2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of...

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2015 VOL.3 ISSUE 1 FREE It arrives with the start of fall, when the air crackles with a crisp coolness and the day fades away hours earlier than expected. We all rise up out of bed, hair askew and face pink and splotchy ready to return to the only lives we’ve ever known. The murky sea foam green of our lockers sprayed against the stark beige walls, the heavy traffic of students on their way to next period, and the faint smell of chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes wafting from the cafeteria; they all make our school, they all make us. But, after thirteen years of life in Nanticoke, what do we come away with? Who are the Trojans? Throughout the course of our years here at GNA, all of us must have come into contact with at least five essential qualities of character: Ambition, Respect, Pride, Spirit and Dedication: at one point we have seen them... Continued on page 33 Once a Trojan, Always a Trojan MEET THE TROJANS SENIOR CLASS PARADE NEW ATHLETIC FIELD THE GNA INSIDER Above: Senior Class of 2016 Left: Our Trojan Football team gets ready for the next play. 1

Transcript of 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of...

Page 1: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

2015 V O L . 3 I S S U E 1 FREE

It arrives with the start of fall, when the air crackles with a crisp coolness and the day fades away hours earlier than

expected. We all rise up out of bed, hair askew and face pink and splotchy ready to return to the only lives we’ve ever known. The murky sea foam green of

our lockers sprayed against the stark

beige walls, the heavy traffic of students on their way to next period, and the faint smell of chicken nuggets and

mashed potatoes wafting from the cafeteria; they all make our school, they all make us. But, after thirteen years of life in Nanticoke, what do we come

away with? Who are the Trojans?

Throughout the course of our years here at GNA, all of us must have come into contact with at least five essential

qualities of character: Ambition, Respect, Pride, Spirit and Dedication: at one point we have seen them...

Continued on page 33

Once a Trojan, Always a Trojan

MEET THE TROJANS SENIOR CLASS PARADE NEW ATHLETIC FIELD

THE GNA INSIDER

Above: Senior Class of 2016Left: Our Trojan Football team gets ready for the next play.

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• Lead Article page 1,33

• Meet the Trojans page 3

• 1st Day Senior Parade

page 4

• Homecoming pages

5-10,35

• Spirit Week page 11-12

• Where Are They Now?

page 13, 35

• Foreign Exchange

Student page 14-15

• Letter to a Teacher

page 16

• Sports page 17-20

• What’s New at GNA

page 21

• Junior Leadership page

22-24

• Getting involved in

Your Community page

25

• GNA’s Got Talent page

26-27

• Horoscope page 28,35

• What’s Happening in

the Halls? page 29

• Anti-Bullying page 30

• District Softball

Championship page

31-32

• Advice Column page 34

• Inspirational Story page

35

Table of Contents

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Page 3: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

The 2015-2016 athletic year kicked off in the beginning of September with the inaugural, “Meet

the Teams” event organized by GNA’s Athletic Department. The ceremony featured a parade with all the fall teams participating alongside the band and

cheerleaders. They paraded together from Patriots’ Square and made their way to the high school stadium where

their excited family and friends awaited their arrival.

To set the tone for the rest of

the evening, the teams began to sing the National Anthem and the Alma Mater soon after arriving at the stadium. Senior Class President, Alexis Selli, then

introduced Emily Gomelko (Cheer), Brinton Ball (Golf), Abbey Zaykoski (Girls Volleyball), Juliana Waclawski

(Cross Country), Jess Emerick (Band), Carmelo Pioquinto (Boys Soccer), Taylor Zabrenski (Girls Soccer), Justin

Casey (Football), and Miranda Gola (Field Hockey), who all spoke on behalf of their respective teams.

This event allowed the fall athletes to show off their remarkable talent and, of course, honor their seniors’ last year on the team. That

night was not only a celebration of the fall teams and their seniors, but also an illustration of the Trojan pride the

students portray.

Meet the Trojans

TROJANS

GOLF

FIELD HOCKEY

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS SOCCER

By: Sarah Benscoter

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The GNA Senior Class Parade is one of the most memorable days in a senior’s life before their graduation. Considering it is their “last first day” of high school, it is no

wonder why all the seniors awoke before the crack of dawn to energize all of Nanticoke. Guided by the Nanticoke police department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade

consisted of over half of the senior class, which included about 25 cars.

The day prior to the first day of school, the senior

class congregated in the school parking lot to decorate their

cars and trucks. In addition to this, signs read “Class Of 2016” and “GNA Seniors” to support the high school and the members of this year’s senior class. This parade was the first

thing that the seniors got to enjoy together; most consider it to be the highlight of their year.

This privilege was a reward for the extreme amount of hard work and dedication that these students put in

throughout the years. It brought the class together as a whole and set the mood for the rest of the year. It was truly a memory that will last a lifetime.

Senior Class Parade

By: Francisco Blanco

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THE 2016 HOMECOMING COURT

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Queen: a title little girls wish to obtain, one they have dreamt about since they heard their first fairytale. Miss G.N.A

is living our homecoming dream. Amber Grohowski is the daughter of Diane and Eric Grohowski, whom she describes as “role models who taught her how to

stand up for herself, her beliefs, and also taught her to treat everyone and everything with respect.”

Amber is a member of many sports teams at GNA including Field Hockey, Basketball, and Track and Field.

She is the president of the National Honor Society, a Blue Chip Volunteer/Foster Mother, as well as a member of the Yearbook Committee. When she isn’t busy

with her extracurricular activities she enjoys spending quality time with her friends, playing with her 5 dogs, and

annoying her boyfriend Mitchell Romanowski. After graduating High School, Amber is considering becoming a

Kean University Cougar to play field hockey as well as achieving a Biology

Major to begin her career as a Medical Examiner.

Being elected Homecoming

Queen meant the world to Amber. She said, “I was so glad that my classmates thought of me when they were voting. Everyone was saying such wonderful

things and just knowing they feel that way makes me so grateful aside from being Homecoming Queen for the Class of

2016!”

Amber is well-known for her LOVE of flare jeans, making the thumb

face, and her infamous ACL surgery. When asked what she will miss most about high school, she listed: Mr. Litch, the fall festivities, sports, her classmates, taking

snapchats of the Geeg (Gianna Roberts), seeing her brother Trevor in the hallways, and Luke Butczynski.

What most people do not know about Amber is that her cars name is Mal and even though Amber and her brother,

Trevor, annoy each other and bicker, her world wouldn’t be the same without him. continued on page 35

Meet the Queen: Amber GrohowskiBy: Jordan Bavitz

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Jennifer Lopez, the daughter of Martha Peralta, is a down to earth girl who has nothing but love and pride for

Greater Nanticoke Area. She is the Secretary for the Class of 2016, a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and most

recently the 2015-2016 Homecoming Court. She is also a 4-year member of the Trojanette field hockey team, as well

as a manager for the track and field team here at GNA.

Jennifer has said that she looks

up to her mom for “how strongly independent she is.” Jennifer volunteers her time as much as she can at many different organizations. After

high school, Jennifer plans on attending college and possibly going to medical school to become a dermatologist.

However, she is also considering the field of Podiatry. Her favorite classes include biology and chemistry.

Jennifer’s most fond memory at GNA was during her sophomore

year when our Trojan football team went up against our biggest rival, the Hanover Hawkeyes. It was the last

game of the season and the fate of who goes to play-offs was on the line for both teams. However, for the Trojans, it would be the first time in over a

decade since they last made it to the play-offs. “The student section was massive along with the amount of

school spirit we brought to their turf. The best part was that after all those years, we won and went on to the play-

off game.”

When asked about how she felt when her name was announced as being a member of the 2015-2016

Homecoming Court, Jennifer was left speechless.

Looking toward the future,

Jennifer is anticipating the numerous senior trips and making lasting memories with her classmates.

