Embedded Files
Back History Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Back History Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
By Alexander Irving
2/22/2025
Every February, schools across the country pause to recognize Black History Month — a time set aside to celebrate the achievements, resilience, culture, and lasting contributions of Black Americans. But this month is more than a calendar observance. It is a reminder that history is not just something we read — it is something that shapes who we are today.
Black history is American history. It is the story of innovation, leadership, courage, creativity, and perseverance in the face of tremendous obstacles. It is a story that continues to unfold.
The Origins of Black History Month
The Origins of Black History Month
Black History Month began as a weeklong celebration in 1926, created by historian Carter G. Woodson. Woodson believed that Black Americans’ contributions were too often overlooked in textbooks and classrooms. He chose February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass — two figures closely connected to the fight against slavery.
Over time, that single week expanded into a full month of recognition, reflection, and celebration. Today, Black History Month encourages us not only to honor historic milestones but also to continue learning and growing.
Leaders Who Changed the Course of History
Leaders Who Changed the Course of History
Throughout American history, countless individuals have stepped forward to challenge injustice and demand change.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired millions with a vision of equality rooted in nonviolence and unity. His leadership during the Civil Rights Movement helped bring about major legislative change.
Rosa Parks demonstrated how a single act of courage can ignite a movement.
Malcolm X challenged America to confront hard truths and empowered people to take pride in their identity and heritage.
These leaders faced resistance, criticism, and danger — yet their determination reshaped the nation.
Trailblazers in Science, Politics, and Exploration
Trailblazers in Science, Politics, and Exploration
Black excellence spans far beyond the Civil Rights Movement.
In space exploration, Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel into space, proving that dreams once considered unreachable are possible.
In politics, Barack Obama made history as the first Black president of the United States, marking a significant milestone in American leadership.
Behind the scenes at NASA, mathematician Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories that helped astronauts safely travel to space and return home — contributions that were essential to major missions.
These achievements remind us that innovation and brilliance come from every background.
Impact in Sports, Arts, and Culture
Impact in Sports, Arts, and Culture
Black athletes and artists have shaped American culture in powerful ways.
Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, forever changing professional sports.
Musicians, writers, and creators have influenced generations — from the Harlem Renaissance to modern film, television, and music. Their voices tell stories that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Culture shapes identity, and these contributions have strengthened and enriched our national story.
Why Black History Month Matters in Our Schools
Why Black History Month Matters in Our Schools
For students, Black History Month is an opportunity to:
Discover stories that may not always be highlighted in traditional textbooks.
Understand the struggles that shaped modern America.
Celebrate achievements that paved the way for future generations.
Reflect on how we can contribute positively to our own communities.
Learning about history builds empathy. It helps us understand different perspectives. It teaches us that progress often requires courage, patience, and persistence.
Looking Forward
Looking Forward
Black History Month is not only about remembering the past — it is about shaping the future.
The next generation of leaders, scientists, artists, educators, and innovators are sitting in classrooms right now. History is still being written. Every student has the ability to contribute something meaningful to the world.
As we observe Black History Month, let’s commit to more than just acknowledgment. Let’s commit to learning, listening, and growing. Let’s celebrate diversity not only this month but every month.
Because understanding history doesn’t divide us — it strengthens us. And the future is brighter when every story is told.
Class Review: Podcast Journalism
Class Review: Podcast Journalism
By Binam Rai
3/11/2026
Podcast Journalism begins with students learning the basics of what a podcast is and how the medium works. Students listen to examples of school podcasts, including Douglas and Edwards’ own podcast, “The Hive Five.” This helps students get a sense of what they might eventually create themselves.
Before producing their own podcasts, students learn to use the recording equipment under Douglas's guidance, while Edwards works with them to develop and refine their scripts. Once students understand the basics of podcast production, they are given the opportunity to create their own podcasts. While Douglas and Edwards remain available for support, the majority of the work at that point becomes student-led
Students in the class also contribute to the school podcast. In this project, students interview a staff member of their choice and discuss topics related to the school or the guest being interviewed.
New episodes are posted weekly, and listeners can check out what students have created so far on The Buzz On Air.
Podcast Journalism is a unique class because it is taught by two teachers who work side by side to guide students through the podcasting process.
One of those teachers is the innovative Mr. Douglas, who focuses on the technology side of the class. He teaches students how to use the podcasting equipment and recording software, and he helps troubleshoot any technical issues students encounter while creating and editing their podcasts.
The second teacher is the insightful Mr. Edwards, who supports the writing side of the course. After all, you can’t have a podcast without a script—well, you could try, but it’s usually better to have one. Students write their scripts and submit them to Edwards for approval before they are allowed into the studio to begin recording. Together, these instructors help students turn their ideas into polished podcast episodes.
Don’t just take it from the teachers—students also have positive things to say about the class.
One student shared that “the class is fun, although it can be tiring at times. It brings modern trends into the classroom, and it’s a really cool concept.”
Another student who took the course earlier this year said they would “100% take it again.”
From my own experience, the class can be a lot of fun, especially when you’re working with the right people. However, if you fall behind on the work, it can quickly pile up and become more challenging.
Final Thoughts from the Teachers
Final Thoughts from the Teachers
Douglas says, “You get to explore new media, and it could take you beyond the classroom. If you’ve ever thought about podcasting, this class will give you all the tools you need to become a podcaster.”
Edwards adds, “Podcast Journalism provides a platform for students to share their unique point of view and engage with the world at large.”
