Graduating wolves take a look back on their time at East

Grace Praxmarer From a wide-eyed freshman, timidly navigating the halls with my head angled towards the floor, to a senior confidently striding through the halls, purposely acknowledging all of the people met throughout the transformative four-year journey.  For most of my time as an underclassmen, I feared change. I remained heavily attached to the same friend group from middle school and never felt brave enough … Continue reading Graduating wolves take a look back on their time at East

Yorkville High School JV volleyball beats Wolves in a hard-fought match

East’s junior varsity boys’ volleyball team was defeated in two sets, 15-25 and 18-25, after a hard-fought game against the Yorkville High School Foxes on Tuesday, Apr. 25.  The Wolves were coming off the defeat by their crosstown rivals, the Oswego Panthers, last Friday. Back on their home court, they hoped to turn things around.  The first set began with four points scored against the … Continue reading Yorkville High School JV volleyball beats Wolves in a hard-fought match

SD308 Hosts their Final “Parents and Children…Empowered” Meeting

Dr. Ferney demonstrates how children and parents can unite by using their eagerness to learn. “There is always something that can bring parents and children together, it’s just up to the parents to put in the effort to continue these strategies” SD308 hosted their final “Parents and Children…Empowered” meeting last Wednesday, Apr. 20, after implementing monthly meetings since October.  After having parents participate in small … Continue reading SD308 Hosts their Final “Parents and Children…Empowered” Meeting

Varsity Wolves show dominance, drive in second game against Minooka

Senior Mike Polubinski at bat against the Minooka Indians this Tuesday. “We’re on the right track to be serious playoff contenders,” Polubinski said. Photo courtesy of Colleen Olson. East varsity baseball took care of business this Tuesday against the Minooka Indians, winning 4-1. The team took the field looking to expand their lead in the conference series and to prove to the 13-win Indians that … Continue reading Varsity Wolves show dominance, drive in second game against Minooka

To mask or not to mask? Prom theme sparks conversation amongst Senior, Junior class

As May approaches and the senioritis kicks in for the Class of ’23, the upperclassmen anticipate the upcoming events that close out the year.  Prom is one of the most eagerly awaited events at East and this year it will be held at the Chicago Marriott on May 6.   While there is plenty of excitement behind this year’s Prom, there is also some controversy. Not … Continue reading To mask or not to mask? Prom theme sparks conversation amongst Senior, Junior class

Key Club fundraises for inaugural senior scholarship with food truck fest

Key Club hosted their food truck fest on Thurs, Apr. 14 to raise money for the inaugural Key Club scholarship.  Since the community service oriented organization consistently donates their time throughout the year, club sponsor Mrs. Alexandria Gohla wanted to reward students that volunteered with a scholarship opportunity.  “Key Club has not historically had a scholarship at East. As Key Club we put in so … Continue reading Key Club fundraises for inaugural senior scholarship with food truck fest

Wolves defeat crosstown rivals in the annual volleyball matchup

The Varsity Wolves secured another win Thursday night in their annual crosstown matchup against the Oswego Panthers, extending their current record to 10-5.  The Panthers had played more season games thus far, with a record of 10-8 entering the matchup. But that experience wasn’t enough to stop the Wolves.  The matchup only lasted two sets, the first one ending in a close knit 25-21, and … Continue reading Wolves defeat crosstown rivals in the annual volleyball matchup

East hosts Welcome to the Pack for incoming freshman

Thursday, April 13, OE hosted the annual Welcome to the Pack event, introducing incoming freshmen to the school. Led by four students, incoming freshmen were given the opportunity to tour the school and ask questions to upperclassmen. Students were also given the opportunity to play games in the gym and take part in social activities like icebreakers in order for them to make new connections. … Continue reading East hosts Welcome to the Pack for incoming freshman

NHS welcomes new members at induction ceremony 

Inductees and their families pose for photos following their induction ceremony. “I think things went really smoothly for us,” Landry Wolter said. Last Tuesday, Apr. 11, East’s chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), inducted 86 new members into the organization. An annual event, this induction does not just mark the transition of classes and welcoming of  new members to this prestigious club, the induction … Continue reading NHS welcomes new members at induction ceremony 

East administration incentivizes perfect student attendance with gift card raffle

East’s administration has offered rewards to encourage perfect student attendance, in the form of a weekly raffle where three students will receive a $10 gift card.  The gift cards were purchased with a grant from Kendall County’s Juvenile Justice Council, with the idea for the raffle coming from Assistant Principal Margaret Darnell.  “Reducing tardiness and class cutting is one of our top priorities.” Darnell said.   … Continue reading East administration incentivizes perfect student attendance with gift card raffle

