he
ill er
The Villager

Volume 7, Issue 5 | Date: December 15, 2023

Winter Sports Begin

IN THIS ISSUE

MHS Sports - Page 1

By: Aiden Booth

After about a month of practice, the boys’ basketball team started their season off with back-to-back games. They had their first game on Friday, December 1, at home, and lost to Bristol with a score of 62-40. They then took on Lordstown the next day at home and won 64-61. This game was a fight and took a lot of effort, but we pulled through and brought our best game to them and it proved to pay off. With a good start to the season, these boys are already proving their off-season hard work was for a purpose.
At the December 1 game against Bristol, the McDonald High School cheerleaders held a stuffed animal drive. Only new stuffed animals with tags were accepted. If you brought a stuffed animal, you got into the game for free. However, there is more meaning than just getting into the game for free to this drive. All donations went to Akron Children's Hospital and were given to children who were going to love them. Also, a huge thanks to Mrs. Fabian, the head cheer coach, for making this drive possible.
The girls’ basketball team has begun their season. On Wednesday, November 22, they took on Leetonia at Leetonia’s court and won with a score of 49-30. The following Monday, November 27, they played Maplewood at their court and lost 45-38. Finally, on Tuesday, November 28, they went up against Windham away and won 48-45. An amazing start to the season already, 1-1 in the conference and 2-1
overall.

MHS Sports, Winter Driving - Page 2

Winter Driving, Students Get Involved- Page 3

Editorial, Outstanding Staff - Page 4

Outstanding Staff, Music Review - Page 5

People on the Street! - Page 6

Top 10 List, Movie Review - Page 7

Back Page Pics - Page 8

Cheerleaders pose with stuffed animals for the Akron Children’s stuffed animal drive held by the McDonald Cheer Program
Photo Credit: Mrs. Fabian

STAFF LIST

EDITOR STAFF: ANNABELLE SMITH

STAFF WRITERS: AIDEN BOOTH, SOPHIE JOHNSON, MCKENZIE ORLANDI

EDITOR IN CHIEF: MR. BACKUR

December 15, 2023

Continued... In a brief interview with Olivia Colarich, I asked how she was feeling about the season so far and she said, “I think we have some stuff to work on, but once we get those things fixed we will be headed toward a bright and winning season.” When asked about team goals for this season she said, “I think as a team, we wanna work better together and be more united as a team. If we can accomplish that then we will be headed in the right direction toward our next goal, which is to be a winning program.”
The boys’ bowling team had their first match on Monday, November 20, against Liberty and started the season off with a win. Then, on Monday, November 27, they faced a tough LaBrae team and took the loss, but not without a fight. Hard work is already proving to pay off as this team has been getting together for the last month practicing, bonding, and focusing on improving their individual skills so that when put together, they can take on any opponent.
The girls’ bowling team also had their first match on Monday, November 20, and faced Liberty as well. Also starting their season off with a win, they gave it all they got and secured the win. They also faced LaBrae on Monday, November 27, and lost as well. On December 4 they took on Lowellville and looked to
bounce back from the previous loss.

Winter track and field training has begun as well. Any

students who would like to participate in track and field this season can meet on the following days each week: Tuesday and Thursday host boys and girls after school. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 6:00 A.M. host boys and girls optional extra practice. Our student-athletes here at McDonald High School look to improve
their skills and make this upcoming track season have	Casey Miller shoots the three-pointer to make the brightest hopes possible.                                                            it a 6-point game versus Lordstown
Winter Driving: How to Prepare

By: Sophie Johnson
As winter gets closer and the temperature begins to drop, rain turns to snow and ice, presenting new

dangers on the road. Some students are just getting their driver's licenses and may have never experienced these conditions on the roadway. It is important to prepare for winter driving because there are far more things you need to pay attention to and be aware of on the roadways. According to HandylawUtah.com, “17% of all vehicle crashes happen in winter conditions”.
When asked for advice for underclassmen who have never driven in the winter before, Junior James Hipple and Senior Aiden Sierra said, “Keep an emergency bag in your car because you don't know what could happen. Be responsible, don’t drive distracted. Stay alert.”
Drivers must prepare themselves and their vehicles for winter weather. It may be a good idea to pack an emergency bag to keep in your car in case the unexpected happens. Some things you may want to include are a flashlight, ice scraper, blanket, cones, and flares.
Always dress for the weather when heading out as well. Put a winter coat over your hoodie. You never know if you’ll be stranded. Mrs. Lobaugh shared that she would always gets mad when her kids walked out in only hoodies. She said, “My children would walk out in only a hoodie and I'd tell them to put a coat on because you never know what can happen.”
You should also be sure to check your fluids, tires, and engine. Be sure your wiper fluid is for -30 degrees, your gas tank is at least half full, and be sure your tire tread is 10/32 inches or the state’s required amount.
During winter months, a major danger is ice. According to Icyroadsafety.com, on average between 2005 and 2014 there were, “151,944 crashes, 38,770 persons injured, and 559 persons killed.” When roads are icy, reduce your speed and following distance. If you feel your car sliding, you're going too fast. You should never drive over 45mph in these conditions. Black ice, which is harder to see than regular ice, is another danger that you must look out for.	December 15, 2023