The Licking Heights Hallway Traffic Report
The Licking Heights Hallway Traffic Report
By: Danny Deering
12/02/25
Imagine stepping into school and finding yourself in the middle of a morning highway, where backpacks and sneakers zip by like cars in rush hour. Students weave through sharp corners, dodge traffic jams, and pull off impressive maneuvers to avoid hallway pileups. The chaos is real, but don’t panic—here’s your essential traffic report and clever tips to help you reach every class right on time.
Morning Rush Hour (7:45-8:05 a.m.)
This is prime time for catching up with friends, scrolling through phones, and grabbing a quick breakfast. But beware: groups often stop right in the middle of the hallway to chat or check Snapchat and TikTok, causing a morning traffic jam. To keep the flow moving, here are some tips and tricks to escaping morning rush hour:
1.) Leave a few minutes early to beat the rush
2.) Avoid the last-minute dash when the warning bell rings at 8:04.
3.) Consider forming walking groups that move consistently as a unit rather than stopping.
4.) Finally, choose less crowded routes where possible, stick to the right lane, and avoid sudden U-turns to prevent collisions in the hallways.
The Roundabout (The Commons)
The roundabout serves as a central intersection within the school, providing access to multiple corridors and facilitating the movement of students to various classrooms. However, because it accommodates the highest volume of hallway traffic during passing periods, it frequently becomes congested when students U-turn in the middle of this area to chat with others or access their lockers, which then causes the flow of movement and compelling others to navigate around these stationary groups. These groups, often referred to as speed bumps, typically consist of clusters of three to six students who unintentionally block key pathways, particularly between classes. Observational reports indicate that such obstructions occur with notable regularity during each passing period. To mitigate delays, students are advised to anticipate these congestion points and utilize peripheral routes where feasible, enabling more efficient transit to their destinations.
I70/I71 Conjunction (Main Staircase)
The main staircase is very cramped with travelers going up, down, coming out of the hallway, and going into the hallway. It is very traffic-heavy and messy all day long. Many stop to see friends to then U-turn into the other lanes, which causes a big collision. You can be late to your classes if you don’t get onto this interstate in time. If your class is down that hallway, you have better chances of going through the other hallway to cut through the middle seating booths to then get to your class. We would recommend that you avoid the main staircase at all costs or be late to class.
Fast Pass (Sky Bridge)
The Sky Bridge is located at the front of the school. Not many travelers use it, which makes it ideal for crossin the school. This pass gets you from the gym or art hallway to freshmen and math wing with minimal amount traffic and time.
Rest Stops (Bathrooms)
Bathrooms are very common attractions. Let's say you take an exit ramp to get to one of these rest stops, you are then met with groups hanging in the stalls, and you are never able to use the restrooms. It is suggested by students to get to class and get a pass to go to the restrooms during the period.
Scared Drivers (Joyriding)
Scared drivers are the epitome of getting around in the hallway. These students act like they have all the time in the world to get to class, when in reality, they do not. These students start traffic jams by strolling and talking to others. Many students avoid these scared drivers to get to class on time.
Afternoon Rush Hour (3:00-3:15)
At the end of the day, everyone is scrambling to get to clubs, extracurriculars, car riders, and the buses. During this time, many travelers walk and make U-turns to talk to others, often stopping in the middle of the lane to cause a traffic jam. Speedbumps also regroup at this time, causing more commotion. Often, travelers are trying to get out of the school through two sets of double doors. Once they get out of the slow traffic, they walk to their buses, which takes longer when their bus is very far away. Traffic jams state with this one-way road when speed bumps form and U-turns happen.
Just like any busy highway system, the halls of Licking Heights run smoother when everyone pays attention, stays alert, and keeps the flow moving. Whether you’re navigating the morning rush, dodging speed bumps in the roundabout, or trying to escape the after-school gridlock, a little awareness goes a long way. With smarter routes, better habits, and a bit of hallway courtesy, every student can help turn the daily commute from chaotic to controlled. Stay in your lane, watch for sudden stops, and travel smart—your on-time arrival depends on it.
Tory Wrote: Deck the Halls or Haunt Them?
By Tory Rote
12/09/2025
“Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight. Throw away the key and then turn off all the lights.” This iconic lyric from The Nightmare Before Christmas sets the tone for a holiday classic that blends festive cheer with spooky mischief. For years, fans have debated whether the film belongs to Halloween or Christmas. The story centers on Jack Skellington’s attempt to take over Christmas—much like another well-known holiday figure, the Grinch. Yet the movie’s eerie themes and unsettling imagery also firmly root it in Halloween. Ultimately, The Nightmare Before Christmas doesn’t have to be one or the other. Both holidays coexist in a perfectly balanced and charming way.
Some argue that the kidnapping of Santa Claus and the mischievous, even violent, acts of the characters don’t match the heart-warming tone expected of Christmas movies. However, films like Gremlins and Krampus—both filled with frightening moments—are still considered Christmas favorites by many. The Nightmare Before Christmas also features classic holiday elements such as the glowing, magical North Pole and Santa Claus himself. And, of course, the entire plot revolves around Jack Skellington’s attempt to take over Christmas.
On the other hand, some insist that because the story unfolds during Christmas, the Halloween aspect gets overshadowed. But the film’s disturbing gifts, monstrous characters, and eerie soundtrack all maintain a distinctly spooky atmosphere. Even though Jack delivers Christmas presents, they are far from merry: a vampire teddy bear, a man-eating wreath, a living duck, a giant snake, and a monstrous toy train are just a few of the terrifying surprises that leave children screaming. The soundtrack reinforces this tone with songs like “This Is Halloween” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws,” which are now staples of Halloween playlists. The troublesome trio—Lock, Shock, and Barrel—kidnap Santa Claus under Jack’s orders, yet they ultimately answer to the film’s most frightening figure, Oogie Boogie.
