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May 2025
May 2025
The end of another school year is here! I would be remiss if I didn't thank my incredible staff for all their hardwork this year producing articles for your enjoyment! Giving up spare time is no small ask to middle schoolers these days, and I'm very appreciative of my reporters who accepted this challenge.
As we all know, May in our Middle School is crazy and overstuffed with state testing followed by several activities and assemblies. As a result, there was minimal spare time for my staff to meet or work this month. I'm simply sharing the handful of articles they did get across the finish line because even though there are only a few of them, the quality remains high.
Please enjoy your summer break. We'll be back with a new staff and new content in the fall.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
April 2025
April 2025
Hopefully looking outside and seeing the grass turning greener and flowers and trees starting to bloom again has given you the same boost of energy that it has given us here at The Trojan Torch. With all that awaits us over the final two months of school, we can definitely use this boost to help us get to the finish line!
Hopefully looking outside and seeing the grass turning greener and flowers and trees starting to bloom again has given you the same boost of energy that it has given us here at The Trojan Torch. With all that awaits us over the final two months of school, we can definitely use this boost to help us get to the finish line!
In this update, we look ahead to the seventh grade's Kennywood Field Trip in May. Other reporters look even further ahead to high school and what awaits them there. Some reporters look back and reflect on events that have happened already like the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair. And still others are looking ahead to their end-of-season track and field goals.
Georgia Skillings was able to meet with Mr. Molnar for a one-on-one interview, while Ashley Ott and Garret Zimmerman were able to talk with several 8th graders about their Ag/Hort Complex tour and future job possibilities.
As usual, we have a wide assortment of interesting features including pieces on everything from Easter traditions to girl scout cookies and even reptiles. You'll find several articles from the prolific Zoey Beemiller on various musical instruments and isolated tribes from around the world! You'll also find a book review and feature on the remarkable film career of James Cameron. Under our Gaming tab, you'll read some great work on the history of games and tips for creating your own Roblox games!
Thanks again to Ashley Ott for her donated artwork scattered throughout our publication, including the piece at the top of this letter.
Remember to click through all the tabs marked "NEW!" to enjoy all the staff's hard work.
The final 30 days of school are a mad sprint! Buckle up and try to enjoy the ride!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
Newspaper Valentines.mp4
February 2025
February 2025
We're quickly approaching the halfway point of the third quarter, and our reporters are keeping themselves busy as they wait for spring to finally get here! Having just celebrated Valentine's Day, you will find several amazing articles to LOVE in this latest update!
We're quickly approaching the halfway point of the third quarter, and our reporters are keeping themselves busy as they wait for spring to finally get here! Having just celebrated Valentine's Day, you will find several amazing articles to LOVE in this latest update!
First, read all about The Price Is Right assembly or how students and teachers felt returning to online learning on the School News tab. Then, head over to the Interviews tab to learn more about both Mr. Hackman and Mr. Moximchalk. Once you finish there, you can click the Features tab to find some really interesting information about both Phobias and what people living a few centuries ago thought our world would be like today.
First, read all about The Price Is Right assembly or how students and teachers felt returning to online learning on the School News tab. Then, head over to the Interviews tab to learn more about both Mr. Hackman and Mr. Moximchalk. Once you finish there, you can click the Features tab to find some really interesting information about both Phobias and what people living a few centuries ago thought our world would be like today.
If that isn't enough, we have not one, not two, but three book reviews to help you find your next great read. Madolyn Pittman was also kind enough to give Jim Henson some love in not one, but two different articles related to his incredible career. For my gamers out there, Zoey Beemiller digs into their history for your reading pleasure.
As always, make sure you find Ashley Ott and let her know how much you enjoy her artwork and the animations she gives to our newspaper.
Can you believe we're already over 100 days into the school year?!?! It's gone quickly, but please slow down for a few minutes and let yourself enjoy some great articles.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
December 2024
December 2024
Our reporters had a few time-sensitive articles that we were anxious to put in your hands as you begin the holiday break!
