Volume 43 Issue 7 Student Newspaper Of Shaler Area High School May 2017

Masonby Sarah namedHefferin teacher PA to be a finalistTeacher for of Year finalist the award. She had been Shaler Area’s own Mr. Greg Mason has been se- nominated in 2013, 2014, lected as a finalist for the 2018 PA Teacher of the 2015 and in 2016 where Year. she was a finalist. Back in March, Mason, a high school science “It was a humbling teacher, and Kristin Tepshich, a high school choral experience to become director, had both been deemed semi-finalists for the a finalist and to be in- award. ducted into the National Both educators are extremely involved with the State Teacher of the Year school district and their students, and Mason was se- (NSTOY) organization,” lected by the Department of Education Leung said. “As a mem- (PDE). ber of the organization, I Mason teaches STEAM classes for 9th graders, have had the opportunity and physics for 11th and 12th graders. He has also to work with outstanding helped with the annual homecoming parade and the educators across Pennsyl- STEAM competition at Shaler High School. This vania.” is his third time being nominated for teacher of the Leung was nominat- year, but this is his first time truly applying. ed by the head principal, The PA Teacher of the Year award is an award Dr. Timothy Royall, who Mr. Mason works with two of his students. that has been given out every year since 1961. Any recognized her for her work cation even has a part in the selection process. parent, student, teacher, or a member of the com- in the district as a science teacher. As a teacher, Mason loves what he does and is munity can nominate a teacher for the award. The “The NSTOY application process is a long pro- very happy and surprised that he made it to the finals. teacher must meet a select number of criteria to be cess that requires a teacher to critically analyze their “I’m shocked, I don’t feel like I’m any better considered for a nomination and from there, a board teaching methods and educational philosophies. than any of the teachers here...but I like what I do, selects educators to move on. From the experience I learned a lot about my views it’s not a lie,” Mason said. Teachers can get nominated at any time, but they as an educator and was able to reflect on my current The experience for Mason is humbling, and he is only have the chance to move forward in the selec- teaching methods,” Leung said. “I was honored to be glad that Shaler is being recognized for its talented tion process if they submit an application for the po- nominated by Dr. Royall because there are many out- teachers, with at least 14 nominations this year alone. tential of getting the award. standing educators throughout the school district and This event puts a positive light on Shaler area and Education is something that Pennsylvania val- it was amazing to have the opportunity to represent further exemplifies the commendable and sometimes ues, and this is a long standing award to reward the Shaler Area.” unappreciated educators they have. educators that reside here. Leung knows the difficulties that the selection “It’d be a cool recognition. I could say that I “Teaching is more than a profession — it is a process entails, but she also is encouraging of other peaked in high school all over again,” Mason said. calling,” Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said teachers to apply for the Teacher of the Year award “But it would be a nice honor to bring back to the regarding the chosen finalists announced during an because it is an opportunity to strengthen and reward district...to let people know that there’s a lot of good education press release. “This year’s finalists repre- work as educators. She hopes that teachers apply, be- that goes on here.” sent the countless dedicated Pennsylvania educators cause no matter what, it benefits the teacher. Mason will not get the results until December, whose work is changing the lives of their students “The NSTOY application process is a great op- when he will attend the ceremony in Hershey at the and shaping our communities.” portunity that pushes you to become a better educa- PDE’s annual professional development conference Shaler has had eleven teachers recognized for tor. My main recommendation is to make sure the ap- for educators. Until then, he has to continue to pre- Teacher of the Year, with some being recognized plication process represents your best work because pare and endure plenty of teasing from co-workers. multiple years. They include, Mr. Peter Brough, if that is the case then regardless of the outcome you “Anytime I screw up, it becomes an automatic Mr. Dennis Dudley, Mrs. Nicole Kutzner, Ms. Jade have succeeded,” Leung said. insult, like ‘and you’re teacher of the year?’ They Leung, Mr. Adam Rosenwald, Mrs. Debra Shvach, Mason is now one of twelve finalists for the don’t let me forget it, haha. It is a cool honor though. Mr. Paul Stadelman, Mr. Tim Taylor, and Mr. George award for 2018. As a finalist, he will have to submit I had a couple of coworkers nominate me this year... and Mrs. Kristin Tepshich. videos of himself teaching among other things, so the they know who’s putting in the time and the effort, so Ms. Jade Leung is currently the only other Shaler board can review. The national Department of Edu- that in itself is an honor,” Mason said. “13 Reason Why” giving many reasons for concern by Marua Fisher & through the perspective of Clay Jensen, show that delivers an important mes- Awareness Voices of Education in an Gabi Girton who was Hannah’s only real friend. sage. They think that by making the interview with ABCNews Mental Health specialists are wor- show and the events that take place in Although the show does bring Jay Asher’s popular 2007 novel, ried about how students might interpret it so real, it will reinforce the severity awareness to suicide, the show never “13 Reasons Why”, has recently been the message of the show. Guidance of suicide and bullying. talks about