The Bugle Issue 002 Quarter 3 2025-26 by bollesbugle

Bugle Issue 002 2025 - 2026

Vidoes and Multimedia

The Bolles Bugle Staff Co-Editors-in-Chief: Tristan Schneider Ellie Stewart Online Editor Sree Alam Co-Design-Editors Raaya Katugaha Zara Touheed Social Media Editor Jolee Abbey Photo Editor Dawson Brydges Coffeehouse Editor Hudson Powell Head Sports Editor Jack Laufer Assistant Sports Editors Akin Akande Wes Coughlin Staff Writers Ishaan Bansal Max Coulter JC Gonzalez Jimmy Hunt Meera Krish Eli Kuvin Reid Moscarillo Sawyer Powell Rollins Powell Ava Salmani Vedika Shenoy Advisor: Ms. Gastaldi

Editor’s Letter Dear Reader, Thank you so much for picking up (or digitally accessing) this copy of The Bolles Bugle, the student newsmagazine of The Bolles School. The beats of this issue include Student Life, Local, Sports, Op-Ed, and Videos & Multimedia. Some featured stories include a spotlight on Frankie Tapley’s sourdough business, coverage on the new Bolles mentorship program, and an update on the Bugle class of 2025 staffers. This spring, we had the pleasure of putting on our biannual Coffeehouse. Thank you to everyone who performed and attended! In addition to this edition of the Bugle, this semester, we also partnered with Perspective to produce a print edition of their work, including short stories, photography, and poetry. You can support them by reading through those magazines! The Bugle exists to inform the student body of current events in the Bolles community and in the greater global one. Our mission is to encourage student awareness of the world around us. We value journalistic integrity and respect above all else. The Bugle also appreciates student engagement - leave us a story idea through the form on our website, or send us a direct message with any questions, comments, or concerns. If you enjoy this issue and want more Bugle content, check out our website www.bollesbugleonline.com and follow us on Instagram @thebollesbugle for early article releases and additional content. Please also subscribe to our YouTube channel @thebollesbugle536 for many fun videos. Thanks for sticking with us, and welcome to the first semester edition of the 2025-26 school year! Sincerely,

Editorial Policy: The Bolles Bugle is the news magazine created by the journalism class at The Bolles School. Our publication focuses 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 faculty advisor. Please reach out to our faculty advisor, Ms. Gastaldi, with any questions or comments. She can be reached at gastaldie@bolles.org or at bollesbugleonline@gmail.com.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Ellie Stewart Co-Editor-In-Chief

Tristan Schneider Co-Editor-In-Chief

student Life

Day in the life as Mrs. Mechoso Ava Salmani Staff Writer

ere at Bolles, teachers go home when the bell rings. However, for Ms. Mechsoso, Associate Director of Residential Life, school isn’t only her work but also her home. An important part of a boarding student's life is dorm parents. They are supervisors for the students that live here on campus. Teachers such as Ms. Mechoso and many others stay at the school overnight all year around. Dorm parents are also like mentors to the students. Most dorm parents also teach at the school during the day. They supervise dorm rooms and organize fun activities over the weekend. “I’m basically the glorified mom to everybody,” said Ms. Mechoso. She is responsible for driving students around or taking them to doctor appointments and overall being like a mother to everyone. There are ten resident families that live here including Ms Mechoso.They either live in Bolles Hall, on the Bartram campus, or they live a minute walk from campus. Ms.Mechoso lives on the

"It's really just staying busy, staying active, and just making a fun weekend for everybody." — Mrs. Mechoso third floor of Bolles Hall. She lives there with her husband and her two kids as well. “We just have a functional living space,” Ms. Mechoso said. “It's just when you leave you're on a dorm

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

hall floor.” A lot of her neighbors are high school boys. Ms. Mechoso described her typical day as “really busy.” Every room has two people per room for both boys and girls. In the evening when school is out, boarders are involved in after school sports or activities. They served dinner every night in the dining hall from 6 to 7. Then startingare at 7.30,

Boarders Valerie Nissler, Francesca Tapley, Anaya Nehra, and Claire Castelein, at Universal. Credit: Claire Castelein '29 there’s a study hall where everyone is proctored together downstairs by Ms. Mechoso in Bolles Hall. For anybody who is maintaining high grades, there is a system called “dorm honors.” They do not have to attend a structured study hall, but they need to be quiet and respectful until 8:45 PM. Then there’s free time until 10. At 10 o'clock, everybody has to be on their wing and start preparing for bed. 10:30 is when a dorm parent will come through and check all rooms to make sure everyone is present. Ms. Mechoso said, “This is done to keep healthy habits to make you successful later in life. You don't necessarily have to be asleep, you just have to be in your room and quiet.” She wants to make a difference in boarder’s lives that will last throughout their life. Weekends are packed with many fun-filled plans by Ms. Mechoso.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, boarders enjoy activities and on Sunday, they take a trip to Town Center. Every weekend there is something new. They do things like paintballing and restaurant tours. They often go to San Marco and recently attended an Orlando Magic basketball game. She said, “It's really just staying busy, staying active, and just making it a fun weekend for everybody”. They do a lot of outdoor and oncampus activities too. Ms. Mechoso will open the dock and paddleboard for students to as a fun way to enjoy time on the water.They also go out to the football fields at night and playing pickup soccer, and go to the gym. Thanks to boarding parents like Ms. Mechososo boarder’s necessities are ensuring building stability in the Bolles community.

Boarders at dinnerValerie Nissler, Francesca Tapley, Anaya Nehra, and Claire Castelein, Credit: Claire Castelein, '29

Frankie's sourdough makes the day sweet Eli Kuvin Staff Writer

nown as @fresh.byfrankie on Instagram, Frankie Tapley ‘28 bakes and sells delicious sourdough bread throughout the Bolles community. Her business now has 123 followers on Instagram and she has sold 20 loaves and currently has 22 orders to fill. Frankie started baking sourdough bread in late 2024, but in 2026, she decided to create a business and start selling her loaves. She sells a variety of flavors, including original, rosemary, cheese, cheese and herb, and chocolate. Frankie is also open to suggestions and experiments if you have any ideas. Frankie doesn’t just sell sourdough, though, she also makes other assortments of baked goods including banana bread, cookies, and brownies. Frankie plans to start making hummus in the future. She also started selling mini loaves. “My favorite flavor is rosemary,” Frankie said. “It was the first addition I added to the sourdough.” Also, all of her rosemary is freshly grown from her own garden, adding that special touch that helps to build the home-made fresh personality.

"I would 100% reccomend Fresh by Frankie to everyone." — Ransom Reback '28 Ransom Reback ‘28 recently purchased a rosemary sourdough from Frankie. “The bread was so good, I ate the entire loaf in two

days," he says. “I would 100% recommend Fresh by Frankie to everyone, her bread is quality, home made, and delicious.” Ransom especially enjoyed the rosemary touch, and says that “the texture and flavor of the loaf was unbelievable.”

Frankie's rosemary sourdough Credit: Frankie Tapley '28 Frankie puts lots of love into her sourdough, and making it is not an easy process. The sourdough takes around 2 days to make. “I start by making the dough with the sourdough starter (who’s named Trudy), flour, water, and then salt,” she says. She then has to stretch and fold the dough every half hour for 3 hours. After that, she lets the bread sit overnight.

The interesting thing about sourdough starters is they can last forever if maintained properly, with some being over 100 years old. Similar to a pet, you have to feed sourdough starters, with flour and water. Because the sourdough starters last so long, people will name them. Thus, Frankie’s sourdough has been named Trudy. Sourdough bread also has an extensive history. It is thought to have originated in Egypt around 4,000 BC. However, there is evidence indicating it may have been used as far back as 37,000 BCE. Frankie says her motivation is “seeing and hearing people’s reactions when they try it. “I love making people happy in the form of food.” She also really enjoys the process of making the bread and will take any chance she can to improve it. Frankie's bread is highly praised by current customers. Her business is continuing to grow. If you would like to order Frankie’s bread, you can talk to her at school, or dm her on instagram.

The next step in the process is to form the dough, and add in the special ingredients such as rosemary. The dough then has to be proofed in the fridge for 12 hours before baking. After all that, you get the beautiful and delicious result. Frankie first got her sourdough starter Trudy a year ago from her neighbor. It took her a while to get the hang of the baking, but after some practice and a few failed breads, her sourdough got to be as good as it is today.

Frankie's banana bread Credit: Frankie Tapley '28

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Dalkin brings new mentorship program T

Sree Alam Online Editor

he J. Malcolm Jones Jr. Mentorship Program is a new program at Bolles that aims to connect students with alumni mentors while honoring the legacy of J. Malcolm Jones, a member of the Bolles Class of 1971 and a former Bolles Board of Trustees member. The program was established after Jones’s passing six years ago, a generous gift from his family meant to celebrate his lifelong dedication to mentorship and service. Jones was widely known throughout Jacksonville for both his successful career in banking and his commitment to guiding others. As Ms. Ellie Dalkin, the program’s coordinator, explained, “He was known as a mentor for a

bunch of people in Jacksonville. A lot of Bolles alumni were mentored by him, and he was just an incredible individual.”

to students,” Dalkin explained, It gives students “a chance to learn from alumni’s paths and eventually from community members as well.”

After his death, the Jones family wanted to ensure that mentorship would remain a central value at Bolles. “When he passed away, the family graciously gave a gift to start this program,” Dalkin said, adding that the program exists “to build the program to honor his legacy.”

One of the main ways the program accomplishes this is through career exposure. Alumni visit classrooms to speak about their professions, share their personal journeys, and answer student questions. These sessions give students

Although the mentorship program itself is new, the vision behind it is expansive. The goal is not only to connect students with alumni but also to help students better understand themselves and the world beyond Bolles. “The hope is that this program will kind of open up the world

Dr. Ram Patnak '05, Dr. Dana Fender, and Dr. Kam Black '13 visit to talk in a Alumni Panel to students. Credit: Kristen DeSmidt

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

"The hope is that this program will kind of open up the world to the students," — Mrs. Dalkin insight into personal experiences and allow them to explore different fields in a meaningful way. “It gives them the space to reflect on what their strengths are and what it might look like for them to go out into the world,” Dalkin said. Dylan Schwartz ’24, visits and talks about his experience at a university abroad. Credit: Kristen DeSmidt The program also prioritizes student voice when selecting speakers. “I want to hear from students who they want to hear from,” Dalkin said. She works closely with teachers and the Alumni Relations office to bring in speakers who align with student interests. In addition to classroom speakers, the program has

“The whole goal of that program is to help you all as students kind of discover, almost like your personal vision,” she said. “What am I good at? What do I want to do? What are my interests? What are my values?”

Dylan Schwartz '24, visits and talks about his experience at a university abroad. Credit: Kristen DeSmidt

introduced more informal mentorship opportunities, including a new event called Muffins and Mentors. This setting is intentionally designed to feel more conversational. “This is kind of like voluntary, and you’re sitting around the table, and you get the chance to go back and forth,” Dalkin explained. The first Muffins and Mentors event featured alumni speaker Tim Miller, who spoke about his career in criminal defense. Dalkin described the event as a success, noting that the students asked really great questions. She added that the program plans to host one of these sessions every month for the remainder of the semester, continuing to build momentum and engagement. In its first semester alone, the The J. Malcolm Jones Jr. Mentorship Program brought 17 alumni to campus through classroom speakers, lunchand-learn events, and mentorship sessions, including Tim Miller, Emily Turner, and

Dylan Shwartz. This strong start reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the program and the desire for meaningful alumni-student connections. Tim Miller ’05 speaks to students in Kim Dividu’s class. Credit: Kristen DeSmidt Looking ahead, the program plans to expand even further with the launch of the Jones Fellows Program. This cohortbased initiative will pair students one-on-one with alumni mentors for a longerterm experience. Participants will also attend retreats and

Chelsea Reeves '16 and Ketan Patel speaking at a student panel Credit: Kristen DeSmidt

complete personal assessments designed to help them identify their skills and strengths.

For Dalkin, mentorship is not just a professional responsibility but a deeply personal value. “Part of the reason I took this job is that mentorship is so important to me,” she shared. Reflecting on her own experiences, she explained that she has had mentors at every stage of her life, starting in high school. One mentor of hers “just did

"It gives them the space to reflect on what their strengths are and what it might look like for them to go out into the world." — Mrs. Dalkin life with me… she gave me perspective. She helped me kind of think about what I’m good at.” These relationships, she said, were transformative. “I’ve been changed for the better,” she noted,, “I want that for students.” Ultimately, the J. Malcolm Jones Jr. Mentorship Program reflects both Jones’s legacy and a broader commitment to student growth. By fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging self-reflection, and providing real-world insight, the program aims to ensure that students leave Bolles not only academically prepared but also confident in who they are and where they hope to go.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Ms. Anderson joins the library staff Jack Laufer Head Sports Editor

his second semester, a new face joined the library staff: Mrs. Anderson.

Anderson is from New Jersey, but came down to Florida to row for Jacksonville University. Since moving, one of her biggest challenges has been trying to keep her garden alive in the Florida summers. Gardening is one of Anderson’s favorite hobbies, and her garden is probably where you can find her when she is not in the library or on the water. Her favorite plants to grow are herbs and berries.

added a ton of manga because we didn’t have that before… Seeing kids check it out was pretty sweet.” One thing that has shocked Anderson so far has been the amount of activity in the library during activities. “You would think that it would be slow, but during activities and zero hour, it’s bumping in here. It’s really cool to see how many kids actually use the library.” Right now, Anderson says that her favorite book is The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. “We just got it in, too, and I love fantasy books. It’s very long, but really good.”

Though she is the new Librarian Assistant, Anderson is not new to Bolles. For the past seven years, she has been the boys’ freshman novice crew coach and a substitute teacher. Anderson also loves to play with her black lab Vader and husky Seeker. Vader’s name is inspired by Darth Vader, the villain in the Star Wars series. Anderson is a huge Star Wars fan and her favorite movie is Episode III Revenge of the Sith. When Anderson was little, she had no intention of working in a library. In college, she got her degrees in History. “I never thought I’d be in a library… I saw the job post up and thought, “Oh, that could be fun,” so I applied.” Now that she’s been in the library for roughly two months, Anderson has learned that her favorite thing about her new job is seeing all the new books come in and being able to read them. “We’ve got a lot of new books. I would say almost 100 new ones. We take suggestions from kids, and so we

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Anderson's pups pose for the camera. Credit: Ms. Anderson

Anderson recommends The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien to all high school students. “I’m biased because I studied history but say The Lord of the Rings because I’m a big nerd.” Anderson wants all students to know that she’s approachable. “Come up and talk to me. I’m new to this position, but not new here, so just come and talk. I’m always here. If you want to have a book talk or a talk about anything really, just come and visit.”

Welcoming Spanish exchange students Meera Krish Staff Writer

rom January 8-17, I was part of the Spanish exchange.

On January 8, the students from Spain arrived at the airport, and we all went to pick them up. It was very nice to meet the students, and they were very kind. My correspondent is named Martina. She is sweet, and she enjoyed her visit to Jacksonville. “At Bolles,” Martina said, “we went on a lot of trips: we visited San Augustine, which was a beautiful place, we also went to the Downtown part of Florida, and we learned a lot at a plantation.” I enjoyed meeting students from another country and hearing about how their lives are similar and different from ours. Hearing them speak Spanish also helped me with my Spanish. They were able to see how different the United States is from Spain. “I fully immersed myself in American culture,” Martina said, “trying new foods that we don’t have in Spain, doing activities like

“I fully immersed myself in American culture,” trying new foods that we don’t have in Spain, doing activities like bowling, visiting outdoor markets, and touring the school.” - Martina '29 bowling, visiting outdoor markets, and touring the school.” She liked our school and how

Meera meets Martina at the airport. Credit: Meera Krish

different it is from hers. In Spain, her school, San Agustín, is one building, and there’s no walking outside from class to class. She enjoyed walking from building to building and getting fresh air. In Spain, the school schedules are also different. Instead of eating lunch at school, they eat lunch at home after school. It was fun to meet people from another country and hear about their culture and way of life. Another very different thing about Spain, is that they have a Siesta. A siesta is a period between 2 and 5 when everyone can rest; some shops close so workers can go home and spend time with family or have a nap before returning to work. It was also fun to show Martina American culture. The students from Spain do not have Chick-fil-A or Crumbl in their country, so they were able to try it here. Martina really loved both. This experience helped me to be more open-minded and appreciative of other cultures, which was one of the points of this program. Hosting Martina taught me the importance of communication and kindness when welcoming someone into a

new environment. This exchange allowed me to form a new friendship even though we do not speak the same language. It taught me that even though our cultures and lives are different, kindness and friendship are universal. Martina told me about her experience of being hosted. “I have been living with Meera and her family, and I consider myself very lucky to have been placed with this family, I am very grateful for how they all treated me, how they opened the doors of their home to me, and how they made my experience so complete,” she said. Martina has become a good friend through this program. I’m grateful for this experience to be able to host a student from another country and share my life with them. I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone considering or interested. During spring break, students who hosted the exchange students will be going to Spain to experience another country and be hosted instead of being the host. I’m very excited to go to Spain and experience a different lifestyle! BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Mr. Forrester shapes the future of Bolles Ishaan Bansal Staff Writer

lanning and coordinating programs at a school like Bolles, which has many campuses and educates kids from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade can be complex. The Associate Head of School, Mr. Andrew Forrester, assumed this role 2 years ago after moving from Sarasota, where he lived for 20 years. The weight of Bolles’s future rests on Forrester’s shoulders. Forrester's responsibilities are across all campuses. He has to work with the staff of the lower, middle, and upper schools to make sure that everyone is successful. “I work primarily with teachers and then with students to make sure that everybody’s having the best experience possible,” said Forrester.

the school. A big goal that Forrester has is to plan strategically and learn more about working more with his colleagues at school, offering the most support possible.

The future of Bolles has been a topic of deep thought for Forrester. He stated that he is trying to figure out how to ensure that Bolles can provide students with the skills, the rich content, and the conversations for them to be ready to attend college. In order to help Bolles advance, Bolles' administration talks to other schools to give and receive advice, to ensure that each school can learn from the others to be the best. “We get on calls with associate heads of schools across the state of Florida. They are schools that are similar to ours, and we talk about what we are doing in education, and make sure that we are thinking through with each other,” said Forrester.

"We get on calls with associate heads of schools across the state of Florida. They are schools that are similar to ours, and we talk about what we are doing in education, and make sure that we are thinking through with each other" - Mr. Forrester When Forrester first joined Bolles, his major focus was planning, working with the faculty, and learning details about the school to assist in leading the direction of

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Mr. Forrester in his office Credit: Ishaan Bansal

Forrester has been inspired by various people around the school. “We have had some amazing ideas from faculty members, from different students, and from different community members,” he said. For instance, the engineering class at Bolles has recently opened up to ninth graders, and there are plans to expand the STEM classes further. Forrester has plans to expand the foreign language department to include students from all grade levels. “We are expanding our specialization down into the middle school, so some of them will be embarking on a pilot program of a year-round language class in 6th grade, which will allow them to advance through their language study.” Forrester has advice to students as they prepare for adulthood in the near future and are closer to facing a challenging world. He recommends trying out different things, such as different sports or activities. Forrester also suggests joining different clubs and activities with friends that students have never been in before to widen your social circle. “ He reminds students that preparation is important and using the faculty around to help can be very useful. “Remember, there are so many adults here who are dedicated to your success that you should never, ever feel like you cannot wcome and talk to anybody if you have a question in mind.” Outside of school, Forrester enjoys lots of fun things, especially the outdoors. He loves camping and the beach. He has five children, and he tries to work out whenever he can to be physically and mentally ready at the same time. He is excited to see what the future holds at Bolles.

Beyond Borders Mrs. Ezzell launches student multicultural leadership council Zara Touheed Design Editor

eyond Borders is a program that was founded by Carrie Ezzell, a Spanish teacher here at Bolles. The program strives to bring more diversity to Bolles and to give the student body different voices. Ezzell was part of the original multicultural team at Bolles, and within her few years in that role and later a leadership position called the MLT Campus Lead. Her first priority was to launch a program to give the first-person perspective of the student body. She believed it could give great insight to adults, help foster cultural connections across campus, and bring connections from home life to school life. “My hope is that it's an outlet and a space where students feel safe to be themselves fully, whatever their identity,” said. Ezzell. Students will be able to share cultural identities or aspects. They are not able to in other environments, and with this program, there is a very openminded and nurturing community. Any sort of modern-day issues are up for discussion as long as they are communicated in a civil conversation, and that’s where the fostering community aspect comes with this program. With students being able to openly discuss things that are on their mind and debate among their peers about modern-day issues they feel are relevant, this allows the student body to have a very diverse set of opinions going into the adult world. Beyond Borders member Eva Beardsley ‘28 says, “We’re shaping

a better footprint for Bolles that will help everyone - in or out of Beyond Borders - become connected. Skills that will be learned and shared will not only benefit our school careers but also our entire futures.” The first official meeting was on December 11, 2025. In this meeting, students discussed what diversity meant to them, what they believe is relevant to the conversation of diversity, and an overview of what the council is planning to do within the upcoming school year.

people discuss very similar experiences that I share offers a really great support system to the students. Ezzell went further to bring more cultural diversity to the school, collaborating with the Black Student Union (BSU) for Black History Month. On February 20th, there was a speaker named Carla Jones, who is a black historian and storyteller. Additionally, there was be a Soulfood truck, and she hopes that all Beyond Borders members participate in this activity and program.

As a council member myself, I found the discussion very introspective, and it left me with more awareness of what it means to genuinely discuss different perspectives from your own. The addition of this club allows the student body to have a very beneficial and unique

"My hope is that it's an outlet and a space where students feel safe to be themselves fully, whatever their identity." — Mrs. Ezzell

experience. The next meeting was January 22, 2026. There was an icebreaker activity at this meeting, and students were asked to mark down on a timeline whenever they had felt different from others in their lives. With this emerged a discussion about different cultural identities, and how being different from your peers can isolate you. As a council member, hearing

A picture representing global unity Credit: Public Domain

When looking for what kinds of students would be willing to participate in a council like this, Ezzell said that she really looked for passion towards fostering a new community and they’re not afraid to have uncomfortable conversations.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Bolles Bugle Class of 2025 Where are they now? Dawson Brydges Photo Editor

n May of 2025, our staff had to say goodbye to 5 core contributors. Our 5 seniors lit up the classroom and made the Bugle a special place. Although they are not on our staff this year, we still love to keep in contact with the class of 2025 Bugle seniors. Here is what they are up to now. Last year, Ty Neal ‘25 served as the Coffeehouse editor. After graduating, Ty decided to do another year of high school at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. At Phillips Exeter, Ty is taking classes regarding law and current events. Ty also joined Exeter’s football team helping the program reach a winning record of 6-3. Last July, Ty committed to Brown University to pursue a law degree as well as play football. Ty is enjoying the new atmosphere at Philips Exeter.

and being around my friends and mostly the Layarties even though I missed a few because of football games. What I actually missed the most was Coffeehouse because the setup was a great bonding experience for the staffers and the performances were always so entertaining.” Ava Cheng ‘25 was the Bugle’s Editor inChief for the 2024-2025 school year. Ava is now attending the University of Michigan where she is pursuing a dual degree between Art & Design and Psychology. Ava’s favorite Bugle memories were Layarties and Coffeehouse. She particularly loved her freshman year Coffeehouse. “I think one of my favorites was the Marvel vs. DC Coffeehouse freshman year that was held outside Ulmer—it was such a nice environment and getting to experience my first Coffeehouse really made me love Bugle even more.” Since Ava has been at Michigan, she has missed writing stories.

"I enjoy the friends I've made and the unlimited food and most importantly water the school gives me to stay fueled and hydrated" — Ty Neal '25

Currently Kate Youell ‘25, former Bugle Co-Online Editor in Chief is attending John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. Kate is pursuing a degree in International Affairs. Her favorite Bugle memory is going for ice cream after Coffeehouse. She misses being in Bugle with all of her friends. Kate also misses the opportunities that Bugle gave her.

"They also treat their football players like myself very well.”

So far, Kate is adjusting just fine to college life. She says college gives her a lot of free time which she uses to travel. However, she misses home. Although Rome is in a

Although Ty is loving life at his new school, he misses his time as a member of Bugle. “I miss class

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

“I miss all the people in Bugle because it’s such a fun class where you get to meet people you wouldn’t normally talk to.”

different time zone, She still watches the Jaguars games even if she has to watch it late at night. Nick Azevedo ‘25, last year's CoSports Editor, took his love of sports to the University of Oklahoma. He is currently studying Sports Business and Marketing. Nick’s favorite Bugle memory is watching March Madness with his “partner in crime” Jack Laufer ‘27. Although Nick is far from home, he loves his new life in college. “I like college because it gives me the opportunity to experience new things and meet new people, especially going out of state.” Isabel Schimpff ‘25, former Bugle Co-Online Editor in Chief, packed up her bags and moved to North Carolina to attend Elon University. Isabel is chasing a triple major in Political Science, Public Policy, and Art. Similar to many of her class of 2025 classmates, she cherishes Coffeehouse. Isabel is enjoying the freedom that college provides her and says Bugle helped her in many ways. “Bugle definitely gave me skills and habits that I use in college.” She also keeps up with the news a lot more than all of her friends. When I walked into Bugle again this year, there were many differences I noticed. The classroom was located in a totally different building. There were a lot of new faces and many of us had new titles and new responsibilities. With all of these differences, only one stood out to me: the class of 2025 wasn’t there. This class wasn’t just an ordinary class. It was a class made up of truly amazing people. The Bugle misses the class of 2025 and hopes to keep in touch with them.

Ty sprinting to endzone. Credit: Ty Neal '25

Ava showing her school spirit. Credit: Ava Cheng '25

Nick attending a Sooners Football game. Credit: Nick Azevedo '25

Isabel with her new college friends. Credit: Isabel Schimpff '25 Kate with her friend Eva Lantzy '25. Credit: Kate Youell '25 BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Scholastic Awards showcase students' creative achievement Sree Alam Online Editor

he Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are one of the longestrunning and most well-known student art and writing competitions in the United States. Founded in 1923, the program was created to recognize original work by teens in art and writing. Over time, it has grown into a national competition that receives thousands of submissions each year and has become a major opportunity for students interested in creative careers.

are honorable mentions, silver keys and gold keys, for the regional level, then finally gold medals for a national level. Hicks described how these awards are decided through rounds, explaining that “Honorable Mention means that you pass the first round,” and then submissions continue through additional voting rounds where some are moved up to Silver Key and Gold Key. In addition to these awards, some regions also nominate select works for American Visions, which Hicks described as “an artwork that talks about, or shows

Students can submit work in many categories, including poetry, short stories, personal essays, photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, and other visual art forms. The program is designed to highlight both artistic skill and individual voice. Scholastic entries are judged through a regional process first, which is organized by local affiliates. At the regional level, awards are determined through multiple rounds of voting. Bolles teacher Mr. Hicks, who serves as a Scholastic adjudicator, explained that “local art teachers and artists from the community who are not teachers come together in January, and we look at probably between 3000 to 5000 works over the course of eight hours for the day.” He also noted that submissions are not reviewed only once, saying, “We look at works probably like three times in a row.” Judges evaluate pieces individually rather than according to a yearly theme. “They’re looking for originality,” Hicks said. Judges also consider “technical skill” as well as “whether the work communicates a clear idea.” Judges often notice when students exceed classroom expectations, saying, “They look for students to go beyond the assignment… make it original, make it compelling.” Awards at the regional level include Honorable Mention, Silver Key, and Gold Key. The different award levels

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Vichy Chen, Triptych for the End of Times, ink on paper (architecture triptych drawing) Credit: Vichy Chen, Lily Kuonen something about what the society of the United States is like going through.” After regional judging, the top regional winners advance to national judging. Owens described the competitiveness of the process, stating, “I believe about 10% of the hundreds of thousands of applications earn a regional award like a Gold Key, and then 1% of those applications that won a Gold Key qualify for a gold medal.” Nationallevel recognition includes Gold Medals and other national honors. Owens noted that earning a Gold Medal can include special opportunities, explaining that it “takes you on a free trip to NYC for an award and to learn and write more.” The Bolles School has participated in the Scholastic program for many years. Hicks explained, “I’ve only been here six years, but from what I understand, probably the last 20.” During that time, Bolles has become a

consistently high-performing school in its region. ” He also noted that Bolles has performed at a level comparable to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, stating, “We’ve been the last six years doing as well as Douglas Anderson School of the Arts… so we’re right on their tail.” Students who participate in Scholastic often submit multiple years in a row, and outcomes can vary because of the subjective nature of judging. “I’ve entered each year since the 7th grade,” Owens said,“and each year I have gotten such different results. It’s funny how subjective writing and art can be.” She explained that even within her own work, results can be unpredictable; “I have poems that I have written in mere minutes that have won, and some that I pour my heart into that never win anything.” Owens also emphasized that students do not need to write only serious or sad topics in order to succeed. She stated, “There is an unrealistic idea that poetry or writing has to be super sad to win. You don’t have to trauma dump and even if you feel like you have no stories to tell, you truly do.” She described the experience of participating as motivating, explaining, “Submitting to Scholastic is so inspiring. It doesn’t matter which medium you choose, it just feels wonderful to gain recognition for your passion and find others who share that love with you.” Bolles faculty have also played a role in encouraging students to participate. “I was encouraged by Mrs. Fudge in the 7th grade to submit and I got a national award and went to NYC,” Owens said. She described the experience as “the coolest thing ever.” The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards continue to be a major opportunity for student artists and writers across the country. For Bolles students, the program has become a long-running tradition that connects students to regional recognition, national opportunities, and a wider community of young creators.

Upper school theater prepares Whistle Stop Cafe Ava Salmani Staff Writter

hen a presidential campaign stop is suddenly redirected to a small-town diner, excitement spreads fast. In Whistle Stop Cafe, this unexpected twist sets off a reaction of humor and rivalry. Bolles will bring this play to life in the spring, exploring what happens when politics enters a close-knit community and how quickly excitement can divide people. The opening day of Whistle Stop Cafe will be March 26, directed by Ms. Rippel. This is a new play written by Tracy Wells and takes place in a fictional small town where the people in this community all know each other. During a presidential campaign season, candidates visit a diner in a neighboring town. However, a pipe freezes and the campaign ends up visiting Whistle Stop instead causing the town excitement. Ms. Rippel decided to do play to present a deeper message about political issues. "It's all about what happens between people when they have a difficult time

"I really enjoy this play because it gives an opportunity to examine how we behave as neighbors when politics get involved." —Ms. Rippel

discussing the issues, and when they're excited about power." This is the central theme of the overall play. When asked about why she had picked this play of all plays she said, “I really enjoy this play because it gives the audience an opportunity to examine how we behave as neighbors when politics get involved.” This highlights the message of politics being a problem and causing trouble when people come to a disagreement and this is a reallife issue. From some student’s perspectives Harper Nussbaum ‘29 is taking a big lead in her role and will be performing on stage. She’s really excited and has performed in many other plays in the past for Bolles. “So far they have only read through the script but it’s overall funny and wholesome with a dreamy feel.” Nussbaum plays the role of an old woman around 8090 years old named Jules. She is part of the Purple Hat society which is where elderly women dress up in purple outfits to celebrate aging. After talking with Nussbaum about her thoughts of the play she said, “Overall this is supposed to be a funny play with a small town dreaming of a big feel and I think it’s going to be great!” Students all have roles dedicated to them. All the actors have to spend hours memorizing their script to make sure they don't forget their lines. After school students who are taking a part in the spring play must go to rehearsal and practice their lines. Rehearsal takes place after school in McGehee. Some people who are

backstage help with putting together the background and building the sets. For example, Tristan Schneider '26 and Brianna Curzio '26 are stage managers and part of the tech crew. Tech crew helps out with the lighting during a play as well as sound effects and songs. Schneider also helps out with writing down what foods to bring as part of the props for the dinner. As stage manager he takes notes and corrects people if they mess up their lines. This is good as a stage manager because he manages overall stage and play objectives. Ava Weber said,“I really love my cast and have been working with the same peers for three years now, so sticking up for our community comes naturally to me, and I really relate to Sheila in that way.” Weber plays the role of Sheila who is a no-nonsense waitress at the Whistle Stop Diner. She loves her small town and the people who inhabit it. This is similar to Ava Weber because she can relate to the character she plays. Ms. Rippel chose roles based on actors and actresses' personalities making the play fun for the audience as well as the students. After talking to several students about the play, they all sounded excited about attending. Annabelle Duce ‘29 said, "I'm going to the Whistle Stop Cafe because my two friends Taylor and Harper are playing in it and I want to show support.” Layla Pakala ‘29 said, “My friends and I are so excited to attend this play and we're going to have a great time.”

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Remembering 2025 Meera Krish Staff Writer

t has already been months since 2025 ended, and a new year has started. Just like every year, it's had its ups and downs. So let's recap the most important parts of 2025, including our school's accomplishments. The most important parts of 2025 were the return of Donald Trump to office, developments in A.I., and geopolitical conflicts. On January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump was sworn into office as the 47th president. He is now in his second term. He has gotten caught up in controversy for his use of ICE agents. In Trump's time in office so far, he has deported over 2.5 million illegal immigrants. He has also changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. A.I. or artificial intelligence has been growing at a scary rate. In 2025 A.I. have now started to be involved in the medical field, helping with diagnoses and medical research.

“My favorite part of

— Luke Lonegro '29 There are also now A.I. have agents that are heavily relied on, and they perform real work. A.I. . A.I continues to grow, for now it is safe, but constant advances have raised much worry. Ukraine and Russia have entered their fourth year of war against each other. As of October 2025,

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

over 67,000 Palestinians were reported killed and over 169,000 injured. The health system has collapsed, with fewer than half of Gaza's hospitals partially functional. People and families continue to be displaced and separated, and major famines are continuing to cause more deaths and struggle to these people having to live with the Palestinian war, hanging on to the hopes of its end.

2025 clipart. Credit: Deep A.I. In the area of space, more than 750 experiments supported exploration missions, improved life on Earth, and opened commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. Research from the International Space Station helped inform the development of a newly FDAapproved injectable medication used to treat several types of earlystage cancers. Along with all of these historical and political events, there were also popular events in the area of social media and pop culture moments. The number one most-watched movie of 2025 was KPop Demon Hunters with about 500 million views, making it one of the mostwatched movies on Netflix. The film is praised for its soundtrack and has made over 24 million dollars. Last year, many celebrities passed away, some including famous singer Ozzy Osbourne, scientist Jane Goodall, singer Connie Francis,

whose song “Pretty Little Baby” was trending on TikTok last year, and designer Giorgio Armani. The most popular song of 2025 was “Die with a smile,” a song about two people's love and how it would still be strong in the case of an apocalypse, and the desire to spend one's last moments with a loved one. The song was written and performed by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga and released in the fall of 2024. Fall was the favorite part of August Callaways 2025. “My favorite part of 2025 was my state's cross country meet in October and getting to spend it with some of my closest friends, my teammates,” stated August Callaway ‘29. Our school also had accomplishments in 2025, including the construction of new boys' baseball locker rooms, the reconstruction of pathways, and the construction of a new dorm for the girls to create a larger area for the female boarders. An unfortunate moment for our school last year was the passing of one of our beloved teachers, Mr. Gomez. He had taught at Bolles for years and was an amazing math teacher. He unfortunately passed away from cancer in the fall of 2025. It was a truly heartbreaking moment for all of us, and we hope he rests in peace. We are grateful to say he was part of our Bolles community. There were some great moments in 2025, including summer memories. “My favorite part of

Local

Lavilla is the Harlem of the South Zara Touheed Design Editor

appy Black History Month! This year, let's highlight a part of Jacksonville that holds a lot of African American history. LaVilla is a historical African American neighborhood and also a cultural hub that holds much significance and influence in Jacksonville. It first became a settlement in 1801 when a man named John Jones was given a land grant. From that time on, it served as a safe space for many Black American residents. LaVilla is home to many culturally significant monuments such as the Ritz Theater, Brewster Hospital, the Richmond Hotel, and one of its newest additions, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. During the early 1900s, Jacksonville was the largest city in Florida, and over half of its residents were African American. Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park honors Jacksonville natives James Weldon Johnson and John Rosaman Johnson, who composed the song “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” which was declared the Black national anthem in 1921. The neighborhood was also home to many other great artists and provided safe spaces for numerous Black musicians and entertainers during the segregation period from the 1880s to the 1960s. The Ritz Theater opened in 1929 as a movie house and closed in 1972, due to segregation laws being abolished. It has reopened as an over 30,000 square foot cultural center and museum that highlights the artistic culture and African American life in northeast Florida’s most beloved neighborhood, Lavilla. With this, the height of its activity was from the 1920s to the 1960s, an era known as “The Harlem of the South."

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

A statue of the Johnson Brothers in Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park. Credit: Zara Touheed LaVilla is often called this because of its social scene, with vibrant music, food, and other arts. Much like the Harlem Renaissance of 1920s New York, LaVilla has had its own significant influences on modern-day America. The Harlem Renaissance was largely the result of the movement of over 1.5 million migrants from southern, urban communities who moved North in search of industrial cities that supported a better life and economic opportunity. LaVilla is no stranger to this, and in the early 1870s, it was also having its own Renaissance. Its own Ashley Street’s Airedone Theater was recognized as the largest African American exclusive theater by 1909. Additionally, the first account of Blues being sung on a public stage was held here. Music was a central part of the arts scene of LaVilla, and a song that shaped the Harlem Renaissance itself emerged from LaVilla. “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was written in the year 1900, primarily composed by James Weldon Johnson. It is a piece that contains 49 hymns and tells the story of the biblical Exodus, coming from slavery to freedom, paralleling the historical situation of many newly freed Black

Americans during the 19th century. Its composer, James Weldon Johnson, grew up in Jacksonville. During the civil rights movement, Johnson decided to originally write a poem about African Americans' struggles with the

The Ritz Theater which is a museum and move house that commemorates Black American artists' legacies. Credit: Zara Touheed

passing of the Jim Crow Laws. The poem was first recited by students at Edwin M. Stanton School in Jacksonville. Johnson's brother, John Rosamond Johnson, later set the poem to music, and both brothers moved to Broadway in 1901. The Johnsons declared with the song’s fame, “The school children of Jacksonville kept singing it; they went off to other schools and sang it; they became teachers and taught it to other children. Within twenty years, it was being sung over the South and in some other parts of the country." Later, the NAACP declared it the Black National Anthem in 1919, due to its voicing of freedom and faith for African American people. By the 1930s, most of Harlem's residents were made up of Black Americans, and the neighborhood became “the flowering of Negro literature.” It reflected the cultural and arts scenes in Jacksonville’s LaVilla, very likely due to the over 6,000 workers who moved away from 1916 to 1917 from Jacksonville to the North. All in all, Lavilla has

This is Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park during sunset, displaying the Johnson Brothers' statue. Credit: Zara Touheed

accounted for Jacksonville’s rich African American history. www

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park at sunset Credit: Zara Touheed

Lavilla Arts Center Credit: Zara Touheed

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Sophia Zhang ‘28 sings for the pope Ellie Stewart Co-Editor-in-Chief

ophia Zhang ‘28 traveled to Italy with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus over winter break and sang at multiple major basilicas, even receiving a papal blessing from Pope Leo XIV. Zhang first discovered her love for singing when she moved from China to Miami at the age of four. “I had an interest in piano, and I was mumbling songs at home that I heard from the parties in Miami,” Zhang said. Her dad saw an ad for piano lessons and decided to sign her up. Chosen four years ago by Chorus President Darren Dailey for the Touring Choir, Zhang travels with the prestigious chorus group out of the country multiple times a year to perform around the globe. “If he sees potential that you can handle yourself outside of the country, and you have musical talent, you can move up.” Zhang qualified in every front, and so she joined the Touring Choir. The JCC performed at many of the major basilicas around Italy in honor of the Jubilee Year in Catholicism, which occurs every 25 years. They spent time in Vatican City, Florence, and Assisi. To honor the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” Zhang and her choirmates sang Ave Maria, chants, and Lauda, a sacred song in Italian. The chorus’s accompanist, who studies foreign languages, helped the choir with pronunciation when singing in Italian. Zhang noticed the basilicas had very different acoustics than the

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

performing arts centers in Jacksonville due to the massive height and space inside. “It’s a very special thing to get to sing in a place that you know the history of.” Zhang also admired the inside of the cathedrals. “Of course, the architecture was important and really amazing, but I like seeing all the details within.” One of her favorite sights was the Chair of Saint Peter by Bernini in St. Peter’s Basilica. “I felt the spirit with me.” While at the Vatican, Zhang’s chorus knew that the Pope would visit St. Peter’s Square to bless the Crèche on New Year's Eve. They waited at the barricades toward the front of the nativity scene and began singing when the Pope walked past them. “By the time we were up there and I saw him blessing the nativity scene, I thought, ‘It’s happening. It’s real.’”

"Being able to show the importance of music and the arts is something I try to prioritize because music is something that is shared." — Sophia Zhang '28 The JCC only realized the Pope blessed the chorus when rewatching a video taken of their performance. One of the parents noticed the Pope mumbling a prayer and showed the rest of the group. “My heart skipped a beat. It was so jarring. I didn’t see it happen, but going back to the recording and seeing him do that gave me chills.”

Along with being blessed by the Pope, some of Zhang’s favorite memories from the trip include spending time with her choirmates, touring the sanctuaries, learning history, and “eating pasta three times a day.” While at the airport after the trip, the JCC gathered for one of their traditional debriefs to review how the tour went. One thing the group appreciated most about this trip was the time they took to go tour the different cities. “We had our own tour guide who followed us everywhere. She explained the culture, and not just religious aspects but also the economy and politics. We felt like we could relate with Italian culture a lot more.” Zhang most enjoyed how Italians “talk with their hands and are really expressive. I enjoy when people inflect tones in their voices.” She also found it funny how everyone recognized the group as Americans. “We had a tour guide in Florence, and for all the parents who didn’t understand, he translated what he explained about the art and culture into football terms. It was super funny.” Looking back on the trip, Zhang is grateful for the opportunity to sing abroad and represent her community. “Being able to show the importance of music and the arts is something I try to prioritize because music is something that is shared. In music, as long as you have a passion for it and you keep training, you will most probably be able to do what you want to do.”

Sports

A college football championship for the ages Indiana beats Miami 27-21 Reid Moscarillo Staff Writer

he Indiana-Miami national championship game was a very big game. Most the time, there's not a smaller team like Indiana in a game like this. This is different from the usual big teams like Alabama, Georgia, or Ohio State. Having Miami in the college football national championship displays the return of a program that used to be one of the best but has not dominated in a while. Indiana is an example of a team that has not been as big as Miami, but is still one of the best teams out there. The game is an example of how college football is changing. The game takes into consideration the expanded playoffs, giving the smaller teams more chances, but also less money from those bigger schools. Indiana was able to turn it around through development and coaching, while Miami did so through rebuilding the program through things like transfers or NIL money and recruiting. This game is both a positive and a negative to the expanded playoffs: while the expanded playoffs allow for more programs to have a seat at the table, this game also shows that teams without historical or financial backing struggle can reach the national championship. Also, questions about the rankings, seedings, and the schedule come into play. It also questions whether future titles

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

will go to the performance of the players they develop or the programs' resources and how effectively they can get players to come in and play. National championship games bring in a lot of money through TV rights, sponsorships, and other revenue sources.The athletic department of the

Miami and Indiana players in full gear Credit: Wikipedia Commons

schools benefits a lot from national championship appearances, and the NIL opportunities help with better players to profit and make money as young athletes. Indiana's success challenges the idea that only schools with lots of NIL money can succeed as a team with far less money than Miami, and Miami's represents how NIL can be used to rebuild your team effectively and quickly. There's also a lot of pressure on the players. Many of the athletes are 18 to 22 years old, and they have other things like academics and the media, and they have to focus on their future careers. This one game can define the representation of an entire season, and the mental and physical parts of the

college football season and the national championship game are often overlooked. The national championship helped increase the fan bases of teams that normally would not be considered for the national championship. Also made the national championship much more interesting by offering a new game instead of the usual repeats and shows how college football can evolve without losing its excitement. It plays a big role in encouraging other small programs to push harder for a national championship run. Overall, the Indiana vs․Miami national championship meant more than just who won and who lost․ It was a win for college football, with expanded playoffs giving new teams a real chance․It was also a reminder that money, recruiting advantages and the pressure on young players to perform remain serious issues in the sport. It was an illustration that change is happening in college football, but also that there is still work to do․ If we see more championships like this one, where new teams get real opportunities, the sport will be stronger for it․ The Indiana-Miami game had more than just a trophy. What it was about was how it could be done in college football․ And the way that this game has effected college football in the ways of NIL recruiting and much more.

Swim facility dives into exciting new renovations Sawyer Powell Staff Writer

ut of all the new and exciting renovations introduced to Bolles this year, one of the most anticipated has to be the improvements to the swim team’s out of the water training facility, welcome center and the Champions Club.

for much more space for the swim team’s out of the water activities. Finally, the Hodges Champions Club will be located in between the football stadium and Uible pool, and will contain two major improvements to the facility. The champions club is a two story building, containing offices for the swim coaches, and the

Groundbreaking day was on January 21, when head of school Mr. Hodges announced that the plans for construction are official. These projects have been planned for almost seven years. The first of four new additions to this facility is the Coach Greg Troy Welcome Center, which is named after the legendary Bolles swim coach Greg Troy. Swim team parents Chris and Shelly Lanning donated the funds for the center. This room will showcase the impressive history and accomplishments of the past and present athletes who swim through the Bolles swimming program.

"I am really looking forward to the renovations of the dryland room." — Dillon Spoon '29

The dryland room will house state-of-the-art workout equipment and house 60-70 occupants at a time, allowing

Donors pose at the groundbreaking ceremony. Credit: Sawyer Powell

Chester Skinner Champions Suite, which will allow guests to view both the football field and the pool. This facility will be added on top of the locker rooms at the Uible pool. This was all made possible by the generous donations from Steve Gold, the estate of Kernan and George Hodges Jr., and Rusty Newton and Kathy Skinner Newton. Head Coach Peter Verhoef is excited for all of the new renovations and additions to the facility. He feels that the new coaches’ offices will allow for a more personal connection between coaches and swimmers. He is also eager to showcase the impressive achievements of the Bolles swimmers with the welcome center.

Overall, though, Verhoef feels that the improvement that will benefit the team the most is the new weight room and dryland facility. The close proximity will allow for quicker transition times from in and out of the pool, and the ability for the swim team to have its own weight room gives the team the convenience of scheduling weight sessions around their own time and not having to worry about conflicting with other teams. He says that the team will benefit greatly from having the extra time given by the easier transitions. On top of all of this, the swimmers are also very excited for these much anticipated renovations. This has been planned since 2019, Swimmer Ransom Reback ‘28 says that the new renovations and upgrades will be able to elevate the team’s training, recovery, and culture. Swimmer Dillon Spoon ‘29 stated that he is really looking forward to the renovations of the dryland room, and Senior Kaden Townsend ‘26 said the renovations will play a big part in fostering the strength of the future generations of Bolles swimmers. The entire swim team is thankful for the generous contributions from donors to make these improvements possible. The Bolles swimming program will soon be stepping into its next phases of the program.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

On to the next chapter Senior SIgning Day February 2026 When it comes to what part of college students most look forward to, it’s a divide between the different opportunities and the new lifestyle it will bring with it. Peris stated that she is “most looking forward to living in a big city and getting to study human behavior with my psychology degree, as well as growing in my athletic career with all of my international teammates.”

Jolee Abbey Social Media Editor

his year, our February Signing Day included 11 senior student athletes across the sports of cross country, track and field, football, rowing, and swimming. At Bolles, there are four signing days a year, taking place in November, December, February, and April. Every signing day, families and friends are invited to come and watch their senior athletes take this next big step in their academic and athletic careers. This past signing day on February 4, a group of students committed to different schools, including eight Division I and three Division II universities. Six sports were represented, of which football had the largest representation. Charlotte Joseph signed to the University of Richmond for Cross Country and track & field. Noah Wasserman signed to the University of San Diego for men’s rowing. Lizzy Watkins signed to Syracuse University for women’s rowing. Aleda Cashwell signed to Rollins College for women’s softball. Dillon Brigman signed to the University of Tampa for men’s swimming. As for women’s swimming, Clara Peris Diaz-Varela signed to Long Island University, and Christanya Shirley signed to the University of Arkansas. Representing the football team, Caleb Barnes ‘26 signed to Charleston Southern University, Ryan Ingram ‘26 signed to Wagner College, Reid Koelbel ‘26 signed to the University of West Florida, Santana Starks ‘26 signed to Glenville State University, and lastly, Andre Terrance ‘26 signed to Keiser University. The college decision-making process is time-consuming and

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Noah Wasserman '26 poses with his teammates after signing. Credit: Noah Wasserman '26 tedious for all. After all, it is the next four years of their future. Joseph described her process to be “difficult at times, knowing I had easy options that might not check every box I wanted, but that I could settle for early on.” “It was a long process because I knew taking my time in this decision would lead to the most well-thought out outcome,” Joseph said. She wants to be positive and believesbelieve that this is the right decision for her.

Although she is excited for the new possibilities and freedom of college living, Clara says she is “more nervous to leave Bolles and all my friends behind,” than to start the new chapter of life at college. Some students are more excited about starting a new life at college, rather than relishing in their current high school experience. Koelbel stated that he is “very excited but not really nervous. Although, I am sad to be leaving a great football program with an amazing coaching staff and all my friends.” Overall, the college commitment process is an exciting, yet stressful time for all student athletes and their families, but is always worth it in the end.

Similarly, Peris agreed that the process was a long one, as she felt pressured to make the right move for her next chapter of life. “It was for sure something super new and overwhelming for me, but it was also super fun to learn a lot of things about myself and my priorities.” Watkins recalled the whole experience to have a “‘trust the process’” kind of vibe. She knew what she wanted, just not how to approach it. “Since my freshman year I knew that I wanted to be a D1 rower. However, once it got to the summer going into my junior year, I still did not know what I was looking for in a college other than its rowing program.”

Charlotte Joseph '26 signs to the University of Richmond Credit: Charlotte Joseph '26

Construction on soccer complex underway Ishaan Bansal Staff Writer

n early February, Bolles broke ground on the new Hunt soccer complex. The project is set to be finished in around 12 to 14 months. The new complex is going to be a huge upgrade from the current facilities that the soccer team uses, according to mens head coach Dr. Jim Lieb. “We have needed a dedicated facility for soccer for a long time. The boys have never had a place to gather to really change.”

"We are in the process of our facility and programmatic needs and, in fact, are in the process of solidifying our next strategic plan that will guide our school through the next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact" — Mr. Hodges The new complex will provide important benefits to students. “It will give a dedicated space for the players to gather before training and before games, where we can have pregame meetings where we can talk about our tactics going into the match,” Lieb said. “The fact that it is located next to the field means they do not have to come to my classroom and instead go straight to the locker room.” Bolles Athletic Director Rock Pillsbury also said that the proximity to the field is an advantage to the players so they can get out onto the field.

Bolles’ vision for the future is closely tied to developments like the soccer complex. “The Hunt soccer complex will not only provide needed locker room and meeting space for our studentathletes, but also enhance the aesthetic of our campus and help provide a welcoming environment for all who utilize our facilities,” said Head of School Tyler Hodges. School leaders believe these investments play a role in attracting prospective students. The mission of the school is to include a dedication to caring for the mind, soul, and body. Having the facilities and resources available are crucial to those efforts. Having the right amount of space to allow for as many sports as possible is also key.

Many in the Bolles community wonder how the administration comes up with ideas and how funding is attained for infrastructure projects. Hodges explains that there are many different factors in coming up with projects, which include strategic planning, specific needs, and interest within the community. “Some projects are part of a larger campus master plan for development, while others are passion projects for generous donors. In both cases, the goal is the same: to make the Bolles experience best in class,” said Hodges. The planning and execution of new buildings reflects a broad approach with input from many people. “New buildings and facility enhancements are a team effort,” said Hodges. Projects come from the advancement office, the operations team, the finance office, the marketing team, and trustees. Hodges explained that there is also involvement from other leaders, faculty, and staff around the campus. Despite the significant upgrades around campus, such as the Jones Baseball Complex and the Hunt soccer complex, school officials note that planning for future improvements is already in progress.

The soccer complex being built Credit: Ishaan Bansal “These facilities, along with great coaches and a culture of pursuing excellence, help attract families to consider Bolles,” said Hodges.

“Bolles is a dynamic school, as are our efforts to fulfill our mission. We continually evaluate our facility and programmatic needs and, in fact, are in the process of solidifying our next strategic plan that will guide our school through the next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact,” said Hodges. There are more exciting projects coming to the school that will be announced in the coming months. BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Bulldogs Football 2026

Looking back on a great season Akin Akande Sports Editor

hen non-Bolles students and faculty hear the words Bolles Football, there’s an immediate sense of respect attached to the name. The program has built its reputation over decades and has high expectations. Every season carries pressure, but it also carries pride. This past year reminded everyone why Bolles remains one of the most respected football programs in the state of Florida. The Bulldogs finished with a 13-2 record, going 9-1 in the regular season and making it to the State Finals. Beyond the numbers, the season told a story of resilience, growth, and unforgettable moments. The year began with a long trip to Miami for the Broward County Showcase against Monarch High School. Opening games often reveal a team’s identity, and Bolles handled business. The Bulldogs controlled the pace of the game. Senior Athlete Naeem Burroughs ‘26 executed greatly on both sides of the ball, turning a 5-yard route into a house call using his athleticism to find the end zone, and also an interception in the same night. The team earned a strong 34-15 win. Starting the season with a road victory against quality competition immediately gave the team momentum and belief.

Seniors walk out of locker room. Credit: Jaxsns Visuals

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Week 2 brought the home opener against Trinity Christian Academy, and the energy in the stadium reflected the excitement around the team. Bolles fed off the home crowd and delivered another convincing performance. Their offense moved the ball efficiently, and the defense limited big plays, leading to a 35-12 win. Two weeks into the season, the Bulldogs looked sharp and focused. Corbyn Fordham ‘26, Malakhi Dunn ‘27, and Camden Tietze ’27 all received touchdowns in this game to help earn the win.

Coach Brown gives Pre-game speech. Credit: Jaxsns Visuals

The first real challenge came in Week 3 against St. Augustine. In a competitive matchup that stayed close throughout, both teams traded big plays. Despite a strong effort, Bolles suffered its only regular-season loss, falling 35-40. Losses are never easy, but they often reveal character. Instead of letting the defeat linger, the Bulldogs used it as motivation. Players and coaches treated it as a lesson, not a setback. That response was clear the following week in a rivalry game against Bishop Kenny. Many students had circled this matchup on their calendars, and the atmosphere felt intense before kickoff. Bolles responded with one of its most dominant performances of the year. Running back Xander Edwards ‘28 had four rushing touchdowns, and Santana Starks ‘26 had 11 tackles, shutting out Bishop Kenny 36–0.

The win sent a message that the Bulldogs were mentally tough and capable of bouncing back stronger. Momentum continued into Week 5 with a 38-6 victory over Oakleaf. In this game, Christian Hayes ‘27 had a strip sack, and Asher Ghioto ‘28 recovered the fumble and took it to the house for a touchdown. Then came one of the most memorable moments of the entire season in Week 6 at Baldwin. In a high-scoring offensive battle, Edwards delivered a historic

Jaden Weatherly '26 with the football. Credit: Jaxsns Visuals performance, breaking NFL Star Derrick Henry’s high school record by scoring eight touchdowns in a single game. The Bulldogs won 7349 in a game that showcased their explosive potential and offensive depth. The next stretch of games confirmed Bolles’ consistency. The Bulldogs defeated Andrew Jackson, Riverside, Wolfson, and Columbia in dominant fashion. Their defense was especially impressive, refusing to allow Andrew Jackson or Columbia to score at all. Leading up to the game, Columbia talked down on the whole Bolles team in their school newspaper, saying things

The Bulldogs final run out. Credit: Jaxsns Visuals

like “Bolles lets up a lot of points on defense.” Bolles responded to this by putting up 31 points against them offensively, and even allowing the defense to score. In this game, Hayes got an interception early in the game, and Chance Faucheaux ‘26 had three sacks. These wins weren’t just victories — they showed a complete team, playing disciplined football week after week, and didn't allow the words of lesser teams to affect their performance. By the time November arrived, playoff expectations were high.

Inside the locker room, players believed they had a legitimate shot at a state championship. That confidence showed on the field. Bolles stormed through the first four playoff rounds, winning each game by at least 22 points. Every performance added to the feeling that the Bulldogs were peaking at the right time. The season ultimately ended on the biggest stage: the state championship game against Cardinal Mooney. Despite a hardfought effort, Bolles came up short. While the loss was disappointing, it did not erase

what the team had accomplished. The season proved that Bolles remains a championship-caliber program capable of competing with the best teams in Florida. Looking ahead, the question isn’t whether Bolles football is still elite — the season already answered that. The real question is how the program will build on this experience. With young talent, proven leadership, and a culture built on accountability, this season may not be the peak. It could be the foundation for something even greater.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Lacrosse players survive “Hell Week” 2026 Max Coulter Staff Writer

he varsity men’s lacrosse preseason officially began the week of , the first step in what the Bolles Bulldogs hope to bring. Coming off a strong 18–6 record last season, the Dogs enter the year with confidence, experience, and high expectations. Notable wins over Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Wando High School of South Carolina, and Oak Hall highlighted the past

into shape, but to make the foundation for the long season ahead and build chemistry. Monday January 12 served as the day that set the tone. Players hit the field early for baseline conditioning tests, long-distance runs, and timed yard bursts. “Today is about accountability,” West explained. “We’re finding out who’s willing to compete when they’re uncomfortable.” While the conditioning was demanding, it shows that effort and attention to detail matter from day one.

Coach West interveiwed before trip to naples for final 4 Credits: Dawson Brydges season, along with a Final Four appearance that proved Bolles could compete with top programs from both inside and outside the state. Leading the charge once again is Head Coach Tom West, a Ponte Vedra legend who is entering his fourth season for Bolles. In each of his previous four years at Bolles, West has reached the Final Four, building a culture of discipline, toughness, and consistency. “We don’t shy away from expectations,” West said. “They’re earned. But every year is a new team, and nothing carries over unless you put the work in.” That work begins with what the team calls “Hell Week,” the opening five days of preseason training. Offensive coordinator Coach Ivy Stucker describes the mindset behind the demanding work. “You have to crawl before you run.” Hell Week is designed to push players physically and mentally, focusing on conditioning, agility, coordination, flexibility, and overall endurance. The goal is not just to get back

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Coach West being interveiwed before trip to Naples for Final 4. Credit: Dawson Brydges '27 On Tuesday, the intensity increased. Practices centered on speed and agility, with ladder drills, shuttle runs, and fast change direction work, mixed with broad jumps for power and stability. Players were expected to maintain sharp fundamentals despite heavy legs. “Your body might be tired, but the game doesn’t slow down for you,” Ivy said. “We’re training our guys to stay disciplined even when they’re exhausted.” The players echoed that statement, noting that Tuesday challenged both their conditioning and focus. By Wednesday, the Bulldogs reached what many players called the hardest day of the week. Extended conditioning circuits were paired with competitive drills

that tested endurance and mental toughness. “This is the valley,” West said, “Every season has peaks and valleys. What matters is how you respond when you’re in the middle of the grind.” Despite the fatigue, energy remained high, and teammates pushed one another to finish every rep strong. Thursday brought a slight shift in approach. While conditioning remained a priority, more time was devoted to positional drills, communication, and early team concepts. Players began to see how individual effort loops into team success. “You can feel us coming together,” said Will Martel ‘26. “We’re tired, but everyone’s locked in, and that’s what makes it worth it.” The last day was not on the field but rather took place in the film room with heart-to-heart talks from the coaches, as well as good moral values and lessons to take away. And it all ended with dozens of delicious Dunkin’ Donuts to celebrate the end of Hell Week. As the Bulldogs move forward into the rest of the preseason, the message remains consistent. Progress is not always straightforward, and success comes from trusting the process. “When times get tough, that’s when growth happens,” West said. “If we stay committed through the valleys, the peaks will take care of themselves.” With Hell Week complete, Bolles has officially taken its first step toward another run at a state championship. The road ahead will not be easy, but if this preseason is any indication then the Bulldogs are prepared to face whatever adversity comes their way.

Op-Ed

A run-down of the 2025-2026 NFL Playoffs Rollins Powell Staff Writer he NFL playoffs are where the regular season gives way to games that matter most. Every matchup is a test of preparation, execution, and composure under pressure. Teams no longer have room for mistakes, as one loss ends the season. From wildcard weekend to the Super Bowl, the playoffs show which teams are truly built to win when it counts.

pressure on them on the last drive. This questionable play call is what cost the Jaguars the game. Key Takeaways: Both teams in this game were very even, but Bills quarterback Josh Allen proved to be one of the toughest players in the NFL. He played through multiple injuries and still performed when his team needed him. The Jaguar’s defense played well and kept them in the game, limiting the Bills after their offense’s mistakes. Bad playcalls and a missed field goal were the Jaguar’s downfall.

quarter, the Bears scored on all four drives they had, totaling 24 points. Their defense also held the Packers to just 7 points, which gave them the edge in the end. Key Takeaways: Caeleb Williams and the Bears proved that they can hang in tough games, and that they will not give up on their coaches or fans. The Bears Organization is in for a bright future. As for the Packers, this loss is entirely on the coaches. This is an embarrassing loss, and the coaching staff needs some changes.

AFC Wild Card round: New England Patriots 16, Chargers 3

NFC Wild Card round: San Francisco 49ers 23, Philadelphia Eagles 19

AFC Divisional Round

Recap: This game was a very low scoring defensive battle. Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye led his team to victory after a clutch 28-yard touchdown pass to his tight end Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter. The Chargers offense was stagnant, and their running game never got going. Both quarterbacks were sacked at least five times and they each lost a fumble one of their sacks. Turning Point: Late in the fourth quarter, the Chargers were leading a promising drive, and with a score they would have cut the lead to 6 points. On second down, in Patriots territory, K’Lavon Chaisson sacked Justin Herbert, causing him to fumble. Patriots defender Christian Elliss recovered the ball to seal the game. Key Takeaways: Justin Herbert failed to win a playoff game yet again. His poor play cost his team the game, and he was outmatched by Drake Maye. The Chargers need to decide if Herbert is the best option at quarterback for their organization, or if they need to move on from him next season.

Summary: The 49ers managed to snatch a close win on the road in Philly, relying on a rugged defense and effective quarterback performance. The San Francisco offense was run and pass balanced, churning out critical yards when needed and leaving the explosive playmakers of the Eagles off the field. Philadelphia launched a late drive behind Jalen Hurts, but fell short in the final drive of the game. Turning Point: At the beginning of the fourth quarter, San Francisco 49ers wide Receiver Jauan Jennings threw a 29yard touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffery on a trick play. This gave the 49ers the momentum they needed to finish out the game with a win. Key Takeaways: The fact that San Francisco was able to win a road playoff game was encouraging for their postseason hopes, and it demonstrated that they are capable of overcoming hostile environments. The Eagles have personality problems on their team that need to be dealt with in the offseason, and they will need to work on more team chemistry for next season.

Buffalo Bills 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 24

Recap: The Jacksonville Jaguars had the lead for most of the game, but a late touchdown run by Josh Allen gave the Bills the win. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw two interceptions, one which the Bills converted into a field goal, and the other on their final drive of the game. A missed field goal by Cam Little and a turnover on downs in the red zone lost Jacksonville key points that could have won them the game. Turning Point: On fourth-and-two on Buffalo’s nine yard-line, the Jaguars decided to go for it. The call from coach Liam Coen was a design quarterback run. They failed, costing them three easy points, which would have put less

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Chicago Bears 31, Green Bay Packers 27

Summary: In the most dramatic comeback of the weekend, the Bears erased an 18-point deficit to knock out their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Chicago got big performances from skill players like Colston Loveland, and Caleb Williams continued to grow in his second season, engineering multiple touchdown drives late in the game. Green Bay’s Jordan Love started hot and gave the Packers a 21-3 lead at halftime, but turnovers and defensive lapses in the second half shifted momentum, and the Bears won in the end. Turning Point: The entire fourth quarter was a turning point for this game. In this

Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30, OT

Summary: This was a game of extreme highs and lows for the Bills, and a well played game by Bo Nox. Josh Allen was responsible for 4 turnovers, and his inability to protect the football lost his team the game. The Broncos offense showed promise, and they heavily benefitted from the Bills turnovers. The game was tied after the end of

NFL logo. Credit: Google Creative Commons regulation, and the Broncos won after another Josh Allen turnover in overtime. Turning Point: The game came down to a critical call by the officials. On a 3rd down, the Bills took a deep shot to veteran wide receiver Brandon Cooks. Cooks and Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan both jumped up for the ball, and at first glance it seemed Cooks caught it. However, McMillan came up with the ball, and the Broncos drove to score a field goal in the end. Key Takeaways: The Broncos played a good offensive game, but their defense has a lot of holes, especially on the defensive line. Also, quarterback Bo Nix broke his foot in this game, and was ruled out for the season. Josh Allen is

an MVP caliber quarterback, but his turnover problem keeps his team from making a deep playoff run. New England Patriots 27, Texans 16 Summary: This game came down to quarterback play, and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye outperformed Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. Stroud played horribly, and even though their defense constantly helped them out, they fell short in the end. The teams had nearly equal total yards, but the Texans’ turnovers kept them from a win. Turning Point: There was no clear turning point in this game, but there was a clear problem, CJ Stroud. He threw four interceptions, and completed less than 45 percent of his passes. His overconfidence and poor decision making was the downfall for Houston throughout this season and the playoffs. Key Takeaways: CJ Stroud is not the player he was in his rookie season. He has become overconfident in his abilities, and is not even playing like a top 20 quarterback. The Patriots rookie left tackle and first round pick Will Campbell allowed 3 sacks in this game. Drake Maye got sacked 5 times in each of his first two playoff games. The Patriots need to evaluate their offensive line in the offseason, and they could cost the team a Super Bowl victory.

3.2 magnitude earthquake. This set the tone for the whole game, and the Seahawks only built on this momentum. Key Takeaways: The Seahawks are a Super Bowl caliber team and Sam Darnold is their franchise quarterback. He led the team to an easy victory and has more than proved himself this season. The 49ers offense never got going, and the Seahawks were just a better team. The 49ers were dealing with injuries from some of their star players, but they would not have won the game even if they had them. Los Angeles Rams 20, Chicago Bears 17, OT Summary: The Bears outplayed the Rams on offense and defense, save for a couple mistake plays. However, Bears Quarterback Caeleb Williams threw three interceptions, while Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw none. This is what separates the MVP from top 10 players: They do not make mistakes. Turning Point: With six minutes left in overtime, Caeleb Williams took a deep shot to wide eceiver DJ Moore. The pass was extremely late and under-thrown, and the Rams converted this turnover into 3 points, which won them the game. Key Takeaways: The Bears proved that even when they make mistakes they can hang with teams like the Rams, so if they eliminate these mistakes they will become a Super Bowl level team in the coming years. The Rams have an experienced roster with lots of weapons, and a great leader in Matthew Stafford, and proved why they are capable of a Super Bowl run. AFC Championship Game: New England Patriots 10, Denver Broncos 7

Super Bowl LX logo. Credit: Google Creative Commons NFC Divisional Round: Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6 Summary: The Seahawks utterly dominated this game. They jumped out to a 24-6 lead in the first half and never looked back. Their defense stifled the 49ers, and their running back Kenneth Walker III ran for three touchdowns. The Seahawks forced three turnovers, and scored 14 points off of them. Turning Point: On the first play of the game, the Seahawks Pro Bowl kick returner Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown. The crowd went insane, and produced as much seismic activity as a

Summary: This defensive battle was influenced heavily by the weather. Each team missed two field goal attempts, due to heavy snow flurries and wind speeds up to 25 miles per hour. The Broncos jumped out to an early lead despite having backup quarterback Jared Stidham play due to an injury to starter Bo Nix. Stidham played fairly well, outperforming MVP finalist Drake Maye. Turning Point: The swing of momentum in this game occurred in the second quarter. The Broncos had a seven point lead, and had the ball in the red zone. They decided to go for it on fourth down, and failed. The three points they would have had if they kicked a field goal would have been all the points they needed for the rest of the game to at least force overtime. Key Takeaways: The Patriots may not be as good as we thought. Their offense never got going, and while the environment was harsh, they almost lost to a team without their starting quarterback. The Broncos were in a difficult situation and did the best they

could, but their coach let them down by going for it on that fourth down. NFC Championship Game:Seattle Seahawks 31, Los Angeles Rams 27

Summary: Both the Rams’ and Seahawks’ high powered offenses played extremely well, and both quarterbacks threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns. Offensive Player of the year Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 10 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown, and led his team to the win. This was a very even matchup, but a colossal mistake by the Rams led to a win for Seattle. Turning Point: On their first drive of the third quarter, the Seahawks offense stalled in their own half and punted the ball to the Rams. Rams kick returner Xavier Smith muffed the punt, and the Seahawks recovered the ball on the Rams 17 yard line. This led to a Seattle touchdown and gave them the points they needed for a win. Key Takeaways: The Seahawks and Rams were both Super Bowl level teams, but the Rams special teams error led to the end of their season. If the Rams hire a new special teams coach, they will be better prepared for next season. Seattle played a nearly flawless game, and proved why they deserve to be in the Super Bowl. Super Bowl LX: Seattle Seahawks 29, New England Patriots 13 Summary: The Seattle Seahawks are world champions! Sam Darnold played a calm game, and RB Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and added on 26 more receiving yards, taking the Super Bowl MVP. The Patriots offensive line let up six sacks and a fumble, and Left Tackle Will Campbell alone allowed 14 Quarterback pressures. Drake Maye was overwhelmed by “The Dark Side,” or the Seahawks defense, and the Patriots offense was shut down the entire game. Turning Point: With eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Patriots were leading one of their most promising drives of the game. On second down, Drake Maye threw an unnecessary desperation heave intended for Kyle Williams, when they were only down by two possessions. It was wobbly, underthrown, and overall a horrible decision. Leading to an easy interception for Seahawks safety Julian Love. Key Takeaways: The Seahawks were clearly the better team, and Drake Maye was not prepared to face their defense. The Patriots offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL, and allowed a record breaking 20 sacks this postseason, and Will Campbell their Left Tackle is a draft bust. The Patriots need to figure out their offensive line, or else they will continue to be bullied by elite pass rushes next season.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Lunch costs too much Ellie Stewart Co-Editor-in-Chief

y school night is not doing homework or brushing my teeth, but packing my lunch for school the next day. Yes, I’ve eaten the same meal for lunch every day for the past four years, but that isn’t the reason it feels redundant. Every night, I get a bit jealous of my brothers who attend Episcopal, only because they don’t have to pay for their lunches. Instead of making their lunch the night before, they swing through their cafeteria line and get seconds of everything because their food is included in tuition. Every night, I wonder why Bolles doesn’t do the same! Bolles partners with FLIK Independent School Dining, which provides great meals for Bolles students to enjoy. Episcopal partners with a similar organization, Sage Dining Services. However, food at Episcopal is much more affordable. Even though both breakfast and lunch are included in Episcopal’s total cost, the tuition is still less than Bolles’s tuition would be if they included the cost just of lunch. The cost to attend Episcopal for the 2026-27 school year is $34,950. Comparatively, Bolles costs slightly less at $34,660. Assuming a Bolles student buys lunch every day (around 180 days) at $8.75 for the combo meal, that would increase the total cost of attendance to $36,100.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

However, if Bolles chose to wrap meals in its tuition, because of adjusting the cost with inflation and employee compensation, the cost of attendance would greatly increase that year. Chief Finance and Operations Officer Jeff Role estimates this would raise tuition roughly 8-9%, or $37,430-$37,780 for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Two years ago, Bolles surveyed parents and asked whether they would like meals to be included with tuition. “An overwhelming majority of respondents said they preferred us to not wrap meals into tuition,” Mr. Role said. “We listened to our parents and kept the meal program as it was.” One thing that I do really appreciate about Bolles dining is the variety of meals offered. From the bowl station to the salad bar, I know if we are ever out of food at home, I can count on getting a decently healthy meal. I do wish the prices of the snacks were lower, however. My mom (understandably) banned my brothers and me from buying any more $3 granola bars, $4 fruit cups, and $5 chocolate milks. The price of a quick snack before or after practice costs about the same as half a full meal! Recently, FLIK took away the free drinks and now charges $2.25 per cup. If I were ever having a rough day or needed a pick-me-up after morning practice, I could always count on grabbing a cup of coffee or tea between classes. Not only is that not available anymore, but

the fountain drinks options now only include Powerade and Vitaminwater, which I would argue aren’t worth the $2.25.

An overwhelming majority of respondents said they preferred us to not wrap meals into tuition. We listened to our parents and kept the meal program as it was. — Jeff Role 2026

At Episcopal, my brothers especially appreciate their allergy-friendly options. Two of my brothers have celiac disease, one of whom is allergic to everything under the sun. Neither of them are able to eat out much, but at school they have their own station to get food they can eat. Bolles students who have allergies are encouraged to talk with the Chef Manager, but oftentimes, it can still be hard to track down ingredients and plan for lunch. Ultimately, even though I dislike packing my lunch every day, it has taught me a lot about my nutrition. I think every student should bring their lunch more often to learn more about how to fuel their bodies before they go to college. However, on days when I’m not able to bring my lunch, I

Why Drake is waiting to release his Iceman album Jimmy Hunt Staff Editor

ubuery Graham (Drake) has been one of the biggest names in the music industry for 15 years, having some of the most popular albums of all time, like Take Care, Scorpion, and Views. When Drake drops an album, it is usually a big deal. Drake’s last album, “$ome $exy $ 4 u,” was released in early 2025. The album was sort of a let-down. The album only had two songs that surpassed one hundred million streams on Spotify, which isn’t too good for Drake, considering the album before had four billion.

The Iceman album cover. Credit: Spotify But only a couple of months later, in June, Drake dropped a single called “What Did I Miss,” which was the number one-streamed song for four consecutive weeks. This song was released to announce Drake’s next album, Iceman. Iceman was already hinted at during his 2024 tour. But as soon as he announced Iceman, Drake lovers were very excited for his new album based on how good “What Did I Miss” was. A month

later, Drake went live and dropped a new song off Iceman, "Which One," featuring Central Cee. This song was not as popular, but it was still at the top of the listening charts for many weeks. After “Which One” was dropped, people figured that the album would definitely be released soon because he announced the album in June. But Drake went silent about the album for a few months until September, when he posted “9 PM” on his Instagram, and everyone thought it was going to be him dropping the album, but no, it was a live stream that was filled with many hidden messages, multiple songs, and little previews of a couple of songs. He released “Somebody Loves Me” (remix) and “Dog House,” which are not a part of Iceman. In the live stream, he shows many hints of Iceman being released in the winter of 2026, but there still is no confirmed date. For multiple weeks, people anticipated the album to drop soon after the live stream. During those few weeks, multiple albums of other artists had to be delayed (Justin Bieber, Offset). They did not want their albums’ debuts to be on the same weekend or time frame as Iceman because they knew people would listen to Iceman over their own albums. After this happened to many artists, people started to wonder if this was what Drake intended. Which would be fitting because he was freezing the music industry and the name of the album is Iceman. It would make sense for this to be Drake’s intention because in his livestream, he

Aubrey Graham A.K.A Drake. Credit: Getty Images signified that the industry was against him and he was all on his own. In my unprofessional opinion, Drake is going to wait til popular rapper J Cole drops his upcoming album, which was announced to be released on February 6. I don't think Iceman will be released on the same day, but definitely around the same week. This is due to Asap Rocky’s most recent album. J Cole was a feature on multiple songs, and he blatantly dissed Drake, creating beef between the two of them. The reason Drake would want to drop his album near Asap Rocky’s is to take attention from Asap’s.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

DC Studios surpasses Marvel Tristan Schneider Co-Editor-in-Chief

C is on the redemption arc of the century, with all its releases being met well critically and commercially, such as Superman. The question is: will DC finally topple Marvel and come out as king of comic book media? DC has had a very inconsistent reputation for the last 20 years. After Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, DC scrambled to come up with the next big movie, and it didn't help that their biggest competitor, Marvel, was breaking into pop culture with its newly launched Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This led to DC producing many films that were hated both critically and by fans; Batman v. Superman, Suicide Squad, and Justice League (2017) all fell into this category. While DC was losing both fans and money, Marvel was making billions at the box office, with movies based on more obscure and unknown heroes compared to someone like Superman. James Gunn took on the role of Co-CEO and Co-Chairman of the newly formed DC Studios in late 2022, putting him in charge of all creative decisions going forward. James Gunn is most famous for directing the Guardians of the Galaxy movies as well as the 2025 Superman movie, all receiving praise for their uniqueness in visuals and storytelling. It seems that Marvel and DC have switched roles. Marvel has been slowly losing fans and money throughout the last half-decade. After dominating the 2010s,

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

creating some of the highestgrossing movies of all time and ending a decade-long storyline, you would think that Marvel would slow down a bit and come up with a new storyline, but instead they decided to push out dozens of movies and TV shows, all varying in quality. Both Marvel and DC were in the same position in the early 2020s, but DC might have an edge over Marvel. Marvel has lost fans: before, any movie it released would gross close to a billion dollars, but now most of them struggle to break even. Even if a movie is praised, it is not guaranteed to make money. A recent example would be The Thunderbolts*, which did well critically but failed to make any money at the box office. This year is a very big year for both companies, because it will make or break them. The newly created DC Studios has three major releases this year: Supergirl, Clay Face, and Lanterns, all promising enough for fans. The new regime has steadily built up a very positive reaction to their films, unlike Marvel. Marvel has not built up a strong foundation in the last five years, prioritizing quantity over quality. Many of their more recent films have crashed and burned, whether it be at the box office or critically. This struggling foundation shows that even some of their better films released in 2025 either lost money or barely scraped by, like The Marvels and The Thunderbolts*. Marvel is desperate at this point; if they fail this year, then it could mean overall dominance of DC. Their most acclaimed TV show was

released with absolutely no marketing, leading to low viewership and limited online discourse. The upcoming SpiderMan movie has also had almost no marketing, and it's only five months away. And probably Marvel’s biggest gamble is bringing back Robert Downey Jr. for the upcoming Avengers movie, but as the villain. This move is extremely desperate and looks like it was only made to win back fans. DC also has much more creative freedom than Marvel, with James Gunn allowing directors greater creative vision and control. This is in stark contrast to Marvel, which is well known for being more formulaic and corporate, often compromising directors' visions. “DC is creating more… honestly, I agree it's kind of better than the ones in the 2010s” (movies) Cami Walker’ 27 said. More and more people are agreeing that DC has a brighter future than Marvel. “Yeah, lowkey that James Gunn’s Superman movie was pretty good, had a lot of buzz going for it,” Antonio Falco’ 26 said. “I don't remember anything that's happened recently with Marvel… there's not a lot of hope it's getting better. DC, there's at least hope that James Gunn is going to make it cool.” DC definitely has the backing of fans, crippling any future success of Marvel. They have proven themselves to make good movies frequently, giving people more hope for the future. “I just have more faith in DC because they haven't shown themselves to be as terrible,” said Dante Camarda' 26.

DC Studios rising up to the heavens while Marvel Studios remains inflamed. Credit: Tristan Schneider

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

The NCAA Transfer Portal is a mess Rollins Powell Staff Writer

n college football, a player can transfer or commit to another team during the offseason. The transfer portal is the period of time when players are allowed to switch teams. A rule changed in 2020 where players who transferred schools could immediately be eligible to play for their new team. This has caused major problems with players constantly switching schools to get better NIL deals. Players now switch schools often, which makes it hard for teams to build strong chemistry. Coaches also struggle because they never know who will stay or leave each season. Due to this, the transfer portal has made college football less balanced, with coaches

"I don’t think it’s in the best interest of the student-athlete, I don’t think it’s in the best interest of college football" — James Franklin worrying over who will stay and who will leave each offseason. This has caused a major problem of disloyalty among college players. The benefit of transferring schools is either to get more playing time by moving to a

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

smaller school or getting more money by moving to a bigger school with more boosters. The best players in the nation are constantly switching schools in search of Name Image and

"Now guys are looking to “Where can I develop value right now, today?” — Nick Saban Likeness (NIL) sponsorships, which favors teams with more money. Backup players often move to lower market schools like Division II programs so they can get noticed by recruiters. This starts a cycle of players moving around to better their chances of reaching the NFL.

portal had on this game, and many others alike. College football has not always been this way, and star players did not often transfer schools. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson are all NFL MVP candidates year in and year out. They all went to small market schools that had low funding and few boosters. This proves that moving schools to get more money does not translate to success in the NFL. However, there has been a serious swing that started five years ago. All of the quarterbacks taken in the first round of the last two drafts have played for two or more teams throughout their college careers, with the exception of two players.

The transfer portal has the largest impact on the “Bowl Season,” with transferring athletes often sitting out bowl games to avoid injury in hopes of keeping their transfer value. The best example of this came in a 2023 bowl game between #5 ranked Florida State and the #6 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. The game was supposed to be close because the teams were ranked only one spot apart. However, 24 of Florida State’s players that saw regular playing time sat out of the game, including seven for the draft and 17 for the transfer portal. 13 of these players were starters, which accounts for over half of the team. Florida State lost this game 63-3, which shows the impact the transfer

NCAA Logo Credit: Creative Commons

The change began in 2021, when the NCAA allowed players to be paid for NIL, and players were allowed unlimited transfers. Since then, 20% of NCAA D1 scholarship athletes enter the portal each offseason. In 2020, around 1500 players entered the portal, and in 2021 over 1,000 more players transferred, a 60%

Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban Credit: Getty Images

increase. Each year the problem keeps getting worse. In 2026, nearly 4,500 Division 1 athletes entered the portal, which is 30% of all athletes, and the portal has been open for less than a month. Since players transfer so much, coaches such as James Franklin believe it hurts athletes’ development. “I don’t think it’s in the best interest of the student-athlete, I don’t think it’s in the best interest of college football,” he said to the Associated Press. When players switch teams they have to learn new playbooks, coaching styles, and daily routines, which can be major setbacks when trying to make it to the NFL. Former Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban said while on College Gameday that the portal is causing players to focus on their value right now,

not for the future. “On the development side of it, it is not beneficial to players. I think people learn in the process of development what they have to do to get better so they can compete. Now guys are looking to “Where can I develop value right now, today?” College athletes are focusing on where they can transfer to make the most money rather than focusing on building themselves up for the future. Finally, LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin says the portal is becoming a problem and there needs to be a solution. “But in general, it’s gotten out of control. It’s not good for college football. Something’s got to be fixed.” This is also important coming from the coach of LSU, which is a valued program that benefits heavily from transferring athletes.

that players with NIL contracts will not be paid unless they play every game they are physically able. This will keep the excitement of bowl games that have little importance to a team’s season. The best solution to the problem of players transferring too often should be that when players make an NIL contract, they are signed to a certain number of years with the team, like a professional contract. Altogether, the transfer portal has transformed college football because it negatively affects competitive balance and player development. Player freedom is important, but the existing system puts more emphasis on short-term money as opposed to long-term growth.

The best solution for players sitting out of games should be BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Netflix buys Warner Brothers Why this is awful Tristan Schneider Co-Editor-in-Chief

n late 2025, Netflix put down an offer to acquire Warner Brothers for around 82 billion dollars. Netflix has accepted this offer, ignoring Paramount’s offer of around 100 billion dollars in cash. This might sound great for many people; Netflix will now have access to a vast library of IPs for future content, but Netflix is first and foremost a streaming platform: a movie theatre’s worst nightmare. The movie theatre has been a staple of American culture since the early 1900s. However, the Netflix acquisition of WB (Warner Brothers) has the potential to change the movie landscape for the worse, threatening the longevity of not only theatres but competition and creativity. Netflix does not care for the theatres. Sure, Netflix has dabbled in the theatrical releases with some projects like Frankenstein and the Stranger Things’ season five finale going to theatres for “limited runs,” but those runs are usually around a week, week and half tops. Netflix is all about watching movies at home - not big, bombastic experiences. While on the press tour for the Netflix movie The Rip, leading actor Matt Damon revealed how Netflix creates their movies. “The standard way to make an action movie that we learned was, you usually have three set pieces… And now they’re like, ‘Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay. And it wouldn't be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

people are on their phones while they’re watching… It’s really going to start to infringe on how we’re telling the story.” Netflix makes movies that you can put on while doing laundry; the movies they put out are for people not paying attention to them. It's a very corporate way of making films, leaving very little art left in the art form, and it's not working for Hollywood. With Netflix’s rough reputation when it comes to theatres and how they make their movies, people are rightfully concerned about what that means for the quality of WB’s future films and their theatrical window. There was a long running rumor that all future WB films would have a 17 day theatrical run, a real spit in the face to past windows of months at a time. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has stated that this was false and that he is committed to a 45 day showing in theaters, which is around one and a half months. This is a little reassuring to movie fans, but I feel that the Netflix acquisition is one of the final nails in the coffin for the theatre industry. The industry has already been struggling since COVID, with many films struggling to break even each year. Sure, some films have broken that golden billion dollar box office threshold, but nowadays, it's rare. Before COVID, any superhero movie Marvel Studios made could easily reach a billion plus, now they barely make the 500 million mark, and some, like the Marvels and the Thunderbolts* have lost money. If this trend continues this way, Netflix will eventually cut down their planned theatrical window. This is a pretty easy assumption

to make as Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, has been on record as only caring for streaming. “I believe it is an outmoded idea, for most people - not for everybody.” - Ted Sarandos on the topic of Netflix destroying Hollywood during the TIME100 summit in April. As the CEO of one of the biggest movie studios in the industry, stating that the movie theatre is an outdated concept should be considered an attack. After buying WB, Netflix now owns the film and television rights to The Wizarding World (Harry Potter), Middle-earth (Lord of the Rings), DC Studios, Game of Thrones, Dune, the Monsterverse (King Kong, Godzilla, etc.), Looney Tunes, and many more popular franchises. With Netflix owning all these beloved IPs, and the CEO not being a fan of theatres, the future of these franchises being on the big screen is looking bleak. I would not count on the 45 day theatre runs in this state of the movie industry. Even if Netflix holds true to their word and does release films in theatres, they don't have the best track record for making good projects. The most recent example would be the latest season of Stranger Things, season five. Season five is considered a huge letdown by fans and critics, and to add on to all of the disappointment, the finale was shot before they even finished the scripts, leading to the series dropping in ratings to a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's not just Stranger Things either. Their 2025 film The Electric State has been recently nominated for a Razzy

(awards for the worst films of the year), not to mention the final season of the Umbrella Academy. Like I stated before, Netflix makes their movies not for artistic visions but for corporate greed. For every good movie they put out, they release 50 corporate slop films. Sir Christopher Nolan, a famous Oscar winning director of films such as Oppenheimer, Inception, and The Dark Knight, has already made major moves against Netflix. As the president of the Directors Guild of America, Nolan and the guild have been meeting with Netflix about the acquisition, claiming that it will eliminate jobs in the industry and limit creative competition. "The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what

antitrust laws were designed to prevent,” Nolan said. “The outcome would eliminate jobs, push down wages, worsen conditions for all entertainment workers, raise prices for consumers, and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers." It's not only people in the industry that care about the buyout. Many students have expressed their opinions regarding the topic. Julanne McCranie ‘28 said “I think Netflix is just trying to get their hands on as many studios as they can to exploit.” Paul Rywelski’ 27 also has his fair share of issues with Netflix. “It’s very anti-consumer. It only focuses on the shareholders and not the actual consumers, leading to an incredibly negative outcome for anybody who wants to actually watch shows… it would force more strain onto smaller

groups and they could then, instead of competing with each other in order to make the product better, they would simply just make it worse.” McCranie and Rywelski are concerned about a potential streaming monopoly by Netflix. Monopolies are inherently terrible for business and consumers alike. They limit competition, meaning that the products don't have to try to do something new, and leaving the consumers with lackluster products. Netflix’s buyout is one of the worst things to ever happen to the film and entertainment industry. It will limit theatrical runs, release corporate slop movies with generic plots and stories that people have seen thousands of times, eliminate jobs, and essentially help Netflix get closer to having a monopoly. This is truly a depressing time to be a movie enthusiast.

Netflix devours Warner Brother in a monstrous way. Credit: Tristan Schneider

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

How the Jaguars should "tackle" the offseason Jack Laufer Head Sports Editor Wes Coughlin Assistant Sports Editor

ell Jags fans… It’s over.

The season can be perfectly summarized in a quote by Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

It’s easy to feel sad because of the anticlimactic ending. A week after beating the doors off of a division rival, which clinched the AFC South, they lost at home in front of a sellout crowd (in classic Jaguars fashion). It felt like, finally, when the media and fans started to respect us, the Jaguars rolled over.

Travis Hunter slips a defender. Credit: Christian Schultz Despite the heartbreaking loss, there is still so much optimism. We just went 13-4 with a rookie head coach, rookie coordinators, AND our first round pick missed more

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

than half of the season with an LCL tear. We went on the road and beat San Francisco, beat the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes at home on Monday Night, and won 7/8 of our division matchups. Simply put, this Jaguars team was one of the best Jaguars teams of all time. What makes this offseason so nerve-racking is that success has never been easy to maintain in Jacksonville. But, if the Jaguars staff follows our advice, I’m sure they will replicate the success they found in 2025 and even possibly bring home their first-ever Super Bowl trophy.

Dolphins expressed interest and interviewed him, but they hired Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to be their next head coach. Also, the Arizona Cardinals interviewed him and expressed interest, but Campanile negotiated a deal to return to the Jaguars in 2026. Getting both coordinators back makes the future for our Jags very promising.

