C TContownianContownianNews MagazineConemaugh Township Area High School December 2014 Volume 77 Number 4

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Holiday IssueSpecial

TThe Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Instrumental and Vocal Music Departments held their Winter Concerts on Thursday December 12, 2014. The concerts began at 7:00PM and were held in the high school auditorium.

The Senior High Band opened the concert. Its selections included “A Cam-bridge Carol,” arranged by Vince Gassi; “Wonderful Christmas Time,” by Paul McCartney and arranged by Jay Dawson; “Santa Baby,” by J. Javits, P. Springer, and T. Springer and arranged by Jay Boccook; and “ O Come All Ye Faithful,” by James Swearingen.

The director was Suzette Gardenhour.

The Senior High Chorus followed. The songs performed were entitled “Jazz Gloria,” written by Natalie Sleeth; “The Sleigh,” by Kountz and Riegger; “Seasons of Love,” written by Jonathan Larson and featuring soloists Alicia Little, Mag-gie Zambanini, and David Saylor; “He is Born,” written by Ruth Morris Gray; “RÍu, RÍu, ChÍu,” written by Noah Greenberg and featuring soloist David Saylor; “Good King Wenceslas,” by John Mason Neale; and “We Three Kings,” written by Andy Beck.

The director was Ms. Mari Grace Lingenfelter who stated, “It was one of the best senior high concerts we have ever had. I hope more can come from this group in the spring.”

At the end of the concert the band and chorus joined together to sing “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Senior High Instrumental and Vocal Music

Junior High Instrumental and Vocal MusicThe Sixth Grade Band started off the evening with the songs “Joyful and Triumphant,” by John F. Wade and arranged by J. Bullock; “In Time for the Holidays,” arranged by J. O’Reilly; and “A Winter Trilogy,” by Larry Henry.

The Junior High Band next played the songs “The Angels Mix,” by Patrick Roszell; “Siberian Sleigh Ride,” by Robert W. Smith and Mike Story; and “Holiday Grand Finale,” by Michael Story.

The Sixth Grade Chorus then sang “One Wish,” by Perry; “Minka,” by Jones; “Jingle Bells,” by Pierpont; and “Winter Wonderland,” by Smith and Bernard and arranged by Funk.

The Junior High Chorus closed the evening with “Angels We Have Heard On High,” by Bacak, “Good People, Be Ye Glad,” by Purcell; “In December,” by Althouse; and “Antiphonal Deck the Hall,” by Gilpin.

Emma Fisher and Hannah Thomas prac-tice a song for their choral concert.

Winter Concerts Held

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EDITORIALC TContownianContownianT h e

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEFSavoring the Holiday Season

Resolutions that LastEvery year, people around the world set resolutions for themselves to start the new year off right and to improve themselves. These range from losing weight to kicking old habits. Often, shortly after setting these goals, people tend to give up on them completely. Here are some ways you can stick to your new year’s resolutions and make it a better 2015.

Make your resolution something you really want to do, whether it is getting into shape or stopping smoking, make sure it is something you are passionate about changing. Another thing to remember is not to overload yourself with multiple challenging resolutions. Remember, keep it simple and accomplishable.

Be specific with what you want and keep a journal. Write your goals down and keep a log, when you have the urge to do something that would go against your resolution, pull out your journal and remind yourself why you are doing it. Make an action plan for how you are going to accomplish your goals and stick to it.

Be prepared for it to be difficult at times and for the lifestyle change you might have to endure. Tell someone you are close to your goal so he can help keep you accountable. When you have someone looking out for you, you will have more inspiration to complete your goal.

With these tips in mind, keep your goals healthy and most importantly, self-improving. Remember it may not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end when you can look back and see how you accomplished your goal. Remember these tips and you will be on your way to a new, improved you.

hristmas is not a time or season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” said Calvin Coolidge.

However, some think Christmas is just about a tree, gifts, and Santa Clause, but there is much more to this holiday than most people realize. Christmas is a time to be joyful and thankful and to give to others in need.

Christmas is a time to be joyful, and to many, celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is ultimately a religious holiday. Most people go to church on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Je-sus. The overall Christmas atmosphere makes people full of joy.

Christmas Time is also a time to be thankful. Some people do not have the privilege of being with their friends or family to celebrate the holidays. For this reason, those who do should be thankful they do. When you are opening the gifts under your tree or sitting at the table eating Christmas dinner, think of those who do not have such luxuries and be thankful you do.

Finally, Christmas is a time of giving to others in need. There are children who do not have toys to open on Christmas Day. To help them you can donate gifts to “Toys for Tots” or similar organizations to give a gift to a child who otherwise may not have any. In addition, you could spend time at a local soup kitchen and help out by serving Christmas dinner to people who cannot provide for themselves. You could even donate goods to a food pantry. Clearly, there are many ways through which you can help others in need.

In closing, Christmas is a time to be joyful, thankful, and give to oth-ers in need. Yet, besides the tree, gifts, and Santa Clause, overall, Christmas is a holiday with an ever present meaning when everyone comes together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Cutting the Cost of ChristmasMany spend too much money on Christmas. It is estimated this year the average American will spend $861.00 on Christmas gifts. Shop-pers say they will pay full price for purchases on the internet and in catalogs at a price of approximately $1,014.00. The average shop-pers who start their holiday shopping early spends about $667.00. The average person who waits to start their holiday shopping spends $1,051.00. Christmas shopping done in this way can break your bank. Purchases must be carried out in a smart and correct manner. Most of these are not aware of the hundreds of dollars they could have saved.

It is clear, people who do not start shopping early and are willing to pay the full price of items are spending a lot more on the holidays than others. Yet, there are many ways to save money. Before

Thanksgiving, there are many ads in the newspapers and coupons advertising sales. Shopping early for the holidays will not only save you money, but it will also keep your stress level down while you get ready for the holidays.

Shopping early also has more benefits than just saving money and relieving stress. Many run around frantically in the stores the week before Christmas getting those last few gifts. This causes people to pay more than what they typically would if they would have been prepared earlier.

Cutting out coupons will also save you a lot of money. Being aware of sales and having coupons on top of the sale prices will save you much money and also give you a much merrier Christmas.

Overall, Christmas shopping does not have to break your bank. Shop early, and when there are sales. Use coupons and never pay full price! You will be amazed by the amount of money you will save.

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December 2014 3.

PHOTO JOURNALISM ContownianContownianT h e

News MagazineConemaugh Township Area High SchoolVolume 70 Number 4December 2007

The Contownian is published online monthly by the Conemaugh Township Area High School Journal-ism Class. For advertising information call (814) 479-4014, Extension 429 or write to West Campus Avenue, Davidsville, PA 15928.

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

EditorsEditor-in Chief...........................................Derrick Ensley Junior Editor-in-Chief................................Nicole TelenkoSenior News Editor....................................Codi SpenglerJunior News Editor....................................Nicole GarretySenior Feature Editor...................................Travis MoyerJunior Feature Editor...........................Samantha MeyersSenior Sports Editor........................................Kevin ByerJunior Sports Editor..................................Matthew DuraySenior Society Editor................................Abigail CooperJunior Society Editor............................Rebecca HersheySenior Photography Editor........................Angel ConzattiJunior Photography Editor........................Magee SheelerSenior Advertising Manager........................Kayla BeckerJunior Advertising Manager...................Stephanie EdsallSenior Business Manager.........................Jamie GennettJunior Business Manager...........................Marissa Block

News StaffKayla Becker..............................................Marissa Block Joshua Bostian.......................................Heather BriskeyStephanie Buncich..................................James GrandasDylan Johnson..................................Chelsea Levergood Haley Naugle..........................................Courtney SimkoBenjamin Telenko....................................Zachary Wilkey

