The Echo

WILSON AREA HIGH SCH OOL

Edition 93, Issue 2 November, 2015 Homecoming 2015  Taylor Garrison: By Scott Marceca Editor-in-Chief

Every year, Wil- was composed of Akaylah dents from every grade  Michael Jablon- son’ s homecoming foot- Mease escorted by Hunter convened for an exhila- ski: Managing ball game and dance are Shatto, Alli Hicks es- rating night of dancing Editor events that many students corted by Bryce Etter, and socializing. This look forward to attend- Morgan Heneman es- year, 335 students at-  Scott Marceca: ing. This year was no ex- corted by Scott Marceca, tended the dance, which Asst. Editor ception to this long- Leah Kun escorted by is a record number for standing tradition. On Ryan Grelle, Chavi any homecoming dance Saturday, October 17th, Sharma escorted by Jo- at Wilson. At the con- at the homecoming foot- seph Espinal, Sydney clusion of the dance, Jo- ball game, Wilson’ s Brannon escorted by seph Espinal was football team played Spencer Muff, Nicole crowned Homecoming against Saucon Valley’ s Karslo escorted by Kevyn King, and he and Chavi football team. Unfortu- Mitchell, Haillee Flank shared the traditional nately, Wilson suffered a escorted by Kyle Zingales, king and queen dance. tough loss to Saucon Val- Emily Holder escorted by Overall, Wilson’ s ley, and the final score of Luke Mette, and Alexia Homecoming was a the game was 0-55. De- Claudio escorted by Mi- great success that al- spite the game’ s disap- chael Fabian. The cere- lowed Wilson’ s stu- pointing outcome, it was mony ended with Chavi dents to create invalu- evident throughout the Sharma being crowned able memories. entire game that Wilson’ Wilson’ s 2015 Home- s players tried their best. coming Queen. Also, the Tribe supported Later that night, the team per usual with Student Council hosted its encouraging chants. the annual homecoming During the special dance. The theme of this half-time ceremony, Wil- year’s dance was “ A son’ s Alumni Band had Night in New York City.” an outstanding perform- Accordingly, the cafeteria ance. After the band’ s was decorated with a card- excellent performance, board Statue of Liberty, the 2015 Homecoming tall buildings, and city- Court walked across the themed backdrops that field. Determined by the were perfect for taking faculty’ s votes, the court pictures. High school stu- Homecoming Court smiles for the camera. The Echo

The WAHS Chorus Welcomes New Chorus Teacher: Miss Black! By Chelsea Kun

For 28 years, the teacher of even achieve district chorus. Miss Black and another the WAHS chorus was Mrs. To make it into state chorus woman, Mr. Martuscelli Hockin. She had an incredi- is nearly impossible, but called for a group of people ble end to her career at Wil- Miss Black could achieve from the chorus to help with son: a huge spring concert the impossible. the final interview. Miss that welcomed back alumni Miss Black attended Black would teach a mock and a standing ovation from Penn State University. She chorus in order to demon- the audience. Many people experienced a long and tedi- strate her teaching skills. were sad to see her go. ous audition process in or- The school board was very Then, WAHS welcomed der to attend this college. happy to offer her the job Miss Black, whom they After her successful college and was very excited to see knew would do an out- career, she received her first how well she would teach standing job instructing the teaching as a middle school the chorus. chorus! general music teacher. She She showed WAHS During her early life, only taught middle school her skills at the Veteran’ s she exceeded in music. for a little while, and she Day assembly, and she and Since her mother was also a knew that she really desired her chorus achieved suc- music teacher, she learned a change. When she found cess. It was her first per- how to sing and play instru- out about the open job at formance in which she con- ments like the piano. In high Wilson Area High School, ducted a chorus. We are all school, she made it into state she decided that she wanted very excited to see her work chorus after making district to go for an interview. Once at the Christmas concert. chorus and regional chorus. the school board was down It is extremely difficult to to two people for the job,

