PANTHER PRESS STAFF Staff Writers: Molly La Lande, Lacie Dye, Hayden Brown, Jaelyn Haarlammert, Evan Butcher, Emma Cart, Ava Butcher, Lucas Foote, Alyssa Haarlammert, Emalee Konjovic, Lillian Laggan, Gianna Merton, Nolan Meyer, Sofija Perovic, Bailey Ross, Rachal Yoder, Kaelyn Westfall Editor-in-Chief and Treasurer: Ava Finke Graphic Designer: Ava Finke Social Media: Ava Finke October 2024 Vol. 2 No. 1 Harris and Trump Face Off in Heated 2024 Debate By: Jaelyn Haarlammert D uring the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the two quickly went after each other. Harris frequently tried to bait Trump into responding. Many claim that Harris was trying to get a reaction out of Trump, which is why she provoked him so often. She criticized several aspects of Trump’s record, including his handling of immigration, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the fact that he is a convicted criminal. CNN reported that Trump grew irritated throughout the debate, at times referencing debunked conspiracy theories—one of which was the bizarre claim that immigrants were eating people's pets in Springfield, Ohio. He also attempted to argue that the 2020 election was stolen after Harris pointed out that he lost to 81 million voters. Harris aimed to provoke reactions from Trump, while Trump focused on defending his actions. Harris remained relatively composed, but frequently laughed at Trump’s statements, which some viewed as disrespectful. Scan to register to vote online! Harris was also criticized by the media for dodging questions about rising inflation, providing vague responses rather than concrete solutions. She often seemed to use rehearsed talking points, instead of addressing specific concerns. Also, she made sure to highlight Trump’s weaknesses and his admiration for authoritarian figures. The debate addressed key issues such as immigration, crime, and abortion. Letter From the Editor By: Ava Finke H ello readers! I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude for your ongoing support of The Panther Press. We value your participation and faith in us to present stories that are important to our school community, whether you are a frequent reader or this is your first time reading one of our issues. We're thrilled to announce that we have an abundance of amazing content planned for the upcoming year. We are committed to providing you with high-caliber journalism that captures the spirit and diversity of our school, from insightful opinion articles to indepth stories, school activities, and spotlights. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any suggestions or comments you may have for upcoming issues. We always appreciate hearing from our readers. Thank you again for your support, and I’m looking forward to another incredible year with The Panther Press! @nortonpantherpress @nortonpantherpress @nortonpantherpress In the end, it’s important to consider the qualities and truthfulness of the candidates and their political claims. Many sources that covered the debate showed clear bias, so it’s essential to step back and assess the credibility of any statements regarding the debate. . The election will be held on Tues, November 5, 2024. Meet Mr. Paquay: Norton High School’s New Guidance Counselor By: Alyssa Haarlammert A t a small school like Norton High, the impact of our faculty is magnified. That’s why the arrival of a new guidance counselor, Mr. Paquay has quickly become a popular topic among students. Mr. Paquay has expressed his gratitude toward Norton High’s staff and students for their welcoming and kind behavior. When asked about his experience working with our school, he stated, “So far, it’s been really great. Everyone has been really welcoming.” He even said that he had received emails from students welcoming him to the school, and how amazing he had found the gesture! Mr. Paquay went to college at Kent State University and majored in Psychology. “I knew I wanted to do something like counseling, psychology-wise.” Mr. Paquay decided to steer his career more towards students and working in schools because he feels like his personal experience with online school, due to COVID-19, can help students adjust to hybrid learning. When asked about a difference he wants to make in the world around him, Mr. Paquay expressed his determination to help upcoming graduates with any struggles they may face. In his words, “I feel like, even if it’s just helping that one student who was slipping through the cracks, to me, that’s huge.” He stated that graduation is a huge part of high school, and something many students need help preparing for, and with that, he’ll always be ready to help. Our new guidance counselor has already shown his determination and passion in helping the students of Norton High School. And we expect to see great things from him! Welcome to Norton, Mr. Paquay!
