Product Review: McRib

Photo Credit: McDonald's

by Keaton Ingle, senior

The McRib is back at McDonald's! Grabbing one of these for dinner is a great way to start off December with its sweet, savory taste. Its barbecue sauce is full of flavor the instant it touches your mouth.

The McRib costs around $3 for just the sandwich. Its made from a rib patty, pickles, onion, a square of molded barbeque meat, plus a bun. If you want fries and a drink, you can have this whole meal for around $5. The McRib is only a seasonal item on the menu and comes to McDonald's around the beginning of November.

Personally, this is my favorite meal of any restaurant, even restaurants that are considered a lot nicer than McDonald's. Even though you can get a cheaper meal with the combo that I mentioned already, I think that it's best with a sausage McGriddle and a large vanilla ice coffee. The contrast of all the flavors makes this meal very desirable for my taste buds and would recommend this meal to anyone wanting a savory taste.

The Stranger Game: Book Review

(Book Review) by Mary T., sophomore

The Stranger Game is a dark, suspenseful, mystery novel by Cylin Busby, and was published on October 25, 2016.

The main character is a fifteen-year-old girl named Nico Morris. When she was eleven, her older sister, Sarah, went missing at the age of fifteen.

Before Sarah's disappearance, she would verbally and physically abuse Nico. Nico could never tell their parents because they wouldn't believe her and it would make Sarah become more cruel towards her.

Despite how Sarah treated Nico, everyone else saw her as a wonderful person. She was the head cheerleader, made good grades, and was beautiful.

Once Sarah went missing, Nico felt as if her life took a turn for the better. She was no longer being tormented everyday, she didn't have to live in Sarah's spotlight anymore.

Nico and her family searched for Sarah for four years, with all the leads and attempts coming to dead ends. People began to assume that she was dead, until the Morris family receives a call about a girl found a few states over claiming to be Sarah.

The Morris' make their way to meet the girl who's saying she's Sarah. Once the family sees her, they all believe it's really her, everyone except Nico. Nico notices small differences about Sarah, her hair is darker, she's slightly shorter, and thinner than Sarah was before she went missing.

Nico was the only one to recognize these differences, so she feels as if she's overthinking it.

Sarah doesn't recall much of anything from her experience. She only remembers waking up on a bench when the police found her. She has cigarette burns all over her back, evidence of sexual abuse, a healed broken arm, and some missing teeth.

After the family brings her home, more and more things point to this girl not being the real Sarah. If this isn't truly her, what actually happened to the real Sarah?

 There's many twists and turns throughout The Stranger Game.  This book is great for anyone who enjoys mystery novels.

The Origin Project Publishes Student Writing

The Origin Project student anthologies
(source The Origin Project)

by Keaton Ingle, senior

The Origin Project has made its way to John I. Burton.
Norton Elementary students have participated in this program for a few years, but this year an opportunity came to the high school. Students in the Online Communication class that writes the Burton Blog will be participating. The Origin Project makes these kids really think about what home is and makes them think about the small details in life that makes home home.The program was started by Adriana Trigiani, the author of Big Stone Gap and ten other books.

Trigiana says on her website, “I always loved when guest artists came to our school. It sparked something in the students to meet writers from other places, and I know for sure it changes the lives of the writers.”

The Origin Project gave each participant a small orange journal to put stories and notes in as they write about their home, family, and sense of place. At the end of the project, each student will submit one piece of writing to be published in an anthology of all the student writers taking part in the project. The people who participate in the project will be invited on a field trip to celebrate the publication of the anthology of student writing and hear professional authors read and talk about writing.

My own attitude about having this chance to do the Origin Project is really joyful. We have looked at some writing from Rick Bragg, an author who won the Pulitzer Prize for journalism, to get a feel of the sense of imagery we need to have in our writing to make it good.

We have also done a poem to get us started on it  modeled after one called "Where I'm From." We brainstormed a list of things we remembered about our home and childhood to give us ideas.  The poem is still in progress; however, it's showing us the importance of home.

