The Bright Ideas Beacon May 2020
sweet sorrow Behind the Design (7-8) Outside the Zoom Room (13-14) A Fond Farewell (17-18)
The Bright Ideas Beacon
The 2019-2020 Beacon Staff
Reporters: Christian Zeliadt Elisabeth Guilliams Gabriella Hunter Garrett Hopkins Haddi Iverson Krysten Meyer Editor-in-Chief: Colin Sink Design Editor: Ingrid Dornbirer Copy Editor: Jaedon Wilkinson Faculty Advisor: Jamie Anderson
Please email any questions, comments, or suggestions to Colin at colin.edchief@gmail.com 1 - May 2020
Contents
The Bright Ideas Beacon
May 2020 | Volume 3 | Number 7
3-4 - Mission Statement 5-6 - Enjoy the Moment by Christian Zeliadt 7-8 - Behind the Design by Elisabeth Guilliams 9-10 - Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Caryl Veloso by Gabriella Hunter 11-12 - Learning at Your Own Pace by Garrett Hopkins 13-14 - Outside the Zoom Room by Haddi Iverson 15-16 - The Scottish Play by Krysten Myer 17-18 - A Fond Farewell by Jaedon Wilkinson 19-20 - March Reflection by The Beacon Staff 21-22 - Student Body Poll Results 23-24 - Jester's Corner 25-26 - Something Worth Remembering by Colin Sink
May 2020 - 2
The Bright Ideas Beacon
"Goodbye? OH NO, PLEASE. Can't we go back to page one and do it all over again?" 3 - May 2020
~ Winnie the Pooh
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Beacon Mission Statement
The Bright Ideas Beacon is a student-run newspaper which helps highschool homeschool students develop journalism skills as they research, write, edit, and publish a monthly newspaper, distributed to homeschool students and families. The Beacon staffers learn to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards, while working under deadline pressure in a collaborative environment to produce a newspaper that is both glorifying to God and of benefit and interest to its readers. The newspaper content is mainly news and feature articles about faculty and students taking classes at The Academy at Bright Ideas, and the curriculum produced by Bright Ideas Press. Above all, its purpose is to uphold Godly standards as students learn the art and craft of journalism.
May 2020 - 4
Enjoy the Moment
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Christian Zeliadt
Christian Zeliadt is a 16-year-old highschool junior from Nashville, TN. He plays piano and drums and is a member of the Nashville Youth Choir. He enjoys world history, military history, biology, drawing, listening to music, playing strategy board games, running, and hiking the Appalachian Trail with his family.
With her senior year of high school coming
most about The Academy, Haddi replied, “The
to an end, Hadassah “Haddi” Iverson prepares
Beacon. I don’t like English, I’m not good at
to begin the next step in her life. After two
English, so I just took a chance. This year I
exciting years on The Bright Ideas Beacon
totally came out of my shell.” Her favorite part
filled with many fun memories, Haddi is ready
of The Beacon experience was the meetings.
to begin her college education.
“The first time,” she said, “I never really stayed
Haddi has been homeschooled her whole
after the meetings, but this year, I love staying
life. Her parents supplemented her at-home
after the meetings. I loved interviewing my old
learning with co-op classes, tutorials, online
teachers, too.”
learning and most recently at a local junior
Her advice for the new Beacon staff
college and vocational school. Haddi has
members: “Enjoy the moment. Don’t feel like
taken classes at The Academy at Bright Ideas
you have to rush in and get the interview done.
Press, and before that with Landry Academy.
If you enjoy the teacher and the topic, then you
In her junior year, she joined the staff at The
can really take your time and be focused on
Bright Ideas Beacon. She finished her senior
your interviewee.”
year with an English dual enrollment course at
Haddi’s favorite classes are those of Mrs.
Jackson Community College.
Applegrijn and Mrs. MacIlvaine. As a journalist
When asked what she was going to miss the
for The Beacon, she has been able to interact
5 - May 2020
The Bright Ideas Beacon with many teachers at The Academy and has
such as Settler of Catan, but mostly card
many favorites: Mr. Leingang, Mrs. Applegrijn,
games like Egyptian Rat Slap, Dutch Blitz,
Mrs. Glandon, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Anderson,
Dominion and Exploding Kittens. Haddi plans
Mrs. Bledsoe, Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Westcott.
to attend cosmetology school and take general
However, she has not been able to take all of
classes at Jackson Community College. She
these teachers’ classes.
hopes to work at her local hair salon. Haddi is
When Haddi is not doing school, her free
the youngest of a family of five and lives in
time is spent walking and watching Disney and
Adrian, Michigan. She has two older sisters,
Marvel movies. Haddi also plays volleyball,
two older brothers and a dog named Maggie.
pickleball and badminton, and before Covid-19
Haddi and her sister Lydia were both adopted
quarantine, she volunteered three times a week
from China, and their birthdays are a day
for her church’s children’s ministry. Being quite
apart. Haddi’s is on May 25.
competitive, she enjoys playing board games
For these last two issues, we will be saying goodbye to our seniors on the Beacon staff as they will be heading off elsewhere: Haddi, Ingrid, Colin and Jaedon.
May 2020 - 6
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Behind the Design
Elisabeth guilliams Ingrid Dornbirer, the design
which is the first book in “The Giver
editor for The Bright Ideas Beacon,
Quartet” by Lois Lowry for every kid
is ready to turn the next chapter in
to read since it impacted and
her life as she steps out of high
inspired her love for writing.
school and into college. After
Ingrid has served on The Bright
serving on The Beacon for two
Ideas Beacon for two years as the
years, Ingrid is eager to see what
design editor and absolutely
God has planned for her
recommends this extracurricular
Ingrid is a seventeen-year-old
activity to homeschool students. She
Elisabeth (Lizzy) Guilliams is a sophomore in high school. She is the fifth child of six and loves to read, write, play Ultimate Frisbee, and spend time with her family. She also loves to listen to music. She has participated in many plays with her homeschool friends and loves the thrill of stepping into a different role of acting each time!
senior who grew up on a farm of 10
loves the interaction and bond the
acres in Ohio. She loves animals
staff has together. “The teamwork of
since her family owns chickens,
it all has impacted me the most,”
sheep, dogs and cats. From
Ingrid said. She says that she loved
childhood, Ingrid spent her time in
that she was not underestimated but
the woods creating new worlds and
that her potential was realized which
stories in her mind. She developed
was extremely instrumental in her
a love for stories from a young age
high school years. High school can be a challenging time, so
and said, “I’m very passionate
Ingrid’s advice to students is to lean on others. “Don’t rely on
about stories. I love hearing other
your own strength,” she said, “but rely on the strength of your
people’s stories, I love writing
loved ones and especially the Lord's.” She also recommends
stories and reading them.” She has
getting advice from others. Hindsight has taught her that during
written a few short stories of her
high school she became the person she is today because of the
own and even had a couple of her
love and advice from family and friends.
poems published on a writing
Ingrid spends a lot of time with her family and friends, but
website. Since many of her
she loves to be with the Lord. Especially during this time, she
hobbies center around storytelling
has found herself immersed in His Word. She has learned much
she has excelled in theater since
about herself during the pandemic’s stay home order and
she was nine. “I love bringing
encourages everyone to be patient and persevere. A lesson for
stories to life and creating my own,”
life that she now understands is being okay with herself. “I don’t
she said. Reading is also a hobby
have to try to be someone different,” she said, “I am enough for
of hers and her favorite books or
myself, my family and the Lord.” She wants everyone to know
series consist of Harry Potter and
this and realize that if they are in Christ, they are enough.
Lord of the Rings. She recommends the book The Giver 7 - May 2020
Ingrid is excited to attend Hillsdale College in the fall and major in English and minor in either journalism or art.
The Bright Ideas Beacon
For these last two issues, we will be saying goodbye to our seniors on the Beacon staff as they will be heading off elsewhere: Ingrid, Haddi, Colin, and Jaedon. May 2020 - 8
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Caryl Veloso Gabriella Hunter Mrs. Caryl Veloso, a teacher at
accountability groups because it
The Academy at Bright Ideas Press,
helps them enjoy the material better
has a passion for teaching others
and connect with their classmates.
and combines many unique
She owns Almond Tree Education,
interests and talents to keep herself
which provides educational support
busy. Before (and after) joining The
services for both the Northeast
Academy, Mrs. Veloso owns her
Georgia population and for people
own educational support company,
online; some of her services include
helping students through many of
ACT and SAT prep as well as
the struggles of education.
homework and essay help. She is
Mrs. Veloso taught classes at
also a publication consultant who
The Academy for three years. Her
helps develop content for
classes helped high school students
corporations and companies. Mrs.