Feature StaffBrianne Alberti...................................................Toni HarrNicole Chynoweth...............................Anna HershbergerLaura Dail......................................................Britain LongStephanie Edsall.......................................Robert NaugleJamie Gennett..........................................Michael Slezak

Benjamin Snyder

Society StaffAmber Direnzo..........................................Tiara RecknerBrant Mollers............................................Michael SprowlGlenna Putyrski...........................................Carly Temyer

Kara Wilson

Sports StaffChristopher Berchick...................................Jarod NannaMatthew Jones...........................................Nathan PahelThomas Kapcsos.......................................Timothy RischAndrew Mazzarese.......................................Kyle SmiachJacob Miller...........................................Stephanie Straka

Blake Zaman

Photography StaffSamantha Meyers.................................Benjamin Snyder

Advisor:Michael J. Andolina

HIGH SCHOOLHoliday Memories 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.............................................David SaylorJunior Editor-in-Chief.........................................Josh McKool Senior News Editor................................................Andrea CableJunior News Editor...............................................Molly MassimoSenior Features Editor............................................Leah SprockJunior Features Editor.............................................Alyssa Blank Senior Sports Editor....................................................Alex StahlJunior Sports Editor..................................................Coltin MillerSenior Society Editor..............................................Corey LaytonJunior Society Editor.........................................Alexis ChristofesSenior Photography Editor.....................................Jenna GloverJunior Photography Editor......................................Abigail Cover Senior Advertising Manager................................Tayllor LehmanJunior Advertising Manager...............................Alanna KozielecSenior Business Manager...................................Steven MeyersJunior Business Manager..................................Alanna Kozielec

News StaffJacquelyn Bassett.............Erica Blank..............Emily Bridge Benjamin Wilson.........................................Abigail Witkosky

Feature StaffAndrea Ardary.............Morgan Good.............Leah KauffmanTayllor Lehman..........Cara Lichtenfels..........Steven Meyers

Society StaffBrittany Garrety........Courtney Gowarty........Rena KauffmanAlanna Kozielec.........Faith Safko........Hannah Weatherford

Sports StaffCasey Berchick...............Angela Blank...............Barry BlankMaxwell Rager..............................................Tyler Sharretts

Photography StaffAngela Blank.............Jacquelyn Bassett............Erica Blank Steven Myers........Hannah Weatherford........Abby Witkosky

Advisor:Michael J. Andolina

ContownianContownianT h e

News MagazineConemaugh Township Area Middle School / High SchoolVolume 77 Number 4December 2014

Cory Prebehalla practices his saxophone before the Christ-mas Concert.

John VanDyke and David Saylor practice their songs for the Christmas Concert.

Eric Kmett shows off his light-up bow tie at the Christmas Dance.

Emma Fisher and Brandon Driggs en-joy themselves at the Christmas Dance.

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FEATURES

HIGH SCHOOL

Cell phones, computers, tablets, and iPods, these are the things that have been defining our generation. As a result, many times we forget about sitting down and reading a good book. Goodreads has recently announced its “Best Books of 2014.” As students and members of society, it is important we read to sharpen our minds by taking a break from today’s technology and picking up a good book.

The Opposite of Loneliness, by Marina Keegan, is a book full of essays and stories that are full of wisdom for any-body who is going through a rough time. Many say it is full of inspiration and good vibes, and anybody who picks up this book will feel better after reading it.

For those who are into science fiction books, The Martian, by Andy Weir, has been rated the best book of its kind for 2014. It is an intense book about the first people to walk on Mars and sparks interest on the topic of life on Mars.

If you like historical fiction, All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr, might be just what you are looking for. This book will transport you to Paris in the time of World War II. There, you will get an insight into what life was like then.

For romance gurus there is the book Written in my Own Heart’s Blood, which is the eighth book in a series by Diana Gabaladon, that will spark an array of emotions through the toils and happiness of love.

