Look it up: ‘Moderate’ and ‘compromise’ aren’t dirty words
February 1, 2012 • Paqui Toscano, Editor-in-Chief
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
As Republicans and Democrats focus on their differences rather than common goals, factionalism is becoming the status quo in this country. It’s becoming trendy to be either conservative or liberal, while those who are in between are stigmatized and criticized as “flip-floppers.” Congressmen are... Read more »
GOP race still up for grabs; Santorum looks good
January 20, 2012 • Zach Jarrell, Features Editor
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
The GOP race is wide open right now. With Jon Huntsman and Rick Perry dropping out, only four serious candidates remain. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the current frontrunner, but there’s a movement growing for Anybody-But-Mitt. Ron Paul seems to be the scary second choice. He has enough... Read more »
HumanKIND Day helps student enter ‘the circle,’ find peace
December 17, 2011 • Tristan Buirley, Staff Writer
Filed under Features, Opinion, Staff Columns
I thought the assignment would be easy. Label yourself. Write one stereotype about yourself on a nametag. I thought about what to put down. Should I put down something simple like “boy” or “junior?” Or should I put down something that others would label me as, like “nerd” or “oddball”? I... Read more »
Face-off: Christmas in public places
December 13, 2011 • Paqui Toscano & Zach Jarrell
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
A conservative view from Zach Jarrell Merry Christmas! That’s right. I said, “Merry Christmas.” I’m writing for a public school newspaper and I said, “Merry Christmas.” Some people may find this offensive, but I really don’t care. I am a Christian, and I believe that as a Christian, I... Read more »
Supreme Court decisions could impact each of us
November 7, 2011 • Paqui Toscano, Editor-in-Chief
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
Although the Supreme Court isn’t as prominent in the public eye as the president or certain congressional leaders, this doesn’t diminish the importance of the Court’s role in American society – and the profound effects that Supreme Court decisions have on average Americans across the country. Swear... Read more »
Face-Off: Death penalty is either necessary … or barbaric
October 7, 2011 • Zach Jarrell & Paqui Toscano
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
Georgia inmate Troy Davis, convicted of murdering Savannah Police Officer Mark McPhail in 1989, was executed in a Georgia death chamber on Sept. 21, 2011. He was put to death as McPhail’s son and brother stood watching the proceedings. Although the state of Georgia had scheduled the execution for 7... Read more »
Do elementary school kids really need all that technology?
March 23, 2011 • By Jilly Hall, Assistant Chief Photographer
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
Think about elementary school in the very onset of the 21st century. Kids are playing on the playground and trading their lunch snacks. Well, at least that was myelementary experience. Maybe this is why I’m shocked to hear some of my former elementary teachers complain about their students talking... Read more »
Music education keeps schools running in harmony
March 13, 2011 • Andrea Rollert, Features Editor
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
As I come in the doorway of Fairmont High School each morning, I walk through the $9 million Music Department. It consists of a state-of-the-art choir room, orchestra room and band room, along with an 800-seat auditorium, a recital hall, a makeup room, a box office and numerous soundproof practice... Read more »
Kasich’s union-busting is poor policy … and unconstitutional
February 26, 2011 • Paqui Toscano, Editor-in-Chief
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
In the midst of all the turmoil in the Middle East, domestic turmoil also runs rampant as: several Democratic legislators in Wisconsin have fled that state, refusing to even work (in protest of the Republican governor’s spending proposal); California is about to go bankrupt; primaries will be coming... Read more »
Each of us must take steps to stop dating abuse
February 26, 2011 • Kevin O'Donnell, Editor-in-Chief
Filed under Opinion, Staff Columns
A Fairmont student interviewed in this column wished to remain anonymous. Out of respect for her privacy, The Flyer will refer to her as “Jane Doe.” On March 5, 2007, Cleveland high school student Johanna Orozco was shot in the face by a young man who had raped her at knifepoint just months before.... Read more »












