Issue 1 | Friday, September 29, 2023
EDITION #93
"The Box" Returns...
Welcome New Staff!
ESTABLISHED 1930
Visit page 7 to meet the new school staff members!
PET ECHOES
Meet the Teams
Go to page 14 to read the revamped and redesigned Box!
Check out page 13 to view all the fall sports pictures!
THE PETTISVILLE JOURNALISM STAFF PRESENTS
As the 2023-2024 school year is well underway, students may have noticed that a new year has brought an exciting array of new classes and clubs to Pettisville. Some such classes belong to the Ag department. This year, Pettisville brought on two new Ag teachers, Mrs. Short and Ms. Drake. With the doubling of teachers, Pettisville was able to increase the number of Ag courses by four, now offering Greenhouse Management, Science and Technology of Food, Animal and Plant Biotechnology and Intro to Technology. An introduction to Ag has also been added for seventh grade students, as well as an intro to Spanish with Sra. Richer. But the additions don’t stop there! Mr. Delphia is inspiring student photographers with a photography course, and Ms. Litogot is helping students master their cooking skills with Culinary Fundamentals. “I enjoy the eating part of the [culinary fundamentals] experience, and I like hanging out with everyone else who is cooking,” says student chef Ella Myers. Students also have the exciting opportunity to keep up with recent happenings in Mr. Switzer’s Current Events class. Along with these new courses, Mr. Delphia’s Art Club and Mr. Waidelich's Chess Club have started meeting regularly after having been instituted halfway through the 22-23 school year. “I started Chess Club because I had noticed a lot of students playing chess and wanted to give them an opportunity to learn about it and talk about it together,” commented Mr. Waidelich, Chess Club coach. “I knew the rules of chess and hadn't played in a long time but I have invested some time into reading and learning about it and hopefully I am able to help more kids learn about the game and enjoy it.” Be sure to check out these new classes and clubs!
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Robbing the Rich by Emily VanDenBerghe
September 29, 2023
Not long after the beginning of the school year the fall play was announced, auditions held, and practices began. The exciting adventure of Robin Hood features a brave outlaw who steals from the rich in order to give to the poor and falls in love with the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Maid Marian. The main character, Robin Hood, is being played by Zach Morris, and Caroline Davis is playing the female lead, Maid Marian. Backed by many fun, mysterious, or dangerous characters, the show is full of laughs, suspense, and excitement. The 2023 fall play of Robin Hood is being directed by Mr. Beck, Mrs. Dixon, and Mr. Christian Beck and will be performed on October 27 and 28 at 7:30 PM and October 29 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are being sold at $5 for students and $6 for adults.
Local News
Hyping Up 2023-24 by Creighton Aeschliman
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The teachers took the red carpet on August 18 as they were introduced to the 7-12 graders of Pettisville for the second annual teacher walk-ins! The theater was wildly energetic, and the show did not disappoint. MC Wagner was providing the flame all day long with his creative bios and music. You like jazz? Mr. Kester played a saxophone solo that was so exceptional even Mr. Poulson wouldn't have shut his door to block out the music. Tensions were high when Mr. Horning and Mr. Switzer dropped gloves, but Anderson did not go down and they bro hugged it out. Mr. Bishop brought that west side energy, kicking it back to the 90s. “Mr. Bishop was my favorite walk-in because it was very unexpected. I loved that he got really hype,” junior CJ Ridley stated. Mrs. Horning’s entrance left scientists all around the globe with all sorts of questions, as many reports are coming out to say that the applause was so loud it broke the sound barrier. Mrs. Meller lit up the night sky with glow sticks, and Mr. Mendoza amazed the crowd with his slick moves. The winner of it all was Deputy Schlosser. Enjoying his freshly made donut from our wonderful cafeteria staff and a steamy cup o’ joe, Deputy Schlosser came in grooming his ‘stache and fighting crime all while winning the vote of favorite walk-in. The teacher walk-ins were a hit once again, and thank you to all the staff members that made it possible.
