BA Today Summer 2020

VOLUME 16, SUMMER 2020

BA Today | 1

Ben Lane '20, Editor-in-Chief son education that Bayside normally is able to offer is nearly impossible. However, as we grow increasingly comfortable with the new, temporary system, the gears are beginning to turn.

A message to our seniors: rather than view this as an impediment to learning, we should use online classes as an opportunity to test our own independence. Next year, we will have no one forcing us to go to class, and nearly all accountability will be in our own hands. This online semester is a great chance to build self-motivation.

During this time, try to keep things in perspective. We are extremely fortunate. We live in a country that has ample resources to stop the virus, along with a stable government that will do its best to assist us in preventing future infections.

Yes, we have a lot of infections. However, when viewing this per capita, we are quite fortunate in terms of how we have been affected by COVID-19.

On that note, try to stay positive during these times. This may seem tough for us, but there are others out there who have to fight much harder

than ourselves.

Naturally, this issue of BA Today will talk a lot about the coronavirus. Because it affects nearly every aspect of the world, it is a talking point in many of our articles. In this issue we will discuss an array of topics including online concerts, live animal markets, kombucha, sports, potential COVID-19 vaccines, and the positive effects of coronavirus. Keeping with tradition, the class of 2020’s senior wills are also included! These are only some of the many fantastic articles that will be included in this edition of BA Today.

Finally, I want to say thank you to all of our readers, and above all, Ms. Denniston, who helped guide me and the rest of the staff these past six years. This is the last BA Today issue I will be part of, and boy has it been a great run.

Journalism has helped me develop as a writer, editor, and person as a whole. I am grateful for the time I have spent here, and I know I am leaving the paper in good hands for the future.

Enjoy the issue.

Bayside is surrounded by beautiful wildlife. [Grace Steele]

C

oronavirus has transformed life as we know it. We are confined in our houses, full of excess energy, craving social interaction, and lacking toilet paper. School, sports and more have all been taken from us by the virus. The world economy has plummeted.

As a small, tightly knit community of students, families, and faculty, we Baysiders may not have any direct influence over the situation. However, it is our duty to persist the best we can through these times, maintaining as many aspects of daily life as possible.

The introduction of Zoom classes has been a shock to the system. Replacing the quality, in-per-

Editor-in-Chief Ben Lane Layout Editor Isabella McCormick Reporters Camille Buckner, Caroline Cunningham, Jenny Florey, Spencer Gaberino, Kate Ginger, Audrey Hudson, Leah Jha, Annie Loper, Geneva Martin, Gavin Mims, Millison Mixon, Evelyn Prickett, John O'Hara, Ben VanDerHeyden

Advisors Ms. Deborah Denniston & Ms. Cathe Shubert

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Jack Smith in his senior soccer season. [Michael Dillen]

BA Today is the student publication of the Bayside Academy Upper School journalism class. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire staff, faculty, or administration.

If you are a student interested in submitting content, email batodaysubmissions@gmail.com.

Bayside Academy 303 Dryer Ave. Daphne, AL 36526 251-338-6300 baysideacademy.org

On The Covers: Front: photo by Landon McLean Back: photo by Catt Sirten

Ok, But On a Scale of 1-10?

By Geneva Martin '20, Reporter

[fairvoteva.org]

L

iving in a world that is increasingly affected by political polarization has created a spidering fissure in American patriotism that hinders the ability of the United States to function cohesively.

Though the two party system used by the United States has become a facet of American identity, progress and unity remain just as important, even taking precedent when it comes to handling partisan issues.

In the early days of America’s solidification, Martin VanBuren helped to institute the use of the two party system. Putting two parties on a ballot helped to eliminate a diluted vote among multiple candidates which resulted in the election of an individual incapable of satisfying the agendas of the majority.

In hopes of building a party platform with a substantial voter base, it became necessary to limit the number of candidates on a ballot. Creating two parties helped build up American identity and promoted competition and discussion that has propelled the country to where it is today. However, the parties of today's generations seem to be pulling the population apart rather than bringing it together in debates and sharing of ideas.

To maintain American identity and values, while eliminating the intense disparaging conflict that political polarization has produced, it is necessary to institute a new way of putting candidates on a ballot, while increasing the participation of the American people in the polls. All of this could

be accomplished by switching to Ranked Choice.

Ranked-Choice Voting allows the appearance of multiple candidates on a ballot, running for multiple parties, or as independents. Rather than voting for a single candidate between the two parties, the voter places them in the order of which they favor for election. Now you may be asking what happens if the outright majority does not

[my.lwv.org] vote for one person, and here's where the genius of Ranked Choice Voting comes in.

Russel Berman, a reporter for The Atlantic, explains the breakdown of Rank-Choice Voting simply by saying, “If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the first-choice votes, the candidate with the least support is eliminated. Whomever that person’s voters picked as their second choice is then added to the tallies, and the process repeats until one candidate reaches a majority."

This system allows for voters whose first

choice candidate did not succeed, to still have an impact on the eventual winner of the election.

Their choice for second place becomes integral for forming a majority and gives more power to the voter. Each ballot holds a greater value because it will be used repeatedly to determine rankings rather than just losing to one candidate.

However, this process only works if there are at least three candidates running for office. This means that having only Republicans and Democrats on the ballot would simply become antiquated, and polarization would greatly decrease as the motivation for governmental operations.

By opening up the number of individuals on a ballot, representation of the people is expanded and more people will have an greater opportunity to select a candidate that best represents them.

Maine is the first state to implement Rank-Choice Voting. The system will be the means by which the state casts their votes for the presidential election in 2020.

Should Maine’s adoption of Rank-Choice Voting be deemed a success, it is possibly the first step to making this system a national standard.

New York City has also decided to shift their voting system to Rank-Choice Voting and will begin using it in 2021 for their special elections.

New York City has almost triple the population of the entire state of Maine and will also prove as an inherently successful dry-run for the new voting system. By demonstrating its beneficial practice in such a large city, Rank-Choice Voting can only propel this country forward in its voting evolution.

Considering the relative youth of this process, it is not easy to make a definitive argument for its success. However, in theory, Rank-Choice Voting is an exceptional solution to political polarization and an exciting process that would expand the representation of the American people.

Parties have greatly aided in the construction of American identity. As the country has grown, it has developed shared values of unity, prosperity, and opportunity. Without the two party system, the United States would not be the world power we know today. However, America can not continue to hold such a position if the way we elect those in charge does not also continue to evolve and grow.

Putting an end to political polarization through Rank-Choice Voting enables the country to return to an era of progression which has become an obsolete facet of American Identity, one we used to hold so dear. Citizens will gain a greater opportunity for representation and earn a more powerful place in the voting process. Not only will every vote matter, the system will also be used continuously to enhance the selection of the country's greatest leaders.

BA Today | 3

Where are our admirals setting sail?

Below is a list of all the universities and colleges that the class of 2020 was accepted into. Bolded and italicized universities and colleges indicate where students have committed.

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Auburn University Baylor University Berry College Birmingham-Southern College Boston University California Polytechnic State University The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Clemson University Coastal Alabama Community College College of Charleston Drexel University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Furman University Georgia Institute of Technology Hampden-Sydney College Hendrix College High Point University Louisiana State University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mississippi State University Morehouse College North Carolina State University Northeastern University Rhodes College Ringling College of Art and Design Samford University San Diego State University Sewanee, The University of the South

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Southern Methodist University Spring Hill College Southern Union State Community College Southwest Mississippi Community College St. Joseph’s University Texas Christian University Trinity University San Antonio Troy University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Alabama at Huntsville University of Colorado University of Dayton University of Florida University of Mississippi University of Mobile University of Montevallo University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of North Alabama University of Notre Dame University of South Alabama University of Southern Mississippi University of Texas at Dallas University of West Florida Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Western Washington University

SENIOR WILLS Ian Ellis I leave my charge-taking ability to Johnny Foster and my beautiful side burns to John O’Hara.

