Paw Print Issue 12

PAW PRINT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

DESIGN EDITOR: CATHERINE SMITH

MANAGING EDITOR: NINA

WEBSITE EDITOR: VICTORIA SCHLUE

CHIEF

COPY

HAPPY 2024 GRADUATION

A Letter from the (future) Editor

The 2023-2024 school year is coming to an end, and we are excited to release the final issue of The Paw Print. It was another successful year as we released twelve issues, won first place at the OSMA competition, and received individual awards for multiple stories. However, with graduation approaching, we are sad to see our seniors go. They consistently worked to release as many issues as possible while updating social media and maintaining the website. There is so much that goes into each issue, and it couldn’t have been done without them.

We could always learn something new from our seniors, whether it was concerning the Paw Print or something completely unrelated. They were great examples for all the upcoming students and immediately showed them how to work efficiently. But even more than that, they are all just amazing people, and we know they have big futures ahead.

Thank you to our senior editors. You always got things done even when given tight deadlines or short notice. It was amazing to see all of your ideas come to life even when they seemed crazy. You pursued each story with the intent to make them the best they could be, and the paper was better for it.

A huge thank you to our Editor-in-Chief, Mckenzie Collinsworth. Your relentless dedication is the sole reason this year was such a success. We appreciate all the late nights and early mornings you spent working on each issue to make it the best possible.

The time was well spent, and this year’s issues were (we think) some of the best.

The one person we truly couldn’t do this without is our adviser, Mrs. Natalie Tannehill. More than her being a fantastic teacher, she is also a great leader. Thank you for always being there to support us. All that The Paw Print has become would never have happened without you.

I hope next year brings just as much success as this year did. Though this was my first year of journalism, I am confident that I can tackle the challenge of being the new editor. The nice thing about this situation is that I’m not alone. I know the returning members have my back and that our new members will do phenomenal work. I hope to uphold the standards and keep producing quality issues. Thank you, readers, for coming back to see what we create each edition, and checking out our website and social media updates. All the work we put into the paper is for your enjoyment.

Though we will miss our seniors, we know they will go on to do great things. Moving forward, our returning staff is looking forward to another successful year. Journalism is a great class that offers fun and unique experiences. If you are considering taking the class, it’s not too late to change your schedule! A final farewell to our seniors, this issue is for you.

With love,

Ella Marochino, Editor-in-Chief

The newspaper staff will make every reasonable effort to verify quotations in final approved copy with the individual(s) quoted, in interest of accuracy. Copy in the newspaper will bear bylines when, in the opinion of the adviser with the editor’s approval, the writer has earned recognition and running the byline is acceptable journalistically. If a newspaper editorial does not bear a byline, it reflects the opinion of the entire staff. A bylined editorial reflects only the opinion of the writer.

Viewpoints expressed in newspaper editorials are not necessarily shared by any members of the faculty (including the adviser), the administration, or the board of education.

All letters to the editor of the newspaper must be signed for verification purposes, but the staff may withhold names upon request. Because of space limitations letters of 300 words or less will receive preference, and longer letters may be subject to condensation with the cooperation of the writer. The final decision of whether to print a letter rests solely with the staff.

CLASS OF 2024

SENIOR COOKOUT

SENIOR SUNRISE

STUDENT SECTION

PAW PRINT AWARD

The One of these Things is Not like the Others Award: For waiting patiently for three years to turn The Paw Print into what you always knew it could be, we are all so thankful for your hard work and dedication. We will always ask, What would Kenzie do?

NOT SO HIGH SCHOOL

Isuppose you could categorize some people’s high school experience into one of three categories: those who peaked, those who enjoyed their time with nothing too special, and those who barely survived. I would say, or should I pray, I did in fact not peak these last four years nor did I just barely survive. But, I would argue I also didn’t have a bland high school experience either. I might go out of my way to say I broke the stereotypical mold of high school. Freshman year Kenzie, in my opinion, is no way similar to senior year Kenzie which is something I take immense pride in.

High school, at least for me, began as the worst two years of my life. My freshman and sophomore years took a toll on me for the worst. I lacked strong friendships, social skills, and an interest in getting involved. During freshman year, I mainly flew under the radar with only a few friends generally deemed frequent acquaintances, and believed high school would be the best four years of my life. In all honesty, freshman year has become a blur I’d rather not somehow regain recollection of.

Sophomore year was one of those years you don’t understand what really happened. At the start, it seemed as though I might actually enjoy high school for once, but, naturally, that is nowhere near reality. I had a couple of close friends and I enjoyed most of my classes and teachers. Not to mention, sophomore year was also the year I joined journalism. Why? I don’t have an affirmative answer. Call me stupid because I’m currently taking chemistry as a senior due to that very decision.

I had friends, and I had fun, so whatever was the matter? Well my fellow Paw Print readers, a boy was the matter, oh, and my compulsive need to please people. Obviously, nothing came from this boy and I, but it sure did cause me an exorbitant amount of stress. I slowly became drained which was present in many of my classes and social relationships. I

didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so I continued to participate in whatever was happening between us (remember the need to please people?). It finally came to an end where I was accused of ‘leading him on.’ In all fairness, I was only being nice. Beyond all the boy drama, my passion for the sport I played my entire life disappeared. But, if you wish to read about my softball scandals, head to ghspawprint.org for the whole worth wild story. :) Junior year got me going. I felt as though I had strong friendships, a motivation to try harder in school, and a keen interest in becoming involved. I would say I broke out of my shell, finally. I enjoyed clubs and an occasional sporting event, something sophomore Kenzie would become sick to her stomach at the thought of socializing with a large group of people. I would be lying if I said my sudden increase in social skills happened all on my own. The credit has to be given to the friends who were by my side for the year, thanks guys!

This is where I should also apologize to my friends. I’m sorry you had to witness the slow, and inevitable, Paw Print personality takeover. Yes, I admit, the Paw Print became my entire personality. Am I truly sorry, though? Not for my developing passion, but for the fact I most likely annoyed many of you with my constant chatter of deadlines and Jackson’s absurd behavior. Now, although tough to say, those absurd behaviors have become my own absurd behaviors. For better or worse, I became, as some would characterize it, a control freak. I, on the other hand, would say I prefer things a certain way (my way). Blame it on the Paw Print or my sudden rise to power through Girls of Green, but there was only room for what I thought was right.

If I could describe my senior year in one word, the word would be fake. I wholeheartedly believe I learned very little even though I’m somehow passing all of my AP finals (it’s forever a mystery). The first semester, I suppose, possessed the school

aspect I’ve known all my life. As I hit the second semester, things deteriorated. My friendships became scarce, I stressed over college and dreaded the start of the softball season.

My lack of learning wasn’t the only thing that appeared fake. My interests became dull, perhaps senioritis got the best of me. Looking back on this year, the only things I can remember consist of gossiping in AP Lit with Cat and Tess, endlessly making fun of Tomecko during APUSH, and somehow managing to complete absolutely no work in physics (I suppose I shall thank Morgan and Jamie for listening to me yap endlessly). So, I question, how do we graduate in a week?

Looking back at my high school experience, I grapple with my feelings. I clearly did not have the full teen movie experience, but that’s a little overrated, is it not? I enjoyed high school. Writing this now, I develop a sense of pride over everything I’ve managed to accomplish and the person I’ve become. I’m proud of my grades. I’m proud of my lasting friendships. I’m proud of my persistence to help others. Most importantly, I’m proud of the Paw Print. What we, as a staff, have accomplished these past three years is beyond me. Nothing beats holding the finished paper in your hands after pulling an all-nighter. Joke and jest all you want, but the Paw Print makes me more proud than any grade or home-run could. I’m beyond proud and grateful for the opportunity I had as Editor-in-Chief to continue the legacy being built.

I’m proud to see how far I’ve come. From freshman Kenzie who wore a softball sweatshirt every day to senior, Vice President, President, and Editor-in-Chief Kenzie who feels confident enough to come to school wearing a hot pink blazer, I’ve never been so ready to leave Green High School because I know there’s so much more left to accomplish and learn.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The manifesto award: For taking a word count as a mere suggestion, and always (and we mean always) finding a way to write over 1500 words. We’ll miss you on every blank page, Cat.

ME BECAUSE OF THEM

I’ve been in the same friend group since eighth grade, and our friendship is at the point where it is generally known that if you see one of us out and about in the city, the other three will loom somewhere nearby. This acute level of closeness has developed over the years, and it is something that I catch myself quickly taking for granted; however, over the course of my final year in high school, where I see my best friends every day, I have grown a deeper appreciation for this tight-knit group of friends I have had over the years. I would like to take a moment to revel in not only their impact on me but my thankfulness for what they have taught me as they each bring out an oftentimes hidden characteristic within myself. Just for clarification if you for some reason don’t know who I’m referring to, I am talking about the “Fab Four” as our mothers like to call us, which consists of Courtney, Tess, Anna, and myself.

