Love at first data
By: Olivia Carpenter
NORTHRIDGE - It's that time of year again ... lines of students eager to get a print-out that may or may not predict their romantic futures, all of them with the same burning question: Does your Love Compatibility Test actually show you who you should marry/date? On February 10th, 11th, and 12th, the compatibility tests will be sold at $3 a pop to high schoolers looking for love ... or those just buying it for kicks and giggles.
Regardless of those motives, are the love tests all that we think they are?
Last year, the freshman class earned about $400 in profits from the Love Compatibility Tests. According to the Freshman Class Advisor Mrs. Hotchkiss, the computer-generated test gives information that students could really take two ways. “It’s pairing people based on their responses, so the question really becomes … do opposites attract?
Graham Garee (‘18), last year’s and this year’s class historian, said, “The class officers thought it was a really good idea and people seemed to be buying them, so why not do it again?”
According to the Computer Fun website, students can have three random matches, least compatible matches, best friend matches, and the company will give students a list of ten names that they are most compatible with based on the computer simulation. There are different simulations created for varying groups. The high school simulation has around 30 questions that inquire about students’ beliefs and thoughts. An example of one of the questions was: When kissing, you: 1. Keep your eyes open. 2. Keep them closed 3. Occasionally peek. 4. Never pay any attention. To see more sample questions, visit http://www.computer-fun.com/highsch.htm.
Tyler Rosshirt (‘17) said he will definitely be buying his survey results. “It’s fun and pretty cool, honestly. Everyone’s talking about it for several days, so it’s worth the three bucks.”
Caleb Garee (‘18) said he got his sister in his friend’s list, which he felt was “weird.”
Although the Computer Fun website creating these printouts may be lying, their website maintains they clearly state their answers are “computerized.”
Noah Miller (‘18) noted, “Well, we all know everything on the internet is true, so people should probably make important life-long decisions based on their lists.”
-Olivia Carpenter ('18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Web Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
By: Olivia Carpenter
NORTHRIDGE - It's that time of year again ... lines of students eager to get a print-out that may or may not predict their romantic futures, all of them with the same burning question: Does your Love Compatibility Test actually show you who you should marry/date? On February 10th, 11th, and 12th, the compatibility tests will be sold at $3 a pop to high schoolers looking for love ... or those just buying it for kicks and giggles.
Regardless of those motives, are the love tests all that we think they are?
Last year, the freshman class earned about $400 in profits from the Love Compatibility Tests. According to the Freshman Class Advisor Mrs. Hotchkiss, the computer-generated test gives information that students could really take two ways. “It’s pairing people based on their responses, so the question really becomes … do opposites attract?
Graham Garee (‘18), last year’s and this year’s class historian, said, “The class officers thought it was a really good idea and people seemed to be buying them, so why not do it again?”
According to the Computer Fun website, students can have three random matches, least compatible matches, best friend matches, and the company will give students a list of ten names that they are most compatible with based on the computer simulation. There are different simulations created for varying groups. The high school simulation has around 30 questions that inquire about students’ beliefs and thoughts. An example of one of the questions was: When kissing, you: 1. Keep your eyes open. 2. Keep them closed 3. Occasionally peek. 4. Never pay any attention. To see more sample questions, visit http://www.computer-fun.com/highsch.htm.
Tyler Rosshirt (‘17) said he will definitely be buying his survey results. “It’s fun and pretty cool, honestly. Everyone’s talking about it for several days, so it’s worth the three bucks.”
Caleb Garee (‘18) said he got his sister in his friend’s list, which he felt was “weird.”
Although the Computer Fun website creating these printouts may be lying, their website maintains they clearly state their answers are “computerized.”
Noah Miller (‘18) noted, “Well, we all know everything on the internet is true, so people should probably make important life-long decisions based on their lists.”
-Olivia Carpenter ('18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Web Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
Northridge High School presents Children of Eden
March 11-13, 2015
JOHNSTOWN – Tickets go on sale starting Feb. 18 for Northridge High School’s production of Stephen Schwartz’s Children of Eden. Everyone associated with the show says NHS drama fans can look forward to the most emotional production in recent memory.
Schwartz, who also wrote Wicked, released this biblically-based musical featuring stories associated with Adam and Even in Act One and Noah in Act Two. Crowds will recognize these stories from The Bible, which feature some additional, “fictionalized” elements. The character Yonah, for example, is introduced in the second act to tie things together but isn’t a character from the Old Testament. “It’s a really beautiful re-telling,” said Co-Director Jody Hepp. “The students are enjoying it because Schwartz is a contemporary composer instead of an old, dead guy from another time period. It’s definitely not a rock show, but there’s a contemporary feel to it that they like.”
Audiences can expect to be wowed by an ark as part of the set design, which Co-Director Jennifer Ulery said “unfolds in unexpected ways.” There is an extended stage for the 45-member cast, a live pit with professional musicians, and even animals that come to life through masks and puppets, in the first act when Adam and Eve name the animals and in the second act the animals arrive on the ark.
“It’s visually exciting, and we’ll be using the whole room,” Hepp said. In addition to all of that, Children of Eden is far more music-oriented than shows in the past, with about ninety percent of the story told in song.
Senior Miguel Disbennett, who plays Cain in this production, can only compare it to his lead role as the Cat in the Hat in NHS’s production of Seussical two years ago. “This is definitely more serious,” he says. “Cat was whimsical, but this is very historical. The music itself is at a higher level and much more difficult. I actually like it better for that, for how well everything is put together musically.”
