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The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
Altoona Area High School
1404 Sixth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
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The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
Danielle Bardelang

Danielle Bardelang, Public Relations Manager

I am a senior at the Altoona Area High School and am the public relations manager for the Mountain Echo newspaper. I seek excellence in my academic and extracurricular pursuits. I began writing at a young age, but fell in love with it in eighth grade. I absolutely love anything art related. Writing and art allows me to express myself and tell a story through all I do. I enjoy twirling batons, and spending time with family and friends.  I am involved with many clubs and groups within the school such as student ambassadors, student council, band front and yearbook. During my senior year I am holding the titles of Majorette Captain, and Yearbook Editor-in-Chief.  “This is my life… my story… my book. I will no longer let anyone else write it; nor will I apologize for the edits I make.” – Steve Maraboli.
All content by Danielle Bardelang
Senior class of 2023 walks the track at Mansion Park during graduation.

[Photo] Senior organ donors offered graduation cord

James Robbins, Guest Reporter
January 14, 2024
Altoona Alumni Will Young wrestles in the neutral position in the meet against Tyrone.

[Photo] The Hampton Duals

Eric Weyant, Reporter
December 7, 2023
Senior Ava Rokosky performs at the student preview of the spring musical last year.

[Photo] Advanced Theater to host showcase

Teagan Snowberger, Guest Reporter
December 12, 2023
Senior Luke Sipes grabs onto his opponent at the Jan. 5 match last year.

[Photo] Wrestling to compete in three home matches

Ayden Garman, Guest Reporter
December 18, 2023
There will be only three home wrestling meets this year.

[Photo] Wrestling season begins 

Gianna Huber, Guest Reporter
December 1, 2023
Making a connection. Senior Sean Bettwy swings for the fence. Bettwy plays as the catcher and has been playing baseball for years.

Baseball home opener

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
May 12, 2023
Father - Son Bonds. Senior Connor Weyandt discusses plays with his father and assistant coach Jerry Weyandt. Weyandt played as the second baseman.

Close call. Senior Connor Weyandt slides past the base in attempt to make it to second. He was called out.

That was a close one. Senior Michael Riccio leans away from the pitch as it comes towards him. Riccio had a hit and got on base.

I'm coming. Senior Alexander Yost runs to meet with his teammates between innings. Yost played as an outfielder.

A bond like no other. Junior Connor Sanders meets with seniors Tysen LaRocco, Bryce Eberhart, and Samuel Saylor in between innings. The seniors have been playing together since they were in high school.

Getting the out. Senior Connor Weyandt throws the ball to senior Samuel Saylor after catching a ground ball. The two players were able to make the out at first.

Next Time. Senior Sean Bettwy jogs back to the dugout after being caught in a fly out. Bettwy made contact with the ball.

Lioneers perform at football, basketball, volleyball, and pep rallies.

Lioneers announce 2023-2024 team

Danielle Bardelang and Marli Closson 
May 5, 2023
Editing Away Senior Jacob Steinbugl works at his desk to edit an MLTV video. He's often seen on the MLTV morning show as the morning anchor.

Senior video to be featured during senior assembly

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
May 5, 2023
Fifty third Nittany Mountain Lion mascot Michael McDermott served as the Penn State Nittany Lion from 2020-2023. While keeping this job, he was sworn to secrecy. As a graduating senior, he spoke to students at the 2023 PSPA state write off competition about his experience.

[Photo] Trailing after tradition

Mykenzi Doran, Reporter
April 20, 2023
For the love of the game. Sophomore Aaron Smearman steps forward on the pitcher’s mound to pitch the ball to the batter.

[Photo] Baseball team clutches victory

Jaidyn Palladini, Reporter
April 12, 2023
Senior Caleb Fasick waits to compete on Senior Night.

[Photo] Three wrestlers advance to States

Ash Carini, Reporter
March 22, 2023
FLC to host Food Fair

FLC to host Food Fair

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
March 3, 2023
Shoot your shot. Junior Garrett Rupert shoots the puck towards the goal. Rupert knew he needed to make it to amintain a lead against hometown rival, Hollidaysburg.

Shoot the puck: Altoona Hockey

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
March 1, 2023
Comin' in hot. Senior Luke Yost pushes off the side of the rink to get to the puck faster. Yost dove to get the puck before it was passed.

I'm in. Senior Liam Jackson looks back to make sure he's still in the game. Jackson congratulated his teammates after a goal.

Mine. Senior Luke Yost claims the puck in the face off. Yost has been playing for multiple years.

What's happening. Freshman Owen Piper watches as the puck is passed between players. Piper is the only freshman from Altoona on the team.

Watch out. Senior Colin Monahan watches as he bounces the puck off the side of the rink to get it passed the opponent. Another Altoona player took the pass and made the goal.