Starting all the way back at the time of her birth, began my friendship with Courtney Adam. We like to blame our lack of basic socialization skills and introverted tendencies on the fact that we grew up with each other from pre-walking ages and never had to branch out and meet new people. While we both joke about this, it made the college roommate hunt all the more challenging as this is the first stage in our life we are taking apart. Despite how upsetting it is that I won’t be bringing my 18-year-long friendship to college with me, I am grateful to take with me an aspect of her personality: being a hater. Now, I know it sounds extremely rude to call one of my best friends a hater, but this is something that she not only defines herself as, but also takes pride in. I can always count on Courtney to call out people for their hypocritical actions, obscene behaviors, and terrible decision-making, which is something everyone needs in their life. Without this, it’s easy to catch yourself making excuses for other people’s behaviors and constantly

being walked all over. By being a hater, for even the simplest of things, you learn to put yourself first, and that is one of the biggest takeaways I have from Courtney. From her surface-level dislikes of celebrity actions all the way to her takes on the hottest drama at GHS, I can always count on her 100% downto-earth opinion and honesty, which is an attribute I hope to get a little more of as I begin to navigate the world without her. Moving onto my subsequent friendship out of the Fab Four is my sixth-grade-bestie, Tess Peel. We met through our homeroom class out in the trailers, where we both shared the notion that we didn’t know much of anyone else in our class. While we didn’t bond immediately, over the course of the school year we became close, and I even swayed her in the direction of becoming friends with Courtney, which was hard because they both found the other to be a little annoying. Throughout our friendship, I have grown more confident in myself, as Tess has always been my biggest advocate in everything I do. She is always there to stick up for me when I can’t do it myself and rationalize my thought process in any problematic circumstance I encounter. I can attribute the growth of my emotional intelligence to Tess, as she has always been capable in that regard herself and has been gracious enough to share that with me. I am so thankful to have had access to this emotional maturity over the years or else I would still be the same entitled sixth grader wearing matching neon justice athletic sets who didn’t care in the slightest about what went on in the world around her. The quality from Tess that I hope to carry with myself in the future is her caring and advice-giving nature that is always there to guide you through the tough times.

By the end of my intermediate school days, I had a trio in my life that I was more than happy with, but this all soon changed on February 14, 2019, when a fellow middle school choir acquaintance dropped a speaker

on her toe in the pouring rain, the girl being Anna Pramuka. Prior to this infamous event that we refer to as our friendship origin story, Anna and I were simply mutual friends who could always have a good laugh together. Even on the day she dropped the speaker on her toe, Tess invited her to hang out with the group for the rest of the day when Courtney and I were both opposed. While at this moment we didn’t know the friendship that would soon surface, I could not be more grateful for Tess’s decision to invite Anna along. This entire night we went through all the emotions where we cried over the online Christmas Carol test, were infuriated when certain written responses were deleted, and most importantly laughed harder than ever before as we not only saw our terrible scores on the test but instantly bonded to the friends we are today. The majority of these laughs can be accredited to Anna as she always keeps the energy among a group lively and entertaining. I can especially thank her for always getting me to go out and enjoy life, which I am eternally grateful for as I would’ve easily studied my high school experience away instead of going on spontaneous night drives and having memorable times with all of my friends. My biggest lesson from Anna is not always to take things so seriously and lose track of enjoying life because the joyful experiences along the way will always be more important than studying the Gilded Age APUSH curriculum.

Having such a close group of friends over the past five years has truly been the best experience of my life. Of course, I will always remember the Portage Lakes boat days, the Cedar Point trips, and our countless pottery paintings at Glazed and Amused, but I am forever appreciative of their impact on myself as I would not be who I am today without them. Thank you Courtney, Tess, and Anna for making me the best version of myself possible, long distance college years have nothing on us.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The voice of reason award: Whether it’s line judging dodgeball or calming everyone down on deadline day, we can always count on you to speak the truth.

BETTER THINGS ARE COMING

Most students towards the end of high school are over it. After all of the dances, football games, and pep rallies most people are laughing about how ready they are to move on. High school has become comfortable for me. My friends, teachers, and classes have all blended together for the last year. I have gotten comfortable with my surroundings, and it’s scary to think about that changing. I have large expectations for the rest of my life. In the next couple of months I will be playing my last softball game, going to my last day of school, graduating high school, and moving out of my house. I am not looking forward to everything changing, and I have thought about it everyday for years. Now that it’s finally here, I am going to share the only words that are keeping me going. Better things are coming.

Moving out of my house to live on a campus with thousands of people I have never met in my life is something that fills my mind every night. I am looking forward to the new scenery, food, and people that the next couple of years will bring, but I am comfortable with where I am now. I wish wholeheartedly that I could freeze time just where I am, but then I remember that four years from now I could be saying the same thing. Leaving home will mean leaving my family, friends, and my cats, but everything inside of me is saying that this is what I need. Of course, I will miss everyone more than I can even imagine, but it’s time to get uncomfortable. My little sister

will make this the hardest decision of my life, but I know that she will be there for me until I die. Ella, I promise everyday that I will call and bother you until you get sick of me. I will miss the stupid things you say and the very stupid things that you do everyday. I am scared but excited to be reaching out to new people while also keeping who I already have close to me. I know that the theme of this column is that better things are coming, but nothing will be better than hanging out with my little sister. As for everything else I wrote, better things are coming.

I have played softball for almost as long as I can remember, and while I don’t want to speak much about it, a couple of things need to be said. My senior year season was rough for a variety of different reasons. But, my experience has made the sport a lot easier to walk away from, which was something I was terrified to do for a long time. I hope that everyone walking into high school softball remains confident despite what others may say; and to the freshman teammates I met this year, you are all amazing players and I am proud of everything that you did under the circumstances. I am not sorry to say that I am extremely happy it is over. The next couple of years I plan on playing co-ed softball with my fifty year old uncle and inter-mural with new friends. Being a good athlete was fun, but not something I want to be defined as. Better things are coming.

The Paw Print has made up about 80% of my personality the last three years. There

is no doubt that I have devoted most of my time, money, and energy into the class. The Paw Print was always more to me than just a class that I got to spend with my friends and do easy work. The Paw Print is everything I want to do for the rest of my life. I’ve been writing since I was little, and plan on continuing that passion into a career. Coming up with ideas, editing stories, and going to get ‘interviewers’ were my favorite parts of high school. I will still never understand how Victoria Schlue and I spent all of our journalism periods roaming the hallways without ever getting stopped or questioned by staff members. I have made many amazing memories and connections with people that I will never be able to forget about. Majoring in journalism in college, I hope to find the same home there that I did in Tannehill’s classroom. Writing my last Paw Print article is hard, but my Paw Print legacy will live on forever. Because I am not ready to move on, I will continue to make journalism a part of my everyday. Better things are coming.

High school as a whole was something I always wanted to be a perfect experience. It never was. While I did enjoy sports games, prom, and other traditional events it was many other things that made my high school years special. It’s going to end whether I want it to or not. Anyone who is having trouble with the idea of everything changing, the truth is: better things are coming.

The Paw Print is everything I want to do for the rest of my life. I’ve been writing since I was little, and plan on continuing that passion into a career. “

PAW PRINT AWARD

The best friend award: You love with your whole heart and never lose sight of what matters. You’ve gotten us all through rough days, and we are so thankful.

THE LAST SCHLUE’S REVIEWS

While my freshman year was more difficult than most it’s not because it started through Covid, but because I had to become familiar with myself. I, along with many of my classmates, spent plenty of nights comparing a “normal” freshman year rather than the one that was given to us. Online School made it incredibly difficult to maintain good grades and connect with people, specifically my friends I’ve known for years. Where most people’s freshman year consisted of finding out where their classes were on the first day, mine took place on my laptop. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the advantage and outlook this gave me. Freshman year was not a year to meet new people, but a year to meet myself first. While I’m still currently trying to figure out who I am, I like to think freshman year introduced me to the person I would develop to be throughout my high school years. I give freshman year three out of five stars for allowing me to meet myself before meeting others. Sophomore year I claim to be my favorite year of high school not because of my teachers or classes, but because of the time I spent with my friends. Coming back from Covid, I was incredibly fortunate to rekindle my relationships with the people around me. Sophomore year I found the journalism program at Green. Becoming a Paw Print journalist, not only taught me how to write but encouraged me to think outside of the box… constantly. The Paw Print gave me a set period of time to create in a space I deem to be utterly positive (most of the time

anyways), and gave me something to be a part of through high school. My sophomore year created a lens through which I focused more on the people and relationships around me, more so than on myself. Being in an environment such as my geometry class or Tan’s couch gave me a whole lot more purpose than sitting behind my laptop waiting for my online classes to end. I give sophomore year five out of five stars for helping me realize there is more to high school than just my grades, there are also my best friends and that’s worth at least giving it a shot.

Junior year was my least favorite year of high school. While yes because of the ACT (dropping Algebra 2 was not a good idea just in case you guys were wondering), but also because of the constant reminder that it would all be coming to an end soon. I spent days on end, worrying about what I would do for college. I would frequently forget to relish in it before it was completely over. But, with its lows junior year gave me a lot to be thankful for. Like sophomore year, I learned to come into myself and surround myself with people that would encourage me to create, and continue through. Junior year, being as trying as it is, allowed me to lean on the people, teachers and faculty of Green High School. I give junior year two out of five stars for giving me reasons to ask for help and also teaching me how to accept it.

Senior year by far is the year I’m most thankful for. Not only has it helped me reflect on my choices throughout high school, but my people have helped shape me grow. A special thank you to all of my friends,

everyone else who has shown me kindness in the halls, and especially Nina Summers. Growing up by your side the entire way was my favorite part, and I’m so thankful we were throwing partners that one time. A special thank you to Mr. Gruelle who has continued to keep me safe and make me laugh while I tirelessly asked him to tase me. A special thank you to Mrs. Popovich for letting me come day in and day out of her room always with a welcoming smile. A special thank you to the Language Arts department, who recognized my promise, and worked with me in a way I will never be able to repay. A special thank you to The Paw Print. I will never forget the incredible people I’ve worked beside to help produce this publication. The Paw Print gave me a purpose inside of high school and taught me my love, and talent for writing. And the biggest thank you to Tan. Not once did you question my out-of-the box ideas, but helped me realize that out-of-the box thinking is what makes me special. Throughout my years in school, your class has been the constant that I could rely on. Tan has always encouraged me to write something that I could be proud of, And I’m happy to say I’m proud of my legacy I’ve written through the pages of the paper. I’m proud of the people I’ve become friends with, and I’m proud to say we can finally bring in the sheets. (Because what’s a ‘Schlue’s Reveiws’ without a movie Reference)? I give senior year four out of five stars, for letting me live in it.

I’m proud of the people I’ve become friends with, and I’m proud to say we can finally bring in the sheets.

Meredith, Alexa, Seth, Mario, Alex,

The 1st annual Amy Lin award for Copy Editing Excellence: You tirelessly edited all of the incorrect quote attribution. We are all going to miss your Google Doc comments, which like your predecessor, were way to kind.

RUNNING THROUGH SCHOOL PAW PRINT AWARD

Istarted cross country in seventh grade. The only reason I joined was because one of my friends did it and I wanted to do track in the spring. After the first practice, I wanted to quit and never run another day in my life. However, I went back the next day (my mom forced me to go) and never seriously thought of quitting again. Middle school cross country began my love of distance running.

Compared to middle school, high school cross country was a whole different level. The mileage doubled and the pace increased. For the first run, the team ran the same route. While the distance was only three miles, it felt like I was running a whole marathon! On the team, there was a group of seniors that shaped my freshman year. They introduced me to the iconic video of Fergie singing the national anthem. From the pasta dinners to jumping in swimming pools, my freshman year memories are swarmed with these people. Thank you to everyone from my freshman year who made running an enjoyable experience.

Sophomore year brought even more individuals into my life. My three closest people: two sophomores and a senior. We were always together at, before, and after practice. Starbucks was our go-to place. A classic dragon fruit refresher was a perfect refreshment for after a run. Another great after-run experience was swimming in a pool. While we aren’t in contact very often now, I am glad you guys are in my life.

Government (AM) Chemistry (PM)

Statistics (PM)

Literature (AM)

CSA (PM)

Junior year was when I started to really push myself. While the cross country season was another just all for fun season, track season is when I took the practices more seriously and pushed myself past my limits. I wanted to be great at something I loved to do.

Senior year was where my hard work paid off. Summer training was brutal with the double run days and smoke-filled fields. With being on the third level of the training worksheet, I was running with the top girls. I hated it most days because I felt like I was struggling so much and they were just peacefully running. However, it allowed me to rise above where I ended at the previous cross-country season. Additionally, this was the season of the lasts. The last, first practice of the season, the last summer run, the last meet, and so on. But it also had so many firsts.

My first varsity race, my first night race, etc. The team was one big family. The girl’s and guy’s teams made breakfast with each other after one of the summer practices. There were some struggles (the guy’s team forgot lighter fluid for the charcoal grill), but the girl’s food ended up amazing from the eggs we made to the pancakes. The summer canoeing trip was something else. In the first minute of being on the river, my canoe was flipped and water filled every corner of it. The whole river trip was a constant battle to stay in the canoe and not be flipped. Furthermore, trying to paddle down a river with water sitting at one’s feet is not the most enjoyable

experience. Water NEVER fully left that stupid canoe.

The grueling season led to a very successful team and individuals. The girl’s team managed to make it past districts and into regionals! I dropped my previous time of 24 minutes to 22 minutes and 29 seconds. I learned how to push myself even when my body doesn’t want to move another inch. My track season continued to show my progression of decreasing my times. For my last mile as a high school track athlete, I managed to break six minutes!! I got five minutes and 58 seconds. My 800-meter time decreased by 20 seconds. I showed myself that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Additionally, I met my second family. The girl’s team was always there for me whenever I needed them. After a hard race, I found them next to me as I lay on the ground. When I didn’t feel well during workouts, they encouraged me to keep going. I am so glad that my last cross-country and track seasons were with you guys. I am going to miss you all!! <3

My coaches allowed me to believe that I could get through those amazing times and push myself past my limits. Thank you, Coach Saylor and Coach Cameron! I am so grateful that you guys were my coaches.

My advice to the readers of the Paw Print: You can do hard things and believing that you can do it is half of the battle.

My advice to the readers of the Paw Print: You can do hard things and believing that you can do it is half of the battle. “

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Sunshine Award: For always making us smile and making sure we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Because after all, the NY Times puzzles wait for no one.

I CAN’T PICK; YOU CHOOSE

Ihave always been a person who can’t make a decision for myself. I have always needed a second opinion or else I never felt my decision was the correct one. Whether it is about what to eat, wear, who to be friends with, or what to do, I always needed a second opinion. My needing a second opinion slowly turned into me needing everything decided for and not listening to myself. I have always let other people’s thoughts or opinions become more important and outweigh mine. Even this column has taken me so long to start because I couldn’t figure out what to write about where other people agreed and liked my idea.

Having a lack of opinion has caused several issues. I struggled with keeping friends or ever having a friend group. I always had different types of friends, those from cheer, work and school. I have several close friends from this, but they aren’t friends. I would let the opinion of one person affect my perspective on another person. Why should I care about what they say, it’s my friend anyway not theirs. I would hear something from one person and automatically agree with them. This was a trend for everyone I talked to. I would never be myself or have my personality around people. I wish I would’ve realized this earlier. Maybe I would’ve kept my best friends from middle school or realized I don’t need to try to impress someone just for them to “be friends” with me.

In the past year, I have realized my problem with valuing others’ opinions over my own. I haven’t completely stopped listening to people, but I have stood my ground more. One recent example would be making my college decision. Since I was a kid, I loved Ohio State University, as many Ohioans do. I toured there with my OSU super fan grandpa and had a great time. My second option was Kent State University, I toured it and really liked the campus and what they have to offer for their students. In the end, I wanted to go to OSU and decision day finally came. Waitlisted. My first thought was that I disappointed everyone, I couldn’t even think of my own feelings first. All I could think of was what other people would say. I was upset over this, but I thought I would’ve been more heartbroken. Before I even heard back from them, Kent was in the back of my mind. I have a close distance away and I will be saving myself from a lot of debt. Many people told me I should wait to hear back from OSU the second time or when I committed to Kent, someone even told me that was a mistake and I’ll hate it. This stuck with me. Will I hate it? Are they right?

For weeks I just kept thinking, maybe I should wait to hear from OSU. My friends are going there and I want to make my grandparents proud. In the end, no one really cares that much. I am so excited to go to Kent, I met an amazing roommate, my family

is proud of me no matter what, and even happier that I’ll be close. I’m thankful that I finally listened to myself for once. I don’t know where my struggle to hear my own voice came from. Might’ve been from my house where I try to never disappoint my parents. Maybe from school, where I constantly feel embarrassed or ashamed of how I perform in a class. Or maybe even from cheer, where I am a good enough cheerleader to be listened to, just not the best where I can be agreed with. Since I was a kid, I always let other people’s opinions be the right answer. It could be about something that I don’t agree with, but I will say I agree or that it is a good idea. If you don’t like this person, I agree even though I have never met them. You said they did this to you even though I thought the situation went another way, I’ll agree with you and lose my best friend. You don’t talk to many other people or are rude about people, guess I am too even though I don’t think that’s kind. I will agree and forget my own opinions so that way no one is disappointed by me. Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Don’t let other people’s opinions or judgment overrule your own opinions and thoughts. Be around the people you want to be with. Go to the college that you want to be at. Don’t be influenced to do something you don’t think is smart. Just listen to yourself and do what you want to do.

