peers while giving them a chance to exercise public speaking skills in English. Students were required to describe the dish and its history in a written report and provide the recipe. Correlating with the ESL program, a newly formed Cultural Club is providing a social gathering opportunity for students from different countries. The club is giving new students a chance to network with other teens in the school and to exchange information about language, culture, and customs. Over 30 students have been attending the meetings on a regular basis under the sponsorship of Mrs. Bartholomew and teachers Marlynn and Steven Vayanos.

Sisters Juana and Maricela Pastor Gonzalez made and shared delicious rice and chicken tamales wrapped in palm leaves for the Food Around the World event.

Biryani, a spicy Iraqi dish, was one of the many foods offered at the cultural luncheon.

Cultural Club is providing a social atmosphere for students to discover the customs and culture of peers.

44 CARLYNTON-MONTOUR

Greetings for the Season

The artwork of junior Julia

Roussos was selected for the annual school district holiday card this year. A design contest was held in November, facilitated by art teachers Michelle Dzurenda and Marlynn Vayanos. Four card designs were selected as finalists and displayed in the high school office for faculty, staff, and students to“ vote” for a favorite. In addition to Julia’ s card, finalists included senior Piper Stevens, and juniors Cameron Heiser and Alexis Jolly. In recognition of her work, Julia received a Barnes and Noble gift card.

A holiday tree recently on display at the Pittsburgh International Airport featured ornaments made by Carnegie Elementary students in Diane Criste’ s art classes. The tree was adorned with handmade paper ornaments fashioned to feature familiar architecture and landmarks of Pittsburgh, including the incline, bridges, downtown buildings,

Ornaments made by Carnegie Elementary students were displayed on a tree at the Pittsburgh International Airport during the holiday season.

the Kennywood Park arrow, and designs featuring the logos of the Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers. Prior to making the ornaments, students researched and studied the history of Pittsburgh’ s most popular sights. The tree remained on display throughout the holiday season and was featured among a half dozen others with ornaments made by students from neighboring school districts. This is the third year students of Carnegie have participated in the decorating contest.

Thirty-seven pints of blood or plasma were donated at the first annual blood drive of the year, equating to 111 lives saved. High school students, teachers and staff, and several community members participated in the drive that took place on the auditorium stage in January. In association with the American Red Cross, the blood drive created advocacy and awareness for donor demand and the importance of saving lives in hospitals and disaster recovery. Members of the Interact Club and National Honor Societies sponsored the event. They will host a second drive March 26. Individuals interested in donating blood can email teacher Jamie Sonnie at Jamie. sonnie @ carlynton. k12. pa. us to schedule an appointment.

Junior Lacey Rybacki receives a high five from classmate Alexis Dixon during a blood drive held at the junior-senior high school. Every donor was paired with a friend who offered support and encouragement.

Crafton Elementary second graders in Jessica Bigler’ s class participated in a service project in cooperation with Scholastic Books by holding a pajama drive. Scholastic gives a book and the pjs to children deemed atrisk for every pair of brand new pajamas donated. Collectively, the class gathered