The student news site of Stroudsburg High School

Mountaineer
A gavel which is a main component of the courtroom and a symbol of the law.
President Elect Donald Trump Convicted
People texting on WhatsApp where the encrypted messages have been taking place.
Encrypted messsages stop cyberattacks
Digital image of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Image created by Andrew Polanco Then.
Notre Dame Cathedral host mass, sets record attendance
Wingstop being constructed in-between T-Mobile and Starbucks
Stroudsburg welcomes two new franchises
Little by little, countries have begun to put a ban on the marriage of children under the age of 18.
Columbia bans child marriage
Peter Kallinteris, an alumni of Stroudsburg, attending the 76th Emmy Award ceremony hosted at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. (Image provided by Peter Kallinteris)
Small town, big dreams
Hanukkah is celebrated by displaying a menorah. This blow up yard ornament is the latest among festive decorations.
Hanukkah
The Sapphire Portal's absense page showing how many days a student has missed so far in the academic year.
Absence Policy clarity
Northeastern winters bring cold snaps, wind chills, road closures, school delays, and much more. How do you prepare for winter?
Christmas Traditions
Nepo babies are evident in the entertainment industry and have caused some controversy with their “opportunities.”
Nepotism within the entertainment industry
MCTI students gathered canned food donations for a local Monroe County food pantry just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Photo shared by MCTI Facebook page with permission.
MCTI celebrates luncheon and canned food donations
Izzy DeFalco's winning design at the MCTI "Anything Goes" cosmetology competition. Photo shared by DeFalco.
Sophomores sweep cosmetology competition!
Stephani Chandler, 27’, posing with her advisor after getting an award for her poem “The Power of Young Colors." Photo provided by the MCTI Facebook account.
SHS student has a poem published!
Matt Wall, Kasey Carpio, and Ryan Jean received the Elmer Gates Award, May 24. Photo submitted by Maria Hafler, adviser.
MCTI students continue to earn accolades
May 12, DeSales University hosted National Signing Day for MCTI students. Matt Walls, 12, and Wyatt Staples, 12, were two of the Stroudsburg High School students who signed intentions.
DeSales University hosts National Signing Day for MCTI students
Editors Jaden Harper, '25, ALexis Binikos, '25, and Olivia Celano, '25, posing for a picture. Photo taken by Madisen Dullen, '25.
Editors Picks
The "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller opened to the title page.
Achilles: Hero or villain?
The "Wicked" movie logo which can be found on various posters and billboards.
“Wicked” movie review
Holding hands was a traditional symbol of being a couple, but "situationships" have confused society.
Situationships
Work books for the new required StudySync online programs in the Stroudsburg school districts.
Technology takes over schools
Mr. Robert Wood reads a comic; the primary focus of The Study of Graphic Novels course that is being added as an elective.
November School Board Update
Mr. Burke dons a chef hat and coat while assisting in the SHS kitchen. Photo shared by Assistant Principal, Christine Gangaware.
September meeting reveals double departure
Kona Maronpot, senior, is the 2024-2025 Student Representative for the SHS School Board and a monthly contributor to The Mountaineer Newspaper.
Stroudsburg welcomes a new Student Rep to the board
Girl's wrestling comes to SHS
Girl’s wrestling comes to SHS
The Monroe Career & Technical Institute has big plans for the future.
MCTI expects new programs and renovations
The American flag hangs in every classroom in the Stroudsburg School District, and in most public education institutions.
Respecting the American flag
2024 Election Update
2024 Election Update
Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America, looks onto his crowd while standing in front of the American flag. Picture covered by Fair Use Laws.
