Pictured here are some of the members of the cheer team, taken by a cheerleader’s parent.
What Cheer means to me
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE - Many students participate in sports throughout their years in school, like I did. As a senior this year, it has hit me hard that so many things I grew up doing will be over forever this year.
It all started when I joined the NYAA cheer team. When I was younger I wasn’t the nicest little kid, and having the coach I did sort of changed that. Even though I was little and it was fun, we still learned that we needed to listen and have respect: not only for our coach but for our other team mates. In NYAA I learned the basics of cheer but also a few life lessons: in short, have respect and treat others how you want to be treated!
Cheer not only taught me things but has brought me many friendships that I probably would’ve never had if I didn’t participate. Cheer is a little different from other sports but is similar to others in the aspect of working together. Examples would be making formations, learning new cheers, and even stunting. All of these things bring teammates closer, but what really made friendships was laughing about the failed stunts or messing up the new cheer. It’s important to be safe while doing these things, but our team had a way of staying safe while finding everything funny.
One of my favorite memories from cheer is Swappers Day Clean Up. The whole high school cheer team participates in cleaning up the fields after Swappers Day at Sportsman’s Club. We all get to hop on golf carts and drive around cleaning and picking up things; some team mates show off their golf cart driving skills and we all have a good laugh about it. The clean up day is a day where we get to help the community but also enjoy time with our teammates.
Cheer has had a really positive effect on me, and even though it has come to an end for me, I will always cherish the memories and be grateful for the important things I learned.
- Anna Kohler (‘20) is the Assistant Entertainment Editor for the Viking Vault[email protected].
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE - Many students participate in sports throughout their years in school, like I did. As a senior this year, it has hit me hard that so many things I grew up doing will be over forever this year.
It all started when I joined the NYAA cheer team. When I was younger I wasn’t the nicest little kid, and having the coach I did sort of changed that. Even though I was little and it was fun, we still learned that we needed to listen and have respect: not only for our coach but for our other team mates. In NYAA I learned the basics of cheer but also a few life lessons: in short, have respect and treat others how you want to be treated!
Cheer not only taught me things but has brought me many friendships that I probably would’ve never had if I didn’t participate. Cheer is a little different from other sports but is similar to others in the aspect of working together. Examples would be making formations, learning new cheers, and even stunting. All of these things bring teammates closer, but what really made friendships was laughing about the failed stunts or messing up the new cheer. It’s important to be safe while doing these things, but our team had a way of staying safe while finding everything funny.
One of my favorite memories from cheer is Swappers Day Clean Up. The whole high school cheer team participates in cleaning up the fields after Swappers Day at Sportsman’s Club. We all get to hop on golf carts and drive around cleaning and picking up things; some team mates show off their golf cart driving skills and we all have a good laugh about it. The clean up day is a day where we get to help the community but also enjoy time with our teammates.
Cheer has had a really positive effect on me, and even though it has come to an end for me, I will always cherish the memories and be grateful for the important things I learned.
- Anna Kohler (‘20) is the Assistant Entertainment Editor for the Viking Vault[email protected].
Which track shoe is best?
By: Chloe Rowe
For new track runners, throwers or jumpers, it can be confusing and kind of annoying to try to find the right shoe for the right event. You want to make sure you are both comfortable and performing at your best.
As a high jumper, I recommend high jumping shoes that are different from running shoes since there are a total of ten or eleven spikes on jumpers’ shoes, where sprinter spikes have up to six.
In distance, there is a difference in the number of spikes and the inch of the heel. Distance spikes are raised at the heel, while sprinters have a raised arch because when you sprint you are mostly on your toes.
With all that to consider, you might now wonder … which brand is the best? There are hundreds of brands, and all are different materials and styles. The most common brands for running are Nike, New Balance, Under Armour, and Adidas. Everyone has a different opinion on how each fit, which you may not know until you just try some on. Personally, I think Nike is a good fit because I have a size 11 shoe - Nike has my size, usually in cool colors.
A Northridge track runner Olyvia Ashbrook ( 21’) says, “The distance shoes I use for track season are flexible and bendy because I am not on my toes, where sprinters are. I wear New Balance for my distance spikes, and my sprinting spikes are Nike.”
Track Coach Mr. Featheringill’s advice for new runners is, “Just give it a shot. There are lots of different things you can do in track and field. Sometimes kids try a bunch of different things before we find something they want to focus on, and you'll never know if you don't try.”
- Chloe Rowe (‘22) is a staff on the Viking Vault.
By: Chloe Rowe
For new track runners, throwers or jumpers, it can be confusing and kind of annoying to try to find the right shoe for the right event. You want to make sure you are both comfortable and performing at your best.
