The Olympiad- April 2012

Jim Thorpe Area High School1 Olympian Way, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

[email protected] 44 Issue 5 April 2012

Features

Focus

Opinion

Sports

Amanda Petrin welcomes the new student teachers to

JTHS.

Page 2

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Olympians are going green in

more than one way.

Pages 4-5

Are 3D movies over-rated? Ben Moore, senior, shares his

opinion.

Page 6

Page 7

Olympiad

Celeste Robinson was presented an award for her outstanding

achievements.

On November 30, 2011, Jim Thorpe High School junior Bronson Ford had the opportunity to have a private conversation with

President Obama after his speech on the American Jobs Act at Scranton High School.

The President’s speech focused specifically on the payroll tax cut. If Republicans did not agree to his policy, then the taxes of 6.7 million Pennsylvanians would have gone up by $1,000. The speech proved effective, as the payroll tax cut has been extended twice since the speech.

Bronson has been a volunteer organizer and an intern for the Obama campaign in Carbon County since June of last year. “It has been a great experience. I have learned so much and met so many great people,” states Bronson.

After hearing that President Obama was coming to Scranton, Bronson was determined to attend his speech. Two days before the speech, Bronson waited in line for general admission tickets to the event with his father. The next day, Bronson was met with some unexpected news. “My boss left me a voicemail during school saying she had some exciting news for me. I called her back as soon as I got home, and she told me I would

be meeting privately with the president. I was so excited!” Bronson explains.

President Obama’s speech began at 2:45 pm. Promptly after, Bronson, along with a small group of people, were guided into a room with the President. “I stood there in awe admiring the President

while I thought about what I would say to him. Before I met him, I gave my boss a hug and thanked her again for the opportunity,” says Bronson.

After having a brief conversation with him, Bronson and President Obama posed together for a photo. “I could not believe two things; one was that I had just met the President of the United States, and the second was that it went by so quickly. I am very grateful for the wonderful experience that I had,” Bronson states.

Meeting the President is without a doubt a very significant event for anyone, especially a student from Jim Thorpe High School. “To say the least, meeting President Barack Obama was one of the most interesting experiences

of my life so far. It was so much different seeing him in person. He is very hospitable and truly a genuine person. It feels like it was just yesterday that I met him. Meeting Obama was definitely an event that I will always remember,” Bronson concluded.

By: Alyssa Dachowitz [email protected] Ford meets President Barack Obama

Junior Bronson Ford, shows how honored he is while meeting President Barack Obama at

Scranton High School.

By: Jade Elliot [email protected]

In the month of February, the math department sold “Pi Day” tee shirts in hopes of raising money for the math department. Each shirt was

priced at fifteen dollars, and those who purchased one was able to wear their shirts on March 14th with jeans.

The sales will benefit a trip that a select amount of math teachers go on every year. These select teachers will attend the NCTM (National Conference of Teachers of Mathematics) Conference, in Philadelphia. The teachers will learn new teaching skills and other math strategies to help better their classroom techniques.

“Pi day is celebrated on March 14th each year. It is a fun little holiday to have the opportunity to learn about pi and of course, eat pie,” explains pre-calculus teacher, Mrs. Oswald. “Pi is everywhere. If you are dealing with something circular, then you are dealing with pi.” The logos on the shirts say “Have Your π…” on the front and the actual elongated number for pi, 3.14… , on the back.

Pi Day is a real holiday and is celebrated around the world. By purchasing a Pi Day shirt, you receive the privilege of not having to wear the uniform, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped the math department.

Teachers raise funds through Pi Day

Teachers and students alike sported their Pi Day t-shirts.

By: Amanda Crandall [email protected]

The PJAS results are in!

Saturday, February 25, 2012, twenty-four students competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition at

Easton High School. Out of the twenty-four students that

attended, twenty-five projects were presented. Eight people took first place, fifteen earned second place, and two took third place in the competition. The first place finishers will compete at Pennsylvania State University as part of the state competition from May 13 to 15. Those who took first place were Lindsey Capper, Haley Cope, Brandon Huffman, Christina Slack, Frankie Sparacio, Kimberly Ferko, Mary Slack, and Kayla Susko.

