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"The Senior Class of 2003"


The Senior Class of 2003


Class Motto "Let us not only be satisfied with the distance in which we've traveled,
but let us endeavor toward the path ahead."-Anonymous
Class Colors Green and Gold
Class Song "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood
Class Flower Gladiolus


This year, the Seniors worked together on a project to make the Band room look more appealing.
Here are a few pictures of what they have accomplished:

Class project



Biographies of the Senior Band Members

Adam Bolner (Trumpet)

Adam Bolner is the son of Charles and Mary Bolner of Follansbee. Adam is a four year member of Marching, Concert, Jazz, and Pep Band, where he has played trumpet. He is also a member of French Club, Key Club, Interact, Future Business Leaders of America, Who's Who Among American High School Students, and works at Waldenbooks in the Fort Steubenville Mall. Adam has received awards for Faithful attendance and Most Improve Sophomore in Band. His future plans include attending a four year university in pursuit of a degree in Business with a minor in Computer Science.



Samantha Bonacci (Field Commander)

Samantha Bonacci is the daughter of Marguerite Bonacci of Follansbee. Samantha is a four year member of Marching, Concert, and Jazz Band, where she has played clarinet, alto-saxophone, tenor saxophone, and baritone saxophone. This year, she serves as the Field Commander of the Marching Band. She has participated in Governor's School for the Arts for Instrumental Music, Governor's Honors Academy, Region 1 Honors Band, All-State Chorus, All-State Chamber Choir, Madrigal Choir, Jazz Choir/Vocal Jazz, Girl's Renaissance Choir, Concert Choir, National Honors Society, Leo Club, Teens for Life, Protect the Environment, Spanish Club, FBLA, the plays "Fiddler on the Roof," "Scrooge: The Stingiest Man in Town," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Teen Prevention Club, Key Club, Drama Club, S.A.D.D., Camp Fire U.S.A., St. Anthony's Church Choir, St. Anthony's Bell Choir, and Regional Academic Institute. Samantha has received the Outstanding Computer Keyboarding Award, the WVSSAC Female Band Student of the Year, three medals for perfect attendance, Academic Achievement Award, four years of Principal's Honor Roll, and award for having 4.0 on the Writing Assessment Test. Her future plans include attending West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in Vocal/Instrumental Music Education with a double minor in Foreign Affairs and Russian. She would like to obtain a Master's degree at Bard College, and obtain a Ph.D. at New York University. As for employment, she intends to become either a Band Director or and American Ambassador to Russia, Italy, Spain, or Japan.


Stephanie Calvert (Silk)

Stephanie Calvert is the daughter of Harold Calvert of Wellsburg and Christine of Follansbee. Stephanie is a four year member of Marching and Concert Band. During her Freshman and Sophmore year, she was a member of the silkline, but played cymbals for the drumline her Junior year. She went back to the silkline the next year and became a Section Leader. She also attended O.V.A.C. Band. Stephanie has participated in Key Club, Interact, Hi-Y, Club Teen Prevention, Pride Pit, Basketball Buddies, Who's Who, Grapple Gals, Drama Club, Teens for Life, and West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State at Wheeling Jesuit University. She has also played for Freshman Basketball, Junior Varsity Soccer, Softball, and softball for the Brooke Hills Park Senior Female League. Stephanie's future plans include attending either Heidelburg College or West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education. She would also like to march in either colleges' band and play in intramural lacrosse.

Brad Congelio (Snare Drum)

Brad Congelio is the son of Donald and Vicki Congelio of Wellsburg. He is a four year member of Marching, Concert, and Pep Band. This year, Brad is the Drum Captain of the drumline. He has also participated in the school's yearly Madrigal Feast and O.V.A.C. Band. As for employment, Brad has worked at Pier 12 Restaurant and Mariana as a cook for the past two and a half years. His future plans include attending West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in Business Management. Afterwards, he would like to attend the Pittsburgh Culinary School for a minor in Culinary Arts.



