March 25, 2021: Happy April Fools from the Bengal's Purr

Lewiston High School, DTEC 407, 3201 Cecil Andrus Way, Lewiston, Idaho 83501

The Bengal’s Purr

Since 1927

Is it fake news?

Pages 15-17

Vol. 93, No. 4

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Personal experiences with COVID-19, Pages 11-12

“Wandavison” becomes Marvel masterpiece, Page 20

y p p a H ols from o F il r p A

Cover art by Emma Cuddy and Kristin Starr.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Students hope for prom in May

News 3

By Nina Linder Staff Reporter Lewiston High School has faced a year of adversity. Luckily, this year’s 2021 prom may change that and make things feel somewhat normal.

Members of ASB are planning the upcoming dance for May 8 in the high school’s Commons, hoping it will be the highlight of the year.

The theme, The Roaring ‘20s, is inspired by the 1920s era with a nod to the modern-day.

Those who want to attend from schools outside of LHS may fill out paperwork in the main office.

Upperclassmen are the featured guests at this event; however, underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores) can attend as long as they accompany a date who is either a junior or senior.

Many COVID-19 regulations, such as wearing masks and social distancing, have not been finalized for the dance yet. However,

District counts COVID-19 cases

By Hannah Shoffit News and Opinion Editor

As of March 23, three students and 0 staff members have COVID-19 at LHS and have been sent home. According to the Superintendent, Robert Donaldson, a total of seven students and one staff member were infected in the Lewiston School District at that time. Since the beginning of the school year, Aug. 26, 115 staff members as well as 179 students have returned from quarantine, according to reports from Donaldson.

Photo by Aydann Long.

Bengal Pantry strives to eliminate hunger

By Cecelia Thomas Staff Features Writer

The Idaho Foodbank’s website states the rate of hunger within Idaho’s population under the age of 18 is approximately 98,420; this number only includes children facing hunger.

The Idaho Food Bank is an organization that strives to eliminate hunger within Idaho; this program provided 22.3 million lbs. of food to 197,400 families in need this year.

As much as the Idaho Food Bank can provide, it still isn’t always enough. Because of this, Lewiston High School has a program referred to as the Bengal Pantry.

The Bengal Pantry is where Bengal students can turn to if they’re seeking help with food.

No questions are asked about the situation of one’s family or self, and they’re still able to feel entitled to their privacy.

“I want our students to be aware of what we have available, that we’re here to help, and that you’re not alone,” stated Kaylin Roby.

The Bengal Pantry is sponsored by the Idaho Foodbank, Lewiston High School staff, students, and our community.

Food isn’t all that the Bengal Pantry has to offer. The Pantry also has a Clothing Closet for students who need extra help.

By contacting the College Career Advisor, Kaylin Roby, you can get help with food or clothing or request to donate items to the Pantry.

Donated food items must be individually wrapped and not expired.

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THE BENGAL’S PURR

News

DECA places at state

By Madeline Gibson Staff Reporter On Feb. 22-24, DECA held virtual state competitions, and 27 students from LHS qualified for Nationals.

Distributive Education Clubs of America encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. DECA is run by John Potter and Davey Steele at LHS. But how were they able to get competition results this year during COVID-19?

“Usually,” said Potter, “we have an award ceremony, but this year they had a virtual award ceremony for the state competition.”

The actual state competitions only had 50% of the participation it had in the years prior, Potter said.

With nationals coming up as virtual events in April, LHS students are preparing for DECA’s academic tests and its events, such as business scenarios or community service projects.

Potter has enjoyed leading DECA for several years, giving students the opportunity to explore the business and marketing career path.

“For them to find that they had a strong interest in it, and their pursuit after high school, that has made the difference for me,” Potter said.

HOSA to compete in April

By Ariana Flaig Staff Reporter Student members of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), run by Debbie Wassmuth, are now arriving upon their spring virtual competition dates, April 12-16.

Competition occurs through virtual events this year. They begin with an opening ceremony and end with awards.

COVID-19 has not altered most of HOSA’s functions, Wassmuth said. It has only changed competitions and travel. But one of HOSA’s primary components, commu-

nity activities, has been eliminated. In the past HOSA’s community events addressed smoking cessation, Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU), awareness of skin cancers and skin problems, making blankets for the nursing homes and Veterans Affairs (VA), and assisting with VA activities.

HOSA is not just for competitive events or social activities, Wassmuth said. It helps further members’ involvement in the community, nursing awareness, interaction with patients and others, job skills, timelines, time management, communication skills and work ethic.

Mock Trial competes at state

Oluwayseyi Arogunadade (Seyi), competes with Mock Trial. Photo courtesy of Mindy Pals

By Dallas Goodson Reporter The LHS Mock Trial students competed virtually March 9 and 11 at the state level.

The teams worked on a case involving accusations against a man for blowing up a local dam. The Lewiston NZM team included Abigial Rudy, Amelia Ponozzo, Leia Smith, Lilly Van Mullen and Ariana Flag. They won three out of four rounds. The JDQ team included Cassandra Bricker, Duke McFarland, Emily Grabow, Laura Kokernak, Nina Linder, and Oluwaseyi Arogundade, who won one out of four rounds. Sadly, neither team qualified for finals.

The LHS students practiced every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Zoom. Originally there were over 20 people involved from LHS, and 12 remained to compete at state.

LHS BPA places first in regionals and state

By Hannah Shoffitt News and Opinion Editor

BPA members from left to right, Senior Selah Chavez, Senior Lauren Auer, Senior Leia Smith, and Junior Aubrey Marran. Photo courtesy of Aubrey Marran.

Business Professionals of America, better known as BPA, is a club advised by Davey Steele. Volunteer and community work is emphasized, and characteristics such as ambition, sociability, poise and leadership are valued.

The club is very small, featuring only seven members. Only one is a returning member, senior, Ari Feucht. New this year are juniors, Shelby Hobbs and Aubrey Marran; and seniors, Lauren Auer, Daniel Brereton, Selah Chavez and Leia Smith.

Auer, Chavez, Marran, and Smith won first place in both BPA regionals and state in the Broadcast News Production Team Event with their broadcast ¨Now News.¨ Six members qualified for nationals. ¨If you´re thinking about joining BPA, it is absolutely worth it,¨ said Marran. ¨There’s so many categories you can compete in and it’s a great way to create new friends and challenge yourself.”

Thursday, March 25, 2021

News 5

Car found in skate park bowl

Computer rendering of the Mars rover, Perserverence. Image courtesy of NASA.gov.

NASA rover lands on Mars

By Matthew Dugdale Staff Reporter

On Feb. 18, NASA made a significant accomplishment in human history, landing yet another rover on Mars, named Perseverance.

According to Jeff Karlin, a former NASA analog specialist who teaches science at LHS, the name for the new rover came from a NASA competition.

“A kid from West Virginia had an idea to call it Perseverance,” Karlin said.

Although it is not the only rover on Mars, Perseverance has more capabilities than any other rover on Mars. Some of these features include a chemistry set to study Mars samples, a power base to keep it running, and even a drone -- the first ever on Mars.

The earlier rovers Spirit and Curiosity were the beginning, and inspired more ideas for travel to Mars. Those rovers were about the size of a countertop, while Perseverance is the size of a small sport-utility vehicle.

Lots of time and effort went into launching the rover, but how did it all start? According to Karlin, it started around 1625 when Giovanni Cassini, an astronomer, looked at the stars, and wondered.

“Curiosity is what starts it all,” Karlin said.

A crew removes a car from the bowl located at the Mountain Dew Skate Park Feb. 14 in Lewiston.

By Chayton Brewer-Burgin Features Editor On Feb. 14 a woman named Natasha Storm experienced what the dangers of the snow and ice were capable of.

According to Lewiston Police, Storm was driving when her vehicle crashed into the skatepark at 1020 Snake River Ave. in Lewiston. She was driving a 2020 Infiniti QX80 that crashed into the smaller of the two bowls at the skatepark.

Police were not notified directly after the crash, but were alerted to the crash by Sirius XM operators who noticed that the vehicle's airbags had deployed.

According to reporters, police later found Storm at her residence, where she reported that she had no injuries. Police cited Storm for failing to notify police of an accident and for leaving the scene of an accident.

Sports 7

Thursday, March 25, 2021

LHS varsity cheer team goes to state

By Emma Cuddy ready. We worked really hard for it.”

Staff Reporter Before going to state, the team comThe LHS varsity cheer team did peted at the district level on Feb. 27 in not earn an award at the state the Lewiston high school gym. They tournament in Nampa Idaho on won 1st in their pom and sideline March 19, 2021. The team placed routine and 3rd in the stunt group 6th with their show routine, routines, winning 1st overall.

