Masterpages_Issue_4

Bishop Kenny High School | Jacksonville, Fla. Volume 72, Issue 4

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Reader,

For the first and last time, we are ecstatic to write to you as we present Issue 4 as your new Editorsin-Chief of The Shield. As this year comes to an end, we are springing into our next publication, The Shield Online. Not only is this the last issue of the year, but the final issue that The Shield will produce as we make a permanent move to

theshieldonline.org.

Although the seniors will be greatly missed, the juniors stepped into new roles to prepare an Issue 4 like no other that explores the theme, “Springing into Summer.”

Lift to page 7 to read the last ever Athlete of the Issue, a profile on Summer Swan. Learn about some of the Bishop Kenny summer sports camps on page 8.

There are dozens of cool student cars at Kenny, but we picked a few of our favorites on page 9, Kenny Kars. In the center spread, say hello to the new editors for next school year. On pages 12 and 13, explore

Becca’s Beach Bag and Kenny Kupid, two of our Entertainment stories in this issue. Dive into the feature profile about fisherman junior Antony Candelora on pages 14 and15. Hear from school counselor Scott Sberna on page 17 about academic pressures.

Multimedia journalism students contributed three article in Issue 4 - a profile on Sheila Marovich, and an opinion piece called Our Two Cents about getting rid of the penny. Finally, listen to our staff’s favorite summer songs on the back cover.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we loved creating it.

Editors-in-Chief: Grace Campbell and Kate Reichard Business Manager: Madelyn Benfante Campus Promotional Manager: Megan Matthews Managing Editor: Faith Cabrey Social Media Editor: Gianna Coyle Multimedia Editor: Emma Gallup Staff Reporters: Joey Evans, Lindy Jakab, Gracie Kuepper, Becca Moody Adviser: Jessica Durbin

Message From the Artist

For my artwork submission for The Shield newspaper, I drew a bee on a flower in front of a beach to represent the “springing into summer,” theme. With the flower being more on the spring side and the beach being more on the summer side.

- Freashman Riley Gray Schuler

2 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

Mission Statement: Policy: The Shield is a student news The policy of The Shield is to magazine, published quarterly provide a forum for student by journalism students at Bishop expression.

Kenny High School, dedicated to empowering and informing the Advertising: student body by delivering timely, If you are interested in advertising accurate and engaging stories. We in The Shield, email newspaper@ strive to uphold Bishop Kenny’s bishopkenny.org for more core values while fostering a sense information. of community, promoting critical thinking and celebrating the Questions, Comments, Concerns: diverse voices and achievements Letters to the editor are encouraged; within our school. Through our submit to room 224. Names can be commitment to journalistic integrity withheld upon request. and creativity, we aim to inspire and connect our readers, creating 1055 Kingman Ave., Jacksonville, a culture of informed and engaged Fla. 32207 students.

(904) 265-9390 The Shield is a member of FSPA. fax: (904) 398-5728 Cover Designs | Grace Campbell and Kate Reichard

CONTENTS THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

04 07 08 10 12 13 17 19 20

STORIES

KUWK

09

Selfies from the spring semester

ATHLETE PROFILE

Summer Swan’s journey as a CrossFit weightlifter

SPORTS CAMPS

Summer camp offerings at BKHS

NEW EDITORS

Junior staff reporters become senior editors

14

BECCA’S BEACH BAG

An interactive diagram of essentials for a day at the beach

KENNY KUPID

He’s just not that into you

ACADEMIC STRESS

School counselor discusses the pressure to get good grades

16

OUR TWO CENTS

A debate on whether the penny should be abolished

SUMMER PLAYLIST The staff’s favorite summer songs

ISSUE 4 | CONTENTS 3

keeping up with Selfies from the spring semester Kate Reichard | Editor-in-Chief

KENNY

The World Language Clubs took a trip to

Universal during the third quarter. Usually, the clubs take a trip to Epcot, but this year they traveled to Universal Studios.

“It was really fun and I would recommend the trip to anybody who is in the language clubs!,” Freshman Abby Valley said. She is a Photo courtesy of Abby Valley

member of the German Club.

Seniors Payton Burnett, Ashley Sullo and Lily Brady represented the seniors during the annual powderpuff game. “It was so exciting to finally be a part of it, especially because I couldn’t play last year,” Brady said. The senior women won, defeating the junior ladies 6-0.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Sullo Juniors Kasey Gjoka and Sarah Cruz attended prom on April 5. It took place at the Hyatt Regency instead of Everbank Stadium this year.