In the past year, I have realized my problem with valuing others’ opinions over my own. I haven’t completely stopped listening to people, but I have stood my ground more.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Main Character Award: Not just because we all know she’s a star, but because we have all loved being a part of her story. We can’t wait to experience your next chapter, because this isn’t the end, it’s just a plot twist.

PARKER’S MIAMI MEET CUTE

If there is one saying that I can fully get behind, it’s that “life imitates art far more than art imitates life”. It’s an Oscar Wilde quote, so it must be true. But don’t worry, I also have empirical, real-life evidence to back it up. After all, my college decision process was eerily similar to one of the highest and most respected forms of art there is: Hallmark Christmas movies.

Now, before I lose you, please know that I did not take this realization lightly. It was never my intention to become the main character of a rom-com, nor was it to have an institution of higher learning cast as my love interest, but I guess we all have our cross to bear. Here is the (mostly true) story of how I chose my future alma mater.

Step One: Plucky Young Lead Is Living Her Big Girl Dreams™

At the start of this process, I never would have thought that I would end up at Miami University. In my freshman year of high school, my dream career was to enter the field of publishing, which is known for being a cutthroat (and vastly underpaid) industry. Nevertheless, I knew I would succeed, if only I could have the right education behind me. At the time, that “right education” would be any place in a big city, since the big cities are where the publishing houses are. NYU, with its famous English program and excellent internships, seemed to me the pinnacle of college hopes and dreams. So there I was, your Plucky Young Lead, attempting to break free from the comforts of my little midwestern town.

Step Two: Girl Is Forced to The Middle of Nowhere

But then I did a grand tour of the Ohio schools, mainly to check out what I liked and didn’t like. One of those stops took four hours to get to, a drive that was filled with cornfields, the occasional dairy farm, and, (you guessed it!) more cornfields. Eventually, though, I arrived in Oxford, Ohio, where Miami

University presides. It was a gorgeous small town, chock full of brick buildings, large trees, carefully manicured grounds, and an adorable high street that boasted a variety of restaurants. Still, I was determined to try something different, preferably a city, even if I secretly loved the college-town atmosphere and aesthetics of it all.

Step Three: She Learns The True Meaning of Christmas

Now, this is the part of the Hallmark movie that is best expressed in script form.

[CUE MONTAGE]

[An up-beat, vaguely inspirational pop song plays]

Cut to PLUCKY YOUNG LEAD attending a variety of college events

These should include a HOCKEY GAME,meetings with PROFESSORS,and DORM TOURS

PLUCKY YOUNG LEAD visibly changes from skeptical to happy… maybe she loves it here?

IN EACH SCENE, P.Y.L. ACCUMULATES MORE AND MORE MIAMI GEAR, TO THE POINT OF RIDICULOUSNESS

[FADE TO BLACK]

END SCENE

Step Four: Third Act Breakup

No cheesy rom-com is complete without a third act breakup. For me, the third act breakup came in the form of money. I was incredibly blessed to receive merit aid from Miami University, but the school was not my cheapest option. It’s hard to look past that, especially because I don’t really fancy myself going into thousands of dollars in debt. In my head, I paced from option to option, wondering if I should settle for a school that I didn’t feel connected with but was cheaper, a school that was more prestigious in name

but out of touch with my needs, or my first love. For someone who thought I would have a school picked out by New Years, it was hard to wait an additional four months- most of that time I spent applying to scholarship after scholarship and writing letters of appeal for aid packages.

Step Five: Plucky Young Lead Moves to Middle of Nowhere

Still, we get our happy ending. After maybe a million walks with my mom, some light soulsearching, and plenty of tears (It is raining. PLUCKY YOUNG LEAD looks out the window, a single tear dropping down her face), I decided to go with my gut. I can truly see myself at Miami University, and while it’s not the perfect fit for everyone, it’s the perfect fit for me. Over spring break, I officially put down my deposit and signed on to be a Redhawk. Shortly after, I made it in my first (but hopefully not last) study abroad program, meaning that this epilogue is taking place in Portugal. There are still a few strings to wrap up (don’t even get me started on the roommate situation), but what’s a Hallmark movie without a few unresolved plot points? The main focus here is on our Heroine, who is making the best decision that she can with what she was given.

Step Six: Tasteful Party

So here we are. My college decision process, of course, took a lot more effort and energy than a single rom-com plot structure can convey, but overall, I think the similarities are hilariously apparent. It’s been a joy to see so many of my friends follow their own romcom paths with their schools, whether that be love at first sight, a marriage of convenience, or maybe even an enemies to lovers scenario (yes, Sophia, that’s about you). If I have one piece of advice for those about to embark on this scary yet exciting time, it’s to not let anyone else’s priorities sway your own. This is your life, and even if it resembles shockingly low-budget, cult classic-like events, it’s still yours. Best of luck to you. Cue the music!

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Empathy Award: We all benefitted from Hadley’s kindness and compassion. Her maturity and encouragement are bound to bring her all the good things life has to offer. We can’t wait to see it.

THE SONG OF MY HEART

Choir has been a part of my life for the past eight years. The only reason I joined back in the fifth grade was because I asked my parents the night before decisions were due if I could do band, and the answer was no. So, my mom suggested I join the choir just for the year and see what I thought of it. She said, “If your father won’t pay for an instrument, we’ll go with the free instrument; your voice.”

Up until this point, as young as threeyears-old. I would race to grab my mom’s iPod whenever we were on a trip or there was downtime. The songs on this sacred iPod ranged from Toxic by Brittany Spears, Forget You (Explicit Version) by Celo Green, to Rockstar by Nickelback (my personal favorite). I didn’t realize my love for music until much later in life, but I knew one thing in fifth grade. Not even knowing what “Choir” meant, I figured if I would be able to sing Nickelback with other people, I would be a happy camper. Spoiler: we didn’t sing Nickelback.

Choir was the one constant I had through all my struggles over the past eight years. Whether it was the never-ending nightmare of middle school or the beginning of freshman year with the online choir, it was always a given to have music and singing prominent in my life.

In the final months of my sophomore year of high school, I auditioned for Acapella per the request of my director, Mrs. Pickering. This whole situation was a last-minute decision considering I learned the group audition music in a day, sent in my solo audition an hour before the deadline, and made a pact with my friend Paige that we wouldn’t care about the results and only focus on having fun.

This canon event changed the course of my life. Not knowing how acapella would be one of the most important parts of my life, I auditioned and got into the all-treble-voices

The next fall, I returned to school with every Monday and Friday after school being designated for rehearsals. My first year in Fermata was filled with happiness, anxiety before performances, and making friends with the other girls in my group. From the outside, we may have all looked like a random group of people all thrown together, but our love and dedication to making music connected us.

Every year Fermata Nowhere and On A Side Note audition to perform at the Nordonia Acafest, an acapella festival. The Friday night showcase is always the goal each group wants to attain if they can go.

I remember specifically the day we were sitting in rehearsal and Mrs. Pickering told us the news. No one expected what was coming or going to be said from her; we were performing on Friday night. This had never happened before in Fermata’s history. We were the first group of Fermata to perform at the Friday night showcase.

Not only did this seem daunting as Acafest is like a concert on steroids, but it felt as though the expectation was moved up another level. Due to the excitement surrounding our performance, every ounce of my being went into making sure our set was perfect.

The experience of performing on Friday night may sound weird for some, but it feels as though you’re performing for a real audience. Having the energy of all the different groups Friday night mixed with the adrenaline of performing makes a very responsive and engaging audience. You have peers from all different areas of Ohio cheering and bonus you spend the next day, Saturday, participating in different workshops with all acapella people.

I began to take Acapella more seriously from this point on. It also bled into my Choir

career as well. My junior year was my first year in Select Choir, which is the auditioned choir here at GHS. I had emotions mixed with anxiety and excitement each day because I dreamt of being in Select since my brother first got in when he was in high school. Seeing how musical they were, the level of music they sang, and the experience of being in a group like that and what it did for my brother, I dreamt of the day I got to sing in Select. Getting in my senior year, and my last year in Fermata and Select, I had goals. Oh boy, did I have goals. The level of work we, as a choir, put into Select to achieve what we did, is unreal. For Fermata, in my opinion, I was disappointed in the results, but along the way, I learned valuable lessons. Not only did I learn from working with new people, but my director and fellow seniors helped me to take more mature approaches to the situations dealt to me. It’s a hard pill to swallow when your goals or dreams don’t go the way you want them to. I never really understood that pain until this year.

Although some days of senior year I wouldn’t wish to relive, there are others I would give up anything to go back to. From singing over the summer at Fermata rehearsals, Singing different songs in Select like Rejoice, Consecrate, or Sing Me to Heaven, to my final concerts on the GHS stage. I didn’t think singing and music would be such a large part of my life, however, this passion crept up on me. Through each achievement or goal met, my love for the GHS choral program grew more and more.