Ellie Perry I leave my attitude to Claire Prickett and my driving skills to Omelia Macpherson.

Ashton Lambert I leave my study hall nail appointments to Miriam McCoy, my coffee addiction to Will Delaporte, my position as Editor-In-Chief of Yearbook to Hannah Wieland, my parking spot to Brelynn Dailey.

Lastly, I leave the rest of my senior year to the junior class.

Annie Loper I leave my soccer # 2 to Maysie Douglas, my attendance to Beverley Milteer, my basing skills to Amelia Cunningham & a better senior year than mine to Susannah and Meg. Grace Weil I leave my art and truck driving skills to Jacob Tripp and my ability to evade time bank to Hannah Wieland.

Ryan Ross I leave Jay Loper AUX cord, Zak Langham my nickname "Curly" and I will Pace Mclendon my love.

Stuart Gluck I leave my Bayside “B” hoodie to Wil King.

Hannah Ellis I leave my enthusiasm for softball and ducks to Libbi Melendez.

Hannah Johnson I leave my daily “you’re still a good person” from Mr. Marine to Mary Mack Steele, my role as stage manager to Abigail Counselman, and the senior year memories we missed out on to the junior class.

Finally, I leave my role of being the sports and event photographer to whoever has the time or effort next year.

Christian Milstead I leave my soccer career with Evan Duckworth, the weekend golf games to Pace Mclendon, and the HAW5 table with Teal Corte.

Evelyn Prickett I leave our cancelled 2020 State Championship trophy to Claire Prickett. I leave my parking spot to O’melia Macpherson so she can bring both her BMWs to school.

Geneva Martin I leave my ridiculously loud music and ridiculously annoying front kick to Meg Will, my highlighter, blush, and lipstick responsibilities to next year’s cheer seniors and my sunshine to Ann Marie Fedro.

Del Corte I leave Cole Carpenter a real baseball glove, John Coleman Bryars a lawn mower and Teal Corte and Jack Woods the HAW5 table.

Chris Miller To all the geeks, weirdos, and nerds, I leave you with the piece of mind that it gets better. Though the sky may be dark, cloudy, and low, brighter days are ahead. Through the rain and storm you must go, for it will pass, and then the sun will show. From the gloom and doom, a rainbow will glow, leading you to a better tomorrow, for this I know.

Jenny Florey I leave my ability to be absent at least once a week and still keep an A in all my classes to Frances Barnes. I also leave my horrible math skills to Frances Barnes.

Sam Hearin I leave across the road to my brother Thomas, I leave my Kevin responsibilities to Johnny, and I leave my 3-point shot to Hunter Hyderally.

Kaleigh Phillips I leave the presidency to Johnny Foster, #12 and my name to Kailee Field, and my tears to Mr. Long.

Lucas Alday I leave the baseball AUX cord to Wil King, my smart decisions to Brody Swindle, and my good looks to Davis Cain.

Caroline Weller I leave my back-spotting skills to Caroline Crum. I leave my incredible soccer moves to Beverley Milteer and Susannah Jackson. And last, but definitely not least, I leave my “3 inches above the knee” cheer skirts to the 2020-2021 cheer team.

Dyer Lumpkin I leave my tenors with the Bayside Academy drumline, my dry sense of humor to Olivia Counselman, my sense of style to Ty Hartman, my music taste to Victoria Rutland and my courage to all the nerds out there.

Cody Smart I leave my ability to score to Evan Duckworth, “The Dodge” to my brother Zach Smart, and my spot as captain on the Admirals Delight team to Jenkins Lilly.

Gavin Mims I leave my student section taunts to Zak Langham, the highest scoring goal-per-minute ratio to Joey Jones, my front door to Lillle Howell, and finally I leave my “Box” to Pace Mclendon John Couch I leave my ACT score to Meg Will, the C&B club to Jacob Stewart, and my football legacy to Quinn Taylor.

Jack Knight I leave my fairy godparents to Johnny Foster and Kevin Simpson.

I leave the art of the half court shot and my locker to Hunter Hyderally.

Mac Gaillard I leave my athleticism to my brother Les, my intelligence to my sister Anne Patton and the country boy squad table to Jack Woods and Teal Corte.

Ty Turner I leave Blai Cebrian-Claramunt the #1 jersey and the position of goalkeeper coach at practice. I leave my spot on Sons of the Admirals to Teal Corte.

Hallie vanLingen I leave my stellar attendance and parking spot to Hunter Lyons and my speed to Leah Jha.

Ben Lane I leave chicken Al-Qaeda to the cross country team, my 100 IV Metagross to Kevin Simpson, and my previously reserved BA Today news article slot to Ben VanDerHeyden.

Will Murphy I leave my sports legacy to Drew Murphy, I leave my grades to Zack Kittrell and my good looks to Quinn Taylor.

Jacque Martin I leave the honorary “first shot of the day” to Anne Sterling, Luci, Caroline, and Kailee. I leave the daily grind at NOS to Caroline Chastang.

I leave Coach Schilling, Brenda, and our many traditions to the Bayside volleyball team.

Kirk Kirkland I leave my shelf to my brother John Will and my "stop talking" card to Joey Jones.

Caroline Cunningham I leave my love for our dog Ollie to Amelia Cunningham. I leave chess squares and Fridays at my house to the 2020-2021 cheer team.

Alex Cook I leave lunches at the bell to Avery Vandy and Caroline Chastang, my excitement for FCA and Chick-Fil-A Red member status to Steadman Jones and Charles St. Pierre, Leah Jha the job of recruitment for the girls track team, beginner’s luck with pole vault to Katie Clements, and lastly, my beloved candles to Davis Beall.

Lauren West I leave my hoodie and soccer skills to Rhia Tkac, Friday mornings to Katie Clements, the team captain title to Martha Grace and Lilly, and the better half of 2nd semester senior year to Hallie Corte—live it up for me.

Audrey Hudson I leave 4th quarter to the class of 2021, my soccer skills to Beverley Milteer, basketball cheer to Avery Vandermeeden and study hall around the bell to the upcoming senior girls.

Christopher Stuart I leave my looks to Sellers Hixson, my last name to Jacob Stewart, and the Bayhawks middie line to Clarke Milteer.

Graem Maxwell I leave my offensive lineman skills to Les, my IQ to Steadman and my French speaking skills to Charles.

Catherine West I leave the baking club and my superb volleyball skills to Caroline Chastang, my “dry witty humor” and self-timers to Ava Best, the family legacy of driving our grandparents to Hallie Corte, and I leave actually having a senior season to the juniors on the track team.

Reagan Norton I leave the cheer seniors Olive, boom chicka to Susannah Jackson and the lineage to Claire Donald and Susannah Jackson.

Annabeth Whitehurst I leave my parking spot to Will Delaporte, my love for Spanish to Lexi Floyd, my daily Wacky Shrimp trips to Meg Will and my time bank hours to Mary Katherine Whitehurst.

Myles Cook I leave my speed, love for running, and Coach Pain’s workouts to Ty Postle, JT Neill and Trey McKean. I leave my snappy sarcastic remarks and witty humor to Leah Jha. And I leave my All-Stars Shirt to John John Normann.

