The Bolles Bugle: March 2021

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The Bolles Bugle Staff Co-Editors-In-Chief: Avani Bansal Sarah Scherkenbach Online Editor: Ian Peiris Technology Editor: Thomas Keaveny Copy Editor: Taylor Ford Design Editor: Ava Sickler Creative Director: Su Ertekin-Taner Social Media Editor: Megan Howard Condributing Writers: Grace Albaugh Amber Bansal Isabel Bassin Katie Creveling Atticus Dickson Elliana Emery Cameron Gratz Aisha Hasan Riya Kar Tyler Schimpff Clariss Valdivia Sara Wasserman Ian Wilkinson Advisor: Ms. Jacobson Questions or comments, contact: jacobsona@bolles.org or bollesbugleonline@gmail.com Editorial Policy: The Bolles Bugle is the newsmagazine created by the journalism class at The Bolles School. Our publication focusaes on increasing community awareness of in-school events and topics relating to the five news values: relevance, proximity, timeliness/novelty, conflict/controversy, and human interest.

Content in the Bugle is the responsibility of the editorial staff and not meant to reflect the views of the school’s administration or the student adviser. Please reach out to our faculty advisor, Ms. Jacobson, with any questions or comments.

She can be reached at jacobsona@bolles.org or at bollesbugleonline@gmail.com.

Copyright 2009-2019, The Bolles Bugle

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Editors’ Letter A

year ago, according to News4Jax, alumni and students at Douglas Anderson began to raise their voices against racial discrimination at school. A year ago, angst could have quite properly defined the fear, horror, and sadness of black and minority students at Douglas Anderson. A year ago, after students took to social media to share their stories anonymously, change began.

Now, at our school, angst defended dropping a diversity curriculum.

It is a luxury to be able to postpone discussions on racial issues, when minorities, who need their voices heard, wait in silence.

On January 26th, 2021, an email to parents from President and Head of School Tyler Hodges and Board of Trustees Chair Fernando Acosta-Rua (‘85) announced Bolles’ efforts to use the Pollyanna curriculum, a K-8 racial literacy program to promote awareness of diversity, would be discontinued.

While the change felt sudden to parents and students, there has been existing controversy since November.

This letter sent to families brims with promises of future change. But it is not justifiable to continuously state intentions without supporting those intentions with action.

The letter included such statements as, “Any diversity initiatives will be age/grade level appropriate and grounded in the experiences of our own community members.” If the majority of the community is white, how can they claim to appropriately know the experience of BIPOC students?

The argument of what is “age/ grade level appropriate” is extremely subjective. While there was backlash amongst the Bolles

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community for attempting to apply the curriculum to the lower and middle schools, the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ children attending the lower and middle schools do not have a choice as to what age or grade they are in when they experience racism.

Anyone you ask can recount the memory of their earliest hurtful experience of discrimination. We are sure the Bolles community agrees that the experiences of young students stay close to their hearts.

How many racist encounters must minority students endure for us to finally address racism? How can we just sit back as these encounters occur over and over again? How long must we wait until we see the diversity and justice we deserve as a school?

The letter refers to Bolles being a “positive and welcoming” environment. A “positive and welcoming environment” is not one in which racial and ethnic minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community are never directly acknowledged.

We who have spent the entirety of our high school careers learning to analyze word choice do not accept the pale verbs of “exploring,” “enhancing,” or “building” conversations about racial literacy.

Filler verbs and adjectives like these don’t satisfy the need for substantial conversation and real talk. The presentation by Dr. Glaude and the showing of True Justice are beginnings, yes, but two events in the month of February don’t make a comprehensive K-12 curriculum.

Racial literacy in the 21st century provides the framework for social and cultural interactions that are relevant for any age. Kids, now, more than ever, want to grapple with racism-related topics in

class. According to educational organization driven to provide quality educational resources to children First Book’s Social Issues Impact Survey, 37% of racismrelated conversations are studentinitiated, which is greater than that of parents and teachers. We owe it to ourselves, as a community, to foster conversations that will help children grapple with the great social issues we are inheriting.

According to Century Foundation, a progressive nonpartisan think tank, 96% of major employers require that their employees have been taught in a way that allows them to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. We call ourselves a prep school but, citing tradition and angst, refuse to prepare.

Diversity promotes problemsolving and creativity. Scientific American’s study on knowledge of racial diversity in the classroom led to the conclusion that students in groups with racial diversity wholly outperformed groups without a connection to racial diversity in problem solving and creativity aptitude tests.

After a comprehensive examination of 27 different studies about the effects of diversity on civic engagement, Century Foundation found that experiences of diversity at a young age lead to increased willingness

to improve their community through government. The U.S. Department of Education seconds this study, asserting that students’ experiences with diversity mold the modern model citizen.

ultimately, all students benefit from diversity curriculums.

If The Bolles School aims to create model students and citizens, indefinitely delaying opportunities to gain racial literacy is not the way model citizens are created. Global society is not a presentation of racial and cultural uniformity, so the average citizen should learn to empathize with all global peoples. This should define the Bolles student: an individual fluent in empathy, understanding how to thrive in our complex society.

1. Communication about future concrete action taken by administration to create a more diverse environment.

Most importantly, a diverse curriculum empowers students of color. Students considered at risk for dropping out in a San Francisco school were enrolled in one of the state’s ethnic studies programs. As a result, the students’ attendance rose by 21% and their grade point averages rose by 1.4 points.

Test score improvements and increasing levels of course credit completion were also noted in the Stanford University study. Is this empowerment something we seek to deny?

Reading texts by BIPOC authors improved the self-esteem of BIPOC students and allowed for an appreciation of ethnic-based and cultural differences from white students according to a Claremont McKenna University study. Even though they might at some moments experience discomfort with learning our nation’s history,

We understand Pollyanna is off the table, but The Bolles Bugle still calls for….

2. We ask for transparency with the upcoming parent and student survey results.

3. Commitment to a new curriculum, including working through conflict instead of backing away.

4. The initiation of more parent meetings on topics of diversity and inclusion.

5. We would like students to see demonstrations of the learning that comes from diversity training staff and students receive, possibly via public forums or presentations.

Dropping Pollyanna shook community trust in Bolles’ efforts to implement diversity, but these steps suggest ways in which trust can be rebuilt.

We are juniors and seniors now.

Many of us have given much of ourselves to the school and received much in return. But...

Every student deserves a niche in which their own personal diversity may be expressed. Please own your potential to create this inclusive environment.

We hope to see decisive action before we graduate.

Sincerely, The Editorial Staff of The Bolles Bugle

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CONTENTS

In honor of African-American History Month, the symbols on each divider pagecome from Adinkra, a symbolic language created by the Akan people in Ghana. Each symbol represents an important concept to the Bolles Way of courage, integrity and compassion and is defined on the divider page.

DIVERSITY

NEWS

ARTS A New Age in Film pg. 38

BIPOC Resources in Swisher Library pg. 6

‘Drivers License’ Review pg. 40

Faculty Diversity pg. 7 Bolles Attends Diversity Conferences pg. 8 Telling the Untold Story pg. 10

Crossword pg. 42

Lot J and Beyond pg. 24 Jax Schools React to Capitol Riots pg. 26

SPORTS

STUDENT LIFE Mr. Brewer: Life After Bolles pg. 28 Club Spotlight pg. 30 Growers Alliance: Care Through Coffee pg. 12

Finding Your Path: Good Places to Hike in Jax pg. 32

San Marco Chz Fry pg. 14

Superbowl Survey pg. 44

ACADEMICS

OP-ED

Bird Watching?

It goes both ways. pg. 16

Self Pledge pg. 48

Faculty Close-Up pg. 18

Wolf and Cub pg. 34

Is Today’s News Reliable? pg. 20

Thrifting: Cute School Outfits for Cheap pg. 36

Curriculum Change: Satire pg. 50 Progression Rewinds pg. 51

DIVERSITY Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu — Siamese Crocodiles A symbol of democracy and unity in diversity.

Swisher Library Curates BIPOC Resources Atticus Dickson Contributing Writer The Swisher Library has a wealth of knowledge whether it be on the Schoology page, the website or the physical library itself. Along with literature that you would find in most libraries across America, the Swisher Library also has a sizable collection of fiction and non-fiction written by BIPOC authors.

Currating such a collection can be challeging, and is for many highschool libraries across the country, but to that Mrs. Moody said “A collection should never be considered complete or finished.

It’s a living entity and needs to be tended to as long as the library is open to its community.”

You can search the library’s online catalog for specific titles, or check out the Black History Month display in the building proper.

Mrs. Moody recommends The Underground Railroad and Nickel Boys both by African American novelist, Colson Whitehead.

Unfortunately due to COVID, the library has had to limit the amount of people allowed to be in the building at a time, so the QR code below is a link to the website, where you can search for titles, as well as audio and ebooks.

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The Nickel Boys

by Colson Whitehead.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo.

A novel based off of a real life boy’s reform school.

A novel about a 15-year-old Harlem poet Xiomara Batista.

The Underground Railroad

by Colson Whitehead.

How Long ‘til Black Future Month by N. K. Jemisin.

A reimagining of American History as if the Underground Railroad were an actual rail transportation system.

A collection of Afrofuturist short stories.

Each book in Jemisin’s trilogy won a Hugo Award.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.

A Crown of Feathers and Other Tales by Isaac Bashevis Singer.

A memoir of Noah’s life growing up in aparthied and post-aparthied South Africa.

A collection of translated Yiddish folktales.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.

A novel about two MexicanAmerican boys struggling with their ethic identies and sexualities.

A book that tracks the history of American racism and how it effects people today.

HR Seeks Faculty Diversity Future Plans to Diversify Bolles Upper School Faculty Avani Bansal Co-Editor-In-Chief 12% of the Bolles upper school faculty identifies as non-caucasian, that is approximately 13 faculty members out of the total of 108.

When asked about diversity initiatives Bolles is making, Mrs. Twyla Ashman states “we understand that it is a critical point for us to get more diversity in our faculty and staff, and in particular, in the classroom.”

To explain the spread of teachers at Bolles, Mr. Tyler Hodges states, “We are proud of the diversity within our faculty and staff. I believe this diversity makes Bolles a richer educational

Miami, etc. Our location as a school is a heavy hindrance to the hiring process.

In terms of the length of the process to diversify the faculty, Role says that “Bolles is committed to attracting highly diverse candidate pools for all our openings and look at this as an ongoing process”.

Ashman also emphasizes some aspects that the Bolles hiring committees need to keep in mind, “the hiring committees to be openminded which sometimes means hiring someone that does not remind us of us, someone who may look differently and bring different perspectives to our community.”

“As Independent schools, we flock toward ourselves, we network within ourselves, and that won’t change our diversity.”

Realistically, the process of expanding the diversity of Bolles faculty will take years. There are only so many teaching positions open each year and Bolles can only hire so many people at one time. Mr. Jeff Role from Bolles Human Resources explains, “We typically have around 2-4 faculty openings per year”.

Bolles representatives attended the Carney Sandoe independent school hiring diversity forum this year to find candidates for available positions at Bolles.

Ashman explains that while this will be a long process because of the limited open spots each year, “where we are located geographically has also been a challenge.” In reality, Jacksonville, FL is not as popular as cities like Atlanta,

“We understand that it is a critical point for us to get more diversity in our faculty and staff, and in particular, in the classroom.”

— Mrs. Ashman provide a pipeline for students in those schools to work at your school in summer programs or aftercare programs.”

— Dr. Jenkins environment. Our differences help define us both as a community and as individuals.”

Jenkins led workshops at the Low Country Diversity Conference attended by our faculty and students. She offered strategies to diversify the faculty beyond recruitment fairs saying to, “reach out to local HBCUs, build a relationship with them and

Bolles Human Resources Building Photo Credit: Avani Bansal Dr.. Teresa Jenkins, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director at St. Mary’s School in Memphis, TN, explained that we need to challenge the idea that the job must always go to the most qualified person, “We always make exceptions.”

Jenkins also mentioned that the school can “send job notices to fraternities and sororities in the area and the larger churches, those places can be your largest source for a population of applicants, students, and donors.”

In addition, she explained the importance of giving opportunities “for faculty to work with local educators and librarians” in order to expand beyond the school and into the local community.

Ashman added that “we really need to be able to think outside of the box and stay away from what one may think is the best fit, which is one of the things that independent schools have done historically.”

Ashman stated, “Hiring is determined by a set of credentials, but also the best fit, which usually means someone who is more like us.” Diversity among the people that are hiring for the school promotes that aspect in the hiring process.

Infographic showing the percentage of faculty identifying as non-Caucasian (12%)

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Bolles Attends Diversity Conferences Students and Faculty Seek to Learn about Racial Inequality Tyer Schimpff Contributing Writer

“Diversity conferences provide an opportunity for people to learn how to embrace others’ differences, it also provides a space for attendees to network and learn a new space.”

October said “I jumped in already saying that I wanted to do it not knowing like any details whatsoever. I had no idea what I was doing… so they’re willing to teach us ways to remedy or fight that problem in our respective schools and spaces and communities, not just at school, but also outside of school as well.”

-Twyla Ashman, the Director of Diversity,

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his year, students have had the opportunity to attend the virtual People of Color Conference in December and the virtual Low Country Student Diversity Conference this January.

Ms. McIntyre-Nathari, who attended the People of Color Conference explains, “Basically, there were a number of different conferences that you could attend on various topics… they were all focused on equality and how private schools can start to incorporate these programs and lesson plans.”

Jakhye Wilkins (‘22), who attended the People of Color Conference in

A slide taken from a workshop workshop at the POCC Photo credit: Ms. Jacobson

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said.

Sophie Grace Posick (‘22), who attended the virtual Low Country Student Diversity Conference, explained what interested her in the program: “I was hoping that maybe there would be a speaker or somebody that would say something that would leave me thinking and get me started on thinking about things that I may not have previously considered” These conferences offered students the chance to attend lectures with esteemed speakers and discuss complex issues with peers in affinity groups.

“Affinity groups were specific to say your race or your gender identity so you can feel comfortable going into your affinity groups and talking about whatever you had learned that day.” McIntyre-Nathari said.

A slide taken from a workshop at the POCC

“I was like, yep, this is for me and I’m super excited.”

— Jakhye Wilkins ‘22 Ms. Karvounis, a library-teacher at the Ponte Vedra Campus, also attended the People of Color Conference. “A major theme from my People of Color Conference experience are that schools can be a locus for social justice develpment and education in order to promote democracy and freedom for all. I was better able to relate to a Bolles education after this conference” Karvounis

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“I felt a lot safer. I felt like I could express my opinion without any, any backlash. I feel like that was more how I would behave if I wasn’t living in a society where I am the minority.”

— Jakhye Wilkins ‘22 Ashman stated, “Members of marginalized groups who attend are supported by being provided with a sense of belonging, acceptance, and validation and it also allows them to be authentic and their full selves.”

One workshop that Posick attended at the Low Country Student Diversity Conference was titled Civil Discourse. “It was talking about how we can disagree

“This conference had a profound impact on me, so I imagine the same is true for colleagues who attended... the voices of workshop leaders echo in my mind. I seek to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion purposefully and daily in my work at Bolles, as PoCC reminds attendees that these themes are inextricable from an excellent education” Karvounis said.

“A

universal problem, apparently, is that indepenant schools have really big problems with diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

A slide taken from a workshop at the POCC without having to argue with each other and to be so antagonistic, and that was really interesting,” Posick said.

Media literacy is the ability to determine whether a source is credible and worthy of influencing opinions. Another workshop at the LCSDC was called the Foundation of Truth, with Jerome Smalls that addressed the issue of media literacy. Posick explains, “He talked about how the world is: there’s so much information that’s being flooded at us currently and it’s really hard to figure out what is true, what is false, and how to find the truth and all the information.”

Wilkins explained one of the workshops he attended: “We talked about on-campus protests,

“So I think it’s important for people to realize you don’t have to agree with what people are saying, to listen to them speaking, and to make sure and to listen to their point of view.”

-Sophie Grace Posick

— Jakhye Wilkins ‘22

and what we can and cannot do, according to certain state laws, and balancing school life and being active with bringing about change in our school communities.”

The workshop that McIntyreNathari remembers most vividly featured a familiar face to Bolles attendees. Eddie Glaude Junior,

“After the break, a number of Bolles colleagues joined for a Teams meeting to process the many takeaways and experiences from PoCC. It was amazing and energizing to hear! We also shared ways we can teach our peers some of our takeaways. We found collegiality and community in promoting positive change here at Bolles via our learnings at PoCC.”

“I would absolutely recommend it to other people.” McIntyre-Nathari said.

“Especially since it is geared toward independent schools, and as far as this particular climate, it is essential that you have all the resources that you can possibly gather so you can have the best practices for diversity and equity moving forward.”

-Christina Karvounis, Teacher-Librarian and Informational Specialist who spoke at the Bolles black history month convocation, was one of the orators present at the People of Color Conference.

McIntyre-Nathari said, “That was very interesting because he is very well versed in equity and inclusion.”

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T

The Journey of The Florida Star and One Floridian Star

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ELLING THE UNTOLD STORY

lara McLaughlin is a trailblazer, a pioneer, a shatterer of glass ceilings.

She was one of the first African American women to own a newspaper in Florida, the first African American woman to found and become the CEO of a networkaffiliated television station in Texas, and the first African American woman to write a book for African American parenthood and childcare.

With more accomplishments than can be counted on ten fingers, McLaughlin powerfully proclaims, “I believe in being the best.”

McLaughlin’s self-assured mindset began at Lincoln High School, where she also developed a love for journalism. Her Gainesville school placed McLaughlin near the circulation of the University of Florida’s university newspaper.

She began analyzing the

The story of Howard University’s yearbook editor from 1971-1972, the first African American female to own and operate a TV station in Longview, Texas, and the owner and publisher of Florida Star and Georgia Star.

paper, learning what goes into the making of news stories, gaining passion with every line that she read. Little did she know that less than a decade later, she would make history as one of the first African American women to own of a newspaper in Florida.

After high school, McLaughlin attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. Remarking on Howard’s status as the number one historically Black university in the country at the time, McLaughlin explained

Su Ertekin-Taner Creative Director

its appeal, “I wanted to be number one so I went to the number one school.”

Carrying her love of journalism in one hand and her extensive leadership skills in another, McLaughlin embarked upon a quest to pursue journalism in college, only to find that there was no journalism major at Howard.

McLaughlin then did what any trailblazer would do: she started the journalism major at Howard. Humbly acknowledging this curricular feat, the journalist said, “Whatever I decided to do, I did it.”

After her graduation, McLaughlin was offered the job of a lifetime, the job of her lifetime--becoming the owner of the Florida Star.

As a recently deemed fulltime Floridian, she knew that she would need to adapt to achieve her goal of fostering a world-renowned newspaper.

Now, the Florida Star lives up to its shiny name.

As the widest read African American newspaper in northeast Florida, one would assume that the Florida Star developed into a large corporation. However, it is now a largely family run business whose staff contains less than ten writers. Rinetta Fefie, McLaughlin’s daughter, remarked, “They wear multiple hats.”

Fefie is a nurse by day and a part of the management team of the Florida Star by night, much like other staff members who work full-time jobs during the day.

Fefie pointed out that to be a member of the Florida Star means being hardworking, and honest. With these traits in the tool belt, “we just get it done,” Fefie said.

But the process of creating the Florida Star is not always a one and done concept. The true roots of the paper lie in telling untold stories. McLaughlin stated, “Information that a lot of people wouldn’t publish, we published.”

Every Thursday, readers immerse themselves in “community” stories, but particularly the stories of African Americans in the Florida community. The newspaper was built with an emphasis on the story of the African American, an untold story in most newspapers.

The goal of this content is to help activate readers and voters across Florida to make change in the African American community.

McLaughlin pointed out, “It does encourage [the community] to think highly of themselves and more seriously of themselves than what it would have been without a press to point out to the world what’s going on.”

It’s not surprising that the Florida community has absorbed the Florida Star’s content like sponge to water.

These “true community” stories represent all aspects of Florida but focus on the African American community. “It is of value to the community and it will sell,” McLaughlin matter of factly stated.

The Florida Star’s production process begins on the Sunday before the week starts and

ends that Wednesday. For four subsequent days, writers gather quotes, pictures, and content.

On Wednesday, the finished paper is sent to the printer much like children run to candy stores: without delay.

Surprisingly, the most challenging aspect of running a newspaper of a staff of 10 is not too little people, nor too little time, nor lack of efficiency, it’s “just getting all the pieces together,” Fefie said.

Once the four-day rush has ended, the paper circulates across Florida. From household to household, hospital to prison, nursing homes to churches, the newspaper finds itself in the hands of almost every avid newspaper reader in Florida.

Now, the Florida Star reigns over other newspapers as the most widely read African American newspaper in northeast Florida. This year they are celebrating the paper’s 70th anniversary.

When prompted with this fact, McLaughlin chuckled and simply put, “I never thought about it being the 70th anniversary.”

After 70 years of cultivating a love of journalism and a newspaper based on this love, an anniversary doesn’t seem as important as the journey.

And so this 70th anniversary of the Florida Star marks Clara McLaughlin’s journey.

“She blazed the trail,” her daughter said.

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Growers Alliance: Care Through Coffee Amber Bansal Contributing Writer

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ith a goal of using “coffee as a weapon to cheer people up,” Purity Gikunju, a Kenyan-born coffee farmer came to the US to sell her family’s coffee.

She wanted to “bring something completely different to the US that the customer would really appreciate.” They carry four major coffees: Kenyan (their most popular choice because of the low acidity), Ethiopian, Costa Rican, and Guatemalan.

poorly and others take the product and don’t look back, no one takes care of that community.”

So far, they have built 16 water wells that provide 2500 families with clean water daily. In another village, “we were able to buy almost 4 acres of plain land, build a beautiful facility, and add more dialysis machines,” Gikunju said.

They added about 16 machines to previous nine that now supply about 150 rounds of dialysis per week to people with no

“Coffee as a weapon to cheer people up.”

“We went to 10% of usual sales.”

Growers Alliance emphasizes outreach and giving back to the community. 10% of every bag of coffee sold goes to a variety of causes.

“We are actual coffee farmers, our families are still in Kenya. We wanted to take care of our families and neighboring farmers,” Gikunju said. “They are paid

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They are so excited to come and visit us because of the “good participation” and interests that Bolles’s students and faculty have about coffee.

“We are actual coffee farmers, our families are still in Kenya.”

She advises all students, no matter their different goals and aspirations, to “find your passion and go for it.”

She and her partner Martin Kabaki started Growers Alliance in 2008 after realizing how much Americans love coffee. She describes their sales as “slow and steady,” but Gikunju is confident that they have a strong foundation for their business.

During COVID, the store experienced days with no customers. “The storefront was most affected, we went to 10% of usual sales,” Gikunju said.

With this principle, they have decided to return to our farmers market this year where they will sell coffee by the cup, by the bag, smoothies, and handmade goods such as art, drums, baskets, jewelry, and more.

And, during this difficult time, Gikunju wants everyone to keep “taking care of each other as neighbors and keep reaching out and loving on each other.” healthcare.

They also host coffee safaris, taking tourists to explore Kenya.

Locally, they partner with charities, Port in the Storm and St. Francis home. Port in the Storm helps homeless kids from the age of 4 months to 21 years old. While St. Francis Home helps homeless adults in St. Augustine. They also provided coffee to teachers and frontline workers during the pandemic.

Gikunju and Kabaki care about the community, “It’s our way of reaching out and saying hey, even if you feel like you are alone just know we are thinking about you, and we are cheering you on.”

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“It’s our way of reaching out... even if you feel like you are alone, just know we are thinking about you, and we are cheering you on.”

— Purity Gikunju

Center Photo Credit: Purity Gikunju

Top to bottom, right to left: Gikunju at farmers market - A coffee safari The dialysis clinic in Kenya - product - Gikunju with product - storefront Credit: Purity Gikunju BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

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San Marco Chz Fry Co. Food Trucks Don’t Get Cheddar Than This!!

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or Ty Banks, what started off as a late night snack turned into a professional business.

He and his friends went out looking for cheese fries, but they were unsuccessful. So, they decided to take matters into their own hands and make the cheese fries themselves. “It was something fun that we got to do, ” Banks said.

To Banks, participating in Bolles’s Black History Month Farmers Market seemed like an “awesome” experience. “I knew you guys wanted to spotlight Black-owned businesses, so I thought it would be a great opportunity.”

In October of 2018, they started to give out their fries at Jaguars tailgate parties for free. About a year later, they started their own food truck and turned a hobby into a business. “It gave us a

Center Photo- Buffalo Chz Fries Credit: Amber Bansal

Buffalo Chz Fries Credit: Amber Bansal

whole new passion for cooking,” Banks said.

The business is a family and friend effort where his mom makes the mac n’ cheese and dad makes the pork for some of their dishes.

Right now, one of their most

popular dished is the Cajun, which is a dish with cheese, peppers, onions, blackened shrimp, and a chipotle ranch drizzle. Another is the Fredo, which has chicken, alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, bacon, and parmesan cheese.

Luckily for them, they could remain open during COVID and only had to make a few business model changes, such as switching to online ordering and plasticcovered packages of silverware.

Banks’s personality shines through his everyday work, “I have always been a positive person and try to see the best in every situation.”

Every day of his business, Banks abides by his motto: “If you can put work to it, you can make anything happen.” This statement is evident in the success of his business.

Follow @sanmarcochzfryco on Instagram! They post their weekly schedules there!

And they are available for catering and parties!

Ty Banks with his food truck Credit: Amber Bansal

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ACADEMICS Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu — He who does not Know can Know from Learning A symbol of knowledge, life-long education, and a continued quest for knowledge.

Bird Watching?

It goes both ways.

Isabel Bassin Contributing Writer

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s your role model Indiana Jones?

If so, the new anthropology elective is for you. This class has been in the works by Dr. Yeakel and Mr. Bullington since the fall of 2019. It functions as an “introductory course into physical and cultural anthropology”.

The class does not have any tests.

Instead, students are evaluated by writing and presentations. They just completed a two and a half week long activity in which they

Image about FiLCHeRS from James Lett’s “A Field Guide to Critical Thinking”

Falsifiability In order for the claim (or in this case, conspiracy) to be true, it has to be falsifiable. The evidence must be so important and foundational to the claim that if the evidence proves to be wrong, the whole claim is disproved.

The Birds Aren’t Real theory’s largest evidence are supposed CIA recordings and documents of their mass accipitrine murder. If these prove to exist, the theory is true. If these prove to not exist, the theory is false. Therefore, Birds Aren’t Real passes the falsifiability test.

Logic This one is pretty self-explanatory, but basically all arguments provided in support of the claim must be sound. All premises must be true.

The main claim of Birds Aren’t Real is that in the 1960s, the CIA began to replace all birds with government surveillance drones.

Kennedy did not agree with it, so they assassinated him. The United States then inserted themselves into the Vietnam War to harvest precious metals to continue to make these robot

birds. Now, what the general public perceives as “birds” are actually cameras. While the claim sounds far-fetched, it follows the rules of logic. If birds aren’t real, then what were previously known as birds were replaced with government surveillance drones because the United States government needed a new way to keep tabs on its citizens.

Therefore, the Birds Aren’t Real conspiracy passes the logic test.

Comprehensiveness All available evidence must be taken into consideration. A claim can’t pick evidence that supports it, and discard evidence that doesn’t.

Technically, there is no evidence against the BAR theory. We can’t revive Kennedy and ask him why he was assassinated, nor can we demand to see the CIA’s confidential records. Therefore, all available evidence is being taken into consideration, and Birds Aren’t Real passes the comprehensiveness test.

Honesty This one is also very selfexplanatory: all evidence must

had to role play as citizens of Victorian London.

Recently, the class was assigned a project in which they had to utilize critical thinking skills to examine the logic behind conspiracy theories. They used a method by the acronym “FiLCHeRS”, devised by a professor named James Lett. I decided to use this method to test my favorite conspiracy theory, “Birds Aren’t Real”, or BAR. (Note: This is a satirical conspiracy theory.)

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This is propaganda made by Birds Aren’t Real supporters. It suggests that we view birds as they are, but they view us through their cameras.

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(real CIA documentation) is also extraordinary. Birds Aren’t Real, while seemingly crazy, is a physically possible concept, and therefore does not fall under the category of paranormal.

Therefore, the Birds Aren’t Real theory has yet to pass or fail the sufficiency test.

Diagram of the inside of a government surveillance drone, made by Birds Aren’t Real advocates. be true and evaluated without deception.

While the evidence for BAR isn’t certifiably true, it also isn’t certifiably false. Therefore, the conspiracy passes the honesty test.

Replicability If any evidence is the product of experimentation or can be seen as coincidental, it must be able to be repeated in more trials or examinations.

“It’s fun activities that keep you motivated about the class and not bored with the same lectures you get in every other type of class.”

Dalia Handoush (‘21)

Overall, the FiLCHeRS method is a solid system for determining the validity behind claims and theories. Due to Birds Aren’t Reals’ satirical nature and audacity to completely falsify “evidence”, it does in no way pass the FiLCHeRS test. However, if one chooses to completely abandon all reason, then they can see it as a valid theory.

The anthropology class is still young, but has already gained traction. Dalia Handoush (‘21), a student of the class, described it, “It’s a really great class to take and [the class] gets you on different thinking levels. You get to experience different types of learning and that’s important for students, since we are used to the same types of class structures.”

As of yet,the theorists haven’t been able to successfully capture a surveillance drone (“bird”, if you will). Because of this, there has been no testing or experimentation. Technically, Birds Aren’t Real passes the replicability test on a default.

Sufficiency This final rule states that: 1, the burden of proof is on the one making the claim, 2, extraordinary claims must be supported by extraordinary evidence, and 3, paranormal claims (again, conspiracy theories in this case) cannot be supported by authority or testimony.

The BAR conspiracy is still trying to obtain concrete proof. This is an extraordinary theory, however, their supposed evidence

This is an anthropology word cloud. It outlines the core aspects of the science.

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Ashley McLeod

Faculty Close-Up: Two Teachers’ Journeys to Bolles Elliana Emery Contributing Writer

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shley McLeod has a passion for Chemistry and always had since middle school.

Ever since she began learning about Chemistry she “was just so interested and fascinated by it.”

She has been teaching at schools around Duval for the past 12 years starting with Bishop Kenny, then onto Mandarin, and now, Bolles.

At Bolles she began teaching Chemistry AB and AC. McLeod says, “science is magic basically, like Hogwarts.”

McLeod knows the ins and outs of teaching, she says “I need to make them appreciate what they’re learning.” She believes a strong relationship between the teacher and student is very important to achieve success in the classroom.

McLeod says, “how do I present it in a way that makes them care because why would I waste their time?”

She has fallen in love with Bolles so easily. The staff has been a great help to her and she loves her students already. Beginning a

Ms. McLeod baking with her two children.

Credit: Ms. McLeod new school year at a completely different school during COVID-19, she was “prepared for a lot of bumpiness,” but to her surprise, “it was smoother than I thought it was going to be.”

McLeod’s greatest achievement since she began teaching is either her students understanding the material or deciding to major in a form of chemistry because of her. “It’s really exciting when I see students saying they want to take AP chemistry or they’ve decided when they go to college, they’ve decided to go into some sort of chemistry major,” she says.

Besides Chemistry, McLeod loves to bake and cook with her two Ms. McLeod dressed up as a Chemistry Cat during a homecoming week 2 years ago.

Credit: Ms. McLeod

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children. She even has her own vegetable garden. She loves going on runs and working out in her free time as well.

“All the magic that happens in the world, I can now explain it.”

- Ms. McLeod McLeod’s favorite part of class is making real-world connections with Chemistry and explaining how certain reactions happen. She didn’t know she would become a teacher until she began tutoring students her junior year in college and realized she loved explaining chemistry. She says, “all the magic that happens in the world, I can now explain it.”

Ms. Bodin in a ballet position called the arabsque.

Credit: Ms. Bodin

Hillary Bodin A

nother new teacher, Hillary Bodin, became invested in Ballet at a very young age due to a disability that affected her coordination in walking. The doctor told her mom to put her in ballet and she immediately fell in love with the way she felt while dancing on stage and the control she had on herself while dancing.

“I am not royalty, but in this one moment with this tutu on and for a few minutes on stage I feel like I am a queen or a princess,” she said.

Before she came back to Jacksonville, she was a contracted dancer in New York for the XIV, an off-broadway company, and performed every night except Mondays. She loved this experience because she “wanted to get better at being an actress,” she says. “Being able to sell a certain idea or emotion not with hands, not through my feet, but through my face.”

While in New York, Bodin also modeled for MAC cosmetics, along with some other companies like

American Movement, and was featured in the Vogue magazine.

Because she played a lead role her first year, she was shown on a billboard. Bodin says, “this is what it feels like huh? To make it, this is great.”

The Bolles community welcomes both Ms. Bodin and Ms. McLeod with open arms and eagerness to learn what they will teach us. With knowledge from Bodin in Ballet and Muay Thai and McLeod in Chemistry, we are prepared for an amazing year with these two new teachers.

“I am not royalty, but in this one moment with this tutu on and for a few minutes on stage I feel like I am a queen or princess.”

- Ms. Bodin Among Bodin’s achievements in New York, she continues to thrive in Jacksonville not only as a dance teacher at Bolles but teaching in various locations for Ballet and Muay Thai, a Thai kickboxing martial art. “I’ll take some conditioning, some stretching that I’ve learned in ballet and I’ll teach it and transfer it over to these martial artists,” she says.

Ms. Bodin modeling for the American Movement company.

Credit: American Movement

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Is Today’s News Reliable?

Brody Grasher’s AP Research Project Interrogates the News Aisha Hasan Contributing Writer Grace Albaugh Contributing Writer

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enior Brody Grasher (’21) designed and presented a project for his AP seminar class.

“I’ve been really intrigued by Social Networking Sites and their role in the news, and I especially think it’s important to understand the type of influence that they have considering many view it as the new public forum for debate,” Grasher said.

His project displays where teens receive their news. His goal was to find out whether teens use traditional sources (cable news shows, papers, etc.) versus modern sources (SNS – Social Networking Sites) for news.

“Over the past few months, I have been going to different SNS to see how the information is presented to the viewer.” To gather his information, Grasher surveyed the student body. “My prediction was that results regarding use would be slanted towards SNS, more specifically, Twitter,” Grasher revealed. Unfortunately, he was unable to disclose the results of the survey To his surprise, “Studies have shown that confidence in the media has dropped significantly and that lack of trust has provided an alley for SNS where users can locate and identify information and engage in social discourse.”

