The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
Breaking News
  • April 15Musical at DGS on April 18, 19, & 20th
  • April 15DGS Principal-Parent Partnership on April 17
  • April 15Culture Week Food Trucks on April 16
  • April 8Mustang Trot on April 14
  • April 8Bilingual Family Dinner Dance from 6-8 p.m. on April 11
  • April 8FCCLA state on April 11-12
  • April 8Non-attendance day for freshmen, sophomores and seniors on April 11
  • April 8Juniors take the SAT; attend 8:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 11
  • April 8Non-attendance day for juniors and seniors on April 10
  • April 8Freshmen and sophomores take PSAT; attend 8:20-11:35 a.m. on April 10
The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
Alex Miranda

Alex Miranda, Editor-in-Chief

Alex Miranda is a senior at DGS and an Editor-in-Chief for the Blueprint. He began his journalism endeavors as one of only two sophomores on the 2018-19 staff, competing at IHSA sectionals and state for editorial writing. As a junior, he was the Video News Director and achieved multiple accolades, most notably becoming a member of the 2020 IJEA All State Journalism team.

In his senior year, Miranda is excited to further pursue his passion for reporting and has a primary interest in features writing and advocacy journalism. He plans to continue his work as a head Changemaker representative and Snowball director, taking initiative to ensure the District 99 community is welcoming and inclusive toward all.

In his free time, Miranda is an avid roller coaster enthusiast, thrill-seeker and collaborative problem solver. Doing adventurous things is a major part of his life and he finds there is a lot of fun to be had in overcoming obstacles and facing his fears. Ultimately, Miranda knows the most important part of life is surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family, and he is blessed to have both.

All content by Alex Miranda
PE teacher Medina instructs students during class while following COVID-19 regulations.

Medina perseveres through COVID-19 restrictions by inspiring PE classes

Alex Miranda, Editor-in-Chief
May 31, 2021
The cardboard cutout version of Alex Miranda bundled up in Blueprint advisor Mary Long’s winter jacket at her desk in A310.

An ode to oxford commas: Thank you, Blueprint

Alex Miranda, Editor-In-Chief
May 12, 2021
Seeing the kids come back has been great, but at the same time there are some students who just cant yet. I have to respect and understand that, said English teacher Zach Kuhn.

COVID and the classroom: Educators and students discuss learning during the pandemic

Alex Miranda, Ariel Oh, and Andrew Calek
May 3, 2021
Seniors celebrating their Outstanding Senior Awards with Principal Ed Schwartz after the ceremony. 14 seniors were awarded this recognition. Pictured is Hazel Tan, Nirmal Nathan, Jacqueline Barba, Alex Miranda, Aamari Taylor, Ben Bogdanski and Principal Schwartz.

Salute to seniors: Congratulations captured at senior awards night

Alex Miranda, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2021
DGS activities has released updates regarding prom ticket sales and event information.

Masquerade Prom 2021 ticket sale extension and update

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
April 30, 2021
DGS Activities releases email with new information and updates regarding the 2021 Prom.

DGS Activities details 2021 Prom modifications

Jacqueline Barba and Alex Miranda
April 19, 2021
“For the past year, I’ve had to be very cautious about who I allow myself to see because a few months ago my Poppa was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. I go to his house multiple times a week to care for him and spend time with him, so I want to make sure I am as safe as possible. Having a small social bubble and taking necessary precautions are all worth it if it means keeping him safe,” junior Emily Poska said.

How has the last year changed you?

Ariel Oh, Mimi Akintunde-Nieves, Annie Le, Teagan Smith, Greyson Martinescu, Anika Brown, Lexie Lukacik, Alexis Pragides, Luc Alvarez, Gwendolynne Royle, Alex Miranda, Drey McGrew, Lauren Wilmore, Andrew Calek, Kassem Ossman, and Jacqueline Barba
March 12, 2021
With second semester well underway and decision letters in route to applicants, seniors reflect on their college application journey while traversing an academic environment affected by the restrictive detriments of COVID-19.

Seniors reflect on applying to college during COVID-19

Alex Miranda, Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2021
The CDC advocates that screenings be voluntary. As a result (with the exception of behind-the-wheel instruction), saliva screenings will now be optional for in-person students, the email reads.

