Wisconsin Werewolf: The Terrifying Legend of the Beast of Bray Road

by Aarosh Subedi, age 14

The Beast of Bray Road, a wolf with human features, is a legend in Wisconsin that has lived on for a very long time and still remains a myth to this day. The creature was named after the street where it was first seen in 1936. Today, the creature is fading from memory, but its legend is still intact.

It all started around 1936 when a watchman at a school in Jefferson County was analyzing reports of animals on the fields at night. On duty, he caught a glimpse of a shadow and tried to get a better look at it. As he squinted, he saw a canine-like creature on four legs that was digging. Even though it may have been a dog or a wolf, he reported that it looked “far too big” to be either animal. After it dug, it unwrapped itself into a six-foot-tall wolf with macho features as it stood up. The watchman got his chance to report the creature to the authorities. After its first sighting on Bray Road, it would not be seen for the next 40 years.

Around the 1980’s and 1990’s, sightings started occurring very frequently in Wisconsin around Walworth County and a small town named Elkhorn. For instance, one sighting involved this same creature bashing into someone's house and maiming one of their horses. The person stated that footprints from this creature were over one foot long. Another sighting involved a very young girl stating that the creature chased her across a forest. At last, in 1999, an 18 year old driving around the same Bray Road where it was first seen in 1936 claimed that her “right tire hit something.” She got out of the car after hearing this, and all of a sudden, a wolf-human hybrid with the same muscular and masculine features appeared right in front of her eyes. This led to her running back into the car and speeding off with the cryptid slipping off the trunk of the car. [Read More]

Anna Pavlova: World-Renowned Prima Ballerina

by Edna Torres, age 8

Anna Pavlova was a well-known ballerina. She is best known for her role in The Dying Swan, which she performed widely and is regarded as the first to tour the world.

In early 1881, Pavlova was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. Classical ballet did not come easily for her. With tireless practice and perseverance, she reached her goal of becoming a renowned ballerina. In her early years, Anna endured many nicknames from her teammates, who called her “the broom” and “la petite sauvage” (the little savage). Despite the challenges she faced, she kept working hard, and her arched feet, thin ankles, and long limbs helped her small, compact body as a ballerina.

Anna was a prima ballerina of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and a principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet. Anna made her stage debut in Marius Petipa's Un conte de fées and also performed in South America, India, and Australia. [Read More]

Disc Golf: A Fun Sport you Can Play Almost Anywhere

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 11

Most people are familiar with golf, but not with disc golf, a new and rising sport. Instead of hitting a ball off the tee into a hole, people throw frisbee-like discs from the tee into an off-ground metal basket.

This unique version of a sport is affordable to start playing and accessible. Even if there are no disc golf courses nearby, people can still play in their backyards or their local parks using objects like lamp posts, marked trees, and even benches. In this sport, people can play by themselves or in teams, either professionally or for fun.

There are many versions of the 66-year-old sport, including Persian, Greek and Roman. The first registered course was opened in 1975 in California, U.S.A. Since then, there have been more than 2,000 courses and more than 500,000 disc golf players. [Read More]

The Story Behind Australia's Most Famous Landmark

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 10

The Sydney Opera House is a historical landmark and one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century. It opened in 1973 and is mostly known for its unique structure and design. It is now a symbol of Sydney, Australia, where the Opera House is located. The original story behind the Sydney Opera House is so dramatic that it has captured the world’s attention, making headlines in the news and on social media platforms for over 15 years.

The person who originally wanted the Sydney Opera House built was the conductor Eugene Goossens, one of the most well-known composers of the 20th century. He would later be appointed to lead the orchestra. A couple of years later, he publicly called for a world-class concert hall. Eugene then stated that there will be an opera house within the next five years, where the world will be able to listen to the orchestra at its finest. This is because Sydney was among the world’s best orchestra groups. In 1954, Eugene met with Joseph Cahill, the Premier of New South Wales. The two agreed that Sydney needed a major performance venue.

