Winter Newsletter 2017

Forest Hills
Ranger Review

Vol. XXXVII
No 2

Winter 2016-2017

A New Journey Begins
January 9, 2017

~ SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE ~

Greetings to all and Happy New Year. A new year is an exciting time; it is a time to reflect,
renew, and reaffirm. During this time of reflection, I am truly appreciative to be part of the
Forest Hills School District, a district with a rich history of success and a district that re-
mains innovative and dedicated to providing all students a high-quality public education.

As we reflect, there probably has not been a more exciting time in the Forest Hills School
District—at least not in the last 50 years. In addition to commemorating its 50th Anniver-
sary, the Forest Hills School District reached another milestone: the opening of a state-of-
the-art junior-senior high school. I am happy to report that on January 9, 2017, students in grades 7 through
12, walked through the doors of the Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School. Witnessing this once-in-a-lifetime
experience, I noticed that students and adults alike shared a similar reaction: amazement and excitement!
The excitement of this day, and I am sure many more that will follow, included visitations by elected officials
and the local newspaper and television reporters who captured this special day not only for the Forest Hills
community but also for the entire region.

The transition from separated buildings into one school, especially in the middle of a school year, presented
quite a challenge. Some questioned the decision to transition into one building during the school year. Un-
deterred by construction completion deadlines and winter forecasts, I realized that the building project’s
completion and the transition into one educational facility was collective enterprise, an undertaking that re-
quired difficult decisions made on the part of the Board of Education and the cooperation of students, teach-
ers, secretaries, cooks, custodians, aides, and administrators. This collective group of individuals not only
achieved the expectations—they exceeded them. On December 21-22, 2016, elementary teachers and cus-
todians assisted middle and high school staff members in packing their belongings for the move. During the
Christmas holiday break, custodians worked to assist the moving company in transporting boxes and furni-
ture to the new building. On January 5-6, 2017, teachers, administrators, secretaries, cooks, and custodians
helped to unpack and set up classrooms in the junior-senior high school.

The dedication and hard work of our district employees underscores why Forest Hills has been, and contin-
ues to be, unlike any other school district. In spite of its impressive educational and technological offerings,
the new building does not replace or minimize the primary ingredient of Forest Hills’ ongoing success—the
people. From the dedicated men and women who serve on the school board to the employees and communi-
ty members, Forest Hills is blessed to have a supportive network of talent, dedication, and commitment to
ensure that all students are afforded opportunities to reach their potential.

The excitement generated from building the junior-senior high school is shared in the communities that com-
prise the Forest Hills School District. Their continued support does not go unnoticed or unrecognized. In
appreciation for the community’s support, a grand opening event—a gala of sorts—will be planned for June
2017. Details of the grand opening ceremony and events will be shared in upcoming newsletters and on the
district’s webpage.

While January 9, 2017, the first day of classes for students and staff in the new junior-senior high school,
marked the greatest milestone in my thirty-six-year career in education, it also reaffirmed my commitment to
the entire Forest Hills School District. The new junior-senior high school facility will provide students with
the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills, and support they need for the 21st century. In addition, I affirm
that the long-held tradition of excellence will continue to be the pursuit of the Forest Hills School District.

Sincerely,

Edwin Bowser
Superintendent of Schools

2

2015-2016 HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMANCE KEYSTONE EXAMS SPRING 2016
FIRST TIME TESTERS
PROFILE SCORES
(Buildings with Grade 11 students) PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS

DISTRICT* SCORE

Blacklick Valley 56.3 SUBJECT DISTRICT STATE
Literature 79.7 65.7
Cambria Heights 73.3 Algebra I 63.0 51.1
53.0 57.5
Central Cambria 89.7 Biology

Conemaugh Township 72.8

Conemaugh Valley 74.7

Ferndale 71.7 PSSA SPRING 2016
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS
Forest Hills 86.8 PROFICIENT AND ADVANCED

Greater Johnstown 60.4

Northern Cambria 70.9 SUBJECT DISTRICT STATE

Penn Cambria 92.3 Mathematics 47.5 42.5

Portage 69.7 English Language Arts 66.9 60.4

Richland 82.2

Westmont 82.0 Science 70.4 67.0

Windber 71.5 *Public information at www.paschoolperformance.org

PA SCHOOL PERFORMANCE PROFILE
WHAT IT MEANS FOR

THE FOREST HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Pennsylvania Department of Education recently released the Pennsylvania School Performance
Profile.

This public site (www.paschoolperformance.org) provides an academic performance score for public
schools in the state. This performance score is designed with several purposes in mind:

To inform the public of school performance;

To provide a building level score for educators as part of their evaluation system;

To allow the public to compare schools across the state;

To give schools a methodology to analyze their strengths and needs.

While public schools across the state have previously received designations under No Child Left Behind
(i.e., Made Adequate Yearly Progress, Making Progress, Warning, School Improvement, Corrective Ac-
tion), schools will now receive an academic performance score based upon many data points. Test
scores, progress in closing achievement gaps, and degree of student growth over time are factored into
the scoring while other identifiers of high achieving schools are also considered: graduation, promotion,
and attendance rates, as well as, evidence of offering rigorous courses factor into the calculation.
Schools may also earn extra points beyond the 100 point scoring system for those students who have
earned advanced scores on the state, industry, and Advanced Placement Exams. (Continued on page 10)

3

~ SCHOOL BOARD NEWS ~

The Forest Hills School Directors held their annual School Board Reorganization Meeting on December 7,
2016. The following are the current members of the School Board: President, Mr. Fred Russell, 2nd Vice
President, Mrs. Deborah Petrunak, Treasurer, Mr. Robert MacTavish, Dr. Timothy Ondrejik, Secretary,
Mr. John Bopp, Mrs. Corina Long, Dr. Richard Knavel, Mrs. Tracy Helsel, and 1st Vice President,
Mr. Galen George.

