Issue 6 / December 2015 - Port Byron Central School District

Haleigh Reese
Columnist
Holiday Half Day
On Wednesday, December 23, we will have a half-day with many
activities to help get into the holiday spirit.
There will be a volleyball tournament in the Lehn Gym for grades
9-12. You can get a sign-up sheet from Mrs. Hargreaves.
Be sure to return it to her by Friday, December 18th.
There will also be “Shaun Robison the Charming
Deceptionist” performing for grades 7-12 in the auditorium. Mr. Robison is a magician and mind reader, and we
can’t wait for him to come to our school!
Macenzie Reese
Columnist
Printing
Brought To
You By:
Panther Press Staff
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Feel free to contact us!
[email protected]
Staff Editor: Miss Rao
Editing Chief of Staff and
Senior Columnists:
Tyler Guarnieri
Maddie Jorolemon
Katie Locastro
Molly Ryan
Kaitlyn Sevilla
Columnists:
Jessi Menotti
Lexi Vitale
Kaleigh McLoughlin
Taylor Cuff
Haleigh Reese
Kristen Sevilla
Emma Redmond
Marissa Recckio
Anna Vincent
Sophie Redmond
Abbey Vincent
Emily Ryan
The Nutcracker
In Germany, it is commonly believed for a nutcracker to protect one’s house and to bring good luck to
the family. The nutcracker, in America, is a sign of the
holidays arriving, represented by Tchaikovsky’s “The
Nutcracker” ballet. The ballet is performed every year by
ballet companies all over the world. “The Nutcracker”
was first performed in Russia on December 18, 1892,
and is still a time honored holiday staple!
On behalf of the Panther Press Team, we’d like to thank you
for reading this issue! Be sure to come back for more of
Port Byron’s best newspaper!
PANTHER PRESS PRINT EDITION: PART OF PORT BYRON’S STUDENT MEDIA GROUP
Generating opportunities for students to create media; broadening perspective, increasing marketability upon
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Port Byron High School’s Newspaper
Kaleigh McLoughlin
Columnist
Only the Best From the Panther Press
December 2015
Established 2011
Volume 6, Issue 6
Ask A Panther
What is your favorite holiday movie?
9th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Natalee: Elf
Jarrett: The Grinch
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Haleigh: Elf
Mayla: Elf
Brett: Home Alone
Scott: Santa Clause 3
Sophie Redmond
Columnist
Holiday Horoscopes
What the signs are doing during the holidays season:
Aries: Bakes Christmas desserts. Alter ego: Elf
Taurus: Plays in the snow all day. Alter ego: Santa
Gemini: Stays up late decorating. Alter ego: Snowman
Cancer: Stays inside and drinks hot cocoa. Alter ego: Dasher
Leo: Watches ten Christmas movies in one day. Alter ego: Nutcracker
Virgo: Wraps all of the gifts the day before Christmas. Alter ego: Vixen
Libra: Listens to holiday music. Alter ego: Blitzen
Scorpio: Wishes of being somewhere warm. Alter ego: Comet
Sagittarius: Tries to track Santa. Alter ego: Dancer
Capricorn: Hangs up all the ornaments. Alter ego: Donner
Aquarius: Decorates a gingerbread house. Alter ego: Cupid
Pisces: Throws a party on Christmas Eve. Alter ego: Prancer
Emma Redmond
Columnist
Holiday Movies to Binge-Watch
The holiday season is a time when some people try to avoid the plummeting temperatures with
indoor activities. Such people would prefer to drink a hot chocolate and watch Netflix than bunde up
in everything they own to avoid frostbite. So, if you are among those feeling the winter blues and just
want spring to come already, then here are a few movies you can watch with other friends who are
dreaming of a “Green Christmas.”
If you’re looking for an oldie but a goodie, then
there are the classics like White Christmas and A
Christmas Carol. They are sure to start the waterworks.
If you’re really craving some throwback, you
can reminisce about your childhood with Mickey’s
Once Upon a Christmas and The Nightmare Before
Christmas.
