Onondaga Central
With winter sports recently started, limited contests and other sports postponed, the Tiger Prowl is celebrating past achievements in OCS winter sports.
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Attention Seniors: If you are committed to a college and would like that achievement highlighted in the Tiger Prowl, please fill out the google form on the Class of 2021 google classroom. Stay tuned for more Seniors next edition!
This winter Student Council has been busy actively planning Spirit Week, which is from Monday, February 8 to Friday, February 12. Even though we cannot have some of the events that we typically have, Student Council is still planning new activities.
Activities: · There will be a Kahoot or Trivia competition, based on OCS fun facts for both Cohort A and Cohort B with a student division and teacher division that all can participate in. The prizes are to be determined. Practice up your OCS trivia! · Another new and exciting contest we started between the classes is a Free-Throw Contest. Whenever students have an open period Monday-Friday, they can to the gym and try out how many baskets they can score within one minute. Whichever class has the most baskets at the end of the week is the Champion. · Student Council is also exploring options for a surprise video or appearance. Pep Rally: · Student Council is planning a virtual pep rally where students can watch the video of the recorded pep rally in class. · Each class will be competing against each other. Every class grades 7-12 will have sent down students in advance to participate in the contests which include pie eating, sack racing, Knockout with basketball to name a few. · Student Council will be keeping the score to determine the winners of the Pep Rally. · Before the pep rally students can submit a prediction on which class will win. · The pep rally will run as close to usual as possible; with the alma mater and national anthem performed. · To add a new feature we will also flashback to past OCS athletic achievements. · Since there was no fall pep rally we will also celebrate fall athletes during spirit week. Senior Event: As you know, in December the high school closed and the Christmas Senior event that Student Council planned was unfortunately postponed. The Senior event is back to celebrate Valentine's Day, Monday, February 8, from 12:30-2:30. There will also be Valentine's Candy, snacks, food, or refreshments available. The activities include: · Movies in different classrooms- Seniors can vote on which movies · Valentine's Day Craft & Cards · Open Gym · Snow Shoes · Poetry Gallery · Photo Booth Hopefully, as COVID vaccinations progress in the spring, Student Council will look to reschedule the events missed from Spirit Week and others from throughout the year such as dodgeball tournaments or the hypnotist etc. *To join Student Council contact Advisor Mrs. Ferris or Student Council President Dylan Price Did you know only 50% of adults make New Year’s Resolutions? Even more surprising, only 8% of those who make them actually keep them the entire year. However, 94% of people say they usually keep their resolution for at least a month. The top resolutions people choose are: loosing weight, eating healthier, saving money, learning a new skill or hobby, quitting smoking, spending more time with friends and family, and getting organized. On average, 80% of resolutions have failed by the second week of February. The main reasons resolutions fail are because they are worded too negatively and are not specific enough. So for those of you looking to better yourself in 2021, keep the goals limited, simple and positive. Studies show it takes approximately 66 days for a habit to become automatic. This means by mid–March sustaining your resolution or lifestyle change should become easier than in the beginning. Here, some of Onondaga's staff and students shared their New Year’s Resolution on how they are going follow the “New year, new you” sang:
Mrs. Richer’s New Year’s Resolution for 2021 is to walk 10,000 steps a day and “dedicate myself to walking outside for at least a mile each day.” She chose this resolution because fresh air and exercise helps “me clear my head and gives me a better perspective.” When asked how it is going, Mrs. Richer said it has been going “great!” She has continued achieving her goal since New Year’s Eve. In the past, Mrs. Richer has not been able to keep her goals because they were “too loft and not specific enough.” She is confident she can keep her resolution for the entire year because she has created a system that works good for here. As for her 2021 prediction, Mrs. Richer said “hope… is all I’m counting on.” She is most looking forward to getting her vaccine and school getting back to normal once again. Mr. Hyland’s goal is to eat an apple a day because he wants to be healthier. As for how he has done keeping it, he said, “so far so good!” In the past, he has not been able to keep his resolutions. Mr. Hyland thinks he can keep his resolution until the end of the year. Mr. Hyland predicts the end of the pandemic and is looking forward to “less stress from the government!” Jarett Senn has made his resolution to be more active because quarantine has become less active. He has been able to keep his resolution so far this year. He is confident he can keep this resolution because Jarett only needs to do one activity a day which could range from a walk to a full workout. As we move further into 2021, Jarett is