The GNA InsiderCarey, who taught me history. I also enjoyed being in class with Mr. Greytok who...

The GNA Insider

December 2016 Volume 4 Issue 2

We Wish Everyone A Happy And Safe New Year

Security and Strategic Studiesfrom the Naval War College. Hereceived his commissionthrough the Officer CandidateSchool program in Decemberof 1995. In addition, he hasalso graduated from the NavyWeapons Fighter School(TOPGUN), Air InterceptController course, and theCarrier Airborne Early WarningWeapons School (CAEWWS).He is currently in Charleston,South Carolina attending theNavy’s nuclear power schoolafter 21 years of service.Overall, Officer Cardone hasover 2,800 flight hours, madeover 700 carrier-arrestedlandings, and has flown morethan 120 combat missions

Daryle Cardone is a 1989 GNAgraduate who is now aProspective Executive Officerof the Navy. After graduatingfrom high school, Cardonewent on to Wilkes University toearn a Bachelor of MusicEducation. He also holds aMasters of Arts in National

Winter Sports: Trojans and Trojanettes

Where Are They Now? - Daryle Cardone '89

First Annual Veterans Day Program

On November 3rd, our girlsvolleyball team overpoweredthe Crestwood Comets in thedistrict title game held atWilkes University. Crestwoodfell far behind Nanticokeduring the first two sets beforemaking a respectfulcomeback, setting the stagefor an exciting finish. SeniorJenna Lipowski and JuniorKasey Radginski helped toensure victory by dominating

their opponent in the fifth andfinal set. The student sectiongenerated much energy thathelped Nanticoke secure a winand take home the districtchampionship. Following thematch, the Trojanettes paradedtheir way through the streets ofNanticoke celebrating aseason that will not soon beforgotten. Congratulationsgirls!The first ever Veterans Day

ceremony at Greater NanticokeArea was held on November 09,2016. Students, faculty, andstaff attended, alldemonstrating their support forthe worthy cause. Students’families and loved ones werealso invited.

The ceremony consistedlargely of three speakers: Mr.Kushatus, the Master ofCeremony and United StatesMarine Corps veteran, MarkKappelmann, an active dutyLieutenant Colonel in the Army,and Jeffrey Schultz, a historyprofessor at Luzerne CountyCommunity College. Theobservance commenced withthe band and the chorus givinga rousing performance of

traditional songs from eachbranch of the military alongwith the Battle Hymn of theRepublic. Immediatelyfollowing, the student bodystood at attention, reciting thePledge of Allegiance, whichwas led by Bianca Buchanan &Ian Litchkofski.

A respectful and attentiveaudience reflected on the

Continued on Page 4

permeates the air. Whether inthe pool, on the court, or on themat, our student-athletes willbe competing. The GNA Insidergives you a preview of ourwinter sports. Come out andshow your support! GoTrojans!

As the temperature outsideplummets, GNA athletes havebeen working hard to preparefor this upcoming season. Thiswinter, both the players andfans are truly bleeding redwhite and blue. Trojan pride

Continued on 0Continued on Page 2

District Champs - GNA Volleyball

A Student Publication of GNA High School

GNA INSIDER

into our society veterans are. Mr.Kushatus then introduced ProfessorSchultz, who continued the ceremony.The professor spoke of the history ofVeterans Day and offered an analyticalview of the sacrifices that servicemengive in the line of duty and for theirfellow countrymen. From there, Mr.Kushatus commandeered the stageonce more to introduce LieutenantColonel Kappelmann. Kappelmanntold a captivating tale of a small groupof soldiers trapped behind enemy linesin World War II and what their sacrificemeant to him and to the essence ofVeterans Day itself. At the end of theceremony all the students stood uptogether as a whole to show our pridein this great nation by singing TobyKeith’s “Proud to be an American.”

(continued from cover) words of eachspeaker during the exaltation ofveterans. Mr. Kushatus talked of hisown experiences in the military andwhat Veterans Day meant to him andothers like him. Thereupon, Mr.Kushatus asked if any of the studentshad a family member or friend in themilitary, having them raise their handsto confirm. By doing this, Mr. Kushatusdemonstrated how extremely entwined

page 2WWW.gnasd.com

Veterans Day CeremonyWhat's Inside:

Page 3: What's Happening in the Halls?

Page 4: Where Are They Now?

Page 5: History of Veterans Day

Page 6: Senior Halloween Parade

Page 7: President Elect

Page 8: Life Skills - Thanksgiving Dinner

Page 9: Do Your Job!

Pages 10-11: Winter Sports Preview

Page 12: District Champs!

Page 13: College Application Day

Page 14: Student Teachers

Page 15: Christmas Around the World

Page 16: Match the Movie & Crossword

Page 17: What's Happening in the Halls

Page 18: Meet Our New Guidance Counselor

Page 19: GNA's Foreign Exchange Program

0: GNA's Got Talent

Page 21 Caroling Chorus

Page 22 Semi Formal

Page 23 New Year's Resolutions

by: Zachery Hodgson and Liam Carcieri

What's Happening

In the halls?

VeTER

D

ns

Alexis Guy- Grade 12:"Veterans Day to me means recognizing ourwell-respected and courageous troops foreverything they have done for our country."

"I would thank them for granting me with theopportunity of living in a country where I livecomfortably knowing they fought for us."

Mrs.Vital- Teacher:"Veterans day is a day to remember all those whohave served in the armed forces to providefreedom for our country."

"I would thank them for risking their lives andsacrificing their time for all of us."

Hunter Yale- Grade 11:"Veterans Day is a day to remember those whoserved or died for the love of of their country."

"I would thank them for protecting my family,friends, and the rest of the American people.#TRUMP2016" Miss Hyder- Teacher:

"It's a day to honor all the men and women whowere brave enough to sacrifice themselves forour freedom."

"I would thank them for being a lot braver than Iam, for all of the freedoms we enjoy, that othercountries aren't allowed to have."

Harley LaRue- Grade 10:"Veterans Day to me means respect for ourVeterans."

"I would thank them for keeping us safe andfighting for our freedom." Mrs. Makarczyk- Teacher:

"Veterans Day means a great deal to me; mybeloved father was a company commander inthe Army during WWII. He received the SilverStar and Purple Heart for saving his entirecompany. My nephew was killed in Iraq. I feelthat every Veteran that has given a part oftheir life to defend our country should behonored."

"Thank you for allowing my family and myselfto live in a country of rights and freedoms thatthey helped to secure."

Collin Brown- Grade 9"To me, Veterans Day is not just a day off ofschool, but to honor the men and women thatfought for our freedom."

"I would thank them for putting their lives at riskin order to defend our country!"

Ethan Miller-Grade 8:"Veterans Day means to me that I can lookaround and see those who served and still do,including my pappy."

"I would thank them all for their years of serviceand fighting for our country."

