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GNA INSIDER 1

The GNA Insider

GNA Presents: Shrek!by: Lily Ann Young

Earlier this week, I was frolicking down the hall and found that my ears were filled with the sound of Smash Mouth’s “I’m a Believer,” which was reverberating from the auditorium speakers. I peered inside and to my astonishment, I observed a big green ogre, or wait, no it was Evan Saunders!

As if you haven’t seen the enormous banner in the main hall, Shrek is coming to GNA! That’s right! Our high school is paying tribute to arguably one of the greatest Dream Works films of the 21st century! We all remember falling in love with this animated film way back in 2001. I believe I would be correct in saying that we can all recall laughing hysterically at a goofy donkey and an ogre that is like an onion.

On March 7th and 8th at 7:30PM we will all have the opportunity to appreciate the spin this play will put on one of our most beloved childhood movies. We can reminisce about our childhood while, at the same time, enjoying the humor portrayed by Samantha Labenski, Andi Roberts, Evan Saunders, and numerous other GNA students taking part in this production.

Tonya Hill has said that “Cast members always grow together. We become a family.” When speaking with a few other cast members, they all agreed enthusiastically. I saw this unity in action while attending a rehearsal. I witnessed the cast working together in unison to create undeniable magic.When interviewing Evan Saunders(A.K.A. Shrek), he admitted that the hardest part of the role was getting into a character who was not human. According to Saunders, the play is a humorous tale with the underlying motif of embracing the person you are, no matter how crazy that person may be. When asked for an inspirational quote he responded: “If they want inspirational quotes, they should come see the play.”

Humor! Music! Inspiration! What better way to spend an evening? Don’t be an ogre! Go enjoy the brilliance that is Shrek: The Musical! It all commences on March 7th and 8th at 7:30PM in the high school auditorium.

Where Are They Now?The GNA Insider interviewed successful GNA alum Lynette Paczkowski and Michael Height. Read the article to find out what they have accomplished and how they continue to make GNA proud! Page 3

GNA Students Making a Difference!GNA students make a DIFFERENCE with their senior projects. Page 8

Nanticoke Sends FIVE Students to Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre!The GNA Insider sat down with the members of this year’s Junior Leadership program.Page 5

Student-Athlete PageGet to know GNA’s Student-Athletes Heidi Kile, Michael

Malshefski, Lily Young and Jack Bova.Page 9

The Jared Box ProjectThe GNA Insider interviewed 5th grade teacher Ms. Yefko about her quest to help children all over the world who have been stricken with life-threatening diseases. Page 13

Student ArticlesTake a look at what inspires some of our students at GNA.Page 14

What’s Inside: Volume 1 Issue 5

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Holiday Drive 2013

by: Alyssa Petroski

What’s the one thing better than receiving? Giving. The 2013 Holiday drive focused on the idea of helping those who cannot afford many of the things we take for granted during the holiday season. My fellow student council officers and I felt that a holiday toy drive would not only benefit the less fortunate of the community, but also the students here at GNA.

For over 25 years, the Holiday drive held here at GNA has been successful. The student

council, a student-run organization aimed at giving back to the school and community, decided to

spearhead the dive this year. We soon realized it would be no easy feat. We then called upon our fellow student leaders: the senior class officers and the 2014 Homecoming court. Each

group, the student council, the senior class officers, and the Homecoming court, would head their own fundraising event.

The student council took a risk and tried something never before done at GNA: a student auction. Students and teachers who auctioned themselves off had to perform a guaranteed

task for the winning bidder. The auction raised over $1,400 for the holiday drive, thanks to the many generous bidders. The senior class officers raised $2,700 through selling hooded sweatshirts and long sleeved tee shirts in a variety of colors. The homecoming court sold candy cane grams to raise money and spread some holiday cheer amongst students. An anonymous donor donated hundreds of toys that were distributed to families with younger children. Families also received gift certificates for local grocery stores to purchase food for holiday dinners.

Holiday Drive 2013

Pictured are many of the gifts that where donated during the 2013 GNA Holiday Drive

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by: Samantha Russin

Lynette Paczkowski is a 1997 graduate of Greater Nanticoke Area High School. Today she is a successful trial attorney and Senior Associate at Bowditch & Dewey LLP. She is the founder and president of the Young Professionals Women’s Association. This association gives women the opportunity to share their voice on issues relating to the region’s strengths. Paczkowski is on the Community Legal Aid Access to Justice Campaign Committee, and co-chair of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Worcester County Bar Association. In the courtroom, Lynette helps businesses avoid lawsuits, while advising them on the strengths and weaknesses of their defenses to a lawsuit. She appears in state and federal courts and conducts bench and jury trials. She also represents clients in mediations and arbitrations.

