|] Vol. 109 No. 22 By KYLIE SHAFFERKOETTER . Post Staff DALLAS - The top 10 students of Dallas High School were recently ranked, with only tenths of a point separating them. Theyre all young, bright and college bound. So, what makes them so smart? Academic success just came naturally for some of these students, while others grew up in an environment where they were constantly encouraged to do their best. “My parents always helped me study and wanted me to be successful,” said Jen Moser, ranked seventh with a 3.75 grade point average (gpa. All A’s would be 4.0.) Moser describes herself as a deter- mined person who always strives to do her best. “I've had difficulties,” she said, citing a short attention span in math. “But I work through them.” The daughter of George Thomas and Donna Moser, she would like to pursue a career in women’s rights legislation and Dallas, Pennsylvania anked 3rd in class foreign relations, and run for political office. “Actually, I'd like to be the Presi- dent of the United States,” she said. “Because I see things that go on in the S =I SAVALNIC IN | =H O10] \V/I\Y/ |G] INET =SSH@] oi I or | =H BVA BH EVANS WPAN (= I = 2 VV ANN BST 0 o [O10] BN BI IST I 21 [OF BS government that make me angry.” She credits her teachers at Dallas for their hard work. “Dallas has a lot of great teachers. I can’t really single any out. Everyone has an impact on me. I really love Dallas.” : Moser will attend George Washington University in the fall. She was also accepted to Boston University, Hunter College, Pace University, Simmons Col- lege and Suffolk University. Jennifer Vodzak, ranked third with a 3.9 gpa, also believes her parents and 50 Cents June 3 thru June 9, 1998. ‘Top 10 students have strong motivation, ambitious goals teachers set her in the right direction. “They always instilled in me to put your best effort into everything,” said the daughter of John and Ann Vodzak. “The teachers at Dallas are a great bunch of individuals who really love what they do and that comes through.” Although Vodzak has always earned A’s, she doesn’t think the grade is the only goal. “Getting A’s isn’t thé answer to everything. It's more important that you See TOP 10, pg 7 Organizers gear up for '98 auction By KYLIE SHAFFER KOETTER Post Staff BACK MOUNTAIN - It’s getting to. be that time again. Auction time that is. In just a little more “than a month thousands of people will flock to the 52nd Annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auc- tion. The festivities will take place July 9-12 on the library's grounds. Auc- tion goers will eat delicious food served by the Rotary Club and othervend- ers, find fabu- lous bargains under the many tents and bid to their hearts’ con- tent. But, the event doesn't happen by itself. Every year devoted vol- unteers give up oodles of their free time to ensure the event goes off without a hitch. Under the direction of Ruth Tetschner, this year’s auction chairperson, the organizers are in good shape as they head into the final stretch. There will be some changes this year. The book booth now has a permanent home in the basement of the new children’s wing and bidders will see more collectibles See AUCTION, pg 8 Reading the wind "How do you tell which way the wind is blowing?" asked WBRE-TV weekend weatherman Don Seestead. "This way!" responded “students at Westmoreland Elementary School. Seestead was at the school recently as part of a celebrity reading program. Cody McHutchinson and Rebecca Yannuzzi joined their classmates in the response. Breakfast ceremony honors student achievers By KYLIE SHAFFERKOETTER Post Staff DALLAS - The Guidance Department and PTSO honored nine months of Students of the Month recently with a buffet breakfast. Each month's : winners sat together, some with sponsors who provided them each with a $50 savings bond. The breakfast marks the end of the first year of the program. The school administration and State Representative Phyllis Mundy joined in to congratulate the students exhibited out- standing achievement through- out the year. Each month a student, teacher or community member may nominate a student for the Student Achiever, Creative Student, School Spirit or Citizen award. The chosen students are then presented with a $50 savings bond from a community Sponsor. Robyn Jones, guidance counselor, told the room full of students, “You are a dynamo group of kids. You should feel so very proud of yourselves and know how special every one of you is.” Jones believes this program implements the “triangle” in education that brings together three important points, the home, community and school. Mundy, who was present at the first Student of the Month presentation, gave her support to the district, PTSO and students. “We do appreciate everything you do,” she told the group. “The community has really come together. Every single person can make a difference and a lot of people in this room have made a difference. You don't have to be a rocket scientist or a star athlete (to do that).” Storm rips Back Mountain A series of fierce storms carrying high winds, lightning and heavy rain did damage around the region Sunday night. At left, a tree limb rested on a car on Pinecrest Ave. in Dallas Borough. Below, a tree was down on Mountain View Drive, Dallas Township. More photos on page 8. Schools get brand new language curriculum By KYLIE SHAFFERKOETTER Post Staff DALLAS - Elementary school children will start next year with a brand new set of books that take an integrated approach to lan- guage arts. Lessons in reading, writing, phonics and spelling will be threaded together throughout the curriculum to help students understand how all these sub- jects work together. At its regular meeting, the Dal- las school board heard a presen- tation by William King of Harcourt Brace publishing company. King discussed the benefits of the Sig- natures series of school books and what they accomplish. “The program is more than just reading. It's a total plan with reading, phonics, spelling and English. Also, it’s more efficient to use an integrated program,” said King. Dr. Gil Griffiths, superinten- dent, said the entire program for both K-5 elementary schools would cost $125,000. The pro- gram includes books for children, teachers’ manuals and planners. Sam Barbose, Dallas Elemen- tary principal, said the teachers have been evaluating different K- 5 reading series for the past 18 See LANGUAGE, pg 8 POST PHOTO/CHARLOTTE BARTIZEK Lining up to chow down, Students of the Month, Dawn Dixon, March; Jeff Levinson, December; Mrs. O’Malia from the Dallas Federated Women’s Club; Kevin O’Malia, December; and Tony Luizza, December. BM Memorial Classmates honor memory of Seth Linsinbigler, who died in 2 So 0 \O + 1996. Pg 3. ga -— 52 - PP HM Movin' on up SEs Lake-Lehman soccer, ol £3 : volleyball teams advance : = in state playoffs. Sports. rei om fi p— Ris 14 Pages, 2 Sections a) 2 Calendar.....i.....u 14 O32 Classified............. 12-13 rl 32 Crossword......o oo 14 =z os —~ = Editorials...........c.5 0 4 RS ODHUBIIBS. .....cionrese. 12 Zo Shook... soins, 11 > » Spors....a. nh 9-10 Z — = E <i > 5 CALL 675-5211 FOR HOME DELIVERY, NEWS OR ADVERTISING
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