6th for pom routine and 5th for Assistant coach Joshua Rodgers said, sideline Cheer. They competed “It was really awesome to host the against other district champion state qualifier at our new school. This schools from all over the state was a lot of people’s first opportuniof Idaho. Their show routine was ty to watch any of the schools rouThe LHS band and a group of students attend the send-off for the cheer two and a half minutes long and tines and support their cheerleaders team, as they leave for state. Photo courtesy of Mindy Pals consisted of stunting, tumbling, this season. It was really great to have she felt excited before going to state. “Even dancing, and a cheer. The sideline cheer was won the competition and show everything though I am a little nervous about state, I a minute long routine consisting of a cheer, we have been working so hard on this year. know that it will be really fun. I’m especialtumbling and stunting. The Pom routine was I think the team did great, and they won! I ly excited about staying overnight with the a minute long routine of dancing, jumping was proud of how hard everyone worked. team. I’m only a freshman, so it’s super cool and tumbling.

They all really worked as a team and got to that I get the opportunity to go to state alAvery Alford, a freshman cheerleader, said show off all their hard work from this season.”

LHS wrestling comes to an end for the year

By Josh Tatko Staff Reporter After 31 matches under coach Stuart Johnson, LHS wrestlers have finished off their 2020-2021 season. Here is a recap of the team’s record.

• Non-conference: 12-7 Conference: 8-4 • LHS vs Sandpoint 58-46, Bengals won • LHS vs Timberlake 74-39, Bengals won • LHS vs Moscow 65-67, Bengals won • LHS vs Coeur d’Alene 52-43, Bengals won • LHS vs Lakeland 69-59, Bengals won • LHS vs Columbia 59-65, Bengals lost • LHS vs Nampa 54-44, Bengals won • LHS vs Lakeland 46-61, Bengals lost • LHS vs Post Falls 45-57, Bengals lost

• LHS vs Moscow 60-62, Bengals lost • LHS vs Lake City 44-73, Bengals lost • LHS vs Sandpoint 59-46, Bengals won • LHS vs Coeur d’Alene 65-59, Bengals won • LHS vs Lake City 63-58, Bengals won • LHS vs Post Falls 50-42, Bengals won • LHS vs Post Falls 45-58, Bengals lost • LHS vs Coeur d’Alene 58-49, Bengals won • LHS vs Post Falls 55-44, Bengals won • LHS vs Eagle 54-63, Bengals lost Source: idahosports.com Aside from the team’s record, a few moments stood out to the coach and the players, such as the time spent between matches.

“The best moments were some

of our overnight trips and the team bonding at that time,” Johnson said.

Reuben Thill, an LHS wrestler who placed at state competitions said his favorite part of the season was winning Rollie Lane, a tournament in Nampa.

Johnson also commented on COVID-19 restrictions and how they affected this season.

“The major effects of COVID-19 restrictions were on day-to-day transitions, to and from practice,” Johnson said. “We were also limited on the number of tournaments that were available.”

State competitions were shortened to one day and subject to the same restrictions as

Bowlers strike

By Rylie Reagan Editor-in-chief

Junior Brianna Blamires rolls a ball down Lane 6 for a strike at the Top Dog Tournament Feb. 13 at Orchards Lanes here in Lewiston. Photo courtesy of Mindy Pals.

The LHS Bowling Club recently finished the 2020-2021 season. The team attended the state competition in the Boise area Feb. 15-16, where all LHS girls’ bowlers placed.

All-female bowlers placed in 5A Individuals, landing in the state’s top 10. LHS junior, Brianna Blamires, won her second state title, crushing her competition.

Junior, Sydney Martin, placed second, while senior, Rachel Rose, placed third. Sophomore Hali Vanhorn placed seventh, and junior, Jaidyn Sweet placed ninth.

The LHS boys also placed at the event. Individually, sophomore, Landon Whittaker placed first. Sophomore Andy Love took fifth, and John Guier placed ninth.

During the Baker events, the boys received fifth place.

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THE BENGAL’S PURR

Sports

LHS golf teams aim for par-2021

By Lauren Martin Staff Reporter

The LHS golf teams kicked off their season March 1 with a regular 5-day per week schedule.

At practice, players are busy hitting range balls, chipping, putting, and on other occasions, they can be found playing the 9-hole course at Bryden Canyon in Lewiston.

Girls Varsity Golf In the past, the girls’ team alone has claimed three state titles. They have also placed second in the state three times, third in the state three times and fourth in the state four times under Coach Greg Macmillan.

Both players and coaches are optimistic

about this season. Returning golfers on the varsity girls team include senior, Teagan Kramasz, junior, Teryn McCarthy, and sophomore, Abigail Tellez.

The girls’ team also has five freshmen that could see some varsity play.

Boys Varsity Golf The boys’ team has placed third in the state for five seasons under Coach Shawn Nilsson.

The program has been successful, but after being down the past few years, they hope to reclaim the state title in the season to come.

The LHS golf schedule is as follows: • LHS vs. Open @ Bryden Canyon (Lewiston Invite), April 6 • LHS vs. Open @ U of I (Moscow Invite), girls’

Track sprints to begin

By Rylie Reagan Editor-in-chief

The LHS Bengals track team held the Lewiston Invitational at home March 20, jumping into the 2021 season with a strong start.

Returning to Sweeney Track, the varsity boys placed third behind Coeur d’ Alene High School with a score of 104. The girls’ team placed first with a score of 153.83.

The boys’ placers that day included Devin Zagelow, who won third in the 400-meter run with a time of 54.56 seconds. Lewiston’s Thor Kessinger placed first in discus with a distance of 134-5. The Lewiston boys team also took third place in the 1,600 relay race.

Other placers included Alec Eckert (third in shotput), Luke Mastroberardino (second in longjump), Jake Skinner (third in pole vault), Laureld Bigler (third in the 1,600-meter), and Payton Bigler (third in the 800-meter).

The Lewiston girls took first overall, defeating runnerup Coeur d’Alene with an impre-

sive score of 153.85. Placers included Madigan Kelly, who defeated competition in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. Emily Collins, who had a big meet, took first in the 200 and 400 sprints.

Lewiston’s Jennah Carpenter also took first in the high jump, landing a 5-2, and then again third place in the triple jump at 33-5.

She placed second in the long jump event, earning a score of 15-3.

The girls’ 1,600-meter relay team placed first with a time of 4:25.44. The team consisted of junior, Ahnika U’Ren; sophomore, Katy Wessels; freshman, Damaris Stuffle; and junior, Emily Collins.

On March 23, Lewiston traveled to Kamiah High School’s facility to compete. Results were unavailable at press time.

The Bengals’ next meet will be April 8 against Kamiah. The Bengals next scheduled home meet will be May 6 during the District II Meet of Champions.

team only, April 14 • LHS vs. Open @ U of I (Moscow Invite), boys’ team only, April 15 • LHS vs. Open @ Coeur d’ Alene Public (Lake City Invite), April 19 • LHS vs. Open @ Avondale (Coeur d’ Alene Invite), April 23 • LHS vs. Open @ Highland Golf Course (Post Falls Invite), April 28 • LHS vs. Open @ Idaho Club (Sandpoint Invite), May 3 • LHS vs. Open @ Twin Lakes (Lakeland Invite), May 7 • LHS vs. Open @ Avondale (Regionals), May 10 • LHS vs. Open @ Avondale (State), May 17 • LHS vs. Open @ Avondale (State), May 18 Source: lewistonathletics.bigteams.com

Tennis sets off

By Matthew Dugdale Staff Reporter At press time the varsity tennis team was practicing hard for its first home game on March 25. Practices happening Monday through Friday in the Bengals’ tennis courts.

Scheduled home and away games will continue, unless otherwise notified. All scheduled competitions can be found on the Lewiston schools website.

LHS tennis players face off at practice. Photo courtesy of Mindy Pals.

To stay up-to-date on sports scores and events, visit bengalspurr.com

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Sports

9

Baseball storms Lake City in season opener

By Rylie Reagan Editor-in-Chief The LHS varsity baseball team started its season March 16 and, as of press time, has a record of 3-1.

The boys started their season March 16, playing Lake City High School at Church Field in Lewiston. The Bengals won that sea-

son opener with a score of 12-2. Head coach Golden Steele said he hopes to see more wins this upcoming season.

The team played a doubleheader against Coeur d’ Alene, Saturday, March 20, at home.

On March 26 and 27, Lewiston traveled to Rocky Mountain High School’s home field to play two days of consecutive baseball.

This is Austin Kolb’s last season playing

baseball with LHS. He will attend Montana State University in the fall.

“I’m most excited to play with my friends for the last time,” Kolb said. “I’ve been playing with most of my teammates since I was young.”

The Bengals’ next scheduled home game is April 27 during a doubleheader against Lakeland High School.

ceeded in playing a second game that day.

Tuesday, March 16, the girls played a doubleheader against Lake City High School at home. Lewiston won the first game with a score of 3-0, and the second game with a score of 10-0.

