Jessica Bellah - Opinions Editor
News: Updated gym rules implemented at OH
OH implemented new gym rules that reduce locker room changing time from five minutes to four minutes and relocated equipment rentals into the locker rooms. This change, made by the Kinetic Wellness Department, aims to improve efficiency, reduce tardiness, and limit hallway loitering during PE periods. The updated rules apply to all students enrolled in OH PE classes and change how students prepare for class before activities begin. School leaders say the changes are intended to increase instructional time and improve transitions between class periods. “We have gone from five minutes to four minutes in the locker room before the period,” said Nicholas Oraham, boys basketball coach, PE, and driver's ed teacher at OH. “Rentals are now being done in the locker room and not at the rental closet.”
Still new, but active: OH girls’ wrestling team’s rapid rise on the mat
Starting off the season with open mats and high spirits, the girls’ wrestling team is ready for their season. During their meet on Thurs. Dec. 4 against Romeoville, the Panthers scored -without forfeits- 30-24 OH. Then, against Joliet Central, the team had a tying score of 18-18; however, with forfeits, the final meet score was 42-18 Joliet Central. Open mats were hard to start up for pre-season due the unexpected heavy storm hitting the OH main gym, but this issue was resolved right before the start of the season.
Podcast: Oswego kicks-off the season with annual Christmas Walk this Fri.
Podcast hosts Jessica Bellah, Ainslee Gerardot, and Cristina Murillo look ahead to the Fri., Dec. 5 Christmas Walk in downtown Oswego. Get holiday-hyped as they preview the pop-ups, holiday drinks, events, and favorite traditions at this annual community event. Oswego's Christmas Walk takes place Fri., Dec. 5 from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. For full details, the Village of Oswego published a Christmas Walk guide to help residents plan their wintry fun.
Opinion: Needless AI use is contributing to the change of our environment
As climate change becomes more of an issue, artificial intelligence's (AI) energy use slowly raises more problems, even if users are unaware. The increase of climate change has been ongoing since the Industrial Revolution. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information reported that 2024 was the warmest year since global records started in 1850. This indicates the amount of sunlight energy absorbed and the heat traveling back to space is out of balance, and the temperature either rises or falls. To power AI, it takes massive amounts of energy to run for long periods of time. “I would say in the early stages, the concern of energy consumption would be my biggest concern," said OH AP Environmental Teacher Zachary Horn. "But obviously, there are some advantages that AI can do that can maybe streamline things, maybe reduce our need for burning fossil fuels, and other ways like transportation and communication. I think it's too early to say whether or not it's gonna have a bigger impact,” Horn added.
Opinion: Spirit Week fostered sense of community, pride
Fostering a sense of school pride and community, the annual Homecoming (Hoco) Spirit Week of events and themed days is a week students and the OH community look forward to each year. Filled with so many events and opportunities, there is no reason not to get involved in the fun. The first day of the Hoco events was the Hoco parade on Sun., Sept. 28, which is organized by OH Student Council. OH Student Council member and senior Carmela Arch said, “The Homecoming parade is a really fun event to attend because it brings everyone together and shows off different clubs and school spirit.”