Rosie soon to retire, Finn is new service dog at Northridge
By Kamille Womack
NORTHRIDGE - Mrs. Donley, the chemistry teacher, has had Lucy and Rosie as her service dogs since she came to Northridge, but just like last year, Rosie is becoming too old for the school, and will be retiring. A new dog, Finn, will be resuming Rosie’s position in the school starting late November.
Rosie has been working at the school for many years, and is loved by the faculty and students at Northridge.
Finn is a six month old “Newfie Doodle” (half Newfinland, half poodle), and although he isn’t a year old yet, he is already bigger than Rosie, a boxer, and seventy pounds. According to Mrs. Donley, his owner, “He just kind of stands there, and he's very chill. He has a split personality so every while he has a poodle moment, but most of the time where he just stands there. I'm going to crackdown on students, because they usually distract Rosie and that can't happen because he is still very much a puppy.”
Finn (pictured above) is going to be working alongside Ms. Donley soon, and many people are anticipating his appearance, because the only time students have seen him are at the Friday night football games.
Most children love dogs, and the students here at Northridge are happy to see Rosie everyday. They'll pet and hug her, but this can’t happen as often, as Finn is still a puppy, and he could get too distracted or excited if students are always calling his name or playing with him. Students will be able to pet him, and there will be no reason to worry about hyper moments. “His poodle moments aren't people related, he has his poodle moments when he's off duty and its play time. He has a good understanding of when he's on and off duty,” Donley said. Nevertheless, many people are still excited about the arrival of Finn this November.
By Kamille Womack
NORTHRIDGE - Mrs. Donley, the chemistry teacher, has had Lucy and Rosie as her service dogs since she came to Northridge, but just like last year, Rosie is becoming too old for the school, and will be retiring. A new dog, Finn, will be resuming Rosie’s position in the school starting late November.
Rosie has been working at the school for many years, and is loved by the faculty and students at Northridge.
Finn is a six month old “Newfie Doodle” (half Newfinland, half poodle), and although he isn’t a year old yet, he is already bigger than Rosie, a boxer, and seventy pounds. According to Mrs. Donley, his owner, “He just kind of stands there, and he's very chill. He has a split personality so every while he has a poodle moment, but most of the time where he just stands there. I'm going to crackdown on students, because they usually distract Rosie and that can't happen because he is still very much a puppy.”
Finn (pictured above) is going to be working alongside Ms. Donley soon, and many people are anticipating his appearance, because the only time students have seen him are at the Friday night football games.
Most children love dogs, and the students here at Northridge are happy to see Rosie everyday. They'll pet and hug her, but this can’t happen as often, as Finn is still a puppy, and he could get too distracted or excited if students are always calling his name or playing with him. Students will be able to pet him, and there will be no reason to worry about hyper moments. “His poodle moments aren't people related, he has his poodle moments when he's off duty and its play time. He has a good understanding of when he's on and off duty,” Donley said. Nevertheless, many people are still excited about the arrival of Finn this November.
Koker continuing to plan for future
By: Hadley Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - If there is one thing Sydney Koker (‘21) does better than TikTok, it’s volleyball.
Koker has big plans for her future. With an offer from Eastern Illinois, college volleyball is a huge opportunity for Koker. She has 620 career kills at the end of her junior season and is currently looking into multiple colleges.
Eastern Illinois University, University of Southern Indiana, and Saint Francis College (located in New York) are the three places Koker is currently considering. Koker said, “I already visited Eastern Illinois, and I’m visiting University of Southern Indiana this weekend.” Visiting colleges is a great and needed step to see if she will like the campus and atmosphere, especially out of state.
With practice twice a day, missing classes on Fridays, and the required one hour of study tables as a freshman, being a college athlete comes with many challenges. Koker says, “Having to be with your team all the time will be hard.” For college athletics, the teams dorm together and have to spend most of their time together.
Staying motivated can be difficult, but Koker said she always has some help. “My mom keeps me motivated, she always tells me to just keep going.” Having support and motivation from family is very important and Koker continuously receives just that.
Motivation and support from teammates is also very important for a successful team and program. Teammates work together to help each other improve everyday. Rachael Webb (‘21) said, “Sydney’s confidence allows her to perform the way she does, it is so motivating, if she puts her mind to it she can do it.” When one person on the team is having success, it drives others to want to succeed, Gabi Smith (‘22) said,”Seeing Sydney play keeps me motivated to get better.” With everyone constantly improving, the team improves as a whole.
