Note from the adviser: The Milestone was led by senior Katie Limberg for the 2019-2020 academic year. In the tradition of The Milestone, the editor write the final story as a sign-off letter to close the year of the official student online newspaper of McNicholas High School. Many thanks to Katie for her leadership, and … More Letter from the editor
As the 2019-2020 school year comes to an end, the Class of 2020 prepares for the future. McNicholas students will be attending a variety of different schools, but the three schools with where the most students from McNick will be attending are the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, and Northern Kentucky University. The University of … More Seniors choose colleges: Top three schools Class of 2020 will be attending
As Governor Mike DeWine begins lifting the stay at home order and allows more public spaces to open, it’s important to still take measures to remain healthy and help keep others safe. Some public spaces will require occupants to wear masks, or even if it isn’t required for your safety and the safety of others, … More Staying safe amid the pandemic: How to make your own mask
On May 25, 2020, 46-year-old George Floyd died in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, after video showed police officer Derek Chauvin pinning Floyd to the ground with his knee on his neck. Police had been called after Floyd apparently tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase cigarettes. In the graphic video of the altercation filmed … More #BlackLivesMatter: One student’s perspective to bring positive change
The Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their annual awards, with two of the recipients being Rockets. SAIL teacher Val Combs was named Educator of the Year and Senior Ellie Rudolph was named Student of the Year. “I feel very honored that I received this [award] and [was] nominated by my teachers.” … More Rudolph named Student of the Year
SAIL teacher Valerie Combs was recently named as the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Educator of the year, and senior Ellie Rudolph was chosen as Student of the Year. Educators and students are nominated by faculty and staff at their respective schools. Combs has been working at McNick for thirty-six years, and has worked in … More Combs named Educator of the Year
By Hallie Kim, Olivia Rohling, and Kristen Van Huss As the Milestone staff continues to complete our homework and find creative ways to stay in contact with friends and family while social distancing, we’ve also been brainstorming ideas to keep us occupied as our time in quarantine continues. Some of the Milestone reporters compiled some … More The Milestone Staff’s top picks for staying busy in quarantine
If you’re looking for something to keep you occupied while staying at home, making homemade muffins is pretty simple to do, and has a fulfilling result at the end of the process! I found this recipe recently, and found it pretty straightforward to follow. Gather all ingredients This recipe calls for two cups of diced … More How to: Homemade cinnamon apple muffins are simple and delicious
Hospital policies have changed with the outbreak of COVID 19, all formed to protect the lives of the patients as well as the staff. One such policy is having staff members and patients wear masks. “We wear masks and face shields for our protection and the patient’s protection. Every patient that walks in the hallway, … More Registered nurse discusses changes in hospitals due to COVID 19
Even though it is a well-known fact that eating breakfast gives you energy throughout your whole day, a common problem is the lack of time or lack of energy students have to make breakfast. Breakfast is the one meal many have been trying for years to make simpler and quicker. For example, Nature Valley’s breakfast … More Defeating breakfast: How to bake French toast in a mug
When I learned that March 13 would be my last day of school for, what was at the time, just three weeks, I suppressed the thought. As I went through my day and as I went to each of my classes, I tried to shut out the idea that I wouldn’t be at my favorite … More Underclassmen share thoughts, opinions on termination of in-person classes
On Thursday, April 24, the McNick library welcomed author Deborah Wiles to an online book discussion held through Zoom. During the discussion, Wiles discussed her books, as well as her experiences as a writer, and students were able to ask questions. Wiles answered questions about her life, her writing, her decisions to include primary sources … More McNick library hosts author for online book discussion
The spread of coronavirus and the subsequent social distancing and regulations that have come about as a result have caused many people to be living in a time of uncertainty. We feel cut off from people we care about, life isn’t what we are used to, and it’s very easy to feel a lack of … More Five ways to help others while social distancing
Dear Seniors, I have started this letter, and then proceeded to abandon multiple times because I can’t seem to capture exactly what I’m feeling with my words. A few months ago I was infatuated with the idea of moving on to the next phase of my life. There are probably quite a few people who … More A message to the class of 2020
On March 12, Ohio governor Mike DeWine and Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Amy Acton ordered all schools to be closed for three weeks after the confirmation of Ohio’s fifth case of COVID-19. This would soon inspire further restrictions for social gatherings such as a temporary ban on visitors in hospitals, jails, nursing … More Stay home, keep others healthy: Social distancing doesn’t exclude personal exceptionalism
On March 30, Governor Mike DeWine declared that due to the continued spreading of the coronavirus, schools will be closed through the month of April. Consequently, McNick will be continuing online schooling. The closure affects all students, but seniors feel as though they are missing out on more than just school. In the month of … More Seniors provide perspective on school closing
As of Monday, March 30, Governor DeWine extended the closure of schools until May 1, due to a continued spread of the coronavirus. He plans to reassess the situation after that. As a result, McNick will be continuing the online classes that began March 18. While the situation has been met with a rather grudging … More McNick continues online classes for month of April
In honor of March being Women’s History Month, I asked a few lady rockets to shout out the strong women (teacher, coach, mom, grandma, sister, etc.) they look up to and the impact they have made on their life. Senior Maggie Scott gives a shout out to track coach Cat Lest (’09) “I admire her … More Women’s History Month: Lady Rockets shout out those who inspire them
International students in the U.S. will return early to their home countries, ending their school year because of Coronavirus. Currently, Coronavirus is spreading all around the country, and all of the United States’ schools, including colleges, are closed until Coronavirus completely disappears. Therefore, students are doing homeschooling or video conferencing to catch up with classes … More Coronavirus impacts U.S. international students
On the list of lovable things in life, pets are surely near the top. McNicholas students and faculty share their dogs, felines, and everything in between, with whom they are able to spend more time with now that we’re social distancing due to COVID-19. Type of pet: Dog Name: Brady Nicknames: Brad, Roo, Ray, Bean, … More Fur-ever friends: Students, faculty show off their companions
The following is a fictional story that will be published through the McNicholas Milestone in installments. All characters, settings, and dialogue are purely figments of the imagination. PART FIVE: THE SMUGGLER Jillian’s eyes caught mine from the entrance of the tent before I could avert my gaze. A half-smile tugged at the corners of her … More The Disappearance of Johnathan Andrews
Now that we’ve all been working from home for the past week and half and our weekends consist of travel only from our bedrooms to our living rooms, many have probably exhausted most of the trending series and movies on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Disney. However, there might be a few you missed. Think about … More Keeping yourself busy: Top documentaries to watch while stuck inside
Fourth quarter has just arrived and so have longer days, warmer weather, and the online schoolwork that has come about as a result of the coronavirus.Many McNick students say that they find it more difficult to stay on top of school work as we move into the fourth quarter, and that issue is compounded by … More Fourth quarter burnout: Students share tips on staying focused
On Thursday, March 12, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that starting Mon. March 16, all Ohio public and private schools, K-12, will be closed through Friday, April 3, out of concern of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With this news, McNick looks to online options to continue learning. In response, McNicholas will use Microsoft … More McNick to move to virtual lessons on March 18th
Starting Wednesday 18, 2020, McNicholas will be transitioning into online classes as a result of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Classes will be held using Microsoft Teams, a communication and collaboration service that allows for group chats, video conferences, and online meetings. To set up Microsoft Teams and join classes, follow these steps: Step One: Open … More How to: Setting up Microsoft Teams for online instruction
By Hallie Kim, assisted by Milestone Staff As of Wednesday, March 11, at 2 p.m. there are four confirmed cases of coronavirus, COVID-19, in Ohio with 21 people testing negative and 24 who are showing symptoms of “respiratory distress,” according to the Ohio Department of Health. On Tuesday, March 9, Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in Ohio and made recommendations … More Spread of coronavirus brings precautions
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. The fields of psychiatry and psychology are still relatively young which allows for a lack of knowledge and understanding. Though both fields … More Mental illnesses turned quirky trend, sabotages legitimacy
As third quarter comes to an end and seniors at McNicholas prepare for the next phase of life, the extensive changes that accompany the shift into college life can be intimidating. One of said changes is the transition from living at home to living in a dorm or apartment. It can be difficult to discern … More Dorm room packing made easy: A guided list of what to bring
Now is the time to call your grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and even second cousin Judith to inform them of the current goings-on at McNicholas and show them why they should support our school. It’s time for the annual student fundraiser. Many school fundraisers, including this one, are designed to raise money so that tuition … More Take up the challenge: Impact the future with student fundraiser
Disclaimer: The following is a Milestone staff editorial and it does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the McNicholas administration, faculty, or community as a whole. All interviews were conducted prior to the end of the school day on February 25, 2020. This piece is a culmination of approximately month of interviewing, researching, and collaborating … More Lunches need to return to 48 minutes
