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Staples students remember childhood television treasures

As young children, many of us probably spent endless hours excitedly watching the bright sights and sounds of Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel. The stories and characters we loved became a very real part of our lives, and even as we grew older, late-night reruns continued to fuel those fond memories.

So if you haven’t flipped to Nick at Night lately, think back now. How many childhood shows do you still remember?

1.     Hey Arnold!

Who could forget everyone’s favorite football-headed, kilt-wearing, 9-year-old roaming fictional city streets under zero parental supervision? Hey Arnold may seem to have all but vanished to the deepest caverns of late night Nickelodeon, but Arnold’s quirky adventures and oddball features remain in the hearts of all who adored the show as children. “The art style, the slightly twisted feel of it all just really tickles my fancy,” said Nick Ribolla, ’16.

2.     Rocket Power

Another display of kids with brightly colored hair and misshapen heads, Rocket Power seems apt to slip through the cracks when we recall our childhood TV. Even so, the wily antics of Otto and Reggie Rocket and friends surfing and skateboarding their way through the California beach scene was a lasting adventure for many. “When I watched rocket power as a little kid I just thought it was cool, but years later, I understood the humor I never even knew was humor,” Anabelle Porio, ’15 said.

3.     Ed, Edd n’ Eddy

“My favorite has to be Ed, Edd n’ Eddy,” said Porio. “All their personalities clashing is hysterical.” There’s definitely something that never gets old about three whacky kids coming up with ridiculous scams to run on their equally wacky neighbors, all in pursuit of coveted jawbreaker candies. “Ed Edd n’ Eddy still can make me laugh like a hyena,” said Ribolla. “And I still associate my childhood memories with the TV shows [like it] that were on as I grew up.”

4.     Dexter’s Laboratory

Our childhood television choices definitely had some weirdos, but Dexter of Dexter’s Laboratory may take the cake as the absolute strangest. A pint-sized mad scientist with a secret laboratory built into his bedroom, Dexter’s hilarious character is made even kookier by his impossible inventions and constant rivalry with the troublesome sister DeeDee. “DeeDee was my favorite,” said Alison McGovern, ’16. “And I just loved Dexter’s voice.”

For some it might be hard to see that our beloved shows have faded from daytime television schedules, and as a result probably from our own schedules as well. But as long as we remember Arnold bickering with Helga and Dexter blowing up bubbling concoctions, we can smile at the memories that come flooding back, and keep those legacies alive.

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About the Contributor
Ale Benjamin, Managing Editor
Ale Benjamin ’15 started out like everyone else in the Introduction to Journalism class her sophomore year. However, the class wasn’t just a way to earn course credit; it turned into a passion that she practices like a passionate, seasoned athlete would practice her sport. “Anyone can write, but journalism is more than that. It’s about communicating,” said Benjamin.  Along with communicating people’s stories, Benjamin has developed a broader perspective on the world by taking journalism. In order to better her skills, Benjamin went to an investigative reporting program at Boston University this summer. Benjamin participates in many activities that all tie together, allowing her to become accomplished in everything she does. Along with being one of the managing editors for Inklings, she is also one of the program directors for WWPT, as it combines her interests of journalism and music. Despite her many academic pursuits, Benjamin isn’t all work and no play. She enjoys relaxing, physically active hobbies such as Yoga and Pure Barre. She has also been an active member of the Staples girls’ swim team all four years of high school.. Benjamin loves to travel, which adds a global perspective to her writing. She has visited many incredible places including Thailand, South Africa, and Australia. However, she doesn’t travel just for pure pleasure. Benjamin takes her helping hands on the Builders Beyond Borders service trip every February since her sophomore year. She has visited communities in the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and plans to go again to Guatemala this coming year. Her participation in Inklings and her many other diverse activities allows Benjamin to tackle each challenge she faces with the determination of a reporter ready to crack a case.

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