How Old is Too Old to Trick or Treat?

Every Halloween, kids can be seen trick-or-treating, but where is the cutoff? At what age is trick-or-treating socially unacceptable? People believe there is a clear cutoff, while others feel the tradition shouldn’t be limited by age.  Tommy Reingold is a senior here at East, and he’s gone trick or treating his whole life, and even though he enjoys it, he has a firm opinion on … Continue reading How Old is Too Old to Trick or Treat?

From Moles to Molecules: A Day for Science and Fun

Today, Oct. 23, is International Mole Day, but it is not celebrating the typical fuzzy rodent that comes to mind. Mole Day commemorates “Avogadro’s Number,” 6.02 x 10^23. This number, called moles, is a basic unit in chemistry that allows chemists to convert small measurements to make them easier to work with.  Chemistry teachers at East plan fun festivities to celebrate this day. Cari Carlton, … Continue reading From Moles to Molecules: A Day for Science and Fun

Nationwide Phone Ban Coming to East

At East, a new policy has arisen for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students will not be permitted to use their phones in class during the school day. The school board is setting stone for this phone ban and trying to apply it to the high school. The goal of the ban is to increase in-person engagement, decrease distractions, and foster focus in the classroom. This … Continue reading Nationwide Phone Ban Coming to East

ICE Targets Our Community

Immigration enforcement, also known as ICE, has been even more active and severe in our community, and overall, the state of Illinois. While many think that this is something that has to be done and is completely okay, there are protesters and allies that say otherwise. Recently, there have been many ICE sightings in our community. In downtown Aurora, in Naperville and even in downtown … Continue reading ICE Targets Our Community

The Pep Rally was Cancelled. What now?

On Oct. 2, the student council sent out an email stating that the homecoming pep rally was cancelled due to high heat advisories. The student council deemed the heat to be unsafe and decided to look into other options for rescheduling. Student Council advisor Patrick Sweeney elaborated that they worked very hard to move the event to the morning, like Oswego High School did, but … Continue reading The Pep Rally was Cancelled. What now?

What is Indigenous Peoples Day?

On Oct. 13, people across the United States will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that honors the history and culture of native people who have lived in the United States for hundreds of years  Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the second Monday of every October. The same day was formally recognized as Columbus Day, which was named after the explorer Christopher Columbus. … Continue reading What is Indigenous Peoples Day?

Stands are left empty after halftime; What gives?

Last Friday at the East vs. Romeoville game, East’s student section was almost completely abandoned by halftime. Groups of students headed out early, most on their way to Raising Cane’s, a popular post-game spot for many. But why has leaving to get food become more popular on a Friday night than the actual football game? Although it’s common for many to leave the game early, … Continue reading Stands are left empty after halftime; What gives?

Exercise and Mental Health: Correlation?

World Mental Health Day is coming up on Oct. 10. The goal of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world. To combat mental health struggles, many people turn to exercise. According to Helpguide.org, a study was done that found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour may reduce the risk of major … Continue reading Exercise and Mental Health: Correlation?

Neurodivergent Student Association: Advancing Inclusivity

The Neurodivergent Student Association’s next meeting is approaching on Oct. 6. Neurodivergent serves as an umbrella term for how our brains work differently from what is considered neurotypical. Examples of neurodivergences include: anxiety, autism, ADHD, OCD, tourettes and depression. Kassidy Collins works as a speech pathologist at East and has enjoyed the excitement of jumping into a new opportunity that allows students to feel welcomed. … Continue reading Neurodivergent Student Association: Advancing Inclusivity

Have Students Become Too Reliant on AI?

Artificial Intelligence has reshaped the way students approach class and homework, prompting them to use it for instant answers instead of doing traditional research. Stacy Sajder Adams has worked as an assistant principal and a business teacher in four different schools for over 18 years and runs East’s Business Professionals of America. She has observed how students have approached schoolwork since the quarantine, when the … Continue reading Have Students Become Too Reliant on AI?

How East Students are Celebrating the Fall Season

It’s that time of year when the weather starts to get colder and the leaves begin to change color. People come together to celebrate the joys of fall, and families head to local farms to pick pumpkins, enjoy apple cider, and get lost in corn mazes. Fall activities become very popular this time of year, and the students at East have fall traditions and activities … Continue reading How East Students are Celebrating the Fall Season

Is East Homecoming Overhyped?

