November Issue

                     Operation Wildcat

                       By Reet Athwani

Operation Wildcat is a volunteer-run program in Mechanicsburg Area School District whose purpose is to pool the resources of the community to support students, families and staff in need. Created in 2006, Operation Wildcat has continued to grow over the years  and has helped countless people in the Mechanicsburg Area School District. 

Project Thanksgiving is one of the major programs run by Operation Wildcat. Project Thanksgiving ensures to provide all the items needed for a good thanksgiving meal for our MASD families in need through donations. The donations are collected from November 3rd to November 14th. These items can be left in donation bins at any of the MASD School locations. 

“Our school has an amazing program and I think it's wonderful to be a part of this program,” said Jr. Ashton Barnett. 

The items that are needed to help families have a complete and warm meal are following:

Stuffing, canned vegetables, canned sweet potatoes, instant potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy. These essential items help create a complete holiday meal for families who otherwise may struggle to provide these items. In addition to this, Gift cards and Turkey certifications from our local grocery store are also accepted and can be sent to school offices through mail. By donating just one simple item, you can bring comfort to many families. 

The Thanksgiving project assures that people enjoy their holiday with a warm and cozy meal even when they are tight on money. This project also creates a sense of belonging and support for families by highlighting that the community truly cares about them. This program strengthens the MASD school community by bringing students, staff and local residents together. “The Thanksgiving Project is a great opportunity to come together and show love and support for one another,” said Jr. Rosslyn Gingrich Brown. It teaches people how small contributions like donating a can of vegetables can make a huge difference in someone’s life and make their holiday special. 

The program wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of students, staff and families. Getting involved in this program is really simple and easy. Students can start by donating food items and gift cards. Students can also volunteer to help with organizing and distributing the items. Volunteering also allows students to experience the feeling of giving back. “Giving back makes me feel good knowing that I am directly impacting someone’s life,” said Jr. Noah Thelen. You can also make a huge difference by spreading the word of courage and showing support. Volunteering teaches students the importance of generosity and kindness in our community. 

Project Thanksgiving is more than just about donating food. It creates a sense of belonging and supports people within our community. “Giving back unifies us as a community,” said Jr. Lilly Weigand. Thanksgiving project not only supports those in need but also makes our school district a caring and supportive place for everyone. 

Wonderful Winter Titles

By George Bartholomew

It’s that time of year again, and as multiple breaks are closing in, what better way to spend some free time than with a good book! These are some top picks and all around good books to read during this winter and holiday season.

1. Top Elf - Caleb Huett

Top Elf follows elves Ollie and Celia as they compete in a competition to become Santa's successor, in a refreshing new look at what the fabled North Pole might be like. It is a light hearted book that is a quick and fun read for a good time.

2. Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha Christie

This thrilling tale follows world famous detective Hercule Poirot who, while on a train ride, discovers that a murder has occurred. Isolated with only the people on the train with him, he realizes that one of them must be the murderer. This is a classic tale and one that has many twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat.

3. The Gateway - Obert Skye

This fantasy novel follows a boy named Foo who discovers a magical dream world and must stop forces of deception and evil from corrupting it. Its setting and descriptions paint a wonderful and well illustrated world that all will enjoy. Fr. Lucas Goheen said that “he loves the series and it is a great world to immerse yourself in and enjoy.”

4. The Silver Arrow - Lev Grossman

When a young girl gets a mysterious gift from her uncle she unlocks a whole new world she never knew existed. The Silver Arrow is a wonderful novel about a magical train that allows humans to talk to animals. It tells a lot of important lessons about being together and the power we each hold within ourselves. It is a great book to read, especially as it's set at Christmas time.

5. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

One of the most famous Christmas novels of all time, A Christmas Carol follows miser, Ebeneezer Scrooge as he learns how to become a better person through three ghostly apparitions that visit him. It is a wonderful story that has been retold many times, but the original is refreshing every time you read it. 

