C TContownianContownianNews MagazineConemaugh Township Area Middle School / High School October 2012 Volume 75 Number 2

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Breast Cancer Survivors CelebratedFor the past few years, the month of October has become the official month of Breast Cancer Awareness. Each year, the nation as a whole becomes as one to support the research of finding a cure for Breast Cancer. In 2011, an estimated 300,000 cases of breast cancer occurred for women and 2,000 cases of breast for men. Since 2008, there has been a calculated number of 2.6 million survivors, and one of them is a teacher here at Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School, Marie Olshefski.

Mrs. Olshefski, a teacher of French and English, is one of the many survivors of breast cancer. When she first learned of her breast cancer diagnosis, she stated her output toward life dramatically changed. She was worried, yet realized what really was important in her life and what was not. During this time, Mrs. “O” stayed calm and had a very positive outlook toward life.

The one thing Mrs. Olshefski wants to tell women of all ages is, “Cancer is no longer a death sentence. Women should make sure to have regular checkups for early detection.”

She stressed the earlier one notices something is wrong, the faster the recovery is. Mammograms are recommended starting at age forty and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health and

Clinical breast exams, or CBE, about every three years for women in their twenties and thirties and every year for women forty and over.

Students have helped Mrs. Olshefski in a major way.

Marla Aurandt states, “We all wanted to do something special for her after she explained her illness to her classes. Instead of doing something elaborate we wore pink the next day to show our sup-

port. Showing support in a simple way still showed that we cared, and still do”

Since October has become the official month of Breast Cancer Awareness, the American Cancer Society has awarded approximately $450.7 million in breast cancer research grants. Clearly,

there are many ways to show your support, and there is no better time than to start now!

Mrs. Olshefski counts money from the French Club’s cookie sale.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Are you going trick-or-treating this Halloween? Many high school students feel they have grown out of this tradition. Despite this notion, teenagers still find them-

selves on neighborhood doorsteps every year. I am definitely one of those students, and I think there are a few things we can do to make Halloween fun for all teenagers.

Trick-or-treating can be a lot of fun no matter how old you are. You can get dressed up and hang out with your friends. How could you not have a good time? For a lot of students though, it has become boring and childish. Also, trick-or-treating is normally planned on a school night when older students may have homework or a job.

I think if there were other Halloween activities for teenagers, more students would enjoy this holiday. During school, we have a costume contest and a Halloween Dance. These activities create a festive atmosphere teenagers want to par-ticipate in. If we included more events like these that were geared directly towards our age group, I feel there would definitely be an interest.

I am a fan of trick-or-treating, but I think if there were more Halloween activities, students who do not participate could still have fun. Students would avoid trouble if they had a fun place to go this Halloween. It would make this holiday seem a lot less childish for teenagers.

Could Halloween be Any Happier?

A

Appearance is EverythingThe way teachers educate is not the only way they are judged. They are also judged by what they wear. When I walk into a classroom, one of the first things I notice is what my teacher is wearing.

Every day professional buildings across the country have poor-ly dressed professionals show up to work. This does not only happen in schools but every where. It seems as though some people have lost respect for themselves. By not putting your-self together you are subconsciously saying, “I don’t care how I look or what others think.” Some also feel spending money on “work” clothes is pointless. Clearly, this is false. Subconsciously, everyone judges someone within the first few minutes of meet-ing him. Thus, if you are dressed poorly, the view of you will be lesser than if you were properly dressed. If it looks as though you have put no effort into your clothing choice, some may feel less respect for you.

To fix this problem I think for those who care but feel they lack the pizazz to dress appropriately, people need to find a person in the public eye with the same body shape and style as them. They then need to model some of their looks after that person. People also need to not worry as much about how much a gar-ment costs and start thinking about its quality and how much they could wear it. There are also some affordable options for ob-taining stylish clothing. Some of these are retail discount stores like T. J. Maxx and Marshalls. Another alternative is to search through sale racks. Also, do not be afraid to splurge on classic pieces that you will have forever. Additionally, people need to remember what occasion they are dressing for. A unisex tee shirt with a denim vest would be appropriate for a western theme party but not for work. Make sure to wear something suitable for the event. By doing this you will fell better and become more confident in yourself.

Overall, some just need to take a step back and say to them-selves, “Does this really look good and fit the setting?” By wearing a nice appropriate outfit, it will test your confidence and make you a stronger person. The next time you walk out of your door think twice about what you are wearing and who will be seeing you.

