Photos By: Kara Lewis, Jessie smith, Jordan dent, Lara moore, Justin BrogLie, & Casey dunLeavey

PTHS April 2008 Volume 39, Issue 6

Staying Loyal To Farmhouse

Ashley CzajkowskiCo-Editor-In-Chief

armhouse Coffee, located off of Valley Brook Road, is a quaint get-away, different from the everyday coffee shops of today. Whether getting a cup of coffee, a bowl ice cream or a delicious pastry, the customer will not be disappointed. Upon entry, the friendly staff

greets the patron and cheerfully takes the order. Drinks called by names such as Lucky Lady, White Cloud, and Fall Day Latté are only a few of the unique treats that can be enjoyed hot or cold. The appealing establishment is set off the Arrowhead Trail, making it easily accessible. Once inside, the relaxing environment is a nice place to unwind with friends and enjoy a conversation. Recently, word has spread about the opening of yet another Starbucks; this one will be a mere few steps from Farmhouse. With the Starbucks craze overtaking the United States population,

Farmhouse’s survival may unfortunately be at stake. Currently, Starbucks has 7,087 company-operated stores within the U.S. (www.starbucks.com). The new Starbucks is tentatively planned to open this summer, and it is predicted many will turn to Starbucks to get their caffeine fix. Fortunately, Farmhouse has its loyal customers, and Starbucks’ opening will not faze many of them. “I go to Farmhouse every Friday morning before school,” stated junior Molly Simoens. “I love the hot drinks and the fruit smoothies; plus, it’s so convenient to go there if I’m on the trail.” Hopefully, a majority of Peters Township residents share this same view. Farmhouse must survive Starbucks’ takeover and continue its excellent business. Farmhouse is an amazing establishment that deserves its place in the community.

F

Pho

to B

y Ta

ylor

Rel

ich

1 Varsity Track vs. Chartiers Valley 3:30

Varsity Softball vs. Trinity 4:00

Girls Varsity Lax vs. Mt Lebanon 8:00

2 Varsity Baseball vs. Bald-win 4:00

senior Cruise!

3marlon Brando’s Birthday

no sChooL!

4 Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Bethel 3:30

5 Varsity Softball vs. Baldwin 11:30

6the first olympic games

opened in athens, greece on april 6, 1896.

7 Boy’s Varsity Tennis vs. CV 3:30

Varsity Baseball vs. Mt. Lebanon 4:00

8 Girls Varsity LAX vs. Bethel Park 7:30

9 Varsity Baseball vs. USC 4:00

10

John madden’s Birthday

11

Persian gulf war official Cease Fire, 1991

12

space shuttle Columbia First Launched, 1981

13

Peach Cobbler day

14

President abraham Lincoln was shot on april

14, 1865

15Varsity Track vs. W. Mifflin & McKeesport 3:30

Boys Varsity Volleyball vs. Our Lady of Sacred Heart 7:30

16Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Trinity 3:30

Varsity Baseball vs. Bethel Park 7:00

17Varsity Softball vs. Bethel Park 4:00

high Five day

18

Paul revere day

19Varsity Softball vs. South Park 11:00

actress grace Kelly becomes Princess of monaco n 1956.

20

Pineapple upside down day

21

school Librarian day

22Boys Varsity Tennis vs. USC 3:30

Girls Varsity Lax vs. Seton LaSalle 7:30

Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Ambridge 7:30

23Varsity Track - Big 7 Meet 12:30

Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Montour 3:30

Varsity Baseball vs Cannon Mac 7:30

24Girls Varsity Lax vs. Quaker Valley 7:30

Barbra streisand’s Birthday

25Varsity Softball vs. Keystone Oaks 4:00

Varsity Baseball vs. Bethlehem Center 7:00

Girls Varsity Lax vs. Fox Chapel 7:30

26

Carol Burnett’s Birthday

27

Babe ruth day

28Varsity Baseball vsBaldwin 7:00

Jessica alba’s Birthday

29Boys Varsity Volleyball vs. Hopewell 7:30

Jerry seinfeld’s Birthday

30

national honesty day

PT REFERENCESmokE SigNalS 2April 2008PTHS

sunday saturdayFridaythursdaywednesdaytuesdaymonday

April 2008

Smoke Signals is

produced eight times during a school year by the students of Media II, III, IV Journalism

and extracurricular staff at Peters Towship High School, 264 E. McMur-

ray Road, McMurray PA 15317. Telephone: 724-941-6250 x.5379.

E-mail: sitlern@pt-sd.org.

Commentaries, reviews, and opin-

ion columns are the expressed opinion of the author and not of Smoke Signals, its

advisor or the Peters Township School

District. Member of the Pennsylvania School

Press Association.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFAshley CzajkowskiRenée Wunderlich

LAYOUT EDITORKatie Gavlick

NEWS EDITORGrant Burkhardt

FEATURES EDITOR

Angelina Nepa

OPINION EDITORSAlex Egan

Brian Lewis

SPORTS EDITORBill Berry

Jordan Dent

MARKETING EDITORS

Brianna LutesShelby Miller

STAFF WRITERSAndrea Briggs,

Emily Estep, Gina Nepa, Taylor Relich, Bridget Stasenko, Katie Ellis, Averi Clements, Paige

Burris, Mady Dietrich, Stepha-nie Nitschmann,

Stephanie Cotugno, Ian Jackson, Dana

Hoelle, Melanie Hoff-man

LAYOUT TEAMKatie Gavlick, Kaylin Zawicki, Emily Cor-real, Shelby Miller,

Brianna Lutes

ADVISERSMrs. Sitler

Smoke SignalS

TROPICAL TREAT These two vacation photos are the same, with seven small exceptions. Can you spot them all?

1. The palm tree has been trimmed.2. The Desayuno Completo is now “Complete.” 3: The sign’s sun has grown—or maybe it’s gone supernova. 4. Cock-a-doodle-doo!5. Has that stool been overserved? It can’t stand up straight. 6. The pole picked up a stripe.7. Watch out for that hole!

Puzzle from Life.com

Answers:

NEWSPTHS April 2008 3smoke signals

More Than Gossip: Spring Yields School ViolenceAveri Clements

Staff Writer

Stephanie CotugnoStaff Writer

In Your Dreams: The Stages of Dreaming

One-third of a person’s life is spent dreaming. Shifting from one stage to another, people experi-ence dreaming in intervals as they sleep the night away. From Dublin, Ireland to Hong Kong, China, everyone in the world experiences dreaming. Dreams are often a response to our thoughts, activities, and sensations experienced throughout the day. As natural as breathing, dreaming is an action all humans encounter every night for 24% of their sleep time. Dreaming serves as a reflection of what one has consumed in the preceding day or two, which scientific studies have found to be deep states of concen-tration. Scientific studies have also found several stages of sleeping and dreaming that cycle throughout the night. The two major stages of sleep include Rapid Eye Move-ment (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid

Compiled by Katie Ellis, Staff Writer

What In The World?

If you’re heading to South Pasadena, California, be sure to bring a bar of soap – the small town located just outside of Los Angeles, California has officially banned swearing. Mayor Michael Cacciotti stated that it would be a “reminder [to everyone] to be more civil [and] elevate the level of discourse.” Maybe the rest of the cities in the United States will follow suit and attempt to clean up their language as well.