Game Face. Junior Garrett Rupert seeks through the other players to find the puck. Garrett kept his head in the game as the Hollidaysburg student section was chanting his name.

Standing together. Senior Liam Jackson and Junior Garrett Rupert skate down the rink in between periods.

Head to head. Junior Brady Sassano awaits the face off against the Hollidaysburg opponent. Hollidaysburg one the game.

Wait for it. Junior Dominic Della watches the referee's hand as he drops the puck on the ice. Della was one of three juniors from Altoona.

Bag Check. School security officers supervise as students go through the bag check process on the first day of school.

Security precautions: School officers propose patrol rifles 

Danielle Bardelang and Christan Nagle
February 15, 2023
Sharon Burwell continues to expand her Christmas village collection. She has been collecting pieces of her village since she was 18 years old.

[Photo] Sharon Burwell shares her Christmas village’s story

Cassidy Klock, Editor in Chief
December 7, 2022
Just keep swimming. Olivia McMinn works hard during one of the swim meets she competed in for the 2021 season. Swimming is one of the many different winter sports.

[Photo] Winter sports begin

Miley Naugle, Reporter
December 7, 2022
The jazz band performs during a 2021 concert.

[Photo] Jazz band pairs up with elementary band for concert

Avarie Shawley, Guest Reporter
December 11, 2022
We’re wizards! The cast and crew of Puffs smiles for a photo. Puffs was the fall play put on by the performing arts club in November.

[Photo] Musical auditions to be held on Dec. 19

Camille Krug, Guest Reporter
December 8, 2022
Join the orchestra on Dec. 9 at the high-school Symphonic Orchestra Concert. Enjoy many joyous songs to get the audience into the holiday spirit and support the Symphonic Orchestra in their first concert of the year.

[Photo] Symphonic orchestra takes the stage

Callista Farber, Guest Reporter
December 6, 2022
Listening from all ends. Junior Emeline Feathers reads through the script as it is said on stage. Feathers had tape to fix microphones and assisted backstage.

In the wings, behind the curtain with the Puffs Cast, Crew

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
November 16, 2022
From the wings. Sophomore Eli Rosenberry waits for the cues to run the fly system. Rosenberry was one of four stage managers.

A leader. Senior Keira Mayhue gives an introduction before the show begins. Although she is usually the one acting, Mayhue played the role of Student Director.

Designing away. Junior Alexandria Hamel sits in the costume room waiting for the actors to get dressed. Hamel designed the costumes along with her mother, Karen Hamel.

One more spray. Junior Ethan Eisenhart puts one more layer of hairspray in his hair before the show. Eisenhart played the role of Wayne Hopkins.

Finishing touches. Junior Claire Piper fixes senior Christina Dicus' tie. Piper and Dicus have become close through acting.

Playing the role. Senior Cameron Krause makes the finishing touches to his costume during intermission. Krause played the roles of Cedric and Mr. Voldy.

Avada-Kadabra. Freshman Camille Krug converses with cast members before opening night. Krug acted as Harry.

Surprise. Senior Jaelyn Sipes opens her candygram. Audience members were able to purchase candygrams to wish cast and crew good luck and congratulations.

Collect them all. Freshman Charles Dantos looks through his trading cards. Chocolate frogs and trading cards were sold in the front lobby to support the program.

Get hyped. Junior Ryan Longstreth hypes himself up before he takes the stage. Longstreth played the role of J. Finch Fletchley.

That's it. Junior Ava Rokosky waits for her cue. Rokosky acted as the narrator.

Sing along. Juniata Gap's students join in with a sing-along to end the Day of the Arts. Day of the Arts has been a tradition at the school since the spring of 1998.

[Photo] Day of the Arts tradition continues at Juniata Gap

Cassidy Klock, Editor in Chief
November 14, 2022
Playing it out. The band prepares for the Bandarama concert. The concert will be held Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Band prepares for Bandarama concert

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
October 21, 2022
Huddle up. The silk squad huddles around advisor Lisa Moore to receive information on their performance. They found out what songs their were twirling to and when they were performing each routine.

Taking it all in. Senior Julia McCaulley looks back at the empty auditorium imaging every seat filled. McCaulley is the Drum Major and has been reminiscing on her time spent with the band.

Awaiting the excitement. Sophomore Addisen McDonald's and Senior Danielle Bardelang's baton sit in Wanda Vanish's room. Fronts brought their batons to school in preparation for after school practice.

Spacing it out. Larry Detwiler shows the senior silk captain, Kiara Flanagan, where she will be standing the night of the concert. Flanagan is the only senior on the silk squad.

Figuring it out. Band Director, Larry Detwiler determines where the band front will be standing during the performance. Both the silk squad and the majorette squad perform to two songs.

