TheShield_Vol69_Issue2

THE

SHIELD

Bishop Kenny High School | Jacksonville, Fla. | Volume 69 | Issue 2

FEATURES 12 Students share their experience with nontraditional families

THE

SHIELD

The Shield is student news magazine, published quarterly by journalism students at Bishop Kenny High School 1055 Kingman Ave., Jacksonville, Fla. 32207 phone: (904) 265-9390 fax: (904) 398-5728 The policy of The Shield is to provide a forum for student expression. If you are interested in advertising in The Shield, email newspaper@ bishopkenny.org for more information. Letters to the editor are encouraged; submit to room 224.

Names can be withheld upon request.

The Shield is a member of FSPA.

Copy Editor Grace Jennings Editor in Chief Elena Vincenty Layout and Design Editor Jessica Golden Public Relations Manager Addison Mark Web Manager Charli Esposito Staff Reporters Cate Dudley, Noah Ferrizzi, Mikaela Georgi, Parker Harms, Grace Hayag, Ava Liuzzo, Abigail Milkes, Audrey Moody, Haley Samaan, Stella Shaw Adviser Jessica Durbin Front and back cover art by: Haley Samaan Follow The Shield on Twitter, Instagram, and online: @bk_theshield www.bktoday.org

CONTENTS NEWS

3 5

CHRIST AT KAIROS FAREWELL FATHER

8 10 11 12 14 15 16

FEATURES

12 DAYS OF KENNY CHRISTMAS CRAZY FOR CAFFEINE RESOLUTION REVOLUTION FOR REAL FAMILY

OPINION

17 18 19 20

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR HEAR ME ROAR STAFF EDITORIAL

A&E

LIVING THE STREAM KENNY KUPID KENNY KRAVINGS STAY ONSTAGE

SPORTS

22 TREVOR TIME 23 ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE

ISSUE 2 • NEWS 3

Elena Vincenty | Editor in Chief

need to be a “super Catholic to go, but you [do not] have to be anything to go.”

Kairos 12 retreatants senior Mary Jo Bahri and senior Brad Miller said that they “would definitely recommend for people to attend Kairos” and described it as a “life changing experience.”

For those interested in being a part of Kairos, the next retreat will be held March

18-20. Registration opens in early January to juniors and seniors. The spring retreat will be held at the same location and consist of half juniors and half seniors.

“Just sign up and for sure it will be a weekend that you always remember and treasure,” Maples said. “You never really know until you go.”

Photo courtesy of Maddie Millar

fter two years, junior and senior students met at the Marywood Retreat Center on the St. Johns River on Nov. 19-21.

Kairos has been paused for overnight stays since before COVID-19, and the last Kairos was only a daytime occasion.

Kairos is a retreat “to draw people closer to Christ [by] showing them how loved they are, exactly how they are in that moment,” Kairos director Alex Maples said.

Kairos has been a BK tradition for six years, the previous retreat being its twelfth. Kairos 12 was led by Maples and teachers Robert Sims, Missy Parkison and Matthew Case.

Additionally, 13 senior student leaders helped the weekend come to fruition, and Father Clay Ludwig offered confession and discussion.

Maples says that one misconception about Kairos is that people believe that you

Photo by Addison Mark

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Students spend three days in “God’s time”

Clockwise from left: Kairos 12 retreaters gathered together for a photo after noon mass. Father Clay Ludwig holds balloons to celebrate student birthdays.

4 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

ISSUE 2 • NEWS 5

Haley Samaan | Staff Reporter

Role of Chaplain passes to Father Clay Ludwig

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Photo courtesy of Carla Chin

chool Chaplain Father that, you will be making right going through, especially since BK is the Raj Martin has moved choices- choices which make because everyone place where he discovered his to Saint Mary Mother you holy, good, joyful and goes through different vocation to the priesthood. of Mercy Catholic Church in strong amidst adversity.” struggles and “I have had such a positive Macclenny, Fla. BK alumnus Though this is Fr. different influence from being a student Father Clay Ludwig has experiences,” of Bishop Kenny,” Fr. Clay assumed the role of part-time Fr. Ludwig said. “I want to continue the Chaplain for the 2021-2022 said. tradition of instilling the school year. faith in our students here at Fr. Martin started Kenny- the same faith that working at Bishop was shared with me.”

Kenny in 2016, and Fr. Ludwig will his favorite memory perform the sacrament of is “being one of the Confession during lunch many people who mods, visit classrooms were instrumental to give religious in making presentations, perform the Church’s adoration with gospel sacraments and reflections and provide sacramentals religious assistance readily available to wherever it is needed. the BK family.”

