covid update - Pittsburgh Brashear High School

By Jalysa Tabb

Work hard.

Get Smart.

Lets get better,at getting better.

September 2021 Edition

BACK TO SCHOOL!

By Kevin Bertram

September 3rd marked the return of school forPPS students. Students had mixed emotionsabout returning to school. Many were eagerlyanticipating the return, but others have beenconcerned about COVID-related issues, wearingmasks, etc.

11th grader, Mike Jones had this to say, "Iam so happy to be back at school. Students &teachers are wearing masks. Students & teachersare doing their best to socially distance.Hopefully these vaccines will start to kick in andleave a dent in the amount of people gettingCOVID.

Hopefully the 2021-22 school year cancontinue with kids going to school, instead ofgoing back to virtual learning. Some studentsseemed to prefer the flexibility of virtual learning,but I am sure we can all agree there is so muchbeing missed out on when we are not in-school,and seeing our friends, our classmates, andinteracting with them and our teachers face-to-face.

I got the chance to interview some studentsduring lunch about how they feel about beingback in school.

Q) What is it like for you to be back here inschool after almost 2 years?A) Me, personally, would rather be back at homedoing online learning in my bed, but so far it'snice being back seeing everyone's faces again.The only challenging part is trying to wake upearlier to get ready.

Q) What is different to you about being back inschool?A) It's very different. People are wearing masks,social distancing. It's definitely a little weird andunusual, but that's kind of what I expected when Ifound out we were coming back. One challengingthing now is waking up earlier then we all usedto. Now since we are back we have less sleeptime because we need time to get ready and get toschool. But over all, I missed being here, so Ihave no problem about being back.

Let's hope everyone gets into the routine ofgetting up and coming to school, COVIDbecomes less and less of an issue, and we canfinish our 1st FULL school year since 2018-19.

STUDENT SURVEY

School uniforms?Later start time?

Different lunch period?Mask policy?

Click on the QR Code above andshare your thoughts. Results willbe published in the Oct Issue of

THE BULL PEN.

Friday Night Lights

By Sarah Voelker

Pictured above, students, teachers, andparents gather for the first Friday nightfootball game of the season! Friday nightfootball is a part of Brashear culture andbrings together all different types ofstudents. The football players,cheerleaders, and band came together tomake the first game one to remember.Last year, spectators were not allowed to

attend football games due to covid 19,which was not ideal. Spectators are nowable to attend these games to support ourstaff. The ability to have people back at thegames supporting brings back our cultureand brings much needed excitement tothese games!

Our team is on a 2-game winning streak.Come out and cheer them on this Saturday,5pm, at Cupples Stadium as they take onUniontown.

COVID UPDATEBy Raine Annan

It’s been two years since the pandemichas started, and by now you’d expect thingsto be better, but guess what, they aren’t. Justrecently stores have been getting wiped cleanof toilet paper and food items. People allaround the world are buying in bulk becausethey think the pandemic will have an effecton our supply of toilet paper, and food.Almost a year and a half ago, the sameevents took place. People started panickingcovid-19 cases skyrocketed and people didn’tleave their houses. You could almost say thisis part 2 to 2020.

Statistically speaking men are at a higherrisk of dying of covid-19 or more prone tocatching it. According to the CDC “the mostcases of covid-19 are reporting a majority ofmen dying to the disease.” For example “InItaly 71 percent of all the cases for men died,and only 29% of women.” Same in Spain65% of men died from the corona virus whileonly 35% of women died, big difference if Ido say so myself. The CDC said that womenhave a stronger immune system that's whythey don’t get as affected by viruses as mendo. Although less viruses happen to women,a lot more diseases occur. That's why we getcancer or things wrong internally because ourbodies can’t withstand diseases as much aswe can viruses.

The outcomes to both 2020 & 2021 arenot looking good. We went from a pandemicand worrying to stores opening again, casesof COVID lowering, back to worrying,buying in bulk and cases skyrocketing. Sothe questions I ask you, will there be a betteroutcome looking ahead towards the end of2021, and into 2022? Ask yourself... whatcan we do to stop the panic, the worry, andthe chaos?

The Bull Pen

Congratulations to Our September Students of the Month!