Another student in the class, Caitlyn Collins, said, "It is a fun experience for us to see all the small details that make my home." She continued, "My favorite part so far is sharing it with my classmates."

At the end of the semester, the students who participated will choose their best, or favorite piece of writing and submit it to be published in the anthology.

Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost: Book Review

(Book Review) by Mary T., sophomore

Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost is a romantic novel by Mindy Hayes and Michele G. Miller. The first book in a three-part series, it was published in June 2016, followed by Subway Shops and the Places We Meet (February 2017), and Chasing Cars and the Lessons We Learned (May 2017).

The main characters names are Ruby, Brett, and Amber. Brett and Amber are twins who live in Pennsylvania, and Ruby is an only child who lives in California.

On June 18, 1993, Brett and Amber's mother and father, and Ruby's mother were passengers on Flight 397. The flight crashed off the coast of Long Island, killing their parents.

Brett and Amber are then left to live alone, considering that they're both seniors in high school. Ruby is also a senior, and is left to live with her dad.

Ruby goes in search of a coping mechanism to help her get through the loss of her mother. Her grandmother finds out about Amber and Brett, and suggests that she write a letter to Amber since they're the same age and are going through the same situation.

Ruby then writes and sends the letter to Amber, but Amber never writes her back because she's been going downhill since the crash and doesn't care enough to respond. Her brother Brett goes into her room and finds the letter and decides to write Ruby back himself.

Ruby and Brett begin to exchange letters and help each other cope with the loss of their parents.

They slowly begin to fall for one another, but the distance between them is one of many complications they experience.

Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost is a great choice for anyone who enjoys cheesy romance novels. It's a very heartfelt and sweet story about overcoming tragedy.

Benji: Movie Review

by Riley Lawson, junior

The 2018 remake of Benji is a modern  retelling of the classic  1974 film of the same name; its main characters are Benji the dog, and Carter and Frankie, who are human siblings. It is a excellent choice for many different situations: families watching together, adults wanting to watch the retelling of a classic movie from their childhood, children, dog lovers, or nearly anyone.

The movie features two child actors as the lead characters,  14-year-old Gabriel Bateman as Carter, and 9-year-old Darby Camp. Both of these actors have past experience with Gabriel playing parts in shows, such as American Gothic, and Outcast, and Darby has played in The Leftovers, and Big Little Lies. Probably the most interesting member of the cast, however, is the dog who plays Benji, as he was once a flea-ridden stray dog.  He was found by the director and his son in a grocery store parking lot, malnourished and scruffy, as they were looking for the perfect dog for the part (New York Post).

In the movie, Benji is a stray dog who quickly befriends Carter and Frankie against the will of their mother, who doesn't want them to adopt the dog. The kids soon find themselves in a dangerous situation where Benji must come to their rescue. Of course, after he saves the kids, the mother has a change of heart.

The movie does a good job of incorporating modern  amenities such as cellphones and computers, but doesn't make them a main focus point, which should help as the the movie ages. The only downside to this movie, which can probably be said about most movies intended for younger audiences is that the story is pretty predictable and can get boring at certain points.  Overall, Benji is a very good movie that I would recommend. 

Sources:https://nypost.com/2018/03/15/benji-star-was-once-a-flea-ridden-stray/

Fall Fashion Review

By Hannah S., junior

Mary T.. in a mustard-yellow sweater

This fall has brought us many new additions to our modern fashion -- everything from scarves and other accessories to jeans! Everyone knows that the fall is when we like to start wearing boots with boot socks, cozy sweaters, scarves and fun hats. 

The best part about a new type of wardrobe for fall is the colors. Fall colors usually include dark purple, yellow, red, orange and brown. These fun colors just help the fallen leaves stand out.

My favorite look of fall fashion is yellow sweaters and plaid scarves. To me, these can be paired with anything from stripes to solids. I personally think that yellow and orange shouldn't be paired together but look great with a multi-colored scarf. If pairing a scarf with stripes, most people like for it to be a solid colored scarf.

