2017: The biggest moments to remember
2017 was a year packed with twists and turns. Now it’s time to look at some of the events that shaped the past year!
In pop culture
Just like any other year, 2017 was filled with unexpected and anticipated events in pop culture. We were shocked to hear rumors of multiple Kardashian pregnancies, became addicted to the fidget spinner, and binge-watched Riverdale and Stranger Things. Taylor Swift’s newest album, Reputation, kept millions singing, and people swarmed to theaters to see movies like Wonder Woman and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. 2017 was also the year of Walt Disney World’s grand opening for the long awaited Pandora: World of Avatar in the Animal Kingdom Park. With all the excitement from the previous months, the year rounded off with a fairy tale ending of the royal engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In politics
Politics were certainly a key player in the year, as Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. Not only was a new president elected, but a new tax plan was passed and signed by President Trump before Christmas. Towards the end of the year, the president decided to begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, declaring it the capital of Israel. Tensions were high this year in as the new administration is currently under investigation to determine if there was any interference from Russia in the 2016 presidential election, while internationally, the United States is dealing with North Korea‘s persistent missile testing and have been looking at solutions to stop North Korea from continuing any further. In state politics, Virginia local and state elections took place where Ralph Northam won the race for governor.
In sports
In sports, the year began with a win for the New England Patriots at the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons in an unforeseen comeback, and college football team Clemson beat Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship. In the current football season, the Patriots won a controversial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and for college football fans, Auburn won in an upset against Alabama. Here in Virginia, the Virginia Tech Hokies won against their rivals, the Virginia Cavaliers. For NFL fans, this has been a roller coaster year due to the controversy on whether or not players should be allowed to “take the knee” during the national anthem. Football, however wasn’t the only sport that had many shocks this year. In the MLB, the Houston Astros won the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers – their first World Series win ever. The NBA also received a shock of a lifetime when Gordon Hayward of the Celtics injured his ankle severely in the first few minutes of the first game of the season.
In memory
As many happy, exciting, and unnerving events have happened this year, some very tragic and heartbreaking ones happened, too. The horrific mass shooting of Las Vegas, the Texas church shooting, Manchester, catastrophic hurricanes hitting islands all across the Atlantic (including Puerto Rico, and the U.S. mainland in Texas and Florida) are just a few to an endless list. For all of those who were lost – who have lost family, friends, homes, businesses – our hearts and prayers continue to go out to you.
In Regent
2017 was possibly the biggest year yet for Regent. Some of the year’s highlights included an all-time record high enrollment of 11,000 students, the addition of cross country, volleyball, soccer, and cheerleading (and there’s a hockey team now too!) to the athletic program – which released the new team name for Regent as the Royals! The first ever chorus program began this year too, and even had their first ever Christmas concert. Here at Regent, a brand new cybersecurity facility has officially been opened, as one of the very few like it in the entire nation. With such a successful year, Regent has helped to set up a strong, smooth course for 2018.
Moving forward
Just like every year before it, 2017 was a year filled with happiness, surprises, anger, sadness, loss, faith, and community. With each and every thing that was encountered this year, we have been given the strength and the knowledge to conquer every obstacle and embrace every joy that will come our way in 2018.
Abby Trivett is a Staff Writer for The Daily Runner.
