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Ava Jefferson

Ava Jefferson, Staffer

Hi! I am Ava. I'm a majorette here at PAHS. Outside of school, I played on a travel team called Evergreen soccer club. I enjoy the outdoors such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. I love spending time with my family and friends. When I'm older I want to be a traveling nurse because I enjoy tending to the sick.

All content by Ava Jefferson
Senior Bobby Walchak stands proud after winning first in the 110M high hurdles. Leagues were held at Tamaqua Area High school this year. Walchak says “ My hardest event year was probably the 300m hurdles. I only ran it once, and I was doing really good until I fell. After that I retired from the 300 hurdles.”

Running into Schuylkill Leagues

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
May 26, 2021
Senior Bobby Walchak is in action during the 300m intermediate hurdles. Walchak and the other seniors had their senior night on April 19th. Bobby said, “This year I ran the 110m high hurdles, 100m dash, 300m intermediate hurdles, threw javelin and did long jump. Track helped me for football by giving me a good workout, and also helped me with my 40 yard dash for football.”

Seniors say their goodbyes- Track and Field Senior Night

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
April 30, 2021
Senior Zaidian Vanorden stands proud while wearing his newly earned state medal. Vanorden placed 4th in the 100 yard freestyle event. He said “I was very excited to place in the top 8 at states for this event.”

Swimming into the state championships

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
March 30, 2021
Junior Kaylee Becker and Emilee Rose are seen warming up their ankles at track practice. Due to COVID there are restrictions at practice to wear a mask and social distance as much as possible. Junior Emilee Rose said, “ The first practice was definitely different from previous years, but I’m thrilled to be back to practice.”

Running through the pandemic

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
March 11, 2021
(From left to right, Nathan Colna, Emma Smith, Owen Golden, Debra Logothetides, Greta Snukis, and Lauren Klinger) This photo was taken at the 2019-2020 Schuylkill League Championships. Greta Snukis, Emma Smith and Owen Golden all medaled at this meet. Senior diver Greta Snukis said, “This year I was looking forward to Leagues because I wanted to reclaim my title. I was hoping for a 2peat. I do not agree with the fact that it couldn’t be rescheduled. I was hoping to improve my score and reach 400 with my 11 dives. I also wanted to improve my degree of difficulty and throw harder dives.

Schuylkill Leagues cancelled- swim and dive

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
February 17, 2021
Varsity players Mike Sukenna, Nicco Heimbaugh, and Johnny Ballard practice masked up in Martz Hall. The boys varsity basketball team holds a record of 2-1 beating North Schuylkill, and Lehighton and losing to Wilson. Senior varsity basketball player, Nicco Boris (not pictured) said, “ It’s hard to breathe and play at 100% but we will do anything to be able to have our season. Even if this is having to wear the mask.”

Masked up for winter sports

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
January 21, 2021
Nativity Senior, Matt Ross is in action at wrestling practice getting ready for the season. The wrestlers had to adapt to wearing masks during practice. Ross said, “Most of us have things we can do to stay ready for the season at our houses so it won’t affect us too much.”

Three week shutdown affects the Pottsville wrestling team

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
December 22, 2020
(Pictured above Fort Indian Town Gap memorial) Fort Indiantown Gap is a National cemetery for fallen soldiers who die in active duty or any Veteran who was discharged under conditions that aren’t dishonorable. The cemetery was built on October 7, 2001 and many who served are buried here. Freshman Maddie Carl said, “Both my grandfather and uncle were in the military.”

Veterans Day: to remember the fallen

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
November 24, 2020
Lexy Maccarone dribbles down the field finding a player to pass to during the game against North Schuylkill. Pottsville Girls Soccer took home the win against North Schuylkill with a score of 6-0. Lexy Maccarone said, “In order for us to win the championships against Minersville I think we just need to play our game by passing, moving, and making smart decisions.”

Girls soccer wins the Schuylkill League Championship

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
November 2, 2020
Senior Dylan Bohorad kicks the ball down the field. The Tide took the loss to The Cardinals 1-0. Dylan Bohorad said, “The best thing I like about Zach is his determination for the game. He loves soccer and loves to coach.”

Zach Reichard takes over as boys soccer coach

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
October 16, 2020
Haily Mervine and her sister Paige Mervine warm up at cross country practice. The two sisters trained hard at practice so they are prepared for their meet. Haily Mervine said, “When I first started running, I tried to pace myself off of my older sister, Paige, who is also a runner with me.

What it’s like to be a cross country runner?

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
October 8, 2020
Senior Nico Boris is running down the field during his soccer practice. The PIAA And Governor Tom Wolf agreed to let fall sports continue. “I feel great that we are actually allowed to play. I would’ve been heartbroken if we weren’t allowed. Coach Reichert has been just making sure we are focused to try and cram everything in last minute because it is difficult to cram an entire off-season into one month.”

