In This Issue: National Foster Prom Fever BVA Track Awareness Meet the Staff

Volume XXVI Friday, May 13th, 2016 Issue 5

The future awaits eager BVA students By Marissa Hasson and to meet new people, but I am also thrilled playing at the highest level in college, which is to have t w o Division 1. Its that time of the year again where of my b e s t Nick Sweitzer received a full football scholar- BVA seniors prepare to move on to the next “...I am also friends w i t h ship to Georgetown University. Austin Bell has chapters in their lives. Every year when spring m e thrilled to have a n d received a scholarship to wrestle at the Univer- time rolls around, the future becomes more playing along- sity of Pittsburgh. Marissa Zetty has received a real to the almost-new alumni. two of my best side t h e m scholarship to continue soccer at West The Class of 2016 graduates seem to be for four friends with me m o r e Virginia Wesylan University, just to name a well prepared for what is to come next. y e ar s .” few. Graduation of is to be held at the James Weir and playing along- Photo credit to Youtube Sev- eral Many of the students are interested in Stadium on June 1st, weather permitting. stu- side them for four dents careers that involve helping other people. his will be the first class taking their last steps in the c l a s s “Kids are leaning toward medical fields and as a Leopard on the brand new gold turf. BVA Director of Counseling Services of 2016 more years.” will be jobs that truly help others, which I love to The Leopard Tales caught up with a few sen- Stephanie McHugh states, “This class is playing sports hear,” says McHugh. i o r s w h o very ambitious, and they are very willing to - Kaity Watson in college on These brave graduates are embarking on a r e start- want to work with the counseling office to athletic scholarships. Many students are also their last days as a Leopard. T e Leopard Tales i n g “I am very excited to get establish their post secondary plans and wish every graduating senior the best of luck their future make good choices.” to meet new peo- in the future in whatever it is they may do. p l a n s put to- The college process can be very stressful, gether. ple and experi- B V A but with the help of mentors at the school, the senior ence new places.” Jessie decision becomes much easier. Nusser shares A very popular choice for the Class of t h a t -Jessie Nusser she is 2016 seems to be the University of attending Ar- Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Several students izona State University in the fall. This choice is plan to attend in the fall including the class a big step considering it is on the other side- of valedictorian Kaity Watson. the country. Watson will be playing soccer along with “I do not know anyone at ASU and that re- her academics. She will be playing alongside high school teammates Courtney Hyrcko and ally excites me. I am very excited to meet new Photo credit to The Herald Standard people and experience new places,” says Nusser. Emily McCullough. All three of them have “I only applied to one school and one school chosen UPG to further their academic and Photo credit to The Herald Standard Belle Vernon students get ready to athletic careers. only. I knew Arizona was where I wanted to be Seniors enjoy decorating their caps walk on the field for because I love the weather and the beauty.” Watson states, “I am very excited for college for graduation day. commencement. Leopards help to raise money to cancer at Relay By Falyn Samoda overcome the disease. “I feel like it touches so a cancer survivor, her uncle who died, also for “My favorite part of Relay is the survivor many lives and is worth eradicating,” states all those who are battling or lost their battle to lap and the luminaria ceremony because they As the Leopards take their last lap around the Null. cancer. both show why you raise money and put in all track, candles are lit in remembrance of those From Belle Vernon alone, about 300 stu- “Relay to me is taking part and helping oth- this time and effort, it is to someday beat can- who beat cancer and for those who have lost dents participate in Relay. From all five schools, ers overcome Cancer and fight strong. I want to cer,” states Beeler. loved ones to cancer. about 1200 help others who are fighting and to help some- Beeler’s personal opinion is