If you are looking for something light and funny, Yes Please, by “Parks and Recreation” actress Amy Poehler, will be sure to make you laugh. A memoir of her personal experi-ences and a love letter to “Saturday Night Live” will make you want to read this over and over again.

With our generations’ addiction to technology, it is rare to step outside the box, pick up a book, and transport yourself into a world of reading. Just remember, there is a book for every type of reader.

Christmas is a time of giving and happiness. Families decorate their homes with trees, lights, and garlands. However, others see this time of year as a time to help others through volunteering. Many who do not do so because they do not know how to get involved. Certainly, there are many different ways someone can volunteer.

During this season of giving, some people ring bells for the Salvation Army. Volunteers have a choice of ringing outside of grocery stores or in the local stores and malls. All of the money that is collected by the ringing of these bells brings enough to purchase groceries for families of those in need. This is one great way to volunteer.

If ringing bells is not something that is for you, there are many more options to choose from. At the Galleria you can gift wrap for shoppers. There are many “Wrap-ping Stations” on the first floor. Volunteers are able to wrap gifts for people who may not have the time to or cannot physically wrap their own gifts. A person can volunteer as much as he would like, from a half an hour to a few hours. It is up to each individual how long he volunteers.

In Johnstown there are soup kitchens to feed the poor. There are volunteers who serve food and clean up afterwards. This is another way of volunteering. Vol-unteers can serve at breakfast, lunch, or dinner to help feed the less fortunate. This is a way to help give back to your own community and to help others during the busy holiday season.

The holiday season is giving and receiving, but it is also a time for giving back. If you have extra time on your hands this holiday season, try volunteering. It is a great way to give to others during this cheerful season.

Holiday Help

Good Reads

It is finally here - the most wonderful time of the year! Who could feel anything but positive enthusiasm to-wards this time of holiday traditions? There are many traditions families and friends practice yearly, some of which you may choose to practice with those you love!

When preparing for Christmas, many go shopping for those they love. Gifts can be big or small, but always make a positive impact on someone’s life. Parents often take their children to the local malls or shop-

Christmas Traditions

ping centers to visit Santa. They tell him their holiday wishes and get their picture taken, creating memories. On Christmas morning, many families gather around their decorated Christmas tree to open gifts and enjoy the morning together.

The holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy the time you are given with your family and friends. It gives you the chance to practice and create holiday traditions make memories that will last a lifetime.

December 2014 5.

SOCIETY

Stephanie Straka, a graduate from Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School in 2008, has been nothing short of successful. After graduating, Stephanie went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for one year and then transferred to Frostburg State University where she played college basketball for four years. At Frostburg, she com-

pleted her Bach-elor’s Degree in Health and Physical Edu-cation teach-ing. She is cur-rently attending the University of Tennessee for graduate school in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior.

Her fondest memory of C o n e m a u g h Township would

Alumni of the Month

Stephanie Straka with her sisters Emma and Terra.

“I love making a large variety of cookies with my grandma. It is always a blast!”

“I love Christ-mas time. Just being with my f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s d e f i -nitely makes it the most won-der fu l t ime of the year.”

“Buying presents for others is one of my favorite things to do. It makes my heart feel very warm.”

“ I l ike Opening presents under the Christmas tree in the morning. It makes me feel like a little girl again.”

“I really enjoy Decorating the Christmas tree with my mom. I always makes the house look so fest ive for the holiday sea-son!”

“I love spending time with my family and boy friend during the holiday season.”

What’s Your Favorite Part of Christmas?Student Opinions:

Leah Kauffman Andrea Ardary

Alex Stahl Morgan Good

Leah Sprock Courtney Gowarty

have to be when she was named “Most School Spirited” in her senior year. In this sense, she had the op-portunity to support her school and fellow classmates.

Stephanie feels her passion for sports has had a huge impact on her life and has molded her into the person she is today.

