SmokeSig

nals Read about

juniors Carly Ellis and Dana Aaron’s

memorial to honor the armed

services.

Highlights of Homecoming

2006

Index

Volume 38 Issue 1 November 2006

As the sound of Dr. Kirk’s heels on linoleum faded, Peters Township

ushered in a new superintendent. Dr. Timm Mackley, formerly of Ohio, relocated to take his place in the most prestigious office in the district. Dr. Mackley will attempt to learn everything he can about the district in order to ascertain what needs to be adjusted or praised. Mackley grew up in Ohio, worked summers for Republic Steel, and attended Ohio State, where he pursued music education. He was a band director for ten years before he became an administrator. Mackley has never lived or worked outside of Ohio, and he described his moving experience as quite an exploit. “It was an opportunity for me to have a little adventure,” explained Mackley, who has observed how different Peters Township is from the Groveport-Madison School District, his former place of employment. “Parents here are well educated and want their kids to be well educated… that kind of support or encouragement or even gentle pressure, sometimes not so gentle, so that all of their kids will pay attention to their studies, really drives the school district forward,” Mackley offered.

Mackley also appreciated Peters’ strong commitment to extracurricular activities. Mackley, a former member of the Ohio State Alumni Band, in which he played trombone, was amazed at the size of Peters’ marching band. Mackley remarked that Peters Township was much less diverse than the Grovesport-Madison School District. Nearly thirty percent of students who attended Grovesport-Madison were African American, while in Peters Township, less than one percent of students are of African American descent. Mackley has also written a book, entitled, Uncommon Sense, Core Knowledge in the Classroom. The book discussed core knowledge curriculum, which specified areas of study that student should be versed in by the time they graduate. Those who believe in core knowledge think that students should be versed in a number of different subjects in order to function as members of society.

Clarifying, Mackley elucidated, “High stakes tests [like the SAT] test largely what you are able to do, whether you can analyze a problem, whether your can think through a problem, and comprehend.” Core knowledge, in passing on an array of information, helps prepare students for such tests. The new superintendent of schools, while shouldering a lot of responsibility, does have a few hobbies. He collects marbles, which lay scattered about his office. He also has an impressive collection of mugs in the shape of monsters that served to prop up his collection of children’s books. Being relaxed and easy-going, Mackley, like most students and teachers, wants to avoid a strike at all costs. He may get his wish, as the teachers and the school board recently formed a tentative agreement.

Mackley marvels at recent moveAngelina Nepa

NewsEditor

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Mackley shows off his collection of marbles which he dis-plays on his windowsill with the help of tiny rubberbands, usually reserved for braces.

Off the page and onto the stage This November, the enchantment of Dr. Seuss will explode onto the PTHS stage in the fall production of Seussical: The Musical. PTHS choir director Ryan Perrotte and Art Deconciliis are co-directing the musical, which is based on the books of Dr Seuss and debuted on Broadway in 2000. A complex and electrifying combination of Dr. Seuss’s works, Seussical was described as “magical” by Perrotte. The story centers on Horton the Elephant, the hero of Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who. It also features characters and themes from several of Seuss’s most popular books “wrapped into one story without confusing the audience,” explained Perrotte. Classics such as How the Grinch stole Christmas, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Lorax all make appearances in Seussical. Seuss’s most acclaimed character, The Cat in the Hat, acts as narrator throughout the show. Seussical will feature the PTHS Choir, much like

last years performance of Godspell. “The choir is going to be the entire chorus of the musical” said Perrotte. Nineteen performers will portray the various Seussian characters onstage while the choir provides vocals for the group songs. The choir will also make a few appearances onstage.

Although Dr. Seuss’s books are traditionally seen as children’s books, Seussical will entertain all audiences. “The music is written in a way that will hold the interest of children and adults alike” said Perrotte. Seussical stars Torre Kean as The Cat in the Hat, Tom Norton as JoJo, Taylor Piedmonte as Horton, Abigail Hull as Gertrude, Becky Rosky as Mayzie, Jerry Scheller as the mayor of Whoville, and

Christianna Samson as The Sour Kangaroo. “I Love the high energy and crazy characters” said Scheller. Seussical will be performed November 16th through 18th in the Peters Township auditorium. Tickets are seven dollars for general admission and four dollars for students and seniors.

