Dreaming of a white Christmas
What's in store for winter weather
By: Charlotte Dunlap
Whether you’re a student of any age or a staff member of any level, one thing everyone can relate to is the undying love for snow days. Many students have stayed up on snowy nights, flushing ice cubes down the toilet with inside-out pajamas, waiting for that beloved call from the superintendent declaring a day off (or at least a delay)! After all, staying cozy in bed with a mug of hot cocoa or bundling up to go play in the snow really never gets old.
So, how are we looking for snow days this winter? I turned to The Old Farmer’s Almanac for an indication of this winter’s weather. They predicted that this December will average at 39 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees above average) and will have precipitation levels of 2.5” (.5” below average). This month is likely to experience a fair amount of freezing rain with some snow here and there.
The OFA’s prediction for the following month is a bit different. The average estimated temperature for January of 2021 is 38 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees above average) and will have precipitation levels of 4.5” (1.5” above average). The month is expected to have various types of weather, from “snowstorm, flurries, and cold” in the beginning, to “sunny and mild” periods midway through the month, to “snow showers, cold” at the end of the month.
What does this mean for Northridge High? Well, given these predictions for temperature and precipitation, I think it’s fair to say we can’t be entirely sure. It seems Johnstown, Ohio, is in store for some sporadic and intense weather this season.
-Charlotte Dunlap (‘21) is an author for the Viking Vault
What's in store for winter weather
By: Charlotte Dunlap
Whether you’re a student of any age or a staff member of any level, one thing everyone can relate to is the undying love for snow days. Many students have stayed up on snowy nights, flushing ice cubes down the toilet with inside-out pajamas, waiting for that beloved call from the superintendent declaring a day off (or at least a delay)! After all, staying cozy in bed with a mug of hot cocoa or bundling up to go play in the snow really never gets old.
So, how are we looking for snow days this winter? I turned to The Old Farmer’s Almanac for an indication of this winter’s weather. They predicted that this December will average at 39 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees above average) and will have precipitation levels of 2.5” (.5” below average). This month is likely to experience a fair amount of freezing rain with some snow here and there.
The OFA’s prediction for the following month is a bit different. The average estimated temperature for January of 2021 is 38 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees above average) and will have precipitation levels of 4.5” (1.5” above average). The month is expected to have various types of weather, from “snowstorm, flurries, and cold” in the beginning, to “sunny and mild” periods midway through the month, to “snow showers, cold” at the end of the month.
What does this mean for Northridge High? Well, given these predictions for temperature and precipitation, I think it’s fair to say we can’t be entirely sure. It seems Johnstown, Ohio, is in store for some sporadic and intense weather this season.
-Charlotte Dunlap (‘21) is an author for the Viking Vault
New Year’s Resolutions
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE- 2020 is coming up soon and people are starting to come up with their New Year’s resolutions. The new year is a time to change an undesired trait or behavior to accomplish a personal goal or improve your life. But how can you make those resolutions last?
Lileigh Berling (‘20) says that her New Year's resolution for next year is to “work out after school and get in to shape.” To accomplish this, Berling is planning on making a workout schedule. “I get to use the gym at OSU Newark because I am a student so I am going to use it on certain days after classes.” Berling explains that, “Making a planned out schedule on how you are going to get your goal accomplished will help you stick out the resolution all year long.”
Another student, Abby Beyer (‘21), is planning on eating healthier for her New Year's resolution. “I think that it's a good idea to keep the resolutions simple because if they are too strict there's not a way you will be able to keep up with it for an entire year,” she said and continued, “I made mine simple because obviously throughout the year I'm gonna have some cheat days, but I just wanna eat better than last year.”
Another senior, Katie Debolt (‘20), has a New Years resolution to drink more water. “I'm always dehydrated so I need to make a plan to drink more water,” she states. Katie says, “My plan to drink more water is to start bringing a water bottle to school everyday.” One thing that is going to keep Katie motivated throughout the year is the brand new water bottle involved. She explains that she “is excited about it” and thinks getting it will help her remember to bring it everyday.
So, whether you are making your resolution simple, following a schedule, or treating yourself to keep motivated, try something new to make sure your resolution lasts all year round!
- Claire Wasem (20’) is the assistant print editor of the Viking Vault.
