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Secret Past? Go to page 7 to read about the mystical lore behind Mr. Meyer.
continued on page 2...
This year's state archery tournament was held on March 8 and 9. There were many Pettisville students who competed in the tournament over spring break: Nolan Bieber (5), Evelyn Bieber (8), Khail Beiber (8) Lillian Borer (8), Hannah Moden (6), Caite Wixom (9), Natalie Moden (9), Emma Stuckey (10), and Brock Stump (11). The tournament was held at Kasich Hall - Ohio Expo Center, in Columbus, Ohio. “I am excited to compete on the big stage and have the chance to compete at the Eastern Nationals Tournament in Kentucky,” said Brock Stump. “This year I looked to improve on my shooting form, release, focus, and my breathing. Next year I plan to improve on my arrow grouping on the target.” “My favorite part about it was seeing how many people were there and how big the place was,” Emma Stuckey said. “I loved the experience and I will practice in my yard [to improve for next year].” “[I would improve by] practice with my team and on my own outside of practice. My favorite part about it was the challenge and the feeling like I needed to do better,” Natalie Moden added. The archery team drove down as individuals to compete with schools from all around the state. The event was a National Archery in the Schools Program tournament for all teams, and nearly 2,000 athletes participated at the annual archery meet. Pettisville students didn't make it down to the national meet, but they tried their very best at the state tournament.
When You Believe Check out a preview outlining the Prince of Egypt on page 2!
Spring Break Travels
Edition #94 | Issue 7 | March 2025
This spring break, Pettisville Spanish club students had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica. They left on Saturday, March 8, and returned Monday, March 17. Spanish club has been taking students to Spanish-speaking countries for four decades, and Costa Rica was added to the list in 2018. Juniors and seniors are eligible to go, as long as they have at least one semester in Spanish II. Spanish club travels every other year, on opposite years as the music trip. Six juniors decided to go on the trip with Sra. Richer, the Spanish teacher, this year. The students were Natalia Alencastro, Grace Hastings, Macy Hoylman, Naomi Richer, Leah Roth, and Becca Strauss. Costa Rica is a rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean sea and Pacific Ocean. The travelers went all over Costa Rica and visited many different biomes and landscapes within the country. They hiked a volcano, swam in a river below a waterfall, relaxed in thermal springs, visited some farms, and went to a beach. They also did many activities while they were outdoors, including zip lining, swimming, and seeing some tropical animals. The travelers also got to kayak on Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica. “My favorite part of the trip was the night hike through the rainforest where we found a tarantula and a python in the trees,” said junior Naomi Richer. Apart from seeing the beautiful landscapes the country had to offer, the travelers also got to experience Costa Rican culture. The six juniors learned about traditional dances and clothing native to Costa Rica. The students learned about the different cultures and life while they were there. “Hopefully the students learned intercultural tolerance and exchange while piquing their interest in travel,” Sra. Richer stated. These six juniors certainly had an eventful spring break abroad in Costa Rica.
Pettisville High School's
by Keren Maldonado
by Kyle Galvin
Owala Takeover See page 5 to take a guess at who owns which Owala!
Bullseye
Taking aim, junior Brock Stump and freshman Caite Wixom prepare to shoot.
PET ECHOES
Pettisville's production of The Prince of Egypt will open on Thursday, April 3 and run through Sunday, April 6. Check out the video for a sneak peek into the show!
Pet Echoes Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Presenting the Prince by Caroline Sterken
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Spring Break... ...continued from page 1...
On March 21, the FFA held its annual banquet at Pettisville Missionary Church. Awards were handed out, and food was served. Award recipients included: Ali Genter, Star Discover award; Bailey Booth, Star Greenhand award; Kaleb Wyse, Star Chapter Degree; Ava Genter, Outstanding Junior; Noelle Fox, Outstanding Senior; Olivia Miller, Ron Rupp Leadership Award. Next year’s officer team was also announced. Positions will be filled by: Ava Genter, President; Olivia Beck, Vice President; Natalia Alencastro, Secretary; Genevieve Galvin, Treasurer; Sophie Wilkie, Reporter; Kaleb Wyse, Sentinel; Courtney Wiemken, Student Advisor; Katie Moore, Chaplain; Bailey Booth, Historian. The banquet's food portion included pork chops, mashed potatoes, beef and noodles, and ham. "We decided on catering food and renting an ice cream machine,” junior Natalia Alencastro said. "For drinks, we had water and milk, and for dessert, we had pie and ice cream." This banquet was extra special because it was the 75th time that the banquet was hosted. “We made a slideshow full of pictures through the 75 years of the Pettisville FFA Banquet,” Alencastro stated. FFA members met several times to practice the script and learn their responsibilities to ensure that the banquet went smoothly.
