THE ROYAL NEWS
FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
CORLYN
GRADUATION
THE
ALICE AGAIN AND CRAFTING CLUB
SENIOR REFLECTIONS
MUSIC
BRING ON SUMMER
SOFTBALL UPDATE
SPORTS: STEELERS A CONTENDER?
SPORTS: BROWNS DOING WHAT THEY DO
BASEBALL AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT
THINKING ABOUT THINKING
DISCUSSING ENERGY
THE HAPPIEST ENERGY ON EARTH
PRANKS AND ONLINE RISKS
THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A FREE LUNCH
GETTING AWAY
LANGUAGE IS KEY
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS. THEY DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OR VIEWS OF THE ROYAL NEWS, ITS ADVISOR OR NORTH ROYALTON HIGH SCHOOL.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
May is an especially tough month for students: summer is so close, and seniors count the days until graduation. And yet, all the kids continue to push forward and generate thoughtful projects, articles, and speeches. In this extended issue, you’ll find a combination of feature news stories and columns that demonstrate an awareness of current events and refinement of
traditional news reporting, as well as research-based opinion pieces. I’m proud of the students’ willingness to learn, as well as their growing interview skills and communication abilities. Despite the call of lengthening days and sunshine, they insist on pursuing excellence.
Thanks, as always, for reading, -Ms. Leatherman, The Royal News Advisor
NEW GRADUATION GOWNS UPDATE A HIGH SCHOOL TRADITION
BY ANNA MAIBORODA
This year, seniors graduating on the State Theater stage at Playhouse Square will debut a new tradition, donning all purple gowns instead of the purple and gold ones used for decades.
For 22 years, North Royalton High School has been using purple and gold gowns for graduating seniors. Principal Mrs. Hubbell noted that before 2003, graduation gowns for girls and boys were black.
“In 2003, a new principal came into North Royalton, and back then it was really trendy for schools to have two colors,” she said. “Since then it never changed.”
Graduation is an exciting and special moment for graduates. But still, it is an event that needs a lot of preparation. Senior checkout takes place on Friday,
May 23, in the PAC. A commencement rehearsal will also prepare students for the ceremony.
“We ask students to dress nicely,” said Mrs. Hubbell. Boys should wear solid color slacks, and girls wear skirts or dresses.
However, there is no graduation without graduates. Senior Amanda Hickey said that she is excited to get into a college environment with
thousands more people, meeting new people, and getting life experiences.
For senior Lydia Domzalski, “Four-year college would align with what I want for my future.”
However, at least for the summer, graduation means no stress from high school, no waking up too early, and not having constant homework. In the meantime, Domzalski is thinking about obtaining her real estate license.
Seniors also understand the stress for freshmen going to high school. Hickey’s advice to freshmen: “Do not stick to what other people think about you; stay true to yourself and your own values.”
The purple robe that is now an attire for all.
Principal Mrs. Hubbell made a final decision to change the robe colors.
THE PROM DRESS QUEST: FINDING THE PERFECT STYLE
BY: LYDIA DOMZALSKI
Prom season is here, and all of North Royalton's seniors are buzzing with excitement. Prom takes place May 24 at Weymouth Country Club in Medina. Although all seniors look forward to the dance, the girls are especially excited to show off their once-in-a-lifetime, eye-catching ballgowns that will make this day even more magical. This year, personal style takes precedence over trends.
There are many predominant characteristics and details when it comes to shopping for the right dress. Some girls have a strong desire for their picture-perfect yellow or pink, while others desire something more focused on the length, style, and fit as they prepare to dance the night away.
Senior Amanda Hickey said, “When searching for a dress, I always pick the color I want first, and then look at every possible option in that color.”
The color of a dress can be one of the most important characteristics for many reasons, such as good coloring and lighting for photos, color matching with a date, and what fits the person the best.
“I searched for something in my comfort zone because it is plain and tighter fitting,” said Hickey. “I try to avoid looking at trends because I don’t want to look
back in the future and not like the dress I chose.”
One senior, in particular, went through extreme lengths to get the perfect dress for prom.
Senior Corlyn Stauffer said, “I really wanted to wear black. I tried on so many dresses that were not black, and later I was walking through the store and found a black dress that looked terrible on the hanger, but I ended up loving the way it looked on.”
Not only was this the beautiful dress Stauffer had always dreamed of, but it also had a very unique story.
Stauffer said, “The dress was a size 10, so I had to get $300 in alterations because I need a double zero. It was the last one in the store, and they don’t sell it online, so it was the last one of that dress they had.”
And sometimes if one wants the perfect dress, risks must be taken. Senior Lili Valenti said, “I think color was the main factor for me. I knew I wanted something pink. I tried to look for something in my comfort zone, but I ended up purchasing something a little out of my comfort zone, because pink was the most important color to me.”
She continued, “I think people buy dresses that are their style, and trends don’t matter as much.”
These girls each had their own unique style and idea that didn’t involve following trends or popularity.
Finding a prom dress is a once in a lifetime experience that may involve many different factors, but this night will be more than rewarding as it will create unforgettable memories and an accomplishment in a girl’s life.
GLORO LIGHTS UP FOR CHARITY BY JONATHAN BLACK
GloRo: a dance that highlights a neon glowing theme and supports a local charity. Open to all high schoolers, North Royalton’s GloRo dance gathers many students yearly, who wear white, orange, yellow, and pink outfits, body paint, and reflective gear. So, for other schools, the second week of April might have just been another ordinary week. However, for North Royalton High School, the lights were flashing, and the music was blasting as the school was filled with excitement. Students celebrated the 9th annual glow-inthe-dark dance April 12 and donated proceeds to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. For just a cost of $10 to $30 depending on when
the tickets were bought, students going to GloRo experienced a night of pure fun, whether dancing, jamming to the music, or hanging out with friends. Senior Kolten English stated he was most excited to hang out and talk with friends. The DJ is always a big part of a dance and for GloRo it's no exception. Mr. Ciha said he’s most excited about using the new Drop The Beat Productions DJ the school started using recently during this year's ‘2425 Winter Formal. And making the event glow even more brightly: each year GloRo collects the total amount of money spent on tickets and gives it to charity.
