FEATURE

Seasonal Sightseeing

UPCOMING WINTER EVENTS IN FISHERS

The leaves are falling from trees, people are starting to realize that shorts are not a good idea and holiday music will be blaring for the foreseeable future. Some view this as a time to snuggle up next to a fi replace, grab a steaming cup of cocoa and seclude themselves from the rest of the world. For others, it is an opportunity to get out and enjoy the various holiday activities that the winter season brings. Whether it be sledding to gingerbread house making, the Fishers area continues to provide a variety of activities for the community to enjoy. One holiday gathering is the Merry Prairie Holiday hosted at Conner Prairie. Events start Nov. 25 and carry on every Friday to Sunday throughout Dec. 18. December 21 and 22 are the last days to catch these many fun fi lled events. Listed below are some of these events that are hosted at Merry Prairie. Those who enjoy looking at beautiful holiday light displays can check out the new Winter Wonderland Stroll or the Reynold Light which shows where one can walk the grounds of Conner Prairie and be awed by the beautiful display. Also new and noteworthy to explore is the light tunnel that illuminates the way to the tubing hill that guests can slide down. Another event showcased is a showing of “Twas The Night Before Christmas”, which will be a returning event being held at the William Conner House. This is a modern 3D projection that will make one feel in the story rather than just hearing it. For those who want more physical activity, a trip to Frosty’s Skating Rink might be an option to enjoy a fun time skating around. While this is not an actual ice rink with skates and rather skating on socks, it is still entertaining to glide around and feel the holiday cheer in the air. Finally, for those who want to see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus there is an opportunity to do so. The North Pole Village will be open to take a photo with Santa and watch his helpers prepare for Christmas night. Conner Prairie is not the only place that one can enjoy winter activities in the Fishers area. Another popular event that is available from Nov. 11 to Jan. 1 is the light show being held at the Indianapolis Fairgrounds. This will be an interactive drive-thru display full of beautiful lights and music that the lights go to. Reservations are important because a limited number of spots are available and there will be no gate admissions. Letting creativity fl ow by creating cheerful art for a festive season is another great event residents of Fishers can attend. Fishers City Hall will be hosting an art gallery for all to see on Dec. 4. At this event, one can either look at the many art pieces on display and purchase some to decorate the home in the holiday spirit or create a personalized masterpiece providing fun for the whole family. For more information check out the QR code below. While the fall season comes to an end and the weather is getting colder, this is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the winter season. These places are perfect examples of the many events put on by local businesses around the Fishers area that are aimed at community entertainment. This holiday season consider leaving the warmth of the fi re and the home and visit some of these activities that are available. Check out the QR codes below to get more information on all these festive events. Story by

Kaiden Corliss.

Stress or No Stress?

PRESSURE OF FINALS

As the end of fi rst semester approaches, many students have mixed feelings about fi nal exams. While some students are overwhelmed with stress, others do not understand the big deal about the fi nals season. In fact, many seniors have started to develop a well-known condition called senioritis: when a fi nal year student is not motivated to do their work knowing they are leaving the high school arena in a matter of months. “I have already gotten accepted into college,” senior Anika Rastogi said. “I don’t see the point of getting stressed for fi nals”. In response, math teacher Kirk Webber would like students to be aware that colleges check grades occasionally even if you have already received acceptance to a college, so “it is important to maintain your grades.” Underclassmen perspectives for fi nals diff er. “I am worried for fi nals since my entire GPA relies on these tests,” junior Adam Gerstner said. “Especially considering this is the fi nal year before colleges check my grades.” To counteract this fear, instructional assistant Elisabeth Schmitt responds explaining that “though 20 percent may seem like a lot, if you review even a week ahead of time, slow and steady can win the race”. Overall, the process of fi nals can put immense pressure on many students, as it is an examination that impacts your entire class grade, but as Principal Reginald Simmons quotes from Robert Collier, “Success is the sum of all small eff orts, repeated day-in and day-out”. Story by

Sornavalli Chockalingam.