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Holiday IssueNews Magazine

SpecialConemaugh Township Area Middle School / High School December 2015 Volume 78 Number 4

ContownianContownianWinter Concerts Set Seasonal MoodThe Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Instrumental and Vocal Music Departments held their Winter Concerts in mid December over a two day period.

On December 8, the senior high band and chorus held their concerts. The performance started at 7:00PM.

The songs played at the senior high band concert were “Angels We Have Heard On High.” This was followed by “First Noel.” It featured flute soloist Ashley Gorgone. Next was “Santa Baby.” Cory Prebehalla and Michael Gindlesperger performed two alto saxophone solos. The final song was, “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” which was performed with the choir, as well as a sing along with the crowd.

In regards to the band, Aaron Good said, “I believe the concert was a huge success.”

The Conemaugh Township band instructor, Mrs. Gardenhour, stated, “We had a great audience. I really appreciate the support of the community and administration.”

The senior high chorus also performed at this concert in conjunction with the band. The songs performed were “Veni, Veni Emmanuel ERO CRAS” by Trotta, “Carols Around (and a Round) arranged by Nygard, Jr., “We Three Kings” by Hopkins and arranged by Beck, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Regney, Shayne, and Simeone; the traditional version of “Silent Night,” featuring senior guitarists Cory Prebehalla, Coltin Miller, and Pepper Frick; and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Spector, Greenwich, and Barry and arranged by Shaw, with senior soloist Hannah Thomas.

Aaron Good, a junior chorus member, said, “I think being a member of the chorus is a great way to get into organized singing. Once you start you surprise yourself as to what you can do.”

The Choir is directed by Mari Grace Lingenfelter.

The junior high Winter Concerts were also held at the Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School auditorium. However, they took place on December 10.

This year’s junior high band concert included “Noel!” by Todd Statler, “Siberian Sleighride” by Robert W. Smith and Mike Story, “March” from the “Nutcracker Suite” by Andrew Balent, “Deck the Halls with Rock ‘N’ Roll” by Ryan Fraley, and “Holiday Grand Finale” by Michael Story.

Band member Zane Troxell stated, “Band is a fun and amazing experience.”

Mrs. Gardenhour, the junior high band director, stated, “I am very proud of all my sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. They performed wonderfully.”

The junior high chorus concert followed the band’s. The songs sung were “Bethlehem” by Taylor, “Infant Holly” by Goetze, “Angels Rejoic-ing” by Liebergen, the traditional “Silent Night,” and the chorus’ last song, “Giddy up” by Donnelly/Strid.

Mrs. Lingenfelter said, “These students worked hard all semester to have such a musically good concert.”

Grace Hostetler stated, “Mrs. Lingenfelter chose perfect songs for the chorus and taught us how to harmonize.”

December 2015 3.2.

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............................................Josh McKoolJunior Editor-in-Chief..........................................Alexis Buncich Senior News Editor..............................................Molly MassimoJunior News Editor...............................................Gabriel SlezakSenior Features Editor............................................Alyssa BlankJunior Features Editor....................................Cheyanne Weaver Senior Sports Editor..................................................Coltin MillerJunior Sports Editor..............................................Ryan CotchenSenior Society Editor........................................Alexis ChristofesJunior Society Editor...............................................Laura BivensSenior Photography Editor.....................................Abigail CoverJunior Photography Editor........................................Caitlin Stahl Senior Advertising Manager..............................Alanna KozielecJunior Advertising Manager............................Sarah AlesantrinoSenior Business Manager..................................Alanna KozielecJunior Business Manager...............................Emily Waterhouse

News StaffSamantha Bellak.............Nathan Formica...............Emily FultzJacob Grosik...................................................Dallas PalmatierNoah Swintosky...........................................Emily Waterhouse

Feature StaffKeith Baldwin.................Alexis Hogue............Cara LichtenfelsNoah Livella...................Caleb Maurer..................Colton Stahl

Society StaffSarah Alesantrino...........Erin Carr...........December CordetskyAlanna Kozielec.....................................................Trent SimkoSean Thomas....................................................Trenton Troxell

Sports StaffChristopher Alesantrino....Cameron McMillan....Derek NemethOlivia Shaulis............Brandon Stahl............Nathaniel Thomas