Using beet juice and Kool-Aid, Joy Douglas of Boulder, Colorado died her white miniature poodle, Cici, pink in order to call attention to breast cancer. She was fined $1000 dollars because it is illegal to dye animals in Boulder. Douglas is fighting the charges and has a trial scheduled for a later date in April.

The Vatican has recently announced that there is a new, “modernized” set of Seven Deadly Sins in place of the traditional seven (greed, gluttony, envy, pride, lust, wrath, and sloth). The new moral sins are: genetic modification, human experimentation, polluting the environment, social injustice, causing poverty, financial gluttony, and taking drugs. Why the change? According to Monsignor Gianfranco Grotti, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, people haven’t been taking responsibility for their sins and “60% of Italian Catholics no longer participate in confession, [which is] considered one of the most important sacraments.”

A device that was invented to protect the surfers of Australia, the Shark Shield, was removed from sale after a great white shark ate one during a test. The Shield was supposed to emit an electric field in order to deter the sharks but failed miserably. The reason it didn’t work: it’s only meant to protect stationary figures, and will not work if the surfer is moving in any way.

A device that was invented to protect the surfers of Australia, the Shark Shield, was removed from sale after a great white shark ate one during a test. The Shield was supposed to emit an electric field in order to deter the sharks but failed miserably. The reason it didn’t work: it’s only meant to protect stationary figures, and will not work if the surfer is moving in any way.

A New Type of Phone Bill Cell phones have quickly been replacing many essential tools – cameras, mp3 players, GPS, even the US Postal Service – but recently, a new technology was introduced that may have the cell phone replace one other item: your wallet. A chip for your cell phone has been invented, allowing the device to be used as a credit card. Touchless pay stations, similar to the PayPass units cur-rently in use for credit cards, are being set up in shops, and users “swipe” their phones over the pad, which then reads the data in the chip and withdraws the requested amount. Japan has already started using this technology, and has in-stalled over 13,000 pay stations in shops around the country. Finland and Korea are also cashing in on this trend, with many users in their countries. The phones work using a technology near-field communication (NFC) – a more refined form of radio-frequency identification (RFID) currently in use with contactless credit cards. It uses low-frequency radio waves to communicate with a wireless network and make a transaction. What makes NFC different than the

Throughout history, inter-scholastic violence has been a prom-inent, though unfortunate, part of our society. Most of the cases seem to turn up in March and April, when the tension that builds up between winter recess and spring break can cause students to turn on their fel-low classmates and teachers. Stud-ies show that revenge has been the motive for over half of school shoot-ers. In fact, over three-fourths held some sort of grudge – and told oth-er students about their violent plans (www.apa.org). While other schools take protective measures to prevent violence within their walls, three uni-versities take time to grieve for the losses of young and promising stu-dents, and investigators search in-tently for evidence that could convict the perpetrators. On Valentine’s Day of this year, Steven Kazmierczak opened fire on his fellow Northern Illinois

University classmates, killing five and injuring eighteen. While Kazmierczak’s assault did not appear to be targeted, the evi-dence surrounding the murder of Auburn University freshman Lauren Burk provides a differ-ent scenario. Twenty-three-year-old male Courtney Lock-hart confessed to holding Burk at gunpoint, forcing her into her car, stealing her bankcard, at-tempting to rape her, and fatally shooting her when she tried to flee. The suspect now faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. Burk’s car was found aflame three miles from the spot where her body was discovered. Eerily enough, another college murder took place only a day after Lauren Burk was dis-covered by the roadside – the corpse of the University of North Carolina student body president

Eve Carson was found in an upscale residential area, but this time, there was no verification that the victim was targeted. Surveillance videos at a lo-cal bank showed a man trying to use her ATM card, which could prove to be a huge lead in finding her killer. The suspect, 21-year-old Demario Atwater, has been charged with first-degree murder. A second suspect by the name of Lawrence Lovette Jr. was also arrested on March 13. The 17-year-old is receiving first-degree mur-der charges for the January shooting of a Duke University graduate student in addition to the identical charges for Carson’s murder. Authorities will continue to look for ways to convict those re-sponsible for the gruesome murders of these two young women, but in the meantime, news audiences every-where can only watch and uneasily await the next school tragedy.

Eye Movement (NREM). In one night’s sleep, REM may occur three to five times per night including one to two hour intervals. This is where

dreams occur. The first rapid eye movement period usually begins about 70 to 90 minutes after a person falls asleep, pe-riods may conclude after five minutes or last more than an hour. This first stage of sleep is called REM due to the muscles in the eye reaching a saccade, the fastest movement of an ex-ternal part of the human body, up to 1,000 degrees per sec-ond. After this hectic stage, the

deepest stage of sleep NREM happens, brain waves, heart rate, and breathing slow along with maintaining a low blood pressure. “I was surprised to find out that I am barely alive during the NREM

stage. I can’t believe I approach the brink of death every eve-ning when my brain waves and heart rate are so slow,” stated junior Jack Hareza. At NREM, nightmares and sleepwalking occur.

Lastly, dreaming concludes an individ-ual’s sleep. Everyone dreams, whether they remember it or not. The major-ity of dreams occur during REM sleep because this is the period of time when the bodies’ muscles are turned off. With inactive muscles, the body is enabled to physically respond to vivid dreams. “The stages of dreaming are very inter-esting,” stated senior Lindsay Dodds “I can’t believe that I can have up to seven dreams in one night. I barely remember

standard RFID is that it works two-ways – the phone not only sends information to the receiving network, but the network can “talk” with the phone as well. One of the biggest questions regarding the banking capability of phones is the security involved. Lost and stolen phones are a definite danger, and makers are toying with the idea of having customers enter a security code in the phone itself to allow the transaction to go though. This is similar to the PIN number al-ready in use, but featuring a security code would defeat the point of having touch-less deivices. Japan’s most popular phone service provider has been partnering with national banks to try to boost the usage of phones with banking capability. Now, in America, Nokia is working with credit card companies and has released the Nokia 6131 – a phone that allows users full access to NFC technology. A trial run was enacted in New York during January of 2007, and results showed that the phone was well received by the public.

“I can’t believe I approach the brink of death every evening when my

brain waves and heart rate are so slow” - Jack Hareza

Andrea BriggsSyntax Editor

FEATURES

75% of the general

population experiences some stress every two

weeks.

90% of doctor visits are

due to stress related symptoms.

45% of girls in the US actively try to reduce or remove

their stress.

68% of teens in Baltimore said that

homework was their biggest stressor.

25% of boys in the US said that

they either refuse or avoid dealing with

their stress.

GO fiGure StreSS

outspeak

What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why?

April 2008PTHS4 smoke signals

Media Madness at the CaféKatie Ellis

Staff Writer

After many weeks of hard work from both the Library Advisory Committee and the library assistants, the annual Library Arts Café was held the week of March 3rd with a theme of “A Night Under the Stars.” Thursday featured the students representing the Media Department.

The most notable of the presentations were given by the broadcast students, which were some of the most creative student-made videos that this school has seen in a long time; they even gave last year’s “wonder-child” Kevin Noone a run for his money. The commercial for February’s dodgeball game was extremely creative; hopefully advertisements for future events will be just as imaginative as this one and the school will cease to see bland or boring ads. The photography students were featured in a slightly different way; instead of giving a presentation, their art was displayed in various places in the library, mainly on

Bulls Eye! PTHS Thespian Troop Presents: Annie Get Your Gun

This year’s classic spring musical, Annie Get Your Gun, will be playing May, 1, 2, and 3 at 7:00 on opening night, and 7:30 for additional performances. The play will be directed by Mr. Barry Wood, Thespian Troupe Founder. Assistant Director is sophomore Elena Lages, and Stage Manager is senior Kendra Lewis. Tickets will be sold prior to all performances during all lunch periods, and can be purchased at the door.

The life of Annie Oakley, a legendary sharp shooter from the hills of Willow Dell, Ohio, has been magnificently transformed into a performance of comedy, suspense, romance, and hope. Annie Get Your Gun also includes many well-known songs, such as the famous “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”, a duet that sings the glories of equality and female independence in a new age.

“It’s such a beautiful love story-and it’s primarily based on the lives of Frank and Annie,” said Mr. Wood, “On the stage they preformed in each other’s acts, and at the grave, they are buried side by side.”

In the play (as in history), Annie, played by senior Becky Rosky, first appears to the world as a back woods

country hick competing in a shoot out at Buffalo Bill’s (freshman Hardy Kern) Wild West show. Her opponent: the daring, dashing, devishly-handsome Frank Butler, played by senior Carl Mitchell. Butler’s assistant, Dolly, is played by senior Natalie Palamides.

Elementary school students Shane Kolson, Maria Getto, Amanda Kolson, and Charlie Meyers play Annie’s ‘lil assistants; Buddy, Jessie, Nelly, and Little Jake (respectively).

Out-shooting Frank Butler in Buffalo Bill’s famous contest, Annie Oakley becomes the new champion of the Wild West traveling show. Tension between Frank and Annie results in the many twists and turns of two lives that later are entwined together through chance and fate.

Sophomores James Northrop and Harry Buzzatto play Sioux Indian Chief Sitting Bull and show announcer Charlie Davenport. Other characters include Mac, played by senior Nathan Meyers, Foster Wilson by sophomore Dan DeLuca, and Pawnee Bill by junior Wesley Groll.

The chorus (who play townspeople, Indians, and ritzy aristocrats) is made up of over 40 thespians, including seniors Alexa Baxendell, Kyle Bloser, Eli Diamond, Christine Getto, Katy Hartenbach, Megan Jacobs, Andrew Marshall, Angelina Nepa, Thomas Rauch, Caitlyn Roberson, Gina Wagner, Jess Ward, and Laura Zini.

Image courtesy of http://www.discoveroakley.com

Renée WunderlichEditor-in-Chief

the windows of the librarians’ offices. “I think it’s cool to have my photography hanging in the library,” sophomore Amber Doerr commented. “It gives the rest of the school an opportunity to see photographs that they wouldn’t necessarily see otherwise.”

With the help of Media students and the other performers throughout the week, the Library managed to raise quite a bit of money. “The library collected well over $1200,” Library Advisory Co-President Jen Tomayko stated. “We plan on using about $1000 in order to expand our audio book library.” The rest will be used for general maintenance and to fund other minor events that the library holds periodically throughout the year, including the Library Luncheons.

Overall, the Library Arts Café can be considered nothing but a success; the students

loved it, the people involved had fun, and the library managed to raise some money. Hopefully next year will be just as fantastic.

Senior Jordan Dent gives a presentation about the Media Department during the Library Arts Café. Bridget Manning and

Jason Chiappino also presented.

“Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough becausei t’s like

cookies and milk in the same treat.”

Matthew M. Smith, Senior

“Mint Chocolate Chip.” Kara Lewis, Junior

“I work at Sarris Candy in the ice cream section, so I love

all kinds of ice cream!” Kristen Blatt, Sophomore

“I like Praline Pecan because it tastes good.”

Tony Lages, Freshman

5PTHS April 2008

FEaTURES

Avoiding Being A Fashion Clone

Ma

d a

bou

t Fa

shio

n B

y M

ad

y d

iet

ric

h

Ice Beats Ice Cream

Emily Correal Layout Team

Stephanie Cotugno Staff Writer

Melanie Hoffman Staff Writer

We All Scream for Ice Cream

Craving Coldstone

Mess of Stress: How Stress Makes Students IllAngelina Nepa

News Editor

It’s easy to follow the styles of celebrities and copy their outfits completely, but developing your own style and avoiding being a fashion clone sets your outfits apart from everyone else’s. Here are some tips to develop your own style: First, understand that you’re an individual; no one is exactly like you. You don’t want to go online, for example, and copy the same picture of an outfit Mischa Barton was seen wearing the other day. Try setting your own trends, develop a style that is completely you. Don’t think that you can’t be fashion savvy enough to do it. Everyone has to start somewhere, so study magazines and patterns. If you like stripes, go online and look for pictures of striped outfits with other patterns you normally wouldn’t put stripes with. Then go out put on pieces of clothing that you love together and start from there. Start getting creative and putting pieces together that normally wouldn’t work together. Start your own trend! Next, think about what kind of person you are. Say you are a cheerful happy person; you should wear bright colors but make sure you are comfortable with what you are wearing. Do not go on the internet and search for what type of cliché you think you are. For example don’t search “how to dress like an indie kid.” Ask other people how you look in what you wear, have them answer honestly, and don’t get mad about their constructive criticism. Make yourself visually memorable, your natural beauty can shine through your outfits too. You can also use your personal style to camouflage flaws and draw attention to your best features. Make sure that you experiment and alter you signature style pieces, as you grow more confident in what you wear.

When it comes to ice cream, Cold Stone Creamery does it best. They have a unique way of creating a delicious combination of ice cream and your favorite topping. They have countless combinations and flavors of ice cream. Pick a flavor of ice cream for them to put on the stone slab, then pick as many mix ins as you want. Mix ins range from hot fudge, whip cream, and walnuts to Hershey bars, nerds, and coconut.

Once you come up with your creation they mix it up on the stone slab then put it in a cake cone or bowl. If you are not that creative, they have their own combinations you can choose from that will be sure to satisfy your ice cream craving. If you can’t make the trip to Cold stone, Brusters or Ritas are equally good choices. Brusters always has great flavors and serve you decent amounts. Ritas is great because you can get Italian ice and their custard is amazing. When it comes to these three ice cream places, no matter which one you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Joining the MilitaryBridget Stasenko

Staff Writer

The stereotypical life after high school is attending a university/college, but there are actually many different career paths students can take, including military service. The military is composed of diverse of men and women from all over the United States brought together to achieve one goal: To Protect Our Nation, and Fight for Freedom. (/ /www.mil i tary.com/) When joining the service, there are a variety of opportunities depending on your interests.

To join the military, taking the ASVAB is the most important step. The score earned on the ASVAB will determine what job an individual can pursue in the military.

“Because I did so well on the ASVAB, I had hundreds of job choices, which made it great because I got my first choice, a load master”, said senior Tom Viau. This exam tests a student’s educational ability in four different areas: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word

Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge. This score counts towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test. This test will determine whether or not one is eligible to enlist in the military. To be well prepared for the ASVAB, www.military.com provides free practice exams and tips to succeed. The ASVAB was offered at Peters Township in early December. When one joins the military, it is not only an honor, but comes along with many benefits. Benefits

include life insurance, military education, a resting place, GI Bill, and so much more.

For more information on joining the military, go to www.military.com.

