The GNA InsiderVolume 4 Issue 4 www.gnasd.com Edition: June 2017

Breaking GroundGNA Begins Expansion Project

School Expansion Project Projected to be Completed in May of 2018

Kennedy Early Childhood Center

On April 27, 2017, the groundbreaking ofthe new Kennedy Early Childhood Centeron the Greater Nanticoke Area campus washeld. School officials, students, and parentshad the opportunity to attend.The ceremony began with Superintendent,Dr. Ronald Grevera, giving his remarks onthe project. All of the invited students ledthe crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, andRev. James Nash was asked to give aninvocation.Students from K.M. Smith were given hardhats and shovels and were the first ones to

“break-ground” on the site of the newKennedy Early Childhood Center.The new childhood center is projected to becompleted in May of 2018, allowingapproximately a year for construction. It mayseem like a short deadline, but with all of thework being put into it, it should followaccording to plan. As Mr. Peter Ortiz, the leadproject architect had said during his speech atthe ceremony while he was holding theblueprints of the project, “The plans are like acocoon… They will unfold into a beautifulbutterfly right before our eyes.”

In an interview with The GNA Insider, Dr.Ronald Grevera stated that K.M. Smith wasbuilt in the 1930s and simply is not up to parwith the rest of the schools. It does not havean elevator and is not handicap accessible.Dr. Grevera explained that once constructioncommences on the new school, Pre-Kthrough second grade will be held in it. Thiswill allow teachers to coordinate, as allprimary teachers will be together. They willwork collectively to create a positive learningenvironment for our youngest students in thedistrict.

by: Aaron Miller

Table of Contents

School Expansion - Cover

Meet the Journalists - Page 3

Meet the Journalists (continued) - Page 4

GNA Travel Programs - Page 5

Novels Worth Reading - Page 6

Engineering Olympics - Page 7

Food Drive - Page 7

Interact Club Egg Hunt - Page 7

GNA Tavel Programs (continued) - Page 7

Student Teachers - Page 8

Summer Fun! - Page 9

Retirement - Page 10

Chrous Trip to NYC - Page 11

Take My Advice - Page 11

Foreign Language Week - Page 12

Retirement (continued) - Page 14

Technology in the Classroom - Page 14

National Honor Society - Page 14

Spanish / French Honor Society - Page 14

Netflix Reviews - Page 15

Nina Zendarski Tribute - Page 16

Roundabout - Page 17

AP Exam - Page 18

Spanish / French Honor Society (continued)

- Page 18

Student Employment - Page 18

Amiah Lukowski - Page 18

District Chorus - Page 19

Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science

- Page 19

Class of 2017 Tribute - Page 20

My name is Alessio Mazzalupi and I‘m aSenior foreign exchange student from Italy thatloves to travel the world. I have been in 11different Countries. For my future I want to beeither an officer for the Italian Navy or anAmbassador abroad. Here at GNA, I playedsoccer, the sport that I constantly played for 11years, and Volleyball.

Alessio MazzalupiMy name is Alexis Guy and I am a senior. Ienjoy Mr. Carey's journalism class first periodand Ms. Scatena's art classes. After graduation,I am attending Lycoming College in the fall of2017 to pursue a major in criminology and aminor in psychology. I would like to be acriminal profiler or a psychiatrist and try tounderstand the clinically insane and how theythink, unlike any other rational human being.Until then, I am making the most of the littledays left here at GNA with my senior class.

Alexis Guy

Page ##2016-2017 Journalism Class

My name is Harley LaRue and I am asophomore. I enjoy writing, reading, takingpictures of the sky, and listening to music. Imoved to Nanticoke during my freshman year.At GNA, I am part of the French HonorSociety and Journalism, both which I love. Oneday, I aspire to attend an Ivy League Collegeand become very successful in whatever field Iend up deciding on. Although I am not surewhat I’ll be doing in ten years, I hope futureme has an Australian Shepherd puppy.

Harley LaRueMy name is Liam Carcieri and I am asophomore. I love history, whether it be thestudy or celebration of it, and history class ismy absolute favorite. In fact, I plan to pursue acareer as a historian. I also enjoy, as many doat my age, playing video games and spendingtime with friends. Discussing politics andcurrent events is something I absolutely delightin doing (perhaps too much)! In addition, beingfrom the state, Rhode Island is my favoritestate in the entire Union, especially since theyhave Del's Lemonade!

Liam Carcieri

Deona LuczakMy name is Deona Luczak and I am ajunior. I enjoy watching Netflix. Mr. Litch(cuz) is my favorite teacher! Hibachi is myfavorite food. I enjoy spending first periodin journalism every day because it’salways a good time.

My name is Eric Jeffries and I am a junior. Itransferred to Nanticoke this year from HolyRedeemer. I play half back on the footballteam. Additionally, I am a member of theScience Olympiad team, the Envirothon team,and the stage crew. In the summer, I work atthe best ice cream shop in all the land:Maureen's Cones and More. My favorite coloris black, my favorite food is chicken soup, andmy favorite band is Blink 182.

Eric Jeffries

3

My name is Madelyn Bugdonovitch and I ama sophomore. I am a member of the NationalHonor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Ilove music, theater, art, history, photography,and the great outdoors. I have been involved inchorus for the past 7 years. In jazz and concertbands for 6 years. And marching band for 3years. I have been playing flute for over eightyears, and also play guitar and some piano. I'vebeen in several musical productions as well. Iplan to attend college and major and minor inareas of music as well as areas of history,mainly Archaeological / Anthropology studies.

Madelyn BugdonovitchMy name is Aaron Miller and I am a Junior. Iam an inspiring Journalist and hold an interestin anything involving history or writing. I am amember of the National Honor Society, soccerand track teams, and advanced placementclasses. I push myself in school and anything Ido to better my experience and to retain asmuch knowledge as I am able to. I plan toattend college to major in Journalism with apossible minor in either history or politicalscience.

Aaron Miller

My name is Molly Urbanski and I am asenior. Some of my personal interestsinclude music, Star Wars, and simplysurfing the web for what you call"memes." I am a type of person who couldbe quiet but also loud when I feel like it,and also I speak my mind most of the time.After graduation I'll be going to college tofocus on accounting.

Molly UrbanskiMy name is Derek Kurkoski and I am ajunior. I love going to the gym and playingsports with my friends. I am involved injournalism and the baseball team here atGNA. After I graduate High School, I planon leaving the valley and going to Arizonafor college and majoring in English tobecome an English teacher.

Derek Kurkoski

My name is Zachery Hodgson known as Hodgeand I am senior. I love football; my favoriteteams are the New England Patriots and OhioState Buckeyes. In my time in the high school,I enjoyed going to the basketball games, beingpart of the jungle,which is pretty much thebiggest and craziest student section in thevalley. I also enjoyed all the teachers at GNA;they were all positive influences to me.

Zachery Hodgson

My name is Adrianna Roberts and I am asenior. I love mudding, hunting, fishing,singing, performing, reading, cooking, andbeing with my family and friends. I am a sisterto six, loyal, honest, motherly, a volunteer, anda friend to many. I am a 6 year member andletter recipient of the GNA Marching Band, a 4year member of the GNA Spanish Club, a 9year member and letter recipient for the GNAChorus, a 5 year member of the GNA Theater,as well as a 2 year journalist for the GNAInsider. In the future I plan to attendMillersville University to study allied healthbiology for 4 years then continue on to go toLake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine(LECOM) to become a dual specialist indevelopmental pediatrics.

Adrianna Roberts

2016-2017 Journalism Class44

“The world is a book, and those whodo not travel read only one page”- Augustine of Hippo. Traveling can openminds, giving a new sense ofresponsibility and a new sense of self tothe traveler. The Greater Nanticoke AreaHigh School gives its students the chanceto step outside the mere walls of theclassroom and take advantage ofopportunities to get out of town, out ofstate, and even out of the country.Traveling internationally allows students

GNA Travel Programs Broaden Horizons

GNA Journalist Featured in The Citizens Voice

Newspapers in Education Program

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of photo and story below.

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particual angle.

to broaden their horizons. The besteducation comes from real lifeexperiences. Immersing students in ahands-on curriculum is possible throughtravel. Seeing how others live around theworld can give students a betterunderstanding of culture and a betterawareness of global issues. “Internationaltravel is so personally enriching; you getto see how other people live and think. Asa teacher, it is amazing for me to seestudents so engaged in such a differentenvironment,” says Mrs. Linda Kelchner,Spanish teacher at GNA and chaperon formany of the international excursions.

Through many of its programs, GreaterNanticoke Area affords students theopportunity to experience new places andcultures, to talk with people of othernationalities, to try foods different fromthat which they are used to, and to reallystep outside of their comfort zone andexplore the world around them. They alsoget the chance to meet students who aretraveling from other areas, and in somecases, to form lifelong friendships. Bychoosing to travel, students are allowingthemselves a chance to grow and change

understand both the personal andeducational value of international travel.GNA has teamed up with WorldStrides toeducate and make dreams of travel cometrue.

WorldStrides has over fifty years oftravel experience, taking over sevenmillion students all over the globe.WorldStrides is not just a travel companybut an actual accredited school. It’s justlike other schools, but without the walls.They have a curriculum and an academicsdepartment that offers official academiccredits to student travelers. Studenttravelers have the chance to completeonline courses regarding the location theyhave travelled to and the things theyexperienced while there. By completingthese courses, students can earn free highschool credits and/or three college credits,truly making the most of theirinternational travel.

Last year, students from GNA traveledto Costa Rica. It was a nature-based tripthat included time spent in the rainforestwhere students observed and studied thebats that inhabit the area. The travelerstested the waters of the Sarapiqui River,

ran various experiments, and participatedin many exciting activities, such asziplining through the jungle. “I watchedstudents grow and begin to take risks. Iwatched them learn and become willing totry new things. Seeing these childrendevelop, I find, is more rewarding than thetrip itself. It was amazing to watch themdiscover a whole new side to themselves,”said Mrs. Kelchner. Everyone whoattended this trip experienced somethingprofound and returned with a newperspective and an improved self-confidence. “We had a student whoabsolutely did not want to zipline and, onthe way up inside of the tramcar, he wassecond guessing his decision. Later on,that particular student was ahead of me. Icalled out, ‘Hey, are you liking it?’ andhis response was, ‘No, I’m loving it!’ Thisbrought tears to my eyes because here wasa student who was dead-set on notparticipating. He took a risk and then hadan amazing life-changing experience,”stated Mrs. Kelchner.

For the 2016-2017 school year,students from GNA will travel to South

in many positive ways.For many students at GNA, this is their

first time traveling alone without theirfamilies. This environment provides achance to develop essential life skills suchas decision-making, self-sufficiency, andmoney and time management. Studyingabroad and traveling internationally canhelp bring about a sense of independencethat is essential for life after high school.These unique opportunities have beenoffered thanks to teachers who know and

America and spend 10 days exploring thecountry of Peru. This is a cultural andhistorical based trip where students willvisit several sights and museums in Limaincluding the Lima Cathedral, the Plaza deArmas, the Presidential Palace, and thefamous Larco Museum, where over 4,000years of Peruvian history is showcased.After sightseeing around the “City ofKings,” students will fly to the SacredValley of Cusco, the heart of the ancientInca Empire. There, they will be followingthe Inca Trail and visiting several historicsites, such as the ancient ruins andtemples, and the Inca baths of TampuMach'ay. Travelers will participate in afull day excursion to explore Peru’s mostfamous destination, the Lost City ofMachu Picchu, which sits high up in theAndes Mountains. They will also bespending a few days exploring theAmazon Rainforest. Additionally, uniqueeducational experiences will await them inPeru, where students will be visiting anIncan Tribe to learn about, watch, andparticipate in one of their ancient rituals tohonor and give thanks to Mother Earth.Students will be spending time at aPeruvian School where they will have theopportunity to interact with Peruvianstudents. These are just a few of theincredible places and exciting things thestudents at Greater Nanticoke Area will befortunate enough to experience.

Next year, students will be given therare opportunity to visit Iceland for anentire week of nature and science basedexperiences and experiments. Studentswill find themselves face to face withopportunities to view some of the mostamazing sights in the world and canexplore Icelandic life and visit numerousmuseums and villages in and aroundReykjavík. (Continued on next page)

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by: Madelyn Bugdonovitch

1st to Die is the first book of theWomen’s Murder Club. The series isabout four women, Lindsay, Claire,Cindy, and Jill, who work together tocrack some of the toughest murdercases in California. Lindsay andClaire come together at their usualhangout, Susie’s Cafe, incorporatingJill and Cindy into the team as theplot thickens, and the team’s secretsare unveiled. With experience in allfields of criminal work, the teamhelps Lindsay, a homicide detective,solve the murder of David andMelanie Brant.

More Than This follows a teenageboy named Seth who, after drowningin the ocean, wakes up in his desertedhome. He believes the place he wakesup in to be Hell. While discoveringdifferent parts of the city in attempt tofind out what is going on, he findstwo other children, Regine andTomasz, both younger than him,wandering the streets. Regine andTomasz protect Seth from a monster-like man they call the Driver. As thestory continues on, they discover thesecrets of their past life and whatexactly happened to them. Maybethey’re not dead after all.

More Than Thisby Patrick Ness

13 Reasons Whyby Jay Asher

Set in Germany during World WarII, Liesel Meminger is adopted byRosa and Hans Hubermann after hermother can no longer take care ofher. The book is narrated by Deathwho describes the life of Liesel andthe struggles she faces, including thedeath of her brother. When shearrives in Mulching to live with hernew family, she is teased by herclassmates as she cannot read orwrite. Liesel at this time is alsowoken up by nightmares, ones shecannot escape, only to be comfortedby Hans. He plays the accordion forher and begins to teach her how toread and write whenever she wakesup after a nightmare. As Lieselbegins to trust the Hubermanns, avisitor, Max, begins to stay at thehouse. Liesel finds out that Max is aJew and that they must hide him theNazis. The War in Germany becomesdesperate as Liesel and Max’sfriendship strengthens, but whenbombs begin to target their country,who is safe?

The novel begins with the protagonist,Clay Jensen, mailing a set of 7 casettetapes to someone named Jenny. The tapescontain the audiotaped suicide note ofClay’s crush and friend, Hannah Baker.Hannah had killed herself two weeksearlier and calls out the 13 people sheclaims had a hand in her death. On thefirst tape, Hannah explains that she holdseach person responsible for her death insome way, and sooner or later, thelistener’s name will come up. She givesthe listener two conditions. One, youmust listen to all of the tapes, includingyour own. Two, you must pass the tapesto whomever comes after you. The tapesalso come with a map that the listenersmay follow to get a better look intoHannah’s life. The narrative moves backand forth from Clay’s and Hannah’sthoughts and actions as Hannah tells herstory. As the story moves forward, theeffect of teen suicide on the communityand school becomes prevalent, and thesigns of suicide are exposed to the readerin case they should ever notice thembefore it’s too late.