Our reporters had a few time-sensitive articles that we were anxious to put in your hands as you begin the holiday break!
In this update, you'll learn about this year's seventh graders raising money for Children's Hospital. We also have Ashley Ott interviewing some of the top Turkey Trot finishers. Madolyn Pittman explores Victorian era holiday traditions, while Georgia Skillings and Bella Watkins ask our students to share their own modern holiday traditions. Not to mention, Derek Lee conducts an exclusive interview with Mrs. Robinson, our incredible 7th grade teacher.
In this update, you'll learn about this year's seventh graders raising money for Children's Hospital. We also have Ashley Ott interviewing some of the top Turkey Trot finishers. Madolyn Pittman explores Victorian era holiday traditions, while Georgia Skillings and Bella Watkins ask our students to share their own modern holiday traditions. Not to mention, Derek Lee conducts an exclusive interview with Mrs. Robinson, our incredible 7th grade teacher.
Jaxson Fordyce and Garret Zimmerman review some great books for you to consider reading over your holiday break. And for the first time ever, we also have a podcast review!
Please take some time to enjoy our staff's hardwork.
We hope you have a relaxing and restoring holiday break! You deserve it!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
December 2024
December 2024
Welcome to another edition of The Trojan Torch! I hope your Thanksgiving break was relaxing and enjoyable! Our team of reporters has been busy talking with students and teachers about all the happenings around our school as well as researching and writing about a variety of their own interests.
Welcome to another edition of The Trojan Torch! I hope your Thanksgiving break was relaxing and enjoyable! Our team of reporters has been busy talking with students and teachers about all the happenings around our school as well as researching and writing about a variety of their own interests.
In this upload, you'll learn all about the amazing field trip some of our sixth graders took to the Robotics Center. You'll also learn about the first school dance of the year, club selections students made, holiday wishlists, New Year resolutions, and more. We have an exclusive interview with Miss B, our new 8th grade ELA teacher, as well as an interview with several members of the House Leadership Council.
In this upload, you'll learn all about the amazing field trip some of our sixth graders took to the Robotics Center. You'll also learn about the first school dance of the year, club selections students made, holiday wishlists, New Year resolutions, and more. We have an exclusive interview with Miss B, our new 8th grade ELA teacher, as well as an interview with several members of the House Leadership Council.
Madolyn Pittman researched both Tim Burton and the power of honey and will teach you what she's learned! We've had several reporters putting away books on these cold days who were gracious enough to write reviews for us.
Zoey Beemiller does her best to compare and contrast our Houses with those from the Harry Potter world. And Claire Zurinsky gives us a first hand account of what the Flight 93 Memorial is like.
Be on the lookout for Ashley Ott's artwork throughout the issue, including some of her new animation work!
The staff has put in a lot of time and energy into creating this issue. Please take the time to enjoy their hardwork.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
October 2024
October 2024
Welcome back to another year of The Trojan Torch! We have a great group of reporters excited to share school news and stories about their varied hobbies and interests!
Welcome back to another year of The Trojan Torch! We have a great group of reporters excited to share school news and stories about their varied hobbies and interests!
In this year's first upload, you'll get to learn what the sixth graders most enjoyed about Deer Valley. You'll also hear what some of the eighth grade teachers told reporters Georgia Skillings and Izabella Watkins about how they feel about joining the Houses competition this year. And if you've ever thought about joining Marching Band, Madolyn Pittman will give you five more reasons you may not have considered. We have also polled seventh students for House Competition ideas.
In this year's first upload, you'll get to learn what the sixth graders most enjoyed about Deer Valley. You'll also hear what some of the eighth grade teachers told reporters Georgia Skillings and Izabella Watkins about how they feel about joining the Houses competition this year. And if you've ever thought about joining Marching Band, Madolyn Pittman will give you five more reasons you may not have considered. We have also polled seventh students for House Competition ideas.
If you've ever wondered where vampire mythology stems from, Madolyn Pittman was kind enough to do a deep dive on its history. She also explains how Hello Kitty continues to grow in popularity decades after it first aired.
