Pittsburg, PA

Around East County: Meet the Prodigies of Pittsburg High’s SLAM Club

Published

2 years ago

April 22, 2022

Around East County: Meet the Prodigies of Pittsburg High’s SLAM Club

There’s a artistic group of scholars at Pittsburg Excessive College (PHS) who’ve been stirring up consideration and successful slam poetry contests all through the Bay Space over the previous yr. Part of the PHS artistic writing division, the scholars are referred to as Prodigies and belong to the division’s Scholar Led Arts Motion (SLAM) Membership.

Usually, highschool poetry golf equipment are designed for college kids who take pleasure in writing, studying and learning poetry. These golf equipment are open to all college students. Conferences are casual and often encompass studying poems and biographies of poets and sharing authentic work.

The Prodigies’ SLAM Membership is all about sharing poetry and the love of writing but additionally takes this system a bit additional by including rap to the combination. For the membership’s president, PHS senior Marshawn Duchine (aka 510shawn), 17, the membership is a spot the place he might be artistic and concerned in a group.

“The most effective half about this glorious household of mine is the assist,” he stated concerning the membership’s members. “We by no means let one another fall and in that case, not for lengthy, and that’s what I really like concerning the group we’ve created.”

Duchine acquired concerned within the SLAM Membership in his sophomore yr, when the Prodigies’ then-president found that Duchine was a author.

“He noticed me on the steps on my own sooner or later and actually lifted me and introduced me to (the membership’s) room and advised me to ‘SPIT,’ ” Duchine stated. The poetry reference stands for Non secular Poetry Ignites Thought.

“I promise you that was essentially the most nerve-racking factor ever, however it paid off,” Duchine went on to say. “Take a look at me now. I introduced a gaggle of my pals who’re additionally artists, and we launched extra of the rap facet of poetry to the Prodigies.”

Duchine says that he first acquired concerned in artwork at age 4 or 5, when he began dancing and attempting to sing. He later started writing. He writes about the whole lot from “the place I’m from to the place I wanna go, plus some.”

Jojo Cisneros had an analogous introduction into the Prodigies. Her love for poetry began at a younger age when she was launched to it. At 7, she was printed in a kids’s poetry assortment. As a freshman at PHS, a faculty official really helpful her to the artistic writing class.

“I used to be hesitant to go at first, however my first time there felt proper,” Cisneros stated. After leaving PHS to attend Black Diamond Excessive College, she nonetheless remained within the PHS Prodigies program.

Now at 17 and in her junior yr of highschool, she writes poetry, rap music and sings.

“I’ve seen each components of this system firsthand,” she stated, explaining how she raps and writes music alongside poetry. “It’s a free house it doesn’t matter what sort of writing you need to provide. We think about it artwork so long as it’s true to you.”

Cisneros stated that she writes about her experiences or no matter she’s going by way of in the intervening time. She makes use of writing as an outlet and finds that it resonates with others. Cisneros gained third place on the Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam Finals this previous summer time. She stated she had carried out in entrance of crowds earlier than, however this was the one competitors she had ever competed in.

“I’m positive my experiences are much like most when it got here to the poetry competitors,” she stated. “I went into it nervous and a little bit intimidated, being that you may really feel the aggressive demeanor amongst the opposite poets, which is anticipated as a result of it’s a competitors. It simply drives me to go more durable.”

Cisneros encourages different PHS college students to become involved in this system.

“The most effective a part of the Prodigies program is the truth that it permits Pittsburg youth to have a artistic outlet with out the concern of being judged or regarded down upon,” she stated.

For extra data on becoming a member of the PHS Prodigies, electronic mail afinn@pittsburgusd.internet.

Roni Gehlke might be reached at oakleynow@comcast.internet.

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Pittsburg, PA

Brandon Aiyuk Names Steelers as Landing Spot

Published

7 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Brandon Aiyuk Names Steelers as Landing Spot

PITTSBURGH — Just when the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes feel over, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dragged back in. The contract talks between the San Francisco 49ers and Aiyuk still haven’t bore fruit, despite repeated efforts. As it stands, he hasn’t signed an extension, and speculation surrounding his future continues.

It doesn’t help that there is some calculated negotiating through the media taking place. Aiyuk has been vocal on social media about the situation and his frustration. He’s also frequently seen with Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, fueling the rumors that the Commanders are the frontrunner to land him.

But the gasoline poured into the fire is the media’s indulgence. The buzz and speculation is rampant online and on television. The latest came from former Steelers’ safety and NFL analyst Ryan Clark. On his podcast, The Pivot, Clark welcomed Aiyuk to discuss the situation.

On the show, Clark was pointed with his questions. He asked Aiyuk what uniform he envisioned himself in, and Aiyuk was equally pointed in return.

