Students perform "Godspell" for the 2023 spring musical

By Katie White ‘23

A small but mighty cast of students performed "Godspell" from March 23 through March 27 at Burrell Middle School. 

"Godspell" is composed of various parables from the Gospel according to Matthew. Jesus Christ recruits a group of followers and teaches them various lessons through song and dance. Toward the end of the second act, the show begins to follow a more linear narrative as Jesus is betrayed by Judas and eventually crucified.

The staff, cast, and crew worked for two months to be able to put the show together in time. 

“We worked very hard,” said Gabby Mason ‘23. “The emotion is what really pulled the show together.  Seeing the progress from the beginning to the end is something to be proud of.”

During the production, the cast was able to spend a lot of time together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“We did not have a long time to work with, so we got to spend almost every day practicing together. We also had a small cast, which allowed us to be closer and have a lot of fun,” Mason said. 

Director Mandi Porter has lots of theatre experience, but this was her inagural show at SJHS.

“I enjoyed getting to know each cast member and working with his/her personality to bring out the best in each on stage. I also hope that I have taught them some life lessons through the process as well. I appreciated their respect and dedication and their willingness to try new things and 'go big'," Porter said.

“God definitely had his hand in bringing me to this position and to the people involved.  My life has been enriched through my time at SJHS and the team working on "Godspell".  I am grateful beyond words to the staff, cast, crew, and parent volunteers who all gave 110% to support the show.” 

Pep rally supports women's basketball team; pumps up student body for first round playoffs

By Nick Sarno-Brown, 24

When you are the Section 1A champs, there is good reason to celebrate.

The entire student body gathered in the Walter Dlubak Athletic Center for a pep rally before dismissal on February 17 to help energize the women's basketball team before WPIAL playoffs.  

After being announced, the women's basketball team ran warm-ups. The cheerleaders did their halftime dance, and student leaders coordinated friendly competetions between classes such as tug-of-war and relay races.  The day included a spirit wear dress down for all.

Senior Julie Wilson said, "It was a lot of fun, and the activities filled the gym with tons of spirit and laughter."