Taylor Piedmonte

Staff Writer

– Jerry Scheller, Mayor of Whoville

“I love the high energy and crazy characters”

PT-FOCUS

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Sports

NewsRead what measures PT is taking to keep our school safe. Full story page 2

Opinion

Have you finished your college applications? Need help,

see full story page 3

Check out the records of your favorite PT team in Sports Briefs, page 7

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Photograph by Katie Gavlick

Smoke Signals Smoke Signals is produced seven times during a school year by the students of Media II,III, IV Journalism and extracurricular staff at Peters Town-ship High School, 264 E. McMurray Road, McMur-ray PA 15317. Telephone: 724-941-6250 x.5379. E-mail: sitlern@pt-sd.org. Commentaries, reviews, and opinion columns are the expressed opinion of the author and not of Smoke Signals, its adviser or the Peters Township School District. Member of the Pennsylvania School Press Association.

Co-Editors in ChiefKaitlin HouserRachel Horensky Kara Krawiec

Layout EditorCatherine McCarron

News EditorAngelina Nepa

Life & Style EditorColleen Counihan Opinion EditorBrittany Beyer

Sports EditorSean-Paul Mauro

Marketing EditiorsEmily BigleyNick Sikora

Staff WritersJessica Berardino, Bill Berry, Emily Bigley, Ash-ley Czajowski, Garrett Dennis, Drew Karpen, Sean Naccarelli, Chris Portz, Derek Redding, Brendan Sikora, Nick Sikora

Layout TeamMegan Enscoe, Katie Gavlick, Stephanie Gil-lece, Lisa Lerario,

Adviser Nicole Sitler

Outside

On October 9, North Korea successfully detonated a nuclear weapon. The test was carried out under a mountain in north-eastern Hamgyong less than a week after its government promised all nations that the government would conduct all testing with absolute safety.

Mark Foley, a former Republican Congressman from Florida, was under fire after he reportedly sent sexually explicit emails to his teenage male pages. Prior to his resignation, Foley was Chairman of the House Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children.

Jay-Z recently met with Kofi Annan, UN Secretary, and pledged to use his upcoming world tour to call attention to and contest global shortages of fresh water. Jay-Z, in partnership with the UN and MTV, will produce a piece entitled, “Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life.”

Arizona State Students recently founded a “Caucasian Men’s Club,” which they claim will serve the interests and protect the rights of Caucasian men. Membership is not restricted to men or Caucasians.

Abiomed Inc has created the world’s first completely artificial heart to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The hearts, made of titanium and plastic, are not expected to bring in any profit for several years, though up to 4,000 are expected to be implanted annually.

A. Nepa R. Wunderlich J. BerardinoA. Czajkowski

According to the PT Character Counts Community Initiative, Red Ribbon Week is a community wide effort to fight drug/alcohol abuse, addiction and destructive decisions. It occurred during the week of October 23-27. Concluding the week, the Red Ribbon Campaign promoted a Walk for Awareness on October 29. Participants met at the Recreation Center. Statistics have shown that underage drinking leads to almost 3,200 deaths and 2.6 million harmful events annually (the Journal of Studies on Alcohol-July Edition). The Walk for Awareness was PT’s way of joining in on the battle against such problems. The PTHS marching band led this walk.

PTHS celebrated a drug-free life. Groups of high school students traveled to the middle school and the elementary schools, and discussed the purpose of modeling the Character Counts Word of the Month. The Media department ran the Morning Announcements that featured the Word of the Month. The show told students what the word means and how to act upon it. There were also with themed days of the week. These days were designed

PT stands up to take down drugs

to help influence the students to fight against drugs. Monday were from “Band against drugs”, where students wore their favorite rock band t-shirt, to “Kick it to drugs”, where students wore their sports clothes or athletic clothing. Students show their commitment to being drug-free. “Students cover themselves in red to show the seriousness of the drug and alcohol issue that is effecting all of us.” said Stephanie Gillece, about Friday’s Red Day.

