Senior ProjectSenior ProjectSenior ProjectSenior ProjectSenior ProjectDatesDatesDatesDatesDates

to Rememberto Rememberto Rememberto Rememberto RememberJan. 13

Research paper

Feb. 15All project hours must becompleted, and log book

must be submittedto faculty adviser.

March 17Oral presentation andself-reflection essay

April 18Project evaluation announced

*If a deadline falls on a snowday, the materials are due the

next school day.

Sixth grader Justin Jahnke performsin The Red Ball last summer. To learnmore about Justin’s acting career,turn to...

Page 6

Mete ChronicleProduced by the students of the Montrose Area Junior/Senior High School

Volume 21, Issue 3 December 2005 Montrose Area School District

rMcKMcKMcKMcKMcKelvelvelvelvelveeeeey Scy Scy Scy Scy Scholarholarholarholarholarship Winnership Winnership Winnership Winnership Winners Ts Ts Ts Ts Takakakakake Golde Golde Golde Golde GoldBy Sarah LeonardBy Sarah LeonardBy Sarah LeonardBy Sarah LeonardBy Sarah LeonardNews and Features Editor

Liz GerhardPhoto provided

Seniors Dom Lucenti andLiz Gerhard can breathe a littleeasier this winter now that theyknow each has at least $40,000coming his/her way. This year’sMcKelvey Gold Scholarshipwinners, Domand Liz willr e c e i v e$10,000 foreach of fouryears as theyattend theird e s i r e dcolleges.

“I know it[will] really helpme out forcollege, and theschool I want togo to is $30,000[per year],”said Liz, whoplans to attendD e l a w a r eValley Collegein Doylestown,Pa.

Dom will enroll at CollegeMisericordia next fall.

Scholarship applicantswere required to write essaysbased on the theme “entre-preneurial spirit.” Dom wroteabout his dedication to wrestlingand the hard work involved.Liz, on the other hand,described a life decision sheonce made.

“I [had] always lovedhorses,” said Liz. “I even got ajob in ninth grade to buy a horse,but I decided to save for college[instead].”

Liz will major in equestrianbusiness management forwhich she will take ridingcourses and work with horsesin the campus stables.

Both Dom’s and Liz’sessays, alongwith fourothers, werechosen by acommittee ofhigh schools t a f f .SuperintendentMike Ognosky,Principal JimT a l l a r i c o ,a s s i s t a n tprincipal RussC a n e v a r i ,c h e m i s t r yt e a c h e rDebbie Lewis,history teacherEric Powers,and guidancec o u n s e l o r

Mary Beth Ohmnachtreviewed the unnamed essaysand sent them to the McKelveyFoundation for further review.

“We were looking forentrepreneurial spirit— if [theessays] hit the mark for whatthe McKelveys are looking forand [for] specific examples ofthat spirit,” said Mrs.Ohmnacht.

In November seniorsClarissa Plank, Robert Harris,Mark Nemcek, and EricaSmith, along with Liz and Dom,went to Penn State inUniversity Park for interviews

with McKelvey Foundation co-founder Dena McKelvey.(Mrs. McKelvey’s husbandAndy is the founder ofMonster.com, a job searchsite.) They discussed thestudents’ future plans and whythey felt they were bestqualified for the scholarships.

“I was relieved to know Iwould go to the interview,” saidLiz, “but then I got nervousbecause I thought that Iwouldn’t knowwhat to say.”

Dom, on theother hand, sayshe was surprisedat first when toldhe was a semi-finalist but wasn’tnervous about theinterview at all.

“It wasn’t toobig of a shock,”said Dom, who willmajor inaccounting. “Iknew that not a lotof kids apply [forthe scholarship],so I had a goodshot at it.”

As part ofthe requirementsfor keeping the scholarship,Dom and Liz must maintain aminimum 2.5 GPA, enter awork/study program, anddonate 50 hours of communityservice annually. Both say thatnone of the criteria will be verydifficult to meet.

“I don’t think [the require-

ments] are that bad,” said Liz.“Forty thousand dollars is beinghanded to [me], and I think that[I] should have to do somethingin repayment.”

Liz says that it will be easyfor her to complete her 50 hoursduring the summer. She alreadyworks 20 hours per week, sobalancing her studies and a jobwill not be too hard, she says.Dom agrees since he iscurrently an active member of

his churchand isinvolved in“ k i d d i e ”wrestlingtournamentsand clubs.

L i zand Dommust alsonominatetwo BronzeScholars,each ofwhom willre-ceive atl e a s t$3,500 peryear ofc o l l e g e .T h enominees

must be MAHS grad-uates ofthe last three years who havenot gone to college or havedropped out. With the guidanceof Liz and Dom, the nomineeswill go through the sameprocess as the other McKelveyapplicants. Bronze Scholars willbe named in the spring.

Senior PrSenior PrSenior PrSenior PrSenior Projects Displaojects Displaojects Displaojects Displaojects DisplayyyyyPersonal InterestsPersonal InterestsPersonal InterestsPersonal InterestsPersonal Interests

...............................................................................................................................................................................................

By Melinda ZoshBy Melinda ZoshBy Melinda ZoshBy Melinda ZoshBy Melinda ZoshCo-editor in Chief

(See Senior Projects, Page 2)

By Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasCo-editor in Chief

Meteors Deck their Halls,Meteors Deck their Halls,Meteors Deck their Halls,Meteors Deck their Halls,Meteors Deck their Halls,Help Make Lives BrightHelp Make Lives BrightHelp Make Lives BrightHelp Make Lives BrightHelp Make Lives Bright

He could feel the chill runningdown his spine. The voice he hadheard was clear. “Stop!” it had said.

Shocked by the command, hequickly walked up the steps of hishouse, slamming the door behindhim. He reached forhis camera and tookrandom pictures,capturing 15 smallwhite objects in eachframe. Turningaround, he saw a facein the mirror, staringat him. He froze.

Senior Pat Gal-lagher remembers thatnight in October verywell. He wasn’twatching the latesthorror movie, norwas he having anightmare. Pat wasexperiencing EVP(electrical voicephenomenon) andcontact with spirits.

Along withPatrick, seniors GregFranklin, SteveWarner, Dave Kimble,Jay Birtch, and JustinFroehlich performghost trackings on aweekly basis for theirsenior projects, whichhave turned into

All that’s missing areChristmas carols.

Colorful candy streamershanging from the ceiling greetthose who enter through thestocking-clad doors at the highschool’s main entrance.Decorated Christmas treesstand in the main lobby, andsnowflakes, toy soldiers, anddolls adorn doors and windows.

Principal Jim Tallaricoinitiated the idea for the artdepartment to decorate theschool to promote a positivefeeling throughout the building,said art teacher Cathy Regan.She, along with fellow artteacher Jennifer Lupole,organized the creation of thedecorations by the art studentswho had five days afterThanksgiving to make thedecorations for Mrs. Regan andMiss Lupole to hang.

“I love projects like this,”said Mrs. Regan. “It creates afun, festive atmosphere.” It’sfun to share the holiday feeling,and it helps the students andteachers feel closer, like afamily, she said.

Other teachers, like MaryAnn Cunningham, KathleenGoerlitz, and Marianne Scott,decorated their classrooms with

Christmas trees, garland, andred ribbons. Since 1969 Mrs.Cunningham has hung 20 redbows on the 20 plants in herroom, and holiday music hasplayed softly in the background.A seven-foot decorated treehas stood near by.

All of this helps to spread“the joy of the Christmasseason,” said Mrs. Cunningham.

“I love Christmas. I thinkthat [decorating the room] helpsstudents connect to the Spanishculture,” Mrs. Goerlitz said.She has decorated her room intraditional Spanish style since1974. Spanish students alsocreated Hispanic Christmasprojects that reflect Mexicanculture. Students createdwreaths, sombreros, woodenshoes, and piñatas displayed inthe Spanish rooms and theSpanish showcase in the mainlobby. Projects are another waythat students can feel con-nected with the Hispanicculture, said Mrs. Goerlitz.

Miss Scott has embel-lished her French room for thepast 32 years to help thestudents enjoy the classroom.Christmas mobiles dangle fromthe ceiling, red and gold garland(See Deck the Halls, Page 3)

Senior Nicole Johnson rehearses her performanceof a Christmas medley for the cabaret show in theauditorium Dec. 14. Senior Joe Quanne, one ofthe creators of the show, assists. The cabaret washeld Dec. 17 at the high school.

Melinda Zosh/Meteor Chronicle

hobbies for most of them.“[Every time] we go hunting,

we take a tape recorder withheadphones, a digital camera, and aflashlight [and say] an opening and

Dom LucentiPhoto provided

Freshman Andy Burgh prepares toshoot a foul shot home against MidValley Dec. 6. For more sports news,turn to...

Page 7

Senior Lee Caterson looks over ma-terial concerning blood donation beforegiving blood Dec. 14. For more news,turn to...

Page 3

PAGE 2 DECEMBER 2005 METEOR CHRONICLE

News

Life As We Know It... “Life As We Know It” is a year-long series devoted to informing teens andthe community about some of the issues teens face.