Say Thanks to Our School Board Members!

Public education is more than just learning the basic math, science, English, and history; it’s a platform for
students to reach their potential. It inspires hope for a new generation and a successful future. This insti-
tution exists in part because individuals volunteer their time to make informed decisions about the issues
facing public schools. Every January we celebrate these everyday heroes—the nine elected school board
members who serve our students and educational system.
School directors volunteer, on average, 20 hours a month to help run the schools in our community. The
school board makes difficult decisions for the betterment of our students. They vote on multi-million dollar
budgets, hire staff, select textbooks, review bus schedules and curriculum, to name a few.
These dedicated volunteers reside in our community. They are our friends, neighbors, community leaders,
parents at your school, and engaged senior citizens.
We ask you, the school directors’ fellow community members, to show your appreciation for their service.
Please show your gratitude in some way for their time, effort, and dedication to public education’s ad-
vancement. Thank them for advocating on behalf of our collective interests and making the difficult deci-
sions. Most importantly, thank them for being everyday heroes and making our students’ success their
priority.

4

~ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ~

Principal’s Corner ~ Mr. Curt Vasas

Greetings from the new Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School!!

We are so excited to be in our new state of the art facility. The students and staff have adjusted very well
to our new surroundings. We have just begun to realize all of the opportunities our new home will afford
us, but we are already reaping many of the benefits.

It may be hard to believe, but the course scheduling process for the 2017-2018 school year will soon be
underway. Course selection is one of the most important events for a high school student. As students
begin to form ideas about future endeavors and aspirations, the classes they take in high school can
help pave the way for future success.

The scheduling process will begin with our guidance counselors meeting with groups of students in their
Language Arts classes. Information will be discussed, and course selection sheets along with a course
description booklet will be distributed. Students will review courses and, with the help of their parents
or guardians, select classes that meet our graduation requirements and allow them to further explore a
variety of interests. Counselors will review course selections with students individually and verification
sheets will be sent home.

Again, scheduling is a very important aspect of our students’ academic career. If you, as a parent or
guardian, have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s guidance counselor or the
senior high school administration. The scheduling process requires input from all parties involved so
our students can be in the best position for future success.

Thank you.

DRUG AWARENESS WEEK

Forest Hills High School was busy promoting drug and alcohol awareness during the last week of Octo-
ber 2016. During Drug-and-Alcohol Awareness Week, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions),
under the direction of Mrs. Amanda Williamson, decorated the school hallways, windows, and school
grounds with over 200 red ribbons and hung posters with drug-and-alcohol facts and statistics through-
out the school. They also sold “Rangers of the Drug Free Forest” bracelets during lunch and encour-
aged students to sign an anti-drug-use pledge poster. SADD then presented fourth-graders from the
elementary school with information on making good choices in all aspects of life. A spirit week was also
held where students dressed in daily themes relating to being drug and alcohol-free.

Mrs. Claudine Yuhas, the high school nurse, arranged for Dr. Robyn King, an emergency room physi-
cian on staff at Conemaugh Hospital, to speak with high school students during a special anti-drug and
alcohol assembly held on Wednesday, October 26th in the high school auditorium. Dr. King, who grew
up outside of Washington, D.C., and who graduated from Florida’s Lake Erie College of Osteopathic
Medicine, completed four years of emergency room training at Conemaugh. Dr. King quickly captured
the audience’s attention with her direct and candid account of her more than seven-year-experience
with drug and alcohol patients and of the harmful effects of drugs on those using them. Dr. King feels
that educating youth about drug and alcohol issues will enable them to make wise life-choices. Both
students and faculty found her presentation enlightening and timely in light of the area’s current drug
problem.

5

High School Drama to Present:
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon

This winter the Drama Club is proud to present the first-ever production in the new theatre:
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. The show is one of the most-performed in high schools around the
country and it loosely, yet comedically, follows the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. The show boasts a
large cast, all of whom are very excited to perform on the new stage.

Show dates are February 23, 24, 25, 2017. Curtain
rises at 7:30 PM with the house opening at 7:00.

Tickets will be available at the box office: high school
students $3 and adults $5.

Join us to support the arts in our district.

Join us because there will never be another first
opening night on this stage.

Cast and stage managers See their excitement!
Join us to see the amazing new lighting and sound

systems.
Join us to help us fill the 780 seats to capacity!

Just join us!

We need you to fill all these seats!

6

Visit to Fallingwater

Fallingwater, the house built over a wa-
terfall, is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s
most widely acclaimed works. A group
of 48 students from Mrs. Smith’s Interi-
or Design class, Mrs. Cecere’s Art
classes, and the Technology Education
Department classes toured the house
and surrounding grounds in Novem-
ber. Fallingwater was designed and
built by Wright in 1935 for Pittsburgh
department store owner Edgar J.
Kaufmann. The house exemplifies
Wright’s concept of organic architec-
ture: the harmonious union of art and
nature. The students enjoyed the op-
portunity to experience an architectural wonder. The students were amazed by the design, beauty, and
art work.

Courtney Cecere joins the Seton Hill Lady Griffins

Senior guard Courtney Cecere #24 decided to continue her athletic and academic careers at Seton Hill
University in Greensburg where she will help with the Griffin’s continued success in the PSAC.

Seton Hill University women's basketball head coach Mark Katarski has announced one of our Lady
Rangers as one of his three signees during the recent early signing period.

