Jessica Bellah - Opinions Editor
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.”
Panther Marching Band places second at NIU Red & Black competition
OH’s Panther Marching Band earned second place at the Northern Illilnois University (NIU) Red & Black competition even as they fought against rain, nerves, and eight other bands in their 3A class on Sept. 20. OH Senior Liam Cooley, a percussionist and drum line member in the band, said the competition is “super important. I'm always enjoying going to our competitions.” The Northern Illinois Red & Black competition, held at NIU's Huskie Stadium, provided students with the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in marching band.
Hoco trends 2025: A place for fashion and fun
Homecoming 2025 is a special time for all grade levels to express themselves by getting glammed up for a good time. It's always great to highlight the main part of an event, for this occasion, that is, dresses and fashion. “I like the excitement of it,” said OH senior Savanna Morris. “Especially because I'm a senior now, it will be really fun to do all the themes they have for the week.”