BPHS prepares for winter break

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer • December 20, 2024

Members of Top 21 sing in the lobby before homeroom on Friday, Dec. 20. Photo courtesy of Mr. John Allemang

Winter break is once again on the horizon at BPHS, and the students couldn’t be more excited.

As the final days of the semester approach, the air buzzes with anticipation and a sense of festivity.

Students are putting the finishing touches on their projects and preparing for final exams, but their minds often drift to the joys of winter break.

The annual tradition of decorating the school for the holidays has transformed BPHS into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and festive decorations brightening the atmosphere.

Each classroom and common area is adorned with decorations crafted by students and staff alike, fostering a sense of community and festivity.

As the countdown to break comes to an end, clubs and organizations are hosting a myriad of events and activities to celebrate such as DECA’s tree auction, SGA and the boys and girls basketball teams’ Hoops for Hope, and Top 21’s various performances.

Many students are taking this opportunity to give back and make a difference, exemplifying the school’s commitment to maintaining empathy and kindness.

As students prepare to leave for their respective winter breaks, some plan to travel to snowy destinations for skiing or snowboarding.

According to Axios, more than 119 million Americans are projected to travel during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period.

On the other hand, others look forward to cozying up at home with family and friends, indulging in hot cocoa, and holiday movies.

High schoolers are especially eager to recharge before the new semester begins, hoping to return refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.

Teachers, too, share in the excitement, as they look forward to time off from the rigorous school routine. Many staff members are planning family gatherings, road trips, or simply enjoying well-deserved downtime.

The break provides an invaluable opportunity for faculty to reflect on the achievements of the semester and forge ahead with renewed energy.

The atmosphere is cluttered with excitement, making it clear that winter break is not just a time for rest, but a cherished opportunity for connection, celebration, and self-reflection.

As students look forward to the adventures that lie ahead, they understand the importance of balancing the holiday fun this season while preparing for the journey that awaits them in the new year.

Bethel Park

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer