The student news site of Stroudsburg High School

Mountaineer
The Bethlehem Steel Turn & Grind Shop will be used as a festival center by the year 2027. Digital image created by Andrew Polanco Then.
Bethlehem Steel Turn & Grind Shop converts into a festival center
The oldest woman in North America, Naomi Whitehead, is 114 years old. Digital image created by Andrew Polanco Then.
Oldest woman in North America outlives her family at age 114
2024 Election Update
2024 Election Update
Route 611 was shut down in 2022 after heavy rains caused a rock slide damaging the roadway near the Delaware Water Gap. Photo shared by J. Appolo
Route 611 reopens
The field of flags in front of the Stroudsburg High School meant to honor our veterans.
The Importance of Veteran’s Day
New doors are opened everyday for women in the sports industry.
Women in Sports
Mrs.Tkach posing with her first Stroudsburg badge from 2007.
Mrs. Tkach’s departure
SHS cafeteria buffet where students can get free lunches.
Calling all foodies!
Class of 2025 presented their float skit of Teen Titan's Go during the 2023 float competition. Pictured from left to right are Will Awauh, '25, Logan Potochnick, '25, Brianna Coykendall, '25, Anthony Borrero, '25, and Anna Kirby, '25.
Homecoming float construction
Music held up next to the playbill of "The Addams Family."
SHS 2024-2025 musical revealed!
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
Work books for the new required StudySync online programs in the Stroudsburg school districts.
Technology takes over schools
The "Home of the Mountaineers" banner hanging in the lobby of the high school
Superheroes
Drawing of Evelyn Hugo surrounded by her seven husbands inspired by a picture of Marilyn Monroe.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” book review
A female student flexing her arm to show the right of choice.
Abortion: your body, your vote
Phone playing Chappell Roans hit song "HOT TO GO!" with headphone plugged into the phone.
Chappell Roan sets boundaries as a celebrity
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
Clearview Elementary sits in freshly coated snow as snow continues to fall.
Clearview Elementary sees renovations in its future
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
A female student flexing her arm to show the right of choice.
Abortion: your body, your vote
Field Hockey completes winning season
Field Hockey completes winning season
Stroudsburg Volleyball huddles during game against Pleasant Valley on October 9, 2024.
Volleyball finishes off historic season
Chess players Jacob Bajek, '25, Jacob Patcher, '27, and Mason Ulmer, '27, sitting at a table prior to their matchup against Pocono Mountain West on November 12.
Chess dominated in season opener
SHS chess team focuses on an intense practice for their upcoming season.
Stroudsburg Chess team begins a new era doubling in size
Picture of Stroudsburg Football captains during the coin toss on October 25, 2024.
Comeback complete: Stroudsburg clinches playoff berth
Aiden Nieman, '25, running during last week's meet at Stroudsburg Junior High School.
Stroudsburg’s Pocono Record Athlete of the Week Nominees
Field Hockey completes winning season
Field Hockey completes winning season
Stroudsburg Volleyball huddles during game against Pleasant Valley on October 9, 2024.
Volleyball finishes off historic season
Chess players Jacob Bajek, '25, Jacob Patcher, '27, and Mason Ulmer, '27, sitting at a table prior to their matchup against Pocono Mountain West on November 12.
Chess dominated in season opener
SHS chess team focuses on an intense practice for their upcoming season.
Stroudsburg Chess team begins a new era doubling in size
Picture of Stroudsburg Football captains during the coin toss on October 25, 2024.
Comeback complete: Stroudsburg clinches playoff berth
Crista Kopec playing the piano which is one of the most used instruments in songwriting. Photo provided by Megan Lisnik.
Grammy Nominations
Image of SHS school playground with a crow flying off the ground to represent how ghosts can haunt locations loaded with years of history.
October ghost series: Gettysburg National Military Park
A half-human half-robot thinking about a paint palette, microphone, and a piece of paper with a pencil as a digital drawing.
Is AI overtaking human creativity?
Old buildings and castles are rumored to house spirits. This castle is located in Northern Ireland and was taken in 2016 by Jessica Appolo.
October ghost series: Hill View Manor
Pumpkins and mums represent traditional fall decorations for porches and never go out of style.
Pumpkin Palooza Contest Voting
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
Grace Staples '25, Camerine Beebee '25, Brianna Vasquez '25, and Savannah Hlavac '25, dressed as senior citizens.
Spirit Week Gallery
Seniors Colton Leeth and William Awuah hold the Stroudsburg banner as the Marching Band leads the parade.
Homecoming Game Photo Gallery
Class of '25 walk onto the sidelines as each class prepares to hear the results from the float judges.
