Dec 2025 USJ

DO

WE

HAVE

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PROBLEM? As smartphones become more tempting, initiatives like Project Reboot try to help teens battle screen time.

How addicted are we really?

Cherry Creek High School 9300 E. Union Ave. Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Vol. 11 Issue 2 December 2025

Table of Contents

4

Sports

14

7

A&E

17

10

Opinions

20

News

4 - News Bites 5 - CCSD Musical Instrument Repair Team Continues to Benefit Students, Save Funds 6 - ‘Narco-Terrorism’ Draws Trump Aggression

Features

7 - Venezuelan Students Feel Effects of Conflict 8 - Nya Nelson: Living With Narcolepsy 9 - Interpret With a Tap: Language Teachers Respond to AirPods Translation Feature

In-Depth 10 - Do We Have a Problem? – Students Battle Phone Screen Time

14 - Bruins Abroad: Creek Athletes Compete Internationally 16 - Fall Sports Recap: Record Breakers

17 - Cozy Corner: Coffee Shops Around Creek 18 - A Trip Around the World: Movie Edition

20 - Opinions Bites 21 - College Pennants or College Penance?

22 - Top Five Conspiracy Theories 23 - Staff-Ed: Online Danger Zones

On The Cover Every year, a new app comes out that comes with a sole goal of monopolizing screen time. Instagram, TikTok, even X all have short-form video content to trap doomscrollers. Games like Clash Royale, social sites like Pinterest, Facebook, or Threads are all built to draw clicks. Every app, from sports to social to gaming wants your screen time.

Yet some search for a solution. Other apps exist to help users fight these apps and control their screen time. Many use strategies to stay off their phones. Project Reboot, a self-proclaimed “digital wellness company,” works with students—in events like an assembly hosted at Creek in Oct.—to control their screen time.

With all these apps, do we have a problem? Our phones are vital in a high-schooler’s daily life, how long before they go from helpful to harmful? Read more about teens and screen time in the InDepth, starting on page 10.

PHOTOS & ART BY PETER PHILPOTT

Staff Editors-in-Chief Izzy Krauss Peter Philpott

POCKET PRESSURE: Senior varsity quarterback Brady Vodicka (#13) attempts a pass during the 5A Football Quarterfinals against Fairview as opposition defensive linemen attack. On six completions and nine pass attempts with 198 yards and two touchdown passes, Vodicka lead Creek to a 49-28 victory on Nov. 22.

PHOTO BY KELLEN RINGLAND

Letter from the Editors

This issue’s In-Depth deals with a topic all-too relevant in daily high school life: phone usage. In “Do We Have a Problem,” we investigate teen phone usage, how big of an issue it is, and some solutions recommended by experts and students.

Pivoting to an international theme, we covered subjects around the world, from serious conflicts to more light-hearted features and reviews.

Our news and features teams worked together to cover the U.S. involvement in Venezuelan politics, as well as the local impact on students here at Creek.

Also in the Features section, we talked about AirPods’ new

Live Translation feature. Though meant to aid with international travel, language teachers are worried about translation tools as a shortcut in the classroom.

In Sports, we featured two athletes who have competed across the globe in Brazil and China within their respective sports.

A&E reviewed movies from foreign filmmakers and student favorites from different genres.

Our staff editorial covers topics such as grooming, radicalism, and violence, dangers of teens having too much access to the internet.

To our staff, we are so proud of a semester of continued improvement. Our second issue is a display of your ability to cover diverse, challenging, and engaging topics. We look forward to one last semester of great work together.

- Editors-in-Chief Izzy Krauss & Peter Philpott

Managing Editor Sophia Hady News Editor Oliver Scala Features Editor Serenity Hurtado Sports Editors Andrei Machado Kellen Ringland A&E Editor Dhanya Rajendiran Opinions Editor IV Collier Chief Artist Jackie Newman

Assistant Editors Aleena Gopalani Avery Exley Berkeley Bowler Clay Biskner Elise Dougherty Havana Amanlou Keagan Hong Staff Writers Claire Crawford Cyprus Jimenez Ethan Catlow Hope Porter Lauren Laskowski Sarmat Saparov Sawyer Gulley Visakha Dahal Winslow Davis Advisors Seth Fine Joya Haskin

Marketing & Business Manager Evelyn Laughlin Design Manager Emily Lambert Video & TikTok Manager Ella Fishman

Purpose:

The Union St. Journal is the official online and print news source for Cherry Creek High School. We are a student-run publication distributed to the students, faculty, and staff of Creek, and serve as an information source and two-way communication forum for both the school and community. We welcome guest opinion writers. Content does not necessarily represent the views of Cherry Creek High School or the Cherry Creek School District. Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the overall views of The Union St. Journal, CCHS, or CCSD. Letters to the editor are accepted and can be submitted via email to usj.editorinchief@gmail.com Letters may be edited for clarity.

