The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
Sam Tobiczyk

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor

News Editor Sam Tobiczyk is a senior and a third-year member of the Purbalite. In their free time, they can be found listening to indie music or watching indie movies.

Turn On the Bright Lights was released in August 2002.

Essential Listening: Interpol created an experience like no other on Turn On the Bright Lights

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
June 7, 2023

Podcast discusses albums most students have overlooked

Kalonga Mwenda, Ethan Stock, and Sam Tobiczyk
June 1, 2023
Bryan Black is the only Black teacher on the Baldwin staff.

Building a staff that looks like the students remains elusive

Dibya Ghimirey, Kalonga Mwenda, and Sam Tobiczyk
May 31, 2023
Junior Mwango Kasuba and senior Aluk Doup sit in the gym overlook.

Black at Baldwin: Students report positive experiences, with room for growth

Dibya Ghimirey, Kalonga Mwenda, and Sam Tobiczyk
May 31, 2023
Purbalite seniors evaluate their fours years of high school at Baldwin .

Senior Farewell: Senior year brought a return to normalcy

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
May 22, 2023

Video story: Boys track takes first place, girls finish fourth at Invitational

Maddison Houser, Simran Rijal, and Sam Tobiczyk
May 10, 2023
Seniors Sam Petrovich and Steph Ochs, along with freshmen Morgan Houser and Gavin McArdle, won third place at the Envirothon.

Baldwin team placed third at Envirothon

Kenzie Hirt and Sam Tobiczyk
May 1, 2023
The Boys Varsity Baseball team plays in the 6A division.

Baseball falls to Hempfield

Fionna McKenzie, Hannah Black, and Sam Tobiczyk
April 12, 2023
10,000 Gecs was released in 2023 as 100 Gecs second album.

100 Gecs return with creative sophomore album

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
April 3, 2023
Did You Know that There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd was released in March 2023.

Lana Del Rey reaches a peak once again

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
March 30, 2023

Podcast debates whether the Beatles are great or overrated

Rachael Bonneau, Kalonga Mwenda, and Sam Tobiczyk
March 27, 2023
Dr. Randal Lutz is the superintendent of Baldwin Whitehall schools.

Lutz to receive distinguished alumni award from Pitt

Dibya Ghimirey and Sam Tobiczyk
March 24, 2023
Some students have expressed frustration with the scheduling process this year.

[Photo] New scheduling plan gets mixed response from students

March 13, 2023
Strange Dance, the third studio album from Radiohead drummer Philip Selway, was released in February 2023.

Selway’s new album proves he should stick to Radiohead

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
March 8, 2023
This Stupid World, the 17th studio album from Yo La Tengo, was released in February 2023.

Yo La Tengo returns with solid album

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
March 6, 2023
Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, the second studio album, from Caroline Polachek, was released in February 2022.

Polachek returns with solid sophomore album

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
February 22, 2023
Is This It, the debut studio album by The Strokes, was released in 2001.

Essential Listening: With ‘Is This It,’ The Strokes redefined rock music

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
February 15, 2023
The Last of Us was based on a video game of the same name which was released in 2013.

‘The Last of Us’ stands as a vital game adaptation, despite homophobic attacks

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
February 13, 2023
Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You was released in February 2022.

Big Thief gives an intense performance at Stage AE

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
February 7, 2023
No Thank You, the fifth studio album from British rapper Little Simz, was released in December 2022.

Simz delivers a neatly wrapped gift of music with new album

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
December 22, 2022
Lingua Ignota has recently revealed that she will be retiring the project, and continuing her musical career under a new name with a different musical direction.

Lingua Ignota gives astounding performance at Mr. Smalls

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
December 19, 2022
Baldwin’s Rocket League esports team competes in the Penn Division of the PIEA.

Rocket League earns a win in state quarterfinals

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
December 13, 2022
Just one year after graduating college, Baldwin alum Nick Cortazzo is performing in a Broadway touring production of `Hairspray.

Alum Cortazzo is excited to return to Pittsburgh, performing Hairspray

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
November 21, 2022
The Loneliest Time, the sixth studio album from Carly Rae Jepsen, was released in October 2022.

Jepsen returns with solid pop record

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
November 14, 2022
Liz Langer organized Movember along with junior class sponsor, RIchard Deemer.

Langer organizes “Movember” for junior class

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
November 9, 2022
I Walked with You a Ways, the debut studio album by Plains, was released in October 2022.

Plains’ first album provides decent country music

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
October 27, 2022
Its Only Me, the third studio album from Lil Baby, was released in October 2022.

Lil Baby again proves that you can skip any project of his

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
October 26, 2022
Freshman Leland Lepperd is in his second year playing for the marching band.

Freshman Lepperd makes a big impression on marching band

Sam Tobiczyk, Ethan Stock, and Simran Rijal
October 21, 2022

Podcast discusses two recent movies from India

Asmita Pokharel, Simran Rijal, Dibya Ghimirey, Kalonga Mwenda, and Sam Tobiczyk
October 20, 2022
The Pittsburgh skyline is projected through the grey hole in the black tarp, which is covering the windows.

