2023 Senior Edition

The Northern Light

2023 Senior Edition

From the editor After a 12-week online break from print, the NL staff is thrilled to be back in print to bring you the final edition of the 20222023 school year: the annual senior edition, which is our gift to our seniors.

In particular, we on the NL celebrate co-editor in chief Jackson Barnard, opinion editor Kayla Malaski, illustrator Kayla Miller, and staff writer and designer Kennedy Beck: Kayla Malaski for all the fun conversations and always picking me up when I am down, Jackson, thank you for helping me lead the NL and teaching me many new words, Kayla, I will miss you and all the random stories I hear while we are all working in the classroom, and Kennedy, I will miss the random conversations about which makeup brands we think are better. To all of the other seniors, best wishes for your bright future, and we hope you enjoy this parting gift.

Happy reading, Brie

If you want to receive the NL at college, visit this page to subscribe for next year!

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On the cover

Apparently, the phrase “it’s an interesting time to be alive” doesn’t just apply to the pandemic years and all of the uncertainty that follows, it’s also been very applicable to our current school year. In the news for good, good trouble, and not so pleasant things, the year was one roller coaster after another. Despite the many changes and uncertainties, one thing never did: the bonds that the senior class shared and their determination to get to graduation. Coming at the end of an unusually civil Water Wars tournament, this year’s graduation is as unique as all of the different students in this year’s graduating class, whose positive energy throughout the year and all the way to the finish line inspired the concept for this cover. Pictured above, NL photographer Abby Hosler tries to get the perfect photograph that captures the positive essence of graduation. Photo

by Brie Quick.

Policies

The Northern Light in print and online is the student-produced newspaper for Portage Northern HS. It is an open, designated, public forum for student expression, and the newspaper provides staff members with independent reporting opportunities and individual evaluation. Writing is based on a wide variety of research for a broad and diverse audience and topics of coverage are decided by the staff and editorial board with consideration to what is timely, relevant, compelling, educational, and important to the student body.

In accordance with best practice for student media, the Northern Light is not prior reviewed by administration. Building and district administration do, however, reserve the right to oversee the paper if necessary to ensure that the mission and vision of Portage Public Schools and the safety of students and staff are maintained.

As a MIPA, JEA, and NSPA publication, the Northern Light adheres to the highest standards

of journalistic integrity. Photos, art, and other visual elements are created by Northern Light staff, formally designated for free use or part of public domain. In rare circumstances, we may use other media with the owner’s written permission.

It is our desire that our readers join the discussion on our published work. We welcome letters to the editors and guest contributors, and the Northern Light will publish online all pieces received provided that they include the author’s full name and are appropriate for publication in a school setting. Letters to the editor are limited to 150 words in length and guest contributions are limited to 350 words in length. Pieces can be delivered to Amanda Thorpe’s room, 3.129, emailed to pnhsnorternlight@gmail.com, or mailed ATTN: Portage Northern Light to Portage Northern High School, 1000 Idaho Avenue, Portage, MI 49024.

Visit us online at www.portagenorthernlight.com!

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2023 Senior Edition

Staff and Design Credits

In this edition…

Senior Awards

p. 9 Scholarship recipients p. 19 Department awards

Then and Now p. 7 Better together p. 21 Glow up

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Jackson Barnard p. 13, 14 Editor in Chief Brie Quick Cvr, p. 2, 3, 11, 12

Kelly Hinga presenting students with awards; photo by Abby Hosler.

Rosie and Jeanna Friedman couting together; photo courtesy of Rosie Friedman.

Senior selections

To the underclassmen

p. 15 Senior class Spotify p. 17 Teacher superlatives

p. 11 Senior wills p. 13 Advice

Creative Editor Annabelle Bartz p. 3, 4, 5,6 , 9, 10, 17, 18 Feature Editor Abby Hosler p. 15, 16, 19, 20 News Editor Ella Morofsky p. 15, 16, 19, 20 Opinion Editor Kayla Malaski p. 25 Digital Media Manager Lauren Pernie

Staff

4 teacher superlative winners; photos by Trevor Anderson and Avery Bogemann.

