Lily Johnson, Writer

Synth, vibrant colors, and a decade of living in simplicity. The 1980s era was a renaissance of rock, pop, and country music. Artists such as Prince, Queen, David Bowie, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, Fleetwood Mac, and Bon Jovi took the world by storm, leaving a legacy of head-banging worthy music to remember forever.  Vinyl records were more appreciated then, making them a popular source of music, since iPhones didn’t exist. I personally love vinyl still. I collect them and hang them on my wall with the album covers. Social media didn’t exist, school was more about writing than typing, and going out at night was slightly less dangerous. Life was more simple and clear. Life now is complicated.  A lot of people in our age group also believe that life would be so miserable without cell phones, social media, and the internet. Guys, it’s not that difficult. Media’s control of the population, unsecure privacy, computers are everywhere, and I can’t even go outside of my home without...

James Hoekstra, Writer

With President Biden talking about raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15.00 an hour, I figure I’d talk about and explain why it needs to happen, and how it’s anti-caplistictic to oppose it. The people who work at fast-food restaurants and alike, currently making $7.25 an hour are essential workers, who are often overlooked due to their position. However, the economy would not survive without them. We need them, and as such, need to pay them a livable wage. While some are worried about their wages matching those of skilled workers, the fact is those people will also be making more. If unskilled workers made as much as skilled workers, what incentive do skilled workers have for doing their job and not going to an unskilled job? The fact is, skilled workers also deserve more.  The main difference between capitalism and communism is that capitalism has incentives for workers. The more and better you work, the more you make. But production has increased massively...

Lily Johnson, Writer

The famous companion of Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, was an unforgettable guitarist, born in Santa Monica, California. Randy had music flowing through his veins, like a natural musician. His talents and kind nature stuck with everyone he met, as he made himself well-known. Think of  ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy Osbourne. Hear the guitar and incredible riffs? ‘Mr. Crowley’ and ‘Goodbye to Romance’? Yes, that’s Randy. Amazing, I know.  He would take lessons as a child, but only for a short time. His teachers would say he was not “teachable” anymore, because he mastered guitar so quickly. He was a natural musician. One tutor told his mother that Randy could not be taught by him any longer, as Randy’s skill exceeded his own! Randy auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne, hoping to join him. Ozzy happened to be exhausted at this audition but was left in shock by Randy’s talent. After hearing Randy play for him, he was immediately given the job. Randy technically didn’t even audition...

Maxie Eller, Newspaper Managing-Editor

February 23, 2021

While many activities have suffered during quarantine due to restrictions, there is one pastime that has flourished despite rigid restrictions and social distancing guidelines. Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), a popular role-playing game, is still a viable outlet for creativity, imagination, and socialization despite the pandemic and has actually gained traction over the course of the past year.  For those who may not be aware, Dungeons and Dragons isn’t a game that you play on a board or with cards. D&D is a game played with dice that determine the outcome of events. Players come together and create characters with the help of the dungeon master, the person who is running the game and creates the settings, items, and characters found in the fantasy world of D&D. Once the characters are created, the dungeon master creates the story that the characters are trying to navigate. From there, the possibilities are nearly endless as far as what the characters have to do or what they...

Isabella McAllister, Newspaper Editor-In-Chief

February 5, 2021

As the same cold and windy weather continues to roll in, so do the same players hustling back and forth down the field. They kick and chase the ball in a fight for the winning spot. The fight is tough, but the players are determined.  The varsity boys soccer team competed in the annual Frostbite Tournament from Jan. 14 through the 16. One game took place at Heritage High School and two at the MISD Stadium, in competition with one 4A and two 5A schools. The final results of the games were one win, one tie, and one loss.  “We are always trying to encourage each other,” Calvin Duggins (11) said. “Especially since it’s pre-season and we are just trying to figure out things before district.” The varsity team builds their teamwork and focuses on a specific game plan for future games.  “There was no big moment that stood out,” Coach Cashan Clark said. “I was pleased to see the team compete in conditions that we have not encountered this year.” Even though there...

Lily Johnson, Writer

January 20, 2021

Music has evolved throughout the decades and has become an essential part of life. It can be heard in your home, local grocery store, mall, or restaurants. It’s everywhere, and it’s part of us. Each person has their own tastes in music. It can help stress, motivate us, and control the way we dress. But, how do people feel about it? 45 Heritage students filled out a survey discussing their music tastes. Pop, rap, and classic rock were the top three genre choices among our students. Everyone expressed their love for their particular taste, and why they enjoy it. “I like the music because a lot of times, the melodies are just so soothing,” Caleb Hall (12) said. “It honestly feels like it’s food for my soul.” The power of music is strong. The effect it has on the mind is incredible, as it also boosts the immune system, and can relieve pain, in a way. Each genre has a different effect on people. Heavy metal and rap can be relaxing for one person but stimulating for another....