looking sports. He is predicting this year “will be similar to 2020 but better.” Mrs. Casey’s New Year’s resolution is to keep a gratitude journal to “remind myself each day for what I am grateful for.” She has been able to keep her goal and writes in it everyday. Some years she has been able to keep her resolutions, but like many, not always. Mrs. Casey believes she can keep it the entire year because “I enjoy doing it.” Mrs. Casey predicts that COVID will subside this year a and life will return to normal. She is looking forward to summer vacation. Dylan Price’s New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight because it is a “practical resolution” he has been able to maintain his resolutions in the past, therefore having the confidence he can maintain it this year. Dylan predicts that “This year Americans will realize the unintended negative consequences of a year long lockdown.” He is most looking forward to going to college this coming fall! Madison Jachim ‘s New Years Resolution is to workout at least four times a week along with consuming healthier foods. She chose this goal because “I haven’t had many opportunities to stay active, I needed to take it into my own hands. I had tried in previous years but was unsuccessful.” However, this year is going well for Madison. She is unsure whether she will keep her resolution but is hoping to in 2021. Madison predicts this year will be “a time of healing and further adapting,” adding that she is looking forward to ”hopefully a new year of possibilities and opportunities.” Caitlin Dankiw‘s resolution is to “stop depending on others and their opinions for validation” She chose this for her “mental health” and for her “self growth”. Caitlin has done well keeping to her goal and “reminding myself it’s all right when I start to mess up.” She believes she can keep this resolution because Caitlin will “lean on” her “close friends” to remind her and help her keep her goals. As for her 2021 predictions, she feels it “could either go really well or really bad depending on many things,” adding, “however it goes: united we stand, divided we fall.” Caitlin is most looking forward to summer vacation.” Mrs. Matthews goal for this year is to “be in the moment” along with being “more mindful” about her decisions because she “discovered that it's too easy to let things like social media take up valuable time and energy. I want to be more present for the people in my life, and for myself. Life is too short not to make the most of it!” As of now, she has been able to cut back on screen time. Mrs. Matthews continued on to say that she has been “trying new recipes, and redecorating some rooms in my house!” When asked if she has kept her resolutions in the past she responded “I'll plead the 5th on that one! ;)” She is confident she can stick to her resolution because it “feels realistic and attainable to me, especially since I plan to do it by making small changes, one at a time. Mrs. Matthew predicts that 2021 will be “as good as we make it!” She is looking forward to her daughter’s wedding this coming April, as well as “spending time with my grandchildren, and going camping with my husband this summer.” Mac Schmidt’s New Year’s Resolution is “to be happier” and have a “more positive outlook on life.” She chose this goal because “life has been very negative for the year past.” Mac has kept he resolution by doing activities that make her happy. She usually can keep her resolutions for the whole year so this makes her “hopeful about this one.” One thing Mac can say with certainty is that in 2021 she is looking forward to putting COVID in the past.” Dorothy French resolution for 2021 is to “be happy” and be “myself” because “2020 was filled with hate and the pandemic it would just be a good refresher”. She hopes she can keep this resolution although she did not keep her resolution in 2020. So far is has being going “okay” for Dorothy. She is excited for school and sports this year and predicts 2021 will be “a year filled of healing for all .”
Seniors: If you have not yet signed up for the OCS Alumni database, use the link below. When you submit your email, please do not use your OCS school email.
https://ocseducationfoundation.com/alumni/alumni-database/ To support the Onondaga Central Schools Education Foundation you can participate in the Tile-By-Tile Program. Donations go to scholarships for Seniors. Tiles can be purchased to honor or remember a son, daughter, parent, relative, fellow OCS student, teacher, administrator, staff, volunteer, or community member. They also can recognize a school club, team or organization. If interested go to the link below. https://ocseducationfoundation.com/fundraisers/tile-by-tile-program/ Valentine’s Day Candy Grams: To purchase Candy Grams for Valentine’s Day to support Key Club and I.I.P. go to Mrs. James room or contact Dylan Price at [email protected]. Candy Grams can be delivered ! Class of 2023: · Look out for our Dutch Hill Maple Syrup Fundraiser at the end of February and beginning of March. Order delicious and locally produced maple products and support the class of 2023! · Students: Check out the Class of 2023 Google Classroom for meeting updates for a Prom Committee meeting this February What are you doing during winter break? Skiing, snowshoeing, travelling, or just staying home? After asking some people from OCS, I gathered people who are excited for the break whether they have awesome plans or if they are just planning on staying home.
