Spring Edition PRIDE PRESS 2018

Spring Pep Rally By Ryan Williams & Alyssa Hurdich (Photos by Ryan Williams)

Do you recall the pep rally we had on April 6th? How about the games that were played? The scores and teachers who won? How about a recap? The first activity was a game of Hungry, Hungry Hippos with the teachers. On a two-person team, one teacher had to lay flat on a scooter and try to capture balls in a basket while the other teacher had to ma- neuver their partner around. The winners of round one were Ms. Witzke and Mrs. Hoffman while Mr. Haloskie and Mr. Hassenbein won round two. Next, there was the four legged race where two teams raced to the half court and back. The winner of round one was the girls’ team since the boys, to quote an anonymous source, “cheated.” The winning team of round two was Mrs. Hoffman’s team. Then there was a game of Basketball Free Throws. Mr. Hassenbein won round one, Ms. Aragona round two, and Mr. Parker round three. Mrs. Montrose won round four. The jazz band played several songs including “Seven Nation Army,” “Beat It,” “Happy Song,” and more. At the end of the pep rally, our very own WHS boys’ basketball team had a game of basketball. The cheerleaders also did an awe- some job with their routines! Swish!

“Jazzin’” it up

Ms. Davis, Ms. Benson, Ms. Rinker, and Ms. Bauhmer compete in the 1 What an amazing lift! four-legged race.

After-School Activities

By Ryan Williams

There are many after-school activities available to students. Do you take part in any of them? Are you part of our school community? I sent out a survey to find out. According to the 57 responses, 6 students participated in tutoring, 21 students participated in non-athletic activities, and 30 students participated in sports. Here is a pie graph showing the results of the survey:

I learned that the most popular sport in this school is basketball! Coming in a close second is football. Here is a bar graph showing the sports results.

2 Arts and Entertainment

Gamers Unite! By Alyssa Hurdich

At some point or another you’ve come across a person who LOVES video games. They could go on and on for hours about one game or even write a 10-page essay on one. Want to become a gamer yourself? Well, here are a few games to get you started.

Style: Open-World (player has infinite choices)

Description: Minecraft is an almost endless world full of blocks where you can survive, build, and pretty much do anything you can imagine. There are many different game modes and MANY ways to play. You can do surviv- al mode where you have to hunt for materials and fight the monsters through the night. You can also do safe cre- ative mode where the player can fly around and have all the materials right at their fingertips. You can play alone or with friends, be a PVP Master (player vs player), or a Master Builder. If you can imagine it, you can do it.

Sources: commonsensemedia.org & minemum.com

Style: Simulation Description: Life –Simulation where you have control over life. Create the sims to your liking whether it’s weird or funny. Make it just like you! Create unique per- sonalities, families, buildings, and so much more. Players can even go to space and meet an alien. You can do it all!

3 Sources: commonsensemedia.org & minemum.com

Got Skills? Written and Illustrated by Ronell Washington

1. Start out with a circle and make a parenthesis at the top of the circle. 1)

2. Continue on and bring a curve to the circle. 2) Then make another curve at the bottom.

3. Make a small curve back up from the bottom and continue up the curve. Stop just below the circle.

3)

4. Add an ear by starting at the bottom of the circle. Then make a curve down towards the face.

4)

5. Add a neck, hair, and facial features.

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Got Skills? Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, Jr. Written and Illustrated by Ronell Washington Written by Alyssa Hurdich and Mrs. Lehman 1. Start out with a circle and make a parenthesis at the top of the circle. 1)

Even though the were surrounded by a foot of snow and there were sev-

en missed rehearsals because of it, the cast of Madagascar came alive in their own created tropical paradise on the WJHS stage the weekend of March 23-25. Surrounded by bright flow- ers, colorful fish, and a blue waterfall constructed by a tremendous props, art and set design/ 2. Continue on and bring a curve to the circle. 2) stage crew, the audience was able to “Relax, Be Cool, and Chill Out” in a musical sort of way. Then make another curve at the bottom. Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and the familiar cast of animated characters were brought to life

by our very own talented performers here at WJHS. Skipper, performed by Jaime Smith, led the penguins to mutiny as they sailed across the high

seas. King Julien, played by Julia Wodz, dis- 3. Make a small curve back up from the bottom and continue up the played the best possible case of self-absorption curve. Stop just below the circle. one could possibly 3) achieve and

got the audi- A lion, giraffe, and hippo in New York? ence to “Move It!” Alex, Dayane Pagan, dreamt of “Steak” while the Le- 4. Add an ear by starting at the bottom of the circle. murs: Kaed Willls, Alyssa Hurdich, Aleena Ali, Vesna Bar- Then make a curve down towards the face. ic, and Rebeka Castro, let the party go all night for the

newcomers to Madagascar. 4)

Julia Wodz performs as King Julien After Marty, Zuriel Jimenez, and Alex repaired their broken friendship caused by the laws of

nature, they returned to New York, but this time they brought the lemurs with them, keeping 5. Add a neck, hair, and facial features. them “Together Forever.”