We have our newest Sports reporter, Coriana Wightman, comparing NFL preseason myths to the realities of the regular season.
We have our newest Sports reporter, Coriana Wightman, comparing NFL preseason myths to the realities of the regular season.
You'll find Zoey Beemiller has reviewed no less than three different books for you to consider, while Cora Mentch makes a strong case for choosing the book version of the popular Hunger Games story over the film version.
You'll find Zoey Beemiller has reviewed no less than three different books for you to consider, while Cora Mentch makes a strong case for choosing the book version of the popular Hunger Games story over the film version.
Finally, don't miss our Gaming tab, where Jaxson Fordyce shares some of his smartest and most helpful Minecraft building tips and tricks to make your next build look incredible!
The staff has put in a lot of time and energy into creating this first issue. Please take the time to enjoy their hardwork.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
May 2024
May 2024
We've made it to our final week together this school year! While things felt a little sluggish through March and April, May sprinted by thanks to our overstuffed days!
We've made it to our final week together this school year! While things felt a little sluggish through March and April, May sprinted by thanks to our overstuffed days!
In this final update, we highlight some good work done by the seventh graders for Action for Animals. We also learn about this year's winners of the Rebecca Anderson Scholarship in sixth grade. The winners of the first ever Kelly Cup House Championship also get revealed.
In this final update, we highlight some good work done by the seventh graders for Action for Animals. We also learn about this year's winners of the Rebecca Anderson Scholarship in sixth grade. The winners of the first ever Kelly Cup House Championship also get revealed.
We have Evan Sanders breaking down this year's NBA Award winners. We also have Maddie Pittman explaining the validity of modern art in an Op-Ed and introducing us to the many incredible works of author Neil Gaiman. Meanwhile, Ella Delozier and Paige McCrary set out to discover the biggest phobias our students and teachers have.
We have Evan Sanders breaking down this year's NBA Award winners. We also have Maddie Pittman explaining the validity of modern art in an Op-Ed and introducing us to the many incredible works of author Neil Gaiman. Meanwhile, Ella Delozier and Paige McCrary set out to discover the biggest phobias our students and teachers have.
You'll find Lucas Garland threw everything (and the kitchen sink!) into his final Pickle Jar Comics release, as well as several new art pieces from both Ashley Ott and Avaerie Livengood, including a teacher collage!
You'll find Lucas Garland threw everything (and the kitchen sink!) into his final Pickle Jar Comics release, as well as several new art pieces from both Ashley Ott and Avaerie Livengood, including a teacher collage!
It has a been a pleasure working with this year's staff. Their energy and ideas fueled and inspired me more than once this year. I'd like to thank them for all their contributions. I'd also like to thank all of you for your positive feedback throughout the year about the content and new format. We're still learning and trying new things, but your positivity has confirmed to us that we're on the right track. So, for one more time, before you begin what I hope is an amazing and restoring summer break, please take a few moments to pause and enjoy some fun articles.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
April 2024
April 2024
Spring Break is nearly upon us, and the staff has created more content for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Spring Break is nearly upon us, and the staff has created more content for you to enjoy at your leisure.
In this update, we have staff interviews with not one, not two, but three sixth grade teachers--Mrs. Cox, Mr. Keller, and Mrs. Griffiths! Isabel Armstrong makes the case for joining Marching Band. Students share their favorite parts of the Beach Dance, their favorite TV shows, and our school's March Madness basketball tournament. We also have Alexis Jelley using her handy-dandy mini-microphone to interview students about whether they prefer chocolate or other types of candy!
In this update, we have staff interviews with not one, not two, but three sixth grade teachers--Mrs. Cox, Mr. Keller, and Mrs. Griffiths! Isabel Armstrong makes the case for joining Marching Band. Students share their favorite parts of the Beach Dance, their favorite TV shows, and our school's March Madness basketball tournament. We also have Alexis Jelley using her handy-dandy mini-microphone to interview students about whether they prefer chocolate or other types of candy!