Disbennett is one of sixteen seniors on stage in Children of Eden, representing an extraordinarily talented class of performers that Hepp says have made her first year at Northridge as teacher and director memorable. “I can just say something I conceive in my head, and they just do it. They just make it happen, and it’s lovely,” she marvels.
Other lead roles include: Adam Eckstein as Father, Colin Evans as Adam, Leyna Varney as Eve, Gabe Miller as Abel, Kevin Strong as Noah, Kayley McCormick is Noah’s Wife, Alex Healey as Japheth, and Trisha McConnell as Yonah. Noah’s other sons are played by Ryan Debolt and Jacob Chestnut, and their wives are Kaelin Curran and Laura Brown.
Ulery says this year’s experience has also been unique because the cast includes two seventh graders playing young Cain and Abel, and the directors invited six eighth grade boys to join the cast as storytellers, “giving that really strong class of eighth grade boys a chance to sing alongside that really strong class of senior boys for a year.”
Varney, who has had lead roles all four years of high school, says, “This musical is emotional – happy, sad, dramatic. The others had a silly element, but on this one we’re going to pull some tears.” Hepp and Ulery separately verified that Varney’s song “Children of Eden” brings them to tears every time she sings it.
“The chorus is in just about everything this year,” Eckstein said. “The energy of all those people on the stage makes this just a really fun musical. There are so many emotions attached to it, and there’s plenty of room for interpretation. But it makes you think.”
Show times are Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available beginning Feb. 18 through the NHS office (967-6651) and can also be purchased at the door, $8 for students/seniors, and $10 for adults.
March 11-13, 2015
JOHNSTOWN – Tickets go on sale starting Feb. 18 for Northridge High School’s production of Stephen Schwartz’s Children of Eden. Everyone associated with the show says NHS drama fans can look forward to the most emotional production in recent memory.
Schwartz, who also wrote Wicked, released this biblically-based musical featuring stories associated with Adam and Even in Act One and Noah in Act Two. Crowds will recognize these stories from The Bible, which feature some additional, “fictionalized” elements. The character Yonah, for example, is introduced in the second act to tie things together but isn’t a character from the Old Testament. “It’s a really beautiful re-telling,” said Co-Director Jody Hepp. “The students are enjoying it because Schwartz is a contemporary composer instead of an old, dead guy from another time period. It’s definitely not a rock show, but there’s a contemporary feel to it that they like.”
Audiences can expect to be wowed by an ark as part of the set design, which Co-Director Jennifer Ulery said “unfolds in unexpected ways.” There is an extended stage for the 45-member cast, a live pit with professional musicians, and even animals that come to life through masks and puppets, in the first act when Adam and Eve name the animals and in the second act the animals arrive on the ark.
“It’s visually exciting, and we’ll be using the whole room,” Hepp said. In addition to all of that, Children of Eden is far more music-oriented than shows in the past, with about ninety percent of the story told in song.
Senior Miguel Disbennett, who plays Cain in this production, can only compare it to his lead role as the Cat in the Hat in NHS’s production of Seussical two years ago. “This is definitely more serious,” he says. “Cat was whimsical, but this is very historical. The music itself is at a higher level and much more difficult. I actually like it better for that, for how well everything is put together musically.”
Disbennett is one of sixteen seniors on stage in Children of Eden, representing an extraordinarily talented class of performers that Hepp says have made her first year at Northridge as teacher and director memorable. “I can just say something I conceive in my head, and they just do it. They just make it happen, and it’s lovely,” she marvels.
Other lead roles include: Adam Eckstein as Father, Colin Evans as Adam, Leyna Varney as Eve, Gabe Miller as Abel, Kevin Strong as Noah, Kayley McCormick is Noah’s Wife, Alex Healey as Japheth, and Trisha McConnell as Yonah. Noah’s other sons are played by Ryan Debolt and Jacob Chestnut, and their wives are Kaelin Curran and Laura Brown.
Ulery says this year’s experience has also been unique because the cast includes two seventh graders playing young Cain and Abel, and the directors invited six eighth grade boys to join the cast as storytellers, “giving that really strong class of eighth grade boys a chance to sing alongside that really strong class of senior boys for a year.”
Varney, who has had lead roles all four years of high school, says, “This musical is emotional – happy, sad, dramatic. The others had a silly element, but on this one we’re going to pull some tears.” Hepp and Ulery separately verified that Varney’s song “Children of Eden” brings them to tears every time she sings it.
“The chorus is in just about everything this year,” Eckstein said. “The energy of all those people on the stage makes this just a really fun musical. There are so many emotions attached to it, and there’s plenty of room for interpretation. But it makes you think.”
Show times are Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available beginning Feb. 18 through the NHS office (967-6651) and can also be purchased at the door, $8 for students/seniors, and $10 for adults.
Northridge FFA is busy
By: Andy Watson
NORTHRIDGE- Northridge FFA has advanced its program quite a lot in the past few years, and public opinion has definitely improved. In the rejuvenation of the FFA program here at Northridge, we have restarted a lot of things that haven’t been around for a while. One thing that is happening this year that has happened the past few years is our FFA week festivities.
National FFA week is February 21st through 27th, and lots of things are happening this year! Monday the 22nd is a special breakfast for our teachers, giving back to the ones that sign our permission slip papers to miss school for FFA events. Tuesday the 23rd is hat day, violating our school rule of no hats for a school day. This also coincides with Friday’s festivities involving tractors (green vs. red). Wednesday the 24th is camo day, appeasing all you guys who like to wear camouflage clothes (and ghillie suits) are encouraged to do so. Thursday the 25th is our day to give to the food pantry: two canned goods gets a doughnut with a maximum of three doughnuts. Donating to the food pantry is something we can do fairly easily, and the money and food go directly to the local food pantries in our community. Friday the 26th is drive your tractor to school day, and Saturday the 27th we are going to Jungle Jim’s and Bass Pro Shops. FFA week sure is exciting this year and as president I cannot be more happy for the interest of our students to enjoy themselves and advance our program in the halls of NHS.
Another thing that is going on is our February FFA meeting. This meeting is something special that we do from time to time that's super fun and inviting. On Friday the 26th, Northridge FFA chapter is travelling to Johnstown skate-n-swim for our meeting. We will have a brief meeting beforehand, then we’re going to Mcdonald's for some food, then to Johnstown’s skating rink for a few hours of fun! It’s $2 per person to go, and that covers the cost of skate rental as well as renting out the rink to ourselves.
This month of February has surely got a lot going on for our FFA chapter, and I’m overjoyed to be the president of such a great program for our students.
-Andy Watson ('16) is a first-year Vault staff member and Features Editor. [email protected]
By: Andy Watson
NORTHRIDGE- Northridge FFA has advanced its program quite a lot in the past few years, and public opinion has definitely improved. In the rejuvenation of the FFA program here at Northridge, we have restarted a lot of things that haven’t been around for a while. One thing that is happening this year that has happened the past few years is our FFA week festivities.
National FFA week is February 21st through 27th, and lots of things are happening this year! Monday the 22nd is a special breakfast for our teachers, giving back to the ones that sign our permission slip papers to miss school for FFA events. Tuesday the 23rd is hat day, violating our school rule of no hats for a school day. This also coincides with Friday’s festivities involving tractors (green vs. red). Wednesday the 24th is camo day, appeasing all you guys who like to wear camouflage clothes (and ghillie suits) are encouraged to do so. Thursday the 25th is our day to give to the food pantry: two canned goods gets a doughnut with a maximum of three doughnuts. Donating to the food pantry is something we can do fairly easily, and the money and food go directly to the local food pantries in our community. Friday the 26th is drive your tractor to school day, and Saturday the 27th we are going to Jungle Jim’s and Bass Pro Shops. FFA week sure is exciting this year and as president I cannot be more happy for the interest of our students to enjoy themselves and advance our program in the halls of NHS.
Another thing that is going on is our February FFA meeting. This meeting is something special that we do from time to time that's super fun and inviting. On Friday the 26th, Northridge FFA chapter is travelling to Johnstown skate-n-swim for our meeting. We will have a brief meeting beforehand, then we’re going to Mcdonald's for some food, then to Johnstown’s skating rink for a few hours of fun! It’s $2 per person to go, and that covers the cost of skate rental as well as renting out the rink to ourselves.
This month of February has surely got a lot going on for our FFA chapter, and I’m overjoyed to be the president of such a great program for our students.
-Andy Watson ('16) is a first-year Vault staff member and Features Editor. [email protected]
Painting his way to success
By: Savannah Legg
NORTHRIDGE- Senior Zach Smith (‘16) recently painted and posted on popular social media site, Twitter, the picture he painted of his favorite band Twenty One Pilots, causing it to go viral. While the post started out as a simple post that Smith (‘16) uploaded for his followers to enjoy, it turned into something much bigger. Five hours after the picture was uploaded to Twitter the band’s personal account retweeted the post, which not only meant they recognized the picture, but also allowed all of their 800,000 followers to view the picture as well.
Once the band retweeted the post, the hundreds of likes and comments turned into thousands. Smith(‘16) said that he, “didn’t expect the painting would get as much attention as it did. I just painted it because I like Twenty One Pilots and I thought that it would be cool.”
Smith (‘16) completed the painting in Painting II, a class taught by art teacher Andy Kirtland over the course of 2 weeks. To date the picture has accumulated 8,663 likes, and 1,645 retweets.
Since the post became viral, Smith (‘16) has had lots of people reach out to him wanting additional artwork, and even the option to purchase the painting. With the success of his first uploaded painting, Smith (‘16) plans on painting more artwork of famous artists for his followers to enjoy. He is currently working on another portrait of artist, The Weekend.
-Savannah Legg (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Photos Editor. [email protected]
By: Savannah Legg
NORTHRIDGE- Senior Zach Smith (‘16) recently painted and posted on popular social media site, Twitter, the picture he painted of his favorite band Twenty One Pilots, causing it to go viral. While the post started out as a simple post that Smith (‘16) uploaded for his followers to enjoy, it turned into something much bigger. Five hours after the picture was uploaded to Twitter the band’s personal account retweeted the post, which not only meant they recognized the picture, but also allowed all of their 800,000 followers to view the picture as well.
Once the band retweeted the post, the hundreds of likes and comments turned into thousands. Smith(‘16) said that he, “didn’t expect the painting would get as much attention as it did. I just painted it because I like Twenty One Pilots and I thought that it would be cool.”
Smith (‘16) completed the painting in Painting II, a class taught by art teacher Andy Kirtland over the course of 2 weeks. To date the picture has accumulated 8,663 likes, and 1,645 retweets.
Since the post became viral, Smith (‘16) has had lots of people reach out to him wanting additional artwork, and even the option to purchase the painting. With the success of his first uploaded painting, Smith (‘16) plans on painting more artwork of famous artists for his followers to enjoy. He is currently working on another portrait of artist, The Weekend.
-Savannah Legg (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Photos Editor. [email protected]
Remembering some of the greats
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE: At the beginning of this year we lost two amazing human beings in the span of one week. 2016 kicked off the new year by leaving us without the amazingly talented musician David Bowie and the breathtaking actor Alan Rickman.
David Bowie was born on January 8th, 1947. Bowie was born and raised in South London and even as a child showed an interest in music. As he got older his interest in music and the arts expanded and he studied art, music, and design before starting his own career as a professional musician. Many people will know of his song "Heroes" from its success, but they won’t know who wrote it or the name of the track; they will be familiar with the sound. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; many people didn’t know who David Bowie was or what he did, but his influence sparked creativity in music. Bowie was well known for being an artist that experimented with his music. He went through phases ranging from soul and funk, to pop, to electronic, and all many more. Bowie was a phenomenal musician and he helped kickstart many new genres of music that are still around today. Along with his musical career, Bowie also dabbled in acting. A few of the films that most people may have heard of that he took part in were Labyrinth and The Prestige. Lastly, I’ll close this with one of my favorite quotes from this man: “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I can promise it won’t be boring.”
Alan Rickman was born on February 26th, 1946. Rickman was born in Acton, London and he and his three siblings were raised by his mother after his father had died. When Rickman was older he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Rickman was most well known as Hans Gruber in Die Hard or Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. Throughout his career Rickman was nominated for a Tony Award and he won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Alan Rickman always delivered breathtaking performances and anytime I heard his distinctive voice on the TV I would come in to see what movie was playing. A quote that Rickman said once about his work is one that I love: “I do take my work seriously and the way to do that is not to take yourself too seriously.”
-Hugh Prentice ('16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Opinions Editor. [email protected]
By: Hugh Prentice
NORTHRIDGE: At the beginning of this year we lost two amazing human beings in the span of one week. 2016 kicked off the new year by leaving us without the amazingly talented musician David Bowie and the breathtaking actor Alan Rickman.
David Bowie was born on January 8th, 1947. Bowie was born and raised in South London and even as a child showed an interest in music. As he got older his interest in music and the arts expanded and he studied art, music, and design before starting his own career as a professional musician. Many people will know of his song "Heroes" from its success, but they won’t know who wrote it or the name of the track; they will be familiar with the sound. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; many people didn’t know who David Bowie was or what he did, but his influence sparked creativity in music. Bowie was well known for being an artist that experimented with his music. He went through phases ranging from soul and funk, to pop, to electronic, and all many more. Bowie was a phenomenal musician and he helped kickstart many new genres of music that are still around today. Along with his musical career, Bowie also dabbled in acting. A few of the films that most people may have heard of that he took part in were Labyrinth and The Prestige. Lastly, I’ll close this with one of my favorite quotes from this man: “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I can promise it won’t be boring.”
Alan Rickman was born on February 26th, 1946. Rickman was born in Acton, London and he and his three siblings were raised by his mother after his father had died. When Rickman was older he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Rickman was most well known as Hans Gruber in Die Hard or Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. Throughout his career Rickman was nominated for a Tony Award and he won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Alan Rickman always delivered breathtaking performances and anytime I heard his distinctive voice on the TV I would come in to see what movie was playing. A quote that Rickman said once about his work is one that I love: “I do take my work seriously and the way to do that is not to take yourself too seriously.”
-Hugh Prentice ('16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Opinions Editor. [email protected]
Students donate blood to make a difference
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- Thirty-nine Northridge students and staff participated in the school’s winter Red Cross Blood drive, and thirty-nine pints of blood were donated, just short of the school goal of 45 pints. The drive was held on Friday, January 22.
The process of donating blood begins the week before the drive, with sign-ups available for students at lunch. Students 16 years old or younger must have a permission slip signed by their parents. The day of the blood drive students that have signed up are called down to the gymnasium. The process normally takes about one hour. Once in the gym, donors sign in and read a quick packet about donating blood. They then answer health questions and are given a “mini physical” to make sure they are eligible to donate. Participants are then sat down before a Red Cross nurse takes their blood, and afterwards they are sent to eat some snacks.
After the blood is taken, it is sent to a lab and processed into what certain hospitals request.
First time participant Addie VanKirk (‘18) said, “I was a little nervous at first, but once it was over I was so happy I donated and made a difference in someone’s life.”
The National Honor Society helps out with the blood drive every year. They take people from their classes to the gym, run the sign ins, and also bring in snacks for donors. National Honor Society member Josie Bunstine (‘16) said, “I’m so glad I get to help out through National Honor Society. This year I was unable to give blood, but being able to help out gave me the opportunity to still make a difference.”
People can be turned down for blood for many reasons. Arletta Ruton, the Red Cross’s team supervisor of the central Ohio region said, “We often have to reject blood because of low iron levels. If we take blood from someone with low iron, it could be harmful to them.” Other reasons students are often turned down are low weight, high body temperatures, and medication use.
The next blood drive will be held in the spring.
-Katelyn Darby ('18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Web Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- Thirty-nine Northridge students and staff participated in the school’s winter Red Cross Blood drive, and thirty-nine pints of blood were donated, just short of the school goal of 45 pints. The drive was held on Friday, January 22.
The process of donating blood begins the week before the drive, with sign-ups available for students at lunch. Students 16 years old or younger must have a permission slip signed by their parents. The day of the blood drive students that have signed up are called down to the gymnasium. The process normally takes about one hour. Once in the gym, donors sign in and read a quick packet about donating blood. They then answer health questions and are given a “mini physical” to make sure they are eligible to donate. Participants are then sat down before a Red Cross nurse takes their blood, and afterwards they are sent to eat some snacks.
After the blood is taken, it is sent to a lab and processed into what certain hospitals request.
First time participant Addie VanKirk (‘18) said, “I was a little nervous at first, but once it was over I was so happy I donated and made a difference in someone’s life.”
The National Honor Society helps out with the blood drive every year. They take people from their classes to the gym, run the sign ins, and also bring in snacks for donors. National Honor Society member Josie Bunstine (‘16) said, “I’m so glad I get to help out through National Honor Society. This year I was unable to give blood, but being able to help out gave me the opportunity to still make a difference.”
People can be turned down for blood for many reasons. Arletta Ruton, the Red Cross’s team supervisor of the central Ohio region said, “We often have to reject blood because of low iron levels. If we take blood from someone with low iron, it could be harmful to them.” Other reasons students are often turned down are low weight, high body temperatures, and medication use.
The next blood drive will be held in the spring.
-Katelyn Darby ('18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Web Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
Science Club offers new experience for students
By: Savannah Legg
NORTHRIDGE- For many, many years Northridge High School has gone without any extracurricular activities that involve science ... until now. Northridge’s Geometry and Physics teacher, John Smith, has put together an after school program which allows students who have an interest in science and math to join together. Here, science lovers can gather with other students who share this fascination and participate in a variety of experiments.
Smith says the idea for the club came from researching and discussing interesting science experiments with students over the years. This will be the first science club that Northridge has offered its high schoolers since the end of the Rocket Club in 2012.
The first science project that the club will do is calculate the friction between a marble and a pipe. To do this the students would need to build a roller coaster type course for the marble to go through, allowing the marble to stop exactly where it started with no outside force. Other projects that Smith has set up for the year include a methane powered engine, and using photovoltaic cells to power a water purification system.
One member Matt Krehel (16’) says, “the club will be a lot of fun and I’m really excited to start. I’ve always enjoyed Mr.Smith’s science classes, so I know that this club will be a lot of fun.”
While no set meeting have been made, additional information can be given to anyone interested by Mr.Smith.
-Savannah Legg (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Photos Editor. [email protected]
By: Savannah Legg
NORTHRIDGE- For many, many years Northridge High School has gone without any extracurricular activities that involve science ... until now. Northridge’s Geometry and Physics teacher, John Smith, has put together an after school program which allows students who have an interest in science and math to join together. Here, science lovers can gather with other students who share this fascination and participate in a variety of experiments.
Smith says the idea for the club came from researching and discussing interesting science experiments with students over the years. This will be the first science club that Northridge has offered its high schoolers since the end of the Rocket Club in 2012.
The first science project that the club will do is calculate the friction between a marble and a pipe. To do this the students would need to build a roller coaster type course for the marble to go through, allowing the marble to stop exactly where it started with no outside force. Other projects that Smith has set up for the year include a methane powered engine, and using photovoltaic cells to power a water purification system.
One member Matt Krehel (16’) says, “the club will be a lot of fun and I’m really excited to start. I’ve always enjoyed Mr.Smith’s science classes, so I know that this club will be a lot of fun.”
While no set meeting have been made, additional information can be given to anyone interested by Mr.Smith.
-Savannah Legg (‘16) is a third-year Vault staff member and Photos Editor. [email protected]
Ski club hitting the slopes
By: Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - As we all know, winter took its time to come around this year. For many people, this was great, but for Ski Club members, not so much.
Ski Club officially began the day Snow Trails opened and ends when the trails close. In the past, they have opened as early as Thanksgiving. This year, because of the slow winter start, Snow Trails didn't open until late December. While members can drive up at any time once they open, the bus goes up six times beginning on the first Sunday in January for six weeks. They get on the bus by 1:15 p.m. and return around 9:45 p.m.
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 sweet resort with plenty of skiing terrain, a nice lodge, and a new rental center,” said Spencer Miller (’16). “It’s cool to hang out with friends and go skiing at the same time.”
Member Hugh Prentice ('16) says he participates in Ski Club “Because it’s fun, you’re always with your friends, and get to go extreme.”
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.The advisor of the ski club is Laura Shenberger, who can be reached at 740-627-0388.
-Kyle Stermer ('16) is a third-year Vault staff member and News Editor. [email protected]
By: Kyle Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - As we all know, winter took its time to come around this year. For many people, this was great, but for Ski Club members, not so much.
Ski Club officially began the day Snow Trails opened and ends when the trails close. In the past, they have opened as early as Thanksgiving. This year, because of the slow winter start, Snow Trails didn't open until late December. While members can drive up at any time once they open, the bus goes up six times beginning on the first Sunday in January for six weeks. They get on the bus by 1:15 p.m. and return around 9:45 p.m.
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 sweet resort with plenty of skiing terrain, a nice lodge, and a new rental center,” said Spencer Miller (’16). “It’s cool to hang out with friends and go skiing at the same time.”
Member Hugh Prentice ('16) says he participates in Ski Club “Because it’s fun, you’re always with your friends, and get to go extreme.”
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.The advisor of the ski club is Laura Shenberger, who can be reached at 740-627-0388.
-Kyle Stermer ('16) is a third-year Vault staff member and News Editor. [email protected]
OMUN hosts winter formal
By: Morgan Hatten
NORTHRIDGE- Previous outcomes of winter formals at Northridge High School have been less than satisfying. This 2015-2016 school year, student leadership at Northridge decided to not organize a winter formal, but the OMUN program thought it would be a good idea to put together a “Valentine’s Day” dance for a good cause.
I-OPEN is a charity run by OMUN, and it stands for International Outreach Program for Education in Nigeria. Josie Bunstine (‘16) who is a member of OMUN says, “It was started by Lowell Miller from OMUN to raise money to build schools and get education supplies for children in Nigeria. I’m excited and happy that it raises money for a good cause like I-OPEN.”
The dance will be held at Northridge High School in the auditorium from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., on Saturday, February 13th. Tickets are being sold at $10.00 at the door only since pre-sale tickets are “always a mess.” It’s supposed to be a masquerade dance so be sure to go grab a mask before it’s too late.
Emma Holbrook (‘18) has organized the entire thing, but couldn’t give herself all of the credit. “It was more like a group of friends that came up with the idea. We all just thought it would be fun to get together and dance. Plus, the money is going to a good cause.”
Megan Dalton (‘16) was one of the very few people who went to the last winter formal we had two years ago. She says, “nobody was there and they kept the lights on the whole time so no one danced. Everyone ended up leaving after a half hour.” Hopefully this year we can come together and raise money for a special charity.
Sven Stalder (‘18) is an exchange student from Switzerland, and he is very grateful for this opportunity. Since he missed our first Homecoming in September due to a foreign exchange student meeting, he says, “I’m very excited about it because I have a second chance to experience a school dance. That’s a big part of the ‘American experience’ that I came here for, and I’ve always wanted to experience a homecoming.”
-Morgan Hatten (‘16) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Entertainment Editor. [email protected]
By: Morgan Hatten
NORTHRIDGE- Previous outcomes of winter formals at Northridge High School have been less than satisfying. This 2015-2016 school year, student leadership at Northridge decided to not organize a winter formal, but the OMUN program thought it would be a good idea to put together a “Valentine’s Day” dance for a good cause.
I-OPEN is a charity run by OMUN, and it stands for International Outreach Program for Education in Nigeria. Josie Bunstine (‘16) who is a member of OMUN says, “It was started by Lowell Miller from OMUN to raise money to build schools and get education supplies for children in Nigeria. I’m excited and happy that it raises money for a good cause like I-OPEN.”
The dance will be held at Northridge High School in the auditorium from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., on Saturday, February 13th. Tickets are being sold at $10.00 at the door only since pre-sale tickets are “always a mess.” It’s supposed to be a masquerade dance so be sure to go grab a mask before it’s too late.
Emma Holbrook (‘18) has organized the entire thing, but couldn’t give herself all of the credit. “It was more like a group of friends that came up with the idea. We all just thought it would be fun to get together and dance. Plus, the money is going to a good cause.”
Megan Dalton (‘16) was one of the very few people who went to the last winter formal we had two years ago. She says, “nobody was there and they kept the lights on the whole time so no one danced. Everyone ended up leaving after a half hour.” Hopefully this year we can come together and raise money for a special charity.
Sven Stalder (‘18) is an exchange student from Switzerland, and he is very grateful for this opportunity. Since he missed our first Homecoming in September due to a foreign exchange student meeting, he says, “I’m very excited about it because I have a second chance to experience a school dance. That’s a big part of the ‘American experience’ that I came here for, and I’ve always wanted to experience a homecoming.”
-Morgan Hatten (‘16) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Entertainment Editor. [email protected]
Dates seniors need to know for second semester
By: Emily Jesenko
NORTHRIDGE- As almost everyone knows, senior year can be the most stressful year of high school. There are several different meetings they need to know and attend, classes to study for, and tests to take. Several seniors have work, sports, clubs, and a social life to attend to. On top of all this, some need to prepare themselves for college and their career path. Senior Audrey Ashbrook, says senior year “is stressful because of the college stuff and remembering when everything is due.” Our seniors deserve a little lay out of what is going on this second semester.
Senior Exams: May 17 and 18
According to Mrs. Grow, Senior exams will be on May 17th and 18th. Exams are always a stress! So, make sure to know these dates to give yourself enough time to study and prepare. Keep in mind that exams will be taken during normal class periods.
Prom: May 14
Northridge’s prom is going to be on May 14th at The Vault in Columbus, Ohio. The after prom is yet to be decided on. However, Mrs. Grow is looking at Magic Mountain in Reynoldsburg. Stay tuned for more information on prom in the next issue.
Graduation: May 22
Senior graduation will be held on Sunday, May 22nd, 2016. It will take place in Northridge High School’s gymnasium at two o’clock. Seniors, make sure you remember this day! Family members will start asking you soon (if they haven't already)!
These are all the dates that Mrs. Grow gave for now. She says that “There are still a few things yet to be scheduled: the senior class trip and graduation rehearsal.” So, put these dates in your calendar and you will be set on dates you will need to know for second semester!
-Emily Jesenko (‘16) is a first-year Vault staff member. [email protected]
By: Emily Jesenko
NORTHRIDGE- As almost everyone knows, senior year can be the most stressful year of high school. There are several different meetings they need to know and attend, classes to study for, and tests to take. Several seniors have work, sports, clubs, and a social life to attend to. On top of all this, some need to prepare themselves for college and their career path. Senior Audrey Ashbrook, says senior year “is stressful because of the college stuff and remembering when everything is due.” Our seniors deserve a little lay out of what is going on this second semester.
Senior Exams: May 17 and 18
According to Mrs. Grow, Senior exams will be on May 17th and 18th. Exams are always a stress! So, make sure to know these dates to give yourself enough time to study and prepare. Keep in mind that exams will be taken during normal class periods.
Prom: May 14
Northridge’s prom is going to be on May 14th at The Vault in Columbus, Ohio. The after prom is yet to be decided on. However, Mrs. Grow is looking at Magic Mountain in Reynoldsburg. Stay tuned for more information on prom in the next issue.
Graduation: May 22
Senior graduation will be held on Sunday, May 22nd, 2016. It will take place in Northridge High School’s gymnasium at two o’clock. Seniors, make sure you remember this day! Family members will start asking you soon (if they haven't already)!
These are all the dates that Mrs. Grow gave for now. She says that “There are still a few things yet to be scheduled: the senior class trip and graduation rehearsal.” So, put these dates in your calendar and you will be set on dates you will need to know for second semester!
-Emily Jesenko (‘16) is a first-year Vault staff member. [email protected]
Update: musicians busy at NHS
By: Carrisa Sweetman
NORTHRIDGE- Though Marching Band may be over, there is still plenty going on instrumentally. Pep Band and Solo & Ensemble have taken its place in the students' busy schedules. These students are currently preparing for upcoming performances and evaluations.
Pep Band has been playing songs that they have played in the past. Examples would include: Sweet Caroline, All the Small Things, and Barbara Ann. They also will be preforming others and some of them they have never performed. Pep band will be at the home basketball games, for the boys and girls, playing in the bleachers. The group practices during the junior varsity game, which is the game before their performance. They play "The Star Spangled Banner" to start off the Varsity game. To be exact, members have to report to the band room at 6:30 p.m. on game days.
Nicolette Clark (16’) said, “I really enjoy Pep Band. I am glad we decided to start it back up. The only part I don’t like is having to get all of the music ready.”
Also, Alex Healey (17’) said, “Pep Band is awesome. I just have to stand the whole time though, which kind of stinks.”
Before Pep Band and the basketball season got started, Ashley Williams (17’), a member of the cheer leading squad said, “We all really hope that you play music that is more recent.”
The band has purchased new stand tune books for pep band this year and marching band.
Something else high school students in the school have prepared for is Solo and Ensemble. It was held at Granville high school on January 23. Solo and Ensemble is a performance where you can perform individually or with a group. Students who competed individually prepared a piece and certain scales, which were dependent upon the class they choose to compete in. If you competed in a group you prepared a piece together. When performing, you are not competing against the other groups or people. You receive a rating that only applies to you or your ensemble. The ratings that you can receive are 1-5, one being the best and five being the worst.
Participants in instrumental solo and ensemble are listed below.
Participants In Solo and Ensemble:
Performers in Band include:
Performers in Choir Solo and Ensemble include:
-Carrisa Sweetman ('16) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Photos Editor. [email protected]
By: Carrisa Sweetman
NORTHRIDGE- Though Marching Band may be over, there is still plenty going on instrumentally. Pep Band and Solo & Ensemble have taken its place in the students' busy schedules. These students are currently preparing for upcoming performances and evaluations.
Pep Band has been playing songs that they have played in the past. Examples would include: Sweet Caroline, All the Small Things, and Barbara Ann. They also will be preforming others and some of them they have never performed. Pep band will be at the home basketball games, for the boys and girls, playing in the bleachers. The group practices during the junior varsity game, which is the game before their performance. They play "The Star Spangled Banner" to start off the Varsity game. To be exact, members have to report to the band room at 6:30 p.m. on game days.
Nicolette Clark (16’) said, “I really enjoy Pep Band. I am glad we decided to start it back up. The only part I don’t like is having to get all of the music ready.”
Also, Alex Healey (17’) said, “Pep Band is awesome. I just have to stand the whole time though, which kind of stinks.”
Before Pep Band and the basketball season got started, Ashley Williams (17’), a member of the cheer leading squad said, “We all really hope that you play music that is more recent.”
The band has purchased new stand tune books for pep band this year and marching band.
Something else high school students in the school have prepared for is Solo and Ensemble. It was held at Granville high school on January 23. Solo and Ensemble is a performance where you can perform individually or with a group. Students who competed individually prepared a piece and certain scales, which were dependent upon the class they choose to compete in. If you competed in a group you prepared a piece together. When performing, you are not competing against the other groups or people. You receive a rating that only applies to you or your ensemble. The ratings that you can receive are 1-5, one being the best and five being the worst.
Participants in instrumental solo and ensemble are listed below.
Participants In Solo and Ensemble:
Performers in Band include:
- Ryan Debolt - Trumpet Solo
- Carrisa Sweetman, Alex Healey, and Zach weaver - Northridge Saxophone Trio
- Alex Healey - Alto Saxophone Trio
- Colin Evans - Trumpet Solo
- Abigail Travis - Trombone Solo
- Zach Weaver - Baritone Saxophone Solo
- Marie Severns - Clarinet Solo
- Noah Miller, Abigail Travis, and Jacob Chestnut - Trombone Trio
- Alex Healey - Bass Clarinet Solo
- Emma Holbrook - Flute Solo
Performers in Choir Solo and Ensemble include:
- Northridge Select Choir: Ally Cromwell, Casey Day, Walla Disbennett, Anna Edwards, Mich-ele Ferry, Emily Fraley, McKenzie Johnston, Trisha McConnell, Tori Powell, Sally Priest, Samantha Stanton, Kevin Strong, and Ally Williams
- Northridge Men's Ensemble
- Northridge Vocalize: Max Berry, Laura Brown, Olivia Carpenter, Jacob Chestnut, Ryan Debolt, Desiree Ecleo, Colin Evans, Mich-ele Ferry, Alex Healey, Emma Holbrook, Kayley McCormick, Gabriel Miller, Caroline Nicks, Madison Parrill, Tori Powell, Marie Severns, Victoria Strong, Leyna Varney, and Ally Williams
- Northridge Select Women
- Miguel Disbennett - Baritone Solo
- Anna Edwards - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Casey Day - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Megan King - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Caroline Nicks - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Miche-ele Ferry - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Tori Powell - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- McKenzie Johnston - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Laura Brown - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Miguel Disbennett - Tenor Solo
- Tori Strong - Mezzo Soprano Solo
- Ally Williams - Alto Solo
- Kayley McCormick - Alto Solo
- Sally Priest - Alto Solo
- Ryan Debolt - Tenor Solo
- Emma Holbrook - Soprano Solo
- Olivia Carpenter - Alto Solo
- Leyna Varney - Soprano Solo
- Kevin Strong - Baritone Solo
- Trisha McConnell - Alto Solo
- Colin Evans - Baritone Solo
-Carrisa Sweetman ('16) is a first-year Vault staff member and Jr. Photos Editor. [email protected]
Sophomores take to the AIR
By: Dayna Martin
NORTHRIDGE- Sophomores will be taking the State of Ohio mandated tests beginning the end of April and continuing into May, but with the OGT gone and last year’s experiment with PARCC not moving forward, most tenth graders have plenty of questions about what the state expects them to do before a diploma can be issued.
A.I.R. stands for American Institute Research, and is the testing which replaced the previous tests known as Ohio Graduation Test or OGT’s. The A.I.R. tests have been put in place to measure one’s progress in the learning standards.
The A.I.R. testing for the Class of 2018 will include English (language arts), Geometry, integrated mathematics, Physical Science and American History. The A.I.R. tests will consist of multiple choice, short answer and constructive response.
These tests will occur on two separate days, in two hour increments. There will be no double testing, as has happened in the previous years of testing. Double testing refers to testing that is administered in two separate months of the same school year.
The requirements in order to pass A.I.R. tests will be determined once all testing in the state of Ohio is completed, and the testing will be graded on a ball curve. A ball curve is when a higher score can balance out a low score.
Heather Clark, Director of Teaching and Learning at Northridge Local Schools, suggests that students visit the practice website for the A.I.R. tests. The practice website is oh.portal.airast.org. Once on the website you would click on Ohio’s state test portal, select student and families, log in as a guest, select the correct grade level and then select which testing you please. Clark says, “The practice testing would be a great opportunity for students to prepare for the testing.”
When Sophomore Kerrington Mintier (‘18) was asked about the new state required testing she said, “The amount of testing that high school students are required to take is overwhelming. On top of the homework we already have, it is very stressful.”
Exact testing dates will be announced to the student body at a later time.
-Dayna Martin (‘18) is the Jr. Print Editor-in-Chief and Jr. Sports Editor. [email protected]
By: Dayna Martin
NORTHRIDGE- Sophomores will be taking the State of Ohio mandated tests beginning the end of April and continuing into May, but with the OGT gone and last year’s experiment with PARCC not moving forward, most tenth graders have plenty of questions about what the state expects them to do before a diploma can be issued.
A.I.R. stands for American Institute Research, and is the testing which replaced the previous tests known as Ohio Graduation Test or OGT’s. The A.I.R. tests have been put in place to measure one’s progress in the learning standards.
The A.I.R. testing for the Class of 2018 will include English (language arts), Geometry, integrated mathematics, Physical Science and American History. The A.I.R. tests will consist of multiple choice, short answer and constructive response.
These tests will occur on two separate days, in two hour increments. There will be no double testing, as has happened in the previous years of testing. Double testing refers to testing that is administered in two separate months of the same school year.
The requirements in order to pass A.I.R. tests will be determined once all testing in the state of Ohio is completed, and the testing will be graded on a ball curve. A ball curve is when a higher score can balance out a low score.
Heather Clark, Director of Teaching and Learning at Northridge Local Schools, suggests that students visit the practice website for the A.I.R. tests. The practice website is oh.portal.airast.org. Once on the website you would click on Ohio’s state test portal, select student and families, log in as a guest, select the correct grade level and then select which testing you please. Clark says, “The practice testing would be a great opportunity for students to prepare for the testing.”
When Sophomore Kerrington Mintier (‘18) was asked about the new state required testing she said, “The amount of testing that high school students are required to take is overwhelming. On top of the homework we already have, it is very stressful.”
Exact testing dates will be announced to the student body at a later time.
-Dayna Martin (‘18) is the Jr. Print Editor-in-Chief and Jr. Sports Editor. [email protected]