Walterpanas.com has been growing tremendously since its inception. After a very cursory review of the website, here are some facts about the alumni who have stopped by Walterpanas.com

As of today there are 821 Walter Panas High School alumni who have turned over contact information to Walterpanas.com. Of those 821, the five classes with the most alumni in touch are:

1- 1995: 68 alumni
2- 1996: 55 alumni
3- 1983: 50 alumni
4- 1974: 46 alumni
5- 1976: 38 alumni

Walter Panas High School grads have spread out all over the country. There are 32 states (including the District of Columbia) with alumni living in them. Of those who have provided information as to where they are living, 337 alumni find themselves somewhere in the State of New York. The top five states represented at Walterpanas.com are

1- New York - 337 alumni
2- Florida - 42 alumni
3- Connecticut - 36 alumni
4- New Jersey - 22 alumni
5- California - 19 alumni

There are a total of eight countries and four continents represented here at Walterpanas.com. There are nine registered alumni who have a place of residence outside of the United States. Walter Panas High School has alumni living in Japan (2) , Spain (2), Israel, Canada, Germany, Brazil, and the British Virgin Islands.

DÚj› vu! The Walter Panas High School Varsity Cheerleading Squad once again left its mark in Florida. Placing first at the National Cheerleaders Association Sunshine Classic, the girls have proven that they are a power to be reckoned with. Having won first place at the American Open Cheer and Dance Championships in Tampa in March 2001, this win demonstrates that the squad and Walter Panas High School should not be thought of lightly. The Sunshine Classic was help at Hard Rock Live in Universal Studios, Florida.

Walter Panas High School doesn¸t actually have a competition cheerleading squad. The varsity squad is composed of the regular football and basketball cheerleaders. Tryouts for the team are held in May and practice runs throughout the summer. They also participate a four-day intensive training camp in Pennsylvania before the school year starts. In order to make it to Florida, the squad hosts the annual Walter Panas High School Cheerleading Festival in January. This was the 15^th year and they were fortunate enough to raise $9,000.

Believe it or not, Cheerleading is not a recognized sport in New York State and as such there are no state-level competitions. As a result, the Panas squad most often attends 8-10 local competitions, not unlike the one Panas hosts.

Raab (95) cheered for Walter Panas High School from 1992-1995. She both choreographed and consulted for the team from 1995-1999, taking over as full-time coach in May of 1999. Her stewardship of the team has been phenomenal. Since she took over the squad, the Walter Panas Cheerleaders having placed in 30 of the last 35 competitions they¸ve attended and has placed first in the two major competitions it has attended in Florida. Raab passes on the credit though.

"It is truly amazing what these girls have accomplished so far this year. Many of them come to our program with very limited, if any, cheerleading experience. They work super hard, managing to balance schoolwork, family obligations, practices, games, and after school jobs, and progress to a level of difficulty unmatched by most schools in the area," Raab said.

Noting the recognition the girls received from the school Raab said, "The girls received a great homecoming from Panas upon their return from Florida. The student body, faculty, and administration is so proud, and they make that pride known."

Panas Cheerleaders:

Alumni Provides Hope to Terminally Ill Child.
By Mike Morey, filed December 18, 2002

Thanks to a recent Panas graduate, an Ohio boy with Fanconi anemia was given a chance he might not have had.

In 1999 Panas graduate and Marine Corporal Jack Gorman (¸98) had given a sample of blood to the National Marrow Registry after hearing there was a small boy who needed a transplant to save his life. Fate would have it that Gorman and the boy were actually a match. Once it was determined that Gorman could provide hope to the boy and his family, the US Marine Corps flew him from Japan to Virginia to undergo further tests. In January of 2001 a successful bone marrow transplant was performed. Needless to say, the child's family was ecstatic.

This past June, the Special Wish Foundation arranged for the boy, Kory Bevelhymer, to take a trip to California to meet Gorman, the young man who saved his life. This past Thanksgiving, the Bevelhymer family invited Gorman to spend Thanksgiving dinner with them, but Gorman was unable to make do to the possibility of war with Iraq. In a conversation with the North County News, the boy¸s mother said, "Kory tells everyone he almost died and he says Jack saved his lifeÛ He calls Jack his hero."

Information for this story was found in the North County News (11/13/02 P.6).

