Vol I, Issue IV

Smoke Signals

Table of Contents

2

4

6

8

10

Freshman Page

Sophomore Page

Senior Page

Junior Page

College Page

Contact Information

Peters Township High School631 East McMurray Road

McMurray, PA 15317www.ptmedia.net

Mission StatementSmoke Signals is produced four times a school year by the students of the Media II, III, and IV Journalism staff at Peters Township High School. Staff Advisor is Mrs. N.

Sitler.Commentaries, reviews, and opinion columns are the

express opinion of the author and not of Smoke Signals, its advisor, or the Peters Township School

District.

Staff

Andrea Briggs Editor in ChiefKatie Ellis Managing Editor

Emily Estep Print EditorAveri Clements Online EditorKaitlyn Richert Photography Editor

Gabrielle Brinksy Paige BurrisAmy Burzotta Conor Jackson

Steph Nitschmann Matt SikoraBethany Suchy

Section Leaders

Editors

Olivia Bayer Katie DenningMolly Doehring McKenzie Fritz

John Galatic Val GobaoJoe Grossi Kayla Keddal

Staff Writers

Christine Manganas Erin MastaAmanda Moore Kira Scammell

Mike Schuck Ashley SherwinRyan Tingle Elizabeth Weimer

Photo by Andrea Briggs

Party in the Freshman ClassThe freshman class is the biggest class to ever go through the high school, with 380 students. Together, they got through freshman year, but that doesn’t mean they had no worries com-ing in. Between getting lost and hiding from up-perclassmen, new friendships were formed. But through it all, it was a “party” in the freshman class.

Did You Get Lost?“I missed first period English be-cause I thought I had Bio. It was really awkward when I walked into the Bio class and I wasn’t supposed to be there,” said Trent McPherson.

“I didn’t get lost on the first day of school because my sister had already taken me through my classes,” Maura Howard said.

Party in the Freshman ClassOur favorite memory together is when we were on the same soccer team when we were little. We hope to be BFFs forever.

One of our best times together was when we got lost in the Outer Banks last summer.”

Jeff Bergman and Maddy Maggs

Mr. & Miss Freshman

“I feel honored to be nominated Miss Fresh-man by my classmates because not many peo-ple get this opportunity,” said Maddy Maggs.

Jake Blandino and Abbot Zuk

Alyse Kilberg & Jordan Schuler

Roadmap throughRoadmap through

Sophomore Survival

Clear the Roads...

S-S-Speech

Freshman year was fun, but now it is time to grow up. Here are some of our best wise words of advice for cruising down the road of sophomore success: -”Don’t stand in the middle of the hall.” -”Get good grades.” - “Know your place.” - “Have fun while you can.”

because the class of 2012 is ready to drive! Most sophomores are taking Driver’s Theory to prepare to get their license or permit. Joe Maize approves.

It’s the most

important class you’ll ever take!

Public speaking? Those words strike fear into the hearts of students every-where. Speech class is a graduation requirement, so start sweating and shaking, because you have to take it.

Driver’s Theory

Sophomore YearSophomore Year

Mr. and Miss Sophomore Class

Caroline Nixon &Jake Brown

3. I’m worried about college and getting ready for it.

Just being in school is pre-paring for college. Many pieces of the puzzle will fall together as time passes, but the thing to keep in mind is trying to do your best and thinking about what you en-joy doing. Base your college search around doing something you love. The letters from colleges will come pouring in and you will have plen-ty of places to look at. But much of the preparation is talking to teach-ers and your guidance counselor.

2. I’m scared I won’t be able to keep my grades up. The fact that you’re wor-ried is a good sign that you’re se-rious about your schoolwork and that you want to do well. This mo-tivation is half the battle. Yes, it will be difficult and you will have to work hard to do well, Even if you don’t keep your grades up, there will always be a way get to where you want to go. It comes down to balancing a healthy fear of failure with the confidence that you can accomplish your goals.