Teachers Will Take Attendance For Finals Prep Periods

BY CYPRUS JIMENEZ Staff Writer

news bites

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tarting this upcoming final exam week, students will be assigned a room during their prep period and attendance will be taken. The prep period will be hosted in a class that is taking a final that day.

“It gives us increased instructional minutes, which is good to have, because we don’t have a lot right now,” Principal Ryan Silva said. “So, if there are cancellations because of weather or even late starts, that would take away from our instructional minutes.”

Instructional minutes differ from state to state and require a certain amount of minutes in a seat or classroom. In Colorado, 1,080 hours are

Prep periods will now function as a study hall for final exam preparation.

“Let’s say, your period four is your prep period; it doesn’t mean that during that time you can only study for period four,” Silva said. “You can study for any class you want. It’s just that you’d go to your period four class and your period four teacher would take attendance for you.”

GRAPHIC BY PETER PHILPOTT

Club de Tarea Provides ESL Homework Help

BY ANDREI MACHADO & KEAGAN HONG

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Sports Editor & Asst. News Editor

reek has a variety of students who each have their own unique backgrounds, many of whom speak English as a second language (ESL).

Student Support Counselor Chris Win leads a homework club called Club de Tarea that helps Spanish-speaking students understand and complete their work.

“A lot of our students who are learning English will sit through classes and all of the instruction happens in English, and they don’t catch much of that,” Win said. “And so to have it repeated in their native language, they often can get [the material] like this.”

The club is run with the help of students who are able to speak both English and Spanish and can explain to other students what the subject they’re learning is about.

4 | News

required of time in a seat for each high school student. With this change, the assigned prep period would add around two extra days of instructional minutes, for a total of 3.7 days. They provide necessary cushioning.

Parents can still call students out from prep periods. Even if the majority of students are absent, simply taking attendance counts for instructional hours in Colorado law. Despite this, many students are in protest of the new change, and don’t see a reason to stay during the prep period, especially the afternoon periods which are from 2:40-3:30.

“I’m not super stoked about it, mainly because I do drive to school,” senior Gavin Crino said. “It’s pretty inconvenient, just because of everything I got going on throughout the day, and I like my own personal time.”

“We have students that are more proficient in English, that are helping students that are maybe lower in terms of their English proficiency.”

Win said.

Junior Jolon Quintana is one PHOTO BY ANDREI MACHADO of the student TRANSLATING: Student Mentor Jolon mentors in Club de Tarea.

Quintana (left) helps a student with “I just help out people who don’t homework at Club de Tarea, which really understand English that well,” takes place every Monday, Tuesday, and Quintana said. “Whether I try to speak Spanish with them or put it in a club so that it could build collabEnglish terms they can understand.”

Originally the club was named oration.”

According to Win, the benefits go Tutoring for Spanish Speakers, but both ways, between student mentors, has changed its name and focus to and those who need their help. support and translate for students in“I love it, because it’s kind of a stead of re-educating them. win-win, ” Win said. “These students “We started to hear, well, ‘I don’t who are native English speakers also need actual tutoring. I just need a get to practice their Spanish with naplace to do my homework,’” Win tive Spanish speakers.

So it’s been a said. “And so we decided to make it really nice exchange.”

news

CCSD Music Instrument Repair Team Continues to Benefit Students, Save Funds

BY PETER PHILPOTT Editor-in-Chief

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or years, Creek has been going to local music shops to repair damaged school instruments. But last year, CCSD established an in-house repair shop, in hopes of saving district money and providing an easier solution for the district’s band and orchestra directors.

“I’m a big fan of the whole concept of a district investing and paying the salaries of in-house repairmen and providing them a place to repair school instruments,” band director Tim Libby said. “This is such a huge cost saver. And I’m a fan of those guys, because they’re really dedicated to the schools, and they’re willing to go above and beyond when you need their help.”

The shop, run by technicians Alan Davis and Jeff Eisold, is based at Overland.

It’s fitted with compressed air, hot water, and all the tools they need to operate.

Davis is happy the shop can open more avenues for new musicians to play, without being encumbered by their instrument.

