The Slinger High School 

Nite Crier

The 2022 Northeastern Wisconsin Scholastic Press Association's White Ribbon Honors Winner in Newspaper Publication

Nite Crier Staff 

(For the biographies of our active writers, click here!)

Mia Beck

Celeste Conigliaro

Kaitlyn Dunn

Zach Greenhill

Aaron Haas

Katelyn Kauper

Mariah Kiefer

Abigail Montano

Natalie Nickel

Oceana Patulski

Addison Rahmlow

Abigael Walter

Paige Weber

Advisor

Mr. Wolf

Photo provided by Dado Ruvic/Reuters.

Zach Greenhill, Staff Writer

Posted: March 24th, 2023


It’s no secret that the United States is in an interesting situation with the collapse of the Silicon Valley bank. But what does that actually mean for the people? There are all kinds of concerns that this is going to be like 2008, but there is no need to panic. 



By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: March 16th, 2023


If you ask a young child to explain the concept of voting, they will likely begin by telling you that it is “something adults do.” Children grow up understanding voting as an adult responsibility, likely one that they rarely consider until they approach adulthood themselves. On the evening of March 8, 2023, however, the Slinger High School Student Council flipped the script on the concept of elections as many students know them. Student Council members--both those of voting age and those shy of it--became leaders of the Slinger School Board Forum as they asked questions to the candidates and kept time for the responses.


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: March 15th, 2023


The picturesque Alaskan landscape is a sight that people all over the world travel to see. Polar bears, wildflowers, killer whales, and the northern lights are just a handful of the natural attractions that Alaska holds. However, its beauty is at stake. Rolling hills and natural habitats could soon be replaced with miles of metal and drills. The clear blue air will be replaced with pollution. Indigenous lands will no longer be held sacred. The force that threatens Alaska’s landscape is something known as the Willow Project.


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: February 20th, 2023


High school is the time for students to explore their different interests and talents to help guide them towards their future path. Slinger High School is lucky to have various different clubs, sports, and organizations for students to join and learn from. One of the more unique opportunities that Slinger offers is the Aviation club. 


By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: February 15th, 2023


Junior and senior years of high school are arguably some of the most stressful times of our high school career. With extensive homework, the ACT, extracurriculars, and a seemingly infinite list of due dates, the entire process of preparing for college and a life outside of high school is incredibly stressful, without even taking into consideration finances! As most high schoolers are aware, many colleges and other organizations offer scholarships to reward accomplishments such as athletic or academic achievements. However, most scholarships are frequently cramped with competition, making it significantly harder to become a successful applicant. Nonetheless, UWM is offering a bountiful and attainable amount of opportunities throughout their variety of scholarships, fulfilling their goal to make continued education more accessible. 


By: Oceana Patulski and Miley Johnson, Staff Writers

Posted: January 23rd, 2023


Neurofibromatosis Type 1(NF1) is a genetic condition in which tumors can grow along a person's nerves.  There are fewer than 200,000 US cases per year, and it can be diagnosed before birth. Neurofibromatosis Type 1 will cause an individual to grow tumors anywhere in the nervous system. The picture to the left is of a human nervous system. Tumors grow anywhere in that system. The tumors are usually benign, meaning that they are non-cancerous, but sometimes they can be malignant. Even though the tumors are benign, they can cause a series of complications.

By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: January 16th, 2023


Nearly 3 years ago, the world was taken aback by the sudden surge of infections due to COVID-19. Hospitals were flooded and streets remained empty as countries around the world were locked into quarantine. Presently, many countries are presently on edge due to the state of COVID-19 in China, with 90% of the population in Central China's Henan province currently being infected. Since mid December, political tension in China has been high, with many citizens protesting the Chinese government’s regulations and law regarding Covid. Consequently, this has raised questions about the Chinese citizen’s demands and the government’s receptivity. 


By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: January 12th, 2023


Early on the morning of Saturday, January 7, Slinger High School DECA Members boarded the bus “ready to DECA” at the 2023 District 5 Career Development Conference and DECA they did. Thirty-two Slinger members earned themselves a shining moment on stage during which they received one or more medals in their test and/or role-plays. Seventeen of these students placed within the top five competitors in their category, and the ten who placed within the top three will be automatically advancing to the State Career Development Conference at the end of February. For those who did not qualify automatically, Slinger DECA is allotted a number of additional spots for which competitors can apply. Ultimately, Saturday the 7th was an incredibly successful day of “DECA-ing” as our Slinger chapter placed fourth overall out of eighteen highly competitive chapters.





By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: January 10th, 2023


On November 13th, four students at the University of Idaho were found stabbed to death in their home in Moscow, Idaho. At 11:58 AM, the Moscow Police Department was responding to a report of an unconscious student when they found the victims dead on the second and third floors of the home. The media has been consumed by this case, raising many questions and theories as to who could be at fault, why they committed the crime, and how. 



By: Oceana Patulski, Staff Writer

Posted: January 4th, 2023


Gregory House is a maverick, genius, pain medication-dependent doctor who manages cases at the prestigious Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. He is like Sherlock Holmes; he solves medical cases that no other doctor can.



By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: January 1st, 2023


In a world of chaos, a man’s testament would act as the voice for millions, detailing his loss of identity, dehumanization, and surreal trauma. Elie Wiesel is just one of the few featured authors, (and survivors), in many Holocaust memorials across the world. Informational posters were created by a variety of students here at Slinger in English classes, detailing the flow of Wiesel’s life and experiences as an individual.