Red Ribbon Week started with a man, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. He grew up with the ambition of making a difference. Camarena became an undercover cop for the DEA. On February 7, 1985, Camarena, 37-years old, left his office to meet his wife for lunch, when five men kidnapped him. A month later his body was found in a shallow grave; he had been tortured to death. His family began to wear red badges of satin. In honor of Carmena, they started a group called The National Family Partnership and conducted the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988. Now all across the nation, groups are promoting a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

Jessica Beradino

Staff Writer

“People who serve in the army today don’t get enough recognition and we thought it would be a good to recognize the achievements of people who attended PTHS,” stated Junior Dana Aaron. Putting words into action, Peters Township Juniors Dana Aaron and Carly Ellis created a veteran memorial in the school. Aaron and Ellis constructed a list of Peters Township alumni who had served and are serving in the armed forces. The girls began the process of collecting information from the alumni and created the memorial, which is located near the auditorium.

Kaitlin Houser, Rachel Horensky

Editors-In-Chief

Junior girls honor veteransFor each alumnus who served in the armed forces, the girls researched which branch they belonged, and how long the alumni plan to serve. Aaron and Ellis also complied pictures of each of the students who decided to serve in the armed forces. The memorial in Bethel Park High School inspired the junior girls’. After seeing the memorial, the girls came up with the idea to create their own remembrance in PTHS. They wanted the students of Peters Township to remember and honor the men and women that gave their lives for freedom. Aaron and Ellis also sought to create interest among the students and remind them of their option to serve in the armed forces. The memorial will be completed at the end of November.

School violence reached a peak this school year with 25 shootings nationwide since mid-August. Seven shootings – three in the last month – have been fatal. “The shootings in other school districts have been disastrous,” remarked sophomore Nicole Hauck. “I am, however, interested to see how our schools and other schools are going to respond.”

As expected, these incidents have created considerable concern for how schools handle security. Teachers in PT were told to review school crisis management plans and update them where needed. The Secretary of Education, Gerald Zahorchak, directed the school to enforce the training of school staff in emergency situations. Of course these are only a few of the stricter precautions that will be taken. It was suggested to look out for the following: unusual behavior, increase in anonymous telephone or e-mail threats to facilities, unexplained presence of unauthorized persons, etc.

In reality, however, there are no exact profiles of those who carried out school shootings. Stereotypes are not useful in preventing these attacks. Too many people would fit the profile, and too many attackers would not. Also, in most conditions, someone did know. It is rare that an attacker has kept to his/herself about the desire to bring a gun to school. Usually a sibling, schoolmate, or friend will know this information, but it will rarely reach an adult in charge.

Experts (from ABC News) believe that since the Columbine massacre schools have not been taking enough security action. The majority of schools in the United States do not have security cameras or metal detectors. Less than half have some kind of security personnel on campus. Others believe schools, and more importantly the people in them, are not being protected as they should be.

Ashley Czajkowski

News Writer

Schools on guard after recent shootings

News

“I think we should have cookies and fries made available for us every day instead of a few”

-Megan Stanik , ‘08

“I believe it’s a wonderful decision that will greatly improve the health of the students.”

-Mark Hayes, ‘10

“The fries are not served every day and there are no longer curly fries. In compliance, I do not comply with the raising of snack shack prices.”

-Keith Quinn, ‘09

“It’s more of a choice for people, not the school district. November 18, St. Benedicts H.K. The Underground. 12th”

-Nick Pustay,’07

YOurOpiNiONON

NEwSchOOlluNchES“Remember back to the good old

days when walking through the high school cafeteria doors meant walking into the land of opportunity and freedom of choice (or as much choice as a school lunch can bring, which surprisingly one misses when it is suddenly ripped out of his or her hands.) Now the Wellness Policy Opportunities program prohibits students’ freedom to binge on salty french fries, delicious chocolate chip cookies, and snacks over 100 calories. Severe changes have been made to what the cafeteria is allowed to sell to students. The school is selling whole-wheat soft pretzels, rolls, and other “healthier lifestyle options.” Where’s the freedom? It is understandable that with the rising obesity rates among children in America behavior modifications should take place. However, to limit the options of students that are almost considered legal adults by the state and federal government; is a flat out denial of freedom of choice.

