Download - May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

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Page 1: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

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summer 2009 • volume 40 • issue 07 • Peters townshiP high school

Smoke SignalsCongrats Girls Lax! 3-Time WPIAL Champions

Imagination Celebration Sets New Precedents

Photo sumbitted by Mrs. SchwartzThe Varsity Girls Lacrosse team beat Upper Saint Clair 18-15, winning their thrid consecutive WPIAL Championship

Photos submitted by Mrs. Boni

For the first time in fiveyears, PTHS hosted a district wide Arts Festival, Imagination Celebration, which combined the outstanding artwork and accomplishments of the Media, Art, Mu-sic, Business, and Consumer Science departments. On display from Friday, May 15, to mid-afternoon on May 16th, the aesthetic scene of artwork included pieces by students from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Throughout both days of the festival, various performances took place in the gym and the auditorium from the Orchestra and Symphony Orches-tra, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Band, Wind Symphony, Drill Team, and the Dance Team. The McMurray and Middle School students also performed in groups for band, orchestra, and choir. The Media department dis-played hundreds of photographs taken by photography students and also fea-tured five different videos created bybroadcast students, some of which that

recently won awards this year. Digital Design artwork and other various Middle School projects also filled the library.Artwork featured throughout the hall-ways included portraits by eighth grade advanced art students, pastel artwork by Bower Hill and Pleasant Valley students, and ceramics designs represented in glass windows. The Cafeteria was pri-marily set aside for artwork by Middle School and High School students and ceramics pieces, also providing food and refreshments for visitors. Ultimately, Imagination Cel-ebration proved to be a fabulous success as it united the entire community with a hint of pride for our great accomplish-ments as a school district. “I think the festival was a great way to end the year, as well as show all of our hard work,” stated junior Erika Hubbell, who partici-pated in Wind Symphony and Choir. The bar has now been set at a higher level for our next annual arts festival.

Kaitlyn RichertStaff Writer

A look at the last four years in PTHS

athleticsThe truth about

Swine FluFarewell to teachers

A preview of summer movies

Page 2: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

1

Doughnut Day

2 3

Egg Day

4

First Ford Car Constructed

5 6

National Yo-Yo Day

7 8 9

Donald Duck’s Birthday

10 11

Last Day of School

12

Graduation7:00 pm

13

14 15

Fly a Kite Day

16

Kennywood Day

17

World Juggler’s Day

18 19

Garfield’s Birthday

20

Bald Eagle Day

21

Father’s Day

22 23 24

U.F.O Day

25 26 27

28

Paul Bunyon Day

29 30

Meteor Day June 2009

reference� Summer �009 Smoke Signals

May 200917

Peace Day

18 19

Circus Day

20 21 22 23

Penny Day

24 25

Memorial Day No School

26 27 28

National Hamburger

Day

29

JFK’s Birthday

30

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

31

Smoke Signals is produced

eight times during a school year by the students of Media II, III, IV Journalism and extracurricu-lar staff at Peters Towship High School, 264 E. McMurray Road,

McMurray PA 15317. Tele-phone: 724-941-6250 x.5379.

E-mail: [email protected], reviews, and opinion columns are the ex-

pressed opinion of the author and not of Smoke Signals, its

advisor or the Peters Township School District. Member of the

Pennsylvania School Press Association.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFRenée Wunderlich

ASSISTANT EDITORAndrea Briggs

LAYOUT EDITOREmily Correal

MANAGING EDITORKatie Ellis

NEWS EDITOR

Stephanie Cotugno

FEATURES EDITORSDana Hoelle

Bridget Stasenko

OPINION EDITOREmily Estep

SPORTS EDITORTaylor Relich

MARKETING EDITORSPaige BurrisShelby Miller

STAFF WRITERSGabrielle Brinsky, Amy

Burzotta, Averi Clements, Conor Jackson, Ian Jack-

son, Colleen Lugar, Monica Paterra, Kaitlyn Richert,

Matt Schilling, Matt Sikora, Bethany Suchy

LAYOUT TEAMPaige Burris, Shelby Miller

Taylor Miller

ADVISORMrs. Sitler

Smoke SignalS

Start in the middle square

and try to escape!

EndStart

Courtesy of Puzzlemaker.com

Escape From School Maze

Page 3: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

what in the world...? Compiled by Katie ellis

news �Smoke Signals

In a Nutshell: The Past Four Years

Summer �009

Four years ago, the senior class of Peters Township started high school as new, innocent freshmen ready to embark on a journey into their adultlife.Sincethatfirst,unmarkedyear,therehavebeen endless changes affecting the school district along with the formation of plans the district will execute after the senior class departures. However, Peters high school is just a tiny piece of the big picture.

In four years, events occur that have the power to affect the nation. Each event creates an impact on society by altering a piece of the lives Americans live. From the years 2005 to 2009, 1440 days have passed, 2073600 minutes have gone by, and 48 months have changed. These years in review represent the memories involving struggles, accomplishments, disasters, and discoveries along with times Americans will continue to reminisce about for years to come.

February 2005YouTubeofficiallygoesonline.

The 77th Academy Awards, hosted by Chris Rock, are held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood,

California, with Million Dollar Baby winning Best Picture.

April 2005ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announces on World News Tonight that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. It is his last on-air appearance.

May 2005Nintendoopensupitsfirstretailstore, Nintendo World, in Rockefeller Center

in New York City.

.July 2005Lance Armstrong wins a record 7th straight

Tour de France before his retirement.

August 2005Hurricane Katrina forms over the Bahamas and becomes the sixth strongest hurricane ever to

reach the United States.

February 2006The Steelers defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Su-

per Bowl XL.

Winter Olympics are held in Turin, Italy.

December 2006Saddam Hussein is executed by hanging

in Baghdad.

Swine usually get a certain flu once a year, mainly in the late fall or winter. They suffer fevers, coughing, running noses, sneezing, loss of appetite, and breathing difficulties. The flu is common in swine throught the midwestern United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia. As of April 27, 2009, at least 40 cases of swine flu in humans have been reported in California, Texas, and New York City. Swine influenza was first proposed to be a disease related to human influenza during the 1918 flu pandemic, when pigs became sick at the same time as humans. The virus is a type A with four subtypes, including H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. The 2009 flu outbreak is due to a new strain of subtype H1N1 not previously reported in pigs. The pigs are suspected to have caught this new strain of virus from a farm worker who recently returned from Mexico and showed symptoms of an influenza-like illness.

When a human gets the symptoms, they have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms vary from mild to severe; if left untreated, the flu can easily progress into pneumonia, respiratory failure, or even death. The centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed a recent case in Allegheny County. The man was in his 30s, and because the illness was not severe, has recovered. The Pennsylvania Health Department recently reported 10 confirmed and 18 probable H1N1 cases in the state. Due to a lack of vaccine to cure this flu, the precautions people can take are to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash hands often, avoid close contact with sick people, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs. However, there is no guaranteed method of prevention. “Once you are able to rule out the seasonal virus, the only flu virus is H1N1,” said allegheny county health d

Seasonal Flu or Deadly

Virus?Stephanie Cotugno

News Editor

Gabrielle Brinsky

Staff Writer

January 2007Comet McNaught, the brightest comet to appear in

more than 40 years, becomes visible over the Southern Hemisphere.

