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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
  • December 17Breakfast 12/17/24 - Egg and Cheese Bagel
  • December 17Lunch 12/17/24 - Chicken Pot Pie
  • December 17Announcements for 12/17/24
  • December 16Breakfast 12/16/24 - Dutch Waffle
  • December 16Lunch 12/16/24 - Ham and Cheese on a Pretzel
  • December 16Announcements for 12/16/24
  • December 13Breakfast 12/13/24 - Pancake and Sausage on a Stick
The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
The Student News Site of Altoona Area High School

Mountain Echo
Sydney Wilfong

Sydney Wilfong, Associate Editor

I’m Sydney Wilfong, a senior at AAHS. I’m part of the band as a proud tenor saxophone player. On the days I have time, I enjoy writing, reading and watching movies with my family and friends. I would like to go to film school, perhaps the University of North Carolina School of the Arts or any other film school that is somewhat affordable. With or without film school though, my absolute dream would to one day become a filmmaker and create the entertainment that film brings. 

All content by Sydney Wilfong
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Sydney Wilfong and Caden McMaster
June 20, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Sydney Wilfong and Caden McMaster
June 15, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
June 10, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
June 9, 2021
Say Hello To... Our Favorite Movies

Say Hello To… Our Favorite Movies

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
June 9, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
June 7, 2021
Joseph Sohmer

Joseph Sohmer

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
June 7, 2021
Patricia Sohmer

Patricia Sohmer

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
June 7, 2021
Julie Fleck

Julie Fleck

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
June 7, 2021
The Stoudnours

The Stoudnours

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
June 7, 2021
Retiring teachers, school counselor wish students farewell

Retiring teachers, school counselor wish students farewell

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
June 7, 2021

You Didn’t Need to Know This

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
June 4, 2021
Sophomore Connor Smith has an impressive memory when it comes to trains. He can identify most trains just by hearing the color or engine number. Smith loves trains, baseball and riding his four-wheeler. Pictures courtesy of special education teacher Paige Matteson and Smith's family.

Smith discusses love for trains, showcases exceptional memory

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
June 3, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Sydney Wilfong and Caden McMaster
June 1, 2021
Say Hello To... Booksmart

Say Hello To… Booksmart

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
May 28, 2021
Senior Emily Latten will attend Susquehanna University after high school. Latten plans on majoring in music education.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
May 26, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Sydney Wilfong and Caden McMaster
May 25, 2021
Senior Lana Ranger will major in business at Juniata college after she graduates high school.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
May 17, 2021
Say Hello To... The Mitchells vs the Machines

Say Hello To… The Mitchells vs the Machines

Sydney Wilfong, Sonia Yost
May 13, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
May 11, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
May 7, 2021
Senior Alex Thaler dips out food during the foreign language club (FLC) food event. During this event, FLC students made food from different country origins. The students then brought this food in to share with the school.

[Photo] Clubs resume activities

Cassidy Klock, Reporter
May 7, 2021
Senior Samantha Chestnut will attend Penn State University after graduating high school. Chestnut will participate in Penn State's architecture program.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
May 7, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
April 30, 2021
The founder of the Lung Disease Foundation of Central Pa., George M. Zlupko, MD, holds one of the many new additions to the school. In response to the increase of teenagers vaping, 30 vape sensors will be placed throughout the high school. These sensors will be placed in all of the bathrooms and any large areas where students may be.

New vape sensors installed throughout school to discourage teens from vaping

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 30, 2021
Senior Malachi Ford will attend Saint Francis University after high school. At Saint Francis, Ford will study and work in the occupational therapy field.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 30, 2021
Senior Ashley Steinbugl prepares for a game, playing one of the last few games left of the season. Steinbugl plays softball with her sister senior Riley Steinbugl.

Softball team wishes farewell to seniors, recalls season’s memories despite pandemic

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 26, 2021
You Didn't Need to Know This...

You Didn’t Need to Know This…

Caden McMaster and Sydney Wilfong
April 20, 2021
Freshmen now have to take a civics assessment test beginning on June 2 of this year. This test is state mandated. Photo from Pixabay.

State mandates civics assessment for freshmen

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 16, 2021
Say Hello To... I Care a Lot

Say Hello To… I Care a Lot

Sydney Wilfong and Sonia Yost
April 16, 2021
The founder of the Lung Disease Foundation of Central Pa., George M. Zlupko, stands beside the new addition to the school. Thirty vape sensors will be placed throughout the high school in response to the increase of teenagers vaping.

UPMC, Lung Disease Foundation places 30 vape sensors throughout school to decrease teen vaping usage

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 16, 2021
"You might be having a bad day, but I promise tomorrow will be better. You just have to make it through today, I love you"

[Photo] Anonymous notes spread positivity in girls’ bathroom

Amy Dean, Reporter
April 22, 2021
Senior Alison Benson will attend Penn State University after graduating high school. Benson will major in Biology/Pre-med to become an Allergist/Immunologist.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 15, 2021
Anna's 80s Aerobics

Anna’s 80s Aerobics

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Caley’s Convoy

Caley’s Convoy

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Cherry’s Chocolate Factory

Cherry’s Chocolate Factory

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Frank's Friends

Frank’s Friends

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Lizzy's Little Mermaid

Lizzy’s Little Mermaid

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 12, 2021
Homecoming candidates introduce themselves

Homecoming candidates introduce themselves

Sydney Wilfong, Sonia Yost, and Mykenzi Doran
April 12, 2021
Senior Sarah Castle will attend Dickinson College after graduating high school. Castle plans on majoring in Biology.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, 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
Senior Emily Neil will attend Penn State University in Altoona for two years and then will attend the main campus for the following two years. Neil is undecided on her major.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 1, 2021
After an increase in COVID-19 cases, students and teachers went virtual due to school closure. This decision was made by the school and principal Andrew Neely.

