2022 NEWSPA Award Winning Articles

Facebook Inc.’s Secrets: A Look at Instagram and Mental Health

By: Kalynn Willis, Staff Writer

Originally 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.

What it means to be an American (Editorial)

By: Celeste Conigliaro, Staff Writer

Originally 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.

Bathroom Breaks and Breaking Season Bests: My First Cross Country Meets

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Originally 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.

The Importance of Water: Slinger Students Study the Milwaukee River

By: Paige Weber, Staff Writer

Originally 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.

Decorated Caps and Unfailing Dedication: Secrets to Success from Lindsey Vollmar and the Class of 2021

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Originally 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.

Otis Spunkmeyer, Shifty Canadians, and a Minor Zoom Crisis: My (Surprisingly Local) International DECA Conference Experience

By: Abby Walter, Staff Writer

Originally 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!”

I Was The Spy: A look into Slinger’s JSA Club

By: Paige Weber, Staff Writer

Originally Posted: February 3rd, 2021

Politics--the art of finding nuances in words that don’t exist.

Arguing--saying something that you do or don’t mean.

JSA meets all of these in a way that balances the scales more towards proactive than reactive. When I was given the mission, it was simply stated as the infiltration of a school club.