October Articles

Spotlight on new classes at MASH

By Bekka Kreitman

MASH is offering a variety of new classes this year for students. Continue reading to learn which one is right for you.

If you love math, check out the new Data Science class. To be eligible for this class, you first need to complete both Algebra 1, level 2 and Geometry, level 2. If you choose to take this course, you will learn all about data, in both the professional world as well as in day-to-day life. You will learn about using data in real-world situations, and try this out on your own. Instead of focusing on pen and paper calculations, in data science, you take a different approach to a normal math class. You will analyze information, critically question, identify patterns, and generate hypotheses in order to solve real-world problems using data.

If science is more your thing, look out for AP Environmental Science. This class can only be taken as a junior or senior, as you must have completed both Earth & Space Science and Biology before you take this course. During this course, you will learn about the natural world through science; using crosscutting concepts, specific science practices, and procedures unique to science, you will investigate the connected network of the natural world. You will also talk about the environment and its current problems, both man-made and natural, and determine possible solutions to these problems through identification, analysis, and evaluation. In addition, you will talk about environmental justice, calculate the risk that environmental problems have, and find a feasible way to avert these issues. Note that in this course, you will not be talking about just environmental science; this course is a melting pot of many sciences, including biology, chemistry, geography, and geology.

Do you like the media? Do you like classes that are interactive? Then you might like the new Contemporary Storytelling course at MASH. In this class, students focus on advancing their knowledge of media literacy, learn about how short-form and long-form documentary is made from pre-production (conceptualizing and researching a story) to post-production (editing the final product). Mrs. Vriens, who designed the course, explains, "While studying stories, students are also learning the technicalities surrounding media production." According to·Vriens, students are in the process of producing a documentary about the legacy murals around the school. With some of the class murals being painted over in upcoming construction, they’re conducting interviews and compiling media to share with the school community about these works of art spanning from 2003 to present day. Then, in marking period 2, students will take on their own independent short-form documentary. Vriens shared, "All of this is made possible through the equipment purchase of a Wildcat Foundation grant. From set lighting to professional audio mics, we now have the equipment to make cinematic quality projects."

Finally, if you prefer theater, or even just enjoy watching movies, then Film Literacy might be for you! Open to all grades with no necessary prerequisites, this class teaches you about the inner workings of film. You will learn how film uses literary devices to their advantage to better develop the plot, and work on recognizing these elements as well as critically analyzing a film. You will also be debating, writing, and studying film, which will set you up for success in our ever-changing world of technology. This class is sure to prepare you for the real world - a world where both knowledge of technology and critical thinking skills will serve you well.

These are just a few of the newest classes offered here at MASH. For a full list of course offerings, check out the district website or talk to your guidance counselor.

Do freshmen need

Freshman Academy?

By Charley Riley

Freshman Academy is a new program started in the Mechanicsburg High School with the goal to help freshmen adapt to their new environment. It was started because of struggling students from the class of 2025, and is new to the school as of this school year. It has been used to teach freshmen how to study, how to manage time, and to always make your bed, among other things. However, is it as successful as the school hoped it would be? Does it help us or harm us?

Although administration has the right idea, it is executed poorly. A period at the end of the day to help freshmen, like me, transition into the new school is a smart idea, especially considering how daunting high school can be. However, I believe the wrong idea is being conveyed on some things. What freshmen are learning in Freshman Academy is information ninth graders should know by now. Concepts such as code switching and time management are not new to us.We’ve been learning these things since Kindergarten, and because these are things we already know, it makes the sessions where we focus on them boring.

There is no new information for most freshmen to retain, and it feels redundant. There are other things we could be focusing on, such as learning the layout of the school. For the first few weeks, it was confusing, and we had to just figure it out on our own. We could also talk about the staff, and where to find them. For example, I have almost no idea who the counselors are, or where to find them. Learning about who the teachers are could also be useful. There are many other topics that could be discussed. However, enough of my opinion, let's see what other students think of Freshman Academy.

When asked his feelings on freshman academy, Gavin Parsons replied, “I have to say that, half the time that we spend there we don’t actually do anything relevant. I understand the point of it, and I understand why we have to do it, but I believe that it’s just really stupid. I don’t like how it feels like we are doing mindless tasks to just pass the time. We’re not actually learning how to be a better student; half the time we are just sitting in class, watching a video about a motivational speech, making your bed in the morning, or to not be disrespectful to teachers. Yes, you are trying to educate us kids how to act proper, but I feel like there are more than enough kids that act the way you want us to act, than kids who are on their phones all class period, or who talk back to teachers, or whatever. The kids that do this stuff should be punished, rather than punishing everyone else.”

In addition, Neve Bordlemay shared, “I think that freshman academy is unnecessary for most freshmen. Everything we've done, we have done in computer classes in middle school. It's also inconvenient for older siblings than can drive. Now they or parents have to take another trip back to the school to pick up a freshman sibling or child. Though I agree some freshmen may need these skills, most already know them and apply them. The school could use freshman academy as a study hall because most kids who do things like band, orchestra, etc. may have no study halls and are forced to do homework at home.”

As you can see, all freshman interviewed, even ones I didn’t include, can agree on this: Freshman Academy, as of right now, doesn’t feel needed and is boring. However, this isn’t true for everyone. So to refer back to the two questions, they don’t have a clear answer. The fact is, Freshman Academy benefits us all in different ways. To some it may be needed, helpful, and successful, while to others, it may be boring, unneeded, and a waste of time. It all depends on who you ask.

New teachers join MASH

By Chelsea Guan

A new school year brings you many new experiences, memories, and people you can encounter, both students, staff, as well as teachers. Let’s shine the spotlight on the new teachers here at MASH and get to know them a little bit!

Ms. Rosenberger teaches 12th-grade Capstone Communications and 9th-grade English. She enjoys reading, playing music, and swing dancing outside of teaching.

When asked about her feelings regarding being a teacher at MASH so far, she said, “I really enjoy teaching at MASH so far. It’s awesome to have a team of teachers I can work with here. My last school was really tiny, so I was the only teacher for 3 grades in a row!”

Adding on, something Ms. Rosenberger would like to tell all her students that you can always ask her questions and she’ll be happy to answer them.

“Questions are the best way to learn. You can only do yourself a favor by asking, explained Ms. Rosenberger.” So if you ever have a question you want to ask her, ask away!

Along with Ms. Rosenberger, this is Ms. West’s first year teaching 9th-grade Health and P.E. at MASH. When not in school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as shopping at TJMAXX. She’s also in the process of wedding planning with an almost 10-month-old chocolate lab, named Kona who keeps her and her fiance very busy! Prior to this year, she was a middle school PE teacher for 3 years and she’s very grateful to have been selected to teach here because it was definitely time for a change!

“Everyone down in the Health and Physical Education Department is so collaborative with one another. I was a tad nervous about teaching high school, but all of my students are enthusiastic about health and PE.”

Something she wants to tell her students is “to enjoy high school, make memories with your friends, and participate in as many activities the school has as possible [and] you grow the most when you're outside of your comfort zone.”

Also when you see her in the hallways, please continue saying “HI MISS WEST” really loud because it makes her smile, and she can’t tell where it’s coming from since she can’t “see over half of the students.” Keep it up!

Another new face at MASH is Mrs. Kelly, who teaches Level 1 and 2 Chemistry. She has 2 dogs, Pippin and Gimli, named after characters from Lord of the Rings, who she loves to play with outside of school. In addition, she enjoys reading and watching TV and movies.

So far, Mrs. Kelly mentions that “everyone, teachers, administration, and students, at MASH have been very welcoming." Although she admits this past month of school has been challenging, she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. "The students I have this semester have been wonderful and a great group to start my time at MASH.”

She also wants her students to know that although you might think that chemistry is “unnecessary and pointless, [but] it really does explain why and how a lot of things happen in our world.”

So please give it a chance! Lastly, if you are considering going to college for chemistry, Mrs. Kelly would love to talk with you about it. Fun fact: she was a chemist for 5 years before becoming a teacher!

Another new teacher is Mr. Heckard, who is part of the LEARN class here at MASH and is also the assistant coach for the Mechanicsburg football program, as well as the Head Wrestling coach here at Mechanicsburg.

“I am extremely excited and grateful to be working here at MASH.” He also wants his students to know that he’s “here to guide and help them reach their potential,” said Mr. Heckard.

When not in school or coaching, Mr. Heckard enjoys being with his family and just spending time with them!

Ms. Motto joins the MASH staff as a Learning Support Math teacher and is very excited to be here. She comments that “everyone has been extremely welcoming to me, and I like how the district is supported by the entire community.” In her free time, she loves reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.

Something she wants students to know is that “Math is not scary. As a student myself, I was told that I was bad at math, and that it wasn’t for me. Those were lies! I practiced, got better, and learned to really enjoy math.” So to those that struggle with math, it’s alright! Teachers are there to help you get better at the things you’re not great at. Practice makes perfect.

Mrs. Minium joins the Family and Consumer Science department and looks forward to continuing to build relationships with both her students and other teachers.

She says, “Family and Consumer Sciences classes are the best! I hope every student leaves learning a little more about themselves and skills to help them become a young adult.”

Mrs. Minium also shares that she enjoys playing with her 2-year-old daughter Harlie and their dogs outside of school.

Last but not least, we have Miss Crisci. She enjoys spending time with family and takes advantage of the weekend to meet with her sisters who live in northern Virginia. In school, she teaches World Cultures in the fall and American Studies in the spring. She’s also very ecstatic about being a teacher at MASH because she grew up in Mechanicsburg and graduated from MASH in 2009!

She says it’s her “dream job!” Miss Crisci wants her students to “have an open mind to the subject at hand” and also expresses that “World Cultures is a very unique course that allows students to explore different cultures of the world and opens their minds to different schools of thought, ways of life, and digs into geographical regions that students might not know about. As for American Studies, I’m really excited to teach this course for the first time. The history that students learn about is, personally, some of my favorite periods in American history and really shapes what our country looks like today.”

To the students who may have any of these teachers for a class, go back and looks at their tips to you. Hopefully, they were helpful! Ask questions, step out of your comfort zone, have an open mind, and do all the right things that can make your high school experience more enjoyable. Just keep in mind that teachers will always be there for you, and please don’t be scared to get in touch with any of them if you need it!

MASH Water Polo hits the

water with a splash

By Evelyn Hambright

This fall, the MASH water polo teams hit the water with a splash! Both the boys and girls teams came out fierce this season, and did not let any challenges stop them. As a small team, they knew there would be some hard competition, but they have made it farther this season than ever before.

Last season, 2022 graduate Andrew Weatherhold was the leading scorer for the boys team, and provided strong offensive skills. Without Wetherhold, the team has had to make some adjustments. With Sr. Sparsh Agrawal, Sr. Om Makwana, Sr. Declan Raniowski, and Sr. Jadon Knisely, and So. Owen Smith still remaining, the team learned how to adapt. When asked about the new leaders of the boys team, Coach Keith Shively said, “All four of them provide key offense and defense for the team.”

In regards to the girls team, captains Sr. Sydney Gray, Sr. Jade Haller, and Jr. Annabelle Hoover returned and led the team to nothing less than success. Jr. Brenna Kretschman and So. Shamim Aquino also returned and were joined by Fr. Carlee Erickson and Fr. Mina Alvarado in greatly helping the captains make this season a big achievement. They lost 2022 graduates Joy Kutz and Danielle Rodgers, but the captains have stepped up to fill the gaps.

Going into the season Coach Shively knew it was going to be a difficult one. In the starting weeks of the season he shared, “...we spent a lot of time working to build strength and resilience for the season…stamina is a huge component of training.”

While the team started majorly preparing in August, Coach Shively started his preparation for the season months beforehand.

“I spend a lot of time this summer planning out my schedule as much as possible and thinking about the logistics that go into travel time, away games, practices, and tournaments.”

He continued to say, “It takes a very understanding family and help from lots of people to support this season.” This season, the end goal was to win the state championship and nothing less. The Wildcats jumped in and did not look back.

Throughout the season Coach Shivley consistently described the boys team as, “...upbeat and loose, ready to play hard and do their best,” while he described the girls team as, “...competitors! They want to win every game and play tough.” If either team was losing a match, Coach Shively would remind them that “the score is 0-0” to give the players a way to recharge and figure out what changes need to be made.

He explained that, “we also try and celebrate the great plays and athletic abilities of the athletes during the game,” to keep the team spirit up even after a tough loss.

After a long season, Coach Shively shared, “I love watching the players grow as people…I am very proud of the people they are becoming. That is the absolute best part of coaching…Coaching, for anyone is a tremendous honor…”

This fall, both teams saw their work paying off as they both qualified for a small school states tournament. The girls ended by finishing second in the state! Congratulations, Coach Shively and MASH Water Polo players on a great season, and to the girls team for making history.

Students enjoy an 'Enchanted Evening' at Homecoming

By Kelsea Harshbarger

After three years, a homecoming event was finally held at MASH. Students from all grade levels were able to enjoy a night of singing and dancing with their friends for the first time in what may have felt like forever.

During the week leading up to the dance on Saturday, student council led a homecoming spirit week. Tuesday was soccer moms v.s. cookout dads day, Wednesday was pajama day, Thursday was fall flannel day, and Friday was class colors day. This was also the week that homecoming tickets were sold. There was originally a limit of 800 tickets that were to be sold, but with the abundance of excitement surrounding the event, the administration allowed even more students to enjoy the dance who were not able to initially purchase a ticket.

On the final day of spirit week, student council led a pep rally in the newly refinished gymnasium. This pep rally featured all of the fall sports teams, the cheerleaders, color guard, band, concert chorale, and a fun relay race game between teams from each grade level as well as a team of staff members. Homecoming court was also announced during the pep rally. The court members included seniors Gracen Nutt, Jayden Eager, Maggie Sims, Ava Crone, Kate DeLuca, Seth Brubaker, Tony Glinatsis, Sage Thomas, Travis Bassi, and Sparsh Agrawal.

It wasn’t until the football game later that night that the king and queen were announced. During half time of the annual pink out football game, the entire court was escorted out onto the field. Gracen Nutt commented that “it was truly an honor to be nominated by [her] peers,” and that she loved “sharing a special moment with [her] dad” when he escorted her onto the field during the football game.

Ultimately, Travis Bassi was crowned homecoming king and Ava Crone was crowned homecoming queen after receiving a majority of the votes from the student body.

The following evening, the homecoming dance event was held in the cafeteria. Sticking with the enchanted garden theme of the dance, the event featured various charming decorations, including hanging green vines, fairy lights, a themed archway entrance, and a photowall with greenery and neon lights. The decorations this year helped to make for a magical evening.

Over the course of the event, students gathered in one section of the cafeteria to dance with their friends. A DJ played a wide variety of songs to accommodate for the likes of all students, helping to ensure that every student had an enjoyable time. The strobe lights placed throughout the cafeteria also added to the atmosphere and set the fun, exciting mood throughout the dance.

Jr. Sarah Meyers admitted that “after not having homecoming [her] freshman year and not having a school homecoming sophomore year, [she] was very excited to finally have… a true high school homecoming experience.” This was the case for a majority of MASH students, as the senior class is the only group of students that experienced a homecoming at the high school.

Overall, the homecoming dance was quite a success. With the encouraging attendance from students this year, there is no doubt that homecoming will continue to be a student-favorite event during future school years.

Join MASH clubs

By Eliana Inch

Do you enjoy rock climbing, writing, bowling, acting, volunteering, skiing, or photography? MASH offers clubs to suit all of these interests and more. We have mental health clubs, racial justice clubs, and LGBTQ equality clubs. Here are just a few descriptions of our after school activities.

If you are interested in a club that we allow you to help out in your school community Project Launch, PALS, Aevidum, Overcome Together, and Student Council are great choices. If you join PALS, you will being helping our classmates with special needs feel more involved in our school, you will become there school ¨buddy.¨ The club Aevidum focuses on the ¨mental health and suicide prevention in our school¨ to create a more positive environment in the building, there club motto is, ¨We´ve got your back.¨ A feeling we all want to have in our school.