Students danced the night away and dressed up in formal attire, while they experienced a night to remember.

Photo courtesy of Kasey Gjoka

4 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

Track Season - Senior Aidan McMahan

FNL - Junior Savannah Frakes

Hoco - Sophomore Thomas Haen

FSU Relays - Sophomore Jillie Jakab

ISSUE 4 | NEWS 5

Helping han d

therapy al ic

s

diatric phy e p s

CARRIE MCNITT,MS PT CONTACT: Carriemcnittpt@gmail.com ZOOM SESSIONS ALWAYS AVAILABLE License: 23927

6 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE Junior trains as CrossFit weightlifter Emma Gallup| Multimedia editor

S

ummer Swan is a gymnast turned CrossFit-weightlifter, breaking records with every Rep. Beginning CrossFit in the summer of 2023, she trains in strength paired with high intensity including aspects of powerlifting, gymnastics, and rope climbs.

Swan trains five days a week and has a mixture of 2 coaches; an online coach that gives her workouts and helps her with everything CrossFit. She also trains with a crew team coach that

helps her train with a team.

Swan’s caliber of training has evolved greatly since she began the sport.

“I have grasped and discovered what I wanted to train for, and with my coach we discuss deeply what my “goals are and we work to cater towards them,” said Swan.

Challenges affect every single athlete across the globe, and Swan is no exception.

Her solution to overcome the challenges she faces is to accept that not everyday will be a good day and sometimes the

most you can do is to put your best foot forward and keep going.

The best memory Swan has from her CrossFit days is from when she qualified for the semifinals of the CrossFit Games. The CrossFit Games are of an equivalent caliber to the Olympics.

“It is every athlete’s goal to participate in the games,” Swan said.

Another one of Swan’s favorite memories was when she hit all nine of her lifts at the regional championships in Gainesville, Florida.

“I was really happy because I hit new PRs and it was all around an

exciting meet,” Swan said.

In the future, Swan plans to keep her body moving and hopes to have a career in physical therapy and help athletes in CrossFit as a therapist.

Swan’s advice to young girls is to not be fearful when they walk into the gym and you really can do anything you put your mind to.

“You might not be super strong at first, but if you keep showing up everyday you will get to where you want to be,” Swan said.

ISSUE 4 | SPORTS 7

WHERE ATHLETES ARE MADE Athletic summer camp offerings

Gianna Coyle | Social Media Editor

Ag

e

uirr

Courtesy

of

ke Lu

V

urt esy

el og nV so rey of G

W

hile running baseball camps, Coach Edwards likes to create a professional experience for his campers.

“We kinda build it like I coach my team,” Edwards said. “They get a lot of the instructions that I actually use with my guys.”

Campers learn offensive and defensive skills, including

pitching and fielding.

“At the end of camp we divide them up according to age groups and play little games,” Edwards said.

Baseball camp convinced freshman Greyson Vogel to come to Bishop Kenny. He went to camp the summer of his seventh and eighth grade year.

“I learned how to be a team player and how

k olotza lM oe

of camp is the dance competition at the end of the week when upperclassman pick songs and choreograph dances.

“We perform the dance in front of everyone,” Miller said.

“The coaches pick who got the best dance.”

Registration for volleyball camp is available on the Kenny website.

J sy of

and enjoy the sport of volleyball,” Winkler said.

On the last day, campers are split into teams for a tournament.

Junior Sophia Miller has been going to camp since sixth grade.

“I learned how to be loud on the court,” Miller said.

Her favorite part

Since starting high school he has been a counselor, and for the past two years, the kids have selected Enoch as coach.

“It is difficult to be chosen as coach because about only six out of twenty counselors are chosen,” Enoch said.

Registration is available now on the Kenny website.

rte

Co

8 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

championship game where a team is chosen as the ultimate winner.

Senior Adam Enoch has attended the camp since he was in third grade, and has played against kids from all of the nearby Catholic schools.

“A lot of the kids there are my friends today,” Enoch said.

“It’s just meeting a lot of new people you [normally] wouldn’t.”

Co u

olleyball campers practice techniques covering skills like “passing, setting, hitting, and serving,” Coach Suzanne Winkler said, along with “offensive and defensive strategies.”

Campers learn how to be a team player.

“The goal for all players is to increase their volleyball skills

B

asketball campers have an actionpacked week.

“They learn all fundamental basketball skills: dribbling, shooting, defense, and rebounding,” Coach Buckley said.

Along with regular basketball games they have “a hot shot competition, foul shooting, and one on one.” At the end of each week there is a

to play the game the right way,” Vogel said.

This summer will be Vogel’s first time working at the camp as a counselor. He says he looks forward to “working with all the little kids, and maybe make them want to go to BK.” Registration for baseball camp is available on the Kenny website.

KENNY KARS Unique cars on campus Faith Cabrey | Managing Editor

M

iddle schoolers who visit Kenny campus have claimed that the school parking lot “looks like a car dealership,” with all the different makes and models of cars, trucks and SUVs. Out of the hundreds of student cars on campus, it’s hard to miss these. After days of walking around the parking lot,

we picked the most eye-catching cars to feature.

Bishop Kenny has a variety of vintage and brand new cars on campus, and it’s hard to miss the pink Tesla, convertible BMW, vintage Ford truck or the baby blue Toyota.

The owners of these cars have provided us with fun and interesting information about each of their cars.

S

S

J

J

enior Rider McMurry owns a white 2024 BMW Z4 M40i.

His favorite thing about his car is that “it only has two seats, so I don’t have to drive my friends around.”

Although he doesn’t have a name for his car, he loves it and treats it like his most prized possession.

McMurry is part of a BMW club which he says is “totally worth it! I pay less a month for my car.”

unior Spencer Rodriguez owns a 1990 Dodge Ram D350.

His favorite thing about the car is “the exhaust sound and the Ram on the hood,” Rodriguez said.

He named his car Aileen, but he says he usally doesn’t refer to her by that.

“It sat under a tree in South Georgia for six years before the previous owner brought it back to life,” Rodriguez said.

He says he loves his car having a unique car on campus.

enior Rachel Weldon owns a 2020 model 3 Tesla, wrapped in a metallic light pink color.

Her favorite thing about the car is its color.

“You don’t see many pink Teslas on the road,” Weldon said.

Weldon nicknamed her car “Tessa” to align with the Tesla brand name.

unior Katharine Haynes owns a 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser.

“I named her Ivy after Jay-Z’s daughter, Blue Ivy,” Haynes said.

Her favorite thing about her car is its custom baby blue color because she has never seen another car like this.”

Another fun fact about her car?

“I have a hula girl on the dash named Shakira,” Haynes said.

ISSUE 4 | A&E 9

SPRINGING INTO NEXT YEAR Junior staff reporters become senior editors Kate Reichard | Editor-in-Chief

A

s the 2024-2025 year comes to an end, The Shield is springing into a new group of senior editors.

As a publication produced by students, for students, it is important to continue to fill the leadership positions to ensure the future of the publication.

While The Shield will no longer produce a magazine, the

publication will move completely online. This change will allow optimal time to produce the most interactive stories and timely news yet.

For the 2025 - 2026 school year, these are the newest faces behind The Shield.

Editors-in-Chief

K

ate Reichard and Grace Campbell are the Editorsin-Chief of The Shield for the 2025-2026 school year.

This job entails being the heads of the publication and co-managing the staff. From brainstorming to publishing, these staffers will help with all things news media.

Specifically, Reichard edits short-form stories, schedules lessons for the editors and tracks the progress to recieving SNO badges.

Campbell edits longform stories, assigns tasks for multimedia packages and oversees interactive elements.

Between these two, they will lead the staff through the year.

Kate Reichard, Grace Campbell

Multimedia Editor

E

mma Gallup is the Multimedia Editor. She will edit all multimedia elements, as well as teach the staff how to use them.

One important aspect of her position is learning how to use interactive design elements, like Genially.

These kinds of platforms will advance our website, in order to submit our work for SNO badges. Many long-

Emma Gallup

10 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

form feature stories will include interactive elements during this upcoming year, so Gallup will take the lead in this advancement.

Another important part of her position will be helping develop the design of the website, while also continuously updating to keep the publication timely and competitive.

