THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and...

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The GNA Jungle By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the last 10 seconds of the game, and senior Deanna Thomas has just stolen the ball. She turns quickly and begins sprinting down the court while everyone is screaming. Thomas attempts to lay the ball in the hoop, watching it slowly circle around the rim. The crowd hushes in anticipation. Just as the buzzer sounds, the ball swishes through the hoop and the crowd goes wild. The GNA Jungle storms onto the court and celebrates with the team. Was this true? No, but it could be. For almost the past three decades the GNA Jungle has been a significant part of high school sports at Nanticoke. In almost every country in the world, sports have become an important part of culture and society. Every night fans pack sports venues adorned in team’s colors, ready to cheer on their team. Fan presence at games have a great impact on the final outcome of the game. The team playing in their own arena is said to have “home court advantage” and fans have also been nicknamed the “6th man” in basketball. Similar to sports fanatics around the world, fans of the Greater Nanticoke Area Trojans and Trojanettes have been coming to support their teams for a very long time. Students make up a significant part of the attendance at games. The Class of 1988 came up with a name for the group of students at the games; they called themselves “The GNA Jungle.” The GNA Jungle gave our school “a sense of pride,” says former Nanticoke Graduate Mr. Zubritski. Unfortunately, over the past three decades the enthusiasm and excitement of the Jungle has declined. Student attendance is lacking. Some students who do attend sit separately and not many are interested in cheering on their teams. To solve this problem, we need to come together as one to give our school the respect and support it deserves. So let’s not be divided by grades at games. We are all the Trojans and we MUST come together and cheer on our students-athletes . We need our school spirit back to its ORIGINAL GLORY! The 2014 GNA Jungle: Hanover VS Nanticoke THE GNA INSIDER January Edition 1

Transcript of THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and...

Page 1: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

The GNA JungleBy: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor

Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the last 10 seconds of the game, and senior Deanna Thomas has just stolen the ball. She turns quickly and begins sprinting down the court while everyone is screaming. Thomas attempts to lay the ball in the hoop, watching it slowly circle around the rim. The crowd hushes in anticipation. Just as the buzzer sounds, the ball swishes through the hoop and the crowd goes wild. The GNA Jungle storms onto the court and celebrates with the team. Was this true? No, but it could be. For almost the past three decades the GNA Jungle has been a significant part of high school sports at Nanticoke.

In almost every country in the world, sports have become an important part of culture and society. Every night fans pack sports venues adorned in team’s colors, ready to cheer on their team. Fan presence at games have a great impact on the final outcome of the game. The team playing in their own arena is said to have “home court advantage” and fans have also been nicknamed the “6th man” in basketball. Similar to sports fanatics around the world, fans of the Greater Nanticoke Area Trojans and Trojanettes have been coming to support their teams for a very long time. Students make up a significant part of the attendance at games. The Class of 1988 came up with a name for the group of students at the games; they called

themselves “The GNA Jungle.” The GNA Jungle gave our school “a sense of pride,” says former Nanticoke Graduate Mr. Zubritski. Unfortunately, over the past three decades the enthusiasm and excitement of the Jungle has declined. Student attendance is lacking. Some students who do attend sit separately and not many are interested in cheering on their teams. To solve this problem, we need to come together as one to give our school the respect and support it deserves. So let’s not be divided by grades at games. We are all the Trojans and we MUST come together and cheer on our students-athletes . We need our school spirit back to its ORIGINAL GLORY!

The 2014 GNA Jungle: Hanover VS Nanticoke

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Inside This Edition...Contents

1 GNA Jungle 2 Table of Contents 3 Athletes of The Month 4 GNA Insider Advice Column 5 Where Are They Now: Harry Hamilton 6 Where Are They Now: Harry Hamilton 7 Where Are They Now: Harry Hamilton 8 What’s Happinin’ in the Halls: Jungle Edition 9 What’s Happinin’ in the Halls: Jungle Edition 10 What’s Happinin’ in the Halls: Jungle Edition 11 Senior Project: Buddy Walk 12 Martin Luther King Jr. & Senior Project: Buddy Walk 13 What’s Happinin’ in the Halls: Semi- Formal Edition 14 The History of: New Year’s Resolutions

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Features

5,6,7Where Are The Now?

