Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times
Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times
Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times
Jay Deegan

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief

Jay Deegan, a senior, is more excited than ever to be back working on the Central Times. Now in his fourth year on staff, he has previously served as the Print Managing Editor and Editorial Editor. In his free time, Jay is an avid movie watcher and a huge Bears fan (Caleb Williams is our savior). He also runs a freelance sports media business where he expresses his love of sports through all types of visual media. If you stop by the Central Times office, you'll likely find Jay there. Interested in joining the staff? Come to a meeting!

All content by Jay Deegan
Central Times reporter C.J. Getting interviews Illinois state Rep. Janet Yang-Rohr at the DNC on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Yang-Rohr sponsored legislation written by Central senior Iris Shadis-Greengas, which will require climate education in Illinois public schools starting in the 2026-27 school year.

[Photo] Youth voices amplified

C.J. Getting, Operations Managing Editor • September 5, 2024
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Tracy Rootham stepped down from her position as the principal's secretary after 6 years in the position.

Principal’s secretary steps down after 8 years at Central

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • September 2, 2024
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Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) holds a "Kamala" sign high during the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Schumer is an PLEO delegate due to his senate seat.

[Photo] Delegates attend 2024 DNC in Chicago, nominate Kamala Harris for President

C.J. Getting, Operations Managing Editor • August 28, 2024
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Former President Bill Clinton speaks to attendees at the Democratic National Convention on August 21. The night wrapped up with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepting the vice presidential nomination.

Blog: Diary at the DNC, Day 3

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • August 24, 2024
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2024-2025 Print Archive

Jay Deegan, C.J. Getting, Quinn Zhang, Kate Johnson, and Elaine Zhou • August 15, 2024
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Girls track brings home sixth place state finish; one individual state champion

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • July 11, 2024
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Distinguished Alumni: Matt DiCianni, Class of 2003

Distinguished Alumni: Matt DiCianni, Class of 2003

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • May 20, 2024
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Senior Jake Pfeiffer and his mom, Principal Jackie Thornton, walk in Central's honor garden on May 15. The two will share one last experience at Central when Pfeiffer walks across the graduation stage on May 19.

Central’s principal experiences graduation from a new lens: parenthood

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • May 19, 2024
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Senior Olivia Phillips was named the Central Times 2024 Female Athlete of the Year.

2024 Female Athlete of the Year: Liv Phillips

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • May 16, 2024
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Senior Maverick Ohle celebrates a defensive stop in Central’s game against Plainfield North on Sept. 1.

2024 Male Athlete of the Year: Maverick Ohle

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • May 16, 2024
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Tom Higgenson, lead singer of the rock band Plain White T's, performs a solo acoustic set at Central on May 9.

[Photo] Plain White T’s singer plays acoustic set at Central

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • May 10, 2024
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Freshman Avery Miller winds up for a pitch during a game against DeKalb on April 15. Central won the game 12-2.

[Photo] Softball on a ‘roller coaster’ of season; hopes to regain focus

Evelyn Zwicky, Online Managing Editor & Sports Editor • May 6, 2024
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Seventh and eighth grade Project Idea Plus students spend most of their day learning in “the pod,” a mobile classroom at Kennedy Junior High School.

Opinion: Dear District 203, let’s cancel PI+

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 25, 2024
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Varsity boys water polo coach William Salentine directs his team during a game against Barrington on April 18. Sal has coached the team for 23 years, winning over 80% of his games in that time.

[Photo] Water polo coach boasts over 80% win rate over 23 year career

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 24, 2024
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Freshman Alex Beiga holds a Central flag at the DuPage Valley Conference boys swim and dive championship on Feb. 3. Beiga was killed in a ski accident on April 1 in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of NCHS Swim and Dive.

Loved and lost: Freshman leaves legacy of joy after tragic passing

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 22, 2024
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Room 218 with temporary walls on the windows (left) compared to Room 218 with new windows (right). Room 218 was one of several that had temporary walls instead of windows due to construction on Central’s east facing wall.

Windows re-installed on east wall after eight-month wait

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 21, 2024
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Sophomore Deven Patel sits at his computer trading stocks during his lunch period. Patel has made over 30 times his investment by trading stocks.

[Photo] Sophomore makes ‘massive profit’ trading stocks

Jinan Parves, Correspondent • April 17, 2024
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Social studies teacher Mike Wilson was named as Central's boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 season.

[Photo] New boys basketball head coach named for 2024-25 season

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • April 5, 2024
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Athletic Director Chris Kirkpatrick watches over Red & White Night on Aug. 19, 2022. Kirkpatrick will be stepping down from his position on June 30.

