Good News
Did a firefighter save a kitten? Does your mother send you videos of your dog Max barking at a squirrel? We all have things that make us happy, read here to find yours!
Is College the Only Path to Success?
By Peyton Schlegel, April 3, 2025
The reality for many high school students consists of competitive grades, choosing a career path, and picking the right college for them. For some, this stress is too much. I know this all too well. Some individuals like Joey choose an alternate path in life. Joey Morris, 21, chose to not further his education through college. When prompted on his feelings for high school, he claimed that he was never “into it.” He goes on to say that he found it difficult to find the motivation to complete work, or study for tests, a reality for so many students today.
Most people go to college out of fear for their future. They can’t think of a good career that doesn’t involve a degree. Joey, however, has found the way around this. Right out of school, he took a job within the company, UGI. UGI is a gas company where Joey works in customer service. Despite the full time schedule and good benefits, this isn’t what he plans to pursue as his career. In January of 2024, Joey started his journey with the National Guard Branch of the Army. At this time he is juggling both careers. He plans to soon move onto
“bigger and better things” as he describes. The police force is his dream job. He claims that it has been since he was a child. Though this will require the completion of the police academy, it will be very different from a college program in aspects such as length and course content. He will keep his place in the National Guard while being a police officer, deploying when needed.
Joey confirmed in the conclusion of the interview that he stands by his decision of not going to college. “It’s just not for everyone, definitely not me”, he says. As for the moment, Joey is very excited for his future. He wants current high schoolers to try their best, but not to worry.
“Try your best and everything will come together.”
Freshman Advice
By Adalee Grason, March 24, 2025
Starting high school as a freshman can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time of new experiences, new people, and new challenges. For many, it’s the beginning of a journey that will shape the next four years. To help ease the transition, here are some helpful tips and advice to make your freshman year a success. Whether it’s navigating high school classes, making new friends, or finding ways to balance schoolwork and extracurriculars, these insights will help you feel more confident and prepared for the year ahead.
One of the best pieces of advice for freshmen is to “get involved with everything,” as Erin Oki, a senior at our school, suggests. High school is full of opportunities, from clubs and sports to volunteering and school events. Getting involved helps you meet new people, discover new interests, and create a sense of belonging. Whether it’s joining the drama club, trying out for a sports team, or attending school dances, participating in extracurricular activities allows you to make the most of your high school experience while building lasting friendships and memories. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—getting involved can open doors you never expected!
Another important piece of advice comes from freshman Chase Hotch, who says, “Do all your work.” It may sound simple, but staying on top of your assignments is key to succeeding in high school. Managing your homework and projects early on will prevent stress later in the year and help you keep your grades up. It’s easy to get distracted with all the new activities and social opportunities, but remembering to stay organized and complete your work on time will set a solid foundation for your high school career. Keeping a planner or using digital tools to track deadlines can make a big difference in staying on top of things.
In conclusion, starting high school can feel like a big transition, but with the right mindset and advice, it can also be a rewarding experience. Remember to get involved in activities, as Erin Oki suggests, and stay on top of your assignments, like Chase Hotch recommends. By balancing your social life and academics, you’ll not only succeed but also enjoy the journey. High school is about growth, exploration, and making memories—so embrace the challenges, make the most of every opportunity, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Stewart Takes Over Boone: Part 1
By Jarrod Sherman, March 12, 2025
Step aside Daniel Boone, we now have a new face for the school, his name is Stewart. King Stewart to be exact.
Everyone (or at least mostly everyone) is familiar with Stewart. He comes around every Thursday and stays by Mr. Eckenrode, but what we didn’t know is that he had some big plans for this school. His first idea was to get rid of students being Class President or whatever, and make him “the King of Boone.”
So much for supporting students who go to Therapy Thursdays, right? He has a second command as well, every student must give him at least one pet and know he exists. Since, well, he is a dog he can’t truly speak our language himself, so he’s going to be using Mr. Eckenrode as his translator. He is very resourceful, if I do say so myself, but I’m speaking on behalf of King Stewart. He’s also just written out these rules he wishes to put into place, albeit the handwriting was very sloppy since he had the pencil in his mouth, but here they are nonetheless!
- Squirrel ban, effective immediately
- Everyone must pet King Stewart
- Go to Mr. Eckenrode for problem, but pet King Stewart
- Pet King Stewart
- Pet King Stewart
I really do think he could’ve written rules 2, 4, and 5 once but that’s him getting his point across I guess. Stewart wishes everyone the best, but he also wants your attention when needed, so please, go pet Stewart!
Pet Food Drive
By Evelyn Wright, March 20, 2025
Are you interested in animals? The sophomore class is running a fundraiser. It is a pet food drive for animals in need. It lasts about a week, the last day being next week on Friday 3/28. You have to bring the food into your first period class on day A. There is a box to hold the supplies in each classroom.
Many animals now are in need of care and food. It is important to include yourself in helping these animals. This is a great opportunity to learn about animals and help out in the community. It’s a good experience for students wanting to indulge in school activities more, and just a good gesture in general. This fundraiser can help students become educated on what animals need. Every donation to the cause is very appreciated and makes a big difference, no matter what you bring in.