By: Hadley Stermer
NORTHRIDGE - If there is one thing Sydney Koker (‘21) does better than TikTok, it’s volleyball.
Koker has big plans for her future. With an offer from Eastern Illinois, college volleyball is a huge opportunity for Koker. She has 620 career kills at the end of her junior season and is currently looking into multiple colleges.
Eastern Illinois University, University of Southern Indiana, and Saint Francis College (located in New York) are the three places Koker is currently considering. Koker said, “I already visited Eastern Illinois, and I’m visiting University of Southern Indiana this weekend.” Visiting colleges is a great and needed step to see if she will like the campus and atmosphere, especially out of state.
With practice twice a day, missing classes on Fridays, and the required one hour of study tables as a freshman, being a college athlete comes with many challenges. Koker says, “Having to be with your team all the time will be hard.” For college athletics, the teams dorm together and have to spend most of their time together.
Staying motivated can be difficult, but Koker said she always has some help. “My mom keeps me motivated, she always tells me to just keep going.” Having support and motivation from family is very important and Koker continuously receives just that.
Motivation and support from teammates is also very important for a successful team and program. Teammates work together to help each other improve everyday. Rachael Webb (‘21) said, “Sydney’s confidence allows her to perform the way she does, it is so motivating, if she puts her mind to it she can do it.” When one person on the team is having success, it drives others to want to succeed, Gabi Smith (‘22) said,”Seeing Sydney play keeps me motivated to get better.” With everyone constantly improving, the team improves as a whole.
- Hadley Stermer (‘21) is a journalism student
New softball coach looks to turn program around
By: Halleigh Carter
NORTHRIDGE- First year head Coach Mike Beaver has some big expectations for the softball team this coming spring.
Coach Mike Beaver said, “We will expect to win 20 games.”
This will be a big increase from last softball season considering the team’s record of 5-15. With this change, though, the softball players are feeling excited for the new energy.
Megan Payne (‘20) stated, “In the meetings he seems very supportive of the program and wants the best for us, I am excited to see where this season goes.”
Coach Beaver is a math teacher at Gahanna Lincoln High School, and also a husband and dad to two kids. Juggling these roles have been a new challenge for him, “These two jobs requires a lot of time and work outside of the normal work day,” Beaver said.
Beaver states, “Northridge was a dream job for me because I live in the community and it means a lot to me. I also believe that there is a lot of softball talent at Northridge and that something special can be built here. This is a special place with special people and you win with people.”
Softball players are having some of the same ideas like the new coach.
Rachael Webb (‘21) replied, “This season I’m hoping we grow as a team and a program.”
Coach Beaver wants to grow the program by making people better people. “Through these difficulties the game provides, coaches have an opportunity to teach life lessons to athletes that will make them better people, family members, and more successful in their future endeavors.
By: Halleigh Carter
NORTHRIDGE- First year head Coach Mike Beaver has some big expectations for the softball team this coming spring.
Coach Mike Beaver said, “We will expect to win 20 games.”
This will be a big increase from last softball season considering the team’s record of 5-15. With this change, though, the softball players are feeling excited for the new energy.
Megan Payne (‘20) stated, “In the meetings he seems very supportive of the program and wants the best for us, I am excited to see where this season goes.”
Coach Beaver is a math teacher at Gahanna Lincoln High School, and also a husband and dad to two kids. Juggling these roles have been a new challenge for him, “These two jobs requires a lot of time and work outside of the normal work day,” Beaver said.
Beaver states, “Northridge was a dream job for me because I live in the community and it means a lot to me. I also believe that there is a lot of softball talent at Northridge and that something special can be built here. This is a special place with special people and you win with people.”
Softball players are having some of the same ideas like the new coach.
Rachael Webb (‘21) replied, “This season I’m hoping we grow as a team and a program.”
Coach Beaver wants to grow the program by making people better people. “Through these difficulties the game provides, coaches have an opportunity to teach life lessons to athletes that will make them better people, family members, and more successful in their future endeavors.
- Halleigh Carter (‘22) is a journalism student for the Viking Vault
Stocks looking to get fresh start
By: Kathryn Nicks
NORTHRIDGE - Lyndsey Stocks (‘21) is getting tired of wearing a back brace everyday, but she knows it is the only way she will be able to get back to sports her junior year.