What Does Veterans Day mean to you?---------

If you could thank a Veteran right now, what would youthank them for?

a

yA

by Deona Luczak

squadron mate who sacrificed his life for thesafety of 3 of his friends who were in the planewith him. Google his story, he’s a true hero.In your email, you stated that you are proud towork with America’s youth every day. How doyou do this?The highlight of my career has been theprivilege of working with some of the greatestpeople I’ve ever met who volunteer to wear the

cloth of our nation, who go to far away placesto do hard things for not a lot of pay withoutthe comforts of home or family to ensure thecountry stays safe and secure.

like pierogies and potato pancakes.Has anything or anyone inspired youthroughout your career?Growing up, my father was my biggestinspiration. He was the hardest workingperson I’ve ever met. In addition to teachingfull time at Northwest High School, he ownedand operated Marty’s Pizza in Nanticoke foralmost 45 years before he retired and sold thebusiness. From him, I learned how to develop astrong work ethic, to never settle for less thanyour best, and to treat the people you workwith like family. That has served me well in theNavy. I am also inspired by the thousands ofservice members who have given their lives inthe service of our great country during the last15 years of conflict. I’ve been specificallyinspired by LT Steve Zilberman, who was a

In high school, who was your favorite teacher?What was your favorite class?My favorite teacher was Mr. Carey’s dad, JimCarey, who taught me history. I also enjoyedbeing in class with Mr. Greytok who taughtbiology, Mr Cooper, who taught music, and Mr.Bavitz, who taught math.What is your biggest piece of advice for GNAstudents?These next 5-10 years of your life are where youdiscover what you want your life to be about.My biggest piece of advice for GNA students isto invest the time to find a problem worthsolving, decide to do something about it, thengo after it with everything you’ve got. Thatproblem could be local to your neighborhood,your city, or it could be global. What you doabout it could improve the lives of two people ortwo billion, so choose something that matters.What was TOPGUN like?Attending the Navy Fighter Weapons School,better known as TOPGUN, was an amazingexperience. It was 10 weeks of total dedicationto tactical excellence in the air. It began withintense focus on fundamentals, the formationof a winning game plan, a winning attitude, andchampionship habit patterns. In other words, itwas like playing GNA sports.What was breaking the sound barrier like?Would you consider it a highlight of yourcareer?As air intercept controllers, Hawkeye aircrewwork very closely with the fighter pilots in ourcarrier air wings. That integration includesfamiliarization flights in each others’ aircraft.On my second deployment, I flew in thebackseat of an F-14 Tomcat from the USSGEORGE WASHINGTON. We did some aircombat maneuvering (dog fighting), got somegas from an airborne tanker, and then the pilotsaid, “do you want to break the number?” (as inMach number), which is what we call the speedof sound in military aviation. I said, “heckyeah!” He hit the afterburners and shortlythereafter we were above Mach 1. I thoughtsomething momentous was going to happen,but inside the jet, it’s a little anti-climactic sincethe accompanying sonic boom can’t travel fastenough to keep up with the jet. I consider it anotable moment.What is life on an aircraft carrier like? Do youenjoy it?Aircraft Carriers are floating cities completewith their own zip code, post office, airport,

power plant, hospital, dental facility,convenience stores, jail, and even their ownStarbucks. When stood up on their stern, theywould stand as tall as the Empire State Buildingin New York City and are home to 5,000 Sailorsand 70 combat aircraft when fully mannedduring deployment. My job as the ExecutiveOfficer will be as the #2 officer in command ofthe ship, which is a cross between city managerand assistant principal. I really enjoy flying andleading Sailors, but everyone misses homewhile they’re deployed. I especially miss thepizza from Nanticoke and all of the polish food

Where are they now?Continued from Page 1

during his career.While at Nanticoke, CDR Cardone was involved

in athletics during his freshman and sophomoreyears. He played both baseball and basketball.When he wasn’t playing sports, he enjoyed math,history, biology, and music. During his junior year,he discovered his love for the electric guitar andEddie Van Halen and went on to graduate fromWilkes University in the field of Music Education.While at Wilkes, the United States Navy offered himan opportunity he couldn’t turn down -- the chanceto fly from an aircraft carrier. Cardone didn’t needany more convincing to join the Navy, putting onhold his career with music. When The GNA Insidertalked with Commander Cardone, he told us, “I liketo joke that I am a musician turned aviation nuclearofficer. I have been studying heavy metal my entirelife, though these days it’s more about the periodictable than Metallica.” Cardone wasn’t the first inhis family to join the armed forces. His father andmany of his uncles served in the military duringboth World War II and the Korean War.

Throughout CDR Cardone’s career, there havebeen many highlights of which he is proud. He isprivileged enough to work with America’s youthevery day and has even broken the sound barrier.He is a highly decorated officer, having won manyawards including the Defense Superior ServiceMedal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Cardonehas been to 5 continents and over 20 countriesduring his career. He also had the privilege to be incommand of an aviation squadron. AlthoughCardone is extremely proud of all of hisaccomplishments while in the Navy, he believesthat group accomplishments are more rewarding.

by Harley LaRue

always been the chairman of thiscommittee. This is a tradition whichhas carried over when the positionof AVA was elevated to a Cabinet-level position in 1989.

For a brief period in the ‘70’s,Veterans Day was actuallycelebrated on Mondays only. In1971, this Monday happened to fallon October 25th. This caused muchconfusion amongst those who hadannually celebrated Veterans Dayand possibly even Armistice Day onevery November 11th. The reasonfor Veterans Day being celebratedon such an odd date was becauseof the Uniform Holiday Bill signed in1968. This bill assigned VeteransDay, Memorial Day, Columbus Day,and Washington’s Birthday toMondays to secure a series of 3-Dayweekends for state employeeswhen government offices would beclosed for the holiday. With thesupport of state legislators, nearlyevery veterans’ organization, andmany a patriot, President Gerald R.Ford changed the date of VeteransDay back to November 11th.

Veterans Day celebrations, or atleast the ones on a federal level,kick off at 11:00 AM sharp with awreath laying at the Tomb ofUnknowns in Arlington Cemetery.Celebrations at the cemeterycontinue with a parade of colors inthe Memorial Amphitheater. Outsideof the cemetery, flags, especially atgovernment buildings, are hung athalf mast. Not all celebrations,however, are at a federal level. Statesponsored parades are usually heldon Veterans day. Such paradesusually start at 11:00AM, or startsooner and continue through thatexalted hour. In a tradition you mayrecognize from Armistice Day, thereis also a moment of silence is heldat 11:00AM. Many families will also

attend a religious service in honor ofVeterans Day, appealing to thehighest power they believe in, to givethanks to the troops.

The United States isn’t the onlynation with a Veterans Day orVeterans Day equivalent. Canada,Australia, and the United Kingdom allhave their own versions of VeteransDay. In Canada, they celebrate aRemembrance Day on November11th to, like our Veterans Day, honorall troops who served in Canada’sArmed Forces. Australia alsocelebrates a Remembrance Day onNovember 11th, but their versionhonors their dead troops specifically.In the United Kingdom there is yetanother Remembrance Day, except

On the 11th hour of the 11th dayof the 11th month in the year 1918,all fell into silence on the WesternFront. The Great War had ended afterfour long years of one of thebloodiest conflicts humanity hadever seen, and it set the stage for theonly struggle to top it in that regard:World War II. The first World Warredrew the maps and has shapedinternational politics since its end.Such an event is one that must berevered, alongside all of those whohave fought, and often died, beforeand since. This need for reverence isembodied every November 11th in aholiday called Veterans Day.Veterans Day has a long history thatall started when the shells stopped.

On the 11th of November 1919,the first anniversary of the end of theWar, President Woodrow Wilsondeclared the day as the firstcelebration of Armistice Day tocommemorate the end of the FirstWorld War. This Armistice Day is thedirect predecessor of, and wouldevolve to become, Veterans Day. In1926, Armistice Day became anational observance and in 1938 itbecame a national holiday.Celebrations for Armistice Day wererather similar to our current VeteransDay celebrations. Armistice Daycelebrations consisted of parades,public gatherings, and a briefcessation of business and momentof silence at 11:00 AM.

