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METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Ben Weiss

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor

Ben Weiss is a senior perspectives editor and writer. It will be his second and last year on The Stampede. Other activities he’s involved in include the Speech Team, Theatre, The Mane and Varsity Singers. He hopes to major in Theatre and Journalism and have a steady career when he graduates. Since his bio from last year was extremely long and depressing, we’re not even gonna attempt to describe him as a person. All I’m gonna say is that everything you think you know about him is a lie. 'Nuff said.

All content by Ben Weiss
A physical copy of the Alma Mater, written and composed by Nathan Bramstedt

The origin and meaning of the Alma Mater

Ben Weiss
May 16, 2019

Our school, in its ten years, has often encouraged us to take pride in the school that we take part in. These themes are most evident with Metea Valley’s Alma Mater, a piece that has been sung by choir...

Black and Gold honors Metea seniors

Black and Gold honors Metea seniors

Ben Weiss
May 7, 2019

The Senior Awards Ceremony, also known as Black and Gold, is a special senior event that occurred last night on May 7, 2019 at 7:00pm. The goal of this awards night is to honor the successes of students...

The death penalty is an outdated punishment that should be abolished

The death penalty is an outdated punishment that should be abolished

Ben Weiss
May 1, 2019

Saudi Arabia has recently executed 37 citizens convicted of terrorism on April 23, 2019. Although the people convicted have not been proven to be terrorists, this has brought the total amount of executions...

Humans of Metea: Ben Noe

Humans of Metea: Ben Noe

Ben Weiss
April 23, 2019

Music is a constant element of our lives. Many young teenagers enjoy dancing and singing to their favorite artists. Sophomore Ben Noe basically lives for music. He is currently a member of Varsity Singers...

Humans of Metea: Will McGraff

Humans of Metea: Will McGraff

Ben Weiss
April 18, 2019

  This article is one of four Humans of Metea that are in association with Autism Awareness Month, where we will be covering different students of our school who are on the spectrum and showcase...

Humans of Metea: Zachary Cook

Humans of Metea: Zachary Cook

Ben Weiss
April 10, 2019

Everybody enjoys having fun with their lives, especially after a long day of work and school. But Zachary Cook is living his best life as he thrives on several aspects of media. His favorites include gaming,...

Author Ashley Poston comes to Metea in order to discuss the importance of creative writing

Author Ashley Poston comes to Metea in order to discuss the importance of creative writing

Ben Weiss
April 9, 2019

Ashley Poston, an author, graphic designer, and self-admitted fan fiction writer took time out of her day to talk to English students at Metea about her life, her novels, the basics of creative writing...

Humans of Metea: Ursula "Darkstripe" Sturgeon

Humans of Metea: Ursula “Darkstripe” Sturgeon

Ben Weiss
April 4, 2019

Metea Media is full of interesting comments. Many individuals have made it a hobby of delivering their opinions through the comment section, whether it is insightful or not. However, no other person has...

Last week, over 50 parents were alleged of bribing college staff  in order to get their student into a prestigious school.

The college admissions scandal denies students who put effort into their academics

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
March 21, 2019

One of the most stressful aspects of upperclassmen high school life is college admissions. The dream of getting into a good college forces some students to do as much as they can in order to meet their...

Teacher presents one of his presentations to a group of Dupage County faculty members.

Teachers celebrate Institute Day with Dupage County

ur school hosted the Dupage County Social Studies Conference for its second time last week on March 1, 2019. This was in association with Institute Day, where teachers meet up to discuss personal and professional...

The people you surround yourself with can either make or break your political views.

Our environment makes us more polarized

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
March 4, 2019

The human mind. One of the most complex neurological mechanisms in existence. It is responsible for our thought and reason and can shape the way we view the world. However, it can be warped and shaped...

Super Bowl VIII: One of the most boring and controversial games in a while

Super Bowl VIII: One of the most boring and controversial games in a while

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
February 11, 2019

Did you know that the total score for this year's Super Bowl was sixteen points? Because apparently that also matches the number of people who actually liked this year’s Super Bowl. Ain’t that a sweet...