Managing Editor

F

aith Cabrey is the Managing Editor. While in this position, she will create sign-ups for events, which is an integral part of ensuring coverage at all events. Cabrey will work hand in hand with Matthews, Campus Promotional Editor, to cover all school events from day to night. She will specifically

ensure coverage at all events that do not take place during school hours.

Another part of this position is scheduling photography and creating microphone and camera checkouts. This is an important way to keep track of all the equipment needed to run the publication.

Faith Cabrey Business Manager

M

adelyn Benfante is the Business Manager. This job position entails all things from covering advertisement sales to designs in Canva.

She will also work to keep the publication competitive by arranging work to be submitted to conventions, such as FSPA. It is important

to submit articles to these contests because they provide valuable feedback.

When needed, Benfante will design advertisements in Canva, as well as keep track of all advertisement sales. She will also be responsible for helping future staffers with Canva as needed.

Madelyn Benfante Campus Promotional Manager

M

egan Matthews is the Campus Promotional Manager for The Shield.

She is in charge of ensuring coverage during events in school hours.

Another aspect of being the Campus Promotional Manager is promoting events in advance. For example, promoting sports

events, volunteer activities or deadlines to students and those who follow The Shield on social media.

This position also requires promoting the website in hopes of reaching a greater audience.

This will be especially important, considering the publication is moving fully online next year.

Megan Matthews Social Media Editor

G

ianna Coyle is the Social Media Editor. She will be responsible for running The Shield’s Instagram account @bkhs_theshield.

This entails posting social promos, creating student involved videos and keeping followers updated about campus news.

Another important

aspect of this position is using the proper school branding. This involves watermarks, proper coloring and other small details that keep the publication unique.

Branding will be especially important as The Shield moves fully online, so that the school and news media websites stay cohesive.

Gianna Coyle

ISSUE 4 | FEATURES 11

BECCA’S BEACH BAG Must-haves for a perfect day at the beach Becca Moody | Staff Reporter

B

efore your toes hit the sand, you must create the perfect survival kit for your beach trip. From must-have tanning oils to a water bottle that will stay cold in the heat. The bag also includes hair ties to keep your hair out of your face while sufing the waves, and flip-flops to save your feet from the blistering hot sand.

12 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

Whether you’re heading out for a shorline stroll, a family surf day or going on a beach vacation with your friends, this bag will have you prepared for a full day of fun in the sun. Save the summer beach days from becoming a sandy sunburnt scramble and have seashells, sunshine and sweet summer tunes.

Kenny Kupid He’s just not that into you.....

D

ear Kenny Kupid, I’ve been talking to this boy for four months, and we’re very locked in. We’ve hung out twice already. I’m sure he’s going to ask me to be his girlfriend any day now.

However, recently he’s been acting kind of strange.

I feel like we only ever talk at night, and when we do, he only talks about baseball. We used to snap back and forth for hours, but now he leaves me on delivered for hours at a time, even when he’s active on his phone.

He introduced me to his friends at his game a couple weeks ago, but they didn’t seem that interested in getting to know me. I kind of just stood next to him for an hour after his game while he socialized.

That doesn’t really bother me though, because I know he’s probably just holding back from showing me too much affection. He’s very nonchalant like that, and it’s just a part of his personality.

I’m worried that maybe I did something to make him upset, because when I went to support him at his baseball game again last night, he never greeted me or thanked me for coming.

I texted him immediately afterwards and he said he never saw me, even though I could’ve sworn we made eye contact.

I think he’s mad at me because a couple of nights ago, while we were texting, I asked how much longer it would take for us to become official. He got pretty annoyed with me and said I was “asking too much of him,” and that he was, “really

for so long. I’m just unsure of what I’m doing wrong, because I feel like all I do is compliment him, show interest and comfort him when he’s upset. A month ago he told me that I was his best friend, but he hasn’t said anything like that to me since.

I feel like I should call him to check if everything’s alright, but he was too busy the

stressed with baseball right now.” I mean it makes sense that he’s stressed: he’s a senior, and I’m a junior, so he definitely has more important things to worry about.

I just feel like it’s the right time to put a label on us since we’ve been talking

last time I asked him to call and never got back to me. I want to go up to him during school, but I get nervous because he’s always surrounded by his friends.

What should I do?

- Clueless Crusader

D

ear Clueless Crusader, Wow, that’s a lot of red flags! If this boy doesn’t take the time to text you, ignores you at his game, refuses to make time for you and won’t call you his girlfriend, I’m not so sure he’s the one.