Meet the Court: Jennifer LopezBy: Juliana Waclawski

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Morgan Jacqueline Mislitski is the daughter of Kathleen and Edward Mislitski of Honey Pot. She finds inspiration from

her mom because “no matter what life throws at her, she puts a smile on her face and keeps going.” As a child, Morgan had aspirations to become a singer and always

sought to participate in talent shows. As she grew older her interests changed. Today, Morgan is interested in makeup

artistry, an area in which she is extremely skilled. Morgan’s ability is recognized by many of her friends who ask her to do

their makeup for special occasions, including Juliana Waclawski, Paige Mislitski, Gabriella Pezzella, Veronika Popyk, Lindsay Kane, Abbey Zaykoski, and Lindsay

Wiaterowski. Morgan would like to pursue makeup artistry after high school at Empire Beauty School and would also like

to major in business.

Being chosen to be a member of the 2015-2016 Homecoming Court was

“shocking” to her. “It was a tremendous honor to be selected, and I hope to represent the school in the best way I

can.” Homecoming is an exciting time for all of our students, especially for those on the court. “My favorite parts about

homecoming is picking out a dress, the pep rally, and the bonfire.” Other than homecoming, Morgan has enjoyed many great memories throughout her high

school career here at GNA. When asked what her fondest memory was, she replied, “My first prom. It was so much

fun; it reminded me of semi, but it was so much better. I loved dancing and talking with my friends.”

Aside from her love of the Homecoming festivities, Morgan enjoys hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend, Nick. She has been a member

of the National Honor Society for two years. As for her senior year, Morgan is looking forward to her final prom and the

trip to Walt Disney World. Morgan has said that following her graduation, “I will miss my friends because everyone will be going

their separate ways.”

Meet the Court: Morgan MislitskiBy: Lindsay Wiaterowski

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Carly Grabowski, daughter of Karen Bielecki and John Grabowski and step-daughter of Joe Bielecki, gives a lot

of credit to her parents and step-father for getting her where she is today. Carly is a member of the field hockey team and a newly inducted member of the

National Honor Society. Some of Carly’s interests outside of school include hanging out with her friends

and going to Dunkin Donuts and for pizza. Following graduation, she plans on going away to college and has many

interests which she would like to pursue. As for declaring a major, she is currently undecided.

Carly was very surprised and

shocked when she found out she was a member of this years Homecoming Court. She said, “I was in study hall and

never heard the announcement until my friend, Elizabeth Colemire, sent a text message to congratulate me at the end

of the day.” Carly is looking forward to the activities that await her during her senior year and is excited about the

memories that she will make during her time on the Homecoming Court.

The thing that Carly is looking forward to most about her senior year

is making new memories with her friends before graduation. Some of her fondest memories here at GNA come

from the many sporting events that take place during the year due to her love of school unity and pride. Carly

has yet to realize what she will miss the most about high school. Even so, she believes that as it has been said before, these will be the best times of her life

and one day she will want them back.

Meet the Court: Carly GrabowskiBy: Jordan Atherton

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Page 10: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

Alexis Leigh Selli is the daughter of Zachary and Angela Selli, and a member of our 2015-2016

Homecoming Court. For those who don’t know her, Alexis volunteers for a nursing home, a soup kitchen, and teaches dance. Along with her

volunteering, she is starting up her own charity called “Cross the World,” while also creating an alumni network for our

school, along with a new scholarship for a graduating senior.

In her spare time, you will find

Alexis participating in activities such as gymnastics, soccer, and track. After graduating from GNA, she wishes to attend the University of Pittsburgh to

become an orthodontist, while in her spare time, teaching dance to less fortunate children.

Although she will miss GNA, she recognizes that her favorite memory here was winning the Lake

Lehman soccer game due to “Courtney

Day’s amazing shot.” Her most anticipated moment for her final year at GNA is the senior trip to Disney

World, in Orlando, Florida, where she hopes to live in the future.

Alexis finds her passion in adventure and the love she receives

from her family. Her inspiration comes from her grandfather, who, through the years has taught her that loyalty never

goes without appreciation.

Although she did not expect it, Alexis thought it was exciting that

she was chosen to be a member of the Homecoming Court and looks forward to sharing this experience with the friends she has held close to her during

her time here at GNA.

Meet the Court: Alexis SelliBy: Andi Roberts

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SPIRIT WEEK

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THE GNA BONFIRE

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When you were younger, did you ever dream of becoming an astronaut? Michael Bernatovich, a 2003 Nanticoke graduate, became the next best thing. The formal

title is Systems Engineering & Integration, Orion Crew & Service Module, and Integrated Landing System (ILS). But, if you’re like me, that may go in one ear and out of the other. A simpler way of putting it: Michael Bernatovich designs

spaceships.

When Michael Bernatovich was a student at Greater Nanticoke Area, he chose the path less taken; the

one which required rigorous courses and loads of homework. It wasn’t easy, but he embraced the idea that without challenge there is no achievement. Michael had

dreams – big dreams! Dreams are something many of us have, but we are unwilling to sacrifice in order to attain. In order to conquer his goal of becoming an aerospace engineer, he needed to set his sights high. One of the most

prestigious institutes of higher learning is the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the school’s aerospace engineering program is among the country’s best.

Upon graduating from GNA, Michael attended the Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. While studying at Georgia Tech, he

majored in aerospace engineering and minored in Space

Systems Design and Optimization. The Aerospace Engineering degree focuses on the systems of engineering principals and integration from a major (project lifecycles;

system of systems) and minor (vehicle subsystem design & configuration) perspective. He attained his Bachelor’s Degree in 2008 and later received his Master’s Degree in 2014.

While obtaining his Master’s Degree, Michael worked as an analyst for the re-entry flight dynamic division. He ensured that the Orion spacecraft engineering design

effort allowed for efficient integration with Mission College Center operations during a mission. During this time, he also served as a flight controller for the Space Shuttle Program as

a landing analyst. For a year after his success with the Mission College Center operation, he led the Sasquatch exploration team. Sasquatch is a tool that determines where items will land after being jettisoned from the Orion capsule

during the parachute phase of flight. He defined and tested the integration, along with reviewing the purpose and credibility of the software. And for his final task, he worked

on the system and sub-system management of the Orion, providing technical and programmatic insight for consistent integration.

Continued as NASA on page 15

GNA Grad Working for NASA

By: Raven Fleetwood

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Page 14: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

Akari Ezure, our foreign exchange student, is a well-rounded and charismatic girl. She was born on June 8th, 1999, in Tokyo, Japan. Back home, she lives with her mother, Akiko,

her father, Wataru, and her brother, Yuki. She also owns a pet dog named Lio; he’s a precious little Dachshund, who happens to be extremely photogenic. When Akari isn’t at home with her family, she usually would be spending time with her two

friends, Risa, and Karin. In Japan, some of the common things they would do for fun were going shopping, playing in the arcade, taking pictures in photo booths, and going out for

dinner. Although this is Akari’s first time visiting our area, this isn’t her first rodeo; she’s been to the United States a total of seven or eight times. She’s vacationed in Hawaii with her

family on multiple occasions, and lived in California for a short

period of time. During her time there, Akari lived in the outskirts of Los Angeles with her previous host-family; she was a part of the same exchange program that she is in right

now.

Akari is here visiting us using the program called CHI. CHI is a program that helps match foreign exchange students with an American host-family and a U.S. high school.

Akari is all too familiar with this program, for she has used it in the past. In order for Akari to be able to come here, she was required to be selected by one of her teachers and write

out an essay. Her entire class was picked to come to America, but they were all split-up, and sent to different host-families. This year, Akari is staying with the Jenkins’s, whom she

says are not so different from her own family:

Meet Our Foreign Exchange Student, AkariBy: Morgan Mislitski & Kevin Osmanski

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they’re loud, kind, funny, and nice.

