A bitter “sweet” goodbye
By: Megan Payne
NORTHRIDGE - As the school year comes to a close, teachers are making decisions about their plans for next year. Kylie Sweet, who teaches Biology, Advanced Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology, will be leaving Northridge High School to take a teaching position at a larger school in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sweet has taught at Northridge for 3 years and will miss many things but she is going to miss the students and staff the most. She says, “The kids are so good here and the staff truly cares about the student’s well being which is not found at every school.” Sweet was impressed by the willingness to make a difference when she came to Northridge. The family Christmas fundraiser impressed her the most because “the community came together to do something selfless which was amazing to see.”
It is “bittersweet” to see Mrs. Sweet leave as she has had such an impact on the school. Sweet said, “I love it here. I’ve taught the same kids for 4 years so I’ve been able to see them grow and at my new school I won’t be able to see the same kids year after year.” Her new school has 780 kids per class in the high school which means it is much larger than Northridge.
Sweet said that she is nervous for the transition to her new school and city because there are so many unknowns. She said, “I don’t even know if I’m going to have a classroom. I might be a travelling teacher because it is such a big district.” The expectations of teaching at a big school scare her but she says that she is ready to go in with a positive attitude.
Northridge has prepared Sweet for almost everything. She laughed while saying, “NHS has bettered me as person and a teacher. You guys are a talkative school so I’ve had to change some lessons to make them more engaging so you guys have less free time. Overall, I’ve learned some better teaching strategies that I will take with me.” The administration here has held some of the best professional development activities that she has ever seen. She said, “The energy bus was so fun and I feel like every teacher was behind it.”
When asked what she wants kids to remember about she said, “I just want kids to stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions.”
Mandy Shults (‘19), who chose Sweet as her teacher to invite to the Northridge High School Honors Dinner, says that Sweet had a huge impact on her high school experience. Shults said, “Mrs. Sweet was my volleyball coach when she was my anatomy teacher and she made me want to be better. She held me accountable and taught me how to be a leader. I am going to miss her so much and I’m so grateful that I was able to have her as a teacher!”
The Northridge School District has posted the job and started to conduct interviews for Sweet’s position. The students are very excited to see who will replace Mrs. Sweet next year but we are sad to see her go.
We all wish Mrs. Sweet the best of luck in her future endeavors as she leaves Northridge to return home to Cincinnati!
- Megan Payne (‘20) is the Web Editor in Chief for the Viking Vault.
By: Megan Payne
NORTHRIDGE - As the school year comes to a close, teachers are making decisions about their plans for next year. Kylie Sweet, who teaches Biology, Advanced Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology, will be leaving Northridge High School to take a teaching position at a larger school in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sweet has taught at Northridge for 3 years and will miss many things but she is going to miss the students and staff the most. She says, “The kids are so good here and the staff truly cares about the student’s well being which is not found at every school.” Sweet was impressed by the willingness to make a difference when she came to Northridge. The family Christmas fundraiser impressed her the most because “the community came together to do something selfless which was amazing to see.”
It is “bittersweet” to see Mrs. Sweet leave as she has had such an impact on the school. Sweet said, “I love it here. I’ve taught the same kids for 4 years so I’ve been able to see them grow and at my new school I won’t be able to see the same kids year after year.” Her new school has 780 kids per class in the high school which means it is much larger than Northridge.
Sweet said that she is nervous for the transition to her new school and city because there are so many unknowns. She said, “I don’t even know if I’m going to have a classroom. I might be a travelling teacher because it is such a big district.” The expectations of teaching at a big school scare her but she says that she is ready to go in with a positive attitude.
Northridge has prepared Sweet for almost everything. She laughed while saying, “NHS has bettered me as person and a teacher. You guys are a talkative school so I’ve had to change some lessons to make them more engaging so you guys have less free time. Overall, I’ve learned some better teaching strategies that I will take with me.” The administration here has held some of the best professional development activities that she has ever seen. She said, “The energy bus was so fun and I feel like every teacher was behind it.”
When asked what she wants kids to remember about she said, “I just want kids to stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions.”
Mandy Shults (‘19), who chose Sweet as her teacher to invite to the Northridge High School Honors Dinner, says that Sweet had a huge impact on her high school experience. Shults said, “Mrs. Sweet was my volleyball coach when she was my anatomy teacher and she made me want to be better. She held me accountable and taught me how to be a leader. I am going to miss her so much and I’m so grateful that I was able to have her as a teacher!”
The Northridge School District has posted the job and started to conduct interviews for Sweet’s position. The students are very excited to see who will replace Mrs. Sweet next year but we are sad to see her go.