that it is some- Relay for Life is an event to raise money for students day for them to find a cure,” explained thing everyone should be involved in because the American Cancer Society, it’s a fundraiser go to Re- Dwyer. everyone knows somebody that has been af- with five different schools in the Mon Valley. lay. Dwyer says her goal for fected by cancer. This year’s Relay event is held on May 6, 2016. “My fa- Relay each year is for the sur- Belle Vernon Area School District takes a On the Relay for Life Mon Valley website, vorite part of vivors to feel special and big part in Relay each year to help raise money they stated, “The American Cancer Society Re- Relay is the to recognize how for the American Cancer Association and to lay For Life movement is the world’s largest and survivor lap strong they are help save hundreds of lives. most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. and luminar- and also to rec- It unites communities across the globe to cele- ia at the very ognize those who brate people who have battled cancer, remem- end when they lost the battle ber loved ones lost, and take action to finish light up all the and for the ones the fight once and for all. With the support of candles. Also, the fighting to find the thousands of volunteers like you, the American survivor lap when all the strength and help Cancer Society is helping save more than 500 survivors walk and then we all they need. lives a day” walk behind them, it’s a really special Dwyer’s favorite part The five schools that participate are: Belle thing,” explains Null. of Relay is, “Seeing all Vernon, Ringgold, Charleroi, Frazier, and Mo- Null states that her goal for Relay each year is these people come together and help each other nessen. just to raise as much money as possible for the to show we care and want to help fight cancer.” The goal for Relay this year is to raise American Cancer Society, so we [the school] BVA senior Thomas Beeler is a part of Relay $135,000. There are 80 survivors, and 90 teams can help get as much research going as we can in honor of one of his best friends, Julia Balchak, participating this year. to fight Cancer. who passed away from cancer in 2011. Also, is BVA Relay Advisor and Chemistry teacher BVA senior Kelsey Dwyer takes part in Re- fighting for his grandfather who is a Cancer sur- Amber Null takes a big part in Relay to support lay every year for her younger brother who is vivor of more than one type. her family members that had cancer and have In this issue: National Foster Prom Fever BVA Track Awareness Meet the Staff

Page 2 Page 3 Page 6 Page 8 2 Prom fever is in full swing at Belle Vernon By Marissa Hasson After almost a full year of stressful meetings This event will showcase girls dresses, shoes, and planning, it all comes down to one magical hair, etc. night that high school students will never forget. The prom committee could not reveal any The 2016 Belle Vernon Area High School Prom secrets about the decor or special effects of the will be held on May 20th at Nemacolin Wood- Grand March. Junior prom committee member lands resort. Riley Ferita states, “The Gatsby-themed Grand The theme chosen for this prom is the “Great March is going to be spectacular and I cannot Gatsby.” The theme of the 1920s has been all the wait to see how our final product turns out.” rage lately, so Belle Vernon decided to make it For some, the Grand March is the best part its own. of the prom experience, and for others it is the BVA social studies teacher Christin Maatta most nerve racking experience. explains how the theme is chosen each year. Keffel states, “The Grand March is very nerve “After the prom committee gets together one racking because of the amount of people, but it of the very first things we do is select a theme. It was also very fun. Once I got moving it was not is very much like a democracy because everyone as scary.” gets a vote and majority wins,” says Maatta. “This is my eighth year of being in charge of Many of the seniors that were on prom com- the prom and this year is different because this mittee last year are anxious to see how the prom class chose a theme that is an actual theme that turns out this year. will be easy to do a lot with,” says Maatta. Senior Mckenna Keffel expresses her enthusi- Another issue that is different about this year’s asm about the theme. prom is the