In 1954, Congress receivedcomplaints from numerous veteransorganizations that Armistice Dayonly honored WWI veterans whileneglecting veterans of WWII and therecent Korean War. In response tothese complaints, Congress replacedArmistice Day with Veterans Day togive the holiday some substance.President and former General, DwightD Eisenhower, appointed theAdministrator of Veterans’ Affairs(AVA) as the Chairman of theVeterans Day National Committee.The committee, to be chosen by theChairman, was responsible fornationwide planning of theobservance of Veterans Day.Eisenhower also requested that allother departments of the ExecutiveBranch of our government to offerthis Committee assistance in theirendeavour to organize thesecelebrations. Ever since, the AVA has

by Liam Carcieri

such, while Veterans Day may beconsecrated to them, don’t stophonoring those who’ve servedbecause the date is November 12th.Troops dedicate their time, energy,and occasionally their lives for thecontinued existence of your way oflife and as such deserve, at the veryleast, thanks. That is why we haveholidays like Veterans Day andMemorial Day and why we make sureto dedicate portions of othercelebrations to the armed forces: tosay thank you and try, albeit in vain,to repay them for their sacrifices.

theirs is on the Sunday nearestNovember 11th as opposed to on thedate itself. The BritishRemembrance Day includes aparade of veterans in Whitehall,which is a wide ceremonial avenueleading from Parliament Square inLondon to Trafalgar Square. Inaddition, a wreath of poppies is leftat the Cenotaph, a war memorial inWhitehall.

Veterans Day, and its foreigncousins, are in place, above all, tocelebrate those who fought, andsometimes died, for their nation,values, and fellow countrymen. As

The History of Veterans Day

Throughout the last five years Ihave been volunteering at theVeterans Affairs Medical Center inWilkes Barre. Each year the WilkesBarre VA Medical Center holds adrive to collect money and gifts toensure that veteran families whocannot afford to provide for theirown families can have a cheerfulholiday. Each office in the medicalcenter “adopts” a veteran family inneed, which more often than not is astruggling family with youngchildren, parents who have almostnothing, or homeless veterans whohave even less after returning fromselflessly serving in the UnitedStates Military. These veteransdon’t know how they are going tofeed their children, and thehomeless don’t know where to turn.We provide shelters, but that willnever be home. However, even withall of the offices in alliance to assistthese families, there are many that

receive no assistance becausethere is simply not enough.

This year, Greater Nanticoke Areahad the chance to change the livesof the veterans who have devotedtheir lives to protecting ours. Withthe help of the Greater NanticokeArea Community, our school held adonation drive which collected food,clothes, and toys estimated at a$500 value for these veterans, andalso raised $702.25 throughdonations, T-Shirt sales, and dressdown days, for a grand total ofapproximately $1,202.25, which wasdonated to the VAMC socialworking office who will use it tobring a cheerful holiday, andfinancial aid, to these amazingpeople. Greater Nanticoke Areahelped give a little to those whogave more, our American Heroes.

Veterans Day Driveby: Andi Roberts

Senior Halloween Paradeby Allison Williams and Aaron Miller

President Elect Trump

The Presidential Race of 2016has been one of the wildest racesyet. From conspiracy theoriessaying Ted Cruz is the ZodiacKiller to Hillary Clinton’s emailscandal, this election has beencrazy from start to finish. On thenight of November 8th, theelection drama finally began toslow to a stop when DonaldTrump was elected as Presidentof the United States.

Donald John Trump waselected as the 45th president,and the President-elect isscheduled to take office onJanuary 20th, 2017. Trump wonthe race against Hillary Clinton,Gary Johnson, Jill Stein, andEvan McMullin with 276 electoralvotes. Donald Trump was bornand raised in New York City, NewYork. He was born to his parentsMary Anne and Fred Trump onJune 14th, 1946, making him 70years old today. Donald Trumpwas an energetic, determinedchild, and his parents sent him toNew York Military Academy at

age 13 in hopes he would routehis energy into a positivemanner. Trump excelled inmilitary school and became astar athlete and a student leaderby the time he graduated in 1964.Two years later, Trump foundhimself entering FordhamUniversity in the Bronx before

transferring to the WhartonSchool of Finance at theUniversity of Pennsylvania. He

graduated from thePennsylvanian university in 1968with a degree in economics. As astudent, Trump often helped hisfather with his real estatebusiness before officially joiningthe business after he graduated.

After following in his father’sfootsteps, Trump’s father handedover the company to him in 1971.He renamed the company“Trump Organization” and movedto Manhattan. While Trump livedin Manhattan, he soon becameinvolved in many large buildingprojects that helped boost his

reputation and his pay. Overtime, Trump’s businessflourished, and he even starred inand produced many movies andTV shows.

In 2000, Donald Trump ran forpresident but dropped out soonafter seeing that he did not do sowell in the polls. This did notsuppress his passion for politics.Trump contemplated runningagain in 2012 but decidedagainst it because his politicalreputation was tarnished aftersaying that he did not believethat candidate Barack Obamawas born in the U.S. On June16th, 2016, Trump officiallyannounced his candidacy forpresident from his Trump Towerin New York City. He stated withhis usual confidence, “We are

going to make our country greatagain." Trump was running forpresident against over a dozen

other Republicans.As the debates began, Trump

became widely known forspeaking his mind. Trump wasn’tafraid to call out wrongdoings ofothers or make his opinionknown. Trump gained a hugefollowing as the Republicancandidates dropped like flies asthe months went by. Trumpbecame the only Republican leftstanding after the RepublicanNational Convention inCleveland, Ohio. Trump acceptedthe nomination in a one hour andfifteen minute speech, one of thelongest acceptance speeches inrecent history.

After the convention was over,Trump experienced many

difficulties from the media andpress. Tweets, videos, andquotes from the past popped upas the media painted him as aracist, misogynistic man. Trumpshot down many rumors, and hissupporters encouraged him tokeep going. As Trump worked onfixing his reputation, BernieSanders dropped out of the race,leaving Hillary Clinton as theDemocratic nominee. These twobattled it out in debates andnever gave in to the other’scriticism. Although Hillary gave

Trump a run for his money,Donald J. Trump was elected asthe 45th President on November

8th, 2016 with over 270 electoralvotes. Trump graciouslyaccepted the title of President ofthe United States and thankedeveryone who gave him theirwholehearted support.

by Harley LaRue

How to celebrate Thanksgiving? Do you eat inor out?Keri: My Grandma’s.Amelia: Eat with family.Takira: We eat at Grandma’s.Will: We go to Nana's.

What are you thankful for?Keri: That my Grandma’s still alive, and that Ihave a warm bed.Amelia: My family.Takira: Grandma, mom, and dad.Will: My family and friends, Mrs. Warren, Mrs.Dennis, and Mrs. Littleford.

On November 21st, the GNA Life Skillsstudents came together to prepare a specialThanksgiving dinner. The students peeledpotatoes and decorated snack trays as they allworked together and shared a few laughs. Thisday will be memorable due to the fact it gavethe students great opportunities to helpprepare a holiday feast.

What’s your favorite part of Thanksgivingdinner?Keri: Eating Turkey.Amelia: Eating Pie.Takira: Going to Grandma’s.Will: Food. Stuffing and Potatoes.

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?Keri: Spending time with family.Amelia: Having family over.Takira: Having mashed potatoes.Will: That Christmas is coming and Santa willbring presents.

What’s your least favorite thing aboutThanksgiving dinner?Keri: Seeing my uncle.Amelia: Cranberries.Takira: Cleaning up all the dishes.Will: Sweet potatoes.

Life Skills Hold Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

High school gifted students recently visited theLiberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ and hadthe opportunity to attend a laboratory workshopon “Unlocking your DNA.” The students learnedabout the world of genetics as they explored thehuman genome. They used hands-on labtechniques and lab equipment, such as micro-pipettes, centrifuges, and gel electrophoresischambers to solve a genetic mystery.

Gifted Tripby Molly Urbanski

Written by the gifted students

Do Your Job!

instead of lingering in the halls andcausing traffic, will helptremendously with your ability toshow up to your career on time; andas I said, you need to be present todo your job.

