Fall

Pumpkin Spice

By: Maecy Hunt

Every year, like clockwork, pumpkin spice shows up and completely takes over. The moment September hits, it’s everywhere — in lattes, candles, cereal, muffins, and, for some reason, even air fresheners. It’s not just a flavor anymore; it’s a seasonal event.

But why are people so obsessed with it?

Technically, “pumpkin spice” doesn’t even contain pumpkin. It’s just a mix of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — stuff we could use any time of year. But something about that combo, during fall, just hits different. Maybe it’s the cozy vibe it gives off. Maybe it’s the marketing. Probably both.

The hype mostly started with Starbucks and the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Since its launch in 2003, the pumpkin spice latte has become the most popular seasonal drink ever. Now, tons of other brands jump on the trend every year, hoping to ride the wave of pumpkin-flavored hype.

At this point, pumpkin spice has become more of a tradition than a taste. People associate it with fall — colder weather, leaves changing, cozy clothes, and yes, a warm cup of something sweet. Even if it’s a little over-the-top, it brings a weird kind of comfort.

So yeah, the pumpkin spice craze might seem ridiculous, but it’s also kind of genius. It turns a basic flavor into a whole seasonal mood. And honestly? If sipping a pumpkin spice latte makes people feel a little happier during midterms or freezing mornings — who’s complaining?

Rating Seasons

By: Morgan Aycock

Summer

Summer has to be the best season because there is no school. The weather is hot and it is the perfect time for going to the beach and vacations. The beach is definitely my favorite place to go, and I have a permanent tan for 3 months. Also, the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I can hang out with my friends a lot more during the week, and I don’t have to worry about school or homework. I do have painting for cheer, though, but it allows me to see my friends and doesn’t last but 2 hours in the morning. I also love spending time on the lake and going boating, and playing pickleball with friends.

Fall

Although it’s the beginning of the school year, fall has the best sports. Football season is the best time of year, and you always have something to look forward to during the weekends. Cheering for football is one of my favorite things, and we organize fun pep rallies. The weather is not too hot and not too cold, and all the trees are turning different colors. It is also Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I have a tradition of going to Kreepy Hallow every year with my friends. I usually go to the mountains with family for Thanksgiving, so it is a good time to gather with family and friends.

Winter

Although it is cold out, winter has some great seasons. Christmas is my favorite season because we get to celebrate Jesus’s birth with friends and family, and we get Christmas break. New Year’s is also one of my favorites because we get a fresh start, and I always spend New Year’s Eve with my friends. It brings me so much joy to see Christmas decorations and go look at Christmas lights. It is also my birthday in the wintertime. And if we are lucky, Sumter may get some snow.

Spring

I don’t enjoy spring that much. Everyone is ready to get out of school and there aren’t really any exciting sports to watch besides baseball. I usually am sick all season because of the pollen. The only thing that is good about spring to me is Spring Break, and it starts to warm up some. Also, it’s not daylight savings anymore.

By: Alexis Dawkins

This series is going to be about the seasons. Out of the four times of year, there is an order of best to worst. Spring, summer, fall, and winter is the only correct way of the seasons. Since summer is wrapping up and fall is starting, I’m going to explain some of the best fall activities around here. Fall is a time of year to be enjoyed by all. The air is crisp and clean and after a summer of scorching heat, the cool air is refreshing. The Fall Festival with the school is in October and that is a fun activity for the kids. They can dress up, play games, win prizes, and a new addition that is being brought back is the haunted house. Another fall activity is pumpkin picking. You can take a family trip to a pumpkin patch and then go home and carve funny or scary faces in them. Something that is more geared toward the women of the world is Starbucks and their fall drinks. From the Pumpkin Spice latte to the Pumpkin Cream cold brew. Back to October, Halloween is a fun holiday for kids. They get to go around with friends and family and get candy. It is a kids dream come true, to be handed candy while doing nothing to earn it. The best thing about fall is that Christmas is right around the corner, but before then is Thanksgiving. A time for family and food that lasts for days. This is a holiday that kids enjoy a little less but parents and grandparents love having time to come together especially if they have not seen each other for a while. The cousins get to reunite and play and be best friends as they are everytime they see each other.