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This week’s Crumbl Cookie Preview

This week’s lineup of Crumbl Cookies is (September 16-21)

My ratings are:

Brownie batter

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A gooey chocolate cookie packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with delectable brownie batter.

I have not tried this cookie but I love brownies and this sounds so good. It would be the best because the reviews I have watched say that it is served warm and the chocolate chips in it are a good add in.

Raspberry cheesecake ft. Philadelphia cream cheese

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A true, classic vanilla cheesecake baked over a buttery graham cracker crust, then topped with a tangy mouth-watering raspberry spread and a dollop of whipped cream.

I would love to try this cookie because I love cheesecake and strawberry would be better on top instead of raspberry in my opinion, but it still sounds really good. Cheesecake is my favorite and this is very unique to make this a new flavor, served chilled is also the best.10/10

Caramel pumpkin cake

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A fluffy pumpkin cookie, topped with a swirl of smooth caramel cream cheese frosting and a light sprinkling of pumpkin cookie crumbs.

Cream cheese frosting is the best kind of icing and to mix it in with caramel and pumpkin is genius. Pumpkin is not my favorite, but I like how it’s not only a pumpkin cookie, and they added more flavors in it.

Semi sweet chocolate chip

Crumbl Cookies’ description: Chocolate chip, but make it chunky—a delicious cookie filled with irresistible semi-sweet chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Even though this is a weekly flavor, it is a classic and you can never go wrong with the basics. The sea salt adds a sweet and hint of salty flavor, and everyone loves a chocolate chip cookie.

Maple cinnamon square

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A moist, fluffy cinnamon square marbled with brown sugar cinnamon butter and smothered with a light maple cream cheese frosting.

Again with the square cakes and I don’t know why they keep doing these. It’s not a good idea to sell things other than cookies in my opinion. I don’t like maple at all and although there is cinnamon also, it doesn’t do it much better. It’s not in last place because of the cream cheese frosting.

Fried ice cream

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A delicious cinnamon cookie with smooth white drop buttercream and topped with a fried ice cream streusel.

Confused as to why they would pick this flavor. I feel like no one would buy this and the picture of it online looks like it has crunched up Frosted Flakes on top of it. Fried ice cream streusel doesn’t even make sense and I feel like they only chose this as a flavor because they’re running out of ideas.

Country Songs That Will Make Your Day Better

By: Lucy Buxton

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In no specific order, I will be naming and going into detail about country songs that will increase your mood.

The first song that will cheer you up and my favorite song of all time, “Feathered Indians” by Tyler Childers. I’ve never heard someone say a negative thing about this song. It’s impossible to. This song carries a good upbeat tune that is very catchy but the words make it the most joyful. My favorite line in this song is, “But up till now there ain’t been nothing that I couldn’t leave behind”. Although that is very grammatically incorrect, it makes me think of all I have been given and how hard it will be to leave behind but reminds me that God closes doors to open new ones.

The second song on my list is “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” by Travis Tritt. This one is pretty self explanatory. It’s a good reminder of how some days aren’t always the best but to be thankful for the days you are alive. My favorite part from this song is “And it’s a great day to be alive, I know the suns still shining when I close my eyes. There’s some hard times in the neighborhood but why can’t everyday be just this good.” Again, the song really emphasizes life is what you choose to make of it.

The third song on my list is “People are crazy” by Billy Currington. Billy Currington explains he wrote this song after riding around the country in Alabama and thinking of two things that always remain true. God is great and people are crazy. The song explains Billy meeting a random guy out on the town one night and they end up talking about their lives. Billy thinks nothing of it until later on when the old man Billy talked to the night passed away and it turns out he was a millionaire and left all his money to Billy. Obviously, this story is pretty far fetched but it shows how much the little things in life mean to people.

The fourth song on my list is “Crash and Burn” by Thomas Rhett. Rhett explains the meaning of his song is to fail spectacularly. It romanticizes failing but not always looking at it as a bad thing. It demonstrates not taking life so seriously. It’s about a guy who doesn’t have the best luck finding love but it sounds so happy. It’s a different take on how to deal with bad or unexpected things in a bright light instead of moping around and wasting time. I just like this song because it reminds me life keeps moving forward even if you don’t.

College football 25 is the best game

By: Bryce Hanson

College football is the highlight of many peoples lives. Every Saturday 18 to 24 year old men put their lives on the line to play an entertaining game for us fans to watch. And if you want to admit it or not everyone of those fans wish they could be part of the game. Well luckily for those fans it’s now possible. With one of the most entertaining games named College Football 25.

This game has everything a person would want: The complete college experience. From keeping your grades up to have an eligible GPA, to practicing your butt off to maybe becoming a starter, it has it all. But this game doesn’t just stop at being a college athlete, you can also be a head coach for a struggling team and you have to rebuild them, or be the coach of a dominant power house and keep their legacy alive. One thing that puts this game ahead of the rest is the amount of teams you can pick from. It doesn’t matter what conference your favorite team is in, if their D1 they’re in the game. Another thing that just makes this game so special is the complexity of it, like I said you can be a coach or a player but there is also just quick play were you can play as any team against any team for fun. Then you have ultimate team where you try to get the best college players ever and put them all on one team. Another thing I love about this game is that it’s not easy. Most games have an easy mode that just makes the game too easy so you can’t lose but in this game anything can happen.