A typical day in Japan is similar to a typical day here in the United

States. Akari would wake up around six o’clock in the morning and head out to her local school, Teikyo. She would usually get home around five o’clock in

the afternoon, but on days where her school hosts its clubs, she wouldn’t arrive home until well after eight

o’clock at night. The club Akari is involved in at Teikyo is the basketball club; she’s been playing basketball for

five to six years. She is also a member of her city’s swim team for over nine years. Here in the United States, her routine differs slightly. She gets up

around the same time for school here at Greater Nanticoke Area, and she gets home at two o’clock. Once she’s

home, she does all of her homework, and watches TV with her host family, the Jenkins. On most days, the Jenkins

will try and take her out to experience NEPA’s culture, such as bowling, or the Drive-In’s in West Nanticoke.

The food in the United States

compared to the food in Japan has some obvious differences. According to Akari, here in the U.S., we have much

larger portions than in Japan. We also utilize more fattening foods such as bread, while in Japan, they center their

diets around healthier foods such as seaweed, and seafood. Another big difference she has noticed is that we don’t use spices nearly as much as they

do back home. Despite the divergences in the two types of foods, Akari still enjoys both; her favorite meal from

America is pizza with bacon, and back home it’s noodles and rice.

Even though Akari has already travelled to America in the past, she still has yet to experience everything she

hopes to. One of the things she’s most excited for is this up-and-coming winter season. She’s never seen snow in person before, and she’s highly

anticipating it. Akari also hopes to do numerous winter activities, such as skiing, sledding, and making snow

angels. She has her fingers crossed for many snow days, as well. Some other things Akari is looking forward to

during her time here is the holidays; she can’t wait to experience Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Akari says that in Japan, Halloween is a very small

celebration, and they don’t even have trick-or-treaters or decorations. She plans on dressing up as a witch this

year. Although she has many things she wants to accomplish while here, she’s already travelled to New York with the

Jenkins over this previous summer; she’s seen the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Ground Zero.

The CHI program could not have selected a better candidate for this trip; Akari is a well-rounded and

adventurous spirit who genuinely enjoys learning about new cultures. While she’s here, I have no doubt that

Akari will learn from us, and, more importantly, that we will learn from her as well.

NASA Cont. GNA provided him with some of the

essential building blocks for his success. Now with two children and a beautiful wife, The GNA Insider asked Michael to

reflect on his years in high school.

Can you briefly explain your journey to NASA?

“When I was attending my 1st year at

Georgia tech, I decided to pursue a cooperative education (co-op) opportunity while I was earning my degree. I interviewed with several

companies, including NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), and ended up receiving an offer from NASA. Clearly, I

accepted this opportunity and completed 3 semesters as a co-op with different divisions at JSC. After

completing my final co-op semester, I received an offer for a full time position… and, once again, I was happy to accept the opportunity!”

What made you want to become an engineer?

“It was an evolution through several

interests. To keep it brief, I was initially interested in Architecture, but quickly learned of the more artistic discipline

that’s required. That’s when I transitioned over to the engineering discipline by way of Architectural Engineering. Soon after that I began

researching other engineering disciplines. Based on that research and inspiration from my physics teacher

(Mr.Fleury), I finally locked into my final major of Aerospace Engineering.”

What advice would you give to

high school students in regards to following their dreams and being successful?

“Don’t choose a path that is the easiest

or one that will make you the most money. In the long run, life is most fulfilling when doing something in which

you have genuine interest. All goals in life should ultimately be a stepping stone to your next accomplishment.

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The GNA Insider decided to introduce a section of the newspaper in order

to display an anonymous letter of gratitude written to a teacher, staff

member, coach, etc. who has made a significant impact on a student’s life.

These leaders act as inspirations and motivators to the young individuals

whom they work so closely with. They often go un-thanked – until now…

Dear Miss Warman,

Thank you. Thank you for putting up with

me, and for always offering a helping hand. Thank you for your patience and kindness. I

can imagine some students can become

exhausting to work with or just down right annoying, but never once have I heard a word of

anger come from your mouth. You’re the epitome of what it means to be a role model and very

likely the most intelligent woman I have ever

met, which one would imagine to be intimidating, but it is undeniably inspiring.

You have taught me so much in my time here in the high school, and I’m not just talking

about the sandwich theorem. You taught me that

being wrong isn’t the end of the world and that procrastination is not something to make a habit

of. You showed me that if someone is intelligent and independent, there is no reason for them to

hide that quality, or, on the other hand, preach

about it. You taught me that sometimes I just need to take a second to breathe and you’ve

helped me believe in myself. In my eyes, and in the eyes of other students and alumni, you’re the

embodiment of what it means to be a teacher,

and you have positively impacted our lives. Having you to look up to has had such a positive

impact on me, and I’m not the only one who believes this.

The best part about it all is that you don’t

know the impact you have on your students. You don’t talk about yourself or preach about

anything, you simply lead by example, and that is amazing. When I freak out, you help me calm

down. When I don’t understand something that seems as though it should be simple, you find a

way to get me back on the right track. You’ve shown me that I can trust myself, and that doubt

isn’t something to hold on to.

Since my first day of 8th grade in 2011 and all the way through to my senior year, I

have seen the best and worst of myself. I have been through the happiest and saddest times of

my life. Throughout all that has happened over

the last four years, you have been someone to look up to for strength. I want to take the time

to appreciate all the little bits of wisdom you have instilled in me, all through being a role

model and as my mathematics teacher. People

always seem to say that we don’t need advanced math classes to be successful in life, but I think

they condition the mind to better solve problems in any aspect of the daily routine. Thank you for

showing that to me.

You are a role model for your students and I feel as though you should know that.

Teaching can often seem like a thankless job, but I want you to know that you’re making a

difference. I hope you understand how you

positively affect the lives of your students. You’re patient and kind, but you still motivate us

and push us to do our best. You’re an inspiration and you deserve to be appreciated. Thank you

for all that you have done for me and my fellow

classmates.

Thank You For Making A Difference!

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by: Anonymous

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Pride is such an important part of everyone’s high school experience. Anyone who plays sports knows that the home field is not only something to defend but something to

be proud of. The GNA staff, student body, and athletic teams, as well as the entire community, should be proud of the campus upon which our teams play. Over the spring and summer of 2015, the GNA maintenance crew helped boost

the spirit of not only the baseball team, but the students, staff and community by putting in a new baseball field.

“I believe that since we now play on campus instead

of in Honey Pot, it will create a bigger fan base for the baseball program, not only varsity but even the younger players,” says Eric Grodzicki, a player for the Nanticoke

baseball team. We asked Grodizicki if he thought there were any positive aspects the field would bring to not only the team, but the whole district. “The new field brings beauty to the campus, making all students more excited to be part of

such a great school.”

We also interviewed Madelyn Grilz, a sophomore who is always seen attending the home games. “I’m excited

to see how the baseball players will improve their skills now that they have the new field to play and practice on,” says Grilz, who is patiently waiting for the spring 2016 season.

Grilz continues to describe how she believes the field in Honey Pot was a disadvantage to the baseball team. “It’s a better location for everyone, including players and fans.”

The new field is something the students, staff, and alumni of the GNA school district should be proud of, as so many of us are. GNA is really a beautiful campus, and the new field only adds to that beauty.

Beyond the Bases

By: Emily Eckhart & Kaitlyn Corkell

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ABBEY ZAYKOSKI

JULIANA WACLAWSKI

Athlete of the Month

What is your favorite sport?

Cross-country is my favorite, but I also enjoy watching football.

Do you see yourself pursuing this sport after high school?

I’d like to, but it depends on my health. My asthma makes it really hard for me.

How do you think this season is going to turn out?

I think it will go well. Hopefully everyone

can get a PR each race.