A year later, Joseph Cahill declared a worldwide competition to design the Sydney Opera House. Saarinen championed the competition. Even though there is no record of the evaluation process, rumors persist that American architect Eero Saarinen arrived after the three members of the judging panel had shortlisted the designs. Saarinen believed that the structures the members chose were underwhelming and through rejected projects, and came across 218, John Utzon’s design number. [Read More]

Liga MX: Mexico's Primer Soccer League

by Gerard Sanchez Ramirez, age 12

The soccer League Liga MX has one of the biggest groups of fans in the world. The soccer league was first known as Liga Mayor, later called Primera Division de Mexico, and is now known as Liga MX. The league has players from different countries, including Luca Romero, Iker Fimbres, James Rodriguez, Paulinho, and Sergio Ramos. It started from modest beginnings and gained popularity over time.

Soccer was brought to Mexico in the 19th century by English immigrants. Club America and Guadalajara were established, but did not turn professional until 1943.

In 1940, Liga Mayor added Club America, Austrias, Alante, Real España, Marte, Atlas, Guadalajara, Orizaba, Veracruz, and Montezuma. In 1949, Liga Mayor was assigned to the Primera Division de Mexico. Two decades later, Guadalajara, known as Chivas, would be the dominant club, winning eight titles. However, the league was struggling to gain consistent momentum and attract investment until the World Cup in 1970. After this World Cup, soccer in Mexico evolved entirely. La Liga De Mexico became the most well loved team in the country. [Read More]

Jane Austen Turned Ordinary Life Into Lasting Literature

by Carley Baker, age 14

Jane Austen's career started from entertaining her family and exploring her dad's extensive collection of books and library.

Jane was a British novelist who wrote English novels that were popular for entertainment in the 1700s. She started by performing and writing plays for her family with her brother. She was later inspired by her dad's “extensive library,” and in her early twenties, she began publishing her novels, including “Elinor and Marianne” in 1795.

Austen was born on December 16, 1775, at Steventon, Hampshire. She had five brothers and one older sister. Jane was mostly educated at home, where she stayed with her father, George Austen. Later on, she attended boarding school with her sister. Two of Jane's brothers were in the Napoleonic War, which caused her to become very close to her sister. Austen was always with her family and only went out during the holidays. Her lack of independence and inability to travel from one country to another had a big impact on her life. [Read More]

Kids, Science, and Dane County Parks

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 18

Student reporters from Simpson Street Free Press recently attended an Environmental Fun Fair at the Lussier Family Heritage Center. Sponsored by Dane Parks, the event was intended to spark an interest in science and nature through hands-on outdoor activities. The event was free and there were many interesting opportunities for kids of all ages.

Each summer and fall we explore Dane County’s various parks and natural areas. Simpson Street student reporters have been to the Lussier Family Heritage Center many times, in part because it’s so convenient to Madison’s southside. The Lussier Center is located next to Lake Farm County Park, which is a large park with plenty of trails and room to explore nature.

On this day we found a local fair type of atmosphere at an event focused on the environment. There were lots of activities and stations set up for kids and families. There was something for everyone and all the activities centered on science, nature, and outdoor recreation. [Read More]

When Margarine Was Pink: The Minnesota Margarine War

by Ruben Becerril, age 14

On July 2, 1975, Minnesota and North Dakota were the last states to lift margarine taxes. This marked the end of the state’s 90-year war against the sale of margarine. But what exactly was the Minnesota Margarine War?

Margarine was invented in 1867 and arrived in the U.S. during the 1870s, as a cheaper alternative to butter. It conveniently arrived during the country’s shift from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy. While it gained popularity quickly and got patented in 1873, it was immediately disliked by farmers because it was cheaper than butter. Margarine was also often sold as real “butter” when it first came to America, making farmers find it fraudulent and deceptive. This led to mass amounts of lobbying from dairy organizations throughout the U.S. to draft anti-margarine laws. [Read More]

Lalibela: The Churches in Ethiopia Carved from Solid Rock

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 10

Lalibela, a town known among Ethiopians, is located in the mountainous terrains of the heart of Ethiopia. It is 645 kilometers from its capital, Addis Ababa, where 11 churches were carved by hand into a monolithic rock. One of the churches, Biete Giyorgis (House of Saint George), was famously carved in the shape of a cross.

There are two main groups of churches that form Lalibela, including the North of the Jordan River group, which contains Biete Medani Alem (House Of The Savior Of The World), Biete Mariam (House Of Mary), Beite Maskal (House Of The Cross), Biete Denagel (House Of Virgins), Biete Golagotha Mikael (House Of Golagotha Mikael). Biete Giyorgis is north of the river, but is carved from a separate rock from to the other north-side churches.

The group to the south of the Jordan River contains Biete Ammanuel (House Of Emmanuel), Biete Queddus Mercoreus (House Of Saint Mercoreus), and Biete Gabriel Raphael (House Of Gabriel Raphael). [Read More]

What You Need to Know to Grow Marigolds

by Celestia McPark, age 7

Marigolds are vivid, colorful flowers that are edible. There are three common types of marigolds: the African, French, and Signet. Although these are widespread species, only a couple are consumable, such as Pot, French, and Signet.

While marigolds are native to Mexico and Central America, they have flexible growing conditions compared to most other flowers, making them suitable for all. However, this does not mean that they can survive anywhere.

Marigolds need full sunlight for about eight hours. Their soil is unique and must be well-drained because they live in drier conditions than wetlands. They need the soil temperature to be more than 18 degrees. [Read More]

Remembering “Doc of the Bay” Musician Otis Redding

by Will DeFour, age 16

Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest soul musicians, Otis Redding, in Lake Monona.

Redding was born on Sep. 9, 1941. In his childhood, he was greatly influenced by other famous soul singers. Early in his career, he joined a band from Georgia called Johnny Jenkins Pinetoppers. In this band, Redding drew attention from his soon-to-be manager with “These Arms of Mine,” a song he wrote himself. He quickly rose to fame with hit after hit. During his time in Europe, he was renowned as the world's most popular male singer. His popularity would have only grown from there, but he was killed in a plane crash in 1967.

On the evening of Dec. 10, 1967, Redding was on a small charter plane heading to Madison. He was to play at the Factory, a popular Madison club at the time, with his band, the Bar-Kays. His plane crashed into Lake Monona, killing all passengers on board, except Ben Cauley, a trumpeter in the band. After his death, Redding's record “Doc of the Bay” was published. It was his first #1 American record and remains his most popular song. [Read More]

Playing Board Games May Have Brain Benefits

by Aarosh Subedi, age 13

Board games are known as a good form of entertainment and a way to spend time with family and friends, but they can also give people a break from screens, which can improve cognitive function and help with problem-solving.

There are social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of collaborative and competitive games. Board games and word puzzles also improve executive functioning, spatial recognition, and processing speed. According to a survey by WordsRated, 65% of U.S. adults love board games. Respondents reported an increase in social activity, which the scientists associate with a boost in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and lowers anxiety.

Scandinavian researchers looked at preschoolers who played cooperative and competitive board games. Both types of games encouraged bonding and prosocial behavior. The studies found some differences. Competitive games bolstered problem-solving, brain function, and academic performance, while cooperative games gave more enjoyment. These benefits continued through each grade. As we get older, the health benefits rise. [Read More]

Mattel Releases a Barbie with Diabetes and an Insulin Pump

by Andrea T., grade 6

Living with Type 1 diabetes can be a hard thing for a kid to grasp. They may not know what an insulin pump or a glucose monitor is, and may think that making countless trips to the doctor for blood sugar readings is normal. Being able to tell the story of Type 1 diabetes and explain it through a widely known toy can help kids understand what they are going through, and Barbie dolls can do this.

Type 1 diabetes can happen at any age. It occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin, which can lead to complications involving highs and lows in blood sugar, damage to the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart, and even death. People with Type 1 diabetes have to take insulin by injection or infusion from a pump that responds to changes in blood glucose readings through continuous glucose monitoring. This condition impacts over 9 million people, and there is currently no cure.