Students L to R; Justin Wessel, Andrew Wiser, Ashten Hack, and Camila CastilloRua in their 4th hour english class; photo Abby Hosler.

Want to be a part of the Northern Light staff for the 20232024 school year? There is still time! Email your counsler, we plan to meet during 3rd hour next year.

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Veterans Mitchell Barnard p. 7-8 Avery Bogemann New Members Jenna Abdulhak (p. 1920)Trevor Anderson, Kennedy Beck (back cvr) Ashton Hall, Mariah McCollough, Kayla Miller, Lauren Pernie, Chase Vanderwalle (p.

21,22,23,24) Ash Weller 2023 Senior Edition

Class of

23

GPA Achieved*

by the numbers

18% recieved 3.5-3.99 GPA

Data from a survey completed by 295 seniors

Favorite subject Math

Social Studies

Science

19% recieved 3.0-3.49 GPA

Music Business FACS Physical Ed English

Post-high school plan

30% recieved below 2.99 GPA

In State 4 year Military Skilled Trade Gap Year

Community College Out of State 4 year

33% recieved 4.0-5.0 GPA

*As of the senior awards cermony The Northern Light

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2023 Senior Edition

87.5%

72.5%

Number of students particpating in activites

72.5%

52.5%

36.11% 32.5%

Employment

School Sports

Travel Sports

Club

Band, Orchestra, CTE, EFE, EFA, Choir ATYP, KAMSC, Dual Enrollment

Biggest source of stress

41.03% say school 28.21% say time mangement work

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7.69% say other 2.56% say home 2.56% say social life life

17.95% say everything college related

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2023 Senior Edition

Cringe worthy

Written by Trevor Anderson, Avery Bogemann, and Kayla Miller

k c o l B i r A

Ariel Block shared his most embarrassing school memory, stating. “I auditioned for the Talent Show in middle school- It was so bad. I played the Wii theme on an Ocarina, it was in front of at least 15 people. I was sweating PROFUSELY. I could not hit a single note, it was something I did just for laughs and it was not funny at all”.

Photos courtesy of Ariel Block As a sixth grader

As a senior

z t a r K e c Ali

As a senior

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Alice Kratz shared her most embarrassing school memory. “This was the beginning of my junior year. I was walking up the stairs to my next class and somehow managed to trip over myself and up like 5 stairs, and completely ripped the back of my pants in front of everyone. Not a savory memory”.

Photos courtesy of Alice Kratz

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As a sixth graders

2023 Senior Edition

Trends to remember Andy’s coming

A game based on “Toy Story.” Someone yells, “Andy is coming!!” And everyone in the area stays still, like toys.

Fidget spinners

People collected toy fidget spinners and showed them off around school.

k c a l B T J

As a senior

k e n i t r a M n e B

As a senior

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Bottle flipping

People flipped water bottles to land upright

Planking

People laid flat on their stomachs to balance on flat surfaces as a “meme”.

Musically

An app that encourages users to make music videos, combining music and social media.

Jathaniel Black shared his most embarrassing school memory.

“My most embarrassing moment in middle school was when I ran into a pole and scarred my eyebrow. I wasn’t looking where I was walking and then I just ran right into a pole. My eyebrow started to bleed and blood started to drip down my face, and a lot of people got scared of me walking around with blood on my face.”

Photos courtesy of Jathaniel Black

As an eighth grader

Ben Martinek shared his most embarrassing school memory.

“I was in sixth-grade history class when I really had to use the restroom, but my teacher was in the middle of a lesson and he wouldn’t let me go. I was squirming in my seat because I had to go so badly. I asked again but the teacher told me to wait until the lesson was done. And so I waited until I couldn’t hold it in any longer, and I peed myself.

Everyone laughed at me and for the rest of the year I was teased for having that accident.”

