Girls Wrestling Athlete of the Week; Ella Cooper

“Ella is a big leader in the room. She is always helping other teammates with technique and cheering on the rest of the girls,” DeBenedetti said.

Cooper has been wrestling since seventh grade, and what keeps her motivated goes beyond wins and losses.

“My favorite thing about it is the community and the people,” Cooper said. “One thing I especially love is making friends. Even from rival schools, I still make friends. It’s awesome.” Continue reading Girls Wrestling Athlete of the Week; Ella Cooper

Where the NBA Stands After the Trade Deadline

The NBA has had numerous trades, which then end on Feb. 5, with everything having to be finalized and the cutoff for any teams negotiating with one another for new players. For NBA  fans, this is their favorite time of the season because many unexpected things can happen, and big-name star players sometimes get traded. Chicago is currently leading the league this year with the … Continue reading Where the NBA Stands After the Trade Deadline

Clash in Santa Clara: Everything you need to know about the Super Bowl

As the biggest sporting event in America nears, anticipation and hype only grow. Fans around the world wait anxiously for the 2015 Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. With the game being played at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Home of the 49ers, temperatures in the 60s can be expected-perfect football weather. However, that weather could prove a problem … Continue reading Clash in Santa Clara: Everything you need to know about the Super Bowl

What Fans can Expect From the Bad Bunny Halftime Show

Bad Bunny, a musician from Puerto Rico, is set to perform the Super Bowl halftime show this Sunday, Feb. 8. He has grown immensely in popularity over the past few years. So, what can we expect from his show this Sunday? Bad Bunny’s real name is Benito Ocasio Martinez. He was born in Bayamòn, Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny has expressed in his recent Apple Music … Continue reading What Fans can Expect From the Bad Bunny Halftime Show

Girls Gymnastics Athlete of the Week: Siena Fikis

Sophomore Siena Fikis has been named this week’s athlete of the week for girls gymnastics because of her unmatched commitment to her sport and display of E.A.S.T.’s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition.  Fikis is a multisport athlete and has been doing gymnastics since she was three years old, making the sport a very important part of her life. In her time at … Continue reading Girls Gymnastics Athlete of the Week: Siena Fikis

Is Groundhog Day a Hoax?

As winter drags on, Groundhog Day offers a brief moment of anticipation at the beginning of February, predicting whether winter will continue or spring will arrive soon. This tradition is hosted annually on Feb. 2, which marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This event stems all the way back to 1887, and occurs in its official location, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. … Continue reading Is Groundhog Day a Hoax?

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Review

I watched the Netflix series about the Menendez brothers. To be honest, I didn’t really care for it. The beginning of the show confused me. Right from the start you are thrown into all of their family issues. Their problems with each other. Their court battle. I was trying to follow along. The show has a lot of drama. Too much. There are constant people … Continue reading Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Review

East Wind Symphony Selected to Perform at Illinois Music Educator Conference

Illinois Music Educator Conference (IMEC) is an annual event held in Peoria, Illinois featuring hundreds of clinics and performances from across the state. This year, only four high school ensembles were selected to perform including East’s wind symphony. Wind symphony will travel to Peoria on Jan. 29 to perform at the conference making it a major opportunity for the ensemble. The group has spent months … Continue reading East Wind Symphony Selected to Perform at Illinois Music Educator Conference

Marketing: The creation of business is the business of creation 

Since the dawn of profit-making, Humans have used marketing to ensure sales and boost the economy. For a while, advertisements seemed harmless and were just trying to cater to their target audience for sales, and have always been framed as neutral transactions, but with the new age of social media, it has morphed into a new form. It poses the question: has marketing become something … Continue reading Marketing: The creation of business is the business of creation 

Celebrating the Accomplishments of MLK Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. is an influential figure when it comes to the civil rights movement. His very famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” helped influence and shape the way our country is today.  Martin Luther King became famous by leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which made him very recognizable. He led marches for the right to vote, desegregation, and the overall civil rights of … Continue reading Celebrating the Accomplishments of MLK Jr.

Second Semester Temperature Check: How are Students Adjusting?

As second semester begins, students are returning from a long winter break, having to adjust to the normal school schedule once again. Early mornings with packed schedules can be a shock to some after weeks of rest. Checking in with students helps build a stronger community within the school. Just asking how their break went and how they’re doing can help students get back on … Continue reading Second Semester Temperature Check: How are Students Adjusting?

I’m a Senior: Why am I overwhelmed?

Senior year brings numerous changes. Many students apply to college early in the school year, but the work is not done after that. Whether it is applying for scholarships, finding roommates, deciding on a major, school, or plenty of other responsibilities, it can feel like there is always something to worry about. Since the second semester started, stress levels are rising. Senior Autumn Wieczorek shares … Continue reading I’m a Senior: Why am I overwhelmed?

Nee Doh or Nee Don’t?

From fidget spinners, to pop-its, to the newest edition toy; Nee Dohs. These squishy, stress-relieving, sensory toys are taking East classrooms by storm. This newly trending fidget is becoming more accessible in places like Target, Walmart and Learning Express. The fidget toy goes for about $5-15, depending on the size and color. Freshman Dominique Salas keeps a Nee Doh in her school bag and is … Continue reading Nee Doh or Nee Don’t?

Athlete of the week: Bethanie Norman

Striking up a new athlete this week, our athlete of the week is junior Bethanie Norman. Norman was chosen this week not only because she is a key asset to the East girls’ bowling team, but also because she strongly exemplifies E.A.S.T.’s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition.   Norman’s teammates describe her as a leader who is always making sure that the team is … Continue reading Athlete of the week: Bethanie Norman

Is The NFC ‘Weak’ In Comparison To The AFC?

The AFC and NFC have had their battles over the season, but the NFC has a slight advantage this year, winning 41 games to the AFC’s 39 in their conference battles. However, some fans may say the AFC has a more difficult and competitive division for teams due to records being so close.  East football coach Tyson Leblanc, a Broncos fan, has high hopes for … Continue reading Is The NFC ‘Weak’ In Comparison To The AFC?

How to Keep Your New Years Resolution

It’s almost 2026, and a new year leads to new beginnings. One of the most popular New Year’s traditions is making a New Year’s resolution. Although many people participate in this tradition, driveresearch.com found that just nine percent of Americans actually keep their resolutions throughout the year. New Year’s resolutions are important because they offer a structured way to set goals for self-improvement. There are … Continue reading How to Keep Your New Years Resolution

What are the most popular Christmas movies, and what are some hidden gems?

As Christmas approaches, families embrace the holiday spirit with festive traditions like decorating the tree or building a snowman. One of the most cherished activities is gathering in a warm living room to watch holiday movies together—classic favorites like Home Alone and Elf are always at the top of the list. But there are also lesser-known hidden gems worth enjoying during the holidays. Alongside these … Continue reading What are the most popular Christmas movies, and what are some hidden gems?

Senioritis: Is It Kicking In?

Many seniors are finding that senioritis, the traditional decline in motivation, hits harder than anticipated as the academic year draws to a close. Excitement for graduation frequently turns into a daily battle to maintain attendance, stay focused, and complete homework. Teachers across the school have observed a difference in energy. Formerly active students are now more likely to appear fatigued, submit work late, or discreetly … Continue reading Senioritis: Is It Kicking In?

Athlete of the Week: Hannah Adams

This week, senior Hannah Adams has been named Cheer Athlete of the Week for her leadership, consistency, and ability to display E.A.S.T. ‘s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition. As a flyer and team role model, Adams has spent years building not only her skills, but also, a strong, supportive cheerleading program here at East. Continue reading Athlete of the Week: Hannah Adams

Monsters of the Midway are Dominating the NFL Season

The Chicago Bears have unveiled a new identity. There is now a new sense of pride throughout not only the city of Chicago, but also throughout East. The feeling of success has revived the fandom of many students at East. As the seventh seed in the NFC, the Bears are the best they have been in seven years. In years past, Bears fans have been … Continue reading Monsters of the Midway are Dominating the NFL Season

How to Drive safe in the Winter Weather

Last Saturday, Winter weather struck Oswego and may continue for the next few months, affecting how everyone must drive to remain safe. Normally, it takes senior Gavin Zuber about five minutes to drive to school each morning. “We spent 16 minutes getting the snow and ice off. It was like a 16-minute drive,” Zuber said. According to the National Weather Service, “When driving, if roads … Continue reading How to Drive safe in the Winter Weather

How to Use a Roundabout, a Life Skill

It has come to my attention that many people, though most of us in this town use it every day, aren’t actually sure how to use our beloved roundabout.   Completed in December of 2023, A Christmas gift to many, was a project that casted a hope to reduce the traffic nightmares. This especially excited students of East due to the immense traffic buildups we used … Continue reading How to Use a Roundabout, a Life Skill

Should School Start Later?

As the first period starts at 7:20 a.m., most students are still half asleep, dragging themselves to class, struggling to focus on anything beyond staying awake. Vivi Mendygral, a freshman here at East, struggled to adjust to the earlier start of high school after coming out of middle school. “Sometimes I cut it close getting to school on time. I think we should definitely start … Continue reading Should School Start Later?

The Price of Participation

Cost of equipment, enrollment fees, and uniform costs; it all adds up. Winter activities are underway at East, and many students are faced with fees and expenses. Senior Angelo McLearnon, an athlete entering his fourth year swimming on East’s varsity swim team, provides his insights on spending for sports. “I spend about $300 on equipment a season on swim caps, goggles, suits, and gear. Varsity … Continue reading The Price of Participation

Sidelines to Competitions: Differences in East Cheer

In the fall, cheerleaders were on the sidelines cheering on the football team. As East transitions into winter sports, the cheerleaders switch over to competition season. Although they both are forms of cheerleading, the two seasons are very unique.  The level of intensity rises as the competition season nears, which affects practice times. Senior Hannah Adams has been involved in cheerleading at East for the … Continue reading Sidelines to Competitions: Differences in East Cheer

What’s on the Forecast for Winter Fashion?

As winter weather is upon Illinois, student’s fashion adapts to it. Some wear coats, some wear hoodies, and some people just wear t-shirts. Other than what people typically wear, what makes a winter outfit unique? Senior Alex Lass explains what he wears during the winter time and why.  “I usually wear a coat during the wintertime to stay warm. It’s the best thing to wear … Continue reading What’s on the Forecast for Winter Fashion?

Athlete of the Week Derek Zahorak is Rolling to Victory his Senior Year

Senior Derek Zahorak has been named East’s Athlete of the Week for Boys Bowling because of his extreme commitment to his athletic achievements and for displaying E.A.S.T. ‘s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition. Zahorak has only been bowling for a little over three years, but has made huge strides for East’s bowling program. In his time on the team he has consistently … Continue reading Athlete of the Week Derek Zahorak is Rolling to Victory his Senior Year

Timeless Classic “Heaven Can Wait” Prepares to Come to Life on East’s stage

This winter, East will put on a production of “Heaven Can Wait” written by playwright Harry Segall.  The production will showcase a romantic comedy reflecting the journey of life, death and everything that happens in between. “Heaven Can Wait” will be the perfect kick off to the 2026 program with a mix of challenge and excitement for the cast and crew as they dive into … Continue reading Timeless Classic “Heaven Can Wait” Prepares to Come to Life on East’s stage

Mario and Pac-Man Taking over the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Every Thanksgiving, the Macy’s Parade brings out a bunch of giant balloons, and this year the new ones are already starting drama. Some people think the characters are super cool, while others say they’re kind of unnecessary. Junior Yazmine Cruz said she’s not really into the new lineup. She said she usually prefers the older balloons that everyone grew up seeing. “They’re okay, but I … Continue reading Mario and Pac-Man Taking over the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Extended Thanksgiving Break: Positive or Negative?

This year, Oswego East’s Thanksgiving break was extended from its former Wednesday-Friday off to a full week off. This resulted in Easter break and Spring break being combined in the second semester. Students have different opinions on whether this change was a positive or a negative one. Personally, we love this change in the break. While it does give us one less break, it still … Continue reading Extended Thanksgiving Break: Positive or Negative?

How can we Improve Student Wellness?

Wellness is essential for a student’s life in and outside of school. Without wellness, people would be struggling with many things at school and at home, which include, but are not limited to, homework, chores, health, hygiene, etc. How does social media affect student wellness? Students today are surrounded by media 24/7, making it a major influence on their daily lives- especially their behavior in … Continue reading How can we Improve Student Wellness?

How early is too early to Decorate for Christmas?

Christmas is around the corner, and the question is, how early is too early to decorate? While pumpkins might still be on the porch, many are already untangling Christmas lights, creating their perfect winter wonderland. Others may think waiting until after Thanksgiving is the best time to decorate.  East sophomore Riley Mishler and her family love the Christmas holiday so much that they decorate right … Continue reading How early is too early to Decorate for Christmas?

Is Thanksgiving Underrated?

Thanksgiving is a Holiday about showing gratitude to your family, your home, and anything in between. Gathering with family and friends to give thanks over a delicious feast is a joyous and wonderful occasion. But is it overshadowed by Christmas and all of the holiday hype? Gavin Ahearn, a junior at East, agrees that Thanksgiving is an amazing holiday that often gets glossed over. “Thanksgiving … Continue reading Is Thanksgiving Underrated?

Is Veterans Day Being Forgotten?

Veterans Day is on Nov. 11, originally intended to honor those who are serving and have served in the military. The day receives little recognition from the East, with the flags being lowered to half-staff and a field of flags in front of the school. James Vera is a history teacher at East; he teaches the AP US History classes. “I feel like it’s important … Continue reading Is Veterans Day Being Forgotten?