Attendance during the past few weeks has been as sporadic as the weather. Students have been in and out of school, trying to get over colds, the flu, and menacing mono, then returning to find enough make-up work to make anyone sick all over again. Why, when students are supposed to be oozing vitality, are so many chronically ill? Well, evidence suggests that high levels of stress can actually result in physical illness. The American Psychological Association, for example, notes that two thirds of all visits to family physicians are due to stress related symptoms. Stress is the way that a person’s body reacts to changes. Since adolescence is a period of intense change, it makes sense that a typical student’s body would be under a great deal of stress. But coupled with heavy workloads that accompany advanced classes, after-school jobs, and extracurricular activities, normal teen angst gets magnified a thousand fold. Bodily signs of stress run the gamut, from headaches and stomachaches to muscle pain and fatigue. There is also an emotional toll that manifests in trouble

sleeping, eating, and concentrating. Stress does not invite illness, but it affects the immune system, making those under pressure less able to combat bacteria and viruses. Many students find themselves victims of chronic illness. Richard Carlson once humorously said, “Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.” So how can students stave off illness? Most teenagers could be more open with their friends and families, an often-untapped support system for rough times. And as impossible as it seems in the face of college boards and pressure from teachers, many students need to set more realistic goals for themselves. Five AP classes? Fine, but make sure the job at Giant Eagle does not take up all of the necessary homework time. If students relax and set a reasonable pace for themselves, they’ll be healthier and miss less class. Better yet, they won’t infect their classmates. As it turns out, an apple a day won’t keep the doctor away, but a reality check will.

Walking into Coldstone, I immediately knew there was no competition. I had tried Rita’s Mango ice and a Blast from Brusters, but Coldstone offered a deluxe selection of everything you could possibly want with ice cream. Depending on how much ice cream you would like to enjoy, you can pick from three different size cups or choose from a variety of plain or sprinkled cones. The parlor offers several ice cream bases along with a ton of sides that can be added to the ice cream to create the perfect combination. If a customer cannot decide, just try one of the Coldstone’s most popular combinations: Birthday Cake Remix, Chocolate Devotion, and Peanut Butter Perfection. Coldstone isn’t as close to Peters as Bruster’s and Rita’s locations are, but the nearest location is definitely manageable and worth the ride to Bridgeville’s Washington Pike Suites. Unlike Rita’s, Coldstone is open year round, and its stores host birthday parties, sell signature pies, and offer customers the opportunity to design their own cake. Personally, Coldstone is the best creamery in the area. The twenty-minute ride is a little inconvenient, but Coldstone is the only ice cream parlor that makes it easy to create the perfect combination. Also, the employees are bright and personable, and sing a cute little tune when customers add something extra to the tip jar! It is a lot of fun, and a perfect way to satisfy one of those dessert cravings!

Most people recognize summer by the sun in the sky, the happy-go-lucky attitudes, and by the most popular food – ice cream. Three favorite choices for ice cream are Rita’s Italian Ice, Cold Stone Creamery, and Bruster’s Ice Cream. What hot spot cools you down the most? Rita’s Italian Ice. Rita’s ice offers a different texture with a delicious taste for an affordable price. For the best of both worlds – try a gelati. A thick layer of custard (chocolate, vanilla, or twist) followed by your choice of ice, with another layer of custard on top. It’s a great way to cool off a hot summer day. Although the drive is a bit longer and the price is steep, Cold Stone Creamery has amazing ice cream. They provide suggested flavors for you, such as birthday cake remix, founder’s favorite, all lovin’ no oreo, or you’re able to choose between a variety of flavors of ice cream, toppings, and syrups to make your own. Finally, Bruster’s is a traditional favorite. The assortment of flavors and close distance makes it convenient to take a quick trip and grab a scoop! Next time you’re sweating on a sweltering summer day or you just want something to do, cool down with a mind-boggling scoop from one of these great places, especially my favorite, Rita’s.

Photo Courtesy of www.kycg.com

Photo Courtesy of home.nycap.rr.com

SpringPT Style

So you’re heading to the beach. What’s the one thing you can’t leave behind? Enjoying the nice spring sun are sopho-

mores Katie Foglia and Shane Deiley during their walk on the trail.

Senior Maggie Soffel and her sister Becca pose for a picture at a restaurant at the

bay during their vacation in Florida.

45% iPod

11% Homework

44% Cellphone

63%

12%25%

Doing what I would do on a normal weekend

Working extra hours to make more money

Sleeping in and going out with friends more

frequently

You’re stuck in Peters for the break. What does your week look like?

What is your ideal spring break

location?

33%

17%

50%

Ski Resort

Beach

Home

36% 46%

18%

Getting a tanSleeping

Catching up on homework

What is your goal for spring break?

In the midst of an intense

Penguins game, sophomore

Shaina Herman and freshman Melina Sopko take a break

from the action.

Sophomore Leeza

Tselepisposes for a

picture during her

family vacation to

Cancun.

The Peters Township Varsity Softball

team takes a break

between games on their trip to Florida for a team

photo.

Smiling brightly are sophomore best friends Cori Swoope and Emily Barna on their Florida getaway vacation during spring

break.

All photos submitted

PTHSApril 20088oPiNioN

smoke signals

Brian Lewis

Opinion Editor

The Clinton Dynasty: A Stain on America It continues to amaze me that Senator Hillary Clinton still thinks she has a chance to win the Democratic Presidential Nomination. With only 10 states left to hold their primaries, including Pennsylvania, Clinton has almost no chance to catch Senator Barack Obama in the delegate count. The only way she would be able to get the nomination is if she essentially defies the will of the voters and steals the nomination from Obama by capturing the vote of the various party elders known as Superdelegates. Of course, for Senator Clinton, stealing an election would not be unusual for her. Clinton is perhaps one of the most corrupt politicians in Washington D.C., and would do anything to hold onto power. In the past few months she has done everything she can possibly think of to knock Senator Obama off his current pedestal. Her attacks have ranged from using race, religion, and even trying to steal delegates that Obama has already won. It didn’t matter to Clinton that all of her attacks have no credible leg to stand on; she decided to use them anyway. Perhaps the best example of her willingness to decimate Obama is when she refused to directly answer a question during a NBC interview when she was asked if she thought Senator Obama was a Muslim. For the record, he isn’t, but Clinton would much rather play upon the fear of voters than debate issues. Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Clinton’s campaign is her injection of ethnicity into the race for the Presidency. Most of the pundits expected race to play some factor in the first presidential campaign to include a serious African-American contender, but the extent to which it has factored is unseemly and plain wrong. Though most of the comments have come from low level-advisors, the

biggest blunder of all came from former President Bill Clinton. Just before the South Carolina primary, Bill Clinton said that he felt that Obama was not all that he was cracked up to be, and that he owed his amazing campaign to the fact that he was black, and not because Senator Obama was ready to be President. It didn’t help the Clintons either when they said it wasn’t so much Dr. Martin Luther King who advanced civil rights in this country but rather President Lyndon Johnson

instead. Maybe the Clintons should just stick to failing miserably at running a country rather than failing their history exams.

One reason that Senator Clinton is so concerned about getting the nomination is the preservation of the Clinton legacy. After her husband’s presidency drowned in scandal, both Hillary and Bill feel the need to go out on top. By winning the presidency, Senator Clinton would be able to ensure that the Clinton dynasty

remains as large as that of the Bush’s, if not larger. This requires her to employ a win-at-all-costs strategy against Senator Obama. Of course, as one Republican strategist put it to Politico.com, ““If the Clinton people knee-cap Obama, it would be like killing Santa Claus Christmas morning in front of the children. The children won’t forget or forgive.” Maybe Senator Clinton should consider embracing Santa Claus before she turns into the Grinch.