As a high jumper, I recommend high jumping shoes that are different from running shoes since there are a total of ten or eleven spikes on jumpers’ shoes, where sprinter spikes have up to six.
In distance, there is a difference in the number of spikes and the inch of the heel. Distance spikes are raised at the heel, while sprinters have a raised arch because when you sprint you are mostly on your toes.
With all that to consider, you might now wonder … which brand is the best? There are hundreds of brands, and all are different materials and styles. The most common brands for running are Nike, New Balance, Under Armour, and Adidas. Everyone has a different opinion on how each fit, which you may not know until you just try some on. Personally, I think Nike is a good fit because I have a size 11 shoe - Nike has my size, usually in cool colors.
A Northridge track runner Olyvia Ashbrook ( 21’) says, “The distance shoes I use for track season are flexible and bendy because I am not on my toes, where sprinters are. I wear New Balance for my distance spikes, and my sprinting spikes are Nike.”
Track Coach Mr. Featheringill’s advice for new runners is, “Just give it a shot. There are lots of different things you can do in track and field. Sometimes kids try a bunch of different things before we find something they want to focus on, and you'll never know if you don't try.”
- Chloe Rowe (‘22) is a staff on the Viking Vault.
Things to remember in your bookbag
Photo by Ali Zigo
Backpack Chat: Freshman Survival Kit
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - For incoming freshmen, high school is a whole new setting with different teachers, classrooms, and rules. Many might be nervous and unaware of what they should bring to school with them as they enter into ninth grade.
As far as school supplies go, you will need a pencil pouch with mechanical pencils, a big eraser, and pens. Colored pens are definitely a must to keep all of your notes organized. They will be especially helpful to you in math class.
For folders and notebooks, you will need four notebooks, one for each one of your core classes. As the years go on, you may not need as many because you might not be taking as many classes that require handwritten notes as you get older. Although, there is a guarantee that you will always need one in math. For your other classes, you could always take notes on google docs.
I have always had a larger binder with dividers for each class. Just one binder with seven different dividers in it. The dividers will help you to stay organized and everything will stay together all in one binder so it will be easy to access. You can even label the dividers and put them in the order you take your classes.
As far as the necessities of high school go that aren't school supplies, I would have a separate pencil pouch for them. Some things to go into the freshman/high school survival kit would definitely be earbuds for music or in case you have to individually watch videos in class. You will also need gum, mints, or breath strips in case you forget to brush your teeth. You should also always have a little extra money in case you forget money for lunch or want something from the vending machines. A Tide stick is also a must when it comes to stains that you don’t want to walk around all day with. Chapstick, deodorant, and a travel-size cologne or perfume will also come in handy if you need to freshen up. Not all teachers have tissues in their room, so a travel-size tissue packet will also come in handy in the winter when flu season hits, along with hand sanitizer to keep the germs away.
- Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - For incoming freshmen, high school is a whole new setting with different teachers, classrooms, and rules. Many might be nervous and unaware of what they should bring to school with them as they enter into ninth grade.
As far as school supplies go, you will need a pencil pouch with mechanical pencils, a big eraser, and pens. Colored pens are definitely a must to keep all of your notes organized. They will be especially helpful to you in math class.
For folders and notebooks, you will need four notebooks, one for each one of your core classes. As the years go on, you may not need as many because you might not be taking as many classes that require handwritten notes as you get older. Although, there is a guarantee that you will always need one in math. For your other classes, you could always take notes on google docs.
I have always had a larger binder with dividers for each class. Just one binder with seven different dividers in it. The dividers will help you to stay organized and everything will stay together all in one binder so it will be easy to access. You can even label the dividers and put them in the order you take your classes.
As far as the necessities of high school go that aren't school supplies, I would have a separate pencil pouch for them. Some things to go into the freshman/high school survival kit would definitely be earbuds for music or in case you have to individually watch videos in class. You will also need gum, mints, or breath strips in case you forget to brush your teeth. You should also always have a little extra money in case you forget money for lunch or want something from the vending machines. A Tide stick is also a must when it comes to stains that you don’t want to walk around all day with. Chapstick, deodorant, and a travel-size cologne or perfume will also come in handy if you need to freshen up. Not all teachers have tissues in their room, so a travel-size tissue packet will also come in handy in the winter when flu season hits, along with hand sanitizer to keep the germs away.
- Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
Summer job options
By: Megan Payne
NORTHRIDGE - Just a short three months separate high school students from summer vacation, and summer means three months full of free time for most people. While some students choose to spend their summer tanning beside the pool, most use their free time to earn some much-needed money.
Many local businesses understand that high school students are looking for jobs during the summer so they will hire to fill seasonal positions. These positions will fill up quickly, so if you are looking for a job to occupy your summer vacation, now is the time to start looking.
