by Aria H.
Some people scroll for hours on their digital devices, but Sydney S. doesn’t; instead, she uses her time by reading and doing other fun activities! Sydney S. is a 7th grader who loves to read and just last year, read about 178 books, and this year so far, about 21 books! According to an article by Dimitrije Curcic, the average person reads about 12.5 books a year, including books they started but didn’t finish, meaning Sydney just last year read about 14 times more books than the average person, which is pretty impressive.
I interviewed her to get deeper into her world and to learn more about how she can do this! First, I asked what she does in her free time, unlike how others go on digital devices. She answered, "I read and spend time with my animals in my free time.” Then I asked her if she had a favorite genre or book, and she smiled and said, “My favorite genre is mystery, and my favorite book is Twilight.” I also asked her, since she reads so many books, whether she buys most of them, and if so, where she keeps them, or if she donates them. She replied with, “I buy lots of books, but I also go to the library a lot, and I have a bookshelf in my room, but I read so much and buy so many books that I can’t keep all of them. I get rid of any books that I don’t want to reread and keep all the books I love enough to reread.”
Other than reading, I asked, What are your hobbies? She answered, “Other than reading, I enjoy writing my own stories, scrapbooking, drawing, hanging out with my sisters, and playing with my animals outside.” Then I lastly asked whether you would change anything about how you read or your efficiency? She answered, “No, I love having every story I read be a part of me, and I think I’m efficient enough.” If you’re lucky enough to work with Sydney or pass her in the hallway, make sure you ask her about what book she’s reading right now because she goes through them a lot!
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This is the online newspaper for Yankton Middle School in Yankton, SD. Stories are written by student staff members.
Showing posts with label Aria H.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aria H.. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2026
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Hot Versus Cold
by Aria H.
Many people have strong opinions about the weather, especially when it comes to choosing between summer and winter. Some enjoy cold temperatures and snow, while others prefer sunshine and warm days. To see what YMS teachers think, I decided to interview staff members about their favorite weather.
First, I interviewed Mr. Hohn, a sixth-grade social studies teacher. I asked him whether he likes a hot summer or a cold winter, and he responded with a smile, "I would have to say warmer weather because it allows me to go out more and to be outside. I love to travel as well, so summer tends to be the ideal time for me to do that." I agree that summer weather is the perfect time to travel and hang out with family!
Then I asked a seventh-grade teacher named Mrs. Stanosheck. I asked her the same question, and she answered, "While both have their pros and cons, I prefer chilly weather to hot weather. One of my favorite outdoor activities is sitting by the fire pit in my backyard and hanging out with my family or reading a book. This is most comfortable when it is cold outside. When it's extremely cold, I enjoy cuddling up in my house with a good book or TV show." I agree with this different opinion! Resting after a long day, you always have a chilly outdoor time waiting for you! Soon after I asked Mrs. Stanosheck, I asked Mrs. Ryken, an eighth-grade math teacher. I asked what her preferred weather is, and she responded, "I would say I prefer a hot summer." I agree with this opinion too! A lovely hot summer can accommodate you in endless activities!
Of all the teachers I interviewed, they enjoy hot weather more than cold. What do you prefer?
Many people have strong opinions about the weather, especially when it comes to choosing between summer and winter. Some enjoy cold temperatures and snow, while others prefer sunshine and warm days. To see what YMS teachers think, I decided to interview staff members about their favorite weather.
First, I interviewed Mr. Hohn, a sixth-grade social studies teacher. I asked him whether he likes a hot summer or a cold winter, and he responded with a smile, "I would have to say warmer weather because it allows me to go out more and to be outside. I love to travel as well, so summer tends to be the ideal time for me to do that." I agree that summer weather is the perfect time to travel and hang out with family!
Then I asked a seventh-grade teacher named Mrs. Stanosheck. I asked her the same question, and she answered, "While both have their pros and cons, I prefer chilly weather to hot weather. One of my favorite outdoor activities is sitting by the fire pit in my backyard and hanging out with my family or reading a book. This is most comfortable when it is cold outside. When it's extremely cold, I enjoy cuddling up in my house with a good book or TV show." I agree with this different opinion! Resting after a long day, you always have a chilly outdoor time waiting for you! Soon after I asked Mrs. Stanosheck, I asked Mrs. Ryken, an eighth-grade math teacher. I asked what her preferred weather is, and she responded, "I would say I prefer a hot summer." I agree with this opinion too! A lovely hot summer can accommodate you in endless activities!
Of all the teachers I interviewed, they enjoy hot weather more than cold. What do you prefer?
Friday, January 9, 2026
Winter Activities
by Aria H.
As the temperature drops and winter sets in, YMS students find ways to enjoy themselves inside or out! This winter, I interviewed YMS students about their favorite cold-weather activities! For some, that can mean drinking a warm mug of hot chocolate—marshmallows slowly sinking into the chocolaty dessert, snuggled up on the couch, watching the snow peacefully drift on the tree tops, or for others, bundling in snow gear with family and sledding, making memories they'll never forget!
