The CHIEF May 2024

CHIEF PONTIAC TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL The

MAY, 2024

UPPERCLASS ACTS

A YEAR IN SUMMARY

Read about the first year at PTHS for a couple of our new teachers

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

Goodbye from Your Editor By: Vanessa Kapper

Dear Chief readers,

It has been a pleasure to be your editor for the past two years! I have been on TheChief staff for the past three years now, and the experience has been amazing. I enjoyed reading all of the articles from the hardworking staff and it was always great hearing feedback from fellow teachers! Thank you to everyone that has contributed to The Chief’s success, especially to our sponsors, Dr. Soares and Mr. Blair. I look forward to reading The Chief in the future and I am confident that next year’s Editor-In-Chief will do great things! Thank you for reading.

Sincerely, Vanessa Kapper

Preparing for Finals Tips By: Hannah Ricketts

I know we’re all looking forward to the end of the year and are ready for the summer to begin, but first we have to get through finals. Testing day can be a breeze if you come prepared. From study guides to flashcards, there’s no one right strategy to study for your tests. You only have to figure out what works best for you. So far throughout high school, I’ve tried out every different way to prepare for finals, and I’ve figured out that what works best for me is to create a list. First, write down your first-hour class and any topics you need to refresh on before test day. Then, do the same for your second-hour and continue the process for all your classes. I prefer to prepare this way because it allows me to prioritize my time based on the order of the tests. Another great resource for memorization is using websites like Blooket, where you can input the specific information you need and combine it with games. This method keeps you engaged and focused on winning the game, which, consequently, means you have to learn the information. Blooket also has a feature that allows you to input flashcard sets from other websites, such as Quizlet or Knowt, which can save you time when creating the data sets.

This year has flown by, and now we only have the final stretch until summer break. Use in-class time wisely, and you’ll do great on test day. Most importantly, good luck and enjoy your break!

A Year in Summary with Mrs. Rustman and Mrs. Hamann By: Lauren Russow

With finals week coming up, teachers like Mrs. Hamann and Mrs. Rustman can reflect on their first year of teaching at PTHS.

Mrs. Hamann teaches Civics and History, and volunteers with girls and boys cross country and girls track. Subsequently, she enjoyed the girls track team going to state for the 4 x 800 relay. She describes our high school as inclusive. She went to ISU for college and Aurora University for her masters. She had a different experience then the current high school student because she went to Woodland High School where kindergarten through 12th grade were all in the same school. She says that PTHS is ten times bigger than her high school and there are just high school students in our school. The students in our school also have more academic and extracurricular opportunities than what she was offered during high school. Prior to teaching at PTHS, she taught Reading and Language Arts to the 4th and 5th graders at Pontiac’s Washington School and since she had such a wonderful experience there it made her interested in teaching at the high school level. She is looking forward to reconnecting with old students that she taught when they were younger. This year she enjoyed getting to teach Civics for the first time, getting to know students and building relationships with others, as well as the cookouts and tailgates our school hosted. Mrs. Hamann enjoys running, spending time with her husband and two Siberian huskies, and traveling to different places. She listens to hairband music and reads nonfiction true crime books. She says, “It is better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission” (meaning you do not need to wait around for anyone else's approval to do the things you need to succeed). She also informs students to put the phone down and get a lot of sleep. She also says they should spend time with their family and friends because in the blink of an eye their high school experience will be in the rear view mirror. Mrs. Rustman graduated from Winthrop University and teaches Career, Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies. She describes PTHS as welcoming. She showed interest in teaching at our school because she wanted to teach Life Skills, and was impressed with our Life Skills program. She enjoys being able to work with other people and her kind co-workers. She is involved with unified peers and says that it is a great way for students to get to know others that they might not otherwise be around. She also taught prior to coming to PTHS as a Special Education, Resource and Life Skills teacher. Mrs. Rustman’s favorite memories of working at PTHS are from going on field trips with other classes. In the beginning of the school year she looked forward to meeting new students and being a part of the PTHS community. When she went to high school she did not have as much access to technology or social media, making it different from that of the current high school student. Mrs. Rustman enjoys spending time with her kids, playing games and watching movies. Her favorite song is “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, and she likes reading Dr. Seuss books. She tells students that if they get involved they will have a successful school year.

In conclusion, Mrs. Rustman and Mrs. Hamann are two teachers who have completed their first year of teaching at our school. Along the way they have made many memories and are looking forward to meeting lots of new students next year.