Harry Hamilton

1,8,9,10GNA Jungle

From The GNA Insider Staff To You...

The GNA Insider would like to thank all those who have helped make our newspaper possible. If you are interested in writing for our school newspaper, please see Mr. Carey in room 119.

Check out our digital copy!

Check out the GNA Insider in color at www.gnasd.com. Visit the High School

page and look for the GNA Insider Volume 2 issue 5

Nanticoke Area Semi Formal “Winter Wonderland”

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Page 3: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

Junior Gianna Roberts about to sink a free throw.

Athlete of The Month: Matt WintersBy: Meghan BoyleWhat sports do you play? Which one is your favorite?Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball. Out of the three, Basketball and Volleyball are my favorite. What do you want to do after high school? Attend Bloomsburg University.

What is your favorite subject? History.

What is your favorite activity to do outside of school? Hang out with my friends.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?

Being named Captain of the team.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? My brother.

What was the best advice you were ever given? To always try my best at everything I do.

What would be your ultimate achievement? To win a district championship

How many years have you been playing sports? 14 years.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In college, preparing to start my career.

What is your favorite part about being a Nanticoke Trojan? The pride and how much fun comes with it. Senior Matt Winters

above the rim

Athlete of The Month:Gianna RobertsBy: Meghan BoyleWhat sports do you play? Which one is your favorite?Basketball

What do you want to do after high school?I plan on going to college and getting a high paying job.

What is your favorite subject?World Cultures with Mr. Litch.

What is your favorite activity to do outside of school?To go to basketball practice.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your sport?MVP of the lady lions tournament.

From where do you draw your inspiration?

Family, Friends, and my team.

What was the best advice you were ever given?“Sometimes you have to run before you can walk” –Robert Downey Jr.

How many years have you been playing sports?11 years.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?I see myself graduating from college.

What is your favorite part about being a Nanticoke Trojan?Being apart of a basketball team that has the ability to carry on Nanticoke’s traditions and to possible win the WVC.

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Page 4: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

Getting to Know Our Teachers: Mrs. Jeffries

Everyone has a dream job. What was yours?

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.What activities do you enjoy outside

of school?Of course I enjoy reading, but I also enjoy

cooking, gardening and spending time with my family.

Do you have any pet peeves?Yes. I cringe when people say the following

words: samwich, chimley, punkin, libary and valentimes.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?

I was once shown a photograph of some random person I didn’t know. The photograph was unclear and the persons head was cut off. I made a rude remark regarding the person and it turned out that she was seated directly across the table from me.

How long have you been at GNA? Eight blissful years.What is your most memorable

moment at GNA?One of my most memorable moments at

GNA was walking through the auditorium the day before Christmas eve for the annual Christmas concert the first year I was hired. I am excessively sentimental and the concert was beautifully performed which caused me to feel such great nostalgia for my own time as a student at GNA. It was so moving. I felt like I was in a Lifetime made for a television movie.

What do you enjoy about your job?I most enjoy interacting with my students.

I love them.What is something most people

don’t know about you? Most people don’t know I am

exceptionally afraid of heights.What is your favorite thing about

teaching English?My favorite thing about teaching English

is watching students become excited about literature. Enthusiasm is my favorite.

Advice ColumnHow to Stay Healthy for the New Year (Physically and Mentally)By Tonya Hill

Eat right and exercise.You probably hear this all the

time, but eating right and exercising regularly is the best way to stay fit. You don’t have to overdo it, though. Don’t jump into it too quick; gradually start cutting junk food out of your diet and start working out maybe once or twice a week. You can work your way up when you feel like you’re ready.