Rent: Live is a prime example of how censorship ruins the integrity of art

Rent: Live is a prime example of how censorship ruins the integrity of art

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
February 6, 2019

Last Sundays FOX television program, “Rent Live”, has caused a large amount of controversy and criticism even before its initial airing. An event that was supposed to be a heartfelt and inspiring show...

Family Guy will no longer be making jokes around the LGBT community

Family Guy will no longer be making jokes around the LGBT community

Ben Weiss and Kennedy Homan
January 29, 2019

he popular FOX adult animated series, Family Guy, is widely known for its edgy humor and often offensive subject manner, which has placed it under both critical admiration and constant backlash. However,...

AirPods: The Apple product that miraculously took over the world

AirPods: The Apple product that miraculously took over the world

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
January 25, 2019

What started out as another useless Apple product in the eyes of the general public, the AirPods have turned into a symbol of wealth and status that is desired by some, yet still ridiculed by others. And...

Humans of Metea: Preetish Chakraborty

Humans of Metea: Preetish Chakraborty

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
December 17, 2018

any people have at one point dreamed of becoming an actor, and many have carried that dream to this day. However, a rare few have been able to make it a career even before high school. Preetish Chakraborty,...

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical starts its national tour in Chicago

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical starts its national tour in Chicago

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
December 6, 2018

“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” is set to start its long-awaited national tour with the first set of performances taking place in Chicago. The musical is directed by Stephen Brackett,...

Richard Irvin talks to a Period 4 Government class about his position as Mayor.

The Mayor of Aurora visits Metea students to discuss his occupation

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
November 28, 2018

etea Valley received a very special visitor when the Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin, spoke to a select group of government classes on November 15, 2018. When he was there, the mayor discussed the importance...

Ben's Guide to Musical Theater: Songs for a New World

Ben’s Guide to Musical Theater: Songs for a New World

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
November 15, 2018

Jason Robert Brown is one of the most iconic songwriters in the musical theater world. He is responsible for writing modern classics like “The Last Five Years”, “Parade”,  and “13”, all of...

Stan Lee,  a former writer for Marvel Comics, recently passed away at age 95. His legacy with Marvel and the entertainment industry will always be remembered.

The death of Marvel legend Stan Lee leaves a massive hole in the comic book industry

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
November 14, 2018

tanley Martin Lieber, most commonly known as “Stan Lee”, former writer and chairman of Marvel Comics, died at age 95 on Monday. The news was shocking for many comic book and superhero fans, many of...

The Turning Pointe Autism Foundation organizes their third annual Pumpkin Race

The Turning Pointe Autism Foundation organizes their third annual Pumpkin Race

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
October 30, 2018

Autism awareness is something that has been given a greater push for the past several years. Organizations like the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation work to support severely impacted kids with communication...

Ben's Guide to Musical Theater: Bare A Pop Opera

Ben’s Guide to Musical Theater: Bare A Pop Opera

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
October 25, 2018

There has been a massive surge in representation for the LGBT community, especially when gay rights has been a widely debated topic in politics. We’ve gotten to a place now where gay and lesbian couples...

Enrique Rodriquez represents Metea during Latino Heritage Month.

Emmy winning journalist Enrique Rodriguez discusses the importance of journalism for Latino Heritage Month.

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
October 15, 2018

Our school is all about representing diversity and student voice, ideals that carry over to “Latino Heritage Month.” In celebration of Latino culture, several guest speakers came to this school to...

Hot Takes: The Use of E-Cigarettes in Schools

Hot Takes: The Use of E-Cigarettes in Schools

The use of E-Cigarettes, especially for young teens, has been a highly debated topic in schools and our country. Both parties have attempted to find solutions to how to handle the issue, and whether its...

Ben's Guide to Musical Theater: Come From Away

Ben’s Guide to Musical Theater: Come From Away

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
September 10, 2018

elcome to the first installment to the “Ben’s Guide to Musical Theater” series. These articles are aimed at people who love theater, are involved in theater, and even folks who despise theater. My...