The emotions teenagers feel the second they pass their driver’s license exam can sometimes be unexplainable. When given the freedom, all their choices due to their new driving privilege become limitless. Sadly, the way our economy has become, our generation will not be able to sense this very same feeling that teenagers of the past have.

How are we supposed to enjoy all the freedom given to us if gas prices are at their absolute highest point in history? The freedom we thought we had grasped in our hands has slowly disintegrated. If things continue as they have, soon enough teenagers and their friends will not be able have the occa-sional fun rides or feel the freedom of going out whenever they please. Also, we should not have to drive back and forth to school worrying if we will have enough gas in our vehicles to get us there.

I think we should open our eyes and stand up for what we truly deserve. Something that could help us would be maybe car-pooling with our friends, but that alone is not enough. Maybe it is time we make a stand and protest against the oil companies

Teen Gas Price Woes

helping create this problem. We, as American citizens, should also start focusing on pushing away from foreign oil industries and utilizing our own natural resources

Why should we as teenagers not be granted this same pleasure our previous generations enjoyed? I believe it is unfair we are not able to enjoy this seemingly simple joy of driving without having to worry about how our next gallon of gas will be paid for.

October 2012 3.October 2012 3.

PHOTO JOURNALISM ContownianContownianT h e

News MagazineConemaugh Township Area Middle School / High SchoolVolume 75 Number 2October 2012HIGH SCHOOL

The Contownian is published online monthly by the Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Journalism Class. For advertising information call (814) 479-4014, Extension 3518 or write to 300 West Campus Avenue, Davidsville, PA 15928.

The Contownian does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, and policies of the Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School and its administration.

EditorsSenior Editor-in-Chief......................................Matthew PhillippiJunior Editor-in-Chief..............................................Carley BonkSenior News Editor.....................................................Tara RosaJunior News Editor................................................Isaac CallihanSenior Features Editor...........................................Ryan ShifflettJunior Features Editor.........................................Lakota BostianSenior Sports Editor...........................................Matthew BridgeJunior Sports Editor..................................................Bruno RosaSenior Society Editor.......................................Leeah MichalidesJunior Society Editor..............................................Megan BoyerSenior Photography Editor....................................Alexia FrazierJunior Photography Editor..................................Morgan DressikSenior Advertising Manager.....................................David YoderJunior Advertising Manager...............................Katelyn OleskeySenior Business Manager......................................Kelsey SmithJunior Business Manager.........................................Jordan Rich

News StaffDeanna Binnie............Cullen Erisman.............Andrew GowartyAlly Lonas................Katelyn Oleskey...............Vincent QuezadaKristan Rouser................Kate Thomas................Kelsey L. Smith

Feature StaffKaitlin Blank..............Mikella Buncich..............Sebastian HenryBethany Patrick............Brittany Sheeler.............Kelsey J. SmithZach Svencer..........................................................Luke Varner

Society StaffMarla Aurandt............Bethany Brenchak.............Jason KadillacKayla Peifer..................Chloe Reese..................Brooke RennerAllyson Shroyer.......................................................David Yoder

Sports StaffTanner Cahill...............Kenneth Domonkos...............Jeffrey FisherAdam Naugle....................Eric Naugle....................Jordan RichMickey Sanders...............Austin Speigle...............Kyler Yingling

Photography StaffBethany Brenchak...........Andrew Gowarty...........Jason KadillacBrooke Renner........................................................Jordan Rich

Advisor:Michael J. Andolina

Autumn Leaves, Its Memories Remain

Leanna Sottile roars through her Math class homework.

Bruno Rosa runs from a Shade oppo-nent in hopes of scoring.

Britany Siehl and Kenneth D o m o n k o s share their first picture together as Conemaugh T o w n s h i p ’ s H o m e c o m i n g Queen and King.

Chloe Reese plays her part in building the bonfire by spray painting a sign.

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FEATURES

HIGH SCHOOL

Juniors Mikella Buncich and Carley Bonk show off their colorful fall fashion.

The Shades of Autumn

“Assassin’s Creed III” is the newest game in the Assas-sin’s Creed series. It takes you back to the American Revolutionary War. You play as Connor Kenway, a man stuck in a conflict between three worlds. Connor is a half English and half Native American of Mohawk descent, at the time when his people are being driven away off of their lands.

