THE BLACK AND GOLD Volume 6 Issue 10 Nov. 6, 2026
Spanish Celebrates Dia De Los Muertos
An ofrenda is an altar used to honor loved ones who have passed and to bridge the world of the living and the dead. A popular movie made by Disney, Coco, shows this holiday very well and I highly recommend the watch. Typical things found on an ofrenda are always a photo of the loved one who has passed, marigold petals to bridge the world of the living and the dead, a candle to light their path, and their favorite food/drink to give to the loved one after their long journey. In Spanish class, all students got the choice of either honoring a loved one (family, friend, or pet), a celebrity, or a fictional character as long as they had passed. “It is a very beautiful way to honor those who have passed, and in Spanish culture, they do this around Day of the Dead to bring the souls to the altar and honor their lives,” says Holder. During this past week, all the teachers have had the privilege to vote on the students' ofrendas. First, second, and third place winners will all get a candy of their choice. There are many different altars; some honor pets, one honors Cameron Boyce, and another honors Tony Stark.
yo u m is s W e
For the past two weeks, Mrs. Holder’s Spanish class has been hard at work making their Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) ofrendas.
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By: Bella Beems
MC hates Christmas
Newspaper Staff Editors-in-Chief Laci Burnett Bella Beems Assistant Editor Katlyn Boydston
Reporters Ivan Bowen Layla Griffin Lauraly Lane
Photographers Kiera Kuse Alyssa Rogers
Designer Gunner Delp
Guest Staff Analeesa Busby
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EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! MWSU Career Band’s Haunted Weekend Fair Visit
Learn about the Junior and Senior’s trip to the Missouri Western Career Fair! -pg. 3
Read about the Band’s busy Halloween weekend! -pg. 7
Halloween Recap
Wondering what DeKalb was up to on Halloween? Read to find out! -pg. 8
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Nov. 6, 2026
Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: Dorothy Whitshell and Hayden
Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: Pet Dog and Queen Elizabeth
Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: Millie pet dog
A personal favorite is the one that honors Dolly Parton, made by Senior Maggie Hall (Diego), Freshman Wyatt Davis (Miguel), and Freshman Zoie Nowak (Matteo). Dolly “made a huge impact on the lives of many,” says Nowak. The third-place winner was a tie between Junior Kale Cassity and Sophomores JP and Easton Matthews with their Kobe Bryant ofrenda, and Freshmen Keddie Rogers and Khloee Weinmann with their Cameron Boyce ofrenda.
Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: WWII Medic
The second-place winner was Senior Josie Long with her Queen Elizabeth ofrenda. The first-place winners were Maggie, Wyatt, and Zoie with Dolly Parton. Congratulations!
Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: Maggie Hall and Zoie Nowak with Dolly Parton
Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: Mama Coco Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: Toby Keith and Cameron Boyce
Photo Credit: Jada Holder Pictured: Kobe Bryant
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Nov. 6, 2026
Cross Country Season Football Season Comes to an End Ends With One Last Race By: Lauraly Lane
By: Layla Griffin
Photo Credit: Coach Taylor Pictured: Zylar Helton racing to the finish line
On Saturday, Oct. 31, the High School Cross Country team went to Platte Ridge Park in Platte City for districts. Sophomore Zylar Helton competed amongst many other schools and ran in the second race with 200 other high schoolers. The weather that day was terrible; it rained the day before and the day of the race. There were two races, each with 200 runners. With it being cold, many people could barely run. However, Zylar held through and ran the entire course. Even with previous injuries, he ran to the best he could. “The positives are that he finished. It was cold, he didn't quit when the conditions were awful, and I have a lot of respect for him,” Coach Taylor says. “It is the most challenging course in our district. So the fact that he didn’t place and he still finished shows his commitment and grit.” Next year should bring more runners for the High School team with the now eighth graders.
Photo Credit: Kiera Kuse Pictured: Easton Matthews running to the end zone to make a touchdown
The DeKalb Football boys played their last game at Districts against Saint Joe Christian on Friday, Oct. 30th. Unfortunately, they lost with a score of 50-0. The season had some highlights: Coach Wardlow said, "I would say watching the kids improve from the first week to the last." Sophomore Easton Matthews said, “We could’ve definitely played a lot better during the game.” Junior Kale Cassity said, “It was something...but it was good just to play one last game with everyone.” But despite the loss, the players had plenty of fun for the season. That wrapped up the 2026 Football season for the DeKalb Tiger boys. The team and the coaches are hoping for a better season next year.