Kiera Clark (Tenor Sax)

Kiera Clark is the daughter of George Clark of Washington, Pennsylvania and Linda Stoneking of Follansbee. Kiera is a four year band member, playing the alto saxophone her freshman, sophomore, and junior year, and tenor saxophone her senior year. She has participated in concert band and pep band. During her high school career, Kiera has participated in basketball buddies, future business leaders of America, pride pit, interact, chemistry club, drama club, peer mediation, and attended the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce High School Business Symposium 2002. She was also recognized as President of the BHS Pride Pit. Kiera has received the outstanding accounting student award, principal's honor roll, and is listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She represented Follansbee as the city queen for the Miss Junior America Pageants. After graduation, Kiera plans to attend Scott College of Cosmetology and specialize in Aesthetics and Salon ownership.


Kathryn DeGarmo (Second Bass Drum)

Kathryn is the daughter of Alan and Mary K. Degarmo of Wellsburg. Kathryn is a four year member of Marching and Concert Band, where she played cymbals her Freshman year, and second bass the remainder. She has also participated in O.V.A.C. Band, Musical Pit, two years of musicals, and Madrigal Feast. She is a member of National Honors Society, Pride Pit, Key Club, S.A.D.D., and Future Child Care Leaders of America. Kathryn attends Franklin Church, where she is the C Group Leader of her youth group and is also a Bible School teacher. She has received Outstanding Child Care I Student, the Bronze Academic Award, and the Key Club Service Award for 100 hours of community service. Kathryn's future plans include attending West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education. She would also like to march in WVU's Marching Band.


Jeremy Dodd (Tenor Drums)

Jeremy Dodd is the son of Paul and Donna Dodd of Colliers. During Jeremy's Freshman year, he played snare for the Brooke drumline. However, he left the band in pursuit of a position in football. He lettered during his Sophmore year of football and became a major player of the football team. As for work, he became a crew trainer at McDonald's of Follansbee after approximately one year of employment. Jeremy has received awards for being able to maintain a 3.0 G.P.A. while being a member of Future Child Care Leaders of America. During his Senior year, he returned to the band to play quads. Jeremy's future plans include going to the Air Force and attaining a degree in Aircraft Maintenance or Pre-school Education. He would also like to become a test pilot during his time in the Air Force. He plans on retiring from the Air Force at the age of 38. After retirement, Jeremy would like to move to Australia, live on the beach, and own a pet Kangaroo.


Benjamin Fodor (Trombone)

Benjamin is the son of Jeff and Drema Fodor of Follansbee. He is an active member of the group, playing tenor trombone in four years of jazz band, pep band, concert band, and marching band. He's a member of the National Honors Society, Who's Who among American High School Students, and The National Society of High School Scholars. As one of the band's webmasters, he has an important role in the upkeep of the band webpage. Ben is also an active member of the Brooke Hills Free Methodist Church, serving 2 years as youth representative, and playing in the Sunday morning brass ensemble. As far as future plans are concerned, he wants to persue Music and Computer Sciences in college.



Andrea Hvizdzak (Majorette)

Andrea Hvizdak is the daughter of Ed and Faye Hvizdak of Colliers. Andrea is a four year band member, playing in drumline her Freshman year, and twirling as a majorette for the remainder of her years. She has participated in Concert Band, as well as Jazz Band. She has played for the school's soccer team for four years, and has been a member of the Track Team. In addition, she is a statistician for the wrestling team. Andrea's other activities include the following: Principal's Honor Roll, National Honors Society, Honors Program, Who's Who, Regional Academic Institute 2001, Bronze and Silver Academic Pins, French Club, Key Club, S.A.D.D., Medical Careers Club, HOSA, National Society of High School Scholars, and Spring Musical. She received Most Improved Guard Member in Band and has participated in the West Virginia State Majorette Festival. She also attends St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Weirton. Andrea's future plans include attending West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in Dentistry.