Pictures courtesy of Google

Page 2 Edition 93, Issue 2 Spirit Week By Jamie Sine This year’ s spirit week into a theme of their nated the second floor lasted from November 2nd choosing. The freshmen hallway. Each hero had to November 6th, begin- transformed the third floor their own color scheme ning with ‘Merica Mon- hallway into a game of with matching balloon day, where students wore Pac-Man aptly named “ decorations. T he seniors an outfit consisting of red, fresh-man.” Students referenced Spongebob in white, and blue to show wove their way through a the first floor hallway. En- their support to their video game maze to re- tering the Krusty Krab, school and their country. ceive a score at the end of students dodged danger- Next was Twin Tuesday, the hallway. The sopho- ous hooks, walked and students and faculty mores paid tribute to the through Glove World, and wore an outfit to match beloved Monsters Inc. exited through the mouth their “ twin,” ranging from franchise, dividing the cat- of the infamous Alaskan a similar shirt to an identi- walk into popular scenes Bull Worm. cal outfit. Wednesday was from the movies, such as The juniors de- Warm Wednesday, where Boo’ s room and the Scare servingly won this year’ s students dressed in com- Games. The juniors competition, but that does fortable sweats, pajamas, brought Marvel to life, not diminish any of the and even onesies. Stu- where superheroes like the hallways’ imaginative dents and staff had a sec- Hulk and Iron Man domi- displays. ond opportunity to wear their Halloween costumes on Thriller Thursday, where many dressed up as favorite characters and famous monsters. Pride Day Friday ended the week with students and staff wearing blue and gold to show their pride for the school and ac- knowledge the season’ s last football game. To end spirit week, each of the school hall- ways were innovatively decorated by each grade, incorporating the Wilson vs. Notre Dame rivalry

An ap”peel”ing Spirit Week costume.

Page 3 The Echo Back to the Future Day By Annabelle Gaardsmoe .After three decades, the let computers, flat screen vancements to be made, day many have been wait- televisions and hover more things to be discov- ing for has finally arrived. boards. While hover ered, but the opportunities October 21st, 2015 was a boards aren't something we are endless and that is in- day so rare it will only use in our daily lives, both credibly exciting. While ever happen once; that is, tablets and flat screen tele- the idea of celebrating a unless you travel back in visions are very common- thirty year old movie fran- time and relive it. The place. In my opinion, I chise may seem ridiculous very special day cele- would have to say that the simply because they travel brated was Back to the movie's biggest miss was to what we consider the Future Day. October 21st, the fashion. Unfortunately, present, it is not ridiculous 2015 was the day Marty double ties are not a popu- at all. People are often too Mcfly traveled to in "Back lar look and there are no focused on what's next to the Future part II" to self- lacing sneakers (yet). and what's to come in- save his children (that had- When thinking stead of stopping and tak- n't even been born yet). about the future, many ing a moment to reflect. This day caused people picture holograms So take a moment to sit many to stop and think and shiny, metallic chrome down, and think about about what predictions everywhere, but consider- how grateful you are for from the movie have come ing how far we've come Michael J. Fox and his true and what we, as "the since "Back to the Future" DeLorean, because they future," have really ac- came out, it makes one remind just how important complished. Some of the wonder, what's next? It’ s the past is for shaping our technological advances the always hard to believe that future. movie predicted were tab- there are still more ad-

Pictures courtesy of Google

Page 4 Edition 93, Issue 2 Syrian Refugee Crisis By Ashley-Rose Starry It is common knowledge that liv- cause of security concerns. These There are currently nine ing conditions in Syria are rapidly concerns caused the center to screening centers across the globe spiraling out of control. It is be- close completely, leaving Syrian where U.S Department of Home- cause of the civil war and disorder refugee advocates outraged be- land Security employees decide in Syria that the Obama admini- cause Lebanon holds the largest who will be admitted to the stration wants to quickly admit amount of refugees. This is par- United States. Creating additional more refugees into the United tially due to the fact that many of centers will double the number States. Opening new screening them live in poverty because it is available to refugees in the Middle outposts in Iraq and Lebanon will illegal to work. President Obama East. The vast majority of Syrians help speed up the process. The pledged in September to admit are screened at the centers located U.S State Department has con- 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2016; in Istanbul and Amman, Jordan. firmed that a new refugee proc- however, the White House has not Lebanon is now refusing to accept essing center in Erbil, Iraq will be confirmed how many more refu- refugees except in special cases. completed by the end of 2015. gees they will admit beyond that The U.S is urging other countries Refugee processing in Lebanon is number. Senior administration to help Syrian refugees and in- said to resume in early 2016. officials claim they are looking crease aid to Jordan, Lebanon, and Refugees became unable for ways to admit more than Turkey as they take in many peo- to go to the center in Lebanon be- 10,000 refugees. ple trying to escape the war.

2016 Elections

By Sam Houser A little under a year from now, on 2016.republican-candidates.org, Eugene Puryear, the Prohibition November 8th 2016, a new presi- the top candidate for the 2016 Party includes Jim Hedges and dent will be chosen by the Ameri- election would be , Bill Bayes, and the Veterans Party can people. But who will that new followed by and of America contains Chris Kenis- president be? . ton and Deacon Taylor. The only three candidates Of course, there are un- Also, there’ s an Independ- for the Democratic Party are countable amounts of other candi- ent Candidate who calls himself “ , Martin O’ Malley dates, but the ones listed above .” According to and . As for the are the only ones that stand a de- his Facebook page, he is in favor Republican Party, there are fifteen cent chance. Major candidates in of a “ mandatory tooth brush law,” candidates running, but the top the Third Party include Bob is the only candidate pledging to five are Donald Trump, Ben Car- Whitaker and Tom Bowie in the fund time travel, and promises to son, , and American Freedom Party. The grant every American a free pony. Marco Rubio. Party of Socialism and Liberation According to contains Gloria LaRiva and

Page 5 The Echo Extra Sweet Trick-or-Treat

By Allison Reiter Each year Student Council Dorsey. The event was a huge spond with their theme. This holds an extremely fun event for success. Over 200 kids came to makes the whole event more ex- the children of Wilson. They the event, with some kids mak- citing for the kids. The children have an indoor trick-or-treat in ing multiple trips around the loved seeing their favorite char- the school to let kids celebrate floors. acters or just some of the fun and Halloween safely. This type of At the event all the Stu- funny costumes that members event gives more opportunity dent Council members dressed were dressed in. for kids to be able to do some- up to pass out candy to the kids. Also included in the fes- thing they may have otherwise Some of the costumes that mem- tivities was a bake sale, which missed out on. This year the bers dressed in were minions helps fund upcoming events that event took place on Friday, Oc- from Despicable Me, Pocahon- are similar to this one. The Stu- tober 23 from 6 to 8 pm. tas, an ice cream cone, Mal and dent Council hopes to keep this President Chavi Sharma Evie from the Descendants, tradition of Extra Sweet Trick-or and Vice President Luke Mette along with many others. Along -Treat going for many years be- organized the event along with with dressing up, the students cause it is an event great for all Student Council's advisor Mrs. decorate their doors to corre- ages of children.

International Club Update

By Makayla Mckinney Wilson’ s International Club must be at least eight inches all, along with much hair to held a hair drive for the first long, and it was able to be col- be donated to this founda- time this October. The drive ored. tion. was held to help children who The club advisor, Miss Miss Saylor would suffer from serious illnesses Saylor, knew that not every like to thank Yancelly Give- that ended up resulting in hair student or faculty member ria, AJ Johnson, Alivia Lutz, loss. would be able to donate hair, former graduate Toni Mess- The club asked any but for those who did partici- men, and any faculty mem- student or teacher to cut of at pate, the club provided an in- ber that sponsored any stu- least eight inches of hair to teresting incentive. Teachers dents for donating their hair. donate to an organization or family members were The club will hold another called Children with Hair asked to donate a small drive next year in hopes that Loss. This organization al- amount of money to each stu- more people will be able to lows wigs to be made for chil- dent depending on how much donate and raise money. Start dren with cancer, alopecia, or hair was cut off. Some stu- growing your hair out now who suffered a traumatic dents got sponsored a dollar for a chance to participate in event causing them to lose per inch of hair. Over two a great cause! hair. If participating, the hair hundred dollars was raised in

Page 6 Edition 93, Issue 2 Cheering By Alexis Vitko Wilson takes great pride Last year’s sea- The weakness of in all of its sports, espe- son ended with them be- the team is that so many cially the cheering team ing 11th in the nation at newcomers are experi- that is currently ranked UCA Nationals. A junior encing this for the first number one in the dis- on the varsity squad, Jes- time, but the strengths trict. sica Oduro said, “We did are the bond they have The seniors of a little better last year and the hard work they the squad are currently than this year because share. Melissa Townsend, last year the team wasn't They placed first Hailee Flank, Breanna brand new… .” She also in Colonial League for Young, Kylee Kalnas, stated, “ We’ re slowly the third year in a row and Yvonne Marsh. On trying to rebuild the team and plan to maintain average, they place first back to [how it used to their first place title in in competition and they “ be]. The team is doing districts. We should ex- win more often than they amazing and despite so pect great things for our lose” according to Jes- many new girls, we are Wilson Area High Pictures courtesy of Google sica Oduro. trying our best.” School cheering team.

Our Senior Girls Strive Towards the “Goal” Ahead By Brenna Blanke The Wilson Area field tween committing to Ar- she claims, “We finally hockey team’ s season cadia University’ s field figured out which posi- has come to an end, but hockey team and the tions worked for every- the spirit that the girls Indiana University of one, which means games carry with them has not. Pennsylvania’ s, says flow better, and allowed Although the team only that this year's new us to score more goals tied one game this sea- coach was one of the than what we did last son, they’ ve won com- many reasons for im- year.” pared to last season. Ac- provement. Torres notes, The Field cording to some of the “ She kept pushing us Hockey team hopes to players on the team, they hard and she made us continue making im- have come a long way believe that we would be provements in the years since the 2014 fall sea- good, but we had to take to come and prepares to son. it one step at a time.” send the seniors off to Pictures courtesy of Google Rachel Torres, a She also talks about the college in the near fu- senior who is torn be- change in positions as ture.

