FALL 2017 Bear FACTS MAHANOY AREA JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Welcome, Mr

BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 Bear FACTS MAHANOY AREA JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Welcome, Mr. Stanley J. Sabol Mr. David Mahanoy Area Jr/Sr Principal and Holman Bear Facts welcomes Mr. Stanley J. Assistant Principal Sabol Jr, Mahanoy Class of 2001, to Mahanoy Area. Mr. Sabol is the new Junior/Senior High School Principal. . His post-secondary education in- cludes a B.A. in History/Secondary Education from Albright College, an M.Ed. in Urban Education from Alvernia University and Pennsyl- vania Administrative I Certification from Alvernia University. The biggest reason Mr. Sabol wanted to become principal at Ma- hanoy is because Mahanoy Area is his Alma Mater. He plans to lead Mahanoy Area Jr./Sr. High School in a positive direction and make it a model school. School career, they should be come Mr. Holman gets a pie in the face at When asked what some of the im- productive, responsible adults.” a pep rally. Students bought chances provements are that he would like to Mr. Sabol is looking forward for the event that raised money for work on this school year, he replied, to developing rapport with both the the senior class. “ More structure will be implement- staff and students as well as work- Mr. Sabol (left) breaks through ed in the school this year. This will ing collaboratively with staff, stu- the black and gold to kick off the help students develop self-disci- dents, and all stakeholders to pro- Homecoming pep rally. pline and prepare them to become vide the best possible Jr./Sr. High responsible, productive citizens in School education and experience Students in grades 7-12 who would our society. My goal for this year is possible for all students in 7th like to contribute to the next issue to help students develop and achieve through 12th grade. of Bear Facts, should see Ms. Scic in three key areas: Academics, Be- When asked what his favorite any day in the high school art room havior, and Attendance. If students high school memory is, he replied, during remediation or at 2:30 Top- focus on and do well in these three “It does not get any better than play- ics are available or choose one of aspects during their Jr./Sr. High ing football on Friday nights under your own. the lights.”

BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017

STUDENT COUNCIL Seniors ...to the Elks Students of the Month Megan Babinsky, Brendan Ben- for September. nett, Payton Bernardyn, Megan Bisco, Hannah Bruce, Nick Megan Bisco and Nathan Macleary Cavenas, Justin Letcavage, Matt Lewandowski, Kathryn McCarthy, ...to the following seniors who have been elected as Kayla Schmerfeld, Seth Soriano, Leah Van Horn Student Council Officers: President: Megan Bisco Juniors Vice President: Megan Babinsky Michael Ansbach, Brian Boyle, Maddie Byrne, Cade Cunningham, Treasurer: Payton Bernardyn Taylor Evans, Colin Fegley, Cam- Secretary: Brendan Bennett eron Jones, Meredith Rhoades Sophomores ...to the newly elected Class Officers Caitlin Honus, Jordan Karmonick, Daniel Lawrence, Emily Law- SENIORS: President Kayla Schmerfeld rence, Payton Martin, Anthony Vice President Matt Lewandowski Merchlinsky, Alexius Miller, Secretary Sydney Gnall Treasurer Kathryn McCarthy Haydn Wall Freshman John Babinsky, George Budihas, JUNIORS: President Brain Boyle Anna Hanley, Noah Karnish, Isa- Vice President Isabel Casey bella Kramer, Meghan Macleary, Secretary Cade Cunningham Treasurer Meredith Rhoades Cealin McGroarty, Maddison Quick 8th Grade SOPHOMORES: President Jordan Karmonick Allyson Babinsky, McKenna Cav- Vice-President Tony Merchlinsky enas, Kaziah Streisel, Amelia Fet- Secretary Haydn Wall Treasurer Cole Soult co, Ryan Bowles, Kaylee Valinski, Taylor Walsh, Lillian Stoyer 7th Grade FRESHMEN: President Leo Andrewsky Emma Shaller, Drew Pollack, Bobby Vice President Josh Ramos Kaufman, AJ Levy, Jason Dunphy Secretary Cealinn McGroarty Treasurer Kerri Dewitt 7th GRADE: 8th GRADE: President Kaziah Streisel President Andrew Pollack Vice President Santino Napoli Vice President Ben Manley Secretary Amelia Fetco Treasurer Allyson Babinsky Secretary Louis Frye Treasurer Robert Kaufman BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 Homecoming 2017 Candidates and their Escorts

Payton Bernardyn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bernardyn of Gilberton. Payton was escorted by Kristopher Boxter. Megan Babinsky, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Babinsky of Barnes- ville. Megan was escorted by Jacob Witiszin. Congratulations to the 2017 Homecoming Queen, Megan Bisco, and the Megan Bisco, daughter of Mr. and Homecoming Court, Megan Babinsky and Payton Bernardyn. Mrs. Scott Bisco of Barnesville. Megan was escorted by Brendan Hullihan. Bennett Madison Kufro, daughter of Ms. Natasha Cunninghan, daughter of Heidi Hruniuk of Mahanoy City Mrs. Carla Cunningham of Maha- and Beau Kufro of Schuylkill Hav- noy City and Mr. Daniel Cunning- en. Madison was escorted by Daryn ham of Mahanoy City. Natasha was Spalti. escorted by Seth Soriano. Kathryn McCarthy, daughter of Mr. Hannah Bruce, daughter of Mr. and and Mrs. Jack McCarthy of Maha- Mrs. Vladimir Bruce of Barnesville. noy Plane. Kathryn was escorted by Hannah was escorted by Cole Strei- Jordan McGee sel. Destiny Poslosky, daughter of Mr. Devan Fisher, daughter of Mr. and and Mrs. Jaaml Poslosky of Barnes- Mrs. Jason Fisher of Barnesville. ville. Destiny was escorted by Bryce Devan was escorted by Cole Strei- Butcavage. sel. Kayla Schmerfeld, daughter of Sydney Gnall Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmerfeld of She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barnesville. Kayla was escorted by Congratulations to Willie Streis- Steve Gnall of Barneville. Sydney Zachary Rudiman. el for being chosen 2017 Home- was escorted by Shane Miller. Jessica Waldron, daughter of Ms. coming King. This honor was an- Bree Kristopaitis, daughter of Ms. Cathy Caravella and Mr. Christo- nounced by Mrs. Brylewski at the Billie Jo Lindenmuth of New Bos- pher Cramer. Jess escorted by Rob- annual Homecoming pep rally held ton. Bree was escorted by Brandon ert McCarthy. in the stadium. Students in grade HOMECOMING Semi-Formal kindergarten through twelfth grade The Homecoming Semi-Formal was the Mahanoy City Elks Lodge. Stu- attended this event. held on October 8th from 6-9 pm dents were required to be academ- for students in grades 9-12. Tickets ically eligible to attend. Thanks to were seven dollars. It was held at Mrs. Brylewski for organizing this event. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 Making a Difference Last year, the Mahanoy Middle and High Schools tons of aluminum! helped the efforts of a Blue Mountain student, Eliza- Some may wonder why the whole can is not saved. beth Berger, by saving aluminum tabs. - because the tabs are cleaner and easier to store in the Elizabeth wanted to help raise funds to help support House “Tab Hut”.Also, there are several non-profit or- the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA ganizations already collecting cans and the House does and to create greater public awareness of its’ mission. not want to compete with their efforts. Elizabeth collected 270 Only aluminum tabs pounds of tabs! are accepted - not plas- The collection of alu- tic or steel, as in some minum tabs began in juice or nutritional 1996. The aluminum tabs supplement cans. If the are sold to a local recy- tab sticks to a magnet, cling company. Proceeds it cannot be used. help with daily operating For more information expenses at the House. on collecting tabs to The generous amount of support the Ronald tabs collected has been McDonald House, go very beneficial to the to www.rmhc-central- House and the families it serves. Over $240,000 to date pa.org or call 717-533-4001 Ext 152. has been raised from this project - that’s more than 271 2018 Yearbooks on Sale $76.00 ($25.00 deposit is necessary to order)

see Ms. Scic in the high school art room

all books must be ordered before December 1, 2017 (extra books are not guaranteed to be available) BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 Club Briefs