“Having an in-house repair option for students has many benefits, the largest of which starts with getting good working instruments into the hands of students from

PHOTOS BY PETER PHILPOTT

day one so they can learn uninhibited,” Davis said.

Previously, Libby would take instruments to Kolacny Music, a local shop.

When Kolacny closed permanently in Sept. 2023, CCSD needed a new solution.

CCSD Director of Electives Paul Cribari, with Davis’s advisory, funded the shop within the short window before Kolacny’s inventory had to relocate. He hired the two technicians directly from Kolacny’s workshop, as well as much of the store’s inventory of tools and instruments. Normally, it would cost upwards of $120,000 to outfit a shop. They got all the materials and instruments on clearance for $10,000.

With such a small cost, CCSD could focus on the shop’s extensive benefits. Such as the $185,000 extra saved by in-house repairs.

“When an instrument is sent into a local shop for repair, the teacher and student are at the mercy of that shop,” Cribari said. “It can take weeks, and even months, to get it back.”

When sophomore Simon Baer needed to use Creek’s English horn for Wind Ensemble’s Fall concert, Davis and Eisold only had a week and a half to finish the job.

“The English horn hadn’t been used for a while, so it had some leaking keys and also had broken cork on the pads,” Baer said. “The repair people tried fixing it, then brought it to the school. It still wasn’t working, so they went back and tried fixing it again, at which point it worked.”

Though work on band instruments is most common, they also work on orchestra instruments daily, too. Eisold brought expertise from a long career as a technician and has acted as a mentor for Davis, who was fresh out of repair school in 2023.

Cribari is proud to have qualified professionals on the job, in the most accessible place for the district.

“We as a district are so lucky to have had the opportunity, the means, and the support of administration to make this happen,” Cribari said. “I also can’t understate the importance of the techs. Jeff Eisold and Alan Davis are the exact right people for this shop and we couldn’t do it without them.”

TECHS AT WORK: Technicians Alan Davis (left) and Jeff Eisold (above) work on student instruments on Nov. 25. Davis was fixing pad leaks in a flute; Eisold was removing dents in a trumpet.

December 2025

U.S. STRIKES

“Narco-Terrorism” Draws Trump Aggression, U.S. Bombings

BY SERENITY HURTADO, OLIVER SCALA & KEAGAN HONG

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Features Editor, News Editor & Asst. News Editor

or months, the Trump Administration has been fueling tensions in and around Venezuela, an oilrich country in South America. This

has been in an effort by Washington to put pressure on the administration of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, whom Trump blamed for facilitating drug trafficking into the US and European Union.

As of late, the Trump Administration has drawn a hard stance on what many officials in Washington have been calling “narco-terrorism,” a breed of violence and intimidation used by drug traffickers to shape government action. On Nov. 16, the Department of State declared that Maduro, and many other Venezuelan government officials, were to be designated as terrorists. This accompanied an arrest warrant against Maduro by the Drug Enforcement Administration, issued August of 2025.

For weeks leading up to this designation, the US military has been conducting controversial actions off the Venezuelan coast, and the military has continued to build a presence in the Caribbean including Puerto Rico, a nearby US territory. Since Sept. 2, the U.S. military has carried out 21 deadly bombings of boats in the southern Caribbean, according to NBC. In a statement on Oct. 31, UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk expressed contempt for American actions near Venezuela.

“These attacks – and their mounting human cost – are unacceptable,” Türk said.

“The US must take all measures necessary

6 | News

to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever the criminal conduct alleged against them.”

On Dec. 2, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was intensely scrutinized for saying “kill them all,” in reference to his orders to shoot at survivors of US boat strikes. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY.) equated these bombings to extrajudicial executions.

“They summarily execute people without presenting evidence to the pub- HEADS UP: A map of major events in the Caribbean since the 2024 Venezuelan Presidential election.

GRAPHIC BY OLIVER SCALA lic,” Paul said.

On Dec. 4, articles of imerating emigration from Venezuela, which peachment were introduced against Hegseth had already been reaching high levels before by house Democrats as a response to his acthe turmoil of 2024. The Venezuelan Refugee tions in the Caribbean.

Crisis, an ongoing exodus from the country, Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined has seen 7.9 million people flee Venezuela the broader U.S. stance toward Caracas. since the start of the crisis in 1999, according “Neither Maduro nor his cronies repreto the UN Refugee Agency. This has contribsent Venezuela’s legitimate government,” Ruuted to a migrant crisis in neighboring Cobio said in a Nov. 16 press conference. lombia, the first destination for many VeneWashington’s refusal to recognize the zuelan emigrants.

