Tamaqua Blue and White - Issue 5, Volume 2: Senior Edition

Tamaqua Blue and White

Issue 5 Volume 2 Senior Edition

Table of Contents Page 3 - The Majors Graph! - Kori Kabilko Pages 4-5 - Remember when... - Kori Kabilko Pages 6-7 - PROM! - Emily Bumbulsky Pages 8-9 - A Place Less Traveled To - Nicki Mateyak Page 10-11 - Now & Then - Emily Bumbuslky Page 12-13 - Once Last Tweet - Kori Kabilko Page 14-15 - Senior Surveys - Kyle Weaver Page 16-17 - Bleeding Blue, Bleeding White - Kyle Weaver Page 18 - #90sKid - Molly Betz Page 19 - One Final Band Article - Molly Betz Page 20 - Looking Forward - Kyle Weaver Page 21 - Enrichment Day - MS Page 22 - Martin Guitars & Summer Reading - MS Page 23 - Envriothon & Radu “Rudy” Gherghet Page 24 - 8th Grade Dance - MS Page 25 - 8th Grade Promotion - MS Page 26 - The Mini-Relay & Chorus - MS Page 27 - A Trip to the Capitol & Mr. Evan’s 3rd Grade - Elem.

“You’re off to great places, Today is your day!

Your mountain is awaiting, So get on your way!”

-Dr. Seuss graphic design: Kyle Weaver 2

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

ine

ss M ajo r

3% Majo r cided

Work Force

or aj

M

6%

U nde

e ad Tr

Bus

es 6%d Forc

e Arm

6%

3%

The majors graph

20% Medical Major

10al%Justice Major in

Ed

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at

uc

1

18%

M

0%

aj

Crim

18%

Science Major

Art Major

the numbers 09

Business, Business Management, Business Administration

09

Masonry, Autobody, Auto Mechanics, Auto Technology

09

Army, Navy, Air Force

06

Service Industry, Landscaping, Security Guard

06

Undeclared Majors

Nursing, Psychology, Occupational Therapy,

Kinesiology, Radiology, Speech Pathology,

Physical Therapy, Veterinary Technician, Physician’s

Assistant, Public Health, Medical Imaging, Sonography

Exercise Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mortuary Sciences,

Chemistry, Biology, Marine Biology, Engineering, Political Science

Liberal Arts, Photography, Art, Writing, Culinary Arts,

Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Video/TV Prod.

Education, Secondary Education, English

28 26 26 16

Criminal Justice, Criminology, Paralegal Studies

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

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Remember When ........

“When the band won GOLD at Exeter’s adjudication for the 2nd year in a row!” - Molly Betz

“When Laine Confer got run over by the golf cart!” -Taylor Gerber

“When everyone in Miss T. Miller’s class took some time to observe the groundhog outside.” -Joel Kulick

“When Laine Confer spilled hot chocolate all over the floor in the senior stand!” -Taylor McKeown

“When Joel did a backflip during our homecoming dance!”

-Janelle Cinicola

nes, Drew and, Andrew Jo yb bo e th d ‘Smily n he “W obert Slovik, an B , w slo in W y Chartier, Rick ect in English!” sang for a proj , n’ ti ar m er nd Va -Jessica Fritz

4

“When Trevor Arnold and I danced to ‘Single Ladies’ for homecoming!” -Lacey Folw eiler

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

per and was smelling pa el m m Re . rs M s smell it too: “When photography clas in ne yo er ev ha!” -Morgan made like oranges! Ha ed ell sm it e or she sw Miller

“When with my brothe me fo r r the s stormed the f last t oo ime.”

-Bran tball field don F ogel

“When Drew Chartier hit the three point buzzerbeater” -Emily Bumbulsky

title!” the AFL team won e football “When th tsago -Luke Ma

that clapped for everyone “When 7th period y ne ee Sw by :’)” -Devan walked into the lob

“When our gi rls’ swim team league cham were back-topions!” -Denae back Starry

“When the basketball team won a playoff game!” -Drew Chartier

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

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prommmmmmm m They say your senior year of high school is the best out of all four years, and while there are many events that make it truly special, the prom is one of the best memories on the list. I remember sitting in a class meeting in the beginning of the year, and Mrs. Weinrich told us our prom would be on April 12, 2013. As I sat in my chair, I simply could not imagine that day would ever come.

