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METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Your World. Your Stories. Everyday.

METEA MEDIA

Sydney Burleyson

Sydney Burleyson

Sydney is in her third year on staff and is finishing her last year as Managing editor and longform editor. She enjoys talking about Kanye West and drinking obnoxious amounts of caffeine. Outside of the newspaper room, you can find Sydney at dance practice, messing around with friends, or listening to music.

All content by Sydney Burleyson

Seniors are ready for college

Sydney Burleyson, Managing Editor
April 24, 2023

In our school halls, students hear noise about how excited they are for college and the process of narrowing down their top schools. Today’s seniors are ready for a positive change that college will...

As graduation approaches the corner, seniors are choosing what path their future holds for them.

The class of 2023 is split between being ready and not ready for college

Allison Davids and Sydney Burleyson
April 24, 2023

As seniors are about to graduate, some of them are heading to college where the atmosphere is much different than what they are used to. The overwhelming rush of independence that students feel at college...

Tangerine by Frank Sativa

‘Tangerine’ by Frank Sativa

Sydney Burleyson, Managing Editor
April 19, 2023

Going along with the idea of love, another song that has a similar theme is “Tangerine” by Frank Sativa. Sativa is a smaller artist who got attention from TikTok and has released a string of songs...

The Stampede Staff recommends their favorite songs for spring.

Stampede Staff Playlist: April Edition

Sarah Holzman and Sydney Burleyson
April 19, 2023

Here are the staff's top song recommendations for spring. From fun and upbeat to whimsical and reflective, this playlist has a song for everyone.

Drive Me Crazy by Lil Yachty

‘Drive Me Crazy’ by Lil Yachty

Sydney Burleyson, Managing Editor
April 19, 2023

The eighth song on Lil Yachty's new album, “Sunset Demo,” which was released in January, is arguably the best track. Listening to “Drive Me Crazy” can instantly make anyone listening happy...

Michael B Jordan directs and brings back to life his role as boxing champ Adonis Creed in an emotional film based on brotherhood and revenge.

Creed III Movie Review: Michael B Jordan delivers an emotion-packed film that goes beyond the boxing ring

Sydney Burleyson, Managing Editor
March 17, 2023

Michael B Jordan took on the role of director as well as starring actor in the third film of the Creed series “Creed III.” Jordan revives his character as Adonis Creed, son of legendary boxer Apollo...

Congratulations by Mac Miller (Feat. Bilal)

‘Congratulations’ by Mac Miller (Feat. Bilal)

Sydney Burleyson, Managing Editor
February 7, 2023

This love song by Mac Miller is a beautiful representation of a man's true divine love for a woman. Miller talks about a female who many speculate was Ariana Grande and their journey together from being...

Garbage abandoned on the bleachers during a home football game.

How not to act at football games

Sarah Holzman and Sydney Burleyson
October 17, 2022

There is a proper way to act at a football game and there is the way that some students have been acting. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in people throwing Gatorade bottles, and pushing...

On each anniversary New York City displays two beaming lights representing the twin towers to pay respect to those who lost their lives and celebrate the spirit of NYC

A day to remember: 9/11

Sydney Burleyson and Sarah Holzman
September 12, 2022

2,996 people lost their lives on September 11, 2001, due to the hijacking of four planes by 19 suicide hijackers from the Islamic terrorist group Al Qaeda. Groups of men smuggled box cutters, ropes, and...

Meteas football players start their season off with an at home scrimmage against their own players.

Fall Sports kick off their seasons

Sydney Burleyson, Managing Editor
August 25, 2022

After their summer camps and Mustang Mania, fall sports work hard at practice to prepare for their first game. Without much school work in the way, these athletes have an advantage while practicing because...

Elon Musk is set to own social media app Twitter after offering $44 billion.

Why the world’s richest man purchased Twitter

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines editor
April 28, 2022

The Creator of Tesla and the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, with a net worth of $273 billion proposed a deal with Twitter. He is giving Twitter $44 billion to own the social media app. Twitter board...

The annual March Madness tournament is a great time for High school students to research colleges.

