Panther Press - 3rd Edition
Your Vote is Your Voice
by Rory Hons
In the days leading up to the presidential election, citizens from around the country were bracing for the results, and when the results came in Wednesday morning, multitudes of people in and around Blackfoot rejoiced, but what does this election really mean for the next four years in the United States? Donald J Trump won the election in both the popular vote and the electoral college count, alongside now having a republican majority in the House, Senate, and Supreme Court. Through the past four years, President Trump has made a myriad of “day one” promises, so what are these exactly? Firstly, Trump has promised to cut funds to schools that teach what he has described as “transgender insanity” and “critical race theory.” What schools he will cut funds to and what these teachings entail, we aren’t sure exactly, as the President has not yet made any specificities to back those claims, but we’ll see what next year brings after the inauguration. Secondly, he has mentioned the “largest deportation operation in American history” a multitude of times, but deportation takes money, and this money is most likely coming from taxpayers. While his claims and intentions are undoubtedly valiant, the lack of plans and methods he offers while describing these intentions are sure to make any citizen wary of what's really to come. Regardless of how the next four years turn out, we must keep in mind three things, democracy, the constitution, and one another. Regardless of political belief or affiliation.
No matter your belief, history was made this November fifth, not only with Trump being the second-ever president to be re-elected for a second term after not serving for four years and being the oldest ever elected President, but with J.D. Vance being one of the youngest vice presidents as well. Usha Vance, J.D. Vance’s wife is set to be the first Indian-American second lady, she will also be the first Hindu second lady. New Jersey’s Andy Kim is to become the first Korean-American Senator. Delaware’s Lisa Blunt and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks are projected to be the first two black women to serve in the Senate at the same time, and Lisa Blunt will also be Delaware's first female Senator, Delaware’s Sarah McBride became the first transgender woman to serve in congress, Texas’s Julie Johnson is the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to congress from the south. Washington’s Emily Randall will become the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina to serve in Congress. These groundbreaking achievements reflect a new era in American politics, one that continues to redefine representation and inclusion on a national stage.
The Final Decision: West Side Story
by Lorin Goodworth
On October 28th, Mrs. McBride held a meeting during lunch to announce the long awaited final decision on the high school Spring Musical. Recently, the hot debate has been between the classic Mary Poppins Musical, and modern Shrek The Musical, but she shocked everybody when she announced that we would, in fact, be performing the award winning high school version of West Side Story instead.
This iconic musical, retells the classic story of love and rivalry with a fresh, modern twist. Set in 1950s New York City, the story follows two teenagers, Tony and Maria, who fall in love despite being from different backgrounds and belonging to opposing groups, the Jets and the Sharks. As tensions rise between the two gangs, Tony and Maria's love faces challenges, leading to a heartbreaking outcome that highlights the impact of prejudice and the need for understanding. This high school edition preserves the emotional intensity of the original while offering a condensed, age-appropriate version of the script and songs, making it a perfect introduction for students to one of Broadway's most beloved musicals.
Auditions will be at the beginning of January,
but more on that in our next publication!
Chromakopia
by Payzlee King
Tyler, The Creator is back with a brand-new album that is sure to turn heads and get people talking. Chromakopia is his latest project, and it’s a bold, exciting mix of music, art, and emotion that shows just how much he’s grown as an artist.
From the very first track, it’s clear that Tyler is doing something different. The album is full of rich, colorful sounds that feel fresh and unique. Tyler blends different genres, from jazz to hip-hop to electronic beats, creating a vibe that’s all his own. The music feels like a painting, with each track adding a new splash of color to the overall picture.
But Chromakopia isn’t just about the music. The lyrics are deep and personal, giving fans a glimpse into Tyler’s thoughts and emotions. He sings about everything from love and relationships to self-discovery and figuring out who he really is. But don’t worry, Tyler’s sense of humor and creativity still shine through, making the album fun and playful in places too.
One of the most exciting things about Chromakopia is how it sounds and feels like a journey. It’s not just an album you listen to once,it’s one you can get lost in. Whether you’re vibing to “Like Him” or getting caught up in the lyrics of “Sticky”, Tyler takes you to a whole new world with every song.
Overall, Chromakopia is a powerful, artistic album that shows just how much Tyler, The Creator continues to grow and experiment with his sound. It’s colorful, it’s creative, and it’s full of surprises. If you’re a fan of Tyler, or just looking for something fresh and different, Chromakopia is definitely worth checking out.
PFP
by Shannon Hons
The sun is setting, a crisp fall breeze begins to settle in, a slight dew begins to form on grass blades, and an echo of celebration can be heard in the distance which can only mean one thing…it’s Friday night. Around here, Friday nights are for football. Each Friday, Snake River High School transforms into a celebration of community and athleticism, rooting for our football team under the bright stadium lights in the crisp fall air. Players step onto the field wearing their purple jerseys, feeling the weight of tradition and pride. At the snap of the ball, hopes of teammates, coaches, and the entire community is carried throughout Snake River. Families gather together in the stands, wrapped in the warmth of blankets and each other, sharing warm popcorn, laughters, and camaraderie for our boys in purple.
For our players, their bond is strengthened through each play of the game. Each tackle and touchdown is shared amongst each other, along with each moment of heartache. The understanding that they are not only supporting each other, but representing something so much bigger than themselves. Every play is a paragraph in the lengthy story of Snake River. And their story is not just their own. Their story is woven together by their families, by their fans, by their community, who always have a watchful eye in anticipation of what the next chapter will bring.
As the game begins, the excitement heightens. With each play, the tension builds. The crisp fall air may be difficult for others, but at Snake River, it only fuels the passion and excitement on the field. The sounds of the crowd carries in the wind, creating a sense of belonging that resonates with players past, present and future. Upon the final whistle, whether in triumph or defeat, the spirit of Snake River football remains. Friday nights are more than just a game, they are cherished traditions that create long lasting memories.
One of these cherished memories was formed two weeks ago as our boys traveled to American Falls High School. They knew this game was not going to be an ordinary game, there was a title on the line. The first half brought struggles, both offensively and defensively. Key players suffered injuries which forced their teammates to step up and help carry the team. At half time, our Panthers were losing and you could feel a sense of dread from the players and fans who were there to support our boys. As the second half began, there was a feeling in the air. As we dive deeper into fall, the air at the game was turning cooler as our boys had their sights set on turning the game around. Their commitment to teamwork and a winning strategy set them apart from their opponents. The parents and fans in attendance played a vital role in the Panthers success as they rallied behind the team that created a sense of unity, fueling the Panther’s performance on the field. This sense of community assisted the Panther’s in achieving their goal of victory as they defeated the Beavers 14-12. As the final whistle blew, the celebration erupted both on and off the field. The Panthers not only won, but they continued a 5 game winning streak and the title of District Champions.
As we celebrate our football team’s victories, we look forward to the future and what challenges they will face in the coming weeks. This week, they take on Sugar Salem where they will fight for another win against a difficult opponent. As the Panthers continue to strive for excellence and leave their Snake River legacy, we will remember this season and that this is more than just a game. This is a time for us as a school and community to show our support, show our school spirit, and continue the tradition of Panther Football Pride.
