By: Kendra Slis
On the evening of Thursday, December 22nd, more creatures than just the Christmas mouse were stirring through the halls of Greater Johnstown High school as Key Club student members, helpful teachers, and joyful volunteers celebrated the very first “Trojan Family Christmas” event. The main hope of this event is to provide a memorable Christmas celebration for less fortunate elementary students residing in the district who otherwise would not have that opportunity.
Many organizations put their support behind the event including the GJHS Key Club, the GJSD Board of Directors, Representative Bryan Barbin’s Office, the City of Johnstown, the Johnstown Police Department, the Cambria County Child Development Corporation, Johnstown alumnus LaRod Stephens- Howling, Nutrition Inc, ACRP, the Sprangle Family Learning Center, 1st Summit Bank along with countless other helpful individuals. The success of the evening would not have been possible without the support of the prior listed.
The event kicked off around 4:30 as students arrived with their families out of the cold winter air and were welcomed by the JHS chorus singing Christmas carols and escorting them into the JHS auditorium where at the top of the hour Mr. Richard Unger and Bryan Barbin presented a brief welcoming address to all the families in attendance which was followed up by a dramatic reading of “The Night Before Christmas” performed by a talented group of high school students. The reading and performance was a great kickoff to the event and started it off in the true Christmas spirit.
At the conclusion of the performance the students and families in attendance were escorted to the JHS Cafeteria where they were greeted with the sweet and savory smell of a home cooked Christmas dinner with all the fixings provided by Nutrition Inc. Greater Johnstown Alumnus LaRod Stephens-Howling footed the bill for the feast and allowed all families and students in attendance to have a wonderful dinner at this festive holiday event.
With everyone’s stomachs full from an extravagant Key Club students kept the festivities going by assisting the elementary students in attendance with making various Christmas crafts such as reindeer food, holiday puppets, paper plate snowmen, and Christmas tree ornaments just to name a few. The Key Club members also read stories to the children, helped them write letters to Santa, and decorated sugar cookies for them to enjoy. Families were served refreshments and relaxed and socialized with each other to the merry and jolly tunes of holiday music in the background and with a festive atmosphere all around them.
As the evening began to wind down and the festivities were coming to come a close the biggest surprise of all arrived… Santa! All the children were given the opportunity to meet with Santa who gave them a special Christmas gift, provided by generous donations from supporters of the event. All in all, the first ever Trojan Family Christmas was an amazing success putting everyone in attendance in the Christmas spirit. As the families were sent on their way, each and every person left with a huge smile on their face and would make their way back home to their beds. And with the help of the first ever Trojan Family Christmas would surely have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads.
Friday, December 23, 2011
A Very Merry Trojan Family Christmas
By: Kiersten Szczur
The Greater Johnstown High School is presenting its first annual Very Merry Trojan Family Christmas this Thursday, December 22, for all children of the school district along with their families. This event is sure to bring all of the joy and wonder typically associated with the holiday season to the hearts of the individuals who attend. From welcoming carolers at the door, to a visit from jolly old Saint Nicholas, the event replicates an ideal "Night Before Christmas." The event, which will take place in Johnstown High School's Cochran Auditorium is set to begin at 4:30 pm with a brief welcoming by Mr. Richard Unger and state representative, Bryan Barbin, occurring a half-hour later at 5. The students will be able to enjoy a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" with the accompaniment of a small drama presentation, just before helping themselves to a holiday meal with all of the traditional fixings. Each child who attends the event will receive a nice gift from Santa Claus before he sends them on their way and returns to the North Pole to continue his preparation for Christmas Eve. The event is planned to end between the times of 7:30-8pm. Thanks to the Greater Johnstown Key Club, along with numerous other sponsors, this Trojan Family Christmas can lead to tremendous memories which last within the minds of so many children for years!