East´s volleyball loses opening match to Neuqua Wildcats

Kicking off their season Tuesday night, East´s varsity boys’ volleyball team faced defeat against the Neuqua Wildcats. Battling against a 6´7 Loyola commit on the opposing team, the Wolves failed to come away with a win, narrowly losing the first two sets 22-25 and 23-25.  Both teams surrendered points to serving and hitting errors. Neuqua struggled with the fundamentals, losing three points as a result … Continue reading East´s volleyball loses opening match to Neuqua Wildcats

Wolves embark on new volleyball season with new head coach

The upcoming season of East men’s volleyball marks the start of a new era for the program. The Wolves will embark on this new season and era with a new Head Coach, former Assistant Coach Dru Filkins.  Senior libero and defensive specialist Ian Kiilsgaard said Filkins is going to bring a lot to the program this season.  “He has been here since I was a … Continue reading Wolves embark on new volleyball season with new head coach

Everything Everywhere wins inspire East’s Asian community, aspiring actors

The 95th annual Academy Awards were held this past Sunday, inciting excitement, anger, and lots of tears amongst celebrities and fans alike. However, the wins that inspired the most conversation was the sweep by A24 hit Everything Everywhere All At Once. Everything Everywhere All At Once follows the journey of Evelyn Wang as she tries to save humanity by jumping through different dimensions, each holding … Continue reading Everything Everywhere wins inspire East’s Asian community, aspiring actors

East´s Eco Club hosts a battery collection challenge through a local organization.

East´s Eco Club has partnered with Southside Blooms – a florist and social enterprise of Chicago Eco House – in their battery collection challenge, to encourage students and staff alike to donate the batteries for proper recycling.  Last month, the club met with Southside Blooms´ cofounder Hannah Bonham Blackwell. Eco Club President Zaccari Starkman said he learned of the company when volunteering with the Northwestern … Continue reading East´s Eco Club hosts a battery collection challenge through a local organization.

East Girl’s Badminton Faces a Loss During their First Match of the Season

Tues. March 14, East’s girls junior varsity and varsity badminton team participated in their first match of the season, competing against Neuqua. Despite the efforts from the JV and varsity team, they found themselves facing a defeat within the singles and double matches. Neuqua took the victory 15-0. With Neuqua being top three overall in the state, this was a difficult match for the girls. … Continue reading East Girl’s Badminton Faces a Loss During their First Match of the Season

Bracketology and its importance to the Oswegoland community

March is here, and with it comes the excitement of filling out brackets and predicting which team will win it all. But where did this beloved tradition come from?  People have been filling out brackets since the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament began in 1939 that the tradition really took off. When it first started, the tournament featured just … Continue reading Bracketology and its importance to the Oswegoland community

Sd308 Hosts Annual Family Heritage and Multicultural Night 

Hunt Club Elementary School hosted a Family Heritage and Multicultural Night on Wednesday, Mar. 8, allowing students and parents from SD308 to learn about different cultures.  With approximately 23 families presenting booths showcasing their family culture, traditions, food, and even some history, this event carried several opportunities for cultural exposure for the SD308 community.  Performances took place throughout this event,  such as two martial arts … Continue reading Sd308 Hosts Annual Family Heritage and Multicultural Night 

East hosts annual TALK to form student relationships

Last Thursday, Feb. 22, East once again hosted Teens Activating a Language of Kindness (TALK), an in-school field trip where students spend the day performing team building exercises and forming relationships with others. With years of praise of the program coming from previous participants, over 20 leaders and 100 students signed up for TALK this year.  Senior Jack Ludolph, who was a TALK coordinator, spoke … Continue reading East hosts annual TALK to form student relationships

News of targeted racist attacks across country affects Oswego POC community

The Oswego East Coalition conducts a “Lunch and Learn” with school representatives to express concerns about microaggressions among other topics against minority groups in our community. Photo courtesy of Caley Layman. An 11-year-old Black girl from Maplewood, New Jersey, became the victim of racial profiling while collecting spotted lanternflies. Armed with a solution of liquid dish soap, water, and apple cider vinegar to capture and … Continue reading News of targeted racist attacks across country affects Oswego POC community

Rise in mobile payment apps inspires debate amongst East students, staff

Mobile payment apps have been utilized in recent years to establish a new and more efficient way to transfer money, and conveniently pay in stores. However, there is an ongoing question regarding these mobile payment apps: are they as secure as they are efficient? Mobile payment apps were ultimately created to purchase things in a contactless way, by using devices like smartwatches and phones. Some … Continue reading Rise in mobile payment apps inspires debate amongst East students, staff

