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The Smoke February 2024 Newton Local Schools
Vol. 5 Issue 6

super bowl

By: Carson Tucker

The Super Bowl is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated and widely watched sporting events in the world. Every year, millions of fans gather around their television sets, eagerly waiting to see which team will be crowned the champion of the National Football League. But have you ever wondered about the origins and history of this iconic event? The Super Bowl had humble beginnings, dating back to January 15, 1967, when the first inaugural game was played. Originally titled the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, it included the champions of the American Football League and the NFL against each other. The AFL was considered the rival league to the more established NFL, and this game was envisioned as an opportunity to determine which league had the superior team. The first Super Bowl took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game was a clash between the Green Bay Packers, who were the NFL champions, and the Kansas City Chiefs, who were the AFL champions. Despite the game being broadcasted on two major networks, NBC and CBS, it failed to sell out the stadium. Nonetheless, the Packers emerged victorious with a score of 35-10, securing their place in history as the first Super Bowl champions. In the years that followed, the popularity of the Super Bowl grew rapidly. It became an annual event, attracting more viewers and generating higher levels of excitement with each passing year. The halftime shows, known for their extravagant performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry, became a spectacle of their own, turning the Super Bowl into a cultural phenomenon. The game itself also evolved over time. As the NFL and the AFL merged in 1970, the game began to be referred to as the Super Bowl, a name coined by Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt. The merger led to the creation of two conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), which further infused the Super Bowl with a sense of competitiveness and excitement. The Super Bowl quickly became a platform for legends to make their mark. Quarterbacks like Joe Montana and Tom Brady won multiple Super Bowl titles and cemented their places in football history. Continue on page 2.

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Super Bowl Continued

Meanwhile, coaches like Vince Lombardi and Bill Belichick became synonymous with excellence and success, having won multiple championships throughout their careers. The Super Bowl also became a showcase for iconic moments that have forever remain etched in our memories. From David Tyree's miraculous helmet catch to Malcolm Butler's game-winning interception, these moments have captured the hearts and imaginations of football fans across the globe. Today, the Super Bowl has become more than just a football game. It represents the culmination of an entire season, a celebration of the sport, and a reflection of American culture. It brings together fans from all walks of life, united in their love for the game, and creates a sense of camaraderie like no other. As we look back on the history of the Super Bowl, it is evident that this event has become an integral part of our sporting landscape. It has transcended the realm of sports and has become an institution in its own right. From humble beginnings to a global spectacle, the Super Bowl continues to capture our imagination and define the essence of American football.

Winter Sports seniors

By: Quentin Webb

Senior night is a very special night for the upcoming graduating class of 2024.

Basketball (Boys) - Quinn Peters, Ty Schauer, Carson Tucker, Quentin Webb, and Bryce Tony Basketball (Girls) - Brooke Hines and Reese Hess
Bowling (Boys) - Princeton Bess, Ryan Woods, Brandon Laughman, Thomas Speer, and Trever Jess Bowling (Girls) - Bre Mclish, Marissa Schleinitz, and Gabby Schmacker
Swimming - Princeton Bess and Quinten Reimer

Winter sports pep rally

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Sports monthly round up

Boys Varsity Basketball: 13-9 Girls Varsity Basketball: 12-12

Upcoming

Spring Sports are approaching! Make sure to come out this spring and support your Baseball and Softball Teams and your Boys and Girls Track
Teams!

athletes of the month

By: Carson Tucker Male: Luke Cornett

Luke Cornett is your February Male Athlete of the Month! The Sophomore Guard was awarded with WOAC Special Mention for his incredible play this season! Luke averaged 9 ppg this season along with 1.8 apg and 4.7 rpg. Congratulations Luke!

Athletic

By: Carson Tucker Female: Felicity Harbour Felicity Harbour is your February Female Athlete of the Month! The Junior Post was awarded with WOAC Second Team for her dominant play this season! Felicity averaged 8.5 ppg this season along with 6.9 rpg. Congratulations Felicity!

Achievements

@newtonathletics via X

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teacher of the month

By Erika Shellabarger

What was your dream job as a child? To become a Professional baseball player, that was the thing growing up.
Why did you pick Newton? Short answer, that is what was available job wise. It was August and I was lucky to have one open that late.
How is balancing coaching and teaching? It’s the same as being a student and playing a sport, you manage your time.
What is your biggest accomplishment? It’s not necessarily an accomplishment but it’s an honor to be asked to attend the Val-Sal dinner. What motivates you to do this job everyday? It’s not as much motivation, I just enjoy it so I don’t need motivation.
Why did you choose Math? Math has always come easy and I enjoy it. It’s black and white unlike English, you are either right or wrong.

CLubs

By: Erika Shellabarger

The clubs here at Newton are in full swing. Leo Club is in the process of planning their Pancake Breakfast and Juvenile Diabetes walk, for April 27th. The Drama Club is practicing, practicing, and more practicing for this year’s Disney’s Frozen JR, the musical dates are March 15th & 16th at 7pm, and March 17th at 3pm. The Chess Club meets every Friday in Miss Short’s room to play a few games. The Student Council sold Candy Grams for Valentine’s Day. The National Honor Society has just inducted new members, and held their second blood drive of the year. FFA has finished strawberry sales, and will soon be in full swing with Spring competitions. The art club is working on backdrops for this year’s musical. The Spanish Club will be having Ane Alvarez speak soon, as well as taking a field trip to El Meson soon for a meal and some more learning.

Clunker of the month

By: Erika Shellabarger

This month’s Clunker of the Month is Rilee Owens. Rilee drives a 2007 Volkswagen Bug. Its most noticeable feature is the discolored bummer from the previous owner's accident. Congrats Rilee!

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH By: Quentin Webb

Wren Bauer is the Artist of the Month. She is in Art I and is doing a phenomenal job. Wren is also helping with the design of the backdrops for the Frozen play. Congratulations Wren! Below are just a few questions we had for her.
When did you get into Art? - I think I've been into art since forever. I took my first art class when I was 5 and I've been drawing ever since
What is your favorite medium? - Either colored pencils or Acrylic painting

What does your Art consist of? - I've made all kinds of stuff. Usually painting, colored sketches, sculptures, and sometimes block printing.
What motivates you to paint so well? - My parents are artists, and I kind of just grew up being around that sort of stuff.
Do you plan on pursuing a career in art after graduation? - Yes. At the moment I would like to be a

graphic designer or architect. Art Gallery

Work by: Wren Bauer

Musician OF THE MONTH By: Quentin Webb

James Stucki is the Musician of the month. Here are a few questions we had for him.
1.What instrument do you play? I play percussion, I mainly do snare or bass drum for band and when I am home I do piano.
2.How long have you played that instrument? I have been playing for a year and a half.
3.How long were you in the band? A year and a half.

4.If you could play with anyone in the world who would it be? Elvis Presley.
5.Do you plan on pursuing any type of career in the future or have it as a hobby? I am not going to have this be my future career, I want to become an aerospace engineer, but I might have this be a hobby.
6.What's your favorite genre of music? Everything that is not metal, or music from 2016-2024.
7. Who inspired you to play? No one, I just didn't want to do choir.

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QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH — February

By: Thomas Speer

This month I sent out another questionnaire asking students about the month of February and its contents. Most of the questions dealt with Valentine’s Day, the month of February itself, and some off-topic ones too. The first question asked if the student’s liked that February was a shorter month than all of the other months, and most people said that they did not care.
The second question asked people what their favorite thing about February was, and almost everyone said Valentine’s Day.
The third question asked if students watch the Superbowl, and the majority does watch the exciting football finale.
The fourth question asked if people were going to participate in the February blood-drive, and it was a tie between two answers. The two answers were “No” and “Can’t participate.”
The fifth question asked students what their favorite movie, T.V. show, or video game was, and a lot of people said that Fortnite was their favorite game.
The sixth and last question asked if people celebrate Valentine’s Day, and the majority said “Sometimes” and the runner-up answer stated “Yes.”

blood drive

By: Thomas Speer

The Blood Drive is an event where people can come together and donate their blood to save the lives of a lot of people. This good cause happens because of Mrs. Hoosier and other staff. If you are not old enough to donate blood yet, don’t worry;
when students turn sixteen-years-old they are allowed to donate and save lives by signing a form and going to the Field House where the donations take place. There are two blood drives
per school year, one in the fall and one in the early Spring.

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Student Work

A Poem by: Michaela Flora

AUSTRALIAN MEMORIES

Days in the past, are nothing but a memory
Happy days and sunny days in that old hot country The waves on the beach, those warm christmas eve

A Poem By: Isabella Bunting

We honor the wounded soldiers Who fought through night and day To honor and save their people Who wait at home and pray

Many wounded many hurt But all for what cause
To honor their nation
And the flag with stripes and stars

Spending time with family beneath the swaying trees

Family I wish I still saw, every holiday Friends I wish I had never left
Places I miss visiting and those I'll never forget

Quarantine life and summer rain Flying kites in summer breeze
Running through the bush and climbing trees Days that will always be in memory

One nation under God	Digital Art by: Marissa Nance Is what we stand and say
But stand up for that phrase Or it won’t stay that way

Remember those people In camo and hats Fighting for you
To take our country back

I miss my home, my Australian home	Artwork by: Emmy Leingang And will see it again sometime soon

But for now, I guess, until that day comes, This America will have to do

Photography by: Rilee Owens

Artwork by: Emmy Leingang
Photography by: Nolan Meurer

A Poem by: Jackson Blair

Spring

The blooming of all the willow trees Was felt all around, by a gentle breeze

The scent of magnolias and tulips in the air The most picturesque colors one could bare

The mesmerizing sounds of birds chirping May bring forth the call of Spring

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Movie Reviews

Erika's - Anyone but You is bringing back Romantic Comedies in 2024. This late 2023 release broke a record for 2023 holiday releases with a projected gross of $9.45 million in its third weekend out (Screen Rant). This movie will surely get you into it within minutes, but I definitely did not know what to expect with how it started. But as we all can guess Bea and Ben ended up together at the end. No surprise, right? I would give this movie a ten out of ten. I loved how it all worked together, as well as the actors. I was definitely a fan of the use of the song “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, so just remember “The rest is still unwritten.”

Quentin’s - Society of the Snow is a thrilling movie about the real-life events of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571. This movie perfectly depicts the struggles and horrors the Uruguayan rugby team had to endure during the plane crash. If you like true based stories and being on the edge of your seat them I would 100% recommend this movie. Granted this movie has some gruesome parts and nudity, so watch with cation. Nonetheless, it was great film and didn’t seem unrealistic. The producers and actors definitely did their research while filming this. I would give this movie a 9/10, the only issue with this movie is that its originally in Spanish so they have to change the language to english so you can see that the words and their mouths are not in unison. If that doesn’t bother you then I would definitely go watch this movie.

Carson’s - The Notebook was a very romantic and heartbreaking movie at the same time. The story is based on the love of a young couple named Noah and Ally as that was developed over the course of a summer. Long story short, Ally’s family had some disagreements with Noah, and they forced Ally to break up with Noah. Ally soon moved out of the area and this left Noah heartbroken. Noah would write letters to Ally every day confessing his love but little did he know, the letters never reached her. Years later the Noah and Ally made their way back to each other and they lived happily ever after.

Thomas’s - The Beekeeper is a must-watch for action fans, with a gripping plot that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. The plot follows an ex-operative for an organization called the Beekeepers as he avenges his friend’s death from a phishing scam.

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Photo Journal

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interactive page

Happy Birthday!

Matthew Waller Cole Grice Luke Gilbert Callie Smith Daniel Fisher Alec Schaurer
Alexis Gearheart Emily Laughman Cristian Estrada Addison Lyons Porsha Craig Alexis Walters Stephanie Knepper

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