Donald Trump wins the presidency
Digitial graphic showing The Mountaineer's 2024 Election Live Updates logo.
LIVE: 2024 Election Updates
The "I voted" sticker that an individual gets after voting at the polls on election day.
The race to the White House
Janel Meyers, '25, ready to fight her opponent from William Allen High School.
Girl’s Wrestling Gallery
Teammates congratulating Michael Gilmore, '27, on adding points to he scoreboard.
Boys’ Basketball shows grit and perseverance
Stroudsburg Chess team getting practice in before their match against East Stroudsburg North.
Chess Team gets a much needed win
East Stroudsburg South vs Stroudsburg on December 4, 2024.
Girls’ basketball victorious against rival Panthers
Guard Alex Pacitti on defense during game vs William Allen
Boys’ Basketball loses 4th game in a row
Aiden Nieman, '25, running during last week's meet at Stroudsburg Junior High School.
Stroudsburg’s Pocono Record Athlete of the Week Nominees
Teammates congratulating Michael Gilmore, '27, on adding points to he scoreboard.
Boys’ Basketball shows grit and perseverance
Stroudsburg Chess team getting practice in before their match against East Stroudsburg North.
Chess Team gets a much needed win
East Stroudsburg South vs Stroudsburg on December 4, 2024.
Girls’ basketball victorious against rival Panthers
Guard Alex Pacitti on defense during game vs William Allen
Boys’ Basketball loses 4th game in a row
From left to right: Alysha Coker, Isabella Lisnik, William Tonnies, Gavin Dunkelberger, Anthony Ortiz. Photo used with permission and shared by SHS Rifle Facebook.
Stroudsburg Rifle Grabs Another Win
A picture congratulating the new 2025 year by Adobe Stock.
How did you greet 2025?
All the staff and faculty members who performed in the 2024 Holiday Show.
2024 Holiday Show was full of surprises
Editors Jaden Harper, '25, ALexis Binikos, '25, and Olivia Celano, '25, posing for a picture. Photo taken by Madisen Dullen, '25.
Editors Picks
Taylor Swift performing her guitar surprise song, "Welcome To New York," at MetLife night three.
The end of an era
The "Wicked" movie logo which can be found on various posters and billboards.
“Wicked” movie review
Janel Meyers, '25, ready to fight her opponent from William Allen High School.
Girl’s Wrestling Gallery
Every staff member that participated in the Holiday Show posing for a picture at the end of the performances.
2024 Holiday Show Gallery
Mr. Vernon, Sophia Hann, ‘26, Connor Potochnick, ‘25, Kona Maronpot, ‘25, Jessica Haggerty, ‘25, Logan Potochnick, ‘25, Brianna Coykendall, '25, Peter Leyba, ‘25, Nelly Kolakowski, ‘26, Caroline Byra, ‘25, Sophia Best, ‘26, Aryanna Vidaic, ‘26, and Mr. Haggerty taking a picture in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Submitted by Sophia Hann, '26.
Model Congress goes to Washington D.C.
A sassy looking statue of a man decorated with hearts and fireworks on the banner on the Wilkes campus.
Wilkes University field trip gallery
Anthony Knight, '25, leading the senior class by finishing the lyrics of "Mr. Brightside."
Homecoming Pep Rally
PCPB:The importance of questioning ethics. Mr.Beast controversy overview.
PCPB: Mr. Beast controversy
A cover for the podcast depicting the title as well as images of books, drama masks, film, and other book/movie related things.
Script to Screen: “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
Chris Herren and Jaden Harper speak during the interview.
Former NBA player Chris Herren joins the podcast
Netflix’s Beef is frighteningly realistic
Episode 2: Coaches Richmond and El-Bassiouni
Rapid Round-Up recaps weekly news highlights
Chris Herren and Jaden Harper speak during the interview.
Former NBA player Chris Herren joins the podcast
Mystery of the Mountaineer
Mystery of the Mountaineer
Seniors return to Chipperfield Elementary to visit former teachers. This is the second year for the "senior walk".
Welcome to SHS senior walk
Stroudsburg's stand out track athletes
Stroudsburg’s stand out track athletes