We all wish Mrs. Sweet the best of luck in her future endeavors as she leaves Northridge to return home to Cincinnati!
- Megan Payne (‘20) is the Web Editor in Chief for the Viking Vault.
Track season approaches finish line
By: Darian Dick
NORTHRIDGE - The track team has had a very successful season this far. The girls are working towards being reigning LCL champions. Many successful moments have happened this season, with broken records and The Newark Advocate Athletes of the Week honors being a few.
Will Holt (‘21) has had an impressive season so far in pole vault. At the Lakewood Invitational, Holt broke the previous school record held by John Christman since 1978. Christman cleared a height of 12 feet and Holt cleared a height 12’6.
Holt plans on working during the off season, he says “I attend private lessons to better my vaulting skills and also work with the other pole vaulters at our school.”
Hunter Henson (‘19) is finishing her senior season strong being named The Advocate’s Female Athlete of the Week for her outstanding performance in long jump. Henson jumped her personal best at 15-feet-3 at the 62 Rock meet. The boys and girls track team also carried home “the rock” that meet, scoring more points than either Johnstown or Utica.
Another successful athlete this season, Olyvia Ashbrook (‘21), is a consistent top placer in both her main events. Ashbrook has placed in the top three for both the 100 meter hurdles and the 1600 meter run in every meet this season, and at a majority of these meets, she came out with first in both events.
Ashbrook qualified for State Finals last year as a freshman for the one-mile run. She ended up placing 15th in the state last year for this race, but her goal this year is to place higher and to also qualify for the 100 meter hurdles.
Coach Richard Featheringill has hope for the girls being LCL champions again this year. He says, “We have definitely lost some key athletes that helped us to win LCL’s last year, but this year we’ve worked harder than ever, and I really think that shows.”
LCL prelims took place on Wednesday, May 8th and Thursday, May 9th. Districts will take place on May 14th-May 18th, with girls competing at Watkins and boys competing at Westerville North.
- Darian Dick (‘20) is staff editor of the Viking Vault and a senior spotlight editor.
By: Darian Dick
NORTHRIDGE - The track team has had a very successful season this far. The girls are working towards being reigning LCL champions. Many successful moments have happened this season, with broken records and The Newark Advocate Athletes of the Week honors being a few.
Will Holt (‘21) has had an impressive season so far in pole vault. At the Lakewood Invitational, Holt broke the previous school record held by John Christman since 1978. Christman cleared a height of 12 feet and Holt cleared a height 12’6.
Holt plans on working during the off season, he says “I attend private lessons to better my vaulting skills and also work with the other pole vaulters at our school.”
Hunter Henson (‘19) is finishing her senior season strong being named The Advocate’s Female Athlete of the Week for her outstanding performance in long jump. Henson jumped her personal best at 15-feet-3 at the 62 Rock meet. The boys and girls track team also carried home “the rock” that meet, scoring more points than either Johnstown or Utica.
Another successful athlete this season, Olyvia Ashbrook (‘21), is a consistent top placer in both her main events. Ashbrook has placed in the top three for both the 100 meter hurdles and the 1600 meter run in every meet this season, and at a majority of these meets, she came out with first in both events.
Ashbrook qualified for State Finals last year as a freshman for the one-mile run. She ended up placing 15th in the state last year for this race, but her goal this year is to place higher and to also qualify for the 100 meter hurdles.
Coach Richard Featheringill has hope for the girls being LCL champions again this year. He says, “We have definitely lost some key athletes that helped us to win LCL’s last year, but this year we’ve worked harder than ever, and I really think that shows.”
LCL prelims took place on Wednesday, May 8th and Thursday, May 9th. Districts will take place on May 14th-May 18th, with girls competing at Watkins and boys competing at Westerville North.
- Darian Dick (‘20) is staff editor of the Viking Vault and a senior spotlight editor.
McKenzie Johnston: a future in song
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - Senior McKenzie Johnston (´19) has known for a while that when she got older she wanted to do something with music and performing, and that’s already happening as Graduation approaches.
“I started playing instruments in the 7th grade, but I have been in choir since 4th,” she said. She has worked with many different genres of music: “I went on a trip to Africa and even did some opera for a time,” she explains, “But the genre I play with my band is psychedelic prog rock.” On her mission trip, Johnston, “went with a group where [she] performed indie rock as well.”
Johnston’s band, Jayus, now puts on about “four shows a month in Columbus.” She explains, “Usually one show is a solo show, and the other three are with my band, but it varies.”