Awarding FFA by Sam Hastings
WARNING: IN OBSERVATION OF SLOOF LIRPA, ALL CONTENT PAST THIS POINT IS ENTIRELY FICTIONAL. ANY REFERENCE TO ANY PERSION, EVENT, OR LOCATION IS PURELY COINCIDENTAL.
Sloof Lirpa April 1, 2025
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Unity Update by Macy Hoylman
Pettisville’s next undertaking, The Unity Project, has undergone significant changes since the last School Board meeting, and the new plans are rather different from the originals. While the plans for the Unity Project were well-received by some, others found fault with many of the project’s features. Most community members were on board with safety improvements in the library, but opinions differed on outdoor athletic facilities and the Blackbird Center. “I just don’t see the point in constructing restrooms,” said sophomore Casin Nofziger. “I play soccer, and in all the time I’ve spent on the field, I’ve never once needed a restroom. I just don’t think it’s relevant, because it’s not really an issue we deal with anymore.” Supporters of the Unity Project believe constructing outdoor facilities would also provide a more safe shelter area in the case of inclement weather. However, as tornadoes and hurricanes aren’t common in Ohio, this isn’t necessary. The plans for the Unity Project have now removed the blueprints for buildings at outdoor athletic areas. Instead, spectators are encouraged to bring an umbrella if the forecast calls for rain, and a lightning rod if thunderstorms are suspected. Recently released plans for the Blackbird Center have also shown significant changes. Community members didn’t believe they would benefit enough from the Center, and started protesting for more involvement. Large groups of protestors filled the parking lot on March 1, resulting in the cancellation of school. Instead, the entire Blackbird Center will be repurposed. It will feature six full-size pickleball courts, where it will host 24/7 pickleball access. The majority of the courts will be used by members of the Fulton County Senior Center. It will only be open to players under the age of 65 on Sunday afternoons. “I’m excited that there’s an opportunity for pickleball, but it’s disappointing that the grandparents are taking it over,” said junior Luke Horning. “I want to be able to play more than once a week.” The Blackbird Center will also host a variety of community events, including a knot-tying class, a grilling competition, and a rodeo. Admission will be charged for each of these events, with prices ranging from $0.68 to $499. All proceeds will go back to the Unity Project to fund future additions and events.
Name that Owala by Kendall Sears
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Can you name the person from their Owala? Click each waterbottle to reveal its owner!
With the wind in his hair and the wave propelling him on, sophomore Tyler Wilburn competes in the finals of Wednesday's meet at BGSU.
On March 19, the Pettisville School Board made an executive decision that changed the tides for the used-to-be Blackbirds. The Pettisville mascot is being overthrown by the beloved Australian classic critter: the wombat. “We wanted to begin to integrate unusual and less-heard-of animals into our community, you know, represent the little guys,” Principal Adam Wagner explained. “Everyone is tired of overused mascots like the “Panthers” or the “Eagles,” so we wanted to honor one of the most underappreciated populations on our planet: the wombat.” Swapping black and gold for wombat colors brown and green, the soon-to-be Pettisville Wailing Wombats will enter the playing field on April 1, proudly representing the diverse and enchanting flatlands of Northwest Ohio. “Honestly, our conference had too many birds and cats anyways,” junior Ava Genter commented. “Marsupials are definitely the next route to take.” Leading this wisdom of wombats is the sure-to-be fan-favorite mascot, Wallie. With his fuzzy ears and razor-sharp claws, Wallie will be at every school event to support and cheer on the team. “I’m actually really scared of wombats,” Pettisville fifth grader Maya Spangler admitted. “But hopefully Wallie will help me get over my wombat PTSD and move on with my life.” Adorned in green and brown, Wallie can be found at The Burrow, Pettisville’s new sports stadium, gallivanting among the raucous crowds. Make sure to show Wombat support and give a Pettisville wail when you see him!
Senior surfer Abbi Opdycke cruises toward the crest of a rolling wave.
