Volume 46 Issue 2 Student Newspaper Of Shaler Area High School December 2019 “Radium Girls” proves challenging for cast, audience by James Engel were in tears, others were in disbelief, and others still were angry that a situation like For this year’s fall play, Shaler Area High the one performed could even arise. The School drifted away from the fictional tales show provided an accurate and emotional audiences have grown accustomed to. Stu- portrayal of the struggle of these women. dents performed “Radium Girls”, the true sto- It seems justice was done on stage. ry of young women in a New Jersey radium “We made people angry, we made watch painting plant. people sad, some were happy that the The women became afflicted with girls got justice, but everyone who came radium poisoning and other ailments resulting to see it seemed to appreciate it for what from the radioactive substance. For the sake it was,” senior Bella James, who played of justice and to receive compensation for Kathryn Schaub, one of the most defiant their suffering, the women face down the US of the afflicted women, said. Radium Corporation in a lawsuit. Not only did the play provide an emo- This play left behind last year’s mystical tional experience for the audience, but it “Alice in Wonderland” and instead chose to also shed a light on a part of American show the audience a true story of struggle and history that is not often examined. perseverance. This turn towards reality led the “I know a whole lot of people went play’s actors into new, more lifelike, scenes. home after the show and researched more “I had the opportunity to play a character on their own, and that’s what we wanted that is very different from any other character them to do,” senior Kelsey Marshall, who Junior Sonny DeMasi, senior Bella James and senior Kelsey Marshall. I’ve ever portrayed,” senior Alex Almonte, who played Grace Fryer, the play’s protagonist played Arthur Roeder, the president of the US closer to the show. I was worried that I wouldn’t be said. Radium Corporation said. able to portray this true story the way it should be, “Radium Girls” gave audiences something new. This transition out of the fictional universe did and that we wouldn’t be giving the Radium Girls the It was emotional, raw, and most importantly, real. not come without some difficulty. Having to convey justice they deserve,” junior Sonny DeMasi, who This year’s play can be marked down as another suc- the actions and emotions of a real person places a played Tom Kreider, the husband of one of the af- cess in the line of excellent Shaler Area productions. great deal more pressure on the actors. flicted women said. “I think it is the best show we have ever done,” “There was a point of uneasiness when it came After the curtain fell, many audience members co-director Mrs. Anne Loudon said.

SchoolConerns include district district readiness, makes student access decision to online assignments, to limit student FID participation use by Ashley Llaneza was received at the beginning of Au- on the success of the program. Addi- 400 staff members,” Aiken said. gust and the application was due at the tionally, other nearby districts build Although Aiken knows portions of Flexible Instructional Days are a beginning of September. In the appli- in make-up days for cancellations, so students would have no problem get- new approach that is being taken by the cation, it was necessary to include les- they did not see a need for FID. ting assigned work completed on time, state of Pennsylvania towards school son plans and curriculum information Because the FID program is new, it is a concern from the district that the cancellation days. Flexible Instruc- in order to be approved. the district is not sure exactly how this loss of instructional time in class would tional Days, also known as FID, have The Shaler Area School District plan will work. Shaler Area also values not be beneficial to everyone. become popular throughout multiple pursued the in-class instruc- “We’re a school district. We value school districts in western Pennsylva- application in “I just don’t think that tion, and losing time in seats and time in front of your nia. order to have a chunk of days teacher,” Aiken said. FID have been introduced as an al- the opportunity right now our plan for due to inclem- Aiken is concerned that throughout ternate way to instruct students when to use FID. The the flexible instructional ent weather is not the district that all students do not have school is cancelled due to inclement application something that the capability of getting their work weather, technical difficulties, or other was approved days is a good plan for the district sees as done on their own outside of school. unexpected circumstances. This idea is by both the all 4,200 students in the beneficial. There- Another aspect of Flexible Instruc- being implemented in order to prevent school board district.” fore, the district tional Days that worries the district is breaks from being shortened when and the state. will not use flex- that not all students are able to access there are multiple make-up days. “We were -- Mr. Sean Aiken, ible instructional assignments online from their homes. The FID program allows districts one of the first Superintendent days for weather Although FID are one of the pos- to assign lessons to students on days school districts and will use them sible solutions to having to make up that in-class instruction is cancelled. in Western for circumstances cancellations, the district may, in the Flexible Instructional Days involve Pennsylvania to actually get approved such as water main breaks or power future, consider ways to build more teachers creating assignments that this year,” Superintendent Mr. Sean Ai- outages for the 2019-2020 school year. days into the schedule so that spring can either be sent home to students ken said. There is still a possibility that FID will break is not shortened. throughout the school year to be used Despite the fact that the district got be used for snow cancellation days in Aiken is aware that students dread for an emergency or posted on online approved for FID so quickly, they felt future school years. having to make up snow days. Even sites, such as Google Classroom, on as though the application process was “The possible closure of a school though flexible instructional days are the day of the cancellation. The num- rushed and could have been done in a due to an emergency is typically a deci- being put on hold for snow days, Aiken ber of Flexible Instructional Days used more orderly fashion. sion that pertains solely to that school. is not against the idea of implementing may not exceed five days per school After getting approved for the For example, a water main break, pow- them in the future for all emergency year. Flexible Instructional Days, the district er outage, etc. is usually contained to circumstances. He thinks the program Over the summer, Shaler Area then began to explore how they could an area and would affect only schools needs to be explored more before it is School District received an email from be used in the 2019-2020 school year. in that area. A decision to cancel school put in place across the district. the Pennsylvania Department of Edu- The district began to reach out to for that school only affects that school “I just don’t think that right now cation stating that a window was be- nearby schools to see how they might and not the other six schools in the dis- our plan for the flexible instructional ing opened to apply to use Flexible use the program, but because FID are trict. A closing due to inclement weath- days is a good plan for all 4,200 stu- Instructional Days. However, the email new, it was difficult to get information er affects all 4200 students and over dents in the district,” he said. Page 2 The Oracle December 2019 OPINIONS Concert policy showed benefit of putting phone away by Michaela Brining This policy does more than protect Not being on my phone for that concert the artists rights, it gives the audience As a teenage girl living in modern the full experience that they paid for. day America, it is almost impossible for was one of the best experiences of my More artists should adopt this policy. me to set down my phone. It’s become life...Everyone was just vibing. No one was I have to say that the best part of a physical part of my right arm, extend- the Tool concert was the very end. The ing past my fingertips, like a prosthetic. distracted by blue lights or notifications. lead singer, Maynard James Keenan, al- Let’s be honest, we are all like this. We Everyone was enjoying the music...that’s the lowed the audience to have their phones are all addicted to our phones. out for the last song. And the crazy thing There becomes a point when we way it should be. Turn off your phone, cut off was very few people pulled theirs out. need to turn them off and tune into the distractions and just simply enjoy good People took a quick picture and what is happening around us. A couple music. then immediately put it away. There weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go was no reason to be on your phone. We see Tool live at PPG Paints Arena. Prior were all entranced by the music. to the concert, I did some research and I was wrong. The next time I go to a concert, I’m discovered that Tool had a strict, “no phones policy”. Not being on my phone for that concert was one turning off my phone, whether it is enforced or not. It If you were found on your phone during the con- of the best experiences of my life. I was just vibing. enhances the experience, letting me enjoy the music cert, you would be asked to leave and never return to Everyone was just vibing. No one was distracted by for what it is. a Tool concert again. blue lights or notifications. Everyone was enjoying And for that matter, I’m turning my phone off The night before the concert, an article was pub- the music. And if you ask me, that’s the way it should more in general. When I’m around my friends and lished about Tool’s most recent show in Philadelphia. be. Turn off your phone, cut off the distractions and family, I shouldn’t be consumed by the screen in A man was taken out of the arena for being on his just simply enjoy good music. my hand. I should be paying attention to the world phone. He wasn’t even allowed to grab his jacket. Although this policy seems a little strict, it is one around me and live in the moment. I thought this was a little too intense. What if I of the best decisions a performer could make. Hav- We should all do this. We should just turn off our wanted to play GamePigeon? What if I had to text ing a “no phones policy” eliminates the risk of an phones and vibe with the people around us, enjoying my mom? What if there was an emergency? At first I audience member recording the show and publicly the world through our own eyes, not through that of thought this “no phones policy” was ridiculous. displaying it through social media or other outlets. a screen. Better than LeBron? We want to Don’t go there by Dominic DiTommaso missed 81. hear from you! This kid is “an MVP candidate”? Nowadays, things get older by the As a rookie, Dončić was shooting SportsCenter highlight. 