Tamaqua Blue and White - Issue 4, Volume 4 by Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

Out with the old, In with the new. Dear Kyle, It is quite difficult to begin this letter. I knew that when I became The Blue and White advisor two years ago that I would have to write this, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Still, when the time has come, it is so difficult to put into words how much you mean to this club. Without your love, perseverance, and motivation, this magazine would still be just a memory for THS. This magazine is a tangible vision of your heart and soul. You have spent countless hours (which I’m sure can be added up to months at this point) making sure The Blue and White is designed, published, and distributed. Nobody knows how much time and energy is devoted to creating such a fantastic product. We appreciate all you have done for us, including fundraising and grant writing, and we hope that we can continue to create a magazine of which you will be proud. We know that you have such a bright future ahead of you, and we wish you the best that life has to offer. You deserve nothing but the best, Kyle. You will be sincerely missed. Please do not think of this as a farewell, because you will always be a part of us, but consider it a small gesture of thanks for all that you have done.

Table of Contents Page 3: Summer Bucket Lists Page 4: D.A.R.E. Program at West Penn Page 5: Farewell Seniors Page 6: Autism Awareness Month Page 7: THS’s Biggest Accomplishments Page 8: Middle School Expectations Page 9: Picking the Correct English Class for You Page 10 & 11: Keystone Baseball Page 12: Baseball Page 13: Softball Page 14: Track & Field Page 15: Postcard Project Page 16: Mini - THON Page 17: Summer Reading List Page 18 & 19: Prom Promise Week Page 20: #BOOMROASTED Page 21: I Wish They Knew..

Sincerely, Mrs. Tuckett and the Blue and White staff

Because Kyle was such a major role in the Blue & White, we would like to dedicate this edition to him; thank you, Kyle, for bringing back Blue & White.

Summer Bucket List By: Abigail Brickler

The warm breeze blows across your face, carrying the scent of the summer air. Cool ocean water laps at your ankles as you watch the waves come in and out. Summer -- which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so far away -- is one of the most incredible times of the year, bringing adventure, relaxation, paradise, and all the joys that can only be possible once school is over. Most of us -- myself included -- dream of getting away, escaping reality even for only a short amount of time. There is an unending list of places to see and things to do that it is sometimes hard to fit everything into the short three month break. However, everyone always dreams of that perfect summer; the one they will be talking about for the rest of their lives. All of these activities and locations can often be categorized and put on a summer bucket list. Students have high expectations for this upcoming summer based on the things they said are on their bucket lists.

#summergoals: lizsler: go to B Deidra Res Disney; high in h c a e B rd a z water slide Gavin Seip: donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t severely injure myself

Cailyn Joseph: go to Slide the City

Rebecca Kanaskie: first triathlon, learn to play guitar Jenny Beck: run half marathon Alexa Hromyak: yoga or something relaxing

Jazmin Mena: sw im a 5K

aela o, Mich g a R a Emm r int twiste a p y s s e m

Noftz:

Alli Pedersen: good hike

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

The senior class at Tamaqua High is greatly appreciated by the underclassman, and, as a whole, the senior class has been a role model to them. With graduation just around the corner, some students wanted to share their appreciation and wishes to some of the graduates: Jamie Mateyak, Jamie, you are like a sister to me, and I will miss you so much. Best of luck for your future! <3 Michaela Noftz

Vanessa Solt, It’s been a great throwing year together! I really don’t know what I am going to do without ya next year. The best of luck in the marines! I’ll miss ya! Alison Pederson Kyle Weaver, Thank you for being one of my biggest supporters! Your motivation and dedication has been an inspiration to me, and you will be missed by many… even though I know you’ll be back here to visit. :) Allison Ameodea Ernie Shilko, I’m so proud of everything you have accomplished and I know you are going to do even better things in college; good luck! Kaelyn Boran