Kinley L. in a denim look

Another thing that seems to be coming back into style more than ever is denim. Denim is being paired with colorful leggings, boots, and a scarf. I wouldn't pair it with jeans, because it would just be too much of the same color, but that's just me. Nor would I wear pants and a shirt that are the same color. Fall is about being colorful with warm colors and warm clothing.

Marley S.in a skirt and burgundy tights

Trinity S. in a cozy fleece pullover

 My idea of "fall" is a warm dress, a scarf, boot socks, and boots.  I love seeing the different things that people come up with during the fall. Here are some fall looks being modeled by Burton students.

Cassie I. in  skinny jeans

Grace O. in  fleece-lined boots

Eragon: Book Review

by Caitlin Collins, sophomore

Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, is the first novel in the book series called the Inheritance Cycle. The book is about dragons, intense adventures, and includes hints of romance as well. It is written in third-person point of view, but focuses on Eragon's encounters.

The novel begins with Eragon, a poor farm boy in Carvahall entering the deadly forest named the Spine. While in the Spine, he finds a mysterious, sapphire-colored stone, which turns out to be an egg. At first, he tries to sell the egg to Sloan, but the butcher refuses the offer. Eragon keeps the egg and soon realizes it is a dragon egg once it hatches. He hides the dragon from his family, but eventually King Galbatorix, an immoral, controlling king of the empire, finds the location of the egg. The king sends the Ra'Zac, soldiers who aren't human, to retrieve the dragon and Eragon.

Brom, an old storyteller, leads Eragon and his dragon Saphira out of Carvahall to escape the king's forces and travel towards the Varden, an alliance fighting the king's strict rules. While they are running to the Varden, they meet many new faces, from Arya the elf, Orik the dwarf, and Murtagh, son of the forsworn.

Eragon is a fantastic book filled with epic adventures, dragons, elves, and other mythical creatures. It is a very detailed, interesting novel, and it became my favorite book by far. I highly recommend this novel, and series, to anyone who enjoys fantasy, books similar to medieval times, and legendary beasts.

Silent Reading Party Hosted by the Book Club

by Mary T., sophomore

John I. Burton Book Club, sponsored by Mrs. Bias, will  host a Silent Reading Party on November 16, 2018 in the library during fourth block! 

Students who wish to attend need to go to Mrs. Bias and sign up, as there are limited spots. There is a three dollar fee to attend, and food and drinks provided by the Book Club are one dollar each. 

Students who attend will silently sit and read any choice of book; the book can be read through an electronic device, also.  

Mrs. Bias and the Book Club are holding this event to raise money for their upcoming field trip to Knoxville to visit book stores and eat at a restaurant.

Come and support the Book Club!

The Bone Witch: Book Review

(Book Review) by Mary T., sophomore

The Bone Witch, is a science and fantasy fiction book by Rin Chupeco. It was published in March of 2017 and is the first of a three book series, followed by The Heart Forger (March 2018), and The Shadowglass (expected in February 2019).

The main characters name is Tea, a 12-year-old girl. Her family lives in a small town in a time when people each have their own specific magical powers.

 Each person is given a necklace called a "heartsglass" at birth. The necklace stays empty until their thirteenth birthday, when they partake in a ceremony that shows them what their magical power is, and depending on the power they have, their heartsglass will turn a certain color.

Tea's brother was sent to fight in a war, and was killed by a creature called a Daeva. His body is sent back home, where Tea and her family gather together for his burial. During the ceremony, Tea's emotions overwhelm her, and she feels as if her brother is speaking to her from underground, begging her to save him. She runs to his grave, and while she's digging up the earth surrounding the grave, her brothers hand comes up through the dirt. Soon after, she faints.

Tea's powers that were supposed to come during the ceremony on her thirteenth birthday came an entire year early, meaning that her powers were powerful enough to come before the ceremony.