Through the Wellness Policy Opportunities program, nutrition and healthy choices are promoted in all aspects of student life. The objection is not against the

promotion of a healthier lifestyle, but the way in which the nation is going about it. Instead of educating students about which what foods are better for them, they are just taking away junk food and regulating assigned days when they can be bought. This only angers students and makes them want to buy larger quantities of the “banned” items on days that they are sold. Isn’t that defeating the entire point of the snacks not being available? Students are outraged at this lack of choice and controlled atmosphere that has taken over the school cafeteria. It is upsetting that the school preaches such things as acting like adults, making the right choices and being an educated person; how can we prove ourselves as young citizens ready to be on our own when the government is dictating what we can eat? The revolt is not against the promotion of a healthier lifestyle but of the way it is being forced upon us. The new school lunches have caused objection throughout the entire school, and it can only be hoped that some compromise can be met that the students may eat what they choose-but know that they will suffer the consequences.

Kara Krawiec

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Freedom fries N. Sikora B. Beyer S. Naccarelli G. Dennis

Finally, the application is finished. Most check the instructions once again to make sure that they haven’t forgotten anything. “Fill out application in black ink”, it said. Trying to rewrite over the whole application in black ink, you wonder if college is even worth it! Will they shred the application if it’s in the wrong color ink? No, I’m not “lysdexic” and I don’t see everything opposite of what it really is. But, I bet after they go through 1000 applications in a day, they probably won’t tolerate that. So, the dyslexic excuse won’t work this time. Sorry guys. So, I’ll leave you with two closing statements. Hello CCAC…and…have fun juniors.

Sean Naccarelli

Opinion Writer

Okay, so they ask you for your mother’s highest level of education. What if my mom was a high school dropout and became a trucker in Louisiana? Would I not be accepted to Harvard? Well, somewhere around kindergarten I figured out that I couldn’t make it into Harvard. But, I still don’t like filling out those pesky college applications.

So, I hope I’m not the only one rushing to get all those applications done. Just when the application is going well, they hit you with the question, “What language do you speak at home?” Of course, it comes naturally and English is what you write down. But, just like every other high school senior, you go back and look at the directions after filling in the answer. BAM! There it says in 2- point font, “If your native language is English, leave blank.” Well, there’s one application down the drain. Only 10 more to go. Your next application requires an essay with a strictly 300-word maximum. Who comes up with this number? Do they put ducks in a bathtub with numbers on their butts, pick three, and see which numbers are drawn on the bottom of the ducks? Somewhere between fourth grade literature class and senior Honors English, I found it hard to summarize the 17 years of my life in 300 words. Plus, I’m always the person who writes a paper that loses meaning when you take one word out. And of course, there I am with a 301-word paper.

Seniors worst nightmare: college applications

Opinion

Theidealfirstdateis...

heSaidvs.SheSaid

Dinnerandamovie.it’saclassiccombinationthat’sworkedbeforeandissuretoworkforyearstocome.

DATING

Nick Sikora Brittany Beyer

Somethingthatdoesn’tinvolveXbox,thecompleterockySeries,andanextralargebucketofwings(i.e.movie,

concert,etc.)seriouslyguys,itsonenight.

Gettingreadyinvolves…

Getting a shower, getting a date, and finding a place togo.

Tryingonthirtydifferentoutfitsonlytoendupwearingtheveryfirstoneyoutriedon.

whenthebillcomes…

Date: $100, gas money: $40, ending up with a girlfriend:reallyexpensive.

itbringsawkwardnessalongwithit.payingyourownwayisthebestwaytogo,atleastforthefirstdate.unlesshe

insists,inwhichcasehe’sakeeper.