71% -- 71% -- from the free-throw line. Have something to say? The media is constantly telling you And one fateful night last year against that this player or that player is an all- San Antonio, on March the 12, he went time great. This player or that player 1-9 -- 1-9 -- from the free-throw line. Have a story idea is the greatest player to come into the That is pathetic. No “superstar” goes league in years. And now, we have 1-9 from the free-throw line. Michael you want us to cover? found the next LeBron James. Jordan never thought about going 1-9 Luka Dončić? from the free-throw line. Larry Bird Maybe we have. I just don’t see it. never dreamt that, yet he’s a common For the record, I did like Doncic comparison to Dončić for many. James Have a reaction (good or bad) before the draft. He does have creativ- was 75% from the free-throw line his ity when it comes to passing. He has rookie year. And Dončić was 71%. Not to one of our topics? the rare passing feel to the game. He a huge difference, but still a difference. has the vision and the anticipation, and Yet this kid is “the greatest player Email us -- [email protected] I’ll throw in unselfishness, to pass the to come into the league in years”? basketball. The problem I have with Dončić Tweet us -- @ShalerOracle Yet, I get so offended when many is that he doesn’t play a blink of de- start comparing this young man to fense. James can defend and disrupt LeBron James. Lighting might strike on defense. Dončić cannot. Right now, You might see your comments printed us all the next time someone utters Dončić ranks 252nd in defensive win Luka Dončić in the same breath as the shares. James, right now, is 5th, and in here in our next paper all-time greatest basketball player. his rookie season he was 130th and in Let’s be honest, No. 77 is nowhere his second season he was 38th. close to No. 23. Luka Dončić couldn’t guard me. In his rookie year, Dončić went He is a defensive liability. Yet this 33-49 and his team finished second-to- kid is “the next LeBron James”. last in the Western Conference. Just for I know, I know: he is just 20. The Oracle comparison, James, in his rookie year, James was never given a pass when he first came into the league for his age, was the ninth seed in the East, one slot Staff: ...... J a m e s E n g e l , J u l i a F a l g i o n e , out of the playoffs. so this young man certainly isn’t. Ashley Llaneza, Dominic DiTommaso, Michaela Brining, Stephanie Bodner, Yet Dončić is “all-time great”? And I’ll give you this: Dončić is Bailey Ritchey, Max Robinson Right now, Dončić is shooting 31% fun to watch. He has offensive artistry from three, which ranks 137th in the and, again, the knack of passing the Faculty Advisor: ...... Mr. Eric Schott NBA. What shocks me is he’s tied for basketball. He is starting to grow on the fourth-most three-point attempts. me. I just can’t give you “superstar” 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. He has some clutchness to him, but he right now when he’s going 31% from Opinions expressed in The Oracle are those of the individual writers. is somewhat of a liability, because he’s three and 71% from the free-throw Letters to the Editor are encouraged and welcome. Any letter intended for publication must be signed, but jacking up so many threes and miss- line. Those aren’t “superstar” numbers. names will be withheld upon request. Articles and letters may be mailed to the high school (ATTN: The What happened a few Friday’s Oracle) or emailed to [email protected]. ing so many of them. Right now, he’s The Oracle Cont on page 6 reserves the right to condense or omit any letters or articles unfit for publication. December 2019 The Oracle Page 3 Anti-Flag drummer talks politics, music, activism by James Engel views, changed the band, and changed the band’s Pat Thetic is the drummer for Pittsburgh punk views? rock band Anti-Flag. He is a graduate of Shaler Area A: The aftermath of High School, and still practices in Shaler today. Anti- September 11th showed Flag is a politically motivated band, often incorporat- those of us who were activ- ing social issues and human rights into its music. The ists and revolutionaries how band has toured throughout North America, Europe, thin the veneer of democ- and Asia. They currently have over 700,000 monthly racy and human rights are. listeners on Spotify, and will release a new album, After the attacks, powerful “20/20 Vision”, in January. people made power grabs Q: How did you get your start in music? and took rights away from A: I went to school here. Justin, who I started the people. That’s a scary posi- band with, did not go to Shaler. Justin and I played tion to be in. We’re taught club soccer together. We were both (expletive)-ups in our civics classes that and weirdos who no one else wanted to hang out with. we have a Bill of Rights, We also didn’t do drugs or drink alcohol, which made we have a Constitution, us less interesting to other people. So, we found that we have UN human rights we came together and played music on a Friday night laws, and these things are instead of going to a party. The band kind of started universal and apply to ev- by being outcasts in the places we lived. When you eryone. The reality is that become an outcast in one society, you create another they don’t. They only apply society. when we all collectively Q: Was the band political from the start, or say these are important did it evolve into politics? things and we’re going to A: We have always had social justice and revo- force them to apply. lutionary views as people, and that translated into the With the Trump music we created. When we were young we were administration, what we angry at everything, and we were not as educated, see is that authoritarianism aware, or exposed to a lot of different issues. We is a real possibility in the didn’t understand why we were angry, but we were. US and that people will roll It seems like people in Shaler strive for mediocrity. over and allow their rights There is no excellence, we’re just trying to achieve to be taken away. That is Anti-Flag drummer Pat Thetic talks to Shaler Area students. baseline, which is a (expletive) place to be. That very scary to me, but those can live free and happy without just a few people made me angry. I wanted something that was better, I are the esoteric visions of it. The fact that he puts kids with all of the money. wanted something that was different, I wanted some- in cages and is clearly a white supremacist, or at least Q: You’ve been all over the world. What plac- thing that wasn’t as vanilla and white as the Shaler has dog whistles for white supremacists is screwed es do you like best? experience was. I wanted something that was more up. We actually have a new record, and it has Trump A: I like Germany and Switzerland a lot. I’ve multicultural, I wanted new ideas. I realized that the on the cover. It deals with a lot of these issues. been to Hong Kong, which is pretty awesome. ideas that were coming at me in the place I lived were Q: You’ve put two new singles out recently, They’re struggling to defend their rights and free- boring and tired, and I wanted something new. We “Christian Nationalist” and “Hate Conquers doms right now. Mexico City is also great. We know were looking for something; Politics and Activism All”; what message are you trying to send in these that Mexicans are not horrible rapists like Trump says were a way of finding it. songs? they are, but playing in Mexico really refreshes my Q: When you say change and revolution, what A: “Hate Conquers All” is a statement about the faith in humanity, seeing all those amazing people. does that mean to you? idea of “Love Trump’s Hate” and the idea that Trump The same goes for different places in Russia. I was A: Things don’t have to be the way they are, right is simply a hateful person. The reality is that he is taught growing up that Russia was the enemy, but here. Once you realize that, you see that there are much bigger than just a hateful person. He is a person when you go there and meet them, you realize that other solutions to problems. When you travel around who is trying to take our rights, to take our money, to they are very nice people. the world, you realize that the way things are in the take our freedom away from us for his own gain. We Q: How has witnessing political and social United States is not the way things are in other places. live in a world that is pretty safe, most of us aren’t movements all over the world affected