TheShield_Vol67_Issue1

THE

SHIELD

Bishop Kenny High School Volume 67 | Issue 1 | Jacksonville, Fla. BKToday.org

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SHIELD

The Shield is a member of FSPA. It is published six times a year 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; names can be withheld upon request.

Editor-in-Chief Rita Albert Copy Editor Rachel Lechwar Managing Editor Dailey Jackson Business Manager Katie Loberger Web Manager Emily Yalch News Editor Destiny Tran Features Editor Kaitlyn Bateh Opinion Editor Tara Shear A & E Editor Reilly Nance Sports Editor Mary Shoemaker Staff Reporters Ilaria Georgi Alyssa Hampton Abigail Parker Sarah Roberts Ethan Sapp Meghan Williamson Adviser Jessica Durbin

NEWS 3 5 6

NEW THIS YEAR ENROLLMENT INCREASES BAND

FEATURES 7 10 11 12

DRUMLINE JACK TRENT ART GALLERIES LOCAL BANDS

A&E 14 15 16 18

KENNY KUPID HELLO GORGEOUS VSCO ON TIKTOK RITA RECOMMENDS

OPINION 19 20 22

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ARTS OVERSHADOWED STREAMING SERVICES

SPORTS 23

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

IN WITH THE NEW

Additions made to campus for this school year Abigail Parker • Staff Reporter

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he school has made renovations over the summer to the cafeteria, classrooms and outside hallways to give the campus a fresh look and maintain a safe environment throughout campus.

CAFETERIA RENOVATIONS

PHONE CUBBIES In keeping with the school policy stating that cell phones must not be visible during class, teachers now have the option to require students to utilize a ‘phone cubby,’ which hold students’ phones for the entirety of the class period. After the bell rings to end class, students retrieve their devices, but must put them in the cubbies available in each class that enforces the policy.

“It promotes a learning environment in which all students are fully attentive,” one student said. “[Teachers] can make sure we all fully know the material.” The student wished to remain anonymous.

In the cafeteria, the old red and blue chairs and wooden tables have been replaced with black chairs and tables. The pillars and truss of the cafeteria are now painted gray, similar to the gymnasium paint change made last school year. The gray replaced the previous standard beige color.

MAC LAB Apple computers replace the old Dell computers in room 208. The new Mac Lab has 36 computers, including an Apple keyboard and mouse for each workstation. Teachers are free to reserve the lab for their classes as needed, and students can use the Mac computers for class projects during the school day.

ACCESS CONTROL DOORS The Office of School Counseling, previously known as Guidance, now has a set of locked doors, which replaced the gates in front of its office. These doors serve the same purpose as the doors that were added to the 100 building last year: to monitor who goes in and out of the school buildings at all times. This ensures that access control is maintained in the event of an intruder.

Behind the main office building, doors were also installed to guard entry into the 200 courtyard.

“The ultimate goal is to always make it better,” Vice Principal Vincent Saladino said. “It’s not to change just to change.”

BATHROOM PASSES Many classrooms now use QR codes to sign out for the bathroom pass. Teachers have the choice to switch from paper sign-out sheets on clipboards to QR codes that link to Google Drive.

“I think it’s great,” Algebra 2 teacher Thomas Clark said.

“It allows me to keep track of who has gone to the bathroom electronically. I don’t have to worry about losing any of the papers... It makes [the process] more efficient.”

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FRESHMAN FRENZY

Enrollment increase presents welcome challenge Meghan Williamson • Staff Reporter

Photo by Meghan Williamson

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he total number of students in each grade level increased this school year, with the freshman class having 53 more students than it did last year, and 34 upperclassmen transfers, according to the Office of School Counseling.

Over the summer, counselors and administrators managed to accommodate the influx, expanding the number of course sections to make arrangements for every student.

“The school has been working to ensure that every student at our school feels welcome,” Marketing coordinator Carla Chin said.

“We’re adding more chairs at mass, adding more teachers, and still ensuring that the average of students in each class is around 25.”

Chin worked with admissions coordinator Brooke Johnson to tour

Students in Joshua Currie’s Religion 1 class learn about the Marian Consecration on Sept. 30.

prospective students and their families around the school.

“There’s a sort of ‘positive buzz’ surrounding BK in recent past,” Academic Dean Michael Broach said.

Broach assists in placing incoming freshman into the core classes: math, science and English. He works with eighth grade parents and teachers to decide which classes will be the best fit for

each student.

BK administration also continually works to improve campus safety, increasing the number of surveillance cameras from 36 to 125 and adding 15 electronic access control doors to campus in the past two school years, according to Vice Principal Vincent Saladino.

“The parents have turned to our safe environment we

have here at BK,” Broach said.

Broach and Chin agree that the school will adjust to the larger student population, as BK’s goal has always been to continue to grow and foster all of its students.

