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AMuchLETTER FROM THE EDITORS like our first issue, this is- around something that brought sue tested the tenacity of our staff to adapt and overcome. With half of us writing and half working on page design, coordination was not an easy feat. Nevertheless, we persisted That said, this issue of the FOCUS is a themed issue, named by some of our members as the “Tradition Edition.� With a fractured school year and the holiday season in full swing, it was only natural that this issue be themed
families and friends together. From family recipes and religions to old traditions at PMHS, this issue is wrapped in a wholesomeness and warmth only a holiday gathering near the fireplace could rival. Your managing editors, Krissy Brzycki & Bryan Aung
NOVEMBER
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH KRISSY BRZYCKI
2021
2022
As co-managing editor of the FOCUS, Krissy has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision for the program, embracing a new location, schedule, and staff amidst the challenges of the pandemic. Her leadership and pragmatism have been instrumental in transitioning the publication to a 16-page newsmagazine in both print and digital formats. She is dedicated to journalistic integrity and informing the community through strong content and story ideas, and she has been instrumental in crafting a vision and process for the FOCUS. Her passion is sure to carry her to collegiate success. -English Teacher Daniel Schoch
It has been a long time since I have had a student as dedicated to making positive progress in writing as he is. He is the definition of a student who wants to learn, not just- get a grade. Then, this year I watched the “choose your own adventure” musical and saw his involvement with production and appreciated him as an individual who carves out just the right niche for his talents and interests. He silently does his work never expecting accolades for it. I am very proud of him and his accomplishments. -English teacher Martha Cook
He is basically a straight “A” student and is very inspiring to the other students in his Advisory Class. He is always willing to assist others and is just a good student!! It is my pleasure to nominate him and give him some recognition for all his hard work!! -English teacher Jacqui Sheehan -FACS teacher Brenda Briggs
PEYTON VANDERWEIDE
2024
“My teachers, past and present. Since kindergarten, I’ve been taught by some outstanding individuals. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t have role models like them always encouraging me to grow. From my third grade teacher Mrs. Moore’s compassion to my choir director Ms. Walsh’s determination, I aspire to live up to the examples my educators have set for me.”
JAY EARLE
JOHN DILLINGHAM
2023
Who is your inspiration?
“ Peyton is A member of the Early College cohort, his freshman year has started with a bang...and a great set of masks. He puts much thought and effort into his written assignments and in-class work. I can always count on Peyton to provide a different perspective while studying a piece of literature. He has big ideas and is not afraid to share them. Discussions with Peyton are never boring, as he often peppers his responses with doses of humor, which is much needed in these unprecedented times. He is a positive role model and a ray of sunshine in the classroom.” -English teacher Jenifer Reed
“Mark Fishbach (Markiplier) is one of my biggest inspirations because he always looks for the good in the world and if he can not find any he creates it.“
“ I’d say that honor goes to every single one of my relatives who have actively helped me make decisions throughout my high school life so far and some even before then, as they’re all amazing, successful people who I deeply hold dear.”
“My biggest inspirations would be my parents. I see how hard they work and yet they still have all the time in the world to not only help me stay focused in school, but to be active in school. They have always stood beside me and they really keep me grounded. They both have taught me to always put my best foot forward and to learn from my mistakes. I will take those lessons with me throughout my life.”
Old Habits Fly Hard By Madison Leonard
No two people are the same, and no two high schools are the same. Every building has a story told through events passed down through generations. One iconic storyteller is former Government and Economics teacher Jerry Brown. He started teaching at Perry in August of 1974, its second year in existence. This fueled a passion about its history and the different traditions that have come and gone. Brown, who now runs the Alumni Room at PTEC, was the perfect choice for a person to reach out to and get look back on the memories of some of the traditions the people of Perry started over time.