To my fellow choir seniors, thank you for being the best friends I could ask for. To Mrs. Pickering, thank you for all of your guidance, support, and dedication to our music. To the underclassmen, enjoy the moments, good or bad, as they come. Everything is a lesson if you choose to see it that way. If I ever get called a “choir kid” in college, I will smile.

acapella group, Fermata Nowhere.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The ‘Keeping it Real’ award: For unapologetically telling Tan what Tan needs to here, which is that the stories aren’t done yet but they will be.

FINDING ALL MY PEOPLE

As I sat down to write my last article for the The Paw Print ever, I was honestly getting a little emotional. Yeah, I spent most of the year complaining about the ridiculous due dates and silly little news articles I had to write, but it wasn’t bad. I am just dramatic. Anyway, I couldn’t really think of anything important enough to write about… that was until I got a text from one of my friends asking me to play pickleball. Yes, I do love some pickle ball, but the text gave me an idea to write about something that I love more than anything: my friends.

To start, I would like to add that I don’t live in Green like the rest of my peers, so that already sets me behind in making friends. Everyone at school lives close to one another, so they already know each other from being neighbors. I, on the other hand, live 20 minutes away from the school, so no one living within the 5-mile vicinity of me goes to Green. Some people don’t even know what Green High School is if that tells you anything. Growing up, I never really had a stereotypical best friend. You know, that person you grew up with and spent every moment with. Instead, I was the type of person who would walk through the hallway and have 27 different conversations with different people I saw in passing. I love talking to people, but I was always worried about opening up

because I was afraid of people not liking me. I always wanted that person that I would go to for anything, but I never had it. Being social is probably my favorite thing to do, but that fear of having people dislike me was holding me back.

At the beginning of high school, I felt like everyone else already had their people. Whether it was a set best friend or a set group of friends, they had a head start of having people to go to all the time. I always thought that I would never be anyone’s first choice because they had each other. I had a few good friends, but it felt as if they would always pick someone else over me. It took me a while to realize that I didn’t need a stereotypical “best friend” to have a great high school experience.

From participating in sports, it allowed me to meet a lot of new people from different backgrounds. These people introduced me to their friends, further spreading my social circle. I took both honors and grade-level classes, which allowed me to meet even more different people. I grew to appreciate the diversity of my social connections.

I’ve drifted between social circles my entire life and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. In doing this, I met so many amazing people because I wasn’t just in a single group. I found the people that helped me through my sports. I found the people

that I could study for tests with. I found the people that shaped me into the friend they could rely on. Sure, sometimes it did feel like I didn’t fit in anywhere, but looking back, floating around allowed me to make friends in all different group dynamics. And no, I am not putting down the people who do have a friend group, I just want the people who don’t to realize that it’s okay not to. It’s impossible to bind yourself to one group of ever changing kids, especially in high school. Having friends from different places also allowed me to introduce them to each other and grow an even bigger dynamic. I love to go do something, invite my friends to it, force them to hang out and get to know each other. Yes, the introductions are awkward, but I have never had a time where I hung out with two different friends, and it went poorly. Typically, they even become friends themselves!

So basically, for those who need to hear it, it’s okay to not have a set friend group or “best friend”. Because I didn’t have this, I got to meet so many amazing people. I love all of my friends. Whether they’re there to make me laugh, cry with me, or just hang out with me, I love all of them. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all of my friends and I will forever be grateful for them.

And no, I am not putting down the people who do have a friend group, I just want the people who don’t to realize that it’s okay not to. It’s impossible to bind yourself to one group of ever changing kids, especially in highschool. “

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Cool Kid Award: For always reminding us gently that we are not cool and don’t actually know what’s happening at GHS. We’ll all say we knew you when.

IT’S NOT FOR THE WEAK

If I were to describe my high school experience in one word, it would be chaotic. Not only was high school some of the best times of my life (so far), but it was also some of the worst. From losing and gaining friends to finding myself and discovering my path, it was a whirlwind of events. However, I’m grateful for all the good and TERRIBLE experiences as they taught me so SO many things.

Starting off, I would like to say that in no way was I perfect throughout high school. Just like everyone else, I made a lot of mistakes and poor choices. But thankfully I took those mistakes and learned from them (unlike a good majority of people who kept repeating those mistakes and never changed). If you want to grow as a person, you have to be willing to accept the moments when you’re wrong. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but until you take responsibility for your actions you remain ignorant to what the world wants to teach you. Now I’m not saying I learned this right away. Freshman, sophomore, and a little bit of junior year were rough.

Boys. Horrible. Awful. Not exactly worth talking about, but as a teenage girl your mindset is that they’re everything. But in reality, they’re just boys. My worst mistake was changing who I was to fit what a boy wanted me to be. I felt as if my worth was based on whether or not the specific boy I liked

paid attention to me. I can’t stress enough how awfully wrong this was. No matter what I changed or how I acted it was never enough and never would be enough. I questioned everything about myself constantly asking, “Why am I not good enough?” This went on for years and years.

I only realized the emotional and mental damage mid-way through junior year. It took me a while to understand that I was always more than good enough. Unfortunately, most guys throughout high school don’t have enough emotional maturity to handle girls or are simply only out for one thing. The best advice I can give when it comes to the topic of boys and navigating through the messiness is don’t ever EVER change yourself for them. If they don’t want you and accept you for who you are, they aren’t the one. Also set high standards for how you want to be treated and if they aren’t met, move on. Don’t waste time on someone who won’t treat you how you deserve to be treated. The right one comes when you aren’t looking, so don’t stress yourself out even more worrying about having a boyfriend. It’s also okay to be alone.

Friends. My experiences with friends have taught me the most. From freshman year up to senior year, it has been one long rollercoaster ride. I’ve found myself in many different friend groups and going back and

forth between the same friends. To me, it seemed like each friend I had throughout the different eras I went through were meant only for that time. They were in my life for a specific reason. The most important thing to keep in mind is that not everyone is meant to be in your life forever. The friends that I had freshman and sophomore year were short term. They helped me get through some really hard times and taught me that being yourself is okay. But we weren’t meant to be friends for longer than that. Don’t go into a friendship with the mindset that it won’t last because that’s not always the case, but don’t fall apart if you have friends who are short term. You’ll miss out on the lessons and growth. The most important thing I’ve learned is that you don’t need a lot of friends to be happy. If you have one GREAT friend who you can enjoy life with, that’s all you need. You could have ten friends and all nine of them could be the most fake and self centered, but the other one is probably the most loyal and the overall better friend. There’s a lot more to be said about what I’ve learned throughout the years, but I figured I shouldn’t write more than a couple hundred words. Enjoy high school while you have time. Make mistakes and learn from them. Thank god I’m outta here.

If you want to grow as a person, you have to be willing to accept the moments when you’re wrong. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but until you take responsibility for your actions you remain ignorant to what the world wants to teach you. “

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Queen Award: She rules with humility and kindness, but rules nevertheless. We remain her eternal subjects and await all further instructions.

IT’S A BAND THING

In 5th grade, I joined the intermediate school band as a clarinet player. I was extremely horrible at clarinet when I first began, to the point where it’s almost embarrassing. I enjoyed my time in the band throughout the next three years, making memories and having the opportunity to do some extra activities, like honor band. When I hit the end of my 8th-grade year, I had essentially come to the decision that I wanted to drop out of band in high school. I didn’t think I was going to have the time and extra energy for all of the work that was necessary for marching band, but my brother tried to convince me otherwise. Needless to say, I’m extremely grateful that I ultimately decided to stay.

Without a doubt, I can say that sophomore year marching band single-handedly shaped me into the person I am today. Some of my greatest band memories came from those five months (July-November) in 2021. Once we started practices in the summer, Covid had laid off, meaning we could do some of the activities that occurred prior to the pandemic. The most important of these was band camp. Band camp consists of one week in a summer camp, an hour away from home, with limited cell connection. The week is filled with hours and hours of practice, marching, and more. On top of this, we also did a multitude of fun activities, like a talent show, minute to win it, lake activities, games, and a few dances. Band camp brought together the organization in a way that I had never seen before, and I became infinitely closer to everyone. On top

of the band camp experience, the marching season was untouched. Our music was toptier, and there was never a dull moment at football games. Sophomore year also marked the first year that I auditioned and got into the wind ensemble, further uplifting my experience in the band. I honestly don’t think any other experience I had in high school outdoes how amazing that year was.

Looking back on it, junior year was the year I fully came out of my shell. In the years prior, I may have been outgoing, but I was still an underclassman with no real influence. However, my junior year changed that. I vividly remember when I met the incoming freshman and realized that the age gap between me and the class that had just graduated was the same age gap between me and the incoming freshman. I immediately decided that I would do everything in my power to make their experience as great as mine was. While we didn’t go away for band camp (which I am still rather upset about), we made the most of what we could at home.

