Article By: Reagan Smith                   2/27/2026

Last week, a few lucky kids from DAHS won the raffle for McDonald’s coupons. In this article, you will learn who the kids were, whether they thought they deserved the coupons, whether they are planning anything with the coupons, and, if they could change the prize, what it would be.

The winners were chosen by Mrs. Vantilburg. The winners included: Misty Murphy, Landon Evans, Mackenzie Roberts, Spencer Soldo, and Jacob Cross. We interviewed Mackenzie Roberts, and when she answered the question “Do you think you deserve a coupon?”, she replied, “Yes, because I need a getaway from my siblings.” She has 2 siblings, both in elementary school, and they are very chaotic.

When I asked Ms. Roberts, “Are you planning a McDonald’s trip with friends?”, she replied, “Yes, a third wheel date with my best friend and her boyfriend.” Her best friend is Reagan Smith, and she was going to go on February 28th, 2026. She has been hoping for this “third wheel date” for a while. A while, about 3 days after finding out she won the coupons.

And finally, when we asked Ms. Roberts, “If you could change the prize, what would it be?”, she responded with, “A free period to hang with friends and eat any pasta of any choice.” She really likes pasta, and she always wants to hang out with her friends, because she is not always able to see them due to different schedules. 

In conclusion, you have learned who the winners of the McDonald’s coupons were, if the winners think they deserved the coupons, if they are planning anything with friends, and if they could change the prize, what they would make of it. The next raffle will be a brand new Chromebook charger and a brand new 20-oz Blue Devils Tumbler Cup. The raffle will be pulled on March 13, 2026, so all DAHS students who want to be eligible to win these need to turn in their points on the PBIS website to be entered into the raffle.

Photo Credits: Vecteezy

Article By: Reagan Smith                       2.22.2026

On Saturday, February 21, the Lisbon David Anderson Jr. Sr. High School hosted a sports banquet for all sports members, cheerleaders, and band members. In this article, you will learn which groups (cheerleaders, band members, etc.) attended the banquet, what they thought of it, and whether they would attend another one if one is hosted.

According to Aiden Ramgeet, a basketball player at DAHS, when asked in an interview about which groups were there, he said, “The group that attended the banquet were all winter sports athletes.” He also stated that the other groups included the upcoming spring sports athletes.

As he said in the interview, after being asked the question of what he thought about the banquet, he responded with, “I thought the banquet was a wholesome experience and fun to be a part of.” He later said, “I give thanks to the people who made it happen.”

Finally, regarding the question of whether he will be attending the banquet if it happens again, Ramgeet responded to the question by saying, “If another banquet would happen, then I would go, because I like the company and the food.” He also said, “I wouldn’t let all the hard work they put into it go to waste.”

In this article, you learned about the Lisbon DAHS sports banquet held on Saturday, February 21. You’ve learned about who all attended group-wise, meaning which sports kids attended, what one student thought about it, and if he would attend again if the school were to host it. In conclusion, the banquet was a success, and kids from D.A.H.S. sports enjoyed it.

Photo Credits: Lisbon DAHS Cheerleaders on Facebook

2/6/26         By: Sydney Trimnel

               On February 6th, 2026, in Lisbon, around 7:30 pm, a cop saw a black Chrysler 300 without a license plate and went to pull it over, but the driver sped off, going around cars and almost crashing multiple times. The car reached speeds of around 130-140 miles per hour. After continuing the chase for 11 miles, the driver lost control and crashed after he ran to a nearby building, where policemen found him and took him to the hospital with multiple injuries. He was charged with driving with a suspended licence, reckless operation, and using an illegal licence plate. A warrant was issued for his arrest. The driver was previously charged with multiple felonies. He is due in court for a trial to find an arrangement for his felonies. D.A.H.S. student, Gracyn Owens, stated, “I saw the crash site; it was not very good. They should control it more.” Kylyn Boyd has also stated, “I have heard about it, it’s a good thing they caught him before he hurt others.” Many others have stated they think this was a ticking time bomb waiting to go off, but thankfully, no one else got hurt. The driver is said to be serving a minimum sentence of 25 years for his 3-time felony.

Photo Credits: WKBN

Why They Are Beneficial

By Aiden Davis 2/12/26

Parent/Teacher conferences are very beneficial for students, parents, and teachers. They are beneficial for students because they get to see what they are doing both right and wrong. It's good for parents so that they can get closure. It’s good for teachers because they get to connect with the parents, and the teachers get to share their standpoints and viewpoints. 

Mrs. Mundy, High School Science teacher, says,  “I like meeting parents and guardians of the students I have in class, and it is a time to talk about the positive aspects of the student process, not just the negative. It's to tell them what they are good at from our point of view.” Very Inspirational for one of our role models at DAHS.

Parents are teaching future generations and are responsible for a student's education. They are so very important in a child’s not just education, but life. for they can be role models for students, and they set examples. Because of parent/teacher conferences, Students and parents get new information and are presented with new insight on their behavior and work ethic, and what they need to improve and what they are doing wrong that they need to fix.

Photo Credits: Holy Cross Catholic International School

For Students and Teachers of DAHS

By Aiden Davis 02/09/26

The first question you should be asking is whether or not Homework is beneficial for students, but the answer is yes and no. Let me go into further detail using just the facts with some background opinions.

Homework is used for students when they can’t finish their schoolwork and it becomes homework, or when teachers assign it to help them better understand what they are doing. There are some downsides and upsides to this.

The downsides of homework include significant stress on students, lack of sleep due to other responsibilities, not getting to homework till way later in the day, and a lack of quality time, meaning less time for socializing, extracurricular activities, and necessary downtime. Homework can significantly decrease a student's physical/Mental Health, due to it being their primary source of stress, and can lead to depression. My mother, Jamie Davis, Paraeducator at Robert Bycroft, says, “In my Opinion, Students should not have homework because they do work at school all day, and students get burnt out. Schoolwork should not cut into family time.