The book has recently been adaptedto a Netflix original, and while there aresome key events that are left out andsome that are made up, the messageundoubtedly comes across to the listener.

Novels Worth Reading

There's always time to Read

The Book Thiefby Markus Zusak

1st to Dieby James Patterson

DICTIONARY

Medics & Me

My little Bamboo

The Man

Ancian Greek

for Newbies

Egyptian is the greatest language (after Greek)

illiam allace W

Fun Experimentaions

500

500 MOBY the Whale

Chemistry

THE BLACK TEMPLE

Pink is not only

for Girls

A

STAR IS

BORN

Heal with Plans

SHARKS LOVE

PETS

J hn Sn w O

The man who sold the world

DICTIONARY

FRENCH - ENGLISH

DICTIONARY

All your Base

Are Belong to Us Luk

e, I am your father !

S

orcery for D

um

m

ies

Use this Book with Cautions

Odyssey of Species

Anubis - The God who wants to be loved

LEONARDO DA VINCI SECRETS

Configuring its own Network

UNDER SIEGE

TRAVEL IN

MEXICO

Viserys Targaryen

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

The Little H

ouse RED ROADS

C O O K I N G

D

ICTIO

NA

RY

Medics & Me

M

y little Bamboo

T

he

Ma

n

Ancian Greek

for Newbies

Egyptian is the greatest language (after Greek)

illiam allace W

Fun Expe

rimentaio

ns

500

500 MOBY

the Whale

Chem

istry

THE BLACK TEMPLE

Pink is not only for Girls

A

STAR IS

BORN

Heal w

ith P

lans

SHARKS LOVE PETS

J hn Sn w O

T

he

ma

n w

ho

so

ld t

he

wo

rld

DICTIONARY

FRENCH - ENGLISH

DICTIONARY

All yo

ur Ba

se

Ar

e Belo

ng to

Us

Luke, I

am you

r father

!

Sorcery for D

um

mie

s

Use this Book with Cautions

O

dyssey of Species

Anubis - The God who wants to be loved

LEONARDO DA VINCI SECRETS

Conf

igurin

g its

own

Net

work

UNDER SIEGE

TRAVEL IN

MEXICO

Viserys Targaryen

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

The Little H

ouse

RE

D R

OA

DS

C O O K I N G

by: Harley LaRue

6

them throughout their entire lives.These experiences can undoubtedly help shapethe students at Greater Nanticoke Area, givingthem a sense of purpose and place in the world,as well as helping them establish lifelongvalues, priorities, independence, and confidence.“Lessons learned while traveling definitelytransfers into students’ lives when they returnhome as well. I think they gain a lot of patiencebut, most of all, an opening of their worldview,” says Mrs. Kelchner. The benefits oftravel are endless and students can gaininvaluable perspective of the enormous anddiverse world around them. Former First LadyMichelle Obama summed it up best when shesaid: “...studying abroad isn’t just an importantpart of a well-rounded educational experience.It’s also becoming increasingly important forsuccess in the modern global economy. Gettingahead in today’s workplaces isn’t just about theskills you bring from the classroom. It’s alsoabout the experiences you have with the worldbeyond our borders - with people, andlanguages, and cultures that are very differentfrom our own.”

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On February 1st through March 31st, the InteractClub here at GNA held a canned food drivethroughout the school district for charity. With all ofour schools in alliance, we were able to collect1,335 cans which will be donated to SaintFaustina’s food pantry in Nanticoke.

Food Drive Benefits Community

breaks their ten participants down into fivegroups of two. The duos are then requiredto complete one task a piece. Evan andDevin used their ingenuity to erect acatapult from various materials such aspopsicle sticks and duct tape. Kaitlyn andEmily put their minds together to tackle awater distribution task. Jacob and Tylersolved a logic puzzle that dealt heavily withcircuitry. Eric and Kris Rynkiewiczassembled an astable multivibrator. KrisSeiwell and Brandon completed a 3Dbuilding challenge in which they assembledcomplex constructions of Lego bricks.Kaitlyn and Emily, along with Evan andDevin, earned 3rd place in their events.

On Friday, April 7, ten bright mindedstudents Kaitlyn Bigos, Evan Stecco, EricJeffries, Kris Seiwell, Emily Brzozowski,Devin Thomas, Jacob Vick, KrisRynkiewicz, Brandon Karvitch, and TylerZaremba, took third place out of sevenschools in the annual Engineering Olympics.The Engineering Olympics is a competitionof the mind in which Juniors from schoolsscattered throughout the state use physicsand logic to solve problems. Each school

7

Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” dueto the many volcanoes and glaciers that cover thecountry. GNA students will study volcanoes, climbmassive glaciers, explore ice caves, observegeysers in action, and hike to breathtakingwaterfalls. The trip will conclude with a swimin the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal spring.It is sure to be an adventure that students willnot soon forget.

The Greater Nanticoke Area School Districtalso offers a variety of travel opportunitieswithin our country as well. Members of thechorus enjoy a trip to New York City everyspring where they sightsee and attend aBroadway show. The Marching Band embarkson an annual trip to various locations where thedays are filled with fun and interesting events,sights, and activities. In past years the GNAMarching Band has visited Boston, VirginiaBeach, Williamsburg, Cleveland, Pittsburgh,New York City, and even ventured across theborder to Canada to visit Toronto and NiagaraFalls. Seniors at GNA have the chance to visitWashington D.C. with their American Civicsclasses and also travel to Florida every spring tospend a week in Disney World and at UniversalStudios. All of these opportunities provide thestudents at Greater Nanticoke Area withaffordable, once in a lifetime experiences andunforgettable memories they can carry with

GNA Travel Programs

Engineering Olympics

On Friday April 7, 2017, despite the rainyweather the Interact club filled 415 eggs with candyand made their way to K.M. Smith and the FamilyCenter with the Easter Bunny to hold an Easter Egghunt for the children in Pre-K through 1st grade.There were nothing but smiling faces as the childrenpicked their eggs and searched for the golden egg towin a special Easter Basket; The children wereoverjoyed by the surprise. They got to enjoy theirsweet treats and also enjoyed spending their daywith the Easter Bunny, all thanks to the generosityof our very own Interact club.

Pictured above:Front row: Janine Levandowski, BriannaOttensman, Alicia Pancheco, Ariyanna Harivnak,Jillian Managan.Back row: Mrs. Amy Scibek, Matthew Daniels,Cody Baluta, Benjamin Pershalski, AdriannaRoberts (Easter Bunny), Cailey Kravitz, Mr. JohnGorham , Tyler Bieble, Eric Gill.

Interact Club holds Egg Hunt

continued from page 5

by: Eric Jeffriesby: Andi Roberts

by: Andi Roberts

The Greater Nanticoke Area High School hosted 2 student teachers this spring, Mr. Walker and Ms. Danishanko. Mr. Walker, underthe tutelage of Mr. David Prushinski, is studying to be a Biology and General Science teacher. Ms. Danishanko, who is teaching underthe guidance of Mrs. Kelchner and Mrs. Jefferies, is looking to teach both English and Spanish. The GNA Insider caught up with bothstudent teachers to ask them a few questions.

Student Teachers

Mr. Walker

Why do you want to be a teacher?I want to make a difference in the lives and education of high schoolstudents. Also to help students learn about and appreciate the worldwe live in.

What subject(s) do you want to teach?Biology and General Science.

Is teaching what you expected it to be?For the most part, but my students keep me guessing.

Where did you attend high school and how have youropinions on education developed since?I attended high school in Oley Valley, PA, near Reading. Since highschool, I have realized that education is varied between publicschools.

What kind of responsibilities do you face as a studentteacher?Preparing and teaching lessons, managing the classroom, creatingand grading assignments, monitoring student performance.

Ms. DanishankoWhy do you want to be a teacher?I have always wanted to be a teacher! I knew since I was very young that’swhat I wanted to do - I used to play “teacher” with my stuffed animals andextra worksheets from school! I want to help students succeed in life, nomatter what they want to do!

What subject(s) do you want to teach?English & Spanish.

Is teaching what you expected it to be?Yes and no. I knew teaching would be a lot of work, but not this much! I gohome every night and fall asleep by 9pm, a huge change from my old habit.But I expected to love teaching and I do! I love getting in front of a class,talking with students, teaching them something new and seeing themexcited.

Where did you attend high school and how have your opinionson education developed since?I went to Upper Perkiomen High School! It is a small high school, similarto GNA - they even have the same tile flooring! In college, you are taught toteach in a “perfect” setting, with perfect students, other teachers,administration, classrooms, etc. But the real world doesn’t work like that,everything is not perfect. But being here, I realized how important it is tohave a team of people to support and back you up! Something which I havebeen able to find in Mrs. Kelchner and Mrs. Jefferies here at GNA!

What kind of responsibilities do you face as a student teacher?The same as a teacher and more! I plan, grade, come early and stay late,handle student/parent issues, all while still going to college. I have onenight class at King’s and I have to create a portfolio to prove my abilities asa teacher, and to graduate in May!

by: Liam Carcieri

8

Summer Fun!

Ricketts Glen State Park

Knoebels in Elysburg PA

Rita’s in Kingston, PA.

PNC Field, Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Railriders.

As summer of 2017 approaches, it is time to startthinking of fun ways to spend your days off. Manypeople think that there is not much to do locally butthey are unaware of all the fun activities that areright outside their door! To start, if you enjoy theoutdoors, you should consider Ricketts Glen StatePark in Benton, PA. Ricketts Glen offers severalhiking trails which you could hike and see a seriesof waterfalls. You can also go camping in one oftheir many campgrounds. Another place to enjoythe outdoors is in Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre, PA.If you go to Kirby Park on July 4th, you can evensee an amazing fireworks display!

Locally, there are also many activities that youcan do with your friends! Movies 14, in Wilkes-Barre, is a great place to catch new releases likeWonder Woman and Despicable Me 3, which willboth be released this Summer. Also, in ElysburgPA, there is Knoebels Amusement Resort.Knoebels is ranked as one of the best amusementparks in the country! It also has campgrounds tostay the night and swimming pools to cool off fromthe sun.

If you are looking to cool off from the heat orsatisfy your sweet tooth, that is not a problemeither! In West Nanticoke, Maureen’s is a popularspot. Maureen’s sells ice cream and food. You caneven enjoy the view of Harveys Creek as you savorin the taste of Maureen’s ice cream. Anotherpopular place is Rita’s. Rita’s is located inKingston, PA. Rita’s not only has custard, but avariety of flavored Italian ice. They also have a

variety of different treats including gelatis,milkshakes, and sundaes.

Another fun thing to do this Summer is spendinga day in Montage. Montage is located in Moosic,PA. At Montage, there is the Shoppes at Montage.The Shoppes at Montage has 52 different stores andmany dining options to choose from. Also, Montageis home to PNC Field. If you are looking to catch abaseball game but do not want to drive far, PNCField is the place for you. PNC Field is where theScranton/ Wilkes-Barre Railriders play.

Toyota Pavilion is also an awesome attractionthat is located in Montage. Here, you can see avariety of concerts. If you like country music, youcan attend Froggy Fest on Sunday July 9th. Thisconcert’s lineup includes Lady Antebellum, KelseaBallerini, and Brett Young. You could also attendVans Warped Tour on Monday July 10th. Thisconcert’s lineup includes The Adolescents, Feeki,and many more.

These are just a few of the many fun things thatare available along with fishing at the Riverlands,Church Bazaars or just fun days at the many localparks. So, get out and enjoy all the great things ourarea has to offer. Happy Summer!

A list of fun things to do locally this Summer. by Bella Czeck

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they gained from being a student atGNA. They were prepared to attendKing’s College in Business and Biology.Ashley later pursued her license incosmetology/manicurist and herentrepreneurship with Young LivingEssential Oils. Leigh later pursued herDoctorate in Dental Medicine at TempleUniversity.As a teacher/speech-language pathologistwith GNA, I remember the honor I feltwhen working with many of thewonderful teachers who taught me at thebeginning of my employment there. I amforever grateful! I have fond memories ofworking with my mother until she retiredfrom GNA! I have fond memories of mydaughters attending school at GNA whenI was a teacher. This is an experience thatonly few mothers and daughters shareand experience in life! I have fondmemories of celebrating theaccomplishments my students madewhen reaching their goals in speechtherapy on Awards Day at GNA. Seeingthe expressions on their faces when theyreceived their beach towels is priceless!

What will you miss most about GNA?I will miss my students and theirfamilies. I will miss my friends andcoworkers.

be the Director of Speech-LanguagePathology and Audiology at the JohnHeinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicinein Wilkes-Barre, PA. I started thePreschool Speech and Language Clinicthere. Additionally, I owned and operateda private practice and provided speechand language services at Birchwood,Guardian and Meadows. In 1991, ourgovernment changed the way funding wasprovided to school districts for theprovision of Speech Therapy. TheGNASD decided to hire their ownSpeech-Language Pathologists so Iapplied and was hired! I was alsoinfluenced by my mother, CarmelaMichno, who was a teacher at GNA untilshe retired. You can see how mymotivation to become a teacher evolved,and I am sure glad it did! We never knowwhere life will take us! We should alwaysfollow our passion and be open to thepossibilities that present themselves!

What do you plan on doing duringyour retirement?I plan to spend more time with myhusband, Mike, to whom I am married fornearly 36 years. I plan to spend more timewith my daughters, Ashley and Leigh, myson-in-law’s, and three grandchildren. Iplan to spend more time with my mother.I love to read, cook, bake, crochet, quilt,garden, can, ride bikes, kayak, exercise tomy “Country Heat” DVD, walk, swim,travel, go to movies, eat out and takepictures. I am learning how to makecollages using Pic Stitch and how topersonalize them using Word Swag! Ilove going on day trips with mygrandchildren! I also plan to continue as aClinical Supervisor with MisericordiaUniversity at their Speech-LanguageClinic. Supervising the Speech-LanguagePathologists of tomorrow is rewardingand will allow me the opportunity to

share the knowledge and skills I learnedduring my career with them. I plan tocontinue to support St. Therese’s Churchthrough my involvement in theHospitality Ministry and Prayer ShawlMinistry. I just completed my first prayershawl on April 30th which will bedonated to the NICU and Maternity Unitsat Geisinger. I want to learn somethingnew every day! Currently, I am learninghow to create my Bitmoji!!