Maduro government has its roots in the 2024 According to the Department of HomeVenezuelan Presidential Election, when land Security, Venezuelan immigrants make Maduro won a third term as president. This up 11 percent of refugees coming into the US, election was notably contested as Maduro’s with the number of Venezuelan immigrants main challenger, María Corina Machado, in 2024 being 11,350, which is 71 times the was blocked from running by the country’s number seen in 2022. Colorado has a popusupreme court. She was then replaced by Edlation of over 9,500 Venezuelans, making up mundo González Urrutia, who was noted to 0.2 percent of the state population. This does have been extremely popular in the polls. not include people who have immigrated When it was announced that Maduro had here since the 2020 census, which is expectbeen victorious, thousands of Venezuelans ed to significantly increase the number. took to the streets. Police intervention comWith recent actions towards Venezuela menced and 24 protesters and bystanders being hostile and violent, coupled with ICE were killed, along with one security official, raids often focused on Latino communities, according to Human Rights Watch. many Venezuelans in the U.S. and Colorado This violence played a key role in accelare fearing for the future.

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Venezuelan Students Feel Anger and Guilt During Turmoil

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or some students, home is not just a place. It is a memory, a feeling, a voice across the phone that sometimes fades into silence.

For Venezuelan students at Creek, life in the U.S. continues, but their hearts often remain elsewhere.

“It’s like carrying grief in your chest every day. I feel guilt for being safe carry the weight of separation from here, and rage that they’re not,” said family, friends, and familiar placjunior Jordan Green, whose name has es. For them, ordinary moments a been changed to reshared meal, crowdmain anonymous. ed streets, and the “It brings sadness, That grief is not sound of music, now always visible. It frustration, and a conlive only in memory. hides behind comFor senior Sneystant feeling of extreme pleted assignments, der Rangel, what he worry.” smiles, and hanging misses most is the out with peers. Grief sense of belonging.

- Senior Sneyder Rangel appears when you “I remember a least expect it, most sense of communisuch as in moments ty. People were very of reflection, right close, the streets full before sleep, and in the sudden re- of life, the food, the festivities,” Rangel minders of what was left behind. said. “It’s hard to be far away and not Between adapting to a new culture be able to help as much as I would like.” and navigating school, these students He does not just miss a country.

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VENEZUELA: He misses the rhythm of everyday life, where neighbors felt like family and celebrations brought entire communities together. The memories are vivid but distant. There are snapshots caught in time.

Other students share the same quiet struggle. Some left friends behind. Some continue to worry about family members. Others are still adjusting to a reality that feels unfamiliar and temporary.

Yet, they continue. They show up every morning. They attend class.

They plan for the future. They adapt to a new language, a new environment, and a new life. In doing so, they demonstrate resilience shaped by loss.

“It’s not that we forget where we came from,” Green said. “It’s just that we’re learning how to live with it.”

That balance of remembering while moving forward defines their everyday reality. They live between two worlds: the one that shaped them and the one that is shaping who they are becoming.

For many, Venezuela is not just a memory. It is a presence that follows them through the school hallways, through conversations, through dreams.

And though they may be far from home, they carry it with them every day.

“It’s very hard to be far away and not be able to help as much as I would like.

Seeing family fight for basic necessities affects me a lot,” Rangel said.“It brings sadness, frustration, and a constant feeling of extreme worry.”

December 2025

Living With Narcolepsy:

Nya Nelson Balances School, Life, Health

BY SERENITY HURTADO & LAUREN LASKOWSKI Features Editor & Staff Writer

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any high schoolers have serious problems with sleep.

For freshman Nya Nelson, her narcolepsy makes these problems even more excruciating.

The media may portray narcoleptics simply as people who can’t stay awake; Nelson explains how it is not the full picture.

“It’s not just sleeping. Yes, I will sleep a lot,” Nelson said “But also, there will be days where I just don’t sleep, [and have] been up for 24 hours.”

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that disrupts the ability of your body to regulate sleep-wake cycles. This induces sleepiness throughout the day and also insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep. It affects about one in 2,000 people worldwide, and an estimated 50 percent of those with the disorder go undiagnosed.

“It’s not entirely well understood. We’re still trying to figure a lot of it out,” nurse Benjamin Bernier said.

Bernier says it’s important to understand that narcolepsy isn’t just sleep-related.

“It can be debilitating to your daily life in the sense that you’re trying really hard to stay safe,” Bernier said. “If you’re walking or running or anything else is going on, it could be hard to keep your body safe.”

