Tamaqua Blue and White - Issue 4, Volume 2

Tamaqua Blue and White Issue 4 - Volume 2 : March/April 2013

table of contents

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Page 3: Senioritis - Molly Betz Page 4 &5 - The Underdogs - Molly Betz Page 6 & 7 - A Sky Marshall Approach - Jacob Gursky Page 8 &9 - The History of Easter - Caroline Kanaskie Page 10 - Wrestling - Carly Fenstermacher & Sam Postpuack Page 11 - Basketball - Carly Fenstermacher & Sam Postupack Page 12 & 13 - Creative Writing - Jacob Wentzel Page 14 - Questionaire - Damian Munoz Page 15 - Summer Bucketlist - Caroline Kanaskie Page 16 - Goodbye Senora L - Damian Munoz Page 17 - Comic - Ethan Hull & Austin Miorelli Page 18 & 19 - Kill the King! - Dallas Mease Page 20 & 21 - Ways to Stay Healthy - Jacob Gursky Page 22 & 23 - In Loving Memory of Hayley Hayes - Kyle Weaver

Editor & Graphic Design: Kyle Weaver

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

Senioritis! love

I absolutely Grumpy Cat. I think she is the cutest darn thing ever; I affectionately read and hysterically laugh at her memes. I spend way more time than I probably should Googling new Grumpy Cat material. But I don’t stop myself. Why? Because I have senioritis, a horrible,

life-consuming, distracting, entertaining ailment, and I’m sure most of my fellow seniors are in my same boat. What is senioritis, exactly?

Upon research (which was really just me putting off writing this article), I discovered Wikipedia’s definition:

“

A colloquial term used in the US and Canada to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school, college, or graduate school careers.

”

I also discovered, on a random Wikipedia tangent, that there is a musical called “Senioritis” that our drama club should seriously consider performing next year. Anyway... That’s about all the research I did on that topic. But, being the eternal optimist, I did get distracted enough to think of why senioritis isn’t exactly unproductive.

You can learn something new without even trying!

I read about that Senioritis musical while halfresearching senioritis itself. Maybe while you’re creeping on your ex best friend’s cousin’s girlfriend’s mother’s Facebook page, you’ll stumble across some singer she likes that you never heard of. Oh, the possibilities..

You can catch up on serious sleep. Today, I unin-

tentionally took a solid 2 hour nap, and now I’m awake to do more work!... Or, you know, sleep some more.

You can think about how awesome college is going to be. One thought about dorm rooms can lead to visions of its interior decorating, which can lead to thoughts about hosting people in that room, which can lead to thoughts about getting involved with clubs and meeting new people. Who said daydreaming was bad?

You can learn to completely conquer boredom. In the past few weeks, I have cooked and baked loads of delicious food, watched some odd television shows, spring cleaned the living daylights out of my room, and discovered this cool online game called Sky Wire. There is no such thing as nothing to do.

You can appreciate the time you have left in your house. Being stranded on Senioritis Island (Just south of Study Island) can be a good way to spend time with your family and catch up with friends, since you’re certainly not going to spend that time completing the Pre-Calculus set assigned to you three days ago!

You can do things you want to do! Although they might not be what your teachers are looking for, they’re what YOU are looking for yourself, and that’s sometimes better than getting an A on a packet you busted your butt for.

You know, I can think of a few more reasons to add to this list, but I think I’ll do that later. #TTFN Now it’s time to stare at my bookbag and

wonder what homework assignments are in there that I won’t be touching until an indecent hour.

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The Underdogs If I asked you to tell me who broke the record for most points scored in a football career this year, I bet you could tell me exactly who. If I asked you which basketball player can effortlessly dunk a basketball, you could instantly tell me that as well. Now, tell me which percussionist from Tamaqua will be attending All-Eastern Band in May (yes, ALL-EASTERN. As in the entire East Coast). Tell me, too, how many students a small school such as this one sends to District 10 Band on average every year. You can’t, can you?

I didn’t think so. Do you even know what district band is? Read these interviews with some of Tamaqua’s most gifted students to answer these questions and find out why you should definitely know their answers.

First, know that District 10 Band comprises some of the most talented high school musicians in a sevencounty radius. An audition is required to become a part of this band, and a very small amount of musicians actually are chosen. For higher festivals, such as Regions, an audition is held at the previous festival, and an even smaller number of musicians are chosen for an even higher caliber of talent.

Shane Mulligan

Jared Sharpe

B&W: What festivals have you attended this year?

Shane: Oh man. County band and chorus, district band and orchestra, region band and orchestra, and eventually I’ll go to state wind ensemble and all-east orchestra!

B&W: How has the music at these festivals compared with other music you’ve played?

Shane: This year, the music was much more difficult all around, but that made me appreciate it even more. The concerts were exhilarating and filled with energy. This year’s festivals were definitely the most exciting in my experience.

B&W: What has it been like to perform with groups of that caliber?

Shane: At first, it can be slightly intimidating; I believe that everyone worries that they’ll mess up somehow. But once you feel comfortable with your peers and the conductor, you begin to work together to create something really great with some top notch high school musicians. It’s awesome to be held at such high expectations of musicianship and to perform professional-grade literature.

B&W: Any interesting stories from this year?

Shane: During the last song of the region band concert, I was in the middle of playing this outrageous timpani part when my mallet flew out of my left hand... I didn’t see the conductor’s face when he realized what had happened, but everyone told me it looked inconceivably sinister. Somehow I kept going though, and after the concert, the conductor and I had a good laugh.

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

B&W: What festivals have you attended this year?

Jared Sharp

Jared: County band and district band.

B&W: How has the music at these festivals compared with other music you’ve played?

Jared: The music was much more difficult, but because of that it was more interesting to learn during practice.

B&W: What is it like to perform with a group of that caliber?

Jared: It was very interesting to play with musicians of that caliber; everyone was excited to play, and play we did!

B&W: Any interesting stories from this year?

Jared: When I entered my host family’s house at districts, I was confronted with a mountain of food that only grew over the next few days. They were very generous!

Damian Munoz

B&W: What festivals have you attended this year?

Damian: In this past year I have attended Schuylkill County Band and District 10 Band.

B&W: How has the music at these festivals compared with other music you’ve played?

Damian: The music was much more rhythmically, technically, and emotionally complex and demanding.

B&W: What was it like to play with a group of that caliber?

Damian: Performing with groups of this caliber improved both my playing and my appreciation of music.

B&W: Any interesting stories from this year?

Damian: At festivals such as district band, students encounter a diverse, heterogeneous group of fellow musicians. As opposed to clashing, these different personalities come together in order to reach a common goal: creating the finest musical product they are capable of performing. This unification of students across such a large area is truly incredible.

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A Sky Marshal Approach: Guns in TASD Schools?

“It may never happen, but if it does, that person or persons have to understand that when they walk in that building …that maybe the first person they see may have a weapon, maybe the last person they see. But they’re not just going to shoot innocent people up without some kind of ramification” – School Board President Larry Wittig On January 15th, 2013, the Tamaqua Area School Board held a board meeting and moved to go ahead with the development of a policy that will allow certain anonymous teachers or administrators to carry concealed firearms.

According to Larry Wittig, the issue was presented by more than one board member. “When people say they want something to never happen again [alluding to the recent tragedy in Connecticut], that’s a tall order” says Wittig. As of now, school is a gun-free zone. The board says it is not feasible to have a guard in every classroom. “We don’t want to turn our school into a prison” says Wittig. “The board is currently imploring administration and has not formed a policy yet” (Times News).

What’s Your Opinion?

Q: What is your opinion on teachers with concealed firearms?

“There are places to have guns and the school is not one of them”-Student “Why don’t we train them in unarmed combat rather than having guns in schools”-Student “I don’t know why they would have to [have guns in schools]. We haven’t had any incidents in the past that have involved guns”-Student “I don’t think it should be allowed because somehow kids would find out and get access to the guns if they really wanted to”-Student “I think it will lead to more problems than it will help”-Student “I don’t think it is a good idea. I’m not going to feel safe knowing that there are guns in the school”-Student “I’d rather hire someone like a cop rather than having the teachers responsible for it”-Teacher “It’s a good idea to have at least one teacher on every floor with a gun”-Student “I don’t think it’s a good idea to have guns in schools at all”-Teacher “We’re all kind of speechless at the moment and speculating”-Teacher “I think that it is a good idea because if someone wants to get in the school there is not much stopping them”-Student “If a situation was to suddenly break out in school, it would be more effective for a teacher to handle the situation and possibly save lives”-Student “I think it’s genius”-Student 6