causes of suicide, mainly turned into a Netflix sensation. The counselors and social workers believe There are certain guidelines that being depression. Depression is a men- show is especially popular with high that “13 Reasons Why” may provoke shows have to follow when dealing tal illness characterized by persistently schoolers and young adults. Because copycat suicides because the show is with issues such as suicide. “13 Rea- depressed mood or loss of interest in of the topics and issues covered in the very graphic in the portrayal of Han- sons Why” does not follow any of activities, causing significant impair- show, “13 Reasons Why” has started nah’s suicide and other events. them. When addressing suicide, shows ment in daily life. One of the guidelines conversations about the messages that “For those who may struggle with are encouraged to show alternatives to a show addressing suicide is supposed the show delivers, and how those mes- similar challenges as Hannah or live suicide, address mental illness and de- to follow is to address depression, and sages are received. with their own vulnerabilities, the pression, and not show the act of sui- “13 Reasons Why” does not directly The show covers the life of 17-year- overall message of this series may get cide. mention it. old Hannah Baker, who killed herself, distorted into a sense that suicide is a “The show actually doesn’t pres- “13 Reasons Why” graphically leaving behind 13 tapes as to why she natural way of solving life’s struggles. ent a viable alternative to suicide. The shows Hannah Baker’s suicide, and decided to do so. The tapes are about It is not,” Co-Chairman of the Pennsyl- show doesn’t talk about mental illness therefore shows how somebody could specific people who are classmates of vania Youth Suicide Prevention Initia- or depression. My thoughts about the go about killing him/herself. For this Hannah’s who had some influence on tive, Matthew Wintersteen said. series are that it’s probably done more reason, specialists on the topic are her suicide, and the tapes pass along However, some viewers think harm than good,” said Dan Reiden- Cont. on page 2 through all 13 people. The story is told that “13 Reasons Why” is a very good berg, the executive director for Suicide Page 2 The Oracle May 2017 OPINIONS

Studentsby Kaitlin Parenteshould takeneed to take anadvantage additional lab science over a fine of arts manyelective important lessons for options students, but many will class or a home ec class. gloss over the courses. When scheduling classes for the upcoming The electives, while they may not pertain an in- This brings me to wondering if adding a liberal school year, selecting what electives to take can be tended college major, are very important in creating arts requirement to each student’s schedule would be difficult to pick. a well-rounded student. worth it. While Shaler Area offers 144 electives classes, Public Speaking and Creative Writing are two Shaler Area used to require a technology credit there has been a significant decrease in enrollment English department electives that barely made the cut to graduate, but that was removed when iPads were for electives as a whole. to run next year due to low enrollment. These classes, given to each student. This requirement was made to The English department in particular is strug- which do not offer college credits or are considered hopefully benefit students in future. gling to recruit enough students to run a majority of to be a requirement for college ready students, offer Each elective class has an important skill or les- their elective courses. very important skills which can be useful for the rest son to be learned. While, yes, it is impossible to take There is no significant decrease in Shaler Area of your life, especially in almost all careers. every elective, it is important that students are able enrollment, nor is there an increase in students elect- But, because of the path secondary education is to “put themselves out there” and take a class they ing for a study hall. Beattie and work release have headed, many students are more concerned with get- wouldn’t normally take. continued to have stagnant numbers. ting as many college classes out of the way while it’s With the addition of a one credit liberal arts Within the past couple of years, there has been a affordable as they can. The harsh reality of college requirement, this could not only bring students significant increase in students electing to take two has hit students harder now than ever. to find a subject that genuinely interests them, lab science classes and not take electives. Essentially, for a full four years of college, a but it also may add to finding the perfect major It is starting to seem like students are taking majority of students will end up with a debt of over for students. If students are not able to pull any- double AP lab sciences for the exclusive reasoning of $100,000. thing out of those electives, then at least students getting the AP credits now to get it out of the way for Because of this overbearing debt hanging over are able to say that they tried a particular subject. college. While, yes, this is great and an amazing op- today’s college-bound high schoolers, many feel that High school should be fun. Students should not portunity for students, I don’t believe this is always taking classes that won’t potentially decrease the cost have to worry about taking seven AP science lab the case. of college tuition is not worth it. classes before graduation so that they can have Any student at any given time in this high school However, I believe that it is extremely important slightly decreased college tuition. Taking different will probably tell you about being stressed or bogged to take electives that seem compelling and spike in- elective classes that can open new life opportunities down with school work. Students shouldn’t feel the terest. Fine arts classes and shop classes can offer so should be encouraged and enforced.