“We are strategically growing the school and keeping the appeal of our school while keeping the Catholic faith prominent,” Chin said.

The rise in enrollment shows that prospective families are taking notice of the changes that administration have made.

“Parents recognize all the great things happening at BK,” Broach said. “There are a lot of new, positive additions here which will benefit our students for many years to come.”

NEWS | ISSUE 1 5

ON A DIFFERENT NOTE

Students in new band class get accustomed to instruments Ilaria Georgi • Staff Reporter have played their assigned instrument before.

They have to learn to play their instruments with training such as breathing exercises, and must learn to read music.

In order to decide what instruments each student

would play, they first collectively had to decide which instruments to include in the band.

“We go through and we test out different instruments in the beginning of the year, and we decide what instruments

Photo by Ilaria Georgi

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or the first time in nearly a decade, Bishop Kenny has a band.

The band was downsized to only a drumline in 2013 and brass instruments like the trombone were eliminated.

Students and faculty alike wanted to have a full band join the drumline again, according to music teacher Collin Clark, so administration discussed introducing band as a course offering for students once again.

“I’ve wanted to join a band since seventh grade,” junior Dominic Trotti said.

“When Mr. Clark announced he was starting a band class, I knew I had to join.”

Trotti is now learning to play the alto saxophone.

Seven additional students joined the band class, and only three of those students

Students in Band 1, freshman Ricardo Salas, junior Dominic Trotti and freshman Aysha Albright practice warm-ups on saxophone.

6 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

we’re going to play,” Clark said. “Then we go from there and build our band.”

The instruments currently in the band are the tuba, baritone, trumpet and saxophone.

After weeks of learning and practicing, the band made their debut, alongside the drumline, at the homecoming football game.

They also plan to perform at the Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade next month.

The band will eventually combine with the drumline to form a full marching band that will play during football games, pep rallies and other events.

“Come join band,” Clark said. “We are looking to grow it as people hear about us, and as we develop over the years.”

Photo by Rachel Lechwar

HYPING UP TO DRUMS

Drumline’s constant presence at major events Sarah Roberts • Staff Reporter They practice at least five times a week, including class mods, in preparation for each game and event.

“It’s a commitment in the sense that if you don’t try, you won’t get anywhere,” junior Keegan Denard said. Denard has been on the BK drumline

for three years now.

The drumline also performs in the Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade and the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville’s annual Buddy Walk.

“We hype up the crowd just by playing really fast and

Photo by Ethan Sapp

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s silence settles across the packed stadium, a single bang from the drums erupts into a continuous rumble, building as the student section starts clapping, generating anticipation for the game. This is pre-game hype.

The drumline performs up to 10 cadences, or “songs,” at every pep rally and home football game with the intent of pumping up the crowd to cheer for “Big Red.” The three drums used in drumline are snares, tenors and basses, and they are used to execute the cadences heard during performances. Though the drumline only practices during football season, according to sophomore Ashley Santonil, they push themselves to improve their performances each week.

Seniors Katie Loberger and Dailey Jackson, along with sophomores Payne Thomas and Ashley Santonil, play cadences during a break in the football game on Aug. 23.

loud because it impresses people and it gets people excited,” Santonil said.

There are key positions, including Director of the drumline, which is Collin Clark. The captain, senior Dailey Jackson, serves as a second-in-command to the Director. Senior Katie Loberger is Quartermaster this school year, and her role is to organize the uniforms and equipment.

Finally, Center Snare, junior Dominic Trotti, counts off the cadences.

By taking the Drumline class, one can choose which drum they wish to play, but Clark has the final say.

“You have to have school spirit because, as a drumline, we have to serve the students and play for the student [section] and teams,” Santonil said.

FEATURES | ISSUE 1 7

8 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

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THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS

Senior views life from different perspective through videography, filmmaking Dailey Jackson • Managing Editor

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“Once you film it, you have the editing, and the editing can take a very, very long time.” Trent said. “It’s very tedious, but it’s really cool because you get to see all the hard work come together right before your eyes.”

Multimedia Adviser Dawn Huskey has taught Trent for two years now and has had the opportunity to see his skills improve and grow through her Digital Design classes.

“They get to tap into a different side of their brain, they are to express themselves for a purpose and to have fun while doing it,” Huskey said.

One project for her class was to create a video showcasing the school’s drumline. Partnered with senior Andy Waitrovich, Trent created a video last school year that was nominated to be showcased in an episode of Crusader Coverage News,

“IT’S VERY TEDIOUS, BUT IT’S REALLY COOL BECAUSE YOU GET TO SEE ALL THE HARD WORK COME TOGETHER RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES.”

a monthly student news broadcast which features campus news, sports, religion and covers events and activities on campus.

Trent plans to continue recording videos, creating films and covering events around Jacksonville.

