DeSales Catholic School
January 28, 2021 Volume 1, Issue 4
Tales of DeSales Jungle Book Opens February 5 Against all odds, DeSales High School plans to present their interpretation of the award winning film, The Jungle Book by putting a musical twist on the story. The drama club plans on premiering their show Friday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. Even when director Eric Rohde and his students were unsure whether the circumstances would allow them to present their work, they maintained optimistic spirits and worked diligently around the precautions created due to the pandemic. “The difference between this production and others I’ve worked with in the past is that this is the first year I’ve had 7th through 12th graders, and they all get along more than any other cast. They are always having fun,” Rohde remarked. To have such a wide age range of students opens up for more creativity and opinions. While the crew has worked hard to put the production together, challenges have still arisen. “The biggest challenge has been trying to tackle a familiar play that is based on the book, and not on the Disney version,” said Mr. Rohde. This rather authentic interpretation excites many, as it is seen as a glimpse of hope in a time full of setbacks and uncertainty. Make sure to check in the next week to purchase pods to attend this show! By: Hadley Dunham
Inside this issue Seasonal Depression ......... 2 Nerd Nostalgia .................. 2 Current Events .................. 3 Sports Begin ...................... 3 God’s Promise ................... 4 Valentine’s Day ................. 4 How Can You Help. ........... 4 Winter Reading ................. 5
The Jungle Book February 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13 at 7:00 p.m. February 14 at 2:00 p.m. DeSales Cafeteria (Donations accepted)
Reservations can be made online at thewwcs.com Reserve your seating pod soon!
Family Winter Fun ............. 5 A Cold Friend .................... 6 Comics .............................. 6
Seasonal Depression Can Sneak Up on You…. Seasonal depression is something that many people including teens struggle with. Seasonal depression may be caused by the weather changes, time changes, and seasonal changes. It can be just as serious as major depression. The only difference is that it comes and goes with seasons. The medically correct name is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms of fall and winter SAD may include: over sleeping, appetite changes (especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates), weight gain, fatigue or low energy. There is also spring and summer SAD where the symptoms are similar but have some differences. They include: trouble sleeping (insomnia), poor appetite, weight loss, agitation, or anxiety. Additional symptoms oF SAD include: feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having low energy, having problems with sleeping, experiencing changes in your appetite or weight, feeling sluggish or agitated, having difficulty concentrating, feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty, and having frequent thoughts of death or suicide. Before assuming that someone you know may have SAD, it is very common for teens to have all the symptoms without having SAD. It can be just part of being a teen and growing. It doesn't mean that every teen has it. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have SAD, talk to a medical/mental health professional. You might consider seeing these people when you feel down for days at a time and you can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy. It's normal to have some days when you feel down. Just remember to take care of yourself in these trying times. By: Sean Sollars
Nerd Nostalgia….The Western Capture the Caption
Don’t mind me. I’m just chillin’ here!
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When you hear the word “westerns” what do you think of? Gun-slinging outlaws, fast horses, stand-offs at high noon? All these common stereotypes encompassed a genre of western life in the industry of film and television from the early 30s all the way to the late 90s. One of the most well known is a western TV show called Gunsmoke. Gunsmoke’s run started in 1955 and ended in 1975 with a whopping 635 episodes. This series is the longest scripted storyline in TV history to date. The second longest running western was Bonanza (19591973). Before the TV was common, film was how westerns came to life. The 70s, 80s and 90s were not years of prolific western film. A few movies that do stand out during these nostalgic years were Dances with Wolves(1990), Unforgiven(1992), and Tombstone(1993). I feel like I can't leave the subject of good, old fashioned westerns without mentioning the oldies but goodies like Stagecoach(1939), High Noon(1952), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly(1966). It is these classics that gave a look into the wild, wild west and provided the opportunity for us here at home to get lost in the gunslinging lore. Western movies and TV have given the rest of the world a glimpse of our western culture and due to these vivid adventures, foreigners have rounded up the western attire and continue to watch with fascination. Who knows, maybe there are those in other parts of the world who still think those of us out west are still living and dressing like the good old days of Gunsmoke? By: Lauren Rohde