There were so many obstacles and months to go to make it to April, but I was very, very wrong. It came before I even realized it was here.

mm

Leading up to the prom, the weather was in the 70’s all week. I remember myself, along with many of my classmates, thinking that despite the early date, we actually got lucky with the weather. However, as the day kept coming closer and closer, the forecast of Friday became worse and worse. While everyone tries to get all of their prom chores out of the way the Thursday before, all the girls know how much they wanted to cry when they woke up on the day of prom, and the rain seemed to be coming down harder than I’ve seen in awhile. How would our hair ever look nice?

The rain didn’t stop us. At all. Everyone still looked great, including the boys. While it down poured all day, the rain slowed down just in time for pictures. Even though the sun didn’t exactly come out, all the bright and beautiful dresses made up for it. Along with the weather, everyone thought that the location of prom changing would be a downer, but to our pleasant surprise, Capriotti’s served us well. The food was amazing, and how can anyone forget that awesome ice cream buffet? We kept on dancing and dancing. Nikki Slivka and Shane Baddick took the throne, as they were crowned king and queen of the prom. All in all, it was an indescribable night.

The prom is one of the most anticipated events of your senior year, along with graduation. However, all that anticipation leads up to that one night, and it goes by way too quick, I still can’t possibly comprehend it. It definitely brought the class of 2013 even closer as we burned off all those calories from the delicious food by dancing all night. I couldn’t have of asked for a better night or better people to spend it with! Congratulations again to the Class of 2013!

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

“When I look back on this final year, I remember when Bobbert danced with the waitress @ Prom!” -Caroline Kanaskie

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

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College Map

Bloomsburg University

Californi

Binghamton University Bucknell Universit

penn state university philad west chester university pa college of technology t wilks university Antonelli institue 8

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

kings delaware valley college duke university cazenovia university Drexel University edinboro university full sail university indiana university

ia University of pa

ty

kutztown university laSalle university lebanon valley lincoln tech milford academy millersvile university

temple university triangle tech delphia university thaddeus stevens trade university of alabama university of scranton e of art Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

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Then

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

TAHSCLASS2013 248

156

156

photos

followers

following

Embrace Your Dreams Class of 2013 We are for real!

Now

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

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@

#

Home Connect Discover Me

Tweets Class President Shane Mulligan View my profile page

2013 TWEETS

156

156

FOLLOWING

FOLLWERS

Compose a tweet:

“Hey, Class of 2013: Compose a tweet that will last forever!”

@KaileeRottet I’ll miss my friends Kori, Emily, and Alex

@ScottZellner When one door closes, another one opens.

@ChristineStreisel

Who to follow Vice President Trevor Arnold View my profile page

I have smurfed every Friday since freshman year.

@ShaneBaddick I’m going to miss language the most!

Secretary Lauren Christ

View my profile page

Treasurer Caroline Kanaskie

@DaltonNunemacher I’m going to miss Mr. U; it’s been fun and I’m going to miss it!

View my profile page

@EmilyBumbulsky

TAHS Trending Topics #WeAreForRealz #Graduation #UghHomework #APExams #SummerIsComing #Senioritis #Mrs.WeinrichHashtags! #HOWMUCHLONGER 12

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

@EmilyDemyanovich I’ll never forget these past 4 years. Thanks class of 2013 <3

@MakiaStocker I’m going to miss everyone SO much!

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

@JessicaFritz Years that I’ll always remember.

@LaceyFolweiler Good times, good people...

@MorganMiller I’m going to miss everybody but I’ll remember all the memories.

@DevanSweeney Senioritis...That is all.

@AllieMiller It’s been a good run.

@KateyMcVicker I’m excited to go, but I’ll miss it.

@StephHill Finally..accomplished!

@AmberGroner It’s been real.

@KristinaMartin Live, Laugh, Love.

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#seniorsurveys Best Shoe Style Ronnie Olesnovich “All of the times camping out were worth it”

Most Intelectual Tyler Butkus I’d just like to say that I’m honored to be selected from a group of such talented and intelligent individuals, and I’ll certainly do my best to live up to the title

Class Clown Drew Chartier “I’m a medic”

Most Stylish Lacey Folweiler

Most School Spirit Nolan Zeigler “It’s feels good to know out of everyone in the school I’m the one with the most school spirit. Its been a crazy senior year and I wouldn’t have of changed a thing”

Best Hair Deshya Smith

“Thank you guys so much! Just trying to keep it classy!”

