Get INvolved TodAy

by: Evan Saunders

I don’t know how many students have ever taken a walk around the Greater Nanticoke Area campus after classes let out, but I imagine that the answer would be very few. After all, what would be the point? Watching teachers grade some papers before heading home themselves? Listening to the sounds of vacuum cleaners being started up throughout the lonely halls? Although these can be seen and heard around GNA after two o’clock, the truth is much more exciting. In just one afternoon while strolling around the building, one can see cheerleaders practicing their pep in the main hallway and Science Olympiad participants trying to make a flying machine out of toothpicks and marshmallows. Go to another part of the school, and the combined sound of concert band rehearsal and varsity basketball practice will fill your ears. No matter where you go, it will soon become apparent that there is much more to GNA after-hours than meets the eye.

continued on page 2

Being elected as a class officer is both an honor and a privilege. Class officers represent a school in all aspects of school life. Each officer is chosen democratically by the student body and, as a result, has the responsibility of maintaing the interests of those whom they represent.

The 2014 GNA Class Officers are Jordan Williams, Kaitlyn Grey, Mary Mash, and Mike Condoluci. Together they represent GNA.

“The GNA Insider” has featured each of GNA’s 2014 Class Officers inside. Have a look! (Page 3)

GNA’s 2014 Class Officers

“Greater Nanticoke Area is host to a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, clubs, and organizations.”

“Colleges care about the character of people they admit; therefore, what you do after school, during weekends and over summers tells them a lot about the kind of person you are.”

“Extra-curricular activities are a great way for students who might not normally interact throughout the day to get together and bond over a shared interest.”

THE GNA INSIDERJANUARY 2014 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4

SPECIAL EDITION: FEATURING CLASS OFFICERS AND CLUBS

Continued from page 1• • •

Greater Nanticoke Area is host to a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, clubs, and organizations. Whether your interests lie in athletics, academics, art, or anything else, you can surely find a club that appeals to you. However, if the idea of spending time in school after the final bell has rung is still unattractive to you, perhaps you should consider the many benefits of pursuing extra-curricular activities at GNA.

Individuals who are looking to attend college after high school should know that extra-curricular activities are an important part of one’s college application. I can speak from experience when I say that in addition to contributing to a balanced resume, the experiences that I gained from participating in extra-curricular activities at GNA were helpful when writing the admissions essays for many of the colleges that I applied to. Most college admissions officers share this point of view: in a 2012 Q & A article with nytimes.com, Janet Lavin Rapelye, the dean of admissions at Princeton University, was quoted saying that “As for extra-curricular activities, we recommend that students follow their individual interests in the special talents they want to develop in the visual and performing arts, athletics, leadership

activities, and that they engage themselves civically” (Rapelye). To put it another way, to quote a college admissions advisor and published author Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, “Colleges care about the character of people they admit; therefore, what you do after school, during weekends and over summers tells them a lot about the kind of person you are. When you think about it, you are what you do every day, every month, every year”(Shaevitz).

Extra-curricular activities are beneficial on a much larger scale than that of the individual; that is to say, the entire school benefits from them. Extra-curricular activities are a great way for students who might not normally interact throughout the day to get together and bond over a shared interest. Very few extra-curricular activities at GNA are limited based on grade, so it is not uncommon to see freshmen and seniors playing on the same sports team or acting in the same play. Through extra-curricular activities, students can form friendships that will span the entirety of their high school careers, and possibly even longer. This ultimately creates a sense of unity among students and makes GNA a more welcoming and vibrant community.

GNA’s Clubs: Get Involved Now!

1. Student Council

2. Yearbook Club

3. Anime Club

4. Astronomy Club

5. Art Club

6. Engineering Club

7. Marine Biology Club

8. Newspaper Club

9. Interact Club

If any student would like to become involved in GNA’s clubs, please visit any one of the advisors listed on the “Club Page.”.

Remember, the more involved you are, the more pride you will have in our school. Today is the day to make a difference. Get Involved Now!

-The GNA Insider

DONEC ARCU DIAMAmet sit. Congue tortor cursus risus vestibulum commodo nisl, luctus augue amet quis aenean maecenas sit, donec velit iusto, morbi felis elit et nibh. Vestibulum volutpat dui lacus consectetuer, mauris at suspendisse, eu wisi rhoncus Sociosqu netus semper aenean suspendisse dictum, arcu enim conubia leo nulla ac nibh, eget. ermentum pede fringilla urna semper, pede quam scelerisque et enim.

