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October VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

THE G

NA IN

SIDE

R 201

4

HO

MEC

OMIN

G SPE

CIAL

EDITI

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We Are GNA Page 2 The Homecoming Dream Page 3Meet The Trojans Page 4Spirit Week Page 5Pajama Day/ Twin Tuesday Page 6Wacky Weds/ Class Color Day Page 7

asds

Bailey Hamilton Page 8 Kiley Bartusek Page 9 Celeste Deslich Page 10 Alicia Kotz Page 11 Katherine Mash Page 12 Meghan Prushinski Page 13

Table of Contents

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We Are G-N-A          Visualize school spirit - what do you see? Do you see the GNA student body adorned in blue and white, endlessly cheering? Do you see the Nanticoke Jungle together as one, standing side by side and chanting “I believe” despite the odds of victory? Do you see, under the Friday night lights, exhilarated fans, screaming, waving, and jumping up and down anxiously awaiting the opening kickoff? You don’t have to imagine all of this because it already happens here at GNA. All of the emotions felt on homecoming night can be attributed to the embodiment of school spirit by GNA students, faculty and staff, and community members.

Homecoming isn’t meant to be a one week affair; it is so much more. Our school spirit is not about each individual student, but about the feeling of togetherness. All of the events are crucial to the atmosphere of the homecoming game. Beginning with the pep-rally, the entire student body comes together to “light a fire” within the football players and their coaches for the homecoming game. Soon

following, the students come back to bask in the glory of the bonfire built by the senior class, and to reminisce about the past week and build more anticipation for Friday night football. The day’s events culminate with the students dancing the night away at the annual homecoming dance.

The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. The anticipation is allayed as the first kick off of the game is delivered. With the Nanticoke Jungle in the stands screaming the ‘N-A-N-T-I-C-O-K-E’ cheer, along with faculty, staff, and community members watching attentively- the feeling is indescribable. The tone of homecoming has finally been set for the 2015 school year and will be carried through to all future sporting events. No matter the outcome of the games, we know one thing is certain: The GNA Trojan spirit is here to stay for years to come.

By: Renita Burke and Caylyn Hall

[3]

       Becoming a member of the

Homecoming Court is a dream for many high school girls. Since first bearing witness to the homecoming festivities as a freshman, many girls have had dreams of being a part of it. The festivities that occur throughout the week include a pep rally, bonfire, dance, and homecoming ceremony. The girls anxiously await the ceremony where they are crowned with their rightful titles before the football game.

The Greater Nanticoke Area Queen for the class of 2015 is Bailey Hamilton. Bailey is accompanied by her court: Kiley Bartusek, Meghan Prushinski, Katherine Mash, Alicia Kotz, and Celeste Deslich. Most of the school’s pride and spirit begins with the court, and is channeled through to

the rest of the seniors, and makes its way through to the entire school.

The women behind the scenes are Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Makarcyzk. Mrs. Makarcyzk said: “I like watching the ceremony, seeing the girls walk down the field, and seeing a plan come together”. Mrs. Makarczyk, Mrs. Marshall, and the court spend hours working through preparations and planning the activities for the week.

Homecoming week is a very exciting time. The students come together as one to celebrate the queen and her court. For Bailey, Kiley, Meghan, Katherine, Alicia, and Celeste, the dream of being a member of the court came true.

By: Tyler Otero, Destiny McGahee, Noelle Race, Meghan Boyle

OUR GIRLS

THE COURT PRIOR TO THE

LIGHTING OF THE BONFIRE

The Homecoming Dream

Top: Homecoming Queen Bailey Hamliton being crowned by Senior class president Jaclyn Victor at the home coming football game

Middle: Ms. Warman along with the Queen and her Court posing in front of the bonfire

Bottom: The Court walking away from the bonfire

Photos by: Juliana Waclawski and Caylyn Hall

[4]

The anticipation mounted as parents, friends, and fans waited outside the stadium. They were all gathered for the inaugural “Meet the Teams” event coordinated by the Athletic Department. The event was held on Thursday, August 28th, 2014, at the Frank Chicknoski Stadium. This event gave the fall athletes a chance to show the community the amazing talent their team possess and, of course, honor their seniors.

