What’s up with recent alumni
By: Caylee Lindsay
NORTHRIDGE- As colleges begin their second semesters, you may be wondering what Northridge grads are up to. Many former Vikings are enjoying their time at college; here’s what a few recent alumnae are doing as freshmen or sophomores in college.
Leyna Varney (‘16)
College: Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah)
Major: Experience Design and Management, School of Business
Plans after college: Ideally, Varney seeks a job working for the Color Run or another company that promotes happiness. She adds, “I want a cute dog, too, and a smart home.”
Best part of college: According to Varney, there are so many different things to experience when going to school out of state. “I love the variety of things I get to try and be a part of. I can hike, go to the nickel arcade, go to hot springs, or various sporting/arts events on campus,” says Varney.
Transition from high school to college: Even though Varney was very far away from home, being independent in high school helped with the transition. “I sure miss my family and friends, though. It’s hard only seeing them in the summer and Christmas. But it makes the time I get with them much more special,” Varney remarks. She remembers learning how to actually study being one of the hardest parts about going to college.
Involvement: Acapella group, volleyball, snowboarding
Max Berry (‘17)
College: Marymount Manhattan College (New York, New York)
Major: Musical Theatre and Writing for the Stage
Plans after college: Berry hopes to stay in New York and begin auditioning professionally, as well as continue to write plays and get them produced.
Best part of college: The most amazing part for Berry is meeting so many “incredibly talented and creative people.” He also enjoys the atmosphere and environment of New York City, as well: “I’m literally in THE place for theatre. We had to move dance studios because there was a Broadway show rehearsing in our space. That doesn’t happen just anywhere.”
Transition from high school to college: New York already feels like home for Berry, as he is surrounded by artists.
Involvement: In two short films, assistant directed a senior playwriting project, wrote a play for the 48-hour play festival and one for the Original Works festival, working on a book alongside other students called Realiteen: A Guide to Growing Up.
Josie Bunstine (‘16)
College: The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)
Major: Exercise Science, Pre-Med
Plans after college: Bunstine plans on going to medical school, graduating, and working with a professional or collegiate sports team as a sports medicine physician.
Best part of college: “Meeting all of the incredible people! I’ve found a lot of my best friends at Ohio State. (Oh, and football),” Bunstine says.
Transition from high school to college: For Bunstine, her transition was a challenge. Learning how to study and put a lot of time into her education was something she had to get adjusted to. Making friends was no problem for Bunstine, and she advises, “Once you find your balance, it’s really not too bad.”
Involvement: Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars, University Ambassadors, student assistant for the Department of Recreational Sports, volunteer in the emergency department at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Second-Year Transformational Experience Program, education abroad (Finland and Estonia in May 2017, London, England in the coming May)
Olivia Garrabrant (‘17)
College: Ohio University (Athens, Ohio)
Major: Nursing
Plans after college: After school, Garrabrant wants to get her Nurse Practitioner license and start a family.
Best part of college: According to Garrabrant, meeting so many new people is one of her favorite parts about college. Living on her own is something else that has been refreshing for her. “I love the independence I have,” she says.
Transition from high school to college: Transitioning from high school to college wasn’t difficult at all for Garrabrant. She adds that she does enjoy college a lot more than high school.
Involvement: Nursing club and lots of volunteer work
Jamie Swickard (‘17)
College: Denison University (Granville, Ohio)
Major: Biology, Pre-Med
Plans after college: Swickard plans to go to medical school after college. She is leaning toward specializing in oncology, although she is undecided.
Best thing about college: The best part for Swickard is getting to pick what classes she wants to take, ensuring that she actually gets to take classes she is interested in. “You get to make your own schedule and you’re not stuck in an eight-hour day. You also don’t have to tell anyone what you’re doing. You can go get food at one in the morning, and no one cares,” says Swickard.
Transition from high school to college: Going to college at Denison makes college different for Swickard, since she is still in the same area she grew up in. According to her, the transition was nice because she took AP and college classes in high school, so she was already at the same pace as college. “10/10 recommend taking AP and college classes,” Swickard adds.
Involvement: Sorority Delta Gamma, house position in her sorority, tutor
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is a third-year Vault staff member and Print Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
By: Caylee Lindsay
NORTHRIDGE- As colleges begin their second semesters, you may be wondering what Northridge grads are up to. Many former Vikings are enjoying their time at college; here’s what a few recent alumnae are doing as freshmen or sophomores in college.
Leyna Varney (‘16)
College: Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah)
Major: Experience Design and Management, School of Business
Plans after college: Ideally, Varney seeks a job working for the Color Run or another company that promotes happiness. She adds, “I want a cute dog, too, and a smart home.”
Best part of college: According to Varney, there are so many different things to experience when going to school out of state. “I love the variety of things I get to try and be a part of. I can hike, go to the nickel arcade, go to hot springs, or various sporting/arts events on campus,” says Varney.
Transition from high school to college: Even though Varney was very far away from home, being independent in high school helped with the transition. “I sure miss my family and friends, though. It’s hard only seeing them in the summer and Christmas. But it makes the time I get with them much more special,” Varney remarks. She remembers learning how to actually study being one of the hardest parts about going to college.
Involvement: Acapella group, volleyball, snowboarding
Max Berry (‘17)
College: Marymount Manhattan College (New York, New York)
Major: Musical Theatre and Writing for the Stage
Plans after college: Berry hopes to stay in New York and begin auditioning professionally, as well as continue to write plays and get them produced.
Best part of college: The most amazing part for Berry is meeting so many “incredibly talented and creative people.” He also enjoys the atmosphere and environment of New York City, as well: “I’m literally in THE place for theatre. We had to move dance studios because there was a Broadway show rehearsing in our space. That doesn’t happen just anywhere.”
Transition from high school to college: New York already feels like home for Berry, as he is surrounded by artists.
Involvement: In two short films, assistant directed a senior playwriting project, wrote a play for the 48-hour play festival and one for the Original Works festival, working on a book alongside other students called Realiteen: A Guide to Growing Up.
Josie Bunstine (‘16)
College: The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)
Major: Exercise Science, Pre-Med
Plans after college: Bunstine plans on going to medical school, graduating, and working with a professional or collegiate sports team as a sports medicine physician.
Best part of college: “Meeting all of the incredible people! I’ve found a lot of my best friends at Ohio State. (Oh, and football),” Bunstine says.
Transition from high school to college: For Bunstine, her transition was a challenge. Learning how to study and put a lot of time into her education was something she had to get adjusted to. Making friends was no problem for Bunstine, and she advises, “Once you find your balance, it’s really not too bad.”
Involvement: Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars, University Ambassadors, student assistant for the Department of Recreational Sports, volunteer in the emergency department at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Second-Year Transformational Experience Program, education abroad (Finland and Estonia in May 2017, London, England in the coming May)
Olivia Garrabrant (‘17)
College: Ohio University (Athens, Ohio)
Major: Nursing
Plans after college: After school, Garrabrant wants to get her Nurse Practitioner license and start a family.
Best part of college: According to Garrabrant, meeting so many new people is one of her favorite parts about college. Living on her own is something else that has been refreshing for her. “I love the independence I have,” she says.
Transition from high school to college: Transitioning from high school to college wasn’t difficult at all for Garrabrant. She adds that she does enjoy college a lot more than high school.
Involvement: Nursing club and lots of volunteer work
Jamie Swickard (‘17)
College: Denison University (Granville, Ohio)
Major: Biology, Pre-Med
Plans after college: Swickard plans to go to medical school after college. She is leaning toward specializing in oncology, although she is undecided.
Best thing about college: The best part for Swickard is getting to pick what classes she wants to take, ensuring that she actually gets to take classes she is interested in. “You get to make your own schedule and you’re not stuck in an eight-hour day. You also don’t have to tell anyone what you’re doing. You can go get food at one in the morning, and no one cares,” says Swickard.
Transition from high school to college: Going to college at Denison makes college different for Swickard, since she is still in the same area she grew up in. According to her, the transition was nice because she took AP and college classes in high school, so she was already at the same pace as college. “10/10 recommend taking AP and college classes,” Swickard adds.
Involvement: Sorority Delta Gamma, house position in her sorority, tutor
-Caylee Lindsay (‘18) is a third-year Vault staff member and Print Editor-In-Chief. [email protected]
Chasing More Than Barrels
By: Megan Castle
NORTHRIDGE- Junior Olivia Good has had a lifelong passion for barrel racing, which includes all the hardships and advantages of this untraditional hobby, but it might be surprising what she does in the off-season.
Good has grown up around horses and says she has been riding since she could walk. However, Good dived into the world of barrel racing at just age 11. “My Grandma was a barrel racer growing up so that is what really pushed me into it. I also grew up watching an older sister-like figure riding, and it made me want to try it,” Good mentions.
When asked what barrel racing is, she said, “It is kind of hard to explain. The point is to go in a certain pattern and try to compete for the fastest time doing so. There is a series of three barrels, and you have to wrap yourself, on top of your horse, around each barre. It’s thrilling,” Good admits. Her personal fastest time is 16.3 seconds.
“If you look at barrel racing as a sport, winter is a lot of riders’ off-season, especially if you can’t
get access to an indoor arena,” Good explains. Good also emphasizes that horse shows are year-round; however, growing up with Ohio winters makes it impossible to practice sometimes. “The snow and ice make it physically impossible to practice and ride in. Most of winter is spent working the horses or just taking a break,” Good says.
Riders can go to watch shows throughout the year, so Good explains that is exactly what she and her grandma do sometimes in their off time. “The community of horse riders is like a family, so even going to shows you are not participating in is thrilling. You’ll drive hours just to cheer friends on,” Good explains.
When asked about barrel racing in general, Good says,“The adrenaline makes it a feeling like no other.” Good stresses that horses are really hard to take care of appropriately and that becoming a barrel racer takes a lot of time and patience. “It’s a group effort,” Good mentions. Not only do you have to count on your experience and knowledge, but you have to put a lot of faith into your horse.
“It was definitely something that was scary to let your child start doing, you know? Horses are unpredictable,” Johneen Castle, mother of a beginner barrel racer, admits. “Once you see your child on such a powerful animal, being the one in power, you start to understand that you have to have the drive to do it,” Castle claims.
“It is also really, really expensive as well. When you commit, you have to actually commit,” Good stresses. Good admits it is not a hobby for everyone and you have to have a drive for it to be able to click with the hobby.
No matter the cost or unpredictableness of barrel racing, Good admits that she wouldn’t take back her years of doing it. The unpredictableness and the fact that it always leaves her guessing is one of the best parts, according to Good. Her drive to ride has quieted down as highschool and social life starts to take over; however, Good explains that she doesn’t think she could ever give up riding, even if it’s only a couple times a month.
-Megan Castle (‘19) is a staff writer and Photo Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Megan Castle
NORTHRIDGE- Junior Olivia Good has had a lifelong passion for barrel racing, which includes all the hardships and advantages of this untraditional hobby, but it might be surprising what she does in the off-season.
Good has grown up around horses and says she has been riding since she could walk. However, Good dived into the world of barrel racing at just age 11. “My Grandma was a barrel racer growing up so that is what really pushed me into it. I also grew up watching an older sister-like figure riding, and it made me want to try it,” Good mentions.
When asked what barrel racing is, she said, “It is kind of hard to explain. The point is to go in a certain pattern and try to compete for the fastest time doing so. There is a series of three barrels, and you have to wrap yourself, on top of your horse, around each barre. It’s thrilling,” Good admits. Her personal fastest time is 16.3 seconds.
“If you look at barrel racing as a sport, winter is a lot of riders’ off-season, especially if you can’t
get access to an indoor arena,” Good explains. Good also emphasizes that horse shows are year-round; however, growing up with Ohio winters makes it impossible to practice sometimes. “The snow and ice make it physically impossible to practice and ride in. Most of winter is spent working the horses or just taking a break,” Good says.
Riders can go to watch shows throughout the year, so Good explains that is exactly what she and her grandma do sometimes in their off time. “The community of horse riders is like a family, so even going to shows you are not participating in is thrilling. You’ll drive hours just to cheer friends on,” Good explains.
When asked about barrel racing in general, Good says,“The adrenaline makes it a feeling like no other.” Good stresses that horses are really hard to take care of appropriately and that becoming a barrel racer takes a lot of time and patience. “It’s a group effort,” Good mentions. Not only do you have to count on your experience and knowledge, but you have to put a lot of faith into your horse.
“It was definitely something that was scary to let your child start doing, you know? Horses are unpredictable,” Johneen Castle, mother of a beginner barrel racer, admits. “Once you see your child on such a powerful animal, being the one in power, you start to understand that you have to have the drive to do it,” Castle claims.
“It is also really, really expensive as well. When you commit, you have to actually commit,” Good stresses. Good admits it is not a hobby for everyone and you have to have a drive for it to be able to click with the hobby.
No matter the cost or unpredictableness of barrel racing, Good admits that she wouldn’t take back her years of doing it. The unpredictableness and the fact that it always leaves her guessing is one of the best parts, according to Good. Her drive to ride has quieted down as highschool and social life starts to take over; however, Good explains that she doesn’t think she could ever give up riding, even if it’s only a couple times a month.
-Megan Castle (‘19) is a staff writer and Photo Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
College search over now for some seniors
By: Maddi Giffin
NORTHRIDGE- It is the time of the school year when seniors have either finished applying or will soon finish up applying to the colleges of their choice. A few of my closest friend have already applied to college and have been accepted, but most of my friends are like the rest of NHS seniors who have applied and are waiting to hear back.
Tori Strong (‘18) participates in marching band, color guard, swim team, Ohio Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and annual musicals. Strong plans onto pursue a bachelors of music and worship leadership and a minor in pastoral leadership. Strong has applied and been accepted into Liberty and Belmont University. Strong has been accepted and plans to go to Liberty University.
Strong says the hardest part about the college search is “Finding where you fit and where you feel comfortable.” Strong's advice for underclassmen thinking about the college search is “Definitely go and visit - you’re not going to know if you like a college until you go and visit and see what the college and people around it are like.”
Strong says she now feels “really relieved” since she has been accepted into college. She says she cried when she got her first acceptance letter since she didn't think any college would accept her. Through the long process of waiting for colleges to get back to her, Strong felt “Really anxious” and stressed about the small stuff. She feels as though it is nice to know where she is going after high school.
Jadi Kelly (‘18) participates in musicals at NHS. After Kelly graduates she is planning to continue her education and major in biology and work towards a pre-med degree, eventually going to medical school to become a respiratory therapist. Kelly has applied to Wittenberg and to the University of Akron. Kelly has been accepted to the University of Akron. Through these patient times of waiting for colleges to get back to her Kelly feels “nervous, and excited.” Kelly also plans to apply to Columbus State, and Miami University. Kelly's first choice would be Miami University because it has an accelerated science program and a welcoming atmosphere.
Kelly says the most important part of the college choice is to look at the university's programs and the professors. If Kelly had to go back and tell her freshman self something she would tell herself, “Don’t Procrastinate, and study like there's no tomorrow.”
Some seniors have already committed to the University of their choosing: Branden Blankenship will be attending the University of Charleston, Stephen Padilla and Michelle Ferry will be attending MVNU(Mount Vernon Nazarene University), Gabe Miller will be attending Walsh University, and Dayna Martin will be attending Marshall University.
As you can see, many people are in different stages of the college search. But no matter where you are in this search it is a very stressful time for Northridge High school seniors. In just a short months we will all be going different routes, whether that be the workforce or college, but we will all have the same roots of coming from the home of the Vikings and we have to remember it’s always a great day to be a Viking!
-Maddi Giffin (‘18) is a staff member for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Maddi Giffin
NORTHRIDGE- It is the time of the school year when seniors have either finished applying or will soon finish up applying to the colleges of their choice. A few of my closest friend have already applied to college and have been accepted, but most of my friends are like the rest of NHS seniors who have applied and are waiting to hear back.
Tori Strong (‘18) participates in marching band, color guard, swim team, Ohio Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and annual musicals. Strong plans onto pursue a bachelors of music and worship leadership and a minor in pastoral leadership. Strong has applied and been accepted into Liberty and Belmont University. Strong has been accepted and plans to go to Liberty University.
Strong says the hardest part about the college search is “Finding where you fit and where you feel comfortable.” Strong's advice for underclassmen thinking about the college search is “Definitely go and visit - you’re not going to know if you like a college until you go and visit and see what the college and people around it are like.”
Strong says she now feels “really relieved” since she has been accepted into college. She says she cried when she got her first acceptance letter since she didn't think any college would accept her. Through the long process of waiting for colleges to get back to her, Strong felt “Really anxious” and stressed about the small stuff. She feels as though it is nice to know where she is going after high school.
Jadi Kelly (‘18) participates in musicals at NHS. After Kelly graduates she is planning to continue her education and major in biology and work towards a pre-med degree, eventually going to medical school to become a respiratory therapist. Kelly has applied to Wittenberg and to the University of Akron. Kelly has been accepted to the University of Akron. Through these patient times of waiting for colleges to get back to her Kelly feels “nervous, and excited.” Kelly also plans to apply to Columbus State, and Miami University. Kelly's first choice would be Miami University because it has an accelerated science program and a welcoming atmosphere.
Kelly says the most important part of the college choice is to look at the university's programs and the professors. If Kelly had to go back and tell her freshman self something she would tell herself, “Don’t Procrastinate, and study like there's no tomorrow.”
Some seniors have already committed to the University of their choosing: Branden Blankenship will be attending the University of Charleston, Stephen Padilla and Michelle Ferry will be attending MVNU(Mount Vernon Nazarene University), Gabe Miller will be attending Walsh University, and Dayna Martin will be attending Marshall University.
As you can see, many people are in different stages of the college search. But no matter where you are in this search it is a very stressful time for Northridge High school seniors. In just a short months we will all be going different routes, whether that be the workforce or college, but we will all have the same roots of coming from the home of the Vikings and we have to remember it’s always a great day to be a Viking!
-Maddi Giffin (‘18) is a staff member for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
Northridge Legacies: Why some families don’t leave
By: Sydney Miller
NORTHRIDGE- When a parent has a child and is looking for a place to live, they take into consideration the schools in the area. At Northridge, we have a lot of kids who had parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents that used to attend Northridge themselves.
One rather well-known example is Mrs. Jennifer Ulery, Adam Ulery’s (‘21) mother and an eighth grade language arts teacher here at the Ridge. Her family has gone to Northridge for almost ninety years. When asked about why Mrs. Ulery sent her children to Northridge, she said, “It’s safe, comfortable, and it’s home.”. She, her husband, kids, parents and grandparents all have lived in the same area; since her family had gone to Northridge, of course she chose to send her kids there, as well.
Since the time Ulery went to school, a lot has changed. A generation ago, the school didn’t have to Pay to Participate, Graduation was outside, and they would have a Prom Promise right before Prom, showing the effects of drinking and driving.
Ulery sent her kids to have great memories just like she did growing up, including having her “first kiss with the person [she] ended up marrying.” And, yes, Ulery laughs at her own cheesy answer.
Sometimes we can’t always choose where we go to school, but the choice can be influenced by our elders who have been in the area before. Tori Strong (‘18) goes to Northridge just like her grandfather did when he lived in the district. When her parents moved into the area when Strong was in the fourth grade, they were trying to find a nice school. Her mom went to Johnstown in HIgh School and didn’t particularly like it, so Strong’s grandfather suggested Northridge because it was a good school.
Strong says her grandfather reminisces about how small he remembers the school being two generations ago and the fond memories he had while getting his education there. Strong grew up loving the community that surrounds Northridge because “We support each other, and the teachers are incredible.”
Strong doesn’t know if she will send her own kids to Northridge but isn’t totally opposed to the idea when asked. There isn’t anything that Strong would change about her parents’ decision because she says she has made fun memories and met some amazing people she will never forget.
Imagine sending your kids to your school’s rival school. Mrs. Kim Garee, a Composition, English and Newspaper teacher, did just that with her three kids, Graham (‘18), Emma “(‘20) and Kora (‘23). Garee went to Johnstown growing up, while her husband grew up at Northridge. When she and her husband first moved in the Northridge district, her husband had a job teaching at Northridge while she would cover news stories about the district for This Week News. Garee says that after covering the district, she “realized so many awesome things in the district for kids … most of all, a staff that really cares about them.”
When the time came for her to decide where her children went to school, Garee was convinced that they would have the best opportunities going to Northridge, where they can feel like they matter. Although Mrs. Garee didn’t go to Northridge, her husband did, along with his three brothers, his parents, and a sister-in-law. Now the Garee kids and their cousins attend Northridge as the third generation. Garee doesn’t know if her kids will send their kids to Northridge too but she does know that, wherever they go, she will be happy.
Although Northridge is made up of many families who have stayed in the area for a long time, Northridge has a knack for bringing in new people to the community that may just expand their family traditions here, too.
-Sydney Miller (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Senior Spotlight editor
By: Sydney Miller
NORTHRIDGE- When a parent has a child and is looking for a place to live, they take into consideration the schools in the area. At Northridge, we have a lot of kids who had parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents that used to attend Northridge themselves.
One rather well-known example is Mrs. Jennifer Ulery, Adam Ulery’s (‘21) mother and an eighth grade language arts teacher here at the Ridge. Her family has gone to Northridge for almost ninety years. When asked about why Mrs. Ulery sent her children to Northridge, she said, “It’s safe, comfortable, and it’s home.”. She, her husband, kids, parents and grandparents all have lived in the same area; since her family had gone to Northridge, of course she chose to send her kids there, as well.
Since the time Ulery went to school, a lot has changed. A generation ago, the school didn’t have to Pay to Participate, Graduation was outside, and they would have a Prom Promise right before Prom, showing the effects of drinking and driving.
Ulery sent her kids to have great memories just like she did growing up, including having her “first kiss with the person [she] ended up marrying.” And, yes, Ulery laughs at her own cheesy answer.
Sometimes we can’t always choose where we go to school, but the choice can be influenced by our elders who have been in the area before. Tori Strong (‘18) goes to Northridge just like her grandfather did when he lived in the district. When her parents moved into the area when Strong was in the fourth grade, they were trying to find a nice school. Her mom went to Johnstown in HIgh School and didn’t particularly like it, so Strong’s grandfather suggested Northridge because it was a good school.
Strong says her grandfather reminisces about how small he remembers the school being two generations ago and the fond memories he had while getting his education there. Strong grew up loving the community that surrounds Northridge because “We support each other, and the teachers are incredible.”
Strong doesn’t know if she will send her own kids to Northridge but isn’t totally opposed to the idea when asked. There isn’t anything that Strong would change about her parents’ decision because she says she has made fun memories and met some amazing people she will never forget.
Imagine sending your kids to your school’s rival school. Mrs. Kim Garee, a Composition, English and Newspaper teacher, did just that with her three kids, Graham (‘18), Emma “(‘20) and Kora (‘23). Garee went to Johnstown growing up, while her husband grew up at Northridge. When she and her husband first moved in the Northridge district, her husband had a job teaching at Northridge while she would cover news stories about the district for This Week News. Garee says that after covering the district, she “realized so many awesome things in the district for kids … most of all, a staff that really cares about them.”
When the time came for her to decide where her children went to school, Garee was convinced that they would have the best opportunities going to Northridge, where they can feel like they matter. Although Mrs. Garee didn’t go to Northridge, her husband did, along with his three brothers, his parents, and a sister-in-law. Now the Garee kids and their cousins attend Northridge as the third generation. Garee doesn’t know if her kids will send their kids to Northridge too but she does know that, wherever they go, she will be happy.
Although Northridge is made up of many families who have stayed in the area for a long time, Northridge has a knack for bringing in new people to the community that may just expand their family traditions here, too.
-Sydney Miller (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and Senior Spotlight editor