Photography StaffSarah Alesantrino...............Alexis Buncich................Erin CarrAlexis Christofes..........December Cordetsky..........Emily FultzAlexis Hogue...............................................Cameron McMillan

Advisor:Michael J. Andolina

ContownianContownianT h eEDITORIALC TContownianContownianT h e

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Staying Festive through Hard Times

COMMENTARY

As the holidays quickly approach, the much-anticipated Star-bucks holiday mug is sporting a new design. In previous years, the cup has had designs like snowmen, snowflakes, and Christ-mas trees. What is the cup’s design this year? It is a simple red color, and some Christians have become fired up about this, according to Time magazine.

This controversy has taken over social media with some becom-ing very aggravated, saying the cups are a war on Christmas.

Other brands have used this controversy with Starbucks to promote and sell their own products. In fact, it has become so debated, it has become known as “cup-gate.”

Even presidential candidate Donald Trump, said, “No more Christmas Spirit at Starbucks this year.”

Those who are angry about this believe because the cup is only red with no Christmas-y design, it is meant to be an attack on religion and is in turn, anti-Christian.

In my opinion, this is ridiculous. A person’s religious beliefs are meant to be about more than a cup at his favorite coffee chain. Actually, I feel this holiday cup is wise, as it embraces all religions

Cup Controversy

he world is currently dealing with a great terrorism problem that often seems never ending. Many feel there is no solu-tion to this problem, and at times it seems quite depressing.

However, what the world is forgetting is those who are peaceful outnumber those who are carrying out these acts. As a result, the good people of the world should not allow themselves to be brought down.

For the past few months, the world has been under attack by fun-damental Islamic terrorists. These terrorists are trying to turn Islam into the only worldwide religion, and in turn are killing those who do not completely agree with their fundamental Islamic views. Most Muslims are being put into a compromising position of danger by this group because not all Muslims are fundamentally fanatical in their beliefs.

Although this is not a solution, the only way to deal with this problem is to simply not focus on the negative effects of Islamic terrorism during the holiday season. Surely, this can be difficult at times due to the media shoving it down viewers’ throats, but people should not focus on the news. Instead they should concentrate their attention on their family members who are close to them. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah are all times of the year when families in the United States come together to celebrate happiness. Although fundamental Islamic Terrorism is preoccupying the world, we should not let this cause our holidays to be ruined. We should not focus our energies on those who wish to destroy our traditions on days of celebration.

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News MagazineConemaugh Township Area Middle School / High SchoolVolume 78 Number 4December 2015

Syrian Refugees“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This is a very famous quote expressing a very definite mindset. In today’s terrorism-filled world, this idea could be a very useful one if everyone agreed with it.

How would you respond to the question posed by the United States media, “Are you for or against allowing Syrian refugees to enter the United States of America?” If you have the above mentioned quote in the back of your mind, would it influence you to answer differently? When the United States rejected the Jews who were sent here during the Holocaust, they were sent back to Germany and purged because of our selfishness. The Syrian refugees can be viewed similarly. Assuming they are sent back to their home country where it is racked with violence, they could possibly be eliminated upon their return. Many people may say this is all just part of their own fate or whatever happens is their own problem. However, perhaps we should look at their situation from a different perspective. What if you and your family were searching for a new home and for the time being you had to live in your car? All would be fine and good until the car dealer called explaining he had to take back your car because

you had not paid it off yet. As a result, you would not be permitted to use it as a form of shelter.

In my opinion, freedom belongs to everyone. If another country is in need of assistance, despite its past conflicts, America should hold out a helping hand.

With the question of whether Syrian refugees should be allowed to enter the United States or not, some Americans feel it perfectly fine to send them back to Syria and in turn, reject them. However, I feel it is our duty as Americans to love our neighbors as we do ourselves. Personally, I feel if the proper precautions were taken and our govern-ment handled their housing reasonably, there would be no problem with allowing them to enter the country. I do, however, support the promotion of background checks on all refugees individually. I also believe in this age of war and terrorism these types of situations are learning experiences for all Americans, as well as the rest of the world. We need to be able to build and learn from this negative situation by attempting to solve it once and for all.

I believe opinions do not matter at this time. It is the responsibility of Congress to deal with the Syrian refugees in a fair way. Hopefully, this group will make a well-rounded decision so it is not regretted later.

that celebrate December holidays. The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed with all of mankind, not just those who have the same religious beliefs as you. It is useless to waste time getting angry over a cup design. A true Christian should express hap-piness during the Christmas season, no matter what.

Starbucks stated its holiday cups were always meant to be blank mugs for its customers to create their own holiday stories and designs on. The 2015 Holiday Cup is not meant to be contro-versial. Starbucks simply decided to go with this minimalistic design to make a change from its normal design.

December 2015 5.4.

PHOTO JOURNALISMPHOTO JOURNALISMPHOTO JOURNALISM

“PICS” OF THE MONTH FROZEN IN TIME

Cassandra Griffith and Ashley Gorgone enjoy themselves at the Christ-mas Dance.

Brandon Stahl takes down his opponent at Conemaugh Town-ship’s annual Holiday Wrestling Tournament.

Cousins Hannah Thomas and Marcus Christofes share a dance together.

Cousins Hannah Thomas and Marcus Christofes share a dance together.

Senior High Band members Kara Wozniak and Max Barkley play their clarinets at the Winter Concert.Senior High Band members Kara Wozniak and Max Barkley play their clarinets at the Winter Concert.

Serena DiLoreto, Ryan Cotchen, Maggie Zambanini, Sarah Alesantrino, and Jamie Waters sing along to their favorite song.

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

PHOTO JOURNALISMPHOTO JOURNALISM

December 2015 5.

Some of the senior high chorus members sing their opening song at the Winter Concert.

4.

Cory Prebehalla plays “Si-lent Night” on his guitar at the senior high Winter Concert.

Cameron McMillan and Caleb Maurer dance the night away at the Christmas Dance.

Cameron McMillan and Caleb Maurer dance the night away at the Christmas Dance.

Serena DiLoreto, Ryan Cotchen, Maggie Zambanini, Sarah Alesantrino, and Jamie Waters sing along to their favorite song.

Cory Prebehalla plays “Si-lent Night” on his guitar at the senior high Winter Concert.

Some of the senior high chorus members sing their opening song at the Winter Concert.

Cassandra Griffith and Ashley Gorgone enjoy themselves at the Christ-mas Dance.

Brandon Stahl takes down his opponent at Conemaugh Town-ship’s annual Holiday Wrestling Tournament.

December 2015 7.6.

SOCIETYC TContownianContownianT h e

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SOCIETY

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

Chloe Reese

SOCIETYSOCIETY

The best Christmas gift anyone could receive or give is love. Love instills happiness, joy, and emotions beyond what any other material gift could offer.

The best Christ-mas gift I could-receive is kind-ness . When shar ing k ind-n e s s , i t c a n spread l ike a good virus that does not hurtan-yone, but instead heals.

The best Christmas gift is the kind that means something to the receiver. It has to be given from the heart.

In my opinion, the best Christmas present I could receive is one that has meaning to it. Everyone has different interests. A gift should have meaning

and be special to the person who is receiving it.

The best Christ-mas gift is some-thing I can use everyday. It is also something I find very special o me.

I think the best Christmas gift would have to be tickets to a concert. It would be especially nice if the person who gave me the gift accompanied me. This way we could both enjoy it.

After graduating from Conemaugh Town-ship Area Middle School/High School in 1985, Roxanne Buncich, formerly Flaim, attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania receiving a bachelor’s degree in Education. She then taught in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania before mov-ing back to the Conemaugh Township area to raise her two children. Roxanne was then hired at the North Star School District, where she is still employed today as a kindergarten teacher.

Roxanne married her high school sweetheart, Michael Buncich, in 1989. The two met and first started dating at Conemaugh Township. They have two daughters, Mikella, a sophomore at Duquesne University, and Alexis, a junior at Conemaugh Township.

Some of Roxanne’s fondest memories came from her years at Conemaugh Township Area High School. She recalled several stories that related to her time spent as a cheer-leader and member of the Conemaugh Township student fan section, then called the “Hecklers,” but now referred to as the “Rowdies.”