The class that brings the most items in will win a donut breakfast for their hard work and efforts in helping animals stay safe and healthy. Whether you bring food, litter, or a toy, everything counts.
The sophomore class has put in so much work to create and promote the pet supply drive. If you don’t donate, at least encourage other students to help donate or promote the drive. All support will help the fundraiser. All of the efforts made are going straight to the animal rescue league. The animal rescue league is in need of supplies for these animals. They work very hard to provide more for animals and any one of you could be a great help to the animals and the league.
Should Christmas Trees Be Up Before or After Thanksgiving?
By, Paige Link, December 13, 2024
A controversial question that is often brought up every year is whether the traditional Christmas tree should be placed up before or after Thanksgiving. Lots can argue that decorating before Thanksgiving brings more of a holiday feel, while others believe it “takes away” Thanksgiving. On the bright side of having the christmas tree up prior to Thanksgiving is that it brings holiday spirit which tends to boost moods. Having both Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations up together can be portrayed as more enjoyable or more convenient to people. People also try to avoid putting up their tree to avoid holiday burnout, while others may feel as if they’re skipping a holiday and there is no point in hosting Thanksgiving. I’m all, whether your tree is up and decorated in early November or patiently waiting for Black Friday. The true spirit of the holidays lies in cherishing time with loved ones and creating traditions that bring you joy!
The Songs of WW1 – Mankind’s Happiness During Horror
By, Sage Bailey, November 20, 2024
The War To End All Wars, the First World War. Over 10 Million Soldiers never came back home. Millions more were wounded for the rest of their lives, not just physically, but mentally as well…Read the rest here to find out how Sage turn this dark start into an uplifting story!
Would You Run to Save Someone’s Life?
By Sierra Horton, October 28, 2024
If the answer is yes, you should consider joining Relay for Life! It involves an exhilarating annual pledge walk that raises money for the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS is an association devoted to finding a cure for cancer, and giving those who have cancer the support they need. So, really, you need to join! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of raising money for a cure for cancer? Plus participating would look excellent on college applications. Deeper and more important than that is the impact you can have by raising money through walking laps. In my correspondence with Mrs. Young she expressed that, “Everyone knows someone affected by cancer…We need to fight cancer on every front possible.” Her thoughts couldn’t be more right. Fight cancer on this front! Be a part of the solution! Take action! Contact Mrs.Young (barb.young@dboone.org) for the specifics on how to get involved in Relay For Life today!
Could We See The Northern Lights From Our Backyard?
By Veronica Trice, October 21, 2024
Mesmerized by the remarkable lights in the night sky, the Northern lights are a popular tourist destination. Numbers of travelers wish to see the northern lights with their own eyes. However, were we able to see them without traveling?

The northern lights also known as the aurora borealis happen around equinoxes. Polar regions like Alaska, Canada, Finland, Iceland, Russia, and Sweden are usually the places where Northern Lights are most visible. The auroral oval is the name of the light ring the Northern Lights make. The oval doesn’t stay in the same place, it constantly shifts. The lights are created when energized particles from the sun slam into the earth’s atmosphere. The earth’s magnetic field deflect those particles to help create the colorful lights in the night sky.

On the night of October 10, 2024 colorful lights were visible in the clear night sky in areas of Pennsylvania. However, how were we able to see the aurora borealis if Pennsylvania isn’t a polar region? A geomagnetic storm made the aurora borealis or northern lights visible to areas like Pennsylvania. Strong surges of solar wind called a coronal mass ejection was emitted from the sun. The disturbance in the earth’s magnetic field causes these lights to be visible. The lights in Pennsylvania were visible with the naked eye, but not all of the auroras are strong. Taking a photograph brings out the colors in the sky and makes for a good photo.
Waldek, Stefanie, and Daisy Dobrijevic. “Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): What They Are and How to See Them.” Space.com, 23 July 2024, www.space.com/15139-northern-lights-auroras-earth-facts-sdcmp.html#section-where-and-when-to-see-the-northern-lights.
Discover the World. “Northern Lights | When and Where to See the Aurora Borealis.” Discover the World, 18 June 2024, www.discover-the-world.com/northern-lights.
Five year old boy gets liver transplant from his preschool teacher
By Emily Cherkasky, October 14, 2024
Carissa Fisher, a preschool teacher from New York, volunteered to save a life. One of her former students, Ezra Toczek, needed life saving liver surgery.
After being tested and matched, Fisher gave part of her liver to Ezra through a critical surgery this past summer.
Both are recovering, Fisher at home and Ezra at a Ronald McDonald house, which is funded by charity for children undergoing medical treatments.
Fisher feels grateful that she was able to help a former student. She states, “I guess it gives me a sense of accomplishment.” Because of the successful organ donation, the two hope to celebrate together soon.
Teachers prove time and time again that they truly care about their students. This one even goes above and beyond to donate a vital organ to a student. Very few would give up something so important to someone they’ve only known for one school year but a teacher would.
(Information from https://www.wfmz.com/news/good-news/boy-gets-liver-transplant-from-former-preschool-teacher/article_25c22106-7be3-11ef-9c2a-672ceae284ae.html)