In the end, Senator Clinton’s dreams come down to Pennsylvania. If she manages to defy expectations of a 15-20 point win on April 22, she may very well have a small but insignificant case to continue on. If she fails to deliver on the expectations, then it looks like Democrats will finally have a nominee, Senator Barack Obama.

The majority of students here at PTHS eat the cafeteria food on a daily basis. It’s safe to say that the majority of the food doesn’t even taste good. (With the exception of pasta day, paninis, and Good Cookie Wednesdays.) However, not only is this food we’re eating every day unappetizing, most of it is also unhealthy. Until now, that is. Thankfully, the school has started to make a small but helpful effort to make the cafeteria food healthier. We’ve all noticed the new snack machine by the windows, but has anyone noticed what’s in it? It’s not just another vending machine filled with candy and soda, it’s filled with a delicious array of organic food. Although the prices may be a bit higher, it’s well worth it. The new addition to our cafeteria includes organic teas, sodas, chips, popcorn, granola bars, and more. It seems to be a big hit with the students, too. “I think it’s great that we now have healthier choices for snack food,” says senior Jason Chiappino. “It’s a little expensive, but the food is actually pretty good.” And not only does the food taste good, it has health benefits that could help you live a longer life. Organic food is made free of pesticides, which are the chemicals put on our food to make it last longer. It also contains more than 50% more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals than the regular produce we consume on a daily basis. All in all, organic food is a much healthier option, thanks to it’s lack of pesticides, hormones, fertilizers, antibiotics, and chemicals that dominate our bodies through the regular food we eat. “I’m so glad that we finally have a healthier snack machine, even though it isn’t much” says senior Jordan Dent. “It’s nice to know that I have a few more food choices that I know doesn’t have a possibility of eventually harming my body.” Although organic health food hasn’t dominated the cafeteria, the snack machine is a beneficial improvement to our cafeteria. It’s definitely one step forward to helping students eat healthier.

Food For ThoughtAlex Egan

Opinion Co-Editor

Dana Hoelle

Staff Writer

The Truth About TanningWant to banish your pale skin

for a fierce tan? The end of the school year is looming with events such as trips to the beach as well as prom. Many people are starting to consider the best way to get that bronzed glow, turning to tanning booths, self-tanner, or a combination of both. Before you grab your bathing suit and head to the tanning bed in pursuit of the perfect tan, spend a few minutes to learn about the positive side of tanning. These facts can help you achieve the look you want without ruining and stressing your skin.

UVA radiation is what makes people tan. These rays penetrate the lower layers of the skin to produce melanin (the brown pigment that causes tanning). Melanin is the body’s way of protecting the skin from burning. Tanning actually helps you because it gives you the amount of Vitamin D needed for the body. It also protects the body from getting burnt when you’re in the sun. Getting a base tan before laying out in the sun is a good way for you to save yourself from sunburn.

Staying out of tanning beds may seem like the only logical answer, but who wants to live like a hermit? The key is to enjoy tanning beds sensibly,

Fishtank: Prom DilemmaBy Renée Wunderlich

“Senator Clinton should consider embracing Santa Claus before she

turns into the Grinch.”

finding a balance between going too much and using them responsibly. To enjoy tanning while still protecting your skin, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will help prevent burning. You should also take frequent breaks; tanning every day is neither sensible nor necessary. “Going tanning once or twice a week is all you need to get the look you want,” said Senior Cara Stiffler. Another way to protect yourself while tanning is to avoid “accelerators,” or tanning pills and lotions that claim to speed up the body’s production of melanin, and make you darker faster. There is no actual proof that they will work, and the FDA does not approve them. “Accelerators say that will make you more tan, but in reality they don’t do anything,” said Junior Brooke Wilson.

It is a lot easier for adults to tell us to avoid tanning beds than to teach us how to enjoy tanning appropriately and responsibly. Next time you decide to go tanning, just remember to go wisely at the right level of exposure. Even when you’re serious about protecting your skin, you may want the glow from a tan, so remember these safe tips, and protect your skin.

Big hits like iTunes and Facebook are about to get bigger. iTunes sales are already off the charts, and Facebook is also one of the most widely used websites for people from high school and college around the world. It is not only a great way to communicate and keep in touch, but it’s now also a great way to get music.

For 10 weeks, Facebook is giving away 10 million sample songs to promote iTunes. On Facebook sites, there are advertisements on banners that links to the Apple web site, where one is able to download the sample songs. These free songs include everywhere from alternative rock to hip-hop, from bands like Cartel and

Paige Burris

staff Writer

Facebook GiveawayGranddaddy. Another way to get free music is www.free-tunes.net. It is all supported by iTunes, and the wrath of the iPhone since the iPhone is featured everywhere. Not only is Facebook featuring the iTunes giveaway, but the iPhone is also featuring Facebook on TV commercials and Internet adds. Most would be willing to pay more for your iPod or iPhone if they got free access to the music library. There is talk going around that it might happen, and iTunes might finally be free if there was a monthly subscription. ITunes is coming on strong with new ideas almost every month, to make their company more successful.

Meghan Jacobs

Guest Contributor

We’re All Number One

9April 2008 PTHSoPiNioN

The Penguins getting knocked out of the playoffs.

Yeah, otherwise we may have put the effort into a fourth question.

It rains a lot! But actually, I don’t mind the rain. So, I guess just the fact that it’s not summer yet.

Oh, yeah. I’m surprised we got even three questions out of this.

Warm weather, the Pirates losing, and the Yankees beating the snot out of the Red Sox.

Warm weather, tank tops, driving with the windows down, and getting the heck out of here!

Do you have senioritis?

What is the worst part about Spring?

Whats the best part about Spring?

Alex EganHE SAID

Brian Lewis

Springtime

If an adult were asked what the best part of being a teenager was, he or she would most likely respond, “Everything!” If a teenager were asked that same question, the response would probably be, “Nothing.” From this, one could conclude that teen years are not appreciated until the back of mom’s car has been dented, until the number of nights spent babysitting start to resemble the number of weekends spent grounded, until those years are far gone and all that is left are the memories that were made. We must face the fact that most people do not see the good in something until that something is long gone. However, I can see the good of being a teenager, and I believe that the best part is knowing that being treated like a kid is over and the responsibilities that hop on the wagon along with being an adult have not yet begun. Once teenage years have begun, parents realize their child’s desire for independence and trust. Parents start testing their kids with small acts that build trust and usually make the teen feel more free and responsible. To an adolescent, gaining a parent’s trust is like hitting the lottery. Putting down the Barbie dolls and picking up the cell phone is a huge milestone for teenagers, and from there, teen years just keep getting better. While teenagers are given some responsibilities and things are asked of them, they do not have the pressures and stress that adulthood brings. Unlike most adults, teens are not handed the tasks of paying a mortgage, holding a serious, full-time job, or most importantly, raising a family. And while we teenagers might think school is tough; and balancing friends, sports, and a part-time job is even tougher, seeing how easy life is during our teens in necessary. Fully embracing the teen years is extremely important, but the problem for many teenagers is not being able to find a happy medium between school, social activities, and family. As complicated as life can get, teens must come to appreciate the teenage phase because in one second, these years will be over and soon we will come to find that pictures and yearbooks just won’t do the justice of actually living this era of our lives.