“13from page Reason 1 Why” giving many reasons for concern concerned that the show could lead to copycat sues described in the show are manipulated to fit suicides because people will over identify with Han- “For those who may struggle daily situations students face, and normalize suicide nah and the issues she went through. as a response. Most students do not even realize the “Some kids who are feeling targeted and are with similar challenges as seriousness of what they are doing, plus this influx feeling like victims of that high school behavior Hannah or live with their of suicide related posts can actually be triggering to could see it as an opportunity to get revenge and to people. solve their problem in an inappropriate way,” Social own vulnerabilities, the The Shaler Area High School Counseling Of- worker LeeAnn Guido said. fice wants to remind you that their doors are always The show also includes a guidance counselor overall message of this se- open. The counselors will always make time to talk who is unhelpful. This worries professionals because ries may get distorted into a about whatever issues you may be going through after watching this show, kids who need help might and whatever thoughts you may be having. There are not come to see their guidance counselors because sense that suicide is a natural many different resources to use if you are consider- “13 Reasons Why” portrayed the role so terribly. way of solving life’s strug- ing suicide, inside and outside of school. Guidance counselors are professionally trained If you are anybody you know are having suicidal on how to deal with these types of situations. The gles. It is not.” thoughts, these contacts and websites are available at response Mr. Porter, the guidance counselor in the -- Matthew Wintersteen all times. It is also strongly recommended that you show, gave, perpetuates the idea that students strug- can talk to a parent or a trusted adult. gling with suicidal thoughts are will not be able to ReSOLVE Crisis Network: 1-888-796-8226. find help and support. www.upmc.com/resolvecrisis “Mr. Porter’s response was more than just a lack of understanding on how to They can talk to you over the phone, or send a team of professionals to your deal with a suicidal student. He was almost intentionally bad...To me it was like location to talk you through the crisis. they were intentionally making his response as horrible as they possibly could National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text have,” Guido said. “START” to 741741 Though the show doesn’t cover suicide in the recommended way, “13 Rea- www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org sons Why” addressed some other very serious issues that high schoolers deal We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confi- with. The show covers peer pressure, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, sexuality dential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or and rape. Drugs and alcohol have a strong presence in the show, and they often your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. contribute to some of the bad things that happen. Drunk driving is touched on as The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 well as alcoholism. The students use drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. www.thetrevorproject.org “13 Reasons Why” demonstrates how dangerous these everyday things can be. The Trevor Project is an American non-profit organization founded in 1998 “I do think that the show does a good job addressing the issues that teenagers focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender face on a daily basis. I know those things happen,” Guido said. and questioning and other queer youth. Another serious issue the show addresses is rape and sexual harassment. Hannah was stalked, was a victim of sexual assault, was raped, and was a witness The Oracle to the rape of another student. Rape culture is prominent in the series and the graphic scenes showing it may affect real life victims. Portrayals like these can Staff: ...... Tom Castello, Davis Deasy, Addeline Devlin, Maura Fisher, make the victim feel very low. Gabrielle Girton, Sarah Hefferin, Bridget Nickel, Tanner Nowakowski, Shannon Because the show is so popular, “13 Reasons Why” is showing up all over O’Leary, Kaitlin Parente, Cece Robinson, Tim Templin social media through news articles, fan posts, and even memes. The serious is- Faculty Advisor: ...... Mr. Eric Schott

The Oracle is the official student newspaper of Shaler Area High School. Although it is published by the journalism classes, one does not have to be enrolled in a class to contribute. Opinions expressed in The Oracle are those of the individual writers. Letters to the Editor are encouraged and welcome. Any letter intended for publication must be signed, but names will be withheld upon request. Articles and letters may be mailed to the high school (ATTN: The Oracle) or emailed to [email protected].

Follow us on Twitter @ShalerOracle The Oracle reserves the right to condense or omit any letters or articles unfit for publication. May 2017 The Oracle Page 3 Mr. Dudley to retire after 42 years of teaching by Shannon O’Leary His favorite part about teaching both classes is being able to see students develop their attitudes and After 42 years of teaching, Physics teacher Mr. work ethic as the year progresses. Dennis Dudley, will be retiring after this school year. “I think the most rewarding thing is to see a stu- Known for teaching both AP and CP Physics, Mr. dent who might not be a very good worker at the Dudley has managed to impact the lives of hundreds beginning, become a good worker. They may not al- of students as well as becoming a favorite of many. ways be successful but I don’t care too much about Mr. Dudley’s personal experiences and natural that; I want to see that they put forth effort and try talent for public speaking ultimately led him in the to do things on their own and make mistakes, but direction of becoming a teacher. continue anyway,” he said. “I loved high school, really I had such a great Perhaps it is that constant embodiment of mo- time in high school. I’ve also never been shy so I tivation and dedication to his students that enables have always been able to talk in front of people and Mr. Dudley to become a favorite teacher to many I enjoyed it. My own experience in school and my students. Current AP Physics student, Cory Nasi- ability to talk in front of people made me want to be adka, has seen Mr. Dudley’s constant willingness to a teacher,” he said. help his students this year firsthand. Upon graduating from college, his teaching ca- “Although the subject can be complicated and reer began at Seton La Salle High School 42 years frustrating, Mr. Dudley is always open and avail- ago, where he taught for 20 years while coaching able to help us when we need it. My favorite part football at Keystone Oaks. Because of a lack of has been the freedom that he’s given us throughout teachers at Seton La Salle and his certification in any Mr. Dennis Dudley the year. He has taught me to be more responsible science course except Chemistry, Mr. Dudley’s great- and work with others when given a challenge; he the new science wing and improvement to the facility est challenges occurred when he had to teach new has helped all of us get through a very challenging as a whole. courses, and many of them at the same time. year in Physics,” Nasiadka said. Another change he has seen and adapted to is the “The biggest challenges were years when I had Nasiadka also believes that being in Mr. Dud- amount of work that students are willing to do out- to teach probably four or five different courses, es- ley’s class this year has really helped him improve side of school. pecially when I taught AP Biology, regular Biology, basic skills like time management and working with “I’ve really had to vary my methods to realize AP Physics, Honors Physics, and regular Physics. We others, as well as character development through that many-- especially your ‘typical’ students-- are didn’t have as many teachers then so I had to teach various lectures. not going to do a lot of work outside of school so I whatever I could,” he said. “Mr. Dudley encourages us to be better people, have had to adjust to allow more work to be done in Living in Shaler, though, he was excited when he especially when others are not looking. We have been class,” he said. met the Shaler Area head football coach at a meeting, given several character related speeches this year, He currently teaches both CP and AP Physics, who was interested in hiring him. Coincidentally, giving us advice and assuring us that we will all be but he is unable to choose a “favorite” subject to that summer a science position opening occurred. successful. It is obvious to everyone in the class that teach. Because of the advancement in AP Physics, he After applying, he became a teacher at Shaler Area. he truly cares about all of us as people and is very is able to do more in-depth things with the students, Over the span of 22 years teaching at Shaler Area, dedicated to helping us succeed. Like some teachers, but he really enjoys the students’ personalities and Mr. Dudley has been able to not only meet hundreds challenges he faces in his CP classes while trying to Cont. on page 7 of students, but he has witnessed the development of help them.