“We had the best showing ever at this years Pennsylvania Junior

Academy of Science. The twenty-five projects mark a new school record as well as the eight first place finishers. I could not be anymore pleased with the results,” stated Mr. Donahue, head of PJAS.

One of the projects presented this year at PJAS showed how time and light affect the acidity of different beverages.This project was placed under the chemistry category and was done by Erin Kelly, who took second place.

“I would recommend PJAS to other students! It really is a fun thing to do. As long as you have a interest in science, you will like it,” stated award winner Erin Kelly.

All in all, the students of this year’s PJAS were very successful and can agree that this competition was not only a fun time, but taught them a lot as well.

“We had the best showing ever at this year’s Pennsylvania Junior Academy of

Science.”- Mr. Donahue

Feature s2

Mrs. Marino-AdvisorKayla Susko-Editor-In-ChiefErin Bucci-Managing EditorJeanna McElmoyle-News EditorMike Kalage-Features EditorAindrea Williams-Focus EditorMary Slack-Opinion EditorLauren Zurn-Sports EditorDylan Bradley-Managing Photo EditorAlyssa Dachowicz-Copy EditorNathan Ryals- Copy EditorAlexandria Ventrella- Business Manager

Amanda CrandallJade ElliottShannon GreenEmily KrajcirikKyle LawrenceCorey LigenzaRachel MonteliusBenjamin MooreAmanda Petrin

Editors:the Olympiad staff

Reporters:

Jim Thorpe High School welcomes student teachers to experience the real life situation

of instructing a classroom. Recently, two students have been added to the faculty.

Mr. Cheehan student taught for Mr. Eichelberger’s biology class for the past four weeks and is now student teaching for Mr. Miller. He is attending college at Bloomsburg University and is majoring in biology. He decided on becoming a biology teacher because he was influenced by his own biology teacher in high school.

“From the faculty to the students, everyone has made my experience beneficial and memorable. Teaching may be a tough job, but with the willingness to help students, everything is worth it in the end,” declared Mr. Cheehan.

Starting in the end of January, Mr. Huber began student teaching for Ms. Seiwell’s and Mr. Donahue’s science classes. Currently, he is student teaching for Mr. Eichelberger. He is majoring in biology education and is attending college at East Stroudsburg University.

Mr. Huber elaborated on his teaching experience by stating, “Student teaching is great! I learned to squeeze my lessons within the allotted forty-eight minutes, bettering my time management skills.”

All in all, student teaching is a learning experience, and one can better his/her teaching skills through trial and error. Teaching requires a great deal of patience and the drive to better educate children. Student teaching is a great opportunity to discover if one has these qualities.

Student teacher cornerBy: Amanda Petrin [email protected]

Richie BuellMyFace: Richie Buell

By: Corey Ligenza [email protected]

Top Friends

Yevgeniy RevzinMary SlackDavid Michael

AbouT Me:My name is Richie Buell. I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. I am a laid back person for the most part, unless I am with my friends. I always look to have a fun time. Bowling with friends is one of my favorite things to do on a Friday night. I love dancing because I just think it is so much fun. Sports are my entertainment. Whenever my favorite teams play, such as the New Jersey Nets or The Brazilian International Soccer Team, I have a blast with my family. I enjoy learning. My favorite topic to learn about is science. Specifically, I enjoy learning about Biology.

is probably playing soccer...

“A is for outstanding!”

- Mary Slack

“Dang, she fine.”

- Yevgeniy Revzin

Music: Movies

Hobbies:

Anything. I really do like any type of music, especially music that is fun to dance to. I can listen to anything from soft rock to rap. My favorite artists are Michael Jackson and David Guetta.

I do not have a favorite movie, but I like action and adventure movies. I try to go to the movie theatre as much as possible.

Watching my New Jersey Nets and How I Met Your Mother. I am always outside if the weather is not horrible.

books:I do not read much, but I enjoy reading the Bible.

AbouT Me: WAll posTs

Mr. Cheehan gives instructions to Mr. Eichelberger’s biology class on how to safely conduct their next experiment.