Music Awards Night By: Lilian Rainbolt

This year’s PTHS Music Awards Night went wonderfully! We are grateful to everyone who made it possible. The meal was delicious and the cafeteria staff in particular deserves a special thanks for the time and effort put in. Mr. Neisler, our athletic director, was the surprise guest speaker. Mr. Neisler was involved in his high school’s music program all four years and he gave a very nice speech that left all of the music students moved. Following that, the various certificates, pins, and other paraphernalia were distributed to each music student according to year and the award winners were announced. Congratulations to all of this year’s music award recipients: Nola Dial, Isaac Yedinak, Sherrylee Bray, Lauren Russow, Maddie Grampp, Jonathan Cassidy, Levi Rients, Elena Krause, Olivia Yedinak, Jaxen Paine, Emma Donze, Colin Kristich, and Daniel Bradshaw. Special recognition to Colin Kristich, the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Band Award, and Daniel Bradshaw, the recipient of the National School Choral Award. All award winners, as well as their specific awards won, can be viewed in the photo and table attached. The night wrapped with a slideshow featuring pictures of the seniors as children versus now, which left them and all of their loved ones teary-eyed. A shout out to Mickey Travis for doing a wonderful job putting that together. All and all, it was a great night of celebrating the accomplishments of each music student this year.

Yellow Tulip Project By: Vanessa Kapper

Have you ever noticed the yellow tulips planted in front of the school? It turns out that there is a unique story behind them. Class of 2022’s Ava Nollen and Emma O’Lone brought the Yellow Tulip Project with them to PTHS and their science classes after learning about it at a Key Club District Convention. The yellow tulips are a sign of hope and they were planted with the intention of breaking the mental health stigma. Communities and schools all over the world have gathered together to plant “hope gardens” and talk about mental illness. With May being the month of Mental Health Awareness Month, there is not a better time to talk about mental health, so try to notice them next time you pass by!

Upperclass Acts

Lucas Machroli

NAME: Lucas Machroli

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer

NICKNAMES: Mac A Lackin

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Spending an entire day at a cathedral for practicing All-District Chorus.

ROLE MODEL(S): Mr. Schickel, Mr. Durbin, Mom & Dad

PET PEEVES: When people become too obnoxious (i.e. screaming, yelling, laughter at an extreme level). WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: I’m a very selfless person full of energy and have a passion for what I do. (And also for being a clown, even in times when I don’t try to put myself in the spotlight).

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Band & Chorus

FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Playing “The Star Spangled Banner” two days in a row.

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Music, Math, & Literature

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? Gift to charity and also buy a three-story house.

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Heartland Community College & major in music.

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? Lighter, canoe, & fishing rod LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “Be involved and don’t stop being committed. Keep your head in the game and find something you love with the people you love.”

FAVORITE MOVIE: Finding Nemo

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: Mr. Schickel (teacher) Chorus (class)

Upperclass Acts

Olivia Bonnivier

NAME: Olivia Bonnivier

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

NICKNAMES: Livy, Liv

ROLE MODEL: Iga Swiatek

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Taking opportunities to meet new people and try new things

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Track, Tennis, Growers group, Art club

PET PEEVES: Slow workers, interrupting, and cold weather

FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Winning a match at sectionals with my doubles partner.

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: My humor

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Art and design, Nature, and Fitness

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? I would donate money to local animal shelters, pay for college, and have a dinner with all of my friends. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? Food, water, and a waterproof blanket LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “Motivation can make a huge difference in the world, as long as you carry it step by step.”

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Go to Olivet Nazarene University to study interior design and business.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Beetlejuice

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Amaryllis” by Shinedown

FAVORITE CLASS: Accounting

Unpopular Opinion: Pepsi is better than Coke! By: Summer Negray

Pepsi is far more superior to Coke. Pepsi has higher sugar content making the pop have a sweeter taste. Personally I have a huge sweet tooth so I like tasty treats that have a high sugar content. This is a personal preference between people whether or not you like a sweeter flavor. In addition, the flavor of Pepsi is just astronomical. Nothing can compare to the taste of Pepsi. Coke in my opinion has a bit of a flat taste which is something that I’m not very fond of. Coke is okay in terms of soda, but when given the choice I will choose Pepsi. In my opinion, if you're going to be drinking pop, that's horrible for you anyway, you should just drink the more superior of the sodas.

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Logan Mackinson: “I agree - Pepsi!”

Cesar Gutierrez: “No way. Coke! It has a stronger taste.”

Livyanna Trujillo: “I don’t know. They’re, like, the same!”