Alexander Neumann I leave my SGA dedication to Walker and Davis, my parking spot to Teal, and my title of Big Neum and my wisdom to David Head.

Hannah King I leave my aptitude for yoga to Mary Mack, my sarcasm to Gabe, and my meme addiction to Olivia.

Sergi Cebrian-Claramunt I leave "bops" to Blai CC and my keep-away chant to Ty Ferguson.

Tori Roush I leave my PTSD from Hickory Hills Golf Course to Miriam McCoy, my strong Spanish accent to Martha Grace Mixon and literally everything else to Patterson Branyon aka Young Savage and Will Middleton.

Ivy Fellers I leave my love for band with Ciara Allison, my parking spot for whoever gets there first, the mess in the prop room to Sydney Imperato, my DnD campaign to Isabella McCormick and Hannah Wieland, and my time in Coach Swagart’s study hall (as well as VR Fishing) to Henry Covington.

Augie Barnette I leave my bad attitude to Ann Marie Fedro, my sarcasm to Taylor Williams, and my immense popularity and good looks to Gabriel Stewart.

John McEniry I give my meme collection to the student body. I give my duty to annoy Mr. Marine about shaving to anybody who wants to take it. I also give my ability to avoid drama to Patrick Daves.

Anna Schmidt I leave my summer conditionaing attendance to the girls cross country team, my ability to ward off senioritis to Isabella McCormick, and I leave dealing with my father to Mr. Long.

Christian Fletcher I leave nothing for no one.

Elsa Engeriser I leave being the only student to use their locker to my brother, Wilson. I give my student accident insurance reimbursements to Mr. Small. I will my vest and pants to Ciara Allison.

Jack Smith I leave my kicking equipment and position as kicker boy to Sam Field and I leave my ownership of the finest car in the parking lot to Angus Ladd Spencer Gaberino To the nugs I leave my position as cross country team captain. May they argue long and hard over who deserves it most. To Isabella McCormick I leave my intense desire to leave high school, though she already has her own.

BA Today | 5

One Quaran-TEEN's Time in Isolation

By Camille Buckner '22, Reporter

[IMD Business School]

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nd the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still.

And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows.

And the people began to think differently. And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless

ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.” -Kitty O’Meara It’s 2020, and it feels like we are living through some kind of movie. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that I never thought I would live through something like this. Being stuck at home has taught me a lot about myself and gotten

me closer to my family. I finally had time to do the things I have always wanted to do, like paint, read poetry, and start a skincare routine.

Self-quarantine has been lonely but insightful in many ways. At first I was lazy and spent my days mostly in bed. Eventually, though, I found myself falling into a monotonous routine that went something like this: wake up, eat something, do virtual school, eat something, more virtual school, work out, shower, have some free time, eat something, sleep. I would run three miles a day and work on strengthening my core; however, most of that was unbalanced by my snacking.

To some, these couple of weeks were like a vacation. Many people spent their time with friends or at the beach (before beaches closed), but I played it safe and chose my bed over the beach. I had time to improve myself. I tanned, worked out, did some yoga, took many, many baths, and even caught up on some sleep.

The world feels so weird right now, like it’s hard to believe that we are going through something like this. Self quarantining is harder than it seems, but it taught me a lot, like how to spell the word “quarantine.” Ultimately, this experience is one I will never forget. I feel grateful to be healthy during this time.

dents can submit their work once completed. The second is Zoom, which is a video conference call software which has been used to bring the faceto-face interactions back to students and teachers, providing a makeshift classroom environment.

With students replacing their desks with beds, BA Today had a virtual sit down with a couple of these homebound students to find out what they had to say about this sudden change in routine.

We first spoke to junior Lillie Howell to see what she believes is the hardest part about the change. She said, “The hardest part is the work-

load. I think at first teachers didn't realize how long their assignments were taking and because there was no class time to work on it, I ended up spending significantly more time doing school work than I was used to.”

She then quickly followed up with how much she did enjoy being able to complete this work when she wanted on her own time.

BA Today then asked senior Christian Milstead about his thoughts on the transition as a whole.

He commented, “It's definitely different from what I’m used to and not at all how I thought I would finish off my senior year, but I’m trying to stay positive about the whole situation. For instance, this is going to make me much more independent and will make the transition to college classes a lot easier. I honestly don't mind the online Zoom classes; they are different but I still think they are an effective form of class.”

BA Today then asked what he looked forward to most. Without hesitation, he responded, “I look forward to getting out of quarantine and seeing my friends again. Hopefully, our whole grade can get together one last time before we all leave for college.”

As this pandemic grows and the end remains unknown, at least it is clear that the schools are working hard to find a way to keep the students educated and comfortable.

The Transition to Online Learning

By Gavin Mims '20, Reporter

[Michigan Virtual]

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rom gas prices to stores closing, the world is changing in ways that no one could have prepared for. Amid this change, schools are striving to keep the youth of today educated.

As social distancing becomes the new social norm, schools have closed and new forms of education have taken the stage. There are two primary forms of educating the students. First is Google Classroom, a type of forum where teachers can post assignments and updates and where stu-

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Senior Year Memories

By Caroline Cunningham '20, Reporter

[Caroline Cunningham]

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n late March, students at Bayside were given the news that they would not be returning to school for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. This news has been especially difficult for the seniors, because this time of the year includes events that everyone has been waiting for: prom, college decision day, graduation parties, senior celebration day, senior pranks, senior trips, senior skip day, and graduation. Although there are a lot of senior activities that will no longer be happening, seniors were still able to have some great memories this year!

First Day of School The first day of school is something that every senior has looked forward to for years. It is the first time that they get to wear their blue shirts,

and football players and cheerleaders wear their uniforms while greeting the younger students in carline. Many of the seniors were excited to wear their decorated crowns during the ice cream social.

Homecoming Homecoming was a memorable time for Bayside seniors. Dressing up all week, seniors were able to follow tradition and finally wear togas on Salad Day. The night of the football game was extremely exciting for everyone in the grade. The girls got to walk on the field at halftime with their dads, and Alex Cook was crowned Homecoming Queen. The senior football players had a great last homecoming game with a win against Flomaton!

Senior Privileges There was a long wait for privileges this year, but they were fun while they lasted. Many stu-

Concerts Without Crowds

dents used them to leave during lunch and go to their favorite restaurants. Those who had a Y period study hall would either leave school early or stay and sit at the picnic tables with their friends.

On DOK days, some students would even have hour-and-a-half-long study halls. Audrey Hudson says she has loved having her privileges this year: “My favorite part of every day is when I get to be with my friends during X period study hall, especially on Wednesdays! Thanks to senior privileges, we have time to leave for almost two hours. We love going to Soul Caffeine, Coffee Loft, Lenny’s, or even just sitting around the bell on the bluff.”

Sports Although some sports seasons were cut short, there were also seniors who were able to have a full season and even win state championships.

The boys indoor track team and the girls volleyball team both won 1A-3A State Championships.

Volleyball player Jacque Martin says she will never forget the feeling of winning the state championship: “A lot of people may think that winning every year gets old, but it gets more exciting and fun every time. State is definitely the best part of the year!” Catherine West also won first place for high jump, and Alex Cook placed first for pole vault. The seniors on every sports team will always remember how much fun they had and the great friends they have made.

