Pirate Press_November 2021 (Vol. 8, Issue 1)

PIRATE PRESS othspiratepress.com

November 2021

Vol. 8, Issue 1

Getting Back into the Swing of Things Senior Sydney Leonhart

As excited as we are to return to school after a year and a half, there comes new challenges we must face.

This time, things are different. Masks and social distancing have become normal in our daily lives. Many people, like history teacher David Rhoads, are fine with wearing masks.

He said, “It’s not like I’m being required to cut my arm off or anything.” He is also surprised at how well students and others are handling the situation. He said he is “so happy for that.”

For many students, this is their first time wearing a mask in school.

Students in Sue Arbisi’s English III class demostrating what it’s like learning during the pandemic. Students around the school can be seen frequently working on computers and wearing masks.

Last year, many students were online for the entire year, which can take a toll on a person’s focus. For most, being in school is better than being online.

Sophomore Krisee Clark said that she feels “better to be in person this year so that I can focus more.” Without the distraction of home life and phones, students could be getting better grades from being in school.

If you are having trouble with any of these new challenges, remember to tell someone, it could help you.

There are several support groups that have been added to our school. Anxiety, depression, grief and self-care are the three new groups for people needing to speak out and seek help. Anxiety and Depression Management and Grief Group meet every other Friday during PEP and the Self-Care Group is the first Wednesday of the month during PEP.

Another drastic change to this school year is Pirate Empowerment Period (PEP) has replaced homeroom. What do seniors think about this new change? “PEP is great,” senior Ella Marvel said. PEP has been a new tool for students to be more successful, motivated and organized with homework. Faculty has confirmed that activities for PEP will reduce the further we get along in the school year.

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Meet the Staff

Senior Leah Reed is a co-editor of the “Pirate Press” and the Yearbook. She is also and a member of the Ottawa Honor Society. Outside of school, she works at Prairie Fox Books and is part of the competitive dance company at Elysian Studios.

She plans to attend Bradley University as a Journalism major. This is her second year on the “Pirate Press” staff and first year as an editor.

Senior Sydney Leonhart is a writer for the “Pirate Press” and a member of Drama, Speech Team, Art Club and Fine Arts Club. She works at Shoe Department and her hobbies include ukulele or the guitar and collecting crystals. She is planning on being a fashion designer, though her college is undecided. This is her first year on the “Pirate Press” staff.

Leah Reed

Sydney Leonhart

Senior Allison Shew is a writer and co-editor of the “Pirate Press” and a member of Art Club.

She works at Dollar Tree and her hobbies include reading, writing, drawing and singing. She wants to be an art teacher and is planning to go to IVCC. This is her first year on the “Pirate Press” staff.

Allison Shew

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(Record) Breaking News

Senior Javarius “J” Whitfield ran 99 yards against Sandwich High School, breaking a state record in football.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, Whitfield broke through defense on the field at the one-yard line. Running as hard and as fast as he could, avoiding all opposing players, he made it to the end zone. At the time, he did not realize he broke the record of the longest run in state history. No one did. He was just excited to score for his team in his first senior game.

Whitfield started playing football during his freshman year, though he always appreciated sports and being on a team. For example, he also plays basketball and baseball for the school as well.

Whitfield plans to pursue football after high school by trying the best he can.

He tries harder to succeed each day, finding as much time as he can to improve.

“I am very proud of him; he has worked really hard these past few years and now is in a feature role and thriving,” Coach Chad Gross said.

Many are proud of Whitfield’s accomplishment, but some think he is just that good. According to his teammate Levi Sheehan, “The experience was cool and all, but that’s an everyday thing for J, so I’m used to it.” And because of his new record, he received many random people adding him on social media, mainly “Snapchat.”

Starting as a freshman with only a bit of experience, he is now a senior who is breaking state records and winning for his team.

Whitfield pushing against the other team to win. Photo courtesy of Shaw Media.

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Senior Allison Shew

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Athlete of the Month

A panoramic view of Frankie Merrill’s room done in gauche paint on canvas. Photo courtesy of Frankie Merrill.

Senior Sydney Leonhart

Five, Six, Seven, Eight. Senior Hannah Larsen has been dancing since she was four and does not plan to stop any time soon.

Not only did Larsen make the high school Poms team her freshman year, but she also made it every year after that. Her hard work and dedication to dance has paid off. “My favorite thing about Poms is the experience, “Larsen said. “I have met so many other dancers, not just through my team, but also competitions.”

Practicing several days a week, for multiple hours, on top of studio practice, Larsen wishes that everyone could see how hard both she and her team work.

“Hannah is an amazing teammate,” Poms coach Alaina Weatherford said. “She is kind to everyone, respectful, and is incredibly hardworking. I am so proud of the gains she has made over the past four years. She is a joy to coach.”

Larsen’s teammate, senior Maggie Stisser, said that Larsen is “such a hard worker and loves dancing and performing. She always pulls her weight on our team, and you can count on her knowing the dances.” Stisser and Larsen have been dancing together, not only on Poms, but also at their studio.

Larsen plans to study biomedical engineering and dance at a four-year school in college and become a prosthetic engineer. Her favorite style she will miss in Poms is the iconic kick line. She said that it pushes all dancers to have better flexibility, and they always impress a crowd. Her parents are so proud of her and her accomplishments.

Senior Hannah Larsen posing for her senior photo for Poms. Photo courtesy of Alaina Weatherford.

Artist of the Month Senior Allison Shew

“It’s just the way I am” she says. Senior Frankie Merrill gives it her all when it comes to the arts.

Ever since she was young, she’s been doing art. And since then, she has only built on her area of talent. She’s taken up many hobbies like playing guitar and banjo, embroidery, crochet, many art mediums and has dabbled in sewing. If something interesting catches her eye, she’ll try it out. Whatever that may be, it usually sticks. She is an experimentalist, but her current favorite is gauche art.

She is planning on pursuing art after high school, and while she doesn’t know which path to take, she’s doing research on what’s right for her. According to her parents, they fully support her.

Art teacher Paula Carroll is confident in Merrill’s skills and that they will take her far. She states, “I’m pretty sure that creating is a large part of what makes Frankie. . . Frankie.”

Merrill doesn’t take creating art lightly. She tries her best, no half-jobs, no giving up halfway through. She believes that if you’re going to do something, you better do it right.

Merrill couldn’t exactly explain why she likes art. She explained it as she just wants to know how to do things. She has a thirst for knowledge, only it’s knowledge about art. She’s just a very curious person and wants to explore the many ideas out there.

While it is hard to fully understand why she does what she does, it didn’t need explaining, because to her, “It’s just the way I am.”

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Introducing Ms. Stacks

Students and staff all know who Mr. Rockford was, but it seems there is a new teacher in town.

Music teacher Ali Stachowicz has been teaching for four years: first at Freeport High School, then at Lena-Winslow High School and now here. Her passion for music started in junior high but really flared after going to high school and experiencing making beautiful music with her favorite people. She plans on giving this choir the same experience and having a good, normal year.

Her first impression was that she was impressed with the music department and how welcoming everyone was to her. She has enjoyed getting to know her students and thinks they are adapting well to a new teacher. Stachowicz also said that she’s being open-minded and flexible with the students. “She apologizes and learns from her mistakes, and she always tries to get us in a good mood,” senior Azlyn Bachman said.

Stachowicz thinks it was the right choice to come here and is always looking forward to going to work. “I feel very lucky to be teaching here right after Mr. Rockford, because we are similar people with similar teaching styles and senses of humor. I believe this makes the shoes much more ‘fill-able,’” Stachowicz said.

And she’s not the only one who thinks so. “I knew very fast that she was a super talented music director and really loved students. She also had a special focus on respecting the rich tradition of great music made in Ottawa High,” former director Spencer Rockford said. He thinks she’ll be a good influence on this school and its students. He also said that he loves his new job a lot, but he misses the students here too: that his only reason for coming to work was to make music with them.

Students, of course, miss Rockford, but they’re also excited to see what Stachowicz has in store for them.

A yearbook photo of the new music teacher, Ali Stachowicz. Photo courtesy of Brooke Sullivan.

A rocking snail Guenther made for his child: said to be his favorite piece he’s created.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Guenther.

Farewell to a Skilled Craftsman Senior Allison Shew

Woodshop teacher Bryan Guenther isn’t just good at working with wood; he’s also amazing at working with his students.

Guenther has been creating with wood for almost as long as he’s been teaching. He taught for two years in Earlville but ended right back where he was taught how to woodwork in the first place.

He said that was something he enjoyed, getting to answer the ageold question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Guenther quite literally answered with “Ottawa High School.”

Guenther doesn’t want the students he teaches to leave that classroom with just the knowledge of being safe and craftmanship.

He wants them to, “do the best they can, that day,” Guenther said.

He makes sure all students are safe and is very proud of the ones who have passed through over the years. That’s the one thing he said he would absolutely miss: the students.

It’s not a one-way relationship either. Many students said that Guenther is what makes the class, the class. Several students shared that their favorite part of being in his classes was Guenther himself. “Him in general,” junior Isabella Montez said.

“His humor. He’s hilarious,” senior Tee Alnwick said. They both agreed that he will be missed.

Many students find it unfortunate that he is retiring this year.

No one wants to say goodbye to a teacher that they’ve looked up to or a teacher who is seen more as a friend or even as that missing father figure that is comforting to have.

To the man who has been working here for 31 years, you will be greatly missed and can never be replaced.

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Senior Allison Shew

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Feminists For Change

The Library Gets a Rennovation

Feminism is a space for everyone. That’s why 2020 graduates Liam Lindig, Randi Heth and Sammy Straith made the Feminists for Change Club. Starting in 2019, the group, now led by senior Emmy Taylor and junior Ben Domoleczny, have made the club fun and enjoyable for all.

The word “feminism” means “the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of equality of the sexes,” according to Forbes. In the club, everyone talks about whatever issues members bring up.

Whether they are debating, discussing, informing, researching or protesting, this group of people sure know how to have a voice.

Graduate Liam Lindig said that he has always been “passionate about equity and smashing oppression.” The club allows a space for students who agree with this sentiment and those who don’t to start a conversation.

Another graduate, Sammy Straith, said she loved “how open it was. When Randi, Liam and I started the club, our initial goal was to create a safe space where people could learn about what feminism was.” For many people, feminism is a way for people, especially women, to have a voice. The club is a great way to voice your opinion about specific issues and make sure you are heard.

“My favorite thing about FFC is the feeling of inclusivity and just knowing that everyone there accepts you just as you are and has fought similar battles,” junior Faith Love said.

If you have any questions or want to know more information about Feminists for Change, stop by Room 610 and talk to adviser Tracey O’Fallon’s or ask Emmy Taylor and Ben Domoleczny.

The club is always open and looking for new members.

After more than a year of not having students in the library, Librarian Kelley Getzelman has been working hard to make the library a cozier and more comforting place to read, study and relax.

Before the pandemic hit, Getzelman realized how basic the library was. She then went to work, planning to make it better. Getzelman wanted it to be a warm welcome for the returning students and to make it look more organized. She thought a Barnes and Noble or a cafe theme would be better than the traditional look of the old library. When she was just about to start renovating, everyone left, including herself on maternity leave, which put her project at a standstill until this year. In just the few months students have been back, she has added new couches, new books and new tables, and she isn’t even done yet.

She is filtering out non-fiction books that have false information due to their age. She wants the students to have current and accurate data in what they read. And what she took from the Barnes and Noble idea was how they faced the books outward so the reader could see the cover design, and she’s planning on doing that for most books in the library.

She also created on a new lab room, fit with all new technology that any teacher can reserve. It has three media tables and a green screen to make movies. She wants students to collaborate, to get along and combine their ideas.

English teacher Julie Brown said, “The library gives students new opportunities to learn and work together in addition to checking out books.”

Getzelman has thought of everything. There are books for children in a small section near the front of the room, comfortable couches for readers to sit on, including pull out trays to set their books and schoolwork on.

“I really like the chairs,” senior Kenny Harsted said. There are also genres that stand out to every reader, neatly placed to pull you in and much more. Go to the library if you’re bored and need a book, to work on homework or to see the new updates.

Senior Sydeny Leonhart

One of the many FFC signs posted around the school with information

Senior Allison Shew

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Seniors Carter Beals, Max Koziel, and Ryan Demoss enjoying “ISPY” on the new couch.

The New Dance Studio in Town

If you have an interest in crystals, tarot reading, incense and more, you should go to Rock Soul Love. The store is a great place for beginners and collectors of metaphysical things.

The owners, who go by simply Amy and Adam, created Rock Soul Love to be a “beacon for spiritual exploration.” Amy said on her company’s website that, “It’s a place to provide knowledge and tools for one’s development of body, mind, and spirit.”

Amy’s mother started the shop because it was something she loved and wanted to share the love of all metaphysical things.

Starting in Morris three years ago, Rock Soul Love has been a hot spot for many teens and adults. “I shop there a lot because everyone is open and sweet. They make sure you know what you’re getting into. Plus, it’s a ‘family’ type of place,” senior Luna Petrosius said.

Another senior, Ali Shew, said that she, “likes to get crystals because it’s like a calling and she chooses the ones that speak to her.”

The owners have traveled all over the world picking items and traveling to lots of crystal gem shows. They have made strong connections and are continuing to support other local businesses around the globe.

If you are ever in need of a relaxing method for stress, anxiety, depression, etc., go to Rock Soul Love and get some metaphysical things. They have four locations: Ottawa, Morris, Lockport and their newest location, Bloomington.

Their Ottawa location is located at 619 La Salle St. and they are open Tues.-Fri. from 10:30-5:30 and Sat. from 10-4.

For many dancers, dance is their life. This is true for everyone at Elysian Studios. Formerly known as Ottawa Dance Academy, owners Elizabeth and Troy Mairs have turned Elysian Studios into a professional, exciting environment.

“Elysian, in Greek, means beautiful and creative place, and that is exactly what our studio is designed to be. We have the most incredible dancers at Elysian; they work so hard, pouring their hearts out every time they dance. They work together in such a beautiful way,” Elizabeth Mairs said.

On September 18, the Elysian Studios Company performed at Oktoberfest. They performed dances from their last competition season, including fan favorite “Give Me Love,” a lyrical small group comprised of senior Leah Reed, Streator Township High School juniors Kate and Kylie Coley, and Pontiac Township High School sophomore Aidan Ores.

“Going through all these changes recently has really made me confused about my future in dance, but Miss Liz is a great teacher, and she makes me feel like I am worth something as a dancer. That is something I am not used to,” Reed said.

Junior Kaitlyn Walker also performed at Oktoberfest with Elysian. She was in multiple numbers, including the opening “Born This Way,” a large group jazz number. “I love ‘Born This Way’ because it is such a fun number to perform. It was so exciting to be able to perform it at Oktoberfest,” Walker said.

The owners and students at Elysian Studios have great hopes for the future of their studio. They plan to perform at least once every other month, so come out to support Elysian Studios and its amazing students and faculty. “I am so excited to see their hard work pay off as the season progresses. I look forward to seeing them grow and mature as dancers and as a team,” Elizabeth Mairs said.

Remember the name Elysian Studios because they will be a studio you cannot forget.

Senior Sydney Leonhart

Senior Leah Reed

Rock Soul love showing off all their wonderful treasures.

Photo courtesy of Rock Soul Love website.

A group photo of the members in Elysian Studios. Photo courtesy of Susan Reed.

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Crystals, Tarrot, Jewelry, Oh My

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Come to the Club Senior Allison Shew

Do you want to be a part of a creative community? This is a picture of the 25 students, and counting, in the first Art Club meeting of this school year. During this meeting, they discussed new ideas to do this year, drew one another, laughed and made zines.

The Art Club meets in Room 520 with art teacher Leah Kuhn, and it will usually take place on Mondays from 3:15-4:30 p.m. With many great ideas, they plan to practice, create and most importantly, have fun. It is never too late for new members, and everyone is welcome at any time.

Thanksgiving Time Senior Allison Shew

While Americans celebrate the unique American holiday, Thanksgiving, there is so much diversity in how people celebrate.

For many people, Thanksgiving is about getting together and eating as much food as you can, going to a relative’s house that you may or may not like or trying to be nice while you look at a burnt turkey made by your aunt. Things can go wrong or right, but at the end of the day, it’s about family.

Students had many stories, like junior Kendra Martin who had a whipped cream fight with her family or freshman Madeline Kerestes who plays Uno for hours on end with her sister and cousin.

Some may have lost family members or friends along the way and feel they’re what’s missing. You are not alone, and they are still with you even if it’s just the memories alive in your mind or the love in your heart.

But while family is important, so is the food. Everybody has a different opinion of their favorite food. In a survey of students, their favorite wasn’t turkey or pumpkin pie or the Midwest favorite, green bean casserole: it was mashed potatoes and gravy.

Some didn’t quite like any of the options on the survey.

“I’m a picker eater, so I like the home-made bean dip,” former student Erin Shew said. “I make my own meatball subs from a family recipe,” Ottawa resident Michele Lane said.

But no matter what food you favor or how much you don’t want to socialize, make sure to hug your loved ones and be thankful because last year, many of you never had the chance.

Choices, Choices, Choices Senior Sydney Leonhart

How will you play the game of life? It is hard to decide what to do after high school. Whether to go to college or the military or even a trade school, there are many choices you could make for your future. Sometimes, it can be challenging to plan where to go.

“Talk to your counselor,” guidance counselor Jennifer Rios said. “We can help you discuss many different options based on interests, strengths, and what is potentially best for your individual situation.” If you have any questions about your future, look through the senior guide book as shown here by senior Azlyn Bachman.

A pie chart of the votes for the Thanksgiving foods survey.