The Barbie dolls are becoming more inclusive now with a Type 1 diabetes Barbie doll. She wears a pink insulin pump and a CGM, held in place with pink, heart-shaped medical tape. Mattel worked with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the world's second-largest funder of diabetes research, to develop the toy. The doll sells for $10.99 and is now available at Mattel Shop and retailers nationwide. [Read More]

Virginia and Perry Henderson and Women in Focus Blazed a Trail for Young People in Madison

by Ayelen Flores and Jules DaCosta, Simpson Street Free Press

Women in Focus is a well-known and respected local organization. The annual “I Have a Dream” Ball is a beloved tradition in Madison. The event has funded college scholarships and various other education programs for 40 years. As in past years, Simpson Street students volunteered at this year's "I Have a Dream" Ball. We can report that everyone had a great time supporting the cause of education.

Today, the work of Women in Focus and the “I Have a Dream” Ball are well-known in Madison. But it wasn’t always that way. Through many twists and turns, a small but devoted group of local women turned an idea into a cause. The result was, and still is, tangible financial support for local college-bound students.

Dr. Virginia Henderson was a founding member of Women in Focus. She sometimes chaired and always volunteered for the “I Have a Dream” Ball and was active in the organization’s work. She was president of Women in Focus in 1984-85. Virginia worked for the Madison school district and continued to be active in our schools after she retired. The former Glendale Elementary School on the city’s southeast side is now named for Virginia Henderson. [Read More]

If You Love Big Cats, You'll Love the Maine Coon

by Thea Kaufman, age 10

Maine Coon Cats are sweet, friendly, and helpful with stress. They are known for their thick fur, adaptation to cold weather, and paws that allow them to walk through thick snowbanks.

The longest Maine Coon Cat, named Stewie (Mymains Stewart Gilligan) earned the title of longest cat on August 28, 2010, at 48.5 inches from his nose to tail. Additionally, he won the record for longest tail, at 6.34 inches. Stewie was certified as a therapy animal who often visited senior centers. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2013, and a cat named Barivel took the record at 47.2 inches. Compared to other cat breeds, Maine Coon Cats are very long and tend to set world records. They are not spread out while being measured; they are just sitting and waiting. However, in some pictures, the cat may be spread out to show how long it is.

Everyone originally thought that Maine Coon Cats got their thick, fluffy tail and fur by mating with raccoons. This was because these cats also have big tails and the “coon” part in their names; however, Maine coon cats are not related to raccoons. [Read More]

Hephaestus: Ancient Greek God of the Forge

by Eric Santiago, age 10

Hephaestus was the god of fire and a blacksmith. He had a workshop underneath Mount Edna, where the giant, Typhon, was trapped. Unlike other gods, Hephaestus was very ugly and had a lame foot. As a baby, his mother, Hera, threw him off Olympus because she was disgusted by his appearance.

Hephaestus was found and cared for by Thetis after falling from Olympus. Thetis was a sea nymph, a water goddess, and would later give birth to Achilles, one of the greatest fighters ever.

Hephaestus made the Scepter and Aegis of Zeus, the helmet of Hermes, automatons (robots), and even made Talos, an automaton for King Milos. He also helped in the creation of the first mortal woman, Pandora, by shaping her body out of clay. He even trapped his mother, Hera, in invisible chains and only freed her after she agreed to let him marry the goddess Aphrodite. [Read More]

American Players Theater Review: "The Barber and The Unnamed Prince"

by Jules Da Costa, age 17

The world premiere of Gavin Dillon Lawrence’s “The Barber and The Unnamed Prince,” now playing at American Players Theater until September 25th, is more than a tribute to the “Chocolate City.” It’s a reflection of identity, fatherhood, and the erasure of culture in a city changing too fast for its people to hold on.

Originally titled “The Death of Chuck Brown,” the DC music icon and Godfather of Go-Go was a prominent theme in the play. However, the play’s title and content were recently slightly changed after the Brown family expressed their opposition to Chuck Brown’s name and music being used. The main plot of the play remains unaltered.

