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
Lile Bekaia

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer

Hi! I’m Lile Bekaia and I’m a sophomore. Along with working on the Mountaineer, and being engrossed in school, I am also in FBLA and plan to join many more clubs. I love reading, writing, watching movies/shows, spending time with friends and family, and taking pictures. This is my second year on the paper and I’m excited to make the paper great this year! 

All content by Lile Bekaia
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

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
November 14, 2024
The field of flags in front of the Stroudsburg High School meant to honor our veterans.

The Importance of Veteran’s Day

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
November 11, 2024
Mock Trial meeting day, 11/8/24, practicing opening statement and crosses.

[Photo] SHS Mock Trial preps for event on November 23, 2024.

Tristan Timones, Staff Writer
November 13, 2024
Mrs.Tkach posing with her first Stroudsburg badge from 2007.

Mrs. Tkach’s departure

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
November 1, 2024
Rebecca Dishong, '25, newspaper staff writer, photographer, and FBLA Officer at Large winner of Dress to Impress challenge.

FBLA winner of Dress to Impress – Rebecca Dishong!

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
November 1, 2024
Photo of police lights.

Shots fired on ESU campus

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
October 30, 2024
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?

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
October 30, 2024
The TV room with the local television set, national television set, and sports television set.

[Photo] Wilkes University field trip gallery

Olivia Celano, Editor-In-Chief
November 18, 2024
Alexandra Zambri, '27, Zareena Diola, '27, Grace Gao, '27 Kendall Runkel, '27, Julia Saurman, '27, Lile Bekaia, '27, Ana Karataseva. '27, and Eshaal Sohail, '27, posing for group picture.

[Photo] 2024 Homecoming Dance Gallery

Olivia Celano and Alexis Binikos
October 24, 2024
Chocolate morsels come in quite the variety: mini, milk, dark, semi-sweet, Belgium, and more.

Pennsylvania’s Chocolate History

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
October 9, 2024
Columbus Day has been renamed as Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Pennsylvania’s license centers going on a break

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
October 9, 2024
Sergeant Garcia, Officer Rodriguez, and SRO Susinskas regularly patrol the hallways, the main entrance, and all outdoor events.

Meet the SHS Security Team

Joseph Centeno, Shiann Redwood, and Lile Bekaia
October 7, 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.

Pickle Me Poconos Festival!

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
October 3, 2024
Vinyl album covers of Megan Moroney, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Find concerts near us!

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
October 3, 2024
Hailey Abba, Journalism 1, created a digital illustration of Earth and its temporary second moon.

Earth’s New Friend

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
October 1, 2024
Fall activities are in full swing. Get out there and enjoy the change of seasons.

Fall Fest at Camelback

Lile Bekaia and Nursaan Trowell
September 26, 2024
The recent book ban trend has affected over 10,000 titles including both classic and contemporary novels.

Florida book ban spirals out of control

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
September 25, 2024
Ironically, grass spiders tend to be brownish in color and blend with dirt. Illustrated by Hailey Abba, Journailsm 1.

Grass spiders are busiest this time of year

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
September 19, 2024
Image created by DeepAI.org, the black widow spider is infamously known for its hourglass red or orange markings on its back but not all black widows spiders have this.

Black widow spiders repel infamous reputation

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
September 17, 2024
FBLA is hosting a fair afterschool on September 9th in the cafeteria.

FBLA pitches to JHS looking for recruits

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
September 10, 2024
Julia Saurman smiling for a picture in the mirror.

Freshman Spotlight on Julia Saurman

Lile Bekaia
May 24, 2024
Zackarey Tomko posing for a picture outdoors.

Cyber Spotlight on Freshman Zackarey Tomko

Lile Bekaia
May 23, 2024
Anabelle Cervone posing for a picture in the mirror.

Freshman Spotlight on Anabelle Cervone

Lile Bekaia
May 22, 2024
Ava Adamides in her cheerleading uniform smiling for the picture.