prepare for the two major
Veloso and her husband run an
standardized tests for college: ACT
Airbnb from their Georgia house and
and SAT. Since 1998, she has
rent to corporate travelers. They
been guiding her own and other’s children through school and when invited to teach at The Academy in 2017, she started teaching online. Her favorite thing about teaching is that she can get to know her students and be their cheerleader. “It’s inspiring to see them learn and connect the dots about the questions they missed.” She makes her classes special by setting them up like a support group. She creates her workshops so her students can make an encouraging community. The students do not just learn from the teacher, but from each other too. Mrs. Veloso sets them up in small 9 - May 2020
Gabriella Hunter is a twelve-year-old seventh grader. She lives in the middle of a cornfield in central Illinois with her mom, dad, younger sister, two dogs, and a cat. She enjoys art and spends her spare time painting, crocheting, and decorating cakes. She often has her nose stuck in a book.
also lead a marriage group at North Point Church. Additionally, Mrs. Veloso has been teaching and helping with a women’s group since 2011. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading classic books— especially C.S. Lewis—participating in the Renovare online Christian book club, singing karaoke and enjoying her pets. She said, “That’s my hobby, taking care of my pets. I love my pets.” She has four pets that she rescued: two dogs, Roxy and Chancho, and two cats, Calvin and Hobbes. In responding to a question posed to her in early April about the pandemic, Mrs. Veloso is trying to see the bright side of life during the stay-at-home order. She said, “I’m just happy that I have the chance to hang out at home. This is the Lord’s Sabbath for us and it is good.”
The Bright Ideas Beacon
May 2020 - 10
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Learning at Your Own Pace
Garrett Hopkins
Garrett Hopkins is a fifteen-year-old sophomore and proud military kid. Garrett was born in Mobile, Alabama, currently calls Chesapeake, Virginia his home. Garrett is likes to study God’s creation as it pertains to science, with astronomy being his favorite. In his downtime, Garrett enjoys playing electric guitar and learning to play songs from his favorite artists. His life verse is Psalms 1:1-2.
Mrs. Christine Filipek’s self-paced science
know the material and cannot wait to move on,
classes provide an excellent solution to a
the pace of a class can be a constant
common challenge faced by many students.
challenge in education.
Her self-paced classes, which include Physics,
This is where the self-paced classes taught
Chemistry, Earth, Space, and Creation
by Mrs. Filipek, a teacher at The Academy,
Sciences, offer students the flexibility to move
can help. “The classes are comprised of 15
at their own learning pace. Even though The
lessons, and the student has the entire school
Academy at Bright Ideas Press is closing at
year to complete them,” Mrs. Filipek said. The
the end of May, the self-paced classes will
self-paced classes’ greatest benefit is how
stay functional, and parents may register
“students can take it anytime they want …
students for those classes.
They can use the entire year or take it at their
A frequent frustration faced by students in teacher-led classes is feeling like a class
own pace.” The quizzes and assignments have
simply does not move at the speed they need.
automatic grading so there is no waiting for a
Whether they do not have enough time to take
grade to come back. “Students get feedback
in the information or feel like they already
right away on the student’s assignments and
11 - May 2020
The Bright Ideas Beacon homework,” said Mrs. Filipek. “In those 15
These classes are perfect for families who
weeks, each lesson will have two to four videos
desire flexibility and want freedom with
that accompany them. There are also other
curriculums. The courses are customizable and
videos that the students can link to, and those
adaptable for every student. On top of this,
videos are from websites that are Biblical with a
although the students are not in any sort of
young-earth creationist viewpoint.” The lessons
classroom with the teacher, they are still able
present science material from a Christian
to contact her and ask any questions they may
perspective.
have.
May 2020 - 12
Outside the Zoom Room
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Haddi Iverson
Hadassah “Haddi” Iverson is a 17-year-old senior in high school. She was born in China and moved to Michigan in 2003. Haddi loves to hang outside with her sister, Lydia, biking, playing badminton, volleyball, or reading in the hammock. She loves watching Disney and Marvel movies, as well as reading Christian fictional or nonfictional romance series and novels. She loves serving at church and serving others in her life.
