Johnstown Students Awarded Chamber Scholarships

Five $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Fulton County students during the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry Student Recognition Breakfast held on Wednesday, May 7 at the Fulton Montgomery Community College campus. Congratulations to JHS seniors Travis Bevington (JHS Class of 2008 Valedictorian) and Michelle Frenssen (JHS Class of 2008 Salutatorian), who were two of the five scholarship recipients!

JHS Green Club Plants a Tree for Arbor Day
To celebrate Arbor Day, the JHS Green Club planted a tree in front of the high school. The tree, a black walnut, was donated by the Johnstown Celebrates 2008: Time Marches On committee in order to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the clearing of land by Sir William Johnson. There are walnut trees on the Sir William Johnson Hall property, so it was fitting to plant black walnut saplings. The Green Club thanks Johnstown City Mayor Sarah Slingerland and Maggie Luck, who were instrumental in coordinating the donation of the trees.

JHS Students Win Fulton County Art Show Awards
Seven JHS students were among the winners for high school art entries at the 50th annual Fulton County Art Show held at the First Congregational Church in Gloversville. Senior Erin Ratajczak's entry was judged "best in show," earning her a $500 special prize. Other JHS winners included sophomore Sakura Isei - $100 Rosalie B. Eaton Memorial Award; junior Rachel Simonds - $100 Jack M. Frederick Memorial Award; sophomore Ran Isei - $100 Richard Frizzell Memorial Award; senior Jane Lichorowic - $100 Art Show Committee Award; senior Sarah Marshall - $100 Sacandaga Valley Arts Network Award; and sophomore Karly Vdoviak - $25 honorable mention. Congratulations to all of our JHS artists!

Floating a Boat at the Cardboard Regatta
Nine student teams took to the JHS pool in creative cardboard canoes during the launch of the second-annual Johnstown Physics Cardboard Regatta on April 2. Working in teams of no more than three people, physics students and Science Club members were challenged to build a boat of a certain size, made of corrugated cardboard. Commercial products were not allowed - even the method of propulsion was to be made of cardboard - no hands or feet! The boats also had to be named, although no paint or ink could be used. Pursuant to rules established by Mrs. Buskirk, if a boat met specifications and could float, students earned five extra credit points; upon completing one lap in the pool with a group member in the boat, five more points were earned; a name for the craft garnered two points; winning a heat was worth one point and winning the regatta was worth two points. It was great fun for participants and spectators alike as the boats proved to be “sea-worthy” (or not!) during the race. When all was said and done, the winning entry, submitted by T. Bevington, C. Ripple and M. Frensen, was the “C.U.S. Wins.”  Enjoy these photos from the event.

Author Visits and Signs JHS Library Books
Ellen Hopkins, author of popular teen novels "Crank," "Glass," "Impulse" and "Burned" was in the area on April 2 and talked to students about her inspiration, writing style and how much her novels resemble her own life. Two JHS students had an opportunity to sit down for coffee with Ms. Hopkins and said it was "immeasurably valuable as a fan and potential author." While here, the author signed our JHS library copies of her books - come in and check one out today to see the message that she wrote!

JHS Mock Trial Team Goes to Court
On Thursday, March 20, the JHS Mock Trial Team appeared at the Fulton County Court House to present their case for the defense and the prosecution in this year's statewide High School Mock Trial Tournament at the county level, going up against two other schools. Each member of the team played a role as an attorney and/or witness in the case. The "attorneys" were responsible for knowing courtroom etiquette, how to question witnesses during direct and cross examinations and when and what objections are allowable. Witnesses were required to learn facts about their character so that they could effectively answer questions posed by the attorneys. Team members included: Kayla Pollak, Claire Tennis, Amanda King, Olga Lawrence, Margo A. Beck, Brian Kested, Lyndsi Wood and Chrissy Ripple, together with advisor Charlene Dybas.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members
In a ceremony held at Johnstown High School on March 19, nineteen JHS students were inducted to the William A. Wright Chapter of the National Honor Society. The inductees, selected by a faculty council based on high standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character, included: Margaret Aksynova-Beck, Kyra Billington, TrevorBruce, Wesley Clark, Gretchen Derwin, Adele Friello, Zachary Gordon, Brittanie Leigh, Elisa McIntosh, Elizabeth Moses, Brittany Ostrander, Kelsey Palcovic, Amie Sedal, Samantha Simek, Nicholas Simon, Rachel Simonds, Daniel Smith, Tamara Van Nostrand and Marlaina Wing.

