It premiered in North America on

the CW on October 10, 2012. In the series

Queen does not go by the allies “Green ar-

row” until the fourth season. The series takes

a new look at the Green Arrow character, as

well as other characters from the DC Comics

universe. Although Oliver Queen/Green

Arrow had been featured in the television

series Smallville from 2006 to 2011, the producers decided to start clean and find a new actor to por-

tray the character. Arrow focuses on the humanity of Oliver Queen, and how he was changed by time

spent shipwrecked on an island. Most episodes have flashback scenes to the five years in which Oli-

ver was missing. Arrow has received generally positive reviews from critics, and was the CW's high-

est-rated new series in five years.

The series averaged about 3.68 million viewers over the course of the first season, and has

received three awards and multiple nominations. The series follows Oliver Queen, a billionaire

of Starling city, who spends five years shipwrecked on a mysterious island. His return to Starling

City, he is reunited with his mother, Moira Queen, his sister Thea Queen and his friend, Tommy

Merlyn.

The first season focuses on Oliver rekindling his relationships and spending his nights hunt-

ing down and sometimes killing wealthy criminals as a hooded vigilante. He uncovers Malcolm Mer-

lyn's conspiracy to destroy "The Glades" a poorer section of the city that has become overridden with

crime. John Diggle and Felicity Smoak assist Oliver in his crusade. It’s now continued to the fourth

season making a big hit with viewers. Seeing different costume changes, people, and more action are

some things that you will be able to see watching it.

The Cast include Stephan Amell as Oliver Queen and the Arrow. Katherine Evelyn Anita

"Katie" Cassidy who stars as Laurel Lance. Emily Bett Rickards a Canadian actress known for Felic-

ity Smoak in the series. Willa Holland as Thea Queen and David Ramsey as John Diggle. In the Re-

cent season of the arrow Oliver has discovered he is a father of a young boy. This show also has been

tied in with the Hit series The Flash. The shows crossed over helping each other fight crime. In doing

so this season Oliver has ran for Mayor of Starling city while also planning the proposal of his love

Felicity Smoake.

By: Alexis Harrell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrow_(TV_series)

Arrow

Inside this issue:

Holidays in December 2

Co-op & Early Grad 3

College Football 4

Mr. Wolters 5

4-Wheeler vs RZR 6

Midwest Furfest 2015 7-9

Christmas 10

Volume 4, Issue 4

December

COUGARS TIMES Winchester High School

Page 2 Volume 4, Issue 4

Holidays in December

December has many different holidays.

These include Christmas, Hanukkah, and

Kwanzaa. The holidays differ greatly from each

other. They all have different traditions and are

from different cultures.

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This holiday is on December 25. This

holiday is celebrated with songs, plays, presents, and by putting a Christmas tree in the house and decorating it. Some

celebrate this holiday with a man named Santa Claus who brings presents and puts them under the Christmas tree. The

star on top of the Christmas tree represents the star of Bethlehem that was said to lead the three wise men to baby Je-

sus.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the Western African di-

aspora in the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture and is observed from

December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to

one of the following principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics,

purpose, creativity, and faith.. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa)

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights and eight days. A candle is lit on each of the days of

Hanukkah. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the

time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Hanukkah festivities include playing dreidel and eating

oil-based foods such as doughnuts and latkes.

These are the three main holidays of December that are celebrated every year. They all celebrate dif-

ferent things and they are all major parts of the cultures from which they come from.

By: Ben Alred

Cougars Times Page 3

Co-op & Early Grad

Are you one of those kids that don't like to be at

school? Are you just ready to get out of school and start doing something you want to do? Well I was. As a sophomore, we signed

up for classes that we wanted to take our junior year, I always tried to get the credits/class I needed before taking a class I didn't

need.

There is a course that is called cooperative education (co-op). If you chose to take this class, it is a class that you will have

to take your junior and senior year. Your junior year course will work with students to discuss and teach the skills needed to seek

and obtain employment, such as job search skills, job application techniques, and interviewing skills. Issues discussed will include:

How do I get a job without experience? and How do I get experience without having a job?

In your senior year class of co-op you will learn about budgeting, taxes, savings, and plans for financial security, applying

for and maintaining good credit, investing and general information concerning the world of work. As a senior for you to be able to

leave for work you must have an employable job experience prior to the add/drop deadline. Students also must maintain passing

grades in all subjects including the previous semester to continue participation in the co-op program.

Also as a senior you also have a choice to graduate early. It is a great program if you are ready to start the next chapter in your life.