NATOQUE PLACERATTrenz PrucaLeo PraesenFringilla ViverrEget Toque

CONGUE TORTOR CURSUSLorem High School1234 Main StreetAnytown, State ZIP

CULTURE CLUBISSUE no. 17VOLUME 01

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praesentium, tellus sed turpis.no_reply@apple.com

by Jordan WilliamsSenior• • •

My name is Jordan Williams and I am the 2014 Greater Nanticoke Area Senior Class President.

I am currently a member of our school’s football and volleyball teams. Besides athletics, I am also involved with Science Olympiad, PJAS, engineering olympics, and National Honor Society.

Away from school I am a huge sports fan and love to cheer on the Eagles, Phillies, Penguins, 76ers, and Penn State.

Besides attending GNA, I also take classes at Luzerene County Community College, and also hold a job at PNC field and Men’s Wearhouse.

This spring I will be the 4th generation in my family to graduate from Nanticoke High School. I take great pride in where I am from.

Once I graduate, I plan to study Petroleum Engineering

at Penn State University, main campus.

I look forward to spending many years with my girlfriend and staying friends with the “Mountain Crew.”

JORDAN WILLIAMS

“I take great pride in where I am from.”

E X T R A C U R R I C U L A R ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:Football

Volleyball

National Honor SocietyScience Olympiad PJAS

Engineering Olympics

SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT

I plan to study Petroleum Engineering at Penn State University.

I am a huge sports fan. My favorite teams include: Eagles, Phillies, Penguins, 76ers, and Penn State.

“This spring I will be the 4th generation in my family to graduate from Nanticoke High School.”

by Kaitlyn GreySenior

• • •My name is Kaitlyn Victoria Grey, and I was born on the afternoon of April 20th, 1996. Most people just call me 'Kait'. I've lived in Nanticoke almost my whole life, having attended GNA from kindergarten up to the present. I wouldn't trade our school for any other school in the state. My parents are Deanna and Gary Grey, and I have two younger sisters who also go to Nanticoke; Andrea and Madison. Andrea is three years younger than me and Madison is twelve years younger. We all live together with our cat, Harley.

I was happy to become the vice president of the class of 2014 because I wanted to represent my senior class and be a good role model. Other than my position as a class officer, throughout high school I have participated in the

GNA Marching band as a member of the color guard, this year being my first time serving as a captain. The band and color guard did especially well this year, becoming a Silver Finalist at our championships in November and bringing home the highest award achievable for color guard. Always motivated by my desire to

see my peers succeed, I also help out with GNA's theater programs by managing the backstage area, and I sing in the GNA chorus.

My life would be so much different if I didn't have my best friend and honorary member of the GNA Homecoming court, Breanna Middleton. We have been best friends since we met in

KAITLYN GREY

“Above many things, I strive to be a leader. This mindset is reflected in a lot of my school work and activities.”

“I consider myself liberal-minded and often concern myself with equal rights, especially feminism.”

E X T R A C U R R I C U L A R ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:GNA Marching Band Chorus

Theater

Senior Class Vice President

SENIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT

“I was accepted to Temple University and plan to study Film and Media Production.”

“I was happy to become the vice president of the class of 2014 because I wanted to represent my senior class and be a good role model.”

(continued from previous page)

kindergarten, and since then we've always supported each other and we never fight. We do a lot of things together. We've really been through it all.

When I'm not in school or hanging out with my friends, I have a few hobbies. Watching movies is probably my favorite thing to do, as I am quite the home-body and like the comforts of the indoors. Listening to music is a great pastime, too. I love alternative rock like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, and Queen. I also love blogging, writing, and going to concerts.

Above many things, I strive to be a leader. This mindset is reflected in a lot of my schoolwork and activities. Voicing my opinion and being heard is really important to me, and I always want to be the best at everything that I do. In school, I am most interested in history and art. I consider myself liberal-minded and often concern myself with equal rights, especially feminism.

In the near future, I plan on going to college in Philadelphia. I was accepted to Temple University, my first-choice college, so that is more than likely where I will choose to go. There, I have plans

to study Film and Media Production and follow my dream of becoming a film and television producer or director. I would love to study abroad in Los Angeles or Tokyo, even though it might be difficult because the East coast is really where I grew up. One day, I hope I can work with a famous director or actor like Steven Spielberg or Johnny Depp. To me, life isn't about how much money you make or how many people admire you; it's all about being happy and doing the things you love.

Kaitlyn Grey

GNA’S SENIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT

by Mary MashSenior• • •

As the secretary of the senior class of 2014, I’m able to be involved in one of the many things I love, student government. Ensuring that my classmates are enjoying their school year is something that is crucial to me, which is why I’m also an active member of our school’s student council. Additionally, I am a yearbook staff member. It is my pleasure to contribute to the school activities that put smiles on everyone’s faces.

In addition to student government, academics are a significant part of my life. This year, I am enrolled in physics and both AP biology and calculus. I am also dually enrolled, taking two courses at Luzerne County Community College every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Next to my courses, I am a member of the school’s Science Olympiad team. Also, I have been a PJAS participant since the 11th grade, conducting physics-based experiments and creating presentations and explaining them. Likewise, I am the Treasurer of the National Honor Society this year.

Other important aspects of my life include dance and music. Outside of school, I take ballet classes with Ballet Northeast on the Wilkes University campus. I also recreationally play piano and am a member of the high school chorus. This year, I auditioned for the district chorus and will be attending from January 8th-10th. Furthermore, this

year, I am a member of the GNA Theater for the first time.

After high school, I plan to go away to school. I am currently undecided on a major, but I am contemplating entering the fields of either speech pathology or science based communications.

MARY MASH

“Outside of school, I take ballet classes with Ballet Northeast on the Wilkes University campus.”

E X T R A C U R R I C U L A R ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:Student CouncilYearbook

Science Olympiad PJAS

National Honor Society Chorus

SENIOR CLASS SECRETARY

I am contemplating entering the fields of either speech pathology or science based communications.

I am enrolled in Physics and both AP Biology and Calculus. I am also dually enrolled at Luzerne County Community College.

“Ensuring that my classmates are enjoying their school year is something that is crucial to me.”

by Mike CondoluciSenior• • •

My name is Mike Condoluci, and I have attended Greater Nanticoke Area since the first grade. Despite the stiff competition for the Senior class officers, I was honored to accept the position of Treasurer for the class of 2014. My interest in wanting to be more involved with our school is what encouraged me to run for this rewarding position.

Other than being the treasurer for my class, I have also participated in our district’s Science Olympiad team since the seventh grade. I have created many everlasting friendships by joining this team, as well as developing incredible leadership skills that will benefit me in the future. By being involved with Science Olympiad, I have received medals in the regional and state competitions. In addition to Science Olympiad, I have also participated in the Engineering Olympics held at Wilkes University where I ranked second place.

Away from my duties as treasurer and my involvement in Science and

Engineering competitions, I enjoy watching new movies or TV shows, as well as playing video games.

My future plans include going to college for computer engineering or criminal justice.

MIKE CONDOLUCI

“I was honored to accept the position of treasurer for the class of 2014.”

“Other than being the treasurer for my class, I have also participated in our district’s Science Olympiad team since the seventh grade.”

E X T R A C U R R I C U L A R ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Treasurer

Science Olympiad Engineering Olympics

SENIOR CLASS TREASURER

“My future plans include going to college for computer engineering or criminal justice.”

“I wanted to be more involved with our school. This is what encouraged me to run for this rewarding position.”

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Student CouncilMS. WARMAN

President: Adam Ferrucci

Vice President: Alyssa Petroski

Secretary: Jasmine Morningstar

Treasurer: Katie Sherman

Historian: Katherine Mash

STUDENT COUNCIL

ROOM

226Monday

P.6

The GNA Student Council is a student run organization representing the 8-12 grade students in our school. The purpose of this organization is to encourage good citizenship among the students of this school, to provide a forum for student expression, to represent the entire student body and their thoughts, to provide students with activities which will be beneficial, to purpose and discuss answers to school problems and to promote the general well-being of the school.

This organization provides students with an opportunity to get involved in the events and concerns that occur in our school on a daily basis. Through various events and activities, students are provided with opportunity to complete valuable community service activities, serve as officers or committee chairpersons, and work to develop important leadership skills that can be used throughout their lives. Student Council membership and involvement also looks great on college applications.

The Student Council conducts many different events throughout the year. Over the last two years, Student Council has helped to host Spirit Week,  a theme filled week of events designed to build excitement leading up to Homecoming in the Fall.  The Student Council has also helped with Drug and Alcohol Awareness week in the spring, concluding with a Mock Car Crash Activity as part of Prom Promise.  Another event held by the student council was our recent Student and Faculty Auction. Student Council was also part of several clubs that helped with this years Annual Christmas Toy Drive and Distribution.