Youknowit’snotworkingwhen…

Youcan’tfindyourdate’shouse,yourcellphonedoesn’twork,andnooneishomeatyourhousetofinddirections.Or when her dad opens the door and is holding a bluntobject.inthatcase,run.

hecallsyoubyadifferentnameeverytimeheaddressesyou.

under the seaHOMECOMING 2006

1. Sarah Tenison & Dave Searight2. Ali Olivio & Jace Cavanagh3. Brittany Full & Angela Burns4. Emily Palko & Sarah Barna5. Kate Staff & Cailin Limetti6. Andrew Gregg & Brandi Kohne7. Mr. & Mrs. Pinto8. Mel Zuccarini & Mo Bianco9. Christine Beazley & Dan Cox10. Colleen Counihan, Lisa Lerario, Brittany Beyer11. Tore Kean12. Emily Smith & Garrett McClean13. Christine Jasek, Luke Petrozza, Sarah Earley, & Matt O’Neal14. Jon Makrinos & Emmalyn Ross15. Devon Brooks, Olivia Hollot, & Ali Shettima16. Tim Beck17. Joe Stepusin, Hollyann Stevans, & Robyn Browell18, Brendan Shneider, Shannon Sullivan, Shannon Smith, Matty Stevans, & Dave Pezzela19, Dancin’ Bennie Glicksman20. Delanie Jankowski & Kateri Tremblay21. Mike Bianco, Kaiya Quevido, Mike Mocilan22. Mark Chedgy23. Geno Seneca, Paul Jackson, & Pat Maher24. Mary Irwin & Angelina Nepa25. Michelle Rike26. Dylan Burke & Michelle Rotella27. Lauren Yadlosky & T.C. Raul28. Phil Troscinski, Rachel Schwotzer, & Harry McNamara29. Dan Paul30. Rachel Paul & Garrison Moore31. Christian Brandstetter & Sara Weaver32. Mackenzy Radolec33. Jim Dewoody & Lee Greenawald34. Kara Thilges & Marianne Fletcher35. Ali Trunzo36. Mike Leichty & Stephanie Gillece37. Nicole Petroski & Liz Goimarac38. Shayna Drusbasky & Jess Wilmot39. Jeff Knell & Reina Fink40. Kile Bloser & Jen Eltschlager41. Kaitlin Houser & Jeff Brewer42. Kevin Gregg43. Emily Wassilchalk44. Anna Colletti & Andrew Worthington

Homecoming Court: Ali Shettima, Garrison Moore, Dave Searight, Kevin Noone, Dave Woltz, Lauren Yadlosky, Lindsay Owen, Ali Olivio, Maria Ruffing, Josh Keffer, Leigha Krivacek, Rachel Paul, Kaitlin Houser, Nick Sikora, Anthony Black, Ally Oleynik, Vince Fazio, Sara McDade, Bub, and Anna Wassilchalk.

All photographs by Catherine McCarron

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extra p int

Sp rtsWho has the best uniforms in College Football?

CT: If you’re talking about tradition and uniforms that personify a team, then Penn State University has the best uniforms. Their “win without being flashy” attitude is displayed in their uniforms.

SPM: Did you say tradition? The University of Michigan is arguably the most dominant team in college football history. How about 849 total wins? That’s the most in the entire nation. Michigan has the most

intimidating helmets. In 2003, when Michigan played Oregon in their first road game, the Oregon head coach, Mike Bellotti, said that he had to convince his team that they weren’t playing the helmets.

CT: Penn State is ranked seventh in the nation in all-time wins with 772, only 77 behind Michigan. Both teams are rich in tradition. Penn State has always been known for their blue-collar style of play, so they deserve to wear old school uniforms. No names on the back of their jerseys, no logos, just old school. As for Michigan’s helmets, I don’t know what that thing is. They have this “winged” design on their helmets, yet they’re the Wolverines? Not only is the design downright stupid, it’s ugly too. Nothing can compare to Penn State’s classic blue and white old school uniforms.

SPM: Perhaps, we need another measuring tool. According to a 2003 public poll done on ESPN.com with 108, 382 participants, Michigan’s uniforms are the most popular of any of the traditional powerhouses. Michigan received the most votes, with 22.7% of the vote. Penn State came in fifth, receiving only 9.7% of the vote. So, quite a few people think the “ugly” winged helmet of Michigan is easy on the eyes.

CT: The only reason Michigan had the most votes is because they have the biggest fan base. The reason they have the biggest fan base is because of the enormous amount of “fans” that went to community college and are bandwagon fans, living off the glory days of Michigan’s shared national championship from 1997. Another flaw with Michigan’s uniform is the absolutely asinine yellow pants. Anyone who likes those terrible “winged” helmets and yellow pants has no fashion sense. Get rid of the helmets and pants, and maybe Michigan can be in Penn State’s league.