After presenting the voters with a scaled down version of an earlier defeated bond, the Lakeland District has gotten what it asked for. In a 1,361 to 1,023 vote, Lakeland voters approved a $22.8 million dollar bond. The original bond, which was defeated by some 60 votes, was trimmed back from its original $29 million figure when it was reintroduced to tax payers this past November.

The bond will provide Walter Panas High School with a remodeled gymnasium, a new multi-purpose synthetic field, a softball field with lighting, and new tennis courts. The Lakeland District will also institute full-day kindergarten, something most school systems already provide.

Superintendent of Schools, Barnett Sturm expects construction to be underway sometime this summer and will likely be completed by 2005.

Walter Panas 30th Anniversary Celebration Tentatively Set for Saturday August 30, 2003.
By Mike Morey, October 05, 2002

We are gaining traction folks. The planning has begun for Walter Panas High School's 30th Anniversary Celebration. After discussions with the Walter Panas High School administration we have set a tentative date for Labor Day weekend, August 30, 2003. The program is not yet complete, but it's looking like it will culminate with an evening reception at Colonial Terrace on Oregon Road in Cortlandt Manor.

A Committee has been established which as of now consists of: Tom Glenn ('74), Janet Godridge ('74), Mike Morey ('95), Deb Baisley ('74), Jordan Fox ('96), Grazia LoBello ('97), Heather Cavaliere ('95), Eddie Schneller ('86), and Joan Goldman ('80).

We want to thank our original organizer, Jen Guzman ('95) who got things rolling. Due to some scheduling conflicts she has stepped down as chair of the committee, but will be working with us however she can. If anyone would like to join the committee who has not yet done so, please send an email to Mike Morey at: mikemorey@walterpanas.com. We'll make sure to put you to work.

We are working to facilitate tours and programs at the school during the day. There has also been mention of individual classes organizing informal day events for themselves. I hear the class of '74 is looking to round-up at the Riverfront. Before those plans are coordinated I hope everyone will wait until we have finalized the program at both the high school and Colonial Terrace.

We are hoping that individuals will be able to donate whatever services they can offer. We would also like to get some business sponsorship as well, so if you have your own business or know of a business that would like to contribute to our efforts please contact us.

We will be determining the total cost of attendance sometime in the next few weeks. For now keep your schedules clear on Saturday, August 30, 2003.

.

Lakeland Bond Would Provide Walter Panas High School with Upgraded Sports Facilities
By Mike Morey, filed October 06, 2002

On November 21, 2002, Lakeland Voters will get a second chance at voting for the Lakeland Budget. Defeating the budget by a little over 60 votes, voters are being asked to approve of a scaled down version of the same plan they voted down just several months ago.

The current bond is $22.8 million and would provide for full-day kindergarten to the district, and specific to Walter Panas High School, and new gymnasium and upgraded outdoor sports facilities. Several other school buildings will benefit from renovations as well.

Voters in Lakeland have a tradition of voting yes to borrowing proposals, but in recent months have expressed concern over their ability to continue supporting tax increases. Residents have expressed concern that in light of the current economic situation another tax increase will be tough to handle (County Executive Andy Spano has also asked for the county's second highest tax increase ever as a result of budget shortfalls). It is in response to these concerns and the rejection of the earlier bond that the administration and the Board of Education have lowered the proposal by $6.1 million dollars.

Lakeland Administration and School Board Continue to Examine Indian Point Evacuation Plan
By Mike Morey, filed August 15, 2002

The Lakeland Board of Education and the superintendent of schools held an open forum for residents of the district to discuss the County¸s proposed evacuation plan for the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. Following September 11 and several questionable episodes at the plant, what at one time was muted criticism of the plant has become an all out assault. Activists, politicians, and residents have been calling for it to be shut down. Though Westchester County has not called for the plant to be shut down, the County has created an emergency evacuation plan that would be set in place should the integrity of the power plant be compromised. That plan thus far has been heavily criticized.

The County recently began distributing potassium iodine (KI) pills to local residents and school districts. KI pills are designed to protect the thyroid gland in the event of exposure to radiation. The County has also put in place a plan to transport Lakeland students to several different locations throughout the County. There has also been discussion to set up a single reception area for Lakeland students at SUNY Purchase in southern Westchester.