As a senior, was ready to get out and start my college career earlier and to be one step ahead. It is something you should think about

before you begin your senior year. As you are registering for school you will let Mrs. Lashmett know if you are interested in it and

you will have to go over your schedule and your credits to make sure you will have enough credits come the end of December. After

you go over all the information you will have to go to the September board meeting and tell them why you are wanting to graduate

early and they will tell you right then if you have been approved or declined.

By: Nicole Eddinger

Page 4

Volume 4, Issue 4

College Football Playoffs

It’s the end of the regular season and start of the Bowl season. The best college football programs in the nation gear up

for their final game of the season and it’s an all-out sprint to win a covenant bowl title. However, there are four teams

who are vying for 2 more games, and they have proven that they are the four best teams in the nation. In the second

annual College Football Playoffs, Clemson (1), Alabama (2), Michigan State (3), and Oklahoma (4) all have shots to

be named National Champions.

Clemson

Clemson is the number one team in the nation, so that should make them the clear cut favorite in winning the

National title right? Wrong. Clemson is taking their official number one rank and is going to be playing, by most peo-

ple’s standards, the true number one team in the nation, number four Oklahoma. Deshawn Watson, Clemson’s quarter-

back, is a force to be reckoned with as he posted 5 total TDs in the ACC conference championship against North Caro-

lina. His dual threat capabilities are going to be a pain for Oklahoma’s mean defense, and it will be an interesting

matchup.

Alabama

Déjà vu. Oh wait, it’s Alabama in the running for another national title. Where to begin: with the Heisman

candidate Derrick Henry who has been the backbone of Alabama’s offense, or the projected winner of the Bednarik

Award, LB Reggie Ragland who has posted 90 tackles for the best defense in the nation. There are just so many weap-

ons on both sides of the ball that Alabama can lean on that it makes any team they play cringe. Heck, most of their 2nd

stringers could start on most other nationally ranked teams. The fact is that Alabama is one of the most familiar faces

in the National Championship game for a reason, and that reason is the amount of talent in depth on this team.

Michigan State

Who has probably the best resume in the playoffs this year? Probably the Michigan State Spartans. Granted,

their one loss was to Nebraska, but their big time wins far outweigh the one loss. A botch punt gave them the win

against Michigan and they dominated the game against defending national champs, Ohio State. A touchdown with 27

seconds left in the game against, at the time number four Iowa, sealed their ticket to the playoffs. This team is physical

and will want to run the football. To beat these guys, you are going to have to take them out in a hurry and exploit their

2nd rate defensive secondary.

Oklahoma

These guys are by far the scariest team in

the playoffs, and for good reason. This team, sim-

ilar to Alabama, has more weapons on their of-

fense than some smaller Division 1 conferences.

Expect any team these guys to play to have a very

tired and demoralized defense as they can drive

the ball for six minutes or put up huge amounts of

points very quickly.

By: Jachob Barnes

Predictions

(4) Oklahoma 38 - (1) Clemson 28

(2) Alabama 27 - (3) Michigan State 16

Cougars Times Page 5

Mr. Wolters

Mr. Wolters is an art teacher at Winchester School

District. He’s the only teacher that gets to see the kids

growing up throughout the years. When asked if he liked

teaching here, he said that he did, “Who wouldn’t like

teaching here? Winchester is a small town school with a

friendly bunch of kids. Most of the kids like Mr. Wolters

because of his outstanding attitude. He’s very outgoing

and has a really good sense of humor.

Since he’s very good with teaching students of all

ages, I asked him in his interview if this was his first

school teaching at, and he said; “This is the only school I have taught full-time in. I subbed

at other schools before taking this job.” So that explains why he’s so good with teaching stu-

dents.

When asked his favorite thing about his job he said, “I get to see the students grow

from year to year. I am the only teacher in the whole district that gets to see the students

from Kindergarten through High School.” Having the opportunity to see students grow up

and reach their potential must be the part of any teachers job. This is especially so when the

teacher is one of the reasons that students are able to excel at what they do and reach their

full potential and do outstanding things.

When asked why he chose this career he said “I was working in the Insurance field

and realized I hated it. I decided I had to make a change and knew I liked art. I was not too

sure about working with kids at first, but quickly grew to love it.” Mr. Wolters is good at his

job and he is able to create some very cool and neat designs. He also said that he wouldn’t

mind teaching at the college level, but it would be very hard to imagine not being at Win-

chester.

By: Joey Neff

Page 6 Volume 4, Issue 4

4-Wheeler vs RZR

The benefits of having a side by side or RZR over

having a 4 wheeler are: when one rides a RZR in extreme

trails. They are safer if you turn one over because you have a

roll cage. In a RZR you can buy a 4 point harness to strap

yourself in. Also, when you're riding a 4 wheeler you are ex-

hausted by the end of the day from riding it. Whereas in a

RZR you have power steering and a seat to sit in all day, you can relax.