ALICE...AGAIN BY BOGDAN AVERIN
Under the warm stage lights, in front of the creaky PAC seats, and performed on that black, wooden stage, the student and alumni-directed play “Alice by Heart” will open Thursday, June 5, with performances continuing June 6-7.
The show takes inspiration from “Alice in Wonderland,” with the twist that the story occurs during the London Blitz. Sheltering in the depths of a London tube station, Alice faces the harsh realities of war and copes with trauma and loss by using her imagination. “It’s not a retelling of “Alice in Wonderland,” said student director Alden Brinkley. “It’s telling a different story, one that uses literature as a refuge and source of hope. I’m expecting some tears.”
Scott Sopata, alumni and co-director, explained that “It’s a small show, but it has a big ensemble. Everyone is either a lead or supporting role, giving Alden and I unique challenges. But everyone is exceptionally good for their part. I’m lucky that everyone is able to lock into their roles.”
For cast and directors, the feeling is mutual. “He likes and listens to our input, and it’s a lot less formulaic,” said senior Sofia Savchenko, who plays the Queen of Hearts. “[Scotty] cares a lot. He’s super passionate about the show.”
Senior Ethan Ondrish, business manager and pit band member, said, “The music is a lot of fun. I’m playing a lot of instruments I’ve never played before. It’s a good challenge. I have to learn the flute!” Not only that, but there will be an opening sax quartet that will be playing before the show starts. They will be playing songs from the show rewritten into four saxophone parts, all of them arranged by Ondrish.
“We only have 100 tickets available per show, and we’re hoping to sell out all three performances,” said Brinkley. So make sure you get your tickets - they’ll be selling quick and cheap (only about $10), and then they’ll be gone! Tickets will be sold June 5-7.
CRAFT CLUB INVITES CREATIVITY
BY SARAH THOMAS
The lights twinkle on and off in their Coke bottles: the first craft of the season. Lights inside of vintage bottles illuminate the area around it with colorful hues. Counting down the days to the next meeting, the members of Craft Club eagerly wait. As the meeting progresses, the scraping of pumpkin skin can be heard throughout the halls as well as the laughter of the members giggling at the silly pumpkin faces. The next meeting dawns with its snowflake garlands lining the halls with holiday cheer. All of this and more is what the members look forward to experiencing in the Craft Club.
Mr. Kleem is currently spearheading the club with Mrs. Haugh, Mrs. Norris, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Gregoire, and Ms. Johnson. Although Mrs. Haugh, Mrs. Norris, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Gregoire, and Ms. Johnson had the original idea to expand on the projects Garden Club is already doing, Mr. Kleem is providing the main funding in addition to the teachers pooling their personal art supplies.
Mr. Kleem said that the purpose of the club is “to get students engaged in hands-on activities and crafts.”
Craft Club offers a free resource for students to participate in art in different ways. It can be joined at any time by signing up with its Google Classroom. The first meeting occurred in May and will continue next year.
Students also like that Craft Club has a less daunting schedule than other art-focused clubs and lets students be involved in many clubs at once without overlapping meetings.
Junior and avid artist Nyah Palmer said, “I joined because I used to love going to Art League, but I can't anymore because the meetings are at the same time as NAHS. I miss doing fun art projects just for fun!”
Look for Craft Club announcements and meeting dates once school starts in the fall.
SENIOR REFLECTIONS BY AMANDA HICKEY
As graduating seniors prepare to close the chapter on their final year, they’re often met with a familiar question: “What are your plans for the future?” The weight of expectation presses heavily on their shoulders, as they feel the pressure to have their entire futures mapped out. But before looking too far ahead, let’s take a step back and recognize what it took to reach this moment. Each senior’s path has been paved with hard work, challenges overcome, meaningful memories, and small wins that added up along the way. In their final days at North Royalton, seniors reflected on the moments that shaped them, from academic to social experiences, and offered a few words for those following in their footsteps.
The class of 2025 began their high school journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their final days of middle school were experienced behind masks, making the transition not just a change in environment, but also a shift in first impressions and social interactions. At the high school, efforts were made to create a welcoming atmosphere for incoming students, particularly with a spirited freshman orientation.
year of high school to boost her GPA and stays on track with assignments by planning them out in her agenda. She was involved with cheerleading for three years, up until junior year, when she decided to focus more on academics and extracurriculars like dance and piano. Kayla believes that NRHS has an “uplifting culture” in and out of the classroom, and other seniors agreed.
“The teachers and students go out of their way to welcome you, especially when you’re new,” said Lydia Domzalski.
Domzalski anticipated a heavier workload when transitioning to high school. She balanced a job at Lemonberry alongside her schoolwork, something she had set out to achieve. Looking back, she remembers her sophomore year as full of “good days,” especially because she made a lot of new friends and met her boyfriend, Joshua Ebner.
“Don’t be afraid of what others think. Prioritize the things that truly matter, like making genuine friendships and focusing on grades.”
- Lydia Domzalski
“I really liked freshman year,” said Kayla Hrabak. “I felt like I had a bunch of great teachers and friends in my classes, so I had good resources.”
Hrabak has taken honors math classes each
The student leadership program, Link Crew, continues to assist students as they transition to high school. “When I came here, they had me join a Link Crew group to help me tour around the school,” said Eric Lloyd. “The seniors and Link Crew definitely helped me out.”
Lloyd moved to North Royalton after spending his freshman year at Revere. Throughout high school, he pushed himself to stay competitive
for college applications. He dedicated countless hours to studying for the SAT, earning a score of around 1520, and consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA. His favorite memories at NRHS were watching the football and Powderpuff games, because the crowds were much larger than at Revere.
“Use these years to find out who you are, not just who others expect you to be. Your future depends on the foundation you build now.”
- Kayla
Hrabak
Being a senior in high school marks not only academic progress, but also personal growth. In just four years, they’ve faced personal challenges, changed priorities, and discovered more about who they are.
For Hrabak, personal growth came through navigating shifting friendships; sports and classes played a big role in how her friend groups changed over the years, but she met these changes with an open mind. Hrabak found that the best way to stay connected and make new friends was through communication, whether that meant talking with teachers, reaching out to classmates, or attending school events.