1. I’m nervous about SATs and PSSAs. The SATs are just another standardized test, really. The only difference is that this is the test that colleges look at. Unless you re-ally want to get into an ivy-league school, you shouldn’t be stressing too much. Still do your best, but don’t kill yourself by way of test preparation and stressing. Besides, it’s possible to go into the test cold turkey and still do well. As for PS-SAs, they test the basics. They will be a welcome change after SATs.

Journey to Junior Year

Class Song

I’m Awesome by SposeClass Saying “That’s legit.”

Juniors: They’re Legit

Junior year: a time of standardized testing, sleep deprivation, and stress. Thanks to a quick survey, we have an even bigger list of what defines the Junior class. Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA best describes the class of 2011. Most of us think that senior year will be easier than this year. Also, we like purple and enjoyed having to stand in the snow because of an elevator. After all, that’s legit. . .

Mr. and Miss Junior Class Doug Maronde Laura Stroyne

“Because I’m bringing sexy back.”

“Homecoming.”

Why do you deserve to represent the junior class?

What was your favor-ite part of junior year?

The SAT (Students All-together sick of Testing)

1. What color best represents the junior class?a. Redb. bluec. purpled. greene. yellow

2. What is the official saying of the junior class?a. She doesn’t even go here!b. Not gonna liec. That’s legitd. Sick dude....e. He’s a creeper

3. What is the junior class song?a. Bad Romanceb. Doozy Dripc. Party in the USAd. All You Need is Lovee. Tik-Tok

4. What is your favorite memory of Junior year?a. The fake lock-downb. Cramming for SAT’s the night beforec. The ice-cold fire drilld. Pep Assembliese. Muffin Days

5. Senior year will be ________a. The same as Junior yearb. Not worth showing up forc. Easier than Junior yeard. A partye. None of the above

Legitests Inc. Class of 2011

Where Is Everyone Going to College?Aaron Christine Miami University of Ohio Undecided

Alderson Cassie Duquesne University Nursing

Ali Shayne Coastal Carolina University Sports Management

Allen Alana Bethany College Elementary Education

Ambe Trisha Carnegie Mellon University Biomedical Engineering

Arnita Salvador Washington & Jefferson University Pre-Medical

Arnoni Breann Ohio University Special Education

Attwood Wesley Washington & Jefferson University History/Hypotics

Ayesta Daniel School in Venezuela Undecided

Bachik Nathan Penn State University Undecided

Barna Emily Indiana University of PA Secondary Education

Bayer Olivia West Virginia University Pre-Occupational Therapy

Benson Chelsea Bethany College Elementary Education

Beres Joshua Undecided

Berliner Keri Penn State University Undecided

Berry Sean Ohio University Undecided

Bertini Brian Purdue University Engineering

Bertrand Jonathan University of Pittsburgh History

Beto Rachel University of Pittsburgh Nursing

Bevilacqua Gabe Pittsburgh Culinary Institute Culinary Arts

Bilodeau Amanda Champlain St. Lawrence Business/Marketing

Blatt Kristen West Virginia University Nursing

Boehme Sarah University of Dayton Business

Borne Tyler Washington & Jefferson University Political Science

Boss Jacob University of Kentucky Business

Bovalina Olivia University of Dayton Early Childhood Education

Bowen Ryan West Virginia University Engineering

Boyer Alexandra College of Wooster English/Russian Minor

Boze Kelsey Point Park University Musical Theater

Briggs Andrea McDaniel College English/Creative Writing

Burkholder Devon University of Maryland Undecided

Burris Paige Vidal Sassons Cosmetology

Burzotta Amy Elon University Elementary Education

Buzzatto Harrison Point Park University Acting

Callery Mikayla University of Louisville Biology

Castriota Michael Fort Lewis College Marketing

Cavolo Colleen Point Park University Cinema/Digital Arts

Chappell Sean University of South Carolina International Relations

Chastel Jeffrey St. Francis University Engineering

Chavel Zachary Mount Union College Undecided

Chess Emily Ohio University Elementary Education

Cisney Erin Purdue University Chemistry (Pre-Medical)