idea of the prom contract. The prom “I read and watched “The Great Gatsby” last contract was handed out this year to all students Photo credit to The Warner Brothers year in English class and I became really ob- attending prom essentially in the replacement for the night. Most of the students are very an- The 2016 prom is being put together by sessed with all the clothing and decoration of of the mandatory parent prom video. In past gry about some of the content. Maatta, co-presidents Tyler Steeber and Brandi that era. Once I hear that was my senior prom years parents of children attending prom were “I am not against the prom contract,” says Propes, and the rest of the committee. theme, I was thrilled,” says Keffel. required to a video of the potential after prom Maatta. She goes on to say, “It gives parents a The Leopard Tales would like wish every stu- The theme of each prom is most prominent dangers. sense of what exactly is going on. It also gives dent a safe and fun prom! during the Grand March. The Grand March Belle Vernon Area High School has decid- me and all the other chaperones and adminis- begins on center stage in the auditorium, and ed to do away with that and make students and tration a way to easily reach a parent in the event moves through the cafeteria on a red carpet. parents sign a sheet with rules and regulations that something would happen.” Senior Spotlight By Maddie Balsano For the final time of the 2015-2016 school can get through it. I’m a hard worker and I know to get away from home or Hartman year, The Leopard Tales recognizes their seniors that I can do it. It has also always been a dream find oneself, Larson ex- and gets a look into their futures. BVA seniors of mine to wrestle in college, so I am pretty explains, “My biggest worry and Mitchell Hartman and Alyssa Larson will be the cited about that.” about college is being far Larson stars of this issue. With the school year coming After spending four years here at BVA, both away from home where I switch to an extremely quick end, these two are in full seniors agreed that the time went way too fast. don’t know anyone. Overall, places. swing and prepared for the next step. With only a couple weeks left before graduation, I am super excited to meet Hartman Both seniors are going from being high school Larson shares, “Throughout my time at BVA, my upcoming teammates for athletes to becoming college student athletes. my most memorable moment was winning softball.” portrays Hartman shares, “My future plans are to at- W.P.I.A.L.S. That was a feeling that I will nev- With the end of the year a softball tend Bucknell University majoring in either er forget as long as I live. It made me extremely right around the corner, player and Mechanical or Civil Engineering. I also plan to proud to call myself a Leopard.” Hartman and Larson plan Larson wrestle in college. I have been wrestling for 13 According to the senior class, time is going to end their last year of high years now, and it’s a sport that I will always have faster than they could have ever imagined. Dur- school with a positive atti- portrays a a passion for.” ing their interviews, both seniors agreed that tude by remembering the wrestler. Larson shares, “I will attend Notre Dame Col- they wish someone could’ve sat down and given better memories and learn- lege in Ohio where I will major in Intelligence them advice as a freshman. ing from the mistakes. Studies. I plan to play for the Falcons softball Hartman gives the following advice: “My ad- The Leopard Taleswishes team there as well.” vice for any underclassman is to stay dedicated both seniors as well as their We all can agree that college is not consid- and always push yourself so you are prepared graduating class a successful ered “simple.” The question is often asked, “How for any after high school education. Your time and happy future. will the work be on top of playing a sport?” in here will fly right by so make sure you’re mak- Hartman explains, “My thoughts about col- ing all the right choices by making it the best lege and being a student athlete are that I know you can.” it is going to be a lot of work, but I feel like I When asked if college is looked at as a time Photo by Maddie Balsano DeGeneres helps comedian’s last moments matter By Samantha Jenney In the summer of 2015, 32-year-old Quincy comments, “Ellen DeGeneres