Not doing your job as a studentalso runs the risk of building badhabits. Bad habits include anythingfrom chronic procrastination toconstantly showing up late and willseriously hinder you later in life. Suchbad habits will make deadlines thebane of your existence and they willbe nearly unbearable. Even withoutdeadlines, no boss likes a workerwho takes days to finish what otherswould do in hours. Your job can boildown to bettering yourself andbecoming (or staying) a competitivemember of society, and you canhardly expect to fulfill thoseprerequisites if you’re constantlybuilding bad habits that hinder you atevery turn.

Doing your job as a student is oneof the most basic elements ofbuilding a better future for yourself.The ability to be competitive in sucha society is an ability that isendlessly sought after and all thatyou need to do to attain it is to doyour job. As such, should you wishfor success by any modicum, I highlysuggest that you do your job as it willmake such success exponentiallyeasier to attain.

Why do you attend school? Askyourself. Likely there are numerousreasons, but no matter how diverseour motivations are, we must allacknowledge that we have a “job” todo. It seems simple, but in order to“do your job,” you must firstunderstand what that entails.Generally speaking, “your job” is tobetter yourself and be a competitivemember of society; however, as ahigh school student “your job” gets abit more specific. “Your job,” as astudent, is to do well in school. Doingwell in school betters yourself andmakes you more competitive insociety by building good habits,preparing you for the strain of acareer, and giving you the knowledgeyou need to succeed in life.

Your job is to do well in school.The first step is rather a simple one- respect the rules and each other.The rules are there for a reason, andbreaking the rules does not fulfill thatmotivation; they provide order andstructure to a facility that wouldotherwise be chaotic and impossibleto manage, and breaking the rulesonly makes their endeavour harder.In the pursuit of doing your job, youshould also do your best to staymotivated. Without motivation youcan’t push yourself to meetexpectations, never mind exceedthem. Staying focused is anotherimportant part of doing your job. Ifyou’re not focused, you won’t learnthe material or do your work, both ofwhich are important aspects of yourjob. While it may seem obvious,attending your classes is also an

even from just one or two classes,can set you back in those classes bya quantitative amount. Of course,things like medical emergencies maymake missing class necessary, andin such a case, you must doubledown on your work and make sureyou can recover. Showing up to classand then spending half of it in thebathroom doesn’t exactly sufficeeither, unless you expect the toiletsto teach you geometry.

Another, surprisingly vital, part ofyour job is doing your work honestly.If you cheat on your work, you won’tbe learning the material. Sinceclasses build on what you’ve learnedin the past, you may have gotten adishonest “A” the previous year, but,you’ll be faced with things that lookless sensible than Egyptianhieroglyphics in the next year.Cheating also brings forth theprominent danger of getting caught.Usually getting caught lands you asolid zero on that test and thescrutinizing gaze of the teacher onall of your future ones. Also, cheatingdoesn’t just affect you. If thecheating isn’t caught while it’shappening, the teacher might not beable to discern who copied off ofwhom. Because the teacher can’t tellwho was at fault, and they can’tleave cheating unpunished, they maygive both of you a zero.

Doing your job even has benefitsbeyond purely academic success.The good habits that are built whendoing your job as a high schooler willhelp you do your job as a productivemember of society; however, thesehabits can only help you if you buildthem now. If you get into the habit ofcompleting your work in a timelymanner, it will make deadlines mucheasier to cope with. Being punctualand showing up to class on time,

by Liam Carcieri

extremely important, perhaps themost important part of doing yourjob. After all, if you’re not even there,just how much of your job can youdo?

As I said, the rules are there for areason. The rules maintain order in aclassroom or any establishment witha large number of people. In doingso, the rules provide a safeenvironment for you to learn.Unfortunately, not everyone,especially not in a large group, canbe relied upon to do the right thingall of the time. While you or some ofyour friends may balk at the thoughtof doing something dastardly evenwhen there are no rules barring youfrom it, not everyone has such a goldheart. While there are such peoplewho would make trouble without thesafety net of rules to stop them, theyare thankfully scattered throughouta population, but that should notlessen the importance of the rolethat rules play in school life.

Attending your class is extremelyimportant to doing your job. Youneed to be present, after all, to doyour job at all. This is, by far, theeasiest and most important part ofyour job as a student. Just showingup to class gives you the chance todo your job and through your job,better yourself. Of course, justshowing up to homeroom and one ortwo classes out of the whole daydoesn’t count as attendance and canbe just as damaging to the prospectof doing your job as not showing upin the first place.You need to bepresent to learn, and being absent,

Trojan Basketball

Trojanette Basketball

Volume 4 issue 2 Trojan sports

SpotlightMeet Your Trojans and

Trojanettes

This year, the Trojanettes are readyto dominate the Wyoming Valley onceagain. Last year, the team made afantastic run, taking GNA all the way tothe 2nd round of the state playoffs.“Our girls have constantly worked hardand have positioned themselves as oneof the best, if not the best, girlsbasketball program in the area,” saysHead Coach Alan Yendrzeiwski. Thisseason, Coach Yendrzeiwski plans totake his team, led by Riley Klepadlo,Kayla Aufiero, Alexis Pyzia, LisaRadziak and Katie Butczynski, pasteveryone's expectations.

The GNA insider spoke with RileyKlepadlo, Alexis Pyzia, and KaylaAufiero.

Q: What are you looking forward tomost this season and why?

RK: “I am looking forward to playing

Winter Sports Preview:The Trojan and Trojanettes anticipate an exciting season of winter sports. Comeout and show your support by cheering on our student-athletes.

The Trojan boys have someunfinished business heading intothe 2016-2017 season. Our team ison the rise this season and hungryfor their first District Championshipsince 2003. The Trojans look toovercome the heartbreaking playoffloss they suffered last year at thehands of the Berwick Bulldogs. Ledby Coach John Beggs, playersJustin Casey, Luke Butczynski, andRich Waitrowski are out for bloodthis season. Newcomers, PatrickCaesar and Terrel Telesford, are alsoready to contribute to the team.

Coach Beggs and the 2016-2017Trojans hope to build on thesuccess from the last few years and,with the help of "The Jungle," theyshould be able to do just that.

The GNA Insider spoke with LukeButczynski, Justin Casey, RichWaitrowski, Zack Cardone, and CodyPiestrak about the upcomingseason.

with my team again after missing myjunior year and having another shot atbeing district champions.”

AP: “I am definitely looking forward toplaying with some of my best friendsand reaching all of the goals that wehave set for our team this year.”

KA: "I'm looking forward to competingfor a distict title with my team and thenhopefully going to states."

Q: Why is representing your school onthe basketball court so important?

RK: “It is important to me becausetraditionally, our girls basketballprogram is very successful. I love beinga part of that and adding to history.”

AP: “Representing my school isimportant to me because I love to showmy community what playing basketball


LB: “I am eager to play my senior yearwith my best friends, and chasing achampionship with the best team thatI could ask for.”

JC: "Beating Hanover again… just likefootball."

RW: "I am looking forward to playingmy last year with the best teamanyone could ask for and looking tomake this year a very successful one."

ZC: “I am mostly looking forward toplaying in front of our home crowdwith my team because of the energyand excitement that the junglebrings.”

CP: “I can’t wait to hear the studentsection go crazy when we shoot theroof out of the building. Also, I want towin games.”

Q: How does the support of the Junglehelp influence the atmosphere of thegame?

LB: “The Jungle’s support is likehaving a extra player on the court. It’sthe reason the team wins big gamesat times. The adrenaline kicks in, andwords can’t describe the feeling."

JC: "It adds an extra level of intensitythat just helps out the players gethyped up for the big games."

RW: "The Jungle helps create anintense atmosphere and home courtadvantage."

ZC: “The Jungle influences theintensity of the team and gives us thedrive we need to win the game.”

CP: “Our amazing Jungle makesplaying the game 100 times better.That’s the best part about playing athome.”

is all about.”