Sadie’s SGA spent a lot of time and hard work on this event, and all of the students, especially seniors, are grateful that there were at least two Bayside dances this year. Everyone was excited to go to Little Point Clear, and they loved dressing up for the Great Gatsby theme, which was perfect for the year 2020. SGA’s work has been appreciated this year, and the seniors’ effort has been impressive!

By Millison Mixon '23, Reporter

S

ince the unfortunate announcement of the coronavirus being declared a global pandemic, it seems as if everything is getting canceled, including concerts and music festivals: one of them being a Bayside student favorite, the Hangout Music Festival.

Artists including Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Kane Brown, Post Malone, T-Pain, Marshmello, and many more were all scheduled to perform at the sold-out, three-day annual music festival in Gulf Shores. Upon the cancelation of the event, Bayside students were expectedly upset as one of their favorite events of the summer was now canceled.

Even though there is nothing like an in-person concert, many artists are making the most of the situation and are performing online so their fans can still see them sing their favorite songs, even if it is through a screen. Sites including Billboard and

[Verizon] NPR have lists up on their websites showing the singers and performers that you can live stream “from the comfort of your home.”

Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, Lizzo, and Brett Young are just a few of the many artists who plan to live-stream performances for their fans in the upcoming weeks.

Though there are many scheduled performances

through countless organizations and websites, some artists have taken matters into their own hands and have been live streaming on Instagram.

Singers including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and H.E.R. have lately been doing impromptu performances on Instagram Live for their millions of followers.

If you want to watch live streams of your favorite artists or bands, check out websites like Billboard and NPR to see the times of the performances and links to the websites where you can watch them.

Though this time is unprecedented and a little scary, people all over are trying to spread cheer in this dark period, including these musical artists.

So, next time you are bored, be sure to look online and see if any of your favorite artists are performing!

BA Today | 7

Yesterday Versus Today

[History.com]

By Spencer Gaberino '20, Reporter

A

s everyone knows, we are, at this time, in the middle of a frantic global reaction to a major health crisis: the outbreak of coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Sitting here in early April writing this, I and arguably no one can know exactly where the world will be even in a month when this article is published, but sources, such as the Center for Disease Control, say that there may be quite a ways to go before this all ends. Predictions written by the CDC and published by the New York Times state as many as 200 million people could be infected and just under 2 million could die in the U.S. alone in a worstcase scenario.

So the question is: why weren’t we more prepared for this? Shouldn’t the outbreaks that have happened throughout human history, even as recently as about 15 years ago, have prepared us more?

The SARS outbreak of 2003, according to the CDC, began quite like our current outbreak in China and quickly spread to a few dozen countries across the world. Though, it was rapidly contained, with only around 9000 people ever being infected and only about 800 ever dying. It infected people in a very similar way to COVID-19 as it was also a respiratory disease and coronavirus.

The obvious difference between our current outbreak and this past one is the massive difference in the infectious capabilities of our current virus. The statements published by the CDC show that the two diseases spread very similarly, but the coronavirus spreads exponentially faster and easier.

A closer comparison to our current outbreak

8 | BA Today

in terms of sheer global scale appeared nearly a century ago with the 1918 outbreak of the Spanish Flu. This particular outbreak, according to the CDC, eventually infected 500 million people worldwide, or a third of the world’s population, over the course of about 2 years after first being found in soldiers at the end of the first world war.

It finally ended in 1919 with a death toll of nearly 50 million people.

[Time Magazine] A couple clear differences between then and now is in the capability of society to handle disease. The medical technology at the time of the Spanish Flu was very limited compared to now. Al-

though, one startling similarity to today was that the Spanish Flu, otherwise known as the H1N1 virus, was fought mostly with non-pharmaceutical methods such as quarantine and limitations of public gatherings. These words bring the mind quickly to the modern doctrine of social distancing, with the significant difference being that people in the 1920s had no hope of creating a vaccine or effective antiviral treatment, as the technology just was not there.

To summarize there are two clear differences between these two previous outbreaks and our current one; infectivity for the SARS outbreak and technology for the H1N1 outbreak. On its own, this doesn’t seem to explain how the coronavirus has brought us where we are now, but a 2018 quote from a senior U.S. health official clarifies some of it: “Are we ready to respond to a pandemic? I fear the answer is no.”

From this, we can see that things have become so dire with this outbreak because we were not ready for it, and, unlike the 2003 outbreak, the disease itself is a brutal enemy that is worse than any faced in recent history. The pharmaceutical technology we have can’t yet help us. The vaccine we need will not be ready soon by all accounts, with Medical News Today saying it may not be ready for at least a year.

The world was not prepared, so the only thing to be done is to hold onto hope and persevere.

Each of us can only do our best to listen to and adhere to the health guidelines published by the CDC so that the worst-case scenario they predict does not happen. We can all do our part to flatten the curve.

The Kennedy Curse

By Kate Ginger '23, Reporter

T

he Kennedys have endured unspeakable death and tragic accidents throughout their family history. A series of plane crashes, drug overdoses, assassinations, and other peculiar calamities have befallen numerous members of the family before their time.

accidents.

A series of tragic accidents and untimely deaths has plagued the Kennedy family for generations. Some chalk it up to the “Kennedy Curse.”

For example, Joseph Patrick Kennedy Jr. perished in an aircraft explosion. What caused the explosives on board to erupt remains unknown. Also, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, two brothers, were both brutally assassinated. Conspiracy theories surrounding the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency in both these assanianiton have circulated. In the Chappaquiddick incident, Edward “Ted” Moore Kennedy drove his vehicle off a bridge into a pond around 11:00 at night. He escaped from drowning, leaving his 28-year-old passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, trapped in the sinking car, and the accident was not reported to the authorities until the next morning. The true events of this night are still uncertain.

Colorado in a skiing accident in 1997. He was playing football while on skis with several other family members without a helmet. In 1999, John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. (son of John F. Kennedy), 38, was piloting a plane and crashed into the sea near Martha’s Vineyard. The crash was attributed to pilot error and spatial disorientation and also claimed the lives of his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and his sister-in-law, Lauren Bessette.

The Kennedy family. [AP News] On April 2nd, 2020, another tragedy struck the Kennedy family. Like many affluent families, the McKean’s took refuge in Maryland to quarantine themselves during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. Robert Francis Kennedy’s granddaughter, Maeve Kennedy McKean, and her 8-year-old son Gideon Kennedy McKean, disappeared while canoeing near the Mckean’s waterfront residence in the Chesapeake Bay in search of a lost kickball.

“They just got farther out than they could handle and couldn’t get back in,” her husband, David McKean, said. Police reports say they “appeared to be overtaken by the strong winds,” and eventually capsized.

Less than a year ago, Saoirse Kennedy Hill, 22, granddaughter of Robert and Ethel Skakel Kennedy, was said to have died of an accidental drug overdose at her family’s Massachusetts estate.

She was due to begin her senior year at Boston College. Her confidence and contagious smile described by her family members masked her hardfought struggle with depression. "My depression took root in the beginning of my middle school years and will be with me for the rest of my life," she wrote in her high school student publication.

The Kennedys remain some of America’s most devoted and faithful citizens. Serving our country in many ways, they have occupied various professions such as ambassadors, cabinet members, environmental and human rights activists, journalists, educators, organizers, artists, philanthropists, military officers, authors, and lawyers. On the surface, they appear to live a lavish and incredibly wealthy lifestyle as America’s most famous political dynasty. However, their fame and fortune has been intertwined with death and unfortunate

John F. Kennedy, Jr. with his mother and sister Caroline. [Boston Globe]

John F. Kennedy. [The Beacon] Undergoing these traumatic experiences has led many Kennedys to substance abuse and mental illness. In 1984, after returning from a rehabilitation center, David Anthony Kennedy, 28, son of Robert F. Kennedy overdosed in a hotel room in Palm Beach, Florida. He struggled with drug abuse and childhood trauma from his dad’s death. In 2012, days after her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed for divorce, Mary Richardson Kennedy committed suicide. She grappled with alcoholism and depression.