The GNA Insider had the opportunity to ask Lynette a few questions:

What are your fondest memories of GNA?

Waiting for that first spring day when it was finally warm enough to get outside for softball practice; Fridays in Prob & Stat; friends, classes, sports, and everything else I probably took for granted at the time!

What extracurricular activities were you involved in at GNA? How did this participation help prepare you for your life after high school?

I played volleyball and softball, managed the boys' basketball team, and was editor of the yearbook and a member of the Honor Society. My participation in extracurriculars helped shape my work ethic and my time management and multi-tasking skills. Being involved with team sports also instilled in me a sense of dedication and loyalty to my teammates, as well as an understanding both that other people depend on you and that it's

ok to rely on others to pick you up when you're having a bad day.

If a student asks you, "why should I consider Notre Dame," how would you respond? What does it mean to have a degree from the University of Notre Dame?

Notre Dame was perfect for me. It offered classes that were both interesting and challenging; extracurricular, service/volunteer, and study abroad opportunities; a beautiful campus; and an alumni network that is second to none. It was also a place where your success was not someone else's failure; it was all about challenging yourself to be and do your best and wanting that same success for those around you. (Continued on page 7 )

Lynette Paczkowski: GNA’97Notre Dame Class of 2001; Boston College Law School Class of 2004

— Featured in WBJournal: “2012 40 Under Forty”

photo: universityadmissionsguide.com

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by: Samantha Russin

Have you ever imagined living the dream in the city that never sleeps? Michael Height, a Greater Nanticoke Area High School graduate, has achieved this very dream. Michael has traveled around the world on tour with The Lion King and Mary Poppins Broadway groups. Not only did Height attend the prestigious New York University Tisch School of the Arts, he also studied abroad in London in 2004, where he graduated with honors. After college, he began working with an Off-Broadway production, which eventually led him to work for The Walt Disney Company. Height has worked as the production assistant of The Lion King Worldwide and as assistant company manager for The Lion King on Broadway, resulting in him becoming the associate company manager for The Lion King and Mary Poppins North

American Tours. Today Michael Height is the general manager for the Disney Theatrical Group. Holding this position, he oversees all current and upcoming productions of The Lion King and Mary Poppins musicals. This includes the launch of the productions in Sao Paulo and Sydney. Height has supervised 10 productions of The Lion King from North America all the way to Germany, Spain and Brazil. Graduating from our high school began Michael’s journey into success.

What are your fondest memories of GNA?

My fondest moments were the events where individual people’s differences melted away, and the focus was on celebrating ourselves as a whole school. What stands out in my mind most are the school dances and the all-school assemblies, such as Halloween or the Talent Show. In those moments, the day-

to-day squabbles we all had with each other disappeared. What we were left with was a celebration of just how incredible we were as a group.

What extracurricular activities were you involved in at GNA? How did this participation help prepare you for your life after high school?

I was involved in the Student Council, the Chorus, the Theatre Department and the Television Studio. Participating in these groups prepared me tremendously for life after high school. The most important things I learned were to stay organized and to keep your promises.

As a student, what role has the arts played in your overall character development?

The arts have played a tremendous role in my overall character development. (Continued on page 7)

Michael Height: GNA’01 New York University Class of 2005; Columbia University Class of 2015

Company Manager and Associate Manager: The Lion King and Mary Poppins: The Walt Disney Company

©Disney

Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney Photo: Joan Marcus; ©Disney

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2014 Junior Leadership Wilkes-BarreGNA sends FIVE students to Junior Leadership.

Junior Leadershipby: Macey Pudlosky

Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre has been involving local students in numerous quality leadership activities since 1987. The program has vastly expanded since its creation and today is one of the most well-known and respected leadership workshops in the entire area. Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre is a program designed for students who are interested in furthering their leadership capabilities. It is a platform that enables potential leaders to develop their skills and to interact with the community. It offers students the opportunity to attend seminars, develop teambuilding skills, discuss media, human services, government, diversity, the justice system, citizenship and various other community issues.

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.

Katie Sherman:What motivated you to want to be a part of Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? I wanted to learn how to better myself and our community.

What have you enjoyed most about Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? What I have enjoyed most about JLWB is the knowledge I have gained about our area and the great possibilities we have here.

What were some of the most memorable activities/events at

Junior Leadership? The event that I liked the most so far was our first event at Kirby Park. I had fun figuring out how to approach the intellectual challenges as a team and getting to meet everyone.