CMUby Addeline shows Devlin and control.off CMU hasautonomous experts in all vehicles, robots of these areas and a culture of col- Twenty years ago, the idea of self laboration,” NREC director and re- driving cars and human-like robots search professor Tony Stentz said. seemed unrealistic and unimagina- NREC’s major projects involve ble. Over the past decade, autonomous vehicles. These vehi- has made a name for itself in the ro- cles do not require a driver and are botics industry and helped to make able to sense its surrounding envi- these futuristic projects come to life. ronment and navigate roads. There In fact, with Carnegie Mellon being are a variety of these vehicles from the world’s leading robotics institute, regular cars all the way to mining Pittsburgh continues to advance. trucks. The National Robotics Engineer- When it comes to the cars, you ing Center (NREC), a unit in Carn- may have actually seen them out on egie Mellon’s Robotics Institute, first the roads.They use models like the opened and had a goal of creating a Toyota Prius for testing because the new age of “thinking robots”.Over size calls for easy navigation. The the years, the center has researched vehicles contain many different sen- and experimented with intelligent sors, cameras and other advanced manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, technology that make autonomous National Robotics Engineering Center’s “CHIMP” robot. space-related robots, medical robotics, driving possible. of these are used to correct inaccurate once they’re perfected, they will be nano-machines, computer vision and On the top of the cars, there is a 360 positioning that may occur when us- available for consumer purchase. The graphics and anthropomorphic robots. degree light sensor that is able to deter- ing the GPS. It is important to provide first fully functioning autonomous Exploring NREC and seeing all mine the distance between obstacles on as many resources as possible when it vehicles will most likely be used for of their upcoming projects was very the road and the sensor. On the front comes to improving accuracy. public transportation, and will be seen interesting.Walking through the doors of the vehicle near the headlights there One major misconception with the in more urban regions to avoid risks looked like a scene from the future. are infrared and radio detection rang- autonomous vehicles is that a human caused on the highways. There were “robots” everywhere, even ing sensors. Both of these help with driver is not required. As of right now, There are many other projects though they did not look like your typi- sensing obstacles that may be present the vehicles are not perfected for long going on at NREC that involve au- cal robots. There were vehicles of all on the road and can even detect lane term driving so a human driver is pres- tonomous vehicles as well. The only sizes including tanks. The engineers at markings, pedestrians and bicycles. ent in case of emergency. The vehicles vehicles at the moment that can com- NREC perform tasks such as program- These cars will also be able to nav- can successfully perform short term pletely navigate on its own without hu- ming to testing out these machines and igate all on their own. Along with the tasks like emergency braking and lane man interaction are mining vehicles. robots on a regular day. sensors, the vehicles are equipped with warnings, but they still need to be im- These are big tank-like vehicles that “CMU is a great place for building many GPS systems. One GPS system proved on driving for longer periods of are used in mines in Australia. The idea robots. Robots require a broad range is placed on the top of the car using time and any crisis situations that may for these vehicles came about because of technologies: sensors, mechanisms, satellites to triangulate its position. occur. mining areas can be very dangerous for user interfaces, simulation, and soft- Inside the car, there are prebuilt maps Another misconception associated humans to operate in. ware for perception, motion planning and an inertial navigation system. Both with the autonomous vehicles is that Cont. on page 7 Page 4 The Oracle May 2017

Townby BridgetHall Nickel meetingDuring theheld first hour ofto the addressmeeting there was be affecting opiate each and every family,” crisis Brophy said. a workshop consisting of various tables and booths. After the meeting, Brophy and others involved From 2008 to 2014, Shaler Township has had the Some booths were treatment centers staffed with received an outpouring of positive feedback. Ev- third most overdose deaths of all Allegheny County employees while others consisted of treatment re- ery person that spoke was contacted individually municipalities, according to a report from the Drug sources including information and pamphlets. Other and praised for what he spoke about and praised the Enforcement Administration. To do something about tables were hosted by support groups and non-profit event, saying how impacting the stories were and this problem, there was a town hall meeting held in organizations. There were also interactive workshops how well it was received by the audience. the high school auditorium on April 20 called “Sub- including tools to help identify opiate abuse, teen de- After sitting in on several other meetings held by stance Use & Mental Wellness: Solutions for a Better pression, teen mental health and wellness. other districts, Brophy and DeMore paid close atten- Tomorrow.” After the workshop hour there were several tion at each one to see how the Town Hall meeting at Dr. Tom Brophy, a Shaler Area graduate, who is speakers each talking about different things. Brophy Shaler could be most effective. currently an emergency medicine physician, has seen started the lecture discussing how addiction affects “We paid close attention to the others to see how the transformation of the opiate epidemic and wanted the brain, how opiate addiction changes the addict we could strive to make the Shaler meeting better to do something about it. A couple of years ago Bro- and different treatment options. Following Brophy, than the rest. This is the reason we had the workshops phy partnered up with anoth- DeMore spoke during the first hour, as well as recruited people with er Shaler Area graduate, Joe “This opiate epidemic is affect- about how the local ties to speak. We feel this gave it a much greater DeMore, who is the warden Town Hall meet- impact,” Brophy said. of the Butler County Jail and ing almost every family in the ing came to be and Although this was the first Shaler Town Hall works with the Butler Coun- also shared his meeting on opiates, Brophy is hoping to make this ty commissioners on the But- country, and in the Shaler Area personal experi- a recurring event. Brophy believes that only have ler Opiate Task Force. Both we have seen these devastat- ence of losing his one meeting will not accomplish much among the Brophy and DeMore were brother to a heroin district. He hopes this can become a Fall and Spring affected by family members ing effects. We will not get overdose. event as the crisis evolves and thinks that with the and friends struggling with Conor Lamb suggestions from the audience each meeting could heroin addiction. far by ignoring the problem. and Detective become more effective. “We both made a prom- Rather, if we stand together Shawn Stelitano There was a table held specifically for sugges- ise that we would use our discussed what tions to make the next meeting more effective. positions to help do some- as a community, we can make is being done at “One of the things we asked are what else people thing about the opiate crisis. things better, and we can the federal level want to hear about, who do they want to hear from, We are both passionate about about this crisis what topics would they like emphasized, etc. This is spreading awareness and make the district a safer place and also what the all in hopes that with future recurring events, we are battling this epidemic in both Shaler Police De- able to give the people what they want to see and hear our professional lives and for our children.” partment is doing about,” Brophy said. “We hope that this will make our personal lives, as well,” --Dr. Tom Brophy about the epidem- this as interactive as possible, rather than people Brophy said. ic locally and the showing up to hear someone lecture just to go home After the overdoses and deaths of their friends different experi- with no active participation.” who were Shaler Area Alumni, they both received ences the officers have had with opiates. Depending on the feedback from the public as calls from other alumni. After hearing the fear and “We felt that this group of speakers would give well as the direction Aiken would like to go in for concern from others, they decided to reach out. Af- a broad perspective and would include the medical this crisis, Brophy has a high hope that this is being ter making a post on Facebook, there was an over- side and judicial side with some personal experiences supported strong enough to become an annual or bi- whelming support in favor of holding a town meeting intermixed. Overall, I do feel that it had the desired annual event. in Shaler. effect and was very well received,” Brophy said. “This is a constantly evolving problem, and we DeMore got in contact with the Shaler Area su- To close the meeting, there was a Q&A session must meet again and again to keep up with the chang- perintendent, Mr. Sean Aiken, about the meeting and which was one of the most valuable part of the event, es, and to truly have a positive impact on the big pic- a week later the two were in Aiken’s office discussing according to several people that attended. ture. I do feel that by pulling together as a commu- ideas for the Town Hall meeting. “The Q&A session at the end showed how much nity, that we can make things better in our district,” “Anytime we are faced with a dangerous issue people paid attention and also how much it seems to Brophy said. such as the current opiate epidemic, the first thing we must do is educate everyone, squash ignorance, and assist people in getting the help they want and need,” Brophy said. “Whether that be a treatment program, or simply a support resource, we need to take care of each other as a community. From my experience, Shaler Area residents are great at stepping up and taking care of each other. I hope that with these meet- ings we can show that to be an ongoing theme, even when faced with something as massive and problem- atic as the current opiate epidemic.” After getting all of the dates and details settled, Brophy decided to have his treatment clinic, Trinity Wellness Services sponsor the event because of the costs and marketing that needed to be covered for the event. This also gave Brophy and DeMore a way to inform people through social media by using the business as a platform. “Our goal with the meetings is to start this pro- cess, by educating people on the facts and giving people the tools and resources they need to prevent addiction, recognize addiction when it’s occurring, and help streamline themselves and loved ones into treatment when abuse and addiction are discovered,” Brophy said. “I think the overall message is that this opiate epidemic is affecting almost every family in the country, and in the Shaler Area we have seen these devastating effects. We will not get far by ig- noring the problem. Rather, if we stand together as a community, we can make things better, and we can make the district a safer place for our children.” The meeting was scheduled from 6-9pm, but due to a lengthy question and answer segment at the end of the meeting, it lasted until around 10pm. May 2017 The Oracle Page 5 Are you on Snapchat? La Roche College is too!