Events in the News…. The news and social media have been filled with stories and images of the riots in the capital, of the inauguration, and of politicians. With all the noise and stories it can be hard to know what has really been happening. On January 6th, what started as a peaceful protest turned into an attack on the Capitol. Donald Trump held a rally outside the White House in order to talk about how he thought the election was rigged and garner support. During this rally, the electoral vote was being counted in the Capitol chambers. What was supposed to be a peaceful rally quickly turned into a riot. Trump supporters and many far-right groups stormed the Capitol. They pushed over police officers and security personnel. Many items in the Capitol were stolen or vandalized. After a couple hours of rioters running rampant, they finally left or were arrested. Once all was calm, the electoral vote proceeded and Joseph R. Biden was confirmed as the United States’ the next President and Kamala Harris as Vice President. Wednesday January 20 was inauguration day. Donald Trump left the White House early Wednesday morning and arrived in Florida before the inauguration started. This was the first time in 152 years that an immediate past President did not attend the inauguration. President Biden’s inauguration went smoothly and peacefully. Twenty-two-year-old Amanda Gorman, a United States Poet Laureate, recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” and has received immense respect and admiration for her writing and delivery. This year’s election cycle has certainly been one to remember. Make sure to always do your research before forming an opinion and always be respectful of differing ideas. By: Taryn Cox
Football and Volleyball Begin…. Due to Covid 19, there has been a halt on sports seasons, until WIAA released some upcoming news about starting all fall sports on February 1. Many of the coaches and the players are very excited about getting into practices and workouts. Coach Richards, the head coach for the football team, is looking forward to the upcoming season. He is extremely proud of his boys and how they have been working hard in the weight room and getting in good workout on the field. Coach said, “We must have five official practices before the first game. The coaches and I had to get creative with field workouts due to the six athlete limit and also inquiring ¨hudl¨ and film watching software.” Not only Football is coming around the corner, but so is the volleyball season. Coach Steve Ruthven looks forward to not only seeing his girls back on the court but also watching each of them improve. Coach said, “I am holding open gym nights to allow the players to get stronger and get their skills strengthened. I want the team members to learn the rotations and defense.” One item that might see a change is the offense. This is mainly due to the level of skills and an uncertainty of positions. Good luck to all participating in the shortened (but finally here) fall season of sports! By: Morgan Thomas
God’s Promises By Madeline Scott Winter isn’t Halfway through, Everything is Gray in hue. Fog rolls in and Hides the land While frost bites breath and Plant and hand. Gray and bleak, Gloom and murk Depressing shadows ‘Round us lurk. The freezing winter Just drags on, Thanksgiving? Christmas? Come and gone. Thanksgiving? Bah! What besides The cold, and fog That landscape hides -Do we have To be thankful for? I’ll tell you, there Is so much more. I’m sure that God Our Father knew That we’d complain, So He froze dew. Water and fog He also froze, So when it snows His glory shows In clear icicles Suspended And crystallizing Snowflakes, splendid. That’s how our spirits He restores So give to Him my Thanks and yours.
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Valentine’s Day History and Rituals Local Charities Walla Walla Catholic Charities
We celebrate Valentine’s Day each year on February 14. For some people, it is a day in which they cannot wait to arrive. For others, it is a day just like any other day. Since the 5th Century people all around the world have been celebrating Valentineś Day, but many do not know the reasoning behind this special day. The most common understanding of this holiday is to show your love and affection for your friends, family and spouses. This special day stemmed from the Roman festival Lupercalia, where people celebrated the coming of spring. Women and men were also paired up together to get married on this festival. Finally, in the 14th century Valentineś Day became known as the day to celebrate love. In current times, we show our love
towards our friends through small gifts. Notes and letters started later in the 1500s and commercially printed cards started to appear in the late 1700s. Fast forward 300 years and we still use this same idea, especially during elementary school, to pass out Valentines to our classmates. Cupid is depicted on most cards since he is the Roman god of love. Red roses symbolize love and beauty and chocolates are the most popular gift item. So, how will you celebrate this long lasting holiday? Do you participate in the rituals? Or do you just let it pass as any other day? By: Maddie Wahl
How Can You Help in Times of Need?
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During the past year many different organizations are in need of necessities. Throughout the past year times have been tough for everyone, but if you feel the want to spread a little love, here are some charities who would gladly accept your donation. First, World Vision is a Christian organization founded to help communities in need. On their website, there is a gift catalog giving you over 90 items to purchase for families in need. For example you can buy school uniforms, goats or other animals, textbooks, and much more. They have the option for you to support families in need of services such at child care, education funds, or hygiene kits. They have lots of information on their website which tells about their history, their purpose, and ways you can help. Next is Doctors Without Borders whose mission is to help bring medical care to those who need it most. Their main mission is to provide assistance to those in distress, victims of natural or man-made disasters, and to victims of armed conflict. Their main target is to help countries with insufficient healthcare. Finally, we have Cool Earth. They specialize in donating to people around the world to help preserve rainforests. Their mission is to prevent deforestation and continue to make our world a better place. They work in South America, Africa, and on other continents. You can also help our local charities in Walla Walla such as Birthright, Walla Walla Catholic Charities, or Helpline. People in Walla Walla are also in need of assistance during this troubled time of Covid. Giving money to charities is not in everyone 's best interest right now so all three of these websites include information to inform you on problems in other countries if you are curious, they also give other ways you can help without donating money. By: Tori Kimble
Winter Reading Suggestions…. Ah, winter. The perfect season to stay out of the cold weather and curl up next to a fire with a good book. But with so many books out there, it can be hard to find one that is perfect for winter. So, here are three books that will take you to other worlds, make your brain hurt, or simply give you a break from the busy world around you. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is a timeless classic that anyone can enjoy during the cold weather. Transport yourself into the mystical world of Narnia, where you will follow the Pevensie children as they discover mythical creatures, adventure, danger, and an incredible destiny. Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, is a winter whirlwind through New York. After discovering a red notebook filled with dares, Dash and Lily criss cross New York, completing each dare, and possibly finding each other. For the final book, I am going to personally recommend Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. This book is perfect for sci-fi book lovers! Follow Spensa, a young girl who dreams of becoming a pilot, and fighting against the Krell, aliens who threaten her civilization. However, one thing holds her back, her father’s betrayal of the defense force made Spensa an outcast, making her dream harder to see. I hope these books will transport you out of the cold weather and into a story that will make winter more enjoyable to you! By: Macy Chvatal
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold .” ~Aristotle
Winter Fun Inside Your Home…. Staying inside can push the limits of many, especially with nothing to do, being sane without anything to do tears you down. If you ever feel like you don’t have anything to do ;think again. There are loads of activities to do inside! Visit new websites Going on random websites generators brings you to places you never knew existed, from generating art to playing hot and cold with a mooing cow! It’s endless Research your family tree Learning about your family gives you a sense of connection, finding out about the past gives a plan for the future. Play/Invent a card game A deck of cards can keep entertainment up for hours, limitless amounts of games, yet you can even make your own! Make YOUR own rules.
Learn magic tricks Magic, real or fake, is shocking to the naked eye. Wonder how you can pull a bouquet out of your sleeve, or change a sock into a bird? Well if the traditional illusionist won’t tell their secret; Google can! Re-sort your belongings. Push yourself to do something good, sitting around can’t get you far, but cleaning makes things look pretty and no one likes a messy room. Cook Make something new! Learn how to craft a dish you don’t even know how to pronounce. Challenges make you better. So as we continue down the long path of winter, don’t forget to try something new as you wait for spring! By: Jeyten Strnadel
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A Cold Friend….An Original Story The snow is cold and unforgiving on your skin. It doesn’t matter right now; you need to get away. You sit down against the ancient pine in a wave of evergreen trees, your thinking place. The tree is warm and it makes you feel better. “Hello?” You look around erratically, looking for that voice. “Right here.” You look up towards the sky. You can’t quite determine what you’re looking for. “Where are you?” you call out. No answer. You look back down and jump back when you find it sitting on your thigh. “Are you blind?” the creature asks. Ouch. “You don’t have to be snarky,” you retort. You feel cold. “It’s not my fault you invaded my home,” said the creature. You look back at the pine tree you’re sitting against. “This is your home?” you ask. “Yes! Can you please leave?” the creature asks, annoyed by your presence. “I...can’t right now,” you admit. “I don’t care, you’re bothering me.” Ouch. You feel cold. “I really can’t leave right now, I needed to get away.” “Away from what?” “I don’t want to say.” “Well if you have nothing to say then leave.” Ouch. You feel cold. “What if I sat against another tree?” you ask politely. “No.” “Oh.” You feel cold and bitter. “Get out of my forest,” the creature demands. “You don’t own this forest,” you state. “Get. Out,” the creature demands. Ouch. You need to find something warm. It’s too cold. You need to get away, again. Away from the cold. Away from the cold. The creature started to jab your side with insults. Something felt different. Oh. It’s warm again, finally. you’re relaxed. You’re safe. You don’t need to get away anymore. The snow is warm and it makes you feel better. You lay down to rest and don’t wake up. By: Talise Bivins
Comics and Jokes….
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