The Knight Life
Senior Spotlight: Nichole Miller
Emily Anderbery “High school is a way to figure out the type of person you want to become. It’s a phase of life that is just preparing your for the future,” Nichole Miller states in her interview. Miller has been “prepared” in every sense, mostly by the sports she has played: soccer, basketball, and softball. Her soccer career has been a successful one. She earned second team All Ohio her senior year, as well as lead her team to regionals making a permanent spot in Van Buren history. Miller’s accomplishments as a forward helped the girl’s soccer team to thrive this year. As well as soccer Nichole helped her girl’s basketball team beat Van Buren’s rival, North Baltimore as the point guard. Although soccer and basketball clearly illustrate Miller’s athleticism, her skills as pitcher and first baseman have brought the softball team to the level it is now. Although Miller is a captain of the team, she believes she is just another member of the team, and representing the team in any position is important. Talking about the softball team’s success thus far and the things that have gotten them there, Miller states, “Our softball team operates on the basis of our core values (passion, resilience, optimism, unity, and discipline). They are not only used on the field but we use them in the way we live. These values outline who want to be as people and players, which really sets us apart from other teams and helps us reach our goals.” After graduating from Van Buren, Miller will continue her education at Lourdes University and play soccer there. She will major in Nursing as well as continuing her knowledge in photography. She hopes that her future will bring great things such as a huge family. She attributes her enjoyable high school experience to her mom and friends. If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you bring? I would bring my phone, and my photo albums. What song do you usually sing in the shower? Mean to Me by: Brett Eldridge What is the perfect meal? My Mom’s meatloaf, cheesy potatoes or mashed potatoes, italian green beans,and cheesecake. Will you be whipping it at prom? YES! Count on it! If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Taylor Elizabeth Which actor is the “dream” guy? Theo James |
Senior Spotlight: Lauren Wise
KiaLynne Bland Senior and three-sport athlete, Lauren Wise, can easily be found setting a volleyball, shooting baskets, and sprinting around the track after school. Track season is in full motion, and Wise has many goals she hopes to achieve by the end of the season: win BVC Championship and place in state in the 4X400 or 400 meter dash. Besides running track, Wise plays volleyball, basketball, takes boys basketball stats, and is a member of the yearbook staff; she also cheered her junior year. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and spending time with her family outside of school, along with going to CedarCreek Church where she occasionally volunteers on the weekends with the children there.  Which sport do you enjoy more: Volleyball, basketball, or track? Definitely track because I feel like it’s kind of like your own sport. It’s like, you know you run 200 by yourself, so it’s just that one-on-one with just you. You can have a team, that’s fun, but you worry about yourself more and how you can get better yourself. Why do people call you Lou? I’m pretty sure Paige Sudlow started it, and it was just short for Lauren. It kind of started when I was little; my nickname when I was little was like Lou-Lou, so then I just shortened it to Lou. What color is your prom dress? It is navy blue. What’s your biggest pet peeve? I hate when people subtweet. It drives me insane. |
Senior Spotlight: Jameson Jacobs
Alyssa Miller Senior starter for the Van Buren Black Knights Varsity Baseball team, Jameson Jacobs, is excited for the remainder of his season as a first baseman. Normally Jacobs’ position is pitcher and shortstop but due to a shoulder injury, he is now playing first base.  Jacobs says he is looking forward to the rest of the BVC games because “we are on track to win the league but we cannot lose again.” Knowing this is Jacobs last opportunity to win the BVC and make a deep tournament run, it puts more pressure on the games but also makes them more exciting. The most rewarding part about playing baseball to Jacobs is competing with his teammates who all share a common goal of victory. He will miss his teammates most because “I have been playing with them since I came to Van Buren in first grade.” Along with baseball, Jacobs participated in varsity football, varsity basketball, National Honor Society, and Mr. Daniel’s Robotics team. His hobbies include spending time with his family and friends. Jacobs is undecided in where he wants to go to college but has it narrowed down to the University of Findlay, Ohio Dominican University, Heidelberg University, or Tiffin University. All four schools are looking at him to play college baseball. For his choice of major, Jacobs is interested in pharmacy. “It seems like a great job and I get the opportunity to make other people feel better,” he says. Favorite sports team: Cleveland Indians Best high school memory: Being the first Van Buren football team to make the state playoffs and win the BVC. If you had a boy band, what would it be called? The Squad Who is your biggest role model? Coach Masters because the way he approaches everyday life is remarkable. What is most difficult about playing baseball? Hitting a baseball is the most difficult thing. In any sport, its the only thing you can fail at 70% of the time and still be an all-star. |
Block Scheduling is a Potential
KiaLynne Bland For the week of PARCC testing, all high school students and teachers were required to follow block scheduling, a schedule where students wouldn’t have to attend the same classes everyday, but had to adjust to a minimum of 82 minutes per class. While this allowed freshman and other students to complete testing and gave teachers more time to teach, the responses from the students to the schedule change were mixed, some positive, some negative, and others wishy-washy. Unfortunately for those who despise or are on the fence about the switch, principal, Mr. Brand announced for the rest of the year, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s, we would go on block scheduling. Guidance counselor, Mr. Zender, explained that while the original and only purpose of the schedule change was for testing purposes, it may become a possibility that students would follow a block schedule two days a week this upcoming school year, depending on the feedback from students and teachers by the end of this year. The block schedule for the remaining of this school year serves as a “test” to determine whether to continue with the possible plan, or to remain with the normal schedule. There are several pros to switching to block scheduling, one being gaining more time in class to complete labs and projects, another being given more time to work on homework, and a final being to switch up the students’ daily schedules. Downsides include adjusting to the schedule in general, sitting in one class for an extended amount of time, and teachers losing their prep periods on a certain day. The idea of switching to blocks had on the minds of the school board for around three years, and now it’s becoming a reality. The hands of next year’s schedule lies in the responses from students and teachers, and if a majority of the comments are positive, block scheduling could have the potential to become permanent. |
Senior Spotlight: Ross Adolph
Emily Anderbery Ross Adolph, is the epitome of a three-star athlete. His success as a captain of the football team, a captain for the basketball team, and the captain of the baseball team is unparalleled. As well as his athletic accomplishments, Ross excels in the academic field. Although Adolph has set many records in football, he plans on going to the University of Toledo on a scholarship for baseball. For his senior season, Ross hopes the team will win the Blanchard Valley Conference and make a “deep tournament run.” With a huge win over the Liberty Benton Eagles, Ross lead his team to a victory and will continue to do his best for his teammates. After graduation, Ross will attend the University of Toledo and major in exercise science and will continue to further his education at PA school to become a physician’s assistant. He thanks his parents for always supporting him, coaches for always pushing him to his limits, and his friends for always being there in the toughest of moments. If you had a Tinder account, what would your bio say? I spend my weeknights stargazing, taking long walks on the beach, and thinking of fire for my mixtape. Get my mom’s prius every Saturday night 6-9. What is your ideal date? A baseball game. What was your most embarrassing moment? At a football game one Saturday morning, I was walking on the bleachers holding a camera. I was in front of a bunch of people, and I tripped and fell flat on my face! What three songs would you get down to at prom? -Tipsy by:J-kwon -Hotel Room Service by: Pitbull -I Gotta Feeling by: Black Eyed Peas If you were a color, which one would you be? Red. |
Senior Spotlight: Chance Sonnenberg
Emily Anderbery Chance Sonnenberg represented Van Buren this past weekend at the Wrestling State Championship. After a long three days, he walked away with a state placement of second. In preparation for his achievement, he practiced hard with his teammates. A proud moment for both Chance, and Van Buren sports. He attributes his success to the support of his coaches, team, and the community.To any young athletes who wishes to accomplish what Chance has, he advises, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Sonnenberg is also involved in soccer, baseball, National Honor Society, and he was a paperboy. Chance will further his education and wrestling career at The University of Findlay, and hopes to major in nursing or accounting. He will miss high school and the friends he has made throughout. What is your dream vacation for spring break? Bahamas and drink Pepsi/Mt. Dew What is a fun fact about yourself? There’s not much I wouldn’t do for $10. If you had to eat on food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Rice What’s your go-to pump up song? ABC by: Jackson 5 If you could get rid of one U.S. state, which one would it be and why? New Mexico, because I don’t like copiers. Would you punch your mom in the face for one million dollars? Yeah! I would knock her out. Who would play you in a movie of your life? The guy who plays Fez in That 70s Show. |
Teacher Feature: Miss Caton
Morgan Drake While Mrs. Inbody is enjoying motherhood with her new set of twins, her long term sub, Miss Caton, is enjoying teaching Advanced Junior English, Junior English, Advanced Sophomore English, and Media Writing. Miss Caton is a 2010 graduate of Saint Wendelin High School. She was a cheerleader and member of Student Council, Spirit Committee, and Prom Committee. After earning a full ride scholarship to the University of Findlay, where she completed her undergrad in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and the Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in History. She is currently working on her Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing and Master of Arts in Education in grad school and will graduate this May. With all of these degrees and talents, Miss Caton has several options for her future. Along with the obvious interest in teaching, she also has an interest in law and is in the process of applying for law school, “I'm still not sure of my career path, I think when you get out of high school and go to college you're really not too sure of what you want to do, so right now I've been taking a lot of different paths in my educational path, to find out what I like the best. I like education because I get to interact with some pretty great students and teach them in a way that can be comparable to their everyday life! I like law because it's so interesting how many people don't get the proper legal representation, and I want to be able to help change that.” Miss Caton hopes to combine her love of teaching and love of law in her future career, “I love teaching and want to continue doing so, but I realize that I miss learning about the law. I'm still young enough that I can go to law school, and be younger than a lot of people are when they graduate from college. In the end, I'd like to teach law at the college level.” Miss Caton has quickly become a favorite to many students, and she’s enjoyed Van Buren so far too, “I absolutely love it! The school is small, which I like, but not too small. I went to a small high school, so I feel really comfortable working there. I'm so lucky that I got the job to work long term at such an amazing school. All the teachers are so nice and always willing to help, and I teach some really great students that are always ready to learn or give me a hand if I need it. I couldn't have asked for a better place to work!” Favorite food: My mom's chili. I won't eat anyone else's. Or peanuts, I could eat those all day, everyday. One thing on your bucket list: I want to backpack through Europe with my best friend. It's on both of our bucket lists. Favorite place you've visited: The Dominican Republic - I volunteered at an orphanage for a week, and it was the most amazing experience. I still talk to the kids sometimes. In the states, definitely New Orleans. Concerts you've been to: Teddy Geiger, Aaron Carter, Charli XCX, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Vampire Weekend, The Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Big Sean, MGK, Tobacco and this spring/summer I already have tickets for Lana Del Rey, Fall Out Boy and 13 Fest! |
Senior Spotlight: Ross Adolph
Emily Anderbery Ross Adolph, is the epitome of a three-star athlete. His success as a captain of the football team, a captain for the basketball team, and the captain of the baseball team is unparalleled. As well as his athletic accomplishments, Ross excels in the academic field. Although Adolph has set many records in football, he plans on going to the University of Toledo on a scholarship for baseball. For his senior season, Ross hopes the team will win the Blanchard Valley Conference and make a “deep tournament run.” With a huge win over the Liberty Benton Eagles, Ross lead his team to a victory and will continue to do his best for his teammates. After graduation, Ross will attend the University of Toledo and major in exercise science and will continue to further his education at PA school to become a physician’s assistant. He thanks his parents for always supporting him, coaches for always pushing him to his limits, and his friends for always being there in the toughest of moments. If you had a Tinder account, what would your bio say? I spend my weeknights stargazing, taking long walks on the beach, and thinking of fire for my mixtape. Get my mom’s prius every Saturday night 6-9. What is your ideal date? A baseball game. What was your most embarrassing moment? At a football game one Saturday morning, I was walking on the bleachers holding a camera. I was in front of a bunch of people, and I tripped and fell flat on my face! What three songs would you get down to at prom? -Tipsy by:J-kwon -Hotel Room Service by: Pitbull -I Gotta Feeling by: Black Eyed Peas If you were a color, which one would you be? Red. |
Senior Spotlight: Abbey Phillips
Alyssa Miller Senior softball player, Abbey Phillips, is ready to take the field for her last time as a senior leader among her teammates. Phillips is excited to spend the rest of her senior year with people who put a smile on her face. She says the team has high expectations for the season and is excited to see what is to come. The most enjoyable aspect of softball to Phillips is being with her teammates. “We are basically a family and it’s fun to get to know the girls  What Phillips finds most difficult about softball is timing up the pitches. “Each pitcher is different so you have to adjust how fast or how slow your swing needs to be,” she explains. Along with softball, Phillips is involved in volleyball and club volleyball. She was the boys basketball statistician for her senior year as well. Phillips is a fourth year art student and has been involved with Yearbook for two years. Outside of school, she is a candy striper at Blanchard Valley Hospital. Phillips plans to attend Ohio University in the fall of 2015. She is unsure of what she wants to study at the moment. “I’m leaning towards double-majoring in Marketing and Retail Merchandising/Product Development. I think the reason why I am leaning towards more of the business aspect of fashion is due to the job opportunities it will give me. If I could, I would design clothes but the job opportunities aren't as realistic compared to those of say a buyer for a clothing company,” she explains. In Phillips free time, she enjoys napping and watching Netflix. She also spends a lot of her time shopping which doesn’t make her father very happy. What are your future goals? Well obviously to graduate college but then after that, it's kind of up in the air. I have always had a dream of living in New York City and making a name for myself, but at the same time I want to travel the world. I don't want to waste my life just simply wondering what something would be like, I want to actually experience it. Favorite clothing brand/designer: That's a tough question to answer. I love the Loft by Ann Taylor and Ralph Lauren but at the same time I am a huge TJ Maxx fan. So I can find something just about anywhere. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose? I am obsessed with ice cream. Who has been your biggest influence? I would have to say that my biggest influence in life has definitely been my parents. They have taught me a lot about who I am and how I should treat not only others, but myself. |
Senior Spotlight: Rachel George
Alyssa Miller Senior Rachel George is in her fourth-year at Premiere volleyball club. George is a captain who sets and hits for the club team who attends weekly tournaments. As captain of the group, George struggles with everyone’s attitude towards the game but enjoys her teammates.  George played all four years for the Van Buren Black Knights volleyball team, also as a setter and hitter. She wasn’t yet ready to give up the sport because enjoys spending her days at the tournaments with her teammates and coaches. “I have really great coaches and I will miss them,” she explains. Future plans for George include attending The Ohio State University to study biology; she eventually would like to become a doctor. Other plans for George are to travel the world. Along with volleyball, George is involved in National Honor Society, Art IV, and small group at Gateway. In previous years, she participated in varsity track, varsity choir, women’s chorus, and varsity cheerleading. When not participating in extracurriculars, George works as a hostess at Olive Garden. She also works in Gateway’s nursery. In George’s free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with her foster siblings, 8-month-old twins, Blaize and Wyatt. Favorite art form: Painting and pottery Hottest man alive: Cam Gigandet from Burlesque What kind of animals do you have? My family has cows, goats, chickens, a dog, and I am getting a fish soon. |
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