V3-I2 News
State-bound Marching Vikings qualify with “Company B”
By Mat Scott
NORTHRIDGE – For the second year in a row and the second time in history, the Northridge High School Marching Vikings have qualified to compete in the OMEA State Finals. This time, it was with their show, “Company B.”
The competition at which the band qualified took place on Saturday, October 11 at The Ohio State University football stadium (A.K.A “The ‘Shoe”). The Vikings performed at 11:00 a.m. and spent the rest of the day at the stadium, watching other bands compete and ending the evening with a performance by the Ohio State Marching Band.
The band won top scores for Class C (class placements depend on size of school) in Music, General Effect, Visuals, and Percussion, which are four out of the five scoring categories.
Mr. Tyler King, who has been directing the Northridge band for six years, graduated from Ohio State in 2009. He is “very proud that the band was able to qualify at his Alma Mater.” King says, “I think it is awesome that our program is growing and improving each and every year. I would definitely like to see the band qualify at the remainder of the competitions this season. I realize that it’s asking a lot and won’t be easy, but that’s the goal.”
The bands are scored on a scale of one to five, with a score of one being the best and a score of five being the lowest. Each judge has a specific aspect that they focus on (Music, Visual, Percussion, General Effect, and Auxiliary), and they record what each band does well and what they do poorly. There are certain criteria for each overall score (one to five) on the judge’s papers, and whichever score has the most marks in it is the score that is given. An overall score of 1 is required to qualify for the state competition.
Emma Holbrook (’18), who is a second-year qualifier for the State Competition, says, “I feel that as a freshman, it’s probably one of the best feelings in the world for a band member. It’s amazing that we’re able to do that.” Holbrook believes that if they work hard enough and really want to, the band will be able to qualify at their remaining three competitions.
Noah Miller (’18), who is a first-year qualifier, says, “I think it’s great because it gives us a goal. I can say, ‘I qualified my first year, so now I have something to shoot for in the future.’” Miller also believes that the band should continue to qualify. “We’ve already done it twice, so we should be able to do it again,” says Miller.
The field commander for this year’s band is Kayley McCormick (’16), who is in her third year of band. McCormick says, “I think the primary factor in qualifying was our desire to get there. We wanted to reach that point and we pushed ourselves to get there.” McCormick says that “Taps” is the band’s capstone piece. “If any piece was to capture their attention, I would hope that it would be ‘Taps’ because it’s such an emotional and personal piece,” says McCormick.
Trisha McConnell (’16) says “It’s really reassuring that we qualified earlier in the season than last year when we made it a week before.” McConnell said that there was a “breakthrough rehearsal” the night before the competition when “everything just kind of clicked. Nobody’s sure what lit the fire.”
-Mat Scott ('15) is the Web Editor-in-chief and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Mat Scott
NORTHRIDGE – For the second year in a row and the second time in history, the Northridge High School Marching Vikings have qualified to compete in the OMEA State Finals. This time, it was with their show, “Company B.”
The competition at which the band qualified took place on Saturday, October 11 at The Ohio State University football stadium (A.K.A “The ‘Shoe”). The Vikings performed at 11:00 a.m. and spent the rest of the day at the stadium, watching other bands compete and ending the evening with a performance by the Ohio State Marching Band.
The band won top scores for Class C (class placements depend on size of school) in Music, General Effect, Visuals, and Percussion, which are four out of the five scoring categories.
Mr. Tyler King, who has been directing the Northridge band for six years, graduated from Ohio State in 2009. He is “very proud that the band was able to qualify at his Alma Mater.” King says, “I think it is awesome that our program is growing and improving each and every year. I would definitely like to see the band qualify at the remainder of the competitions this season. I realize that it’s asking a lot and won’t be easy, but that’s the goal.”
The bands are scored on a scale of one to five, with a score of one being the best and a score of five being the lowest. Each judge has a specific aspect that they focus on (Music, Visual, Percussion, General Effect, and Auxiliary), and they record what each band does well and what they do poorly. There are certain criteria for each overall score (one to five) on the judge’s papers, and whichever score has the most marks in it is the score that is given. An overall score of 1 is required to qualify for the state competition.