FCCLA National Honor Society FCCLA meets every Wednesday from 2:40-3:00 in National Honor Society Inductions will take place on Mrs. Pepe's room. Applications are still being accept- November 9th at 6:00 pm in the auditorium. All are ed. $18 dues in the form of a check made payable to invited to attend. MA Student Activity fund or cash is due by October 30. See Mrs. Pepe if you would like to participate in the

candy fundraiser to pay for dues. Ski Club Ski and Snowboard Club forms are now available in The Family, Career, and Community Leaders of the office and outside Mrs. Flexer's room! Anyone who America in collaboration with Healthy Mahanoy and is in grades 5-12 is welcome to join the Ski and Snow- the Berks-Schuylkill Counties Food Bank work dili- board Club. All forms are due back to Mrs. Flexer or gently on the first Friday of each month to offer healthy the office by October 27. No exceptions will be made. food for the local residents who qualify. The food pan- try will be held at the Humane Fire Company in Mah- anoy City during the months of November thru March, and will be held at the Family Dollar Store from April thru October. The FCCLA was asked during the summer to provide 4-5 volunteers, who must be 16 years of age, to help sort, inspect, and distribute the food which has all been donated by America's Second Harvest and oth- Art Club er local grocery establishments. Each visit students Members of the Art Club are invited to attend art work- not only work diligently to pack and provide food to shops in the art room on Monday and Tuesdays from low-income families, but also assist with elderly and 4:00 - 5:15. A variety of media is available during this disabled residents to make sure they also can safely get time for students to experience on an individual basis. their food to their cars. Most importantly the FCCLA Currently, students have been working with clay and is meeting their neighbors and learning the importance pouring plaster molds to make ceramic pieces. of helping others whenever possible, and finding -hu mility with themselves. For more information on this project or the Fami- ly, Career, and Community Leaders of America please contact Mrs. Bethany Pepe MS, CFCS at bpepe@ mabears.net

Quiz Bowl Practice will be Oct 31 and Nov 1 in Mrs. Dietrich's room from 2:40 until 3 pm. Please pick up a permission slip for the next competi- tion in Mr. Wiscount's room and return it either to Mr. Wiscount or Mrs. Dietrich by November 2nd. Please stop into Mr. Wiscount's classroom to vote on a t-shirt design and place your order or do so at practice. Students experienced a DUI simulator in the high school Orders will be accepted until Nov 1st. LGI room on October 23. Summer Pavelick watches as Noah Atkins gives it a try. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 Sports Cross Country Soccer Congratulations to the cross country team for winning Any 8th through 11th grade girl interested in playing the Division Championship. The team will be running soccer should sign up in the office. November 4th in Hershey. Good luck! Girls Varsity Runner up to Tamaqua, Girls Varsity Medal Winners Maddison Quick 8th, Megan Babinsky Swimming Any swimmer interested in participating in a swim-a- 17th and Jordan Karmonick 20th. The girls beat Marian thon and/or relay invitational on October 29th, please to win the Division II Championship. Shayla Mullen see Mrs. Karetsky. placed 8th in the Junior Varsity Race. There will be a meeting Monday October 30th in the Boys Varsity Runner up to North Schuylkill, Boys LGI room for all new and returning swimmers Varsity Medal Winners Adam Soriano 6th, Cole Strei- sel 12th, Seth Soriano 15th, Willie Streisel 17th. The boys also won the Division II Championship Wrestling There will be a meeting on Monday, October 30th for anyone in grades 7-12 planning on wrestling this sea- Intramural Basketball son in the HS cafeteria beginning @ 7:45AM. 7th-8th grade intramural coed-basketball will begin Wednesday November 1st. Last day to sign up is Tues- day October 31st. See Mr. Maksimik for registration Golf forms. Congratulations to Kathryn McCarthy for placing at leagues and qualifying for Districts!!!