The Nightmare Before Christmas isn’t strictly a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie—it’s both. With its blend of snowy holiday magic and creepy, mischievous characters, the film strikes a perfect mix of festive and frightful. But there are no rules when it comes to enjoying movies. Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on Halloween. Watch it on Christmas. Watch it on Thanksgiving! No matter when you watch it, this witty and imaginative film is sure to leave you captivated.
Is Homework Helping or Hurting?
by Aisha Elanfassi
11/5/2025
Homework is designed to help students, but at what point does it start to hurt? 74% of students consider homework a major stress in life, and 56% of students identify homework as a primary stressor in their lives (Crown Counseling). This is an everyday problem, worldwide. Countless students are stressed due to receiving more homework than the recommended amount. Scientists have researched that an hour and a half to two hours of homework should be the most assigned for high schoolers (Edutopia). While many believe that homework is a helpful tool, why shouldn’t we listen to the students? When there is only so much time in a day, between being at school and working on homework, there is not much time for students to develop other skills, like socializing and relaxing.
A helpful solution could be to assign less homework and schedule a study hall first thing in the morning; this would allow students to work on any homework they may have struggled with the night before, with the assistance of teachers. This could allow students time to do their homework and ask questions when needed. While some students may goof off or not use the study-hall period wisely, they can be put into a smaller classroom and supervised to get them to do their work and not distract students who are trying to help.
Tory Wrote: Battle of the Batter
Tory Wrote: Battle of the Batter
by Tory Rote
by Tory Rote
11/05/2025
They taste like childhood. A fluffy and airy texture that absorbs all of the syrup. A smell that leads you to the dining table in your pajamas and slippers with the breathtaking sunrise outside the window. Each bite treats your mouth with the perfect ratio of a sweet maple flavor and creamy butter. Breakfast is just simply better with it.
There has been an ongoing debate between two very popular breakfast foods. Waffles or pancakes? Pancakes are soft, thin, and have a cake-like texture. Waffles are thick, crispy, and contain deep pockets on the surface. Both are made from similar ingredients with the same toppings. Both can be served with eggs and bacon. They are both found in every breakfast menu. But which one is superior?
Pancakes are better than waffles in many ways. To start, pancakes have a cake-like texture, making it easy to cut apart and consume. Waffles can be crunchy and messy when cutting into them. Not to mention the feeling of a sharp corner scraping your throat as you swallow a bite. With pancakes, they are so soft that you don’t have to worry about the discomfort; you can just enjoy biting into the delicious, rich texture. Next, pancakes soak up the syrup flavor way better than a waffle can. Waffles have a crispy exterior that blocks the syrup from soaking into it. Instead, the syrup is just pooling into the pockets of the waffle. When you take a bite, the pooled-up syrup spills out of the pockets and gets all over your mouth or drips onto your plate. However, with pancakes, the porosity soaks up the syrup, so that when you take a bite, you consume a balanced flavor of maple and pancake with no mess. Lastly, it’s very common to eat frozen waffles that are toasted within minutes. The flaw with these is that most of the time, parts of the waffle become soggy due to the moisture released from thawing. Also, you can’t mix chocolate chips or other fun add-ins into a frozen waffle. With pancakes, your creativity and preferences can be mixed into the batter. And unlike the waffle, the pancake has a consistent texture. There are no soggy or crunchy areas, just buttery, sweet goodness.
From their fluffy texture to their exciting customization, pancakes bring delight to early mornings. However, at the end of the day the breakfast menu will always offer both. But when having to choose, pancakes simply dominate the breakfast plate!
The Band Marches On
By Naomi Giymah
9/26/2025
As the school day comes to a close and weary teenagers pour out of the high school doors, one portion of the school, the “Pride of the Hornets”, is active and awake. For members of the Marching Band, a lively Friday night is just beginning at the sound of the last bell.
Instead of heading home after a long day of school, members of the Licking Heights Marching Band make their way out to the band lot for a quick Friday afternoon rehearsal. By 3:15, the band lot is alive. The air is filled with the energetic cacophony of different sections counting out their stretches as the last of the school buses roll by. Finally, the rehearsal commences with Ms. Beavers stepping out of the band room and making her way to the top of the band tower. Over the course of the next hour or so, band members rapidly rehearse through pregame and parts one, two, and three of this year’s show. Although excitement is on the rise, tensions are high thanks to the Pagent of the Bands (our first adjudicated competition this season) on the horizon and our impending performance just hours away.
After a rapid yet productive rehearsal, it’s time for a dinner break. During this hour, the band unwinds and has a meal before congregating in the auditorium, chaotically donning our uniforms, and making our way back out to the band lot. Excitement starts to spur as rehearsal ends and Friday night football begins.
By 6:10, everyone has made their way outside and is lined up in a parade-like blob, ready to head down to the stadium. Once again, the band lot is bubbling with chatter and enthusiasm. In a few minutes, Ms. Beavers steps out and calls the band to attention, commencing our routine march to the stadium. We make our way past the parking lot and onto the bridge (while making sure to yell “POLE!” at the top of our lungs while smacking the short yellow pillar as we march past), and finally to the stadium, where a small crowd welcomes us with ardent cheers.
The last few notes of the cadence ring out before the band is eventually let into the stands before pregame. After a few minutes of getting settled, the band is called back out of the stands to line up for pregame. The band marches onto the field and patiently waits for the football team to make its grand entrance. Finally, the game commences with the football team bursting through the cheerleaders’ hand-made banner, and the fight song fills the air. The band marches to their next set, and waits for the announcer to utter the well-known words, “Ladies and Gentlemen, We live in a nation with freedoms like no other…” cueing preparation for the National Anthem. And like every game, the band lifts their instruments to play the Star Spangled Banner as the crowd looks to the waving flag with their hands upon their hearts. At its conclusion, three taps ring out, and the band swiftly makes its way off the field and back into the stands.