When specifically asked whether he’d surveyed teens viewing news on TikTok, Grasher revealed, “When I was getting ready to send out the survey, there were strong rumors that it was going to get banned after being accused by

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the previous administration of leaking private data of Americans to the Chinese government.”

After further investigation and decision making, “In the end, the unpredictability of the site’s future ended up not making the final survey draft. The timing was unfortunate.”

In essence, SNS in my view is the public forum of the 21st century,” Grasher voiced.

“There are good journalists out there seeking the truth but as I just mentioned, there are people that have alternative agendas to make more money or advance a particular political cause.”

— Brody Grasher (‘21) As for Grasher’s own opinion, “ I love reading the print Wall Street Journal, but my schedule has been getting super busy, so I’ve been resorting to online websites as of late for up to date news,” He explained, “I really enjoy newspapers because it does a terrific job separating news from analysis.”

With today’s events Grasher believes, “There are good journalists out there seeking the truth but as I just mentioned, there are people that have alternative agendas to make more money or advance a particular political cause.”

“I believe that the information we are consuming will be in the halls of Congress one day which is why it’s paramount that I research this.

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Infographic for Media Literacy Information from Master Class

Corporate News On Tik Tok

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Teens aren’t the only ones spreading news on Tik Tok. Many popular news organizations have taken the opportunity to use the popular platform of Tik Tok to spread credible news throughout the app. Tik Tok has become another source of news for these companies such as, CBS, Yahoo, NBC, and The Washington Post.

Screenshot from @maximus2themax FROM ALBAUGH’s MEDIA LITERACY EXPERIMENT: Upon scrolling through Tik Tok I was drawn to these two videos because of the extreme difference of opinions shown. The first video explains how, contrary to child birth, nobody knows the pain a baby feels when an abortion is performed.

The second video is a rebuttal to the first stating that the fetus does not feel any pain. Upon seeing the difference in information given to me I decided to fact check both videos.

In the first video the man does not state where he got his information or who he is to know such information, that a baby does feel pain during an abortion. However, in the second video the girl states that she is a neuroscientist and got her information from literature, experiments, and research over the years from her line of work.

After evaluating this information I decided to bring in a third source from a medical website. The website that I decided to use belonged to the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical Teaching School Hospital. After researching the website I found that they are a center for Law, Brain, and Behavior.

Screenshot from @iamalilstitous

They put new and accurate neuroscience in the hands of judges, lawyers, policymakers, and journalists. After learning this about the website I concluded that they were a credible and reliable source.

I then found an article from the Huffington Post that they posted discussing the matter of, does a fetus feel pain during an abortion? They started by explaining what pain is, they stated that “pain has two necessary elements: an unpleasant stimulus and an emotional response to it.” They later stated that neither is possible in a fetus. They also state that “Although nerves from the periphery reach the spinal cord of an embryo early in development, they only reach the brain late in pregnancy.”

Meaning that a baby may respond to touch the same way an earthworm or insect would, however, it is only a reflex, and the wiring carrying stimuli that cause the baby to actually feel pain doesn’t reach the brain until after the time when an abortion is legal.

In conclusion, after contrasting this new found information with the information stated within the two Tik Toks I can see that the information given by the girl in the second video is most accurate.

Political and world news is not the only news being spread on Tik Tok; celebrity life is heavily documented on the app along with events within pop culture. This news is documented on accounts such as E News and Hollywood Life. Tik Tok has proven itself to be a new platform for corporations to spread their influence amongst the younger population.

Screenshot from @yahoonews

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THE BOLLES BUGLE PRESENTS

WORLD COFFEE HOUSE

A student-run open mic featuring all the talent in the world! i

APRIL 9 | 7 PM RIVER CAMPUS

NEWS Mmere Dane — Time Changes A symbol of change and life dynamics.

Lot J and Beyond

Development Projects around the Stadium, Explained Cameron Gratz Contributing Writer

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acksonville City Council on January 12 defeated a hotly contested deal to provide taxpayer-funded investment to the Lot J development project. The council voted 12-7, one vote short of the 13-member supermajority required by the council’s rules to pass the legislation.

Most young people don’t pay much attention to local development projects, but according to Ennis Davis, a city planner and contributer at The Jaxson, they should.

said, “I believe these have a great impact because they create an atmosphere with a variety of things for people of all ages to do. This includes everything from parks, special events and festivals to retail, places to eat, rooftop bars and live music venues.”

Davis also said that these developments could decrease dependence on vehicle ownership, since they would be walkable and bikeable, and would encourage the use of public transportation.

The Lot J plan would have used $445 million to develop offices, apartments, and a hotel in what is

The legislative body spoke and unfortunately Lot J will not move forward.

— Mayor Lenny Curry

Referring to the numerous development plans for downtown Jacksonville in the works right now, he

Council Member Garrett Dennis Via Garrett Dennis (@GarrettDennis_1)

Jacksonville City Hall Via Wikimedia Commons

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Mayor Lenny Curry Via Wikimedia Commons

now a parking lot near TIAA Bank Field. It would have required $218233 million dollars in direct spending or loans from the city, which they planned to offset primarily by taking on debt and offering property tax rebates.

One council member, Finance Committee Chair Matt Carlucci, a Republican, expressed hope for the project in the beginning, as well as concern, saying in October, “My initial impression at first blush — I still have a lot more work to do on it — I thought it looked good. It’s a lot of money. I want to know how we’re going to come up with that money, period.”

Proponents of the deal, including Mayor Lenny Curry, argued that it could revitalize downtown, as well as incentivize the Jacksonville Jaguars to stay in town. Carlucci emphasized the economic importance of the Jaguars, saying, “We must never lose the Jaguars in Jacksonville, and whether Lot J is one of those things that must happen to keep the Jaguars, I don’t know.”

Ultimately, the deal was defeated, with seven members including Carlucci and Council President Tommy Hazouri, a Democrat, voting against it. Mayor Curry expressed his regret, tweeting, “The legislative body spoke and unfortunately Lot

Council Member Matt Carlucci Via Matt Carlucci (@matt_carlucci)

We are spending a heck of a lot of money and we don’t know any backup information to justify what we are spending. I just think it ought to start over.

— Matt Carlucci J will not move forward.”

According to Matt Carlucci, one of the main problems plaguing the deal was a lack of transparency.

He said, “Nobody has provided us anything on what these actual hotels and apartments will cost per square foot, but we are spending a whole heck of a lot of money and we don’t know any backup information to justify what we are spending. I just think it ought to start over. I think it’s time to just pull the plug on it. The will of the community is just not there.”

Democrat Councilman Garrett Dennis called the result a win for taxpayers, saying, “I wasn’t going to support any high profile project if the taxpayers were getting screwed in this project, and in this

deal, they were getting screwed.”

Since the failure of the Lot J deal, Shad Khan is advancing a new, $535 million project to build medical, residential, and office developments, as well as public parks and a Four Seasons hotel, in Jacksonville’s Metropolitan Park and the Shipyards region. Unlike the Lot J plan, for which Khan partnered with Baltimore-based The Cordish Companies, this project will be developed solely by Khan and his subsidiary companies. Also unlike Lot J, which was negotiated with Curry’s administration, the new plan will be considered first by the Downtown Investment Authority before going to City Council, and asks for a smaller $151.2 million in public investment.

Jacksonville Jaguars president Mark Lamping expressed hope for the project, saying, “I’m sure there are many others that want to invest in Downtown. We haven’t seen a lot of them, particularly in and around the sports complex, but maybe this will spur people to do projects Downtown and put money where their mouth is… I know Shad’s prepared to do that.”

A Visual Rendering of the Proposed Lot J Development Via The Jaxson

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Jax Schools Respond (or not) to Capitol Insurrection Atticus Dickson Contributing Writer

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n response to January 6th insurrection, few Jacksonville schools released official statements.

Bolles did not release a statement, but neither Episcopal. “As an Episcopal student, we did not receive any email or commentary from the school about the attack on the Capitol,” Maddy Carroll (‘22) said.

Mike Drew emailed faculty and staff, calling for unity within the Bolles community, along with some supplemental materials to help teachers lead and guide classroom discussions. Mr. Hodges released a statement about how screenings of Biden’s Jan. 20th inauguration were to be conducted respectfully.

However, other high schools across the country released statements more publicly. For example, Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware called for their community, including alumni, to “recommit to unity.” The principal of Tower Hill, Elizabeth Speers, invoked Jacksonville-born author, James Weldon Johnson’s world renowned hymn, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” at the beginning of her letter.

Although Bolles did not publicly respond, many teachers used the resources in Mr. Drew’s email to give students time to discuss events at the Capitol, for example, AP Language teacher Mrs. Clubb and US History teacher Mrs. Gomez.

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According to a Los Angeles Times article, civics and US history teachers across the country used the insurrection as a teachable moment. “I can’t, in good faith, teach government and not teach this,” said Brianna Davis, a history and government teacher at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo, California.

Neither Duval County School’s website had anything regarding the attack, nor did public schools, including Paxon, Stanton, Fletcher, and Wolfson.

Students speculated Duval schools have not released a statement because of politicization. “Since the attack has become political, it might have been smart for Wolfson to not make any public statements because as a countywide policy, the schools aren’t really allowed to push political views,” said Cecelia Bailey (‘22) of Wolfson.

Bolles Community Responds to Pollyana Program’s Removal Following the withdrawl of Pollyanna, Bolles students, parents, and alum voiced their thoughts on social media.

“It’s a private school. It can do what it wants.”

- Bolles parent “You’re silencing people trying to start a conversation towards change.”

- Class of ‘21 “So when those Alumni letters come asking for donations, can I just send them a hundred copies of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me?” - Bolles Alum

While Stanton admin did not issue an official response to the violence, Stanton’s student paper, The Devil’s Advocate released an opinion piece called “How Did We Get Here?” by Fabrizio Gowdy, in which Gowdy wrote about root causes of insurrection.

“I made my thoughts known to them on Wednesday, noting that the strategy of wading in and out of important issues speaks volumes about the values of ‘courage, integrity and compassion’...”

- Bolles Parent

Neither JU nor UNF officially stated anything.

“Disappointed, but not surprised. @bollesschool do better.”

- Class of ‘20

According to the National Association of Independent Schools, which Bolles is a member of, the first thing schools should do after a traumatic event, is help process the event, stating “Schools may find themselves serving as a hub for the community’s recovery efforts.”

In the words of Julia DeBardelaben, Paxon (‘22) “I think we could have maybe talked about it a bit more in class because it was definitely a historical moment.”

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“It’s absolutely disgraceful to see my high school halt progress and become stuck in time. People’s rights are not a game.”

-Class of ‘19

STUDENT LIFE Dame-Dame — A Ghanian Board Game A symbol of intelligence and ingenuity.

Mr. Brewer: Life After Bolles Taylor Ford Copy Editor

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OVID-19 hit everyone hard with quarantining, running out of toilet paper, and having to actually speak to our families. Imagine having to move to a completely different state and switching schools in the midst of all this chaos. Mr. Brewer did not have to imagine this, he lived it.

When Mr. Brewer was at Bolles, from 2013 to 2020, he taught life management during the summer and 9th-grade biology during the school year. He also coached Bolles Boys JV and Varsity basketball.

In March of 2020, quarantine wasn’t yet a national reality but Mr. Brewer’s biology students asked if they were coming back to school after spring break and if they were ever going to see each other again. Mr. Brewer jokingly replied, “you’re probably right, I’m probably not going to see y’all again.”Just a few days later, an email got sent out saying students and faculty would not be returning to school.