What other school activities are you involved in?

National Honor Society, Student Council, Track, Yearbook, and Newspaper

Why is it important to be involved in extra-curricular activities?

It teaches you how to communicate and

work well with others.

What are your future aspirations?

To go to college for photography and then either open my own photography studio or

become a photojournalist.

Who has been the most inspirational to your success and

why?

My coach has been the most inspirational to me because he pushes me to do my best

despite having asthma. He always helps me through the races and helps to calm and manage my breathing when I have an asthma attack after I finish a race.

What is your favorite thing about being on a team?

Team bonding is my favorite thing. It’s been so

much fun having such a close team that feels like family.

What is your favorite sport?

Volleyball

Do you see yourself pursuing this sport after high school?

Probably not. As much as I’d like to, I don’t see

myself playing in college.

What are your future aspirations?

I plan on moving to Arizona after the summer

and attending Arizona State University, though i don’t know what I would like to major in.

What position do you normally play?

What is your jersey number?

I’m an all-around player. 22

What other school activities are you involved in?

I am involved in the yearbook committee and Honor Society.

Why is it important to be involved in extra-curricular activities?

Extra-curricular activities teach you to balance your time and get things done, along with doing school work.

How do you think this season is going to turn out?

We are having a very successful season and I

believe it will continue.

What has been most inspirational to your success and why?

Mr. Gavin’s brownies.

By: Kari Radginski & Keri Lushefski

18

Page 19: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

ALEC NORTON

KLARISSA RINKER

Athlete of the Month

What is your favorite thing about being on a team?

I like being with the guys

What is your favorite sport?

Football

Do you see yourself pursuing this sport after high school?

Yes I do.

What are your future aspirations?

To go to college

What position do you normally play? What is your jersey number?

Fullback/linebacker #44

What other school activities are you involved in?

Baseball, Basketball, National Honor Society

Why is it important to be involved in extra-curricular activities?

It’s important to be involved so that you can make more friends and stay out of trouble.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I came in 3rd place in the Punt Pass Kick National Final.

How do you think this season is going to turn out?

We are 1-2 now, but I think we can surprise some teams and make the playoffs.

Who has been most inspirational to your

success and why?

My dad, I owe my success to because he has shown me the proper way to conduct myself.

What is your favorite thing about being in marching band?

My favorite thing about being in marching band is being with my “family.”

Do you see yourself pursuing music after high school?

Yes I do. I would love to join a drum corps or do marching band in college.

What are your future aspirations?

I would like to go to college and pursue a career in the medical field.

What instrument do you play?

For marching band, I play the trumpet. However, I can also play the cornet and the piano.

What other school activities are you involved in?

I am in Honor Society. I am also involved in PJAS and Science Olympiad.

Why is it important to be involved in extra-curricular activities?

Extra-curricular activities teach you to be a well-rounded person. You also get to meet new people and make friends.

Why do you think it is important to play an instrument?

Music is a good way to express emotion. Playing an instrument connects you to that emotion. You feel a sense of expression through it.

Who has been most inspirational to your success and why?

My band directors Brad Bunnell and Ryan Lamoreux have been my biggest influences when it comes to music. Mr. Bunnell taught me why music is important and how to play the trumpet. Mr.

Lamoreux taught me how to play emotions rather than just notes on a page.

By: Kari Radginski & Keri Lushefski

19

Page 20: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

Edward Joseph Lukowski Jr., better known as Mr. Luke to most of his students, set a record for the Nanticoke Area’s boys soccer program during his high school years from 1993 to 1996. He held a 20 year record of 163 career points, until the current 2015 season. His record was broken when a four-year starter scored a hat trick in the beginning of his senior season. Edward Joseph Lukowski III, also known as Fred, the son of the original record holder, now holds the record with 167 career points and counting.

Starting at a young age, Eddie showed great potential in soccer. He has played in several states along the east coast and was one of five Pennsylvanians selected to play in Portugal. Eddie extremely impacted the team when he joined his freshman year, scoring 17 goals and helping the Trojans go from 0 wins the previous year, to10 wins the next. Even though Eddie missed 13 games because of injuries, he didn’t let that stop him from doing what he loves the most. Eddie will close the book to his high school career with a school record, at least 3 winning seasons, and at least 1 District II playoff win. The only question remaining is, will the Lukowski legacy live on for further generations?

The GNA Insider sat down with Eddie Lukowski to ask him a few questions:

It must have been bittersweet to break your father’s record for the most goals in a career. Explain how you felt surpassing your own father.

I felt relieved to finally stop worrying about trying to break the record, but then I felt excited that I was able to beat my dad at something.

How much of an impact did your father’s coaching have on you?

He has taught and pushed me to be the best player I could be. We spent hours practicing in the summers when I was younger just perfecting my skills. Now he helps me to understand the tactical side of the game.

Are you looking to further your soccer career in the future?

I am still undecided on what I want to do with my future for college.

What is your current scoring record?

88 goals and 38 assists. 214 points.

What position do you play?

Forward.

How much hard work and dedication does it take to accomplish a goal like yours?

It has taken years of practice, mental toughness, and perseverance to push through injuries and still accomplish my goals.

How supportive has your family been during your soccer career?

They have been the most supportive parents possible. They have given up so much of their time to take me to games and tournaments on weekends up and down the east coast for the past 8 to 9 years.

Aside from playing soccer, what other activities are you participating in?

Football, basketball, volleyball, and National Honor Society.

“Like Father, Like Son”By: Taylor Zabrenski

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Page 21: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

New: according to Webster’s dictionary, it means not existing before; made, introduced, or now used for the first time. New is not always good, but it can be great in

some situations if used beneficially, like all the new things that are happening in our school today. A variety of new ideas to make GNA a more functioning and overall better school district have been incorporated into this school

year. We have now introduced new hall passes and weighted classes; new carpets have been installed, and even the classrooms have been rearranged so that the

8th graders have their own hallway.

The weighted classes have had a positive impact this year for many of our students. Starting this year,

honors classes are given extra weight, and AP or dual enrollment courses can be given even more weight. For instance, a student who is taking an honors class would receive a higher GPA than someone who has the same

grade as them but is taking the regular class. Weighted classes give students at GNA the opportunity to excel in their education and when the time comes, have a better

opportunity to receive a job or be accepted into a college. Classes with the titles AP, honors, and dual enrollment have faster pace, harder curriculum, and

higher standards.

Another positive change within our school is the rearrangement of our classrooms. As of this year, the classrooms have been moved around, and the eighth

grade has the majority of their classes in just one hallway. Not only have the classrooms been moved around to better suit the eighth graders, but we have also installed new carpeting in many of our classrooms. Compared to

the previous ones, these carpets are a big improvement.

The last difference that many of us notice this year is the new hall passes. Last year, at any given time,

many students were seen walking the halls without a pass or being excused. Since the passes have been introduced, it is noted that there has been a great decrease in the amount of people roaming around. With the knowledge

that hall monitors are able to more closely supervise anybody walking in the halls, most students now stay in their classes.

The changes that have been made this year have made a positive impact for GNA as a whole. In addition to the improvements that have been made this year, there

will be more to come in the next two years. New desks will be put in many of the classrooms, and all of the old lockers will be replaced with new ones. With these changes, our school will be greatly improved, giving `new ̀

a good meaning.

What’s New at GNA?By: Nick Capozzi

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Page 22: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP

Junior Leadership Wilkes-

Barre is a leadership program that

includes high school juniors. It

encourages students to develop

skills while learning how to be an

asset to their community. This

provides a great opportunity for our

students who take interest in this to

face challenges and recognize their

potential. Having five of our students

participate in this program shows

the drive and responsibility they

have to accept such a challenging yet

amazing offer.

According to www.leadershipwilkes-

barre.org, the program’s objectives

are to:

-Encourage students to recognize

their own potential and develop

their leadership skills.