Make the right decisions.Not only can making the right

decisions help you physically, it can also help you mentally. You can avoid potentially harmful situations and save yourself from the feelings of regret, guilt, and anxiety that you may feel afterwards.

Stay close to your friends and family.

You will always need someone to talk to. It is not healthy to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself. Your friends and family will be able to support, you give you the advice you need and help you through any though any problem you may be going through.

Relax!Relaxing is a good way to

maintain your health. Too much stress can not only hurt you mentally, it can also damage your physical health. Prolonged periods of stress can turn into a problem called distress which can consist of headaches, an upset stomach, chest pains, high blood pressure, and insomnia, all of which can worsen over time.

Do what you enjoy.Find things that make you happy.

Take up hobbies that you enjoy or

find friends that you like being around. Set aside time every week to do these things or be with these people and you will feel so much happier.

Set goals and accomplish them.Sure, trying to accomplish your

goals can be frustrating, but once you complete the task at hand, the feeling of success will help boost your mood. Just make sure the goals you set are able to be completed.

RELAX TO MAINTAIN MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.

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Mrs. Jeffries is a proud graduate of Nanticoke Area High School.

Class of 1990

Page 5: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

As Harry Hamilton reflected on his journey from football stardom at Greater Nanticoke Area to playing a pivotal role on the 1982 Penn State National Championship team en route to eight seasons under the bright lights of the NFL, the now 52-year-old attorney described his road to success as being “bittersweet,” recalling times of adversity marked by episodes of “hatred, dislike, envy [and] jealousy.”

Hamilton, a 1980 graduate of GNA, was a dedicated student and a star athlete who competed in both track and football during his Trojan tenure. And while

Hamilton, who played safety, battled against opposing offenses on the field, his sentiments suggests that some of the toughest foes he faced were present off of it. “Given the climate of our times, you can’t open up an Internet page or newspaper and not read about what is happening to young black men and women across America. The same hostility that exists in America today, I was experiencing in Nanticoke,” said Hamilton, who is African-American, referring to what he called “hatred, envy, and jealousy” that “toughened me to the insensitivities that I would experience through life.”

Where Are They Now?Harry Hamilton: GNA Class of 1980By: Jaclyn Victor & Noelle Race

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo provided by: Citizens Voice Photo provided by: grandexperiment.org

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Page 6: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

When asked about his fondest memory of his time at Nanticoke, Hamilton described an incident in which he had a conversation with a teammate who apologized to him for “racist thoughts, ways and mentality.” “He said he was simply raised to be that way. This is my fondest memory because I still remember it to this day. I always contended that the first step toward healing is admitting the problem,” Hamilton said.

The former NFL player who played for the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his eight-year playing career said his advice for students would be to “look within ourselves and think about how our actions and inactions affect others, we would make incredible differences.” “When I think about the bullying problem, or the cyber bullying, if we could just reflect on what we do and what we don’t do…when you’re not more vocal than you could be, then your inaction is effecting somebody,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton also talks about his fond memories of being a part of the Penn State team that won the National Championship in 1982. “Whenever you work hard at something to achieve greatness or to achieve champion status, individually or collectively you reach that plateau, it tends to be something you carry with you to this day even with an ineffective memory” he said. “I can remember the calm before the storm if you will…the silence…the anticipation in the locker room before taking the field, and then the exuberance and exhilaration after

even if I forget the plays in between.” And of his time in the NFL, Hamilton said it was “bittersweet,” unlike my college experience.” “I entered into more of a business world. Unfortunately you are treated in an unnecessary business fashion, it has been described as feeling like a piece of meat, able to be discarded, based on the bottom line dollar. That changes things quite a bit, which would also cause me to pause when I say that I love the game.”

Hamilton may have retired from the football field but he is still putting his skills to work, serving as a federal government attorney for 20 years “literally [in] every area you could think of.” He said he began to pursue law while playing in the NFL, saying he entered law school three years into his pro career. “I took a leave of absence from my school work to go back to playing in the fall, and then I would join up again in the next spring semester. I literally worked my way through five-and-half years to graduate from law school.” Hamilton said, “being able to positively affect the lives of other people” is his greatest accomplishment. Despite some of the issues he has dealt with in the past, it made him who he is today.