Mr. Huber helps students finish up an assignment in Ms. Seiwell ’s science class.

Feature s 3What’s next?

By: Kayla Susko [email protected]

The ever-popular family reunion questions of Where are you going to college? and What are you majoring in? seem to haunt

me. I have been asked these seemingly simple questions several times. However, my answers are ever changing. Now that I am nearing the college decision time, it is expected that I can answer these questions confidently. Yet, I still find myself talking in circles and avoiding eye contact.

Honestly, how am I to know what career is the right one? How do I know all of the careers there are even? How am I to gauge my post-college income and chose a university that will not swamp me in debt?

This “gambling” with my future does not seem fair. It seems like students are rushed into making decisions that can land them in huge student loans or simply with an unwanted and unused degree.

I am pressured, along with every other one of my peers, to

just know, to simply have an epiphany one day and understand what my calling is in life. We are all pressured to pursue a higher education after high school, and we are told that without it, we will not succeed.

While this is partially true, why do I need to make this life determining decision at the age of eighteen?

For me, I will not! The epiphany has yet to come, and I do not expect its arrival for some time. One day, the right career will hit me in the face like a big slugfest. Until then, I can only enjoy life and work toward understanding all that there is for me to do.

I simply challenge everyone not to settle. Do not pursue a career that you are not passionate about or one that you are pressured into. This is the rest of your life we are talking about! Personally, I want to enjoy mine.

Kayla Susko, Editor-in-Chief

Post graduation [email protected]: Kyle Lawrence

Many would suspect that at this point in one’s senior year, seniors would have definitively planned out what they are going to do once they leave these hallways and classrooms behind. However,

for some, the process is not so simple and it takes extra time to make a decision. It is not a bad thing, the decisions these young adults make right now will be some of the most important decisions they make throughout their entire lives. In fact, one may be encouraged to take as much time as is needed to make sure the best decision on the right college and major are made.

No17%

Yes83%

Never, in my high school career, have I ever seen a bigger fan base that involved our school until this

year’s girls basketball success. The girls’ team has brought the student body of JTHS together, spreading excitement around the school and a positive atmosphere. Jim Thorpe High School has an amazing sports team and huge fan base with it? What’s up with that?!

What’s up with that?By: Ben Moore

[email protected]

Jim Thorpe students packed the stands at Catasaqua High School for the girls’ first District game.

Basketballs courtesy of clker.com

Who is prepared?

4 5Focu s

Junior, Sierra Hunsicker uses less aerosol hair products (such as hair spray) to keep the ozone

layer intact.

Junior, Jaclyn Mefford brings a reusable water bottle to school instead of using a

new, plastic bottle everyday.

Junior, Mackenzie Baier walks to work and to friends’ houses to save gas. “Gas is too expensive and car emissions are bad

for the environment,” he says.

Freshman, Mackenzie Walck recycles bottles and cans at home to help lessen the amount of trash her

family produces.

Junior, Christine Hernandez puts all of her tests and quizzes that

she does not need into the school recycling bins.

Freshman, Riley Carroll uses scrap paper for schoolwork, instead of wasting a whole new sheet.

Students making a difference

Olympians go green...

By: Shannon Green [email protected]

Car pollution is a continuing and rising conflict. Vehicles are the main cause of air pollution and this has had many

bad effects on our environment. Cars cause over half of the carbon monoxide in the environment. Cars are also the cause of nitrogen oxides, and almost a quarter of the hydrocarbons in our atmosphere. All of these factors contribute to global warming. Global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Mr. Donahue commented, “I believe global warming is occurring, but the big questions is, will it continue based on past data.”

In hopes to try to prevent global warming, students are encouraged to car pool when possible. Another thing that some students could do is, if possible, drive a hybrid. Cars like the Toyota Prius have many benefits, such as using less gas and producing less air pollution. Some students are taking advantage of the benefits of car pooling. Senior, Martina Puddu and her friends car pool. She mentioned, “I like car pooling, because it cuts down on gas money.” Global warming and air pollution are progressing problems in the environment. By taking a little step like car pooling, the effects can be lessened.

Driving eco friendlyBy: Emily Krajcirik [email protected]


Recyling Olympians

33% No

67% Yes

Fifty students were asked if they recycled.

Junior, Anjelica Poalillo turns the water off while brushing her teeth so as to save water

and energy.

Multiple facts credited to: www.recycling-revolution.com and www.santarosa.fl.gov


1) Recycling one aluminum can save enough energy to run a television for three hours!

2) Over 80,000,000,000 aluminum soda cans are used every year.3) During the time it takes to read this sentence, 50,000 twelve-ounce

aluminum cans have been made.

4) Once an aluminum can is recycled, it can be part of a new can within six weeks.

5) To produce each week’s Sunday newspaper, 500,000 trees must be cut down.

6) Americans use 85,000,000 tons of paper a year. That is about 680 pounds per person.

7) An aluminum can that is thrown away as waste will still be intact 500 years from now!

8) There is no limit to the amount of times an aluminum can could be recycled.

9) The amount of wood and paper thrown away each year is enough to heat 50,000,000 homes for twenty years.

10) The average household throws away 13,000 separate pieces of paper each year; most is packaging and junk mail.

LITTERING

Fast facts about recycling

Reduce, reuse, recycle!

As part of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition this year, senior, Kayla Susko experimented to find a conversion between used

vegetable oil and biodiesel fuel. In this experiment, Kayla produced three trials of biodiesel under the

instruction and guidance of chemistry teacher, Mr. Pope (See article: Basic Biodiesel).

From these trials, Kayla found a conversion of 1000 ml waste vegetable oil to 642 ml biodiesel fuel.

This conversion can be used to estimate that the annual vegetable oil waste of three billion gallons, could be converted to 1.926 billion gallons of biodiesel.

Kayla commented, “This experiment opened my eyes to how much potential fuel we have in the United States. It is surprising that we have so much waste vegetable oil from fast food restraunts, yet we do not make a national effort to covert it to fuel.”

Kayla accomplished a first place finish at the PJAS competition held on February 25, 2012 and will have the opportunity to present at the state competition in May at Pennsylvania State University.

By: Alexandria Ventrella [email protected]

Fuel for the mindRecycling plays a large roll in the well-being of our planet. If

no one recycled, there would be unnecessary use of energy and a great increase in pollution.

Recycling products usually uses less energy than manufacturing products. For instance, making paper with recycled pulp uses much less energy than using new wood. Therefore, a lack of recycling can cause a greater to use of energy.

Those who recycle also help to decrease pollution. Not recycling adds more waste to landfills, which emit gases as they rot. By recycling the products in these land fil ls, less carbon will be emitted.

F a i l u r e t o recycle can also cause an increase in our reliance on natural resources, which are becoming dangerously close to running out. When something is recycled, it can be recovered and made into something new. For example, a recycled plastic bottle can be made into a fleece. Also by not recycling, people will have to natural resources to make new products. This can also contribute to more pollution.

Overall, recycling is a necessity. If no one recycled, to much energy would be used, the air would be less clean, there would be a great increase in the amount of waste in landfills, and the planet could eventually run out of natural resources.

By: Amanda Crandall [email protected]

Effects of recycling

“By recycling the products in these

landfills, less carbon will be emitted.”

Biodiesel can be produced from waste vegetable oil and used to fuel a diesel

engine.

Chemistry teacher, Mr. Pope requires his Chemistry II students to produce biodiesel as a final project each year.

This procedure takes waste vegetable oil and converts it to two products, biodiesel and glycerin, by the addition of chemicals.

M r . P o p e comment s , “ The reaction is interesting, bec ause i t t ake s something that we discard and produces a ver y important resource (diesel fuel).”

T h e g l y c e r i n produced can be used in the production of soap and makeup, while the biodiesel can be used to fuel c a r s w i th d i e s e l engines.

The diesel engine was first engineered by Rudolf Diesel for farmers to be able to use peanut oil in order to power their equipment. This is interesting, considering that the diesel engine is currently used for diesel fuel, not waste vegetable oil products such as biodiesel.

