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The Viking Saga

The Student News Site of East Lyme High School

The Viking Saga

The Viking Saga

The Viking Saga

Sophia VanDerMaelen

Sophia VanDerMaelen, Editor-in-Chief

Hello everyone! As an Editor-in-Chief this 2024-2025 school year, I plan to bring fun and impactful pieces to the Saga, provide readers with unique and aesthetically pleasing pages, and shed light on important topics in our community. As the Features section editor last year and a reporter the year before, I brought a variety of writing styles to the Saga that both inspired and recognized ELHS staff and students. I’m excited to take this step up to become an Editor-in-Chief in my senior year so I can leave a bigger mark on the publication as well as ELHS. I love writing and making/designing pages, and I’m on the crew team. I hope to inspire and impact readers in a positive way. I will bring impactful stories, valuable opinions, new perspectives, and creativity to the Saga this year. As an Editor-in-Chief, I plan to put my full effort into my position so the Saga can have a great 2024-2025 year. The Saga is created by students and is for students, so we are always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Reach out to me by emailing me at [email protected] with any ideas, responses,

feedback, or writing submissions. 

 

Sophia VanDerMaelen

All content by Sophia VanDerMaelen
PHOTO BY BETH TEUTSCHMANN ON UNSPLAS

Journalism takes on EL Walk of Horror

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN and JEN WALLACE
November 8, 2024

Scariness: 5/5 With people jumping out at you at every turn, you never know what to expect. Every time you turn down a new path, the scenery changes. From a haunted gingerbread house meant to resemble...

Your Curated True-to-Season Fall Playlist

Your Curated True-to-Season Fall Playlist

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
September 19, 2024

“Cardigan” by Taylor Swift The entire “Folklore” album reminds me of autumn, but “Cardigan” is one of my personal favorite songs from the album. It’s melancholic and emotional while also...

The Perfect Fall Bucket List

The Perfect Fall Bucket List

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
September 19, 2024

1.) Watch a scary movie marathon with friends, including must-watch classics like “Saw” or “Scream” 2.) Get matching Halloween pajamas. I highly recommend a candy-corn pattern. 3.)Bake spooky...

2024 Election: What You Should Know

2024 Election: What You Should Know

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
September 19, 2024

The Basic Facts: The President of the United States is the head of state, in charge of the executive branch, and makes decisions on all branches of the military. They must enforce laws and recommend...

Photo by Paloma Vazquez

Paloma Vazquez Goes ‘Above and Beyond’ in the Arts

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
September 11, 2024

Senior and stage manager of the ELHS Drama Club Paloma Vazquez was recognized for her impressive efforts in the arts at the 2024 Halo Awards, back in May. From creating 3-D art, to making unique set designs...

Will Dumond Leads Marching Band to New Trophy Case

Will Dumond Leads Marching Band to New Trophy Case

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
April 25, 2024

Will Dumond made it his mission to leave ELHS knowing that the marching band received the attention it deserves after a long history of achievements by getting a trophy case to display their awards...

Sophie’s R.E.P.O.R.T.

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
December 4, 2023

Replaying: ‘Young and Beautiful’ by Lana Del Rey Ever since reading “The Great Gatsby” in sophomore year, I have been even more obsessed with this song than I was before. It encapsulates the...

The Velvet Mill appears to be a run-down,
abandoned factory from the outside.

Velvet Mill: A Transformed Piece of History

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
October 4, 2023

From the outside, Stonington’s Velvet Mill doesn’t look like much at all. Actually, it kind of just looks like a run-down, old brick factory. But once inside, the Velvet Mill transforms into...

Class of 2025 celebrated Spirit Week with enthusiasm.

Past To Present: Spirit Week Over the Years

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
October 4, 2023

Whether you’re a senior experiencing a fourth ELHS Spirit Week, or a freshman who doesn’t know quite what to expect, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard from older siblings or upperclassmen the...

This accessory display greets customers from the front door, showcasing the Bogg Bag, and more.

‘Northern Prep Meets Southern Charm’ At Pearls & Plaid

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
September 13, 2023

When entering Pearls & Plaid on Main Street, a pink beach umbrella pulled my attention to a huge accessory display. The display featured purses, jewelry, candles, mugs, hats, and more. The store seemed...

T&B Provisions:  More Than a Sandwich Shop

T&B Provisions: More Than a Sandwich Shop

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
September 13, 2023

Tucked away in a quaint plaza on Niantic Main Street lies T&B Provisions, a small but tasty café that serves a variety of breakfast and lunch items. T&B Provisions opened in April 2023 and...

U.S. TikTok Ban: What’s Going On?

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
May 23, 2023

In 2020, a national TikTok ban was discussed by the Trump administration. Now it’s 2023, and the Biden administration is revisiting this ban. This would mean the removal of TikTok from the app store,...

The Rustic Cafe's Fried Fish Sandwich.

EL Hidden Gem: Newly Revamped Rustic Cafe

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
May 3, 2023

When entering Rustic Cafe, I was immediately hit with a homey feeling. Although limited in size, the restaurant makes the most of the small space by creating a cozy vibe using warm wood and familiar music....

Podcasts: An Underrated Form of Entertainment

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
March 28, 2023

‘Moments’ with Lexi Hidalgo Every time I listen to “Moments,” I leave feeling understood, inspired, and like my mental health has been uplifted. Hidalgo is a wonderful, inspiring person who...

Iron Deficiency Causes Poor Performance in Athletes

Iron Deficiency Causes Poor Performance in Athletes

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
February 2, 2023

Iron deficiencies are one of the leading causes of poor performance in runners (Runners Connect). Even if it’s unheard of to you, iron deficiency can be an issue among all athletes. More athletes...

ELHS Acapella Club Takes the Stage

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
February 2, 2023

If you happen to wander over to the music wing on a Tuesday or Thursday during advisory, you might hear the harmonized voices of the new ELHS co-op Acapella Club. All voice. No instruments. ELHS Acapella...

Local EMT Courses Are Worth the Work

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
January 9, 2023

You don’t often hear about high school age students regularly saving people’s lives. If that’s something that sparks your interest, local Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses may be the perfect...

ELHS weight room is located to the
right of the South Gym.

Get Swole In The Newly Equipped ELHS Weight Room

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
December 5, 2022

If you’re new to working out, walking into the weight room can be daunting. You look to your left and see massive football players benching 250 pounds. You look to your rightand see track girls deadlifting...

Niantic Cinema Temporarily Shuts Down After 72 Years

SOPHIA VANDERMAELEN
November 4, 2022

The Niantic Cinema has been a town staple for a near century, but after raising the curtain for 72 years straight, they’re having a brief intermission. Niantic Cinema is a classic, welcoming, and...

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