For Junior Jenika Ortiz, this is her first season playing softball with the varsity team.

“It will be a good season,” Ortiz said. “When this is over, I am going to deeply miss out on

seniors that I have been with since day one.”

On Saturday, March 20, they went head-tohead with Couer d’ Alene during a double header at Airport Park.

They are scheduled to play Moscow High School April 6 at Moscow Junior High. The Bengals’ next scheduled home game is April 24, with a doubleheader against Sandpoint High School.

Softball swings into a winning season

By Lindsey Sexton Senior Staff Manager

The LHS varsity softball team started the season March 11 and has a record of 6-0 as of press time.

The season started with the Bengals playing Timberlake Highschool at Airport Park in Lewiston March 11. The Bengals won the season opener with a score of 12-2. They pro-

10 Features THE BENGAL’S PURR New school, new staff, new LHS

Syverson officially becomes part of Bengal staff

By Rylie Reagan Editor-in-Chief

Mel Syverson is a new humanities addition to Lewiston High School. Among others, Syverson has recently transferred to LHS after teaching at what is now Sacajawea Middle School. At the beginning of the 20202021 school year, she began instructing students here in Language, Speech, Drama, and Stagecraft.

Before transferring to the new LHS building, she had taken a job offer as the Drama coach/advisor position back in 2016. At the beginning of the school year, she had transitioned into having a full-time job on the LHS campus.

Syverson attended Lewis Clark State College after graduating from Caldwell High School in 1992. She attended knowing that she had a desire to become an educator at an early age. Despite this, she had said that life had led her down a path that was not fit for her and had delayed her dreams of becoming an educator.

Syverson said that she had found the desire to educate on her first day of kindergarten.

“I thought my teacher was so smart and so

kind; I wanted to be just like her.”

What had sparked her specific love for drama aside from educating was found during her acting career. Syverson had said that the best thing about theatre is the constant change. She loved the constant change and “sparks” the form of art allowed.

“But the best thing about theatre is that there are always new things happening, so the ‘sparks’ just keep coming!”

As she transitioned into working here at LHS, she had set goals for herself and her students. She had said that the aspects of drama she teaches could translate into numerous career options and experiences for her students. Syverson hopes that as the program expands over the years, that more students will join the program and it’s fun. She finds that being apart of the LHS staff family full time is awesome and expressed how much she loves it.

Her love for drama only evolves during her time off. She sometimes continues to act and sing around the community. She had expressed that it was not nearly as enjoyable as teaching students and young people to love all of these things. She finds great joy and interest in classic literature and is full of

Mel Syverson

love for her community.

Syverson has been married to her spouse for 28 years. She has two children, a son and a daughter, who are now in their 20s. The one thing she loves most of all is her family, and she enjoys spending time with them.

Lott teaches Spanish at LHS in place of Sears

By Rylie Reagan Editor-in-chief

Gina Lott, one of the newest Humanities instructors here at Lewiston High School, began the 2020-2021 school year instruct-

Gina Lott

ing students from 9th-12th grade in Spanish I. She is filling in for Alissa Sears, who is on extended leave this year.

Lott attended the University of Idaho, where she received her undergraduate degree. Before teaching at Lewiston High School, she taught various Spanish levels in three different states.

Lott first became interested in teaching during adolescence. But even before that, she and her friends commonly played school as kids.

“I don’t think I ever really considered another career,” Lott said.

During her sophomore year at LHS, Lott became fascinated by the Spanish language and culture during Spanish 1. She graduated from LHS in 1986 and studied at LCSC in the fall of 1986 in college.

Lott said one of her first goals this year has been to help build her students’ Spanish listening comprehension. She sees the reading, writing, and speaking aspects of the language as easier for students to grasp.

“I want my first-year students to experience the small victories of expressing themselves in Spanish.”

“I want my first-year students to experience the small victories of expressing themselves in Spanish a little bit each day,” she said.

“Hopefully, this success will inspire them to do the work of learning a second language.”

She expressed happiness for being part of the LHS staff, and she hopes to teach here for an extended time.

Outside of teaching, Lott enjoys reading and writing stories, walking her dog, and working in her yard.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Features

11

Students recall COVID lockdown a year later Compiled by Aydann Long Staff Reporter This spring The Bengal’s Purr received more than 70 responses to a survey about Lewiston’s one-year anniversary of the 2020 lockdowns for COVID-19. Below are a few of their responses, and more student responses are available at bengalspurr.com.

Lindsey Lincoln

How did you feel about the lockdown when it first started in March 2020?

I hated it because we couldn’t see anyone face- to-face and it felt like we were in prison in our own house.

Lindsey Lincoln What do you remember about your last normal day?

My last normal day was still pretty sad because It was when my boyfriend and his step-dad went buffalo hunting that weekend. After that weekend he was supposed to come back, but he couldn’t because that was when the whole thing kinda blew up. Then we were in quarantine. It was so long before I could see his face.

What has been the hardest about the last year?

In my opinion, the hardest part was adjusting from being in a classroom to not being in a classroom. It was hard not getting that one-on-one time with the teachers, and having to see teachers though a phone screen or a computer screen.

Jacob Reese

What was your day like when you first went into lockdown?

It felt weird but it honestly felt like a snow day, just without the snow, because I was able to do really whatever I wanted.

Jacob Reese How did you feel about the pandemic then?

It sucked. I felt really down and bored be-

cause I wasn’t able to do anything. A few of my friendships kinda fell apart over quarantine because I sometimes had a hard time keeping in contact with my friends.

How about now?

It honestly kinda feels like it didn’t even happen. It feels like it happened so long ago, but it still scares me to think we could possibly go back into lockdown or anything similar.

What good things came out of this year for you?

I think I’ve humbled myself a lot, realizing that these types of things can and will happen. It can be a really scary time, but you just need to keep a cool head, and be prepared for anything.

John Zimmer

What specific memories do you have of the start of quarantine?

Getting a job and working every single day so I had money.

When did you know the panJohn Zimmer demic was serious?

I wasn’t affected in the slightest.

What has been the hardest about the last year?

When I took a week off work and wasn’t making any money.

What good things came out of this year for you?

I made bank this summer.

Jacob Isom

How did you feel about the lockdown when it first started?

I was honestly excited to stay home.

What do you remember about your last normal day?

Our science Jacob Isom teacher told the class what the plan was for school if people had to stay at home.

How did you feel about the pandemic

then?

I felt like it was really serious and that everyone needed to abide by the safety procedures.

How about now?

Now that we know more about the virus, it seems like less of a threat but everyone should still be cautious and wear masks.

How’d you feel about online school?

Right now online school is unnecessary with the low virus transfer rate between kids.

It was necessary at first, though, because we didn’t know much about the virus at the time. However, it wasn’t done very well and the schools could’ve organized a better online program. Online school is possible, we just aren’t ready for it.

Paige Frary

How did you feel about the lockdown when it first started?

I thought, “Oh, cool, no more school for a while.”

What specific memories do you have of the start of quaranPaige Frary tine?

It was the most time my family and I have spent together.

COVID-19 really brought us together.

What do you remember about your last normal day?

It was really windy and my friends and I were just hanging out before school started.

It was just a normal day. I had no clue of what was going on.

How did you feel about the pandemic then?

I thought it was okay. I thought it was fun that I didn’t have to go to school.

How about now?

It sucks. People are still trapped in their homes, and their mental health is getting worse.

See more student responses at bengalspurr.com.

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Features

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Teachers talk about COVID vaccine

By Lindsey Sexton Senior Staff Manager

With other LHS teachers, Kristin Delp received the COVID-19 vaccine this spring. The reason she did so was to protect her loving family Kristin Delp and students.

She said she wants to keep her family happy and healthy.

“A big reason I got the shot was because of my 90-year-old grandma,” Delp said.

Delp has a 2-year-old daughter who she wants to keep healthy as long as possible.

So when she had the chance to get the vaccine, she took the opportunity. Delp said she had no second thoughts about it when it was officially offered. Delp strives to see her daughter doing well, and she is conscientious about germs. ”I was happy about getting the shot. After all, the stats on the shot, they spoke for themselves,” Delp said. “I’m happy to have peace of mind and the sore arm with it.”

As a science teacher, Delp said she had many friends and former students ask her about the shot. ”Being a bio nerd and super-pro-vaccine, I have done a lot of reading on the topic,” Delp said. ”I tell them first to ask their doctor. Then with much emphasis, I say absolutely [to get it].”

Delp said she recommends the shot for

anyone who hates wearing the masks. ”The sooner we all get vaccinated and take care of at-risk folks, the sooner we get to live some version of normal lives," Delp said.

Delp doesn’t want to miss a day of school if she can help it. ”I want to stay healthy,” Delp added. “Making sub plans really sucks.”