Playing sports has been a huge part of Stocks’ life since first grade. She started playing basketball in first grade, and later started volleyball in third grade. So, when she found out that she would not be able to play her junior year due to a back injury, she was devastated.
The news about Stocks’ back was not only a surprise to her, but her coach as well. Girls’ basketball coach, Kevin Smith, explained, “When Lyndsey told me about her back, I was devastated for her. I know how much sports means to her and to see it taken away was difficult. I also know how hard Lyndsey has worked the last few years and the potential that she has.”
When an athlete gets an injury, one of the first things they think about is how they are going to tell their team. Stocks explained just how she broke the saddening news to her team: “telling my team was definitely the hardest part because basketball season wasn’t supposed to be affected by this.”
This year is Stocks’ junior season, and for basketball she just happens to be a captain. Even though she is injured, and will be out of basketball for the first four weeks, Coach Smith still expects her to take on that role as a captain. Smith explained, “I expect every student-athlete to be a leader in someway. Great players improve the play of those around them and that’s what I expect from a captain. I want her to bring a positive attitude and mental toughness to every situation she encounters.”
Sitting out instead of playing is difficult for anyone, especially when you're injured. Sometimes it can be super hard to stay motivated, go to all the games, and support your teammates even though you can't play. Stocks shared what keeps her motivated, “I know when I come back for basketball I can get back in shape and get back to where I need to be and I just want to be on the court with my team.”
Lyndsey was out of volleyball the entire season, and will be out of basketball for about four to six weeks. When she returns to basketball, she aims to come back stronger and ready to play.
By: Kathryn Nicks
NORTHRIDGE - Lyndsey Stocks (‘21) is getting tired of wearing a back brace everyday, but she knows it is the only way she will be able to get back to sports her junior year.
Playing sports has been a huge part of Stocks’ life since first grade. She started playing basketball in first grade, and later started volleyball in third grade. So, when she found out that she would not be able to play her junior year due to a back injury, she was devastated.
The news about Stocks’ back was not only a surprise to her, but her coach as well. Girls’ basketball coach, Kevin Smith, explained, “When Lyndsey told me about her back, I was devastated for her. I know how much sports means to her and to see it taken away was difficult. I also know how hard Lyndsey has worked the last few years and the potential that she has.”
When an athlete gets an injury, one of the first things they think about is how they are going to tell their team. Stocks explained just how she broke the saddening news to her team: “telling my team was definitely the hardest part because basketball season wasn’t supposed to be affected by this.”
This year is Stocks’ junior season, and for basketball she just happens to be a captain. Even though she is injured, and will be out of basketball for the first four weeks, Coach Smith still expects her to take on that role as a captain. Smith explained, “I expect every student-athlete to be a leader in someway. Great players improve the play of those around them and that’s what I expect from a captain. I want her to bring a positive attitude and mental toughness to every situation she encounters.”
Sitting out instead of playing is difficult for anyone, especially when you're injured. Sometimes it can be super hard to stay motivated, go to all the games, and support your teammates even though you can't play. Stocks shared what keeps her motivated, “I know when I come back for basketball I can get back in shape and get back to where I need to be and I just want to be on the court with my team.”
Lyndsey was out of volleyball the entire season, and will be out of basketball for about four to six weeks. When she returns to basketball, she aims to come back stronger and ready to play.
- Kathryn Nicks (‘21) a journalism student
Too busy to need bad emotions
By Quinn Love
NORTHRIDGE - "He never really has time to hang out anymore," Justin Smith (20’) says. He is talking about a classmate who works, coaches, and referees on top of school. The classmate who takes some of the harder classes that Northridge offers, like AP World History. Smith is talking about Seth Butler, of course. But how does Seth do it? How does he stay on top of all these different activities?
Seth can be found working in the Drug General Management Department at the Johnstown Kroger most weekends. He can be seen stocking the shelves of the pharmacy area or in Aisle Seven, restocking candy. If he isn't there, he is probably coaching his soccer team or refereeing a soccer game. He has coached for four years, each year with a different grade level. Sequentially, he has coached kindergarten up to fourth grade, with his team's season ending this October. Seth himself has been playing for a long time, since he "was three up until about freshman year," or 14 years old. As far as refereeing, Seth does not get to pick the game times, but is still expected to be there on time, which "can get pretty rough with [his] work" schedule. "I just enforce the rules and let the coaches do the leg work. I'm more responsible for the kids' safety, with more power than coaches," Seth says, "But I have to deal with the parents more, which isn't as fun."