If you’re looking for a good chick flick Christmas
movie and the Hallmark Channel is playing a movie
you’ve already seen, then search “Christmas” on Netflix and you’ll find about 100 different movies.
These are just a few of the many Christmas movies you can watch on Netflix. I hope everyone has a
wonderful holiday season!
Madison Jorolemon
Senior Columnist
Volunteering During the Holidays
The holiday season is a great time to give back to your community. During the holidays, most
people are excited about receiving gifts, but it is more important to focus on giving. Giving gifts makes
you feel good about yourself and makes others happy.
Volunteering is great way to give to others. Being able to make a difference in other people’s
lives is a special feeling.
There are many volunteer opportunities during the holidays, such as volunteering at churches,
nursing homes, etc. Many older people in nursing homes are lonely during the holidays and are very
happy to have visitors, especially kids. In the past, the community service committee at our school has
scheduled many events allowing students to volunteer. If you are looking for opportunities to volunteer
feel free to contact Kaitlyn Sevilla or email [email protected].
Upcoming chances to volunteer:
Christmas Basket Making at St. Alphonsus Church
Christmas Caroling at Auburn Hospital
Christmas Caroling at Bluefield Manor
Lexi Vitale
Columnist
New Year’s Resolutions
Traditionally, everyone tries to set goals for themselves
at the beginning of a new year. The ones who are successful are
the ones who set realistic resolutions. If you have a plan to follow and a realistic goal, you will be more likely to stick with it.
That being said, realistic doesn’t always mean easy.
Some common resolutions are losing weight, doing better in
school, and changing one’s attitude. Instead of saying “I’m going to lose 30 pounds by the end of January,” shoot for something more realistic, like five or ten pounds. If you are getting
close to your goal, you are less likely to give up. Your work
will continue on into the next month. This goes for every resolution.
Don’t be too drastic, nothing can be changed 100%
between the 31st of December and the 1st of January. Take it
slow, stay focused on your goal, and eventually you will get
there.
Kristen Sevilla
Columnist
5 stylish ways to tie a scarf
1. French Knot - Fold the scarf in half and put it around your shoulders. Take one end
piece and pull it over and under the loop. Then take the second end piece and go over
and under the same loop.
2. The Necklace - Using a long scarf, fold it in half lengthwise. Put it over your neck
and twist it and loop again.
3. Double Sided Twist - Put two scarves back to back. Loop them once around your
neck and then turn the fabric so that you can see both sides.
4. Neck Wrap - Loop a long scarf around your neck once. With the long ends, make a
half knot near your neck. Pull the fabric of the loop down over the half knot.
5. Rolled Loop - Wrap a scarf around your neck, then take each end up over the neck
loop.
Scan the QR Code below to watch a tutorial!
Marissa Recckio
Columnist
Grey’s Anatomy
Winter finale recap
*Article may contain spoilers*
If you’re a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan like I am, then you know that November 19th
brought the winter finale of Grey’s. (Don’t panic, season 12 returns on February 11th at
8:00pm!)
In the past couple of episodes, there has been a lot going on. When Bailey introduced
Riggs to the doctors, Owen blew up at her. Owen refused to discuss what happened between
him and Riggs, and made no effort to conceal his hatred. An unwelcomed addition to the staff,
Penny Blake, finally stood up to Meredith and won herself a spot in an interesting surgery.
Amelia was worried she may have been racist. Webber found himself doing everything for
Arizona’s relationship. Bailey tried to get Ben to kick their houseguest, Jackson, out. April and
Jackson’s relationship was on the fence. Jo was fed up with how close Meredith and Alex are,
and we are left on the edge of our seats when Alex spontaneously proposed to Jo.
The winter finale left a ton of questions unanswered... Will Owen’s family drama continue? Will Meredith continue to fight with Penny? Will Amelia apologize? Will Webber back
off and let Arizona figure her relationship out for herself? Will Jackson and April discuss their
relationship and get back together? Will Jo say yes to Alex?
But the biggest question we’ve all been wondering about throughout season 12...
WHERE ARE MEREDITH’S KIDS?