Roxanne recounted one humorous story, “In my junior year, we were waiting for the basketball coach, Coach Major’s, six hundredth victory. The basketball players’ mothers had made a celebration cake for him, but we kept losing, so every game we had to keep refreezing the cake!”

Roxanne s ta t -e d s h e w a s very apprecia-tive of her time at Conemaugh Townsh ip , r e -c o u n t i n g t h e teachers who had helped her.

“Both Mr. Andolina and Mrs. Bowman served as fantastic role models. They prepared me for college the most of any of the teach-ers.”

Alumni of the Month

Roxanne with her husband Michael and two daughters, Alexis and Mikella.

What is the Best Christmas Gift?Student Opinions:

Autumn Toth Zane Troell

The Christmas Dance took place at the Ambassador Ballroom in Windber on Saturday December 12. It was held from 7:00-10:00PM. The theme this year was “Frozen in Time” following last year’s theme, “Baby it’s Cold Outside.”

The new location was a hit with those who attended the dance this year. Instead of the previous venue, the John Bracken Fire Hall, the dance was held in Windber at the Ambassador Ballroom.

“I loved having the venue at a new place. There was so much room and the ballroom had a huge dance floor. I look forward to having the dance in Windber for the years to come,” said Emily Fultz, who attended the dance.

Not only was the new venue a hit with the students who attended but the DJ who provided the music was liked by the students, as well. The DJ for the dance was Jack Labarko.

“I thought the DJ was great! He played all of my favorite songs,” stated Alexis Hogue.

The Christmas Dance was hosted by the sophomore class of-ficers.

“The sophomore class officers worked hard to provide an evening of fun and excitement for all of the students who attended the Christmas Dance,” said Mr. Sechrengost.

Mr. Sechrengost, the sophomore class advisor, worked alongside of the sophomore class officers to make this evening a success.

Jakob Petree Cory Prebehalla

“Frozen in Time” a Success

Joshua McKool and Alexis Christofes share a dance.Isabella Stroscio

County Band was held on December 2 and 3. Over one hundred students participated in both the junior and senior high bands. The concert was held December 3 at 7:00PM at the Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School auditorium.

The students participated in two long days of practicing the concert’s songs to get the feel of how the band worked playing together. With much hard work, the concert was a success.

County Band was a success for the junior and senior high bands. With two great directors, Dr. Jason Rummell of Indi-ana Junior High School and Dr. Jason Worsybt of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the students exceeded their goals and displayed their excellence.

County Band Held

West Side Story Announced

Roxanne Buncich

years have been fun. It will be interesting to see what this year’s show has to offer,” stated Jeff Tresnicky, an eleventh grade student and musical participant.

Suzette Gardenhour, the musical’s orchestra director, stated, “This is one of my favorite musicals. I hope the students and community enjoy it as much as I do.”

This year at the Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School the musical has been named. It is “West Side Story.”

Auditions were held on November 16. Students sang “To-night,” a song from the musical, for their audition piece.

West Side Story is inspired by the Shakespearian play “Romeo and Juliet” but takes place in New York City’s West Side in the 1950’s. Tony, a member of the Puerto Rican gang the “Sharks,” falls in love with Maria, a member of the American gang, the “Jets.” Feuding between the two gangs keeps them apart.

The cast includes Shark members Hannah Thomas as Maria, Maggie Zambanini as Anita, and Jeff Tresnicky as Bernardo. The cast of the Jets is comprised of Noah Livella as Tony, Coltin Miller as Riff, and Alexis Buncich as Velma.

“I think this will be one of the most difficult shows we have done, but I am confident in the talent and work ethic of our students to get it done,” said Mari Grace Lingenfelter, music teacher and director of the musical.

“I have been in the musical since seventh grade. The past

Maggie Telenko

December 2015 9.8.

FEATURESFEATURES

Films Teach True Meaning

Christmas Traditions

The Christmas season and holiday time itself have many wonderful offerings to look forward to such as family time, gift giving, days off of school, and of course, pres-ents. Christmas movies are another wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.