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE- 2020 is coming up soon and people are starting to come up with their New Year’s resolutions. The new year is a time to change an undesired trait or behavior to accomplish a personal goal or improve your life. But how can you make those resolutions last?
Lileigh Berling (‘20) says that her New Year's resolution for next year is to “work out after school and get in to shape.” To accomplish this, Berling is planning on making a workout schedule. “I get to use the gym at OSU Newark because I am a student so I am going to use it on certain days after classes.” Berling explains that, “Making a planned out schedule on how you are going to get your goal accomplished will help you stick out the resolution all year long.”
Another student, Abby Beyer (‘21), is planning on eating healthier for her New Year's resolution. “I think that it's a good idea to keep the resolutions simple because if they are too strict there's not a way you will be able to keep up with it for an entire year,” she said and continued, “I made mine simple because obviously throughout the year I'm gonna have some cheat days, but I just wanna eat better than last year.”
Another senior, Katie Debolt (‘20), has a New Years resolution to drink more water. “I'm always dehydrated so I need to make a plan to drink more water,” she states. Katie says, “My plan to drink more water is to start bringing a water bottle to school everyday.” One thing that is going to keep Katie motivated throughout the year is the brand new water bottle involved. She explains that she “is excited about it” and thinks getting it will help her remember to bring it everyday.
So, whether you are making your resolution simple, following a schedule, or treating yourself to keep motivated, try something new to make sure your resolution lasts all year round!
- Claire Wasem (20’) is the assistant print editor of the Viking Vault.
Doing Christmas together
Winter athletes spend break with their teams
By; Lyndsey Stocks
NORTHRIDGE - As winter break is starting to approach, it has become a common talk within school. Students are talking about getting a break from classes, getting more sleep, or just getting to be home more in general. For a majority of athletes, though, that is not the case.
For the wrestling team, they practice almost the same as they do when school is in session. Kyle Saloum (‘20) says, “We practice Monday through Friday, but we don’t practice Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.”
The swim team also only gets these four days off over break. Nicole BeVier (‘23) understands why they practice so much though, saying, “It keeps me in shape and I love the team, but I do wish we got more time off.”
Girls’ Basketball also gets very few days off for break. They get Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve off to spend time with family, but will still have to show up to practice on New Year’s Day because of a game scheduled for January 3rd. The team does a Secret Santa to celebrate Christmas and spend time together off the court. “I’m so excited to see everyone open their presents and see how happy they’ll be,” says Hannah Aamodt (‘23).
Boys’ Basketball, on the other hand, gets a bunch of days off over break. Adam Ulery (‘21) says, “We get five or six days off over break to enjoy the holidays.” The boys’ team has three games (two at Northridge) before coming back from break.
- Lyndsey Stocks (‘21) is the assistant web editor for the Viking Vault [email protected]
Winter athletes spend break with their teams
By; Lyndsey Stocks
NORTHRIDGE - As winter break is starting to approach, it has become a common talk within school. Students are talking about getting a break from classes, getting more sleep, or just getting to be home more in general. For a majority of athletes, though, that is not the case.
For the wrestling team, they practice almost the same as they do when school is in session. Kyle Saloum (‘20) says, “We practice Monday through Friday, but we don’t practice Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.”
The swim team also only gets these four days off over break. Nicole BeVier (‘23) understands why they practice so much though, saying, “It keeps me in shape and I love the team, but I do wish we got more time off.”
Girls’ Basketball also gets very few days off for break. They get Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve off to spend time with family, but will still have to show up to practice on New Year’s Day because of a game scheduled for January 3rd. The team does a Secret Santa to celebrate Christmas and spend time together off the court. “I’m so excited to see everyone open their presents and see how happy they’ll be,” says Hannah Aamodt (‘23).
Boys’ Basketball, on the other hand, gets a bunch of days off over break. Adam Ulery (‘21) says, “We get five or six days off over break to enjoy the holidays.” The boys’ team has three games (two at Northridge) before coming back from break.
- Lyndsey Stocks (‘21) is the assistant web editor for the Viking Vault [email protected]
“One time at Christmas”
Christmas fails
By: Shelby Yorde
NORTHRIDGE - Christmas is known as “the best time of year,” but we all know that there is always something that goes wrong, and normally it can make a pretty funny story. A few years ago, when I was in middle school, I had one of these years.