New Year, New Classes by Caroline Sterken
On the last Monday in August, many of the seniors gathered at the soccer field to have breakfast and enjoy each other’s company as the sun rose. The idea initially spawned from conversations between the senior girls on the volleyball team over this past summer. Amanda Grimm, Senior Class President, was responsible for planning the date with help from Vice President Ashlynn Lugbill, who made the signs for the event. Additionally, Mrs. Horning and Mrs. Hastings helped with the food aspect of the morning, which included egg casserole, fruit, and more. Amanda expressed that the plan was to do Senior Sunrises at the beginning and at the end of the school year as a bonding experience. Mrs. Horning explained that “...it went really well. The turnout was good and the seniors were very appreciative of us being there. It was a beautiful sunrise.” Mrs. Horning also talked about how an occurrence like Senior Sunrise is good, as senior year is the last chapter of this stage in the seniors’ lives, giving them an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the year to come. Johnny Fenton was one of the seniors present on the morning of senior sunrise, which he saw as an opportunity to catch up with people that have grown distant. “I was talking to people I don’t usually talk to because I don’t have classes with them or just don’t socialize with them much anymore,” Johnny expressed. Amanda, Johnny, and Mrs. Horning each expressed their pleasure in how the morning went. “I think it was nice for everyone to get up early and be together, because our days as a class get shorter every day….” Johnny explained. As this is the first year in recent memory of this occurring at Pettisville, it will be interesting to see if it is an event that will continue in the future. “I hope the tradition does continue!” Amanda projected, “I think it’s a great memory for seniors and will bring them together.”
Sunrise on Senior Year by Trenton Moyer
Hallway Gossip by Emily VanDenBerghe & Macy Hoylman
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Teacher Pinterest Board Can you guess which teacher's Pinterest board these photos would show up on? Check page 15 for the correct answer!
Insects
When the leaves change colors and Jonah starts serving pumpkin lattes at Biggby, that means only one thing in Pettisville: Pumpkin Fest! Friday, October 6 will be the 30th annual Pumpkin Fest brought together by the Pettisville FFA Friends and Alumni. Activities that take place at Pumpkin Fest include carnival games, dodgeball, basketball, auctions, pumpkin carving, decorating, and overall family fun. “I am excited to see and meet the members of the community,” first year ag teacher Ms. Drake said. “I’m also very excited to try the pumpkin ice cream because I’ve been told how amazing it is.” At the Pumpkin Fest, be on the lookout for pumpkins decorated as a witch, gumball, tiger, wolf, bunny, Patrick Mahomes, a tractor, and a JBA themed ball, all ideas that the fourth graders were pumped to make. Dodgeball is another main event at the Pumpkin Fest. “I still need to do some scouting for the team,”Mr. Wagner stated. “The strategy will remain the same, and that is to dominate.” This year's Pumpkin Fest is sure to be an exciting one, and we hope to see you out there!
Animals
Principal Interviews by Kendall Sears
-Emery Boulton, 5th
-Rowen Nussbaum, 2nd
-Ellory Miller, 4th
-Zendaya Wallace, K
-Sadie Ryan, 6th
With the school year starting back up, we asked both principals for their thoughts and plans. Mr. Wagner: What are you most looking forward to this school year? “Obviously winning the Pumpkin Fest dodgeball is first on the list. I'm also looking towards building relationships with students whom I’ve seen before in the hallways, seeing new students, and making new connections, as well as interacting with our new staff.” What new additions to Pettisville are you excited about? “I’m excited about all the new staff, because with new staff comes new perspectives and ideas. We also have many new courses. I’m excited to see what we will do with the new Macs and Mr. Kester’s music production class, as well as Mr. Delphia’s photography class.” Are you planning anything special students can look forward to? “I’m very excited to bring back Student Appreciation Week, and this year students will be able to have more say in the planning of the week!” Mr. Waldvogel: What's your favorite way to interact with students? “It's always nice to find common ground to show them I’m not scary. I’m just a normal person that goes to Walmart, just like them. I’m here to help them, not punish them.” Are you bringing any new things to the elementary this year? “I’m happy to say we have an excited staff of teachers. We will be bringing back the fun Friday activities. We are also incorporating a new curriculum this year as well as some digital assessments. We are hoping this will make our teachers' lives much easier.” Are you planning anything fun for students to look forward to? “We are in the process of expanding our STEAM night as that was a big hit last year. We are also planning on incorporating parents and the community into the school. We are hoping this will give them a better idea of what the school day looks like for kids because we are such a unique school.”