Domzalski explained that “My time at North Royalton showed me what areas of my life matter
most and where I want to grow the most. I feel like it set the path for my future and the next steps in my life in college.”
Over the years, Domzalski realized that the things she once focused on were “superficial,” like popularity or large friend groups. Through self-reflection, she began prioritizing her values, choosing to surround herself with genuine friendships, and holding herself to a higher standard. Her time in high school became less about fitting in and more about becoming the person she truly wants to be.
As for Lloyd, he said, “I feel like I was more social towards the end of high school. At the beginning, I was very shy, especially moving to a new school.”
Even in his senior year, Eric continues to meet new people. He moved to North Royalton as a sophomore, knowing no one, but sees the change as an opportunity to build more relationships. As he steps into adulthood, Eric admits it still doesn’t feel like he’s a senior, but he looks forward to applying all that he's learned here at NRHS in his future.
“Don’t skip out on your work. Homework is tedious, but it’s very important. It helps with your grades, and it’s like studying.”
- Eric Lloyd
ALL FOUR BANDS EARN HIGHEST HONORS AT DISTRICT, NEXT STOP...STATE FINALS
BY RYLAN SIKULA
Loud instruments, bright lights shining. On stage they are an ensemble, off stage, only individuals. Four bands, 200 students, all state qualifiers. When they are together, the students make a sound to “wow” the judges.
This year, all four of the concert bands got a 1 rating at District Competition (1 being the best score), meaning they all qualified for the State contest.The goal of States is to win, to get a 1, and the students have to make sure that they can put forth the effort to make that happen. Along with that, the three directors of the concert bands do their best to ensure that the kids are as prepared as they can be. Numerous times the director of the Concert Band, Mr. Nary, has said during class to “swing as hard as you can. Even if you play the wrong notes, or you don’t play it perfectly, at least we can leave saying we swung hard and tried our best.”
of a sight-reading judge’s assistant consists of calling out time warnings for the director and ensemble. They also pass out and collect music. Students tend to love this job. “Ian [Kramer] and I were both sight-reading assistants, so we had to help out the judge with the passing out of music to different sections, and bringing the score to the office,” said Aleks Streletsky. “The judge was really nice to us, and he would give comments to us on the bands, good and bad. I am not nervous to do it again and even to play on stage.”
Another job students can fill is a band guide. The band guides take guest bands and their director to the desired places. Some of these places include their ‘home room’ where they store instrument cases and other personal belongings. More places that the guide leads them to could be to the performing hall where they watch a current band, or, go on to perform themselves.
To help the band preparations run smoothly, students often volunteer their time in many different positions. One position is a sight-reading judge’s assistant. The job
It is a big achievement for North Royalton and the directors here to have all four concert bands in the state competition. Congratulations to everyone.
The North Royalton Wind Ensemble directed by Mr. Vitale
OPINION: MUSIC: MORE THAN WHAT YOU HEAR
BY RYLAN SIKULA
My brother asks, “Hey Ry, what’s the time signature?” as he waits patiently for my answer. I tell him that the bridge section is in 7/4. Now, many people who listen to music might not even know what any of that means, but for me and my brother, it is an entire bonding experience. We are both musicians and that may have something to do with our love for understanding music — nonetheless, we don’t just listen to music, we experience it.
gets the beat.
Our enhanced experience comes from the deeper understanding of music as a whole. From time signatures to harmonics, this little, less-than-simple knowledge goes a long way. More than just that, though, understanding lyrics and what they mean, along with how they fit with the music, is just as important.
While time signatures may seem complicated on paper, they truly aid in the process of learning and understanding music on a deeper level.
There are plenty of different kinds of musical intricacies, which can range from simple time signatures to intense music theory. Music theory is not necessary (although helpful) to have a better experience with music listening, but understanding time signatures is really important, whether they are simple (4/4, 3/4, or 6/8 — usually compound fractions on paper), or “complex” (‘odd’ time signatures such as 5/4, 7/4, or 12/8 — usually complex fractions on paper). What this means is just that when counting a song (if in 4/4), the quarter note
This can get complicated when meters such as 7/4 appear. That means that for every quarter note, a beat is present out of four possible beats. This makes counting 7/4 slightly complicated as opposed to something common like 4/4. While odd time signatures seem complex and difficult, they can really enhance the listening experience and create a fun challenge. According to musiceasily.com, “Identifying the time signature of a song can greatly enhance your understanding of its structure and your overall listening experience.”
But time signatures are not the only important piece in the puzzle of grasping a deeper understanding — and therefore more enjoyment — of music.
Lyrics can be difficult to interpret sometimes, but the satisfaction of understanding how the lyrics add to the final product of the song is greater than any feeling. According to Yoko Saito, a researcher for the Public Library of Science (PLOS), “they found different neural networks involved in processing lyrics as compared to processing melodies. Focusing on the lyrics recruited areas implicated in word recognition and visual processing.” Reading and understanding lyrics has scientific research to back up the improved listening qualities of the human mind.
With all of this in mind, learning a little bit about simple music theory and intricacies will overall help a lot in a better listening experience in music.
NR STUDENTS LOOK AHEAD TO SUMMER FREEDOM, FRESH START
BY ERIC LLOYD
As the school year winds down, North Royalton High School students are turning their attention to the adventures that await them beyond the classroom. With the final bell fast approaching, the excitement for summer break is palpable. Thoughts of early morning alarms and homework are being replaced with dreams of sleeping in, outdoor fun, and time with friends and family.
“I’m most excited to sleep in and not set an alarm for a few months,” said freshman Wyatt Lloyd. “But I also have a cruise with my family and will be going to Cedar Point a lot, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
For some students, summer is not just about relaxation, but also about personal growth.
Senior Brody Studt plans to use his break to sharpen his skateboarding skills.
just out and about.”
Junior Elizabeth Cugini is also approaching summer with purpose. “Sleep, working out in the morning, hanging out in my pool,” she said, describing her plans. But she’s also focused on athletic improvement. “I want to get my pitching up to the college level.”
“Progressing with skateboarding is really just the main thing I want to do over the summer,” he said.