Freshman Spotlight on Ava Adamides

Lile Bekaia
May 21, 2024
Ryan Pennino posing for a selfie.

Freshman Spotlight on Ryan Pennino

Lile Bekaia
May 17, 2024
Nicole Ogwu playing her instrument onstage.

Freshman Spotlight on Nichole Ogwu

Lile Bekaia
May 16, 2024
Gabby Acosta posing for a picture.

Freshman Spotlight on Gabby Acosta

Lile Bekaia
May 14, 2024
Ana Karataseva, 9, (Macedonian) pointing to the Georgian flag.

Georgians are uprising in the sports industry

Lile Bekaia
May 13, 2024
The mountaineer is spotlighting Sophia today!

Freshman Spotlight on Sophia Remollino

Lile Bekaia
May 13, 2024
Isabella DeFalco hitting a volleyball up in the air.

Freshman Spotlight on Isabella DeFalco

Lile Bekaia
May 10, 2024
Kendall Runkel takes a selfie while walking on a sunny day.

Freshman Spotlight on Kendall Runkel

Lile Bekaia
May 9, 2024
Robert Rizzieri posing in front of a mirror.

Freshman Spotlight on Robert Rizzieri

Lile Bekaia
May 8, 2024
Keira Lyn Paradis posing for a selfie.

8th Grade Spotlight on Keira Lyn Paradis

Lile Bekaia
May 7, 2024
Freshman Spotlight on Ana Karataseva

Freshman Spotlight on Ana Karataseva

Lile Bekaia
May 6, 2024
Samantha Thompson posing for a picture in front of the mirror.

8th Grade Spotlight on Samantha Thompson

Lile Bekaia
May 3, 2024
Catharine Kramer posing on a bright sunny day.

Freshman Spotlight on Catharine Kramer

Lile Bekaia
May 2, 2024
Freshman are excited to be part of the charity event this Saturday!

[Photo] SJH can’t wait for Mini-thon!

Robert Rizzieri
April 26, 2024
NJHS is hosting an outdoor community movie night on May 3rd.

NJHS is hosting a Community Movie Night

Lile Bekaia
April 17, 2024
Emma Stone has been a force on the silver screen for years

And the award for Best Actress goes to…Emma Stone!

Lile Bekaia
March 25, 2024
Wear green tomorrow to support Mr. Zimmerman!

Zimmerman committee dress down – Wear Green!

Lile Bekaia
February 22, 2024
Dr. Fowlin performs presentation "I am not the enemy" on Feb. 5th

Dr. Mykee Fowlin visits the Junior High

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
Photo of Stroudsburg Junior High School student Robert Rizzieri reading The Hunger Games book.

[Photo] “The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” review

Hailey Abba, Staff Writer
February 8, 2024
The ability to weave music and visuals made Baby Driver an instant classic.

[Photo] How Legally Blonde paved the way for Barbie

Isabella Rivera, Staff Writer
January 17, 2024
Posed photo of Anthony Canongo, 9, daydreaming in his second period english class.

Freshman Spotlight on Anthony Canongo

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
January 19, 2024
Mallory stands outside on a curb looking very pleased in the sun.

8th Grade Spotlight on Mallory Eberz

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
January 16, 2024
Hridita poses elegantly in her hallway with a mirrored reflection.

Freshman Spotlight on Hridita Hossain

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
January 12, 2024
The ability to weave music and visuals made Baby Driver an instant classic.

Baby Driver; the importance of music

Lile Bekaia and Hailey Abba
January 4, 2024
All of the donated cans of food in Shoemaker's room.

NJHS conducts successful food drive

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
December 21, 2023
SJHS is on the search for Santa the week of Dec. 19 through 25!

[Photo] The Mountaineer is on the search for Santa!

Casey O'Donnell, Staff Writer
December 15, 2023
Students participate in a LIT circle during 7th period in Back's class.

Should LIT circles be cut out of the Honors Literature curriculum?

Lile Bekaia, Staff Writer
December 3, 2023
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