-Acquaint students with community

needs, resources and other factors

that influence the direction of the

greater Wilkes-Barre area

-Provide opportunities for a diverse

group of students to interact with

each other and with community

leaders and decision-makers

-Foster students’ interest in

volunteer community service.

“The GNA Insider” sat down with

our current Junior Leadership

Wilkes-Barre representatives.

GNA MEMBERS

1. JANINE LEVANDOWSKI

2. LEANDRA RAMOS

3. MATHHEW WOJCIECHOWSKI

4. MEGAN KOCHER

5. EMILY ECKHART

By: Jordan Bavitz & Jordan Atherton

22

Page 23: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

Janine Levandowski

Why did you want to become a member of Junior Leadership?

I thought it would be a great way to meet new people outside of my school.

Knowing that Junior Leadership is a leadership organization, what leadership skill do you hope will come out of it?

I hope to learn how to overcome obstacles better than I do now.

What kind of activities do you hope to do?

I hope to do things that are more outdoors than indoor.

What new people do you hope to encounter?

I hope to encounter people that have the same interests as I do.

Do you hope to find new ways to interact with people?Yes, because I love to socialize.

What advice would you give to sophomores who are thinking of joining Junior Leadership?

I say give Junior Leadership a chance because, so far, I have met some amazing people and in the end, I’m sure that you will be glad you tried something new.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community?

I am hoping this program helps me to see the issues in my community so that I can help to resolve them.

How do you think you will make an impact on our school by being in this program?

I feel that I will be more comfortable doing different activities in school.

How do you think this will help prepare you for college?

It will help me become more comfortable taking on things that might become a little more challenging throughout this program.

How did Mrs. Makarczyk inspire you to become a member?

Mrs. Muench told me about this leadership program, but Mrs. Makarczyk got me to where I am today.

Leandra Ramos

Why did you want to become a member of Junior Leadership?

I wanted to become a member of Junior Leadership to gain insight from fellow school leaders and work with them on a project that will better our community.

Knowing that Junior Leadership is a leadership organization, what leadership skill do you hope will come out of it?

I hope that I will gain better knowledge of action planning and time management.

What kind of activities do you hope to do?

I hope to do more building activities.

What new people do you hope to encounter?

I hope to encounter student leaders from other schools.

Do you hope to find new ways to interact with people?Yes, and I feel that Junior Leadership will help me do that.

What advice would you give to sophomores who are thinking of joining Junior Leadership?I would tell them that if they have the desire and drive to become a leader that is involved in their community and is looked up by others, than Junior Leadership is something that will lead you in that direction.

How will junior leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community?

Junior leadership will teach me the skills necessary to become a more responsible and productive member of the community and let them work hands on to gain experience.

How do you think you will make an impact on our school by being in this program?

I will learn about different projects that could be held and run by students in our school and find ways to improve different things.

How do you think this will help prepare you for college?

In college, I will need important skills like time management and communication that Junior Leadership will teach me about.

How did Mrs. Makarczyk inspire you to become a member?

Mrs. Makarczyk told me about ways that Junior Leadership improves on student skills that they can take with them in life.

Emily Eckhart

Why did you want to become a member of Junior Leadership?

I wanted to become a member of Junior Leadership because I wanted to open myself up to more opportunities to better the environment and to meet people who share that same goal.

Knowing that Junior Leadership is a leadership organization, what leadership skill do you hope will come out of it?

I hope I will be better at working with people who I do not know on a personal level. For the community service project, you are in a group with 8 to 10 people and none of you go to the same school.

What kind of activities do you hope to do?We are doing community service projects and learning about how the projects effect the communities.

Junior Leadership

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Page 24: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

What new people do you hope to encounter?

I hope to encounter people who also want to help their community.

Do you hope to find new ways to interact with people?

Yes, it will be helpful throughout my entire life.

What advice would you give to sophomores who are thinking of joining Junior leadership?

I would say to go for it. It is so fun and you meet some awesome people.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community?It will get me out there into the community and I will meet people who I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to meet if I wasn’t in the program.

How do you think you make an impact on our school by being in this program?

Our school will be reflected in whatever community service project we decide to do.

How do you think this will help prepare you for college?

In college, if I am put in a situation where I need to do a group project with strangers, I will know how to handle it.

How did Mrs. Makarczyk inspire you to become a member?

She explained the program in depth and helped prepare us for the interview. I wasn’t as nervous and I did better because she prepped us. She also went over our applications and made sure they were near perfect.

Megan Kocher

Why did you want to become a member of Junior Leadership?

It is a great leadership program and it looks good on college applications.

Knowing that Junior Leadership is a leadership organization, what leadership skill do you hope will come out of it?

I hope to develop stronger leadership skills.

What kind of activities do you hope to do?

I hope to raise money for charity organizations.

What new people do you hope to encounter?

Strong leaders that will help me grow as a person.

Do you hope to find new ways to interact with people?

Yes, I hope to find many new ways to interact with people.

What advice would you give to sophomores who are thinking of joining Junior Leadership?

Answer their questions honestly because they respect that more than a rehearsed answer.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community?

It’s going to teach us skills to be better leaders.

How do you think you will make an impact on our school by being in this program?

We will all learn to be better leaders.

How do you think this will help you prepare for college?

It will help me learn to communicate better.

Matthew Wojciechowski

Why did you want to become a member of Junior Leadership?So I can help in bettering myself and to make our area a better place.

Knowing that Junior Leadership is a leadership organization, what leadership skills do you hope will come out of it?I hope to have the ability to solve problems and make executive decisions.

What kind of activities do you hope to do?I would like to raise money for charity organizations.

What new people do you hope to encounter?I hope to meet people that come from diverse cultures.

Do you hope to find new ways to interact with people?

I always hope to find new ways that involve interacting with people.

What advice would you give to sophomores who are thinking of joining Junior Leadership?

It is a great organization and you will learn a lot along with meeting great people.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community?

It is going to give me hands on experience within our area.

How do you think you will make an impact on our school by being in this program?

I will be leading by example as will everyone else from GNA in the program.

How do you think this will help prepare you for college?It is going to help me deal with all kinds of people and be able to make better decisions.

How did Mrs. Makarczyk inspire you to become a member?

Mrs. Makarczyk talked highly of Junior Leadership and told me about the benefits of the program.

Junior Leadership

24

Page 25: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

Recently, GNA students Tonya Vahey and Abbey Zegarski took part in The Music Box’s production of Footloose

the Musical. The show ran for three weekends. Seven out of the nine shows were completely sold out. In fact, they

were not originally supposed to perform for the third weekend, but it was added because the demand for tickets was so high.

Auditions for the show were

held in Swoyersville in the middle of July, and rehearsals started at the end of

the month. With opening night not very far away, the actors spent long hours in the theater perfecting their performance. It was exhausting, but all

of their hard work paid off. There’s no

greater reward than receiving a standing ovation at a sold out show.

Before they could enjoy performing the show, there was a lot of hard work to be done to make the show a reality. Auditions consisted of

one small monologue, and one full length song to show off their talent. Both Abbey and Tonya landed roles as

ensemble characters. Even though they did not have lead roles, these girls had

much more to prepare for, such as complicated dance numbers, heavy prop movements, and fast costume changes.

Their hard work and dedication showed in their performance, and it really made it a great show to watch.

The show originated in

February of 1984 and is so well known that there was no room for mistakes; this proved to be extremely nerve-

racking to the actors. Despite this fact, both Tonya and Abbey agree that it was an amazing feeling to see the audience

getting so involved and singing along with them. After many long hours of preparation, it was their time to take the stage. These girls cut loose during

their performances every weekend beginning on September 4th, and kicked off their Sunday shoes for their last

show on September 19th.