is such a genuine Jones, was diagnosed with Stage Four Mesothe- person when it comes to her fans, she always lioma cancer and was given one year to live. knows how to make someone feel special about Jones had gone public with his terminal tis- themselves, no matter what type of situation sue cancer in February. they are in. Everybody should have that special With Jones’ diagnosis, his friend Nicole moment in their lives.” Blaine, along with her husband, Mickey Blaine, DeGeneres had caught on quickly to the launched a kickstarter campaign to subsidize a campaign and invited Jones on her morning comedy special for him. The campaign was to program. raise about $5,000 for the ultimate Make-A- While others would love to be on her show, Wish grant. Ultimately, 1,204 people contribut- BVA art teacher Andrew Fecik says, “If I ever ed $50,273 to the campaign. had a chance to be on “The Ellen DeGeneres The secret is that Jones had no idea that Show” I would most definitely do it. In one sense HBO was going to air his special. TV Host Ellen it would be to meet her and hopefully it would DeGeneres explains that Jones’ reps had been be for a good cause and to promote something secretly negotiating with HBO since she had that I was maybe talking about in that moment.” placed the call. In an interview Jones had said, “My biggest With all the traveling, DeGeneres had Photo credit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show fear used to be - before cancer - dying with- convinced Shutterfly, which had gifted Jones out leaving anything. Dying before I have the $10,000 to help with the traveling, to donate an chance to do the stuff I wanna do. So this would extra $15,000 to help cover production costs. Ellen DeGeneres shares a laugh with Quincy Jones while on set. be my opus. This would be my legacy I’m leav- Jones is planning on filming the special on April DeGeneres is an American comedian, televi- and when it comes to her fans she is very gener- ing here. You just want to feel like you’re giving 4, 2016 in Los Angeles at L.A.’s Teragram Ball- sion host, actress, writer, and producer. DeGe- ous with them. She gives people somewhat hope something to the universe. You wanna feel like room. Tickets are available online. HBO says neres has hosted her syndicated TV talk show, of a better life in just one show. If only I got the you’re leaving something.” that the special will be aired in the spring. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,“ since 2003. chance to actually be on her show and meet her, The comedian was told that his dream to per- With many people all over the world that watch now that would be awesome.” form a stand-up special before he died, was to her show, BVA senior Dominique Flagg ex- Some say that DeGeneres is a very genuine come true. plains, “I love Ellen DeGeneres. She is so funny person. Belle Vernon resident Brian Douglas Summer concerts coming soon to the 412 3

By Sarah Juba together on July 2nd. Also, to end the great Concerts in the summer are going to rock summer of concerts, Pittsburgh will be hosting Pittsburgh with multiple shows and stars com- Meghan Trainor, Hailee Steinfeld, and ing to the city, such as Justin Bieber, Kenny Commen Kings who are going to be Chesney and many more. performing together at the Peterson Events BVA freshman Jessica McClintock loves Center. Taylor Swift’s concerts, but plans to go to some BVA sophomore Jordan Muirhead loves others this summer. one particular artist very much and expresses “I plan on going to at least one. My favorite her feelings openly about it. “I love watching concert is Taylor Swift’s concert. I go with my Justin, he is my favorite singer. His new mother, cousin, and aunt which is super fun. It’s album is my favorite album ever. I go see a tradition, and I’ve been to every single one! I him because he is my favorite person. I get so may go with some of my friends which should excited when I see him. The best memory at be fun,” says McClintock. any concert ever would have to be seeing Some old bands are still really popular such Justin Bieber.” as the Zac Brown Band and Hall and Oates, but Surovchak explains how he feels about they still perform today. The Andy Black Band going to concerts with friends. “I love going will be coming to the city on June 14th along to con-certs. They’re so much fun and have with Macklmore and