This is the fifth game of the Assassin’s Creed series. The main portion of the game is set before, during, and after the American Revolution from 1753 to 1783. In addition to the time of the American Revolution, the game also features a “present day” setting. In the present day you play as Des-mond Miles. Assassin’s Creed III was released on October 30 in the United States for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

This year is expected to be a good, if not even the great-est year for Ubisoft, the creators of Assassin’s Creed III. Clearly, it is going to be big, this cannot be denied. With its already many followers, Assassin’s Creed III already has over sixty nominations in rhe Electronic Entertainment Expo, a panel of video game critics. Most Assassin’s Creed fans predict this year’s Assassin’s Creed III will be the “Game of the Year.”

“Assassin’s Creed III” Debuts

You are cuddled up at home on a chilly fall day sipping a pumpkin spice latte. The leaves are falling quickly to the ground, foretelling winter is just around the corner. The windows reflect bright colors of orange, yellow, and red. Yes, the leaves are one story, but what color are you wearing?

According to Pantone’s “Fashion Color Report, Fall 2012” for women, the most magical colors include French Roast, Honey Gold, Pink Flambé, Tangerine Tango, Ultramarine Green, Bright Chartreuse, Olympian Blue, Titanium, Rhapsody, and Rose Smoke. On the Men’s Color Report many of the same colors appear, but there are a few different colors such as Rhubarb, Sea Fog, and White Cap Gray. Rhubarb is a deep red color. Sea Fog and White Cap Gray are both neutrals. The colors that do not appear on the men’s list include Flambé Pink, Rhapsody, and Rose Smoke.

French Roast, Titanium, Rhapsody, and Rose Smoke are expected fall colors. These are the washed out darks and neutrals. French Roast is a very rich coffee color with a hint of gray in it, while Rhapsody is a light

purple.

The report also included the brighter colors Honey Gold, Pink Flambé, Tangerine Tango, Ultramarine Green, Bright Chartreuse, and Olympian Blue. These colors have such warm glows you might think it is summer again already, that is, until you step outside.

Tangerine Tango also appears as the “Color of the Year.” It is very popular and has been seen on 2012 spring runways displayed by Tommy Hilfiger, Elie Tahari, Adrienne Vittadini, and many more. Olympian Blue is another recurrence on the runway. This Royal blue has been popular since fall 2011.

The colors you see outside are not the only ones to pay attention to. The shades found in home décor and fashion are glamorous and vibrant, just like the outdoors. However, unlike the leaves that will come and go, you will still have colorful beauty on your body in the form of fashion.

October 2012 5.October 2012 5.

SOCIETY

Debates Decide Decisions

Andrew William Gowarty is the son of Mark Gowarty who resides with his wife, Tara, in Westmont. He is also the son of Lisa Gowarty of Jerome.

Andrew has been an A/B student for most of his academic career. He has gone to Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School for all thir-teen of those years. Andrew is involved

in the Students Against Destructive De-cisions organization and the Grill Team.

Andrew has also served as the treasurer of the French Club for three years.

Athletically, Andrew has lettered in soccer and wrestling for three years. He is currently a captain of the boys’ varsity soccer team. He won the WestPAC Division during his sophomore and junior years, as well as Somerset County in his junior year.

Andrew plans to attend the College of Indiana University of Pennsyl-vania, where he hopes to attain his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management.

October Rotarian

Andrew Gowarty

In the most recent political debate, Governor Romney faced off with President Barrack Obama. Clearly, the main focus of the topic of the evening was the candidates’ views on all phases of Foreign policy.

Barrack Obama was very concerned about ending the war in Afghanistan. In fact, he has set a deadline that states the troops will be in that country no longer then 2014. Romney’s plan, on the other hand, was that we must withdraw from the war. However, his plan maintains the same premise, but dif-fers in that the withdrawl should not occur until the mission is completed so the 5,000 troop members who died will not have died without a cause.

Another major topic in the recent debate was the president’s former policies on countries that threaten the United States. On a regular basis the president and his staff have ignored our allies behaviors and bowed down to them, almost giving in to their desires and pleas. Governor Romney on the other hand has said time and time again that if elected he will show countries like Russia more backbone and not be more flexible with everything they do.

In the end when deciding which candidate you would rather see in office, you must ask yourself these simple question: Are you happier now then you were four years ago? Is it easier to get a job today than it was four years ago? Finally, do you feel our current president Barack Obama has done everything in his power to make this country a better place? If so, then vote for him again, but if not, vote for the new candidate, Governor Mitt Romney.

Sports Teams Raise AwarenessHave you seen everyone wearing pink while playing sports lately? This is because October was National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everyone who supported the fight against breast cancer and was encouraged to show it by wearing pink. Students at the Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School got the message across by wearing pink shirts, shoe laces, tape, etc. to show their support.