The night before Christmas morning, my mom warned me that she couldn't find my stockings and that she would get me more after Christmas. I didn’t really care because it wasn’t all my presents - I still had more. Well, on Christmas morning we woke to find that there was a leak in the ceiling right above the tree. We each inspected our presents (my mom always puts them in sections) and, of course… only mine were soaking wet! I still opened them and only a few were actually ruined, but I still laugh about that day.
Aidan Cupp (‘20) says that one year his family took a trip to Snow Trails. He said he wanted to snowboard instead of ski. “On the bunny hill, my first time down, I started at the top went about five feet and tumbled the rest of the way down … I ended up blacking out for about 10 minutes.” Adian says he skis now.
Bekah Kalas (‘20) says that about five years ago she had received a baby doll arm in a white elephant gift exchange. “I decided to regift it to James, but I wanted to be really obnoxious … It took me two weeks to wrap and five rolls of duct tape.” However, she says that Christmas morning James ended up having the flu. “He was throwing up in a bucket the entire time he was unwrapping this doll hand.” If you ask him about it today, Kalas said, he will still get very upset.
Reece Borgia (‘20) said that every year he gets a real tree. “One year my dogs drank all of the water our tree was sitting in. We woke up and our tree was dead.” There was nothing left on the tree: needles or ornaments. “There was another time we also had a squirrel in our tree… not really sure why we still get a real one.”
English Teacher Jill Hotchkiss says that she just had her new puppy pee on her fake Christmas tree. When asked if she was going to get a new tree, she said, “I don’t even know what I am supposed to do with it.”
Christmas fails are not fun at the time, but they make a great story for later!
- Shelby is the Print Editor in Chief for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
Christmas fails
By: Shelby Yorde
NORTHRIDGE - Christmas is known as “the best time of year,” but we all know that there is always something that goes wrong, and normally it can make a pretty funny story. A few years ago, when I was in middle school, I had one of these years.
The night before Christmas morning, my mom warned me that she couldn't find my stockings and that she would get me more after Christmas. I didn’t really care because it wasn’t all my presents - I still had more. Well, on Christmas morning we woke to find that there was a leak in the ceiling right above the tree. We each inspected our presents (my mom always puts them in sections) and, of course… only mine were soaking wet! I still opened them and only a few were actually ruined, but I still laugh about that day.
Aidan Cupp (‘20) says that one year his family took a trip to Snow Trails. He said he wanted to snowboard instead of ski. “On the bunny hill, my first time down, I started at the top went about five feet and tumbled the rest of the way down … I ended up blacking out for about 10 minutes.” Adian says he skis now.
Bekah Kalas (‘20) says that about five years ago she had received a baby doll arm in a white elephant gift exchange. “I decided to regift it to James, but I wanted to be really obnoxious … It took me two weeks to wrap and five rolls of duct tape.” However, she says that Christmas morning James ended up having the flu. “He was throwing up in a bucket the entire time he was unwrapping this doll hand.” If you ask him about it today, Kalas said, he will still get very upset.
Reece Borgia (‘20) said that every year he gets a real tree. “One year my dogs drank all of the water our tree was sitting in. We woke up and our tree was dead.” There was nothing left on the tree: needles or ornaments. “There was another time we also had a squirrel in our tree… not really sure why we still get a real one.”
English Teacher Jill Hotchkiss says that she just had her new puppy pee on her fake Christmas tree. When asked if she was going to get a new tree, she said, “I don’t even know what I am supposed to do with it.”
Christmas fails are not fun at the time, but they make a great story for later!
- Shelby is the Print Editor in Chief for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
SO GIVING
Gifts for the special someone
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - Tis’ the season of stressing over finding the perfect gift for your Significant Other (SO). You’re in luck! I’m here to breakdown the amount of money to spend, and since I like you guys, I’ll even give you all some ideas.
A common question is how the amount of money should be spent on the SO. In my opinion, the price varies based on the severity of the relationship and how long you’ve been together. For example, if you’ve been dating for a few weeks, maybe$15-20 max. If you’ve been dating for two to four months, you could spend $30-40. When you’ve been with them for almost a year or more, then you should spend around $50.
The thing is, price isn’t usually a big concern for the gift receiver as long as the gift is good. The saying that I always keep in mind when doing any of my Christmas shopping is “It’s the thought that counts.”
