Parking Lot Finds Senior Rotarians Inside this edition Kenadi Davenport Page 2 - Opinions While perusing the parking lot, and Mickaila Kelly we saw the following items in visit Vinita Rotary Page 3 - Club News vehicles: fishing rod, hatchet, Club. Page 4 - Senior Spotlights motorcycle helmet, GTA 5 video Page 5 - Entertainment game, and a hydroflask. Page 3 Page 6 - Sports Page 7 - Java & Jazz Check us out online in color at www.vinitahornets.com Issue 1

MarchThe 2020 Varsity Volume 19 BlueVinita High School, Vinita, OK Vinita High School beefs up security ‘Stopit’ by Zachary McGlasson and Alex Smith brings undeniable drawbacks. new system cost around $10,000. app helps Vinita High School has a new security system Particular students have expressed negative We also asked high school principal Michelle that was installed just a couple of months ago. thoughts about the system. Gibson on how she felt about the new security to combat It is a video and intercom system which relays One student stated often response times leave system, her response was “love it, we were vul- audio and video back to the front office. much to be desired and the noise the buzzer sys- nerable without it.” bullying Once a student presses the buzzer system, a tem makes is often disruptive and non conducive This is all to say, that despite negative drawbacks video feed is played in the office to where secre- to learning. the security brings, it is worth it to endure them. by Lydia Davenport tary, Denise Sparkman, can see the individual and Conversely, several students have argued that it The safety and assurance the system provides is A new phone app avail- then determine whether or not to give entry. Kids makes them feel secure. invaluable and any inconveniences it imparts are able to VHS students called and teachers at Vinita High School both say that We asked high school principal, Michelle Gib- worth enduring. “Stopit” is now being used the system makes them feel safer, but the system son, how much the system cost, she said that the to help students fight against bullying. Photos by Zach McGlasson The app became available The new security system at Vinita High School al- to students two weeks ago lows administrators to view persons entering the during CAP sessions, and high school either on a computer, as shown in the only one week later, students photo on the left, or on a cell phone. Below, student had used it a total of 34 Alex Smith presses the intercom at the front entrance times. while being viewed from inside the school. School Resource officer Bobby Floyd explained that the purpose of the app is to prevent hazing, bullying and any kind of harassment. To use the app, download it to your phone from Google Play or the App Store, and enter the code “vinitahigh,” making sure to enter with all lower case letters and no spaces. If a student gets into a bul- lying incident, they can use the app by selecting the icon that says “Report” and enter- ing the issue, add any media or video as evidence and send. You also have to agree to the terms of usage of the app and send your message. Floyd said that when the app was launched at the school, there were at least four incidents of students misusing the app as a joke, and one student even com- plained about expired chips in the cafeteria. Floyd said that the app is not for fun and games, and students who misuse it could ‘Music for a Cause’ raises funds potentially prevent school personnel from being able to address a bullying situation. This would be similar to making a false 9-11 call. for water bottle filling station He added that it might By Zane Smith even save a life one day so On March 3 the Leader- students shouldn’t joke about ship I class at Vinita High this app. School hosted “Music for a Cause.” Their aim in hosting the FCCLA event was to raise funds for the purchase of a new water fountain with a offers water bottle filling station for the high school. prom The event included per- formances from among discounts Vinita High School’s most talented performers at ‘My including: Liberty Carroll, Makayla Gaylord, Frank- lin Griffin, Ben Bradley, Friend’s and Julia Childers. During the performances Closet’ students were invited to By Zane Smith donate money in ex- At VHS there will now be change for brownies and a more affordable option cookies. for those who wish to go to prom. Students could donate Beginning this year the whatever amount they FCCLA will be sponsoring deemed fit and still “My Friend’s Closet,” a way receive a baked good in for students to avoid the of- return. ten prohibitive cost of prom. The performance was an My Friend’s Closet offers overall success and raised both boys and girls an op- a significant amount portunity to rent tuxedos, of money for the water dresses, shoes, socks, and fountain. jewelry at an affordable Yet, they are still seeking price. donations. On March 11, from 3 to 5 They will be leaving an Photo by Reanna Lane p.m., and March 12, from empty water jug in cafete- VHS students Justice Aufleger, Brittanie Gleason and Aubreigh Lambert accept donations in exchange 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., students ria in which students can for baked goods to raise funds for a water bottle filling station. Their goal is to raise $1,000, and they will be able to reserve all of donate money. will continue holding fundraisers to purchase one. (Cont. on Page 3) Page 2 - Vinita High School - Varsity Blue - March 2020 Opinion Is it fair to raise the tobacco Varsity Blue Staff purchasing age to 21 when Managing Editor you can be drafted at 18? Zane Smith by Alex Smith Nationwide it could pre- Page/Design Editors In light of new events in- vent over 200,000 deaths By Trevor McGlasson By Camron Jackson Taylor Deatherage volving Iran and the US, total. The argument between the Xbox is a more dominant searches for the draft on Tobacco use would also Amelia Alexander Xbox One and the Playstation console than Playstation. the Internet have gone up decrease by 12% in teens Emma Meeker 4 of being the better console Xbox has a thing called ulti- tremendously, and the Se- and adults and deaths will is finally over. mate game pass. Cheyenne Round lective Service Act website decrease by about 10%. The Playstation 4 easily When you buy the ultimate Advertising Manager crashed because of users In my opinion, if you dominates the Xbox One. game pass you get over 100 McKinzie McAffrey flooding the site. can be sent out to war you There are many reasons why games for free. After all of this, on Dec. should be allowed to drink, Ad Sales the Playstation 4 beats the Xbox players are better at 20, 2019, President Trump smoke etc, at your own Cheyenne Sheehan Xbox One. most games than Playstation signed legislation raising will, which also correlates One of them being, Playsta- players. These are simply true Alex Cook the use of tobacco products to a lot of other adults and tion offers tons more exclu- facts and entirely unbiased. Kylie Fenstermacher to 21. teenagers opinions as well. sive games than you can even The Xbox One X has better Audrey Bedford This has made many If the government wants think about getting on Xbox. graphics than the ps4 pro. Americans, some between to raise the tobacco age to Reporters/Photographers Another reason is that Play- Xbox has a higher net worth 18 and 20, very angry be- 21 then they must raise the Curtis Brown station is the only console out than Playstation. Xbox is cause they feel if they can draft age to the same or of the two that has a virtual worth 545 billion dollars, Trinity Burk be forced to be sent to war higher, because for any un- reality headset. Playstation is only worth Lydia Davenport they shouldn’t have to wait derage young adult it’s not Thus meaning if you want 37 billion. This is literally Camron Jackson to use tobacco products. fair to be drafted for war, virtual reality on a console, pathetic. According to the American most of the time against Freddy Griffin then Playstation is the way That makes Xbox worth Lung Association raising your will, and not be al- Braeleigh Grinder to go. over 14.7 times as much as the tobacco use age from lowed to smoke or drink. Another reason Playstation Playstation. Emmalee Huddleston 18 to 21 could reduce lung I believe this is extremely is better is because it is much With this much more money, Cloe Hughes cancer deaths by 50,000. unfair. easier to use. Xbox has too Xbox is able to pour greater Reanna Lane many windows with tabs amounts of money into the Trevor McGlasson popping up everywhere. development of exclusive Zachary McGlasson Whereas, Playstation 4 titles. The Next Chapter is super easy to navigate Titles like Gears of War and Clayton Postier Walking across that stage has us in tears through whether you want to Halo are evidence of this fact. Alex Smith But the day after will bring us laughter find and play games, share Both of these recieved rave All our friends and family yell their cheers videos, take screenshots, or reviews. As we turn the page to our next chapter Adviser find friends. Xbox is also backwards Angela Thomason The Playstation is also being compatible. That means you As we turn in college applications updated regularly making its can play Xbox 360 games We feel a sudden rush of excitement performance top notch. An- and even old, original Xbox The Varsity Blue is published bi-monthly by As we head to our own destinations other reason why the Playsta- on the Xbox One. the Vinita Daily Journal, and articles are not We can’t help but feel a little frightment tion 4 is better is because it When you buy Xbox Live necessarily the views of the staff,Vinita High just looks nicer. you get discounts on games School administration or Vinita Schools Board of As we get closer to our diplomas It is not as bulky as the and are able to play online. Education. The Varsity Blue welcomes opinions, No more VHS -- that’s hard to believe Xbox and is easier to move This fact allows you to play creative writing, and editorials from students It went by so quick, there’s an aroma around. with friends eaiser and allows which fall under the guidelines of the school’s of success in the air as we achieve The last thing to be men- you to collect games with policy and are accepted by The Varsity Blue tioned is Playstation 4 has greater ease than Playstation editorial staff. The Varsity Blue staff reserves our goals. It’s hard to overcome our fears sold around 102.8 million players. the right to edit all materials as they see fit due of choices we make to launch our careers. consoles compared to the 41 For these reasons, Xbox is to space or editorial purposes.Send letters, million Xbox One consoles just hands down much better suggestions, story ideas, or photos to Room 113, By 2nd Hour English IV that have been sold. than Playstation. or email them to: [email protected]