There are other students who are committee chairpersons, who are in charge of standing committees that are present during the entire school year and special event committees which are temporarily formed to address the planning, conducting, and other needs of certain events and activities. Officers are required to attend a yearly leadership training program and other requirements as set forth in the GNA High School Student Council Bylaws and Constitution.

MR. COLLINS

The Yearbook ClubMS. PRAY

The Yearbook Club is divided into different sub committees to take on different tasks.

The Yearbook Club consists of seniors that want to be involved in producing the yearbook. We work from day 1 to 180. The purpose of the yearbook is to document the school year in pictures and words.

You must be a senior to sign up for the Yearbook Club. The benefit of being a member of the club is that it allows one to take pride in the yearbook that is produced for your senior year. If you attend games and activities around the school, then Yearbook is for you!

We attend all school related activities. It is important that someone from the yearbook can attend every event so that we can tell a story for the future.

In the Yearbook Club, everyone is equal! Students take on different tasks as the year moves along. We have sub committees that get the job done.

YEARBOOK CLUB

Room

LibraryMeeting Time

P.6

The Anime ClubMISS HYDER

President: Hayden Gfeller

Vice-President: Emily Herring

Secretary: Rachel Jeffries

The Anime Club is a place where lovers of all things Anime/Manga can come together to read, watch, and discuss their favorite episodes.

The major benefit of joining the club is fellowship and friendship with others who share similar interests. It's a place where anyone can come and feel welcome.

Since Anime isn't an official club yet (this is a trial year), we just meet on Thursdays, 8th period and watch/read whatever the leaders have decided on for any given week.

The leaders/creators of the Anime club are seniors; President: Hayden Gfeller; Vice-President: Emily Herring; Secretary: Rachel Jeffries

Come Join the Anime Club today!

ANIME CLUB

Room

111Thursday

P.8

The Astronomy ClubMR. FLEURY

President: Jasmine Morningstar

The Astronomy Club is a club of diverse students that have one common interest- Astronomy. The sole purpose of the club is to inhabit the minds of various people and broaden their horizons on the subject of things outside of our planet.

The Astronomy Club has a welcoming environment which embraces each of its members. The club obtains insight from every student and is open to suggestions from everyone. Students who are contemplating joining the club should see Mr. Fleury now!

The Astronomy Club has been involved in many “out of this world” activities. A favorite among its members are “star parties,” where the club gathers to examine the stars and enjoy each other’s company. The astronomy club has also enriched the minds of younger students by creating informative presentations about our solar systems.

ASTRONOMY CLUB

Room

118Friday

P.8

Art ClubMRS. SCATENA

President: Skylar Montgomery

Vice President: Aaron Gilliam

Club Photographer: Amanda Drury

Art Club consists of students in grades 8-12 who love the Arts and cannot seem to get enough of them throughout the day. The club meets after school every Wednesday during 8th period.

So far the Art Club has worked very hard at fundraising in order to purchase “Art Club” t-shirts designed by Rachael Jarret, purchase art supplies, and hopefully take a trip.

Some benefits of the art club include: the development of skills in art, meeting with peers who also enjoy art, and engaging in fun activities.

The Art Club has decorated the high school for fall and Christmas. We also made an Art Club mural and a coloring book for the Life Skills class. We have also created an official Art Club Logo.

Skylar Montgomery is the president and founder of the 2013-2014 Art Club. This is also Skylar’s very enthusiastic senior project. Aaron Gilliam is the vice president. Amanda Drury is club the photographer and Mrs. Scatena is the club advisor!

ART CLUB

Room

107Wednesday

P.8

The Engineering ClubMR. FLEURY

The Engineering Club was designed for any students interested in pursuing science or technology related careers in the future. The purpose of this club is to familiarize these students with tasks they may face in their future careers. The major goal, however, is to promote problem solving and analytical thinking.

Students in the Engineering Club gain not only skills important to the science field, but skills that can benefit them in all aspects of life, such as problem solving. Communication skills are also achieved through group building projects. Involvement in the Engineering Club can look great on college applications as well.

Students involved in the Engineering Club work on independent and group projects throughout the year. So far, homemade batteries, amplification circuits, and circuit boards have been made by students in grades 10 through 12.