Clark Daniel California University of PA Business/Marketing

Clements Averi Slippery Rock University Secondary Spanish Education

Cogley James Seton Hill University Actuary Science

Collins W. Ogden Penn State University Business

Conroy Maximillian University of Pittsburgh Undecided

Corbett Kristina CCAC English/Creative Writing

Courtney Vincent Indiana University of PA Physical Therapy

Courtney Edward University of Maryland Biology

Crawford Allison University of Pittsburgh Undecided

Cunningham Kelsey Washington & Jefferson University Chemistry

Curran Timothy Washington & Jefferson University Business/Political Science

D’Abarno Jeffrey Penn State University Engineering

Daniels Jordan Ranger College Engineering

Dawson Matthew Carnegie Mellon University Architecture

Deiley Shane Slippery Rock University Education

Delaney Chelsea Kent State University Fashion Merchandising

DeLuca Daniel Training in Musical Theater

DeNardo Nicholas Purdue University Chemical Engineering

Desai Shivani University of Pittsburgh Pre-Pharmacy

DeVincentis Maria Kent State University Fashion Merchandising

Devine Julia Wittenberg University English

DiCio Chelsie La Roche College Nursing

Dinger Tim Penn State University Mechanical Engineering

Doerr Amber Point Park University Photography

Dolcich Danielle Duquesne University Secondary Education

Drusbasky Cody CCAC Aero-Nautical Engineering

Ducoeur Haylee Slippery Rock University Education

Duffy Bryan BBA Associates Undecided

Dunn Shannon James Madison University Undecided

Ellis Katie Clarion University Library Science/Education

Ellis Carolyn Denison University Environmental Studies

Eskew Bryce Penn State University Undecided

Estep Emily Ohio University Journalism

Falascino Richard Ohio University Undecided

Falbo Kyle Ohio State University Biology (Pre-Medical)

Fazio Vincent West Virgina University Criminal Justice

Femiani Julianne Virginia Tech Business

Ferri Ashley Penn State University Undecided

Fife Kathryn Thiel College Elementary Education

Fincham Adam Undecided

Fitzgerald Jared Boston University Criminal Justice

Fitzgerald Michael Devry University Web Page Development

Fitzgerald Kaleigh Point Park University Cinema/Digital Arts

Flaherty John Swarthmore College Biology

Foglia Katie Ohio University Communications

Fornear Taylor Ohio University Business/Marketing

Fortna Samuel Penn State University Electro-Mechanical Engineering

Foster Rachael Robert Morris University Elementary Education

Frambes Elizabeth Westminster College Elementary Special Education

Freyder Christopher West Virginia University Industrial Mathematics/Engineering

Gaab Justin Elon University Musical Theater

Gaber James West Virginia University Pre-Medical

Gallagher Michael Coastal Carolina University Health Promotions

Gasior Jonathan Clarion University Business/Communications

Gatto Anthony Coastal Carolina University Pre-Medical (Biology)

Gauthier Benjamin Davidson College Undecided

Gerritsen Haley Penn State University Business

Giovanitti Shalynn Clarion University Communications/Broadcasting

Girouard Julia Gannon University Physician Assistant Studies

Gisoni Devan John Carroll University Pre-Law

Glod Michael Ohio University Undecided

Golden Lindsey Penn State University Pre-Medical

Grippi Joseph Carnegie Mellon University Clarinet Performance

Gross Lauren Wheaton College Health Science

Grube Berend Thiel College Business

Gubala Cody West Virginia University Business

Gust Brian Bethany College Business

Haak David West Virginia University Business

Halo Joseph Penn State University Undecided

Hammell Elizabeth University of Akron Aeronautical Engineering

Hancherick Carly Carnegie Mellon University Ethics and Public Policy

Hanley Molly EL School of Professional Makeup Special Effects/Prosthetics

Hanlon Ellie University of Florida Undecided

Hanson Jonathon Duquesne University Pre-Law

Harmon Chelsea Capital University Music Technology

Hayes Mark Penn State University Mechanical Engineering

Heitmeier Dylan Westminster College Pre-Physical Therapy

Henney Paul West Virginia University Engineering

Herder Elizabeth Ohio Wesleyan University Chemistry (Pre-Medical)

