Dinner in West Aliquippa and Music in Baden

Earlier tonight I had a long one.

First the staff on Uncommon Sense had a end-of-year dinner at this Italian Restaruant, called Maria's Kitchen. In an little area known as West Aliquippa. Until now, I had no idea that West Aliquippa really existed. I nautrally thought that it would be west of Aliquippa, not north.

Anyhow, dinner went well, althought they all thought I was insane for eating spaghetti and meatballs with a minimum amount of sause. But that's how I like it.

"Diff'rent Strokes for Diff'rent folks." -Sly and the Family Stone

Then came the Spring Concert, which went by really well. The first song was "In the Beginning", from "Children of Eden", featuring the remaining cast members, plus Ryan Carroll and Nick Bell were adopted to join us as well. But I got to sing Zach Boyt's solo, when it came up. I tried to sound like him, but I didn't quite succeed. But the audience still liked it anyway. I had half a mind to ask Quigley grads Luke Belsky, and Doug Koski, both of whom were in that musical, and were in the audience, to come up and join us. But Mrs. Zak would have killed me.

I had a mind to ask Luke, and Quigley graduate Lucas Guthrie, who was also in the audience to join us, for "Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet," the guy's song. The three of us had sang that song, in Beaver County Chorus a year ago. Oh well. The rest of the songs went well, as well, althought I think some of the choir members just mouthed the words.

Sadly that was the last Quigley concert, I'll ever do. Until graduation in about a week...

The 9th annual Mancinis

Yesterday, we went to the Mancini awards. Although I din't win I went.
Partially bacause I was still going to be in the finale.

The finale is an ensemble number done by a duo from each school. They learn one song and perform in at the Mancini's. But, the duo from Quigley was Laura Fischer and myself. And we did the number "Everything's Coming up Roses".

Anyhow, Quigley itself did the ending number from "Into the Woods". And we saw pieces from all the other shows. Quigley won the awards for "Best Costumes", and "Best Scenery and Set". Then Quigley grad. Zach Boyt himself awarded the Best Supporting Award to an Actress to Lena Gail Dowdell for her role as the Baker's Wife.
Then Ryan Carroll wen the Best Supporting Award to an Actor, for his role as Jack. He even kissed the award presenters while up there.

Ooh!

Then Laura and I were in the finale and it went really well.

Finally the ceremony was over, and I went home.

Tonight is the Uncommon Sense dinner followed by the Spring concert. Stay tuned.

Uncommon Sense: Senior Edition

Yes, i mentioned in the last blog that we got the Senior Edition of Uncommon Sense.
There were two printed speeches, by Validictorian Laura McAllister, and Salutictorian, Dom Petrick. Then the next pages had "congratulations" from parents and families. Then there was a Senior Will. I've reprinted mine here:

Ryan Carroll and Nick Bell: Now you control the tenor section of the chorus.
Emily Mitko: I leave you the Uncommon Sense camera.
Steve Almendarez: I leave you a bar of Johnson & Johnson's E-Z grip soap in a pouch.
Andy Whitford: Now YOU must ask Mr. D. what you will be doing for Phys. Ed. every Thursday.
Sr. Giannini: No Loteria!
The Lunch Ladies: I leave you a salt shaker with a loose lid.

There was also some ideas for the senior gift:
A fax machine directly to Laura McAllister, so she can still recieve numerous awards after she is gone.
A bucket, er, second whirpool.
Complimentary toiletries for the new men's room.
A piece of cardboard to be taped over every TV during Channel One.

I also had a huge list of Dubs-isms. I'v reprinted some of them here.

1. Five out of four people have a problem with math.
2. People who live in glass houses should only dress at night, with the lights turned off.
3. A job at Goodyear is tiring, a job at Roto-Rooter is draining, and a job at Midas is exhausting.
4. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
5. Early to rise and early to bed, is the way to be wise, but socially dead.
6. You can climb a mountian, but never climb a mountain lion.

Then the final QOM was:

Seniors what is your favorite QCHS memory:

Brendan Miller: Dave Ruffalo
Jen Ribar, Emily Schmatz, and Caitlin Manning: Ocean City
Rob Dubs: The time I almost passed out on stage in "Children of Eden"
Laura Fischer: 10th grade Geometry Class
Krystal Gaudino, Sarah McKinin, and Laura McAllister: When we gave a gift to Mr. Lion.
David Leibach: J.J. breaking the chair in Chemistry.
Jason DiVito, and Matt Herrmann: Freshman Math class with Mrs. B.
Mike Rubino: Every time I have been in a moving vehicle with Mr. Wax and have almost died.
Dayna Mulig: 10th grade history class with Dave Ruffalo
John Bautti: 6th period lunch table this year.
Kevin Cappatt: Tim Bryner using a stall-less bathroom.
Kristen Denk: When I spilled pop on Dayna and she had to wear crustated sweatpants because of it.
Jason DiVito, Kevin Cappatt, and Dante Martire: Leah!