Entirely set in a barbershop, the play follows Kofi, a middle-aged barber deeply rooted in tradition, and his struggle as a Black man in America as he wrestles with raising his teenage son, Prince. The play opens to a stage filled with smoke and the spirit of the Ancestor, played by La Shawn Banks, moving in a slow, flowy motion. The scene quickly cuts to the barbershop, where Kofi, played by David Alan Anderson, and childhood best friend Sweep, portrayed by Nathan Barlow, are opening up the shop and reflecting on their glory days. The changing atmosphere in and around the barbershop seems to be a prominent symbol of a community at risk of being forgotten. [Read More]

Boudica: Warrior Queen of the Celts

by Leah Santiago, age 12

Boudica, known as the Celtic warrior queen, was the ruler of the Iceni tribe in the area now known as East Anglia. A Roman writer, Cassius Dio, described her as “very tall. Her eyes seemed to stab you. Her voice was harsh and loud. Her thick, reddish-brown hair hung down below her waist. She always wore a golden torc around her neck and a flowing tartan cloak fastened with a brooch.”

One of Boudica’s major battles was the destruction of Colchester. Her forces destroyed the capital of Roman Britain and killed the people who lived there. She also burned down the city of Verulamium. However, she also lost several battles, including the Battle of Watling Street, where her army outnumbered her enemies but her opponents had a better strategy.

Boudica was born around 30 AD; however, this may not be completely accurate. She was born in east England, so she probably spent most of her life there. There are not many details about her childhood, but she likely witnessed the Roman invasion during her teenage years. [Read More]

Dane Dances at Monona Terrace

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

It's summertime in Wisconsin, and there are plenty of things to do. One summer tradition in Madison is the annual Dane Dances series at Monona Terrace. These are family-friendly events that offer food, music, and, of course, lots of dancing.

Dane Dances takes place every Friday in August from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There are no tickets required, and it is open to all ages. Parking at Monona Terrace is $5 after 5:00 p.m., and access to the rooftop of the Terrace opens at 4:30 p.m. Food and cocktails are available to purchase starting at 5 p.m.

There are five events scheduled from August 1 to August 29. Music styles range from orchestra to R&B, funk, and Latin music. You can see the entire lineup and schedule at danedances.org. [Read More]

Book Review: The Death of Jim Loney by James Welch

by Mariama Bah, age 18

Montana, 1979. The winters are long, the mountains are grand, and there are small towns galore. Within one of these small towns, specifically Harlem, lives Jim Loney, a lonely alcoholic struggling with his Native and White identity. This book is The Death of Jim Loney, written by James Welch.

I read this as part of my Ethnic Studies class at Madison College. In this class, we perused and discussed texts from a variety of backgrounds. Aside from Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rodgers, I have never read a narrative text about the Native American identity. In school, they always made sure that we understood our country’s troubling relationship with its Native peoples. Even in news articles, everything covered was related to a tragic event taking place. This book was an opportunity to understand Native American people through a different lens.

Every class period brought something new to gush about. The text was dense, having us sift through surreal topics and having us try to connect them. There were dramatic scenes that, as people who loved gossip, needed to be confronted. But beyond that, there were layers of nuance and symbolism that we questioned. While I noticed symbols like birds, death, dreams, and the “point of no return,” the story allowed for multiple interpretations and numerous themes. I especially enjoyed the cryptic dream sequences as a way to communicate Loney’s mental state throughout the book. It was important to read this book with a critical and nuanced point of view. Many problems in Loney’s life, even up to his own mental breakdown, can be traced to systemic issues in our world. [Read More]

Studio Ghibli at 40 Looking Back and Dreaming Forward

by Will DeFour, age 15

With hand-drawn animation, unique characters, and non-traditional villains, Studio Ghibli’s impact on Japanese film is widely considered to be unlike any other. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary in July 2025, the studio has reached a turning point as it contemplates its future.

