by Joey Duty
My short time in the oracle has been enjoyable yet hectic. There’s always something to be reporting on in the news or social media posts that need to be edited, and the six of us can only do so much. I’ve set up so many interviews this year to the point where I’ve lost all shame when reaching out to people.
This change may have potential to have disastrous consequences, but I believe my lack of shame will serve me well in my future endeavors. My only advice to the millions of Oracle readers out there would be that if you have the opportunity to do something fun or unique with your friends, take it. As you age, life will only become busier and busier, so in the limited time you have please do make the most of it. Fatigue is temporary but the memories last forever.
Last but not least, shout out to Mr. Schott for keeping a group of 6 knuckleheads somewhat productive this year.
by Eddie Schmidt
I don’t really have much to say here, but the one thing I will add is that this class was not what I expected. As cool as it was to write stories and interview people, I have to admit that the best part of this class was spending time with the rest of these guys. We had a really small staff this year, and while it did make a lot of things more difficult, I’m honestly glad that it was so small. We’ve had a lot of great times here in room 223, so thank you to the other five student writers that made this so fun. I couldn’t ask for a better team.
by Matt Purucker
During my sophomore year, Mr. Schott asked me to join The Oracle. At the time, I did not know how much that question would change my life. That question gave me the opportunity to interview and write articles about Gene Steratore, former NFL referee and current rules analyst for CBS, and Tom Corbett, former governor of Pennsylvania, among other accomplished people.
During my junior year, Mark Povich asked me to commentate the girls soccer team’s senior night. At the time, I did not know how much that question would change my life. Since then, I have commentated over 50 Shaler Area sporting events, including the entire 2023 football season and much of the basketball team’s run to the PIAA 5A Quarterfinals.
Because of those two questions and the dedicated work that I have put into The Oracle and SATV, I secured a $30,000 scholarship and a four-year internship with Trib Total Media, which additionally comes with a guaranteed job offer upon graduation from Grove City College.
Why am I telling you this? First, I hope you notice when I became involved with The Oracle and SATV: sophomore year and junior year, respectively. Entering high school, I did not have a career goal in mind. However, when those golden opportunities presented themselves, I took advantage of them. I encourage everyone to find something you are passionate about and pursue it wholeheartedly. You all are incredibly talented at something. You just have to find it.
Finally, I cannot begin to thank all of the people that have allowed me to find my passion. Mom and Dad, thank you for instilling a love for God and a moral compass. Both will serve me well throughout my life. Mr. Schott, Mark, Mr. Miller, Dr. Aiken, and Mr. Davis, thank you for helping me earn the Trib internship and helping me create my life plan. To everyone else who read this far, I appreciate you. Although I do not explicitly mention you, you have played a significant role in the man I am today.
by Will Emmons
Being a part of the oracle has been a ton of fun and I’m super glad that I joined this year. I like being up to date with everything going on and I think that it’s super important to do something newspaper related.
Keeping up to date with events and learning to write news stories has been extremely helpful and helps me understand news stories that I read day to day. I don’t have much more to say so just enjoy your life, keep up to date with the world, and enjoy what you have while you have it and make sure to make the most of it.
by Brady McGuire
When I got asked to join the Oracle staff my sophomore year, I was very hesitant because I didn’t know what I would be getting myself into. I didn’t have any experience writing stories but I loved sports so I joined.
Looking back at it now it’s crazy how much I have grown in journalism. I remember not even being able to put a story together from going to putting out sports recaps every week. Even though I was nervous about taking the class, I am glad I did because of all the fun and opportunities I had while being here.
by Jack Salego
I entered high school with no plan in mind. My plans for the future were “my brother and mom went to Pitt. The medical field pays high. I’ll go to Pitt because it is close and a good school.” Man, I was naive. I wish life could be so easy but it definitely is not! A few declining math grades later and a 10th grade english curriculum that wasn’t too bad, I came to realize that I enjoyed writing. My English grades reflected this, and so I answered Mr. Schott’s cry for help and hopped on the newspaper staff.
I can confirm this was one of the best things I ever did. Every morning I spent the first ten minutes or so reading through various newspapers and keeping up with current events. I eventually started doing so outside of school and saw a career interest popping up. Although I knew I didn’t want to pursue journalism full time, I began to look into the law field and switch paths. All these crazy business deals that break history, lawsuits that tear companies apart, and massive scandals made me want to be closer to the action. Why read about it when you could hopefully one day be involved in it? (Just hopefully not involved on the wrong side of a scandal)
I already keep up with culture 24/7 on social media. Within seconds, my Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat could all tell you everything going on on the latest movie set, rap beef, and award show drama. Putting that effort into things that actually matter was a change of pace that I needed. The freedom I got from writing the newspaper helped me grow as a person and as a writer. My opinion taught me how to express an opinion in an outspoken and confident manner but also in one that doesn’t turn people away. Your opinion matters, even if people don’t listen.
With practice I learned that anyone will listen to you if you say it in the right way. I had Mr. Schott letting us post social media videos debating Fortnite OG re-releasing and rap beef. Good luck getting that without me, especially last year. It’s cool to follow the culture, but don’t be a sheep to it. Being out of the loop is no fun, but being so into one side only gives you half of the photo. The internet is huge, so take advantage of it. There is so much to see, so much to do, and so much to argue in the comments about. Just remember: everything is on the internet forever, so don’t do anything you wouldn’t want your parents to see, let alone an employer.
