Street art in Indiana

If you have ever walked through Uptown Philadelphia Street in Indiana, you most likely have witnessed a variety of intricate art painted on the side of buildings and on the sidewalks. This specific form of art is called street art. Street art is visual art created in public spaces, often on buildings, streets, and trains. It encompasses a variety of forms such as graffiti, stencils, posters, and sculptures, and while some are unsanctioned, their purpose can range from personal or social commentary to enhancing urban environments. 

Every year, the 8th graders at the Junior High school complete a unit where they study different street art and work together to create a poster to put up in the hallways. In the process, they became aware of paintings in Indiana. For example, a giant bear with a burning forest on its back is painted on the back of Fox’s Pizza. It was painted in response to recent wildfires in Canada. Also along Philly St. are multiple hopscotch drawings and stickers placed on the sidewalks. People often engage with them by jumping from square to square. 

A more popular example of street art in Indiana, are multiple wings that are painted on the side of a building. Citizens, more commonly teens, stand in front of them and have full-on photoshoots. 

Another example of street art that might be out of Indiana is the New York City bull yarn bombing, which happened back during Covid 19. An artist from the area covered the Charging Bull from Wall Street in yarn. However, it was only up for a few hours before it was taken down. 

How Veterans Day became a national holiday

Veterans Day was created on November 11, 1919, to honor U.S. veterans for their service. It was created by transforming an old holiday into a new one to include all veterans.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day to be on November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the war. In 1954, Armistice Day was replaced with Veterans Day to honor veterans in all wars. The bill was signed by President Eisenhower.

Veterans Day is widely celebrated on November 11th due to the armistice that ended WWl, which was signed during the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month back in the year 1918. Every year, on November 11th, since 1919, Veterans Day is celebrated as a day to remember our veterans and acknowledge world peace, bringing us all together in all different kinds of ways and honoring the people who defended our country during desperate times.

Back in 1918, after World War I,1 the first version of Veterans Day was called Armistice Day. Armistice Day was created to mark the end of WWI, as November 11 was the day the fighting ended. Later, after WWII, it was soon changed to Veterans Day because Armistice Day was established for WWI veterans, so the name change grouped all veterans.

In conclusion, Veterans Day has a rich past. From the reason for becoming a holiday, to its name change later on. Veterans Day is an important holiday to celebrate because it reminds everyone of the past challenges the U. S. faced during WWI and WWII.

Mexico celebrates Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated during the earlier part of November, and is celebrated in Mexico and in most Mexican communities within the United States. While some think it is just a rip-off of Halloween, it is really a way to communicate with your lost loved ones. It’s a way to honor the dead and celebrate with the living. There are many iconic traditions and foods that always have a place in our hearts. Dia de los muertos shows a new way of thinking of death. Instead of a sad occasion, they see it as an eternity of partying! 

There are so many different foods and traditions that come along with Dia de los muertos, not to mention that different families have traditions and foods that are special to them, but some of the popular foods that people eat at Dia de los muertos are sugar skulls, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), mole negro (a sauce made with many spices), tamales, red posole (stew with pork and chili broth), sopa azteca (tortilla soup), chapulines (roasted grasshoppers), and chalabaza en tacha (candied pumpkin with brown sugar), and carmel flan (a creamy custard with a layer of carmel). The most important tradition that people use to celebrate Dia de los Muertos are ofrendas (or altars). Ofrendas are used to bring back loved ones from the dead for one night. Because the point of an ofrenda is to bring back your ancestors from the dead, you’re supposed to put items that your ancestors enjoyed when they were alive. 

Dia de los Muertos originated in ancient Aztec rituals in what is now Mexico. The Nahua peoples (including the Aztecs) believed that after death, a soul embarked on a journey to the underworld, Chicunamictlán. Offerings of food and water were made to aid them on this challenging journey, a practice that inspired the modern ofrendas (altars with offerings). So, that’s what started people putting out the deceased’s favorite foods and items. 

Animals also play an important role in Dia de los Muertos as a way to honor deceased pets, but there are also animals that help deceased relatives come back from the dead to visit their families. One such animal is the Xoloitzcuintle. Dogs were also considered sacred and were known to guide their owners’ spirits to the afterlife, but the Xoloitzcuintle is still the most prominent animal associated with this holiday due to its ancient Aztec origins. 

Senora Matko, a Spanish teacher, said, “ I think the two movies, Coco and The Book of Life, help show the cultural value of Dia de los Muertos. People will put their deceased loved ones’ favorite foods and drinks on ofrendas so their loved ones can visit them and enjoy it. While we think of it as a cute celebration, people in Mexico really believe that their relatives come to visit them on Dia de los Muertos.”

Taken by Evelyn Adams. Artboard created by Senora Matko and her Spanish students.

Thanksgiving around the world

Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated holiday across most of North America, but what is it like for other countries? China has a celebration called “The Mid-Autumn Festival”, and Italy celebrates “La Festa del Ringraziamento” (The Festival of Thanks. There are many other variations of this holiday around the world. The Crimson Arrow interviewed some IJHS students about their Thanksgiving traditions and what they enjoy about the holiday. 

The first person we questioned was an eighth grader named Macy Evans. For a tradition they have, they said, “Every other year we go to a cousin’s house to spend time with family.” Next, we interviewed a seventh grader named Abby Griffith about her favorite thing to do on Thanksgiving. “Spending time with family is my favorite thing,” she said. The third person we inquired was Kortlynd Gallo, a seventh grader, to which she said, “No, Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday.” The final person we talked to was Dylan Petersal, who is in eighth grade. One of her traditions is that, “Every year we make ham instead of turkey. No one in my family eats turkey.” 

IJHS students have a lot of traditions and opinions on Thanksgiving, and it is interesting how diverse they are. Although Thanksgiving is not many students’ favorite holiday, it is still very important to them, and they enjoy celebrating it. If you have any Thanksgiving celebrations that are different from these, don’t be afraid to share your ideas with others, because you may find some new connections.

This is a photo of “The Mid-Autumn Festival” (In China) of 2025

USA’s tariffs

Inflation is rising, and things are getting more expensive. (Seriously, it’s like 700 dollars for groceries now, and that’s not even an exaggeration.) But those who live under a rock may not know what sparked the sudden increase in prices. Well, it’s because of stocks and tariffs, but we’re just going to focus on tariffs, specifically, America’s tariffs. 

First, we need to know how these tariffs started. On the 26th of January, just 6 days after he was sworn in, Donald Trump threatened Columbia with a 25% increase after President Gustavo Petro refused to take two planes full of migrants. Columbia followed suit but reversed the decision and accepted the migrants. In February, he signed an executive order to put 10% tariffs on China and 25% on Mexico and Canada, set to go into effect on the 4th of February. Then on the 3rd, the tariffs on Mexico and Canada are put on a 30 day pause as both countries try to appease border concerns. On March 4th, the Mexico and Canada tariffs kick into effect. (He also doubled Chinese tariffs, making them 20%.) Then, on March 12th, he imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum products (Globally, on every country.) But things started getting worse the following month. Trump’s administration announced on April 2nd that a “reciprocal” tariff, basically putting 10% on all imports from dozens of countries. Then on the ninth, the tariffs were placed on a 90-day pause. On the 28th of May, U.S. trade court ruled that the tariffs were illegal under IEEPA, though the tariffs remained in effect during the administration’s appeal. On June 4th, the steel and aluminum tax was doubled. Then the tariffs from the “reciprocal” went into effect on August 7th. Then, on September 25th, Trump announced tariffs on kitchen cabinets (50%), upholstered furniture (25%), heavy trucks (25%), and certain pharmaceuticals (100%), which went into effect on October 1st. But, on the 9th of September, before the Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal on Trump’s IEEPA tariff authority in November, which is scheduled to happen on the 5th of November. But now let’s see what students think.

We interviewed several people on their opinion on tariffs, starting with Cyrus, a sixth grader. He stated, “I hate tariffs. They’re just evil taxes. We shouldn’t be taxing other countries.”

The next person we interviewed was a seventh grader, Joselyn Snowball. She shared, “It’s bad for people who have budgets. They’re kind of unnecessary in my opinion.” Finally, we questioned an eighth grader named Kaelyn Jenkins. “Taxes on important supplies aren’t good. I think that if we keep imposing tariffs on other countries, they might stop importing materials to us,” she expresses.

It seems that most people, both influential politicians and just people from our community, all agree that tariffs have a negative impact on our lives. By the time this article is published, several more tariffs will likely go into effect.

“6,7” sweeps America

Over the past year, across America, the rising pop cultural movement of “6,7” has created a connection throughout Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha. Kids, especially those in middle school, are the target audience for its popularity, being said day in and day out, almost constantly.  The meme “6,7” started as a TikTok that went viral, claiming it to be the height of LeMelo Ball, a famous basketball player. To add on to its reign, another TikTok sound was able to boost its popularity through its obvious lyrics, that can be easily heard and remembered. 

The meme consists of two distinct elements. First, there are physical motions. People stick out their hands, palms up, and repeatedly move them up and down. Second, the verbal aspect comprises the words “Six seven,” where the “seven” is elongated and said with enthusiasm. 

The “six seven” meme has become so popular, it’s being incorporated into everyday activities and ideas. Things that were once said to be normal, among sports and school, are filled with the continuous usage of the meme. After a touchdown, a football player might celebrate by doing the trend. A school teacher might try to imply it to try to fit in with the younger generations or just in spite to annoy them. Despite dragging out the concept, the yen is not wearing off and is increasingly becoming more and more powerful. 

To create a perspective on the situation, a few students from the Indiana Junior High School (IJHS) gave input on what they thought. Simeon Bessetti, to being asked simply asked what he thought about “six, seven”, said “6-7, 6-7, 6-7…” repeatedly, and then walked away in an uncontrollable laugh. “It’s a really super thing to say, very meaningful.” said Natalie Stormer. “‘6-7’ is the reason I want to jam my head into a locker repeatedly,” said Antonion Santiago.

The “6,7” meme has transcended its origins to become a cultural phenomenon among Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, illustrating how viral trends can shape social interactions and expressions in everyday life. As it continues within schools and beyond, its impact reflects the evolution of youth culture and the power of shared experiences in the digital world. 

Popular foods of South America

South American food is full of flavor and variety, influenced by different cultures like Native, African, and European. From Argentina’s juicy steaks to Brazil’s famous barbecue, each country has its own unique dishes. 

Arepas are a food popular in Columbia and Venezuela, usually served as a side dish. Arepas have a crispy exterior and a soft and doughy interior. They are usually served with butter, cheese, or avocado, or split open and filled with ingredients such as meat, beans, eggs, or vegetables.

Arepas (Image from Google)

Empandas are popular all in South America and served as a main or side dish. Empandas are hand held pies made from filled dough usually folded. Popular fillings include chicken, ground beef, and cheese, as well as sweet fruit and cream filling. 

Empandas (Image from Google)

Chivito is Uruguay’s national dish and is usually served as a main dish. Chivito is a colossal steak sandwich piled with grilled steak, ham, bacon, melted mozzarella, fried egg, lettuce, and tomato on a large bun. It is known for its high quality ingredients including grass fed beef, and is also served with a variety of condiments like mayonnaise and sometimes olives or pickles.

Chivitos (Image from Google)

Lomo saltado is a Peruvian stir-fry dish that uses Chinese cooking styles. Lomo saltado combines marinated strips of beef, aji amarillo, onions, and tomatoes all tossed with soy sauce or vinegar, usually served with a side of french fries and fried rice. The dish is known for its balance of flavors like savory, spicy, and tangy.

Lomo Saltado (Image from Google)

South American food is a rich blend of flavors and traditions. With so many unique dishes to explore, it’s a cuisine that truly reflects the diversity and culture of the continent. Whether people are fans of savory, sweet, or spicy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

April Fool’s Day throughout the world

We are coming into spring now, and with it comes April Fools. This infamous and ancient holiday of trickery has been renowned across the world for its strange celebrations. It is one of the most important holidays in many countries.

April Fool’s is an extremely old holiday; it started over two thousand years ago in the Pacific island of Motunui. Long ago in Motunui, there was an extremely self-obsessed and exceedingly cruel tyrant. The islanders despised their ruler, so on April 1, they made a cake and put poison in it, then they gave it to the ruler. He enjoyed the cake greatly, but died just days after. That day was made a holiday, and it slowly spread throughout the world, becoming the April Fools we know.

Today, April Fool’s Day is celebrated throughout the world in many different forms. In America, it is defined by silly jokes and pranks. While in French-speaking countries, the day is often known as April Fish, and people will stick a paper fish to the recipient’s back. And in Ireland, the prank letters are very popular. There are also significant celebrations throughout the Middle East and beyond; however, many of these are celebrated on days close to April 1st but not precisely.

All in all, April Fool’s is a fascinating and enticing holiday that has been celebrated for many generations throughout the world. Let’s hope that this holiday with a fantastic history will be celebrated for many years to come.