Isabella Burkhart

Pg 2Sept 2021

Connor Phillips Taia Coleman1. Fav thing about school: Socializing with myfriends2. Fav teacher: Ms. Avellino3. Fav subject: Chemistry4. Future plans: To go to college and besuccessful in whatever I choose to do.5. Hobbies/pastimes: Basketball6. Fav book, movie or song: I don't really havejust one.7. One person you look up to? My mum becauseshe always has my back, even when I feel alone.She is the strongest person I know, and hastaught me that you can fight through anything ifyou try hard enough.8. Advice for your fellow students: Work ashard as you can, because hard work is moremeaningful than natural talent. As long as you

1. Favorite teacher: Mr. Kipp2. Favorite subject: History3. Future plans: Continue to grow myelectrical company that I started with mydad & brother.4. Extracurricular activities: Playingbasketball, video games, watchingfootball & hanging out with my family &friends5. Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad6. One person you look up to? KobeBryant, because he outworked everyoneelse.7. Advice for your classmates: Do whatmakes you happy and don't regret it.

1. Fav thing about school: The people aroundme, seeing them everyday.2. Favorite teacher: Ms. Avellino3. Fav class: Chemistry4. Future Plans: Go to school for Psychologyand travel a whole bunch.5. Fav hobby of mine is to binge watch TVshows6. Favorite Movie: The Avengers7. One person I look up to: My grandmabecause she always tries her best to help thosearound her but also remembers what she needsto do and gets it done beautifully.8. Advice for fellow students: Take reallygood notes!

Sitting Down WithPrincipal, Mrs. Safran

By: Alexus Smith & Riley Palombia

As an aspiring teacher, Mrs. Safranbegan her journey in New York City.Students viewed her as a role model; herguidance led them to success with herencouraging wisdom. Overtime, she realizedthe love and connection she had with theeducational system went deeper thanteaching. Mrs. Safran began to see she hadleadership skills that could truly beimpactful. Leaving the largest school districtin the United States to move to this "littlebig city" (Pittsburgh) was a huge change,but one she was excited for.

She took the initiative to become aprincipal in PPS in pursuit of helping andimproving students at Brashear HighSchool. Although the move was big for herfamily, they learned to adapt and began tolove the community of Pittsburgh. Over thesummer they traveled, camped, hiked, andeven caught crabs.

Mrs. Safran believes Pittsburgh is anexcellent environment to raise a familybecause of it's diversity and comfort. She

shared, "I love being at Brashear, as itis one of the most diverse schools Ihave worked at, our students have lotsof energy and it keeps me on my toes."

In reference to the "new normal"due to the current pandemic, Mrs.Safran adds, "Students must stayfocused and try to keep their maskson. A vast majority of the freshmanand sophomores have to realize that thepandemic is no joke."

Hopefully students are lookingforward to the rest of the school year,learning & being safe, even given theconditions they've been dealt.

HOMECOMING 2021OCTOBER 15, 6:00-10:00PM

Tickets are $15Theme: The Great Gatsby

Location: Brashear High SchoolSee Activities Director Mrs. Gavlik for more details!

*** Reminder ***School Pictures for

Underclassmen are onOctober 5th!

Dress Appropriately

The Bull Pen Pg 3Sept 2021

Pittsburgh Brashear High School590 Crane Ave.Pgh., PA. 15216

Phone: 412-529-7300Fax: 412-529-7305

For Activity INFO:Twitter @BrashearHS

Facebook: BrashearHighSchoolWebsite: pittsburghbrashear.com

Principal: Kimberly Safran

Assistant Principals:Steve Trivanti - 12thJeremy Askin - 11th

Ameeta Schmitt, EdD - 10thMarlo Robinson - 9th

Activities Director:Kelley Gavlik (412-529-7314)

Athletic Director:Tim DiPietro (412-529-7313)

Journalism - The Bull Pen Staff

Kevin Bertram Tahj Coleman

Dominic Drewery Riley Palombia

Alexus Smith Hannah Smith

Sarah Voelker Raine Annan

Advisor: Mr. Geller

Our MissionThe mission of Brashear High School is tocultivate productive members of society byproviding quality instruction, academic rigor andracial equity.Brashear will accomplish this mission byempowering students, teachers, parents,administrators and community stakeholders tocollaborate on how best to achieve success for allstudents.