Jordan Dent

Sports Co-Editor

The Unappreciated

Years

Gina Nepa

Staff Writer

Think Before You Drink Many students trudge through Peters Township High School, a Rockstar in one hand and a textbook in the other, usually with a frazzled look in their eyes. The majority of teenagers who rapidly gulp down these drinks who don’t consider the sickening effects these beverages produce. Energy drinks are advertised as providing more energy than a typical beverage. However, there is no scientific basis concluding that consuming these beverages an individual is more mentally alert [Marin Institute study.] Though there is also no proof of energy increase after consumption, the “high” that occurs in the midst of drinking the beverage is sure to keep consumers buying package after package. France, as well as Denmark, has

banned the popular drink, Red Bull, after it was linked to the death of a basketball player, Ross Cooney, who consumed four cans before playing a basketball game. Britain, as well, has investigated the severe hazards of the drink, and chose to issue a warning against its use by pregnant women, (www.medicalnewstoday.com). Sixteen-ounce energy drinks have been known to contain as much as 300 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent to four cups of coffee, (Mintel Energy Drink Report in 2006). Marketing for these energy boosters is geared towards teenagers, seen as an all-around naïve and exploratory group. The majority of these consumers fail to look into the side effects of drinking these cans in extremity. A rather comical website,

www.energyfiend.com, features a section which allows a viewer to enter their weight and preferred energy drink into a search panel. The test then calculates how many drinks the individual, that weight, would be able to consume before dying. “I don’t even like the taste of those things; they taste like battery acid,” explained sophomore Jon Kovac. Others favor the taste, and tolerate the sideeffects, such as adrenaline rushes. “They keep me going for a while, but after the initial buzz. I usually just get a headache,” explained sophomore, Mark Hayes. Short-term effects of regular drinking can include slow reaction times, increased heartbeat, and dizziness, as found in a Brown University Health Education Study.

Anyone walking down a hall in PTHS is sure to find a group of girls chattering away about their weekends, trying to trump one another with pointless details to make her story more important. Honestly, who cares? Narcissism is defined as excessive love or admiration of oneself. Typically one sees this egocentric attitude in a child’s toddler years, dwindling as she ages. Modern technology and parental influences are delaying this process. A child is taught from a young age that she is “special,” driven home by her parents’ indulgent behaviors. The borderline of rewards and indulgency is thin, thought. A child needs to learn that while she is special, she doesn’t need to be rewarded for every accomplishment. As the child ages, she will continue to expect rewards for miniscule accomplishments. Just because an adolescent turns 16 doesn’t mean she needs a new Mercedes. While parents are a large influence in child’s youth, technology, and the media perpetuate narcissism. Mister Rogers’ innocent song lyrics in 1976, “You are my friend; you are special,” have since been misinterpreted to mean “You are so special; you can do no wrong.” Fred Rogers meant for the song to display love and caring towards children. “He knew children could do wrong,” states Hedda Sharapan, a communications director for his series. Mister Rogers is later quoted, “I wish from the very beginning I had said it this way: You are special and so is everyone else in the world.” The preschool tune “Frère Jacques” also has a narcissistic lyrical counterpart: “I am special; I am special; Lock at me!” While a child ages and develops other interests, one may think she develops more worldly concerns. It is on the contrary, however, as the concern further envelopes herself. The advent of social networking websites sought to connect people globally, but the various site names speak for themselves: Myspace, YouTube. A student is deeply

upset when she logs in to discover no new comments on her weekend party pictures, yet could surprisingly care less when the six o’clock news stories flood the television. Teenagers and parents of young children may not see these self-absorbed behaviors as a problem now, but issues are certainly on the horizon, charging at full speed. In Sally Kalson’s article, “Collegians Too Special for Their Own Good,” she states, “narcissists are short on empathy, long on aggression when criticized, and obsessed with self-promotion over helping others. They’re also more likely to lack emotional warmth and have problem with romantic relationships.” Another article, entitled, “Study Finds Self-Centeredness, Narcissism Rising Among Student,” assesses many of the same issues. “Narcissists are more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and to exhibit game-playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors.” So, how do we change this behavior kidnapping the next generation? The best way is for parents to be more controlling. A kid doesn’t need friend-figures who financially provide for her; she needs parents who stand by the punishments implement. And substituting indulgent prizes for simple praise wouldn’t hurt, either. Parents also need to be aware of the other end of the spectrum – a child should be aware of her importance, but acknowledge others’ too. An interviewee of Kalson’s, David Hornyak, makes an observation: “If you’ve ever watched an ‘American Idol’ audition, it’s amazing the number of young people who truly can’t sing but yet are crushed when Simon gives them a reality check…This study indicates that students just automatically assume they’ll succeed without any frame of reference. They lack critical thinking and self-reflection.” He’s right. We can’t all be number one.

SHE SAID

10 April 2008

ian EXTRAPOINT

02 03ianJaCKson reLiCh

tayLor

SPoRTSsmoke signals

Penguins Primed for PlayoffsTaylor Relich

Staff Writer

The Pittsburgh Penguins have almost solidified their spot in the NHL Playoffs, but there are still many questions to be answered before they can hoist the Stanley Cup. Right now, the Pens are playing a two-goalie system, alternating between Ty Conklin and Marc-Andre Fleury, but Michel Therrien will have to choose a starting goalie for the playoffs. The Penguins also have to figure out what their lines will be for the post season. It would make sense if Therrien kept Evgeni Malkin, Ryan Malone, and Petr Sykora together, since they have played so well down the stretch in Crosby’s absence.

Therrien has been notorious this season for changing lines around, and he is currently experimenting with the power play unit. Right-winger Marian Hossa is back, who the Penguins acquired from the Atlanta Thrashers along with fellow right-winger Pascal Dupuis. Hal Gill, a defenseman from the Toronto Maple Leafs, was also

picked up at the trade deadline. He will play a key role as a shutdown defenseman, and will bring a much-needed physical presence to the defense. The Penguins have an array of talent at their disposal right now. They have two of the league’s most prolific scorers: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and the best one-two punch in goal in the National Hockey League. The Pens power play percentage is the third best in the East, but their penalty kill needs some work. As a matter of fact, the entire defense has been struggling in recent games. The Penguins offense has carried them this far, but great defense wins championships. Looking at last year’s Stanley Cup winner, the Anaheim Ducks, their goaltending and defense carried them past the Ottawa Senators a very strong offensive team to say the least. The Penguins’ two goalies have played tremendous this season, but the defense has been a little lacking. The

Pens’ defense is bound to improve with the addition of enforcer Hal Gill, who is improving as he learns the Penguins defensive scheme.

The Penguins are currently four points ahead of the New Jersey Devils for the lead in the Atlantic division and one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for the Eastern Conference lead. The Pens do not have an easy schedule coming up, with five of their last five games against division opponents. How the Pens place in the East will be crucial, not only because of the desire to have home ice advantage for as long as possible, but also because if they place higher in the Eastern Conference, the odds of playing Ottawa, Montreal, or New Jersey decrease immensely. The Penguins clinched a spot in the NHL Playoffs on March 26, but with a few more wins, the Pens could be looking at a one seed in the Eastern Conference.