Fr. Ludwig says Father Raj Martin blessing the Eucharist alongside Father Clay Ludwig and Deacon.

Though he has that his biggest goal is been appointed to to be able to “evangelize a new position, he wants Ludwig’s first year working “However, there is a sense of the students, and give them a students, faculty and staff at BK, the campus is nothing recent history and I have been positive witness of the joy of to always remember to keep new. Being an alumnus of in the students’ shoes.” the Lord.”

Jesus at the center of life. the Class of 2011 aids him in Fr. Ludwig hopes to “Make your life, study and relating to the students. continue the traditions that work revolve around Him,” “I would not say I he loved and experienced Fr. Martin said. “For, if you do know what the students are while being a student here,

6 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

ISSUE 2 • NEWS 7

8 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

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ISSSUE 2 • FEATURES 9 ISSSUE 2 • FEATURES 9

Haley Samaan | Staff Reporter

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Check your stockings... BK has some gifts for you

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and BK wants to spread some Christmas

On the first day of Christmas Mrs. Bradley gave to me an essay due on Turnitin by three.

cheer. From The Shield staff you to you, here are some gifts from our faculty and staff, to a song of

On the second day of Christmas Mr. Saladino gave to me two free cookies.

On the seventh day

which we are sure you know the tune.

On the third day of Christmas Dean Wray gave to me three pink slips.

of Christmas Dean Condit gave to me 7 Saturday schools.

On the fourth day of Christmas Poncho gave to me four duck calls.

On the fifth day of Christmas Mr. Orlando gave to me five distance learners.

On the sixth day of Christmas Guidance gave to me six AP exams.

On the seventh day of Christmas Mrs. Mosley gave to me 7 field trips.

On the eighth day of Christmas Mr. Broach to me 8 honor codes.

On the ninth day of Christmas Deacon Deluca gave to me 9 life lessons.

On the tenth day of Christmas Mrs. Cabrey gave to me 10 service hours.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Father Clay gave to me 11 homilies.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Mrs. Watson gave to me 12 green slips.

10 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

Stella Shaw | Staff Reporter

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Caffeine addictions can have dangerous effects on teenagers

alling asleep Thursday morning in C-mod, you have a major AP Chemistry test in two mods and have to stay awake, what do you turn to? A Celcius.

Have you ever heard someone say they are addicted to caffeine? Technically, that isn’t true.

Caffeine, while a drug, is not addictive. It is found naturally in the leaves and seeds of many plants, stimulates the central nervous system causing increased alertness.

Caffeine gives a temporary energy boost and improves their mood, according to KidsHealth.org. Each time caffeine is consumed, it mimics adenosine and attaches to adenosine receptors in the brain,

blocking the receptors that evoke adenosine, according to HowStuffWorks.com.

People get caffeine from sodas, coffee, energy drinks, teas and even gum.

The National Library of Medicine says that up to 85% of all Americans drink at least one caffeinated beverage per day. The average daily caffeine intake from caffeinated

beverages is 165 mg for all ages, and children up to the age of 18 should consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine per day.

Many of the popular energy drinks that students consume contain much more caffeine than is recommended for their age.

“I drink Celcius every morning because I get three to four hours of sleep a night,” sophomore Peyton Lochrie said. “And then I drink another just to help me get through the rest of the day.”

Caffeine has some health benefits, but when there are no limits to caffeine consumption, it can have negative effects, according to Healthline.com.

While caffeine can help you feel alert and focused,

Kids Health says that caffeine also comes with potential side effects such as anxiety, stomach issues, headaches, trouble sleeping and what some people refer to as “the shakes” or “jitters.” Caffeine can also cause increased heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones.

To lower the chances of getting these potentially dangerous side effects or to not feel caffeine withdrawals, maintain a caffeine intake of less than 100 mg per day. If too much caffeine is consumed, one’s tolerance to caffeine will be raised, making the effects of daily energy drinks have a less beneficial effect on mood.

ISSSUE 2 • FEATURES 11

Stella Shaw | Staff Reporter

Will you drop the ball this New Years? what someone else (or society) is telling you to change” or they “don’t have a realistic plan.”

A New Year’s resolution is a lifestyle. A year is a long time to “eat healthy,” so there needs to be a realistic and thought out plan in place, to be aware and prepared of the journey ahead before jumping into a new lifestyle.

Artwork by Mikaela Georgi

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he phrase “New Year, New Me” is a common refrain, but once the ball drops in Times Square, the “new me” portion of that statement seems to vanish.

Approximately 27% of people worldwide set a goal for the new year, according to discoverhappyhabits.com.

According to Psychologytoday. com, of the variety of goals to shoot for “55.2% of resolutions were health related, 34.4% were work related and 5.2% were social goals.”

