The CHIEF December 2025

CHIEF PONTIAC TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL The

DEC, 2025

UPPERCLASS ACTS

PTHS UPDATES Read about what’s new at PTHS

Check out which PTHS seniors are this month's Upperclass Acts

PTHS Updates By: Logan McCabe

Wrapping up the month of December, it is safe to say that many events and festivities took place to enhance the already wonderful time of the year. Moments including the new remote learning policy, school dress-up days, club involvement, and a new fluffy addition to Pontiac Township High School offer a sufficient closing to December. Recently, Dr. McGuckin, PTHS Superintendent, has taken a strong role in introducing the school's new e-learning policy. The weather got cold quickly, and it applied remote learning days in the case of harsh cold weather. In previous years, if the weather were to cause unsafe travel to school, the day would be called off. Along with that, the missed day would then be tacked on to the end of the year, adding on day by day of school into summer break. With remote e-learning days, that issue is no longer occurring and the end of school is set to its exact date. 'Twas the season to be jolly, in which this year the school created fun dress-up days leading into the Christmas-winter break. Every day, students and teachers fit the theme for that day, creating a fun reminder of the upcoming winter break. Along with that factor, students prepared for the school-wide final exams on December 17 - 19. Meanwhile, with the help of Pontiac Student Council, Key Club, and the National Honor Society, students worked hard to help raise donations for the Christmas Toy and Food Drive. On December 2nd and 11th during the basketball games, the students strived to get as many donations as possible to send to children and families. Donations included toys, canned/boxed food, and monetary donations. Last semester, a brand-new exciting announcement came to our attention involving a new certified therapy dog for the school. With info from Ms. Fox, we learned the wonderfully trained Maple has worked hard to make sure she is calm, gentle, and ready to help as many students around the school. Maple turned one last October and is roughly new to interactions. With that, Maple is slowly being introduced to the school environment and students to ensure she feels comfortable at the new level. Once she feels at home, Maple plans on staying at the school three days a week to offer many benefits for students at PTHS. She can help students struggling in stressful situations and improve their mood. Maple creates strong relationships and eases students into a peaceful and welcoming environment. Maple will be a wonderful addition to PTHS and students and teachers are looking forward to her being a part of the school as well.

Teacher Interview: Mrs. Hopt By: Caitlin Fuhr

Originating from Camp Point, Illinois, a small town of only 1,400 people, Mrs. Hopt moved on to Illinois State University to study for her math degree, at the same time as Mr. Zega. Whether it be in class, at tribe tutoring, or an extra-curricular, Mrs. Hopt’s favorite thing about teaching is making students “feel seen and known.” Outside of school, Mrs. Hopt enjoys crocheting, kayaking, and watching reality and crime television. Recently, her favorite hobby has been snuggling her baby girl, as she just became a mom in the fall (adorable photos included.) She shared that becoming a mother has made her life crazy busy, but she balances it by leaving her “teacher hat… at school,” so she can give her best to the people around her, focusing solely on being the best wife and mom at home. Mrs. Hopt is so grateful for the school community that listens to her stories about her baby and enjoys all of the photos she shares. One day, Mrs. Hopt hopes her daughter will have teachers who genuinely care about her outside of her academic ability, as Mrs. Hopt does for students at PTHS. According to Mrs. Hopt, the most interesting thing about her is being a mother. While that is an amazing accomplishment, I think it’s important to note Mrs. Hopt coached girls' JV basketball at one point, and she was an amazing and caring coach. Mrs. Hopt always took the time to hear the girls out and wanted the best for each and every one of them. Whether on a bus ride home or during practice, Mrs. Hopt gave the team great advice that showed she cared and wanted them to succeed. For the students here at PTHS, Mrs. Hopt had several important pieces of advice. She believes it’s important to give your best effort at all times, get involved, find a good group of friends for encouragement, and “be kind to everyone you meet.”

December Basketball Update By: Taylor Henson

Frosty winter brings winter sports seasons! Both boys’ and girls' basketball have had amazing starts to their respective seasons. To start, boys’ basketball had a tournament in Ottawa with three quality wins on the 24th, 25th, and 28th of November. For most of the games, they dominated and won by double digits! Unfortunately, the championship was called off due to winter weather and road conditions. Following that, December 2nd was their first home game against New Berlin High School. It was an intense game with each team sharing the lead. However, Pontiac pulled away with about three minutes left in the fourth quarter and were victorious, the final score 61-53. On the 29th, 30th, and 31st, the team will compete in their 94th annual Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Next, the girls have also had a satisfying start to their season! Their recent varsity game against Bishop McNamara High School was especially interesting, reaching overtime with Pontiac being narrowly defeated. The final score for this game was 52-55. Starting December 19th and going through the 21st, the girls’ basketball holiday tournament in Ottawa took place! To end, both sports teams seem to be hungry for wins and have ambitious goals for the rest of the season. So, come support your fellow classmates and friends as they compete for PTHS this winter season.

PTHS Artist Spotlight By: Reese Wehri

Taylor Henson, a junior in Art III, created this piece titled “It’s Never Over.” To create this pen drawing, Taylor used her knowledge of shading techniques, notably “stippling.” This meticulous process of inking hundreds of dots led to the amazing, very realistic outcome! Taylor comments that the background was especially “mentally challenging” because of the patience and time needed, taking her more than five hours to complete! Taylor was inspired by the 1994 record, Grace, by Jeff Buckley, which she’s “been listening to on repeat.” Amazing job, Taylor!

Opinion UNPOPULAR

By: Kaisha Evans

Hoodies and sweatshirts are staples for many, especially in the cold seasons. These essential pieces are constantly influenced by trending brands and patterns, and most of the time, that's okay. I can see the appeal for most popular clothing, even if it's not my personal style, but there is one trending sweatshirt I'll never understand. The PARKE mock neck sweatshirts have been a best seller over the past two years. The company generated $16 million in revenue in 2024 alone, with sweatshirts accounting for a significant majority of sales. The PARKE sweatshirt is known for its “trending neckline” and “varsity style lettering,” but in my opinion, they are a waste of $125. First, the mock neck is a fleeting micro trend that I will be happy to see go. It's like making your neck disappear on purpose, and don't get me started on the fabric around the neck. Has anyone ever actually been comfortable with a thick ring of fabric around their neck all day? Onto the lettering: to me, this varsity-style sweatshirt is an overdone and pricey detail, considering it covers the entire front of the sweatshirt. The brand logo across the sweatshirt is not timeless and screams, “Hey, look at me, I paid $125 for a sweatshirt because it was trending.” In conclusion, when choosing to participate in trends this season, do not be swayed by the popularity of an item. Instead, consider the price point, wearability once the trend is over, and comfort. So save your $125 this holiday season and buy a nice non-PARKE related gift for someone special, or donate to charity!

Teacher Appreciation By: Laila Bekirovski

Our school has many amazing teachers, but one I would like to thank is Mr. McElwee, although most students know him better as Mr. Mac or, affectionately, T Dawg. His classroom is not just a place to learn English, it is a space where creativity, curiosity, and individuality are genuinely welcomed. Mr. McElwee is known for his eccentric personality, which immediately sets him apart. From his expressive storytelling to his unexpected jokes and animated discussions, his lessons never feel dull or routine. You never quite know what to expect when you walk into his classroom, and that unpredictability makes learning exciting. Reading a novel or analyzing a poem with Mr. McElwee feels less like an assignment and more like a shared experience.

What truly makes Mr. McElwee special, however, is how inviting he is to his students. He creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up, even if they are unsure of their answer. He listens carefully, values different perspectives, and encourages students to think deeply and critically without the fear of being judged. In his classroom, students are not just learners, they are thinkers whose voices matter. Mr. McElwee also has a unique way of connecting with students on a personal level. He takes the time to understand their interests, challenges, and strengths, and he uses that understanding to help them grow, both academically and personally. Whether he is offering thoughtful feedback on an essay or a quick word of encouragement in the hallway, it is clear that he genuinely cares about his students’ success.

So, I would like to say thank you to a very valued member of our community who inspires his students every day to be passionate about learning and enjoying their high school experience.

Creative Writing By: Myley Remkus

In AP English, we learned to create a “model” poem for specific poets. We chose a poem and then took it apart, analyzing the meter, meaning, technique, and other poetry elements. We then created our own poem that modeled the original, but we changed the words and meanings.

In my model of the poem, I tried to capture what can happen to a beautiful city once violence and hate is present. I wanted to showcase how quick hate can affect a city and the lives of others.

In Dickinson’s poem, she is writing about a person who is very loved and looked at fondly. My model poem is written from the perspective of the muse for Dickinson’s poem. I wanted to showcase that even when a person is praised and may seem “perfect,” that person may not think of themselves in that way and could be struggling with their own insecurities.

Upperclass Acts

Jacob Hammer

ROLE MODEL(S): My parents. They have always been a big part of my life. They are like my guiding light through difficult times. They also make good food. My grandpa! He’s awesome, a little cranky though. He likes to build stuff and built a tree house specifically for me and did a crap ton of renovations to his house. He also wanted to be a chef so he makes some of the most delicious food ever. ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: There are three major ones I’ve been involved with: Band, Esports, and Art Club. Band is probably my favorite thing to do, period. I love the music and that feeling of playing at your first concert is the absolute best. Same with marching band, it's one of the most influential and fun things I’ve ever been a part of. Moving on, there's Esports. When I joined, initially I was a bit apprehensive because playing video games for the school is often seen as weird but I had lots of fun! Granted, I haven’t been as big of a part of it as I have been in previous years (sorry, Coach). I recommend joining for anybody that is at all interested. If you are interested, please go and talk to Mr. Hackler about it! Finally, there is the Art Club. I’ve definitely been the least active in it but it's a very fun environment. You get to do things like carving pumpkins and ornament making, and there's even a trip to Chicago at the end of the year. FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Recently in senior year of high school I’ve gotten the honor of leading the low brass section of the band as their section leader. Being able to help them however I can and play music with them is one of my favorites throughout high school. 3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Band, science, and art. Band is there because I love being a part of the ensemble and playing music as a whole. Science, because I find earth science uber-intriguing. I love all the rocks and how the ecosystems interact with each other. My last area of interest is art because I love to create things. I love to draw and paint as well as sculpt and glaze clay into new art pieces. PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Right now, I’m planning on going to Heartland because it's cheap to study geology because of its involvement with the rocks and the earth. Though I’d also like to go into orchestral music and play in big bands like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. These two plans are very conflicting. AVORITE MOVIE: Mr. Holland's Opus . In short, it's a movie about someone who becomes a teacher and goes into teaching and discovers why he chose to teach and how he is growing with his students. MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “AYO” by Katajh Copley. I know what you're thinking, weird choice I know. For me though it was a turning point for me in high school and represents my growing love for music as a whole. This is because we played it my sophomore year and it was a great piece

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: I have a tie for three favorite teachers and there's no way around it. Mr. Ritter, an Earth Science and Environmental Science teacher here at PTHS, Mr. Hackler, the Physics and General Science Teacher, and finally Mr. Valois, the newest Band director. Mr. Ritter because of his teaching style and his optimistic and motivating way of teaching taught me my love for Earth Science and my love for geology. Hackler taught me perseverance and is by far the most influential on me as a person. Finally, there's also Mr. Valois because he brought in new and refreshing air to the Band program revitalizing it and enchanting it with his new twist. My favorite class is Band.

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: I’m not much of a reader but I thought Fahrenheit 451 was really good! I read it in Ms. Hatfield's English 1 class.

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: When we won 1st place at the Washington competition my junior year. It was so fun and it showed me the band program was about to change for the better.

PET PEEVES: Loud chewing. I hate it.

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: I hope they remember me as someone who tried their hardest and did what they could with their time here. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? My realistic answer would be to put half in savings and invest and donate the other 50 percent. My unrealistic answer would be to move to Vienna, Austria, with my family and friends and live happily ever after. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? Easy, A knife, a 10 foot rope and a huge tarp. The knife is obvious for cutting things and defense. The rope is a multitool and can be used to hang things, for traps, and even to dry foods and stuff. The tarp is multi-purpose but it's mostly important because it is water proof making it a good roof and makes for a good boat bottom.

LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “You don't know what's coming in high school and honestly, it's scary sometimes, but you can't just give up. Persevere.”