Biggest Truck Brenden Bugge I thought Bobby Galuska got that category for sure!”

Best Smile Emily Bumbulsky

Cutest Couple Makia Stocker & Shane Baddick “Wow thats such a surprise! Thanks so much guys, that’s so sweet of everyone”

Most Down-To-Earth Makia Stocker

Oh my goodness, thank you all so much for such a kind compliment!

Best Facial Hair Shane Mulligan “Considering that I’ve been cultivating my facial follicles since 6th grade, I feel as though I couldn’t ask for a better senior title.”

Social Butterfly Nikki Slivka “Omg! Thank you guys so much! I always wanted to be a butterfly!”

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

Most Beautiful Girl Angelica Heisler “Thank you class. It’s very flattering and for once in my life I am speechless”

Most Handsome Guy Joel Kulick “Hahah nice! I’ll take that over most likely to be on Jerry springer!”

To Be on Oprah...

Danielle DeBenedict

To Travel the World...

Haleigh Jacob I can’t wait to spend my future hopefully traveling the world and “getting graphic”

To Win the Nobel Peace Prize...

Tyler Butkus

“I certainly have a lot to live up to with this nomination, but it’s inspiring to see that my classmates have so much faith in me. Thank you to everyone, I really think that with the opportunities our time in Tamaqua has given us, the possibilities for what the class of 2013 can do are endless.”

To Become President...

Allie Miller

To Become Miss America (TIE!) Derrian Gulden “Shendo, Shendo 462, where the men are men and the women are..

Miss America? Thanks everyone, free pierogies for all!”

To Become Miss America (TIE!) Devan Sweeney “I’m so shocked and thrilled that you guys picked me! Out of all the intelligent, beautiful, and overall amazing people in our class, I’m honored that you picked me. Thanks so much guys!”

To Become a Best Selling Author Emelee Toth

To Live to Be 100 Trevor Arnold

“Thank you too all those who voted for; now just remember to vote for me again in 2032 when I officially run!”

To Become a Pro-Athlete...

Christine Streisel

To Win the Lottery Joel Kulick

“I didn’t know you could go pro for throwing a toothpick....But thanks guys, I’ll try my best!”

To Become a Reality T.V. Star...

Angelica Heisler

To Become Famous Erika Cassell “I really appreciate the thought!”

To Be Abducted by Aliens...

Justin Triano

To Succeed...

Everyone

“We’re all multidimensional light beings trying to understand each other in the in the infinite dark matter filled void that is the universe subjectively projecting conscious and subconscious thoughts upon one another in hopes of better comprehending what it is to be human and living happy lives.”

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Bleeding Blue, Bleeding White I think it would only be appropriate to finally tell you all, our readers, the story behind the Blue and White. The Blue and White Newspaper, which was the heartbeat of Tamaqua High up until the late 90s, was an awardwinning, cutting edge newspaper. Known for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breaking news stories, it won various awards from all over the country over the years of its exsistence. Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor, the retired German teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband, was given all the credit for all his hard work and dedication toward making the Blue and White what it had become.

Sadly, after many years of commitment, Mr. Taylor decided that he was going to further persue his carrer as a journalist, leaving the Blue and White with the fundamentals he instilled in its staff to grow. Years passed, advisors came and went, and the Blue and White slowly came to an end around the year 2005.

In the fall of 2011, I noticed not only did our student body not have a way for recognizing the awesome accomplishments of students and athletes, but there was not a club that could provide students with an outlet for their creativity. And so the idea of the Blue and White Magazine was reborn.

Without hesitation, I got right to work. With the help of Leadership Council, we were able to reincarnated the Blue and White, as a subdivision of their club. Within a few weeks, we met with the best advisor Tamaqua has to offer, Miss Schmauch. From there, we hit the ground running. We formed a core group of 5 seniors; Danielle, Emily, Jordan, Dakota, and Jacqueline. These seniors, I believe are what made this magazine succeed.

Without their vast amount of creativity, bubbly energy, and goal striving attitudes, I really do not believe we would have made it as far as we have today!

After a month of intense writing, we released our first issue: 16 pages of

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

full color beauty. It was a learning process, for all of us. Never before did I design a flyer, and here I jumped right into a 16 page magazine.

Their love for writing pushed us to expand our page count to 24, while also raising the amount of sales that we received. By February, our second issue, we were already selling to almost every one in three kids. Completely mind-boggling! Towards the end of February, we graciously accepted a grant from The Blue Raider Foundation, to ensure our existence would continue!

By the end of last year, we had published five issues. Never did I believe that we would grow to where we were. I have to admit, it was very nerve-racking at first to lead such strong leaders themselves. I felt like they should be leading ME. However, we became a family, a little tight-knit, magazine family. It was so incredilby hard to see them go, but I just somehow couldn’t convince them not to graduate! ...

This year, we came into our group with a gameplan to make the magazine even better than before. And, so, we did. We recruited new members to fill the hole that the seniors left - not an easy one to fill! I can say now, 8 months later, that I couldn’t have asked for a better year. Thank you, Caroline Kanaskie, Nicki Mateyak, Dallas Schafer, Emily Bumbulsky, and Molly Betz for all your incredibly hard and awesome work that you put into this magazine. You truly have inspired me to do more and work even harder!

Here’s to another year of endless hours working on my computer, millions of words, hundreds of photos, and very, very few hours of sleep. And so it’s finally done; 12 AM on what is now Friday, 7 days before graduation - We close the cover to another great year of the Blue and White!

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Because I’m a 90’s Kid...

Iiiiin West Philadelphia, Born and Raised...

LIKE THIS IF YOU’RE A NINETIES BABY! WHO MISSES THE NINETIES!? NINETIES BABIES ONLY!!! #duckface #2013 #yolo #swag #SHUT UP. We know you all miss the nineties and the two, three, maybe four years in which you lived through. We also know, though, that some super awesome television shows, fads, bands, and phrases have carried on into the 2000s and eventually been replaced. Dare I say they... graduated??? Let’s all reminisce now about the glorious events that made the nineties so memorable and see how they have morphed into the current day’s most popular trends.

Walkman CD player

iPod

Rugrats

Adventure Time

Backstreet Boys

One Direction

Crimped hair

Taylor Swift’s loose curls

Slap bracelets

Silly Bandz

Bandanas

Violet Love headband

Friends

The Big Bang Theory

ER

Grey’s Anatomy

“Cheddar” (slang term for money)

MONAYYYS!!!!” (coined Honey BooBoo)

Ice Cube

Lil Wayne

“Peace out!”

”Deuces.”

Baby Got Back

Call Me Maybe

Pokemon

Well, that hasn’t really changed.

AOL Instant Messenger

Facebook messages

Radio Disney

Doc Marten Shoes 18

Sirius XM Radio

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

Toms

Company Front There is no way my last Raider Band concert happened.

Absolutely no way, no way at all! April 26th seemed like half an eternity in January, February, even early April!

But here I am, no longer practicing spring music, putting my new dress away, trading the concert piccolo for my old marching one. I am almost a Raider Band alum, and that thought absolutely terrifies me. What am I going to do without this activity that has been one of the most prominent parts of my life for the past six years? How am I going to keep a sane mind without playing my flute every day? Am I going to be able to keep in touch with so many of these people that have become valuable friends to me? Does my future alma mater, Misericordia, even have a band as great and promising as ours? Although these questions won’t have a solid answer for months yet, I do have answers to questions from the past, such as: Am I going to learn anything from joining this band?

(Asked in sixth grade as I very timidly attended the sixth grade practice at the end of May): Well, that’s easy.

Being a part of the band has taught me how to have a competitive edge, how to discover a passion, and how to step allllllll the way out of your comfort zone and into the wide world of band geeks. Admittedly, I was shy and quiet pre-band; I was definitely nerdy (although that hasn’t really changed). But by the end of seventh grade, there was hardly a person I wouldn’t walk up to and start a conversation with. The influence of countless upperclassmen in band, Mr. Potlunas, Mr. Beltz, and even my seventh-grade band friends inspired me to break out of my shell and become a friendly, outgoing person, and I will be forever grateful for that. So you only learn music in band, right?