Christmas movies go with the Christmas season just like peanut butter goes with jelly. Yet how, if at all, have Christmas movies changed throughout the years? Oth-er than technologically, have the meanings portrayed by each movie changed? I think the answer is no. Within most popular Christmas movies is the realization Christ-mas is much more than just a holiday to celebrate and receive presents. It is about being thankful and grateful for what you have. Almost all of the protagonists and antagonists in Christmas movies eventually realize the true meaning of Christmas is spending time with family and giving is more important than receiving. Through-out the years, this theme has remained the soul root of each and every Christmas movie.

Certainly, watching Christmas movies is a wonderful way of getting into the holiday spirit and spreading joy throughout each and every household. Overall, Christmas movies have clearly stayed relatively the same, with each and every one emphasizing there is more to Christmas than just presents. Certainly, the best presents are being with family and spreading joy and love.

Christmas is celebrated with many annual traditions such as going to church either on Christmas Eve or day, spending time with family, elaborate feasts, letters to Santa, and of course opening presents.

Everyone has a different Christmas tradition, but the most common one carried out by younger children is setting out milk and cookies for the big man in the red suit. This is a great tradition to keep in your family because it gives a whole new level of excitement and magical mystery to the Christmas season.

Many families celebrate Christmas with foods that con-sist of a variety of different selections. It seems the majority of the time you hear of people serving some sort of special ham or beef accompanied by a plethora

Top Christmas Gift IdeasAt this busy time of year, the Contownian offers you some helpful hints for holiday shopping.

MenChromecast: Easier to sync online streaming sites to the TVamazon.com $35.00

Fur trimmed leather Moto Jacketamazon.com $116.00

Camille Tanoh - The proper sneakeramazon.com $216.00

Outdoor Charger - A portable charger and flashlight all in one amazon.com $80.00

Taylor Swift sequin sneakers

Keds $55.00

Styling neon Nike running shoesNike $69.99

Sleek handy razor set

harrys.com $25.00

Wrench Ring crafted from sterling silveretsy.com $49.00

Crazy cool, multi-printed backpackMarc Jacobs $98.00

Michael Kors Mercer Chrono-graph Leather WatchNordstrom $225.00

Christmas patterned socks

modcloth.com $13.00

Comfortable messenger bag

amazon.com $80.00

Verismo 580 Coffee Brewer

Starbucks $199.00

Birth Month Flower Necklace

amazon.com $48.00

Fallout Four video game

amazon.com $60.00

Long sleeve woven shirt Ben Shirman $30.00-$80.00

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MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

of sides. In my family we have always had ham for Christmas, as well as New Year ’s Eve, but recently we have changed the dinner lineup to steak and lob-ster tail with green bean casserole and a few other side-dishes.

For some families, decorating a Christmas tree is also a big part of this holiday tradition. Whether they are matching ornaments or ones your family has col-lected over many decades, it is always a good time for bonding and having fun with your family and loved ones while trimming the tree.

Overall though, many of these traditions have faded as the whole concept of Christmas has become tinged by those who see it only as a time of receiving. Un-fortunately, to many nowadays, Christmas’ meaning is not about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, but rather about the gifts received. It is for this reason it is very important for everyone to understand the most important part of all Christmas traditions is spending t ime wi th your fami ly and loved ones.

I t i s u n f o r t u n a t e that as we grow older w e c a n n o t m a i n - tain the excitement and happ iness o f t he season like what we all experienced in our younger years. P r o b a b l y t h e most country-wide Christmas tra- di t ion is going to sleep and anx- i o u s l y a w a i t i n g t h e v i s i t o f Santa Clause to c o m e d o w n o u r c h i m n e y and put our most sought a f t e r g i f t s u n d e r t h e Chr istmas t r e e a n d i n t o o u r stockings.

Remem- b e r , regard- less of w h a t - e v e r t r a d i - t i o n s y o u m a y prac-t i c e , i t

makes you and your family c l o s e r i n s o m e way or another!

Women

December 2015 11.10.

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HIGH SCHOOL WINTER SPORTS TIP OFF

Athletes of the Month

Boys’ Varsity Basketball Girls’ Varsity BasketballThe Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/ High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled to Penns Manor for the Tip-Off Tourna-ment. The girls lost to Bishop Carroll 71-31. Pacing the Indians in scor-ing was Abbey Roberts with 15 points followed by Mikala Faith with 6.

In the consolation game, the Indians had a 39-36 win over Dubois. Leading the Indians once more was senior Abbey Roberts and junior Maggie Zambanini with 20 and 9 points, respectively.

The Indians next played Ligonier Valley as their home opener. The girls tied the rams at the half but were just shy of a win with a score of 49-43. The leading scorer for the Indians was Sarah Alesantrino with 10 Points. Maggie Zambanini had 8. Mikala Faith, Abbey Roberts, and Olivia Shaulis each scored 7.

The Indians came back with a win over the Rockwood Rockets, 63-18. Abbey Roberts was the leading scorer with 19 points. Right behind her was Sarah Alesantrino with 13.

The Lady Indians overall and conference records are 2-2 and 1-0, respectively. The girls next face off against the North Star Cougars on December 14 at 7:00PM.

The Conemaugh Township Middle School/High School Boys’ Bas-ketball Team competed in the Ron Davidson Roundball Classic on December 4 and 5. The tribe had its first game against Penn Cambria. Township’s basketball squad came up short and lost this game by the score of 58-45. The “Player of the Game” honor was awarded to Chris Alesantrino with 17 points. Michael Roman followed closely with 12.

The Township Indians looked to bounce back and get into the winning column in the second game of the tournament against the Penns Manor Comets on December 5. However, the Indians fell short once again and lost with a score of 57-42. The leading scorer was Clayton Blough with a 17 point performance followed by Michael Roman with 11.

The Township Indians had their first regular season game at home against the Rockwood area Rockets. This game went into overtime with the last shot coming from Tyler Curry in the remaining seconds of regulation. However, in overtime the Rockwood Rockets pulled away winning 62-52. The leading scorer was Tyler Curry with 19 points fol-lowed by fellow Junior Ryan Cotchen with 11.

The boys will attempt to get their first win of the season on December 15 against Blacklick Valley.

Varsity Wrestling

The fifth annual Santa Fund Classic was held on Sun-day, November 22. Conemaugh Township was rep-resented well with five players invited to participate. These included senior boys Barry Blank and Clayton Blough and girls Alexis Christofes, Molly Massimo, and Olivia Shaulis. All of these seniors were a part of the girls’ and boys’ South teams. Both of the teams con-sisted of two sides - North and South. The girls’ game took place at 1:15 with the boys’ game directly after. Both the girls’ and boys’ South teams won the games.

Township swept the “Most Valuable Player” honors with Clayton Blough and Olivia Shaulis receiving this honor for their performances in their last high school games.

Olivia Shaulis stated, “It was really rewarding to be a part of something benefiting those less fortunate. To know we were all rivals during our regular seasons and in the end coming together and playing for this valuable cause was so rewarding.”

Santa Fund Soccer

Winter Sports in Review As the fall sports wind down, the winter sports gear up. Because the winter season at Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School has started, many

The Conemaugh Township Area Middle School/High School Wrestling Team and boosters hosted their 48th Annual Conemaugh Township Holiday Tournament.

The teams that attended included Bellwood-Antis, Johnstown, North Star, Tyrone, United, Westmont, and Conemaugh Township.

The Conemaugh Township team officially kicked off its season on December 5 when it took to the mats for the first time. It placed fifth out of seven teams.

Shaun Berzonski at 138 lbs went 4-1, losing only to the eventual winner of his weight bracket. Sean Thomas went 3-2, placing third in his bracket at the tournament. Aaron Griffith also placed third at 132 lbs. Colton Stahl injured his shoulder in his first match and had to forfeit the rest of his matches in the tournament. Nathaniel Thomas was 4-1, placing second. Brandon Stahl went 3-2, placing third.

Aaron Griffith is the son of Dan and Wendy Griffith of Johnstown.

Aaron is a three year letterman on the soccer team and made it onto the All County Second Team. He is also a four year wrestling and one year track and field letterman. Aaron was a WestPAC All Star in wrestling.

In school Aaron is on the National Hon-or Society and Honor Roll consistently. He participates in the musical and on the Scholastic Quiz Team. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish, Science, and Random Acts of Kindness Clubs, and Serving Our Neighbors, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Teens Against Tobacco Use Organizations. He also received the Soccer “Academic Award” three years in a row.