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Multi-sportby Tom Castello athletesthe ability to stop, plant gettingyour feet, use your hands, harderthat college coaches like to when playersfind are multi- and get the ball at the highest point. Well you need sport athletes. High school sports have evolved drastically over to go play basketball or volleyball and you need to “I’m going to be straight up honest here, unless the past several years. Student athletes used to have obtain those different skill sets that you aren’t going John Calipari, or a major league scout is coming to time to play multiple sports throughout the year, but to get just from focusing on being a defensive back,” all your games/practices and offers you a full-schol- nowadays, that has changed to where athletes only Ryan said. arship as a sophomore, play as many sports as you have time for one sport partially because the coaches Athletes today are not getting the right attention can. Being an athlete in multiple sports is 100% ap- are pushing to practice all year. that is required. Players are pealing to college coaches. I would say around 80- Also, athletes are now more “Unless John Calipari or a put under more pressure in 90% of my college teammates played multiple sports focused on one sport because major league scout is coming today’s sports world and can’t in high school. And of those kids, probably 50% of they feel this is the best way to always make up their mind them could have accepted a scholarship to play a play at the next level, but look to all your games/practices on what is right for them. All sport other than baseball,” at the best athletes of today’s and offers you a full- they worry about is going to One of the biggest things that people can also see professional sports world; they scholarship as a sophomore, college to play a sport and one sport athletes suffer from is burning out or even were almost all multi-sport ath- that is the only thing going injuries. letes in high school. play as many sports as you through their mind. In an online article titled Is it Wise to Specialize “Mainly this transition oc- can.” “As culture changes, as on changingthegameproject.com, there are statistics curred because of specialization. -- Ryan Mincher society changes, as expecta- that show that specializing in one sport can actually Kids wanted to be successful in 2012 Shaler Area grad tions change so do the pres- hurt an athlete especially at a younger age. One thing high school. They wanted to get sures on an athlete. It’s a that really stands out is that 50% of kids who play one to college and play and the feel- mindset of, ‘I have to do this, sport suffered an overuse injury. These athletes are ing was that they needed to specialize and concen- if I don’t do this I won’t go to college, I won’t be suc- using the same muscle and it ends up hurting them. trate on one sport,” athletic director Clint Rauscher cessful’,” Mr. Ben Yeckel, assistant varsity baseball If you played baseball all year long, your shoulder said. coach, said. would take a beating. He also has said that part of this transition is not Ryan Mincher, a 2012 Shaler Area graduate, Not only is there is physical price to pay by con- only the players, but definitely the coaches. Coaches who played Division 1 baseball in college, never centrating on one sport, but there is mental wear and want their athletes to specialize in one sport and fo- focused only on baseball as a Titan. Mincher was a tear that may not be as easy to diagnose or to fix. cus on it all year around, but what coaches may not three-sport athlete who was a quarterback in football, “I’m not really all in on the year round “training” realize is specialization could be hurting the athlete. shortstop in baseball and point guard in basketball. aspects. I think kids can get burnt out and run their Mr. Jim Ryan, a Shaler Area graduate who played “Playing three sports in high school 100% ben- bodies into the ground if they are spending hours and football at Slippery Rock University, has been an as- efited me across the board. Baseball, basketball, and hours on training and weightlifting. I’ve witnessed sistant varsity football coach at Shaler Area and also football all require different skill sets, all compli- some of my close friend’s burn out from making Deer Lakes. He is now the head coach for track and menting each other. Baseball taught me how to deal some of those decisions. However, I am all-in for field and the 8th grade football coach at Shaler Area, with failure on a daily basis and ways to push through kids playing games year round. AAU basketball, 7-7 and is on the side of non-specialization. that failure. In my opinion, basketball is the ultimate football camps, pickup basketball, wiffle-ball in the “Do you want a one dimensional, two dimen- team sport, especially the way my team played in back yard. I did those things for years, and they all sional, or three dimensional athlete? If you solely high school. The sport, my coaches, and my team- help develop skills in different ways,” Mincher said. train in one aspect of a sport then you are not going mates from 7th grade until senior year all helped me In order for athletes here at Shaler Area to be able to be able to respond appropriately and that’s my phi- learn the essence of teamwork and demanding the to play multiple sports, some feel that there needs to losophy,” Ryan said. most out of each other. Football made me and my be cooperation among coaches in the district who Ryan also noted that different sports help an ath- teammate’s tough,” Mincher said. deal with the same athletes in different sports. lete and that athletes can benefit from playing mul- Mincher played at the University of Pennsylva- “There needs to be a sit down between all of the tiple sports throughout their lives. nia and was a highly regarded shortstop for the team coaches, year to year, maybe twice a year. We need to “Imagine being a defensive back and only play- from the time he got there as a freshman. He also look at our athletes and talk about how another sport ing football, if you need to go up for a ball and have knows what that recruiting process was like. He said can benefit that athlete,” Ryan said.