THE PANTHER PRESS OPINION AND ENTERTAINMENT AP vs. CCP Classes Opinion By: Nolan Meyer W hen making your class schedule, one question always pops up: “Do you want to take advanced courses?”. Most people find themselves torn between two kinds of courses: College Credit Plus (CCP) and Advanced Placement (AP). It is essential to consider that CCP can be done at Norton, online, or through local colleges such as Wayne, Akron, and Stark. To earn credit, you only need a passing grade. Plus, you get some days off, similar to a typical college student’s schedule! However, there are some drawbacks: in my experience, the classes have more assignments, from both your Norton teacher and the college professor. In addition, if you take an online course, there is typically more confusion, and you may find difficulty adjusting to the remote format. In contrast, AP exams are only offered on campus, five days a week. You need a score between 3 and 5 on the exam to get college credit, which isn’t even guaranteed for all colleges. AP CCP One advantage of AP is the abundance of resources provided through the College Board, there are many more resources available than through the college offering CCP classes. When making your class schedule, one question always pops up: “Do you want to take advanced courses?”. Most people find themselves torn between two kinds of courses: College Credit Plus (CCP) and Advanced Placement (AP). It is essential to consider that CCP can be done at Norton, online, or through local colleges such as Wayne, Akron, and Stark. To earn credit, you only need a passing grade. Plus, you get some days off, similar to a typical college student’s schedule! As someone who has taken both AP and CCP courses, I say with certainty that CCP is the best way to go. Despite its challenges, CCP makes it easier to earn college credit and offers more variety, helping you grow through the obstacles these courses present, which is the foundational point of college itself. So, since AP does not guarantee your score will be accredited to you, your best bet is CCP! Therefore, when it comes time to make your schedule, pick some CCP courses, challenge yourself, gain college experience, and reap the rewards! Did Someone Say...Mystery? By: Evan Butcher O nce again, the Norton Drama Department is gearing up for another hilarious production. This season’s performance, premiering on November 7th, 8th, and 9th, is a comedic murder mystery titled The Mysterious Murder at Manchester Mansion. The star-studded cast features several Class of 2025 seniors. I reached out to some of them to get their thoughts on their final fall production. Hannah Kincaid, Drama Club President, shared, “I think it’s really funny, and I’m super excited to have this as my last senior play.” Michael Blankenship added, “It’s going to be a great production when all is said and done. It’s such a fun time on stage with fellow actors, and I’m glad to be a part of it this year.” Mason Pardee commented, “I think it’ll be more fun for both the cast and audience than our past productions due to the faster pacing and more physical comedy.” Averie Meyers remarked, “I think this play is definitely going to be one of the shows people won’t want to miss! It’s a super funny show with great characters. Our cast is doing an amazing job developing their characters and stories. I love the mystery aspect—it will keep the audience engaged and entertained!” Lynae Friddle noted, “I think it’s one of the funniest scripts we’ve had in years, and it has great potential to be really good. I couldn’t have asked for a better show for my senior year!” Maggie Somerville shared, “I think it’s a super fun take on a murder mystery meets Nancy Drew. I grew up reading the Nancy Drew books, so for me, it’s a blast to play Nancy. It’s awesome that the lead investigators are two teen girls. Overall, it’s so much fun, and I’m excited to see how it turns out!” Dominic Perry expressed, “I think it’s truly brilliant. The chemistry and comedy shared within the whole cast, both physically and verbally, is remarkable. I’m very fortunate that this will be my last play at Norton High.” Hannah Peters said, “I think it’s super fun, and I’m so glad I decided to be in it this year! I think everyone should try it!” Ava Hitchings concluded, “It’s going to be a super fun show to watch and perform. I’m so excited to put this on stage—it’s definitely my favorite play we’ve done!” Be sure to mark your calendars for the following dates at the Norton High School Performing Arts Center: Opening night will be on November 7th at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Community Breakfast on November 8th at 9:00 a.m. and a performance that evening at 7:00 p.m. The final show is scheduled for November 9th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door or online. Nickocado Avocado Reveals Dramatic Weight Loss and Social Experiment By: Emalee Konjovic N ikocado Avocado, who rose to fame through his dramatic Mukbang videos, shocked his fans with a recent reveal. The Youtuber, whose real name is Nicholas Perry, lost a significant amount of weight and debuted this new look in a recent video titled “Two Steps Ahead,” published on September 7th, 2024. In the video, Perry revealed that his eating habits, which had led to a significant weight gain, had been part of a large social experiment. In his now infamous video, he details how the extreme nature of his Mukbang videos, where he would eat large amounts of food in a single sitting, was all part of this long-term project. The concept of Mukbangs originated in South Korea, in which people eat large quantities of food while interacting with their audience. Perry has built a massive following due to the large amount of food that he consumes, as well as, his theatrical personality, which included dramatic flair and over-the-top monologues. In “Two Steps Ahead,” Perry reveals that he has been gradually losing weight over the past two years and explains that all of his previous videos were pre-recorded. The purpose of this experiment was to showcase how extreme content can drive engagement online, even at the cost of personal health. As Nikocado Avocado embarks on this new chapter, fans and critics alike are left wondering what direction his content will take. Photo courtesy of Dexerto