If a student is contemplating whether or not to join Junior Leadership, what advice would you give them based on your experiences in the program? I would tell them to go for it. The programs are only once a month so it isn’t a huge commitment.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community? It has given me a great awareness of what we have and what we need in our community. With that awareness, the program has also given me experience as to what I need to do to aid in helping our community.

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Alicia KotzWhat motivated you to want to be a part of Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? When I learned about the opportunity, I just couldn’t pass it up; it’s such a great opportunity. I think that motivated me along with knowing that the skills I learn, I can use for the rest of my life.

What have you enjoyed most about Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? I have enjoyed getting to know a great group of students my age from all around the valley.

What were some of the most memorable activities/events at Junior Leadership? I think the most memorable activity from Junior Leadership was orientation; I didn’t just meet new students, we all got to interact with each other while participating in fun activities.

If a student is contemplating whether or not to join Junior Leadership, what advice would you give them based on your experiences in the program? I would tell them to definitely do it! You get to meet great kids, great people from all aspects of the valley, while getting great leadership skills and learning all about this area.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community? Junior Leadership has already taught me a lot about how to be a more responsible and productive member of the community; from learning about different types of attitudes and people to proper dining. Everything I’ve learned and everything I will learn will help me to be more successful and more professional, not just in job offers and colleges, but in everyday life.

Adam Ferrucci What motivated you to want to be a part of Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? My sister had been in the class two years prior to me and she had always spoken fondly of her experiences. I wanted to chance my leadership capabilities, hoped to make connections, and meet more like-minded people.

What have you enjoyed most about Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? I have really enjoyed most aspects of the program. I think that meeting with local professionals, educators, and students who share a similar desire for our area to thrive is really interesting and encouraging.

What were some of the most memorable activities/events at Junior Leadership? Our first meeting at Kirby Park was possibly my favorite event. We did many activities to “break the ice.” We got to know everyone and learned the many aspects of working as a team.

If a student is contemplating whether or not to join Junior Leadership, what advice would you give them based on your experiences in the program? If you are even slightly interested, give it a shot. This is a program to encourage you to try new things, do what you feel is right, and to mold your leadership capabilities.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community? Junior Leadership is almost entirely focused on community growth and involvement. I’m learning the value of networking, volunteering, and maintain the area. I’ve also been exposed to more of what our great community has to offer.

Tina OverwiseWhat motivated you to want to be a part of Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? I really wanted to be involved in the community and have a chance to help others. I knew that Junior Leadership would provide me with the opportunity.

What have you enjoyed most about Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? I mostly enjoyed meeting all the new people involved in the program.

What were some of the most memorable activities/events at Junior Leadership? The most memorable event was the team bonding we did at the first meeting at Kirby Park.

If a student is contemplating whether or not to join Junior Leadership, what advice would you give them based on your experiences in the program? Do it! It is such a great opportunity and a good experience.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community? Junior Leadership gives you the opportunity to become an active member of the community and allows you to do something good with your peers.

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K I L E Y B A R T U S E K

What motivated you to want to be a part of Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? I wanted to make a difference in the community.

What have you enjoyed most about Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre? Meeting new people.

What were some of the most memorable activities/events at Junior Leadership? When the old guy at the nursing home told us that he wanted a good looking girl to work with.

If a student is contemplating whether or not to join Junior Leadership, what advice would you give them based on your experiences in the program? I would tell them to join because it’s a great experience.

How will Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre help you to become a more responsible and productive member of the community? It will help me become a more responsible and productive member of the community because it has taught me how to get involved and how to volunteer.

Lynette Paczkowski: (Continued from page 3)I am proud of my degree and the academic accomplishments and commitment to service to others that it represents.

Why did you choose to attend Boston College Law School?

Growing up in Nanticoke and attending college in the Midwest at a very "campus-centered" school, I knew that I wanted to be in a city for law school. When I visited the school, I met faculty and students who described a supportive "family" atmosphere similar to what I was used to at Notre Dame, and it felt like it would be a good fit.

What achievements are you most proud of and why?

In 2012, I was named one of the Worcester Business Journal's "40 Under 40," and this year was named by GoLocal Worcester as one of the "14 to Watch in 2014." Both of these honors mean a lot to me because they are recognition for and validation of everything I have done personally and professionally in this community since moving to Worcester, a city in which I knew no one, in 2005.

What are your future aspirations?

I plan to make partner at my firm and travel more!

What do you consider most rewarding about your career?

I don't kid myself. As a litigator, a client is usually only calling because there is a problem. So, when I get a good result for the client and can see him breathe a sigh of relief or hear her say, "thank you," it's pretty gratifying.