2017-2018 Elementary Yearbook Opioid Crisis is on sale. Town Hall Meeting November 1, 2017 This book will be HARD COVERED and contain From 6 to 8 PM 72 COLORED pages with events and pictures North Schuylkill High School Auditorium taken throughout the year. 15 Academy Lane Ashland, PA It will be delivered before the end of the school year. From 6 to 7 PM Addiction and Government The cost will be $20. Efforts to Stop Prescription Use- Jason Snyder, PA Dept. of Health Payment has to be made with a check or money Why the opioid epidemic started - order – NO CASH PAYMENT. Dr. Ernest Sully, St. Luke’s Hospital Orders should be placed as soon as possible From 7 to 8 PM but all orders and payment are not due Opioid Epidemic Candidates Forum between until February 16th. District Attorney Christine Holman and Attorney and Mike O’Pake, Challenger BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 Students Explore Engineering Careers at PSU

PhysicsFrank teacher, Mr. Malkemes, took a group of juniors and seniors to Penn State Wilkes Barre on October 26 to explore the field of engineering. This event was de- signed for high school students that are serious about engineering and engineering technology careers. They were able to explore academic majors and career opportunities from engineering faculty and industry representatives who hire Penn State graduates. The students that attended the field trip with Mr. Malkemes were Brandon Snider, Anthony Walters, Brady Andrewsky, Cade Cunningham, Caleb Snyder, Logan Van Horn, Ryan Folk, Thomas Powlus, Kody McKenzie, Brooke Leah Van Horn, Kayla Schmerfeld, Hunter Coleman, McPherson, Hunter Coleman, Jason Astor, Jess Wal- Maddie Mick and Brooke McPherson enjo the day at dron, Kayla Schmerfeld, Leah Van Horn, Maddie Mick, Penn State Wilkes Barre as they explored engineering and Megan, Babinsky. careers.

Veteran’s Day Project Seniors Win Dress Down Day Veterans Day is less than a month away. This will be The Mahanoy Area Life Skills class collected items for the seventh year that our fifth grade students will be the hurricane victims. They focused on items that were sending cards/letters to veterans and active duty mil- needed immediately such as hygiene items, non-perish- itary both near and far. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. able foods, paper products, gloves, cleaning supplies, Brylewski and the high school, we will also be sending and pet supplies. The senior class collected the most an invitation to all local veterans to attend a Veteran’s items and won a free dress down day. Day breakfast and our Veteran’s Day program. If you would like a card/letter sent to someone you know, please email the following to [email protected] Sophomore Sales The 10th grade class is currently selling bracelets and key 1. NAME & ADDRESS chains. Each bracelet (yellow or black) is $1. Each key chain 2. BRANCH of MILITARY (Army, Navy, Air Force, (black only) is $2. Product is available until sellout. Marines, Coast Guard) The 10th grade class will be taking orders for their Butter 3. Any other information that may help the students cre- Braid (frozen danish) fundraiser in October with delivery at ate a personalized card the beginning of November.

This project is always a memorable experience for both During the month of November, 10th grade students will students and the veterans who receive cards. Thank you also be running a Pura Vida bracelet fundraiser. for providing us with names and addresses. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Kelchner at [email protected].

Haunted Hallways Vendor Fair - Nov 11 The Mahanoy Area Haunted Hallways was held in the ju- The vendor fair will be held on Saturday November 11th. nior-senior high school on October 28th from 6 until 8 pm. This is a great opportunity to earn service hours and to earn The cost was $1 or a canned good. Everyone enjoyed the money towards your class dues.. See your class advisor for fun and candy if you made it to the end! information.

BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017

Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. In America today, 11.3 million children are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults. Lights On Afterschool was launched in October 2000 with celebrations in 1,200 communities nationwide. The following year 3,600 events took place. To- day, more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool rallies are held annually, attracting 1 million Americans and media coverage nationwide. Lights On Afterschool is a project of the After- school Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, afford- able afterschool programs. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has served as Chair of Lights On Af- Mrs. Mayberry and this group of students celebrate “From terschool since 2001. Head to Toe, I am Drug Free” day as part of Red Ribbon The Afterschool Alliance salutes the many Lights Week. On Afterschool partners and programs who make this event a success, in particular the After-School All-Stars, The theme for Red Ribbon 2017 week was “Keep your Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 4-H Afterschool, Ju- PAWS off Drugs” Each day was celebrated with a different nior Achievement, the 21st Century Community Learn- focus of dress. On Monday, October 23, students wore as much red as possible to express “Love Yourself. Be Drug ing Centers, Young Rembrandts, and the YMCA of the Free”. On Tuesday , silly socks and hair were the fashion USA. for “From Head to Toe, I am Drug Free”. Everyone donned On Thursday, October 26 , "Lights On" for Af- plaid on Wednesday for “Plaid is Rad, Drugs are Bad.” ter School Programs was celebrated at Mahanoy. Clubs “Toon Out Drugs” required dressing as a cartoon or Disney and teachers were introduced to parents and families character and on Friday, “Hocus Pocus Drugs are Not Our of students that attend the program. Teachers described Focus: Team up Against Drugs” had everyone wearing black the club they teach, students received certificates for and gold. the completion of the first club session and everyone enjoyed looking at the displays of work the students As part of Red Ribbon week, SADD (Students Against completed. After the program, families and teachers Destructive Decisions) advised by Mrs. Stone, collect- were treated to pizza and ice cream. ed items for the Ruth Steinert SPCA.

BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 SPIRIT WEEK Do You Have Pictures

Almost everyone at Mahanoy looks forward to “Spirit You Would Like to See in Week” in October. This week of special activities and fun dress up themes ends with Homecoming festivi- the 2018 Yearbook? ties on Friday evening. Tuesday, October 10 was declared “Lazy days”, when Simply email them to students were able to wear sweatpants or mesh shorts. [email protected] An early dismissal schedule was in place so students and staff could express their school pride by spending or text to 570-573-1655 the afternoon working together to decorate the halls of the high school. Homecoming candidates were introduced in the gym before the decorating began.“- Decade day” was the theme for Wednesday. Students Theatre Arts to Perform dressed in fashions from a different era. Thursday was “Twin Day” Students dressed identically to someone Broadway Variety Show else. Of course, Friday was “Black and Gold Day”. The school wide pep rally was held in the stadium. November 17 and 18 Heading the Variety Show will be Brendan Bennett, Nathan Macleary, MJ Terry, Nick Cavenas, Robby McCarthy, Megan Bisco, Payton Bernardyn, Megan Babinsky, Kathryn McCarthy and Hannah Bruce. In addition to the major roles, a large number of students are either singers or dancers or both! Don’t miss the show! It is guaranteed to entertain!

Guidance Corner Elks National Foundation awards college scholarships to a total of 500 high school seniors nationwide through its Most Valuable Student Scholarship Contest. Please visit enf.elks.org/mvs for complete details Deadline is November 27th.

Eighth and ninth grade students will be seeing a presentation on vo-tech education on Oct. 31 at 1:30 in the auditorium. They will be touring the North and South vo-tech buildings on November 15, leaving Mahanoy at approximately 8:15 and returning around 2:15. The administration kicked off the fun of the - Home Junior students will be taking the ASVAB test be- coming pep rally with a cheer. ginning at 8:00 on Tuesday, October 31. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017

