he
ill er

The

Volume 7, Issue 7 | Date: February 9th, 2024

Snow Daze

By: Sophie Johnson

Villager

IN THIS ISSUE Snow Daze - Page 1

MHS Sports - Page 2

MHS Sports, Valentines Week, McDonald

Every student's favorite part of winter is the chance of getting a snow day. Students check news apps constantly, waiting to see their school pop up. Many enjoy the free time that come with a snow day, while others are unsure what to do with themselves. What are some
things students could do during a snow day? Students could go out in

Briefly- Page 3

McDonald Briefly, Editorial - Page 4

Outstanding Staff, Book Review - Page 5

People on the Street! - Page 6

Top 10 List, Movie Review - Page 7

the snow, watch TV, or catch up on school work.	Back Page Pics - Page 8

Junior Isabella Sallustio said she uses the time to catch up on assignments and watch her favorite

television shows during snow days. Junior Gionni Carkido says he likes to use the time to watch TV because he often doesn't have free time otherwise. Junior Anabela Merola said, “During snow days I like to read and have time to myself.”
Superintendent Mr. O’Connell said, “To give a snow day, we must check for certain things. If the windchill is -15 degrees below we are not allowed to have school. Snowfall is more challenging to determine the night before however. I have to wake up early to check roads along with the forecast for
the rest of the day.”

Mr. O’Connell shared that temperature is easy to determine

if he has to call for a snow day, but as for snow there is usually no direct answer right away to whether or not school will be canceled. He added, “If I feel it is unsafe for children to walk and the roads are unsafe for staff and students or parents I will often make the call.”
Last school year we only had one snow day due to our winter being very mild. Snow days are called when it’s either unsafe for teachers and students to travel via roads because of snow

or ice, or the windchill makes it too cold. Mr. O’Connell said there is usually a group call with superintendents from other
schools and they sometimes decide together.

Gionni Carkido, Isabella Sallustio, and Anabela Merola standing outside of the high
school with Superintendent Mr. O’Connell

STAFF LIST

EDITOR STAFF: ANNABELLE SMITH

STAFF WRITERS: AIDEN BOOTH, SOPHIE JOHNSON, MCKENZIE ORLANDI

EDITOR IN CHIEF: MR. BACKUR

February 9, 2024

Winter Sports Find Success Across the Board By: Aiden Booth

The boy’s bowling team has been having an amazing season so far. They have had some big wins against schools like LaBrae, Liberty, Brookfield, and Crestview. As a team, they have been looking great and individually, each player has shown improvement in their respective performances. Garek Deluga and Zach Bregar lead the team and are followed by Gavin Schriner, Jaret Sypert, Kallen Dye, Quintin Bell, and Landon Isaac.
When asked about his feelings on the season, junior Garek Deluga said, “Personally, I have shown a lot of improvement from last season and overall I have increased my average by almost 30 pins.”
When asked about the team's biggest accomplishment this season, he added, “Our biggest accomplishment was beating our rival, LaBrae, our second time meeting them when two of our best bowlers were absent.”
The girl’s bowling team has been having a great season so far also. They have had some big wins such as Crestview and Liberty, as well as taking down LaBrae. This girl’s team has shown a lot of improvement throughout the season from their players. Everyone has gained skills and learned new tactics that hopefully will pay off and take this team to the state match.
Overall, the leading bowler has been sophomore Megan Bregar who has been averaging 150 pins almost every game. This team continues to show the heart, passion, and effort behind every game they play and

has a bright future.

Brady Klockner shoots the three-pointer to make it a 5-point game
against Springfield.

The boy’s basketball team has been doing very well this season. They are standing fourth in the conference with a 4-3 record and a 7-7 overall record. They took on Jackson Milton on Friday, January 12, and won 74-62. Then, they faced off against a tough Springfield team and won 57-54. Talk about a nail-biter, this game was never in the hands of either team. In the end, however, we took the win. It has been an exciting season so far to watch this team grow and continue to win games.
Senior point guard Wyatt Wolford said, “The season is going alright, I still want to work on some fundamentals, but overall it's been good. Beating Ridge was huge as well as beating Springfield, but I would say ultimately keeping our winning record has
been the most meaningful accomplishment so far.”