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“I think it’s kind of a good thing”-Student “I can’t imagine this country coming to a point where teachers need to protect students with weapons”-Teacher “It’s not the people that are allowed to have them [guns] it’s the people who get their hands on them that are the problem”-Teacher “The School Board’s role in this was to empower the administration to research what exists now and the legislative hoops to bring a weapon into a gun-free zone with a properly trained and licensed individual other than a police officer…They are doing this as they speak. They will be getting back to us within the not to distant future…I don’t speak for the board now. The Policy should read that the armed individual, whoever that is, it is totally anonymous, it’s a voluntary position. There’ll be at least one in every building, maybe more, depending on the volunteerism. And the person can never leave the building or they can never have it off their bodies.” – Larry Wittig When questioned as to why the district does not utilize metal detectors more often as compared to other areas such as Philadelphia, Wittig responded, “This is not Philadelphia, that is precisely why we’re not using them [metal detectors].” Wittig also stated that “Our paramount concern is for the safety of our students” and that “Our process would be to examine what legally we can do.” When school board member Aaron Frantz was asked for a statement, he responded, “We understand the gun policy we’re looking into is very important, and we look forward to input from students and the community for help.”

A common concern among those interviewed is that students will work to discover which teacher is armed, but according to Larry Wittig: “I just know, the way students are, that they’re going to speculate on who has it and who doesn’t. Everybody’s going to have it, in their minds, they’re going to say ‘Ms. So-And-So has it’ or ‘Mr. So-And-So has it’…which is perfect because that’s the whole idea of a sky marshal type of approach. In the early 60s…when there were a lot of airplane hijackings to Cuba, they instituted the sky marshal program and it withered on the vine because the hijackings stopped, cold turkey.”

The Devil’s in the Detail School Board President Larry Wittig: “The idea is to let the crazy perpetrator, whoever that may be, know that they will never be in charge, completely, when they walk into one of our school buildings. Now, the devil’s in the detail in terms of the training. Sky marshal training is very specific…the training is very key, and I know that, speaking with other individuals, they said, you know, ‘I don’t like the idea of guns in schools’.

Well, I don’t like the idea of guns in schools either, but when you have one bad guy with a gun, I don’t like that either, and so you can’t stop someone that really wants to come in and do harm completely unless you surround the place with steel and wire and make it a prison, which we are not about to do…I think it has to be the way it is now or better, and from that perspective this seems like the best choice of all the alternatives we could do to prevent something like this from happening.”

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The History of Easter Many people can recall waking up early on Easter morning to see what surprises they would find in their Easter baskets. Maybe you’ve gotten a rabbit as a gift during this season. Perhaps you partake in a church service on Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday. No matter what your traditions include, there are many other rituals that take place during this springtime holiday. But why is there such joy? What are we celebrating?

Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells of the events that led up to Easter Sunday, beginning with the Sunday prior, usually called Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered into Jerusalem and people laid their coats down like a carpet on the ground he walked on. They cut branches and leaves off nearby plants to lay on the ground as well.

When celebrating Palm Sunday, many churches distribute and bless palm leaves and reenact the procession.

These palm leaves are often kept in special places in the home, and can be used to make decorative crosses and other crafts. The Gospel reading on Palm Sunday is that of the Passion, the death of Jesus.

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The Thursday before Easter is referred to as Holy Thursday. On this day, Jesus dined with his friends in human form for the last time. The words he spoke at this dinner are the basis of the Eucharistic part (that includes the bread and wine) of the mass or service. Holy Thursday services are usually solemn, incorporating the blessing of fire and water for their use during the liturgical year.

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter. On Fridays during Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, Catholics and many Christians refrain from eating meat. On Good Friday, sometimes people fast all day long as a form of sacrifice. Jesus died at approximately 3:00 on Friday afternoon, so many services begin at that time or occur during that time.

Holy Saturday is a day of anticipation. Jesus died, but he would come back to life. As many families prepare for their Easter dinner, some churches bless the foods they will cook with during a special service. That night, many churches celebrate the Easter Vigil. This is the first happy mass in a long time for Christians. Palms from the

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

previous year are burned. This service is usually held by candlelight.

The celebration continues the next morning on Easter Sunday.

Jesus was not found in his tomb as he had resurrected to heaven.

This service is very upbeat and happy and churches are often decorated with colorful, fragrant flowers. The pastel colors associated with Easter symbolize new life.The Easter Sunday dinner is a highly anticipated feast because of the fasting that goes on during Lent. Many Christians give up candy or junk food as a sacrifice, but on Easter, they can break this fast.