Farewell Seniors By: Alexa Hromyak

Ethan Eberts, Good luck in everything you do! I am going to miss you so much! You’re gonna go far, kid! Mackenzie McVicker Jamie Mateyak, Thanks for being my first upper classman friend. The first day I met you, you helped to encourage me so much, and I’ve loved having you as a friend all the way up until I became your Officer’s Assistant this past year. I’ll miss you so much! Hopefully you can help teach me how to not hurt myself with the baton mace! Good luck at Penn State! Allie Gerber The Senior Class, For some of you, I’m sure you can’t wait to get out of high school, others just don’t wanna leave. Make sure you spend the rest of your life after high school memorably and enjoy every moment of it. You put a lot of time and effort into getting where you are today. Stay in touch with each other and hold every moment as you go. Emma Rago Shayna Deitrich, I am unbelieveably proud of you for all of the hard work you put into getting where you are now, and I am so happy that you’re going off to do what you love, what makes you happy, and following every dream you have. For the future, know that the things that lie behind you, and the things that lie before you, are tiny matters compared to what lie within you; I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, and to the most special places your heart has ever known. Mady Coccio

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

THSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Biggest Accomplishments

By: David Morgan

Rachel Paisley

The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable take action projects that have sustainable impact in their communities and beyond. Rachael Paisley earned the Girl Scout Gold Award on October 1, 2014; Rachael has previously earned her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards. Her project was to increase Breast Cancer Awareness in her community and surrounding areas.

Chris Chinnici

David Morgan

The black is the highest belt you can earn in Taekwondo. Within Taekwondo there are 7 belts and 3 black belt tests you must earn and complete before being given your black belt. The belts are White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown and Black. There are 3 Degrees that you can earn once earning your black belt. Chris has earned his Black Belt and is also a Certified Kickboxing Instructor. Even with skipping his Orange and Purple Belts, it took him 8 years to earn this great achievement.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. David built 11 benches in Albrights Woods and rebuilt the garden around the flagpole which took a total of 250 hours.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

Autism Awareness Month By: Hannah Betz

Everybody has trouble in school. It’s nearly part of our job description- we have to power through pointless projects that are, apparently, going to teach us time management and books that just don’t make sense and tests full of information we’re pretty sure we never covered. It’s hard to stay on top of everything. But as hard as the average student has it, some of our peers have added challenges. Autism is the general term for a broad range of developmental disorders that can inhibit social and communicative behaviorsbasically, it makes the everyday interactions many of us take for granted more difficult. “Normal” things like class discussions or extended periods of just sitting and listening can be hard to do when a student has autism. Autism is not as uncommon as a condition as people tend to believe, however. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that at least one in every 68 American children lands somewhere on the autism spectrum. Many of our classmates may be living with some form of autism without us even being aware of it. April, in addition, is the perfect time to raise awareness. It’s the official Autism Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect time to gain a better understanding of the disorder and those dealing with it. If you’re aware of a friend or classmate with autism, the best thing to remember is to never treat them differently because of their disability. They’re still a person, probably a very interesting and intelligent one, and it’s entirely unfair to separate them from your normal interaction just because of one minor characteristic. 6

Additionally, make sure you’re patient. Those with autism may have trouble reading body language and verbal cues, as well as struggling to understand sarcasm or subtleties. If they ask you to repeat or clarify something, do it. It will make the conversation easier for both of you. Don’t assume they are trying to goad you or tease you. It’s much more likely they simply missed the point of what you were saying. There are tons of ways to help autistic friends feel included and supported. Actively get them involved in your activities; invite them to join what you’re doing. Give them space when they need it but always offer them the option of joining you when you can. Above all else, remember that they are normal people with the same feelings as you- do your best not to hurt them. April is Autism Awareness Month, but don’t let it stop there. We can stay aware of this disorder every daywe can help those living with it every time we’re with them. Autism is not the definition of an autistic person; it’s one small piece of a unique puzzle.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

Choosing the Correct English Class for You

By: Brooke DeHart “How hard is that class?” “How many papers do you have to write?” “Who teaches it?” “Are you going to take it?” “You have to read books and write a paper in the summer?!” We have all been there. Deciding what classes to take, and more specifically, language classes, is really tricky and a lot of thought goes into it. First, it’s important to know what courses are available. The courses offered for seniors are General Language Arts, Language Arts Honors/College English 105/106, AP Literature + Composition, and AP English Language + Composition. So, what’s the difference? This article is here to help dissect each language course so that it will clear up some questions and you will be able to choose your language course without any second thoughts. General Language: First, let’s talk about this class taught by Miss Miller. The curriculum is going to remain the same as every other year, so that means learning about World Literature where you will be introduced to different cultures not touched upon from previous years. I think we can all agree that a general class is not overwhelming, so if you plan on having an easy senior year then this class is for you!