The Greater Johnstown High School is presenting its first annual Very Merry Trojan Family Christmas this Thursday, December 22, for all children of the school district along with their families. This event is sure to bring all of the joy and wonder typically associated with the holiday season to the hearts of the individuals who attend. From welcoming carolers at the door, to a visit from jolly old Saint Nicholas, the event replicates an ideal "Night Before Christmas." The event, which will take place in Johnstown High School's Cochran Auditorium is set to begin at 4:30 pm with a brief welcoming by Mr. Richard Unger and state representative, Bryan Barbin, occurring a half-hour later at 5. The students will be able to enjoy a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" with the accompaniment of a small drama presentation, just before helping themselves to a holiday meal with all of the traditional fixings. Each child who attends the event will receive a nice gift from Santa Claus before he sends them on their way and returns to the North Pole to continue his preparation for Christmas Eve. The event is planned to end between the times of 7:30-8pm. Thanks to the Greater Johnstown Key Club, along with numerous other sponsors, this Trojan Family Christmas can lead to tremendous memories which last within the minds of so many children for years!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Press Relelase: Powerschool Mobile Apps – Coming Soon
December 8, 2011
In a continued effort to strengthen and reinforce the lines of communication between the school and home, the Greater Johnstown School District is excited to share the following information regarding the expansion of Powerschool access to mobile phones through the Apple IPhone device.
“In January 2012, Pearson will launch two new mobile apps: PowerSchool for Parents and PowerSchool for Students.
These new apps will allow parents and students to access all the same information they would normally access from a browser, but with the ease and convenience of an app installed on their Apple mobile device.
Automatic login, a family overview, simplified "one-thumb" browsing, and other features make accessing PowerSchool on the go faster and easier than ever before.
The apps will be FREE and available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store. Version 1.0 of the apps will be supported on any Apple iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad running iOS version 4.0 or higher.”
Please feel free to contact your son or daughter’s school with any questions that you might have regarding access to the Powerschool student information system.
In a continued effort to strengthen and reinforce the lines of communication between the school and home, the Greater Johnstown School District is excited to share the following information regarding the expansion of Powerschool access to mobile phones through the Apple IPhone device.
“In January 2012, Pearson will launch two new mobile apps: PowerSchool for Parents and PowerSchool for Students.
These new apps will allow parents and students to access all the same information they would normally access from a browser, but with the ease and convenience of an app installed on their Apple mobile device.
Automatic login, a family overview, simplified "one-thumb" browsing, and other features make accessing PowerSchool on the go faster and easier than ever before.
The apps will be FREE and available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store. Version 1.0 of the apps will be supported on any Apple iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad running iOS version 4.0 or higher.”
Please feel free to contact your son or daughter’s school with any questions that you might have regarding access to the Powerschool student information system.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Model United Nations
Nuclear proliferation, biological diversity, the Arab Spring, and the environmental and economic impact of multi-national corporations – These were a few of the topics debated at this year’s Model United Nations competition sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Student Council on World Affairs. Students from 5 area schools took on the challenge of representing an assigned country in a simulation of the United Nations. These student-delegates not only had to research the topics of debate, but also had to become experts on their assigned country. They studied demographics, economic systems, governments, natural resources, infrastructure, alliances, etc. and then argue the assigned topics from their nation’s perspective. “It provides a unique learning experience for all students involved,” said Mr. Thomas Staib, one of the advisors at the event. “The students are researching, writing, debating and then working cooperatively with other students to develop and present potential solutions to some pretty complex problems.”
The 20-student delegation from Greater Johnstown turned in a dominant performance, winning outright, or sharing the honor of Best Delegate in 3 of the 4 categories awarded, as well as winning 3 honorable mentions for the Best Delegate award. Nick Subich, Angie Stolar, and Kiersten Szczur were all recognized as Best Delegate in their respective committees, and Carly Cernic, Clare Stem, and Denzel Sullivan won Honorable mention for their efforts. Mr. Heinrich, another advisor to the group, said: “I am really excited about their performance. We have a lot of great students at this school that can compete with anyone academically. These students put in long hours after school and earned this recognition.”
Monday, October 31, 2011
Healthy Lessons
By: Kendra Slis
On Tuesday October 18th 2011 the Doc Stofko Gymnasium of JHS was transformed into a health fair as vendors from across the area brought their knowledge and experience to share with students and staff members. Some of the information that was presented ranged from tobacco use, driving safety, personal hygiene, eating habits, and drugs and alcohol. At the health fair students were given the opportunity to explore around and stop at the various vendors, ask questions, and even participate in some hands-on activities that the vendors had brought with them. These activities ranged from checking height and weight, having blood pressure taken, and wearing special “drunk goggles” which showed students just how hard it is to do simple activities like walk a straight line, catch a ball, or give someone a high five when you are under the influence. Vendors also had drawings which students could enter their names into to win various prizes, such as a free one hour massage, personal hygiene gift baskets, and gift cards to retail store chains. The students who won the drawings were notified the following day. All in all the event was a worthwhile learning experience which will hopefully result in everyone living a more healthy and nutritious lifestyle.