SPM: First off, where are you getting your “statistics?” It seems like you’re criticizing Michigan’s uniforms, but you’re not providing evidence supporting the Penn State uniforms themselves. I’m no psychologist, but you might have an inferiority complex. If everyone who likes the Michigan uniforms has no fashion sense, you’re pretty much accounting for the fashion sense of over 25,000 people in the ESPN poll.

Golf is the name of the game and Peters Township knows their golf. The golf season started in late August with Trinity and continues until late October when the WPIAL and state playoffs took place. Chris Resnick felt confident about the Indians’ chances in the play-offs, “With our record right now I think we will have a good chance to get far or even win the play-offs.”

Derek Redding Sports Writer

Emily Bigley

Sean Paul Mauro Chris Portz

“With our record right now I think we will have a good chance to get far or even

win the play-offs.”

Adam Komoroski weathers elements to come in third place in the Big Seven Invita-tional.

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Fun runsChris Portz

Sports Writer

For the cross-country team, running is the fun part of their sport. They run ridiculous distances for no reason, except for the fact that it’s what they do. There is no game planning, just running. There is no specific technique, just running. There’s no reason, just running. For these athletes, running is fun.

“We’re senior runners, not to be confused with the elderly couples walking on Arrowhead Trail,” said Dave Pezella. The cross-country team usually practices on Arrowhead Trail or in Peterswood Park, in order to improve. There are, however, limitations on how much one can improve in one week as Adam Komoroski, another senior runner, points out, “There’s not much you can do in cross-country. You’re either faster than the other kid or you’re not. You can’t just say, ‘Hey, I’m going to run a minute faster today’.” P e t e r s Township Cross-Country (PTCC)

runners talk while they run to keep from going insane from boredom. Multi-tasking is a key attribute of a cross-country practice. Running, talking, and breathing are must-dos in this grueling sport. Without all three of these abilities, chances are you may lose the race, lose your mind, or lose your life.

Each practice the runners are given simple directions like go have fun running. “It’s not so much that we enjoy running,” said senior Alan Rawlings, “It’s that there is something wrong with us.”

There are certain perks involved with being involved in cross-country. For their hard work, the athletes are rewarded with cool T-shirts and free food. Their T-shirts are usually spoofs of notable figures from companies to bands, this year’s design being the Coca-Cola logo that says “PTCC.”

Gone golfing Varsity was lead by Chris Resnick, Bob Stein, and Chuck Nettles. To date the Indians had only one loss and steam rolled their matches with ease. Beating teams like Bethel Park, and Mount Lebanon. Their only loss came against Upper Saint Clair. The Junior Varsity team was undefeated and going strong. With players like Steve Radke, John Ross, and Taylor Relich the JV Indians win every time. “I have always loved golf and I get to play for the JV team,” Steve Radke

said, “I am glad that we are undefeated.”With a few days left in this season the

Indians’ need to stay diligent and keep their eyes on the prize. These men are bound for glory with their record so far; the play-offs

“I have always loved golf and I get to play for the JV team... I am glad that we

are undefeated.”

Additionally, the PTCC team has pasta dinners to help them “prepare” for the race.

Even with these perks, students involved in cross-country have to be self-motivated. “There are times when this sport is definitely going to hurt,” said Coach Dave Barr. The cross-country team puts in more miles in practice than some people put on their cars in a week. But the cross-country team is accustomed to hard work. The GPA’s of most of the runners are just as impressive as their mile times. Adam Komoroski was the lead runner for Peters Township boys’ cross-country team. His race time was 17:30 leading the Indians to a 3-5 record this season. Christine Beazley was the top female runner for Peters

SPORTS BRIEFS

FOOTBALL

GIRLS’ GOLF

bOYS’ SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

FIELD HOCKEY The 2006-2007 girls’ soccer team was especially extraordinary. As the girls remained undefeated in the regular season they also shared an undefeated record with WPIAL competitor Pine Richland. Although Peters holds a record of 15-0, they were listed second to Pine Richland (14-0) in the Pittsburgh soccer rankings (10/06). The two teams met at the PIAA Class AAA Playoffs: Quarter Finals at Elizabeth Forward where Peters succumbed to Pine Richland with a final score of 3-2. There was obvious tension between the two teams that may happen to meet again in the play-offs. “We’re going to play our best no matter who our component is,” said senior mid-fielder Jordan Settimo. The girls’ soccer team is composed of 18 girls from all different grade levels. This year’s varsity team is comprised of 8 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores, and 1 freshman.

