Hectic Hurricane Hits Home

Jack Hedger

The hurricanes have affected Plymouth High School students by displacing their families in the south. Students have stated that they have been to affected areas in the past, and/or are planning to visit whether it be for family vacations, or to visit loved ones.

“I stayed with my family this past summer. I was there on vacation, and it was sunny and nice.” said freshman Michael Berg.

The landscape from five months ago is now unrecognizable. From leaves blown off trees, boats strung across docks, and former construction sites blown across the place.

The people of Plymouth have and can help the affected people by making donations to the local Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and many more businesses and nonprofits that are involved in the donation process.

One way the students and faculty have helped is by donating.

Junior, Jeffrey Chamberlin has made donations. When asked why, he said, ”Because we want to help out anyone in need no matter how far away, especially in this time of division in America.

“I am making a $100 donation, although I am not sure to what organization yet. I may use the connections I have with the area and find a shelter or something similar to donate the money to,” said junior, Jack Garner.

Scream Park Sneak peak

Maggie Bradway and Ivy Marin

At the Niles Haunted House’s Media Night, Plymouth High School students; freshmen Ivy Marin, Maggie Bradway, Caitlin Davidson, Jeik Barron, and sophomore Audrey Seay got a sneak peek of this year’s frightening attractions. The theme for this year is “Possessed and Incarcerated.” The park thrills its fans with two new attractions, one called “Hooded” and others that are Escape Rooms. In Order to participate in “Hooded” you must be at least 18 years old and must sign a waiver to enter the attraction.Niles Scream Park is a non-profit community project. All the workers are volunteers who volunteer to help any organization they are participating in. The money goes to over 100 different groups.

Niles Scream Park has surveys and they ask people what they want or what they should add to the park for the next year. They have professional artists and builders to design and build the big house every year. They work non-stop to design the attractions and to get them ready for the next year. Niles Scream Park workers love hearing feedback from everyone. They see over 7,000 people every night, and they even stay open until 2:00 a.m. just to make sure everyone gets to go through. They do not allow lighters or weapons into Niles Scream Park.

Plan to leave your phone in the car, because if you have a phone and you bring it in, they do not want to see it come out or they will escort you out of the attraction. If you can not handle the attraction, they will take you out of the attraction through the doors closest to you. There are many secret doors throughout the attractions and you will get assistance if needed.

In order to volunteer you must be 16 years old and must have a parent working on the premises. The money your group gets depends on how long you work at the park. The scream factor of the park this year should be a 10 out of 10 for everyone because there is something there to scare everyone. They will ask what your fear is, and will take you through a certain path according to your answer. Watch out for the steamers, and happy hauntings this year!

A hail of questions with jack garner

Jack Hedger

Why do you think all the hurricanes are happening?

Hurricanes feed off of three main ingredients. These would be wind speed/direction, humidity, and warm ocean temperatures. Usually at this point in the year which is peak hurricane season, these ingredients are somewhat favorable to produce hurricanes. However, all three pieces fell into place this season, as temperatures in the mid-Atlantic and Caribbean have been well above 80º in many locations, which just keeps fueling the fire.

Do you have any predictions after Hurricane Maria?

Although there are no true storms behind Maria at the time this has been written, there will likely be a few more as we head into October. By then, the season should dwindle down as the humidity and ocean temperatures decrease dramatically. Irma and Maria have both been storms of incredible proportions, and it is unlikely we will see another one that large this year.

Introducing Improv

Nicole Keller

Senior Claire Peters describes her experience of Improv club using one word, “Spontaneous”. In a stress free, creative, and limitless environment in the Math Annex located in WSOI improv members are able to act and have fun. The Improv Club is one of the newest clubs at Plymouth High School. Mr. Connor, an English teacher, is the advisor of the club. The club meets on Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 where they “play games, practice scenes, make things up, and have fun”, said Mr. Connor.

Mr. Connor decided to establish the club based around his own passions. He said, “Improv is a passion of mine, not just because it's fun, but because everyone can be an improviser. It's a wonderful outlet for creativity & energy, and I wanted to give that outlet to PHS students.”

Students such as junior Katy Smith, junior Levi Crawford, and senior Claire Peters use Improv Club for the outlet.

Peters, the social media director of the club, said, “My favorite part about this club is improving my improv and acting skills in a really laid back and fun environment. You don't have to be a master actor to participate and have a great time.”

The fundamentals of a great time is also what Levi Crawford enjoys the most about the activity. He said, “Improv Club is a great club to join, because although it is full of so many different people, we all work together to have fun and support each other when needed. It's a low-pressure environment, so you don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with.”

To some Improv club is a place to better themselves as performers, and for others it is a place to de-stress through using positive energy and creativity.

Smith is this year’s Improv Club president. She said, “At improv, we strive to challenge kids to step out of their comfort zones and channel their creativity. In short, we try new things and have a laugh about.”

The fun and games of Improv Club will be put together to display at the end of the semester. Mr. Connor said, “We are hoping to have a showcase at the end of the semester to put on an improv show for other students, families, or community members.”

The Improv Club encourages new members to join, even if they are nervous or skeptical of the experience.

Peters said, “You are never forced to play anything, it's all volunteer based. So if you are afraid to participate, you are 100% welcome to just come and watch to see if it's something you would enjoy. Most people in this club aren't even in an acting class, so we have all different skill levels... so there's a game for everybody.”

5K Against Domestic Violence

Gabbi Wright

Can you tell me what the 5k run Against Domestic Violence is really all about?

It's really about bringing awareness to the problem of domestic violence that plagues our community. I'm currently working on a case to help two students at PHS, but there have been several cases in northern Indiana.

What is your motivation?

My motivation is happiness. Not just for me, but that of victims in the community. They need to know there are resources and that they're not alone. The world is full of people willing to give a helping hand, sometimes you just have to look a little harder. My motivation is to bring happiness to those who thought it'd be possible again and give them a place to turn to.

What do you hope people who decide to participate really get from this?

I hope participants understand the importance of the Heminger House and the strength that public awareness could bring. United we stand, against the issue of domestic violence.

Who do you know that is participating in the 5k?

We have many business owners, influential figures, parents, and students of the community participating in the event. It makes my heart happy to realize there is so much backing on my project by those with influential power in the community.

Other than the 5k, what other things are you doing for this organization? Ex: the auction

5K launching at 9:30 a.m., there will be local musicians performing throughout, an auction starting at 12:30, a cornhole tournament, a Pizza Hut booth, face painting booth, Avon booth, a local artist's booth, and more!