He may “like” you, but clearly not enough to make things official. Putting time and effort into a person for four months only to get minimal effort in return is not worth it.

You should be with someone who values you, and respects you enough to put more time and care into building a relationship.

My advice is to either: 1) Have a mature conversation with him about how you feel; if he is avoiding you and doesn’t want to talk, then you have a clear view on where he stands.

Or, 2) You can take all these reasons as a sign to distance yourself and get some space, which will most likely secure your decision on whether or not you want to continue seeing this guy.

Good luck!

- Kenny Kupid

ISSUE 4 | A&E 13

GONE FISHIN’

Chasing the thrill of the catch, one cast at a time Madelyn Benfante | Business Manager

A

t dawn, while most high schoolers hit the snooze button, junior Antony Candelora is already 70 miles offshore, fishing rod in hand, fighting with Mahi and Wahoo.

Candelora developed his love for fishing after moving to a house on the river.

His older brother Angelo “got him into it,” Candelora said, and what started as a shared interest quickly became a serious passion.

Over time, that passion turned into a lifestyle centered around early mornings, long hours on the water and a strong respect for the ocean.

A typical fishing trip for Candelora begins at 4 a.m.

He and his brother pack up their 25-foot boat, load the gear and head out into the dark. The ride to the ledge, a drop-off in the ocean where

large game fish swim, takes about two hours. Once they arrive, they set up lines, watch for signs of fish and settle in for a long day offshore.

On a good day, they stay out until sunset. The 12-hour trips can be exhausting, especially when nothing is biting, but Candelora finds the reward is worth it. He finds satisfaction in providing food for his family and sharing meals made from their catch.

The work may be tough, but the memories, the meals and the sense of accomplishment are always worth it to Candelora.

“Not everything is going to go your way,” Candelora said. “Every day you go out is completely different.”

It’s the unpredictability of fishing that Candelora finds exciting. One day might bring a cooler full of Mahi, while the next could mean tangled lines and strong winds. Some days feel long and frustrating, while others are packed with adrenaline and excitement. Either way, he’s learned to appreciate the

“Every day you go out is completely different.”

-Antony Candelora

Antony’s Favorite Fish To Catch Kingfish

Kingfish are near shore fish primarily caught in the summer, they fight hard for their size and are mostly caught with live bait, but can also be caught on artificial plugs

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi run the best in summer months when it is warm and calmer weather, they love to bite artificial baits and live bait. They congregate on weed lines and structure.

Wahoo

Wahoo run in the winter with colder water temps and fight extremely hard. The best way to catch them is a high-speed trolling going about 20 miles an hour, dragging artificial lures.

ups and downs that come with the sport.

Offshore fishing is Candelora’s favorite, but he still participates in inshore fishing, which is popular in Jacksonville. The city’s access to rivers, creeks and the ocean makes it a prime location for both types of fishing.

Inshore trips are easier to plan and shorter, but Candelora prefers the

challenges and bigger rewards of going offshore.

“I always make sure to do things the right way,” Candelora said.

He emphasizes the importance of respecting fishing regulations and the environment. For Candelora, it’s not just about catching fish, it’s about doing it responsibly and helping preserve the ecosystem for future generations. He

takes pride in releasing undersized fish, cleaning up after trips and encouraging others to fish with care.

Fishing has also taught him real-world lessons about safety and preparation. On one trip, a hook got stuck deep in his hand, and there was no one nearby who could help. He had to get back to shore quickly and go to the ER. “Keeping your hands away from the hooks and keeping everything safe” is one of the smartest things you can do on the water, Candelora says.

In addition to fishing with Angelo, Candelora now helps teach their younger brother Luccio the basics.

Sharing tips, stories and responsibilities has brought his family even closer.

Whether they’re reeling in a big catch or waiting in silence under the sun, every trip strengthens their bond.

One of Candelora’s

biggest goals is to catch a yellowfin tuna. It’s a dream he’s been chasing for a while, and one he’s determined to make happen. But even without it,

“Nothing beats the thrill of catching a fish.”

-Antony Candelora Candelora sees every trip as a win.

The peace of being on the open ocean, the thrill of a tight line and the pride in providing for his family keep him going.

“Nothing beats the thrill of catching a fish,” Candelora said.

For him, fishing is more than just a hobby, it’s a teacher, a challenge and a way of life.