There are many options when it comes to finding a place to work. Fast food restaurants in Johnstown are always looking for new employees. If you are willing to drive a little farther, Sunbury has great options as well, like the Tanger Outlet Mall. Katie Debolt (’20) and Lileigh Berling (‘20) both work at Journey’s located at the Tanger Outlets. Both said that they love working in retail, love their coworkers, and love how close Tanger is.
Lifeguarding is also becoming more and more popular. A lot of people on the Northridge swim team choose to become a lifeguard in the summer because they love to spend time at the pool. Swim team member Riley Bunstine (‘20) said, “Being a lifeguard allows me to be somewhere I love while making money. It also looks really good on applications and resumes.”
All of these jobs are good options for high school students who are looking to save money for college or seeking some extra spending money.
- Megan Payne (‘20) is the chief web editor of the Viking Vault.
By: Megan Payne
NORTHRIDGE - Just a short three months separate high school students from summer vacation, and summer means three months full of free time for most people. While some students choose to spend their summer tanning beside the pool, most use their free time to earn some much-needed money.
Many local businesses understand that high school students are looking for jobs during the summer so they will hire to fill seasonal positions. These positions will fill up quickly, so if you are looking for a job to occupy your summer vacation, now is the time to start looking.
There are many options when it comes to finding a place to work. Fast food restaurants in Johnstown are always looking for new employees. If you are willing to drive a little farther, Sunbury has great options as well, like the Tanger Outlet Mall. Katie Debolt (’20) and Lileigh Berling (‘20) both work at Journey’s located at the Tanger Outlets. Both said that they love working in retail, love their coworkers, and love how close Tanger is.
Lifeguarding is also becoming more and more popular. A lot of people on the Northridge swim team choose to become a lifeguard in the summer because they love to spend time at the pool. Swim team member Riley Bunstine (‘20) said, “Being a lifeguard allows me to be somewhere I love while making money. It also looks really good on applications and resumes.”
All of these jobs are good options for high school students who are looking to save money for college or seeking some extra spending money.
- Megan Payne (‘20) is the chief web editor of the Viking Vault.
Megan Miller (‘21), Hadley Stermer (‘21), Sarah Moore (‘21) and family at an Escape Room for a birthday event. Photo Courtesy of Megan Miller.
Spring Break … at home
By: Kathryn Nicks
NORTHRIDGE - We are getting to the point in the school year where everyone is drained and can't focus anymore. Well, good news for all students (and teachers) ... Spring Break is just around the corner.
Considering Spring Break is only a week-long, there isn’t much time to travel, especially out of state. People don't really consider Ohio a place to vacation since it is so small and mostly made of cornfields. However, what people don't really know is that there are actually a lot of things to do in Ohio with family or friends.
A new Immersive Art Museum, Otherworld, opened on May 24, 2019, and is located in Columbus. Otherworld has been open for almost a year and is already very popular.
Otherworld is a walk-through museum where you can go with friends or family to look at all the art. Sarah Moore (‘21) said, “I haven’t been yet, but I’ve seen a lot of pictures of Otherworld recently, and think it would be a super fun experience.”
It is about $22 for a general admission ticket to Otherworld, and you can purchase those tickets online. Yes, this is a place for all ages to enjoy; however, if you are under the age of 16, you must be accompanied by an adult.
Otherworld is not only a walk-through art museum, but they also hold concerts and other special events.
Another thing becoming more popular recently is escape rooms. In an escape room, you discover clues, solve puzzles, and other challenges in a small room to try and find your way out.
Many people enjoy going with family or a group of friends. Megan Miller (‘21) recently went to an escape room with her friends for her birthday and said, “They are challenging and make you think. They put you in a situation and make you use the things around you in order to escape.” So if you’re looking for an adventure, an escape room might be calling your name.
Spring Break is a time to “vacation” and get away from school, even if that just means hanging around here. So, if you’re struggling with what to do on Spring Break, I recommend you grab a group of friends and visit Otherworld or an escape room.
- Kathryn Nicks (‘21) is a Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Kathryn Nicks
NORTHRIDGE - We are getting to the point in the school year where everyone is drained and can't focus anymore. Well, good news for all students (and teachers) ... Spring Break is just around the corner.
Considering Spring Break is only a week-long, there isn’t much time to travel, especially out of state. People don't really consider Ohio a place to vacation since it is so small and mostly made of cornfields. However, what people don't really know is that there are actually a lot of things to do in Ohio with family or friends.
A new Immersive Art Museum, Otherworld, opened on May 24, 2019, and is located in Columbus. Otherworld has been open for almost a year and is already very popular.
