West Springfield High School Newspaper

The Oracle
West Springfield High School Newspaper

The Oracle
West Springfield High School Newspaper

The Oracle
SPORTS
The Girls Cross Country team posing together for a group photo after competing at the Nike Cross Regionals (NXR). After sweeping first place at Districts and Regionals, they finished third at States and finished third in an unusually small field of 10 teams at NXR.
Girls Cross Country dominance continues
Robbie Kugler, Viewpoint Editor • December 16, 2021
The Boys Cross Country team posing at Regionals. They swept first place at District and Regionals this year, powered primarily by the efforts of their senior runners.
A swan song for XC seniors
Robbie Kugler, Viewpoint Editor • December 16, 2021
George Mason, similar to other programs within the area, faces a new season full of change and challenges.
College basketball tips off locally
Robert Morrison, Sports Editor • December 16, 2021
  • West Springfield
    61
    James Madison
    64
    Dec 12 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    24
    James Madison
    43
    Dec 10 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    76
    John Lewis (Season Opener)
    63
    Dec 6 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    56
    John Lewis
    22
    Dec 6 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    44
    Westfield
    42
    Dec 4 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    32
    Meridian
    45
    Dec 2 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    59
    Annandale
    53
    Nov 30 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    50
    Colonial Forge (Season Opener)
    21
    Nov 30 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    40
    Episcopal
    69
    Nov 29 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • West Springfield
    28
    Fairfax
    42
    Nov 5 / Varsity Football
VIEWPOINT
Mariah Carey’s fourth studio album, “Merry Christmas,” which features seven covers and three original songs. Despite garnering a mixed reception upon release, the album itself has largely become overshadowed by the iconic single “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” ASCAPs number one most-played holiday song in 2020.
The inescapable trap of soulless Christmas music
Robbie Kugler, Viewpoint Editor • December 16, 2021

This year, all I want for Christmas is to not be forced to listen to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Is that too much...

According to Lee and Low Books, diversity has gone up in publishing in recent years, with bookshelves seeing 3% more POC and 7% more LGBTQIA authors in 2019 since 2015. Despite the inclusivity within modern literature, authors are still just as susceptible to censorship in talking about their own experiences than they were in the past.
The hypocrisy of book banning in FCPS libraries
Editorial • December 16, 2021
When high school apply for jobs, they willingly give up a great amount of free time and freedom in exchange for a paycheck which can be used for lifestyle or financial reasons.
Working students' dilemma
Brendan Talbot, ETC. Editor • December 16, 2021
FEATURES
Fall leaf colors of red, orange, and yellow finally revealed themselves in November. Compared to past years where the leaves started to change in October and September, this autumnal tradition arrived late.
Eco-anxiety and students: a dreadful duo
Christina Nies, Features Editor • December 16, 2021

Irregularly high temperatures and extreme weather conditions haven’t been the only things making students sweat. Although climate change may...

Naderpoor gathers diapers, clothes, and shoes for different drives that aim to help Afghan refugees by giving them the different things they need to live a great life here in Northern Virginia.
Students aid Afghan refugees
Abigail Beyene, Editor-in-Chief • December 16, 2021
Another fun seasonal activity to do with family and friends that adds the benefit of yummy treats at the end.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Emma Goldkopf, Scoop Editor • December 16, 2021
ENTERTAINMENT
“Happy Home Paradise” includes a new currency, Poki, as well as new scenes, design options, and facilities. It is available for purchase starting November 5th, for $24.99.
Animal Crossing's update energizes fans
Christina Nies, Features Editor • December 16, 2021

The Nintendo game “Animal Crossing New Horizons” (ACNH) has been updated to include many new features for players to enjoy. “I thought...

Since the release of “Easy on Me”, Adele has been featured on the cover of US Vogue and UK Vogue simultaneously. Her double feature is the first time in history the sister publications featured the same singer in the same month.
Adele solidifies her spot in student’s hearts
Saharla Mohamoud, News Editor • December 16, 2021
Alec Baldwin expressed horror at the shooting and called it a “one in a trillion episode.” Even then, serious caution and care prevents fatal incidents like the one on “Rust” from taking place.
"Rust" incident shows importance of safety on set
Leah Abraham, Staff Writer • December 16, 2021
ETC.
Deviant Stickers.
Holiday gift-giving guide
Anne Foote, Jr. Sports Editor • December 17, 2021
The sun setting at just 5:13 p.m. One of the most common causes of winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is the shorter days, as that increasing lack of sunlight can have a very negative effect on a person’s health.
‘Tis the season to be depressed
Robbie Kugler, Viewpoint Editor • December 16, 2021
A political cartoon depicting brave soldiers fighting for child voting rights nationwide. If your local community isnt holding any teen voting rallies in the near future, start one.
Declaration of kiddependance
Brendan Talbot, ETC. Editor • December 16, 2021
The Amazon Fresh store in Kingstowne is the only one like it in the Fairfax area, featuring a new way to shop with no lines or checkout, simply walk out. Customers check in with the Amazon Shopping app on their phone, grab their groceries, and exit the store as all items are automatically detected, added to a virtual cart, and charged for later.
Amazon tyranny: a future monopoly in the making?
Chloe Jad, Staff Writer • December 16, 2021

The Oracle
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