Language Arts Honors/College English 105/106: An honors and college course in one? What does this mean? Mrs. Tuckett will be substituting the previous years of Language Honors with a College English course, so technically it counts as Honors in our Tamaqua-course-selection-sheet-minds, but it is solely dictated by LCCC’s curriculum and counts as a college level course. This class includes plenty of reading, writing, and discussions and is offered to challenge yourself. However, it is not totally impossible. Livi Morrison who is currently taking College English says that “It was actually less work than I expected and I would recommend it if you enjoy reading and writing.” Which leads me to a piece of advice, ask upperclassmen and teachers what they think! They will help you figure out if you can manage the class or not, so the more opinions the better!

AP Literature + Composition: An AP course is a college course and is the highest and most demanding course you can take. In other words, expect a challenge. In fact, I asked Mrs. Skuba if there was any way she could eliminate the stereotype that AP classes are intimidating and she said, “Well they are intimidating!” So get ready to buckle down. The course itself is discussion based which means it is not your standard language course. You will not read a book and be tested on your memory. Instead, you will be analyzing books and be graded on improvement. The reason for the split between AP Literature and AP Language is that in this course you will be studying all elements of fiction. Some items you will be reading include poetry, drama, novels, and short stories. I asked Jake Gursky, who is currently in AP Literature, how he is prepared for college from taking AP Literature versus other language courses and he said, “I am ready for in depth discussions on anything.” So, if critiquing and analyzing things is something you find yourself good at, this course might be for you. I also asked him if he recommended it and he said, “only to the brave of hearts who are ready to dig themselves so deep into the world of literature they may never find their way back...Talk to Mrs. Skuba to see if you can handle it.” On that note, may the odds be ever in your favor if you take this course.

AP Language + Composition: This brand new course is being taught by Mrs. Drum. This class is differentiated from AP Literature + Composition because it is the study of argumentation which includes reading nonfiction pieces and analyzing how people make arguments, strategies use to produce them, and learning how to model your own. This class is unique from previous language classes, which study mostly fiction and follow a traditional curriculum. Additionally, it counts as a college credit and is offered for students who are up for a challenge!

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

To prepare for Keystones this spring, some teachers became motivated to motivate us to do well on out Keystone Testing. During homeroom every Friday for the past two months, students would answer keystone-formatted questions in a specific subject. The scores were averaged by within each homeroom, where scores were compared to that weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition. The winner of each division are given a reward of a great breakfast, and the winner of it all get free ticket to Dorney Park! Every homeroom worked very hard, and because of this hard work, our teachers are positive that we will do well on the standardized testing. In addition, because of the great work, the students were able to participate in baseball themed games in the football studium; this pep rally was to get all students pumped for the Keystone testing, and, figuratively, hit a homerun with our scores. Good luck to everyone on the Keystones! And remember, it does not matter what the score says- as long as you give it your all and try your best.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

Keystone Baseball

By: Alexa Hromyak

Special thanks to Mrs. Tuckett, Mrs. Segedy, and Mr. Opolsky for their exceptionally hard work in making this event possible!

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

We have a total of eight seniors on the baseball team: Brad Fedor, Connor Hartung, Jake Humes, Brett Kosciolek, Nate Macdonald, Harold Mole, Boaz Rottet, and Tim Lehman. They have been an important part in our success and all of us hope they succeed in their future endeavors. Our season so far has been very interesting and successful. As the season turns to its final stretch, we are looking to have the same success as we did the last two years. We have a few more tough games, but we can get it together and finish strong. Our team captains, Nate and Jake, have shown leadership on and off the field. Throughout the season, they have helped many of us with everything that we need.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

Baseball

By: David Morgan

This year, the Lady Raider Softball team has surprised many people with their talent. After building their team for the past few years, the Raiders have become a strong team from top to the bottom of the line-up. They are currently competing for the Schuylkill League Championship, and they have made District League Playoffs. With heart, determination, and dedication, the Tamaqua Raiders will succeed with the rest of their post-season.

