People and their pets
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- Now that you’ve seen various Northridge students and teachers’ pets over the past year, I’ve brought the column back for a final compilation.
Evan Willeke’s (‘18) lifelong dream of owning a German Shepard finally came true this summer when he got his puppy, Dixie. Willeke was browsing Craigslist for a Geo Tracker when he decided to type “german shepherd” into the search bar. He saw Dixie and knew she was the one, and after a week of convincing his parents, he finally bought her. Dixie enjoys chasing cats (only to lick them) and tackling her bigger dog friends. She is also very loyal, running to Willeke’s car every time he comes home. Willeke says, “She’s a tank, and she’s really smart, energetic and playful.”
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- Now that you’ve seen various Northridge students and teachers’ pets over the past year, I’ve brought the column back for a final compilation.
Evan Willeke’s (‘18) lifelong dream of owning a German Shepard finally came true this summer when he got his puppy, Dixie. Willeke was browsing Craigslist for a Geo Tracker when he decided to type “german shepherd” into the search bar. He saw Dixie and knew she was the one, and after a week of convincing his parents, he finally bought her. Dixie enjoys chasing cats (only to lick them) and tackling her bigger dog friends. She is also very loyal, running to Willeke’s car every time he comes home. Willeke says, “She’s a tank, and she’s really smart, energetic and playful.”
Kayla Mickey (‘17) just got a new Australian Shepard puppy named Willow. Mickey got Willow a month ago, and things are going well. “She’s like my best friend,” Mickey says. “We love to go to Whit’s and play fetch together.” Willow also likes to sleep and bite Mickey’s face.
English teacher Mrs. Grow is the proud owner of Buster, a rescue dog who showed up on her front porch. When Buster first came to Grow he hid on the porch for three days, until he realized the Grow family had a dog door into their house.
“He is wicked smart and knew how to use the dog door and get in the house,” Grow says. “We fell in love with him and couldn't make him leave!”
Buster enjoys following Grow around the house, sleeping, cuddling, torturing the cat, and chewing on things he isn’t supposed to. Buster also “knows exactly how to use his puppy dog eyes to get anything he wants.”
“He is wicked smart and knew how to use the dog door and get in the house,” Grow says. “We fell in love with him and couldn't make him leave!”
Buster enjoys following Grow around the house, sleeping, cuddling, torturing the cat, and chewing on things he isn’t supposed to. Buster also “knows exactly how to use his puppy dog eyes to get anything he wants.”
-Katelyn Darby (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Web Editor-in-Chief. [email protected]
Northridge look-a-likes update
By: Kayla Butler
NORTHRIDGE- Have you ever seen someone you thought you’ve seen somewhere else, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on who they are? You see many faces along the halls of Northridge High School. Some of them are friendly and familiar, while others are mysterious and unknown. There could even be some faces that seem too familiar. You may think see them on television the night before, and then in class the next morning. If you’ve ever done a double take on some of your fellow Vikings, you are not alone. Here are a few Vikings with striking similarities to stars:
By: Kayla Butler
NORTHRIDGE- Have you ever seen someone you thought you’ve seen somewhere else, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on who they are? You see many faces along the halls of Northridge High School. Some of them are friendly and familiar, while others are mysterious and unknown. There could even be some faces that seem too familiar. You may think see them on television the night before, and then in class the next morning. If you’ve ever done a double take on some of your fellow Vikings, you are not alone. Here are a few Vikings with striking similarities to stars:
McKenna Kitchen (‘17) and Ralphie from “A Christmas Story”
The next student with a striking similarity is senior McKenna Kitchen (‘17) and Ralphie from the classic, A Christmas Story. Kitchen says she’s only been compared to him once by fellow senior Karson Sesser (‘17). “I don’t like it, but I do think it’s funny.”
The next student with a striking similarity is senior McKenna Kitchen (‘17) and Ralphie from the classic, A Christmas Story. Kitchen says she’s only been compared to him once by fellow senior Karson Sesser (‘17). “I don’t like it, but I do think it’s funny.”
Karson Sesser (‘17) and Merida from “Brave”
Another Northrige look-a-like is senior Karson Sesser (‘17) and Merida from Disney’s Brave. When questioned about her resemblance to the bow and arrow wielding princess, Sesser said, “I think it’s funny and kind of true, because we have the same hair. I convinced my little cousins at one point that I was actually in the movie, and they believed it.” With such a close resemblance, you would think Sesser has heard this before, and she has. “When I went on vacation in Tennessee, our waiter kept referring to me as her and kept saying, ‘You remind me of that princess, with the big orange hair.’”