For Nelson, the condition can complicate social outings. Her parents have the challenge of balancing support with reminders about her limitations.

“From a parent’s standpoint, [the concern is] the safety of falling asleep in a public space,” Nelson’s father, Tyler, said.

“She’s in high school, she has friends, and she wants to go out and socialize and do all that stuff, but we have to remind her all the time, you’re not built like that. That’s not what your strengths are.”

Nelson’s diagnosis certainly wasn’t a surprise, though, given her family history.

8 | Features

“My mom has always known that something was wrong with me,” Nelson said.

“And my dad is undiagnosed, but he also has narcolepsy. It [was] pretty obvious.”

Yet unlike her dad, who was simply called ‘lazy’ for his tendency to fall asleep, her diagnosis helps her get accommodations, such as being able to go to the nurse to rest if needed. There are many instances where Nelson feels as if she can’t survive without sleep.

“I need to sleep more than I need to breathe. I can’t function without having my eyes closed or being asleep,” Nelson said.

Beyond disrupting sleep cycles and regulation, the condition can interfere with emotional stability, sometimes leading to sudden episodes of passing out.

Nelson and her father both have the symptoms of narcolepsy, and can relate to the effects that it has on their rhythms.

“She and I were just two peas in a pod,” Tyler Nelson said. “If she’s asleep, I’m asleep.

If she’s up in the middle of the night, I’m up in the middle of the night.”

Freshman Sammy DeHerrera has known Nelson since second grade, for about 10 years. She was not shocked to learn her friend had narcolepsy.

“I’ve watched her struggle for such a long time with it. The hardest thing for me was her realizing it,” DeHerrera said. “But it took a really long time for her to get that figured out, and it was really sad to watch.”

DeHerrera believes that Nelson’s biggest struggle is having connections with others.

“She loves people, but she would get so tired that she couldn’t deal with people,” Herrera said.

Nelson also sees her friends and family as being integral to supporting her through her struggles. Her friends help her sleep when she needs to, and her mom checks to make sure she is okay throughout the day.

“We laugh about it a lot because it’s just, where’s Nya? She’s sleeping. Where’s daddy? Oh, he’s sleeping. So I think we’ve just accepted it as part of who she is, and being part of us,” Tyler Nelson said.

PERSEVERANCE: Nya Nelson shares her life story with narcolepsy: how she accommodates, what she struggles with, and how she thrives.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NYA NELSON

Interpret With a Tap:

Language Teachers Respond to New AirPods Live Translation Feature

LINGO MACHINE: With AirPods’ new Live Translation feature, the microphones can listen to conversation and project translated phrases directly to a listener.

ART BY JACKIE NEWMAN

BY IZZY KRAUSS & PETER PHILPOTT Editors-in-Chief

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anguage translation hasn’t always been easy. Human inter-

preters and dictionaries used to be essential. Now, the tools are at your fingertips.

Apple released Live Translation, a new feature alongside iOS 26 and the AirPods Pro 3 on Sept. 19. Designed to help users communicate easier across language barriers, the feature allows AirPods to translate spoken language in real time directly into the wearer’s preferred language.

According to Apple, users can simply listen as someone speaks and hear an immediate translation through their Air-

Pods—even if the other person isn’t lingual; she grew up speaking Mandarin at using any Apple device. When home. She understands the value of fluency speaking back, users can use the in a second language. iPhone’s Translate app to dis“At some point, translation tools become play or play their translated a crutch that people use in replacement of response aloud. truly learning a language, so it’s underThe feature has a hand- standable why language classes want to ful of supported languages, limit their use,” Chen said. “Even if I used including English, Spanish this feature every day to decode things my (Spain), French, German, grandparents say to me, it would not be as and Brazilian Portuguese, meaningful as being able to talk with them with more coming later this one on one without the use of any devices.” year.