Photos courtesy of Ben Martinek

As an eighth grader

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2023 Senior Edition

Better Together

By Mariah Mcollough, Mitchell Barnard, Chase Vanderwalle, Ashton Hall and Lauren Pernie

Everett Fields and Alli French first met at 9th grade orienatation. Their friendship progressed and eventually they had their first date at her house while they played board games. One of their favorite memories together was homecoming. “I don’t see us breaking up,” said Everett. “We’re going strong.”

Photos courtesy of Everret Fields

Logan Post & Scarlett Haroldson met in seminar freshman year. Their first date was ice skating, but they love to spend time hammocking together.

They believe the key to sustaining a healthy relationship is by “Just doing the little things.”

Photos courtesy of Scarlett Haroldson

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2023 Senior Edition

Photos courtesy of Lindsey & Emily Hickman

“The best part of being a twin is always having a best friend,” said both Lindsey and Emily Hickman. Whether it’s going to a summer camp or starting a new school, both sisters know they have each other’s back. However, both agree that there are some difficulties, like “having to share everything,” Lindsey mentioned. “Whether that be chairs, drinking cups, prizes, etc...” The two even share identities, as people often mistake each twin for the other. Emily admits that she usually has people thinking she’s her sister, and that she will often “go along” with the act and be friendly towards them, often for the sake of her sister’s reputation.

Rosie Friedman and her mom, Jeanne Friedman, have worked together in the school for the past four years.

“It takes a lot of communication skills and energy to make sure a daughter and mom stay close. We have to constantly check in on eachother and make sure that we are being kind and courteous,” Rosie shared. Rosie’s favorite memory is when she got to give her mom her IB significant educator award.

Photo courtesy of Rosie Friedman

Zoey Quinn and Jada Clomon have been friends for 11 years. Jada voiced that “In order to make a friendship last, there has to be a mutual amount of effort.” Their favorite memory together is when they got lost on the golf course during last year’s spring break and it took them an hour to find their house.

Photos courtesy of Jada Clomon

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2023 Senior Edition

Senior Awards

By NL staff

Excellence in Education Amber Dixion explained, “Kalamazoo County recognizes students who accomplish high standards of academic achievement. Each school district is allowed to select students based on a percentage determined by the fall student enrollment.

(ASK MAIN OFFICE/ SAM MEIN-KIM SCHUMAKER). Students with the highest point total utilizing the Detroit Free

PN Communication Scholarship Cece Weeks explained, “PN communications award awarded to a member on the forensics team for 4 years. The person who receives the award must demonstrate leadership skills,[and] being a good communicator.

National Merit Semi Finalist

Madison Grabe, Ashika Gullapalli, Carter Hall, Alexis Loparo, Ruhaan Rai Karsten Wiergerink

Amber Dixon explained, “Approximately 8300 finalists will achieve the National Merit Status in the United States. They are selected on basis of skills, accomplishments and potential for success.”

Excellence in Education

Daughters of the American Revolution

Recipient

“I didn’t know what the award was before winning it, but I put a ton of work into excelling in school and doing well on the SAT, which is also considered. I committed myself to trying my best throughout all of high school, so it was really rewarding in the end.” said senior Madison Grabe

Students are picked on the followign criteria: LEADERSHIP: assumption of responsibility DEPENDABILITY: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality SERVICE: cooperation, PATRIOTISM: unselfish in interest community

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Jaclyn Brubaker Recipient

Holden Coulter Ruhaan Rai “Sure…they did send forms to my house but it was all sort’ve surreal and I didn’t expect to get any recognition for anything I did academically.” said senior Holden Coullter

Nick Jepson

2023 Senior Edition

Ken Draayer Scholarship According to Amber Dixion, “...[The Ken Draayer Scholarship is] awarded to graduating seniors who are planning to pursue a career in Automotive Technology at Kalamazoo Valley Community College or a similar accredited automotive school on a full-time basis.”

