Oxford High School Shooting devastates
On Nov. 30, what was supposed to be another day at Oxford High School in Michigan turned into a devastating tragedy. Sophomore Ethan Crumbley opened fire outside the school bathroom. He then moved through a hallway, shooting students in the halls and classrooms killing four students, and injuring eight others. Crumbley is now facing two dozen charges, including first-degree murder, terrorism, and various counts of assault. The shooting victims are 14- year- old Hana St. Juliana, 16- year- old Tate Myre, 17- year- old Madison Baldwin, and 17- year- old Justin Shilling. St. Juliana was a dedicated Oxford basketball player, described as having a silly personality and a kind heart. Myre was an excellent football player and was described as a great young man with a bright future. Baldwin was a beautiful, smart, sweet artist who loved to draw, read and write. Justin was the co-captain of his bowling team and has been described as an exemplary employee, a devoted friend and co-worker, and simply a pleasure to be around. The school and town are still recovering from this deadly shooting.
Omicron Coronavirus Variant continues to spread
Countries worldwide are experiencing cases of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. This new variant has prompted concerns among many scientists and public health officials because it is carrying a high number of mutations that are making it more transmissible to vaccines. The new variant was first detected in specimens collected in Botswana and South Africa and has now spread to over ten states in the United States. Boris Johnson says that this new variant is spreading much faster than any other variant, but it is less dangerous. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. Currently, it is unknown how efficiently the Omicron variant can spread from person to person. Scientists are learning more about Omicron every day.
Miss India wins Miss Universe
On Dec. 12, Harnaaz Sandu won Miss Universe, bringing home the title after 21 years. She is the third Indian woman to win the title, after Sushmita Sen who won in 1944 and Lara Dutta who won in 2000. Both the previous winners congratulated Sandu, stating that they are so proud of her. Sandu started modelling at a young age, gradually making her way into beauty pageants. She is also an actor who has starred in many Punjabi films. Sandhu says that her inspiration is her mother who “broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynecologist and led her family.” Sandu is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, especially their rights to education, careers, and freedom of choice.
First Black woman to win national diving title
Kristen Hayden became the first black woman to win a U.S. national senior title at the USA Diving Winter National Championships. Hayden has been diving since she was 10 years old and is very passionate about the sport. She paired up with Quinn Henninger for a victory in mixed synchronized 3-meter. Hayden is also the first Black American diver to earn a bid to the world championships in May, which takes place in Japan. She is a founding member of USA Diving’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. Hayden says that she hopes to be a good example for young Black Americans or any other minorities.
Elon Musk named person of the year
Elon Musk, the CEO of aerospace company SpaceX and car company Tesla, was named the Person of the Year by Time magazine. The title goes to the person who has most affected the news and other people, and embodied what was important about the year. The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Edward Felsenthal, stated, “For creating solutions to an existential crisis, for embodying the possibilities and the perils of the age of tech titans, for driving society’s most daring and disruptive transformations, Elon Musk is TIME’s 2021 Person of the Year.” Along with Elon Musk, Olivia Rodrigo was named “Entertainer of the Year,” Simone Biles was named “Athlete of the Year,” and vaccine scientists were named “Heroes of the Year.”