the band’s You realize that most kids in other places don’t have worried about ICE coming and taking you or your message? to have metal detectors on their way into school. So, family in the middle of the night. These things are re- A: It gives us hope. We go all over the world why is that, and how do we make a change? These alities in Trump’s world and that is something we’re and meet activists and social justice advocates, and things are important to me. For me, these all come talking about in this new record. I, as a white male, they’re all fighting for the betterment of themselves down to economic issues. The economic disparity have many privileges that other people do not, and and the people around them. You realize that the idea between the people with the most and the people with we have to be aware that we must protect all people, that everyone is apathetic and no one cares is not the least causes a lot of these problems. That is the because if we don’t, all of our privileges go away. true. That is inspiring to us. We also see social justice type of change we wish to see. “Christian Nationalist” is about the idea in the movements in every city we go to fighting for social Q: Can you tell me about the rise of the band US that terrorism is created by people of color. The issues. I think every kid should take a year, instead and its early popularity? reality is that most terrorism in the US is created by of going to college, and travel. Once you see more A: It is a very different experience from the out- white Christians. It is about how Christianity can of the world, you realize that the (expletive) at home side looking in to a band becoming popular and be- perpetuate that this is ‘God’s will’ and other crazy doesn’t matter, and the issues you might have here ing inside of a band becoming popular. The band has (expletive) that leads to these attacks. The synagogue aren’t real. been doing the same thing for the past twenty-five shooting in Squirrel Hill was perpetrated by a white Q: You talked about global movements. What years, more people have come and have been en- Christian nationalist. movements are there in Pittsburgh to get involved gaged in the band, over time, but that doesn’t really Q: How did the Tree of Life shooting affect in? change what we do. the band? A: There is lots of movements in Pittsburgh. I We started playing shows, we started shows out- A: I was actually having my first child at the very usually push people towards bigger organizations side of the Pittsburgh area, we started playing shows moment that the shooting was happening. It was very like GreenPeace and Amnesty International. They are outside of the US, all of those things became bigger much a part of my existence, and the existence of my great because they’re already established. There are and bigger and bigger, but there is nothing on the in- family. I lived in Squirrel Hill for part of my life after people fighting against the gentrification of East Lib- side that has really changed that much. To become I left Shaler. It is the reality that any jackass with a erty, and plenty of movements like that. It all depends successful, you treat people well, you love what you gun can kill a lot of people. There’s a lot of coverage on what issues you think are the most important. do, and you are passionate about what you are trying for the top, and Trump, that these beliefs of hate are Q: Aside from joining an organization, what to achieve. If you do those things, you’ll figure out okay. It’s a horrible thing, and we need to stand up can we do, as young individuals, to help the world? how to make a living. It won’t be a great living, but against it. A: You should always be aware of where your it will be enough to survive. All we want to do is to Q: Anti-Flag is commonly associated with the information is coming from. Whatever information have the freedom to make the choices that we want Anarchist punk movement. Are you an Anarchist? you’re getting always has a particular point of view. to make, and have the economic resources to make A: I am more of a Socialist, in the pure sense of Being able to realize what people have to gain those choices. the word. I do think we need some sort of govern- and lose by having certain opinions, and comparing Q: How has the current administration ment and some sort of structure, but I do think we those yourself is important. Being aware and active and the current political climate changed your need a redistribution of the wealth so that everyone is critical. Page 4 The Oracle December 2019 Tool gives mesmerizing experience Star is born with by Max Robinson Gerber Baby “It’s some kind of psychedelic experi- by Bailey Ritchey ence, it’s some kind of psychedelic experi- TikTok is a fun outlet for anyone ence, it’s some kind of psychedelic experi- to create his/her own videos using ence…” echoes throughout the arena as his/her own sounds and ideas. It has everyone watches hypnotically. recently gained tremendous popular- Tool is a veteran prog metal band that ity and is one of the most popular has been mesmerizing the masses for years media outlets for teenagers in 2019. now. The band is back on the road for promo- With over 898,000 followers and tion of its new album, Fear Inoculum. 33 million likes, Tyler Funke has Tool puts on a concert experience unlike earned the title of Popular Creator on any other band out there. For starters, the TikTok. Tyler started to gain a fol- band has a STRICT no phone policy at their lowing in March 2019. live shows. Ushers are instructed to remove Funke is most popular for a com- anyone from the show if he/she is seen with pilation video of him saying “Gerber a phone out, and Tool’s management will not Baby” in different voices. The origi- allow those kicked out to return for future nal video now has millions of views. shows. This video has become so popular But fans of the band aren’t there to film that Tyler designed merchandise the show, they are there to become abso- based off of this video. lutely entranced by the music. Tool came to The 18-year-old now gets sev- Tool’s Guitarist, Adam Jones. (Max Robinson) Pittsburgh on November 8th. Killing Joke, an eral hundred thousand views, as well industrial/rock opened for Tool. The crowd crowd to film the song, then thanking Pittsburgh “for the as tens of thousands likes on each of seemed pretty underwhelmed by the opening act. My best ketchup”. his TikTok videos. guess is they had no clue who Killing Joke was. After all, The weird thing about Tool shows is that no one is There wasn’t much to the birth they were there for Tool. singing, no one is filming, and Maynard hardly addresses of the famous Gerber Baby video. Tool opened the set with the title track of their new al- the crowd. It’s an oddly personal experience for being in a “I was on vacation in Florida in bum, a 10-minute-long epic which set the tone for the rest of sold out arena. Tool puts on a show that makes you feel like July of 2019 and it was late at night, the show. Throughout the setlist, the visuals were as trance- you took a hallucinogen, and fans crave it. like 3:00 am. I was delusional and inducing as the music. Numerous songs had their music vid- I had a great experience myself at the show. It was my was saying words that sounded fun- eos projected while others featured Tool’s iconic, trippy art first time seeing Tool; I missed them in 2017 when they came ny together,” he said. style. The videos paired with the lasers and lights provided to the Petersen Events Center. I’ve been a fan for years, and Despite his popularity, Funke psychedelic-like experience. it was great to finally see them live. said, “TikTok does not pay me. I get The band played a few fan favorites including “Schism” I was also given the privilege to photograph the show, donations on live streams.” and “Forty Six & 2”, and the song duo “Parabol” and which is especially cool considering no one else is allowed Tyler said it’s always been a “Parabola” from the band’s 2001 masterpiece Lateralus. to even glimpse at their phone. This was definitely the loud- dream of his, but he never thought “Chocolate Chip Trip” is a cut from the new album, and est show I’ve ever been to, and I’ve seen numerous rock and anything like this could happen. glimpse into drummer Danny Carey’s mind. He began by metal acts including Metallica. “People in public recognize solely beating a gong before laying down a techy, drum ma- The visuals were something I’ve never seen in a concert me here and there. I’ve gotten rec- chine beat and then playing an absolute mind bending drum before. I was thoroughly impressed throughout the whole ognized at the airport and even at solo on top of that. night. I would highly recommend anyone to attend one of college.” said Funke, who attends To end the show, the band played another live staple, their shows, even if you only know a couple of songs. You Penn State Harrisburg and studies “Stinkfist”. Frontman Maynard James Keenan allowed the will not be disappointed. Psychology. T When do you What is at the What is your What is the What is your start top of your favorite worst Christmas New Year h decorating? Christmas list? Christmas gift you have resolution? e Grid movie? ever got? I normally start Rudolph the Red Start Freshman Pineapple Nose Reindeer Samy decorating Coal meditating Rodibaugh November 1st Plush

Sophomore Weekend Nightmare A speaker whose Stop trying to Madeline after New pens! Before top volume was make Turner Thanksgiving quieter than my resolutions. Christmas phone. Justice gift Junior November A dog pass junior Emily Elf card Kubic 1st year

Literal coal Senior First week of Money Christmas To solve the teen Thomas December Vacation vaping crisis. Borgen

