Emma Schultz
Folk is an often overlooked genre in modern day music. John Vincent III, with his unique but homey ambient folk sound, is one of those artists who should be better recognized by the public.
John, who is originally from Ohio, began with his album “Mountain Sounds” in 2015. His hit song from that album was, “Lost / Inside Our Minds,” a lighthearted tune about exploring the West. The song’s upbeat and inspiring narrative is what makes it continue to be a success among fans of John Vincent III.
A common theme among popular songs of his are the stories behind them involving leaving home or travelling. This easily relates to his demographic of teens and young adults.
For example, his newest song, “Slow Song,” which was released Jan. 17 includes the line, “Mother, how are you doing? I’m sorry that I left you. I’m trying to find my way I promise that I’ll be home soon.”
This could pertain to a young adult such as himself who has left home in search of finding new opportunities at the expense of his family missing him. This is a common predicament for young adults in general and for anyone who seeks a new way of life.
While “Slow Song” can be considered more sad compared to John Vincent’s other songs, it is still hopeful. The hope and promise for the future is shown in the lines, “And I put my faith in my own hands/ See where I go/ I threw my fears into the ocean hoping that they’d be washed away.”
Although the future is scary, having faith in oneself is always what will carry one through a difficult situation in the end.
Another single that came out recently in 2018 is “Next To You,” a song that captures the hopefulness of young love and the circumstances it can lead to. With impressive, expressive vocals and a talented band behind him, John Vincent conveys to a young audience the thrill of finding “the one.”
The restlessness of this song encapsulates the immediate and spontaneous aspects of being young and in love. The lines, “You said you loved me/ But what does that mean?” show how innocent and new this love is due to inexperience and even immaturity.
Later in the song, John lets his love know that he is not going anywhere: “‘Cause when I lay my head to rest/ I hope that it’s always next to you.” This reassures the listener by showing that although this love seems almost flighty at first, but they will be there for each other regardless of where they end up.
The audio for “Next To You” can be found on Youtube and Spotify, while the live performance of “Slow Song” can be found on Youtube and the audio on Spotify.
Although not as greatly recognized as other popular folk rock bands such as The Lumineers or The Head and the Heart, John Vincent III is a talented artist who should be recognized for his growth over the years. He has a lot to say for anyone who is willing to listen.
All posts by Stohion Staff
Boys Basketball Season
Brianna Doctor
After a rough start to the season, the boys basketball team has made a tremendous effort to end the season with a winning record.
With a record of 9-9, the team has practiced hard after school and on weekends to improve their skills in hopes of winning more games. Senior and captain, Evan Bainbridge, believes they are motivated them to be better.
“The season is going alright, but I know it can be better. We had a rough start to the season, but I think we finally have the momentum we need to do go in playoffs,” Bainbridge said.
From beginning to now, the team has changed drastically with new additions and skills, but the team is still hoping to grow.
“[Senior] Jack Wilson, who is one of our main guys, was out for six games at the beginning of the season. Since he has returned, he has brought a different energy which has helped us win more games,” Bainbridge said.
Making improvements for the rest of the season starts with practice. The team has been putting in the work during all of their practices, so they can improve in time for playoffs.
“Practices have been going well. We hope to start playing more as a team, so we can end our season strong, and hopefully, we can make a big run in the playoffs as the underdogs,” Bainbridge said.
As the team itself works to improve their dynamic, Bainbridge has been focusing on himself. He hopes to help the team by improving how he plays against other opponents.
“A lot of teams look to face guard me and take me out of games, so I have been trying to improve my game to be able to impact the game in different ways to help us win,” Bainbridge said.
Throughout the season some players have experienced minor setbacks. For junior, Christopher Miller, he is sadly out for the rest of the season because of issues with his hands
“Being injured this season has really helped me put things into perspective. I have never really known what it’s like to be out and how much it would affect me. I’ve had to view everything like practices and games in a different way,” Miller said.
Since Miller has been out, he has learned different skills that he would not have had he still been playing. Being injured has given him the chance to improve skills that are not physical but mental.
“I have really learned how to be a positive influence. I have also learned how to listen better and give more advice in time of need,” Miller said.
Although he will not be able to contribute anything to the team on the court for the rest of the season, Miller hopes to start improving for his senior season as soon as possible.
“I am going to participate in AAU this season and get a private trainer. I want to continue to improve and build chemistry with the rest of the team after the season to prepare for next year,” Miller said.
Miller hopes to see the team improve for the rest of this season, and he hopes the team next year starts working towards their goals for next year.
“I have very high expectations for next year. I want to lead the team in a positive way. I hope that we play together well, and I want us to always be on the same page. Hopefully the team sticks together, and we can be brothers on and off the court,” Miller said.
Come out and see the boys on senior night as they take on Saint Ignatius at home Saturday, Feb. 23.
The Vegan Experience
Abby Kuhns
Many people in 2019 chose to commit to live a vegan lifestyle. These people, in other words, choose not to eat or use any products from animals such as fur, milk, eggs or meat.
As a part of my news years resolution I decided to try and live vegan for two weeks. I ate a fair share of salads and a bunch of fruits during this time.
The most difficult part was eating simple items such as a granola bar because it contained honey. I did have the opportunity to try zucchini pasta which I would not normally eat.
The absolute best food item I tried was bagel “Halo Top” ice cream. It tasted the exact same at typical ice cream but with coconut milk instead of regular milk, and it was quite delicious.
A large amount of vegan options I tried is very unique to say the least; however, I was not a huge fan of all of it. It was hard trying to eat out because even items like salad I would have to take off egg, meat, cheese and change the dressing to make sure it had no animal products.
I give a lot of credit to the people who can commit to living a vegan lifestyle because it was a challenging process for me and I had many times where I just wanted to reach for that cookie with butter, milk and eggs.
In my opinion, I would not recommend completely changing one’s lifestyle to vegan if one has lived life eating and using animal products.
The transition is difficult and most definitely takes time to become accustomed to. I think if I would have progressed from omnivore to vegetarian to pescatarian to vegan I would have done much better with the food options I had.
Goals of Our Swim Team
Abigail Kuhns
At the beginning of the season head coach, Monica Sincel, noted their main goals: to send a relay to States, maintain a balanced diet, have a 92% attendance rate and in addition, maintain a GPA average of 3.0 or higher.
Now headed into post-season senior, Alex Schoenberg, has set a goal of his own: to compete in the state meet before he leaves Stow.
Last season, Alex qualified to districts in four events and with the help of his teammates wants to see how far he can go.
Throughout this year, Alex has focused on weightlifting and eating healthier to be able to reach his goals. Sophomore Luke Novak also has aspirations of sending some of his teammates along with himself to the state meet by relays and individually.
“To improve this season I tried to set my goals as early as possible. I use these goals every day in practice as motivation,” Luke said.
Luke has goals of breaking the school 200 meter record and to stand on the podium at districts. He also plans to continue his swimming career after high school at a division one school like Oakland University.
Junior Elysia Gabbas had some setbacks last season but came into this season determined to make a change for herself and her team.
“The changes I made this season were having a more positive attitude coming into the season and putting everything I have into each practice. I also, personally, am swimming long course and working on my technique to prepare for postseason and senior year,” Elysia stated.
Stow’s swimming team currently holds a 6-2 record in the conference heading into postseason as a team.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING--Anyone can call the tip line: 1-844-723-3764 or email safehs@smfschools.org 