The marching season was a blast, but throughout the entire season, there was one thing looming on everyone’s minds: Disney. The band had been scheduled to travel to Orlando, Florida, and spend a week at Disney, while also marching in the parade at Magic Kingdom. Needless to say, this was actually one of the best experiences of my life. Other than the grueling 24-hour bus ride, there was nothing about that trip that I would change. Being let loose in a Disney park for 12 hours a day, wreaking havoc with some of my best

friends was a feeling I’ll never forget.

Senior year, while still fun, was more emotional than I am willing to admit. On top of the regular marching band activities, I now had the chance to participate in senior traditions. From the annual events, like senior prank and senior sleepover (in the school), I was also able to be a part of senior night and wear the marching band senior cord. Also, at the end of band camp, I was able to give a senior speech. Standing in front of the organization that I have been a part of for 4 years while knowing I am leaving soon, was more emotional than I had anticipated. Obviously, I didn’t have a sappy speech, nor did I cry, but the realization that this was my last year of high school was not something I had not prepared for. To top off my senior year, I won queen at band formal, which was an absolute SHOCK. Feeling appreciated in the group that I have spent eight years being a part of was a different type of joy.

Participating in the marching band during my high school career was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It taught me how to lead and to cooperate with others, while simultaneously making me some of my favorite friendships to date. If I ever have children, I will 100% push them to participate in a band like I did. I would want them to have the chance to experience high school through the same lens I did, making memories that will last them a lifetime.

My advice to the readers of the Paw Print: You can do hard things and believing that you can do it is half of the battle. “

PAW PRINT AWARD

The “He Doesn’t Even Go Here” award: He wrote more articles than people on the class roster, and attended more class periods. We suppose being the smartest in all the classes he chose to take just simply wasn’t challenging enough.

“NOT EVEN IN THIS CLASS”

I’m going to be completely honest. Before this year, I rarely read the Paw Print. In fact, I had no clue it existed before my junior year. That year, I had briefly looked over three issues, and truthfully that’s only because my friends or I were included in two of those issues.

The other issue I read was last year’s senior issue. I was in AP Stats, had already mentally checked out, and wanted to do anything except Mrs. Tierney’s study guides. I read all the senior columns and, as well written as they were, one point stuck out to me. The winner of something to the effect of the “top editor” award had misspelled lens as lense. Yikes.

I, of course, appreciated the irony in the top editor having such an erroneous error in their his or her grammar, and brought it up to Mrs. Tannehill. Instead of simply laughing and moving on, Mrs. Tannehill suggested that I join the journalism class. Not wanting to actually enter it in my schedule, I agreed to simply come into class 9th period, since I had a study hall scheduled then.

The first day of school, I walked into Mrs. Tannehill’s class and asked for a pass for 9th period. She had honestly forgotten about the whole proposition, but by the third day of school I had made my way into class. After I wrote two news stories on political topics, we agreed to give me the unofficial title of the Paw Print “Chief Political Correspondent,” and soon, it became an inside joke to casually mention that I was “not even in this class.” It felt like I had really joined the class.

The peak of my short journalistic career was the best friends review of Napoleon with Parker, which is truly a masterpiece. In fact, any one who hasn’t read that yet should close this issue right now and go read that.

Throughout the year, I have been given the chance to write a number of news and feature articles. Some of these chances I … didn’t take. What can I say? I’m bad with deadlines. Sorry, Kenzie.

At the beginning of the year, I essentially spent class procrastinating and complaining about Mr. Tomecko not giving me participation points, but as the year moved on I made significant progress towards … still procrastinating, but also playing Roblox and the NYT Connections and Mini Crossword. Maddie, Morgan, and I (and sometimes Mallory and Courtney, don’t feel left out) would walk into class everyday and play Connections and the Mini Crossword, even when I truthfully should have been writing.

At other times, we would play Fashion Famous on Roblox. Needless to say, I would consistently lose. Nevertheless, it was still fun, though not nearly as fun as Natural Disasters on Roblox.

Although most of the people in journalism I would have never interacted with before, I can honestly say that I would consider anyone in the class a friend of mine. Even when I went to the Trick-or-Treat Trail completely separate from the Paw Print, everyone was sure to greet me and hand me coupons (thanks Hadley!).

A couple things stand out to me from my short, yet very impactful, forte into journalism. The first observation made in my reflection of the past year is the significant impact of small actions or traits. Anyone who knows me knows one thing chiefly, and that is my complete lack of ability to stay on task (and yeah my ego too, but I already talked about that at top 25). This small character trait is what led me to reading the Paw Print last year. My weird obsession with grammar

prompted me to even care about lens being misspelled. My constant need for approval from authority prompted me to bring this up to Mrs. Tannehill. Without the sum of these small characteristics of mine, I would have never joined journalism or had the chance to make so many new friends and memories. The impact of such small choices and traits is astounding.

The second thing that stood out to me was the ability of so many individuals with such varying interests and skills to come together to create a finished product. Without the differing skills of all of the writers, editors, and designers on the Paw Print staff, no issue would ever be finished.

Thirdly, I noted that I had never truly taken the time to befriend really anyone in the class. Despite spending four years of high school together, I had rarely spoken with most of my peers. The only advice I could give to anyone in earlier years would be to socialize more. Reach out, even to people who you don’t think you’d be friends with. For some reason, the impending doom of graduation seems to prompt all of the seniors to befriend each other. This final year, everyone realizes that people outside their core friend group are just as awesome as their long time friends. To anyone reading this who is not a senior, break the chain. Talk to people. Make plans. Have fun. Play Roblox.

I’m sure if I thought long enough I could come up with more observations and reflections on my time in journalism, but introspection is not my strong suit. To end, I would like to thank a number of people. To the staff of the Paw Print, to Mrs. Tannehill, to anyone who I have interviewed, and to the faithful readers of the Paw Print: Thank you.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Best Pitch Award: Her ability to turn an abscure story idea into a powerful piece of writing never ceased to amaze us. Also, let her make you a playlist.

A THANKS TO MINECRAFT

Everyone has something they were passionate about as a child. Whether it was watching a show, creating art, playing a game, or another activity, there are some notable things from a person’s childhood. My thing was playing Minecraft. While I still painted, watched Disney shows, etc, I spent practically every night building away. Looking back, I can credit Minecraft for the person I am today. That may seem tacky and weird but I’m sure a lot of people share the same experience.

Up until December of 2014, I had no idea what Minecraft was. All I knew was basically just my dolls. On Christmas morning, the last gift under the tree was a big box for both my sister and me. We had no idea what it could have been. After tearing the wrapping paper off, my sister and I were surprised to see a PlayStation 3. We had no idea what this was so my dad explained that this was a gaming console. He was excited to surprise us with this because he enjoyed playing video games when he was young, so he was making sure his kids had the same experience. My parents had bought some games to accompany the PlayStation. This included Little Big Planet, Lego Batman, Minecraft and more. While this was quite a variety of games, I enjoyed playing all of them, one a little more than the others. We plugged the PlayStation into the TV downstairs and that couch practically became my new home.

I absolutely loved playing Minecraft. I loved creating all kinds of worlds and building whatever my mind came up with. Because I was so invested in this game, I

turned to the internet for more. I stumbled upon a ton of different Minecraft Youtubers with all sorts of different content. I absolutely loved watching their videos and series for inspiration and entertainment. I eventually created my main world where I built everything. While watching their videos, if they built something, I practically copied it into my own world. This included things like tree houses, a smoothie stand, a greenhouse, a dog park, a candy store, and so much more. That world is basically my most prized possession.

I played Minecraft every day. As soon as I got home from school, I would be booting up that PlayStation to spend countless hours building away. I was never really a survival mode type of person, so creative worlds were my jam. If I did create a survival world, I only really got as far as an iron sword. I enjoyed showing my worlds off to my friends who came over. Sometimes we even created worlds together to play on whenever we were hanging out. Whenever I went to my cousin’s house, we would play Minecraft on her Xbox, so I was versatile when it came to gaming consoles. For years all I focused on was Minecraft. While I haven’t touched that PlayStation in a couple of years, I still think about that world from time to time.

I think I enjoyed Minecraft so much because I could express endless creativity while playing the game. I was free to build whatever I came up with. Whether it was a giant castle or a small city of my own, I could craft anything. Minecraft is such a good game for anyone because it improves creativity and problem-solving skills, which

are extremely beneficial. Building with someone else also promotes teamwork and communication. I think the game is extremely unique and educational and everyone can learn a thing or two from Minecraft.

While watching my Minecraft videos, I stumbled upon other corners of the internet. I started to watch other content and became really involved in pop culture. As of right now, being so in touch with pop culture is one of my only talents. It was really fun to explore what else was out there and happening in the world instead of being confined to one small circle. I moved from videos about Minecraft to videos about everything else. Whether it’s memes, celebrities, drama, music, or more, I probably know all about it. I watched all the classic videos and they just circulated around in my brain. I loved learning all about everything pop culture-related, especially discovering new bands through what was recommended to me.