Upperclass Acts

Morgan Dewald

NICKNAMES: Mo

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: Instead of reading, I like to listen to podcasts.

ROLE MODEL(S):My Mom, my Dad, and my Grandma Dewald

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Winning the regional championship in volleyball this year, and beating Prairie Central 3 times in a row (in a single season)

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Volleyball, Basketball, Key Club, Class Officer, FCA

FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Participating in activities during Homecoming week, such as powder puff, hallway decorating, float decorating, and pep rallies.

PET PEEVES: Listening to people chew with their mouth open.

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: That I spend a lot of time studying, love sports, and always try to encourage others. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? I would go on a small shopping spree, then give to a charity, and save the rest. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? A pan, an ax, and flint LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “Work hard at everything you do. Even in challenging classes, put your mind to it, ask questions, do your best, and you will be successful. Spend time getting involved and doing something fun because high school is more than just academics.”

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Family, spending time with little kids, and sports

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: I am going to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, to become an occupational therapist assistant.

FAVORITE MOVIE: 50 First Dates

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle

FAVORITE TEACHERS: Mr. Blair and Mr. Zega

FAVORITE CLASS: Certified Nursing Assistant

Movie Review

The Lego Movie

By Tyler Drechsel

Over the course of my high school career I’ve come to the realization that several of my favorite childhood films were absolute masterpieces that went over my head. One film however that I never thought about revisiting was The Lego Movie . I never thought that I’d get anything rewatching it and mainly associated the movie with the annoying song “Everything Is Awesome.” Last August, I finally revisited The Lego Movie and had my mind blown. It was not the film that I remembered watching when I was six and I kicked myself for not revisiting it sooner. The Lego Movie follows Emmet, a construction worker with a relatively normal life. His life changes after he accidentally stumbles upon an ancient relic which has the power to change everything. He’s immediately arrested and questioned for finding this relic before being rescued by someone he comes to know as “Wildstyle.” After this grand escape, Emmet is told of the purpose of this relic and himself, finding out that he may be the chosen one to stop the evil Lord Business from enacting a sinister plot to enforce control on all realms of the Lego world. First of all, the animation in this film is stellar. The level of detail is very impressive with fingerprints being added to Lego bricks in the background. This film is also way funnier than I originally remember it being. Running gags, outlandish concepts and visuals, slapstick, and absurd dialogue with a small tint of dark humor all play a part in crafting an incredible sense of humor. This film had me hyperventilating from laughter. The cast is also phenomenal. Chris Pratt shows his flexibility as an actor and does a spectacular job. The aspect that really struck me on this rewatch were the themes of totalitarianism and creative freedom that were portrayed. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller ingeniously use the different beliefs in the Lego fan base to craft a stunning allegory for totalitarian governments, and create an argument for creative freedom in one of the most unique ways I’ve ever seen. All in all, this film is a masterpiece. The Lego Movie is hands down one of my all-time favorite movies, and I’m so glad I gave it another chance.

Rating: 10/10

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe By Madyson Herkert

With flurries in the air and snow on the ground, December comes to us as a “Let’s get warm month!” When you're cold or feeling a little chilly, this recipe will blow your taste buds away! One of my favorite winter soups is Chicken Gnocchi. I am always reminded of that calm December afternoon when the snow was piled high outside and my Chicken Gnocchi soup was next to me, keeping me warm. This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy, restaurant-style comfort dish. The soup is made with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, velvety broth. The recipe begins by sautéing butter, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic before building a silky roux with flour. Chicken broth and half-and-half are added, along with thyme and mustard powder, to create the flavorful base. Seasoned chicken simmers gently in the pot until cooked through, then gets diced and returned as the gnocchi cook to tender perfection. A handful of fresh spinach is stirred in at the end for color and freshness, with optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick. The Cozy Cook recommends maintaining a gentle simmer to prevent dairy from separating. The dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or biscuits and is loved for its satisfying creamy texture.

The Chief Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Myley Remkus Laila Bekirovski Tyler Drechsel Kaisha Evans Caitlin Fuhr Taylor Henson Mady Herkert Nevaeh Lee Payton Mercer Logan Mccabe Lauren Russow Reese Wehri

Mr. Blair, Faculty Sponsor Dr. Soares, Faculty Sponsor