In traditional schooling, “real-life” interaction
Christian has been a student at The
between students and teachers is nothing
Academy for three years and is the oldest of
special. However, for online students, like
four children. Looking back on that day,
those at The Academy at Bright Ideas Press,
Christian said that “it is an experience that I
opportunities to engage with teachers outside
would not trade for anything.”
of a Zoom room is very rare and often an item
Christian’s entire family was able to come
on their bucket lists. Because of this, a quick
with him to the visit. “It’s just nice to see the
meet-up between The Academy’s Government
whole family,” said Mrs. Glandon. “It was great
teacher, Mrs. Glandon, and one of her
to have Christian and his family willing to make
students, Christian Zeliadt, was extra special.
it work to connect, so we could see one
Returning from a family vacation in December, 2019, Christian decided to visit his
another.” Everyone enjoyed the rare opportunity to
former teacher from Government class. They
spend time visiting and having fun. They
met at a little bakery-restaurant called “Flying
engaged in lighthearted conversations with
with Jerome” in Clearwater, FL.
one another on various subjects that included
13 - May 2020
The Bright Ideas Beacon
math, games, families, politics and, of course,
connect face-to-face, it is like the whip cream
government.
and cherry on top. I love my job.” Christian and
“You're with these teachers throughout the
Mrs. Glandon met on the last day of
years, and it would be awesome to meet one of
Government class in 2019. At the end of the
your online class teachers. I’m really thankful
class, the students participate in a “Fairy Tale
and that I got the opportunity to meet her and
Trial” in which the class holds a mock trial.
chat with her,” said Christian.
During Christian’s trial, he was the prosecutor,
Mrs. Glandon said that she teaches “because I love my students … When we
but sadly he had a bad connection since he had to attend class in the car traveling home.
May 2020 - 14
The Bright Ideas Beacon
The Scottish Play
Krysten Myer
Krysten Meyer is a Junior in high school from Colorado. She has several younger brothers and is the only girl. She is a proud history nerd and studies history whenever she gets the chance. She also enjoys reading, serving on her church worship team as a vocalist, and entertaining children with stories whenever she gets the chance. More than anything she is a child of God and wants to grow closer to Him.
Macbeth, nicknamed by the theater
stumble upon the witches, who give a
community as The Scottish Play, is one of
prophecy about Macbeth’s rise to a Scottish
Shakespeare’s most well known tragedies. The
thane or nobleman, then rise to kingship. Sure
play was written to examine the psychological
enough, the King of Scotland rewards
and physiological consequences of political
Macbeth’s performance in battle with a
ambition. This work is part of the English
thaneship. Macbeth then tells his wife of the
curriculum at The Academy at Bright Ideas
prophecy, who then creates a plan to murder
Press and has been a staple in most English
the king. She convinces Macbeth to kill the
classes. Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s
king, though he tries to back out multiple
shorter tragedies, thourghly sprinkled with
times. He says “I have no spur / To prick the
murder and supernatural influences. It begins
sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition,
with the appearance of three witches who
which o’erleaps itself / And falls on th’other.”
continue to show up in the work. Upon leaving
This statement shows how the driving force of
a field of battle, Macbeth and his companion
his actions is ambition, which overrides his fear
15 - May 2020
The Bright Ideas Beacon
of murdering the king. After the murder, Macbeth rises to kingship
a picture of Shakespeare’s relationship with his sovereign King James I. It was written to
as prophcied, though his rule comes with a
be warning to those who seek political power
heavy price. Throughout the rest of the play,
for power’s sake. The vivid descent of
murder after murder occurs, including the
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into madness
murder of his friend Banquo whose ghost
showed the consequences of political ambition,
haunts Macbeth after his death. Macbeth
and the civil war that followed their ascent to
grows insecure in regard to his rule, and seeks
power only further proves the dangers of
out the witches again for advice. He is told
grabbing power.
another prophecy, to beware of Macduff, that
J.R.R. Tolkien was also influenced by
no man born of a woman can kill him, and that
Shakespeare’s writings, including Macbeth,
he will be safe until the Great Birnam Wood
and the prophecies can be seen in the Lord of
comes to his castle. Feeling secure, he
The Rings, referring to the march of the Ents
continues to rule. Lady Macbeth however, is
on Isengard in comparison to the Birnam Wood
not so lucky. She is eventually driven mad by
appearing to move, and the Nazgul who cannot
her part in the murder of the king, and commits
be defeated by any living man in comparison to
suicide. Macbeth grows depressed as his rule
Macbeth being safe from any man born of a
becomes threatened by Macduff, who has
woman.
raised up an army to fight. In the final battle, it
Macbeth has become infamous in the
is revealed that Macduff was “from his mother's
theater world as it was associated with theaters
womb / Untimely ripp'd” or born by Caesarean
either going out of business and using the
Section, thus not considered born of a woman.
famous play as a last resort, or disasters such
Macbeth is beheaded and the true king of
as fire or other mishaps during production.