“I don’t think people have any idea of how much work it is, but I think people recognize a good film when they see it.” Trent said.

Jack Trent

Photos courtesy of Jack Trent

eople say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about a video?

Senior Jack Trent records and creates videos and has covered local events like the Special Olympics at the Duval County Summer Games and last year’s Dance Marathon, held at Bishop Kenny.

“Usually I tell people I’ve been filming my whole life but I really started to take it seriously my freshman year of high school,” Trent said.

Some of his projects have appeared on student media site BKToday.org and on his YouTube channel, “Jack Trent.”

Trent outlines the process of creating a video, starting with coming up with a story and angle of attack, choosing the device and type of camera used and finally deciding upon an aesthetic style before starting to film.

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM RIGHT: Jack Trent, joined by the director, records on set for a short film called “Anita”; Trent works as a cinematographer for a documentary filmed in St. Augustine; Trent, the second cinematographer for the documentary, gains experience by working with other local filmmakers.

10 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

MUSEUM MUSINGS

CAN YOU GUESS THE PAINTING?

Must-know tips for visiting local art galleries Abigail Parker • Staff Reporter

CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART AND GARDENS Located on 829 Riverside Ave., the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is open Tuesday through Sunday, with operating hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, with extended hours on Tuesday nights and Sunday’s hours of noon to 4 p.m.

Admission to both the art gallery and gardens is $10, with the exception of Tuesdays when admission is free after 4 p.m., and hours are extended until 9 p.m.

Current exhibits range

from “Kota Ezawa: The Crime of Art,” which features lightboxes and video animations that depict some of the most infamous museum heists to “Edmund Greacen and World War I,” which illustrates the violence of the First World War. In addition, the museum has a small restaurant called the Cummer Café, which offers light lunches and coffees.

YELLOW HOUSE ART GALLERY Refugee Women,” a collection of art from nine Arab women telling their stories of how the United States has become their home.

Not only does the gallery host exhibits, but they also provide workshops with fees ranging from $10 to $40 to help people further their artistic abilities.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Located downtown on 333 N. Laura St. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Thursday’s extended hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. It offers a student discount ticket at $5, which is $3 less than the normal admission.

There are currently five exhibits on show, ranging from paintings to life-size figures.

Besides the galleries filled with art, the museum also has a restaurant called Nola, which offers sandwiches, wraps, salads and pasta.

Nola also provides catering for large groups.

Photo courtesy of Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Also located in Riverside, Yellow House Art Gallery resides in a small house on 577 King St. Admission into the gallery is free for all. This gallery is open on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The current exhibit on display is called “HOME: The Stories of Arab Immigrant and

SCAN BELOW TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

FEATURES | ISSUE 1 11

HOMEGROWN

Local music scene cultivates support for lesser known artists

LANNDS

weeks.

Bobby Kid, another local band, formed when lead singer and guitarist Anna Lester met drummer Brian Lester in 2016, and they started to date shortly after.

She met bassist Phillip Hess and drummer Taylor Neil, through Brian Lester since they were classmates at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

“I had been doing solo stuff a little bit but I always wanted more for my songs, instrumentally,” Anna Lester

said. “I was super scared to play with a band but it was a perfect match! We all play together really well and I feel really comfortable around them so that makes it easier.”

Anna Lester describes her music as “all over the place,” but settles on the genre Indie as an easier way to describe it. The band’s major influences are Hayley Williams and Paramore. They currently have two EPs: Springfield and Peach.

A local solo artist, Yuno, is an identity made from Carlton Moodie’s bedroom in Jacksonville. Moodie has selfreleased music on Bandcamp since 2010. His EP Moodie came out in 2015 when he made his debut as an artist.

“The album was named after my last name, but it has different meanings to each person,” Carlton Moodie said.

When YUNO went on his first tour, his music career kicked off. It started in Jacksonville and expanded to the entire United States, then to Europe and the U.K. “Playing in Europe was really different,” Yuno said. “I just started playing shows and the venues overseas actually provide dinner, but the ones in the U.S. you have to find [dinner] close by.”

Yuno prefers smaller venues because they are more intimate and, to him, the crowd responds better

BOBBY KID

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he lights flicker around the room, casting hues of blue, green and purple flashing across the floorboards and the huddled masses. The room is stuffed to the brim and sparks of energy connect people as they sway and dance around the concert venue floor. Concerts fill the air with excitement, seeing the lights shine around the room.

The band LANNDS was founded in 2016 when producer Brian Squillace reached out to lead singer Rania Woodard.

“I’ve always known that music was something I wanted to pursue,” Woodard said, “Music has always inspired me no matter what. The guys have always been in their own projects way before LANNDS and to this date, but we are always surrounded by friends who play music and make art, so the inspiration happens just from association.”

