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St. Joseph High School's Official Student-Produced Newspaper
Advisor: Anne Schratz
Photo Credit: Sharon Farrell
Winter 2024
Winter 2024
Isabella Thomas '27 (left) competes independently in the WPIAL events of beam, floor, vault, and uneven bars. The video below showcases her floor routine.
Photo Credit: Ultimate Gymnastics
Video credit: Jeramie Thomas
tSZZVv87IyQn4foJXHjkbCK7CSFCyLaKzeQS8MB4H6weJxFPc.mp4athletes follow their passions to compete in sports outside of st. joe's
athletes follow their passions to compete in sports outside of st. joe's
By Brayden Ehrman '27
While we offer a wide variety of WPIAL teams, some students participate in sports that are not associated with our school including ice hockey, swimming, and gymnastics.
Nikita Oleksiienko, '26 hails from Ukraine and came to the United States to play hockey for Esmark Stars in New Kensington.
"I tried goalie in practice and absolutely loved it. The significance of being a goalie is that it is the most important position on the ice and it should get a lot of respect," Oleksiienko said. "I hope to play goalie as long as I can."
He is training here in the States with hopes to one day play for the NHL. While he misses home, his passion for the game keeps him motivated.
"My best memory playing hockey was when we won the championship in Ukraine," Oleksiienko said.
Emma Yingling '27 swims for Highlands. She started swimming when she was 7 years old and wanted to continue at the high school level.
"My events are the 100 free, 50 free and 200 breaststroke. It takes a lot to swim because practices happen 5 to 6 days a week and meets can take up to 13 hours a day," Yingling said.
The time she puts in pays off. Recently, Yingling was in the top 8 in her events at districts.
Isabella Thomas '27 competes independently for WPIAL out of the gym she trains at, Ultimate Gymnastics. She represents St. Joseph at the meets.
"I started in the gym when I was just 2 ½. As time went on, my mother wanted me to do something where I could hang out with my friends, and I started to love it," Thomas said.
So far, her best score was a 9.5, and she was ecstatic afterward. Her inspiration is gymnast Jade Carey.
Thomas said, "My favorite thing about gymnastics is that it’s so free, and I feel like I can do whatever I put my mind to when I'm in the gym."
Sr. Amanda Marie and Sr. Solana chat with students during lunch. The Sisters had questions about high school, and the students wanted to know about their favorite things too. They braved the weather and arrived safely, even with a 2 hour delay.
Photo credit: Anne Schratz
Franciscan sisters spend the day in Theology classes, change old stereotypes
Franciscan sisters spend the day in Theology classes, change old stereotypes
By Giovanni Certa '27
On January 9, Franciscan Sisters, TOR, from Toronto, Ohio visited for the day and shared their vocation stories.
It can be difficult to understand why someone chooses to live this life. The sisters helped the students to learn more about why they chose this path.
“A vocation is a call to love and every person has a particular way they are called to love. It was in high school that the Lord started pulling at my heart and continued to,” said Sister Amanda Marie.
Prior to their visit, many students thought of religious sisters in a negative way, believing that most nuns are old and sometimes unkind.
"They were delightful. I was surprised that they were so young and joyful," said Khloe Booth '27.
One of the biggest sacrifices of religious life is living apart from your family.
Sister Christin said, "Sometimes I wrestle with not getting to see my family at Thanksgiving or other times, but it's been more blessed than I expected it to be. We can go home once a year and they can come here to visit."
Sister Amanda Marie continued, "Everything I have given up, the Lord has blessed it more abundantly. The Lord has given me a clear view of how important it is that I'm here. Even though I miss my family, he's given it back a hundred fold. He's never outdone in generosity. So, I have no regret."
Adriana Vela helped to coordinate a special Mass on the feast of Our Lady Of Guadalupe. Mackenzie Jones '27 and Veronica McCarthy '25 participated in this special occasion.
Photo Credit: Anne Schratz
Language Department welcomes teacher originally from mexico
Language Department welcomes teacher originally from mexico
By Chloe Damico '27
Adriana Vela, a former elementary school principal and native of Mexico, joined the faculty at the start of the school year.
In the past Vela was a fourth and fifth grade teacher, as well as the dean of discipline, and a volleyball coach. This is her first year teaching high school.
“By the end of this year, I hope my students can better understand and communicate in Spanish,” Vela said.
Vela moved here 7 years ago from Guadalajara, Mexico. Even though she prefers to speak Spanish, she has known how to speak English almost her whole life. Starting at three years old, she attended a bilingual school.
Vela said, “I really love working here. This school is amazing and the students are so nice."
Many who attended the feast day Mass brought personal items of devotion that lined the steps to the altar. "Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Empress of the Americas and the Queen of Mexico. All the Latinos have a profound devotion to Our Lady," said Adriana Vela. A full Mariachi band provided traditional Mexican music, giving it a festive flair.
Photo Credit: Anne Schratz
world Language students experience the beauty of devotions to our lady
world Language students experience the beauty of devotions to our lady
By Giovanni Certa '27
On December 12, students gathered at Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh to celebrate a Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Leading up to the Mass, Spanish teacher Adriana Vela taught her students about Our Lady of Guadalupe and the history of the miracle.
Spanish student, Veronica McCarthy '25 said, “The mass was a good opportunity to further understand Spanish culture.”
Before the Mass, a holy hour was offered to students as well as a group rosary, prayed in both Spanish and English.
Spanish student, Sophie VanFossen '25 said, “I was asked by Mrs. Vela to attend the mass. It was a unique opportunity.”
Vela has been involved in hosting this event for around 20 years here in Pittsburgh. This was the first year that St. Joseph students were invited to attend. Other high schools such as Oakland and Central Catholic helped too.
“It was a very positive experience and I am very grateful to Mrs. Vela,” McCarthy said.
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