THE PANTHER PRESS SPORTS Varsity Girls Soccer Varsity Boys Soccer T T By: Jaelyn Haarlammert By: Jaelyn Haarlammert he Norton Lady Panthers have had an exciting season, currently holding an overall record of 6-3-1 and a Metro Athletic Conference record of 3-3. Their season started with a bang, dominating North High School in their opener with an impressive score of 11-2. This emphatic victory set a positive tone for the team and showcased their offensive prowess. Throughout the season, the Lady Panthers have displayed a commendable blend of skill and teamwork. Their ability to score frequently, as seen in the North High match, highlights an attack that has kept opponents on their toes. However, the competitive landscape of the Metro Athletic Conference has proven challenging, with their 3-3 record reflecting both tough competition and moments of growth. The team had an exciting win on September 24th—Senior Night— against Coventry High School. This event not only celebrates the seniors' contributions to the team but also presents a key opportunity to solidify their standing in the conference. They had an extremely memorable senior night, with an impressive 5-0 victory. Seniors Maggie Somerville and Jayda Champer both scored, showcasing their skills and leadership on the field. This triumphant win not only honored the seniors but also highlighted the team’s dedication and talent as they look forward to the rest of the season. The Norton Lady Panthers have had a strong season so far, marked by impressive offensive displays and determination on the field. With their sights set on finishing the season on a high note, excitement is building to see how this group will perform in the coming matches. he Norton Panthers have had a spirited season so far, with an overall record of 4-6-1 and a competitive 3-2 record in the Metro Athletic Conference. Their campaign began with a tie against Buckeye, setting the tone for a season marked by resilience and determination. A standout moment was their 8-0 victory against Woodridge, showcasing the team’s potential and growth as the season progresses. Looking ahead, the Panthers are gearing up for a crucial Senior Night on September 24th against Coventry High School. This match holds special significance not only for the players but also for the entire Norton community, as they come together to honor the contributions of the senior athletes. The emotions of the night will no doubt energize the team as they aim to secure a win and create lasting memories. The Norton Panthers have displayed grit and determination this season. They secured a fantastic 7-1 victory against Coventry High School on their senior night. This impressive win not only celebrated the seniors but also boosted the team’s momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. With a few matches remaining, the Panthers are poised to make an impact and leave their mark in the Metro Athletic Conference. Guardians 2024: Division Champs to World Series Dreams By: Lucas Foote A fter a very successful and eventful regular season, the Cleveland Guardians have clinched a playoff spot, won their division, and earned a first-round bye. After a disappointing 2023 season and the retirement of future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, the team had a significant void to fill with the right person. On November 6th, 2023, Cleveland hired Stephen Vogt. The former big-leaguer was the perfect choice and has been a huge Photo courtesy of a view from my seat factor in the Guardians' success this season. However, a manager can’t lead the team alone; he needs a star player to help him, and the Guardians have just the right guy. José Ramírez is the heart and soul of the Guardians team. After a disappointing 2023 season by his standards, he came back in 2024 to have arguably the best season of his career. At 32 years old, Ramírez remains one of the top 5 players in all of baseball and continues to put up Photo courtesy of Yahoo News remarkable numbers. As of September 25th, he sits just two homers away from 40, which would be a career high. With the help of All-Stars Steven Kwan and Josh Naylor, the Guardians' offense was able to carry the team throughout the regular season. The main issue for the Guardians this season, however, has been their starting pitching. Photo courtesy of cleveland.com It began in April when it was announced that ace Shane Bieber needed seasonending elbow surgery. To make matters worse, Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen took big steps backward and were sent down to Columbus (AAA). Heading into October, the Guardians have just one starting pitcher left from the original rotation—Tanner Bibee, who will get the Game 1 start this Saturday. Along with Bibee, veterans Matt Boyd and Alex Cobb will help lead the rotation for the remainder of the postseason. But the MLB playoffs are often won by teams with the best bullpens, and the Guardians have the #1 bullpen in the sport. Led by Emmanuel Clase, who is having one of the best relief pitching seasons of all time, the bullpen is poised to close out games. Rookies Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin have also had outstanding seasons and are ready to help the team make a deep run in October. The Guardians have the right pieces in place to win it all; it's just a matter of getting hot at the right time. Rookie Kyle Manzardo and trade deadline acquisition Lane Thomas have been two of the best hitters in MLB in September, and Cleveland will need them if they want a fun postseason. The team has been streaky throughout the second half of the season, so if they can hit a two-week hot stretch, the World Series trophy could return to Cleveland for the first time since 1948.