6. Spy School Books 4 & 11 - Stuart Gibbs

Spy School follows a boy in high school that gets recruited to be a part of a secret operative team that fights crime. The whole book series is phenomenal, but books 4 and 11, Ski Spy School and Spy School Goes North respectively, are great winter time books that are filled with suspense and equal amounts of humor.

7. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe - C. S. Lewis

Another classic, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe follows four siblings sent off to the home of Professor Kirke and while there, they discover a world of magical creatures and dark magic hidden away behind a wardrobe. This second book in the series by C. S. Lewis is by far his most famous one and a classic tale that is beautifully handcrafted. It is great to read and everyone who does will love and enjoy it.

8. Chaos Walking Series - Patrick Ness

The Chaos Walking series follows two protagonists, Todd and Viola as they discover secrets about their society and deal with decisions about morality and their lies. This is a more mature series, but has a lot of strong messages about sticking together and finding your place in the world. Fr. Joseph Goldsborough recommends this series and says that there are a lot of gripping details and parts to each book that make them amazing.

I hope you all enjoy these selections and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas break enjoying these books.

Wildcat Field Hockey Wraps Up the Season Strong: 2025 Season Recap 

By Claire Butz

It is no surprise that Mechanicsburg field hockey has had a great season. Their overall record is 17-4-3 with a conference record of 12-1-1. Mechanicsburg and Lower Dauphin share the 1st place seat in their conference…Head Coach, Tonya Brown, claims that this is the first time in about 45 years that Mechanicsburg field hockey has received the 1st place conference title. They played hard during many  district games and made it all the way to the district championship, where they claimed 2nd place with Penn Manor taking the gold. Mechanicsburg field hockey then moved on to play and win against Downingtown West in the first round of states. Shortly after, they played and lost to Villa Maria during the state quarter-finals…which ended their season. It is clear that the MASH Field Hockey team is filled with determined and skilled athletes. It is exciting to see what the future seasons will bring. 

In addition to the school season, the Mid-Penn Conference field hockey all-star teams have been released. Many Mechanicsburg Field Hockey players have been selected for these three teams, including: 

Jr. Liberty Olivetti-First Team

Sr. Olivia Schweighart-First Team

So. Carly Valentino-Second Team

Sr. Madi Dollman-Second Team

Jr. Kayla Weldon-Second Team

Sr. Caly Hartman-Third Team

Sr. Avery Rutter-Third Team 

Advice Column:

Speak Up for Yourself: Why self-advocacy matters more than you think

By Anna Dormer

In high school, it can feel easier to stay quiet than to raise your hand and say what you actually need. Maybe you don’t want to sound dramatic, or you worry you’ll come off as pushy. But here’s the truth: self-advocacy isn’t about demanding special treatment, it’s about making sure your voice is part of your own story.

Whether it’s asking a teacher for clarification, requesting extra help, or speaking up when something feels unfair, advocating for yourself is one of the most important skills you can learn. Not only does it help you succeed now, but it prepares you for college, jobs, and life outside the school walls. So. Chloe Querry states, “Self advocation is important in a school setting so you can express your opinion and desires as to what should be changed about the school to better suit your method of learning and improve your school experience.”

It’s normal to feel intimidated about approaching adults or starting uncomfortable conversations. But staying silent often leads to more stress. When you communicate early, you prevent problems from growing and show that you’re taking your responsibilities seriously. Teachers, coaches, and counselors want you to succeed, but they aren’t mind readers. They need you to stand up for yourself.

How to Advocate for Yourself:

1. Be clear on what you need.
Before talking to a teacher or adult, pause and figure out exactly what you’re struggling with. Is the homework confusing? Is the pace too fast? Do you need more time or resources?

2. Communicate respectfully and directly.
A simple script can go a long way:
“Hi, I’ve been confused about the last lesson. Could we go over this part again?”

3. Use email when face-to-face feels scary.
Email is a totally acceptable way to open the conversation. Just be polite, clear, and concise.

4. Don’t apologize for asking for help.
Needing support doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re being responsible.

5. Follow up if you don’t get an answer.
Adults get busy. A quick reminder like, “Just checking in about my last message,” is respectful and effective.