Amber Potter also received the COVID-19 vaccine. She did so to protect her family and students, she said. She wants to keep her family healthy. ”A reason I got the shot was that my parents and parents-in-law are in their 70s and 80s. I wanted to make sure that I'm keeping them safe and healthy,” Potter said.

Potter has twins who are two years old, a 4-year-old daughter, and a son who is 18.

She said she knew if she wanted to a typical life again and to keep her family safe, she needed to get the shot. She added that if people wish to live a ”normal” life again, then most of the population needs to get vaccinated. ”When the shot first came out, I was a bit skeptical of it. I hadn't read much about it, and it made me nervous that it had developed so quickly,” Potter said. “But the more I read about it, the more comfortable I became with wanting to get the shot.” ”I am pleased about getting the vaccine,” Potter added. ”I never contracted COVID-19, and I'm happy I don't have to worry about it anymore. I also feel good that I don't have to worry about visiting my parents or in-laws and for the possibility of giving it to them or anyone else in the family.”

Potter also knows that not all of her students practice social distancing, so for her safety and her family's safety, she got the shot.

Student describes COVID-19 experience

By Emily Gibson Staff News Writer In the Lewiston-Clarkston valley, several students came down with COVID-19 after going back to school last fall, each experiencing something unlike the other. Justin Alder, junior, tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced with more standout factors compared to some of the other cases he’s heard of at school.

Alder claims he started feeling sick and tired after arriving home one day.

“I felt like I had a flu or virus, so I took my temperature. It was at 102 degrees,” Alder said. “So I went and got tested and stayed home until I got it back positive.”

Following this, he explained the symptoms he experienced during the peak of the ill-

ness, “I had a high fever and felt super-tired all the time,” he said. “I had a migraine that lasted several days. Fortunately, I didn’t have a shortness of breath.”

Still, Alder said his COVID-19 experience wasn’t the worst thing to happen to him, especially since most of his school work is available online “The biggest long-term effect is that my taste hasn’t fully returned to normal, and my smell hasn’t returned,” Alder said. “Losing my senses was the biggest standout factor for me.”

Alder has been recovered for months but claims he will never forget his time dealing with COVID-19.

Schaper shares COVID-19 experience

By Annika Lifvenborg Photography Manager

There have been multiple teachers at LHS who have had COVID-19 during this n o w - ye a r long pandemic.

John Schaper is John Schaper one of those teachers who got COVID-19 back in October.

It hit him for about ten days. His experience with COVID-19 “wasn’t the worst thing ever faced,” he said, though he experienced several different symptoms.

A student got him sick with a “really high fever,” Schaper said, which made him suspect he had COVID-19. Within a matter of hours, his body temperature went from average to 102.7 degrees. He did not know if he had COVID-19 or not until two days after getting his test results back. During those two days, he consulted his friend, a doctor, and discussed the symptoms and what he could possibly have.

The symptoms varied from headaches to fatigue. They started with the high fever and a feeling like a lump in his throat, he said. The symptoms progressed into an ear-infection feeling and body aches all over. The body aches spread from head to toe, and lasted for days.

During his quarantine and for some time afterward, Schaper felt winded very quickly and had to use an O2 level checker. He used that tool for more than two months, and noted that his lungs have been noticeably weaker after getting COVID-19.

Schaper considered himself lucky for the Emergency Cares Act and used that to his advantage during his quarantine. The Emergency Cares Act makes it so essential workers who had COVID-19 could get paid for their quarantine time when they were not working. While he was out, he depended on his peers to help with assignments and grading papers.

Once he was back in the classroom, he had to re-establish classroom dynamics. He considered this a “logistical nightmare” to deal with, but his classes were on the same page after a few weeks.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Opinion

13

Asian-American hate spreads with pandemic

By Hannah Shoffitt News and Opinion Editor

“This individual followed me and attacked with what seemed like a rock in a sock. It hit me in the face, and I fell unconscious. I woke up to find myself suffocating in my own blood in the mask and saw the guy hit my boyfriend in the head and keep charging at us until people around us came to help.”

This description came from an Asian-American high school teacher who experienced an assault Feb. 25. According to thenewstribune.com, the perpetrator, Sean Holdip, was arrested March 4 by Seattle Police Department. Unfortunately, occurrences like these are on the rise throughout the nation.

Former President Donald Trump spread anti-Asian rhetoric in tweets such as one on March 16, 2020: “The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before!” [sic] He faced immediate backlash from many, from Asian-Americans to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Statement encouraged some to partake in similar behaviors and phrases. Trump even coined the term “kung flu” when referring to COVID-19 to his (smaller than anticipated) audience at a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 20, 2020.

These kinds of statements are racist, xenophobic and unacceptable. They perpetuate the myth that Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are more likely to spread COVID-19. For AAPI, this can harm mental health, and that can put lives on the line.

In a tragic example, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, a Thai-American man, died in an unprovoked attack. According to abcnews.com, Ratanapakdee was on a morning stroll in his San Francisco neighborhood Jan. 28, when a violent passerby shoved him to the ground. He died in a hospital two days later.

“I want him to stay alive and wake up… and come see me again. But he will never wake up again”, said Monthanus Ratanapakdee, his daughter.

“It’s pretty obvious that it’s a racist attack.

He [Antoine Watson, the “violent passerby”] looked at a little Asian man and felt that he could take out his anger on him, and it was justified somehow ,“ said Eric Lawson, Vicha’s son-in-law. “He ran from all the way across the street downhill and slammed him into the garage, into the floor, and broke his head open.”

This should make a person’s blood boil. The

Stop AAPI Hate advocacy group based in California recorded almost 3,000 cases of aggression from March to December 2020. These numbers are considered more accurate than the FBIs, as some do not report hate crimes due to language barriers or mistrust in government officials. Disproportionate amounts of attacks were targeted at women and the elderly. For comparison, roughly 100 were A man holds a picture of late Vichar Ratanpakdee, an 84-year-old immigrant reported in previousfrom Thailand, who was violently shoved to the ground in a deadly attack in years.

San Francisco. Image courtesy of USA Today.

Another problematic “These communities have long fought misconception that AAPI face, besides false- against violence and hatred while many in ly linking them to COVID-19, is that they do the Asian-American community have stayed not need help. Many stereotype them as a silent in the past. So yes, Asian-American “model minority,” immune to harassment. leaders do realize that we must find strength This is untrue and damaging. It’s not that in combating this violence -- but we also recthey aren’t coming forward; they are not be- ognize that our African-American brothers ing heard. and sisters deal with this hatred and violence “One of the greatest myths out there is that every single day of our lives.”

Asians are quiet and don’t say anything. It’s President Joe Biden denounced Asian hate easy for one to say that, but if you speak and crimes March 11 in remarks on a year with no one hears you, the easy excuse is that you COVID-19 during a prime-time address. never said anything at all,” said Rep. Tackey “At this very moment, so many of them, Chan, D-Quincy. our fellow Americans, are on the front lines Another Asian congressperson, Rep. Grace of this pandemic trying to save lives and Meng, D-NY, also spoke on this issue and on still — still are forced to live in fear for their feeling invisible. lives just walking down streets in America,” “Our people are getting attacked, our peo- he said. “It’s wrong, it’s un-American, and it ple are getting harassed, spat on, beat up, must stop.” you know, slashed. Please, somebody pay atBiden signed a memorandum Jan. 26 that tention, please notice us. Give me confirma- condemns discrimination impacting the tion that I am an American too,” Meng said.

AAPI community due to the pandemic. It Over the summer of 2020, the Black issues guidance to the justice system on Lives Matter movement gained an incred- dealing with the increased racially motivatible following and enacted much-need- ed crimes against Asians. The memorandum ed change. Racism was at the forefront of is an addition to a series of racial-equity-fomany American minds. So what happened cused executive orders. It stands as a glimto Asian-Americans? While this is a valid mer of hope for the United States. question, these groups should not be pitted Due to COVID-19, Asian hate has increased against each other nor compared. Their his- to a level many have never seen in their lifetorical struggles and stereotypes are sepa- times. The despicable words and actions dirate and individual. Being bitter because one rected at them are disheartening and wrong. grouping was not in the limelight during a To continue to be silent on matters like these historical movement is foolish. It’s not a far is harmful compliancy. The unfounded becry from the unrightfully agitated “all lives lief that Asians are more likely to spread matter” and “white lives matter” groups.

COVID-19 or that they aren’t suffering is wit“White supremacy has always pitted ra- less. Asian-Americans are being bombarded cial groups against one another,” said Brad with resentment, and to contribute to their Jenkins, a volunteer for the AAPI Coalition. pain is nothing less than evil.

14

Opinion

THE BENGAL’S PURR

All students deserve more mental health help

By Gaby Laferriere Reporter

While the pandemic has made people physically sick, it has also taken a toll on mental health. Mental health issues have been spiking since 2020. Schools need to be aware of the struggles students may be going through. It is unfair to expect kids to act normal when the world is the farthest thing from it.