I start decorating Love and “A Christmas I have the mechanical To be more thank- Faculty ability of the aver- as late as pos- compassion instead Story” with ful for my blessings sible and put the age floor tile, so the Mr. of hartred and and to be more stuff away as soon Ralphie shooting Craftsman 450-piece Connelly division. tool set did not get deliberate in helping as I am allowed. his eye out. put to use. others. December 2019 The Oracle Page 5

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — An em- Words were exchanged with sev- stayed in the hole. Then, people start- ployee of a New Mexico Subway sand- eral employees. Vester was accused ing knocking it everywhere,” Drum- wich shop is facing charges after police of pulling out a gun and pointing it at mond said. “I saw a Christmas tree on say she robbed the place to teach an- employees. WEIRD TV and said ‘let’s put one of those out other worker “a lesson.” NEWS there in that cone and everybody can Lorena Ariana Marin, 22, and her CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Visi- like it and not hit the pothole.’” alleged accomplice Angelo Rey Espi- tors to the Tennessee Aquarium may From there, the makeshift tree took nosa, 19, were arrested Monday night be shocked to learn that an electric eel on a life of its own. Neighbors would on a website called USAServiceDo- following reports of a robbery in Las named Miguel Wattson is lighting up a come and add silver, red and gold pine gRegistration.com and successfully Cruces, New Mexico, the Las Cruces Christmas tree. cone ornaments. Others added silver uploaded a random photo of a beehive Sun-News reports. A special system connected to and gold garland to the metal tree. as a service animal “to bring awareness Police said Espinosa allegedly Miguel’s tank enables his shocks to Cyrena Austin added lights for the ulti- to the issue that anyone could do this,” stood by while Marin verbally and power strands of lights on a nearby mate festive feel. he said. physically threatened the employees tree, according to a news release. Fox News reached out to the may- Keller was inspired to go through after hopping behind the counter. They Miguel releases low-voltage blips or’s office to inquire about when the with the registration after seeing a ser- ushered the employees to the back of of electricity when he is trying to find pothole would be fixed. The mayor’s vice dog that was visibly untrained. the store, but one employee ran to her food, aquarist Kimberly Hurt said. office deferred to the city’s streets de- “I could very easily tell that it was car and got away. That translates to a rapid, dim blinking partment, which did not respond. not a service animal because it was Marin told officers she committed of the Christmas lights. When he is eat- pulling the owner to the parking lot,” the robbery “to teach one of the em- ing or excited he emits higher voltage CAPE COD, Mass. -- An 11-year- says Keller. “I was thinking that it’s ployees a lesson about what could hap- shocks which cause bigger flashes. old Maine girl threw a message in a just too easy to get these animals to be pen late at night in that part of town.” A video posted shows Miguel bottle into the water and it was found service animals.” Marin and Espinosa are facing robbery shaking in his tank as lights on the 36 years later by a man walking the charges. nearby tree sputter on and off. Cape Cod beach in Massachusetts. MCCOMB, Miss. — People have The aquarium hopes the Christmas Joshua Mendes, 42, said he was added street work to their Christmas MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Authorities tree will spark love and appreciation beach combing two days before lists after they said the city left them say an irate woman pointed a gun at for the unusual freshwater fish. Thanksgiving when he found the glass with a gaping pothole, and now they’re fast food workers because they gave Coke bottle mostly buried in the sand. using holiday cheer to bring some at- her ketchup instead of jelly. PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. -- An The bottle contained a message tention to it. Asia Vester, 20, was arrested Tues- Arizona man’s emotional support ani- signed by an 11-year-old Jonesport, The pothole has been serving as day and charged with aggravated as- mal is creating quite a buzz. Maine, girl named Jenny Brown. The the base for a makeshift Christmas sault and unlawful possession of a David Keller thinks the application note was dated May 14, 1983. tree. John Drummond said the tree — weapon, news outlets are reporting. process to register an emotional sup- Mendes attempted to locate Brown, made of a metal rod sitting inside of a According to a Memphis police port animal is too easy — so he tried but the only information given in the traffic cone — originally was supposed affidavit, Vester was in the drive-thru registering a swarm of bees as his ser- note was a post office box. to be a deterrent for the cone, which line of a McDonald’s last week when vice pet. The Bangor Daily News shared the had been knocked all over the neigh- she received her food and realized her It worked. saga on Facebook, where it came to the borhood after city workers dug up the request for jelly was either forgotten or “A lot of people thought it was hi- attention of Kathy Marie Brown, who street and placed it over the pothole. unheeded. She instead received ketch- larious and a lot of people were getting confirmed Jenny is her sister and still “For a couple of days, the cone up. upset,” Keller said. He recently went lives in Jonesport. Happy Holidays Hunt F B R G L P L C Y K R P X K F W I A M L Y X J H E X M G K E A V K X C T C Q C O A O N O I T A C A V S A M T S I R H C R W M B J Y G Q H C T D S U A R S Y O A A A F M R O T M F Q Y L B W L L E T M D C Y J N K E A O X B L K O J L K G U E M S I H H B Z M F T E J N L E E V J C A N A N Q O Z P B M B H D P B I M N K Y L I M A N R Y F S E U E E E A K L T H I O K T M Y P H D L E R R H W Y O H A W W N U S A E V W G K F Z T D A O E X X Y V E O I N D Z N R U G F J R E H R Z U R W Y E R G T I V L V O F M B A L A L D F J U X H E J H L V L Z X K L N X T H D O C F N C R F I G O H O L L Y A N D T H E I V Y A A F I R I M U S O H O L Y N I G H T E V E A A R Z N S S E R P X E R A L O P S F A C F F S F T G H C Q D J A U F V M U R P P W Z T T E N G T U J Z T S G W W A D X G V E C U N E E Q Q V K F H X M K L U M N D I A S C O W L G Q A H N N L E C V C K H Q O U D E E Q I P W B F O D X A W E R L Z S S V V Q L V S Y B H D M K T S M Q S Y B P X C H Z V J U Q N R X N N M X Z F U G N E E L X A S F X J V N H A N Q Q N E T F L D X G V L Q I D Z X Z S X R A G O P F X B W R P F X E R U F R E K G B R F F F N W U F P R N S Z F H Q A B V X V X U V S P A H Z X X N E D B V G E J X G U D D B B O H M H L I S W B P T Q N F F J B S Q N U Z M H U H Z V C S W V H W M F E S Y D Q R Z J B D P T P Z E W

A CHRISTMAS CAROL FIRST NOEL LITTLE DRUMMER BOY AWAY IN A MANGER HOLLY AND THE IVY O HOLY NIGHT CAROL OF THE BELLS HOME ALONE POLAR EXPRESS CHRISTMAS VACATION ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE SANTA CLAUSE DECK THE HALLS JINGLE BELLS SILENT NIGHT ELF JOY TO THE WORLD Page 6 The Oracle December 2019 Team’s hard work produces rewarding season by Ashley Llaneza

The girls’ volleyball team finished off a successful season with a 12-6 re- cord. The girls’ hard work paid off throughout the season, and they were able to make it to the second round of the WPIAL playoffs before losing against Canon- McMillan. The home playoff game against Penn Trafford was one highlight from the season. The atmosphere at the game was great, and the girls won 3-0. “We haven’t had a home playoff game in a long time, and winning a home playoff game was good,” head coach Paul Stadelman said. The atmosphere of the game and the girls’ preparation were key factors in making the game a success. In Stadelman’s opinion, the game against Penn Traf- ford was one of the best matches that the team played all season. Another significant game for the team was the home game against Knoch. The Knoch game was also alumni night, so there were players in the stands who played for SAVB in the past, in addition to the fans. The game was also a dig pink event to benefit breast cancer research. Although this game was only an exhibition match, it was a significant one for the team. “It was sort of everything encompassed all in to one, and we played very well. It was a nice environment,” Stadelman said. From Stadelman’s perspective, the most rewarding part of the season was seeing how the team developed throughout the season. “It was rewarding to see a group of girls who started out just as a bunch of Addie Kania spikes a ball against Penn-Trafford (Tom Rekowski) individual players really start to work together as a team. I think it was rewarding for me as a coach to see their development on the court in skill and just a lot of “Seeing our growth, especially since we have such a young team, was prob- their comradery on the court with each other and their togetherness with the way ably the most rewarding aspect of the season. I had high hopes going in, and I they played,” he said. feel that we exceeded a lot of expectations,” Peterson said. At the end of the season, sophomores Mia Schubert and Tia Bozzo were rec- Although the girls lost 3-0 against Canon-McMillan in the second round of ognized for their exceptional play by making first team all section. the WPIAL playoffs, they exceeded Stadelman’s expectations for the season. In addition to Schubert and Bozzo, sophomore Addie Kania and junior “I think anytime at the end of the season when you lose in the WPIAL quar- Emily Peterson were elected as honorable mention for the Big 56 Girls Volley- terfinals, you’re probably a little bit disappointed, but it’s rewarding seeing this ball Team. group of girls come together, work hard, and really step up and play whoever we Peterson thought the season was very successful and rewarding. were up against and it did not change our work ethic,” he said.