“Probably a Niners uniform, if not a Niners uniform probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably Steelers uniform,” he said.

Clark told Aiyuk that he believed the Steelers were the best fit for him and his career ambitions. It almost came across as a recruiting pitch for the Black and Gold.

“And so, whether it’s in San Francisco, Washington, Pittsburgh, whatever team you play for, you’ve succeeded at every level, even with odds stacked against you,” Clark said. “So for us, we’re rooting for you. I wanna see you do well. Pittsburgh would be the best place for you to thrive.”

The writing is on the wall for the Steelers, but they are not giving up yet. In all likelihood, Aiyuk will remain with the 49ers. The main sticking point remains the yearly salary and whether the 49ers will give him $30 million or more. Until then, the Steelers remain in pursuit of Aiyuk and upgrading their wide receiver room.

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more

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Pittsburg, PA

Pittsburgh Native Included in ESPN’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft

Published

14 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Pittsburgh Native Included in ESPN’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft

It is never too early to project who will get selected in the NBA Draft according to some national sites.

ESPN, among others, has already released a projected 2025 NBA Mock Draft, just one day after the 2024 NBA Draft wrapped up. The 2025 mock does not include any players from Pitt, Duquesne, or Robert Morris, but does include a prospect who is originally from Pittsburgh.

ESPN has former Quaker Valley star Adou Thiero going No. 32 overall in the projection. Thiero is a 6-foot-8. 220-pound guard/forward who joined the Razorbacks this spring. After playing two seasons at Kentucky for head coach John Calipari, Thiero decided to follow Calipari to Fayetteville when he took the Arkansas job in a monumental move.

Thiero will be a junior this upcoming season. As a sophomore, he appeared in 25 games for the Cats. Thiero averaged 7.2 points and 4.96 rebounds per game on the year. Per Arkansas’ team notes, Thiero led the Kentucky team in rebounding in eight separate games and scored at least ten points five times. Thiero exploded for 16 points and 13 rebounds last season in an early-season contest against Kansas.

Following the season, Thiero entered the transfer portal, where he was recruited by programs all over the country, including his hometown team Pitt. During the process, Thiero took a visit to Pitt and included the Panthers in his top five list. He eventually chose Arkansas, and joins a loaded roster that includes Johnell Davis (FAU transfer), Boogie Fland (five-star freshman), Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee transfer), DJ Wagner (Kentucky transfer), and more.

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Pittsburg, PA

Anthrocon, the Pittsburgh furries convention, expected to set attendance record

Published

21 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Anthrocon, the Pittsburgh furries convention, expected to set attendance record

15,500 furries expected to generate $17.4 million in direct visitor spending in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH ― Anthrocon, more generally known as the annual furry convention, returns to the David Lawrence Convention Center on July 4-7.

VisitPITTSBURGH announced Thursday that Anthrocon is expected to bring record-breaking attendance and economic impact to Pittsburgh.

“With more than 15,500 furries expected to take on the city, the annual furry convention is anticipated to result in approximately $17.4 million in direct visitor spending, a press release from Pittsburgh’s tourism agency said.

Fursuiters, people who celebrate anthropomorphics, which are human-like animal characters, dress in head-to-toe furry attire.

“Each year, we have the privilege of working with the event organizers to establish strong community connections and partnerships that leave a significant and lasting impact on our city,” Andy Ortale, chief salesofficer at VisitPITTSBURGH, said. “And this year, there are several events on the docket that standto make Anthrocon 2024 bigger and better.”

Attendees are booked across 22 partner hotels, with six shuttle routes facilitating travel to thedowntown Pittsburgh convention center.

Over the four-day event span, attendees will explore the city by foot and partake in Anthrocon’s line-up of community events in and around Downtown, such as:

Market Square Musicians: The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has invited musicians attending Anthrocon to perform on July 4 during the lunchtime concerts in Market Square.
Anthrocon Block Party: On July 6, will take over Penn Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets from noon through the evening, encouraging attendees to meet with downtown businesses and the community. Nearby restaurants and attractions are encouraged to display signage that invites the fursuiters to stop in.
The Fursuit Parade: More than 5,000 people are expected to line the street July 6 for a world record-setting event. The Fursuit Parade begins at 2 p.m. on 10th Street near Fort Duquesne Boulevard, proceeding south along 10th Street and routing back to the convention center.
Harris Theater Screening: A special screening 4 p.m. July 6 of the Don Bluth animated film classic “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” co-presented by Anthrocon. Tickets can be purchased via the Culture Trust at trustarts.org.
Community Events: Anthrocon has partnered with several local businesses, including the Carnegie Science Center and Gateway Clipper, to provide special offerings toconvention-goers.

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.

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