Travis Bevington, NHS president, served as master of ceremony, while officers Brian Kested, Olga Lawrence, Michelle Raspanti and Adam Clute gave speeches on the four tenets of the society. Members honored JHS earth science teacher James Donovan for his dedication and commitment to students and education. David Rockwell, JHS biology teacher, spoke on Mr. Donovan’s behalf, noting his enthusiasm for teaching, earth science, students and Buffalo sports teams, as well as Mr. Donovan’s lasting positive impressions on the student body. After the ceremony, guests and members enjoyed cake and punch at a reception in the cafeteria.

The National Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for high school students. Chapters exist in more than 60 percent of the nation’s high schools, with millions of students selected for membership since 1921. In addition, the sponsoring organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to senior members since 1945.

Un Jour de Francophine
Students in Mrs. Fabiano's French IV & V classes traveled to the University at Albany on March 17 to spend the day immersed in the French language. During "Un Jour de Francophine," the students toured the Albany campus with a French speaking guide and visited the Archives Library, where original manuscripts of children's stories written in French are contained. A group of fiddlers from Canada taught the students French dances, introducing them to square dances brought to the North American continent by the French explorers and settlers from Bretagne. The program ended with JHS students sitting at tables with students from other school districts and conversing in French before they departed.

Winter Guard
The Johnstown Varsity Winter Guard (Amethyst Gold) is approaching the end of its 2008 competitive season. Comprised of 24 students ranging from grades 7-12, the group competes locally and nationally with a show titled “Wires and Lights In a Box.” The show is staged around six console televisions, with music by Peter Gabriel and dialogue from television and radio journalist Edward R. Murrow. 

This year, Johnstown High School Winter Guard director Daniel Jones and his staff elected to promote the group from the Scholastic A division to the Scholastic Open division. They have experienced much success at this higher level of competition so far this season, considering the newness of the staff and students to the class. 

In the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit (the governing body for winter guard in the greater part of New York State) Johnstown High School has been ranked second of the three schools competing at this level (Laurens Central, first and Cicero-North Syracuse, third.)

On February 9, the group competed in the WGI (Winter Guard International) Eastern Regional hosted at Salem High School in Salem, Massachusetts. Johnstown placed second to King Phillip Regional High School (MA) in the finals competition.

On February 23, Johnstown traveled to Trumbull, Connecticut to compete in its second WGI Regional, placing fourth in the finals competition behind South Brunswick High School (NJ), West Orange High School (NJ), and Laurens Central (NY.)  Norwalk High School (CT) placed fifth and Scotland High School (NC) placed sixth.

On Friday, March 14, the Johnstown High School varsity winter guard traveled to Monmouth Junction, New Jersey to compete in the WGI Mid-Atlantic Power Regional hosted by South Brunswick High School.  Johnstown placed sixth in finals competition, behind South Brunswick High School (NJ), West Orange High School (NJ), West Johnston High School (NC), Mechanicsburg High School (PA) and King Phillip Regional High School (MA).  Gates-Chili High School (NY) placed seventh, while Scotland High School (NC) placed eighth. Laurens Central (NY), Cicero-North Syracuse High School (NY) and Norwalk High School (CT) did not advance from the preliminary to the finals competition. As an outcome of this competition, Johnstown now ranks first in their home circuit.  Congratulations to the students of Johnstown and good luck as they finish out this season!

Participation in Fulton County Student Government Day
Johnstown High School students Amanda Boyer, Natalie Engel, Kara Gagliardo, Brian Kested and Olga Lawrence were selected to represent our school at the Fulton County Student Government Day held Monday, March 10.

As part of the day, these pupils competed against teams of students from other area school districts in a quiz on local government, history and geography. Johnstown tied the team from Gloversville and a tie breaker question was posed to determine the victor. Brian Kested was nominated by his peers to answer for Johnstown. He was able to answer correctly, winning a Dunkin Donuts party for Mr. Russo's Participation in Government Classes!

The students also took a tour of the Fulton County Solid Waste Facility on Mud Road and participated in a Fulton County Board of Supervisors meeting. After listening to a presentation at the Mud Road Landfill, the students were given a quiz regarding recycling, with Brian Kested and Kara Gagliardo winning prizes for their top scores.