Homecoming Float Photo Gallery
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
Mountaineer Athletics Podcast Episode 1: Coach Miller
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
Sierra Thieme, 12, Samuel Pusey, 12, and Tess Nowosad, 10, create sculptures in Ms. Wert's class.
SHS art department’s hard-working community
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?
Happy Thanksgiving! Take the quiz, "What Thanksgiving dish are you?"
Happy Thanksgiving! Take the quiz, “What Thanksgiving dish are you?”
Ms. Nowosad sitting at her desk completing grades for her classes.
Staff Feature on Ms. Nowosad
Student Madelyn Vargas posing in front of a beautiful, scenic lake. Photo shared Madelyn Vargas.
Student Spotlight on Madelyn Vargas
Caroline Byra showing off her cute outfit. Photo provided by Caroline Byra
Student Spotlight on Caroline Byra
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
Student Madelyn Vargas posing in front of a beautiful, scenic lake. Photo shared Madelyn Vargas.
Student Spotlight on Madelyn Vargas
Caroline Byra showing off her cute outfit. Photo provided by Caroline Byra
Student Spotlight on Caroline Byra
Elliott Bonnar, '26, showing off his first day of school outfit.
Student Spotlight on Elliot Bonnar
The Stroudsburg Mountie Student Section getting hype during the first home game of the season.
Mountie Maniacs
Alexis Phillips is a junior volunteer firefighter with the Stroud Township Fire Company for five years. Photo provided by Alexis Phillips, '26.
Student Spotlight on Alexis Phillips
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
Ms.Moore posing with her fur-ever friend Photo provided by Ms.Moore
Teacher Feature on Ms.Moore
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
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
Halloween of 2022. Ms. Krause and Mrs. Austin were the Grammar Police. Photo shared by J. Appolo
Happy Birthday to Ms. Krause
Chase Lentz, '26, dressed as a Whoopy cushion for Halloween and poses in the orchestra room. Photo provided by Sophia Hann, '27.
Happy Birthday to Chase Lentz
Have a very happy birthday Ms. Griswold! Wishing you all the best.
Happy Birthday to all!
Submit your favorite photo to spotlight someone special on their birthday.
Birthday Spotlights are now available
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
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
The list of possible musicals for 2025 displayed outside the chorus room.
Musical preparation begins!
This picture was taken in Blue Mountain Animal Rescue by Tryniti and shared with permission.
Meet Barry
Pickles needs a forever home. He is located at Camp Papillon Animal Shelter. Photo shared by Mebbie Van Orman with permission.
Meet Pickles
The current burn ban restricts the use of firepits or any outdoor burning at this time.
Blue Mountain brush fire claims 600 acres
This picture of Ben was taken at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society and shared by Tryniti.
Meet Benjamin
Archie (2 years old) at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society laying on the cozy floor. Photo shared by BMARS Facebook page with permission.
Meet Archie
The Mountaineer Newspaper is hosting a Pie Sale right before Thanksgiving break on Thursday and Friday. Bring $2 to support Mountie news.
Pie Sale this week
The Ski and Snowboard Club wants you! Adviser, Ms. Koehler is in classroom G105 or you can email her at mkoehler@sburg.org. Photo shared by the Ski Club.
Ski and Snowboard club
This flyer was made by Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society.
Safe Trick or Treat
Find your spirit and bring it to school this week. The tradition continues. Flyer shared by Student Government.
Homecoming Spirit Week 2024
Coat distribution will be available during Parent/teacher conferences in the SHS cafeteria. Flyer shared by Ilene Austin, MTSS coordinator.
Coats for Kids
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
Fall activities are in full swing. Get out there and enjoy the change of seasons.
Fall Fest at Camelback
Pumpkins and mums represent traditional fall decorations for porches and never go out of style.
Oktoberfest kicks off at Blue Mountain Resort
This picture was taken in Blue Mountain Animal Rescue by Tryniti and shared with permission.
Meet Barry
Pickles needs a forever home. He is located at Camp Papillon Animal Shelter. Photo shared by Mebbie Van Orman with permission.
Meet Pickles
This picture of Ben was taken at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society and shared by Tryniti.
Meet Benjamin
Archie (2 years old) at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue Society laying on the cozy floor. Photo shared by BMARS Facebook page with permission.
Meet Archie
Sammy is waiting for his fur-ever home at Blue Mountain Animal Rescue. Photo provided by BMAR Facebook.
Meet Sammy
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
Crista Kopec