DOWN ACROSS of “Things Fall Apart” 22 A Greek god of love, you Poseidon 40 The sport which Satchel 14 the hard inner part of a might get shot by his love 34 What the feathers on the Paige started playing at 42 1 David Dobrik had this 4 thank you in French tree trunk arrow back of an arrow might be 41 ______of Prague, substance poured on him at 6 The country Chernobyl 17 A winged hussar is an 24 “The Land Between the called the act of throwing someone the kid’s choice award occurred example of one, a mounted Rivers” 35 a cheap food item popu- from a window 2 Aestivation is hiberna- 8 A French artillery officer military unit 28 The Greek letter that lar among college students 42 Last name of a rapper tion during this season, convicted of treason and 18 An irrational number completes the name Cath- 36 “Don’t Cry for Me who released the album rather than winter exonerated by Emile Zola 19 First name of our local erine _____ Jones _____” an Andrew Lloyd “Swimming” 3 The saint who drove the 11 the calf is attached to computer god and IT techni- 30 A possibly creepy pro- Webber song 43 the namesake saint of a snakes from Ireland this bone cian 20 A revolutionary piece noun that shares its name 37 the continental name of very lovely holiday 5 the sort of jelly a queen 13 its the homeland of the of Apple tech released in with a Netflix thriller of all the islands southeast of bee produces to feed the Igbo people and the setting 2007 32 The Roman name of Singapore larvae 7 A conglomerate of pub- lic technology stocks 9 The volcano that erupted in Washington circa. 1980 10 the organism that con- March Crossword cerns ichthyologists 12 The most common of 1 all of the cryptocurrency 15 the cite of a recent enormous “Bush Fire” 16 President elected in 2 3 4 5 2008 6 18 Surname of a 42-year- old, African American 7 rookie pitcher in the 50s 8 9 10 and 60s 21 Trump and Clinton are 11 12 the only presidents to have this done to them 22 Where the novel “The 13 14 15 Good Earth” takes place 16 23 A ______keyboard, like Americans use 17 18 25 Kraft’s is sometimes 19 20 called the “Blue Box Spe- cial” 21 22 23 26 a word meaning a 24 25 26 27 28 29 delima, perplexed 27 both a name and gender 30 31 32 33 29 the name for a fencing 34 35 foil 31 Schizophrenics often 36 hallucinate hearing these 37 32 the titular object of a Guy de Maupassant twist 38 39 40 story, read in Mrs. Steck- lein’s class 33 artist who performed 41 the song “Gangnam Style” 38 Home-country of Gus- 42 tav Adolphus 43 39 It has atria, ventricles, and is surrounded by a pericardium Vinita High School Varsity Blue - March 2020 -Page 3 Club News

Photo by Reanna Lane Juniors and Seniors like, from left Devin Allen, Zoe Stump, and Zane Young, had the opportunity to play simulation games at an Army Trailer provided by the Vinita National Guard recently. My Friend’s Closet (Cont. from Page 1) In order to receive your full the previously stipulated deposit back items must be re- clothes for a mere deposit of turned, in their original condi- $40 and shoes for $30. tion, by Monday, Apr. 20. FCCLA will also offer door For each day after Monday, prizes for simply attending the amount of the deposit re- My Friend’s Closet which in- turned reduces by $10. Until clude a free prom ticket with the clothing items are returned prom favor and a free prom an additional $40 student debt Photo by Angela Thomason VHS seniors Kenadi Davenport and Mickaila Kelly favor if you win. The pickup is added, for a total of $80, so VHS senior Reanna Lane won the ‘Farmer or Ranch- were visiting Senior Rotarians for the Vinita Rotary time for items rented is the be sure to return the borrowed er’ dress-up day during FFA Week at VHS. Club during the month of February. Friday before prom, Apr. 17. items as soon as possible. VHS Culinary class learns how Drama presents two children’s plays for Vinita’s elementary school sites by Emma Meeker and The students of Will under the same name. to budget with ‘Struggle Meal’ Amelia Alexander by Reanna Lane Rogers will be viewing that would stay within Lane says she enjoyed The students of the VHS In January, the VHS that same play but also budget. making it because she drama program are prepar- Culinary class made a “Miss Nelson Is Missing” Instructor Emily Colvin realized it is harder to ing a play to show to the “Struggle Meal.” which is based off of the provided a protein for just not go grab fast food students of Hall-Halsell A struggle meal is a popular children’s book each team, so the $4 per or junk food instead of and Will Rogers. healthy meal that meets team could be used for sitting down and plan- The date for the show the food pyramid stan- additional ingredients. ning out what to eat for at Will Rogers has yet to dards and is very cheap. Students Reanna Lane dinner. be set. In regard to Hall- The students in culinary and Elliot Rose made a Colvin is trying to teach Halsell, March 10 was were paired off and had chicken grilled cheese students how to be pre- tentatively set. a money limit of $2 per sandwich with tomato pared for life and manage The children of Hall-Hal- person, with the goal of and a side of mixed veg- their budgets efficiently. sell will be viewing ‘Stone coming up with a menu etables. In The Road’ which is a morality play hopefully leaving an impression on Enjoy Spring Break March 13-20! the children. Band members named to District Band

by Braeleigh Grinder Salensky who made third Liberty Carroll who made Colvard who made fourth On Monday, Jan. 20, the seat, Senior Euphonium; seventh seat, Freshman seat in the Junior High band. Vinita High School band Landon Garrison who made Flute; Olivia Stephens who Landon Garrison and traveled to Cleveland, Okla., fifth seat in his section, made eighth seat. Franklin Griffin happen to to audition for district band. Senior trombone; Franklin The middle school students be five year members of the Band members waited, and Griffin who made sixth seat, who made it into the district band and received awards played their blind auditions Junior Trumpet; Breanna band were: 8th grade trom- the night of the clinic, which to a set of judges. McDonald who made tenth bone player, Caleb Wedlock was held Feb. 4. The proud band members seat, Freshman Tuba; Israel who made ninth seat in All band students are under who made the district band Meyer who made Fourth the Junior High band, and the direction of band instruc- were: Senior trumpet Tyler seat, Freshman trumpet; 7th grade Tuba, Jacklynn tor Matt Young. Spanish Club raises money for St. Jude’s by Zachary McGlasson $1,000 by the first week of ask students and faculty if White’s room and drop a $20 Recently the Spanish Club March. they would like to donate. bill or even a penny in the has started a fundraiser for One of the ways they’re Another option to donate, donation bucket. St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer collecting money is hav- if you miss the donation Any donation counts Research. ing members of the club go bucket during lunch, is to go because it’s all going to the Their goal was to reach around 1st and 2nd lunch to to Spanish instructor, Vilma same great cause. Page 4 -Vinita High School Varsity Blue - March 2020

Senior Spotlights

Photo by Audrey Bedford Senior Trevor McGlasson’s plans after high school are to attend OSU and be- come a registered nurse.

Chloe Jackson Plans to attend NEO and get a degree in art and just live her McGlasson’s advice is life. Jackson says her ‘Don’t skip school’ By Audrey Bedford basketball with the boys and about Vinita High School play his favorite video game, is messing with his little favorite memory is karaoke Trevor McGlasson is a NBA 2k. His top two favor- brother everyday. By Alex Cook is art. Her best memory is include photography, poli- senior at Vinita High School. ite teachers are AP Biology Trevor’s favorite high singing karaoke with art tics, gardening, art, and He was born in Vinita on instructor Christy Kennedy school memory was when Chloe Jackson is a senior instructor Kim Hecken- finally simply vibing. Nov. 14, 2001. and culinary arts instructor Brannon Vail tore off his at Vinita High School. kemper aka “Mrs. Heck.” Chloe has seven siblings: Trevor has attended Vinita Emily Colvin. shirt during Hornet Olym- She has attended Vi- Chloe is involved actively Kelby, Brea, Camron, Public Schools for 10 years Trevor’s plans after high pics and his class lost in nita Public Schools for 12 in both Art Club and Span- Cody, Carsyn, Shylee, and and the year of 2020 will be school are to attend Okla- utterly tragic fashion. years. ish Club. Her advice to Creek. his last. homa State University and His recommended advice Her favorite teacher is underclassmen is, “Don’t After high school, Chloe In his spare time, Mc- become a registered nurse. to underclassmen is simply, her beautiful cousin and care what others think of plans to attend NEO and Glasson likes to play One thing he will miss “Don’t skip school.” English instructor, Wendy you- just be yourself.” get a degree in art and just Brown. Chloe was born on Jan. live her life. Chloe’s favorite subject 12, 2002. Her hobbies