When shopping for a girl, some safe gift ideas are fuzzy socks, their favorite candies, gift cards, or flowers. If you’re feeling edgy when shopping, you could get her perfume, shoes, or even some clothing items. Rachael Webb (‘21) mentioned that she received Crocs for Christmas last year from her boyfriend at the time, and she loves them.
On the other hand, some safe gifts for the man in your life are sweatshirts, gift cards, favorite snacks, favorite video games, or Nike socks. Some risky gifts are shoes, cologne, and some sweatpants. A big struggle is clothing; them liking it isn’t only a problem, but the fact that it might not fit them at all.
Some other fun gift ideas are concert tickets, tickets to their favorite sports team, or just reservations for anything you guys could do together. Time spent together can be the best gift of them all. Gift giving can easily be something to stress about, but have no fear because there’s this amazing app called Pinterest. Pinterest has everything you need to help you make sure your SO receives the best Christmas gift. Remember it’s not about the presents, anyway!
Happy Holidays to you and your all your special someones!
- Sydney Koker (‘21) is the media editor for the Viking Vault [email protected]
Gifts for the special someone
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - Tis’ the season of stressing over finding the perfect gift for your Significant Other (SO). You’re in luck! I’m here to breakdown the amount of money to spend, and since I like you guys, I’ll even give you all some ideas.
A common question is how the amount of money should be spent on the SO. In my opinion, the price varies based on the severity of the relationship and how long you’ve been together. For example, if you’ve been dating for a few weeks, maybe$15-20 max. If you’ve been dating for two to four months, you could spend $30-40. When you’ve been with them for almost a year or more, then you should spend around $50.
The thing is, price isn’t usually a big concern for the gift receiver as long as the gift is good. The saying that I always keep in mind when doing any of my Christmas shopping is “It’s the thought that counts.”
When shopping for a girl, some safe gift ideas are fuzzy socks, their favorite candies, gift cards, or flowers. If you’re feeling edgy when shopping, you could get her perfume, shoes, or even some clothing items. Rachael Webb (‘21) mentioned that she received Crocs for Christmas last year from her boyfriend at the time, and she loves them.
On the other hand, some safe gifts for the man in your life are sweatshirts, gift cards, favorite snacks, favorite video games, or Nike socks. Some risky gifts are shoes, cologne, and some sweatpants. A big struggle is clothing; them liking it isn’t only a problem, but the fact that it might not fit them at all.
Some other fun gift ideas are concert tickets, tickets to their favorite sports team, or just reservations for anything you guys could do together. Time spent together can be the best gift of them all. Gift giving can easily be something to stress about, but have no fear because there’s this amazing app called Pinterest. Pinterest has everything you need to help you make sure your SO receives the best Christmas gift. Remember it’s not about the presents, anyway!
Happy Holidays to you and your all your special someones!
- Sydney Koker (‘21) is the media editor for the Viking Vault [email protected]
Types of Gift Givers
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE - Christmas is a commonly celebrated holiday usually celebrated by a lot of families in so many of the same ways: listening to Christmas music, leaving cookies out for Santa, and giving each other gifts. There are different types of gift givers, though: the procrastinators and the ones who get them months ahead of time.
My family is split when it comes to what type of gift givers they are. Every year our family sets up the Christmas tree at my mom’s, but the tree is always missing something: the gifts under it! My mother is a very last minute type of shopper, and she has a habit of not getting the gifts until a few days before Christmas Day. It always works for her, but others - like my grandma - are on top of gifts way ahead of time.
My grandma Ooten often makes homemade gifts, so to avoid rushing and stressing she prepares the gifts throughout the year. A few years ago she made my siblings, my cousins, and I each our own robe with a different fabric that had things we liked on it. Making multiple robes isn’t something you can do in a day so she spent several months preparing each robe. Also, as an early Christmas gift this year, she made me a scrapbook for my senior year that included pictures from all my years in school and even baby pictures!
I take after my grandma when it comes to gift giving. Having several people to get gifts for can get expensive, but using the strategy of working on and buying gifts throughout the year makes it more do-able ... for me at least.
Everyone may not be the same kind of gift giver, and that’s okay. In the end, it’s the thought that counts!
- Anna Kohler (‘20) is the Assistant Entertainment Editor for the Viking Vault[email protected]
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE - Christmas is a commonly celebrated holiday usually celebrated by a lot of families in so many of the same ways: listening to Christmas music, leaving cookies out for Santa, and giving each other gifts. There are different types of gift givers, though: the procrastinators and the ones who get them months ahead of time.