By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: January 1st, 2023


It is often the question of whether life contains any sort of definite meaning, expressed plainly in sight to an individual, or whether it remains to be a puzzle of perplexity; in any case, shrouded in mystery and a faux understanding of our universe. Viktor E. Frankl is one of many individuals that dares to answer this question, utilizing his vocation in psychology, as well as his harrowing experience in surviving Auschwitz and Theresienstadt. As a survivor of the holocaust, Frankl lives to tell his tale in his personal narrative, Man’s Search for Meaning. 

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer

Posted: December 21st, 2022


The Christmas season used to be the most wonderful time of the year, just as wonderful as Andy Williams explained it in 1963.

Falling asleep on the night of Christmas Eve would be practically impossible, knowing that Santa would reach your chimney sometime within the night. You’d secretly wish you had the guts to stay up until midnight, listening to the sound of reindeer hooves landing on the roof, and the sound of jingle bells reverberating for every step Santa took. However, you never committed to it due to the fear of Santa revoking your present privileges like your mother had warned just hours before.




By:Oceana Patulski, Staff Writer

Posted: December 15th, 2022


The winter months can be cold, dark, and boring to some individuals, but I personally love the snow and everything about winter. "If you didn't know, I used to live up north where there is snow in the middle of October, and it lasts forever." It's perfect, but when the city people come up, they seem to miss out on the best things to do up north during the winter. As a former Hodag, I’ll be telling you what you should do next time you find yourself in the northwoods. 


By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: December 7th, 2022


The world of college applications is difficult to navigate, and that’s an understatement. In fact, whilst applying to colleges, it feels as if you need a master’s degree just to correctly fill out the applications (or maybe a doctorate… I asked a couple people with master’s degrees for help, and they were confused too). Assuming that you, like me, do not have a doctorate in “The Art and Science of Completing the Common App,” I will attempt to lay out everything that I wish I would have known much earlier in my college application experience.


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: December 1st, 2022


From a young age, kids are told the importance of voting. The voting process is one of the first things you learn in elementary school. Children are taught that they will pick their favorite candidate, and the person with the most votes wins. Looking back on these elementary lessons now as a senior in high school, the oversimplified concept is nothing compared to the intricacy of the US government system. Once a person turns eighteen, the right to vote is an honor. After going through the process myself, I now have a deeper understanding of voting’s importance, and the in-depth process one goes through to cast their vote.

By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: November 29th, 2022


Salao is the worst kind of unlucky, especially when you’re a weathered fisherman toiling at the endless sea for 84 days to no avail. The novel, The Old Man and the Sea, written by Ernest Hemingway, features a protagonist named Santiago whose extraordinary tenacity is mirrored in his wrinkled, scarred hands, created from endless work off of the stern of his boat. Santiago is accompanied by a younger boy named Manolin. Manolin acts as a youthful vessel whom Santiago can teach yet also learn from. Day by day, Santiago’s strength depletes, yet his spirit is kept alive by the cloying opportunism in his heart. The story sets stage in Cuba, where Santiago resides in a rundown shack beside the sea, with its condition perhaps mirroring his enervated energy after a listless several months. Santiago refuses to back down, facing his trial head on. The challenge? To catch a fish. 


By: Abby Walter and Oceana Patulski, Staff Writers

Posted: November 21st, 2022


Anyone who has recently stepped foot in a store can attest to the fact that, in the retail world, Christmas time begins as soon as Halloween ends. Similarly, this could also be said for the Rookery where the managers, marketing students, and DECA members have kept busy decorating the tree, painting the windows, and promoting the holiday Item of the Week sale. However, just because Slinger DECA decked out their School Based Enterprise doesn’t mean that anyone is ready to skip Thanksgiving. Instead, the Rookery managers have a variety of Thanksgiving traditions that they cannot wait to partake in to kick off the holiday season.


Photo provided by Cook Political Report

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer

Posted: November 15th, 2022

Every two years, a congressional, midterm election takes place in the United States of America. These election positions can vary from presidential to almost any government official, such as state governor or senator. Our last presidential election took place in 2020, where President Joe Biden took office alongside his VP, Kamala Harris, the first female vice president in the history of the US. The last election for the Wisconsin governor was in November 2018, when Tony Evers took on the position. Alongside this election, was the ballot for US Senate. This year, on November 8th, these same elections took place within the state.


By: Oceana Patulski, Staff Writer

Posted November 4th, 2022


Imagine if you could take a class that didn’t require any textbooks or tests, and the instructor was on their deathbed. Would you take that course? Would you skip it? Tuesdays with Morrie is a novel by Mitch Albom. It’s the kind of book that makes you appreciate life and realize how important and precious life can be. 

Photo provided by NBC News.


By: Zach Greenhill, Staff Writer


Posted, November 4th, 2022


With the midterms less than a week away we are starting to see more and more publicity going their way. There are a lot of different aspects to the midterms. You have a more specific Wisconsin view as well as a more National view. All that being said, here’s what you need to know. 


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: October 31st, 2022


When the stakes are high and gamblers roam the streets, pestered by a persistent mission group, what events will ensue? This fall, the Slinger High School theater department is proud to present Guys and Dolls, a classic broadway show that takes place in New York in the 1950s. The show contains exciting twists and turns, along with catchy tunes, and a heartwarming story, this show has it all



By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: October 27th, 2022


The sky is dark; I am tired. I have had many days such as this, and I know what will follow if I sleep. It will leave me empty, hollowed out like the shell I left behind when I fell to Earth. I have seen all there was to see of the world and so now it remains to make something more of myself. And so I saunter along the shoreline, scrounging to find a new place to be born, a new path to take.

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: October 27th, 2022

While I detest the taste of coffee, the very idea of coffee shop culture provides me insurmountable joy. A café--featuring scents of freshly roasted coffee beans and baked goods, a cozy atmosphere, and fresh, light lunch fare--is my favorite place to grab a meal or hot drink, prepare for a test, celebrate the end of a long hike, or catch up with friends.

By: Celeste Conigliario, Staff Writer

Posted: October 26th, 2022

Distraught and companionless, I ventured through the somber woods,

the crunching of sticks beneath my feet; a simple sign of life.

Image provided by Digit Binge

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer

Posted: October 24th, 2022

Halloween, the night of October 31st and the eve of All Saints' Day, is commonly celebrated by millions around the world. When thinking of Halloween, words such as mummies, ghosts, and sweets come to mind. However, Halloween is more than just tricks and treats, Halloween is a day of fear, frights, and furor. There are many ways to spend your day of horrors; however, there is a certain way to “Experience Halloween like never before.” 

Image provided by Digit Binge


By: Oceana Patulski, Staff Writer

Posted October 20th, 2022


This summer I watched the series “Monk” on Prime Video. Monk is a 2002 series about a defective detective who goes by the name of Adrian Monk. Adrian is the best detective in San Francisco who is diagnosed with OCD and multiple phobias- 312 to be exact.


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer

Published: October 17th, 2022


Honor. Service. Dedication. Bravery. 


These are all words used to describe the work of America’s veterans. The word of those who have served for the country does not go unappreciated. The United States is a unique country in the way that all US citizens come together to share in their love for their country. The patriotism that is evident in America is like no other, and through that patriotism, citizens rally behind the men and women who served to ensure that the freedom they know today remains intact for the future.


By: Addie Rahmlow, Staff Writer

Posted: October 11th, 2022


On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a story of craters -- of the distant, gaping holes in time that memories churn in. It is the story of a mother and a son and of all of the generations that came before, of a single distilled portrait: the sun slipping over the horizon, time fading into years. Vuong begins his novel with the sentence, “Let me begin again,” because beginnings are fraught and messy, and where is there to start when there is so much to say?  

By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: October 6th, 2022


Can you imagine being without our abundant access to clean water and power in the midst of a pernicious storm? Ever since the middle of September, a cyclone of damage has been fabricated by a hurricane ravaging the Caribbean and surrounding areas

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: September 29th, 2022

At the end of a memorable 2021 cross country season, the Slinger Girls Cross Country team said farewell to four beloved senior runners, all of whom helped make the season special. While, by this time, the team knew who the next group of senior leaders would be, another question remained: “Where would they get the new underclassmen?” 


By: Oceana Patulski, Staff Writer

Posted September 21st, 2022


What is homecoming? Homecoming is a celebration that happens at the beginning of the school year. It usually occurs at the end of September. It’s a tradition that brings the community together. Homecoming includes a lot of enjoyable activities, including themes,  the powderpuff game, homecoming game, a dance, and spirit week. This year, the theme is “Lets go to the beach!” 



By: Celeste Conigliaro, Staff Writer


Posted: September 21st, 2022


Annually, for a few blissful months, 


Autumn returns to visit once more.


My feelings for Autumn have cemented in my heart with a flutter,


For I admit, I long for every detail about her.


2018 Slinger High School Snowball Court.

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer

Posted: September, 20th, 2022

Winter, the coldest, darkest, and harshest time of the year. The season of dry skin, short days, icy car windows, 3 feet of snow to wake up to in the morning, etc. You’d be crazy to love anything about the season (aside from the natural beauty that lasts about a week). What we need is something to bring light to our dark, unwanted snow season. What we need is strictly this: a winter, school-wide, formal dance. The Snowball dance, formally known as the Sadie Hawkins dance, was introduced on November 15, 1937. It originated in North America within the countries of the United States and Canada. Slinger was also quite familiar with this dance up until 2018, when they suddenly removed the idea of it for a reason I am unknown of. Our high school should bring back the annual winter dance because it not only encourages more class-wide, school involvement, but gives students an event to look forward to as well. 

Some of the new Slinger School District teachers. Photo provided by the Slinger School District Website.


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Published: September 20th, 2022


As you wander around the school these first few weeks, you may notice some unfamiliar faces. With the new school year comes new additions to the Slinger High School faculty. This school year there is a wide range of new teachers to the building. In total, there are 9 new teachers this year. The teachers come from all parts of the building and teach a variety of subjects from foreign language to business education. Although it is sad to part with the teachers students know and love, it is time we welcome the new staff. 



Photo provided by www.thepointng.com.

By: Mia Beck, Staff Writer

Posted: September 20th, 2022


On September 8th, the death of Queen Elizabeth II took the world by storm. She is survived by King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne, with the heir to the throne being Prince William. Queen Elizabeth II first rose to the throne on February 6th, 1952, at the youthful age of 25, being formally crowned on June 2nd of 1953 in the following year. Throughout her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth reigned over 32 sovereign states and only 15 by the time of her death. Queen Elizabeth is also the second longest reigning monarch in British history, surpassing the age of Queen Victoria, who was her great-great-grandmother. The French King Louis XIV, who took over the throne at the age of 4 and served more than 72 years, remains the longest ruling monarch in history.Ultimately, Queen Elizabeth will be greatly remembered for her grace, humor, and charm




A Digital Drawing Essay

By: Abigail Montano, Artist 

Posted: September 15th, 2022



By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: June 3rd, 2022


Hope is a midnight songbird,

making itself known

amidst the darkness.






To read the 2022 Senior Wills, click here!




By: Katelyn Kauper, Staff Writer


Posted: May 31st, 2022


Have you ever been told that you should get off your phone more often and participate in some family time? Well the answer is a game night! In this list are 12 of the best games to play with kids to adults and for families of 3-6 people! These aren't your normal Life or Monopoly. This list will introduce you to a new realm of gaming, that you and your family will all enjoy, while still being simple and easy to learn for all age groups!



By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: May 20th, 2022


Tensions are rising across the country due to the unexpected release of a supreme court draft. On the evening of May 2, 2022, Politico, a political journalism company that brings information on politics and policy into the public eye, released an article containing the 98 page draft, written by Supreme Court Justice Alito, explaining the courts opinion to change the right of determining abortion laws to a state right rather than a federal protection. The leak of this information is putting stress on people of both sides of the political spectrum throughout the United States. Many wonder what this decision will mean for the future of abortion laws in America



By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer


Posted: May 20th, 2022


The College Board is a dreaded, dirty word shared among high schoolers. As an organization that develops and administers standardized tests in order to test individual college readiness for students, it's no surprise that the College Board is almost as popular with the students as the standardized and Advanced Placement tests it creates. But as students prepared for AP testing this year, and AP season dawned once again this May, it's important to look at some of the past and more serious misgivings of this organization


By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: May 16th, 2022


When I heard that my next track meet would be at UW-Madison, I fantasized about a beautiful facility with ample light and an admiring audience. After all, I’d embarked on a tour of the campus only a week before, and my tour guide had pointed us to the Nicholas Recreation Center, a building that accommodates not only an indoor track, but also two olympic swimming pools. While I had not expected the same level of grandeur for a high school track meet, I hoped The Shell was the training facility equivalent of the Nic’s older, slightly less cool cousin. My track coaches further bolstered my high hopes when they promised a “well-run meet” as the Madison West Relays meet is an annual tradition of more than 80 years.

Nite Crier's 2021-2022 NEWSPA Award Winning Articles are found here. Check out the best in Slinger High School journalism.


Time to Vote for your favorite "Your Picture With A Nite Crier Pen" entry.


Alright Slinger High School, it is your time to vote for the best Nite Crier pen picture.  Go to the following link and vote.




Pen Sijos 

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: April, 4th, 2022


They say you, the pen, are mightier than the sharpest sword.

That is to say you bring calm and peace, never destruction nor war.

I prefer you, still, as a translator, speaking through my hand.


“I prefer to type:” an expression of fear, not efficiency.

We dread the style in which our own clumsy hand puts pen to paper.

But backspace is no match for the inked beauty of a scribble.


Writing about writing: cyclic and counterproductive

or praising the finest art in its precious native tongue?

Pen to paper is never wasted, for every stroke celebrates.


You are more than an accomplice in the classroom cacophony

of incessant chair screeches, pencil taps, and keyboard clacks.

Your click marks a surging idea breaking the surface.


You say you hate to write, but have you ever tried to feel

the graceful cycle of brain to page, thoughts tripping over words,

racing out before the edges smooth in wondrous revision.



By: Aaron Haas, Staff Writer

Posted: March 15th, 2022 


It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and the birds were chirping; everything was perfect.  I was aboard Flying Scotsman, to which Molly was coupled behind.  In Molly’s cab was Maisie.  Trailing Molly was an extensive line of extremely expensive royal coaches.  Gordon was alongside us with his express coaches and the one and only Flash Gordon.  The Hogwarts Express kept pace behind us with its coaches, along with Ron and Hermione in the seventh car.  Proceeding the Hogwarts Express came the Polar Express and its passenger cars.  Spencer trundled along behind Gordon with the Duke and Duchess of Boxford in their royal coach behind Gordon.  To our other side were Hiro and Sam, who were coupled up to an extraordinarily long freight train, which included boxcars, flatbeds, tankers, gondolas, and coal cars, both open and closed; Henry was the back engine.


By: Abigale Nickel, Staff Writer


Posted: March 15th, 2022


The Slinger Forensics Team, a dedicated team of students in all grade levels, is gearing up for some major things in the coming months. Competitors work in creating performances in many different categories, becoming skilled public speakers in the process. Students perform poetry, give radio-styled reports, speak in an impromptu fashion, and create interpretations of literature with their friends. I personally compete in Duo Interpretation with my partner, Sophia Gray. This past year, we were national qualifiers, and it has been a formative experience for us throughout high school.


Photo provided by letgrow.org


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer


Posted: March 9th, 2022


I will always be first to testify toward the timeless and truly undeniable power of literature throughout the history of human existence. Pieces of religious text such as the Bible and Quran are the more obvious traces of this, but we see this in a much more niche sense as well. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is a piece of Russian fiction, but written by Solzhenitsyn who had first-hand experience in the Gulag system. It was revolutionary in that it was able to depict the horrors of incarceration in the camps, the people, and the situations under Stalinist Russia that was not previously allowed to be published. The new theories of nature and society that stewed in Karl Marx’s mind were finally put to paper in 1848 when The Communist Manifesto was published, a tiny pamphlet that sparked revolutionary revolts and calls to change around France and the rest of Europe, and soon, the world. And in William Lloyd Garrisons' publication, The Liberator, Garrison condemned the slave South and helped unite the North and its abolitionists in a call to an end to slavery in the United States, contributing to the rise of the Civil War. There is absolutely no end to what literature written from one’s inner truth can inspire, and that is exactly what scares the individuals contributing to the increasing efforts of banning books today



Photo provided by the Los Angeles Times


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer


Posted: March 4th, 2022


I first learned of the countries of Russia and Ukraine and their tumultuously tangled history sitting in my AP World History class just a few months ago. I learned of the immense losses that are experienced by the Russian people, spanning the entirety of that country’s history, at the hands of their careless and egocentric leaders—a trait that seems to run in the very veins of the Russian government. But as the recent events of this Russian and Ukrainian friction continue to develop today, and as Russia continues to infiltrate and target major Ukrainian cities, I have learned that there is much more to understand about this incredibly relevant and truly terrifying moment in history.

Photo provided by UCLA Newsroom


By: Abigale Nickel, Staff Writer


Posted: March 4th, 2022


A new strain of COVID-19 has been traced across the United States, and scientists have been seeing far more rapid spreads this past few months as a result. Schools across our nation have been forced into lockdown because of teacher shortages and convention after convention has been canceled. Staying on top of new information as this new Variant, Variant B.1.1.529, is more important than ever when it comes to risk management and understanding what state the pandemic is in right now.



By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: March 1st, 2022


The Slinger High School Lady Owls basketball team has consistently been one of the most successful teams in our school. This year's varsity basketball team is led by head coach Tony Dobson. The players on the team this year include freshmen Sarah Rothenhoefer and Taylor Longdin, sophomore Ava Farenholz, juniors Ellie Zagel, Emily Cleary, Jamie Rhodes, Mallory Hoitink, and Gwen Groeschel, and seniors Sam Gueller, Ava Feilbach, Kacey Ott, Paige Schmallenberg, and Callie Ziebell.

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer

Posted: February 14th, 2022


“The Conjuring” is a 2013 horror movie directed by James Wan, written by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes. The movie itself is so blood-chilling that it seems purely fictional, however this story was inspired based on one of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s worst ghost hunting cases of their career. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga took the roles of the paranormal investigators in this film

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: February 2nd, 2022


After COVID and a snowstorm called for the cancellation of the last two in-person District 5 Career Development Conferences, Slinger DECA members and advisors relished the opportunity to join District 5 in getting back in action on Saturday, January 8th at Kettle Moraine High School in Wales. Although the district didn’t hire a hypnotist this year, seventeen local chapters created their own competition fun during their first opportunity in nearly two years to interact with a judge face-to-face



By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: January 10th, 2022


On November 6, 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Throughout the past years, the US infrastructure has been noticeably weak. Many past Presidents have stated that they would work to rebuild the US infrastructure, but never executed any plans or policies to do so. That is until now.


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer


Posted: December 22nd, 2021


The name Kyle Rittenhouse brings dozens of emotions to the forefront—how could it not? The framework of the story-a 17-year-old fatally shooting two men and wounding another during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Kenosha, Wisconsin and acquitted in court on self defense-was bound to find traction from the very beginning. There are plenty of details in between each fact in this case and thousands of conversations to be had, but for now, when I hear the name Kyle Rittenhouse, I can’t help but think, How did we let this happen?”



By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: December 17th, 2021


While your Christmas gifts may be on backorder, DECA the Halls is right on time. This week, Slinger DECA members decked the business wing with boughs of package tracking and store logos in order to commemorate the most chaotic time of the year: Christmas shopping.


By: Abigale Nickel, Staff Writer


Posted: December 12th, 2021


The culture shock that waved throughout our country upon the election of Joseph R. Biden in contrast to the former president was no secret to any citizen. Policy change was enacted almost immediately and the United States changed direction. Democratic ideas that had no chance previously were now works in progress. For many, there was a new sense of hope. But beyond politics, for the future of our earth, a president who was willing to acknowledge and take issue in regards to climate change had taken the stage. Biden’s Climate Plan is new, promising territory.

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer

Posted: December 1st, 2021

SkillsUSA is a nation-wide organization that prepares and trains the current youth of America to ensure a skilled workforce for the future. This area of workforce is concentrated in specifically Engineering-related careers, such as marine engineering or architecture. 

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: November 23rd, 2021


Between the increasing pressure to perform well in school, the number of tests piling up in every class with holiday breaks on the horizon, and the fact that the teenage body doesn’t truly slow down until between 10:00 and 11:00PM, it’s no surprise that teens and caffeine are practically synonymous in our school and society. While a teengager requires about 9 hours and 15 minutes of sleep every night, most teens regularly receive about 2 hours less than that (Nationwide Children’s Hospital). Thus, caffeinated beverages, tablets, and chewing gum flood the shelves of American grocery and convenience stores, and coffee shops are a prime place to meet a friend or have a weekend work day. With all the buzz around caffeine, our culture has become largely dependent on it, so much so that energy drinks have made their way into our schools.