Emma Holbrook (’18), who is a second-year qualifier for the State Competition, says, “I feel that as a freshman, it’s probably one of the best feelings in the world for a band member. It’s amazing that we’re able to do that.” Holbrook believes that if they work hard enough and really want to, the band will be able to qualify at their remaining three competitions.
Noah Miller (’18), who is a first-year qualifier, says, “I think it’s great because it gives us a goal. I can say, ‘I qualified my first year, so now I have something to shoot for in the future.’” Miller also believes that the band should continue to qualify. “We’ve already done it twice, so we should be able to do it again,” says Miller.
The field commander for this year’s band is Kayley McCormick (’16), who is in her third year of band. McCormick says, “I think the primary factor in qualifying was our desire to get there. We wanted to reach that point and we pushed ourselves to get there.” McCormick says that “Taps” is the band’s capstone piece. “If any piece was to capture their attention, I would hope that it would be ‘Taps’ because it’s such an emotional and personal piece,” says McCormick.
Trisha McConnell (’16) says “It’s really reassuring that we qualified earlier in the season than last year when we made it a week before.” McConnell said that there was a “breakthrough rehearsal” the night before the competition when “everything just kind of clicked. Nobody’s sure what lit the fire.”
-Mat Scott ('15) is the Web Editor-in-chief and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Students beat blood drive goal
By Aili Barbee
NORTHRIDGE - On Monday October 6th, Northridge high school students blew past their goal of donating 38 pints of blood during the tri-annual blood drive by donating a total of 46 pints.
The blood drive is held in the high school’s gymnasium. Students sign up to donate at a certain time a week before the drive and then are called down to the gymnasium by National Honor Society members. The students then sign in, read a quick pamphlet on donating blood, and then get asked a series of questions to make sure they qualify as a donor.
While waiting to donate, Leyna Varney (’16) stated that she “[was] freaking out because [she hates] blood, but [she is] still going to donate because it is for a good cause and [she] can save several lives.”
After being approved, the students lie down on a gurney-type table and have a qualified Red Cross nurse draw their blood. After being asked how he was feeling while in the process of donating blood, Nick Willeke (’15) smiled and said he “[was] feeling great, even though they had to switch arms after not being able to get enough blood out of the first one.” This was Willeke’s seventh time donating, his first time being in December of his sophomore year.
This was Mckenzie Messer’s (’15) sixth time donating. She had previously tried to donate a total of nine times, but she had been turned away due to low iron levels. “I have a hard time getting up to the required iron level of 12.5,” said Messer. “Now I take iron pills starting up to two weeks before the date of donation.”
The National Honor Society runs the blood drive every year. The student members of this group are in charge of signing people in and out, giving out IDs, bringing in snacks for the donors, receiving the donors from their classes and calming nerves. National Honor Society member Kayla Jasper ('15) said, “It is going pretty well, but a lot of students keep getting turned away for not having enough iron, or not weighing enough for their height.” Fifty-seven students attempted to donate, but only 46 were able to after being denied donor eligibility for various reasons.
Elizabeth Miller took over as National Honor Society Adviser this year. “This is my first time ever running a blood drive,” said Miller. “It’s going great. We are running ahead of time and looking very efficient.”
Northridge’s next blood drive is scheduled for this upcoming winter. “Everyone who can donate should come on out next blood drive!” stated Miller.
-Aili Barbee is the Jr. Print Editor-in-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Aili Barbee
NORTHRIDGE - On Monday October 6th, Northridge high school students blew past their goal of donating 38 pints of blood during the tri-annual blood drive by donating a total of 46 pints.
The blood drive is held in the high school’s gymnasium. Students sign up to donate at a certain time a week before the drive and then are called down to the gymnasium by National Honor Society members. The students then sign in, read a quick pamphlet on donating blood, and then get asked a series of questions to make sure they qualify as a donor.