Zia MacWilliams (Flute)

Zia is the daughter of Dr. Mark MacWilliams of New York and Diane Jefchak of Bethany. Zia is a four year member of Marching and Concert Band, and has participated in O.V.A.C. and All-State Band. She has also participated in Drama Club, Key Club, Chemistry Club, Teens for Life, Save the Environment Club, Madrigal Choir, Soccer, Leo Club, Student Council, Senior Class Treasurer, National Honors Society, Junior Writing Representative, and four years of school plays. Zia was on the Homecoming Court this year and pulled the yellow rose to become Homecoming Queen. She has received the Bronze and Silver Academic Awards, and achieved third place in the state of West Virginia for a contest in Character Essays. Zia's future plans include attending a 4-year college or university in pursuit of a degree in Forensic Investigative Science.


Brittany McGowan (Mellophone)

Brittany McGowan is the daughter of David McGowan of Wellsburg and Marsha Greene of Follansbee. Brittany has been a member of Marching and Concert Band for 4 years and participated in O.V.A.C. Band, Region 1 Honors Band, Madrigal Brass Ensemble and Pit Orchestra. She has also participated in French Club as Secretary, Editor for Key Club, S.A.D.D., INTERACT, French National Honors Society, Teens for Life, Future Business Leaders of America, and National Honors Society for both High School and the national organization. She has received awards for Principal's Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, Outstanding Computer Keyboarding, and the Bronze and Silver Academic Awards. She has also participated in the French Club's trip to England, France, and Italy. Brittany's future plans include attending a four-year college or university in pursuit of a degree in either Elementary or Secondary Education.


Donnie McKee (Trumpet)

Donald McKee is the son of Donald McKee of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania and Cathy Hannan of Follansbee, West Virginia. Donnie, as he is called by is friends, is a four year member of the marching band, concert band, pep band, and madrigal pit. Donnie has also been a member of the OVAC All-Star Marching Band and Region 1 Honors Band. As for work, Donnie has been employed at McDonald's of Follansbee for two and a half years and is now the Head Closing Manager of the store. He has participated in Concert Choir, S.A.D.D., Key Club, Brooke Scholar, pit for "Fiddler on the Roof", sound crew for "Scrooge", and National Honors Society. He has also received awards for Most Outstanding Sophmore in band, Most Improved Junior in band, and having a 3.5 G.P.A. at the end of his Junior year. In addition, he also plays taps and the National Anthem for the veterans of the cities of Follansbee and Wellsburg. Donnie's future plans include attending the Air Force and obtaining a 4-year degree to become an officer. Once there, Donnie would like to become a Fighter Pilot.


Krista Merrick (Mellophone)

Krista Merrick is the daughter of Steve Merrick of Wheeling, and Karen Smith of Bethany. Krista is a four year member of Marching, Concert, and Pep Band, playing either of the flute, mellophone, or F-horn. She has participated in Flute Choir, school musicals, Drama Club, French Club, Key Club, Latin Club, Teens for Life, Renaissance Choir, Regional Academic Institute, Region 1 Honor Band, Leadership Wheeling Youth, French Honor Society, and Latin Honor Society. She is also active in her church and youth group. Over the past year, she has traveled to England, France, and Italy with the French Club. Krista has received the Bronze and Silver Academic Awards, Ribbons for Principals Honor Roll, Damon's Grill Academic Student of the Week, and an award for having a 4.0 G.P.A. She is also part of the Honors Program and a member of National Honors Society. Her future plans include attending college in pursuit of a degree in Psychology with minors in Greek and Theology.


Walter Ramsey (Snare Drum)

Walter Ramsey is the son of the late Walter, Sr., and Carol Ramsey of Weirton. Walter is a four year member of Marching and Concert Band. He has also participated in O.V.A.C. Band for two years and Boy's State. Walter is a member of Key Club and has been in the Student Council for four years. Walter has won First Place in the pie eating contest during the Talent Show last year. Also, he won second place in the ice cream eating contest at Bruester's Ice Cream Shop. As for work, he has been employed at Gio's Family Restaurant in Weirton for two and a half years. Walter's future plans include attending either West Virginia University or the University of North Carolina in pursuit of a degree in Computer Science. He would also like to march in WVU's Marching Band and in the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps.



Holly Ryan (Flute)

Holly Ryan is the daughter of Donald and Carol Ryan of Follansbee. Holly is a four year member of Marching and Concert Band, where she played the flute. Holly has also participated in O.V.A.C. Band during her Junior year. She also participates in Who's Who Among American High School Students, and the Honors program. Holly has received the Bronze and Silver Academic Awards, and the Outstanding Computer Keyboarding Award. Her future plans include attending a four year college in pursuit of a degree in History.