“We have a really close bond and I think that contributes to our success,” said senior defender Jacque Heuer. While all of the girls were stand out players in one form or another, junior striker Mackenzie Creehan was named Athlete of the Week in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (September 14th, 2006). Creehan was not only one of the top goal scorers on the Indians girls’ soccer team, but she was also one of the leading goal scorers in the WPIAL

Emily Bigley

Sports Writer

PTHS girls’ soccer: the dynasty

The 2006 Peters Township Girl’s tennis squad is certainly following a winning tradition thanks in part to the addition of some very talented freshman and sophomores. The squad is undefeated, boasting a 13-0 record, with huge wins over Mt. Lebanon and Bethel Park. Seniors Greta Shepardson, Kaitlin Minninger, Jess Monaco, and captain Danica Sheth lead the squad. However, it has been the addition of a very talented group of freshman and sophomores that have propelled the squad to their undefeated record. Sophomore team member MacKenzie Kennedy added, “The leadership on our team from the seniors has been crucial, but the sophomore and freshman class have been essential to our success this year.” Sophomore Allison Riske has led the team on the court with an impressive amount of personal accolades. She won the WPIAL singles title, and is extremely confident that she has what it takes to win the state title.

What is even more encouraging for Peters Township is that in her WPIAL title match, she beat her teammate, freshman Julie Stroyne, who finished in second. With such a young, capable team its obvious that the Peters Township tennis squad will be a force for years to come, but with the leadership and focus of this year’s squad – the Lady Indians have the potential and talent to do great things.

Sean-Paul Mauro Sports Editor

The young and the restless

7Smoke Signals November 2006

Bill Berry

Derek Redding

Connor Tarwater

Brendan Sikora

The football team is (3-5) this season. The Indians have had tough games against teams like Thomas Jefferson, losing by no more than seven points in any contest. Recently, they beat Keystone Oaks in a double overtime win.

The girl’s golf team can’t get enough wins this season. They were undefeated (8-0) and took on tough competitors such as Bethel Park and Upper Saint Clair.

The boys’ soccer team is (17-2-1) this year. They just came off an exciting win against Chartiers Valley, clinching their division. Shane Pruitt scored the only goal in the contest.

Girl’s Volleyball- The girl’s volley-ball team is unfortunate this season. They only have two wins ( 2-7), but have been stepping up their game to improve the end of the season.

The girls field hockey team has been a threat in the wpial with records of (11-1-1) ( 7-1). They have only given up two points all year. The girls have taken down tough teams such a s Woodland Hills and Upper Saint Clair.

GIRLS’ TENNISThe girl’s tennis is a tough competitor with an undefeated record of (11-1). Their season is over, look forward to another great year .

BOYS’ GOLFThe boy’s golf team never looks ahead. They are ready for any team that comes for a win. They currently are (10-2).

Photograph by Jess Monaco

Photograph by E. Cronin

Allison Riske is warming up with her opponent before the Upper St. Clair match.

Junior Rebecca Elderkin attempts to keep the ball in USC’s end.

“Skinny” jeans are back and they are not gender-biased. Worn with an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, they can model a woman of the late 20th century, but worn with a pair of black flats or suede boots, they are a prototype of modern-day fashion. The “skinny” jeans’ unfaltering ability to transform themselves and the shape of the person in them is what has made them a seemingly permanent trend. This fall fashion flashback is all about finding the perfect medium between retro and contemporary. A girl does not have to resemble Madonna or a member of Bananarama to portray the 1980’s.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Bill Berry

Staff Writer

November is notorious for must see DVD releases with the release of hit movies such as Cars, The Divinci Code, and Superman Returns. However, one movie has everyone in a buzz, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The smash hit movie will hit the shelves Tuesday, November, 21st. Saturday Night Live funny man Will Ferrell, stars and co-wrote the project along with Adam McKay. This is a heart-warming tale of NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby’s (Ferrell) rise to the top of his profession and his battle to stay there. The movie is packed with jokes, wisecracks, and satire. Though Talladega Nights may not win an Oscar, it has already captured a Teen Choice Award for best comedy movie of the summer. Movies.com gives the flick an A while yahoo.com hands out a B. As for me, I give Talladega Nights three out of four Berries. To decide for yourself, make sure you grab a copy of this must see DVD when it rolls into a store near you. P

T L

IFE &

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“I am a shopping addict. I don’t consider myself an 80’s fashion plate. My style is just me.”