“FOR LASTING MEMORIES” Daniel’s

PHOTOGRAPHY 110 West Centre Street Mahanoy City, PA 17948

570-773-2972 BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017

cated in the suburbs of Philadelphia approximately 90 miles from Mahanoy City. Since its inception, Mr. Cur- for Villanova vey has generously expanded the program which now supports several Villanova-bound students each year from MAHS and four other high schools in northern Schuylkill County. At Villanova, Curvey Scholars are also eligible to apply for the Curvey Fellowships. Cur- vey Fellowships provide students a unique opportunity to explore interests outside of the classroom. Curvey Fellows have studied marine biology in Australia, visited animal sanctuaries and ancient temples in Sri Lanka, studied ancient civilizations in Greece and explored the cultures of South America. To date, forty-one students have benefited from this program and there are up to 16 Curvey Scholars on campus each year. The Scholars form an immediate connection at Villanova and quickly become a tight-knit group. Curvey Scholars serve as resources and friendly faces in a new environment for the freshmen each year. The group shares ideas on classes and careers, sched- ules rides home on semester breaks and have created a community within a community at Villanova. Mahanoy City is extremely fortunate to have Mr. Curvey as a native son who remembers his roots and remains committed to helping our students obtain a well-rounded educational experience at Villanova. The programs he has established at Villanova have changed lives and provided opportunities that would not be This group of seniors visited the campus of Villanova available anywhere else. As you consider college op- University on October 23, where they toured the cam- tions for your son or daughter, we encourage you to in- pus and learned about the application process, as well vestigate Villanova University and the Curvey Scholars as the James C. Curvey Scholarship. Program. The application fee is waived for Mahanoy This unique scholarship was established through the Area seniors so there is no added cost to apply for this generosity of James C. Curvey, a Mahanoy City native valuable opportunity. and a graduate of both Mahanoy City High School and If you would like more information or have any Villanova University. questions, please contact Jen Marshall, guidance coun- When it was established in 1999, The Curvey Schol- selor at MAHS, at 570-773-3443, ext. 4036, or Chris arship provided support for one MAHS student to at- Kovolski at Villanova University, 610-519-7450. tend Villanova University. Villanova University is lo-

Senior Pictures Due to Yearbook Picture Day Check the list outside Ms. Scicc’s room to see if she Picture Day is Wednesday, November 1st. Students are received your yearbook photos. The deadline to turn required to have their picture taken for their student ID, them in is October 31st otherwise you may not be in but do not need to purchase a package. the yearbook. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017

The Schuylkill Travel Scholarship Chamber Foundation is proud to be the Available sponsoring organization of the Young EF Educational Tours is offering a scholarship to any Entrepreneurs Acad- 9-12 grade student who submits their innovative ideas emy (YEA!) for the on how to use technology to generate positive change. youth community All applicants must apply by November 1. See paper partnering with Penn posted outside Mrs. Gettig’s door for more details. State Schuylkill as the host site. The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, in collaboration with many community partners, is excited to bring this Blue Shirt Day nationally recognized program to our area for the second year. On Thursday, September 14, a representative Recognized at Mahanoy from the Schuylkill Chamber YEA! Program spoke to The first Monday of each October is Blue Shirt Day® Mahanoy students in grades 7-10. World Day of Bullying Prevention™ which signi- The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a fies the importance of National Bullying Prevention groundbreaking and exciting yearlong after school pro- Awareness Month each October. Mahanoy recognized gram that transforms middle and high school students this effort by encouraging everyone to wear a blue shirt into real, confident entrepreneurs. The students will be- on October 2 gin by identifying ideas and recognizing opportunities. They will research and develop business plans with the help of their instructor and mentors. The students Students Artwork will pitch their business to an Investment Panel, com- posed of sponsors who may choose to invest in these on Exhibit new businesses. The students will actually launch their business and then introduce these businesses at a Trade Congratulations to the following students for having Show in the spring. their artwork selected to be on exhibit at the Schuylkill YEA! Schuylkill is maintained by a student tuition as Haven Walk-In Art Center for the months of Septem- well as investments from the local business community. ber and October: Darrel Sippie, Shayla Mullen, Brian Scholarships are available. Boyle, Abbey McGee, Serena Bennett, Peyton Martin, Business leaders are an integral part of the YEA! class- Jordan Karmonick and Caitlin Honus. es, as they are asked to participate in a variety of ways. Speaking to classes, teaching, opening their business How to Handle Haters