Woodard grew up listening to Stax, a record label that was influential in the creation of Southern soul and Memphis soul music, which included artists Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes and Carla Thomas. She also listened to Motown Records with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Jimmy Ruffin and Smokey Robinson.

LANNDS music was based on these major influences and is described as a mixture between Alternative and Indie Electronic genres.

YUNO

Katie Loberger • Business Manager “There is a lot that goes into live performances and live music set up,” Woodard said. “We’ve had so much growth when it comes to the gear we use and even just our performance. When we first started, LANNDS live was brand new to us so we had to learn each other’s dynamics and roles when it came to the project.”

LANNDS will be releasing new music in the upcoming

“I’VE ALWAYS KNOWN THAT MUSIC WAS SOMETHING I WANTED TO PURSUE.” Rania Woodard

12 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

to the feel of the music.

He is learning how certain songs should make people react, and reading comments online gives him ideas. Yuno released a new song in May and will be taking time off to write another EP. “I started with the instrumental of ‘No Going Back,’ and the lyrics just naturally came to me,” Yuno said. “I didn’t know what the song was about until I was finished with the song.”

Photo courtesy of Carson Hall Photo courtesy of Carl Rosen

Graphic by Rita Albert

The band Bobby Kid posse for a promotional photoshoot.

LANNDS performed at SXSW 2020 show in Austin, Texas.

Photo courtesy of Jesse Brantman

FEATURES | ISSUE 1 13

I am Utterly Heartbroken.

My boyfriend… well, I guess you could call him my exboyfriend now… recently broke up with me out of the blue. He is the absolute love of my life, my soulmate, my one and only. We did everything together. I literally cannot imagine my life with anyone else. We used to stay up for hours on the phone until we fell asleep, and sometimes we would wake up and the call would still be going! We have

such an undeniable chemistry.

He is my home, my person, my best friend. I have tried everything in my power to win him back, but alas, nothing is working. I even asked his family what was going on, but they would not give me a clear answer. I feel as though I’m just not worth it to him anymore. I mean, isn’t that why he broke up with me?

He’s the love of my life. How can I possibly get him back?

14 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

I hate to say this, but it must be said: there is no point in trying to win back the “love of your life.” He left you, and you are so confused that you are blinded by the reality. For whatever reason he decided to leave this relationship, it is better that he is gone.

I know this is not the answer you want to hear, but trying to maintain a relationship with someone who does not respect you enough to be honest or considerate with you is futile, and frankly, you are better off alone. Even if this boy does manage to come back to you, whether it is because you won him back or he realized what a mistake he made, you will not be able to trust him and feel secure in the relationship.

Why did he leave you?

Honey, only he and maybe his closest friends know the answer to that. I don’t, though, and you obviously don’t

either. Whatever the reason is, you have to remember that he is the one with the issue.

He had a girlfriend who was still willing to win him back even after being abruptly left. Trust me, sis, he does not know how lucky he was. This boy is doing you a favor.

You have to remember one thing: you are worth it.

Whether or not a boy likes you or wants to be with you does not determine your worth. It is never right to be suddenly “ghosted,” but there is little you can do to solve this situation and get the outcome you desire. Remember that a significant other does not decide your value. You are still the catch you were before this boy suddenly dipped. Take time for yourself, surround yourself with your friends, cry, heal and do not forget to block him, sis.

Why makeup should be considered art Kaitlyn Bateh • Features Editor

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makeup than meets the eye.

Makeup artists pay exorbitant amounts of money for the supplies and makeup they use. Like an artist that buys paints for his canvas, makeup artists need supplies to assemble a look, including contour and foundation brushes used for different areas of the face. Since liquid products and power products are best when they are not mixed, successful makeup artists need a wide range of brushes to cover both areas.

Makeup artists also require quality products that are pricey. The average cost of high end makeup products ranges anywhere from $90 to $475 for each product.

Opponents of the makeup industry have a common belief that people wear makeup for the sole purpose of covering up their insecurities,

while makeup supporters might argue that makeup allows people to accept and appreciate their own beauty.

For example, contouring gives your face shape, highlight makes your cheekbones shine and mascara lengthens your lashes.

Choosing to highlight and compliment your features is not always about hiding insecurities, but providing a creative outlet in looks you can incorporate into any occasion. Showcasing your style through eye makeup and lip colors, for example, reveals a woman’s personality and allows her to stand out.

Like a painter, makeup artists use blending and dark colors to create lines in contouring, as with eyeliner and lip liner. Another concept of art that applies to makeup is the color wheel. People

who have dark circles, uneven skin or blemishes can correct their complexion with color correcting. By understanding the color wheel, makeup artists also need to understand what lip colors, eyeshadow, foundation, concealer and powder complement a client’s hair color, eye color and skin tone.

