The Environmental Club on The Willow Project: “A lot of new generations won't even know what polar bears are”
by Malena Pugliese
Editor in Chief
March 2023
If you’ve been scrolling through social media for the past month (and let’s face it, you definitely have), chances are you’ve seen #StopWillow trending, and for good reason: this project could have a larger impact than we know.
Proposed by ConocoPhillips—a Houston based hydrocarbon exploration and production corporation, and Alaska's largest crude oil producer—the Willow Project is a decades-long oil drilling venture on Alaska's North Slope comprising of 3 oil drills (though the Biden administration tried and failed to reduce the number to two to mitigate climate concerns). The state's lawmakers say it will create jobs and boost domestic energy production, with the drills producing enough oil to be the equivalent of adding 2 million gas-powered cars on the roads, releasing 9.2 million metric tons of planet-warming carbon a year, according to the administration’s own estimates.
As of Monday, March 13, 2023, the Biden administration has approved the project, sending climate activists into even deeper outrage, their multiple petitions each with over 4.5 million signatures having failed (Change.org). OHS’ very own Environmental Club had been making preparations to bring awareness to the issue to students and call for widespread action within the student body, but unfortunately, decisions seemed to move fast on capitol hill. Young activists are worried now more than ever about the ecosystem, the citizens of Alaska, and the future.
“A lot of new generations won't even know what polar bears are,” claims junior Sawyer Vitinaros, a member of the Environmental Club, and the one who initially brought the Willow Project issue to attention at a club meeting in early March.
Among the multitude of issues the environmental club has been addressing all year, this one stands out so clearly because of its dire consequences that could be stopped if it weren't for its approval.
“It's such a big deal because ecosystems are going to be collapsing, people’s homes are going to be taken over and they’ve lived there for years upon years and it’s their home being basically bombarded . [ConocoPhillips is] taking acres upon acres of land that is not even theirs. It's funny because they're not even from [Alaska] originally,” explains Vitinaros.
Among the courses of action the club wanted to take was spreading the petitions for OHS students to sign, though the petitions have proven to be futile and the approval of the project has become an act of betrayal to many who saw Biden as an ally in the fight against the climate crisis.
“Petitions don't really do much because, I mean, they do spread awareness which is a very good thing and people signing them shows that people discourage [the project], but the reason it doesn't work is because there's nobody fighting [directly] against it, so if we call or we bombard them saying ‘hey these people are actually taking more action than just signing something’ then the people in power will actually see it,” Vitininaros says and adds, “It is very upsetting that Biden passed this because he has been saying that in his campaign he would fight for the environment, but he kinda just pushed that aside and let it pass.”
And the disapproval goes further than with just the president.
Both Alaska’s senator and federal lawmakers approve of the president’s actions, backed by many people on social media who cite public pushback from activists as overreacting. Vitinaros doesn’t see it that way, saying “I would think that’s weird to say…’overreacting’? ecosystems are collapsing which means we might not have the same food we have now, we might not have the same animals around, there’s endangered species. You might be like ‘oh, it's just an animal’ but that ruins entire food chains and it's not overreacting, it’s just that it doesn't affect you personally and that’s why you dont think it's important.”
Beyond this, though, there are clear reasons for the greenlighting of the project, such as the creation of many jobs (a big goal for Biden’s administration) and the huge financial gain the economy will experience. According to ConocoPhillips itself, Willow is projected to deliver “$8 billion to $17 billion in revenue for the federal government, the state of Alaska and North Slope Borough communities…and has the potential to create over 2,500 construction jobs and approximately 300 long-term jobs.”
While this is some positive news, it doesn’t do much to sway Vitinaros’ opinion, “I will always advocate against it but I understand why it's going on; I believe America is very power hungry and that we want this oil for economic reasons and for money–it is very selfish.”
The fear outweighs the good projected to occur.
“I am very afraid for indigenous people who live up there [in Alaska] because they'll have to move away. It's also very sad because polar bears, even if they're scared, they stay in their habitat, in their home, so they will die. There's also the climate crisis along with this, there's CO2 emissions along with this,” Vitinaros worries.
Regardless of concerns, the plan is set to cost $8 billion, and will take over 30 years. As of March 2023, there is no current time-frame for when operations will commence—there will be more news to follow on the matter, as it can be assumed ConocoPhillips is eager to begin as soon as possible.
by Malena Pugliese
Staff Editor in Chief
March 2023
One year later. A lot has changed. And nothing will ever be the
same.
Friday, February 24, 2023 marked one year since the Russia-
Ukraine War began. This war has wreaked havoc upon the
people of Ukraine and surrounding territories, and has become
an increasingly global issue with NATO countries helping in the
war efforts as much as they peacefully can.
A great deal has happened since the first day, and reflection
has been on many the mind as more news from the front lines
streams in over 365 days later.
“If democratic countries remain strongly United I feel that this
will send a strong and clear message that no country will
succeed in taking over the land of free and peaceful people,”
claims senior Finn Wohltmann.
