Christopher Dello Russo Wins Gold Key at 2020 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are given to young artists and writers who are enrolled in high school that have exceptional artistic skills and literary talents. Students across North America can submit to any of the 29 categories; and, in 2019, over 320,000 works were submitted to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards contest. Students from public schools, private schools, and students who are homeschooled are all welcome to submit something to any of the 29 categories. About 300,000 dollars is given out every year for scholarships to the winners.
Winners are recognized at a local ceremony near the student’s school district. However, top placers, titled Gold Key winners, move on from this ceremony to a national contest. If selected nationally, these students are honored with an award presentation in New York City at Carnegie Hall.
Durant High School student Christopher Dello Russo, a 2020 Gold Key winner for poetry and short stories, said he likes to write about horror and comedy. Dello Russo said he writes because he enjoys writing. Dello Russo began writing in fifth grade after reading the Percy Jackson book series, which encouraged him to read more fiction books.
Dello Russo said his English teachers inspired him to write more and so he submitted to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Dello Russo also said “I thought I had a good chance at winning a Gold Key and when I won, it was a pleasant surprise.” Now that Dello Russo has won a Gold Key, it makes him proud that he has been recognized as a winner.
Dello Russo said “writing as a job is a perfect way of making me stop enjoying it, so I’ll keep it as a hobby.” Dello Russo does not plan to go to New York City where all of the winners are honored, but is satisfied with his level of recognition.
Jordan Dabbour is a junior at Durant High School and is Advertising Business Manager for the PawPrint newspaper. He is an avid sports fan, and loves to...
Durant Theatre Company Steals the Show
Durant Theater Company
The Durant Theatre Company is filled with many talented directors, producers, singers, dancers, and, of course, actors and actresses. This group of remarkable students has put in so much hard work into their productions, kicking off the 2019 – 2020 school year with their play Brainstorm: A Journey Inside the Teenage Mind. While everyone in this organization has a very important role no matter what it is, Durant’s theatre productions would not be possible without the approach of backstage crew.
The backstage crew, also known as stagehands, works to ensure that shows operate and run smoothly. Stagehands do everything from taking care of the props all the way to controlling the lights and sounds, and through all that the backstage crew does; they create the charm of theatre. Destiny Kyer, a senior at Durant who has done both acting and stagehand work, spoke to the importance of this kind of work.
“The backstage crew is incredibly important. Without tech, we would not have our sounds and lights; without stage, our scenes would not be ready in a timely manner, and nothing would flow together.”
“The backstage crew is incredibly important. Without tech, we would not have our sounds and lights; without stage, our scenes would not be ready in a timely manner, and nothing would flow together.””
With many seniors leaving the Durant Theatre Company as they graduate this year, they have to pass down their traditions to the underclassmen to keep the spirit of Durant theatre alive. Destiny Kyer remarked about their traditions that the Durant Theatre Company upholds.
“We do have a tradition, but it’s meant to be secret so when we have newbies they can get excited when it happens. It does happen before every show though.”
It is not just the traditions that are being passed down by the seniors, but also their knowledge. Jordan Maddock is a freshman at Durant and has been involved in only one Durant theatre production so far as a stagehand, but plans to be in more in the future; she spoke about learning the ins and outs of learning from the seniors.
“Our amazing tech, Gage Torgerson, has taught me everything I know as far as sound board, lighting, repairs, and how important it is to getting our shows running smoothly.”
It looks like the future of the Durant Theatre Company is in good hands thanks to the seniors.
The last show of the 2019 – 2020 school year was going to be Godspell, but, unfortunately, the Coronavirus outbreak caused a cancellation in a lot of school functions and field trips, including this play. While this was a huge disappointment for the Durant Theatre Company, they decided to look on the bright side of their situation by participating in The Coronavirus Time Capsule. This non-profit organization called Company Three is located in London, England and is all about teenagers expressing themselves through theater. Company Three has created a new mission for teens all over the world who are involved in theatre to create a time capsule filled with all the different ways these creative teenagers decided to do while in quarantine. Morgan Manigold is a senior at Durant and an active member of the Durant Theatre Company.
Manigold stated, “It is a great project to really document what this time was like for highly social and creative people like theatre kids … and how they dealt with it, and it is really cool to see how differently it is dealt with around the world.”
Morgan Manigold went on to explain that every week there is a new theme that everyone documents and submits to keep adding to the time capsule. To see the Durant Theatre Company’s weekly submissions for their time capsule, go to www.companythree.co.uk and check them out.
Overall, it has been a successful school year for the Durant Theatre Company. They had a fantastic production at the beginning of the year that not only was a big hit for the students at Durant, but also went on to win a “Superior” title at the District 9 One-Act Festival at USF; and while everything did not go as planned for the theater company as the end of the year drew closer, they closed it off by turning a negative situation into a positive one with their amazing time capsule project. The 2019 – 2020 year for the Durant Theatre Company is definitely one for the books.
Disney Springs Prepares to Reopen
Courtesy of Walt Disney
As Florida eases social distancing regulations, Disney Springs will be the first major attraction in Florida to reopen.
On Thursday, May 7, Walt Disney World Company made a statement that they will begin to reopen the Disney Springs shopping center in accordance with the current government and CDC guidelines in place.
The parks had originally closed on March 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic as an effort to help flatten the curve and keep guests safe. Late evening on Thursday, the Vice President of Disney Springs Matt Simon announced the partial reopening of Disney Springs.
The area will begin opening by using a series of phases making sure to keep all cast members, employees, and guests as safe as possible. No word has yet been stated on what exact stores or restaurants will be opening at this time.
The reopening of the springs is scheduled to begin on May 20, 2020, while the rest of the theme parks are currently planning on remaining closed with no plan to reopen in the near future. The initial opening phase will include limitations on capacity, parking, and operating hours.
The reopening will have new implemented safety measures including increased cleaning procedures, face coverings required by members of the cast and the visiting guests, and limited contact with guest services. Cast members will be required to attend additional safety training to help prepare for the reopening and return to work.
Simon states that the company will begin to use “learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries” and has been communicating with their unions on the proper ways to go about the shopping center’s reopening.
According to FOX 35, the reopening of the center will be partially modeled after the reopening at Shanghai’s Disney Town, a modified version of Disney Springs, which had reopened in early March, and Shanghai’s Disneyland, set to open May 11.
The measures that were put in place on this park included a limited capacity of 30%, requirements for getting guests temperature checked at all entrances, and mandatory masks to be worn by guests. FOX 35 also states that visitors will be required to pass a health screening via a mobile app. Many await the results of this opening in hopes of it shortening the timeline of the phases, causing the parks to open quicker.
Disney plans additional information considering procedures and protocols to be announced closer to the opening date. As the date draws closer they recommend checking DisneySprings.com for more up to date information.
Faith Miller is a senior at Durant High School and is a Staff Writer for the Durant PawPrint. This year will be her fourth season on the varsity Durant...
Taylor Swift Feuds with Big Machine Label Group
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Swift’s struggle with Big Machine continues amidst the pandemic.
Ten months after a very public social media feud, Taylor Swift is begging fans not to buy her new album- Live From Clear Channel Stripped 2008-a recording of her 2008 live radio performance. Swift claims the album is being released by Big Machine Label Group without her consent and is “just another case of shameless greed in the time of Coronavirus.”
In the Instagram story, Swift claims entertainment executive Scott “Scooter” Braun is broke after buying Big Machine Records which gave him control of her previous masters- a collection of over 90 of her hits.
“It looks to me like Scooter Braun and his financial backers, 23 Capital, Alex Soros and the Soros family, and the Carlyle Group have seen the latest balance sheets and realized that paying $300 million for my music wasn’t exactly a wise choice and they need money,” she said in the post.
The music mayhem began in June of 2019 when Braun and his group bought Big Machine Label Group from Scott Borchetta, who signed Swift at the start of her career when she was 15. Braun already owned the music from Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Kanye West (West and Tay-Tay have had an equally public singer’s spat for the last 11 years). She has accused Braun of backing her social media “bullies,” such as Bieber and West, causing her hostility towards the sale.