When did you start teaching and whatmotivated you to become a teacher?Surprisingly, I didn’t plan to be a teacherbut it evolved! When I was in tenth gradeat GNA, my paternal grandfather had astroke. I spent many hours with himgoing to physical therapy, occupationaltherapy and speech therapy at AlliedServices in Scranton. I witnessed thedifficulty he had which affected thequality of his life because he was unableto speak. It was at this time I decided topursue an education in Speech-LanguagePathology. My education at GNAprepared me to successfully complete myBS (1979) and MS (1980) degrees atBloomsburg University. Helping peoplecommunicate has always been a labor oflove for me! When I graduated, I wasemployed as a Speech-LanguagePathologist with Allied Services inScranton, PA until they promoted me to

by: Liam Carcieri

This year, the GNA faculty, staff, andstudent body bids farewell to Mrs.Jacopetti and Mrs. Letukas. Mrs.Jacopetti, who also was a student GNA,has dedicated 26 years to the district as ateacher and speech-language pathologist.Mrs. Letukas served as the school nursefor 27 years at Nanticoke. With over ahalf century of time at GNA sharedbetween them, Mrs. Letukas and Mrs.Jacopetti have touched many lives andhave helped build our school into what itis today.

The GNA Insider sat down to talk withboth retirees to ask them a few questions:

Mrs. Jacopetti:

After dedicating so many years to ourdistrict, how did it feel to retire?My feelings were bittersweet! I love my

Mrs. Jacopetti

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What are some of your fondestmemories of GNA?I could go on and on with this question!As a child, I remember that we wereallowed to walk home for lunch if welived close to the school. I remember thatwe could take our little bank books toschool and deposit money into ouraccounts weekly. I remember when wedid science experiments in class! Iremember that I loved school so muchthat I begged my parents to allow me togo to school during the summer. I lovedschool! We didn’t have PSSA tests! Iremember being on the Speech Teamcompeting in debate, persuasive,informative and impromptu speaking. Iremember chorus. I remember being astutter with the GNA Marching Band atfootball games. I remember proms. Iremember being Miss Junior High inJunior School when the school waslocated where the CVS is now. Iremember being the 1st Miss GNA whenthe ACON Club didn’t want to sponsorthis for our school any longer and oursenior class advocated to continue thisfor homecoming. I remember myfantastic teachers who prepared me forlife’s challenges.As a parent, I remember the wonderfulteachers who taught my daughters. Ivalued the opportunities and experiences

"To Teach is to Touch a Life Forever."

Greater Nanticoke Area Bids FarewellMrs. Jacopetti and Mrs. Letukas set to retire

12th grade at GNA (13 years of my life)until I graduated in 1976! It is said that“you can take the boy out of the countrybut you can’t take the country out of theboy.” Well “you can take this girl out ofGNA but you can’t take the GNA out ofthis girl.” My employment at the GNASDfor 26 years was rewarding and willalways rekindle positive feelings as Ireflect on the memories.

work at GNA, but my recent life challengeis dealing with a uterine cancer diagnosissince 2015! I am a two year survivor in2017! However, I now have and willalways have Lymphedema. This is afulltime job to manage! Althoughretirement is an exciting time, my rootswill always be planted in the GNASD. Igrew up only 1 ½ blocks away from theschools and attended kindergarten through

Continued on the next page

amazement. It felt like we were transported intothe world of Willy Wonka and it brought backmemories of watching the movie on television.The character of Willy Wonka, brought to life

on stage by Christian Borle, was the crazy butbrilliant chocolate maker we all expected himto be, but what surprised us all was the darksense of humor. We all remember Violet andthe squirrel scene in the 2005 movie, but there’sa small twist in this production: instead of beingsent down the bad nut chute, she gets rippedapart by the squirrels! The most entertainingpart of the show had to be when the OompaLoompas came out on stage for the first time,everyone got a good laugh out of it.

After the show was over, our day in NewYork was over. We got back on the bus and weheaded to the Rockaway Mall to stop for dinnerand then we headed home. Our day had come toan end and memories were made during our 1day in the Big Apple.

Some colleagues shared their thoughts of both Mrs.Jacopetti and Mrs. Letukas:

"I wish Mrs. Letukas a wonderful retirement filled withtravel and adventure. I hope this chapter of her life hasmany lasting memories. We will miss her cool andcalm demeanor in a crisis. And I am sure manystudents will miss her soothing mints for “tummyaches.” Congratulations and best of luck!" -Mrs.O’Donnell

"Judy wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone, she always hadour students, faculty, and staff’s best interest at heart.She was a great person and true professional and Iwould like to wish her well in her future endeavors.May she have a happy, healthy retirement. Shecertainly will be missed." - Mrs. Duda

"On behalf of the faculty and staff at the GNAElementary Center & Kennedy, we want to wish Mrs.Jacopetti a very blissful retirement. She is such a veryspecial and kind person, and throughout her years hereat GNA, she has touched many hearts and has trulymade a lasting impact in our district.I have known Mrs. Jacopetti since I was a little girl.When I was hired five years ago, I felt honored to be(Continued on page 14)

What advice would you give to current and futureteachers here at GNA?Our role as educators is powerful! We have theopportunity to influence children and shape ourfuture! Study hard! Work hard! Look! Listen! Learn!Value every special child! In the words of JaneGoodall…”Destiny depends on what we do now.”

Is there any advice you have to offer to thestudent body of Nanticoke?Love what you do! The things that you work formatter the most! Be kind! Make our world a betterplace! You are our future!

Mrs. Letukas:I enjoyed working at GNA, I have many memories ofmy 27 years there. But I am also looking forward toenjoying retirement. So far, it has been amazing. It iswonderful not having to live by a clock. I have manyinteresting things to do every day, but there is norushing or time restrictions. I plan on trying newthings and doing many activities I was not able to dowhile working. I will be traveling more, spendingmore time in the gym, taking time to speak with andvisit with family and friends, and getting more

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On April 12th, 2017 the GNA Chorusdeparted on a day trip to the Big Apple. Itshowered briefly but we didn’t let a little rainstop us from enjoying the sights and sounds thatthe city has to offer. Our group saw one of themost famous tourist attractions during thewintertime, The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Itwas interesting to see that the ice was still solidbecause it was Spring and there was people onthe ice cleaning up after a show they did, butwe missed it. Another tourist spot we saw wasRadio City Music Hall, and it was so cool to seeit in person because America’s Got Talent: asinging competition, is known for being thevenue where the live shows are held. The lastmemorable place we went was the RichardsRodgers Theatre which is the home of the mostfamous show on Broadway, Hamilton. The lineoutside of the theatre was stretched around theblock and we also took pictures with somestrangers, but it was a cool experience! Beforewe headed to the theatre we made one last stopto the Disney Store which was the biggest onewe had ever seen.

After we were done sightseeing andshopping, we got in line outside of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre which is home to the newestshow on Broadway, Charlie and the ChocolateFactory. From the very beginning of the showto the very end we were in shock and

GNA Chorus Travels to the Big Apple

RetirementContinued from previous page Congratulations:

Congratulations to Codi Hornlein for being one of thenineteen winning entries in the Biomedical ResearchSaves Lives Poster Contest. Mrs. Marshall’s AdvancedBiology class was encouraged to enter the contestsponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for BiomedicalResearch. Codi will be awarded a cash prize and herentry will be featured in a calendar for their 6th annualposter contest. The contest was open to all students inPennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia and allowedstudents the opportunity to illustrate different aspects ofbiomedical research and science through art.

Codi Hornlein

Take My AdviceTake a moment and go have a personal day-- Don’t

you dare feel guilty for taking time for yourself and takea deep breath and enjoy the little things in life given toyou because they are the things that mean the most.

Look at the striking sunset tonight and just take it allin. Become aware of your surroundings. Pick a flowerand inhale its splendid fragrance. Happiness is a big keyto life and you need to do whatever it is that makes youhappy. Who cares what people think because you cannever do something to satisfy everyone. Admire the truebeauty of life and be thankful for what you have.

Work as hard as you can because, believe it or not,hard work does pay off. When times get tough, workharder. You will be tired, but this is when you will learnthe most. If bad things happen, deal with it the best youcan and try to stay positive. Patience and composure arekey components in life. Don’t think too much becauseoverthinking is bad and disables your ability to makegood decisions. Stressing over something you can’tcontrol will only make matters worse, so RELAX!Everything happens for a reason. Let the puzzle piecesfall where they may and focus on what you can control- always remember that there is sunshine after the rain,and keep in mind that there are 3 solutions to everyproblem: accept it, change it, or leave it. Be thankful foryour failures because you learned what success feels likefrom them. A person who fails to make mistakes, fails tomake anything.

Don’t lose track of what’s important and make planswith your loved ones because your time is the mostimportant thing you can give them. Nobody lives foreverso make sure to cherish all of the people around you.

by: Kaylee Simmonsby: Derek Kurkoski

Foreign Language Week

course, to boys and girls basketball, tobadminton, Friday evening always provesto be an exciting time!

This year’s Olympics had quite thesuspenseful ending! At the end, theGames were tied with each team havingwon four events, but a winner must arise.To that end, a tiebreaker event wasthrown into the mix: dodgeball. In theend, and in the spirit of Napoleon, theFrench won over the Spanish.Félicitations and felicitaciones to theFrench and Spanish classes for giving ittheir all and providing an exciting end toanother Foreign Language Week!

The GNA Insider was able to get a fewwords from a handful of students alongwith Mrs. Harbaugh and Mrs. Kelchner:

Madison Hoover:What foreign language class do youtake?French.

What’s your favorite event in theFrench vs Spanish Olympics?Badminton.

What do you think is the best part offoreign language week?Food day because we get to have food inclass, the banquet since we get a niceparty where we get to hang with friends,

Noah Krubitzer:What foreign language class do youtake?Spanish.

What’s your favorite event in theFrench vs Spanish Olympics?Badminton because Spanish destroyed init!

What do you think is the best part offoreign language week? Why?I think food day is the best part because itis such a change in culture for some.

Regardless of what class you’re in, whohas better food, the French or Spanishcountries?Spanish; spicy food is all around better.

Jacob Vick:What foreign language class do youtake?The best one… (French)

What’s your favorite event in theFrench vs Spanish Olympics?

Foreign Language Week is acelebration of diversity and foreignlanguages. Though it is usually celebratedon the week of March 6th - 12th, this yearForeign Language Week was celebratedin GNA the week of April 3rd - 7th due toscheduling conflicts with other majorhappenings in the school. Our schoolcelebrates throughout the entire schoolweek, with festivities taking place in oneform or another each day. This year, ourcelebrations had a theme of “ManyHands, Many Voices, One World.”

On Monday, our French and Spanishclasses learned songs in their respectiveforeign languages. Tuesday saw theFrench class watching the film LesChoristes. Spanish Class followed withtheir own film, The Time of theButterflies, on Wednesday. ThroughoutThursday, the French and Spanish classeshad samples of foreign foods; the Spanishclass had Mexican foods while the Frenchclass had French food. Friday, for some,is the most anticipated day in GNA’scelebration of Foreign Language Week.This is due to the French vs SpanishOlympics which take place after school inthe gymnasium.

As the name may suggest, the Frenchvs Spanish Olympics pits Nanticoke’s twoforeign language classes against eachother in a friendly show of athleticism.With events ranging from an obstacle

and movie day because we get out of ourfirst three periods.

Regardless of what class you’re in, whohas better food, the French or Spanishcountries?French, but I do like tacos.

Madelyn Bugdonovitch:What foreign language class do youtake?I am currently taking Spanish Class. Thisis my second year taking the language.

What’s your favorite event in theFrench vs. Spanish Olympics?It’s really hard to decide which event wasmy favorite because they were all so funto watch/ participate in; however,volleyball and basketball were probablythe most intense games.

What do you think is the best part offoreign language week? Why?I love it all! I love to watch my friendsand classmates compete in the Olympics.It is a great bonding experience between

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students and the teachers. I love to befurther immersed in another culture bylistening to their music and tasting theirfoods. It is an overall great experience!

Regardless of what class you’re in, whohas better food, the French or Spanishcountries?I’m going to have to go with Spanishcountries! Spanish countries have anextremely diverse selection of differentthings to eat. They have the perfectcombination of spicy and sweet! There isa little something for everyone.

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Badminton.

What do you think is the best part ofForeign Language Week? Why?The banquet, due to the fact that itencompasses more than just French andSpanish.

Regardless of what class you’re in, whohas better food, the French or Spanishcountries?The French. Why? Simply because theyhave hundreds of years of culinaryexperience to back them. France is theonly country, save Italy, who is so definedby its food. I believe the answer is ratherself-evident.

Mrs. Harbaugh:How do you prepare for French Class’sparticipation in Foreign LanguageWeek?In the fall French club and Spanish Clubhold a fundraiser for the event. Mrs.Kelchner and I meet at the beginning of

Learning a second language can...-- Develop stronger thinking skills.-- Increase reading comprehension.

-- Give students greater cultural awareness.-- Increase the use of logic.-- Can increase memory.

by: Liam Carcieri

The banquet is a lot of work, but italways goes off well. We don’tusually have a ton of kids who come,but the kids who do come have areally good time. This year I think itwas a big hit with the photo booth (wehad a DJ and a photo booth). I knowthe photo booth was very popularwith the students, they enjoyed that.That is one event that Mrs. Harbaughand I always kind of just like to sitback and watch students enjoy. Everyyear there’s something that happenswhere it makes both of us tear up andwe could cry and that’s when we’llsay “Oh, we’ll do this again nextyear!” because we really do enjoywatching the students get along,being silly, dancing, having a goodtime.

Why do you feel people should takea language class?It’s a 21st century skill. A lot ofpeople talk about STEM classes, andsometimes they even mention STEAM,which is Science TechnologyEngineering Arts and Math, andforeign language is definitely, I think,within that category. The world isbecoming smaller and smaller, andwhile a lot of people do speakEnglish, not everyone does speakEnglish, and it can go a long way,knowing another language. There arelots of benefits for your actual brainstructure; there are studies that showthat people who are bilingual have alower rate of Alzheimer’s Disease,people who are bilingual tend to bemore creative problem solvers thanmonolinguals, plus I think it just givesyou a whole other view of the world.

another language is beneficial when itcomes to job placement. Learning aforeign language is also fun!

Mrs. Kelchner:How do you prepare for SpanishClass’s participation in ForeignLanguage Week?I think both Mrs. Harbaugh and I startbuilding it up for the students, rumorskind of spread with the 8th graders andeverything that the students look forwardto. We usually begin at the beginning ofthe year, I know I know I have studentsasking “When’s Foreign Language Weekcoming?” and I always tell them, “Wait‘till the spring!” In terms of preparingactual Spanish class for theirparticipation: I’m not sure that we do toomuch before the week with the actualstudents, it’s a lot of preparation on meand Mrs. Harbaugh’s part, but not toomuch with the students. We start talkingabout it with them, we do our t-shirt sale,we’ll usually have some students comeeither during study hall or after school tomake posters for that year’s theme, we dothe t-shirt contest where we pick a themeand then students design a t-shirt basedon that theme and then we have otherteachers vote on the winner. That’s someof the ways we get students ready for it.

What is Foreign Language Week to

the second semester to discuss date &events. We need to reserve theauditorium, the gym, and the cafeteria.We seek board approval for all of theevents. We hire a DJ and take orders fort-shirts. Mrs. Kelchner and I also order &make a trip or trips to Sam’s club andother stores.What is Foreign Language Week toyou?Foreign Language Week allows us to takea little break from the academic side oflanguage learning. We get the chance tohave fun by singing songs, watching afilm in French, sampling culinary treats,and by sharing a meal with the studentswho study Spanish. We also participate inthe French-Spanish Olympics - a friendlyathletic competition between French andSpanish students.What’s your favorite part of ForeignLanguage Week?My favorite part of Foreign LanguageWeek is spending time with all languagestudents - both French and Spanish. Theevening events (banquet & Olympics) arespecial because the language students gettogether and have fun.Why do you feel people should take alanguage class?Studying a foreign language teaches us torespect other people and cultures. Itexpands our world view and helps us tobe more tolerant of others. Knowing

you?The best week of the year! I absolutelylove it! It is a lot of work for both ofus, but it’s a lot of fun, I really lookforward to it. It’s a time for us toreally celebrate with students thechoice that they made to learn anotherlanguage, and to get to do some thingsthat we don’t normally have time to doin a regular class with them.

What’s your favorite part ofForeign Language Week?One of my favorite parts is theMonday of Foreign Language Weekwith the Kids’ Song Day. In SpanishClass we do kids’ songs that kids inSpanish speaking countries actuallylearn like you learned TwinkleTwinkle Little Star and Itsy BitsySpider when you were a kid, we dosongs that kids in Spanish speakingcountries would hear from their momsor grandmas. We also do some games.In Spanish 1 and 2 we’ve done somehand games, like hand clappinggames, which is a lot of fun and we’vealso done some round games like RingAround the Rosie, but not RingAround the Rosie, it’s a little bitdifferent. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a lotof fun for me to see kids forget thatthey’re super cool high schoolfreshmen, sophomores, juniors, andseniors and for them to be like littlekids again and really get into it andhave a good time.

My other favorite part is the banquet.

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Continued on Page #18

Fun Facts:-- A multilingual brain is quicker, more nimble, and is more resistant to

developing mental health issues.-- Students in dual language programs consistently out preform monolingual

peers on state-mandated tests.-- Bilingual adults have several advantages over monolingual adults, including

higher average salaries and greater career opportunities.

Technology in the ClassroomFrom a student’s perspective, Google Drive is

undoubtedly one of the most efficient systems usedat GNA. Google Drive saves automatically afterevery change made on a document, and others canaccess your work using a link. It diminishes the needfor a flash drive because of its easy accessibility.Google Docs, another favorite program, providesformats for students and teachers to use. Theseformats include APA, MLA, letters, resumes,newsletters, and brochures. These formats teachstudents how to set up essays correctly and citeinformation while saving time. Not only willstudents need these formats for high school essays,but they will use these formats throughout collegeand other educational programs. Overall, GoogleDrive provides students and teachers with an outletto hand in assignments, create slideshows, andfurther their knowledge of formatting andtechnology.

This year, GNA’s foreign language classes havean exciting new development: the Spanish andFrench Honor Societies. Just like the standard HonorSociety, the Foreign Language variants rewardstudents who maintain high grades, except with anemphasis on their respective foreign language class.The Foreign Language Honor Societies also,paralleling their more general counterpart, elect theirown government from within their ranks.

The French and Spanish Honor Societies arebrand new this year, making those inducted the firstever members from Nanticoke. Our chapter of theFrench Honor Society has taken the name “LeTricolore,” after the nickname of the French Flagand our chapter of the Spanish Honor Society hascalled themselves “Las Hermanas Mirabal.” Bothchapters are, of course, sponsored by our ForeignLanguage teachers Mrs. Harbaugh and Mrs.Kelchner.

The induction ceremony, held on the eve ofWednesday, the 31st of May, began with the FrenchHonor Society. After brief statements from Mrs.Harbaugh, French teacher and sponsor of “LeTricolore,” our Principal, Ms. Amy Scibek,Président Alexis Simpson, Secrétaire Liam Carcieri,and Trésorière Allison Williams, new inductees werecalled onto the stage to receive their certificate andto light their candle. Immediately following,Président Alexis Simpson returned to the podium to

(continued from page 11) able to work withsuch a smart and caring person who I havealways looked up to. I would often go to her forher guidance and expertise. Her unwaveringdedication to the students’ success, to ensurethat they become positive role models for otherstudents in our school and the community, iswhat made her an outstanding teacher. Herprofessionalism, knowledge, and motivationwas inspiring to us all. For many years, shelead our Safety Patrol students and was theadvisor for the KL Flier in which she did anexceptional job. Her devotion andaccomplishments were infinite. With heavyhearts, we wish her a happy and healthyretirement." - Ms. Yefko

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Greater Nanticoke Area stepped up theirtechnology game in the 2016-2017 school year withGoogle Drive. Students were introduced to this newsystem within the first few weeks of school, eachstudent acquiring a new school Gmail. This email isused to log in to all of Google’s features includingGoogle Drive, Google Docs, Google Slides, andGoogle Classroom, a teacher and student favorite.These programs enable students and teachers toshare ideas, conversations, and assignments over theinternet, making it easier for everyone.

Google describes Google Classroom as “a freesuite of productivity tools that includes email,documents, and storage. Classroom was designedcollaboratively with teachers to help them save time,keep classes organized, and improve communicationwith students,” and they’re not wrong! GoogleClassroom allows students to “join” classes using acode given to them by their teachers and submitassignments and work with the click of a button.From essays to presentations, students are able toturn in assignments of all sorts to their teacherswhile utilizing these programs. Unlike MicrosoftWord, students can “share” files with their teachersand classmates, letting them edit and look at theirwork. Using this feature, teachers can spy on theirstudent’s work to watch them progress and learn asthey teach while simultaneously helping the studentswho are struggling.

Spanish and French Honor SocietyRetirementgive an oration, completely in French, about thesymbolism in the candles held by new inductees.Vice Président Jilann Baron then took the podiumto provide a translation of Président Simpson’sspeech.

Addressing the new inductees of the FrenchHonor Society, Président Alexis Simpson led themembers in reciting the pledge, with TrésorièreAllison Williams following up with the translationfor the audience members. After the translation wasprovided, Secrétaire Liam Carcieri occupied thepodium to lead members in reciting the FrenchHonor Society’s motto. Vice Président Jilann Baronconcluded the French ceremony and handed thestage over to the Spanish Honor Society for theirceremony.

The induction ceremony of the Spanish HonorSociety began with Presidenta Lucia Villafrancawelcoming the audience to the momentous occasionand introducing Secretaria Yamille Nieves whowould take the podium and give a brief history ofthe Spanish Honor Society. Once Secretaria Nieveshad finished, Vice-Presidenta Kassandra Rinkerurged the crowd to solemnity and introduced themother candle, from which all others in the SpanishHonor Society would be lit. Tesorera KatrinaThomas then led the new members in reciting a linefrom the poem “Excelsior!”

Honor Society

by: Liam Carcieri

On Thursday, May 25th, Greater NanticokeArea’s “Daniel Distasio” Chapter of theNational Honor Society inducted its newmembers. For those who do not know, theNational Honor Society, or NHS for short, is anorganization dedicated to recognizing theacademic achievements of those students whodecide to race past expectations and excel intheir schoolwork. Members of the NHS rangefrom Jim Flanigan, a pro football player, toGerald R. Ford, a former U.S. President, and toJim Henson, creator of the Muppets, but allshared a uniting factor: exemplary performancein academia.

The ceremony, which was open to family,started at 6:00 PM in the auditorium with thePledge of Allegiance and GNA’s Alma Mater.From there, various speakers gave speeches onthe Honor Society and what it stands for. Thenew inductees were called onto the stage toshake hands with our principal, Ms. Scibek,and to receive their membership cards. Theceremony concluded with all present membersof the Daniel Distasio Chapter of the NationalHonor Society taking the stage to give arousing performance of “Like an Eagle.”

Our chapter of the NHS inducted 38 newmembers bringing the total to 107. This year,there will also be 36 members graduating fromhigh school this year. Congratulations to allwho made it, and good luck to those graduatingand forging on to make their mark on theworld!

by: Liam Carcieri

by: Harley LaRue

How I Met your Mother208 episodesAfter I watched friends, this was the show that made mefeel like a normal person again. It is very similar tofriends in the fact that both are comedies that focus on agroup of twenty somethings living in New York. How Imet your mother is different, though, because it tells thestory of how Ted Mosby, father of two, fell in love withthe woman of his dreams.

Shameless84 episodesIf raunchy humor is something that tickles your fancy,then Shameless is the show for you. This dramedy givesviewers an insight to the lives of a Chicago Southsidefamily comprised of six children, whose ages cover thespan of six to twenty six, and their deadbeat alcoholicfather. In a show packed with bad life choices, mistakes,and failure, one thing is certain: regardless of how muchthey fight, these people always have each other’s backsin the end.

we have provided a list of highly rated shows that almosteveryone seems to enjoy. If you have already finishedevery single one of these shows, you should probablyseek professional help due to your unhealthy habits. Thatwould be 28 days, 20 hours, and 30 minutes of straightTV. Get a life bro.

Last chance U6 episodesLast chance U is a documentary about the mostcompetitive junior college football team in the nation.We get to watch as the members of the team workindividually on the field and in the classroom to receiveD1 offers. Viewers also get an insight to what makes afootball team tick on their journey to another nationalchampionship. This is the perfect show for any sports fanyearning for a dose of football to hold them over until thefall.

Friends236 episodesThis hilarious comedy is the perfect show for everyone.It's about the lives of six best friends who live across thehall from each other in their apartment building. Over thecourse of ten seasons, we watch the Friends gang tackleNew York in their twenties. The entertaining storyline,characters, and jokes make this show one that 52.5million fell in love with before it went off the air.

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NETFLIX REVIEWS

So, you finished yet another show on Netflix.Whether you binge-watched all 12 seasons over theweekend, and the only thing keeping you awake at themoment is a six pack of redbull, or you took your timewith it and watched an episode a day until you slowlyfinished, you are facing a problem. Ever since youwatched the credits roll off the screen after the seriesfinale, there has been a deep dark void inside of you.You may have tried filling the hole in your life with agym membership thinking that your Netflix-centeredlifestyle is in need of a change. You may have attemptedto satisfy yourself by eating pounds and pounds ofchocolate, the universal remedy for an internal dilemma.You have probably tried other things, but, no matterwhat you do, you still feel like you are missingsomething. It has come to the point where you know thatthere is only one possible solution: starting a new show.Congratulations, you have now fixed your old issue, butquickly a new problem has arisen. What show do youwatch? Whatever you choose must be of equal or bettervalue than your last one. Do you want to watch a fun sitcom with half hour episodes perfect for after homeworkor practice on busy school nights? Maybe you wouldprefer a thrilling drama playing episode after episode onyour laptop to pass a boring week while your best friendis on vacation. In the end, it comes down to you to pickyour poison, but the GNA insider is here to help. Below,

Friday Night Lights76 episodesMost people see the title of this series and think, “Okay, that show is just forpeople who like football. I’m not going to watch it.” They could not be morewrong! Yes, Friday Night Lights does kind of focus on football, but it’s so muchmore than that. What happens on the field is only one component of this show’splotline. In all actuality, Friday Night Lights is about the struggle of high schoolstudents trying to find out who they really are while struggling with tons ofadversity.

House of Cards52 episodesIn House of Cards, the two main characters, Frank and Claire Underwood, are ahusband and wife duo who will stop at nothing to slake their insatiable thirst forpower within the government of the United States of America. If you choose towatch this show, you’ll become infatuated with a world of fictional politicianswho are so corrupt it is impossible to take your eyes from the screen.

A Series of Unfortunate Events8 episodesThis show mirrors the first few books from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of UnfortunateEvents. After their parents pass away in what seems to be an accidental fire, theBaudelaire children are sent to live with a distant relative who really doesn't care aboutanything but the fortune the Baudelaire children inherited by means of their terribletragedy. Neil Patrick Harris, who plays the antagonist Count Olaf, is, in my opinion, agod among men in the acting world. Anything with him in it is bound to be veryenjoyable to watch.

The Office201 episodesEveryone loves it when someone from in our area becomes popular, like Penn Statefootball player Connor McGovern, or Denver Broncos football player Shakir Soto. TheOffice is the same kind of deal because it's based in Scranton. People who watch thiscomedy enjoy seeing Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell), who is the regionalmanager of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, awkwardly attempt to juggle being both acasual friend to his employees and an excellent boss.

More Shows Worth Watching

by: Eric Jeffries

Nina ZendarskiOur heart was broken

without a warning, no words spoken

you were taken away

someone said you could not stay

empty and lonely is what we are

we lost a precious shining star

our family torn apart

your world began with a promising start

life is unfair

this difficult cross we must bear

strength and courage we will find

our special child always in our mind

a place in heaven is where you sit

looking at that star you lit

in our thoughts forever you will be

never knowing why someone set you free

03/25/2002 - 03/15/2017

by: Andi Roberts

16

Roundabouts

Many different cities are seeinga change to their roadways. It isoccurring at one of the mostdangerous places on the road;intersections. Intersectionsaccount for more than fortypercent of accidents in the UnitedStates, the second highest categoryof accidents second only to fenderbenders. Most drivers navigate thestandard four way stopintersection and four way signalintersection everyday, but notmany traverse roundabouts asfrequently.

The modern Americanroundabout makes up over fivethousand active intersections inthe U.S. and these numbers areincreasing every year. Theseroundabouts have led tomiraculous decreases in accidentrates. With a thirty percentreduction in overall collision, it’seasy to see why so manytransportation departments aredeveloping more of this new typeof intersection. Roundabouts havealso led to a ninety percentreduction to fatality crashes. Withthis huge decrease in death tolls, itmakes the roundabout a saferplace for everyone, whether theyare new drivers or experiencedones. Roundabouts also provide

traditional intersection.The departments of

transportation are using thesesafer circular intersections, nowmore than ever, and with a goodcause. Less crashes, less fatalities,and less pedestrian collisions iseverything that they look for in anintersection. An added bonus forroundabouts is they are lessexpensive in the long run. Withall the reductions in collisions andeven cheaper costs, roundaboutsare sure to become more commonintersection in the future.

more safety to those pedestrianstrying to cross the intersection.Due to modern roundaboutshaving islands separating the lanesof traffic leaving and entering thecircle, a pedestrian only has toworry about one lane of traffic at atime. Though, the roundabout mayseem more tricky to travel aroundas a pedestrian, they have led to aforty percent reduction inpedestrian crossing collision.