"We have always focused on recruiting winners both on and off the court, and these three young ladies
continue that pattern," Katarski said. Courtney plans to pursue a degree in business. Courtney holds a
4.01 GPA and is very active in her community and school. She is the president of the National Honor
Society, and participates in Student Council, Spirit Club, FBLA, and the Spanish Honor Society.

As a junior, Cecere averaged 13.5 PPG
while helping her team win its second con-
secutive PIAA District 6 Class AAA
Championship, as well as advancing to the
Second Round of the PIAA Class AAA
Championship.

For her efforts, Cecere was named Third
Team All-State in Class AAA, as well as
earning All-Conference honors for the
Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference. In
addition, Cecere has been a four-year
starter in volleyball, and qualified for the
PIAA Class AA Championships in discus
as a junior.

She played AAU basketball for the Doug
West D-Fenders.

"Courtney comes from a successful athletic family, and is a leader on and off the court in so many ways,"
Katarski said. "We are excited to add all of those attributes to our program."

7

~ JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ~

Principal’s Corner ~ Mr. Ed Alexander

Welcome back! The second semester is well under way in our new state-of-the-art Junior-Senior High
School. We are excited and prepared for a successful transition, as we enter this new era of Forest
Hills. The first few weeks have brought much excitement, along with a bit of confusion, but has overall
been a wonderful transition!

The most important thing in the lives of adolescents and teenagers are peers. Peer pressure is at an
all-time high, so it is critical for parents to influence as much as possible. Managing peer pressure and
avoiding dangerous behaviors is a collective responsibility. As a school, we want to work with you
throughout these years. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

As we are now a grades 7-12 building, it is very important to stay connected with your children,
especially during this time of change. It is ever so important to stay in the loop, even though your teen
prefers independence. Ask specific questions, invite his or her friends into your home, and use car
time as a great opportunity for conversation. These are a few suggestions to help you navigate your
child’s adolescence.

National Junior Honor Society

The middle school held its National Junior Honor Society induction Wednesday,
November 16, at 6:30 PM in the middle school auditorium. Eighteen students met the
middle school qualifications and the Honor Society qualifications of scholarship,
leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Skyler Hostetler welcomed guests and
presided over the ceremony. Lighting of the candles and their meaning was conducted
by: Knowledge, Kaitlyn Rusnak; Scholarship, Jonathan McCall; Leadership, Kelsey
Josephson; Service, Thomas Hockensmith; Citizenship, Donovan Faith; and Character,
Rosalie DiPaola. Mr. Alexander, Principal, and Dr. Miller, Dean of Students, presented
certificates and officially inducted the students. Those inducted were: Garet Connor, Rosalie DiPaola,
Luke Docherty, Donovan Faith, Lacey Greathouse (vice-president), Thomas Hockensmith, Skyler
Hostetler (president), Kelsey Josephson, Jonathan McCall, Sydney McCormick (treasurer), Ashley
Pauley, Hadan Romanow,
Kaitlyn Rusnak, Megan
Rusnak, Abigail Seese
(secretary), Baylee
Snedden (historian),
Natalya Teno, and Rebecca
Williamson. A reception to
honor the inductees was
held in the middle school
cafeteria immediately
following the induction. One
hundred twenty guests
attended.

8

9TH Grade Students Visit Gettysburg

On October 18, 2016, Mr. David Satka, Middle School U.S. History teacher, concluded his unit of study
on the Civil War with a field trip to Gettysburg National Battlefield. Freshman students expanded their
knowledge of the battle through an IMAX movie, Cyclorama exhibit, museum and a licensed professional
guided tour of the battlefield itself. Students noted a mock “Pickett’s Charge” and exploring Little
Round Top as highlights of their experiences. Special thanks goes to Mrs. Shannon Curry for coordinat-
ing fundraising for the trip.

Wildlife Leadership Academy

In July, 2016, ninth grader, Donovan Faith, attended the Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Brookies camp
on a scholarship. Donovan was nominated for the camp by Mr. Pat Nelen. The camp was held at the
Siege Conference Center through Lock Haven University. In addition to trout fishing, Donovan gained
valuable knowledge about conservation, keeping a healthy environment, as well as brook trout’s habitat,
diet, history and species. As a student at the camp, Donovan stated that he learned about the
importance of leadership among peers, as well as how to work together as a group.
One of the major benefits of attending any of
the Wildlife Leadership Academy’s camps is
the possibility of receiving a college scholar-
ship to further participant’s careers. Another
benefit of attending the Academy is the stu-
dent outreach, which is teaching others the
importance of conservation and keeping our
native species and natural resources.

9

Kick Up the

Kindness

Forest Hills Middle
School continued its
Kick Up The Kindness
campaign by honoring
our Veterans with a
t-shirt sale. Proceeds
from the sale benefited
the Disabled American
Veterans. The Veterans
Day theme "Every Step
For Every Soldier" was
printed on the back of
the t-shirt. Freshmen
students Rosalie
DiPaola, Lacey
Greathouse, and Skyler
Hostetler designed the
t-shirts. A check for
$250 will be presented
to the Disabled
American Veterans
organization.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PA School Performance Profile

What it Means for

The Forest Hills School District (continued from page 3)

In addition to the scoring aspect of the site, the public can compare schools within and across the
state. Also, the site offers supports for schools to consider as they identify needs in the academic
profile. For an overview of the Forest Hills School District’s School Performance Profile, go to
www.fhrangers.org and click on the School Performance tab on the homepage to link to
Pennsylvania’s School Performance Portal.