Stephanie stated, “Each individual has the ability to find what works for you, and to me, being around athletics is something that has become more of a lifestyle.”

Stephanie is following her dream, and is currently living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Looking back on high school, Stephanie recalls, “I don’t re-ally have one favorite teacher at Conemaugh Township. I would say I had a great relationship with most of my teach-ers at CT. I tried to form a unique bond with each teacher I had, and they were all very helpful and supportive to me in school, sports, and also in life.”

Stephanie Straka

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SPORTSC TContownianContownianT h e

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HIGH SCHOOLVarsity Boys’ Basketball Varsity Girls’ BasketballThe Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team started its sea-son off at the Ron Davidson Round-ball Classic, which is an annual tournament held at the Central Cambria School District.

The Indians’ first game of the tournament was be against the hosting Central Cambria Red Devils. The final score at the end of the game was 69-43 with the Red Devils handing the Indians their first loss for their first game of the season.

The Indians would now take on Penns Manor in the game to determine who would walk home taking third and fourth place rights. The Indians won the game and took home third place with a 78-54 victory.

Evan Steeves was named “Player of the Game” having scored 15 points and being named to the All-tournament Team.

“We had a rough start, but each day we are working to get better.” stated Jason Sotosky.

The Indians’ next game fell on Tuesday December 9 when they took on the Ramblers of Windber who served as the hosting team. The tribe was victorious in this 61-60 win over the rival Ramblers.

The basketball team played in a four team tournament this past weekend that was held at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The tournament consisted of the Conemaugh Township, Somerset, Southern Fulton, and Blairsville School Districts.

The Indians first game fell on a Friday night as they took on the Eagles of Somerset. Somerset got off to a big lead to finish out the game in the last period. The final score of the game was 63-39.

The next opponent for the Indians was Southern Fulton. This game was also a close battle from the start until after halftime. The final score of the game was 66-39 with CT being defeated once again and taking fourth place in the tournament.

The Indians record now moved to 2-3. In their next game the tribe will be taking on the Ferndale Yellow Jackets on Wednesday, December 17, with the junior varsity team starting at 6:00PM. The varsity game will take place directly after.

The Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball team played at the Windber Ramblers gymnasium where they fell short 58-40. The team then stood at 0-3.

The girl’s next game was away on December 10 against the Blacklick Valley Vikings. The Indians came out on top of this competition with a score of 63-41. This improved the team’s record to 1-3. The girls’ next game was held at home on De-cember 12 against the Shade Panthers.

Junior Abbey Roberts commented on the game saying, “Hope-fully this win will help us pick up the pace and have a successful season.”

The lady Indians next played their first home game against the Shade-Central City Panthers and lost by a score of 71 to 34. This dropped their record to 1-4.

The Conemaugh Township Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team then played against the Ligonier Valley Rams on Monday, December 15 at Ligonier Valley. The Indians suffered a loss to the Rams with a score of 38 to 70, making their record 1-5.

Next, the Indians played an away game at the home of the Fern-dale Yellow Jackets. The Indians picked up a win against Ferndale in this game. This win increased the tribe’s record to 2-5.

The girls’ next game will be at home on December 18 against the Conemaugh Valley Blue Jays. The junior varsity game will begin at 6:00PM followed by the varsity game at 7:00PM.

The seniors high girls’ basketball players look ready for their next game.

December 2014 7.

SPORTS

Winter Sports Blow In

Angela Blank is the daughter of Barry and Mary Blank of Hollsopple. Angela has participated in Soccer and Softball at Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/ High School. An-gela is a four year letterman in both soccer and softball. She has also received honorable mention for Somerset County in Soccer.

Angela also is a member of the grill team, the art club, and is also a member of the Conemaugh/Con-numauch/Contowian Photo Staff. Outside of school she is an employee at Davidsville Fuel part time.