Mrs. Reid plans on going to Lake Placid with some family. She is going to Whiteface Mountain to snowboard, going ice-skating at the Olympic arena, and she might go dog sled riding. She said, “While in Lake Placid, we always make sure to walk around town and visit the shops. We also always have to go to our favorite restaurant The Hungry Trout.” Sounds like a blast! Mrs. James hopes to watch her daughters, one at Clarkson University and the other at West Genesee High School, play basketball over the break. She says she would much prefer a beach and sunshine. Mrs. Biondo was planning on going to Mexico, but she cancelled those plans due to safety precautions. She might work on painting some of the interior of her house, and hangout with her nephew and his parents. Mrs. Passetti says she will be following all the social distancing and travelling guidelines; therefore, she will be staying local. Since she enjoys cooking, she will be trying new recipes from Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family by Priya Krishna. She also plans to go on some hikes at Baltimore Woods or Highland Forest and take some reference photos. She will be working on some of her personal art projects with hopes to get a submission together for the annual Central Adirondack Art Show. Furthermore, many of the students say they are planning on going skiing or sledding and potentially hanging out with friends. However, Hannah Lamacchia is visiting family in Florida! She also plans on going to Disney World while she is down in Florida. Evelynn Loan plans on going for walks with her dogs, and learning new crafts. Madison Jachim is going to the Adirondacks and might go on some hikes. She will also be “celebrating” her birthday. Happy early birthday Madison! Jackie Geis will most likely ski a lot and hang out with friends. She might go to her camp in Old Forge with her family and snowmobile. She says she wants to “...just enjoy my time off from online school!” All in all, it seems this break will be fun for many. Even if you don’t plan on doing anything over the break, you might want to try out some new things. You never know, it might turn out to be your favorite hobby or even a secret talent you never knew about. But most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and stay safe! Writing for the Onondaga alumni newspaper, Joyful Echoes, I had the opportunity to interview Don "Mort" Luchsinger, a graduate of the Class of 1966 for the “Alumni Spotlight.” By interviewing alumni and researching the past, I was able to learn about one controversial "loss" due to an error and who former Onondaga sports rivals were.
The controversial so-called "loss" is the 66-66 "loss" to Skaneateles basketball in February 1965. At the end of the game, the scoreboard showed Skaneateles winning 66-65. Per usual protocol, the referees went to the score table at the end of the game and the score in both team's scorebooks showed a 66-66 tie. The score in the book is known as the box score, which is a structured summary of the results from a sports competition, including a detailed record of points scored. As a result, Coach Fletcher, the Onondaga basketball coach at the time, ordered his team to stand by and to be ready for over-time, but the Lakers proceeded to exit the court quickly. The referees declared Skaneateles the winners. Following the game, Coach Fletcher, upset for his team, filed an official complaint with the Onondaga County Southern League, but the referee's ruling stood; Skaneateles's win was reaffirmed. This account was confirmed by a newspaper clipping written in the Syracuse-Herald Journal on Saturday, February 13, 1965. This is an unusual circumstance, where there are two different scores, one on the books and another on the scoreboard. We will never know who truly would have won in overtime. Fortunately, for athletes today, we now have video. On a side note, Mr. Luchsinger also remembers sportswriters during the 1960s writing in greater detail and more frequently about high school ports and athletes, for all sports and size schools. The Syracuse-Herald Journal, which covered Syracuse area high sports in depth, and from which I used old clippings to research this story, closed in 2001. Another interesting fact about sports in the 1960s at OCS was the teams we played and who our rivals were. Onondaga was in the Southern League for sports and played West Genesee, West Hill, Marcellus, and Skaneateles, along with Tully and Lafayette, who we currently play. Other schools that we compete against in football or basketball, among other sports, such as Weedsport, Port Byron, and Cato-Meridian, were not yet in the picture. Additionally, many OCS teams are in the Patriot League today and the Southern League is not in existence. In my interview with Mr. Luchsinger, he described West Hill, which was a newly formed school at the time, as a rival. Now they are a bigger school and we no longer play them, even at the Sectional or State level. In football in the 1960s, Onondaga played Marcellus. Mr. Luchinsger remembers losing to them, as even back then they were a bigger school than OCS, but enjoyed playing under the lights at their field because they were the only school at the time in the area to have lights on their football field. Overtime sports at OCS, in Section III, New York, and across the country may have changed, but in many ways, there are still similarities. At the core, regardless of the time, sports were composed of athletes who loved the sport, wanted to win, and put in the hard work to make winning a reality. February 1, 1960: In Greensboro, North Carolina, four African American students sat down and ordered coffee at a lunch counter inside a store. They were refused service, but sat all day and did not leave. Such sit-ins repeated all over the South, resulting in the eventual arrest of over 1,600 people.
February 6, 1895: Legendary baseball player George Herman "Babe" Ruth was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Ruth held 60 Major League records. Those included pitching 29 consecutive scoreless innings and hitting 714 home runs. February 6, 1911: Ronald Reagan, the 40th U.S. President, was born in Tampico, Illinois. Reagan spent 30 years as an actor before becoming governor of California in 1966. In 1980, he was elected president and survived an assassination attempt. He became the most popular president since Franklin Roosevelt. February 8, 1910: Boy Scouts of America was founded by William Boyce in Washington, D.C., which was modeled after the British Boy Scouts. February 10, 1942: The first Medal of Honor during World War II was awarded to 2nd Lt. Alexander Nininger for heroism during the Battle of Bataan. February 11, 1929: Italian dictator Benito Mussolini granted political independence to Vatican City and recognized the sovereignty of the Pope over the 110-acre area. February 11, 1990: In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after serving 27 years of a life sentence on charges of attempting to overthrow the government, and elected president in 1994. February 11, 1847: Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio. Edison is credited for inventing electricity and acquired over 1,200 patents, including the incandescent bulb, phonograph, and movie camera. February 12, 1809: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President was born. He led the nation through the Civil War, freed the slaves, delivered the Gettysburg Address, and established Thanksgiving. February 15, 1898: In Havana, the U.S. Battleship Maine was blown up while at anchor and quickly sank with 260 crew members lost. The incident inflamed public opinion in the U.S., resulting in a declaration of war against Spain on April 25, 1898, amid cries of "Remember the Maine!" February 15, 1933: An assassination attempt on newly elected U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Miami, Florida occurred. A spectator deflected the gunman's aim resulting in the death of Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who was shot instead. February 15, 1820: Susan B. Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts. As a leader in women's rights, she worked tirelessly for women's suffrage and in 1872 was arrested after illegally voting in the presidential election. February 17, 1865: During the American Civil War, Fort Sumter in South Carolina was returned to the Union after nearly a year and a half under Confederate control. The fort had been the scene of the first shots of the war. February 20, 1962: Astronaut John Glenn became the first American launched into orbit. Traveling aboard the "Friendship 7" spacecraft, Glenn reached an altitude of 162 miles (260 kilometers) and completed three orbits in a flight lasting just under five hours. February 22, 1732: George Washington was born in Virginia. He served as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and became the first U.S. President. February 23, 1942: The first attack on the U.S. mainland in WWII occurred as a Japanese submarine attacked an oil refinery near Santa Barbara, California, thankfully causing minor damage. Source: https://www.historyplace.com/specials/calendar/february.htm - 144 million greetings cards are exchanged every Valentines Day.
- 65% of Americans believe that Valentine's Day candies should be packaged in red and pink - The heart was once believed to be the center of human memory, where feelings of love where recorded. - It is no surprise bouquets of roses are the most popular on Valentine’s day since the buds represent strong romantic feelings or love. - Groundhog Day is on the 2nd of February because it is a “cross-quarter” day, meaning it is on the midpoint between one season and another. February 2nd is between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. - The original Groundhog’s day celebration in 1886 included eating Groundhog meat. In the late 17th century, giving flowers became a popular custom. In fact, the practice can be traced back to when King Charles II of Sweden learned the "language of flowers" which pairs different flowers with specific meanings. Every year, a furry, fat, groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil is raised up to be adored by millions. This little animal will decide whether winter will continue on for six more weeks or if it is over. While this tradition may seem absurd, the day is loved and celebrated by many, with the ceremony continuing today. But when and how did Groundhog’s day come about?
The first official Groundhog’s day was on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A man named Clymer Freas, a local newspaper editor was the mastermind behind this holiday. Once businessmen and groundhog hunters got onboard, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club was formed. The men involved went to a site known as Gobbler’s Knob to initiate the first ceremony when the groundhog would bear the bad news of six more weeks of winter when he saw his shadow. In present days, the yearly festivities include a band composed of members of the Groundhog’s Club Inner Circle. The dignitaries wear top hats and conduct the proceedings in Pennsylvania Dutch dialect. Tens of thousands of people come to the annual ritual, hosted in a town consisting of a population of a mere 6,000 people. Many of you may wonder how accurate the notorious groundhog is. Well, the answer is not very. Punxsutawney Phil has only been accurate 39% over the span of his legendary 134-year life. Phil has seen his shadow 104 times compared to the meager 19 times he has not seen it. Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks but belong to a large group of ground squirrels known as marmots. They can grow 25 inches long and can live for up to 10 years. So it is pretty miraculous that Punxsutawney Phil is so old. Also, Groundhogs spend the winter hibernating, which reduces their metabolic rate and body temperature, so by February, they can lose as much as half their body weight. When they are out and about during the rest of the year, the rodents eat plants, wild berries, and insects. Valentine’s Day comes and goes every year with or without a valentine. But did you know that the first valentine was sent from prison? Not a very romantic place is it? Charles, the Duke of Orlean, at age 21 was imprisoned during the Battle of Agincourt and wrote a love letter to his second wife. After being captured for 20 years, he never got to see his lover’s reaction to the valentine’s poem he wrote her. The saying “wearing your heart on your sleeve” originates from Valentine’s Day. Dating back to the Middle Ages, men would write down the names of the women who they wanted to accompany them to the Roman fest honoring Juno. After selecting, the men wore the name on their sleeve to show their bond during the festival's duration. Every year, the candy aisles in stores will be cleared out of the usual goodies and filled with valentines day candy, including the iconic heart-shaped conversation candies inscribed with loving messages on each one. However, these candies were not even candies to begin with! Oliver Chase invented a machine to quickly produce cough drops but then adapted the machine to create candy, later to be identified as Necco Wafers. Chase’s brother devised the idea to print messages on the candy in 1866 and were given a heart shape in 1901. However, not everyone wanted to receive a valentine from a suitor in the Victorian Era. “Vinegar Valentines” would be anonymously sent to those to show their rejection and as a comical insult to the admirers. The tone ranged from gentle and comical to aggressive and mean. Especially on Valentine’s Day, we sign our cards with “xoxo” but how did the “x” come to mean kiss? The use of “x” came to represent Christianity, or the cross, and, among other things, has roots in the Middle Ages. During this time, documents were signed off on with “x”. After marking the x, the writer would kiss the mark as a manifestation of their oath. The gesture soon grew among kings and commoners to certify books, letters, and paperwork. They were described as being “sealed with a kiss”. Less is known about the usage of “o” but theories have been formed such as also being a form of signature. Cupid has often been associated with Valentine’s day. The chubby baby with wings and a bow and arrow was known as the Greek God Eros, the god of love, being renamed Cupid. Eros was the son of Aphrodite, who used two sets of arrows, one for love and another for hate. It was not until the Romans that he adopted a childlike appearance we perceive today. Valentine’s Day was established to commemorate the death of the Saint Valentines, who died on February 14th. Two of them were executed during Roman Emperor Claudius Gothicus’ reign when persecution of Christians was common. The Catholic Church initiated this day to honor the men. Some believe one of the saints, Valentine of Terni, has been secretly officiating weddings for Roman soldiers against the emperor's wishes. While others believe Valentine’s Day was designated by Pope Gelasius I to replace Lupercalia, the ancient Roman festival, which celebrated the Roman god of agriculture and Rome’s founders, Romulus and Remus. Valentine’s Day is mostly celebrated in England and the U.S. In England, kids used to go “valentining,” or go door to door asking for treats, similar to trick-or-treating on Halloween. However, this tradition ended after getting out of control and sometimes even violent. In France, legend has it that women who were rejected by their desired valentine would burn a sculpture of the men in a bonfire, allegedly outlawing the holiday in the early 19th century. By the 1840s, the U.S. increased paper production and the cost of printing presses lowered, increasing the number of pre-printed cards, initiating the rise of commercialized Valentine’s Day. The Great Gatsby is a fantastic classic written by Francis Scott Fitzgerald. The irreproachable novel has been acclaimed by many as it dips into the depths of America’s Roaring Twenties and is considered to be a generational read. Wealth, love, fantasies, and realities mix together in creating this iconic novel. Capturing the American dream has been an aspiration for generations. Everyone from pioneers to 20th-century immigrants were after the same goal; making it rich in America. It was infectious, and Jay Gatsby was no different. Prosperity was at its peak for Gatsby, living in a luxurious mansion, hosting party after party, week after week. He was enigmatic and charming, seemingly having everything one could ever want. But nothing is ever as it seems. The book is narrated by Nick Carraway, set in 1922, Long Island. Nick was originally a Midwesterner but pivoted into a New York city bondsman. His rented bungalow, seated next door to Gatsby’s lively house. The story unfolds as Nick visits his distant relative Daisy Buchanan and her husband, an imposing man with great wealth. There, Jorden Baker, an amateur golfer, is introduced to Nick. The story is driven by these four people’s relationships. Nick gets pulled into Gatsby’s personal quandaries. Jay is undeniably in love with Daisy, but as a married woman, she would have a choice to make. As the intimacy of their relationship grows, so does the tension and drama between the four. Fitzgerald propels the novel down a path of money, jealousy, love and gin, during an era of bootleggers and flappers. Overall, the novel was adroitly written, with symbolism peeking out from every page. However, the moral of the story seems to demean the power and candor of the American spirit. Although short, the novel gets its message across and would drag on too much if any longer. After everything said and read, I would rate this story a 4 out of 5. Brought to you by the renowned author Louisa May Alcott and author of Little Women, Eight Cousins, is a heartwarming tale that tells an endearing story of a fragile young girl, who blossoms into a strong young woman. Although this is considered an easier reading level than other classics, the message sent from within the book is timeless, spanning and touching any and all generations. Rose, a sickly girl who was recently orphaned, was sent to live with her six aunts and seven exuberant cousins, all of whom happen to be boys. At first, her delicate mental state was overwhelmed by her new life. A reserved young girl, used to the austere classrooms of a boarding school, was dropped in the middle of a sprightly and animated home. When Uncle Alec arrived, Rose’s world as she knew it and how she lived in it was completely reversed. Her attitude and demeanor took a complete 180 when she was exposed to the great outside and rejuvenating sunshine that not all young girls got to experience at the time. Much to her aunts’ dismay, Rose explored and played with her seven cousins. Not only did she venture into new environments, but she also journeyed into a new part of herself. Uncle Alec was a progressive-thinking man who does not accept the gender roles of his niece. In addition to his new hobbies for Rose to enjoy, he rejected the fashion of a “respectable woman” of the times and favored Rose to wear healthier and less inhibitory clothes. Beyond her clothes, Rose plunged once more outside the gender boundaries as Uncle Alec educated her just as a boy her age would be. Eight Cousins highlights a girl who was thrown outside the social norm after tragedy struck her life. With a lot of courage, Rose discovers a world unknown and even considered inappropriate for women at the time. What is even more powerful is how Rose came to unearth the resilience and vigor of family, thus earning this book a 5 out of 5. The Help is a drama movie rated PG-13 that was released in 2011. It was directed by Tate Taylor and based off of the novel by Kathryn Stockett. Right now it is available to stream on Disney+ and Netflix. Some actors and actresses featured in this movie are Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Bryce Dallas Howard. I would personally recommend this if you’re into historical fiction, comedy and drama. I would give it a 5 star review.
The Help takes place in Mississippi in the 1960’s long after slavery was abolished, but people of color were still heavily discriminated against, especially women of color. These people were wrongly treated solely because of their skin color and, in the movie, it is clear that they are not allowed the same rights as the white southerners. The two women of color featured the most were the housemaids, Minnie and Abilene. They could get fired over little things, worked long hours raising the white employer’s children, and they cleaned houses for minimum wage. Eugina, an aspiring writer, plans to change this by attempting to publish “The Help” to bring light to these housemaids’ stories, but it won’t be easy. When Eugenia interviews these women, she discovers serious racial inequalities in her community. She also hears hilarious and scandalous stories about her so-called friends and neighbors. Life could get a lot harder and, quite frankly, dangerous for these women if their identities were to be discovered. This movie has something for everyone to enjoy. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this movie. Do you ever run out of good articles you deem worthy of reading? Well, luckily you can have a never-ending supply of articles suited to your likings. A free app called Medium is only one click away. With a 4.8 star rating on the App Store, Medium is a blogging site that was created by two founders of the well-known Twitter. As soon as you create an account, Medium asks you to choose your top interests from a broad list of topics. You can find amazing articles written by top-notch writers and editors about topics such as politics, the arts, psychology, true crime, and the outdoors. You can search for something specific or choose one of the many articles meant “For You.” They also offer audio articles, so you can keep up with what’s currently going on in the world without even having to look at your phone. That leads to another plus. Since all you need is all in one app, you can read a 5 minute read or 20 minute read wherever you are. Every article tells you approximately how long it would take to read it as well! You can save articles so you can revisit them later if you haven’t finished. You can also create a series and even write your own story! Writing through Medium is one of the easiest ways to share your ideas with the world. If you really want to, you can get a subscription for unlimited access. Personally, I’ve found this app really interesting. What brought me to the app was an article called “Adaptive Ecology” by Finn Harries. My home page is filled with quick reads on politics, the environment, and true crime. By my standards, Medium deserves the 4.8 rating! Have fun reading! TOP AUDIOBOOK & PODCAST APPS 1) Audible: Audiobooks | Rating: 4.9/5 | Free; in-app purchases 2) Libby: Audiobooks | Rating: 4.8/5 | FREE 3) LibriVox Audiobooks: Audiobooks | Rating: 4.8/5 | FREE (Pro version available) 4) Kobo: Audiobooks | Rating: 4.5/5 | Free; in-app purchases 5) Overcast: Podcasts | Rating: 4.7/5 | FREE 6) Spotify Podcasts & Music | Rating: 4.8/5 | Free; subscription available 7) Breaker: Social Podcast App | Rating: 4.5/5 | Free; subscription available TOP LIFESTYLE & HEALTH APPS 1) Headspace: Meditation app | Rating: 4.8/5 | FREE 2) Remente: Self Improvement | Rating: 4.6/5 | FREE 3) Fabulous: Self Care– Goal Planner & Tracker | Rating: 4.6/5 | FREE 4) ShopWell: Healthier food choices– Simplifying nutrition labels & food recommendations | Rating: 4.7/5 | FREE 5) MyFitnessPal: Track Calories, exercise, steps with meal plans and recipes | Rating: 4.7/5 | FREE 6) Fooducate: Offers 50,000 health recipes and how to read nutrition labels | Rating: 4.7/5 | FREE 7) Nike Training Club: Offers workouts from beginner, intermediate, to advanced, ranging from 15 minutes to 45 minutes | Rating: 4.9/5 | FREE For the new year, a lot of us are trying to be healthier, especially with all of the time on our hands. I wanted to try to incorporate some nutritious recipes this edition that are still delicious. These are the ones I have tried myself as well!
Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Dairy Free) · One frozen or fresh banana · A cup and a half of frozen or fresh strawberries · 2 cups of plant milk (ex. Almond or oat) · 2 tablespoons of chia seeds (optional) Mix in whatever blender you have and enjoy. I tend to use frozen berries since they are cheaper and make the smoothie a bit thicker and colder. Using fresh fruit is just as delicious. If you prefer you can replace the strawberries with other mixed berries or frozen raspberries. Cherry “Nice Cream” · One FROZEN sliced banana · 2 heaping tablespoons of peanut butter (or other nut or seed butter) · One and a half cup of frozen or fresh cherries · Splash of cow milk or plant milk if needed · Handful of dark chocolate chips (non dairy chips are optional) Begin by putting the frozen banana, peanut butter, and splash of milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Then add the cherries, and blend until smooth. You can mix in the chocolate chips by hand. This recipe reminds me of the black jack cherry ice cream at Gannons. Of course it is not the same but it is super delicious. My favorite recipe on the list! Healthier Peanut butter cups · ½ cup of natural peanut butter · ½ tablespoon of flour of choice · ½ tablespoon of maple syrup · A bar of 60-85% chocolate bar · Pinch of sea salt Mix the peanut butter, flour, and maple syrup together until smooth in a small bowl. Melt down your chocolate bar. In a muffin tin with liners, fill the bottom of the liners with the melted chocolate and place them in the freezer until hard. Then place about a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter mixture on top, and place in the freezer until firm. Then you will put more melted chocolate on top just enough to cover the peanut butter mixture. Place in the freezer again until hardened. Enjoy your guilt free peanut butter cups!!! The new year is finally here!! We all have New Years resolutions, like getting in shape, reading more, etc. But one resolution you can do to better yourself and the planet, is to try to be more sustainable. This does not mean jumping on the bandwagon of eating 100% plant based or going on a zero waste lifestyle. Small steps in your daily life can lead to big changes if we all do them together.
· Bring your own tupperwares for lunch- In the lunchroom, I see so many kids packing their lunches in plastic baggies and brown paper bags and throwing it all away at the end. A better option is to use reusable tupperwares to pack your sandwiches and snacks into. You can get affordable ones from Amazon. While you’re at it, go buy yourself a cute lunch bag too from Walmart or Target. · Buy a reusable water bottle- You do not need a Hydro Flask for $50. You can get a $10- $15 one from Marshalls, Target, Walmart, or the Dollar Stores. There is no need for plastic water bottles. · Reusable Produce Bags- Basically everyone has the grocery store reusable bags now, so those are a no brainer, but what about the plastic bags for produce. You or your parents can buy reusable produce bags as well! I personally got mine, a pack of 15, from Amazon for $10. · Glass Straws- Everyone is raving about the metal straw trend. Unless you use them on a daily basis, they are not necessary. If you do though I recommend glass straws. I feel they are more hygienic because you are able to easily see if they are completely clean unlike metal. · Make your own coffee- Instead of getting your coffee at Dunkin or Starbucks everyday, make your own at home. It will save so much waste and money. · Beeswax Reusable Wrap- I have not tried this one personally, but instead of using saran wrap or foil to wrap your food, use beeswax reusable wrap. On amazon it ranges from about $10-$20. That is better than spending $5 every two weeks. · Reusable Container at Restaurant- When you go out to eat, bring your own reusable containers instead of bringing leftovers home in a styrofoam container. I have done this plenty of times. No one blinks an eye. · Microfiber Face Cloth- Instead of using cotton rounds to remove makeup use a microfiber face cloth. I use these everyday and they work much better in my opinion. · Compost- Instead of throwing your food scraps in the garbage, compost it. Or even just throw it in the woods if you are able to. It is way better for your food scraps to decompose in nature than in a plastic bag that will never decompose. · Eat More Plant Based - Eating more plant based is more sustainable than eating mainly animal products like meat and dairy. You do not have to go fully plant based, but swap out your cow milk to a plant milk like almond or oat milk. Instead of eating a sandwich everyday for lunch, swap it out for a PB&J or a salad with lots of fruits and vegetables. Senior year can be the most exciting year in one’s life, but may also be filled with sorrowful moments, making it bittersweet. A senior has arrived at the end of their high school journey and will soon undergo a dramatic change in their life, whether moving on to college or entering the workforce. Senior year is by far the most memorable year. Senior year is a year to highlight and commemorate one’s accomplishments throughout the years. This edition features two of Onondaga’s spectacular seniors: Ethan Miller and Cassidy Field. Although Ethan Miller has applied to many colleges such as St. Rose, Le Moyne, and Niagara University, he applied early decision to SUNY Geneseo and will be going there next year. Ethan is currently attending as undecided, but knows he wants to head in either a math or science direction for his major. College is a brand new experience that a high school senior looks forward to, especially once they know where they are going to be spending their next four years. Like many, Ethan is most excited to make new friends and about “having a fun experience while also finding out what I enjoy doing.” College is for young adults to gain more freedom and independence than they did in high school. However, with freedom comes responsibility. Ethan is most scared of “not having anybody on my back telling me what to do,” adding that “procrastination, if not handled correctly, can be a very bad habit to have.” As the days and months of high school go by, so do exams, sports events, and numerous other competitions to demonstrate all one’s hard work that has paid off. Ethan’s proudest moment of high school is being voted secretary of both National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society. Every year, a high school student fills their schedule with classes, some mandatory, others not. Ethan’s favorite class he has taken is German because “it opened my mind up to the possibility of learning a new language that I enjoy and possibly going to that country someday to speak the language and be immersed in that culture.” A class Ethan wished he took was Auto-Tech so in case he had car troubles in the future, he would know how to fix the problem and help him better understand them. He is going to miss all the memories he cultivated along with all his friends. Out of all his high school memories, his favorite is the “Real Housewives of Navarino.” As for extracurricular activities, Ethan takes band and is a percussionist. Outside of the classroom, students become athletes playing a wide range of sports out of the three seasons, spring, fall, and winter. Ethan plays baseball and is both a first baseman and a pitcher. When school is not in session, Ethan enjoys playing drums and riding his dirt bike. His favorite hobby is riding his dirt bike because, he says “I can escape from all of the pressures of school and I can forget about my responsibilities for a little while. It’s also a great way to get some fresh air.” In the summer, Ethan is employed at a grocery store. In his spare time, Ethan enjoys spending time with his family, watching Criminal Minds, and is always trying his best to make others laugh. One thing many people do not know about Ethan is that he was born three months premature. Senior year is all about looking towards the future and, in ten years, Ethan will be out of college. He hopefully will have traveled somewhere and plans to have spent a bit of time there; “or at least that’s what I’d like to do,” he says. He also says, “ I most likely will have a job in something math or science-related, but who knows, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” keeping an open and optimistic view of his future. A senior has learned all the ins and outs of navigating and being successful in high school, Ethan’s advice to underclassmen is this “Take advanced classes now so you don’t have to worry about them when and if you go to college. Then you can focus on what you want to do in the future in college.” Good luck Ethan in achieving all your aspirations and future goals! Cassidy Field is another accomplished senior at Onondaga Jr./Sr. High School. She has applied to OCC, Le Moyne, Binghamton, and Cornell. Cassidy is most interested in Lemoyne’s Physician’s Assistant program after receiving her bachelor’s degree, which will be in biology. In college, she is excited to continue her soccer career. College is full of new and exciting opportunities, Cassidy is most excited to make new friends, try new things, and “further my education.” When students enter college, the atmosphere may be new and fun, but classes will come with their challenges. Cassidy is most scared of the workload she will receive at college. She continued on to say, “I know that in my major there are a lot of difficult classes, so that is definitely something that scares me the most.” High school athletics are not only a source of fun, competition, and enjoyment, but also a great place to make new friends and develop work ethic and determination. Cassidy plays varsity soccer and varsity volleyball. In soccer, her position is as a forward and in volleyball, she is either the outside or middle hitter. Although she is a multi-sport athlete, her favorite sport is soccer because “I have been playing my entire life, and have grown to love the atmosphere and love working together as a team.” With sports comes memories, good and bad ones, ones of wins and ones of losses. You learn lessons from your failures and celebrate your successes. Cassidy’s favorite memory is playing in the soccer game of her sister’s senior night and, of course, her senior night this past season. Throughout Cassidy’s athletic and academic career, her proudest moments were receiving the yearly Academic Letter award, being on Top Ten and High Honor Roll each marking period, as well as the Scholar-Athlete award. As for extracurricular activities, Cassidy partakes in art and National Honor Society. Over all the years of high school, her favorite part of it was all the time her friends spent together before COVID, saying “looking back, we have had some amazing times and lots of fun before the start of the pandemic.” These friendships are what she is going to miss the most about high school. Cassidy said “I know we will still try to keep in touch, but I am going to miss seeing them on a daily basis!” Out of all the memories cultivated throughout high school, Cassidy’s favorite memories are from all the Friday night football games she attended with her friends. Outside her time in the classroom, on the court, and on the field, Cassidy enjoys hobbies such as playing both the guitar and the piano. For both instruments, she took lessons for three years. In the winter, she loves snowboarding and snowmobiling in Old Forge, Adirondacks. One thing many people do not know about Cassidy is that “I participated in competitive gymnastics for up to 5 years. The competition really taught me that if you work hard and focus, anything can be made possible.” As a senior, the future no longer seems beyond one’s reach. The world is at their fingertips as they plan their next adventure in life. In ten years, Cassidy plans on “being in the medical field and making a difference in patients' lives.” Her advice to underclassmen is “to be yourself, and be confident in your abilities and if you do you will succeed in high school.” Good luck Cassidy in all your future endeavors in the medical field and beyond! |
Tiger ProwlCurrent Editon Archives
October 2021
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