IB Dipolma Canidates

Mason Garcia

AP Scholars

Amber Dixion explained, “AP Scholar [is] granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. AP Scholar with Honor [is] granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.”

Greg Pezzoli Scholarship

AP Scholars Sean Durbin Alexis Loparo Ashika Gullapalli

AP Scholars with Honors Ruhann Rai

Robert P Amrhein Scholarship

According to the application, “This scholarship was established in memory of Greg, Greg Pezzoli Scholarship a 2007 graduate of Portage What is it?

Northern High School. The Meghan Hincher award is intended to recognize an outstanding graduating senior swimming or water polo team participant “

Amy Dimaggio explained, “The scholarship criteria has nothing to do with grades...It is a subjective scholarship based on a student’s citizenship, character, selflessness, determination, perseverance, service, leadership.

The committee seeks to find a candidate who’s spirit and heart resemble that of Robert’s.”

Meghan Hincher

Conor Sullivan

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Rick Ryker explained, “In order to receive an IB diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points or an average of four (or C) out of a possible seven points for six subjects. Candidates must also receive a minimum of 12 points from their Higher Level subjects and a minimum of 9 points from their Standard Level subjects.

Additionally, candidates must complete all of the requirements for the EE, CAS and TOK. Failing conditions that will prevent a student from being awarded a diploma, regardless of points received, are non-completion of CAS, more than three scores of 3 or below (HL or SL), more than two scores of 2 or below (HL or SL), a score of 1 in any subject (HL or SL), not meeting the specific points required for Higher Level (12) or Standard Level (9) subjects, grade “E” awarded for theory of knowledge and/or the extended essay, or a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.[50]”

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Elliot Ahrena, Turab Alam, Anika Arya, Emma Boyl, Dustin Briggs, Lily Frayer, Rosella Friedman, Madison Grabe, Avery Howe, Carter Hull, Garret Laabs, Sloan Markin, Aaliya Metiwala, Maximiliano Pla Pasarell, Logan Post, Aryasena Sappidi, Conor Sullivan, Dalton Weber, Hannah Williams

2023 Senior Edition

Senior Wills

As the senior class moves on to what’s next, here’s what some of them are leaving behind.

By Kennedy Beck and Brie Quick

p to ski y t i l i b “My a half of the l schoo and still time ate..” gradu mith eS - Kati

e3 ege to hav My privil in a row. seminars tz - Ash Ren My p parti ride in ci senio pating in rs -Chl kip day. oe M alik

secret My super de is that kmowleg need you only and Algebra 2 . y1 Geometr allance - Josh W

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it in lity to s th i b a e Th of 4 way all ng, l l a h e h t i ing noth hour do ss the class. l pa and stil on Brock - Keny

2023 Senior Edition

’s

ip ge to sk e l i v i r p My for 2 hours t s r fi y m EFA. adelung M y c u L My pri vi l have al ege to m elective ost all s this y ear.

- Addie Tavern a

Have your own senior will?

Leave it here to have it posted on hte NL website !

My obl i only co gation to me to s cho becaus e of spo ol rts - Jorda n Wesa . w

My rec om take a m mendation t o ath e -Jesse B quivalent. ammer t

My recommen dation to take the easiest classes possible.

- Xavier James

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2023 Senior Edition

ADVICE to underclassmen Try to focus on getting good grades and take good classes so that you can achieve more.

- Xavier Luczack

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If you’re getting bad grades, take a seminar class or ask a teacher to help you. It can help you do better on tests and exams.

- Jaden Anderson

A lot of teachers focus more on completion rather than correctness so just get things turned in even if you’re not confident in the answers.

- Lamia Schinkai

If you ever feel you’re falling behind and don’t feel like you want to do it, keep going or you’ll fall behind even more - Ava Thompson

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2023 Senior Edition

Don’t put off work that can be done today.

- Andrew Wiser

Nothing bad will come from asking for help.

- Justin Wessel

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Prioritize yourself, make sure you’re taking care of yourself and school.