March Madness provides a stepping ground into the college search

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
March 23, 2022

The annual March Madness NCAA tournament started March 13. March Madness is an annual three week college basketball tournament. 68 Division 1 colleges will be competing against each other in one on one...

Gas prices per gallon rise as a result of the recent sanctions against Russia to limit the import of oil to the U.S.

United States gas prices reach highest rate in 14 years

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
March 21, 2022

The war between Russia and Ukraine has put a hike in United States gas prices leaving people paying up to $4.26 per gallon at the pump. Although depending on the state, and regional factors, prices have...

District 204 will continue to implement the mask mandate despite downstate judges ruling.

District 204 will continue to implement mask mandate

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
February 7, 2022

Judge Raylene Grischow, a downstate Illinois judge, ruled against the Illinois' school mandate, requiring students and teachers to wear masks to school. The ruling comes from a lawsuit filed by parents...

District 204 should take advice from many different sources and come up with a better plan to keep students and staff safe during adverse weather conditions.

District 204 disregards the safety of their students during Wednesday’s snowstorm

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
February 4, 2022

I woke up to check Twitter on Wednesday, in hopes that 204 came to their senses and chose to cancel school due to the massive snowstorm that was hitting us.  Instead I woke up to a tweet which read,...

District 204 boundary committee has officially decided on new boundary plans

District 204 boundary committee has officially decided on new boundary plans

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
January 20, 2022

A final consensus came to light regarding the ongoing topic of District 204 boundary adjustments at the board of education meeting on Jan. 10, 2022. Boundaries have been in discussion since April 2021....

The day of service was canceled because of the rising dangers of the new COVID-19 variant.

[Photo] Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day of Service was canceled this year due to the rising risks of COVID-19

Tanmayi Sharat, Headlines Reporter
January 20, 2022

The day of service was canceled because of the rising dangers of the new COVID-19 variant.

All Illinois schools have adopted new CDC guidance which now shortens the quarantine period to five days instead of 14.

CDC shortens COVID-19 quarantine period to five days for all Illinois schools

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
January 14, 2022

In an e-newsletter sent out by District 204 Superintendent Adrian Talley stated that “Staff and students who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status should isolate for five days...

New mental health resources are put into place for students to utilize.

District launches new mental health website

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
December 14, 2021

District 204 has created a new webpage with information about mental health resources, citing losses and mental health concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the statement, the district said that...

‘Shes really all I need’ by Mac Demarco

‘She’s really all I need’ by Mac Demarco

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
December 7, 2021

With the cold months upon us and more days spent inside looking out at the gloomy sky, Mac Demarco's music has been on rotation for me. But more so specifically his song “She’s really all I need.”...

‘Hate CD’ by Steve Lacy

‘Hate CD’ by Steve Lacy

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
December 7, 2021

“Hate CD” is a song off of Steve Lacy's debut album “Apollo XXI.” This song is a story of Lacy’s addiction to another man and how he so badly wants this man but knows he is no good for him, just...

‘A quick death’ by Paris Texas

‘A quick death’ by Paris Texas

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
December 7, 2021

I recently rediscovered Paris Texas which is a hip hop duo who go by Pseudonyms louie pastel and felix. “Boy anonymous” took 2021 music by storm. The first time I listened to “A quick death” I...

Taylor Swift released her ninth studio album Red (Taylors Version). The album reaches the most-streamed album in a day from a female artist.

Taylor Swift releases ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ and revitalizes an entire album

Sarah Holzman and Sydney Burleyson
December 1, 2021

Taylor Swift released her fourth studio album “Red” on Oct. 22, 2012, and after nine years, she re-released it. With this new album comes the original 20 songs and ten additional songs released from...

The board discusses summer bridge programs, the new boundaries plan, and student mental health

The Board of Education holds their second meeting of the month

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
November 19, 2021

The school board held their second board meeting of the month last Monday evening. With schools being back in person, the meeting was able to be held at the Crouse Education Center with regular attendees...

