TROJAN VOICE Mcdowell High School’S Student Magazine

THE TROJAN VOICE McDowell High School’s Student Magazine

Issue 1, Volume 3 October 2018 Letter from the Staff Editors...

The Trojan Voice is a student-run school magazine made Co-Editors-in-Chief Sammantha Man- entirely by McDowell’s students for McDowell’s students. Pre- nion viously established by Mrs. Barb Makay, The Trojan Voice had Kensley Semple been around for several years but was discontinued when she retired.Three years later, Chris Butler brought the magazine back. He met with Mrs. Stephanie Weiss and found a group Copy Editors Alex Hopkins of eager student writers, who got The Trojan Voice back on its feet. We, Samantha Mannion and Kensley Semple, were two of Staff Writers Taylor Drumm those eager students, and now we are the Co-Editors-in-Chief Dominic Ferraro of The Trojan Voice. Both of us began to gain interest in print Alex Hopkins communications as freshman in Journalism. Samantha joined Christina Kljunich the Media Club after school at the beginning of her sophomore year. Kensley began attending Media Club during the second Samantha Mannion quarter. Due to her busy dance schedule, she couldn’t contrib- Halle Murabito ute as much as she wanted. Yet, in second semester’s third block Emma McNeeley Advanced Journalism class, Kensley got even more involved, finding a love for graphic design and layout. Kirsten Owens For our senior years, and last year with The Trojan Voice, Kensley and I want to end our runs on a high note. We plan to Layout Design Bryanna Mooney publish more captivating stories and create appealing magazine appearances making students want to read. Kensley Semple Welcome back McDowell and have a great year! Photography Isabelle Southard

Contributed Photo Rory DeFazio Co-Editors-in-Chief

Samantha Mannion Cover Photo Isabelle Southard Kensley Semple Advisers Stephanie Weiss Shannon Yelkovich

(Rory DeFazio/Contributed Photo) 2 Contents

Top Five Artists to Get into This Fall 4

Homecoming 5

‘Out of This World’ Girl’s Athletic Club Lifts Off with Homecoming Festivities 8 Sorting Through the Stress of Senior Year

The Complicated Hearing of Brett Kavanaugh 9

Fall Fashion: Forever 21 Fall Favorites 10

Winter Words 12

3 Top Five Artists to Get into Music is worldwide and ties people together. Music is an art that many This Fall people express themselves with. There are many musicians today in the By Halle Murabito media, but there are many that we don’t know about. Billie Eilish Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell who Grandson performs as just “Billie Eilish” is a 16-year- Dealing with today’s injustices, old electropop artist. Eilish’s first song “Ocean Grandson, a 23-year-old musician Eyes” came out when she was 13 was written from Toronto, Canada sings about by her older brother, Finneas O’Connell and the government, financial inequal- received 87 million streams on Spotify in July ity, social justice, and environmen- 2018 alone. Afterward, Eilish has continued to tal accountability. His music can write all her songs with her brother. In 2017, be best described as punk or grun- Eilish relenced the song “Bored” which was ge. Recently his album a modern used in the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack and tragedy vol.1 has come out. One of “Lovely” with Khalid as part of the soundtrack his songs is “thoughts and prayers” https://www.bigissue.com https://www.klatsch-tratsch.de of season two. The songs added include which discusses school shootings “Idontwannabeyouanymore” and “Hostage.” and the government’s response. “Bills,” is a song he wrote about the difference between the youths use of money verses Oh Wonder adults. Oh Wonder is a duo team made up of Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West. They focus on cre- ating indie pop, alternative R&B, Robin Skinner and synthpop music. Together they Robin Skinner “Cavetown” is a 19-year- have released two albums, Oh old English singer-songwriter and Wonder and Ultralife. Their first Youtube personality. Skinner has released album reached spot 80 on the US a total of six independent albums, and his Billboard 200 in 2015. In 2016, music can best described as a combination of they were the opening act for mu- indie, pop, electronic and alternative. Most sician Halsey while on tour. Along of his songs are played on either the guitar or with this they have collaborated the ukulele. His most popular songs include: with, Lil Uzi Vert on the song “The “Lemon Boy,” “This is Home” (Cut My Hair), Way Life Goes.” and “888.” One of his most viewed covers is of “The Judge” by Twenty One Pilots. He has gathered over 500,000 subscribers on Youtube where he uploads his covers.. His most recent songs uploaded are “Talk to Me” an original and “Imposter Syndrome” originally by Sidney Gish. https://www.imdb.com Dodie Clark Dodie Clark is a 23-year-old English singer-songwriter, author, and Youtube personality with over 1.7 million subscribers on her Youtube channel. She is a pop or indie pop artist. She uploads original music like “Rainbow,” “Far Away,” and “Party Tattoos.” Her original songs are written with simple notes played on either the piano or ukulele with self-made harmonies. She is known as be a pop or indie pop artist. Her EP You was release in 2017. Her EP is filled with modern day pop music. Songs included are “Party Tattoos,” “Secret for the Mad,” and “Dear Happy.”