The benefits of homework include encouraging self-discipline, problem-solving, and prioritizing tasks. Homework helps students rely on themselves and use self-discipline to problem-solve and manage their time.

Photo Credits: srdalvifoundation.com

Article by: Reagan Smith               2.9.2026

On February 9th, 2026, Mrs. Fitzsimmons from the CCCTC (Columbiana County Career and Technical Center) came and gave a presentation to the sophomores at DAHS. The students were told to choose 4 of the different classes they have to learn about on the tour they are going on this Thursday, February 12. In this article, you will learn about the careers some kids were interested in, what sounded interesting or fun to them, and what classes they wish the CCCTC would allow them to participate in that they do not have at the moment.

Mrs. Fitzsimmons, the Student Services Director at the CCCTC, discussed the various classes offered at their school. These classes include: Automotive Technology, Auto Collision Repair, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Careers, Cybersecurity and Information Technology, Health Academy, Interactive Technology and Emerging Media, Landscape & Environmental Design, Precision Machining & Manufacturing, Veterinary Science Technology, and Welding & Fabrication. From these 13 different classes, Ebony Melchor-Arroyo, a sophomore at DAHS, answered the question of “What careers made you interested in possibly going to the CCCTC?” And her response was, “Construction. I really like the idea of building things and hands-on work, so I thought it would be good for me.”

After the question “Which class sounded like it would be the most fun to you? What makes you think that?” was asked to Ms. Melchor-Arroyo, she responded by saying, “Auto technology, because I always wanted to know things about cars, so I would learn a new skill and a future path.” Melchor-Arroyo also stated in the interview that she likes hands-on work and believes it would be a good fit for her in these fields for future career opportunities.

Finally, when asked the question “Is there a class you wish the CCCTC offered that wasn’t mentioned?”Melchor-Arroyo said, “I think something in education would be beneficial, but the CCCTC already offers quite an array of classes with something for everyone.” She also said she might go to the CCCTC, no matter what classes they offer. She would like to attend many different classes there, and whichever one she chooses, she hopes to have a future career in that field.

In conclusion, you’ve learned what kids think about the careers they are interested in, which classes they might take at the CCCTC, and which classes they wish the school offered. You’ve learned from different points of view what these kids thought of today's presentation and what they hope to see in the future at the CCCTC.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia

Sarah Thompson                                                02/04/26

Wearing pink is not officially required at musical rehearsals, but it might as well be. Rehearsals for this year’s school musical, Mean Girls Jr., are in full swing, and the auditorium has quickly become home to scripts, water bottles, and the occasional stressed-out actor practicing lines.

This year’s show choice was no accident. According to Ms. Schreffler, one of the directors of the production, Mean Girls Jr. has been a fan favorite for a while. “Last year, we let the students choose what musical they wanted to do,” she explained. Although SpongeBob: The Musical won by just one vote, excitement for Mean Girls never really went away. “This year, we kept hearing, ‘I will do the musical if we do Mean Girls,’ so we did just that,” she added. Choosing a show that students are genuinely excited about has led to strong participation and high energy throughout rehearsals—plus, it doesn’t hurt that the show is full of iconic characters and unforgettable moments.

While audiences will see a confident, polished performance on stage, what they won’t see is the sheer amount of work happening behind the scenes. Rehearsals involve far more than just showing up and saying lines. “There is so much work that goes into a musical,” Ms. Schreffler said, noting the hours spent on planning, designing sets, coordinating costumes, and perfecting lighting and sound. Actors are expected to memorize lines, song lyrics, choreography, and stage blocking simultaneously. And just when everyone thinks they’ve got it down, the scene is run again. And again. And again.

Rehearsal days often stretch for hours, and during tech week, the cast and crew are sometimes at school until 8:00 p.m. every night. Between quick costume changes, microphone checks, and last-minute notes, tech week has earned its reputation as one of the most chaotic—and most important—parts of the entire process. It’s exhausting, but it’s also when everything finally starts to come together.

Despite the long hours, Ms. Schreffler says the growth she’s seen in the cast makes it all worth it. “Every actor on this stage has grown so much and truly stepped into their character,” she said. From first rehearsals to final run-throughs, students have gained confidence, sharpened their performances, and learned how to work together as a team—skills that extend far beyond the stage.

Ms. Schreffler encourages students, families, and community members to come support the production. Attending the show helps keep the arts alive in schools and allows future productions to continue. She also pointed out that Mean Girls Jr. is an adaptation of one of the most iconic movies ever, giving audiences the chance to hear some of their favorite quotes and catchphrases—this time with music, choreography, and a live cast.

Mean Girls Jr. will be performed on March 27th, 28th, and 29th, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:00 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Whether you’re a theater kid, a fan of the movie, or just someone who enjoys a good show, the cast and crew promise a totally fetch performance.