Softball

By: Bailey Hartung and Brianna Wittig

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

Although Track & Field began as a 600 feet foot-race in roughly 776 BC, the sport we know today has evolved into three different categories: running, throwing, and jumping. Track events include distance running, sprints, hurdles, and relays. Field events are divided into jumping and throwing categories. Jumping events include pole vault, long, high and triple jump. Throwing events include discus, shot put, and javelin. We had the opportunity to interview sophomore Monika Shimko, a runner on the girl’s distance team, 400m relay team, and hurdles sprinter. As a team, the girls hoped to make Leagues this year, but unfortunately, they did not qualify. Monika hopes to return to states, where she placed 9th overall in the 800 meter dash as a freshman.

Track & Field

By: Kendra Boyle

Q: What improvements can the team, as a whole, make? A: “[We can improve by] working more as a team and practicing events were not used to, [like] hurdles and jumping.”

Q: Who is your favorite senior?

A: “Probably Paige Demetriades” Congratulations to Paige Demetriades for signing with Pitt University for Track & Field!

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

Postcard Project

By: Emily Lang and Nick Hydro

Emily Lang

Nick Hydro

In Social Studies class we are learning about the 50 states so my teacher came up with an idea. She thought that if we could have 50 postcards from the different states, we can learn facts about the states. I thought it would be fun to get facts about the states. We got different post cards from the United States. We got packages too! Inside one of the packages was shark teeth. They were so cool!!! The two things that I was excited about were that we got a postcard from Sasquatch and a postcard from Disney World and it was signed by some characters!

In Mrs. Barronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Studies class, we are learning about the states in the United States of America. Mrs. Barron thought it would be cool to ask people to send postcards with some information about their states. She asked people online and it went viral, and TV stations started coming to our class. It was awesome! I love the idea because I like reading about the 50 states. We have over 1,500 postcards. Thats a lot of postcards and they are still coming!

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

Mini-THON By: Aimee Hull

Tamaqua’s 4th Annual Mini-THON

Each year, a Mini-Thon is held at Tamaqua Area High School in order to raise money to donate towards pediatric cancer research. This year’s Mini-Thon was one to remember. There were several participating groups, including the Tamaqua Area Student Government, the group that organized the event. There were many activities including a wicked volleyball tournament, an open swim, and a dance for the middle school students. Each organization works tremendously hard in order to put forth a great donation to the American Cancer Society. This year, the Student Government presented a $5,000 check at the telethon. Prior to the event (which was held March 28th) the Student Government sells t-shirts, our motto being “Kids Helping Kids”. This tradition here at TAHS is wonderful, and it helps so many people in need. Pediatric cancer treatment and research can be very costly, so Tamaqua Area is doing their part to help! 14

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

Summer Reading List By:David Morgan

The Fault In Our Stars

Divergent

Insurgent

The Long Haul

Paper Towns

If I Stay

The Hunger Games

With summer right around the corner, what is there to think about, but the books that are on your summer bucket list! These books are among the most popular, best-selling books out there. Which of these are on your list?

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

Tamaquaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Prom Promise Week hosted by TASGA on April 27th to May 1st has been another success in informing the whole student body, and particularly the senior class attending prom, of the dangers of drinking and driving. The tactics and information delivered throughout the week are not meant to scare the student body, but to prompt them and strongly suggest the detrimental and permanent effects of getting behind the wheel while drinking or driving with someone who has been drinking. Every day throughout the week brought different evidence and techniques that the student body has interacted and engaged with to ensure that prom night is fun, memorable, but most of all, SAFE.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

Prom Promise Week By: Brooke DeHart and Vanessa Solt

Monday: “Red Ribbon Day”

Red ribbons were tied on seniors and faculty members’ cars to symbolize the promise of not drinking and driving. That morning, TASGA members were interviewed at 5:00 AM by WBRE on the purpose of Prom Promise Week, the activities we did, and the effects of the events.