MicrosoftreleasesWindowsVistaandOffice2007.February 2007

Ellen DeGeneres hosts the 79th Academy Awards, where The Departed wins Best Picture.

April 2007Virginia Tech Shooting occurs; 33 people are killed.

July 2007ThefinalbookoftheHarryPotterseries,Harry Pot-ter and the Deathly Hallows, is released and sells

over11millioncopiesinthefirst24hours,becomingthe fastest selling book in history.

August 2008The 2008 Summer Olympics take place

in Beijing, China.Michael Phelps wins his record-breaking eighth gold

medal.

November 2008Barack Obama is elected the 44th President of the United States, and Joe Biden is elected the 47th

Vice President.

January 2009BarackObama“makesachange”andofficially be-

comes our 44th president on Inauguration Day.

February 2009The Steelers win Super Bowl XLIII!

Monty Python’s “Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch” caused quite a stir in Shoreditch, London, when it was mistaken for a real weapon. Roads were blocked off, and a nearby pub was evacuated when water company engineers spotted the prop by a firehydrant.Anhourlater,bombexpertsdeterminedthatthegrenadewas,infact,afake,andpolicewerecriticizedfortak-ing so long to realize that there was no threat.

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: Stanley Wayne Carter has admitted to living in a family’s attic without their knowledge for more than a week, sneaking into their house when no one was there, and stealing a few of their belongings. Carter had originally been staying with a neighboring family, but when they asked him to leave he moved into the Ferrance’s attic for ten days in December. Carter will be sentenced in July.

An 82-year-old man in Berlin, Germany called the police in the middle of the night because he was infuriated by constant serenading from his neighbors across the street. Police investigated and found that the culprit was a singing greeting card on the man’s windowsill that was constantly being blown open by the wind, cueing the “irritating tune.” The elderly man was embarrassed, but he said that he was glad his neighbors weren’t trying to annoy him.

Jeremy Don Kerr is suing the New Orleans Police Department because they would not allow him to wear a black pinstriped skirt to municipal court. Kerr is suing for $1 in damages, stating that his rights were violated, and claims that he has been “gender stereotyped.” No word yet on whether a judge will accept his claim.

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features� Summer �009 Smoke Signals

Speak

OUT

“I love babysitting in the summer because it is laid back and earns good money.”

-Gabriella Santa Lucia Freshman

“I enjoy working at Sarris’ because I get to work with all of my friends, and I get free chocolate and

ice cream.”-Merideth Karavolis

Sophomore

-Colleen CavoloJunior

WhaT ’S yOUR SUMMER JOB?

Destination: Vacation

Monica Paterra

Staff Writer

The end of the school year signals vacation time for many families. Our list of summer vacation spots high-lights trips ranging from beach and cruise excursions, to big city as well as local, inexpensive getaways. Beaches include Myrtle Beach, SC; Destin, FL (in Florida’s panhandle); and Daytona Beach, FL. All these spots offer not only lazy-day sun-ning, but water parks, miniature golfing and vari-ous amusement parks. Of course, Daytona Beach is only a few hours away from Disney World. Taking a cruise can be a good idea be-cause it provides you with activities right on board. Why not travel to a tropical destination in the fairly close to home Bahamas, located below Florida, or Cancun, Mexico, where you can be served Mexi-can cuisine and relax on the beach. Also take an excursion to visit the ancient Mayan ruins. If you are looking for the hustle and bustle of a big city, the “Big Apple” is just the place to visit. New York City is known for its theatre with many Broadway shows,shoppingthatyoucannotfindanywhereelse,as well as some of the best restaurants in the country. For an inexpensive and convenient lo-cation, Tionesta, PA might be the ideal place to visit for outdoor activities. There are several fun ranches that offer horse- back riding. The Al-legheny River runs right through the forest and offers many boating and fishing experiences. Choosing the right destination is all about knowing what kind of vacation that you are looking for and also knowing what the limits of your bud-get are. Any places mentioned can make a won-derful experience. Just make sure that your choice offers you everything that you are looking for.

Bridget Stasenko

Features Editor

College Crisis College tuition has risen by 6.3% this year. Not only is college tu-itionrising,butsoistheinflationrate.Inflation is when the price of some-thing goes up because the dollar is worthless.Collegeinflationis5.94%,whereas the general inflation is2.99%. It keeps getting harder to pay for college because the gap between collegeinflationandgeneralinflationkeeps getting wider. As if tuition costs weren’t enough, students must also come up with the money for books, food, housing and transportation. However, cost shouldn’t stop students from going to college. There are many ways to beat the economic downturn and obtain the money to attend college. First, there is more than$143billioninfinancialaidavail-able to students in need. Some stu-dents may think they don’t qualify

forfinancialaid,buttwo-thirdsofallundergraduate students who go to school full-time receive some kind of aid. According to www.finaid.org, in the 2008-2009 school year, an average of $2,300 went to each student who attended a two-year college, $3,700 per student who attended a public four-year col-lege, and $10,200 per student who attend private four-year colleges. Another way to start earn-ing money for college is a summer job. Summer is almost here, and now is the time to start applying. Some may wonder how working for minimum wage ($7.15 per hour) will help pay for the tens of thousands of dollars of college payment. The key is to save your earnings, and all those weekly paychecks will add up if you use your money wisely.

Colleen Lugar

Staff Writer Summer is almost here. The first priority ofthis long awaited season is to run out and get a refreshing treat. Naturally, ice cream is the best option. Often,one’s firstinstinct is to immediately go to the closest franchise to satisfy this craving. Unfortunately, a brain freeze might not be the only shock you will receive. Almost every option on most menus has a significant amountof calories, fat, and sugar. However, after an active day in the sun, it is not so much of a dilemma if you make the right choices.

Summer Brain Freezers

If consuming back all of the calories you have burned during one hot summer day is not on your to do list, then healthier options are available. Rita’s Italian Ice is now offering an alternative to custard called Slenderita. This addition is a fat-free soft serve. When visiting Dairy Queen, the healthiest option would be going with either a plain vanilla or chocolate soft serve cone. Sonic slush’s contain a lot of sugar, but the fat content is literally non-existent, making it a forgiving treat.

-Anthony ContiSenior

“I plan on keeping up with my job at Bob Evan’s all summer

long.”

“I love working at Rolling Hills Country Club; there’s nothing better than bringing

home the cash!”

Renée Wunderlich

assistant Editor

In a time of economic crisis, more individuals turn to the instant-relief of drugs and alcohol in an effort to cope. Tobacco and booze aren’t known for being cheap, but as more and more Americans find themselves facingmortgage foreclosures andjob layoffs, there doesn’t seem to be any other way out. Now more than ever, these people need help. The problem? Simply not enough money to fund rehabs and other recovery programs designed to help others with their own “stimulus plan” for a second chance.

