By Siri Corson The car seemed to shake as my friends enthusiastically screamed the bridge of the song “Cruel Summer.” My teeth were clenched under my smile as I wondered how many more “Swiftie” songs I would be subjected to on the 45-minute car ride to Decorah. At some point we turned the music down to discuss topics we held dear to our hearts like guns, political candidates, … [Read more...]
Ohtani: History in the Making
By Cashton Newgaard America has just been shocked! December 9, 2023, the biggest contract in not just baseball, but in all American sports history was signed by Shoei Ohtani. Imagine what a person could do with $700 million. That is a huge amount of money. This contract is already becoming one of the hottest topics in baseball history. This two-way player just keeps … [Read more...]
Christmas Traditions Around the Globe
By Alleen Erchoff-Costet What does the Christmas spirit mean to you? Christmas is celebrated in many different ways in cultures around the world. Most of us might set up a Christmas tree and open presents on Christmas day. Christmas traditions may include decorating the tree, baking cookies, opening presents, watching movies, and keeping up with The Elf on the Shelf. Some … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: The Biden Administration’s Struggle in the Middle East: A Growing Crisis Unfolds
By Isaac Vick The Biden administration finds itself entangled in a complex web of diplomacy and crisis management in the Middle East, as it grapples with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The president and his top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, face a daunting challenge in persuading the Israeli government to temporarily halt its offensive against … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project “The Tale Of Despereaux” and Why This Book Helped and Changed Me for the Better
By Maggie Dempewolf Never would I have thought, at the young age of 10, that picking up “The Tale of Despereaux“ from the school library in the fifth grade would change me for the better. Looking back on it now, at the age of 18 with an expansive collection of books, I am so glad that my younger self chose to do what she did. So here is the telling of how one book changed … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Gender-affirming Care; Can It Save Lives?
By Saturn Ludewig In case anyone does not know what the terms referring to one’s gender mean, transgender is defined, by a Google search, as “denoting or relating to a person whose gender identity does not correspond with the sex registered for them at birth,” a transgender man is someone who was born as a female and labeled as a woman but is transitioning to become a man, … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project Pre-college 101
By Hannah Kingsley Juniors and seniors alike are regularly asked the same question by peers, family, and their community: what will you do after high school? For most, this can be a daunting question to have to answer, but there’s no need to fear the future. For those planning on going to college after high school, you don’t have to know what you want to major in right away. … [Read more...]
Why Spring Grove Schools Should Invest in Air Conditioning
By Addison Kessler The Spring Grove Schools should invest in air conditioning because, even though it is getting colder out, it will last the school for 10 to 15 years. This topic has been brought up many times when talking about what to do with the extra money that the school acquires. Air conditioning is important during the warmer months because it will keep the students … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Halloween Unmasked
By Hayden St. Mary Once on a dark and stormy night... the tradition of scaring, sweet eating, and enjoying the occasional pumpkin spice latte emerged. We all love the tradition of trick or treating, whether it’s getting candy door to door, or sneaking a few treats for yourself from your kids’ stash. But the origins of Halloween are a mystery to many. So let’s dive into the … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: The First Twins Playoff Win of My Life
By Ben Udstuen The Minnesota Twins just recently won their first series in the playoffs since 2002, let alone their first playoff game since 2004. They haven’t even made it to the playoffs in 12 of these 19 years. So while watching a postseason game featuring the Twins, you can imagine the surprise of seeing a W by the Twins side rather than the opposing side. As a junior … [Read more...]