Holding hands, talking onthe phone every night, and goingout on the weekends—these arejust some of the activities manydating high school students takepart in. But what about thosestudents who are dating someonehours away?

Several MAHS studentsare currently involved in long-distance relationships and areconstantly faced with thehardships that come with theserelationships.

Senior Collin Musa hasbeen dating his girlfriend Grace,a senior who attends ChristianHeritage High School in Trumbull,Connecticut, for four months.The two of them met throughmutual friends and began datingsoon afterwards.

“Relationships take somuch effort, no matter how farapart you may be,” says Collin.

Although distance issometimes considered ahardship, Collin feels that it’swhat has made his relationshipstrong.

“If you love the person,distance isn’t a factor,” says

AparAparAparAparApart in Lot in Lot in Lot in Lot in Lovvvvve: Distance Challenges Re: Distance Challenges Re: Distance Challenges Re: Distance Challenges Re: Distance Challenges RelationshipselationshipselationshipselationshipselationshipsBy Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportPhotography Editor

Collin. “It’s all about com-mitment.”

Long-distance relationshipscannot survive without essentialelements, say some students.

“Patience is a must, and youhave to really love the person’spersonality because most of your

time is spent away from eachother,” says Collin.

“You have to be able to trustthe person you are with, especiallywhen you’re in a long-distancerelationship,” says senior AshleeReim, who is currently datingMAHS graduate Dan Sokoloski.

“Our relationship is based ontrust.”

A third key ingredient formaintaining a long-distancerelationship is communication,say some couples.

“You have to be able tocommunicate with the personyou are with, and you have to feelcomfortable enough with [him] totell [him] anything over the phonebecause there are some times[when] you won’t see each otherfor weeks at a time,” says seniorMeghan Hewes, who is datingMAHS graduate Aaron Taylor.

Ashlee and Dan have datedfor 16 months, and although thecouple has had their arguments,Ashlee feels the relationship issolid,and that is why it has lasted.

“Our relationship is reallystrong,” says Ashlee. “When wehave an argument, or [when] oneof us has doubts about therelationship, we talk each otherthrough everything, and then weusually feel better about things.”

Religion is the glue in Collinand Grace’s realtionship.

“Our relationship is basedon our religious beliefs and ourlove for each other,” says Collin.

“The connection helps to get usthrough hard times.”

Meghan says she isextremely close to her boyfriendAaron, a student at BloomsburgUniversity, but she realizes it’simportant for her to have her ownexperiences at this stage in herlife, and that it’s important forAaron to do so as well.

“Aaron and I keep in touch,and we talk all the time, but weeach have our own lives wherewe live,” says Meghan.

Meghan doesn’t plan toattend the same college as Aaronalthough she hopes that they willremain as close as they currentlyare.

“I’m not going to base mycollege career on someone else,”says Meghan. “I need to live mylife for me.”

Although difficulties dopresent themselves, some long-distance couples say that a long-distance relationship actuallyworks for them.

“You learn to never take theperson you are with for granted,and [she] means so much moreto you when you actually get tosee [her],” says Collin.

closing prayer... there is atechnique to contacting spirits.Almost every time we goout,….we feel their presence.”

On an expedition to theMontrose Cemetery in lateSeptember the boys spotted anapparition of a woman wearing ahat, standing behind a tombstone.Within seconds she disappearedwithout a trace. Other times thehunters have captured voices ontape recorders, saying thingssuch as “I will” and even a child’slaughter.

“One time our adviser, NoelShort, was at the cemetery withher nephew,” says Greg. “Heaccidentally dropped the cameraand said, “Sorry,” to his aunt,”says Greg. “When they playedthe tape through, they heard avoice that said, “Don’t be sorry”at that exact moment.”

Experiencing physicalcontact with the dead and seeingthings that aren’t there are twoof the most frightening things forthe boys, according to Patrick.

He says he has felt the mostcontact at Alfred’s Train Stationin New Milford. His research hasshown that in the mid-18th

century, a person was tied to thetrain tracks there and killed whena train passed on its journey.

“We were at the station onenight,” Pat recalls. “I felt abreeze, then got pushed to theground.” [When I got up], it feltlike someone touched me with ahot iron, which is [a sign of] evil.”

That night the boys alsospotted a staircase in the mainoffice of the station that wasn’tpreviously there. According toPat, they also “pick voices upeasier” at the station, rangingfrom Class A sounds, such as aknock, to Class B noises that canbe heard with the help of digitalequipment to Class C sounds thatcan be heard clearly without anyequipment.

The boys plan to presenttheir project to their classmates

in the near future, perhaps byPowerPoint. If it goes well, theywant to also show it to the juniorclass, eventually hoping toshowcase their work to thecommunity for a fee, which wouldgo to restoring local cemeteries.

Pat says ghost trackingprovided them unforgettable,sometimes frightening experi-ences. He says contacting thedead requires knowledge.

“If you don’t have exper-ience, don’t try it,” says Pat. “Ibecame twice as keen toeverything around me [after doingthis project].”

Cabaret Show

Another group of seniors,Joe Quanne, Rob Harris, and MikeWhitney, have used their seniorproject to “showcase individualtalents.” The boys held MontroseArea’s first cabaret show Dec. 17.

The idea initially came fromattending district/regional choralcompetitions, which spotlightedindividual talents, according toRob and Joe.

“From the beginning, I knewwe’d have auditions [to see whowould fit in our show],” says Rob.“I figured the more people thattried out, the better….We didn’thave many people try out, but thequality was [excellent].”

Out of 20 people or groupswho auditioned, the boys chose12 of the performers. Acts rangedfrom a group of brass instru-mentalists to piano soloists to fourmembers of Trak 5, a quintetcomprised of Joe, Rob and Mikealong with 2005 alumni RyanMachir and Brady Goldsmith,performing “Seven Bridges Road”by the Eagles.

“I [had] confidence in thepeople we chose….They’ve gotexperience and know what toexpect,” says Joe.

Rob and Mike agree that theircabaret show brought a wholenew flavor to MAHS and the

community at large, and they saythey would like to see the showbecome a tradition.

“This [was] different froma choral concert,…and [it was]different from sporting events,”says Rob. “[The cabaret showallowed] people to see another sideof Montrose….A lot of peoplewho live here only go to sportingevents and overlook other[activities].”

“A lot of people have comeup to me and told me it was a greatidea,” says Joe. “[People] wishedthey had seen [the cabaret show]before.”

Martial Arts Demonstration

Senior Steve Walker willdisplay his Tang Soo Do toChoconut fifth and sixth gradestudents in January.

“Choconut Valley Elemen-tary has a group of kids who [are]interested in [martial arts]…,” saysSteve. “[I’m going] to give thema brief history, overview of themorals and eight key concepts [ofmartial arts].”

Steve says he also wantedto illustrate Tang Soo Do becauseit has become his number onehobby.

“It’s fun and challeng-ing…each person is measured for[his/her] own abilities [and] notmeasured against each other, likein sports,” says Steve. “I like themorality of [the martial arts] andthe philosophy that goes along withit.”

According to Steve, thereare ten articles of faith within hissport that he hopes to convey tothe younger students.

“[The articles] include beingloyal to your country, obedient toyour parents and elders, [and]cooperative to your brothers andsisters,” says Steve. “Martial artsalso teach you about your ownbody…its limits.”

Beginning Tang Soo Do fouryears ago, Steve says he was very

shy, sometimes picked on, and had“almost no friends in junior high.”Now he has gained confidence inhimself.

Steve also says he realizeshow risky his sport is because hewitnessed a man bleed excessivelyafter attempting to break cinderblocks, a common karate move.

“It teaches you how toremain calm in situations,” saysSteve. “You empty your mindcompletely, [which is] more of aChinese influence than Korean.”

Seniors are required to meetwith their advisers four times

Melinda Zosh/Meteor Chronicle

Junior Emily Klie practices her music for her cabaret performance.

(Senior Projects continued from Page 1)

throughout the fall and earlywinter. Research papers must besubmitted to coordinators by Jan.13, and all projects, including 24hours of project time, must becompleted by Feb. 15.

By March 17, all projectsmust be presented to the FacultyAdviser Committee, and all self-reflection essays must besubmitted.

Seniors will receive “highlysuccessful, successful,” or “notyet successful” marks by April 18(or in the event of snow days May15).

.............................................................................................................................................................

Photo courtesy of Meghan Hewes

MAHS graduate Aaron Taylor teases girlfriend Meghan Hewes duringa summer visit to Bloomsburg University where Aaron is currently asophomore.

PAGE 3 DECEMBER 2005 METEOR CHRONICLE

News

When people think abouta school, they picture studentsat lockers and in classroomslearning life and/or boringlessons. Not many considerthe number of floors that mustbe swept, the paperwork thatneeds to be filled out, and thelunches that need to beprepared. These are jobs thatare essential to keepingMAHS and the districtrunning.