Biodiesel has many attractive attributes as well. This fuel runs more effieciently in diesel engines by providing a better lubricant, emits less sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, and reduces the amount of vegetable oil waste in landfills.

Overall, biodiesel provides the United States with a great alternative to foreign petroleum and will hopefully be utilized here in the United States.

From fast food oil to car fuelBy: Kayla Susko [email protected]

Biodiesel basics

By: Ben Moore [email protected] 3D Movies overrated?Cinema has evolved so much in the past fifty years,

it is unbelievable. From black and white films starring Charlie Chaplin to James Cameron’s Avatar, can it is easily seen how far the film industry has evolved. One huge transition is to 3D (meaning three dimensional) requires the audience to wear glasses for the entire feature to get the whole experience.

For some big budget films like Avatar and most animated or Pixar films, this feature has become very successful. However, recently, the 3D feature being over used, and it is very unnecessary. It seems that almost every trailer on television says that the film will be shown in 3D.

3D should only be used in the big blockbusters meant for a three dimensional experience. The 3D feature adds another three to four extra bucks on a ticket, so viewers should get their monies worth. Films, such as Dolphin

Tale, do not need to have this feature. If producers want to make a film in 3D, they should make it worth the while. Pixar films deserve to use 3D due to the huge success that they pull out in every single movie they make. For the most part, films should ultimately stay away from this effect and focus on the actual story of the film.

3D is a great feature at the movies, but some films have the effect dominate or overrule the actual story. If a film does not have a solid story, the movie will, more than likely, be bad and unsuccessful. I see this happening more and more often and it is making many people, including myself, very frustrated after walking out of the movie. Before spending the extra bucks on your ticket for a 3D feature, do a little research and see who is involved with the movie and if it is really worth it.


PSSA graduation requirementJim Thorpe School District’s new policy

The Pennsylvania State Standardized Assessment tests were once used to show the progression of students

throughout their high school career, but are now being utilized quite differently. Jim Thorpe students who are juniors in the 2011-2012 school year will have to score proficient on the PSSAs in order to graduate from high school. As an added incentive to do well, if students score proficient or advanced on the test, they will be given a dress down day every Friday for the rest of the school year. If the student does not score proficient then he/she will not be able to graduate, and will also be required to take a course.

Most students do not like the idea of having to pass the PSSAs to graduate, however there are positives to these new rules. For students who do not pay attention in class, this rule will most likely push these students to do their best. To do their best, students will need to pay more attention, and put more effort into learning during class instead of perhaps joking around or sleeping. Also, students who do receive a proficient or advanced score, will reap the benefits of the modified Friday dress down, which

is a huge reward for the students who do not like the dress code.“Having the PSSAs as a graduation requirement will make

students try harder and it’s cool to have the opportunity to dress down every Friday for the rest of the year,” said junior, Mackenzie Baier.

On the other hand, many students believe having to score proficient on the PSSAs should not be a requirement to graduate. If a student attends school, completes all of his/her work, and passes all of his/her classes, then that student should be able to graduate. This is the attitude of many Jim Thorpe students. Passing a standardized test is not included in a student’s final grade, therefore the test should not affect whether or not the student can graduate.

“You shouldn’t have to get proficient or advanced on the PSSAs to graduate when you completed all of your work and passed all of your classes,” said junior, Jimmie Newbern.

The PSSAs are important tests to show the overall progress of students. However, students should be able to score proficient on the PSSAs without being bribed with incentives in order to pass.

Students should not need incentives to pass a standardized test. Rather, students should have enough self-respect to perform their best.

English teacher, Mrs. Miller, worked to have the PSSA tests a graduation

requirement.


When students were asked about the dress down days for passing the PSSAs, juniors and seniors both had different opinions.