Because the Engineering Club promotes situational leadership, there are no defined student officers.

ENGINEERING CLUB

Room

118Tuesday & Thursday

P.8

The Marine Biology ClubMS.

SCHRAEDERPresident: Joanna Tushinski

Vice-President: Joe Drugotch

The GNA Marine Biology Club was created by students who were eager to explore the ocean and all the life it sustains. Many realize that the sea covers 2/3 of the planet, but few care enough to understand the true science behind it. There is much knowledge to be gained by understanding our ocean.

The Marine Biology Club has learned about coral reefs, coral bleaching, dolphins and many other creatures existing in the ocean. The club has also examined samples of water through microscopes. The club plans to continue to further research the ocean and all of its wondrous inhabitants.

One of the major benefits of this club is making friends with students who share the interest of the ocean. Not only are friends a benefit, but the discoveries that can be made are endless. The ocean is full of mysteries that are just waiting to be discovered.

The president of the Marine Biology Club is Joanna Tushinski and the vice president Joe Drugotch. If you are interested in joining this club, all meetings are on Friday after school in Miss. Shraeders room.

THE MARINE BIOLOGY CLUB

Room

116Friday

P.8

NewspaperMR. CAREY

Samantha Garvey

Macey Pudlosky

Juliana Waclawski

Samantha Russin

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

“The GNA Insider” is looking for motivated students to bring their ideas and talents to help showcase our school.

Students who are interested in joining may participate in any of the following sections of our newspaper:

1. Writing2. Photography3. Marketing4. Editing

Being a part of the high school newspaper can help bring a sense of pride to the student and to the school. It allows one to interact with teachers, administrators, community members, as well as other students. Come get involved now!

THE GNA INSIDER

Room

119Meeting Time

P.6

Interact ClubMR. BUDNICK

MRS. HELMECKI

President: Chrislyn Cabonilas

Vice President: Matthew Daniels

Secretary: Corey Goss

Treasurer: Brandon Knorowski

The Interact Club is a service club for young people. The Interact Club is sponsored by local Rotary Clubs. The club gives youth an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends.

Students in the Interact Club also develop personal integrity, demonstrate helpfulness and respect for others, understand the value of individual responsibility and hard work, help to improve the local community, and make a difference in the world by helping to advance international understanding and goodwill.

The GNA Interact Club holds a food drive for the needy in our community, has an Easter egg hunt for our elementary students, reads Christmas stories to 5th graders, sponsors a drug awareness and prevention campaign, holds a polio walk, sells poinsettias for Christmas, and supports the dictionary project for our elementary students.

INTERACT CLUB

Room

201Meeting Time

P.8

by Urna Semperand Trenz Pruca

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Nunc vel rhoncus est magna laoreet

1. Coffee Bar

2. Portal Park

3. Downtown

4. Music Shop

5. The Aquarium

6. Art Museum

7. The Beach

8. Castle Rock

9. Memorial Park

10. The Movies

FROM THE EDITOREnim ridiculus aliquet penatibus amet, tellus at morbi, mi hac, mus sit mauris facere. Natoque et. Sit nam duis montes, arcu pede elit molestie, amet quisque sed egestas urna non, vestibulum nibh

suspendisse. Molestie eros leo placerat porttitor, et felis faucibus id urna, quam luctus ante eros etiam tellus, vel diam. Nec etiam dui accusamus, morbi at elit ipsum.

DONEC ARCU DIAMAmet sit. Congue tortor cursus risus vestibulum commodo nisl, luctus augue amet quis aenean maecenas sit, donec velit iusto, morbi felis elit et nibh. Vestibulum volutpat dui lacus consectetuer, mauris at suspendisse, eu wisi rhoncus Sociosqu netus semper aenean suspendisse dictum, arcu enim conubia leo nulla ac nibh, eget. ermentum pede fringilla urna semper, pede quam scelerisque et enim.

NATOQUE PLACERATTrenz PrucaLeo PraesenFringilla ViverrEget Toque

CONGUE TORTOR CURSUSLorem High School1234 Main StreetAnytown, State ZIP

CULTURE CLUBISSUE no. 17VOLUME 01

Curabitur labore. Ac augue donec, sed a dolor luctus, congue arcu id diam praesent, lorem dolor pretium ac. Mauris metus vel sodales, sit quisque

praesentium, tellus sed turpis.no_reply@apple.com

GET INVOLVEDNow!