The athletes of the fall sports paraded together from Patriot Square in Nanticoke to the GNA High School Stadium. One senior from each team highlighted the upcoming season, the team itself, and their fellow seniors. Our empowering Class President, Jaclyn Victor, kicked off the event with her opening speech. The event continued with the singing of the GNA alma mater which set the tone

for the rest of the event. Jaclyn then introduced Kayla Repasky (Cheer), Alexis Selli, Akayla Cobb (Girls Soccer), Katelyn Downs (Cross Country), Deanna Thomas (Girls Volleyball), Joe Olszyk (Golf), Katie Sherman (Band), Rees Roberts (Boys Soccer), and Michael Rosario-Clark, Robert Burke, and Eric Levandowski (Football), who made remarks for their teams. To escalate the mood, all the teams gathered together in the center of the field, and chanted the famous “I Believe” cheer. The chants of the fans and students echoed throughout the stadium. It was a fitting ending to a night that celebrated all the Greater Nanticoke Area Trojan pride!

By. Deanna Thomas and Jaclyn Victor

OUR TEAMSMeet the trojans

[5]

Spirit week is an annual occurrence here at Greater Nanticoke

Area and is made up of a series of activities that lead up to

homecoming. Each day, students are encouraged to show their

school spirit in a different way. This year included pajama pants

day, twin day, wacky Wednesday, class color day, and red, white,

and blue day. Each grade participated and competed in the spirit

games. There was also a bonfire, pep rally, and dance that

occurred during spirit week to get the students excited for the

homecoming game.

Tonya Hill, Tori Rozell, and Amber Yuska of The GNA Insider

sat down with a student council advisor, Ms. Warman. She

discussed why Spirit week is significant to them: “As a teacher

and a graduate of GNA, I want my students to have a memorable

and positive high school experience and help them develop a

sense of pride in their school.” She continued, “Academics are

essential; however, it’s also important that our students develop

into well-rounded young adults and get to take part in activities

that allow them to grow socially and strengthen school spirit.” She

explained further, the importance of Spirit week. “Students need to

have opportunities to develop their leadership skills, boost school

spirit, and display the positive aspects of our school community.

Spirit week provides an opportunity for students to create lifelong

connections with their classmates through participating in the

variety of activities that take place throughout the week. This week

sets the tone for the school pride that needs to be on display every

week of the year, not just during homecoming.” Ms. Warman’s

favorite aspects of Spirit week are the events held on Thursday

and Friday. “Students worked together to build the bonfire and

compete against other grades during the Spirit Games, and Trojan

pride was very evident at the end of the games during the singing

of the Alma Mater as well as in the gym for the pep rally. The

presentation of the homecoming queen and her court is the

highlight of the week, and it’s always great to see former students

come back for the game.”

We also sat down with Mr.Collins, another advisor to the

student council who spoke about the planning that goes into spirit

week. “The Student Council Officers work alongside Mr.Long and

the advisors to plan the events of the week, figure out the

schedule, and make sure that we can involve as many students as

possible.” The Student Council officers play a large part in

planning and execution of the week’s events. “The Student

Council officers also work with the Senior class officers,

administration, maintenance, and the Fire Department to

coordinate the Bon FIre.” Mr. Collins believes “sprit week is a great

way to generate school pride.” Just like Ms. Warman, Mr. Collins

favorite event takes place on Thursday. “My favorite event of the

week is the Spirit Games. Despite how intense and competitive the

games can be, the student body always come together as one to

sing the Alma Mater. This is a great thing to witness as it is rare

that the whole student body can put aside their differences and

come together as one big group.”

Spirit week is a great way to embrace school pride. The

student council advisers, Mr. Collins and Mrs. Warman, along with

the student council itself, play a large role in making spirit week

come together. Spirit week is important to both the students and

the teachers here at Greater Nanticoke Area.

By: Tonya Hill, Amber Yuska, and Tori Rozell

SPIRIT WEEK

Behind the Scenes of Spirit Week

2014 Trojan Spirit Games

[6]

Pajama Day

TWIN TUESDAY

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Wacky Wednesday

Class Color Day

[8]

Miss G.N.A, Bailey Hamilton is the

daughter of Dave and Robin Hamilton,

whom she describes as “supporters of

all of her crazy, impulsive decisions no

matter how wrong they might have

been.” Bailey is a member of the

National Honor Society, Student

Council and enjoys drawing and

painting in her spare time. After

graduating High School, Bailey is

considering a career as either a

therapist or teacher.

Bailey considers being elected

Homecoming Queen as her most

rewarding High School experience in

which her goal is “to represent the

school in the best way she can.” Being

a member of the Homecoming court

was significant to Bailey because she

“strived her whole high school

experience to be nice to everyone and

make as many friends as she can.”