Ryan Lewis that same day. so much to look forward to. I go with my BVA band teacher Mark Surovchak has gone friends most of the time. ” to many concerts and plans to go to many more. Ellie Goulding is another concert coming “I’ve seen Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, to Pittsburgh. She will be preforming on Hall and Oates, and Poison. I went to more, but May 13th to preform her concert at Stage AE. there’s just so many to name. I love going to Also, Beyonce is coming on May 31st on her concerts and I don’t see myself ever stopping. “Formation of the World” tour. They are bands that I love and listen to growing Tickets for these concerts are available up.” at concertix.com or ticketmaster.com. Bieber is the main concert people have been buzzing about. He will be in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, July 13th. Bieber will also be going to Kansas City, Denver, Dallas, and more. Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt, Photo credit to Google Images and Old Dominion are all coming to Pittsburgh BVA Arguing and Debating Foster Care their way to Pitt month arrives to takeover By Emilee Bonus May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. It’s a month to acknowledge foster par-ents, foster agencies, and the caseworkers. This month is to appreciate all the good that has come out of the system and the 400,000 lives it has changed throughout the years. There are many different outlooks on the agencies. “Most of the people that work for an agency that involves children are overworked,” said BVA Family and Childcare teacher Ruth Kozel. “I honestly don’t know a lot on how the foster care systems works. I was never really put in a situation that involved foster care; however, I do know if it is an emergency situation that the children will be removed out of the home due to drugs, abuse or neglect,” said Kozel. BVA sophomore Jorden McCaskill shared his experience about getting adopted. “I was adopted at age three, [and] it was one of the best things that have ever happened to me,” said McCaskill. “I was removed out a situation that I’m glad did not prolong itself. Adoption takes approximately six months and it can be a hard process. People may have a hard time getting through the foster care stage and onto the adoption stage. They both are wrapped up in the same category. An agency’s mission is set to make sure a child is safe and in a stable home, which may not always happen, but their interest is for the best. “People who work in this field of work do not do it for the money, but because From let to right: Caitlyn Szakal, Jackie Wilson, they have a big heart,” said Kozel. “It’s a beneficial program that allows adolescents an opportunity to experience a Maddie Bitonti, and Kate Baron. better situation and environment to better themselves,” said BVA Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Wilson. This system was built to help people, let Kate Baron was chosen by the University of them overcome the struggles of growing up too fast, and give hope to many families. “This is a month we should all sit back and Pittsburgh to compete in the annual debate be thankful [for],” said McCaskill. on April 28th at North Allegheny HS. 4 SENIOR SUPERLATIVES

NICEST CAR Zoe Zadrozny and Ty Zborovancik Nicest Hair Sarah Sepesky and Max Durigon (not pictured) MOST ATHLETIC Most Likely to Never Leave Belle Vernon Bailey Campbell (not pictured) McKenna Keffel (not pictured) and and Derek Verkleeren Cutest Couple Joey Campano (not pictured) Kaity Watson and Jesse Hartman Most Likely to Move Prettiest SMILE to Another Country Jessie Nusser and Justin Ivill Jessie Nusser and Tommy Beeler Cutest Couple ThaT NEVer Was Miranda Filak and Tommy Beeler Best Personality Most Likely to Become Famous Marissa Hasson and Aubrey Cintron and Tyler Chiste Lincoln Mimidis (not pictured) Best Dressed Meghan Lovett and Max Durigon (not pictured)

Most Likely to Succeed Best Nickname Kaity Watson and Alyssa “Magic” Larson and Frank Guaranoni (not pictured) Class Clown Matt “Tibbus” Dawson Sarah Wilkinson and Derek Verkleeren SENIOR SUPERLATIVES 5