Titans start slow, finish Area’swith record playoffeach year was 0-9, 0-9, berth0-9, 2-8, Not better 0-10, and 0-10. That does not mean that the team was satisifed with this season. than LeBron “We had higher expectations,” head coach from page 2 Jim Ryan said, “but there were a lot of positives back when James’ Lakers visited that came out of this season. A lot of progress Dončić’s Mavericks in Dallas? At was made.” the end of the game, with his Mav- Following starting 1-3, Shaler beat Frank- ericks up one with under two to play, lin Regional 28-17 on our Homecoming, lost Dončić gets hit upside the head go- at Mars 34-20, beat Armstrong 46-13 at home. ing for a loose ball. They then lost 43-14 to Penn Hills at home and And Dončić just checked out of at North Hills 19-12. They needed to beat Fox the rest of the game. Chapel to have a chance to make the playoffs His Mavericks ended up los- which they did, 27-20. ing by nine in overtime at home, In the first-round playoff game against the and from the moment he got hit, he number two-ranked Gateway Gators, the game went 1-5 from the field with a turn- was tied 14-14 in the second half, but Gateway over. Dončić just doesn’t have killer blew open the game and ended up winning 35- instinct a Jordan or a Bird had or a 21. James can have. “We had to minimize our turnovers [in that I continually try to comprehend game]. Especially given their tailback, you what I saw a few weeks ago when can’t give them those turnovers,” Ryan said. Dončić, in his building, got blown “We were, again, on bad field position, you out by the Clippers. can’t play on a short field. Stuff like that will Following that 114-99 stomping, always hurt you against an opponent like Gate- in which Dončić went 4-14 from the way.” field and 0-8 from three, Dončić did Following the playoff game, it was an- the unthinkable: he left the locker nounced that both Jake Miller (running back/ room before the media could get to inside linebacker) and Joey Impavido (wide re- him. ceiver) were voted to first team of the Big 56 If you’re a “superstar”, you don’t Athletic Conference. run from the media following a loss. Miller finished the season with 151 carries Senior RB Jake Miller (Kevin Ritchey) Before a game against Golden for 854 yards and 12 touchdowns, while catching State a few weeks ago, ESPN had by Dominic DiTommaso 17 balls for 277 yards and three touchdowns. For the audacity to put a graphic on the his part, Impavido had 53 receptions for 739 yards and nine screen suggesting that Dončić is bet- For the Shaler Area football team, it looked like another touchdowns. ter in his second season than James season was down and out after the first month, but things Nevin Summerfield and Brandon Schweinberg (of- was in his. I just sat and shook my turned around pretty quickly. fensive tackle), Zach Valentine (defensive tackle), Ryan head. There is no, no way that Luka The Titans began the year losing 34-27 at home to New Thibault (defensive end), Shayn Skelley (defensive back), Dončić is better at the age of 20 than Castle. They then got a 23-6 win over Kiski Area, but then Darin Mizgorski (quarterback), and Blake Kucharski (wide James was, averaging 27, 7, and 7. lost two straight to Hampton, 31-28, and Bethel Park, 31-0. receiver) were all selected for second team. Do not get swept up in the media After the 1-3 start, Shaler ended up going 4-6 and mak- Mizgorski finished the season 133-247, 1,747 yards and race to proclaim Dončić the next all- ing the WPIAL playoffs for the second consecutive season 13 touchdowns. He carried the ball 88 times for 279 yards. time great. If you do, you might get which is saying something for the program. Kucharski had 23 catches for 322 yards and a touchdown. trampled. Consider that starting with the 2012 season, Shaler December 2019 The Oracle Page 7

Seven(biography info compilednew by Mr. members Mark Connelly) inducted to Athletic Hall of Fame

Tom Gralewski Tom competed on both the Shaler Area Varsity Baseball and Football teams, earning 3 letters in each sport and being selected as each team’s MVP. His baseball accomplishments include leading the WPIAL in RBIs his senior season and being named 1st Team All-Section and 1st Team All-North. Tom played in 2 WPIAL Championship games. Tom cur- rently serves as an assistant coach of Shaler Area’s Varsity Baseball Team. Brian Junker Brian’s four varsity letters in baseball and three varsity letters in football only begin to tell how domi- nant he was in both sports for Shaler Area. As an inside linebacker, he led the Titans with 118 tackles as a junior and was twice named to the All-Confer- ence Team. On the diamond, Brian’s 82 career hits rank him among the all-time Titan hit leaders. He was selected three times to the All-Conference Team. His baseball success continued at Edinboro where he is the school’s career hit leader, a member of its All-Time Baseball Team. He is currently the Shaler Area Varsity Baseball Coach, leading the team to a WPIAL Championship last season and being named Shaler Area Athletic Hall of Fame 2019 inductees Standing: Bryan Smetanka, Brian Junker, Rick Saulle, Tom Gralewsk Seated: Peggy Ruefle, Steve Truban, Abi May WPIAL Coach of the Year. Abi May Abi Earned 11 varsity letters competing on the nine varsity letters as a high school athlete and was Bryan Smetanka Shaler Area Varsity Cross Country, Swim, and Track voted by her peers as Shaler Area’s Best Female Ath- Bryan earned seven varsity letters while com- and Field Teams. In cross country, Abi was a four- lete in 1977. Peggy’s prowess on the basketball court peting on the Shaler Area Varsity Football, Bas- time WPIAL Qualifier. As a swimmer, she set the earned her the distinction of being selected to play in ketball, and Baseball teams. As team captain and school record for the 100 meter butterfly, which she the Colt Classic, an all-star game featuring the best quarterback in 1994, Bryan led the WPIAL in pass- held for 12 years. In this same event, Abi was a four female players in the Pittsburgh area. ing with 2,289 yards, which included 25 touchdown time WPIAL Qualifier, a winner of three WPIAL Rick Saulle passes. He was named to the All-Conference Team, Medals, and a three-time PIAA Qualifier. She was Rick lettered three times playing goalkeeper for the Post Gazette’s Fabulous 22 Team, and the exclu- the swim team’s MVP in 2005 and 2006. In track, Shaler Area’s Varsity Soccer Team. He holds school sive All-State Team. Abi was an important part of the 4x800 relay team district records for most shutouts in a season with 15 Steve Truban and fewest goals allowed in a season with 7, and his Steve earned four varsity letters in both football that set and held the school record from 2003-2012. nd Peggy Ruefle 23 career shutouts places him 2 on the all-time list. and basketball while plyaing at Etna High School. Peggy can best be described as an all- around Rick continued playing soccer at Elizabethtown Col- His greatest impact on athletics, however, came as lege where he was a member of their 1989 National a school board director when Etna, Millvale, Re- athlete, competing in basketball, volleyball, and st softball in both high school and college. She earned Championship Team, a four-year letterman, and a 1 serve, and Shaler merged and formed the Shaler Area Team All-Conference selection in 1992. School District. New laws finally gets athletes what they deserve: money by Dominic DiTommaso all his players, all his stars, who play for him. The What a joke. players are “forced” to play for him, for three years, And not a funny one. Things are starting to heat up in one of the coun- and that in itself is unconstitutional. But the point is, How about this: before the 2017 NFL Draft, the try’s hottest states, and the humidity has managed to Sweeney’s players are getting nothing while he gets University of Michigan’s TE Jake Butt tore his ACL find us all the way over here. everything, yet he would be nothing if it wasn’t for in the bowl game, and what happened? He plummet- The state of California has signed the “Fair Pay Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne and Justyn Ross ed in the Draft all the way to the first pick of the fifth to Play” act which allows college athletes to make and all his athletes. round. I liked Jake as a player, and he easily had a money from the use of their names, images, and like- I say that’s wrong. second-round grade on him. With his injury, he lost nesses. Now, I often sit back and wonder how valuable a lot of money. This is good. these athletes actually are. For instance: how much That’s a Wolverine-sized bite that hurts. But not good enough. is Trevor Lawrence So these college athletes The extreme heat that reaches the west coast worth to Clemson The fact that college players, are risking everything for has reached a boiling point in me, as there is a crime right now? They just specifically college football players, nothing. going on, currently, in sports. It is unconstitutional won the National have to risk their entire professional I’ve heard this sugges- that we prevent kids, supremely talented kids, who Championship last tion thrown out before, and a are playing supremely violent games, from earning year! I’d say that’s careers, for three years, and get lot have laughed over it, but any money three years out of high school other than pretty valuable! Was nothing for it but scholarship what if, what if, there were no room, board, and tuition. The fact that college play- he worth five million money is un-American. rules in college recruiting? ers, specifically college football players, have to risk dollars to Clemson What if a school could their entire professional careers, for three years, and last year? This year? get their donors, their boost- get nothing for it but scholarship money is un-Amer- How about more than nine million dollars like his ers, to pay whatever they wanted for a top recruit? ican. coach Dabo Swinney? Yep. I believe he’s worth it. What if these schools could bid for a Trevor You get scholarship, but so what? These athletes Even though it may seem like an exaggeration, Lawrence, or a Tua Tagovailao, or a Jalen