This was the start of me forming my very own music taste. My life basically revolves around music, so I’m glad I was able to find my hobby this way. While pop culture may be the most useless information anyone could know, it’s definitely the most entertaining. This connection between Minecraft and the internet is an odd one to make, but I think it shaped me into who I am today. So ultimately, I would like to thank Minecraft for leading me to the internet where I’ve found so many other things I’m passionate about. I don’t know where I’d be without the help.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Eras Award: For her fearless attitude and reputation for being the best friend a person could have, she never waited until midnight to write her story, and we’ll all be tortured without her next year.

MVB (BENCHWARMER)

Some people may or may not know, but I actually played on the Green Girls Soccer team for all four years of high school. Being slow and skillfully challenged made my experience on the team different from most people’s experiences with high school sports, but this wasn’t necessarily a horrible thing.

Now I wouldn’t go as far as say that I loved my time on the soccer team, since that would be a lie, but now that it’s officially over I can actually say that I am grateful that I stayed on the team for so long. I never really enjoyed the sport but when I entered high school everything was still very locked down due to COVID, and soccer practices were a chance to get out and see people. I decided freshman year that I was going to play two years and then quit since I would’ve received my gym credit by then. At this time my older sister played on the team too, so it was also nice to be able to bond and listen to Taylor Swift with her on the drives to practice. After my sophomore year, I was going to quit until I realized that literally all of my friends played soccer. My biggest issue with quitting was seeing how much time it took up. I was scared I would never be able to see my friends since they would always be at soccer, so I decided that one more year wouldn’t hurt. (Also being outside all summer helped me stay tan, which was just another pro to add to my pro-con list).

Going into my senior year there were 15 seniors, which is more than the amount of players on the field. There were also over 60 people who showed interest in

playing, which led to the daunting word “cuts” being thrown around. This obviously scared me because I knew I didn’t do much for the team (I was more there for social aspects), and I had dedicated three years already to this sport. How embarrassing to be cut your senior year.

After pre-season conditioning started people began to drop off the team, so there were actually no official cuts made. I spent three out of four years on the freshman team and while it was treacherous I believe this is also where my high patience and extreme persistence stems from. My big fear going into senior year was being placed on the freshman team once again. I’m not saying I didn’t deserve to be on a lower team especially since I am self-aware of my skill set; however, I was always confused about how I was supposed to grow as a player since I never was presented with opportunities to grow or show off my skills amongst a different crowd. During the last team placement day I would ever have, I was given the shocking news that I would actually be a swing player between JV and Varsity. While most of the players on the team would scoff or maybe cry with the placement I was given I was overjoyed because I was finally on the same team as all of my friends.

Even though I didn’t receive much playing time during my years on the team I still had fun. Senior year my friends and I decided to embrace our positions on the team and even took over keeping stats for every game since this would actually do something helpful for everyone. A lot of

the team probably thought we were crazy to be happier doing stats on the bench than actually playing, but in all honesty, doing stats with my friends was my favorite part of all four years of soccer. One of my favorite memories was on a super cold day, and right after we walked off the field for the national anthem my friends and I took off all of our stuff and began bundling in blankets and sweats. We were so confident we wouldn’t go in that game, especially since we were losing, that during halftime we even took off our shin guards and cleats. Little did we know the last ten minutes we would actually be told to go on the field leaving all of us scrambling around to put on our uniforms again. It’s not like we never played, but we did spend a good amount of our time talking stats, and we were happy to do so. Obviously, every person is different and has different priorities and expectations, but I would just like to say that life is all about how you make it. I could’ve easily sat and pouted on the bench because I was unhappy with my placement, but instead, I made some friends and we had a blast keeping stats all season. My advice to anyone going into high school sports is that you can’t go in expecting to get everything right away, and to also make light of any situation you are placed into. Who knows, you may even have more fun on the bench.

With Love, from your favorite benchwarmer, Morgan.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Office Assistant Award: For always meeting each day with a smile and being willing to go above and beyond. We’ll miss getting a pass from you.

JUST LIKE THAT, IT’S OVER

When people told me that high school would fly by I did not believe them. But, now I wish I paid more attention to their advice. Looking back, high school went by incredibly fast.

Perhaps it is because I had many great experiences as a Green High School Student. I did not start my academic career in Green Local Schools. I started at Norton Local Schools, which is just a short drive west on I-76. I moved to Green before my eighthgrade school year. It took me a little bit of time to warm up to Green because it is a really big school compared to Norton. There was even a transition period for me when I started playing football. I was initially a very shy kid, which is the opposite of the type of player I was at Norton. It was then that my dad told me something very valuable. My dad said, “That acceptance goes both ways. Have you accepted those guys as your teammates yet?” After thinking about this quote, I changed my perspective. As a result, I had an amazing football life and career for the next five years in a Green Bulldogs uniform.

To give you an idea, our senior class played in forty varsity football games, which is the most out of any class that has stepped foot on the football field at GHS. My graduating class has played in 1x final four, 2x elite eight, 1x regional champion, 1x regional runner-up, 3x state playoffs, and a 25-15 overall record. It was an amazing run with some of my closest friends and classmates. We achieved

these accolades because we had so many playmakers that put on a uniform and it was easy to recognize these incredible individuals and what they did on the field.

In retrospect, when I look at the previously mentioned stats, what we did as a team is nothing short of remarkable. The relationships that I built over the years are what mean the most. I was able to play for some top- notch coaches that made a profound impact on me along the way. My coaches were able to make football enjoyable even though I wasn’t a superstar. The coaches made me feel like I was important. Because of this sense of camaraderie, I loved every moment of it and it inspired me to want to coach someday.

The academic part of high school was interesting for me. I have a running joke when I tell people that I had the greatest academic comeback of all time. Let me explain. My eighth grade year ended short due to Covid and the beginning of my freshman year began with ALL online classes. This is NOT ideal for a kid with ADD (attention deficit disorder). That’s why teachers at GHS were so important to me and I appreciate them all. For the most part, I conquered my disability for the rest of my high school years and went from a 2.3 cumulative GPA at the end of my sophomore year to a 3.3-3.5 at the end of my senior year. It does suck when you have to work for every inch that you get when it comes to academics because I’m not the smartest person, but it is truly rewarding when you finally get it done

and it is a good day’s work.

This past August I lost my first grandparent Papa Tony Scheibelhoffer and he had a good impact on my life with how he impacted my dad’s life. His teachings he brought to my dad he brought to me. When he passed in August it was hard on me because that was right when my Senior year of Football was heating up he passed a week before week one of the season so there was no really thinking about him or having time with grief and that helped me lean into God a lot during that time to find the strength to keep going even though it was hard. But, I did know he wanted me to keep going because my grandfather was not an attention seeker by any means. He had a couple of inspiring quotes that I will never forget. I used them through high school and everything in my life.

“It’s better to be kind than right.”

“You have two ears and one mouth for a reason, it’s better to do more listening than talking.”

“Jealousy is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

I do wish that whoever I came into contact with at GHS all I hope is that you remember me as a kind person and didn’t expect anything from his peers. I just want to encourage anyone reading this that try to say just one word to everyone you come into contact with and that word is just “hi”. Saying that word just maybe will save a life. Thank you for reading and Jesus loves you and so do I.

My coaches were able to make football enjoyable even though I wasn’t a superstar. The coaches made me feel like I was important. Because of this sense of camaraderie, “

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Superhero Award: For always saving the day with an amazing piece of writing. She’ll never let us make a big deal about it, but she singlehandedly saved at least four of this year’s issues.

A NOTE ON NOSTALGIA

In kindergarten, the art room always smelled like Tempera paint. Music class was awash with the clatter of rhythm sticks. At recess, our calloused hands gripped monkey bars as our little Velcro shoes dangled below. On colder days, we huddled beneath the awning. Then, we would line up single-file, reluctant to go back inside, our playground games coming to a transient end. We labeled basins and deltas from plateaus in “science”, read books about talking rabbits in waistcoats in “language arts”, and counted with base ten blocks in “math.” On especially good days, we would take field trips to petting zoos with our scribbly name tags and crumpled paper bag lunches.

While getting ready for elementary school, we watched squeaky cartoons. We climbed the steep stairs of the bus as the current radio pop song fell beneath the chatter of our classmates. We watched neighborhoods pass by, we watched commuters driving to work, we watched street signs and realized we didn’t have to sound them out anymore. The end of these years was marked by field day, which distinctively commenced with red, white, and blue popsicles melting onto our grassstained knees and the hot blacktop.

Come middle school, our lockers stopped being for mittens and toys as they were now occupied by textbooks and

binders. We independently walked the halls from class-to-class while wondering what treats our parents packed in our lunches. We went to Halloween and Valentine’s dances only to be in bed by nine. We had a taste of freedom but never once doubted the sureness of home.