She also addressed a common

misconception about being on the

Homecoming court, “People probably

believe it doesn’t take effort, but we

put a lot of time and work at school

and home to prepare for certain

activities.”

Bailey is well-known throughout our

school, but something people don’t

know about her is that she “can put

her legs behind her back!” Her biggest

pet peeve is the sound of Velcro and

her favorite artist is Jesse Lacey, the

lead singer in Brand New, who has

inspired her. Bailey’s favorite school

year event is the bonfire. When asked

what she will miss after graduation she

responded “I will miss the bonfires,

pep rallies, dances, study halls, some

awesome teachers and seeing my

friends every day.”

MEET THE QUEEN: BAILEY HAMILTON

[9]

Kiley Bartusek, daughter of

Joseph and Melody Bartusek,

says that her parents have

influenced her by “always being

there for me and helping me

throughout life.” Kiley is a member

of the chorus, volleyball team, PAI,

and a graduate of Junior

Leadership. Upon graduating from

high school, she plans “to go to

college and travel the world after

receiving my music therapy

degree.”

Kiley’s passion is singing and

she was once named Artist of the

Week, which she considers to be

her most rewarding high school

experience. Being elected to the

Homecoming court meant a lot to

her as well.“It means people

respect me and may like me. I’m

very appreciative towards my class

members.”

Drake is Kiley’s favorite artist,

but she would like to meet Zac

Efron because “he is absolutely

gorgeous and I want to make him

my boyfriend.” Her biggest pet

peeve is “when underclassmen just

stop in the middle of the hallway

and don’t move.” Some things that

she will miss about G.N.A are “the

teachers, the smells, and the

entertainment.”

MEET THE COURT: KILEY BARTUSEK

[10]

Celeste Deslich, niece of Sylvia and Frank Bielecki, whom she

credits for “supporting her in

everything she does” is a member of the 2014-2015 Homecoming Court.

Besides being a member of the court, Celeste plays on the Girls’

Volleyball team and participates in

Student Council. She was also a member of the Girl’s Basketball

team. After graduation, Celeste plans on attending college to

become a X-Ray Technician.

Defeating North Pocono’s volleyball team is Celeste’s most

rewarding High School experience, but her favorite event of the school

year is Homecoming. Being selected

as a member of the court was a special experience for Celeste. “It

means a lot to be on the court and having my fellow class members

vote for me.” The most exciting experience of the week for her was

“being on Derek’s shoulders and not

knowing if he would trip or not.” Some of the responsibilities that

come along with being on the court are “getting a dress, getting a car,

getting ready on time and selling T-

Shirts.” Celeste’s biggest pet peeve is

people touching her armpits. Beyonce is her favorite artist and is

someone she would love to meet

one day because “she’s a babe.” Most people don’t know Celeste can

sing like Whitney Houston. After graduating, Celeste will miss “seeing

all of my friends every day and being

a part of the student sections at the games.”

MEET THE COURT: CELESTE DESLICH

[11]

Alicia Kotz praises her parents,

John and Lisa Kotz, for “always

supporting her and always having her

back.” Alicia is the secretary of the

Honor Society, a graduate of Junior

Leadership Wilkes-Barre, a member of

the student council, and was a

member of the cheerleading team for

two years. She is also passionate

about helping others and “giving

people a shoulder to lean on.” Alicia

plans on attending either Misericordia

University or Penn State University to

pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse.

Alicia is extremely proud of her

accomplishments in the classroom.

“My most rewarding high school

experience was getting voted as

secretary of Honor Society and being

a member of the Honor Society

because all of my hard work paid off.”

Her favorite event of the school

year is homecoming week because

“the whole week everyone is so close

and they enjoy the events, especially

the spirit games.” Out of all the week’s

events, Alicia feels that the most

exciting part is the football game. “You

get to dress up and spend time with

the community and loved ones.”

Something you may not know

about Alicia is that she was born in

Italy and was an Army brat. Alicia

loves to listen to all music, but if she

had to choose a favorite artist it would

be Carrie Underwood. “Carrie is drop

dead gorgeous and If I met her I

would have bragging rights to my

boyfriend.” One of her pet peeves is

when people lack respect for others.

Alicia will miss her “friends and the

close graduating class.”

