STUDENTS DECORATE CHRISTMAS TREES FOR A GOOD CAUSE
By Jenna R.
The month of November starts the season of giving at Niagara Wheatfield. Students and clubs can purchase four foot Christmas trees and decorate them however they like, known as “Adopt-A-Tree”. This year, our school would like to have a hundred trees adopted; an all-time high. Different themes and color schemes are often common ways to decorate these trees. Tree decorating will take place on Wednesday, November 18th after school. The decorated trees will be placed along the glass hallway where some of them will be given to families in need. This is also a part of “Adopt-A-Family”. The other trees displayed can be bid on by people who come to the school. The highest bidder will get the tree. Money raised from this will go towards our “Adopt-A-Family” project, so gifts can be bought for the families adopted. Together, “Adopt-A-Family” and “Adopt-A-Tree” projects allow our school to give back to the community and help families and individuals in need |
Myna, Grace and Jazlyn pose by the Native American Club tree.
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Homeless Veterans is a Large issue
Homelessness Is A Large Problem
Adam G
Veteran’s Day has come and gone and Niagara Wheatfieldheld blanket held a drive to help homeless Veterans this year. It is a noble cause and it is important to establish a connection with why we are helping American Veterans without a home as well as the underlying social and economic hardships they have to face every day. How could it get so bad for them after they have served their country so bravely?
Before I delve into the current state of affairs for Veterans without a home, I think it would be necessary to mark a few important historical events in history that correspond to homeless Veterans. Vietnam is possibly the most infamous wars involving the US in the 20th century besides World War II, and was by far the most unpopular war in our history books. Soldiers who came back with a shortage of available housing, income, or health care were also faced with animosity and disrespect from their peers. The failures within the US government and the atrocities caused during this war were very unpopular among US citizens. There was a very similar effect in the Bush-Cheney era in America where military action in Afghanistan and Iraq were grossly protested and unpopular in America.
Veterans also have a constant remnant of war stapled into their lives whether they wanted it or not. Psychological disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead to alcohol or drug abuse—a dismal problem in a homeless person’s, or any person’s life.
Currently, over 116,000 Veterans have to experience being homeless for more than a year. Over 45% of the homeless suffer from mental illness and psychological disadvantages. Many come from a background of poverty and hardship.
Thankfully, Americans have come a long way from Vietnam and definitely have a higher understanding of homeless men and women who fought for their country. Public programs, charities, soup kitchens, and other social programs (including our blanket drive) are signs of a development of empathy towards those who have less. Congress even passed a law in 1987 that granted privileges towards homeless in America. The McKinney Act gives a homeless person who lacks a night time residence, or a primary or secondary residence that is deemed inadequate the ability to utilize a public or private shelter, temporary residence (or institutionalization if needed), and a public or private sleeping accommodation. This greatly improved support for the homeless and gave America one step forward to empathizing with others.
The way out is to continue to develop an understanding for those who have less than others and maybe even donating to support a more harmonious environment that promotes economic, social and anti-substance abuse causes for us all. That way we can continue the ideals of our fore-fathers and the bravery of our Veterans who fought to preserve our Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Adam G
Veteran’s Day has come and gone and Niagara Wheatfieldheld blanket held a drive to help homeless Veterans this year. It is a noble cause and it is important to establish a connection with why we are helping American Veterans without a home as well as the underlying social and economic hardships they have to face every day. How could it get so bad for them after they have served their country so bravely?
Before I delve into the current state of affairs for Veterans without a home, I think it would be necessary to mark a few important historical events in history that correspond to homeless Veterans. Vietnam is possibly the most infamous wars involving the US in the 20th century besides World War II, and was by far the most unpopular war in our history books. Soldiers who came back with a shortage of available housing, income, or health care were also faced with animosity and disrespect from their peers. The failures within the US government and the atrocities caused during this war were very unpopular among US citizens. There was a very similar effect in the Bush-Cheney era in America where military action in Afghanistan and Iraq were grossly protested and unpopular in America.
