By Fallon Nolan, Er'Moni Jackson, Mackenzie Sadowski

Photo Credit: Fallon Nolan

The road to the Pittston Area parking lot may have had a few detours en route to start the 2025 year as seniors hoping to leave a mark on their last year hit a roadblock--construction. 

It is only the first week and students have already raised questions about the timing of such a major project and what the construction could mean for the rest of this year.

High School Principal, Dr. Lazevnick, explained that the construction did not start sooner because of a delay in the issuing of construction permits. However, despite the obstacles faced, the first week of school went by without any significant issues. 

“Managing around the construction required a lot of flexibility and planning," said Dr. Lazevnick. "The planning process was a true testament to the collaborative effort among the maintenance, security, and administration staff. Everyone's contribution was invaluable, and I communicated frequently with everyone to ensure we were all on the same page." 

"As for how it worked the first week, I’d say it went better than expected," Dr. Lazevnick continued. "There were definitely a few hiccups that are common during the first week of school, especially with noise and access issues. I understand these were challenging, but overall, I couldn't have asked for a better start to the school year. I think the first week was a good test of our problem-solving skills and communication.” 

Nina Albertelli, a senior who utilizes the parking lot and paid to paint her spot, expressed her displeasure but was grateful she received a refund.

“I was a bit outraged considering I paid for it," Nina said. "Although they did refund us, I felt that it was a little late notice considering I already bought the materials I would have needed.”

While students are understandably upset, it appears the construction was short notice for everyone. In our interview with Dr. Lazevnick he addresses the seniors with sympathy and understanding.

“I completely understand the frustration—painting their parking spot is a tradition that was started a few years ago and something many seniors have looked forward to," said Dr. Lazevnick. "It's a special part of the senior experience. While disappointed, I want them to know that I am open to any ideas they may have to make their senior year a memorable one.” 

Another unfortunate obstacle to start the year was a broken intercom system, which Dr. Lazevnick said is being worked on. There is no date yet as to when it will be fixed.

Overall, although there were some bumps in the road, everyone managed to pave a smooth path for the rest of the year. 

By Lily Spathelf and Logan Maida

By Abigail Price and Ava Montagna

Mr. Paul Russick is the new science teacher and football coach.

He attended Susquehanna University and majored in Biology. He has been teaching for 12 years and coaching for 14. He started as a long-term substitute at Lewisburg High School, then taught in the North Carolina public school system and at Central Dauphin East High School in Harrisburg.

He also spent seven years coaching college football at Susquehanna University and Dickinson College.

Most recently, he taught at Wayne Highlands Middle School while serving as the head football coach at Honesdale High School for the past six years.

“I hope my students take away not only the knowledge we cover in class but also the confidence to tackle challenges both in and out of school.” said Mr. Russick.

We hope that Mr. Russick has a great year and a successful season coaching the Patriots.

After almost 20 years Pittston area students have a new art teacher is the high school. Mrs. Greenwald retired, and the new art teacher, Mrs. Kara Anthony, was hired. We caught up with Mrs. Anthony to ask her about her new role.

Mrs. Anthony has been teaching for 18 years. She was a teacher at Wyoming Area before joining our school. She has her teaching degree from Bloomsburg University and her master's from Wilkes University.

The last name might look familiar to some students as her husband Mr. Anthony teaches chemistry.

She is looking forward to sharing an amazing art experience with her new students. With her upperclassman she would like to do a project refurbishing recycled furniture and making them into meaningful pieces. With her underclassman she would like incorporate writing into each project.

When asked why she chose Pittston Area she said, “It's my home...It's like a family."

By Aaralyn Newberry, Elizabeth Sudol, Nevaeh Hollister

Senior Sunrise, a special event to begin the school year, is an ongoing tradition at Pittston Area. This year's Senior Sunrise for the students of 2026 took place on August 24, 2025, at the Charlie Trippi Stadium. It was one of the most successful for Pittston Area due to the participants, the staff, and the students themselves.

Senior Sunrise is a tradition where seniors gather before dawn to celebrate their last year of high school together. “Senior sunrise is not only waking up at 4am to watch the sunrise, but to also watch the rise of our future,” said Senior Class President T.J. Rogers. Senior Abigail Policare added, “It was fun, everyone hung out together, we decorated pots, played games, listened to music, and watched the sunrise.”

It’s also meaningful to the teachers because it will be the last year they are teaching the senior class. Senior Sunrise creates a bittersweet feeling that doesn’t just go to Seniors, it also goes out to underclassmen. Over the years strong relations have formed between underclassmen and seniors.

However, all good things must come to an end. Hence, Senior Sunrise marks the end of an era, and the beginning of generation growing up and moving forward.

“Everyone was very happy to be there, in my opinion," said T.J. "I feel like everyone had the same thought as me, and being a senior was definitely sinking in for a lot of us.” Despite only being three hours in total, the impact is immense. The Senior Sunrise is only the beginning of this year's events to come. Students and staff alike are looking forward to the rest of Class 2026’s senior year events, let’s hope they’ll be as memorable.

Photo Credit: Angel Noone

The 2025 Pittston Area Football team returned 22 seniors to the gird iron this season, opening the year with a statement victory against Mid-Valley at Charlie Trippi Stadium on August 22nd, but suffering a tough loss to North Pocono in the second game of the season. First year head coach and Pittston Area alum, Mr. Paul Russick, is relying heavily on his offensive and defensive line, hoping the veteran presence can make the Patriots more physical up front. Here is a look at the Patriots 2025 Schedule.