Continued... While driving in the winter, always be smart and prepared. Be attentive while driving and keep up on the maintenance of your vehicle. Chief Woodley and Office Smith from the McDonald Police Department were asked about what teens need to focus on while driving in the winter and said, “If roads are bad, it's recommended to just stay home. Leave sooner than normal so you can take it slow, and make it to your destination slowly. If you have to be out, take it slow and increase your
and be cautious of plow trucks.”
following distance and break sooner. Stay vigilant	Junior James Hipple and Seniors Aiden Sierra and

Grace Srock out in the first snow of the season. Students Find Ways to Get Involved in the Community

Veterans Breakfast	By: McKenzie Orlandi

The Veterans Day Breakfast was held on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the McDonald Community Room. This is the first year the breakfast has been held since the Covid-19 pandemic. We were able to honor 11 Veterans this year.
McDonald Student Council and Miss Rozzo's Government classes sponsored the breakfast and also put up a White Table in the high school library, as well as writing announcements to celebrate those brave men and women who have served our country and community.
This year’s Veterans and their guests enjoyed fruit, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches from Panera. This breakfast is something that we look forward to doing again next year!

Lip Sync

The McDonald Lip Sync Variety Show was held once again on Tuesday,

November 21 for both a matinee performance during school and in the evening for the community. This wonderful tradition was started by Mr. Gamertsfelder and continued with a new generation led by our own Mrs. Mills.
Students, faculty, and even some returning community members practiced for two weeks leading up to the show. When asked how she liked being a part of the Lip Sync and what were her highlights being there and experiencing the performance, Miss Jen said, “Hearing everyone in the audience laughing and enjoying the performances was
great as well as enjoying work with my peers.”

Mr. Hill takes a bow

after his performance

Christmas in the Village

Christmas in the Village was on Saturday, November 25th at 6:30 pm and was full of festive events such as the Christmas Tree lighting, caroling, and celebrating Santa's arrival.
Volunteers from Student Council, Art Club, NHS, and their friends from MHS High School volunteered to help kids and their families with arts and crafts and face painting while waiting to meet Santa.
Additionally, the choir from Laura Kunkel’s music studio did some Christmas caroling in the pavillion and there were hayrides around town to view the decorated homes of the village. Complimentary Hot chocolate and Cookies for those joining in the festivities were also made available!

December 15, 2023

Editorial: Different Forms of Art By: Annabelle Smith

Art has always been a big part of my life. When I say art, I don’t just mean drawings or paintings. I mean all art, as in anything that is created. This includes photography, music, writing, painting, drawing, crafts, and many other kinds of art. I have always liked writing and reading stories, so I was surrounded by written works of art from a young age. My grandmother also was an amazing artist; she sewed beautiful clothes and did so many different crafts. She inspired me to follow in her footsteps
and do some of the crafts she did.

I am definitely not someone who draws or makes that kind of art, but I do make other forms of art all the

time. Making things like my grandmother did help me feel like I am honoring her legacy as well as helping people with the things I make. Recently, I sold a baby blanket that I made to one of my mom’s coworkers and it made me feel so accomplished and happy that I got to help someone by doing something I loved.
I know different kinds of art help other people in different ways as well. Some people think making art is therapeutic and helps them get their feelings out. Other people may just be happy to make stuff and have something that they made themselves. There are so many benefits to making art, but sometimes our

doubts and anxieties get in the way of enjoying it.

A lot of students seem to think that the things that they create have to be

perfect to be good. I know that I strive for perfection constantly, and I always find something wrong with the things I make. Sometimes I have to take a step back and be happy with what I made and remember that perfection is impossible. Those small imperfections in your work is what makes it so unique.
Sometimes we just don’t have the time to make art since we are so busy with school, extracurriculars, friends, and family. Winter break would be a great time to make some kind of art as you won’t have to worry about school work. For example, during my Thanksgiving break, I started making a sweater for the winter holidays as I had so much time on my hands. You could even do something small, like make some Christmas gifts for your friends and
family or even just try something new.

A purple star bag that I

made for myself

Outstanding Staff: Mrs. Ifft By: Sophie Johnson

Mrs. Ifft teaches Geometry and Accounting classes and has been an educator for 34 years. She taught in Garrettsville for 2 years, Niles for 10 years, and McDonald for 22 years. Her favorite thing about working here at MHS is the students, “We have a great bunch of students, and it's small enough that teachers get to know each one of them.”
When asked why she decided to be a teacher Mrs. Ifft said, “I like kids and math, I felt like I could help students by getting them to understand math and also wanted to be a good role model to my students.”