Support staff employeesrange from secretaries tocustodians and computertechnicians. Of the 91 supportstaff within the district, 40work at MAHS, according toSuperintendent MikeOgnosky.

District attendance clerkTheresa Evans is responsiblefor the attendance records ofall the students within thedistrict. The accuracy ofthese records is vital becauseapproximately eighty percentof the district’s subsidy isderived from studentenrollment, according to Mrs.Evans. The more moneyderived from these subsidies,the more the district can dofor students and the less thetaxpayers have to pay. Mrs.Evans also keeps track ofthose in the district who arehome-schooled or attendprivate schools or schools forspecial needs.

The majority of her jobis paperwork and takes upmost of her day. However,Mrs. Evans is continuouslyanswering phone calls, pagingstudents to the office, andassisting them. The hardestpart of her job is not themountain of paperwork, butthe stories that “make yourheart bleed,” said Mrs. Evans.

“There are often timesstudents that sit next to youthat you don’t know what theygo through,” she said.

Wendy Scott is a utilitycafeteria worker. EachMonday she orders of foodneeded for the next twoweeks. Shipments arriveTuesdays and Wednesdaysthat she must unload and store.

By Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasBy Matt DouglasCo-editor in ChiefCo-editor in ChiefCo-editor in ChiefCo-editor in ChiefCo-editor in Chief

SupporSupporSupporSupporSupport St St St St StaftaftaftaftaffffffBolstBolstBolstBolstBolstererererers MASDs MASDs MASDs MASDs MASD

and Christmas pictures line thewalls. Students helped herdecorate her room and createdseasonal posters and crafts tobe displayed in the Frenchshowcase.

Organized by the KeyClub, MAHS worked withSusquehanna County Childrenand Youth in a project knownas Angel Baskets in whichindividuals “adopt a family,”said Key Club adviser SuzanneBennici. Hanging on the wallsof the school’s main lobbywere paper angels, eachrepresenting something sevenfamilies in SusquehannaCounty needed for Christmas.Items ranged from householdessentials to presents toclothing.

Students were involvedwith the Susquehanna CountyChristmas Bureau, anorganization made up ofseveral agencies that collecttoys, winter clothes, and food.Over 500 local families wereserved Dec. 15 at theMontrose Bible Conference.

Junior Brianna Gieski wasone of several Key Clubmembers involved with theChristmas Bureau as a

(Decks the Halls continued from Page 1)

Student council membersgathered in the MAHS cafeteriaNov. 12 to present proposals tothe school board related toconcerns and suggestions forimprovements in the high school.

“MAHS is one of the onlyhigh schools in Pennsylvania tohold an annual student/boardforum,” says student council vicepresident Melinda Zosh. “Theboard forum is one of the biggestevents for student council.”

Over the years, the schoolboard and administration haveapproved most studentsuggestions, according toMelinda.

“In the past we havegained new courses such asLatin, we’ve helped to updatecomputer systems, and theschoolboard has approvedchanges to the dress code,suggested by student councilmembers,” says Melinda.

The topics presented duringthis year’s forum were dividedinto three main categories:aesthetics and grounds, student

Matt Douglas, Melinda Zosh, Patrick Bayer, and Elizabeth Davenport contributed to this story.

relations and extracurricular/curriculum.

The aesthetics and groundscommittee mentioned that girlswould like a full-length mirror intheir locker room, and that boysand girls would like the lockerroom restrooms and showerscleaned more often and curtains/dividers installed.

The aesthetics and groundsgroup also discussed improvingthe garden in front of the schooland adding a “yearbook walk-way.” A path of printed bricks,the walkway would highlight theaccomplishments of MAHSalumni, retired teachers, andcurrent students. The walkwaywould possibly be located nearthe track.

The student relationscommittee discussed restroomvandalism and misuse. Thehypothetical solution for thisproblem is to require students toswipe ID cards each time theyenter a restroom. This wouldhelp keep track of who was inthe restroom and when. In the

future, ID cards could also beused to take attendance, whichwould eliminate homerooms.

The extracurricular/cur-riculum group suggested that itmay be helpful for MAHS tointroduce a half-credit SAT/ACTprep course. In this courseguidance could also demonstrateto students the college applicationprocess. In addition, studentswould like to see an economicscourse brought back to the highschool curriculum..

The process for athletesearning their varsity letter jacketsshould be re-evaluated, studentssay. Suggestions include requiringtwo years of participation in onesport and one varsity letter. Allathletes should receive a jacketregardless of the amount ofmoney offered by the BoosterClub.

“The board listened to the[students’] proposals and gavegood feedback at the meeting,”says student council presidentNate Sives. “Now it is up to themto finalize the ideas presented.”

FFFFForum Connects Board, Sorum Connects Board, Sorum Connects Board, Sorum Connects Board, Sorum Connects Board, StudentstudentstudentstudentstudentsBy Brandi DevineOpinion Editor

Ms. Scott makes the tuna salad,mashed potatoes, andvegetarian beans on taco day,along with salad and certaindressings from scratch. She isalso in charge of running thedishwasher, cleaning trays,monitoring the temperatures ofthe freezer and fridge, and fillingin other jobs as need be. At theend of each day, Ms. Scottcompiles the inventory ofsupplies used, and a totalinventory of the cafeteria isdone each month.

For nine years HectorLopez has worked for thedistrict as a custodian. Mr.Lopez’s job varies from day today. He does repairs, changesthe lights, and cleans. Over thesummer every classroom mustbe stripped of its furniture andcleaned.

Mr. Lopez’s day starts at6:30 or earlier, depending on theweather. If it has snowed thenight before, he, along with hisfellow janitors, must arrivebetween 4 and 4:30 to clear thesidewalks and parking lotsbefore the teachers andstudents arrive.

“[Custodians] are herecome snow or whatever,” saidMr. Lopez.

The support staff arepivotal to the functioning of thedistrict, said Mr. Ognosky.

“[Support staff] providemany functions that offersupport and assistance toteachers, administrators and,especially, students,” said Mr.Ognosky. “Can you imagineyour day without the secretariesand the information theyprovide, the custodians keepingthe buildings clean and efficient,the aides providing directinstructional help to students, thefood service employeespreparing and serving lunches,the computer technicianskeeping the network running—I can’t imagine what it wouldbe like without them.”

“All and all, at the end ofthe day [I know] what I did forthe district is important—thatwhat I do makes a differencein some small way,” said Mrs.Evans.

“runner.” Runners helpedcarry out food and toys to thecars of families.

“Seeing people and help-

Seniors (from left) Autumn Carpenter, SamLyon, Jenny Albert, and senior Clarissa Plankcompeted in NEIU 19’s Scholastic Bowl held atthe Radisson Hotel in Scranton Nov. 18. Theteam is advised by English teacher Eileen Baessler.

“I was really nervous at first,” says Clarissa.“Once we got going it was really fun, especiallythe second round when we were beatingeveryone.”

The MAHS team placed third out of 27 teamsfrom Northeastern Pennslyvania.

“It felt really good to come in third becauselast year’s team did really well, and I wasn’t surewe would measure up to their standards, but wedid really well,” says Clarissa.

ScScScScScholastic Tholastic Tholastic Tholastic Tholastic TeameameameameamTTTTTakakakakakes Thirdes Thirdes Thirdes Thirdes Third

Photo provided

November’s junior high Students of the Month are (left to right)seventh grader Megan Walker and eighth graders Megan Henryand Renee Oleniacz.

Brandi Devine/Meteor Chronicle

Students of the MonthStudents of the MonthStudents of the MonthStudents of the MonthStudents of the Month

ing carry their stuff out makesme feel awesome,” saidBrianna, “because [I’m]helping someone in need.”

By Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportBy Elizabeth DavenportPhotography Editor

Seventh graders Alexis DeLousia and Kristy Stankiewicz decoratetheir grade’s Christmas tree that stood in the main hallway of thehigh school. Five other trees were also decorated by students ingrades 8-12.

Elizabeth Davenport/Meteor Chronicle

PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2005 METEOR CHRONICLE

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By Clarissa PlankBy Clarissa PlankBy Clarissa PlankBy Clarissa PlankBy Clarissa Plank

Sixthg r a d e rZ a c hL o o m i sd i g se a g e r l yinto hist rapper -k e e p e rand pullsout twop l a s t i cbags. Oneis filledw i t h“ s n o w ”a n da n o t h e rwith pinkgoo.

“It was cool! I really likedmaking silly putty,” said Zach,displaying the squishy contentsof one of the bags. “I’m lookingforward to going to chemistryclass [when I am in highschool].”

Zach’s treasures are theresults of experimentsperformed by the high school’sIONS Club, a science-basedclub that makes annual trips toLathrop Street and ChoconutValley elementary schoolswhere high school studentsteach the younger childrenabout science through hands-onactivities.

“I loved it when they didthe invisible ink,” sixth graderBryanne Clark said. “[One ofmy friends] sprayed [the pinkliquid] on my white shirt, andwhen she rubbed it, it justdisappeared! I love science,[and] this was reallyinteresting.”