KA: “I am proud to representthe long history ofTrojanette basketball. It isimportant to me to upholdthe legacy of those greatstudent athletes who willcome before me and whowill come after me.”

by Eric Jeffries, Zachery Hodgson, and Derek Kurkoski

Trojan Swim

Trojan Wrestling

volume 4 issue 2 Trojan sports

SpotlightMeet Your Trojans and

Trojanettes

The Greater Nanticoke Areawrestling team is going to grapple theirway to districts in the 2016-2017season. They have struggled over thepast couple of years, but this is a newyear with new expectations. The teamhas been working hard this off-seasonto improve. With a few new faces,Trojan wrestling looks to overcome thepast by focusing on the future.

The GNA insider spoke with MeganKocher about her upcoming season.


MK: ”I’m looking forward toparticipating in districts in February. Ithink our team is going to do reallygood and I think a lot of people havepotential to place in districts.”

Winter Sports Preview:The Trojan and Trojanettes anticipate an exciting season of winter sports. Comeout and show your support by cheering on our student-athletes.

For years the Greater NanticokeArea swim team has given greateffort. This season, they are ready toshock the valley. The team has beenworking hard in the weight room,pumping iron since the fall. Theyhave conditioned themselves andtransformed their bodies into eliteswimming machines. Additionally,GNA is combining forces with theHanover Area Hawkeyes to bolsterour numbers. Come winter, TessaStegura, Kerry Gruber, and LeandraRamos are ready to swim their wayto districts with their teammatesfollowing closely in their wake.

The GNA insider spoke with TessaStegura, Kerry Gruber, and LeandraRamos about their upcomingseason

Q: What are you looking forward to

most this season and why?

TS: “I’m looking forward to regularseason swim meets. Since our team

Caption highlighting key points about picture andpotential story following.

Q: Why is representing your school onthe mat so important?

MK: “We go out there proud to be a partof the GNA wrestling team. It’s a greatprogram and I’m grateful to be a part ofit.”

has size increased and we combinedwith hanover, we will probably winsome meets this season.”

KG: “I can’t wait for Districts andregular season swim meets becauseswim is awesome and I love thepeople who I swim with.”

LR: “I’m eager to beat my old besttimes and getting to know my newteammates from Hanover.”

Why is representing your school in the

pool so important?

TS: “Swimming in high school is notas popular as it is at the college andOlympic levels. The representationmeans a lot to me because I competeis a unique sport that not everyone

can take part in. It takes a lot ofdedication and hard work.”

KG: “Representing our school in thepool is important to me because not alot of people know we even have aswim team, but when we tell peopleabout our team they get excited. Thismeans that they should come out towatch our meets or even better yetcome out for the team.”

LR: “I think that it's important becauseNanticoke doesn’t have a big swimteam, so it’s nice to remind people thatwe are here and to gain some moresupport.”

by Eric Jeffries, Zachery Hodjson, and Derek Kurkoski

District Champs2016by Alexis Guy

GNA Holds College Application Day

National Honor Society Trip to NYCNovember 12

The gna insider

College Application Day is aninitiative inspired by National CollegeApplication Month. Each November,participating schools across thecountry host Application Day eventsin an effort to assist seniors navigatethe application process. This year,Greater Nanticoke Area High Schoolhosted its second annual CollegeApplication Day.

On this day, all seniors wereexcused from their History class andwere invited to the computer lab towork on applications, essays,scholarship applications, andfinancial aid forms. Admissionsrepresentatives from eight post-secondary institutions (LuzerneCounty Community College, King’sCollege, Wilkes University, KeystoneCollege, Misericordia University,Marywood University, EastStroudsburg University, andMillersville University) were on handto help students with applicationsand to conduct instant admissionreview sessions. The admissionrepresentatives all waived allapplication fees so that studentswere able to apply for free that day. Atotal of forty-nine seniorsparticipated in the event andsuccessfully submitted a total ofseventy-four applications. In addition,thirty-seven students receivedacceptances to colleges during theevent.

A special thanks would like to be

extended to all of our collegeadmission representatives for sogenerously lending their time andhelp. Congratulations, seniors, on allyour hard work!

Additional note: Ms. Jarman willbe hosting a second FAFSA

Thanks to Mrs. Pray, students thisyear were granted the opportunity totour the streets of New York City onSaturday, November 12. Everyonethat participated in the trip had anawesome time and experiencedmany wonderful things.

#

www.gnasd.com

The Christmas season isoftentimes referred to as the seasonof giving. Here at GNA, we are fullyimmersed in this selfless time of theyear by our annual Holiday Drive. Thisevent has been taking place everyDecember for roughly thirty years.Members of our faculty have beengathering toys and clothing since midNovember. These items are thendonated to children in need, whoseages range from kindergartenthrough fifth grade. Along with thegifts mentioned above, members ofthe faculty have been contributingsmall sums of money practicallyevery week in exchange for a dressdown day. These monetary donationsare used to purchase additional toysand clothing.

Our faculty, staff, and studentbody came together this Holidayseason, as they have in the past, togive to those who are less fortunate.By giving just a little, they will havebrought priceless smiles into homesall over Nanticoke this Christmasmorning.

GNA Holiday Drive

completion night for students andtheir families on Wednesday,January 11th at 6:30 PM.

by Eric Jefferies

by: Alexis Guy

by: Alexis Guy

Student TeachersMr. Manganaro

understanding ofinformation. Not just usingwhat is learned in mycontent but skills to use

outside the classroom.

Has anyone in your life(teachers, family, friends)inspired you to become ateacher or did you pushyourself towards it?My mentor and specialeducation teacher, (Yes, Iwas a special educationstudent! Can you believe it?)Mr. McCarthy. Sinceswitching from Pre-Med to

education we spoke of mebeing a teacher. When Igraduated High School westarted a college paneldiscussion that we did everyyear. For special educationstudents we did this until2013 and in 2015, Mr.McCarthy was taken from usdue to ALS.Who are you a studentteacher for?I started the year with Mr.Zubritski and now for mylast half of student teaching

I am with Ms. Muench.

Teachers inspirestudents to strive tobecome the best theypossibly can. They pushyou to do things that youwould have neverexpected to do and theybring out the best in yourpersonality. Teachers arethe basis of society andlearning.

This year, two studentteachers are helping andlearning with our historydepartment. Ms.Mercadante is currentlyworking with Mr. Stetz andMr. Manganaro wasworking with Mr. Zubritskiin the first half of hisstudent teaching and isnow working with Ms.Muench to finish off hislearning. Both of themhave always heldeducation to a highstandard and are strivingto become the bestteachers they can.

What interested you inbecoming a teacher?The ability to help andinspire young minds to keepstriving forward andupward.What subject(s) are youinterested in teaching?History - U.S. 1-2STEM - Engineering, CAD(computer-aided design),Computer ScienceWhere did you attend HighSchool and do you vieweducation differently nowthan you did when you werea student?I attended school atHorseheads Senior HighSchool and during my timethere I found education tobe important. So importantthat from kindergarden tomy senior year I had perfectattendance.Is teaching what youexpected it to be?Yes, and no; Yes because Iknow it would offer me theopportunity to help studentsgain a far greater

What interested you inbecoming a teacher?I grew up in a single-parenthome so while my mom wasat work I would help mysisters with their homework.My youngest sister hasdyslexia so I was the onlyone who would work withher because she would getfrustrated very quickly. Shehad a hard time withspelling in particular so Ihelped her by breaking downthe word by syllables andputting it to a cheer becausethat is what she wasinterested in. Seeing hersmile when she passed hertests and realize that shecould do it made me realizethat teaching and helpingstudents succeed is what Iwant to do in life.What subject(s) are youinterested in teaching?Social StudiesWhere did you attend HighSchool and do you vieweducation differently nowthan you did when you werea student?I attended E.L. Meyers Jr/SrH.S. As a highschool

Ms. Mercadante

student I wasn’t aware of allof the “behind the scenes”work that goes into lessonplanning.Is teaching what youexpected it to be?When I was younger Ialways thought I was goingto be a nurse. However, as Igot older I realized it wasn’tthe field I wanted to be inand that teaching is what Ilove to do.Has anyone in your life(teachers, family, friends)inspired you to become ateacher or did you pushyourself towards it?My 8th grade social studiesteacher, Ms. Ulieny, sparkedmy interest in history andmy grandfather would takeme to places such asGettysburg. The decision tobecome a teacher happenedafter talking with Ms. Ulienyabout it. My family is mainlyworking in the medical fieldso they did not influence mydecision.Who are you a studentteacher for?I am studying to become ateacher at BloomsburgUniversity of Pennsylvania.

by: Aaron Miller

Christmas Around the World!Christmas Around the World!