Tennis : Serve it UpIan Jackson

Staff Writer The Peters Township Tennis team has been very successful over the past few years. In 2007, the team sported a fantastic 8-1 record. They were having a record setting season, until they were knocked out of the playoffs by Shady Side Academy in the WPIAL Finals. That may not be the same case this season. The team has high expectations coming into 2008. The varsity team is led by Andrew Nixon, Doug Sepostis, Chris Nixon, Marcus Mortland, Andy Madalena, and Nick Mortland. Nick Mortland is the only newcomer in that bunch, and the other five are each hungry to get to the level that they barely fell short of last year. Coaches Brandt Bowman and Mr. Repepi lead the team this year. There is no doubt they will have all their players reaching their fullest potential. “Last year, we were pretty disappointed,” Madalena stated. “But I was only a sophomore so I knew me could bounce back this season and we plan on it”

The team is loaded with talent and has great leadership. That will only increase with the return of Senior Andrew Nixon. Nixon, who is the brother of Chris, is the unquestioned leader of the team. He had a late start to his season due to an injury, but he is now “We will be good this year. I don’t think that’s even a question,” Chris Nixon confidently stated. “We have to be good throughout the season, and then we can be great come playoff time when Andrew returns.” Winning the WPIAL championship is not the ultimate goal for the team, though it would be a great accomplishment. The main goal of this team is to win the State Championship. The team has the talent to do so, with many players on the roster with playoff experience. They also have the confidence to do so. “I think we can win states,” Marcus Mortland confirmed. “Actually I know we can win states.”

Who will win the 2008 Stanley Cup?

IJ: The 2008 NHL season has been a wild one to say the least, and the playoffs promise to be the same way, because of the Minnesota Wild. Marian Gaborik is one of the top players in the game today and he has the supporting cast to go deep into the playoffs. My Stanley Cup prediction is Wild vs. obviously the Pittsburgh Penguins.

TR: There is not really a clear favorite in the Eastern Conference, though many people would say there is one in the West (Red Wings). Personally, I think that the best team in the West is the San Jose Sharks, because I saw them play in person this season, and they hung right with the Penguins and beat them in the shootout. Maybe Jeremy Roenick will finally get to hoist the Cup. I would love to see a Sharks vs. Pens matchup in the Stanley Cup, and that is what I think will happen. The Pens seem like a dark horse in the East, but I don’t think they are, simply because they are tremendously resilient.

IJ: How are the Penguins a dark horse, when they are first in the conference? I hate when people want to make their team the underdog even when they aren’t. Anyways… I like the Sharks too. Roenick is one of the faces of the league and it would be a shame if he never raises the cup, but I don’t think it’ll happen this year. I’m going to argue with you about our Western Conference teams, because we agree on the Penguins. The Wild have a very strong core group of player with Gaborik, Eric Belanger, Brian Rolston, Pavol Demitra, and Chris Simon. They get solid goaltending every night from Niklas Backstrom. He is one of the great young goaltenders in the game right now.

TR: That is a real solid group of players, but the Sharks are better. They are led by Joe Thornton, Jonathan Cheechoo, Jeremy Roenick, Patrick Marleau, Milan Michalek, and Mike Greir. You talk about the strong goaltending from Backstrom, but the Sharks have Evgeni Nabokov. He is great, and they also picked up Brian Campbell from Buffallo at the trade deadline. He gives them a dominant presence around the blueline.

IJ: Cheechoo is terrible. He isn’t half the player he was in 2006, and anyone who thinks he’s better than Maxim Afinogenov is out of their mind. I do think that Roenick is going to be on a tear once the playoffs start, but he is one player. He wants a cup, Thornton wants a cup, but do they have the supporting cast to top the Wild when they face-off? I don’t believe they have the defensive firepower to keep Gaborik off the score sheet. The only way the Sharks would top Minnesota is if Cheechoo can hit a hotstreak. He is a streaky player and he is the key to the Shark’s playoff fortunes. If Cheechoo scores, the Sharks win, but if he doesn’t they will get dominated by the Wild or the Red Wings. My prediction… he won’t score.

TR: Are you crazy? Cheechoo is one player. The Sharks have experience in the playoffs unlike the Wild and that’s the key. Gaborik is a top player in the league, but he hasn’t had much experience. Cheechoo will score, along with Thornton and Roenick. The Sharks will come out of the West and play the Penguins for the Stanley Cup. I believe in the Sharks, but we can both agree that the Stanley Cup Finals is where their dreams will get crushed. The Penguins will be crowned the Stanley Cup Champions, no matter who they play.

Players retire all the time, but none have hit the casual football fan harder than the retirement of Packers quarterback, Brett Favre. Regardless of what we like to imagine, our favorite players can’t play forever. Even heroes aren’t immortal.

As a whole, the public enjoys emotion. A huge part of the appeal of sporting events is that they can make us stand up and scream at midnight when everyone else is asleep. So when Favre called his retirement press conference and thanked his family, friends, and team through streams of tears, he inadvertently made the sports world fall in love with him all over again.

But how did he get to this point?

Brett Favre is certainly one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Even while playing with numerous injuries, Favre never missed a start in his career. He has three straight NFL Most Valuable Player awards, a Super Bowl ring, and countless passing records as notches on his sword. However, his status as a common man’s role

Brett Favre: The Common Man’s HeroGrant Burkhardt

News Editor

model travels far beyond his longest Hail Mary pass; he has been an icon for America’s man since the start of his career.

With each passing record that was broken, of added adversity followed. On the field, he had his first NFL pass intercepted and returned for a touchdown. Favre had many off-the-field problems that plagued him throughout his tenure in Green Bay as well. In 1996, he was publicly criticized for his addiction to the narcotic Vicodin. Then in 1999, he publicly announced that he was battling Alcoholism.

Then, in 2003, bad luck started to plague one of the NFL’s most popular players. America grieved just as Favre and his family did over the sudden death of Brett’s dad, Irvin. How did America’s hero respond? He played against the Oakland Raiders in the very next game and had arguably the greatest four quarters of his career. He passed for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns while playing with a heavy heart.

More heartache for Favre’s family was to follow - Brett’s wife, Deana, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and the family house in Mississippi was badly damaged

by Hurricane Katrina. A phone call from Favre to his mother shortly after the hurricane hit was aired on ESPN. The public saw part of Brett that was familiar to them. He was emotionally affected by what was happening to his family, and he made many typical “family man” comments that enabled the public to further associate themselves with a top-tier celebrity.

Off the field, he has used his popularity to his advantage. He is the cover man for Wrangler Jeans Company, where he appears in commercials that show him and other southern-style men playing a game of backyard football. He will most likely continue this chapter of his career in years to come.

Brett Favre turned into an American icon because he played football, and he will stay one because he is a genuine human being. He will always have a special place in the hearts of the people.