Although Abbey does not plan on becoming a professional actor, and

Tonya plans to study musical theater in college along with her other major, neuroscience, both plan to continue being a part of Music Box productions,

and will always hold acting, and their new life-long friends, close to their hearts.

Getting Involved in the CommunityBy: Andi Roberts & Tonya Vahey

25

Page 26: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

When Andrea Gyle was just 12 years old, she discovered something that changed her life forever: art. She describes it as being an “awakening experience,” and that “it felt like waking up from a long, drab dream.” That’s a lot coming from someone who’s only been practicing art for five years.

When I asked her if she plans on pursuing an art career in college, her eyes lit up, “Of course. I’d really like to go into graphic design or even become a photographer. For me, it’s really not about the money; I just want to be happy doing something I love.” This struck me; particularly because so many people choose a career based on dollar signs and not on passion. Speaking of passion, the three top artists that inspire her are Banksy, a famous New York street artist who illustrates the problems of society, Miss Van, a Barcelona based Baroque style graffiti artist, and Christopher McKenney, a surrealist photographer hailing from our very own Wilkes Barre.

Although she is inspired by these artists, that doesn’t mean they show up in her work. Her art is more cartoonish, focusing on characters. “A lot of the work I do is for my family, namely my brother and sister. They’re constantly asking me for paintings of Batman, Ninja Turtles, and any Disney movie.” Her love for her family shines through in her work, which can be seen in the detail she puts in to each piece of art.

For my final question I asked who she looks up to the most and her answer nearly brought tears to my eyes: “Mrs. Scatena is my role model. There’s no other person in this world, besides my family, that has inspired me and drove me to become who I am today. Honestly, I don’t think art would be as big a part of my life as it is, had it not been for her. If I go far in an art career, I will have her to thank.”

GNA’s Got TalentBy: Raven Fleetwood

26

Page 27: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

The oversized ovens, the stark

grey of the pans, and the faint smell of

pierogies in the air: these are all clear

signs of Mr. Figlerski’s Home Economics

room. Yet, although it isn’t widely known,

he wasn’t always a Home Ec. teacher. At

one point, Mr. Fig was the art teacher

before Mrs. Scatena.

When asked if art was a large

part of his life, he responded with a few

various statements. He delved into how

he traveled to several amazing locations,

traversing over Athens, Greece, New York

City, and Washington D.C. As a well-

traveled man, Mr. Fig has experienced a

plethora of the world’s art.

Inspiration early on in life is

important for everyone, and for Mr. Fig,

his inspirations were his former art

teachers who shaped him into a well-

versed artist of the craft. Because of these

teachers, Mr. Fig has found success in this

field. He has been a part of dozens of

different art organizations, even asking to

be a part of the artist residence in the

fine arts fiesta last year, and has drawn in

numerous newspapers and magazines in

his life. When asked about what makes

him so passionate about success in art he

answered with examples of the role art

had in his early life, “In Elementary

school, I drew Peanut comics and

characters from the Nintendo games. In

7th and 8th grade, I would pause the

Simpson’s episodes and draw from those

scenes. This gave me enough confidence

to even draw people’s portraits on

occasion once I entered my senior year.”

In the end, when asked if he

planned on going into an artistic field in

college, Mr. Fig exclaimed in response: “Is

that a joke? I have 33 master level credits

from the New York Academy of Art. I

have a Bachelor’s of science degree in Art

Education, an Associate’s in Commercial

Art and in Computer Graphics.”

GNA’s Got TalentBy: Raven Fleetwood

27

Page 28: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

♈Aries, the Ram: (March 21—

April 19) October 2015 will be an unstable, yet surprisingly positive time.

You will achieve your desired results, though you must work hard. Thanks to the position of Mars, the total energy provision will be by your side, meaning

you will have no weaknesses and a confident view of reality. One negative aspect that comes along with this,

though, is impatience. You may feel aggressiveness in both positive and negative ways, whether it is present in

something positive like work or in something negative like violence. To avoid this, try to be empathic and sensitive. That’s your trump card.

♉Taurus, the Bull: (April 20—

May 20) This month should be very calm and harmonious. Everything

should take its course with little effort, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. The position of your ruling planet,

Venus, makes October a fairly great time. Because of this, love is big this month. If you're single, somebody wants you, and if you’re not, your love life

should be bright, optimistic, sunny, and full of pleasure.

♊Gemini, the Twins: (May 21—

June 20) This month will not be the most stable of months. It may be very dramatic and stressful, but it won’t be terrible. The position of the planet

Mercury makes this month a bit difficult. Take things easy by avoiding large-scale projects and unnecessary

drama. The great thing about this month, though, is that it could be memorable and fruitful if you pay

attention to the little things in life. Appreciate what is going right in your life.

♋Cancer, the Crab: (June 21—

July 22) This October is full of incredible opportunities for you, but, to

achieve total happiness, you will have to work hard. Mars will be replacing the Moon, your ruling planet, for a bit. That may make you feel passionate and

aggressive. Use this as an advantage to get things done. Your trust should be limited. October is full of surprises, but

not every surprise is a good one. Don’t let this stop you, and remember to think before you speak.

♌Leo, the Lion: (July 23—

August 22) October 2015 will be your month! Due to the beneficial position of the Sun, October will flow

quite calmly without any serious conflicts. Be careful though, not everything that occurs this month will

be a blast. You should feel much more confident and prideful this month. Additionally, spending less time with

your friends and family will bring misfortune. Put yourself out there, smile, love, learn, and think.

♍Virgo, the Maiden: (August 23

—September 22) This month is going to be an energetic trend for you. October is a great month for you,

thanks to Mercury. You may feel full of ambition. You should focus on the bigger picture to accomplish your goals, so push yourself to be more out

there, but remember to be tranquil. Too much energy and ambition can be stressful. Another thing to keep in mind

is that you may feel very emotional and sensitive, but it can still a good thing, depending on your mindset. Be calm

and open-minded; emotions are a blessing.

♎Libra, the Scales: (September

23—October 22) October is your month, literally. It’s going to be a

harmonious and balanced time. Value the little things, pay extra attention, get out there, and listen. Venus is going to make this month extra emotional, so

remember to take a break. Much of what will happen this month will be the natural result of your previous actions,

whether they are positive or negative. Being optimistic is critical for these kinds of situations.

♏Scorpio, the Scorpion:

(October 23—November 21) Scorpio’s horoscope will largely imitate Libra’s, except for the emotional

aspect. Appreciate what life throws at you and remember that putting in time and effort is critical. This month should

be great, bountiful, in fact; unless, of course, you have some seriously bad karma. If you feel belligerent, distract yourself and try to focus on something

else. Negativity is something that you don’t need on your shoulders.

♐Sagittarius, the Archer:

(November 22—December 21) Now will be one of those times where it could be beneficial, and full of happiness and surprises, or it can be the

complete opposite. Go with your head, not with your heart. If you’re second guessing yourself, or you know that

something (or someone) isn’t good for you, then you should stick with your gut. You’re like an arrow, so shoot

straight like one. Don’t let anything stray you away. Being happy is key.

Continued on page 35

Horoscope By: Thomas Brown

28

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE HALLS

Why do you think it’s important

to display school spirit?

Madelyn Grilz, (10th Grade): It shows

that you care about your school and that

you have a lot of pride for it also.

What is your favorite event

during spirit week and why?

Riley Klepadlo, (11th Grade): I love

attending the bonfire the day before the

game; it is great seeing all the students of

all ages come together. Seeing everyone

getting along as a whole and having fun is

amazing.

Why do you think it’s important

to attend school events?

Morgan Briggs: (11th Grade) You have to

show support for your school and your

community. You should go to school

events to show that you’re proud of

where you go to school. You should be

proud to be a Nanticoke Trojan.

If there was anything that you

could have improved upon for

the homecoming celebration,

what would it be and why?