REVIEW: SZA’s “SOS Tour” rocks the boat as musical, visual experience

The album cover for SZA’s sophomore album, SOS. Photo courtesy of Top Dawg Entertainment. R’n’B star SZA is back on the road after the release of her sophomore album, SOS.  The highly-anticipated release came five years after her critically acclaimed debut, ctrl (pronounced “control”), which solidified SZA as a name to watch, and a star in her own way. SZA also featured on chart-topping singles … Continue reading REVIEW: SZA’s “SOS Tour” rocks the boat as musical, visual experience

WAA basketball league provides athletic, social opportunity for East students

Athletic culture runs deep throughout the halls of East, but for students who decide not to associate their talents with school or club sports, there’s a newly popular opportunity for them to stay active and have fun doing what they love. The Wheatland Athletic Association (WAA) is a local recreational league for sports like baseball, soccer, and most popularly basketball, in which individuals can sign … Continue reading WAA basketball league provides athletic, social opportunity for East students

Local movie theaters face decline in attendance

The immense decline in movie theater attendance has created several questions as to why it is occurring. Whether it’s due to the new technology advancements and the efficiency of staying home, or the overall feeling of staying in to watch some classics, 49% of movie goers aren’t attending anymore, following the pandemic.  During COVID-19, people stayed home to watch movies due to being quarantined. Although … Continue reading Local movie theaters face decline in attendance

Varsity Wolves command game against Oswego Panthers at annual Crosstown Challenge

Leaving the court Friday night, the Wolves displayed excitement as they walked away with their second win this season against their crosstown rivals, the Oswego Panthers.  Each season there are two games versus the Panthers – one in the beginning of the season and one at the end. Both are equally as exciting as the stands overflow with fans.  The student sections at this game … Continue reading Varsity Wolves command game against Oswego Panthers at annual Crosstown Challenge

East jazz program lights up PAC with Winter Concert

East’s Jazz program, made up of Big Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combo, filled the PAC with sound last Wednesday, February 8. The concert is one of four that take place over the course of the school year, showcasing each group’s musical growth as individuals and as an ensemble. Freshman alto saxophonist Hayden Mulacek said he felt excited to show his peers, parents, … Continue reading East jazz program lights up PAC with Winter Concert

East’s Chess Club Advances to Fourth Consecutive State Final

This Friday, Feb. 10, East’s Chess team is set to head down to Peoria for the IHSA State Chess Tournament. Coming off of a successful season, the Chess Club makes their return to the state championship for the fourth year in a row. Following a nine and one first place conference finish, the Wolves are aiming to take home a top 25 finish in this … Continue reading East’s Chess Club Advances to Fourth Consecutive State Final

When Harry Met Sally; an ode to the situationship

“You may be the first attractive woman I have not wanted to sleep with in my entire life.” Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally 1989’s When Harry Met Sally follows two friends, Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan). After college, the pair carpools from Chicago to New York, each planning to start a life there. The two immediately butt heads, and decide … Continue reading When Harry Met Sally; an ode to the situationship

East athletes make it official with Winter Signing Day

Sixteen Oswego East student-athletes signed their letters of intent to play college athletics this Wednesday, February 1. Nationally, only five percent of all student athletes sign to play at the collegiate level. The Winter Signing Day is one of three where athletes make their transition to collegiate athletics official in front of family, friends, and coaches. Senior Morgan Hoffman, who is playing women’s soccer for … Continue reading East athletes make it official with Winter Signing Day

East Theater finds magic in wizarding world of “Puffs”

Julia Urso (right) who portrays Leanne gazes from a ledge with castmates Morgan Elliot and Meghan Hartigan. “The best part of this production was the raw emotion behind all of the characters, it made the show feel real,” Urso said. That’s a wrap! On Saturday, January 30th, East theater put on its final performance of their winter show, Puffs. Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years … Continue reading East Theater finds magic in wizarding world of “Puffs”

Med Topics builds foundation for East’s future healthcare workers

Med Topics is a program that initially started at Oswego High School and was introduced to Oswego East shortly after the opening of the school. This year-long program provides seniors with the opportunity to get real-life medical experience.  Starting the second semester of junior year, students are able to interview for a placement in this program. Scott Johnson, the teacher and coordinator for this program, … Continue reading Med Topics builds foundation for East’s future healthcare workers

SNHS Volunteers at Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry

Thursday, Jan. 19, Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) members assisted at Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry. The mobile pantry was set up at Lakewood Creek Elementary School. Non-stop cars for around an hour allowed SNHS members Juliana Ruiz and Alicia Duran, alongside 10-15 other volunteers, the opportunity to distribute nutritious food to areas with higher needs for food and other necessities. The drive-through experience … Continue reading SNHS Volunteers at Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry

Oswego co-op gymnastics team strikes gold against Valley Co-Op

Senior Gianna Schulte performs her beam routine. “I am so happy with our performance at this meet,” Schulte said. “We all came together to celebrate each other and our accomplishments.” The Oswego co-op gymnastics team competed against Valley co-op team for Senior Night on Monday, winning after competing in all four events. The girls began their meet with their Senior Night celebrations, with the coaches … Continue reading Oswego co-op gymnastics team strikes gold against Valley Co-Op

SD308 Hosts their Monthly “Parents and Children…Empowered” Meeting

On Wed, Jan 18, Sd308 held the first meeting this month regarding “Parents and Children…Empowered” in East’s community room.  This meeting’s main focus was “The Respect that Parents Want…The Love that Children Need” which generated new information for the parents that attended the meeting.  Parents shared several emotions throughout the presentation. From expressing their own feelings about their children, to pondering about their past and … Continue reading SD308 Hosts their Monthly “Parents and Children…Empowered” Meeting

East yearbook team brings home third place award in state competition

After a successful conference and sectional run, Oswego East’s 2022 yearbook has been recognized as one of the best yearbooks in the state.  Last week on Monday, January 9, the 2021-2022 yearbook contest results from the Illinois Journalism Education Association (ILJE) were announced, with East coming in third for “overall general excellence”. East’s yearbook competes in Division 6, competing against other schools in the state … Continue reading East yearbook team brings home third place award in state competition

Varsity Wolves Claim Their Fifth Season Win Against Plainfield South Cougars

Despite a two-game losing streak, the Varsity Wolves corrected their mistakes and shot their way to victory Thursday evening, comfortably winning 61-55 against the Plainfield South Cougars.  Immediately tipping off the game, the Wolves gained a lead, consistently being about 10 points above the Cougars for the duration of the game.  Junior point guard Maggie Lewandowski was the highest scorer of the game, having over … Continue reading Varsity Wolves Claim Their Fifth Season Win Against Plainfield South Cougars

OPINION: Grit and glory or tragedy and trauma?: The risk of playing football, the American way

During the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game on January 3, 2023, 24-year-old Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after a heavy hit aimed at Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin was on the ground for ten minutes following his collapse as medical professionals from either side of the field tended to him. It was later revealed by University of Cincinnatti doctors that Hamlin … Continue reading OPINION: Grit and glory or tragedy and trauma?: The risk of playing football, the American way

Wolves beat Joliet West in anticipated SPC matchup

Oswego East boys varsity basketball brought home the win Friday night against the Joliet West Tigers winning 72-59. Both teams stood undefeated in conference play going into the game. With that being said, the Wolves understood they would be seen as underdogs as the Chicago Sun Times had ranked Joliet West the fifth best team in the state. The Tigers were led by the backcourt … Continue reading Wolves beat Joliet West in anticipated SPC matchup

SNHS Hosts Reading Event for Spanish-Speaking Children

On Tues, Dec 13, Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) hosted a reading event at Oswego Public Library. Members Lexi Rodriguez, Sofia Montoya, Juliana Ruiz, Abbigail Hernandez, and Yazmin Santillan read stories in Spanish to children of all ages. In planning this event, SNHS said they wanted to spread both the holiday spirit and the Spanish language to young children.  “Reading books is a great way … Continue reading SNHS Hosts Reading Event for Spanish-Speaking Children

Festive drinks spread holiday spirit throughout the community

The start of the winter holidays means the release of highly anticipated specialty winter themed drinks. From Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate, to the Caramel Brulee Latte, Starbucks has created a unique variety of drinks. Dunkin matches some of Starbucks’ flavor profiles and added a holiday blend coffee, which is all of the enriching flavors of the cold winter season mixed into one festive drink.  … Continue reading Festive drinks spread holiday spirit throughout the community

OPINION: It’s time to put the pencil down on final exams

It’s the holiday season. Families all across the country are decorating their homes with tinsel and lights. Children are sitting in their pajamas, hot chocolate in hand, ready to watch “The Polar Express.” And high school students are forced to brave through the toughest week of the semester. This week, of course, is finals week.  The concept of a final written exam has existed in … Continue reading OPINION: It’s time to put the pencil down on final exams