Why Lifting Weights is Necessary for Athletes

By: Ford Wilder

To begin, there are numerous reasons why all athletes should utilize the weight room to some extent. Using the weight room could be that extra push an athlete needs to be great instead of just good. Many athletes overlook lifting weights and only work on skill work and practice of their sport or sports. I am here to tell you why that may be setting them back, and how the weight room is vital to athletes.

The first of many reasons is the most important one which is increased strength. By lifting weights and getting stronger, one’s sports performance will continue to rise. This is because an increased output in power allows athletes to become faster, quicker, more agile, and have more force and stability in their upper and lower body. Not only will you have a higher force output, but by lifting weights you will also cause hypertrophy, increasing the size of your muscle fibers. Not only will you get stronger and more athletic by lifting weights, but you will also become more toned and look the part. Balance the weights with a well-balanced diet and you will see the great benefits to come with your athletic abilities and performance.

Next off, weight lifting also is vital to injury prevention. While some injuries are inevitable, the latest research suggests that resistance weight training can assist heavily in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. This is because by lifting weights with the correct form and targeting the right muscle groups you can increase stability and support in your body. By utilizing the weight room athletes can prevent injuries and also get rid of them by strengthening the surrounding ligaments and muscles around the affected area.

Lastly, lifting weights is very beneficial for one’s mental state. Many studies show regular weight training can boost one’s mood and decrease anxiety. This is because lifting weights and exercising releases endorphins which play a major role in having a good mood. Also, lifting weights can improve brain health because studies show that resistance training can increase neuroprotective factors. One of these factors is the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor which is linked to learning and memory.

To summarize, many athletes overlook the importance of weight training and how it can enhance performance. This is why athletes should begin a weightlifting program and pay attention to the benefits that come with it.

Ranking the Seasons: Winter

By: Alexis Dawkins

Winter is my least favorite time of year. Being cold is the worst thing on the planet, but a few good things can come from winter. To start off, there is Christmas. Even though I hate winter, Christmas is the best time of year. Having time with family and getting gifts: what could be better? Santa comes for the kids, and they have the best time setting up cookies and milk for him. Then there is New Years. This is a monumental time every year because we end one year and start a new one. Everyone tries to make new year resolutions but we all know how those go. A month into the year and a majority of people have forgotten about them.

Valentine’s day also is in the winter. February 14th is the day that couples love. Everyone giving out chocolate and flowers and stuffed animals is a big part of Valentine’s day. Sometimes, depending on where you are, it may snow. Not in Sumter but in a lot of places it may snow a few feet. If it does snow then it is a great time for friends and family to get together and play outside. Even if you live in South Carolina where it doesn’t snow you can go places like Virginia and go snowboarding and snow skiing. This is a great way for families to bond and make memories that last a lifetime.

This also is the time for basketball season for all the basketball lovers out there. The winter is the best time to have bonfires too. They can be fun in the summer but they are better in the winter because they heat you up in the cold of the winter.

Even though I do not like winter, it is still a fun time of year for those who do like the cold.

Top Vacation Spots: Banff

By: Logan Mims

Number 2 out of the top 5 places I have vacationed would have to be Banff, Canada! Banff was without a doubt the most beautiful place I have ever gone on vacation to. It was just so beautiful and so different from what I am used to. The weather was cool, and there was always a slight breeze. We went during the summer so there was no snow, so the weather was cold but not too cold: it was perfect. Not only was the weather perfect but the views were unbelievable. Everything was just so beautiful.

One of my all time favorite things that we did in Banff was when we went to visit Lake Louise and Lake Morain. The view was like nothing I had ever seen before. The easter was crystal clear and was slightly blue and they were surrounded by trees and mountains. At Lake Louise, you could also hike up what mountain so you could see the lake from a taller view so that was really fun.

Another fun activity that we did was the raft tour. We were in one of the blow up boats that are used for white water rafting, but the water was calm. We went down a river and we had a guide who would tell us about all the different mountains and different sites surrounding us. Not only was it informational, but it was just an amazing experience because the view was remarkable.

My last favorite thing that we did was exploring downtown. We rented bikes for the day and we rode around downtown and went to all the different stores. It was very interesting to see the difference in the stores compared to how they are in the United States. We also ate at some really delicious restaurants. Banff was so amazing and I would definitely recommend taking a visit.

Volleyball Reflections

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

On this weeks blog, I’ll be talking about one of my favorite things, which is Wilson Hall Volleyball. This program has been a big part of my life since 7th grade. It started with my first year on the b-team where I fell in love with the sport and the atmosphere Wilson hall provided.

After 7th grade, I progressed to JV. JV was a big step for me because we got to practice with the older girls. Practicing with them brought some fear every now and then, but most of all it brought friendships that last a lifetime. Even when I was a little 8th grader, they still cared about me. Those same friends still check up on me even though they have moved on to bigger things in college. I stayed on JV my freshman year as well.

