By Alexander Bachtold

Bowling, often overshadowed by more mainstream sports, has found a unique spot at O’Connor High School. Despite the lack of widespread recognition, the bowling team thrives on the passion and skills of its members. “Something about the curve and the ball hitting the pocket in the pins is just so satisfying,” varsity player Christian Barrera said.

Team captain Roger Barnett shared that his interest “stems from the early success I experienced as I began to learn the sport.”

For those interested in taking up bowling, a key element to focus on is discipline. “The most important skills for bowling are focus, mentality, and constancy,” Barnett said.

Constancy, defined as the ability to remain enduring and unchanging, is an indispensable skill in bowling, given that many aspects of the game remain consistent from round to round. However, one must also consider variables such as “…how oiled the lanes are…” and “how dry your ball is,” as noted by Christian Barrera.

When questioned about how he maintains these crucial skills, Barnett revealed, “I focus on refining my form and hook during practice, making the effort to train 3-4 times a week outside of our team matches.” This commitment to consistent practice exemplifies the dedication of players on the bowling team, including Barnett and Barrera, as they strive to continually enhance and ultimately perfect their playstyles.

The Bowling Team’s most recent match on November 28th could only be described as thrilling. According to Roger Barnett, it was a close match because both teams were balanced in terms of experience and skill. “We all performed good picking up spares and striking often…” Barnett said.

Although O’Connor managed to get a lead in *bakers. Here it was that their strong team spirit and focus allowed them to secure several wins over the opposing team Stevens HS.

*Bakers refers to a style of bowling where the entire team shares the bowling line.

Angel Mercado Staff writer

  Our 25th Anniversary was the highlight of this semester. Principal Robert Martinez opened the ceremony with a speech about our campus history, and several other administration and Superintendent Dr. John Craft spoke to audience guests and alumni in attendance. They gave inspiring speeches about how our school came to be the way it is today. They also discussed how Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor attended the school’s dedication to talking to the students and faculty. The evening program also featured our theater, choir, and cheer with the addition of the JROTC Color Guard. The audience included current parents and students, alumni and also community members that support our campus and wanted to join the celebration.

Micaella Rodriguez Co-Editor-in-Chief

Community service, stellar grades and even better attitudes is what is expected of the members of National Honor Society that serve the Panther community. Newest juniors and seniors got inducted into the program on November 14th, and as members, they must complete a minimum of 20 hours per semester.

   Ava Berios, NHS shares why community service is so important to her. “My favorite idea is the mentoring. The fact that that’s a part of NHS is very important to me. It’s not just community service, it’s more like, you’re building relationships with your community.” Berios said.

   Berios described NHS and the significance of the program,

  “My youngest brother has special needs and so we got really involved in our community from a young age with special needs programs and…figured we could make a bigger impact through that, so I joined NHS as soon as I could and then I wanted to help be a leading voice in it so I applied

 to be an officer.” Berios said.

  “My biggest thing is accessibility, that’s why I wanted to go into engineering in college…there should not be a reason where anybody gets turned away from a building or program or and that’s why that’s my biggest community impact is making things accessible.”

  As high schoolers, some may feel discouraged to demand change and take action, Berios offered advice based on this struggle.

  “Don’t take no for an answer, if someone says you can’t do this, go to the next person, there’s always a higher person in command, then go from there,” Berios said.

  Tatum McClung, Panther Pals Coordinator is also very grateful for this program and its many opportunities.

  “My favorite aspect of NHS is being able to participate in a variety of community service activities that let me help others…I loved participating in Panther Pals and being able to teach and guide young children,” McClung said.

  Underclassmen have an opportunity to broaden their horizons and make new connections and meet new people.

  “Try to outdo yourself, try to impress yourself, when you think you’ve done well, try to push yourself to do even better. Always try hard and use your free time wisely,” McClung said.

  Jeran Manzanares, senior second-year member of NHS shared why he joined NHS and his favorite aspects of the organization. 

   “I love meeting new people that are just as determined academically as me,” Manzanares said.

   In addition to the experience of getting involved within the com-

munity brings along the opportunity to form new connections and helps college applicants stand out.

   “I took the time to apply [to NHS] because I knew it was going to benefit me in the long run…and knowing that it will all be worth it in the end, getting hours while volunteering makes you feel like you’re doing something, like you’re helping your school.” Manzanares highly recommends working hard during underclassmen years to be able to apply for the program.

   “It opens up a lot of future opportunities, not just for volunteering, but also for college and future academics” Manzanares said.

In the long run, Manzanares hopes to have a positive impact on his community “I want to be able to inspire someone else…I want to inspire people to be more involved in school and academics or volunteer work and do their part for the community.” Manzanares said, 

  Overall, the program has much to offer and gives many benefits for high school and beyond. Not only does helping the community assist those in need, but it can help NHS members go outside of their usual circle and get experience that is able to be used for college applications in order to make a stand-out appearance. 

Brooke Amosson Co-Editor-in-Chief

Friday night lights are a crucial part of a true high school experience, but they wouldn’t be possible without the help of our athletic trainers. The athletic trainers(A.T.) are the unsung heroes of our athletic program, working behind the scenes, often going unnoticed, as they ensure our athletes are at their best. The A.T.s play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of student athletes. 

     Commitment plays a huge role in being an athletic trainer, they get to the games before the athletes and leave after everyone as well. Senior Brianna Willis is the head student athletic trainer. Planning to use the experience she gained to go into the medical field to become a nurse. She emphasized the dedication that goes into being an A.T.. 

     “The most difficult part of being an athletic trainer is how non-stop it is, its constant go go go, breaks are very little so you take advantage of them, it’s a whole lot of early mornings and late nights,” Willis said. 

     Being the first line of defense can put a lot of pressure on the trainers. Assessment of an athlete’s injury is the first step in their recovery journey. 

     “When an athlete has gone down during a game, as a head athletic trainer I would run out on the field along with A.T. Murrah and Sifuentes, I try to beat them there so I can calm the athlete down before they are evaluated, they might be in pain so I try to ask if they’re okay and if they can sit up, I give them water but everything happens so quickly,” Willis said.

     Being the first source of medical attention can be a lot of pressure, but the focus will always remain on the athlete. Senior Brianna Linstad who is in her fourth year of athletic training doesn’t focus on the pressure of being a trainer.

     “We don’t overthink it, like we’re always there, we’re here for them so it really just feels good knowing that we’re here to help if anything goes wrong,” Lindsstad said

     Game preparation is key to making sure that everything goes smoothly during the game. For things to go smoothly the trainers follow a specific procedure, list of things needed, make sure all equipment is accounted for, and prepare for any possible injuries, it’s not easy. The preparation for every sport is different. The head athletic trainer Domingo Sifuentes talks about the preparation for a football game. 

     “Prep day starts the day after a game, the first day we do treatments for injuries from the game, day two we start talking to coaches about who’s gonna be out, who’s probable, who’s doubtful and who’s out for sure. We keep the coaches updated throughout the week and the practices, the day before the game we come to a final decision on who’s ready or not,” Sifuentes said.

     Athletic training isn’t easy, it’s a whole lot of work divided between two people, Murrah and Sifuentes take time out of their days of teaching to put focus on the athletes. 

     “Keeping up with all the injuries, having to see over a thousand athletes between two people, myself and A.T Murrah, seeing about 70 to 80 people today some with common injuries some more serious, a doctor’s office doesn’t even see that many people a day,” Sifuentes said.

     The athletic trainers are the silent champions of our athletic program. Making sure all athletes are at their best every day. In addition to football, the A.T.s work to provide aid to all of the sports at our school. They represent commitment and dedication to all they do. Make sure to thank all your athletic trainers in March for National Athletic Trainer Month.

Brooke Amosson Sports Editor

     The Goldusters, Dazzlers, and Stardusters swept almost every competition they attended this competition season. The Golduster Dance Team won numerous awards like first place in contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and pom style routines. The Dazzler Drill team won first place in lyrical, first runner up in team jazz, second runner up in team pom and team grand champion. The Starduster Pep Squad continued the victorious tradition by winning first place in novelty and pom, getting third place over all.

   The Golduster competition season went wonderfully, the spirit of competing has affected all of the team.

    “I think it’s important to compete not so that you can prove you’re better than everyone but i think its to prove to yourself your abilities and where you stand and it gives you something to be proud of with a shared group of people,” junior Ellie Price said.

     Price is one of the four officers for the Goldusters, she got third place overall in the 11th through 12th division at the first competition and first place at their second competition for 11th grade soloists. Price has always used dance as her escape from reality.

     “It’s a way to keep me physically in shape but also mentally, I always feel better after dancing,” Price said.

         The experience of growth as a team and individually is what Sophomore Drill Team lieutenant Madeline Popp has gotten out of competition so far.

     “I feel like we’ve improved as a team at our comp performances so far, and I personally have improved with my solo and as a dancer,” said Popp.

Popp got first place for 10th grade soloists at the Dazzlers’ second competition. When talking about influences 

     “My director [Ms. Pawelek] is someone I really look up to, she pushes us really hard and she’s always been one of my biggest supporters,” Popp said.

     Our Starduster Pep Squad has seen an immense amount of talent this season, senior Kennedy Wilmarth, captain of the Starduster Pep Squad, has a bittersweet feeling about competition.

     “Watching all the solos is one of my favorite parts of competition, especially the freshman and seeing how talented they are, it’s just really fun to watch,” Wilmarth said. 

     Competition season truly brings all of our OC spirit groups together, waiting to perform and watching each other perform is a shared experience for all of them. 

     Ariela Muñiz, sophomore officer for the Stardusters said, “The experience that we have and the time that we spend together is the best part of competing.” 

     The Goldusters and Dazzlers are National Champions. They swept the stage in Florida and came home with the title of national champs. Overall every group in the Goldenstar spirit organization has worked hard to succeed during their competition season and the returning spirit girls look forward to next season.

Lauren Minarik Photographer

Staff Writer: Samantha Martinez

Dogs are a man’s best friend, they are companions that will be there for you until the end.They are animals you can run around with or lazy ones that will accompany you during a binge watch of shows. During the pandemic, people needed something to keep them company through this isolation and loneliness, their answer was man’s best friendAs a result,the lockdown really showed how much we rely on companionship to keep ourselves sane.

According to the ASPCA, nearly one in five households nationwide adopted an animal during the pandemic and 90 percent of households are still continuing to house the dogs they acquired during the lockdown. 

But what is it about dogs specifically that drew people in to adopt during this pandemic?  What exactly persuaded people to go out during these hard times and make a life-changing commitment to adopt a dog? 

The American Kennel Club says studies have shown that owning a dog can help with anxiety and stress. Worrying about failing that math test? Get a dog and worry together. Studies show that 40% of dog owners have an easier time making friends. This is due to your beloved canine being a good conversation starter and making you seem more approachable. 

Another thing to note would be the physical benefits these pooches bring. With the rambunctious animals that dogs are, it’s evident to say that keeping them locked indoors doesn’t always cater to their needs. According to AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), results from a survey showed that out of 1,000 people 53% increased playtime with their pets, and 39% took more dog walks, along with 43% exercising more with their pets than they did pre-pandemic. 

Although adopting any animal is realistically not an easy decision to make on a whim, the benefits are gravitating. Not only with their aid in both mental health and physical health, but also the gift of having a cute animal in your home.