It also makes it nice that you can order a full cab for the RZR so when you're riding in the summer you can

take your full windshield off and put a half windshield on to move some air through the RZR. You can also take off

the windows in the doors to move more air. However, the full cab makes it nice in the winter when plowing snow.

You can sit and enjoy the heat. It's also nice to have the bed of the RZR to carry chainsaws to make new trails, or

tools in case of break downs. You can also buy a sound system that goes up into the roof of the RZR, which is also

nice and out of the way.

It also makes it nice when you have a friend that wants to go riding with you because they can just sit there

and ride. However, when you are on a 4 wheeler, they have to lean back and watch for sticks so you don’t get hit by

them. Also when you take someone riding, you are responsible for their safety. Most of the time the people do not

know how to bail off of a 4 wheeler and get away from it if it started to roll or turn over. Therefore, a RZR is safer;

because it has at least a seatbelt, and you can also buy harnesses. They are strapped into the roll cage, and that is

safer than a 4 wheeler.

There are a lot of reasons why I think , RZRs are better than 4 wheelers. However there is one thing that

keeps most of us from buying one, is the price. For a stock 1000 RZR can be priced from $16,000 to $18000. The

older they get, the more used ones start popping up with a decent amount of miles on them. You can buy a nice 800s

RZR for around $8000. By: Alex Rueter

Cougars Times Page 7

Midwest Furfest 2015 By Alexis Davidson

First, let me give you a quick crash course lesson on Furriers. Furriers

are a subculture of people who are particularly interested in anthropomorphic

animals, or animas with human like characteristics. The subculture is primari-

ly based around aspects of art both for mainstream cartoon characters to Origi-

nal Characters or “OC’s”. One of the most prominent aspects of the Furry

Fandom is its conventions, which ranges from small local one day meets to

large elaborate all weekend long events. The second largest in the world being

Midwest Furfest (MWFF) which is located right here in Illinois in Chicago.

The convention is held annually on the first weekend of December (Friday through Sunday) at the Hyatt Regency

O’Hare in Rosemont Illinois. Although the convention itself only lasts 3 days Furries from all over the world start arriving days in

advance I personally know of a group who flew all the way from Australia to come to this convention. I personally had the expe-

rience of visiting this convention a few short days ago. So let me walk you through my experience.

It started with me waking up at 4 in the morning as so I could be ready when my friends came to pick me up. So began

the very long and cramped 4 hour long car ride to the convention. Along the way we, and by we I mean, Hodge, Ashton, and Biv,

and I told stories and got to know each other better since I had never stayed with this quirky group before. It was a blast, that is

until the last 30 minutes of our journey where we were in such anticipation of arriving it was hart to sit still. Then we saw it, the

convention hotel. It was only 9am and there where already people outside in costume. It was at the moment my true excitement

kicked in, I couldn’t wait to go inside, but we had to park.

Parking was a fiasco that weekend being that the only free parking was 2 blocks away, which isn’t the most convenient

thing for wearing a costume. Despite this parking spot 145 was our lucky spot the entire weekend. It was the closest parking spot

to the convention center, At this point, I was frantically trying to get out of the car! I wanted to go, but I had to help my friends

get into costume, which was an experience I was going to save for later for myself. After getting Hodge and Ashton suited up ,we

headed toward the Hyatt.

After the short walk (it never felt short especially when I had been in costume all day), we were there at the

front doors. I paused just for a moment to look through the glass at the convention inside. It felt strange for a moment, and then, I

went inside.

Page 8 Volume 4, Issue 4

I walked into the main lobby area of the hotel which was on 2 levels I looked up to see the enclosed balco-

nies and the bridges leading from the center of the hotel elevator. I was amazed, and then it hit me, walked into the

main lobby area of the hotel which was on 2 levels, I looked up to see the enclosed balconies and the bridges leading

from the center of the hotel elevator. I was amazed, and then it hit me: I had this overwhelming sense of peace. Now,

I know that’s a strange thing to say, but I couldn’t help to think “I’m home”. I had my moment and then decided it

was time to start looking for friends.

I headed into a main event hallway that was full of people in costume, I thought I’d never find anyone I

knew, until I spotted a familiar teal and black tail. The following encounter went something like this, “NEKO!!!!”