This year’s theme was“Joy with (chemistry-related)toys,” said chemistry teacherDebbie Lewis. The experi-ments performed at ChoconutValley Nov. 18 and LathropStreet on Nov. 23 includedmaking shrinky-dinks and sillyputty, playing with color-changing toys, markers,“magic” sand, and glow sticks.

“Anything that the kids cando that is hands-on is great,”said Lathrop Street sixth gradeteacher John Cherundolo. “Ithink [the students] learn morein one day with those stationsthan they can just listening to ateacher.”

“The kids always look

forward to the IONS Clubcoming down,” said LathropStreet fifth grade teacherLaurie Andre. “It’s a fun dayfor them to learn aboutconceptsthat we’ve learnedabout, or that we’re going tolearn about.”

“I thought it was reallyfun,” said fifth grader AllyssaMason. “It taught us a lot abouthow we can experiencethings…”

Classmate Mollie Hostagreed.

“It was awesome,especially playing with the‘goop.’ [When I am in highschool,] I want to be inchemistry and physics.”

“The fifth and sixth gradestudents enjoy being taughtfrom a ‘peer.’ They seem tobecome more involved,” saidChoconut Valley Elementarysixth grade science teacherDennis Newhard. “Mrs. Lewis[said to me] that some highschool students are reluctant toanswer [questions] in class, butwhen they came to theelementary, they opened up withconfidence.”

Senior Amanda Lass hasbeen to Choconut Valley threetimes with the IONS Club.

“It helps the students getan introduction to chemistry...,”she said. “I love to go down [toChoconut] because I loveseeing the kids have fun withscience.”

“I can’t wait until I can[come back] and [be a part ofthe IONS Club experiments],”said Brooke Andersen, a sixthgrader at Lathrop Street.

Students Use ScienceStudents Use ScienceStudents Use ScienceStudents Use ScienceStudents Use Sciencettttto Creato Creato Creato Creato Create Te Te Te Te Toooooysysysysys

FFFFFourourourourourth Graderth Graderth Graderth Graderth Graders Score High in Math-a-s Score High in Math-a-s Score High in Math-a-s Score High in Math-a-s Score High in Math-a-ThonThonThonThonThonBy Caroline JonesBy Caroline JonesBy Caroline JonesBy Caroline JonesBy Caroline JonesChoconut Valley Editor

Lathrop St. Editor

Classr Classr Classr Classr Classrooms: Gatooms: Gatooms: Gatooms: Gatooms: GateeeeewwwwwaaaaaysysysysysBeBeBeBeBetwtwtwtwtween Teen Teen Teen Teen Teaceaceaceaceacherherherherhers, Ss, Ss, Ss, Ss, Studentstudentstudentstudentstudents

It’s my first day ofkindergarten. I’ve got theletter my teacher sent me inmy hand, and my backpackis full of pencils andcrayons. Now all I need is myclassroom.

Okay, in the front door,straight down the bluehallway, up the ramp, turnleft at the frog picture on thewall, follow the purplehallway, and find the thirddoor on the right.

Here it is. It says “MISSZENGER” beside the door.Look at that cool frogbulletin board outside thedoor! It even has frog-shapedtacks. The glass to the rightof the door has a painting ofwater, cattails and two yellowdragonflies. Wow! Morefrogs inside: a frog candyjar, frog pens and pencils,and a frog pencil holder.Even my name tag has afrog design. Stuffed frogs,frog borders. This is a frogheaven!

Classrooms are smallcommunities, teachers say.

“[The students] need to bea part of [the classroom],” saysLathrop Street second gradeteacher Renee Hare. “[Thestudents] can create theenvironment [in the classroom.The theme also] bonds them asa class.”

By Autumn CarpenterBy Autumn CarpenterBy Autumn CarpenterBy Autumn CarpenterBy Autumn Carpenter

Second grader Christopher Ricci (clockwise from left) and classmatesKayla Hitchcock and Megan Howell play games and solve puzzles inthe mind-stretcher center of Mrs. Renee Hare’s classroom. This isjust one of many stations that reflect her classroom theme of bugsand lizards.

Autumn Carpenter/Meteor Chronicle

The fourth graders atChoconut Valley ElementarySchool gathered in Mrs. SueLewis’ classroom for a meetingin early October.

The meeting was about St.Jude Children’s ResearchHospital, a facility for childrenwith serious illnesses like canceror leukemia, located in Memphis,Tennessee.

At the meeting, a videoabout St. Jude and its youngpatients was shown.

“The kids saw the video andreally looked touched,” said Mrs.Lewis. The ten-minute movie

talked about the Math-a-Thon,a fundraiser for patients at St.Jude.

The Math-a-Thon letsstudents raise money by findingsponsors, people who will pledgeso much money for each mathproblem the students do, or willpay a flat amount as a donation.Each student receives either abook or a CD-ROM of mathproblems. The student solves theproblems at home and turns inthe donation to his teacher.

At CVES, only fourthgrade does the Math-a-Thon;however, it is open to all grades.

Any fourth grader could haveparticipated, but it was notmandatory.

This year 34 students out ofabout 60 participated in thefundraiser and collected over$3,400, which was more than inprevious years, according to Mrs.Lewis.

Fourth grader Jolyn Zawiskywas the top seller this year afterraising $435.

“[I did the Math-a-Thon] toraise money for the kids at St.Jude,” said Jolyn, who answeredall 250 questions by herself. Thequestions were mostly review,

things that she had learnedalready, she said.

As for her sponsor, “MyGrandma Oakley,” who donated$150.

Jolyn received a digitalcamera for being the top seller.Those who raised at least $30received a Math-a-Thon T-shirt,$70- a Math-a-Thon sports bag.Everyone who participated wasinvited to an ice cream partyprovided by the PTO.

“[When you do the Math-a-Thon,] you’re helping kids yourown age,” said fourth graderShelby Stocks.

Shelby used the CD for hermath problems, and said it wasfun.

Fourth grader AshleeLattner used the Math-a-Thonbook, which contained storiesabout some of the children at St.Jude, she said.

“[The Math-a-Thon is an]outstanding, well-run program foran excellent cause,” said Mrs.Lewis.

For more information aboutSt. Jude Children’s ResearchHospital and the Math-a-Thon,go to www.stjude.org.

Steffany Jahnke/Meteor ChronicleJunior Nick LaBarbera helps fifth grader Corey Shelp makesilly putty at Choconut Valley Elementary Nov. 23.

L a t h r o p S t r e e tkindergarten teacher HeidiZenger agrees. According toMiss Zenger, the posters,projects and other decorationsdo not just make her roommore comfortable but also helpthe students connect with heras a teacher.

“[The theme] helps [thestudents] relate to me more,”says Miss Zenger. When thekids know a theme is importantto her, it becomes important tothem as well.

L a t h r o p S t r e e tkindergarten teacher NinaPierson says the beach themein her classroom gives thestudents an “insight to [the factthat] ‘I’m a person outside ofthis room.’”

School counselor Sue Leesays that teachers are rolemodels, and if the teacher hasan organized classroom andmanner, then the students aremore likely to be organized aswell.

However, according toMrs. Lee, “what is on the wallsis just as important assomething on the walls.”

Mrs. Lee says that visuals,such as posters and walldecorations, remind students ofwhat is expected of them.

According to an NEAToday article, “ClassroomCool: Appearances do Make a

Difference…,” posting rules,schedules and schoolpromotions tends to createresponsibility, efficiency, and asense of community withinstudents.

However, teachers offervarying reasons for the differingthemes of their classrooms.

LathropStreet kindergartenteacher Lori Baker says shechose a jungle theme for herclassroom because she thoughther kids would enjoy it. She saysthe decorations, including num-erous animals, hula skirts forwindow shades and crinkledbrown paper hung from theceiling as vines, are for thechildren to look at and explore.She says the decorations do notdistract the children.

“[The theme] makes kidsmore interested in coming [toschool],” says Mrs. Baker.

Other teachers choosethemes that please not only thekids but also themselves.

“There’s no point in doingsomething you don’t enjoy,”says Ms. Pierson, who chosethe beach theme because of hersummer vacations.

“I am comfortable in thisenvironment, and I thought theywould be too,” she says. “Thisis me.”

Classroom décor is notonly a gateway betweenteacher and student but also abridge to scholastic topics.

Mrs. Hare says that herlizard and bug theme helps to“mesh different topicstogether.” For instance, sheincorporates the theme intovarious classroom art projects,reading materials, and sciencestudies.

Second grader MeganHowell thinks Mrs. Hare’s roomis “really neat” and “cute.” Shealso likes exploring aspects ofthe classroom such as the lizardsand different workstations.

“[The lizards] areinteresting,” says second graderChristopher Ricci. “Some stickto the walls.”

“[I like having] all [my]friends in [one] room,” sayssecond grader Kayla Hitchcock.