Most Likely to Never Leave Belle Vernon MOST LIKELY TO WIN the Voice McKenna Keffel (not pictured) and Aubrey Cintron and Tyler Chiste Joey Campano (not pictured) Worst C a se of Senioritis McKenna Keffel (not pictured) and Most Likely to Move Brett Lewis (not pictured) MOST LIKELY TO to Another Country BECOME PRESIDENT Jessie Nusser and Tommy Beeler Marissa Hasson and Lincoln Mimidis (not pictured) Worst Driver Kylie Reppert and Jordan Susick Most Likely to Become Famous Most Changed Since Aubrey Cintron and Tyler Chiste Freshman Year Jessie Nusser and Matt Dawson Prettiest EYES Emily McCullough and Noah Bukowski (not pictured) Best Nickname most school spirit Alyssa “Magic” Larson and MOST LIKELY TO Marissa Hasson and Matt “Tibbus” Dawson Luke Durigon (not pictured) FIND AT SHEETZ Jessie Nusser and Justin Ivill New year, new you 6 Spot the Difference Original Photo

By Maddie Balsano Photo by Maddie Balsano With the 2015-2016 school year quickly feels like just yesterday I was one of those 8th coming to an end, it’s time for the students to graders crying because I was terrified to come take the next step and prepare themselves for up to high school.” their upcoming school year. Belle Vernon’s One may ask what are the teachers feelings annual “Step Up Day” will occur on June 1st. are on Step Up Day? After being asked about Altered Photo This is a day where all students in grades 8-12 her plans to motivate her upcoming students get to stand up to the plate and move along. All into joining her class, English teacher Elaine students will be able to experience a full school McConnell shares, “I plan to talk about all the day of their upcoming year by using their sched- upcoming books we are going to read and how ules that they created months ago. they will relate to their own lives. I like to give To begin this day, all 8th grade students will positive notes about the exciting things that will come up to the high school to be introduced to occur throughout their upcoming school year.” their surroundings and their upcoming peers. Finally, we make it to the senior class. With The seniors will be available to help walk them this being their final and last day of school, they through their schedules and motivate them with will be anxious to step out of this building. June positive attitudes about their upcoming four 1st is not only graduation day, but during the years. course of Step Up Day, seniors will practice On this day, freshman Ally Manown will be- commencement. They put on their caps and come a sophomore and get a sneak peak into her gowns and head down to the field to practice future. She shares, “Freshman year was memo- their final walk before leaving BVASD. rable in so many ways; although, I’m excited to Senior Christian Glaspey explains, “When I start my new beginning. I am anxious to meet was a freshman, all I can remember were the my new teachers, but excited to have a change.” seniors telling me ‘don’t blink’ and they were After sophomore Lexie Argirakis was asked surely right. High school has not only been about her favorite teacher and class throughout the fastest four years of my life, but the most her high school life she shared, “Science has memorable. I learned a lot and got to experience always been one of my favorite subjects, so I so much that made me the person I am today. think Mr. Conners’ Honors Biology class fresh- The only advice I have for underclassman is to man year has been my favorite. He was a great live in the moment and don’t take this time for teacher and he really prepared us for the Key- granted.” stones.” The Leopard Tales would like to wish all high Finally, this is their time to shine. Juniors school students a happy and productive upcom- have spent their last year being younger than ing school year, as well as the graduating class the rest. They will get to sit back and finally be a bright future. the “big dogs” of the school. Current junior Ri- Photos by Lauren ley Ferita states, “I cannot believe I am about to walk into my senior year of high school. It pankiewicz Meet the staff! Where will the seniors on the staff go?

Bryce Coyne- Attending Indiana Univeristy of Pennsylva- nia studying Public Relations and Journalism. Madison Balsano- Attending University of Pittsburgh Greensburg studying Rhetoric Communications. Marissa Hasson- Arizona State University studying Broad- cast Journalism. Samantha Jenny- Attending Empire beauty school for cosmetology. Jessie Arutoff- Undecided Chris Rogers-Undecided (Back row L-R) Jessie Arutoff, Chris Rogers, Bryce Coyne, Emilee Bonus, Rebecca Holderbaum, and Tyler Steeber.