“OMG IS THAT ORBIS?! HEY GIRL!!!” I kid you not. Neko has been a longtime friend of mine who always has

the best stories to tell. It was a pleasant surprise to see him there because the last I heard he wasn’t going to be able to

make the convention. I ended up running into him and his boyfriend several times during the convention, all of which

generally made my time better.

I chatted with him for a moment before going on the search for more friends. I said hello to a few cosplayers I

follow on social media before I finally saw a true familiar face. I quickly called her name and chased her down. She

was in costume, so I had to wave to get her attention. I caught up to her and was greeted with the Furry equivalent of

a handshake, a hug. I asked if she knew who I was, but she was a bit confused, so I told her, “Its me Orbis, from Ga-

lactic Creation.” This was flowed by a “NOWAY!” on her part. Xida was my first ever customer. She bought the

first ever costume I sold, and I still commend her for that. She was the beginning of it all for my business. It was

pleasant to actually meet her in person since she lives in Minnesota.

I moved on doing the same thing for the next few

hours, meeting people and greeting friends. I was pretty tired,

and hungry at this point, which was pretty perfect because it

was time to check into our hotel room! My only complaint of

the entire weekend was that the hotel was 2 miles away give

or take. This was most inconvenient because I love to go out

in costume; so, it was difficult to manage my time in and out

of suit. Regardless it was nice!

Page 9

Volume 4, Issue 4

After a quick break, it was time to go out in costume, and I was excited! We got back to the convention hotel,

and I burst out of the car. I walked around the convention center squeaking and chirping to match my character Orbis, a

galactic dragon, or a “space goat” for those of you who are less imaginative. I made a lot of people smile, and I had a lot

of people ask to take my picture, which is one of the biggest complements at a convention.

One of my favorite memories was meeting a group of 3 younger girls who absolutely adored me. They thought I

was beautiful. It made me happy to watch their eyes light up when I made a cute friendly gesture letting them know it

was ok for them to look at my paws. It always makes me happy when people enjoy me while I’m in costume. Its why I

do it. After nearly 5 hours in costume, it was time for sleep. It is very tiring to wear costume such as these.

Saturday, the busiest day of the convention,

the fursuit parade, games, and rave happens. We

woke up bright and early, and everyone got suited up.

We walked around doing the usual, entertaining the

crowd. Later, it was time for the parade and group

photo. We managed to pack 1,376 people in costume

into one picture and then file out hand in hand through

the convention space for all the people to take pictures. It was the highlight of my convention.

After that, my convention experience slowed down. I got together with some old friends and we took some pic-

tures among the trees wrapped in Christmas lights. Sunday came with all the heart felt goodbyes. It was sad to have

to go around to all those that I knew and tell them I was leaving. It is always hard to leave a convention, leave my

normal. However I made great memories, and I will never forget my first MFF experience.

Page 10

Volume 4, Issue 4

Christmas Christmas is a religious and cultural cele-

bration to billions of people around the world. This

celebration is observed by many Christians and

non-Christians. Christmas Day is an annual cele-

bration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is held

on December 25. Although the month and date of

Jesus' birth is unknown, in early-to-mid 4th century

the Western Christian Church had placed Christ-

mas on December 25. Some celebrations may in-

clude family and other social gatherings, gift giv-

ing, and Church services. Some modern holiday

customs may also include completing an Advent

calendar or Advent wreath, Christmas music and

caroling, a special meal, and the display of various

Christmas decorations.

The symbolic decorations include Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes, garlands, wreaths, mistletoe, and hol-

ly. A tradition in several homes is a display of Christmas villages during this season. Some houses are decorated on the

outside with lights, illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Other traditional decorations also in-

clude bells, candles, candy canes, stockings, and angels. Christmas wreaths are designed to prepare Christians for the

Advent season. Candles placed within each window of the house are to demonstrate the fact that Christians believe that

Jesus Christ is the ultimate light of the world. In some places throughout the world Christmas decorations are tradition-

ally taken down on Twelfth Night, the evening of January 5.

Everyone knows that Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas is known to come around this time of year, but did you

know he has also been named as Father Christmas, and Christkind. Santa Claus brings gifts to children during the

Christmas season. Unfortunately, the holiday has become a significant event for retailers and businesses to announce

big sales. Christmas is a factor in the economy has grown steadily over the past few centuries.

The following information can be found at:

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christmas-true-meaning.html

The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and

only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world

to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this in-

credible act of love.

The real Christmas story is the story of God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did

God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does

God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8). Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of grati-

tude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially

conscious of the poor and less fortunate.

The true meaning of Christmas is love. God loved His own and provided a way—the only Way—for us to spend

eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free

from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we

were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

By: Kayden Savage