-Anne Hess ‘08

“I dress how I like to dress and sometimes it just happens to be 80’s. I don’t go looking for my outfits, they come to me.” -Steve Kostkas ‘07

“My outfits are very random. I am influenced by all kinds of different fashions, past and present.” -Lea Hyman ‘07

Fall 2006 style has gone retro. Clothing designs are popping up with eighties inspiration everywhere. The look consists of some never-before-seen items and some that have a never-fading good reputation. Leggings, the most common piece, are in full force this fashion season.

These leg-squeezing trousers are approved in patterns varying from leopard print to the darkest opaque and are commonly adorned with buttons or bows. This simple clothing item fits into this generation rather perfectly, but not all aspects of 80’s fashion can fit into 2006 so easily. Many people have embraced 80’s flare in a more

modest form. Sweater dresses, for example, are popular, but girls

will rarely wear these in jolts of color such as hot pink or royal blue, which were the staples of the eighties. Today, these versatile dresses are coupled with plain flats or some sleek ankle boots. This fall, shoppers should keep in mind the eighties pattern: oversize the top, undersize the bottom.

Trend of the Month: Modest 80’sColleen Counihan

Features Editor

Many people have embraced 80’s flare in a more modest form.

Senior Maria Ruffing, hard at work editing her headlines project, models contemporary modest 80’s retro-fashion.

Photo by: Livia DeLallo

TwilightBy Stephanie Meyer

“Of three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a Vampire. Second, there was a part of him, and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be, that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.” Bella Swan is just your average teenage girl leading an average teenage life. That is, until she moves away from sunny Arizona, to Forks, Washington and meets Edward Cullen. Edward is everything that she is not: rich, gorgeous, and, to Bella’s immense surprise, a Vampire. The Cullen family has been around for decades as “vegetarian” Vampires- they don’t attack humans. Bella is immediately attracted to the enigma that is the Cullen Family and, despite his constant warnings, begins to find herself spending all of her free time with Edward. Bella soon finds not only her life, but also her father’s life, in danger when a coven of “carnivorous” Vampires appear, hungry after a long trip. Thus begins an emotionally trying journey to try to keep Bella and her family alive. Twilight has the perfect combination of romance, adventure, and supernatural happenings. Just don’t read it if you plan on sleeping; this page-turner will keep you up for hours!I GIVE THIS BOOK FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS

Katie Ellis

Guest Writer37 Everywhere, Punchline

Punchline hailing from Belle Vernon released their second full-length CD, 37 Everywhere on Fueled by Ramen records. The same label that represents other well-known bands such as Panic! At The Disco, Fall Out Boy, and Less Than Jake. Pretty good for a band from Belle Vernon, huh? 37 Everywhere was released in April 2006, and is the first CD with Greg Wood, Punchline’s new guitarist, who ironically has left the band recently to pursue other musical journeys. Starting off with crashing guitars, “Flashlight” is a song that everyone can sing along to. Next,“Don’t Try This At Home” has a melody that you’ll be humming in your head later that day. “Punchline is one of the most underrated pop-punk bands right now, being overshadowed on a label that is home to The Academy Is… and Panic! At The Disco, but with 37 Everywhere, they have stuck true to their sound and have made a very solid album that deserves a lot of attention”(Absolutepunk.net). I give Punchline’s 37 Everywhere six out of five stars. (Come on they’re a local band, isn’t that impressive?)

Sean Naccarelli

Staff Writer

“I love 80’s fashion, it’s surprisingly comfortable. I love to shop, too and I will search for the clothes that are “in-style.”

-Emily Correal ‘09