Photo Credits: Hal Leonard

By Aiden Davis 1/16/26

There are many pros and cons to working at home as well as using a school gym or a local gym with a membership. That is just 1 of many pros and cons. In this article i will compare and contrast both. Let's start with the pros of working out at home. It’s convenient. There is no inconvenience of having to drive anywhere or having to apply for a gym membership, which leads to my next point: it's cost-effective. Monthly membership fees are one of the biggest downsides to joining a gym. Workouts from home mean no membership fees. Social anxiety isn't a factor. Social anxiety, fear of judgment, and unwanted attention, in general, can keep you from pushing yourself or trying out new workouts or classes. The Machines are always open. Have you ever had to wait for someone to finish their workout? Workouts from home don't require you to wait. You have your own equipment. It's not just the equipment. You have your whole property to run/exercise in. So, in turn, it’s convenient, cost-effective, Social anxiety isn't a factor, Machines are always open, and you can really mix things up. My Dad says, “I’d much prefer working out at home. I don’t want to deal with it and am very disciplined.” On to the cons of working out at home. It requires self-motivation and Discipline. It can get a little boring. There may not be enough space. There is no one around to ask for help. Let’s jump into the pros of working out in the gym. There Are Plenty of Amenities; One of the most obvious reasons to join a gym is for the equipment and accessories. Most gyms are fully stocked with everything an individual needs for a full-body workout. There are classes and personal trainers. It can boost and focus your motivation. On to the cons of working out at a gym. It’s a commitment; when it comes to time, money, and accountability, joining a gym is serious business. As mentioned earlier, it can be extremely difficult to cancel a gym membership. It can get crowded. There is a lack of privacy.

Photo Credits: Marymount University

Article By: Reagan Smith                      1/23/2026

On January 23, 2026, David Anderson Jr. Sr. High School held a pep rally to celebrate the homecoming dance the next day. In this article, you will learn about what the kids thought about the pep rally, what the band was playing for the rally, and if they could change anything, what they would change.

In the ideas of how the kids thought it was, Peyton Murphy, a 7th grader here at DAHS, said in an interview, “Yes, they were.” As the question was “In your opinion, do you think students were into the pep rally?”, that was her question. Murphy was very into the pep rally, going along with the cheers and clapping and just enjoying the rally itself.

Along with the pep rally ideas, I asked Murphy what she thought of the pep band playing at the pep rally, and her response was: “It was good.” The pep band played “Paint It Black", “The Hey Ho Song", and others that the crowd enjoyed. The kids enjoyed listening to the band's songs throughout the rally, and watching the games was a great experience for them.

Finally, when Peyton Murphy was asked if she would change anything for future pep rallies, she simply said, “No.” She likes the way they are, and she would not want to change anything about the pep rallies in the future. She would like to enjoy the ways the rallies are - games, songs, dances from the cheer team, and seeing the basketball teams get recognition for their games played and those coming up.

In conclusion, you have learned about the pep rally that David Anderson Jr. Sr. High School held for the homecoming dance and what some kids thought about it. You have learned about their ideas on how students felt about the rally, what they thought of the pep band playing, and whether they would change anything about the pep rallies.

Photo Credits: The Dallas Morning News

From ‘I Have a Dream’ to ‘We Have a Plan’

By: Sara Mayer           Jan. 20, 2026

Martin Luther King Jr is an inspirational man. He was born in 1929 and was assassinated in 1968. He was an American Baptist minister and a civil rights leader. He protested racial inequality and justice through non-violent movements. Some of the major protests he led were ‘The Montgomery bus boycott’ and ‘The March on Washington’. He also helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which also won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was also known for his speeches, most famously his “ I Have a Dream” speech.

King’s birthday is now a United States federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is observed as a national day of service. He was a moral compass for America, using peaceful means to challenge injustice and to move the nation closer to the ideal of equality and human rights.  The holiday is also used to honor his legacy and the things he did for equality in the United States.

Schools close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader. Most banks, public schools, government offices, and the stock market shut down on January 19th to recognize his legacy. 

Mrs. Brown was asked two different questions. The first question she was asked was, do you think we should have the day off from school to observe and honor him?  She stated, “ Yes, because I think there are important moments in history we should reflect on, having the day off shows the importance.” The other question Mrs. Brown was asked was, do you like having the day off school? She replied, “ If I got paid for it, which I don’t.”

Photo Credit: Hale Charter Academy

Article By: Reagan Smith                     1/21/2026

On the night of January 15th, 2026, a Board of Education meeting was held at The Board of Education. In this article, you will learn who was at the meeting, in general terms, what happened, and what the future BOE meetings will look like.

In terms of who attended the meeting, it was Keith Edenfield, DAHS High School Principal; Mr. Siefke; Ms. Coldstone; Mr. Kemats; Mr. Tullace; Mrs. Weikart; and Dana Blackburn, Head Start Liaison. The board members were Mr. Tsilimos, Ms. Tyler, Mrs. Whitman, Mr. Bell (Vice President), and Mr. Hiscox (Board President).

In general terms, the things discussed were the organizations at the school, dances that needed approval, maintenance that needed to be done, and how the schools were with the maintenance. 

For the future BOE meetings, they will be: going in, setting up, doing the pledge, introducing the guest speakers, and going over the main ideas and what people have to say, and then going on with approving dances, approving people who are going to be coming to our school, etc.

In conclusion, the board of education meeting discussed dance approvals for homecoming, and important people like Mr. Hiscox, who was re-elected as Board President. As for future BOE meetings, it will be the same as always: pledge, announcements, introductions, discussion of items that need approval, and whatever else the other people who came to the meetings want to discuss. 

Photo Credits: alamy.com

We’re Not Asking for the Moon, Just Your Support!

By: Sara Mayer Jan. 14, 2026

What are fundraisers really about? Fundraisers help raise money for all sorts of things. Sometimes it’s individual people, groups of some sort, organizations, or High schoolers raising money for Prom and graduation. 

At David Anderson, they have all kinds of fundraisers. This year, the Junior class has done quite a few things differently from past years. They had Meal Deals at the football concessions during that season, and now in Basketball season, they have Chuck-a-Duck.  The Chuck-a-Duck fundraiser is when people who come to watch the basketball games can buy a rubber duck to throw at halftime. The class advisors put a gift card donated by the parents or students of the junior class on the court at halftime, and the person who throws the duck closest to it gets to keep it.

The Junior class is also trying to put together a lottery ticket basket for a raffle to earn some money. How that would work is after they get the basket put together, if you want a chance to win it you would buy a raffle ticket, and if your ticket is drawn, then you will take home the whole basket and hopefully the luck too.

Fundraising is how the Junior class raises money for Prom and to buy their caps and gowns for graduation. A parent of one of the juniors was asked if she thought fundraising was important . Amy Kidder states, “ Yes, I feel class fundraising is important, and why, because it helps raise money for field trips and supplies. I think it helps bring the class together through teamwork and school spirit.”

So if you or someone you know wants to help sponsor the Junior class, please feel free to talk to their class advisor, Mrs. Nikol Mundy. They would all appreciate it very much.

Photo Credits: Success Found

The Weight of a ‘New You’

By: Sara Mayer Dec. 16, 2025

To start, what really is a New Year’s Resolution? A New Year's Resolution is a goal that people set for themselves at the beginning of a year, with the intention of achieving it by the end of the year.  Some people accomplish their goals, and some people don’t. Usually, when people fail to accomplish their New Year’s Resolutions, it’s because they were too vague, they tried to change too much at once, or they did not try.

Two Teachers were asked two different questions about their New Year’s Resolutions and how they felt about what they had accomplished last year.

The first question they were asked was, Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?

Mrs. Chludzinski, who is a Junior high teacher, replied, “Try to write to my friends, my goal is to send at least one card a week.”  Mrs. Brown, a permanent substitute teacher and helper at Lisbon High School, states, “Yes, to get my house organized.”

The other question they were asked was, What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment last year?

Mrs. Chludzinski said, “ All of my kids have graduated from college and out of my house.” Mrs. Brown replied, “Yeah, I got a camper and got to spend more time camping with my family.”

Overall, goals were achieved last year, and more are expected to be achieved this year. Even though Goals and New Year’s Resolutions aren’t for everyone, you’ll never know if they are for you unless you try.

Photo Credit: BBC News

The Silent lunchroom: bringing back the ‘tea’ and real-life drama

By: Sara Mayer Jan. 5, 2026

Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio has passed a law that, as of January 1, 2026, students will no longer be permitted to have their phones in schools. They used to be able to carry their phones to class and place them in pockets in each classroom. That worked for most students and teachers. The students were also allowed to have their cell phones at lunch, but the new law changes everything. Students must now leave their phones in their lockers, in their cars, or at home. They are not permitted to have them on their person. If a teacher observes one, they must take it from the students, and there are three punishments for students who do not comply with this new law. The first offense is 2 detentions. The second offense is at least one day of DRA, depending on how you handle and respect the DRA. The third offense is three days of Friday night school or three days of Saturday school.

Some people think that this new law is extravagant and unnecessary, because the students' lunch period is not instructional time. Like Mrs. Smith said, “I don’t like the lunch thing, I think you should be able to have them.” Students may want to use their phones, while others may think that the law is a great idea. Like Mrs. Glenn explained, “I love it because it forces you guys to socialize.” Some even believe that students should receive a grade for lunch for socializing, since they can’t have their cell phones anymore. As you read about what the teachers and students of DAHS think about this new law for Ohio, think about how you feel as a teacher, student, or parent, and think about how you feel about your children not being able to have their phones at school. 

Some students were asked, How does this new policy affect your feelings about school? Syndy McLaughlin said, “School is still good, but it’s boring at lunch.” While another student, Keegan Morlan, states, “It affects my learning in some ways, and lunch is boring.” Eva House responds, “ I feel like it’s boring now, especially lunch, you can’t even have it in the lobby before school, and lunch is boring after we eat. I also feel we should be able to have them in between classes.”

Some teachers were asked, from your perspective, what are the biggest pros and cons of this policy? Mrs. Smith replies, “Pros are that it brings unity across the board, and there aren’t as many interruptions. Cons of the lunches in 2026 are that we are dependent on phones. Even I, as a teacher, think you should be able to have them during lunch.” Mrs. Wallace remarked, “I think the biggest pro is that student interaction is better; a con is all the whining.” Mrs. Hartman said, “A pro, I would say, is less of a chance of bullying happening on social media, instantly dealt with in the school building, con is parents feeling secure about where their kid is, since they can’t have their phones like how some parents have Life360 with their kids.”

A select few students and teachers were asked, Do you think the Governor's choice is more excessive than it needs to be? Mr. Snyder states, “Yes, I think that it’s fine to have them in the lunchroom, but I’m 100 percent on board with not having them in the classroom.”

When the Principal was asked about the punishments for not following the cell phone policy, he also made several key points about how cell phone use in schools was once encouraged for learning, since students and teachers had them anyway. Mr. Edenfield said, “Even just 15 years ago, the Ohio Department of Education was encouraging the use of cell phones.” That said, it raises a larger question: if the use of cell phones was so strongly encouraged in schools, why is it being prohibited now? Individual school districts can set their own rules, but under the new policy, they can no longer do so. 

Some classes at DAHS are now more difficult without cell phones, which were often relied upon. For example, journalism is harder to do; instead of recording interviews for their articles, the students now have to write the quotes from the interviews in a notebook, which can hurt their hands, or they may even have to type them all on their computers, which can hurt their eyes, especially if they already have eye problems. Looking at them in that way can also cause computer vision syndrome, a condition associated with excessive computer use. The new phone policy also makes it difficult for Lisbon students in the video production class, as they produce videos for other students and faculty to watch on Fridays. This class used their phones to film and edit their videos to improve flow and appearance.

Overall, this is a controversial topic about what really should be done with cellphones. At DAHS, most students and teachers believe that students should at least be allowed to retrieve their phones at lunch so they have some time for themselves. 