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer

My name is Crista Kopec and I am a junior in SHS. This is my first year on the Mountaineer but second year taking a journalism class. I am a huge fan of photography and I love getting in the moment pictures and capturing the action of Stroudsburg. I am also deeply invested in current events and politics so I will be covering those topics. I am very excited to share my point of view, both from my camera and my writing with the school.

All content by Crista Kopec
The "Home of the Mountaineers" banner hanging in the lobby of the high school

Superheroes

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
November 18, 2024
The field of flags in front of the Stroudsburg High School meant to honor our veterans.

[Photo] The Importance of Veteran’s Day

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
Crista Kopec playing the piano which is one of the most used instruments in songwriting. Photo provided by Megan Lisnik.

Grammy Nominations

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
November 8, 2024
The "I voted" sticker that an individual gets after voting at the polls on election day.

The race to the White House

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
November 4, 2024
Image of SHS school playground with a crow flying off the ground to represent how ghosts can haunt locations loaded with years of history.

[Photo] October ghost series: Gettysburg National Military Park

October 31, 2024
Rebecca Dishong, '25, newspaper staff writer, photographer, and FBLA Officer at Large winner of Dress to Impress challenge.

[Photo] FBLA winner of Dress to Impress – Rebecca Dishong!

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
November 1, 2024
Crista Kopec, Lile Bekaia, Hailey Abba, and Isabella Rivera posing for a selfie with hot chocolate.

[Photo] Wilkes University field trip gallery

Olivia Celano, Editor-In-Chief
November 18, 2024
A female student flexing her arm to show the right of choice.

Abortion: your body, your vote

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
October 30, 2024
Crista Kopec, '26, and Megan Lisnik, '27, pose for a selfie.

[Photo] 2024 Homecoming Dance Gallery

Olivia Celano and Alexis Binikos
October 24, 2024
SHS cafeteria buffet where students can get free lunches.

[Photo] Calling all foodies!

October 21, 2024
Stroudsburg field hockey team waiting to start a new quarter and talking about their next plays.

Field Hockey Gallery

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
October 18, 2024
Digital drawing of Donald Trump standing in front of the American flag at a rally preaching his policies. Digital illustration created by Hailey Abba.

Presidential Policies

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
October 16, 2024
Georgie English, '26 watching her team and waiting for a play.

Sydney Moritz, '25 splits to keep the ball from getting away.

The field hockey team works together to perform a corner.

[Photo] Field Hockey prepares for Round 1 of the playoffs

October 25, 2024
Hailey Dreisbach, '25 and Sydney Moritz, '25 working together to retrieve the ball from South.

Leanna Neri, '27 setting the ball to put it into play.

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The government has been debating public access to automatic weapons for years as a way to minimize fatalities of school shootings. Original digital illustration created by Hailey Abba, Journalism 1.

Gun violence and gun control

Crista Kopec
October 11, 2024
The Stroudsburg Girls Soccer team huddles together before their game against East Stroudsburg South.

[Photo] Girls Soccer Gallery

Rebecca Dishong, Staff Writer
October 21, 2024
The updated MLB Postseason Bracket, featuring the LDS matchups.

[Photo] 2024 MLB League Division Series Preview

Jaden Harper, Sports Editor
October 4, 2024
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.

[Photo] Pickle Me Poconos Festival!

October 3, 2024
Digital illustration created by Hailey Abba, Journalism 1, captures the essence of the civilized debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz.

Vice Presidential debate underwhelms

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
October 3, 2024
The bracket, with the American League on the left and National League on the right.

[Photo] 2024 MLB Postseason Preview

Jaden Harper and Santino Baxter
October 2, 2024
Number three, Amelia Nieman, going for the goal.

The list of possible musicals for 2025 displayed outside the chorus room.

Musical preparation begins!

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
The recent book ban trend has affected over 10,000 titles including both classic and contemporary novels.

[Photo] Florida book ban spirals out of control

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
September 25, 2024
Juniors Lila Smedley and Tanya Sathapornwongkul at the voter registration table at the activity fair.

Register To Vote!

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
The yellow-sac spider, illustrated by Hailey Abba, journalism 1, is cannibalistic.

Yellow Sac Spiders

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
September 19, 2024
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

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
September 18, 2024
Kona Maronpot, senior, is the 2024-2025 Student Representative for the SHS School Board and a monthly contributor to The Mountaineer Newspaper.

[Photo] Kona Maronpot

September 16, 2024
Collage of presidential candidate signs designed to properly show case both sides.

The Presidential Debate prompts more questions

Crista Kopec, Staff Writer
September 12, 2024
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