The lack of human interaction as a result of the pandemic has caused significant issues in mental health. Schools expect kids to adapt and overcome, but it is highly unrealistic for them to be in the same mental state as before. According to Psychology Today, “Social isolation is a severe psychological and physiological stressor, and the stress of isolation is likely to hit hardest those people who, for one reason or another, are already devoting significant energy and resources to adapt to everyday life.”

Also, KFF.org says that anxiety and depression in adults rose from 11% to 41% from January 2019 to January 2021. The CDC detected an average of 28% more mental

health-related emergency room visits for children ages 5-17 from March to October 2020 compared to the previous year.

For some, the world flipped upside down when COVID-19 hit. Whether from financial struggles, school struggles or the overall feeling of hopelessness, this is not a thriving time for most people right now.

Schools do not teach students how to deal with mental health. Asking for help from counselors, teachers or parents is horrifying to some. Kids need to learn how to cope beyond just asking for help. According to America’sHealthRankings.org, in 2017, over 6,200 adolescents lost their lives to suicide.

They also claim it is the second leading cause of death for teens. Obviously, the “ask for help” tactic isn’t working.

Many students in the U.S. feel that making that “11:59 due date” has become more important to their teachers and parents than their health. As new assignments flood Google Classroom on top of family and societal issues, students’ anxiety and depression are rising and can become unbearable.

Some would argue that it is not the schools’ job to deal with students’ mental health;

however, according to youthtruthsurvey.org, when students receive social-emotional and mental health support, they perform better academically.

While students are still responsible to learn and grow, school should be a safe place to do so. When students struggle but don’t ask for help, they are often blamed. Instead, schools should ask why they are struggling, what they can do to help, and why students don’t feel comfortable asking for help. Schools should be outlets for kids to confide in about mental health issues -- not their cause.

A lighter workload or at least a more fun approach to learning would lessen stress and anxiety drastically, along with counselors and teachers being more open and understanding. A mental health course could help kids learn how to cope while helping schools spot kids and get them the help they need.

Mental health needs to be a priority in schools. Imagine the academic success the U.S. would have if kids had the resources to thrive. More than that, schools should care about students. How long will they let this limit students from reaching their full potential?

Department of Justice has reported over 800 hate crimes targeting Muslim-Americans and similar groups since 9/11. One of these attacks included an El Paso man throwing a molotov cocktail at children near the Islamic Center of El Paso Mosque.

But all minorities face discrimination. Prejudice, while horrible in itself, is not a specifically Muslim problem. The difference between Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry is that Islamophobia is deeply rooted in the U.S., often without being noticed or combatted. According to a 2015 study by the Pew Research Center, 39% of Americans believed Muslims should face more scrutiny than people of other religions. But nobody should be treated differently because of their faith.

This fear of Islam extends to politicians.

When Barack Obama ran for president in 2008, he received backlash because some people incorrectly thought he was Muslim. It came to a point where his political opponent, the late John McCain, had to defend Obama.

Even still, many people believe Obama is Muslim. And it seems that only in America is calling someone Muslim a critique.

Many believe Islam is a fundamentally violent and terroristic religion. However, this claim is entirely wrong. Islam is one of the

three Abrahamic faiths. Fundamentally, it is similar to Judaism and Christianity. While there are critical differences between these spiritualities, nothing makes Islam fundamentally more violent than other faiths. Take Indonesia, for example. This country has the world’s largest Islam population, with 227 million citizens identifying as Muslim. Yet Indonesia experiences less terrorism than its surrounding non-Muslim majority countries, such as Myanmar, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka.

Islamophobia must be called out in daily life, just like any other form of racism. Along with that, people do not deserve criticism for bringing up social problems like this one.

It’s time to educate children about other religions and cultures, to stop the media-sponsored fear of the Middle East, and to stop politicizing an entire religion’s existence.

The U.S. should not accept racism of any kind. Islamophobia is a problem because it associates the actions of a few with a group of many. No culture should be discriminated against, especially one as huge as Islam.

Americans must let the anger of 9/11 go and leave biases behind. Immigration and diversity built this country, and the nation will only be great when its people embrace that.

Islamophobia continues to affect America

By Jacob Isom Reporter

A little over 19 years ago, a coordinated and devastating terrorist attack hit the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. This attack hurt the country, and Americans have worked hard to heal from it. Americans were highly patriotic and compassionate to each other at this time. But since then, American anger has targeted one large group of people: Muslims.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, American Muslims have been victims of hate crimes and prejudice. Even today, it seems socially acceptable to think of Muslims as terrorists.

To question this idea makes a person a “radical liberal.” Islamophobia is far too normalized in the U.S., and Americans must call it out when they see it.

Arab-Americans, Muslims, Sikhs and SouthAsian Americans are often victims of discrimination and hate crimes. Sikhs and SouthAsian Americans and Arab Americans get harassed because they “look Muslim,” even if they are not of the Muslim faith. To be clear, harassment based on ethnicity is racism.

If racism is generally frowned upon, why is there an exception to Islamophobia in America? The U.S. is still angry over 9/11, and that anger is creating problems. The U.S.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Satire

15

Top 10 April Fools food pranks for friends

By Josh Tatko Staff Reporter

With April Fools Day on its way, many people are looking for pranks to fool their friends and loved ones. Here are a few relatively harmless, food-based pranks.

1. Toothpaste Oreos: This one is a classic.

Replace the cream filling of an Oreo with white toothpaste and either place it back in the bag, on display, or give it to your victim.

2. Sriracha- or mayonnaise-filled donuts: Another classic, this prank is very versatile.

You can fill a donut with whatever you like, but Sriracha or mayonnaise are advised because they look like jelly and cream.

3. Mashed potatoes and gravy sundae: You may have heard that ice cream companies use mashed potatoes in their commercials to make their product look nicer. Your victim can experience what it would be like to taste that sundae. All it requires is mashed potatoes, brown gravy, and a cherry to make it look convincing.

4. Cheesecake made to look like mashed

Image courtesy of dailymeal.com.

potatoes and gravy: This is the reverse of the previous prank. With white cheesecake and chocolate or caramel syrup, you can create the illusion of mashed potatoes drizzled in brown gravy.

5. Wasabi guacamole: Although a bit less harmless than the others listed here, replacing the guacamole at a chip and dip platter with wasabi makes for a great prank, assuming your victim(s) can handle spice.

6. Caramel onions: These aren’t traditional caramelized onions, but they’ll do for a simple prank.

7. Ketchup soda: Similar to the donut, the ketchup inside the fountain drink cup can be replaced with pretty much anything, and here the appearance is masked entirely, so looks don’t matter. Ketchup is the standard suggestion, though.

8. Candy chicken pot pie: It may require quite a bit of effort, but a chicken pot pie filled with vanilla pudding, Starbursts, M and M’s, or similar candy is a very fulfilling prank assuming it pans out.

9. Graham cracker bandages: Less of a trick and more of a surprise, filling an empty bandage box with graham crackers (potentially marked with frosting and jam depending on how invested in the prank you are) and faking a minor injury is a solid, harmless prank. Hopefully nobody actually needs a bandage, though.

10. Buttered/oiled floor: This entry is a bit unorthodox and should only be done if you’re willing to clean up the mess because chances are, your victim will not be willing to do so themselves. The prank is simple, slather a hardwood or tiled floor with butter or oil.

Clarkston wins back Throne Best totally FAKE NEWS

By Cecelia Thomas Staff Feature Writer

Digital illustration by Kristin Starr.

Golden Throne took a turn in 2021. Many Bengals went limping home from the gnarly battle. Still, since not many people have gotten the memo, this year, on Feb. 6, the Clarkston Bantams defeated the Lewiston Bengals.

By halftime Bantams had a whopping 132 points to our measly 4, just when we thought the heat couldn’t get any hotter a bunch of chickens went running through the gymnasium.

Joe Shamoe, a Lewiston Bengal, went in for a basket and had a dramatic fall when his foot slid out from under him in chicken poop. He was found in the parking lot at half time, crying and yelling about the game’s unfairness.

The Throne will now, in honor of the Bantams, be painted a royal red.

“The ultimate deflation of the Bengals will result in the end of our annual Golden Throne, and Clarkston Bantams will permanently be holders of the Throne,” said Leonardo DeCarl.

not illegal pranks

By Chayton Brewer-Burgin Features Editor

1. Fill your grandparents’ house with cobras 2. Send your parent’s life savings to a Nigerian prince 3. Fill a empty bottle of bleach full of water and use it as a water bottle 4. Replace the hand sanitizer with skunk spray 5. Remove the keys off of every chrome book 6. Add laxative to the milk cartons at lunch 7. Spray the halls with vegetable oil 8. Release live tigers into the school to show your school spirit.

9.Super glue all the chairs and tables to the floor 10. Fill a clean bottle of Windex with a blue drink, then use it as a water bottle.

16

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Satire

Make-up tips FAKE NEWS

By Aydann Long Staff Reporter

Digital illustration by Emma Cuddy.

Biden, Trump to throw hands

By Josh Tatko Staff Reporter

FAKE NEWS

What started as a passive-aggressive Twitter argument between Donald Trump and Joseph Biden has escalated into a no-holds-barred mixed martial arts match planned for May 4, Bird Day. Professional MMA fighter Jak’scynn Tartar has called the fight the duel of the Phanerozoic Eon. The match will stream live on Periscope and can be viewed for $12. David Attenborough will narrate the action, which will be captured at 100,000 frames per second.

Doctor of Presidentialism Trump dropped a hype vide March 2, which is Pig Day. This cinematic event is a direct sequel to his Election Day hit, “Despacito (Gone Wrong).” The new video features PSY, singer of the acclaimed musical magnum opus, “Gangnam Style.”

Biden has not been exempt from the promotion. He held a socially distanced party Jan. 20.

Attractions for the event included standing in the cold and watching somebody read out loud to Biden.

According to downloadram.edu, many celebrities are slated to appear at the fight, including Jennifer Aniston, Dan Aykroyd, Michelle Obama and Soulja Boy. Kandis Arugula, a reporter for the Zuckerberg Post, announced a raffle for 10 lucky fans to attend the event. Entries cost $3 each at getfreecollege.org.

Lucky Charms mascot retires

By Declan Cattrysse Staff Reporter

Last Thursday at a major press conference, General Mills shocked the world with the announcement of Lucky the Leprechaun's retirement.

Lucky, the beloved mascot of the sugary breakfast cereal, Lucky Charms, has been around since March 20, 1964.

In response to this announcement, the company has verified the new mascot will

be none other than Barbara the Unicorn.

Barbara has been sharing the spotlight with Lucky since the release of the magical unicorn marshmallows in 2018.

"I thought she was my friend,” Lucky said.

“We were the perfect cereal together, and then one day, I got a call from my agent saying, 'It's nothing personal, but you're being retired, and Barbara is taking your spot.'"

Lucky said he plans to move to the Bahamas and spend his days, "lying in a pool and drinking Coca-Cola."

1. Get the whitest foundation you have and put it all over your face, to look like Olaf.

2. Grab any red lipstick and drag it up around your mouth but drag out your smile, so you look presentable.

3. Next, you need the most superior blue eye shadow you have, and you want to lather it very think across your eye, then drag it down, so you look like your crying because we are all sad.

4. Get that red lipstick back and draw in your eyebrows as you did in 7th grade. Then do the same on the end of your nose, so you look like you hit puberty a second time.

5. For the last bit, get a dark blush and smear it on your cheeks, so you look like you lived in the sun for three years.

6. And last but not least, the cutest rainbow wig you have so you look like the clown you are.

Please send this to your friends so they can look as good as you do.

Dear 2020 FAKE NEWS

By Lilia Ramos Staff Reporter Dear 2020, I want to say thank you so much for giving us the best year of our lives! It was amazing how you. I’m just kidding. You gave us the worst year ever. It was awful how you thought separating people from families, friends, sports, etc., would be a good idea.

It was sad not being able to go to sports games like the Golden Throne, making us wear masks 24/7, and still have to give a few feet away from one another is now our lifestyle. Nothing is ever going to be the same again. 2020, I’d like to say that I’m going to be better than you. I am going to make people happy again and decrease the hate and negativity that you have brought to the planet.

Sincerely, 2021

Satire 17

Thursday, March 25, 2021

LHS parking lot undergoes reconstruction

By Lauren Martin Staff Reporter

FAKE NEWS

The current parking lot situation can be described as disorganized and chaotic with misleading signs, constant traffic jams, lack of parking and driving lanes far too small for multi-directional traffic. At a recent meeting, LHS staff finally addressed the problem.

They have decided to have the parking lot reconstructed to alleviate these problems once and for all.

According to Vice Principal Estacionamiento Lott, the design will include a new multi-story parking garage. The lower floor will allow parking for students and staff with designated parking spots to separate the two.

The upper floor will provide visitors a location away from new drivers and exhausted teachers, equipped with an elevator and staircase to bring them back to the ground floor.

A a third floor will serve as a food court, allowing students to stay on campus for lunch. Students can ride the elevator to this top floor and grab food from McDonald’s,

Artistic rendering of the new parking garage by Kristin Starr.

Dutch Bros., Dunkin Donuts, or numerous others.

The garage will span the distance of both existing parking lots, which will be demolished to make way for these new developments.

Office secretary, Auto Davis, said students will be able to reserve parking spots to use for the remainder of their high school experience for a fee of $99.99.

Students will also have the option of valet parking by school bus drivers. A ticket to do so will be available for $5.55 at several signin stations in the garage when completed.

According to contractor Edwardo Parcelle, the project is estimated to cost $8 million and is scheduled for completion by the start of the 2021-22 school year. The project will be funded by The Foundation for Better Parking At Schools.

Then xblueshuesx adlibs in the background, bringing the anxiety to life. xblueshuesx is no slouch on his tracks. His work includes a little piano string with an interesting incorporation of a tie hitting a mahogany desk, which serves as a percussive loop in the boombastic melody. The song is the one and only “Steve leaves,” an intense take on the costar of Blue’s Clues and his exit from the show. It includes heart-wrenching lyrics like, “Can you find the clue? Lost last season, why dude? You left without reason.”

Bobby Shmurda even makes an appearance on “Heated Dogs and People.” Shmurda’s interesting voice accompanies Notorious Gnome’s deep grunge vibe. Truly, this song will be remembered for its lines like, ”That’s my dog house, keep it all chained now, I’m alive though, left the Gnome about a week ago.” It’s a great comeback for the incarcerated rapper.

Notorious Gnome makes sure not to forget about his metal inspirations with, ”Through a Tire and Some Change,” along with a great drumroll and guitar riff. He delivers a great intro with, ”On a cold winter morning, at

some time in the night, in a stove now it’s hot hot hot, we run out of sight.”

The album has been critically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Musicritic and Pitchfork. It was also reviewed by a critic with the name of Anthony Fantano, who said, ”This is the best thing since melons. Which is saying a lot, coming from the best teeth in the game, me, the God of reviews.” This is quite a bold statement by the flannel-wearing philanthropist.

So is this album deserving of what it got?

This album is filled with interesting musical developments. This is the first time a toilet scrubber has been used in a piece of musical entertainment. Every song is a masterpiece.

Absolutely zero flaws exist in the album. Because of this album, every reviewer on earth has finally collectively agreed on something.

It’s been deemed the best album... ever. All music in production has stopped, and people now agree the age of music is over with the release of this album. Some call it the greatest musical media, and others call it the end of all audio creativity.

Administrators drop legendary album

By Taren Glenn Entertainment Editor

FAKE NEWS

Kevin Driskill and Chad Arlint have worked many years at LHS. Most know them as principal and co-vice principal. But few know about the duo’s newly released sophomore album, Roll Call in an Empty Class.

Arlint’s stagename is Notorious Gnome, an interesting choice for the new artist, while Driskill has chosen the name xblueshuesx.

This is a nod to the show Blue’s Clues, which he cited as inspiration for the record with the Notorious Gnome.

In Roll Call In An Empty Class, Notorious Gnome brings his grunge and metal inspiration to xblueshuesx’s somber melodies and rhymes. Some songs sound truly haunting and memorable like the intro “Substitute Bleachers,” where Notorious Gnome details his intense phobia of bleachers. The chorus really gets into the mind of a bathophobiac with, ”Turn away from the bleachers, two sets on each side, yell for a teacher.”

18

Entertainment

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Top 10 shows to watch over spring break

By Hannah Shoffitt News and Opinion Editor Nacho Libre (2006): A monastery, orphans, and luchadores. What more is there to ask for in a movie? Jack Black leads as Ignacio (Nacho), a monk who works in the kitchen of a Mexican monastery, where he also lives.

Troubles begin when the nuns cannot afford adequate food for the orphans, and Nacho takes on a second job as a Lucha Libre wrestler. The church strictly forbids Lucha, and humor develops as he hides his identity. He also falls in love with a nun, Sister Encarnación. This doesn’t lead to intimacy, but rather... toast. The movie is also loosely based on a true story, which makes it even more bizarre. Overall, it is a very upbeat and comedy-filled film.

Juno (2007): This film starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera, is riddled with humorous one-liners. The basic plot is that 16-year-old Juno MacGuff (Page) discovers she is pregnant with her and Paul(ie) Bleeker’s child (Cera.) She plans to adopt the child out to a perfect couple she finds in a newspaper ad, and complications ensue. Jennifer Garner plays the prospective adoptive mother, which adds to the appeal. Though an unexpected teenage pregnancy seems like a bummer of a movie premise, the acting and dialogue make it equal parts funny and heartwarming.