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer


Posted: November 23rd, 2021


I convinced my parents to allow me to create my first Instagram account when I was 12, joining a rather large group of 6th grade peers as we crossed the bridge to the world of the Internet and social media. Unbeknownst to me, I would soon enough find myself in internal battles with my own self-image and personal confidence, fueled by Instagram and social media—an experience that I know many can relate to. It is absolutely no surprise to anyone that social media can have drastic and detrimental effects on teenage mental health—many have sung this tune for a number of years. What has brought this issue once again to the forefront of current events is the recent unveiling of research conducted under the company of Facebook that has found that Instagram harms the well-being of teenage girls—and Facebook’s defense since has been to downplay and diminish its own findings.

Anastasia The Musical Photo Essay

By: Addison Rahmlow, Staff Photographer 

Posted: November 15th, 2021



By: Abigael Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: November 12th, 2021

From before its birth, America has been a land of upward progress. In 1775, two lanterns lit atop Boston’s Old North Church tower sent Paul Revere on his ride. When Chicago, a grand American city, grew short of space a century later, we looked upward, erecting the Home Insurance Building, America’s first skyscraper, in 1885. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin literally shot for the moon in 1969, skyrocketing the significance of “upward” beyond our country and our earthly atmosphere. Americans have never shied away from up, reminding ourselves that we can be stronger, braver, more successful if we don’t look down. However, after a challenging year and a half, we must return to ground level, even beneath the surface, for nothing can grow to fruition if its roots don’t settle deep into the earth. America, from here, we dig for food, for connections, and for a return to normalcy. 


By: Celeste Conigliaro, Staff Writer

Posted: November, 12th 2021

Growing up I was taught in folk songs, videos, and history that America was an amazing land, the best country to live in. I’m older now, and more aware of our country’s real state. Every day you hear about a new shooting, jumping, or kidnapping. Nowhere feels safe anymore, not even school or my own home.



Image provide by wreathsacrossamerica.org


By: Katelyn Kauper, Staff Writer


Posted: November 11th, 2021


Veterans Day is a cardinal day in the United States to honor those who have served, and especially those who died serving in the United States military. This federal holiday is observed on November 11th. Several activities are done in tribute to our veterans on this day. The U.S. flag is lowered to half mast. Many participate in parades or services through schools and churches. Some spend time with veterans in their life.


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: November 10th, 2021


“Cruella Devil, if she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will,” Many people know of the classic Disney villian that these words refer to. Cruella Devil is one of the most iconic Disney villains. Her whole story revolves around the idea that she wants to steal dalmatian puppies to make them into a coat. A truly terrifying concept for young children. The original 1960s cartoon, 101 dalmatians, paints Cruella to be a crazy and truly evil old woman. However, all evil has its roots. How did Cruella come to be the villain she became? 

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer 

Posted: October 29th, 2021

There is no doubt that everyone is familiar with the idea of Halloween. The carving of pumpkins and trick-or-treating is definitely something to remember. However there is more to Halloween than just candies and costumes. 




By: Abigale Nickel, Staff Writer


Posted: October 28th, 2021


This October, the Slinger High Choir program put on their first concert of the year, with a theme of Sounds of Home. The choirs were so grateful to have a real live audience without restrictions after last year's live streamed performances


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer 


Posted: October 22nd, 2021


It is no secret that when combined with true crime and current events, social media can be incredibly impactful. The internet is fascinated with true crime, and it often leads to a whirlwind of theories, posts, and interactions online. Yet when a 22-year-old blogger named Gabbie Petito vanished into the woods of Wyoming one month ago, absolutely no one could have predicted what would sweep through the internet.




By: Natalie Nickel, Staff Writer 


Posted: October 22nd, 2021


Taylor Swift has been called the artist of the generation, and one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Yet she does not own the songs that earned her that acclaim? Her confrontation of this music industry norm has caused quite the stir and has led to the dawning of what is called, ‘Taylor’s Version.’

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: October 20th, 2021


I’m not superstitious.

I don’t squirm at the sight

of black cats

or broken mirrors.

I’ll seize a tails-up penny

off the floor of a school bus.

Image provided by Netflix


By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer 

Posted: October 20th, 2021


Bo Burnham is a 31 year old comedian, actor, songwriter, musician, and filmmaker from Hamilton, Massachusetts. Bo was born on August 21, 1990. He started his career at the ripe age of 16 by unintentionally blowing up on Youtube in 2009, “I had written these songs, and I wanted to show them to my brother who was in college.” Today, his video has roughly over eleven million views in total. 

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: October 8th, 2021


For all those who are wondering, DECA is an acronym that stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, but that definition likely leaves people more confused than the made-up sounding organization name itself. After all, few people today refer to marketing programs and professional development as distributive education. While the organization’s name is a bit dated, three upcoming events in October alone prove that Slinger High School’s DECA chapter is anything but behind the times.

Poetry and Art

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted September 30th, 2021


By: Paige Weber, Staff Writer

Posted: September 30th, 2021

Homecoming is an age-old tradition of football and dance. Representing a timeless memorial to the past; beginning in the year 1914, the first homecoming game in Wisconsin was against our very own Badgers.

By: Katelyn Kauper, Staff Writer

Posted: September 29th, 2021


It's homecoming week, time to start dressing up and celebrating all the homecoming festivities upon us! A survey was sent out to the Slinger High School students about homecoming and here were their responses!

Image provided by msnbc.com.


By: Abigale Nickel, Staff Writer

Posted: September 27th, 2021

A topic of political and medical debate, abortion regulation, faced a major development on September 1st when Texas put into place the most restrictive abortion laws in our nation. These restrictions keep women from their choice to abort after 6 weeks of pregnancy, when many women may not even know they are pregnant. Texas’s restrictions not only go against Constitution and precedent, but stop safe abortions and are far less “pro-life” and American than supporters of the bill claim to be. 


By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer

Posted:September 20th, 2021 

It’s the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, and you know what that means. Fall sports! The Slinger High School girls golf team has been hard at work since the beginning of August.

Image provided by the New York Times.

By: Kaitlyn Dunn, Staff Writer 

Posted: September 20th, 2021

Some people say history doesn’t repeat itself, however natural disaster history in Mexico proves these people wrong. On September 7, 2017, a fatal earthquake struck the southern coast of Mexico. The impact hit the high magnitude of 8.1, the highest the country had seen in years, with many aftershocks following behind. Hundreds of buildings and businesses were left in piles of rubble on the ground, along with 98 casualties and hundreds of injuries in total. 

Image provided by Reuters.


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer

Posted: September 20th, 2021

Over the last decade the Taliban has succeeded in their slow expansion of territory in Afghanistan. With each new piece of land conquered, the future of Afghan women and their place in society shook. On August 27th of this year the Taliban gained full control over Afghanistan, just two weeks before the U.S. was set to withdraw its troops. After a two-decade war, many watched in horror as Afghans fled, mainly to Kabul Airport, where pure chaos unfolded. For Afghan civilians, the Taliban is the worst possible nightmare一and for Afghan women, many fear the worst for the future. 

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: September 20, 2021


“Seriously, Abby? We were just over there!” my teammate groaned as I proposed yet another trip to the restroom enclosure. 


“Sorry! I’m nervous!” I replied.” I’d experienced nerves before plenty of previous athletic competitions, but, for once, it wasn’t for a 30-second 200 meter dash that I could forget about as soon as I crossed the finish line or a 3-set volleyball match where time and teammates could help me shake off my mistakes. Instead, I found myself a mere hour away from my first long-lasting individual test - in distance running, of all things. 

A Senior Photo Essay

By: Faith Rinehard, Staff Photographer 

Posted: June 4th, 2021

By: Paige Weber, Staff Writer

Posted: June 3rd, 2021

Have you ever wondered about the water that runs in the rivers? Where does it go? How do we as people affect it?


It turns out you're not the only ones! Two Slinger High school seniors, Jamie Blando and Austin Junk, have taken it upon themselves to study rivers in Saukville, Thiensville, and Milwaukee. They’ve done this as an independent study with Slinger High School Biology teacher, Mr. Graff. Every two weeks since March they would visit different locations along the Milwaukee River and test the water for nitrates, phosphates, and macroinvertebrates. They even take the temperature of the water and air, and record the time of day.

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: June 3rd, 2021


The year 2021 certainly put traditions to the test, as we, as a school and a society, tried to cling to familiar formal dances and family holidays while also modifying and modernizing the status quo to fit the constraints of COVID-19. The same is true for this year’s Slinger High School graduation ceremony, which - in addition to being live streamed for viewing by an audience at home or in the SHS Performing Arts Center - will take place in the field house, honoring time and tradition.

By: Skylar Allar

Posted: June 2nd, 2021


Memorial Day is an American holiday, celebrated on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. In order to celebrate this holiday, many schools, restaurants, and offices take off to pay respect to the ones who fought for our country. This past Memorial Day weekend, a major outbreak broke out all over social media regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ post for the holiday.

By: Skylar Allar

Posted: June 2nd, 2021


As you may have noticed while driving with your parents, your friends, or maybe even yourself, everytime you pass the gas station, complaints fill the car due to the frustration of the spiking gas prices. In the year 2020, the gas prices reached an all time low, more specifically the lowest annual average since 2016, of $0.44 per gallon. Now, in the year 2021, the gas prices have risen tremendously to about $2.85-$3.50 per gallon! This huge jump and range of the prices have only made the debated issue worse.

Posted: May 27th, 2021


I, Cole Weber, will Isaiah Terrell the unspoken power of Trumpet-hood. Isaiah, you have been chosen as my successor in our trumpet section. This is a power that was passed down from unknown origins to Piper Bailey, then passed to Jonathan Loff, and then passed down to me

By: Paige Weber, Staff Writer

Posted: May 25th, 2021


You know that you don’t like cats, but now you want to buy one. Maybe you just had a change of heart towards our feline friends, or something more sinister is at work. 


Picture this, the clock is too loud. Tick--tock--tick--tock .  The girl’s leg bounces. Tap--tap--tap. When the bell starts to scream down the hallway, signaling the end of school, she stands. Covered in cat hair the girl runs to the bus, eager to get home, to hug her CAT. Disgusted, her parents let her keep the stray--an early birthday gift. They didn’t understand, they couldn’t, they were dog people. 

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: May 17th, 2021

When I mentioned competing in the DECA International Career Development Conference this year, my friends and family quickly replied “Cool! Where’d you go?”. I made sure to add a pause for dramatic effect after “Anaheim, California...” to make sure they were just as surprised as I was when I finally finished with “... From my high school conference room, of course!” 


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer


Posted:May 17th, 2021


In these most recent months we have seen violence against the Asian American community skyrocket in frequency. These unprovoked and inexcusable acts of violence are completely baseless, brought on solely by an illusion of blame and an excuse to discriminate. Yet these senseless attacks and killings have not just recently come about--in fact, violence against the Asian American community has been a slow but sure process, etching deep marks in modern American history.

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: May 4th, 2021


Entertain me, dirt dweller,

Artist of sidewalk smudges.

Regenerate your tail, oh ageless annelida.


By: Jenna Jandrow, Staff Writer


Posted: April 30th, 2021


As we all know, sleep is really important. Not just for school; but for our everyday lives. More than 73% of middle and high school students suffer from inadequate sleep and sleep deprivation. The loss of sleep is really common for kids, some love the thought of staying up late and chatting with friends. Some have to work or stay up late doing school homework, either way this can greatly affect your attitude towards school and, ect. This results in falling asleep in class and grades starting to slip. Parents are starting to get more and more worried about this topic.

 

By: Talon Vorpahl, Staff Writer

Posted: April 27th, 2021

 

Americans should expect that America will start to exempt the restrictions created by COVID-19. President Biden said that the government should act as swiftly and aggressively as it can to get as many vaccines out as possible. This is one major way that the government can help the people and the country be free of the virus and allow the people to be able to return to their normal lives.

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: April 13th, 2021


During 2020’s solitary summer,

extended family extends a welcome.

Paddle boards provide safe serenity;

the boys have a different agenda.

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: April 13th, 2021


"Cynics don't hope - they see what's real.” That’s what Flora, a 10 year old comic devotee turned doubter tells herself as she attempts to accept the fact that no superhero is swooping in to hold her life together with super strength. With her father left physically and emotionally distant by his failed comic career and her mother, a romance novelist, unable to rekindle her own relationship, let alone write one into existence, Flora turns cynical, believing people can’t hurt her if she doesn’t trust them to begin with. However, when her neighbor’s robotic vacuum gives extraordinary powers to an unassuming backyard squirrel, Flora finds herself embraced by a much-needed adventure right in her backyard. With Ulysses the super squirrel by her side and the curious, temporarily blind boy next door running into walls closely behind, Flora begins to realize that heroes don’t only exist in stories.


By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer


Posted: April 7th, 2021


On December 30th, 2020, a 19-year-old Asian teenager named Christian Hall was standing near a bridge with his hands aimed toward the sky when the police decided to shoot. He was described as under extreme duress and frantic, and the Pennsylvania State Police were called to assistance. They claim that Hall was cooperative with them at first, but then became agitated and approached the Troopers with his gun in hand. Video footage of this incident was made public, and commenters noted that nowhere did it show Hall walking toward the police--instead, it depicted a man standing with his hands in the air, absolutely entangled in a mental health crisis. The police-the ones that are meant to protect-decided that it was best to shoot. Hall was met with gunfire from police, and in an instant, this man’s mental health crisis became his death sentence. 

By: Abigale Nickel, Staff Writer 

Posted: April 7th, 2021


You may have recently seen videos of our new President, Joe Biden, tripping on stairs up to a plane a total of three times - a priceless moment that made media coverage at a vast amount. This minor trip became a joke on many different platforms and was one of the biggest stories of his presidency that week. The mediatization of the presidency is no new trend. However after the year of 2020, news seems to be at a standstill to those who aren’t heavily in tune with the inner workings of the government, with less drama in the mix for people to consume. This small hiccup served as something to potentially pick at the age of the current president, but it also feeds into the American need for politics to be dramaticized, and is as much of a consumer based business than ever was previous, thanks to the effect of reality star, Donald Trump. Henceforth we must analyze our news media consumption, and specifically: why such an event received coverage.

A March Photo Essay

By: Faith Rinehard, Staff Photographer 

Posted: March 16th, 2021





By: Mariah Kiefer, Staff Writer


Posted: March 4th, 2021


Many people enjoy indulging in the activity of watching professional sports. Countless people turn on the television to watch different leagues such as the MLB, NBA, NFL, WNBA, and more. There are numerous different sports and players. You can watch just about anything from golf to football, and women to men. However, in recent years an issue has occurred. Many people debate whether or not transgender people should be able to compete in professional sports, and if they are able to, what team should they be placed on?

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Posted: March 4th, 2021


Despite the ever-complicated COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 Slinger/Hartford Ski Team’s season started off almost like any other. The boys’ varsity team started off strong, taking 1st place at their first meet of the season in early January. The varsity girls, JV boys, and JV girls claimed success with a 2nd-place victory. As the season progressed, all four teams continued to raise the bar for themselves, their teammates, and their competition both at home and away, earning a spectacular top-three place, often first or second, in nearly every meet. Many talented Slinger racers achieved impressive feats for themselves and their team as they repeatedly claimed a position atop the podium.

By: Aaron Haas, Staff Writer

Posted: March 3rd, 2021


“No, no.  Please, not that.  Not her.”


I had just gotten an extremely unnerving call, in which someone had just threatened to kill Maisie.  The recording specifically said, “You have 48 hours, or she dies.”  I had to find this murderer; They must be put to justice.  Maisie had been missing for at least 36 hours, now, I fretted as I paced anxiously around the room, attempting to identify any possibility of who had taken her, or to where they had been taken.  I had to find her. I had to bring her home, safe and sound.  I wouldn’t let her die now; not with everything that we had been through.

By: Addison Rahmlow, Staff Writer

Posted: February 26th, 2021


they buried her in the concrete and slapped

a grave between two chevys. city