The record deal row continued into the winter when Swift was nominated for Artist of the Decade by the American Music Academy. Her performance on the nationally televised awards program was set to include the songs she had written over the last ten years, such as Shake It Off and Love Story. Braun, however, argued she could not do so, at least, not without permission from the Big Machine Label Group.
After Swift used her fan base, dubbed “Swifties,” to beg Braun to let her perform her own music, Braun gave into the demands of the social media protest and allowed Swift to perform her hits at the awards show.
Braun said, after the concession, that he would not participate in the social media drama but posted his response on Instagram later that day. In the lengthy Instagram post, Braun urged Swift to meet with him so he could talk to her personally. He referenced death threats he and his family have received since their spat made headlines and said he never intended to make her feel “cornered or bullied.”
Swift seemed to address the spat with Braun when she opened with her new single “The Man,” wearing a t-shirt with the titles of her albums now owned by Braun. While she did not directly mention Braun, like Taylor’s refrains, the message was loud and clear- she and Braun were never ever getting back together.
The singers’ squabble prompted other celebrities to take sides, but the alliances were predictable. Swift’s best friend Selena Gomez and other supporters, such as Halsey, publicly declared their allegiance to Miss Americana, while Braun’s clients, such as Kanye West, sided with the entertainment executive.
Since the sale to Braun, Swift, whose deal with Big Machine expired, has signed with Universal Music Group/Republic, who says she will own the rights to all her future masters recorded with them. However, the April 2020 release of the radio performance proves the pop singer has no control over her original masters and will be forced to fight with Braun if she hopes to ever control them again.
Lily Belcher is a junior at Durant High School and is the Editor in Chief for the PawPrint. She is freelancing for the Osprey Observer this year and hopes...
A CW Limited Series Reflects COVID-19 Conditions
Courtesy of the CW
Like many CW shows, this one captivates audiences from the start.
In 2016 the CW aired a show called “Containment,” the show only had one season with 13, 42 minute episodes. The show is based on the Belgian show Cordon that aired in 2014. The show follows the outbreak of a deadly virus in Atlanta, and to limit the spread the CDC sets up a cordon sanitaire. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the series reflects the harsh realities society is dealing with. The show is more enjoyable as the audience can relate to being contained.
There are very few flaws within the show. My biggest grievance with the show is the lack of resolution at the end. Viewers of the show never receive closure for how the epidemic ends or what happens to the characters. While there is an inspirational speech that ends the season, it does not truly resolve anything for the remaining characters.
My secondary grievance is that some of the science is a little messy. The virus mutates quicker than possible in real life. Within days of the outbreak there are multiple strands of the virus being transmitted. Also, when the show begins experimenting with a cure, the rules of blood transfusions went out the window. To receive a blood transfusion both the donor and the recipient must have the same blood type, otherwise the antibodies will attack the new blood, hurting the recipient rather than helping.
The show does a lot of things very well. The characters are one of the show’s best aspects. There is so much diversity, various races, ages and socio-economic classes represented within the show. The characters are easy to relate to and sympathize with. For example, one of the protagonists, Major Lex Carnahan, is just a police officer trying to do his duties, while dealing with the fact that the love of his life is stuck within the cordon. Many people during social distancing can relate to being separated from loved ones.
The show also does a good job of showing how the government would handle an epidemic. The government takes the necessary action to prevent the spread of the virus. They kept the cordon up and encouraged isolation, despite the anger of those being quarantined, the government remained firm in their solutions, something our governments can learn from.
The show also does a wonderful job of showing how dangerous a virus can be. The show takes the time to explain how the virus is spread so easily in an urban society, the show emphasizes the spread of the disease through all bodily fluids. A sneeze or a kiss would be enough to get infected.