Parks and Recreation (2009): This is a highly comical political mockumentary set in Indiana. The fundamental storyline is about Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), an optimistic, mid-level bureaucrat focused on changing her fictional town of Pawnee for the better.

The first season begins with a dire need to fill in a dangerous pit that has injured Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt). The plot thickens as the next six seasons unfold. The writing, acting and plotlines leave a lot of room for humorous mishaps, and the producers take full advantage. The series as a whole is exceptionally quick-witted and its cast has hilarious timing.

Jumanji (1995 and 2017): The premise of the 1995 Jumanji is that two siblings find a board game in an abandoned mansion. The siblings, Peter (Bradley Pierce) and Judy (Kirsten Dunst), decide to play and free Adam Parish (the late Robin Williams), and they tackle different inconveniences to keep Parish free. It’s a very amusing film, and widely popular, as basically everyone has seen it.

The 2017 version is about four high schoolers who decide to play a video game, which transports them into the world that Parish

was trapped in 22 years prior. They play as the characters they chose in the game, and the cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillian and Kevin Hart. On the whole, it’s a very entertaining and memorable follow-up.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999): Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles), a very abrasive and smart senior in high school, doesn’t date around much. Her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) wants a boyfriend, but house rules say she can’t date until Kat does. Plans formulate to hastily set Kat up for romance.

That’s when the new arrival, Patrick Verona (the late Heath Led- Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan star in Mean Girls ger), comes into play. Interestingly (2004). Image courtesy of imdb.com. enough, it’s a modern adaptation tive who often comes into conflict with his of the Shakespeare play, The Taming of the stern, commanding officer, Cpt. Raymond Shrew. With extremely witty dialogue, a fast- Holt (Andre Braugher). There are many othpaced plotline and a slow-burn romance, it’s er compelling characters with different a no-brainer when it comes to comedy. motives and personalities, such as two faThe Office (2005): This sitcom mocku- vorites: Terry Jeffords and Gina Linetti. Lt. mentary is about office workers’ day-to-day Jeffords (Terry Crews) is a family man and life in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of a self-professed “gentle giant’’ to whom the the fictional paper company, Dunder Mifflin. detectives report. Linetti (Chelsea Peretti) is Like Parks and Recreation, its first season is a an extremely sarcastic civilian administrator bit rocky, but the series improves as it pro- with a passion for social media and dance. In gresses. Michael Scott (Steve Carrel), the im- general, the show cover current issues in a mature and enthusiastic branch manager, humorous and enlightening way. causes interesting situations for himself and Mean Girls (2004): Cady Heron (Lindsay his employees. Romance also plays a role in Lohan) moves with her scientist parents the series, with Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) from Africa to the Illinois suburbs. The teenand Pam Beasley (Jenna Fischer) as the “will ager finds herself among a shallow clique of they-won’t they” couple. Hilarious pranks, the girls rightfully dubbed “The Plastics.” She one-liners and scenarios unfold throughout soon finds out why the nickname came to the nine seasons. Even with its eight-year be, and catty back-stabbings begin. With the run-time, it is always exciting and funny to burn book, a compilation of horrible secrets follow new and old characters alike. and rumors created by The Plastics, it’s no Legally Blonde (2001): Sororities, fashion wonder tensions arise. The movie contains and… law school? Elle Woods (Reese With- amusing banter and characters and ends erspoon) stars as the fiancée of Warner Hun- satisfyingly. With “Swedish nutrition bars,” a tington (Matthew Davis). Her plans are shat- bus hit-and-run and an apology assembly, tered when he breaks up with her because it’s one to watch. she’s too “blonde.” To prove him wrong and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993): The late Robin Wilwin him back, she gets into Harvard and liams steals the show as Daniel Hillard, an works on her Juris Doctor degree. Personal- eccentric actor and recent divorcee. With an ities clash and harmful stereotypes unfold, inability to see his children as his motive, he but Elle holds her head high. She even has a takes on the persona of a sweet old British change of heart as the movie progresses, and woman, Mrs. Doubtfire. He’s hired unwitshe grows into herself more. It’s a light-heart- tingly by his own ex-wife, Miranda Hillard ed and humorous flick across the board.

(Sally Field), to nanny their children and keep Brooklyn 99 (2013): This TV series follows house full time. Miranda tests the waters of a team of detectives working in the fiction- the dating pool with Stu (Pierce Brosnan), al 99th precinct of the NYPD in Brooklyn. which only adds to shenanigans and privacy The plot revolves around Jake Peralta (Andy breaches.

Samberg), a childish but talented detec-

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Entertainment 19

Daft Punk breaks up after LHS choirs celebrate jazz 28 years in EDM scene

By Taren Glenn Entertainment Editor

After 28 years, the much-loved and respected Daft Punk broke up Feb. 22. All around the world electronic dance music fans still weep for the legendary duo.

Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo announced their split through a Youtube video known as “Epilogue.” In this one robotic suit of the duo explodes while the other walks into the sunset.

They started their long career in a rock band called Darling. But after the two began going to nightclubs and raves, they got a taste for EDM (electronic dance music).

Wasting no time, in 1993 the duo changed their persona to that of Daft Punk. Their name comes from a critic who called a song

by Darling, “Daft Punky Thrash.” The duo took criticism quite well, not sacrificing their sound because of others’ opinions on what their music was.

The first album that Daft Punk released was homework in 1996. A love letter to EDM, it was a series of songs meant to be singles.

But they realized they had enough to make a full album, so they orchestrated the cohesion of the album later on. In an interview

Bangalter said, ”We do not really want to make albums.” Instead, they preferred making individual songs. Daft Punk tended to make good songs, then create an album of the songs they enjoyed and found to be of high enough quality.

Daft Punk has always been an unconventional group. Maybe most clearly seen with their robotic personas. Whenever in public under the Daft Punk name, they dress in robotic suits, as the faces for their band. One Golden, the other silver.

They both gifted a brand new taste, to a stale time in the EDM genre.

By Taren Glenn Entertainment Editor

The LHS choirs are making the best of things this year, even with the cancellation of the University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in February.

As an alternative to the annual festival in Moscow, the LHS choirs and bands held their own kind of festival at school in Lewiston.

“Having this smaller, LHS-only jazz festival was a fun but bittersweet experience,” said Justin Alder, who sings with Gold Voices.

“The choirs were pretty sad that we couldn’t travel to Moscow and compete with schools from all around. But we still got to support each other, see our friends sing.”

Art club keeping things light

Bands keep busy despite COVID-19 cancellations

By Jasmine Schmidt Reporter

The Lewiston High School bands have functions coming up this spring, including fundraisers and the LHS prom.

The jazz bands will have a fundraiser concert called Swing Into Spring from 7-11 p.m. on April 23 at the P1FCU Performing Arts Center at LHS. Tickets can be purchased from band students beforehand or at the fundraiser. The recommended donation is $10.

Jazz Band I will also be performing at the LHS prom.

Noah Williams, a senior in Jazz Band I, said, “I’m looking forward to [our next concerts], got some good music playing.”

At the jazz bands’ recent concert March 2, Brendan Burns, band director, said his students performed well. “[It was a] lot of fun, very exhausting. [The]

kids played well,” Burns said.

The LHS concert bands also played March 16 at the P1FCU Performing Arts Center.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year the jazz bands did not participate in the annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho in Moscow. Burns said they are looking forward to returning to the festival next year.

COVID-19 has affected the LHS bands this year. One significant impact has been on the marching band, since the parades and marching shows it usually plays were canceled this year.

But Burns has enjoyed working with students this year despite the limitations.

“My favorite part is when students are having fun and the students enjoy coming to band and being a part of the band every day,” Burns said. “It’s kind of a bright spot for their class schedule.”

Sophia Gill, a freshman, sketches from a photo during Art Club. The club meets every Thursday right after school in Christopher Farnes’ classroom, CW100. Recently the club tie-dyed clothing. “I would just like to let students know that they don’t have to feel like an artist or even come every week to participate,” Farnes said in an email. “They are welcome to stop in and see what Art Club has to offer.” -- Photo and story by Maggie Bulkley.

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Entertainment

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Wandavision becomes Marvel masterpiece

By Maggie Bukley Digital Media Manager

WARNING! Spoilers ahead The last the world saw of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was in July 2019 with its release of Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Since then, audiences were promised Black Widow in May 2020, and then November 2020, It now is set to release in May, making 2020 the first year since 2009 that Marvel has not released a film. (Thanks, ‘Rona!). Fans of the MCU had a year full of disappointment, but the tables turned with Marvel’s release of the Disney+ exclusive series, WandaVision.

