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By Darwin Cooper

Mr. Swingle directs the next Dolores High School play, "Charlotte's Web".

Pete Swingle was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. When Swingle was in 7th grade when he played one of his first roles, Marley from a Christmas Carol. When asked why the role was so memorable, he recounted how his father had taken the family swing set chains to use for his costume.

Then Swingle remarked, “It always stuck with me the line, 'Marley was "dead as a doornail.” He explained about seeing the original manuscript when he was older visiting New York with his wife. They saw the original copy of the story at the J.P. Morgan Library where Dickens had scratched out many words before coming to the word "doornail".

He also spoke of another early memorable role when he worked with a theater group in Columbus remarking, “I played Willy Wonka for a theater company in Columbus Ohio.”

He spoke about how he found an interest in teaching science saying, “I majored in geology. I did a couple of internships and liked science and enjoyed teaching and I thought I could serve people more that way.” Mr. Swingle earned a Bachelor's degree in geology and a master's in journalism and throughout his life theater played a role.

He spoke about his first few years directing theater in Dolores. He said, “It was a surprise because I thought I left my theater days behind and I thought I was an actor, not a director. It was a special feeling watching the students work. I was grateful to do it.”

He also added that his first play in Dolores, “It was 2014. I helped direct Who's Crazy Now and the first full one was Horatio Will Be Late a year later.”

Before teaching and Directing Pete Swingle did Journalism he spoke about it saying “Journalists write the first draft of history.” One of the most notable people Pete Swingle would interview was Rev. Jesse Jackson an advisor to MLK Jr. He kept his journalistic way alive during his early years teaching he said “For many years I advised a student paper in other schools.”

Mr. Swingle also spoke about his inspirations listing off names such as Carl Sagan, Joseph Campbell, Garry Snider, and Jesse Jackson he then spoke about those in his life saying, “My father, of course. He was a Lutheran minister, my mother and certain teachers and student even though they were younger.” “I try to learn everything I can from everyone.”

Finally we asked what we hoped his students would take away from their experience with him. He replied “In science, I hope they take away an appreciation of the wonder and awesomeness of the universe.” “For acting the appreciation of working in an ensemble together bringing to life some playwright's vision and delivering that to an audience to move them and that appreciation for that.”

Swingle has lived a life of service and wonder and is a teacher that will be remembered and revered by all the students who have the opportunity to learn from him.

By Katalina Moran

The Voice of Democracy essay contest held by the VFW awarded 2nd place to Dolores Junior, Christopher Grubb.

Christopher states that he did not expect to place at all and was very surprised that he managed to get 2nd place with his essay.

Christopher’s topic was on political division.

“Americans with different beliefs are capable of getting along. It is just a matter of accepting that there is always someone with a different opinion, and they have the right to that opinion. Without the friction of partisanship, America would flourish; and be capable of nourishing many different ideologies and discussions.”

Second place prize included $175, metals, pins, and notebooks.

Along with student award the VFW awarded Michael Nielson teacher of the year for his support in the Voice of Democracy contest. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been offering this essay contest since 1947.