In addition to the transmission, the show explains the origins of the virus and how it was created, but that would be a major spoiler. The origins of the virus, the conspiracy and the truth are both real fears of the government and general public. The virus itself is not a major spoiler, so the virus is a manipulated strand of avian flu. This shows the dangers of manipulating diseases because it could escape and start an epidemic,
While the disease in the show is quite gruesome as the deaths involve blood and whole body tremors, it is still an interesting show that combines sci-fi, romance, action and drama. While not all characters receive happy endings, the show is worth the investment. If you are bored during social distancing, it is one of many CW shows that can be found on Netflix.
Angelique Robinson is a senior at Durant and is Web Editor for the PawPrint newspaper. She loves writing creative pieces, as well as more serious articles...
Local Couple Wins LEGO Masters
Courtesy of Geek Tyrant
Tyler and Amy Clites were the winners of the first season of FOX’s LEGO Masters and $100,000.
Wednesday, April 15th local couple Tyler and Amy Clites from Bradenton FL were announced as FOX’s LEGO Masters.
FOX’s “LEGO Masters” is a competition show where teams are eliminated one by one over a span of ten episodes. Teams of two compete in a series of timed challenges creating masterpieces made out of LEGO’s.
Each episode contained its own theme, inspiring builders as they plan their builds. The show is hosted by Will Arnett, voice of Batman in “LEGO Movie”, and judged by “BrickMasters” Amy Corbett and Jamie Berard.. “LEGO Masters” airs each Wednesday on FOX at 9pm.
The winners were announced Wednesday during the final episode after a 24-hour free build challenge. Much to their surprise, Tyler and Amy Clites were declared as this seasons LEGO Masters and received the 100,000-dollar prize.
During an interview with FOX News’ Charlie Belcher, the couple explained their excitement upon receiving this honor. They state that as they were standing there before the judges, they were mentally rehearsing their second-place speech, expecting not to win. Amy states that as she heard her named called by the “BrickMasters”, she felt that it “stopped her heart completely”. Tyler explains similar emotions stating that he was “just blown away” after hearing they had won.
They also explained the difficulty of keeping this secret until the episode had aired, since it was filmed ahead of time. Amy explains this was always causing them to think about who they were with, who knew, and who did not. They say that they had to live in balance and learn to be mindful of their conversations and who they are with.
As the couple readjust to life at home, they share their plans for what they plan to use their prize money on. They explain on the show and in the interview that they are currently renting, and the space has become too small for them, especially with a baby on the way. After joking about going to Vegas, they state how they are planning on buying a bigger home for themselves and preparing for their baby boy coming this summer.
The couple talks about how all the time they spent building with LEGOS had prepared them for the show, and now they don’t exactly know what is next for their family, but it will definitely be including LEGOS. The show has announced that it will be returning for another season with new contestants and challenges and is currently casting at http://legomasters.tv/.
Faith Miller is a senior at Durant High School and is a Staff Writer for the Durant PawPrint. This year will be her fourth season on the varsity Durant...
Hyde Park at a Glance
With this gallery, journey through Hyde Park without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Marina Hawkins is a junior at Durant and is the Photo Editor and the Social Media Coordinator for the PawPrint newspaper. She is also part of the Varsity...
News Updates Besides COVID-19
Wade Payne, Associated Press
Beloved country singer Kenny Rogers sadly passed away of natural causes at 81 years old.
COUNTRY MUSIC LOSES ONE OF ITS FINEST
Country Music star Kenny Rogers died on March 20th in his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Known for blurring the line between country and pop music, Rogers’ music career lasted 60 years beginning with his 1957 single “That Crazy Feeling.” Rogers spent the early years of his career in a jazz band and later a folk music band, but his solo career took off in 1978 with “Lucille,” winning him the first of four Grammy Awards. Rogers released his last song, “Once Again Its Christmas,” in 2015 and went on his final tour in three days later, visiting only five cities.
Rogers was briefly hospitalized in May of 2019 for dehydration, but afterwards said he planned on “sticking around through the years to come.” However, Rogers passed under the care of hospice from natural causes according to a family spokesman.
Celebrities took to the internet mourning the death of the county legend, including Dolly Parton, who sang the hit duet “Islands in the Stream” with Rogers. “I love Kenny with all my heart. My heart is broken,” she said.