Hurts or a get a free ride to school, but they deserve so much it’s just how valuable these players are to these insti- Jonathan Taylor? more than that. tutions and the NCAA at large. Obviously these schools still have their schol- So this bill is getting us slowly to where it needs College sports love to sell to their donors and arship limits, so they can only have so many play- to get, but it’s not quite there. boosters and alums, and even current students, that ers that they’re going to recruit each year, but what Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney recently this amateur athlete or that amateur athlete sat in the would happen? What if they could offer any of the signed a 10-year contract paying him over $9 million very same seat that you once sat in, or currently sit in. above players a three-year deal for eight million dol- a year, and to me, he’s underpaid. To me, he’s worth They used to sit in the very same classroom you used lars? twice that much. He has gathered millions and mil- to sit in, or currently sit in, at Alabama or Georgia or Programs would do it, because some boosters re- lions of dollars from major donors and boosters and Ohio State. ally love their football. alums from the University of Clemson. He was taken Schools are essentially “using” these players to Year after year, I pound my fist on my table, de- the Tigers to three National Championship Games in enhance their program and bank account. I bet USC manding that the NCAA comes to its senses and rid four years, including two wins. loves saying “Hey, Reggie Bush once sat in that very us of this injustice And yet, Sweeney would be nothing without seat!”. And Bush gets… nothing. Maybe now, someone will listen. Page 8 The Oracle December 2019 D’Agostino balances life as teacher, coach & dad by Michaela Brining I went to Connecti- cut for two years,” Mr. Drew D’Agostino is more than D’Agostino said. just a Phys. Ed. teacher at Shaler Area While at college, High School. He is a loving father, a D’Agostino took a husband, a coach, an art collector, a long time figuring fisherman, a car enthusiast, a Jack out what path he Black look alike, an intellectual and an wanted to take. overall great guy. “I started off ma- Growing up, D’Agostino was very joring in Pre-Med/ involved in many activities. He played Sport Medicine. It the saxophone, studied hard and got in- took too much time volved in wrestling. In the high school, and I just wasn’t able D’agostino was an All-American ath- to do all of it with lete and was recruited by Slippery wrestling. Also, I RockUniversity. was an art major for a Originally D’Agostino is from year, but I just didn’t New York. He grew up on the border have any, you know, of New York and New Jersey, which talent. I just wasn’t explains his unique accent. After high the best student, the school, he moved to Pennsylvania to first time. The sec- attend Slippery Rock. ond time I graduated After attending Slippery Rock, he with a 4.0.” started working at Shaler Area in 1992 Due to neck in- as a wrestling coach and was hired in juries, D’Agostino 1998 as a teacher. eventually left Slip- Prior to his employment here, pery Rock before D’Agostino was a Division One wres- finishing his degree. tling coach at Central Connecticut State However, he re- University. When his father became ill, turned multiple years Mr. Drew D’Agostino he moved back to Pennsylvania to fin- later and decided to trying to do some international stuff as class. It wasn’t weird at all. I would ish his degree. acquire a degree in Education. His fa- well. It just became too much.” mess with my son AJ, who has autism, When D’Agostino moved here, he ther was a teacher, along with many of Although D’Agostino’s coaching by calling him Anthony everyday and had many interesting jobs while still his other relatives, so he figured educa- career might have ended at SA, he still he would always think it was funny.” trying to finish school. tion would be the degree to pursue. keeps busy with many activities such D’Agostino has enjoyed his time “I was a bike messenger. They While D’Agostino attended class as camping, fishing, kayaking, collect- working at Shaler Area, saying he ap- don’t have those anymore. I’d pick at Slippery Rock, he was also hired as ing art and fancy cars and going to his preciates how connected the school is up packages and bring them from one the wrestling coach at Shaler. Once he camp in Pymatuning. However, he de- and how amazing all of the students company to another. I didn’t have a finished his degree, he was eventually votes most of his time to what is most are. One of D’Agostino’s biggest driver’s license until I was 30, so I rode hired as a physical education teacher. important to him: being a good father. accomplishments is being a “semi- my bike everywhere,” he said. However, after years of coaching for “I’ve been married to my wife for good teacher at Shaler”, however, After years of working at many the district, D’Agostino decided it was 22 years and I have two sons, AJ and D’Agostino believes the relationship different places, D’Agostino was even- time to stop this year. Andrew who both went to Shaler… with his family is what he is most tually hired as a wrestling coach at “I started having some issues I don’t believe in daughters. Don’t proud of. Shaler Area. with my neck again this summer and put that down. But I do have a canine “My biggest accomplishment in “I was a freshman at Slippery Rock I thought I was going to have to get daughter, Rosy. My dog is trained in life is my sons,” he said. “I’m proud of in ‘85. I busted my neck wrestling my surgery. Since wrestling is a hands on jujitsu,” he said. my boys. Having a healthy relationship senior year, so I went back to Jersey for sport, I didn’t know if I could keep do- Many teachers never have the op- with my wife for the past twenty two an MRI and found out I had a break in ing it with coaching. I’m also the head portunity to teach their own kids, but years is a good accomplishment. And, my neck. That’s what ended my wres- coach of the Pennsylvania State Wres- D’Agostino had both of his sons in like I said, being a semi-successful tling career and why I started coach- tling team and I travel a lot through class. coach and educator here is also one of ing. I was in New York for a year then that, especially during the summer. I’m “It was cool having my sons in my biggest accomplishments.” Blood drive collects enough to potentially save 300 lives by Julia Falgione she is not over 110 pounds, has low iron levels, is sick, takes certain medicines like accutane, or got Shaler Area High School’s semi-annual a tattoo in the last year. blood drive was held in November. The blood “The biggest thing is for the potential donors drive is organized by physical education teach- is to prepare their bodies for the donation. Good er Ms. Marci Jackley. breakfast the day of, keeping hydrated through- This year, the school was able to donate out the evening before and day of the donation 100 units of blood which is a pretty typical are really important for a good donation,’’ Jack- number according to Jackley. ley said. There were 120 students who applied While there are many harmless stories when to donate, but about 20 students were turned students prepare their body for donating blood, away for things such as iron deficiency. there are the occasional horror stories when stu- Organizing the blood drive is a very time dents do not prepare. consuming task, but Jackley still continues to “During the last blood drive, I was fine until do it twice a year. I got slightly light headed and they let me rest. I “I enjoy giving back. This is my small way got up too quick and everything went black and that I can encourage students to make a differ- I started gagging. They sat me in a chair where ence,” Jackley said. a kid had just thrown up, so the smell just made Every year, Vitalant, the company who also Anna Kirasic and Blake Kucharski at the blood drive it worse. I saved three lives, but I almost died,’’ runs the blood drive, gives everyone who donates senior Annie Girton said. or tries to donate a present of some sort. In years past, there were t-shirts given By donating just one pint of blood, a student could potentially be saving up out. This year Vitalant gave everyone a metal straw that came with a cleaner and to three lives. pouch to put them both in. “You could be helping an infant, a burn victim, or a cancer patient survive When people try to donate blood they need to make sure that they treat their one more day. Not to mention, you may be the one who needs blood products body right before the donation to try to lower the probability that they will be someday, you may have a family member that needs blood products,’’ Jackley deferred. Someone could possibly be deferred, not be able to give blood, if he/ said. December 2019 The Oracle Page 9