After Tea raised her brother from the dead, she wakes up at home in her bed next to a strange woman. The woman is known as a Bone witch, or a Dark Asha. There are many different types of ashas throughout the book, but dark ashas deal with raising the dead and are very looked down upon by society for their dark powers. The woman tells Tea that she is now a Bone Witch, and explains to her the powers she possesses.

The Bone Witch and Tea leave together to take her to asha training, so she can learn to control her powers and make the right decisions.

Tea faces many challenges throughout her training with other jealous ashas, classes, and even having a crush on a famous prince.

The Bone Witch is an amazing book choice for someone who enjoys science and fantasy fiction. The book is well written and interesting: it's hard to put down!

Homecoming the Raider Way

Football riding through town 

by Tyrell Ingram, junior

Homecoming at Burton was extremely fun this year! The theme of this year's homecoming was "The Raider way. Here to stay" to emphasize the 65 years of tradition that Burton has.

Everyone  anxiously awaited the week so they could dress crazy and show off our school spirit.We had a lot of themes and amazing activities this week:

• Monday-America Day(Wear red, white, and blue)
• Tuesday-Tie dye vs Camo( Wear either tie dye or camo)
• Wednesday-Holiday Day(Wear your favorite holiday)
• Thursday-Decade Day (Wear clothing from your favorite decade)
• Friday-Spirit Day (Wear your orange and Black)                         

Norton Elementary School Cheerleaders

Another exciting part of  homecoming was the chance to crown a queen and king again.Sarah Mullins and Derrick Allen were chosen as this year's queen and king. The members of their homecoming court were:

•  8th grade- Carter Addison and Olivia Webb
•  9th grade-Xadrian Tayborn and Sareena Sergant
• 10th grade- Landon Bolling and Maggie Stinnett
•  11th grade- Najee Steele and Naomi Torres
•  12 grade- Malachi Kyle and Haley Mullins Derrick Allen and Sarah Mullins Houston Thacker and Raeana Smith

Sr rep Malachi Kyle and Haley Mullins 

There was a parade Thursday and all the representatives from each class rode through the parade, and each class had a float to represent the theme. The 8th grade won the float contest, and the sophomores came in second. . The band also marched and played, and the football team, the cross country team, and the cheerleaders also participated.

We also had a door decorating contest, and almost every teacher decorated their door and competed for a class pizza party. The winners were 1st-Mrs Godsey; 2nd --Ms Kinserl; and 3rd -- tie between Ms. Compton and Mrs Potter.

Sophmore Reps Maggie Stinnett and Landon Bolling

Sr rep Houston Thacker and Raeana Smith

Freshman Reps Xadrian Tayborn and Sareena Sergeant 

Eighth Grade Reps Olivia Webb and Carter Addison 

Photo cred:Cindy Combs Stidham

Linger: Book Review

by Caitlyn Collins, sophomore

Linger, by Maggie Stiefvater, is the second book to The Wolves of Mercy Falls series. So far, I have read only the first two books, but this series is very interesting. However, there were some characteristics I did not favor.

The story begins with Sam and Grace, the main characters in Shiver (the first book), reuniting after months of being away from one another. They feel like everything will be perfect since they have each other until Sam meets the new wolves.

Beck, Sam's father-figure, chose to turn Cole, a singer, into a werewolf, which results in many new problems. While Cole is causing trouble, he becomes close to Isabel, one of Grace's best friends, and she attempts to take care of him. Sam and Cole have a strong hatred for each other, but when Grace starts to get ill, they are forced to work together. Grace's parents don't approve of Sam, so Cole is the only one who can turn her into a werewolf for her survival. This helps relieve the tension between the two boys. Cole takes Grace away from the hospital and Sam doesn't follow him, hoping for the best.

I am really enjoying the series so far, but I favored the first book over the second one. I thought this book was a lot slower than the first one, although I still found it to be outstanding. Linger was touching, adventurous, and saddening all in one. I would recommend the book to anyone who loves fantasy, romance, and werewolves.

