PREPARE FOR THE PIRATES

By: Caden Dillon & Garret Davis

“Who rocks the house? The Pirates rock the house.” This is a chant that can be heard clamoring out of our high school gym on a Friday night as our basketball team takes to the court. Attendance for sporting events has surged this year as our teams have hit the court, mats, and lanes. The dynamic energy of the crowd has propelled our teams to dominate opponents. Even more importantly, students are showing up to support their athletes. The student section here at Southeast High School has really taken on a life of its own and has not been disappointed this winter season, as the basketball teams, wrestlers, and bowlers alike have all continued to win. Let’s dive into the stands and examine how school spirit has become a driving force behind Southeast’s success this winter. From coordinated chants and packed bleachers to a sea of maroon and gold, the energy created by students has transformed home competitions into electric events. That unwavering support not only fuels confidence and momentum but also unites the school community under one shared goal: showing up, standing together, and proving that at Southeast, we win as one.

Cheering at Southeast High School has lost its vitality over the years due to losing seasons or a loss of interest; not this season. This year, our student sections have had higher attendance than in previous years. This comes along with students coordinating ways to get others into the bleachers. Sophomores Jenni Mix and Natalie Campbell have worked diligently on orchestrating themes. Mix feels that having the student section dress up for each game brings the school together and creates a catalyst to make friends. Campbell agreed, adding, “The more people that participate, (all) helps to contribute to the overall energy”. Overall, the purpose is to get students involved and in the stands supporting their peers. 

Pirate winter sports are representing the maroon and gold colors with pride. The resurgence of spirit at Southeast High School shows what can happen when students decide to show up for one another. From themed nights to coordinated chants, the Pirates have turned games into events and teammates into a united family. As the season continues, keeping that momentum alive is key. Every student in the stands adds to the energy, the intimidation factor for opponents, and the pride we share in our school. Prepare for Pirates, and be part of what makes being a Pirate exceptional. 

       Boys Basketball                      Girls Basketball  

       1/30 Jerseys                           1/29 Camo           

       2/13 Pirate Pride                   2/4 Pirate Pride   

       2/18 Splash Zone                                                

HEART, HUSTLE, AND HOOPS

 By: Cali McPeak & Leila Evans

Our boys’ basketball team has had an amazing start to the season with a record of 11-3. With hard work and dedication, this is the team’s best season in a very long time. Coached by Matt Dillon, Zedekiah Pollock, Nick Dillon, and Douglas Craver, we have a very young team with only two seniors and two juniors. Our starters are senior Joe Sharish, junior Cohen Richardson, and sophomores Caden Dillon, Bradley Dillon, and Devyn Miller. “We lack size, so a big challenge we have is rebounding,” stated Coach M. Dillon. 

A key part of our team’s success is the close bonds between our players and coaching staff. The coaches allow a safe space for the boys to have open communication. Having mutual respect helps athletes to develop confidence and allows them to trust each other. Having a good relationship with your coaches can help motivate them and improve their performance. The boys put in hard work even in the off-season; they are going ham in the gym and outside the gym. Junior Cohen Richardson states,  “In the offseason, we do a lot of shooting at the gym on the machine, we go to camps and have summer league”. This extra training not only helps develop their skills for basketball, but it also brings the boys together and helps them execute in-game.

Some standout wins were against Salem (75-43), Rootstown (65-53), and Labrae (70-59). Labrae was an especially meaningful win because they won our conference last year. Hard work and dedication have paid off for our boys with a winning record of 11-3. With the support from our student section, our games have had higher intensity and exciting memories.

KEEPING PIRATE SPIRIT UP

By: Kristen Dillon & Ava Lenze

The Southeast Pirates Cheerleading team has shown continuous support for our basketball team and our school as a whole. They cheer loudly through our wins and our losses, and spread positivity through spirit weeks and pep rallies. Under their advisors, Mary Tarka and Kim Ross, they are sailing toward excellence in this season and the ones to come. This year’s seniors, Genevieve Brown and Jayda Walton, have truly made an impact. Brown has shown true leadership and teamwork throughout the season. She pushes others to their best, leading team stretches and cheers, and always encouraging participation and boosting spirits. Upon interviewing Brown, she was asked what qualities she felt made up a successful cheer team; she stated, “Hard work, communication, and overall positivity coming into everything, no matter the day you had a few minutes before”. Walton works hard to push people to their best, creating new cheers to motivate the fans and get people involved in the game. She always ensures the team is connected by sharing treats and smiling brightly. As for the other members on the team, there are juniors Courtney Giller and Ava Lenze, sophomores Abigail Lenze, Addison Ross, Aubrey Wilke, Chloe Quick, Kendra Kinter, and Marley Neiswanger, and freshman Luci Crawford. The Winter Cheerleading team has had a fantastic season so far and is heading toward a flourishing season’s end filled with positivity and uplifted spirits among our crew.

WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE?

By: Bradley Dillon & Alaunté Massrock

When students spend all morning in class, lunch becomes one of the most anticipated parts of the day. Not only does lunch provide nutrition, but it also gives students a chance to relax and connect with their friends. So, which lunch is enjoyed the most? 

We surveyed twenty-two students, and out of all the possible dishes, two were on top: walking tacos and pizza. Pizza was the top choice, but the numbers were closer than you might think. Pizza received seven votes while walking tacos received five votes. Both foods offer a unique balance of variety and flavor, but walking tacos can be very messy. However, people like them because they are customizable. If you don’t like meat, you don’t have to get it, and you have many choices of sauces and toppings, making the walking taco a versatile and popular choice. 