“To change anything might not make me the man I am today or the person I am today. I might have worked harder to change attitudes, dispositions, and thoughts.”

Harry Hamilton: Football Star Tackles AdversityBy Jaclyn Victor & Noelle Race

Harry Hamilton (number 17) rushing for the end zone. 1982.

Picture Provided By: Fanbase.com & Bill Coalman

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Page 7: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

Harry Hamilton: Football Star Tackles AdversityBy Jaclyn Victor & Noelle Race

You have accomplished many extraordinary things during your time in High School, College, and the NFL and now as a lawyer. What would you say is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Being able to positively affect the lives of other people even if only in a small way, I would like to think the things I have done, and things I have said, have had some positive affect along the way. I believe that some of the accomplishments along the way have placed me in positions to make an impact on the lives of others. I might not have been able to do that if I had not reached some of those other plateaus, and all of this traces back to whatever happened with that teammate I spoke about earlier, it was no compelling reason for us to have that conversation. I like to think it was something I did, or something I said that caused a change of heart for him. If each one reaches one, and each one teaches one, we can make a world of difference.

Did you win any Senior Superlatives? If so which one?

I had a nickname for being very serious because the smiles that you see today were not always on my face, and it wasn’t because I was unhappy or angry, it was because I didn’t smile very much. I was known as “Serious Harry” in college.

What are some of your high school accomplishments?

With standing and winning and by winning I mean achieving, but achieving respecting others, respecting their rights, their feelings and their thoughts. While

always trying to have mine heard and seen.

Who was your favorite teacher in high school and what was your favorite class?

The Late Coach Distasio played me in the starting role as a sophomore in high school. That was a brave and commendable act. Math and Sciences – Stayed away from some courses because I sensed some presuppositions. I wanted to be a lawyer; who needed math in law anyway?

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“I would like to think the things I have done and the things I have said have had some positive affect along the way.”

-Harry Hamilton

Page 8: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

Mr. Budnick

Class of 1990

Mr. Hischak

Class of 1994

What’s Happenin’ in the Halls The Jungle Edition

By Renita Burke & Tyler Otero

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?The Jungle was awesome! When visiting teams came to play at Nanticoke they witnessed true fanatics at their best. The Jungle was like having an extra player on the team.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?I think students need to show support and be proud of where they came from. Be proud to be a TROJAN!

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?The Jungle was amazing. The jungle was loud and proud and a place to be feared. As players, we always appreciated our student body support. Opponents hated to come to Nanticoke to play. The noise and the roar of the crowd always help’s the Trojans!

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?Students at GNA will be lifelong friends. I encourage all students to participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. When not actively participating the next best thing is to show support and encourage your classmates. Many of the best memories of high school happen outside the classroom.

Mr. Beggs

Class of

1993

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?The jungle was the place to be. It was survival of the fittest. Sports players competed like crazy. It was win or don’t play at all. Failure was not an option. Players played with all they had through sweat, blood, and tears.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and school?Students should take pride in their school, and one way of doing so is by supporting their teams by exhibiting that “Trojan” spirit. It is amazing when students possess that feeling because it really is contagious. It also helps to bring the community together as they can feel the hometown pride of the “jungle.”

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?The jungle was just up and coming. We did however have a great student body that took great pride in the Trojan name. Everyone supported everyone and we bleed Trojan blue.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?I believe it is important because there’s no better feeling than knowing you have the support of your fellow classmates. It is a pride you will take with you wherever life may lead you.