Sometimes you’ll hit situations that genuinely aren’t right, maybe a misunderstanding, a grading error, or a conflict with a classmate. Before jumping to conclusions, gather facts and stay calm. Explain your perspective and ask for guidance on the next steps. You can always bring in a different trusted adult or other trusted individual if needed.

Self-advocacy doesn’t mean being loud, demanding, or confrontational. So. Emily Miller emphasizes its importance through the view, “Self advocation is crucial to your success as a student because it allows you to speak up for yourself and makes your voice heard.” It means knowing your needs matter and courageously speaking up for them. The more you practice, the easier it becomes, and the more control you’ll gain over your own success. If you want your voice heard, it starts with using it. 

Adapting to Alternatives

By Alevia Durham 

Senior Alternatives, also known as “the dream” to many students at MASH, can be challenging to manage. Some students admit to wasting time when they could be working on schoolwork. Others confess that they forget about their homework entirely when they’re not in school. So how can seniors manage their time more effectively when they’re not on campus, balancing the beasts that are college and high school, and also enjoy their last year before potentially moving away? 

MASH works like clockwork on a system called block scheduling. From 8:20 in the morning to 2:45 (or 3:15 depending on what grade you are in), there are four periods a day that average into hour and a half long classes, including a thirty-minute rotating lunch session. For freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, that day can be pretty hefty. Seniors, on the other hand, because a majority of them already have or are close to achieving the required number of credits to graduate, have the privilege of taking fewer classes on campus, and therefore leaving school when they have free time. 

This could mean anything from coming to school from 8:20 to 11:15 and taking only two classes, to arriving after lunch to participate in class until the end of the regular school day. Another thing to take into account is the six-day cycle the entire district runs on. On day two, a senior may have three classes, but on day four, they only attend one. Day six, when periods are reduced to forty-five minutes and two more “classes” are added, is an entirely different story, one that is different for everyone, not just seniors. 

As mentioned above, senior alternative is a privilege, not a right. If a student shows they are unable to manage their time, hold themselves accountable for their work, or simply does not have enough credits, their senior alternatives are either revoked or unavailable until they “step up their game”. Of course, bad behavior is entirely different from students who choose to stay on campus for the entire day, regardless of their credits or earned privileges. Some of us just like to learn a little more than others! 

“Sometimes, it feels like coming into school is a waste of my time,” comments Sr. Stella Baker, who only comes into school for two periods on day one. Otherwise, she is at home, completing dual enrollment courses at Messiah University. When asked about how she manages her time, she says, “I usually try to start my work at the same time every day. I begin my online work at nine. After two hours, I have a lunch break and start back up again at twelve. I usually work until the normal school day is over.” Indeed, sticking to a schedule not much unlike the one at MASH can not only help prioritize the work that needs to be done first, but also create a sense of normalcy in an otherwise odd and hectic year, as seniors have to worry not only about high school but also potentially college. 

Maintaining good grades is essential in senior year, as some colleges look at all four years of high school to determine a student’s aptitude for not only classes, but also scholarships. Add that to writing essays, completing applications, and possibly attending interviews for more competitive schools. In writing, that may not sound like much work, but in reality, it proves to be more than some students can manage effectively. Indeed, writing a 600-word essay seems easy, but maybe not when you’re sitting at home on the couch, indulging in a bowl of chips. There are no teachers to stand over your shoulder, now. 

“I find it hard to adapt to online learning, especially at home,” adds Baker. “I think the school environment helps me focus more. However, I don’t regret taking classes at home because working online for college helps me earn credit from MASH and Messiah. Dual enrollment is also cheaper.” 

Of course, college costs are only getting higher, and it doesn’t look like they'll get lower anytime soon. No matter a student’s financial status, saving money by doing dual enrollment classes is helpful. 

“Day one is the only day we stay in school all day,” says Srs. Erica and Kendra Bower. “On all the other days, we have a third and fourth period.” 