Seth always has a hard time finding fun things to do that work with his schedule. "It sucks when you have to miss out on going to a friend's house for work," he complains. Butler copes with all of this in more than a few ways. He meditates fairly regularly and just doesn't focus on the negatives of a packed schedule. "You just have to push the feelings back and keep moving on with life," he advised, "But I really don't hate what I do because reffing and coaching helps kids and working helps people get their food."
By Quinn Love
NORTHRIDGE - "He never really has time to hang out anymore," Justin Smith (20’) says. He is talking about a classmate who works, coaches, and referees on top of school. The classmate who takes some of the harder classes that Northridge offers, like AP World History. Smith is talking about Seth Butler, of course. But how does Seth do it? How does he stay on top of all these different activities?
Seth can be found working in the Drug General Management Department at the Johnstown Kroger most weekends. He can be seen stocking the shelves of the pharmacy area or in Aisle Seven, restocking candy. If he isn't there, he is probably coaching his soccer team or refereeing a soccer game. He has coached for four years, each year with a different grade level. Sequentially, he has coached kindergarten up to fourth grade, with his team's season ending this October. Seth himself has been playing for a long time, since he "was three up until about freshman year," or 14 years old. As far as refereeing, Seth does not get to pick the game times, but is still expected to be there on time, which "can get pretty rough with [his] work" schedule. "I just enforce the rules and let the coaches do the leg work. I'm more responsible for the kids' safety, with more power than coaches," Seth says, "But I have to deal with the parents more, which isn't as fun."
Seth always has a hard time finding fun things to do that work with his schedule. "It sucks when you have to miss out on going to a friend's house for work," he complains. Butler copes with all of this in more than a few ways. He meditates fairly regularly and just doesn't focus on the negatives of a packed schedule. "You just have to push the feelings back and keep moving on with life," he advised, "But I really don't hate what I do because reffing and coaching helps kids and working helps people get their food."
- Quinn Love (20’) is a Journalism student
~The Trial~
By: Olivia Howard
NORTHRIDGE - Upon the vast cold air, and rain-slicked streets, all you hear are heels smacking the concrete as a woman practices her opening statement into the wind. You look up as the street lights flicker, and see the woman carrying a case, filled to the brim in papers, with short white hair bouncing along with her walk. She is wearing a dark blue business suit and in the corner of your eye you see a reflection of blue sparkles from her eyelid. All of a sudden someone walks by her and cheerfully calls out, "Hello Mrs.Pokorny," and the woman with white hair smiles big and waves high. And as the person left, the woman went right back to rehearsing aloud. Then, as she came upon the courthouse, she fixed her blazer, put up her defense, and walked right in with her game face on.
Cheri Pokorny is an attorney with 33 years of experience and has been bringing her various talents of law to Northridge High School. Pokorny is the Mock Trial coach and legal advisor at Northridge. Mock Trial is a competition where students must imitate a real trial. They are given a fictional case and must create arguments for or against that case. This is where her practice of law prepares students if they have a desire to become a lawyer or attorney. "She is a really intelligent woman. She knows a lot about law and has great suggestions," said Bella Severns ('21). In Mock Trial, Pokorny invests countless information and time into teaching these students about the current legal system in the United States.
Before law, Pokorney worked in education. "I have an undergraduate degree in secondary education. I studied to be a high school social studies teacher," she said.
She was already prepared to work with kids, and so today she still shows that devotion in her volunteer work. "I enjoy volunteering, I think the work is fun, I've always enjoyed working with high school kids, they are fun and I enjoy the intelligent conversations that I have with the kids" Pokorny said.
Pokorny is known for being involved in many school and community groups such as the Boy Scouts, Power of the Pen, Mock Trial, and NHS Academic Boosters.
Her sons, Brian and Ian, went to Northridge schools and are a big reason why she started to become so invested into these activities. "Now that my kids are away at college, most of my evenings are free so I can do more work in the evenings. My priorities when making time are what's due next, that's in the practice of law as well as in my personal life. You got to look at the long-term effect, which one will have the most benefit? Priorities were more of an issue when the kids were home and I had more going on," Pokorny recalled.