What advice can you offer to current GNA students?

Don't underestimate yourself. I think it was Wayne Gretzky who said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Believe in yourself and take that shot; you just may make it after all.

Michael Height:(Continued from page 4)For me, the most important thing that the arts provide is the chance to get inside another person’s head. Whether you are acting onstage, playing a symphony, or dancing someone else’s choreography, you learn to appreciate someone else’s thoughts and perspective. If you’re lucky, that perspective will surprise you. It might even change the way you think about the world.

Why did you choose to attend New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts? How has it helped prepare you for your career?

I left GNA knowing that I wanted a career in the theatre. For that type of work, there were (and still are) only two places in the world to go where it is a major part of the culture: New York City and London. Since I thought London was very far away, I chose New York.

I looked at the major schools there, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts had an incredible program that focused on teaching whole theatre artists. We had to learn about not just acting, but directing, design, and management.

NYU helped prepare me for my career in ways both small and large. I learned small things like how to navigate a city as big as New York and how to network at a party. It also helped me in large ways, such as creating a network of friends and colleagues who I would come to work with for years after graduation.

In 2015, you will be graduating from Columbia University with a Masters of Business Administration. How will you use this degree to help further your career?

There have been two parts of this degree that I think will help further my career the most: management training and strategy formulation. Before attending graduate school, I’d held a variety of different jobs that required managing large groups of people. For the most part I had succeeded based solely on luck. Now I am learning the actual tools to help the people and projects that I manage reach their fullest potential.

Business strategy formulation will also help me tremendously to further my career. It’s been huge for me to understand that all business plans require tradeoffs. There will always be pluses and minuses. The best strategy is one that creates as many pluses as possible and lessens risk for the minuses.

What achievements are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of the things that were the hardest to do. One of the proudest parts of my life is the three years that I spent on tour with Disney Theatrical on The Lion King and Mary Poppins. I worked very, very hard. I managed over 120 people with very different needs and personalities. The days were long (sometimes over 18 hours) and the work was exhausting. At the end of the day, I would stand in the back of the theatre. When the audience jumped to their feet for a standing ovation, it all felt worth it.

What are your future aspirations?

I aspire to continue to create shows and tell stories that move people.

What advice can you offer to the current students at GNA?

My best advice is something that I learned recently at Grad School: all of life is strategy. You will always have to make choices. Some will be easy and some will be hard. But a good strategy involves realizing that every choice means you have to give up other things. Saying “yes” to one thing requires saying “no” to many other things. Be certain that the things you say “yes” to are valuable enough that you don’t mind saying “no” all of the rest of the time.

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by: Macey Pudlosky

Two years ago, former Nanticoke football player Christian Stevenson initiated a tradition of raising money for cancer relief. Continuing his legacy, four current seniors have raised a record-breaking amount of money for cancer relief as their senior project. With their “Rush for the Cure” slogan, Frank Marcinkowski, Joe Shimko, Tyler Meyers and Brad Yanus have raised an astonishing $9,181! The amount of money that was raised by these students exceeded all expectations and, as a result of this project, cancer patients will be assisted with the payment of their prescriptions and nutritional supplements.

The GNA Insider sat down with Frank Macinkowski, Joe Shimko, Tyler Meyers and Brad Yanus.

For some students, completing their senior project is a menial task. You however, went above and beyond all expectations. What made you pursue this fundraiser for your senior project?

Marcinkowski: It’s a tradition for football players to do the “Pink Out” game. For us, we really dedicated ourselves and put

a lot of hard work into making this a very successful project.

Meyers: It was a traditional fundraiser for football players, but with four people and a lot of hard work, we were able to make

a big difference.

Yanus: I believe we were looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

What was the most rewarding experience that you encountered during the project?

Marcinkowski: The most rewarding experience is knowing that we helped a lot of people.

Meyers: The most rewarding experience was getting the big check and helping

people in need and knowing we made a difference in their lives.

Yanus: The most rewarding experience was being able to hand the Medical Oncology fund a $9,000 check.

What advice would you give other students who are looking to make a difference in the lives of others for their senior project?

Marcinkowski: Dedicate yourself, work with others, and get more people around you involved.

Shimko: Work hard and advertise it.

Meyers: Get the community involved, and spread the word

about the difference you are trying to make.

GNA Students Making A Differencetimesleader.com

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Student-Athlete : Heidi Kile

Who has been most inspirational to your successes and why?

My mom, she’s my number one fan.

What is your favorite subject?