Having only a third and a fourth period can be helpful to some students who value their sleep and need time to recharge after a long day before. Ready to jump into afternoon classes, third and fourth periods seem like a breeze to them. On the other hand, some students think that waking up early and completing the first and second periods is easier, as once they’re finished with second period at 11:15, the rest of their day is open to completing online classes, college admissions work, or just enjoying their senior year. 

Block scheduling and senior alternatives also allow Kendra Bower to complete an internship at the middle school. This will enable students to gain experience not from sitting behind a computer screen or reading a book, but from hands-on interactions with interests and potential occupations. 

“We get as much done at school so that we can. When we get home,” says Erica Bower, “We have a set time to start working.”

Whether you are a senior this year, next year, or even the year after that, there is a standard connection between getting work done, balancing college applications and high school homework, and also enjoying your senior year, and that is this: set a schedule for yourself. Work for an hour and a half, take a break, and jump right back in, recharged and refreshed. 

Senior alternatives can be hard to manage and take time getting used to. However, good time management can be the difference between making it through your senior year or breaking it.

The Harvest of Perspectives

By Alexis Fedoriw

The widely known celebration of Thanksgiving began as a tradition centered on the ideas of gratitude and survival. For colonists in New England, thanksgivings were not remembered by the feasts we now know, but as days of prayer, bound to honoring God’s favor in safe journeys, military success, and bountiful harvests. When most Americans think about the origins of thanksgiving, they think back to 1621 when the pilgrims celebrated with the natives for the first time for a total of three days. 

As time passed, Thanksgiving celebrations spread across the colonies and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. It symbolized a day of unity and appreciation during the Civil War. Ever since, Thanksgiving has been a consistent part of American life. Once known as a religious ceremony has become a nationwide tradition focused on family, friends, food, and gratitude. 

While the thanksgiving upbringing was mainly centered on religion, it has since then evolved to represent different meanings for different people. For some, it is about gathering with family and sharing meals, while, for others, it is about silent reflection, gratitude, and a shift in their mentality. The meaning of Thanksgiving is no longer uniform, but individually unique. 

So. Iman Chennit said, “Thanksgiving is a time where we can reflect and think about what we are grateful for.” This statement defines Thanksgiving as a reflective practice not so focused on the food aspect some might define thanksgiving as. It suggests that the holiday serves as an awakening to practice gratitude, uplift others, and self reflect.

So. Hajar Elazaz said, “My family's thanksgiving revolves around each dish we make telling our stories and as our symbol of giving thanks.” This quote demonstrates the importance of food in her family's thanksgiving and how it is an embodiment of themselves. Food is not just seen as food but as a cultural artifact, embodying family values and strength. These perspectives illustrate how the holiday has transformed from a uniform day of prayer and harvest gratitude to an uniquely personal celebration of values, memories, and culture. 

The original meaning of Thanksgiving was rooted in survival, harvest, and gratitude to God. Now, it's been centuries and  it has transformed into a national holiday that is up to individual interpretation. Whether celebrated with a large family feast, peaceful reflection or as a remembrance of history, Thanksgiving continues to evolve as its meaning differs depending on the people who observe it.

New Teachers at MASH Part 1

By Chelsea Guan

There’s nothing better than getting to know some of MASH’s new staff members just in time for the Thanksgiving season. Share a message of gratitude the next time you see a staff member in this article who’s familiar to you!

Ms. Wilson teaches 9th grade Earth/Space Science and 10th grade Biology. As a first year teacher, she’s been consistently busy this school year, but she notes how MASH has been different from the other schools she’s subbed at and that she is enjoying teaching at MASH. To her students, she wants them to know that she is here for them and she comments, saying, “I know that science does not always tend to be a favorite for many students, but I want them to know that learning about natural processes in the world will help make them a well rounded student and future adult.” Ms. Wilson hopes her students can take away the “fun facts” from her class to share with friends and family. Outside of school, Ms. Wilson is exploring Mechanicsburg with her husband and also finds time to enjoy hiking and kayaking. Growing up overseas on two different military bases in two different countries before moving to the U.S. at age 15, Ms. Wilson shares her classroom goal: “...I hope to bring my openness of learning about new things and cultures into my classroom.” Going forward, Ms. Wilson would also like to take time to “slow down” and “check out MASH athletic teams in action.”

