The highs and lows of 2017
Seniors Elaine Carter, Jacinda Eskander, and Kerri Kenney watch the solar eclipse on the football field.
Since 2017 has come to a close, it’s time to reflect on what has happened throughout the year. There were some highs and lows, but the good news is we’ve finally made it to 2018.
Highs:
Solar eclipse makes history
On Monday, Aug. 21, our area experienced a solar eclipse for the first time in 38 years. Students and faculty had the chance to watch the event from the football field, and some even took the day off to travel to areas with higher visibility.
The 2017 total solar eclipse, as seen from Oregon.
#MeToo movement gains momentum
Throughout the year, a large number of famous men, such as producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey, were accused of sexual assault and/or harassment. After that, many other female celebrities came out to confess that they were also victims of assault and harassment in Hollywood, using #MeToo. The movement has encouraged more honesty for survivors of sexual crimes, inspiring the popularization of other movements like #TIMESUP.
Harvey Weinstein, the producer who was one of the first high profile men accused of sexual assault.
District approves new senior finals policy
On Monday, Dec. 18, the school board voted to allow seniors to opt out of their finals second semester. This was done to decrease end-of-year stress, caused by the lack of time in between AP tests and senior final exams.
Heart screening event raises awareness
Young Hearts for Life hosted a cardiac screening for students in the field house on Thursday, Sept. 7. The organization provided free electrocardiograms (ECGs), which measure the activity of the heart, for students in memory of former student Michael Brindley, who passed in 2016 from heart complications.
Lows:
Hurricane damage sweeps the Western Hemisphere
In the fall, the continental U.S. and the Caribbean were hit hard by three separate hurricanes: Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The disasters left flooding and destruction around the US. Some places, such as Puerto Rico, have yet to fully recover.
Satellite image of hurricane Harvey, which affected Texas.
FCC votes to end net neutrality
On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Federal Communications Commission voted to rid the nation of net neutrality. Net neutrality prevents Internet service providers from favoring certain websites and applications by price or speed. Now, the issue will be taken up in courts and potentially in Congress.
Junior Police hoax causes confusion
Around November, fear swept over the school as students heard about the Junior Police. A rumor started that there was a club of students whose goal was to bust those engaging in illicit activities at school. This was shown to be only a joke that got out of hand.
School changes food delivery policy
In October, the school changed the lunch policy, and students can no longer schedule food deliveries. Any drop-offs from outside food vendors must be made by parents. No more pizza or UberEats for us.
2017 was a wild ride of crazy events and political disputes. Hopefully, 2018 brings a tamer news cycle.
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