December 15, 2023

Continued... She knew she always wanted a career that involved math and originally majored in Chemical Engineering. Mrs. Ifft spent 2 years focusing on that major and eventually changed to become a math teacher. She wanted to try something in math and business and became a mathematician in Indianapolis, but didn't stay long because she missed the students.
Mrs. Ifft wants to see her students succeed and watch them grow as learners. She believes the key to helping students be good learners is repetition and organization, “Organization and repetition help students. Students who have good attendance and do their work usually do well. I believe students need structure and need to know what the teacher expects of them.”
Mrs. Ifft shared that when she’s not in a school setting her favorite things to do include exercising, spending time with family, and reading.
When asked what her favorite thing about Mrs. Ifft was, senior Jenna Helco said, “I like how excited she is to teach her students and how much she cares about teaching.”

Music Review: The Michael Bublé Christmas Album By: Aiden Booth

Michael Bublé is always one of the big talks of Christmas music. Between his unique voice and style, he was almost bound to be famous. Bublé is perhaps most famous for his 2011 album Michael Bublé Christmas. This album was released on October 14, 2011, and has been his biggest success.
This album consists of 16 songs, lasting about 52 total minutes and contains a perfect mix of classical, romantic, religious, and fun Christmas songs. For example, songs like “White Christmas” and “Blue Christmas” fit the classical taste of the audience while “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Santa Baby” are for the people looking for that romantic sensibility. Additionally, songs like “Silent Night” and “Ave Maria” cater to more traditional religious tastes, and songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Holly Jolly Christmas” add some fun to the album.
I love this album and I would most definitely give it a 10/10 rating. It has it all, from the classical and romantic to the religious and fun songs we all like to hear around this time of year. It is an amazing Christmas album, especially if you are looking for diversity among genres of Christmas songs. The only thing I would say I do not like about this album is one song, “Ave Maria,” but other than that, the album is amazing.
If you are looking to get your holiday spirit up with some good Christmas music, Michael Bublé and his Michael Bublé Christmas album will do just that. With all the songs we love to hear at Christmas and genres for all the different tastes of Christmas music listeners, I am sure that if you give this album a listen, you will not regret it.
December 15, 2023

People on the Street By: Sophie Johnson

What’s your favorite thing about Christmas and why?

8th Grader Landon Scott: “Family because I don’t see my grandparents often.”

Senior Jarret Sypert: “Getting off school because I don't
need to worry about assignments.”

Sophomore Preston Ficeti:

“The decorations because I like to see how creative people get.”

8th grader Addison Rothgeb: “Spending time with family because they live
all over so I'm unable to see them as much.”

December 15, 2023

Top 10 List: Ideas to Put on Your Christmas List By: McKenzie Orlandi

1.Shoes- boots, slippers, slides

2.Pants- jeans, pajamas, leggings sweatpants

3.Shirts- sweaters, hoodies, crewnecks

4.Perfume or cologne

5.Jewelry- rings, necklace, earrings

6.New phone or phone cases

7.Air Pods, earbuds, or headphones

8.Gift cards for your favorite places

9.Makeup or skincare products

10.Video games for PlayStation, Xbox PS4, PC, or Nintendo

Movie Review: A Christmas Story

By: Aiden Booth
Yes, it is that time of year. Christmas movies are back in business. Perhaps one of the most popular

enjoyable Christmas movies of all time is the 1983 classic A Christmas Story, and the reason it is so popular is because of the relatability to the families that sit together and watch it.
The movie is about Christmas time with a family of four, a mother and a father with two young boys. The main character is a young boy named Ralphie. All he wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. However, his mom says no because “You’ll shoot your eye out.” That phrase is the most popular of the whole movie. Ralphie and his everyday life is shown from school, to getting in trouble, to fights, and everything a young boy does. The movie has some pretty funny scenes
and is meant to make you laugh.
I absolutely recommend this movie to anyone and I would rate

it a 10/10 without a doubt. The movie is funny, relatable to many families, and can be watched by all ages. Me and my family watch this movie every year right after we open our gifts on Christmas. It is truly just an amazing movie to watch with your family or even by yourself. The only thing I would say I don’t like about the movie is that because it was filmed in the 1980s, the quality isn’t the greatest, however I wouldn’t say it’s bad. I mean for a 1980s film, it’s pretty great.
If you are looking for a Christmas movie this year to watch with your family or just to get a good laugh, I would recommend this movie. It has the perfect balance between comedy, love of a family, relatable scenarios, and a great setting. It shows the inside look of the everyday American family around Christmas time with a few exaggerations here and there, but those exaggerations are there to laugh at. Give it a try and you’ll be surprised how much you might like it.	December 15, 2023

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