His perfect summer day? “I just want to sleep in until about nine, get up, eat breakfast, and then go out and either skate with my brother or hang out with my mom and my siblings.”
If given the opportunity to travel, Studt knows exactly where he’d go. “I would love to go to California for the skate spots and the chance to see a pro skater
She’ll be traveling to Texas for softball sectionals and is especially excited about beach days with her family. One of her favorite parts of summer is “going to the beach with my niece and watching her run around.” As for her dream destination? “I’d like to go to Ireland,” she said. “I really like the history there.”
While the appeal of freedom and fun tops most students’ lists, many are also setting personal goals, whether it’s preparing for college, working a summer job, or simply recharging mentally and emotionally.
With only a couple weeks remaining in the school year, the countdown has officially begun. One thing is certain, North Royalton students are ready to embrace the summer ahead with energy, optimism, and big plans. No matter how they spend it, one thing is clear, North Royalton students are more than ready to trade pencils for pool days, and ring in a summer they won’t soon forget.
Senior Brody Studt skateboarding
Junior Elizabeth Cugini pitching
ALL THEY DO IS WIN, WIN, WIN, NO MATTER WHAT
BY CORLYN STAUFFER
The NRHS softball team continues a winning season filled with hard work, dedication, and most importantly, togetherness.
Even before it was game time, this season was off to an amazing start. Before any games or records, the practices are where the players began to foster a strong team bond and sense of trust.
The senior softball players made it a priority to build a beautiful community where every player could thrive. The whole softball program was handed down the key values of team work and family from their seniors. These values have been instilled in the underclassmen, and the results are visible.
sets the NR softball program apart from the rest.
“The underclassmen's strength, bouncing back from challenges and injuries has been incredible, and inspiring to watch,” said Franko.
Senior varsity captain Livy Franko said, “I hope the underclassmen learn, that even through hardships and the things that are going on in your life, your team and softball family will always be something you can lean on.”
The team is benefitting from this amazing culture the softball program has, as they accomplished one of their biggest goals, beating The Brecksville Bees.
Even though this team seems to have it all, they have for sure had their fair share of difficult times. The team overcame and learned a lot from working with each other and continuing to bond. Even though they may have setbacks, their perseverance is what
Varsity sophomore Vanessa Smith came back from having hip surgery and is having an amazing recovery for her team.
“It took a minute to get back into the swing of things as I have not played in over a year, but I am excited for the future with this team,” she said.
One of her favorite things from this season has been the Big Bear, Little Bear buddy system as she believes it has given their team a deeper and stronger bond, allows them to play better on the field, and deepens their trust for future games.
Even though this team has had their victories and star playing highlights, the constant theme of favorite memories from the players has been getting to spend time with their team, even if it's simply just cheering in the dugout, or even getting to celebrate on the field after a home run. Anything this team does together is magic.
“The seniors have given me the most amazing example of leadership, and I hope that when I am a senior I can lead just the way they did for me and our team this year,” said Smith.
Varsity Softball Team, 2024 - 2025
OPINION: The Pittsburgh Steelers: A Super Bowl LX Quality Team
BY JONATHAN BLACK
Once a year, one team left standing at the top of the list is embedded into NFL history forever. The Super Bowl, one of the biggest events in sports history. The winning team wins the Lombardi trophy, while the other is on their way home with nothing but motivation for next season. One NFL team with rich tradition and history knows a lot about that winning feeling: the Pittsburgh Steelers. The six-time Super Bowl Champions (tied with the New England Patriots for the most), which is also my favorite team, are most undeniably contenders for winning Super Bowl LX.
During the offseason, teams pick up and drop players through the NFL Draft, trades, and free agency. DeKaylin Zecharius
a season-ending injury during the 2nd regular-season game of the 2019 season, Rudolph played 10 games that season, finishing with a 62.2% completion percentage and throwing for 1,765 yards. Pittsburgh acquired Rudolph on a twoyear $7,500,00 contract. The Steelers also drafted Ohio State QB Will Howard during the 6th round using pick 185. The addition of two more quarterbacks to the roster, including this year's College National Champions QB Will Howard and NFL QB Mason Rudolph, will increase the number of passing yards per game, in addition to also the ability to complete more passes.
“DK” Metcalf, entering his 7th season, a former 2nd-round pick, and Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver one (WR1), signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Metcalf has averaged 1054 yards per year, earning him a hefty four-year $132,000,000 contract. Metcalf has gone against some of the best cornerbacks in the league and has some serious talent. As a result, the Steelers will average a higher passing yards per game by using DK’s star talent, catching ability, and speed to their advantage.
In addition, the Steelers are welcoming back former quarterback Mason Rudolph. Mason made his mark on the Steelers organization during the 2019 season. After starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered
With the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Derrick Harmon. Harmon, a defensive tackle from the University of Oregon, is an awesome pick. Derrick Harmon led the FBS [Football Bowl Subdivision] in QB pressures when he was lined up as a defensive tackle. Consequently, the Steelers will further strengthen their defense as Harmon defensive talent will be able to not only sack the quarterback but also stop the runs.
As a result of all the offseason pickups, trades, and players drafted in the NFL Draft, the Steelers will be able to produce a much better season than they did last year with the addition of new star talent. Therefore, I would go as far as to say I think and feel others should agree that the 2025-26 Pittsburgh Steelers are most certainly Super Bowl LX winning contenders.
OPINION: The Browns’ 2025 Draft: Bold Moves or a Recipe for Chaos?
BY ERIC LLOYD
If there’s one thing Cleveland Browns fans know by heart, it’s the emotional rollercoaster of draft season. Hope and heartbreak come in equal doses, and this year’s draft felt like the perfect storm of both. The Browns made some smart, strategic picks, but they also took a gamble so risky it could either revolutionize the franchise or set it back years.
Let’s start with what went right.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham, taken fifth overall from Michigan, was the kind of pick fans and experts agree on. Mel Kiper Jr. called him “the safest bet in the draft for immediate impact,” and the Browns desperately needed a player like him to shore up their shaky defensive line. Pair that with Carson Schwesinger, a lightning-quick linebacker out of UCLA, and suddenly the Browns’ defense looks a whole lot scarier. After finishing 17th in points allowed last year (NFL.com), they had no choice but to get tougher, and they did.
Offensively, I have nothing but praise for the addition of Quinshon Judkins. He tore up the Big Ten at Ohio State and brings exactly the kind of explosiveness we’ve been missing in the run game. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. might not be a household name yet, but with his record-breaking season at Bowling Green, he’s got serious upside. These were smart, no-nonsense picks.
fluke, it was a warning.
And here’s the part no one’s talking about enough: drafting Shedeur doesn’t just bring in Shedeur, it brings in Deion Sanders, too, whether we like it or not.
Deion, Shedeur’s father and coach at Colorado, is a magnetic, polarizing figure who commands attention wherever he goes. That’s great for TV ratings, but is it great for locker room chemistry? Deion has never shied away from speaking his mind or defending his son publicly, sometimes to the point of creating distractions. Just last season, he clashed with media members and rival coaches, keeping the spotlight firmly on his program and his family. Browns fans must ask: Do we really want that circus coming to Cleveland?
General Manager Andrew Berry has said everything right, telling Cleveland.com, “We believe Shedeur’s talent and maturity will shine through, and we have the infrastructure to support him.” That’s nice to hear, but it’s also familiar territory for Browns fans, who’ve heard promises like this before, only to watch things unravel.
But here’s where the Browns decided to roll the dice: quarterback.
Dillon Gabriel from Oregon? Fine. A solid backup, experienced, reliable, nothing flashy, but he's a little undersized, and you need depth. But Shedeur Sanders? Now that’s where things get complicated.
Let’s be clear: Shedeur is a talented quarterback. His arm strength, field vision, and knack for big plays are undeniable. Before the season, he was projected as a top10 pick. But then the red flags started piling up: missed meetings, shaky interviews, public disputes with the media (Sports Illustrated). His slide to the fifth round wasn’t a
In my opinion, the Browns’ draft was a fascinating mix of smart strategy and risky business. I applaud the team for finally addressing their defensive gaps and adding real talent to the offense. But the quarterback gamble feels like a ticking time bomb. Sanders could be the answer we’ve waited decades for, but his success isn’t just about talent; it’s about discipline, humility, and the ability to tune out the noise. Whether he (and his dad) can do that remains to be seen.
As fans, we’re left in familiar territory: hopeful, but wary. This draft could mark the start of a true turnaround, or it could plunge us back into quarterback drama and media sideshows. My advice? Enjoy the optimism while it lasts, but keep your expectations in check. After all, this is Cleveland, and if there’s one thing we know by now, it’s to hope for the best, but prepare for… well, the Browns.
BOYS BASEBALL STRIVES TO WIN
BY SOFIA CIRIC
The baseball team is striving this season, relying on a group of talented players who work well together. Mr. Bielak, varsity assistant coach, has high expectations for his team to do well.
“One of the goals we most highly try to achieve this season is to win the whole conference. We played a really good league with Twinsburg placing state champions last year, and Wadsworth is also good,” said Mr. Bielak.
These conferences tend to be huge, and the team will try to overall beat Twinsburg the most, as they are highly placed, and one of the best in their league. “Twinsburg tends to be our biggest rival,” said Mr. Bielak.
Improvement happens through many tactics, and Mr. Bielak works to get his team to be their best. “Every day we work hard because we know that we are playing really good teams, we have a tough schedule, and we push them every practice to become better than they already are,” he said.
To improve their skills, the team reviews game videos and studies their performances. “We have videos set up to tape their swings. We then go back and look at the video to see what they need improvement on,” said Mr. Bielak.
Helping lead the team is varsity team captain Jacob Paluczak, who sets significant amounts of goals for himself through his baseball journeys, and takes pride in them.
“I usually have a sub 3 ERA and hold my promise as captain to support our team no matter what,” he explains. “I have a positive mindset and pick my players up when they feel they have fallen, and I plan to learn from every game and fix my mistakes after each one.”
“Our team has lost some games this year, but we try to bounce back and keep our heads up high, and usually it’s a mental boost for our boys, so they win the next one and want it more,” said Bielak.
Players have setbacks, but they always manage to move forward through each step they take because they take heart in what they do. “We usually don’t have any conflicts," says Paluczak. “We have a good group of guys who are always there for one another.”
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MRS. CELEK BY
AMOLLY WILLIAMS
school’s staff is what makes the school unique. A good, solid team in education is what helps students succeed. Despite what people may believe, it’s not only the educators contributing to student success, but the office staff. Undoubtedly, Mrs. Celek is one of them.
Mrs. Celek resides in her new and improved office–after previously occupying the space in the middle of the walk-in across from the nurse’s office. “My new office is great!” she said. “It gives me the peace and quiet I need to complete tasks that require a lot of concentration.”
Upon stepping inside the office, students are greeted with a charming letterboard with different tunes-of-theday on it. “I get inspired by songs I hear or things people say that make me think of a certain song. My favorite type of music is rock. I doubt many people know the bands that I listen to, so I don't usually put them on the board.”
Celek attended the University of Toledo initially with the intent of becoming a teacher. However, she found a different path that still aligned with her interests. “In high school, I thought for sure I’d go to college to be a teacher,” she said, “and then I went to college and changed my mind. I ended up going for communication to be a publicist and do public relations. I’m now working in a school and I love it.”
The Parma native is entering her fourth year at North Royalton High School as an important asset to the team: the data secretary. “It encompasses a lot of stuff. It’s a lot of grades, transcripts, report cards, reporting for people, dealing with state reporting. Plus, working with the counselors is fun.”
Next time you’re in the office, ask her about her favorite rock bands!
OPINION: WHAT IS INTELLIGENCE? BY MOLLY
WILLIAMS
Confusion. I looked around amongst my 5th-grade peers, wondering, “What the heck did they do?” I watched as my peers were being awarded honor roll for their hard work and academic achievements in the classroom. I, on the other hand, stared down at my science book I had been poorly graded on, leaving class on my way to my private math tutoring session. As young as ten, I pondered if my lack of rewards for my intelligence was a reflection of me as a student. And I am not the only one.
In psychology exists the Multiple Intelligence Theory, put forth by psychologist and professor at Harvard, Howard Gardner. The theory in question proposes nine or more kinds of intelligence. Among these, one holds great importance: interpersonal intelligence. The qualities of such intelligence include effective communication skills, an understanding of others, and the ability to put themselves in other people’s shoes. Why is this important in a conversation about what makes a good student? Because it’s so essential to an individual's future. It is not about how well you can successfully follow a formula in algebra or memorize elements of the periodic table.
Being a good student can, of course, include brain-smarts or, in Gardner's terms, logical-mathematical intelligence. Students who work hard to get straight A’s, take multiple accelerated courses, and aim high are labeled (and are) good students. The issue at hand is not those who do well grade-wise, but the lack of acknowledgement for students who fall slightly
behind in grades but do hold intelligence. In my case, I have always been a student who pays attention and gives respect to authority. Kindness and attentiveness to others have been held first and foremost. All my life, I have been recognized for my care for my peers. However, I struggled academically. It’s true I did need private tutoring in elementary school due to my lack of understanding of math. It’s also true I needed private tutoring for reading as well. But now I am a senior, I challenged myself to take harder classes, and pursue what matters to me most with the power of interpersonal intelligence, social work. What exactly does social work entail? It’s quite literally what it sounds like. Working with others (socializing) and strengthening the mental well-being of individuals and families. It should sound similar to a previous intelligence I’ve mentioned: interpersonal intelligence is likely the greatest gift I have to participate in this field. This kind is also seen in other professions where leadership is key, necessary for those even with logical-kind of smarts. Without interpersonal intelligence, how good are students? Everyone has a different perception of a strong student. The assumption might be that person can identify different statistical formulas off the top of their head. Or perhaps write their essays perfectly as they analyze their eight-hundred-page textbook in preparation for their next quiz. Instead of that thought appearing in your head, maybe the good student is also the one listening to their music, drawing on their homework, and listening carefully to their friends.
OPINION: HOW TO POWER? BY BOGDAN AVERIN
The energy generated by fossil fuels comes at a cost: the quality of life for everyone living in this world. According to the World Nuclear Association, given the fact that both nuclear and coal-powered plants make 1,000 mw of energy, nuclear power would only make three cubic meters of waste, while coal produces six million tons of CO2 and 300,000 tons of ash, per year. Nuclear energy, however, is about as sustainable a nonrenewable source could get - producing manageable amounts of waste and hot water.
unstable uranium fuel rods. It goes by the name of thorium. It is just as powerful as uranium, but far safer and more plentiful. Uranium reactors are more difficult to properly shut down. However, thorium only requires a small amount of plutonium to generate energy. This means there is another fail switch in the rare case of a meltdown occurring, along with nuclear energy no longer purely dependent on uranium.
However, nuclear power comes at a steep price. It costs around two billion per coal plant with about a $1,500 kw/h price per year, and nuclear plants cost six to ten billion each with nearly $3,000 per kw/h, per year. The average amount of energy produced in a single day is 138,000 MWh. A single nuclear powerplant, on the other hand, makes over 24 million kw/h in the same time frame, despite the higher cost. In the long term, the financial savings favor nuclear energy.
Though opinions differ, some people prefer factory fumes dumped in the hundreds of tons into our air - polluting everything we breathe, scared of the destruction a single power plant can bring, and citing the disaster of Chernobyl - or they are unsure of how nuclear waste is disposed of. While it is true that reactors can melt down at the cost of lives, it is usually due to human error, coupled with corners being cut.
The Chernobyl reactor was improperly shut down while it was running, and safety systems were shut off as well, leading up to the meltdown–meaning all preventative measures were nullified purely to human error. A disaster similar to Chernobyl should not happen again, given that today more focus is put onto nuclear energy and into its safety systems. Additionally, there are alternatives to the
Then there are concerns of the highly radioactive waste a reactor produces. Typically, nuclear waste is stored temporarily before permanently moved to geological isolation. Geological “waste-vaults” are naturally designed not to leak toxic radioactive waste into the surrounding environment, along with being strategically placed in geologically inert zones to further ensure that a leak could not be caused from external, natural sources.
Finally, if nuclear energy does become today’s everyday power source - what will happen to the workers at the coal plants? Each largesize plant employs roughly between 100 and 300 people, meaning every single one of those workers will be unemployed. However, due to being much higher maintenance and its size, nuclear plants generally employ 500-800 workers - meaning there will be more than enough jobs to go around.
Admittedly, there is more than meets the eye with nuclear power. Many see it as a double-edged sword -- a powerful energy that can rival the sun and can level cities if you’re not careful. However, this theory has been thoroughly discredited. Nuclear power is an energy source that can power the future for generations to come, until a renewable power source that is just as reliable and efficient is developed, keeping the planet green and free from toxic gas released into our atmosphere, and from toxic refuse dumped into our rivers.
OPINION: THE HAPPIEST ENERGY ON EARTH BY SARAH THOMAS
The solar panels of Disney World form one of the many “Hidden Mickeys” around the park, intertwining the magic of Disney with sustainability.
Nuclear power can derail lives, ruin ecosystems, and pollute the environment. The alternative of solar power is favorable to ensure safety and environmental wellness.
The Nuclear Energy Agency explains in an overview of Chernobyl, one of the most severe nuclear energy accidents in history, that the disaster could have been prevented if safety regulations were followed. Nuclear power plants can easily be disastrous with greedy leadership. Cutting corners, skimming over safety practices, and abusing loopholes in regulation can be catastrophic for the workers and surrounding environment.
while the average solar field takes up five to seven acres. Nuclear power plants also create nuclear waste that can seep into our soil, water, and air, tainting the earth around the facility. Properly disposing of this nuclear waste can cost billions of dollars.
Michigan University claims that solar and wind are the fastest growing renewable sources, going up by 74% since 2022.
Solar power has much less risk; although it is true that the most common way companies make solar panels more profitable is using lower quality products, causing the panels to deteriorate faster than average.