These circles have numeroussafety advantages, but the initialcost to create one is far more thanconstructing a four wayintersection with signal lights. Theaverage cost of a roundabout is$250,000. While the cost for astandard signal intersection is$45,000. A big margin in price,but the maintenance onroundabouts is far less costly.Signal intersections can cost$5,000 to $10,000 dollars eachyear for maintenance, whileroundabouts can easily be wellmaintained for under $2,500.Roundabouts also require less of adelay and lead to less crashes,which when factored all togetherroundabouts are a cheaperalternative. Therefore in the longrun, roundabouts are preferred atmost intersections than the

17

by: Trevor Grohowski

AP Exams Amiah Lukowski

of care. Also, a part time job has a goodamount of benefits because you can gainvaluable training, work experience, and anincome. It is a source of money, time, andexperience.

I briefly interviewed Jake Bukofskiabout the pros and cons of studentemployment. He said, “Although beingemployed as a student may be hard at timesregarding the management of my timebetween work and school, it gives me asense of responsibility and a taste of thereal world.”

Student Employment

season long, Amiah was a force to be reckonedwith and ran/ jumped her hardest in everycompetition.

Leaving districts with an unexpected firstplace medal and qualification for states in triplejump, jumping 37-foot-3.75,” Amiah went onto finish 11th in the state.

One of her best decisions going into districtswas her choice to not run the 400 meter dashand jump the triple jump instead, as she did sowell in the event.

Many people came to the meets all season tosee her compete and watched in awe as sheflew past her competition. At states, shecompeted and placed better than what she wasoriginally seeded at, which shows her hardwork and dedication to the sport. She is lookingforward to another successful season for the2017-2018 school year, and hopes to continueexcelling.

Nanticoke Area Sophomore AmiahLukowski recently finished her successful2016-2017 track and field season atShippensburg University this past Friday, May26th. She started to make her mark in herfreshman year as she set a District 2 AA recordin the 200 meter dash and qualified for states inthe 100 and 200 meter dashes. After competingin the PIAA District 2 AAA Championship thisyear and leaving with three medals, Amiahwent on to compete in the state tournamenthosted at Shippensburg University to competein the 200 meter dash and triple jump. All

18

Do you have a part time job? Having ajob as a student is not as easy as it maysound, but it has its benefits; it has its prosand cons. While the income is nice, youhave to sacrifice a lot of little things in yourlife for a job.

Student employment can give you ataste of responsibility by making money,and you learn the real value of the dollar.Should you take a part time job, you thenhave to balance it with school, a social life,free time, and maybe even sports. In orderto be a student with a part time job, youneed to have a flexible schedule becauseyou can get called in any day to cover forsomeone.

However, that doesn’t mean that findingwork while you’re still in school is bad.With a part time job, you can gain personaland professional growth and developsuperior time management andorganizational skills. You gain a widevariety of responsibility with a part timejob. You learn a lot of things and get moreexperienced and become more skilled inyour field of work. A part time job is takenvery serious by some and treated with a lot

Committing yourself to an Advanced Placementcourse can be stressful, but the importance ofmaking this commitment is immense. In thebeginning of the year, the AP instructor’s mainpriority is to pound the importance of the exam intoyour head. If you are going to stress yourself outand spend all that time working and longing forthat end goal, why wouldn’t you take the exam?The cost can be substantial to some families, butoptions can be figured out to ensure that you followthrough with taking the exam.

All of the excitement and tension leading up tothe exam is stressful and at times can feel like toomuch, but it is worth it when you are writing thefinal word to an essay or writing the last number toa problem. The satisfaction in knowing that you arefinally done with one of the hardest tests you willever take is over is truly a reason to take the test byitself.

Teachers and former AP students cannot stressthe importance of an AP course more than theyalready do, but what they can do is encourageothers to take the final stride and finish the exam.

by: Aaron Miller by: Veronica Penko

(continued from page 14) Presidenta Villafranca took overand gave a brief speech on the symbolism behind the candlesheld by all new members and its importance. Next, the newinductees were called onto the stage to light their candle andjoin their peers on the risers. After everyone had been calledup, Presidenta Villafranca stood at the podium once more tolead the members in their pledge, completely in Spanish.Vice-Presidenta followed to provide the English translationfor the benefit of the audience. The Presidenta took the standone last time to exercise the authority of her position andofficially induct the new members.

The utmost félicitations and felicitaciones to those whowent above and beyond to receive this tremendous honor.

Spanish and French Honor Society

by: Derek Kurkoski

District Chorus

Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science

Enter Text HerePut the rest of your

tease here

SpotlightPennsylvania MusicEducators Association

On March 18, 2017, 25 students attended the 56thannual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciencecompetition at Wilkes University. The students weregiven the opportunity to present their science and mathprojects in front of a panel of judges to compete for anaward. Andrea Grey received a Perseverance Awardfor her years of participation in PJAS and CarlosCastillo was the recipient of the GeisingerCommonwealth School of Medicine Fellowship.

All first place recipients had the chance to head outto Penn State University to present their projects againin front of judges for an even greater award from May14-16. Fourteen students attended this state meetingand five came home with first awards. The nineremaining took a second in their categories. JosephO’Hara received the Penn State University College ofEngineering Scholarship and Evan Stecco, DavidMash, Megan Banas, Emily Scott, and LaurenMcHenry won the Pennsylvania Science Talent Search.

The faculty sponsors at regionals were Mr. Collins,Mr. Fleury, Miss Schraeder, Mrs. Wisniewski, Ms.Warman. The sponsors at states were Mr. Fleury, MissSchraeder, and Mr. Mikulski.

DID YOU KNOW?GNA had seven students make it to District Chorus: Madelyn Bugdonovitch,Catherine Morris, Kendal Grimm, Kaylee Simmons, Cody Baluta, David Mash,and Kyle Stratton.

Each year, the Pennsylvania MusicEducators Association (PMEA) hosts manyfestivals like District, Regional, and All-Statechorus, band, and orchestra. In order to attendand participate in these the music festivalsstudents must go through a series of auditions.On the District level, only twenty students ineach voice part make it to the District festival;then students are given the opportunity toaudition again to move on to the next level.On the Regional level, only ten students ineach voice part are able to participate in thefestival. This process of auditioning continuesonto All-States. This year, pre-auditions wereheld at the Valley View High School onOctober sixteenth. Pre-auditions determinewhich students get to go to the District ChorusFestival. During these auditions, students hadto sing a section of a previously preparedchoral piece in front of a panel of judges.Students are then judged on tone quality,familiarity with the music, note/pitchaccuracy, etc.

The District Chorus includes many

talented, hand selected individuals. Therewere one hundred and sixty total participantsfrom thirty four different schools. Theensemble is divided into four sections: theSopranos, which consists of females and is thehighest of all voice types, the Altos, whichalso consists of females and is the lowestfemale singing voice, the Tenors, whichconsists only of males and is the higher malevoice type, and the Basses, which is thelowest male voice type.

This year, GNA was proud to have sevenstudents make it to District Chorus. Theyinclude Madelyn Bugdonovitch and CatherineMorris, Sopranos, Kendal Grimm and KayleeSimmons, Altos, Cody Baluta and DavidMash, Tenors, and Kyle Stratton, Bass. Thisyear, the District Chorus was lead by guestconductor Dr. Rick Hoffenburg and held atMarywood University. It is a three day eventfilled with , students rehearsed from sevena.m. until eight p.m. In just the small amountof time of three days, the District Chorusprepared nine difficult and diverse choral

pieces that required all of the studentsinvolved to use their talent and musical skillsto the fullest. During this time, between all ofthe rehearsal, auditions for Regional Choruswere held. David Mash and Kyle Strattonwent on to make it to Regional Chorus,another three day festival, which was heldfrom February twenty second to twenty fifth.Congratulations to these students on theirmusical achievements.

by: Madelyn Bugdonovitch

19

by: Aaron Miller

The GNA Insider

GNAClassof2017

GNAClass of 2017

by: Molly Urbanski

Class Quote:"We may not have it alltogether, but together wehave it all."

Class Song:"Ill Always Remember You"

by: Hannah Montana

I always knew this day would comeWe'd be standing one by oneWith our future in our hands

So many dreams so many plans

Always knew after all these yearsThere'd be laughter there'd be tearsBut never thought that I'd walk awayWith so much joy but so much painAnd it's so hard to say goodbye

But yesterday's gone we gotta keep moving onI'm so thankful for the moments so glad I got to know ya

The times that we had I'll keep like a photographAnd hold you in my heart forever

I'll always remember you

Another chapter in the bookcan't go back but you can lookAnd there we are on every page

Memories I'll always saveUp ahead on the open doors

Who knows what we're heading towards?I wish you love I wish you luck

For you the world just opens upBut it's so hard to say goodbye

Yesterday's gone we gotta keep moving onI'm so thankful for the moments so glad I got to know ya

The times that we had I'll keep like a photographAnd hold you in my heart forever

I'll always remember you

Everyday that we had all the good all the badI'll keep them here inside

All the times that we shared every place everywhereYou touched my life

Yeah one day we'll look back we'll smile and we'll laughBut right now we just cry

'Cause it's so hard to say goodbye

Yesterday's gone we gotta keep moving onI'm so thankful for the moments so glad I got to know ya

The times that we had I'll keep like a photographAnd hold you in my heart forever

I'll always remember you

I'll always remember you

I'll always remember you Seniors

Class Flower:Sunflower

Class color:Blue and Red

Way Back When

Three Acres and PondSuper Bowl XXXVIII

Winner - New England PatriotsThe Patriots defeated the Panthers by the score of 32–29,

winning their second Super Bowl championship in three years.The game was played at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, onFebruary 1, 2004. At the time, this was the most watched Super

Bowl ever with 144.4 million viewers!

- Gallon of Gas………$1.85- A House……………$269,000(Today, the average house costsaround $368,000.)-A Car…………….....$22,068(A car today costs aroundnearly $33,000 dollars.)- $100 in the year 2004 is worth$127.06 in 2017.

Average Prices in 2004:

20042004 was a year full of surprises. George W. Bush won reelection, and Drake &Josh appeared on TV for the first time! But more importantly, the 2017 SeniorClass began kindergarten. A lot can change in just 13 years, so what exactly was

2004 like?

Winner - Boston Red SoxIt was the Boston Red Sox against the St. Louis

Cardinals. The Red Sox defeated the Cardinals by fourgames to none in the best-of-seven series, played at

Fenway Park and Busch Memorial Stadium. The serieswas played from October 23–27, 2004 and watched by

an average of 25.5 million viewers.

Women’sWorld Cup

Winner - United StatesThe United States women’s national soccer teamranked first in the tournament held in Edmonton,

Alberta, Canada against four other teams.

- The Incredibles- Shrek 2- Dawn of the Dead- Mean Girls- The Notebook- I, Robot- Alien Vs. Predator- Lemony Snicket’s A Seriesof Unfortunate Events- White Chicks- Saw

- Grand Theft Auto: SanAndreas- World of Warcraft- Halo 2- Silent Hill 4: The Room- The Sims 2- Half-Life 2

- American Idiot by GreenDay- Drop It Like It’s Hot bySnoop Dogg- 1, 2 Step by Ciara- Yeah! By Usher- Hey Ya! By Outkast- When the Sun Goes Downby Kenny Chesney

- Bratz Dolls- Cabbage Patch Kids- Hot Wheels- Yu-Gi-Oh- Legos

Movies Released in 2004:

Top Music of 2004:

Television Shows that began in2004:

- Phil Of The Future- Drake & Josh- Desperate Housewives- Ned’s Declassified SchoolSurvival Guide- Project Runaway- The Backyardigans- CSI: Crime SceneInvestigation- Lazy Town- House- Ghost Hunters

Video Games Released:

Most Popular Toys:

World Series 2004

FIFAMen’s World CupThe Stanley Cup

Winner - The Tampa Bay LightningTampa Bay Lightning defeated the Western Conference

champion Calgary Flames in seven games and were awarded theStanley Cup. It was Tampa's first-ever appearance in the final.

Winner - SpainWhile Brazil planned to take back the their title after losing

to Spain four years before, Spain beat the Europeanchampions, Italy, in a 2-1 game. Brazil placed third.

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by: Harley LaRue

Dear Parents

the seashore. No matter how manytimes you had to hear us say, “Arewe there yet,” and no matter howmuch we got on your nerves, younever stopped doing everythingyou could to ensure that we hadthe most enjoyable familyvacation possible.

While teaching us the ABC’s,having us sit in the corner, anddriving us to soccer practice wereall extremely important, sayingthank you for these things wouldonly start to portray the gratitudewe feel towards you for raising us.You were the first person to everbelieve in us. You gave us ourconfidence. Everything we haveaccomplished in our short lives,we owe to no one else but you.You were there for us in every

"Thank you for being our teachers and forsharing your knowledge with us"

best of your ability. No matter howannoying our inquiries became,you still gave us an accurateexplanation accompanied by acalm and pleasant attitude. Whenwe came home with a worksheeton long division, you were theresitting at the kitchen table withyour pencil and scratch paper,more than ready to lend a helpinghand. As we grew older and ourquestions became more mature,your answers became wiser. Whenwe didn’t take your advice butshould have, you never said, “Itold you so.” You always offeredyour assistance to help us out ofwhatever pickle we had landedourselves in.

Thank you for the reprimandingus. We didn't realize it then, as wewere standing in the corner, sittingin the time out chair, or stayinghome on a Friday night while ourfriends went out, that you weremolding us into people who knowthe difference between right andwrong. We realized that ouractions have consequences and

As graduation approaches, ourheads are bursting with thoughts ofthe senior trip, summer vacation,and college. Before we graduate,however, we have something tosay that has been overdue forroughly 18 years. Parents, thankyou for everything that you havedone to help us reach thisimportant milestone in our lives.The problem that presents itself isthat there are countless things weneed to thank you for and wordsalone cannot possibly suffice thegratitude we share for all you havedone.