Superintendent Barnett Sturm, as well as some parents, voiced concerns over the dosage of KI that is appropriate for children to consume. To date the KI pills have been distributed in a single adult dosage. Worried about the effects an adult dosage would have on children and unknown allergic reactions that might result, the school board ultimately voted to send home a permission slip to parents asking them to allow the district to distribute the pills to students in the event of a radiation leak.

While the sentiment to shut down the plant has been growing and were clearly demonstrated at the hearing, while not calling for the plant to be shut down the district has voiced its desire to participate in an evacuation drill this fall.

Frank Ryan ('90) Returns from Operation Enduring Freedom.
By Mrs. Ryan, filed July 09, 2002

Navy Ensign Frank Ryan, 1990 graduate of Walter Panas High School, Peekskill, recently returned from a seven-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the amphibious transport ship USS Whidbey Island, home ported in Virginia.

Ryan is one of more than 10,000 Atlantic Fleet Sailors and Marines aboard the ships of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group, and USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group who were among the first to respond to our nation's call to fight terrorism, proudly participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

While on deployment, Ryan participated in joint-service, multinational operations, and visited several foreign ports. While in the North Arabian Sea, sailors from the USS Whidbey Island rescued six Indian sailors when their fishing vessel lost power. Though the attempts to repair the ship were unsuccessful, the American crew donated food, clothing and more than $2,000 to help the Indian sailors.

The USS Whidbey Island supports amphibious operations using landing craft air cushions, which are specially-designed Hovercraft that travel above land and sea surfaces and deliver vehicles and equipment. The ship also has conventional landing craft and helicopters embarked, and are equipped with medical facilities staffed by Navy doctors, dentists, nurses and corpsmen.

Lakeland School District Voices Concerns with regard to Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant
By Mike Morey, filed July 2, 2002

The Lakeland administration has joined others throughout the Hudson Valley in voicing its concerns with the safety of the Indian Point power plant. Under fear of a possible terrorist attack, community leaders and environmental organizations have been calling for the plant to be shut down. While the fight between those wanting the plant closed and those wanting to keep it operational continues Westchester County has put in place an evacuation plan and has been distributing potassium iodine (KI) pills in municipalities within a 10-mile radius of the plant. The KI pills, though not overall protecting one from radiation exposure, are designed to protect the thyroid. Superintendent of Lakeland School, Dr. Barnett Sturm, has voiced his concern with regard to both the evacuation plan and the KI pills.

In the event of a radiation leak, students would be transported to SUNY Purchase, but no further plans or procedures seem to be in place after such a transfer takes place. Dr. Sturm also seems concerned with the fact that though the County has set up a "phone-tree" in order to communicate with officials and school districts in the event of an emergency, there is has been no plan put in place in the event that communications systems are not functioning.

Sturm¸s concern with KI pills stem from the size of the dosage that was offered to the district. While the potassium iodine pills were distributed to the district to cover each student, the pills come in a single adult dosage. According to the district, children should only receive half the allowable dosage that adults do and the district is further concerned that some children may get ill in the event that they take the pill. The County has stated that the single dosage is perfectly safe for children. The County further noted that it is working to revamp the evacuation plan.

The Lakeland School District is devoting its entire July 25^th meeting to the topic. The North County News reported that the County Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services Tony Sutton stated he was "really disturbed" by the district¸s criticism but that he might appear at the meeting so long as the district did not bash the County.

Panas Players Show Boat is a Roaring Success; Nothing Seems to be Settled on Filippelli's Future with the Theatre Group
by Mike Morey, June 03, 2002

With costumes that looked as if they came right out of a dressing room on Broadway and flowing set changes that would make any stage manager pleased, the cast of Show Boat sailed to success this past weekend.  Having caught the Saturday performance, this review can only speak to the cast of that night's performance, but based on Saturday's success I can only guess that Friday night went just as well.

To review Show Boat, one can only start with the character Joe, who sets the mood throughout the production with the show's most memorable tune: Old Man River. Taking on the role of Joe was Brandon Harris (sophomore) who has studied Piano at Julliard for the past two years.  One was left with chills each time he belted out Old Man River.  Playing his wife Quennie, was senior Alana Coley whose soulful voice explained to us exactly why she was Lovin' that Man O'Mine. Each time she walked on stage the audience was looking to be offered one more opportunity to hear her magnificent voice, she was truly the star of the show and the character in most demand from the audience.