“Yes, I do think they will motivate me to focus and do well. I dislike the school uniform very much.” - Junior, Michael Harleston

“I feel like I should have tried harder on the PSSAs so I could have dressed down this year.” - Senior, Darren Gehres

“The dress down days make me feel and look stupid for not getting proficient. I do not think it is fair, because it makes the student who did not get proficient look worse than everyone else.” - Senior, Dane Ciavarella

“[The incentives] are awesome! I really enjoy them.” - Senior, James Boyle

“I will try my best to do well and pass the PSSAs. I look forward to a passing score so I am able to dress down every Friday next year.” - Junior, Christine Hernandez

America vs. EcuadorBy: Alvaro Canizares [email protected]

My name is Alvaro Canizares. I am from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I always wanted to travel away from

my house for a period of time, then I heard about the Rotary Exchange Student Program. I comple t ed the application and I was eventually accepted. The Rotary told me that I could pick where I wanted to go. I chose Germany, A u s t r a l i a , a n d United States. When they told me that I was going to Pennsylvania, I was very happy and excited because I was getting out of my house in Ecuador.

I like the people in America. Everyone is very friendly, especially the Lawrence and Stevenson families. The first couple of months, I stayed with the Lawrence family. They welcomed me with open arms and were very friendly. After three months, I moved into the Stevenson’s house. The Stevenson family is really nice and they have always received exchange students.

My school in Ecuador is different than here in Jim Thorpe. High Schools in Ecuador are from grades six to twelve, and we stay in the same room all day. The school day starts at 7:30 and ends at 1:30.

I do not like when people talk too quickly because I do not understand anything of what they say. I also hate that food here. It has caused me to gain weight. Since I have been here, I have gained twenty-six pounds, but it is okay because everyone says that I will lose the weight when I go back home.

PSSA Incentives... from a Student’s Perspective

The Olympiad is first and foremost a platform for student expression which is completely managed by the volunteer students of Jim Thorpe High School. The newspaper staff will always strive to provide the most accurate reporting and will take full responsibility for any accidental errors that may appear in the publication. The newspaper wholeheartedly welcomes both positive and negative articles, comments, and suggestions from their peers, the staff of JTHS, as well as citizens of the community. The Olympiad’s main loyalty belongs to JTHS and the students in attendance there.

Mission Statement

Opinion6

Darren Gehres

James Boyle

Christine Hernandez

Michael Harleston

Dane Ciaverella

Alvaro Canizares, Reporter

7Spor t s

As spring sports begin, athletes are starting to prepare themselves for a successful season. With pre-season workouts and a continual push from

the coaches, the participants will be sure to give it their all.Track and Field is a difficult sport that requires strength and stamina. Many

of the participants joined winter track, in order to start off their season strong. This season, the program is estimated to have about ninety boys and girls on the team. However, the program lost many varsity competitors from last season on the female standpoint.

Track and Field coach, Mr. Miller, stated, “Numerous kids have experience, but the incoming athletes need to be able to step up if we expect to continue to compete with the upper echelon teams in our league and district.”

For the boys’ portion of the team, most of the key contributors are returning from last year. The program is running short with participants in the hurdle, shot put, and discus events, but there are several individuals willing to put forth the effort and give the events a try.

“If the boys work extremely hard and are able to stay healthy throughout the season, we should be competitive and surprise some teams within our league,” commented Mr. Miller.

The baseball team is looking forward to improving their record from the previous year as well. The team only lost four players from last season, and has many experienced players returning from last year.

Sophmore, Bryce Micciche stated, “I think it is going to be a successful season. We have many returning players and the potential to be a playoff team.”

Also, the softball team is anticipating a better season from last. The team has lost three players from last year, but fortunately they have eleven returning players.

“The outcome of this season will be great! We have many experienced players that have been playing together for years,” exclaimed, junior, Nicole Murphy.

The boys’ tennis team was very successful last year, with three of their players competing in districts. The team lost four major players from last season, but is hoping to have the same playing effect with the twelve returning players.

“I expect our team to do outstanding this year. I expect majority of the players to compete in districts,” declared Corey Ligenza, junior.

As the nice weather approaches, the athletes and fans are looking forward to a rewarding spring season.

Spring sports previewBy: Amanda Petrin [email protected]

Khaaliq Lynch, sophomore, prepares himself for the upcoming track season by practicing for the high jump.