Neely address school closure, discusses safety procedures

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
April 1, 2021
Differently abled week will take place at the end of March and at the beginning of April. History teacher Carolyn Kline created and manages differently abled week as a way to break down barriers between her students and special education students. (Image made with Adobe Spark)

Kline breaks barriers through simulation lesson

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
March 26, 2021
"My advice to students would be to just work hard and when you can ask teachers for help," freshman James Fisher said.

[Photo] What is your advice to students struggling academically this school year?

Ben Blackie, Editor-In-Chief
March 26, 2021
Senior Anna Batrus will attend Penn State University in Altoona for two years and then will attend the main campus for the following two years. At PSU, she will major in business.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
March 19, 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
Recently, contracts were established and renewed at the high school. The teacher contract that was set into place offers various benefits to teachers. "I am pretty excited that men are no longer required to wear a tie every day," union president and English teacher Douglas Rosenberry said.

Teacher, Prijatelj contracts renewed

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
March 16, 2021
Working hard. Despite the school board's decision regarding the senior projects, English classes are still continuing these and working on them. But, the decision does offer students some benefits. “We are business as usual with the project, but the decision eliminates some of the stress involved with having to fulfill the project as a requirement for graduation,” English 12 teacher David McCarter said.

Teachers continue with grad project despite it no longer being required

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
March 5, 2021
Collected! Students can donate cereal to any bin marked for the cereal drive. Students and teacher have been donating since Monday, Feb 22.

[Photo] School cereal drive accepting donations

Connor George, Reporter
February 26, 2021
Reflecting on 2020. Stone mason Keith Morgan and his crew install the time capsule on Thursday, Feb. 25. The time capsule is filled with items and memorabilia that represent the year of 2020.

Time capsule locks away school memories

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
February 26, 2021
Senior Cassandra Kyle will attend Shenandoah University once she has graduated high school. At Shenandoah University, she will major in psychology.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
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
Down a new path. Senior Darrian Berkheimer will attend Lebanon Valley College after high school. At Lebanon Valley College, Berkheimer will study physical therapy. She also plans on earning her doctorate.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
February 22, 2021
You are Penn State! After high school, senior Karenna Kauffman will attend Penn State University. Kauffman was accepted into Penn State's main campus where she will study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
February 18, 2021
Leaving the past behind. Senior Kayla Blough plans on attending Carlow University once she has graduated high school. At Carlow, she will major in biology with a concentration in cardiovascular perfusion.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
February 16, 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.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
February 12, 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
Ready for the future. Senior Julia Lane will attend Juniata College after graduating high school. Lane will major in Early Education and specialize in grades Pre-K through fourth.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
February 1, 2021
A new chapter in life. After graduating high school, senior Isaac Brumbaugh will attend Lycoming College. Although Brumbaugh hasn't decided what exactly he will be majoring in, he plans on going down the path of political science while also majoring in either economics or philosophy.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
January 29, 2021
Planning ahead. Senior Jack Hatch will attend Seton Hill University after graduating high school. Hatch will major in exercise science with a clinical concentration.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
January 20, 2021
Love for filmmaking. This is a picture of an old film camera of mine. Whenever my grandfather passed away, I was given his collection of cameras, ranging from old to new. Although most of them don't work, I find them fascinating. I usually look into the viewfinder of these cameras to just see what the world looks like from a smaller perspective. With all of these pictures, I took them from the perspective of one of these old film cameras.

I Simply Love: Movies

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
January 15, 2021
Preparing for a new beginning. Senior Kasey Schultz will attend Saint Francis University after high school. Schultz will major in special education and minor in ASL.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
January 15, 2021
Ready for the adventure ahead. Senior Adalynn Cherry will attend Washington & Jefferson College once she has graduated high school. Cherry will major in Business Administration and minor in Entrepreneurship.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
January 15, 2021
What was a positive outcome of 2020 for you?

What was a positive outcome of 2020 for you?

Amy Dean and Sydney Wilfong
January 15, 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
Moving on to bigger things. Senior Benjamin Blackie will attend Penn State University after high school. Blackie plans on majoring in Early Childhood Education.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
December 18, 2020
Goodbye high school, hello college. Senior Mia Nelson will attend IUP after high school. Nelson plans on majoring in psychology.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
December 18, 2020
Growing up. Senior Lisa Yarnell will attend Susquehanna University after high school. Yarnell is undecided on her major.

“I’m in”

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
December 17, 2020
Hard at work. Because students and teachers have returned to the virtual format, many classes operate differently than they would in-person. With community service, most students cannot attend their site and are given online assignments instead.

Virtual schooling forces community service students to pursue alternative work

Sydney Wilfong, Associate Editor
December 11, 2020
Going virtual. The school board decides to go back to full virtual for the second marking period. Students, parents and teachers have mixed feelings about the change.

School switches back to virtual for second marking period

Sydney Wilfong and Destiny Montgomery
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
What is your favorite part of the new building and why?

What is your favorite part of the new building and why?

Sydney Wilfong, Reporter
November 23, 2020
Back to school. Students and teachers return to the school in-person for the first time in months. Students' temperatures are checked everyday when they come into the building. Although students and teachers share a hybrid schedule, teachers physically go to the school everyday of the week, unlike the students who spend half of the week virtually.

Teachers voice concerns, frustrations with new hybrid schedule

Sydney Wilfong, Associate Editor
November 18, 2020
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