Our VisionThe Brashear community will engage in study,work, service, and advocacy to develop globalcitizens who contribute to society in meaningfulways.

Work hard. Get Smart.

Lets get better,at getting better.

GO BULLS!!!

Were YOU Counted???2020 U.S. CENSUSThe most recent counting of the US

population just finished, taking place overthe past year. A census is a counting ofthe population of a particular geographicarea.

A census of the US population is takenevery 10 years. The first ever census inthe United States was in 1790, and we hada population of 4,000,000 people. TheU.S Census Bureau showed the residentpopulation of the United States on April1, 2010, was 308,745,538. Thisrepresented an increase of 9.7 percentover the 2000 U.S. resident population of281,421,906. In 1900, the population wasonly 76,212,168, so we have come a longway...

The 2020 Census results have yet tocome in, but it is projected that the USpopulation will be upwards of330,000,000. This years' census cost over$15,000,000,000 (Yes, with a B, as in 15BILLION DOLLARS)!

You may ask, what is all the hooplawith having a census every decade, andwhy is it important... Well, it's importantto know so federal monies can be dividedup and allocated where and as needed forthe population. Fox example, ifpopulation trends show that there is biggrowth in a particular region of thecountry, officials will know monies needto be spent there on various infrastructureprojects, like roads, bridges,electricity/gas lines, clean water, schools,etc.

Also, the census is counted on to helpdetermine representation in Congress. Alot of attention was focused on how manyElectoral Votes each state has, well that isprimarily determined by the U.S. Census.For example, in PA, we have 20 ElectoralVotes, but in the 1910's-1920's it peakedto 38 (at that time, 2nd only to NY). So,as the population shifts, so do theElectoral Votes.

As you can see, the US Censusoccurring every decade may be moreimportant that you once thought!

Why a Mask is Not Just aMask By Kathleen Pike, PhD (ColumbiaUniversity)

To mask or not to mask. That has been anevolving question in the throes of COVID-19.Until now, the US Centers for Disease Control(CDC) and the World Health Organization haveadvised that ordinary people don’t need to wearmasks unless they are sick and coughing.National practices and recommendations havevaried dramatically from the start. But the tideis turning, and we are seeing a convergence ofpolicies recommending and mandating thewearing of masks around the world. But there’slots of pushback – from policymakers to MLBplayers.

There is psychological research that shedslight on why putting on a mask raises issues forall of us. Joy, anger, fear, surprise, sadness,contempt, disgust. These basic building blocksof emotional experience are written all over ourfaces. Legendary psychologist Paul Ekman hasdevoted his life’s work to studying non-verbalemotional expression across cultures. Hisresearch suggests that we can largely recognizehow people around the world are feeling bysimply reading their faces. All of humanityexpresses these seven core feelings in ways thatwe universally comprehend. We depend onfacial expression to know and understand eachother. With physical distancing, increasedanxiety, and disrupted routines due toCOVID19, we are primed to seek emotionalconnection by simply seeing each other’s facialexpressions.

Masks block a lot more than COVID-19droplets. We depend on non-verbal behavior,and particularly facial expression, to expressourselves and communicate to others. Thosefeelings above, and many more, get expressedon our faces. In some contexts, non-verbalcommunication accounts for the majority ofwhat we understand in our social exchanges.With our faces half-covered, we lose key non-verbal information, and other information, likeraised eyebrows and shoulder shrugs becomehighly ambiguous without cues from the mouth.This loss of information is like talking on yourphone in a zone with weak cell service. Youknow… those times when you only hear everythird word and eventually the call drops. Theeffect leaves us feeling less able tocommunicate and less able to understand eachother. (Why a Mask, continued on pg 4)