So why is Easter celebrated when it is? What does it have to do with eggs and rabbits? One word: paganism. Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon in spring, that coincides with the Pagan celebration of the festival of the goddess Eostre. Her symbol was the rabbit. Sweet buns were often baked in her honor, and some church officials tried to stop this practice once Christianity was widespread. The bakers protested and threw a cross on the buns, hence, hot cross buns.

The religious roots of Easter are deep, but hopefully the root of the celebration is a little clearer now. Religion is a tender topic in public school, but there is no reason to keep it away from this widely celebrated holiday. This article is not intended to change your faith, only to educate you on the origins of Easter and why it is celebrated the way it is. However you celebrate, enjoy it!

(Caroline Kanaskie is Roman Catholic and attended Byzantine Catholic masses throughout middle school. She’s intrigued by various faiths. She belongs to Holy Cross Church, New Philadelphia.)

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Wrestling Whether you’re on Facebook, reading the newspaper, or watching WNEP, we have all heard the booming news about our Tamaqua Area wrestlers.

Our boys traveled to Districts this year with a few helping hands and did not come home disappointed.

Coach Jon Mashack worked with the boys day in and day out at practices, traveled with them to various tournaments and Districts, and this ultimately led to success for quite a few of them.

Luke Matsago, a senior who earned 5th place at the District tournament tells us about his last season on the wrestling team, “As far as the season goes, it was great. Everybody on the team put in countless hours of hard work, but in some way we always figured out how to have fun. Whether we were winning, losing, or sitting around in the locker room there were always smiles on our faces. We didn’t have much success in our dual meets, but everyone made major improvements and in the coming years I expect great things.” If one thing is apparent, it is you have to love and have fun with what you do, and the boys on our team have definitely experienced that.

Sophomore Dylan Rynkiewicz finished the season with a record of 28-8.

When he was asked about the sport that he loves, he offers, “More enduring than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride. Some have wrestled without great skill - none have wrestled without pride.” This just goes to show how much true character and perseverance goes into dedicating yourself as a wrestler.

Colin Mashack, a junior, represented Tamaqua at Districts for this season as well. He returned the reigning District Champion, and made his friends, family, and fellow students proud.

While we know the boys offer all the dedication and talent they can, they have a few hands helping them along the way. Senior Devan Sweeney talks about her time as a manager for the team and what an impact it has made on her life in recent years, “I would say that the wrestling team definitely gave me a different perspective of what hard work actually is. All of the guys are great individual people and are taught well by the coaches. I loved being the wrestling manager for two years and I’ll genuinely miss them and the awesome experience they gave me.”

These boys are prime examples of how hard work, dedication, and the love of what you do pays off. They have accomplished so much and should be proud of how far they have come. On behalf of the faculty and student body, we wish you the absolute best of luck with next year’s season!

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Girls' basketball Another season for the Tamaqua Girls Basketball Team has come to a close. On a lighter note, the team enjoyed another successful season coached by Joe Berezwick, the head coach.

He has been instructing the Girls Varsity Team for 16 years. The assistant coaches include Junior Varsity coach, Bud Wagner, and Kyle Berezwick. At the end of the season, Varsity pulled off a record of 17-7, while Junior Varsity tried to hold strong by finishing the season with a 2-20 record.

During the Lady Raiders 2012-2013 season, they had the privilege to play in District 11 playoffs. The girls breezed by Panther Valley in the quarter finals at Northampton with a score of 57-38. Unfortunately, the Tamaqua girls could not triumph against Notre Dame during the semifinals at Blue Mountain High School, but they all put their heart and soul into the game.

The final score was 38-34, with Notre Dame winning by a slight margin.

The Girls Varsity Team will be losing five key players for next year. The graduating seniors are Maria Streisel, point guard, Christine Streisel, guard, Amanda Solt, forward, Nikki Slivka, guard, and Kori Kabilko as guard. It is unfortunate that none of these seniors plan to further their talents in basketball by continuing to play in college. According to the girls, practices are fun, yet sweaty. They run occasionally, but most often, the girls will be seen doing sprints since they are more effective when it comes to basketball.

Christine Streisel had a great accomplishment during her 2013 season. She tied Erika Barron’s, 2007 Tamaqua graduate, school record of 111 3-pointers made in one season.

Maria Streisel thinks basketball is the best sport ever. On the other hand, Nikki Slivka personally enjoys the opportunity to “be wiff my friends.”

The upperclassmen gave some words of wisdom to the underclassmen: Always have fun, but remember to always work hard as a team. Most importantly, don’t miss Saturday morning practices, FREE DONUTS! Or pizza if practice is a little later in the day.