Thank you for being our firstteachers and sharing all of yourknowledge with us. When we wereknee high to grasshoppers, youread us entertaining books such asGreen Eggs and Ham, Go, Dog.Go!, and Fox in Sox at night, timeand time again, until we fellasleep. When we were in the“Why?” stage of life andbombarded you 24/7 withquestions about how the worldworks, you always answered to

that we must take responsibilityfor our mistakes. You didn't enjoypunishing us, and often said it hurtyou more than it hurt us, yet, itwas still very necessary to ourdevelopment. While there are afew of us who are just reachingour mischief making prime, thevast majority have calmed downnow and are disciplinedindividuals who are ready tograduate and contribute to society.

Thank you for being ourpersonal chauffeurs. For at least 16

years, you drove us all over theface of the Earth without anycomplaint. When we neededsomeone to take our friends to themovies, you were always morethan happy to pack the minivanfull of boisterous children andmake the drive up to Wilkes-Barre. You drove us to and fromhundreds of sports practices. Itdidn't matter to you if we led theteam in points scored, or waterspoured. On game day, you droveto the four corners of the worldjust so we could look up into thestands and see your smiling faces.During the summer, we piled intothe family car and drove down to

"Thank you for reprimanding us"

HONOR YOUR PARENTS BYWHAT YOU BECOME!

stage of our lives, providing yourlove and support and without it wewouldn’t be the same young menand women we are today. Youhave constructed for us a soundfoundation of love and supportwhich we will build upon for therest of our lives, and for that wecould never truly express theproper amount of gratitude.

by: Eric Jeffries

Remember that hard work anddedication really does pay off. Nomatter where you go and howsuccessful you might be, keep in mindall those people who helped youalong the way.

Mrs. Makarcyzk: As the sayinggoes, “they were the best years ofyour life.” I hope for every senior,that the “best is yet to come!”Mrs. Jefferies: As you embark onyour journey that is “the rest of yourlives,” know that you will not onlyalways be within any heart, but alsowithin the hearts of all the faculty andstaff here at GNA. Best wishes 2017!Mr. Rauh: Remember if you’re cold,go stand in the corner. It is always90 degrees. #cheesymathjokeMr. Litchkofski: The wise win beforethe fight, while the ignorant fight towin.Mr. D. Prushinski: It has been apleasure getting to know you all andbeing a part of your high schoolexperience. I wish you all the best inyour future lives.Mrs. Warman: Listen to “ForeverYoung” by Rod Stewart. The songsays it all.Ms. Hyder: To one of my favoriteclasses, I’d like to congratulate youand welcome you into “real life” withsome advice. First, live a life you’reproud of, and if you’re not, change itright now because no one will do itfor you. Be happy. Be healthy. Do

what brings you joy, unless it hurtsyou or someone else. Be kind and agood friend. Travel: The worldoutside of this little town is waitingand it’s amazing. Accept people. Becompassionate, but not a doormat.Be trustworthy. Give love, but only tothose who deserve it. Work hard, findwhat you’re good at and make acareer doing what you love. Takeresponsibility for yourself: don’t lieand own up to your mistakes. We willmake them. Always remember thatnothing is ever hopeless and there isalways someone who cares aboutyou. Choose those people and get ridof the toxic ones. We get one shot atthis thing called life. Don’t blow it.Make it beautiful!Mr. Stetz: Go confidently in thedirections of your dreams. IRIE!! (Istill like bologna on white bread, nowand then.)Ms. Muench: “Don’t cry because it’sover. Smile because it happened.”Mr. Collins: It has been my pleasurebeing your teacher and advisorduring your high school years. Isincerely wish you the best of luckand continued success in your futureendeavors.

Mrs. Makarcyzk: “To love a littledeeper, to speak a bit softer, to laughlike no one is watching.”Mrs. Jefferies: Greater NanticokeArea will always be your home.Mr. Rauh: “I want to hireemployees who are always late” -saidno boss ever.Mr. Litchkofski: Life requirespatience. There is no quick way togrow a tree that is strong enough towithstand a storm.Mr. D. Prushinski: Hard work willalways help you overcome anyhardship. The easy way out is rarelythe best way, so keep yourselvesmotivated and working, and successwill follow you.Mrs. Warman: Never underestimatethe power of a smile and kind words.Ms. Hyder: Your future andhappiness relies on YOU! Youcontinue your destiny!Mr. Stetz: Do right- Avoid wrong.Do the best of your ability. Showpeople you care.Ms. Muench: Do not dwell in thepast. Do not dream of the future.Concentrate on the present moment.Mr. Collins: Stay real to yourself.

A Message from our Principal, Ms. Scibek

farewell messages to the

Class of 2017?

Advice from the Gna staff for

the Class of 2017

Dear Class of 2017,

First and foremost, congratulations toall of you. I know you have workedhard to accomplish all that you haveachieved. This year has gone byquickly and I truly did treasure everymoment. I feel as though it was justAugust when I met all of you for thefirst time; I was nervous, yet excitedto get to know each of you as the yearwent on. This is the same feeling thatyou experienced when you begankindergarten…..enthusiastic to meetnew people yet nervous of what toexpect. As you transitioned throughgrade school then into High School

the anxiety and excitement grew. Youare now prepared to enter the nextstage of your life. You mayexperience those same feelings, butknow that you have the skills andwisdom to continue your path as ayoung adult.

Make sure you take time to reminisceabout your first day of school, goingto high school football games,attending your first dance. Make sureyou thank your parents, teachers andfriends for the support they havegiven you. Take time to appreciate thememories that you have made here atGNA.

I would like to leave you with a fewclosing thoughts, which I call lifelessons: Always try your best, learnfrom your mistakes, earn respect,don’t demand it and don’t let anyoneever put you down! You are allspecial individuals with a great dealto offer. Perseverance and hard workwill pay off if you continue to pushyourselves.

I wish you all the best in your futureendeavors and congratulations onyour outstanding achievements.Always remember your family here atGNA.

by: Molly Urbanski

2016 GNA Class President Alexis Selli Offers

Advice to the Class of 2017

Dear Class of 2017,

This time last year, I waspreparing my address to thesenior class at GNA. The wisdomthat I chose to share with myfellow classmates was theimportance of being “ready notwaiting.” It is now one year later,and I can truthfully say that nowords have rang more true.Like most of you seniors, I was

reared in Nanticoke. That means,I attended the same rivalrybasketball games againstHanover, ate the same Angelo’spizza, and made the sameoccasional trips down HappyValley. Those have been some ofthe greatest memories, but Iwanted more. I promised that ifthe opportunity presented itself, Iwas going to be ready, notwaiting, to accept the challenge.

I believe that whatever you doin life, you should give it yourbest effort, and if your effort isn’tgood enough, you don’t give up,

but you find a way to make itbetter. I applied this philosophy toall of my passions in high school,such as dance and sports, butmost importantly, academics. Thismay sound old school, but the keyto success is, has been, and willalways be a good education. It’sYOU, not the high school you goto or your parents who determinehow driven you are to receive aneducation. I believe this with allmy heart; therefore, I always gavemy best effort at GNA. Was itenough? Was I ready? Theanswer is yes.

I knew I was going to college,but where? For what? Doesn’tthis sound similar, seniors? Likesome of you, I applied to severalcolleges with hopes of beingaccepted. Every single one at firstexcept my dream college,University of Florida, because Ihad no chance of getting in, right?I mean, did I really want to leavePA? Was I ready? I wasn’t sure,so I applied the day before

applications were due ‘just incase.’

Acceptance letters startedarriving, and then I opened theUniversity of Florida letter. I gotaccepted and simultaneouslyopened a fortune cookie that said,“you are offered an opportunityof a lifetime say yes,” so Idecided that I was ready to be anincoming Gator.

After doubting my credentials,I am happy to announce that Ijust completed my freshman yearat UF, and I’m about to startresearch, which I highlyrecommend. I have done wellacademically, but I did gothrough an adjustment period.Don’t worry this is common whenyou venture out into the world,and you will get through it if youlove what you’re doing.

What do I mean by that? Wellfor example, the campus at UFcontains over 50,000 students,much bigger than Nanticoke, so itis easy to get lost. Upon arrival, Igot involved in dance, soccer,and joined pre-dental society.This allowed me to meet like-

minded individuals to help mebetter adjust to the differentatmosphere because I stillremained true to my passions.

I also made sure I took myacademics as seriously as I did atGNA. Actually, more seriously tobe honest. Academics at collegeare more off the charts than inhigh school, and no, I was notready for that. Be prepared to hitthe books and manage your timebetter than the normal crammingto learn a whole Shakespearespeech in two hours. (On a sidenote knowing that whole speechis impressive in college. Use thatskill to your advantage. ThanksMiss Hyder.)

I am currently a pre-dentaldual major Biology andAnthropology student with adance minor at the University ofFlorida thanks to the support ofmy family and GNA. In the nextfew years, I plan on becoming aNavy dentist, which will give methe opportunity to help peoplefrom our home town who gave meand all of you the opportunities tobecome successful. I feel soblessed to have been ready whenopportunity came my way. So,class of 2017, I encourage younot to wait to pursue your dreamswhen the opportunity is given toyou, but instead be ready pursuethem wholeheartedly and withoutself-doubt.

I wish you the best of luck inyour future endeavors!

-Alexis Selli

"Be ready to pursue your

dreams wholeheartedly

and without self-doubt."

2017 GNA Class Officers

Vice President: Miranda DunnWhy did you decide to run for classoffice?I decided to run for class office becauseit helps me get involved in senioractivities.

Why is serving as vice presidentimportant to you?Serving as vice president is important tome because I get to represent our class.

What is the most difficult aspect ofbeing a class officer?The most difficult aspect is trying toplease everyone.

What is your favorite event that youhelped coordinate this year? Why?I enjoyed setting up our senior parade,because it started off our senior year.

What will you miss about being a classofficer?I will miss being able to design t-shirtsfor everyone.

Is being a class officer how youpredicted it to be? explain.No. It is very stressful and a lot of work.

What are your plans after graduation?I will attend Bloomsburg University.

What extra- curricular activities areyou involved in?I was involved in Varsity Soccer.

What will you miss most about highschool?I will miss my friends and my team.

Secretary: Lucia VillafrancaWhy did you decide to run for classofficer?I wanted to help make my classmates andmy senior year memorable.

Why is serving as class secretaryimportant to you?It is important to me because I got tohelp out other students and put theirthoughts/ ideas in perspective and triedto make senior year fun.

What is the most difficult aspect ofbeing a class officer?Trying to make everyone happy becausenot everyone agrees on certain things.

What was your favorite event that youhelped coordinate this year? Why?I liked Homecoming because I lovedseeing my classmates happy when Iwalked down the field.

Is being a class officer how youpredicted it to be?Yes. I already knew the events that I hadto participate in, but trying to pleaseeveryone is a challenge because I wanteveryone to enjoy their senior year.

What are your plans after graduation?To travel the most I can and make morememories with my friends before college.Attending Kings College would be a goalof mine for secondary education Englishspecial ed.

What extra- curricular activities areyou involved in?Cheerleading, Spanish honor societypresident, community service, studentcouncil, prom committee, and tutoring.

What will you miss most about highschool?I will miss our school and will also misslunch because my friends and I haveinteresting conversations.

President: Kayla AuferioWhy did you decide to run for classoffice?I decided to run for class presidentbecause I wanted to represent my class inorder to ensure that our senior year wasan enjoyable experience for everyone.

Why is serving as class presidentimportant to you?Serving as class president was importantto me because it allowed me to representmy class and my school. I was honored torepresent my class's ideas and helptransform them into action.

What was your favorite event that youhelped coordinate this year? Why?Homecoming. It was an exciting time andbrought out our school spirit in everyone..What will you miss most about being aclass officer?I will miss working with the other officersand my fellow classmates. We completedmany activities together and helped theClass of '17 enjoy their senior year.

Is being a class officer everything youpredicted it to be?It was a lot more stressful than Ioriginally had anticipated. Meetingdeadlines, organizing events, andrepresenting people was a daunting task.

What are your plans after graduation?I will be attending Wilkes University tostudy Pharmacy.

What extra-curricular activities areyou involved in?I was involved in soccer, basketball,Honor Society, and Student Council.

What will you miss most about highschool?I will miss sporting events and our variousschool functions. I will truly miss my fellowclassmates and my teachers.

Treasurer: Kaitlyn CorkellWhy did you decide to run for classoffice?I wanted to get involved with events forour senior year and represent my class.

Why is serving as class treasurerimportant to you?Serving as a specific class officer doesnot have much importance to me,but justbeing an officer in general means a lot tome because it teaches you important lifelessons such as time management andthat you can't always please everyone,you could only try your best toaccommodate the majority.

What is the most difficult aspect ofbeing a class officer?One of the most difficult tasks aboutbeing a class officer is trying to takeeveryone's ideas and merge them intoone because it’s hard to please everyone.Its also very hard to get everyone toparticipate in things like signing oursenior shirt.

What was your favorite event that youhelped coordinate this year? Why?There were a lot of events and “projects"we helped coordinate this year, like thehomecoming activities. I don’t have aspecific favorite, but I really enjoyedmaking the shirts for numerous activities.It was stressful at the times but it is niceknowing we helped create something thatcould serve as a keepsake for our senioryear.

What extra-curricular activities areyou involved in?Aside from being a class officer, I am acaptain on the cheer team, a track andfield team manager, a member of thescience olympiad team, and a part of thespirit committee.

by: Zachery Hodgson

A high school athletic careershould be a fun and exhilaratingexperience for students. Unfortunatelyfor Riley Klepadlo and ElizabethMulhern, that athletic career camewith a major obstacle, forcing bothstudent-athletes to overcome majorinjury. Both Riley and Elizabeth toretheir anterior cruciate ligament(ACL). The long road to recoverywould seem almost unattainable for

Trojan Spirit

"Adversity causes some people to break, others

to break records."

some, but for Klepaldo and Mulhern,a season ending injury was a test ofcharacter, and both were ready toovercome the challenge and wereeager to take their place in the longhistory of Trojan athletics by gettingback in the lineup.

Riley Klepadlo endured her tornACL during her junior year of varsitysoccer. It was her first regular seasongame of the athletic year and, as shewas trying to spin around with theball, the defender pushed her. Riley’sknee gave out, and she was taken outof the game; her season had ended asquickly as it began.

After surgery, Riley completed 5months of rehab with a physicaltherapist and then, after 2 months postoperation, she started lifting on herown at the Nanticoke Fitness Center.6 months later, Riley began practicingwith the Trojanettes, eager to make afull recovery. Trying to improve herstability and strength, Riley hit theweights and conditioned herself in

situations. “I was very grateful for aspeedy recovery and to be able tocontinue my athletic career in highschool.” She continued, “Sometimesyou are just dealt with bad hand, butthat does not mean that you have to liedown and take it. After your injury,focus on getting better and do not lookat anything you are going to miss. Inthe end, if you get up stronger, it isgoing to make you a better person thanyou would be if you had never fallenin the first place. You appreciateeverything when you do not have it.”