-Will Costigan, 3rd
-Luka Loar, 1st
Prepare for Pumpkins by Creighton Aeschliman
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This or That? INSECTS or ANIMALS?
Name: Ashlynn Lugbill Birth Date: August 15, 2005 Guardians/Parents: Jeff and Karen Lugbill Siblings: Elaina Lugbill Extracurriculars/Clubs: NHS, FCCLA, Noteworthy, Student Government, Volleyball, Softball, Worship Team at church Post HS Plans: To attend BGSU and major in pre-physical therapy. Outside of School Passion: Worship team at church and hanging with friends and family. Type of Person You Want To be: Hardworking, caring, passionate Any Regrets During School?: Not joining quiz team Favorite Obsession: Zach Bryan What do you want people at Pettisville to remember about you?: How hilarious I am and loving others. Hot Take: Taylor Swift is overrated. Favorite Show from Childhood: Blue’s Clues Advice that you would’ve given your JH self: Chill out. I was way too anxious about school and friends. Throwback Song: “Milkshake” - Kelis
Name: Chloe Clutter Birth Date: July 3, 2006 Guardians/Parents: Valerie and Jason Clutter Siblings: Aiden and Spencer Extracurriculars/Clubs: NHS and FCA Post HS Plans: I plan on going to Maumee Valley Dental Assisting School. Outside Of School Passion: Playing the piano, singing, listening to politics, shopping, going out for coffee, and taking walks. Type of Person You Want To be: A person full of utmost joy. Any Regrets During School?: None Favorite Obsession: Mexican street tacos with cilantro, onion, lime, and queso fresco. What do you want people at Pettisville to remember about you?: My calm spirit. Hot Take: Chipotle is not that good. Favorite show from Childhood: Dora the Explorer Advice that you would’ve given your JH self: Be easier on yourself. Throwback Song: “Introducing Me” from Camp Rock 2
Senior Profiles
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Name: Trenton Moyer Birth Date: September 16, 2005 Guardians/Parents: Jessica Moyer and Ben Moyer People Like Siblings: Keegan Wyse, Chase Wilkie, and Josiah Burks (friends) Post HS Plans: Gap year, enjoying the lack of homework, then college to study writing/directing. Outside Of School Passion: Watching/discussing movies with friends/family, animation. Type of Person You Want To be: Someone people don’t feel scared to be their true self around. Any Regrets During School?: Not embracing some fun events that weren’t previously planned. Favorite Obsession: DVD collecting, references in films, and various animation techniques What do you want people at Pettisville to remember about you?: I was friendly and eccentric! Hot Take: “Animation is cinema.” - Guillermo del Toro Favorite Show From Childhood: Oswald, Jack’s Big Music Show, or Max & Ruby Advice that you would’ve given your JH self: Don’t be super nervous and be confident! Throwback Song: “Stressed Out” - Twenty One Pilots
Name: Lily Wiemken Birth Date: July 25, 2005 Guardians/Parents:Tony and AnnaLisa Siblings: Courtney, Brittney, Issac, and Haley Extracurriculars/Clubs: Golf, Basketball, Track, FFA (President), NHS, 4-H Post HS Plans: Attend Owens to be a Radiology Tech or Northwest for Agribusiness. Outside Of School Passion: Spending time with family, being outside and in the barn, Jesus Type of Person You Want To be: Be kind, be nice, and there is good within the bad. Any Regrets During School?: Becoming friends with everyone sooner, not getting more involved in FFA sooner, and being more kind to others. Favorite Obsession: Loki, Rascal Flatts, Luke Combs, Marvel, and FFA What do you want people at Pettisville to remember about you?: I’m loud and I’m kind. Hot Take: Sushi is overrated. Favorite Show From Childhood: Good Luck Charlie! Advice that you would’ve given your JH self: Be kind, it’s not your fault, start learning about Jesus sooner. Throwback Song: “Free Birds” or “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
Mrs. Dixon - ELA/Journalism What is your favorite part of your job? The “aha” moment What is your favorite thing about yourself? I always appreciate when past me looks out for future me. In other words, I plan ahead and it’s very helpful. What is your hot take? The Oxford comma is overrated.
Mrs. Aeschilman - Kindergarten Teacher What is your favorite part of your job? I love the growth that my students show throughout the year. They change, learn, and grow exponentially during their kindergarten year. I also like how their interests and questions can help drive our learning. What is your favorite thing about yourself? I *typically have a calm personality (*When I am not watching my children play sports). What is your hot take? I really do not like potlucks!
Mrs. Hastings - Intervention Specialist What is your favorite part of your job? My students What is your favorite thing about yourself? I think I have a really good sense of humor. I like to laugh. What is your hot take? Board games and card games are more fun than video games.
Ms. Drake - Ag Teacher What is your favorite part of your job? Making connections to students. What is your favorite thing about yourself? I’m very understanding and welcoming to talk to. What is your hot take? Dunkin’ is better than Biggby.
Mrs. Carper - Paraprofessional What is your favorite part of your job? I love getting to know the kids, learning and working along side of them. What is your favorite thing about yourself? I am a scuba-diving, cancer-surviving, enjoying-the-little-things, talk-to-animals, self-proclaimed dork. What is your hot take? Pineapples, tomatoes, and mushrooms belong on pizza - all at the same time.
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Meet the New 2023-2024 Faculty & Staff
Mr. Mendoza - Intervention Specialist What is your favorite part of your job? I like being able to speak into the lives of students. The opportunity to serve people and families. And it’s fun. What is your favorite thing about yourself? I’m okay not being like everybody else. I enjoy being a little quirky. I’m okay going against the flow. What is your hot take? I don’t trust people who don’t drink coffee.
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Mrs. Lovins - Cafe Staff What is your favorite part of your job? Cooking for the kids, cooking, and seeing the kids What is your favorite thing about yourself? I like to please people. What is your hot take? I like every vegetable.
Mr. Meyer - HS Social Studies Teacher What is your favorite part of your job? Working with the students What is your favorite thing about yourself? My personality, I’m a very laid back person. I just kinda go with the flow. What is your hot take? Social Studies may not be the most important, but it is the most fun and interesting subject.
Mr. McClellan - Psychologist What is your favorite part of your job? Working with students and getting to observe classrooms (but my job is mostly typing) What is your favorite thing about yourself? My smile and sense of humor What is your hot take? Breakfast foods are overrated (as in lunch/dinner are clearly the better meals).
Mrs. Planson - ELA Teacher What is your favorite part of your job? Seeing kids grow What is your favorite thing about yourself? I love how much I love to read. What is your hot take? Harry Potter is the best book series in the world.
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Deputy Schlosser - School Resource Officer What is your favorite part of your job? Absolutely the kids, the interaction with the students. What is your favorite thing about yourself? My loyalty, it doesn’t matter where I’m at or what I’m doing. You got to give 110%, no matter who you're with or where you're at. What is your hot take? You’ve got to know that nobody is everybody’s cup of tea. There is gonna be people that love you or hate you and you’ve got to roll with the hugs or the punches, whatever comes your way.
Mrs. Short - Ag teacher What is your favorite part of your job? The people: the students, the staff, the community What is your favorite thing about yourself? The older I get, the more confident I am in who I am and the less I care of others’ opinions of me. What is your hot take? Chick-Fil-A is better than Cane's
Ms. Stickley - Bus Driver What is your favorite part of your job? Getting to hear the kids’ stories. I get to hear about birthdays, sports, the fair, etc. What is your favorite thing about yourself? Probably my heart. I try to put in a lil extra to help out with sports and field trips, whenever I can. What is your hot take? That Michigan football will have a better season than Ohio State football.
Mrs. Reiniche - Cafe Staff What is your favorite part of your job? Serving the children What is your favorite thing about yourself? Compassionate What is your hot take? Gossip, if somebody’s gossiping about me, I’d rather them just come up and tell me.
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Paige Powell, Volleyball, 9th What's the most important thing about being on a team? "To cheer everyone on." What's been your favortie game to play this season? "My favorite game was Archbold." What's the best advice a coach has given you this year? "To push yourself and give it all you have." Is there a skill you'd still like to improve on? "My serving is something I want to improve." Do you have a favorite team activity? "The games we play during practice."
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Athlete's Corner
Haiden Beck- JH Soccer, 8th What game are you most looking forward to playing? "A game I am excited about playing is versus Maumee Valley Country Day." What motivates you to play soccer? "Bonding as a team and learning new skills." What's been a moment you were able to bond with your teammates? "When we were conditioning and we would run laps together." How has this season made you a better soccer player? "This team has made me a better soccer player by talking with each other and teaching people how to do new skills."