Tune in to Grey’s Anatomy on February 11th and hopefully find out the answers to
these questions.
Tyler Guarnieri
Senior Columnist
I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
Everybody has heard of the term “a Green Christmas,” but how many of us have actually seen and experienced one, let alone want one? Many people wonder, “does a ‘Green Christmas’ come along with a different holiday spirit?” Some people think that going south for the
holidays is a dream come true because you can celebrate the holidays by laying out in the sun
instead of bundled up inside. However, if this is the case, do you lose all the Christmas spirit?
For the past couple of years my family and I have gone to Orlando, FL to have Christmas with our family that lives there. It was pretty cool to see how people from a different
climate zone celebrate Christmas. In Orlando, they decorate just as much, if not more than we
do up here. In fact, there is an entire town about 40 minutes from Orlando where everyone participates in decorating the streets and homes/businesses. This town, Mount Dora, is one third
of the size of the city of Auburn. When you drive through it, you see lights and people walking
around enjoying the sixty degree nights, and people caroling around filled with joy. It is obvious that this little town is seeping with Christmas spirit, but there is one piece that is missing:
the snow!
Snow is the final part to the holiday season. It’s white, fluffy, and even though it brings
the low temperatures with it, it has a mysterious beauty that makes Christmas even greater.
Ask yourself, can you picture Christmas with cold dead grass outside your window?
Can you picture waking up on Christmas morning with warm temperatures? Wouldn’t you rather look out your window on Christmas Eve and see the snow cascading down onto the street
with the light from the street lamps reflecting off of it? Wouldn’t you rather wake up Christmas
morning with your pajamas and fuzzy socks on? Kind of sounds pleasing doesn’t it?
So the next time someone asks you if you want a “Green Christmas,” or you tell yourself that you hate the snowy cold temperatures, really think about it for a minute. Do you think
you would miss the snow? Would you be dreaming of a White Christmas too?
Jessi Menotti
Columnist
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
In 2005, Star Wars fans believed that their beloved saga was over. After the completion of Star Wars Episode
III: Revenge of the Sith, there seemed to be no place left to go. However, in 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm for an
astonishing total of 4.05 billion dollars. They then announced their plans to produce three more Star Wars films, and
hence keep the legacy going.
Starting on May 16th, 2014, a six-month production of the seventh Star Wars installment began. Aside from a
few minor leaks, fans were left in the dark as to what the seventh movie would be about. The official trailer provided
much of the desired informations to fans, and began shaping a general form of Star Wars: The Force Awakens plot.
The Force Awakens takes place 30 years after Return of the Jedi. Many of the original actors are taking part
in the movie, including Harrison Ford. However, there are new characters as well. One of the first new faces in the
trailer was a teenager named Finn, who was dressed in a Stormtrooper uniform. Later, he is seen holding a lightsaber
that appears to belong to Luke Skywalker, and battling the new villain Kylo Ren. Another main character is a girl
named Rey. She lives solitarily on the planet of Jakku,
where she meets an undisclosed character, and her adventure begins.
Despite the leaks and the trailers, The Force
Awakens is still shrouded in mystery. The only way to
find out what happens for certain is to watch the movie
when it premieres on December 18th, 2015.
Molly Ryan
Senior Columnist
Holiday House
One of the perks of winter is seeing neighborhoods come to life with lights and decorations. If you enjoy witnessing this, be sure to take a trip to the most festive house in town.
Near Green Shutters in Owasco, passers by, will find a yard packed with light arrangements that blink and dance in sync with music from a local radio station (which the house
owners post out front). Cars pull over to the side of the road to enjoy the amazing light shows.
You too can be mesmerized by falling candy
canes, flying sleighs, twirling trees and so much
more, all of which are made of multicolored
holiday lights.
The impressive collection of lights and
decorations must have taken years to compile,
and must rack up quite an electric bill. I’m sure
setting up the yard every year is tedious, but
nevertheless the lights and decorations return
every year to bring a little cheer to those driving
by. Get into the spirit and take a trip to see this
house, it won’t disappoint!