In her spare time Angela likes to spend time outdoors and enjoys hanging out with her friends and family.

Her future plans are to major in spe-cial education, and move to North Carolina.

Jason Sotosky is the son of Matt and Lori Sotosky of Davidsville.

Jason is on the varsity soccer and basketball teams at Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School. He has one letter for soccer and two for basketball.

Jason is a member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions and Serving Our Neighbors organizations, Con-servation Club, and Grill Team. He is also on the Honor Roll.

Jason’s future plan includes attending the University of Pitts-burgh at Johnstown to major in Mechanical Engineering. After a few years, he would then like to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh main campus. Jason Sotosky

Athletes of the Month

Angela Blank

Mixed Varsity Rifle

Varsity Wrestling The Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Varsity Wresting Team’s season started out with the Conemaugh Township Holiday Tournament held at home. Brandon Stahl placed first in this tour-nament.

The records for each wrestler are currently as follows: Gabe Slezak, 6 wins and 5 losses; Josh Derricott, 1 winand 0 losses; Nathaniel Thomas, 5 wins and 4 loss-es; Aaron Griffith, 4 wins and 5 losses; Barry Blank,

The Conemaugh Township Area Middle/High School Varsity Rifle Team had its first match on Monday, De-cember 15 at Northern Cambria. The team defeated the Northern Cambria Colts on December 15, 2014 with a score of 1330 to 1093. The top shooters were Kaitlyn Garrety, 271; Seth Strayer, 269; and Hannah Weatherford, 267.

Seniors members of the rifle team include Lindsay Grove, Corey Layton, Emilee Naugle, Samantha Tee-ter, and Hannah Weatherford.

When asked her opinion of the team, Hannah Weather-ford said, “I’m really glad to see our hard work paying off. I can’t wait to see where this season takes us.”

0 wins and 2 losses; John Claycomb, 2 wins and 8 losses; Brandon Stahl, 6 wins and 5 losses; Colton Stahl, 3 wins and 7 losses; Jake Grosik, 5 wins and 5 losses; Dylan Drenner, 4 wins and 6 losses.

The Indians battled Berlin Brothersvalley and ended with a score of 58-9 in favor of Berlin.

The Indians match against Shade ended with a vic-tory for CT. Wins by forfeit consisted of Gabe Slezak, Josh Derricott, Aaron Griffith, Colton Stahl, and Dylan Drenner.

The wrestling team members put on their game faces for their next match.

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TCContownianContownianT h e

News Magazine

May the Holidays and the New Yearbring joyful hours, pleasant memories,

thoughts of family and friends, and much happiness.- The Connumach / Contownian Staff -

See You I

n 2015!

Telephone NumbersThe Conemaugh Township Area School District wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. Classes resume January 5, 2015.

Sincerely,

The High School Administration, Faculty, and Staff.

Administrative Office

School Calendar

Superintendent.............Thomas J. Kakabar.................479-7575Food Service Director....Adam Thomas.......................479-2328Business Manager......Regina Rembold.....................479-7431

Junior/Senior High School 7-12Principal.......................Dave Koba..............................479-4014Guidance Counselors......Nancie D’Alimonte and Kelly Birkhimer..479-7886School Nurse................Cassey DeBiase.....................479-2324Athletic Director..........James Foster.......................479-4014

2015 Conemaugh/Connumach Ordering InformationThe 2014-’15 Conemaugh and Connumach yearbook order forms will be mailed to all students’ homes in January from the school and Herff Jones Yearbook Company. No extra yearbooks will be available for order after this time.

The following dates are subject to change

December 23...........................................Early Dismissal - 1 HourDecember 24- January 2...............Christmas Vacation - No SchoolJanuary 16.........................................End of Second Nine Weeks

January 19..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No SchoolJanuary 20.......................................School Board Meeting - 7:00 January 24............................................................SAT Test Date

January 26.................................................Report Cards Issued

A Holiday Wish