Polland’s stance on the feature is the root Yet Creek teachers work to of why language classes at Creek and behelp students learn these lan- yond don’t allow Google Translate, which guages without technology to can translate whole sentences. Instead, they help. How do they feel about a allow the use of sites like WordReference or feature like this? dictionaries, which translate word-by-word “Translation tools aren’t inher- to assist with simple vocab. ently harmful, but they can limit “Google Translate doesn’t help students learning when used as a shortcut,” learn, it helps them complete a task without French and Spanish teacher Jenn Pol- doing the thinking,” she said. “It often proland said. “Translation services struggle duces errors that don’t match what students with nuance, tone, cultural context, slang, have learned, and it skips the process that humor, and real time conversation flow. Hu- actually builds proficiency.” man communication is Even further, Murilmore than literal meanlo considers it a form of “Translation tools aren’t ing, it’s connection.” cheating. inherently harmful, but Spanish teacher Jose “The goal of an asthey can limit learning Murillo thinks that signment is typically to learning and translating encourage students to when used as a serve completely differnavigate through the shortcut.” ent purposes. language using the vo“[They] should not cabulary and grammar - French and Spanish be used in the classroom they have learned, which when trying to learn a is essential for memory teacher Jenn Polland new concept if the teachretention and to develop er is not encouraging skills,” he said. “Using them,” Murillo said. “This will get in the way Google Translate to complete an assignment of furthering the skills that instructors are is a form of academic dishonesty.” trying to teach students.”

Despite this, Polland absolutely sees helpBecause of this difference between ma- ful applications, from her daily work to inchinery and education, Jenn Polland isn’t ternational travel. worried about features like this.

“Tools like AirPods translation can be “Instant translation features are impres- wonderful for travelers, for quick communisive, but they’re not replacements for true cation in emergencies, and for helping newlanguage proficiency,” she said. “Technolo- comers navigate unfamiliar environments,” gy can support communication, but it can’t she said. “In the classroom, they can assist fully replicate the richness of speaking a lan- students with language barriers or support guage yourself.” multilingual families.”

One of Polland’s French 3/4 Honors students, sophomore Zihe Chen, is already bi-

December 2025

DO WE A

HAVE PROBLEM?

Students Battle Smartphone Screen Time

PHOTO & INFOGRAPHIC BY PETER PHILPOTT POLL OF 163 CREEK STUDENTS

BY IZZY KRAUSS & PETER PHILPOTT

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Editors-in-Chief

he smartphone is the greatest innovation of personal tech humans have ever devised. These

small, portable devices have become a multitasker’s tool in so many ways. When they were first introduced, they were a revolutionary vehicle for simple actions like calling, texting, and surfing the web. Now, they’ve grown into almost full replacements for our computers, our cameras, our navigation, our flashlights, and our .mp3 players.

Yet these devices, with their ever-brighter screens and vibrant colors, have served as a perfect platform for social and content apps to take over. Smartphones are undoubtedly one of the most innovative developments of the 21st century. But are they dangerous?

Are the distracting apps and the clickbait headlines and time-sucking video games they carry too distracting?

“It’s a defining epidemic, and it will be the defining challenge of your generation, on how to respond to technology use and overuse,” said Hailey Wright, the Project Reboot Head of Educational Partnerships. “There’s an issue beyond Gen Z as well and all mannerisms. We are all in some shape, way or form, addicted to our devices.”

10 | In-Depth

IGNORE LIMIT?: Some students set themProject Reboot is a ‘digital wellness comselves time limits on apps, but addiction can pany’ that works with students to find a push them to bypass those controls. healthy relationship with devices. On Oct. 28, Project Reboot founder Dino Ambro- hours is worse than schoolwork that takes si came to Creek to speak to all students four hours on a phone. about that mission and tools to fight addicSeveral shifts in smartphone culture have tion. Wright works with schools like Creek pushed an increase in teen screen time. 69 to bring the company’s message to students percent of kids have a phone by age 12. From nationwide.

2014, The percentage of teens using social Do those students media apps have balagree? Sophomore Pelooned: teens using Inter Rasmussen used the stagram has increased “It’s a defining epidemic, assembly as an opportu17.3 percent; Snapchat and it will be the definnity to change his own saw a 34.2 percent ining challenge of your habits. crease; TikTok is still a “There’s a level that’s fairly new app, populargeneration.” scientifically proven to ized in 2018. 63 percent be healthier,” Rasmusof teens already use it.

- Project Reboot Head of sen said. “I’d say the vast “It’s designed to be majority of people with addictive,” Wright said.

Educational Partnerships the phone are way above “It’s designed to be habHailey Wright that right now, includit seeking, and it’s realing myself. I would say ly hard to break those we do have a problem.” habits.”

Yet despite this “epidemic,” Creek stuEven with improvements he’s made to redents spend less than the national average duce doomscrolling since the Project Reboot on their phones, by a large margin. Teens na- assembly, Rasmussen still thinks he has work tionwide average six hours and 36 minutes; to do to get off his phone. Wright says that Creek students average four hours and 11 this self awareness is where to start. minutes during a school week, according to a “Yes, teens have a problem…I believe poll of 163 students. But Wright still sees this that we are at a pivotal moment,” she said. as an issue; to her, it matters less the quantity “I think most kids know that they are highly of time spent on a phone, more so how one addicted…They just don’t know exactly how spends that time—doomscrolling for two to fix it.”