The Bull Pen Pg 4Sept 2021

2021 HoroscopesBy Hannah Smith

Libra (September 23-October 22)-You generally tend to be intuitive, Libra,but today your sensitivity mightapproach the levelof an oracle- or seem to!Scorpio (October 23- November 22)-You may have a strange andSomewhat disturbing dream about afriend tonight, Scorpio. It may wake youup in an unsettled state. Write it down ifyou can.Gemini (May 21- June 20)-Your level of concentration generallytends to be strong, Gemini, but todayyou could be temporarily at adisadvantage.Pisces (February 19-March 20)-Are you working at home today,Pisces? This won't make your effortsany less intense, especially if your workinvolves writing or speaking on thephone.Virgo (August 23-September 22)-Emotions could run high among thoseclose to you, Virgo. it might seem likeeveryone is in a bad mood! In your ownrelations with them, your friendly natureand social skills will calm them downand keep them on an even keel.Aries (March 20-April 21)-Your inspiration and imagination aresoaring today, Aries. You may want totry an artistic project of some kind. Youcould be pleasantly surprised at theresults.Taurus (April 20-May 20)-You look gorgeous and feel especiallysociable today, Taurus. Don't besurprised if you either host a socialevent or decide to attend one to whichyou've been invited.Capricorn (December 22-January 19)-A welcome letter, phone call,or perhapsvisit could come from a lover or closefriend bringing interesting news.Aquarius (January 20-February 18)-Good news regarding money couldhave you thinking in terms of fresheningup your home.Sagittarius (November 23- December21)-There could be some verbal sparring asyou tackle the challenge this new daybrings, Sagittarius. Love is on your side

https://www.horoscope.com

Pictured above: Nikkia Ingram, Founder &Executive Director of Cultivating Resilient Youth,and Brashear H.S. Security Guard

Making a Difference(Why a Mask, continued from pg 3)Many young children burst into tears or

recoil when someone wearing a maskapproaches. It’s so common that someelementary schools prohibit masks at theschool Halloween parade. One reason forthis is that the development of facialrecognition is relatively weak in youngchildren. According to University ofToronto psychologist, Dr. Kang Lee, it isnot until kids are about 14 years old thatthey reach adult skill levels in recognizingfaces. Before then, kids tend to seeindividual facial features, rather thanrecognizing the person as a whole. Byputting on masks, we take awayinformation that makes it especiallydifficult for children to recognize othersand read emotional signals, which isunsettling and disconcerting. These issuesmay be especially true for children withautism spectrum disorder, includingAsperger’s syndrome, who tend to haveparticular difficulties reading non-verbalcues.

In the US, the mandate to wear maskshas been met with some backlash fromBlack men who fear that wearing maskscould expose them to harassment from thepolice. Aaron Thomas, a Black man fromOhio posted a message on Twitter that hasbeen retweeted more than 17,000 times: “Iwant to stay alive but I also want to stayalive.” Many have expressed fears thathomemade masks, in particular, couldexacerbate racial profiling and placeBlacks and Latinos in danger.

Around the world, we will be wearingmasks for the foreseeable future. We canall hope that this public health strategy willhelp reduce transmission of COVID-19.But when we put on our masks to go out,we need to remember that as our masksintercept the transmission of coronavirus,they also intercept important non-verbalcommunications that are universal to ouremotional connection.

For all of us, wearing masks reducesthe information we have available toexpress ourselves and understand others.It’s sort of like trying to make your way tothe bathroom with the lights out in themiddle of the night. Kids and others in ourcommunity may find it especiallydisconcerting. Recognizing this shouldremind us to go easy with ourselves andothers. And when we take our masks off athome, may the exchange of big smiles withloved ones be ever more sweet.

By Alexus SmithIn 2009, Ms. Ingram came to Brashear with

the intentions of being a security guard. Therewere approximately over 1,500 kids which madethings very chaotic and unorganized. With kidsnot having a direct outlet to expressing theirfeelings or a source of comfort, Ms. Ingram tookinitiative to have students have access to a senseof security, especially young females. Since therewere only 5 counselors, Ms. Ingram took part involunteering to girls in need. She created aprogram called F.A.S.Y.A, with girls involvedfrom 9-12 grade. She wanted to give back to thecommunity so that’s where she began, taking girlsin Brashear High School under her wing in hopesof bettering themselves.

In their group meetings at school, they workon self-love which makes them have regard fortheir own happiness. Self-love is one of manytopics approached by these aspiring youngwomen, but they go on to talk about healthyrelations, communication skills, and more thingsto help better them as a person. This programisn’t just beneficial for their present life, but alsotheir future. With this group conquering everydaystruggles with the support of Ms. Ingram, it hasallowed them to have scholarships offered, schoolsupplies given for free, support with housing,communication through workshops, andparticipating in clothing drives.