District 99 moves to optional saliva screening model for hybrid students

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
March 1, 2021
On Jan. 27, the IHSA released an updated sport schedule for the remainder of the academic year. Students and staff share the challenges and motivations they face in adapting to this new schedule.

Students and staff reflect on updated IHSA sport guidelines

Alex Miranda and Ariel Oh
February 10, 2021
Evermore, announced on Dec. 10, is Swifts ninth studio album and second full-length project of 2020.

Taylor Swift conveys talented lyricism, longevity on new album ‘Evermore’

Alex Miranda, Editor-In-Chief
December 15, 2020
A Zoom breakout room depicting two participants displaying their popular Blue Light Glasses.

Blue Light Glasses review: Are they worth a look?

Alex Miranda, Editor-In-Chief
December 7, 2020
Senior Derek Hoffman illustrates his passions for animation and video production on his Youtube channel Derek Draws.

‘Derek Draws,’ audience awes: Hoffman entertains, inspires with personal Youtube channel

Alex Miranda, Editor-In-Chief
November 23, 2020
Take this quiz to determine the Halloween film you should add to your watchlist this October.

What Disney Halloween movie are you?

Alex Miranda, Mimi Akintunde-Nieves, Willow Patton, and Jacqueline Barba
October 28, 2020

[Video] DGS varsity dance team entertains with recorded performances

Alex Miranda and Ariel Oh
October 8, 2020
Many seniors spent countless hours preparing for standardized testing... was it worth it?

To test or not to test: The senior college application dilemma

Alex Miranda, Editor-In-Chief
September 29, 2020
Zoom bombers pose a threat to the privacy and security of remote learning.

DGS students, administration respond to “Zoom bombing” incidents

Alex Miranda, Editor-In-Chief
September 9, 2020
Instances of activism captured at the Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago on May 30.

Black voices for Black Lives Matter: DGS students speak out on racial inequality

Jacqueline Barba and Alex Miranda
June 4, 2020
The meal pick-up initiative, face shield production and master facility plan construction are three of the most prominent projects occurring within the DGS building.

DGS building repurposed to help community during COVID-19; MFP work continues while students are away

Jacqueline Barba, Alex Miranda, and Luc Alvarez
April 23, 2020
Constructed in 1928, the Tivoli Theatre in downtown Downers Grove is a community landmark and signature attraction among residents. The current facade of the theatre is a stark contrast to its typical lively marquee displaying nightly movie titles. Now desolate and lifeless, the Tivoli presents a singular message: be well.

Community under quarantine: Downers Grove adapts in wake of COVID-19

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
March 25, 2020
District 99 and District 58 are sharing information that we have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our school community, the email reads.

District 99 confirms first COVID-19 case within school community

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
March 24, 2020
Students are utilizing their school-administered chromebooks to work from home, primarily through the Google Classroom app, until further notice.

Focused on the future: DGS students respond to COVID-19 complications

Jacqueline Barba and Alex Miranda
March 18, 2020
Tame Impala performing their hit single Borderline at Lollapalooza on Aug. 2, 2019.

New Tame Impala album defines sound of 2020

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
March 12, 2020

[Video] National Speech and Debate Association Tournament held at DGS

March 9, 2020

Let’s cancel ‘cancel culture’

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
March 4, 2020
Although summer is still over three months away, there are multiple DGS activities this semester worth looking forward to.

Top 10 activities to look forward to this semester

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
February 18, 2020
A screenshot of the Project Dandelion database, which currently operates under a weebly website.

Student-created ‘Project Dandelion’ database raises awareness of college sexual assault

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
February 5, 2020
The giant Roastery is only a couple blocks away from huge stores in Water Tower Place and 900 N Michigan.

Starbucks Roastery leaves Chicagoans still thirsty

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
January 23, 2020
Its like being a prisoner in your own body, Fountain said.

Living the nightmare: Sleep paralysis affects DGS students

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
January 16, 2020
Take this quiz to find out what New Years resolutions you should adopt to have a successful 2020.

What New Year’s Resolution Should You Make?

Kira Matheson and Alex Miranda
January 9, 2020
The CGI in Cats, referred to as digital fur technology, leaves many viewers feeling unsettled.