English

What sports do you play?

Basketball

What is your favorite sport?

Basketball

What is your favorite part about playing sports at GNA?

The atmosphere, fans, players, and the coaches

Why do you think athletics are an important part of high school?

I think athletics are important because they keep you in shape and create life lasting friendships.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Graduated from Penn State, with a family, and a successful career.

courtesy of Denise Thomas

courtesy of Denise Thomas

by: Samantha Garvey

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Student-Athlete: Michael Malshefski

Who has been most inspirational to your successes and why?

My family for continuous support and guidance

What is your favorite subject?

History

What sports do you play?

Basketball, Golf, and Baseball

What is your favorite sport?

Basketball

What is your favorite part about playing sports at GNA?

Nanticoke Pride

Why do you think athletics are an important part of high school?

It teaches you discipline and responsibility

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m very outdoorsy and love to fish and hunt.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully I’ll have a successful job and be starting a family

by: Samantha Garvey

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Student-Athlete: Lily Young

Who has been most inspirational to your successes and why?

I was not inspired to join the sport, however my coach (Dan Burkholder) has been terrific in training me and pushing me to succeed

What is your favorite subject?

My favorite subject is Spanish. I have always been interested in learning about other cultures, and what better way than to learn a new language?

What sports do you play?

I am currently a part of the Swimming and Track and Field teams at Nanticoke

What is your favorite sport?

My favorite sport is swimming. I am in love with it

What is your favorite part about playing sports at GNA?

I love being a part of a team and improving personally

Why do you think athletics are an important part of high school?

I think that being part of a team can really aid a young person in both their academic and personal stability

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I don’t have any unknown facts about myself, I’m pretty much an open book

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully starting a career in medicine

by: Samantha Garvey

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Student-Athlete: Jack Bova

What is your full name

Giacomo Joseph Bova

Who has been most inspirational to your success and why?

Believe it or not, the person who inspired me to go on the hot streak that I am currently on, was another wrestler from Tunkahannok. I was beating him with two seconds left and he beat me at the last second. The reason that it inspired me so much was because that match would have been my first win this year. Having the win stolen from me pushed me to do better.

What sports do you play?

I play football and wrestle.

What is your favorite sport?

My favorite sport is football, but wrestling is pretty awesome right now.

What is your favorite part about playing sports at GNA?

My favorite part has to be the family-like feel inside all of the teams. Whether you are referring to wrestling or football, you’re team has your back at a moments notice.

Why do you think athletics are an important part of high school?

The athletic program in any high school is more important than most people realize. People seldom notice that when a student participates in a school sport, they are required to maintain good grades and stay out of trouble. I know for a fact that most kids who are in sports wouldn’t maintain good grades or stay out of trouble if they didn’t participate in school activities. So not only are sports important for the basic reasons, but in some cases they make students better kids.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I don’t know if its something people don’t know as much as its something they don’t realize; I am kind of a nerd.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself with an advancing career in chemical engineering, married, possibly with a child and in a beautiful home so that I can live out my life with my family and just be happy.

by: Samantha Garvey

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The Jared Box Projectby: Alexis Seery and Alexis Cardone

Picture this: you’re only five years old, and the unthinkable happens. You have been diagnosed with cancer. While you’re in the hospital being treated for your life-threatening disease, you do not have any toys to play with. That sounds awful, right? Unfortunately, it happens to many children. To provide kids with toys, the kind students of the Greater Nanticoke Area Elementary Center decided to participate in a collection called “The Jared Box Project”.

It all started with a young boy named Jared. He was only five years old when he began his tough battle with cancer. Jared would bring a backpack of toys to his appointments and always wondered why the other children did not.

Sadly, Jared is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in this wonderful project.

A Jared Box is a small box filled with toys, books, games, and almost anything that would keep a child

entertained. A very ill child will receive the box and enjoy its contents. Throughout the country, over 25,000 boxes have been collected and sent to hospitals.

Ms. Yefko, a 5th grade teacher in the Elementary Center, had the idea to bring the project into the school. “I ran into some money a little while ago,” she told us, “and instead of spending it on myself, I

thought it would be nice to start a

community service project for the kids.” She has gotten every teacher and every class involved. A letter about the program was sent home with every student. “The participation among the students has been wonderful,”

said Ms. Yefko. “I only expected to get about 30 boxes made, but right now we have around 80.”

The Jared Box is a great project and could use some more participants. Ms. Yefko is currently looking for items that children ages 14-18 could use. Please, if you can, donate to the cause. If you are interested in starting your own project with the Jared Box, or want more information you can go to www.thejaredbox.com. Remember that there are some very unfortunate children in the world, and by doing this simple, easy task, you could put a smile on their face that no one else could.