Wrong.

Will I make any friends here? (Asked throughout the years as classes graduated and entered the band): Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes. Band kids are the absolute best kids in the world, hands-down. I have met freshman, seniors, sixth-graders, eighth-graders, and adults alike that have all become permanent installments in my life thanks to band-related activities. I have had the honor of attending district, region, and state level festivals, and I have met some irreplaceable people there as well. The thought

of leaving my band friends (who should probably more accurately be called my siblings) in August to go to college makes me borderline sick. But with technology, we’ll never be truly apart. My band siblings are usually the reason I can make it through the school day, and they will continue to be a driving force behind my future.

Is this going to be a huge time commitment? (Asked in seventh grade while I pondered my continuance in the program): Ohhhhh yes. Such a big commitment. But you know what? Every single hour, minute, and second I’ve committed to the Raider band has been completely worth it. I can confidently say that I’ve contributed well over 50% of each year the past six years to band activities.

But they’re not all grueling marches under the sun on hot pavement! From band formals to fantastic trips (cough cough DISNEY WORLD) to extra festivals, I’ve gained experiences from band that no other organization could possibly give me. The stresses I’ve felt in these years did not go unnoticed, though; practicing music tirelessly and giving advice to younger bandies has consumed my life indefinitely, but these little experiences have given me the momentum I need to develop both a work ethic and a friendly rapport with my peers. The amount of time given to band is definitely proportionate to the amount of lessons I have gained and fun I have experienced!

So all in all, the seniors have attended approximately 65 football games, 6 Land of the Running Water band adjudications, approximately 78 days of band camp, and 13 Raider Band concerts. We have had the time of our lives in different formats, made close friends, and endured six years of hard work and bountiful rewards. We have left our own impact on the band that will continue in the coming years, and we have in turn received impact from the band that will remain with us forever. I think I speak for the entire senior class when I say that our lives have been changed, our questions have been answered, and our personalities have been shaped. Raider Band, it’s been real. This is the end of an era and the start of a promising future. And like the company front in all our band shows, we’ve gone out with a bang.

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Moving Forward Much like the seniors, the Blue and White Magazine is moving forward with our goals and aspirations. After successfully publishing 10 issues over the course of the last 16 months, we’ve decided that it’s time to expand our reach. We’re so thrilled to announce that as of next school year, the Blue and White will be covering events for all of the district’s schools. We are so excited to see the students’ viewpoints toward the events that are happening around them.

On the next few pages are articles written by Tamaqua Middle School, Elementary School students. We would like to recognize them for all their hard work and dedication for making the pilot for our expansion a true success.

“Gifted Day” written by: Alicen Hull “Martin Guitars” written by: Jada Schellhammer “Summer Reading” written by: Briana Sturgis “The Evirothon” written by: Rebecca Kanaskie “Radu “Rudy” Gherghet” written by: Aaron Delpais “8th Grade Dance” written by: Kelsey Zeigler “8th Grade Promotion” written by Hannah Betz “The Mini Relay” written by: Michaela Noftz “Chorus!” written by: Alysa Schappell “A Trip to the Capitol” Written by Haley Hamm

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

Y A D T N E ENRICHM On Wednesday, May 8, 2013, the Gifted students from Tamaqua Area Elementary School, Tamaqua Area Middle School, Tamaqua Area High School, and West Penn Elementary School met together at Tamaqua Area High School for Gifted Education Day. This day, organized by the Gifted instructors from each school, included many interesting activities.

First, when we came in, we met our pen pals. We had been writing letters back and forth throughout the year. Then, we did a marshmallow tower challenge. Afterwards, we split up into groups to do two activities. For the first activity, State Trooper Wessner came in and did a forensics lab with us. For the second activity, we made fruit salsa and cinnamon sugar tortilla chips with Miss Makuta, the Family & Consumer Science teacher.

After those activities, we went into the gym for some teambuilding activities. One required us to balance eight nails on one nail in a wooden block. Another required us to get across â&#x20AC;&#x153;the riverâ&#x20AC;?, which was blue mats laid across the gym floor, using three wooden blocks and a long wooden board. The third activity required six members of a team to cross the gym floor on one large pair of skis.