Dawson Knierm - JH Golf, 7th What's your favorite team activity? "My favorite team activity is when we have tee times and I go play golf with my friends." What moment were you proudest of your team? "I was proud of my team when we broke the junior high record for the lowest round score of 167." What's been your favorite match this season? "My favorite golf match was our first one because I shot a 43, which is a very good round for me." What's the most important thing about working as a team? "The most important part of working on a team is to be bonded so that you are okay listening to your teammates and making them and yourself better and overall becoming a better golf team."
CJ Ridley, Golf, 11th Why do you enjoy playing golf? "The reasons I like being part of the team are learning how to play golf competitively, becoming better friends with my teammates, and growing in the sport pushing myself to do better." What's your favorite team activity? "My favorite team activity is when we go play together on the Ironwood golf course." Who's your golf hero? "My favorite sports hero who plays golf is John Daly." What's the best way to prepare for a match? "Say a prayer over the event."
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Athlete's Corner- An athlete's perspective on teamwork
Sam Haley, XC, 12th Have you had a moment when you really bonded with your teammates? "Just the easy runs in the morning, all the guys running at sunrise with the good conversations." What motivates you to run? "Breaking sprint records and making state in track." Why do you enjoy being on the XC team? "It's fun being on a team now. Everything I ran in track was mostly just me. I like working together in this sport and pushing each other because it is much different than individual sprints." What's a moment you've been proud of another teammate? "Kyle for all the work he has put in. He's come a long way from last year and I am impressed by the amount of effort he puts in and the skill level that he has this year. Not a particular moment, I just respect his drive."
Nathan Davis, Soccer, 10th What is the most important part of being on a team? "Being united and working together." Is there a certain game you're excited for or really enjoyed playing? "Evergreen, because they are good and we usually compete really well against them." Has there been a moment when you and a teammate really bonded this season? "When Joe and I started playing in the same center back position we bonded right away and were able to work really well together." Do you have any favorite team activities? "Our huddles before the game always have really good energy."
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"Hey Dudes aren't cute shoes."
Ava Hockenberry, 9th
Jenna Norman, 12th
"Tupac is a good artist."
Bailey Booth, 8th
Isabella Chavez, 10th
Caitlyn Helberg, 7th
"Checkers is better than chess."
"Fortnite isn't a good game."
Pettisville at the Fair by Creighton Aeschliman
"You shouldn't be required to take a science course."
Jeeps are ugly and so are Crocs.
Shaun Fish, 11th
Hit us with your hot take!
From September 1-7, the Fulton County Fair was in full swing. Pettisville students across all ages came out to enjoy everything the fair had to offer. The Fulton County Fair started in 1858, and in 2022, there was a total attendance of 315,622 people over the week. You could find Pettisville students working at the Music Boosters stand, enjoying fair food, hanging out with friends, showing off their animals, belting out their favorite Josh Turner lyrics, demolishing cars, and much, much more. “At the fair, I placed second overall in showmanship, first in heavyweight weight class and overall grand champion with my goat,” said Nathan Davis. When asked what propelled him to victory, Nathan said, “The fair food helped me win.” Seventh grader Maggie Ripke’s favorite part of the fair was, “Riding rides with friends because we can do whatever we want and have fun.” Many Pettisville students were volunteering in several booths at the fair, while Class of ‘23 graduate Brendon Morgan was taking in the full fair experience. On Saturday, September 2, you could find him at the Freak Out from 11am to 11pm, riding it a whopping total of 80 times. After riding the Freak Out that many times, you wouldn't want to go to Fire-in-the-Hole pizza, which was sophomore Sebastian May’s go-to food at the fair. “Fire-in-the-Hole pizza was my favorite place to eat because they had very good chicken bacon ranch pizza.” The Fulton County fair was a blast for many students, and thank you to all who helped make it possible
Friends, Subscribe!
Teacher Pinterest Board Answer If you guessed Mrs. Richer, ¡éxito! To learn more about our amazing Spanish teacher head on down to room 202 and she would gladly share how to conjugate a verb in any tense.