All forms of artistry require dedication and inspiration, a consideration often overlooked by public assumptions about cosmetics.

With people constantly on their phones, they encounter makeup platforms on social media and dismiss them as fake and superficial. We are walking around an art gallery of faces, colors and artistry that reflects makeup culture, even if we never take the time to look past the surface.

Graphic by Rita Albert

alking through an art gallery, visitors skim past different aesthetics as they observe paintings without seeing the vision and dedication of the artist. Similar to art, makeup is viewed as shallow when people fail to consider the detail the brush strokes require across the canvas, the variation in symmetry and the color range of the palette used.

All of us see some form of art in the faces of people we encounter, but many are oblivious to its value.

There has been a certain makeup culture that has taken Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms by storm. Although many people believe makeup “hides what you really look like,” and “does not express who you truly are,” there is more to

A & E | ISSUE 1 15

ONE SCRUNCHIE AT A TIME VSCO girls take over TikTok

Reilly Nance • Arts and Entertainment Editor Meghan Williamson • Staff Reporter

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re you a messy bun enthusiast?

Have you ever been caught snapping photos on your disposable camera of things you find “trendy?” Do you own a crushed velvet scrunchie? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you most likely fall under the stereotype of a VSCO girl.

HISTORY OF VSCO Visual Supply Co. (VSCO), an app that launched in 2011, originally started as a photo editor that offered photo filters and editing tools. The label “VSCO girl” applies to those who follow this aesthetic trend. The trend hit social media rapidly, bringing many to the realization that they fit the stereotype.

There is a specific list of items that form the VSCO girl stereotype: a Hydro Flask water bottle adorned with trendy stickers, puka shell necklace, a scrunchie worn around one’s wrist and an oversized tee paired with Birkenstock sandals. This aesthetic presents an effortless, natural look that has grown in favor amongst teen and pre-teen girls.

The VSCO app gained popularity through another app called TikTok. Launched in August 2018, TikTok is a

16 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

video app created for sharing short and comedic lip-sync videos.

Over the last few months, the app has spread like wildfire, appealing to people of all ages. TikTok users may stumble upon a video of an eight-year-old dancing to the latest rap song or an 80-year-old dancing with their grandchild— there is no limit for what one might see.

The app itself has a wide variety of users, but the technology in the app pulls TikToks that will appeal to the viewer with the ‘For You’ page, similar to the Instagram ‘Discover’ page.

VSCO AROUND CAMPUS Most students have used or at least heard of TikTok. In fact, in a recent survey, 65% of students responded that they use the TikTok app. Many who do not use the app still watch TikToks through an outside source such as Instagram or text messages from friends.

The student population has seen its fair share of the trends that circulate on social media. Ninety-one percent of students admit they know someone who fits the VSCO girl stereotype at BK. Considering the stereotype, many of VSCO girls’ ‘personalities’ rely on the clothing and accessories, which are limited due to the school uniform policy at BK. Despite the uniform at BK, students still

show off their VSCO girl style. Students can be found wearing scrunchies and friendship bracelets on their wrists, as well as a messy bun on the top of their head. None of these VSCO girl items are against the dress code, so there is no harm to the students who adorn themselves with items that are ‘dress code friendly,’ aside from HydroFlasks, which are against the school policy that water bottles must be clear. But students who fit the stereotype do not always consider themselves VSCO girls.

“The clothes are just really comfy and make me feel good in my own skin,” sophomore Kalia Smith said. “Just because I look the part doesn’t mean I act the part. There’s something different about dressing like one and acting like one.”

VSCO GIRL TRANSFORMATION To fully be a VSCO girl, there is a type of ‘act’ they put on. To embody the lifestyle, one must start thinking like a VSCO girl. To do this, they must start to dress the part and grab their Hydro Flask and metal straw. The metal straw is crucial, as every VSCO girl has a common goal: saving the turtles.

After saving the turtles, VSCO girls must alter their vocabulary to fit the

TIKTOK TRENDS VSCO girls are not the only trend to come out of TikTok. Other trends include e-boys or e-girls, who are stereotyped for their dyed, dark-colored hair and clothing, as well as soft boys or soft girls, recognized for their pastel and ‘soft’ clothing style.

TikTok is not clouded with the stereotypical fashion styles; the styles

e Nanc Reilly os by Phot

have been slowly losing the hype in the app and showing up more in real life, just like VSCO girls did. The style was seen on the app, and gradually, more people started to wear the scrunchies on their wrists and puka shell necklaces.

Many of the styles found on the app are inspired by previous decades.

“TikTok helps me feel like I’m in the loop with everything— it’s like a community of people with common goals: to be on the ‘For You Page,’” junior Madelyn Hollenbeck said. “The app is not full of stereotypical characters, but they are definitely still on the app and getting clout.”