Of course, there were deaths and accidents by natural causes, but the number of Kennedys who have prematurely lost their lives in circumstances that, theoretically, could have been prevented is troubling. Another son of Robert F. Kennedy, Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, 39, perished in Aspen,

Alternatively, perhaps these are normal odds because of how large this prominent family is.

Nevertheless, they seem to have endured more tragedy in their family tree than most. Possibly, the combination of their every mistake or triumph being thrust into the limelight with being born into an unbelievably wealthy and privileged family might create the perfect storm for reckless behavior, poor judgement, and mental illness.

As Mary Kerry Kennedy states, "When you've been handed incredible privilege, access and power, it's hard not to take advantage of that.”

Unintentional accidents like plane crashes and ski accidents which frequently result in injury and death can happen to anyone. Additionally, one in every five Americans struggles with a mental health disorder. The Kennedy family's public service and notable accomplishments are certainly admirable from any standpoint, but often, the media places them on an unattainable pedestal for their every success and scandal to be studied and scrutinized by America’s citizens. Could it be that if you strip away the luxury, glamour, and political prowess, this family endures the same tragedies of avoidable mishaps, substance abuse, and mental illness, that are common in many of our families?

BA Today | 9

Inside COVID-19

By Leah Jha '22, Reporter

[Ash Jha]

A

s the recent events have made clear, it is obvious that the pathogen known as coronavirus is taking over our lives.

Though it may seem inconvenient to stay at home and keep everything sanitized, it is important to remember that this is a very serious disease that should not be taken lightly. After speaking with a medical professional, it has become clear that there are many different aspects of this virus that not everyone sees.

The first and most obvious part of all of this is that the coronavirus is ten times more contagious than the flu. Medical professionals at Johns Hopkins University are saying that “this is

one of the most contagious pathogens to ever exist” and “at the rate the virus is spreading, it is most likely that everyone will come in contact with it.” Along with this, the coronavirus has a higher death toll. According to a Livescience. com article, there have been about 23,000 influenza or flu deaths worldwide. Today, there have been almost 55,000 coronavirus deaths worldwide.

Along with being highly contagious, the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule. This means that it cannot be broken down by antibiotics, which is one of the reasons it is so difficult to treat. This also means that it can stay on inanimate objects for longer than living viruses can. The following information from John Hopkins University includes the amount of time the virus can stay on different objects: - 3 hours: fabric and porous objects - 4 hours: copper and wood - 24 hours: cardboard - 42 hours: metal - 72 hours: plastic - Can remain in air for up to 3 hours after anything is shaken In addition to everyday objects, the virus stays stable in cold places. It also rapidly multiplies in confined, dark, and moist areas. This unfortunately means that a refrigerator or freezer is the best place for the virus to grow. Along with fridges and freezers, the virus can also live

Putin's Power Grab

underneath fingernails and inside the deeper cracks of the hands.

Another problem physicians worldwide are struggling to deal with is the issue of patients with pre-existing medical conditions. When a patient is diagnosed with coronavirus and has another pre-existing condition, they are almost five times more likely to die from the virus than a healthy person. Since there is no known cure for the virus yet, the patients whose health is compromised, due to their other conditions, either fail to respond to treatments or barely survive on said treatments. Unfortunately, in Italy, people with pre-existing medical conditions are turned away at the doors of the hospitals. This is due to the physicians there being afraid that they cannot turn over enough patients because they do not have enough ventilators.

Though all of this may seem scary, there are many very simple ways to prevent the infection and spread of this disease. The coronavirus disease is extremely tiny; however, it is surrounded by a very thin layer of fat. This causes it to easily break down when washing your hands for twenty-seconds or longer. Along with that, rubbing alcohol, Listerine, anything that is 65% or more alcohol, UV light, oxygenated water, bleach and heat can all break down the virus too.

After all of the fallout, just one thing to remember is that this can all be avoided by washing your hands.

By Isabella McCormick '21, Layout Editor

R

ussian legislation has recently passed amendments to the Russian constitution, and all that is left to make them legitimate is a national vote. Among other changes, Vladimir Putin would be allowed to run for a fifth and presumably sixth presidential term.

Putin first proposed amending the constitution on January 15th of this year. On March 11th, the Kremlin passed the amendments as a bill. In his speech, Putin promised that Russia would see a transfer of power away from the presidency as a result of the amendments— however, it seems that the opposite will prove to occur.

Perhaps the most significant effect of Putin’s proposed amendments is that he would be allowed to stay in power far past the end of his term in 2024. Putin has been in power for twenty years and is currently serving his fourth six-year term; this is the longest period of time a Russian president has been in office since Josef Stalin, who was in office for twenty-four years.

The amendment would essentially annul the four terms that Putin has already served, allowing him to run again by resetting his number of

10 | BA Today

terms to zero.

Additional changes to the Russian constitution make it so that appointments to the court are made by the president himself. Also, the president is able to fire constitutional judges, and he gets an extra veto in order to block parliamentary votes.

Other constitutional changes emphasize the importance of Russian law over international standards. This is indicative of the Kremlin’s agitation with the European Court of Human Rights and other international organizations that have issued verdicts against Russia in the past. A further change outlaws gay marriage in Russia.

The Kremlin drafted and passed these amendments relatively quickly—an entire four years before Putin’s term will end. This is not consistent with Putin’s usual manner of decision-making, for people who have worked with him say that he usually prefers to wait to decide until the last moment.

There was a nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments which was scheduled for April 22nd. The vote is not necessarily needed

for the amendments to pass; technically, since they do not change anything in chapters one, two or nine of Russia’s basic law, they can be passed if ⅔ of legislations in Russian regions vote pro (which already happened on March 12th). Putin, though, wanted the national vote to legitimize the changes in the eyes of Russian citizens.

Ben Noble, Russia expert at University College London, comments for Foreign Policy that “[The Kremlin] wanted to make the vote as fast as possible, because they know public opinion about it will only sour over time.” However, rising cases of the coronavirus in Russia have complicated the matter—Russia has the highest growth rate of COVID infections in Europe. The April 22nd vote has been postponed with no new date announced. Authorities are trying to arrange a situation where citizens can vote from home, but opponents of the Kremlin worry that this will leave an opportunity for ballot-stuffing and other manners of skewing the vote.

Will COVID-19 continue to compromise the Kremlin’s plans, or will we see the reign of Putin continue for another decade?

Happy News: The Fourth Edition

By Geneva Martin '20, Reporter

A

midst this tempestuous and unpredictable time, it is important to remain grateful for the things we have control over and not overthink about the things we don’t. To help keep all of our minds, bodies, and souls at peace, the BA Today wants to share some tips and ideas to fill these strange times with growth and gratitude!

This edition of Happy News will be dedicated to bringing the Bayside family some peace of mind and a break from the crazy media.

Stick to a Schedule: Sometimes, during the craziest or unexpected moments in our lives, sticking to a schedule or routine can be one of the greatest comforts. With online classes and a lot more downtime than usual, it is the perfect time to make a schedule for yourself. Waking up at the same time every day can actually be one of the best first steps to setting up a routine so you not only have something to build your day around, but you also protect your sleep cycle.