Another Northrige look-a-like is senior Karson Sesser (‘17) and Merida from Disney’s Brave. When questioned about her resemblance to the bow and arrow wielding princess, Sesser said, “I think it’s funny and kind of true, because we have the same hair. I convinced my little cousins at one point that I was actually in the movie, and they believed it.” With such a close resemblance, you would think Sesser has heard this before, and she has. “When I went on vacation in Tennessee, our waiter kept referring to me as her and kept saying, ‘You remind me of that princess, with the big orange hair.’”
Jessica Koehler (‘19) and Millie from “Freaks and Geeks”
The first look-a-like is sophomore Jessica Koehler (‘19) and Millie from the late 90s American comedy, Freaks and Geeks. When asked about the comparison Koehler says, “Her style is really cool and she is very pretty, so I think it’s cool! I have been told I look like her once before, but I didn’t know who she was so, I had to look her up.” Her opinion? “I disagree a little, but I do think our faces look alike.”
The first look-a-like is sophomore Jessica Koehler (‘19) and Millie from the late 90s American comedy, Freaks and Geeks. When asked about the comparison Koehler says, “Her style is really cool and she is very pretty, so I think it’s cool! I have been told I look like her once before, but I didn’t know who she was so, I had to look her up.” Her opinion? “I disagree a little, but I do think our faces look alike.”
Rex Bammerlin (‘20) and Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The last student with a familiar face is Rex Bammerlin (‘20) and Greg Heffley from the book-turned-movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. In Bammerlin’s opinion, he doesn’t really care that much about it, but he does think it is cool. It does happen to him often, but he doesn’t agree!
With all of the students at Northridge High School, there are bound to be some celebrity look-a-likes. Next time you round the corner of the hall, keep an eye out- you might catch a glimpse of a famous person!
-Kayla Butler (‘17) is a second-year Vault staff member and Assistant Web Editor. [email protected]
The last student with a familiar face is Rex Bammerlin (‘20) and Greg Heffley from the book-turned-movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. In Bammerlin’s opinion, he doesn’t really care that much about it, but he does think it is cool. It does happen to him often, but he doesn’t agree!
With all of the students at Northridge High School, there are bound to be some celebrity look-a-likes. Next time you round the corner of the hall, keep an eye out- you might catch a glimpse of a famous person!
-Kayla Butler (‘17) is a second-year Vault staff member and Assistant Web Editor. [email protected]
New “Harry Potter” story isn’t cursed
By: Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- Over the summer, on July 31 at midnight, 25 years after Harry Potter’s first letter to Hogwarts was given to him, fans of the young wizard finally were given a glimpse of what life had become after the back cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was closed.
The “eighth book,” as it’s been dubbed, even though it is, in fact, a play, begins on Platform 9 and ¾ with the same scene as the ending of book seven. That’s where the similarities end, however. Granted, Harry, Ginny and Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and even Draco Malfoy still play large roles in the story, but it’s mostly about Harry’s son Albus and Draco’s son, Scorpius.
This story, due to the fact that it is play, is almost all dialogue and, even though it is 303 pages long, is a rather quick read. As someone who would like to spend weeks and weeks devouring another Harry Potter book, I found that aspect rather disappointing. That being said, the plot did not lack all the twists and magic I, like many others, have come to expect in novels by J.K. Rowling.
The main storyline is about the fear that Voldemort could be coming back and the Malfoys are under suspicion because, as rumor has it, Scorpius’ father is He Who Must Not Be Named himself. Desperate to find answers and fix the murder of the “Spare,” Timeturners, (devices that can turn back time,) are used and alternate realities are created, thereby crushing the fan theory that a wizard could have stopped Voldemort from killing Harry’s parents in the first place.
While the storyline is very interesting, and the book is much worth the read, there were a few minor problems I had with the eighth book. There were several points in the story where I felt that some of the dialogue being said was out of character. The humor in the novel was also not very funny (but I am admittedly not British.) Overall, this story is very enticing and, once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a roller coaster ride, and the plot twists will have you gasping. But be warned, I hope you use a tissue as a bookmark because you will need it by the end.
-Katie Applequist ('18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Assistant Print Editor. [email protected]
By: Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- Over the summer, on July 31 at midnight, 25 years after Harry Potter’s first letter to Hogwarts was given to him, fans of the young wizard finally were given a glimpse of what life had become after the back cover of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was closed.
The “eighth book,” as it’s been dubbed, even though it is, in fact, a play, begins on Platform 9 and ¾ with the same scene as the ending of book seven. That’s where the similarities end, however. Granted, Harry, Ginny and Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and even Draco Malfoy still play large roles in the story, but it’s mostly about Harry’s son Albus and Draco’s son, Scorpius.
This story, due to the fact that it is play, is almost all dialogue and, even though it is 303 pages long, is a rather quick read. As someone who would like to spend weeks and weeks devouring another Harry Potter book, I found that aspect rather disappointing. That being said, the plot did not lack all the twists and magic I, like many others, have come to expect in novels by J.K. Rowling.
The main storyline is about the fear that Voldemort could be coming back and the Malfoys are under suspicion because, as rumor has it, Scorpius’ father is He Who Must Not Be Named himself. Desperate to find answers and fix the murder of the “Spare,” Timeturners, (devices that can turn back time,) are used and alternate realities are created, thereby crushing the fan theory that a wizard could have stopped Voldemort from killing Harry’s parents in the first place.
While the storyline is very interesting, and the book is much worth the read, there were a few minor problems I had with the eighth book. There were several points in the story where I felt that some of the dialogue being said was out of character. The humor in the novel was also not very funny (but I am admittedly not British.) Overall, this story is very enticing and, once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a roller coaster ride, and the plot twists will have you gasping. But be warned, I hope you use a tissue as a bookmark because you will need it by the end.
-Katie Applequist ('18) is a first-year Vault staff member and Assistant Print Editor. [email protected]
Homecoming: dreams vs. reality
A Girl’s-Eye and a Guy’s-Eye View
By: Caylee Lindsay and Austin White
As Homecoming pictures flood social media, many feelings may arise while reflecting upon the night that had been anticipated all school year so far. Expectations were high, and budgets were low. Although some might have had the night they were dreaming of, others’ dreams and expectations were crushed by reality.
POPPING THE QUESTION
Caylee:
Let’s face it. Girls dream about the day that their crush asks them to Homecoming. They fantasize about that special “homecoming proposal.” In their minds, it is an elaborate scene, composed of a creative pun of some sort written on a poster board, completed with flowers or a gift. Ideally, the proposal is done weeks in advance, giving the girl an excessive amount of time to pick out her dress and brag about her Homecoming date to all of her dateless friends.
In an unfortunate reality, the proposals never happen as planned. Homecoming dreamers oftentimes end up dateless, feeling crushed by their sky-high expectations.
Austin:
A guy with a girlfriend feels forced to be extremely creative. After all, if you’ve been dating through several Homecomings and Proms, you worry about repeating your own proposals. You have to think outside the box. We usually look them up on-line and then look for ways to switch them around to suit you and your girlfriend.
This year, I didn’t even have to ask. My girlfriend told me she’d take care of it, which I call lucky. Even though I don’t exactly remember how she asked me, it was really my secret Homecoming dream not to have all that pressure on me. I think she was dressed as a mermaid or something.
SHOPPING
Caylee:
Arguably the most important component in every girl’s Homecoming fantasies is the dress. Not just any dress, but THE dress. Every girl has a picture of their ideal dress in their mind. Whether it is covered in sparkles, or bright in color, the dress is key to a perfect Homecoming. And one cannot forget about the perfectly matching corsage, or the comfortable yet stylish heels.
But when reality sets in, the dress will probably be ordered from Amazon for $10 two days before Homecoming.
Austin:
Your girlfriend will send you a picture of the dress she picks out, and it will be zoomed in real close so you can’t see the actual dress, just the color. That way it’s still a surprise. Then you go out and find a shirt and tie that match that picture. It’s pretty easy. I spend no time thinking about how I’ll look at Homecoming. As long as she and her mom think I look okay, we’re golden.
The reality is, you always wear an undershirt because it gets hot in there, and you’ll want to take that new shirt off. I have been known to move my tie to my head because it’s funny.
THE PHOTOS AND FOOD
Caylee:
For every Homecoming, there must be a photo shoot. Ideally, hair and makeup stays in tact the entire time, and one is prepared for an Instagram-worthy photo at any moment.
But every time, without fail, Homecoming falls on a particularly breezy day. Hair is flying everywhere, dresses are scandalously flapping in every direction, heels are sinking into the soggy grass, and tensions are high as groups of friends struggle to pose for longer than two seconds.
Austin:
The guy has zero control over photos. You listen to your girlfriend and her mom. Do every pose they say to do, but be ready to be creative and cute, also. Sometimes they tell you to pose like … a fantasy or something, like something out of a Disney movie, like holding her up in the air or something.
Dinner is the one thing I have some say in. Usually I go for cheap. Steak n’ Shake is the perfect pre-Homecoming dinner. Twenty bucks will get you two full meals and two shakes. I once took my girlfriend to Texas Roadhoase as a treat, but she didn’t order any steak, so what’s the point? I did enjoy sitting there waiting for the table and eating those peanuts. I ate about half a barrel before we got to the table, so it wasn’t a complete waste.
THE DANCE
Caylee:
If you’re picturing something romantic, forget about that and replace all your fantasies about slow dances and magic with images of animal-like moves from which you may never recover. I spend the whole time wishing I lived in the 50s, doing the Twist.
Austin:
Luckily, we live in 2016, when people actually know how to dance!
So, whether Homecoming fulfilled its highest potential or crushed dreams with the horrors of reality, plenty of memories were made by both girls and guys.
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is the Print Editor-in-Chief for the Viking Vault. [email protected]
-Austin White (‘17) is a first-year Viking Vault staff member. [email protected]
A Girl’s-Eye and a Guy’s-Eye View
By: Caylee Lindsay and Austin White
As Homecoming pictures flood social media, many feelings may arise while reflecting upon the night that had been anticipated all school year so far. Expectations were high, and budgets were low. Although some might have had the night they were dreaming of, others’ dreams and expectations were crushed by reality.
POPPING THE QUESTION
Caylee:
Let’s face it. Girls dream about the day that their crush asks them to Homecoming. They fantasize about that special “homecoming proposal.” In their minds, it is an elaborate scene, composed of a creative pun of some sort written on a poster board, completed with flowers or a gift. Ideally, the proposal is done weeks in advance, giving the girl an excessive amount of time to pick out her dress and brag about her Homecoming date to all of her dateless friends.
In an unfortunate reality, the proposals never happen as planned. Homecoming dreamers oftentimes end up dateless, feeling crushed by their sky-high expectations.
Austin:
A guy with a girlfriend feels forced to be extremely creative. After all, if you’ve been dating through several Homecomings and Proms, you worry about repeating your own proposals. You have to think outside the box. We usually look them up on-line and then look for ways to switch them around to suit you and your girlfriend.
This year, I didn’t even have to ask. My girlfriend told me she’d take care of it, which I call lucky. Even though I don’t exactly remember how she asked me, it was really my secret Homecoming dream not to have all that pressure on me. I think she was dressed as a mermaid or something.
SHOPPING
Caylee:
Arguably the most important component in every girl’s Homecoming fantasies is the dress. Not just any dress, but THE dress. Every girl has a picture of their ideal dress in their mind. Whether it is covered in sparkles, or bright in color, the dress is key to a perfect Homecoming. And one cannot forget about the perfectly matching corsage, or the comfortable yet stylish heels.
But when reality sets in, the dress will probably be ordered from Amazon for $10 two days before Homecoming.
Austin:
Your girlfriend will send you a picture of the dress she picks out, and it will be zoomed in real close so you can’t see the actual dress, just the color. That way it’s still a surprise. Then you go out and find a shirt and tie that match that picture. It’s pretty easy. I spend no time thinking about how I’ll look at Homecoming. As long as she and her mom think I look okay, we’re golden.
The reality is, you always wear an undershirt because it gets hot in there, and you’ll want to take that new shirt off. I have been known to move my tie to my head because it’s funny.
THE PHOTOS AND FOOD
Caylee:
For every Homecoming, there must be a photo shoot. Ideally, hair and makeup stays in tact the entire time, and one is prepared for an Instagram-worthy photo at any moment.
But every time, without fail, Homecoming falls on a particularly breezy day. Hair is flying everywhere, dresses are scandalously flapping in every direction, heels are sinking into the soggy grass, and tensions are high as groups of friends struggle to pose for longer than two seconds.
Austin:
The guy has zero control over photos. You listen to your girlfriend and her mom. Do every pose they say to do, but be ready to be creative and cute, also. Sometimes they tell you to pose like … a fantasy or something, like something out of a Disney movie, like holding her up in the air or something.
Dinner is the one thing I have some say in. Usually I go for cheap. Steak n’ Shake is the perfect pre-Homecoming dinner. Twenty bucks will get you two full meals and two shakes. I once took my girlfriend to Texas Roadhoase as a treat, but she didn’t order any steak, so what’s the point? I did enjoy sitting there waiting for the table and eating those peanuts. I ate about half a barrel before we got to the table, so it wasn’t a complete waste.
THE DANCE
Caylee:
If you’re picturing something romantic, forget about that and replace all your fantasies about slow dances and magic with images of animal-like moves from which you may never recover. I spend the whole time wishing I lived in the 50s, doing the Twist.
Austin:
Luckily, we live in 2016, when people actually know how to dance!
So, whether Homecoming fulfilled its highest potential or crushed dreams with the horrors of reality, plenty of memories were made by both girls and guys.
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is the Print Editor-in-Chief for the Viking Vault. [email protected]
-Austin White (‘17) is a first-year Viking Vault staff member. [email protected]
Say “Cheese!” Five tips for senior pictures
By: Kayla Butler
During senior year, there is a lot to do with little time to do it. You want to try your best in each class, take the SAT and/or ACT, apply to colleges, and of course, get your senior pictures taken, all before you put on the cap and gown and get your diploma in May. Senior pictures can be a cause of stress for many students, but they don’t have to be. Here are five tips to feel better about your very last school pictures.
1. Plan ahead
Start thinking about your pictures as early as you can. That may be hard to do when it comes to locations and photographers, but you can start with something simple like planning what you want to wear and what time of year you would prefer to have your pictures done. Try picking out a few outfits you know you like the way you look in them. Some good location ideas could be parks, gardens, urban city areas, a place relating to your hobby/sport, etc.
2. Do your research
Finding a photographer can be difficult- if you don’t do your research. Try going online and finding a photographer whose style you like. Take a look at the location and poses of each photo and think about what you want yours to look like. If available, read customer reviews and see what they say about their experience. It would be unfortunate to find a really good photographer but then discover they actually have a really terrible personality, the hard way.
3. Bring a family member/friend
Getting your picture taken by someone other than yourself can be quite stressful. To relax yourself, bring a family member, close friend, teammate, etc., to your session. Have them stand next to the photographer, (if permitted,) and then it won’t be as awkward. Whomever you bring may also have some ideas about poses, helping to make your pictures more “you” since they will probably know you and your style better than the photographer does.
4. Practice, practice, practice!
Use a timer on your phone or get a friend to help you practice for your pictures! You can experiment with poses, angles, clothing, and hairstyles and/or makeup. Practicing is a great idea because you can get an idea of what it will be like, and what you think looks good on camera.
5. Don’t stress!
Senior year can be stressful, so just have fun! If you relax and put your best smile forward, your pictures will turn out great.
-Kayla Butler (‘17) is a second-year Vault staff member and Assistant Web Editor. [email protected]
By: Kayla Butler
During senior year, there is a lot to do with little time to do it. You want to try your best in each class, take the SAT and/or ACT, apply to colleges, and of course, get your senior pictures taken, all before you put on the cap and gown and get your diploma in May. Senior pictures can be a cause of stress for many students, but they don’t have to be. Here are five tips to feel better about your very last school pictures.
1. Plan ahead
Start thinking about your pictures as early as you can. That may be hard to do when it comes to locations and photographers, but you can start with something simple like planning what you want to wear and what time of year you would prefer to have your pictures done. Try picking out a few outfits you know you like the way you look in them. Some good location ideas could be parks, gardens, urban city areas, a place relating to your hobby/sport, etc.
2. Do your research
Finding a photographer can be difficult- if you don’t do your research. Try going online and finding a photographer whose style you like. Take a look at the location and poses of each photo and think about what you want yours to look like. If available, read customer reviews and see what they say about their experience. It would be unfortunate to find a really good photographer but then discover they actually have a really terrible personality, the hard way.
3. Bring a family member/friend
Getting your picture taken by someone other than yourself can be quite stressful. To relax yourself, bring a family member, close friend, teammate, etc., to your session. Have them stand next to the photographer, (if permitted,) and then it won’t be as awkward. Whomever you bring may also have some ideas about poses, helping to make your pictures more “you” since they will probably know you and your style better than the photographer does.
4. Practice, practice, practice!
Use a timer on your phone or get a friend to help you practice for your pictures! You can experiment with poses, angles, clothing, and hairstyles and/or makeup. Practicing is a great idea because you can get an idea of what it will be like, and what you think looks good on camera.
5. Don’t stress!
Senior year can be stressful, so just have fun! If you relax and put your best smile forward, your pictures will turn out great.
-Kayla Butler (‘17) is a second-year Vault staff member and Assistant Web Editor. [email protected]