The Norseman

A letter to future historians about COVID-19

Shannon Keyser • May 31, 2020

Dear Future Historian, If, for some reason, you are searching for evidence of what it was like for the average person during the COVID-19 lockdown and you have stumbled across this article, let me tell you some things that will make your job a little easier.

Respiratory issues complicate COVID-19 response for senior

Shannon Keyser • May 31, 2020

Asthma is a relatively common disease. In many instances, it is mild, and people can get by with using an inhaler when the need arises. For senior Phoebe Hancock, asthma has taken a much larger role in her life. She suffers from severe allergic asthma, meaning her reactions are mostly caused by her allergies. Combatting this disease and its side effects has meant countless visits to the doctor, numerous tests, and even a few operations.

Senior photographer develops skill, places 3rd, has shot at state

Shannon Keyser • May 20, 2020

The dozens of pictures taken daily on phones can make people lose sight of the skill photography requires. With photographers needing to learn abilities ranging from staging to exposure to shutter speed, along with many terms most people have never heard before, photography is a complex art. SkillsUSA allows students in photography, in addition to other disciplines, to showcase their abilities. At this year’s SkillsUSA competition, senior Laura Salazar competed in photography where her submission featured a patio home building with unique architecture from Florida to earn third place and advance to state.

Don’t poo poo poodles: Dog breed does not match stereotype

Shannon Keyser • April 16, 2020

I never watched any sort of dog show until this year, so when I turned on the Westminster Dog Show this year, I was a little surprised myself. I caught it at the very end, where the judge decides which dog out of the six category winners is Best in Show. As a poodle owner, I was pleased when a standard poodle was chosen. Of course, all of the other dogs present were wonderful models of their breeds, and I wouldn’t have been upset had one of them won.

Covid-19: One student’s take on what is happening

Shannon Keyser • March 17, 2020

This is my senior year, and I was looking forward getting to participate in the usual high school activities one last time before heading off to start college. I could have never predicted what would...

Student retains positive nature, sense of humor despite broken heart

Shannon Keyser • February 22, 2020

Playing sports, riding roller coasters, drinking caffeine, all things most teenagers take for granted. But for junior Jaci Siegert, each of these poses a potentially-deadly risk.

Electoral college embodies collage of America

Shannon Keyser • February 18, 2020

Ah, 2020, the start of a new decade. The summer Olympics are set for Tokyo this year, and the United States has some strong athletes that the country should unify around. But never fear! The presidential election is here to rip that unity apart and destroy any semblance of camaraderie.

Bibbity Boppity Boooo: Live action Disney movies kill creativity, pander to greed

Shannon Keyser • November 8, 2019

When it comes to the animated film industry, Walt Disney Studios dominates the market with a long list of classic, award-winning movies. I remember getting up early on weekends when I was little to peruse our collection of VHS tapes under the TV and pop one into the VCR. I’d watch my selection, and if I could, would rewind the tape to watch it again. Those movies hold a special place in my heart because of the nostalgia of VCRs, the memories associated with them, and the quality of the movies.

All the world’s a stage: Senior to pursue acting career after high school

Shannon Keyser • October 31, 2019

As the lights dim and the curtain closes, applause breaks out from around the theater, and one person stands, followed by another until the rest of the auditorium is in a standing ovation. For an actor, this is the ideal reaction from an audience. But it’s not easy to get. An actor must shed their identity and take on that of a stranger. Every step and facial twitch must match that of the character they portray. Every word must be interpreted to best convey the emotion of the moment. While some may find this too difficult and shy away from the limelight, senior Evan Pope revels in it.

Senior capitalizes on experiences gained through Boys Nation

Shannon Keyser • September 30, 2019

While most people learn about how the legislature works in their government class, very few people have the chance to go through the procedures of Congress. This summer, senior Caleb Merell was chosen for this opportunity and was able to go to Washington DC with Boys Nation.

Microsoft provides One solution for everyday problems

Shannon Keyser • September 6, 2019

I guess I could do a fancy introduction, but this is going to be a long article, so I’ll just jump straight to the point. An unfortunate number of people are suffering under the delusion that Google Docs is actually better than Microsoft Word. Perhaps I should cut people some slack, especially teenagers. In school, all of us are required to use Google Docs. Why? In elementary and middle school, it was a great option for classroom settings, allowing things like sharing and internet access.

International communications: Multilingual education opens mind, cultural doors

Shannon Keyser • April 6, 2019

America has the reputation of many of its citizens being monolingual, but one student is breaking that stereotype. Senior Dylan Thatcher has studied and practiced multiple languages for the past several years. He is currently learning French and German, but he knows bits of Spanish, Russian, and Chinese as well. He sees language as a way to reach others and experience new cultures.