Book Review: All the Missing Girls

(Book Review) by Mary T., sophomore

All the Missing Girls, by Megan Miranda, is a book that involves mystery and suspense. It was published in June, 2016 and became a New York Times bestseller.

The main character of the story is named Nic Farrell, a 28-year- old guidance counselor. Her fiance, Everett, works as a successful lawyer. Nic and her fiance live together in a little apartment in the city.

Nic previously lived in a small, country town called Cooley Ridge. She moved away from Cooley Ridge the summer after graduation when she was 18. That same summer before she left, her best friend, Corinne Prescott, mysteriously went missing and was never found. The disappearance was the main reason Nic felt the need to move away to the city, to get away from Cooley Ridge and escape the bad memories.

Nic's brother, Daniel, calls her to tell her that their father has became ill, and asks her to come home to help. Nic reluctantly makes her trip home to Cooley Ridge to help her father in his nursing home and to attempt to sell her childhood home.

Once back in Cooley Ridge, all the memories of her childhood and Corinne that she tried to forget come back to her. She tries to do her job of helping her father and brother, but she can only concentrate on Corinne. Within the first two days of her coming home, another girl named Annaleise Carter went missing.

Nic then goes on a hunt to find Annaleise and piece together clues from her and Corinne's cases. Dirty details of Nic's, her family's, and other people in the town's past is brought to the surface as Nic and the police search for information and Annaleise.

I believe All the Missing Girls is an amazing read for anyone who loves suspenseful mystery novels. The story keeps readers on the edge of their seats in anticipation. This book can be found in the John I. Burton library.

Movie Review: Jurassic World is Incredible Sequel

by Caitlyn Collins, sophomore

Before I began watching Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, I expected it to be an amazing movie. I've always favored dinosaurs, so I've loved the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World series since they came out. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom was outstanding, and the ending, in my opinion, was great and interesting.

The movie started with people talking about the island the dinosaurs live on and how the volcano will wipe them out, resulting in another extinction. The Dinosaur Protection Group tries to save them, but other people would rather leave the dinosaurs to their fate. Luckily, Claire receives a call from Eli Mills and Benjamin Lockwood to help rescue the dinosaurs, since she has access to the Jurassic World system. They tell Claire the dinosaurs will be sent to their own, individual island. However, they trick Claire into thinking that was the real plan. Mercenaries, led by Wheatley, take them to Isla Nublar and eventually try to leave them to die. Owen, who joined them since he raised the raptors, and Claire realize the plan was a lie and attempt to save the dinosaurs a second time.

The ending wasn't what I expected, but it was incredible. I enjoyed this movie and I would definitely watch it again. I would recommend this to anyone who loved the Jurassic series or loves dinosaurs in general.

The movie was originally released June 22, 2018. The release date for DVD and Blue Ray was set for September 18, 2018 and it is now available on Amazon video and iTunes.

Shiver: Book Review

(Book Review) by Caitlyn Collins, sophomore

Shiver, written by Maggie Stiefvater, is a book about werewolves, romance, and adventure. Shiver is the first story in a four-book series called The Wolves of Mercy Falls. It is written from the point of view of Grace Brisbane and Sam Roth, who are the main characters.


The story begins with Grace's past. When Grace was a little girl, she was attacked by a pack of wolves, which led to her getting bit. However, she didn't turn into a wolf like she was supposed to. After this incident, Grace becomes attached to the wolves, specifically a one yellow-eyed wolf she calls "her wolf."

Years after her attack, another student of Mercy Falls is supposedly "killed." People began to kill the wolves together. Grace dislikes this idea and attempts to stop it. Her wolf, Sam, gets shot, but survives and ends up on her porch. She eventually finds out he's a werewolf and that he is "her wolf." This leads to romance between to two and all the wolf's secrets being exposed.

I found this book extremely interesting and heart-warming. It always kept me wanting to read more. I would definitely read it again and recommend it to anyone who enjoys wolves and fantasy. It is available at the John I. Burton library.

