Girls Basketball Plays Pink
January 30, 2009
At every major Neuqua sporting event, the Gold Rush, as well as newly-founded Blue Crew, can be found cheering the athletes on to victory with cheers, chants, and the singing of the school song. But on Friday, February 13, it will be a group of Neuqua’s own athletes cheering for a cause of their very own. The girl’s basketball team is bringing Pink Out Night to their courts during the Lake Park home game. Read more
Helpful Hints to Make Cupid’s Day Just Right
January 30, 2009
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. With only fourteen days left to prepare, guys and gals, it is time to get moving. Whether you have a special someone to share the day with or not, Valentine’s Day is a day of excitement and joy. The people that usually call Valentine’s Day a “Hallmark Holiday” not worthy of celebration are the same people who are sitting at home alone, watching television, begging for the day to come to its end. Just because a person is single does not mean that Valentine’s Day has suddenly become “Singles Awareness Day,” it just means that that person has more than one person to target with their friendliness. Friends, family, loved ones, and random strangers can all be touched by the happiness that is Valentine’s Day. The prerequisites are simple, but the rewards are huge and comforting.Everyone Likes Surprises
Whether they are willing to admit it or not, everyone likes to be surprised. The trick is reading the “surprisee.” There are three key steps in confidently and successfully completing the objective, a surprise. First off, do NOT tip the surprisee off, whatsoever, to your secret task. If that means telling absolutely no one, then do so; it will be worth it in the end. If that means involving their parents, their friends, and their younger siblings too, then do it. Go to extreme lengths to keep it a secret! Guys are generally less perceptive than girls, so keeping the surprise, well, a surprise, can be slightly easier when a girl is surprising a guy. Boys, do not be discouraged; girls generally show more gratitude for surprises than guys do. Surprising a girl just requires a special kind of integrity. However, do not let this fact cause you to slack in your stealth abilities. Secondly, prepare! Plan out every part of the surprise, including what would happen if the surprisee would discover part of the plan. Third, and most importantly, know the suprisee. Some suprisees would hate, absolutely hate, to be surprised in front of people. Others enjoy the attention. A simply “Happy Valentine’s Day” balloon left in the middle of someone’s room may be the best gift they have ever received in their life. The supriser must know the suprisee, otherwise, the surprise in question is left to be unstable and a possible flop, and after all the effort put forth to successfully complete the mission, that would truly suck.
The Real Definition of Love
There are a large number of people who feel squeamish when they hear the world “love.” But love is not a word that is supposed to cause the uprising of unpleasant feelings. In fact, it’s supposed to do just the opposite. Love does not mean crush or relationship or marriage or commitment or any of those words that are generally related to being in love. Above all things, love is caring about the well-being of another person; love is consideration, patience, understanding, and willingness to make someone feel better. Love is a universal term of endearment that has been construed over the years. To love someone is to care for them in ways that a brother cares about a sister or the way that friends care for one another. So this Valentine’s Day, if there is a friend out there that means the world to someone, make sure they know it. The gesture does not have to be big, a card or some candy, even a simple “Thank you for being there for me through it all” will do the trick. February 14th is a day of spreading joy and happiness, whether it means with a loved one, a friend, or someone who just needs a little lift in their day; it is a day for generosity to bloom and kindness to shine.
Mind trumps Money
It is so easy to get carried away in the quantity of what is bought than the quality. Well guess what. The person the gift is for will never know how much you spent, well unless you tell them. Point is, a perfectly worded 99-cent card is worth more than an impersonal five-dollar card any day. Ten dollars spent on a homemade cake trumps fifteen dollars on a store-bought cake. A single rose with a personal note presented with thought and love trumps a dozen roses given without a care. Gifts are supposed to be personal, well thought out, and meaningful. If that means that less money is involved, so be it. Never feel as though not enough money was spent. The real question to ask is, “Is this gift her?” or “Is this gift him?” If the answer is yes, then shopping/creating/picking/chaos is over, and relaxation can begin. However, if the answer is no, do not automatically reach into your wallet. Take a break to think about why the answer is no. How can the gift be made more personal? Maybe the answer is the presentation, which is usually the impersonal part. Maybe it is the actual gift. Instead of just giving flowers, ask what his or her favorite flower/color/scent is. Long story short, get to planning now because fourteen days is just enough time to concoct a brilliant gift plan mostly stress-free.
Take a look at who is in your life, who has been there for you through the worst of it, who has made you smile in times of need, and who deserves a bit of love on this upcoming Valentine’s Day. It is worth a bit of extra effort to say thank you in a meaningful and memorable way. Spread some love, happiness, and cheer this fourteenth of February and watch as it lightens up the lives of those closest to you.
By Mya Ervin, editor-in-chief
Bad Economy Hits Home
January 30, 2009
The bad economy, the credit crisis, bail outs, automobile crises, gas prices, and retirement funds are all over the news. But the influences on the younger generation are not always mentioned. There are over 21 million high school students in the United States and almost five thousand just at Neuqua Valley who may not be worrying about their retirement funds but are certainly affected by the economy’s dip. Read more
Featured Video
January 27, 2009
8th Grade Orientation Video
January 27, 2009
This video was featured at the 2009 8th Grade orientation open house at Neuqua Valley on January 26th & 27th.
Catering Students Bake for the Masses
January 23, 2009
Another early morning in the life of a Neuqua teen; students are disorganized, and most struggle to stay awake on the few hours of sleep they got the night before. Energy for a teen is nonexistent at 7:20 in the morning; Red Bull and Monster are in place of a bagel and orange juice. Teachers who let students eat in class are now seen as a godsend. Breakfast has now become a snack instead of a nutritious meal. (For the brave few that wake up early enough to make it.) Read more
Sweet Chocolate Festival
January 23, 2009
For the past 6 years, the NCO has been putting up a now well known event. An item used for centuries has a thing of healing or for pure enjoyment. To the many different kinds and versions, this is something that well deserves such a day. A delicious treat that has been passed down for generations, chocolate is finally getting its day. This years Naperville Chocolate Festival is being held to bring around the best in chocolate, to those who make it, and those who enjoy it. Read more
Not So Perfect Pictures
January 22, 2009
Gone are the days of the generic, out of focus yearbook pictures where the man with the camera hurriedly snaps the picture and calls for the next student. At least it is for the seniors who, after four years of some of the hardest and most enjoyable years of their lives, have earned the right to kiss those pictures goodbye. Read more
Top Three Acts of the Variety Show
January 22, 2009
While this year’s Neuqua Valley Variety Show was filled with original and entertaining talent acts, three groups were especially captivating. Read more
Healthy Side of Cafeteria Food
January 22, 2009
There exists a general understanding that cafeteria food is unhealthy, but this stereotype is only true when it comes to french fries and hamburgers. In reality, Sodexho has been making the effort to offer healthier choices to students at lunchtime. These healthy choices include the salad bar, the sandwich station, and the “healthy snacks” cart, situated between the two. But the product that has expanded most rapidly in the cafeteria is the offered produce. Under the “Take Five” slogan, which refers to the five recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables, students can purchase handy cups of healthy snacks such as grapes or orange slices. Read more
