Rocket Tales January 2012

THS All-School Musical Presents . . . “Little Women”

By Katie Huber

The all-school musical, Little Women, will be presented

February 17 & 18 at 7 o’clock in Colestock Auditorium. Tickets are $5

and can be purchased at the door.

The musical centers around Joe and her three sisters Meg,

Amy, Beth. Joe’s father went to war, and Joe’s mother is left alone to

take care of five girls. Joe wants to become a writer and travel.

So Joe travels to New York to become a publish writer. Amy

travels the world to become a high class lady of society. Beth stay home

with their mother Marmee. Beth comes down with scarlet fever and dies.

Joe and her sisters come home after the news. They all realized that they

cannot all stay together forever. But they will always be a family and

have each other’s backs. The

cast members are:

Joe- Abby Preston

Marmee- Lindsay Downing

Meg- Lindsey Fink

Amy-Serena Cruz

Mr. Brooke-Tyler Brown

Professor Bhear- Ben Southwick

Laurie-Chase Upchurch

Clarisse- Ashley Brown

Braxton- Ben Snyder

Rodrigo- Jacob Rash

Knight- James Mcginty

Hag- Amber Burton

Troll- Katie Huber

Monk- Emily Willis

Come out and see a great production and support your fellow

classmates and friends.

Ida Tarbell Luncheon By Chase Canter

Ida Minerva Tarbell (November 5, 1857 – January 6, 1944) was an

American teacher, author and journalist. She wrote many notable magazine

series and biographies. She is best known for her 1904 book The History of the

Standard Oil Company. She became the first woman to take on Standard Oil.*

On the last Friday in January, 1939, Miss Tarbell returned to

Titusville. Paul Giddons, a popular author of the oil history era, was also in

Titusville. The Titusville Historical Society invited Tarbell and Giddons to

dinner to meet the community of Titusville. Three hundred community

members were served dinner in the Titusville High School auxiliary

gymnasium on that day.

Each year in January, the junior class advisor and English teacher,

Mrs. Cressman, organizes the Ida Tarbell Luncheon for the junior class. On

Friday, January 27, Ms. Ida Tarbell was in the building and the junior class

recreated history in the auxiliary gymnasium at Titusville High School.

Those in attendance for this year’s luncheon were Ida Tarbell, Nettie

Grumbine, Paul Giddons, various community members and the THS junior

class.

Prior to the luncheon, the 11th graders read a book about Miss Tarbell

and her accomplishments as a writer. It was great seeing history being

recreated. What other school has such a successful event to cherish and

partake in? This is a unique opportunity that juniors participate in each year.

See photos below from the Ida Tarbell luncheon this year.

*Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ida_Tarbell

Martin Luther King Jr. Day By Mike McGaughey

As you may know, on January 16, 2012 Titusville High School had no school. But ask yourself, do you really know

why we had this day off? On the third Monday of every January we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This man was a

social rights activist in the sixties who fought for social equality and rights for all races of people. This holiday was created to

honor the noble actions of Martin Luther King Jr. and raise awareness and how he helped change our country for the better.

King led various peaceful protests that were for the abolishment of racial segregation and discrimination. King’s most popular

peace speech was the “I Have a Dream Speech,” one that is so popular that its message still impacts us to this day. Martin Luther King Jr. became widely

recognized for his nonviolent leadership through these peace protests, especially the March on Washington in 1963. He was awarded the Nobel Peace

Prize 1964 for helping achieve equality for citizens of the United States. Although many people honored this man and respected his message, there were

several who did not; and sadly on, April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a national holiday in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan signed it into national law. However, it

took three years for it to be recognized by the entire country. So hopefully, you were able to take some time out of your busy schedule to appreciate the

actions Martin Luther King Jr. did for our country on this day and honor this great man.

Sources: http://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0118/Ten-Martin-Luther-King-Jr.-quotes

HOLMES DOES IT AGAIN!

By Chase Canter

A Game of Shadows: The background mood is

right, a complacent, seemingly optimistic 1890s

bustling with energy, but with something danger-

ous rumbling underneath that is more than the tube

station being built near 221B Baker Street. A vast

conspiracy is being launched by the great mathe-

matician Professor Moriarty, but only Holmes can

do the math necessary to realize that all the bomb-

ings and assassinations around Europe are part of

the Napoleon of crime's plan to provoke war be-

tween France and Germany. The aim apparently is

to make the professor rich through his recently established control of

armament factories that will eventually fulfill his megalomaniac ambi-

tions. But while the intrigue is persuasive and related to many of the

concerns of fin-de-siècle politics and the melodramatic literature of the

period, the nonstop action is very much of our current cinema. The mov-

ie begins with a vast explosion in Strasbourg followed by similar pyro-

technics in London, Paris and Germany, which punctuate endless chases,

fights on trains and battles that result in a body count that anticipates the

world war Holmes seeks to avert.