On Tuesday October 18th 2011 the Doc Stofko Gymnasium of JHS was transformed into a health fair as vendors from across the area brought their knowledge and experience to share with students and staff members. Some of the information that was presented ranged from tobacco use, driving safety, personal hygiene, eating habits, and drugs and alcohol. At the health fair students were given the opportunity to explore around and stop at the various vendors, ask questions, and even participate in some hands-on activities that the vendors had brought with them. These activities ranged from checking height and weight, having blood pressure taken, and wearing special “drunk goggles” which showed students just how hard it is to do simple activities like walk a straight line, catch a ball, or give someone a high five when you are under the influence. Vendors also had drawings which students could enter their names into to win various prizes, such as a free one hour massage, personal hygiene gift baskets, and gift cards to retail store chains. The students who won the drawings were notified the following day. All in all the event was a worthwhile learning experience which will hopefully result in everyone living a more healthy and nutritious lifestyle.
"In the Fight for the Cure"
By: Kendra Slis
Real men wear pink. On Friday October 14th 2011, the Greater Johnstown Trojan football team took on the Bishop McCort Crushers in what has become known as one of the biggest local rivalries. However, on October 14th, the focus was not only on the rivalry but on another battle, the battle against breast cancer.
The Trojans’ annual “Pink Game” was organized this year through the cooperative efforts of Representative Bryan Barbin and the Greater Johnstown Key Club. The event this year was bigger and better than ever and was organized with the hope of raising awareness and bringing attention to this terrible disease that effects the lives of 1 in every 8 women in the United States. The first major activity in the “Pink Game” was the selling of pink “In the fight for the cure” t-shirts which were available for purchase to students, staff, faculty, and the community. The intention of these shirts was for the entire Trojan Stadium to become a sea of pink on the evening of the 14th and send a powerful visual reminder that the community is willing to band together to find a cure.
On the evening of the game two additional events were on agenda. A 2-mile “Walk for the Cure” was held in order to bring attention to the dire need to fight this disease and find a cure once and for all. Participants in the walk were asked to register and give a $10 donation but participants sporting a pink “In the Fight for the Cure” shirt had the donation waived. The walk could be chalked up as a success as participants marched through the rain and shine to show their support for finding a cure and were encouraged by the beeps and honks of car horns as they drove by showing their support of the walkers’ mission. Following the arrival back at the school, a tailgate was held with free food, music, and entertainment allowing fans to show their support in finding a cure, get into the Trojan spirit, and prepare for the epic battle that would follow.
The game itself was without a doubt an exciting one and Trojan faithful rejoiced as the Men of Troy defeated their rivals from down the street with a score of 41-20. However, not only did the game result in a victory for the Trojans but students, teachers, and members of the community could leave feeling good as they had hosted a successful event that raised awareness about and contribute towards the goal of finding a cure for breast cancer. The evening all in all showcased the real power of pink.
Real men wear pink. On Friday October 14th 2011, the Greater Johnstown Trojan football team took on the Bishop McCort Crushers in what has become known as one of the biggest local rivalries. However, on October 14th, the focus was not only on the rivalry but on another battle, the battle against breast cancer.
The Trojans’ annual “Pink Game” was organized this year through the cooperative efforts of Representative Bryan Barbin and the Greater Johnstown Key Club. The event this year was bigger and better than ever and was organized with the hope of raising awareness and bringing attention to this terrible disease that effects the lives of 1 in every 8 women in the United States. The first major activity in the “Pink Game” was the selling of pink “In the fight for the cure” t-shirts which were available for purchase to students, staff, faculty, and the community. The intention of these shirts was for the entire Trojan Stadium to become a sea of pink on the evening of the 14th and send a powerful visual reminder that the community is willing to band together to find a cure.
On the evening of the game two additional events were on agenda. A 2-mile “Walk for the Cure” was held in order to bring attention to the dire need to fight this disease and find a cure once and for all. Participants in the walk were asked to register and give a $10 donation but participants sporting a pink “In the Fight for the Cure” shirt had the donation waived. The walk could be chalked up as a success as participants marched through the rain and shine to show their support for finding a cure and were encouraged by the beeps and honks of car horns as they drove by showing their support of the walkers’ mission. Following the arrival back at the school, a tailgate was held with free food, music, and entertainment allowing fans to show their support in finding a cure, get into the Trojan spirit, and prepare for the epic battle that would follow.