Sarah Trahern, chief executive officer of the Country Music Association, spoke of his fame, saying, “He was a global superstar who helped introduce country music to audiences around the world.”
The Gambler is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
TOM BRADYT AND THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Future NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady, 42, signed a two-year contract worthy of up to $59 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2020 season on March 20th. After spending his first 20 years with the New England Patriots and earning six Superbowl rings, Brady comes to the Bucs “excited, humbled, and hungry,” per his official announcement of the deal on Instagram.
Brady has made nine Superbowl appearances, but joins the Bucs, who currently have the second-longest active playoff drought and only one Superbowl win. The Buccaneers are looking forward an added spark of the leadership as well as the postseason experience Brady can bring to the team. Following the signing, Bucs second year head coach Bruce Arians said, “Tom is the most successful quarterback in the history, but what makes special is his ability to make those around him better.”
Tampa fans have high hopes going into the 2020 season while Boston fans mourn the loss of their football star. Codey Winters, a Buccaneers fan commented on the Twitter announcement, saying “This is the start of something special.” Jeff Fuller, a Patriots fan, commented, saying, “From Pats fan to Bucs fan, you guys are getting the hardest working and greatest QB ever.”
FIRST LAUNCH OF THE UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE
President Trump signed legislation creating the US Space Force December 20th, 2019, thus creating the sixth branch of US armed forces. The Space Force is the first addition to the Armed Forces since 1947, when President Truman created the Air Force. The Space Force will maintain US dominance in space by collecting information and relaying communications around the world.
On March 26th, the first national security mission of the USSF launched the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite (AEHF) from Port Canaveral. A representative for Lockheed Martin, the contractor for the AEHF satellite, released a statement saying, “The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system provides vastly improved global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters operating on ground, sea and air platforms. The jam-resistant system also serves international partners including Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.”
After a short delay Thursday afternoon due to a misreading of the hydraulic equipment, the rocket was launched with the satellite from the east coast of Florida. The information that will be communicated from the satellite should last beyond 2030, according to Lieutenant General John F Thompson, Commander of the Space and Missiles Systems Centre in California.
DISNEY WELCOMES ZEBRA FILLY AND PORCUPETTE
Although Disney has closed its doors to humans in the wake of the Coronavirus, they are still welcoming new animal guests to their parks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently welcomed a female young porcupine and zebra foal to the park, making the announcement on their Instagram page.
The baby porcupine, or porcupette, was born on February 25th to mother Peri. Peri was featured during her pregnancy with vet Natalie Mylniczenko on the “One Day at Disney” documentary on Disney+. The prehensile tail porcupette will become part of the Species Survival Plan, a plan to preserve threatened or endangered species. The Disney veterinary team tested her small, red quills to determine her gender. Peri and her mother are staying at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station.
Just after the birth of the young porcupine, Disney’s zebra mother, Heidi, welcomed her first offspring. The zebra foal is yet to be named, but, according to reports, is strong and healthy. The 65-pound filly was standing within a half hour of being born. Mark Penning, the Vice President of Animals, Science, and Environment at Disney’s parks, said the foal will take the next few weeks to bond with her mother. The baby will have the chance to memorize her mother’s scent and unique markings before being introduced to the Kilimanjaro Safari’s Savannah.
Lily Belcher is a junior at Durant High School and is the Editor in Chief for the PawPrint. She is freelancing for the Osprey Observer this year and hopes...
The Garden
The following is a work of fiction, all similarities between indviduals or corporations are all coincidents. This is not based on true events.
In Riverside, California the legacy of the Parker family has preserved since the founding of the city. The family is famous for providing the city with locally sourced produce. Beau Parker controls the family legacy.
Beau has a beautiful and kind wife, Molly. The two met 17 years ago at 18 years-old and married nine years ago at 26 years-old. Together they have a son and a daughter, who will be raised to care for the farm the way their ancestors had in the past.
