Summer, 2023 - Editorial

Reflections from The Brave Bulletin

by Christine Ahmad

This edition of The Brave Bulletin is the fifth and final edition of the 2022-2023 school year. As my time as Editor-In-Chief comes to an end, there are many things to look back and appreciate. Being the Editor-In-Chief not only means you get to review the articles going into the paper, but you also get the privilege of voicing your own opinion on a topic that is important to you. Choosing articles on a topic that is important to you can now be displayed for others to read and form their own opinions on. Being the Editor-In-Chief also allows for people to write to you giving you new perspectives and topics to think and write about.

The past editions of the newspaper I have written about topics such as homework given by teachers, the stigma about not going to college immediately after high school, and the effects that social media has. Although editorials for The Brave Bulletin did not need to be school related, I felt that voicing my opinion on things I care about that relate to school in a school setting was the most effective. The readers of the newspaper can relate to these topics because of the audience. Getting responses from peers pertaining to their concerns gives the school a voice of their own.

Being a part of the newspaper gives every individual a chance to write. The entire newspaper and student body now has a voice they get to use however they would like. Being a part of The Brave Bulletin and being the Editor-In-Chief was a privilege to be a part of. I look forward to taking my experience as Editor-In-Chief and applying it to my experiences in college.

Alli’s Angle

The Newton High School Experience
by Allison Iliff

I, like many others, did not have the typical high school experience. I didn’t get to sit in study hall, longing for the day that I got to sit in the Senior Lounge. I didn’t get to look at the senior girls in their prom dresses and wish it was me. I got a computer, and a year and a half of isolation. I think about it a lot; what might have happened had we never quarantined. Who would I be friends with? What classes would I have taken? What kind of person would I be? I wish that I had the same high school experience as so many others did, but I didn’t. And nothing is going to change that fact. But I am not going to sit here and mourn what might have been. Thinking about all the what if’s is not how I want to end my high school career. I am here to talk about what my life has been like here at Newton High School, and why- for the most part -I wouldn't change it for the world.

The one thing I have always loved about our school is the community. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone treats each other with kindness and respect. In my four years here, that has never changed. There is always an opportunity to talk to someone you have never spoken to before. Our pride in our school is another thing that I will truly miss. I strongly believe that no matter what college I go to, no one there will care about that school as much as we have cared about ours. There has always been a huge crowd at the football games, large numbers of participants in spirit week, and excited audience members at musicals. We are proud of what we have done, and we are excited for what we will do.

With my angles, I typically have something that I want to change in this school. The only thing I would change is something the administration had absolutely no control over. So now I leave you with one last thing, my advice. Whether you are an incoming freshman, or an incoming senior, I implore you to do one thing; love. Love and cherish every moment you have in this school. My freshman year got taken away from me halfway through, and life was not normal again until my senior year. I regret everything that I was not able to do. So please, go to every football game. Go to homecoming and prom. See the musicals. Participate in spirit week. Do everything you can, because I wish I did. It is so easy to focus on only the negatives with things like high school. It is even easier to say “I’m tired, I don’t really feel like going.” I wish I didn’t do that. I will forever regret every football game I wasn’t able to go to and every homecoming I missed. You’re only in high school once; don’t let it pass you by. At the end of the day, we are all a part of something incredible. At the end of the day, we are all Braves. Be proud of that, cherish that, love that.

Newton’s school year highlights: Trip down memory lane

by Jordan Short

Newton High has had yet another great school year and like all great things they must come to an end. Now it’s to time travel down memory lane and look back at the 2022-2023 school year.

On September 23, 2022 the Newton Braves took on Kittatinny for our Homecoming game. During halftime the five candidates, Sam Amorese, Gianna Carchia, Allyson Neill, Keira Rheinheimer, and Leah Reed. It was announced that Leah Reed won Homecoming Queen. When the Braves came back from halftime they finished the game with an explosive win of 52-0. The next day, September 24, 2022 was the first Homecoming dance Newton has had since the pandemic started. It was a large turnout and made for a great night of fun for the Newton Braves.

This year's fall play was The Plot Like Gravy, Thickens. Viewing was held from November 17th to 19th, 2022. This play was perfect for any mystery lovers and an amazing way for the theater department to debut themselves this school year.

On November 23, 2022, Student Council held the annual senior versus junior Powderpuff game up on the turf. The crowds brought the spirit and so did the cheerleaders. Both teams had a great time and played hard. Ultimately, the seniors took the win over the juniors. During this game Powderpuff King was announced. It was between two students, Stephen Miller and Karim Ba and Karim won. This kicked off Thanksgiving break.

The Braves theater department once again performed an outstanding spring musical. This year they performed 9 to 5 based on the 1980s film. The musical was about three women in New York City, Violet, Judy, and Doralee, who each had their own struggles in the workplace. This show engaged the audience with laughter and blessed them with the beautiful talents of the theater department's singers and actors. The production was able to be viewed from March 17 to 19th, 2023.

This year, Student Council started a new annual tradition at Newton. On April 6th, 2023, they held the first annual school pep rally. Freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors were pitted against each other in a wide variety of fun activities to earn points and win the pep rally. In the end the sophomores pulled through and won.

Prom went off without a hitch. On May 18th, 2023, the Braves went to the Mansion at Mountain Lakes for their prom. The theme was masquerade ball and it was certainly decked out to the nines with the theme. The DJ was amazing, having the whole place on the dance floor the whole night. The food was great and so was the venue. Definitely a time to remember.

Now here we are at the end of the year, wrapping up a long year and getting ready to say goodbye to the class of 2023. Saying goodbye is hard, but there will always be all the memories and a year like this is worth remembering.

Dear Juniors: A guide to senior year

by Christine Ahmad

Dear Juniors,

Senior year is arguably the most exciting year. Next year, you finally get the choice and chance to step out from your hometown and get a taste of the real world in college. In preparation for that, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you are prepared for that. Senior year is what you make of it. It is the last year you will be with all of your peers who you have grown up with from as early as kindergarten. Although this year's senior class’s high school experience was cut short due to COVID, here is some advice for the underclassman from a few graduating seniors.

When asked what advice would you give to upcoming seniors, Shannon Rittie, a current senior here at Newton High school, stated, “Do not make decisions based on what your friends are doing.” There are many different ways this advice can be taken. During your senior year make it yours, do not focus on what everyone else is doing and do what makes your senior year memorable and enjoyable for you. Most seniors are also worried coming in about what they are going to do in their upcoming years and not doing what everyone else is doing is okay! Looking into schools your friends are not looking at is okay. Choosing what is right for you is the most important thing you can do for you and your future self.

When asked the previous question another graduating senior, Allison Iliff, recently stated, “Participate in every activity you can. Go to all of the football games, go to the musicals, dress up for spirit week; do not let anything pass you by.” Your senior year of high school only happens once in your lifetime. Making the most of it is the most important thing to do this year. Even if you think it may be boring, get some friends together and go anyway. If an event is boring then at least you will not regret not going but it may also be the best time of your life. Making the most out of every day, trip, event, football game, all of it is what makes senior year a good year.

Overall senior year is what you make of it. Preparing yourself for college is also important but take your final year one day at a time.

Water Wars: Not synonymous with gun violence

by Allison Iliff

Water Wars has been a long standing tradition here at Newton High School. Every year the seniors group up and compete against each other tournament style using water guns. It is something to look forward to for underclassmen, and it is a great way to finish out the school year for the seniors. Recently however, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding Water Wars; not just at Newton High School, but all over the country. Should Water Wars be taken away from High School students just because some may think that it promotes violence? Here is why I, as a participant of Water Wars, and a student living through the current gun issues of our country, say no.

The tradition of Water Wars has not only been a part of our school for many years, but a tradition at high schools all across the country. It is a right of passage for seniors, and if you have an older sibling, it is something that you could have waited years for. If it were to be taken away, it would be devastating for students who have waited for so long to participate. We as students have an acute understanding of the gun violence that takes place at schools all around the country. We know firsthand the fears that come with gun violence in public places. That is not Water Wars. There is a huge difference between having a grade-wide water gun fight and promoting school gun violence. We are aware of the differences and do not think of these events interchangeably.

The main reason that I believe Water Wars should continue on for many years is because of how the senior class has connected with each other. For the first time we all have a common place to interact with one another. People who have never spoken before now have the opportunity to interact every day. The class has never been more connected, and that is because of Water Wars.

We as a class see the dangers of gun violence everyday through the news and social media. The fear is real. One way for us to forget about it is participating in a fun event with our friends. The tradition of Water Wars is one that should continue for many years to come. The unity of the class alone should be enough of a reason to let this tradition live on.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I am writing to share my concerns about the current state of school lunches, and I believe it's important to make a change. As a high school student, I think it's unfair that lunch prices have become so expensive, especially considering the quality of the food.

First, let's talk about the prices. They keep going up, and it's hard for students like me who have a limited budget. Our parents also struggle to afford these high costs. It's not fair to put this financial burden on families, especially when there are cheaper options available.

Second, the food itself isn't great. We need good food to help us stay focused and energized during the school day. But the lunches we get often leave us feeling unsatisfied and hungry. It's important that we have meals that are not only affordable, but also tasty and nutritious. That way, we can develop healthy eating habits.

To solve these problems, I suggest bringing back free lunch programs. This would help students and families who are struggling financially. It would also ensure that all students have access to healthy and satisfying meals. By providing free lunches, we can create a fair and inclusive environment where everyone can concentrate on their studies without worrying about hunger.

In conclusion, I urge the school to consider the high prices of school lunches and the quality of the food. Bringing back free lunch programs would be a step in the right direction. Let's make sure that every student, regardless of their financial situation, has access to a good meal at school.

Sincerely,

Shaun Blaszak