The TikTok logo photo from Flickr.
TikTok Test
Autumn leaves begin to change in late September and early October. Check for peak fall foliage viewing in your area online.
Fall Quiz
March has been declared as Women's History Month and is celebrated internationally on March 8.
March is Women’s History Month
Shamrocks and buckets of gold aren't the only things related to March.
March Trivia Quiz
What would your job be at the North Pole?
What would your job be at the North Pole?
New assistant principal, Mark Powell, with his wife and daughter.
Staff Feature on Mr. Powell
Xavier Bernard,'25, plans to attend college with a major in business management and develop his culinary skills along the way to soon open a restaurant of his own in the future. Photo provided by Xavier Bernard.
Xavier Bernard Spotlight
Abena Aidoo snaps a selfie from the mirror. Photo submitted by Aidoo.
Student Spotlight on Abena Aidoo
Chaasad-Yah Weldon taking a picture in a mirror.
Student Spotlight on Chaasad-Yah Weldon
Doniko Collins, '24, showing off his flashy outfit during spirit week. Photo provided by Doniko Collins
Doniko Collins gets a special nomination
Xavier Bernard,'25, plans to attend college with a major in business management and develop his culinary skills along the way to soon open a restaurant of his own in the future. Photo provided by Xavier Bernard.
Xavier Bernard Spotlight
Abena Aidoo snaps a selfie from the mirror. Photo submitted by Aidoo.
Student Spotlight on Abena Aidoo
Chaasad-Yah Weldon taking a picture in a mirror.
Student Spotlight on Chaasad-Yah Weldon
Doniko Collins, '24, showing off his flashy outfit during spirit week. Photo provided by Doniko Collins
Doniko Collins gets a special nomination
Student Spotlight on Keegan Munch
Student Spotlight on Keegan Munch
New assistant principal, Mark Powell, with his wife and daughter.
Staff Feature on Mr. Powell
Ms. Nowosad sitting at her desk completing grades for her classes.
Staff Feature on Ms. Nowosad
Ms.Lloyd elementary school nurse posing with her family. Photo shared by Ms.Lloyd
Staff Feature on Ms.Lloyd Elementary school nurse
Mr.Carter posing in front of a historical building. Photo provided by Mr.Carter
Teacher Feature on Mr.Carter
Ms.Barro taking a selfie while on an outing with her parents. Photo shared by Ms.Barro
Teacher Feature on Ms.Barro
Samuel Diola, '25, driving the ball towards the end of the course
Sensational Seniors: Samuel Diola
Lara DeFreitas, '25, earned a spot as our first Sensational Senior. With her long-time commitment on the volleyball team, she is a key member of the team.
Sensational Seniors
Lilian Blazick, '27, poses for a selfie at an event.
Happy Birthday, Lillian Blazick!
Ms.Heather Nowosad standing in The Mountaineer Market shortly after opening.
Happy Birthday to Mrs. Nowosad
Taylor Swift flexing during "The Man" introduction.
Happy Birthday to Taylor Swift
The swans were swimming: Mr. Benjamin, Ms. Vail, Ms. Krock perform at the annual holiday show.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Krock
Mrs. Verwey, or Madame Verwey, teaches all levels of French. She often plans a trip abroad for her students to visit France. Photo taken by Mikayla Flores, '27.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Verwey
Ryan Jean- Northampton community college
Ryan Jean- Northampton community college
Sidney Lindner- Northampton Community College
Sidney Lindner- Northampton Community College
Arianna Colon- Northampton Community College
Arianna Colon- Northampton Community College
Zoe-Marie Brown- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Zoe-Marie Brown- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Jayla quinones- Northampton community college
Jayla quinones- Northampton community college
A close up of music notes from "The Adams Family" musical.
“The Addams Family” casting announcment
Crista Kopec playing the piano which is one of the most used instruments in songwriting. Photo provided by Megan Lisnik.
Grammy Nominations
Stephani Chandler, 27’, posing with her advisor after getting an award for her poem “The Power of Young Colors." Photo provided by the MCTI Facebook account.
