Dance with Your Heart

Raha Rejali (12) | STAFF REPORTER

I sat in the chairs, denying every man who asked me for a dance. There was just no way I was going to give my mother the satisfaction of smirking at me and insinuating that I would one day marry whoever it was that I would dance with. I drank my sparkling champagne, and I could feel almost every man’s eyes on me. Did I happen to mention that I was an heiress? Yes, to a hotel chain. Our last name was known worldwide, and everyone decided that they wanted to put a ring on my finger from the minute I stepped into the room.  read more

Shake it off: Taylor Swift Course Coming to U of G

Sara Mirsarraf (10) | STAFF REPORTER

The University of Guelph is offering a unique course on Taylor swift, a unique pop icon starting this winter semester. The name will be “Taylor swift: Music, Media and Meaning” and will explore her music, lyrics and cultural influence, giving students an in-depth look at one of the world’s most successful pop artists. read more

Black Friday: The Economic Boost That Benefits Us All

Christian Intendencia (10) | STAFF REPORTER

In the past few years, Black Friday has been quietly slowing down. Instead of just being a one-day event, it’s now turned into weeklong sales that aren’t as high as they used to be. Snaking long lines in the early morning have disappeared. What was 60-80% off is now 30-50% off. read more

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: A Rigged Match?

Angela Xiao (9) | STAFF REPORTER

November 15, 2024 marked the long awaited match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. This highly anticipated event brought in a whopping 74 million viewers, but it was indeed left with much disappointment and uncertainty. Though the scores clearly portrayed Jake Paul as the winner, many, including myself, believe otherwise. read more

It Was The Best of Times, Then it Was The Worst of Times; WW3 Speculations Arise Once Again

Sarah Morra (12) | Staff Reporter

Each year, it seems as though fear is instated within many, with inflammatory speculations of the commencement of world war three. Rumors begin to spread, comments are made, all based on a supposed cold war we are in the midst of. The center of these concerns is based around the Russia-Ukraine war — but how exactly are the tensions building, what are the factors that have lead to this, and what does this entail?  read more

One Green Wall, Freedom for All

Emily Yang (10) | STAFF REPORTER

In a society where liberty prevails in politics, technology, economy, etc., a more pressing concern becomes disregarded: the freedom from hunger and thirst. Food insecurity has always been a defining challenge of developing countries, but the span of both food shortages and climate challenges in agriculture has slowly expanded in the past decades to developed countries as well. One possible solution to global food security would be the rising practice of vertical farming.  read more

The OSSLT: A Key Step Towards Graduation

Ziyou Li (10) | STAFF REPORTER

For Grade 10 students at STR, the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, or OSSLT, is a mandatory evaluation. The Education Quality and Accountability Office conducts the test, which evaluates students reading and writing. The OSSLT was held on November 19 and 20 this year and included both multiple-choice and short-answer questions with a focus on written communication, investigation, and understanding. In Ontario, passing the OSSLT is a requirement for graduation, and students must pass it in order to obtain their diploma.

In order to prepare students for success in the classroom and in their jobs, the OSSLT is essential. Success in high school, post-secondary education, the workforce, and daily life all depend on having strong literacy abilities, particularly in reading and writing. The ability to read clearly and write well is a lifelong ability that will benefit students, regardless of whether they choose to pursue further education or employment. In light of this, the OSSLT is more than simply a test, it’s a chance for students to show that they are prepared for the difficulties that lie ahead. read more