We have Taylor Swift updates for the Swifties among us, as well as a review of rock legend Alice Cooper! Madolyn Pittman reviews the classic coming-of-age film My Girl. And Derek Lee previews a new Roblox challenge!
We have Taylor Swift updates for the Swifties among us, as well as a review of rock legend Alice Cooper! Madolyn Pittman reviews the classic coming-of-age film My Girl. And Derek Lee previews a new Roblox challenge!
You'll find three new Pickle Jar Comics created by Lucas Garland, as well as several new art pieces from Ashley Ott.
You'll find three new Pickle Jar Comics created by Lucas Garland, as well as several new art pieces from Ashley Ott.
With the fourth quarter starting and April right around the bend, the school year is flying by. Please take a few moments to pause and enjoy some fun articles.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
February 2024
February 2024
Valentine's Day is upon us, and a love of writing is in the air! The Torch staff has been working feverishly and churning out content faster than I can keep up with! That is a great problem for a newspaper editor to have! :)
Valentine's Day is upon us, and a love of writing is in the air! The Torch staff has been working feverishly and churning out content faster than I can keep up with! That is a great problem for a newspaper editor to have! :)
In this update, we have staff interviews with Mrs. Rachocki, Mrs. Huber, and Mrs. Fordyce. Students share their favorite teachers, their favorite Valentine's Day treats, and their favorite ways to spend their free time. You'll get a chance to learn about two incredible bands, Pierce the Veil and the incomparable Queen! Madolyn Pittman explores why retro technology is on the rise. Ashley Ott introduces you to the incredible YouTuber Mark Rober and also the one and only Bob Ross!
In this update, we have staff interviews with Mrs. Rachocki, Mrs. Huber, and Mrs. Fordyce. Students share their favorite teachers, their favorite Valentine's Day treats, and their favorite ways to spend their free time. You'll get a chance to learn about two incredible bands, Pierce the Veil and the incomparable Queen! Madolyn Pittman explores why retro technology is on the rise. Ashley Ott introduces you to the incredible YouTuber Mark Rober and also the one and only Bob Ross!
Additionally, we have several articles from guest columnists this month discussing their favorite films, interesting facts about countries of the world, and an explanation about twirling from a Diamond Doll! You'll have the pleasure of finding SIX new Pickle Jar Comics created by Lucas Garland, as well as several new art pieces from Ashley Ott and Jenna Vargulish.
Additionally, we have several articles from guest columnists this month discussing their favorite films, interesting facts about countries of the world, and an explanation about twirling from a Diamond Doll! You'll have the pleasure of finding SIX new Pickle Jar Comics created by Lucas Garland, as well as several new art pieces from Ashley Ott and Jenna Vargulish.
We hope you're able to sift through all the tabs and find something that brings a smile to your face! Seeing how hard my kids are working definitely puts one on mine. Please enjoy.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
January 2024
January 2024
The holiday break is nearly here, but my staff just won't quit! They've hustled to churn out a few more articles, interviews, features, and pieces of art for your enjoyment!
The holiday break is nearly here, but my staff just won't quit! They've hustled to churn out a few more articles, interviews, features, and pieces of art for your enjoyment!
In this update, Madolyn Pittman will give you an overview of the new Houses competition happening in seventh grade this year. You'll also get to learn about two more of our Middle School staff members, Mrs. Perri and Mrs. Yanoff. Learn what some of our students and teachers are hoping to find under the Christmas tree this year, as well as what our faculty and staff members revealed to be their all-time favorite songs! We have a great film review. Marissa Eldridge introduces us to the music of Melanie Martinez, while Jenna Vargulish teaches us about the latest trends in alternative fashion. Finally, not only do we have our Comics page updated with two more Pickle Jar Comics, but we added a few new pieces to the Student Artwork page as well.
In this update, Madolyn Pittman will give you an overview of the new Houses competition happening in seventh grade this year. You'll also get to learn about two more of our Middle School staff members, Mrs. Perri and Mrs. Yanoff. Learn what some of our students and teachers are hoping to find under the Christmas tree this year, as well as what our faculty and staff members revealed to be their all-time favorite songs! We have a great film review. Marissa Eldridge introduces us to the music of Melanie Martinez, while Jenna Vargulish teaches us about the latest trends in alternative fashion. Finally, not only do we have our Comics page updated with two more Pickle Jar Comics, but we added a few new pieces to the Student Artwork page as well.