I absolutely loved the way Guy Ritchie put this movie togeth-

er! Sherlock Holmes has been my favor book since I was a child and I

think the movies are better than the books! As every Sherlock Holmes

adventure ends: THE END? Source: IMDB.com

Cooperative Education Program

By Hannah Childs

Co-op is a program that provides students an

opportunity to go to school for half of the day and go to work

the other half of the day.

Mrs. Stromdahl, certified co-op coordinator, has been

placing students in co-op positions for the past ten years. The

goal of the cooperative education program is to help students

begin to develop a “professional attitude,” which determines

how you look, work, and interact with other people; and to be

enthusiastic, mature, competent, confident, cooperative,

reliable, and positive individual in the working world.

Currently, the following seniors are participating in co-

op: Emily Wescoat at the Lunch Box; Samantha Owens at the

YMCA; Natasha Crawford at Butcher & Winkler, Attorneys at

Law; and Carrie Zahn and Mitch Wescoat at Eastern Wholesale

Hardware.

I asked the students who participate in the program

what some of their responsibilities are at work. Emily Wescoat

waits on customers, prepares meals, runs the cash register, and

cleans up at the end of the day. Samantha Owens teaches

gymnastics and swimming lessons as well as lifeguarding

duties; Natasha Crawford works as a receptionist, which

includes preparing documents on the computer, filing, and

answering incoming phone calls. Mitch Wescoat is creating a

company website and Carrie is using her accounting and

computer skills.

Any junior interested in participating in co-op during

their senior year should pick up an application from Mrs.

Stromdahl prior to scheduling.

CONGRATULATIONS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!

By Hannah Childs

Jenn Helmbold-September 2011

Jenn is sophomore. She keeps herself busy by doing chores

around her house and participating in Cross Country. When

Jenn graduates, she wants to be a lawyer. Jenn was very excited

and honored when she found out that she was nominated for Septembers

student of the month.

Brittany Thorpe-October 2011

Brittany is a senior at THS. After Brittany graduates, she

plans to attend Edinburo University to major in social work

and minor in art. Currently she works at McDonalds

Restaurant. When she isn’t working or attending school, she

likes to be artistic. When Brittany found out she won

October’s student of the month, she was very

excited, proud, and honored.

Austin Kolaja-November 2011

Austin is a sophomore at Titusville High School. After

Austin graduates, he wants to join the NAVY. Austin helps

with some maintenance around his church to make a little bit

of money. In Austin’s free time he likes to play video games and practice

Tae Kwon Do. Austin was so excited and very surprised when he won the

award for student of the month in November.

Tom Wilks-December 2011

Tom is a sophomore at Titusville High School. Tom

participates on the high school swim team. He also plays

the clarinet in his spare time. After Tom graduates from

high school, he plans to attend college and major in

engineering. Tom was also very excited and honored to be

chosen as the student of the month for December.

Natasha Crawford spends her afternoons

at Butcher & Winkler, Attorneys at Law.

Top right: Mitch Wescoat is developing

the website for Eastern Wholesale Hard-

ware while Carrie Zahn (bottom left) takes

a minute from her duties at Eastern

Wholesale Hardware to smile for the

camera.

Making a Better You By Lexi Warner

With a new year starting, you may have resolutions, a resolution that in some way will make you a better person. One

resolution that you may have made is to become healthier and stronger. In my opinion, a healthy lifestyle is a great

idea.

One way to start a healthy habit is by exercising. Exercising is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Exercising not

only keeps you in shape, it helps rid your body of toxins. Exercise keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which helps

prevent heart diseases, diabetes, and depression. The average teenager should exercise for at least an hour every day to

ensure bone and muscle health. Studies also show that you should get up and move around at least a little bit every

hour during the day because a lazy life-style causes fat build-up around the heart. Choosing to exercise as a new year’s

resolution will definitely make you healthier, happier, and more energetic.

Besides exercise, another great resolution to have is having better eating and drinking habits. If you stick to

eating fruits and vegetables, instead of chips and cookies, it can make a big difference in your health. In fact, “junk

food” is another thing that makes you feel depressed and drowsy. Your body is so busy trying to protect itself from the

excess calories and fat that it has difficulty working with your everyday activities. Drinking water and juice is also an

excellent option because it also rids your body of toxins and leaves you feeling refreshed. However in my opinion the

best advantage is that it also helps you lose the weight you’ve been trying to lose. Sometimes no matter how much you

work out, the results don’t show because you’re taking in all of those calories that you burned off.

A third good resolution that everyone should make is getting better sleep. Not getting enough sleep can slow

down your ability to learn, and think logically. More sleep keeps you more alert and brightens your mood, giving you a

clearer view of your life. However, most of us don’t have the time to get enough sleep, and, of course, most of us fix

that problem by drowning ourselves in energy drinks and coffee. Unfortunately, studies show that it takes a full 30

minutes for the effects to kick in. If you just take time to take 10, the results are immediate.

With this new year comes a lot of new resolutions, and I would encourage you to keep with a healthy new

lifestyle.

New Year’s Resolutions By Thria Devlin

As we venture into 2012 everyone develops resolutions to better themselves. So, THS, what are your

new year’s resolutions?

“I want to be a better person and help people more.” -Rob Johnson

“To do better in school.” -Chelsea Harmon

“I want to do work.” -Olivia Tracey

“Save the rainforest!” -Ivy Kuberry

“I would like to make more time for my friends.” -Hannah Childs

“I want to be nicer to people.” -Praise Mabugu

“To get better at saving money.” -Laura Wilks

“To be less of a redneck, just for Renata.” -Kori Mallory

“I want to quit falling down the stairs!” -Jessica Lore

“I want to stop drinking bottled water.” -Mr. Smith

“This year I plan to raise my standards!” -Keri Klingler

“I would like to learn how to dance better.” -Katie Huber

You can maintain your New Year’s resolution, which we all have problems with, by following a few

little tips and tricks: Firstly, it’s easier to reach your big goal by making smaller steps in the process.

Like writing a paper, it’s easier to spread out the work than sit and write all at once. Secondly, if

you’re hoping to break old habits, create new ones to distract yourself. Want to stop biting your nails?

Keep them painted so they’re prettier – then you won’t want to bite them so much. Thirdly, make

your resolution public so you have support from friends and family to keep up the good work. Lastly,

and most importantly, surround yourself with a positive attitude towards your resolution so you’re able

to keep faith in yourself to accomplish what you want. Remember these tips and your New Year’s

resolution is sure to be a hit!

THS Winter Cheerleaders! Article: Thria Devlin – Picture: Valerie Galmish

The THS winter cheerleaders are having

an active season. The junior varsity and varsity

squads cheer for both wresting and basketball;

however, according to sophomore Rachel

Rodgers, the varsity squads are the ones that travel to the away

games.

Senior captain, Valerie Galmish, explained that when

practices get rough the squad’s motto is “this time is the time.”

She clarified its meaning, explaining, “we say it when we start

to get discouraged with a certain build [a combination of bases

to make someone fly] – it’s pretty much like saying, ‘This time

it’s going to work, make it your best.’”

The squad’s positive attitude doesn’t just stop at their

motto. Rachel Rodgers, shared her favorite part of cheering,

saying, “I like being able to do different things like basing and

flying.” Basing is the supporting position on the ground, and

these girls catch the flyers; flyers are the girls who are

launched into the air to do various stunts.

Advised by Mrs. McCray, members of the cheerleading squads

are as follows:

Seniors: Valerie Galmish (Captain) and Courtney Zahn

Juniors: Emily Carter, Laurel Zuck

Sophomores: Rachel Rodgers, Lydia Kellogg, Allison Sutara

and Cassie Thomas

Freshmen: Chelsea Patterson, Alaska Beck, Lindsay Brickner

and Taylor McWilliams.

Be sure to support the THS cheerleaders as they root

on the Rockets boys’ basketball and wrestling teams this

winter!

Front l-r: Lindsay Brickner, Alaska Beck, Rachel Rodgers, Lydia Kellogg, and Taylor

McWilliams; Back l-r: Cassie Thomas, Emily Carter, Valerie Galmish, Laurel Zuck,

Allison Sutara, Courtney Zahn, and Chelsea Patterson

The Grapplers of THS By Mike McGaughey

Titusville wrestling is another one of the great winter sports

THS has to offer its students. Under the leadership of Coach Burns

and Coach Huck, the team has been showing great potential for this

season.

The wrestling team features seven seniors who are leaders

for the team. The seniors are: Justin Daugherty, Howie Knapp, Zach

Donovan, Cody Brunst, Nate Warner, and Van Stefaniszyn.

The team selected

three captains, who are con-

sidered the role models for the

rest of the team. Those indi-

viduals are Nate Warner, Zach

Donovan and Cody Brunst.