Putting aside the potential danger, nuclear energy is more expensive than a solar alternative. One solar field could cost $400,000 to $500,000 per acre, and a field ranging from 5-7 acres would cost $3 million on the high end. One nuclear power plant could range from $5.4 to $9 billion.
Not only expensive, nuclear energy also takes up a lot of room. Nuclear power plants take up at least 50 acres,
Every year the United States government spends $370 billion on energy and consumers spend $1.7 trillion annually on energy; roughly $5,159 per person including taxes and electricity. For consumers to power a two-story house off of solar cost $15,000 to $50,000. Switching to solar can save $1,500 every year, and the cost of solar panels installation recoups the initial cost in about ten years after installation. To transition the entire United States to solar energy would cost a total of $4.5 trillion. Over the course of ten years it would be $450 billion per year, reducing the impact on the environment and long term lowering the cost of power.
When applied, solar energy can be far more effective than nuclear power. 40% of Disney World is powered by solar power, which is equivalent to 55,000,000 watts. 43% of the White House’s energy is from solar power, which is 6,300 watts.
If consumers and the government both stride to a solar-centric power system, power can be cheaper, reliable, and clean.
OPINION: LET US PRANK
BY LYDIA DOMZALSKI
Recently, on TikTok, a video went viral on the account @ addie.roden. The senior class of 2025 executed their senior prank by camping out on their principal's front yard overnight. While this prank may seem scary and over the top for some, @tiawhittington – the principal's wife– left a comment on the post saying “ We LOVED this! You could’ve given me a heads up tho… thank y’all for giving him an amazing core memory <3”.
Although some schools may view senior pranks as harmful or damaging, all schools should allow senior pranks to be executed within reason and regulations.
Mia Chuppa, a graduating senior from Nordonia High School, said, “My school allows a senior prank as long as it's not in the building… so we camped outside of the school. There were a lot of rules… but I would say it was a very memorable experience.”
Although Nordonia placed rules on their prank, the seniors were still able to be creative, follow the rules, and have a great time.
Senior Gabby Waldron from Revere High School said, “We haven’t done one yet, but we are very excited to plan one… right now we are thinking of parking in different spots around the school.”
Teachers and administration in North Royalton may think that seniors will take a prank too far, causing damage or a negative experience. However, Waldron’s school is a great example of how not every school wants to take advantage of the opportunity of a senior prank.
Serene Rocha, a graduating senior from Medina High School, said, “We aren’t allowed to do school pranks, which is very disappointing... I wish we were allowed to.”
After most of the seniors work hard all four years of high school, listening and obeying teachers in and outside of the classroom, seniors deserve the chance to end the chapter in their high school journey with a lighthearted prank, creating an unforgettable experience that they will tell stories about in their future.
While allowing students to participate in the prank is an enjoyable experience, the school should set boundaries on what it allows students to do. For example, avoid any sort of vandalism or stealing from school property. Ensuring that rules like these are followed will involve discipline, which may include chance of not walking at graduation or not attending prom.
“Memories are made in moments that cannot be bought, only experienced”. -Phoebe Hoss
OPINION: ONLINE RISK
BY ANNA MAIBORODA
Children's content has always been in the media space, but nowadays it has become a “trend” for young people to have their own YouTube channels, sharing their personal experiences. Parents also often post about their kids to grab attention on their blogs and social media, but unfortunately most of these cases do not end up on a dream path.
It is easy to allow a child to have their own channel or page in social media, but at the same time, it’s important to keep them safe.
A recent Netflix documentary, “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing,” uses a series of interviews with former “squad” members and their parents to weave the story of a former child pageant star, Piper Rockelle, and her “momager” Tiffany Smith, who rose to YouTube fame with the help of a circle of fellow child performers.As profits poured in, these kidfluencers allegedly logged punishing working hours without appropriate compensation while being subjected to emotional and occasionally sexual abuse from Smith. Smith and director and editor Hunter Hill denied wrongdoing as part of a $1.85 million settlement with the 11 teens reached in 2024. In a statement provided by her attorney to THR, Smith denied the claims of abuse, arduous working hours and dearth of appropriate compensation. Rockelle has also denied the accusations.
Content creators have been getting a new wave of possibilities in the media world, but it’s a full time job with advantages and disadvantages. Younger people, especially kids, see this as an opportunity to show themselves in a bigger world, but this path is working not only on kind audiences, but people with terrible intentions.
To protect your kids and anyone who is interested in posting their life on the internet, teach them some rules that will keep them safe from a huge media space danger :
1. Recognizing Phishing and Scams - Teach children how to identify suspicious links and fraudulent requests for information.
2. Understanding Digital Footprints - Explain how online activities contribute to their digital presence and the long-term implications of their posts.
3. Safe Content Creation - Guide them on creating content that does not inadvertently disclose personal information or infringe on others' rights.
Please be aware, social media is not scary and dangerous itself, but it is built on a huge amount of people that may or may not have the same good intentions.
OPINION: WHY LUNCH SHOULD BE FREE BY AMANDA HICKEY
When I was a freshman, I looked forward to lunchtime each day at school.
As someone who always cooks their meals at home and would typically pack a lunch, the burden was off my shoulders because school lunches were free, and I didn’t have to worry about preparing something the night before. It was exciting to have meal options to pick from, and within the choices, getting to customize toppings and sides. If you didn’t like what the school provided, you could simply pack your lunch. Unlike my current schedule as a senior, I was there for a full day of classes, so lunch at school was vital to keeping my body and brain active throughout the day.
Because those items were required, students were more likely to eat balanced meals. Providing free school lunches again would help ensure students consistently get nutritious food, something they might not choose on their own. According to a study from the University of Illinois, providing free school meals can lead to improved academic performance and overall well-being for students.
According to a report from Universal School Meals, the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread food insecurity for families with children across the U.S. To help address this issue, Congress introduced a policy known as Universal School Meals (USM) in March 2020, which allowed schools to provide free meals to all students. This temporary waiver lasted until June 2020, after which schools resumed charging for lunch.
At NRHS, lunch prices have remained steady at $3.75 in recent years. The cost stays the same even if a student skips the sides, which aren’t required, meaning some may be overpaying for less food. Cafeteria staff are responsible for preparing the appropriate number of meals to meet student demand.