COVID-19 threatens senior art tradition Ryn Moore Guest Writer
Upon entering the room, one’s eyes cannot help but to admire the painted bricks that spread throughout the room. Years worth of artwork serve inspiration to incoming students for years to come. The room acts as a beacon of creativity, safety, and support for many students. Beloved art teacher Christine Dearth has a tradition for her senior AP students where they paint bricks around her room, leaving their mark on Perry; however, due to COVID-19, 2020 seniors have not had this opportunity yet and it’s unsure as to when, and if, they will. “I feel like the bricks were a way to give them some kind of recognition in the building, allow them to make their mark in the building so they are remembered,” Dearth states. “It leaves something for me to remember the kids by, personally I can look at the walls and
say, ‘Okay, these are my kids.’” Most of Dearth’s students feel completely comfortable around her and she makes connections with her students that she wants to remember and cherish. Having them leave their mark on her room allows her to remember them in some way. Since COVID-19 cut last school year short, 2020 AP Art seniors have not had the opportunity to leave their mark in Dearth’s room. “It feels like we missed out on this tradition and it’s kind of upsetting not being able to be there and do it,” 2020 graduate Bailey Riddle says, “I hope we can all find a time where we’re all not busy to where we’ll be allowed to come in and paint our bricks.” “I have paper that I have cut that is exactly the size of a brick,” Dearth says explaining her backup plan, “I have the paper to give the kids that
should’ve painted bricks last year so that they can basically create their drawing or painting on it and I can just slap it on the wall.” Though it’s a good idea, it doesn’t really offer the same experience. “It just wouldn’t really be the same,” Riddle mentions, “We wouldn’t be with each other and it would be more like painting a piece of paper, rather than a brick, and we wouldn’t even be able to see it up on the wall with all the others.” “I think it’s important that they get to do that. I need to communicate with them so they can actually come in and do the bricks...so maybe Christmas break if I can get ahold of everybody,” Dearth says hopefully. Mrs. Dearth is determined to get these bricks painted and to give these alumni students the chance to leave their mark on Perry, one way or another.
The Senior Mini Olympics - 1973: “Started with the very first senior class and it still continues today. They had costumes just like they do now, and during homeroom, they would go into the gym and everybody got a chance to see them. Gave awards to the teams that did the best, and had the best costumes.” Mock Congress - 1973: “All the senior government classes participated in this. Students researched topics and then wrote a bill and speech on that topic. All the students would get together for that class period and then act like a real congress would: committee meetings, debate on the bills, etc.” The Rock - Early 90s: “We had been going over to Southport a lot for numerous reasons and they were starting to come over to Perry, and because there was nothing to paint they had started to Faculty Morale Day - 1990s: “A do some vandalism. So, the rock teacher organized a morale day kinda gave them a place to do for all of us. We were all entheir painting that wasn’t going to couraged to write notes, cards, harm the school.” etc. thanking other teachers for what they were doing for PMHS. It was a really nice tradition. For many years I kept the notes, to read when I was feeling down.”
1970s
1980s
2000s
1990s
2010s
Mr. Falcon - 2014: Mr. Falcon is a male talent competition fundraiser for Perry seniors. Each contestant represents an organization and chooses a female coach. Each contestant is judged on their poise, talent, eloquence, contribution to PMHS and the community, and how well he represents what an outstanding Falcon should be. The winner earns a crown and the Mr. Falcon title.
Story and Graphics by Hannah Hunt Yes, you could say hello to someone. You could talk to them, tell them about yourself, and ask questions about them and their identity as well. But perhaps the easiest way to connect to someone? Food. Food and culinary expression is pres-
e n t within every culture, every nation, every aspect of humanity. And for many students at PMHS, food can be something special. It can be a large part of cherished traditions. For sophomore Izzy Keitt, recipes are an important part of connection, especially between herself, her mother, and all her loved ones. She describes her mother’s
Eggplant Parmesan recipe as her “favorite thing to make,” with its own traditions, usually being served as a “housewarming meal.” Senior Van Eden Par similarly shares cooking with those she loves. For Par, Mote Lone Yay Paw, or Chang, is a special dish, a sweet dessert of rice flour and coconut cooked for the Burmese New Year. “I remember making it back in Myanmar with my grandma,” Par recalls. “I would just grab the sweet and wrap it in banana leaves. I wouldn’t do it so well... my grandmother would
j u s t
come over to help me make it.” Connection to those who came before us is a common theme in family traditions. Senior Kylee Reinhardt also cherishes a traditional recipe from h e r
grandmother, Oreo balls, which is only made for Christmas. Referencing a spe-
cific Christmas she helped w i t h preparation, Reinhardt feels a sense of nostalgia. “It was when [my grandmother] was younger and she could do more. She put on Christmas music and we talked... it was really fun, I miss baking w i t h her,” she reflects. Communication doesn’t always guarantee connection. But cooking, sharing memories with others through food, is a strong reflection of identity and traditional expression.