Anyone who hasn’t seen a Marvel movie should consider stopping at this point. The show -- like all Marvel content -- directly ties into the previous films, so viewers must be caught up with the story to understand it.

This story takes place only a few weeks after the events of Avengers: Endgame, where the audience sees Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) “blip” back to existence five years after both she and Vision (Paul Bettany) die. She immediately proceeds to duke it out with Thanos (Josh Brolin), Marvel’s biggest baddie. After Thanos’ defeat, she attends the funeral of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), and that’s where the audience last sees her. Now, however, she has taken a whole town hostage with her mind. She has created an alternate reality where she and Vision live together in what appear to be various sitcoms.

Each episode is styled after a decade of television -- the first episode looks like the 1950s, the second like the 1960s and so on. Each episode has its own theme song, also based

Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) is welcomed home by Vision in her 1950s-themed sitcom. Image courtesy of imdb.com.

on a decade. The audience follows as Vision slowly seems to become aware of what’s going on, all while Wanda explores and pushes the barriers of her increasing power.

The show takes some time to get used to.

It’s unlike anything most viewers have seen, with an odd blend of nostalgia in its style and references, plus intrigue and curiosity at what’s going on behind the scenes.

This series is also incredibly emotional.

Wanda acts almost solely out of grief, and who can blame her? She’s lost her parents, her brother, her friends, her home. The show digs deeper into her emotional struggles and helps the audience see all she’s gone through. It’s heartbreaking and upsetting, but it’s beautifully done.

Nobody expected this show to do as well as it did, but the world has been pleasantly surprised at its quality. The show averaged 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and three episodes re-

ceived 100% on the site. Overall, it’s a bittersweet story that serves to connect the audience with Wanda and Vision in a way they’ve never seen before, while also setting up the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This show has the audience satisfied while also looking forward to what the people at Marvel HQ have in store. There really aren’t any flaws in WandaVision...It earns a 5/5.

By Maggie Bulkley Digital Media Manager

else to say. The viewer walks in to see a mediocre Disney film and walks out having seen a mediocre Disney film. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a 95%, so it has that going for it, but I would have to disagree with the rating.

Sure, there’s the message of trust and friendship and a joke or two, but it wasn’t excellent. It wasn’t terrible either, so... 2 out of 5.

Raya and the Last Dragon proves adequate

Disney released Raya and the Last Dragon on March 5. Image courtesy of imdb.com.

Disney movies have been disappointments lately, especially with all of the sequels and live-action remakes. Excluding the Pixar films and Disney+ exclusive releases, it feels like it’s been a while since the company has released any fresh, original content.

This is why expectations were not the highest for the release of Raya And The Last Dragon. The film tells the story of Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) as she scours the land of Kumandra.

She’s trying to find Sisu (Awkwafina), the last dragon, in order to save her land from the wretched Druun.

A fitting title, right?

The film was as expected. There’s not much

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Entertainment

21

Drama prepares for light-hearted musical

By Lilia Ramos Staff Reporter The LHS drama department will present Once Upon A Mattress May 6-15.

The musical comedy classic is about the evil Queen Aggravain, who sabotages the efforts of a very young princess who wishes to marry her son, Prince Dauntless.

Mel Syverson, the LHS drama adviser, chose the show for several reasons.

“This show does not have the heavy demands that some shows do in terms of dance and vocals, so it seemed a good choice,” Syverson said. “We also felt that a light-hearted show that lets the audience laugh a lot would feel very good after a tough year.”

She hopes her actors will perform in person, but if COVID-19 restrictions deny them the ability, they have plans to broadcast it virtually.

Students in the cast and crew include Jacob Bigler, Dekin Carney, Rachel Huges, Liam Jensen, Sarah Kammer, Camrynn Kernan, Leah Lewis, Ry Lincoln, Kate Pernsteiner, Olivia Reynolds, Piper Rickman, Lane Riggs, Max Schaefer, Zachary Steadman, Trace Steele, Gabby Stenzel, Crystal Watkins, Trinity Weigand, Hunter Weigand, Cale Wilponen, Mary Wren and Garrett Yonge.

A Silent Voice speaks on unheard topics

By Skylah Wolf Reporter Director Naoko Yamada released A Silent Voice first in Japan in 2016. This M-rated animated movie includes topics that are not very easy to talk about for a lot of people; such as depression, suicide, bullying and anxiety.

The beginning of the movie starts out with the main character, Shoya Ishida (voiced by Miyu Irino), who’s in high school, quitting his job and selling all of his belongings. He puts all of the money he made from working and selling things into an envelope and sets it next to his sleeping mother. Then it cuts to a scene where Shoya is walking along a bridge and goes to jump, trying to attempt suicide, but he is distracted by little kids playing with firecrackers on the shore of the river below, so he doesn’t jump.

After the opening, which is right after the bridge scene, the movie travels back in time to when Shoya is in elementary school. A new girl comes to Shoya’s school and introduces herself as Shoko Nishimya (voiced

by Saori Hayami). Shoko tells the class that she is deaf, and Shoya and his friends slowly bully her more and more. Among the bullies, the worst one is Naoko Ueno (voiced by Kira Buckland). Naoko manipulates Shoko and treats her very poorly.

Eventually, the bullying is brought to the school’s attention when Shoko’s mother, Yaeko Nishimiya (voiced by Akiko Hiramatsu) calls the school and tells them that Shoko keeps coming home with broken or missing hearing aids. When the teachers bring it to the class, all of Shoya’s friends blame him for all of it, when they were also part of the problem. The school calls Shoya’s mother, Miyako Ishida (voiced by Satsuki Yukino) and tells her about the bullying that he was

involved in. Miyako pays Yaeko for all of the damaged hearing aids. Looking back at the beginning of the movie, this is why Shoya was paying back his mother.

Shoko ends up moving away and after the whole ordeal, Shoya loses his friends and ends up getting bullied himself. In middle school, he develops anxiety and that follows him through to high school.

The movie then comes back to the present where Shoya is in high school. In short, Shoya finds Shoko at a school for people with hearing disabilities and decides to try to make up for his actions. In the long run, the two become good friends after *SPOILER* Shoko tries committing suicide by jumping off the balcony of her apartment building and Shoya saves her. Shoya ends up falling into the small river below and goes into a coma for a few weeks.

When Shoya awakes, he immediately goes to find Shoko at their meeting spot. She is there because she woke up from a nightmare. They talk for a bit and Shoya apologizes for everything he did to her in elementary school and asks Shoko if she wants to be friends. She says yes since that’s all she wanted from day one.

This movie is an eye-opener regarding bullying and teen mental health. It’s an emotional masterpiece that has viewers smiling and crying all throughout the film. The character development of Shoya is incredible. He goes from being an outgoing, rude, merciless kid to someone who really understands what it’s like to have anxiety and feel desperate. The film’s focus on anxiety, depression and suicide is perfect for someone who might not understand what that’s like. According to IMDb, A Silent Voice also won Best Animation of the Year in the 26th Japan Movie Critics Awards, and was also selected as one of the nine feature films at the 2017 Annual Inter-

Shoya Ishida rips out Shoko Nishimiya’s hearing aids. Screenshot courtesy of Mutsuo Shinohara.

national Animated Film Festival.

Now, while watching this, it feels slow but the build up is worth it. After finishing and looking back on the story, the pacing is nice and it is perfect for leading up to the climax. Other than the semi-slow pacing while watching the movie, it’s very difficult to find something bad about this film. It earns a 5/5.

Thursday, March 25, 2021 Variety “Draw Me” with Kristin Starr

23

Want to be drawn next?

Contact Kristin, @lhs.drawme, on Instagram!

Sophomore Asher Coleman

Freshman Seth Haning

Senior

Junior

Callie Evans

Harleigh Haddow

Meet the Staff

Digital illustrations by Kristin Starr.

Editor-in-chief---------------------------------------------------------Rylie Reagan Senior Staff Manager--------------------------------------------Lindsey Sexton Digital Media Manager------------------------------------------Maggie Bulkley Photography Manager--------------------------------------Annika Lifvenborg News Editor, Opinion Editor-----------------------------------Hannah Shoffitt Features Editor------------------------------------------Chayton Brewer-Burgin Entertainment Editor-------------------------------------------------Taren Glenn Sports Editor-----------------------------------------------------------Rylie Reagan Business and Distribution Manager-------------------------Lindsey Sexton Staff News Writer-----------------------------------------------------Emily Gibson Staff Feature Writer--------------------------------------------------Cece Thomas Staff Reporters--------------------------------------------------Declan Cattrysse, Emma Cuddy, Matthew Dugdale, Nina Linder, Aydann Long, Lauren Martin, Lilia Ramos, Kristin Starr, Josh Tatko Adviser-------------------------------------------------Charity Thompson Egland

Contact us

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Thursday, March 25, 2021

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