Our new staff members Hunter Kulak and Leland Pan interview senior Xavier Cabanas

Senior tips for incoming freshman

Ben Weiss, Leland Pan, and Hunter Kulak
August 22, 2018

For incoming freshman, who wrapped up their education in junior high, leaving for high school can be difficult. The new challenges include more difficult classes, extracurricular activities, and finals....

The history of the podcast

The history of the podcast

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Editor
May 25, 2018

Entertainment is constantly evolving to meet the demands of our current era. As technology becomes more advanced, certain forms of media expand and become something new, sparking new ways to express one’s...

Kane County Cougars showcase excellence in sports and entertainment

Kane County Cougars showcase excellence in sports and entertainment

Ben Weiss and Connor Smith
May 15, 2018

As Summer Break approaches, it is customary for students to begin making plans with friends and family to fill the next three months. For many, one of the most exciting and beloved summer traditions is...

Mr. Oldham shares his musical talent with students

Mr. Oldham shares his musical talent with students

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
May 8, 2018

Michael Oldham is a composer and pianist who this year took on the task of becoming the pianist for Metea Valley’s music department. He replaced Melinda Arnold, who retired this year after being with...

Patronizing the Mentally Disabled Should Not Be Acceptable in Our Society

Patronizing the Mentally Disabled Should Not Be Acceptable in Our Society

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Writer
April 29, 2018

e are at the end of Autism Awareness month and several people are attempting to showcase knowledge of the disability. In fact, us as a generation are attempting to create more awareness of special needs...

An inside look at the Metea L.I.F.E. event

An inside look at the Metea L.I.F.E. event

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
April 17, 2018

ith all the stresses that high school students have to go through, the Metea L.I.F.E. event gave people the opportunity to feel safe and bond with staff and students last Thursday. The acronym L.I.F.E...

The rise of “live” televised musicals and how it affects the art of theatre

The rise of “live” televised musicals and how it affects the art of theatre

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
April 12, 2018

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” one of the most influential rock-based musicals of the past century, was recently turned into a live televised concert on NBC this past Sunday. The production featured a significant...

Fortnite: The latest gaming phenomenon with no signs of diminishing

Fortnite: The latest gaming phenomenon with no signs of diminishing

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
April 3, 2018

In a generation where trends come and go, something about it has to be truly special in order to stand the test of time. In the case of the latest Epic Games release, Fortnite, it seems like a game that’s...

The Guide Right Program provides a clearer and stable future for students

The Guide Right Program provides a clearer and stable future for students

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
February 21, 2018

“I see Guide Right as a way to help people know what they need to do in order to reach their goals in the future, extra help for college and more knowledge of what you wanna do because not a lot of people...

[Video] MV After Hours

Spotlight Department
February 7, 2018

At our school, many students and faculty stay past 2:25 p.m. once the normal school day ends. However, not everyone may know what occurs at a certain time, as our school is continuously filled with a wide...

MSA spreads the meaning of a cultural item on World Hijab Day

MSA spreads the meaning of a cultural item on World Hijab Day

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
February 5, 2018

he Muslim Student Association, a club dedicated to teaching about the religion of Islam and the stigma around it, celebrated the holiday World Hijab Day, which encourages women of all backgrounds to wear...

The Statute of Limitations defeats the purpose of our justice system

The Statute of Limitations defeats the purpose of our justice system

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
January 17, 2018

In 1982, a man broke into a University of Oklahoma student’s apartment in Norman, Oklahoma, threatening and raping the women. At the time, the victim identified Thomas Webb as the rapist  and he was...

The Last Jedi represents everything wrong with modern cinema

The Last Jedi represents everything wrong with modern cinema

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
January 11, 2018

This article is in response to an article posted on 1/10/18 written by Brandon Yechout. Warning: The review will contain major spoilers for the Star Wars franchise. he Star Wars franchise is one...

No America, we’re not all created equal

No America, we’re not all created equal

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
December 15, 2017

American history is filled with discrimination and bigotry. Between denying women the right to vote, the segregation of races, and the denial of rights for the LGBTQ community, our history is one tragic...