Photo credit: Sara Mayer 

Aiden Davis 12-12-25

On December 12th of this year, there was an Admin meeting held at DAHS. This meeting was important because it talked about implementing new things and laws at our school. This meeting also helped open new doors for things in the future, as well as many other things that could not be disclosed to the public.

Mr Bing, Vice Principal at DAHS, who was at this meeting, said, “We discussed that Mrs. McCoy is leaving and going to Salem. Mr Edenfield will do interviews to find a new Secretary. We are in the process of changing all the gym's lighting to LED, including the ones at the elementary school. We chose those to save money. We got a 40,000-dollar safety grant to be used on very specific items, like updating window wraps.” 

So in conclusion, the summary of the meeting talked about many things, but most importantly, Ms McCoy is leaving to go to Salem, and we are changing all gyms to LED. Also getting a safety grant to pay for things we need for our community's schools.

When Christmas Means More Than Just Gifts

By: Sara Mayer               Dec. 9, 2025

To a lot of people, Christmas is about more than just giving and getting gifts. Some people believe that Christmas is the representation of Jesus’s birth, and others just think it’s time for family and friends, or even are only excited because they get it off from school. There were four people who were interviewed about their feelings and the meaning of Christmas to them. 

The first question that these people were asked was, Is Christmas one of your favorite holidays, or do you dread it, and why?

Mrs. Chludzinski said, “It’s one of my favorite holidays because it reminds me of family, just being together, and special memories.” Mrs. Glenn stated, “ It is not my favorite, but one of my favorites for sure. I do enjoy it because even though it’s super busy, it’s good. After all, when you get older, you don’t get to see your people as often as you used to when you were young.” Sarah Thompson replied, “Christmas is my favorite holiday because one of my love languages is gift giving, so I really just like to see the joy on people's faces when I give them their present that I spent weeks figuring out what to get them.” Kenley Kampfer answered with, “ It’s probably one of my favorite holidays, I just like it better than the others.”

The second question that was asked was, What does Christmas mean to you?

Mrs. Chludzinski said, “First of all, it’s the birth of Jesus, that’s a pretty important part of our family, and it’s again just showing people that we love each other and being together.” Mrs. Glenn stated, “ It is a time where no matter what is going on in the world or in your life, you can just kinda be cheery, everything just makes you kinda happy, and I think you just kinda have to roll with it.” Sarah Thompson replied, “ Obviously, the main idea of Christmas is to worship Christ, and it’s his birthday and everything, so that’s the reason that we have Christmas, so I always take a minute to stop and think about that as well.” Kenley Kampfer answered with, “ Christmas, I get to spend time with like other sides of the family that I don’t really see very much at other holidays.”

Overall, it’s safe to say Christmas is a pretty popular holiday and a lot of people really enjoy it.

Photo by Greg Olsen

By: Abagayle Miller   12/11/25

Students are constantly online these days, so bullying doesn’t just stop at the school doors; it continues in the comfort of a home, in public, or during someone's downtime. Cyberbullying is a huge issue in today's society, especially among teenagers. Here's why.

Anonymity makes it so much easier to be cruel online. Social media allows people to hide behind fake accounts or anonymous messages. This makes students feel “safer” saying things online that they would never say face-to-face. It also reduces accountability; feeling like you won't get caught makes you feel less responsible for your actions. Being anonymous on an account makes it harder to trace back to who owns the account. Sometimes this causes the person who's being cyberbullied to feel like things might not change without knowing who is doing the actions.

This creates a sense of power for the bully, making them think they can’t be caught. So it leads to more bullying of other students. When students see others using anonymous accounts and not facing any consequences, it can make the behavior seem acceptable.

There's also a lot of pressure on students to be “cool” by bullying someone. Making it seem like likes, comments, and popularity matter in their lives. Teenagers tend to follow instead of lead, which leads to a growth in cyberbullying, following the societal norm in bullying.

Cyberbullying has several side effects on mental health. Cyberbullying can cause depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, self-harm, poor academic performance, and even suicide. All of these are serious matters and shouldn’t be taken lightly. A research study reported that youths who get cyberbullied are four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and or act on those thoughts. A survey taken by high school students across America showed that 40% of cyberbullied teens said they considered suicide. And about 10% percent said they had tried to.

This is something that needs to be addressed across the nation. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. suicide hotline website is available for anyone, they also have a phone number you can message or call- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can choose to stay anonymous if you’d like. Help is available. 

Photo by Blog Securly

By: Hannah Davis 12/8/25

At DAHS, the students have an advisory from 8:05-8:13. The morning announcements and pledge of allegiance are announced, and the students leave and go to the first period. What is the point of having an 8-minute debrief in the morning?

DAHS uses Google Classroom for classwork assignments and announcements. Students have separate classes in their Google Classroom for class announcements, so that is another reason why we shouldn't have it. Advisory teachers give announcements about things, but it's already in the class on their computers. All it does is waste space on the students’ computers. Some students even fall asleep in those 8 minutes of advisory. Students could get more time in the first period and skip advisory. One reason is to track attendance, but first-period teachers already take attendance. 

Some teachers do not have an advisory class. I interviewed Mr. Pancurak, and he states, “The Advisory period is helpful for me to meet with the Sophomore class about events for their class, like fundraisers, the need to help in concession stands, or other activities.” Mr. Pancurak does not have Advisory, so it’s easy for him to go around and see the students he needs to talk to. 

