Pirate Press

The Student News Site of Ottawa Township High School
Wes Weatherford successfully taking the win for Ottawa. “If you want to get better, there are no shortcuts. You must put in the extra time and effort,” Weatherford said.
Male Athlete of the Month: Wes Weatherford
Look at these fun colors. These are the most popular refreshers at Starbucks. Refreshers seemed to be the most popular item among the people I talked to.
Coffee Shop Studying
Look at these medalists freshman Daisy Rabadan, freshman Trinity Casas, sophomore Savannah Markey, senior Isabella Markey, sophomore Sophia Hart and sophomore Karsyn Moore. The girls had just beaten the school record and wanted to commemorate their winnings by taking a photo. Coach Daniel Hevaer said, “Savannah is the type of athlete any coach would want. She comes to practice with a smile on her face, demonstrates leadership even as an underclassman, and consistently works hard with a clear understanding of what needs to be done.”
Athlete of the Month: Savannah Markey
Juniors Shelby Domoleczny and Arden Chechowicz singing on stage during the first student talent section.
Fine Arts: Student Talent #1
Flying Through the End of The Year
Flying Through the End of The Year
Juniors Shelby Domoleczny and Arden Chechowicz singing on stage during the first student talent section.
Fine Arts: Student Talent #1
The Dueling Pianos men are pictured as they continue to battle through numerous popular songs.
Fine Arts: Dueling Pianos
Look at all the fun the crowd is having. Morse is rapping one of his songs. The crowd his swaying and clapping their hands in the background.
Kevi Morse
Faculty Women were dancing to “Double Dutch Bus.” The women seemed to have big smiles and looked to be enjoying themselves. This dance is popular on tik toc right now.
Fine Arts: Faculty Showcase
The Wayouts playing "Time of the Season" by The Zombies. A few moments after this the audience began cheering.
Fine Arts: The Wayouts
Wes Weatherford successfully taking the win for Ottawa. “If you want to get better, there are no shortcuts. You must put in the extra time and effort,” Weatherford said.
Male Athlete of the Month: Wes Weatherford
Look at these medalists freshman Daisy Rabadan, freshman Trinity Casas, sophomore Savannah Markey, senior Isabella Markey, sophomore Sophia Hart and sophomore Karsyn Moore. The girls had just beaten the school record and wanted to commemorate their winnings by taking a photo. Coach Daniel Hevaer said, “Savannah is the type of athlete any coach would want. She comes to practice with a smile on her face, demonstrates leadership even as an underclassman, and consistently works hard with a clear understanding of what needs to be done.”
Athlete of the Month: Savannah Markey
Look at the shine on those. Lui has her gold and bronze medal. Lui said she wants to raise awareness to mental health with her newfound attention but doesn’t want to be in the public eye.
Alysa Lui Olympic Gold Medalist, Who is She?
Sophomore Celeste Wallace is getting ready to start her 200-meter dash.
Spring Sports in Full Swing
Some Teams get Packed Stands, but why Don’t These?
Faculty Women were dancing to “Double Dutch Bus.” The women seemed to have big smiles and looked to be enjoying themselves. This dance is popular on tik toc right now.
Fine Arts: Faculty Showcase
The album cover for “icon.” The cover is meant to show self-reflection and maturity. “icon” is expected to explore Faiyaz’s journey in balancing authenticity with how the world perceives” said Kyle Denis, a writer for "Billboard".
Brent Faiyaz Album Review
The front cover of the HBO max tv show “The Pitt.”
“The Pitt” Show Review
Characters Noah and Allie are seen walking together in one of the many cover photos for "The Notebook."
“The Notebook” Movie Review
The cover of the second volume of Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp, Illustrated by Javier Rodriguez.
A Closer Look at Martian Manhunter
The Dueling Pianos men are pictured as they continue to battle through numerous popular songs.
Fine Arts: Dueling Pianos
Look at all the fun the crowd is having. Morse is rapping one of his songs. The crowd his swaying and clapping their hands in the background.
Kevi Morse
The album cover for “icon.” The cover is meant to show self-reflection and maturity. “icon” is expected to explore Faiyaz’s journey in balancing authenticity with how the world perceives” said Kyle Denis, a writer for "Billboard".
Brent Faiyaz Album Review
Is that Mirrorball in the air? This is Styles newest album cover for his upcoming album “Kiss All the Time Disco Occasionally.” The album comes out on March 6, 2026. Styles inspiration came from the energy of an LCD Soundsystem. Styles said he wanted to make something that he felt was “made from the dance floor” in his words.
Music Review: “Aperture” a Harry Styles Single
This is the acoustic album cover for Zack Bryans album “With Heaven on Top” The original version has trees in the background. Both have unique styles.
Album Review: “With Heaven on Top”
Pirate Press
Pirate Press
Categories:

Riplock Band

Angel Munoz
April 17, 2026
Lead singer and Guitarist Matt Ripsch playing a solo on guitar as the crow cheers him on.

The sound of country and rock mixing together, along with the energy of the performers, got the audience excited.  

Riplock performed many country covers and hit songs such as “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. During the performance many students stood up to match the energy of the band and had flashlights out to show their support.  

The two leaders of the band Matt Ripsch and Elijah Somlock both grew up in Kendall County and started their career by performing at the Sandwich Fair in 2024. 

Riplock Band was an amazing performance, singing classic songs but with a modern feel. They had also taken the suggestion of “Free Bird” from the students, making the show feel really inclusive. Senior Mario Gerena said, “The band got everyone really hype and played good songs and brought such a good vibe.” 

Story continues below advertisement
Donate to Pirate Press

Your donation will support the student journalists of Ottawa Township High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
More in Fine Arts
Juniors Shelby Domoleczny and Arden Chechowicz singing on stage during the first student talent section.
Fine Arts: Student Talent #1
The Dueling Pianos men are pictured as they continue to battle through numerous popular songs.
Fine Arts: Dueling Pianos
Look at all the fun the crowd is having. Morse is rapping one of his songs. The crowd his swaying and clapping their hands in the background.
Kevi Morse
Faculty Women were dancing to “Double Dutch Bus.” The women seemed to have big smiles and looked to be enjoying themselves. This dance is popular on tik toc right now.
Fine Arts: Faculty Showcase
The Wayouts playing "Time of the Season" by The Zombies. A few moments after this the audience began cheering.
Fine Arts: The Wayouts
The Student Body Band performing ”Beat It” by Micheal Jackson
The Student Body Band
More in Showcase
A Magical Spring Production
A Magical Spring Production
A collage of pictures of the retiring teachers' lives through the years.
Retiring Teachers
Freshman Timarrius Hinton stands on stage with magician David Anthony as Anthony sets up a magic trick.
Mind Games on Stage
Christina Eltrevoog singing and playing guitar while performing her original songs on the first day of Fine Arts.
Christina Eltrevoog
Fine Arts: Student Talent #3
The Fine Arts Club dances together on stage with cartoon character Eric Cartman to conclude Fine Arts Presents.
FAC Presents
About the Contributor
Angel Munoz
Angel Munoz
Angel Munoz is a sophomore whose hobbies include working out, playing guitar and hanging out with friends. He has been playing guitar for three years and has performed at the Fine Arts Festival in the past. Angel also works a job outside of school at R Grotto. He is part of the Fine Arts Club this year and plans to join again in the future.
Donate to Pirate Press