The girls’ basketball team has vigorously worked to break

records this year, both as a team and individually. The girls have achieved many accomplishments. They won their division and made it to Leagues and Districts. The team achieved a fantastic record of 20-4. Besides having great success as a team, seniors, Kristin Lawrence and Celeste Robinson, have broken records individually.

Celeste has been a leading scorer since her freshman year. Last year, she became a 1,000-point scorer. This year, Celeste broke the all time scoring record by scoring her 1,495 point in the Blue Mountain game on January 27, 2012. Jen Farrell originally set the record at 1,494 points. “I was

just so excited to break the record. I just want to thank my friends, family, coaches, and fans because without them I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this milestone,” stated Celeste Robinson. “Celeste has made a remarkable accomplishment and could be said to be one of the best girls’ basketball players to play at Jim Thorpe,”

stated head coach, Mr. Kovac.

Senior guard, Kristin Lawrence, has been shooting three pointers since she was a freshman a l so. Thi s yea r, Kristin broke the three-point record, which was set at 136 threes. She currently holds the record at 138 three pointers. “It is an amazing feeling to break the three point record, but I could not have done it without my teammates,” Kristin says. She has been striving her entire high school career to achieve this goal.

Kristin and Celeste have been striving hard since their freshman year to do great things. They have done more than just break records this season; they helped their team make 2012 districts and Leagues. As for Celeste and Kristin, they are going to keep excelling in school and in anything else they plan on doing to continue achieving their goals.

Girls’ basketball record settersBy: Kyle Lawrence [email protected]

This year, the high school will be holding a three-on-three basketball tournament. The type of tournament is called a double elimination tournament, meaning that all teams will play at least

one game. The basketball tournament will start sometime in the morning and be stopped for lunch blocks. The games will continue after all lunches are over.

Senior, Clive Gunter commented on the tournament saying, “Last year, the tournament was a fun way to spend the day, and my team did well.”

To sign up for the tournament, students can go to the office to get their sign-up sheet or see Mr. Berger in room 311. The sign up process is the same as the volleyball tournament, and all shirts must be approved in advance.

The cost to participate is $20 per team. Twenty-four teams are expected to play. Each member of the winning team will receive a trophy. This year, the tournament funds are going to go to new LED signs for the front of the school.

Various seniors run the tournament and use it as their senior project. If juniors are interested in helping next year for their senior project, they can contact Mr. Berger.

By: Emily Krajcirik [email protected]

Annual 3-on-3 basketball tourney

Celeste Robinson was presented an award by Doyle Heffley for her outstanding basketball achievements.

Kristin Lawrence scores more than three pointers on the court to lead her team to a victory.

Tournament rescheduled to a later date!

8 Spor t s

By: Nate Ryals [email protected]

Aindrea WilliamsCheerleading, Track & Field, Dance

Yevgeniy “Eugene” RevzinSoccer, Track & FieldBy: Alexandria Ventrella [email protected]

Most athletes have their motivational words that help them to achieve their goals. Senior,

Eugene Revzin is inspired by a quote from Vince Lombardi:“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” Eugene is an amazing student-athlete, playing two sports. He played varsity soccer through all four years of high school and has become a top runner on the track team. Soccer has always been a big passion for him. In his four years of playing, he has been a powerhouse player, playing every position except for goalie. Although playing mostly mid-field and defense, he managed to make his first goal on senior night, impressing the crowd. He describes that shining moment as one of his favorite memories in high school.

When it comes to track and field, Eugene had a late start, starting his junior year. However, he became one the top mid-distance runners. Last season, he landed a spot on the 4 x 4 relay team at Leagues, placing fifth, and running in the 4x4 at Districts. His best time in the 400 meter dash was sub fifty-six seconds. This year, Eugene is also thinking about trying out for triple or long jump.

Track Coach Mr. Miller states, “Eugene has become a productive competitor on the track, a tireless work ethic, and an excellent positive attitude that rubs off on his

teammates that make them better as well.” Eugene is looking forward to being a senior this year

and showing the younger runners what they need in order to thrive for in the future. Eugene says, “I plan on beating all my times and pushing myself further and further!” With such high standards for himself in sports, what could be expected in the classroom except for excellence? Eugene does well in his classes, has one of the best personalities in the school, and is loved by all who gets to know him. Eugene plans on possibly attending the University of New Haven to major in Engineering. He also is thinking about becoming a student-athlete and running for their track team.