The band stands are filled with exuberant banter and excitement. A small group of clarinets and saxophones belt out Hamilton songs, many begin intently watching the game, the piccolo attempts to play the highest notes possible, and all around, people can be seen socializing with one another. Half time approaches, the sun begins to set, and the stadium lights come on, cueing the band to go into show mode. All of the different sections break out onto the blacktop and start to warm up and stretch. Following a few minutes of this, Ms. Beavers lets the band know that we have a couple of minutes to do our section hoorahs, affectionately known as “rah-rah-shish-kum-ba.” Each section circles up and does their own special pre-performance routine, whether it be putting all of their hands in and chanting something, swaying in a circle and yelling something, or anything of the sort (We aren’t cults, I promise). After this, everyone gathers and begins moving toward the field. Because this was a home game, Sheridan’s band performed first. Like always, the marching band sits on the away sideline and cheers for the visiting band before standing up and preparing to go on.
By this time, the sun has fully set, leaving the bright green turf field illuminated by only the shining overhead lights. The whole band rises to their feet, waiting for Ms. Beavers' go-ahead to take the field. As soon as she utters the word “go” we stride confidently onto the field with our instruments and plumes glimmering underneath the stadium lights. The crowd begins to crescendo with cheers and applause as the announcer introduces us “Pride of the Hornets, the Licking Heights Maaaarching Baaaaand!!!” Within an instant, the performance commences with the field-commander salute. From a participant’s perspective, the whole show is a blur as members glide from set to set, creating a moving art piece with each step. The show is packed with captivating solos (and a trio), wonderful group moments, stunning guard work, and impressive choreo. After what feels like just a moment, the band walks off the field yet again, enveloped with thunderous applause from the audience.
The band congregates with Ms. Beavers for a short debrief of the performance (there are always improvements to be made), then is released to take a third-quarter break. Band members pack the concessions line, see friends from the student section, and even exchange compliments with the other band.
The band comes back together during the fourth quarter to end the night. Somehow, energy is both high and low at the same time. The night is rounded out with cheers such as “Do it", “Roller Coaster”, “Chilli Chilli”, and some drum cheers. After a quick fourth quarter, the fight song is played, and both the football players and cheerleaders approach the band stands for the Alma Mater. And with that, the night comes to a close. Almost.
The exhausted marching band packs up their things and leaves the stands, ready to parade down to the concessions stand to play some songs for our parent volunteers. This is one of the best parts of the game. This mini-concert is lively; whether playing a part of “Bad Romance” from the show (affectionately known as “The Gaga Hold”) or just Louie Louie, it is always a good time. And at last, the band marches back the same way it came, only this time. When we eventually make it back to the band room, Friday night ends exactly how it started: the marching band scurries around the band room, trying to grab their trove of items and get out the door. Only this time, with aching feet, lost voices, and a competition the next morning.
Come see the Licking Heights Marching Band during their next competition at Watkins on Saturday, September 27th, or during the Homecoming football game on October
Dozing Off or Zoning In?
By Tory Rote
9/26/2025
It’s 9 pm on a Tuesday. You either just came home from work or a practice. You set your bags down, sit down at your kitchen table, and open your laptop as your eyes fight to stay awake. You yawn and feel your body become limp after your exhausting day, yet you still have to study for that test tomorrow morning. You haven’t reviewed any material; you’ve only paid attention to the millions of vocabulary words and concepts, thinking that you’ll have them all memorized by the test. As you start to study, you realize just how much there is to review. Your focus keeps drifting to the idea of being cozy in your bed. The overhead light is punching your face with the fact that you aren’t going to sleep for as long as you want to tonight. The next thing you know, you finish working and it’s midnight.
We’ve all been here, and to be even more upfront, we still are. It’s all we know; tedious studying the whole night before a test. Once we finish our last lesson of the unit, we have to review everything the night before. Not only does this stress us out after a laborious day, but the time-consuming notes deprive us of a good night’s rest. So what do we do instead?
This study tactic may not work for everyone, but it can definitely help with memorization and time management!
Instead of cramming all of the information into one study session the night before, spread it out. After each lesson in the unit, make mini notes rather than one page for the whole unit. This means taking vocab, concepts, and functions from one lesson rather than all the lessons at once. Throughout the week, spend ten minutes to an hour each evening dedicated to studying, focusing solely on that day’s material. Once the unit is over and the test is the next day, you already have pre-made notes! Studying a small amount of material that is newly learned, rather than waiting until the entire unit is complete, will help with understanding and memorization immensely.
This doesn't work for every class, considering that some test material guides aren't accessed until the night before, but this technique can be helpful for most students. Instead of having to choose between studying and sleeping, try this method to balance both.
Cheap Dates
By Kate Banks
2/7/2025
Dating without breaking the bank, an issue faced by many high school couples. If you had Valentine's Day to the mix, you are really under pressure. Can you still have fun without spending tons of money? Of course! There are various possibilities for teens seeking an inexpensive date, most maintaining an under fifty dollar budget.
Ice skating
Getting out to your local ice rink is a budget friendly way to bond with your significant other. With prices ranging from to $8 to $18 (depending on the day of the week) per person at the Easton Chiller, ice skating fun can be a memorable outing for you and your special person. For an extra fun night, check out the Friday Night Meltdown at the Chiller, for a night full of lights music and fun at a budget friendly price.
