By: Gabby Carvens '28

Winter Formal is an annual Winter dance used to bring our school together for an enjoyable night, much like proms and homecomings. This year, it was held on January 17th, at the Greek Orthodox Church in Oakmont. As the night quickly approached, the Student Council worked hard to plan out the night and make it memorable.

“This year, we started by looking for a venue and scheduling a date. From there, we discussed decisions like the menu, decorations, and tickets,” said Laurel Wolfe. 

These preparations had to begin months in advance. There is a lot that goes into this planning, such as budgets, and it takes a decent amount of time and dedication. 

Wolfe said, “We've been talking about this dance in our Student Council meetings for months. In fact, Mr. A. and I began discussing finding a venue the day of the Student Council election because that had to be done far in advance.”

Even through all of this planning, there are always going to be some areas that can create problems or disagreements. 

“As a student and as someone who is on the Student Council and hears every time someone complains, I think the biggest thing is the price of the tickets. It was raised this year, and although I understand that it is because the venue was bigger, I feel like quite a bit of people mentioned this,” said Emma Monaco ‘28.

These events are here to give the students a fun way to celebrate their winter sports, along with a nice addition to semester one ending. As fun as these events might be, for the people putting in their all trying to make sure it is fun for the rest of us, it can be difficult.

“I think that the biggest challenge for the moderators is staying organized… it can be difficult to try to keep track of and oversee everything at once,” said Wolfe.

So next year, when the Winter Formal sign up sheets come around, even if you do not think it is going to be fun, go. It supports our school, Student Council, and can create memories that can last a lifetime. 

By: Miley Norris '27

Every year, as December arrives and lights begin to glow in windows, families everywhere return to the Christmas traditions that make the season special. These traditions may seem simple, but they carry deep meaning, bringing comfort, joy, and togetherness during the coldest time of the year.

One favorite Christmas tradition is decorating the tree. For many families, this is not just about hanging ornaments, it's about sharing memories. Each ornament often tells a story, whether it’s handmade by a child, passed down from a grandparent, or collected during a special trip. As holiday music plays in the background, decorating the tree becomes a moment where generations connect.

Another cherished tradition is Christmas baking. Kitchens fill with the smell of sugar cookies, cinnamon, and hot chocolate, as families gather to bake together. While the recipes may stay the same year after year, the conversations and laughter make each holiday unique. Baking teaches patience, teamwork, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with others.

Exchanging gifts is also an important tradition, but it is not just about receiving presents. Thoughtful gifts show care and appreciation, reminding people that Christmas is about generosity. Whether it’s a small handmade card or a carefully chosen present, the act of giving strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories.

In the end, favorite Christmas traditions are not defined by how big or expensive they are. They matter because they bring people together, create joy, and remind us of what the season truly represents: love, kindness, and togetherness. Long after the decorations are put away, these traditions remain in our hearts.

By: Kayla Black ‘26

Our annual Meet The Spartans Night took place on November 21st this year at Saint Joseph High School. There were lots of new additions and activities.

This year, our new Spartan mascot passed out merchandise to the crowd, including shirts and balls.

Miley Norris ‘27 was a part of this large crowd, experiencing the full effect of the night. “Meet the Spartans Night is something I always look forward to. This year it was the best it has ever been. The crowd was so hype.”

Our new men’s basketball coaches and new additions to the team were also introduced. Coaches and players gave a little bit of background information about themselves and fun facts. The women’s basketball team followed with fun facts about themselves and exciting background information.

Nicholas Black ‘27 is a returning player this year, excited to be a part of the team. “Our team this year is huge. I am very thankful to be a member of this talented group of guys. I am ready for us to have a great season.”

Aside from our basketball teams, our cheer team was also introduced to the crowd.

Returning Cheer Coach Gianna gave a hype pep talk to the crowd before the start of the night, later introducing her cheer girls. The members of the cheer team made sure that everyone was hyped up in the crowd with new chants and a small performance.

Courtney Mentecki ‘26 is a member of the cheer squad, excited for a new season. “I am so happy to be able to start a new season this year with new members on the team. I am thankful for this group of girls that I can call my friends.”

Our annual Meet The Spartans Night was definitely a success. The crowd and players were quite active and had an amazing time. May this new season be great!

By: Ava Myers '29

This year at St. Joe’s, the Outreach Club sponsored a food drive for the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches. However, instead of just having students bring in food to donate, Outreach decided to turn up the heat and make it a competition.

Classes were competing against each other to see which class could bring in the most food items while following a theme every day. We started the week off on Monday with the students bringing microwavable food. On Tuesday, the students brought in canned goods. At the halfway point of the competition, Wednesday, the theme was Wash It Down Wednesday, so students brought in drinks. We also found out the current standings, which had the Seniors in first, Sophomores in second, Freshmen in third, and the Juniors in fourth. On Thursday, the students brought in paper products that could be thrown away. Lastly, on Friday, the students had a free-for-all day where they could bring in anything. The Outreach Club stayed after school in order to determine the winners. During the next week, it was announced that the Seniors had gone down to last place, the Freshmen stayed in third, the Juniors made it up to second, and the Sophomores took the win!

Thanks to the hard work of all the students, Outreach was able to go above and beyond their goal and donate 644 items to the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches. We were also able to break last year’s record, which is spectacular. The president of Outreach Club, Bella Graff ‘26, said that food drives are so important because they help people in the community who don’t have access to food easily. She also said that she “like[s] being able to come together with the school to help people.” 

As you can see, when the Spartan community comes together and decides to donate, only good comes from it. Outreach is very thankful for everyone’s commitment to this year’s food drive and very proud that we were able to donate so much. Congratulations again to the Sophomores and thank you to all the students who donated!

By: Addyson Gouza '29

As the snow fell and coated the ground, and the moon showned down on the town, the faint echo of bells chimed in the distance. Christmas morning was right around the corner! All the children laid in their beds and stirred restlessly knowing that Santa was bound to come. 

Christmas morning was filled with laughter and cheer. Families and their children stood around their tall green trees and opened presents. Some of the children thought that this was what Christmas was about. They thought that the only part of Christmas was getting presents, but was it really? On December 25th, a long time ago, Jesus was born. At the time the children were opening their presents, the Lord our Savior was being born. While children were in their beds waiting for Santa Clause to come, 2026 years ago Mary, the mother of God, and Joseph were traveling by foot to find a warm place to stay to birth their child. 

When we open presents, it is very easy to forget why the Christmas season started. We often think that it is all about presents, but in reality, it is a time to remember Mary and Joseph's journey to find somewhere warm to have their baby. It is a time to remember how that little baby that was born so many years ago on Christmas Eve would later save us all from our sins.

By: Braylie Bayne '27

On October 6, 2025, the Class of 2027 at Saint Joseph High School gathered together for a special celebration. They were receiving their rings. 

This tradition started back decades ago. This is when the whole school gathers together in the church for this celebration. They receive their rings in the fall of Junior year. This celebrates them becoming upperclassmen. The rings are given by the Seniors since they have already started their path of being upperclassmen and showing them their way to act and the important role of being upperclassmen.

A few days before, each Junior had a chance to pick a Senior they wanted to give their ring to, it could be someone they know or just admire. When the day came the Junior class got to come in late and gather outside the church. Once Mass started, they processed down the aisle in front of everyone and made their way to their pew. Then they went through a whole Mass where the rings are blessed. After Mass, they received their rings by whom they chose. After the whole ceremony was done they got pictures with each other and saw their family if they chose to come. After all of this they went to the JPII room where they hung out as a class and had lunch; they got Chipotle.