One of the unfortunate parts about Showboat's script is that the audience isn't fully given the opportunity to enjoy the character Julie LaVerne. Played by junior Meredith Scholtens, Julie is found out to be a mulatto woman who is married to a white man, a definite no-no in Mississippi during this time period. As a result she is forced to leave the show boat and in her wake the young Magnolia Hawks takes over her role on the boat. The story moves along through time with Magnolia Hawks (played by senior Harriet Pashley) falling in love with a high risk, somewhat shady businessman named Gaylord Ravenal (played by Devon Simmons). Off to the North to make the best of their lives, eventually Gaylord leaves his wife and daughter in shame due to his business failings and Magnolia returns to the boat to be with her family.

No review of this production would be complete without highlighting the exceptional acting ability of Ray Roy (senior). A flawless portrayal of the witty and outrageous Captain Andy, Roy shined through and left you knowing that you will see his name in lights one day. Complementing his performance was Christina Branco who played his controlling and often times sour puss of a wife, Parthy Ann Hawks. If you only got to see one scene from the show it should be when Captain Andy single handedly acts out a scene that was cut short on the boat when his actors fell ill. Taking on every role of the production, Ray Roy clearly leaves no doubt that he has the talent for this business. He is off to Purchase College in the Fall to continue his training.

The show was an overwhelming success and the audience demonstrated that with a standing ovation at the conclusion of the production. It was truly worth the 5 hour drive.

On to Filippelli...

Under rumor and gossip that this might in fact have been the last time Jim Filippelli directs the Panas Players, quite a few alumni could be found out in the audience. As the show came to a close it seemed that everyone was at the edge of their seat waiting to see whether or not Flip would address the fact that this was his last show or at least put to rest the rumors that have been flying around. Well... Filippelli did no such thing. He gracefully thanked the audience for coming and told us to have a good night. So it seems the mystery remains... will he stay or will he go... that's the question... and the answer nobody knows. I will say this, it was great to see him and it seemed that he was still at the top of his game. But like the class act he is, even if this was his last show, he made sure it wasn't about him and instead it was about the kids on stage.

Bravo Jim Filippelli!

Panas Students Walk Out in Protest Over Lack of Heat in School.
By Mike Morey, filed April 23, 2002

Frustrated over the lack of heat in the school, Walter Panas High School students walked out of class and into the parking lot to protest conditions.  Hundreds of students gathered in front of the High School chanting "We want heat" in response to the cold conditions inside the school. The frigid conditions inside the school were apparently a result of a broken furnace. Though school officials stated the furnace was repaired promptly, they noted it takes time to heat a school when the weather is cold. 

Though the students walked into even colder temperatures in their protest, the message sent to Lakeland administrators was much chillier. The cold temperatures within the school were the catalyst for the walk-out, but it seems this action was the end result of multiple frustrations over the school's overall condition. 

The school itself has been plagued with problems over the last several years. Leaky ceilings, air quality conditions, and temperature fluctuations have been an ongoing concern for students and parents of the Walter Panas community. The Panther Press reported on air quality concerns back in May.

After demonstrating their concerns with the school's condition, the school administration held an assembly to address the students. Though the meeting was closed, students were reportedly not receptive.

Walter Panas High School's Top Ten Hang Spots!

Meet Me Friday Night at...

The results are in and it seems some things never change. For the last month we have been taking your votes hoping to find out where we might have found you all on a Friday or Saturday night. 

Based on the returns it seems that the students in the 1970s were paying a little too much attention to their partying and not enough attention to their school work. Unfortunately for the rest of us, the legal drinking age wasn't 18. I guess the booze helped you guys deal with having to grow up in the 1970s (just kidding guys!).

That being said, let's get to the results...

Top Ten Hang Out Spots Back in High School:
10. Hollow Brook Inn
9. The Dunes (Behind Caldor)
8. Tamarack
7. Lou's Corner Store
6. Hunter Brook Pub
5. Peekskill Riverfront (pre-Green days)
4. The Quarry
3. Charles Point
2. Papa Bears (Oregon Rd and Westbrook Drive)

And Walter Panas High School's Favorite Hang Out Spot is...
1. Croton Dam!