Sports Adjust to COVID-19

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
September 11, 2020
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in a Pottsville is held every year during March. Unfortunately, the parade was cancelled due to the COVID-19. Freshman flag Emma Troutman said, “It’s amazing when the community comes together for events like the parade.”

Coronavirus Causes Parade Cancellation

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
March 20, 2020
John Holobetz stands on second base preparing to catch any oncoming balls. The first official practice for spring sports began on March 2, 2020. “Being a senior, I try to be a supportive leader,” said teammate senior Damon Yost pictured at right.

Starting the Season with a Grand Slam

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
March 6, 2020
The team meets up at the pitcher’s mound slapping fives after a good play. “ I have been playing softball for eight years. My favorite position is pitching because that’s where I feel the strongest and I can control the pace of the game,” said freshman Alex Blum.

What’s in Store- Spring Sports

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
February 21, 2020
The Junior football player featured in this story stands proudly as he watches his teammates on the field as they are making a play against Crestwood.This player usually is wearing a necklace or a chain that he considers a “lucky item”.

As Seasons Change, Schedules Do Too

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
February 3, 2020
Junior Zaidian Van Orden practices his swim events at the Ned Hamford Natatorium. Van Orden puts in countless hours of working on his strokes into his practice. He said, “In the off season for swim, I still have practice. This gives me the advantage over the kids who do not practice in the off season to get better.”

Swimming to the Top- Zaidian Van Orden

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
January 23, 2020
Sophomore Jadyn Wagner, left, and junior Lizzie Donovan, right, both hold a kickboard during practice. Wagner just began swimming. “Jadyn has improved greatly with her swimming abilities since she just joined the team,” coach Mr. Greg Schuettler said.

Jadyn Wagner Starts Swimming

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
December 20, 2019
Members of the PAHS choir sing during their concert on December 12, 2019. They learned challenging songs this year to impress their audience. “I looked forward to making people happy and proudly singing with the choir,” said Junior Christina Huff.

PAHS Hosts Concert Choir

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
December 17, 2019
Crimson Tide Quaterback, Damon Yost breaks through the pile of players to score a Tide touchdown against Blue Mountain. Pottsville ended the season with a close game against Jersey Shore, losing 42-35. Damon said, “I’ve been playing football for 5 years, and what I love most is the bond you grow with your teammates.”

Damon Yost- Quaterback of the Crimson Tide

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
November 25, 2019
Senior Mason Barnes looks down the court for a teammate to pass the ball to. Barnes has been playing basketball for PAHS all four years of high school. “I plan on playing basketball in college. It has been a goal of mine since I was young,” said Barnes.

What’s in store?- Boys Basketball

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
November 15, 2019
Cheerleaders get ready to perform for the pep rally on stage in the auditorium. Tiana Green said, “ My favorite cheer we perform is of course everyone’s favorite ‘Give a Yell’. Everyone goes crazy and it’s the best cheer around in my opinion”.

Playoffs Equal Pep Rallies

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
November 1, 2019
Sophomore Julia Plachko stands under the net waiting to receive the ball at practice in the 2018-2019 season. Many players like Plachko are returning this season with a new coach. Plachko said, I am looking forward to playing with all the girls and having a lot of fun.

In It to Win It- Starting Off the Season with a New Coach

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
October 31, 2019
Allie Murton, Co-Captain of the majorette squad twirls her baton at the Pottsville vs Tamaqua game. “ It has been a stressful year but I enjoy being able to decide which uniform we should wear and what I want to do routine wise. I’ll miss being with my girls and messing around during the games and having fun with everyone.”

Give It a Twirl

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
October 25, 2019
Patrick Yoder high fives a student from PAHS while walking out of the locker room to enter the football field at Friday night’s game. The Crimson Tide ended up winning against Blue Mountain 42-0. “We are young to bring the energy we have had all year and double for games against Blue Mountain” said Yoder.

Tide Territory- Blue Mountain Takes The Loss!

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
October 21, 2019
Junior David Troutman is preparing to hit the ball. He wanted to make it into the hole to help his team. “I want to focus and try my best on all 18 holes,” said Troutman’s teammate, Dominick Chiccini.

Saying Goodbye to the Golf Season

Ava Jefferson, Staffer
September 23, 2019
Junior Bobby Walchak is tackled by opposing players. The Crimson Tide ended the game with a victory. Senior Clayton Demcher said, “Being in [the student section in] front of the football players and supporting my boys every Friday is always a blast.”

The Big Day: Friday Night Football

Ava Jefferson and Wyatt Selinko
September 12, 2019
Crimson Tide

Crimson Tide

Maya Golden, Ava Jefferson, and Emily Lascala
November 2, 2017
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The student news site of Pottsville Area High School