Follow us on Instagram @pettisville_journalism
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email us journalism@pettisvilleschools.org
Have you subscribed to the 2023-24 Pet Echoes yet? All Pettisville students in grades 7-12 will receive a copy emailed to them. Anyone else that would like to subscribe should either click this link or fill out the form on page 20 to be added to the mailing list.
2022-2023 Yearbooks have been distributed! If you forgot to order one, we still have a few copies available for $60. Email us or contact Mrs. Dixon if you're interested.
Man on Top by Macy Hoylman
Subscribe!
Have you subscribed to the 2022-23 Pet Echoes yet? All Pettisville students in grades 7-12 will receive a copy emailed to them. Anyone else that would like to subscribe should either click this link or fill out the form on page 20 to be added to the mailing list.
On Monday, September 18, a prisoner swap took place between Iran and the United States. Five Americans were released from house arrest in Tehran, where they had previously been in Evin Prison. In return, the United States government released five Iranian prisoners and unfroze six billion dollars in oil funds that have been held in South Korea. The freed American prisoners include Siamak Namazi, an Iranian American who was held for almost eight years in Tehran; Morad Tahbaz, an Iranian American currently with citizenship in the United Kingdom; and Emad Shargi, who has dual citizenship with the US and Iran. The other two individuals’ identities have not been publicly shared at the request of their families. The five Americans were placed on a plane and flown to Qatar, a coastal country on the Persian Gulf and directly across from Iran, where they were greeted by US officials. As the American prisoners were flown out of Iran, the US released the five Iranian citizens, some of whom were charged but not convicted of crimes. Some in Congress find the swap controversial because of the unfreezing of the oil funds, though under the agreement the money is only to be used for humanitarian goods.
More than 300,000 people across Morocco have been affected by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on September 9. A colony of red fire ants, the world’s most invasive species, has been discovered in Europe for the first time. LEGO creates braille bricks to help make learning braille more fun and accessible for everyone. Apollo lunar lander causes tremors on the moon. MGM hotels are temporarily closed because the company refuses to pay ransom on a cyber attack that shut down their booking system. A spotless giraffe was recently born in Tennessee-it may be the only one in the world. Construction workers in China are arrested for cutting a shortcut through the Great Wall. The Loch Ness Center sends researchers to conduct the largest search for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 years.
World News
Opinion: Iranian Prison Swap by Emily VanDenBerghe
On Sunday, September 10, Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev, claiming the championship of the US Open, as well as his 24th major championship, tying Margaret Court for the record in Grand Slam titles, and beating Serena Williams by 1. Djokovic, the tournament’s oldest male champion at age 36, has claimed titles in one third of his Slam appearances and reached the finals in half of his appearances. “I never imagined that I would be here standing with you talking about 24 Slams. I never thought that would be the reality,” Djokovic stated after the game. At the conclusion of the match, he celebrated with family, friends, and actor Matthew McConaughey. The victory and record aren’t the only things that make this appearance special. Throughout the tournament, Djokovic wore a shirt that read “Mamba Forever” as tribute to his friend, late NBA star Kobe Bryant. The front of the shirt featured a picture of Djokovic and Bryant, and on the back was Kobe’s number 24. "Kobe was a close friend. We chatted a lot about the winner's mentality when I was struggling with injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game," Djokovic said. "He was one of the people that I relied on the most." Djokovic also showed immense sportsmanship in the final match, climbing over the net to offer a hand to opponent Medvedev, who was laying on the court after losing his footing. He attempted to keep the match lighthearted, and stated, "I really did my best to keep things quite simple and stick to the routines that brought me to where I am and treat this match really as any other match where I just need to win."
News Links by Caroline Sterken
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What is believed to be a baby beaver was spotted in the Palo Alto area, south of San Francisco, possibly making it the first result of breeding beavers in the area in 160 years. The footage was caught on local trail cameras in the Bay Area, which are monitored by the Urban Wildlife Research Project. Bill Leikam, Co-founder and President of the organization, believes that the baby beaver is the offspring of a pair of adult beavers spotted in September of last year. Leikam believes that it is possible that all of these beavers are connected to the group of beavers that were reintroduced by CA Fish and Wildlife in Los Gatos Creek. The presence of the beavers allegedly doesn't negatively affect most of the surrounding organisms, with their dams preventing the surrounding areas of droughts, while still being low enough for certain species of fish to hop over. Due to the positive effects that the beavers bring and these new beavers will possibly bring to surrounding areas and their organisms, beavers have been referred to as a keystone species.