In an eerily similar situation,Elizabeth Mulhern, during her seniorsoccer season, suffered a torn ACLand is currently on the road torecovery. Elizabeth injured her ACLwhile she was fighting over the ballwith an opponent during a varsitysoccer game. Unfortunately, Liz’ssoccer season ended too early for thestar player. “It not only affected myability to play soccer for the rest ofmy senior year, but also affected anyother physical activity I love to do -- at least for now,” Elizabeth stated.The injury mentally drained Liz byputting a strain on her everydaynormal activities like running andworking out.

Mulhern is currently halfwaythrough her healing process aftersurgery. She is in physical therapy andher leg is getting stronger and morestable every day. “I still struggle withpain, but I am thankful my knee ishealing properly.” Liz’s injurychanged her not only as an athlete, butalso as a person by making her realizehow important the little things are andto not take advantage of what she has.“The ACL is just a small ligament inthe knee, but one of the mostimportant," Mulhern says.

As an athlete, it is easy to want togive up when a significant injuryoccurs. Elizabeth says, “My advice isto not get down on yourself. Attitudeis everything in the recovery process.Do not think about how long you haveuntil full recovery, but instead focuson your current status and come back

preparation for the 2016-2017basketball season.

Ms. Klepadlo stated that, “herinjury made her appreciate hersituation even more. Before gettinghurt, everything seemed much simplerwith a body of no scars or fractures.”After her injury, Riley had to fight foreverything and it taught her how to becompassionate and moreunderstanding of other people’s

even stronger proving nothing toanyone but yourself that you CAN dothis and you ARE strong.”

Elizabeth continues to gain strengthevery day and plans to pursue athleticsat the Indiana University ofPennsylvania.

At GNA, there seems to be aninherited trait, a common, shared geneamong many student-athletes- TOUGHNESS. It can't be taught;you simply have it or you don't.Possessing that "Trojan Spirit" meansovercoming injuries, overcomingodds, overcoming hardship. RileyKlepadlo and Elizabeth Mulhern areTrojan Tough.

by: Alexis Guy

#AK4THEWIN

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SpotlightGNA comes togetherto show support

The GNA Family...would like to send our love and support to the Kreitzer family. We wish Aaron thebest of luck! Keep fighting and hang in there. We believe all in you!

With compassion and positivity, GNA hascome together to support one of our seniorsbattling a disease. Aaron Kreitzer, a seniorhere at Nanticoke, has been diagnosed withLeukemia, but his faith and determinationhelp him through each and every day.

Aaron is a member of the National HonorSociety and is also a member of the Trojanbaseball team. Our Trojan family has alljoined together to help the Kreitzer familyalong through this tough and emotional time.GNA has created many fundraisers to raisemoney such as selling bracelets and shirts tohelp defray the continued medical costs.Family and friends sold orange braceletswhich read, “Team Aaron,” and thecheerleaders also sold bracelets which said,“AK 4 the Win.” The constant confidence andsupport is our way to show Aaron he is notalone in this battle.

As a surprise to Aaron, there were anumber of students who visited him at thehospital. A bus trip was organized to visittheir friend and show him support. Families

made posters, took balloons, and decorationsto show support.

On April 22nd, the National Honor Societyhosted their 2nd annual “Zumbathon” to helpraise money. Orange zumbathon shirts weresold in advance for this event. Families andfriends donated raffle baskets to be auctionedoff.

On Sunday, April 30th, there were twoexhibition games between Nanticoke Areaand Hanover Area’s baseball and softballteams held in honor of Aaron. The rivalriesclashed for a great cause. Fans were able topurchase shirts to support Aaron and therewere also donations made at the entrance ofthe game. The games took place at HanoverArea High School at 1 and 2PM. TheTrojanettes played the first game and won,11-0. The Trojans followed, but lost, 3-2.Both teams supported Aaron, wearing hisbaseball jersey, #17. In addition, becauseAaron’s position on the team was left field, all4 teams left this position open for the firstpitch. The games had such a great outcome of

fans and supporters. Throughout the wholebenefit, GNA raised a lot of money for anabsolute great cause. As neighbors and rivals,Nanticoke and Hanover joined together as oneto knock Leukemia out of the park!

All of these fundraisers turned out to be agreat success and could not have beencompleted without the incredible supportsystem of GNA. Thank you teachers,especially Mrs. Pray and Ms.Hyder, and allstudents who participated in these benefits.Thank you to all families and friends whohave donated time and money and who haveparticipated in these benefits.

The GNA family would like to send ourlove and support to the Kreitzer family andwish Aaron the best of luck! Keep fightingand hang in there. We believe all in you!

by: Derek Kurkoski and Kelsi O'Conner

GNA to the NCAA

GNA Student Athletes The Tradition Continues

Alexis Pyzia: King’s College Basketball TeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska, BillHischak, Allen YenjiBottom row Left to right: Amy Skibek, AlexisPyzia, Jill Bartholomew

Eric Grodzicki: Penn State Hazleton Golf TeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska, AmyScibek, Nina Matzoni, Jason MartonickBottom row Left to right: Gary Grodzicki, EricGrodzicki, Angie Grodzicki, Jeremy Grodzicki

Jake Shatley: King’s College Baseball TeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska, AmyScibek, Michael Shiminski, Joe Yudichak, BillHischakBottom row Left to right: Scott Shatley, JakeShatley, Lori Shatley, Lauren Shatley

Jenna Lipowski: Kutztown University SoftballTeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska, AmyScibek, Dr. Grevera, Ryan Stetz, Bill Hischak,Dennis SmedingBottom row Left to right: Marc Lipowski, JennaLipowski, Karen Lipowski

All over the United states, millions of high schoolstudents bring glory to their school in the name ofsports. After graduation however, making the jumpfrom high school to college athletics is something moreeasily said than done. Just over 460,000 athletes arefortunate enough to play in the NCAA. This numericalexample demonstrates just how challenging it is to takeyour athletic ability to the next level. What numberscannot show is the extensive amount of training, fiercework ethic, and insatiable appetite for success requiredto achieve this athletic excellence. Multiple members ofthe 2017 class have overcome adversity and are

continuing their careers as student athletes aftergraduation. Their unique combination of academic andathletic superiority has earned them secure places on therosters of various NCAA programs. Whether it be thecountless memories made on and off the field or court,the unbreakable friendships built on hours of gruelingconditioning together, or simply a pure love for thegame, something has made these competitors yearn formore than high school sports and for that, as a school,GNA couldn't be more proud.

Kiera Brown: Kutztown University SoftballTeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska, AmyScibek, Dr. Grevera, Ryan Stetz, BillHischakBottom row Left to right: Marvin Brown,Maurice Brown, Kiera Brown, LateefBrown, Dennis Smeding

Tessa Stegura: Cedar Crest College SwimTeamTop row left to right: Amy Scibek, KenBartuska, Bill HischakBottom row Left to right: Clare Finn, TessaStegura

Kyle Pokrinchak: Wilkes University BaseballTeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska, AmyScibek, Joe Yudichak, Bill HischakBottom row Left to right: Nick Pokrinchak,Kyle Pokrinchak, Kim Pokrinchak, TylerPokrinchak

Luke Butczynski: Misericordia UniversityBasketball TeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska,Kathleen Jarman, Amy Scibek, John Beggs,Ed LukowskiBottom row Left to right: LeonardButczynski, Dave Lewis, Luke Butczynski,Lesley Butczynski, Lucille Butczynski

Morgan Briggs: Scranton UniversitySoftball TeamTop row left to right: Ken Bartuska, AmyScibek, Dr. Grevera, Ryan Stetz, BillHischak, George GraboskeBottom row Left to right: Brent Briggs,Morgan Briggs, Jackie Cain

by: Eric Jeffries

SeniorClass Tripby: Andi Roberts

17 Memories from the Class of 2017 Life Skills Seniors1. Finally winning the spirit games our senior year.

2. Eric tackling Kyle Wolfer for the class of 2016's flag.

3.Kyle and Shatley’s commercial for Ms. Hyder’s junioryear project.

4. Jurta’s first day at GNA.

5. “Google It.”

6. Music at lunch during 6th grade while sitting inhomeroom lunch tables.

7. Mr. Hockenbury.

8. Whij thinking Frank Ocean is better than A$APRocky.

9. Cooper telling a Disney store employee that hislightsaber was stolen but he actually smashed it off of theground.

10. The scoreboard showing all 17’s that is ironicallyAaron’s jersey number at the #AKForTheWin baseballgame.

11. “Did you do Cumberland’s work?”

12. Mr. Collins falling in the parking lot.

13. “Shot.”

14. Everyone going in the catwalk above the auditoriumstage.

15. No one staying past 11:00 am throughout the week.

16. Ms. Sowa’s 10th grade Health class.

17. When Mr. Dave Prushinski got cat juice in AlexisPyzia’s mouth.

Chasity PerezWhat is one memory you will never forget?Having a good time with my friends.

If you could thank Mrs. Dennis, what would you say?I want to thank you for teaching me how to stand up to thebullies and teaching me skills.

What will you miss about high school?Being in school with my friends.

Daisi KinlawWhat is one memory you will never forget?Going on field trips with my friends.

If you could thank Mrs. Dennis, what would you say?Thanks for teaching me stuff and telling me about life.

What will you miss about High School?I will miss my friends and teachers.

Brianna SmithWhat is one memory you will never forget?Daisi falling over a fan.

If you could thanks Mrs. Dennis, what would you say?Thanks for being here for all of us.

What will you miss about high school?My friends.

Takira AthertonWhat is one memory you will never forget?Going to prom.

If you could thank Mrs. Dennis, what would you say?Thank you for helping me and for having the dance.

What will you miss about High School?My friends and teachers.

Kimberly OrtizWhat is one memory you will never forget?Missing Daisi Kinlaw.

If you could thank Mrs. Dennis, what would you say?Thanks for teaching me.

What will you miss about high school?All my friends.

If I Never See You Again...

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born, and I pray that we will remain close. I hope youfind a man that treats you like a princess and yougrow up to be successful. I love you to death and goodluck in the future.

Jenna Lipowski

Dear Alec Divers,

If I never see you again, I want you to know thatwe met at the ripe old age of 11. You have been mymain brotha from anotha motha. From the manybiddy championships, to the physics tests, to all thequestionable sets in volleyball, we have been throughit all. I wish you nothing but the best in your life and Iknow you will succeed mostly because we voted youmost likely to succeed. Even though I am moderatelypositive I will see you again, if I do not it's been aheck of a ride. Love you brothems.

Justin Casey

Graduation is quickly approaching. It signifiesthe beginning of a new chapter. Seniors begin toreminisce on many of the significant and worthwhileexperiences they have had throughout their years atGreater Nanticoke Area. Below are a few letters to afriend written by members of the 2017 graduatingclass.

Dear Kelsey Moran,

If I never see you again, I want you to remember allthe happy moments we had. Remember the time atthe food court when you saw a cute guy or all theweird things in public to embarrass you? I am sohappy to call you my best friend. I know that wemight not have the chance to see each other again,but I want you to stay in my life forever because notonly do I always have someone to talk to, but alsobecause you’re one of the best things to ever happento me. I know this is kind of cheesy but I want you toremember me Kels.

Brytney Cervantes

Dear Elizabeth Mulhern,

If i never see you again, which is impossiblebecause I swear we are spiritually connected, I wantyou to know that you are my best friend. I mean whoelse would put up with the bad jokes and my badtime management that makes us late for everything?Who else do you know that would go to the dentistwith you and ride a jazzy around Nanticoke withyou? Plus, I'm always here to tell you when you lookfabulous, or when you look like Tarzan swinging inon a vine from the jungle. Sometimes you give meunnecessary sass and take 30 minutes to choose anoutfit, but I love you more than anything.

Janine Levandowski

Dear Danielle O’Connor,

If I never see you again, then there will beproblems, but if I don’t, I want you to know you aremy best friend. We have been so close since we were

by: Allison Williams

What's Happening in the Halls?

sENIOrS

Gustav Gothenby-What will you miss about highschool?The high school spirit and all of myfriends here. Nick Bukofski-

What is your most memorable momentthroughout your high school career?There are too many memorable momentsI have had in high school to list, but mymost memorable moment will always beturning 2 with Cody.

Alexis Pyzia-What is your most memorablemoment throughout your highschool career?When Mr. David Prushinski washelping me wring out my cat forAdvanced bio and he was messingaround and got dead cat juice in mymouth.

Cody Piestrak-What will you miss about highschool?I will miss seeing all these lovelypeople we have here at GNA.Molly Urbanski-

What do you plan on doing after yougraduate?After graduation, I will be attendingLCCC to do the basic studies and onceI’m finished I will be transferring toanother college to finish getting myaccounting degree.

Sarah Benscoter-Who was the most influentialteacher throughout your highschool career?My most influential teacherthroughout high school is Mr.Carey because he helped me outso much, and I can’t thank himenough for that.

Cooper Bartle-Who was the most influentialteacher throughout your highschool career?Mrs. Makarczyk. She is veryinvolved with the student body andcares about all of us very much.

Zachery Hodgson-What will you miss about HighSchool?Well one of the main things I lovedabout high school was the jungle.

Alexis Guy-Who was the most influentialteacher throughout your highschool?Mrs. Jeffries because shealways made my English classenjoyable and her morals arepure. I also love her laugh.

GNA Seniors share final memories!by: Deona Luczak

Do you feel like your smile defines you?Ian: No, not really.Lindsay: Yes, because if I’m smiling you knowI’m happy.Do you believe something as simple like asmile can brighten up someone’s day?Ian: Yes the old ladies always tells me that.Lindsay: Yes, I think smiling is contagious.Has your smile positively influenced your lifein any way? If so, how?Ian: Hasn’t made me money, so no.Lindsay: Yes it has, I have a bit of people referto as smiley and I’d say it’s pretty nice to beknown for that.

How long have you been best friends?Lindsay & Paige: Since 2nd grade (10 years).Ian & Matt: Since 1st grade (11 years)

Describe your friendship in two/three words.Lindsay & Paige: Ride or Die!Ian & Matt: Crazy : Fun!

What sets your friendship apart fromothers?Lindsay & Paige: No matter what it is good orbad we are right by each others side!.Ian & Matt: We never get mad at each other.

What does success mean to you?Alec: Setting a goal and working my hardest to achieveit.Leandra: Success occurs when you face strongopposition; but continue to stay persistent and work hardto reach your goals..What drives you to excel in your education?Alec: My parents always tell me to do my best in school,so when I’m old life will be easier.Leandra: Education is provided to us so that we can findand become part of something bigger than ourselves,and I don’t take that for granted.