But of that 27% that decide that they are ready for a change, only 35% are successful in keeping all of their resolutions.

So, why are people so unsuccessful at keeping those New Year’s resolutions?

A lack of commitment to change one’s personal life is evident.

The New York Times suggests that New Year’s resolutions fail due to the fact that they are either “too vague,” “created based on

“Without a clear target, you’ll never hit your mark,” lifestyle coach Tony Robbins said. “That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to set goals that are clear, measurable and actionable.”

The purpose of a New Year’s resolution is to improve oneself. When it’s the middle of February, and the temptation to give up

is looming, remember the reason for the resolution in the first place. This can inspire and motivate one to have the discipline to see the goal through.

An achievable goal, a meaningful purpose and accountability will help a New Year’s resolution become something transformative, rather than a failed mission.

12 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

Students share their experience with non-traditional families

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lthough it’s just a stereotype, people expect the average American family to have two parents and two kids, and don’t forget the perfect white picket fence.

Despite attempting the normalization of nonstereotypical families in television and movies--like in “This is Us,” which gives an example of both interracial families and those that come togther through adoption-people tend to forget that not everyone lives the same way outside of the screen, sans all the glitter and glam. This is not to say that these families are not normal or valid; simply, they are different and deserve the same amount of respect and recognition as stereotypically average families are freely given.

Imperfectly Perfect “Considering the ways that so many things just perfectly had to go right, it, just a little bit, feels like [fate],” sophomore Cecilia

Adkison said as she recounted the story of how she came to be with her family.

Adkison lives with her mother- her adoptive mother, at that- due to her birth mother being unable to care for her. She described how her adoptive parents had previously attempted to adopt a little boy, but the opportunity passed them by after they filled out paperwork necessary for adoption. Though they despaired at the unfortunate circumstances, the feeling did not last long when they got a call informing them of Cecilia. Adkison described the perfect circumstances leading up to her adoption, particularly that her parents were very far down on the list for her adoption, but everyone above them either passed on the opportunity or did not answer the call. The previous paperwork Adkison’s adoptive parents had filled out for the little boy was enough to begin the adoption process for

Adkison. Through this fateful opportunity, Adkison received two loving parents, and they received a child to call their own.

She started realizing that her family was unlike others when, “it started splitting, when I was 7; that’s when my parents divorced… I was really confused.”

Adkison went on to explain how sometimes she cannot stop herself from wishing that she had a twoparent household; when she hears other people talking about their family trips, she longs for something similar.

Especially around holidays and breaks, she wishes that she had the same experiences that others do. She, “[has] to leave on Christmas day to go to my dad’s, so I spend half of Christmas in the car” to drive to Tampa, where her dad lives.

She explained how she celebrates Christmas once with her mom’s side of the family, then again, on the

same day, with her dad’s side.

Though she says it can be a little hard sometimes, Adkison reflected on how she and her mother “have a closer bond” because of the experiences they have shared.

Not only that, but she also explained how, even after her parents’ separation, she met people- her chosen familywho shaped her life. The relationship Adkison has with her current best friend would not have been possible if she had not switched schools after her parents’ divorce.

All of the components making up her story finalized to form her belief that her life truly was fated, and though she struggles sometimes, she would never change it.

Across Two Worlds Sophomore Giovanna Feitoza also has faced trials in regards to her different family. When Feitoza was four, her family immigrated to the United States from Brazil, moving away from all of her family except her mom, dad

ISSSUE 2 • FEATURES 13

Photo Courtesy of Cecilia Adkinson Feitoza and her immediate family return to Foz De Iguacu, Brazil.

Adkison’s adoptive parents celebrate with the judge on Sept. 22, 2006, the day she was adopted.

Photo Courtesy of Luce Photography

Photo Courtesy of Giovanna Feitoza

Photo Courtesy of Addison Mark

Mikaela Georgi | Staff Reporter

Feitoza celebrates with her family when she first moves to the United States.

and sister.

“I kind of hated it because I’m really close with [my extended family],” Feitoza said. “Sometimes I wish it was… different… Sometimes it can get really lonely.”

In order to combat these feelings, Feitoza tries to remain in close contact with her family in Brazil. Though she now lives in the United States, she described how she has “two worlds.”

“It’s this ability to go across the globe and have a

life there and then come back here and have a life here,” Feitoza said.

She explained how she learns much from her experience. Even though she would not change it, she does, like Adkison, sometimes wish her situation was different.

That being said, she realized, “life isn’t confined to Dallas, or LA, or Jacksonville-- all the places I’ve lived in.”