Thanks everyone for all your contributions!

Will He or Won't He? Filippelli Keeping his Options Open.
by Michael J. Morey, Filed April 02, 2002

After reporting Jim Filippelli's decision to retire as director of the Panas Players, the Panther Press has found out that nothing is in stone... just yet.

Jim Filippelli has been directing Walter Panas High School's theatre program, the Panas Players, for over 20 years. The Panas Players usually produce two large scale musicals per school year. After 20 years at the helm, the question is, will he or won't he continue? When asked whether he was in fact retiring Filippelli noted, "I am keeping all of my options open. I have been doing this for a long time." So without confirming or denying the rumors, Filippelli is keeping us in the dark.

One thing Filippelli could never be accused on is being a business slack. He holds a degree in English and theatre management. He has successfully produced over 40 productions at Panas and has done so with great skill and great marketing. One wonders whether his elusiveness has anything to do with the marketing of his upcoming show.  Well, I guess we'll just have to show up and see. Showboat will be performed at the Walter Panas Performing Arts Center Friday, May 31 and Saturday June 1, 2002.

Panas Community Reaches out to the family of an Alumni Lost on September 11.
by Michael J. Morey, filed February 13, 2002

As part of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Walter Panas Interethnic Club as well as the Panas Players came together to support the family of an alumni lost in the September 11 tragedy. Elizabeth Darling, class of 1991 lost her life in the World Trade Center. Elizabeth left behind a son, Michael Praileau Jr. who is only two years old as well as her husband, Michael Sr.

The two clubs raised a total of $6,000 in savings bonds for Elizabeth¸s son and presented them to her widower after King¸s "I have a Dream" speech was recited by Panas sophomore Brandon Harris. The Interethnic Club and the Panas Players were joined by the Jazz Band and the Chorus who provided music for the ceremony. Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairwoman Lois Bronz took the time to speak and remind the Walter Panas family that we are responsible to our community and its our job to work on its behalf.

Lakeland Superintendent Takes on Vouchers: War of Words Between the District and St. Elizabeth Anne Seton School.
by Michael J. Morey, filed February 13, 2002

A November letter to the editor written by Lakeland Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Barnett Strum has resulted in months worth of public arguments concerning the issue of school vouchers.

Over the course of the last year school vouchers have become one of the most heated political debates. The issue received its most attention in the 2000 presidential campaign with then Governor George W. Bush advocated the use of vouchers; he has since backed away from that stance. The plan would essentially provide students with vouchers to attend both private and parochial schools financed by tax dollars. The theory behind the program is based on making the public school system more competitive, thus raising performance.

Dr. Sturm¸s letter in opposition to vouchers highlighted the passion from which some people approach the subject. In his letter he voices concern for the influence religion would play on educating children. His letter stated, "There are gated communities and religions that teach intolerance. Even popular leaders Ž witness Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell- espouse words of intolerance desired to separate and sort our society."

These comments provoked a quick response from Father James F. McCarthy of St. Elizabeth Anne Seton challenging the contentions made by Dr. Strum. Former Lakeland Board of Education President Victor Coster has also weighed in his criticism of Dr. Sturm¸s comments. It is Sturm¸s contention that he wrote the letter as a private citizen and not in his official capacity as the Superintendent of Lakeland Schools.

Censorship Charges Levied by School Newspaper Editor
By Michael J. Morey, Filed November 19, 2001

Walter Panas High School student Heather Buckhout, co-editor of the School¸s monthly newspaper The Spectrum, claims that her journalism advisor has handed down a decision that censors the journalistic liberties afforded to her as an editor of the paper. The issue stems from an editorial written by Buckhout which is critical of an administrative decision to cut the book The Natural from an independent reading list for the middle school. The reading list is part of the seventh grade curriculum at Copper Beech Middle School.

According to an interview with Buckout, objection over the book arises from a passage that mentions an explicit body part. Based on this reference, the book was pulled from the middle school independent reading list. It¸s Buckhout¸s contention that "parents should determine what the kids should read." Buckout provided the Panther Press with a copy of the original editorial which she submitted for publication and which was ultimately denied print.