Overall, students enjoy lunches that are filling, flavorful, and flexible. School lunches are a vital part of students’ lives, keeping them fueled, focused, and ready to learn.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

By: Abi Lenze & Jocelyn Nowak

Southeast offers a variety of clubs and activities for students. Joining a club is a great way to get connected and discover new hobbies. Two clubs we want to recognize are Quizbowl and FCS. Whether you’re looking for a place to share knowledge by competing against local schools or a way to strengthen your relationship with God, Southeast has a club for you.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

Quizbowl is an academic game in which students buzz in to answer questions on a variety of subjects, including history, science, literature, art, and occasionally pop culture. They compete against other schools in teams of four, while testing their individual knowledge. They meet after school on Tuesdays in club advisor Mary Tarka’s room. “It’s a good opportunity to participate in a fun club with your friends. Getting to go to other schools and meet their teams is great, and winning is even better!” Logan Bruderly stated. The club is a great place to be competitive and grow your knowledge on a variety of topics. If you are  interested in joining Quizbowl, see Tarka today!

FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, AND FOOD

Fellowship of Christian Students is a Christian faith-based club that focuses on community and uplifting others. Led by Douglas Craver and Kirk Marsh, the club often meets on Thursdays during advisory in the auditorium. The club focuses not only on your relationship with God, but also on your relationships with your peers and community. Aside from general scripture reading, discussing pertinent topics, and worship, the club takes a heavy focus on community outreach. They make an effort to participate in events like Operation Christmas Child, passing out CHRISTmas cookies to teachers, and the prayer locker. “It provides a good break to the stressful school day,” Sarah Craver stated. “We have so much fun, and you are able to talk with like-minded people.” Craver and Marsh also encourage students to share their gifts with the club, whether that be through music, baking, creative design, or simply attending worship. Regardless of your beliefs or where you are in your walk of faith, there is always an open seat for you at FCS. Talk to Craver or Marsh about being added to the Advisory list; everyone is welcome!

Joining clubs is more than just an extracurricular choice. It provides an opportunity to grow, connect, and discover new passions. By getting involved, you can build confidence, friendships, and skills that last far beyond high school. Joining a club isn’t just about filling time; it’s about shaping who you become.

FROM DREAMS TO DEGREES: THE POWER OF SCHOLARSHIPS 

By: Emma Wood

Graduation may feel far away, but for seniors, the countdown has already started, and it isn’t measured in days or credits, but in deadlines. While the new year brings relaxation and routine, scholarship season quietly opens, waiting for the students who notice. These scholarships open up in January and are always available before you begin your next term, yet students miss their deadlines. But how do you even find these scholarships? 

Easy: every month, you will get sent a list of scholarships you can apply for by counselor Rebecca Dunn and teacher Christine Anzevino. There are also plenty of legitimate scholarship websites that can help you find scholarships. 

This is the list the counselors have sent out for January: 

1) National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships

2) SAA Native American Scholarships

3) Material Handling Education Foundation Scholarship

4) Society of Manufacturing Engineers Scholarship

5) John & Tamara Lundgren Scholars Program

6) Davidson Fellows Scholarships

7) DEWALT Trades Scholarship

8) National Italian American Foundation Scholarships

9) American Welding Society National 

10) Marine Corps Foundation Scholarships

11) AFA Teens Awareness College Scholarship

12) Children of Warriors National Scholarship

13) Daughters of the Cincinnati Scholarship

14) National Catholic Committee on Scouting Scholarships

15) USPAACC Scholarship

WHAT ANZEVINO HAS TO SAY: 

     Anzevino, the advisor of the National Honor Society (NHS), explained that NHS students often earn scholarships because of their demonstrated “scholarship, leadership, character, and service.” Even for students who are not NHS members, these qualities are worth emphasizing in scholarship applications, as many committees look for the same traits when selecting recipients.

     When it comes to writing scholarship essays, Anzevino emphasized the importance of the process: “Writing, proofing, re-writing, and getting someone else to look at it.” She also stressed the need to directly answer the prompt. “If the essay is asking about something in particular, make sure you are answering the question and how it relates to your life and others’ lives. Be genuine,” she said. Anzevino encouraged students to begin applying for scholarships in the fall. While it is now winter, she 

noted that it is not too late to apply. Seniors are urged to start now and avoid waiting until the last minute.  Scholarships are the quiet bridge between dreams and degrees, but they are easy to overlook, and yet for most students, they are also impossible to cross college without.

FROM CRAMMING TO CONQUERING: STUDY TIPS

By: Isabelle Goodnite

As we approach the beginning of the second semester, students will begin prepping for finals, state tests, and, in some cases, their ACT and SAT. While these standardized tests may put stress on students, getting a headstart on studying and learning which methods work best for them can make the difference between failing and passing. 

These are some helpful tips to help you ace your upcoming exams and tests:

MEET OUR CREW

Writers:

Abi Lenze, Ava Lenze, Cali McPeak, Alexis Crum, Emma Wood, Jocelyn Nowak, Isabelle Goodnite, Bradley Dillon, Caden Dillon, Tyler Shaw, Garret Davis, Alaunte Massrock

Pictures:

Photographer: Kristen Dillon

Editors:

Kristen Dillon, Isabelle Goodnite, Jocelyn Nowak, Emma Wood, Abi Lenze, Mrs. Dillon