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The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
Online newspaper of Altoona Area High School in Altoona, Pennsylvania
  • November 4Breakfast 11/04/24 - Dutch Waffle
  • November 4Lunch 11/04/24 - Ham and Cheese on a Pretzel
  • November 4Announcements for 11/04/24
  • October 31Happy Halloween!
  • October 31Breakfast 10/31/24 - Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant
  • October 31Lunch 10/31/24 - Beef and Cheese Nachos
  • October 31Announcements for 10/31/24
The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
McKenzie Quirin

McKenzie Quirin, Reporter

I am a twelfth-grade student at Altoona Area High School. I enjoy hanging out with my friends, babysitting my cousins and watching movies. I am a part of the student council. I am friendly and nice.

All content by McKenzie Quirin
Serve's up, Junior Mason Crownover serves his ball for the match. Crownover is also a member of the varsity team.

[Photo] Boys’ tennis season brings high competition

Olivia McMinn, Reporter
March 31, 2022
Say Hello To... Our Favorite Movies

Say Hello To… Our Favorite Movies

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
June 9, 2021
Swing! Sophomore, Daniel Batrus gets ready to swing his club. The golf team plays on many local courses including Park Hills.

[Photo] Golfing on the green with Sean Eakins 

June 1, 2021
Say Hello To... Booksmart

Say Hello To… Booksmart

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
May 28, 2021
The graduation ceremony will take place on June 11 at 6 p.m. Cap and gowns will be distributed on June 8 and June 9.

Graduation plans change

Sonia Yost, Reporter
May 25, 2021
On May 19, seniors gathered in the student parking lot to decorate parking spaces. The event took place during senior week.

[Photo] Virtual instruction option offered to end school year

Cassidy Klock, Reporter
May 21, 2021
(Left to right) Seniors Derek Sisito, Kaelab Ruggles, Ethan Pacifico and Corey Aikens build their robot during the competition. This team was one of two air teams from the class and placed first in the competition.

Advanced Robotics class competes

Sonia Yost, Reporter
May 20, 2021
George Boutiller runs during the track meet on April 13 against Harrisburg. The team won that meet 109-23.

Boys’ track team remains undefeated

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 29, 2021
The Intro to Guitars music class will hold a demonstrative performance on May 7 during periods two and three in the auditorium. Teachers interested in bringing their classes should email Larry Detwiler.

Guitar class to hold concert for classes

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 29, 2021
IMG_8276

[Photo] Boys' tennis team reflects on season

April 26, 2021
Say Hello To... I Care a Lot

Say Hello To… I Care a Lot

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
April 16, 2021
Rylie's Runway

Rylie’s Runway

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Austin's Aquamen

Austin’s Aquamen

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Riley's Rodeo

Riley’s Rodeo

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Makenna's Mean Girls

Makenna’s Mean Girls

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Cassie’s Comets

Cassie’s Comets

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Homecoming candidates introduce themselves

Homecoming candidates introduce themselves

Sydney Wilfong, Sonia Yost, and Mykenzi Doran
April 12, 2021
During last year's Homecoming assembly the representative of the swim team, Faith Milliron, and her escort, Rusty Focht, smile wide for the camera. This year, there will be no homecoming dance, but there will be a scavenger hunt and games night.

Students prepare for homecoming

Sonia Yost, Reporter
April 9, 2021
Say Hello To… is a movie review podcast. Hosts Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost discuss new movies and are often joined by guests for their discussions.

Say Hello To… WandaVision

Sonia Yost and Sydney Wilfong
April 1, 2021
Say Hello To… is a movie review podcast. Hosts Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost discuss new movies and are often joined by guests for their discussions.

Say Hello To… Judas and the Black Messiah

Sonia Yost and Sydney Wilfong
March 17, 2021
In February of 2020, the swim team traveled to State College to compete in the District Six Swimming and Diving Championships. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team will not be able to take as many members.

COVID-19 limits swim team spectators, changes districts

Taryn Rowles and Sonia Yost
February 26, 2021
Say Hello To… is a movie review podcast. Hosts Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost discuss new movies and are often joined by guests for their discussions.

Say Hello To… Malcolm & Marie

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
February 26, 2021
What's your favorite childhood toy?

What’s your favorite childhood toy?

Sonia Yost
February 22, 2021
Teaching after high school. Once senior Sonia Yost has graduated, she plans on attending Edinboro University. She will double major in both Secondary Education-Comprehensive English and journalism.

[Photo] “I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
February 12, 2021
With

[Photo] Students to return to building Feb. 16

Destiny Montgomery and Cassidy Klock
February 11, 2021
The planned 2021 prom will only be open to seniors. The class of 2021 did not experience a junior due to COVID 19 restrictions, so for many students, this prom will be their first and last.

Prom planned to be seniors only

Sonia Yost, Reporter
February 5, 2021
Say Hello To... is a movie review podcast. Hosts Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost discuss new movies, old movies and movies that are somewhere in between.

Say Hello To… The Little Things

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
February 5, 2021
Preparing to pull her arm through the water, sophomore Alexis Fraundorfer swims the backstroke in the 200 individual medley. Fraundorfer placed first in this event and the 100 butterfly, giving the team 12 points. "If Alexis [Fraundorfer] hadn’t won her events, we wouldn’t have been close to them at all," head coach Nanette Cummings said.

Girls’ swim team celebrates win against Hollidaysburg

Sonia Yost, Reporter
February 5, 2021
"Public Radio: Behind the Voices" gives background to beloved personalities

“Public Radio: Behind the Voices” gives background to beloved personalities

Sonia Yost, Reporter
February 1, 2021
In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden was elected as the 46th president. Despite Biden's win, many students are divided on their opinions of Biden as a president and Trump's loss.

[Photo] Students express opinions on first week of Joe Biden’s presidency

Cassidy Klock, Reporter
January 29, 2021
IMG_5439

Senior Kyle Murray takes a breath while sprinting in the 100 yard freestyle. This is Murray's first year on the team.

Girls’, boys’ swim team compete against Richland

Sonia Yost, Reporter
January 26, 2021
This year, the spring musical will be "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown." The show is set to be April 8, 9 and 10 with a preview date sometime before the shows.

Drama club to perform “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”

Sonia Yost, Reporter
January 22, 2021
Run! Senior Mallory Cree runs down the court during the Jan. 12 game. The girls won 56 to 11.

[Photo] Athletes return to practices, games

Ben Blackie, Editor In Chief
January 22, 2021
Sign like this one were common over the summer and election months, but can still be seen around town. The support of law enforcement instead of the racial inequality experienced by black people across the country is an insult to those fighting for equality.

Once the potatoes, chicken broth and seasonings are in the crock pot, let them sit for six hours on a medium heat. The potatoes should be soft enough to mash when the six hours are over.

I Simply Love: Cooking

Sonia Yost, Reporter
January 14, 2021
On Jan. 14, the school board held an emergency meeting to discuss the return of students. In a 5-4 vote, the board voted to have students return two weeks after staff is vaccinated. That date has not yet been announced.

School board holds emergency meeting

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
January 14, 2021
Jace Ebersole, Bruce Boring and Mitch Caprio formed Befell in September of 2020. "I've always wanted to be in a band and tour and write original songs and I this band is definitely going to help me achieve that," Ebersole said.

Local band discusses how they formed, releases debut single

Sonia Yost, Reporter
January 11, 2021
As the auditorium construction progresses, seats have been installed, and workers continue to make progress.

[Photo] Band room, auditorium near completion

Mykenzi Doran, Reporter
December 21, 2020
At a 2019 swim meet, then junior Makenna Murphy swims backstroke during the 200 IM. "I'm really disappointed we haven't really been able to swim this year. I miss my team and the sport, but I understand why we aren't practicing right now," Murphy said.

[Photo] Sports postponement disappoints athletes

Amy Dean, Reporter
December 18, 2020

Revival By Rylie

Sonia Yost, Reporter
December 11, 2020

What We Don’t Want

Sonia Yost, Reporter
December 11, 2020
Whitaker is currently hosting a giveaway with this piece. To enter, share the post on your Instagram story or tag two friends in the comments.

Students start sustainable clothing businesses

Sonia Yost, Reporter
December 10, 2020
Students spend a lot of money throughout their schooling to participate in activities and go to college. The above photo represents some of those costs.

Students stress about cost of senior year

Sonia Yost, Reporter
November 25, 2020
On Nov. 24, the school board held an emergency meeting to discuss returning to school. The meeting was live streamed on the school district's YouTube channel.

School board votes to return to all virtual instruction

Sonia Yost and Sydney Wilfong
November 24, 2020
Make sure to submit your vote by Tuesday. Click below to vote. https://sites.google.com/altoonasd.com/election-2020-aahs/home

Youth and government club holds mock election

Sonia Yost, Reporter
November 3, 2020

Announcements for Nov. 2

Sonia Yost, Reporter
November 1, 2020

Students should not return to school in person

Sonia Yost, Reporter
October 28, 2020
Ramsay pleads guilty to cursing charges

Ramsay pleads guilty to cursing charges

Sonia Yost, Myah Lear, and Sydney Wilfong
October 26, 2020
Senior Isaac Brumbaugh plays a mellow B natural and fits into the trumpet section. The jazz band is rehearsing for future performances.

Jazz band rehearses in person

Sonia Yost, Reporter
October 25, 2020
Sophomore Jacob Steinbugl plays the trombone during a jazz band rehearsal. The jazz band rehearses in the orchestra room at the junior high school.

Jazz band director Larry Detwiler counts off the jazz band to begin a piece. Along with playing music, the jazz band also does music studies of famous jazz musicians.

Junior Quinn Moseby works on his solo part in the song "Spain." This year, the jazz band is playing "Blue Monk" "To Her Ladyship" and "88 Basie Street."

Senior Alex Thaler examines a piece of music and selects the proper finger pattern. Thaler has been playing the electric bass for six years.

Senior Aiden Phillips warms up before rehearsal begins. Just like athletes, it is important for musicians to warm up in order to prepare themselves and their instruments for playing.

Sophomore Jack Kuhns plays the piano during a jazz band rehearsal. The jazz band has in person rehearsals twice a week.

Above is an example of an email inbox that has been organized by read and unread emails. Students can also organize their inbox by the number of emails that appear on a page and which emails appear at the top of their inbox.

Students share organizational tips

Sonia Yost, Reporter
October 9, 2020
How do you feel about returning to school?

How do you feel about returning to school?

Sonia Yost, Reporter
October 7, 2020
This year, the drama club plans to use Zoom to make the fall play a reality. Any student interested in drama club or auditioning for the play should email Cossitor.

Drama club prepares for auditions

Sonia Yost, Reporter
October 2, 2020
Playing the trumpet! Senior Jacqueline Ertwine plays her trumpet during one of the football games. The band was supposed to be playing in a Disney parade, which Ertwine was going to be a part of.

[Photo] School moves senior night earlier in season

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
October 5, 2020
Senior Caley Galarneau poses in preparation for the first game of her senior year. " I'm going to miss performing with all of my friends," Caley Galarneau said. Caley is this year's majorette captain.

[Photo] Band celebrates seniors

October 2, 2020
Nine teachers have joined the school staff for the 2020-2021 school year. Learn more about each teacher by clicking on their photos.

New teachers join staff

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
September 28, 2020
Jennifer Weidley

Jennifer Weidley

Sonia Yost, Reporter
September 28, 2020
Dominic Farabaugh

Dominic Farabaugh

Sonia Yost, Reporter
September 26, 2020
Samantha Knepp

Samantha Knepp

Sonia Yost, Reporter
September 26, 2020
Evan Imgrund

Evan Imgrund

Sonia Yost, Reporter
September 26, 2020
Almost game day! Senior Ryan Naglowsky Plays his tenor saxophone to the song "Good Time." Anytime the band is not playing their instrument, they always put their mask back on.

[Photo] Band plans to perform while following guidelines

Destiny Montgomery, Associate Editor
September 24, 2020
A yearbook will last the buyer a lifetime and is filled with memories and photos of the buyer’s high school experience. Students should buy a yearbook now because the price will only rise as the year continues.

Yearbook staff begins production

Sonia Yost, Reporter
September 16, 2020
Health teacher Nancee Crider will be retiring this year.

[Photo] Nancee Crider

Destiny Montgomery, Reporter
May 29, 2020
Child care and school age parenting teacher Kitty Resko is retiring this year.

[Photo] Kitty Resko

Zakary Hicks, Reporter
May 29, 2020
Work Coordinator John Allender will be retiring this year.

[Photo] John Allender

Destiny Montgomery, Reporter
May 21, 2020
Physics teacher Roger Menard will be retiring this year.

Roger Menard

Sonia Yost, Reporter
May 26, 2020
Life skills teacher Deborah Decker will be retiring this year.

[Photo] Deborah Decker

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
May 26, 2020
English teacher Tina Johnston will be retiring this year.

[Photo] Tina Johnston

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
May 26, 2020
Family and Consumer Science teacher Jeffie Singo will be retiring this year

[Photo] Jeffie Singo

Destiny Montgomery, Reporter
May 21, 2020
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McKenzie Quirin