Due to her experience, she earned, “this ability to adapt

that others may not have…

[Living in Brazil] follows me, and it creates this kind of imprint in the way I go through life.”

She continues to make memories with her grandfather and cousins whenever she visits Brazil.

Different, Not Less Feitoza and Adkison are examples of the idea that a difference does not equate to a worse experience. Their families may not look like what you first think of as

typical, but they are not any less of a family. They are just two living stories of nonstereotypical families at BK in an ocean of difference that should be explored.

Feitoza and Adkison’s stories inspire the belief that families grow, and families shrink, they morph and they change, but in the end, a family is there through it all.

And that notion is never going to change.

14 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

Elena Vincenty | Editor in Chief

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How do you properly decorate a tree?

amily gathered around, opening presents, sipping hot chocolate, the ideal Christmas morning; but what are they gathered around? A Christmas tree.

According to History.com, the Christmas tree tradition is credited to Germany where devout Christians would buy and decorate trees in their home. Those Germans brought the tradition over to America around 1747 but it was not accepted by Americans until the 1890s when popular British royals adopted the tradition.

Soon Americans began to decorate their trees with what we know today: ornaments, popcorn and in later years, lights.

My Christmas tree follows almost the same pattern minus the popcorn. You cannot catch any food on

my Christmas tree. I am not trying to attract the Florida staple, cockroaches.

At my house we also add ribbon around the tree which I always feel spruces up the tree rather than just having ornaments and lights.

Plus our lights do not just stay still, they twinkle.

It makes the tree 100 percent better, plus according to my mom they must be warm white.

When you look at the

final product though, you would not disagree. They make a difference.

To top it all off we have an angel rather than a star, I feel like that is the most important piece. I feel like a star is just kind of there whereas an angel is almost watching over your tree and your

Christmas season.

Most importantly you cannot forget about the type of ornaments you put on the tree. For the main tree of the house, yes my family has multiple, I feel like it needs to be a mixture of different ornaments rather than one theme. Like every year since my sister was born my siblings and I pick out a new ornament, bringing all of our individual pieces together like one family.

If I were to give you any advice after reading this article I would say invest in an angle, warm white twinkling lights and an array of ornaments. I look forward to seeing all your Christmas trees this season.

Sincerely,

ISSUE 2 • OPINION 15

Addison Mark | Public Relations Manager

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isabilities and disorders do not define people. These words should not make anyone appear less than anyone else.

Having a disability does not mean they are disabled, it means they have the ability to do actions that are different from others. God created us all in his own image, He made us all different in order to unite us.

Individuals who grow up with a disorder or a disability are often shamed or bullied because of it. Canadian fashion model, spokesperson and activist Winnie Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo, a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body, according to Health Insight.

Harlow grew up being teased because of this disorder, which hurt her self-esteem and self-love.

When Harlow was 16, a modeling agent discovered her and, with the help of growing

Disabilities turn into abilities social media platforms, Harlow redefined the global standard of beauty and has shown the world and people like her that being different is beautiful.

People can be slow to embrace those who are different with disabilities and are fearful of anything outside the norm, but “it is these differences that make us unique and authentic,” Harlow said in an interview with Health Insight.

Disorders or disabilities, or whatever it is that makes someone different, should not be something to be ashamed of. Those who are different embrace it and encourage others to embrace it as well.

Shailene Woodley is an American actress and activist who was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 15 years old. According to WebMD, Scoliosis is a curve that occurs in the spine that must be stopped before it moves too much. Woodley,

having a 38-degree curvature, had to wear a chest-to-hip back brace for two years in order to stop the curve from developing.

Woodley no longer has to wear the brace, but her spine is still visibly curved, which she proudly shows the world.

“Some people have crooked teeth, some people have broken fingers, and I’ve got a back that has my initial on it,” Woodley said in an interview with ABC News.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12 and had to wear a chest-to-hip back brace for two years, just like Woodley. Going into seventh grade, I was worried what others would think of me because I had to wear the brace almost the whole day at school. The brace was visible, embarrassing and painful.

I felt gross and different and hated that this was happening to me. My mom, being the amazing woman she is, showed me Woodley’s story

which helped me love myself because of the curve in my spine.

Today, I face my scoliosis differently than I did six years ago, but that doesn’t stop me from loving myself and my spine any less.

The Bible teaches us in the book of Jeremiah, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,’” Jeremiah 29:11.

God places obstacles in our lives to strengthen us, not to weaken us. He has given us a future regardless of who we are, and He will be there for us every step of the way. He created us to be beautiful because of what makes us different. Everybody is different, and that is what brings us all together.

16 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

Yes: 9 No: 6

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Should vaccines be mandated in enclosed areas?

o what end does the COVID-19 vaccine impose a restriction on the freedom of American citizens?

What line clearly distinguishes the freedoms of the vaccine, and the freedom to believe the benefits or the downfalls of the vaccine for everyone?

Should vaccinations be mandatory for enclosed areas like restaurants and gyms? As a staff, we voted yes.

Now, we cannot say whether or not you should get the vaccine; we can only provide the facts.

Like any vaccine, it has its risks. One may have a sore arm, flu-like symptoms or possibly a slight allergic reaction, according to John Hopkins University. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) asserts that long-term effects from the vaccine are ‘extremely unlikely.’

Some thought that after receiving the vaccine, women would become infertile. To combat this disinformation, the CDC released a statement regarding infertility on Aug. 11.

“There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men,” according to the CDC. Due to the high volume of people receiving the vaccine the death rate has since

begun to decrease. Just in the U.S. alone, 708,000 people have died due to COVID-19 since the disease first began.

According to the CDC, just because the death rate is decreasing does not mean the disease is going away.

The new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was “classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC)” on Nov. 26 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Additionally, it arrived in America on Dec. 1 traveling to 38 different countries, according to the CDC. “Incidence of SARSCoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, hospitalization, and death is higher in unvaccinated than vaccinated persons, and the incidence rate ratios are related to vaccine effectiveness,” the CDC said.

Vaccinated individuals can still contract COVID-19, but with milder symptoms and lower chances of hospitalization.

“The Pfizer shot [is] 96% effective against hospitalization,” according to Public Health England (PHE).

Many Americans do not like the idea of being forced to get vaccinated. There are police officers and health care workers, according to the Seattle Times, who have quit their jobs in order to avoid getting the COVID-19 vaccine, which is now required for their employment.

Some believe that upon receiving the vaccine you can get a tracker chip from the government, but companies like Rite Aid have confirmed the only way the government ‘tracks you’ is by knowing whether or not you received the vaccine.

Others do not trust the quick creation of the vaccine. This isn’t new, though. History has shown that vaccines are not always well-received by the public, like the smallpox vaccine, and the twenty-first century is no

different in that.

The FDA granted approval to the Pfizer vaccine on Aug. 23 as well as the ability for five to 11-year-olds to receive the vaccine on Nov. 18 and the agency made this public statement: “We recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated.”

Multiple states and counties have taken this “confidence” further to mandate vaccinations for citizens, for example, New York City businesses are requiring proof of vaccination due to an inability to socially distance inside.

As a staff, we wonder if students are required to get a handful of other vaccines to ensure the safety of everyone else, such as the Hepatitis vaccine, then why isn’t the COVID-19 vaccine in that same category?

Mandating vaccines in indoor spaces is not meant to exclude people from everyday society, or create the have and the have nots, but rather for the safety of everyone. It allows people to go back to everyday life.

This type of mass vaccination would begin halting the mutation and spread of the COVID-19 virus and help us leave the masks behind in 2021.

ISSUE 2 • A&E 17

Grace Jennings | Copy Editor

Sci-fi novel revitalized as movie once again

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Photo courtesy of IMDB

he sun beats down over Arrakis and the blowing sand makes it hard to see.

Be cautious breathing, though, you may inhale too much spice- a drug heavily coveted as the most valuable item in the universe for its hallucinogenic properties.

“Dune” takes place in the year 10,191 where powerful clans preside over planets and govern astral matters.

The emperor takes governance of Arrakis from House Harkonnen, who has exploited it for 80 years, and grants it to House Atreides.

Young and gifted heir Paul Atreides must come to terms with his birthright as the next leader and cultivate his power.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for “Blade Runner” and “Arrival,” “Dune” tells the story originally crafted by Frank Herbert, who published his novel in 1965.

Paul Atreides’ story first came to the big screen in 1984. Led by Timothee Chalamet, the newest adaptation includes a cast of well-known actors such as Oscar Issac and Rebecca Ferguson as Paul’s parents.

Others include Zendaya as a Fremen girl named Chani,

Jason Momoa as skilled pilot and warrior Duncan Idaho, Stellan Skarsgard as the leader of House Harkonnen and Josh Brolin as Gurney Hallck, a military leader of House Atreides.

With an earning of $40 million its opening weekend, “Dune” is the most successful movie of Villeneuve’s career.

The film is paired with a booming soundtrack created

by Hans Zimmer filled with

dark and heavy moods which add to the intensity of each scene.

The world of “Dune” displays cultural differences between House Atreides and the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis, which is emphasized by the costume design and soundtrack. The colonization by the houses upon the people of Arrakis is a main theme in the film. “‘Dune’ was written 60 years ago, but its themes hold up today,” Chalamet told Time Magazine. “A warning against exploitation of the environment, a warning against colonialism, a warning against technology.”

Filmed in multiple corners of the world, from Norway to Jordan, the setting brings the story to life and makes the fantasy world of “Dune” feel real.

Very minimal CGI was used for the sets, giving each scene an authentic look.

From the skilled director, talented cast, amazing soundtrack and convincing sets, “Dune” has everything it needs to be an award-winning movie. For sci-fi fans who love “Star Wars,” viewers who love an adventure such as “Blade Runner” or even someone just looking for a classic hero’s journey, this movie is bound to be a good fit for you.

18 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

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ear Kenny Kupid,

It’s the time of year when couples are doing all the cute holiday things together and I want to do it too, with a boyfriend.

I’ve had the biggest crush on one of the linebackers for the whole football season.

I’ve honestly liked him since freshman year but we’re seniors now and I’ve kind of lost hope.

There’s just one problem: he’s cool and gets along with everyone, gets invited to parties and all the teachers love him, while I’m shy and nervous. I have one really close friend who doesn’t even go to school here and I’m pretty sure some of my teachers still don’t know my name.

In reality I don’t think we would work out, but there’s a little piece of me that really thinks we would because he’s also kind of shy. I’ve had a class with him a few times throughout the years and I’ve never seen him flirt with a girl. I haven’t heard any rumors about him dating anyone but that might just be because I’m not cool enough to hear those rumors.

So I have this hunch that we could be good together.

He was in my FCCLA class freshman year, and while we both are shy, we do seem to have a few things in common.

For example, I found out that our families both like to hunt and his family takes football

Cuffing season for the holidates really seriously, just like my dad. Most importantly, he likes the holidays and his family goes all out for them.

One day during sophomore year, when it was just us walking to class we started talking about the cool weather and how he would like to take a girl ice skating during Christmas break. Ever since that conversation, I’ve wanted to be that girl.

I want to know how to make the cool football player ask out the shy girl from his class.

He’s the sweetest guy I’ve ever met and I don’t want him to be used by a girl who doesn’t deserve him because there are some sneaky girls who just want to date him for popularity. But to me, I see more than that in him. So basically, I’m saying I deserve

him and I’m gonna be the one he takes on that ice skating trip!

Sincerely, Hopeless Senior Looking to Be Cuffed This Holiday Season

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ear Hopeless Senior,

Let’s start with your terrible mindset, girl.

“Hopeless?” Never!

When you call on Kenny Kupid, I will fix your problem.

I’ve been floating around and I think I know both of you, (Kupid sees all love and relationships at Kenny). You are definitely from separate social groups, but that doesn’t matter because I could totally see you guys working as a cute couple.

The key in a good relationship is to know what makes you happy. You’re right to focus on ways in which you guys are similar. You both enjoy watching football, so between college and NFL, that’s like 5 days of spectating together. I’d add that it’s important to support one another in your differences, even if you don’t understand them. If he has lots of friends and you don’t, maybe he introduces you to his plethora of friends or he gets to know your best friend. Perhaps even go to the gym with him sometime and one day you read him a good book. Finding strength in your differences makes a healthy relationship.

Oh wait… you guys aren’t dating yet… my bad. Okay so I’ll give you the “asking on a date advice.” In 2021, you have to start with flirting on Snapchat, then move it to iMessage, then FaceTime and then you move to that first hangout (because boys aren’t mature enough to call it a date in this century anymore). The goal here seems to be to get him to take you on an ice skating date, and I think the best plan of attack is to be straightforward and brave. Start talking to him more, and don’t be scared to make the first move and invite him ice skating.

He’ll likely be charmed that you remembered his winter wonderland fantasy date!

Xoxo. Kenny Kupid

ISSUE 2 • A&E 19

Review of Italian restaurants in the Mandarin area Jessica Golden | Design and Layout Editor

hat shall we eat this issue? Well, all I could think about was Italian food

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while brainstorming, so chicken parm it is! However, according to the Los Angeles Times, chicken parmesan

cannot be found in Italy; it was created in America and derived from eggplant parmesan.

Opened in 2004 by Enza and Mike Huff, Enza’s Italian Restaurant is located in the Whole Foods plaza. I have grown up eating the authentic Italian food at Enza’s and have never once been disappointed.

While Enza’s serves an array of different Italian cuisine, I ordered their chicken parmesan and garlic bread.

The chicken parmesan had the perfect amount of sauce-topasta ratio. Their garlic bread

was warm and flavorful, but not too overpowering. This dish was priced at $21, which is a bit on the pricier side compared to Picasso’s, but well worth it.

The atmosphere of Enza’s is like no other, with dim lighting and a live pianist that plays throughout the dining experience. While there is no dress code, due to the ambiance, customers tend to dress on the nicer side, with

men typically wearing slacks and a button down and women in nice dresses.

It’s not unusual for the wait time to be at least an hour but they do take reservations.

Vino’s Pizza & Italian Cuisine has two locations: one in Mandarin and the other in Fruit Cove. I went to the location in Fruit Cove, next to Pinch a Penny. Vino’s, established in 2006, is a quaint Italian restaurant with exposed brick walls and an open kitchen.

I stuck with the chicken parmesan again, and at Vino’s, the chicken breast was

more heavily breaded but the meat itself was more tender than the other two. It tasted authentic but the sauce was a bit thicker than the other two. It cost $14, which was the least expensive of all three restaurants. Their garlic bread had an overpowering garlic taste, but still very tasty.

Vino’s has great, fast service so I would definitely recommend dining there.

Picasso’s is located just up the road from Enza’s on San Jose Blvd. across from Target.

Picasso’s also opened in 2004

by Chef Chris Evans, who runs the restaurant with his wife and kids, one of whom is a BK student. Picasso’s is hidden in a shopping center next to Monkey’s Uncle Tavern. The decor relates to the name with many paintings that resemble those of the famous painter Pablo Picasso. Every time I have gone to dinner there, it is packed with customers.

In order to compare the restaurants fairly, I ordered the same meal: chicken parmesan and garlic bread.

The chicken parmesan at Picasso’s had an entirely different taste than the other two restaurants. It had a spicy taste to it and the sauce was less traditional tasting. I’m not a huge fan of spicy foods, but the dish was delicious regardless. It also had more cheese than Enza’s. The price was $18.

The garlic parmesan

Enza’s Italian Restaurant 10601 San Jose Blvd #109, Jacksonville, Fla. 32257 (904) 2684458 @enzasjax

Vino’s Pizza & Italian Cuisine 605 State Rd 13 STE 103, Jacksonville, Fla. 32259 (904) 230- 6966 @vinospizzafruitcove

twists are a fun twist (haha get it?) on the classic garlic bread served at many Italian restaurants. Rather than serving a baguette with garlic seasoning on top, these garlic twists are bread dough twisted into a long bread stick and topped with garlic butter.

If you’re looking for a fun twist on a traditional dish, I highly recommend Picasso’s.

Picasso’s 10503 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Fla. 32257 (904) 880- 0811 @jaxpicassos

20 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

Film adaptations of musicals take away the magic of theatre Mikaela Georgi | Staff Reporter

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here have been so many big changes to our lives lately. Not to talk about COVID, but it has drastically affected various aspects of society. For some, Broadway shows sufficiently fill the crucial role of culture and entertainment that makes one a distinguished member of society. Though Broadway theaters closed, I’ve always relished the idea that the spirit of theatre can’t be diminished by anything. Or so I thought.

Apparently, we’ve reached such a point in which a pandemic is not what kills theatre; rather, it’s desperate movie directors who cling to their last shot at fame by piggybacking on the works created by those with actual

talent.

Look, I don’t mean to sound down on adaptations, but seriously? Have you seen “Dear Evan Hansen”, the movie? Someone on IMDB really had the audacity to say the movie was, “A MUST see, best film I have seen in a long time!” Now surely, one could hope, the review is simply being sarcastic. Or maybe that it wasn’t even a real review.

Sadly, I wish with all my soul that I could say I was making it up.

Theatre holds such a powerful capability in its hands. The joy that you feel when you’re in the audience, and you can see the raw emotion in the actor’s face, the real tears that are spilling over their cheeks, and you

yourself are resisting the urge to tear up, even just a little bit, because you’re so moved.

Well, I was resisting the urge to cry in “Dear Evan Hansen,” but don’t mistake: it was not for joy I felt at the actor’s success and talents; it was complete and utter pain at

how badly the musical was being butchered.

“Dear Evan Hansen” ripped out my heart and stomped on it.

Honestly, what I’d realized while I was in the movie theater, sitting through the worst possible movie my family and I could’ve chosen to watch, was what the actual worst part about the movie adaptations is: they keep coming.

The most shocking part is that, when one director tried it and produced a botched, barely enjoyable movie that was adapted from a musical, others decided it was a fantastic idea and kept going. They should’ve stopped before they started because

ISSUE 2 • A&E 21

that, at least, would’ve saved them some of the embarrassment.

Look at where we are now. It’s like an ambush of movie musicals, and they don’t look as though they’re planning on stopping anytime soon with “West Side Story,” “Guys and Dolls” and “The King and I” in the works. I’m sure even the directors must have figured out by now that movie musicals are an abomination to society and must be stopped before they destroy entertainment as we know it.

It’s a scary thought to visualize a life in which true theatre has been pushed out

and replaced with these awful, shameful, inferior, failure-ofa-replacement movies.

The life and soul of the theatre is not interchangeable

with that of the movie theater; such a connection should not even be considered. True theatre embodies joy, talent, inspiration and truly shocks its audience with how much they could be moved with

simple actors and a simple set. Movie theaters shock audiences too, but believe me, it’s not the good type. Frankly, it feels like a jab to theatre everywhere to even suggest

that movie theaters that show musicals share in the entertainment industry.

So, please, for the sake of this tired theatre kid, put an end to confining musicals behind a dirty screen.

Stay onstage.

22 THE SHIELD • DEC. 2021

Noah Ferrizzi | Staff Reporter

Insight into Jags Quarterback off the field

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

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hen the Jacksonville Jaguars picked Trevor Lawrence, the organization was forever changed.

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lawrence grew up just six hours from Jacksonville in Cartersville, Georgia. Lawrence was ranked the top prospect of the 2018 high school recruiting class by 247sports.com.

Lawrence decided to commit to Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers, taking to Twitter to say, “After a long and thoughtful process, I’m blessed to announce that I am committed to Clemson University.”

After some rough play as quarterback in the beginning of the season, Lawrence became and remained the starter for the rest of his college career. He would lead the Tigers to an unbeaten season and capture a National Championship for the team.

For the next two seasons, Clemson would repeat as

Trevor during a game versus North Carolina State.

conference champions and return to the College Football Playoff, failing to win a second national championship.

Lawrence finished second in the 2020 Heisman Trophy voting.

The Jaguars selected Lawrence with the first overall pick. Now the face of an NFL franchise, which means he has more eyes on him than ever

before.

In 2020 with the coronavirus pandemic, college football was almost taken. However, a few of the biggest stars in the sport began the “We Want to Play” movement to persuade all the conferences of the college football world to allow the 2020-2021 season to go on. Lawrence tweeted

“#WeWantToPlay” and “Let’s work together to create a situation where we can play the game that all of us love.

Not divide and argue. There is a way forward.”

A new teammate of Lawrence is wide receiver/ return man Jamal Agnew.

Agnew left the Detroit Lions and played with Matt Stafford, who was a first overall pick in 2009. Agnew said when he played with Stafford, he was a 12-year “savvy” vet who was throwing no-look passes. In comparison, Trevor Lawrence is a rookie who isn’t quite as used to the NFL game but “has all the talent in the world.” He compared Lawrence’s early season struggles to that of NFL Hallof-Famer Peyton Manning.

Lawrence is a proven winner as shown by his 86-4 win-to-loss record from high school and college.

“Trevor is a winner and he can win some big games for the franchise,” Agnew said.

ISSUE 2 • SPORTS 23

Grace Hayag | Staff Reporter

enior Mackenna Gregory wakes up every morning ready to take on another day of soccer. Having done this since she was four years old, she is used to training daily.

Her soccer career began when her mom signed her up in hopes that she would enjoy the sport. Clearly, Gregory’s success proves that this was one of the best decisions her mom could have made.

“What I like most about soccer is the people who I have met and the forever friendships I have made,” Gregory said.

Some of Gregory’s favorite soccer memories included when she won states, got game day popsicles and went to get food after games.

“I especially love the car rides to our games when my friends and I jam to music, singing at the top of our

lungs,” Gregory said.

Gregory has played on the varsity girls soccer team for four years. This is one of her biggest

accomplishments, she says, along with her commitment to East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., a part of the American Athletic Conference.

She verbally committed to ECU on Aug. 10, and officially signed on Nov. 10.

“It will be hard to move so far away and leave so much behind, but it will also bring great opportunities and I will be back to visit often,” Gregory said.

She says the hardest thing she has to face is leaving behind her family, including her older brother and twin sister.

Gregory stays busy working parttime at BurgerFi and playing club soccer at Jacksonville FC since she was four years old.

Photo courtesy of Carla Chin

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Girls soccer team player commits to ECU “Schoolwork can be stressful so it is like a breather to go out and play with my friends and have fun,” Gregory said.

The majority of her friendships have been a result of soccer over the years. Gregory has had many experiences that allowed for meeting new people.

“Soccer has been a major part of my entire life and I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without it,” Gregory said.

When in times of doubt, Gregory reminds herself that she is playing for her team and working to prepare herself for soccer in college.

“I am very thankful for this great opportunity that will give me a chance at making a career out of soccer on a professional level,” Gregory said.