While waiting to donate, Leyna Varney (’16) stated that she “[was] freaking out because [she hates] blood, but [she is] still going to donate because it is for a good cause and [she] can save several lives.”
After being approved, the students lie down on a gurney-type table and have a qualified Red Cross nurse draw their blood. After being asked how he was feeling while in the process of donating blood, Nick Willeke (’15) smiled and said he “[was] feeling great, even though they had to switch arms after not being able to get enough blood out of the first one.” This was Willeke’s seventh time donating, his first time being in December of his sophomore year.
This was Mckenzie Messer’s (’15) sixth time donating. She had previously tried to donate a total of nine times, but she had been turned away due to low iron levels. “I have a hard time getting up to the required iron level of 12.5,” said Messer. “Now I take iron pills starting up to two weeks before the date of donation.”
The National Honor Society runs the blood drive every year. The student members of this group are in charge of signing people in and out, giving out IDs, bringing in snacks for the donors, receiving the donors from their classes and calming nerves. National Honor Society member Kayla Jasper ('15) said, “It is going pretty well, but a lot of students keep getting turned away for not having enough iron, or not weighing enough for their height.” Fifty-seven students attempted to donate, but only 46 were able to after being denied donor eligibility for various reasons.
Elizabeth Miller took over as National Honor Society Adviser this year. “This is my first time ever running a blood drive,” said Miller. “It’s going great. We are running ahead of time and looking very efficient.”
Northridge’s next blood drive is scheduled for this upcoming winter. “Everyone who can donate should come on out next blood drive!” stated Miller.
-Aili Barbee is the Jr. Print Editor-in-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Food drive down from recent years but still brings almost 3,000 items
By Megan Dalton
NORTHRIDGE - Every year, Northridge high school is involved in giving back to the community by helping provide goods to the Johnstown-Northridge community food pantry. While total donations were down this year from recent years, many students still gave generously.
During the week, students and staff were invited to donate canned goods or money that would be given to the food pantry at the end of the week. Northridge and Johnstown call this event a civil competition to see who can bring in more canned goods (50 cents is the equivalent of one canned good). Northridge ended the week with over 2,500 canned goods.
“I don’t think we have done as well as we have in the past or as well as we could, but I know every bit helps the cause. I’m sure the food drive will be beyond happy for what donations we give, whether we give 100 cans or a billion,” Austin Chambers(’17) says with pride.
Regan Turner(’15) was in charge of organizing the food drive week. When asked why the student body didn’t bring in as much as years past she claims that the students may have lacked incentive. “Last year, the students had the goal of if they brought in ‘X’ amount of canned goods, they would get the reward of a winter homecoming,” Turner explained. “This year maybe we were lacking that whole-group motivation, that fighting for a common cause, although feeding the hungry should really be our common cause. Still, we are still proud of all we brought in. The donations will help a lot of people.”
This year, students were encouraged to bring in cans or money for rewards to the three students who brought in the most at the end of the week. The first place winner was offered two prom and after prom tickets, which are valued at over $200. The second place winner was offered free parking passes, and the third place winner was offered three free homework passes. The first place winner was Ashley Wood (’16), who brought in over 300 canned goods. Wood shares that, “she is just glad she can help out.” Greg Wilson (’15) came in second and Nick Willeke (’15) came in third.
The students who are involved in the Student Leadership class would go around to every class in the morning and ask for donations, along with organizing a flag football tournament to help raise money. Due to weather, the tournament was changed to a dodgeball tournament held inside during school hours. The money collected from making a team along with the money required to observe the tournament was all donated to the pantry. The students even sold baked goods for 50 cents which was also donated to the cause.
-Megan Dalton(’16) is the Junior Sports Editor and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Megan Dalton
NORTHRIDGE - Every year, Northridge high school is involved in giving back to the community by helping provide goods to the Johnstown-Northridge community food pantry. While total donations were down this year from recent years, many students still gave generously.