Forest Hills School District’s School Performance Profile Scores for the school year 2015-2016:
Forest Hills Elementary School score – 74.8

Forest Hills Middle School score – 71.9

Forest Hills High School score – 86.8

Score Key: Significant evidence that the school exceeded the standard for PA Academic Growth
>100 Significant evidence that the school exceeded the standard for PA Academic Growth
90-100 Moderate evidence that the school exceeded the standard for PA Academic Growth
80-89.9 Evidence that the school met the standard for PA Academic Growth
70-79.9 Moderate evidence that the school did not meet the standard for PA Academic Growth
60-69.9 Significant evidence that the school did not meet the standard for PA Academic Growth
<60

10

~ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ~

Principal’s Corner ~ Mr. Lucas Jacobs

I enjoy taking time to reflect upon the wonders of the New Year. Watching your children flourish with the
guidance of the talented teachers at Forest Hills Elementary School is a great feeling. While visiting
classrooms, I witness children who are engaged and excited about their learning. I am very proud of the
children and teachers at Forest Hills Elementary School, and I look forward to all of the beneficial learn-
ing opportunities that will happen in 2017.

With an exciting 2nd half of the school year upon us, I would like to take this opportunity, once again, to
emphasize how important it is that we continue to maintain a quality partnership between home and
school. It’s the parents’ enthusiasm, support, and involvement that inspires a son/ daughter to do his/
her best, and it is the teachers’ ongoing instruction and support to assist our students’ overall achieve-
ment and academic growth. I look forward to working with each of you to provide our students with an
education that will prepare our students for the challenges of the 21st Century.

It is important to pay close attention to your child’s current progress. If your child is progressing
smoothly, keep the momentum going! If extra work or effort is needed, now is the time to raise expecta-
tions for rigor and practice. If you have any questions / concerns or need assistance, please contact
your child’s teacher or the elementary administration.

We must all work together to help each child reach his or her fullest potential. Forest Hills is an amazing
community of students, parents, and school personnel. Once again, thank you for all that you continue
to do as our community partners. On behalf of Forest Hills Elementary School, we wish you a safe,
happy, and healthy 2017!

Grade 4 Visits St.
Francis University

St. Francis University hosted
our 4th graders on November
22, 2016 for a career day
and girls basketball game.
Students first learned how
several adults found their
way to the career that was
right for them, and then
cheered on the Red Flash to
a victory over Canisius.
Making the day even more
special was rooting for Jillian
Scott, a 2015 Forest Hills
Alum. Jillian even made time
after the game to thank the
students for their support
and pose for a photo.

11

Bright Ideas in Mrs. Faith’s
3rd Grade

Students in Mrs. Faith’s third grade
class were excited to learn more
about past inventions after reading a
story in their reader titled, Young
Thomas Edison. Each child was given
a modern day product/appliance to
research on the internet during class
computer time. Each child discovered
who invented the product, when it was
invented, and if there were any excit-
ing facts that made the product
unique. They concluded that some
inventions were made by accident,
while some were made for conven-
ience. Mrs. Faith explained to the stu-
dents that without the invention of the
computer and the internet, they would
not be able to do the project easily.
Some of the children are even interested
in inventing their own products someday!
It was an assignment enjoyed by all!

Paleontologist in Training

Joe Wise, a sixth grade student, is a Paleontologist in Training. He shared his knowledge with the
students in Mrs. Myers’ second grade class. Mrs. Myers’ class was conducting dinosaur research in
conjunction with their language arts story The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs by Shirley-Raye
Redmond. Joe’s presentation included in-depth descriptions of his favorite dinosaurs-
Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, and Carnotaurus. He also answered multiple questions from the

children. Joe was very
professional, and he
provided the children with a
wealth of knowledge.
Mrs. Myers and her students
would like to thank Joe for a
wonderful presentation.

12

The Hour of Code

Students in Mrs. Wehner’s science
classes had the unique opportunity to
be involved in “The Largest Learning
Event in History” through an interna-
tional program including tens of mil-
lions of students. THE HOUR OF CODE
is a one-hour introduction to computer
science where the students are al-
lowed to choose between a variety of
activities on Code.org, including Mine-
craft, Star Wars, and Moana. The Hour
of Code inspires every child to be ex-
cited about learning with computers.
In the 21st century, each child de-
serves the opportunity to learn how to
create technology. By coding with these programs, students are working on cross-curricular sub-
jects, such as, computer science, math, physics, reading, history, English, and more. The basics of
computer science help people with problem-solving skills which is pertinent in any future career
path. Furthermore, there will be enhancements to the STEM hands-on curriculum through lessons
on coding within the topics of storytelling and music offered in conjunction with Roxanne Jenner
from the University of Pittsburgh of Johnstown.

Elementary School Music Program

Toes have been tapping, hands clapping, and voices singing to the many songs of the seasons! Spooky
sounds filled the air for the Halloween Parade videos. Pre-K – 3rd Graders giggled and gobbled to the
tunes of The Turkey Game. Christmas carols were enjoyed by all around the Christmas tree.

In November, Coleston Clifford, Colten Danel, Adyson Dombrosky, Makenna Konchen, Bailey Sheppard
and Anna Wirfel represented Forest Hills at the Junior High County Chorus festival. In December, the 6th
Grade Rockin’ Rangers Chorus spread holiday cheer to local personal care homes. In May, selected 5th
Graders will attend SongFest. Mr. Kearney’s 5th and 6th Grade band rehearsals are in full swing, prepar-
ing for the upcoming
Spring concert. In April,
selected 6th Graders will
participate in BandFest.