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LA ROCHE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS: TRANSFER ADMISSIONS: 9000 Babcock Boulevard | Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-536-1260 | [email protected] Page 10 The Oracle December 2019 Albums of the year and decade Max: is very impressive and makes you want Bleeding” by Post Malone to this release, the band only had an Album of The Year: “Infest the to keep it on repeat. Whether you’re Everything leading up to the album EP titled “Spring” and a collection Rats’ Nest” by King Gizzard and the feeling down made it even better. His last album; of semi-successful singles. However, Lizard Wizard in the dumps “Beerbongs and Bentleys”, released this album posed as a complete game “Infest the or ready to at the end of changer, bringing more mainstream at- Rats’ Nest” is an jam out with April 2018, tention to the beauty which is their mu- album you need your friends, made this sic. The album is considered indie-rock to hear. This is you’ll be able album long after the bands break from their record a thrash metal to find a song overdue for label in 2017, however I would de- record coming on this album Post Malone scribe the genre as soft pop punk. I beg from a band who that corre- fans. The 17 you to first listen to “Are You Bored changes their sponds with your mood. Post Malone songs on the Yet?” featuring Clairo and then listen genre and style on every album. King is a very significant artist in our gen- album each to the rest of the album in chronologi- Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard is made eration. I have been a huge fan of him compliment the other songs unlike cal order. There are some truly beauti- up of 7 members, which constitutes a for some time now and I highly recom- most artists whose music all sound the ful pieces on there. I guarantee you’ll huge and unique sound. This album mend that each and every person lis- same. This diversity in the album gives find at least one song that you can vibe hits on topics of global warming and tens to this album from start to finish. the listener a range of music from sad with. pollution, as well as the divide between Trust me, if my grandma enjoys listen- to happy and lyrical to rock. “Holly- Album of the Decade: “21” by the rich and poor, which are classic ing to this album, you will too. wood’s Bleeding” touches every point Adele (2011) themes throughout the genre. If you’re Album of The Decade: “Stoney” an album should and proves my point It can be a fan of old school thrash, you’ll love by Post Malone (2016) as to why it is the best album of the easy to forget this record. “Stoney”, year. this album Album of The Decade: “Yeezus” Austin Rich- Album of the decade: “Home- exists, given it by Kanye West (2013) ard Post’s coming” by Beyonce (2019) came out way “Yeezus” debut album, Regard- back in 2011. is my favorite was released less if you like However, Kanye project on December Beyonce, ev- this album has singlehandedly created of all time, and 9, 2016. Af- eryone knows a nation of strong women who my favorite ter I heard the the lyrics to feel empowered, even when their album of the song “Leave”, her songs relationships don’t work out. Adele is decade. When I instantly fell in love. I have been lis- and who she known for being “that girl that sings I first heard this record, I was abso- tening to this album through since it is. She per- breakup songs” but she is so much lutely blown away; I’d never heard a came out and I don’t plan on stopping formed this more than that. The depth, power, rap album like it. The production and anytime soon. at coachella in 2018, then released the strength and emotion her voice contains instrumentals are heavily inspired by I never get tired of listening to the album in 2019. This album brings back is legendary. In my opinion, she is the industrial and electronic music, which songs on this album. I especially love all of the favorites and revamps them Whitney Houston of our generation. creates for a super unique soundscape. this album because of its versatility by adding marching band, hence the Twenty years from now, we are going Kanye lyrically touches on every emo- and all of the different sounds on each title, “Homecoming”. This album re- to tell our kids about our crazy teenage tion, so you can listen to this album no track. Some of Malone’s biggest hits, ally is an album of the decade because years, play this album and tell them matter how you’re feeling. It’s a polar- such as “White Iverson”, “Congratula- it is from the last ten years. Beyonce is that THIS was the music we grew up izing record; you either love it or hate tions”, “I Fall Apart”, and “Go Flex”, iconic and this album is by far one of listening to. Iconic. it. Either way, you can’t discredit the are included on this album. her best and one of the decades best. genius that went into it. “Yeezus” is Being his first album, it is extreme- James: 100% worth your listen. ly impressive that Malone was able to Michaela: Album of the Year: “Morbid record a variety of songs that make you Album of the year: “Nothing Stuff” by Ashley: want to keep listening forever. If you Happens” by Wallows PUP Album of The Year: “Holly- haven’t listened to this album from The band, Although wood’s Bleeding” by Post Malone beginning to end, I wish nothing more Wallows re- PUP stands Although some may consider it to than for you to plug in your headphones leased their first for “Pathetic be mainstream, “Hollywood’s Bleed- and prepare to hear a work of art. official album, Use of Poten- ing” is an album that everyone should “Nothing Hap- tial”, the band listen to. On this album, there is a song Bailey: pens” in March is using every for every person. The variety of sounds Album of the year: “Hollywood’s of 2019. Prior ounce of its potential it has on this al- New Kanye album gives fans both good and bad by James Engel Kanye’s most heartfelt song on the album is “God Is”. It is soft, mean- ingful, and actually shows some of the supposed love West has for God. It has Contrary to popular belief, Kanye West does have the capability to actually beautiful samples and lyrics and is one of the best songs West has ever written. release an album. It took more than a year for West to deliver on the album he Church youth groups are going to go crazy for this one. promised his fans, but at long last, on October 25, Kanye gave us “Jesus Is King”. “Use This Gospel” is the last full song on the album, and samples a car ring- It is an interesting, but a seemingly unfinished album. There ing because the keys are still in the ignition, among other cool things. The track are definitely some songs to skip, but I will highlight some of features verses from Clipse, a group consisting of brothers, the great tracks on West’s latest effort. Pusha T and No Malice. “Selah” is the first true track on the album. The drums are Each verse is excellent, albeit quite short. Kanye’s cho- wonderful and epic in scale. Kanye throws out some biblical rus instructs us to use the gospel for protection and to put lyrics to fit his Christian themes. It reminds me of some of the faith in God. The last minute of the song consists of a won- gospel-esque music of his 2016 album, “The Life of Pablo”. derful saxophone solo from Kenny G, which is followed It is a great song, that will surely go down as a Kanye classic. by a return of the beat with heavier drums. It is an amazing The next track, “Follow God”, reminds me of the song song that anyone, Kanye fan or not, should listen to. “Yikes” from West’s last effort, “ye”. It has a classic Kanye “Jesus Is King” is different but also the same. It incor- soul sample, with lyrics about an argument with his father. It porates elements of old Kanye and new Kanye to great ef- is an enjoyable and entertaining song that highlights Kanye’s fect. That being said, there are definitely some flops on this lyrical and production talents. album like “On God”, “Water”, and “Hands On”. “Closed On Sunday” is one of the oddest songs that I’ve There are some songs that have potential, but are sim- ever heard. Kanye is singing about the fast-food chain, Chick- ply short, unfinished, or lack content like “Every Hour” and fil-a. Listening to Kanye sing about chicken sandwiches and “Jesus Is Lord”. The album is good, but it’s not great. The lemonade makes the first half of the song slightly cringe-inducing, but the second good songs will go down as classics in Kanye’s discography, but there are too half is an awesome listening experience. The more I listen to it, the more I begin many flops to laud it, the way I do other Ye efforts. Overall, I’d rate “Jesus Is to enjoy it. King” 6.5/10, pretty good. December 2019 The Oracle Page 11

Hauntedby Ashley LlanezaPittsburgh shares city’s hauntsHomestead and and S.W. Randall history Toyes and Giftes lo- cated downtown, he has not been one to see ghosts Have you ever wondered about the history be- throughout his life. He just tells the stories as he is hind some of Pittsburgh’s oldest buildings? If you’re supposed to, and that doesn’t have much of an effect interested in learning more about the chilling secrets on his personal beliefs. behind our city’s most dated landmarks, haunted “I never much thought one way or another about Pittsburgh will not only appeal to your inner his- ghosts. I just thought it would be cool to be a tour tory nerd, but it will also give you trouble sleeping guide,” Thomas said. at night. However, according to Thomas, many people Haunted Pittsburgh is a tour held in the heart of who tour with him tell him afterwards about their Pittsburgh from May to early November. The tour personal experiences with ghosts. Although he can- goes all around the city, starting at the Richard Ca- not personally relate with most of the people, he said liguiri statue by the City County building and end- that he can sense the fear in their eyes when they ing at the old morgue, which is currently the County recall their experience. Health Department. Although Thomas himself does not feel a cer- The Haunted Pittsburgh tour uses a different ap- tain way about ghosts, he did not hesitate to give his proach to informing yinzers of the history behind opinion on the most haunted location in our beloved their city. While the tour is intended to leave the city. audience feeling somewhat frightened, the greater “We say it’s the old jail. Personally I think it’s purpose is to leave them feeling educated. Haunted Randall’s,” Thomas said. Pittsburgh prides itself in providing crowds with true After hearing of multiple ghost encounters at stories about Western Pennsylvania’s creepy history. Randall’s, Thomas talked about his own experience. “We’re not ghost hunters; we just tell stories. He was on the third floor asking one of the employ- Our tour started when the fellow who owns the tour ees if she had ever seen anything. She told him that took tours all over the country with his wife and for a week when she came in, a particular book was thought he could do better. He spent decades pour- on the floor, although she had always made sure that ing through old newspapers in the library and old it was on the shelf before she left the night prior. magazines and books and interviewing people to get When she was telling her story, out of the corner our stories,” tour guide Haydn Thomas said. Haydn Thomas from Haunted Pittsburgh of his eye, Thomas saw a shadow