These activities were fun, but it was time for what all the students had been waiting for- lunch! After lunch, we split into groups to do three different activities which were acting, art, and music. This time, instead of the teachers planning these activities, some students from Tamaqua Area High School led these activities. Aimee Hull took charge of the music activity, Jared Sharpe was in charge of acting, and Jacob Gursky put together the art activity. It was interesting to have students in charge instead of teachers, but the students did an excellent job!

After these activities, we did a human chain reaction (Rube Goldberg activity) course.

We were split into three teams of about 10 people each, and we had to figure out how to get through the obstacles on the course.

Once that activity was over, it was time to say goodbye. Gifted Education Day was over.

That day, we learned to work better as a team while having fun. I enjoyed myself very much. I hope we will be able to have another Gifted Education Day next year!

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Martin Guitars

Summer reading

On May 10, 2013, the sixth grade class went to Martin Guitars for our field trip. Throughout the day, we toured the guitar-making process, and then went to Jacobsburg State Park to eat lunch. We learned many interesting facts on the tour, such as what type of wood most guitars are made out of, which of their guitars are more expensive because of the value of the wood, and how to make sure each of their guitars are perfected.

The bus ride was about an hour and ten minutes and it took fifteen minutes to reach Jacobsburg State Park from Martin Guitars. In my opinion, this field trip was very educational, and I think most of the sixth grade class enjoyed it, as well. If you are looking for a good family day that is both fun and educational, I would suggest going to Martin Guitars. If you would like to learn more about Martin Guitars, visit MartinGuitars.com.

Summer vacation spans for about three months. For students it’s a time to get away from school and have fun. However, often there are obstacles in the way of a fun day outside or with friends. They will find other ways to have fun, but would it be a book?

This is exactly what Tamaqua Area Middle School is encouraging! Found on the TAMS library’s homepage, summer reading lists can be found: one for sixth grade, and one for seventh and eighth grade. The lists are updated at the end of the school year and can be found anytime until it is updated again.

The lists can offer new books to read, but can be very useful for when the next school year comes around (which in many instances is very swiftly). Students are required to have a certain number of points to pass- in the first quarter, seven for sixth grade, ten for seventh, and thirteen for eighth.

About fourteen days after school begins, students are given two weeks to test on books read over the summer. The points earned count towards the student’s grade, and it gives a positive effect on the student’s grade.

So when you’re taking a break from the waves and social events, or just hibernating inside on a rainy day, check out the TAMS website for new books to read and curl up with an exciting book.

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

the envirothon This school year, Mr. Mariano and Mr. Ruddy have yet again collected twelve middle school students to participate in the 34th Schuylkill County Envirothon. The two teams—the Wizards and the Landsharks—are compiled of Envirothon veterans Abigail Brickler, Rebecca Kanaskie, Isabella Ligenza, Sarah Miller, Ryan Murphy, Michaela Noftz, and Steven Oravec, and newcomers Thaddaeus Zuber, Hannah Betz, Laura DeHart, Mackenzie McVicker, and Alec Roseland. The environmental competition took place on May 7th, 2013 at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds in Schuylkill Haven. This competition helped to better educate students in aquatic and environmental issues. The students completed a series of tests about different soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife, and a current events station about stream-bank fencing. Out of the 18 attending schools, the Wizards placed 8th while the Landsharks placed 9th overall. Underclassmen should brush up on their wildlife facts and join the fun next year!

Radu “Rudy” Gherghet

On May 10, 2013, Radu “Rudy” Gherghet, a refugee who lived in Romania during communism, came to the Tamaqua Area Middle School. He spoke to the seventh grade students in the auditorium to explain the effect communism has on a citizen in that country. The presentation lasted 42 minutes during ninth period for seventh grade students. He came to talk to us because the seventh grade class did not fully understand communism. Mrs. DiSante, who teaches geography at the middle school, arranged for him to visit with us about life in Romania under communist rule. He said that during communism, the government controlled how a person dressed, how they walked, how they talked, even what music they listened to. For example, if people spoke out against a person in power, then the consequence would be going to prison because of how people felt. Another example Rudy gave to illustrate communism was that wearing tight pants would be looked at by the government as idiotic so the leader made a law that skinny pants would be cut at the knee to show that the government did not want them wearing that item of clothing. I learned that during that communist time, almost all of Europe was under communism and that we were fortunate that America’s government did not change to communism. Rudy also wrote a book about his journey through Europe and how he got to America titled, Dead Run. If you would like to read his book, you can visit www.iuniverse.com.