The reactions to the conflict beginning were almost as explosive as Russia’s first attacks. The whole world was sent into panic.
“[I thought to myself] how is this going to affect us, you know?” says senior Catabrie Boisvert. Wohltmann was sent into a state of disbelief, explaining “I was surprised by the fact that in our modern and seemingly peaceful world a country would actually attack and attempt to take over another country. I remember that there were articles in the news stating the concern for a possible invasion by Russia in the weeks leading up to the attack but as I think most people, I also didn’t believe that a full scale attack was possible.”
And the personal concern was warranted, as the war’s effects were widespread across the world, everything from price increases on imported goods at the store, to gas prices going through the roof, and countries in Europe taking in refugees and worrying over the potential of being the next target.
Wohltmann’s concerns hit close to home both here and in Europe, as he explains “I have family in Germany which I think was a lot more affected than we here in the US. I also have friends that live in Poland and are thus a lot closer to the action, being a bordering country to Ukraine. They have talked about the concern they have for the possibility of Russia continuing their invasion into Poland. This fear was again increased when a drone from Ukraine crashed not far from their area. These stories have led me to worry for everyone I know as there is many people that are a lot more affected than us here in the US.” He also mentions the uptick in prices, “Energy prices in Europe were a lot more affected leading to concerns to pay for heating and gas.” Similarly, Boisvert has faced issues with costs rising, “The gas prices were insanity…I didn’t leave my house because I’m not paying $5 a gallon. Who’s paying $5 a gallon for gas? [That’s] just crazy.”
Among the obvious destruction and fatalities (8,173 civilian deaths as of March 5th, 2023), especially from the early days of the invasion, Ukraine has had their fair share of small victories, keeping the fire of hope stoked up.
According to the World Economic Forum, in September of last year, Ukraine recaptured a key rail hub supplying the Russian frontline during a counter-offensive attack in the Kharkiv region in the north-east of Ukraine. In November of last year, Russia abandoned Kherson, the only regional capital in Ukraine it had captured back then, the Kherson region being “one of four that Putin had said would be part of Russia ‘forever.’”
In addition to these successes, international support was and still is strong. Since the start of the war, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, European countries have committed a combined 54.9 billion euros in aid to Ukraine, with Germany providing the highest amount. The United States has given the most in grants, valued at 25 billion euros ($26.5 billion), and the aid isn’t stopping as long as the war persists.
“Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 33rd drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021, valued at $400 million,” stated Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on March 3rd, 2023, just a week after the one year anniversary. “This military assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers, which Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, demolitions munitions and equipment, and other maintenance, training, and support.”
And persist the war does–showing no signs of looking up anytime soon.
The extensive destruction is one of the things on Boisvert’s mind, as she says “I think [Ukraine is] going to have to start rebuilding everything once the war stops ‘cause they have nothing now. But we’re also giving them lots of resources so hopefully [the recovery] will be faster and more productive.” In contrast, Wohltmann is more concerned about political relations in the future, “I think that at least for the next decades the threat of a global war will remain heightened and we will again be in a standoff with other countries (Russia/China) similar to the Cold War. I hope that western nations will continue to see the need to support Ukraine to display our strength in standing up for people’s freedoms across the world…The fear that I have is that if the West fails to remain United, and Russia scores decisive victory in Ukraine, that other nations will feel empowered and start attacking their neighbors in an attempt to take over territory. I do strongly hope that the war will be ended quickly and that European nations realize the importance to keep a strong military but the world can return to a peaceful life.”
The EU has sanctioned 1,473 individuals and 205 entities, including Russian president Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov. According to the Council of the European Union, €300 billion in
assets from the Central Bank of Russia have been blocked in the EU and G7 countries, and since February 2022, the EU has banned over €43.9 billion in exported goods to Russia and €91.2 billion in imported goods (49% of exports and 58% of imports). And these sanctions will only get more and more costly to Russia as the invasion continues. This war can end in three ways: either Ukraine wins, Russia wins, or both parties call for a stalemate. Let us remember the hundreds of fatalities, both citizen and soldier, and hope for brighter days in the future.
If you wish to aid Ukraine, please donate to United24, founded in May 2022 by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The initiative distributes funds received to the Ukrainian departments that need them most, including defense, and humanitarian and medical aid programs.
Students on War in Ukraine
Train Wreck impacts MI 1
by Abrianna Carsley
Staff Reporter
March 2023
While the world has many environmental crises going on, there's nothing like adding
more to that list.
On February 3rd, the derailment of a train in East Palestine left drastic effects on the
surrounding environment, as well as surrounding states. The company Norfolk Southern
is responsible for the malfunction of a bearing that caused the derailment releasing
carcinogens.
The chemical Vinyl chloride is an example of one of these carcinogens. This toxic
chemical is not just harmful to animals but humans as well, and can do irreversible
damage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
“Chronic exposure can cause permanent liver injury and liver cancer, neurologic or
behavioral symptoms, and changes to the skin and bones of the hand”.
While this issue occurred in Ohio, it is not just an Ohio issue. It has started to affect
neighboring states as well.
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, the “Shipment of hazardous wastes from East
Palestine, Ohio, train derailment came to Michigan”.
Knowing that these chemicals are bad, large corporations still use them and spread
remains around to other areas.
Chemistry teacher and environmental club starter Ms. Howell at Oxford High School
said, “Vinyl Chloride can leach into the water supply and can also be found in the air”.
If these toxic chemicals invade the environment they will hurt wildlife as well as ourselves. This is because if it's in the air, it can make its way through each organism's bloodstream or cellular stream.
“I hope the impact on wildlife and humans will make corporations stop and think about the need for these dangerous chemicals and if alternatives can be found and used,” said Ms. Howell.
While talking about these catastrophes helps bring conversation, we need to take other sources of action.
Ms. Howell said, “Unfortunately unless corporations are impacted directly, change does not always happen”.
The East Palestine crisis is not the only man-made accident that negatively impacts the environment. There are many, and if these tragedies continue the planet will need more help to fix it. If the plant dies, then everything on it does as well, and if we want a successful future we need to educate ourselves and learn from our mistakes to do better.
What's in a Word?
by Samantha Zeiter
Staff Reporter
Throughout 2022 into 2023, many Oxford students have
picked up on “slang” or certain words off of other kids at
the high school.
Words are many times overlooked as not powerful but if
used the correct way can be detrimental. Many of those
who attend the HIghschool have been bullied at least once
in their life and the most painful part is what others are
saying to them, and in what tone.
Today hopefully you will be informed on a small part of what
students are really thinking when they are saying some of
the words that come out of their mouth.
“In my opinion language is a key part of everyday life, and it
can make a very strong impact on so many things in every person's everyday life,” said Sophomore Jack Curtis.
There are more than 171,146 words in the English language and only about 30,000 in each person’s readily used vocabulary, so many Oxford students would agree some are better than others.
“My favorite word is “Gavi,” because it is the name of a soccer player in which I truly enjoy watching and looking at,” claimed sophomore Dana Lee.
Words have proven to make a strong impact, but this impact isn't always in a positive way.
“Throughout this year kids at the High school have begun using the word, ”slay” i'm not against it, i just believe it is too overused and begin to become annoying,” stated sophomore Ella Bailey.
Overuse of words is beginning to become a little too common at the Highschool.
“The word, “like” is starting to become very aggravating when I hear it at the HIghschool, people think that the word will sound fluent within every sentence in the english language,” said sophomore Charlie Nicholson.
Picking up on what you hear is normal at the high school.
“My favorite thing is when I start hearing my vocabulary seep into my friends' vocab, it's funny to see just how influential we are to each other,” claimed sophomore Kiley Archer.
Overall, words have become very important throughout the past years in Oxford, and many hope that some commonly overused words are stopped from usage and instead words with more thought are used.
by Bailey Strevel
Staff Reporter
February 2023
When thinking about things people can not control, the safest
answer is the weather; However, the more dangerous and
destructive answer is natural disasters.
February 6th 2023, an earthquake hit Turkey. This earthquake in
particular has claimed at least 3, 419 people, and has destroyed
a large sum of buildings in the surrounding area.
With this destructive event taking place not too long ago, how
have the students and staff of Oxford reacted to this tragedy,
and what they believe should be done about it.
In the words of a great Philanthropist, Petra Nemcova, “We
cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with
knowledge: so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was
enough disaster preparedness.
Despite this tragedy taking place in Turkey, it was clear that the
students of Oxford were affected as well. Sophomore, Jacob
Turek shared his reaction to hearing about this unfortunate event.
“It was pretty sad to know a lot of lives were lost in such a
terrible disaster,” he commented.
That’s not all, as some of the staff of Oxford are heartbroken
over this as well. Mr Millard who isn’t a stranger to news also
shared how he felt about the crisis.
“My heart dropped, and my stomach ached with my mouth
agape. My heart just broke at the thought of living through that.”
While Turkey is currently in a state of panic after this abrupt
force of nature, many countries have been willing to give a
helpful hand. The students and teachers affected by said
disaster have graciously passed a few ideas forward, on how
the school could lend a helpful hand as well.
“We could do a food drive, and send them food and water if
they can’t get it themselves”, Jacob suggested.
As a fellow educator Mr Millard seems to agree with the idea of
Oxford High School lending a hand. Suggesting a few ideas
and sharing what he thought about OHS’s good deeds in the past.
“I think there are ways we could reach out. Perhaps gathering up essential resources in gift bags. I’m not sure, but I know our community is very creative in finding ways to help out.”
While no set ideas are currently in place, it’s clear that those in OHS care about the events in Turkey. Some student’s truly seem hopeful in helping those in need at this very moment.
“Hopefully we can help them, and get them through what they’re going through, and hopefully help build their community back”, Jacob added.
In the near future it is hoped that Oxford High School can find a solution and lend a helping hand to the people in Turkey. Until then, the students and staff wish for their safety and well being in these tough times.
Prayers for Turkey