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Manyby Tim Templin factors & Davis Deasy jeopardizingnor do I think that our school board high would support school “It appears to me athletics now days, parents are more in- that right now anyway,” Aiken said. terested in having their children participate in AAU For a variety of reasons, including lack of inter- But lack of funding isn’t the only issue that these or Travel Team sports as opposed to high school est and lack of funding, high school sports are slowly schools are facing. Lack of participation is creating sports. Obviously, there is a much larger emphasis dying. In recent years, participation and interest have issues for schools to maintain teams/programs. More on showcasing individual success vs team success. been declining, causing new challenges for high and more students are choosing to opt out of playing The elusive ‘athletic scholarship’ is foremost on the schools across the country. for their school. Instead, they join less competitive minds of most parents and the aforementioned non- The idea that high school sports may not exist, and less time consuming recreational leagues. school sponsored programs seems to be the most at least in the form known today, is not as crazy as it Anyone who has played a high school sport direct ticket. Section championships, regional cham- sounds. High schools have recently had to introduce knows how much time and effort is required to par- pionships, and even state championships associated new methods to keep their ahtletic programs afloat. ticipate in these sports. Between the off season work- with high school sports no longer seem to have the In order to generate revenue, some schools in the outs, practices everyday and a coach’s expectations, significance they once had,” Holzshu said. WPIAL and across the country have turned to a pay- high school sports can be demanding. There are efforts being made to try to save high to-play program where students have to pay a fee to A majority of students who play a high school school sports for future generations. participate in that sport. sport are not going to play past high school. So, when Since 2014, Dick’s Sporting Goods has run The pay-to-play idea is necessary for some they see how much time and effort is needed to par- a foundation to preserve high school sports. The school districts to keep their athletic programs alive. ticipate in these “Sports Matter” cam- Some schools in the area that have implemented the sports they tend to “Many kids no longer want to make paign provides un- program include North Allegheny, Pine-Richland stop playing. Rec- derfunded teams with and Seneca Valley. reation and club the commitments to regular daily financial aid. It allows At Shaler Area, this might be the next step. Bud- sports offer kids practice times, seasonal game teams to raise half the get issues have forced cuts in spending across the a chance to play schedules or the structure of what money necessary and district, including in the athletic department, but that without having the earn a matching grant does not mean pay-to-play is advocated by every one. pressure that a high a coach may require...I am not sure through the foundation. “I have never been an advocate of pay to play school sport pro- high school sports can or will sur- While the pro- and never endorsed it to be implemented at Shaler vides. gram’s main goal is to Area. It is my contention that an athletic program “In my 20+ vive, but I will remain a staunch help underprivileged representing a school district should be funded by years as an ath- believer in high school sports.” teams, it raises aware- the school district,” former athletic director Paul letic administra- ness about the impor- Holzshu, who was the athletic director for 12 years tor, many changes -- Paul Holzshu tance of high school at Shaler Area, said. “Certainly, students not capable have taken place former SA athletic director sports. It highlights the of paying the necessary fees could be limited from with school spon- fact that $3.5 billion participation. I stand by my belief that participation sored sports vs rec- was cut from school should be based on skill and ability, not whether you reation/club sports which usually offer more oppor- sports budgets from 2009-2011 as well as the estima- can or can not afford the costs associated to play.” tunities for more participation. There is less pressure tion that there will not be any sports in 27% of high While pay to play might make students and par- to meet the criteria of skill sets, athletic ability, and schools across the country. ents unhappy, it is one of a few options that school discipline that are essential in scholastic competi- Certainly Dick’s Sporting Goods and many oth- districts have if they want to keep their programs. tion. Many kids no longer want to make the commit- ers believe sports are essential to developing lifelong However, superintendent Sean Aiken still believes ments to regular daily practice times, seasonal game skills. They teach students lessons that cannot be that Shaler Area will not have to implement the pro- schedules, or the structure of what a coach may re- taught inside a classroom. gram in the near future. quire,” Holzshu said. “Scholastic athletics remains an important ex- “I know a lot of other local districts have pay to On the flip side of that is the athlete who wants to tracurricular component of the educational process,” play already. We haven’t arrived at that point yet to play a sport in college and thus is focused on gaining Holzshu said. “I am not sure high school sports can determine that’s what we’re going to do as a district. exposure to college coaches which isn’t always best or will survive, but I will remain a staunch believer So, I don’t see that happening here any time soon, accomplished by playing for the high school team. in high school sports.” Dudley to retire after 42 years from page 3 Mr. Dudley could have easily given mer students getting in touch with me is to work with his friend who owns a CMUfrom page 3 robots up this year because it is his last year, a year or two later to just touch base or pizza company. however he still gave us 100% of his say they felt prepared when they went At the pizza company, he and his Another interesting project the effort and never gave up on us,” Nasi- to college. I’ve liked the variety of per- friend make Italian cookies and biscotti team at NREC has completed is adka said. sonalities that there are; nobody is the to supply coffee shops and restaurants, CHIMP (CMU highly intelligent Not only do students perceive Mr. same so that keeps you on your toes. as well as holding what they call “pizza mobile platform) the