from behind the The tour is a hot commodity during the weeks automotive plant and was a member of the UAW. bookcase where that book was located. He described that surround Halloween. Crowds tend to vary from Even though he attended college and got his degree, it as “a spreading ink blot”. However, when he turned 20 to 70 people per tour. During the weeks leading Thomas took this job because he liked having a union to look, the shadow disappeared. To this day, Thomas up to and following Halloween, crowds reach their on his side. is unsure if what he saw was just a smudge on his upper limit of about 50-70 per tour. Thomas loves nothing more than touring large glasses rather than a ghost. However, he finds it rath- Thomas takes pride in his storytelling techniques crowds and entertaining them with his impeccable er peculiar that he experienced such a thing while he and thoroughly enjoys entertaining the tour crowds. storytelling abilities. After retiring from the UAW, he was having a conversation about that specific topic. “Every crowd has its own personality. You can was inspired by his daughters to become a storyteller. The Haunted Pittsburgh Tour is an experience tell right away; if they laugh at the first joke then they “It took me 60 years to figure out what I was good that is sure to make you sleep with one eye open and are going to laugh and react to everything. They’re at- turns out it’s telling ghost stories,” Thomas said. leave your brain feeling crowded with new historical going to be with you. Sometimes, they just stand Thomas has travelled to many different coun- information. there because they don’t want to be the one who’s tries, including Germany and the United Arab Emir- Haunted Pittsburgh also has another tour called laughing. The whole night it’s like pulling teeth try- ates, where he has experienced a variety of tours. the Long Lost Pittsburgh History Tour which is very ing to get a reaction from people,” Thomas said. One tour that specifically inspired him to pursue his similar to the ghost tour besides the fact that it fo- Thomas, who is now 69 years old, has been storytelling career was the “Hitler’s Munich” tour in cuses more on historical facts. working for Haunted Pittsburgh for seven years. He Munich, Germany. “The Long Lost Pittsburgh History Tour has great was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and still current- Surprisingly, Thomas does not particularly be- stories from Pittsburgh’s history. I love that tour, but ly resides in Munhall. Prior to touring with Haunt- lieve in ghosts. While he has had some strange ex- it’s a much harder sell to get people to take a history ed Pittsburgh, Thomas was a devoted worker at an periences at places such as the Carnegie Library of tour than it is to get them to take a ghost tour.” Orsini brings variety of experiences to classroom by Michaela Brining opportunity to have Mr. Orsini as a Shaler and was involved in many ac- of interests and hobbies, he also has teacher. To quote the song, “Cotton tivities such as volleyball and wres- many interesting qualities. Located in room 220 is a man. Eyed Joe”, “where did he come from, tling. He even participated in a fall “Probably my most interesting And that man is Dante Orsini. I’m sure and where did he go?” play and spring musical. During his fact about myself,” Orisini said, “is many of you are wondering, “Who is Despite seeming like a new college days, he continued his inter- that I got to do my student teaching that? What does he teach? And what member of the Shaler Area staff, Mr. est in sports, playing in intramural in Ireland.” He noted it was was one is his favorite dipping sauce?” Orsini is in his 12th year at Shaler programs for fun, as well as becom- of the best experiences he has had. Mr. Orsini is an Algebra and Ge- Area. He graduated with a degree ing a Resident Assistant. Today, Mr “I don’t have a favorite movie, ometry teacher. He teaches mainly in Secondary Math Education from Orsini still continues with many of but I do have a favorite book called, freshmen and sophomores. Many of Duquesne. the hobbies he pursed when he was ‘Brave New World’,” he said “ Let’s the upperclassmen only know Mr. Prior to becoming a teacher Mr Or- in high school. see my favorite animal is by far a Orsini as the “man who now occu- sini had a variety of interesting jobs “I still play volleyball, I work manatee”. pies Mr. Lamphere’s old room.’’ at a variety of interesting places. out, hike, camp,” Orsini said. “I like to Now, the question, I know you’ve That room was, in fact, Mr. Ori- “I’ve worked at every place on build computers, play video games all been waiting for. What is Mr. McKnight Road,”he said. “American and program.” Orsini’s favorite dip? Lamphere permanently stabbed in Eagle, Chuck E Cheese, Abrocrombe Orsini also enjoys spending his “Obviously salsa and guac! You thesini’s wall. first, Two despite years theago, staples Orsini left Mr. and Fitch, Pier One Imports- honest- free time playing his favorite game can put salsa and guac on everything the halls of Shaler Area on a sabbati- ly, everywhere on McKnight.” called ‘Dark Souls’, where the play- and anything and it makes it better,” cal to pursue his education and earn When deciding a career path, Or- ers get to “run around with a sword he said. a Master’s in Education Administra- sini said his father was the one that and kill things,”as well as jamming to Orsini said he wishes he could tion at Duquesne University. encouraged him to go into teaching. music. have a super power. However, he His most recent degree allows “I didn’t want to be a teacher,’’ Mr. “I like all music that’s good,” he wouldn’t want the typical, “super him to become a principal, admin- Orsini admitted. “My dad told me it said. “If it takes talent to make it, I strength or telekinesis”. He said istrator and curriculum writer. Af- was a good job and that there was a will probably like it. If it’s mumble something much more powerful and ter acquiring this, Mr. Orsini arrived lot of math positions open, so I went rap, I probably will not.” His taste deep. back at Shaler and taught one year at to school to get a job… It’s afforded in music changes with the seasons. “It would be the ability to make the middle school. me some interesting opportunities Currently he’s bringing out acoustic young people value their future more. Now he’s back at the high school. throughout my life.” covers for the fall. It’s not your typical superpower, but no A lot of the seniors missed the As a student, Mr Orsini attended In addition to Orsini’s wide range one seemed to be able to do it yet.” Page 12 The Oracle December 2019 Presentation exposes students to Albums of opportunities by James Engel in Alleghenytrade County unions Councilman, Ed Kress. Kress was vital in the formation of these gatherings the year and On November 25, Shaler Area High School and the connection of students to the trades. hosted an event featuring trade union represen- “Since we’ve had contact with Ed, we’ve tatives offering apprenticeship opportunities. done these trade presentations and each year it These events give students a chance to hear from has grown some more,” Marree said. decadefrom page 10 local union leaders about the work that they do Presentations like these are important for and what futures they can offer students. students who do not seek to attend college fol- bum. The Canadian punk band sings about the Events like these are not lowing graduation. Trade anguish of relationships and the other woes of only an opportunity for stu- “The economy is do- Unions offer a stable in- suburbia. The band’s heavy and melodic rhythms dents to learn about a potential come and steady work combined with lead singer Stefan Babcock’s career in the future but for the ing well, and things for students who are in- unique voice and lyrics have given me some of trade unions to recruit and fos- have turned around. clined towards hands-on the best music I have ever heard. For anyone who ter a new generation of young labor. enjoys punk, check out “Morbid Stuff”. and talented workers. With The money for infra- “For those of us who Album of the Decade: “My Beautiful Dark several new building projects structure is there, aren’t interested in col- Twisted Fantasy” by Kanye West (2010) throughout the Pittsburgh met- lege, that presentation West released this album on November 22, ropolitan area, the trade unions now companies need was very helpful,” senior 2010. In the nine require new members to boost tradespeople to do Marcus Krotec said. years that have their ranks and to help fill in These events serve followed its re- the gaps that retiring members the jobs.” not only to foster inter- lease not a single leave. -- Mr. Brian Marree est in the unions but to album has topped “I think the downturn in provide students with a the masterpiece Tech Education and Industrial basic understanding of that is “My Beau- Arts led to a shortage of people employment and the job tiful Dark Twisted in the trades, but the economy is doing well, and market. The presentations have helped some Fantasy”. This al- things have turned around. The money for infra- Shaler Area graduates in the past find success in bum bends genres, structure is there, now companies need trades- the trades. lyrics, instramentals, and ultimately music, itself. people to do the jobs,” Tech Ed teacher and Vice “I would say in the past we’ve probably had This work of art is not only my favorite album President of Shaler Area’s teacher’s union Brian ten to twenty kids per year [join unions as ap- of the decade, but my favorite album of all time. Marree said. prentices], but even for the kids who don’t want Say what you will about Kanye, but I don’t know Shaler Area began hosting these events to get into it, it is important to hear about career how much better music can get. through a connection with attorney and former expectations,” Marree said. Stephanie: Album of the Year: “Pony” by Rex Or- ange County Alexander O’Connor, or Rex Orange County, has a sound like no other, and his newest work re- HELPED ME WITH... mains as evidence to this. 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