Cheri Pokorny has touched many people's hearts not just with all the hard work she does but the devotion she has for people's kids as well as her own. "She is everywhere! From attending her sons' events to working nonstop at court, she is a busy woman," Severns stated. Severns, 16, has been in Mock Trial for three years and has known Pokorny for six to seven years. She knows Pokorny through Mock Trial and her devotion to the Boy Scouts. "I know Cheri through my mother, who knew her when my brother was in Boy Scouts. She was there for every meeting when her son was involved with the club," Severns recalled.
As time went by she became more happy helping the kids. "Being an active volunteer I got involved a little, and as time moved on I got more involved," said Pokorny. Ever since her kids were in elementary school, Pokorny has helped out Northridge students whether it was teaching them or giving them unconditional support.
"It's not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts" (Mother Teresa).
By: Olivia Howard
NORTHRIDGE - Upon the vast cold air, and rain-slicked streets, all you hear are heels smacking the concrete as a woman practices her opening statement into the wind. You look up as the street lights flicker, and see the woman carrying a case, filled to the brim in papers, with short white hair bouncing along with her walk. She is wearing a dark blue business suit and in the corner of your eye you see a reflection of blue sparkles from her eyelid. All of a sudden someone walks by her and cheerfully calls out, "Hello Mrs.Pokorny," and the woman with white hair smiles big and waves high. And as the person left, the woman went right back to rehearsing aloud. Then, as she came upon the courthouse, she fixed her blazer, put up her defense, and walked right in with her game face on.
Cheri Pokorny is an attorney with 33 years of experience and has been bringing her various talents of law to Northridge High School. Pokorny is the Mock Trial coach and legal advisor at Northridge. Mock Trial is a competition where students must imitate a real trial. They are given a fictional case and must create arguments for or against that case. This is where her practice of law prepares students if they have a desire to become a lawyer or attorney. "She is a really intelligent woman. She knows a lot about law and has great suggestions," said Bella Severns ('21). In Mock Trial, Pokorny invests countless information and time into teaching these students about the current legal system in the United States.
Before law, Pokorney worked in education. "I have an undergraduate degree in secondary education. I studied to be a high school social studies teacher," she said.
She was already prepared to work with kids, and so today she still shows that devotion in her volunteer work. "I enjoy volunteering, I think the work is fun, I've always enjoyed working with high school kids, they are fun and I enjoy the intelligent conversations that I have with the kids" Pokorny said.
Pokorny is known for being involved in many school and community groups such as the Boy Scouts, Power of the Pen, Mock Trial, and NHS Academic Boosters.
Her sons, Brian and Ian, went to Northridge schools and are a big reason why she started to become so invested into these activities. "Now that my kids are away at college, most of my evenings are free so I can do more work in the evenings. My priorities when making time are what's due next, that's in the practice of law as well as in my personal life. You got to look at the long-term effect, which one will have the most benefit? Priorities were more of an issue when the kids were home and I had more going on," Pokorny recalled.
Cheri Pokorny has touched many people's hearts not just with all the hard work she does but the devotion she has for people's kids as well as her own. "She is everywhere! From attending her sons' events to working nonstop at court, she is a busy woman," Severns stated. Severns, 16, has been in Mock Trial for three years and has known Pokorny for six to seven years. She knows Pokorny through Mock Trial and her devotion to the Boy Scouts. "I know Cheri through my mother, who knew her when my brother was in Boy Scouts. She was there for every meeting when her son was involved with the club," Severns recalled.
As time went by she became more happy helping the kids. "Being an active volunteer I got involved a little, and as time moved on I got more involved," said Pokorny. Ever since her kids were in elementary school, Pokorny has helped out Northridge students whether it was teaching them or giving them unconditional support.
"It's not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts" (Mother Teresa).
- Olivia Howard, '21, is a journalism student at Northridge H.S.
The working high schooler
By: Macy Renae Hart
NORTHRIDGE - Shelby Yorde (‘20) tries to make it to bed before midnight, but it takes a lot of juggling. She is currently applying for college along with working, playing basketball and taking on a load of classes.
As Shelby says, “There are times where it gets hard … I started the year taking an online college class but because of work I had to drop it because I couldn't handle all of it.” As she explains, she is doing her best with juggling work all of it. She also says, “I usually make sure I have all of my work done before I go to bed” she says to make it easier on herself. “I try to make sure I have a study hall in school and I don't work past nine.”