Johnston said she also gets paid for putting on her shows: “I make about two hundred dollars a month, which isn't a lot but I am just getting started.” There are four members of her band. She explains, “On my own, I can play the ukulele, guitar, sax, and bass guitar, but I mostly just do vocals for the band.” Most shows, McKenzie plays “about seven songs, which takes about forty minutes¨ but usually, there are about ¨three or four other bands that play in a night.”
She says that “Columbus is a great community for music,” adding, “You need to make friends in the music community and build connections in order to set up shows and be more successful.” Johnston has made, ¨many connections and friends in Columbus since joining the music industry.” Popular places for her to perform are venus and bars in Columbus, and she says most people would be surprised how many locations for that are in central Ohio. Johnston says that she is the ¨go-to person¨ because she probably has the most connections with venue owners over others in the band.
Johnston is coming out with her new song, ¨Temporary Tattoos,¨ in July on iTunes with some more of her own music. Previously this year, the song was performed in the Northridge High School Talent Show and turned out being a great hit. All of McKenzie’s songs including “Temporary Tattoos” are written and recorded by her. For more information on how you can listen, contact McKKenzie ([email protected]).
Johnston is a high school senior this year, but instead of the normal graduation party, she is having a music festival that she is putting on. She said she decided to do this because “It's more me than just a plain graduation party.” She continues, “I think it's a really fun cool idea.” At the party, Johnstown’s band will be playing, along with a few other bands that she knows. The festival will be on May 11th from 6-11. If anyone is interested, contact Johnstown for details and the address.
- Claire Wasem (´20) is entertainment editor of the Viking vault.[email protected]
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - Senior McKenzie Johnston (´19) has known for a while that when she got older she wanted to do something with music and performing, and that’s already happening as Graduation approaches.
“I started playing instruments in the 7th grade, but I have been in choir since 4th,” she said. She has worked with many different genres of music: “I went on a trip to Africa and even did some opera for a time,” she explains, “But the genre I play with my band is psychedelic prog rock.” On her mission trip, Johnston, “went with a group where [she] performed indie rock as well.”
Johnston’s band, Jayus, now puts on about “four shows a month in Columbus.” She explains, “Usually one show is a solo show, and the other three are with my band, but it varies.”
Johnston said she also gets paid for putting on her shows: “I make about two hundred dollars a month, which isn't a lot but I am just getting started.” There are four members of her band. She explains, “On my own, I can play the ukulele, guitar, sax, and bass guitar, but I mostly just do vocals for the band.” Most shows, McKenzie plays “about seven songs, which takes about forty minutes¨ but usually, there are about ¨three or four other bands that play in a night.”
She says that “Columbus is a great community for music,” adding, “You need to make friends in the music community and build connections in order to set up shows and be more successful.” Johnston has made, ¨many connections and friends in Columbus since joining the music industry.” Popular places for her to perform are venus and bars in Columbus, and she says most people would be surprised how many locations for that are in central Ohio. Johnston says that she is the ¨go-to person¨ because she probably has the most connections with venue owners over others in the band.
Johnston is coming out with her new song, ¨Temporary Tattoos,¨ in July on iTunes with some more of her own music. Previously this year, the song was performed in the Northridge High School Talent Show and turned out being a great hit. All of McKenzie’s songs including “Temporary Tattoos” are written and recorded by her. For more information on how you can listen, contact McKKenzie ([email protected]).
Johnston is a high school senior this year, but instead of the normal graduation party, she is having a music festival that she is putting on. She said she decided to do this because “It's more me than just a plain graduation party.” She continues, “I think it's a really fun cool idea.” At the party, Johnstown’s band will be playing, along with a few other bands that she knows. The festival will be on May 11th from 6-11. If anyone is interested, contact Johnstown for details and the address.
- Claire Wasem (´20) is entertainment editor of the Viking vault.[email protected]
NHS alums offer college advice
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - Leaving the high school within the next few years can be terrifying to think about, but after reaching out to some surviving, recent Northridge alumni, they have the best advice to get you heading in the right path if you’re headed off to a traditional university.
Picking a college
Picking a college can be overwhelming if you just look at the big picture. Alumni advise breaking everything down into what you want your next four years to be like. Dayna Martin (‘18) said, “If you’re looking at multiple schools, you could always create a pros and cons list, which is actually something that I did.”
Alex Chalfant (‘18) also adds that you shouldn't be picking your school based on where your friends go. All alumni, in fact, recommend getting out of your comfort zone.
Paying for college can also be stressful if you don´t look at things in the long run. Meghan Trainor (‘18) is financially responsible for paying her own tuition for her education at University of Cincinnati. Trainer mentions, whether the university out of state or instate, make sure you understand what you are paying for and if you think you are able to afford that. Just make sure to research all your questions when it comes to finances.
Some students plan on staying a little more close to home. Kaylin Zipf (‘18), for example, is attending OSU Newark and gets to save room-and-board by living at home. Zipf says she is, “transferring to main campus next year, and my advice is that no matter where you go or start out, it’s still college and you’re still getting an education, which is awesome.”
Whether you stay home or go away for college, they all seem to agree, your education will be whatever you make it.
Roommates
Most students tend to live on campus when they start their freshman year. Living on campus usually means rooming with strangers. As scary as that sounds, the Viking alumni say that it's easy if you use your resources.
Many colleges provide ways to connect students with other students to help with the rooming process. Sydney Miller (‘18) and Trainer both said their schools provide a Facebook page that students can use to post what theyŕe looking for in a roommate.
They also mention to not be afraid to reach out because they might be just as nervous as you to meet new people. Trainer also mentions that switching roommates is common and to not worry about being their best friend.
Gabe Miller (‘18) reminds all graduating seniors looking for a roommate to, “Find a roommate that you can live with. You’re going to be in your dorm less than you think, so don’t think you guys have to be the best of friends. But just be able to live with them.”
Organization
Keeping organized in college is key to success. Coming from Northridge, most students are busy with multiple extracurriculars, which gives them some good time management experience.
Martin says that she wouldn't be surviving without her handy planner. Emily Smeller (‘18) said itś the small things that you need to remind yourself to do like quizzes or online assignments. Gabe Miller says that lists are more his style, and he always leaves room to have some fun.
Dorm organization is also important and is also very fun to personalize. Trainer says, “Bed Bath and Beyond has awesome college storage items, and I even got a student discount when I bought all of my dorm supplies last summer. The university usually has some information about the size of the rooms in each dorm on their website, so my best advice is to look up that information and get an idea of what you may need.¨ Staying organized can be easy if you put in some effort here and there.
Extra advice
Alumni also mentioned some miscellaneous advice to soon-to-be college freshmen.
Sydney Miller made it very clear that a tool box is a must-have when going off to college. ¨You never know when you're going to need a hammer,” she said before naming all the times she was glad to have her tools.
Trainer and Miller also made it clear that you will make new friends, no matter where you decide to go. Joining the school’s clubs and attending campus events is a great way to get out there and explore. The campus sets up tons of opportunities for students to get out of their comfort zones and get the full college experience.
Overall, college may be scary to think about, but take a step back and look at all the resources out there to make your life so much easier. Members of the Class of 2018 are still smiling.
- Sydney Koker (‘21) [email protected]
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - Leaving the high school within the next few years can be terrifying to think about, but after reaching out to some surviving, recent Northridge alumni, they have the best advice to get you heading in the right path if you’re headed off to a traditional university.
Picking a college
Picking a college can be overwhelming if you just look at the big picture. Alumni advise breaking everything down into what you want your next four years to be like. Dayna Martin (‘18) said, “If you’re looking at multiple schools, you could always create a pros and cons list, which is actually something that I did.”
Alex Chalfant (‘18) also adds that you shouldn't be picking your school based on where your friends go. All alumni, in fact, recommend getting out of your comfort zone.
Paying for college can also be stressful if you don´t look at things in the long run. Meghan Trainor (‘18) is financially responsible for paying her own tuition for her education at University of Cincinnati. Trainer mentions, whether the university out of state or instate, make sure you understand what you are paying for and if you think you are able to afford that. Just make sure to research all your questions when it comes to finances.
Some students plan on staying a little more close to home. Kaylin Zipf (‘18), for example, is attending OSU Newark and gets to save room-and-board by living at home. Zipf says she is, “transferring to main campus next year, and my advice is that no matter where you go or start out, it’s still college and you’re still getting an education, which is awesome.”
Whether you stay home or go away for college, they all seem to agree, your education will be whatever you make it.
Roommates
Most students tend to live on campus when they start their freshman year. Living on campus usually means rooming with strangers. As scary as that sounds, the Viking alumni say that it's easy if you use your resources.
Many colleges provide ways to connect students with other students to help with the rooming process. Sydney Miller (‘18) and Trainer both said their schools provide a Facebook page that students can use to post what theyŕe looking for in a roommate.
They also mention to not be afraid to reach out because they might be just as nervous as you to meet new people. Trainer also mentions that switching roommates is common and to not worry about being their best friend.
Gabe Miller (‘18) reminds all graduating seniors looking for a roommate to, “Find a roommate that you can live with. You’re going to be in your dorm less than you think, so don’t think you guys have to be the best of friends. But just be able to live with them.”
Organization
Keeping organized in college is key to success. Coming from Northridge, most students are busy with multiple extracurriculars, which gives them some good time management experience.