For dress code, it is a new rule that you can only get dressed coded in advisory from your advisory teacher. A lot of students agree with this because teachers can be extra busy in advisory and not notice what the students are wearing. Recently, a lot of students have been getting away with breaking the dress code. Some students do like advisory. They think it gives you more time before your first period and gives you time to wake yourself up, and sometimes eat breakfast if some kids don’t have time in the morning. Some teachers might not allow food in classrooms, but some teachers do, and advisory is a good time for that.

Even though teachers and students have mixed emotions on this subject, DAHS will have advisory for the next couple of years. 

Photo by The Learning Accelerator

From Stress to Success: The Holiday Recharge

      By: Sara Mayer                Dec. 1, 2025

  Last week, the Lisbon Blue Devils had their Thanksgiving break. Students get breaks during all the big holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year's, and Easter. These breaks are essential for the students' health. Mental Health is crucial, and breaks can help relieve some of the stress of school. Students are required to get up every morning, Monday through Friday, and go to school. They are also expected to work hard, but some of them don’t, and maybe it’s because they just can’t.

 Have you ever thought about what might happen if schools didn’t give breaks over the holidays? If schools didn’t give breaks, students would most likely be overwhelmed. The students' mental health would probably be much worse, since many also play sports. Everyone needs a break once in a while, even adults; otherwise, it could take a toll on their minds and their bodies. That’s why they need a break.

To see whether others thought that breaks are essential, two teachers and two students from David Anderson Jr. Sr. High School were interviewed. They were all asked the same simple question: Do they think breaks are essential? Mr. Joy is a junior high science teacher. He was also the first one to be interviewed.  Mr Joy answered the question with, “ Yes, I do, I think it’s good for everybody to have a couple of days and take a break, and have it off from school and work, everything like that.” Arianna Leathley is a 7th grader, and she said, “ I think they are important because it gives us time to refresh, and I don’t know, it’s nice to hang out with family.” Mr Burnell is a high school Government teacher. He also teaches a U.S. presidents elective, and he replied, “Yes, because everybody gets kinda tired of each other and we see each other every single day, and it gives us a chance to relax and get to come back fresh.” Lastly, we have Bridgett Newbold, a sophomore in high school, who stated, “Yes, for sure, I think it helps my body and my mind like entirely just reset.”

Overall, out of the people that were interviewed, Holiday breaks are essential for many reasons. The question is, do you believe that Holiday breaks are essential?   

Photo By Sara Mayer

By: Eva House     11/18/25

Last year there was a shoppe added to the school made by donations from others. Last year, the teachers would give out tickets to students doing well in class. This year, we are doing something a little different. At auctions, students can sign up or spend PBIS points to enter the auction 

Now and then, they pick winners to go into the share shoppe and pick out stuff that they would like or need. The winners this week were Maddox Llewellyn, Noah Corfee and Arianna Hanes. These winners were happy to be able to shop this week and be the winners of something helpful that their community was able to provide for the school.

Students were happy to be able to shop in the share shoppe. “Arianna Hanes had needed new shoes and was happy to be able to get a new pair for free”

On the PBIS app, the share shoppe has its own store where it offers many things, such as additional stickers, blue devil wear, body washes, boots/shoes, bracelets, general clothing, hoodies, jeans or sweaters, notebooks with a choice of 3 stickers, school spirit tattoos and a water bottle with a choice of 3 stickers.

Photo by Eva House

Proof that Progress Doesn’t Always Involve Arguing

By: Sara Mayer                   Nov. 12, 2025

A Board of Education meeting is a public, formal gathering where the local school board conducts official business, such as voting on a policy, approving budgets, and making decisions about the school district’s future. The meeting operates using an agenda. Each agenda item has to be voted on by the board. For an agenda item to pass, at least three board members must vote in favor; otherwise, it fails.

As of right now, the president is Mr. Hiscox. The president will read the policy being voted on exactly as it is written on the agenda, and after it’s read, it is up for comment. Usually, someone who is part of the policy's topic will comment; for example, if it’s about the school, Mr. Siefke or another school official, like a principal, will comment. A motion and a second are also required to even vote on the topic, and after it’s voted on, they move on.

Mr. Edenfield, the principal of Lisbon David Anderson Jr. Sr. High School, was asked whether anything new was coming to Lisbon. He stated, “A bunch of policies were voted on, but the one of note is the one regarding cell phones. That’s the new thing coming, so the law changes on January 1, 2026. We are hoping it stops and doesn’t change, but if it does, once we are back from break, we won’t be able to have phones.”

Photo by School Website

By: Hannah Sprouse 11/20/25

Our school rewards students for classroom participation by earning PBIS points. PBIS points show students how well they are doing when no one else is noticing. We have learned from Mrs. Walton that a main reason they do the share shoppe is the many nice articles of clothing they offer. 

There will be a few more auctions before the end of the year, including a fall/holiday outfit that students can enter a raffle for and blue devil merch that any students want to get their hands on. Christmas pajamas were recently donated for the raffle in December. Mrs. Walton also says, “students either have a lot of points or no points at all”. Mrs. Walton really just wants students to have what they need or even what they want; she cares about students' well-being and making sure they are cared for at school, too, not just at home. 

Remember to act accordingly in the classrooms! Whether you are being responsible, engaging in conversations, staying quiet, or doing your schoolwork, this will help you earn PBIS points and give you a chance to be a winner in the raffles, too!

Photo by Etsy

11-17-25 By: Aiden Davis

At the admin meeting on Friday, the 14th of November, they discussed laws and financial matters they cannot disclose to the public, but they did talk about some interesting things that could benefit our school. Mr Bing said, “We talked about potential areas where to use safety, possibly using window wraps down at McKinley, where the parking lot is, or where the junior high is, where you can just walk over and see what everyone's doing. We are working on professional development with our English teachers. Our teachers have to do a thing called the science of reading. All teachers got certified in that in our BLTs (Building leadership team) and TBT (Teacher-based teams).” We are also going to implement the Presidential Fitness Test, which hasn't been used in a long time.