In the 1960s, Japanese animators Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahana met while working for the studio Tôei Dôga. In 1985, they left the studio to start their own company, the now world-renowned Studio Ghibli. Alongside producer Toshio Suzuki, the three created their first movie, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” Its success led to the formal creation of Studio Ghibli, and the group's next film, “Castle in the Sky” in 1986.

Some of Ghibli's earliest successes were"My Neighbor Totoro" in 1988, “Kiki's Delivery Service” the following year, and “Princess Mononoke" in 1997, which made $170.3 million at the worldwide box office. Its most successful and arguably most famous movie, “Spirited Away”, was the first non-English film to win an Oscar for best animated film, and in 2024, Ghibli earned its second Oscar with “The Boy and the Heron.” [Read More]

APT Theater Review: "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"

by Alarice McPark, age 13

Two mischievous couples, fairies, and a band of disastrous players. The Simpson Street Free Press student writers traveled to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to watch the charming production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” put on by the American Players Theater (APT).

The play by William Shakespeare, written around the mid-1500s, is set in Ancient Greece but has a more fable-like quality. There are three main conflicts: the lovers, the fairies, and the players.

Act 1, Scene 1 features the lovers. Egeus (played by David Alan Anderson) is forcing his daughter, Hermia (Samantha Newcomb), to marry Demetrius (Josh Krause). Luckily, Hermia and her lover Lysander (Xavier Edward King) escape to Athens. Meanwhile, Helena (Maggie Cramer), Hermia’s best friend, unrequitedly swoons over Demetrius and eventually follows him as he trails after Hermia and Lysander. [Read More]

Lotería Is More Than a Game, It Is a Mexican Tradition

by Marco Flores, age 11

Lotería is a fast-paced game of chance and also a tradition in Latin American countries.

Lotería is similar to bingo, in which the objective of the game is to fill up your entire card. One person is assigned as “el cantor” and is responsible for calling out the cards. If you have one of the images on your card, you put a bean or a coin on that spot. If you are the first person to fill up your entire card, you shout “¡Lotería!” and win the prize money or candy. The word "lotería" directly translates to lottery.

Lotería originated in Italy in the 15th century as a lottery-style game, then spread to Spain, and later to New Spain, which is now Mexico. Some people connect its popularity in Mexico to the much older Aztec game called Patolli, which also involved beans and chance, but historians note that Lotería itself came later through Spain. [Read More]

Works by Iconic Wisconsin Artist at Smithsonian Museum

by Will DeFour, age 15

A new exhibit at the Smithsonian dedicated to the groundbreaking Ho-Chunk artist Truman Lowe will open to the public this October.

The exhibit, titled “Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe,” will contain 50 of his creations, such as paintings and sculptures. It will be showcased in the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian on Oct. 24 and will close just over a year later in January 2027.

Lowe graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La-Crosse in 1969 and transferred to UW-Madison, where he earned his master’s in sculpture. He went on to teach as a professor at UW-Madison for 35 years and became chair of the arts department in 1992. [Read More]

New CTM Play Lets Young People Address Climate Change

by Haliah Berkowitz, age 14

The latest production from Children's Theater of Madison’s addresses the implications and potential consequences of what many call one of the most pressing topics of our time: climate change. Directed by Marcella Kearns, “The Trials” runs through May 11 in the Starlight Theater at MYArts.

This play falls perfectly within CTM’s mission for their current season, “having something to say.” The youth are center stage, with freedom to express their concerns about the future, while embodying and playing characters who live with the consequences of society’s current actions.

“The Trials” was written in 2022 by Dawn King, a British author and playwright. CTM’s performances mark the third time this play has been showcased in the United States. [Read More]

The Mother of the Blues Who Sang Her Truth

by Mahalia Pearson, age 14

Ma Rainey, also known as Gertrude Malissa Nix Pidgett, was an African American songwriter and musician who was born on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia.

Ma Rainey started singing at a young age and began performing as a teenager. She later made her debut in the band Bunch of Blackberries. She traveled and performed in tent shows, honky-tonks, and carnivals. While Ma performed, she met her husband, Will Rainey, also known as Pa Rainey.

Will Rainey was a comedian, singer, and dancer. He and Ma Rainey married in 1904. They created an act together, leading them to tour with several African American minstrel troupes and vaudeville groups. Ma Rainey later divorced her husband of 12 years. She then began her show, “Madame Gertrude Ma Rainey and Her Georgia Smart Set.” [Read More]

Driftless Historium Unveils New Mural in Mt. Horeb

by Abigail Gezae, age 13

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Mount Horeb Historical Society is unveiling a mural that reflects Mount Horeb and the surrounding Driftless Area.

The mural was painted in sections inside Sign Art Studios, a company and artist workshop just a few blocks from the museum. The project cost is around $25,000. A team of artists from this company are working on the painting. Shirley Martin, age 95, and her great-grandson Jaxson took part in the process of creating this mural.

The mural was designed by Dave Correll of Brushwork Signs. The Driftless Historium is based on the idea that, even if you’re new to the area or have been there before, you are bound by this land we live on. [Read More]

The Puzzle with 42 Quintillion Possibilities

by Dellany Onyango, age 9

There are 42 quintillion ways to move a Rubik’s Cube to solve it! This colorful, brain-teasing puzzle has challenged and fascinated people worldwide for decades. It was invented by a teacher who used his creativity and love of geometry to design the cube as a teaching tool.

The puzzle was made by Erno Rubik, a Hungarian architect professor and puzzler who created his first puzzle in 1974. The original puzzle was a 3D cube made up of 27 smaller “cubies.” These cubies were made out of wood and were originally part of craft materials used in Rubik's classroom. Rubik experimented with rubber bands and wooden blocks to create a geometric puzzle. In the process, he unknowingly invented what would become an iconic brain teaser, originally called the Magic Cube.

The classic 3x3 Rubik’s Cube is made up of 27 smaller cube pieces, or “cubies,” arranged around a hidden central core. Each of its six sides is a different color. When scrambled, the colors are jumbled and scattered across the cube, making it look mismatched. The goal is to twist and rotate the layers until each side of the cube shows a single, solid color again. [Read More]

Aztecs Believed Our World Is the Fifth in a Series of Suns

by John Agbo, age 14

Like all ancient civilizations, the Aztecs developed a distinct worldview rooted in their cultural beliefs and practices. They created elaborate myths to explain the natural phenomena around them, forming a framework for understanding their environment and existence. One of the most notable myths is the Legend of the Fifth Sun, which narrates the creation of the world and the heavens through a cosmic battle between gods and elemental forces. This struggle ultimately led to the establishment of the current era.

The Aztecs believed in a series of suns, with the Fifth Sun existing from the period of Spanish colonization to the modern era. They held that there were four suns before the current one and that the world had been destroyed several times under the reign of previous deities. Each god ascended to become the Sun by jumping into a sacrificial fire created by the old fire god, Huehuetéotl.

The first sun was ruled by Tezcatlipoca, also known as the Four-Tiger Sun or Black Tezcatlipoca, but his sun was too small, meaning there wasn’t enough light. His dominance lasted for 676 years, corresponding to 13 cycles of 52 years in the Mesoamerican calendar, until his brother, Quetzalcoatl, knocked him out of the sky with a stick. [Read More]

Wisconsin Para Dancers Make History at World Competition

By Camila Cruz, age 17

Four talented dancers from Wisconsin made history in early 2024 by competing at the World Para Dance Sport competition in Detroit, marking the first time the event has been held in the United States.

Para dancing, also referred to as wheelchair dancing, allows athletes with disabilities in their lower limbs to participate in competitive dance. The sport started in Sweden in the 1960s and has since grown into an international sport with competitions normally held in Europe. The 2024 World Para Dance Sport championship was a significant milestone for the sport in North America.

One notable Wisconsin representative was Martha Siravo, the founder of Madison-based Wheels & Heels, Inc. This organization is dedicated to supporting para dancers in the Badger state. Siravo was introduced to para dancing after being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin in 2020. She founded Wheels & Heels, Inc. in 2022 to provide resources and training for para dancers of all ages and abilities. [Read More]

Movie Review: The Six Triple Eight

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

It is not often that a war movie tells the stories of the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes who make our military function. “The Six Triple Eight” does exactly that. “The Six Triple Eight” is a new movie about hidden struggles during WWII. It premiered on December 20th, 2024. It is based on true events and is available for streaming on Netflix.

Getting mail to soldiers abroad was one of the challenges the U.S. Army faced during WWII. The mail motivated soldiers by giving them a connection to the country they were fighting for. Charity Adams was a U.S. Army officer in Europe who eventually served as the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, “Six Triple Eight.” The battalion was charged with a big load of roughly 17 million pieces of mail coming from soldiers and their families. It had six months to sort, organize, and deliver the mail. Surprisingly, it took only three months to get the mail to its designated place. The movie shows what it was like being a woman, specifically a Black woman, in the military during that time, as well as the struggles of one woman in the battalion whose partner died in the war.

“The Six Triple Eight” is an important historical record recognizing the story of many women from the unit. Director Tyler Perry was initially inspired by his friendship with Lena Derriecott King, who was a former battalion member. Before Lena died at the age of 100 in January 2024, Perry told her he had an idea for a movie telling her story. King told Perry about her life and everything that she remembered from being a member of the battalion. Perry wrote a script inspired by her experiences and showed King an incomplete version of the film. He sat at her bedside and talked her through it. Ebony Obsidian, who played Lena in the movie, was also able to talk to King and learn more about her story. Obsidian was honored to show everyone King’s story, sharing that King taught her "that no matter what you go through, you can still rise.” Unfortunately, King died before seeing the movie, but she had a lot of faith in Perry’s unfinished script. She was grateful to let others know about such a life-changing and personal event. [Read More]

Diwali Shines Bright with Light, Color, and Tradition

by Lily Adhikari age, 13

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of Hindu’s biggest holidays. It is celebrated in many parts of the world by many different faiths.

Diwali originated from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means “row of lights.” Deepavali comes from the two words deepa (clay lamps) and avali (row), which can be translated as “row of lights.” The date on which Diwali falls is between late October and early November. The date changes every year, this is because Diwali is based on the Lunar calendar. In the year 2025, it is on October 20th. People usually celebrate the holiday for five days. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Diwali is celebrated all over the world. This means that there are a lot of different people who celebrate when the holiday comes around. The majority of people who celebrate Diwali are Hindus, but there are other religious groups that do so as well. The holiday is also observed by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. [Read More]

The Driftless Historium: A Journey Through Time in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

There is a museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin that’s well worth a visit. The Driftless Historium and Mount Horeb Area Historical Society are only a short drive from Madison, but inside the facility are objects and exhibits that teach history and spark the imagination.

It’s been a while since student reporters from Simpson Street have been to this fantastic museum. But we’ve seen the photos of prior visits and read the reviews from former students. So, we were excited to hit the road and visit Mount Horeb and the Driftless Historium. Of course, we also wanted more photos of trolls. But that’s a different part of the story. [Read More]

Dragon Boat Racing Has Become a Wisconsin Tradition

by Chelsea Zheng, age 12

Dragon Boat festivals are held all over the world. Teams that participate can be medical organizations, pan-Asian groups, or just ordinary people who want to try the sport. These races are held because they bring communities together and keep long-held traditions alive. It’s also fun and accessible for all!

The dragon boat festival honors a respected figure named Qu Yuan. Due to the corrupt government in the kingdom of Chu, Qu Yuan was falsely accused of disloyalty by his political rivals, leading to his exile from the kingdom. As a final act of declaration against the government, he drowned himself in the Mi Lo River. The Chinese people deemed this as an honorary act, prompting fishermen to row swiftly in an attempt to retrieve the body. To ensure that the fish did not consume the body, they beat drums and threw rice dumplings to divert their attention. This practice became a long-standing tradition that persists to this day. [Read More]