Megan Scammell (Clarinet)

Megan Scammell is the daughter of Keith and Lesa Scammell of Follansbee. Megan is a four year member of Marching, Concert, and Jazz Band, where she plays clarinet and bassoon. She has also participated in O.V.A.C. Band, Vice President of the Medical Careers Club, and Who's Who Among American High School Students. As for awards, Megan has received the Bronze and Silver Academic Awards, Girl Scouts Silver Award, and Most Improved Junior in Band. Her future plans include attending either West Liberty State College or West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in Pharmacy.



Justin Schwertfeger (Trumpet)

Justin Schwertfeger is the son of John and Nancy Schwertfeger of Follansbee. Justin is a four year bandmember, playing trumpet all four years. He is now the section leader of the trumpetline, and has participated in Concert Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, and Madrigal Brass Choir. He also plays taps and the National Anthem for the cities of Follansbee and Wellsburg. He has been a part of O.V.A.C All-star Band for two years. Justin's other activities include the following: Mountaineer Boy's State, Spanish Club (Treasurer), S.A.D.D. Club (Sargent At Arms), Key Club (Treasurer), Freshman and Junior Varsity Basketball, Who's Who, National Honors Society, Chemistry Club, and Interact Club. He has received awards for perfect attendance, superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble Festival, Bronze and Silver Academic pins, Most Outstanding Freshman, and Most Outstanding Junior in Band. Justin's future plans include attending the University of Notre Dame to play in the "Band of the Fighting Irish." He also intends to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering and to one day design roller coasters.


Hope Smith (Cymbols)

Hope Smith is the daughter of Mark and Dora Smith of Wellsburg. Hope is a four year member of Marching and Concert Band. She has also participated in O.V.A.C. Band and Girls State. Hope is also part of Who's Who, National Honors Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Honor Roll, Basketball Buddies, Spanish Club, Pride Pit, Drama Club, HOSA, Diamond Girls, S.A.D.D., and Chemistry Club. In addition, she has received medals for perfect attendance, and the Outstanding Business Computer Applications Student Award. Hope's future plans include attending West Virginia University in pursuit of a degree in Athletic Training, and marching in WVU's Marching Band.


Donald Swearingen (First Bass Drum)

Donald Swearingen is the son of Donald and Barbara Swearingen of Wellsburg. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio and grew up in Wellsburg. During his Freshman year, he marched fourth bass for the drumline. He moved up to first bass during his Sophmore and continued to play on that instrument throughout the remainder of his high school years. This year, he serves as one of the two section leaders of the drumline. He has participated in O.V.A.C. Band during his Sophmore and Junior years, and will possibly participate in his Senior year. He also participates in National Society of High School Scholars and S.A.D.D. As for awards, Donald has received two ribbons for being on the Principal's Honor Roll for two nine-week periods. He has also received awards for the following: two medals for two years of perfect attendance, award for achieving 4.0 on statewide writing assessment test, award for participating in Math Field Day, and the Bronze and Silver Academic Awards. His future plans include attending West Virginia University in pursuit of a dual degree in Accounting and Finance. He would also like to acquire a Master's degree in Professional Accountancy and pass the Certified Public Accountant's exam. He also wishes to march in WVU's acclaimed marching band.


Nathan Tucker (Baritone)

Nathan Tucker is the son of David Tucker of Richmond, Ohio, and Nancy Stewart of Follansbee. Nathan is a four year member of Marching and Concert Band, and plays the Baritone. He is a member of the National Honors Society, Society of High School Scholars, Future Business Leaders of America, S.A.D.D., Chess Club, and Who's Who. He has also participated in Regional Academic Institute for Creative Writing in 2001. Nathan has recieved the Bronze and Silver Academic Awards, and will graduate from the Honors Program. His future plans include attending West Virginia University and marching in WVU's honored band. He plans pursuing a dual major in History and Philosophy. He would then wish to attend law school.


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