Shelby has been working since her sophomore year of high school. She says, “I have to pay for my own gas and if I go out with friends I have to pay for it too.” She says the only time she runs into financial troubles is in basketball season. “Working only one day a week becomes hard but as long as I pick up a double I make enough to last me the week.”
Shelby's friend Sarah Moore (‘21) says, “She handles it really well.'' Shelby and Sarah go and do things together such as shopping and get food. Sarah says that Shelby does her homework before she goes and does anything else. Sarah also says, “I helped her before with school but that is it.” She says that she does helps Shelby if need be, but it's a rare occasion. “It is really rare if I help her out because she gets her work done.” Sarah also added, “It’s kind of impressive of how much she can control herself at this young of an age.”
Shelby thinks it's good to have all this pressure. “I feel that when you have all the things to manage it will set you up better for the future and make you mature a little more.” Shelby encourages high schoolers to work while in school.
By: Macy Renae Hart
NORTHRIDGE - Shelby Yorde (‘20) tries to make it to bed before midnight, but it takes a lot of juggling. She is currently applying for college along with working, playing basketball and taking on a load of classes.
As Shelby says, “There are times where it gets hard … I started the year taking an online college class but because of work I had to drop it because I couldn't handle all of it.” As she explains, she is doing her best with juggling work all of it. She also says, “I usually make sure I have all of my work done before I go to bed” she says to make it easier on herself. “I try to make sure I have a study hall in school and I don't work past nine.”
Shelby has been working since her sophomore year of high school. She says, “I have to pay for my own gas and if I go out with friends I have to pay for it too.” She says the only time she runs into financial troubles is in basketball season. “Working only one day a week becomes hard but as long as I pick up a double I make enough to last me the week.”
Shelby's friend Sarah Moore (‘21) says, “She handles it really well.'' Shelby and Sarah go and do things together such as shopping and get food. Sarah says that Shelby does her homework before she goes and does anything else. Sarah also says, “I helped her before with school but that is it.” She says that she does helps Shelby if need be, but it's a rare occasion. “It is really rare if I help her out because she gets her work done.” Sarah also added, “It’s kind of impressive of how much she can control herself at this young of an age.”
Shelby thinks it's good to have all this pressure. “I feel that when you have all the things to manage it will set you up better for the future and make you mature a little more.” Shelby encourages high schoolers to work while in school.
- Macy Hart ‘22 is a journalism student for The Viking Vault.
Marching in with the band
By: Chris Curran
NORTHRIDGE - The Northridge Marching Band is a pride of the Northridge High School. But to be there, they require a Field Commander. The role of Field Commander is to be a guide to the band when they play. They are meant to be the head of the band. And this year, Whitney Martin is that leader.
Whitney Martin (‘20) is a senior this year. She has been in the band for five years. She is involved in many school activities like swimming, choir, and band. She plays the mellophone and trumpet in addition to directing the band.
Whitney is a highly respected student in school, and even more respected in the band. “I think that she stands up to some of the best,” says Aidan Cupp (‘20). “it's pretty good.”
When compared to previous Field Commanders, band members think highly of Martin’s abilities. Tyler Martin (‘22), her brother, said “She's the least experienced out of the three I can remember, but she's doing great compared to the college level the others were at.” Thomas Keim (‘20) claimed that, “She definitely relates to us more than others.”
Not only is Whitney respected by the students, but by the director of the band, Ms. McCall. When asked, McCall noted the criteria for being Field Commander. “Well, you need to have a strong leadership sense. They need to be able to command the ensemble in a strong way. They need to get people moving,” McCall said.
For Martin, being Field Commander means that she gets to witness a work of art come to life firsthand. “I get to see the show from being on a piece of paper to being developed and all the hard work people put in.”
By: Chris Curran
NORTHRIDGE - The Northridge Marching Band is a pride of the Northridge High School. But to be there, they require a Field Commander. The role of Field Commander is to be a guide to the band when they play. They are meant to be the head of the band. And this year, Whitney Martin is that leader.
Whitney Martin (‘20) is a senior this year. She has been in the band for five years. She is involved in many school activities like swimming, choir, and band. She plays the mellophone and trumpet in addition to directing the band.
Whitney is a highly respected student in school, and even more respected in the band. “I think that she stands up to some of the best,” says Aidan Cupp (‘20). “it's pretty good.”
