Advertisement
Home Authors Posts by Peyton Allen - Staff Reporter

Peyton Allen - Staff Reporter

Peyton Allen - Staff Reporter
0 POSTS 2 COMMENTS
Hi, my name is Peyton. I'm a junior in highschool and it's my first year on staff. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.

Saints to sweethearts: A look at the history of the day known for love

OH students celebrated Valentine's Day in many ways, but do students know the background of the holiday? This display near the courtyard and OH main hallway was dedicated to Valentine’s Day. Credit: Peyton Allen, 42Fifty

Beyond the chocolates and roses, Valentine's Day has an interesting past. Valentine's Day was a mosaic of ancient Roman fertility rites, the solemn remembrance of Christian saints, and poetic expressions of courtly love. Today, with romance and affection, we globally celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between. “Valentine’s Day represents an opportunity to talk about love in a broad cultural sense, not only romantic love, but friendship, family bonds, and appreciation,” said OH Spanish teacher Francisca Castellanos.

Podcast: The only thing stronger than hate is love

Pictured is an edited photo from the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, featuring Bad Bunny's stunning performance. Credit: Jia Nair, 42Fifty

The only thing stronger than hate is love, which makes perfect sense because we loved Bad Bunny's halftime Super Bowl performance. Join Podcast Editor Jia Niar, Spanish Editor Stephanie Mayorga, and 42Fifty reporter Peyton Allen as they review Bad Bunny's much-talked-about Super Bowl Halftime performance. There was a variety of entertainment during the Super Bowl, with the game, the Green Day performance, and new commercials, but this podcast focuses on all the love the halftime show deserves. Listen in for a review of Bad Bunny's 2026 Super Bowl performance.

Prohibited parking: A daily dilemma for drivers at a distance 

Pictured is OHS from OH gravel lot, a seeming long way to walk for those who do not have a valid parking pass to park in OH student lots. This is one of the main reasons students cite for parking illegally, especially in the colder weather. Credit: Peyton Allen, 42Fifty

When seeking a parking spot at school, it seems as though the rules of the road are more like suggestions for some OH students. Parking at school can be tough, but when students park in prohibited areas, it can be downright hectic. This can be a problem for students concerned about making it to class on time or who do not want to walk in cold weather. OH Deans Assistant Bob Faagust said, “The first day after winter break when we started the semester, I wrote 17 sticker warnings because it was rather cold that day, and kids don't want to walk from the gravel lot, so they were parking in the staff and visitor lots.” Parking closer in what appear to be open, closer spots, like staff or visitor spots, is prohibited. But that has not stopped students from doing so. And it creates issues during the academic day for administrative visitors, guests, parents, and others who visit OH.

OH filled with PRIDE for staff who make a difference

OH Building Engineer Timothy Lysne accepts his PRIDE award from building admin (left to right Kate Lippoldt, Brian Cooney, Carol Marzalek, and Brian Cooney) from SD308 leadership including Dr. Andalehib Kalghadi. Lysne is pictured at the center of the photo holding his PRIDE award. Credit: Gavin Baker, 42Fifty

Each month, dedicated staff are awarded for going above and beyond in monthly PRIDE nominations, an SD308 program honoring teachers and staff for their spectacular contributions to the community.  Every month, employees from around the district are nominated for their outstanding contributions and characteristics. According to the district website, this PRIDE program stands for Proudly Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence. In Nov., five OH staff members earned the award: English teacher Adam Jensen, Multilingual English teacher Iram Herrera, Career & Technical Education teacher Kristen Anderson, World Languages teacher Keith Strnad, and OH Building Engineer Timothy Lysne, and they all showed amazing gratitude in their departments.  “I had zero expectations for [[the award]]" said Herrera. "I kind of just tried to do my job through my abilities, so it was definitely a weird moment when it happened.” Herrera was nominated for making his students feel connected and supported.

Giving thanks: Panthers share gratitude through various Thanksgiving celebrations

A collage of photos featuring the Juniorette's meeting with Delaney Segarra and OH's culinary Thanksgiving feast. Credit: Jia Nair, 42Fifty

With Thanksgiving around the corner, OH’s community is more than ready to feast on their favorite holiday traditions. “[[Thanksgiving is]] about spending time with others and just being with one another,” said OH junior Mia Gasper. Throughout the building and in the community, students and staff participate in local Thanksgiving celebrations. Whether that be student-led events, food drives, or debating the best dish, everyone is trying their best to get involved in this fall season of gratitude.