Not everyone will be impressed by what you do online. Blood Drive A Success In fact, some people might be jealous of the attention Thank you once again for making another Blood Drive you get and say nasty things. If you’re being targeted, a success here at Mahanoy Area. Twenty units were don’t respond to the bully. Block them and tell a parent donated. Special thanks to our maintenace and cafete- or adult at school. Do the same if you are being threat- ria staff. I want to thank our first time donors, you did ened or someone is asking for or sending inappropriate great! pictures - you’ll need an adult to help you get the police Our next drive will be on February 8th in memory of involved. Go to stopbullying.gov to learn more. Senator Rhoades and will be open to the public. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 Class Officer Election Thoughts By: Ashley Walker and Summer Pavelick On the 7th grade election... well as the treasurer and secretary. In the future I’d like “I honestly want Hailey because she has been my best to see more students get involved in the student govern- friend for a while. I honestly think she’s really going to ment and the election.” – Anonymous do good things for the school if she wins. She opens to “Freshmen didn’t really have a good election. The peo- new ideas to everyone and she is amazing.” - Kylie D. ple who ran weren’t serious. One person ran for secre- “When electing class officers or anyone to a position tary and one ran for treasurer, so it wasn’t that big of an of leadership you should always consider the qualities election.” -Anonymous of the candidates. Qualities that I feel are noteworthy On the 10th grade election... of my vote would be respect, responsibility, reliability, “The 10th grade class did not have too much competi- organization, and service to the organization you are tion with voting this year. Secretary was a close call be- being looked at to lead.” – Mrs. B tween Zack and Haydn, but all other officers will con- On the 8th grade election... tinue with their office positions from 9th grade.” –Mrs. “Being this was the first high school election for the Kelchner Class of 2022, I think it went better than expected. I “My class is a good group of people and there is hope believe students were hesitant at the new process of for this class. But, I hope Anthony wins because he is a petitions and speeches. Mrs. Wislosky and I were im- cool guy.” -Anonymous pressed with the classes’ acclimation to the process.” On the 11th grade election... –Mrs. Hemming “People had controversial thoughts about the election.” On the 9th grade election... –Anonymous “I thought the speeches by the presidential candidates “They’re both highly qualified and I wish them both were well written and presented very well to the fresh- luck.” –Nickolas Kies men class. I feel the president and vice president will “I voted for Brian Boyle because I feel he has more do a very good job representing the freshmen class as potential.” –Anonymous

Students Visit PA Pep Rallies Renaissance Faire By: Sarahi Muniz and Armelle Metellus Mahanoy Area’s second pep rally was LITTT! The students were really excited about the pep rally because there were more activities, like throwing pies in teacher’s faces. The juniors were hype for the game. Some of the teachers that were pied were Mrs. Fegley, Mr. Rog- ers, Mrs.B, Ms. Pollack and etc. Students had a lot of opinions about the pep rally but their favorite part was seeing the Principal, Mr. Sabol and the Vice Principle, Mr. Holmen, get pied. Brandi Levy said her favorite part of the pep rally was seeing teachers getting pied in the face. Devyn King said her favorite part of the pep rally was This group enjoyed a day at the PA Renaissance Faire seeing teachers getting pied in the face, also hearing our on October 12 with Mrs. Pepe, Mr. Nester and Ms. special speaker giving a speech to the football players. Scicchitano. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017

Fooducate Students to Attend So, Are Organic Youth Conference Doritos The following students will be at- unity. tending the Schuylkill County Youth The vision is to organize a coun- Healthier? Conference on Friday, November 3: ty conference that will challenge the Brendan Bennett, Hannah Bruce, intellect of young students, serve as The fastest Michael Ansbach, Maddie Byrne, a problem solving forum, and bring growing seg- Brian Boyle, Cade Cunningham, learners into contact with experts ment in the Taylor Evans, Colin Fegley, Camer- in the field to promote a gathering food industry on Jones and Meredith Rhoades. of young people that will serve as is natural and The purpose of this program is to a catalyst for projects in their home organic foods. establish an annual conference for schools; help them to learn about, Not wanting to be left behind, the high school age students that will share, and appreciate cultural dif- giant food conglomerates are up- promote on-going programs and ac- ferences, and recognize student ac- dating their portfolio to match con- tivities in our schools and commu- complishments and service contri- sumer preferences. PepsiCo, parent nities to foster and enhance cultural butions in the form of an awards of Frito Lay, has introduced organic appreciation, understanding, and versions of Lay's, Tostitos and Dor- itos snacks. We decided to compare the new Suduko organic Doritos product to a similar By: James Leary non-organic version. Both products are almost identical in terms of nu- trients: 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, just one gram of fiber, and 2 grams of protein. However, the nutrition panel doesn't capture all the story. That's why you need to take a good look at the ingredients. The organic Doritos is made of organic ingredients for the most part. It does not have artificial flavors, only natural flavors. Both are essentially the same, so this is more of a marketing gimmick. The organic version doesn't have controversial artificial colors like the reg- ular version. So is this organic Doritos product good for you? Of course not, it's a 150-calo- rie snack, not a health food. Hav- ing said that, it's good to know that when you crave a Doritos, you can now choose one that has a slightly better ingredient list. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2017 About the month of November Significant November Dates Thanksgiving - fourth Thursday in November in the United States; second Monday in October in Canada; commemorates a feast held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians. All Saints’ Day (formerly All Hallows Day), a Christian holy day, is cele- •In the US, about 280 million tur- brated on November 1, the day after Halloween. In Sweden the All Saints’ keys are sold for the Thanksgiving official holiday takes place on the first Saturday of November. celebrations. In Ireland, November 1 is regarded as the first day of Winter. •Each year, the average American In the Roman Catholic calendar, November 2 is All Souls Day. It is known eats somewhere between 16 - 18 in Mexico as el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and the whole month pounds of turkey. of November is especially dedicated to praying for the dead. •Californians are the largest con- Veterans Day: November 11 sumers of turkey in the United Day of the Dead: The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of Novem- States. ber, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints’ Day and All •Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on Souls’ Day which take place on those days. The Day of the Dead (Día de the fourth Thursday in November in los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico and by the United States. people of Mexican heritage (and others) living in the United States and •Although, Thanksgiving is widely Canada. Observance of the holiday in Mexican-American communities in considered an American holiday, the United States has become more important and widespread as the com- it is also celebrated on the second munity grows numerically and economically. The holiday focuses on gath- Monday in October in Canada. erings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives •Black Friday is the Friday after who have died. Traditions include building private altars honoring the de- Thanksgiving in the United States, ceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages where it is the beginning of the tra- of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. ditional Christmas shopping season. Election Day is the first Tuesday after the First Monday of November. In Fun Turkey Facts the United States, elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November. They therefore fall between November 2 and November 8. •The average weight of a turkey In even numbered years, members of the House of Representatives are purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 elected to two-year terms, and about one third of the U.S. Senate are elect- pounds. ed to six-year terms. The President of the United States is elected in years •The heaviest turkey ever raised divisible by four. Most U.S. states, counties, and municipalities have some was 86 pounds, about the size of a part of their election cycle coincident with this date. large dog. The Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Soci- •A 15 pound turkey usually has ety occurs on the (third Thursday of November), one week before Thanks- about 70 percent white meat and 30 giving. Smokers are encouraged to quit smoking for these 24 hours, in percent dark meat. hopes that they will quit forever. •The five most popular ways to National Adoption Day - Saturday before Thanksgiving. serve leftover turkey is as a sand- Thanksgiving Day - Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday of Novem- wich, in stew, chili or soup, casse- ber. roles and as a burger. The day after Thanksgiving in the USA is A famous day for shopping •Turkey has more protein than known as “Black Friday.” chicken or beef. Buy Nothing Day is the day after Thanksgiving in the USA and is ob- •Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at served as a holiday against Black Friday. maturity. Monday immediately following Thanksgiving Day in the USA is Cyber •Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. Monday. They make a clucking noise.