Mr. Bruza

Class of

1999

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Page 9: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

Mr. Zubritski

Class of 1989

Mr. Stetz

Class of 1996

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players? The jungle was the “O.G” student section. Often replicated but never duplicated. Other teams tried but could never match size, noise, or intensity of “The Jungle.” Because the impact of “The Jungle” was pure intimidation. Teams would crack under pressure of the noise and other student sections never even entered Nanticoke because they knew what would happen.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?I encourage the students to go out and have fun at the games! Y.O.L.O. (You Only Live Once)

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?There was no jungle in my years, but I think the players get motivated and pumped up when they are cheered for. Our gym used to be filled. I played girls basketball and we would come back from a long game, and we needed people to save us a seat.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?I feel showing support for the team and your school shows you respect your peers and your school. After all, you are students here and you show what it represents as a community. The GNA family used to stay strong as a jungle but remember how you act in public represents you personally and your pride for GNA.

Mrs. Warren Class of 1975

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?The jungle was large and loud; it was a great feeling to have a huge student section at a game to support the team.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?It shows school unity to the community and other schools in our area.

Mrs. Jeffries

Class of 1990

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the player?The jungle; crazy-great! The fandom of GNA, at that time, was incomparable to any other school. Exuberant and sincerely passionate, the jungle was comprised of fiercely competitive and loyal fans that contributed, al beit to the pulse of couns N’ roses, to the fortitude and confidence of many winning teams.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?I think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school because it creates a sense of unity. People who strive for greatness need a support system. Knowing you are not doing it alone whether you are an athlete or a student, it is essential to being successful

What’s Happenin’ in the Halls The Jungle Edition

By Renita Burke & Tyler Otero

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Page 10: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

Ms. Schraeder

Class of 2001

Mrs. Brown

Class of 1977

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?Back in the 70’s the jungle was the entire side of the gym, opposite where the players are seated today. All students sat together; high school, junior high, and elementary. The opposing team’s side was mostly filled with Nanticoke fans that were not in school. The lobby was even filed with fans. Football games the student section consisted of 2 to 3 sections. Baseball games the field was filled, swim meets had the balcony filled. Athletes supported each other and the crowd “pumped” the athletes up! Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?Supporting your school and team is an important part of a person’s ability to show compassion for others while displaying personal character and dignity. It takes your thoughts of being a part of the school to help create a support system that cohesively binds pride in where you are from and wanting to be thought of in a positive nature rather than a negative one. Success in feeling good about your school becomes personal. Remember it’ your school… forever!

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?The jungle was active and fun. I am sure players were inspired by having the support of the student body.

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?It is important for not only the students to support our school but also the whole community. I have always believed that our school should be the hub of our community. Our sporting events and music productions can have a positive impact of our entire community. Affordable events can help families spend time together in events and can help families spend time together in a positive atmosphere while our students showcase their hard work and talent.

Ms. Muench Class of 1998

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?Students should be proud of themselves, their peers their school, and their community. Nanticoke Area is full of hardworking and caring people. We should all be proud of our hometown and school. If we show pride and respect for GNA, other people from outside our area will know and understand that it truly is a great place.

Mrs. Pray

Class of

1992

When you were in high school what was the jungle like and how did it impact the players?The jungle was amazing! The students cheered on our Trojans with pride! You felt like you were part of the team. Playoff games were incredible. The CYC in Scranton and Martz Hall were so much fun. The state championship game in 1990 was intense. We took the jungle to Hershey. Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in showing support for their team and their school?Student support leads to Trojan Pride! When you show your support it gives the team confidence. If students start showing/having that Trojan Pride, our school can have a positive attitude. Instead of saying “this school sucks,” get involved and make a difference. It’s what you make of it.

What’s Happenin’ in the Halls The Jungle Edition

By Renita Burke & Tyler Otero

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Page 11: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

The Buddy Walk has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States since 1995. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. Since 1995 the Buddy Walk program has grown tremendously.

The Buddy Walk program was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The name Buddy Walk promotes inclusion between friends of every ability. In 1995, only 17 events took place across the country during the inaugural year.

In 1999, NDSS introduced the Times Square Video to bring attention to the Buddy Walk program and raise awareness of individuals with Down syndrome in a public setting. The Buddy Walk added a fundraising component to raise money for local and national programs and services.