While high school admittedly had a challenging start, we found our places. Now, we were high schoolers and the finish line seemed more within reach. Four years slipped through our fingers with every football victory and homecoming dance. We went from struggling with our lockers to learning to drive, and then we found ourselves tediously filling out our college applications. Every essay draft, every precariously-typed email asking for a letter of recommendation, every anxious refresh on our application status pages, paid off. We are now proud Redhawks and Buckeyes and Zips.

We look back fondly on those years, yet one day you will look back on the next chapter with the same rose-tinted gaze. Nostalgia is proof your life is worth living. It is proof that good memories will find you again and again. It may feel like you’ll never get to experience something as meaningful and significant, and while wholly valid to feel that way, know that good days will come again. This August you will be shopping for plastic ware, desk

lamps, and string lights. You will see a new generation excitedly selecting boxes of crayons, blunt-tip scissors, and glue sticks as their tired parents follow graciously behind, school supply list in hand. You may find yourself wanting to whisper to them, make sure to eat your field day popsicle quickly, you’ll be sticky for the rest of the afternoon, or in a couple of months, you’ll be reading the list yourself.

As for you, you will take the first step onto university campus. You will spend the first night in your dorm room. You will clock into your first full-time job. You will get the keys to your first apartment and cook your first meal away from home. You will be okay. In the fall, a child will be taking that first big step onto the bus and turning to wave to their parents.

While that child will celebrate their first 100 days, share a Goldfish cracker with a girl in their class and make a lifelong friend, and learn their way through winding, artfilled hallways, you will have attended your first college football match, gone to your first (real) party, and learned that you can and will be okay away from home.

Your presence is so welcome, your value ineffable. You are worthy of wonderful, golden memories, may you find them throughout each coming year.

Your presence is so welcome, your value ineffable. You are worthy of wonderful, golden memories, may you find them throughout each coming year. “

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Most Likely To Actually Know Everyone Award: She managed to accomplish in two years what some of you couldn’t manage in 12. We imagine she’ll be the one we name drop in the future.

HAIR CHANGE: CHANGED ME

My hair has been with me through it all, in many different forms. From moving to different states, meeting new people and finding my footing in this chaotic generation it has changed as I have changed. From a young age, I learned to braid my hair and how to put it into a slick back ponytail. Yes I was already on the trend because I hated bumps in my hair as a kid. My grandma is a retired hairstylist so growing up when she would come down she would give me “beauty spa treatment,” but as I grew older I started wanting more done. From there, my hair started to grow with me.

Natural brown: The virgin hair unfortunately went through it the most. It was with me in three different states and the end of my parents’ marriage. It was as healthy as their co-parenting. I didn’t know how to take care of it and I washed it every day. It went with me through my JoJo Siwa ponytail era so it was THIN.

Colored Tips: My mom never let me color my hair, so when she let me get light semi-permanent pink flamingo tips it felt like a life-changing moment. After my dad found out that she let me do that, that summer he let me dye the ends of my hair blue, then red, then pink again.

Highlights: When I highlighted my hair for the first time it was a big change but in the best way. I finally got out of my weird kid middle school phase. I was making new friends and trying new things. If I had to describe this phase in my life with five

words they would be: love, confidence, beauty, friendship, and laughter because this was just such a healthy comfortable time in my life. I started my first job. It was so empowering because I had money and I could buy whatever I wanted. Ironically the first day of having my car I crashed it.

THE BOB: After the peaceful time in my life with highlights, I decided I was bored and I made the worst decision someone could make with their hair and got a bob. Enough said, just a tragic haircut for anyone that I don’t recommend. But at this time in my life, I was working, making so much money, and getting a new friend group. The new friend group unfortunately influenced my crystal girl era in this hairstyle

Dead Blond: This point in my life was just an existential crisis because my mom told me that we were moving to Ohio in two months and we weren’t coming back. This is the summer where I really made the phrase “blonds have more fun” true. I was single, upset at my mom for moving me from my friends, and living in the state where everyone vacationed. I was working with my friends and I was making a lot more money than I needed. My hair may have been dead, but my diet was clean and healthy. I ate fruit with everything, had lots of HUGE salads and made smoothie bowls all the time.That summer I stayed up all night and was ALWAYS with my friends. Then we packed up our stuff and moved to Ohio. Yeehaw! I got a job within the first week of living here and made a couple of new friends in

my new school.

Brown with Highlights(again): I changed my hair in hopes of changing my attitude and my friend group. I love brown with highlights on me. It’s always been my favorite color I did with my hair and it’s always looked the best. In this part of my life, I was learning new healthy ways to treat my hair and I was working a lot. This hair color was short-lived just like my job at Ponchos because even though it looked healthy I was bored of it and wanted a fun change.

Red hair: Following the copper hair trend, I decided to try something completely new and fun. I loved my red hair. It was cute, fun and I met the most important people in my life during this time. I met my best friend in the whole world, Hailey Bennett, at my new job and many other close friends, ones who would later be very important in my life. I was also introduced to my boyfriend through a friend of a friend from work. Although this was a good time in my life, red was a very hard color to upkeep because it washes out very fast. So, I had to change it up one last time.

Blond(current): My hair is currently blond and I love how healthy it is. Over the years, I’ve learned how to style my hair and how to keep it soft and healthy through all of my hair colors. I love my hair, it really does hold memories and secrets. Next fall my blond hair will follow me to college at Kent State University for nursing.

PAW PRINT AWARD

The Foodie Award: For proving, even now, that the pieces we all relate to the most are about our favorite foods. We’ll miss your creativity and your ability to make us wonder why we can’t actually just go get food right now.

PASTA AND MY FRIENDS

Olive Garden is a delicious, yet slightly expensive restaurant, but the best place to go get a yummy sit-down meal with friends. I’ve been an avid Olive Garden fan since I was little, and pasta of all types has always been my favorite type of food. So, to combine my love of pasta with my love for my friends, I’ve decided to attribute the pasta shape that I believe represents them, along with a sauce to go with it.

Of course, I have to include myself in this piece. I’d consider myself to be a Ravioli noodle since they’re fun to make and have such a variety of uses. I’d also pair it with a vodka sauce. Specifically, the vodka sauce from Paesano’s Italian restaurant. If you’re ever in New York City, please head to Little Italy and try theirs.

I also feel like I should include my two little cats, Kona and Sushi. I love my cats, and I love a good cheesy slice of garlic bread. So, they would definitely be a yummy side of cheesy garlic bread to go with my pasta. My first friend and BFF, Noele Zuber, would definitely be a Cavatappi noodle. The swirling shape definitely reminds me of her personality, showing how entertaining she is to be around. I’d give her Alfredo to go on top, mainly because that’s what I remember

her ordering at Olive Garden. The sauce, being super popular, also represents how reliable she is.

Nina McAnnally would definitely be Rigatoni. Rigatoni is a great pasta shape and its fun shape and texture I believe sufficiently represents Nina. Her sauce would, no questions asked, be pesto. She loves it, and the green color with the distinct flavor seems to fit her perfectly. Nina also often has talked about the pesto her mom makes, so pesto absolutely feels like the right sauce for her.

Next up is Victoria Schlue, who I believe is, not just elbow pasta, but shell bow pasta. She has so many interesting things about her, so the combination of two types of pasta is a perfect representation of that. Her sauce would be a good fourcheese sauce, almost like the sauce in Olive Garden’s Four-Cheese Ziti.

Hailey Bennett is definitely a lasagna sheet. I can’t really explain this one, but it seems to fit her personality perfectly. She also gets a good sauce option, marinara. A very popular choice, but a delicious one. She’s just all-around a good person, so she gets good pasta and sauce.

While no longer attending Green High School, Olivia Adams is another of my best

friends. My go-to pasta option is bowtie, and Olivia is the friend I feel I can go to with anything. She’s also a simple butter sauce since that’s always been my favorite thing to eat on pasta since I was little.

Another friend of mine who isn’t a GHS student is my future PSU roommate, Mary Kate D’Ambrosio. She’s already one of my closest friends, even though we just met in January. Because of that, she gets Penne, which is an easy choice for a top-tier pasta shape. But also, we’re going to Penn State, so Penne is even more fitting. She’s such an interesting person, and she gets an interesting sauce, aglio e olio.

Someday, I hope I get to visit Olive Garden with all of my friends that I wrote about here. A great meal with even better friends is an amazing experience and, though it would be very hard to pull off, maybe it could happen someday. I’d also like to confirm in real life that my delegated pasta and sauces are accurate, even though I already know they are.

P.S. Thank you to Victoria, whose creative mind came up with this column idea. I literally couldn’t have written this without her!

I have to include myself in this piece. I’d consider myself to be a Ravioli noodle since they’re fun to make and have such a variety of uses.