First I interviewed Stella H., a sixth grade student. I asked her what her favorite winter activity was and she answered joyfully, “I love playing club volleyball and going to fun tournaments with my friends and teammates!”
Then I asked Asher P., a seventh grade student and he answered, “ For me, my favorite winter activity is wrestling, to the long bus rides to laughing with friends at practice to everything inbeteween.” With all these sports this question should be what’s your favorite winter sport!
Lastly I asked Lacey, an eighth grade student and she answered, “I love going to the ice rink and skating with my friends!”
Although their activities are different, each student shared something in common: spending winter doing what they love with people who matter to them!
As the temperature drops and winter sets in, YMS students find ways to enjoy themselves inside or out! This winter, I interviewed YMS students about their favorite cold-weather activities! For some, that can mean drinking a warm mug of hot chocolate—marshmallows slowly sinking into the chocolaty dessert, snuggled up on the couch, watching the snow peacefully drift on the tree tops, or for others, bundling in snow gear with family and sledding, making memories they'll never forget!
First I interviewed Stella H., a sixth grade student. I asked her what her favorite winter activity was and she answered joyfully, “I love playing club volleyball and going to fun tournaments with my friends and teammates!”
Then I asked Asher P., a seventh grade student and he answered, “ For me, my favorite winter activity is wrestling, to the long bus rides to laughing with friends at practice to everything inbeteween.” With all these sports this question should be what’s your favorite winter sport!
Lastly I asked Lacey, an eighth grade student and she answered, “I love going to the ice rink and skating with my friends!”
Although their activities are different, each student shared something in common: spending winter doing what they love with people who matter to them!
Friday, November 7, 2025
Monday, November 3, 2025
Girls Basketball Starts!
by Aria H.
On October 20th, 2025, girls basketball officially tipped off at Yankton Middle School! Basketball is a fast-paced, teamwork-driven sport that requires skill, coordination, and dedication. It was first introduced to women in 1892 at Smith College—just one year after the sport itself was invented. No wonder so many young athletes are eager to join this season!
To learn more about the excitement surrounding this year’s team, I interviewed a few of the players.
First, I spoke with Jocelyn H.
I began by asking, “Are you excited for the season to start?”
She smiled and answered, “Yes, because it gives me something to do during the school year.”
I followed up with, “What do you think you’re best at in basketball?”
Without hesitation, Jocelyn replied, “I think I’m best at shooting!”
She also told me that she played last year — and when I asked why she decided to join again, Jocelyn said, “Because I played basketball last year and I enjoyed it!”
It’s always inspiring to see someone stick with something they truly love.
I then got the chance to talk with Nora B., one of the players on the seventh-grade basketball team. My first question for her was, “Are you excited for the season to start?” She grinned and said enthusiastically, “Yes!”
When I asked what she thought she was best at in basketball, Nora replied, “I think I’m best at shooting from the block.” She told me she also played basketball last year, so this isn’t her first season on the court.
Finally, I asked why she decided to sign up again this year. With a big smile, she said, “I signed up for basketball because it’s my favorite sport, and it’s the one I think I’m best at.”
After our chat, I thanked her for her time and headed off feeling excited for the season ahead too.
As the season gets underway, it’s clear that the Yankton Middle School girls’ basketball team is ready to give it their all. With teamwork, determination, and plenty of school spirit, these players are sure to make this season one to remember. Go Gazelles!
On October 20th, 2025, girls basketball officially tipped off at Yankton Middle School! Basketball is a fast-paced, teamwork-driven sport that requires skill, coordination, and dedication. It was first introduced to women in 1892 at Smith College—just one year after the sport itself was invented. No wonder so many young athletes are eager to join this season!
To learn more about the excitement surrounding this year’s team, I interviewed a few of the players.
First, I spoke with Jocelyn H.
I began by asking, “Are you excited for the season to start?”
She smiled and answered, “Yes, because it gives me something to do during the school year.”
I followed up with, “What do you think you’re best at in basketball?”
Without hesitation, Jocelyn replied, “I think I’m best at shooting!”
She also told me that she played last year — and when I asked why she decided to join again, Jocelyn said, “Because I played basketball last year and I enjoyed it!”
It’s always inspiring to see someone stick with something they truly love.
I then got the chance to talk with Nora B., one of the players on the seventh-grade basketball team. My first question for her was, “Are you excited for the season to start?” She grinned and said enthusiastically, “Yes!”
When I asked what she thought she was best at in basketball, Nora replied, “I think I’m best at shooting from the block.” She told me she also played basketball last year, so this isn’t her first season on the court.
Finally, I asked why she decided to sign up again this year. With a big smile, she said, “I signed up for basketball because it’s my favorite sport, and it’s the one I think I’m best at.”
After our chat, I thanked her for her time and headed off feeling excited for the season ahead too.
As the season gets underway, it’s clear that the Yankton Middle School girls’ basketball team is ready to give it their all. With teamwork, determination, and plenty of school spirit, these players are sure to make this season one to remember. Go Gazelles!
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