Herman Shaina Indiana University of PA Criminology (Pre-Law)

Higgins Casey Edinboro University Elementary Education

Higgins Kevin United States Marine Corps Security Forces

Hirko Bradley Ohio University Pre-Medical

Hobbs Hannah Wake Forest University Communications

Hobbs Lauren Wake Forest University Psychology

Hoelle Dara California University of PA Business Management

Hoffman Brandon West Virgina University Criminal Justice

Honeygosky Michael Art Institute of Pittsburgh Photography

Hoover Lindsey University of Louisville Exercise Physiology

Horensky Phillip Virginia Tech Engineering

Hough Kevin University of Pittsburgh Engineering

Howard Kayla St. Vincent College Pharmacy

Hubbell Erika Baldwin-Wallace College Music Education

Huber Mark University of Utah Business

Hume Anthony Penn State University Engineering

Irwin Eva Washington and Jefferson University Early Childhood Education

Jarrett Melissa Bard College English/Film

John Tyler University of Louisville Mathematics Secondary Education

Johns Alisha Virginia Tech Undecided

Johnson Brian Robert Morris University Accounting

Johnston Andrew Purdue University Engineering

Jones Caitlin Carnegie Mellon University Economics

Joyce James University of Pittsburgh Business

Jozwiak Erika Franklin & Marshall College Undecided

Junker Megan St. Bonaventure University Physical Education

Kaecher Catherine Hope College Social Work

Kaier Jeremy University of Utah Exercise Sport Science

Karavolis Mallory University of Pittsburgh Dietetics/Nutrition

Karras Laura Penn State University Communications

Keddal Kayla University of South Carolina Journalism/Communications

Keffer Anni Gap Year

Keller Matthew University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine

Kelly Jeremy Carpentry Carpentry

Kelly Jacob West Virginia University Education (Health and Fitness)

Kern Roderick Penn State University Civil Engineering

Khan Sean Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science

Kilberg Brianna Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Chemical Engineering

Klaja Vittoria Penn State University Business

Knapp Evan Penn State University Undecided

Kocher Grant Thiel College Graphic Design/Business Advertising

Koenig Philip Purdue University Undecided

Komoroski Evan University of Notre Dame Mechanical Engineering

Kovac Jon University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy

Kress James Dean Tech Electrical

Krewin Nadine Penn State University Undecided

Ladzinski Alexander Pittsburgh Technical Institute Smart Building Technology

Lages Elena University of Pittsburgh Nursing

LaRosa Claire University of Notre Dame Engineering

Latinovich Zoltan California University of PA Education

Lawrence Taylor Indiana University of PA Elementary Education

Lazewski Celine Iéseg School of Management Management

Leech Sarah Ohio Northern University English Literature

Lehn Michael Purdue University Engineering

Levine Danielle Penn State University Engineering

Limetti Daniel West Virginia University Business

Lioon Jeffrey University of North Carolina Business

Lisanti Gina Undecided

Lo Alan Purdue University Engineering

LoCastro Victoria Waynesburg University Environmental Science

Lois Robert Duquesne University Secondary Education

Lucas Jaime California University of PA Undecided

Lugar Colleen Slippery Rock University Health/Physical Education

Luketich Thomas Duquesne University Music Technology

Lusk Stephanie California University of PA Criminal Justice

Madore Matthew Hockey

Magnotti Joel Clarion University Pre-Elementary Education

Magreni Stephen University of Pittsburgh Undecided

Maher Taylor Penn State University Chemical Engineering

Makrinos Julianna Central Michigan University Actuarial Science

Makrinos Daniel University of Maine Marine Science

Malenka Zachary Edinboro University Music

Manning Meghan Point Park University Dance

Mannion Connor Ohio University Undecided

Marnik Carly Mercyhurst College Early Childhood Education

Martin Rachel West Virginia University Physical Therapy

Maszle Maxwell Penn State University Business

Matthews Christa Messiah College Nursing

Matthis Emily Duquesne University Undecided

McBride Kevin West Virginia University Business

McCauley Charles Penn State University Undecided

McCloskey Natalie Undecided

McClure Brad Penn State University Undecided

McEvoy Kevin California University of PA Athletic Training

McGlennon Robert United States Army/Ole Miss Univ. Military Science

McGonigal Maura Penn State University Undecided

McIntyre Evan Otterbein College Music Education

McLaughlin Sean Duquesne University Athletic Training

Miller Jeffrey Ohio University Undecided

Moore Ryan Miami University of Ohio Communications (Video)

Moore Reilly Neumann University Undecided

Morford Michael University of Alabama History

Mullan Connor St. Francis University Physical Therapy

Mumbray Amber Indiana University of PA Elementary Education

Munsick Kelsey Indiana University of PA Dietetics/Nutrition

Murman Jade West Virgina University Psychology

Murphy Katherine Boston College Sociology

Murphy Deven University of Dayton Undecided

Naumoff Michael Pittsburgh Technical Institute Multimedia

Nee Meghan Penn State University Communication Disorders

Nee Coleman Penn State University Business/Accounting

Nelson Wesley CCAC Chiropractic

Nepa Gina Macalester College Creative Writing

Nissly Austin Boston College Business

Nitschmann Stephanie Purdue University Psychology

Nixon Christopher Youngstown State University Business Economics

Norris Samantha Robert Morris University Nursing

Northrop James University of North Carolina Undecided

Norton Thomas University of Dayton Marketing

O’Laughlin Patrick Kent State University Architecture

O’Leary Brenna Seton Hill University Business

Ondeck Cassandra Duke University Biomedical Engineering

O’Rourke Kayla University of Pittsburgh Psychology

Paeplow Catherine University of Louisville History

Pahountis Marina Jacobs School of Music at IU Piano Performance/Political Science