Music Review

By: Taylor Henson

Album Review: The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift

Music can really change a person’s perspective on a subject they thought they were educated about. This is what Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department has done for her fans and others who didn’t realize what she was going through. In April 2023, news spread that Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn had broken up after a six-year relationship. Since Swift and Alwyn never spoke on the subject, fans thought they had ended on good terms. Since the drop of her new album, however, fans have realized they were mistaken. The Tortured Poets Department is Swift’s first “break-up” album since her release of Red in 2012. This album has a total of thirty-one songs. Swift sings about her time after the break-up while still being on her highest grossing tour, The Eras Tour. She informs listeners that she was depressed and cried “while the crowd was chanting “More!” in her song, “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.” However, she also had love songs that were seemingly about her new relationship with football star, Travis Kelce. Some of those songs include “The Alchemy” and “But Daddy I Love Him.” Overall, this album is written so beautifully and was a perfect album to talk about her life in the past couple months and years.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Movie Review

By: Tyler Drechsel

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is the one of the greatest epics to ever grace the screen, and may have even been the peak of cinema. For those who don’t know, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy takes place a long, long time ago within the fictional lands of Middle Earth. The entire story begins with the creation of the great rings. Three of them were given to the race of elves, who are not only immortal, but the wisest and fairest of all other races. Seven were given to the dwarf lords, who are incredible miners and craftsmen. Finally, nine were given to the race of men, who have an intense desire for nothing but power. Every ring contained the power of will and strength for each race to be governed by. However, there was one problem. Unbeknownst to each race, but known to us, there was another ring made in secret within the land of Mordor, in the fires of Mount Doom, by the dark lord Sauron. This ring has the power to control all other rings of power, and within this ring, Sauron implants his malice, cruelty, and will to dominate all life. One by one, the many lands of Middle Earth fall to the power of the one ring. However, some resist, and gather in large numbers to attack Sauron and his forces. They nearly lose the battle, until Isildur takes his father’s sword and swings it at Sauron, cutting off the finger that he wore the ring upon. And with that, Sauron is defeated. However, Isildur takes the ring and becomes corrupted by its power. The ring uses its power to betray Isildur, killing him. Two and a half thousand years go by, and the ring is forgotten about. Until the creature Gollum finds the ring and becomes absolutely obsessed with it. When Gollum loses the ring, it is found by a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who keeps it for himself. Many years pass, when the ring is brought to the attention of the great wizard Gandalf, who knows that the ring must be destroyed. In order to keep himself from getting corrupted by the evil of the ring, Gandalf gives the young hobbit Frodo Baggins the quest of taking the one ring to the land of Mordor, where it can only be destroyed within the fires where it was originally forged. During this epic journey, Frodo must face many obstacles such as the evil forces of Sauron, the creature Gollum, and the temptations from the one ring, which could destroy all of Middle Earth if obtained by the dark lord Sauron. Everyone who was a part of this movie had a true passion for bringing Tolkien’s fictional world from the books to life. The result of this, is an absolute epic adventure with incredible threats, thrills, and world building. The way in which the story is told and portrayed makes you feel as if you’re discovering different parts of Middle Earth yourself. The acting is impeccable and very believable, with Elijah Wood giving an incredible performance, and Andy Serkis giving the best voice performance of all time as Gollum. The world itself is very believable too. With every scene being shot on location, the lands of Middle Earth feel like real places. The creature effects are really good as well. A large majority of the effects in this movie are done practically, and CGI is only used to enhance things like models of towers. Unlike today where CGI is used for everything, the team behind The Lord of the Rings only used CGI when there was absolutely no other way to pull something off. Finally, this trilogy is very entertaining. The film hooks the viewer with suspense and thrill as the main characters have to deal with many threats on their journey such as the Nazgûl, Gollum, trolls, and the temptations of evil. The battle scenes in this film are also very epic as the viewers are thrown right in the middle of the battlefield and witness the action from the point of view of the soldiers. My favorite film in the trilogy is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King . The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is my second favorite film in the trilogy, and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is my third. While The Fellowship of the Ring is the only one I’d give a 9/10, the entire trilogy as a whole is a 10/10.

Ode Poems

Editor-in-Chief: Vanessa Kapper The Chief Staff Jack Demopoulos Tyler Drechsel Brieaunna Duck Lily Fetgatter Megan Hensley Taylor Henson Kat Mercer Summer Negray Lily Raby Lilian Rainbolt Hannah Ricketts Lauren Russow Michelle Stevenson Mr. Blair, Faculty Sponsor Dr. Soares, Faculty Sponsor

Enjoy creative writing? If you ever would ever like to see your creative pieces in The Chief , contact Dr. Soares or Mr. Blair!