Video production class explores ancient, low-tech camera technique

Sam Tobiczyk and Dibya Ghimirey
October 11, 2022
Doggerel, the eighth studio album from the Pixies, was released in September 2022.

Pixies’ new album is not worth a listen

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
October 11, 2022
Blue Rev, the third studio album from Alvvays, was released in October 2022.

Alvvays returns with new, more exciting sound

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
October 7, 2022
$oul $oul $eparately, released in September 2022, is Freddie Gibbs eighth studio album.

Freddie Gibbs’ new album contains interesting lyrics and features

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
October 6, 2022
Cool it Down, the fifth studio album from Yeah Yeahs Yeahs, was released in September 2022.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ new album doesn’t live up to previous releases

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
September 30, 2022
Dummy, the debut studio album from Portishead, was released in August 1994.

Essential Listening: Portishead’s debut helped define trip hop

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
September 28, 2022
Asphalt Meadows, the 10th studio album from Death Cab for Cutie, was released in September 2022.

Death Cab for Cutie’s new album gives flavor to their waning career

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
September 27, 2022
The Beths third studio album, Expert in a Dying Field, was released in September 2022.

The Beths’ new album is an effective continuation of their style

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
September 23, 2022
Demons Protected by Angels, Navs fifth studio album, was released in September 2022.

Nav’s new album provides worthless music

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
September 15, 2022
Songs in the Key of Life was released in September 1976, debuting at #1 on the charts.

Essential Listening: Wonder’s `Key’ achievement remains a soul masterpiece

Sam Tobiczyk, News Editor
September 14, 2022
Seniors from the Class of 2022 participate in the annual cap toss.

[Photo] Class of 2022 Commencement video story, slideshow

June 3, 2022
Just one year after graduating college, Baldwin alum Nick Cortazzo is performing in a Broadway touring production of `Hairspray.

Alum Nick Cortazzo lands on Broadway tour for ‘Hairspray’

Brooke Scanlon and Sam Tobiczyk
May 25, 2022
Mr Morale & the Big Steppers, released today, is Kendrick Lamars first album in five years.

Lamar returns with new sounds, more social commentary

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
May 13, 2022
Arcade Fires newest album is an enjoyable listen

Arcade Fire’s newest album is an enjoyable listen

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
May 13, 2022
Omnium Gatherum is the 19th studio album for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.

King Gizzard switches it up, again and again

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
May 12, 2022
Giving the World Away, the second studio album from Hatchie, was released in April 2022.

Hatchie’s new album provides older shoegaze sound

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
May 4, 2022
The Baldwin girls softball team plays at the 6A level.

Girls softball falls to Canon Mac

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
April 25, 2022
The self-titled debut album from Wet Leg was released in April 2022.

Wet Leg’s debut album brings unique music to indie world

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
April 22, 2022

Pitt’s Tre Tipton talks college football with Purb Take podcast

Ethan Spozarski, Jacob Staley, and Sam Tobiczyk
April 21, 2022

Video story: Boys tennis looks for growth

Jacob Staley and Sam Tobiczyk
April 1, 2022
Claud released their first studio album at the start of 2021.

Claud gives lively performance at Spirit Hall

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
March 28, 2022

Chris Mack of 93.7 The Fan talks Pens, Steelers with Purb Take podcast team

Ethan Spozarski, Jacob Staley, and Sam Tobiczyk
March 22, 2022

Purb Take talks March Madness tourney brackets

Ethan Spozarski, Jacob Staley, Sam Tobiczyk, and Paul Kercher
March 17, 2022
Baldwin Mini-THON raises money throughout the school year to fight childhood cancer.

Environmental science, Mini-THON planning to be focus of 2 new classes

Izzy Swanson and Sam Tobiczyk
March 3, 2022
Joy Division formed in 1976 in Salford, England, becoming one of the biggest parts of the post-punk genre.

Essential Listening: Joy Division made their mark on music with two of the most influential rock albums

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
March 2, 2022
Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You was released in February 2022.

Big Thief’s new album marks a shift in musical style

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
March 1, 2022
Once Twice Melody is the eighth studio album by Beach House.

Once Twice Melody is a solid but disappointing album

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
February 23, 2022
Junior Morgan Smeal competed at the PMEA District Chorus Festival last week.

Smeal qualifies for PMEA Region Chorus Festival

Tumi Ojo and Sam Tobiczyk
February 15, 2022
The NBA, in its 75th season, saw major players like James Harden and Ben Simmons be moved at the trade deadline.

NBA trade deadline sees major players moved across the league

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
February 11, 2022
Junior Adrianna Grande was recognized for her volunteer work throughout the community.

Grande’s volunteer work earns recognition from 93.7 The Fan podcast

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
January 20, 2022

Video: Boys basketball defeats Canon-Mac

Sam Tobiczyk and Leila Usanovic
January 12, 2022
The Baldwin boys wrestling team competes in the 3A division.