Ultimately, the Lady Raiders always try their hardest and they should be proud of how the season turned out. Great job, ladies, and good luck in future seasons!

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Creativity.

“Even a Witch Cant’ Kill True Love”

George held Susan’s hand in his, rubbing his thumb over her wrinkly skin. Despite

the sunshine and laughter he could hear down the road from the open window at the fair it was not a happy day for him and Susan.

“Why would she do this?” She mumbled up at the white ceiling.

“I don’t know.” He lied.

“I can’t believe she did this to us.” Susan said looking at her husband searching

for some type of answer.

“I know.” He replied his voice cracking just a little. It had been decades since his

voice had done that.

George looked down at Susan’s hand and noticed all the differences between her

aged skin and his young smooth skin.

“Isn’t there some way we can do it to me?” she asked hopefully.

“I wouldn’t know how to.”

“Maybe we could find another witch?” said Susan.

“Maybe.” There was no hope in his voice.

A long silence passed between them. The laughter at the fair seemed to grow only

louder along with all the noise coming from inside the hospital.

“Are you going to leave me?” she said.

“What!” said George appalled even at the idea.

“Are you going to leave me? Your young now and handsome. You don’t need an old-“the

words catch in her throat. “An old hag like me around.”

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

“Susan, we have been married for sixty seven years. The witch’s

spell only changed how I look not about how I feel about you.”

“It may not have changed how you feel, but your twenty five

years old now.” A single tear ran down her face. “Soon my Alzheimer’s will get worse and I won’t even remember who you are. Now go.”

“I’m not leaving you.” He said with a defiant tone.

George pulled in for a kiss but Susan pushed him away.

“No, no you have to leave. Go find someone else. I am going to be

dead soon within the month. Now your young again and can start anew.”

She rubbed the back of her hand against the side of his cheek and smiled. “You can even go open up your own bakery like you wanted to when we were young.”

George stuttered. “But I won’t be happy if I can’t live the rest of

my life with you.” He tucked a wisp of her white hair behind her ear.

“You’re the one I fell in love with.”

“Soon I won’t remember that.” She said.

George stared at her a long moment.

“Is this truly what you want?” he said.

She nodded. “I do.”

“Very well.”

George closed the door to the hospital room that Susan was

staying in. He walked down the stairs and out into the sunshine. He turned toward the fair and started heading toward it. He was going to find a witch.

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Q: If you could be in a television series for one month, which would you star in?

Joey FrankoSpongebob Squarepants

Senora LakatoshNCIS

Tyler HopeThe Walking Dead

Colin MashackAdventure Time

Mrs. Boyle Breaking Bad

Amanda SoltThe Middle

Damian MunozFresh Prince of Bel-Air

Caroline KanaskieGilmour Girls

Lauren Christ-

Denae StarryHow I Met Your Mother

Avatar: The Last Airbender 14

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Miranda Amey-

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

Mr. Beltz Fast and Loud

Summer Bucket List.

There’s 85 days of summer vacation...how are you going to spend it? Whatever you do, don’t complain about how bored you are and tweet about how we all should “hmu.” We live in an area full of hidden treasures. I’m sure you can find something on this list that suits your fancy.

Outdoors: Bake Oven This section of the Appalachian trail leads to a rocky mountain top with a beautiful view Glen Onoko Part of the Lehigh River Gorge, this hike in Jim Thorpe is a bit challenging, but worth it when you get to the falls! Perfect for a scorching summer day!

Boulderfield Located in Hickory Run state park, this literal field of boulders is a sight to see.

The Bungalow Our beloved outdoor pool has been called “Schuylkill County’s best kept secret” by swimmers enthusiasts across the county.Be careful on the high dive!

The High Bridge One of the highest railroad bridges in the country makes its home in our very own Hometown.

Locust Lake Take a walk with your friends, family, or pets!

FOOD! The Chili Dog You can’t beat the simplicity of the quality food you’ll receive for a low price.

Hometown Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays) Stock up on produce, candy, baked goods, friendship bracelets, sunglasses, flowers and whatever else your heart desires.

Belly Buzzers (Located on 309 in the EZ Market Lot!) One of the area’s newest bakeries is becoming a new favorite! Stop in for a treat and bring your sweet tooth!

Heisler’s Work off your ice cream calories with a rousing game of mini golf or show off your skills at the driving range!

Active: Revolution Fitness Studio Try Piloxing at RevFit! Stay active and enjoy a tough, rigourous workout with your friends and two favorite teachers!

Fall Sports Cross country, girls’ tennis, soccer, and football start practicing in August.

Other: Make friendship bracelets Read a book...or a hundred like Jake Wenzel!

Visit colleges and start writing essays Job shadow Apply for jobs Clean your room Learn to play an instrument Pet-sit for a neighbor Run Bike Plant a tree ...make your own bucket list!

Seriously, if you’re still bored, HMU. This list could go on for miles!

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adiós y gracias, señora lakatosh!

Over the past few months at Tamaqua Area High School, a new substitute teacher has been diligently working with the Spanish students. As Señora Hascin was preparing to go on maternity leave, the students apprehensively wondered if any person could fill her place as a teacher. However, when the substitute arrived, these worries were quickly withdrawn.

Señora Lakatosh, a retired Spanish teacher at Allentown High School, taught both the Spanish language and the Spanish culture. Whether constructing an alter for “Día de los Muertos”, analyzing works by surrealist painter Frida Kahlo, trying on a traditional Spanish dress, or sampling chocolates and culinary delicacies from around the world, students learned something new every day. [Although we are eager to welcome Señora Hascin and her adorable pictures of Belle back in our daily lives, we will never forget all that Señora Lakatosh has taught us! Gracias, Señora!]

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congratulations!

The Blue and White Magazine would like to recognize the outstanding academic success of the following students (Back to Front): Avery Banavage, Jared Sharpe, Kristina Gilbert, Bryan Heyer, Miranda Amey, Samantha Postupack, Carly Fenstermacher, Robert Arner Nichelle Pucklavage, Colin Mashack, and Joann Butkus.

These students scored advanced on all three of their Keystones exams this fall; no easy task to achieve! Congratulations and keep up the hard work!

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Kill the King!

In retrospect, maybe killing the King wasn’t such a great idea? In this year’s high school musical, Pippin, the titular son of King Charlemagne, wanted to find purpose in his life. He wanted something greater than himself. For a time, he thought he’d found it. He was King. He was on top of the world.

He was... being asked to fix everyone’s problems.

Okay, maybe being King wasn’t all it was cut out to be. But by the end of it all, he had found the path to true happiness, and the Drama Club managed to bring the show to life. The journey to the show had its ups and downs, and at times it was more exciting than the show itself. With hard work and many hours of rehearsals, we all pulled together to make a show that would rock the socks off the hardest critic.

This was a tough year for the Drama Club. Our former director, Janet Smoldon, was in a car accident, which left us without a drama director.

of retirement for the year. When asked why she chose this show to do, Mrs. Laughman said, “It’s a show I had done before, and it doesn’t have a lot of set pieces, and since I don’t have a set designer, it was easier.” She seemed to genuinely enjoy getting to make a show with us, even if it meant coming out of retirement to do it.

Mrs. Laughman picked candidates to play the major characters with an emphasis on singing.

While acting chops are critical in acting, a musical is nothing without fine singers. This year, we got a full load of great actors and actresses!

The casting also included the ensemble players that came out at various times during the play – oh, wait, that includes me! - who sang, danced, or spoke as various minor parts. They brought life and energy to the stage, even in rehearsals, learning the intricate dances of the show.

OU

ARE Y O H W LE? PEOP

“Lewis, Pippin’s meathead brother.” ~Jake Gursky.

“His name is Pippin, he is a prince, and he’s pretty much doing everything possible to find his purpose in life.” ~Jake Beers.

“Leading Player. It’s similar to a narrator and was originally a male role.” ~Erika Cassel.

Though she has made much progress in recovering since then, we still had to let the show go on. To act as our director for the year, Mrs. Laughman, a former high school drama director who worked at Tamaqua and had taught Janet, was brought out 18

This was no easy task, of course, but the choreographer, Erika Cassel, handled her task with determination: “Choreographing the show is quite a challenge, but it’s so fun and so worth it. It’s amazing to take a dance I imagine in my mind and turn

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it into a reality.” Half the fun of watching a show like this is that its attractive to the eyes, and these dance moves were magnetic.

Not everything that made the show come to life was on stage, though. The stage crew was a pivotal part of making Pippin a reality. Moving set pieces, pulling the curtains, and controlling the lights.

All the subtle things that go into a show and make it truly breathe. The Stage Manager, Tiffany Kramer, said of being involved in the show as, “being able to give the cue’s and that I have the respect of the director to be in charge of stage crew.” It’s not an easy job making sure that everything is in place for the show, whether set pieces or actors. There’s a certain finesse needed to juggle all those tasks.