robot. Dudley as such, but various teachers The greatest thing I’ve always thought events” at an art gallery in West End. CHIMP is an interactive robot who have worked among him through- about teaching is you get to meet 100 They invite people to come and with human like qualities. Just like out the years also admire his hard work new people every year. Over my years learn how to make gourmet pizzas in a a real chimpanzee, the robot can and have created very strong relation- I have met 5000 new people, which is brick oven that gets to be about 900 de- grasp objects with it’s hands and op- ships with him. pretty cool,” Dudley said. grees and cooks the pizzas in just a few posable thumbs. CHIMP can walk The Physics teachers, composed of As for his biggest accomplish- minutes. Mr. Dudley’s friend teaches using two limbs but also use all four Mr. Dudley, Mr. Davis and Mr. Mason, ment, Mr. Dudley again mentioned the making of the pizzas themselves, for stability. have grown close over the years, as former students who have made sure to while he helps to bake them. NREC competed in a $2 mil- they all work together to develop dif- tell him how helpful he was to them. “What’s funny is I always make lion U.S. Defense Department prize ferent ways to teach the material in the He had a former student from 1980 pizza and biscotti for my family and competition with CHIMP. In order best manner. who sent him an email talking about friends and they always joked about to win the competition, the team’s “Dennis and I have taught Phys- how the student had just had a discus- me being a pizza man after retirement. robot completed tasks such as walk- ics together for a long time. Dennis at sion with his teenage son. The student Now it may turn out that that is exactly ing, climbing a ladder, driving a the same time has been head of the de- was able to recognize that what he was what I do,” Mr. Dudley said. vehicle and operating a power tool. partment and he has been very reliable telling his son was very similar to con- Although Mr. Dudley will definite- CHIMP ended up finishing third in as the head of the department. He has versations he had had with Mr. Dudley. ly be missed among both the students the competition. been willing to go to bat for the school, “I think the biggest accomplish- and faculty at Shaler Area as he moves NREC and the city of Pittsburgh for the students and at the school board ment is that I have been able to impact onto his new life plans, his life lessons will be seeing multiple advance- meetings, for the teachers; he advo- people. Being able to impact young and work ethic development will con- ments in technology and robotics cates for education in various levels in people year after year has really been tinue to live on. in the near future. When it comes to the district as department head,” Mr. the biggest award,” he said. “My advice is just work and work autonomous vehicles, NREC will be Davis said. When it comes to his years after re- hard. Get off your iPhones all the time continuing to improve their designs Not only does Mr. Dudley care tirement, Mr. Dudley may have the op- and put the technology away for a and hopefully perfect them for pub- about current students and faculty, but portunity to do some work at Duquesne while. When in doubt, work. Just keep lic transportation. It’s hard to say he is frequently contacted by former University working with young teach- after it, try to find the good in what you what the future holds when it comes students, as well. ers. He also intends to golf more fre- do and the good in people. Stay posi- to robotics, but NREC has showed “The thing I remember most is for- quently, but perhaps his biggest plan tive,” he said. us anything is possible. Page 8 The Oracle May 2017 Talent Show, Mr. Shaler Area showcase variety of performances by Sarah Hefferin

The Shaler Area High School Talent Show was back and better than ever. On April 27th and 28th, the auditorium was the host to an array of acts, showing off the talent of the high school. Nearing 50 years, the talent show has become an ongoing tradition for Shaler Area. And with Mr. Shaler Area, the school is able to raise money for countless charities in a way that is completely original to Shaler. Each and every act brought an electric and welcoming atmosphere to everyone who performed, with the crowd numbering 300 or more each night. “Talent show is one of the best experiences in high school, it's like a huge family,” junior and drumline member Jake Aufman said. “It is some- thing that is so overlooked by a multitude of people, but if people really went to it they'd just be wowed by the immense talent at Shaler.” Along with the acts in the talent show, the Mr. Shaler Area contestants went all out with their karaoke, talent, boxer, and formal wear for the show. Michael Dunn, who did a perfect rendition to Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” won first in the popular vote category. Audience members voted The Mr. Shaler Area contestants stand with Talent Show directors Ms. Susany, by putting money in the jar that corresponded with that competitor, and Mr. Stivason, Mr. Krenn and Mr. Sarkis whoever collected the most money won that vote. With the money raised, Helfrich also earned the award, with her efforts behind the scenes. Michael was able to donate over $1,000 to the Children’s Dyslexia Center The Paul Schweiger Award was created in honor of Shaler’s own Paul here in Pittsburgh. Schweiger, who was very well known for his involvement with the talent However, it was a close race for the title of Mr. Shaler Area. While show. It represents true dedication and willingness to be apart of some- Dunn came out with the crowd favorite, it was Dan Bittner who beat fel- thing and to influence others. low competitors Brandon Lieb, Jake Matthews, Joe Pazikowski, Tyler “Winning the Paul Schweiger award with Dan was really special be- Owens, Eric Dudgeon, and Jake Taylor for the crown. cause, during my mom's senior year here at Shaler, her parents were in a Bittner, who scored highest overall in all categories, was picked based terrible car accident. My grandmother almost lost both of her legs,” Hel- on the scores of an anonymous judging panel. frich said. “The night of the talent show, Mr. Schweiger dedicated that Bittner’s charming performance and overall commitment to Talent night's show to my mom's family because it was my grandmother's first Show also earned him the annual Paul Schweiger award, which is given to night out of the house since the accident. I'm very honored to have been a student or group of students for their hard work and dedication. Rebecca able to represent stage crew.”

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