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Back To School Creighton Aeschliman
This April concludes the inaugural season of Pettisville’s hottest new sport: surfing. More than 40 Pettisville students have hit the waves of the Pettisville pond this year, among them freshman Samuel Hartman. “I always knew I wanted to be a surfer, and now my dream has come true. Our team recently went up against the Stryker Surfers, and we emerged victorious!” Hartman said. The team will have their final match on April 5 at the Archold reservoir. Come on out and support the Pettisville Surf Club!
Quotes in Context Halfway through an Honors English 11 class period on March 7, 2025, Creighton Aeschliman exclaimed, “Mrs. Dixon! It’s like I’m spinning a wheel!” While exclaiming this, Creighton was trying to scroll down on the Clevertouch. He was at the board not because he was presenting, but because he hijacked class to explain to everyone who John Urshel was. At the end of a 6:30 am Friday practice, Coach Richer, while returning Grace Hastings’ and Naomi Richer’s gloves, stated, “Even your mitts look like cousins.” Carson Fenicle, while chatting with the Current Events class said, “You just need to put frogs...and one cornstalk on your island.” This quote was in reference to Mr. and Mrs. Hastings’ greatest fears: frogs and the lonely corn stalks that don’t get harvested. “Lil nibble is my street name!” Kobe Hoylman exclaimed, after a joke was made about him being vegetarian. The joke was somewhere along the lines of calling Kobe a carrot nibbler.
Hail to the Wail by Ella Myers
Meyer's Demise by Kobe Hoylman
Make sure to bring your swimsuits to school next year because Pettisville is putting in a new pool. Next school year is the Pettisville Yacht Club's ten year anniversary, and to celebrate they’ll be putting in a new pool for one full decade of great sportsmanship. Kyle Galvin is the new president of the Pettisville Yacht club and has been coordinating with Mr. Wagner about putting in a new pool since October 37th. “I think putting in a pool for the Yacht club would be very beneficial to expand the academics for our students,” says Mr. Wagner. “Not only will it be good for the Yacht club, it will also be good for our students on warm days. The pool could be used for many other things as well, like science experiments, field day, lazy study halls, and a place for me to relax during spring break.” “We’ve been trying to get a pool put in for years now, and getting one put in for the club's ten year reunion would be perfect. We’ll be able to bring the yachts into the school and throw parties on them, and we’ll also be able to clean our yachts during study halls and the occasional math class,” club president Kyle Galvin said. This would be an amazing addition not only to better the Pettisvile Yacht club but also for our students to be able to relax after a long day of school or during a study hall.
Putting in a Pool by Kyle Galvin
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The year was 1929. The Great Depression had Americans scared and wondering what they were going to do. There were so many questions, yet no one had any answers. America needed a savior, and there was none in sight. Legend has it that there was one man who stepped up to save the day. One man who was willing to be the hero and suffer whatever came along with it. The man's name… Mr. Meyer. Many people falsely believe that the Second World War was the cause for the ending of the Great Depression. Luckily for all of those people, it is not too late to learn the truth. Mr. Meyer, who at the time was looking to run for the Oval Office in the coming years, was a businessman working in Washington DC. He had turned his life to politics and was excited at the prospect of running for President, but when the Great Depression started, his plans changed. Seeing the world in trouble, Mr. Meyer decided something needed to happen. He returned to his office where he displayed all of the ancient artifacts he had collected over the years. As he scanned the shelves, he found exactly what he was looking for: a golden lamp. Mr. Meyer quickly grabbed the lamp and gave it a good rubbing. As one would expect a magical Genie came out of the lamp and spoke to Mr. Meyer. “You dare awaken me,” the Genie said. “I have been asleep for two hundred years and wished to stay that way for two hundred more." “I need some assistance,” Mr. Meyer said, “the world needs your help.” “Ah, you speak of the Great Depression. I am willing to help with this, but for me to fix everything it will take so much work it will have to be your only wish. There will also be some consequences that you will have to endure.” “I am completely willing to do anything,” said Mr. Meyer. “Very well. I will fix the world. But you will be forever immortal and will never be able to run for office. Also, you will become a JH and High School history teacher who can teach all about politics but never run.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down.” “Too late,” said the Genie, “it has already been done. To this day, Mr. Meyer is still a history teacher and has never run for office. The only way to prove if this story is true or not will be to watch Mr. Meyer over the next decade to see whether he ages or never changes again.
BREAKING NEWS ATTENTION STUDENTS: Though we have yet to receive official word, our sources have notified us of several rumors. The following statements have not been verified, and may or may not contain true facts. Jack plays AAU. Toni has a lake house. CJ Ridley prefers the old version of Super Mario Bros. 3 and the old controllers. Creighton is fundamental. The Class of 2025 is ready to graduate.