Don’t Let Quarantine Be Boring: Just think,

before the coronavirus posed a major obstacle in the school year, we all would have happily taken a long break. This is the time that we have all been longing for, though it may not be under the conditions we want. This is the time to make yourself a priority. Just like you make a plan for homework, working out, or doing chores, try making some time for your favorite things. If you love to draw, listen to music, or even binge some Netflix, this is your time. Don’t let the boredom get to you with all of the things you have to do; make this the time for things you want to do.

You Don’t Have To Do It All: In this time where we’re all at home, there seems to be a mindset swirling that if you do not come out of this with a new skill, hobby, or ability, then you never lacked the time for the things you didn’t get to before all of this, but lacked the discipline. This could not be further from the truth. This is not some stressfree vacation where we have all of the time in the world; there is a major global issue that we are

facing as a community. Families, students and faculty alike are adjusting to this new way of life, and it's ok if you are a little overwhelmed just trying to focus on the tasks at hand. Though we do have a lot of extra time on our hands, it is a stressful time.

Also, for many, there is a lot of extra time spent on social media. There is no need to feel guilty about not having the most productive or exciting quarantine or to compare it to what you may be seeing online. This is the time to spend learning, catching up, and taking care of you.

You Don’t Have to be Close to be Close: Finally, as the days grow longer sitting at our computers for virtual school or work, it can feel a little lonely, which is completely understandable; but just because we apart physically, it doesn't mean that we’re apart emotionally, we can use the same tools that we use for our obligations, such as Zoom or Facetime, to stay connected with our besties and our family. Don’t forget there is always a way to be together even when we're apart.

In China, the air pollution levels dropped by nearly twenty-five percent in February. This is a big deal, mainly because China is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. Also, levels of nitrogen dioxide, an air pollutant, were down thirty percent there.

As less cars roam the streets, fewer factories operate, and less planes fly, the skies are becoming gradually clearer. This also frees the sky of fine particles that are inhaled by both humans and animals and result in an estimated one million deaths

each year in China. Even though these emissions will rise again once the epidemic ends, this reduction will significantly reduce the number of deaths associated with air pollution.

Furthermore, resulting from the decrease of boat travel in the Venitian Canals, the water is clearer than it has ever been in the past sixty years. As the boat traffic has cleared, swans, dolphins, and fish have returned to the Italian waterways. Although the waterways are clearer, the water pollution has not intrinsically decreased at all; it simply appears aesthetically pleasing.

Unfortunately, this silver lining will fade over time as everyone returns to the monotony of life and travel, and factories begin to operate and emit pollutants. Experts have described these serendipities as only temporary and, even worse, potentially harmful. This temporary respite from the overuse of natural resources and worry about climate change can potentially encourage world leaders to deem the use of clean energy unnecessary.

For example, the Czech Republic, whose economy is dependent on the production of coal and nuclear energy, has urged the European Union to abandon its “Green Law,” which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Moreover, due to the economic crisis created by COVID-19, businesses that are financially pressed are expected to delay or cancel climate-friendly projects.

Even though these positive side effects are short term, they provide some solace from the many hardships created by the coronavirus. Hopefully, we can reflect on how quickly the emissions of air pollutants decreased and can be encouraged to wage a global initiative to combat climate change without crippling the economy.

Serendipities of the Coronavirus

By Ben VanDerHeyden '22, Reporter

[NPR]

D

id you know that the air pollution in China has decreased? What about the fact that the water in the canals of Venice is now clear?

Given the dreadfulness of COVID-19, it is surprising that some positive side effects have resulted from this pandemic. This article is not meant to downplay the negative effects of COVID-19, but rather, it is intended to acknowledge the few positive outcomes resulting from this calamity.

BA Today | 11

An Interview with Director Scott Lumpkin

By Evelyn Prickett '20, Reporter

[imbd.com]

H

ave you ever wondered what it’s like to be on a movie set? It might be easier to experience than you think, as many movies recently have been and will continue to be filmed in the Baldwin County area. The recently premiered movie I Still Believe was filmed in Fairhope and Mobile, and many members of the Bayside community got the chance to be a part of the process.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on its opening weekend, the movie has been a massive hit, with a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 98%. Although you cannot view this movie on the big screen, it is now available to be streamed on demand through Amazon Prime Video, Google

Play, Apple TV, and many others.

I Still Believe tells the true story of Christian singer Jeremy Camp and his first wife Melissa Henning Camp, portrayed by KJ Apa and Britt Robertson. It is a powerful story about this young couple that faces the hardship of a cancer diagnosis. Jeremy and Melissa fight to keep their faith in God throughout their journey, and both prove to be inspiring Christians who put love above everything.

BA Today got the opportunity to interview Scott Lumpkin, an executive producer on the film, who also happens to be senior Dyer Lumpkin’s dad. When asked how he got involved with this project, Lumpkin explained that the Erwin Brothers, the directors, are also from Alabama and he had been discussing a collaboration with them for years, as well as with Kevin Downes, the other producer.

Discussing the casting process of I Still Believe, Lumpkin said, “I’ve told people always that it takes about 8 real miracles for one movie to get made… and casting is always one of those miracles.” The film features a strong cast, including previously mentioned KJ Apa and Britt Robertson, as well as Shania Twain, Gary Sinise, Melissa Roxburgh, and many more accomplished actors and actresses.

Scott Lumpkin also mentioned some of the other actors he has loved to work with in the past: Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Jackie Chan, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Pratt, Owen Wilson, and Chris Evans, to name a few.

BA Today asked Lumpkin some questions about filming movies in Alabama, including the tax incentives involved in a production in our state. Lumpkin responded, “Alabama has a small incentive package that is simply a part of recruiting movies here, nothing at all like Georgia and Louisiana, so I have to use the Fairhope charm to lure them in.”

He explained that Alabama unfortunately has

a cap on their incentive package that limits movies’ budgets. In reference to I Still Believe, Lumpkin said that it was “almost too big to be made here…

It took some creative work to try to fit the movie into this window.” He says that he has never brought an actor to Fairhope who didn’t fall in love with the city, and many of them have returned just to visit.

BA Today asked the producer, “Of all the movies you’ve produced, have you been surprised at the success or flop of any of them, and which ones?” He told us, “I wanted Masterminds to do better than it did because it was so much fun making the movie. Unfortunately the company marketing and distributing went out of business right as we were releasing our film (another one of the eight miracles needed to get your movie out), and it ultimately hurt what we were trying to do.”

Scott Lumpkin went to film school at USC, and when asked about his experience, he said, “Film school was fun. It’s funny because it’s more about the contacts and the address book resources that came out of film school that helped me initially…

The actual filmmaking part came from experience and the trial and error of learning what not to do.”

We also asked if he would ever go back to California to film, to which he responded, “I love shooting in California. Absolutely. I haven’t made a movie there in about 5 years or so… because it seems like Georgia gets all the big movies due to the incentives these days.”

If you haven’t gotten the chance to see I Still Believe yet, I strongly recommend it, but make sure you have a box of tissues nearby. It is such a beautiful story about faith, love, family, and hope.

Jeremy and Melissa Camp demonstrate in their own ways their endless love for God and each other throughout the film. This touching story is one that everyone should experience, and it just so happens that now is the perfect time for movies.

special [will see] the cast reminiscing about their time working on the series.” The cast will film on the same Central Perk set that the long-running series filmed on from 1994-2004 in Burbank, California.