Well that's it for the Uncommon Sense series.

Untill next time...

The Senior Banquet

Today, the Senior Class of 2003, had their big Senior Banquet. This took place at this country club in Ohioville.


The event began with greetings among all the students, and faculty, and invitations to graduation parties were given out, as well. Then, we sat at Hawaian style tables, with Senior Edition Uncommon Sense papers rolled up like diplomas, and we ate dinner.

After this was over, Mrs. Lee, announced the winners of the Most Whatever awards (Likely to succeed, involved, athletic, memorable, best, hair, eyes, smiles, personality, and class cuties, couple, optimest, pesimest, you get the idea.) I even got an award myself. Laura McAllister and I were elected Most Memorable in the class of 2003. Laura McAllister, who is known for getting a LOT of awards also got most involved, most athletic, and class optimest. then Gina Tenerelli, tyree Scialabba and I were recognized for being the only three in the class of 2003 to be in the 30 hr famine for all four years.

Then we danced the night away. the last gance became a huge group hug among the senior class, with students coming in to hug one another.

A great group, the senior class of 2003. I will miss them.

A much shorter Famine

Yesterday, we had our annual 30-hr. famine, only this time it was less then 30 hrs.

This was because some new rule now outlaws, overnight activies, so we had to end at midnight.

Stupid new laws!

Anyway, it started with a breakfast from McDonalds, at 7:30. Afterwards, the seniors just hung around, while the rest of the school had classes. I did some extra credit, for one class by watching a movie. After class, we took a trip to Good Samaritin Parish in Ambridge to do some community service.

Duties included pulling weeds, throwing away garbage and excess paper, etc. But the downside, in my opinion was that the cafeteria smelled like Italian sausages, and was making me hungry. Then I ran into a friend from Ambridge, Dan Wozniak, who was eating pierogies.

Ooh, I was mad!

Later we had a service in the Church, and we ran into Quigley graduates, Chris Cummings, and Danielle Kaisar. They go to Robert Morris University, and I announced to them that, that's where I have decided to go to college, to major in Math Education. I remember that it was a toss-up between RMU and Penn-State Beaver, and RMU won.

Anyhow, back at Quigley, we played some games, and did some other funny stuff, untill about 10:00 pm, then we did one of my favorite Famine activities, Cosmic Bowling.

This takes place at Baden Bowl. I love the computer screen showing cartoons for strikes, spares, slits, gutter balls, and other events. Also, the place has dance lights going, ans music playing, so it's a cross between bowling and a school dance.

Wow.

After that was over, we all trooped back to Quigley, usually we go to bed, at this point, but this time, at arounf midnight, we got pizza, and we stuffed, sort of. There was also a cake, and ice cream, which we ate.

Now, I'm at home, aout to go to bed. Boy, despite summer vacation, I'm still doing a lot with the school.

Officially Summer Vacation

That's what today is.

On Monday and Wednesday we had our Senior Finals, and now we are offically done with High School. But, I'll tell you about Senior Finals.

They are a lot more casual then normal finals. Seniors just showed up dressed down, at the time of finals, and can leave when finals are over.

On Monday, I got a very unplesant surprise. Mrs. Walley had noticed some damage to the camera and was holding me responsible for it. Therefore I would have to pay for repairs. THerefore I would be on the owe list, and unless I paid the debt, I wouldn't be able to attend the Senior Banquet.

Shit! It happens.

Tuesday, we had our graduation practice at St. Ferdinand's. Being in Music Ministry, I will be on the alter with the rest of the choir, for most of it. After practice, some classmates went out to eat, but because of the camera disaster, I announced that I need every penny I've got to pay for the mess, and couldn't go along.

Today, we had the remaining finals. I got some good news today. Fr. Dave would foot the bill for the camera, to relieve me. I was so happy. I ran to Wendy's to celebrate. THen after my last final I came home. It's summer vacation now.

Still a lot of school stuff ahead. Stay tuned.

Uncommon Sense: Issue 8:

The latest Issue of Uncommon Sense is in:

First off, this had the Mancini Nominee Results:

Laura Fischer as the Witch
Ryan Carroll as Jack
Lena Gail Dowdell as the Baker's Wife
Even Marcavage and Tyree Scialabba as the Princes:
Outstanding Costumes
Outstanding Set and Scenery
Outstanding Vocal Ensemble

I was kind of sad, not being nominated. I thought Gwen should have been nominated too. Oh, well.

I had two articles; one about the Musical Showcase, and one about the track team's progress.

The Queston of the Month was:

"Where is your ultimate place to spend summer vacation?"

Answers were:

Mike Rubino: Tunisa
Bobby Weaver: Away from School
Travis Eddens: Amsterdam
Zach Taromina: The Yanyanin's House
Sophomore Class: it doesn't matter as long as we're together
David McHale: At Home
Freshman Class: Babysitting Mr. D's six new grandchildren

Only one more issue coming up. The Senior Edition