“Fund raising at nonprofit groups that help treatthose addicted to drugs and alcohol suffers from the stigma that these substances can bring,” reports the Financial Times.

Before other charities and non-profit agencies canprovide food, shelter, and jobs, they need to have a future; there has to be a cure for destructive addiction. One of the best-known organizations is the Phoenix House, a conglomerate of 98 rehabilitation programs throughout the country that helps

Beyond the Bubble: Substance Abuse Charities Suffer

Through Recessionaddicts reclaim their lives chiefly through charity donations.Celebrity Beyoncé Knowles donated the entirety of her salary from her recent movie appearance in Cadillac Records to support these treatment centers. And while we as students don’t have entire paychecks to hand out to those in need, there are things that we cando.Small,five-dollardonationsaregraciouslyacceptednotonly at places like Phoenix House, but also at the Orchid Recovery Center, a women’s drug treatment facility that offers programs and workshops for both recovering addicts and their families, and Ashley Valley Wilderness, supported by the Dr. Phil show.

Looking for a summer job or a worthwhile volunteer opportunity? Check out the Gateway Rehabilitation centers in McMurray (Gateway South) and within the city of Pittsburgh. Directly serving the community, Gateway provides various services, such as outpatient treatment that enables patients to stay in school or continue working through their sessions. For more information on Gateway centers, log on to www.gatewayrehab.org.

Emily Estep

Opinion Editor

Geometry of Pittsburgh

Mrs. Ranade’s Integrated Math II academic class recently participated in an enormous Pittsburgh-themed project. After learning about geometry, the students were instructed to create models of Pittsburgh buildings, parks, etc., and explain the geometric techniques of their model. Some of the models created were of PNC Park, the Incline, and Mellon Arena. All of the projects were placed together how they actually appear in real life, making a model city of Pittsburgh. The model of Pittsburgh was at the Imagination Celebration and will be featured on the Peters Township Community Television.

According to the guidelines, students were to: ‘build a small project which is a part of Pittsburgh city’. Some of the geometric concepts that students could choose from were parallel lines, adjacent angles, exterior angles, and congruent triangles accompanied by proofs. In class, the geometry was centered on angles and lines. Mrs. Ranade decided a project would be a suitable substitute for a test. Concerning the project, Ranade said, “Students

were able to comprehend the topic better.” This class of students has done many other projects and hands-on activities in the past, including making board games, working in groups, and designing spinners.

Page 5: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

�Summer �009

Smoke Signalsfeatures

FaS

hiO

N

Dana hoelle

Features Editor

The summer months are right around the corner, and fashion trends are moving towards fun, flirty pieces instead of your spring and winter essentials. Dark, dreary colors are out, and summer attire is on the way, so it’s time to get a collection of color. These pieces are the perfect cure for the upcoming summer months:

1. Faded Jeans –Buckle’s Big Star brand of jeans last forever, and the style is perfect for summer. The faded style gives a new, fresh look instead of the darker jean washes.

2. Bright Sandals - Sandals are a great way to finish a look. The bright colors will add to your sense of style.

3. Sensible Sundresses – A cute sundress is fun to add to your summer wardrobe. You can dress them up or wear them casually, depending on the occasion. Try bright patterns to better your look.

4. Bold Weekend Handbag - One tote fits all. Carry a little or carry a lot with an adjustable-sized tote. A bold, daring pattern is great for summer.

5. White Sunglasses – This new trend is sure to be celebrated. Aviators are out and thick white frames are in.

6. Printed Camisole - A bold paisley print with a flowy fit is great for a chic, “going out” look.

Fearless Summer Fashion

After teaching at PTHS for 23 years, Señora Marty Clark is ready to say “adios” to the working world and retire. “It’s time to start the next third of my life, keep moving forward,” she said. Graduating from Upper St. Clair High School, Clark attended Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA to attain her bachelor’s degree in Spanish. From there, she went to Pitt for her Master’s degree and doctoral work in Latin American Literature. When marriage took her to California, Clark began teaching in the San Diego O c e a n s i d e Unified SchoolDistrict, working with delinquent students and in bilingual education. After some years there, she returned to Pittsburgh with her son in 1986 and soon got an adm in i s t r a t i ve job as Peters T o w n s h i p High School’s Foreign Language department head, later to become a full-time Spanish instructor. “The best things about being a teacher are getting to work with the kids, watching them get excited over a foreign language and giving them a positive experience,” Clark said.

Though her students haven’t all been entirely cooperative in this matter, she looks on them fondly, and in fact, one of the funniest things that

His classes are legendary at Peters Township High, but after 33 years of teaching, chemistry teacher Mr. Walter Jennings is turning off the Bunsen burner and turning in his retirement notice.

“I’ve always been interested in chemistry, since I was a kid,” Mr. Jennings said. He pursued that interest by attending St. Vincent College, where he graduated with a degree in chemistry. “All the branches of science allow you a way to explain the world, and I happened to like the way chemistry let you explain it on a molecular level.” Jennings has also taken many classes at various local universities, such as Pitt, California, and Clarion.

Mr. Jennings taught for two years in Maryland before moving back up to Peters Township. “There’s no real story behind

¡Adios, Profesora!andrea Briggs

assistant Editor

Hanging Up the Lab Coatandrea Briggs

assistant Editor

happened in her classroom involved a pair of troublemakers.

“Some years ago, I noticed that two boys sitting in the back of the room had a long string leading from their desks out the window. I went to pull up the string, and on the end

of it was a sign that had been dangling in front of the w i n d o w s on the floorbelow that said ‘Save Us!’ If only it had been in Spanish!”

L i f e d o e s n ’ t end after retirement. With a new grandchi ld in the picture, Sra. Clark plans on helping her family for the firstfew years, b e f o r e cont inu ing to travel.

“ I also want to write a great h i s t o r i c a l

novel about Spain, for English readers; though I don’t know how well that will go,” Clark mused. “I’ve been having so much fun with the research for it, the writing might not happen at this point!” Whether her work comes to print or not, Señora Clark looks forward to ‘el futuro’ and hopes to keep in touch with friends and the people she’s come to know over the years.

how I got the job here,” he said. “I wanted to become a teacher because in my experience, there are few good teachers, and it also seemed like something

that would make an important contribution.” However, one of the biggest

contributions he makes as a teacher is his time spent with students outside the classroom, helping out with various science fair competitions. PJAS, Science Olympiad and the Pittsburgh Science Fair are all events he has worked on with students, as well as countless other competitions that no longer exist. Remarked Jennings, “It’s capturing a student’s imagination, and the process of changing the way someone looks at events so that they see it in a different way than they did before.”

While he has no plans for the future at present, he knows he wants to find something else to do that will make a contribution – “but I have no idea what that is, yet.”