The highly anticipated special will come out on HBO Max when the streaming service launches. According to Variety, the show’s 236 episodes as well as the special will be available upon the “streaming service’s debut.” HBO Max is scheduled to launch in May 2020, and the cost to subscribe to the service is $14.99 per month.

Although the Friends cast is clearly thrilled to be filming the show again, they certainly aren’t

doing it for free. Not even close, in fact. Variety says, “The six stars will receive at least $2.5 million apiece for participating in the special.”

Though originally scheduled to come out in May, the show’s filming has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak.

According to Independent, the show won’t start filming “until May at the earliest.”

Even though filming has been unfortunately postponed, fans should still be excited about the show’s debut. Until the special is released, all fans will surely be on the edge of their seats, eager to be able to watch their favorite show once again.

Friends: Round Two!

By Millison Mixon '23, Reporter

F

riends fans, get excited! After the show’s end in 2004, the full, original cast, featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, will soon be making a comeback!

The reunion special, scheduled to come out on HBO Max, was announced in February. Each Friends cast member posted a picture of them together, all captioning the photo: “It’s happening.”

Fans all around the world of the classic comedy were sent into a frenzy when they found out they were soon going to be able to watch new episodes of their favorite show.

According to Independent, “The unscripted

12 | BA Today

Worth It: Streaming Services

By Jenny Florey '20, Reporter

[Grit Daily]

W

ith the current pandemic upon us, students are going to find that they have a fair amount of free time on their hands.

What will Bayside’s student body do to occupy all of this extra time? Most people will be streaming movies and television shows throughout this break. So, which streaming service is worth it the most? To answer this question, I subscribed to three streaming services at three drastically differ-

ent price points. Here are the results.

Netflix: Netflix has to be the oldest streaming service around. It was launched on April 14, 1998, as the world's first online DVD rental store. This company has a basic assortment of TV and movie classics. This streaming surface has grown into a huge company that is loved and enjoyed worldwide. Netflix provides its consumers with three primary monthly pricing plans, as follows: Basic, $8.99 per month (up from $7.99 in 2018). Netflix's basic plan doesn't provide high definition view-

ing and its programs can only be watched on one screen at a time. The standard cost is $12.99 per month (up from $10.99 in 2018).

Hulu: Hulu launched in the United States on March 12, 2008. This company also comes with an assortment of titles, and is very similar to Netflix. Like Netflix, pretty much everyone is aware of what this streaming service is and most likely has an account. Hulu offers four levels of service: Basic ($5.99 per month), Premium ($11.99 per month), Basic + Live TV ($54.99 per month), and Premium + Live TV ($60.99 per month). Hulu Basic is ad-supported, while Premium is almost completely adfree.

Disney Plus: Disney Plus is the newest streaming service on the block. The Disney Plus streaming service launched in the US, Canada and the Netherlands in the early hours of November 12. Disney Plus has all of the Disney Titles, Marvel, Pixar, and National Geographic. This streaming service is more aimed towards children, but adults seem to love it just as much. Disney Plus costs $6.99 per month, or $69.99 per year ($5.83/month).

All of these streaming services have their pros and cons, but my “worth it winner” is Disney Plus.

This streaming service has the greatest variety of titles. People young and old can enjoy Disney Plus, and it has certainly taken off since its release.

So, during this time of chaos and social distancing, I highly recommend cuddling up in bed and binge-watching Disney Plus!

Is Kombucha the Cure to Mortali-tea?

By Kate Ginger '23, Reporter

F

rom trendy diets for weight loss to superfoods promising clear skin, health fads are abundant in pop culture, social media, and everyday life. Avocado toast, plant-based proteins, and juice cleanses, to name a few, are served in chic cafes and health food stores like Whole Foods.

Similar to these, kombucha is another craze that has taken health food enthusiasts by storm.

What about this slimy, bacteria-infused tea appeals to so many people? As an avid kombucha drinker myself, I enjoy its tart, effervescent flavor.

This bubbly, fermented tea has gained fame for carrying nourishing antioxidants, promoting gut health, and even cancer prevention. There is debate over whether these “healthy” trends recommended by unaccredited, clean-eating gurus are truly conducive to a nourishing lifestyle.

Originating in Manchuria, China, kombucha was once known as “the tea of immortality.” Today, it is sold in grocery stores across the world for a hefty price but can easily be homebrewed.

To brew kombucha, a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) is introduced into sweetened black or green tea and releases probiotics, which

seem to be the magical ingredient of kombucha.

According to studies conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), probiotics are live microorganisms, beneficial to the restoration of bacteria balance in the gut.

[Flickr] An increasing number of studies conducted by the NCBI show the relationship between mental health and gut health. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, and others decreased when people ingested probiotics as opposed to those who didn’t take them. The NCBI has found that probiot-

ics, in some cases, can be used as supplements for cancer prevention and treatment.

Kombucha contains caffeine and trace amounts of alcohol from the fermentation process. These factors do not pose a serious risk unless the beverage is ingested by a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. Also, for people with weakened immune systems, the risk of infection due to bacteria growth is higher. Store-bought kombucha is generally a safer option than homebrewing because contamination or over-fermentation can occur; however, commercial brands often contain added fruit juice and sugar which heightens the calorie content (not to mention the frequently unreasonable prices).

While there are numerous studies showing probiotics promote a healthy digestive system and wellness, there is no solid evidence kombucha is the key to a salutary lifestyle. It’s no secret this beverage isn’t the mystical elixir of immortality, but there are multiple proven health benefits. Besides, there’s no harm in drinking this beverage to your liking as long as you always read the label and partake in moderation.

BA Today | 13

How Are Student-Athletes Being Affected By the Cancellation of Sports?

By John O'Hara '21, Reporter

[ArizonaSports.com]

E

arlier this year, teams all across the nation were competing in their respective sport for a chance to achieve glory by winning a championship. Likewise, many hopeful players began preparing themselves for the long-awaited season. Sports are an extremely important aspect of today’s society because of their great impact on everyone’s lives, but sadly, this spring will have no organized sports for people to play or spectate.

With the COVID-19 virus creating danger all across the globe, various institutions have been temporarily shut down for the safety of their par-

ticipants, including sporting events all over the world. In the United States, this action has sparked much controversy, primarily at the collegiate and high school levels.

On March 12th, the NCAA chose to cancel all remaining winter and spring sports seasons, ending the dreams of many athletes. Although the termination of these seasons was necessary for the safety of the student-athletes, it still shocked many of the players, especially the seniors who believed they had lost their final year of collegiate sports.

Student-athletes are given four seasons to compete at the collegiate level by the NCAA, meaning that the cancelation of winter and spring sports stripped away a year of eligibility for these players.

This heavily affected seniors who were awaiting a final year to hopefully win a championship and/ or prove their readiness for professional leagues.

Luckily, the NCAA took into account the issue that these athletes faced because of the premature ending of the winter and spring sports season. On March 30th, the NCAA decided to allow all schools to grant spring-sport student-athletes with an extra year of eligibility as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The decision to provide another season for these athletes tremendously helps many of the players striving to play professionally, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said about winter sports. The NCAA has concluded that they will not allow winter-sport student-athletes the ability to claim an extra year of eligibility, meaning that senior-athletes all across the nation played their final collegiate game this season without even knowing it beforehand. For juniors, sophomores, and freshmen playing a winter sport, one year of their eligibility will be taken by an incomplete season.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, the NCAA has made clear that a suspension of the 2020-2021 fall sport and football season is a serious possibility. The loss of revenue from this possible cancelation, as well as the cancelation of winter and spring-sports, would heavily affect the NCAA and several universities across the United States. The college football season does not start until August, so there is still lots of time for the decision to be made, but if COVID-19 does not slow down, then the next school year’s college football season may not begin as originally scheduled.