5 Cast and crew– BRAVO!

Summer Vacations

Find Your Own Fun in the Poconos

By Seth Y. Sosa

Summer is approaching fast and you still have nothing to do during the summer vacation? Here are some destinations to entertain you during summer vacation. You can make it a day trip or a staycation. They’re all right here in the Poconos, and there’s plenty here for everyone in the family to enjoy some indoor and outdoor fun.

SOURCE: www.poconomountains.com

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions

Kalahari is a huge (220,000 square feet) indoor water park with an African theme. This resort has guestrooms, suites, a full-service spa, fully equipped fitness center, the area’s largest arcade, VR experience, world class dining, retail shops, and much more. Kalahari is just two miles from WJHS.

Split Rock Split Rock has an indoor waterpark, redemption arcade (tickets for prizes), miniature golf, cosmic bowling, movie theater, indoor and outdoor pools, basketball, racquetball, tennis, daily activities, turtle racing, kayaking, canoeing, and beach access to . This resort is only 10.2 miles from the WJHS.

Great Wolf Lodge

This 84-degree indoor water park contains thou- sands of square feet of fun for thrill-seekers. There are even playgrounds for the tiniest members of the family. This water park is 6.5 miles from the WJHS in Scotrun. 6

Aquatopia Indoor Water Park and Camelbeach

Connected to Camelback Lodge is Aquatopia, an indoor waterpark with swimming pools, Flowrider surfing, and more. Camelbeach, our local outdoor waterpark, opened May 26th. Located at Camelback, both parks are only 5.8 miles from WJHS.

Pocono Raceway With three annual motorsports weekends, Po- cono Raceway provides a family-friendly experi- ence at a great value. The track, also known as 'The Tricky Triangle,” is one of the most unique race tracks out there, with the longest front stretch in motorsports and three distinct turns. The raceway is 6.3 miles away from the WJHS in Long Pond.

Go Take a Hike!

The parks here in the Poconos are beautiful! Go for a picnic, rent a pedal boat, ride a bike, or take a hike:

Tobyhanna, PA  Camelback Road Tannersville, PA  White Haven, PA

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Out and About

WJHS Students of the Quarter

First Quarter Second Quarter

Angel Figuroa, Orian Felis, Bruce Seenarmiane, Chanayse Warren, Tyree Harrison, Peter, Ford, Mychela Dunham, Afza Reece, Seth Sosa, Madison Ryan Williams, Kayla Graham, Peter Moore, Bella Collingborn, Jazmin Jagnandan, Colin Sturges Beautz, Kristina Diaz, Michael Galioto, Amber Fer- nandez

Alyssa Hurdich, Helena Ippolito, Sean Supon, Blaize McCaroll, Dev- Third Quarter on O’Laouglin, Arella Clark, Javid Persaud

Nearly There! By Ryan Williams Our soda can tab collection is growing closer to the world record by the week, as bags and boxes of tabs are being brought in. The tabs go to a very worthy cause, the Ronald MacDonald House in Danville. All of the schools in PMSD are collecting tabs and are donating them to WJHS. Don’t forget that YOU can also help by bringing in tabs from home and from the Izzys in the café. 2017 2018

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Student Questionnaire: 8th Grade Edition

By Chelsey McMullen

Q: How do you feel about the classes you have selected for next year?

A: Content. -Felicia D. I feel that they are pretty great! -Denim I feel great! -Bryanna N.

Q: What classes are you excited for?

A: Philosophy -Felicia D. Piano Skills -Olivia W. French -Denim Chorus and Drama -Bryanna N.

Q: Do you have an idea about what activities you might join next year?

A: Basketball and Art -Olivia W. No -Denim Dance Team, Soccer, and Student Council

Q: What are some goals you have for high school?

A: Finding a seat in the cafeteria, trying not to fail, and not falling down the stairs. -Saniah M. Trying not to get lost. -Denim To pass each class, and make distinguished honor roll at least twice. -Bryanna N.

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Good Luck, 8th Graders!

Contributed by Peter Moore

Get involved! Joining new groups and clubs are a great way to meet new friends and explore new interests. You may even find something completely new you’re really good at!

Make a friend in each class, so you have someone to share notes with if one of you is absent from class.

Write down upcoming homework and projects in a planner or agenda to stay on top of due dates and deadlines.

Be prepared for more homework than in 8th Grade, and stay organized to prioritize homework and extracurriculars. If you find a particular course hard to keep up with, talk to your teacher.

It's up to you to act how you know is right. h744ttps://resources.paracletehs.org/going-from-8th-to-9th-grade-tips-for-a-smooth-transition

Did You Know About the Snow?

6 three-hour delays, 1 two-hour early dismissal, 1 four-hour early dismissal, 11 days CLOSED, and 6 additional days closed but forgiven for a State of Emergency= JUNE 15th

Alyssa Hurdich Chelsey McMullen Peter Moore Jaime Smith

Seth Sosa Ronell Washington Ryan Williams Wishing our eighth graders all the best as they enter the West High School as freshmen! A HUGE thank you to Mr. Burney, Ms. Kane, and Ms. Maurer for all of their expertise! And a special thanks to Ms. Bush, Mr. Kearney, and Mr. Marvin for the tremendous effort and updates for the Ronald McDonald House! 10

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