December 2025

The Clearspace Way A 28%

fter Project Reboot visited Creek to give a presentation on using smartphones more intentionally, many students were introduced to an app called Clearspace. The strategies discussed during the presentation connected directly to how Clearspace works: the app helps users gain control over their phone use by reducing distractions and social-media “doom-scrolling.” It allows people to block or limit specific apps, and even set schedules or time limits for when those apps can be used.

For some students, though, phone usage isn’t just about the hours they spend online—it affects their motivation and mindset long after they stop scrolling. Apps like Clearspace aim to encourage productivity, but many students feel the impact of constant phone use runs deeper.

“It just took so much time, and I’d say even more than just time usage. It just got me out of the mood to do anything productive for a long period of time,” sophomore Peter

Step One: When you tap a restricted app, Clearspace intercepts it with a notification you have to click, creating an intentional moment before opening it.

12 | In-Depth

Rasmussen said. “It would just put me in the wrong headspace, I just really couldn’t focus well after [scrolling].”

Because of experiences like these, Clearspace incorporates features meant to interrupt automatic behaviors. The app requires users to pause, breathe, or reflect on their intentions before opening a distracting app— small steps designed to create awareness in the moment.

“They create micro-interventions on the application itself,” said Hailey Wright, the Project Reboot Head of Educational Partnerships.

Students say these micro-interventions quickly become noticeable in their daily routines.

“When I try and open the apps, it’ll tell me to breath,” senior Caroline Jesperson said. “It just slows me down. Definitely at the beginning I would notice that when I sat down I would just default open the app but then it asks me ‘why are you doing that’ and I would ask myself why am I doing that and

Step Two: The app then guides you through a brief inhale–exhale screen to slow you down and help you reflect before moving forward.

of Students Report Using Clearspace

go pick up a book instead,” Along with reflective prompts, Clearspace includes more interactive options that make students think twice before scrolling—some even involving physical activity.

“It was like a pushup for every minute that you scroll, and I think the fact that you actually have to work for it really stopped me,” Rasmussen said.

The app isn’t just about limiting screen time. It also incorporates educational elements meant to help students build sustainable, long-term habits.

“The micro learning curriculum is a way to decrease time,” Wright said. “It’s designed to create the behavior of breaking the compulsiveness.”

Step Three: A quote appears with options to either open the app or exit, prompting you to check in with your intentions.

Step Four: If you choose to open the app, Clearspace lets you pick a short, timed session—1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes—to keep your usage controlled.

Other Solutions 2.4% of Students Report Using Opal Key Features: Opal lets users block or limit specific apps and websites, create custom lists, set daily limits, and schedule automatic restrictions. It also tracks device use and provides a Focus Score and activity reports.

Purpose: Opal’s purpose is to help users take control of their

screen time through simple limits and clear insight into their usage.

Intended Impact: These tools aim to reduce digital distractions, promote healthier screen habits, and support better focus and productivity.

Black and White Filter

9.2% of Students Report Changing Settings

How To: This method involves switching your phone to grayscale through Settings → Display and Text Size → Color Filters. It removes all color from the screen without limiting access to any apps or functions.

Intended Impact: Turning the device grayscale reduces visual stimulation, making apps—especially games and social media—feel less rewarding and less tempting to open or scroll through.

Purpose: The goal is to lower the phone’s overall appeal so you can use it when needed while naturally decreasing unnecessary or impulsive screen time.

“The idea is if you take color away, there’s not as much of a dopamine hit. People have a tendency to respond less to it.” - Hailey Wright, the Project Reboot Head of Educational Partnerships

1.8% of Students Report Using ScreenZen Key Features: ScreenZen lets users block or limit apps and websites, add delays and scrolling interruptions, set daily usage goals, and hide blocked apps. Settings can be customized by day and time.

Intended Impact: These tools encourage users to pause before opening distracting apps, limit impulsive scrolling, and build healthier screen habits.

Placing Phone in Other Room How To: This strategy involves physically placing your phone in another room to eliminate easy access and reduce impulse checks, without using any apps or tools.

Intended Impact: Keeping the phone out of reach helps reduce distractions, lower pickup frequency, and support better focus during work or homework.

