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Beaver Local’s Biggest Battle

Battle of the classes has been a competitive event at Beaver Local for many years now. Each grade level has their own team of representatives that participate in various strange and exciting games. The games are chosen by several teachers, and all students are able to sign up for the games. There has always been a small price to pay to see the Battle of the Classes each year, this year it will be one dollar, even participants. Class shirts are also being sold around the school by class representatives, most are 10 or 15 dollars. The games will take place March 23rd during sixth and seventh periods.

Each of the four classes must have representatives volunteer to take place in the events. No students can take place in more than one event, this is to prevent only several students participating. There are events for everyone though, most need about 4 people, and skin the snake requires eight participants. Some games require strength and speed, while others require strategy and technique.

There are two new games this year; skin the snake, and balloon buster. Other games that are being brought back are; drag race, tennis shoe relay race, baby bottle chug, dizzy bat, and the most popular of them all, the tug -O- war. Tug -O- war is worth the most points and is always the last and most competitive game. The other games are also important though, as each point is crucial before the final tally is taken. The winning class isn’t awarded with a trophy or prize, but bragging rights around the school.

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Gun Control in the United States- Share your opinion!

There are several sides to the gun control debate, one being “Anti-Gun Control”, and the other for “Pro-Gun Control”. In many situations, people tend to say Gun laws need to be more strict, especially in regards to automatic assault weapons. After a recent study in 2016, approximately 44% of American households own a gun. This number has rapidly increased from 31% just several years ago. However, major gun advocates believe that gun laws are too strict, and must be reduced. Which would allow concealed carry for those who qualify. These mixed opinions spark many problems with security and question whether people’s rights are being violated.

Those who are for gun control reform want laws to be more strict and not allow open carry in public. One of the biggest issues with open carry is the impact that it may have with younger children and those who are not comfortable around firearms. Background checks help keep firearms out of the hands of people with criminal records and previous issues. These supporters also believe that increased training should be done for those who have weapons on the job, such as officers and security agents.
The opposing side, who are against gun control, believes they should be able to protect themselves in the case of something horrific. Not only can something happen in public, but people are also concerned about self-defense in their own homes. In the case of an intruder, people should not have to wait for responders to defend their own lives; this is one of the biggest arguments for anti-gun control.

With the help of teachers at Beaver Local High School, we are conducting a poll to decide what people in our community really think about this topic of gun control. In most circumstances, it is tough to take a position on the issue because of the many situations people can be in while going through their normal day lives.

Tell us, what do you think about gun control.

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Pacanowski Named Beavers Basketball Head Coach

Mr. Jason Francis Pacanowski has been at Beaver Local for almost four years now. Jason teaches high school math, grades 9-12. He graduated from Youngstown State University. He has always been fascinated with math and the sport of basketball. Jason had spent the past 13 years helping coach, and teach college athletes at Southern Illinois University. Despite the basketball background, he says his true calling is the education profession and teaching Mathematics. Basketball is not the only sport he likes, coming from Chicago, Jason is a diehard Chicago Bears and Blackhawks fan.

Jason has an extremely positive mindset when it comes to coaching his new team this year. Being the assistant coach of the Beaver Local basketball team the previous season, he already has good connections with the upperclassmen. With all of the control, he has completely changed practices, scheduling, and the mindset of the team. He has done an incredible job turning the program around, from a (3-20) season last year, to a current (9-10) record. The Beavers roster has not had an impactful change, however they have been able to triple their wins from the previous season.

The start to the 2016-2017 didn’t go as anyone had planned. The team started 0-7, losing several close games by only 2 or 3 points. “I continued to tell my players to stick the course, and wins will eventually come”, Jason said. The Beavers had a huge turning point once they defeated Edison by three points at home. Since then, the Beavers have been on a roll with a (8-3) record. “The first win was the hardest. I knew the transition with a new coach and offense would be hard, but we have been able to get through it.” The Beavers have 4 returning seniors, two of which are three year letterman. “Our senior core is very strong” Pacanowski said. “They have been able to remain calm despite the rough start, and bounce back to bring the record almost up to even”.

The Beavers are in a much better spot with sectional playoffs right around the corner compared to last season. They are looking at a possible 9th to 12th seed, unlike last year, with a 17th seed. The Beavers will play state ranked University on February 14th, for the first round of the OVAC tournament. This shall prepare the team for their tournament run towards the end of February. The matchup is determined this Sunday, and will be playing in the Sectional Semifinals.