We hope 2023 was a year you'll look back upon fondly and that the new year brings you even more joy and happiness. From our staff to you, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Enjoy.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
December 2023
December 2023
We have now entered the most wonderful and yet busiest time of the year! At The Trojan Torch, it is no different! The staff continues to churn out article after article and is working extra hard to make sure you have a newspaper you'll enjoy reading. They continue to impress me with their dedication and work ethic!
We have now entered the most wonderful and yet busiest time of the year! At The Trojan Torch, it is no different! The staff continues to churn out article after article and is working extra hard to make sure you have a newspaper you'll enjoy reading. They continue to impress me with their dedication and work ethic!
In this update, catch up on all the Middle School happenings of November including the Pie Auction and Turkey Trot. Then learn a little more about two of our math teachers, Mrs. Bridge and Mrs. Scott. Learn about what brings joy to our teachers, as well as what our students would like to see offered for the next round of clubs. We also have a look at Adam Sandler, students' favorite musical genres, and a book review. Finally, not only do we have our Comics page updated, but we added a Student Artwork page as well. With a staff as talented as this one, we needed more space!
In this update, catch up on all the Middle School happenings of November including the Pie Auction and Turkey Trot. Then learn a little more about two of our math teachers, Mrs. Bridge and Mrs. Scott. Learn about what brings joy to our teachers, as well as what our students would like to see offered for the next round of clubs. We also have a look at Adam Sandler, students' favorite musical genres, and a book review. Finally, not only do we have our Comics page updated, but we added a Student Artwork page as well. With a staff as talented as this one, we needed more space!
We hope you can find some time in your very busy month to sit down, maybe with a Christmas cookie, and enjoy this issue. From our staff to you, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
October 2023
October 2023
Hello! And welcome to this year's Trojan Torch! While there was a steep learning curve last year, we received very positive feedback about our transition to an online format and plan to continue with it this year!
Hello! And welcome to this year's Trojan Torch! While there was a steep learning curve last year, we received very positive feedback about our transition to an online format and plan to continue with it this year!
There is always staff turnover with a school newspaper, and this year is no different. In fact, we have almost an entirely new team with only a handful of returning 8th grade veteran reporters. However, the enthusiasm and energy our new reporters are bringing to our meetings is contagious! They want nothing more than to put out a product you will enjoy reading, and I think that is what they have done here!
There is always staff turnover with a school newspaper, and this year is no different. In fact, we have almost an entirely new team with only a handful of returning 8th grade veteran reporters. However, the enthusiasm and energy our new reporters are bringing to our meetings is contagious! They want nothing more than to put out a product you will enjoy reading, and I think that is what they have done here!
We have worked hard to put together a first run this year that combines interesting school-related content, multiple teacher interviews including one-on-ones with Mrs. Self, Mr. Roble, and Mrs. Gordon, entertainment reviews in the worlds of film, music, and books, and several features related to Halloween and student interests. As a treat, not only has Lucas Garland returned with his Picklejar Comics, but we have another comic artist joining him, Ashley Ott.
We have worked hard to put together a first run this year that combines interesting school-related content, multiple teacher interviews including one-on-ones with Mrs. Self, Mr. Roble, and Mrs. Gordon, entertainment reviews in the worlds of film, music, and books, and several features related to Halloween and student interests. As a treat, not only has Lucas Garland returned with his Picklejar Comics, but we have another comic artist joining him, Ashley Ott.
I am proud of what the students have created and look forward to seeing where the staff takes this! Please click through all the tabs and pages to find several great articles and pieces to enjoy!
I am proud of what the students have created and look forward to seeing where the staff takes this! Please click through all the tabs and pages to find several great articles and pieces to enjoy!
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Steve Shaw
Editor-in-Chief
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