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J U N I O R C L A S S S P C A D R I V E

The spirit of giving was quite evident around GNA this past holiday season. With numerous charities aimed at helping those in need, Miss Hyder and the junior class wanted to continue that sentiment by helping the animals of our area. Because of their devotion and hard work, Miss Hyder and the junior class donated many items to the local SPCA.

The SPCA cares for over 6,000 animals every year, with no funding from the government or from any national animal welfare organizations. Without the kindness of Miss Hyder, the GNA junior class and the community, the SPCA could not exist.

“Thank You”In a gray place,

Some can be yellow.

In a negative place,

Some can be positive.

In a hopeless place,

Some can be hope.

In a dark place,

Some can be sun.

In a place you can’t escape,

Some keep you going.

Under appreciated are those who so much deserve

To be praised for all they do.

So for those who need it most-

Thank you.

by Raven Fleetwood.

GNA Students Making A Differenceby: Samantha Garvey

GNA students continue to make headlines with their extraordinary efforts both

within the school as well as the community. Seniors Jessica Saraka, Arica Grabowski, and Kara Voyton decided to revolve their senior project around a great cause to help raise a case reward to donate to the Gertrude Price fund. !

97-year-old Gertrude Price lived alone on East Grand Street and was horrifically beaten to death in a home invasion on Thanksgiving night. Initially, Gertrude’s fund had started at $1,000. The purpose of this money was to help generate answers for the police. Because of the Zumbathon held by the three seniors at the Nanticoke Fitness Center and Training, the girls raised enough money for the fund to pass $10,000.

GNA Advice ColumnDear Oksana,

Question: My boyfriend continuously talks to another girl. I always see him between classes, laughing and hanging out at their locker. I understand that they are only friends, but it still bothers me. What should I do?

Advice:

Dear jealous girlfriend,

It sounds to me as though you are a bit of the jealous type. However, this is completely natural. Everyone experiences jealousy, so do not think your case is unusual. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Have you tried to talk with him? Have you told him how his actions make you feel? Can you try and become friends with the girl in order to understand her point of view? I would suggest that you talk with your boyfriend and see if you can develop an understanding of their friendship. Talk with him first and see how that works. Hopefully this advice helps.

-Oksana

The Snoopy ProjectOn a cold day, nothing beats the warmth like a good old fashioned act of kindness. At GNA, during the winter holiday months, there has been a tradition of decorating the front area of the playground located near the main entrance of GNA’s school grounds. This tradition includes placing wooden decorative cutouts to brighten the spirits of those who gaze upon them.

This past holiday season, Nanticoke sophomore Joanna Tushinski took time out of her busy schedule and made “Snoopy.” “The Snoopy Project” was not an easy task. With permission from Dr. Scott and Mrs. Scatena, Joanna worked on the project after school to ensure it would be completed for this past holiday season. Thanks to Joanna and other thoughtful GNA students like her, Nanticoke High School continues to make a difference in the lives of many.

S T U D E N T A R T I C L E S

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Music Can Change Lives!Have you heard that studying music can make you smarter? Whether this is true or not, my love for music has grown ever since I was a child. Since seventh grade, I have been a member of the Greater Nanticoke Area marching band majoring in percussion. Throughout this time, I had the opportunity to work with three wonderful band directors; Brad Bunnell, Michele Fadden, and Ryan Lamoreux.

Mr. Bunnell mostly works with percussion during the marching band season. He is the music teacher at GNA, and as a result knows a lot about each instrument. He is also the band director for the jazz and concert band. Not only does he direct three bands, he also has his own life including a wife and two children. Despite all of his responsibilities as a husband and father, he still finds time to do what he loves. If one were to ask Mr. Bunnell about band, his response would be: “Band is great.”

Mrs. Fadden mostly deals with the color guard during the band season. However, when it isn’t marching band season, she is involved with stage guard and stage band. She was involved with marching band throughout her high school career and also throughout college. Because of her husband once being in band and playing the trumpet, he understands her busy schedule and is supportive in whatever she does.

Mr. Lamoreux mostly works with the wind instruments during marching band. When spring rolls around, he likes to step out of his comfort zone and assist Mrs. Fadden with the guard stage show while also directing the band stage show. During the marching band season, he likes to help us by keeping us fit with a lot of breathing exercises.