http://www.onestowatch.com 4 McDowell Homecoming 2018

Outof this World

Oct. 13, 7 p.m. MCDowell High School North Gym

5 ‘Out of This World’ Girl’s Athletic Club Lifts Off with Homecoming Festivities

by Atalie Soule

For many Erie folks, the beginning of fall signals In addition, last year’s king and queen will return to fantasy football and pumpkin spice lattes, but for The crown the 2018 winners during half time. McDowell Girls Athletic Club (GAC), all the focus is The homecoming tradition dates back to 1910, on planning homecoming weekend. This group of 23 when three universities began voting on their very McDowell ladies works to put together memorable own homecoming courts. The ritual has grown and homecoming festivities. crossed centuries to remain a source of excitement Kevin O’Connor, the GAC tutorial teacher, says, for many McDowell students today. “These ladies are full of energy, and it seems as if blue The dance is on Oct. 13 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and white activities and athletics are their number in the McDowell North Gym. Tickets will be sold at one priority.” all lunches starting on Wednesday Oct. 3-12 for $18. This year’s theme is “Out of This World.” Pam Mill- GAC will be submitting a playlist to returning DJ er, the adviser of GAC and organizer of McDowell Josh Bennett. Emily DiRienzo, the club treasurer, says homecoming for the past nine years, helps the group students can count on hearing “Ayy Ladies” by Tiga. decide the theme each year. “It’s always a challenge to “Homecoming is about everyone at McDowell pick a theme that can be childish for the parade and coming together to dance crazy and celebrate the then formal come time for the dance.” Parade goers beginning of the year and our football team,” DiRien- can expect fun aliens and astronauts but dance goers zo says. will enjoy elegant stars and galaxy decorations. Additionally, the ladies have arranged for large The homecoming parade begins at 5:30 p.m. on screens to have music videos projected around the Oct. 12. There are ten floats in this year’s contest as dancefloor in the North Gym. well as 45 groups from the Erie community walking As students purchase their suits and dresses and in the parade. Following the parade, the McDowell make dinner reservations, they rarely think about Trojans take on the Austintown-Fitch Falcons at Gus the army of ladies who make homecoming weekend Anderson Field. The Falcons are currently 4-2. possible. Hunter Sorenson, a senior McDowell wide receiv- Corrine Bechtold, an 11th-grade member, de- er, says,“They aren’t very big but they are fast. I think scribes this club as a sisterhood. “We are working so we can win.” hard on different tasks to accomplish our common Voting for court will occur during tutorial through goal of making this year’s homecoming the best yet,” Oct. 5. The court will enjoy a meal prepared by GAC. she says. McDowell Spirit Week (October 8-12) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday “Take off” after BLACK OUT “Out of this PSAT Testing “Brighten Up the Dress in all black No School World” Crazy School” Neon Day or wear your Sock Day (Early Dissmissal at 1 p.m. NO special clothing) homecoming shirt 6 McDowell Girls Athletic Club plans every aspect of homecoming weekend. (Isabelle Southard/The Trojan Voice)

Parade Game 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 Caughey Road Gus Anderson Field

Dance Ticket 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 Sales McDowell High School Oct. 4 North and South All lunches Gyms

7 Sorting Through the Stress of Senior Year by Samantha Mannion

Waking up on my first day of senior year I had all vanced placement or honors classes, work two jobs, the normal end of summer feelings; dread, anger, and do three extracurricular activities, your senior sadness; a general want to go back to bed. year will be different than the person with all aca- Nevertheless, I got up and started my day. demic classes, senior release, open lunch, and two Then, still half asleep, I tried to get some breakfast study halls. Senior year is all about scheduling. If you when a thought occurred to me. This is my last year want a chill senior year, you have to be scheduled of being able to depend on people and security. After very promptly to do so. this I’ll be on my own. If you are worried about college, visits are happen- Instant anxiety hit me. I had never even consid- ing all the time. Keep track of what they send you in ered it that way; but it was in the back of my mind. I the mail and decide which ones are worth going to couldn’t shake that thought, until I told myself not to for what you want to go into, or if you’re like me, see worry about the end of the year at the beginning. which ones have already passed and are now unavail- Now, a couple weeks in I’m more relaxed about my able. last year. I’m kinda forced to, in a very cliche manner, Be a tourist in your own city; the college you go take it day by day. My homework load is more intense to may be outside of Erie, or the state. Go to things than my junior year and I started a new job which like Celebrate Erie, go on a hike at Asbury Woods or means I have to focus to get everything done. Wintergreen Gorge, The Bayfront Convention Center Managing my time helps me a lot in not worrying. holds events a lot like Festival of Trees. There are also Having anxiety about being on my own after gradua- things like Sarah’s Restaurant, Creamland, Mighty tion will be pointless if it means I was too distracted Fine Donuts; local businesses that you could patron to pass government. My goal is to keep that point- on the east and west sides of town that if you haven’t lessness in mind. Reminding myself as needed that gone to, you should before you leave. If you want it’s not going to help me and I should boil everything more only in Erie things you can go to trojntime- down to what is at hand, not what is at stake. sonline.com and reference our “You Might Be An To Juniors, I will say, remain calm, it will be Erieite If…” article. okay. My suggestion is to take your SATs this year so Soak it all in and experience everything you’re able you will be on a good track to apply to colleges. to. Sports games, plays, dances, events, join a club I will also say that your senior year is as easy or as you’re interested in, try it all. difficult as you make it. If you schedule lots of -ad 8 The Complicated Hearing of Brett Kavanaugh

by Emma McNeeley

The 2018 nomination for Supreme Court Judge However the confirmation hearings were post- began its hearings for Brett Kavanaugh. However, poned due to an investigation being opened into the the first hearing got off to a rough start, with multiple allegations against Kavanaugh. The allegation on protestors having to be escorted or carried out. Kavanaugh that has blown up since September 16th. The protestors became riled up at the very start Christine Ford, a professor who had been in couples of the hearing due to 42,000 new documents being therapy in 2012 brought up the situation that had released just the night before. Senator Kamala Har- upset her for 30 years where Kavanaugh was drunk ris stated, ¨We cannot possibly move forward, Mr. at a party and the assault took place. This story has Chairman, with this hearing. We have not been given recently come forward, with the hearings being put an opportunity to have a meaningful hearing on this on hold and an investigation being looked into. nominee.¨ On Thursday September This nomination seemed 27th, the hearing between to start very uneasily, but Ford and Kavanaugh took only more would stem from place. Ford remained calm it. Soon, many protestors and went over the events of would begin to yell through- the night, and responded full out the hearing. It appeared to every question and seemed there was a constant uproar prepared. Her testimony had over Kavanaugh. upset many as the story was In order to get this posi- heartbreakingly specific. tion, the current President Kavanaugh’s take on the will nominate someone of in- event was, much different. He terest, in this instance Trump handled it with yelling and has nominated Kavanaugh. raging against Senate Demo- Then the court proceeds to crats for “totally and perma- have several hearings until nently” destroying his name, the decision is made to give career, his family, his life. He the nominee the position. seemed to dodge more ques- There were 227 protestors arrested from the first tions and denied many questions. The two different hearing on September 4th to the end of the testimony reactions from Ford and Kavanaugh have lead to the on Friday, September 8th. Many have protested due speculation of who is believable in this case. to lack of time to analyze files or allegations against There was then a meeting held to decide if the Kavanaugh. There are also many others who protest- hearings should continue for Kavanaugh, or if they ed out of fear of Kavanaugh’s beliefs and what it could should be postponed for investigation. After much do to our country. debate the votes were cast and it was approved by Many warned that Kavanaugh would be one to President Trump that the hearings would be can- slow the expanding rights with gay marriage, as well celled for one week for the FBI to open an investiga- as strengthen gun rights and allow for states to get tion on the allegations. Only time will tell if Kavana- rid of abortion. This had lead many to worry and fear ugh will make it to the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh.