Where have you decided to go to college? What doyou plan to major in? Why did you choose thismajor?Alec: I’m going to Misericordia University and majoringin Physical Therapy. I chose it because I want to helppeople get back into their best physical health.Leandra: The United Military Academy at West Point. Iplan to major in Civil Engineering. I chose this majorbecause designing, constructing, and maintaining ourphysical and natural environment modernizescivilization and contributes to the well being of oursociety.

Senior Superlatives

Most Likely To Succeed

Most Likely To Succeed

Nicest Smile

Most Spirited

Best Friends

Why is it important to have school pride?Morgan: This is the place you will graduate from andremember for the rest of your life. You want to lookback and have positive and fun memories in highschool.Eric: Your high school experiences are what makeyou. Be proud of who you are and what made you.What is your favorite memory of the Jungle?Morgan: My 8th grade year when we beat Hanover atthe last second in football and the Jungle followed theball to the end goal.Eric: Hanover basketball game at home- Sophomoreyear Bobby Kerestes gets kicked out, Joe Olszyk leadsthe charge.What will you miss most about high school? Why?Morgan: I will miss the people and the atmosphere

by: Molly Urbanski, Alexis Guy, and Deona Luczak

because I know I’ll never find anotherplace like Nanticoke again.Eric: The small school setting. It is nice toknow everyone and be able to talk toanyone about anything.

Do you believe your eyes are your greatestfeature?Jacob: No, I believe I have better features.Danielle: Yes, I think they are because they'reunique and they stand out.Do you believe your eyes define you?Jacob: No. I think my personality does.Danielle: No not really. I believe that mypersonality defines who I am.Are you surprised that you won nicest eyes?Jacob: Yes.Danielle: Yes. I didn't really think that peoplenoticed my eyes.

From where did you get your sense ofhumor?Matt: I would say my dad.Molly: I would say I get my sense of humorfrom the internet, such as twitter and tumblr.Making people laugh is a part of who youare. Why is it important to bring humor tothe lives of others?Matt: I believe it is important to bring humor tolives of others because everyone needs a smileor laugh throughout each day.Molly: It’s better to laugh than to be an uptightnegative nancy.Has being a class clown ever gotten you introuble?Matt: A lot of times.Molly: Not really.

What has inspired you to be an artist?Josh: I’m not really sure. I have always just been veryinterested in things dealing with art. I would say seeingother people’s artwork usually inspires me the most.Hayley: I always loved drawing when I was younger, but Ireally started to take it seriously when I discovered the artof other people. It made me think, “I want to makesomething that good one day.”Have you or would you ever consider selling yourwork?Josh: Definitely, it would be awesome to have mypaintings hanging up in someone’s house. Also, I couldalways use the extra money.Hayley: Of course! I love making others happy when Idraw something for them, so I think selling my art tosomeone would be a good idea.Do you have any other hobbies besides art?Josh: Honestly the only time I really do anything with artis for school. I am usually playing basketball, volleyball,or binge watching Netflix.Hayley: Other than art, I like to sing and write stories.Sometimes I play video games when I have free time.

Senior Superlatives

Most Artistic

Nicest Eyes

Most Athletic

Class Clown

How many sports are you involved in and what arethey?Justin: I’m involved in three sports. Football,Basketball, and Volleyball.Jenna: I’m involved in two sports, softball andvolleyball.What is your fondest athletic memory?Justin: Beating Hanover on senior night to send us to theDistrict Playoffs for the first time since 1999.Jenna: My favorite memory would be Sophomore yearwhen I hit a grand slam to help win a district title.Do you feel participating in athletics is important? Ifso, why?Justin: Yes I do feel it is important because it canprovide once in a lifetime memories and experienceswhile also being the basis of some of your strongestfriendships.Jenna: Yes- by being part of a team, and you representyour school, and community.

Most Likely to be on BroadwayWill you be trying out for broadway in the future?Why or Why not?Sam: I would love to if I ever had the time or opportunity,especially if it was for Disney.Cody: It has always been one of my dreams. I amattending Wilkes in the fall to minor in theater, so yeshopefully I will be on a broadway stage.What musical talent(s) do you have?Sam: I can sing and play the guitar.Cody: I sing and play guitar. I was on tv once toshowcase my singing.What is your favorite Broadway/theater show?Sam: Chicago.Cody: My absolute favorite is “Little shop of Horror.”

How would you describe your friendship?Kayla & Richie: I would say we have a closefriendship. We are really good friends.

How do you feel winning this superlative?Kayla & Richie: It's pretty funny. We laughabout winning it.

Do many people come to you for advice?Sommer: Yes, I’m usually most people’s go to person.Robert: Depending on the situation some people willcome to me, but I am not a guru.You have a big heart. Do you think that it is ablessing or curse? Why?Sommer: It could be a blessing because it makes mefeel good to help others, but it can also be a cursebecause can take advantage of me.Robert: Having a big heart is both a blessing andcurse because I can’t help those who need it and learnfrom those who take advantage of it.Are you afraid of being taken advantage of becauseof your senior superlative? Why or why not?Sommer: No, because it could have happened beforethis.Robert: I am not worried of being taken advantage ofbecause I know in my heart what the right thing to dois. Give people what they need not what they want.

Senior Superlatives

Most Talkative

Best Dressed

Most Caring

Cutest Couple that Never Was

How would you describe your fashion sense?Nick: I try to base my style off of many famouspeople. G-Eazy is who I look at for ideas onstyle.Alexis: In no way sporty.Does your fashion sense reflect yourpersonality? How?Nick: Yes it does. I enjoy wearing blackclothing, I feel black is sophisticated color andprovides a clean look.Alexis: No, I dress nicer than I am.Do you believe your fashion helps you toexpress yourself?Nick: Fashion allows everyone to express whothey are and what they like. How you presentyourself represents how you want people to seeyou.

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Winning this superlative suggests that youhave a lot to say. What topics do you findyourself talking about the most?Cooper: Lifting things, Star Wars, and Mr.Litch.Kaitlyn: I talk about the most random topics andfacts. I always have inputs on whatever topicpeople are talking about.What are the pros and cons of beingtalkative?Cooper: I don’t view it having any cons andpros.Kaitlyn: Pros would be that it makes you moreoutgoing, cons would be that it certainly couldget you in trouble for being distracting.As an outgoing person, what advice can yougive to more introverted students?

Cooper: Be happy and do what you want.Kaitlyn: I would say just be yourself and don’tbe afraid to speak your mind, it only reallymatters what you think of yourself.

Class FlirtWhat do you feel is your best feature?Luke: Personality and smile.Tessa: Everything. I’m perfect.Are you surprised you won class flirt? Did youexpect someone else to win? Who &Why?Luke: Sorta, I thought Ian or Jurta would.Tessa: No I’m not surprised. Guys are always in myDM’s.What is the most embarrassing thing you did whiletrying to flirt with someone?Luke: Their boyfriend was right next to them and Ididn’t notice.Tessa: When I laugh too hard at a joke that clearlyisn’t funny.

Alexis:Yes, it shows my creativity.- answer credsto Doctor Justin Wolfe.

Early Graduatesby: Madelyn Bugdonovitch

This year, there will be twoadditions to the graduating classdue to their academic excellence.Sarah Adkins and EmilyEhrensperger have completed allof the high school credits requiredin their junior year, giving them theopportunity to excel and join theClass of 2017. These girls havecontributed countless hours andhave dedicated themselves to theireducation and should act as rolemodels to the underclassmen.

Both Emily and Sarah havebeen able to balance large amountsof work and numerousextracurricular activitiesthroughout the years. Together,they have been members of thegifted program since 1st grade,were involved in chorus since 4thgrade and the Marching, Jazz, andConcert Bands since 7th grade. Assoon as they were eligible, bothwere inducted as members of theNational Honor Society.

Sarah took advantage of ourschool's dual enrollment program,which allows students in grades 11and 12 to attend college part timeas well as high school, and wasable to get a head start on hercollege credits. Meanwhile, Emilytook night courses at King'sCollege. "I honestly never thought Iwould be able to graduate a whole

year early. But, throughdetermination, a few tears, and thecoolest guidance counselors ever, Imanaged to pull through and achievesomething I once thoughtimpossible," commented Sarah.

For Sarah and Emily, the last fewyears have been thought out withmeticulous planning. In order toreach their goal, they had tocarefully select and completecourses, at times taking two classesin one subject. Each had to "doubleup" in science and history, meaningthat they would have to completetwo courses in those subjects in oneyear. Due to their involvement inthe gifted program, both girls wereable to surpass reading and mathclass in 7th grade, already settingthem up to be a year ahead.

All of the hard work, time, andsacrifice has prepared the girls for anexciting new chapter in their lives.Sarah Adkins will attend HampshireCollege in Amherst, Massachusettsand study Sociology. EmilyEhrensperger will attend SmithCollege in Northampton,Massachusetts and study PoliticalScience. Emily also plans tocontinue studying piano throughouther college.

The academic choices that youmake in high school will affect yourlife in later years, as Sarah and

Emily both know. Therefore,they offered advice to theunderclassmen who seeksuccess. "Take the bestacademic path for you and putin as much hard work as isnecessary to achieve that goal.Whether that's graduatingearly, doing dual enrollment,enlisting in the military, etc.,do what is best for you andcommit yourself to gettingthere," recommended Emily."Sweet mother of God, turn inassignments when they aredue! Write your essays ontime and turn in applicationsand forms early. Early actioncan increase acceptance rate!Also, prestigious colleges arenot necessarily colleges thatare best for you. Look atcolleges that best suit yourneeds, wants, and interests.Remember, schools existoutside the state! Explore allof your options," Sarahplayfully added.

Graduating early is an actthat is seldom achieved. Manytry and fail. Some, simplycannot handle the workloadwhile others can't handle theacademics. Sarah Adkins andEmily Ehrensperger have doneit. How? To paraphrase RobertFrost, "Two roads diverged in awood, and they took the oneless traveled by, and that hasmade all the difference."

My Senior ExperienceI would like to thank BradMarkowski who I sometimeshung out with and taught me howto exercise at the gym.

I thank all the teachers for beingthere for me during the start of myprogram and especially Mr.Hischak for always beingavailable to me whenever Ineeded help with anything.

I thank the soccer and thevolleyball teams for giving mememories of fun times on the bus,on the field and on the court.

I want to especially thank LukeButczynski and Alec Divers fortaking me home on severaloccasions and always showing mea good time.

I really want to extend mygratitude to Justin Casey. Thankyou for your kindness, for yourrides, and more than anything foryour friendship. That made adifference this year, being 4,037miles from home.

All these people made a really bigdifference in my Americanexperience, but the people I haveto thank more than everyone arethe members of my host family.Thank you for hosting me, foryour kindness, for your trips, andfor welcoming me into yourfamily as a son.

by: Alessio Mazzalupi

It all started on an earlymorning. It was the last day ofAugust, 2016. Outside, it wassunny, hot and everybody in Weisparking lot was wearingsunglasses. The GNA class of2017 was waiting impatiently forthe senior parade to begin, and Iwas just as excited to meet all myfuture classmates, classmates withwhom I would share the next 10months of my life. It was instantlymade clear to me, as I surveyedthe scene, how important this yearwas to all the seniors. This wassomething they had been waitingfor since they were little kids, andnow that it was finally here; theywere proud to have made it thisfar and overjoyed at the fact thatthey were on the verge of beingfinished with 12 years of school.

When I first arrived, I couldonly speak a few clumsy words.So, when I started soccer, it wasreally a challenge understandingmy coach and teammates.Looking back now, it's hard tofathom that this struggle was real.As I started to overcome thelanguage barrier, I began to getthat senior feeling that hadbecome a part of the atmosphereon the field. I realized how trulyimportant this year was and that I

this made me realize how lucky Iwas to have the opportunity toaccumulate these Americanexperiences and to make friendson the other side of the Earth. Ihave lived these ten long months4,300 miles far from home andnot seeing my beloved family andfriends has been difficult, but thishas been something I alwayslonged for, and I could not behappier with my decisions.

My experience here at theGreater Nanticoke Area HighSchool is almost over. Now, I’mlooking forward to graduation.The day after, I will leaveNanticoke for my homeland, buttrust me it, is going to be a veryhard goodbye.

With a heavy heart, I will leaveyou with a quote from our Seniorsong, “I will always rememberyou.”

Good bye GNA! Good byeTrojans!

Alessio Mazzalupi

P.S.I really feel like some peopledeserve my thanks for beingamazing friends to me during mytime here:

I want to thank Brian Kotz forhelping me out during soccerseason, as well as for being anawesome “lunch-mate.”

I extend my gratitude towardJacob Bukoski, who I would alsolike to thank for being my “lunch-mate” and having a fun time asroommates in Florida with me.

I thank Eric Jeffries for taking meskiing several times.

couldn’t miss a thing.

Some of the most memorablethings about my Americanexperience were performing adance with my friends in front ofthe entire school on Halloweenand the spirit week festivitieshighlighted by the spirit games,which we won. I will never forgetthe Semi-Formal dance, whichwas topped off when the seniorclass gathered in the shape of acircle and sang our class song, “I'llAlways Remember You,” withone voice. Having one voice,being one unit - that is probablythe most amazing thing aboutbeing a senior.

There is nothing quite likeknowing one day we will all bestanding side by side for ourgraduation, feeling deep down thatafter that day, especially for me, itwill be almost impossible to seesome of our classmates again. Ienjoyed seeing bonds that hadbeen formed between studentsover the years and the feelings thatthese moments brought me wereunforgettable.

When I first arrived here atGNA, I was the talk of the townand everybody was interested inmeeting me. Someone evenwanted to get a picture with me;

Joshuah DelosSantos

Our heart was broken

Without a warning, no words spoken

You were taken away

Someone said you could not stay

Empty and lonely is what we are

We lost a precious shining star

Our family torn apart

Your world began with a promising start

Life is unfair

This difficult cross we must bear

Strength and courage we will find

Our special child always in our mind

A place in heaven is where you sit

Looking at that star you lit

In our thoughts forever you will be

Never knowing why someone set you free

by: Andi Roberts

Class of 2017

Congratulations!Congratulations!

Class of 2017Class of 2017

Greater Nanticoke Area Alma Mater

Alma Mater, fair and true

We lift our voices in praise of you.

Proudly shall your banner fly

Unfurled in glorious splendor high.

Memories of your noble name,

Through all our years we will acclaim.

Trojans, all we honor you,

And ever praise the white and blue.

Loyal to our country free

Americans we will always be;

Make of us a close knit band,

Through thick and thin with you we'll

stand.

Teach us love of God and man

So for our future we can plan.

We salute you G.N.A.

and cherish you through all our days.