Page 6: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

opinion6Summer �009 Smoke Signals

he SaidiaN JaCKSON

What time do you usually get up during summer?1:00 pm

What is your favorite pool to go to?

The Rose Garden

What will your summer job be?

Working at Harry’s Pizza

What are your favorite things about summer?Pirates baseball games, sleeping late,

hanging out with friends

Amy burzottAWhat time do you usually get up during summer?

What is your favorite pool to go to?

What will your summer job be?Working at

South Hills Chrysler Jeep Kia

What are your favorite things about summer?

11:00am

The Wave Pool

Barbeques, warm weather, no school

She Said

Matthew Sikora

Staff Writer

Blockbuster HitsEmily Estep

Opinion Editor

There are roughly twenty fivemillion people a year in the United States that illegally download movies and other media content. Many do not know that they are committing a federal crime. There are thousands of websites, such as Limewire, that people use to and download files forfree. Movies, songs, and other data files can be downloaded illegally,which hurts the companies and all of the actors, producers, directors, etc. working for them. 20th Century Fox was extremely worried about the release X-men Origins: Wolverine because a pirated version was in circulation prior to the May 1, 2009 release. Over a million people had already seen the pirated movie. The FBI investigated the situation, but has yet to discover how the crime was committed. If 20th CenturyFoxfindstheperpetrator,theyplan to prosecute to the fullest extent

of the law, which includes fines andpossible imprisonment. Consumers often wonder why they have to pay exhorbatant DVD and ticket prices when the actors already earn millions of dollars per year. But the actors are not the only people involved in movie productions; there are many behind-the-scenes workers that are vital to production and creating costly state-of-the-art special effects.

The FBI is trying to keep up with the new tricks that criminals are using to steal movies, but it seems like they are always one step behind them. There is a new type of anti-theft watermark that the companies are putting on dvds, but it can still be decoded. It is impossible to completely lock down digital content. There is no secret trick that can make the filesimpossible to steal. The criminals will alwaysbeabletofindawaytobreakthe code and steal the content.

Are You a Thief? Writer’s Block: Solvedamy Burzotta

Staff Writer

The clock is ticking. Your English paper is due in exactly 11 hours and 32 minutes (you know this because you have been relentlessly staring at the clock). You look at the computer screen, and staring back at you is the dreadful white glow coming from the blank Microsoft page. The black cursor is flicking on andoff thescreen in a mocking way. You’re ready to forgo the paper and take the failing grade. Stop and take a breath. There is a solution to your nasty writer’s block. First, take a few deep breaths and relax. This paper is not the end of the world. You could grab a snack or take a short walk around the block. Do something that relaxes you, such as yoga or listening to a playlist on your iPod. Don’t do this activity for more than fifteen minutes, becauseyou don’t want to become completely disconnected from your paper. “When I have writer’s block, I take a walk around my neighborhood. Walking clears my head, that way I

can be completely focused on the paper,” said junior Lindsey Golden.

Walk back to the computer and start writing. Don’t necessarily start typing your paper; type whatever comes to your mind. For example, “I have to take a chemistry test 9th period, and I’m really nervous because I think it’s going to be difficult.”“Ihavelunchnextperiod.”Something as simple as that can getthecreativityflowing. Another remedy you can try is reading another piece of literary work. The piece could be a poem, an essay, a short story, etc. Reading anything may trigger something in your mind for you to write about. After you try these things, you should be ready to write. When writing, do the paper in sections, not as a whole. Write piece-by-piece and follow the suggestions in the previous paragraphs. You’ll be ready to conquer the paper you thought was impossible.

Release Date Title For It Against It

May 21Terminator Salvation

Following last summer’s smash The Dark Knight, Christian Bale is on top of his game. Also, the Terminator movies have a solid history.

The previews indicate it may be a little over the top. Some argue that Christian Bale was actually The Dark Knight’s weakest point.

May 22

Night at the Museum:

Battle of the Smithsonian

The original is surprisingly good for a kid’s comedy. Battle of the Smithsonian includes fresh comedic faces like Bill Hader and Jonah Hill.

The novelty of a live museum is lost to anyone who saw the first movie. Childish jokes in the same setting can only work for so long.

May 29 UpDisney/Pixar has never made a flop. For this reason, Up might be the safest bet of the summer.

What comes up must go down; how long can Disney/Pixar stay on a roll?

June 5Land of the

LostThe idea is new to young viewers. Will Ferrell and rising star Danny McBride could start up a franchise.

It could be too silly for its own good. Will Ferrell’s track record has seriously lost its prestige.

June 19 Year OneDirector Harold Ramis’s resume includes: Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and a few episodes of The Office.

Michael Cera is dangerously close to overexposure. The previews don’t look very funny.

June 19 The Proposal Sandra Bullock romantic comedy. Sandra Bullock romantic comedy…

June 24Transformers: Revenge of the

Fallen

Early screenings indicate that it may be even better than the original.

Those who weren’t interested in Transformers to begin with aren’t changing their minds.

June 26My Sister’s

KeeperIt’s based on a hugely popular and moving novel; it contains a highly talented cast.

The subject matter may prove to be too upsetting for audiences.

July 1 Public EnemiesJohnny Depp and Christian Bale star in Michael Mann’s 1930s Chicago gangster film based on true events. Need more be said?

It has potential to be confusing. But really, it could just be too good to be true.

July 10 BrünoSacha Baron Cohen’s last, Borat, was hugely popular despite its controversy.

May be too controversial to sell tickets.

July 15Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The Harry Potter franchise has been breaking records since The Sorcerer’s Stone.

The sixth installment is mildly depressing. Honestly, there is nothing against it.

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7opinionSummer �009 Smoke Signals

Fishtank: “Fin”ale Renée Wunderlich

Editor-in-Chief

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

M o v i e R e v i e w sBy: Emily Estep, Opinion Editor

The negative reviews of the leaked ver-sion should’ve given me a clue. Alas, I was in de-nial when I still had hope for X-Men Origins: Wol-verine to be awesome. Although the effects and fight sceneswere topnotch, character develop-ment lacked, the script was hackneyed, and the plot was a hot mess. Despite the lack of investment in charac-ters, I still cared about a few of them purely be-cause of the actors that played them (Liev Sch-reiber, Dominic Monaghan, Ryan Reynolds). However, non-Wolverine characters had a limited amount of screentime. As good as Hugh Jackman is as Wolverine, he is not engaging enoughtojustifyasceneofWolverineflyingoutof a burning building on a motorcycle. On the bright side, the action scenes were intense, Liev Schreiber was great as Sabretooth (put him in more movies please), and the solid ending makes up for the rest of the lacking con-tent.