Otherworld is a walk-through museum where you can go with friends or family to look at all the art. Sarah Moore (‘21) said, “I haven’t been yet, but I’ve seen a lot of pictures of Otherworld recently, and think it would be a super fun experience.”
It is about $22 for a general admission ticket to Otherworld, and you can purchase those tickets online. Yes, this is a place for all ages to enjoy; however, if you are under the age of 16, you must be accompanied by an adult.
Otherworld is not only a walk-through art museum, but they also hold concerts and other special events.
Another thing becoming more popular recently is escape rooms. In an escape room, you discover clues, solve puzzles, and other challenges in a small room to try and find your way out.
Many people enjoy going with family or a group of friends. Megan Miller (‘21) recently went to an escape room with her friends for her birthday and said, “They are challenging and make you think. They put you in a situation and make you use the things around you in order to escape.” So if you’re looking for an adventure, an escape room might be calling your name.
Spring Break is a time to “vacation” and get away from school, even if that just means hanging around here. So, if you’re struggling with what to do on Spring Break, I recommend you grab a group of friends and visit Otherworld or an escape room.
- Kathryn Nicks (‘21) is a Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
Spring Break: Where we’re going or what we’re doing
By: Charlotte Dunlap
NORTHRIDGE - Spring Break is quickly approaching at Northridge High! Many students have already begun making plans, whether it be going on a beach vacation, engaging in a spring cleaning, or just relaxing at home.
Some students will be going out-of-state over their breaks. “I’m going to New York with my boyfriend’s family!” says Tinny Berling (‘22). “I’m really excited!”
Fellow sophomore Henry Pausch (‘22) claims, “I will be going to Charleston, South Carolina, to visit my sister who is in clinical for physical therapy.”
Other students will even be traveling outside of the country! Senior Whitney Martin (‘20) states with a smile, “I’m going to the Bahamas over Spring Break. I’m going to swim with stingrays!”
Aidan Cupp (‘20) will also be traveling across the border this spring. “I’m going to Canada,” he claims.
A few other students will be using their Spring Break to create something new at home. Senior Aidan Calhoun (‘20) says, “I’m staying at home this Spring Break. My dad and I are going to build a Viking sword.”
Many students, however, will be spending their break at home taking care of their responsibilities. Sophomore Hannah Oney (‘22), for example, will be “completing her in-car driving lessons.”
Whether you are venturing away or tending to life at home, Spring Break is bound to be an exciting, restful time for all. We can only hope it doesn’t go by too quickly! Feel free to let me know what your plans are!
- Charlotte Dunlap (‘21) is a staff member for the Viking Vault
[email protected].
By: Charlotte Dunlap
NORTHRIDGE - Spring Break is quickly approaching at Northridge High! Many students have already begun making plans, whether it be going on a beach vacation, engaging in a spring cleaning, or just relaxing at home.
Some students will be going out-of-state over their breaks. “I’m going to New York with my boyfriend’s family!” says Tinny Berling (‘22). “I’m really excited!”
Fellow sophomore Henry Pausch (‘22) claims, “I will be going to Charleston, South Carolina, to visit my sister who is in clinical for physical therapy.”
Other students will even be traveling outside of the country! Senior Whitney Martin (‘20) states with a smile, “I’m going to the Bahamas over Spring Break. I’m going to swim with stingrays!”
Aidan Cupp (‘20) will also be traveling across the border this spring. “I’m going to Canada,” he claims.
A few other students will be using their Spring Break to create something new at home. Senior Aidan Calhoun (‘20) says, “I’m staying at home this Spring Break. My dad and I are going to build a Viking sword.”
Many students, however, will be spending their break at home taking care of their responsibilities. Sophomore Hannah Oney (‘22), for example, will be “completing her in-car driving lessons.”
Whether you are venturing away or tending to life at home, Spring Break is bound to be an exciting, restful time for all. We can only hope it doesn’t go by too quickly! Feel free to let me know what your plans are!
- Charlotte Dunlap (‘21) is a staff member for the Viking Vault
[email protected].
Ask Franklin ...
QUESTION FROM STUDENT: What is a good and creative way to ask a boy/girl out on a date to Prom?
FRANKLIN'S ANSWER:
Roses are red
Donuts are the bomb
Do me a favor and come with me to Prom?
FRANKLIN'S ANSWER:
Roses are red
Donuts are the bomb
Do me a favor and come with me to Prom?
Do you have a question for which you'd like an honest answer? When he's not brewing coffee for the Viking Cafe or working on recycling, Franklin is doling out the advice. Simply submit your question for him to Mrs. Mincks at [email protected] and then check out our next issue to see what Franklin has to say ...