Even though it’s been a hard year for some people, with tests, projects, and rehearsals, it’s been a great year for the drama club. They pulled together to create a project that would entertain all who watched it, and of that, they are proud. Next year, with old and new faces alike, I hope, as a senior, to hear that Drama Club has continued the tradition of blowing people away with our amazing talent.

E

EON M O S OULD UB? H S WHY RAMA CL D JOIN

“Drama club has a place for everyone, and it’s a place where you can relax with friends and laugh a lot yet still learn to work hard for a wonderful outcome.” ~Erika Cassel.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a fun experience to be someone else.” ~Jacob Gursky.

“My advice would be to join!

Tryouts are really laid back (my friend sang the campfire song song). Even if you don’t get a lead, our ensemble is top notch and a blast!” ~Tyler Butkus.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

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Ways to Stay Healthy

Flu season has everyone on edge worrying about becoming sick. The reactions range from the germaphobic (Mrs. Tuckett…cough cough) to the apathetic (a nod to all those out there who cover the water fountain spout with your mouth, you know who you are). For those of you interested in learning how to maximize your chances of staying healthy and minimize your chances of being bound to your bed, lying in a puddle of snot, the Tamaqua Area High School Blue and White Magazine is here to help!

We ran some tests called gram tests on bacteria cultivated from around the school.

Gram tests subject bacterial colonies to two different types of dye: red and purple. Bacteria with thinner cell walls retain the red dye and become pink. Bacteria with thicker cell walls retain the purple dye and become purple. Bacteria are ubiquitous, meaning that they are, quite literally, everywhere! They’re in the air, they’re on this magazine, they’re on you right now! However, most bacteria are harmless, and many, many are helpful. When it comes to those bacteria that are potentially harmful, those with thicker cell walls are more difficult for your body and your immune system to exterminate thanks to their hardiness. We used the results of these tests to create our list of tips to keep you healthy.

Blue and White Health QuickTips: • • • • • • 20

Keep your hands away from your face.

Don’t run your hands down the railings or the walls.

Be sanitary after using the locker room showers, they are perfect for bacterial growth.

Do not, I repeat, do not make unnecessary mouth contact with the water fountains.

Use the hand sanitizer provided in every classroom.

Be careful about bathroom passes, although they are changed on a regular basis.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

An Interview with

Kathy Matika

Kathy Matika BSN , RN, CIC is the M anager of Infection trol/Employee Hea Conlth at St. Luke’s Miners Campus. Here are her tips to stay heal ing the winter mon thy durths: “The number one way to prevent the spread of infection ing your hands. Usin is by washg soap and water fo best way, but somet r at least 20 second s is the imes soap and wat less hand cleaner ca er isn’t always avai n also reduce the ge la bl e , so waterrm s on your hands th should always was at could make you h your hands before sic eating, after using k. You high touch surface the restroom, after s such as doorknob touching s and cellphones an d anytime they are visibly dirty.

During a cough or sneeze droplets fly fro m the nose and mou miles per hour for th at the speed of ab about 5 feet before landing on a surface out 50 get out of the way! .

Th at makes it pretty ha So if you cough or sneeze , do so into rd to rather than on your your sleeve, inside hands or into the ai your elbow r.

Studies show that people touch their face approximately touching we actual 16 times in an hour ly ”hand deliver” ge , so by this rms to our eyes, no sick. se and mouth that can make us Finally, when prep aring for the winte r months, get a flu spread even before vaccine. Since the any symptoms appe flu can be ar it can be easily sp healthy friends in sc read by your seem hool. So it is best to ingly be protected!

I am not coming w ith up with any spec ifics for school situa a Healthy Environm tions except for mai ent. Some examples ntaining would be the availa ers, properly prepar bility of sinks/ hand ed food for lunche s. Daily cleaning of sanitizhigh touch surface facility with specia s such as desks, lunc l at te nt h ion to ta bles, door knobs an Students and teache d light switches. rs should stay hom e from school if fe ness is known to be ver is present or co present.” ntagious ill Staying healthy in a school environm ent is not an imposs take one thing away ible task, but if you from this article, ta only ke this: just don’t to uch your face.