Miss Pepoy is one such survivor of this cancer that affects so many women each year.

When asked about being a survivor of breast cancer, what it means to her seeing the teams wearing pink and supporting her and all breast cancer survivors, Miss Pepoy explained, “It is a remarkable feeling to see our students and teams taking part and showing their support for this cause. I’m hoping our students realize and understand the importance of support of breast cancer research and all other causes. I thank them.”

When October rolls around again next year or any time for all that matter, encourage everyone to wear pink. Even when it is not October, it does not have to be a nationally set month to show your support for the women who fight and have fought this disease every day.

Leeah Michalides as Miss Liberty, Tanner Cahill as the American Eagle, and Adam Naugle as Uncle Sam en-courage all to support their favorite candidates.

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HIGH SCHOOL

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Volleyball

Varsity Girls’ Soccer

Varsity Football

The Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Volleyball Team kept its season going finishing with a record of 9-8. It is going into the district playoffs as the eighth seed.

In the last game of the season, it suffered a loss to the Conemaugh Valley Blue Jays after 4 sets to knock the Indians down from the seventh to the eighth seed. This made the road to the district title very tough. The girls will open up the first round with a play in game against the Shanksville Vikings.

Senior Captain Carly Baer said, “It has been a great season since the team has not made the playoffs in the last six years.”

The Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Lady Indians celebrated their eighth win on the road against the Lady Spartans of McConellsburg, improving their record to 8-2.

Their next game was a tough fought battle against the Lady Rams of Richland. In double overtime the Lady Indians pulled out a strong win with a goal by Danielle Wertz.

The girls won four consecutive games at home, winning 7-3 against Chestnut Ridge, 6-1 Altoona, 2-1 West-mont, and 3-2 Somerset. This improved their record to 13-2.

The last two games of the regular season were spent away at North Star and Meyersdale. In a tough battle against known rival North Star, the Indians pulled out a 6-0 win under the lights. This made it their eighth consecutive win. The Indians then topped Meyersdale in an 8-0 victory to close out the regular season.

Ending the season, the Lady Indians were named the WestPAC and Somerset County champions.

“We are really looking forward to moving into the play-offs and working hard to finish off the season strongly.” said junior Katelyn Oleskey when asked about her hopes for entering the playoffs.

The Lady Indians will face the Johnstown Christian School under the lights for the first round of playoffs.

The Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Indian Football Team can be summed up in one word - “runs!” The Indians started off the year with two losses followed by two wins. They are currently on a four game losing streak but hope to finish off the year with two wins against Ferndale and North Star. The Indians play the Ferndale Yellow Jackets for their “Senior Night.”

Senior Ryan Shifflett stated, “We started off the year 2-2 and are on a four game losing streak. Our record doesn’t reflect our abilities. I hope we can pull it to-gether in the last two games and make the playoffs.”

Golf Season Wrap UpThe Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Varsity Golf Team finished with a successful season. They won WestPAC Tournament in the regu-lar season, and received WestPAC Conference title. The Golf Team also won the District 5 title, and the In-ner County Tournament. They won a very close match at Districts to win by one stroke.

They finished the season with an overall record of nine wins and one loss against Homer Center. The Golf Team’s season ended by losing to Central Cambria during Inner Districts at Scotch Valley Country Club.

Senior Allyson Lonas and Freshman Cameron McMillan chase down a loose ball against a Richland defender.

October 2012 7.October 2012 7.

SPORTS

FALL SPORTS MOVE AHEADVarsity Boys’ SoccerThe Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team has shown much experience throughout the season. The team has im-proved to a 13-2-3 record to finish up its regular season as it heads into the playoffs.

When asked about the Indians regular season, Andrew Gowarty stated, “It has been a great season so far. We are WestPAC, and most likely will be Somerset County champions. It is good to bring this distinction to the school in back to back seasons. We plan to make a deep run into Districts and eventually the State play-offs.”

The veteran Indians played Saturday, October 27, at 7:00PM in the first round of District 5 playoffs against the Rockets of Rockwood. The Indians defeated the Rockwood Rockets by a score of 1-0.

The semi-finals showcased a match up of the Indians and Fannet Metal. In this game the Indians came out on top by a score of 2-1. Upcoming for the Indians will be a face off against the Windber Ramblers in the District 5 title game.

Chloe Nicole Reese is the daughter of Kirby and Lorrie Reese. She is an academic student who resides with her family in Hollsopple.