9 Fall Fashion: Forever 21 Fall Favorites

by Kirsten Owens Photos by Forever 21

Fall is one of the most fashionable times of the year, but sometimes fashion can be pricey, or hard to find. Here are some cute, yet affordable, fall outfits that you can get in Forever 21 at the Millcreek Mall. Knit Chic This fashionable knit outfit can be paired with almost any shoe, and the less than $5 earrings add an extra spark to your outfit. Easy to throw on in the morning, and even easier to afford, this outfit will get you compli- ment anywhere.

High-polish geo hoop ear- Long Ribbed Knit rings $4.90 Turtleneck Dress $17.99

10 In Vogue

Looking for a more subtle look? This chunky knit sweater pairs stunningly with these trendy high-waisted skinny jeans. Not only is this outfit comfortable and adorable, but it’s also a great price!

Marled Raglan Sweater $12.00

Pull-Ring mini skirt $9.90

High-waist Skinny Jeans $12.90 Stylish Skater

This three piece outfit can fit changeable Erie weather patterns.This look has a mock top, with a pull-ring skirt. Paired are a darling pair of patten leather booties.

Faux Patent Leather Booties $29.90

Striped Mock Neck Top $12.90 11 Winter Words By Christina Kljunich The frosty wind outside blew its but there was no home to go back never got mail. “Well, hand it over, way into the open window, chill- to anymore. “Don’t think about Karina.” ing her skin. The other kid held that now,” she told him. “Let’s just Karina did as she was asked and her head out forcefully, spitting focus on something else. Um…” left, leaving Ivana and Emil in the out nasty words she decided not She threw her eyes around the eerie silence of the room. Ivana to listen to. From the corner of the room, trying to ripped open the letter and found a room, she saw her brother pinned spot anything short note and an amulet she hadn’t against the wall by the older kids, that would seen since her parents died. trying not to let the water leak. By make her young- The amulet was a deep his wounded expression, she knew er brother feel purple with swirling he heard the words. better. When her lines that Ivana had Finally, she slammed her elbow eyes found crayons, she always believed were into the other kid’s stomach, caus- said, “How about we color? runes. She read the note ing him to stagger back. He swore You’ve always loved coloring, aloud. “‘Some display of fire, at her and grabbed the collar of her Emil.” She strolled over House Of Gray. Title and shirt. He didn’t say anything then; to get the crayons and money no more, but the he just stared at her. His eyes were the coloring books society stands.’” fire, devilishly delighting in her on the bookshelf. “What society?” Emil fear. She didn’t want to be fearful As she walked asked. “Where was it anymore. back over, she felt mailed from?” He let go of her, and the other a stinging pain Ivana shrugged. “It kids followed him behind, leaving in her thigh, but has no return address, both her and her brother on the she didn’t let her but the post mark is floor. She crawled over to her cry- expression shift. from Oregon.” She ing brother, so proud of him that he She would not look paused, peering at the didn’t show his emotions until after weak in front of her familiar amulet. “Look here, they were gone. They would have brother. Emil!” she exclaimed, recogniz- beaten him more severely if he had When she handed Emil ing it. “This used to be mom’s.” cried in front of them. She cradled the supplies, he frowned. “Those Emil snatched it from her hands. him like their mother did when kids are mean. Why are they so “Then could they be alive?” they were younger, gently running mean, Ivana?” Ivana had no idea, but she didn’t her fingers through his black curls. She wondered why herself. They want to pour in any false hope into After a few huffs of air, he stopped were all orphans, so why did those her brother’s cup. She took the crying and let himself sink into the kids treat them so poorly if they amulet from his hand and tossed comfort of his sister. had such a crucial thing in com- it on the ground. “Now, Emil, you “This is all my fault,” she whis- mon? This foster home was the know our parents have been gone pered with a tight throat. “It’s my worst they had lived in, but it was for some time, and it’s about time fault they hurt you. I stole the the longest they’d ever stayed at you knew how-” chips, not you. They should have one. She cut herself off when her eyes just punished me.” Before she could reply, one of glued to the amulet. The amulet He gazed up at her with his big the foster children who was nice had begun to glow, turning the gray eyes that dreamed of another to them, busted through the door. entire room purple. A black abyss life. “I should be used to it by now; “Ivana! Emil!” She rushed over to of swirls and whispers opened in the hits they give.” He sniffled. “I the table where they colored. “You the ground and a shadow lashed at want to go home, Ivana.” have mail today!” Emil’s feet, dragging him in. Ivana wanted to go home, too, Ivana was astonished. They He screamed.