Nintendo Switch: the latest trend in school distraction

Nintendo Switch: the latest trend in school distraction

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
November 17, 2017

he Switch is a new gaming console created by Nintendo that has taken our generation by storm. The system plays like a home console, but doubles as a portable device. It utilizes wireless Joy-Cons controllers...

Afghanistan Veteran talks about his service to Metea English students

Afghanistan Veteran talks about his service to Metea English students

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
November 7, 2017

Alan Reyes, the husband to freshman dean Jennifer Reyes, is a sergeant in the army that got drafted into Afghanistan for a ten month period. After 500 missions, including many VIP escort missions, he is...

[Video] 2nd Annual Pumpkin Race

November 2, 2017

Proudly produced in the classes, Broadcast Journalism  and Media Communications. IPSD Course Codes, TEE2007 and TEE1014

Extracurricular conflicts stem from a lack of communication

Extracurricular conflicts stem from a lack of communication

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
November 2, 2017

Students want to make a successful life for themselves, especially in high school.  As such, many high schoolers take extracurricular courses that will guide them to their eventual long running path....

[Video] Special Olympics Unified Soccer heads to upcoming State tournament

Kellie Foy, Sports Editor
October 31, 2017

his upcoming weekend is one of the most exciting weekends for Media’s very own Special Olympics Unified Soccer teams. The teams are going to be taking on the State tournament at Neuqua on Saturday and...

Netflix Original “American Vandal”expertly and crudely satirizes the crime documentary

Netflix Original “American Vandal”expertly and crudely satirizes the crime documentary

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
October 26, 2017

etflix launched a brand new original series entitled “American Vandal” last month. The online streaming service has always been a minefield of unique and varied content ever since it started creating...

BYOU Club offers a safe and helpful  environment for the women at Metea

BYOU Club offers a safe and helpful environment for the women at Metea

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
October 24, 2017

The Young Mustangs Women’s Club, also known as BYOU (Be Your Own U) started out as a small group of girls who talked about their problems and goals in society. These women find something special in their...

Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault accusations allows for silence to be broken

Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault accusations allows for silence to be broken

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
October 18, 2017

arvey Weinstein, former co-chairman of the Weinstein Company, was fired from his position, as well as being expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Oct. 8, 2017. This was following...

IPhone 8 and X: is the upgrade truly worth it?

IPhone 8 and X: is the upgrade truly worth it?

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
October 4, 2017

Photo by: Ethan Meyers On September 22, 2017, Apple introduced it’s latest phone model to the masses known as the IPhone 8. This new version of the popular cell phone brand introduced a multitude...

[Video] Web Edit: Homecoming Pep Assembly

October 2, 2017

Proudly produced in the classes, Broadcast Journalism  and Media Communications. IPSD Course Codes, TEE2007 and TEE1014 Photo by: Ethan Meyers

SAT’s: An academic hindrance to the developing youth

SAT’s: An academic hindrance to the developing youth

Ben Weiss, Perspectives Reporter
September 26, 2017

Photo by: Brittany Coates So here's a nice picture. You’ve just started your Junior or Senior year of high school. You’re getting good grades, do whatever you’re being told, apply for as many...

[Video] Special Olympics gears up for their soccer season

Tyler Burleyson, Sports Reporter
September 20, 2017

Video by Ben Weiss The unified soccer team has hit the ground running this season. The athletes had their first practices last week with students mostly from Best Buddies and Peer Partners. Unlike other...

Students bring the community together for a permanent memorial on 9/11

Students bring the community together for a permanent memorial on 9/11

Ben Weiss, Perspective Reporter
September 12, 2017

Photo by: Brittany Coates In an act of remembrance for the traumatic September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the school enacted their tradition of allowing students to participate during their lunch...

[Video] Readiness Days jump start the new year

Connor Smith, Avani Shah, and Kellie Foy
August 24, 2017

Dr. Echols provided an enthusiastic welcome to a new school year during Metea Valley’s inaugural readiness days last week to prepare the entire student body for the 2017-18 school year. The days included...

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Ben Weiss