In 2001, NDSS introduced a new Buddy Walk logo; the familiar blue and yellow graphic of a family holding hands which, is still the logo today. Actor John C. McGinley joined NDSS as the National Buddy Walk Spokesman and The Buddy Walk site was launched in 2002. In 2003, The Buddy Walk had more than 190 Buddy Walk events that took place in 49 states and 5 countries with over 180,000 participants raising more than $2.5 million.

BuddyWalk.org was re-launched with new tools and features for walkers and organizers in 2004. Along with that more than 210 Buddy Walk events took place with 200,000

participants raising more than $4.5 million. The Buddy Walk public service announcement, starring TV Host Nancy O’Dell, Meredith Vieira, Actor John C. McGinley, Actor, NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke, and Actress Andrea Friendman was played nationwide at all Regal Cinemas before every movie for two weeks to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the National Buddy Walk program in 2008.

NDSS introduced a new licensing agreement that commits Buddy Walk groups to 7 percent contribution that supports the NDSS National Policy Center in Washington D.C. in 2009. The year 2012 was a successful year for the Buddy Walk program. The Buddy Walk was ranked in the top 30 fundraising events nationwide for money raised, number of participants, and the best series event. That same year, The Buddy Walk program welcomed its newest national partners, the Emmy Award- winning Imagination Movers and Vacation Roost. The Buddy Walk had a record breaking year in 2013 with more than 305,000 participants raising $12.1 million dollars in more than 250 events across the country and around the world.

Meghan Boyle, Sarah O’Hara, and Meghan Prushinski volunteered at the Buddy Walk for their senior project. They helped out by setting up tables and chairs. Along with that, they had their own stand and sold car stickers and lollipops. A month before the walk they went to the Hoyt Library and helped the people behind the Buddy Walk by folding shirts and getting everything organized for the big walk.

Senior Project:Buddy Walk By Amber Yuska

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Senior Project:Buddy WalkThe GNA Insider sat down with Meghan Boyle and Meghan Prushinski to ask a few questions about senior project. Meghan BoyleWhat sparked your interest in choosing to participate in The Buddy Walk for your senior project? We decided to do the Buddy Walk because it is a great organization and it deserves more attention.How much time and planning would you say went into your senior project altogether?

We all decided we were going to do it last year. It took a couple of weeks to plan everything with the organizer.

Meghan PrushinskiHow much money was raised for

The Buddy Walk?Considering The Buddy Walk is a

national event, they raised $12.1 millionDoes The Buddy Walk program have

a specific significance to you?Yes, it does because my cousin has

Down syndrome and I want people to be more aware of the condition.

Martin Luther King Jr:January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968By Tori Rozell

As we all may know, Martin Luther King Jr. day is a holiday held on the third Monday in January. Some may think it’s just another day on which we can just sleep in and laze about rather than trudge off to school, though in reality, it holds much more meaning than that. Martin Luther King Jr. day is an illustrious federal holiday full of the significance and profundity that encompassed Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and achievements. It holds a deep importance with all of our fellow citizens and runs through the very veins of American prominence.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in sunny Atlanta, Georgia. King was a civil-rights activist and well-recognized Baptist minister who was adored by his community. But, his lifes impact was not only confined to those around him. He had a relentless influence throughout the entirety of America when it came to race relations, which began in the turmoil of the mid -1950s. King led the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) and was the epitome of intellect and spirit as he continued to fight for equal rights among all human beings. According to Biography.com, “He played a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African- American citizens in the South,

and other areas of the nation.” Martin Luther King Jr. was also the renowned creator of the Civil Rights Act 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Then, in 1963, he gave one of the most legendary speeches in all of U.S. history: his “I Have A Dream” speech. With his words, King inspired millions and sent them marching on in confidence toward his goal of equality. In addition to that, Martin Luther received several noteworthy awards, such as the Nobel Peace Prize and various other honors for his extraordinary actions, in the year of 1964. But in April of 1968, while Martin Luther King was resting on a balcony

outside his hotel room, a sniper, named James Earl Ray, shot and killed him, robbing the U.S. of one of the most influential men of that era. Yet, King’s voice was never silenced. He continues to live on through the spirit of the people and the desire America has for equal standing of every man, woman, and child, no matter the color. So next January, when you think that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is just another day off from school, remember all the sacrifices and hardships he endured for your equal rights and equality. Remember all he did to make your world a place worth living in.