The team also features various

juniors who contribute greatly

to the team: Austin Cartney,

Xavier DeRose, Troy Beauchat, Brad Hanna, and Ty Lohr. Sopho-

mores are, Erin Lee, John Ensle, Marcus Brun, Derrick Bish, Kaleb

Chase, Josh Bowmen, Aaron Mowrey, and Greg Antill. First year

freshmen wrestlers are: Scott Fry, Derek Baldwin, Justin Grove,

Easton Houge, Steve Machen, Tell Hansen, Tristan Nadolny, Tyler

Nicol, Dan Stearns, Louis Cruz, Jake Kafel, and Dalton Burns.

The season is well underway, however, there are still plenty

of opportunities to see one of these spectacular matches. February 7

is the last wrestling match of the 2011-2012 season against Corry.

Great job to all the wrestlers who have been so dedicated and worked

through the entire season and good luck to the wrestlers who are

moving on to post season competition.

Rockets Shoot for the Stars!

By Chase Canter

With the basketball season in full swing, Coach Davie

continues preparing his team for Region 6 District 10 play. Coach

Davie stated that some of their toughest rivals are Maplewood,

Franklin, Meadville, and Oil City. “Our teams strength is that we

are a good transition team and we run the court well” said Davie.

“We have to continue to play competitively in our region, we have

to be mentally tough, and we have to match the other team

physically.”

Continue to come out and support our boys basketball

team. There is still lots of basketball left in the season.

Service Learning—Students Give Back By Lexi Warner

Service learning is an opportunity for seniors to engage in meaningful service with instruction and reflection to

enrich the student’s learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen the school and

community. Students choose their areas of interest, and attempts are made to match students to a site

or assignment of their choice.

Students are placed with sponsors throughout the high school as well as the ECLC

and TMS. Some of the duties include helping the classroom teacher with bulletin boards,

classroom assignments, and assistance with students who may need a little extra help. Other students travel to the ECLC and

help where needed. Responsibility, self-direction, and a strong work ethic are required of all service learners.

Several students are assigned to teachers at the ECLC. The ECLC is a very popular place for stu-

dents to service learn. There is always something to do in the classrooms. Students who are considering teaching as a

career often request a classroom placement at the ECLC. Any junior interested in service learning can sign up to enroll during

scheduling this month.

“JUNIORS”

Are you interested in CO-OP

during your senior year?

Fill out an application prior to scheduling

your senior year courses.

THS Gardening Club By Thria Devlin

Do you like to garden? Are you still looking for a club to join? Why not

try the new THS Gardening Club?

With the greenhouse available since Mrs. Turner’s retirement, Ivy

Kuberry, who is in charge of the club, along with a few other students decide to put

it to good use. Ivy explains the process of getting the club approved. We asked

Mrs. Cressman if she was interested [in advising the club], then it was taken to Mrs.

Keebler who said, “plant whatever you’d like!”

Ivy commented that since the gardening club is still fairly new, it has a

laidback environment and a few details which still need to be fleshed out.

However, she also says that the greenhouse is full of vegetables and other plants,

elaborating, “We’ve got tomatoes, zinnias, ferns, geraniums and a few extra plants

from Mr. Rapp.” Other members of the club are Brianne Come, Emily Nottingham,

Kylie Rogers, Bridget Jenkins and Cody

Brunst.

Good luck to all you green thumbs! January Newspaper Staff

front l-r: Mike McGaughey, Hannah Childs, &

Chase Canter; back l-r: Lexi Warner, Thria

Devlin, & Katie Huber.

Andrew Moronski receives pointers from

Mrs. Copley on how to use the copier in

the print shop.

Brittany Milligan gives a thumbs up

after Mrs. Van Alstine compliments

her on a job well done.

Lucas Hipple works diligently

on a project for Mrs. Titus.

Chris Schwab puts the finishing

touches on the Friday video for

Mr. Cartney

Brianne Come multi-tasks each day in

the high school office helping those in

need.

Publication created through the THS Business Education

Department and THS Art Department

Dates to Remember

February

11 Sadie Hawkins Dance—8-11 p.m.

17 Professional Day—No Students

17-18 All School Musical—7 p.m.

20 Presidents Day—No School

**Spaghetti Dinner**

Presented by

Titusville Senior High School

Student Council

and

Titusville Rotary Club

February 10, 2012

5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.

Take-Outs Start at 4:30

Adult Dinner - $7.00

Child under 12 Dinner - $4.00

NOW OPEN

at

Titusville High School

Tuesdays & Thursdays

during A & B Lunches and Directed Learning

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS

Don’t Be Left Behind!

Learn the latest software.

Earn MOS Certification.

Develop skills for life.

Take Business and Computer

Applications Courses

next year.

ATTENTION

The boys’ basketball team will be participating in a

Pizza Hut fundraiser on Thursday, February 9th

4:45—8:00 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds and tips

will benefit the

Boys Basketball Booster Club.