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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
Melissa Krainer

Melissa Krainer, Reporter

Ciao! This is my fourth year reporting for the Mountain Echo. I’m very excited to be a part of the staff this year as a senior. I’ve always been passionate about writing, and I can’t wait to help report on school and community events. In my free time, you might find me crocheting, reading, playing the violin or working on math puzzles. I speak both English and German fluently. This is one of my favorite quotes:

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

All content by Melissa Krainer
Expression. Senior Rigby Miller's artwork of a butterfly is a testament to the opportunities the art education department offers. The department's effort was recognized in the second weekend of October. "At the PAEA conference in Pittsburgh, [PAEA] acknowledged all of the schools at their award ceremony who have achieved this [award] for the first time, and then schools who have gotten [it] for five years in a row and higher," Curry said. (Courtesy of Kathryn Curry and Rigby Miller)

Art department earns award for commitment to education

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
November 5, 2025
The Circle of Life. ACT's The Penguin Project cast dance through the jungle and savannah in Disney's "The Lion King, Jr." on the auditorium stage. The production was performed on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12. "I want [the community] to realize that our goal is to meet each child where they are, and to highlight all of the wonderful and amazing things that they can do instead of focusing on their disability," Hinish said. (Courtesy of Ellen Frye)

The Penguin Project’s savannah sprinkles Disney magic

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
October 17, 2025
Inspiration. Ten years ago, Price and Saboe found a way to memorialize Dodson and her impact in the volleyball program. The Erin Dodson Memorial volleyball games highlight Dodson's determination and positivity, even in the face of obstacles. "[We wanted] to be able to give to others based on the legacy that Erin had created as a person," Saboe said. "[We] thought honoring her like this would be the best way that we can honor her."

‘Big D’

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
October 3, 2025
IMG_1682

[Photo] Meet the Homecoming candidates

Madison Aboud, Editor – in – Chief
October 2, 2025
A new beginning. Three new music teachers join the staff and mark the beginning of a new era for the music department. (From left to right: Keith, Kunder and Kist)

Teaching to their own tune

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
September 5, 2025
Red carpet. Students attend the 2023 prom at the Blair County Convention Center.

Prom and Afterglo scheduled for May 16

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
May 16, 2025
Altoona pride. Juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to participate in 'Toona Tune Up on May 27. Participants will clean up spaces around Altoona.

‘Toona Tune Up to take place under new leadership

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
May 16, 2025
Mountain lions. At the end of this school year, both K. Detwiler and L. Detwiler are retiring. Both have taught music for over 30 years. "[Retirement] was a decision my husband and I made together," K. Detwiler said. "This is 35 years for me, and that's kind of when retirement age comes with teachers. Both of my children this past summer have moved out of Altoona. That was a big factor in it as well. We want to be able to go and visit. We are a very tight family, and we just haven't been able to see them. We're deciding it's time to put them first. They have sat second for a long time because of these jobs we have." [From left to right: L. Detwiler, K. Detwiler] (Photo contributed by Kelly Detwiler)

Stop to smell the roses (and listen to the music)

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
May 9, 2025
Sweet treat. Sophomore Emma Lang shows a piece of artwork she made in Curry's class.

Art department hosts district-wide art show

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
May 1, 2025
A spool of thread and kindness. Cron hosts a Mending Clinic with her Introduction to FCS students during their sewing unit where students and staff in the district can submit clothing to be mended. Students work on the basic stitches first in sampler projects and then apply their knowledge to fix the items of clothing. "I have some kids that are really good at basic skills, and usually those are the ones who want to jump in," Cron said. "It takes a 'taste,' like a sampler, to the next level." (Photo contributed by Betsy Cron)

How a Cabbage Patch doll inspired a teacher’s upcycling passion

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
April 25, 2025
Grand opening. The Center City Market officially opened in downtown Altoona on Tuesday, April 15. The marketplace offers an indoor food market and luxury apartments. The historic McCrory building in downtown Altoona was refurbished in a 2.5-year construction project aiming to bring life back to the downtown area.

Center City Market opens its doors in downtown Altoona

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
April 24, 2025
Snacking with a twist. The Philly Pretzel Factory attracts customers in downtown Altoona inside the Center City Market. The store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Juicy goodness. The Juice Shack offers juice and smoothie bowls in the market. Customers can stop by between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Monday through Saturday and between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday to visit the store.

Rustic. PJ's Subs & Salads offers subs and salads with homemade dressings. Customers can grab their choice of food from Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Tex-Mex. The Bowl Station allows customers to build their own tacos, burritos and bowls with unique flavors. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Community. The interior of the Center City Market offers spacious seating areas indoors to accommodate visiting patrons. The market is along 11th Ave.

Art. The mural "Through The Years" hangs in the market area to brighten up the space. It was finished in 1996 and recently moved from the high school to the market.

One-stop shop. Offering groceries and everyday items, the Market Basket gives customers the option of Italian items, fresh produce, meats and cheeses and more. Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, customers can visit.

Charm. Stained glass rescued from the former Christ Reformed Church in downtown Altoona is on display at Center City Market.

Vendors. The Center City Market offers several vendors, including The Market Basket, The Juice Shack, PJ's Food Shack, PJ's Subs & Salads, Philly Pretzel Factory, Woody Lodge Winery and a Bowl Station. The market is located at 1306 11th Ave.

"Speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues." Following the sentiment expressed in "The Lorax," ten Earthkeepers club members stepped out into the natural world of Canoe Creek State Park on April 10 for the Envirothon competition. "There were people there from the state organizations," Condo said. "You had wardens from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. You had the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. You had Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts [members] focused on soil and, of course, people from the Blair County Conservation District." (Courtesy of Maryssa Brandt)

‘The Miracle of Life’: from ‘The Lorax’ Trufulla trees to the Earthkeepers BioBlitz

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
April 17, 2025
Keyboard. Sophomore Isaac Hillard practices his selections for the musical. He plays the Keyboard II part.

Music under the sea: The Little Mermaid pit orchestra prepares for drama club spring musical

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
April 1, 2025
"The World Above." Sackett takes a break from his practice. He plays the double bass and bass guitar in the pit orchestra.

String Quartet. Seniors Lea Gioiosa, Andrea Slusser and Hannah Jack are members of the violin and cello section of the pit orchestra. The strings are featured in songs such as "If Only" and "Before the Contest."

"Her Voice." Junior Gracelynn Beldin and senior Rachel Kennedy cover the flute and piccolo parts in the pit orchestra.

Jam session. Senior Seth Goheen and junior Andrew Sackett practice their parts for The Little Mermaid spring musical. With show performances on April 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. in the AAHS auditorium, students can enjoy the drama club's production with live music.

"The Banquet Hall." Senior Reece Myers practices his part on the drum set for the musical.

"On the Beach." Senior Griffin Hollen plays the bass clarinet in the pit orchestra for the drama club's spring musical.

"Ursula's Lair." Seniors Randy Grove and Blake Riddle play their trumpets in the pit orchestra.

"Where's Ariel?" Junior Taylor Glunt plays her French horn in the pit orchestra. Glunt is featured in songs lamenting Ariel.

"Ariel's Transformation." Grove, Riddle and sophomore Nicholas Boose take a break from practice. Boose plays the percussion parts in the pit orchestra.

Stellar performance. Esworthy earned a medal for their placement at the LHHSSL Regional Tournament. The senior was thrilled when they found out. "I competed in [the dramatic interpretation] category, because it's similar to the poetry I've written in the past, and it entailed a lot of emotional topics, which was super fun to perform," Esworthy said. (Courtesy of Julie Storm)

Storming to the top: Alex Esworthy intertwines poetry, theater in Speech League tournament

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
March 26, 2025
FBLA students parked cars at Mansion Park for football games. Parking cars is one way clubs have fundraised this year.

Clubs adapt to new funding procedures

Cevin Dively, Melissa Krainer, and Emmalee Martyak
March 17, 2025
Play the day away. The jazz band performs their annual Christmas concert.

[Photo] Jazz band to perform spring concert

Lincoln Frank, Associate Editor
March 12, 2025
Under the sea. Senior Karinna Wolfe, Krug and junior Madison Aboud rehearse a scene at rehearsal.

Drama prepares to make a splash with ‘The Little Mermaid’ spring musical

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
March 5, 2025
State Champions. The gymnastics team won first place in the Gold Division at the State competition in Huntingdon. The team's completion of their 15th undefeated season allowed them to win the State Championship title for the second year in a row. "We're proud that we were even able to do it," Weaver said. "We're just thankful. It was a lot of practice, and I think as a team, we became closer as the year went. It was just an overall good way of meeting friends." (Courtesy of Heaster)

Vaulting to victory

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
March 4, 2025
Shot. Sophomore Giana Fiore, sophomore Madilynn Switzer, junior Codey Burns and sophomore Mackenzie Lego work on an edit about hunger. "We're doing an edit about what to do if you don't have enough food at home," Fiore said.

Lights, Camera, Action: Broadcasting Class Behind-the-Scenes

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
March 3, 2025
Angle. Junior Reyna Ospina-Nunes works with her partner, sophomore Dominic Verticelli, on filming in class on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Take two. Ospina-Nunes focuses the camera on Verticelli during a scene retake.

Ready to roll. To complete their edit on hunger in schools, the Broadcasting group filmed two members heading to the cafeteria.

Zoom. The Broadcasting group utilizes the ramp to wheel the camera to the cafeteria.