Although it is satirized on social media, being a VSCO girl is not a bad thing.

Whether they are viewed as a fun group or a weird trend, it does not seem to be dying out anytime soon. In the meantime, at least we have an explanation for why every Dick’s Sporting Goods seems to be backordered on Hydro Flasks.

Graphic by Rita Albert

trend’s lingo. Many VSCO girls have turned to the phrases “and I oop” and “sksksk.” Both phrases started as a joke online, but were “claimed” by the VSCO girls.

Like other extreme online phenomenons, VSCO girls are a caricature of certain trends and styles that became massively popular on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok in 2019, and the VSCO girl aesthetic does incredibly well at racking up likes, views and comments.

That also means that it is ripe for parody. Memes have flooded the internet; the #vscogirl tag on Instagram alone has more than a million posts, most of them ironic, and Twitter users often speculate about VSCO girl behavior. Likewise, videos showing a regular teenage girl turning into a VSCO girl, also known as VSCO girl ‘transformations,’ are ubiquitous on YouTube and TikTok.

Photo by Katie Loberger

A & E | ISSUE 1 17

RITA RECOMMENDS Tasting treats at donut shops in Jacksonville area Rita Albert • Editor-in-Chief

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veryone loves the sweet and soft circular confections— donuts. They come in varying textures, flavors and shapes but no matter how you order them, they are sure to satisfy sugar cravings. I sampled three donuts at three different locations in Jacksonville and I was not disappointed. Be sure to savor the sugar rush when trying out these locations!

DUNKIN’ $1.09 Dunkin’ has been a mainstay for decades. While some people go for coffee, donuts are the real stars of the show and the namesake of the establishment. I tasted the powdered donut, which had a cake-like consistency, covered in powdered sugar

that dissolves in my mouth and dusts my fingers in soft white powder. The donut was slightly heavy, but contained just the right amount of sweet flavor and a hint of warm cinnamon flavor. In terms of atmosphere, the drive-thru is convenient for those in a

rush. The staff was friendly and smiled as I drove up to pay. It only took three minutes to receive my donut, which one could easily manage on a drive to work or school.

SWEET THEORY BAKING CO. $2.69 This welcoming and bright little shop sells delicious desserts and hosts a kind staff. Soft light poured in through the windows into the quaint shop decorated with wooden tables and a cozy seating area. At this location, I ordered the coconut donut.

Though the priciest of the three locations, the portion size was double the size of a regular donut. The thick donut was soft and fluffy paired with a subtle crunch from the coconut shreds and flakes layered on top. The donut’s light and airy consistency

didn’t leave me feeling weighed down. The staff members gave big smiles and made jokes with my friend and I as we ordered. Making sure to tip well, we left the store satisfied and smiling.

flavors were hit or miss, to me. The Fruity Pebbles donut, my favorite of the three, reached a balanced flavor adorned with crispy Fruity Pebbles and white glaze on top of the crisp donut. The birthday cake donut, topped with a dollop of buttercream, was enjoyable, yet overly sweet. The lemon poppy

seed donut disappointed me because it was soggy on top and its flavor was reminiscent of lemon-scented cleaning supplies. Donuts at the Mini Bar come in sets of three and can satisfy a craving for sweets, if you pick the correct ones.

THE MINI BAR 3/$2.50 The photogenic shop right across from the beach serves freshly fried mini donuts. The texture is similar to funnel cake with the addition of various toppings. The staff displayed patience in waiting for me to order as I scanned the dusty writing on the chalkboard to decide which of the many flavors I would choose. The

18 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Finding creative outlets Rita Albert • Editor-in-Chief

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he click-clack of the mouse and keyboard engulfs the room as anxiety fills the air. There is a race against the clock to meet a scheduled deadline. Chaos ensues as staffers frantically remove sticky notes filled with tasks left to accomplish. Late nights with no AP credit beg the question: why did I take newspaper over another AP credit?

The newspaper is a group effort displayed as a passion for informing and entertaining the student body. Creating something out of nothing gives such a rush when your own product is published for all to see. As a creative individual, I always love to share ideas with others, and the newspaper is a form of self-expression and art for me.

It is a way to share beauty and decrease ignorance in relation to what is happening in the world we live in. Our staff has written hard-hitting articles, tackling topics like vaping and racial equality.

Though the newspaper does not add any extra points to my GPA, it gives me much more than another AP credit. It provides me with a way to meet incredible and hardworking individuals who care about something as

much as I do. These personal connections, while not reflected in my GPA, benefit my mental health and overall character.

You could have the best grades possible, but does it really matter if you are stressed and miserable? In AP classes, you learn to simply memorize so that you can pass an exam, but in newspaper, you learn practical skills that are beneficial in everyday life. We are running a small business: we sell advertisements, go to workshops to advance our knowledge, network across social media and experience how a serious profession would be. We also have the opportunity to earn leadership positions and develop our interpersonal skills. Though grades are important, they should not consume all of your time and energy because, in the end, you are more than your GPA. While the staff and I do become stressed with inevitable deadlines and using any spare free time editing articles and designing pages, the newspaper helps us form closer bonds. All the anxiety is worth the final product, a mosaic of all our different ideas, that we all worked hard to produce.

Letters to the editor are welcome and can be sent to newspaper@bishopkenny.org

OPINIONS | ISSUE 1 19

PUTTING ARTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Art programs overshadowed by athletics, academics Rachel Lechwar • Copy Editor

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arts, whereas in sports and academics, you can watch people sweat and watch people struggle.”

It is difficult, then, to

“The key is to do your work so well that you make all the hard work disappear,”

Jeanie Wilks

compare apples to oranges in a sense with athletics and arts. However, because of the perception that this form of art does not require the same dedication, it diminishes the value of the final product.

And while nobody is likely to hold pep rallies or spirit weeks centered around artistic events, the emphasis on programs becomes evident in their funding.

A lack of funding for the arts is prevalent on a statewide level. Governor Rick Scott cut funding for arts

programs from $43 million to $2.6 million last fiscal year, according to wusfnews.edu, reflecting a deeper problem for the arts that is rooted in a lack of acknowledgement for the arts.

Though the state of Florida requires all students to take one practical or performing arts credit to graduate, according to fldoe. org, the value behind these classes is often overshadowed by the competitive scene of both athletics and academics.

Sixty-three percent of students believe that academic classes are more valuable than arts classes, according to a BK survey.

This mindset encompasses the trend of declining emphasis on arts education, as data from the Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA) suggests a decline in arts education offerings since the early 2000s, according to arts.gov.

“I think now that students have a lot of options, it’s hard to fit it all in,” art teacher

Photos by Meghan Williamson

any students remember that the girls basketball made it in the Final Four of the State competition, but how many know that theatre earned three superiors in States last year? Did anyone remember hearing of the gold keys won by three art students at the Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards?

There exists an art form in the swish of a basketball as it falls through the rim of the basket that mirrors the skill of a painter as he concentrates his craft to brushstrokes on a blank canvas. The arts and athletics breathe life into the school, each fundamental to the campus, yet the arts are often placed on the back burner.

“The key is to do your work so well that you make all the hard work disappear,” Assistant Theatre Director and English teacher Jeanie Wilks said. “If we got onstage and it looked like the work we put into it, nobody would ever come to the performing

Seniors Danny Cox, Sydney Ibera and Sophy Blenkhorn perform in “We Are Theatre” showcase of theatre students on Sept. 12.

20 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

Lauren Doran said. “And I also know that students feel more pressure to stack up all the APs they can.”

As students set their gaze towards Ivy League schools with competitive admissions, a 4.0 GPA seems minimal, so naturally, the idea is to get as many AP credits to boost class ranking and look appealing to colleges. Unless the art class is an AP, students feel pressured to stop after the minimum requirement.

Still, many do not see the benefit of the arts in academics and the workforce. Students who participate in arts and music classes for four years average 100 points higher on the SAT than students who took one year or less, according to americansforthearts.org.

“I think the first step is starting to understand what the arts are and what they provide, seeing them as a pillar of education rather than a superfluous part,” Wilks said.

In the workforce, 72% of business leaders say that

Labor Statistics (BLS).

Whether or not students want to pursue arts for a living, they serve as a way to get involved in the school’s

The basis for discovering artistic passions and experimenting with creative outlets begins at the educational level. community and learn valuable skills. After joining “Pieces” Literary Magazine freshman year and newspaper last year, I have spent around 10 hours per week dedicated to the activities without receiving any additional credit. It has helped me rise to leadership positions of Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor respectively, and I never would have been given that opportunity without prioritizing the arts.

The basis for discovering artistic passions and experimenting with creative outlets begins at the educational level. There is no denying that the arts hold value in the education system, but year after year, the attention and funding slip away.

It would be unthinkable to paint a picture of life without the arts. It is time to open our eyes— to see the world through a creative lens. It is time to recognize the work that pores into every stroke of the pencil or brush, every voice echoed on an enlightened stage, every note that cuts through hushed silence, to realize how empty we would be without the animation of art.

Photos by Sarah Roberts

creativity is the number one skill they are looking for in employees, according to americansforthearts.org. The arts provide opportunities to create and gain a new perspective on the world.

This may be incorporating subliminal messages through art that could be useful in discovering creative approaches to advertising. It may be drawing on theatre participation to adjust to public speaking and learn to collaborate using creative ideas.

The arts open up a vast array of creative fields, ones that often bear a heavy stigma. People are told not to pursue them because they are “not stable,” but there are opportunities available for those who are passionate and dedicated enough to pursue them. Perceptions based on such apprehensions can be misguided— employment for animators is expected to reach 81,400 through 2026, an increase of 7,300 from 2016, according to U.S. Bureau of

The BK Art Gallery opening on Sept. 27 displays student art.

OPINIONS | ISSUE 1 21

NETFLIX EFFECT

More movie businesses are investing in online streaming services Ilaria Georgi • Staff Reporter

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he choices are overwhelming.

Every time you turn around, your favorite show has been taken off Netflix, and now you have to pay another ten dollars a month for different service just to watch it.

This problem was brought to light when news stating that the beloved show “The Office” will be taken off Netflix in 2021. This announcement left fans shocked and disappointed. If fans wanted to watch it, they would have to subscribe to NBCUniversal’s own streaming service once the show leaves Netflix.

However, “The Office” is not the only show that will be removed in upcoming years.

With the launch of Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, viewers should expect to see Disney and Marvel content eventually leave Netflix, too.

For students who have a Netflix account, this could be

a problem.

In 2018, Netflix made over $15 billion in revenue.

It is no surprise that other companies want to cash in on this booming business.

Along with Disney and NBC, companies such as WarnerBrothers and Apple have also stated that they will launch their own streaming services in the next few years.

The problem is that the market is being spread too thin. You might end up spending over $60 a month being subscribed to multiple sites to watch your favorite shows.

With already over 100 services to choose from, it is overwhelming trying to decide which streaming services to subscribe to. Having all these shows so spread out is ultimately harmful for consumers, and there is a chance it will backfire on the businesses.

For the 28% of Bishop Kenny students looking for content to watch with fewer expenses, the answer is simple but illegal. Even with the risk of a tremendous fine, some choose to illegally download movies and TV shows just to avoid any cost. As more companies try to cash in on the streaming business and spread the market even thinner, the number of people who get their movies bootlegged will only increase.

The future of these streaming services remains unclear: will prices go down tremendously to keep people subscribed?

Will some companies join forces so we can watch all the movies on one site again? If too many expensive services is going to be the reality, might people just go back to plain old cable?

PIECES

STUN

Hannah Dybel

i’ve always been told im a star, my shining light ever bright and ever constant. my light never wavered and my beams never dulled, through the dark I persevered and through the night i flourished. i always knew i was pure light, maybe my luster a little stronger than others.

I never second-guessed myself, until i met you. because i was a star, but you were the moon. and everything i did, was never as good as you.

22 THE SHIELD | OCTOBER 2019

with you by my side, there seemed to be a cloud always in front of me. my luster concealed, i searched my surroundings. my glow appeared brighter than ever, and i finally understood this is how its been from the beginning. your light, to me, used to stun until i realized: you are the moon, but I am the sun.

Photo by Allison Johnson

NO SHOES, NO CEILING, NO PROBLEM Beach volleyball courts installation in progress Dailey Jackson • Managing Editor

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wo new beach volleyball courts are being installed adjacent to the football field to accommodate the growth of the new beach volleyball team. The decision to construct these courts was made in 2018.

The girls beach volleyball team, formed in 2018, became an official club sport this school year, as a result of the combined efforts of volleyball coach Suzanne Winkler and Bishop Kenny administration.

“Beach volleyball is one of the fastest growing NCAA sports right now,” Winkler said. “Beyond that, I think the major push was that we wanted students to be able to have the opportunity to learn and grow in a lifelong sport.”

After starting off last season with over 20 players and making it to a game at the state playoffs, Winkler predicts that the team will

prosper this season.

“The girls that are playing this year have the same mindset to be the best, so I think we’ll train accordingly,” Winkler said.

“BEACH VOLLEYBALL IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING NCAA SPORTS RIGHT NOW.” Coach Winkler

CLOCKWISE, from left: The beach volleyball team will now practice at BK, with the new addition of the courts; Graduate Camille Daron spikes the ball over the net during a beach volleyball match, before the nets were installed on campus.

Photo by Dailey Jackson

Photo courtesy of Suzanne Winkler

Beach volleyball, like indoor volleyball, involves two teams of players hitting a ball over a seven foot net.

A white border surrounding the court designates the boundaries that determine whether a ball is “in” or

“out.” In beach volleyball, two players are positioned on either side of the court, while indoor volleyball consists of two teams of six players.

Apart from that, the methods of passing the ball between players and scoring points remain consistent. Players commonly transfer from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball, or vice versa, through training and practice.

“I’d say they are very similar, but being that there are only two people on a court, it’s more of a partnership, and responsibilities are much higher,” Winkler said.

The beach volleyball courts are set to be finished by mid October, nearly five months before beach volleyball season officially starts. Tryouts begin in early February for the 2020 season and interested girls can contact Winkler in Room 407.

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