Senior Reanna Lane always has a smile on her face and a good story to share when she’s not knee-deep working on a school project or helping others. Senior Mickaila Kelly sits atop a haybale adorned with her many awards and accomplishments earned through FFA competitions. Lane aims to become a Kelly says always keep kindergarten teacher

the future in mind By Zane Smith member of Student Coun- plans on becoming a kin- cil, FCCLA, NHS, News- dergarten teacher in either By Zane Smith and accomplished a great She also has a show heifer Reanna Lane is a senior at paper, and Band during Vinita or Claremore. deal within them. she lovingly refers to as Vinita High School and has various times during her After school, Lane can of- Mickaila Kelly is a senior at She is currently a member “Flabby Abby.” been attending Vinita High attendance of VHS. ten be found working at the Vinita High School. of Vinita FFA, a senior Ro- Following high school School since her freshman She plans on attending local Boys and Girls Club She was born on Oct. 10, tarian, and holds the office of Kelly is going to attend the year. Northeastern Oklahoma at Hall-Halsell. 2001, in Springfield, Mo., NHS Secretary. University of Arkansas and She was born on Aug. 29, A&M College following Her favorite candy is and began attending Vinita During her time in FFA she pursue an engineering degree 2001, in Claremore, Okla. the completion of her senior Twizzlers. Public Schools in her sixth won 1st place in the State in a yet undecided field. Prior to attending Vinita, year. Her advice to underclass- grade year. Senior Natural Resources Her advice to underclass- she attended Verdigris Pub- She intends on pursuing a men, “Don’t work too hard, During her four years at Vi- AFR Speech contest and has men is, “Work hard and lic Schools. degree in Early Childhood but still focus on school.” nita High School Kelly has placed and medaled in nu- always keep the future in She has been an active Education and ultimately been a part of several clubs merous other competitions. mind.” Page 5 -Vinita High School Varsity Blue - March 2020 Student Life Taking small steps: Meeting my birth mom by Cheyenne Sheehan who gave birth to me. We decided to meet in Growing up and knowing you’re adopted a public place. We pulled into the Charlie’s isn’t easy. I was constantly asking myself Chicken parking lot only to find out they questions like, “Why wasn’t I good enough, were closed for a company party. why didn’t she fight for me? What was so We decided to go to Arby’s instead. I bad about being a mom you chose drugs over glanced at the GPS and saw that in three min- your own kids?’’ utes we would be there. I was always told I had to wait until I turned It was overwhelming. I had no idea what I 18 to find my birth mom, however I came was supposed to do or how to act. We arrived home after a rough day at school to find out at Arby’s and I slowly walked to the entrance that wasn’t the case. I had gotten home from of Arby’s. I felt like my heart was going to school and my adopted parents told me that beat out of my chest. I was terrified. I walked my half brother who’s in the Army (same inside and looked around making eye contact mom, different dads) had lied to us about with my birth mom. It was as if time stood why he couldn’t come home for Thanksgiv- still. We locked eyes and I made my way to ing. The truth was, he was going to meet our my birth mom. birth mom. Standing in front of her no words were He spent 13 days in Claremore with our spoken. We hugged each other and cried. I birth mom. When my adopted parents told cried for all the years she hadn’t been there me this news I was devastated. My brother for me, I cried for her choosing drugs over and I told each other everything. Once I her kids and I cried because for the first time realized my brother had changed, I made I finally got to meet the woman who gave Song Dedications my decision to meet my birth mom before I birth to me. We sat at a table and talked. She Amelia Alexander to turned 18. wanted to know so many things about me Jason Sauer to Nate Sauer - Emma Meeker - My adopted mom reached out to my birth and I had questions of my own, however I “Rebel Without a Pause” “Best Friend” mom through Facebook messenger and we didn’t ask them because I was scared of what decided to meet three days later. The three- the answer would be. Chrystal Green to the Class Emma Meeker to day wait was awful. Trying to focus on She brought my baby pictures and we just of 2020 - Amelia Alexander - school was nearly impossible. The only thing talked and got to know one another. “Have it All” “Super Bass” I could focus on was trying to figure out Before we both went our separate ways we what I was going to say to the woman who exchanged phone numbers. This was the start Braeleigh Grinder to Shyly Amelia Alexander to was supposed to be my mom but hadn’t been of me building a relationship with my mom. Lauchner - Braeleigh Grinder - there for me for 17 years. Since that night at Arby’s I text her almost “Just little bit” “Balloon Girl” I spent the next three days doing as much every day and we have met up a few times stuff to keep my mind distracted- whether it for lunch. Curtis Brown to Zane Smith Emma Meeker to be hanging with friends, going to the movies I wrote this story not to just tell of my expe- - “Earfquake” Newspaper adviser Angela or even just driving down backroads. riences but to help anyone who is struggling Thomason - The three-day wait was finally over. The with a similar decision. The only way to Camron Jackson to Rowdy “You Are So Beautiful” entire day was a blur of thoughts about what know the outcome is to go through with the Hayes - to say or how to act. The drive to Pryor was process. No matter how scary it is. You will “The Gummy Bear Song” From Freddy Griffin to awful. never know what could happen if you take Maddie Carter - I didn’t talk the entire way. I still couldn’t that small step. Alex Smith to Cloe Hughes - “From the Ground Up” believe that I was about to meet the woman “We Are The Champions [Ding a Dang Dong]” From Anonymous to the Class of 2020 - Answer key to March Cross from Page 2 Camron Jackson to “Babies to Men” Principal Michelle Gibson - “Old Town Road” Kamron Miles to Franklin Woods - Seth Buffington to “Axel F” Elliot Rose - “I Want it That Way” Daniel Gilmore to Dayton Sanders - Dylan Walden to “Jolene” Curtis Brown - “Real Slim Shady” Nick DeVore to Zane Young - Audrey Bedford to “I Want it That Way” Kenedi Davenport - “Wait” (the whisper song) Mckinzie McAffrey to Alex Cook - Kenedi Davenport to “Adore You” Jalee Davenport- “Lottery” (Renegade) Reanna Lane to Angela Thomason - Camron Jackson to “You Got A Friend In Me” Hunter Tadych - “Go Krazy, Go Stupid Free- Reanna Lane to style” AJ Shults - “Single Ladies” Zane Smith to Trevor McGlasson - “Since U Kenedi Davenport to Been Gone” Audrey Bedford - “Hate you”