Courtney. Coach Montgomery used to be the varsity head coach and recently came back to coach middle school and help out with varsity. I would not be the player I am today if it were not for him.

The middle schoolers are certainly lucky to have him as a coach. Finally, Coach Courtney was there for all of us girls when we needed her. It is nice to have someone who understands all of us. Lauren, Kaleigh and I wish we had more time with all of our coaches, since they taught us so much in a short period of time.

I asked Kaleigh and Lauren what their favorite memories were from soccer. Kaleigh says, “When Rhia tells me good job in a game,” and Lauren says, “I loved all riding in the car together with our little ones and bonding as a team so much this year.” My personal favorites would have to be the Lakeshore Tournament in Birmingham and other memories from this year, where I had the most unforgettable

season with the most bonded soccer team I have ever been a part of. This year, we all made it our goal to have a team who all wanted to win, together and for each other. In all of my years, I have never been a part of such a special team. We would all hang out together outside of practice. It meant a lot to all of us to have this bond with each other. It made playing together so enjoyable.

To the younger girls, all of the seniors enjoyed being on a team with you. We would do anything to finish out this season. Thank you for being so dedicated to this sport and wanting to win as badly as we did. I wish we had just one more game together, especially against Cottage Hill. We appreciate the extra time you all put in to be successful this season, and we thank you for being the best underclassmen that seniors could work with. We are going to miss you more than anything.

Good luck next year!

Senior Girls' Soccer Season

By Annie Loper '20, Reporter

A

s Bayside’s school year has unexpectedly come to an end, so has the soccer season.

Being only four games into the season, those of us on the team felt like we were just getting started. I have been a part of the girls soccer program for the last six years, and having my senior season taken away so quickly is hard to comprehend. I know the other two seniors on the varsity team, Kaleigh Phillips and Lauren West, feel the same way I do.

This year, the team experienced some coaching changes. We were lucky enough to get a very caring head coach and assistant coaches. The seniors are extremely thankful to have had Coach Dane for the time we did, and younger girls are going to grow so much from having him as a coach.

He cared immensely for all of us, not only on the field but also in our personal lives, as did our assistant coaches, Coach Montgomery and Coach

14 | BA Today

Coronavirus Consumer Culture

By Ben Lane '20, Editor

[Medium]

W

ithin a matter of weeks, the stock market has plummeted. Companies have been forced to lay off workers, and businesses have closed. Despite these struggles, one Fortune 500 giant is fighting back. Amazon, the world’s most popular online shopping site, has opened 100,000 new jobs and is hiring as we speak. In addition to providing jobs, Amazon has increased their hourly wages by two dollars. Not only are their actions helping the US economy, they are also helping contain COVID-19 by encouraging individuals to stay inside.

Amazon is not safe from economic downturn.

Their stocks have lowered significantly like nearly every other company in the US market. However, they are doing their best to provide service to their customers in a dangerous time--actions that will certainly be remembered and benefit them in the future.

Because people are forced to remain in-

doors, there has been a surge in the use of websites like Amazon. Online sales as a whole have jumped 25% due to Coronavirus, and online grocery sales in particular have increased by 100%.

As the world continues to modernize, online shopping has continued to grow. This jump in online sales could potentially have a permanent effect on shopping behavior if people who previously bought goods in person switch to online.

According to the US Chamber of Commerce, trends will likely shift as an increasing amount of individuals switch to buying groceries online, potentially leaving lasting effects after the end of COVID-19.

Now could be the time to invest in online shopping. As Coronavirus continues to spread, a reliance on delivery services will too. A change in shopping trends that otherwise would have been gradual over the coming years may take place within a few months.

Wet Markets and their Global Repercussions

By Ben VanDerHeyden '22, Reporter

F

or many years, wet markets, or live animal markets, have been seen as a healthy, organic alternative to grocery stores, similar to a farmers’ market. Even though they might be an organic alternative, the lack of sanitation and the constant combination and mixing up of exotic animals makes these wet markets a dangerous breeding ground of one of humanity's worst foes: viruses.

In the past thirty years alone, multiple zoonotic (animal transmitted to human) viruses have arisen from these marketplaces, such as SARS in 2002 through 2003 and the Bird Flu epidemic in 1997. First, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Associated Coronavirus, or SARS, infected a human at a wet market in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. It spread to over eight thousand people around the globe and killed 7.2% of those infected. Second, the Asian Avian Influenza (AH5N1) strand of the Bird Flu began to sporadically spread to humans in Hong Kong killing 60% of those infected. Fortunately, the Bird Flu never evolved to spread from human to human, but it begs the question: when an animal-based virus with a high case fatality rate begins to spread to humans, will we be prepared? As of 2020, the answer is a resounding no.

Around New Years’ Eve in 2019, a new form of a coronavirus was recognized to have spread from an animal to some humans, which soon spread to more and more humans and has now infected millions of people in nearly every country on Earth.

This pandemic is thought to have originated with a Horseshoe Bat spreading the virus to a pangolin, which spread a mutated version of the coronavi-

rus to a human at the Hunan Wet Market in China.

This mutation enabled human to human spread of the virus. Given the past and present examples of zoonotic viruses spreading to humans, wet markets seem to serve as the intermediary between animal-based diseases and humans.

Even though all of the given examples originated from wet markets in China, the rest of the world has no shortage of wet markets. Wet markets are commonplace around the world and can be found in Mexico, Central America and the Carribean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and even in New York City, which has over 80 wet markets. Many of these wet markets are sanitary and do not pose much risk of spreading contagions, but primarily in third world countries, the sanitation is abysmal.

In third world wet markets, the saliva of multiple exotic animals mix together, concocting dangerous potentials for the spread and mutation of viruses among animals.

Many attempts have been made to shut down wet markets. In China, following the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the government shut down all of the wet markets in China for the month of March, but they went back on that decision and quickly reopened the markets in early April. It appears confusing that China would reopen wet markets after a disease that has killed hundreds of thousands of people originated in one, but in China and around the world, wet markets serve as a staple in consumer society. Millions of Chinese citizens and millions abroad depend on wet markets to purchase meat, poultry, and produce. For example, in China, wet markets are a food sector that comprises 30-59% of food supplies. If all

of the markets were shut down permanently, it would not only affect public eating patterns, but it could also cripple the food economy of a country by allowing grocery stores to monopolize and prevent local vendors from making any income.

If these wet markets are so necessary in many countries, yet they are able to sporadically cause global pandemics, what can be done to prevent the emergence of viruses while not crippling food economies? There are two plausible solutions.

First, sanitation can be enforced at all of the street markets. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, makes sure that all businesses, including the wet markets in New York City, follow certain sanitation guidelines, or else they are prohibited from operating. If a system like this were applied to all of the wet markets worldwide, patrons would not need to change their purchasing routines, and fewer viruses would circulate.

Second, all wet markets can be banned and replaced with supermarkets. In the United States, supermarkets such as Walmart dominate in the vending of foods. Many supermarkets already exist worldwide, but in rural localities and wet market-dominated China, this implementation would be a difficult adjustment and would be costly.

In conclusion, even though wet markets appear to be an organic alternative to food found in a supermarket, they inadvertently serve as an intermediary between humans and world-crippling pandemics. Steps must be made to reduce the chances of these diseases forming, or else, in the words of Winston Churchill, “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

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