Meteor Chronicle

The Meteor Chronicle is a student publication researched, written andproduced by members of the newspaper staff named above. The unsignededitorials on this or other pages of the Chronicle are written by the editorsin chief or a designee and reflect solely the opinion of the newspaper staff.Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be published as space allows.Letters must be signed although names will be withheld upon request. TheChronicle reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and allletters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy, and disrup-tion of the school process as are all contents of the newspaper. The edito-rial policy of the Meteor Chronicle is available upon request.

Editors in Chief..........................................Matt Douglas Melinda Zosh

News/Features Editor...............................Sarah LeonardOpinion Editors.........................................Patrick Bayer

Brandi DevineArts & Entertainment Editor....................Clarissa PlankSports Editors.........................................Steffany Jahnke Emily Merrill

Burgundy ShelpLathrop Street Editor........................ .Autumn CarpenterChoconut Valley Editor............................Caroline JonesPhoto Editor....................................Elizabeth DavenportAdviser................................................Mrs. Sandra Kaub

50 High School Rd. Montrose, PA 18801-9507 (570) 278-3731 news@montroseareasd.k12.pa.us

Emily Adams, Alek Anderson, Sarah Beebe, Rick Buckley,Shannon Elbrecht, Francesca Edgington-Giordano, Emily

Gow, Courtney Haggerty, Chelsea Hall, Sophie Hinkle,Carly Hull, Scott Jones, Matt Kellum, Cathy Knapp, Eleni

S. P. Konstas, Angel Mock, Jessica Ploettner, GenaRapisardi, Katie Rypkema, Cassy Thomas, Kelly Travis,

Abby Warner, Aerika Weed, Kait Woodward

Printed by Mulligan Printing Corporation

Montrose Area Junior/Senior High School

Editorial..........................................................................................................

PAGE 5 DECMEBER 2005 METEOR CHRONICLE

Opinion

Melinda ZoshMelinda ZoshMelinda ZoshMelinda ZoshMelinda ZoshCo-editor in Chief

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Another Voice

Coal is cool! Oil burns a hole in our pockets.

Growing up, I heardnumerous stories of mygrandfather’s warfare expe-ditions: how he was the one whonearly died almost a dozen times.But instead it was his best friend.

Yet somehow, even thoughhe was willing to make theultimate sacrifice for his countryand for the values he upheld, mygrandfather never consideredhimself a hero. “His men” werethe real heroes in his estimation.

My grandfather, however,clearly exemplifies my definitionof a hero: a person who is selfless,who thinks of others in times ofdanger and who always putsothers before himself.

Are men and women inuniforms (military, police, fire, andothers) today’s only heroes? Ithink not.

Everyday “unsung” individ-uals depict heroism that many ofus overlook. They are teachers,coaches, parents, even strangerswe pass on the street. We callthem role models, and often westrive to be just like them. Weadmire them, but we rarely callthem heroes. They are.

Most of the teachers I’veencountered have had a firmimpact on my life, but like otherpeople I’ve known, they comeand go; they’re here one yearand gone the next.

I often ask myself why weoverlook these heroes. RecentlyI asked my nine-year-old cousinwho his hero is, and he replied,“Tony Stewart because he drivesreally fast, and he runs over otherdrivers.”

Surprisingly enough, Iwasn’t shocked. He associates“hero” with someone famous.Someone we see on television.Someone we strive to be just like.

He isn’t the only one whoadmires celebrities. In Americanculture, it seems as thoughpeople have an obsession withfamous people’s lives. We talkabout them in regularconversation as though theywere our very own next doorneighbors.

When famous singer/actress Jessica Simpson brokeup with her husband of threeyears, Nick Lachey, the newswas printed all over the tabloids,and their breakup was displayedon check-out counters. I don’tunderstand how these peoplewould be associated with“heroism.”

Honestly, what happened tothe days when there were real

heroes? I mean someone wepersonally know who returnedfrom war and possibly misseddeath by inches or a person whodidn’t act with the thought ofvalor and fame but instead withthe knowledge of patriotism anddignity.

What happened to the timeswhen kids would watch television,and their heroes would be menlike John Glenn, Davy Crockett,or even John F. Kennedy?

It seems to me that ourpriorities are backwards. Acelebrity apparently rises to therank of “hero” because he/shereceives much more publicity thanour men in Iraq.

What have these peopledone to be called role models,dress elegantly, and liveextravagant lifestyles? Is itbecause they have achievedwhat is in our minds the “ideal”?The fact is, we don’t even knowthem. So why should they be theheroes of our generation?

The term “hero” can bedefined many ways. A “hero”will never hesitate to do what he/she believes in. A “hero” alwaysthinks of others before him/herself. A true hero may go his/her entire life without recognition.

These are the people whoadd hope to our generation andgive us the desire to carry ontheir legacies.

Corrections

Assistant principal Russ Canevari’sname was misspelled in the story on thehigh school’s SAP team.

Freshman Madison Legg has raisedapproximately $100 (after expenses of$550) for the Rose DeGroat family ofMontrose. Mrs. DeGroat died of liverdisease in September.

Sophomore Chase Devine is also amember of the student band Expansion.

Four, not three, varsity tennis players willgraduate from the girls’ team this year.

Letters to the editorsare welcomed!

They may be e-mailed to thenewspaper or dropped off

in Room 17.

The staff of the Meteor Chronicle regrets misre-porting the following information in Issue 2:

TTTTTodaodaodaodaoday’s Hery’s Hery’s Hery’s Hery’s Heroesoesoesoesoes Misidentified Misidentified Misidentified Misidentified Misidentified

In today’s wor ld“family” is overshadowedby daily life and what seemsto be more “important.”

Our priorit ies havechanged. Everyone is guiltyat some point of thinkingabout cal l ing a familymember but forget t ingabout it because life is justtoo busy at the moment.

Work, school , thetasks that go along witheveryday life—these are theevents in our lives that tendto circumvent what reallymatters.

The holidays are a timewhen relatives get togetherto catch up on what hashappened since they lastsaw each other. But whatabout the rest of the year?Shouldn’t we keep in touchthroughout the year—notjust on holidays?

Celebrating the mo-ment and talking about thegood t imes enjoyedtogether over the years—that’s what the holidays areabout—not jus t about“catching up.”

Some people think,“I’ve moved out of the

house, and I live my ownlife now. Why should I careabout the time I spend withmy family?” Some peoplemay say that their familieswere there for them whenthey were children, but thatis where the “job” ends.Not so.

The importance offamily is immeasurable.Family is what ties us to ourroots and keeps usgrounded and humbled.

They are the peoplewe go to during the worsttimes of our lives as well asthe best. They are thepeople who love us basedon who we truly are, not theimage we have chosen toportray.

Geography i s noexcuse either. Distance isno reason for a family todisconnect. Telephonesand e-mai l supersedegeography.

“I ’ l l be home forChristmas, if only in mydreams,” says the line fromthe well-known holidayclassic. May we all “behome for Christmas” andthe rest of the year as well.

Who Said Who Said Who Said Who Said Who Said HolidaHolidaHolidaHolidaHolidaysysysysysAre fAre fAre fAre fAre for For For For For Families?amilies?amilies?amilies?amilies?

........................................................................

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What About the RestWhat About the RestWhat About the RestWhat About the RestWhat About the Restof the Daof the Daof the Daof the Daof the Days?ys?ys?ys?ys?

MattKellum

Arts & EntertainmentArts & EntertainmentArts & EntertainmentArts & EntertainmentArts & EntertainmentFeatured Artist

PAGE 6 DECEMBER 2005 METEOR CHRONICLE

For junior Caitlin Hackett, artis more than a hobby; it’s a meansof self-expression.

“To me, art is my personalfeelings,” said Caitlin. “Colors or thematerials lying in front of memotivate me.”

Whenever she gets aninspiration, Caitlin is ready to put iton paper.

“I try to keep a pencil withme for drawing [at all times],”Caitlin said. “I’ll use anything todraw, whatever is available. If I’mat a restaurant, I’ll use the paperplacemat or a napkin to draw on,but my favorite time to draw is alonewith my headphones on.”

Caitlin began drawing whenshe was young, according to artteacher Cathy Regan, who hastaught Caitlin both now and atLathrop Street Elementary School.

“Nothing in particular got mestarted in art,” said Caitlin. “I havealways loved it. I had Mrs. Reganin elementary school, and shealways made it fun to do. When Iwas younger, I would enter coloringcontests or write-and-illustrate-your-own-book contests.”

Caitlin once placed second inthe write-and-illustrate-your-own-book contest sponsored by theSusquehanna County Library whenshe was in elementary school.

Caitlin attended SetonCatholic Central High School inBinghamton in ninth and tenthgrades and studied art while shewas there.

“Seton’s art program was fullof talent, and my teacher taught mea lot about art history andtechniques,” said Caitlin. “Watchingthe students around me draw alsoimproved the way I view objects.”

During art classes Caitlin picksup ideas from other artists.

“Watching other people drawhelped me pick up differenttechniques,” said Caitlin. “I try topay attention to detail when I draw.