Abbey Vincent
Columnist
Easy holiday room decorations
If you are feeling grinchy this holiday season, a great way to get in the holiday spirit
is by making your living space a little more festive. Here are a few easy DIY ways to make
your room, or any room, a little more festive.
Snowflake Mobile:
Cut out different paper snowflakes and tape them to clear
fishing line. Then tape the fishing line to your ceiling.
Reindeer Mason Jar:
Fill a mason jar with hot cocoa mix and cut out antlers
from brown fun foam. Flip the mason jar so the lid is
down and glue on the antlers to the jar, along with googly eyes
and a brown or red cotton ball nose. This craft is fun and functional!
Emily Ryan
Columnist
DIY Christmas Present
Crafty DIY - Quote Mug
What you will need:
-Mug
-Oil-based sharpies
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
2. Find a quote that you like
3. Write the quote on your mug using the oil-based
sharpies
4. Bake your mug in the oven for 30 minutes
5. Let your mug cool and wrap it in a festive way!
Taylor Cuff
Columnist
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
These festive Christmas tree cupcakes combine
a rich vanilla sponge cake, a minty bright green buttercream, and a sweet star to make a tasty Christmas
treat.
The light Swiss meringue buttercream, made
with mint flavouring and green food colouring, can be
easily piped to resemble a tree then all you have to do
is decorate as you wish.
Practice your piping skills on a clean surface or
plate before piping onto the cakes so you can get the
right effect.
Recipe courtesy of: goodtoknow.co.uk
Anna Vincent
Columnist
Origin of Santa Claus
Santa Claus, who fills children’s hearts with joy and who makes children drag their
parents out of bed at five o’clock on Christmas morning, has quite a history that many people
do not know.
The character of Santa Claus was originally inspired by the
commonly-referred-to name, “Saint Nicolas.” Saint Nicholas would
distribute presents to the French and German children on Saint
Nicholas Day, December 6th.
A name that not many people have heard before is “Le Père
Fouettard.” Le Père Fouettard was the counterpart of the original
Saint Nicholas. Unlike the Santa Claus we have today, who distributes coal to the misbehaved children, Le Père Fouettard would
whip and spank children who misbehaved, while Saint Nicholas
would reward the good children.
As the Dutch migrated into the United States in the 19th
century, they took their traditions of Saint Nicholas with them. As time passed, the original
traditions of Saint Nicholas and Le Père Fouettard eventually evolved into Le Père Fouettard
disappearing all together, and Saint Nicholas changing into the beloved jolly old man known
as “Santa Claus” with his elves and reindeer.
Katie Locastro
Senior Columnist
10 Cute Winter Dates
During the wintertime, it can be tough to find fun things to do. The snow and the cold aren’t usually associated with fun. However, there are some good ideas for winter dates that you can do with friends or your date!
1. Go to a hockey game. Hockey games are always fun to watch. Whether it’s a Syracuse Crunch game or a college
hockey game, it’s always a good time. It’s also nice to go out and support your local hockey teams. So if you’re
looking a good game as well as a good fight, a hockey game may be the date for you. And who knows, the game
might just “score” you a second date.
2. Go sledding. Sledding is a fun time for anyone, no matter how old you are. You don’t even need a real sled. Just
find a hill, grab your date, and start sliding. After, you can warm up with some hot chocolate and whipped cream.
Just remember to dress appropriately or the snow isn’t the only thing that’s going to be frozen!
3. Go to Lights on the Lake. Lights on the Lake is a beautiful assortment of lights located in Onondaga Lake Park.
It’s fun to snuggle up in the car with your date and eat popcorn while enjoying a drive through the lights. Don’t
forget to turn on the Christmas music to make the time even more festive! This date might be one to “light” up your
evening.
4. Watch a Christmas movie. ABC Family is always playing good Christmas movies, so grab a blanket and some
popcorn, and settle down for an entertaining night. The “25 Days of Christmas” always has a movie that anyone can
enjoy. So put on Frosty or Rudolph or Elf and relax!
