Brandyn Hudson - Staff Reporter
‘One Battle After Another’ dominates at the ’26 Oscars as historic wins highlight the ceremony
The 98th Academy Awards delivered a historic night of major wins, milestones, and a competitive race between two of the year’s biggest films, as "One Battle After Another" emerged as the top winner at the 2026 Oscars. “I really do think 'One Battle After Another' deserved Best Picture," said OH senior Hassan Lawal. "'Sinners' also deserved the award, but you have to give credit to the underdogs, too.” "One Battle After Another" took home 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, and the film dominated the night, winning awards for Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson), Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Casting.
Podcast: Let the madness begin
The NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, known as March Madness, is in full swing, and the madness has already begun. The tournament started March 17, and since then, upset and standout games have already amazed crowds of fans, including students and teachers here at OH. “[[March Madness]] gets bigger and bigger every year, and it's only in the United States,” said OH special education teacher and Varsity basketball coach Jeff Gilmour. “Because of NIL money and the transfer portal, there's more parity throughout college basketball.” March Madness is considered the best time of the year to both casual and fulltime sport fans, but for some it's particularly special. “I watch as much as I can. … It's the most exciting time of the year for me. I'm a big college basketball fan– I don't really get into the NBA, and since high school season’s over now … college is the best tournament we have,” said Gilmour.
“Best kicker in Panther history”: The Stumpenhorst Legacy
When the OH Panther football team needed points the most, senior kicker Kaleb Stumpenhorst was the player they could count on. “He always knew that he had to step up and deliver in very clutch moments, as we saw in Lockport," said OH senior football player Devin Mata. "And really it’s props to the entire process. We all did our job, then Stump landed the final blow time and time again, proving the big time player he was." Moments after Stumpenhorst's kick sends Oswego to the state final, the team begins to celebrate with him. Credits: Justin Holden "Stump," as he is affectionately called by several of his teammates like Mata, pulled off the unthinkable on Nov. 22 in the fourth quarter of the semifinal game, which was tied 7-7 and special teams was lined up at the 40-yard line.
Hard work, dedication pays off: Grant breaks school career-point record
To say OH senior point guard Kendall Grant had a good winter break would be an understatement. On Dec. 27, 2025, Grant broke a school record for the '25-26 girls basketball team, earning her a place in school history and attaining a personal goal. In four years here at OH, Grant scored her 1,000th career point against Downers Grove South at the Carl Sandburg Holiday Tournament. “I've been playing basketball since I was in kindergarten, so that's been a long time, but I think freshman year was like a big wake-up call cause I started on the freshman team and then I got put on varsity and then that's sort of when the goal came to like like, I could see that it was like a possibility,” said Grant.
Two sweet: Schoenbach nominated for Music Educator GRAMMY again
OH’s band program is advanced to say the least. thanks to Directors Kevin Schoenbach and Stephanie San Roman, with around 300 students in all of the band programs combined, the performing arts are a significant part of Oswego High School's culture. This winter, Schoenbach was, for the second time in his career, recognized as a top 10 finalist for the Music Educator of the Year award from the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. This nomination is a reflection of his legacy in conducting, which has helped many students develop a deeper connection to a wider range of music. “Mr. Schoenbach motivates students to strive for excellence through his teaching style. The way he teaches is very entertaining and informative at the same time,” said OH senior Lucas Arroyo.