Questioning the decision executed on the part of the administration, Buckhout's editorial questions who ultimately "has the right to measure the level of appropriateness or the level of maturity for someone else?" Buckhout goes on to take the Lakeland administration to task for their assuming the right to make that decision. Buckhout's original editorial goes on to say, "In the Lakeland District it seems to me that certain   members of this district's administration are the people who feel they have these rights, and who are now enforcing these intrusions upon one's constitutional First Amendment rights, by removing materials from the independent reading lists at the middle school."

English teacher and advisor Ron Andrews, according to Buckhout lobbied his objections to her editorial based on his feeling that her choice of language was inflammatory and citing possible legal repercussions, made the determination that Buckhout should rewrite the editorial and tone down the content. The editorial that made it to press was a shorter piece toned down from its harsh criticism.

The story has taken on a life of its own as the community newspaper, the North County News also has run a story on the matter. To date The Panther Press has not been able to reach Walter Panas High School for comment.

Here she is, Miss America
By Michael J. Morey, Filed October 11, 2001

Hopefully we¸ll all be saying that one day about Walter Panas High School Junior Meghan Schum. If she keeps doing what she¸s doing currently we just might have the chance to see her wearing that crown. Schum has been selected to participate in the Nationals¸ Miss Teen New York competition being held in Brooklyn on October 14th. Once there she will be competing for up to $20,000 worth of scholarships and prizes.

Winners are chosen based on their modeling and the interview that is conducted. She won¸t be heading to Brooklyn without some hometown support however. Helping her meet the costs of the competition, two community establishments: Crystal Bay Restaurant and Victor¸s Hair Salon, as well as several other businesses. While we wait to hear what happens, we will keep our fingers crossed and hold our breath until Meghan come back to town as Miss Teen New York. Good Luck Meghan and we hope to hear from you soon.

Information for this story was obtained by the North County News.

Cooper Beech Middle School Expansion to be Completed for the Fall; The District¸s 6th Graders to Join the School.

By Michael J. Morey, filed August 19, 2001

The 7th and 8th grade students of Cooper Beech Middle School are about to have some new school mates added to the mix. The Lakeland School District has decided to open the doors of the middle school to the district¸s 6th graders. The days of junior high being reserved for 7th and 8th graders is over. Like school districts around the country, Lakeland will be moving the 6th grade curriculum out of the elementary schools and into the junior high school. Research has found that 6th graders are socially more mature than their younger counterparts in elementary schools. As a result, they have been moved to middle schools. Lakeland is following the fold.

To handle the incoming 6th graders from the five elementary schools in the district,  Cooper Beech Middle School has undergone renovations and an expansion which has created a new wing on the school. According to the North County News, there will be an additional 500 incoming students because of the 6th grade transfer. Along with the expansion, two new technology classrooms and a new kitchen will be added.

Still to be determined is a date for the grand opening of the school. A tentative date is set for August 30th.

Albany Politics Effecting Lakeland Schools
By Michael J. Morey, filed August 31, 2001

The Lakeland School district has been forced to implement higher tax increases as a result of the State¸s bare-bone budget that passed this summer. The battle over the budget is nothing new in Albany. New York State¸s has a solid reputation for late budgets, but this year the battle has intensified and it¸s going to hit the pockets of Lakeland taxpayers hard.

 Yorktown will see a 25.8 percent tax increase, Somers an 18.6 percent increase, and Cortlandt will see a 6.8 percent increase. This is on top of a 50.24 percent increase for Yorktown and a 36 percent increase for Somers in the last school year.

The 2001-2002 tax rates go above and beyond projected rates that were determined before the budget passed. Passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Pataki there is a $1.34 million loss of estimated aid which schools operate under. The budget passed with only a 2 percent increase in aid. As a result, taxpayers are being forced to pick up the additional costs that are necessary to keep the districts running at their current pace.

Though the budget was passed with the approval of the legislature, representatives are putting the blame on Governor Pataki. As reported by the North County News, State Assemblywoman Sandra Galef states, ²We tried to add more but the governor would not have signed it.Ó

The budget, which limited funding to education and health care, will more than likely be revisited after the summer recess. Note: Information from this story was obtained from the North County News

Tarkington to Play Ball!