Deviating from the traditional trip to Costa Rica, the Spanish club decided to go to Djibouti this year. Djibouti is located by Ethiopia and is right by the Red Sea. The Spanish club flew out of Detroit Metro Airport on Sunday and landed at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport early Monday morning. The Spanish club did many different things, including a safari, visiting Lake Assal, Day Forest National Park, the Refuge Decan Zoo, and going on a dolphin-finding excursion. While on the safari, they saw warthogs, gazelles, and many different types of birds. “When the safari guide let us get a closer look at a sunbird, a camel came up to the jeep and stole some fruit off the back seat,” Leah Roth (11) said. “It spat at the guide and then ran away.” The Spanish club also went to the Refuge Decan Zoo where they saw porcupines, cheetahs, and donkeys. When the Spanish club went to Lake Assal, they swam and walked up to see the dormant volcanoes that surround the lake. “The volcanos were beautiful,” said junior Grace Hastings. “They were so tall that they had snow on their peaks and they completed the picture with the lake perfectly.”
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And the First Pick is...
To Djibouti by Sam Hastings
NBA star Robert Opdycke (8) turns to the crowd as Lebron slams one into the bucket.
Juniors Leah Roth and Katie Moore pose for the album cover released by Pettisville's new mariachi band.
Facing off with a kangaroo, junior Macy Hoylman prepares for a punch.
Kindergarten students time travel to the Jurassic period as part of their Dino Day activities.
Issac Wise, Ben Booth, and Ryan Bishop (10) raise a house in Industrial Arts class.
Blackbird Snapshots
After commandeering Mr. Wagner's rolling desk, junior Creighton Aeschliman makes plans to dominate the school.
With a final time of 7.9 seconds, Mrs. Wagenhauser hangs on for dear life to Randy the Bull.
Senior Caden Bishop steps in to break up a vicious fight in the new karate dojo, located in the school's basement.
Name: Steve Hastings Date of Birth: November 7 Parents: Duane and Kris Hastings Siblings: Steph and Bret Extracurricular activities: Baseball, Football, Basketball, School Play (Music Man as "extra on the train") Plans after high school: Attend Ohio Wesleyan University (major undecided) and play baseball What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Carry equipment and ask questions. The first shows you’re willing to work. The second shows you’re willing to learn. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? I never could get out of homework assignments, so we just sit together and do our assignments 10 minutes before the school day. Probably why I didn't have a great GPA in high school. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Blonde Hair Dying (We all thought we were the Backstreet Boys) and Kenny Chesney shell necklace What was your biggest childhood fear? "Murdock" the evil guy from the TV show MacGyver. The original not the new junky one. He always found a way to survive any deadly situation. What song are you secretly obsessed with? "What's My Age Again" by Blink 182
Name: Andrew Peter Switzer Date of Birth: November 14, 1990 Parents: Stephen and Laura Switzer Siblings: Matthew Switzer Extracurricular activities: Soccer, Student Council, Spanish Club, Pettisville Missionary Church Youth Group, HOBY Plans after high school: Attend Siena Heights University and major in Education What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? It goes fast. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? My dad could fire you. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Hollister cologne What was your biggest childhood fear? That a tornado was actually a giant tomato that would squash me and I would die. What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Holiday” by Green Day
Name: Rachel Waidelich Date of Birth: August 22, 1976 Parents: Leon and Wynemia Waidelich Siblings: Rhonda, Denis, and Beth Extracurricular activities: Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Softball (1 yr), Student Council President Plans after high school: attend International Business College in Fort Wayne - Major in Travel and Hospitality Management What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Have fun and do your best. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? jelly shoes What was your biggest childhood fear? I hate bridges. What song are you secretly obsessed with? “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips
Name: Julia Wyse Date of Birth: September 14 Parents: Ned and Debbi Siblings: Lowell and Layne Extracurricular activities: band, volleyball, softball, student council, NHS president, Spanish club, church youth group Plans after high school: Live in Chicago as a nanny for a summer, then attend Hesston College in Kansas. I don't know what I want to study, but I hope to travel to many countries and meet lots of people. What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Make a plan, get involved, look ahead at the future and set goals, visit lots of colleges, but then still have fun in the present. Get out of Camden and try new things. There is so much out in the world to experience. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? If I didn't do homework, I just got really scared about my grade and didn't make any excuses, I just turned it in unfinished. What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? It's embarrassing that I had a perm and bangs and GIGANTIC glasses in junior high and those weird wings with tons of hairspray in 9th grade. What was your biggest childhood fear? My biggest fear as a child was getting kidnapped. What song are you secretly obsessed with? I'm obsessed with the Beatles' "Yesterday" and Smashing Pumpkins "1979"