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Nov. 6, 2026
Juniors & Senior Annual College Fair By: Gunner Delp
Photo Credit: Penny Powell Pictured: Junior and Senior classes at Missouri Western
On Oct. 28, the DeKalb Junior and Senior classes toured the Missouri Western Campus to learn about its opportunities. The trip started with the students entering the indoor football field, where they could look at and speak to representatives from many different colleges to see which one they liked best. After that, the students were allowed to see and eat at the cafe; following that, they got to tour the dorm rooms, see some of the classrooms, and learn about many other facilities. This event takes place as a means to educate students on the importance of college and to show what it has to offer. “[...] it’s good and beneficial for any student who is thinking about possibly going on to college so that they can start narrowing down their search of where they want to attend,” says Mrs. Powell. The trip is very good for those who are indecisive about whether or not they want to go to college. When asked about why he attended, Junior Ivan Bowen stated, “It was a good chance to see what college is about, see how it is, and to get a good idea of if I want to go to college or not.” I recommend going on this trip at least once in your Junior or Senior year. However, going both years is beneficial towards yourself, as well as going as early as your Junior year is also beneficial for your future.
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Nov. 6, 2026
What to Read
By: Alyssa Rogers
What to Listen To By: Katlyn Boydston
Photo Credit: Pinterest Pictured: Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
A book that I found very interesting was Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter, which is the sequel to Better Than the Movies. It takes place at UCLA with main characters are Wes Bennet and Liz Buxbaum, who, almost two years before, were the “perfect” high school couple. When Wes’s father passes away, he decides to abruptly end their relationship. Now they start college together, and Wes is in a healthier state of mind and wants to make things up with Liz; however, Liz wants nothing to do with him. I really liked this romantic comedy because it shows points that can happen in the real world. In the first book, Wes is a perfect romantic; in the second, the real world catches up with him. It shows how love is portrayed in movies compared to how it really is. It shows how hard it can be trying to reinvent yourself and how not everything is as easy as it seems. If you are looking for a realistic romance-comedy, I suggest reading both of these books.
Photo Credit: Pinterest Pictured: Olivia Rodrigo’s new album cover
On June 12, 2026, Olivia Rodrigo revealed her third studio album called You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love. This album features 13 tracks and a heavy 1980s new wave, dream pop, and indie rock sound produced primarily by Dan Nigro. Olivia Rodrigo's brand-new album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love, was the full life cycle of her first adult romantic relationship- from the dizzying highs of the honeymoon phase to codependency, insecurity, and eventual heartbreak. The songs on the new album are Drop Dead, Stupid Song, Honeybee, Maggots for Brains, u + me = </3, My Way, Purple, The Cure, Begged, What’s wrong with me, Less, Expectation, and more. You can explore and purchase merchandise or music directly on the Olivia Rodrigo Official Store.
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Nov. 6, 2026
MS Basketball Perseveres Through Long Week By: Lauraly Lane
Photo Credit: Tiger Booster Club Pictured: Levi Frakes shooting a basket
Photo Credit: Tiger Booster Club Pictured: Ruby Farrel pushing the ball down the court
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the Middle School Girls' and Boys' Basketball teams went up to North Andrew to play the Cardinals. Unfortunately, the Lady Tigers lost 24 - 35 against the Lady Cardinals. Meanwhile, the boys had a score of 6 - 46 against the Cardinals. Coach Stacy Downing says, “The girls played the first half very well, going into halftime with the lead. Having that same energy, but it died down, and they made some mistakes in the second half,” about Wednesday’s game. Even though both teams lost the first game of the week, both teams kept their spirits up for the next day and continued to power through. Then, on Thursday, Nov. 5, the Tigers played their second home game against Union Star. Unfortunately, the boys lost to the Trojans 34-45, but they kept fighting and didn’t let their spirits drop. The girls lost as well, 19-46, but hope to improve in their games next week. Eighth grader Thaddaeus Giddens says, “The third quarter got away from us. We had an early lead, but by the time third quarter came around, they took it from us.” Their next games are Monday, November 9, so be sure to show up and cheer them on!
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Nov. 6, 2026
Band Has Spooky, Busy Weekend By: Bella Beems
Photo Credit: Angie King Pictured: Left - DeKalb Tiger Pride Band marching in Atchison Halloween Parade; Right - The Haunted Hustle partisapents posing in their yellow shirts
Last Saturday, Oct. 31, the DeKalb Tiger Pride Band had their annual 5K, The Haunted Hustle, and marched in the Atchison Halloween Parade. The Haunted Hustle has served as our Band’s annual fundraiser to raise money for instrument repairs for the past 11 years. “The 5K is a good fundraiser for us; it’s something people can come out and actually do,” says Band Director Angie King. The 5K starts at Rushville Elementary and goes a mile down Old North, where Band members are waiting to cheer them on as they turn around and go back to Rushville Elementary. I always look forward to getting there early and decorating with all of the other Band kids. After a busy morning with the 5K, the band then marched in Atchison’s Halloween parade later that day. DeKalb Tiger Pride Band has been marching in this parade for almost 20 years now and always lights up the crowds of people with the sound of music. “It went very well, and I’m proud of how we marched, even though it was very long,” says Co-Drum Maror, Junior Laci Burnett. We always love to see the band staying busy. Bandtober has passed, but the grind never stops. The high schoolers from our DeKalb Tiger Pride Band will be traveling up to Maryville, MO, to play with other bands at the Northwest Fine Arts concert this Monday, Nov. 9.
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Halloween Results Costumes: Sydney from Scream -Syra Servaes
Brennan Huff from Step Brothers -AJ Larabee
Leonardo from TMNT -Jackson Wachtel
Baby and Johnny from Dirty Dancing -Ashlynn Bowen and Cooper Wachtel
“We went to Hermann, MO, with friends of ours and explored the town.” -Mrs. Miller
“Trunk or Treat at church” -Aidon Standiford
Soulja Boy -Khloe Cowger + Zoie Nowak
61.5%
“I went to a bonfire hangout.” -Delaney Frakes
“Rode a hayride with Syra.” -Lilly Wagner
“Handing out candy/watching movies with Ashlynn” -Kyleigh Black
“I went to my aunt's house and then Ashtyn came over and we carved pumpkins.” -Makenna Eastbourn
Of DeKalb dressed up for Halloween!
# of Votes
Activities:
10 5 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Rating of Halloween
8
9
10
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Nov. 6, 2026
What to Watch By: Ivan Bowen
Photo Credit: Pinterest Pictured: INVINCIBLE
INVINCIBLE is an American adult animated superhero series and comic book created by Robert Kirkman. I like Invincible because it's a superhero adult animated series that balances realism and actions/consequences. The main character, Mark Grayson, is a normal 17year-old boy who discovers he has inherited superpowers (flight, super-strength, and invulnerability) from his father, Nolan Grayson— also known as Omni-Man, Earth's greatest superhero from the alien Viltrumite race. Mark finally develops superpowers—like superstrength and flight—and adopts the superhero name Invincible. The main problem that Mark faces is trying to balance his life between being a superhero and being a normal teenager. He wants to have a normal relationship with his girlfriend and his family, but he also wants to save people. Mark and his family can't seem to catch a break. Mark’s father, Nolan, is accused of killing the world’s greatest superhero team, The Guardians of the Globe. Invincible is available to watch on Prime Video.
What to Play By: Kiera Kuse
Photo Credit: Wikipedia.com Pictured: Dying light
If you like open-world survival horror games, then I recommend Dying Light. Dying Light was developed by Techland and then published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and was released on Jan. 27, 2015. It has multiplayer, and you can add expansions and additions to the game. You can play Dying Light on PC, Cloud Gaming, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. You can find the game on the Epic Games Store and Steam. In Dying Light, you are Kyle Crane, who is an undercover agent for an organization called the GRE (Global Relief Effort). He is airdropped into the quarantined Middle Eastern city-state of Harran to retrieve a stolen file that is being used to blackmail the agency. As you're playing, you can go multiplayer to play with friends and complete missions faster. There is a day and night cycle; daytime exploration focuses on scavenging and slower-moving infected zombies, while nighttime has aggressive, hyper-fast zombies known as Volatiles. Dying Light is one of my favorite games because I love survival games and love to fight against zombies. I love multiplayer because I feel like I can do much more with friends and actually play the game.
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Nov. 6, 2026
The Ultimate Game of Jenga By: Gunner Delp
Photo Credit: Jim Newstead Pictured: Early stage of the Jenga game
On Friday, Oct. 30, the Junior Anatomy class, consisting of Lilly Wagner, Ivan Bowen, Layla Griffin, and me, played an intense and nerve-wracking match of Jenga. On the day before Halloween, our Anatomy teacher decided that it would be a fun day. “It was my Photo Credit: Jim Newstead Halloween treat to all the classes,” stated Mr. Newsted Pictured: The final stage o the Jenga game when asked about why he decided that all classes would be playing Jenga for the day. Shockingly, we had only failed one attempt, due to my clumsiness, before ultimately locking in. We had played for so long that there were no more blocks for us to pull and place without the tower falling. In the end, our tower ended up being a whopping total of 34 stories high, with the second place being the Sophomores at 25 stories. That’s almost a whole 10 stories more! It was an intense class period that day. I remember that it started getting so tall and shaky that we had to tread lightly and speak softly, or else the tower would have toppled over. There were many times that the tower would sway; however, we managed to pull through and achieve what seemed impossible. We were so scared that the tower would fall and crush Photo Credit: Jim Newstead poor Mr. Newsted!
Pictured: Middle stage of the Jenga game
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Nov. 6, 2026
Don’t Miss This! 09
10
MS Basketball @ West Platte MS Basketball VS. Plattsburg @ Home Junior Class Ring Delivery
11
12
Area FFA Fall Speaking contestSavannah BOARD MEETING MS Basketball VS. Mid Buchanan @ Home
Week in the Life