A new year's resolution is a very common tradition around the world, mainly in the Western and Eastern Hemisphere. The resolution originated in ancient Babylon 4000 years ago. It is a promise people will make to themselves to become better because a new year is like a new start. This year my resolutions are to read more, eat healthier, and be more positive. I went around and asked some people what their resolutions this year were and here are the answers I got.

Drink more water- Makenzie Rusnak and Kirsten Morelli

Stop spending money on herself- Mrs. Carpinello

Eat healthier- Alex Farrell

Not have to take the finals and get good grades- Natalee Haycisak

Be more productive- Ena Lopez

Cook one thing each day to get better- Rea Kosicki

Make his bed every morning- DJ Weaver

Wash her face more often- Paige Burkey

Take care of body better and eat healthier- Maddy Link

Get into shape- Rachael Findley

Work out more- Victoria Pence

Eat healthier- Melanie Shaner

Eat more- Rachel Demi

Get into a routine- Alana Sears

Spend more time with friends and family- Carson Onderko

Be more social- Bristi Courturiax

When students walk into school every day, they are greeted with wonderful winter decorations all around the school. Many students do not think twice about the time or the work it took for these decorations to go up. In fact, many people do not know who put up these decorations. The magic behind this winter wonderland is Mrs. Venesky.

Mrs. Venesky is the pride behind our school spirit. She has been teaching in the school district since 1984. She teaches math and freshman seminar classes, but what many people do not know is that she is also the Spirit Club Advisor. Before the spirit club was invented, Mrs. Venesky would bring as much spirit as she could to the school. About 6 or 7 years ago, she decided to create a spirit club, because students wanted to help her decorate the school. She also needed a group of students to help with the Highlander Foundation events. Spirit Club was formed and now the club decorates the school for every holiday.

Most recently, the club has taken on the task of decorating for Christmas. Christmas is Mrs. Venesky's favorite holiday, so it is an extra special time of year for the club. Everywhere you turn in the school there is a Christmas decoration. Students have decorated trees with homemade ornaments that they made during the Thanksgiving pass out of class. There are bulletin boards covered in Christmas prints and patterns. Every locker even has a magnet with a Christmas shape on it. The club is also hosting a Christmas door decorating contest for all the homerooms to participate in. Homerooms began to decorate their doors and are becoming very competitive with one another. In addition to decorating for holidays, the club hands out candy to students on Halloween and helps decorate the football field and town for homecoming.

The high school truly appreciates everything Mrs. Venesky has done for the school. She would rather give credit to the students than herself, but without her, there would not be a spirit club. Mrs. Venesky is a selfless person with a heart of gold. She puts so much extra time and dedication into this school and her hard work should not go unnoticed.