The game itself was without a doubt an exciting one and Trojan faithful rejoiced as the Men of Troy defeated their rivals from down the street with a score of 41-20. However, not only did the game result in a victory for the Trojans but students, teachers, and members of the community could leave feeling good as they had hosted a successful event that raised awareness about and contribute towards the goal of finding a cure for breast cancer. The evening all in all showcased the real power of pink.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Trojans Wear Red
BY: Kendra Slis
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Every 34 seconds a person in the United States dies from heart disease. The statistics are shocking. However, on Friday September 9th 2011 the Johnstown Trojan Football Boosters in association with the GJHS Key Club, the Trojan College Access Center, and the American Heart Foundation made a cooperative effort to do their part in trying to lower these statistics. Thus, during the first football home game of the season versus Penn Cambria the Johnstown Trojans hosted the first ever “Trojans Trample Heart Disease” game.
This special event’s concept was created with the memory of Brenda King in the minds and hearts of students and staff members. Mrs. King was the mother of recent Greater Johnstown High School graduates John and Jennifer King. Mrs. King had lost her battle with heart disease and passed away in the spring of 2011 and is dearly missed by many. The special “Trojans Trample Heart Disease” game was held in her honor. To help promote the cause special “Trojans Wear Red” apparel was sold in the preceding days before the event and also made available during the game. The design on the shirts featured the “Trojans Wear Red” phrase along with a red ribbon, the American Heart Foundation logo, and Brenda King’s initials. Proceeds from the shirts went towards a donation to be made to the American Heart Foundation in memory of Mrs. King. Also proceeds will go towards a scholarship created by the Trojan College Access Center honoring Brenda King’s namesake.
The game itself turned out to be a huge success. As fans entered the stadium they were greeted by dozens and dozens of red balloons, a huge mural on the scoreboard fence reading B. King, and signs and banners supporting the cause adorned Trojan Stadium. Fans showed up ready to cheer wearing their red apparel and everywhere you looked the color was present, it filled one’s heart with joy. Even though the skies let loose close to the end of the game the Trojan faithful stuck around to cheer on their team. In the end the Trojans did their job by defeating the Penn Cambria Panthers 31-8. But the Trojans also did their part in supporting a truly worthwhile cause
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Every 34 seconds a person in the United States dies from heart disease. The statistics are shocking. However, on Friday September 9th 2011 the Johnstown Trojan Football Boosters in association with the GJHS Key Club, the Trojan College Access Center, and the American Heart Foundation made a cooperative effort to do their part in trying to lower these statistics. Thus, during the first football home game of the season versus Penn Cambria the Johnstown Trojans hosted the first ever “Trojans Trample Heart Disease” game.
This special event’s concept was created with the memory of Brenda King in the minds and hearts of students and staff members. Mrs. King was the mother of recent Greater Johnstown High School graduates John and Jennifer King. Mrs. King had lost her battle with heart disease and passed away in the spring of 2011 and is dearly missed by many. The special “Trojans Trample Heart Disease” game was held in her honor. To help promote the cause special “Trojans Wear Red” apparel was sold in the preceding days before the event and also made available during the game. The design on the shirts featured the “Trojans Wear Red” phrase along with a red ribbon, the American Heart Foundation logo, and Brenda King’s initials. Proceeds from the shirts went towards a donation to be made to the American Heart Foundation in memory of Mrs. King. Also proceeds will go towards a scholarship created by the Trojan College Access Center honoring Brenda King’s namesake.
The game itself turned out to be a huge success. As fans entered the stadium they were greeted by dozens and dozens of red balloons, a huge mural on the scoreboard fence reading B. King, and signs and banners supporting the cause adorned Trojan Stadium. Fans showed up ready to cheer wearing their red apparel and everywhere you looked the color was present, it filled one’s heart with joy. Even though the skies let loose close to the end of the game the Trojan faithful stuck around to cheer on their team. In the end the Trojans did their job by defeating the Penn Cambria Panthers 31-8. But the Trojans also did their part in supporting a truly worthwhile cause
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