We hope you will join us
for our annual Spring Con-
cert on Thursday, April 27
at 7:00 p.m. on the new
high school stage! The
concert will feature the 5th
and 6th grade bands and
the 6th grade Rockin’
Rangers Chorus.

13

~ JUNIOR HIGH ATHLETICS ~

Junior High Boys’ Soccer

The 2016 Junior High Boys’ season, while the 8th graders are looking forward to
Soccer season came to an end their Varsity years ahead.
on October 20, 2016. The boys
started the season excited for
the new experience with posi-
tive attitudes. The boys worked
hard throughout the entire sea-
son never giving up. The boys
all developed their individual
skills while learning the im-
portance of working together
as a team. The 2016 team
captains were Mikel Grey (7),
Cayce McCall (8) and Lucas
Smay (8). The Rangers
finished their season with a
record of 3-7-3. The student-
athletes would like to keep up
with their skills by practicing
indoors throughout the winter months, which shows
their dedication and love for the game. The return-
ing 7th graders are excited for the 2017 Fall

The 2016 Forest Hills Junior High Girls’ Soccer The Lady
Junior High Girls’ Soccer Rangers ended

season came to an end in the season with

October 2016. The girls a winning record

came in to pre-season of 9-8-1.

with excited and driven Mackenzie

attitudes. Throughout the Hoover shut out

entire soccer season, the her opponents in

girls worked hard and 3 games. The

never gave up during Lady Rangers

games. The Lady Rangers scored a total of

showed tremendous im- 46 goals this

provement on their indi- season against

vidual skills as well as their opponents.

team work. The returning Lydia Roman

8th graders used their scored an out-

leadership skills and standing number

previous knowledge to of 30 goals!

help the incoming 7th graders and the players new to Overall, the Lady Rangers had an exciting season!

the program. Three 8th grade girls took the role as The returning 7th graders are excited for the 2017

captains, Madeline Cecere, Lydia Roman, and Fall season, while the 8th graders are looking for-

Josilyn Wehner. ward to their Varsity years ahead. Best of luck to

those who are playing Varsity soccer next year!

14

Junior High Cross Country

Congratulations to the Forest Hills Junior High Cross Country team on another successful season in the
books! It is a great feeling to look back after months of hard work and to see all that these young athletes
have accomplished. The girls finished with a record of 7-1, second place team at the Forest Hills Invita-
tional, first place team at the Uniontown Invitational, and second place team at the Laurel Highlands Con-
ference meet. Remi Smith, Katie Beyer, Paige Debias, Nikki Rorar, and Mackenzie Hoover earned individ-
ual honors at one or more invitationals. The boys finished with a record of 7-3, third place team at Forest
Hills Invitational, second place team at the Uniontown Invitational, and third place team at the Laurel
Highlands Conference Meet. Jude Martyak and Dylan Wechtenhiser earned individual honors at one or
more invitationals. Almost every runner on the team ran his/her personal record goal time. The running
Rangers continue to prove the future of Forest Hills Cross Country will be bright!

Junior High Football

The Junior High Football

team progressed as the
season went on ending

with two wins and six
losses. The group was

competitive in most of the
contests and even had
leads at halftime in 3 of

their 6 losses. If the group
of 27 young men stay

together and work hard,
they will be able to be a

part of the success at the

varsity level.

15

~ VARSITY ATHLETICS ~

40th Anniversary of Tennis

The Forest Hills School District first initi-
ated Varsity Tennis in 1977 with Coach
John Waksmunski. This year we cele-
brate our 40th year of tennis.

Our tennis teams have amassed nearly
500 team victories. We have accumulat-
ed many league and District 6 team
championships, numerous district sin-
gles and doubles championships as well
as being competitive at the state cham-
pionships in team, singles and doubles
matches.
This season our girls’ team was com-
prised entirely of seniors who, as usual,
“brought their game” for every competi-
tion. They, as hundreds of other past Ranger tennis players, know that they have learned a sport they can
play for life.

finished as runners-up of the Windber
Tournament, losing to Shanksville in a
best of three match. The girls worked
hard and improved as the season pro-
gressed. Other Varsity starters and let-
ter-winners for this year include juniors
Kara Baumgardner, Kate Brendel, Kylie
Bridge, Kaelyn McClintock, and Hannah
Sivi.

Junior outside hitter, Kaelyn

McClintock, was named to the LHAC

All-Conference team. In addition, senior

middle-hitter, Courtney Cecere, was

nominated to play in the Somerset vs.

Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Cambria County All-Star game on November 23rd at
Westmont High School. Congratulations to both

The Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team worked their way Kaelyn and Courtney on their accomplishments!

through a competitive season in the Laurel High- The Junior Varsity team had a great season and
lands Athletic Conference and were led by seniors finished with a record of 12-6. The girls played well
Sarah Blanchetti, Courtney Cecere, Sarah together and are excited for the team’s future. The
Pavlosky, Brinnah Porada, and Claudia Shrefler. Lady Rangers are coached by Nicole Kerr and
The team finished their season with a thrilling five Shannon Colosimo.
game victory against Bishop Guilfoyle, who went on