Wrestling defeated by Thomas Jefferson

Leila Usanovic and Sam Tobiczyk
January 6, 2022
Hillgrove currently works at WTOV Channel 9 behind and in front of the camera.

Alum Jack Hillgrove follows the path of his grandfather in journalism

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
December 13, 2021

1-Up podcast discusses failures in video game launches

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
December 6, 2021
Things Take Time, Take Time is the third album from Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett

Courtney Barnett explores softer sounds on new album

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
November 23, 2021
The Baldwin varsity ice hockey team plays in the 3A division.

Ice hockey team adjusts to AAA, moves forward

Ethan Spozarski, Jacob Staley, and Sam Tobiczyk
November 18, 2021
Travis Scotts second-annual Astroworld Festival was held on November 5, resulting in at least 9 deaths.

Opinion: Travis Scott, Live Nation should have done more to avert concert tragedy

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
November 12, 2021

Cross Country

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
October 20, 2021
The football team fell short against Seneca Valley at the homecoming game.

Football team falls in homecoming game

Brooke Scanlon, Sam Tobiczyk, and Tumi Ojo
October 19, 2021
The football team receives a pep talk from coaches, during the game.

[Photo] Slideshow: Football team falls to Seneca Valley

October 18, 2021
With 95 percent of NBA players vaccinated, some stars who are against the Covid-19 vaccine continue to cause controversy.

Opinion: Refusing the vaccine may prove costly for NBA players, teams

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
October 5, 2021
Senior golfer Dom Trimbur has qualified for finals in WPIALS.

Trimbur earns a spot in WPIAL golf finals

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
September 28, 2021
The Purple Platter sign appears in the South Cafe of the high school.

National food shortages reach district lunch lines

Leila Usanovic and Sam Tobiczyk
September 27, 2021

1-Up podcast discusses repetitive video game series

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
September 24, 2021
Senior golfer Dom Trimbur has qualified for finals in WPIALS.

Trimbur qualifies for golf WPIAL semifinals

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
September 23, 2021
The best way to describe Lorde’s new album, Solar Power, is one word: underwhelming.

Lorde offers a few gems but more filler on new album

Sam Tobiczyk, Multimedia Editor
September 21, 2021
Senior Ethan Spozarski, known for his excitement and enthusiasm all around the school, is the new Highlander mascot.

Spozarski steps out of comfort zone to fill mascot shoes

Taslima Chapagai and Sam Tobiczyk
September 17, 2021
NBA released its awards finalist, recognizing the stars on the field.

NBA award winners, finalists recognize the league’s best

Sam Tobiczyk, Staff Writer
June 3, 2021

1-Up podcast looks at how the pandemic helped video game industry

Sam Tobiczyk, Elias Olexa, and Sajan Dangal
May 27, 2021
Many students who were remote learners all year say they look forward to being in school next year.

Many remote students look forward to being in school next year

Elias Olexa and Sam Tobiczyk
May 26, 2021
Radioheads Ok Computer continues to be just as good twenty-four years later.

Essential Listening: Radiohead changed the direction of rock music with OK Computer

Sam Tobiczyk, Staff Writer
May 21, 2021

1-Up gaming podcast discusses the unusual rebound of the game Cyberpunk

Elias Olexa, Sam Tobiczyk, and Sajan Dangal
May 4, 2021
The action is the main drawing point of the film, pitting two of cinemas most famous monsters, Godzilla and King Kong, against each other. The movie also includes the well known foe of Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, a mechanical version of the titan.

Monster fights are best part of Godzilla vs. Kong

Sam Tobiczyk, Staff Writer
April 16, 2021
Middle school history teacher Anthony Barbano presents a budgeting lesson as part of the football team’s Level Up program.

From budgeting to car repair, new program helps football players gain life skills

Elias Olexa and Sam Tobiczyk
April 15, 2021
The NBA currently has 30 cities, but is looking to expand.

Busy NBA trade deadline shows teams moving in two directions

Sam Tobiczyk, Staff Writer
March 29, 2021
Many of the songs on King of Leons new album sound similar and dont need to be listened to again.

Kings of Leon’s new album fails to impress

Sam Tobiczyk, Staff Writer
March 25, 2021
Zack Snyders cut focuses on incorporating more background information on characters and includes previously deleted scenes.

Justice League director’s cut is an improved, but still flawed, film

Sam Tobiczyk, Staff Writer
March 22, 2021

1-Up podcast looks at new developments in gaming

Sam Tobiczyk, Sajan Dangal, and Elias Olexa
March 5, 2021
Marvels Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the sequel to the original game, Marvels Spider-Man.

Spider-Man sequel makes for a compelling video game

Sam Tobiczyk, Staff Writer
January 29, 2021

The 1-Up podcast looks at the failure of the video game Cyberpunk 2077

Elias Olexa, Sajan Dangal, and Sam Tobiczyk
December 23, 2020

Podcast: Which of the new video game consoles is better?

Sam Tobiczyk, Elias Olexa, and Sajan Dangal
December 3, 2020
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