Beau’s day begins at 6 a.m, as he begins tending to the animals. From the barn’s central control room Beau sets the feeders to release feed mixes for the chickens, pigs and goats. Then he makes sure the cattle and horses are grazing as he milks the three cows.
After completing his early morning chores, Beau checks the mail, then returns to the house to have breakfast with his family.
As Beau flips through the mail, he passes bills, advertisements and coupons but the final envelope is from Ellison Wood, a name Beau had grown to despise. For the last five years, Ellison has tried to buy the farm from Beau.
Ellison Wood is the CEO and majority shareholder in Wood Inc. and wants to buy the land the farm sits on.
The farm rests at the center of the city, it is surrounded by sky-high buildings and highways that create a perpetual smog. The land is valuable but not worth selling in the eyes of the Parker family.
Despite the grey atmosphere of the urban city, the smog is unable to penetrate the farm. The air is always crisp, clean and fresh with the smell of soil, fruits and natural fertilizer. The smell reminds Beau of what the farm means to him: home. He grew up in the same house he is raising his children in.
Beau enters the house and walks to the kitchen where Molly sits feeding their daughter. He throws away the advertisements, puts the coupons on the counter, puts the bills where he will sit and hands the letter from Ellison Wood to Molly.
“When will this woman quit?” Beau asks his wife.
“Have you ever sent her a formal rejection?” She gives him a knowing look.
“I’ll read the offer and then respond, it would be rude not to address her offer in the rejection letter.”
Beau opens the letter and reads it to Molly:
To the Parker family,
I know I have contacted you about the acquisition of your land previously, but as those inquiries have not elicited a response, I feel inclined to contact you again.
I would like to buy the land the Parker Farm rests on, this includes the land the barn and home rest on. If this land is acquired it will be converted into a new headquarters in addition to a new parking garage
I would like to offer your family five million dollars for the land. It would cover the cost of your current land, a new home and proper transportation for the animals to a rural area.
As a member of this city, I appreciate the hard work the Parker family has put in to provide nourishment to the people of Riverside and I hope using new urban farming techniques your family will continue to do so from a new facility.
I would like to hear from your family soon in regards to my offer. I hope we can benefit each other.
Best wishes,
Ellison Wood
C.E.O.
Woods Inc.
“Can you believe the nerve of that woman! How dare she insult the family legacy?!”
“I understand your frustration but not in front of the kids. Just reply with clear intent that you have no interest in selling your family legacy.”
“You’re right. I am sorry for yelling in front of you guys. I am going to take a walk around the field to clear my head.”
He gives Molly a quick kiss, and kisses each child on the forehead. He exits the house to go to the fields. In the fields a variety of fruits and vegetables are growing. When he was a young boy his father always taught him that the field was the best place to clear your head.
His father would say, “The fields are the garden of the farm. God couldn’t take Eden from Adam and Eve and no one will ever take this from you.”
Angelique Robinson is a senior at Durant and is Web Editor for the PawPrint newspaper. She loves writing creative pieces, as well as more serious articles...
Disney expands Disney World Parks
Courtesy of Disney Parks
The global phenomenon, “Star Wars” is one of several beloved Disney films recieving an attraction.
Walt Disney world has been making dreams come true since 1971, and continues to do that to this day. This beloved theme park is constantly expanding their horizons, and trying to outdo itself by creating new attractions to their park.
One of the most recent attractions that has been added to Walt Disney World has been the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Galaxy’s Edge is based on the Star Wars films, and has much to offer its travelers that visit the land.
There are two new rides within this land: one is called Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and the other is called Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
On Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests get to participate in the storyline of the ride, almost like they are actually in the movie. Visitors have the choices of being an engineer, gunner, or pilot in this ride, and each role has a certain job that interacts with the ride.
On Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, there is more to the attraction than just the ride itself. Gusts get to experience the attraction in the line with cast members participating in a storyline to make visitors feel as if they are apart of the Star Wars saga.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge not only has thrilling rides, but also some mind blowing experiences. Galaxy’s Edge has workshops where guests are able to create their own custom light saber and can build a specially made droid. Guests can also visit Oga’s Cantina to have a little taste of what it is like to be apart of Star Wars. With all of the experience Galaxy’s Edge has to offer, no one will ever want to leave. When guests visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they are in their own Star Wars story.