Rated PG-13

Star TrekRated PG-13

Star Trek reminded me why I love movies. I went to a packed theater to see a highly anticipated film.Iwasthensuckedintoanalternateworld,myexpectationswerefulfilled,therewasclapping,andI walked out feeling completely entertained. I was never a Star Trek fan, as it was pretty much before my time. Going in, I didn’t know any-thing about it that I hadn’t learned from Galaxy Quest. It would now be an egregious lie for me to claim that I’m not a fan. Fromthefirstscene,StarTrekistotallyen-gaging, and every character is supremely enjoy-able. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) portrays the perfect leading role as the charming and admirable hero. Pine’sKirkhasanego,getsinfights,doeswhatev-er he wants, and somehow, I still love him. Zachary Quinto’s Spock is equally, if not more, impressive; there is something so alluring to Spock’s intellec-tual yet insecure, arrogant yet vulnerable persona. The rest of the cast shines as well. I actu-ally like Zoe Saldana’s Uhura, despite my supreme jealousy of the character. Karl Urban and Simon Pegg are quite funny as Bones and Scotty. Eric Bana, unrecognizable as Nero, is an actually intimi-dating vililan, John Cho is intense as Sulu, and An-ton Yelchin is adorable as Chekov (Leonard Nimoy also puts back on the trusty ears for a cameo). The shotsofspaceinthefilmaregorgeousaswell. Star Trek in IMAX is a must-see.

Ah, summer. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you have realized that the winter months have really taken their toll on your body. After all, it’s been too cold to exercise outside, the numerous holiday parties haven’t exactly discouraged excessive eating, and unless you’ve been to more tropical regions, your skin has probably taken on a ghostly hue. But you don’t have to go to extreme (and unhealthy) measures to drop the excess weight or get your skin back onthecolorspectrum.Thebenefitsofsummerwillwork with you to make sure that you look and feel your best when it counts the most. Even though there is a lot of pressure to be super-skinny in order to look good in a swimsuit, the basic fact is that being too thin is downright unhealthy. However, shedding a few pounds is usually beneficial when it’s done the right way.Eating right is the best way to start, and fresh produce provides great encouragement to do so. Instead of reaching for processed fatty snacks, opt for peaches or watermelon slices, both of which have nutritional benefits such as antioxidantsandfiber.Plus,such foodsusuallyhaveminimalcalories and no fat. The high water content in fruits and vegetables can also help keep you hydrated, which can give a boost to your metabolism and help you burn more calories even while resting. While eliminating excess calories through healthiereatingiscertainlybeneficialtoyouroverallhealth, a little extra exercise can also do wonders for your body –both inside and out. Cardio exercises, such as running, biking, or swimming, work your heart and lungs. Additionally, cardio exercise burns plenty of calories, which in turn burns fat. But all the cardio in the world won’t give you that toned body that polishes off the swimsuit look. Strength or resistance training, which can include push-ups, sit-ups, and many other exercises you learn in phys-ed class, can help with such matters. In addition to creating a more sculpted look for your abs, legs, and arms, the muscle you gain through strength training burns more calories at rest than body fat does. Don’t have the time or motivation to go out and run ‘til you drop? Everyday summer

activities can provide a fantastic workout without the “working out” feeling. Mowing the lawn for one hour with a rotary mower can burn up to 400 calories for the average 150 lb person. Even a leisurely swim burns around 350 calories per hour, providing a way to get some exercise while keeping cool. Toreallyputthefinishingtouchesonyourhealthy summer makeover, concentrate on how you’re treating your skin. First and foremost, do not go outside without wearing a sunblock with a sun protection factor (spf) of at least 15. Excess UV ray exposure caused by the sun and tanning beds can cause many different types of skin cancer, even in adolescence. That is not to say, however, that you have to suffer with Victorian-era pallor even in the sunniest months. Occasional sun exposure can, ironically, prevent certain types of cancers through the release of Vitamin D, which can also slow the growth of existing cancer cells. If your fear of the sun is still strong, however, there are still other options for getting a healthy summer glow. Sunless tanners, the latest trend in healthy tanning, can give you that “just came back from Florida” look without the risk of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective sunless tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is not a dye, but actually a colorless sugar that interacts with dead skin cells and effects a color change. Because skin cells are constantly being shed and replaced, however, the resulting color will usually only last about a week, at which point more tanner will need to be applied. If your summer goals involve looking, feeling, and being healthier, then a nutritious diet, quality exercise, and responsible tanning are probably on your list of priorities. The biggest thing to remember, though, is to be happy with yourself; being thin doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthy, and having porcelain-colored skin is just as beautiful as having some color. Whatever decisions you make about your body thissummer,makesurethat theyarebeneficialto your overall well-being.

A Healthier Summeraveri Clements

Staff Writer

Page 8: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

Senior SuperlativesBest Smile

Best Looking at 50 Best Laugh

Best Personality Biggest FlirtMost Athletic

Most ArtisticEasiest to Talk to

Most Changed Since Freshmen Year

Most Likely to Climb Mt. Everest

Best DressedAnnemarie Hall and Colin Mullett Ben Peterson and Sarah Grech Lexi Quinn and Anthony Conti

Kelly Flanigan and Ryan HigginsStephanie Cotugno and Alex Fincham Lexxie Kerner and Justin Conley

Jimmy Machin and Corey Sam Lauren Ray and Christian Brandstetter Leah Nobers and Jace Cavanaugh

Katie Lynam and Chris Beck Aimee Ciancarelli and Dave Edmunds

Page 9: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

Senior Superlatives

Biggest Flirt

Most Artistic

Most Changed Since Freshmen Year

Most Likely to Backpack Through Europe

Most Likely to Climb Mt. Everest

Most Likely to Discover a Cure

for Cancer

Most Likely to be onSaturday Night Live

Most Likely to be on a Reality TV Show

Most Likely to be the First to Earn a Million Dollars

Most Likely to Be High School Sweethearts

Most Musical

Lexi Quinn and Anthony Conti Jack Hareza and Aly Hajzus Ross Lugar and Renée Wunderlich

Danielle Castillo and Jimmy SamsAndrew Hanlon and Danielle DevineKelly Flanigan and Ryan Higgins

Leah Nobers and Jace Cavanaugh Kathleen Brown and Chris Cain Jared Nicholson and Emily Boccardi

Aimee Ciancarelli and Dave Edmunds Brahim Shettima and Ashley Czajkwski Jamison Ignatius and Keith Quinn

Most Likely to Become the Next Dr. Phil/Oprah

Page 10: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

UNDERREviEW Who is the best football team in the NCaa?

10 Summer �009 Smoke Signalssports10 Smoke Signals

“ College basketball, because of the student sections.”

- Bill Campbell ‘09

In what sport does the home team have the biggest advantage?Underreview

“Basketball, because the fans energize the players.”

“Football, because a lot of people go to support the team.”

- Pat Walker ‘10 - allen Lo ‘10

Peters Township Tennis: Establishing Dominance

Conor JacksonStaff Writer

Peters Township has established a dominant tennis program over the years, with a season record of 12-2, their only losses going to State College and Upper St. Clair. With a talented team consisting of number-one singles player junior Chris Nixon, who only lost one match during the regular season leading the team, and sophomores Jesse Scherer and Nick Mortland, who placed number two and number three for singles, the Indians are ready to succeed. The team had many seniors such as Marcus Mortland, Ian Jackson, and Hugo Ponte who have leadership roles for the younger players on the team. The tennis team had second thoughts of going through to playoffs, having a better season record than last year.