This program has showed there’s always away to be the person you’ve dreamt about. Ifyou’re in need of assistance of any kind andidentify as a young female, please contact Ms.Ingram on www.cultivatingresilientyouth.org.

The Bull Pen Pg 5Sept 2021

For those of you who’ve been here awhile, this is a pic taken during thebeginning of June during the first year wehad that really dynamic group of kids whostarted the GSA advisory and startedpresenting to other students on LGBTQissues. This was how they celebratedPride that year — before chalking up theschool, before rainbow donuts — just by

SUICIDE AWARENESSBy Dominic Drewery

Suicidal thoughts, much like mentalhealth conditions, can affect anyoneregardless of age, gender orbackground. In fact, suicide is often theresult of an untreated mental healthcondition. Suicidal thoughts, althoughcommon, should not be considerednormal and often indicate more seriousissues.

September is Suicide PreventionAwareness Month — a time to raiseawareness on this stigmatized, andoften taboo, topic. In addition to shiftingpublic perception, we use this month tospread hope and vital information topeople affected by suicide. Our goal isensuring that individuals, friends andfamilies have access to the resourcesthey need to discuss suicide preventionand to seek help.

Throughout the month of September,NAMI (National Alliance on MentalIllness) will highlight “Together forMental Health,” which encouragespeople to bring their voices together toadvocate for better mental health care,including a crisis response system.NAMI wants any person experiencing

Why Laptops?By Sarah Voelker

For the past year and a half, studentsand teachers have had to solely rely oncomputers and other technology forschoolwork. But, several years before thepandemic, computers were not usednearly as much as they are used today.Though some people may feel computersare unnecessary, they can be very useful.

The pandemic has completely changedthe way teaching and learning is done.Having laptops in school allows forstudents to have most of their work in oneplace, which can be very convenient.Having a laptop also gives each and everystudent access to various resources thatprovide them with support if they need.Senior, Kevin Bertram shared, “I thinklaptops are beneficial, because they arethe change to how we learn today.” It isclear that computers have become a partof every student and teachers life intoday’s world.

agreeing to wear shirts of certain colorsand lining up to make a big rainbow. Itwas such a simple act, but what animpact it has had in the long run.

Anyone who is interested in being apart of the GSA advisory at Brashearshould stop by room 254 and see Mr.Browne for details.

GSA ADVISORYContributed by Mr. Browne

suicidal thoughts or behaviors to have anumber to call, a system to turn to, thatwould connect them to the treatment andsupport they need.

This is a BIG problem, one thatimpacts us all. We need to talk to oneanother. We need to care for oneanother. We need to be there for eachother to address this increasing issue inour society.

FACTS:*Rates increased 33% from 1999 to 2019*47,500 deaths from suicide in 2019*#2 cause of death for teen-agers (#1 isaccidents)*In 2019, there was one suicide every 11minutes

Pg 6The Bull PenSept 2021Counselor of the Month,

Mrs. Smith

By Madison Young

Carnegie Library of PittsburghTeenspace is a welcoming

neighborhood space where teenscan explore their interests and buildtheir own future without pressure or

expectations.

Call 412-622-3114

Q: What made you want to be a Counselor?A: I always knew that I wanted to be in somesort of “helping profession".

Q: What do you do in your job?A: Drink lots of coffee andwrite on post-its.

Q: How many years did you have to go toschool for your career?A: 6 years

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?A: Making a difference in students' lives.

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?A: Wishing I could do more to make adifference.

Q: Why do you like working with high schoolstudents?A: I learn something new every day. I like tosee the world through the eyes of teenagers, itkeeps my perspective relevant and fresh.

Q: What would be your “dream job”?A: Being a magazine editor.

Q:How many years have you been doing this?A: I’ve been doing this for 21 years.

Q: What do you like about working inBrashear?A: All of the different personalities (staff andstudents).

Q: Have you worked anywhere else as acounselor?A: Hopewell High School and Peabody.

Q: What would you like to do when you retireone day?A: Travel extensively and nap every day.

Q: One thing people might find interestingabout you?A: I’m a whiz at air hockey.

By Madison Young

I

By Shawn Solomon

In many people's eyes, 2020 is a yearthat almost every single person in theworld would regret going into. There are 3main topics that shocked the worldglobally with Covid-19, Australianwildfires, and the death of GerogeFloyd.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is aninfectious disease caused by the newlydiscovered coronavirus. This virus hasspread worldwide and has caused thewhole entire world to go into a globalpandemic. Covid-19 has brought so muchhorror on the world that it has killed about1.49M people. With all of these terriblethings that are happening during thepandemic we are finding ways to manageand move on with life.

Also, There have been so manyinnocent victims of police brutality, butthere was one death that really caused anuproar around the world. After beingarrested by police outside a shop inMinneapolis, Minnesota, George Floyddied. The video shows the white cop,Derek Chauvin, kneeling for severalminutes on Mr. Floyd's neck as he isstuck to the floor. Mr. Floyd is heardsaying, "I can't breathe," repeatedly.Later, he was pronounced dead in thehospital. With all of this happening itcauses the BLM movement to show whothey really are. BLM, is a political andsocial movement originating amongAfrican Americans, emphasizing basichuman rights and racial equality for Blackpeople and campaigning against variousforms of racism. There have been somany protests around the world and stillno change we demand change, andwithout change we will continueprotesting.

In addition, across the world from theU.S. there has been some very dryweather. Australia's bushfires are acommon and frequent phenomenon thathas greatly contributed to shaping thecontinent's environment over millions ofyears. Australian wildfires are rankedamong the worst wildlife disasters inrecent history, as more than 46 millionacres were scorched.

With all of these terrible things goingon around the world, we still find verygood ways to try to fix the problems andmove on in the world. And look forwardto 2021...

A WARM WELCOME TONEW VICE PRINCIPAL, MRS.ROBINSON

By Kevin Bertram

I was lucky to get a chance to sit downand chat with Mrs. Robinson, and welcomeher to our school. She was a teacher for 10years and has served as an administrator insome capacity for the past 14 years.Q) What made you want to become a VicePrincipal here at Brashear?A) “I did teach middle school science for 10years, which I really loved. I enjoy workingwith students. I just decided to give it a try andI really enjoy it.”Q) What do you like about being VicePrincipal?A) “Working with students, I try to work withmy students every time I get a chance. We arenot looking at a subject but we are looking atlife skills”Q) Was it hard to adapt from online back intobeing in school?A) “It is definitely a challenge, but I’m glad tobe back, it’s nice putting faces to names.”Q) What are some differences you want tomake?A) “To be honest, I’m still exploring it. I thinkthe differences I have made in the past is Ithink I opened up the door to allowingstudents to get to know me, so that has beenhelpful before to help kids get to know me.”Q) Finally, what is your biggestaccomplishment?A) “My biggest accomplishment is my family,as I have 2 children in college, and I enjoywatching them grow in a positive direction.”

The Bull Pen Pg 7Sept 2021New Teacher of the Month

Ms. Miller

1. STAY, The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber.2. Bad Habits, Ed Sheeran.3. Serious (Remix) Colonel Loud, RiccoBarrino & Fantasia.4. Save Your Tears, The Weeknd.5. good 4 u, Olivia Rodrigo.6. For Us, Hbkbanz.7. Kiss Me More, Doja Cat & SZA8. Peaches, Justin Bieber, Caesar & Giveon9. How I Came, Li 910. Need to Know, Doja Cat

Veteran Teacher of the MonthMs. Godleski

By Lilian Hollabaugh

How long have you been a teacher?I have 20 years of teaching experience.Where did you teach before coming toBrashear? I taught at a privatecosmetology school, then came toPittsburgh’s Westinghouse and OliverHigh Schools as a CosmetologyTeacher/Supervisor; moved on to SteelCenter AVTS also as a CosmetologyTeacher/Supervisor; worked at RinggoldSchool District as a P.E. Teacher, untilagain returning to P.P.S. at the StudentAchievement Center as a Health/PE/FCSTeacher in 2015.What is one thing your students shouldknow about you? I am a graduate ofPittsburgh Public schools. Did you always want to be a Teacher? If notwhat was your dream job? Yes, I havealways wanted to be a teacher I haveknown since I was four.Why did you become a Culinary & ChildDevelopment teacher? I’ve always had apassion for cooking & child developmentis very similar to health. I just loveteaching life skills that are practical tostudents.What was your favorite subject in school?Math, gym, and cosmetology. What is one piece of advice you have foryour students? Never give up, always tryyour hardest, and always put your bestfoot forward. Is there any other subject you would like toteach? If not a Family Consumer ScienceTeacher, I would love to be a Health andPE teacher again.Where did you go to school?I graduated from Indiana University ofPA with a Bachelor’s Degree inVocational Education and a Master’sDegree in Health and P.E.. My currentteaching certifications are Health andP.E. (PK-12), Family Consumer Science(PK-12), Cosmetology (7-12), WaterSafety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor,and CPR/BLS/First Aid/AED Instructor.

Top Ten Songs forSeptember 2021

Do YOU have plans for college next fall and want itto be shared in THE BULL PEN?? Email info [email protected]

Roberto Clemente Day

By Dominic Drewery

I was excited to have the chance tointerview one of my teachers, Ms. Miller, asshe is being highlighted as "New Teacher ofthe Month at Brashear!

Q: What has inspired you to become ateacher?A: "I really enjoy history, I enjoy workingwith the youth, so I figured what better waythan to be a social studies teacher in highschool."Q: Did you ever have any intentions ofbeing a teacher when you were younger.A: "NO! I was actually a horrible student, Ihad a very nasty attitude and I was verydisrespectful. If you ask any of my teachersyou'd be very surprised. Mr. O'Driscollactually taught me in high school. Nope, Idid not want to be a teacher at all when I wasyounger."Q: Any advice you would offer up to yourstudents?A: If you are going to college, you need tobe confident that you know what you'regoing. Never be afraid to ask for help.

This past month, in celebration ofRoberto Clemente Day, Pittsburgh PiratesCharities teamed up to spruce up the softball& baseball fields at Brashear. Sept. 15 iscelebrated as Roberto Clemente Day inMajor League Baseball, honoring the formerPirates outfielder’s philanthropic legacy. SoPirates employees did some volunteer workon our fields, hoping to promoteparticipation in the sports. The Pirates alsodonated tickets to a BUCCO GAME forBrashear coaches & players. Go Bucs &Bulls!

The Bull Pen Pg 8Sept 2021

Have an idea for a story?

Want to see your name inprint?

Submit a poem, short story,editorial, etc on a topic ofinterest AND your workcould be published righthere in the next issue ofTHE BULL PEN!

Contact us at:[email protected]

Also, CONGRATS to Arianna Sciubba for beingnamed 5A 2nd team utility player! The softball girlswill miss her next season as she becomes a CarlowCeltic, pursuing a career as a Nurse Anesthetist.

Brashear Softball Making History AT STATES! Girl's Soccer Update

Pictured above, our Lady Bulls receiving game timeinstructions from Head Coach, Ms. Daley.

Pictured above, Led by Head Coach, Ms. Maddex, the 2021 BrashearSoftball Team Making History At States!

Pictured above, Maria Matts, c/o 2021, hadthis to share.

We missed our entire junior year because ofCOVID, so getting to play my senior year reallymade me appreciate that year a little more. Itmade me feel terrible that the previous year'sseniors didn't have that experience. Getting toplay in the City Championship and a StatePlayoff game was something that not many girlsbefore me got to experience. Sports had taughtme a lot about myself and how to be a betterleader. I've moved on to play college softballand volleyball, and I'm really grateful for myhigh school experience.

Coach Daley had this to say, when asked about her squad,"Through difficulties and struggles in recruitment (possiblydue to Covid), the Brashear Lady Bulls soccer team has metevery challenge with hustle, class & grit! The hard work onthe field will no doubt lead to greater success off the field inlife, and I couldn't be more proud!"

Boy's Soccer Battling it OutPictured above, #7 Kalala Iragi, below, #25

Johan Kilmer & #5 Hamza Zangana

Pictured below, Daenise Burton, had this to shareabout her team. "Loved the experience having a

team with such great chemistry. Always kept thespirits up!