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FBLA Is Continuing to Grow as Students Prepare for Their Competitive Season

By: Maggie Voyda, HC Observer

Homer Center High School’s FBLA, otherwise known as Future Business Leaders of America, is heading into a strong year thanks to the rising participation, solid preparation, and renewed student commitment.

With competitive events, like states and nationals, community and school involvement, and bright new opportunities for students, FBLA is continuing to expand throughout our high school. This club, which meets up once or twice a month, is helping students develop leadership and career skills, which they may need throughout their future lives. To be able to be successful in these goals, FBLA advisor Mrs. Hannah Gnagey focused on recruiting and motivating students to be committed to the club so that they show higher success at competitions.

“I think a lot of the success of the club really does depend on the commitment of students. So if they pick an academic event that they're really interested in or they kind of do that extra prep or studying or effort, that tends to set their projects and test scores apart and lead to the qualification for states or beyond that” (Hannah Gnagey, Homer- Center FBLA Advisor).

Although there haven’t been major organizational changes involved in the club so far this year, the club started meetings earlier this year, rather than starting in late October. This small change can help FBLA avoid last-minute time crunches so that they are fully prepared for their competitions. Still, advisor Hannah Gnagey believes attendance and dedication is the ultimate reason that students will have individual success.

The growth in the club proves that FBLA has had multiple successes throughout the years. Even though this aspect of the club wasn’t measured by a trophy or medal, it’s important, especially when focusing on bigger competitions like states and nationals. Not only does growing the club help with competitions, it also helps the students involved gain the opportunities that FBLA gives to them such as the networking side of things and traveling to different areas.

An example of the club's growth was when Gnagey mentioned, “ When I got hired here at Homer Center, there were only seven registered members and in the past two years, we’ve increased that over double so now this year we have 21 members” (Hannah Gnagey, Homer- Center FBLA advisor).

As for what’s next for the FBLA club at Homer-Center, expect to see a growth in membership, more successes throughout competition, and involvement in the school and community environment. If you consider joining FBLA in the future, advisor Hannah Gnagey will ensure you understand the amazing benefits and opportunities that FBLA provides each student.

Homer- Center Appreciates Veterans

Through Food Drive Donations

By Joss Bence and Sarah Schmidt, HCHS Media

Students and faculty from the Homer-Center School District have come together this fall to support local veterans through a large-scale food drive. The initiative, led by the National Honor Society (NHS), invited students to donate canned and non-perishable food items throughout the past several weeks, helping to restock local food pantries and directly benefit veterans in the community.

The effort was inspired by a shared desire to give back to those who have served. Art teacher Mrs. Schref, who helped organize the event, expressed her pride in the school community’s involvement. “It’s important for students to be part of something bigger than themselves,” she said. “This project gives them a meaningful way to show gratitude to the people who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy every day.”

The drive was not only about collecting food, it was about creating a culture of appreciation and understanding. Another goal of the initiative was to connect the school district to the community it serves.

The food drive ties in with Homer-Center’s broader commitment to civic engagement and community service. These types of projects help students put those values into practice in a real, meaningful way. “We talk a lot about character and responsibility in our classrooms,” said Mrs. Schref.

The National Honor Society has long been involved in service initiatives at Homer-Center, but this year’s focus on veterans has added a deeper layer of meaning. NHS advisors explained that the project not only fulfills the organization’s goal of developing leadership and service, but also helps students build empathy and awareness of local needs.

The Veterans Food Drive is just one of several community-centered events taking place at Homer-Center this season. In the coming weeks, the school will hold another food drive to support local families during the Thanksgiving holiday, along with the annual Veterans Day Assembly, which took place on Monday, November 10th (and can be rewatched the Homer-Center School District YouTube channel). A blood drive, inviting members of the community, as well as students and staff in school, was held on Wednesday November 12th. Each donation can help save up to three lives.

Students are currently organizing a SNAP Benefit food drive. Community members who wish to contribute can drop off non-perishable food items at the school office during regular hours. At Homer-Center, service projects like these are more than just community outreach, they are lessons in gratitude, unity, and the power of small acts to make a big difference.

More Than a Game: How Sideline Cancer Joins Communities

By: Maggie Voyda, HC Observer

When cancer enters the Griffith family’s life, it evokes not only sorrow but a powerful mission. Thereafter, Sideline Cancer stands as a reminder that, even in the face of devastating diagnoses, hope and community can still thrive.

Sideline Cancer is, in the words of Jordan Griffith, the executive director of The Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation, a non-profit from Hollidaysburg, PA that has donated over $600,000 to support pancreatic cancer research and patient financial assistance. “Sideline Cancer was created when my dad, Greg Griffith, was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer two days after scoring 38 points in a 40 and over game at the age of 48,” says Jordan Griffith. “He was given 2-6 weeks to live, but ended up living 19 months before his death in August of 2011.”

At first, The Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation, now trademarked as Sideline Cancer, solely focused on donating money to Pancreatic Cancer Research. In 2022, Jordan and Cathy made a turn towards assisting patients, which has made a tremendous impact on communities. Choosing sporting events as the main basis helped people to know where exactly the money was going to. “We chose sporting events because we saw the success of Pink Games and whatnot, but the money was going to an outside organization and you don’t always know where the money is going,” says Jordan Griffith.

Allowing community members to choose the recipients sparks determination to donate and help the patient. Being able to know a recipient personally has greatly impacted my respect for the Sideline Cancer organization. My mother, Kristie Voyda, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, first in 2016 and again in 2023. My family has always been sports driven which was why it was an honor to have her recognized at the Sideline Cancer game in 2023. It was also special that my brother, Max Voyda, and I got to play in the games where she was recognized. I can speak for the both of us in saying that the thing that motivated us to play as hard as we could was for her.

“I think being the recipient of this fundraiser and game made me feel very loved and supported by the community and I think that when you are going through something like cancer, having support and knowing that people are there for you to help you or your family or they are praying for you and that they care about you, helps to lift your spirits and it makes going through treatment and being sick worth it,” says my mother Kristie Voyda.

On January 20th, 2026, the Homer-Center Wildcats are hosting the United Lions for the Sideline Cancer game and the patient recipients were Richard Hixon and Jena Umbel, both community members between the two schools. Richard Hixon was a pillar for both communities and was a coach for multiple student athletes. Richard sadly passed away in November of 2025 and is now being honored at the upcoming game. Jena Umbel is also a vital member of the community and her son even participates on the United High School basketball team.

The United-Homer-Center Sideline Cancer games have continued to grow into a meaningful tradition. Year after year, these matchups raise thousands of dollars for local families and even though these two teams have a fierce rivalry, at the end of the day, they come together for the patients in need. Caleb McAdoo, assistant coach for the United Lions boys basketball team and Biology teacher at Homer-Center High School says, “For this game, I want my team to be focused on the task of helping the patients in need and I want them to unite with the other team under the colors of purple, which would be the Sideline Cancer colors.”

Even though both teams are preparing for the game and ready to take down the other team, Matthew Rodkey, Head Coach of the United High School boys basketball team and Vice Principal at Homer-Center High School, reminds us that, “It’s about two communities coming together, you know, and literally just playing a game. This is life and it’s great that we can wake up and help people out.” While the scoreboard reflects the outcome of the game, the true victory is shown through the unity created inside the gym. It’s a reminder that teamwork extends far beyond the court.

Sideline Cancer is more than a foundation- it’s a movement fueled by athletes, students, families, and communities who believe in the power of action. Even through a high school rivalry game, Sideline Cancer continues to prove that sports can do more than just entertain, but that they can inspire, provide support, and change lives. Having hope, unity, and compassion, Sideline Cancer exhibits that cancer is faced head-on, together.

Recruitment Trail… For Officiating. Event to be Held at Primanti Brothers

By Phoebe Compton, HCHS Media

Students at Homer-Center School District recently had the opportunity to hear from longtime PIAA official Mr. Garritano, who visited the high school to spark interest in officiating among young athletes and students. With 46 years of experience under his belt, Garritano brings a lifetime of perspective to the conversation—having served in more than 30 district championships and at least 17 PIAA state finals throughout his distinguished career.

During his presentation, Garritano emphasized that officiating offers students a meaningful way to stay connected to the sports they love long after their playing days wind down. He explained that with only about 2% of high school athletes continuing their athletic careers beyond graduation, most students eventually leave competitive play behind. Officiating, he said, provides a rewarding alternative for those who still want to be part of the action.

Garritano also addressed a common hesitation many young people express when considering officiating: dealing with spectators. He acknowledged that parent behavior has become a challenge in recent years, but he encouraged students not to let that discourage them. Many fans, he noted, watch professional games on weekends and expect the same level of performance from high school athletes and officials—an unrealistic comparison that often leads to frustration.

He stressed, however, that good sportsmanship from everyone involved—players, coaches, and spectators—can greatly reduce tension. And when frustration does occur, Garritano reminded students that criticism isn’t personal. “Parents aren’t yelling at you,” he explained. “They’re yelling at the job. It’s no different than being yelled at by a coach. You can’t take it to heart.”

Beyond the game itself, Garritano spoke about the valuable life skills officiating builds. Officials learn how to handle tough losses, celebrate wins with humility, communicate effectively under pressure, and manage conflict—skills that translate well into college, careers, and everyday life. Officiating also expands professional and social networks. “You meet people you’d never cross paths with otherwise,” he said, noting that these connections often open unexpected doors in the future.

And for students looking for a practical incentive, Garritano pointed out another perk: you get paid for every game you officiate—a helpful bonus for teens and young adults.

For those interested in learning more or beginning the certification process, an informational event will be held on November 20 at 7:00 p.m. at Primanti Brothers in Indiana, PA. Representatives will be available to answer questions and guide new officials through the first steps.

Garritano hopes his visit encourages more young people to consider the path he has loved for nearly five decades. As schools across Pennsylvania face a growing shortage of officials, the next generation of referees may very well come from students sitting in Homer-Center’s classrooms today.

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