Reading Buddies

Members of the GJHS Key Club visited with the students of West Side Elementary again this month to encourage good decision making skills, leadership, and to stress the importance and fun of reading. The Reading Buddies program has become an annual program for the Key Club, and one that they really enjoy. “It is great because the elementary students see “cool” kids from the high school reading, and having fun. It shows them that reading is cool.” said Deanna Boerstler. The program helps the older students as well. Boerstler leads a team of Key Clubbers who gain a real-world service-learning experience, by researching age-appropriate books, raising the funds to purchase the books, and then planning a reflection activity that reinforces the themes of the reading. “The younger students learn that reading is fun and the older students learn a lot about the importance of setting a good example, as they practice critical thinking and intra-personal skills.” said Key Club Advisor Tom Staib. The program takes place once a month, and involves about 20 high school students reading with the Pre-K through 3rd grade classes at West Side. Mrs. Kelly Thomas, who coordinates the program at West Side, reports that her students love the program, and is hopeful that it can be continued next school year.

Kyra Miller Awarded the REB Scholarship from UPJ

Kyra Miller, a senior at GJHS, has been awarded the REB scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. This scholarship provides tuition for four years and pays for books and fees as well. Students do not apply for this scholarship, but are chosen by the Office of Admissions out of the incoming freshman class; the office chooses only 40 recipients for this honor out of well over 1,000 potential candidates.

The REB Scholarship was created from the donation of a generous Alumnus who wanted to help local students succeed at the University. This donor set the qualifications of the scholarship which include a GPA limit, SAT score, living area, and financial need. Recipients of this scholarship must be in the top 15% of their class, earn at least a 1200 on their reading and math SATs, and live in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Indiana, or Westmoreland County for at least three years. Kyra has met these criteria and is overwhelmed by this honor that will enable her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.

Jenna Lindrose chosen for Mercy Presidential Scholarship

GJHS Senior Jenna Lindrose will be attending Mount Aloysius College in the fall of 2011 to study radiology and ultrasonography. And thanks to her hard work and involvement while at GJHS, she will do so with the help of the Mercy Presidential Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship offered at Mount Aloysius College. As a recipient, Jenna has scored a minimum of a 1530 SAT score, has a minimum of a 3.3 QPA and wrote an essay highlighting justice, mercy, service, and hospitality- four values which are held as the most important by Mount Aloysius. As a candidate, Jenna is required to continue to demonstrate a solid academic record, and commitment to her home, school, and community. She must also exhibit leadership abilities, participation in extra-curricular activities, volunteer, and be involved in community service projects while attending the Mount.

Jenna had the honor of receiving the Mercy Presidential Scholarship at a banquet dinner on March 25, 2011. The Mercy Presidential Scholarship is offered to only 30 new first year students each fall. It is worth a total of $40,000, averaging $10,000 each academic year for a 4-year bachelor degree.

ROCK THE DOG!

Talented students from GJHS held the first ever “Rock the Dog” open mic night on May 14th. Participants played instruments, sang songs, read original poetry, and shared stories. The evening culminated in many musical cast members singing show tunes and improvising raps. “I am amazed every time I get to see our students show off their talents,” said Mr. Heinrich. “We have some incredible singers, song writers and poets here at JHS.”
Why “Rock the Dog” you ask? The event was sponsored by the GJHS Key Club who are donating all proceeds from the event to Nardeccia Spade and Neutering.

Empty Bowls Hunger Awareness Program

Many of our area residents realize that the problem of human hunger does exist today, but many feel that this is something occurring only in other parts of the United States or the world. The fact is however, that hunger and homelessness is occurring every day, right here in Johnstown.

Last year, students involved in the Greater Johnstown High School Key Club instituted the “Empty Bowls-Hunger Awareness Project.” For several months, club members gathered data and disseminated information throughout the area regarding the seriousness of hunger as a social issue. They worked diligently, making over 500 ceramic bowls, advertising, selling tickets, and organizing over 6 local agencies and over 100 volunteers who participated in the event. What they put together was nothing less than spectacular. The 2010 Empty Bowls Event combined a delicious meal of soup and bread, a variety of local entertainment, and educational information on hunger and homelessness on a beautiful Johnstown spring evening. The 2011 version promises to be every bit as remarkable.

This year’s project will culminate with the “Empty Bowls” dinner Wednesday, May 4, 2011 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Saint Mary’s Byzantine Church hall and pavilion in Cambria City. Tickets are available to the general public, entitling them to a simple meal of bread and soup and exposure to information that will help define the needs of hunger and homelessness within our area. Key Club members will decorate handcrafted bowls for the event. The “empty bowls” (hand made ceramic bowls that guests get to keep with each paid ticket) are to symbolize the plight of some of our less fortunate neighbors. All guests will enjoy a variety of cross-cultural entertainment along with their soup and bread. Local human service agencies will have information available that evening detailing how they work to fight these problems in our own community.

The project is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Learn and Serve Program. This program provides funds for students to participate in service-learning projects that intersect with the Commonwealth’s Standards of Education in the classroom.

Proceeds will be donated to St. Vincent DePaul, the Women’s Help Center, and the Salvation Army.

The tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

For more information or ticket information, please call 814-533-5601, ext. 1330.



-Rob Heinrich

SPRING WELLNESS

FREE Health and Fitness Event for high school students,
their parents and grandparents!

GJHS, in collaboration with Conemaugh Health System, will host a Spring Wellness day on May 21st. During this time, there will be FREE Heart Health Screens for Parents & Grandparents of participating students! Furthermore, local schools are encouraged to send their student organizations to participate in this wonderful event.

Screening requires 12 hour fast and includes: Risk assessment for heart disease and diabetes,
computerized print-out with on-site education from a nurse, comprehensive blood test, blood pressure,
body fat analysis, weight and body mass index. Vascular screen included also.
Screens available for the first 100 registered adults with student participation.
To register, call toll-free 1-866-839-3867 before May 11.

Other Adult Activities
Pet Therapy • Dietary, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Education


Area High Schools invited to participate:
Bishop McCort Conemaugh Township
Davidsville Christian Ferndale
Forest Hills Johnstown Career & Technology
Johnstown Christian Ligonier
Richland Westmont
Windber

For information, call Mike Vuckovich,
GJHS Principal, 814-533-5601.

Saturday, May 21 • 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Greater Johnstown High School • Central Avenue