During the week, students and staff were invited to donate canned goods or money that would be given to the food pantry at the end of the week. Northridge and Johnstown call this event a civil competition to see who can bring in more canned goods (50 cents is the equivalent of one canned good). Northridge ended the week with over 2,500 canned goods.
“I don’t think we have done as well as we have in the past or as well as we could, but I know every bit helps the cause. I’m sure the food drive will be beyond happy for what donations we give, whether we give 100 cans or a billion,” Austin Chambers(’17) says with pride.
Regan Turner(’15) was in charge of organizing the food drive week. When asked why the student body didn’t bring in as much as years past she claims that the students may have lacked incentive. “Last year, the students had the goal of if they brought in ‘X’ amount of canned goods, they would get the reward of a winter homecoming,” Turner explained. “This year maybe we were lacking that whole-group motivation, that fighting for a common cause, although feeding the hungry should really be our common cause. Still, we are still proud of all we brought in. The donations will help a lot of people.”
This year, students were encouraged to bring in cans or money for rewards to the three students who brought in the most at the end of the week. The first place winner was offered two prom and after prom tickets, which are valued at over $200. The second place winner was offered free parking passes, and the third place winner was offered three free homework passes. The first place winner was Ashley Wood (’16), who brought in over 300 canned goods. Wood shares that, “she is just glad she can help out.” Greg Wilson (’15) came in second and Nick Willeke (’15) came in third.
The students who are involved in the Student Leadership class would go around to every class in the morning and ask for donations, along with organizing a flag football tournament to help raise money. Due to weather, the tournament was changed to a dodgeball tournament held inside during school hours. The money collected from making a team along with the money required to observe the tournament was all donated to the pantry. The students even sold baked goods for 50 cents which was also donated to the cause.
-Megan Dalton(’16) is the Junior Sports Editor and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Ski Club prepares to hit the slopes
By Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - As the days get colder and the nights get longer, many students will be inside bundled up by the fireplace. As for Ski Club members, they may be sitting by that fireplace tapping their feet as they wait for the season to finally start.
Ski Club will officially begin the day Snow Trails opens and ends when the trails close. In the past, they have opened as early as Thanksgiving. Members make six trips beginning on the first Sunday in January for six weeks. They get on the bus by 1:15 and return around 9:45.
When the Ski Club gets to Snow Trails, students get off the bus and head to “The Alpine Room,” which is a private room rented by Northridge’s Ski Club for the storage of equipment, for hanging out, and for having potlucks. Students are free to use the room whenever they visit, but Snow Trails also has lockers available.
“Snow Trails is a very nice resort with plenty of skiing terrain, a nice lodge, and a new rental center,” said Maddie Parill (’17). “It’s so great to hang out with friends and go skiing at the same time.”
Member Hugh Prentice ('16) says he does Ski Club “Because it’s fun, you’re always with your friends, and get to go extreme.”
Last year, Ski Club had about 40 members from middle school and high school.
Prices range from $150 to $380 to participate for the season, depending on if you’re bringing your own equipment. There are different programs available. To those that don’t have a ski or snowboard, Snow Trails has rentals available for skis and snowboards. For those that have no experience in skiing or snowboarding, Snow Trails offers lessons. Transportation is provided by a Muskingum coach bus. It is $90 to ride the bus for the whole season.
A trip to Seven Springs in Pennsylvania is being considered this season, as well.
The advisor of the ski club is Laura Shenberger, who can be reached at 740-627-0388. Ski club packets are available in the High School office.
-Kyle Stermer ('16) is the Interactive Editor and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - As the days get colder and the nights get longer, many students will be inside bundled up by the fireplace. As for Ski Club members, they may be sitting by that fireplace tapping their feet as they wait for the season to finally start.
Ski Club will officially begin the day Snow Trails opens and ends when the trails close. In the past, they have opened as early as Thanksgiving. Members make six trips beginning on the first Sunday in January for six weeks. They get on the bus by 1:15 and return around 9:45.
When the Ski Club gets to Snow Trails, students get off the bus and head to “The Alpine Room,” which is a private room rented by Northridge’s Ski Club for the storage of equipment, for hanging out, and for having potlucks. Students are free to use the room whenever they visit, but Snow Trails also has lockers available.
“Snow Trails is a very nice resort with plenty of skiing terrain, a nice lodge, and a new rental center,” said Maddie Parill (’17). “It’s so great to hang out with friends and go skiing at the same time.”
Member Hugh Prentice ('16) says he does Ski Club “Because it’s fun, you’re always with your friends, and get to go extreme.”
Last year, Ski Club had about 40 members from middle school and high school.
Prices range from $150 to $380 to participate for the season, depending on if you’re bringing your own equipment. There are different programs available. To those that don’t have a ski or snowboard, Snow Trails has rentals available for skis and snowboards. For those that have no experience in skiing or snowboarding, Snow Trails offers lessons. Transportation is provided by a Muskingum coach bus. It is $90 to ride the bus for the whole season.
A trip to Seven Springs in Pennsylvania is being considered this season, as well.
The advisor of the ski club is Laura Shenberger, who can be reached at 740-627-0388. Ski club packets are available in the High School office.
-Kyle Stermer ('16) is the Interactive Editor and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Northridge students go to great lengths to avoid Ebola
By Savannah Legg
NORTHRIDGE - The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) originated in West Africa and has rapidly spread to nearby countries. The first human outbreaks occurred in 1976 in central Africa. The virus is named Ebola after the Ebola River in Africa, where it is thought to have originated. At time of publication, Texas is the only "outbreak" in the United States, if it could be called that.
The virus is passed from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other bodily fluids of infected persons, or from contact with contaminated needles or other equipment in the environment.
While the death rate for this disease grows every day, researchers are currently working to find a cure for this life threatening disease.
Although this seemed far from us, Amber Joy Vinson, a nurse who had cared for a now-deceased Ebola patient in Dallas, had flown into Cleveland last week and visited family in the Akron area. A day after returning to Dallas, Vinson was diagnosed with the Ebola virus.
So far, no new cases have risen in Ohio, but many schools such as Solon Middle School and Parkside Elementary School temporarily shut down since the news of Vinson’s trip to the Akron area. The schools sent letters home to the parents explaining that some of the teachers may have been on the exact same airline, and on the exact same flight as Vinson.
One concerned Northridge student is Megan Phillips (’16), who said she is “constantly covering all open cuts since this disease is spread through blood. I’ve also kept tabs on all my family to ensure that none of them travel to Texas where recent outbreaks have taken place”.
Jenna DeNune (17’) said that “I’m scared that I will get it (Ebola) since it has spread so fast, but am not sure how to prevent myself from getting infected.”
Doctors and researchers who are working on a cure for this adapting disease are saying the keys to not contracting this disease are “making sure all open wounds are covered” and “avoid blood to blood contact with anyone.”
Symptoms show up 2 to 21 days after infection and usually include high fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, weakness, stomach pain, and lack of appetite.
Outbreaks and Death rates at time of publication include:
Guinea - 1350 cases, 778 deaths
Liberia - 4076 cases, 2316 deaths
Nigeria - 20 cases, 8 deaths
Senegal - 1 case, 0 deaths (infection originated in Guinea)
Sierra Leone - 2950 cases, 930 deaths
Spain - 1 case, 0 deaths
United States - 1 case, 1 death (infection originated in Liberia)
Savannah Legg ('16) is the Junior Photo Editor and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By Savannah Legg
NORTHRIDGE - The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) originated in West Africa and has rapidly spread to nearby countries. The first human outbreaks occurred in 1976 in central Africa. The virus is named Ebola after the Ebola River in Africa, where it is thought to have originated. At time of publication, Texas is the only "outbreak" in the United States, if it could be called that.
The virus is passed from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other bodily fluids of infected persons, or from contact with contaminated needles or other equipment in the environment.
While the death rate for this disease grows every day, researchers are currently working to find a cure for this life threatening disease.
Although this seemed far from us, Amber Joy Vinson, a nurse who had cared for a now-deceased Ebola patient in Dallas, had flown into Cleveland last week and visited family in the Akron area. A day after returning to Dallas, Vinson was diagnosed with the Ebola virus.
So far, no new cases have risen in Ohio, but many schools such as Solon Middle School and Parkside Elementary School temporarily shut down since the news of Vinson’s trip to the Akron area. The schools sent letters home to the parents explaining that some of the teachers may have been on the exact same airline, and on the exact same flight as Vinson.
One concerned Northridge student is Megan Phillips (’16), who said she is “constantly covering all open cuts since this disease is spread through blood. I’ve also kept tabs on all my family to ensure that none of them travel to Texas where recent outbreaks have taken place”.
Jenna DeNune (17’) said that “I’m scared that I will get it (Ebola) since it has spread so fast, but am not sure how to prevent myself from getting infected.”
Doctors and researchers who are working on a cure for this adapting disease are saying the keys to not contracting this disease are “making sure all open wounds are covered” and “avoid blood to blood contact with anyone.”
Symptoms show up 2 to 21 days after infection and usually include high fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, weakness, stomach pain, and lack of appetite.
Outbreaks and Death rates at time of publication include:
Guinea - 1350 cases, 778 deaths
Liberia - 4076 cases, 2316 deaths
Nigeria - 20 cases, 8 deaths
Senegal - 1 case, 0 deaths (infection originated in Guinea)
Sierra Leone - 2950 cases, 930 deaths
Spain - 1 case, 0 deaths
United States - 1 case, 1 death (infection originated in Liberia)
Savannah Legg ('16) is the Junior Photo Editor and Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
New bus garage opens more doors for new opportunities
By McKenzie Messer
NORTHRIDGE - Northridge will be getting a new bus garage on the south-east of the property by the student parking lot due to a renegotiated contract with Petermann and Durham bus companies because they could no longer function with the current garage. New property and old garage will still bring advantages to the school.
The new bus garage’s cost totals $1.3 million, but Petermann will pay for $500,000 of that expense, which was determined in the seven-year contract signed April 2014. The rest of the cost will be subtracted from the school’s general fund and will have no effect on school taxes. School Treasurer Britt Lewis says, “$1.3 million is the budget, but we’d like to stay closer to an even $1 million if we can.”
Before the decision of building another bus garage, repurposing the old building was first discussed. However, it was determined to be unfit, and the district decided to give the old garage to the maintenance department, instead. They’ll also utilize the space for an extra 49 parking spaces for staff, students, and extracurricular activities.
The land that the bus garage will be built on previously belonged to the Tuggle family. They sold it to the school at what Lewis considers “a reasonable price.” Northridge Vo-Ag will take over the remainder of the Tuggle’s, property which had two barns and two open animal cages, but they’ll only use one of the cages. Vo-Ag will also use the remainder of the ten acres (roughly six acres) from the school to grow their crops. They’ll cut a path through the woods for access to their new land. The old Administrative office known as the “white house” along Route 62 was also torn down in the process.
Northridge used to share Petermann bus company with Johnstown schools, but Johnstown decided it would be best if they left when their contract expired on June 30, 2014. Due to them leaving, it allowed builders to move the new bus garage to a better location that worked for everyone. When the contract was signed, it was signed so that Johnstown has the opportunity to return.
After the initial building permit is verified, the process of building can begin since all other permits have been approved. After all permits seen fit, it shouldn’t take more than two months to build. EMOD is building the garage with the pre-fab butler design. The Licking County Planning Committee will meet October 27th to determine if the permit is alright.
The goal of the new bus garage was to keep Route 62 de-congested and ensure the safety of all involved. By building a bigger garage, the training facility will be indoors.
With the old bus garage open, it allows for maintenance to have a bigger space. Dave Liggett, head of maintenance, says the new maintenance shop is a good thing because it allows him to work on projects without others having a chance of being injured.
-McKenzie Messer (‘15) is the Print Editor-in-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
By McKenzie Messer
NORTHRIDGE - Northridge will be getting a new bus garage on the south-east of the property by the student parking lot due to a renegotiated contract with Petermann and Durham bus companies because they could no longer function with the current garage. New property and old garage will still bring advantages to the school.
The new bus garage’s cost totals $1.3 million, but Petermann will pay for $500,000 of that expense, which was determined in the seven-year contract signed April 2014. The rest of the cost will be subtracted from the school’s general fund and will have no effect on school taxes. School Treasurer Britt Lewis says, “$1.3 million is the budget, but we’d like to stay closer to an even $1 million if we can.”
Before the decision of building another bus garage, repurposing the old building was first discussed. However, it was determined to be unfit, and the district decided to give the old garage to the maintenance department, instead. They’ll also utilize the space for an extra 49 parking spaces for staff, students, and extracurricular activities.
The land that the bus garage will be built on previously belonged to the Tuggle family. They sold it to the school at what Lewis considers “a reasonable price.” Northridge Vo-Ag will take over the remainder of the Tuggle’s, property which had two barns and two open animal cages, but they’ll only use one of the cages. Vo-Ag will also use the remainder of the ten acres (roughly six acres) from the school to grow their crops. They’ll cut a path through the woods for access to their new land. The old Administrative office known as the “white house” along Route 62 was also torn down in the process.
Northridge used to share Petermann bus company with Johnstown schools, but Johnstown decided it would be best if they left when their contract expired on June 30, 2014. Due to them leaving, it allowed builders to move the new bus garage to a better location that worked for everyone. When the contract was signed, it was signed so that Johnstown has the opportunity to return.
After the initial building permit is verified, the process of building can begin since all other permits have been approved. After all permits seen fit, it shouldn’t take more than two months to build. EMOD is building the garage with the pre-fab butler design. The Licking County Planning Committee will meet October 27th to determine if the permit is alright.
The goal of the new bus garage was to keep Route 62 de-congested and ensure the safety of all involved. By building a bigger garage, the training facility will be indoors.
With the old bus garage open, it allows for maintenance to have a bigger space. Dave Liggett, head of maintenance, says the new maintenance shop is a good thing because it allows him to work on projects without others having a chance of being injured.
-McKenzie Messer (‘15) is the Print Editor-in-Chief and a Staff Writer for The Viking Vault.
Northridge Middle School presents out-of-this-world musical
Starmites Lite hits the stage Nov. 21-23
JOHNSTOWN – Tickets are on sale now for Northridge Middle School’s musical Starmites Lite, which will play for an anticipated near sell-out crowd Nov. 21-23.
The show features 45 sixth through eighth graders on stage and 13 stage crew members to make it the largest middle school production in recent history. It follows last year’s Homeroom musical, which drew over 270 to each performance in a high school auditeria that accommodates about 300.
Unveiling a brand new $30,000 sound system, directors Jennifer Ulery and Jessica McDevitt say audiences should prepare themselves for foot-tapping, whole-cast showstoppers like “Reach Right Down” and “Cruelty Stomp,” the latter of which features the cast in a zombie-style dance number they love.
“We base our musicals on the talent we have each year,” Ulery explained. “This show has 17 leads.”
The directors needed that many and a large chorus to accommodate a middle school group that McDevitt says is “particularly gifted in the arts.”
“From drawing to music to dance, the past couple of classes have so much talent. Many of them are in choir, too. That’s not a requirement, but their backgrounds in the arts really helps,” observes McDevitt, who teaches choir at Northridge.
While last year’s musical centered on kindness and respect, Starmites Lite has a very different, science fiction feel that highlights good and evil. Ulery describes it as “a comic book come to life.” In the show, Starmites attempt to save the world from the dynamic and diabolical Shak Graa and the crazy Banshees. McDevitt says audiences can expect plenty of twists in a show in which “things aren’t necessarily as they appear.”
The Starmites cast puts in exacting practices from three to five days a week for several hours, practicing “until we don’t see any mistakes,” Ulery said. In exchange, they get an experience many middle school actors don’t: the chance to use professional quality head mics and sing with the same live band that plays for Northridge’s popular high school productions.
Ulery says middle school students "love it" when high school students come and support them in their shows.
Leads in the show include Jason Roser as Spacepunk, Chris Curran as S’up S’up Sensaboi, Aidan Cupp as Diggity Razzledazzle, Rex Bammerlin as Ack Ack Hackerax, Wyatt Thompson as Rocko Galaxer, Dylan Elliott as Shak Graa, Katie Debolt as Trinkulus, Elle Pavao as Eleanor Fairchild, McKenzie Johnston as Diva, Sydney Smith as Bizarbara, Claire Wasem as Eleanor’s Mother, Julia West as Shotzi/Oragala, Emma Garee as Hollaback, Ali Zigo as Canibelle, Kourtney Spangler as Maligna, and Megan King as Mystershee.
Show times are Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets for the general public are $8 and $6 for seniors/students. Purchase available tickets at the door or order ahead of time by stopping by or calling the Northridge High School office at 740-967-6651.
Starmites Lite hits the stage Nov. 21-23
JOHNSTOWN – Tickets are on sale now for Northridge Middle School’s musical Starmites Lite, which will play for an anticipated near sell-out crowd Nov. 21-23.
The show features 45 sixth through eighth graders on stage and 13 stage crew members to make it the largest middle school production in recent history. It follows last year’s Homeroom musical, which drew over 270 to each performance in a high school auditeria that accommodates about 300.
Unveiling a brand new $30,000 sound system, directors Jennifer Ulery and Jessica McDevitt say audiences should prepare themselves for foot-tapping, whole-cast showstoppers like “Reach Right Down” and “Cruelty Stomp,” the latter of which features the cast in a zombie-style dance number they love.
“We base our musicals on the talent we have each year,” Ulery explained. “This show has 17 leads.”
The directors needed that many and a large chorus to accommodate a middle school group that McDevitt says is “particularly gifted in the arts.”
“From drawing to music to dance, the past couple of classes have so much talent. Many of them are in choir, too. That’s not a requirement, but their backgrounds in the arts really helps,” observes McDevitt, who teaches choir at Northridge.
While last year’s musical centered on kindness and respect, Starmites Lite has a very different, science fiction feel that highlights good and evil. Ulery describes it as “a comic book come to life.” In the show, Starmites attempt to save the world from the dynamic and diabolical Shak Graa and the crazy Banshees. McDevitt says audiences can expect plenty of twists in a show in which “things aren’t necessarily as they appear.”
The Starmites cast puts in exacting practices from three to five days a week for several hours, practicing “until we don’t see any mistakes,” Ulery said. In exchange, they get an experience many middle school actors don’t: the chance to use professional quality head mics and sing with the same live band that plays for Northridge’s popular high school productions.
Ulery says middle school students "love it" when high school students come and support them in their shows.
Leads in the show include Jason Roser as Spacepunk, Chris Curran as S’up S’up Sensaboi, Aidan Cupp as Diggity Razzledazzle, Rex Bammerlin as Ack Ack Hackerax, Wyatt Thompson as Rocko Galaxer, Dylan Elliott as Shak Graa, Katie Debolt as Trinkulus, Elle Pavao as Eleanor Fairchild, McKenzie Johnston as Diva, Sydney Smith as Bizarbara, Claire Wasem as Eleanor’s Mother, Julia West as Shotzi/Oragala, Emma Garee as Hollaback, Ali Zigo as Canibelle, Kourtney Spangler as Maligna, and Megan King as Mystershee.
Show times are Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets for the general public are $8 and $6 for seniors/students. Purchase available tickets at the door or order ahead of time by stopping by or calling the Northridge High School office at 740-967-6651.