Athletic Director to step down at end of June

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 3, 2024
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Central's Psychology Club gathers in the Learning Commons for an after school meeting. (Photo courtesy of Meghan Pratt.)

Number of new clubs begs sustainability question

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • March 22, 2024
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Sophomore forward Malia Shen (27) celebrates her second of two goals during Central’s 4-2 win over Burlington Central in their opening game on March 13.

[Photo] Girls soccer starts season with seven underclassmen, including three freshmen, on varsity roster

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • March 26, 2024
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Gabe Dickerson, then a senior, pitches in the Dupage Valley Conference Championship on May. 18, 2023. Dickerson and 14 other seniors graduated last year, leaving Central with a nearly entirely new roster for the 2024 season.

[Photo] Baseball looks to succeed after losing 15 seniors, near-entire starting lineup, to graduation

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • March 21, 2024
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Photographed above is the intersection between Jefferson Avenue and Main Street where Shen proposes Jefferson should be closed to cars.

[Photo] Opinion: They shut down Barnes & Noble so let’s shut down Jefferson Ave.

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • March 21, 2024
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Substitute teacher Madalyn Eathington leads an Honors English 2: Journalism class on March 15. Substitute teacher pay rates have jumped by $20 over the past few years due to a shortage of subs.

Board of Education approves $5 daily increase in substitute pay

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • March 20, 2024
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Boys basketball head coach Pete Kramer directs his team during their 51-43 victory over Oswego in the IHSA Regional Quarter Final on Feb. 19.

Photo Gallery: Central’s boys basketball head coach retires after 33 years in program, 21 as head coach

Jake Pfeiffer and Jay Deegan • March 6, 2024
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Senior Harshee Shah, co-captain of Central’s speech team, practices her speech for the IHSA speech state championship. Shah placed sixth in Oratorical Declamation at the competition on Feb. 17.

[Photo] 13 speech team members make sectionals, two place sixth at state

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • March 12, 2024
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Jake Pfeiffer was named the Illinois Journalist of the year on Feb. 23.

[Photo] Central Times Editor-in-Chief named Illinois Journalist of the Year

Javen Oswald, Marketing, Outreach and Engagement Managing Editor • February 28, 2024
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Central's chess team (right) faces off with Fremd at the IHSA Chess State Championship on Feb. 10. Central lost the match, but ultimately finished sixth in the state.

Chess team places sixth in state

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • February 20, 2024
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Alex Mayster, D203 Executive Director of Communication, recently left the district for a new job in Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

D203 Executive Director of Communications leaves district for Hinsdale job

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • February 19, 2024
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Kiersten Scherer, a Central senior, busks on the streets of Downtown Naperville. She once made $260 in one day. When she isn't busking, she may be performing in concert halls or walking through Central's halls.

Strings of Joy: senior brings musical magic to Downtown Naperville with street busking

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • February 15, 2024
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A Naperville Central swimmer races the backstroke at last year's IHSA state championship.

[Photo] Pushing past the limit: Overtraining at Central and beyond

Nolan Shen, Arts and Entertainment Editor • February 23, 2024
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Automotive teacher Chris Feid, with help from a select group of his students, built and tuned a car from the 80s to reach 620 wheel horsepower on a dynamometer (blue machine pictured above).

[Photo] Automotive teacher guides upcycling of speedy beater

Noah Rozek, Page Designer & Copy Editor • February 8, 2024
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Central senior Braeden Rodemeyer ponders his next move at a chess team practice on Jan. 18.

Roster depth propels chess team to big wins

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • February 7, 2024
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Sophomore June Waidler practices with band director D.J. Alstadt at a lunchtime technique lesson in Central's band room. Waidler is one of several students Alstadt works with as a part of technique.

[Photo] Technique courses receive mixed feedback from students, staff

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • January 26, 2024
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Snow piles up in front of Central on Jan. 15, after 6.5 inches of snow fell on Jan. 12 and 13. An e-learning day was called on Jan. 12 due to the snow, and on Jan. 16 due to an ensuing cold front.

District 203 calls second consecutive e-learning day for Tuesday, Jan. 16

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • January 15, 2024
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Snow covers Central's campus on Feb. 2, 2022.

District 203 calls e-learning day for Friday, Jan. 12

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • January 11, 2024
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Senior Teddy Stephens is trudging through his last year in high school. Stephens does not participate in any school activities; and says it's hard for him to feel welcomed into the school amid transphobia.