Scotland is crowned.
The superstition forbids anyone from saying
The tragedy of Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous works, and gives
the name of the play or character unless called for in the script, or disaster will follow. May 2020 - 16
The Bright Ideas Beacon
A Fond Farewell
Jaedon Wilkinson
Jaedon Wilkinson King Bob, King of Commas, Prince of Periods, Sultan of Semicolons, Baselius of Brackets, King Consort to the Queen of Quotations, Emperor of Exclamations, Archduke of Apostrophes, Crowned Custodian of the Colon Continent, Emir of the Ellipsis, His Holy High Highness of the Holy Hyphens, Datu of the Despotic Dashes, Pasha of Parenthesis, Sheik of Slashes, and Grand Marshall of the Isle of Grammar, Lord Protector of the AP Stylebook, Grand Majesty of the Miniature War Goats and High General of the Miniature War Goat Army
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, readers
class with Mrs. Anderson, The Beacon’s
all, to the very final article of mine written in this
Faculty Advisor and the Queen of Journalism.
lovely publication, The Beacon. It has been a
Well, not really, but she should be.
very good three years, writing and editing for
After taking her speech class, she invited
The Beacon. I have enjoyed it immensely.
me to apply for the Bright Ideas Press student-
The Beacon has been a staple part of my high
run newspaper. I did and somehow managed
school career‌for a long time. And I am
to be good enough at writing to become the
thankful to God for both the opportunities and
Book Review Columnist. There, I wrote about
the lessons He has taught me along the way.
some great works of art, from To Kill a
Well, for those of you who have not closely
Mockingbird to Animal Farm to The Scarlet
watched my student journalism career
Letter. As a columnist, I got to work under my
throughout the years, it all began back in the
now long-time friend, Colin Sink, our lovely
spring semester of my freshman year of high
Editor-in-Chief and Chief Weirdo. Well, not
school. Shortly after Landry Academy closed
really, but he should be. I made a lot of friends
its doors, my mother enrolled me in a speech
and learned a lot. By the time the next year
17 - May 2020
The Bright Ideas Beacon rolled around, I decided to take another shot at
In addition to learning a lot, I also had a lot of
this and became The Beacon’s copy editor,
laughs. Some of you might recollect our
working alongside my friends Sarah Slack,
famous quotes from the past few years. My
Dylan George, and Colin Sink. These three
personal favorite is “We will nuke them with
individuals have had a dramatic impact on my
Axe”, closely followed by “If cake had been
life, even though they might not think so.
invented, the wise men would have brought
Again, the end of the year came and I decided
cake.” Of course, we always had fun at the
that, yeah, one more time, I would be the copy
after-meeting parties. We would stay up late
editor. And, here we are.
and converse about random things, like
I have certainly learned a lot over the years.
theology, sports, relationships, politics, jokes,
Mrs. Anderson (or Mrs. A as we lovingly call
movies and literature. They were indeed wild
her and who should be awarded some sort of
times.
prize for the best Faculty Advisor ever) has
I have enjoyed my time on The Beacon. I
been so patient and kind with me, teaching me
have enjoyed being able to reach all of you
everything I needed to know about journalism
readers. You have been encouraging and
in such a way that I perfectly understood it.
supportive, always leaving positive comments
Her constantly upbeat and cheery voice has
and great suggestions. Of course, none of it
encouraged me and helped me immensely, not
would happen without the Bright Ideas Press,
to mention her interest and investment in me
the amazing teachers at The Academy, and
as a person and a student. I am deeply
Tyler Hogan. I appreciate all of you, readers,
indebted to her and cannot express how much
teachers, students, and staff. I am thankful
she has done. She has taught me how to
that you all have provided me with the
speak and how to write, how to work with a
opportunity to work on The Beacon and help
team and how to pursue the things I love. Her
produce amazing work with and for you.
own example is a great one; she returned to
Thank you all.
radio broadcasting just this past year.
May 2020 - 18
March Reflection The Beacon Staff
Mrs. Jamie Anderson: “Just the facts” is what I focused on as March began. I was working as a morning co-host for WLEN radio, helping get accurate information about COVID-19 out to our listeners. By the end of the first week of the month, I had to pick up our youngest son from college, on the opposite side of Michigan, because colleges were shutting down their campuses and moving to distance learning. By the end of the month, I was furloughed from WLEN, after seven months, because advertising revenue forced the station to significantly reduce expenditures. As March ended, I focused on “just the essentials” as I made sure we had enough food to last for at least two weeks because our governor issued a stern “stay home stay safe” order. Christian, Reporter: The significance and the effects of COVID-19 never really hit me until late March. While I was concerned, I was not terribly worried. Then, things became very serious very quickly. The next thing I knew, my job at a friend’s organic produce farm was essential, but a bunch of other things were not. Choir and instrument lessons were stopped. Certain items disappeared at the grocery stores. My parents cleared the calendar, went shopping weekly, and made the transition from office to working from home. Not much changed in the realm of education. Our church moved online, our pastor giving encouragement to us through weekly updates. These events gave me a wake-up call: that this was real, and things were going to change. Elisabeth, Reporter: Panic or calm, fear, or trust? Some of the same thoughts were flooding my brain when I first heard of the COVID-19 pandemic and lock-down this March. I was confused about the emotions I should be feeling, and wanted to understand the microscopic virus that was making me feel powerless and hopeless. However, God taught me a powerful lesson. He reminded me that He is huge and mighty. He is more powerful than any pandemic ever, even death itself. No matter how large and scarry the problem seemed I knew God was bigger and more powerful. Even if that concern was: will there be enough toilet paper? I knew God had an answer and a way. Fortunately, we did have enough toilet paper. :) Gabriella, Reporter: When I first heard about the coronavirus, I didn’t think it was a big deal and people were just blowing it out of proportion. But it kept getting bigger and spreading so I started learning about it. Although it didn’t affect my family that much, a lot of my activities started ending. I had been attending several co-ops where I got to be with my friends, and they were all canceled. This was going to be my tenth year playing soccer, but the season was also canceled. I played in the band at my local junior high which, and it had to be transferred into Google Classroom. But, the most important thing is that we were safe. My family had enough food and my dad just transitioned to working from home. I was thankful that we were protected. Garrett, Reporter: March was a tough month. It seems all my normal activities just came to a halt. I had been keeping up with the coronavirus and making sure things weren’t getting too bad, but it seemed like one day everything was fine and then the next day everything was shut down. Everything stopped, no more swim practices, no more going to church and no more just going out to get things, but the worst part of all of this is I still had to do school. All jokes aside, there were some happy things that came with this; my sister got to come home from college, and my family and I got to spend a lot more time together. I am just glad we are all in one place, in our home, trying our best to be healthy, and we are happy we get to spend more time together. 19 - May 2020
The Bright Ideas Beacon Haddi, Reporter: In early March it seemed like it was going to be normal in my house. I heard about Covid-19 over in China on the news and I thought it would never come to America. As it progressed, my dual-enrollment class shut down and my activities at church stopped. The only things that were still going was my college class and The Beacon. I just hope that Covid-19 will come to a stop or start flattening the curve to allow people who are not sick, to leave their houses and run their businesses. It will be awful once this is over for the economic side of things. But as long as I keep trusting God and I know He is in control, my life will be okay. Krysten, Reporter: In March I was convinced everything regarding Covid-19 would be over soon. I was not really affected for most of the month until the state of Colorado went on lockdown. That was when the reality set in that the pandemic was fairly serious, and I knew things were going to change at my house. Even though the only thing we heard from the media was fear, my family and I spent time watching teachings together and growing in faith. Instead of hoping for the disease to stop, we started speaking directly against it. While being on lockdown has been very difficult for me emotionally, I try to choose joy everyday instead of focusing on loneliness, to spend time with my brothers instead of locking myself in my room. While it has not been easy, I know the joy of the Lord is my strength, no matter the outcome. Jaedon, Copy Editor: Weird, right? I actually had the flu the first week that the coronavirus became big in the news; everyone was joking that I might have it (little did we know...). Quarantine has been interesting and taxing. I was optimistic at first, thinking we’d be out of this in a month or two. It wasn’t that bad, being home from school, having an extra week of break. It was nice. However, having both finals and being stuck inside are not a great combination. I’ve managed to do an incredible amount of work though, since I can just focus on it and do it without many distractions beyond the ones I make for myself. I know God will use this time in everyone’s lives to show them how He works through times like this. He is in control, everyone. He got dis. Ingrid, Design Editor: It might seem like an overstatement to say that March 2020 was the hardest month of my life—but it is true. Being a senior this year has been difficult because there are activities and plans I have looked forward to, and they were cut short without any warning. March was a period of growth for me, as I was coming to terms with the reality of disappointment after disappointment. Two words were constantly on my mind during that month: patience and perseverance. I had to hold on to something so I chose hope. Yes, there were days when it was impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I’m here now. I had to realize that life could not stop because of quarantine: I was still living. Choosing to live well in the place that circumstances had forced me into taught me never to take for granted the lives we’ve been given. Colin, Editor-in-Chief: I remember at the beginning of March feeling like people were making a big deal about nothing with the coronavirus. As restrictions started being put in place and I started to see things I’d been looking forward to cancelled, I was at first frustrated. Eventually my mindset changed to one of resignation. March taught me a lesson that I thought I already knew but really didn’t: how NOT in control I am. Most people like feeling in control of things. And we always say that things are uncertain and think we recognize that we’re not in control, but it wasn’t until I saw my senior year begin an unceremonious end that I realized how little control over my life I actually have. However, as unpleasant as March was, it taught me a lesson I needed to learn, and that’s that I’m not in control. But I know someone who is: God. And if I trust in Him, I know I’ll make it. May 2020 - 20
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Student Body Poll Responses
How has COVID-19 affected your family? COVID-19 has affected many families at The Academy at Bright Ideas Press, but they all are surviving through it. The new norm for students has them unable to leave the house, only able to see friends through ZOOM and working around parents who must also work from home now. Basketball, dance and many other activities were canceled; a disappointment for many of the students at The Academy. One respondent put their experience with the stay-at-home-order into words perfectly, as their biggest disappointment was the inabiity to "leave the house and see the world. We are all social butterflies so being kept up is difficult, yet we know that God is working during this time!” Another student wrote, “The main thing it has affected is actually my dad's career. He has been staying home to work, which has really affected his mood...in a good way! Another thing is that we have not been able to go to the library... or anywhere else, which is super sad for me because I basically live off of four things: eating, reading, sleeping, and Jesus!” A few students replied that COVID-19 hasn’t changed much for them and their lives are quite the same. However, for most that is not the case.
21 - May 2020
Student Body Poll Responses
The Bright Ideas Beacon
What is your dream job? Students at The Academy at Bright Ideas Press are dreaming of some amazing things for the future. Replies to the question “What is your dream job?” were quite diverse. They included Youtubers, nurses, teachers, stay-at-home moms, authors, gamers, marine biologists and a career in the military. Many responders wrote that they were not quite sure at the moment but were leaning towards a particular path. One student replied, “My dream job is fight choreography and directing movies from my comic universe.” “My dream job is either a professional dancer, dance teacher, graphic designer or film editor or director,” said another respondent. And finally, another student hopes to one day "either be a great gymnast or a robotics major so that I can make the USA the cutting edge of technology.” Responses also contained dental hygienists, missionaries, around-the-world photographers, makeup artists for TV shows, veterinarians and traveling actors.
May 2020 - 22
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Jester's Corner
What do you get when you combine Captain America and Hulk? Star Spangled Banner. ~ Donna, a Beacon reader What do you call a guy with a rubber toe? Roberto. ~ a Beacon reader Boy: Would you like to be the sun in my life? Girl: Awww...yes! Boy: Good. Then stay 92.96 million miles away from me. ~ Clara, a Beacon reader Why did the teddy bear refuse dessert? He was stuffed. ~ Lucy, a Beacon reader I've decided to study sponges. They're so absorbing! ~ Evelyn, a Beacon reader What sound does a nut make when it sneezes? Cashew!! ~ Laina, a Beacon reader What did Tenna-see? The same thing that Arken-saw. ~ Kaylee, a Beacon reader 23 - May 2020
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Winner of the Month My three favorite things are eating my family and not using commas. ~ Alexis, a Beacon reader What do you say to a forty ton shark with razor sharp teeth who is listening to his headphones with the volume turned all the way up? Anything you want, he can't hear you! ~ Shelby a Beacon reader What do you call a cow on the side of a hill? Lean meat. ~ Ruth, a Beacon reader What do you call it when batman skips church? A Christian Bale. ~ Taylen, a Beacon reader The sporting goods store just had a big sale on canoes. It was quite the oar deal! ~ a Beacon reader Have you heard about the restaurant called Karma? There's no menu; you get what you deserve. ~ Ella, a Beacon reader May 2020 - 24
The Bright Ideas Beacon
Something Worth Remembering
Colin Sink
Colin Sink is a seventeen-year-old senior. He is the third of four boys and lives in Illinois with his parents, younger brother, and doberman pinscher named Max. In his free time, Colin enjoys playing sports, reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends. Most importantly, Colin desires to follow God’s Word and to serve and please Him first.
It is amazing to me how fast a school year
monthly newspaper. And as quickly as it’s
can slip by. Being a senior in high school, I’ll
gone by, the time between then and now has
confess that I remember having a certain
been one of the best experiences of high
degree of “senioritis” at the beginning of the
school for me.
school year. At times my classes seemed to
This year’s Beacon staff was an extra
progress at an unbearably slow rate. However,
special one. We got off to a bit of a rocky start
as ready as I am (or at least think I am) to be
as we had to push our first publication back a
done with homeschooling, I find it hard to
month in order to finish the summer training.
believe that my time as a staff member on The
Additionally, we had a smaller staff than usual,
Bright Ideas Beacon has come to an end.
which meant everyone had to pull a little
It seems like only yesterday that Mrs.
harder. Not having a Features Editor meant I
Anderson and I were meeting in her virtual
had to do a lot more editing myself than I’d
classroom back in July and August of last year
originally anticipated. But as the staff faced the
to discuss staff positions, article topics,
obstacles that inevitably pop up throughout the
planning meetings, publication dates and all of
school year, I found myself grateful for the
the other many things that go into producing a 25 - May 2020
individual relationships I had been able to form
The Bright Ideas Beacon with each staff member that with a larger staff I
The unfortunate closing of The Academy
would have been unable to have.
makes things difficult in an already challenging
Of my four years working on a student-run
time. However, in the midst of all that is going
newspaper, I will definitely remember this one
on, I want to say thank you. Thank you, Mr.
as being the most work -- which I suppose I did
Hogan and all of the teachers at The Academy.
sign up for. More importantly, I’ll remember it
You have been so supportive and helpful to
for the strong and lasting friendships all of us
The Beacon. Thank you, Mrs. Anderson, for
on The Beacon staff were able to build.
helping guide all of us staff through each year
Everything we did together, from the
and for teaching us lessons about both
countless after-meeting parties to the removal
journalism and life. And thank you readers
of all of those Oxford commas the writers
for… well, reading. The encouragement and
would leave in their articles no matter how
appreciation we have been shown has been
many times I said “Don’t use Oxford commas!”
overwhelming.
to the long email chains, leaves me feeling
Looking back, this school year seems like it
filled up. It has been a tremendous blessing to
just flew by. I wish I had each memory saved,
have been a part of The Beacon for all of its
and I could cherish each one individually. As
three year run at The Academy at Bright Ideas
so often happens though, most of them are just
Press. And I know it has touched more than
blurred together, and all I’m left with is a feeling
just my life.
of both fulfillment and gratitude. And that
This school year is coming to somewhat of a
feeling is not one I’ll be forgetting anytime
downer end.
soon.
With the closing of The Academy at Bright Ideas Press, The Beacon student-run newspaper needed a new home. In a way, it’s going back to its roots. Mrs. Jamie Anderson will continue to be the faculty advisor as it moves to Excelsior Classes, a consortium of teachers founded by Mrs. Jodi Guerra, who was the first faculty advisor of The Beacon’s predecessor paper, The Scholar’s Script, in 2012. When Guerra stepped down, Anderson stepped up and has loved guiding the 10-15 student journalists every year since 2013. The newspaper is now accepting registrations for the 2020-2021 school year at Excelsior Classes. “We are happy to host budding journalists, but we are sorry to see the great work at The Academy come to an end,” said Guerra. Anyone interested, may register at this link or contact Mrs. Anderson at jamieanderson@excelsiorclasses.com May 2020 - 26
Before you go, here is your final "Thoughtfully Thought": You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. ~ A. A. Milne
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
Readership Survey HERE