Samantha Russin, (12th Grade): I feel that

there should be more people involved in

the entire week for the celebration of

Homecoming. We should also include a

lot more seniors, and maybe even other

grades.

What is your favorite spirit week

day and why?

Lindsay Wiaterowski, (11th grade): I like

the class color day the best because we

all come together as a school and show

off our school spirit for the spirit games.

If you could bring back any spirit

week day, what would it be and

why?

Lizzie Colemire, (12th Grade): Crazy hair

day because it’s really easy to do, and a lot

of fun!

Should we have a homecoming

king and why?

Jacob Havey, (12th Grade): Yes, I think we

should give guys a chance to make the

homecoming court. We should definitely

try having a male court along with the

female one.

If you could take anyone to the

homecoming, dead or alive, who

would it be?

Matt Wright, (12th Grade): I would take

Adam Lambert to the homecoming dance

because I love him and his hair. I have

always been a huge fan of his; I even voted

for him on American Idol and I have a CD

signed by him. If Adam and I went to the

dance, we would definitely slow dance

together because we have an emotional

bond.

By: Sam Labenski, Alyssia Stavetski, & Sam Vino

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(Time to Rise against the Judgments)

Bullying: Repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt another individual, whether it’s physically, mentally, or

emotionally.

Cyberbullying: The act of harassing someone online by sending or posting humiliating messages.

In today’s day and age there are many ways to bully

and judge others; from their clothes, skin tone, height or sexuality/beliefs. It doesn’t take much to bully or harass someone: one comment, one post, one rumor. All of these

things can really hurt and affect a person. You yourself may have been bullied at one time but you are certainly not alone. Many others have been bullied throughout all of history but here’s

how you can end the madness: violence is never the answer to confronting your bully. Not everyone is open about their home life or insecurities so when you say things or hurt them the damage might be much more severe than you think.

If you’re a witness to bullying and do nothing to try to stop it, you are in the wrong as well. (Sometimes silence is violent) The best thing to do if you notice bullying in action, whether online

or in person is to go get help. If you’re a bystander witnessing an act of bullying occur then don’t stay silent. Immediately seek out the nearest adult for help and if you can’t find one fast

enough, help your friend or the victim by telling the aggressor

to “Go away” or “Leave him/her alone.” You could even grab your friend away from the scene and check to see if they are alright and if they need help. Never hide the fact that you’ve

been bullied because you feel unsafe thinking your bully will harass you more; always speak up. If you tell an adult and they don’t do enough to end the issue, and the aggressive behavior continues get a teacher, the principal, or even ask for a meeting

to be set with the parents of the person who is bothering you.

Some statistics show that in a trial out of 2,001 teenagers, a shocking 37% have been bullied and did not report

the incident. When examining all of the data it has been shown that the number of bullying cases reported or prosecuted have increased greatly. These numbers only show a fraction of what’s

going on in American Society today. It all may sound like something your parents would say, but if you’re getting bullied, find the nearest adult, or tell your parents, but never stay quiet. Resilience is the key!

The Battle Against Bullying

By: Francisco Blanco & Jade Bogdanovich

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Page 31: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

What makes a team a family?

Like any family, athletic teams are made up of members with different personalities, different viewpoints, and different

strengths. Although this can be a challenge, with distinct family values, these differences can make any family or any team stronger.

It’s all about the chemistry. It’s about how the team fits

together like the pieces of a puzzle. Team chemistry is one of the most complicated but at the same time, most important keys to success. Effective teams are much more than a group

of talented players. To be effective, a team has to be able to combine the determination and abilities of each player and make it into one.

This is exactly how the 2015 Nanticoke Trojanettes won the District-2 title against Berwick back in May. “The chemistry of this team ranks as one of the best I’ve experienced throughout my athletic career. Every player is

different and unique but at the same time, willing to play their game for the betterment of the team,” says Ryan Stetz, head coach of the Nanticoke softball team. This was his first district

title as a head coach. "I felt so happy and proud for not only the players, but for the coaches, fans, and the player's families. Just knowing how much it meant to them was special. Winning

itself wasn't the best, but it allowed for some great games and road trips that were truly memoriable and a total blast," Stetz explained to me.

Mid-April wasn’t just the beginning of the season, it was

also the commencement of a long and formidable journey to states. With an outstanding record of 20-6, the Trojanettes faced many nerve-wracking games throughout the season;

some they lost and some they came out with the win.

Although facing some tough losses, the girls managed to get stronger as the season went on. "Everything we do, we do it

together. We win together and we lose together," says one of

Nanticoke's pitchers, Miranda Bohn, a freshman at the time. "If one person isn't having a good game, the rest of the team is there to pick them up.” Bohn says that the key to a good team

relationship is being able to pick each other up when someone is down.

One can say that the tough losses that the Trojanettes encountered prepared them for the big games. After an

overwhelming 4-3 loss against Wyoming Area after nine innings during the conference championship game, the team was more than prepared for the district championship game

later on in the season. But - they had to make it there first.

Despite the enormous amount of support the parents and fans had to offer, some doubted the team the whole way. "A

lot of people didn't think we would even make it past the first district playoff game. But we got to show them what we're capable of and prove them wrong," says now senior short-stop, Rachel Roccograndi.

And that they did. Nanticoke was victorious against Berwick in the championship game for the District-2 title with a 6-1 win. It was the team's first district championship title

since 2012. "It was an awesome experience to be a part of," says Nanticoke's second basemen, Cassie Novakowski. "There are only a few teams who can say they had the experience of

winning districts.” Throughout the district playoffs, the Trojanettes outscored their opponents 32-3.

The victory brought the team one step closer to the state championship game.

Although falling short in the semi-finals, Nanticoke found itself at the heart of many of the biggest moments in Wyoming Valley Conference Softball throughout the whole season. At

every turn, losing a nine-inning conference championship but finding redemption in winning a district title and two state playoff games, the team stayed positive through it all.

Trojanettes Make Nanticoke Proud

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GNA Softball District II Champs2014-2015

(continued from previous page)

With the success of last year's team, there is no doubt that there is going to

be some high expectations for 2016's team. Despite the expectation to once again win districts and possibly even states, Bohn, Roccograndi, and Novakowski all agree that the team just needs to focus on working together and take it one game at a time.

I got to experience Nanticoke's magnificent journey first-hand. It was a life changing experience to be a part of and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to share it with. Winning districts and coming third in states was definitely a

blessing, but it was the chemistry of the team that made the biggest impact on me. We became inseparable in such a short period of time and by the end of the season we were a family.

So what makes a team a family?

Chemistry.

"Even if you've had the game of your life, it's the teamwork that you'll remember. You'll forget about the plays, the hits, and the scores, but you'll never forget the

teammates that became your family." – Deborah Palmore

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By: Sarah Benscoter

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...evident whether good or bad, and roaming our hallways. Ambition in the hours and hours swept away within scribbled handwriting and take home-papers littering our

floors like fallen leaves. In the closely-watched fluctuation of GPAs, in the time spent in the fluorescent glow of the computer screen in the dead hours of night, and in the days spent volunteering and servicing the community in

order to fill up the blank white pages of a college application. Ambition in the slick swipe of the ball rolling against the palm of your hand, in the back and forth of

running laps as the pounding of dozens of feet echo in your ears, in the score clock of the game while it counts down to either your demise or victory, and in the huddle

with your teammates, your breaths intermingling as you make one last effort to place the Trojan name upon the highest pedestal.

Respect, perhaps the most important, cannot

even be defined into a single category. Maybe it is only self-respect you have learned during your high school career. The ability to walk away from meaningless

opinions, and to leave behind confrontations, being able to turn away from those who drag you down into the darkened depths with their sneering words and whispered

comments. The common sense to dress as you feel comfortable, whether bold or reserved, and to push yourself physically and mentally in an effort to put yourself into a prospective future position, continuing to strive

further and further until you swear you can fly. A respect for who you are now, and who you will one day be. Or, on the other hand, perhaps you have acquired a respect for

others. The ability to encourage rather than criticize, to stand alongside someone as a friend, and to accept other people’s opinions and feelings for what they are. To be

someone whom you yourself wouldn’t mind having around.

Pride and Spirit go hand in hand; they’re in the wave of red, white, and blue, swirling together as fiercely

as the waves of the ocean, in the bleachers of the stadium, the shouts of hundreds of voices intermingling together as the pounding of student feet reverberate

around like a rumbling earthquake. They’re in the honking

of morning parades as waving teens and blaring music slowly awaken the sleeping city of Nanticoke to the early morning sun. They’re in the week that we dedicate

completely to our team, in the dress down, the football games, and in the dance. And they’re in the masses of bodies racing down to the floor of the gym, churning together as the weightless are lifted up upon the

shoulders of the crowd and voices rise in unison. “I believe that we will win! I believe that we will win!” They’re in the hallways, they’re in the classrooms, and they’re in us.

And lastly, there’s determination, silently residing below the surface as resilient as sharpened steel. It shows itself in the most unanticipated of ways and tacitly

intervenes when least expected. It’s in the dozens of hands placing up banners upon the stark beige walls, decorating the school in phrases of encouragement and pride. It’s in the trumpeting of the band as red, white, and blue whirl

through the wind on the shoulders of the color-guard like a Trojan hurricane. It’s in the lap after lap of the sports teams, the churning of breath on the field and in the gym,

bringing a rosy color to the cheeks and beads of sweat on the brow. And it’s in the endless nights in front of the incandescent light of the computer screen as our papers

pile up and our eyelids droop from exhaustion.

Ambition, Respect, Pride, Spirit, Determination - they’re all there, though we might not always see them. Without these essential qualities, we wouldn’t be the

Trojans we are today. But, because of our time in this school, roaming these hallways, we will all continue to keep these merits in our hearts and in our heads. During

the rest of our lives they will guide us, creating for us a smooth path on which to walk. For once we become a Trojan, in the end, we will always continue to be one. So,

now in thanks, we salute you GNA, and we’ll cherish you through all our days.

Continued from Cover

By: Maia Britton

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FASHION ADVICE

  As  the  summer  heat  gives  way  to  the  cold  chill  of  fall,  our  fashion  is  changing.  We  are  swapping  out  our  shorts  for  jeans  and  our  t-­‐shirts  for  hoodies.  Here  are  some  of  the  go-­‐to  fashion  items  of  the  month:

• Long/Oversized  sweaters

• Flannel  and  jean  buDon-­‐downs

• Hoodies

• Combat/Riding  boots

• Dark-­‐wash  skinny  jeans

• Neutral  colored  leggings

In-­‐Season  Colors:

Red,  Maroon,  Gray,  Brown,  Beige,  Black

Trends:

• Include  a  pop  of  color  in  your  neutral  ouNit.

• Pair  your  dark  ouNits  with  beige  shoes  and  a  gold  bracelet  or  necklace.

• Play  around  with  scarves  and  other  accessories.  

GNA Fashion By: Tonya Vahey

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Page 35: 2015 THE GNA INSIDER · department, the seniors of GNA led a long, loud, and excited pathway of decorated cars through Nanticoke. The parade consisted of over half of the senior class,

Story of the Month:

How Heavy is the Glass of Water?

“A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed - incapable of doing anything.

Remember to put the glass down.” (Chris, Web).

Horoscopes (cont.)♑Capricorn, the Sea Goat:

(December 22—January 19) You will face a mass of different situations, some may be less obvious compared to others. Some will great, others, not so much, but that’s okay because Saturn will influence you to work hard. You have goals that need to be accomplished, so don’t let laziness and other people prevent you from getting what you want. Focusing on the bigger picture will bring you success, but only if you put in the effort. Dissonance is preventable, and, if you find yourself in a bad situation, power through.

♒Aquarius, the Water-Bearer:

(January 20—February 18) A lot of

amazing events are taking place in October 2015, so try to be a part of them. Ambition is big for you, Aquarians, so this will be your month. If you want to be an important part of something or you want to accomplish something big, don’t be afraid to take them. October will also be full of love, so if you’re not putting yourself out there, then you need to check yourself. Don’t fear the unknown, and live for the now, not the future.

♓Pieces, the Fishes: (February 19—

March 20) Pay attention to your loved ones; being a supporter is sometimes better than being supported. People may come to you with their problems a lot in this time, so try not judge their problems, even if they are a bit ridiculous. This month will be full of great experiences, so make memories with the people who are most important to you. Do what you think is right and put yourself out there because great opportunities are on their way.

Meet the Queen: Cont. from page 6Her biggest role model is her older brother, Deric, whom she describes as, “the best big brother anyone could have.” She mentions that “he pushes me to the best I could be and he keeps me in line. In my eyes he is literally perfect. I wish I was half the person he is. He has the brains, the amazing personality, he’s athletic, has a big heart, and looks for the best in people.” Although the court is an honor, there are many responsibilities that come along with being involved in it. Amber believes they represent our school, and should set the example of what a true GNA Trojan student should be. She claims, “We had a lot to get done within a certain amount of time. That was pretty tough with our schedules but we still enjoyed every minute of it.”

NASA from pg. 15 Never stop improving. Be respectful of others, no matter how you feel about them, or how they feel about you... Be respectful.

You will eventually fail (many times)… suck it up, learn from your mistakes, and get back to it.”

In high school/college did you participate in any sports or activities?

“Yes. For sports, I played football and I wrestled. For other activities, I started a Best Buddies chapter at GNA, was class Vice President and wrote for the school newspaper.”

Why do you feel it is important to become involved in extracurricular activities?

“It diversifies your portfolio when applying to colleges, broadens your skillset, helps you meet new people and allows you to explore new interests.”

What was your favorite subject in high school? College?

“In high school it was Physics & math... Not surprising for an engineer. In college, my favorite undergrad course was Orbital Mechanics, and my favorite grad course was Entry, Descent and Landing.”

Who as your most inspirational teacher in high school?

“Mr. Fleury and Mr. Carey (Sr.)”

What is your fondest memory of GNA?

“Competing in football games and wrestling meets. I also loved spending time with my friends and enjoying my senior year.”

Upon graduating did you find yourself questioning your college and career goals? If so, how did you overcome your doubt?

“I spent a lot of effort early to avoid this situation later on, so, fortunately, I wasn’t in this position. This is very common though and although it’s important to be on the right path, you typically don’t need to know your specific major until your second or third year.”

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2015-2016 JOURNALISM

SPECIAL THANKS

MR. CIPRIANI

MR. KUBASEK

DR. GREVERA

MR. SPEECE

MR. ZUBRITSKI

MR. VERAZIN

MR. FIGLERSKI

MR. STETZ

MR. MCDERMOTT

Standing:    Thomas  Brown;  Maia  BriDon-­‐Singleton;  MaDhew  Wright;    Morgan  Mislitski;  Raven  Fleetwood;  Tonya  Vahey;    Kari  Radginski;  Kevin  Osmanski;  Samantha  Vino;  Samantha  Labenski;  Mr.  Carey.

Seated:  Jordan  Bavitz;  Miranda  Gola;  Andi  Roberts;  Jade  Bogdanovich;  Lily  Young;  Juliana  Waclawski;  Sarah  Benscoter;  Emily  Eckhart;  Lindsay  Wiaterowski;  Jordan  Atherton.  

Missing  from  the  picture:  Keri  Lushefski;  Kaitlyn  Corkell;  Francisco  Blanco;  Alyssia  Stavetski;  Nicholas  Capozzi.

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