By Michael J. Morey, filed July 3, 2001

After days of hunting down information on Shawn Tarkington’s (’97) move up the Major League Baseball ladder, the Panther Press has been able to come up with some answers. Thanks to the contributions of Sam Castelli (’96), Chris Cummings (’97) and Brian Beyrer (’97). 
Seton Hall University’s sport’s web site is reporting that the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft has selected Shawn Tarkington for the Minnesota Twins. He is currently in his second week at Ft. Meyers, Florida playing for the Gulf Coast Rookie League.

Tarkington’s move to the major leagues is no surprise given his stellar performance on the diamond. As an all around athlete Shawn was ranked the 9th best baseball player in New York State, was 2001 All-Big East 1st Team player, and had a remarkable 8 inning shut out game in the Big East Championship Game.  Tarkington graduated from Seton Hall this past spring. 

Though now apparently concentrating on baseball and his pitching, Shawn was an all around athlete in high school. He played in the New York State finals for Basketball in 1997 along with Mike Marschner (’97), Rich Montesarchio (’98), Brian Beyrer (’97), Mike Rodriguez (’97) and Evan Hanahoe (’98).

Tarkington’s stats are as follows:

As of now, Tarkington’s team holds an 8-4 record and is a playoff contender. Shawn will remain in Florida through the month of August awaiting his playoffs chances.

For more information on this story, visit the Seton Hall University Sports page at:
http://www.shupirates.com/sports/m-basebl/seha-m-basebl-body.html

Panas Honor Society: Brains AND Heart.
By Michael J. Morey, filed May 30, 2001

.

The Walter Panas National Honor Society has been busy working for both the local community as well as the global one. The National Honor Society, which accepts students into their membership who demonstrate strong academic success in High School, has received the attention of the Lakeland community for its efforts with students throughout the school system and for its efforts with children across the globe.

Honor Society students have taken up the cause of the Smile Train, which is an organization that supports the availability of operations for children born with cleft lips and palates throughout the globe. A donation of $1,000 will given to the organization by the Panas students to support the cause.

Not only have monetary donations been given, but also donations of time and energy have been pouring out of the honor society. According to the North County News, National Honor Society members are now serving as tutors for students throughout the district. The tutors are giving their time in both the school buildings as well as the students homes.

The Walter Panas High School Honor Society has spearheaded by Fran Schultz, an English teacher. In order to qualify as a member juniors must have an academic average of 90 percent and allseniors must have an average of 88. Likewise, students must demonstrate their commitment to public service, and provide five letters of recommendation.

Air Quality at Panas Deemed Safe, But Worrisome

Filed May 15, 2001

Based on years of complaints over the quality of air at Walter Panas High School, a study was recently concluded indicating that there are elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the building. It has been determined, however, that there is no threat to the Panas community. The carbon dioxide seems to be the result of fungi in the air ducts.

It seems that the core of the problem rests with the design of the building. The interior rooms of the school seem to have the highest levels of carbon dioxide. Due to their lack of windows and fresh air, the environment is conducive to the growth of fungi. The North County News reports that two of the guidance offices have been moved due to the air quality but no other shifts have been necessary in the building.

Clean up of the air ducts will be taking place immediately. This summer the school will be installing a new air system and hopes to correct the ventilation system in the process.

Much needed repairs seem to be taking too much time.
By Michael J. Morey, filed April 20, 2001

In 1998 Lakeland School District voters agreed to a bond of over $32 million for projects at Walter Panas High School, Lakeland High School, and Copper Beach Middle School, as well as several other projects within the school district. Those projects have been met with serious delay and questions are now being asked as to what is taking so long. 

One much needed repair is the roof at Walter Panas High School which has been prone to leaks during rain storms. Superintendent of Lakeland Schools, Dr. Barnett Strum has claimed that the State Education Department’s approval process along with the problems that have developed over the bidding process have really held up the works and as a result have really put the upgrades and repairs really behind schedule.

According to Sturm, the roof projects will take place over the summer in the hopes of being ready for business when the new school year starts. 

In addition to the bond approval from 1998, the district’s voted in May of 2000 to earmark $14 million dollars to add an air conditioning system that is to be installed this summer at Walter Panas High School. It is the hope of Dr. Sturm that the air system at Walter Panas High School will be coordinated with the roofing project this summer. 