By Patrick BayerBy Patrick BayerBy Patrick BayerBy Patrick BayerBy Patrick BayerOpinion Editor

I don’t usually look at the objectwhen I’m drawing it. I just pictureit in my head. I like to watch thechanging daylight and the mood itcreates.”

Caitlin has more talent thanshe realizes, according to Mrs.Regan.

“I don’t think she knows howtalented she is [at drawing],” saidMrs. Regan.

One of the challenges Caitlinfaces is trying to make everythingjust right.

“I think everything has to beperfect,” she said.

Sharing her art with othershelps Caitlin become a better artist,she said.

“When I occasionally sharemy work with others,” said Caitlin,“I like to hear the person’s opinion.

“There is nothing wrong withconstructive criticism. I like to showpeople my art if they are interested.It makes me feel great when theperson’s reaction is positive. Itinspires me to do more.”

Mrs. Regan believes thatCaitlin “absolutely” has a future inart, and Caitlin shares similarfeelings.

“At first, I wasn’t thinking ofpursuing art in college [but] justkeeping it fun,” said Caitlin, “butMrs. Regan got me amped on theidea of going to college for art. Mydream right now is to become anart teacher and eventually own myown art café.”

Caitlin said her favoritemedium is pencil drawing, but shealso enjoys constructing collages.

“I love that art has unlimitedpossibilities,” said Caitlin. “I like torecord thoughts, brainstorm andempty my head on paper. Color is[my] passion. Anything andeverything inspires me; even themost unlikely things spark ideas. Inever run out of ideas, just havingenough time to create something outof them.”

FFFFFor Aror Aror Aror Aror Artist ‘Evtist ‘Evtist ‘Evtist ‘Evtist ‘Everererererything’ything’ything’ything’ything’Is InspirationalIs InspirationalIs InspirationalIs InspirationalIs Inspirational

Members of the MontroseMarching Unit (MMU) arrived indowntown Scranton on Nov. 12 toparticipate in the annual SantaParade sponsored by the ScrantonJaycees. The band wasup bright and early to be able toarrive by 7:30, but it wasn’t untilalmost two hours later that theMMU got its chance to march.

While they waited, bandmembers stretched, jogged in place,and practiced in the alleyways,trying everything to stay warmdespite the cold. The excitement roseuntil finally the time came forMontrose to march.

Spectators saw the Penn Statefloat, then the Bob the Builderballoon, and then came the Meteors.

The band marched for tenblocks and played Frosty theSnowman to fulfill the Jaycees’requirement of performing Christmasmusic.

Then when the parade ar-rived at a designated area, the band

performed in front of judges for thecompetition portion of the parade.

The band performed itswestern-style field show, includingthe songs Western Trail, Rawhide,and Magnificent 7, in front of a musicjudge and a marching and visualjudge.

The MMU competed againstsix other marching bands fromWestern Wayne, Blue Ridge,Susquehanna, Hazelton,Wallenpaupack and Scranton highschools.

The competition ended in a tiefor first place between WesternWayne and Montrose. The tie-breaker was which school scoredhigher for its performance of itsmusical score. T h efirst-place trophy and prize moneyof $1,000 went to Western Wayne.Montrose settled for the second-place trophy and the $500 prize.

“We were all really happyabout how we did, but we justwished we had had one more point

[to win the competition],” says banddirector Suzanne Bennici. “But Ireally can’t complain; we really didlook great. I would send that tape[of the competition] anywhere andnot worry about being accepted.”

According to Mrs. Bennici, allhigh school bands in NortheasternPennsylvania were sent an invitationto participate in the parade. Theband filled out an application, andMontrose was then selected toparticipate.

The band’s preparation for theparade began right after footballseason ended in November andlasted for about two-and-a-halfweeks. Practices were held afterschool.

“We practiced almost everyday, and practices began earlier thanusual. It was pretty intense,” sayssophomore Brittany DeLousia.“The one day we practiced [for theparade] in the pouring rain, andeveryone was soaked, but it wasgood conditioning.”

By Shannon ElbrechtBy Shannon ElbrechtBy Shannon ElbrechtBy Shannon ElbrechtBy Shannon ElbrechtStaff Reporter

MMU MarMMU MarMMU MarMMU MarMMU Marccccches thes thes thes thes to Second Placeo Second Placeo Second Placeo Second Placeo Second Place

By Eleni S. PBy Eleni S. PBy Eleni S. PBy Eleni S. PBy Eleni S. P. K. K. K. K. KonstasonstasonstasonstasonstasStaff Reporter

JahnkJahnkJahnkJahnkJahnke’s Se’s Se’s Se’s Se’s Star Rising in Filmtar Rising in Filmtar Rising in Filmtar Rising in Filmtar Rising in Film

Sixth grader Justin Jahnke runsup and kicks a full grown man in thegroin. Angry, the man grabs ontoJustin’s shirt collar and pulls him upinto the air. Another man coversJustin’s captor with pepper spray. IsJustin a troublemaker? No, it’s all justpart of the job.

Justin is acting. In the past ninemonths he has appeared in seven filmsand one sitcom pilot that may air onnational television.

Acting came into Justin’s lifequite unexpectedly. The Jahnke familyowns three samoyeds and one pointerthat they regularly show incompetitions. Last March when Justin,his older sister Steffany and theirmother were at a day show inSecaucus, N.J., a retired talent scoutspotted Justin at ring side.

“He was looking good,” saidMrs. Debby Jahnke with pride. “Hehad his hair slicked back, and he waswearing a suit coat and slacks.”

The ex-talent scout asked Mrs.Jahnke if Justin had ever acted. He hadnot.

“He looks like a little [LeonardoDiCaprio],” the scout said. “Youshould submit him [to a talent agency].He’ll get picked up right away.”

The idea of acting appealed toJustin, so he began to pester his momto go to an open call at GillaRoos Talent Agency [in NewYork City] the followingweekend. He had neverconsidered acting nor takenany acting classes. Twomonths later Gilla Roospicked him up.

In the meantime, Mrs.Jahnke looked into castingcalls on the Internet andstarted to submit headshotsand resumés.

Justin had threecasting calls. For the first,they wanted someonelooking younger; thesecond audition, Justinreceived a callback but didnot get the part. Justin’s thirdaudition was for a NYU film.They liked him immediatelyafter he performed amonologue. He was hired forthe supporting role in themovie The Red Ball filmedin Chestnut Ridge, N.J., lastApril.

The movie is a storyof a boy who is bullied byneighbor kids and treated

badly by his father before beingbefriended and supported by Justin’scharacter, an eccentric kid who keepsgetting them in trouble. The film endswith the father finally being kind andloving to his son.

Justin’s next movie, Fall of theTraverser, was obtained throughJustin’s Web site where the directorsaw his headshot and asked him toaudition.

Some of the special effects forFall of the Traverser were filmed in theJahnkes’ barn last October. Justin playsthe lead role, a scrawny child who istaken into the woods by his friends tobecome a man and ends up narrowlyescaping being eaten by a pair ofmonsters; one was an eight-footMuppet manned by three people. Thecharacter’s quick wits saves him fromthe monsters and proves him to be aman to all the other boys.

The Fall of the Traverser will takea year to edit and then be submitted tofestivals in 2006, says Mrs. Jahnke.

Suffer the Little Children, anadaptation of a short story by StephenKing, features Justin as one of onlytwo boy-speaking parts in the movie.Justin appears on many Stephen KingWeb sites, including one in Germanyand in the Netherlands.

All of the other film productionsthat Justin has done are still in theediting process, says Mrs. Jahnke, but

the sitcom is moving quicker becauseof the lack of special effects.

Ryan Glass, the director for asitcom called Players, cast Justin in apart that was changed several timesand eventually written out. However,Glass was so impressed with Justinthat he created a new character for him;he will appear in the fifth episode.

“Originally the part was a brattykid,” said Mrs. Jahnke. “The characterwas too colorful for regular TV, so itwas cut.”

Justin had a lot of luck startingout, according to his mother. Justin hasmet several acting kids while filmingSuffer the Little Children, whom hehas befriended.

“One [kid] had been acting forseven years and was only in two orthree films,” she said. “It’s pretty rare[that Justin] has a resumé as built upas he does. He was just lucky becausehe’s kind of cute and has a good look.”

Most actors submit 100 times toget a single role, says Mrs. Jahnke.Justin received three parts out of fivesubmissions.

Once a week Justin and his momhead into New York City to do severalauditions. He is being pitched by hismanagers to agents in Los Angeles,the movie hub, said Mrs. Jahnke. Herecently signed with Sandcastle KidsManagement and freelances with fiveof New York City’s top agencies.

Justin said heenjoys the camerasmost and also thestunts.

“[I like the TheFall of theTraverser] becauseI did a lot of coolstunts (diving into alake, lyingunderwater withonly his headexposed for hoursduring filming),”Justin said.

Despite all thepossibilities foracting, Justin stillenjoys playingbaseball, shootinghis gun, and playingwith his dog, Gabby.

“I am trying tosave money forcollege,” saidJustin. “I wasthinking of being abaseball player [inthe future], andwhen I’m donedoing baseball, I canact.”