Brewer’s new school is an allboys first grade through 12th independent school. Brewer said that a single-sex school can be unusual, “The one quirk to this school is you could be walking to say the cafeteria and there would be middle schoolers changing for PE out in the open because it’s all boys, they’ll just yank off their shirts or something.”

Brewer worried that it would be difficult to form bonds with his students and colleagues but the transition has been smooth.

“Obviously, the difference now is that I had a lot of close relationships with students, players, and I’m starting to build that now at my new school.”

Mr. Brewer now also teaches 6th grade Life Science. “I don’t know what I thought 6th grade was going to be like but honestly they are probably some of my favorite students. They are very energetic and always asking questions, stuff that I don’t even know sometimes so I gotta like google it or try to find it and I’m like ‘where did that even come from’.” He adds more details about how fun they are like

“I can literally put

a gummy bear in a beaker and they think it is like the most amazing thing.”

Mr. Brewer, who already knew he would not return to Bolles the next year, realized that he truly wouldn’t see his students before he moved.

Brewer said,

Mr. Brewer picking on a student to answer the question.

This story is dedicated to Mr. Brewer’s mother.

“The hardest part with leaving the way I did with quarantine happening and not being able to say goodbye to you guys [his students] and to my colleagues.”

So, in the midst of the pandemic, Mr. Brewer left Bolles and Jacksonville to move to St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas, Texas.

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Mr. Brewer’s new school; the St. Mark’s School of Texas

Mr. Brewer’s “Family” When Mr. Brewer moved to Texas, he proposed to his real girlfriend. For real this time.

For those who did not have Mr. Brewer as a teacher, he had a family photo sitting on his desk with him, his five kids, and his girlfriend, Rihanna. But the thing about this is that Mr. Brewer doesn’t have any kids, and he’s definitely not dating Rihanna.

Mr. Brewer’s fake family has been a running joke for five years. He even has names for all of them; Riley, Rashad, Reece, River, and the twins Raine and Raina.

Most would think that because he now has a fiance that he would stop the fake family photo. But no, Mr. Brewer still keeps his fake family photo in his office, on a shelf in between photos of him and his real fiance.

About the St. Mark’s School of Texas The St Mark’s School of Texas has been around since 1906 and only had 42 students to start out. It is now 2021 and they have more than 900 students.

Like Bolles, it is a college preparatory school, but unlike Bolles, it is an all-boys school.

All of their grades are on the same campus, the lower school is just slightly further away. Like how Bolles has their high school and lower school on the same campus but they don’t run into each other.

A quote from David W. Dini, Eugene McDermott Headmaster “Courage and Honor are two words commonly used to describe the ethos of our campus.

As the School motto, these terms remind us what values underpin our mission and daily work.”

Brewer’s new office. If you look closely you can see the family photo on the third shelf from the bottom.

When asked how his fiance feels about the fake family photo his response was “both her and my mom tell me ‘you need to let that picture go’, my mom even purposely gave me that picture of me and my fiance to get rid of the family photo and I was like no I’m just going to put it on a different shelf.”

This is the picture Mr. Brewer keeps in his office to represent his “family.”

Brewer’s new classroom is in a building that was built in 2019.

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Club Spotlight

Have YOU heard the word about these clubs?

Clariss Valdivia Contributing Writer

CHARACTERS FOR CARE Emily Lekas (‘21)

Why did you decide to start/take over this club?

So this was a way for me to really get more involved and I've learned so much and being able to serve this community is something that was really special.

Well, the previous president was graduating when I was becoming a junior, and this was a club that I really loved, and I wanted to have a leadership position and so I decided to run for president because she was graduating.

What upcoming activities has your club planned?

What is the purpose or goal of your club?

Characters for Care is a club that runs sales at Bolles to buy costumes, and then we dress up in those Disney costumes and act in character when we visit children with special needs, because often children with special needs can't visit Disney due to various complications, and we believe is above that every child deserves some Disney magic. So we bring Disney magic to them. The various organizations or schools that we visited are JSA, (Jacksonville School of Autism), Northeast Florida School of Special Education, and SSE.

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(Above) Emily Lekas (‘21) and Ashmitha Arun (‘21) at a Lower School event

Why should people join your club?

We just had a hot chocolate sale, we raised almost $120. We have had brownie sales, cookie sales, hot chocolate sales, bundtini sales, we essentially just do sweet sales.

You should join my club because it's a great way to pursue a person's passion if they love acting or interacting with kids or dress up, “Some of the most impactanything like that. And combine that with a ful things I have taken way to serve the greater community. So if away from being a part of anyone's interested in getting involved with and leading this club are the special needs community, there is a need the importance of trying for more volunteers and more involvement, new things and applying more awareness. So this is a really fun club. your individual talents to I think it's something really unique, like I've benefit the community. never heard of anything like this. So if you I have learned that you love Disney or if you love acting - and you should not be afraid to don't have to have experience with interacting start something just bewith children. I didn't have that much experience coming into the club. I had just babysat cause you may not know a lot about it.” a couple children with special needs before.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Why did you decide to start/take over this club?

Okay, well, I've always personally been interested in birds and wildlife conservation, and I'm a new junior. I was really interested in starting this club and studying birds and learning more about them, and just kind of creating a nice group of people.

BIRD CLUB

just like to go out. We bring binoculars, and we like to go out to certain observation points and wildlife preservation centers and walk around and spend time looking at animals and life.

Sophia Landy (‘22) You should join it if you have an interest in learning about wildlife, not just birds, you have an interest in preserving the environment. So then you should join it because I think it just gives a broader perspective on all the opportunities that you have in this area [wildlife].

Why should people join your club?

What is the purpose or goal of your club?

What upcoming activities has your club planned?

Okay, so our goal, as of now is to fundraise for the Audubon Society, which is money that goes towards bird and wildlife conservation and environmental stuff. And as well as raising awareness of like, I guess, the wildlife but specifically, you know, birds. And we do this through the fundraising as well as we have little nature bird watching sessions throughout the year. We’ve had about two this year, and they're open to anyone. So we

Yeah, so we're planning on right now we're designing t-shirts to fundraise to be able to be worn on Spirit days. And we're hopefully planning this year to go to a bird Rescue Center and volunteer or tour the center and learn more about that process.

And then also our bird watching sessions.

(Left) Photo credit Sophia Landy

(Right) GSA at an event.

Why did you decide to start/ take over this club?

So we had noticed that, you know, existing as LGBT people at Bolles, that we didn't really have a safe place, we wanted to have a place for LGBT people and our allies so that would could talk about stuff out in the open and feel safe, like nobody was going to judge us for anything. And of course, part of it was that we were going to raise money and help some local LGBT foundations in Jacksonville, so that’s how we started with [donating to] JASMYN house.

What is the purpose or goal of your club?

So we are to foster an undstanding between straight allies at Bolles and our gay students at Bolles, or trans

GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE Grace Maroon (‘21)

students at Bolles. We wanted to foster an understanding and create a safe for them to be able to express themselves.

Why should people join your club?

It’s fun! We have a lot of fun, we have a lot of morning meetings that’s just us hanging out and like doing arts and crafts. We’re always open to people coming, you do not have to be gay to join our club, we have a lot of straight allies that help us out. And it’s educational!

What upcoming activities has your club planned?

We work with the JASMYN house, it’s a house in downtown Jacksonville. Basically, what they do, is they provide a place for LGBT people to go if they just want to meet other gay people in Jacksonville, or if they don’t have a safe home life and they just want a place to go during the day or after school, just a safe place for them to go where there’s other gay people there. They do a lot of talks about STDS and HIV testing, so it provides a lot of resources for LGBT people who might not have the means to get support. So we do a lot of sales for that.

“This is a very sort of insulated environment, and so gay and trans and otherwise kids might not have either the best place at home or the most accepting place on campus, so I want them to have that, especially trans students.”

- Brenna Hughes (‘21)

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Finding Your Path Good Places to Hike in Jax

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Ian Wilkinson Contributing Writer

iking in Jacksonville is a great way to experience some of the unique, natural landscapes that the city has to offer, whilst adding hours to your Bolles Outdoor Challenge.

Now don’t get me wrong, you won’t find super strenuous mountain trails or extreme elevation gains in Florida, but there is an abundance of interesting scenery within city limits. This guide was created to show the best trails and hikes in Jax, FL, so you can get outdoors and enjoy some of the city’s best sandy (and yes, even green) spaces.

Tillie K. Fowler Park Review: Tillie K. Fowler Park started small in 1996, only having an observation tower, nature center, and an outdoor classroom to its name. However, over the next 25 years the reserve grew into what we see today: 509-acres of preserved historic roads and easy-to-navigate trails. The park now possesses two dog parks for large and small dogs, an archery range, 3.5-miles of dirt-bike track, playground, and even a bathroom.

I have been a regular attendee at Fowler Park since I was a child, and am always surprised with the developments and natural

ambiance. The twisted pine, bridge walks, and friendship of our fellow-hikers creates a desirable enviroment for any avid hiker, while the trail’s serenity makes it seem as though we are immersed within one of the few Floridian locations without mosquitoes.

the choice to stay on the pavement or go onto the many bridges.

When strolling the Downtown Riverwalk with my mother and dog, Draco, I noticed a few hidden gems along the way. Firstly was the outdoor gym, fully equipped with weights and bars while constructed in an artistic style.

Secondly was the water taxi, an unknown lifesaver to those who want a shortcut across the river.

Unfortunately, the water taxi is only running for special cruises due to COVID-19, but it’s availability and cross-water journey has always been a joy in the past.

Much like the Pont de Arte in Paris, couples lock locks on the Northbank Riverwalk, Downtown

Downtown Riverwalk Review: The Downtown Riverwalk is a 1.2mile stretch of inner-city, river-side hiking and biking trails. Due to its location, its travelers have easy access to parking, the Riverside Arts Market, and Downtown Jax, making a mid-hike snack run entirely possible. Despite being inner-city, the Riverwalk has a natural feel through its beautiful view of the St. Johns river and the downtown skyline. Not only that, but there is a diverse range of elevation, giving hikers and bikers

Florida-themed graffiti on Tillie K. Fowler’s observation tower.

Before You Go...

Jacksonville’s trails are beautiful, but they’re often hot, swampy, and infused with insects. To help make your hikes as enjoyable as possible, I am sharing the basic hiking gear that I bring, along with a list of items that you should consider taking along with you on your hike.

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Must-Haves Water (42 ounces) Snacks (Trail mix, trail or protein bars) Closed-Toe Shoes (Hiking boots, durable yet comfortable tennis shoes) Breathable hiking clothes - wear layers in colder weather.

Durable Day-Pack to carry all your gear (Osprey, CamelBak) Watch (Timex , G-Shock)

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Honorable Mentions of Places to Hike 7 Creeks Reservation Hannah Park Talbots Island Arlington Arboretum

The under-bridge gym that hikers will encounter on their hike of the Downtown Riverwalk.

A view from Tillie K. Fowler’s observation tower.

An Update on the Bolles Outdoor Challenge Other Items to Consider Hat (Brimmed or Baseball style) Bug Spray Sunscreen Trekking poles First Aid Kit Camera

For the past few months the upper, middle, and lower school have been participating in the Bolles Outdoor Challenge. “The challenge is to enjoy [the outdoors] and document 20 hours spent being active outside,” Mrs. Moyer-Shad said in a Schoology post. “For every 20 hours you complete, you will be entered to win a $100 gift card.” As of now, Bolles has 182 online entries from kids, and faculty, on almost all campuses.