During Covid, “the process wasn’t much different from what it is now,” said Tara Graczyk, a lunch aide at NRHS. While she now works at the register, she served meals during the pandemic. “The only difference was having to meet the meal criteria. You had to have fruit, a veggie, and milk.”
In addition to the taxes paid for NRHS, it’s important to consider how these funds are allocated. As outlined by the Ohio Department of Education, much of this funding goes towards a wide range of educational resources. Since students’ nutrition directly affects their academic performance and well-being, it makes sense to use a portion of these funds to ensure that every student has access to healthy, free lunches. This would be a practical use of tax money we already contribute to the school system, supporting both education and student health.
At NRHS, only students eligible for open campus can leave for lunch, which means that underclassmen are the primary group relying on school meals unless they bring their own. Offering free lunches would help increase attendance, as it would keep upperclassmen on campus, reducing the likelihood that they leave to eat elsewhere or skip school due to meal costs. According to the lunch staff, the number of meals served has dropped by more than half since COVID, from around 900 meals prepped daily to just 400 now, demonstrating the impact of meal costs on student participation.
The success of the USM program proves that it’s possible to provide free lunches at NRHS for all students. With the right support, we can ensure all students have access to the nutrition they need to succeed. If we did it once, we can do it again!
OPINION: GET AWAY TO REFRESH BY SOFIA CIRIC
The way the breeze swerved, how the sun shone on my skin, and how the water was as blue as the sky. I’ll never forget the beautiful vacation I took to Greece last summer. Greece gave me a way to feel at peace, to feel unbothered, and to be happy. I left all chaos and stress at home and went on this trip to give my mind a rest. Traveling gave me opportunities and reasons to take a break from myself and be someone else for a week. Little did I know that this trip would not only break me out of my routine but also change my perspective on life in ways I've never experienced before.
thinking about the place you're going to is such a good distraction. Once I realized I could focus my mind, the plane ride became enjoyable. If stressed by travel, you could listen to music, read to help your mind focus on something else, or maybe even play a game. To focus your mind on one thing helps your brain feel like the anxiety is switched off.
Greece is a place that people mostly go to for a one-time opportunity. I feel I would have never gotten the opportunity, until one day I did. I experienced island life, foods, music, art, and cultures I’ve never seen before. Greece is a good 9.5 hours away. However, the plane ride to Greece was calming; I loved flying over the ocean and the clouds. You could see all the small features you don’t see every day: how the clouds look like cotton candy and the sky as if painted, as if it wasn’t real. Traveling gave me a way of personal growth.
Exploring new places and immersing yourself in new cultures or new environments is mentally stimulating, according to a recent article on webmd.com. Putting some of your stress life on hold can reduce so much stress by going on vacation and taking a break from that. Relieving the tension and stress of your work life lets your mind relax and heal.
True, traveling can be a struggle at times. I usually am not a good flyer, and I do not enjoy planes, but at some point in time I realized that
Some people resist traveling, and it is completely okay to have a strong opinion of your own. Some people fear leaving friends and family behind, according to a recent article on ytravelblog.com. Thinking about leaving friends and family behind can be frightening because some individuals have separation anxiety regarding the people they are closest to. There can be a lot of things to book and a lot of expense, but sometimes it’s worth it to put life on hold and go see things out there that you’ve never before seen, because if you do not take that chance now, you’d regret it in the long run.
When you take time to go somewhere and get away from work and school, it can also help you feel more productive and focused when you get back. This is because your brain needs time to rest, according to webmd.com. When I go on vacation, it improves my well-being and self-growth, because I find myself making good memories and happiness on vacation. I find ways to settle down, and work on ways to relieve stress, to just let go for a little bit. Wherever your favorite place may be, where the water is blue, where the wind breezes, and the sun shines, travel the world to your liking because there are many things out there to see. Traveling is exciting, so do it!
OPINION: WORLD LANGUAGE CLASSES SET UP STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS BY CORLYN STAUFFER
High school: the last four years of childhood that leave a lasting impact, and where a student begins to shape themselves into the person they hope to become. For me, I was very involved in school activities, but my most memorable times during high school were associated with the Spanish department. On my first day of freshman year I was dreading Spanish class. I told myself I only had to take two years, and then it would be done forever. Ms. Syroney was my Spanish 1 teacher, and I remember that Friday of my first week, when I thought I had no clue what I was doing. She put a paragraph on the board, and I was amazed I could translate the whole thing. Instead of seeing Spanish class as a chore, I began to find it very interesting. I found myself taking a Spanish class every year of high school, and the experience has been fantastico! I loved getting to immerse myself and learn about different cultures, while cooking various types of food from Spanish speaking countries. In order for students to explore other interests, most high schools in the US require a minimum of two years of learning a world language according to goabroad.com. I learned how much taking four years of a foreign language would greatly impact and benefit my future.
admission officers also want to see different types of experiences that set a student apart from the rest. Taking a world language class is a great opportunity to get a better understanding of the world from the classroom. It shows off students who have had a more diverse high school experience by showing a student is not afraid to take risks or accept a challenge. This is great because it makes a college application scream a student is open to new possibilities. Advanced world language classes open the doors for many scholarship opportunities according to goabroad.com. Since a smaller group of students take more than the required two years of a language, it allows students who do take more classes to have a better chance of getting recognized.
As a freshman in Spanish 1, I was not worried about what college I wanted to attend, or what my major would be. When I first started looking into the college application process, I felt very thankful knowing I was going to continue taking Spanish classes. I learned that even though grades and extracurriculars matter very much when it comes to a college application,
Besides learning the language, being able to apply it in real life is a huge bonus. Traveling the world is an amazing experience that allows students to learn more than they could from the classroom. It is a way to learn about different cultures and ways of life; studies have shown that when a student immerses themselves into a culture they will be able to learn and adapt to that language much faster. It enhances a student's understanding of the world by learning multiple different perspectives, being very beneficial for students who desire to study abroad.
World language classes allow communication skills to be enhanced and connections to be made with people from all over the world. Even though as a high school student taking language classes might not seem to have any long term benefits, it really will open the doors to limitless opportunities.