While homecoming is one of the most highly anticipated school events, from spirit week, the pep rally, the football game, and finally the dance itself, many preparations are set in place. However, does the hype live up to its expectations? Many East students clash with each other’s opinion on whether or not homecoming is worth going to or abstaining from. Senior Desireé Merritt has only … Continue reading Is East Homecoming Overhyped?

Splurge or Save: Homecoming Edition

The East Homecoming dance is around the corner, and those attending have many choices to make: shoes, hair, makeup, and a dress. Some people choose to splurge on everything, while others opt to save. Which is the better choice? Is one better than the other? Are some items better to splurge on and others better to save? Let’s find out. Sellers such as Sherri Hill, … Continue reading Splurge or Save: Homecoming Edition

Are Fall Flavors Overhyped?

Pumpkin, apple, pecan, and cinnamon; all popular flavors this season. As fall approaches, more businesses are releasing their fall menus. The true question is, are they overhyped? Although these menus have been popular in the past, they have reached a new audience through social media. The sudden craze has caused a huge turnout for businesses. In fact, many people count down the days until they … Continue reading Are Fall Flavors Overhyped?

The Impact Music has on East Students

Music has been present in society for countless years, continuously evolving and growing with the development of humanity. The impact it has ranges from all ages and demographics. For most people, music is where they differ themselves from others. Oswego East choir member Milo Perez elaborates on the physical impact music holds. “I feel like the music you listen to also impacts the way you … Continue reading The Impact Music has on East Students

Athlete of the Week: Ryan Brandt

Senior defender Ryan Brandt has been chosen as Athlete of the Week for his contributions and representation of E.A.S.T.’s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition. Now a four-year member of East’s soccer program. Brandt has climbed from the freshman team to JV and now, a varsity starter. His hard work, both in and out of season, has helped him grow into a consistent … Continue reading Athlete of the Week: Ryan Brandt

East Athlete of the Week: Goda Vievesis

Senior Goda Vievesis has been named Athlete of the Week for her dedication, spirit, and exemplification of East’s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition.  Vievesis has been playing volleyball since she was 14, and has played for East all four years. At the end of her sophomore year, she was pulled up to varsity for regionals and has remained a part of the … Continue reading East Athlete of the Week: Goda Vievesis

East Student Athlete of the Week: Zachary Johnson

Senior golfer Zachary Johnson has been chosen as Athlete of the Week for his contribution to amplifying E.A.S.T.’s core values of excellence, academic, spirit, and tradition. Now a four-year member of East’s golf team and a varsity standout since his sophomore year, Johnson has grown into a record-setting player and the sport holds a special place in his heart. “My grandpa is the one who … Continue reading East Student Athlete of the Week: Zachary Johnson

East Student Athlete of the Week: Brianna Lill

Senior Brianna Lill has been named Athlete of the Week for her sportsmanship on and off the field. Lill is kicking off the inaugural Girls Flag Football season by exemplifying East’s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition. Lill grew up as an athlete, starting her journey in competitive dance before transitioning to volleyball and now flag football. Through these sports, she has learned … Continue reading East Student Athlete of the Week: Brianna Lill

East BPA Heads to Nationals in Orlando

With over 160 members, Business Professionals of America (BPA) is the largest club at East, and now, it’s taking its talent to the national stage. The club is heading to Orlando, Florida, to compete against schools from all around the country, continuing its legacy as one of the largest and most competitive chapters in the state of Illinois. BPA’s influence at East extends beyond competitions … Continue reading East BPA Heads to Nationals in Orlando

East’s Efforts To Combat Climate Change 

Temperatures have been at a record high for the past decade with 2024 being reported as one of the highest years yet. Human activity has raised the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide content by 50% in less than 200 years. With the increase of tragedies caused by climate change students and teachers are trying to bring awareness to the positive impact of learning about climate change.  One … Continue reading East’s Efforts To Combat Climate Change 

East Introduces Flag Football, Boosting Women’s Sports

The 2024 fall sports season welcomed the first year of girl’s flag football being an official IHSA sport. East joined in on welcoming the new sport to girls and coordinated a team for girls to participate in. Flag football was held as a club sport for the first season to give an opportunity for girls to try it out without the entire commitment of an … Continue reading East Introduces Flag Football, Boosting Women’s Sports

Celebrating East’s Educators

National Education week is a time dedicated to appreciating schools nationwide which spans from Nov 18 to Nov 22. Despite the week’s brief nature, teachers dedicate much more of their time to benefitting the lives of their students. This week is important as it takes the time to appreciate our schools, teachers, education systems and even students. Created by the National Education Association in 1921, … Continue reading Celebrating East’s Educators