Chloe is a returning three-year letterman in soccer. She is a West-PAC Allstar and was named to the Somerset County First Team for soccer. She is also a cheerleader and a two-year letterman in track.

Chloe is on the Honor Roll and is the Secretary of the Student Council. She is also a member of National Honor Society, Principal’s Cabinet, Grill Team, and Connumach/Contownian Society Staff. In addition, she is involved as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Son Club, and Weight Lifting member.

In addition to her extracurricular activities, Chloe is employed at the Shake Shack and enjoys volunteering for Camp Parc.

Chloe’s future plans are to attend a four-year college for nursing and then go on to become a nurse anesthetist.

Athletes of the MonthJeffrey Russell Fisher is the son of David and Amy Fisher.

Jeffrey is a four year letterman in football, a three year letterman in basketball, and a two year letterman in track. He has also received the “All Tournament” team honor at the Shanksville Basketball Shoot Out.

Jeffrey is a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and Connumach/Contownian Sports Staff.

Jeffrey also works as a life guard at Camp Harmony. He also enjoys quad riding, hanging out with friends, playing paintball, hunting, fishing, and camping. In addition, he is a member of his church’s youth group.

After graduation, Jeffrey plans on attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to major in civil engineering. He also hopes to play basketball.

Chloe Reese Jeffrey Fisher

Junior Isaac Callihan gets tangled up with a Richland player while attempting to retrieve the ball in an effort to help contribute to an Indian victory.

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NEWS / FEATURE WRAP UP

One Last Look...TCContownianContownianT h e

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Haunted Halloween HappeningsIt is that scary time of year again! When vampires, goblins and ghouls come out to roam the halls of Conemaugh Town-ship Area Middle School/High School for Halloween. Stu-dents of all ages dress up in creative costumes to celebrate the season. What some students look forward to the most,

though, is the H a l l o w e e n Lunch.

T h e G r i l l Team’s mis-s i o n i s t o transform the cafeteria into a horr i fy ing da rk a tmo-sphere! The G r i l l Te a m even dress’s in costumes for the occa-sion, to make t h e l u n c h

even more fun. The students really enjoy this because it is a nice change from the normal everyday routine. There is even an ice cream bar!

As students finish their lunch, they start to prepare for the Costume Contest. Any student can stand in front of all the students and get judged on his costume. It is up to fellow classmates to decide which costume is truly the best. The best costumes win a prize.

Freshman Cory Prebehalla dresses as Edward Scissor Hands for Halloween.

Juniors Megan Boyer, Kate Thomas, and Gabrielle Wil-liams as three deadly dolls.

The following dates are subject to change

October 26......................................End of First Nine WeeksNovember 4..........................Eastern Standard Time Begins November 6.............................................Report Cards Issued November 9........................................Early Dismissal - 1 Hour November 12................Veteran’s Day Vacation - No SchoolNovember 13...Parent Conference Day - No School for StudentsNovember 21..................................Early Dismissal - 1 HourNovember 22-23............Thanksgiving Vacation - No SchoolNovember 26.....................First Day Deer Season - No School November 29......................................................ASVAB Test

School Calendar

Senior Yearbook Photo Deadline Set

Yearbooks AvailableThe 2011-2012 Connumach and Conemaugh Yearbooks have arrived and are presently being distributed. There are Extra books that are available for purchase. The cost is $75.00 and $45.00, respectively. They may be purchased with a check or money order made out to “Conemaugh Township Are High School” and are available in the Publications Office or by calling 479-4014.

Formal senior portraits for the “Senior Section” of the yearbook are due no later than Wednesday, November 14, 2012. You will be called to the Publications Office during Homeroom Period during the weeks of November 14-30 to approve your yearbook selection. If you are planning on substituting a picture of your own, you will be made aware at this time of any substitutions that will be accepted. Students not photographed by this time will be photographed by a staff photographer. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE NOR ANY PICTURES ACCEPTED AFTER NOVEMBER 14, 2012.

Administrative OfficeSuperintendent.............Gary Buchsen.........................479-7575Business Manager......Regina Rembold.....................479-7431Food Service Director....Adam Thomas.......................479-2328Director of Curriculum....Gary Buchsen.........................479-7575

Middle/High School 6-12Principal.......................Dave Koba..............................479-4014Guidance Counselors......Nancy D’Alimonte and Kelly Birkhimer...479-7886School Nurse................Cassey DeBiase.....................479-2324Athletic Director..........James Foster.......................479-4014

Telephone Numbers