By Tristan Ange

Mr. Stratton is an iconic role model for a all students wishing to progress in English.

He offers classes comprised of Honors English 10 and Enriched English 11. Both classes contain an ethic that is far beyond the expectation of the student, creating an adequate preparation for upper class and college courses.

Guaranteed novels to read for his tenth grade class are “1984” by George Orwell, “Othello” and “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas and “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury. Novels in eleventh grade consists of short stories from a class literature book and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Discussions among teachers and classmates are a common norm in an educational setting, but Stratton takes it further by providing in depth, elaborate answers and asks questions that most teachers would not dare to ask.

A constructive mind is a must for this class, and if not, do not worry for you will catch on fast. Intuition and a bright tumultuous vocabulary will be apprehended within the first few weeks.

Cheating: do not even think about it. Cheating is on Stratton’s long list of no’s for he always requires students to write their essays in class. A tactic such as this is a prominent tool for the crafting of young students; rehearsing the mind to become responsible, self-reliant and incredibly independent. Websites such as Schmoop and Spark Notes are constantly checked and documented, creating assurance for his students that there will be no easy way out. Working hard and crafting thorough one’s work is a primary goal for Stratton.

The facts remain structural for his many years as an English teacher at Stow High School provide sufficient and well rounded evidence. Many teachers go to this man for help and advice to achieve for their students the same outcome and incentives he displays in his own. He is a legendary icon here at Stow High.

As the cold, snowy weather native to North America reaches it’s end, many people are beginning to feel the effects of the new weather. Girls are trading in their old sweaters for chic tank tops and boys are investing in a new pair of cargo shorts.

Something about the sunshine and cool air have long brought about happier, brighter outlooks on life but according to scientists, the “winter blues” are more than just a state of mind. Bad weather cannot only affect a person’s clothing, but can also alter their state of mind.

Seasonal affective disorder, also known by its appropriate acronym, SAD, is a psychological condition in which a person may experience seasonal depression during periods of bad weather.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, people experience a shift in their biological internal clock […] that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.”

Website mentalhealthamerica.net said, “SAD is more common in people living far from the equator where there is less daylight hours in the winter. The most difficult months for people with SAD in the US seem to be January and February.”

This proves dually horrible for students living far from the equator, such as the students in northeast Ohio. With AP testing week upon some high school students and the bipolar weather constantly threatening the sanctity of springtime, students suffering from SAD can find themselves at the mercy of extreme stress.

Consult a doctor if signs of depression become apparent during periods of cloudy weather. Besides prescription medication, Vitamin D tablets can brighten symptoms of SAD as well as special UV lights.