Tag Archives: Alyssa Book

A look into the past: Pearl Harbor is kept in memories through education

By Blake Dykes and Alyssa Book
 
When Pearl Harbor comes to mind some older generations think “tragedy” while younger generations think of it as a thing of the past.

Seventy-eight-year-old Joyce Becker was nine years old on this horrific day. Becker remembers sitting on a sitting on a swing thinking it was the end of the world.

“I remember rationing over flour, sugar, and coffee,” said Becker. Although at the time that was to the extent that she was affected.

However Becker had an eye opening experience that changed her outlook on this event.

“It has really affected me now since I have seen the memorial and watched Japanese people get on the ships and laugh; it was very upsetting. The Americans were in agony, and the Japanese were laughing.”

For the people that were not alive during Pearl Harbor, the only knowledge they have is taught through school rather than experience like Becker.

“I don’t think people think about it as much as they used to so it doesn’t come up as much,” said senior Alex Engleman.

Although this is not a recent event, the United States still has a day to honor Pearl Harbor.

Becker continued by saying that the memorials held every year keep this memory in the forefront of Americans.

Junior Parker Lyons sees this event fading out yet recognizes the importance.

“I think it weighs a lot with the generation before ours, but I will say that its importance and weight is fading as time goes by and more kids don’t take interest in our history as a nation.”

Even if the memories fade, the scar with always remain for America.

Lyons added, “With the loss of life of that magnitude there will always be a portion of America that will honor it.”

A look into the past: 2008 election retains relevance through social media and historical factors

By: Alyssa Book and Blake Dykes

November 4, 2008 was a day that went down in history. This day, the very first African-American was elected president. During this political time much controversy was taking place. Whether voting for Barack Obama or not, everyone was involved in some way or another.

“I remember the bitter competition, not only in the general election but in the primaries as well. I supported Barack Obama throughout the entire campaign. I also remember when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate and the controversy surrounding her and her family,” said senior Austin Wirth.

However some were greatly affected by this November day; younger children did not realize the importance of the election and what it meant for their future.

Highand Hills sixth grader Kamryn Plaiss was barely seven on the day of election and does not feel that it has impacted her personally.

Despite her young age, her memories still included feelings of the election.

  “I think maybe people were mad at first but gave Obama a chance and found out everything is for the best,” said Plaiss.

Beyond the fierce competition to run the country, there were many reasons Americans thought of this as one of the most important days.

“It was big because our country was facing a recession and war, so we needed a leader who could change our country’s direction,” said junior Gordon Heltzel.

As the election is now four years behind us, the issue of the first African American president is still being made relevant through social media.

Wirth agreed social media has a profound effect on the election.

“I think we found what a huge impact the internet can have on an election. Websites like YouTube made presidential debates available to be watched by anyone at any time. The Internet was a massive resource for candidates to spread their messages.”

A look into the past: introduction into new series

By Blake Dykes and Alyssa Book

From generation to generation crucial events seem to fade over time and lose their significance.
This week the Bagpiper will revisit drastic moments that have shaped the world and reveal the personal stories behind them. These events include: The Vietnam War, Pearl Harbor, The Holocaust, 9/11, the 2008 Election, the space shuttle tragedy in the 1980s, the Berlin Wall falling, and Hurricane Katrina.

Make sure you check in every day this week for a new addition to this series.

Weekly playlist: spring fever

By: Alyssa Book and Chase Gosman

This week A&E is heating things up with this week’s spring playlist. This mix is all about spring fever.

1. “We Are Young” by Fun. feat. Janelle Monae

2. “Daylight” by Matt & Kim

3. “Part of Me” by Katy Perry

4. “Domino” by Jessie J

5. “I Can Get Back Up Now” by You, Me and Everyone We Know

6. “Brighter Than the Sun” by Colbie Caillat

7. “Don’t Stop ( Color On the Walls)” by Foster the People

8. “I Don’t Want This Night to End” by Luke Bryan

Weekly playlist honors fallen superstar

By Jared Murray and Alyssa Book

This week A&E is honoring the late Whitney Houston with a playlist centering on her classic records that have lasted through generations. Houston, who has sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide, is most well-known for her powerful, multi-octave voice.

1) “I Will Always Love You”
2) “Greatest Love Of All”
3) “How Will I Know”
4) “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
5) “Saving All My Love For You”
6) “So Emotional”
7) “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?”
8) “How Will I Know”