Scammer's Stealing Gets Settled
The Good News Nook - by Trenton
A 78 year old man named Alex Shaw was swindled out of his savings that he had spent his entire working career collecting by online scammers. Alex and his son Victor had gone to their local ANZ, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, where they were initially informed of the account drainage. A while prior to their discovery, Alex was unknowingly having an online conversation with the scammers. Through notes that were taken by Alex and later uncovered by Victor, Alex had kept a play-by-play of the incident.The scammers asked Alex to send them the serial numbers from some Apple Store gift cards that they wanted him to buy. The serial numbers allegedly traveled to a phone number in Thailand, to which Alex, by complying, was supposed to receive offers of grant money. The notes Alex took of the incident mentioned the program “AnyDesk” which is utilized by scammers to access devices from afar. Despite the small chance of any of his father’s money being reimbursed, Victor submitted a complaint to their bank. Surprisingly, since the bank held partial accountability for the incident, the bank figured that they could’ve done more to help protect the account, they were able to fully reimburse Alex with his money. Victor has since set up a power of attorney over the account, due his father’s age and his recently diagnosed dementia.
Belli-eaver it or not!
2023-2024 Yearbooks are available for purchase! Click here to order online or use the order form!
In early September, a devastating earthquake struck a large section of Morocco, a country on the northern edge of Africa. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8, the strongest in over one hundred years. The worst of the shocks was in the High Atlas mountains, which run through the center of the country, affecting the secluded, rural villages located there. Neighboring countries, like Great Britain and Spain, have been sending over help in the forms of medicine, equipment and rescue teams. The death toll is over 2,000, while injuries are reported at at least 1,400. Due to the fact that many of the affected villages are difficult to reach, the death tolls from the earthquake may continue to rise. To learn more, click here.
Earlier in the Month: Earthquake in Africa by Emily VanDenBerghe
Timeline
On the coast of Libya, the port city of Derna has experienced massive flooding after two dams on the Wadi Derna River burst. Twenty-three foot high waves rushed through the city towards the ocean, carrying away thousands of people. Eight thousand people have been reported dead already, with about ten thousand still missing. Many buildings have been completely swept away, and some are skeletons of what they used to be. Libya has been a country at war with itself for over a decade, leaving it weak and unable to respond to catastrophes. Reportedly, the officials knew of the danger that the dams posed to Derna, though projects to repair the dams have been pushed off for more than ten years. For more information, click here.
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End of the Month: Take the Money and Run by Macy Hoylman
Did You Know? by Grace Hastings
Middle of Month: Typhoon Aftermath by Emily VanDenBerghe
Competitive art was once an Olympic sport. 3 Musketeers candy bars used to come in three flavors. You can see four states from Chicago’s Willis Tower. Walt Disney has won the most Academy Awards. A blue whale’s heartbeat can be heard over 2 miles away. The letter “J” was the last added to the English alphabet. An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain. A blue whale’s tongue can weigh as much as a young elephant. Crocodiles can’t stick out their tongues. Japan has one vending machine for every 40 people.
Stealing in the name of art? Perhaps this thought was running through the head of Jens Haaning, a Danish artist, who was lent nearly $76,000 to update a piece of artwork, but instead took the money and ran. After almost two years, a Copenhagen court has decided he must return the money. The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg previously held two pieces of work that featured bank notes, depicting the average annual salaries of an Austrian and a Dane. The museum lent Haaning the money to recreate these artworks, but instead the artist sent them two empty frames, which he titled “Take the Money and Run,” claiming that his pieces better fit the exhibit’s themes, and that it was a commentary on low wages. “I saw, from my artistic point of view, that I could create a much better piece for them than what they could imagine.” He added: “I don’t see that I have stolen money… I have created an art piece, which is maybe 10 or 100 times better than what we had planned. What is the problem?” Haanings isn’t the only one creating this controversial art; Maurizio Cattelan taped a banana to a wall and Banksy shredded a painting at auction. This isn’t a new movement either, as in 1958, conceptual artist Yves Klein exhibited an empty room to thousands of people. Regardless of this art genre, the court has ruled that Haanings must return the money he was lent, deeming his work insufficient. To learn more, click here.