September Monthly

Semptember 29, 2017
Volume # 29 issue #1
THe Oakwood Times
Volume: 26 Issue: 1 … August 11, 2011
WHAT’S INSIDE
Homecoming
wraps up at
OHS
Comets pushing through
the competition
Blackford
chosen as
Comet of the
Month
Volleyball
undefeated in
conference,
seeking title
Stay up to date with
The Oakwood Times
at
OakwoodDailyTimes.
com
Sophomore Colby Smiley runs the ball with help from his teammates clearing
the way against Pawnee. (Photo by Kelsey Blackford)

2
Oakwood Times
No one does Homecoming like the Oakwood Comets
By Lane Warren
One of the most anticipated events hosted by the Oakwood High School students is Homecoming.
This week consists of many competitions putting classes head to head, dress-up days, float building, a
dance, and don't forget about, the football game.
This year’s theme was “There’s No Place Like Homecoming” (The Wizard Of Oz). This was the first
year that all events of Homecoming were centered around the same theme including the floats, the
Kickoff Extravaganza, the dress up day themes, Cometfest, and the dance.
The senior class swept the competition in all activities. First by winning the Kickoff Extravaganza,
then dominating Cometfest, having the highest percentage of students participate in dress up days,
destroying the competition during the pep assembly, and finally winning the float building competition.
The Kickoff Extravaganza started the week of fun with classes going head to head in a series of
games. Although participation at the kickoff is usually low, the seniors were still able to secure a win.
“I feel that Kickoff went pretty well, we had a better turnout this year than in years past, but if more
students would come out it would improve the the experience and make the games more competitive.”
said senior Olivia Turner.
Saturday also kicks off float building for the week. This year each class based their float off of a location
from the movie The Wizard of Oz. Freshman decided on the witch’s castle, sophomores based their
float around the Emerald City, juniors chose Kansas, and seniors took Munchkin land. This year was also
the first year that the school offered an online voting option for the community to have a say in which
the community could voice their opinion on who they thought had the best float. Although the freshman
class won the people’s choice award with the most votes, the seniors took the overall win with a
spinning tornado, rumbling house, exceptional neatness, and bright colors.
Students competed with their classes and showed their school spirit all week long by dressing up for
Wizard of Oz themed dress up days. The competition continued into Cometfest as the students competed
in four court volleyball, balloon stomp, and a lip sync battle.
“The lip sync battle is always a blast,” said Turner.
Friday brought the events that everyone had been waiting for, the pep assembly and football game.
“The pep assembly shows which class is willing to put aside any differences they have and come together
to achieve a common goal.” said senior Jazmine Rodriguez.
Students brought their school spirit to the assembly as they chanted and used props to compete
head to head to determine which class had the most school pride.
The Oakwood High School Football team fell to Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin 46-26 during the
homecoming game. However, the excitement and fun of homecoming week wasn't over for OHS students
just yet. The week concluded with the Homecoming dance on Saturday evening.
“The Homecoming dance was a blast,” said Senior Kelsey Blackford
Homecoming week was a success for Oakwood High School students from
showing their pride all week long to dancing the night away on Saturday.
“I’m glad everyone had a great time during homecoming week and at the dance. Student council
put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes to make this week successful,” saidJunior Katelyn Blankenship.
1) Seniors celebrate their victory
at the friday pep assembly.
2) The senior float won the
overall competition. 3) The
cheerleaders showed off their
moves with the senior football
players during the pep assembly.
4) The band prepares for
the big football game in class.
5) Freshmen Breanna Hendrickson
and Gage Reed dance
together at Homecoming. 6)
Homecoming King Lane Warren
and Homecoming Queen Kelsey
Blackford were announced at
the pep assembly on Friday.
(Photos 2 and 6 courtesy of
Tim Lee. All other photos by
Oakwood Times Staff)
September 29, 2017
News

News
Oakwood Times
Oakwood Comet alums make the community proud
Foster chosen as America’s favorite in Miss America Pageant
By Katelyn Blankenship
Oakwood Alumni, Abby Foster, competed for the title
of Miss America in Atlantic City, New Jersey on the evening
of September 07, 2017. She placed in the top 15 out of 51
contestants.
She earned the honorary title of “America’s Choice.” This
category was won by the people of America voting online
for their favorite contestant. The contestant with the most
votes automatically made it to the top 15. This is the first
year that the Miss America Organization offered this as factor
of the competition. The Oakwood community was quick
to rally behind Foster. Many people were committed to voting
every day up until the pageant aired.
It was very clear to see that Foster was one of the most
well supported candidates. She had around 85 people travel
from Illinois to watch her compete, as well as large groups
of people hosting viewing parties at their homes.
Not only did Foster compete in the virtual world and on
stage that night, she also spent 16 rigorous days in Atlantic
City competing before the competition aired live for
America. These days were full of plenty of rehearsals, four
of which were dedicated to on stage competition. This was
no easy task, as the program consists of five categories:
interview, talent, on stage question, evening wear, as well
as lifestyle and fitness. During one of Foster’s performances
she recited a jazz dance performance to a medley from the
musical Grease.
Another part of this experience was dedicated to making
public appearances. Among these was a parade named the
“Show Us Your Shoes Parade” which was dedicated to the
queens coming from all across America.
Foster was dedicated to readying herself for the exhausting
nature of this elite competition. Foster followed a
very strict diet, despite the occasional large single serving
Domino’s pizza.
Participating in Miss America was a rewarding experience
in more ways than one. Foster was rewarded a scholarship
of $14,500 for her time spent in the Miss America
Pageant System. She will use this money to pay off her
college education at Ball State University at which she is an
upcoming junior. Although Foster has taken time off from
her studies to focus on Miss America, she will return to
Ball State next semester to continue studying elementary
education.
Although Foster is taking a semester off from school, her
busy schedule is not over. She will return to making appearances
as Miss Illinois in October. Foster will also continue to
cheer for the Indianapolis Colts NFL team. Although Foster
has big dreams, she still has her heart rooted here in Central
Illinois.
“Oakwood and Vermilion County were behind me 110%.
It just proved no matter where someone comes from, small
Lee joins NFL Chicago Bears practice team for 2017-18 season
By Shaelyn Turner
Comet alumni Cameron Lee joined the
Chicago Bears practice squad after moving
from the New Orleans Saints, to the Cincinnati
Bengals. Lee has had an outstanding
football career so far at the young age of
23. Lee didn’t start playing football until his
freshman year of high school due to the
weight limits in the youth football league.
“I was always too heavy to play youth
league,” said Lee. “I was never really all that
interested in football until my last year or
two of high school.”
Lee didn’t know if he was going to be
drafted to begin with, but thought he had
done his best to give himself a chance to
play in the NFL. Lee always believed that if
he put in the work and did the right things,
he could get to this point in his career.
“Getting here has been just like every
other part of my career and life,” Lee said.
“Obviously I would like to be on the active
roster but, just like redshirting in college or
playing JV in high school, it’s all just part of
the process.”
The town of Oakwood is not a big one,
but they will always come together has a
whole to support “the O.”
“The people from my community are a
Oakwood alumna, Abby Foster, is the current reigning Miss
Illinois in the Miss America Organization. Foster placed in
the top 15 contestants at the Miss America Pageant in September.
(Photo courtesy of Abby Foster)
huge part of why I do what I do,” Lee said.
Oakwood supports each other like no
other community does because we are FTO
(from the O). The support from the community
has not gone unnoticed by Lee.
“It’s rare to see community members
support one another like Oakwood does,
and that is something I would never take
for granted,” said Lee. “The way people
have rallied behind me and had my back is
something I’ll never forget, it gives me that
fire I need to continue to push myself. I’m
just trying to make my people proud.”
Parents always want to push you to be
as successful as you can possibly be, and
Lee cannot thank his parents enough for
the enormous role that they’ve played in his
success thus far.
“They helped to shape me into the man
that I am,” said Lee. “They gave me tools to
deal with adversity and an ability to communicate
and express myself, which allowed
me to pursue things like football, where I
have found success. I owe a lot to them in
that regard.”
To all the high school students hoping
to at some point play a sport professionally,
Lee issued some words of encouragement.
“Stick to the plan. There are going to be
times when you question what you’re doing,
and if all of the hard work you’re doing
is worth it, stick to the plan and everything
will work out in the end.”
Oakwood Comet graduate of 2012, Cameron Lee practices with the Chicago Bears team.
Lee moved from the New Orleans Saints to the Cincinnati Bengals before finaling joining the
Chicago Bears. (Photo courtesy of Cameron Lee)
September 29, 2017
3

Oakwood Times SPORts
Comet Football starts season off strong, 4-1
By Brenna Durst
Halfway through the season, the Comets give fans hope at another year’s postseason,
approaching Week 6 with a record of 4-1. Surpassing all opponents except for the Blue
Devils in Week 5, the boys have shown improvement with each week both offensively and
defensively.
“We have a lot of talent,” said junior Nick Grubb, “we could be a very dangerous team if
we stay healthy and do the little things correctly.”
During the Blue Devils game Week 4, the Comets suffered an early game injury that
severely affected their running game. Additional injuries further impacted the outcome,
leaving numerous Oakwood starters sidelined.
“As long as we stay healthy,” said Grubb, “we have the potential to do a lot of damage on
the field.”
Luckily, the injuries sustained weren’t too detrimental, allowing the majority of the starters
to return for the game against against the Milford Bearcats in Week 5.
“We’re lucky it wasn’t anything too serious,” said kicker Ren Dazey, “players like Bolton
are the types of players you need out there each week.”
Starting the season off right, the boys landed a Week 1 away victory against Iroquois
West, 47-6. The following week, the Varsity team faced Pawnee High School on a Saturday,
beating them 55-6. The Comets enjoyed another win against Hoopeston in Week 3, 60-20.
“We started the season off strong,” said Bolton, “we make the most out of each practice
because we know our potential.”
The first loss of the season came during homecoming week, against BHRA. A tough
battle resulted in a loss for the Comets, 46-26. Determined to come back strong, they recovered
from Week 4 injuries, able to defeat the Milford Bearcats, 48-14 in Week 5.
“We bounced back from the loss against Bismarck,” said Dazey, “it was a tough loss but
we knew we had to focus on the future games.”
While the Comets have a winning record, the team knows that there is always room for
improvement.
“We have the ability for another postseason run,” said Grubb, “but there are little things
such as forcing more turnovers defensively and getting secondary blocks that we need to
improve upon as a team. It’s the small details that will make us better.”
Colbey Smiley runs the ball against Pawnee High School. (Photo by Kelsey Blackford)
Volleyball seeks future championships
By Ashley Webb
Volleyball has had an outstanding
season so far. They have had 12 wins and
only 3 losses this season. The losses were
at the Mahomet-Tournament against
larger schools.
“This tournament gives us great experience
and lets us know where we stand
at this time of the season,” said volleyball
coach Lynn “Juice” Anderson.
They recently beat St. Joseph High
School earlier this month. SJO is the only
team the the Comets have gone 3 games
with, holding every other team to 2.
The girls remained positive and kept
their energy levels high to keep St. Joe
on their toes. It was a major goal for the
team to beat St. Joseph this season.
“It was a huge accomplishment for us
to beat a team like SJO,” says senior setter
Kelsey Blackford, “it showed us that
we are capable of doing great things.”
The win has since strengthened their
Senior Brenna Durst celebrates with teammate Paiton Frerichs during their victory over
Bicmarck- Henning/Rossville- Alvin. (Photo courtesy of The News Gazette)
motivation during their practices, leaving
the team with only high spirits for the
rest of the season.
“While it was a huge win for us,” says
Brenna Durst, “we can’t be satisfied.
We’re going to continue to get better as
a team.”
Coach Anderson believes that the girls
have great chemistry and hopes for it to
continue.
This year, the team is led by seniors
Kelsey Blackford and Brenna Durst. The
team’s goals for this year’s season are to
win the County and Conference championship
and make it to Sectionals.
“The girls have the trust, talent and
desire. They just need to keep on believing!”
says Coach Anderson.
With spirits and motivation high, the
girls have made it clear they they are
striving for a successfuol rest of the season,
and an even better postseason.
4
September 29, 2017

Sports Oakwood TImes
Golf looks to
improve
By Kiara Petticrew
The Oakwood Comets golf team places 9th out of 14
teams at the Paris Invite Sept. 16, 2017. Senior Cameron
Wise led the team. Wise feels uncertain moving forward
this season but still looks forward positively.
“Well losing four seniors, I thought it would be difficult.
But this year is basically just getting the younger ones ready
for the future,” said Wise.
Mr. Hicks also took initiative and had the team go out
and play every Monday over the summer to prepare for the
season. Senior Kamden Howard believes this was beneficial
for the growth of the team.
“I feel pretty good, the team is definitely improving from
the beginning of the season and we still have a long way to
go,” said Howard.
He says the course was difficult and the team was a little
nervous, however the team is improving and are happy
with the way things are going.
The improvement has given Howard more motivation
and a new personal goal for this season. Howard would like
to go sub 42, which means he wants to shoot under 42 as
his personal score.
The team hopes to improve their record and do exceptionally
well on the upcoming IHSA regional at Urbana
Country Club on October 3rd.
Howard and Wise are looking forward to the meet and
have a team goal in mind.
“We want to qualify for sectionals,” says Wise. “We’ve
been focusing a lot on putting and chipping.”
Kamden has also been working hard at practices.
“We have been practicing a lot harder than usual to prepare
for regionals. We really want to do well,” Howard says.
The team remains focused and feels positive about the
upcoming events.
Undefeated in the conference
By Kelsey Blackford
Although the Oakwood Salt Fork soccer team had a rough start to the season with an eight loss streak, they
reached a turning point in the season that led to their undefeated record in the Vermilion Valley Conference.
A small change in the lineup has had a lasting impact on OSF’s 5-0 VVC record.
“As soon as we switched our formation back for the game against Judah Christian, it was almost like we turned
into a completely different team,” explained Senior Josh Coburn.
OSF managed to score five goals against Judah Christian. Before this game, they had only scored one goal collectively.
Senior Jaydon Rose had a very similar view on how the team got moving in the right direction.
“I feel like the formation change really helped to turn things around,” said Rose.
Although the start of the season didn’t look promising, OSF has stuck together as a team to improve as they move
forward.
“We had a pretty rough start and started off slow,” contributed Salt Fork Junior Dawson Rogers, “Towards the
middle of the season coach changed up the lineup, and we started to play much better and started to work well
together.”
Moving forward, OSF is excited for the rest of the season and hopes to continue the VVC winning streak.
“We don’t have a very good overall record (6-11) but we are undefeated in the conference,” said Rogers, “I’m very
happy with how the team is playing as of now.”
An Oakwood High senior, Garrett Lashuay, is also pleased and excited to see what OSF will be able to accomplish
as the season draws closer and closer to the end.
“I know we can win conference if we beat Bismarck and Hoopeston again,” concluded Lashuay.
OHS is joined by SFS this season
Autumn Laski and Andy Hohn pictured midrace. (Photos taken by Katelyn Blankenship)
Joie Sollers takes a stroke at golf invitational. (Photo taken
by Haley Ward)
By Emily Simonich
For the 2017 season, the cross country team is trying
out something new - both Salt Fork and Oakwood runners
will be combined to form one team. Oakwood and Salt Fork
have consolidated in other sports in the past for soccer, but
this is a first for cross country.
The team got a head start this summer to prepare for
the season.
Practices were held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July
to help get the team ready. The runners had a short break
at the start of August that lasted until school resumed.
Currently, the team is running six days a week in addition to
their meets and practices.
The team has competed in several races this year, and
have more planned in the future. Both the girls’ and boys’
cross country teams are looking to improve their performance
from last year, trying to decrease each runner’s individual
time for every meet they have. The team is hoping to
qualify for sectionals.
Although it is still early in the season, the team has made
many improvements and some runners have even set new
personal records. Junior Cameron Helka led the team at the
North Vermillion Invite ending in 3rd place.
Another junior, Bryce Jones, is also optimistic about an
upcoming race for the Spartan Classic on September 23rd.
“Everyone is working hard and times are dropping” says
Jones. “I’m expecting to see a lot of season PR’s, it’s a fast
course. I think we will do fairly well.”
September 29, 2017
5

Oakwood Times
Bolton awarded Athlete of the Month
Skylar Bolton talks with last years team during game
against Hoopeston Area. (photo by Brenna Durst)
By: Ren Dazey
Every month the local McDonald’s awards an exceptional
senior athlete within Oakwood High School. The first
to be awarded this year is, Skylar Bolton. Bolton is involved
in three sports, competing in football for his fall sport. He
has been involved with all three sports since he stepped
in the building. Those sports are football, basketball, and
baseball.
“He’s been a competitor since I can remember,” says
senior Gavin Jarling, “he’s very dedicated in every sport that
he participates in.”
While football isn’t Bolton’s favorite, he’s had great
success while playing it. Bolton contributes to the Comets’
lineup as their starting running back.
“I dedicate my time to the sports I play,” says Bolton,
“I’m always working to better my game during practices and
in my alone time.”
Skylar is most passionate about baseball, giving most of
his time to this sport.
“I love all of the sports that I play,” says Bolton, “but
baseball is by far my favorite. I grew up playing baseball.
I played on travel teams in my early years, surrounded by
talented players, and it made me strive to be better.”
The Comets baseball team has had a lot of success in
the past few years, winning two out of the three regional
championships.
“Skylar is a very respected catcher in the area,” says
teammate Jarling, “he’s been a huge contributor to our past
success.”
Bolton loves sports more than anything, and hopes to
continue his baseball career in to the next level, something
he’s very capable of doing.
People
Skylar Bolton runs the ball at home vervus Pawnee High.
(photo by Kelsey Blackford)
Blackford named Comet of
the Month
By: Bailey Wilt
For the month of September, Kelsey Blackford was chosen as the comet of the
month. She was nominated by Mr. Lee for possessing many admirable qualities. Kelsey
is an outstanding student with her attitude, good grades, and participation in different
sports and activities. One of the activities Kelsey is involved in is student council. Being
involved in this club requires a lot of dedication and effort. She is also on the volleyball
team which takes a lot of time and hard work, especially with the team being as successful
as it has been. Kelsey has also obtained many leadership roles being the President
of the senior class as well as being one of only two seniors on the volleyball team.
Being elected President of the senior class is a big commitment that Kelsey handles
very well, even with her busy schedule.
To be the comet of the month you must be in good standing with the school, have
school spirit and have a good attitude. Kelsey shows many of these qualities and works
hard at school. When Kelsey was asked what it meant to her to be the comet of the
month she said, “It is an honor to be chosen to represent the school.” Many of the
teachers agree that Kelsey is an excellent student and that she is a very good representative
of the school.
Septmeber 29, 2017

People
Oakwood Times
September Staff Member of the Month given to Pomatto
Staff Member of the Month. (photo by Haley Hendrickson)
Lashuay chosen for Character Trait of the Month, Respect
By: Haley Hendrickson
The September trait of the month was respect, and the recipient was sophomore Caleb Lashuay! Lashuay participates
in soccer and is academically inclined. He takes challenging classes meant for juniors. Caleb is very soft spoken and reserved,
and he always speaks to others with respect. This is the very reason Mr. Lee and the Recognition Committee put
Caleb up for nomination.
Mr. Lee gave insight on his perception of respect by sharing, “When someone approaches situations and people with a
good and/or proper attitude, and understands their place, that is respect.”
Lee then shared that respect is an absolute expectation for adults to receive from the student body. Knowing your place
amongst others is a common key that people need to understand. Caleb shares all the qualities that Mr. Lee and the staff
had in mind for the trait of respect. He is mindful, well-spoken, understands his place, polite, and so much more.
In the eyes of the teachers and students he knows, Caleb is an all-around good and respectable person. He actually
shared that he thought in order to be respectful and respected by others you need to listen to what your elders have to
say to you and treat others how you wish to be treated. It appears Caleb has quite a bright future ahead of himself as he
continues to set his own path and pace while remaining focused. A level-headed student like himself has the drive to take
him far in life.
By: Andrew Cook
Mrs. Christine Pomatto was given a loud congratulations at the 2017-18 year’s first pep
assembly for earning Oakwood High’s Staff Member of the Month this September. She was
given the symbolic white ‘O’ on the gym floor, in front of all the entire school body!
With her knack for arts and crafts, designed the room identifiers for every classroom in
the school, as well as the staff t-shirts for the past two years. Pomatto did this all without
being on the Social Committee, who these tasks would normally go to. This kindness to the
school earned her a nomination from math teacher Laura Head, and eventually she was
voted Staff Member of the Month.
Pomatto went to the University of Illinois for a bachelor’s degree in art and design, and
afterwards worked as a special education teaching assistant. Following, she went to grad
school - as of today, she has her master’s degree in special education, also from the University
of Illinois. Since last year, Pomatto has been a Special Education teacher at Oakwood
High.
At age nine, Pomatto made a close friend who had a physical disability. This greatly
influenced her, “I kind of grew up seeing different ways that people could do things,” she
elaborated. This would lead her to begin volunteer work with special needs individuals
while she was in high school, and eventually to her current career.
Special education aside, Pomatto co-teaches general education courses such as English
II, Biology and Health. In her spare time, she enjoys doing other creative crafts and playing
with her two dogs.
Character Trait of the Month. (photo by Haley Hendrickson)
September 29, 2017

Oakwood Times
Buzz
Comets volunteer to make homes warmer, safer and drier
By Mason Ajster
Every year the United Methodist Church takes a group of kids to different parts
of Appalachia and help families in need by
repairing houses. This volunteer service is
called Appalachia Service Project or ASP.
This year, 13 students from Oakwood
High School volunteered on the trip, making
this special to the school. These students
were seniors Kelsey Blackford, Jenna Ford,
Maggie Freeman, Sloan Morton, Laney
Turner and Lane Warren; junior Ben Sudlow;
sophomore Grady Trees; and freshmen
Titus Berner, Olivia McArty, Reed Sperry
and Cayden Wells. The group was also
joined by former Oakwood district students
Bennett and Jameson Sprague who not attend
Seeger High School in Indiana. These
students volunteer a week of their summer
to work on houses to make them warmer,
safer and drier. This service project began 48
years ago when Reverend Glenn “Tex” Evans
connected a group of youth with families in
need in Kentucky.
While on ASP students stay in a “center”
such as a school or church. The students
sleep, eat and play at this center in their afternoons and
evenings. During the day, the teams are working on site
in various areas of construction. Students also get to
make new friends
from around the
country while at the
center.
“I still talk to
some of the people I
met during my summers
with ASP,” said
current OHS teacher
and former ASP
volunteer Ms. Amie
Baumeister.
Community
member and former
teacher Deb Clow
has been taking OHS
students on ASP for
16 summers. Every
year she plans the
ASP trip for Oakwood
youth and
organizes fundraisers
to make the trip possible.
Clow first took
a group of students
when the daughter
of former pastor
showed interest in
getting a group together.
13 OHS students travelled to Avery County, North Carolina
to help make homes warmer, safer and drier. (Photos courtesy
of Deb Clow)
“Our pastor’s daughter had went with another church and she wanted our church
to take a group on our own but she needed adult volunteers, I was not working a summer
job so I volunteered to go even though I knew nothing about construction. My
youngest son went with me and we both fell in love with ASP,” said Clow.
A lot of new faces were introduced
to the ASP trip this year. Seven of the 15
volunteers were new to ASP
“I had a good time. It was an eye
opening opportunity that not everybody
gets,” said freshman Landon Ajster.
A lot of memories are made over the
week on ASP, ranging from extravagant
adventures to the simple day to day task
you perform side by side with your work
crew.
“My favorite memory from this past
summer was watching the local teenagers
jumping off a waterfall,” said third
year veteran Bennett Sprague.
For some it is the little things that stick
out the most when looking back at the
week. For example, four year veteran,
Lane Warren said his favorite memory
was, “Rocking out in the van to and from
the work site with my crew.”
With traveling to different parts of the
country comes different kinds of food.
But when comes to feeding mass quantities and budget
the quality of food may suffer. It is a yearly tradition for
the groups to go out for ice cream after dinner.
“My favorite
food is the food I get
whenever we get ice
cream. The worst
comes when the
cooking staff decides
to make it easy on
themselves and
cook some sort of
pre-made stew that
is never good,” said
Sprague.
There is a driving
force that keeps
these youth and
adults coming back
to volunteer year
after year.
“The things that
make me keep going
back are watching
the kids grow
throughout the
years as they are
giving their time
to help people less
fortunate than us it
makes you appreciate
what you have in your life,” said Clow.
If anyone is interested in next summer’s trip there will be a meeting October 15 at
4:30 p.m. at the Oakwood Methodist Church.
8
September 29, 2017

Buzz
Horoscopes by Haley Ward
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
This month might
start out slow, but you
will have a big turning
point. Which is not
on Bronson, so slow
down, folks.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct.22)
Timing is everything.
This month, you will
be late to school more
than 3 times and earn
yourself a detention.
Might as well go to
McDonald’s on the
way.
Scorpio (Oct. 23- Nov.
21)
You are lacking fun this
month. Go toilet paper
your friend’s house,
use Charmin Ultra
Strong for the best
experience
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-
Dec. 21)
You are a very wise
person, which will take
you very far in life.
However, to make this
to happen make sure
to buy 17 panda bears.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-
Jan. 19)
You might learn how
to stop clashing with
your classmates. On
second thought, you
might be better off
staying friends with
your dogs.
Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb.
18)
Your creativity will
lead you straight to
the Oakwood Art
Club, where all of your
imaginations can be
put on paper.
Pisces (Feb. 19- Mar.
20)
“Fish are friends,
not food!” Avoid any
type of seafood this
month, it will give you
food poisoning. Also
remember to eat your
fruits and vegetables!
Aries (Mar 21- Apr. 19)
You seem to have a
bright future ahead of
you. Make sure to buy
some nice sunglasses
and a baseball hat.
Taurus (Apr. 20- May
20)
Go out and buy a
dog this month! They
might cause terror
for the first couple of
days, maybe even eat
your homework. At
least it is cute, right?
Gemini (May
21- June 20)
Take your time and
watch out for random
rhino stampedes.
Also avoid the zoo at
all costs, all types of
animals are out for you
this month.
Cancer (June 21- July
22)
This month, you will
break out of your shell.
Maybe try out a new
sport or meet new
friends at school.
Leo (July 23- Aug. 22)
You will never
achieve anything if
you do not get better
grades. Eat grape
jelly to improve
studying abilities!
Oakwood Times
Who is the best
rapper of 2017?
Kodak Black 14%
Lil Uzi Vert 32%
21 Savage 15%
By Gavin Jarling
Overheard
Migos 39%
“Why aren’t you guys
friends anymore?” -Anon
“Becasue she stole my dog”
-Brenna Durst
*after hours of dancing* “please... no”
-Nick Grubb says as his date tries to dance
with him
“The only food she needs is
Lord Jesus” -Gracie Machin
w
5 in the hall
What did you enjoy most about homecoming week?
Freshman Sophmore Junior Senior Staff
By Austin Urso
“The pep
assembly.”
- Cayden Wells
“Cometfest”
- Jayden Arrowsmith
“Dancing with lil
Bolt.”
- Kylie Neuman
“Winning the pep
assembly three
years in a row.”
- Savanna Barabas
“ Taking judges around
to the floats, they were
very impressed with all
the classes hard work.”
- Miss.Cooper
September 29, 2017
9

Editorial
Make the best out of your school year
We, the staff of The Oakwood Times, want to help make sure the students start their school year out strong. Keeping a good attitude with your
school work and joining extra curricular activities will help you in the long run throughout the year. Turning your homework in on time and not
waiting until homeroom the day of to finish your homework is important; don’t procrastinate. Getting involved in after school clubs and activities
will you help put yourself out there and make new friends. Keep a good relationship with all of your teachers so you can go in to ask questions if
you need help with the class. Although you may start to slack off as the year drags on always remember each and every grade will follow you and
your GPA reflects your work ethic to many superiors in your near future. We, the staff of The Oakwood Times, would like to wish all students a
good school year!
THe Oakwood Times
Oakwood High School
5870 U.S. Route 150
Fithian, IL 61844
Volume 29
Issue 1
September 29, 2017
Members of the staff are enrolled in the Journalism class. The paper
is published by The Oakwood Times staff and printed by Faulstich Printing.
The Oakwood Times encourages signed letters, comments, art, ot columns
from its readers. The Oakwood Times reserves the rights to edit all
submissions for length and clarity. No submissions will be printed that
are considered libelous, in poor tase, or are intended solely as a personal
attack.
Opinions expressed by individual staff members do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the entire staff or the district employees.
Editor-in-Chief: Kelsey Blackford
Editor-in-Chief: Brenna Durst
Web Editor:Kiarra Petticrew
Web Editor: Shaelyn Turner
News Editor: Katelyn Blankenship
Sports Editor: Ren Dazey
Opinion Editor: Lane Warren
Editorial Director: Emily Simonich
Business Manager: Ashley Webb
Photo Editor: Bailey Wilt
Copy Editor: Andrew Cook
Copy Editor: Haley Hendrickson
Reporters: Mason Ajster, Gavin Jarling, Austin Urso, Haley Ward