Veterans also have a constant remnant of war stapled into their lives whether they wanted it or not. Psychological disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead to alcohol or drug abuse—a dismal problem in a homeless person’s, or any person’s life.
Currently, over 116,000 Veterans have to experience being homeless for more than a year. Over 45% of the homeless suffer from mental illness and psychological disadvantages. Many come from a background of poverty and hardship.
Thankfully, Americans have come a long way from Vietnam and definitely have a higher understanding of homeless men and women who fought for their country. Public programs, charities, soup kitchens, and other social programs (including our blanket drive) are signs of a development of empathy towards those who have less. Congress even passed a law in 1987 that granted privileges towards homeless in America. The McKinney Act gives a homeless person who lacks a night time residence, or a primary or secondary residence that is deemed inadequate the ability to utilize a public or private shelter, temporary residence (or institutionalization if needed), and a public or private sleeping accommodation. This greatly improved support for the homeless and gave America one step forward to empathizing with others.
The way out is to continue to develop an understanding for those who have less than others and maybe even donating to support a more harmonious environment that promotes economic, social and anti-substance abuse causes for us all. That way we can continue the ideals of our fore-fathers and the bravery of our Veterans who fought to preserve our Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
PREDICTED SUCCESS FOR THE WRESTLING TEAM BY: Storm Just a minute short of winning the NFL title the last 3 years, the Niagara Wheatfield wrestling team has been training harder than ever in the hopes of not only reclaiming their title but to be named team of the decade! Vinnie Falvo, a key wrestler and captain this year, wrestling at 126, is fully expecting to claim the section. As a sectional placeholder already, he has trained harder than any in his competition in order to move from 3rd up to first. Newcomers are to expect a challenge harder than any sport they have ever participated in. The hour long run daily followed by grueling drills and multiple sprints under Coach Malvestuto will present a great challenge. Great triumph is expected from the team this year and the determination and off season training will be shown in the up and coming months. CONTINUOUS SUCCESS OF THE NW GOLF TEAM IS OPENING EYES!! By Vincent Undefeated streaks, abnormally low scores, and blowout wins have summed up just about the last two seasons for the boys of the golf team. The NW golf team went 20-1 last season by losing the NFL tournament by just a few strokes at Willowbrook Country Club in Lockport. Players like Shane Helbig and Ryan Walck have improved their game in an unspeakable fashion, “I have learned to recompose myself after a bad stroke or a bad hole.” Says Helbig on how he learned to control emotions on the course. Ryan Walck remarked, “We are steering the younger guys on our team in the right direction and teaching them how to work together and be a team.” The team is being pushed in the right direction by the more mature and older guys on the team. Coach Codd is pursuing a NFL title out of the team and he believes they will grasp it. Ask anyone around: the NW golf team is something to be proud of. |
HOmecoming: an expression of school spiritBy: Christian and Bryan
Homecoming is an occasion in which the school unites and celebrates traditions held for many years. Homecoming traditions often follow similar patterns. However, each school adds unique events and activities that all lead up to an exciting rival match-up followed by a semi-formal dance. Homecoming activities took place during and after the school day. Each day had a specific theme and activity. The week began on Sunday with Niagara Wheatfield’s first ever “Color Run” on the nature trail. Monday began theme day with ‘Merica Monday as the first theme. Each student was encouraged to display their national pride by wearing the colors of the American flag to school. That afternoon, many students participated in the hall decorating competition. Tuesday, students showed class spirit by wearing class specific colors and ending the day with Movie Night. Wednesday, students dressed up as their favorite characters from a movie or television show and the first ever NW Pin Dodge tournament took place and it was a hit! Thursday was Throwback Decades Day and many talented students participated in the Talent Show. Friday was School Spirit Day and the week ended with a carnival where students were able to dunk a teacher. The dance ended a great week and a spectacular win from the Juniors for Powderpuff and our football teams against Lew-Port. The Junior's, "Most Creative Hall" Photo Credit: Jenna R.
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Molly C. takes impressive photos of our hometown on a beautiful fall day.
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