From left, clockwise: Candelora holds two wahoo; Candelora stands on his boat holding a mahi he caught; Candelora and his two brothers, Angelo (‘24) and Luccio, hold the fish they caught on an offshore trip; Candelora and his brother Angelo on their dock.

ISSUE 4 | FEATURES 15

A PAGE OF HISTORY

Director of Advancement retires after 38 years at Kenny Olivia Taylor | Contributing Writer

S

heila Marovich will retire from Bishop Kenny on June 30, but her contributions will never be forgotten.

As Director of Advancement, she has helped push Bishop Kenny to reach new heights for the past 38 years.

Before moving to Florida, Marovich lived in Buffalo, New York.

There, with degrees in communications and journalism, she fundraised for the American Cancer Society.

Now, Marovich is an essential member of Bishop Kenny and plays a big role in its development. Her job involves reaching out to the community, communicating with parents, alumni, businesses and church members, raising funds for the school in efforts to expand campus.

The new construction currently happening and all renovations since the 300 buildings can be in part, credited to Marovich.

Yet even after her resignation, she

16 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

says that for the school’s 75th anniversary, she and other staff members plan to establish a permanent archive history of the school and a display in the hall between the Learning Commons and the cafeteria.

Marovich says she values the importance of writing and record-keeping.

“I used to write the Avenue, which we did twice a year. And I used to write the whole magazine,” Marovich said. “I just like the history of people, you know,

professionally or not, I think it’s really an important thing to do.”

Marovich’s commitment to our school is evident and serves as an inspiration.

When asked what her favorite thing about Bishop Kenny is she said, “the pride that our graduates have in their school.”

Her compassion was also highlighted when speaking about the Pedro Pan kids.

“People in our community know Bishop Kenny and respect the school.”

-Sheila Marovich A plaque outside the DLC commemorates the Cuban exiles who attended Bishop Kenny during the 1960s. “I always get a lump in my throat when I think about those kids,” Marovich said.

Through the multiple projects she oversees and contributes to, she works hard to ensure Bishop Kenny has a good name.

“People in our community know Bishop Kenny and respect the school,” Marovich said.

“Lots of people will tell me, ‘I always love to hire Bishop Kenny graduates.’ You know, I think that says a whole lot for our kids and our school’s reputation.”

MORE THAN A GRADE Grades do not define who you are Gracie Kuepper | Staff Reporter

W

e live in a world where a report card can have a very heavy impact on us. Some might say it defines us.

At Kenny, students are constantly reminded of the importance of academic achievement because of the rigorous college prep curriculum. The pressure to excel is especially present.

For a lot of students, the weight of grades can feel unbearable, which makes them ask if their worth is only tied to the grade that they receive on a piece of paper. Students start to feel like they are nothing more than just a collection of numbers, and they feel defined by a grade.

“I don’t think students are defined by a grade, so I don’t agree with [that] statement,” school counselor Scott Sberna.

Instead of focusing only on the grade they receive, Sberna, counselor for last names E-K, encourages students to dive into the deep end of their learning.

“Your value as a human being is superior to what your grades were in high school.”

- Scott Sberna “[Show] up to class every day prepared, ready to pay attention, paying attention, asking questions, doing all your work and studying in advance,” Sberna said. “That’s going to absorb you in the material, and then the grades are going to take care of themselves.”

He stated that if students find themselves struggling with a certain subject or topic, asking for help is always an important part of the learning process.

“We all need help

sometimes,” he said.

The undeniable pressure to perform well academically is difficult, especially in a school like Kenny. So what happens when grades don’t reflect a student’s best efforts?

Maintaining motivation and self-worth can be difficult.

“Remaining positive involves taking care of yourself and doing the things that help you feel better,” Sberna said. “You’ve got to prioritize your work, get it done, and then reward yourself and be able to kind of relax and enjoy yourself.”

Sberna is always telling students not to compare themselves to fellow classmates, we all have different strengths and weaknesses. He reminds

“You’ve got to prioritize your work, get it done, then reward yourself and be able to kind of relax and enjoy yourself.”

- Scott Sberna students that their value isn’t determined by the grade they receive on a piece of paper.

“Your worth is not tied to high school,” Sberna said.

“High school doesn’t define anybody. It’s just a small period of your life.”

As a guidance counselor, Sberna helps students through the academic stress of high school and the emotional struggles

that come with growing up.

He wants to help students understand that they are valued as individuals, no matter what their grades say. When asked about the characteristics of a student that aren’t captured by grades, he highlights the importance of personality and character.

“When I meet with any student, grades are not the first thing I’m looking at,” Sberna said. “I’m thinking about who that student is, what we’ve talked about in the past, what’s going on in their lives, and how they are as a human first.”

Students find themselves struggling with midterms or finals, try to remember the grades they receive are not your worth.

“Understand the big picture of life,” Sberna said. “This is high school, and you’re going to move on from high school and probably never look at your high school transcripts ever again in your life once you go to college. Your value as a human being is superior to what your grades were in high school,” Sberna said.

In a world where grades are always seen as the only reflection of a student’s worth, Sberna’s perspective offers a certain reminder: students are a lot more than just their report card. While academic achievement is always important, what really matters are the qualities students have that can’t be measured on a transcript. It’s a student’s character and a willingness to learn that defines who a Kenny student truly is.

ISSUE 4 | OPINION 17

18 THE SHIELD | MAY 2025

OUR TWO CENTS PENNIES MAKES CENTS Lily Chang | Contributing Writer

A

lthough pennies may be overproduced and unused, eliminating them as a whole doesn’t make sense.

Some may argue that eliminating one cent would make little of a difference, especially if cash is becoming less prevalent as a payment option.

However, it’s the only cent that doesn’t end in a five or a zero. Most prices don’t end in either of those numbers. Without a penny, how else are people supposed to provide change to equal the price? Does that mean all prices will have to change to be able to work with the given cents? Or will some of these companies just keep the money as part of their tips and profit?

Understandably, pennies can be seen as useless, as reports

show many Americans have them sitting around, going unused.

Looking at the production of pennies in that sense, may make them seem overproduced, implying that many people don’t see the value in a penny.

It isn’t worth much, but it is important for balancing prices when using cash.

If pennies were such a nuisance because they go unused, is there research to show often the other variants of cents used daily?

Will it get to a point where all the other cents become outdated and cards are the only option?

If cards do become the only option, we would be entirely dependent on this software, therefore leading to mayhem if said software were to malfunction.

Putting all the eggs in one basket with something as delicate as technology could lead to catastrophe if its roots, the paper money, are entirely discarded.

PENNIES DON’T MAKE CENTS

P

Claire Shipp | Contributing Writer

ennies pose several problems. The most important of these, though, is the coin’s neverending production—and believe me, it’s truly infinite.

According to “Why Eliminating the Penny Makes Sense,” written by Kim McGrath and published

by Wake Forest News, in the U.S. alone, roughly 240 billion pennies are just lying around, and that’s a conservative estimate.

Keep in mind, most of these pennies are never spent; instead, the majority are left oxidizing in piggy banks. Since so many pennies aren’t put back into circulation, the U.S. Mint, the bureau responsible for manufacturing coins, is forced to make even more pennies for cash transactions, then these pennies don’t get put back into circulation, forcing the Mint to— See where I’m going with this?

Why is this even a problem? It may be a never-ending spiral, but there’s no real harm, is there?

That is where you’d be wrong for several reasons.

Mainly, though, is the cost required to produce this unmanageable, overproduced coin. This may be surprising to some—it certainly was to me—but

one penny costs 3.69 cents to make, as reported by CoinNews.net. In other words, by making pennies, the American government may as well start burning piles of money, but there’s also no way to compensate for the price of a penny without making more.

So why, in the twentyfirst century, with all of the awe-inspiring things we’ve accomplished, do we keep perpetuating this masochistic cycle?

Well, we do it for the same reason we refuse to acknowledge climate change or our mistakes: it doesn’t affect us at this moment, so why should we care about it?

In the words of the Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, it’s not going to get better, it’s not.”

Grace Campbell Ice Cold Pool - The Wallows

Mrs. Durbin I Aint Worried - OneRepblic

Kate Reichard Springsteen - Eric Church

Megan Matthews Boom Clap - Charli XCX

Faith Cabrey Tongue Tied - Grouplove

Emma Gallup I Love It - Icona Pop

Madelyn Benfante American Kids - Kenny Chesney

Gianna Coyle Wouldn’t Nice - COVER The Beach ISSUEIt 4Be| BACK 20Boys