My family is split when it comes to what type of gift givers they are. Every year our family sets up the Christmas tree at my mom’s, but the tree is always missing something: the gifts under it! My mother is a very last minute type of shopper, and she has a habit of not getting the gifts until a few days before Christmas Day. It always works for her, but others - like my grandma - are on top of gifts way ahead of time.
My grandma Ooten often makes homemade gifts, so to avoid rushing and stressing she prepares the gifts throughout the year. A few years ago she made my siblings, my cousins, and I each our own robe with a different fabric that had things we liked on it. Making multiple robes isn’t something you can do in a day so she spent several months preparing each robe. Also, as an early Christmas gift this year, she made me a scrapbook for my senior year that included pictures from all my years in school and even baby pictures!
I take after my grandma when it comes to gift giving. Having several people to get gifts for can get expensive, but using the strategy of working on and buying gifts throughout the year makes it more do-able ... for me at least.
Everyone may not be the same kind of gift giver, and that’s okay. In the end, it’s the thought that counts!
- Anna Kohler (‘20) is the Assistant Entertainment Editor for the Viking Vault[email protected]
Christmas Wishes:
Teacher Edition
By Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - As students throughout the school are writing their Christmas wish lists to prepare for the holiday season, they are not the only ones who are looking forward to the special day. Teachers also have their Christmas wish lists ready to go.
Andy Kirtland, the Northridge High School Art teacher, has a list of Christmas wishes that he hopes to receive. The first thing on Kirtland’s list is a “power conditioner for the electrical toys in the basement.” Kirtland also wants his basement completely wired before Christmas (which he notes, he will probably have to do on his own) so he is able to listen to his records. Kirtland also wants his kids to have their space down in the basement so they are able “to make a mess out of sight.” Kirtland also wishes for “a good copy of a self-portrait of Albrecht Durer to hang in the library,” Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer kit, and a new Carhartt coat.
Elizabeth Miller, one of the Math teachers, has a Christmas wish list as well. Miller wishes for Le Creuset Bakeware for baking because “it’s like, really good.” Miller also wants a new designer Louis Viton purse, a new Armani perfume, and Ghirardelli caramel chocolate. The biggest thing on Miller’s list is her wish of having “one day with no children where [she] can get lunch and go shopping.”
English Teacher Kim Garee has a list that probably won’t surprise anyone who has her as a teacher. For this holiday season, Garee wishes for “miniature supplies to make strange, small things.” As many students know, Garee loves to build very detailed dollhouses. Garee orders all of her miniature things off of the website called miniatures.com.
Although writing your annual Christmas wish list is fun, do not forget the real meaning of Christmas and remember to give to others. Merry Christmas!
-Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault
Teacher Edition
By Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - As students throughout the school are writing their Christmas wish lists to prepare for the holiday season, they are not the only ones who are looking forward to the special day. Teachers also have their Christmas wish lists ready to go.
Andy Kirtland, the Northridge High School Art teacher, has a list of Christmas wishes that he hopes to receive. The first thing on Kirtland’s list is a “power conditioner for the electrical toys in the basement.” Kirtland also wants his basement completely wired before Christmas (which he notes, he will probably have to do on his own) so he is able to listen to his records. Kirtland also wants his kids to have their space down in the basement so they are able “to make a mess out of sight.” Kirtland also wishes for “a good copy of a self-portrait of Albrecht Durer to hang in the library,” Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer kit, and a new Carhartt coat.
Elizabeth Miller, one of the Math teachers, has a Christmas wish list as well. Miller wishes for Le Creuset Bakeware for baking because “it’s like, really good.” Miller also wants a new designer Louis Viton purse, a new Armani perfume, and Ghirardelli caramel chocolate. The biggest thing on Miller’s list is her wish of having “one day with no children where [she] can get lunch and go shopping.”
English Teacher Kim Garee has a list that probably won’t surprise anyone who has her as a teacher. For this holiday season, Garee wishes for “miniature supplies to make strange, small things.” As many students know, Garee loves to build very detailed dollhouses. Garee orders all of her miniature things off of the website called miniatures.com.
Although writing your annual Christmas wish list is fun, do not forget the real meaning of Christmas and remember to give to others. Merry Christmas!
-Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault