Fashion Friday: Winter Coziness

Rachel Case

‘Tis the season for warm, comfortable sweaters. Especially during the winter season, a sweater makes a stylish choice that is appropriate for many occasions. This is because there are so many different varieties, including cashmere sweaters and cardigans. Over the decades, sweaters have become iconic pieces of clothing. They continue to gain popularity for both men and women.

Cashmere knitted sweaters emerged in the 1920’s, when they were worn as utilitarian and athletic clothing items. During the 1930’s, however, the use of sweaters was altered. In 1937, Lana Turner appeared in the movie They Won’t Forget, wearing a tight sweater. In the following decades, sweaters became fashion statements. During the 1940’s, the decorated evening sweaters were introduced. Often, designers incorporated beads, fur, and metal studs into their creations. Many of these sweaters also had three-quarter length sleeves. These styles began an influential trend that continued into the 1960’s.

The cardigan, another trendy style of sweater, is popular due to its versatility and comfort. The use of cardigans dates back to 17th century France and Britain. These items were worn by fishermen, as they were invaluable and warm on the cold seas. More recently, cardigans have been adored by many people, including Mr. Rogers. This iconic star gave cardigans a huge boost of popularity by wearing them on his show. Many teenage girls who adopted the look wore their cardigans backwards, buttoned up the back.

Sweaters are among the most popular items of clothing worn by people today, during fall and winter seasons. Designers continue to create new versions of the sweater, making it easier than ever to create many different looks.

Wrapping Gifts for Charity

Mrs. Reif’s Great Issues class is having a gift wrapping party. They will wrap gifts for a monetary donation that will go towards a charity called the Pajama Program, which gives books and pajamas to children in need. The class needs your donations of wrapping paper, gift tags, bows, and tape to get started! Please bring all donations to Mrs. Reif in room 123 between November 19th and December 14th. The actual wrapping party is on Monday, December 17, from 3 to 6 P.M. in the High School Cafeteria.

The Morose Fellow

Jared Pace

In the fervid streets of London, a surly dotard sulked in the dark corner of a secluded alley, quaffing a great deal of muscatel and attempting to console his shattered soul. The drink burned as it slowly trickled down his throat, though he surprisingly seemed numb to the pain. His fustian apparel was in shreds, his coxcomb frayed and cut in many different places; a small bauble was attached by a string at his hip. He bitterly doffed the cap to the side, questioning how he had gotten himself into such a precarious situation. Suddenly, without warning, he became dazed. He felt the poison course through his veins and was suddenly stricken with an appalling migraine; he felt as if he had been pierced by an adder. Madcap ideas began to stir in his head, affirming that he had been threatened by a cullion who cozened him into his current predicament. The man was once a pithy prodigy who dedicated his life to the rudiments of writing; he suddenly remembered where in his life he had gone awry, when he lost every ducat he owned, and when he lost every person he had held dear. Abruptly, he began to weep profusely; a never-ending cascade of tears streaked down his face. Dark clouds soon engulfed the skies, showering the land with rain. Utterly lost in this world, he stood up and walked into the dark depths of the alley, a lost soul cast into an abysmal limbo.

Wildlife Wednesday: Holiday Decorations #1

Mary Cope

As the holidays draw near, many of us are breaking out our festive decorations and are “decking the halls,” both inside and out. Most of these ornaments are made from synthetic materials and, although they may be quite decorative, they do not attract wildlife. There are several simple decorations that are not only festive but are holiday treats for the animals, as well!

Garlands are classic decorations that can be put on any tree. A holiday garland that will attract many birds, squirrels, and other creatures is easy, inexpensive, and enjoyable to make! All you need is some string, cheerios, popcorn, cranberries, and any other fruit or grain-based food. Using a needle, simply thread the foods onto the string, tie off the ends of the strand, and hang your garland on any tree or shrub. This fun holiday activity benefits the animals by giving them a safe, healthy snack that encourages their natural foraging behavior. After your garland is complete, sit back and enjoy watching the little critters attracted by your yummy holiday treat!

(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

Be a Part of SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon!

What do you do? Wear red or a World AIDS Day t-shirt!

When? December 21st, before first period.

Why? To show your support for AIDS awareness!

SADD is asking all students and staff at the high school to participate in SADD’s Largest Red Ribbon on December 21st. This annual event is held to support AIDS awareness. Before first period on December 21st, students and staff, dressed in red, will gather on the turf in the shape of a ribbon for a picture.

World AIDS Day t-shirts can be purchased from SADD in the cafeteria during all lunch periods through December 5th. Each shirt costs $14, and all proceeds will benefit the Southern Tier AIDS Program.

Be sure to join us!

Winter

Julia Fouts

The sting of cold hits my face
As I walk outside to the wintery place.

Snowflakes fall and dance to my nose;
They are each individuals, every time it snows.

I embrace the scene of my world in white,
A terrifying storm brought upon this peaceful sight.

I see the children playing;
They are squealing and laughing and obeying.

I walk back inside and warmth gives me a hug
As I drink the hot cocoa from my holiday mug.

I try to forget bad times from this year,
​For now it is time to sing and to cheer.
​
This is winter,
It’s the end of one and the beginning of another.

First Games for Girls’ Basketball

Meghan McGrath

On Friday, November 30th, the girls’ basketball teams had their first games of the season. The varsity team includes juniors Hannah Agate, Carly Dove, Kaylee Dimorier, Becca Eichorst, Kristen Fuller, Kasey McGrath, Lisa Sharpe, and Gail VanValkenburg, sophomore Morgan Hollenback, and freshmen Hannah Casey and Madison Dimorier. The team lost 54-13 against the Christian Brothers Academy. Both teams played hard, but in the end, CBA managed to get the upper hand.

The junior varsity team was also defeated, finishing the game with a score of 32-22. JV includes sophomores Mary Mercer, Megan Neuman, Natalie Partigianoni, Olivia Roos, and Emily Whittington, freshmen Meghan McGrath and Emily Aloi, and eighth-graders Megan Guerrara and Cary
Trierweiler. Ashley Lee is also on JV, but she was unavailable for the game. After four quarters, CBA walked away with the win.

On Monday December 3rd, the girls’ basketball teams will play against Tully at home.