By Topher Wagner

Sentry Staff Reporter

Summer is a great time to relax and take a break from a stressful year at school. However, summer is also a time for new fads, sports and news stories to sweep the country.  The summer of 2014 was no different.

The United States was involved a lot in international affairs throughout the summer with events such as the spread of the Ebola virus to American citizens in Western Africa. While America was dealing with this crisis, the terrorist organization known as ISIS expanded its power in the Middle East causing President Obama to announce bombings in ISIS based areas in Syria. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, has not been America’s only foe this summer, with the White House considering taking  stronger measures when Russia invaded Ukraine. Many speculate that Russia did this to exploit both agricultural and natural resources along with political and historical implications in Ukraine of Russian importance. Although many of these issues originated during the summer, they will likely impact American politics for the year to come.

Throughout the United States, several events in popular culture shaped the summer. Millions mourned around the country with the unexpected deaths of Robin Williams and Joan Rivers respectfully in August. During the summer, the act of nominating people to dump ice water on their heads, known as the  Ice Bucket Challenge, swept the nation as a way to raise money for ALS better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Lastly, many songs and movies truly shaped the summer such as “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift and The Fault in Our Stars.

In sports, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil took America by storm with Team USA making it out of the group stages. Although they lost to Belgium, soccer fans around the world followed Germany to their fourth World Cup win.

In the US Open and the Masters, Rory Mcilroy made a pitch for the best male golfer of the year with wins in both respective tournaments. Also while both teams played well, England beat USA in the Ryder Cup.

Team USA also dominated in the FIBA 2014 Basketball World Cup, beating Serbia for their fifth championship win.

This past summer will be one to remember.

Featured Image by Claire DeCroix/SENTRY