MASH also offers clubs for people who enjoy more small group activities that will allow you to build wonderful relationships with people in your club. Project Lit and Diversity club are both great choices. In Project Lit you will get to read and discuss your favorite books while talking and hanging out with your friends. The Diversity club comes together after school to talk about their racial struggles and be with people who may be able to relate to them. It's important to find people in our school that relate to you and that you can depend on.

Our high school also has many clubs dedicated to music. We have Chamber Ensemble, Fall Play, Indoor Percussion, Jazz Ensemble, Matching Band, and the Musical. These groups will meet after school to practice, and most will eventually perform in front of an audience. If you are more of a behind the scenes person, you can always join the Spring Musical Paint Crew or the Stage and Paint Crew Fall Play. They play a very important role in the running and production of the plays.

Although it looks great on a résumé, joining an after school activity is also good for your own mental health. In studies reported on the Youth Gov website, in the article “Benefits for Youth, Families, and Communities,” research shows that people in after school activities perform at a higher rate in school. When you are in a club it gives you a positive environment with people in your school to explore your interests and passions. There is so much more to learn about these clubs, and even some I didn't mention. If you are interested in joining any clubs go to the link at the bottom to see the official list of after school clubs at MASH. Remember to keep an open mind and go try something new.

Link to after school clubs:

https://4.files.edl.io/0a77/09/28/22/164948-61a19b5a-2784-4d83-b709-222e1ea1140a.pdf

MASH unveils new gym

By Chumnuo Matanguihan

Celebrating school spirit at last week’s pep rally wouldn’t have been the same without the new renovations on our gym. The emphasis on school colors, logo, and student use encourages school pride and incorporates the space fittingly in our school. There’s more ownership about the gym, and having that extra uniqueness and quality makes a difference.

P.E. teachers for one love the bright, open, feel and welcome the improved functionality. Two of the biggest improvements they note are the new curtains and added bleachers. With curtains, the gym can be divided for separate uses more effectively than with the old wooden folding doors. Curtains are very fast to set up, and don’t jam up like the previous dividers.

Mr. Minnich likes that, “[They] can have the gym divided into thirds and still teach and see the entire gym through the curtains.” Mrs. Davis is likewise relieved for the upgrade. “Little known fact,” she says, “We've been waiting on those curtains for YEARS. My first year at MASH, I broke one of those huge wall dividers - it completely came off the track and it was broken for like a year or two. We couldn't separate the gym into three sections like we can now. OOPS!”

In addition to the new curtains, we also have new bleachers with the added section along the fitness center wall. Even though the new bleachers have fewer rows than before. Mr. Woodworth appreciates that, “from a safety perspective, they are a lot safer for when students get PE equipment stuck on the top row.” Both improvements overall increase the efficiency of the space. With the added new LED lights, Wildcat logo, and new paint job P.E., teachers are excited for what the gym has to offer and that students can “move and participate in a very safe and clean area.”

As the school works to continually ensure the quality of the gym and student experience, some problems with the renovations have occurred. One problem P.E. teachers have noticed are the lack of sound dampening panels on the walls. Because the gym echos so much, it can be hard for teachers to give large-group instruction. Another issue is that with the installation of the new sound system, some wires weren’t replaced. This can cause microphones to be less effective and also prevents the PA system from reaching the Main Gym. But even though we have these problems, our teachers’ attention to these details and dedication to the well-fare of students ensures that students will always enjoy the gym experience.

Overall, the renovations on the gym have opened up new possibilities for better gym classes and use. Mr. Woodworth explains, “All in all, the updates were necessary and have definitely improved students’ overall experience in the gymnasium. With a little more work to complete the sound system it will be an awesome gym for many years to come.”

Mr. Minnich likewise agrees, sharing, “ [I] imagine[s] that it will be a fun place to be for students attending indoor athletic events throughout the fall and winter months.” P.E. teachers are excited, and, as Mrs. Davis puts it, “The gym will be an awesome place to have class, Pep Rallies and sporting events for years to come. It's a nice place for students, staff, and the community to gather together at MASH!”