 Students and teachers share what works and what could improve

By: Elianna Alicea & Sydney Trimnel 11/13/25

If you want to know what school is really like, the best people to ask are the students who experience it every day. Students from grades 6–10 shared their thoughts on favorite classes, the hardest classes to pay attention in, participation, what makes school fun, and what they would change. Most said their favorite classes aren’t about the subject itself but about the teacher, the people, or the vibe. Baylen Jackson (9th) said Spanish is his favorite “because it’s a new opportunity to learn a different language and it gives me a chance to explore something different.” Dakota Brownell (9th) said math is her favorite simply “because I like it and it comes easy to me.” Bentley Gregg (8th) said he likes Mrs. Daughtery’s class because “she’s nice, she lets you work in partners, and she actually helps when you need it.” Teagan Triplett (7th) said health is her favorite because “I feel comfortable in there and I like the class environment.” Logan Jones (7th) said he likes math because “I get to talk, and that’s really the only thing that keeps me entertained.”

When it comes to the hardest classes to focus on, Baylen Jackson said math can be overwhelming because “there’s just a lot we have to learn, and sometimes it feels like too much at once, so I stop paying attention.” Logan Jones said math is “very boring and feels longer than the other classes,” and Teagan Triplett said her math teacher “gets off track easily, which makes it hard to focus.” Dakota Brownell said health is hard to focus on because the teacher “babbles on and on with nothing engaging to do.” Zane Chamberlain (8th) said he struggles in early classes because “I’m still half asleep,” and Brooklyn Dailey (10th) said Career Exploration is boring and “just not fun to sit through.”

Participation was similar for most students: they spoke up if they knew the answer. Baylen Jackson participates only when he’s confident. Priya Mosher (8th) said it depends on the class and teacher. Brooklyn Dailey said she answers only if the question feels worth responding to. Teagan Triplett participates even when unsure because “teachers aren’t usually mad when you’re wrong because at least you tried.” Dakota Brownell said, “I just don’t because I don’t want to participate.”

When asked what makes school more fun, most students mentioned friends. Baylen said talking to friends and earning small rewards helps. Dakota said school is better “when my friends are there because it makes the day feel faster,” and Logan said band is fun because he gets to talk to friends. Other students liked having choices: Kenley Weikart (8th) said school is better “when we get to pick a topic instead of being told what to write about,” Teagan likes more class interaction, and Brooklyn said school is more interesting when lessons feel useful.

Students also shared changes they would like. Baylen Jackson wants a free period to get work done. Logan Jones wants the bathrooms fixed because “they’re always broken or locked for no reason.” Teagan Triplett wants school to start later, and Asher Williamson (10th) said the ceilings need to be fixed because “they literally leak.”

Teachers shared their perspectives as well. Mrs. Wrask (7th grade) said both rewards and consequences help motivate students, explaining that “students have to turn in all their work by Thursday to get Friday recess, and more students are starting to watch their grades now that PBIS is being used.” Mrs. Brown said the school system itself needs an update, suggesting “schools should be set up for different careers—like STEM, trades, medical fields, or hands-on work—so students are more interested and motivated to do their work.” Mrs. Addams said rewards work too, adding that “things like PBIS points or a field day for students who turn in all their missing work would give them something to look forward to.”

Overall, students and teachers shared what makes school enjoyable, challenging, and motivating. Their insights show what helps students learn and what could be improved, leaving the question of whether schools will act on these ideas.

Photo by Ellianna Alicea

  By: Sara Mayer          Nov. 7, 2025

On November 7, Lisbon David Anderson Jr. Sr. High School had a special treat during lunch for Honor Roll and Merit Roll students. The Honor Roll and Merit Roll are just lists of students who have good grades, like A’s and B’s. Students who work really hard throughout the year are rewarded for their efforts and for maintaining good grades. The kind lunch ladies put the treat for the students together, and they keep a list with the names of the students who get the treat that way. The students who didn’t work hard don’t get rewarded. Two students were asked the same four questions about their grades and the strategies they use to make sure they stay up.

The first question the students were asked was, What do they do to keep their grades up. Ryane Bing said, “ I study when I’m able to and I do corrections if need be, and I ask if there’s any extra credit opportunities.” Zylar Mundy states, “ I work really hard, and I am constantly studying.”

The next question they were asked was, What motivates them to work hard in school. Ryane Bing responded with, “ I think my younger self and the fact that I didn’t have great grades when I was younger, and I wanna make younger me proud, and also just because it feels good to have good grades.” Then Zylar Mundy replies, “ It’s mostly about my faith and about how working my absolute hardest is the way to do everything, getting a constant reminder from Colossians 3:23. But also, I think I strive for that possible end goal of being valedictorian and trying to set myself up for opportunities in the future.”

The third question they were asked was, Do they set specific academic goals for themselves each semester/ year. If so, what are they? If not, why? Ryane Bing stated, “ I just try to maintain over 3.5 GPA, so I try to at least have all A’s, maybe one or two B’s.” Zylar Mundy responded, “ Honestly, my overall goal is just to do the best I can, which in my mind is having all A’s because that is what I truly believe I am capable of doing. So I may not set specific goals every semester or year, but I keep this overall goal in my mind as a reminder, believing that this is the only goal I need when it comes to academics.”