PANAS GIRLS BRING HOME THE GOLD

March 11, 2001 marked a triumph for Panas’ varsity cheerleading squad and class of 1995 alumni Danielle Raab. Our hometown girls crushed the competition and ultimately won a national title in Tampa, Florida. 

Under the leadership of their coach, Danielle Raab, a 1995 alumni, the girls marched to victory. After placing third in the northeastern regional championship that was held in Connecticut, the Panas squad cheered their way to the top in Florida. The competition was held at The University of South Florida and ended with the girls bringing home the gold (well, actually a trophy) to Walter Panas High School. Congratulations to Danielle Raab and the entire varsity squad.

Read anything interesting in the newspapers lately?
By Michael J. Morey

Extra, extra, Read all about it! After months of operating as a site that has predominately relied on alumni forwarding the address to other classmates, Walterpanas.com has received quite a bit of attention in the print media. Last week both the North County News and the Star News ran extensive stories on the Walter Panas alumni site. With all that attention has come a tremendous growth in membership

Complete with a picture of our homepage, the Star News April 19^th edition ran an extensive story on the site¸s development, its history, and its progress. Making every effort to include all of those who have been involved, the newspaper made phone calls to Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Washington to make sure it covered all of the bases in its story. Likewise, the North County News April 18^th edition notes that ²[t]hough the site, which has been updated daily, has been online since December 2000 it is already popular. Over 200 alumni have registered and [Tom] Glenn has estimated it has attracted more than 47,000 hits.

The reaction to all of this coverage is clear. Walterpanas.com has seen a tremendous growth in registered alumni. As of today, there is but one class in the history of the school that does not have a classmate registered and we¸re sure that will change shortly. In particular, the 1996 alumni list has skyrocketed! With the community aware and members doing their part to spread the word, Walterpanas.com is sure to grow at an even greater rate!

Walter Panas High School to Maintain its Name...
By Michael J. More

After weeks and weeks of debate over a proposal to change the name of Walter Panas High School, the Lakeland Board of Education announced the proposal to be dead.

Newly named Superintendent of the Lakeland School District, Dr. Barnett Sturm, along with the support of the newly hired Principal of Walter Panas High School, Ms. Susan Strauss, shocked members of the school community with a proposal to change the name of Walter Panas High School several months ago. The name change was proposed, according to Dr. Sturm, with the intention of uniting the school district and identifying Walter Panas High School as part of the Lakeland District. Proposed names for the school were Lakeland-Walter Panas High School and Lakeland-West, Walter Panas High School.

The proposed name changed received a chilly response from the community as former alumni, faculty members, and current students voiced their opposition to the proposal. Dr. Sturm contended the name change was proposed in part to give Walter Panas High School more of a presence in the region, claiming that colleges often don't recognize Panas because it is believed Lakeland is the only High School of the district. Members of the Panas community contended the name change would thwart their efforts over the years to promote a positive identity for the school and that the name change was a public relations effort to offset what is considered to be a negative image of the school.

After months of debate the district issued a survey to the community to test their feelings on the proposal. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining the current name, Walter Panas High School. Seventy one percent of those surveyed expressed opposition to the proposal (the actual count was 447 opposed to 179 in favor). Upon this response from the community, the Board of Education decided against the proposed name change. Dr. Sturm made clear upon the announcement that it was the intention of the administration to follow the will of the community.

Based on the results of the survey, the community made it loud and clear, Walter Panas High School will remain Walter Panas High School.

16 Year Old Student Could Face Stiff Penalty
By Michael J. Morey

Amid the growing violence that has broken out in schools across the country, communities are getting tough on threats against schools and students. A Walter Panas High School student was arrested for threatening to blow up the school in an Internet chat room conversation.

Allegedly, the student claimed to have plans to blow up the school. An individual in the chat room reported the incident to South Dakota law enforcement agents and an investigation led to the involvement of the FBI in New York. The student has been arrested and is being charged with a class E felony. It should be noted that in the last several weeks there have been an abundance of threats against schools across the country (and several in Westchester County) which has been attributed to the media coverage of such events. 

Threats and statements of violence against schools have been taken more seriously in the wake of shootings at Columbine and in San Diego. There has been no evidence to suggest that the student had the means or the capability to follow through on his threat. It appears it was simply an angry threat.