It’s amazing how three wonderful people with busy lives make time to form a great organization such as the Greater Nanticoke Area marching band. I can truly say these wonderful people care very much not only about this program but also the people who are in it. This band and its members are like my second family and its all thanks to Ryan Lamoreux, Michele Fadden, and Brad Bunnell, my three amazing directors.

by: Jessica Emerick

Thank You Coach Bart!As a student at Nanticoke, I have come in contact with many people who were willing to go out of their way to offer help and guidance in many areas of my life. However, out of all my years at Greater Nanticoke Area, there has been one person who has helped me more than any other. This person is Mr. Ken Bartuska, who was my former basketball coach and current Athletic Director. He has always been there for me and has always tried to help me out as much as possible. Whatever sport that I play, he is usually there to cheer on the team. He always gives me little tips as well as confident words of encouragement.

Ken Bartuska, more commonly known as Coach Bart, has helped me in more ways than one. He has helped me become stronger and has contributed to the improvement of my basketball skills. During the summer, when I went to the gym early in the morning to workout and shoot around, he welcomed me in the gym anytime he was around and allowed me to use the shooting machine as well as the rest of the equipment. Since he was a former coach at Nanticoke for many years, he had many good drills to teach me so I could improve my game. After working out on the court, he would open up the field house so I could lift weights.

Coach Bart is both helpful and inspirational. He has helped me by encouraging me to do better and to improve in any way possible. He has helped me to become a better person. Coach Bart will be the one person that I will remember when I am in college and later an adult. In the future, I hope to be as helpful to someone as he has been to me.

by: Benjamin Sersen

Dream Big!Mr. Fluery, the Earth and Space science teacher, inspires many students. His love for space science and his interesting stories always make class interesting. When a teacher is passionate about a topic, it doesn’t seem like work, and this is quite evident in his class.

Last year, Mr. Fluery entered a contest for an opportunity to travel into space. Science teachers from all over the country entered, and the one with the most overall votes would win the trip of a lifetime. Everyone was so excited about the possibility that our science teacher may travel to outer-space.

Mr. Fluery didn’t win the contest, but he took a chance to follow a dream. As a result, he inspired many students to dream big. He taught me that winning isn’t always everything; sometimes it’s the journey. Mr. Fluery has shown us that the sky is truly the limit!

by: Brandon Kessler

pahoops.org citizensvoice.comcourtesy of band parents website

G E T T I N G T O K N O W T H E G N A S T A F F

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Mr. Yendrzeiwski is a 1996 graduate of Nanticoke High School. He eventually returned to his Alma Matter to teach mathematics. He has been teaching at our high school for almost 14 years. Besides teaching, Mr. Yendrzeiwski has been the head coach of the girls varsity basketball team for 5 years and has led them to many victories. Overall, Mr.Yendrzeiwski has been a positive influence in the lives of all those he has taught and coached.

Many of us know that Mr. Yendrzeiwski teaches and coaches, but did you know that he was a 1000 point scorer and a member of one of the legendary Trojan basketball teams?

Chaquana Zendarski and Abbey Zaykoski sat down with Coach Yenji to ask him a few questions about his time as a Trojan basketball player.

How did you become so involved with basketball?

“My dad used to work the scoreboard for the boys basketball team in the mid 80’s, which introduced me to the sport. Mr. Zubritski Sr. then invited me to be a ball boy when I was in the 1st grade. I watched every game and have been hooked on Nanticoke Basketball ever since.”

When you first started playing basketball, was your team successful?

“Our freshman team was undefeated (26-0), and we won the league and district title during the 1992-1993 season. The highlight of my career had to be my junior and senior years, 1995-1996.” The Trojans went on to win 50 games those two years, including back to back district titles.

What was your main role on the team?

“I played mostly on the perimeter, but I also loved to rebound. Advice given to me by Mr.Beggs that influenced me a lot was, ‘see

the 3, be the 3’.” In his junior year, he had 53 3-pointers and 54 3-pointers for his senior year! Overall, he pulled down 567 rebounds and throughout his high school career, he scored 1,002 points.

What was your most memorable game as a Nanticoke Trojan?

“Susquehanna Township at Martz Hall in Pottsville, we were in the second round of state playoffs for my senior year. The crowd was so loud during pregame introductions you couldn’t even hear your name being announced. Susquehanna Township was ranked #2 in the state, but we blitzed them in the first quarter and won the game easily. Grown men were giving each other high-fives in the crowd! It was probably the best game we had ever played. I was lucky enough to play with Mr. Stetz, Mr. Ziolkowski, Mr. Lukowski, Mr. Carey, Mr. Chet Beggs and many other friends that I am still close to today.”