A massive straw goat is erected at the center ofNorthern European towns every holiday season.The “Yule Goat,” as it is called, stems fromScandinavia’s pagan past. This tradition doesn’tcome without shenanigans however, every yearthe Yule goat is a risk of being burned to crisp bylocal vandals.

In the 1970s, Kentucky Fried Chicken launchedan advertising campaign so persuasive that itshaped a tradition that has lasted over 40years. Every Christmas Eve, millions ofJapanese people flock to their local KFC for a“finger lickin’ good” Holiday feast.

A special “pickle shaped” ornament is hung onGerman Christmas trees. On Christmas morning,when the children scurry down stairs, they don’tjust tear into their gifts. It is tradition that thefirst child to find the Christmas pickle danglingfrom the tree is the first to open his or herpresents.

Instead of decorating their trees with tinsel anda star on top, the Ukrainians drape theirChristmas trees with spider webs and the webs'creepy inhabitants.

Tradition states that a monster of Icelandiclegend terrorizes those who are not full ofChristmas spirit come late December. The YuleCat drags its victims back to its chilly cave forits very own Holiday feast.

In Slovakia the oldest man in the family chucksa heaping spoonful of pudding at the ceiling.The more pudding that sticks, the more luck thefamily is said to have for the upcoming year.

Instead of Santa Claus, in Italy, the childrenreceive gifts from Befana, the Christmas witch.On the night of Christmas Eve, Befana ridesaround on her broom delivering presents to all thegood boys and girls.

A mother’s car screeches to a halt in a crowded toystore parking lot. She turns off her car while taking adeep breath before opening her door and stepping outinto the frigid night air. She throws the hood of her bulkyparka up and shoves her hands deep into her pockets.While walking across the parking lot toward the brightlylit business, she can’t help but smile when thinkingabout the excitement and disbelief on her son’s faceupon seeing the bike under the tree on Christmasmorning.

At the same time, the fresh cut aroma of a Douglas Firfills a suburban flat. The inhabitants of the home sip hotchocolate and admire the brilliant ornaments andtwinkling lights that adorn their new tree. The sweetharmony of carolers serenading the December night iscarried into the home by a brisk winter wind. To combatthe cold, the family huddles around a crackling hearthwhile reminiscing on joyous happenings of Christmaspast.

The previously described scenes epitomize two of theHoliday season’s finest qualities: gift giving andspending time with family and friends. These twoactions make up the core of the Holiday Spirit, and it issomething that is not confined to national borders. Allaround the world, during the month of December, theholly jolly spirit takes the globe by storm turning all thecorners of the earth red and green. Upon contact withdifferent cultures, the Christmas spirit takes on manydifferent shapes and forms. Just as ethnic groups allover the planet don’t have the same cookie cuttercustoms and values, many different countries havemany different Holiday traditions. The pictures aroundare our admission tickets into the lives of individualspartaking in Christmas celebrations around the world.

by Eric Jeffries

Match the Movie

A. The Grinch / B. It's a Wonderful Life / C. Disney's A Christmas Carol / D. Frostythe Snowman / D. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / E. A Charlie BrownChristmas / F. Elf / G. The Santa Claus

by Aaron Miller

What's Happening in the Halls?Brad Markowski - Grade 12

Chad Neely - Grade 11

Taylor Warman - Grade 10

Mandy Beihl - Grade 9

Tylor Wylie - Grade 8

Miss Hyder - Teacher

What is your favorite Christmas movie?“Obviously Home Alone, every single one of them!”What are your Holiday traditions?“Wigilia (Christmas Eve dinner), Opening presents Christmas Eve, and breakfast at Ciocia’s.”What was your most memorable Christmas gift?“Moon sand was pretty awesome back in the day; I was pretty happy when I got that!”What is your favorite Christmas song?“White Christmas by Elvis.”All I want for christmas is…“Gainz, gainz, and more GAINZ.”

What is your favorite Christmas movie?"My favorite movie was probably the animated musical, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer.”What are your Holiday traditions?“Our traditions are always changing, but based off old traditions.”What was your most memorable Christmas gift?“My most memorable Christmas gift isn’t physical, it’s my mothers love.”What is your favorite Christmas song?“Santa Claus is coming to town by John Fredrick.”All I want for Christmas is… “My two front teeth and the original Nintendo.”

What is your favorite Christmas movie?“Home Alone 1 and 2 but, to be honest… they’re all pretty rad.”What are your Holiday traditions?“Being with family even though no one wants to be around each other, and eating some festive food.”What was your most memorable Christmas gift?“Getting severe bronchitis #2k14.”What is your favorite Christmas song?“Last Christmas.”All I want for Christmas is… “Some money!”

What is your favorite Christmas movie?“A Christmas Story.”What are your Holiday traditions?“Eating family dinner.”What was your most memorable Christmas gift?“Getting a new dachshund puppy.”What is your favorite Christmas song?“Jingle Bells.”All I want for Christmas is… “A puppy.”

What is your favorite Christmas movie?“ELF.”What are your Holiday traditions?“Hanging out with family.”What was your most memorable Christmas gift?“Xbox One.”What is your favorite Christmas song?“Jingle Bells.”All I want for christmas is… “a laptop.”

What is your favorite Christmas movie?“The Night They Saved Christmas.”What are your Holiday traditions?“Church on Christmas Eve, then my mom, brother, and sister come to my house to open gifts; later we’ll go to my aunt’s orcousins for Christmas lunch/dinner.”What was your most memorable Christmas gift?“A porcelain ballerina doll my grandmother gave me. I remember because I asked her before Christmas what she got me,and she showed me but made me promise not to tell anyone!”What is your favorite Christmas song?“Actually it’s the entire Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky. More mainstream, I’d say -Baby it’s Cold Outside.”

by Allison Williams and Deona Lucazk

Getting to know Mrs. MakarczykGetting to know Mr. Rauh

Meet our New Guidance Counselor

What is your biggest piece of advicefor students?

Respect is mutual.

What is something most studentsdon’t know about you?

Just got married.

What do you enjoy most aboutteaching at GNA?

Filling out “Meet Our Teachers”surveys.

Favorite movie?National Treasure.

Favorite T.V. show?Expedition Unknown.

Favorite place to visit?Nashville, Tennessee.

She had visited Nanticoke a fewtimes before and always thought thatit reminded her of where she grew up.Early on, Ms Iacovazzi got thedistinct impression that everyonehere was very warm and caring.. Shesaid, “I remember leaving myinterview thinking that regardless ofwhat happens, it was a greatexperience because they made mefeel very comfortable”. She loves thatevery day is a different day full ofsurprises. Students and staffwelcomed her here from day one, andit’s been a great experience for her.