My sophomore year I got the chance to be on the varsity team. It was the most exciting thing after being told I had made the team. I walked into the locker room and the whole team was jumping up and down. That was pure joy. That tradition still lives on where we go crazy in the locker room congratulating the new members. Sophomore year was such a highlight in my life just because of the memories I made with that specific team. It never once mattered about playing time. It was about the family we had created that year.

Now being a senior, I still fully love this program. After our seniors last year graduated, it was really hard to step up because I never imagined myself being the senior. This year’s team is just as special as all of the others. We are coming together and I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow. Wilson Hall volleyball will be something I cherish forever.

Top 5 Appetizers

By: Addie Griffin

Everyone loves a little something before dinner time. Whether it is finger food, or a simple soup or salad, there is an appetizer for everyone. Today I will be ranking the top five best appetizers known to man.

5. Starting off at number five, we have a side salad. A salad is a much lighter option than most of the other appetizers that we are used to, which is why I think it deserves a spot on this list. It gives us something to munch on to hold us over, while still leaving room for our main course.

4. At number four, we have bread sticks. This is a controversial rating as many people love breadsticks- specifically from Olive Garden- however, I think they are slightly overrated. With all this being said, I think they still deserve a spot above salad because of their flavorful taste that salad lacks.

3. Now starting off our top three is chips and queso. This classic appetizer is hard to beat, especially if it is from our local restaurant Mariachi’s. This appetizer is more than the chips and queso itself, it is also the conversations that are had and the people that surround you while eating it. Some of my favorite memories have been made whilst eating this delicious combination.

2. At the number two spot is no other than mozzarella sticks. If you take any “sit down” restaurant, I can almost guarantee they will have mozzarella sticks. This is because mozzarella sticks are a crowd favorite and loved by all. The garlic taste of the breading combined with the juicy stretchy cheese is a flavor burst like no other.

1.Finally the long awaited number one spot goes to no other than fried pickles. This is a very controversial pick, especially at number one. This is because if you don’t enjoy pickles, then you most likely hate them. However I am far from one of those people. The thin crispy breading combined with the tanginess of the pickle preferably dipped in buttermilk ranch is unbeatable, in my opinion. Forget an appetizer, I could eat fried pickles as my main course!

Ranking Celsius Flavors- Vibe Variety Pack Edition

By: Anna Kate Coker

The flavors in this pack consist of peach vibe, arctic vibe, and tropical vibe. They are all very refreshing and will bring you great energy to persevere through the day. This is a very nice pack of choices, letting you pick between berry, peach, and pineapple.

1. Arctic Vibe

This is my least favorite celsius out of every single one there is. It tastes like a rip off of gatorade and just doesn’t fulfill what I thought it would be like. The flavor is “frozen berry” which is confusing because what makes it different from their original berry one? It is described as a cool breeze.. But if you drink any other flavor and it’s cold then its the same temperature? I just think this flavor doesn’t deserve to be recognized with the other following celsius.

2. Peach Vibe

This energy drink tastes just like peach rings. It is sweet but not in an overpowering way. It leaves a nice after taste and I think highly of this flavor, although some of my friends disagree. That leads this flavor to second place. I think the can is pretty with pink and orange and just gives off such a happy summer vibe.

3. Tropical Vibe

This flavor is the most overall liked celsius. With the yummy sensation of pineapple and starfruit, it is a perfect mix between sweet and sour. It is easy to sip or chug and is perfect for every occasion. My friends Olivia and Molly love to drink these before our volleyball games and it helps them play to the best of their abilities. Everyone seems to love this drink whether they have it fresh out the fridge or let it sit out and lose carbonation. This is a top tier choice.

Wilson Hall Volleyball Update

By: Olivia Cogswell

On Tuesday August 17, the Lady Baron volleyball team took on the LMA swamcats, a rivalry matchup. The Wilson Hall volleyball team, having come off losing three region games to Trinity Collegiate, John Paul II, and Hilton Head Christian, were fighting for the win.

The Barons started off strong with a two set lead, finishing the first set with a score of 25-15. During the set Molly Jones and Mckinley Bath led the offense, but the swamp cats hung around. Wilson Hall was playing hard, being aggressive at the net, and Mckenzie Gray Mills led the defense with digs. The second looked very similar, with Bath leading on offense, and Mills carrying the defense, but the swamp cats were hanging on. Until sophomore Savannah Wells came up to serve with back to back aces. Leading the Barons to the second set victory.

However the third set took a turn with the lady Barons falling behind with a swampcat lead of 10-0. The team fought for a comeback, but there were errors on errors. Faces began to show, and the team was clearly in a slump. However later in the set they were able to come together and make a comeback, but unfortunately were unable to finish with the victory, ending with a 25-20 score.

In between the third and fourth set, senior Anna Kate Coker pulled the frustrated Barons into a huddle. Pep talks and encouragement were shared, before it was time to huddle up with Coach Rip. The Barons went out for the fourth and final set to take back the lead and finish the game. The Barons played hard and aggressive while LMA kept hanging on by three. Questionable calls were made by the ref, but everyone kept playing. Until finally the Barons had gotten their first region victory of the season, and held their winning record over their rival LMA.