Name: Jim Hoops Date of Birth: 6/18/1962 Parents: Bill & Marge Hoops Siblings: Suzie, Peggy, Janet Extracurricular activities: Basketball, FFA Officer Plans after high school: farming What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Wish in one hand, and spit it the other. See which hand gets filled first. What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? Never needed one:) We had time to do homework during class, and I always made sure I was finished! What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? Wearing leisure suits and earth shoes. What was your biggest childhood fear? The Dark What song are you secretly obsessed with? "Patches" - Clarence Carter
Name: Kendra Stahl Date of Birth: April 4 Parents: Tim & Barb Stahl Siblings: Sondra and Nate Extracurricular activities: volleyball, basketball, softball, CC, track Plans after high school: Huntington College majoring in health and physical education What advice do you have for the incoming freshman? Respect the upperclassmen What is the most creative excuse you’ve ever used to get out of a homework assignment? Not creative, but "I forgot." What trend or fad are you most embarrassed about being a part of? The bowl haircut What was your biggest childhood fear? Getting lost What song are you secretly obsessed with? Savage Garden- "I knew I Loved You"
March got off to a rough start in Pettisville as PETA was called in due to complaints about the Ag department. The FFA’s annual Baby Animal week descended into chaos as various animals escaped their enclosures. “The goal this year was to expand the number and variety of animals for the elementary students,” said Mrs. Short. “Some details were overlooked, but we never thought this would happen.” In previous years, the exhibit has been the standard farm animals: cows, horses, lambs, pigs, rabbits, chicks, and fish. This year's additions were monkeys, giraffes, and snakes. The problems for the day started in the egg incubator. Half the eggs were normal chicken eggs and hatched with no problem. However, halfway through the day, an FFA member checked on the incubator and noticed several baby turtles hatching. “We got the eggs from a different vendor this year and will not be engaging in business again with them,” Gavin Sifuentes stated. Taking care of this eggs-treme situation took several people, and the animals took advantage of not being supervised to escape. The giraffe was able to step out of its cage but didn’t get far due to the low ceilings of the school. The monkey made it to the gym and was last seen swinging from the rafters. Next was the snake, whose location is also unknown, but authorities believe it made its way into the dust collection system which hasn’t been working recently. The farm animals also escaped but were all found. The pig was raiding the vending machine in the cafeteria. The lambs were captured drying their wool at the hand dryers, and the cows and horses were left alone to finish mowing/eating the lawn. The more exotic animals are still at large. The capture of these animals is greatly appreciated and will be rewarded. Contact Mrs. Short or Mrs. Leatherman with information.
Animal Disaster by Caden Bishop
Fishin' in the Store by Jack Leppelmeier
Lil’ Gents Night took a twist when parents rented out Bass Pro Shop and let the K-6 boys loose. Fueled by fudge, the boys started off strong with an intense game of hide and seek with the parents seeking after them. Hiding in the outhouse of the shooting range, Hudson Knierim won, lasting 57 minutes before being found. Some of the others were found hiding in the camo section or stashing themselves away in the boats, and others were caught wandering the store. Taking some fishing rods, some fifth graders got curious and went fishing in the tank of the store. Daniel Hastings caught a largemouth bass, while Benson Zimmerman caught the state record bluegill. While the fifth grade was rippin’ lips, the sixth graders were getting rowdy on the wheels. Ames and Alec Genter started up the mini four wheelers and raced through the aisles. Asher Adkins and Noah Nogosek were hot on the twins' tails, knocking down clothing racks on the way. Getting a little hungry, the pair of Caleb Fox and Jude Boyers raided the beef jerky stock, sharing with fellow students. Benaiah Kaufmann and Ty Aeschliman took a swim with the fishes, diving into the fish tank with pride. Parents were enjoying themselves with various flavors of fudge and popcorn while overseeing the chaos of Lil’ Gents Night. All the various activities took the energy out of the boys as they set up camp in the tent section and dozed off until sunup the next day.
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TO OUR 2024-2025 PET ECHOES SPONSORS
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Pet Echoes April 1, 2025