SHS student has a poem published!
Music held up next to the playbill of "The Addams Family."
SHS 2024-2025 musical revealed!
Pocono Art Council building on 530 Main Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania is scheduled to close its doors on September 30, 2024.
Pocono Art Council Official Closing
Chase needs a forever home. He is located at Camp Papillon Animal Shelter. Photo shared by Sarah Cepin with permission.
Help Find Chase a Home
Activities to kick off 2025 in the Poconos
Picture of Taco taken at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society and shared by Tryniti with permission.
Meet Taco
Northeastern winters bring cold snaps, wind chills, road closures, school delays, and much more. How do you prepare for winter?
Winter must-haves
This is a picture of patches laying by the window shared by Blue Mountain Animal Rescue by Tryniti Labar
Meet Patches
Go Collaborative of Stroudsburg will keep the Snowman collection on display until February 21.Photo credit: Pocono Mountains website.
Snowmen of Stroudsburg 2024
SHS Key Club will host Breakfast with Santa at Chipperfield Elementary School on December 14, 2024.
Key Club hosts Breakfast with Santa this Saturday
Digital image created with Canva by the Mountaineer Staff.
Quiet Valley Farms Winter Tours
SHS boy's basketball is hosting a fundraiser. Photo shared by Heidi Rodriguez.
Boy’s Basketball ornament fundraiser
Stroudsburg High School DEI Club is hosting a movie night. Flyer shared by DE&I club.
DEI Hosting Movie Night
Activities to kick off 2025 in the Poconos
Artisan Snowmen located next to steps ar the courthouse in downtown Stroudsburg.
Guess who’s back?
A group of women standing by a rack of naturally dyed yarn spun by a spinster on the farm (2023). Photo submitted by D. Porter or Quiet Valley Farms.
Quiet Valley hosts it’s annual Harvest Festival
Dill pickles are a favorite addition to lunch or a sandwich. Fried pickles have become the latest appetizer trend, and the latest TikTok Keto fad is chickles.
Pickle Me Poconos Festival!
Autumn leaves begin to change in late September and early October. Check for peak fall foliage viewing in your area online.
Harvest the fun while weather permits
Chase needs a forever home. He is located at Camp Papillon Animal Shelter. Photo shared by Sarah Cepin with permission.
Help Find Chase a Home
Picture of Taco taken at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society and shared by Tryniti with permission.
Meet Taco
This is a picture of patches laying by the window shared by Blue Mountain Animal Rescue by Tryniti Labar
Meet Patches
Dusty needs a forever home. He is located at Camp Papillon Animal Shelter. Photo shared by Sarah Cepin with permission.
Help Find Dusty a Home
Picture of Hope taken at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society and shared by Tryniti with permission.
Meet Hope
The PA restaurant and lodging association scholarship is intended for high school seniors
PA restaurant and lodging association scholarship
This scholarship is intended for students planning on attending a technical school
Donald Lynch scholarship
This scholarship is intended for students planning on studying environmental science
Gary R. Brown Environmental scholarship
This scholarship is a merit-based scholarship but financial information is also required
Hagan scholarship
This is meant for students intending on studying botany and agricuture
Monroe County Garden Club scholarship
Mr. Getz is set to become the new principal at Hamilton Elementary!
Mr. Getz to become Principal at Hamilton Elementary!
Teachers set for retirement at SJHS
Teachers set for retirement at SJHS
Julia Saurman smiling for a picture in the mirror.
Freshman Spotlight on Julia Saurman
The logos that make up the NHLs Pacific division
Examining the NHLs best players: The Pacific
Zackarey Tomko posing for a picture outdoors.
Cyber Spotlight on Freshman Zackarey Tomko
The student news site of Stroudsburg High School