Game Cafe
When searching for affordable fun, board game cafes are a great way to save your money and enjoy your time. Places such as Tabletop Game Cafe in Columbus price their admission tickets at budget friendly prices, with unlimited game time being set at $6 per person. This low price gains you access to a multitude of board games and an unlimited amount of time to spend having fun!
Holiday light drive
For couples looking to spend minimal money on fun dates, a drive to look at holiday lights is a fun and festive idea perfect for the holiday season. Besides the price of gas, this date is entirely free! However, if you are looking to add some extra holiday flavor to your date night drive, adding hot chocolate to your drive can perfect the magic of the night. Simply driving around your local neighborhoods to observe the magic of the season displayed through colorful lights can allow you to bond with your significant other while bringing in your festive side.
Financial issues are not the only problems many young couples face, but also the lack of being able to drive. Although this may appear as a impassable obstacle, at-home activities can be fun as well!
At-home movie night
When you think movie night, you may think of going out to the movies and spending your hard earned dollars on expensive movie tickets. However, the ambiance and fun of a movie theater can be matched at home. How far you go with this replication is entirely up to you. You may choose to purchase a $2 box of candy, or $5 AMC theaters brand popcorn to replicate the buttery taste of classic movie theater popcorn at home. Dimming the lights and putting on your favorite production can create the memorable feel of being at the movies, without breaking the bank.
Make your own pizza
A delicious homemade pizza can allow you to indulge in a slice of fun with your partner. Buying inexpensive ingredients and creating your own unique pizza pie can be an activity filled with fun and creativity. Making personalized and personal sized pizzas can allow you and your significant other to touch into your creative and culinary sides, whilst giving you a delicious outcome. The base ingredients for your pizza pies come up at a budget friendly price, with ready-made dough being priced at three dollars, and tomato sauce costing under a dollar. Making your own pizza nights gives couples a great way to connect while sharing a delicious slice!
Although dating on a budget can seem limiting to the fun of being with a significant other, budget friendly date nights can allow you to bond with your person without breaking the bank. While a luxurious $250 date can seem like peak dating, dates meeting the under $50 criteria can be equally as much fun, but save a lot of money.
Valentine's Day: More Than Just Flowers and Chocolates
by Alexander Irving
2/7/2025
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re eagerly awaiting it or rolling your eyes at the commercialization of it all, February 14th holds a special place in many people’s hearts. But beyond the flowers, chocolates, and heart-shaped cards, Valentine’s Day is about much more than just romance. For high school students, it’s a time to celebrate love in all its forms – from friendships to self-love – and to spread positivity and kindness to those around us.
A Day for Everyone
While Valentine’s Day is often associated with couples, it’s important to remember that the day can be a celebration of all types of love. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or just looking for an excuse to hang out with friends, Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to show appreciation for the people who matter most in your life. For many, it’s a day to express gratitude for friendships that have gotten them through tough times or to tell a family member how much they mean to you. For others, it might be a day to practice self-love, acknowledging your worth and taking time for yourself. No matter what your relationship status is, the love you share with others can be celebrated.
The History Behind Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day are as mysterious as the holiday itself. It’s believed to date back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia was held in mid-February. The modern holiday, however, is credited to Saint Valentine, a priest who performed secret marriages for couples during a time when marriage was outlawed. The day was eventually adopted as a celebration of love, and over the centuries, it evolved into what we now recognize as Valentine’s Day.
Today, Valentine’s Day has become a global celebration, but it’s important to remember that the spirit of the day is not just about spending money on gifts or having a perfect romantic experience. It’s about celebrating meaningful connections.
Valentine's Day at School
In high school, Valentine’s Day brings with it a mix of excitement and anxiety. For some, it’s a day of joy, receiving candy grams and heartfelt notes from friends or someone they like. For others, it can feel like a reminder of being single or not fitting into the “romantic” part of the celebration.
But here’s the thing – Valentine’s Day at school doesn’t have to be about grand gestures or feeling left out. Instead, think about it as an opportunity to be kind and inclusive. A smile, a compliment, or even a simple note of appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. It’s also a great time to be a little extra supportive of friends who might be feeling down or left out.
Many schools even host fun events like “candy gram” fundraisers, where students can send sweet notes or small gifts to their peers, giving everyone a chance to spread some love. This creates a sense of community and allows everyone to participate, regardless of their relationship status.
Love Starts with Kindness
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Valentine’s Day is that love starts with kindness. It’s about showing empathy, supporting others, and spreading positive vibes. Whether you’re giving a thoughtful card to a friend or reaching out to someone who might be feeling lonely, your actions can make a big difference.
This year, let’s take the opportunity to spread love not just to the people closest to us but to everyone in our school community. A little kindness goes a long way – after all, love isn’t just about romance. It’s about creating a caring, supportive environment for everyone, every day of the year.
So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, let’s remember: love comes in many forms, and it’s always worth celebrating. Whether it’s with a partner, friends, family, or even a little self-love, make this Valentine’s Day a reminder that love is the one thing everyone can share.
DEBATE ME - Pineapple Belongs on Pizza
By Emmie Johnson
2/7/2025
Pizza, a universally popular dish in the United States, is a topic of frequent discussion and debate. Most pizza lovers are specific about their toppings: meat lovers vs cheese, red sauce vs white, and the great debate: pineapple or no pineapple as a topping?
It's important to know the history of pineapple and its journey to being a pizza topping, before you decide if you want it on your pizza. The first person to toss a few chunks of pineapple on pizza was Sam Panopaulos. Mr. Panopoulos, was a Greek immigrant who moved to Canada in 1954 and he opened a restaurant called “Satellite” located in Chatham, Canada. At Satellite he was able to expand his passion for pizza making. Initially, everyone hated the thought that pineapple breaks the tradition that tomato is the only fruit that belongs on pizza. However, Sam introduced his combination of traditional pizza along with the additional sweet topping of…. pineapple. In 1962 the trend of this new combination started to impact loyal pizza lovers. That is when the numbers split. Most loyal pizza lovers continued the debate that pineapple does not belong as a topping, even though some enjoyed it and couldn't wait for more.
Just like Sam, I wanted something new. Overtime, the traditional pepperoni and cheese pizza became boring, and I wanted to explore something new, something different, and something out of the ordinary. I was finally able to experience pineapple pizza at a family gathering. At first, I was hesitant to try this new combination of flavors. The first bite was amazing, the burst of pineapple flavor and cheese complimented each other. The sweetness from the fruit and the tanginess from the tomato sauce was the perfect combination. It was delicious, and this is why I truly believe that pineapple has earned its place on the list of pizza toppings. Not only is this pizza perfect for people who love sweet fruits, but it's also perfect for people who are trying to expand their taste buds to the next level. Pineapple is a pizza topping, not only for me but for many others.
The Teacher Experience Publication: Fish and Post - It - Notes
By Naomi Gyimah
2/7/2025
Even though the everyday duties of a teacher seem to be pretty straightforward, there is always more than meets the eye. The anecdotes in this publication of The Teacher Experience prove just that. Please enjoy a couple of fish stories from Mrs. Ouelette!
Mrs. Ouelette: The Fish Stories
Note: These stories took place back when the high school was in the middle school building.
PART ONE: The origin of Wallace and Rosalind
“So probably one of my favorite memories ever is from an AP Biology Saturday lab that I ran. I run Saturday labs occasionally in AP because many of them are long. College labs generally are blocked for three hour periods of time or longer depending on the class, and so one or two of those require longer than a 90-minutean 90-minute block. So I haven’t run this one on a weekend in a while, but I did. I guess it was maybe seven to eight years ago that this happened. I was running a cellular respiration Saturday lab, and students had designed original investigations to test a question that they had asked about factors that affect cellular respiration. And so many of them decided to look at things like germinating seeds, and look at the rate of CO2 production between a germinating seed versus one that is dormant. And that was pretty straightforward, but some people wanted to look at animals so I had people bring in hermit crabs, I had people bring in crickets, I had people bring in mealworms, and one group decided, since I had dissolved oxygen sensors, to bring in fish. And so they asked the question, “How does a small change in temperature affect oxygen consumption by fish?”. Just a small change in temperature, they weren’t looking to really stress these fish. So we were all enjoying breakfast before we started the start lab (we always have breakfast together on a Saturday lab), and I didn’t have a common space, so there were no lab materials out, only muffins and breakfast things. And so this student who brought in a bag of maybe about 10 goldfish and put it down on the desk, opened the bag, and then turned around to go serve themselves food, thinking that the bag would support itself and just stay upright. And so what actually happened was the whole bag went bleugh, and all of the water, and all ten fish went splashing all over the floor and table, and I had fish wriggling all over the floor of the room. And so of course everybody stopped what they were doing immediately and was like: “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh, there’s fish everywhere!” and I was yelling: “Scoop em up! Get the fish! We gotta get some buckets, put water in them!” And so some students ran into the store room that adjoined my class and started getting beakers, and filled them with water and started putting fish in beakers. Then I realized that I have no idea what’s been in these beakers that could be harmful to the fish, so I was like, “You guys cannot put them in the beakers!”. So luckily, I had two tanks in my room at the time, a 20-gallon and a 10-gallon, and so I was like, “Put the fish in my fish tanks! We’ll get them out later for the lab.” So we got all the fish into a fish tank and they were okay. I'm, I’m sure they were very stressed, but we did scoop them out and put them in a safe, separate, small aquarium to run the lab. So they were all okay for the rest of the lab, thank goodness none of them died.
So then at the end of the lab, the student who brought the fish was like, “What do I do with these fish?” and I was like, “Well, you brought them, so that’s kind of your responsibility.” I had some fish tanks in my room at the time with a few fish, so I said, “ I can’t take all of them, but I can take three,”. So I think I took three of the fish and then he somehow encouraged the other students to take the rest away. So he took a few, and several other students took some, so all the fish went to good homes. And that is that, is where Wallace and Rosalind, the two fish in my fish tank came from. They are roughly anywhere from seven to nine years old.”
PART TWO: The Prom Fish
“I had another fish who used to live in the tank with Wallace, whose name was Darwin. And he died…Gosh, I had had him for a long time. I think, again, he was like seven or eight years old. I got him in my first few years, I think, of teaching. And Darwin was a fish that a student had asked another student to prom with. So, the student had brought this fish, in a goldfish bowl with a note that said something cheesy like, “Of all the fish in the sea, will you go to prom with me?” And so of course I think the student said yes, and they went to prom together. And so I think the student who was asked to prom was not allowed to take the open bowl on the bus, so the goldfish got sent to the office, and somehow just got left there. I didn’t know any of this at the time. So, I guess, fast forward a couple of weeks, Mrs. Cochran came up to my room, because she knew I had fish tanks, and she asked if I had any equipment used to clean a fish tank. And so I said, “Yeah, absolutely! What do you need?” and so I was like, “Why? Did you get a fish tank?” And she was like, “Well, no. There’s this situation,” and she told me the whole story, and this poor fish was in this filthy water, and the fish was just gasping at the bottom of the bowl. So I was like, “Oh my gosh, do you wanna leave this fish here?” At the time I had a tank that held an african dwarf frog, but it had recently died so the tank was open. So I suggested that the fish live in my tank. She was like, “Well, I think the student wants the fish, I just wanted to help the fish to be in better conditions.” And so I said, “That’s fine. The fish can live with me, I don’t have anything in this tank, until the student has the means to transport it home. Just tell them they can come up to my room and get the fish whenever they need.” Well, the student, of course, never showed, and I got stuck with the fish for almost a decade. Which is fine, but I don’t know why all of my stories involve fish, but they do.”
What The Duck?
By Lillianne Busick
2/7/2025
When walking through a parking lot, it’s hard to not notice brightly-colored Jeeps that are increasing in popularity not only in the Pataskala area, but also globally. However, upon a closer look, there’s another stand-out feature that appears often on Jeeps that one may claim is even more eye-catching than the car itself: ducks. Rubber ducks with a variety of appearances, frequently themed to holidays, sophisticated outfits, or even a typical yellow shade are often placed in the nook of the driver-side door handle of the vehicle from another Jeep owner. With such a common tradition, it’s instinctual to wonder where it all began.
During early 2020, a time where positivity was desperately in need, Ontario resident Allison Parliament took initiative to create a light and eventual community through rubber ducks. After purchasing a pack of the yellow birds, she attached a note to a duck, encouraging the recipient to “Have a great day!” After receiving the duck, the Jeep owner quickly went from intrigued to delighted, later posting an image of the gift to Instagram, with the caption ‘#DuckDuckJeep’. What was then known as a small act of kindness has grown into a mass community, as the hashtag has now amassed over 300,000 posts on Instagram alone. Unfortunately, Ms. Parliament has since passed away, but she is remembered for creating a positive tradition that continues to tie Jeep owners together.
Locally at Licking Heights, Jeep ducking is an activity that students partake in. Jeep driver and sophomore Zoey Blair explains how even after she has been “ducked multiple times,” she “always [is] excited about it.” Continuing, Zoey depicts that ducking is a “fun thing that Jeep owners do,” as it is an entertaining activity for all involved; when Zoey ducks others, she even “likes to try and match ducks to their Jeeps.” Furthermore, Jeep owner and Licking Heights Graduate Thomas Busick exclaims that ducking “builds a whole new layer to the Jeep community,” as even without face-to-face interaction Jeep owners still have the opportunity to give and “receive a compliment.” Thomas goes on to summarize as he states that ducking is “a neat subset of Jeep culture.” Many within Heights enjoy Jeep ducking as it is an effortless way to brighten up a stranger’s day while being part of a ‘brotherhood’.
In a fast-paced world where heartfelt exchange is rare, the Jeep community has found a way to bond over something that appears just as simple rubber ducks. Despite what it seems, these ducks have an incredible value to them. Ducking another Jeep owner displays how one woman from Ontario can form a tradition between thousands of complete strangers, as well as how appreciation for others is more common than it may seem. From matching ducks to Jeeps appearances or simple messages of “You’ve been ducked!” rubber ducks are a physical reminder that people appreciate the recipient, regardless of being strangers, all because they relate through transportation. These ducks, though small, carry a mighty message of kindness and admiration for Jeep enthusiasts as well as their vehicles.
Worship Nights led by LH students
By Macie Adkins
11/25/2024
On Tuesday, October 29th, seven Licking Heights students and a Watkins student hosted a worship night for their peers and community. This effort came from months of hard work and planning from students. These resilient eight students set it up by themselves with the help of one teacher, Mr. Niemann. The night included a gathering of almost 200 people, live music performed by students, testimonies, as well as, free pizza and hot chocolate. These students are: Landon St.Clair (12), Macie Adkins (12), Aiden Nicol (12), Sabrina Bauer (10), Jenna Fulks (11), Lily Meidl (12), Elijah Factor (11), and one beloved faculty member, Mark Niemann.
Landon St.Clair (12) was the architect of the idea. We asked Landon why he wanted to start worship nights and he said, “A big motive for starting up these nights came from my love for worship music. I always wanted a night that was just dedicated to the music aspect of things and when I brought up the idea to some friends they all thought it was great too, which gave me the motivation to bring it from a thought to reality.”
We also asked Landon what his goal was with starting the worship nights and this is what he said, “I truly believe that these nights are the start of a revolution in our youth. Not many students get these chances but I’m glad that our students do because there is so much that has and will come out of these. Whether it's gaining a new believer or dragging someone out of a hole in their life, these nights are designed to meet the needs of everyone.”
The night was student-led, meaning it had no school affiliation. These students worked incredibly hard to make this a special night to worship and spread their faith. Being able to get up in front of your school and talk about your beliefs is not an easy task, people from all religions are judged by others for their evangelism every day. Events like these build a stronger community, where everyone can gather and listen to music, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy a beautiful night while memories are being made. Whether someone came to watch their friend sing, or if they came to worship for their beliefs, it brought all kinds of people together for a memorable evening. This event shows the wonderful leadership of Licking Heights students. It’s amazing to see the diversity throughout Licking Heights within student culture and religion. It’s great to see students in our community passionate about something and take the next step to make their mark. The group of students has more nights like these planned, the next date being December 13th @LHMS Auditorium. You can follow the Worship Nights Instagram for more information, @worshipnights_lhhs
High School “Clubbin”
By Andrew Siddell
11/25/2024
With the opening of clubs throughout the school, it’s wise to highlight clubs in each publication. You don’t have time to join every single club, so this section is aimed at highlighting clubs in the school, aiming to inform and to help you make an educated decision on the clubs the school offers.