Tuesday: “Stimulation Day”

During gym class on this day, seniors and juniors attempted to operate golf carts with drunk goggles and drive through a difficult course with stop signs, twist and turns, and parking, “stimulating” drunk driving and showing how distracting and destructive drunk driving is. Mr. McCabe even offered his phone, worsening the distraction from the course. Students had to unlock his phone, tap the message app, pick a recipient, and type a message, all while driving the golf cart with the drunk goggles on.

Wednesday: “Awareness Day”

Officer Hobbs and Officer Hacker from the Tamaqua Police hosted an assembly for the seniors to stress the dangers and results of drinking and driving. Their presentation was very effective and further provided an understanding of why it is extremely dangerous to be drinking and driving, or distracted in general. That means cell phones, fatigue, and other people in the car all divert your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on driving. Additionally, Mrs. Skuba, Mrs. Beltz, and Mrs. Gardiner shared powerful stories of their friends or family involved in drunk driving crashes.

Thursday: “Key Day”

This day is used for students attending prom to sign a huge paper key in the lobby pledging not to drink and drive. Whoever signed the key got to enter their name in a drawing for a gas card. 10 winners were announced for multiple gas stations around town.

Friday: “Grim Reaper Day”

Kayla Wickersham and Dylan Rynk were the grim reapers who appeared in study halls to select people to “die.” These students got their face painted white and black, representing actual teenagers who were killed in a drunk driving accident. Students who participated could absolutely not talk to the rest of the day to stress the impact of losing someone due to an avoidable cause. Some of the students who “died” were Sara Maldonado, Alyssa Delberello, Chance Szabo, Laura DeHart, Brady Akins, and Dylan Dannenfelser. These students, plus many more, effectively emphasized the seriousness of drunk driving.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

#BOOMROASTED

By: Allison Amodea

#BOOMROASTED The Falent Show has already been made a tradition at our school, but this year seniors Harold Moll and Nate MacDonald and even Vice Principal Mr. McCabe introduced a new segment to our event. Originating on an episode of The Office and making an recurring appearance on Comedy Central for the yearly “celebrity roast,” the boom roasted trend is totally funny until you’re the one being “roasted.” Mr. McCabe made a surprise appearance at the Falent Show, roasting people you’d never expect to be roasted, like Brett Kosciolek, Bo Rottet, Devin Murphy, and the Skripko brothers. That’s a moment that students will never forget, so hopefully the #BOOMROASTED legacy will continue at TAHS.

The only reason you won the spirit stick back is because the junior class couldn’t help but “boo” you while you were yelling. #BOOMROASTED Seniors, you claim to hate the junior class, but you might as well change the name from “senior prom” to “junior and senior prom.” #BOOMROASTED Tyler Andrews, it’s a good thing that Tank is going to LCCC because I don’t think you could go a day without seeing him. #BOOMROASTED Ashley Ziegler, you smell. #BOOMROASTED Kyle Weaver, it’s 7pm and school’s out, GO HOME #BOOMROASTED Dylan Rynk, thanks for finally giving their 1980’s their mustache back #BOOMROASTED Mrs. Troxell, you know every rule in the volleyball handbook, but you need to review the driving manual #slowdown #BOOMROASTED Andy Tite, your track shorts are shorter than the volleyball player’s spandex. #BOOMROASTED Coach O, gets his clothes from the Baby Gap. #BOOMROASTED Mrs. Skuba, not even y’all. #BOOMROASTED

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

Prom-posals

By: Allison Ameodea

Prom Necessities: -A dress that’s #onfleek -A hairstyle you found on Pinterest -A super sweet promposal from your amazing date! What’s a prom date without a promposal? Combining “prom” and “proposal,” high school students have ignited the promposal fad via social networking sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Students have put their knowledge of their date to good use, often incorporating their favorite things into the promposal--food and movie reference are some of the favorites. Some people even “promposed” at school or sporting events, making it nearly impossible to say no. This adorable way of asking your future date to prom will make all of your friends jealous and help you become even more excited for prom! These TAHS seniors definitely set the future promposal standards pretty high.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