Allergic to ‘Cats’: Screen adaptation of acclaimed musical disappoints

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
January 7, 2020

DGS journalism program information

Alex Miranda and Alyssa Deplaris
December 17, 2019
While performing onstage, Giedraityte impresses audiences with her mature vocal abilities.

Agne Giedraityte: Classically trained, musically accomplished

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
December 3, 2019

Teen victims becoming ill due to nicotine addiction

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
November 22, 2019
Winter is here and many students, including me, are hoping for a snow day.

Top ten Tuesday: Ways to predict a snow day

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
November 12, 2019

[Video] ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ thrills audiences Nov. 1 – 2

Alex Miranda, Jacqueline Barba, and Ariel Oh
November 5, 2019

[Video] Slowikowski speaks at Red Ribbon Week assembly

October 21, 2019
The first ALICE drill of the school year left students feeling confused and vulnerable, rather than prepared.

Staff editorial: ALICE intruder drill misses mark, leaves students unprepared

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
October 10, 2019
The Master Facility Plan construction has resulted in numerous changes to DGS-- and not all of them are positive.

Staff Editorial: Construction Criticisms

Alex Miranda, Video News Director
October 4, 2019

[Video] Students attend homecoming assembly in superhero style

Alex Miranda and Ariel Oh
September 29, 2019
Lover displays a mature Taylor Swift perfecting not only love songs, but also addressing important issues she values.

Fall in love with ‘Lover’: Taylor Swift’s seventh album

Alex Miranda, Video News Editor
September 17, 2019
Kari Alore is the adviser for newspaper club. Meetings are Wednesday mornings.

Want to join newspaper club?

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
September 10, 2019
Take this quiz to determine what classic homecoming song will describe your night out on September 21!

What homecoming anthem will describe your night out?

Alex Miranda, Video News Editor
September 5, 2019
The 2019 DGS musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying has many misogynistic themes that should not be overlooked.

How to succeed in business without being sexist

Rhaya Truman and Alex Miranda
May 8, 2019
SICK OF IT ALL, one of the best tracks on Blackbears new album ANONYMOUS, is a prime example of music with a message.

[Photo]

Virginia won against Texas Tech with a final score of 85-77, led by most outstanding player Kyle Guy.

Perseverance is power: How Virginia won the NCAA men’s basketball final

Alex Miranda, Copy Editor
April 22, 2019
DGS students watching participants compete in the half court shot challenge during the 2019 Spirit Assembly.

A spirited fight: Why attendance should be required at DGS assemblies

Alex Miranda, Copy Editor
April 3, 2019

Issue 4

Andrea Davenport, Srushti Desai, Rhaya Truman, Ariel Oh, Alex Miranda, Jacob Casella, Tatum Mitchell, Ina Barashka, Paul Szmanda, Emmanuelle Copeland, Colin Dodd, Rachel Ley, Jacqueline Sumida, Sarah Barber, Natalia Ruiz, Vianney Mendoza, and Miles Little
March 22, 2019
This is Jacob and Sarah. Do not be like Jacob and Sarah.

Staff editorial: PDA? No way.

Alex Miranda, Copy Editor
March 15, 2019
The google form requesting student attendance submissions for the flexible learning day.

Staff editorial: Flexible learning days–a welcome alternative to snow day cancellations

Alex Miranda, Copy Editor
March 5, 2019
The email titled News FYI sent out by District 99 on Feb. 6.

Staff editorial: More formal, more effective

Alex Miranda, Copy Editor
March 8, 2019
Sophomore and youtuber Alex Miranda in his latest video on his channel alexmiranduh.

[Photo] Hey, what’s up with this YouTube trend?

Tatum Mitchell, Print News Editor
February 25, 2019
Last years winter dance

Top 10 reasons why you should attend the winter dance

Alex Miranda, Copy Editor
February 12, 2019
The school year is coming to an end and we all need a little bit of motivation to keep pushing.

Weekly Preview: Feb. 4 – Feb. 8

Alex Miranda, Copy Editor
February 4, 2019
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Blueprint
Blueprint
Downers Grove South High School
1436 Norfolk St.
Downers Grove, IL 60516
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