V2-I7 News
History teacher retires at end of school year
By: Trevor White
The 2013-2014 school year will be the last teaching for history and geography teacher Paul Bennett. After 22 years in the classroom, he has decided to retire.
After quitting his job as a truck driver to attain a college education, Paul Bennett began substitute teaching in 1992. From there, he started a career as a teacher and has taught at Northridge for 22 years. Throughout his career he has taught American History to sophomores and World Geography to juniors and seniors. Having a knack for remembering students and being able to relate to them on a personal level, he will be missed by the students whose lives he has shaped.
Noah Orcutt (’15) had this to say about Mr. Bennett: “It stinks he’s leaving; he was a pretty funny and a nice guy.” Connor Wood (’15) said, “I liked having Mr. Bennett teach me a lot. He could keep my attention and was a really nice person.”
With technology becoming ever more prevalent in teaching, Bennett says he “Simply can’t keep up with the new standards.” He also states that a lack in effort from students is a cause for his retirement. Bennett says “things have definitely changed. When [he] first started, kids cared about learning more and gave much more effort to their work.”
Bennett plans to make use of his free time by playing much more golf and attending more Columbus Blue Jackets hockey games with his season tickets. Bennett also has plans to cook more often and spend more time with his five dogs.
Trevor White (’15) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By: Trevor White
The 2013-2014 school year will be the last teaching for history and geography teacher Paul Bennett. After 22 years in the classroom, he has decided to retire.
After quitting his job as a truck driver to attain a college education, Paul Bennett began substitute teaching in 1992. From there, he started a career as a teacher and has taught at Northridge for 22 years. Throughout his career he has taught American History to sophomores and World Geography to juniors and seniors. Having a knack for remembering students and being able to relate to them on a personal level, he will be missed by the students whose lives he has shaped.
Noah Orcutt (’15) had this to say about Mr. Bennett: “It stinks he’s leaving; he was a pretty funny and a nice guy.” Connor Wood (’15) said, “I liked having Mr. Bennett teach me a lot. He could keep my attention and was a really nice person.”
With technology becoming ever more prevalent in teaching, Bennett says he “Simply can’t keep up with the new standards.” He also states that a lack in effort from students is a cause for his retirement. Bennett says “things have definitely changed. When [he] first started, kids cared about learning more and gave much more effort to their work.”
Bennett plans to make use of his free time by playing much more golf and attending more Columbus Blue Jackets hockey games with his season tickets. Bennett also has plans to cook more often and spend more time with his five dogs.
Trevor White (’15) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Velvet Ice Cream company reaches 100 years
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE- This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Velvet Ice Cream Company. The company is celebrating this anniversary by releasing a line of all-natural ice creams and labeling their ice cream containers for the special occasion. The company started when Joe Dager, a Lebanese immigrant, started making ice cream in his basement in 1914 and is still running, with the fourth generation of the Dager family taking over.
The current Dagers that run the company are the president Luconda and vice-presidents Andre and Joanne. The three sisters had grown up around the business and have proven to be perfect for the job. Along with 125 full-time workers, Velvet has many loyal customers. About 150,000 people visit the mill in Utica to taste the ice cream and see how it is made in the Viewing Gallery that shows the process of making the famous ice cream.
The store opened on May 1st and has the annual ice cream festival over Memorial Day weekend, which brings in many customers every year. The festival will have plenty of entertainment like contests for kids, ice cream eating contests, over 90 local artisans, pony rides, live entertainment, and even a car show with more than 400 cars.
Northridge Junior and former employee at Velvet Ice Cream, EJ Cox said “The festival was really fun last year, even though we were constantly busy.” The festival brings in many customers every year and usually has a line out of the door for a decent portion of the day.
The gathering is held on the grounds of the Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream. The festival has the Utica Sertoma, La Sertoma, and two Serteen clubs come to help out and offer their help. Along with these organizations, Northridge High School is asking students to come and volunteer to get community service hours. Northridge Junior Steven Krehel is going to work at the festival for National Honors Society and says, “I’m excited to see what it’s like; I’ve heard a lot about it and want to see what all the talk is about.”
The festival is running Saturday May 24th through Monday May 26th and admission is $5 per car.
-Hugh Prentice ('16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Image credit: ohiotraveler.org
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE- This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Velvet Ice Cream Company. The company is celebrating this anniversary by releasing a line of all-natural ice creams and labeling their ice cream containers for the special occasion. The company started when Joe Dager, a Lebanese immigrant, started making ice cream in his basement in 1914 and is still running, with the fourth generation of the Dager family taking over.
The current Dagers that run the company are the president Luconda and vice-presidents Andre and Joanne. The three sisters had grown up around the business and have proven to be perfect for the job. Along with 125 full-time workers, Velvet has many loyal customers. About 150,000 people visit the mill in Utica to taste the ice cream and see how it is made in the Viewing Gallery that shows the process of making the famous ice cream.
The store opened on May 1st and has the annual ice cream festival over Memorial Day weekend, which brings in many customers every year. The festival will have plenty of entertainment like contests for kids, ice cream eating contests, over 90 local artisans, pony rides, live entertainment, and even a car show with more than 400 cars.
Northridge Junior and former employee at Velvet Ice Cream, EJ Cox said “The festival was really fun last year, even though we were constantly busy.” The festival brings in many customers every year and usually has a line out of the door for a decent portion of the day.
The gathering is held on the grounds of the Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream. The festival has the Utica Sertoma, La Sertoma, and two Serteen clubs come to help out and offer their help. Along with these organizations, Northridge High School is asking students to come and volunteer to get community service hours. Northridge Junior Steven Krehel is going to work at the festival for National Honors Society and says, “I’m excited to see what it’s like; I’ve heard a lot about it and want to see what all the talk is about.”
The festival is running Saturday May 24th through Monday May 26th and admission is $5 per car.
-Hugh Prentice ('16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Image credit: ohiotraveler.org
Renewal levy passes by large margin
By Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE – No additional property taxes was an easy pill to swallow May 6 for Northridge voters, who handily passed a renewal of the district’s 8.8-mill emergency levy.
The results were 56% for, and 44% against the levy, which represents 17% of Northridge’s operating budget. The levy would not increase or decrease anything; everything will remain the same including current programs, teachers, and property taxes. The current levy provides for operating expenses, such as books, bills, utilities, teachers, bussing and much more.
“There are a lot of extra expenses for schools that many people don’t think about, and the levy helps cover that,” says high school Principal Ms. Amy Anderson . She added that the primary school in Alexandria has to replace and repair things on the building, which operating funds are used for.
At an upcoming board meeting, the board is being asked to approve another year of dropped school fees, reducing the cost to district families at the beginning of the school year. This is a continuation of the no school fee policy adopted for the 2013-14 school year. Pay to participate will also remain the same, at $200 per sport for high school athletes, and $100 for middle school athletes, with a $400 family cap.
In an announcement made the day after the levy renewal, Superintendent Dr. Chris Briggs said, “This will allow our district to recruit and retain quality teachers, provide our students access to technology, purchase textbooks, and pay utilities for our learning campuses. We know that many of our residents are still struggling and that is why the board of education made this levy as lean as possible – a renewal levy that will not increase taxes while still moving this great district forward.”
Many students are happy about the levy passing as well. Daniel Neff (‘16) says "I am surprised about the great support of the community, and I'm glad the levy passed." Joel Hale (‘15) expresses his excitement by saying "I am glad we will still have money for the programs I like to take."
If the renewal levy had not passed, some programs and services at Northridge would have been in jeopardy. This would include repairs to the school, and in the future possibly some programs. There would not be too many dramatic changes, but it would affect everyone.
Kyle Stermer (’16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE – No additional property taxes was an easy pill to swallow May 6 for Northridge voters, who handily passed a renewal of the district’s 8.8-mill emergency levy.
The results were 56% for, and 44% against the levy, which represents 17% of Northridge’s operating budget. The levy would not increase or decrease anything; everything will remain the same including current programs, teachers, and property taxes. The current levy provides for operating expenses, such as books, bills, utilities, teachers, bussing and much more.
“There are a lot of extra expenses for schools that many people don’t think about, and the levy helps cover that,” says high school Principal Ms. Amy Anderson . She added that the primary school in Alexandria has to replace and repair things on the building, which operating funds are used for.
At an upcoming board meeting, the board is being asked to approve another year of dropped school fees, reducing the cost to district families at the beginning of the school year. This is a continuation of the no school fee policy adopted for the 2013-14 school year. Pay to participate will also remain the same, at $200 per sport for high school athletes, and $100 for middle school athletes, with a $400 family cap.
In an announcement made the day after the levy renewal, Superintendent Dr. Chris Briggs said, “This will allow our district to recruit and retain quality teachers, provide our students access to technology, purchase textbooks, and pay utilities for our learning campuses. We know that many of our residents are still struggling and that is why the board of education made this levy as lean as possible – a renewal levy that will not increase taxes while still moving this great district forward.”
Many students are happy about the levy passing as well. Daniel Neff (‘16) says "I am surprised about the great support of the community, and I'm glad the levy passed." Joel Hale (‘15) expresses his excitement by saying "I am glad we will still have money for the programs I like to take."
If the renewal levy had not passed, some programs and services at Northridge would have been in jeopardy. This would include repairs to the school, and in the future possibly some programs. There would not be too many dramatic changes, but it would affect everyone.
Kyle Stermer (’16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Grad parties and mad money
By: Katelynd Havice
NORTHRIDGE- With summer near and school ending, one of most seniors’ favorite part of the graduation process approaches: grad parties. After all the hard work seniors have done the past four years of high school comes celebration and, also, a lot of money. Graduation parties are put together to congratulate the former senior of their accomplishments and help encourage them toward new and better things.
Breanne Pothorski (’14) tells us a little about her plans for her grad party: “My grad party is on July 12th, in a huge party barn and other cool stuff in it. I’m having a bounce house and there’s also a basketball court!” When asked, “Why have a grad party?” Pothorski replies with, “It’s the normal thing to do, I guess, but also because it will be a lot of fun to see all my friends and family and hang out and have fun. Not to mention I get a lot of money out of it for college!”
Morgan Wright (’14) is also having a bigger type of graduation party by combining it with two other current seniors, Zach Hossler and AJ Mooney. Wright tells us that it’s going to be a huge graduation party because of the combination of the three, and his dad’s friend from a firehouse is cooking "a ton" of food and it’ll be a good time. When asked “Why grad parties?” Wright replied, “graduation parties are kind of like a going away kind of thing, whether you are going off to college or not. It’s kind of like your final high school experience.” Wright tells us that it’s nice to be with family and friends and also to, “bring some hunnas and I’ll be happy,” referring to graduation money (specifically hundreds) for college.
Many Northridge Seniors are having grad parties for the celebration of their accomplishments through high school, money and spending time with friends and family before going off into college.
-Katelynd Havice ('15) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By: Katelynd Havice
NORTHRIDGE- With summer near and school ending, one of most seniors’ favorite part of the graduation process approaches: grad parties. After all the hard work seniors have done the past four years of high school comes celebration and, also, a lot of money. Graduation parties are put together to congratulate the former senior of their accomplishments and help encourage them toward new and better things.
Breanne Pothorski (’14) tells us a little about her plans for her grad party: “My grad party is on July 12th, in a huge party barn and other cool stuff in it. I’m having a bounce house and there’s also a basketball court!” When asked, “Why have a grad party?” Pothorski replies with, “It’s the normal thing to do, I guess, but also because it will be a lot of fun to see all my friends and family and hang out and have fun. Not to mention I get a lot of money out of it for college!”
Morgan Wright (’14) is also having a bigger type of graduation party by combining it with two other current seniors, Zach Hossler and AJ Mooney. Wright tells us that it’s going to be a huge graduation party because of the combination of the three, and his dad’s friend from a firehouse is cooking "a ton" of food and it’ll be a good time. When asked “Why grad parties?” Wright replied, “graduation parties are kind of like a going away kind of thing, whether you are going off to college or not. It’s kind of like your final high school experience.” Wright tells us that it’s nice to be with family and friends and also to, “bring some hunnas and I’ll be happy,” referring to graduation money (specifically hundreds) for college.
Many Northridge Seniors are having grad parties for the celebration of their accomplishments through high school, money and spending time with friends and family before going off into college.
-Katelynd Havice ('15) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Only days left for the Class of 2014
By: Morgan Wright
The class of 2014 finally did it! Its members are graduating and are about to move on to the next chapter in their lives. Graduation and graduation parties are crunch time for both students and parents.
You have to make sure you have enough credits to graduate and make sure you have the cap and gown ordered on time. You have to pass a few classes through senior year, so you can’t let senioritis get to you.
Seniors have graduation practice on the 30th to run through everything about graduation and how everything is going to run through on that special day. After the graduation practice, the seniors have a “senior breakfast,” and then graduation is Saturday, June 1st at 2:00. The parents are typically a wreck, as tears run down their faces as they see their kids take the walk of fame to get their diploma. This is a very emotional day for everyone, and it’s also very exciting for all of the kids.
Charlie Hathaway (14’) says, “We will be moving on to bigger and better things at bigger and better places.” Most seniors are going off to college after high school, but some are just ready to get out of school and get into the work force as soon as possible, like Robby Mickey (14’). Robby is going to work with his dad to build cell phone towers. He makes $14.00 an hour while working at his dad’s company and says, “I’m going to be making bank rather than getting into debt.” Matt Hudkins (14’) says, “I can’t wait to get out of here and graduate and finally be able to move on to the next part of our lives.”
So, as the time winds down and we all part our separate ways, just remember that this is not the end. It’s the start of a new beginning.
-Morgan "Moe" Wright ('14) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault and a graduating senior.
Image credit: gunn.pausd.org
By: Morgan Wright
The class of 2014 finally did it! Its members are graduating and are about to move on to the next chapter in their lives. Graduation and graduation parties are crunch time for both students and parents.
You have to make sure you have enough credits to graduate and make sure you have the cap and gown ordered on time. You have to pass a few classes through senior year, so you can’t let senioritis get to you.
Seniors have graduation practice on the 30th to run through everything about graduation and how everything is going to run through on that special day. After the graduation practice, the seniors have a “senior breakfast,” and then graduation is Saturday, June 1st at 2:00. The parents are typically a wreck, as tears run down their faces as they see their kids take the walk of fame to get their diploma. This is a very emotional day for everyone, and it’s also very exciting for all of the kids.
Charlie Hathaway (14’) says, “We will be moving on to bigger and better things at bigger and better places.” Most seniors are going off to college after high school, but some are just ready to get out of school and get into the work force as soon as possible, like Robby Mickey (14’). Robby is going to work with his dad to build cell phone towers. He makes $14.00 an hour while working at his dad’s company and says, “I’m going to be making bank rather than getting into debt.” Matt Hudkins (14’) says, “I can’t wait to get out of here and graduate and finally be able to move on to the next part of our lives.”
So, as the time winds down and we all part our separate ways, just remember that this is not the end. It’s the start of a new beginning.
-Morgan "Moe" Wright ('14) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault and a graduating senior.
Image credit: gunn.pausd.org
2013/2014 recap
By: Savannah Legg
This year was an eventful year at Northridge High School. Looking back on it, let’s recollect all of the events that have happened in the 2013 – 2014 school year.
One of the things accomplished this year was the high school marching band making it to states for the first time in history. The band qualified the last weekend of the deadline by receiving a One (or superior) in the competition they participated in. Trisha McConnell ('16), piano player in the pit of the marching band, said, “It was a lot of work. Practices before school and during band class were really hard, but in the end it was all worth it”.
Another thing that happened this year at Northridge was the addition of a new Superintendent, Dr. Chris Briggs. Courtney Legg ('14) comments “Dr.Briggs has done a lot of good, new things for this school, and has really taken interest on the students. I remember him even coming to a few of our softball games this past season and that really made me as a student feel important.”
An additional new thing to Northridge was the beginning of a girl's lacrosse team. The idea started out with student Haley Trimble ('16) who “wanted a new opportunity to bond with her classmates." Morgan Hatten ('16), a member of the lacrosse team, says, “It was definitely a fun experience, and I can’t wait to play next year.”
The Dr. Seuss-inspired play, Seussical the Musical was also a big event of the year. The play was based off of the child’s tale Horton Hears a Who, where an elephant finds a speck of dust on a flower and realizes it’s a village of tiny Whos. Kaelin Curran ('16) said “the musical was a big success. I love musicals at Northridge because it allows you form friendships with people you wouldn’t have otherwise, especially with the upper-classmen.”
Another thing that happened this year was the hiring of many new staff. One in particular is the new girls varsity basketball coach, Joseph Rucker. In relation to the hiring of Rucker, the girls team made it to the semi-district finals, which is the furthest they have made it in tournaments in a long time. Jamie Swickard ('16), guard on the basketball team, says, “I love coach Rucker. I like that he’s motivational, and expects nothing less than our best from us.”
-Savannah Legg ('16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By: Savannah Legg
This year was an eventful year at Northridge High School. Looking back on it, let’s recollect all of the events that have happened in the 2013 – 2014 school year.
One of the things accomplished this year was the high school marching band making it to states for the first time in history. The band qualified the last weekend of the deadline by receiving a One (or superior) in the competition they participated in. Trisha McConnell ('16), piano player in the pit of the marching band, said, “It was a lot of work. Practices before school and during band class were really hard, but in the end it was all worth it”.
Another thing that happened this year at Northridge was the addition of a new Superintendent, Dr. Chris Briggs. Courtney Legg ('14) comments “Dr.Briggs has done a lot of good, new things for this school, and has really taken interest on the students. I remember him even coming to a few of our softball games this past season and that really made me as a student feel important.”
An additional new thing to Northridge was the beginning of a girl's lacrosse team. The idea started out with student Haley Trimble ('16) who “wanted a new opportunity to bond with her classmates." Morgan Hatten ('16), a member of the lacrosse team, says, “It was definitely a fun experience, and I can’t wait to play next year.”
The Dr. Seuss-inspired play, Seussical the Musical was also a big event of the year. The play was based off of the child’s tale Horton Hears a Who, where an elephant finds a speck of dust on a flower and realizes it’s a village of tiny Whos. Kaelin Curran ('16) said “the musical was a big success. I love musicals at Northridge because it allows you form friendships with people you wouldn’t have otherwise, especially with the upper-classmen.”
Another thing that happened this year was the hiring of many new staff. One in particular is the new girls varsity basketball coach, Joseph Rucker. In relation to the hiring of Rucker, the girls team made it to the semi-district finals, which is the furthest they have made it in tournaments in a long time. Jamie Swickard ('16), guard on the basketball team, says, “I love coach Rucker. I like that he’s motivational, and expects nothing less than our best from us.”
-Savannah Legg ('16) is a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
National Honor Society inductees honored at assembly
By: Mat Scott and Megan Hatfield
NORTHRIDGE - Service, scholarship, character, and leadership governed the selection of 24 new National Honor Society members on Friday, May 2. The new inductees were publicly “tapped” during an assembly in the gym, where inductees were taken from the audience and introduced to the society.
The students inducted into the society were: seniors Heidi Wolfe, Kayla Wade, Mikaela Disbennett, Marissa Mullen, Haley Menix, Christa Patton, and Matt Grindle; juniors Alexis Absten, Mason Alexander, Jake Adkins, Ana Carpenter, Emma Dann, Gabrielle Evans, Megan Hatfield, Matt Hebert, Kayla Jasper, Stephen Krehel, Olivia Langley, McKenzie Messer, Tara Patton, Javier Padilla, Mikaela Pankuch, Mat Scott, and Greg Wilson.
Also honored at the ceremony was Mrs. Kim Garee, who was presented with the Teacher of the Year Award; and Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, who will be replacing Mrs. Brockway as the Advisor of National Honor Society.
“I’m honored,” says Garee. “I feel a strong emotional connection to this group of students, so I’m elated that I was chosen.”
Miller says, “I look forward to developing new ideas and projects next year with NHS.”
The formal induction was held on May 19 at the high school awards ceremony. Inductees repeated their pledge, and seniors and former members received their gold cords for graduation.
National Honor Society is responsible for many of the fundraisers and projects that the school participates in. The main projects are the Red Cross blood drives and the Utica Ice Cream Festival. Blood drives are held three or four times a year, and the Ice Cream Festival is on Memorial Day Weekend. NHS members will assist with working at the festival and will receive community service hours. Langley says she is “excited for the volunteer work. [She does] it all the time for 4-H.”
Grindle, a senior inductee of NHS, says that “the experience does not change being a senior as opposed to a junior. We still get to help out while we’re here.” Kaitlin Garee (’14), a current member, says, “This year’s group seems like a good group of students. It will be good to see them under our new advisor. Next year will be a great year for NHS.”
-Mat Scott (’15) is the News Editor and Tech Manager for The Viking Vault.
-Megan Hatfield (’15) is the Features Editor and Photographer for The Viking Vault.
By: Mat Scott and Megan Hatfield
NORTHRIDGE - Service, scholarship, character, and leadership governed the selection of 24 new National Honor Society members on Friday, May 2. The new inductees were publicly “tapped” during an assembly in the gym, where inductees were taken from the audience and introduced to the society.
The students inducted into the society were: seniors Heidi Wolfe, Kayla Wade, Mikaela Disbennett, Marissa Mullen, Haley Menix, Christa Patton, and Matt Grindle; juniors Alexis Absten, Mason Alexander, Jake Adkins, Ana Carpenter, Emma Dann, Gabrielle Evans, Megan Hatfield, Matt Hebert, Kayla Jasper, Stephen Krehel, Olivia Langley, McKenzie Messer, Tara Patton, Javier Padilla, Mikaela Pankuch, Mat Scott, and Greg Wilson.
Also honored at the ceremony was Mrs. Kim Garee, who was presented with the Teacher of the Year Award; and Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, who will be replacing Mrs. Brockway as the Advisor of National Honor Society.
“I’m honored,” says Garee. “I feel a strong emotional connection to this group of students, so I’m elated that I was chosen.”
Miller says, “I look forward to developing new ideas and projects next year with NHS.”
The formal induction was held on May 19 at the high school awards ceremony. Inductees repeated their pledge, and seniors and former members received their gold cords for graduation.
National Honor Society is responsible for many of the fundraisers and projects that the school participates in. The main projects are the Red Cross blood drives and the Utica Ice Cream Festival. Blood drives are held three or four times a year, and the Ice Cream Festival is on Memorial Day Weekend. NHS members will assist with working at the festival and will receive community service hours. Langley says she is “excited for the volunteer work. [She does] it all the time for 4-H.”
Grindle, a senior inductee of NHS, says that “the experience does not change being a senior as opposed to a junior. We still get to help out while we’re here.” Kaitlin Garee (’14), a current member, says, “This year’s group seems like a good group of students. It will be good to see them under our new advisor. Next year will be a great year for NHS.”
-Mat Scott (’15) is the News Editor and Tech Manager for The Viking Vault.
-Megan Hatfield (’15) is the Features Editor and Photographer for The Viking Vault.