“We just couldn’t pull through in the playoffs against Upper St. Clair; I mean you don’t always win them all,” said senior

“Pretty Boy” Floyd: He’s Backian Jackson

Staff Writer

As most promoters have learned over the past year, boxing is not recession-proof. Ticket sales are down, PPV sales are slightly low, and the boxers just aren’t having as big of paydays as they’ve had in the past. So what can help save the boxing universe? How about a little “Money”? Yes, “Pretty Boy” Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. isn’t considered legal tender in the United States, but in boxing, he is about as close as you can possibly get. He is the face of boxing in the 21st century. He is the best, most gifted, entertaining, loud, and smart fighter. Plus, he is the biggest draw in all the sport. He is a person the casual fan will pay to see or listen to when he speaks. “I’m still the biggest draw in boxing,” Mayweather said, “Everybody wants to fight me because they know I’m the cash cow.” Of course, he has been gone for a year, and the landscape of boxing has changed drastically.

Manny Pacquiao is the big man on campus now. The young Juan Manuel Marquez has quickly emerged as a legitimate phenom. Even Floyd’s former rival, Oscar “The Golden Boy” De La Hoya, has officially hung up his gloves for good. The list goes on and on, but the one thing that has stayed consistent since we last saw Floyd Mayweather is that the guy remains a total specimen. He is incredible. He may be the only fighter that can come back after this sort of break and fight with no rust. It’ll be as if he never left. There will be sign of a layoff when he faces the current world’s second ranked boxer, Marquez, in a July 18 PPV that is sure to be a thriller. His reason for coming back is simple. “I guess I just missed boxing,” Mayweather said, “Somebody’s got to keep the sport up and running. Why not me?” Mayweather hasn’t stepped in the

ring since he announced his retirement in June. (Well, at least not a boxing ring. There was that embarrassing performance against the Big Show at Wrestlemania, but let’s please just try to forget about that.) By the time the blockbuster fight rolls around, Mayweather will not have fought for thirteen months. He is going to have a tough time with the physical Juan Manuel Marquez, there’s no doubt about that. Mayweather will go into the fight favored to win, and he will probably do so, but it is no guarantee. So this starts the debate. Who is the reigning king of the boxing world? Pacquiao or Mayweather? We’ll all find out July 18, but we already know where Mr. Mayweather stands on the question. “I left on top, and I came back on top,” Mayweather said, “I’m here to fight and reclaim what’s mine.”

of Marcus Mortland and Jeff Miller, which were head-to-head matches that they won for the team. Juniors Kyle Sheth and Jeff Lioon are showing they can have a major impact on the team next year as seniors. The teams that are in the Indians conference are Ringgold, Chartiers Valley, Fort Cherry, and Bethel Park. “We won against these teams to gain our Super-Elite status,” said sophomore Nick Mortland. The team has shown through the regular season that they are one beat by how they won their section, and that is a good thing for sure. Clearly, WPIALS didn’t work out for the team, but going into the playoffs ranked number four overall is a good thing, come the future.

Ian Jackson. The depth of the team had a major effect in the outcomes of doubles matches. The 1st team doubles consisted

Lindsey Terell

The left-handed Chris Nixon gears up to dominate his opponent with a powerful forehand stroke. Nixon was a star in the WPIAL this year and won his match against Chartiers Valley 6-0, 6-0.

Page 11: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

B o y ’ s B a s k e t b a l l

G i r l ’ s B a s k e t b a l l

W r e s t l i n g

S w i m m i n g

I n d o o r T r a c k

S p o r t s B r i e f s

11Summer �009sports

Smoke Signals

W h a t w a s t h e h i g h l i g h t o f y o u r h i g h s c h o o l c a r e e r ?

B a s e b a l l

B o y s V o l l e y b a l l

T e n n i s

B o y s L a c r o s s e

S p o r t s B r i e f s

“Getting it done”

- Jay Young, ‘09

“Winning our secton”

- Anthony Conti, ‘09

“Leading my team to victory”

- James Jasper, ‘09

“Being physical with the opponent”

- Jordan Toscano, ‘09

T r a c k

PT PowerhouseTaylor Relich

Sports Editor

During my last four years here at PTHS, sports have experienced a revival of sorts. There have been many team championships and individual accolades, all of which have contributed to the growing reputation of Peters Township sports. Although success tends to run together when it comes in quantity, there are still several moments that stick out in my mind.

1. WPIAL Basketball Championship When Peters Township boys’ basketball once again returned to greatness, what a spectacle it was. The team had an amazing run, ending in finally meeting rival Mt. Lebanon to decide the title. With the AJ Palumbo Center packed to the brim, the Indians downed the Blue Devils 60-54 behind inspired efforts by Steve Radke and Craig Wolcott. 2. Back-to-back WPIAL Baseball Championships Baseball coach Joe Maize has been one of the most successful coaches in Peters Township history. It was only fitting that he won back-to-back WPIAL championships in 2007 and 2008. 3. Almost beating TJ in football Although the Indians ended up losing the game, almost beating TJ was one of my most vivid PT sports memories. The Indians were in the two-minute drill offense, down by four, and driving down the field. It was fourth down, and as Tyler Porco’s pass sailed into AJ Schierer’s arms in the end zone, and then popped out again, the entire student section thought for a second we had taken down the mighty Jaguars. These examples are obviously not the extent of Peters Township athletic triumphs. The past four years in sports seem to be a blur because of all the championships on the state and district level. Peters Township has won WPIAL championships in boys soccer and boys golf, not to mention PIAA championship teams or finalists in golf, soccer, and girls tennis. There also been teams that have been extremely successful without a championship including sports such as hockey and girls basketball. In addition to the many spectacular team performances, there have been outstanding individual accomplishments in cross-country, swimming, girls tennis, basketball, and golf. I can say that a two-year sports writer for Smoke Signals, Peters Township sports have certainly given myself and the rest of the sports staff a lot to write about.

“Our win over Mt. Lebanon”

- Mallory Thomas, ‘11

S o f t b a l l

“Making the playoffs”

- Stephanie Lusk, ‘10

G i r l s L a c r o s s e

“Thefinalbusride”

- Ian Jackson, ‘09

The girls lacrosse team fights hard for every win they receive; they had an 8-3 regular season record and soared through the playoffs to claim the WPIAL Championship for the third year in a row. Through practice and determination, the girls became one of the most exciting dynasties to watch. The girls lacrosse team needed to be competitive to win the Championship. Since the ’05 season, the girls have been to every WPIAL Championship match, claiming the three most recent titles. “I haven’t thought about being a dynasty,” said senior Cassidy Schemm, before the game. “Now that I know, I’m going to try even harder to win.” However, being competitive isn’t all that is needed in the pursuit of the WPIAL Championship.

Matt SchillingStaff Writer

La-Crossing the Line to a Dynasty

Practicing sprints, shooting, and passing drills every day after school each week has helped the girls to win most of their games. The sprints help the girls stay in shape and allow them to quickly go from standing still to full speed, and the shooting and passing drills

help to improve their communication as a team.

Through their hard work, competitive desire, and dedication, the girls lacrosse team was able to make their mark as one of PTHS’ greatest athletic dynasties.

Jenna Simmons

Carly Ellis takes a contested shot over her rival North Alleghney defender. Ellis was a great compliment to Jules Femiani this season.

Photography Club

Steve Radke knocks down a free throw against Mt. Leba-non. The team went 2-1 against Lebo, including a win in the

WPIAL championship.

Page 12: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

Best Wishes Media Seniors!Adrianna Carbonara Aimee Hvizdos Alex Phillips Alina Chapman Alyson Shratz Ashley Czajkowski

Ashley Caputo Ben Roberson Brendan Murphy Bridget Stasenko Brittany Freado Casey Dunleavy

Chelsea Slavin Chris Schuck Dana Hoelle Dara Lisanti David Brown Emily Boccardi

Emily Correal Emily Labovitz Eric Zalewski Heidi Eltschlager Ian Jackson Jen Kim

Jenna Simmons Jessie Smith Jim Rotella Jim Sams Julian Scheirer Kara Lewis

Page 13: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

Best Wishes Media Seniors!Kayla Henry Kelsey Hoskins Kristen Gioella Kristen Young Kristina Gaudy Lara Moore

Lexy Quinn Lindsay Stack Liz Cronin Lynsey Terrel Matt Schilling Megan Graysay

Michael Houser Michelle Munne Mike Ruane Molly Simoens Rachel Lazzaro Reina Fink

Renée Wunderlich Sam Higgins Shelby Miller Taylor Miller Taylor RelichStephanie Cotugno

Will Cody Zack Malanos

Media Memories...

taco Dip!

Zoo TripDuffy and Mrs. Bedner Dancing

Smell of New YearbooksPreparing for the Gallery/Art Show

Darkroom Processing ‘07

The Mouse VisitDan Makrinos and The Shelves

Point Park Field Trips

Oggie Bitten by a Turkey

Having a Chill Place to go to in School

Art ShowThe Morning AnnounceMenTs

Club Photo DayExcercise Video w/ Shelby and Aly

Kevin Noone

Shooting “Ask the Doctor” Live

Rolling Down PV Hill in an Office Chair

Page 14: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

Where are YOU going to College?Alescio Carlie EdinboroAprahamian Kevin ClarionAshe Brady U. of DaytonBalzuweit Bryan Penn State BrandywineBarbati Alexa U. of DaytonBarney Jake Point ParkBarret Mary Kent StateBatanian Kiel PacificU.Beck Chris Notre DameBeel Chris U. of ArizonaBellan Hilary PittBellan Patricia U. of DaytonBen Hill Pittsburgh Technical Inst.Benbourenane Amine PittBianco Ben Penn StateBigley Jenna W&JBlank Elizabeth UndecidedBlasko Brandon PittBoccardi Emily DenisonBolton Patrick ITT Bonus Jason Rosedale TechBossong Rebbecca Kent StateBozic Stephanie Penn StateBraden Hunter CCACBrandsma Joseph CCACBrandstetter Christian BucknellBrian Kriston Pitt JohnstownBrickner Kellie DuquesneBroglie Julia U. of DelawareBrown David Penn StateBrown Kathleen Penn State AltoonaBrusco Jeff Penn State ErieBryan Bernadette Case Western ReserveBryan Stephanie PittBurg Kevin PurdueBurgman Griffin LindenwoodBurket Travis IUPBurns Rebecca Point ParkBush Kayleigh High PointCain Chris Penn State AltoonaCaliguiri Drew ClarionCampano Chris CCACCampbell Bill MarylandCaputo Ashley Kent StateCarbonara Adrianna Robert MorrisCarone Nick ClemsonCarper Casey PittCasaday Ryan Hampden - Sydney CollegeCastillo Danielle James MadisonCavanagh Jace IUPCeccarelli Nick PittCelko Meredith Penn State AltoonaChapman Alina Messiah CollegeChen Ming Stony BrookChiste Samantha Penn StateCiancarelli Aimee Fashion Inst. of Technology

Cichowicz Sarah ClarionClark Jonathan WeldingCody Will Boston U.Coggin Dan UndecidedConley Justin W&JConners Stacy CCACConnors Dana ClarionConti Anthony Penn State ErieCorreal Emily William and MaryCotugno Stephanie PittCounihan Brendan UndecidedCroft Nathan CCACCronin Liz TowsonCservak Reid U. of CincinnatiCzajkowski Ashley W&JDaerr Eddie Seton HillDestefano DJ Ohio U.Devine Danielle Carnegie MellonDeyarmin Candace WVUDiesing Josh Cal U.Dignazio John DuquesneDonofrio Jim Cal U.Dorman Kaitlin LouisvilleDray Kelsey IUPDubois Michael Art Inst. of PittsburghDuda Erica CCACDunleavy Casey ClarionEdmunds Dave Ohio U.Eltschlager Heidi Penn StateEnscoe Rachel IUPEscobedo Irving Tecnologico de SaltilloEsterhuizen Kristelle Penn StateEstes Abby CCACFawcett Collin Miami of OhioFeeney Jack WorkFincham Alex IUPFink Reina PittFlanigan Kelly PittFrank Jordan Cal U.Freado Brittany Word of Life Bible Inst.Frings Alex WorkGannuzii Andrew ApprenticeshipGardner Alexis James MadisonGaudy Kristina Slippery RockGavlick Andrew U. of ArizonaGillece Lindsay UndecidedGioella Kristen Ohio U.Glovier Megan Penn StateGolden Nick Slippery RockGraysay Magan Slippery RockGrech Sarah PittGrimm Jason WVUGrisnik Emily PittGroll Wesley WVUGrosse Brian Cal U.Hajzus Aly OSU

Halo Kathrine PittHancherick Mitchell ClemsonHanlon Andrew Penn State SchreyersHanna Tabitha Slippery RockHanna Tyler Robert MorrisHannan Courtney U. of KentuckyHareza Jack James MadisonHartbauer Kory PittHartz Tyler IUPHauck Nicole PittHayes Brian Penn StateHeaps Rebecca DuquesneHenry Kayla Robert MorrisHerder Mike CCACHiggins Ryan U of. OregonHiggins Samantha Westminster CollegeHoelle Dana Coastal CarolinaHoskins Kelsey Kent StateHouser Michael Penn StateHuber Brad DuquesneHughes Andy Cal U.Hull Annemarie DuquesneHull Stephanie Coastal CarolinaHunter Kevin WorkHutchins Timothy CCACHvizdos Aimee George MasonIgnatius Jamison Eastman School of MusicIuni Mike Penn ComericalJackson Ian Robert MorrisJasper James Cal U.JC Bardzil Columbia College ChicagoJones Karissa Cal U.Joyce Meghan Penn State AltoonaKamphaus Lexi IUPKaushik Charanya W&JKennedy Mackenzie DuquesneKerner Lexxie IUPKerr Tyler Slippery RockKim Jennifer OSUKimberly Mackay PurdueKinavey Matt WVUKnell Alex ArcadiaKoepka Ryan Case Western ReserveKohne Jody EdinboroKotar Ryan Robert MorrisKozlowski Mike PittKradel Sarah Ohio NorthernKrivacek Blaine Penn State ErieKrivacek Quintin Penn State ErieKronket Caitlyn Penn StateLabovitz Emily Full SailLaipple Alanna Cal U.Laubach Kerriann Washington and LeeLazzaro Rachel Cal U.Lewis Kara Kent StateLisanti Dara WVU

Breakdown of Majors english - 1%

law/Political science - 2%other - 3%

Psychology - 3%technology - 4%

Arts - 4%communications - 6%

science - 8%education - 10%

engineering - 11%Business - 14%medicine - 17%

undecided - 17%

last name First college of choice last name First college of choice last name First college of choice

Page 15: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

Where are YOU going to College?Locher Geoff U. of PennsylvaniaLovell Curry EdinboroLugar Ross ClarionLutz Samantha Penn State AltoonaLynam Katie Grove CityMachin Jimmy PittMadalena Andy Wake ForestMajcher Nolan Cal U.Malanos Zack PittMaldonado Victor UNITECMalencia Michael PittMarks Alexa Westminster CollegeMarlett Melanie ClarionMartinez Corey TiffinMartino JR Robert MorrisMassarri Ron Cal U.Mathews Ryan Penn StateMauer Lindsay U. of South CarolinaMaydak Laura PittMcCormack Jessica IUPMcCracken Julie Geneva CollegeMcDade Sarah IUPMcGraw Carrie IUPMcLaughlen Julie Empire Beauty AcademyMcNamara Conor WVUMcNamara Margret PrincetonMedvid Carl ClarionMele Paige EdinboroMesserly Matt WVUMetz Anthony Penn StateMeyers Adam Gannon U.Milavec Megan U. of PennsylvaniaMiller Brittany Penn State ErieMiller Erin ClemsonMiller Maddie XavierMiller Shelby U. of UtahMiller Steve Penn StateMiller Taylor Penn State ErieMitchel Julie ThielModery Stephanie WVUMojta Vincent Penn StateMolinaro Justin IUPMomeyer Sam Cal U.Moore Lara Abroad/Grove CityMoore Lindsay The Art Inst. of PittsburghMoran Mindy Penn StateMortland Marcus U. of DaytonMueller Nikki Seton HillMullet Colin U. of S. Carolina AikenMunne Michelle DuquesneMurphy Brendan Santa ClaraNarey Billy UndecidedNickolson Jared CapitalNobers Leah Slippery RockNowe Jacob W&JO’Malley Tim Cal U.

Pahountis Nick PittPalacios Ricky Texas A&MPartyka Cody MarshalPatterson Scott Penn StatePaul Andrew Penn StatePeterson Ben Bowling Green StatePetrozza Lisbeth IUPPfeifer Zack Pitt JohnstownPfrimmer Adam PittPhillips Alex IUPPieretti Paige James MadisonPletz Sam Kenyon CollegePolicz Jessica EdinboroPonte Hugo Carnegie MellonProvident Nicole DuquesnePustay Dan Penn StateQuinn Alexandra Columbia College ChicagoQuinn Keith DuquesneRackley Eric ClemsonRadke Stephen UndecidedRauch Spencer EdinboroRay Kevin PittRay Lauren Penn StateRedding Derek Pitt BradfordRelich Taylor Penn StateReoNason Brittany Pitt School of NursingRezk Andrew Pitt GreensburghRiesmeyer Kait Grove CityRigatti Dave Penn StateRitter Samantha MercyhurstRoberson Ben DuquesneRobles Maria Penn StateRoss Jonathan Loyola College in MarylandRotella Jim Penn StateRovito Celeste UVARuanz Michael PittSabo Alex DuquesneSam Corey Penn State AltoonaSams Jim Penn State AltoonaSanto Jake Ohio U.Santomo Raymond IUPSchafer Ryan Penn State ErieSchemm Cassidy Slippery RockSchilling Matt Cal U.Schmeltzer Amanda MercyhurstSchmid-Broome Wes WittenbergSchratz Alyson St. Vincent CollegeSchuck Chris Penn State ErieSchultz Brian NC StateSchultz Lindsey Kent StateSchwartz Samantha Sweet Briar CollegeSee Elliza Miami of OhioSeimmons Jenna ShippensburgSheetz Tyler Ohio WesternShettima Brahim PittShields Thomas Full Sail

Shoup John Kickin it OldskoolSigert Ashley UndecidedSimmons Jenna ShippensburgSimmons Paula Kent StateSimoens Molly U. of KentuckySlavin Chelsea Penn StateSmall Victoria EdinboroSmith Alex WaynesburgSmith Laney U. of KentuckySossi Alexandra W&JStaaf Julie CCACStack Lindsay Nursing Prog.Stanchak Ellie Grove CityStasenko Bridget Ohio U.Stephan Paul U. at BuffaloSullivan Patrick U. of DaytonSypula Gina Penn StateTennis Tony CCACTerrell Lynsey OSUThomas Kahlil ClarionThomas Rachael Empire Beauty Acad.Thompson Andrew U. of DaytonTomayko Bryan UndecidedToohey Sean Pitt GreensburghToscano Jordan Marine Corps.Toth Charla Cal U.Trever Oliver UndecidedTrotnick Amy PittTupta Stephanie Penn State ErieUbinger Abbey WVUValentas Ed CCACVanistendael Eric Penn StateVignetti Mario Cal U.Visnic Alina Art Inst. of PittsburghWalker Maggie PittWard Michelle Unity College in MaineWarzinski Julia WaynesburgWeimer Greg Virginia TechWeiss Laura CCACWeyrick Hannah DuquesneWickerham Chase Full SailWickline Steven Cal U.Wilcox Nick Bethany CollegeWillard Zachary Ohio U.Williams Allee WVUWilliams Drew Notre DameWilson Brooke PurdueWinter Paul CCACWoltz Matthew WVUWunderlich Renée U. of IllinoisWylie Amanda Penn StateYoung Jay PittYoung Kristin Brigham YoungZalewski Eric Cal U.Zrimsik Abby Pitt

last name First college of choice last name First college of choice last name First college of choice

The top college picks are:Penn state university (48)

university of Pittsburgh (34)california university (18)

ccAc (14)iuP (14)

Duquesne/Point Park (12)west virginia university (11)

Class of 2009 College Stats

217 students are staying in PA103 are going out of state

10 are still undecided4 are going straight to work or have an

appreticeship1 is going into the marine corps

Page 16: May 2009 Smoke Signals Issue 7

Best Wishes Class of 2009