Mr. Koman currently teaches 11th grade Government & Economics and 10th grade World Cultures. He expresses his love for the high school and mentions his favorite thing about MASH being how welcome both students and teachers have been. A piece of advice he would like to share with students is this: “My advice to students is to make the most out of each day that you have while in high school.  The time goes by so quickly, so it’s critical to try and grow as a student and a person every day.  You have a finite amount of time, so make the most of it!” Mr. Koman spends much of his free time with his family and watching sports, especially football, basketball, and baseball. He is also a fan of reading, hiking, and going on walks with his dog. 

Ms. Hoke spends her time here at MASH teaching Biology to sophomores. She expresses how great her time here has been thus far and also shares her love for working with students on one of her favorite science subjects (though she reveals that despite liking biology, she is in fact, actually a chemist at heart). To her Biology students, she says: “Students in my classes should know that they don’t have to be so hard on themselves. Biology is a very difficult subject, and if you try your best and put in effort, you will see results.” And to all students, Ms. Hokes stresses the importance of being empathetic because “You never know what someone else is experiencing.” When school is not in session, she enjoys reading, hiking, and occasionally catching up on some TV shows. Her current favorite is Abbott Elementary!

Ms. Hatchell teaches 9th grade American Studies and is loving teaching at MASH because of the “strong sense of community” she’s noticed and felt. She talks about how MASH is an environment that values “growth and innovation in education” which she absolutely appreciates. To her freshman, she’d like to teach them an important lesson: “Learning is more than just grades, [it’s also] discovering new things, developing critical thinking skills, and how to apply them out in the world.” When not in school, Ms. Hatchell finds joy in watching college football and reading science-fiction novels. 

Mr. Maiellano gets the best of both words, spending half his day teaching Graphic Design to 9th-12th grade students here at MASH and the other half with 6th and 8th graders teaching Technology and Engineering Education. To Mr. Maiellano, every day is interesting because of the “students [who] have been creative, funny, and willing to try new things.” He adds on, saying how he “love[s] being part of a team that values hands-on learning, technology, and responsibility.” All in all, Mr. Maiellano is excited for his students’ creations this year, no matter the kind of project, pushing students to connect their ideas with technology. When out of school, he enjoys weightlifting, running, hiking, building LEGOs, and cooking Italian dishes to maintain his family traditions. (Yes, Mr. Maiellano is Italian!) And now, Mr. Maiellano would like to share some words of wisdom: “I want students to know that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away—learning, especially in technology and design, is all about experimenting, failing forward, and improving. My advice would be to stay curious, ask questions, and take pride in the effort you put into your work.”

Ms. Arvey is a Special Education Teacher and works with grades 9-11, teaching Learning Support ELA. When asked how she felt about teaching at MASH so far, she reveals that she’s a MASH alumna who graduated in 2016 and her sister is a senior at MASH this year! She also goes on to say how “it has been so fun having former teachers who are now my colleagues! Knowing so many familiar faces has made being a first-year teacher a bit easier” and that “MASH does a great job of taking care of their students and staff.” Ms. Arvey is proud to be a Wildcat, but when not in school, she and her husband (who is a Learning Support Teacher at Elmwood) spends lots of time loving their 3 big dogs. In her words, “The bigger the better in our world!” Her family is also always rooting for the 76ers and Ms. Arvey has been known to not schedule things after work to watch their games in front of a TV. She also loves reading and always has her Kindle with her. To end, here are some words of advice from Ms. Arvey: “I want students in my class to know that I am always rooting for them... Even when a concept is hard. It is always us against the same problem and never me against them! In general, take advantage of every opportunity at MASH. High school will be only a small part of your life (even though it can feel like a big part now). Enjoy every moment of it!”

Stay tuned for The Torch’s December Issue on New Teachers at MASH Part 2! (Unfortunately, I could not fit all of our wonderful new educators into one article…)