The last question these two students were asked was, How do they manage time effectively between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and getting enough sleep. Ryane Bing Replies, “ I have a decent amount of study halls, I have maybe one or two a day, so I tend to do all my schoolwork in those, and I have a lot of electives, so if we have a little bit of free time, I do my work then.” Zylar Mundy said, “ Truthfully, I usually go to school, go to my sports practice, and then head home and do schoolwork/ study for the rest of the night. The hardest part is managing time so that you still make sure you get enough sleep. I struggle with this a lot, and there are days that I feel I don’t get enough sleep, but the important part is the constant drive to achieve what you need to get done for that day, and then trying to get rest for the next day.”

Overall, the students are always excited to go get their treats at the end of the nine weeks after working so hard to keep their grades up. The two students who were interviewed aren’t the only ones who work hard to get good grades.

Photo by Sara Mayer

Why Turkey Vultures Keep Circling Over Lisbon High School

By: Elianna Alicea And Eva House 10/3/25

If you’ve ever walked outside Lisbon High School and looked up, chances are you’ve noticed the large, dark shapes circling overhead. Turkey vultures, with their wide wingspans and slow, deliberate flight, seem to have made Lisbon their permanent home. Students often joke that the birds are “watching” them on their way to class, but many also wonder—why do they choose our school, and how long have they been here?

Turkey vultures are scavenger birds, meaning they feed exclusively on already dead animals. Because of this, their appearance often makes people uneasy, even though they pose no direct danger to humans. In fact, turkey vultures play an important role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. Despite their usefulness, their constant circling of Lisbon High can be unsettling. As Bridgett Newbold notes, “I think they’re important for the circle of life.”

So why our school? One explanation lies in the building itself. Vultures are drawn to chimneys, which provide both warmth and height. On chilly mornings, the birds can perch on the chimney to absorb heat from the rising air, helping them conserve body temperature. Their tall height also gives them a clear view of the area, making it easier to spot potential food sources. At D.A.H.S., students and staff have reported seeing them not only in the morning but also throughout the afternoon, circling the school. Rowan Adams says, “I think they’re pretty cool. I’ve always seen them—like twice.”

When asked how often she sees the vultures, Mrs. Mundy replied, “Every single day.” She also shared her thoughts on their behavior. “I don’t think they were trying to get into the school,” she explained. “But I think if it’s a texture on the roof or looking out my second window, you can see the roof sort of covering a rubber matting. Sometimes I just see them peck a little bit at the rubber, so I don’t think they meant any harm to the school or that they wanted to get into the school at all. I just don’t think they’re evil or anything or wanna be around people—I just think there is something about the roof that they’re drawn to.”

Experts say the best way to keep vultures away is to make the building less attractive to them. This could mean capping chimneys, trimming nearby trees, or adding deterrents like reflective objects or noise devices. Until then, D.A.H.S. students might just have to get used to sharing their skies with the vultures. Isaac Kraft adds, “I think they do good for the school… we don’t want them to go extinct—and they don’t deserve to die.”

Finally, while the birds can be a bit intimidating, many students are willing to accept them as part of the school’s ecosystem. Aniyah Alicea says, “No, I don’t care about them,” reflecting a common sentiment among those who see the vultures simply as part of the environment around Lisbon High.

Students Receive New Cell Phone Guidelines After Recent Incidents

BY: Elianna Alicea, Eva House, Sydney Trimnel    09/19/25

On Thursday, September 18, students in the 8th and 9th grades of D.A.H.S. gathered in the main gym for a meeting on updated cell phone policies. Administrators announced that phones would no longer be allowed during advisory periods and lunch, a change that left many students with mixed emotions.

Principal Mr. Bing explained that while the school had hoped to give students more freedom, recent issues forced a reconsideration. “We were the only school in the county that didn’t start the phone law at the beginning of the year,” he said. “We thought it could work, but when privileges aren’t respected, they have to be taken away.” He added that the policy, which mirrors statewide restrictions set to take effect in January, would also apply to field trips.

The rule comes in response to several incidents, including a recorded conflict between two freshmen that spread among students, online harassment of another freshman through a TikTok account, and even a physical fight tied to inappropriate behavior toward an underclassman. Administrators said the goal of the new rules is to prevent situations like these from escalating.

For some students, the change represents meaningful progress toward improvement. Eighth grader Bailey Malone called the policy “good,” saying she thinks it will reduce bullying and drama. Anna Harless agreed, noting that she wasn’t attached to her phone at school anyway. “I figured it was going to happen eventually,” she said with a shrug. “It doesn’t really bother me. I’ve gone years without using a phone here, so it feels the same.” Fellow student Zane Leyman also seemed unfazed: “It doesn’t really affect me. I’m not happy or sad about it. I think the year will be the same, maybe even with fewer problems.”

Others, however, felt frustrated by the blanket restriction. “I kinda like it, but I’m on the fence,” said eighth grader Priya Mosher. “I didn’t do anything wrong, so it feels unfair that people who didn’t do anything wrong are being punished too.” Aubree Burris echoed that frustration, adding that only the students involved in problems should face consequences. Baylen Jackson, another freshman, was more blunt: “Why is this happening? If you weren’t recording or starting stuff, your phone shouldn’t have been taken away. Especially for us ninth graders—it doesn’t feel fair.”

Some students, like Aiden Steed, saw both sides. “Part of me doesn’t like it, but part of me understands it,” he admitted. “Some people were abusing the privilege of having their phones and harassing others, which isn’t okay. I didn’t like it at first because I enjoy having my phone at lunch, but I also see the importance of actually talking to people.” Mr. Edinfield echoed that point, saying that phones were always meant to be a privilege. “If that privilege gets misused,” he said, “it can be taken away.”

With statewide rules set to tighten in January, D.A.H.S. is getting an early start on enforcing limits. Whether students are relieved, upset, or simply indifferent, the change is here to stay — and the school hopes it will mean a safer, more respectful environment for everyone.

Photo by: Custom Signs