Most people don’t know that Ms.Iacovazzi lived on a ship for 3months while studying abroad incollege. She visited 9 countries, andate mostly peanut butter and jelly.Amazingly, she’s still not sick ofpeanut butter and jelly! Her biggestpiece of advice for GNA students isto never underestimate the power ofbeing kind, you never know what isgoing on in someone’s head or intheir life. A genuine compliment canreally make someone’s day turnaround completely.

Was teaching Algebra / Probabilityand Statistics always your dreamjob?No, I was hoping to win the lottery.

But I knew the probability wasn’tgood.

What are some of your hobbies orinterests outside of school?Fishing, watching football, cooking.

What college did you attend?Wilkes University.

While in college, did you everconsider changing your major?

I started out undeclared with afocus on math. I eventually settledon secondary math education.

What were some of the activitiesthat you were involved in when youwere in high school?

Football, Track & Field, SpanishClub.

Do you have a most memorablemoment as a teacher?

The end of every day is my newfavorite moment.

This year, our school was fortunateenough to have Ms. Iacovazzi as ournew guidance counselor. She grewup in Taylor, PA in LackawannaCounty. She attended RiversideSchool District k-12. Her high schoolcareer was filled with prestigiouspositions such as treasurer,secretary, and class president for 2years. In addition to theresponsibilities of such offices, shewas also actively involved in their artclub, astronomy club, drama club,SADD, TATU, Student Council, andCross Country for 2 years. On top ofthat, she was the track team’sscorekeeper in the springtime. Ournew counselor continued on afterhigh school to attend MarywoodUniversity and studied Philosophyand Sociology during herundergraduate years. She hadintended to study Law and Ethics,but decided to pursue schoolcounselling and returned toMarywood for her Masters degreeafter receiving her Bachelor's degree.Ms. Iacovazzi was inspired to be aschool counselor by her twin nieces

Was teaching American Cultures /Psychology always your dream job?

No, I wanted to be a lawyer.What are some of your hobbies orinterests outside of school?

I love baseball. I have seasontickets to the Railriders. I enjoytraveling to Toronto to see mynephew, and while there, watchingthe Yankees VS Toronto.What college did you attend?

Mansfield State University (Mytwo brothers and myself were inMansfield at the same time).While in college, did you everconsider changing your major?

I changed my major from PoliticalScience to Social Studies with aminor in Psychology.What were some of the activitiesthat you were involved in when youwere in high school?

Student Council, Softball,Volleyball, Key Club, French Club,Honor Society.Do you have a most memorable

moment as a teacher?Too many to choose just one.

What is your biggest piece of advicefor students?

Be true to yourself - Reach for thesky!!

What is something most studentsdon’t know about you?

I ride horses. My sister has astable in Lewisburg and I ride duringthe year. We have owned horses myentire life!What do you enjoy most about

teaching at GNA?

The students; they brighten myday!Favorite movie?

“Rudy.”Favorite T.V. show?

My “all” time favorite show is“Seinfeld.” I still watch the re-runs.

Favorite place to visit?Paris. I wish I could live there for

one year.

counselor. She believes thatflexibility is also a pretty bigcharacteristic because you neverknow what each day will bring! Themain role of being a guidancecounselor is to help studentsmaximize their potential byaddressing their academic,personal/social, and career-relatedneeds.

Before starting at Nanticoke, shedidn’t really know what to expect.

that have just turned 7 years old. Shesaid, “I spent a lot of time with themand I realized how important it is tohave a presence in kids’ lives. Ioriginally started college as aneducation major too and spent all ofmy college years as ababysitter/nanny. Eventually it allcame together, and I couldn’t behappier doing what I love!” Sheconsiders empathy as the mostimportant characteristic of a school

by: Derek Kurkoski

by: Molly Urbanski

Meet Gustav Gothenby

Student of the Month

Traveling the United States morethan once, Gustav has been to

Florida and New York City more thana couple of times. Living here,"Goose" stays with the Davis family,which he describes as caring,welcoming, ambitious, and veryaccepting. Gustav would like topersonally thank his host family thathas made him feel like an actualmember of the household and forgiving him the opportunity to travel.

“It is fun eating new things here,but the food is not completelydifferent than Sweden,” Gustav says.He enjoys every day food, especiallythe bananas at Sheetz and somefrozen yogurt at Sweet Frog. Goosealso enjoys his favorite Americandrink, Faygo. He says he also lovesthe student body and included thatthe school spirit we share here atGNA surprised him. Gustav is veryexcited for the rest of the year andcannot believe how many friends hehas made in such a small amount oftime.

We asked Gustav what he would

say to any student interested in

studying abroad: “Do not have toomuch expectations. Everyone’sexchange experience is different, butit is up to you for it to be a

December 2016

Gustav Gothenby, also known as"Goose," is one of our foreignexchange students here at GNA. Ifyou were to ask anyone aroundcampus, they would all say thatGustav is one of the most kindestand warm hearted people you willever come across. With his charmingpersonality, "Goose" was a quickfavorite here at GNA!

Born in Stockholm, Sweden onMarch 23, 1999, Gustav is a Seniorhere at Greater Nanticoke Area. InSweden, he lives with his parents,Stefan and Elizabeth, and his youngersister, Johanna. Gustav says he isvery close with his sister and hecannot wait until he can see heragain. He also has one cat namedPettson.

In a normal day in Sweden, Gooseenjoys playing tennis and going tothe city with his friends to shop andeat. Gustav says, “I’ve been playingtennis for a long time and it is easilyone of my favorite sports.” Here atGNA, Gustav has played on thevarsity boys soccer team and planson participating in any other sportthat meets his interest throughout

the school year. He wants to takeevery opportunity given to him andmake the best out of any sport,whether he has played them or not.

memorable year. Enjoy any

opportunity granted to you and

always have an open mind.”

Everyone here at GNA enjoysGustav’s witty jokes and fastcomebacks, and it will be a sad daywhen any of our foreign exchangestudents leave Greater NanticokeArea.

The Journalism class of 2016-2017 would like to wish both Alessioand Gustav the best of luck and safetravels back to their home countries.

THE GNA INSIDER

THE GNA INSIDERYour #1 Source for

Trojan NewsVisit us at www.gnasd.com

GNA's Foreign Exchange Program

November

December

Trevor Grohowski Kayla Eckrote

Kaitlyn Bigos Dustin Zumba

by: Alexis Guy

GNA's Got Talent

Andrea GreyHow long have you been involved in art?“I have been involved in art pretty much my wholelife. I grew up watching my mother and sisterpaint all the time.”

Is art something that you would like to pursue asa career?“Yes, I would love to have a career in art! Whetherit is designing videogames, making movies, oreven being a photographer. It would be a dreamcome true to have a career in art!”

Would you say that taking the art class here atGNA has helped you develop as an artist?“Yes, definitely. If I didn't have art class at school,I would have most likely never gotten intopainting. Having Mrs. Scateana’s expertise,advice, and paint has really helped me to try newthings.”

What type of art are you interested in?“My favorite art to see is graffiti. It would beawesome to learn how to use spray paint;especially to the level of some people. As of rightnow, I have been focussed more on drawing andpainting. I overall prefer painting a lot more!”

Who or what are your artistic influences?“My family is probably my biggest artisticinfluence; especially my mother and older sister.Everywhere you look in my house, there is

amazing pictures my sister has done.”

How many years have you been playing music?What are the main duties and responsibilities of ainvolved music student?“I have been playing clarinet since the 5th grade.This is my 8th year playing. I think the main dutyof an involved music student is to be musicallyflexible. As a musician, you have to be ready toplay different music styles, follow differentconductors, and adapt to a constantly changinghigh school ensemble.”

What are things that inspire you to do music?“One thing that has always inspired me to playmusic was the fact that it is so universal. Musicis understood by people from all over the world! Itis accepted and acknowledged by people withdifferent ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles. Thatamazes me! Music brings people together. It is soamazing how so many people will gather in oneplace, at one time, to just … listen.”

Who are your musical influences?“My good friend Kayleigh has been a hugemusical influence! She has taught me so muchabout music and made me the musician that I amtoday. Also, my boyfriend David has greatlyinfluenced me. He motivates me to be creativeand never give up; even when things get tough.”

You are involved in the Wilkes Civic Band. Whatmade you decide to participate in the ensemble?“I decided to join the ensemble because i wantedto push myself. I never had private lessons, I hadalready made it to District Band in 10th grade,and I decided to challenge myself more. I didn’twant to stop improving, so, I joined a high levelensemble. The music is obviously much moredifficult than a lot of our high school music, butnot in a way that is too hard. The pieces simplyjust need more time to be prepared beforeperformance.”

How long have you been involved in archery?“I started archery about two years ago when I gotmy first bow for Christmas in 2014."

What sparked your interest in archery?“I have always thought that archery wasinteresting. My father does archery; however, hedoesn't do it competitively. His involvement reallyopened my eyes to the world of archery! Also,Katniss is pretty cool!"

What are competitions like?"There are three levels of scoring in archery; BClass, A Class, and AA Class. They are based onyour score level. I am currently placed in A Class.There are also different levels of competitions (asthere are with most competitive sports) Regional,States, National, and International. I havecompeted in Regional, States, and Nationalcompetitions."

What are some of your achievements?

"I have done fairly well, in my humble opinion. Ihave placed first in two different Regionalcompetitions. Last year, I placed first in the Statecompetition that was held in Harrisburg. I alsoplace fifth in the National competition last year."

Who has influenced you?"Jason Jones has really helped me in archery. Heworks for Lonesome Road Archery and is mymentor. He is a incredibly kind and skilledarcher."

Kassie RinkerJosh Baranowski

by: Madelyn Bugdonovitch

Alessio's Movie Reviews Caroling ChorusMrs. Ellen Rutkowski.

Each year, the Chorus prepares twoconcerts; The Holiday Concert and TheSpring concert. The Chorus practicesevery week for months in order to bringyou the best performance possible. Thisyear, there are three students who will beplaying accompaniment for some of thesongs in the Holiday Concert: JillianManagan (piano), Emily Ehrensperger(piano), and Madelyn Bugdonovitch (flute).The Holiday Concert will be held onDecember fourteenth at six thirty.

After the night concert, the Chorusperforms their program for the ElementaryCenter, the Middle School, and the HighSchool. The Chorus is proud to representGNA and be an example of Trojan Spiritand Pride.

THE GNA INSIDER

Each December, the GNA Chorusspreads holiday cheer all around thecommunity! The Chorus prepares a varietyof favorite holiday tunes and a selection ofsongs from the Christmas Concert toperform at local nursing homes. It is aheartwarming experience to witness theutter joy that our presence gives bothresidents and staff. We annually performat Guardian, Hampton House, andBirchwood. All of the students whoparticipate set the stage for theperformances by dressing in festive attire,adding an extra flare to everyperformance.

The chorus includes many talentedindividuals. The ensemble is divided intothree sections: the Sopranos, whichconsists of females and is the highest ofall voice types, the Altos, which alsoconsists of females and is the lowestfemale singing voice, and the Baritones,which consists only of males and is thevocal range that lies between the bass andthe tenor voice types.

Currently there are thirty Sopranos.Members of this section include AlyssaWalters, Jolene Krzywicki, SamanthaPenko, Madelyn Bugdonovitch, AndreaGrey, Sarah Adkins, Emily Ehrensperger,Catherine Morris, Kaeley Zatorski,Michaela Buckley, Kelsey Moran, IszabellaHrivnak, Savanna Kalinowski, IsabellaKropiewnicki, Mary Shemanski, LinseyLaity, Kateri Ostraszewski, Brooklyn Blank,Abby Sauers, Trinity Belles, ElizabethCrawn, Calista Walk, Tara Urban, VictoriaPehala, Hayley Rakowski, BrytneyCervantes, Ariyanna Hrivnak, AdriannaRoberts, Brittney Guyer, and Imani Lane.

There are twenty Altos. Members ofthis section include Hope Ostranger,Elizabeth Gernhart, Alicia Pacheco, SkyeStuart, Kaeley Zatorski, Michayla Brennan,Megan Ranck, Emalie Rowles, GabrielleBohinski, Emily Conrad, Jillian Managan,Abby Sauers, Kendal Grimm, KayleeSimmons, Victoria Pehala, Deyonna Wood,Jennifer Knell, Samara Vanderhoff, IsabelQuiles, and Jaelyn Gonzalez.

This year, we only have sevenBaritones. Members of the section includeChristopher Jones, Cody Baluta, KyleStratton, Justin Oursler, Brendan Greene,Dylan Bonczewski, and David Mash.Lastly, the High School Chorus is lead by

www.GNASD.com

Almost Christmas (2016):

The Holiday season is here andWalter Meyer (Danny Glover), aretired mechanic, still in pain forthe loss of the love of his life theyear before, invites daughtersRachel (Gabrielle Union) andCheryl (Kimberly Elise) and sonsChristian (Romany Malco) andEvan (Jessie T. Usher) to his housefor a traditional Christmas party.But like always, when the familygathers all together, the problemsstart and it will be a miracle if theyrefrain from quarreling for five longdays.

The Night Before (2015):

Three magnificent actors united ina cackling trio: Ethan (JosephGordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen)and Chris (Anthony Mackie).Every year these three buddiesgathered on Christmas Eve to havea party together, but… something ischanging. In fact, Isaac isbecoming a dad. The new-foundfatherhood of their friend meansthat this year they might skip theirtradition, but they never give up,and to make it the mostunforgettable Christmas of theirlives, they start to search fortickets to the most beautiful andinaccessible party in the city: theNutcracka Ball.

Christmas with the Coopers(2015):

4 generations of the Cooper familygather on the Christmas Eve, butthis time it will not be the same.Sam Cooper (John Goodman) andhis wife Charlotte (Diane Keaton)open the doors of their home totheir family. This year will bebizarre because of the separationin progress and the divorce inwhich their son Hank (Ed Helms) isinvolved.

As the guests talk about theirproblems, the Cooper Clan start torediscover the bond of the familyand all together they start tounderstand the Christmas spirit.

by Alessio Mazzalupi by: Madelyn Bugdonovitch

Semi Formal2016by: Allison Williams and Molly Urbanski

...to drastically improve my memory.For all of my skills, traits, and talents(or lack there of), my memory is byquite the margin the weakest.Another, albeit secondary, resolutionwould be to regiment my reading intoa schedule which ensures thecompletion of at least three books amonth.

Liam Carcieri

My 2017 New Year's Resolution...

...to make 2017 a marvelous year, like2016, where hopefully my English will bealmost perfect and where my exchangeyear abroad will be full of positivesurprises and strong emotions. I alsohope that I will go to Death Valley and toLos Angeles on a memorable road trip tothe west coast with my parents. I’d also

love to travel to a different country.

Alessio Mazzalupi

...to make the most out of the restof the time here at GreaterNanticoke Area with my friendsand the 7th Floor Crew.™

Alexis Guy

...to make the year better than theyear before and to spend qualitytime with my friends and family.

Molly Urbanski

...to start enjoying every second oflife and living it to the fullest - theabsolute fullest! Also, I would liketo try to go on a steady healthy dietand go to the gym 6 days a week.

Derek Kurkowski

Happy Holidays!from Journalism 2k16-2k17

The GNA InsiderCarey, who taught me history. I also enjoyed being in class with Mr. Greytok who...

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Transcript of The GNA InsiderCarey, who taught me history. I also enjoyed being in class with Mr. Greytok who...