Lydia Davenport to Cierra Carlton- It takes total focus to play “Dragonhearted”

Instructor Emily Wikipedia speedrunning game Colvin To all her By Camron Jackson and from seemingly unrelated articles, attempting to find students - Zane Smith articles as quickly as possible your way toward the target “Unwritten” Wikipedia speedrunning is a toward a target page. page. complex and difficult task. The rules are as follows: 1) 3) If an article is mis- Addy Colvin to It requires total focus, con- You must select a beginning clicked you may not use the Tanner Colvin - centration, and dedication. and ending page. back arrow to return to the “Firework” The idea of Wikipedia 2) You can only navigate the previous section. You can speedrunning is to navigate website by clicking related however,navigate back to it if the page presents a link for it. For example, say the object of the game was to connect the article for The Statue of Liberty to the iPhone. One example path would be to click New York > United States > California > Silicon Valley > Apple Inc. > iPhone. In this case, one would take a very efficient path only requiring six total clicks to navigate to the target. The fastest time we’ve achieved was 60.4 seconds during the connection of goat cheese to Louis Pasteur. This game separates boys from men. We encourage you to compete against friends and classmates to see who the real men (or women) are. Vinita High School Varsity Blue - March 2020 - Page 6 Entertainment ‘Monster Hunter: World’ is a blast as a multiplayer quest Magdaros. am a blademaster at heart, get more by slaying mon- Zorah Magdaros is this and the sword and shield is sters. Now that’s what I call by Lydia Davenport MASSIVE fire elemental my best strong suit, and no farming. Do you long for a new elder dragon that wrecks other weapon can change my When you do hunts, they adventure in the New World? your ship in the beginning of mind whatsoever. can be either assigned, Look no further than this the journey. Next up, multiplayer. The optional, or special quests. game review, my friends. Luckily there is a tutorial on gathering hub is perfect to Captures are also attempted, “Monster Hunter: World” is how to do some of the basic party up and hunt in a team but be careful and don’t slay another one of the greatest controls, such as moving, of four players and hunt the target by accident. games of the decade. jumping, and using your together. That mistake is easily made The hunter, (AKA, you) and camera. Multiplayer is also great by a few hunters out there. the handler go on an adven- Okay. now that that’s out of for hard quests when you This game is available on ture to find out why the elder the way, welcome to Astera. are a beginner hunter -better Steam for PC, Xbox One and dragons cross over once Here, you will get all of the known as a greenhorn. Playstation 4. If I were to every 10 years. necessary weapon of your Onto the next bit of info rate this amazing game, 20 But along the shorelines choice. you may find useful: trade outta 5! This is rated T for a storm is brewing thanks There are two categories, in items. Ever feel like you teens to one of those elder drag- like in the other games: need more money? Sell your ons, and its name is Zorah blademaster, and gunner. I trade in items for zenny and ‘Circles’ by the late Mac Miller receives Book review: ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ is a good romantic adventure rave reviews by Taylor Deatherage people are barely holding on. long to read due to having to Kemmerer. By Cloe Hughes cles,” “That’s On Me,” and “A Curse So Dark And Harper’s life has never been know what happens next. Kemmerer has also written On Jan. 8, the family of “Good News,” those par- Lonely” written by Brigid easy, but she’s learned to be It does have some suspense other works such as “Letters rapper, Mac Miller, an- ticular songs sparked my Kemmerer is “an intensely tough enough to survive. She in it; however there is not To The Lost,” “Call It What nounced the release date interest because you hear original retelling of ‘Beauty won’t let anything hold her much. You Want,” and many more. and title of his sixth studio a much more acoustic, and the Beast,’” according back, not her cerebral palsy I liked this book however, You are able to find some album, Circles. raspier, vulnerable side to to Stephanie Barver, who is or her mother’s deteriorat- the ending was a little dull. of her works at Barnes and Malcolm aka Mac and his Mac’s vocals. a number 1 New York Times ing health. But when she is I would have loved to have Nobel or in any major sell- producer, Jon Brion, began Although those tracks best selling author of “Cara- sucked into Rhen’s world, read a more empowering ing bookstore. working on this project are different from what val” and “Legendary.” nothing is as it seems. ending. before the passing of Mal- you usually hear from his The storyline as reviewed Powerful forces are stand- There is a second book colm in 2018. previous albums, there are by Google Books is: “Prince ing against Emberfall and it called “A Heart So Fierce With the project being un- still some that hold Mac’s Rhen, the heir to Emberfall, will take more than a broken And Broken” that is about finished, Brion was unsure classic funk/rap style. is cursed. curse to save it from utter Rhen’s best friend named about what to do with what Some of those tracks Forced to repeat the autumn ruin.” Grey. they had made. include “Complicat- of his eighteenth year over This book has received Personally I would not He finished all the final ed,” “Blue World,” and and over, he can only be many wonderful reviews like to read this story, just touches to the album, and “Hands.” freed by love. But at the and has rated 4.5 stars from because I did not think that Mac’s family gave him In my opinion, there is not end of each autumn he is Google Books. Grey was a very interesting permission to finally re- a single song on this album transformed into a beast I would recommend this character. lease it. that I would skip over. I hell-bent on destruction, book to everyone who loves I would however recom- It was on Jan. 17 that Cir- enjoyed every second I lis- and after so many failed at- a good romantic adventure. mend it to anyone who does cles was released for the tened to. tempts, his kingdom and its This book did not take me want to read more from world to hear. Overall this album defi- Upon my initial listen, I nitely holds a special place fell in love instantly. in my heart, and should be The sound of the album is heard by everyone on this quite different from Mac’s planet. I would give this Opinion: Humanity got it all wrong other projects. album a 10/10. With tracks such as “Cir- when it came to breeding the Bulldog By Clayton Postier They’ve met those dogs I am a dog lover. As such, I before, too; but they never am immediately at attention seem to remember them… whenever one of my class- In addition to their nonex- mates mentions their dogs in istent muzzle, Bulldogs also a conversation. have problems thanks to But there is one word that their freakishly-large heads, turns my interest to sadness; wide shoulders and tiny one word that sends a chill hindquarters. up my spine and makes me They’re too top-heavy to wonder just where humanity swim. They also can’t give went wrong. birth without a c-section, Bulldog. because the puppies’ heads Ingrown tails. Pinched Nos- are too big and their mama’s trils. Hip Dysplasia. Breath- hips are so narrow. ing problems. They can’t even breed natu- These are just a few of the rally. If nature tries to stop things you can expect to you twice from making pup- spend vet bills on because pies, you should probably you insisted on getting a dog listen because you messed up without a face because it’s big time. “Cute!” Bulldogs are just depressing There are plenty of better dying from heatstroke. And the worst part is the to be around, too. options. There’s really no defense arguments. “I knew a bull- Mouth agape, panting even Leavitt Bulldogs recreate for supporting what should dog who breathed just fine!” though he’s lying in the the old bull-baiter of old. be considered animal cruelty is always the go-to defense. shade, snorting and gurgling Victorian, Old English, Aus- by choosing an English Bull- Photo by Reanna Lane Sure, but for every one that as he struggles to breathe; tralian, and Continental Bull- dog (or a Pug, or a Frenchie, VHS senior Julia Childers won first place in the Hor- does, 10 more die because his eyes seem permanently dogs offer a dog more like or a Pekingese) over a nets Got Talent Show held as a fundraiser for the Show they were left out in 70 glazed over in a look of res- the modern version but still healthy, well-bred dog. Choir’s annual Branson performance. degree heat. ignation. It’s just plain sad. able to act like a dog without Vinita High School Varsity Blue - March 2020 - Page 7 VHS Blue Notes present Java & Jazz

Photos by Curtis Brown

VHS Blue Note Liberty Carroll sings “Sunday Kind VHS Blue Note Roman Johnson sings “Ain’t No VHS Blue Note Victoria Grossman sings “On the of Love” at the 2020 Java & Jazz event held at the VHS Sunshine” with his soulful voice, entertaining those Street Where You Live” during Java & Jazz held cafeteria recently as a fundraiser for the show choir’s who attended Java & Jazz recently held at the VHS recently at the VHS cafeteria as a fundraiser for the annual Branson performance in May. cafeteria as a fundraiser for the show choir’s annual show choir’s annual Branson performance. The Blue performance in Branson. Notes are under the direction of Shelley Reed.

VHS Blue Note Ben Bradley, shows his talent as a VHS Blue Note Breanna McDonald sings the classic VHS Blue Note Julia Childers sings her version of blues musician and singer performing “Never in My Elvis song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” at Java & John Mayer’s “Gravity” at the annual Java & Jazz Wildest Dreams” at Java & Jazz held recently at the Jazz held recently at the VHS cafeteria. event, participating in her final performance as a se- VHS cafeteria as a fundraiser for the show choir’s an- nior at this event. nual Branson performance.

VHS Blue Note Mya Williams sings “L.O.V.E.” by Nat The VHS Blue Notes Show Choir under direction of Shelley Reed, sing and dance to “Route 66” a classic they King Cole at the annual Java and Jazz event, the event perform each year at Java & Jazz, a fundraiser for their annual performance in Branson. Java & Jazz was held was held in the VHS cafeteria as a fundraiser for the Tuesday in the VHS cafeteria, offering an evening of jazz, blues, and pop music, coffee and dessert to the show choir’s annual Branson performance. crowd attending. Page 8 -Vinita High School Varsity Blue - March 2020 Sports Shephard: ‘Enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast’

by Emmalee Huddleston Coach Scott Reed and Coach plined and how to accept Senior Lizzie Shephard has Nathan Wylie made three criticism and to learn from been playing basketball ever half court shots in a row at it.” since she could walk. summer camp. Shephard has signed to She’s been playing for the Her biggest supporters are play Division II basketball Lady Hornets for four years. her mom, dad and brother. at Northwestern Oklahoma The love of the sport She says that for her, play- State on a full ride scholar- has given her many great ing sports has been a positive ship. memories playing in a good in her life. Her best advice to under- program like Vinita’s. Shephard said, “Sports has classmen is, “Learn to com- Shephard’s favorite bas- taught me how rewarding pete every single day and to ketball memory was her hard work is. It has also enjoy every moment because freshman year when she, taught me how to be disci- it goes by so fast.”

Senior Lance Mason says he brings an offensive threat for the Hornets, and he stays motivated by looking forward to the next game, win or lose. Lance Mason loves to compete

by Kylie Fenstermacher www.lucillesflowersandgifts.com Lance Mason plays bas- ketball as a senior for Vinita High School. His favorite player is Russell Westbrook. He has attended Vinita Schools his whole life. When asked why he loves this sport, he said, “I just love the competitiveness and everything else that comes with it.” He believes he brings an 918-256-6187 offensive threat and is a good defender for the team. He says after a loss he stays motivated by knowing “once it’s in the past it is over and you can’t do anything about it so you just have to look forward to the next one.” Mason has been playing bas- ketball for 9 years. His worst injuries were just a lot of rolled ankles. He doesn’t plan Photo courtesy of David Burgess/Vinita Daily Journal to continue to play basketball VHS senior Lizzie Shephard drives a steal for a layup in the Lady Hornets’ 54-39 in college, he says he is con- Regionals loss to Grove in Mannford. sidering football instead.