to win the District 6A championship. The team also

16

Varsity Boys’ Soccer defensive skills from ice hockey er and may develop as next
to the grass. The team posted year’s holding midfielder.
The Forest Hills varsity boys five shutouts.
soccer team finished the 2016 We outperformed expectations,
season with a regular season Three of the four juniors, re- and even in defeat never quit:
record of 12-6, earning the sixth turning veterans Alex Barclay five of the teams’ losses were by
seed in the District VI playoffs and Cody Erb, and newcomer one goal. The season was
before falling 2-3 to eventual Josh Rhinier, platooned in the summed up by the comment of
runner-up Bald Eagle Area. outside midfield positions, the head referee in the District
Seniors Wyatt Bromley and Luke roamed the fringes of the VI playoff: “If I have a son, I want
Helsel were named to the Laurel field and provided scoring, him to play for your team. You
Highlands Athletic Conference assists, and defense. Ethan get what the game of football is
team and were selected to play Penrod, the most improved about.”
in the sixth annual Tribune- veteran on the team, played
Democrat Santa Fund All-Star central midfield and forward When injuries decimated the up-
game. Carl Smith was nominat- positions, providing both goal perclassmen, the sophomore
ed for the senior award. Aided scoring and ball handling. class emerged from promising
by good health and good weath- newcomers to grizzled veterans
er this year, the graduating sen- The sophomore class, which nu- in a matter of weeks. Alex
iors compiled the best four sea- merically will dominate the start- Barclay and Cody Erb played
son composite record in boys ing line-up next year, were more every position except varsity
soccer history at Forest Hills. than understudies this year. keeper, and Ethan Penrod add-
Hampered in filling out its junior ed key minutes at the forward
There were seven seniors on the varsity schedule by injuries to position.
team, most of whom played for the varsity, the class responded
four years. Forward Luke Helsel by stepping up to the varsity lev- For the first time in a decade,
was nominated by rival area el. The defensive duo of Tanner the freshman class was large
coaches to the All-State team for Lehman and Josh Schrock joint- enough to constitute a team in
his second year and was the piv- ly held down the fourth position its own right. Playing out of the
ot of the attack in this year’s 4-1- in the defensive line without a same 4-4-2 formation, Alex
4-1 formation. The center mid- bobble, and next year’s center Cornman was backed by Simeon
field duo of Captain Wyatt midfield duo of Jeremy Weis and Rosage as the scoring threat,
Bromley and Jared Wehner had James Murphy demonstrated with a midfield of Lance
skill, grit, and chemistry provid- that they could run a set play Everhart, Jeremy Weis, Josh
ing the Rangers with consistent almost as well as the seniors. Jones (who contributed as a for-
control of the time of possession Josh Jones played forward dur- ward on varsity), Colton Platt,
stat. The back line was an- ing the occasional deployment and Alex Sculthorpe to feed
chored for a second year by the of a 4-4-2 formation, but shone in them the ball. As talented as the
trio of Trevor Smith, Carl Smith, his new role this year as the front half of the field is, the
and Captain Ryan Bedont, and holding midfielder. Simeon freshmen may have their future
goalkeeping was provided by Rosage emerged as future scor- stars in the defense: Tanner
senior and first year player ing threat, with fierce competi- Lehman, James Murphy, Josh
Nathan Valko, who brought his tion from former keeper Isaac Schrock, and Phillip Yuhas
played with keeper Isaac Shirt
Shirt, while (who combined with Panick in
Colton Platt the varsity goal) as if they had
regularly did already been a unit for several
double duty seasons
as wing mid-
fielder and as This was the year when oppos-
defenseman. ing coaches stopped saying that
A forward this Forest Hills has a surprisingly
year, Alex good soccer team and began
Sculthorpe saying that Forest Hills has its
showed that usual good soccer team. This
he was a fero- year, excellence became the
cious defend- tradition.

17

Varsity Girls’ Soccer

The 2016 Lady Rangers soccer team returns with 7 starters coming off of their District 6 playoff run. We
ended last season with a huge win against number two ranked Bedford to move to the semi-finals of the
District 6 Championship against Bellefonte. This motivated the 9 returning players to work extremely
hard in the offseason and throughout preseason.
Senior Grace Bromley continued her role as captain and team leader. Her motivation, positive attitude,
and leadership were greatly needed this season with a team of only 13 players. She held our team to the
expectations of Lady Ranger Soccer and continued to push every player to be the best she could be.
Grace plans to attend culinary school after high school and one day become a chef.
Joining Grace as captains are Juniors Sarah Deibert and Kourtney Walls. Sarah and Kourtney add dedi-
cation and skill to the team, while motivating all of the girls to work hard and play resiliently. The remain-
ing junior class contains outside midfielders, Angela Rok and Alyssa Murphy, who provided the team
with endurance through all games. Junior Taylor Johns stepped up to fill big shoes this year as a first
time goalie. She trained very hard during preseason and added height in goal.
Our sophomore class consisted of Bethany Fetsko, Ericka Frombach, Kara Jarvie, and Alyssa Penrod.
All four sophomores returned this season ready to put in time and effort to maintaining the Lady Ranger
team of years past. During our offseason, we focused on the fundamental skills of the game, making
each player stronger and more versatile on the field. These girls are really coming into their potential
and provided a strong foundation for future success.
New to the team are freshmen Maria Carosi, Kaitlyn Rusnak, and Megan Rusnak. With a lack of depth on
the team and because of minor injuries and illnesses, all three were able to step up into starting posi-
tions from the very start of the season. These girls show great potential in future seasons with their
speed, strength, and willingness to learn new positions on the field. During the two weeks that Taylor
Johns was injured, Maria Carosi stepped into the goalie position for us. She provided the team with
strong hands and an innate ability to control the goalie box. We are looking forward to some more formal
training with Maria, as she has proven to be strong in the net.
The Lady Rangers finished their season 5-13. We are all looking forward to competing in indoor tourna-
ments over the offseason and working on improving our skills, positioning, team formation, and
dynamics on the field.

