Teachers that double as celebrities
By: Madison Legg
NORTHRIDGE- At Northridge High School we have many teachers that remind us of famous icons.
By: Madison Legg
NORTHRIDGE- At Northridge High School we have many teachers that remind us of famous icons.
The first person that reminds me of a famous icon is Mr. John Smith, who reminds me of Donald Trump. Many people may not know this, but before Smith became a teacher, he worked at a big computer company that was once called Digital Equipment Incorporated and was bought out by Hewlett-Packard. Smith reminds me of Trump because, like Trump, he was also a businessman and took his business very seriously. I also think he reminds me of Donald Trump because they both express how they feel and talk to people in a well explained matter.
Mr. Andy Kirtland reminds me of Jim Carrey. He reminds me of him because, like Carrey, Kirtland is hilarious. He always makes funny jokes that make people laugh, and he knows the right time to say them. He also is sarcastic all the time. Any time you need a good laugh or to be cheered up, you should go talk to Kirtland because he will make you feel ten times better.
Did you ever wonder why Mr. Chad Scott looked so familiar when he came to our school a couple of years ago? Well, if you did, it's probably because he looks a little like Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s favorite presidents. When Scott grows his beard out, he is a dead ringer for him, too. He especially looks like Lincoln because they are both so tall and Scott is very smart and sensible, as many poepĺe believe Lincoln was.
The last teacher that reminds me of of a famous person is Mr. Elliott Wentz, who reminds me of Gordon Ramsay (famous Chef in Masterchef). He reminds me of Ramsey because like in his cooking show Wentz always tells the truth and is always blunt about it. He also doesn't care if people like him or not. The only thing different about Ramsey and Wentz is that Wentz is much nicer than Ramsey and makes a lot more jokes.
-Madie Legg ('19) is a second-year Vault staff member and Entertainment and Publicity Editor. [email protected]
Science department welcomes new teacher
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- You may have noticed a dog walking around Northridge this school year. This dog belongs to Mrs. Sarah Donley, the latest addition to the Northridge faculty who has taken over the Chemistry and Physical Science teaching position for the 2017-2018 school year.
Donley has a service dog, Rosie the boxer. Rosie is a medical alert dog for Donley’s hypoglycemia, a condition where she does not get symptoms of low blood sugar before her levels drop. Rosie is able to sense when Donley’s blood sugar is low and alert her before her symptoms get severe.
Donley went to high school in Alabama, at a school called Northridge High School. She then attended college at Bowling Green University on a National Merit scholarship to get her bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry. She continued her education at OSU, where she first received her master's degree in Animal Sciences. She was studying to become a large animal vet, but later realized she wanted to be a teacher more than anything else and returned to OSU to get her master’s degree in Education.
Donley chose to become a Chemistry teacher because of its tendency to be a subject that students hate. “I wanted to make a Chemistry class somewhere that students would enjoy,” says the new teacher. Her strategies to make her class more enjoyable for students include bringing in donuts and playing Quizlet Live every Friday.
The adjustment to Northridge is going well for Donley. “I love Northridge,” she says, “Everyone has been really welcoming.”
Students seem to be enjoying Donely’s methods to making Chemistry class better. “Mrs. Donley is a great teacher!” says Advanced Chemistry student Alex Rahde (‘18). “The class is fun, and I am already learning a lot.”
Outside of school, Donley enjoys playing numerous instruments, including multiple woodwinds, strings, and the piano. She also enjoys singing, hiking, and reading.
-Katelyn Darby (‘18) is a third-year Vault staff member and Web Editor-in-Chief. [email protected]
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- You may have noticed a dog walking around Northridge this school year. This dog belongs to Mrs. Sarah Donley, the latest addition to the Northridge faculty who has taken over the Chemistry and Physical Science teaching position for the 2017-2018 school year.
Donley has a service dog, Rosie the boxer. Rosie is a medical alert dog for Donley’s hypoglycemia, a condition where she does not get symptoms of low blood sugar before her levels drop. Rosie is able to sense when Donley’s blood sugar is low and alert her before her symptoms get severe.
Donley went to high school in Alabama, at a school called Northridge High School. She then attended college at Bowling Green University on a National Merit scholarship to get her bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry. She continued her education at OSU, where she first received her master's degree in Animal Sciences. She was studying to become a large animal vet, but later realized she wanted to be a teacher more than anything else and returned to OSU to get her master’s degree in Education.
Donley chose to become a Chemistry teacher because of its tendency to be a subject that students hate. “I wanted to make a Chemistry class somewhere that students would enjoy,” says the new teacher. Her strategies to make her class more enjoyable for students include bringing in donuts and playing Quizlet Live every Friday.
The adjustment to Northridge is going well for Donley. “I love Northridge,” she says, “Everyone has been really welcoming.”
Students seem to be enjoying Donely’s methods to making Chemistry class better. “Mrs. Donley is a great teacher!” says Advanced Chemistry student Alex Rahde (‘18). “The class is fun, and I am already learning a lot.”
Outside of school, Donley enjoys playing numerous instruments, including multiple woodwinds, strings, and the piano. She also enjoys singing, hiking, and reading.
-Katelyn Darby (‘18) is a third-year Vault staff member and Web Editor-in-Chief. [email protected]
Northridge traditions
By: Caylee Lindsay
NORTHRIDGE- High school is a place of rich history and tradition. Unbeknownst to many of students and staff, Northridge High School is steeped in history and tradition itself.
Principal Amy Anderson shined light upon some of her favorite traditions. One of her favorites is graduation in the gym. Customary for Northridge, it is a special occasion for graduates and their families to share.
Staff versus students basketball and volleyball games are on the list of special traditions as well. For both watchers of the event and players, the occasion ranks as one of the most fun-filled, competitive traditions at Northridge.
“Another one of my favorites is Pink Night at ball games to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, where survivors and those taken by breast cancer are honored,” says Anderson. It is no surprise that these games for both volleyball and soccer are highly attended--this tradition is an amazing way to contribute to the fight against breast cancer.
There have been many more Viking traditions since the first graduating class of Northridge High School in 1963, including the annual Food Drive Competition against Johnstown, FFA 1,000,000 Dollar Day, Senior Nights for sports, honoring the military at Military Night during football season, involvement and success in College Credit Plus, OMUN success, and of course, the N-Unit.
Most traditions have been in place for many years, enjoyed by students and staff for decades. Megan Trainer (‘18) says, “One of my favorite traditions is Friday night football games. Being a part of the student section, dressing up for the themes, is so much fun.”
The National Honor Society Tapping Ceremony is another anticipated event for the school each year. Gathering in the auditeria to witness the tapping of the next class of NHS members is a special event to acknowledge students who have worked hard to become members of such a prestigious foundation. A new part of this tradition is the secret invitation of parents to the Tapping Ceremony. According to Anderson, “Prior to a few years ago, the tapping took place without giving parents the opportunity to be in attendance.” Now, parents can watch their children be honored and celebrate/take pictures afterwards with drinks and desserts.
As in decades past, new traditions are being formed at Northridge every year; some may still be around long after the current Vikings have moved on.
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is a third-year Vault staff member and Print Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
By: Caylee Lindsay
NORTHRIDGE- High school is a place of rich history and tradition. Unbeknownst to many of students and staff, Northridge High School is steeped in history and tradition itself.
Principal Amy Anderson shined light upon some of her favorite traditions. One of her favorites is graduation in the gym. Customary for Northridge, it is a special occasion for graduates and their families to share.
Staff versus students basketball and volleyball games are on the list of special traditions as well. For both watchers of the event and players, the occasion ranks as one of the most fun-filled, competitive traditions at Northridge.
“Another one of my favorites is Pink Night at ball games to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, where survivors and those taken by breast cancer are honored,” says Anderson. It is no surprise that these games for both volleyball and soccer are highly attended--this tradition is an amazing way to contribute to the fight against breast cancer.
There have been many more Viking traditions since the first graduating class of Northridge High School in 1963, including the annual Food Drive Competition against Johnstown, FFA 1,000,000 Dollar Day, Senior Nights for sports, honoring the military at Military Night during football season, involvement and success in College Credit Plus, OMUN success, and of course, the N-Unit.
Most traditions have been in place for many years, enjoyed by students and staff for decades. Megan Trainer (‘18) says, “One of my favorite traditions is Friday night football games. Being a part of the student section, dressing up for the themes, is so much fun.”
The National Honor Society Tapping Ceremony is another anticipated event for the school each year. Gathering in the auditeria to witness the tapping of the next class of NHS members is a special event to acknowledge students who have worked hard to become members of such a prestigious foundation. A new part of this tradition is the secret invitation of parents to the Tapping Ceremony. According to Anderson, “Prior to a few years ago, the tapping took place without giving parents the opportunity to be in attendance.” Now, parents can watch their children be honored and celebrate/take pictures afterwards with drinks and desserts.
As in decades past, new traditions are being formed at Northridge every year; some may still be around long after the current Vikings have moved on.
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is a third-year Vault staff member and Print Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
Freshman Fears and Senior responses
By: Mackenzie Holder
Remember back to your last few days of eighth grade year? As the year and middle school began to come to an end, some are excited and ready to move on to high school while, for others, worries started boiling in the back of the mind about the start of freshman year.
What if I don’t fit in? What if I get bullied?
During the first few weeks of our 2017-2018 school year, we got familiar with some of the “Freshman Fears” coming into high school, and then we asked seniors to respond to some of the fears and give the freshmen some advice both to ease their fears and to start a great four years.
Freshman Blake Crow stated that his fear of coming into high school is that the seniors would make fun of people who went to the wrong classes.
Senior Stephen Padilla stated, “If you do walk into the wrong class, just smile and laugh and don’t let it bother you. Most of the seniors will understand what it is like to be nervous on the first day.” Padilla recommends “joining a club or a sport of some kind. Due to the number of people in these activities, you are bound to find someone willing to help you find the classes, and just getting the flow of high school in general.”
Freshman Hunter Postowka stated that his fear of coming into high school was that the work was going to be very hard.
Senior William Cox stated, “The work in high school can sometimes be overwhelming, but I highly suggest getting projects and papers done as early as possible. DON’T PROCRASTINATE!!! Once it is done, you can go back and ask your teachers more questions. Get work done early so it gives you more free time and stress-free weekends.”
Freshman Kennedy Neumeyer said her fear of coming into high school was not being able to find the classrooms.
Senior Megan Trainer said, “Try to find a senior to be your friend or just try to find an upperclassmen to help you out and make you more comfortable and have a better time in high school.”
As you see above, most of the freshman were afraid of something coming into high school, but freshman Will Holt was surprisingly afraid of nothing! He stated, “I was ready and prepared for freshman year.”
Senior Chris Absten replied to this by saying, “Always make sure you are having fun and make every day count because you only have so many days in high school.”
Freshman Gracie Mcmillen stated that her fear was “All of the upperclassmen being bigger than me and getting picked on.”
Senior Alison Bash then stated, “They all went through being freshmen, too, so they understand how you feel. Don’t be scared. Just relax because it will be okay.”
-Mackenzie Holder (‘19) is Jr. Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Mackenzie Holder
Remember back to your last few days of eighth grade year? As the year and middle school began to come to an end, some are excited and ready to move on to high school while, for others, worries started boiling in the back of the mind about the start of freshman year.
What if I don’t fit in? What if I get bullied?
During the first few weeks of our 2017-2018 school year, we got familiar with some of the “Freshman Fears” coming into high school, and then we asked seniors to respond to some of the fears and give the freshmen some advice both to ease their fears and to start a great four years.
Freshman Blake Crow stated that his fear of coming into high school is that the seniors would make fun of people who went to the wrong classes.
Senior Stephen Padilla stated, “If you do walk into the wrong class, just smile and laugh and don’t let it bother you. Most of the seniors will understand what it is like to be nervous on the first day.” Padilla recommends “joining a club or a sport of some kind. Due to the number of people in these activities, you are bound to find someone willing to help you find the classes, and just getting the flow of high school in general.”
Freshman Hunter Postowka stated that his fear of coming into high school was that the work was going to be very hard.
Senior William Cox stated, “The work in high school can sometimes be overwhelming, but I highly suggest getting projects and papers done as early as possible. DON’T PROCRASTINATE!!! Once it is done, you can go back and ask your teachers more questions. Get work done early so it gives you more free time and stress-free weekends.”
Freshman Kennedy Neumeyer said her fear of coming into high school was not being able to find the classrooms.
Senior Megan Trainer said, “Try to find a senior to be your friend or just try to find an upperclassmen to help you out and make you more comfortable and have a better time in high school.”
As you see above, most of the freshman were afraid of something coming into high school, but freshman Will Holt was surprisingly afraid of nothing! He stated, “I was ready and prepared for freshman year.”
Senior Chris Absten replied to this by saying, “Always make sure you are having fun and make every day count because you only have so many days in high school.”
Freshman Gracie Mcmillen stated that her fear was “All of the upperclassmen being bigger than me and getting picked on.”
Senior Alison Bash then stated, “They all went through being freshmen, too, so they understand how you feel. Don’t be scared. Just relax because it will be okay.”
-Mackenzie Holder (‘19) is Jr. Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
Coaches that are also teachers
By: Sydney Miller
Mr. Miracle
Mr. Miracle teaches American Government and History of War; he also coaches the JV Soccer team. Miracle has been teaching for three years and coaching for two years. Miracle was asked to coach by Kevin, another soccer coach whom he had known before he started at Northridge, but he wasn’t able to coach right away because he had a new baby at home and took some of the burden off his wife after school.
When Miracle was in high school, he was on the soccer team himself. Although Miracle didn’t play in college, he knew he wanted he still wanted to be a part of soccer somehow. One way to do that was by becoming a teacher, which was a contributing factor when he decided his career. Once he began to teach and coach, he realized some of the benefit that came with it, such as knowing who the students are and how they act in and out of class.
Miracle said it’s easier to keep an eye on their grades. Although it’s fun to have his athletes in his class, he finds that it’s hard to separate coach and teacher relationships because he can be fun in practice, yet professional in the classroom.
As for his soccer team this season, Miracle said, “For a young team, we’re doing great and I’m excited to watch them improve to the Varsity level.”
Mrs. Sweet
Mrs. Sweet teaches Anatomy and Biology; she also coaches the Volleyball team. Sweet has been coaching for six years, but this is her first year coaching at Northridge, and she has been a teacher for six years. Sweet actually got into teaching through coaching volleyball when she was in college.
Mrs. Sweet started coaching at Northridge when one day they asked if she would be willing to coach the team, and since she knew some of the girls and missed the sport, she said yes. One thing that she likes about having her athletes in class is, because she knows her students from volleyball, she knows their strengths and weaknesses, which makes it easier to teach them.
She also enjoys building a nice relationship with her athletes in the classroom. One difference that she faces in the classroom versus the court it that she can’t be as laid back with them in the classroom. As for the volleyball team, Sweet compliments them and says, “The team has had a really good season. They have improved a lot with a lot of little triumphs.”
Mr. King
Mr. King has been a teacher for four years and teaches Geography and American History at Northridge, and he coaches football and wrestling. King had played football in high school and in college, so when he got a teaching job at Northridge and was asked by Ms. Anderson to coach for the football team, he accepted.
Kings enjoys having his athletes in class because of several reasons that include the respect and work effort they give, knowing they will see him at practice in a few hours. Since football season has begun, King says, “it’s been going really well considering that they just beat a really good team (Fort Frye)”, and he is looking forward to the next games that are coming up.
Miss Murphy
Miss Murphy teaches tenth grade English and has been teaching for five years, and she has been coaching Cross Country for four years now. Murphy didn’t run Cross Country in high school, but in college she started doing road races and that’s how she got into running. When she came to Northridge she heard that Coach Garee was going to become the head coach, so Murphy asked her if she was able to be her assistant coach.
Since coaching, Murphy has noticed that she gets to see the other side of her students, as well as her students seeing another side of her, instead of in the classroom. Since Cross Country starts in the summer, she gets to know a couple of students in her class on a more personal level. A downside to coaching her students is that there’s a good chance that she has embarrassed herself in front of them, but they thankfully don’t hold it against her. So far this Cross Country season Murphy says that they’re doing great. Murphy says “Some of them have been working on their mileage since June, so they’re starting out in better shape than they have in past years.”
-Sydney Miller ('18) is a second-year Vault staff member. [email protected]
By: Sydney Miller
Mr. Miracle
Mr. Miracle teaches American Government and History of War; he also coaches the JV Soccer team. Miracle has been teaching for three years and coaching for two years. Miracle was asked to coach by Kevin, another soccer coach whom he had known before he started at Northridge, but he wasn’t able to coach right away because he had a new baby at home and took some of the burden off his wife after school.
When Miracle was in high school, he was on the soccer team himself. Although Miracle didn’t play in college, he knew he wanted he still wanted to be a part of soccer somehow. One way to do that was by becoming a teacher, which was a contributing factor when he decided his career. Once he began to teach and coach, he realized some of the benefit that came with it, such as knowing who the students are and how they act in and out of class.
Miracle said it’s easier to keep an eye on their grades. Although it’s fun to have his athletes in his class, he finds that it’s hard to separate coach and teacher relationships because he can be fun in practice, yet professional in the classroom.
As for his soccer team this season, Miracle said, “For a young team, we’re doing great and I’m excited to watch them improve to the Varsity level.”
Mrs. Sweet
Mrs. Sweet teaches Anatomy and Biology; she also coaches the Volleyball team. Sweet has been coaching for six years, but this is her first year coaching at Northridge, and she has been a teacher for six years. Sweet actually got into teaching through coaching volleyball when she was in college.
Mrs. Sweet started coaching at Northridge when one day they asked if she would be willing to coach the team, and since she knew some of the girls and missed the sport, she said yes. One thing that she likes about having her athletes in class is, because she knows her students from volleyball, she knows their strengths and weaknesses, which makes it easier to teach them.
She also enjoys building a nice relationship with her athletes in the classroom. One difference that she faces in the classroom versus the court it that she can’t be as laid back with them in the classroom. As for the volleyball team, Sweet compliments them and says, “The team has had a really good season. They have improved a lot with a lot of little triumphs.”
Mr. King
Mr. King has been a teacher for four years and teaches Geography and American History at Northridge, and he coaches football and wrestling. King had played football in high school and in college, so when he got a teaching job at Northridge and was asked by Ms. Anderson to coach for the football team, he accepted.
Kings enjoys having his athletes in class because of several reasons that include the respect and work effort they give, knowing they will see him at practice in a few hours. Since football season has begun, King says, “it’s been going really well considering that they just beat a really good team (Fort Frye)”, and he is looking forward to the next games that are coming up.
Miss Murphy
Miss Murphy teaches tenth grade English and has been teaching for five years, and she has been coaching Cross Country for four years now. Murphy didn’t run Cross Country in high school, but in college she started doing road races and that’s how she got into running. When she came to Northridge she heard that Coach Garee was going to become the head coach, so Murphy asked her if she was able to be her assistant coach.
Since coaching, Murphy has noticed that she gets to see the other side of her students, as well as her students seeing another side of her, instead of in the classroom. Since Cross Country starts in the summer, she gets to know a couple of students in her class on a more personal level. A downside to coaching her students is that there’s a good chance that she has embarrassed herself in front of them, but they thankfully don’t hold it against her. So far this Cross Country season Murphy says that they’re doing great. Murphy says “Some of them have been working on their mileage since June, so they’re starting out in better shape than they have in past years.”
-Sydney Miller ('18) is a second-year Vault staff member. [email protected]