“I’ve had 2 completed hard copy forms turned in- one from Daphne Vegenas and one from Nate Drew. Looking at the online entries, Josh Hoekstra and Ander Kelley also have over 20 hours,” Mrs. Moyer-Shad commented. Good job Bolles! Keep it up.

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Mrs. Moody-Rosete posing by one of the tables in Wolf & Cub Photo Credit: Debra Heuskin Photography

Wolf and Cub

Go Wild With Vintage Fashion Sarah Scherkenbach Co-Editor-in-Chief

W

ith its art-filled walls, the warm glow radiating from strung lights and dangling fixtures, as well as the brightly colored tables and perfectly curated setups, stepping into Wolf and Cub feels like entering a cozy corner of the world. “[What] we really try and bring is a fun experience-something you can’t get shopping on Amazon. Online, you can’t touch and feel and smell and experience just being in the store,” Mrs. Moody-Rosete, one of the coowners of the small, independent shop, expressed.

In 2014, Bolles parents Emily Moody-Rosete’s and Varick Rosete’s passions for sustainability, creativity, and fashion fused together to form Wolf and Cub,

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a concept shop that carries a wide variety of vintage, new, and specialty pieces made all around the globe.

Named for the Rosete’s own spirit animals, the shop offers customers ways to capture their own unique spirits of the fashion world. “Deep down, what we love is just encouraging people to be themselves and harness their own style,” Moody-Rosete explained.

Besides running Wolf and Cub, both Mrs. Moody-Rosete and her husband each work an additional full-time job. She is the Managing Event and Program Producer at the Cummer Museum while Mr. Rosete is a Creative Director for the production company Tiger Lily Media.

For Moody-Rosete, creativity has been flowing through her veins

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since childhood, “I feel like maybe it’s just innately in me. I know I had a paintbrush in my hand when I was under the age of two. My mom didn’t mind if I was getting messy and just experiencing things. I think that probably laid the foundation, and then I just really ran with it,” she elaborated.

As a child, she had an unofficial business selling hair bows door-todoor. Eventually, during adulthood, this love translated into Anomaly, essentially an early version of Wolf and Cub located in Five Points with a live music venue at the back of the store.

The focus shifted more towards the music aspect of Anomaly, which ended up being moved downtown, and the nightlife demands, in time, became too wearing. Still remaining true to her artistic nature, Mrs. Moody-Rosete began working at the Cummer Museum meanwhile still making jewelry and other accessories on the side.

Missing the entrepreneurial fulfillment, however, she and Mr. Rosete then began the brand of Wolf and Cub. She described starting out, “We were doing pop-

ups and night markets and just smaller things, but we didn’t have a brick and mortar location.”

After temporarily running the shop for around three months in a different downtown location, they discovered Wolf and Cub’s soonto-be home on North Laura Street, and it has almost been five years since moving in.

Moody-Rosete excitedly explained the process of discovering items for the store, “We carry handcurated vintage. It’s all handpicked by my husband and I. We love to travel, so before the pandemic, we would love going over to Paris and finding vintage there and bringing back suitcases full [of items] that we’ll then sell, and then, I go to New York and go to a vintage jewelry dealer there that carries what they call “deadstock,” which is uncirculated vintage.”

Deep down, what we love is just encouraging people to be themselves and harness their own style.

— Mrs. Moody-Rosete Besides the hand-curated vintage, Wolf and Cub also sells t-shirts designed by Mr. Rosete (they also offer custom t-shirts).

A window into Wolf & Cub’s world Photo Credit: Sarah Scherkenbach what we believe,” Moody-Rosete elaborated.

The proceeds from some of their advocacy-related merchandise, such as their ‘and justice for all’ and Ruth Bader Ginsberg shirts, are donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Another shirt design also helped raise donations for JAMS, which is the Jacksonville Art and Music School.

Part of the love towards Wolf and Cub also comes from how personal the Rosetes try to make the shopping experience feel for their customers. “A lot of my customers become my friends too, which is nice. They have been shopping

with me for a long time, especially people that have been shopping with me since my days in Five Points at our old store Anomaly,” Mrs. Moody-Rosete fondly said.

Despite all the challenges of establishing and running a business, Moody-Rosete approaches everyday life with creativity and a smile, “If you love what you do, you just got to keep going and don’t give up. Just keep on keeping on.”

The Wolf & Cub Website

Debra Heuskin Photography

From an idea to a physical shirt, the process exemplifies the business’ dependency on teamwork. He plans. She prints and preps for sale. Together, they decide on colors and the overall aesthetic.

As so many of their beliefs and values guide the small pack that is Wolf and Cub, the store also offers shirts that advocate for important causes they support. “Honestly, as a small business, there is a risk in putting yourself out there like that and showcasing your political beliefs, but at the same time, I feel to be quiet is going against

Wolf & Cub’s warm, inviting atmosphere greets all who enter.

Photo Credit: Debra Heuskin Photography BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

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Thrifting Sustains Us Cute School-Appropriate Outfits for Cheap and for Good Megan Howard Social Media Editor Katie Creveling Contributing Writer Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel in San Marco is the perfect spot to find both cute and cheap school clothes. As well, one can find luxury handbags and gently used wedding dresses, making Fifi’s the go to stop for professional and formal wear.

According to the documentary, The True Cost, American consumers discard over 11 million tons of clothing annually. In order to produce these clothes, companies use huge amounts of toxic chemicals, dyes, and synthetic fabrics, which ultimately seep into our water supply. The environmental footprint left by these companies is gigantic and, arguably, destroying our planet.

The future of the fashion industry lies in the control of the consumer. If consumers prioritize environmental sustainability, the fashion industry will have no choice but to follow. One can do this by purchasing clothing from local thrift stores, like Fifi’s, or by buying secondhand products online on platforms like Depop.

Even if you are not a fan of secondhand clothing, you can find responsible brands.

On February 8th, Levi’s introduced their new line of environmentally sustainable denim. Denim is incredibly unsustainable.

Fashion United writes that in order to produce a singular pair of jeans, 20,000 liters of water are required.

The new Levi’s line claims that their new styles are, “water-saving, treeloving, and waste-reducing.”

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Katie wears an Old Navy shirt (thrift price: $12, original: $28) underneath a vintage Ralph Lauren Sweater (thrift price: $28, original: $125).

Katie wears J. Crew pants (originally $79.50) with Catherine Malandrino sneakers (orignially $80).

Megan’s full school outfit Credits: Creveling

Pictured above is a brand new pair of Nike Air Force 1’s (orginally $90 - so a $62 savings). As well, grey plaid pants from Talbot that retail between $90 and $110. All together, the shirt, pants and shoes were $58.

Thrify Ethics 101: Tik Tok Thrifters post hauls treasures they scored. If you are able to purchase 100+ dollars worth of second-hand clothes, should you really be thrifting? When upper- and middle-class people begin to thrift, are they taking resources from the poor?

The subject is complicated. Goodwill has been under scrutiny for its recent price increases. But there is no real evidence linking price increase to the wealthy thrifting. And your dollars help places like Hubbard House fund their domestic violence emergency shelters and programs.

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ARTS Ananse Ntontan — Spider’s Web

$2

6

A symbol of wisdom, creativity, and the complexities of life.

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A New Age of Film Jacksonville Film Festival Survives Pandemic Sara Wasserman Contributing Writer

E

ach and every filmmaker holds the art in a special way to them. Tim Driscoll, the Film Programmer for the Jacksonville Film Festival, was introduced to filmmaking as a junior in high school after creating films for class. He describes the best thing about filmmaking as watching the film take shape, when all of the pieces finally fit together.

“I mean that’s a thrill even when I’m not directing,” said Driscoll.

“I just really like seeing my vision that’s been in my head for so long unfold in front of me.”

Finding a spark of inspiration to create the perfect film may seem daunting, but every filmmaker finds it in a different way. Arceneaux finds inspiration through music, personal interests, and more.

“As far as narratives go, that can be really from anything, like even a piece of music that might inspire me to do something,” said Arceneaux.

Elizabeth Arceneaux ‘21 is a senior studying cinematic arts at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. She cannot trace her love of filmmaking back to one moment, but remembers having fun filming videos from a very young age.

“I would just make a bunch of videos all the time with my dolls for my own amusement,” recalls Arceneaux.

Every year at the San Marco theater, a collection of the best filmmakers showcase their works to the audience of Jacksonville.

Driscoll spoke about the ups and downs of the filmmaking industry, as well as what the effects of Covid left on the festival.

While the idea of filmmaking for the first time may seem intimidating, Driscoll explains that it doesn’t have to be a complex or challenging process. “The simplest way to do it is to use something like your phone or any other recording device you have, and do a whole film in one shot.”

Arceneaux describes her favorite part of filmmaking as directing and being on set. She loves the atmosphere of everyone working together towards a common goal.

30

Behind the Scenes of Elizabeth Arceneaux’s film, A Brother’s Love

“Just grab a camera, go and be creative, and it’ll take you far.” advised Arceneaux.

“Just grab a camera, go and be creative, and it’ll take you far.”

— Elizabeth Arceneaux ‘21 For people considering embarking on their first film, Driscoll urges that sound is one of the most crucial factors to storytelling. “I can forgive bad acting, I can forgive bad lighting, even some bad direction but bad sound, it’s hard to get past that.”

Arceneaux explained that each filmmaker has their own style in what kinds of films they make and how they make the audience feel.

She describes her own style as films that have a positive message.

“When you’re a filmmaker, you end up creating a creative world that you work in. So it’s kind of like your films all live in that same world.”

Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Arceneaux Though professional filmmaking proves to be rather time consuming, beginner filmmakers can still create amazing films.

It’s a project that Driscoll says is definitely worth trying for first-time filmmakers. “It’s absolutely worth doing to just try it out and just see if you like it and see if there’s a part of it that sparks joy and excitement and curiosity for you.”

Arceneaux agrees that it’s completely possible for people to find filmmaking later in life. She recommends starting by filming with a phone and watching videos on Youtube to learn about editing.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

The 2021 Jacksonville Film Festival’s Logo Photos Courtesy of JFF The 2021 Jacksonvile Film Festival from February 5th to February 7th will undoubtedly feel different, but attending the viewing will still

remain an incredible experience.

This year’s theme is “Turning Point”, a theme that encompasses the uncharted pandemic as well as films created by filmmakers who have been overlooked in the past.

“We wanted to really emphasize a turning point as far as focusing on minority filmmakers, female filmmakers, filmmakers who don’t as often get an opportunity, or aren’t as often exposed and brought to the masses.” Driscoll explained.

There are several categories that the festival features films in. One interesting genre that Driscoll enjoys is called Utterly Macabre.

While it would typically have a scary or morbid connotation, this category is filled with all sorts of odd films that make for a fun watch.

“It’s usually our scarier or creepier block, but it’s also our block of films that just has sort of the nontraditional things, they sort of exist outside of drama, outside of comedy, they’re just kind of weird.”

With all the different types of films, there is something for everybody at the festival.

“So whether you like the content or not, that’s up to you, and I can’t say anything to that, but I can tell you that craft-wise, these films are all well made.” assured Driscoll.

The festival is also available for teens to submit to, as there is no minimum age for entry. This festival and many others are a great way to get involved in the filmmaking industry as a highschooler when other options might be limited.

“I try to enter film festivals as much as possible, especially Florida ones because you really never know which one’s going to pick something up of yours that they like,” said Arceneaux.

The organizers of the festival did contemplate holding it virtually, or even cancelling it altogether.

Ultimately, they decided to push the festival from September to

February. They found ways to work around the obstacles of Covid while still making the festival an enjoyable experience for all.

“Once we decided to push it, a lot of our filmmakers were really for it, they were happy that we were doing it in-person so we decided we would keep it in-person.” said Driscoll.

This year, several safety precautions have been taken in order to ensure the safety of those who attend the festival. The theaters have been reduced to half capacity and staff will be tested for the virus before the festival.

Masks are required for all when not enjoying snacks from the limited concession available.

A still from the Jacksonville Film Festival’s 2021 opening feature film, Beast Beast Photos Courtesy of JFF

“Hopefully the audience will feel safe and want to come out.” said Driscoll.

“I can tell you that craft-wise, these films are all well made.”

— Tim Driscoll

Last year’s Jacksonville Film Festival viewing pre-Covid Photos Courtesy of JFF

As well as altering the festival, Covid has shaped Arceneaux’s plans for this year. “I wanted to do another big narrative film like I did with my thesis, but especially at the beginning of the year that just didn’t look like a possibility.”

The pandemic has caused filmmakers everywhere to rethink how they will film this year. Arceneaux describes the frustration that many are experiencing. “It’s honestly kind of disappointing especially since it’s my senior year.”

The art of creating a film is challenging yet rewarding. After this rough year and the effects it left on the industry as a whole, Driscoll shares a common phrase in the world of filmmaking: “Whatever the question is, the answer is always it depends.”

Teen Filmmaker Elizabeth Arceneaux ‘21 Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Arceneaux BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

A New Age of Film Jacksonville Film Festival Survives Pandemic Sara Wasserman Contributing Writer

E

ach and every filmmaker holds the art in a special way to them. Tim Driscoll, the Film Programmer for the Jacksonville Film Festival, was introduced to filmmaking as a junior in high school after creating films for class. He describes the best thing about filmmaking as watching the film take shape, when all of the pieces finally fit together.

“I mean that’s a thrill even when I’m not directing,” said Driscoll.

“I just really like seeing my vision that’s been in my head for so long unfold in front of me.”

Finding a spark of inspiration to create the perfect film may seem daunting, but every filmmaker finds it in a different way. Arceneaux finds inspiration through music, personal interests, and more.

“As far as narratives go, that can be really from anything, like even a piece of music that might inspire me to do something,” said Arceneaux.

Elizabeth Arceneaux ‘21 is a senior studying cinematic arts at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. She cannot trace her love of filmmaking back to one moment, but remembers having fun filming videos from a very young age.

“I would just make a bunch of videos all the time with my dolls for my own amusement,” recalls Arceneaux.

Every year at the San Marco theater, a collection of the best filmmakers showcase their works to the audience of Jacksonville.

Driscoll spoke about the ups and downs of the filmmaking industry, as well as what the effects of Covid left on the festival.

While the idea of filmmaking for the first time may seem intimidating, Driscoll explains that it doesn’t have to be a complex or challenging process. “The simplest way to do it is to use something like your phone or any other recording device you have, and do a whole film in one shot.”

Arceneaux describes her favorite part of filmmaking as directing and being on set. She loves the atmosphere of everyone working together towards a common goal.

30

Behind the Scenes of Elizabeth Arceneaux’s film, A Brother’s Love

“Just grab a camera, go and be creative, and it’ll take you far.” advised Arceneaux.

“Just grab a camera, go and be creative, and it’ll take you far.”

— Elizabeth Arceneaux ‘21 For people considering embarking on their first film, Driscoll urges that sound is one of the most crucial factors to storytelling. “I can forgive bad acting, I can forgive bad lighting, even some bad direction but bad sound, it’s hard to get past that.”

Arceneaux explained that each filmmaker has their own style in what kinds of films they make and how they make the audience feel.

She describes her own style as films that have a positive message.

“When you’re a filmmaker, you end up creating a creative world that you work in. So it’s kind of like your films all live in that same world.”

Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Arceneaux Though professional filmmaking proves to be rather time consuming, beginner filmmakers can still create amazing films.

It’s a project that Driscoll says is definitely worth trying for first-time filmmakers. “It’s absolutely worth doing to just try it out and just see if you like it and see if there’s a part of it that sparks joy and excitement and curiosity for you.”

Arceneaux agrees that it’s completely possible for people to find filmmaking later in life. She recommends starting by filming with a phone and watching videos on Youtube to learn about editing.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

The 2021 Jacksonville Film Festival’s Logo Photos Courtesy of JFF The 2021 Jacksonvile Film Festival from February 5th to February 7th will undoubtedly feel different, but attending the viewing will still

remain an incredible experience.

This year’s theme is “Turning Point”, a theme that encompasses the uncharted pandemic as well as films created by filmmakers who have been overlooked in the past.

“We wanted to really emphasize a turning point as far as focusing on minority filmmakers, female filmmakers, filmmakers who don’t as often get an opportunity, or aren’t as often exposed and brought to the masses.” Driscoll explained.

There are several categories that the festival features films in. One interesting genre that Driscoll enjoys is called Utterly Macabre.

While it would typically have a scary or morbid connotation, this category is filled with all sorts of odd films that make for a fun watch.

“It’s usually our scarier or creepier block, but it’s also our block of films that just has sort of the nontraditional things, they sort of exist outside of drama, outside of comedy, they’re just kind of weird.”

With all the different types of films, there is something for everybody at the festival.

“So whether you like the content or not, that’s up to you, and I can’t say anything to that, but I can tell you that craft-wise, these films are all well made.” assured Driscoll.

The festival is also available for teens to submit to, as there is no minimum age for entry. This festival and many others are a great way to get involved in the filmmaking industry as a highschooler when other options might be limited.

“I try to enter film festivals as much as possible, especially Florida ones because you really never know which one’s going to pick something up of yours that they like,” said Arceneaux.

The organizers of the festival did contemplate holding it virtually, or even cancelling it altogether.

Ultimately, they decided to push the festival from September to

February. They found ways to work around the obstacles of Covid while still making the festival an enjoyable experience for all.

“Once we decided to push it, a lot of our filmmakers were really for it, they were happy that we were doing it in-person so we decided we would keep it in-person.” said Driscoll.

This year, several safety precautions have been taken in order to ensure the safety of those who attend the festival. The theaters have been reduced to half capacity and staff will be tested for the virus before the festival.

Masks are required for all when not enjoying snacks from the limited concession available.

A still from the Jacksonville Film Festival’s 2021 opening feature film, Beast Beast Photos Courtesy of JFF

“Hopefully the audience will feel safe and want to come out.” said Driscoll.

“I can tell you that craft-wise, these films are all well made.”

— Tim Driscoll

Last year’s Jacksonville Film Festival viewing pre-Covid Photos Courtesy of JFF

As well as altering the festival, Covid has shaped Arceneaux’s plans for this year. “I wanted to do another big narrative film like I did with my thesis, but especially at the beginning of the year that just didn’t look like a possibility.”

The pandemic has caused filmmakers everywhere to rethink how they will film this year. Arceneaux describes the frustration that many are experiencing. “It’s honestly kind of disappointing especially since it’s my senior year.”

The art of creating a film is challenging yet rewarding. After this rough year and the effects it left on the industry as a whole, Driscoll shares a common phrase in the world of filmmaking: “Whatever the question is, the answer is always it depends.”

Teen Filmmaker Elizabeth Arceneaux ‘21 Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Arceneaux BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Rodrigo’s debut single has already earned the title of Spotify’s most streamed non-holiday song.

Photo Credit: Olivia Rodrigo - YouTube

‘Drivers License’

blends pop elegance with clever songwriting

Ian Peiris Online Editor

A

n unexpected gem has emerged from today’s music charts.

On January 8, 2021, pop industry newcomer Olivia Rodrigo released her debut single, “Drivers License,” and since then, the song has remained number one on the iTunes charts, reinvigorating the spirit of contemporary pop.

A Disney Channel alum, Rodrigo wrote the song after acquiring her driver’s license, albeit without her ex-boyfriend. The song describes her feelings of loss as she drives alone, imbued with isolation.

Although “Drivers License” remains Rodrigo’s first and only major

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release, the lyrical ballad explores ingenious methods of storytelling unlike any song on today’s top charts.

The track begins with the ambiance of driving a car, keys rattling and gears shifting into place. Rodrigo explained via TikTok that some sounds were cleverly recorded from inside her mom’s car.

Singing the first verse, Rodrigo sets a reminiscent tone, almost engaging in a conversation with the listener. This method of musical storytelling is one of the many accomplishments of Rodrigo’s hit song. She quietly begins her story: “I got my driver’s license last week/ Just like we always talked about/ ‘Cause you were so excited for me/ To finally drive up to your house.”

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In the chorus, Rodrigo lets go of her soft, breathy tone and expresses her aching experience of love and loss using vocal strength.

She belts, “Guess you didn’t mean what you wrote in that song about me/ ‘Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street.”

When I first listened to the chorus, I was spellbound by Rodrigo’s powerful yet plaintive phrasing.

She emphasizes that although having a license to drive bestows freedom and independence, Rodrigo only remembers the tainted memories of her ex.

Beyond the chorus and second verse, Rodrigo exposes her deepest emotions in the bridge, what many fans deem the most memorable part of the song.

Accompanied with a powerful,

haunting choral track, Rodrigo directly expresses her internalized yearning: “Can’t drive past the places we used to go to/ ‘Cause I still f***in love you, babe.”

Fans have compared this part of the song to the likes of Taylor Swift and Lorde, artists whom Rodrigo herself idolizes. While I can hear the resemblance, I feel Rodrigo provides more of a unique spin on the bridge, incorporating her pop influences as well as her original style.

Wrapping up the song, Rodrigo releases her final waves of emotion in the outro, which unexpectedly showcases Rodrigo’s ingenious songwriting.

Warning: Slight music theory obsession ahead Even the final chord of the song cleverly conveys Rodrigo’s true feelings. While she could have ended the song with the first recitation of the line, “‘Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street,” Rodrigo chooses to repeat it again. Why would she do this?

Firstly, a driving metaphor in the pop industry is somewhat trite, with songs like Taylor Swift’s anthem “Getaway Car” engaging in its overuse. However, I appreciate Rodrigo’s attempts to stray from the bland lyrics of today’s music, where every breakup song is quite literally scripted as “you-hurt-me-somuch-I-hate-you.”

defining song reflects Rodrigo’s songwriting prowess, as well as her ability to convey strong emotion through music.

If this song encapsulates the very beginnings of Rodrigo’s career, I can only dream of the success she will garner in the near future.

Additionally, modeling after songs

by Billie Eilish or Lana Del Rey, the track’s generic, looping percussion reflects the mundaneness which I dislike in today’s music industry.

If Rodrigo had varied her drum beats throughout the song, I would’ve found it much more appealing.

Nonetheless, these minor flaws only partially take away from the track’s integrity. The career-

Overall rating:

9/10

Drivers License: Annotating the Drama Isabel Bassin

The answer lies within the corresponding chord progressions.

During the first iteration of the line, Rodrigo sings “street” above a B-flat major chord. During the second reiteration, the chord reshapes into g minor, the original chord’s relative minor.

It is well-known (even if you didn’t know the terms) that a major chord conveys happiness, joy, and satisfaction, whereas a minor chord depicts sadness, loneliness, and isolation.

Rodrigo reinforces this principle by ending her song on a minor chord instead of a major one. Therefore, she feels that the experience of her breakup left emotions unsettled, that she harbors uncomfort upon recalling memories of her ex. Perhaps there is more to this simple song than we once thought.

Despite its powerful message and melodious execution, there are a few flaws with Rodrigo’s soaring ballad.