THE PANTHER PRESS SPORTS AND OPINION Panther Football Team Overcomes Early Challenges By: Rachel Yoder S tarting the year without some of their coaches and with former seniors moving on, the football team faced a bit of stress early on. However, as the season progresses, the players feel they are steadily improving. Some have acknowledged the need for overall growth, particularly in their passing offense. Practices take place Monday through Thursday after school for two and a half hours, with additional Saturday morning sessions to review game footage from the previous week. Football games at Norton High are a hub of school spirit, with the marching band, cheerleaders, and fans all contributing to a vibrant, competitive atmosphere. The energy brought by students, teachers, and alumni is electric as they unite to cheer on the Panther team. Throughout practices and games, the entire football team has demonstrated remarkable dedication and teamwork. While every player has played a role in the team's success, a few standout performances have made a notable impact. Quarterback Buddy Willig’s exceptional leadership, combined with his tackling and defensive play, has been instrumental in securing several victories. Most notably, on September 20th, the Panther Nation, despite being the underdogs, defeated Mogadore Field 28-7 on their home turf. Most recently, however, the Panthers had an unfortunate loss against the Streetsboro Rockets 55-0, on the night of the homecoming game. You can find the homecoming court pictured below, which includes: Freshmen Addison Dobbins and Caden Hochstrasser; Sophomores Hailey Camp and Jackson Lewis; Juniors Juliana Peters and Caeden DeDomenic; and Seniors Sky Bechdel and Danny Adair, Cadence Brink and Luke Senderak, Lilly Sciulli and Zachary Pickett, with Eden Starr and Colin Starling as king and queen. Tips for Staying Productive and Having a Good School Year Opinion By: Kaelyn Westfall S taying productive is a great way to ensure a successful school year and achieve good grades. Here are my top recommendations for staying productive and making the most of your school year. Limit distractions Limiting distractions around you can help you stay focused on your work. Devices such as phones, smartwatches, TVs, tablets, and computers can be major distractions when you’re trying to focus. It’s better to put them out of sight or set them to silent mode. Limiting your time on apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and YouTube can also improve your focus and productivity, no matter how addicting they may be. Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep helps your brain process and retain information. Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night, and don’t be afraid to take occasional naps. If you stay up all night playing games or studying, you’ll likely be tired the next day, which can affect your ability to learn, stay productive, and even your mood. Lack of sleep can leave you cranky and unfocused throughout the day. Make a daily routine Establishing a daily routine is an effective way to stay productive and feel accomplished. Creating a list of tasks on a notepad, calendar, or a digital platform (like the Notes app on your phone or a Google Doc) will help keep you on track. Prioritize tasks in chronological order, focusing on the most important items first. As you complete each task, reward yourself with a small treat, like a snack or 10 minutes on your phone. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated to continue working. Don’t dwell on grades While grades are important, dwelling on them too much can hurt your motivation and mood. Obsessing over one bad grade or score can negatively affect your self-esteem and mental health. Setting unrealistic standards for yourself can be harmful, and getting overly upset over an 87% or 78% is not worth your time. Instead, ask yourself why you're focusing so much on a number or letter. Instead of dwelling, use that energy to do something that makes you happy, or focus on the fact that you didn’t fail. Dwelling on grades won’t make them better—it will only bring you down in the end. Take breaks Taking breaks is crucial! Without breaks, you risk burning yourself out. If you have a lot of work, it may seem counterintuitive, but working for hours on end without a break will only leave you exhausted. Burnout can cause fatigue, headaches, feelings of isolation, irritability, and anxiety. From my personal experience, the best ways to avoid burnout include getting enough sleep, eating well, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga and breathing exercises. I recommend taking breaks from homework or other stressful tasks every 45 minutes, or at least every hour. Breaks should last 10-20 minutes so that you don’t lose focus or motivation. Find more stories like this on our website: nortonpantherpress.com
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