11

April 2008

April 2008

Season to begin soon

2007 WPIAL champions

Looking to improve on loss against Montour

Defeated Moon 5-0

4-0 in preseason standings

Good performances against USC in first two games

Meets begin in early April

Sent several students to WPIALs in 2007

Had section win over Mt. Lebo

2007 WPIAL champions

Games begin in early April

S p o r t s B r i e f s

B o y s V o l l e y b a l l

B o y s T e n n i s

S o f t b a l l

B a s e b a l l

T r a c k a n d F i e l d

G i r l s L a c r o s s e

B o y s L a c r o s s e

SPoRTS

Expect the Unexpected: Girl’s Basketball a Playoff VictoryMelanie Hoffman

Staff Writer

The girl’s basketball team has done the impossible: making it all the way to state playoffs. This is the first time in the team’s 50 year history that any squad has made it to playoffs, let alone the state tournament. The team, led by senior Maura Lacey and junior Emily Correal, played some unbelievable games to become a contender from obscurity. “Our first big win was against Bethel Park in December and that was a huge jump start to our season,” said senior forward Carol Sternweis. With an impressive 21-11 record the girls slowly gained the confidence and respect from other section rivals to win many close battles. The girls’ willingness to fight through tough games was what made watching them so worthwhile. In many of their playoff games, the fourth quarter would come around with the girls being down. Amazingly, they rallied together using their aggression to make amazing baskets, plays, and all-around teamwork from every player on the court, as well as cheers from the crowd and those on the bench. The most memorable playoff game was against Mt. Lebanon, a team the Lady Indians hadn’t defeated during the regular season. “The playoff game against Mt. Lebanon was definitely the best of our entire season. We went into the game, knowing that we had to play hard and

we did. It really paid off,” said Lacey. In yet another fourth quarter comeback, the team came back to win with a final score of 41-37. This was a huge game considering the team advanced to the WPIAL Championships, where a disappointing loss to Upper Saint Clair left the girl’s placing second. When it came back to playing for the PIAA state title, the team was back on top of their game. Their first state playoff game against New Castle at North Hills was a close and intense game with the lady Indians pulling through with a 56-50 victory. Key underclassmen players made this win possible with both Lexi Kamphaus and Samantha Higgins having a career high scoring games.The second round of the playoffs resulted in yet another close game against Schenley. With less than three minutes left in the quarter the score was tied at 41. Unfortunately, the girls ended up losing 49-45, ending their run for the title. All in all, this has been a remarkable, record-breaking season for the girl’s basketball team. Along with the many wins, the girl’s all admit to having bonded over dance parties and songs on the bus. Maybe with more school support, this will be the first of many successful seasons.

Pittsburgh Steeler Cedrick Wilson was arrested on charges of simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct after an incident involving an ex-girlfriend on March 20. It was reported that upon entering a restaurant and spotting his ex, Wilson proceeded to push her and punch her in the face. Only hours later, the Steelers released him from his contract. However, the next day, the woman retracted the punching accusation, claiming Wilson only pushed her. Wilson is just one of the Steelers who has found themselves in trouble with the law.

Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison was arrested on charges of domestic violence against his girlfriend. During a fight last month, the 245-pounder broke down his girlfriend’s door, snapped her phone in half, and allegedly slapped her in the face. Harrison is yet to receive any punishment from the Steelers or the NFL. His preliminary court hearing is scheduled for April 3.

Second-string running back Najeh Davenport has charges of domestic violence, child endangerment, and unlawful restraint pending against him. The charges stem from an incident involving a fight between him and the mother of his five-year-old son. Police were unable to make an arrest because they could not determine who was the aggressor. This is not the first time Davenport has

Crime Time: The SteelersBill Berry

Staff Writer

Softball Spring TrainingDana Hoelle

Staff Writer

Every year the Peters Township girl’s softball team heads down to Florida for spring training. This year was no different; the girls packed their bags for five days of softball at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. Playing seven games total, they won all but one, and beat the number two-ranked team in the United States. The Lady Indians are off to a good start, going 3-0 in regulation games, not to mention they only gave up a combined five runs in the three games they played. “It was a great chance for us to bond as a team, and get ready for the regular season,” said sophomore Dara Hoelle. They won a game

over the second ranked team in the country, a squad from Texas. The score was 6-3, with Shaylee Ianno pitching six shut out innings, and Lindsey Hoover hitting a home run. “Our whole team played great, and as a result it came out with the W,” said sophomore Paige Burris. The win against Texas was a major advance for the Lady Indians; defeating the Woodlands, who have 3 division one players. The team didn’t just play softball the whole time at Disney world; they also had time for practice and free time to roam the parks. During their practice time, they were able to use the batting cages, and advance their skills

on the field. Team bonding was a main goal for this trip. Not only did they go to team dinners, but they also had a fun time while going to the various theme parks in Disney. “I enjoyed hanging out with my team. It made my trip one that I will always remember,” said junior Jody Kohne. Hard work and dedication is what the Lady Indians faced while battling different teams throughout the United States. Spring training was a good way to prepare the team for upcoming games, and rivalries. Going undefeated in Florida was a good start for the 2008 softball season.

found himself in trouble. Back in 2002 he was arrested after defecating in the closet of a girls college dorm room. The then University of Miami senior agreed to a plea agreement of 100 hours of community service. On the charges of domestic violence, Davenport entered a not guilty plea in a Cleveland court.

Third-year receiver Santonio Holmes was arrested two times in a span of one month during the summer prior to his rookie season. The first charge of disorderly conduct in Miami, Florida was dropped in exchange for a fine. The more serious of the offenses was for domestic violence and assault in Columbus, Ohio. Holmes’ charges were eventually dropped.

Like Holmes, it is rare that the NFL ever punishes domestic violence offenses. Since 2004, only seven players have received suspensions for the crime. Each of their punishments was a mere one game suspension.

The NFL is trying to combat the prevalence of crime in their league by instituting a Conduct Management Program for all incoming rookies. The program mandates players to attend eight one-hour sessions, teaching them how to deal with life in the NFL. All 32 teams currently hold a life-skills session every fall.

VoiceS in the hall

Sean Sickmund ‘11“Arnold Shrwarzenegger,

because he’s ripped.”

Laney Smith and Aly Hajzus ‘09“Mr. Hitchens, because

he’s decisive.”

Mike Stenger ‘08“Mark Wahlberg, because

he was in the Funky Bunch.”

Ryan Minteer ‘11 “Make a National Cookie Day.”

Jimmy Sams ‘09“Make February 5th

James Anthony Sams Day.”

Brianna Gove ‘08

“Give everyone a million dollars.”

If you could pick anyone to be president, whom would it be?

What is the first thing you would do if you were president?

What the teachers have to say...

the

PT

Chelsea Ali ‘08If you were running for president, what would be your

campaign slogan?“Anywhere but here.”

If you were elected president, who would you pick to be your vice president, and why?

“Prince - he’s just awesome!”Who do you believe was our best president?

“George Washington.”Who is your favorite candidate running in the

2008 election?“I don’t like any of them.”

What U.S president was most like you? “Bill Clinton.”

Carl Mitchell ‘08If you were running for president, what would be your

campaign slogan?“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments

should be afraid of their people.”If you were elected president, who would you pick to be

your vice president, and why?“Alex Kocher; because we compliment each other well.”

Who do you believe was our best president?“Thomas Jefferson.”

Who is your favorite candidate running in the 2008 election?

“Ron Paul.”What U.S president was most like you?

“Thomas Jefferson.”Min

ute

Chris Nixon ‘10“Mr. Kuhn, because

he’s the man.”

Megan Junker ‘10“Have a Dance Party.”

Dr. Dell

“Tony Blair.”

Mrs. Gunther

“Ghandi.”Mrs. Fletcher

“I would make sure everyone who needed health care

received it.”

Ms. Daerr“I would change the

situation over in Iraq.”