rmesan, from Eggplant Pa
3
Izzy Keitt ‘2
lassico 2-3 jars of C , s b m u Ingredients: cr d a talian bre ts, 5 eggs, I n eese la p g g e -3 2 mozzarella ch of s g a b 3 , asta sauce four cheese p ith your ason slices w e S . s Steps: e lic s m ediu gplant into m 1. Cut the eg . soning. breadcrumbs o t choice of sea in n e h t , g eg es in nt slices into es.4. Place slic lic s t n la 2. Dip eggpla p g g se, fry e of oil or grea . 3. In a pan ese and sauce e ch of rs ye . y with la o 15 minutes t 2 1 r a baking tra fo it e ahrenh 50 degrees F 5. Bake at 3 Mote Lon e Yay Paw (Chang), from Van Ingredien Eden Par ts: ‘21 4 cups of rice flour, water, co conut flak Steps: es, banan a leaves 1. Combin e rice flou r and wat 2. Add co er to form conut flak a dough. e s t o t he mixtur 3. Create e. small ball s from th then boil. e dough a nd wrap in banana le 4. Remov aves, e from wa ter and g arnish wit h coconut flakes.
hardt ‘21
ylee Rein lls, from K
Oreo Ba
ts: Ingredien
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tened; 1 ba
eese, sof f cream ch
ge o s; 1 packa o e r O f o e 1 packag elts te candy m la o c o h c e whit er. s. Steps: ing a blend s u ly e m into ball r in o f f s n o e e h r t O , he Oreos sec1. Crush t nd crushed a e s e melts in 15 e y h d c n a m c a e e r t c la choco 2. Combine the white lt e m , e v a icrow h. 3. In a m baking ntil smoot u g in r ir place on a t n s e , h ls t a , v e r t e chocola ond int ll in white a b o e r O ed. h ntil harden 4. Dip eac u r o t a r e frig l in the re sheet. Coo
Slang Through the Ages Peace Out - Goodbye Good Vibes - Positive Energy Far Out, man! - Really Amazing Trippin’ - Crazy Crib - House
The ‘70s Bodacious - Awesome Gnarly - Bizzare Psych - To Trick Someone Grody - Something Gross
The ‘90s
The ‘80s Let’s Bounce - Let’s leave TGIF - Thank god it’s Friday No Duh - A response to something obvious Home Skillet - Best Friend Yadda Yadda Yadda - A way of shortening a long story
Slang Slang Slang Slang Slang Slang Slang Slang A Look into Jargon Slang Slang: at Perry Meridian By Bryan Aung Slang is everywhere. And nowhere is it more cultivated than in the American high school. From any bus seat to every classroom, to the etched graffiti on the bathroom stalls, it makes its way into our ears and sights in one manifestation or another. Since the dawn of time, teenagers and cultural subversives alike have devised ways to distinguish themselves from the rest. And nowhere is it more common than in language. Oftentimes, what is started as an inside joke or an informal term becomes a cultural, linguistic phenomenon. Teachers often get a front row seat with the newest generation’s jargon. English teacher Stefanie Davis finds the evolution of modern slang interesting due to its progression from teenage, countercultural speech to everyday use. “Language is so interesting because somebody makes up a word and it ends up in the dictionary and then ends up becoming just a word and no longer be-
comes teen culture’s possession,” she says. “Around the 2010s, people used to verbalize tweets and hashtags. Instagram has also become the same because we insta everything–I mean gramworthy became a terminology.” English teacher Ben Tatum, a 2002 PMHS grad, has also observed several changes in the way teens communicate, noting the new ways people refer to one another. “Girls will call each other bro,” he says. “No one did that back when I was in school,” he remarks. Tatum also comments on the cultural influences that affect slang, noting specifically the hiphop genre’s effect on teenage jargon. “It comes from pop culture hip-hop songs,” he says. “Saying something is ‘tight’ and people would say something like ‘true dat.’” Art teacher Alan Bundza also reflects on the many cultural influences from hip-hop and pop
culture. “It was mostly music, like, ‘that’s wack,’ ‘criss cross,’ ‘wiggity wiggity wack,’ you know?” There has also been a thriving cultural, linguistic scene regarding slang with the Chin student body. Senior Bawi Lian mentions the use of “Lai Paza” as a way to commend gentlemanly behavior. “When you do like a big feat, you know, you say ‘dang look at that lai paza,” he says . “Lai paza is, like, a gentleman–the ideal man.” Teenagers have found ways to use slang as a means of mocking, as well. In recent years, “Ok, boomer,” has risen in popularity and has evolved into a phrase used to call out outdated ideas. While some adults find it offensive, teachers like Bundza show amusement toward the insult. “I think that’s funny, I do,” he says. “And I get how it’s like you’re saying, ’whatever, old dude’. It’s just a different way of saying things.”
Realm of Religions Synthia Davis Staff Reporter
Perry’s student body exhibits a melting pot of theology.
Many students at PMHS are taking out their decorative Christmas trees and hanging lights on the gutters of their houses. They are buying presents for gift exchanges and choosing the perfect sweater for that traditional Ugly Sweater Christmas party. Christmas is a Christian holiday that has been turned into a day full of giving to friends and family, though n o t everyone who celebrates Christmas follows the Christian faith. Because of the diversified culture at Perry, some holiday practices are non inclusive to students who follow a different religious path. From students who practice Islam to even those who practice Norse Paganism, traditions and practices differ from religion to religion. Illustrated by Frederick Seddon
Catholic
Junior Anna Miles was born and raised in the Catholic faith. But as she grew older and was influenced by her peers, Anna began to question the values of the Catholic church. “I don’t agree with a lot of the things that the Catholic church stands for,” she says. “I think it’s terrible that people believe that God won’t love someone just because they love someone of the same gender. Honestly, it’s just proven to me that my relationship
with God is my own and no religion can change that.” Although Miles doesn’t agree with all of their values, she still identifies as Catholic and has many special memories regarding her faith, her favorite memory being the Christmas Eve pageant. “I love singing the Christmas songs in mass, and it allows a lot of the kids to participate,” she says. “It’s just really heartwarming to see them perform something so special and to see all the work they put into it.”
Islam
Norse Paganism
Atheism
Nondenominational Christianity
Senior Waad Albeish was born in Syria and was forced to leave her home country during the Syrian Civil War. Albeish and her family moved to Jordan before moving to the United States in 2016. Albeish practices Sunni Islam, a denomination of Islam, which is a monotheistic religion that worships Allah and focuses on the Five Pillars of faith. The second pillar, salah, focuses on prayer. “We pray five times a day, in the morning, in the afternoon,
in between afternoon and sunset, right before sunset, and after sunset, so school doesn’t affect my prayer time,” Albeish states. Another Islamic practice is Ramadan, a month spent fasting, praying, and helping the community. During Ramadan, a Muslim can’t eat between sunrise and sunset. “Sometimes it’s hard at school during Ramadan because you’re tired and can’t eat or drink anything,” she says.
Much like her family, sophomore Amelia Farris is an atheist and doesn’t practice a religion. Religion is taught in history classes and the topic could be uncomfortable to some atheists. “There’s a slander whenever religion is brought up because of how important it is to people, but I feel that I don’t have to worry about impressing a higher power in order to escape hell,” Farris states.
Some of those who practice atheism feel as if they are being disrespected by those who do believe in a deity or god. “It’s not a hate, but definitely a disdain. It’s not a disgust, but more like they’re offended that I don’t see the same way they do.” Instead of taking it personally Amelia just reminds herself that “them following their beliefs makes them happy and that is the best that they can be.”
After not agreeing with Christian beliefs and wanting to get back to their Norwegian roots, junior Jenna Paterson started practicing Norse Paganism with their family in March of 2020. “We were never super religious to begin with, and we found something that resonated with us,” she says. Norse Paganism is a “Germanic religion that the Vikings of Norway practiced. The main gods are
Oden, Thor and Loki–yes, like the superheroes. It’s basically like Greek and Roman mythology,” Patterson states. Norse Paganists give offerings to their gods in order to obtain blessings. “I ask Oden to bless me and I give him offerings to bless me with success and abundance in school.” This year their family plans to celebrate Yule, a Pagan tradition used to celebrate the winter solstice.
Influenced and supported by his family’s beliefs, sophomore Dirk Soughan practices Nondenominational Christianity. Nondenominational means not conforming to a specific denomination, but having a set mix of Christian beliefs. “Jesus is the only way to eternal life in Heaven, not by works, but by beliefs alone,” Soughan responds when asked what one of his core
beliefs are. Soughan was baptized when he was seven years old. “One of my best memories is my baptism. My baptism is considered my public declaration of my faith.” Nondenominational followers believe that baptism should be based on “belief and declaration over coming of age.”
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By Krissy Brzycki
America’s quadrennial game has its rules called into question Every four years, America collectively anticipates the results of the presidential election. On the Tuesday following the first Monday of November, the nation watches television screens flash red and blue as the race slowly gets called. Although the term “electoral college” pops up in reference to the election, many don’t even know what it is; a poll by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute found that 43% of Americans aren’t aware that it is the system explained in the Constitution that outlines the official process of electing the president. “It was a mechanism designed to keep the control of the executive branch out of the hands of the masses,” says government teacher Patrick Chambers, referring to how an individual’s vote doesn’t go directly to a selected candidate. Rather, for 48 of the 50 states, the candidate who wins the popular vote of the entire state is pretty likely to receive all of that state’s electoral votes. The first ticket to reach 270 electoral votes wins the presidency. A state’s number of electoral votes comes from the sum of how many representatives they have and their two senators. For example, Indiana has nine representatives, so 11 electoral votes overall. The way these votes are divvied up has recently become a major source of contention. After 2016’s election, in which Donald Trump lost the popular vote but won the electoral college, many students found themselves questioning this system. Although she isn’t 18, senior Trinity Bunker
still finds it important to keep an informed perspective when looking at American politics. She takes AP Government and tries to stay as up-to-date as she can. “It’s helped me form my own opinion that [the electoral college] is as an outdated system that is no longer representative [of the nation],” she says. Not everyone is necessarily harmed by the current system, though. “It depends on which party you support and where you live,” Chambers explains. “It tends to favor political parties that rely on less urban voters, and right now that would be the Republican Party.” Because the electoral college is laid out in the Constitution, it would require a lengthy and difficult process to change it. However, this has not squashed the hopes of replacing it with a national popular vote. According to the Pew Research Center, 65% of those between 18-29 support amending the Constitution in favor of a popular vote. Chambers notes that there definitely seems to be an increase in student interest in the political process. “Whenever you see an uptick in voting, it typically is because the young people have turned out,” he says. Perhaps it was younger turnout that flipped historically conservative states like Nevada blue this year. Even so, many students are dissatisfied with the present system. “Politicians love saying every vote counts, but not all votes do count,” laments Bunker.
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What Winter Item Are You? A = 1 Point B = 2 Points C = 3 Points D = 4 Points 1.Favorite Season? a) Summer b) spring c) Fall d) winter 2.Favorite Candy? a) Chocolate b) Gummies c) Skittles d) peppermint 3.Favorite Color? a) Blue b) Red c) Black d) silver
4.Favorite College? a) Indiana Univ. b) Purdue Univ. c) Notre Dame d) Arctic Institute of North America 5.Favorite Class? a) Math b) English c) Social Studies d) Science 6.Favorite Sport? a) Football b) Basketball c) Soccer d) hockey
7.Favorite Pet? a) Dog b) Cat c) Fish d) reindeer 8.Favorite Movie? a) Comedy b) Action c) Romance d) hallmark 9.Favorite Super Power? a) Flying b) Invisibility c) Super Speed d) holiday cheer
9-14 Points EGGNOG
15-20 Points Snowman
21-25 Points reindeer
Just like eggnog, you’re a classic!
You’re super fun to be around!
Your friends can depend on you!
26-30 Points ornament
31-35 Points snowglobe
36 Points buddy the elf
You have a sparkling personality!
You are a one-of-a-kind person!
we could count on you to save the holidays!
R Z S K C T A V O G W C L L H R V G J X A Z K G O H J I N A O Z Y G Y Q N E R R X I G K R H O V P X O L D I G Q P H T O U H A P N B C S L P K B T R N W O D U F H T S Z E F L S A E I S T N E M A N R O S L M D M O B A I A R A K C K P U C I D R A G S Y D B U K I I C Z T M C A X Y X W S V C U S V V I N M A T N A S G N S L N U U O P C G N I H Y Z U K L G A T N N F E O D O F P D J L L J H O N E L U M Y P O Z Y T V U C P M O W P B O C R V H D E L W A U M I M E F I A J L A A Q Q E G D R E I D E L N S F H E I N Y F H P K O J J Q E Q G Q L V E K A R J P L J M U S O H F N F L R E Y D K U A M X X A O V E
CANDLES CANDYCANES CHRISTMAS DREIDEL FALCONS FOCUS HANUKKAH LIGHTS MENORAH ORNAMENTS SANTA TRADITION
K L C V G A Y Y N N S J Q R Z P B T D K