(Music Review) by Hannah S., junior

Panic! At the disco is one of those bands that will surprise you if you let them. Panic! At the Disco
is an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada formed in 2004. Lately, you don't hear
them on the radio or hear about them very often, but once you hear their music you'll never go back.

Panic! at the Disco is one of those bands that you'll never get tired of. They just recently performed
at the 2018 Video Music Awards, and in my opinion, the performance was great.

The band members have been good friends since their early childhood. They were originally a
four-person band. They recorded their first demos while still in high school. Ryan Ross was also
originally supposed to be the lead singer of this band.

Some more interesting facts about this band are that they were originally a Blink-182 cover band.
Their name was inspired by the song "Panic" by Name Taken.

I would recommend this band to anyone that likes Fall Out Boy.

Dual Enrollment Lets Students Get Ahead

by Mary T., sophomore

Dual enrollment courses are classes that allow students to earn high school and college credits at the same time. Depending on what dual enrollment class is being taken, a different number of credits can be obtained. One credit is all that can be earned for each class towards a high school diploma, but multiple credits can be obtained towards college. Once in college, the credits earned during high school will be transferred to whatever college the student attends. Taking these courses looks impressive to colleges, and can also represent to students what a college class would be like.

To be eligible for dual enrollment, all freshmen take the placement test given by the college. Different qualifications are required depending on what course is being taken. If the requirements are not reached on the placement test, retakes are available.

The dual enrollment classes offered here on the Burton campus are typically taken online through Elite Learning, a platform on which a teacher communicates through the website and gives students assignments. For example, I'm taking Psychology this semester as a dual enrollment class through Elite Learning. The class is pretty fast paced, but once I got used to it, it's really simple. 

Another dual enrollment class I've taken is Computer Applications. Computer Applications is actually taught by teachers in the school instead of online, but it's still considered a dual enrollment course. Most students take this class their freshman year, like I did. The class is really easy and fun, and allows students to learn more about how to use a computer, Microsoft Word, and online software, which is a very useful skill throughout high school and college. 

I interviewed three students who take dual enrollment courses. All three students are enrolled in the United States history course that is offered through Elite Learning. I asked them what inspired them to take a dual enrollment class and they all did it for the credits, which is a very common reason as to why many students take these courses.

When asked what's the greatest benefit of being in a dual enrollment class, Sarah Bevins responded "It's more laid back and you get to go at your own pace."

 Lydia Blair-James says, "There isn't as much pressure, and it helps my GPA." Students get an extra point toward their G.P.A. for a dual enrollment class
 For example, making a B in a dual enrollment class is like making an A in a regular high school class. If a student makes an A in the dual enrollment class, they get 5 points toward their GPA, so their overall GPA can end up being higher than a 4.0.

I then asked them what the hardest part of these courses is, Regan Phipps responded, "You sometimes don't remember the material you go over." Lydia and Sarah both feel as if it can be more challenging to learn. All three students agree that taking dual enrollment courses has more pros than cons.

There's a very wide range of options as to what courses are offered through dual enrollment. These classes are separated into categories depending on what this course material is.

Literature courses:
 English 1 & 2 (6 credits), Creative Writing (3 credits), and Survey of American Literature 1 & 2 (6 credits.)

Human Behavior courses:
Principles of Psychology (3 credits), Principles of Sociology (3 credits) Survey of Criminal Justice (3 credits), and Survey of Criminology (3 credits.)

History courses:
 United States Government 1 & 2 (6 credits), United States History 1 & 2 (6 credits), Civil War and Reconstruction (3 credits), and America in the Gilded Age (3 credits.)

Math courses:
Statistical Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits.)

All of the courses listed here are the classes that are only offered on the Elite Learning website.

Computer Information courses (taught by teachers in classrooms):
Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, Personal Finance, Computer Accounting, Design/Multimedia (Yearbook 1), and Advanced Design/Multimedia (Yearbook 2.)