"I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

— Martin Luther King, Jr. / "I Have A Dream" speech, August 28, 1963.

The National Buddy Walk® Program has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to over 250 expected in 2012. More than 285,000 people from coast to coast and abroad participated this past year.

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Page 13: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

What’s Happenin’ in the Halls By Renita Burke & Tyler Otero

What are you anticipating most regarding this year’s semi? Dancing with my pals, and eating some grub!

Do you think its important to bring back the Nanticoke jungle? Why?Because it shows support to our school!

How can we keep the jungle alive?Get off your bums and go to the games!

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Liz Mulhern

What are you anticipating most regarding this year’s semi?Dancing to “Hot Boy”

Do you think its important to bring back the Nanticoke jungle? Why?Yes! We need it because our school is losing spirit so its important for students to attend games and cheer!

How can we keep the jungle alive?More pep rallys!

Michael Rosairo Clark

What are you anticipating regarding this year’s semi?The food!!

Do you think it’s important to bring back the Nanticoke jungle? Why?Of course it brings the school together!

How can we keep the jungle alive?Keep the crowd interested!

Damon Beckhorn

What are you anticipating most regarding this year’s semi?Good music and having fun!

Do you think it’s important to bring back the Nanticoke jungle? Why?Yes because school spirit is fun!

How can we keep the jungle alive?Get everyone Involved! Make sure the people know about the games!

Abbey Z

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Page 14: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the

The New Year’s resolution is a very common practice used throughout the world. However, does anyone really know where this tradition came from or why we make these resolutions? Most people have a New Year’s resolution in order to better themselves, although many people do not follow through with their goal. What could we do to actually make them last?

The New Year’s resolution originated from the ancient Babylonians; they used the New Year to try to make amends for their wrongdoings of the past year. The New Year’s celebration originated around 2000 B.C. in Mesopotamia where the people used events like the spring and autumn equinox to determine the date that the New Year should begin. Many ancient civilizations had rituals to forget what happened in the past and purify themselves for the New Year.

Today, the meaning is still the same. Most of us, nowadays, tend to throw parties looking forward to a “fresh new start” in the New Year. Some common resolutions we make are to stop smoking/drinking,

start going to the gym more often, or something as simple as saving money better than we did the year before. These resolutions are made to better our lives and make us happier than we were in the past. These things can only work for those who put their heart into it, but sometimes people run into problems.

Most resolutions are hard to keep. There are numerous reasons why people fail to fulfill them, mostly due to the fact that they are not meaningful

or that they are forgotten throughout the course of the year. You might make a resolution that you want to achieve, and maybe you will work hard for the first few days, but eventually give up or forget about it. If you make a plan that is not personally significant,

you will most likely not accomplish it. If your resolution is important, there are a few

ways to keep up with it throughout the year. One can plan out different ways to follow through with them: you can ask people to get involved and help you, make reminders for yourself by leaving sticky notes, or keep a journal/planner. So, if you’re serious about your resolution, put in the effort and the outcome will be enough to satisfy anyone.

“The changes in our life must come from the impossibility to live otherwise than according to the demands of our conscience not from our mental resolution to try a new form of life.”

Leo Tolstoy

The History of:The New Year’s ResolutionBy: Destiny McGahee

Only eight percent of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions actually succeed.

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Winter Wonderland

Page 16: THE GNA INSIDER · By: Noelle Race & Jaclyn Victor Imagine if you will, students screaming, and chanting for our Trojanettes, witnessing a school coming together as one. It’s the