Peyton Allen - Staff Reporter
Kenna Ryan: A look through her lens
From capturing fun moments in middle school to high-quality photography, OH senior Kenna Ryan has deepens her passion for photography throughout her junior high and high school experiences, now dreaming of one day becoming a wedding photographer. “A lot of things inspired me, but I just thought that it would be a fun thing to pick up and do," Ryan said. "I liked seeing other photographers’ photos and their whole lifestyle.” Ryan's fun hobby flashed before her eyes in just seventh grade, starting with a small digital camera.
OH voices unheard for Day of Silence
On April 10, OH participated in the Day of Silence, a national student-led demonstration where the classes are quieter than usual. Participants take a vow of silence to protest the bullying and harassment of the LGBTQ community in schools. OH science teacher and True Colors sponsor Maggie Daly said, “The purpose [[for Day of Silence]] for students to be silent the way that members of the LGBTQ community are sometimes silenced, both in expressing who they are as well as the silencing that has come from the loss of life in the community.” True Colors, which sponsors this day, is an after-school program at OH for the LGBTQ+ community, led by students with three board members and two sponsors.
OH students mark their spot at HOSA State competition
At the BOS center in Springfield, future health professionals gathered from March 18-20 for the HOSA (Healthcare Occupational Students of America) State Leadership Conference, showcasing their skills in competitions from medical assisting to forensic science, showcasing their intelligence at the national level. “HOSA is a group, it's nationwide, so it's all different states. They prioritize healthcare professionals, then hold competitions every year where you can study different categories of healthcare, qualify for the nationals, and compete against other students," said OH senior Jordan Sheets. "It's just a very large community of networking for healthcare.” HOSA had much education to offer; the amount of diversity and variety was fundamental.
OATS: The trainers who keep us in the game
Every day, dedicated athletic trainers work behind the scenes, ensuring the health and safety of OH student athletes. From preventing injuries to providing special aid, these trainers are essential to the success of sports programs. At OH, certified athletic trainers are highly valued, not just throughout this month of appreciation in which athletic trainers are recognized. Oswego Athletic Training adviser (OATS) and Athletics Training teacher at OH Brian Cronin said, “Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance with their education, training, and the state's statutes, rules, and regulations.”
Saints to sweethearts: A look at the history of the day known for love
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.