..................................................................................................................................................

When inspiration strikes, junior Caitlin Hackett draws on any sur-face available. Her favorite medium is pencil she says.

Patrick Bayer/Meteor Chronicle

Sixth grader Justin Jahnke performs in Suffer the LittleChildren, an independent film based on an adaptation of ashort story by Stephen King.

Photo provided

METEOR CHRONICLEDECEMBER 2005PAGE 7

Low numbers trouble thisseason’s senior high basketballteams. Out of 19 players lastyear, five graduated, and only13 of the remaining playershave returned this season.

“The upper classmennumbers are low, so thefreshmen guys needed to bepulled up to maintain a JVteam,” says former freshmanbasketball coach Ellen Mul-ligan. “I’m not sure why thenumbers are low, other thansometimes that is just the cycleof things. I would say that thiswould be a young, inexper-ienced team looking to rebuildafter losing several seniors froma successful squad last year.”

Many of last year’sjuniors decided not to go out forthe varsity team this year forseveral reasons, including othersports. Seniors Nick Staats andBob O’Malley, for instance,plan to focus on track during thewinter season.

“I wish I was playing, butsometimes you have to give upwhat you enjoy doing for whatyou love,” says Staats.

Other former members ofthe team include seniors ChadHenry, Jeff Evans, and ChrisStrohl, who plan on workingand studying this winter.

Only two MAHS seniors,George Capwell and DennisMoore, play on the varsity team,backed up by six juniors, five

sophomores, and four fresh-men, who also play JV.

By contrast, the numberson the two junior high teams arehigher, with 13 boys on theeighth grade team and 13 onthe seventh. At press timeeighth grade was 3-0 andseventh 2-1.

By Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany Jahnke

Sp rtsLow Numbers Plague SeniorLow Numbers Plague SeniorLow Numbers Plague SeniorLow Numbers Plague SeniorLow Numbers Plague SeniorHigh BoHigh BoHigh BoHigh BoHigh Boys’ Baskys’ Baskys’ Baskys’ Baskys’ Baskeeeeetball Ttball Ttball Ttball Ttball TeamseamseamseamseamsSports Editor

‘Practice Mak‘Practice Mak‘Practice Mak‘Practice Mak‘Practice MakesesesesesPPPPPerererererfffffect’ect’ect’ect’ect’

By Burgundy ShelpBy Burgundy ShelpBy Burgundy ShelpBy Burgundy ShelpBy Burgundy ShelpSports Editor

Featured Athlete

She Dances...and Then SomeShe Dances...and Then SomeShe Dances...and Then SomeShe Dances...and Then SomeShe Dances...and Then SomeSophomore Kelly Travis is

constantly on the run: danceteam practice on Tuesdays andThursdays, cheerleadingpractice on Mondays andThursdays, games onThursdays or Sundays anddance classes on Fridays.

“One thing is, I’mconstantly busy with dance and

“In talent we are veryhopeful that many of [theplayers] will progress andcontinue with developing thenecessary basketball skills toenhance our senior highbasketball rebuilding program,”says junior high boys basketballcoach Mike Zuba.

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cheerleading,” says Kelly. “Idon’t have a lot of time to goout and do things other kids myage do.”

Her dancing has helpedKelly with cheerleading, shesays because strength,coordination, and rhythm arerequired in both.

Sometimes all of theseactivities can get a littlestressful, admits Kelly,but she says shecouldn’t imagine nothaving dance team inher life.“I think I was just bornto [dance],” says Kelly.“It expresses so muchabout you.”For eleven years Kellyhas studied hip-hop, jazz,and lyrical dance atMiss Judy’s School ofDance in Choconut. Shealso attended theLighthouse Academy ofPerforming Arts inBinghamton in seventhgrade.“I’ve learned a lot fromMiss Judy, and I’vealways wanted to teachmyself,” says Kelly.Last year Kelly formeda co-ed dance team at

MAHS for students in grades7-10. This year’s team consistsof 16 dancers, who performhip-hop dances that Kellychoreo-graphs.

“It takes a lot of time,effort and self-discipline tocreate a dance and teach it withthe least [amount] of stress aspossible,” says Kelly. “The goalfor the dance team is to go to[dance] competitions by thissummer.”

“Kelly has a lot of passionfor dancing, and it shows. Sheis a wonderfully talenteddancer, and she does a greatjob teaching us too,” says danceteam member Alyssa Hickey.

“I love dancing andcheerleading,” says Kelly. “I’vealways had a passion for dance,and hopefully one day I’ll havea good career.”

Kelly plans to go to collegefor the arts and would like tojoin a college dance team. Herlong-term goal is to be a choreo-grapher or dance teacher in herown studio.

“It’s [such] a reward tosee how far I’ve come in danceand to imagine, hopefully, howfar I’ll get one day,” says Kelly.“It’s been a really greatexperience.”

By Carly HullBy Carly HullBy Carly HullBy Carly HullBy Carly HullStaff Reporter

CYCYCYCYCYO: An AltO: An AltO: An AltO: An AltO: An Alternaternaternaternaternate Pre Pre Pre Pre Programogramogramogramogram

Sports practices can begrueling experiences, andconditioning and going overplays repeatedly doesn’t makethem any better. But the girls’varsity basketball team knowsthat all that practice preparesthem for the games.

“Going over all the playsmight not be the best thingabout basketball, but it helps usremember them during agame,” says junior ChristineBrown. “Running isn’t that fun,but we need it to stay in shape.”

At practices the girlsfocus on offense and defense.They perform shooting drills,dribbling drills, fundamentals,and conditioning, according toBrown, senior Chelsea Parvin,and assistant coach TeriO’Reilly.

The girls also complete alldrills at game speed.

“Practice how you shouldplay in a game,” says Parvin,one of the three team captains.

Another thing thathelps the girls in games is seeingtapes beforehand to know howtheir opponents play. Knowingtheir opponents’ strategiesduring a game, the LadyMeteors practice the way theother teams play, according toParvin.

The captains lead drills

Steffany Jahnke/Meteor Chronicle

Senior Dennis Moore takes a foul shot home against Mid Valley Dec. 6.

and stretching at practices andhelp to keep the players “in ateam mode,” says Parvin.

“I think[captains’ helping]is good,” says Parvin, whobelieves that helping people notonly makes the captain feelgood but also the teammate.“You need somebody else otherthan the coach to help you outsometimes.”

According to Brown,practices can be either easy orhard, depending onwhen the games are held.

“Practices the day beforea game are never as hard asthe practices the day after agame,” Brown says.

Parvin says it is hard topractice at game speed all thetime, and it is also hard topractice as if the team were ina game situation.

To help keep up teamspirits between practices andgames, the Lady Meteorsfollow certain rituals. Forinstance, they sing a song fromthe movie Sister Act in thelocker room prior to a game,according to Parvin. The teamalso stands in a circle, holdinghands, prior to a game andprays. In addition, because theyare so superstitious, they standin the same order every timethey pray, says Parvin.

A program that will accept anyone that joins, CYO(Catholic Youth Organization) is an alternate basketball programfor junior and senior high students.

Coordinator Jim Shelp says people from various areas,Binghamton, Johnson City, Vestal, and Montrose, join the CYOteams called the Neuman Celtics because some people don’twant to join a school team or because some people would like amore spiritual experience.

“I play basketball for CYO because some people don’twant to join a school team or because it’s more fun, lesscompetitive, and I meet people from other schools,” says juniorNick LaBarbera.

“I like my [CYO] team,” says athlete Jessica Spellaneof Vestal. “I like just playing basketball a lot, and the coaches arereally good. Everybody is nice to each other, and it’s really fun.”

“I love playing basketball, [but] I don’t play for the schoolbecause I have more playing time for the Celtics,” says seniorDan Stranburg.

Emily Merrill/Meteor Chronicle

By Emily Merrill and Burgundy ShelpBy Emily Merrill and Burgundy ShelpBy Emily Merrill and Burgundy ShelpBy Emily Merrill and Burgundy ShelpBy Emily Merrill and Burgundy ShelpSports Editor

Sophomore Kelly Travis demonstrates alyrical move that she often uses in herdance.

Shannon Elbrecht/Meteor Chronicle

PAGE 8 METEOR CHRONICLEDECEMBER 2005

Sports

Steffany JahnkeSteffany JahnkeSteffany JahnkeSteffany JahnkeSteffany Jahnke

SPORTLIGHT Commentary

In a generation obsessedwith video games andcyberspace, where money is inthe spotlight, and sports can beplayed on a big-screen televi-sion, have we lost ourselves intechnology and drifted furtherfrom reality?

What happened to puttingtogether a team of neighbor-hood kids to play football orbaseball?

The number one item ona birthday list for a sixteen-year-old is a car, but only thereally lucky ones actually getone. Instead, we turn to jobsto buy a car and then makepayments on that car and buyinsurance and gas. With jobspiled on top of school work andlooking ahead to college andmaybe a social life, there’s notime left for sports, some stu-dents say. Where have our pri-orities gone?