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

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In Loving Memory of HaiLee Hayes (1997-2013) Whether we realize it or not, we, as a student body, are one united family. We must all stick together and support one another in the time of tragedy, such as the passing of Hailee Hayes. Hailee was a bubbly, friendly, young girl who had a bright, successful future ahead of her. It’s with the deepest simpathy that we say goodbye to such an incredible member of our student body.

Hailee, I remember the first time I met you. It was out front, at the school, on a rainy morning. You were very bubbly and you were just one big burst of energy. As time progressed though our friendship we’ve became closer and closer. One day Victoria asked me to walk home with you both. I will never regret those days we walked home together. I’ve learned more and more about you everyday. I hope you’re doing well, ‘till we meet again..

Hoyt Gyuricsek

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Hailee,

Hailee baby,

Hey, baby girl. How are you doing up there in the sky? I hope you know how much all of us down here miss you.

Not a day goes by that we don’t think about you. We always talk about you and the funny times we all shared with each other. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about that beautiful face of yours. I miss the jokes we use to make in gym. I remember when we would goof off in gym and not have a care in the world. I love you so much, baby girl. I really miss your hugs everyday and seeing your beautiful smile. I remember when we did the rock wall climbing and you freaked out because you went in the front and were getting picked up by people because you were so tiny. I also remember when we did the rope swing and you made me catch you on the other side. When we would go koalaing with Sierra in gym and fall over. When Sierra fell up the stairs. I just miss you so much baby, you mean the world to me. I miss hugging you telling me Hakuna Matata when I was down. I still till this day look for you in the halls waiting for you to come talk to me or hug me. Well, Hakuna Matata, Hailee baby, you have no more worries. Fly high, Angel. I will miss you everyday of my life.

I miss you so much! Talking to you every morning in the caf, hearing all your stories; I miss it all so much. I still hear your laugh in my head everyday. Everyone down here misses and loves you everyday. Don’t ever forget that no more woes, Hailee; Hakuna Matata.<3

Kaelyn Boran

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

Love, Jayda Hollan

HaiLee, Hey, girl. How have you been? I miss you so much! I miss the times we walked in the morning, the times that we visited Mrs. Urban. There is so many memories that you gave to me. Remember when we were in your basement and your dog kept ramming his toy into me? Or how about when we were dancing to barbie girl? It hurts knowing these things won’t happen again though. All the secrets, memories, and smiles pile up in my mind. Do you remember when we chilled in your bathroom for hours? Every morning I studder past your house. I’m sorry that the last few days you were here I couldn’t walk home with you.

Track is keeping me a busy bee! Don’t worry though!

This season is totally for you; whenever I run a race you’re what’s on my mind. In some kind of way I like to think you make me better. You probably do.

You are my motivation and many others. You won’t believer how many times I look back at your house in the morning. I won’t EVER forget the chicken nugget we used as a hockey puck, either! That was so fun! I wish it would repeat itself. I remember the first time we met, on the bus. At that moment I knew I wanted to all you a best friend, and I did. Throughout life please help me make better decisions. Watch over me, please. It would mean so much more than you think. I know you wanted to jump around in the summer with short shorts, driver to school when you FINALLY got that permit, and go to the pool and hangout. It won’t happen anytime soon, but trust me, as soon as we meet again, it will! It’ll be the first thing we do together! i Can’t wait to see you again. We can have our own little party together and dress each other up. Wherever you are, please be in the ahppiest mood you can be, like whne we were hanging out and I made you laugh so hard you almost fainted!

Be happy like that! Keep an eye on me though! also always remember that you are beautiful and no one else disagrees. Bye, best friend.<3 I love you.

Victoria Labar

Hailee, Hey, Gorgeous. I miss you so much! It’s been a little over two weeks since you’re gone. It’s been so hard not seeing you everyday. I miss the two page notes you always wrote me. I have so many pictures of you on my phone still. That’s all you did when we hung out was take pictures of yourself. I’m so glad I have them. I remember when you used to call me late at night because you were scared to walk home alone because of creeps! At the football games you used to jump towards me and I’d catch you over and over again. Whenever we actually hungout and did stuff, we would just roam around town or chill and my sister’s and talk about guys. Lol. It’s still hard to believer that you’re actually gone. You were so young and such an amazing person, but I guess that’s why God wanted you. Thanks for always being there for me.<3 You always made my day. Even when you spilled all of your problems to me.<3 We trusted each other with everything! I have no one to talk to now that you’re gone. Everday that passes is a day closer to seeing your beautiful face again!<3 I love you, best friend!

Lindsey Bradford

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine : Issue 4, Volume 2 : March/April Edition