Mountaineer
The student news site of Stroudsburg High School

Mountaineer
Andrew Polanco Then

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer

Hello, its Andrew! I’m a junior going onto my second year with the Mountaineer. I enjoy writing as well as dancing, drawing, singing, and skating. Know that I’m working hard to improve the Mountaineer.

All content by Andrew Polanco Then

[Video] PCPB: Mr. Beast controversy

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer
January 2, 2025
Digital image of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Image created by Andrew Polanco Then.

[Photo] Notre Dame Cathedral host mass, sets record attendance

December 18, 2024
The oldest woman in North America, Naomi Whitehead, is 114 years old. Digital image created by Andrew Polanco Then.

[Photo] Oldest woman in North America outlives her family at age 114

November 14, 2024
Stroudsburg Football team huddles together before their game against Pocono Mountain East.

Hall of Fame Football Game

Alexis Binikos and Andrew Polanco Then
October 21, 2024
A sign of the Stroud Township's Broadhead Creek Park at 4002 North 5th St. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Brodhead Creek Park

Andrew Polanco Then and Gian Leoj Dela Cruz
October 17, 2024
A path with a nice scenery near the beginning of one of the trails.

A river visible along the trails where fishing is allowed with a fishing license.

A body of water found along the trails where you can fish as long as you have a fishing license.

An open field filled with trees seen along the trails where you can rest and kids can play.

An open field that can be seen along one of the trails where you can play with your pets, family, and friends.

A nice open path on the rails, good for going on runs.

A close-up on a white snakeroot flower, used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.

A close-up photo on a solidago radula, otherwise known as western rough goldenrod.

A sign of the Stroud Township's Broadhead Creek Park at 4002 North 5th St. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

A close-up photo of dandelions seen along the trails, medicinally used after boiling them to cure illnesses.

Sign for the Honeylogust Trail and the Brodhead Creek Trail that are decently long and for moderate hikers.

A nice trail path with a nice scenery in nature along one of the trails.

A nice body of water where you can stop and fish with a fishing license.

A close-up on white wood asters flowers, an ingredient used in making laxatives.

An open view image of trees that you can see through the trails.

A picture of trees and an open sky along the trail paths.

A close-up on a verbesina alternifolia flower, otherwise known as wingstem or a yellow ironweed.

A bridge along the trails that can be seen at the Brodhead Creek Park.

A close-up of a group of karkloof hullwort plants found along the trail.

Photo taken on the bridge, picturing the nature visible there.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Awareness ribbon drawn by Staff writer Andrew Polanco Then

[Photo] September Mindfulness

Nyx O'Connor, Staff Writer
September 30, 2024
Posters of the anime Fate/Grand Order for sale in Walmart.

Anime is moving at a steady pace

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer
September 11, 2024
Stroudsburg Junior High School Art 1 projects such as portraits and close ups.

Check out the Stroudsburg Area School District 44th Annual art show photo gallery

Andrew Polanco Then and Gian Leoj Dela Cruz
April 23, 2024
Stroudsburg Junior High School Art projects such as flower close-ups and Pop Art.

[Photo] Freshman artwork in the Art Show!

Casey O'Donnell
April 22, 2024

SHS art department’s hard-working community

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer
April 18, 2024

Netflix’s Beef is frighteningly realistic

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer
March 13, 2024
Madison Cottle, 12, delivered an excerpt about Shirley Chisholm.

Terrel Butler, 12, read a John Lewis excerpt that brought the audience to their feet.

Jake Chung, 12, King of Hearts winner.

King of Hearts nominees await the final announcement for the winner.

King of Hearts Dance, February 9, 2024.

Senior Jake Chung celebrates winning the title of King of Hearts, February 9, 2024.

King of Hearts Dance, February 9, 2024.

King of Hearts Dance, February 9, 2024.

King of Hearts Dance, February 9, 2024.

King of Hearts Dance, the crowd cheers for nominees as awaiting the winning announcement.

During the Spring Festival, its common for children to receive envelopes with money in them.

The diversity of New Years

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer
January 18, 2024
K-pop is listened to globally by people of many different cultures and ethnicity.

The influence of Korean pop outside of Korea

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer
December 4, 2023
Toxic masculinity could be as simple as a seemingly harmless joke.

The harmful effects of toxic masculinity

Andrew Polanco Then, Staff Writer
October 17, 2023
Load More Stories