2024 Spring Pilot Newspaper

WISCO PILOT Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

Lunar New Year Around the World

By Angelina Tran

The Lunar New Year is a vibrant and joyous

celebration observed by millions of people around the world. While its origins lie in Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year has transcended borders.

It is now widely celebrated in various countries, each infusing its unique customs and traditions into the festivities. Let's journey around the world to explore how the Lunar New Year is celebrated in different corners of the globe.

The fifteenth day of the celebration marks the Lantern Festival where people release glowing lanterns, symbolizing the letting go of the past and embracing the future.

China boasts the grandest and most elaborate festivities as the birthplace of the Lunar New Year celebration. The festival usually last for fifteen days, starting on New Year's Eve. Streets are adorned with colorful decorations, especially red — which is regarded as the color of luck in many Asian cultures.

According to a well-known legend, a fearsome beast named Nian terrorized villagers, but luckily, loud noises and red colors scare it away.

In This Issue...

P 1: Lunar New Year P 2/3: Black History P 4: Lunar New Year P 5: March of the Penguins P 6/7: Valentine’s Day Poll

P 8/9: College Football P 10: Seniors & Their Time P 11: ACT Advice P 12: Puzzle

With its diverse cultural landscape, Singapore celebrates the Lunar New Year with a bustling hub of activities featuring street markets, artistic performances, and vibrant decorations.

The Chingay Parade, a multicultural street parade, showcases rich tapestries, intricate floats, and dazzling costumes of Singapore's traditions during the Lunar New Year.

Singaporeans also enjoy a special raw fish salad called yusheng during family reunion dinners. The iconic Asian Nian Gao (rice cake) is given a colorful and flavorful twist with ingredients like pandan or yam. (continued on page 4)

Jesus, Savior, pilot me

Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

Black Historical Figures: Shirley Chisholm

By My’Dayjah Williams nomination for the Democratic Party in 1972.

According to History.org, if she didn’t win, she wanted to influence the “winner in favor of rights for women, African Americans, and Indigenous people.” She lost to Senator George McGovern.

Chisholm was known as “Fighting Shirley,” who introduced more than fifty pieces of legislation. She also fought for gender and racial equality, the plight of the poor, and ending the Vietnam War. In 1971, Shirley Chisholm was a co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus, and six years later (1977), she became the first black woman and second woman ever to serve on the House Rules Committee. Chisholm retired from Congress in 1983. She taught at Mount Holyoke College and co-founded the National Political Congress of Black Women. Shirley Chisholm accomplished many significant things. Chisholm said, “I want to be remembered as a woman … who dared to be a catalyst of change.”

During the course of American history, white men

used to be the only face of the presidential party; however, this changed in November 2008 when America elected Barack Obama as America’s first black president. This was a significant step forward within the black community in order to move forward into bigger and brighter places. According to Barbara Arnwine who wrote for Voice of America this shows that “democracy no longer is just for one race.” In order for this step to be made, others paved the way for Obama. Specifically, it was the black politicians who were striving to gain a seat in government that allowed Obama to obtain his own seat.

One of these important politicians was Shirley Chisholm who ran for Congress. In 1968, Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and was the representative for New York’s 12th district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. This helped to create paths for black women, and women in general.

Chisholm was known for breaking barriers. She was also the first African American woman to seek a presidential nomination from one of the two major parties. She campaigned for the presidential

Black History Program at WLHS

By Javon Robinson

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Students involved in the program talked about how important this program is to them, and how it made them feel heard. Fred Ramsey (25'), who led some hymns and participated in the gospel choir, spoke on his involvement with the program: It was an experience. We worked hard work to learn the harmonies and had countless run-throughs to make sure everything was perfect. This year was my first time participating in this program, and it was an experience that I'll always remember. I thank Mrs.Cousins for giving me the opportunity, and Wisco for allowing us to do this again. (continued on page 3)

ast year, Mrs. Shakirah Cousins and many of our talented Wisco students made history when they participated in the first-ever Black History program.

This is becoming an annual event. It is performed for the WLHS students and staff.

This year, the program returned even more robust than ever with a celebration of music, HBCUs, Step, and information about the foundation of the black church. On Tuesday, February 6th, the presentation began with a sermon by Assistant Principal Mr. C.L Whiteside and then a brief introduction of the program by Mrs. Shakirah Cousins.

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Vol 30 no.3

Articles by and for students

March 2024

(continued from page 2)

Black History Program at WLHS

Jenesis Wesley (25') who also participated in the choir, stated her thoughts about her involvement in the program.

The environment was loving and very open. We “ were able to express our ideas and come together as

Students performed a second service in the afternoon for family and friends. This brought joy to more people. We are blessed at WLHS to have so much talent and such a diverse student body. As an African American student here at Wisco, my voice feels heard, and I am beyond grateful for the service and the efforts to make different cultures recognized.

a community. This was my second year participating in this program. I was in the crew last year, but having the chance this time being able to sing and lead a song made me feel so blessed. The music, the backstage memories, and the countless rehearsals with fellow participants is an experience I will always cherish.

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Photography by Patti Wenzel

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Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

Lunar New Year Around the World (continued from page 1) In South Korea, the Lunar New Year is known as Seollal. Families gather to pay respects to ancestors through Charye, a ritual food offering. Traditional Korean dishes such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) are served, symbolizing the gaining of a year in age.

Additionally, Sebae, a formal bowing ceremony performed by children to elders, is a heartwarming tradition symbolizing respect and good wishes.

Interestingly, everyone ages on New Year's Day! Regardless of their birthday, every Korean gets one year added to their age. Eating a bowl of tteokguk on New Year's Day symbolically adds a year to your Korean age, even if you haven't had your birthday yet!

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time of family reunions and paying respects to ancestors. Homes are decorated with peach blossoms and kumquat trees, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. Traditional foods like banh chung (sticky rice cake) and gio lua (Vietnamese pork sausage) take center stage in the celebratory feasts. Streets come alive with dragon and lion dance performances, with rhythmic drums to liven the show.

Children and unmarried adults receive red envelopes containing money (lì xì) from elders, wishing them good luck and success in the new year.

Within many Asian communities, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the United States and Canada. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Vancouver host grand parades featuring colorful floats, lion dances, and traditional performances. The festivities often extend beyond the Asian communities, embracing the multicultural spirit of these diverse nations.

Lunar New Year is a testament to the rich cultural diversity worldwide. From the grand celebrations in China to the multicultural festivities in Singapore, the global observance of the Lunar New Year reflects the shared values of family,

prosperity, and the hope for a brighter future. As people from around the globe come together to welcome the new lunar cycle, the spirit of unity and joy transcends borders, making the Lunar New Year a truly global celebration.

PILOT STAFF Editor-in-Chief Mason Marrari

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Assistant Editors: Anaya Britton Sarah Lin Makayla Wendl

Staff Writers: Terry Cai My’Dayjah Williams Javon Robinson Tommy Doerr Luke Carlovsky John Gehl

Layout Manager Angelina Tran

Advisors: Mrs. Becker Ms. Grzanna

Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

March of the Penguins

by Angelina Tran

I n March, the Antarctic summer is in full swing!

However, penguins have remarkable features to overcome these obstacles. Their streamlined bodies and specialized flippers aid them in swimming efficiently, while their thick layer of feathers provides insulation against the cold. Additionally, their keen sense of navigation helps them find their way back to the same breeding grounds year after year.

Despite the hardships, all of them eventually reach a common end goal: to find a mate! Upon reaching their breeding grounds, the penguins engage in elaborate courtship rituals. Emperor penguins sway their heads and puff their chests.

King Penguins flaunt their bright orange patches behind their ears and bow deeply while vocalizing.

Rockhoppers jump into the waters and display their agility. Perhaps the most iconic of all — Adélie Penguins meticulously collect smooth pebbles, offering them to potential mates.

It marks the beginning of a remarkable natural phenomenon – the March of Penguins. Various penguin species undertake their arduous journey from the sea to their breeding colonies on land.

The exact distance covered varies among species, but some penguins travel hundreds of kilometers to reach their designated nesting sites. Emperor Penguins, for instance, travel over 100 kilometers to reach their destination, navigating through treacherous icy terrain and braving harsh weather conditions. Adélie Penguins, on the other hand, may have shorter distances to cover but still face challenges such as navigating through ice floes and avoiding predators.

The March of Penguins is not without its challenges. Lurking orcas and leopard seals, unpredictable storms and biting cold — they all act as harsh obstacles to the penguins’ paths.

(continued on page 6)

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Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

March of the Penguins (continued from page 5) Studying the March of Penguins is crucial for understanding their migration patterns, so that scientists can assess the health of these ecosystems and implement conservation measures to protect these extraordinary creatures. The March of Penguins is a captivating natural event that highlights the resilience and determination of nature.

Understanding and preserving this annual migration is not only essential for the survival of these species, but also contributes to our broader understanding of the delicate ecosystems in Antarctica. The March of Penguins stands as a testament to the strange wonders of the natural world — how everything, no matter how small, plays a crucial part in an ever-turning story.

The Best Date Ever!

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hen given the option to go on a vacation trip to the Bahamas or the next town over, many people would choose the Bahamas.

When given the chance to go on an afternoon walk at a junkyard or a serene park, most people would probably choose the park.

Or, when given the option to go on a boat ride at a swamp or a blue lake, most people would probably pick the lake.

Nevertheless, when it comes to dates, everyone has a perspective on what a good date is. The best option for a date is not always obvious. What is the “Bahamas” of dates? It is difficult to pick one specific spot for a date, when everyone has a different “Bahamas” in mind.

By Anaya Britton

To get a slight taste of other people’s perspective on romantic dates, Pilot sent a poll out to the WLHS student body. The first question that Pilot asked was “Which restaurant would you want to go to on your first date?”

The answers that Pilot received were contrastingly different. WLHS students responded with a range of interesting answers.

Some WLHS students responded that they would like to go to Olive Garden or Texas RoadHouse on a first date.

Other answers were less expected. McDonald‘s, Wendy‘s, Chick-fil-A were also on the list of places for a good place for a first date. This was unexpected because these restaurants are not known to be a very romantic spot for a date. Starbucks also made the list of a good spot to talk and get to know one another. There were also many who responded with fancy restaurants or other sit down restaurants. (continued on page 7)

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Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

The Best Date Ever! (continued from page 6)

Maybe most people prefer fast food places as a first date spot because it is less romantic. People would feel less awkward enjoying a meal with their date and having great conversation, rather than going on an extravagant expensive date.

Statista.com sent out a survey in the United States and about 7,500 teens responded to that survey.

The responses showed that 43% of the teens preferred quick service restaurants. Which is also referred to as fast food restaurants. 35% preferred casual dining. Is it hard to infer that they would not prefer those same restaurants on a date?

Are Dinner Dates Overrated?

145 Responses

The second question that Pilot asked was, “Are dinner dates overrated?”. The answers to this question were very surprising since many people answered the last question with normal, or less exciting places to go on dates.

69.7% of the responses were no, dinner dates are not overrated.

Dinner dates are still popular among teens. Many people would probably expect a dinner date for their first date, and the restaurant does not have to be super fancy, or expensive.

Dinner dates are still seen as romantic, in any shape or form. It is one of the best ways to get to know your date, and have a meaningful conversation with them.

Unlike dinner dates, movie dates are usually quiet and do not offer a lot of time to talk. Other dates require action or movement, which could be tiring sometimes.

For example, going skating, or going to an amusement park on a date may not leave room for quiet meaningful conversations. Dinner dates provide room or space for more exciting and active dates to happen in the future.

Out of all the questions that were asked, there was one that was not asked at all. That question is: What does the best Valentine’s Day date look like? Celebrating Valentine’s Day does not necessarily mean one has to go out on a date. Valentine’s Day can be shared by telling the person how you feel in person or in a note, or by giving the person a card or a small gift. Valentine’s Day is about sharing love with your valentine, which does not always require a specific date or time.

Maybe the best date ever is not always going on an actual date, but just showing love to your date or valentine in the best way.

Fun Date Ideas!

Rent a Kayak Try an Escape Room Visit an Arcade Visit a Museum Go Ice Skating

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Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

NIL: The Downfall of College Football Opinion Piece by Luke Carlovsky

According to NCAA.com, only a select

“Nearly 73% of athletic directors said allowing athletes to be compensated for NIL use will decrease the number of schools that have a chance to be competitive in college sports“ says the Associated Press.

If a vast majority of personnel with more experience than casual fans in the topic of college sports are against NIL, it is a terrible idea for the competitive integrity of this well-loved game.

Additionally, NIL changes the focus of collegiate athletes around the nation. For example, if the minds of college athletes are set upon chasing a colossal NIL payout, they will be less likely to focus on the preparation for a career in professional sports.

Also, athletes could use the transfer portal, and as a result, jump ship from a less profitable university to a university with a higher budget for NIL. This turns collegiate sports into something similar to that of a professional free agency. NIL damages the competitive entertainment that college football should provide the fans.

(Continued on page 9)

thirteen different teams have ever participated in a college football playoff since the recent college football playoff system was introduced in 2014.

In view of this, there has been a noticeable contrast between the juggernaut college football programs and the lowly mediocre programs in the past few years.

Instead of lessening the divide, in recent years, college football began to allow college athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness through massive endorsement deals, appearances, and social media posts. Despite this, college football athletes should not be allowed to get paid for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) due to the numerous negative effects that follow.

First, allowing college athletes to profit off NIL deals will further lower competition between the juggernaut programs and smaller universities.

College executives and higher-ups around the country agree that NIL hurts competition.

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Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

NIL: The Downfall of College Football (Continued from page 8) Even though some fans may say that collegiate Secondarily, NIL primarily benefits teams athletes will highly benefit from NIL, the majority of who have had prior success in the college student-athletes will never get NIL deals to NCAAF program. University Wire illustrates serve as their livelihood. Many supporters of this by stating, “in 2020, the Ohio State Buckeyes NIL believe that if college athletes are football brought in $115.1 million allowed to make thousands and in revenue. Rutgers University brought millions of dollars from NIL deals, it in $26.9 million”. would greatly help their families.

This is the reason why programs like Furthermore, they say that many Ohio State are in the running every athletes benefiting from NIL year while less widely known come from poverty-stricken programs, such as Rutgers, families, and the money would are stuck at the bottom of In addition, NIL makes the more successful greatly help them. the totem pole with no way programs get richer and the less successful into contention for the programs get poorer.

A higher budget for paying Finally, numerous playoffs. NIL deals players allows some programs to pay their way supporters say that NIL primarily benefit the more into playoff contention. helps athletes create a successful universities and sustainable brand and leave the less successful According to one of the most successful coaches income. However, NIL universities wondering in college football history, Nick Saban, “[Texas] will solely benefit a small how to compete with the A&M bought every player on their team.

Made a minority of collegiate college football deal for name image and likeness.” athletes in the vast amount juggernauts. of players in the NCAA. A collegiate sports expert Even today, NIL The successful programs with, stated, “the vast majority of continues to ruin the game consequently, more profitable sports athletes will never go pro that fans around the programs will stay on the top because and end up losing,” and nation love to spend their they can buy whatever players they “athletes who compete in Saturdays watching. It is want to create a college superteam. non-revenue producing sports creating a downhill slope that cannot realistically expect may or may not ultimately payout.” lead to the demise of the NCAA Most NIL deals only benefit those viewership and competition who are bound to compete in entirely. As a result, to slow the professional sports, which lessens the ever-expanding divide between delay of the flow of their income. NIL high-tier college football programs deals do not benefit enough majority college from low-tier college football programs, athletes to be considered a crucial rule to apply to eliminating the NIL rule may be the sole the NCAA. logical solution.

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Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

How Do You Feel About The Last Semester of School?

by Terry Cai

May is approaching with a steadfast pace.

As they were talking about their favorite classes and teachers, surprisingly, they all chose liberal arts classes, with Luke Mierendorf and Andrew Piontek expressing their love for U.S. History, (Mierendorf had APUSH) and explained that British Literature with Mrs. Goede was his favorite.

At the end of each interview, they all talked about their advice to the juniors. Both Piontek and Noel expressed the idea of not making your senior life miserable and taking less challenging classes, while Mierendorf suggested that they should challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zone.

Overall, it was very clear that they all enjoyed their four-years at Wisco very much, and it was a life-defining and special experience for them, which helped shape them into who they are today.

Across 3. Paradise 4. Commercial 6. Penguin 8. Fumble 9. Tortilla 14. Bouquet 15. Chocolate 16. Bill 18. New Orleans

When May comes, there's an inevitable topic that everyone talks about: graduation. Around this time, seniors abandon their preconceived ideas, take a sip of truth serum, and express their true feelings and opinions about their four-years in high school. So, what does the class of 2024 have to say about their last four years at Wlhs? To find out, Pilot interviewed seniors Andrew Piontek, Luke Mierendorf, and Gabe Noel.

Overall, they all expressed very positive feelings about their four years at Wisco by saying that “it defined who [they] are as a person.” They also all mentioned how big an influence Wisco has been on them.

When they were asked about their biggest accomplishments in Wisco, Luke Mierendorf recognized that passing AP exams was a very difficult task to accomplish, yet he successfully did so. Gabe Noel described how he disciplined himself through a period of mental health issues, and Andrew Piontek expressed his gratitude for joining the Global Leadership Team.

When they were asked about their biggest regret, both Mierendorf and Noel talked about how they regret not joining more extracurriculars, while Piontek felt that his four years were perfect and truly has no regrets.

Down 1. Shakespeare 2. Rihanna 5. Couple 7. Interception 10. Rugby 11. Italy 12. Cupid 13. Her 17. Poem

Crossword Answer Key 10

Vol 30 no.4

Articles by and for students

March 2024

Photography by McKenna Dietze

Lunar New Year Party

ACT Tips & Advice

By Tommy Doerr The ACT is happening in less than a month, and it is a big deal for juniors. A good score can help you get into the college you want while a bad one can do the opposite. But fear not, Pilot is here to help. Pilot has interviewed multiple seniors and is excited to share with you their newfound test-taking wisdom.

The first interview was with valedictorian Kirstin Neuwirth. She does not consider practice tests or ACT prep books necessary; after all, isn’t school supposed to teach you everything you need to know for the test? However, she says, to make sure to get plenty of sleep before the test, and take a mint on test day, because mint is scientifically proven to stimulate the brain.

Mac Mundt took a more studious approach in his preparation. He watched YouTube videos, tried practice tests, and checked out the ACT study guide. After working through the practice tests and study guide, he also considers both of them unhelpful. He has some advice on the test: focus on geometry skills, not algebra; for science, learn how to read graphs, and do not be anxious about the essay since most colleges don’t even look at it.

Eva Kuehn agrees with Kirstin that learning in school is the most important way to prepare.

Otherwise, she says to check out a prep book from the library (don’t buy one) and to take one of the practice tests in it to get used to the formatting and timing of the test. On test day, eat a good breakfast, and “do all the other lame stuff people say,” but don’t worry too much about the test since if you do poorly you can take it again.

If you’re taking the test this March, best wishes to you! Pilot hopes that these tips are helpful for testing this March.

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w s o s r o d r C Puzzle

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3. City that hosted Super Bowl LVIII (close to Las Vegas)

1. Author of the play Romeo and Juliet

4. $7 million for 30 seconds during Super Bowl LVIII

2. Most-watched Super Bowl halftime show singer

6. Bird featured on pages 5 and 6

5. Another word for "pair"

8. When a player loses possession of the football

7. When a pass is caught by a defensive player

9. Chips--most popular Super Bowl snack last year

10. A close relative of football

14. A _______ of flowers

11. Where St. Valentine was born

15. A commonly sold candy during Valentine's Day

12. Winged Roman god of love

16. “Let me pay the ____________”

13. Sci-fi/romance 2013 film starring Joaquin Phoenix

18. City that has held the second most Super Bowls

17. The first Valentine's Day present

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