We are in school to get aneducation. When one has togo to work and thereby missesan assignment due to latehours, one has misplaced onespriorities.

The media drones onabout money. Those idolizedare filthy rich who spendmoney at the drop of a hat, andsome kids attempt to attain thatlife starting now. But we’re inhigh school, and we have the

rest of our lives to worry aboutmoney.

Have we really grown upthat quickly? When did thedefinition of fun change fromshooting hoops at the park forfree to spending profaneamounts of money at the mall?In seventh grade, we worryabout missing recess; now weneed a recess just to get out-side and exercise.

The number one priorityis education, then sports. Butwho has time to play sports?Fewer and fewer people aretrying out for sports teams be-cause they’re “busy.” Highschool sport can’t give studentscars, but they do give athletesgreat memories to look backon when they’re grown, longlasting friendships, and simplefun.

Sports require dedicationand hard work, yes, but there’ssomething about playing sportsthat brings a sense of meaningand acceptance. You can’t getall that from playing videogames featuring sports.

In some cases it comesdown to a lack of drive. Whygo out for sports when Mad-den NFL Football gives you thesame rush? Does pressing theB button, however, give a kidthe same satisfaction as throw-ing a touchdown pass? I can’t

say that I’ve played football, butI can say technology has somepart to play in the problem.

In our school district wesee the same athletes in everysport season after season, yearafter year. We have footballplayers coming off injuries onthe football field and bulked upfor blocking huge defendersgoing right intobasketball where agility andswiftness take over strengthand power. Then right awayafter basketball they swing intobaseball and track. Not all boysdo this, but several do, leavingno time for specialization.

According to former foot-ball coach Tom Lucenti, whenindividual athletes want to moveup in their sport and drop othersports so they can excel in onlyone, the other sports suffer be-cause they lose needed players.

“It is very difficult to havethe type of commitment indi-viduals need in order to becompetitive in the sports arena,”says golf and basketball coachMike Zuba. “Young adults andstudents of today have manyoptions on their plates,and time management is verycritical in allowing them to en-joy the fruits that sports cangive them and allowopportunities they may notexperience later in life.”

By Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany JahnkeBy Steffany JahnkeSports Editor

Having started his footballcareer in the third grade, the fallhas been about football forCoach Tom Lucenti for years.

“I have always lovedfootball, and my father played,so I was interested,” saysCoach Lucenti. “I played withthe neighborhood kids. It’ssomething I always did as a kid.When I got the chance to playorganized football, I tookadvantage of it.”

Coach Lucenti was bornin Bristol, Pa., a suburb ofPhiladelphia, where he startedplaying football in the Peeweeleagues while attending St.Joseph’s elementary school. He

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continued playing at BishopEgan High School through hissenior year.

Coach Lucenti then wentto the University of Scrantonwhere he played college footballuntil he graduated. He startedhis coaching career at St.Joseph’s for one year and thenat Bishop Egan for another.

Mr. Lucenti began hiscoaching career for Montrosein 1986 as assistant coach andtook over as head coach fouryears later. Since then he hasbeen a coach for 20 years.

According to formerMAHS football player JeffNorris, now assistant coach,

Mr. Lucenti was a coachplayers could look up to.

“I just wanted to play hardfor him,” says Mr. Norris.

Coach Lucenti says hedoesn’t have the same vigor heused to, so it’s time to step asideand let one of his qualifiedassistants take over.

“I’m glad Coach JackKeihl got the position,” saysCoach Lucenti. “He’s a goodchoice, coaching withdedication and pride.”

Coach Jack Keihl wasapproved as head coach at theDec. 7 school board meeting.He is a 1993 graduate ofMAHS, having played three

years as fullback andline-backer for theMeteors under CoachLucenti.“People often look at

wins and losses andjudge by the badseasons,” says familyfriend and coaching rivalJim Tallarico. “If you’regoing to judge Lucention anything, look at allhe has done for theprogram with multiplechampion-ships.”Lucenti’s coaching

record is 110-96.Championships includeleague champions,District 2 titles, District2 finals, two SuburbanConferences, one East-ern Conference, andtwo District 12

Lackawanna League districtfinals.

Coach Lucenti’s philos-ophy has been to run a simplesystem that the players canunderstand and to execute afew abilities right instead of alot of skills in a mediocre way.

“Two of my favoritegames were beating PantherValley in 1991in the Eastern Conferencesemi-finals and the first playoffMontrose hosted againstCarbondale with a score of 21-20 for the league championshipin1992 when Montrose wasundefeated,” says CoachLucenti.

Mr. Tallarico and CoachLucenti faced off twice in theircoaching careers. Mr. Tallaricocoached at Dunmore HighSchool for 16 years but left forthree years tocoach at Bishop O’Hara HighSchool where he faced CoachLucenti.

The first face-off was atBishop O‘Hara in 1988 for aplayoff spot; the second was in1989. Montrose defeatedBishop O’Hara, and Mr.Tallarico, both times.

“The memory staysforever,” says Mr. Tallarico. “Inever coached a team that beatMontrose.”

At one game between thetwo coaches, Coach Lucentisent one of his players to theopposing sideline where Mr.Tallarico was coaching. This

Sports Editor

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Photo courtesy of Lori LassCoach Tom Lucenti counsels junior Taylor Smith and senior Dom Lucentiduring a home football game early this fall.

player never moved but stoodstaring at Mr. Tallarico. Whenthe play on the field wasfinished, the player informedCoach Tallarico that CoachLucenti had sent him to simplystare at Coach Tallarico, so hedid.

“[Coach Lucenti] isalways a difficult opponent,”says Mr. Tallarico. “Hecoaches with discipline andtoughness.”

This years junior highbasketball players, like playersbefore them, entered the highschool with experience under theirbelts, thanks to elementarybasketball programs at ChoconutValley and Lathrop Street.

Choconut offers co-edbasketball to students in gradesthree through six through aprogram called CVYAA (ChoconutValley Youth Athletic Association).

“Our philosophy is to givekids learning skills if they wish tocompete in high school and to giveothers who may never play again afeeling of accomplishment,” saysCVYAA coordinator Jim Shelp. “Itgives them pride in having a teamand teaches them that everyone isa winner.”

The kids meet everySaturday morning between eightand eleven o’clock to learn andpractice the fundamentals of thegame, sometimes also scrimmagingat the end.

In addition to a staff thatincludes the Shelp family and Mr.and Mrs. John Meehan ofFriendsville, high school studentsalso coach to give back to theircommunity.

“I got involved in CVYAAbecause I thought itwould be a good experience, and itwould be fun to teach little kids andbe a part of how they grew up,”says senior Khayla Shearer, whocoaches a fifth and sixth gradeteam.

“I push having high schoolstudents coach because I believethe younger students look up tothem, and they will both getsomething out of the experience,”says Mr. Shelp.

Receiving metals and awardsat the end of the season helps thekids recognize that everyone is awinner, according to Mr. Shelp.

“CVYAA is not all aboutsports,” says Mr. Shelp. “It is alsoabout teaching valuable lifelessons to everyone involved.”

“I think that CVYAA is a verygood program,” says senior EricaSmith, who coaches a fifth andsixth grade team. “It is an excellentopportunity for elementarystudents. They have fun whileplaying and also learn how towork together as a team.”

Lathrop Street offers anintramural program that includesa boys’ and a girls’ team forstudents in grades four throughsix.

According to the girls’program coordinator, Connie Ely,the intramural program is offeredto students in grades four throughsix.

Different from Choconut,Lathrop Street practices one nighta week with games on Saturdays.

“We hope to get [the kids]interested in basketball,” saysMrs. Ely, who thinks the programis excellent.

“It definitely helps preparethem for the junior high league,”she says.

The boys’ intramural teamis coordinated by Mr. ShawnBrown. These boys practice andplay games on Saturdays in thehigh school gymnasium.

According to Mr. Brown,this program “gives kids theopportunity to play [with friends]and to have fun.”

“No children should beeliminated at such a young age,”says Mr. Brown, “and this programkeeps them interested.”

“A lot of kids have played init, and some have moved on toplay at the next level,” says Mr.Brown. “Other kids find out theydon’t want to play, but [they] havefun anyways.”

According to Mr Tallarico,when judging Mr. Lucenti’ssuccess, how many coachescan say they have a formerplayer in the NFL.

Despite their rivalry on thefield, Mr. Tallarico and CoachLucenti have known each otherfor over 20 years.

“Lucenti is like family tome,” says Mr. Tallarico. “Heis my son’s godfather; we’reclose.”

Having waited for his son,quarterback Dom Lucenti, tograduate, Coach Lucenti leavesthe program with confidence,he says. He plans to spendnext fall watching his youngerson Steven play soccer.

“I knew I had made acommitment [to the program]when I took the position ashead coach, and I p layed it outuntil the end,” said CoachLucenti. “I still enjoy coach-ing, but I don’t have the en-ergy for football anymore, soI’ll give someone else achance.”