Page 7 The Echo Cross Country By Vanessa Fonseca-Garcia The cross country season was Brannon, Gaby Vega, Abby means that some runner will be phenomenal. According to Rustay, and Joseph Espinal leaving. Everyone is sad, espe- Mr. Browne, the season was “ (who became the first district cially Mr. Browne, who said, “ going well because the group champion in Wilson history) It is impossible to replace my of kids I coach all care about made it into the state champion- varsity seniors, but I have high each other, and the team is ships. Going into states had to hopes that the underclassman always fun to coach.” Both be nerve wracking. Joseph will get stronger and faster, and the boys’ and the girls’ teams Espinal, one of the individuals with the help of the upcoming finished up with an identical who went to states, said, “ I was freshman, I expect our team to record of 19-5. Although their a little nervous but nothing seri- be as competitive next year and records are the same, the girls ous. I ran 3.1 miles at the Her- for years to come.” Their team finished second in the league, shey Parkview course and ran did great this year at district, while the boys finished fifth. 17:37.” and maybe next year we will The good news is that The cross country sea- win a state championship. Kyle Zingales, Sydney son has come to an end, which

Joe Espinal races to the finish. Abby Rustay leads the way.

Page 8 Edition 93, Issue 2 Moving Towards a (Soccer) Goal By Rachel Torres Our Wilson Warrior seniors, two of them are ics. boys’ soccer team will be planning to continue their I asked Captain facing large challenges soccer journeys past high Ryan Grelle his overview next year as they lose school. Michael Whildin and last remarks on his their lucky seven seniors. plans to attend either East very last season here at The student body hopes it Stroudsburg University Wilson, and he said, “ won’ t impact the team or possibly West Chester We set the oven to 375°, too much as our boys University to continue we sauced them up, we move on to pursue their his soccer and track ca- served them medium- futures. reer, along with Ryan well, with a nice side of The 2015-2016 Grelle who is planning to salad with balsamic Warrior Soccer Seniors attend either Annapolis dressing!” Ryan is sure consist of captains Ryan College or West Point that his team would agree Grelle #11, Erik Wallace Academy. Erik Wallace with him. Congratula- #7, and Michael Whildin is planning to attend tions to our seniors on a Ryan Grelle shows off his foot- #25. The other seniors Penn State University but very flavorful ending to work. include Romaudio Lind- not to continue his soccer their last season; we are say #14, Kevyn Mitchell career. The rest of the all wishing you the best #10, Jimmy Fritz #15, team is planning to attend as you continue your and Ben Purcell #1. four-year schools and lives! Out of the seven focus solely on academ-

Marching Band By Kaylynn Betts The Wilson Area High School competitions, the band received the band’s section leaders to the marching band has been perform- varying ratings from Excellent to officers, the staff, band boosters, ing for over 50 years. Although Superior, the highest rating possi- and our school, band works very times have changed and numbers ble. hard. have shrunk, the Warrior band still The band’ s drum majors The band’ s director, Mr. rocks the house. In fact, this year’ s for the 2015 season are senior Tim Friedhoff, said, “...would like to band show is called “ The Wilson Horan and junior Madisen Shriver. thank the band boosters as well as House of Funk,” featuring the The band front captain is Taylor the staff and administrators of Wil- songs “ We’ re an American Williams. Although marching band son Area School District for con- Band,” “Superstition,” and “ Up- doesn’ t get as much recognition as tinually supporting the art and mu- town Funk.” other sports and activities, it still sic programs at Wilson Area High The band competes in sev- has a very large support system. School." The 2015 marching band eral band competitions, located at All the participants in the program season has come to an end and all Bangor, Tamaqua, Phillipsburg, do so much behind the scenes to the hard work has paid off. and Nazareth. Throughout the make everything possible. From