(Front row L-R) Madison Balsano, Marissa Hasson, Samantha Jenney, Sarah Juba, and Falyn Sa- moda. Not pictured: Ashley Kirchner BVA is at the top of the world Lunch Specials 7 Monday: bacon cheeseburger

Tuesday: bonless chicken wings and a breadstick

Photo credit to Google Images By Sarah Juba Wednesday: buffalo chicken The seniors and (Medical Interest Club/ Stu- that people love in roller coasters and the rush is dents Against Destructive Decisions) an “unbelieveable” feeling. The mega or hyper MIC/SADD are going to amazing parks this roller coaster is over 200 feet tall on the biggest spring. The seniors plan to go the Hershey Park hill and is one of the ten hightest roller coasters in May and MIC/SADD plans to go the Cedar in the United States. pizza Point also this May. Cedar Point and Hershey Park have their perks BVA senior Kelsey Dwyer explains how she in rides and food, but kids normally go for the feels about the senior trip to Hershey Park. fun and to spend time with their friends. “I can't wait to go to Hershey. I want to have fun with my friends and want to relieve stress about school. This may be my last trip with my school, which makes me extremly sad, but I plan to ride all of the rides there because I've never been [to Hershey] before.” Thrusday: chicken sandwich The Great Bear and Skyrush are the two of the many rides Hershey Park tourists love. BVA junior Maggie Schmidt is really excited for the MIC/SADD trip. “Since I sold the calenders, I got to go, so it wasn't that hard. I honestly can't wait until I'm there because I've never been [to the park] so it's a great new experience.” Cedar Point is a big amusement park with Friday: nachos and cheese, rides such as the Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster, Gate Keeper. BVA nurse and MIC/SADD sponser Vick- ie McCullough takes her club to Cedar Point every year as a reward for all the hard work the meat, and a bun club puts in. “It’s [the club’s] end of the year trip and the kids really deserve a break from their hard work. All they had to do was sell ten ten-dollar Photo credit to Google Images calendars to be eligible for the trip,” says Mc- Cullough. According to Cedar Point, that the Millini- um Force is the ride that people like the most when the come to the park. It brings the thrill A tragedy hits Taipei, Tiawan grandfather and two siblings for lunch when the They deserve to live life to the fullest.” attack occurred. The girl was on a bike ahead BVA senior Isac Crosby says, “I do not know of her mother, and she was struggling to get up how someone could just kill some innocent lit- on the sidewalk when the man had approached tle girl like her. Liu’s mother just assumed he was going to that and not help, but then he began attacking the girl with feel any re- a cleaver. The mother and bystanders ran to the morse “A young child, for it at spot but were unable to pull him away in time. all.” especially an inno- In an interviw Liu’s mother explained, “I saw the suspect slashing my daughter with a cleaver. The cent one, does not South I immediately grabbed him but I could not pull China deserve to die...” Morn- him away. I never thought this society was so ing Post dangerous. I will never see her again, and she reports -Clinton Hall that will never see her brother and sister again.” his father Some students say that violence does not de- scribed solve problems. BVA senior Aaron Ellis ex- the unemployed man as mentally unstable. plains, “When being killed at such a young age, In the wake of the attack, lawmakers prom- you do not get the chance to live your life and ised to consider legislation ensuring the death grow up.” penalty for those who kill children, or at least The suspects name is Wang Ching-yu, who life in prison if mental illness is involved. was then arrested by the police after the attack. He had previously sought treatment for mental illness after fights with his family and also has Seniors, don’t forget: Photo credit to Dawn Newspaper drug-related arrests on his record. Ching-yu had been waiting near the metro May 25th is the Senior Awards By Samantha Jenney station after allegedly purchasing the knife at a A nearly unthinkable killing unfolded on the issues, reports the Taipei Times. supermarket earlier that day. Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 streets of Taipei, Taiwan on March 28, 2016, The victim is identified only by her surname, BVA librarian Clinton Hall comments, “If a.m. followed by the Senior when a man beheaded a 4-year-old girl in full Liu, and by her nickname, “Little Lightbulb,” or you just end up waiting for some innocent vic- view of her mother. “Little Lantern.” tim to kill, then you have a problem. A young Picnic from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 It seems to have been a random attack, and She and her mother were on their way to a child, especially an innocent one, does not de- the 33-year-old suspect has a history of mental subway station. They were going to meet her serve to die, no matter what the situation is. p.m. 8 Player of the issue By Bryce Coyne gotten another school with the same academics I would’ve had to rethink my decision.” It’s not hard to notice Nick Sweitzer in Belle