18

Varsity Cross Country Teams Place 2ND at District Meet

The Forest Hills girls’ and boys’ varsity cross country teams ended their season with 2nd place finishes at the
District VI Meet held on the Forest Hills Middle School Course on October 29th. Both teams finished behind
champion Central Cambria. Top finishers for the girls were Emily Montag-9th place and Tricia Varner-10th
place, Kelsey Valko-12th place, Maggie Stains-16th place, and Lacey Greathouse-17th place. Top finishers for
the boys were Mitchell Chunta-3rd place, Tristan Corrente-10th place, Dempsey Barkley-12th place, Robert
Krug-24th place, Kyle Molnar-30th place, and Ryan Barkley-32nd place. Emily and Mitchell qualified for the
PIAA State Meet in Hershey on November 5th. Emily placed 65th out of 224 runners at the state champion-
ship meet and Mitchell placed 90th out of 238 runners.
Both cross country teams enjoyed very successful seasons. The girls finished the season with 11 wins and 1
loss. They were the AA champions at the Big Valley Invitational, placed 3rd at the Forest Hills Invitational,
and were the overall champions at the Uniontown Invitational. They also were runner-up at the Laurel High-
lands Conference Meet. The team’s only losses during the season were to State College at the Big Valley
Invitational (4th at the State Meet AAA), St. Josephs Academy at the Forest Hills Invitational (1st at the State
Meet A), and Central Cambria (4th at State Meet AA). The team was led by senior Tricia Varner and sopho-
more Emily Montag. Both girls were chosen as winners of the team’s Outstanding Runners Award. Both
won individual honors at every major meet. Both were chosen as members of the Central Western All Area
Cross Country Team. Emily and Tricia, along with freshman Lacey Greathouse, junior Kelsy Valko, and
sophomore Maggie Stains, earned 18 individual awards at major meets. Lacey was also named to Central
Western All Area Team and chosen as the area’s best new runner. Junior Cassi Smith and junior Josie
McKendree were also part of the team’s top 7 runners.
The boys’ varsity cross country team finished with 9 wins and 3 losses. They improved their performances
at every major meet from the previous season. They placed 9th at the Big Valley Invitational, 5th at the Forest
Hills Invitational, 6th at the Uniontown Invitational, and 3rd at the Laurel Highlands Conference Meet. Their
performances at the conference and district meets were the team’s best since 2002. The team was led by
sophomore Mitchell Chunta and senior Tristan Corrente. Both won individual honors at every major meet
and were named to the Central Western All Area Cross Country Team. Other top runners were senior Kyle
Molnar, juniors Dempsey and Ryan Barkley, sophomore Robert Krug, and freshman Ben Wechtenhiser.

19

Forest Hills Golf Team

The 2016 Forest Hills Golf Team turned in another strong year both from the team and individual perspec-
tives. Even though the team did not have a winning record, they were energized by the play and potential of
several players, old and new. Hopefully these players, along with the returning lettermen, will have a more
successful season in 2017 with all the hard
work they plan to do in spring and summer of
2017, which will once again make the team
competitive in the upcoming season.

The girls’ team enjoyed the competition this
year with four new girls on the roster. They
were Christina Cononie, Anna Miller, Sydney
Kakabar and Liz Zajdel. The only returning
player from last year was Lexi Ferchalk. Their
level of play throughout the season increased
a great deal, and by the end of the year, they
were all in competition with each other and
looking forward to next year’s season.

The boys’ team enjoyed another successful
season this year by recording more wins than
last year. The team members were Brady Pla-
za, Nathan Long, Quinn Spangler, and Connor Freidhoff. The only senior this year is Brady Plaza. He has
played an important role on the golf team the last four years and was captain of the team this year. Brady is
part of the all-conference team. The team is looking forward to coming back next year, stronger and more
talented.

The team always welcomes new players to try out for next year’s coed team. All players are welcome to
come and try this great sport.

The Forest Hills Football Boosters EVERGREEN LANDSCAPING PRO DISPOSAL INC.
would like to extend our apprecia- SERVICES / KEYSTONE STATE
tion to the following for being LAWN CARE* CARPENTER FINANCIAL
Game Ball sponsors for the 2016 SERVICES
season. FOX’S PIZZA DEN – SIDMAN
ED & CHRISTINE PERETIN
Thank you for supporting CRUTE’S BARBER SHOP
RANGER FOOTBALL! 1ST SUMMIT BANK – SALIX OFFICE
McANENY BROTHERS INC.
SHEETZ #113
DARRICK HUBER INSURANCE RC FRAZER CONSTRUCTION
AGENCY – STATE FARM* COMPANY STATE REPRESENTATIVE
BRYAN BARBIN
SPINOS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC* CAMBRIA COUNTY
BARCLAY ELECTRIC INC.* COMMISIONERS: BJ SMITH & WESSEL & COMPANY
J. ERIC WIECZOREK, MD* TOM CHERNISKY
BUD’S AUTO SALES* DON HUDSON HOME MAINTANCE
THE LONG BARN INC. II* McILWAIN SCHOOL BUS LINES SERVICES
JMA COLLISION CENTER*
SALIX CABINETRY* GET GO EBENSBURG KEIPER’S FARM MART

VICK’S CMC PHOTOGRAPHY

SUBWAY - SIDMAN MR. MUFFLER AUTO CENTER

VALERIE HUDSON – AMERICAN Excellence is the Tradition!
DREAM REAL ESTATE *Designates sponsored all home games

20

Rangers Make District Playoffs for the 9th Consecutive Year

The Forest Hills Varsity Football Team made the playoffs for the 9th consecutive year, but exited early with
an opening round loss to Huntingdon in a 54-30 shootout.