Job Fair to be hosted at Armory

Job Fair to be hosted at Armory

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
October 19, 2022
Wow Factor. Cast members react to finding out that the Newsies made the front page. Reactions are a major part of how actors portray their character.

Newsies makes it to stage

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
May 13, 2022
Eyes on the prize. Junior Keira Mayhue shows off her singing and acting skills as she celebrates the Newsies making the front cover. Mayhue played the role of Jojo.

Taking a stance. Newsies face the audience while they take a stand to change the way they are being paid. "It was a really nice opportunity to get to work with the cast and perform such an amazing musical. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to perform more with the drama club," sophomore Jaidyn Palladini said.

Flipping out. Sophomore Claire Piper back flips across the stage. "I loved being able to put my gymnastic skills into the show. The best part was the audiences reactions when they weren't expecting a flip," Piper said.

In Office. Junior Cameron Krause pounders the words of Pulitzer acted by Senior Luke Rokosky. Krause acted as multiple characters throughout the production.

Take a look. Junior Gracie Crider shows off the front page of the newspaper. Her character published a story about the Newsies that made the front cover.

See you never. Cast members wave goodbye as Snyder acted by Junior Dylan Gallo . Snyder was the character who was always after the Newsies.

Pucker up. Sophomore Ryan Longstreth and Junior Gracie Crider kiss in one of the final scenes. Longstreth performed as the lead in Newsies. Crider acted as Pulitzer's daughter.

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[Photo] Drama club to hold in-school preview of Newsies

Jaidyn Palladini, Associate Editor
April 14, 2022
Grabbing for baseball season. Senior Aiden Steinbugl waits for the ball to hit back at him as it is being pitched.

[Photo] Boys’ baseball prepares for upcoming game against Williamsport

Jaidyn Palladini, Associate Editor
April 7, 2022
Mock Investor Panel comes to auditorium

Mock Investor Panel comes to auditorium

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
March 18, 2022
Surprise. Junior Keira Mayhue and sophomore Ava Rokosky laugh as they perform their "Abba Mash-up". Their performance was full of surprises such as props, quick changes, dance moves, and even confetti.

Toona’s talents

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
March 18, 2022
Staying Classical. Senior Luke Rokosky sang the night away with an opera. Rokosky has been singing most of his life, but has become interested in opera over the past few years.

Making eye contact. Junior Keira Mayhue makes eye contact with the crowd before her performance starts. She performed a dance routine alongside her friend Ava Rokosky.

Banding together. Junior Anthony Leap, junior Gage Ickes, and sophomore Kaden Erb smile at the camera as they wait for the judges to tally up the results.

Multi-talented. Senior Parker Cook sings while playing the piano. She performed "She Used to be Mine". Cook also performed this at her senior recital.

Taking it all in. Senior Deborah Watchey looks out over the crowd as her music starts. Watchey sang "One More Light".

Vocalizing. Sophomore Benjamin Kennedy sticks his arm out expressing his emotions whiling singing. Kennedy sang "Out there". Kennedy is member of the drama club and will be performing in the upcoming production of Newsies.

Facing fears. Sophomore Nahjay Harding closes her eyes to focus on her singing. Harding sang "Easy on me". She wanted to face her fear of singing in front of people.

Hitting the keys. Junior Benjamin Wagner plays piano to "Mr Blue Skies". Wagner performed with other students playing both wind and string instruments.

Strike a pose. Sophomore Sarah Saylor dances to the song "Run to You". Saylor wanted to participate in the talent show to get out of her shell and have fun. "I thought I would be so nervous, but I ended up truly enjoying the experience," Saylor said.

Congrats. Senior Danielle Mueller, senior Abby Smearman, sophomore Ava Rokosky and adviser Heather Tippett-Wertz pose for a picture in front of the 4-way test banner. Smearman placed first, Mueller placed second, and Rokosky placed third. Each received a cash prize for their achievements.

Students place at rotary club test

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
February 28, 2022
Dancing it out. Alumni Caleb Marasco and Jarrett Markle dance on stage during the production on Hindsight 2022. The production of Hindsight 2020 was postponed due to Covid-19 and was renamed Hindsight 2022.

Postponed production makes it to auditorium stage

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
February 16, 2022
Strutting her stuff! Altoona Alum, Meghan Sinisi poses on the Miss America red carpet in her baton twirling costume. She performed a twirling routine as her talent.

Sinisi takes on the Miss America Stage

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
December 16, 2021
On Altoona. Senior Lilly Noffsker performs halftime at Oct. 3 football game against Williamsport. Noffsker has been twirling with the school since her sophomore year.

Senior moves halfway through year

Danielle Bardelang, Reporter
November 24, 2021
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Haunted Readings. Visitors located different readings to complete their scavenger hunt.

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