Written By: Ava Puhlmann

Photos By: Ava Puhlmann

Edited by: Ms Turnbull

Students at TA Blakelock listen to the announcements in the morning, but have you ever wondered who’s behind those announcements? Starting in May of 2023, Alex Yoanidis, Emerson Vaughan, Christian Kristo, and Taelum Vergara have been starting off your mornings. 

The voices of Blakelock were mentored by graduates Sam Appleton and Tyler Barrett. They had two years of being avid listeners to prepare them for this role. 

Each morning, the four announcers arrive in the office at 8:00. Once they enter the office, they pick which songs they’d like to play for the day. The music plays until 8:15, which is when the bell sounds and the school day officially starts. The announcers click the button for O’Canada, and move onto the thing they’re most known for: the morning announcements.

The office gives Emerson, Alex, Taelum and Christian a sheet of paper every morning to read, and they divide responsibilities. Their favourite moments always occur when someone messes up and apologizes over the system. Additionally, they enjoy Mr. Rochus’s Cross Country or Track and Field announcements, which tend to be funny and weirdly worded, or Wellness Words that bring encouragement. 

When asked about their favourite songs to play in the morning, the four respond quite differently. Christian enjoys playing Bruno Mars, Taelum likes Wonderful World by Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers, and Emerson likes Taylor Swift, or Pink and White by Frank Ocean.

“Whatever the vibe is in the morning,” Alex Yoanidis says in response, indicating she is up for anything. 

Make sure to tune in every morning to the announcements for your news of the day now that you know the voices of Blakelock.