The girl's basketball team has been working hard, too. They sit at a 5-7 record and look to push it to a winning record during the back half of their season. They took on a tough Lowellville on Thursday, January 11, and lost 50-40. However, this game was a battle going back and forth until the end of the 3rd quarter when Lowellville started building their lead. They also took on a challenging Mineral Ridge team and lost, but gave it their best. They are sixth in the conference right now and look to climb as high as they can as the season progresses.
Senior Mariah Bregar discussed the season and said, “For me personally, the season has been going as well as I could have hoped for. Although we have had our losses, the friendships I have made this year overcome even the biggest loss.”
Discussing the team’s biggest accomplishment so far, she added, “Learning how to work together and learning that you cannot always win, but you can always have fun and play your hardest has been our biggest accomplishment this far.”	February 9, 2024

Continued... I had the opportunity to speak with freshman swimmer Selene Massaro and ask her how the season was going so far. Selene said, “I feel good about the season so far, winning first in the 100-meter breaststroke and second in the 200-meter freestyle a few weeks ago at the Falcon Invitational was a feel-good moment for me. This season, I just hope to get some new personal best times and to hopefully make it to state.”
Sectionals and Districts followed by state are the next events coming up. Selene would love the support, so if you can, make it to a swim meet and cheer her on as she
battles to be a state qualifier.

Freshman Selene Massaro is in action getting ready to take off in a race
Photo Credit: Selene Massaro

Valentines Week By: McKenzie Orlandi

With the season for romance quickly approaching, Valentine’s Day will be here next week. To celebrate the season, many students are finding a lot of ways to celebrate.
On Friday, February 2 there was a Junior High dance sponsored by the McDonald PTO after the basketball game that went until 10:30pm. During the dance, music played and refreshments were offered. Then, on Saturday, February 10 the high school had its Sweethearts Dance sponsored by the National Honor Society. The dance took place in the gymnasium for all 9-12 graders. Admission was $15 with proceeds going to the American Heart Association.
During the dance, students dressed up in semi-formal attire and enjoyed the music and company of classmates from 6-8pm. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, some students went with friends and others invited a significant other.	However, Valentine's Day is also a holiday to spread all kinds of
love, often by giving or receiving a little gift such as cards with something meaningful written inside, a box of heart-shaped chocolates that have surprise fillings in them, or a bouquet of flowers. These gestures can mean a lot to a person.
When asked about some of her favorite things to receive around this time of year, Isabella Platek said her favorite flower is an orchid because it is super pretty and smells good and caramel apple suckers. When asked if she likes the holiday she responded, “It's kind of just a day. I don't hate it
or dislike it .”

McDonald, Briefly

By: Annabelle Smith

The boy’s bowling team posing for a group photo at the tournament
Photo Credit: Mrs. Averell

On Saturday, February 3rd the boys bowling team played in a tournament at SkyLane Bowling in Garrettsville. They faced off against every high school boys bowling team in our area. With guidance from their coach, Jim Getz, the boys team won the entire tournament! Their hard work has really paid off this season. Congratulations on the win boys and keep up the good work!

February 9, 2024

Continued...The Senior High pep band, varsity girls basketball team, and varsity cheerleaders all recently went to Fairhaven for a basketball game. The Fairhaven team and the McDonald team played side by side and worked together to get the ball down the court. The McDonald varsity cheerleaders did a halftime performance with the Fairhaven cheerleaders and the band played during halftime and timeouts.
After the game ended, the students had lunch together and got to bond with the Fairhaven students. All of the students had a great time on the field trip and the pep band, basketball team, and cheerleaders all made some great new
friends!

The Senior High Pep Band taking a group photo on the Fairhaven field trip
Photo Credit: Mr. Hill

Editorial: MLK and Presidents Day By: Annabelle Smith

On Monday, January 15th, the nation celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day). This is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January every single year. This day is meant to remember Martin Luther King Jr. as well as honor his amazing work in the civil rights movement. MLK Day is also used to celebrate equality and peace.
We will soon celebrate Presidents Day on February 19th. Similar to MLK Day, this holiday is held on the third Monday of every February. Presidents Day, also known as Washington’s birthday, is meant to remember how each and every president has helped to build the government that we have today. In popular culture, it often focuses on the lives and close proximity of Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays.
There are multiple ways to celebrate both MLK Day and
Presidents Day. One way is to practice peaceful protesting.	Miss Rozzo’s Martin Luther King Jr. bulletin You could peacefully protest for different civil rights issues,     board dedicated to celebrating his life and celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful acts of justice.                            accomplishments
There are also many events going on all around your community to celebrate these days. Even just

spending time with family and friends can be a great way to celebrate. You can also research Martin Luther King Jr. and our former presidents to get information on their accomplishments as a way to gain a better appreciation for their fight and struggle.
There are also many things around the school that are set up to appreciate MLK Day and Presidents Day. For example, Miss Rozzo has put up a bulletin board dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. in her room. This board is meant to educate students on Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence in the civil rights movement as well as appreciate his work. We should all try to spread awareness about these days and celebrate their lives to honor their roles and importance in American society.

February 9, 2024

Outstanding Staff: Mr. Amicone

By: Sophie Johnson
Mr. Amicone is a member of the maintenance staff here in our district. His job is to keep the school

clean and functioning. He has been a member of the MHS staff for 24 years and his favorite part of working here is the staff members he gets to work with along with the students.
Before becoming a staff member here at McDonald, Mr. Amicone was a high lift driver. He said he loved that job, however, he got this job because the company he worked for shut down.
He has a very important job here at MHS and is often the reason this school stays afloat. He is here really early in the morning trying to plow sidewalks and parking lots on snowy days or fixing a vent to keep
the HVAC system running. If there’s an issue in the school, Mr. Amicone is on it.
Mr. Amicone said, “I frequently check the boilers along with the heating and cooling systems, I take care of any work or projects that need to be completed.”
His job has also led to some interesting encounters. Mr. Amicone continued, “You never know what to expect each day, whether it be something to do with the school itself or a student.”
His favorite thing to do outside of school is to go places and spend quality time with his grandkids.
His job is not an easy task. Our students and staff are so grateful for Mr. Amicone. When asked what his favorite thing about Mr. Amicone was, junior James Hipple said, “I love him. He's funny and nice, he always asks how your day is going, and he's very hard-working and helpful. Who wouldn't love Mr. Amicone?”

Book Review: Charlie the Lost Dog By: Aiden Booth

Charlie The Lost Dog, written by Ann Doro, is a book about a young German shepherd named Charlie who has lost his way back to his people across the mountains. A blizzard cuts him off, and he is stuck out in the wild. Charlie escapes from a wolf, survives a bear attack, and digs himself out of an avalanche. However, he runs into poachers with guns, and this is ultimately the biggest challenge he must overcome.
I love this book and is my favorite book I have ever read. The author gives the dog Charlie his own dialogue and it makes it seem like the reader is listening to a dog talking and making decisions, which is very cool. I love the themes such as bravery, courage, persistence, and drive that are portrayed through Charlie. Author Ann Doro is also very descriptive in everything so it
makes it seem like the reader is right there in the story.

The only thing I do not like about this book would be the ending because, sadly, Charlie has to sacrifice

himself for his human mother Anne-Marie, and he is granted to leave heaven and return to ghost form to reconcile with Anne-Marie. I don’t like the fact that he cannot just live in peace, and the author makes him have to go into ghost form to reconcile, but I feel he should have just been laid to rest for good.
However, I love this book and I would recommend it to anyone because it is accessible for young and old ages. I would rate it a 10/10 because of the morals portrayed and the great descriptions from the author, which make it feel like you are right there in the book next to Charlie. If you like adventure, suspense, and displays of animal love for humans, this is the book for you!	February 9, 2024

People on the Street By: Sophie Johnson

What animal best represents love to you and why?

Sophmore Gabby Colon and Junior Zoey Schneiter agreed:
“A fluffy animal because they are cuddly and soft.”

Junior Louis Bracco:

“A swan or flamingo because swans form

hearts and flamingos are pink.”

Senior Zach Shobel:

“Polar bear because they look cute.”

Sophomore Jordyn Lewis: “Squirrels because they’re always together.”
February 9, 2024

Top 10 List: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas By: McKenzie Orlandi

1.Get them a cute basket full of their favorite things inside.

2.Take them out to eat

3.Buy them flowers

4.Get them a stuffed animal

5.Buy them a box of chocolate

6.Give them their favorite candies or snacks/drinks

7.Find some jewelry for them

8.Buy them a gift card to their favorite place.

9.Get tickets to a concert

10.Take them to the movies

Movie Review: Mean Girls (2024) By: Aiden Booth
The newly released movie Mean Girls (2024) has been quite a hit. In terms of popularity, it is ranked 4 according to IMDb’s movie rankings. Cady Heron is a hit with the popular girls called “The Plastics” at her new school. However, that all changes when she falls for the ex-boyfriend of the Alpha Plastic, Regina George. This, of course, causes a lot of drama and feud between the two. All in all, it is quite a fun and funny drama to watch. As the trailer says, “Mean has never been this fun.”
I like this movie a lot, and one of the main reasons is it is funny. There are a lot of moments where, even though something mean might be taking place, it is presented in a very funny way and the viewer will catch themselves laughing too. I also like the songs and dances throughout the movie because they complement teenage life and it almost gives off a High School Musical vibe. The actors also do an amazing job of playing their roles. The movie has a great plot and build-up of events, keeping the suspense high throughout most of the
movie.

The only thing I would say I do not like about this movie is some of the content presented. It is rated PG-13, but I will say there are a few moments where alcohol is shown and some questionable outfits worn by the actors. However, with that being said, because of the dialogue and plot your focus doesn’t really land in those areas. Other than that, the movie is great and very funny.
I would rate this an 8/10 because it is very funny, has a great plot, and keeps the suspense high. However, the brief depictions of alcohol and some of the outfits worn by the actors drop it a little lower because I would only recommend this movie to teenagers. Great movie overall, and I would recommend that if you need a movie to watch and want a good laugh, this movie will satisfy you without a doubt.

February 9, 2024

Backpage Pics! By: McKenzie Orlandi Photo Credit: Mrs. Fabian