Sweitzer plans to study business while at Vernon. Sweitzer seems larger than life at times, Georgetown, but is not sure of what career he’d listed at 6’5” and 295lbs, and he used that frame specifically like yet. For football, his only cur- to his advantage becoming a standout football rent goal is to play his freshman year. “If I get player and getting recognition from Division-1 the opportunity to be on the field for my fresh- schools throughout the country. man season I can’t really complain about that. Sweitzer has been an offensive lineman on Hopefully I’ll be able to stay healthy enough to BVA’s football team for four years, and start- keep playing consistently all four years.” ed to get scholarship offers from Division-1 Sweitzer has years worth of memories from schools during his junior year. He decided on his time with Belle Vernon football, but his fa- Georgetown University shortly after Belle Ver- vorite was beating Ringgold in part of his unde- non lost their second round playoff game this feated senior season. year. “Ringgold was always one of the toughest Sweitzer explained that he chose George- teams we had to play and beating them pretty town in part because “They were the best choice much locked up the section this year, ending academically out of all the schools that offered that rivalry with a win was one of the best things me.” I got to be a part of here.” Sweitzer’s older brother, Jake Sweitzer, will Sweitzer says that anyone who “works hard, be a junior at Georgetown next year. He says comes to practice, and gives their best effort” that his brother being there was a factor but it can follow the same path he did, and continue to was not the whole reason for going there. play football in college. Belle Vernon and The “Jake being at Georgetown definitely was Leopard Tales wish Nick the best of luck in his an influence for my decision but if I would’ve academic and football careers throughout the rest of his school years. Photo credit to The Herald Standard

Leopards continue their success on the track the 4 by 4. trying to aim for a lower time than my best of The idea of improving is Kikta’s favorite 12.87,” states Lynn. part of the track season. As it is the same as any BVA senior Tyler Boff has been a part of other student on the track team, he plans to beat the track team for four years now. Boff runs the his personal records and become a better runner. 1600m and the 3200m every meet. “My favorite BVA junior Sierra Lynn states, “The best part of being on the team is partaking in exten- part of the season is going to the meets and hav- sive workouts with my friends,” he stated. ing fun with all of my friends. I love being able As a senior, Boff states that he is already to compete in a sport I love and have fun with starting to miss all the good times he had be- my friends at the same time!” ing on the team. “For any new runners in track, Lynn sprained her MCL during the soccer mentality is one of the most important aspects season and this is the first time she has run on of running, those who understand what I said a track since. will become some of Belle Vernon’s best run- “It feels awesome to be able to run because ners,” explains Boff. a few months ago I couldn’t even walk. I just The boys are undefeated this year, with (6-0). broke my personal record in all three of my This is their foruth section title in eight years. event which I get times for so my knee is better BVA junior Sierra Lynn for broke the 200 than ever,” she explained. meter dash school record, with a time of 26.24. Lynn runs the 100m, 200m, the 4 by 4 relay, The previous record was 26.34. and the 4 by 1 relay. “My goal since freshman The Leopard Tales wishes the track team the year was to break 13 seconds for the 100m, but best of luck in the rest of their season. I finally did that on March 22nd, so I’m just A Photo credit to Jordan Clark The boy’s team pose for a congratulatory photo after being named the N 2016 section champions. S By Falyn Samoda before the actual track season to get in shape and prepare for the season. Kavic’s personal W goal for this season is just for personal improve- Despite the cold weather, the track team puts ment in the students, and for everybody to do on their game faces and has a tremendous start the best they possibly can as the season goes E to the season. along. Although Belle Vernon High School does not BVA freshman Dawson Quinto runs track actually have a track, the team still works hard R to get in shape for the upcoming soccer season. during practice to perform their best at track Quinto runs the 100m, 200m, 4 by 1, and the events. 1600 relay. His personal goal for this season is There are 30 girls on the team and 45 boys. to beat his record for 100m that he ran in middle BVA social studies teacher Rodd Kavic has school. K been a track coach for 22 years. Kavic states BVA sophomore Alex Kikta also runs track that he is a part of the track team simply because to get in shape for the soccer season. Kikta he loves the sport and he likes to work with stu- E states that the worst part of track season is run- dents outside of the classroom. ning in the cold weather. He runs the 400m, and The track team conditions for a few months Y