Walk Against Distracted Driving: A Senior Project Spreading Awareness

“Changes happen in an instant with car collisions and the pain will affect either you or another person,” Thompson said. Photo courtesy of blog.drivedifferent.com. On July 1, 2021 Senior Jadyn Thompson and her mother were parked in their driveway when a distracted driver lost control and hit their car. The car spun out causing Thompson to hit her head on the window resulting in a … Continue reading Walk Against Distracted Driving: A Senior Project Spreading Awareness

Sports Managers Impact on Athletes at East

Girls Tennis Manager Ethan Mann helping the team with a drill. Photo courtesy of Colleen Olson. At East, athletes are often the focus, but behind the scenes, team managers play an equally important role in the success of their teams. From organizing equipment to providing emotional support, sports managers help create an environment where athletes will thrive. Ethan Mann manages the girls’ tennis team at … Continue reading Sports Managers Impact on Athletes at East

East Student Athlete of the Week: Cooper Price

East Senior, Cooper Price is the first student to be recognized as an E.A.S.T. athlete of the week. As a fourth year member of the boy’s golf team, Coach Jim Vera felt Price was the perfect representative of the core values of East: Excellence, Academics, Spirit and Tradition.  Price is committed to performing at the highest level. He understands how much work the sport demands, … Continue reading East Student Athlete of the Week: Cooper Price

OeHowl Graduating Staff Wave Their Goodbyes to East

Itzel Gutierrez While many eagerly count down the days until graduation, I find myself surprised by the swiftly passing time, something that is constantly echoed by seniors in the hallways.  I have noticed that I quickly went from a Sophomore navigating the hallways in confusion- arriving 10 minutes later than expected at French 1- to an experienced Senior who confidently knows every corner of the … Continue reading OeHowl Graduating Staff Wave Their Goodbyes to East

East Holds Annual Honor Society Inductions and Awards Ceremony 

All of East’s language honor societies celebrated their new and sustaining members on Apr. 3, 2024 at the Honor Society Inductions and Awards Ceremony, an event in East’s PAC organized by the World Languages Department.  At East, students can pick between learning Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. While not required to graduate, some East students only take two years of a foreign language class in … Continue reading East Holds Annual Honor Society Inductions and Awards Ceremony 

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Reflecting on Current Struggles

Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It pushes for recognition and honor of the women who have led the way for equality.  It allows for reflection and encourages people to continue making progress to strive for something better. Although a lot of progress has been made, much work is still needed to ensure an inclusive and equal society. Some … Continue reading Celebrating Women’s History Month: Reflecting on Current Struggles

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

On Feb. 7, female athletes celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging how far female sports have come and the women and girls who’ve helped them grow.  For girls and women at East, sports mean a lot more than just training and competing. Throughout the article, some of East’s female athletes and coaches share how they began playing sports, … Continue reading National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Roaring Twenties Revived: East Theater Unveils ‘The Great Gatsby’

That’s a wrap! On Saturday, January 28, East Theater put on their final performance of its Winter show, The Great Gatsby. The play is a stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The show follows Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, who passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, a young newcomer to New York, is drawn … Continue reading Roaring Twenties Revived: East Theater Unveils ‘The Great Gatsby’

East Seniors Recap the First Semester of their Senior Year

East’s class of 2024 experienced varying levels of stress during the first semester of their Senior year due to their class schedules, extracurricular activities, college applications, and other factors.  Some Seniors including Landon Kangas feel that their lives are easier after finishing Junior year.  “It’s definitely the easiest year so far. I’ve never been too stressed out with school, but this is by far my … Continue reading East Seniors Recap the First Semester of their Senior Year

East Seniors Prepare for Last Midterms

Starting on Dec. 15th, senior students at East will be taking their last midterm of high school. Every grade level takes a final/midterm test but for seniors, the midterm will be their last one they ever take, as they will be done with their senior year a week before the final tests are for second semester. Students have varying levels of stress for the midterms. … Continue reading East Seniors Prepare for Last Midterms

Unwrapping Easts Students Spotify Wrapped

On the morning of November 29, music listeners at East explored their Spotify Wrapped results on Spotify, recapping their year in music.  Spotify unveiled the 2023 Wrapped slide show, including top five artists, top five songs and other details about user’s listening habits throughout the past eleven months.  Along with the individual listener’s stats, the app also released the United States’ Most-Streamed Artists which can … Continue reading Unwrapping Easts Students Spotify Wrapped