Math courses (taught by teachers in classrooms):
Calculus (one semester), and Pre-Cal 161/162 (yearlong) are math courses offered as dual enrollment also.

All these dual enrollment classes listed, instead of being offered online, are taught in school by teachers certified to teach the course.

Overall, I believe that taking dual enrollment classes is very useful. Some classes that are not offered by a teacher in the high school can be taught through Elite Learning. These classes allow high school students to earn both high school and college credits at the same time. Dual enrollment is an amazing choice for high school schedules.

One-Act Play to be Performed

by Keaton I., senior

The one act play has been a tradition at Burton for a long time. Since Mrs. Davis retired this year, Mrs. Cassell has taken over the coaching job by directing her first play Charlie Foster, by Raymond King Shurtz. She said, "Theater is a fun experience to take part in whether you have a lead role as an actor or help with set design and technical help such as light and sound."

This year's one act play is described as "a powerful play about coming-of-age and the sensitive nature of walking in someone else's shoes. This dramatization about swimming and theater tells the tale of Charlie Foster, a kid no one knew or cared about until he accidentally drowned in the river. Or was it an accident? Ten young people try to comprehend this life and death, questioning their memories and each other's," according to Dramatic Publishing, the publishers of this play.

She held auditions to see who would be the best to play each role in the play. the cast selected  includes Alex C, Brooklin B., Haley R., Kelly P., Haley Q., Eden W., Carter A., Noah E., Shakira C., Dasayne S., Shamiyeh N., Elora H., Justin S., and Ashlyn W.,  In addition to getting cast members, she got tech/ stage people, including three seniors: Jackson Baker, Austin Quillen, Aidan Wells, plus Sam H.,

The team has practice after school four days a week. Mrs. Cassell makes the schedule relaxed with other after-school activities, so cast members can participate in both. They are practicing for the district competition on October 20 at Coeburn Middle School. Later there will be a performance for the school and the parents.

Alex Carroll, a senior on the cast, said "I think it's a good play that has lots of potential and there is going to be a lot we can do with it on stage. I hope it goes well and wish everyone on the team does their best."

Marshmello's New Single is Fly

(Music Review) by Keaton I., senior

Marshmello is one of the top dee-jays in the world right now. He has produced collaborations with many well-known artists such as Selena Gomez and Khalid. One of his best songs is the new single "Fly" which was released in March 2018.

Within only three minutes, this one song perfectly captures the fun, upbeat dance music that Marshmello creates. The song is electronic dance music (EDM), which has very few actual lyrics. It is created online or recorded into a digital program with mostly synthetic sounds.

The repetitive lyric in this song simply states, "I can fly." This lyric, plus the music, makes the song easy to dance to bcause of the multiple original beats.

The song was originally released on Youtube and is available on Spotify to listen to for free. I would recommend that everybody put it on their playlist for fall.

Everything Sucks! Doesn't Live Up to Its Name

(Entertainment Review) by Caitlyn C., sophomore

On February 16, 2018, Netflix released an American comedy-drama show named “Everything Sucks!”  A
parody of teen culture in the 1990s, it’s a short, but extremely interesting series to watch.

The show is set at Boring High School with a main character named Luke.  Luke and his friends, Tyler and
McQuaid, move on up to high school and join the AV club.  Luke then develops a crush on Kate, another
member of the AV (audio-visual) club. Luke’s crush on her helps Kate realize a lot about herself.  Luke, Kate,
McQuaid, and Tyler begin to start trouble with the drama club. They try to bring peace between the clubs,
but end up joining them to film a movie, which results in a lot of conflict.

The cast of Everything Sucks! (photo credit: netflix.com)

Everything Sucks! is an easy series to finish with thirty-minute episodes.  There are only ten episodes
for one season, so I completed the show pretty quickly.  Personally, I found it to be fun and it made me want
to continue watching. I think that it can relate to anyone because it covers so many important topics, such as
the LGBT community, mental health, growing up, and discovering who you are. I would recommend this series
to anyone looking for an enjoyable, heartwarming show!