Page 9 The Echo Finding Yourself In High School By Taylor Garrison During the first marking son has a large variety of class options, such as period, the guidance of clubs from history art, marketing, and ani- office is filled with club to drama club; mal diversity. When freshmen having their there is a club for every- creating your schedule first interviews with the one! Try out a club for a next year, consider tak- counselors. While wait- year, and then you can ing a wide variety of ing in the guidance of- decide if you would like classes. Half year fice recently, I over- to pursue it further. You courses, like intro to heard an interview, and may be surprised with theatre, are great ways the interviewee was the results! A common to discover what inter- very unsure of what phrase among upper- ests you. clubs and activities they classmen in clubs like There are count- wanted to partake in drama and debate is “I less other ways to dis- and had not even pon- wish I had joined covering yourself out- dered college at all. As sooner!” Even as an side of the classroom. a freshman, it can ap- upperclassman, you can Volunteering is a great pear daunting to find still try out clubs. It may way to figure out what out what interests you, not be too late in the you want to study in but it is certainly not year, so ask a club advi- college. Even simply impossible! High sor or president if you talking to friends and school is a perfect place can still join this school family about what they to experiment with what year. enjoy may spark a new interests you. Classes are an- interest. New interests Clubs are per- other way of finding are waiting just around haps the easiest way to yourself in high school. the corner; all you have discover interests. Wil- Wilson offers a myriad to do is look!

Pictures courtesy of Google

Page 10 Edition 93, Issue 2

Book Review: Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron By Alyson Ellison Many people struggle to mercy is considered inex- and being who he is may meet the expectations of cusable weakness. cost him his life. their family. For Julius, a However, Julius This novel is rec- twenty-four year old is unlike all of the drag- ommended for those who dragon with dozens of ons he’ s met; he feels no enjoy enchanting fantasy siblings, this means al- urge to take over the stories full of humor and lowing his cruel, cold- world or prove his domi- magic. The characters hearted relatives to con- nance over lesser beings. add to the alluring quality trol his actions. He is told Unfortunately for him, of the novel; Julius and constantly that dragons his kind nature makes his internal conflict, his are the superior species him a target for contempt newfound human friend and should act as such, and alienates him from Marci, and the various regardless of how they the rest of his kind. After personalities of his end- harm others. In fact, spending his entire life less siblings are what causing destruction is under the radar, he is fi- make the story such a Pictures courtesy of Google encouraged, and showing nally given an ultimatum, wonderful success.

A Guide to Clouds By Michael Jablonski

Every day, dozens of ran- a blanket formation. the precipitation will be dom white shapes pass "Alto" clouds are usually that comes with them. through the sky. Many the heralds for incoming - Cumulonimbus: people do not realize that bad weather. These clouds are tall, tow- these shapes, or clouds, - Cumulus: These ering clouds, usually iden- each have a specific sig- clouds are the most com- tifiable as an anvil shape. nificance. Here are some mon, given their puffy They bring the worst tips on recognizing the look that is well-known forms of weather, from common clouds and the among society. These hail to lightning to torna- weather that goes along clouds mean that the does. with them. weather is great. Knowing about - Cirrus: These - Stratus: These these different types of clouds give a thin, wispy wide, gray clouds form clouds can help one know appearance. Cirrus clouds low in the sky. Stratus how the weather will be, are usually a sign of clouds bring rain, or snow and that can make a dif- pleasant weather. if the temperatures are ference in a person's day- - "Alto" clouds: low enough. The darker to-day routine. These clouds tend to have they are, the more severe

Page 11 The Echo

WILSON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER, 2015 By John Breidinger Greetings, alumni supporters John committee on November Alumni! 2015 has been and Marilyn Eisenhard 3. What a delightful and a great year! The re- and the one and only Jay energetic bunch! We sponse to our mailing Rutan were also in atten- discussed the Associa- was overwhelm- dance. At the same game tion and the Foundation, ing! Yes, literally, over- the Wilson Alumni Band as well as ways the Class whelming, in that we ran joined the current band of 1948 might contribute out of mementos as well for half time. It was to the school district. as time to respond and magnificent! Thing to look for include even list our new and Also the girls of 1973 Wilson sporting events, renewed members! Be and 1974 get together on concert, and assured that we are a regular basis. I crashed plays. There will also be working on it and will at least one of these a Showcase of Wilson have something for you gatherings and got to see Areas School District by year end. more of my dear friends, Arts at the State Theater I was able to visit with like Vicki Briggs, in February of next the 50 year Class of Pfister, Jan Krieger, year. It will be great. 1965 as they came home Bette and Barb Werk- Please share anything for both graduation and heiser, and others. I use you would like to get the Saucon Valley foot- maiden names because into the Echo with me at ball game. Two of my that is who they always [email protected]. all-time favorites are in will be to me!! Go Warriors! John this class. They include Finally, I visited with Breidinger, Chairman, my cousin Bob Plotts President Ed Engle Sr Wilson Alumni Associa- and Gary Trigiani. Great and his Class of 1948

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