5. Go ice skating. If you don’t enjoy the hitting and checking, but still want to be on the ice, then enjoy nice evening of ice skating. Your sweetheart will love to hold hands while you both slip, slide, and fall together. Not only is
it entertaining, but it will bring a smile to their face. Ice skating is
one way to really “break the ice.”
6. Build a snowman. Building a snowman is a good way to start
off the first winter snow. Grab your honey, and start rolling! Before
you know it, you’ll have a snow family! It’s also fun to make it a
friendly competition of “Whose Snowman is Better.” Don’t forget to
add the top hat in hopes that he comes to life!
7. Bake Christmas cookies. There’s no better way to get in the
spirit than by baking some cookies! Cutouts and gingerbread cookies are just a few that are perfect to make with your special someone. Don’t forget to decorate them to give them character! It doesn’t
“cut out” much time of your day to make some sweet treats with
your sweetheart!
8. Go skiing or snowboarding. Not everyone has the skills to shred
down the mountain, but that makes it even more fun! Take some
lessons and then enjoy watching each other fall and make fools of
themselves. After, unwind and enjoy some warm beverages in the
lodge. This date might get a little pricey, but it’s “snow” much fun, and it’s worth it.
9. Build a gingerbread house. Building a ginger-village is the perfect way to spend a Saturday night. Putting up
the walls and building a path is a cute way to spend time with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Don’t forget to add the
gingerbread man to your ginger-village, or else the walls may “crumble” down.
10. Decorate the tree. What is a Christmas tree without decorations? Decorating the tree is something most families do, so invite your significant other’s family over to help. It’s a great way to bond with their family and help get
in the spirit. This is one date that will really “spruce” up your relationship.
Kaitlyn Sevilla
Senior Columnist
Junkanoo: A Bahamian Festival
Over Thanksgiving break,
I had the pleasure of meeting Kristoff Adderley, who is
from the Bahamas. Kristoff is
a sophomore at SUNY Canton
(about three hours north of Port
Byron), which has quite the
weather difference.
While talking to him about
his homeland, we got on the
topic of holiday celebrations. In the Bahamas, they
celebrate the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day with a
festival called “Junkanoo.”
Junkanoo is a vibrant, energetic parade of
people dressed in detailed costumes, dancing to the
rhythm of drums, cowbells, and whistles. The festival
first appears on December 26th (Boxing Day) and
returns again on January 1st, bringing in the first day
of the new year. It begins at twelve midnight and lasts
until noon. Thousands of people dance through the
town center of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.
Junkanoo began as a celebration of the
freedom for slaves who were given three days off
during Christmas time. This allowed them to leave
the plantations and voyage home to their families.
To celebrate, they wore festive masks and played on
their homemade musical instruments while parading
through the streets. After slavery was abolished, Junkanoo’s popularity waxed and waned. Today, however,
it is a euphoric celebration of freedom.
Kristoff’s family plays a vital role in the
creation of some of the “lead” (largest) costumes.
(Check out the pictures to the
right- his family MADE those
costumes!) In the past, they
have won the costume contest
four out of the last ten years.
The costumes are made out of
cardboard, styrofoam, aluminum
rods, tape, contact adhesive,
staples, and more. From start to
finish, 15-20 people help in the
creation of the more elaborate costumes, and as many
as five people carry it during the festival.
There is a brass and percussion band also
known as a “backline” that is a part of each group.
Kristoff plays with the brass section for his band.
Each group also consists of a variety of sections such
as a banner, off-the-shoulder costume carriers, free
dancers, naked dancers, and choreographed dancing sections. In Kristoff’s family’s class (Class A),
there are six groups, each group ranging from 200 to
600 participants. Each group has a name; Kristoff’s
group’s name is “The Valley Boys.”
After the celebration, some costumes are
unfortunately thrown away. Other times they are
displayed in an art galleries for sale, where hotels and
big businesses buy and put them on display.
Talking with Kristoff made me appreciate the
rich culture that prevails in various parts of the world.
It is a wonderful thing that so many people come
together in celebration with music, art, and dance. As
they say in the Bahamas, “Ooh, ooh Junkanoo!”