Galaxy’s Edge is not the only thing that Walt Disney World has up their sleeve. On March 4, 2020, the newest ride at Walt Disney World opened and people are lining up for this anticipated attraction. The latest attraction is called Mickey and Minnie‘s Runaway Railway, and like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the ride is also located in Hollywood Studios.
This attraction is the first ride to be based off of Disney’s main characters; it will feature The Fab Five: Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Minnie Mouse, and, of course the man himself, Mickey Mouse. In this ride, guests will be able to go on an adventure with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse filled with twists and turns around every corner.
Mickey and Minnie‘s Runaway Railway replace The Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater, which is bittersweet because while Disney lost such an iconic attraction they have created this brand new ride that will live up to the guests’ expectations.
These are not the only things that Disney is doing to expand their theme park. In Disney’s Epcot, there is a whole lot more to expect in the upcoming years. Currently, Epcot is building their latest attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, in their World Showcase.
The ride will open the summer of 2020, and will be located in the France area of the World Showcase. Epcot is expanding far and wide to include a full lineup of new attractions, including, but not limited to, a Mary Poppins attraction, a Moana experience, a Guardians of the Galaxy ride, and so much more.
Victoria’s Secret Undergoes Major Changes
Business Insider
As the CEO of Tory Burch, Mehas seemed like an obvious chioce to be the new CEO of Victoria’s Secret.
One of the most popular women’s clothing stores has been undergoing some company changes including the step down of the current CEO, Jan Singer. Victoria’s Secret has been highly known in women’s lingerie and beauty products for many years.
The “Angels” of the company promote the styles by holding an annual televised fashion show. However, after more than two decades of the annual show the angel era has come to an end. The show has went the opposite direction of want customers wanted when becoming ever sexier but with low quality.
Recently the company has been struggling in sales due to competition and style interest changing. They have lost over 3.8 million customers to rivals like Amazon and American Eagle’s Aerie, hurting their business tremendously. Other big retailers including Target and Walmart along with new online startups like Adore me have also affected the decrease in sales.
These other companies have given customers a variety of more sizes for an everyday fit that branch out to more women, they also make it more affordable while still providing the comfort. With that, the company will gain the new CEO, John Mehas, who plans to make major changes in order to keep up with rising competition.
One huge change is the closing of 53 of the company’s stores, still leaving more than 950 stores in the United States. Big changes in advertisement have been rethought, to relate to the “everyday women” that are represented by other companies in order to draw them back into shopping at Victoria’s Secret.
By having the Angels represent the entire Victoria’s Secret brand, the company created a limited view of the typical customer. Many women feel uncomfortable buying from a company that doesn’t include a wider variety of sizes that represent the brand. Model figures in their advertisements create insecurities due to many customers not fitting the guidelines as to what an “acceptable”size/body type is, shown in their advertisements and social aspects of branding.
Mehas who is also currently the president of Tory Burch has a plan to move forward with the company with his strong background in managing business. He clarifies that “Our number one priority is improving performance at Victoria’s Secret Lingerie and PINK. In doing so, our new leaders are coming in with a fresh perspective and looking at everything… our marketing, brand positioning, internal talent, real estate portfolio and cost structure.”
Wanting to bring the company into a new phase that fits women demands Mehas has taken many suggestions for the brand into thought.
In 2016 Victoria Secret had discontinued their swim line to focus on other clothing lines, however, in 2019 the much-loved swim brand has made a come back introducing new bikinis and one pieces. Many of the lines have change slightly to hopefully increase the sales and increase the number of customers to where it once was.
Marina Hawkins is a junior at Durant and is the Photo Editor and the Social Media Coordinator for the PawPrint newspaper. She is also part of the Varsity...
A Weekend With Adamari
In this new video, see how Staff Writer Adamari Jaimez has fun on the weekends. Stay tuned for the next weekend with the PawPrint staff.