The Newspaper Club
With this, blazing the path with the first mention is our very own Newspaper Club - “The Buzz”, a new spin on the previously run newspaper club. The club is led by Mr. Douglas and will eventually be a student led club run by a board of student editors. In the past the paper was printed and sold to the student body, but now we are online. The first publication is planned for late November and as the writers are already submitting drafts. With this fresh start comes the boundless opportunities created by this club, with ways to express creativity, develop critical thinking skills along with promoting the student voice. The Newspaper Club allows the student body to share their diversity and a widened view on the world. When asked about why we are resurrecting the newspaper club, Mr Douglas said “I wanted to give students a path to share their voice. I want to share our diverse culture with our school and hopefully the community. We not only want to write but have ideas that include podcasting and live interviews” If his club shares any of the excitement he has, then this club will be fun to watch grow.
Journalism built this nation, and it continues to shape the world at large, so join a club that has the true power to change our community. Stop by Mr. Douglas’ Room 1021 or email zdouglas@lhschools.org.
The next club to be showcased is the one and only, and should I say highly regarded, Licking Heights Drama Club. The Licking Heights Drama Club is one of creativity, passion, and well defined ingenuity. Welcoming all with open arms, the Licking Heights Drama club is one of fun but also one of the hardest working clubs at the school. To put on a performance of this length is a herculean task, but one that has the greatest payoffs as well. Take it from someone who knows best, the brutish Isaac Russell, who is excited to play Officer Lockstock in the upcoming performance of Urinetown: The Musical.
When asked about how long he was in theater for, he responded with “I joined for Our Town, the fall play in the 22/23 school year and have been in every show since.” I inquired to him about the influences that theater had on him, in which he responded with “It’s been one of the most wonderful influences on my life, and as a student. It has helped me grow into a more confident and curious person.” Finally, we asked him to address those who may be nervous to audition or sign up “If you take the chance and audition for cast, or sign up for tech/crew, don’t be nervous. We have some of the nicest people I’ve met. Be prepared, though, to work consistently with focus and effort.”
As seen, the Licking Heights Drama Club is really an amazing club open to anyone, even if you think you can’t sing, you can still audition and try as Isaac so wisely notes. Licking Heights Drama Club also provides the means to hone your craft of singing and acting, so even if you aren’t quite a top singer you have room to grow. They are always in need of people who want to work on sets, costumes, lighting and sound. Go support the Licking Heights Drama Club during their performance of Urinetown: The Musical on December 5-7th at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now, so buy them soon!
The Teacher Experience
The Teacher Experience
By Naomi Gyimah
11/25/2024
The job of a teacher is definitely an unpredictable one. With that comes so many memorable experiences and good moments! Every month, we will showcase the fun or interesting memories of some of our Licking Heights teachers here in this article. We hope you enjoy this month’s anecdotes from Mr. Clark and Mrs. Obhof!
Mr. Clark - Popping the Question
“In 2007, my second year of teaching, one of the students learned that I had proposed to Mrs. Clark the night before and that she had accepted. The student then went on to the announcements that next morning (which were televised at the time), and they created a proposal announcement saying, “Miss Browns, Mr. Clark wants to know if you will marry him?”. Our rooms were side by side at that time. Since the rest of the school didn’t know that she had already accepted, nearly the whole school left their classes and came rushing down to our rooms to see her response. And they all gave us a huge round of applause when I told them that she said “yes!”
Mrs. Obhof - Napoleon
“One of my favorite memories is when my class did a historic figure roundtable. Students researched and took on the character of a specific historic figure. On the day the assignment was due, they debated with one another about various questions about how governments should run, what is the role of the executive (whether that be a monarch, dictator, president, prime minister, etc) who should have civil rights, and how national economies should be organized. One student sticks out in my mind. He researched Napoleon. Not only was his research absolutely amazing, but during the debate, he truly took on the personality of Napoleon - to the point where he even walked around with the same mannerisms that we saw in many of the portraits of Napoleon that we analyzed in class. As the debate went on, his classmates kept trying to get him to make a mistake, but he rolled right with it. Everyone had a lot of fun and it was so enjoyable to watch!”
Debate Me: Crumble is the Starbucks of ookies
By Avery Potts
11/25/2024
Debate me this: Crumbl is the Starbucks of Cookies
One serves drinks and one serves cookies, both have taken over the country. Starbucks has been around since 1971 with over 16,000 locations across the US. Starbucks is best known for their unlimited ways of customizing their drinks like coffee, tea, and refreshers. On the contrary, Crumbl has only been around since 2017 but has quickly grown to having over 1,000 stores in the US. Crumbl has a rotating menu each week with 8 different desserts that are announced every Sunday night and are brought to stores on Mondays. Crumbl, is well known for their elaborate, specialty desserts.
I believe that Crumbl is the Starbucks of cookies mainly because of the targeted demographics. Both Starbucks and Crumbl is aimed at the younger generations and that is evident from both companies social media ads. Both Starbucks and Crumbl are overwhelmingly loved by teenagers and young adults. One reason why Crumbl became so popular is because of “weekly reviews” on TikTok amd similarly people often post their extensive Starbucks drink orders. With Crumbl’s recent switch from “Crumbl Cookies” to just “Crumbl” to help emphasizes they are no longer just cookies but also other desserts like cheesecakes, cakes, and even brownies. This is similar to Starbucks’ rebranding with their cups by having lids with straws to having “sippy” cup lids with the logo being green to now white. As well, most people see both companies as being over priced. Many people are even trying to copy Crumbl’s idea with their rotating menu like “Dirty Dough” and “Crave Cookies”. With Crumbl’s large success in such a short amount of time it is evident that their sucess is comparable to Starbucks’ success.
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