The Rangers experienced an up-and-down season as they fielded a young, inexperienced team and suf-
fered through several key injuries.

The Rangers defeated Somerset, Central Cambria, Bishop Carroll, Penn Cambria, and Richland. The loss-
es came at the hands of Westmont, Johnstown, Cambria Heights, Bishop Guilfoyle, Bedford, and
Huntingdon. All losses were to playoff teams with Johnstown and Bishop Guilfoyle eventually winning
District VI championships.

The Rangers were led by a bevy of underclassmen. The Rangers routinely started 10 of 11 players on both
sides of the ball who were underclassmen. The Rangers were led on offense by juniors Jon Long, Eric
Elgin, Nick Peretin, Jensen Bowen, Ryan Richardson, Evan Kundrod, Shane Deitle, Clayton McVicker, and
Seth Kulback.

A strong sophomore class, led by quarterback Adam Cecere, contributed heavily to the offense. Other
sophomores who started on the offense were Anthony Zangaglia, Mason Rodgers, Aiden Balasco, and
Aaron Lybarger. Senior starters on offense were 4-year-letter winner Tanner Gavlak, first-year senior
Garrett Donoghue, and second-year letter winner Brandon Culbert.

Defensively, the Rangers were again led by underclassmen. The Rangers sometimes had 10 and even 11
starters who were underclassmen. Players who started at least one game are as follows: Ryan
Richardson, Jon Long, Evan Kundrod, Eric Elgin, Jeff Wilson, Jensen Bowen, Nick Peretin, and Shane
Deitle. Sophomores who started at least one game are as follows: Anthony Zangaglia, Adam Cecere,
Dylan Fyock, Forrest Wolfhope, Blane Smay, Jason Wissinger, Mason Rodgers, and Aiden Balasco.
Freshman Seth Richardson also had several starts at safety.

Offensive statistical leaders were as follows: Adam Cecere passed for 1,409 yards, rushed for 583 yards,
and contributed 1,992 total yards with 25 T.D.’s and 6 two-point conversions. Jon Long rushed for 202
yards, had 48 receptions for 818 yards for 12 T.D.’s, 7 two-point conversions, and 1,620 total yards. Eric
Elgin was the leading rusher with 587 yards. He also had 17 receptions for 167 yards. He scored 6 T.D.’s
and had 1 two-point conversion. He totaled 751 yards. Ryan Richardson with 192 yards and one T.D.,
Evan Kundrod with 129 yards and one T.D., and Garrett Donoghue with 142 yards and two T.D.’s contribut-
ed to the offense.

Defensively the Rangers were led in tackles by Eric Elgin with 95, Jon Long with 64, Adam Cecere with 66,
Nick Peretin with 51, Connor Hudson with 48, Shane Deitle with 42, and Jensen Bowen with 29. Nick
Peretin led the team in sacks with 7 followed by Jensen Bowen with 5, Eric Elgin with 3, Anthony Zangaglia
with 3, and Aiden Balasco with 3. Jon Long with 3 interceptions and Ryan Richardson with 2 interceptions
led the team in this category.

Adam Cecere and Garrett Donoghue shared the kickoff and punting duties.

Though ending with a disappointing 5-6 record, the coaches are optimistic that the Rangers will bounce
back with 24 lettermen and starters at every position.

The Rangers will
say goodbye to the
following seniors:
Tanner Gavlak,
Brenden Culbert,
Connor Hudson,
Garrett Donoghue,
Dervin Claycomb,
James Mangus,
and Matt Norton.

The coaching staff
thanks you for your
contributions dur-
ing the past four
seasons.

21

Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #5
Johnstown, PA

“BTohaerdmoifsSsciohnooolfDtihreecFtoorrsest HilDlsisStrcihctoAodl mDiisntisrtircattiiosnto

provide the best student-centered education so all
Fred Russell, President Edwin Bowser, Superintendent

studeGTarnlaectnysGHeeaolsrcgeleq,,11ussttiVrViciecee-P-aPrrenessiddideenanttpply the kVanneosswa Slreald, DgireectoarnofdEdusckatiiolnls to

Deborah Pestruuncakc, 2ened Vdicei-nPreasindenet ver-chaClnaugdiianMgehawll, oScrholdol .P”sychologist

John Bopp, SecrePtuabrliyshed by the Office of theCSuurpCteVruinratseVandase,snSatseo,nf HtihoiergFhHoiSrgechshtSHocoillhlsoPSorcilhnoPcorilipnDacislitpriactl

Robert MacTavish, Treasurer BrianBrKiaonstKano,sStaenn,iHorSHAigsshisAtsasnitstParnint cPirpianlcipal

Rick DanielTsr,aAcsysiHsetalsnetlS, Mecermetbaerry/Treasurer EdEwdawrdarAdleAxlaenxdanedr,eJru, nMiiodrdHleigShcShcohool PolriPnrcinipcaipl al

RJaicrheadrCdrKonavuelr, Member Laura Miller, Dean of Students

GCaolerinnaGeLorngge, ,MMeemmbbeerr Lucas Jacobs, Elementary School Principal

Timothy Ondrejik, Member LarryLaCrerylmCeerl,mEelerm, EeSntAasrsyisAtsasnitstParnint cPirpianlcipal

Carl Beard, Solicitor Chris Reighard, Business Manager

Marian Boyer, Food Service Director

“The mission of the Forest Hills School District is to
provide the best student-centered education so all

students acquire and apply the knowledge and skills to
succeed in an ever-changing world.”

Published by the Office of the Superintendent of the Forest Hills School District
22