Founder's Day Award Winners
Congratulations to the following individuals, who were recognized at the Central Council PTA Founder's Day awards dinner for their much appreciated efforts and assistance at Johnstown High School:
Mrs. Rebecca Bacon, English Teacher and Sophomore Class Advisor
Sharon Roth, PTSA Public Relations Chair, Parent & Volunteer
Karol Gifford, PTSA Co-Presient, Parent & Volunteer

International Dinner Triumphs Over Winter Weather
Braving a winter storm on February 12, many individuals chose to attend the Twelfth Annual International Dinner sponsored by the International Club and the Foreign Language Department. Eric Zinter provided musical entertainment by playing the spoons, a lost art, and everyone enjoyed sampling the tasty cuisines of Asia, Europe and South America. While the evening was unfortunately cut short due to the weather, it was still a great time!

Physical Education Leadership Award Winners
Johnstown High School students Natalie Engel and Phillip Satterlee were recognized with Physical Education Leadership Awards on February 2 during a dinner at the Century House Restaurant in Latham.

One female and one male student from each high school in the Capital Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance are selected to receive this honor, based upon their commitment to education and health. Criteria for the award include a high level of physical performance, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities and service to the school and/or community.

The honorees were accompanied to the dinner by their parents, together with high school principal Michael Beatty and physical education instructors Scott Hale and Jennifer Rockwell.

Student Models will Promenade in Latest Styles at Fashion Show
The Ninth Annual JHS Prom Fashion Show, proudly presented by the Johnstown High School PTSA, will take place from 7 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2008 in the JHS cafeteria. The show will feature JHS student models and escorts, wearing the very latest in prom gowns and tuxedos, with hair designs by local salons. There will also be exhibits and displays, along with door prizes and refreshments. Tickets are $5 at the door ($4 with a PTSA card), with the total proceeds benefiting the JHS Post Prom Party.

History Happened Here
Students in Mr. Reilly's and Mrs. Ryder's classes traveled to Saratoga National Historic Park on October 25, where they viewed the Saratoga Monument, the Schuyler House, the cemetery, the Visitor's Center and the Battlefield. The students received a lesson on the Revolutionary War and learned that, as part of a troop project, Eagle Scouts recently remarked and repainted the battle lines.

Johnstown Marching “Sir Bills” Earn Local and Out-of-State Honors
The Johnstown High School Marching Band recently traveled to Salem, Virginia for the Central Virginia Regional Band Competition. Performing its competitive show titled “Mountain of Dragons,” the band placed first in the 2A division with a score of 77.2, ahead of King George High School’s second place score of 73.7.  JHS also won four special caption awards: best color guard, best percussion, best music and best effect.

Sponsored by the United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA), the competition was held at Salem Stadium in Salem, Virginia and was part of a five day trip.  The first stop on the band’s itinerary included performing at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland on Thursday, October 4. This was followed by an enjoyable day in the City of Richmond on Friday and then rehearsal under the very warm Virginia sun on Saturday, prior to the competition. Sunday’s activities included spending time at King’s Dominion Theme Park and a luncheon cruise in Philadelphia, with everyone returning to Johnstown on Monday.

Competing in the New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFBC) since early September, the band consistently placed second in local competition, right behind the Mohonasen High School Marching Band, until October 13. On that Saturday, JHS placed first in a competition at Mohonasen High School by earning a total of 79.7 points to Mohonasen’s 78.85.

The marching season will come to a close following the New York State Championships on October 28 at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome. For more information please visit any of the following websites: www.yea.org, www.nysfbc.org or www.johnstownmusicweb.com.

"JHS Writers Anthology 2007"

Five JHS students can see the results of hard work on their novels with the printing of the "JHS Writers Anthology 2007." Together with Dylan Thomarie, the High School Library Media Specialist, the students spent five months writing and editing their stories and now get to see their creativity in print. Each of the writers received their own free copy and a copy is now available in the library for anyone to checkout. The 197 page Anthology is also available for purchase online at http://stores.lulu.com/jhslibrary or via Mr. Thomarie in the High School Library Media Center.

Inspired to write a story? JHS students, start thinking about your plot now! The same challenge will begin again in November and you could be included in the 2008 edition of the "JHS Writers Anthology."