[Photo] Trans student ‘getting the hell out’ of Central

Elaine Zhou, Features Editor • December 20, 2023
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Chronically Absent: How nearly a quarter of D203 high schoolers missed more than 10% of school last year, and what’s being done to stop it

Chronically Absent: How nearly a quarter of D203 high schoolers missed more than 10% of school last year, and what’s being done to stop it

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • November 20, 2023
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The changes mapped out for parking lot expansion include relocated batting cages and a netting extension.

Parking lot to be expanded at Knoch Park; Softball Field affected

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • November 14, 2023
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Dr. Sudip Bose motions to the crowd during his Veteran's Day speech.

[Photo] Dr. Sudip Bose headlines Central’s Veteran’s Day assembly

Evelyn Zwicky, Online Managing Editor • November 13, 2023
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Construction on Central's east wall is set to continue for another two months, while the installation of windows will happen next spring.

Reconstruction of Central’s east wall enters third stage, with costs totaling $593,050

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • November 9, 2023
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Senior Liv Phillips, wearing bib number 2025, races during the 2022 IHSA Cross Country State Finals. The Redhawks would end up placing sixth in the 3A class.

[Photo] Liv: Laughs, loves running

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • October 20, 2023
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Firefighters exit Central's Little Theater after investigating a possible fire on Oct. 16.

[Photo] Fire alarm at Central triggered by smoke in Little Theater

Javen Oswald, Marketing, Outreach and Engagement Managing Editor • October 16, 2023
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Junior running back Aiden Clark breaks a tackle on his way into the endzone for his first touchdown of the night in Central's 42-0 home win over Dekalb on Oct. 6.

[Photo] Central Football clinches DVC title with win over DeKalb

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • October 6, 2023
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Students at Ellsworth Elementary celebrate winning a Blue Ribbon during their walk to school festivities.

Ellsworth Elementary wins Blue Ribbon award

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • October 5, 2023
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Freshman Yash Menon preforming a variation of a card spring, one of many tricks in his toolkit of entertainment.

[Photo] Freshman entertains community with magic

Noah Rozek, Page Designer & Copy Editor • October 4, 2023
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Certified nursing assistant Natalie Monteith poses for a photo.

[Photo] Nursing assistant jump-starts her medical career

Selah Lee, Staff Writer • September 28, 2023
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2023-2024 Print Archive

Jake Pfeiffer, Jay Deegan, Javen Oswald, Noah Rozek, and Alice Wang • September 19, 2023
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Relocated students work in Central's auditorium on Aug 24.

[Photo] Classes relocated, homeroom canceled due to excessive heat

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • August 24, 2023
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Karen Kukulski

Math and World and Classical Languages department secretary leaves legacy of ‘dedication’ as ‘ultimate professional’

Jay Deegan, Managing Editor • August 2, 2023
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Opinion: Our top 10 photos of 2022-23

Opinion: Our top 10 photos of 2022-23

Jay Deegan and D'Niya Little-Segers • May 29, 2023
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The space once occupied by Central's school store is set to be occupied by the coffee shop after its installation. The space is located near door 7, in the corner of Central's cafeteria.

In-house coffee shop to be installed at Central for 2023-24 school year

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • May 23, 2023
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Aramark employees cook stir fry to be served to Central students on May 2. Aramark is set to be replaced by OrganicLife as District 203's food service provider on July 1, 2023.

[Photo] District 203 approves OrganicLife as new food service provider

Jake Pfeiffer, News Editor & Copy Editor • May 2, 2023
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Central math teacher Marissa Rakes teaches her Honors Precalculus class. Honors Precalculus will be converted to AP Precalculus BC at Central in two years, following District 203's approval of new AP Precalculus courses.

[Photo] D203 to implement new AP Precalculus courses

Ziad El Bego, Staff Writer • April 28, 2023
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2023 Mayoral Election Overview: Tiffany Stephens

2023 Mayoral Election Overview: Tiffany Stephens

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • March 24, 2023
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2023 Mayoral Election Overview: Scott Wehrli

2023 Mayoral Election Overview: Scott Wehrli

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • March 24, 2023
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2023 Mayoral Election Overview: Benny White

2023 Mayoral Election Overview: Benny White

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • March 24, 2023
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2023 Mayoral Election Overview

2023 Mayoral Election Overview

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • March 24, 2023
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Central’s Symphonic Orchestra rehearses for a March 16 concert. Members of the orchestra, along with other students from Central and Naperville North, will play at Disney World on March 25.

[Photo] Central Orchestra students to play at Disney World’s 2023 Disney Festival

Mack Gowan, Staff Writer • March 21, 2023
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A portrait of freshman Austin Aguinaldo.

Freshman lives without a voice

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • March 3, 2023
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Jeremy Lin talks to a student in the speech room (rm. 214) on Feb. 16, a day before the team left to compete at the IHSA Speech State Finals.