- Camila Castillo-Rua

Don’t waste your time away.

- Ashton Hack

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2023 Senior Edition

Give me the AUX

Spotify’s top songs and artists for the class of 2023’s freshman through senior years “Circles” by Post Malone

“Intentions” by Justin Bieber

2020

Top artist

Top artist

2019

Top song

Top song

The Weeknd

Drake

“Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X

“As It Was” by Harry Styles

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2022

Top artist

Top artist

2021

Top song

Top song Bad Bunny

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2023 Senior Edition

“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress

Top artist

2023

Top song Taylor Swift

Feeling nostalgic? Give a listen to the senior playlist created by the PN Class of 2023 using the link below!

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2023 Senior Edition

Ms. Nott

Best nickname

“Arm”

Wood and Prom

Best friends

“He’s the only one I know with a nickname.” - Lexi Jenkins

Most artistic

“She always has amazing art plan ideas.” Emily Lynch

“They love each other.” - Colby Gates

“I think the reason is obvious (She’s the art teacher)” - Miquelle Lowell

“Always teasing each other.” - Essance Polley

Whose Who The Class of 2023 Voted

Ms. Callen

“Always drinking coffee.” - Jordan Wesaw

Most caffienatted Most energetic

Dr. Thorpe The Northern Light

“Always playing music and dancing so early in the morning.” Miquelle Lowell

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Ms. Friedman

Most helpful and best decorated classroom

“Drinks like 3 cups per hour (Not joking).” - Colby Gates

2023 Senior Edition

“He literally is an influencer.” Nev Lipsey

Mr. Andrews

“Her class always made me feel comfy.

I seriously almost called her mom once.”

- Mekail MoralesMills

School mom

Most likely to be an influencer

Mr. Olsen

Mrs. Meyers

Most quotable

“He’s Tiktok famous apparently?” -Mekail Mordes-Mills

“He always puts on success hotline, preaches important life lessons.” - Emily Lynch

At Northern Mr. Hebner

“He lets us have fun, build forts, and have paper airplane battles.” - Colby Gates “Bro is always dripped out.” - Fabian H.

Mr. Vichinsky

and the Results are in:

Funniest and best dressed

Most rizz

Strictest

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Mr. Wood

“He’s just so serious all the time.” - Essance Polley

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“Gives off those vibes.” - Andrew Simons

“Self explanatory.”

-Jordan Wesaw

2023 Senior Edition

Senior Department Awards

By Ella Morofsky and Abby Hosler Accounting: Cane Mack “I really like accounting and I think it’s interesting. Mrs. Meyer is just great and it’s awesome.”

English: Jaclyn Brubaker

“Reading and writing are my favorite pastimes. They allow me to express myself and see myself.”

Spanish: Tim Peterson “The people there are a blast and I have a lot of fun going to that class every morning and just kinda challenging myself.”

French: Madison Grabe

“I learned a lot about French culture, which is really interesting, and it made me decide that I want to study abroad.”

History: Hutch Quinlan “The content, I value learning about it and I think everybody should learn more about it because if you know your history, you won’t repeat it.”

Choir: Garret Laabs

“Choir has always been a place where I can relax and forget all about the stresses of IB classes.”

Orchestra: Lily Frayer “I feel like I really pushed myself to be in the community as much as I could.”

TV Broadcasting: Ben Arra

“[My favorite thing is] bringing a whole team of people together to make a broadcast each week.”

Mathematics: Dustin Briggs

“[Math] has helped me prepare for engineering and college calculus.”

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2023 Senior Edition

Science: Abby Pelak

“The science department kind of helped me realize that it’s something I wanna do.”

Theater: Gabe Aleman

“Theater in general has been a huge thing for me. I’ve meet so many amazing people through it.”

Theory of Knowledge: Aaliya Motiwala “ToK has always been such a fun class and it’s kinda like our own little family.”

Latin: Florian Stackow

“It’s impacted English and Spanish. I think it’s helped me grow as a person and intellectually as well.”

Forensics: Sloan Markin

“Without forensics I wouldn’t know how to structure an argument , I wouldn’t be able to stand up in front of a room and talk.”

Yearbook: Jenna Harper

“I truly wasn’t expecting it even though I should have since I am the Editor-in-chief, it made me cry.”

FACS: Kylie Pennington

“I almost cried. I genuinely didnt expect it.”

Technical Theater: Lennon Lisk

“I really like musical theater but I dont like being the center of attention, I was forced into it at first then I realized it was actually really fun.”

Physical Education: Penelope Sackett “[Power training] has built up my confidence and my want to try new things”

Band: Aiden Hernandez

All photos by Abby Hosler and Annabelle Bartz

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“I usually like to stay in my own little friend group, but in band class there is just so many people you can be friends with.”

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2023 Senior Edition

Match the senior at right with their baby picture at left

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2

3

4

5

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7

8

9

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1P, 2H, 3T, 4S, 5Q, 6O, 7F, 8J, 9E, 10M, 11G, 12K, 13N, 14D, 15I, 16A, 17L, 18E, 19B, 20C The Northern Light

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2023 Senior Edition

A

JT Cammack

B

Jaclyn Brubaker

G

F Cole Smith

Anna Sonday

K Drew Kelley

P

Sloan Markin

Megan Bowers

C

H Ruhaan Rai

L Garrett Laabs

D

Everett Fields

I Gabe Aleman

M

Q

Aliyah Zufall

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Hutch Quinlan

J

N

R

O Allison French

S Lexi Ahola

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E

Ashlyn Blanzy

Elle Ahrens

Carter Hull

Avery Howe

T Abby Pelak 2023 Senior Edition

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2023 Senior Edition

1B, 2H, 3J, 4N, 5R, 6Q, 7T, 8D, 9C, 10I, 11O, 12E, 13G, 14F, 15L, 16E, 17S, 18K, 19P, 20M

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A Logan Post

B Zoey Quinn

F Dalton Weber

Kayla Malaski

G Bran Sundman

K Maya Thomas

P Madison Grabe

Una Metzger

Kayla Rau

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J Tim Peterson

N Raeyyan Shaikh

R Patrick Heller

Arya Sappidi

Kain Rodriguez

Lennon Lisk

E

I

M

Q Mya Loc

D

H

L Casey Conboy

C

O Dustin Briggs

S Kaz Nappier

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T Mina Koffron 2023 Senior Edition

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2023 Senior Edition

ADVERTISE WITH THE PN LIGHT NEXT YEAR! SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE. The Northern Light

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2023 Senior Edition

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2023 Senior Edition

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2023 Senior Edition

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2023 Senior Edition

Surprisingly Difficult: Graduation edition

By Kayla Miller

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2023 Senior Edition

Preparing for the big day

By Abby Hossler and Kennedy Beck

Above: The offfice plays a key part in the preparation to make graduation special for seniors. Pictured here is PN secretary Sue Brotebeck stuffing diploma envelopes, “My favorite thing to do in the office in regards to graduation, is receiving the diplomas!”

Immediately below: Graduation invites are a big part of graduation and are as unique as the senior who hands them out. Emma Vanderhill’s invit is picturd below. “For my graduation party, I am most excited to celebrate with my friends and family!” she said.

Above: Decorating graduation caps is an excitng activity for seniors to do with their friends as the ceremony approaches. Addison Bobbio prepares for graduation by deceorating her cap. Bobbio dedicates her graduation cap to her great grandmother who passed away, “Everything that I have done has been for her she was my best friend.”

Immediately below: This is Dr. Ledlow’s first graduation as principle. Pictured below, he wears a student graduation cap in support of all seniors.

Below left: Even Hobbs is ready for graduation. Pictured here, he wears an honors stole that some seniors will wear as they cross the stage at Miller auditorium.

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2023 Senior Edition