‘You’ season 3 leaves viewers wanting even more

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
November 18, 2021

The entirety of season three of “You” did not disappoint, it started on a thrill ride and ended on a thrill ride keeping you engaged and wanting more the whole time. It is not very common to find a...

Popular Netflix thriller You leaves audiences divided as the show takes on a new twist.

Season three of ‘You’ leaves viewers divided

Isabela Sanchez and Sydney Burleyson
November 18, 2021

Season three of the Netflix Original hit series, “You,” was released on Oct. 15. The storyline focuses on Joe, portrayed by Penn Badgley, running away to the suburbs with Love, portrayed by Victoria...

The threat assessment team was created to assess and treat threats made against individual schools, students, and staff.

Threat assessment team is created to protect staff and students

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
November 16, 2021

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a new law that states all schools must identify staff for a threat assessment team and have a set threat assessment procedure in place as of Feb. 2020. The purpose of these...

As the new teacher vaccine mandate is implemented on Sept. 27, teachers share their opinions on the new mandate.

Teacher video prompts discussion around teacher vaccine mandate

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Editor
November 2, 2021

When students in first period ceramics class opened their Chromebooks on Sept. 27, their substitute teacher told them to watch the video that art teacher Karly Olson left for them.   It was not the...

The Stampede staff members share their favorite movie picks for the Halloween season.

Stampede Halloween Movie Picks

Aidan’s selection  ‘Get Out’ (R) This debut film by Jordan Peele is a great choice if you are looking for something terrifying that tackles the idea of racism. The story follows the main...

Freshman sit in a circle a connect with their upperclassman as they tell stories of their freshman year.

Freshmen meet outside to create new social connections for Fresh Connect

Tanmayi Sharat and Sydney Burleyson
September 14, 2021

As students are getting into the rhythm of a normal school day, the freshmen were newly introduced to Fresh Connect. As new ideas like meeting outside and different activities have been implemented, this...

Local teen -Michelle Azie-
wins the title of Fox Valley Youth Poet Laureate

Michelle Azi wins the title of Fox Valley Youth Poet Laureate

Sydney Burleyson
September 9, 2021

Teen Writers and Artist Project (TWAAP) held the Fox Valley Youth Poet Laureate Finalist Ceremony on Aug 26. The winner of this event was junior Michelle Azi. Azi is an accomplished poet, as well as Metea...

Students look forward to returning to school sports after a year of COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletes look forward to a season of normalcy

Sydney Burleyson
September 1, 2021

The pandemic took  a huge hit on dedicated athletes training for the upcoming sports seasons. With march 2020 shutdowns, many athletes found themselves with no access to their usual training facilities,...

Seniors enjoy Starbucks together during their lunch break.

Seniors take advantage of off-campus lunch

Sydney Burleyson and Allison Davids
August 26, 2021

To reduce overcrowding in the commons, the District 204 school board is temporarily allowing seniors to go off-campus during their lunch period. This year students can grab lunch or stop at home anytime...

With a wave of uncertainty over which COVID guidelines should still be followed, comes the debate over masks and their necessity in the classroom.

Students adhere to the newly issued school mask mandate

Sydney Burleyson and Sarah Holzman
August 24, 2021

At the beginning of August, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced at a press conference that all schools PK-12 must mandate masks regardless of student and teacher vaccination status. This mandate comes with...

PDAC holds an online zoom webinar with American Author Jason Reynolds and Sonja Cherry paul who is an educator, author, and co-founder of the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy.

PDAC holds a public Zoom webinar to discuss black representation and education on racism.

Sydney Burleyson
May 25, 2021

The Parent Diversity Advocacy Council (PDAC) held a Zoom webinar event with American author Jason Reynolds and Sonja Cherry Paul last Monday evening. Paul is the co-founder and co-facilitator of the Institute...

Despite the final outcome of the Derek Chauvin trial many still do not see this as fair justice.

Following the outcome of the Derek Chauvin trial, many still see flaws in our justice system.

Iman Hamid and Sydney Burleyson
May 19, 2021

Derek Chauvin, a former cop for the Minneapolis Police Department, arrested George Floyd after a convenience store clerk accused Floyd of paying with a counterfeit $20 bill on May 25, 2020. Police bodycam...

