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.”

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.

"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.

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

New Club at JHS

Technology Student Association (TSA) will be available to JHS students in the upcoming school year. The Technology Student Association is devoted to the needs of students interested in technology. Members will learn through exciting competitive events, leadership opportunities and much more. The diversity of activities makes TSA a positive experience for every student. Students can work individually or as a team in over 30 different competitions in areas such as agriculture and biotechnology, website design, dragster design, flight challenge, film technology, CAD with 3D modeling, desktop publishing, extemporaneous speaking, radio controlled transportation or scientific visualization. TSA takes the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) beyond the classroom and gives students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests. Members will work on competitive events both in the classroom and after school. They can also attend conferences at the local, state, and national levels, and have a good time raising funds to get there. Education directives at the federal and state levels focus on providing avenues for initiatives such as STEM education. All TSA activities are correlated to the Standards for Technological Literacy, as set forth by the International Technology Education Association (ITEA). TSA’s activities will be used during the school day in the classroom and extend the learning beyond the classroom.

GJHS Launches Robotics Classes

As part of the new Engineering and Technology Department GJHS students will now be able to participate in two Robotics Classes. Robotics is an engaging way to integrate all facets of STEM education into the classroom. The introductory course which began this year gives students a broad base in introductory robotics concepts. Students practice their skills by using robots to solve real-world problems in a classroom environment. The students use the VEX Robotics Design System. VEX offers students an exciting platform for learning about areas rich with career opportunities spanning science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Robotics projects encourage teamwork, leadership and problem solving among groups. Starting in the 2010-11 school year students will have a course offering called competitive robotics. Head-to-head competition is a natural way to capture students' attention. Competitions will be specifically tailored to bring STEM concepts into the classroom. Students who choose Competitive robotics will design, build, test, analyze and then compete against students from other schools at the local, state, and national levels. During the excitement that comes with building and competing with their robots, students will be having too much fun to realize they're learning important STEM concepts and life skills.

Trojans Display at Energy Fair

Greater Johnstown Seniors Tyler Arsenault and Jerrell Hardison designed and created an Eco-friendly model home to display at the Central PA Energy Fair at the Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown. The model includes; working solar panels to light the home, an earthen or “live” roof which made from sod, and double pane tinted windows. Tyler and Jerrell’s display was part of a joint effort among state Representatives Frank Burns, Gary Haluska, and Bryan Barbin, and state Senator John Wozniak aimed at helping area residents and businesses find ways to save money on energy and learn about opportunities in the growing field of alternative energy.