MEET THE COURT: ALICIA KOTZ

[12]

Katherine Mash, a Senior and member

of the Homecoming Court, credits her

parents, Kenneth and Christine Mash,

for her success. “They’re both intelligent

and compassionate people who made

me into the person I am today.”

Katherine is the Secretary of the Class of

2015, a member of the National Honor

Society, a volunteer at the family center,

and is a 3 year member of the swim and

soccer teams. She currently is the

manager of the soccer team which she

describes as her most rewarding high

school experience. “ I love watching the

girls play and win.” Some of her

passions include music and working

with children. Katherine plans on

attending West Chester University to

study Early Childhood Development.

Being a part of the Homecoming

Court is exciting; the most exciting

experience for Katherine is “having little

girls look up to her” because she used

to look up to girls on the previous

Homecoming Courts. Since she is a role

model to young girls, Katherine wants to

“set a good example for the rest of the

school.” She also says that a common

misconception about being a member of

the Homecoming Court is that it

“immediately turns people into a snob,

but it made me so grateful.”

Katherine’s favorite artist is John

Mayer and she would like to meet

“Justin Casey, because he is fine.” One

thing people may not know about her is

that she loves parmesan cheese.

Katherine’s favorite school event is the

spirit games because “it brings everyone

closer together.” After graduating from

G.N.A, Katherine will miss the friendly

people.

MEET THE COURT: KATHERINE MASH

[13]

       Meghan  Prushinski  is  the  daughter  

of  Michael  and  Christiania  Prushinski,  whom  she  says  have  taught  her  “to  always  work  hard  for  what  she  wants  in  life.”  Meghan  is  a  member  of  the  National  Honor  Society,  the  girls  soccer  team  and  is  a  dual  enrollment  student.  She  enjoys  painting  and  listening  to  good  music.  Following  graduation,  she  hopes  to  attend  King’s  College  and  become  an  Accountant.          Meghan  says  being  voted  a  member  of  the  Court  made  her  feel  “honored  to  be  picked  by  the  Senior  class.”  The  most  exciting  moment  of  her  homecoming  experience  was  “riding  in  the  cars  around  the  Iield  because  I  got  to  show  everyone  my  

dress.”  A  common  misconception,  she  says,  about  being  a  member  of  the    Court  is  the  girls  “get  out  of  class  for  no  reason.”          Meghan’s  favorite  school  events  are  the  football  games,  and  her  most  rewarding  high  school  experience  was  “Beating  Hanover!”  Meghan  is  also    known  by  her  nickname,  ‘Egg’.  Her  biggest  pet  peeve  is  when  people  chew  with  their  mouth  open  and  her  favorite  artist  is  Wiz  Khalifa.    If  she  could  meet  someone  ,  dead  or  alive,  Meghan  would  choose  Tupac  because  “he  is  a  legend.”  Something  Meghan  will  miss  when  she  graduates  is  “being  a  part  of  the  Jungle.”

MEET THE COURT: MEGHAN PRUSHINSKI

[14]Photos provided by:Michele Kordek Photography

[15] Photos taken by: Noelle Race, Meghan Boyle, Renita Burke, and Deanna Thomas

ARE THE SENIORS GOING TO FLORIDA THIS YEAR????

Greater Nanticoke Area Seniors have

been making the trip to Walt Disney World

every year. The Nanticoke School Board

has allowed our

Seniors to travel to

Orlando since Disney

World opened its

gates in 1971. GNA

has the only Senior

class in the valley that

travels to Disney for

one week each year.

The only stipulation is

that at least half of the

Senior class attends

the trip.

Mrs. Marshall and

Mrs. Makarczyk use

World Class Vacations out of

Allentown to help organize the

events in Florida.

The advisors need a $200.00 deposit

to book the trip. Seniors may participate in

fundraisers during the year to help defray

the total cost. This helps to make the trip

affordable for all Seniors.

Seniors, the 2015 class trip is in

your hands!!! See Mrs. Marshall or Mrs.

Makarczyk today for more information!

Remember, half the Senior class must

attend in order to go!!! Mickey is waiting!

Important:The next payment will be $200. This payment is due November 1st!

Walt Disney World

MEET OUR JOURNALISTS2014-2015 Journalism Students

Amber Yuska, Tori Rozell, Tonya Hill, Destiny McGahee, Deanna Thomas, Tyler Otero, Noelle Race, Jaclyn Victor, Caylyn Hall, Meghan Boyle

absent: Renita Burke