These last few years, our coaching carousel has been absolute chaos. After this past season, many teams made strong considerations to hire offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Udinski conducted two interviews with the Cleveland Browns and was believed to be a frontrunner candidate for that job. He also had an interview with the Buffalo Bills. Although he does not call plays, Udinski was a huge part in the success of the Jags offense this year, through his contributions to the new offensive scheme. And just recently, it was announced that he would be returning to the Jaguars next season. This move was major for QB Trevor Lawrence, who has never had coaching consistency in his career. In fact, this next season will mark the first time in his career that his head coach, offensive coordinator, and passing game coordinator stay. Unlike Udiniski, Campanile ran the show on the Jacksonville defense and brought a new culture that this group needed. The Miami

Travon Walker locks in. Credit: Wikimedia Commons One of the biggest questions every fan has on their minds is, “Who will the Jaguars re-sign?” The notable Jaguars that will become free agents this offseason include Montaric Brown, Dennis Gardeck, Andrew Wingard, Travis Etienne, and Devin Lloyd. With the Jaguars having the ninthlowest salary cap, it will be impossible to retain all of these guys, especially Devin Lloyd. However, if they restructure guys like Arik Armstead, they could free up some cap space. Also, getting rid of the Baalke blunder, Walker Little (15 million) would help out a lot.

Even though the Jaguars had a terrific season, there are still some missing pieces to fill on this team. It would be a huge success if we could get secondary and offensive linemen out of the free agency market, as these players are more proven compared to drafted players. Greg Newsome was a hard watch this year, especially during the Bills game. He allowed 5 receptions on 5 targets for 59 yards. The most important part of this offseason is the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft for the Jaguars this year is going to be a lot different from the past. Instead of picking early in the first round like they normally do, they currently do not pick until pick 60 (thanks to the Travis Hunter trade). This is going to be a real test for Gladstone and company on what hidden talents they can find in the draft. Depending on how free agency and contracts go, the draft could go many different ways for the Jaguars.

Travis Hunter hypes up the crowd. Credit: Christian Schultz

Trevor Lawrence looks right. Credit: Christian Schultz

Regardless of how the draft goes, the Jaguars need to target the offensive line. We saw clearly this season that when a starter goes down, the Jags have no good options on the bench. For example, the Bills game: starter Cole Van Lanen ruled out at the last second with a knee injury, and Walker Little had to come in, who gave up three pressures with two false starts. Outside of the offensive line, it would be beneficial for the Jaguars to add some secondary and possibly another linebacker if Devin Lloyd does not return. Even with the disappointing end in Jacksonville, it’s hard not to be optimistic about the future of this team. This is the first offseason in a while where we’re counting the days to the next season. This time next year, we might be looking at some Jacksonville Jaguars 2027 Super Bowl Champions merch.

Trevor Lawrence reads the defense. Credit: Aaron Berkshire BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

How teams should navigate the NFL draft Hudson Powell Coffehouse Editor

he NFL season just wrapped up, and teams now are directing their attention to the most pivotal moment in the offseason, the NFL Draft. Running from April 23rd to April 25th in Pittsburg, PA, it is the moment where teams can find generational talent which can make or break a franchise for years. This is where decisions are made that separate great analysts, scouts, and GMs from not so great ones. Let's dive into what the top 20 picks in an NFL mock draft could look like. Las Vegas Raiders Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana The Raiders need a QB and they get a hard working, low ego player that can turn this franchise around with some help from players like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. Mendoza is coming off of a Heisman year where he broke the school record for passing touchdowns and won a National Championship. A majority of the spotlight and noise will be on Fernando Mendoza, which he has shown he can not only handle, but also thrive in. New York Jets - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State The Jets need some help and a 6’4” 265 pound Arvell Reese is a big help on any defense, especially since the Jets lost Sauce Gardener and Quinnen Willams. With the right coaching, a player as talented as Reese will be a game changer in the NFL.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

Washington Commanders (From Arizona Cardinals) Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami Not many people have the Washington Commanders trading up here but it will be important for them to go all in. They have a chance to bounce back instantly if their team can stay healthy. They can still be a team that can make a playoff run and here they would be trading up for the most talented player in the draft. Bain was a force on the Canes defensive line and would be a huge addition. He is definitely worth the cost to trade up four spots in the draft. He should be the frontrunner for defensive rookie of the year next season. Tennessee Titans - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State The Titans need some weapons for Cam Ward and Tyson is the most talented receiver in the draft. If the Titans can get Ward some help, they should be able to turn their franchise around which has been struggling for the past few years. At ASU, Tyson played 21 games in the last two years catching 136 passes for 1821 yards and 19 touchdowns across that span. New York Giants - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State The Giants are in a great place, with Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo coming back from injury and with John Harbaugh arriving as the new head coach. Drafting Tate will be another weapon given to QB Jaxon Dart, who had a promising rookie year. Selecting Ohio State receivers tends to work well for teams as Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith Njigba and more have

been a success out of Ohio State. Tate should not be any different. Cleveland Browns - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami Cleveland needs to better protect their QB this year and they can do so by selecting the top lineman in the draft here. Cleveland gave up the 7th most sacks a game and will need to improve this number to start winning games. Mauigoa was a unanimous first team All-

Fernando Mendoza smiles for the camera. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

American and won the ACC Jacobs Blocking award as the top lineman in the ACC. Arizona Cardinals (From Washington Commanders) Spencer Fano, OT, Utah If the Cardinals trade down, they should still be able to select a quality pass protector which will important as they allowed the fourth most sacks a game (3.5) last season. Fano was an All-American this season at Utah so he should start on day one for Arizona.

New Orleans Saints - Makai Lemon, WR, USC Tyler Shough nearly won offensive player of the year, and despite a rough training camp, he may have shown he was the best QB in the draft. Giving him another weapon would not hurt the New Orleans Saints as besides Chris Olave, Tyler Shough does not have much help on offense. Lemon caught 79 passes for 1156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had an incredible year and was an AllAmerican. He should have an instant impact and could be a frontrunner for offensive rookie of the year if Shough plays well. Kansas City Chiefs Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Despite Isiah Pacheco showing flashes, he has shown he cannot play consistently. Love had a video game year in which he finaled for the Heisman trophy award and should be another contender for offensive rookie of the year if the Chiefs decide to move on from Pacheco, and they should. Love ran for 1372 yards and 18 touchdowns in only 12 games which is incredible. Cincinnati Bengals - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Downs is a two time AllAmerican and was the Big Ten this year. He is the best safety in the draft and could be a major help in the Bengals’ pass defense. Downs came 9th in the Heisman voting and is going to be very hyped up in April. Miami Dolphins - Jermod McCoy, DB, Tennessee The Dolphins need some help in the pass defense and an athlete like McCoy can make an instant impact. He would be a gamble, but the gamble should be worth it given his athleticism. McCoy snagged four interceptions in 2024 and was a force in college.

Dallas Cowboys - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech Bailey led the nation in sacks in the regular season and was named an All-American. The Dallas Cowboys will be lucky if he falls to them given his incredible season, but they have a chance given some of the teams’ needs that pick before Dallas. Bailey is a force and Dallas will be lucky to have him. Los Angeles Rams (From the Atlanta Falcons) - Avieon Terrell, DB, Clemson The Rams have a great team but could use a DB to upgrade a little. Terrell forced five fumbles and defended nine passes this season and is very athletic. Coming out of Clemson helps too as many forces in the NFL have been developed in Dabo Swinney’s program. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Woods, DL, Clemson This will be a transition year for Baltimore no doubt after having just fired their coach. They will need to build for the future, and Peter Woods addresses a need on the defensive line. He was solid in his three years at Clemson and is still very young with much potential. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State There is a good chance Styles goes before this, but if he falls to TB, he would be a great successor to Lavonte David as a middle linebacker. Styles has had 17 TFLs the last two seasons and will certainly be a hot commodity this April. New York Jets (From the Indianapolis Colts) - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama The Jets need to take a gamble here to try and find a franchise QB. They have struggled to find a guy and they are going to need one if they want to turn their franchise around as they

have won the fewest games in the 2020s out of any NFL team. Detroit Lions - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami Mesidor could be a great partner in crime with Aidan Hutchinson, he was Miami’s sack leader and was incredible against great offensive lines in the playoffs. Many mock drafts have Mesidor much lower than this, but it would be a crime not to draft him here given his incredible playoff run. Minnesota Vikings - Mansoor Delane, DB, LSU The Vikings finished well, winning their last five games. Besides the QB, the weakest position on the team is probably cornerback or running back. Delane was an All American at LSU and had 4 interceptions his junior year at Virginia Tech. Carolina Panthers - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon The Panthers really need a tight end and Kenyon Sadiq is the best option by far. There really is no better or other option for the Panthers here as they do not have a starting caliber TE on their roster. Sadiq could help block in a run game as well as add a weapon for the improving Bryce Young in the passing game. Dallas Cowboys (From Green Bay Packers) - Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M Howell could be a great partner in crime alongside the newly added Quinnen Williams. Howell had 11.5 sacks and was the SEC defensive player of the year. Dallas should be really excited if they really have a chance to take Howell here.

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

The dominance of Nikola Jokic JC Gonzalez Staff Writer

ikola Jokić’s dominance in the NBA almost doesn’t make sense when you first watch him. He doesn’t look like the fastest nor most athletic player on the court, but he somehow controls everything.

As the star for the Denver Nuggets, the 6 '11, 284-pound center can score from anywhere, whether it’s backing someone down in the post or hitting a three-pointer. Last season, he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He became the first center ever and only the second player in NBA history to average a tripledouble throughout a whole season. Currently, this season, he is having one of the most efficient seasons of all time offensively. He is arguably on the best run of all time, averaging 28.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game over the last three seasons, shooting 58%.

"He is one of the best offensive players I have ever seen. He just knows how to command an offense." — Preston Hager '28

His current prime is unmatched and is putting up better numbers offensively than LeBron James and Michael Jordan at their best. What really makes him different, though, is his passing. He throws

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

no-look passes and full-court outlets like he’s a point guard, not a 7-footer. “He plays like Magic Johnson,” said Teigan Kornick ‘28. “The way he involves his teammates reminds me of Magic’s passing.”

the Nuggets to their first championship. He’s also won three MVP awards and is seeking more. What makes it even more impressive is that he doesn’t rely on crazy dunks or flashy moves to score. Instead, he uses footwork, patience, and basketball IQ to outsmart defenders. A lot of times it looks like he’s barely jumping, but he still gets the rebound over everyone. He also sets up his teammates so well that the whole team plays better when he’s on the court. Even when defenders try to be physical with him, he keeps his pace of play. The game is in slow motion for him and he controls the game with or without the ball.

Nikola Jokić shooting over a defender. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Defenses can’t just double-team him because he’ll instantly find the open teammate, and he usually shoots over 55% from the field, which shows how efficient he is. His passing makes his teammates better, and he is one of the smartest basketball players in the NBA. He always makes the right play and will never make a bad read. “Jokić is the most well-rounded player in the entire NBA,” said Whitman Moore ‘28. Jokić has also proven that his dominance isn’t just about stats, even though his numbers are crazy almost every night. He consistently puts up triple-doubles and has recorded over 100 in his career, putting him among the alltime leaders. During the NBA Finals, he averaged about 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading

The Nuggets are currently having the most efficient offensive season of all time, thanks to their superstar. Jokić is already in the top 3 all-time leaders for tripledoubles. What makes all this so amazing is the fact that he was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft. He was overlooked, but then turned into the face of the Nuggets franchise. Most MVPs were top-5 draft picks, but Jokić developed into the league’s best. To wrap it up, Nikola Jokić isn’t just putting up historic numbers; he’s redefining what dominance looks like in the modern NBA. Without relying on elite athleticism, he controls the pace, elevates his teammates, and makes the game look effortless. If this stretch continues, we won’t just be talking about a great prime, we are talking about one of the greatest peaks in history that the league has ever seen and possibly the greatest player to ever play the game.

Videos and Multimedia

Raaya Katugaha Design Editor

Valentine's Day Special: The Sequel

Jolee Abbey Social Media Editor

ugle editors Raaya and Jo interview teachers for advice about Valentine's Day. Mr. Collins, Ms. Dividu, Mr. Hart, and Ms. Pelletier share their Valentine's Day memories and what they look for in a Valentine. They also give tips on their red and green flags in a person and their preferences so you can feel most confident in asking your partner! Use the QR code below to watch the video!

2026 Baseball Stars

Max Coulter Staff Writer

elebrate the 2026 Bolles baseball team with stats including batting percentage, position, height and weight. The team boasts an outstanding 18 win 6 loss season thus far. Use the QR code below to watch the video!

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM

The Fall of Tristan

Eli Kuvin Staff Writer Sawyer Powell

Staff Writer

li and Sawyer find editor in chief Tristan Schneider guilty of Bugle Fraud. He must be held responsible for his heineous crime and put to justice. But he won't come quietly and will do anything to protect his dignity. Find out more by visiting the Bolles YouTube channel or scanning the QR code above.

Super Bowl Predictions

Wes Coughlin Assistant Sports Editor Dawson Brydges Photo Editor

uper Bowl Season is here! In this video, Dawson Brydges '27 and Wes Coughlin '28 go around camus asking students who they think is going to win the Super Bowl. There are predictions from before the confrence championships as well as after. Use the QR code above to watch the video!

Stranger Things Review

JC Gonzalez Staff Writers Reid Moscarillo Staff Writer JC and Reid find out people's opinions on the new season of Stranger Things. People have a lot to say about character development throughout the show and their favorite moments in Stranger Things. Use the QR code above to watch the video!

BOLLESBUGLEONLINE.COM