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8 th grade dance8 On Friday, May 10, 2013, the middle school held the class of 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eighth grade dance. There was much excitement and anticipation leading up to it. As a member of student council, I got to see all the effort that was put into it to make the dance a special night for all of us. This year, we chose the theme of New York York City. We incorporated a city skyline, taxis, lady liberty, and many other things iconic to the city.

Once most of us arrived at the school, there were a lot of pictures being taken. I must say, it was pretty weird seeing everyone dressed up...especially the boys! As we walked into the school, it seemed as everything was completely transformed! There was music being played, pictures being taken, and tables full of food. (The food may or may not have been my favorite part! Kidding!) Later in the night, many of us were in the cafeteria dancing. Being there with a majority of my classmates was a big realization that we would be going to high school next year.

As the night came to an end, there was many bitter sweet feelings. The night that we waited for what seemed to be forever was now complete.

All and all, everyone had a really great time. It was for sure a night that most of us will remember for a VERY long time!

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

8th Grade Promotion AS the end of another school year approaches the middle school, everybody’s mind turns to the eighth grade graduati- I mean, promotion. During the last week of school, everybody is either worrying about falling on their face as they walk across the stage, or worrying how they’re ever going to stay awake through the entire presentation. Now, don’t get me wrong- I’m sure it’ll feel great to gradupardon me, get promoted. But it is kind of sad to see middle school in the rearview mirror. The entire school can get a little sappy during the promotion ceremony.

Eighth graders are unusually sentimental about reading Flowers for Algernon in Mrs. Keller’s or working on the dreaded History research project. Seventh graders

are sad to see their eighth-grade friends leave. And Sixth graders, well, they’re just excited to be grown-up middle schoolers. Even now, while I’m putting off writing my speech on sixth grade (a year, I might add, that is terribly difficult to write about, seeing as nobody but a sixth grader could clearly remember it), I feel a little melancholy. Just as seniors have to bid farewell to the family they’ve found in the high school, eighth graders have to move on. Sure, we’ll miss a lot of stuff (here’s looking at you, you glorious mecca for book lovers: the library). But we have our entire high school careers to look forward to! Four whole years of new experiences, new classes, and new friends! [Here’s to the next four years!]

! u o Y s e m o c l e W S

TAH

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

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the mini relay

dent Council. A lot of money is usually raised

On May 3rd, Tamaqua Area Middle School

from donations. Our School hopes to continue

participated in the Mini Relay event. There

this event for

were students, as well as faculty who walked

many years

along the track for an hour. People donated

to come in

money for the cancer society and cancer

an effort to

research. A few different groups were set

be an active

up around the track with information. Free

member in

water was also handed out by the Student

the support

Council members. This event is made pos-

for cancer

sible every year by the Middle School Stu-

research.

chorus General Chorus and select chorus are two major

eled to the High Note Music Festival in Allentown,

extracurricular activities in the middle school.

PA. After competing, we spent the day at Dorney

During 9th period on Mondays and Fridays, the

Park. Even though some songs can be difficult,

select Chorus meets. There are currently 38 stu-

chorus is a fun experience. If you enjoy singing,

dents involved in select chorus. On Wednesdays,

general and select chorus are definetly the extra-

the general chorus meets during 9th period. Cur-

curricular activities for you!

rently, there are 82 members of general chorus.

Throughout the school year, we preform a winter and spring choral program. Also, we performed for the middle school students and faculty before Christmas break. On Friday, May 17th, we trav-

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Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 5 - Volume 2 - Senior Edition

a trip to the capitol Mrs. Evans and Ms. Parker’s class went on a field trip to Harrisburg.

We met Jerry Knowles. Out teachers were the ones who planned our day. We went a few weeks ago, on May 7, 2013. We went for a tour of our State Capitol. We also went to the museum and the planetarium.

It was fantastic. I learned all kinds of stuff about our capitol. The most amazing thing about our capitol was the planetarium. Thank you, Mrs. Evans and Ms. Parker for sharing this wonderful experience with us.

“Mr. Evan’s 3rd Grade”

By: Tiffany Wetherell

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