Outside of school, Aaron is involved in his Church Youth Group.

Aaron’s future plan is to attend either Saint Francis or Gannon Uni-versity to become a Physician’s Assistant.

athletes are preparing for it to be successful.

The student athletes participating in both basketball and wrestling have been persistent on the hardwood, mats, and in the weight room as the beginning of their winter sport seasons draw near.

The new strength and conditioning coach, Joe Shetler, has been pleased with these athlete’s progress. “The improvement in the athlete’s strength and overall con-ditioning has been impressive. Many athletes have willingly committed themselves to strength training both during the current season and in the off-season. I am confident this commitment will translate into success in the seasons to come.”

The boys’ basketball team has clearly been working very hard to have a winning season.

Senior Clayton Blough said, “This year we are very ex-cited and ready. Though we don’t have many returning lettermen, we have younger players who are stepping up and contributing.”

Junior, Sarah Alesantrino of the girls’ varsity basketball team stated “we have been working really hard at practice and meshing as one unit. It is great to see the progress we have made since the beginning of the season.”

Senior, Abbey Roberts of the girls varsity basketball team, stated, “This year the Lady Indians look to push to the playoffs. We have a lot of returning players and strong freshmen coming up to fill open positions. By working together we can win a lot of games and hope for a medal, whether it be WestPAC or Districts.”

The wrestling team is short in numbers this year, but hopes to have a successful season with those members it has.

Senior, Sean Thomas, stated, “Although we do not have a full team, with those we have, we can be a pretty solid team.”

Junior Sierra Schubert, rifle team member, also hopes to have a successful team. “This season is full of new faces and more opportunities. I know we’ll shoot great and grow together as a team this year”

Alanna Kozielec is the daughter of Joseph Kozielec of Hollsopple and Melanie Letosky of Richland.

Alanna is a three year letterman in Softball, four year letterman in Rifle, two year letterman in Soccer, and four year letterman as a statistician for the boys’ basketball team.

Outside of school Alanna enjoys hunt-ing, fishing, volunteering at her church,

and giving of her time at Camp PARC. She also enjoys spending her time with friends and family.

Alanna is a member of the Conservation, Random Acts of Kindness, Science, and Ski Clubs. She belongs to the Serving Our Neighbors and Students Against Destructive Decisions organizations and par-ticipates in County Band. Alanna also is the Advertising and Business Manager for the Conemaugh/Connumach/Contownian.

After graduating, Alanna plans on attending the Air Force to be an Air Traffic Controller or part of the Office of Special Investigation.

Alanna Kozielec Aaron Griffith

12.

NEWS WRAP UPTCContownianContownianT h e

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See You in 2016!

The Conemaugh Township Area School District wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. Classes resume January 4, 2016.

Sincerely,

The High School Administration, Faculty, and Staff.

A Holiday WishAdministrative Office

School Calendar

Superintendent.............Thomas Kakabar...................479-7575Business Manager......Regina Rembold.....................479-7431Food Service Director....Adam Thomas.......................479-2328Director of Curriculum....Stacy Dabbs............................479-7575

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

Telephone Numbers

2013 Conemaugh/Connumach Ordering InformationThe 2015-’16 Conemaugh and Connumach yearbooks order forms will be mailed to all students’ homes in January from the Herff Jones Yearbook Company. No extra yearbooks will be available for order through any other method.

The following dates are subject to change

December 23...........................................Early Dismissal - 1 HourDecember 24 - January 3...............Christmas Vacation - No SchoolJanuary 18...........................Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School

January 19.......................................School Board Meeting - 7:00 January 19.........................................End of Second Nine WeeksJanuary 26..................................................Report Cards Issued

January 23............................................................SAT Test Date

May the Holidays and the New Year bring joyful hours,pleasant memories, thoughts of family and friends, and much happiness.

- The Conemaugh/Connumach/Contownian Staff -

May the Holidays and the New Year bring joyful hours,pleasant memories, thoughts of family and friends, and much happiness.

- The Conemaugh/Connumach/Contownian Staff -