Martin says that she wouldn't be surviving without her handy planner. Emily Smeller (‘18) said itś the small things that you need to remind yourself to do like quizzes or online assignments. Gabe Miller says that lists are more his style, and he always leaves room to have some fun.
Dorm organization is also important and is also very fun to personalize. Trainer says, “Bed Bath and Beyond has awesome college storage items, and I even got a student discount when I bought all of my dorm supplies last summer. The university usually has some information about the size of the rooms in each dorm on their website, so my best advice is to look up that information and get an idea of what you may need.¨ Staying organized can be easy if you put in some effort here and there.
Extra advice
Alumni also mentioned some miscellaneous advice to soon-to-be college freshmen.
Sydney Miller made it very clear that a tool box is a must-have when going off to college. ¨You never know when you're going to need a hammer,” she said before naming all the times she was glad to have her tools.
Trainer and Miller also made it clear that you will make new friends, no matter where you decide to go. Joining the school’s clubs and attending campus events is a great way to get out there and explore. The campus sets up tons of opportunities for students to get out of their comfort zones and get the full college experience.
Overall, college may be scary to think about, but take a step back and look at all the resources out there to make your life so much easier. Members of the Class of 2018 are still smiling.
- Sydney Koker (‘21) [email protected]
Grad Cap designs taken seriously
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - With Graduation coming up on May 26th, a lot of the seniors are thinking about their Graduation caps and how they want to decorate them. Some people finished their’s about a month ago, while others have not even started. Others are still in the planning stages or are not doing anything at all.
Many girls are putting some kind of quote on their cap with other decorations, as well, to dress it up. Megan Castle (‘19), explains how she had “finished about a month ago.” Castle is using the quote “always stay humble and kind” with painted sunflowers around the quote. Castle found the idea for the quote and flowers both on Pinterest but on different caps. She then decided to combine the two ideas to make one. Castle said that she chose these ideas to use because she “really liked the look of it.” Castle said that the process did not take her too long. It was only over the course of a couple of days.
Another senior, Hunter Henson (‘19), has not even started hers but has a very detailed plan all thought out. Henson is going to “use some fake succulents and baby's breath and a cow print out with the quote ‘I’m moooovin’ on’ ” for her cap. Henson will paint the words and hot glue the plants on to the cap. Henson will also be ordering the supplies she will be using for her cap decoration off of Amazon within the next week.
Hannah Yebaile (‘19) just recently started her cap. Yebaile is “putting a cut out of an apple on the edge and having ‘Mrs.Yebaile’ spelled out along the edge of the cap and putting KSU on it as well. Just not exactly sure where yet.” Yebaile is going with more of a teacher theme because she is “going to Kent and getting [her] major in special education.” Yebaile will not be painting her cap because her “artist skills are not the best” as she describes them. She will instead be using glitter, paper, jewels, and stencils to make the words. Yebaile was able to get everything she needed from Michaels craft store.
Liv Good (‘19) went with more of a meaningful and sentimentality valuable theme. Good explains that her graduation cap has “a quote that says ‘I know they’re smiling’ in memory of my cousins and grandpa.” The cap even has pictures of the people that it is dedicated for on it and the quote is written with burlap stickers. Good also used coral flowers and gold gems to decorate it a bit more.
Gabby Webb (‘19) is another senior who has hers done as well. Webb has been working on hers over the course of about two weeks here and there and moving slower than some. She has been really working on her cap in her Painting I class. Webb finished her cap about a week ago and states that “the caps are white,” so she will be using yellow acrylic to paint sunflowers and black acrylic to write the quote “have courage and be kind” in the center.
- Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - With Graduation coming up on May 26th, a lot of the seniors are thinking about their Graduation caps and how they want to decorate them. Some people finished their’s about a month ago, while others have not even started. Others are still in the planning stages or are not doing anything at all.
Many girls are putting some kind of quote on their cap with other decorations, as well, to dress it up. Megan Castle (‘19), explains how she had “finished about a month ago.” Castle is using the quote “always stay humble and kind” with painted sunflowers around the quote. Castle found the idea for the quote and flowers both on Pinterest but on different caps. She then decided to combine the two ideas to make one. Castle said that she chose these ideas to use because she “really liked the look of it.” Castle said that the process did not take her too long. It was only over the course of a couple of days.
Another senior, Hunter Henson (‘19), has not even started hers but has a very detailed plan all thought out. Henson is going to “use some fake succulents and baby's breath and a cow print out with the quote ‘I’m moooovin’ on’ ” for her cap. Henson will paint the words and hot glue the plants on to the cap. Henson will also be ordering the supplies she will be using for her cap decoration off of Amazon within the next week.
Hannah Yebaile (‘19) just recently started her cap. Yebaile is “putting a cut out of an apple on the edge and having ‘Mrs.Yebaile’ spelled out along the edge of the cap and putting KSU on it as well. Just not exactly sure where yet.” Yebaile is going with more of a teacher theme because she is “going to Kent and getting [her] major in special education.” Yebaile will not be painting her cap because her “artist skills are not the best” as she describes them. She will instead be using glitter, paper, jewels, and stencils to make the words. Yebaile was able to get everything she needed from Michaels craft store.
Liv Good (‘19) went with more of a meaningful and sentimentality valuable theme. Good explains that her graduation cap has “a quote that says ‘I know they’re smiling’ in memory of my cousins and grandpa.” The cap even has pictures of the people that it is dedicated for on it and the quote is written with burlap stickers. Good also used coral flowers and gold gems to decorate it a bit more.
Gabby Webb (‘19) is another senior who has hers done as well. Webb has been working on hers over the course of about two weeks here and there and moving slower than some. She has been really working on her cap in her Painting I class. Webb finished her cap about a week ago and states that “the caps are white,” so she will be using yellow acrylic to paint sunflowers and black acrylic to write the quote “have courage and be kind” in the center.
- Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault
The Webb family's journey with the Air Force
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE- Senior and student Gabby Webb (‘19) of Northridge High School has recently decided to dedicate her time to training for the Air Force while planning on attending Otterbein University after a year.
Webb (‘19) enlisted on May 2nd 2019 but says, “I don’t have a ship out date for basic training yet, but it will probably be some time after this summer.” She plans on attending Otterbein University after Basic Training and tech school. She will be in the Air National Guard, so she will most likely go to the base once a month for one weekend. Knowing this, she has decided to take a year off school to get all her training in and then go to Otterbein for nursing.
She has always thought about joining, but just last year she finally decided she was going to for sure. Webb (‘19) explains, “I decided to join the Air Force when I was a junior. My sister Genevieve had just came back from a trip from Hawaii where she developed new ways to treat people there who didn’t have the resources and really helped make a difference, and after hearing about all that, it made me want to join."
Her sister is not the only family member who has joined or been in the Air Force. Besides Genevieve, Webb's brother Alexander also joined after high school. Her younger sister, Rachel Webb (‘21), has been debating whether or not she wants to join, too. Her oldest sister has a husband named Justin who is also enlisted, and her second oldest sister’s husband, Chantz, is enlisted also. Other members like her cousins and uncles/aunt have enlisted, Webb (‘19) states, “A lot of my cousins and uncles/aunts served or are serving, but there are too many to count. “
Not only has the Air Force been sort of a family tradition, but it also brought Genevieve and her husband, Justin, together. Webb’s sister joined the military, and her best friend from high school came to her graduation. They had been friends for all of high school, and he had a crush on her but they never dated. Then he decided to go to her basic training graduation and they started to get even closer and took a step forward and started dating. Awhile after they got closer, he too decided to join the Air Force. They ended up getting stationed at different bases, so they got married in secret after he graduated from boot camp, at a courthouse. No one knew about the secret wedding for around two years, until after the pair had an actual wedding.
The Webb family has helped make a difference, and the Air Force has been very important to their family, with not only keeping a family tradition going but bringing two people together and creating a great marriage.
- Anna Kohler is a second year member of the Viking Vault and is the current social media publicists. [email protected]
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE- Senior and student Gabby Webb (‘19) of Northridge High School has recently decided to dedicate her time to training for the Air Force while planning on attending Otterbein University after a year.
Webb (‘19) enlisted on May 2nd 2019 but says, “I don’t have a ship out date for basic training yet, but it will probably be some time after this summer.” She plans on attending Otterbein University after Basic Training and tech school. She will be in the Air National Guard, so she will most likely go to the base once a month for one weekend. Knowing this, she has decided to take a year off school to get all her training in and then go to Otterbein for nursing.
She has always thought about joining, but just last year she finally decided she was going to for sure. Webb (‘19) explains, “I decided to join the Air Force when I was a junior. My sister Genevieve had just came back from a trip from Hawaii where she developed new ways to treat people there who didn’t have the resources and really helped make a difference, and after hearing about all that, it made me want to join."
Her sister is not the only family member who has joined or been in the Air Force. Besides Genevieve, Webb's brother Alexander also joined after high school. Her younger sister, Rachel Webb (‘21), has been debating whether or not she wants to join, too. Her oldest sister has a husband named Justin who is also enlisted, and her second oldest sister’s husband, Chantz, is enlisted also. Other members like her cousins and uncles/aunt have enlisted, Webb (‘19) states, “A lot of my cousins and uncles/aunts served or are serving, but there are too many to count. “
Not only has the Air Force been sort of a family tradition, but it also brought Genevieve and her husband, Justin, together. Webb’s sister joined the military, and her best friend from high school came to her graduation. They had been friends for all of high school, and he had a crush on her but they never dated. Then he decided to go to her basic training graduation and they started to get even closer and took a step forward and started dating. Awhile after they got closer, he too decided to join the Air Force. They ended up getting stationed at different bases, so they got married in secret after he graduated from boot camp, at a courthouse. No one knew about the secret wedding for around two years, until after the pair had an actual wedding.
The Webb family has helped make a difference, and the Air Force has been very important to their family, with not only keeping a family tradition going but bringing two people together and creating a great marriage.
- Anna Kohler is a second year member of the Viking Vault and is the current social media publicists. [email protected]
Graduating seniors offer college advice to current juniors
By: Shelby Yorde
NORTHRIDGE - As a junior, the idea of having to pick something that is going to affect the rest of my life freaks me out. I am the oldest in my family, so my mom and I are figuring things out as we go, and it is scary. I then realized I am probably not the only person that feels this way. I decided that I would ask some graduating seniors, who have found their college and succeeded in getting a lot in scholarships, if they had any advice for the junior class.
Caroline Liggett (‘19) will be attending Wilmington College with a $20,000 renewable scholarship. However, on top of that she has gone out of her way to apply for even more. Currently she has earned over $16,825. She says, “I still have many more that I am waiting to hear from. There are 42 in total that I will be going for; I started and I only have two left to go.”
When asked if she has any advice, Liggett said to start by making a list of all the scholarships that you are qualified for. “You can’t be afraid to apply and you need to be prepared to work hard. You need to know that the countless hours will pay off in the end.” She also says to be sure you thank those who are providing you with the scholarships.
There are also the students who plan to get scholarships through sports. This can be a hard process because you have to be noticed. Jackson Wilson (‘19) will be going to college to play baseball. He says that he isn’t 100% sure where he is going yet, but he knows that he will get a full ride.
Wilson says in order to get noticed you need to go to camps and get in contact with college coaches. He says you have to be ready to check your email. When they get in contact you need to be able to send them your schedule and update them frequently. He said once you start getting offers, it is all about picking the right college. He says, “Playing in college doesn’t just get handed to anyone. You need to be ready to work hard in the off season and lift; it is a full time commitment.”
When it comes to picking a college, it can be a stressful process; this is going to be a huge part of your life and the wrong choice could ruin a lot of things. Liggett says to put the program you plan to go into first. Once you find the colleges that are known for your program, you can then start to visit. She said, “I didn’t base decisions on the campus or the social life I would have … that’s why I chose Wilmington. It has a fantastic agriculture program and will provide exceptional resources as I head into the workforce.” Lastly, she said it is important to find somewhere where you will feel at home; you can’t live somewhere for the next four years if you don’t love it.
- Shelby Yorde (‘20) is a junior editor for the Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Shelby Yorde
NORTHRIDGE - As a junior, the idea of having to pick something that is going to affect the rest of my life freaks me out. I am the oldest in my family, so my mom and I are figuring things out as we go, and it is scary. I then realized I am probably not the only person that feels this way. I decided that I would ask some graduating seniors, who have found their college and succeeded in getting a lot in scholarships, if they had any advice for the junior class.
Caroline Liggett (‘19) will be attending Wilmington College with a $20,000 renewable scholarship. However, on top of that she has gone out of her way to apply for even more. Currently she has earned over $16,825. She says, “I still have many more that I am waiting to hear from. There are 42 in total that I will be going for; I started and I only have two left to go.”
When asked if she has any advice, Liggett said to start by making a list of all the scholarships that you are qualified for. “You can’t be afraid to apply and you need to be prepared to work hard. You need to know that the countless hours will pay off in the end.” She also says to be sure you thank those who are providing you with the scholarships.
There are also the students who plan to get scholarships through sports. This can be a hard process because you have to be noticed. Jackson Wilson (‘19) will be going to college to play baseball. He says that he isn’t 100% sure where he is going yet, but he knows that he will get a full ride.
Wilson says in order to get noticed you need to go to camps and get in contact with college coaches. He says you have to be ready to check your email. When they get in contact you need to be able to send them your schedule and update them frequently. He said once you start getting offers, it is all about picking the right college. He says, “Playing in college doesn’t just get handed to anyone. You need to be ready to work hard in the off season and lift; it is a full time commitment.”
When it comes to picking a college, it can be a stressful process; this is going to be a huge part of your life and the wrong choice could ruin a lot of things. Liggett says to put the program you plan to go into first. Once you find the colleges that are known for your program, you can then start to visit. She said, “I didn’t base decisions on the campus or the social life I would have … that’s why I chose Wilmington. It has a fantastic agriculture program and will provide exceptional resources as I head into the workforce.” Lastly, she said it is important to find somewhere where you will feel at home; you can’t live somewhere for the next four years if you don’t love it.
- Shelby Yorde (‘20) is a junior editor for the Viking Vault. [email protected]
Staff summer plans
By: Emma Garee
NORTHRIDGE - We all have our summer plans ,whether it is going on some grand vacation or working every single day to save up for a car. Summer is coming up, and with it comes a rush of excitement for these plans … if only to have a break from school. So, you have your own plans and so do your friends, but what about the teachers and staff members at school? What are their grand and not-so-grand plans? Do teachers really get the summer off? As much time as the teachers have to listen to our plans, I thought it was time to listen to theirs.
Our high school secretary, Mrs. Willeke, has a busy summer planned ahead of her. Willeke has to be at school a lot longer than we do and has to end her summer vacation sooner than we do, in August. You can find her at her desk until the middle of June and find her there again at the very beginning of August, even as she juggles the Hartford Fair. As for trips for Willike, she is going on two trips as a youth group advisor. On one of these trips, she is going to a conference with the teens to Missouri. Two of her sons, Logan and Evan, will be joining her, and she is very excited to go on these little adventures.
Ms. Donley, one of our science teachers, also has many exciting summer plans. She may actually be working over the summer in some sort of STEM field, so her summer may not be all free. However, she may not be working because she needs to help watch her step children. She is also going on many trips this summer with her family. She will be driving up to New York City with her children and then head up to Niagara Falls. Donley feels that these are important places for her step children to see. She is also heading out to Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Her family is driving all the way out to these locations. When I asked her if she was excited, she said, “Um… I am a little. More than anything, that is just a long drive with two children in the back seat.” It sounds like we need to wish Ms. Donley some luck on her fun summer plans.
Mrs. Garee said there won’t be any big family summer vacations for the Garees this year but will still have fun. “Everyone is so busy,” she said. “There are camps and summer jobs and open gyms and an internship. Meanwhile, I’ll be on my bike and in a kayak in June. By July, I’ll be back to teacher stuff though. Lesson planning, that kind of thing. I’m hoping to carve out some time to write.”
- Emma Garee (‘20) is the Photo-Editor for the Viking Vault. [email protected].
By: Emma Garee
NORTHRIDGE - We all have our summer plans ,whether it is going on some grand vacation or working every single day to save up for a car. Summer is coming up, and with it comes a rush of excitement for these plans … if only to have a break from school. So, you have your own plans and so do your friends, but what about the teachers and staff members at school? What are their grand and not-so-grand plans? Do teachers really get the summer off? As much time as the teachers have to listen to our plans, I thought it was time to listen to theirs.
Our high school secretary, Mrs. Willeke, has a busy summer planned ahead of her. Willeke has to be at school a lot longer than we do and has to end her summer vacation sooner than we do, in August. You can find her at her desk until the middle of June and find her there again at the very beginning of August, even as she juggles the Hartford Fair. As for trips for Willike, she is going on two trips as a youth group advisor. On one of these trips, she is going to a conference with the teens to Missouri. Two of her sons, Logan and Evan, will be joining her, and she is very excited to go on these little adventures.
Ms. Donley, one of our science teachers, also has many exciting summer plans. She may actually be working over the summer in some sort of STEM field, so her summer may not be all free. However, she may not be working because she needs to help watch her step children. She is also going on many trips this summer with her family. She will be driving up to New York City with her children and then head up to Niagara Falls. Donley feels that these are important places for her step children to see. She is also heading out to Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. Her family is driving all the way out to these locations. When I asked her if she was excited, she said, “Um… I am a little. More than anything, that is just a long drive with two children in the back seat.” It sounds like we need to wish Ms. Donley some luck on her fun summer plans.
Mrs. Garee said there won’t be any big family summer vacations for the Garees this year but will still have fun. “Everyone is so busy,” she said. “There are camps and summer jobs and open gyms and an internship. Meanwhile, I’ll be on my bike and in a kayak in June. By July, I’ll be back to teacher stuff though. Lesson planning, that kind of thing. I’m hoping to carve out some time to write.”
- Emma Garee (‘20) is the Photo-Editor for the Viking Vault. [email protected].