Middle School: What to Expect

By: Brandon Lusch

In fifth grade, you might question yourself: What do I expect in middle school? Will there be alot of homework? Are the teachers nice? and alot of other questions. All the questions above can be answered. What do I expect in middle school? Well, middle school may seem big and scary, it’s another big step of learning, but in a different school. When you first walk into middle school, on the first day, there will be teachers standing outside their door to help guide you to each of your classes throughout the day. Usually on the first week of middle school, the teachers don’t give you homework except for a folder, binder, or notebook for their classes. On the main door, outside of the school, is a list of names with all the sixth graders you will be with, and the number of the homeroom you will be in with the teachers name. When you go to your homeroom, your homeroom teacher will introduce themself and hand you a 20

schedule, which has your name, locker number and combination, and the schedule of classes you will have throughout the day. For me, I couldn’t get my locker combination down for two weeks! But teachers, if you need help, will be there to help you get it right. To answer the question:Will there be alot of homework? You usually don’t have any on the first week of school, but if you ask for help on the homework, and ask questions, it should be easy. To answer the question: Are the teachers nice? Yes, if you listen to them all the teachers are nice, I haven’t had any favorites, but yes all the teachers are nice.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

I wish my teacher knew...

Wish They Knew...

By: Anonymous Students

I wish my teacher knew that I am scared of spiders. I wish my teacher knew that I am happy when I watch the Flyers play hockey and they actually win. I wish my teacher knew that my favorite breakfast is waffles. I wish my teacher knew that I am scared to go to fourth grade. I wish my teacher knew the President of the United States of America. I wish my teacher knew that when she was teaching multiplication, I was already teaching myself division. I wish my teacher knew that she's the number one teacher. She's the best!

#IWishMyFriendKnew... He makes us laugh at all the weird things he says and does I would miss his funny personality and him asking me for a walking taco at Heislerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That he has pretty eyelashes. That I would miss our handwriting being compared. That he has spectacular facial hair. How much she makes me smile.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quater IV Edition

D. A. R. E.

By: Deanna Kowlaski, Makayla Kester, Nicholas Behr, and Sara Kulp

As part of the D.A.R.E. program, the 5th grade students not only participate in classes to teach us how to make good decisions, but we also get to enjoy the D.A.R.E. Challenge and D.A.R.E. Graduation. At D.A.R.E. the Challenge, we see that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take drugs, alcohol, or bad influences to have fun. We had so much fun playing games and getting messy with our classmates! Some kids even got to go to the D.A.R.E. Wall. We were told there was a trip to Disney behind one of the doors, but all the kids that went there got slimed with ketchup, mustard, silly string, chocolate syrup, and whip cream. A mess, but so much fun! At D.A.R.E. Graduation, Bryn Clifford and Makayla Kester represented the two 5th grade classes from West Penn when they read their D.A.R.E. essay. The essays were written by each student and the class voted on one to be read out loud at the graduation. They did a spectacular job! After all of the essays were read, a magician used magic and illusion to show us how important it is to make good decisions in our lives! What an awesome way to celebrate our futures.

us do the right things when we are put into sticky situations. One day when we were learning about telling the truth, Officer Lorah told us a story about how he scratched his best friends newly painted car. Instead of lying, he told him the truth. They still remain good friends today because of his honesty. The life lessons we gain in D.A.R.E. will pave a pathway for a good life for all of us. The 5th grade students from West Penn Elementary would like to thank Officer Jason Lorah and all of the police officers who participate in D.A.R.E. for all they do for us and the other children of our school district. They have such a great influence on us and have taught us so much. Make sure you always follow the D.A.R.E. rules because they could save your life one day. We are all very grateful to the officers, especially Officer Lorah, for their time and dedication that they put into D.A.R.E. classes. D.A.R.E., donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget it!

During our D.A.R.E. classes, my class and I learn a lot. Officer Lorah told us how many drugs are illegal. We also learned about confident conversation to help

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine: Issue 4, Volume 4: Quarter IV Edition

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