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Issue 004 Crossword Amber Bansal Contributing Writer

Down: 1. Fill in the blank: Tillie K. ______ Park. (pg. 32-33) 3. In what city is the Cordish Companies based? (pg. 24-25) 5. How many different styles of Confederate Flags are there? (pg. 51) 6. What grade is Elizabeth Arceneaux in? (pg. 38-39) 7. What is the acronym used to test the validity of a claim or theory? (pg. 16-17) 9. What university did Justin Cayenne sign with for football? (abbreviated name) (pg. 44) 13. What is the last name of the speaker who came to Bolles for our MLK convocation? (pg. 8-9) 14. What is the name of the organization that GSA works with? (pg. 30-31) 18. What print does Brody Grasher like to read? (abbreviated version) (pg. 20-21)

Across: 2. What university did McLaughlin graduate from? (name of university) (pg. 10-11) 4. What state is Tower Hill School in? (pg. 26) 8. On what type of chord does Olivia Rodrigo end her song “Drivers License?” (pg. 40-41) 10. What is a popular pop culture news TikTok account? (include the @) (pg. 20-21) 11. What state did Ms. Bodin work

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in for a dancing company? (state abbreviation) (pg. 18-19)

19. What is Growers Alliance’s most popular coffee? (pg. 12-13)

12. What brand of shoe did Megan buy from the thrift store? (pg. 3637)

The first 3 people to submit the correct finished puzzle with the QR code will get a gift card!!!

15. What is the name of Mr. Brewer’s fake girlfriend? (pg. 28-29) 16. What did Mrs. Moody-Rosete (owner of Wolf and Cub) sell door to door when she was little? (pg.

34-35) 17. What percentage of Bolles Faculty identifies as noncaucasian? (pg. 7)

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SPORTS Wawa Aba — Seed of the Wawa Tree A symbol of hardiness, toughness, and perseverance.

From Startings to Signings Justin Cayenne’s Path to Division 1 College Football.

Thomas Keaveny Technology Editor If you are applying for a college or program in theater, you submit an audition reel or if you are applying for a college or program in the studio arts, you submit a portfolio.

Most people consider athletics to be a whole different realm of college admissions; a process with terms such as offers, committings, and signings, alien to people that don’t plan on pursuing high level, intercollegiate athletics.

Justin Cayenne, who recently signed to the University of Pennsylvania on February 3, 2021 for football. “I originally got

44

started playing football around 7 or 8. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it so I ended up quitting after a year.”

middle school for two years, and just finished my 4th year playing high school football.”

“Two years later, I decided I wanted to get back into it, so I returned to pop warner football for two years,

Cayenne quit football - a very uncommon occurrence among student athletes working towards playing their sport in college.

“For me, there was never a real definite moment. Over the years, I developed it from my dad and brother— they are both hard workers and push me everyday. ” - Cayenne

I asked him why he returned and if he had a “this is what I want to do” moment. “For me, there was never a real definite moment. Over the years, I developed it from my dad and brother. They are both hard workers and push me everyday.”

Along with indirect familial push was a goal to continue somewhat of a family tradition of greatness.

“Also, my father played Division 1

college basketball, so it was kind of a goal that I wanted to achieve that too and be like him, but through football.”

I’ve always thought that if you are doing something, do it to the best of your ability. I have that same mentality with football. I already know we practice countless hours, so I might as well make the most of them because I am going to be there no matter what.”

Like many athletes, and especially those in contact sports such as football, Justin has had his fair share of obstacles, including breaking his foot three times, a torn labrum, dislocated shoulder, concussion, and foot and shoulder surgeries. Despite the challenges and setbacks, it never stopped him from reaching Division 1 at UPenn.

“I’ve always thought that if you are doing something, do it to the best of your ability. I have that same mentality with football.”

Whether there’s a focus on athletics, academics, or arts, Cayenne perceived common ground in the routine and structure of the Common App. “I committed in August and from then on it was just like any other common app application,” Cayenne said, “Aside from a few supplemental essays, everything was just as for any other student.”

Left: Signing ceremonies give students a chance to share their triumph with friends and fellowathletes.

Right: Cayenne with two of his former coaches.

Below: Family and friends get into the frame for a celebratory photo.

All photos used with permission from Cayenne.

- Cayenne Despite the usual help from his college counselor, Cayenne stated that staffers from University of Pennsylvania did not aid him during the application process.

“My process was the same as any other student who applied to the University of Pennsylvania. I applied early decision and sent my application as soon as possible.

I didn’t receive outside help from coaches, administrators, or admissions offices.”

Cayenne also wanted to outline the fact that he cares about his academic presentation as well as his athletics, backed up with statistics such as consistent First Honors and substantial volunteer work. “Athletics do not mean much when it comes to Ivy League admissions,” Cayenne said.

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S U P E R B O W L S U R V E Y Design by Ian Peiris

OP-ED Mate Masie — What I Hear, I Keep A symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and prudence.

Su Ertekin-Taner Creative Editor

I

, Su Ertekin-Taner, pledged to be fully present during online school.

Now look at me, I’m fading away in front of the screen.

6:00 AM My only source of success: working up motivation out

of thin air to begin the day… and it begins at six in the morning. The iPhone alarm jars my ears. It’s a kind of deja vu that I don’t ever feel lucky to remember and yet have to. Everyday.

Cracking textbooks at the crack of dawn, my kind of education. And so I open my history textbook, trying to do the same to my eyes.

Maybe splashing some water on my face will help, I think. And yet, no matter how many drops of water I assault my skin with, I can’t awaken. Like some soapy lagoon monster, I make my way back to the bed and convince myself to learn American history. At this point, I know it better than my own.

SELF P 7:00 AM I drag my legs into some sweatpants and my arms into an unrelated, non-Bolles shirt. Dress code is not something that matters when you’ve been moving between solely two rooms for the entirety of 10 months.

I reminisce on the one time I had the opportunity to leave 48

the house: SAT day.

Sometimes, I sink deeper and deeper into the nostalgia of feeling a non-air conditioner breeze on my body.

The spotlights on my bathroom mirror snap me out of my thoughts and remind me it is time to attempt to look good on camera.

Two large swipes of concealer or maybe three or a thousand and a cargo

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load of mascara. The goal is to make myself look like I thrive off limited movement, anxiety, and weight loss: the unexpected dangers of online school.

As I develop a Stockholm syndrome for Publix bagels, I study for whatever online assessment I have today. The joys of paper tests and quizzes are taken for granted, I think.

8:00 AM It’s zero hour and I feel the need to catch up in all of my classes, but only choose one or two teachers to visit.

These thirty minutes feel like the only thirty minutes where I am catered to.

8:30 AM3:15 PM

except maybe less scary.

I have done online school for eleven months and counting.

I do not plan on going back.

Not because I do not want to, but because of my immune system. I am like Frankenstein’s monster of broken, non functioning body parts

Healthy problems are exacerbated during online schools. Turns out looking at a screen for thirteen hours a day is not healthy for students who already have chronic migraines and are prone to body fatigue.

None of these things matter across a screen. No teacher or student sees my bone-thin legs or the way my hands sweat when I’m about to

PLEDGE faint or the way I lose feeling in my lower body after a couple hours in front of the screen.

Today, yesterday, tomorrow students confront me with what they think are advantages to online school: taking assessments online, dressing out of dress code, having the internet at your fingertips when in-person students are required to put their own laptops away.

What empathy-lacking creatures we are.

longer and students’ figures on the screen blur, I worship the floor.

3:15 AM I find a new appreciation for the floor after school. I lay, back down, on the floor and feel it lift me up as I weigh it down.

Days where classes seem

When I lay down I think about the day’s occurrences: what I could have done to advocate for myself in class, my red-faced embarassment when I interupted one student or other. I think about my pledge to be present in online school.

I decide to fade away today.

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Curriculum Change

SATIRE: Florida Adapts Life Management Skills to Pandemic Cameron Gratz Contributing Writer

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has changed every part of our lives, and the State Board of Education thinks we should handle our lives differently too. So, they have made significant changes to the mandatory Life Management Skills class curriculum. But what exactly will be different? Let’s take a look at the changes.

The first area of difference is in nutrition, where the curriculum stresses that despite the closure of restaurants, it is still important to maintain a healthy diet. It further clarifies that despite being derived from a bean, chocolate is not, contrary to popular belief, a vegetable, nor is ketchup a soup or a salad.

Also added to the unit on personal money management is a segment on hoarding prevention. In this lesson, students will learn strategies they can use in real life to avoid going overboard on toilet paper, bottled water, or any other necessities. They will also hear gripping cautionary stories from people who now have enough toilet paper to last seven lifetimes, but who will not be able to retire in this one no matter how many side gigs they pick up

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“I just don’t know what I was thinking. I thought maybe if I bought enough toilet paper I could survive the pandemic better, but it didn’t help. And the store only had one-ply! Now I have no savings and terrible, off-brand toilet paper!” remarked guest speaker T.P. Peterson, who did not care to comment on the irony of her name.

Zoom etiquette will also be added to the curriculum. Students will learn that while it is acceptable not to follow dress code with regards to pants, they should nevertheless be worn if one plans to stand up at any time. Furthermore, teachers can tell when you are on your phone, because apparently trigonometry is not supposed to be funny, and the lecture on World War I does not sound like Call of Duty.

Additionally, students will refine their academic email writing skills.

During the course of this unit, pupils will find that teen slang and swear words have been joined by tired language like, ‘In these trying times…,’ and ‘We’re all in this together,’ on the list of phrases not to use. In fact, I nearly vomited just writing that.

The state is also adding a new, groundbreaking elective called Fundamentals of Common Sense, in which students will see cuttingedge research proving our own planet Earth to be round. (Mostly.)

It will also demonstrate, through careful analysis, that masks do not inhibit one’s ability to breathe, nor do vaccines contain microchips.

Your cell phone may as well, though, but no one wants to hear about that.

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College Freshmen Talk: Responses to the Updated Life Management Curriculum ----------------------------“I’m glad that the curriculum is finally getting a worthwhile change. The only things I remember from Life Management are “don’t do drugs” and “wear sunscreen.” I wish we would have got a refresher on the course later in high school.”

- John Smith (‘20) ----------------------------“I loved Life Management.

The class was taught really well and the information was very important. However, I felt that a few details were left out that could’ve really helped me in college. With the new curriculum, I’m glad that these minute yet crucial life hacks are getting more attention now. Especially the new Zoom Etiquette chapter.”

- Jane Doe (‘20)

Progression Rewinds Confederate Flag’s Appearance in Capitol Riya Kar Contributing Writer The Stars and Bars with 13 stars was in use as the offical flag of the Confederacy from 1861-1863. The flag most people associate with the Confederacy is the Battle Flag of Northern Virginia, most popular as a symbol after the Civil War. It has often been adopted as a sign of independence or defiance, often without historical context, said Karen Cox, professor of history at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. The confederate flag represents the malicious intentions of the slave owners in the south to keep slavery. The flag is the remains of the unprogressive minds of those wishing to discriminate based on

race and the color of one’s skin.

The old Confederate ideals coming to the capital of the country of freedom makes all the efforts of those that have fought and are fighting for the past 200 years seem futile.

With the current events in the Capitol, the once forgotten relic of cruel US history was brought back to citizens’ minds. The appearance of the Confederate flag in the Capitol, a representation of freedom and racial equality, brought about widespread outrage.

Confederate Flag Sales:

The flags can still be found at independent shops selling higher-end versions, websites with cheap imported flags, flea markets and from smaller makers.

Since 2015, stores in Alabama have sold an average of 800-1000 Confederate flags a year.

Demand for Confederate flags at Chris Ackerman’s Civil War memorabilia shop in Pennsylvania has surged since violence at a white nationalist rally in Virginia reignited the United States’ debate over race and the legacy of slavery.

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