By Gawain Schaefer

Thurs March 12th

It’s safe to say, we all like sandwiches (unless you have a gluten allergy, then I am truly sorry for your loss), and therefore, I decided it was necessary to devote some time and this assignment to them.

Reubens, patty melts, cold cheese and mayo, (trust me on this) grilled cheeses, turkey clubs, BLTs, Philly cheesesteaks, lobster rolls, PB&J’s, pulled pork, and the Monte Cristo: many, but not all, sandwiches that are adored region to region across the world. The sandwich has been debated to have been developed in Greece thousands of years ago, from pita bread, which was used as an open face or pocket for nuts, fish, vegetables, and sometimes oils. Evidently, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, is more known for his “sandwich” through his gambling addiction! That’s right, gambling! It has been said that he never wanted to leave the table, so he ordered meat between bread, and of course, he was English. Not only in Greece and England, but also in Germany, sandwiches have been “invented.” 

Now that you know something about sandwiches you didn’t have a choice in learning, I’ll give you some unique recipes for two sandwiches I make. For peanut butter and jelly, I toast one slice, for not very long, maybe 45 seconds, and then take vanilla Greek yogurt, make sure it is vanilla, and mix that with the peanut butter. Any bread is fine. Then spoon on some jelly, after putting the peanut butter down, without spreading it, and enjoy. 

For grilled cheese, I do something pretty special. Your bread should be sourdough, but regular bread will do. First, spread mayo on one side of each slice, except for one slice that will have both sides mayoed. Put the double-mayoed slice on a pan, medium heat the whole time. Then, add a slice of cheddar or Muenster onto that, and pour on a shredded cheddar and cheddar-jack mix. Add garlic salt and a lot of cinnamon into the center, which should still be open-faced. Put another slice of cheese on to cover that, and more garlic salt, and then the final bread slice. Finally, flip the sandwich after you close it, which should have taken you two minutes, and cover it with a lid after cutting the heat. Also, for extra points, throw cheese onto the bottom and or top slice, to “bake” as a crust. Feel free to experiment with it, but I expect 50% in shares from your business if you decide to go into the food world; you might never go back to other grilled cheeses if you make this, though.  

By Gawain Schaefer

“Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” by Jim Croce

A very fitting song for February, the month of love. I mean March, I mean February? Well, anyway, bring a few quarters for a call.

“Catch the Rainbow” by Rainbow

An actually fitting song for March, about love, and sailing with rainbows. Have fun listening.

“Danny Boy” by Frederic Weatherly (1910) 

Have a happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

 (That’s all)

By Mikayla Peters

Fri March 6, 2026

With the warmer weather and the spring(ish) breeze through the air, daylight savings making every sun last longer, it is finally the season of spring. Maybe not actually, it technically is winter, but in my heart it is spring. With spring comes new fun drinks! I am a die-hard lover of a good spring matcha or new flavor energy drink, so allow me to introduce you to some new menus!

My personal favorite first, Starbucks, launched on March 3rd, was the new spring menu consisting of lavender and coconut flavored cold foams and drinks. A personal favorite, Lavender Matcha, for anyone who doesn’t like coffee, I highly recommend. It is fresh and has a very springy flavor. The colors of purple and green give a sense of flavor. However, if you’re into coffee, Starbucks has invented coconut coffee types. Personally, I am unfamiliar with the coffee world, but I highly suggest the coconut! It's once again something to bring a light taste to a taste palette. 

Spring drinks are all focused on a light flavor, something sweet or floral. Now, I have never had an Alani, but they have introduced a new, fresh lime-flavored Alani. I personally cannot attest to this flavor or any of the flavors from Alani; however, from the talk in the hallways, I would give it a try if your Alani fan. The green can with bright colors is already an attraction to the flavors. Taste and design combined truly bring attention to my eyes, if I must say so. Even if I can’t attest to the flavor, I do believe the design is captivating for a spring design feeling.

If you’re not an Alani fan like me, Redbull has also just announced a new flavor and distributed it, and this, I can attest to. It is a cherry-sakura flavor. After a Japanese sweet flower, I think it is gorgeous. The sakura flower is pink and sweet, and when combined with cherry, it gives a floral taste with the carbonation. However, if I’m being honest, it tastes like a banana, still not bad, in my opinion, that is, if you like bananas. The taste is definitely sweet but more of a laffy taffy banana sweet, which for some people is absolutely up their alley. 

These are all the new drinks I’ve seen for spring so far, but I do not doubt in my mind that there will be more to come this season. Fast trends always make things change in an instant. Keep your eye out for any new flavors from your favorite places! 

By Avery Lenz

As we approach the Residency Application season, many begin to hurry to find roommates! Finding a roommate is so important, as you're going to have to share a safe space together and spend a lot of time together. Below are a few of the questions I asked when in the search to find the absolute perfect girl of a roommate I have today!

Do you like to go out or stay in? 

This provides info on possible substance use, what their nighttime schedule might look like, and the type of friends they might bring back to your room.

Are you a clean or messy person?

This lets you know what their habits with cleaning, washing sheets, and picking up after themselves might look like. It's important to find someone similar to you to avoid conflict. Do they use lots of cups, vacuum, or dust? 

Do you plan on playing any sports in college?

This gives more insight into what their schedule will look like, how much stuff they might need to keep in the room, their eating habits, and the type of people they will be around. 

What does your morning routine look like?

Do they get up early or late? Do they struggle to wake up with an alarm? Are they super loud in the morning, do they watch TV or play loud video games, make coffee, or turn on the overhead light?

Are you a people person or an introvert?

This tells you what kind of relationship you two might have. Will they want to hang out with you in group settings, will they introduce you to friends, or will they want to be left alone and not talked to?

Are you religious, and do you have any habits that directly correlate?

This tells you a little bit about their morals, what they believe, and the type of person they might be looking for. Do they need space in the dorm to pray, or specific dietary restrictions? 

Do you like to share your things or keep to yourself?

Will they want to use your stuff and vice versa? This will also shape how you buy stuff for your room. Are you going to buy the essentials or buy separate things?

What are your pet peeves?

This lets you know of any habits you have that might not make you compatible, or things you might have to work on in order to avoid conflict. This provides insight into how their mind works and what their personality is like. 

What is your music taste?

This shows what their personality is like and can often be something to find common ground. It's also a fun question to ask when you need to lighten the mood or rekindle a conversation. 

Are you big on personal hygiene?

This lets you know their habits, how much stuff they might need to keep in the room, what their daily appearance and aesthetic might be like, and most importantly, what we were all thinking, if they smell or not!

By Natasha Forsythe

Fri March 05, 2026

As many of the people around me know, if you get me laughing until my ribs hurt, you will also turn on the water works. This is a very strange reaction to such a joyous reflex, so I started my investigation. 

At first, I looked into the muscles in my face contracting. If the muscles of your face are tensing, it creates pressure that can travel as far as your neck; who's to say that pressure can’t cause the involuntary reaction of tears? It makes sense, right? Well, this ran me up a tree because yes, the pressure and contractions change blood supply, making your cheeks to your whole face red, but this pressure just in the face isn't strong enough to cause tears. 

The true culprit of my tears is actually my diaphragm and nervous system. Intense laughter constricts your diaphragm, tightens chest muscles, and creates pressure in your head, which presses on the tear ducts, making tears spill over. The stronger the laughter also overwhelms the nervous system because this is seen as a high-intensity emotion, which the body wants to self-soothe, which the body does by releasing tears. Crying as a response to laughter is actually extremely common and natural, but some people feel the contractions of their diaphragm less intensely, so their tears and nervous system aren't triggered. 

So the next time you see someone laughing while tears run down their face, remember that they feel joy a lot stronger than the average person, making them even more amazing. And trust that they are enjoying every second of it because the tears usually make it even more funny. 

By Mikayla Peters

Wed February 11, 2026

Have you ever entered our lovely school parking lot? It’s quite a privilege to enter the school parking lot. Our maintenance staff does such a remarkable job during the winter at keeping the parking lot clean and accessible. The effort they put in just so I can find my parking spot every time is a privilege I’ve been given this year. However, the students in the parking lot? Different story. 

Talk about being in a rush to get in and out of that parking lot. It's crowded and busy; people are parking in the wrong spots, blasting music, revving engines, screaming, dancing, and standing in huddles around cars, making it impossible to park in your spot because they just stand there, oblivious to their surroundings, and choose not to care. It’s like standing in a huddle at the lockers, obnoxious and annoying. As I approach my deadline at this school, I can’t help but wonder, will we ever grow out of the huddles? 

Precisely in the morning, when I would like to get into my parking spot peacefully, where I can, in a timely manner, go to school, instead of waiting for huddles of people to move so I can get through the row. I mean, at this point, we should establish a sidewalk for these people. A miniature parking lot, dedicated to those who just stand and talk to others in the blizzarding cold or sweltering heat. It kills people to walk and talk at the same time, apparently. Oh, and that’s only in the morning. Everyone arrives at different times, but leaving? Almost everyone leaves at the same time, creating a beyond chaotic atmosphere to endure.

I’ve had the gift of leaving school early this year; only a few people leave after sixth hour, and it has truly been a game-changer. I mean, talk about a peaceful exit. No one’s around, no worries about people backing out or pulling through at the same time. Being able to successfully pull through without the stress of a car flying past me is a relief, to say the least. Every once in a while, I leave at the regular time. Recently, I left at 3 pm, along with everyone else, and of course, with the luck I have, someone cut me off. Let me tell you about their great use of checking their left and right before going. Apparently, turning their head to check is beyond them. Someone clearly did not pay attention to Bork’s Driver’s Ed, which is impossible not to pay attention to because you, in fact, practiced what you learned in that class. 

However, I digress; it is not that deep. I guess. Though the road rage is there, I constantly remind myself we are all bound to mistakes or habits of huddling that we just can’t seem to shake. It is important to keep your opinions about how terrible the school parking lot is to yourself. Or don’t; clearly I don’t.

By Avery Lenz

Tue February 10, 2026

Across the US, from state to state, we all love one thing at our cookouts: HOT DOGS. This widely known delicacy, in all of its processed and stinky glory, is the main staple for cookouts, primarily with the younger crowds. But have you ever thought about where the food you feed these little children comes from? I'm here to tell you, and maybe next time, you won't be so quick to hop on the hotdog train. 

First, let's start with the paste. The ¨meat¨ the hot dogs are made of comes from leftover meat carcases, essentially the scraps left after the animal is killed for high-quality cuts. These scraps are forced under high pressure with water and other preservatives through a metal mesh strainer, emulsifying the scraps into a thick, chewed bubblegum looking paste. From there, the paste is mixed with tons of corn starch, corn syrup, and other various spices to make it edible. Then, the batter is pumped into cellulose tubing. What is cellulose, you ask? Great question! Cellulose tubing is made of regenerated cellulose, aka wood pulp. So not only are you eating emulsified meat scraps of dead animals that were kept in unsanitary and inhumane conditions, mixed with corn starch and corn syrup (both of which are insanely bad for you), but all of that is stuffed into what is essentially wood. Talk about delicious! To end this delightful process, enjoy the taste of the liquid smoke that the hot dogs are finally drenched in before being baked and shipped off to you.

If the way this ¨food¨ is made hasn't scared you enough, let me remind you of the health risks that come with eating too many hot dogs. Starting strong, cancer! The preservatives the hot dogs contain that allow them to be shelf-stable in the fridge for over two weeks are known to be the cause of cancer in many people.  The other ingredients that the hot dogs contain are also known to contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Though you are not guaranteed to and probably won't contract these health ailments after consuming one hot dog, it's important to know that foods like this are everywhere and definitely contribute to bad health in many Americans. 

So next time you're at the cookout, and go to reach for the hot dog to feed your adorable niece/nephew, child, cousin, family friend, etc. Think about the harm that a single hot dog could possibly be doing. After that, would you want a hot dog, or would you rather have the whole foods that were originally meant to fuel your body in the first place?

By Tyler LaPapa

Fri December 5, 2025

As Thanksgiving Dinner typically kicks off the official start of the holiday season, we begin to embark on all the old and new traditions that have been passed down for many years. The empty palace setting during Christmas Eve dinner is one that started as a Polish custom. The simple gesture holds a meaning of empathy, warmth, generosity, and remembrance.

In Polish tradition, the empty place setting holds especially close to the meaning of generosity. The setting is to welcome any unexpected visitor in need. The setting shows the warmth and generosity of the family to anyone who appears on their doorstep with no place to go. They are treated as an honored guest with a seat already set for them. As a reminder that nobody should be hungry or alone on Christmas Eve. “Guest in house, God in House,” is the saying that goes along with this tradition. 

For other families, the empty setting has a much different meaning.  The setting represents loved ones who have passed away. This allows for remembrance of these family members in hopes that their spirit is still attending. Sometimes a small candle is lit on the plate to symbolize the spirit of a deceased family member. 

As for most traditions, they evolved. Regardless of the meaning behind the tradition, the empty place setting brings the spirit of Christmas alive in your home. A symbol to remember the less fortunate. Memories of loved ones passed. Creating the Christmas Spirit of empathy, warmth, generosity, and remembrance in your home. May we all try to carry the Christmas Spirit with us all year long. 

Gawain Schaefer

Wed December 3 

Decision-making has consequences that many people think about, theoreticalists and ordinary people alike. “I have to feed the creature every other-other Tuesday, and I left my keys in my car, I’m late!” Relatable, right? 

   Many people struggle with past experiences, and I am in the majority. I understand how it feels to lose someone. Some fantasize about going back to a time when a relative was alive, or a pet was alive, or even a time of bliss or comfort, like the 1990s. My idea is that, if you had the option, what would you go back in time to change or experience? 

There are a few rules: You will have a button, shaped like a wristwatch, that can unfold to fit inside your hand. When pressed, it will jolt you into a timeline that you changed, if you got the chance to change it. You can do anything, in any time period, death reverts any decisions you make or almost impact, and when you finalize your decision, you will have to live with it until your “final” death, in the future you pressed the button in. You cannot die in the action of finalizing your choices, and you can live in your time period for as long as it has lasted. An example is the American Revolution, which lasted 12 years, which is how long you have to stay in that period. You could also choose a very specific time before it starts, before being kicked back, let’s say this year, without it seeming like any time has passed, a seamless transition.

My choice would be to prevent WWI or to stop the major growth of slavery, and to further stop slavery before it started. 

*Please email me your answer (my email is 28gschaefer@peotoneschools.org), or if you catch me at the right time in person, I would like to know your answer. I will be updating this in the next issue(s). (January or February)

By Lanie Griest

By Tyler LaPapa

By Tyler LaPapa

Thurs December 4, 2025

As the Christmas season comes into full swing, we gather at many functions. Children are taken to many places, like plays and church, and expected to be quiet.  We have all been places where kids are being kids, and keeping them quiet is a big task for parents. Needless to say, this task has touched all parents, but the candy cane tradition has a part in keeping children quiet.

The candy and tradition go back to a German legend from about 1670.  It is said that a choirmaster bent a sugar stick in the shape of a shepherd's crook with the intent to give them to children during the Christmas Eve church services in hopes of keeping them quiet. The candy canes were originally all white, non-flavored, and handmade. They were expensive to make and a very special treat for children. The custom spread throughout Europe.  The candies became a Christmas traditional treat given to children at church and nativities.  

The tradition was brought to America in about 1847 by a German-Swedish immigrant when he decided to decorate his tree with candy canes.  By 1950, the candy cane was mass-produced for all to enjoy. For 200 years, the candy cane has always been white. The Iconic red and white stripe with the peppermint flavor came later at the turn of the 20th century. 

Today, National Candy Cane Day is celebrated on December 26th in the United States. Candy cane sales skyrocket in the second week of December. It is believed that this is when most people decorate their tree and want the iconic striped candy cane on their tree. 

If any parents are dreading that next holiday function where your children are expected to be quiet. Maybe bring along some candy canes to keep them settled and quiet. 

By Gawain Schaefer

By Kay Peters

Thurs December 4, 2025

This holiday season, I believe it is important to shed light on the kindness that we may forget during this time of the year. We participate in November, Thanksgiving, and in December, Christmas. Two very joyful holidays in a row, and although it is warm and welcoming to you, it isn’t always that way for others. Here is some advice to show kindness during this holiday season!

Showing kindness, believe it or not, is hard for a lot of people. Oftentimes, we live in a comfortable routine, what we know is more important to us, and we don’t think twice about it. My first piece of advice is to be selfless when it comes to analyzing your environment. Look at your peers, not from the perspective of judgment. As a teenager, we tend to look at another person, form an opinion based on what we hear and see. Leading us to wrongfully judge someone. If you ever took Mr. Price’s AP English III, or are currently taking it, then you know (or will) about wrongful convictions in a criminal case. Watching or reading that a jury has no idea of the convicted person's life at all makes what could be a life-changing decision full of judgment. So, before you do that, stop to consider that even if you know the person or only know them by outside opinions, consider that you don’t truly know the person the way others might. You have no idea what they’re going through, or what they feel. Even who they are, if you can’t tell me their favorite color, don’t start to judge them. Showing kindness doesn’t have to be verbal or physical; it can be a silent and unnoticeable act. Putting effort into straying away from judgment is the biggest kindness you can do, even if others don’t notice it.

My second piece of advice is to observe other people's emotions and try to include them if they feel alone. I don’t mean the stereotypical inviting them to your lunch table, although that may be an admirable gesture to show kindness. You don’t have to do that. A polite compliment, or a smile, even just saying hello to someone in the hall, is a great act of showing kindness. Saying hello and asking how someone is shows interest and appreciation for the person you're speaking to. Even when you're not in school, instead out at a store or in a restaurant, after having an interaction, I find the best form of showing kindness is at the end of each conversation with “I appreciate you.” Three words are all it takes to make someone’s day.

These quick tips and perspectives are just the surface level of showing kindness. Making a point that no matter when you start, the kindness you share will be valued and recognized. It doesn’t hurt to enforce these habits in your lifestyle. Not everyone is perfect, and we’re sure to make wrongful judgments or wrongfully react to someone, but the attempt to put your best attributes forward to the world is a start to creating positive energy for not only yourself but also others.

By Dulce Reyes

Tues December 2, 2025

New beginnings bring inspiration for change. With the end of the year approaching, it is the perfect time to start thinking about New Year's resolutions! The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to set new goals that we plan to achieve during the year. Although not everyone initially thinks of New Year's resolutions, it's a great way to visualize your goals for the year and motivate you to set time aside and dedicate time and effort to achieving a personal goal. Whether it is learning a new skill or improving your lifestyle, New Year's resolutions are a great way to begin. 

However, many factors often make someone lose motivation and eventually give up. To avoid this, here are a few things to consider. 

Be specific with your goals. Instead of “read more,” set specific goals that will motivate you. For example, “read 30 minutes every day” instead of “read more.” This is setting up a specific goal for each day and will help you stay conscious and motivated throughout the year. Being specific also helps you incorporate it into your routine and make time during the day to dedicate to that specific thing. 

Start with small things. Starting with big goals can be intimidating. Oftentimes, they may seem unrealistic or “too hard,” which can cause you to eventually give up. Small goals can help you accommodate changes or new routines better. Later in the year, having accomplished small goals, you can move on to bigger goals. This way, you’ll empower your mind and believe in your capabilities, having seen results in the small things, instead of becoming frustrated over bigger goals. 

Create a plan. Without a plan to proceed, your New Year's resolutions might not be successful. If you have a busy schedule or often procrastinate, creating a plan might be the best way to proceed. Time management is extremely important. Some ways to plan are to set a routine with time stamps. That way, your day will be more productive. Another alternative is to wake up earlier than you usually do in order to have time to dedicate to your goal. 

Keep in mind, New Year's resolutions are personal commitments. Stay motivated and dedicated, and you’ll see a difference. Think back to a year ago. What new skills did you learn this year? How has your life improved? You can achieve so much in one year; all you need to do is set your mind to it. 

By Avery Lenz

Tues December 2, 2025

As the winter months settle in, and the fluffy clouds of grey drop bright, cheerful snowflakes onto the ground outside, a renewed sense of Christmas cheer and the fun winter activities that come with it are restored upon us. Every student can remember the days before COVID, the good old days. Where snow days meant no school (at all), hot cocoa, and playing in the snow all day with your friends. The days when you would come inside from being in the snow all day, and your fingers would feel fat from how cold they were as you grasped the hot cocoa cup your mom had made for you ahead of time.

Nowadays, students must sit at the kitchen table or in their living room, perhaps their bed, staring out the window at the fluffy mounds of white, not able to go outside and spend quality time in the snow with their friends. While on Google Meets and Google Classrooms, students fantasize about the times when a snow day meant actually not having school and not having to stare at a screen all day. But instead, get outside, continue to build relationships around them, move their bodies, and even partake in decades-long family traditions such as building igloos in the backyard. Some of the more creative-minded of us all must also remember going door to door, taking advantage of the elderly, and using the snow to their monetary advantage, charging ten or twenty dollars to shovel a driveway with friends.

These times, however, are long gone, and students of all ages are now forced to face the truth. The times of long unplugged days in the snow are over, and the days of Chromebooks, Google Meets, and Classroom Assignments are here. It leaves one to wonder, are snow days really snow days at all anymore? And are online learning days really worth it? That is one thing perhaps we all might never agree on.

By Gawain Schaefer

Wed November 19

Technology is one-sided, no matter how much it can evolve or impact humanity. For instance, consider a particular printer Ms. Johnson has gotten to know well.  Dubbed “The Printer That Simply Worked, and Other Fairy Tales," this printer is a silly piece of technology that acts like a baby, which has been noted by quite a few teachers. Ms. Johnson said that you have to “talk nice to it, [and] make it happy,” and that, “sometimes it’s in a good mood, sometimes a bad one.” Although this simple printer, in a small country town, fights with teachers when they try to appease it, my point is much larger.        

I asked a few teachers what they thought about technology, more specifically, in schools. Mr. Nardi stated how there are “a lot of students who are careless with their Chromebooks because they don't care if they break,” as they did not purchase this item, and don’t understand what goes into purchasing Chromebooks, in mass, for hundreds of students. I completely agree with Mr. Nardi’s statement, especially when there was this trend of sticking mechanical pencil leads into the outlet, causing them to catch fire, not too long ago. 

A few teachers said that technology was not helping students’ problem-solving and overall comprehension, specifically with Mr. Lehnerer saying how “it is this big facade when people say "we can't directly prove this was the reason why...but it is clearly obvious,” as he went on to say, “...it [technology] is doing the exact opposite of what we are supposed to be accomplishing with the students at school.” Mr. Lehnerer is completely right. Although I can’t speak from a teacher’s perspective, I’ve been noticing how much people are absorbed with their phones, even in conversations or while surrounded by friends at lunch, and it just hurts to watch.    

As many people have stressed, and what has become evident throughout the state of the country, including politics and everyday problems, people are hindered by a reliance on technology, rendering them helpless at times. Technology is supposed to fill the gap of being human; it is supposed to integrate into our society, but I don’t believe it ever will, or should. To be human is to have issues, but to live with them as well. Without our issues, which is what technology is made for, it starves the person inside of you. Technology can be used for good, especially in a system where learning and growing are so important; it cannot be a balance without drawbacks.    

By Lanie Griest

Wed November 12, 2025

On November 6, Starbucks launched its Christmas Menu. The Menu contained a variety of drinks and pastries. However, people are talking about their drinks the most, so what are people saying? The people had decided that there were three that were overall “YES,” and two that were overall “NO.” 

Many people report enjoying the new Christmas drinks, but they say three stood out. The first drink that stands out to people is the Iced Gingerbread Chai. People say the drink has a comfortingly festive holiday flavor with a nice twist on the typical Chai latte. The second drink that stands out to people is the Caramel Brulee Latte. They said the drink offered a rich, toasted sugary flavor from the caramel brulee sauce topping, which is a hit for many. The last drink that is a fan favorite among people is the Peppermint Mocha. The drink is simple, combining chocolate and peppermint in a warm, festive drink, giving people nostalgia for the classic holiday season. All three drinks, despite their differences, are liked by many and have been given the title of the unofficial best of this year’s Starbucks Christmas drinks.

On the other hand, many people did not like the two drinks from the Christmas Menu. The first drink that people don’t have high opinions of is the Iced Gingerbread Latte. Unlike the other Gingerbread drink on this year's menu, it is criticized for being too light, and one person said that while it isn’t terrible, she would not have it again. The other drink that people don’t seem to have a high opinion of is the Iced Sugar Cookie Latte. The drink was criticized for having too weak a flavor, and one person even said it tastes like water. Both drinks that are the people’s least favorite seem to have the same issue: they’re too light in flavor.

Either way, many people have said that the drinks on this year’s menu have a tendency to be quite good. Yes, not all of them seem to be liked, but most drinks on the menu are a success. The consensus on at least the drinks part of the Starbucks Christmas Menu is that it is a success, and hopefully in years to come it will continue to be.

Gawain Schaefer 

Thurs October 23rd

This segment of the Devil’s Advocate will have examples of various art forms, including poems, drawings, paintings, photography, and artists, as well as their respective genres.  

For this issue, the Louvre is in the spotlight. The Louvre boasts 10,000 years of rich history, encompassing sculptures, paintings, architecture, and drawings. Hirohiko Araki’s stunning art style, developed over a long career of drawing and painting, is famously crafted alongside his series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, which was inspired by complex and detailed Greek statues. This art style has been featured recently. Some famous works include the Portrait of Louis XIV, by Hyacinthe Rigaud, The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo da Vinci, and the Dendera zodiac, which has an unknown creator(s) but has been dated to around 50 BC. They have a website you can go to, www.louvre.fr, for more information. I would recommend going in the winter, and definitely going to this museum if you ever travel to Europe.  

Although this segment is under my name, I don’t want to take credit for it. This is a combined effort of whoever wants to share. I just want to highlight something that not many people talk about or appreciate enough. If you want to share or talk, you can email me at 28gschaefer@peotoneschools.org.   

By Gawain Schaefer

Thur September 25, 2025

The seventh installment, or “Part,” of the world-renowned “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” series was announced last April, but much has happened since then. 

Hirohiko Araki is back at it again! Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, both of whom directed the debated “best” JoJo’s part, Golden Wind, are set to co-direct Steel Ball Run. Yugo Kanno, the artist who produced many of the franchise's themes and openings, is also partnering with the board. David Production is back to animate Steel Ball Run, just as they have done every previous part, with the hope of beautiful CGI for the horses. For some context on the manga and soon-to-be show, Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic, and Gyro Zeppeli, an outlaw, with many other contestants, race on horseback across the North American continent to find the Holy Corpse, or body of Jesus, before the main antagonist does. As I write this, a trailer for a few scenes of what I presume is what makes up the first episode came out. In my opinion, it looks very well done, and I think it will be the best adaptation yet.   

As a side note, I have not read the SBR manga, but I will watch and or read it one day. I have a lot of love for the series, and for anyone with no idea what I’m talking about, watch the show; it’s on Netflix. I have found a lot of the manga at Barnes & Noble, too.    

By Tyler Lapapa

Thur September 25, 2025

If you visited the Peotone Farmers' market, you may have purchased an item from the FFA stand that was part of an SAE project. SAE stands for Supervised Agriculture Experiences. It is a student-managed project that provides FFA members with hands-on experience in the agricultural industry. SAE projects are available to all Future Farmers of America (FFA) members throughout the school year. 

Currently, the Peotone High School FFA Chapter has over 20 students actively keeping project records, and more students will join this school year. These members sold pumpkins, gourds, cucumbers, garlic, muskmelon, eggs, scapes, straw, decorative corn stalks, sweet snacking peppers, bread, and fresh ground pepper at the Peotone Farmers Market this year. All items were grown and made by FFA students. If you missed a chance to purchase some of these items, visit the Peotone FFA Facebook page for upcoming items that may be for sale in the future. Some students are going to be selling honey, seasonings, and beef.

From raising chickens for eggs to growing produce to sell, these projects allow students to learn by doing, which is part of the FFA experience. Depending on the students' interest in the wide field of agriculture, an SAE project can fall into five different categories. These categories include placement, entrepreneurship, school-based, research, and service learning. Once a project is launched, students must keep financial records as well as experience records of what they are doing within their SAE. Then there is a competition called Proficiencies. At the competition, students are interviewed against other students with similar projects at the section, district, and state levels. 

Peotone FFA has had two student winners for the past two years in SAEs. To win, they competed against about 40,000 IL FFA members!  One of the winners was Autumn Regal. She won her Service Learning SAE last year by creating a meal packing event. Her fundraising efforts collected over $17,000. One night alone, she had over 100 volunteers assemble over 50,000 meals that were donated to local food pantries in four different counties. What an enormous accomplishment!  Through this amazing program, this student learned many lifelong skills and brought volunteers together for the good of others. Combining agriculture skills with a compassion to help others is an awesome act of kindness to see. 

By Myleyna Griest 

September 24 2025

Many people have been told that music has a positive effect on their academic studies, but most people just say it helps you focus, not why or what music to listen to.

Music has a positive effect on not only one’s body but one’s brain as well. It helps lower your anxiety, reduce music tension, ease pain, help your memory, improve academic performance, strengthen your resolve, increase brain capacity, and more.

Now, how can music do all of this when all it is are some notes in a rhythm? Music activates both sides of your brain simultaneously, of course! This activation of both sides of your brain simultaneously causes the brain to be able to work at maximum capacity. This unlocks doors in your brain you wouldn’t have been able to unlock without it. 

Music also causes one’s attention span to greatly improve. College students at Stanford who did a study attested to this fact, even, “Music moves [the] brain to pay attention”, they said.

Studies have shown that the introduction of music to college students allows their academic capabilities to increase greatly. This is because anxiety causes a lack of sleep, and it is obvious that college life is stressful. With all the information provided, the solution is clear: music! 

But what music is best to make all this happen?  Classical music is the best for all of the previously listed information, and a researcher attested to this: “The goal of the study was to look at how the brain sorts events, but research also revealed that music techniques used by composers 200 years ago help the brain organize incoming information (Baker).  

This is because music serves as a cognitive exercise for the brain. The more going on in the music, the more the brain reacts. Music also reacts differently based on type. A fast-paced song makes the brain react faster and better, and slow music calms as well as slows the brain. 

Music with words also distracts the brain when studying. This is because the brain will split one’s focus between the words you are supposed to be studying and the words the music is saying. This is why classical works with an upbeat rhythm work so well when studying; it combines all the parts of music that stimulate the brain to maximum capacity.

So in conclusion, you should listen to music when studying, and fast-paced classical music.

By Bailey Schultz

Theaters are showing "The Breakfast Club" for its 40th anniversary, while Taylor Swift prepares to release her new album, "Life of a Showgirl."

"The Breakfast Club" is a movie about five drastically different teenagers who get a detention on Saturday, March 24, 1984. It takes place in Maine North High School, where they all got in trouble for varying reasons. An interesting fact is that "The Breakfast Club" was actually shot in Des Plaines, Illinois. 

Now onto music. Taylor Swift is releasing her new album, "Life of a Showgirl," on October 3 of this year. This album is about reflecting on her inner happiness and fame. This will be Taylor Swift’s 12th album.

By Kay Peters

Senior Sunrise is a tradition where seniors of the graduating year come together to celebrate the last year of their High School career. This tradition is known throughout the whole nation and is celebrated in almost every High School in America. Waking up at the crack of dawn, before the sunrise, to come together as not just people but as friends, all celebrating the same experience as a whole. 

This year, the class of 2026 came together to celebrate senior sunrise. Despite previous events, it didn’t prevent this year's seniors from experiencing these traditions just like the classes before them.  Every year is different, and although the school did not support Senior Sunrise in the parking lot, the students showed up in every aspect to make up for that.  This year, the class of 2026 celebrated this tradition at the Peotone Fairgrounds on August 25th, with students arriving as early as 5:30 am. 

In previous years, staff helped put on Senior Sunrise, providing essentials in the morning. The class of 2026 may not have had that, but they definitely showed up by bringing assortments of food, drinks, griddles, and music. Pancakes of every kind, chocolate, blueberry, and regular. Varieties of fruits, eggs, hash browns, donuts, and bacon for everyone to enjoy.   As the sun rose, people came together to provide food, cook, share a laugh, and take pictures, capturing the last moments of High School for the class of 2026. 

This experience is a part of the American culture in High School. The feeling of being together as a class, as friends, enjoying the time that is left without thinking of the next step in lives and careers. A moment of stillness and presence to celebrate the time that is left, watching the sun rise.