Speech team head coach to step down

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • February 28, 2023
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Juniors Chizzy Akubue, Brooklyn Hinton and Lily Robinson (left to right) practice filming the HawkTV announcement for Feb. 21 during a Black and Latino Association meeting on Feb. 17. At the meeting, the entire group also finalized the Black History Month dress up days and worked on their plans for the business expo that takes place on Feb 24 during lunch hours.

[Photo] Students spark change in Black History Month celebrations

Claire Yung, Online Managing Editor • February 27, 2023
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Renovations to Moser Tower are set to finish in May 2023. The tower, which houses the Millennium Carillon, have been under construction since 2021.

[Photo] Rennovations to Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon to be completed in May

Vasu Dar, Copy Editor • March 1, 2023
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Junior varsity cheerleaders Cianna Rist (left) and Shariah Grear (right) supports Joise Schretter (center) for a pyramid during their DVC competition at Central on Jan. 7. Central's junior varsity and varsity teams both placed third at the competition.

Cheer team places third in DVC competition

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • February 2, 2023
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Varsity swimmer junior Sam Lendzion swims butterfly at a meet on Dec. 8. Central placed second out of 12 teams at the Sandburg Invitational on Jan. 14.

[Photo] Intense practice schedule helps boys swim team towards goals

Stella Williams, Staff Writer • February 1, 2023
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Sophomore Aryan Pradhan placed 10th at Sunvite, a national debate tournament hosted in Davie, Fla. Pradhan competed in Congressional Debate alongside fellow sophomore Helen Liang.

Two Central sophomores compete at national debate tournament, earn ‘bids’

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • February 1, 2023
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Board member Donna Wandke, who voted to reject the proposal that would add co-curricular music requirements, speaks in dissent at the Jan. 23 board meeting.

[Photo] D203 Board narrowly approves sweeping changes to high school music program

Jake Pfeiffer, News Editor & Copy Editor • January 30, 2023
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Colorguard team practices routine for their upcoming show on Feb. 5.

[Photo] Central Spirts team prepares for upcoming show season

Natalie Langan, Staff Writer • January 27, 2023
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Charles Cush speaks in opposition proposed changes to District 203’s music programs. Cush was of was one of three Board members who voted against the changes.

[Photo] Opinion: Music changes show lack of communication from Board

Nolan Shen, Staff Writer • January 30, 2023
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The Naperville Central boys bowling team placed fourth at their sectionals on Jan. 21.

Boys Bowling places fourth at sectionals; qualifies for first state championship

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • January 26, 2023
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Central's Boys team won the IHSA regional championship.

Boy’s Bowling team places first in Regionals; to compete in Sectionals

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • January 21, 2023
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5: Fire fighters were called after a fire alarm went off at Naperville Central on Jan. 17. Shortly after hearing about a fire in the building, our photographer ran outside to capture the moment of the firefighters entering the building. The composition of this shot is great, with the fire truck in the background, the light to be flashing and two firefighters who are walking to another day at work in the foreground.

Fire alarm set off at Central after students see sparks and smoke

Jake Pfeiffer and Jay Deegan • January 17, 2023
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Naperville Central's Car Club visited multiple car related businesses on Nov. 11.

Car Club explores career opportunities during field trip

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • December 8, 2022
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Juniors Liv Phillips and Ava Hendren lead the pack for Central’s girls varsity cross country team in the three-mile race at the IHSA state cross country meet on Nov. 5.

[Photo] Girls cross country places sixth at state

Evelyn Zwicky, Staff Writer • December 6, 2022
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Registered voters could cast their ballots at Madison Junior High School for the midterm election on Nov. 8. All Illinois schools were closed as Election Day is now a state holiday following the passage of a state bill in 2020.

[Photo] Students vote in midterm election

Nathan Yuan, Editor-In-Chief • December 2, 2022
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2022-2023 Print Archive

Nathan Yuan, Claire Yung, Jeremy Zhao, Jake Pfeiffer, Noah Rozek, Javen Oswald, Jay Deegan, Kait McHale, and Evelyn Zwicky • November 21, 2022
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The boys' soccer team poses with the State Championship trophy shortly after their win against Romeoville on Nov. 5.

Boys soccer wins first state championship

Jay Deegan, Editorial Editor • November 6, 2022
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Senior Nathan Kwon attacks upfield in Naperville Central's victory over Naperville North in their IHSA Boys' Soccer Sectional final match on Oct. 29.

Boys soccer team wins state semifinal, moves on to finals

Jay Deegan and Jase Nuesser • November 5, 2022
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