Letter from the Editors: Catching You Up

It’s been a very interesting and eventful past couple of weeks, to say the least. It has also been one where your favorite newspaper has been somewhat absent as well. So in case you need an update, your co-editors, Grace and Vanessa, are here to catch you up.

The Election

As I’m sure we all know, the election has come and gone (almost), and although it could be considered “old news”, there is still a bit to talk about. On Saturday, November 7th, the now president-elect, Joe Biden won Pennsylvania, giving him over 270 electoral votes (the number needed to win the presidency). As of November 19th, he surpassed the necessary number with a total of 306 electoral votes. This was a historic election, especially for women. Kamala Harris is currently an African American and Indian California senator. She is set to be the first, and surely not the last, female Vice President. Now, all we can do is wait for Biden and Harris’s inauguration on January 20th.

New School Schedule 

Just as scheduled, all North Hills schools have now begun our fully virtual model, at least until December 4th. The plan went into effect on November 15. We have also now received word that all North Hills buildings are closed, meaning no athletics or activities will resume until further notice. Throughout this difficult and unprecedented time, our classes will still be held via Zoom, and the start time will remain the same (7:20). We know it’s been tough, guys. The easiest thing we can do right now is treat our virtual model the way we did at the beginning of the year; with hope we will go back and the perseverance to keep going for the time being. We ask everyone to please stay safe and stay smart, as much as we want to carry on, we must remain healthy for ourselves and for others.

The Holidays 

Thank goodness! Thanksgiving just passed and Christmas is quickly approaching. This is the season of cheer we have been in desperate need of! Don’t forget to carry on your most feasible traditions this year while still staying safe. A couple of tips for the upcoming Covid Christmas gift-giving: online shopping is your best friend. Stay inside and participate in checking off your shopping list virtually. And don’t forget to take a few minutes to think about what you’re grateful for. In a time like this, it can be easy to lose sight of what is truly important. 

One-Act Plays

The fall play (well, plays) is (are) almost here, and although they will be available virtually, the North Hills Drama Club is still proud to present three performances in place of its typical singular live event. This year, the Drama Club directors, Ms. Sarazen and Mr. Cloonan, have taken an interesting and very safe route when it comes to these productions. There will be three plays (all approximately 40 minutes) available for viewing. Victor, Fortunes Read $1, and Cheating Death, all tell new stories with a maximum cast of nine to ensure safety for the performers and crew members. The first production, Victor, features a mysterious author who suffers from multiple personality disorder and finds himself welcoming two journalists in search of this author into his home. Antics ensue rapidly, and although the show only includes four characters, Victor’s many personalities make them multiply. The second production, Fortunes Read $1, is a highly entertaining and hysterical unfolding of an odd fortune teller and her steady stream of customers who. Although they receive vague answers, they find their fortunes coming true, and all for just a dollar apiece. The third production, Cheating Death, takes a somewhat sincere and serious turn, as the Angel of Death reveals herself to her next victim. It isn’t until moments later she realizes her fatal mistake; she has revealed herself to the wrong person. All three plays provide rather unique tones and each is definitely worth the watch.

With all that being said, we hope to have caught you up with our brief run-down of current events. Your Arrowhead staff wishes you the best over the holidays. Keep staying safe and healthy!