, Audrey
Russell, and Vicky Duman.
Star Exhibit Many TalentsThis year the senior class
sponsored a talent show "Stars in the Making." The Talent
show was very successful. From what I have heard everyone who
attended was satisfied with the entertainment. The hosts were
probably one of the best parts of the show. Mike Galish and Drew
Medva were selected as the hosts for the show. They planned several
skits in between acts. My favorite would have to be the Crocodile
Hunter. All the participants agreed that all of the work and practicing
paid off in the end. As a participant myself, I would have to
say that I would do it again in a second.
The judges who participated in the talent show were Mr. Gross,
Helen Medva, and Dixie Chappell.
The senior class would like to thank everyone who helped put this
talent show together as well as spectators.
The winners include:
1st Place- Kristen Buben
Kristen performed a piano solo by Tchouvski. She won a $20 gift
certificate from Walmart, $20 from the senior class, and tickets
for Planet Ice.
2nd Place- Laurel Rosenbaum, Joanna Nieves, Kristen Pasierb,
and Shannon Shaw
The group sang Chapel of Love by the Dixie Cups. They won $10
from the senior class and coupon's for Wendy's.
3rd Place- Tie between Rachel Thomas and Steven Welch and
Brandy Rayman
Rachel Thomas performed a piano solo of Beauty and the Beast.
Steven and Brandy performed swing dancing. They each got $5 from
the senior class and sub coupons.
On February 24, students and
members of the community donated blood to the Red Cross blood
drive, which was held at the elementary school.
In order to give blood, a person must be at least 17 years old,
weigh over 105 pounds, and be in good health. Potential donors
were tested for illnesses, and their blood type was identified,
before they could actually donate. Depending on the person, it
takes approximately 10 minutes for a person to give blood.
After giving blood, the donor is required to drink and eat food,
so he or she will not become dizzy. The food is provided by members
of the community.
The National Honor Society plays an important role in the blood
drive. Members greet the donors, help them walk after giving blood,
and perform various other jobs.
At Shade's blood drive, 53 units of blood were collected. Each
unit of blood that is donated is divided into several components,
and can actually be used to help three or four people. Everyone
who donated blood or helped in some way played an important role
in this life saving process.
On March 8, Josh Dabbs and
Kristen Buben attended a meeting of the Exchange Club of Somerset
and were named the students of the month for the month of March.
Students of the month are selected on the basis of their grades,
achievements, and extra curricular activities. At the March meeting,
both students made a speech and were awarded with a plaque.
The Exchange Club is a service organization made up of local business
people. The Exchange Club of Somerset was founded 19 years ago,
and over 65 people are members of this organization. This club
raises funds for distribution to needy causes, and it places special
emphasis on child abuse prevention. Members of the local Exchange
Club have helped park cars at the Mountain Craft Days festival,
and the club contributes over $10,000 annually to various charitie.
When most adults think of teenagers, they think of young "kids"
who are constantly getting into some kind of trouble. In reality,
teenagers resent being called "kids" as they strive
to reach adulthood.
To constructive young adults, it is bothersome that only teens
who commit crimes or are otherwise not constructive receive attention.
Mature young adults are just as displeased as any other responsible
member of society when they see inconsiderate or malicious behavior
by any member of society, regardless or age. It needs to be understood
that mature and responsible teens thrive on positive attention.
Perhaps it would be more productive to reward mature behavior
while at the same time punishing immature and irresponsible behavior
instead of just concentrating on the negative behavior. This would
not only show irresponsible teens what they are doing wrong, but
it would also reward what is good.
Neither being children nor adults, teens feel they are part of
a group that is i n limbo society. We need reinforcement that
the choices we are making are correct from the point of view of
a responsible and productive adult member of society.
For the sake of all teens, the next time you see a teenager performing
a mature and responsible act, give him or her the recognition
deserved. It will be greatly appreciated.
So far, this has been a busy
month for me. So far, two things have caught my eye. One has been
the price of gas in this country. The other is described below.
Recently, there was a recent shooting in Michigan. There, a first
grader got hold of a gun and shot and killed another first grader.
The shooter was a bully. He lived in a crack house. He had access
to drugs and guns every day. Who is to take the blame?
According to the Michigan prosecutor, the shooter is not to blame.
He says the shooter is too young to be charged. He is going after
the man who police believe stole the gun and kept it in the house.
They plan on charging the man with one of the lesser forms of
murder. Shouldn't they also charge him with stealing the gun and
possession of narcotics? I mean, he stole the gun. Plus, I have
stated above, the kid lived in a crack house. Those are at least
two other crimes that he will not be charged in.
According to the attorney for the family of the deceased, this
man is not to blame. They believe that either the person who had
the gun stolen or the shop that sold the gun to that man should
be held responsible. Why would someone want to blame a victim?
Simply put, he wants money. He can't get money from the shooter's
family or the man being charged. Both of those parties do not
have enough money to play for legal expenses, let alone the millions
that this shark, I mean lawyer, is seeking. If the man who had
the gun stolen can't play what he wants, then he'll go after the
shop. If the shop can't pay, then he'll go after the manufacturer.
We all heard the President say that it was a tragedy and something
must be done. But, he wants to punish all of the people not involved.
He wants to go after all the legal and law-abiding gun owners,
dealers, and manufacturers. He does not care about crime. He cares
about issues.
The media, in its true form, has blown this story off. As I stated
before in a previous articles, the media only cares if three or
more people are killed. They did mention it, and the "Today
Show" did interview the victim's mother, but they did not
address the issues. They sidestepped the real issues, which is
why aren't gun criminals correctly prosecuted? instead, thy are
trying to tell the public that guns are straight from Satan's
pocket. They want us to believe that guns are only meant for criminals
to kill innocent people.
For example, the Presidents, Slick Willie, said that every day,
13 "children" die by handguns. The problem is, children
include those 18 and younger. I'd say 12.85 of those kids killed
each day are between 16 and 18. Of those kids, 12.7 are in street
gangs. They are participating in illegal activities. So, only
about 0.3 law-abiding people 18 and younger are killed each day
by handguns.
Why does the media constantly report on crimes with guns, yet
people who's lives are saved by guns never get any new coverage?
Most likely, because of our liberal media and government. Thousands
of lives are saved each year by legal handguns.
I have a theory why guns are being taken away, but I will save
that for another article.
After a long school week, you
look down at you gas gauge, which looms on E. You pull into your
favorite service station and fill up your tank. You glance at
the pump and see that you owe anywhere from $15 to $25 dollars.
What is going on here?
Well, OPEC, which supplies this country with petroleum for all
of our needs, has decided to limit its production of crude. OPEC,
which is a group of Middle Eastern countries, decides how much
oil it will produce at any given time. These countries literally
have a strange hold on this country. How can a group of small
nations control the United States?
Simply put, we are dependent on them. The U.S. is the richest
country in the world. Since the country is rich, the people make
a good amount of money. With the money we have, we can afford
to buy cars, dirt bikes, lawn mowers, and other objects which
need gasoline to operate. Plus, most of our power plants use oil
to produce our electricity.
We are totally dependent on oil to do everything. So, if a country
wanted to control us, all they have to do is limit our life-blood.
Since OPEC supplies us with most of our oil, they can totally
control us. OPEC is producing less oil, charging more per barrel,
and making the same amount of money while the American consumer
suffers. Therefore, they can make more money in the long run if
they take two years to produce what they can produce in one.
I do not understand why we must be dependent on OPEC for
our fuel needs. I guess all the oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico,
Texas, and the other oil-producing states are just there for tourism
and public relations. I guess the Alaska Pipeline is there to
transport air and water. I guess all the stories about Alaska
having oil is just a myth. In all seriousness, why don't we use
some of our reserves to show OPEC that they cannot bully us?
Apparently, the government is trying to ease the prices by dropping
the excise tax on gasoline. However, this is only a $0.04 per
gallon reduction. With regular unleaded fuel, which can cost $1.50
per gallon, this is only a drop in the bucket.
We cannot rely on our government to help us in this issue. We
as consumers must do something to get OPEC to realize that they
cannot bully us. We have to do something; or else it will take
your entire weekly paycheck just to go to work.
Finnaaalllyyyyyyy, Mahoney
has come back to your newspaper! First off, the Mahoney will waste
no time ripping into you! The Mahoney will waste no time giving
his opinion! And the Mahoney will waste no time laying the smack
down this month.
The first thing is the bathroom incident. Now let the great one
get this straight. First, a roody poo decides, "Hey, I know
I'll destroy the girl's bathroom, and then I'll be cool."
Wrong jabroni, the great one says you can kiss his dirty, stinking,
wrestling boot. Or I know, better yet, you can go in the girl's
bathroom, that's right, and you can grab something that you broke,
get the biggest piece you can find. Then go into a stall, grab
a piece of toilet paper (which doubles as shop sandpaper, so go
to either place), use the paper to shine up that piece real nice,
turn it sideways, and stick it straight up your nose!
The great one says this, he used to be proud to write for this
school, he used to be proud to visit once and a while, and he
used to be proud to take the student's leak in the boy's bathroom.
Well since there was this little incident, there were locked doors,
which cut the great one off at the door. There are also cameras,
even though the great one is not shy to cameras. Now everyone
gets to be on camera, so congratulations. So listen to me, you
steaming, stinking, grade A pile of monkey crap, who decides to
vandalize. You not only vandalized the girl's bathroom, but you
vandalized, the students. And the student's champion doesn't like
that. So the champ say this. How will the millions...and the millions
of Mahoney's fans relieve themselves of the daily pressures?
The daily pressures can grow on a person, even the great one,
who is like a camel. So what will the student's do? They can't
have soda bottles in their lockers, so that option is out. I know,
the student's who aren't Mahoney's fans, will do this. The great
one says this, the roody poos that can't control themselves will
whine, they will complain, and they will cry, "Whaaaa, Whaaaaa,
we can't use the bathroom's, even though we are acting like roody
poos and deserve diapers. Whaaaaaa, whaaaa!" Well cry then
jabronis because you brought this upon yourself. You didn't think
of that now did you? Of course ya didn't, ya monkey.
The great one will never, and he means never, forget that a few
of the students in this school don't deserve its beauty. This
school is very good example of how tax dollars can make something
useful. It's probably the nicest school around and everyone abuses
and misuses these hallowed halls. So quit your moaning and your
whining and start keeping care of your school. Because the great
one can handle disappointment, The great one can handle criticism,
but the great one can not handle embarrassment. When he is embarrassed,
he does something about it. the great one, along with...the students,
will layeth the smacketh down...If Ya Smelalalalalalalalow What
the Jabroni Is Cookin'!
The countdown is on for all
seniors. Pretty soon we will all be out of here, but then where
do we go? A question that has been asked to every senior: "What
are your future plans?".
Some seniors are quick with a reply as to what they are planning
on doing after graduation. Others just shrug and reply, "I'm
still undecided." Still others reply, "Nothing."
Only three more months, it is time for a REALITY CHECK! Senioritis
is setting in heavy and there is still a nine weeks to go. It
is time for the Class of 2000 to realize that the real world has
so much to offer. All we need to do is to take the step and reach
out for it. We can not expect it to come to us.
It is necessary to plan ahead so that you will have something
to fall back on if your "singing career" doesn't go
as planned. With a high school diploma, it is hard to find work
that offers more than minimum wage. One has to ask himself/herself
if they will be satisfied working for minimum wage for the rest
of their life. If not, then you have your work cut out trying
to figure something out for after graduation three months prior.
I do not know how this misconception came about, but I am her
to let the truth out. Some are expecting to slip into life, just
like they did high school. I am here to say that it is impossible
to just slip by. It will all catch up to you somehow. You can't
always take the easy way out of things. This will not get you
any where in life.
For all the seniors who are planning on attending college, a technical
school, or joining the military; I wish the best of luck to them.
It is a hard transaction from high school. We, myself included,
are all use to the pampered way of learning. All of that will
soon be over with. It will be a chance to grow up to mature, intellectually
as well as mentally.
For all those who replied "Undecided" that is all right.
It is hard to decide now what you want to do four or five years
from now. It will come, as to what you feel comfortable doing
and what interests you. The choices are infinite.
For all the "Nothing" responses, there are three months
left and a whole summer to make decisions. If waiting a year before
you take any big steps appeals to you then take advantage of the
time and earn some extra cash. Just remember that it may be harder
to go back to the whole school based life after a break.
I would personally like to congratulate all the seniors that have
been accepted into colleges, technical schools, or the military.
It is a tough decision to make at to what your future plans include.
I am happy for these individuals that have the relief of knowing
what they want from life.
To all those who are still wondering about their future, I wish
you the best of luck. It is a hard, yet an important decision
that you must make .
Couple
of the MonthFor this month's lucky couple,
I have chosen Merissa Sandusky and Brad Charlton. Every time this
pair is together, they have smiles on their faces and seem to
be getting along. They have been dating for 9 months now, since
they caught each other's eye from the help of friends and those
sweet talks in Civics class. Together, they both agree that their
favorite thing to do is talk about anything, and go to the Drive
Inn. They also told me they enjoy eating at everyone's favorite
place: McDonald's. This great couple also has a favorite song,
which they think symbolizes their love for each other. It is entitled
"Amazed" by Lonestar.
When I asked Merissa what she loved about Brad, she said she loves
the way he babies her all of the time, yet she could do without
all that crazy worrying. Brad told me his favorite thing about
Merissa is her sweetness.
Merissa says that the best gift from her man was the ring she
got for Christmas. Brad says he couldn't do without the Play Station
Merissa bought him, and that is definitely his favorite gift.
"Angel" (Merissa) and "Baby" (Brad) have done
some crazy things together in their relationship, but they do
have their favorites. Merissa never laughed so hard when Brad
tried to do one of her cheering moves on her couch and fell off.
Brad, on the other hand, had no comment. You got out of that one,
Merissa!
This happy couple says their most memorable moment together was
definitely at the Drive Inn. These two believe that they have
what it takes to conquer this cruel love virus that has stricken
our school. When I asked them why, they told me they love each
other a lot, can talk easily, and have so much fun when they're
together. Good luck you two on a lasting relationship.
10. A cop at Dunkin Donuts
investigating a robbery.
9. A fire department on fire.
8. A sale on beer before Superbowl Sunday.
7. A vegetarian eating at a steakhouse.
6. An oversized rodent carrying a dead cat in its mouth.
5. Republicans and Democrats agreeing on something.
4. A Nicoret Ash Tray.
3. A tree hugger stapling "Save the Trees" posters to
trees.
2. A teenager doing their homework on Friday night.
1. A lemonade stand charging you sales tax.
I mentioned last month that
Josh Dabbs liked older women. Well, I found out his better half
is none other than 76 year old Mae Young. They were introduced
to each other by Jim Ross. They have been dating for five months.
Josh is currently distraught after the Dudleys put her through
a table. Since that incident, Josh spends much of his time tending
to Mae. In the mean time they enjoy going to the movies, going
out for dinner, and playing poker with the Acolytes. Josh also
gives Mae daily massages and takes car of her two puppies. Their
song is "Puppy Love."
Everything was going fine until the Dudleys put Mae through a
table off stage. He will have to seek the services of Justin "Credible"
Lasut to face the Dudleys in a table match.
For this month I have chosen
a very special man, Pie Wilk. Pie has always been a great friend
to all the people in Central City, and to all of the students
at Shade. Those who have played baseball at Shade, played little
league baseball, softball, or even t-ball know Pie for his great
knowledge and love for the game of baseball. I think everyone
would agree with me when I say, "Nobody knows more about
baseball than Pie Wilk."
Pie started playing baseball when he was six years old and has
played ever since. He has also coached several teams, teams that
have won him championships. Most recently was in 1997 when Shade
won the District V Championship. I had the privilege of being
part of that team that year. That team was full of excellent players
and that is why Shade won it. Pie was also selected by the class
of 1998 to be their Homecoming Grand Marshall.
In the 50's, he worked in the steel mills and then worked for
the railroad. Besides playing baseball, he also enjoys hunting,
fishing, gardening, and watching the Pittsburgh Pirates and the
Pittsburgh Steelers. Although back trouble keeps him from some
of these activities, he still stays active. He is also an active
member of Saint Peter and Paul Church in Central City.
Pie's two favorite home run hitters are Mark McGwire and Sammy
Sosa. Pie's other favorites include: Jason Kendall, Brian Giles,
Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, and the list goes on and on.
I always enjoyed talking to Pie and hearing all of the stories
over the years. I personally enjoy hearing about the times that
he played baseball at the field in Number 4, with my grandfather,
John and my great uncles, Paul and Mike "Lefty Warchola,
who Pie also watched as a kid. Pie, like others had the opportunity
to play for the Majors, but they were unable to due to having
to stay home and work.
Pie is a resident of Cairnbrook. Pie was married to his wife,
Ella, but she passed away a few years ago. Pie's dog, Lucky keeps
him company.
Pie is a great role model for everyone. He loves kids and is always
willing to help someone. He is truly one in a million.
To go back to Shade's Web Page click here.
To get to the second half of the March
Newspaper, click here.