A standard-issued COVID-19 vaccination record card.

Districts 203 and 204 partner up to host a vaccine clinic for the community

Sydney Burleyson
May 18, 2021

Naperville School Districts 203 and 204 are partnering up to host a vaccine clinic for students. The districts are working with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy to administer the vaccine. In Dec. of 2020, the vaccine...

Students receive their graduation yard signs.

PTSA hosts new end of year Senior Celebration

Sydney Burleyson
April 19, 2021

The PTSA recently held an outdoor social event for seniors. This event was focused on handing out class of 2021 yard signs to seniors and providing a social environment with a DJ, raffles, and games. The...

Dhruv Syngol created the Open Gear Initiative to allow students to explore  their interests in STEM.

Local student organizes nonprofit in hopes of inspiring students to pursue in STEM

Sydney Burleyson
April 14, 2021

The Open Gears Initiative is a nonprofit organization founded by Dhruv Syngol, a sophomore with a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Syngol’s mission is to provide a clear...

4EVER by Clairo

4EVER by Clairo

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Reporter
February 23, 2021

4EVER is a bedroom pop coming of age song that has very relatable lyrics and the story behind the song is for sure relatable to many teens of this age. To me, this song is all about wondering where my...

Strawberry Swing by Frank Ocean

Strawberry Swing by Frank Ocean

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Reporter
February 23, 2021

Strawberry Swing is a song featured on the album Nostalgia ULTRA by Frank Ocean. This song dives into Frank reminiscing as an adult on all the good times he had as a child with his best friend, as well...

Golden by Harry Styles

Golden by Harry Styles

Sydney Burleyson, Headlines Reporter
February 23, 2021

Although I'm not a huge fan of Harry styles and I will admit I have only listened to a couple of songs. I absolutely love his song golden. When I first heard this song shuffled on a playlist I was so intrigued...

As Metea sports resume, athletic trainers have made adjustments to practices and created new protocols to keep athletes safe.

Athletic trainers handle upcoming sports season with new precautions

Sydney Burleyson and Tyler Perry
February 23, 2021

The pandemic took a huge hit to the sports season. The Illinois High School Association [IHSA] announced last Tuesday that it is safe to resume most sports such as boys’ and girls’ basketball, dance,...

Due to COVID-19, many, changes have been made to how AP testing is done. Digital exams may also continue to be an option in the future for the Mustangs.

College Board provides new updates for AP testing

Sydney Burleyson
February 22, 2021

As the second semester progresses, AP testing begins to be on the radar for students taking AP exams. Many changes have been made for AP testing this year to assure that students are able to effectively...

On Jan. 25, Metea will reopen for hybrid learning students. This is the first time students have attended classes after a full semester of remote learning.

Teachers express their opinion on the upcoming hybrid schedule 

Sydney Burleyson
January 21, 2021

*Two of the teacher interviewees in this article chose to remain anonymous. They will be referred to as a Social Studies teacher and an English teacher. The hybrid schedule for high school students...

The plan of returning back to school has been an issue that is hard to follow through with due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, there is a pause on hybrid learning for now.

The pause in the hybrid learning plan creates uncertainty among students

Sydney Burleyson
October 30, 2020

Since March 13, the plan of returning back to in-person learning has been a challenge to follow through with. Students were expecting to return to school this upcoming Monday. Due to the increase of COVID-19...

The IPSD school board records their meetings which are then posted on their YouTube channel.

IPSD school board discusses their back to school plan

Sydney Burleyson
October 21, 2020

The IPSD school board members gathered at Metea to discuss their goals and plan for reopening the schools last night. This is the first time that they have had an in-person meeting at the school since...

The MCs continue to keep school spirit alive through remote learning.

BG Stampede look to  keep the school spirit alive in light of remote learning

Sydney Burleyson
October 16, 2020

Although this school year looks a little different, BG Stampede’s MCs are trying to keep up Metea’s school spirit. Even though pep assemblies are at a pause, the MCs are not going to let that stop...

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Sydney Burleyson