Coach Yenji

V A L E N T I N E ’ S D A Y

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by: Ashley Youells

On February 14th, people all over the world were exchanging candy, flowers and gifts in the name of St. Valentine, but who was this mysterious saint, and from where do these traditions originate? Valentine’s Day, a centuries-old holiday, has its roots in both ancient Roman rituals as well as the customs of Victorian England.

! The Legend of St. Valentine

Valentine’s Day history and the story of its patron saints are shrouded in mystery. February has been celebrated as a month of romance for hundreds of years, containing vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. However, the question still stands; who is Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with these ancient traditions?

Legend has it that Saint Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Emperor Cladius II decided that unmarried men made better soldiers than those with wives and children. Cladius then outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Cladius and continued to unify young lovers in marriage secretly. After Valentine's actions were discovered, Cladius ordered that he be executed.

Other stories suggest Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to another legend, imprisoned Valentine had actually sent his first “Valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his daughter, who visited during his confinement. Before his death, it's alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “ From your Valentine,” an expression still used today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legend is murky, the stories still emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and, most importantly, romantic figure. By the middle ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine had become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

! Origin of Valentine's Day

While a few believed Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial, which took place is 270 A.D.; others claim that the Christian church may have chosen to place St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of the ideas of February, or February 14th. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, along with the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

The First event that began in the festival was when members of the Luperci, an order of roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. Priests would need to sacrifice a goat for fertility and a dog for purification. Then they would strip the goat hide into stripes, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, where they gently slapped both women and crop fields with the blood. Fearless, women would welcome the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. The legend continued when later in the day, all women in the city would place their names in a big urn. Bachelors of the city would then each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches usually ended in marriage.

Valentine's Day: A Day of Romance

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed; as it was deemed “un-Christian”, at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day. However, it wasn't until much later that the day became associated with love. During the middle ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14th was the beginning of birds mating season. This added to the idea that Valentine's Day should be a day of romance.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the middle-ages, though written Valentine's hadn't appeared until after the year 1400. The oldest known Valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of

Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, following his capture of the Battle of Agincourt. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a Valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

Typical Valentine's Day Greetings

Valentine's Day is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. In Great Britain, Valentine's Day became popular to celebrate around the 19th century. By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the 1900’s, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvement in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of feelings were discouraged. Cheap postage rates also contributed to the increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings.

Americans began exchanging hand made Valentines in the early 1700's. In 1840, Esther A. Howland, known as “Mother of the Valentines”, began selling the first mass-produced Valentines in America. Howland made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures know as “scrap.” According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine's day the second largest card-sending holiday. Women purchase approximately 85% of all Valentine's.

Valentine's Day is a day best known for romance, but the significance of its history puts new meaning to it. It was never about the exchanging of gifts with loved ones, but about two lovers being united by marriage. St. Valentine risked his freedom and life to better the lives of Roman citizens, and was known as a beacon of hope and love in the form of a flesh-and-blood human. As the history built on the passion and meaning became so much stronger, February 14th became a day known best for its romance. What is your idea of a perfect Valentine's Day?

T H E G N A I N S I D E R

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In AppreciationThe GNA Insider would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who help

make our newspaper possible.

EditorsLily YoungSamantha RussinSamantha GarveyMacey Pudlosky

PhotographersJuliana WaclawskiKaitlyn Grey

Contributing WritersAlyssa PetroskiBen SersenBrandon KesslerSamantha GarveyMacey PudloskyLily YoungRaven FleetwoodTaylor EllersickJessica EmerickAlexis Seery

Alexis CardoneChaquana ZendarskiAshley YouellsAbbey Zaykoski

StaffMr. J. PrushinskiMr. Jaydee VerazinMr. Eric KubasekMr. BudnickMrs. MakarczykMr. GorhamMr. Cipriani Ms. Pray

Journalists Samantha GarveyMacey Pudlosky

Digital EditorsJennifer LopezGianna Roberts

Juliana Waclawski

The GNA Insider Advisor: Mr. Carey

The GNA Insider is your #1 source for inside information on the happenings within the Greater Nanticoke Area School District. Each month The GNA Insider features the people, places, and events that make our school great.

As advisor to The GNA Insider, I am always looking for motivated students to bring their ideas, talents and school pride to help showcase our school.

Being a part of the high school newspaper can help bring a sense of pride to you and to your school. It allows you to interact with administrators, teachers, alumni, community members, as well as other students.

If you are interested in writing, editing, photography, or marketing, and would like to get involved with our newspaper, come see me in Room 119 during 8th period.