When compared to previous Field Commanders, band members think highly of Martin’s abilities. Tyler Martin (‘22), her brother, said “She's the least experienced out of the three I can remember, but she's doing great compared to the college level the others were at.” Thomas Keim (‘20) claimed that, “She definitely relates to us more than others.”
Not only is Whitney respected by the students, but by the director of the band, Ms. McCall. When asked, McCall noted the criteria for being Field Commander. “Well, you need to have a strong leadership sense. They need to be able to command the ensemble in a strong way. They need to get people moving,” McCall said.
For Martin, being Field Commander means that she gets to witness a work of art come to life firsthand. “I get to see the show from being on a piece of paper to being developed and all the hard work people put in.”
- Chris Curran (‘20) is a Journalism student for the Viking Vault
Retired teacher continues to make an impact in the school
By: Chloe Rowe
NORTHRIDGE - Mike Dudgeon has been a familiar face around Northridge schools for over 40 years, and retirement hasn’t changed that at all. Dudgeon, a 1972 Viking alumnus, taught at the high school for 35 years and retired in 2008. Throughout those years he taught math and computer classes.
Dudgeon - better known in the community as “Dudge” - still officiates track meets for Northridge and schools around the district. He has been officiating for 38 years and counting. People who know Dudge say he is full of stories from his many years of teaching and coaching. He says one of his funniest stories is, “We went to a track meet, and we were about to leave and a girl went to the bathroom and somehow she didn't get checked as missing because we left her at Wendy's and had to go back and get her. She didn't talk to me for three weeks.”
Jay Campbell, who teaches at Northridge and coaches football and track, says he met him when Dudge was officiating a track meet two years ago. Campbell talks about their great memories together from track season and his favorite is when, “Mike was officiating and we were talking about our throwers, and one of our throwers finished third, and he was talking about Northridge track in general, and we had a really great time” says Campbell.
Like many people at NHS, Campbell says Dudge is still important to the district: “There are a lot of people that use Mike for help. I know Coach F consults Mike in track and asks him questions when needed. Even though he is retired, he is ingrained in the school.”
“Coach F,” or Richard Featheringill, is the Cross Country and Track coach at Northridge and has known Dudge for years.
“Coaching here six years ago, I met Dudge right away,” Featheringill said. “I met him when he was officiating a meet for track.” He says Dudge gets to the meets earlier than the team gets to the meets to get the “spot” ready for them, often transporting and setting up the tent for the team.Featheringill explains that Dudge helped him when he needed help with track problems like coaching and events. He said, ”He has been a vital part of the program for both Cross Country and track.” Featheringill describes Dudge as caring, generous, and incredible.
By: Chloe Rowe
NORTHRIDGE - Mike Dudgeon has been a familiar face around Northridge schools for over 40 years, and retirement hasn’t changed that at all. Dudgeon, a 1972 Viking alumnus, taught at the high school for 35 years and retired in 2008. Throughout those years he taught math and computer classes.
Dudgeon - better known in the community as “Dudge” - still officiates track meets for Northridge and schools around the district. He has been officiating for 38 years and counting. People who know Dudge say he is full of stories from his many years of teaching and coaching. He says one of his funniest stories is, “We went to a track meet, and we were about to leave and a girl went to the bathroom and somehow she didn't get checked as missing because we left her at Wendy's and had to go back and get her. She didn't talk to me for three weeks.”
Jay Campbell, who teaches at Northridge and coaches football and track, says he met him when Dudge was officiating a track meet two years ago. Campbell talks about their great memories together from track season and his favorite is when, “Mike was officiating and we were talking about our throwers, and one of our throwers finished third, and he was talking about Northridge track in general, and we had a really great time” says Campbell.
Like many people at NHS, Campbell says Dudge is still important to the district: “There are a lot of people that use Mike for help. I know Coach F consults Mike in track and asks him questions when needed. Even though he is retired, he is ingrained in the school.”
“Coach F,” or Richard Featheringill, is the Cross Country and Track coach at Northridge and has known Dudge for years.
“Coaching here six years ago, I met Dudge right away,” Featheringill said. “I met him when he was officiating a meet for track.” He says Dudge gets to the meets earlier than the team gets to the meets to get the “spot” ready for them, often transporting and setting up the tent for the team.Featheringill explains that Dudge helped him when he needed help with track problems like coaching and events. He said, ”He has been a vital part of the program for both Cross Country and track.” Featheringill describes Dudge as caring, generous, and incredible.