On top of school, sports, and making time for his friends and family, he makes time to work at Skirmish as a paintball referee. In his spare time and on holidays, he loves spending time with his family. Eugene stated “My mom is who helps me get through things, and she is always there for me.” Eugene has most definitively proven that he is on the right track in life while planning to do big things on it. With his personality and determination, anything is possible for this young man.

Devoted, spirited, and passionate are just a few ways to describe one of Jim Thorpe’s outstanding student-athletes, Aindrea Williams. Aindrea has been

dedicating herself to sports and academics not only during her high school career, but also throughout her entire life. She shines as a committed, confident, and proud Olympian.

First, Aindrea has been a formidable member of the track team since her sophomore year. She is sharp, keen, and swift in all of her events. She participates in the long jump, the triple jump, the 4 x 1 relay, the 100 M dash, and the 200 M dash. Aindrea seizes a characteristic of leadership in many ways, as well. She pushes herself to her limits and always does her very best.

“Winning is important to me, but it is not everything. The main thing about track that captures me is that it is so extremely challenging. I am always being pushed to go faster, to work harder, and to be better with every day,” stated Aindrea, “When I get ready for an event, my mind goes blank and I focus on one important thing: Performance.”

When asked about Aindrea, Mr. Miller said, “Aindrea displays many strengths to the track team. We are looking forward to Aindrea being one of the top two girl sprinters this year. Not only is she a leader for the younger kids, but she keeps the entire team positive and keeps everyone’s work ethic strong. Her personality is exceptional and we are relying heavily on her to carry the mantle for Jim Thorpe sprinters.”

Overall, Aindrea performs at her peak. She focuses her entire mind to track during the season, practices her skills, and focuses on improvement each day, to make each one better.

In addition, Aindrea is a beaming star on the cheerleading squad. During her entire high school career, Aindrea has illustrated exceptional performance in her well-practiced moves and stunts. She gleams and radiates in front of the audience with her flare and blaze. This is Aindrea’s prime.

Aindrea absolutely loves to just get the fans going. The most important thing to her during her cheers is to get the students’ adrenaline pumping, to see their smiles, and to hear their cheers. Pep-rallies are the one of the main focal points of cheer

leading. They are extremely important to Aindrea as they help the school show its school pride and to see the students excited for the sporting events is what makes cheer leading all worth while for her.

Aindrea has been cheerleading for a total of twelve years, but has been a dedicated member of the squad since her freshman year.

“Honestly, the best thing about cheerleading is that it gives me a chance to just jump around like a maniac,” beamed Aindrea.

Brooke Tworkowsky said, “Aindrea really keeps all of us so positive. She is just happy, all the time, no matter what, and it rubs off on us. We are a team, and it would not be the same without her cheering out there with us.”

Lastly, Aindrea also participates in dance. She performs in styles such as gymnastics, modern, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip-hop, point, and ballet. She has been dancing since she was three years old.

“It is just something that comes naturally to me,” Aindrea explained. “It is definitely challenging, but it is something that matters so much to me, I take those obstacles and challenges on and I dominate. Plus, I just love being able to compete and just be sassy.”

Aindrea participates in her sports because it gives her a chance to do even more outside of high school. Athletics shapes her mind and body in order to teach her lessons unable to be taught without her experiences with sports.

It has taken so much effort and devotion for Aindrea to become the person she is today. She has no regrets in her hard work, and she has cherished every moment of it. Aindrea has done everything to the best of her ability, and it is exhibited, as she became the active student, exceptional athlete, and the unparalleled person she has become.

Aindrea plans on entering a Physician Assistant major in a currently undecided college. It is something she is nervous about, but also excited for. Aindrea feels ready to take on the world.

Moving forward in her life and entering the real world, Aindrea will bring with her the lessons she has been taught here: her unrivaled spirit and her unsurpassed Olympian pride.

Winner’s Circle

The Olympiad- April 2012

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Transcript of The Olympiad- April 2012