Palumbo Bryce University of Pittsburgh Business

Parham Jessie Youngstown State University Physical Therapy

Paterra Monica Waynesburg University Criminal Justice

Peranteau Theresa St. Francis University Physical Therapy

Pisarcik Molly CCAC Undecided

Piscatelli Thaddeus Washington & Jefferson University Biology

Pollock Paul Duquesne University Secondary Education

Powell Heather CCAC Physical Therapy

Powell Brandon North Central University Communications

Prewett Nicholas Case Western Reserve University Physics/Music

Pritz Benjamin Boston University Biomedical Engineering

Purkey Hannah CCAC Undecided

Quinn Sarah Slippery Rock University Art Education

Ranalli Angela Virginia Tech Architecture

Richards Amy California University of PA English

Richert Kaitlyn Ohio University Magazine Journalism/Media Studies

Robles Mariano Mass Maritime Academy Marine Transportation

Rose Fortunato Pittsburgh Art Institute Graphics and Design

Roth Brooks Hockey

Rothaar Nicholas Duquesne University Business

Rothermel Sean Penn State University Finance/Economics

Rubeo Andrew Penn State University Business

Rudy Brian California University of PA Business

Sadler Matthew PA College of Technology Heating/Ventilating/Air Conditioning

Sadler Jeffrey Robert Morris University Accounting/Business

Santry Mitchell West Virginia University Business/Accounting

Scammell Kira University of Pittsburgh Pre-Medical

Schake Joshua Ohio University Actuarial Science

Scherrer Nathan Devry University Game and Simulation Programming

Schilling Timothy California University of PA Business

Schratz Alexander Duquesne University Pre-Dental

Schumpf Kevin Penn State University Marketing

Schweizer Ross Penn State University Business

Schwotzer Erica Washington & Lee University Biochemistry

Sciple Skyllar California University of PA Criminology

Settimio Gina James Madison University Biology

Sharman Kathryn Penn State University Early Childhood Education

Shell Kaitlin California University of PA Undecided

Shepherd Sarah University of Pittsburgh Undecided

Sherwin Ashley George Mason University Communications

Sheth Kyle Rochester Institute of Technology Industrial Design

Simpson Tyler Penn State University Business

Simpson Justin University of Dayton Computer Science

Skraitz Cody Johnson & Wales College Business

Smith Rhianna Penn State Commercial Cosmetology

Smith Shannon Penn State University Chemical Engineering

Smith Ashley University of North Carolina Special Education

Spangenberg Eric Geneva College Civil Engineering

Spinabelli Vico Penn State University Engineering

Spindler Corey Ohio State University Engineering

Squeglia Madison Slippery Rock University Secondary English Education

Stopperich Renee Bradford School Medical Assistant

Strang Douglas Waynesburg University Nursing

Stroyne Julie Otterbein College Nursing

Suchy Bethany University of Dayton Business/Spanish

Sunday Rachel St. Mary’s College Undecided

Sweeney Chelsea University of Pittsburgh Communications

Swick Amanda St. Vincent College International Relations

Swisher Charles Duquesne University Business

Swoope Corinne West Virginia University Business

Szuhoza Jessica CCAC Education

Tabler Zacariah University of Pittsburgh Undecided

Taylor Richard CCAC Nutrition

Taylor Julianne West Virgina University Elementary Education

Thakore Khyati Washington & Jefferson University Undecided

Thome Nicole California University of PA Biology

Thompson Meghan Clarion University Speech Pathology

Tingle Ryan Point Park University Film/Photography/Business

Tomlins Mara Pittsburgh Culinary Institute Culinary Arts

Toscano Natalie Slippery Rock University Undecided

Tropeano Jamie Duquesne University Pharmacy

Troscinski Nathan Indiana University Business

Troup Jeremy CCAC Photography

Trylko Brad Indiana University of PA Business - Marketing

Tselepis Leeza Duquesne University Nursing

Tupta Stephen Virginia Tech Aerospace Engineering

Turbeville Diana Frostburg State University Business Administration

Ultsch Ann Wittenberg University English/History

Vachon Devan Indiana University of PA Elementary Education

VanNewkirk Linsey Mercyhurst College Physical Therapy Assistance

Venanzi Philip Grove City College Computer Engineering

Vibonese Joseph University of Southern Florida Business

Vierheller Alex University of Pittsburgh Undecided

Wagner Molly John Carroll University Finance

Wagner Steven Penn State University Engineering or Business

Walker Patrick Robert Morris University Communications

Wallach Daniel Rochester Institute of Technology Software Engineering

Walters William CCAC Criminal Justice

Wassilchalk Anna Otterbein College Nursing

Wawrose John Williams College Undecided

Weaver Andrew University of Pittsburgh Computer Science

West Benjamin Dickinson College History

White Matthew University of Vermont Business

Wickstrom Louis University of Pittsburgh Management/Accounting

Wiegman Kaitlin Slippery Rock University Exercise Science

Wilcox Corey University of Pittsburgh Business

Williams Jayln Point Park University Dance

Wilson Zachary Purdue University Engineering

Wolcott Craig Duquesne University Undecided

Woodrow Brittany Penn State University Speech Pathology

Yundt D. Alex West Virginia University Business

Yurick Brittany Pittsburgh Beauty Academy Cosmetology

Zuccarini Melissa Penn State University Nutrition

Zuloaga Andrea University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy