Category Archives: Opinion

New Orleans Saints Offseason

By Isaac Kushner

The Saints finished last season 9-8, which is where they were projected to finish. They missed the playoffs by just one game. The Saints haven’t been to the playoffs in three years which is a little disappointing for the organization considering its winning history. They need to make some big moves in the offseason to move up to that playoff team or even maybe super bowl contenders. The playoffs have been very disappointing to the Saints and the fans as they’ve really only lost in heartbreaking fashion. I believe they can make a deep playoff run next year and here’s how they will do it.

First they need to get rid of Derek Carr. They did recently reconstruct his contract so he isn’t getting overpaid anymore, but he just can’t win football games. They need to trade Derek Carr for picks and trade up in this year’s draft to take a quarterback. Either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, whoever they can get. If that doesn’t work out, they can keep Carr and take edge rusher Jared Verse at their original 14th pick and trade up in the second round to select quarterback Michael Penix out of Washington. That way, if Carr isn’t performing up to the standard they can put in Penix who is a little older so he won’t take too long to adjust. The only thing wrong with Penix is he has been riddled with injuries. He tore his ACL twice and is very injury prone. They then need to go and get an offensive lineman to help protect him. If they can keep their original second rounder they can draft Dominick Puni out of Kansas who can play anywhere on the line. They can use the rest of the draft to fill holes that need to be filled. 

Another huge problem is Dennis Allen. Allen filled in for Sean Payton as head coach when he retired and ever since, hasn’t been to the playoffs. He replaced the offensive and defensive coordinators but they weren’t the problem. The problem is him. We need to fire him and hire a head coach like Mike Vrabel. He has a pretty strong resume making the playoffs four times in his six year tenure with the Titans. Now obviously more holes need to be filled, but I do believe the Saints are one big move away from being Super Bowl contenders.

Students Should Have Virtual Fridays

By Mary Riese

While adapting to the new technology advanced world, students need to have a good grasp on how to work well online. The world was abruptly introduced to the whole virtual environment when Covid took over. Many students did not work well online and would end up giving up trying to succeed. However, many companies and big businesses changed their companies to partly virtual, work from home, or even full time virtual. With this change, kids need to get used to the changing world in order to succeed in a job. Being able to work well in both environments is crucial. 

While having the ability to do both is important, this would also be a day in the week for kids to work on missing work, talk to teachers one on one virtually, and overall get a break from the occasionally toxic environment that high school can be for some students. For some kids, they can barely make it through the week, they end up missing various periods of school and important lessons that they don’t have the energy to make up. Additionally, lots of college classes can be taken online so getting comfortable with them before you have to pay for the classes in college would save students lots of money in the long run. Having virtual Fridays would give everyone a break, and even possibly lower the absence rate. It would also give teachers additional time to grade, create lesson plans, and meet with students who need extra help.

Whether it improves attendance, helps mental health, gives extra work time, or helps students be well set for their future, having virtual Fridays would make a positive impact. Especially with all the technology and resources available, this small change could be made in the blink of an eye. Having virtual Fridays is something easy to do, beneficial to students, and a positive change for the better.

Is it Worthwhile to Get a Job as a Teen?

By Mary Riese

While going to school, playing sports, and working a job may not seem ideal to the average teen, they will learn many different tactics and skills for their futures. Better ways to communicate politely, time management, money management, and professionalism. 

First, polite communication is key for any success in the workplace. People will not respond well to harsh commands or unclear requests. However with the right communication, you are much more likely to get your way. Next, time management. Time management is crucial to balance and finish many things in your life. If college is in the cards, being able to balance several hard classes while still having a good time all depends on your time management. You learn this at your first job because you slowly learn how many hours you are able to sustain. Figuring enough time for work, homework, sports, and sleep is not easy, but it will help you learn how much you can bear for future opportunities. 

Additionally, money management. For many teens, this is their first time the money they obtain is truly theirs. Managing expenses such as gas, clothing, or food is a good way to learn money management without having to worry about “grown-up” things such as house or car payments. Finally, professionalism. Being introduced to things such as work attire, work language, or work makeup is a good way for teens to learn what will help them to secure jobs in the future. Professionalism is how to be professional in work environments, how to act. Not swearing, using manners, not wearing ripped jeans, and not wearing obnoxious makeup are just a few examples. 

In conclusion, working a job as a teen teaches crucial skills for their future, ability to succeed in any environment.

Is Raising Canes Worth the “Hype”? 

By Mary Riese

Raising Canes is a restaurant taking over the fast food industry. This restaurant is known for only serving chicken finger meals. The idea of this restaurant came to life when a college student named Todd Graves was told to write a paper on a business that would thrive in a college town. Graves wrote up a business plan for this and then went on to get the lowest grade in the class as his professor told him only serving chicken fingers in South Louisiana would never work. Graves then gave this business plan to many other investors, all of which denied, so he learned what he would have to do to build his first restaurant and named it after his yellow lab, Raising Cane. 

Their most popular meal is “The Box Combo” consisting of four chicken fingers, one piece of Texas toast, French fries, and a side of coleslaw. Their craveable appeal is what truly draws people in because who doesn’t like chicken fingers and fries? However, most times the chicken is soggy and the fries are not seasoned. They also like to be known for their signature sauce, but in reality it just tastes like thousand island dressing with too much pepper. The lemonade they claim they make fresh really just tastes like Chick-Fil-A’s; good but not original. 

Overall, if you have a craving for chicken fingers this may seem like the best option, but I would try another. Although it is average, it is not worth the $10-15 you have to pay per meal. If you have never had it before, you truly are not missing out. 

Why You Should Get Involved in Theatre at Tremper

by Riley Voss

It is incredibly important to get involved during your time in high school. From the clubs and organizations available to join to the plethora of elective classes that can help you find out what you’re interested in, getting involved is what can make your high school experience one to remember. One of the best ways to get involved at Tremper is by participating in the Theatre Program. From the acting and drama classes available to take, to the shows that go on every year that you can audition for, the Theatre department is a welcoming and inclusive space where you will surely meet some of your closest friends. Participating in theatre is also a great way to learn many important life skills such as teamwork, leadership skills, and the ability to get a job done efficiently and effectively.

The Tremper Theatre program is an incredibly welcoming place, where you are able to confidently be yourself without judgment. Students from all different cliques and groups participate in theatre, allowing you to meet new people that you might have never known otherwise. I have met some of my best friends through the Theatre Program, and it is one of the only places where I feel comfortable to be my authentic self. Participating in a show together creates a special bond between you and everyone involved in the show. Friendships are formed that stand the test of time and you meet people who will stand by you no matter what. It is that close and genuine friendship that you get by participating in theatre that you cannot find anywhere else.  Continue reading Why You Should Get Involved in Theatre at Tremper

Admissions 

by Jacob Puhr 

Saturday, November 12th, was the closing night for Tremper’s Admissions.  The following article is less of a review as it is a combination of general thoughts I have on the play.  Before I indulge into the play’s subject matter, which will be this article’s main concern, I’d like to offer my praise to the actors and director.  

Every one of these actors delivered a stellar performance.  Despite many of them being classmates, I could not see them as such, instead I only saw them as their characters.  I believe that is a testament to their abilities and skills.  Not once did I catch any obvious mistakes or even a misspoken line; the entire show seemed to be fantastically flawless.  I’d say Enzo (Bill) and Jack (Charlie) possessed the best chemistry together.  Enzo truly appeared as an adult where Jack expertly emerged with the energy of a teenager whose dreams had been crushed.  The two played off each other well and added believability to the play.  

I believe Ghost, as Ella prefers to be called, (Sherri) was the heart of the play.  Her character doesn’t undergo a transformation, at least a major one, but as she sympathizes more with her disheartened son, we connect to her.  Even though we see her as a hypocrite (more on that later), we can’t help but like her as she defends Charlie when Bill harangues him during the rejection scene.  We perceive her as flawed while seeing her as a mother nonetheless who cares for her son.  Abby and Lucy were admirable in their respective roles as well.  Abby in particular added comedy to an often tense drama.  

Lastly, I’d like to offer praise to Mr. Cicerale.  His play utilizes a very minimalist structure, a new experience for him.  There were only five actors and one set atop a small “runway style stage”; the play itself is held in the theater room instead of the large auditorium.  He made the most of little.  Perhaps the minimalist approach worked best as the audience was just feet away from the actors, as if we’re in the play itself.  Like Cicerale elaborated in the program, “The intimacy that this creates, along with forcing the audience to not only watch the actors, but in a way, face themselves” was enabled by the play’s personal location.  The simple set fit each scene to where nothing felt out of place, and his work with the costume designer paid off as each actor’s appearance further reinforced their character and our perception of them. Continue reading Admissions 

Best Pizza in Kenosha

By Daniel Chiappetta

The best pizza in Kenosha is Kaiser’s Pizza. I have been to a lot of the pizza restaurants in Kenosha. The other places like Villa D Carlo, Sal’s, Giordano, and Casa Capri can’t compete with the pizza that Kaiser’s has. So many other people would agree with me that Kaiser’s have the best pizza. This shows why Kaiser’s has the best pizza in Kenosha. 

To begin with, me and my family have tasted and rated all of the main pizza places in Kenosha. After doing that I strongly believe that Kaiser’s have the best pizza in Kenosha. Kaiser’s white pizza is my favorite and is probably the best pizza I have ever tasted. If I rated all the pizza places in Kenosha out of ten I would give Kaiser’s a 9/10 and the next closest would be Giordano’s and I would give them a 7/10. This showcases why Kaiser’s have the best pizza in Kenosha.  Continue reading Best Pizza in Kenosha

The Hallmark Hell We Live In

by Zachary Brey 

Modern Christmas movies have gone to trash. It’s all the same plot over and over again. Here let me give you an example. Let’s make our “own” story. Sarah will be our stand in character. Sarah is a single woman living in a small town working in the big city. Sarah’s mother is always complaining about Sarah being alone on Christmas. Sarah says she is content with being alone, although deep down inside she is not. Insert some subplot about her friend that is unnamed, but a comedic relief.  Blah, blah, blah, skip some important baloney. Boom, the end of the movie resolves with Sarah with the love of her life, as her unnamed friend is there to watch the enjoyment.

At the end of the day, it is too cliché. If you read that story and went, “huh, sounds like one I know.” Yeah,  it’s probably because it is. Modern movies rely on the same cookie cutter (pun intended) plots. It’s all the same nowadays. Honestly if you want to see it in a more visual perspective, we’ve hit a plateau on Christmas movies. We’re not improving their style, or not changing it up, they are being made as cash grabs. If you want a change maybe make a plot yourself that involves Christmas becoming a complete disaster, but the main characters work it through or something. Like the tree lights on fire and grandma dies, and the turkey was over cooked. But the main characters see that it is not the materialistic things that make Christmas, well Christmas, but the fact they are all celebrating it all together. And with high confidence I can tell you that’s probably a plot already for a movie. How about this, STOP making Christmas movies.

Why You Should Get Involved in Choir at Tremper

by Riley Voss

Choir is a greatly fulfilling experience. Being part of a close-knit community where everyone comes together to make music and have fun is incredibly rewarding. The Tremper choir program is a great example of this. Joining choir at Tremper will provide you with an amazing sense of community where you can make lasting friendships and memories while working towards the goal of bettering yourself as a singer.

Choir is a great bonding experience, as you have to rely on and trust the other members of your section in order to succeed and produce great music together. Because of this, I have made great friendships during my time in Tremper Choir, finding people who will stand by me no matter what and value me both as a choir member and as a person. These friendships have been some of the strongest that I have made throughout my time in high school, and I have made lasting memories with these people over my years here. From the Madrigal Singers retreat, to going to see musicals such as Wicked and Come From Away together, the people that I have met through choir are truly some of my best friends. Strong friendships like this are important to have during your time in high school, and being in choir will give you so many great friends who you will likely want to remain in touch with long after you graduate. Continue reading Why You Should Get Involved in Choir at Tremper

My Declaration of Independence 

By Bailey Chrabascz

We, as the National Association of Stressed teenagers, declare our independence from all homework. Homework restricts our ability to do things after school. It causes stress, anxiety, frustration, and sleep deprivation. We would like to separate ourselves from homework for all of the reasons listed above. 

I think we can all agree that the best solution would be to remove homework all together. Students go from doing school eight hours a day, five days a week to going home just to do more school. The NAST (National Association of Stressed Teenagers) has decided that the only exception to having no homework is if you don’t get your work done in class. The kids that choose to slack off in school should not get the privilege of being homework free. Teachers and staff should only be allowed to give homework to students who don’t do their work during school hours.  Continue reading My Declaration of Independence 

Why Marvel is Overrated

by Riley Voss

Marvel is an incredibly popular franchise, with millions of fans all over the world. With over thirty movies and series to watch, and an endless amount of comics dating all the way back to 1939, Marvel has a rich and storied history. However, with all of the lore to keep track of, Marvel becomes a hard franchise to follow and be a fan of. That is why I feel that Marvel is overrated. The sheer amount of characters and stories and the amount of work needed to learn about all of them make Marvel not worth following anymore.

For fourteen years, Marvel has been releasing movies in “phases”, slowly telling the convoluted and confusing stories of their hundreds of Marvel characters. From Iron Man all the way to Thor: Love and Thunder, the MCU has released over thirty movies and shows since 2008, and plans to release up to thirty-seven more over the course of their “Multiverse Saga”. This is a lot to keep track of, with over seven hundred characters with different backstories and adventures, all represented in the MCU. With so many stories to keep up with, and new movies coming out every year, it can be difficult for even the most avid fans to stay current. This is part of what makes Marvel so overrated and not worth following: new fans could end up spending months, even years catching up with all of the lore in the MCU alone. It is incredibly difficult to be a well-educated fan of Marvel, even for someone who has been following it all their life. Continue reading Why Marvel is Overrated

Why College? 

by Julie Jaworski

While growing up, you grow to hate school. You go through twelve years, just to have to do more. For many people, post secondary education is not in their plan. There is no problem with not wanting to further your education, but there are many benefits to doing so. 

Let’s begin with why college is NOT necessary. There are many options after high school, things like the military and trade school. Even without going into those things, there are people who are still just as successful without all the schooling as someone who got a Masters degree.  Continue reading Why College? 

Why Standardized Tests are an Unfair Assessment of Students’ Grades

by Riley Voss

Almost every year of a student’s schooling, a standardized test is given in order to assess the progress that students are making in their education. Whether that be MAPs testing in elementary school, the Forward Exam in middle school, or the ACT and SAT in high school, students have been forced into these tests for years. However, these tests are an inaccurate assessment of a student’s true academic performance in school. They create extra stress that causes students to underperform and put great students who are simply bad test-takers at a disadvantage, creating an unfair assessment of their academic skills.

Every year students are given a different standardized test to worry about. Whether that be the  MAPs or Forward Exams, or the more important ACT and SAT, there is always some kind of standard issue test that creates extra stress for students. Giving these tests creates a tremendous amount of worry for students from age seven to seventeen, as they stress about getting a good grade and showing that they are good students. However, this mindset often causes students to underperform on the test. Although they may be a model student in every day class, a low score on the ACT due to stress can cause colleges to get the wrong idea about students. An A and B student with a fourteen on the ACT may seem less desirable than a student with the same grades and a score of twenty-eight. A low ACT score that is likely due to pent up stress and anxiety should not be so important to a student’s acceptance to college, as it was an unfair assessment of the student’s true academic potential. Continue reading Why Standardized Tests are an Unfair Assessment of Students’ Grades

Steve Lacy’s Meltdown

By Ian Valdez

Steve Lacy, a popular musician that has recently been in the spotlight of popular music and internet sensation, with his recent album becoming a big hit on TikTok, with songs including Bad Habit, and Static  people have been using their creative ideas to Lacy’s music which has made him even more popular recently than his 2010 debut. Lacy has been touring showing off his music to those who love his music but there has been much controversy with his performances, with many people who are actually fans, and even Lacy himself expressing their annoyance with people going to the shows, while only knowing the TikTok parts.

During one of Steve Lacy’s performances he was singing his song Bad Habit and towards the end of the song he was fed up with the dead crowd and people only singing the parts from TikTok, this frustrated Lacy and he freaked out, telling the DJ to stop playing the song and he walked off, but before he went off the stage he went up to a fan and and smashed their phone off the ground. This is a very strange act for Lacy considering he is a very nice respectable person, but this outburst is raising eyebrows and making fans question Lacy as a person.  Continue reading Steve Lacy’s Meltdown

Why the Tremper Music Department Deserves More Recognition

by Riley Voss

All throughout my time at Tremper High School, I have been involved in music. I have sung in many different choirs and experienced a lot of what the Tremper Music Program has to offer. However, one thing that I have noticed throughout my time doing music at Tremper is that the Music department does not get a lot of recognition from the school for the amazing things that they have done.

At the Pep Rally on September 30th, each sport that is available at Tremper got a special shout out for all that they have done. From football to girls golf, each sport was recognized and appreciated for what they do. However, the music programs of Tremper were left unnoticed and unappreciated. It was almost as if they didn’t exist at all. So many students work tremendously hard, constantly practicing their instruments and singing until their lungs give out so that a worthwhile performance can be put on during the concerts. However, this tireless effort and dedication is often left unrecognized by the school. When students from Band, Orchestra, and Choir alike put on an amazing performance in concert, or do exceptionally well during Solo and Ensemble competitions, they get no recognition for their achievements over the morning announcements or at pep rallies. These students, who may have no interest in sports but excel in their musical endeavors, are not acknowledged for their incredible performances and achievements in the music department. Meanwhile, every sport offered at Tremper gets a special announcement when games are coming up, or when students place highly in their respective competitions. The students who participate in music deserve to be celebrated in the same manner for working so hard and doing so many extraordinary things. These students, such as myself, work so diligently to provide an amazing performance, and deserve more appreciation for everything they have accomplished. Continue reading Why the Tremper Music Department Deserves More Recognition

Superhero Movies Go The Way of the Western

By Benjamin Rothove

Superhero movies have dominated the box office for the past two decades, but their popularity is finally waning.  After 2019’s Avengers: Endgame crushed box office records, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen diminishing returns, with disappointments such as Black Widow and Eternals underscoring this decline.  So, what happened?

Between 2008’s Iron Man and 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a carefully planned saga consisting of twenty-two films spanning eleven years.  Between 2021 and 2024, fifteen movies are planned for release, alongside at least twenty television series and additional specials.  Rather than a Marvel releasing being a biannual cinematic event, the executives at Disney decided that the sludge must flow.  Now, a new MCU property is released almost every week.  Even die-hard fans are having trouble keeping up with the storyline, and most casual viewers have given up.   Continue reading Superhero Movies Go The Way of the Western

Benefits of Journaling Daily 

By Lillian Liebke

We go through so much in our daily lives, sometimes we can barely even remember what we did the other day. We unknowingly take advantage of those sweet and genuine moments and we forget them, until randomly having it randomly pop up in our heads one day. But imagine if you were able to say a date and be able to go back and look at what you did that day? Or week? Journaling frequently has many benefits, the main one being that you can savor your memories forever. 

I have been journaling for five years now, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I go back in my journal and I see memories of when I made the volleyball team for the first time, when my sister had her children, all my memories with my childhood boyfriends, everything that I had experienced in that time period. By frequently writing in a journal about what’s going on in my life and my emotions on the situation, I am able to go back and relive those amazing memories. Adding pictures of you, movie tickets, random drawings, literally anything you can think of makes it much more sentimental. Continue reading Benefits of Journaling Daily 

Why Music?

By Julie Jaworski

Music is a part of our everyday lives. While this is true, it is also true there are some people who appreciate music more than others. 

Music is a form of entertainment for some, and comfort for others. It is like an escape from reality. Some people find this an escape because of the peace the sound brings. Personally, I find an escape in the lyrics.

There is so much more meaning behind songs when you really listen to the lyrics. This is a pastime I enjoy doing, finding a deeper meaning.  Continue reading Why Music?

Why Tremper Should Practice ALiCE Procedures During Lunch Periods

by Riley Voss

Tremper has an ALiCE drill once a month. Students have practiced these procedures during many different class periods, including Check and Connect, third period, sixth period, and many other times throughout the day. However, last year, when an ALiCE alert was sent out accidentally and without warning, students were unprepared and unsure of what to do. Why? Because it happened during a lunch period. Students such as myself who were in lunch when the alert went off had no sense of what to do during the situation, as it had never been practiced before. In addition, students who were in classrooms may have had no idea of the escape or barricade plans for their respective classes, as they had never practiced ALiCE procedures in fourth period. All of these factors contribute to why Tremper should conduct at least one ALiCE drill during lunch periods.

When the unforeseen ALiCE alert went off last year, I was in my lunch period. The alert was sounded, and everyone in the lunchroom panicked. We had no frame of reference for what to do if an intruder entered the building during lunch. Many tried to escape the building, going out the front doors to get out of the situation. However, students were quickly ushered into the auditorium, a procedure that we did not know existed as we had never practiced this before. This created chaos, as an unorganized crowd was ushered slowly into the auditorium for safety. Had this been a real situation, the students’ lack of practice in lunchtime ALiCE procedures would end up being a huge danger to the students, as they would have no idea what to do or where to go. Continue reading Why Tremper Should Practice ALiCE Procedures During Lunch Periods

Beauty Standards

By Amaiya Diaz

The phrase “beauty standards” is looked down upon by many people. It raises an obsession over your looks while evaluating others subconsciously. The constant need and want to look suitable for other people is something almost everyone struggles with. We are continuously exposed to how we are “supposed” to look by hearing or seeing it. Beauty standards are everywhere, whether we like them or not. Still, some people might ask: are beauty standards wrong? 

The short answer is yes. Beauty standards suck. Thinking you have to look a certain way can seriously harm somebody’s mental well-being. Even children are affected by how you should or shouldn’t look with their gradual exposure to the media. Anyone could easily be influenced by typical beauty standards, whether you mean to be or not. With weight loss ads on billboards or scrolling through Instagram and seeing models every other post, someone might be taking critical and unhealthy steps to look “better.”  While some people might just use Photoshop to tune up their pictures to post, others may see that and think they are doing something wrong and develop bad habits to try and correct it.  Continue reading Beauty Standards

Modern Movie has Destroyed the Female Character

By Zachary Brey 

Now I know what you’re thinking when you read that title, “What the …” hear me out though. If we compare the modern female character to one from the 70’s 80’s there is a vast difference. Personally I feel that nowadays we make characters invulnerable, and too predictable. The cliché I usually see in a movie is, “I’m a woman, that is the center point of my character.” This needs to stop. Take for instance Ellen Ripley from Alien. We see she is just a normal crew member from the Nostromo. Now yes, her crewmates have died to an alien and she is the lone survivor. (You had 42 years to watch the movie before I spoiled it.) We see she is a vulnerable character, and her life is actually at stake. Why does this create such a great character?  Because it shows the character is relatable to the fact they can actually die.

Now the perfect example of a horrible female character would have to be Captain Marvel from Captain Marvel. In the movies she is virtually unstoppable. She beats the living crap out of everyone and everything. Now yes, she is a superhero. But even Superman has his kryptonite. What is her weakness you may ask? Brainwashing and mind control. Do they portray this in the movie? Not really. Sure they have a scene here and there with going into some mind thing, but breaks free from it. How is it she is supposed to have a weakness but it is completely ignored for cinematic purposes? I would have been more fine with the power of friendship cliché to help set her free. Continue reading Modern Movie has Destroyed the Female Character

Why the Ratio of Summative to Formative Assignments in the Gradebook is Flawed

by Riley Voss

In the gradebook currently, summative assessments makeup 90% of a student’s grade, while formative assignments are only worth 10% of the grade. This is a flawed system for multiple reasons: with formative assessments having such a small impact on a student’s overall grade, students are able to skip doing the practice assignments while still passing the class with above average marks. Also, making tests and quizzes such a large portion of the grade puts students who have a hard time taking tests at a disadvantage, meaning that even if they are a good student and do well on the practice, their below average performance on the test due to stress and pressure will pull their grade down and inaccurately represent their understanding of the material.

As of the writing of this article, formative assignments are only worth 10% of a student’s overall grade. This means that the practices and worksheets that students are assigned will hardly make any impact on the letter grade of a student. This encourages slacking off on formative assignments, as it is easy for a student to skip all of the practice worksheets and still maintain a B average. This ruins the work ethic of students, as it gives no incentive to complete the work. The students will get by just fine with zeroes on every formative, while completing the summative assessments and maintaining a good grade. Continue reading Why the Ratio of Summative to Formative Assignments in the Gradebook is Flawed