Fine-tune. Juniors Keegan Fink and Julian Pringle work together with sophomore Julian Trimmer in the Broadcasting classroom to edit and plan their skits. "I'm turning in a script for an edit I'm working on," Trimmer said.

MLTV staff only. The seventh period Mountain Lion Television (MLTV) Broadcasting class works on edits and filming. The Control Room houses all the equipment the staff requires for live events and to live-stream morning announcements.

Cut. Sophomore Emilee Vo works on her assignment in the Broadcasting classroom. "I usually film for MLTV, and I like to interview people," Vo said.

Cinematography. The Broadcasting classes work on putting together edits involving filming, scripts and planning. The control room is where these creations are brought to life.

Magical. Kelly Gallery-Price ends her fantastical journey at AAHS with a flourish and a wave of her wand. (Courtesy of Gallery-Price)

Elected. Wenzel is part of the State Thespian Board for next year and will be able to help plan the next Thesfest conference. He was shocked and excited when they announced his name for the officer position. "I've gotten into more of the technical side of things. I usually just do acting, but I've learned a lot more about the design of stages, design of lighting and a lot of media advertising, too," Wenzel said. (Courtesy of Wenzel)

Thesfest Success: Thespians ‘Break a Leg’ at West Chester University

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
February 13, 2025
Meeting. The Sign Language Club's first meeting of the school year will be on Thursday, Feb. 13. The club will meet every Thursday after school.

Sign Language Club schedules first meeting

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
February 11, 2025
"In My First Gen Era." On Saturday, Nov. 9, Gallery-Price (center) traveled to Pittsburgh with her students for lunch at Red Robin and a matinee performance of "Beauty and the Beast" at the Byham Theater with students from Altoona, Clairton and McKeesport high schools. The day before, Altoona students had a First-Generation College Student Celebration Day with the theme “In My First Gen Era,” inspired by Taylor Swift. (Courtesy of Gallery-Price)

Upward Bound program adviser bounds in a new direction

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
January 31, 2025
Deep in thought. Freshman Diego Gil studies the answers to the individual round questions. He volunteered at the event and helped out in the scoring room.

Students compete at local math circle competition at Penn State Altoona

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
January 27, 2025
Morning mathematics. The Intermediate Mathematics League of Massachusetts (IMLEM) local Pennsylvania chapter hosted its third annual competition at Penn State Altoona on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. The Altoona team hosted the competition, which has an individual and team component for middle school math problem solving for middle school students.

Colorful designs. Students were able to choose a T-shirt from a collection in the entrance of the Hawthorn building.

Shapes. The T-shirts sported a multitude of designs from math competitions from previous years.

Scoring room. Multiple volunteers and Altoona alumni graded the tests in the scoring room.

Categories. The IMLEM individual competition portion consists of five categories: mystery, geometry, number theory, arithmetic and algebra.

Competition. Each team was assigned a room that the students could stay in when they weren't competing. Each student competed in three individual categories.

Right angles. The large testing room was set up for students to compete in the individual round. Each row was organized by school, both from Blair and Centre County.

Ready to write. Students were tasked with solving three problems in 10 minutes in each individual round category.

Team round. Each school was able to set up a team of 10 students to compete in the team round against the other schools. At the conclusion of the competition, the total individual scores and team scores were summed to determine a winner.

Horseshoe and Mountain Echo students attended the regional convention at the PSU Altoona Campus. This week the winning students were notified they advanced to States on April 1.

Mountain Echo, Horseshoe staffers advance to PSPA States

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
January 17, 2025
Cyber education. Since its inception in 2009, the ACA has grown from five students to over 500 students enrolled in the secondary program. The Stevens faculty and staff expanded the program to give students an optimal non-traditional education experience. "We wanted to keep our students in our district and provide them the same education that they would get as if they were in the building," McGinnis said. "The kids that are in our program get an AAHS diploma and get to participate in all of the senior activities. I take great pride in getting an AAHS diploma. To me, that means something, and I try to invite our students to feel the same." (Courtesy of Julie Schreiber)

Alternative education program evolves

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
January 16, 2025
Crawl to victory. Junior Academy of Science members pose on a statue of a caterpillar during their 2023 state competition. Junior Academy of Science members may advance to the state competition.

[Photo] Junior Academy of Science goes to regionals

Lincoln Frank, Associate Editor
December 18, 2024
Elected. Rep. Schmitt was re-elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Legislative District 79, representing portions of Blair County. (Courtesy of the candidate's campaign website)

AAHS Alumnus Louis Schmitt re-elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
December 5, 2024
Hallways. The Black Student Union will leave the school building on November 20 to visit Baker Mansion. (Courtesy of the Mountain Echo staff)

Black Student Union club to go to Baker Mansion

Melissa Krainer, Reporter
November 20, 2024
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