Purpose: ScreenZen aims to help users manage screen time more intentionally by adding small barriers that reduce overuse.

37% of Students Report Placing Their Phone In Other Room

Purpose: The goal is to create a simple, low-tech barrier that encourages more intentional phone use and enhances concentration.

According to a University of Texas Austin study, individuals that place their phones in another room, cognitively outperform others that keep their phones on their desks and slightly outperform those that place their phones in their pockets or bags.

December 2025

Bruins Abroad: coach] really liked me, and thought I could contribute a lot to the team, so

BY ANDREI MACHADO he invited me to stay longer.”

Sports Editor While the experience of getting to ven though she is only 15 play for the country she was born in years old, sophomore set- was like none, it was still very different ter Catarina Harzbecker is from her experiences playing volleyalready showing signs of a bright ball here.

“There’s a big difference from the future in volleyball, already havUS and Brazil, and a huge adjustment ing the opportunity to represent to the coaches,” Harzbecker said. “The her country, Brazil, at the U17 coach there doesn’t really care if he’s South American Championship. yelling at you and cussing at you and Ha r z b e c k e r all that. As for here, it’s traveled all the always, ‘Oh, good job.

“My goal right now is way to Lima, You kind of did this to play internationally Peru for the comwrong.’ So that was a for Brazil..” petition, where big adjustment.” she helped Brazil Harzbecker didn’t get a silver medal let this difference in - Sophomore Catarina on Sept 21, and aggressiveness afHarzbecker also a spot in fect her. She just next year’s World kept trying to Championship, improve. but she doesn’t plan on this being her “Mental toughness is last run with the national team. a really big part of sports, “My goal right now is to play in- but I think the type of yellternationally for Brazil. That’s my first ing that they do is more of goal,” Harzbecker said. “I’m gonna go a motivation for you to get to college and major in something, but better,” Harzbecker said. “At [playing for Brazil] is the main goal for least for me, it didn’t really now.” get in my head. It was just like, Originally she was only there, to ‘Oh, my coach is screaming at meet coaches, me. Watch me do so much betplayers and ter than I did last week.’” have a couple The tournament ended up practices, but cutting into Creek’s season, she performed causing her to miss almost well enough half of it, but she came back as to change strong as ever, playing 60 tothe tal sets, leading Creek in aces co aches per set, while also having the plan second highest assists for the “I was season. just gonna Harzbecker’s volleyball stay there for skills don’t come from thin air.

10 days origi- Her mother, Juliana Harzbecknally, just to see er, played club volleyball up unhow it was like,” til college in Brazil, and has been 14 | Sports she said “But [the

sports

Catarina Harzbecker

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CATARINA HARZBECKER

E

supporting Harzbecker in her journey with the national team.

“I’m her biggest supporter,” Juliana said. “I’ll do whatever she needs to play better and better, and maybe one day she can represent our team professionally, as an adult.”

Creek Athletes Compete Internationally Elaine Sudibyo

BY OLIVER SCALA

C

News Editor

ompeting for the United States national team against over 50 other countries, Sophomore Elaine Sudibyo took gold and silver in her competitions in the 10th World Kung Fu Championships in October.

The competition took place in Emeishan, China, where for four days from Oct. 16 through Oct. 19, teams from 54 different countries competed in 206 different events.

“I competed in

Chinese Wushu, specifically the tradi- the environment reinforced Sudibyo’s tional side, Kung Fu,” Sudibyo said. “It’s confidence. based on old, traditional fighting styles “It was such a positive environment, and is like a mix of styles from all differ- because we were all cheering each other ent regions of China.” on,” Sudibyo said. “We had a lot of good Wushu serves as a broader term for exchanges with other countries. We tradChinese martial arts, there being two ed pins and merchandise from our countypes: Sanda, being simtries. Overall it was ilar to kickboxing, and very, very positive.”

“We perform a dramaTaolu, a highly specialEach competiized, choreographed tor fought in two tization of what combat acrobatic art. Kung Fu events. Sudibyo won would look like with is part of the latter catefirst place in Prayweapons..” gory. ing Mantis Kung Fu, “It’s a performance a style that emphaart, almost like sizes speed and pre- Sophomore Elaine a dance,” Sucision in footwork Sudibyo dibyo said. and movement. She “We perthen won fifth place form a in the Long Tassel dramatization of what Straight Sword event, a choreographed combat would look like competition involving a sword with taswith weapons.” sels.

Sudibyo practiced “I competed in the Long Tassel Straight constantly in the months Sword event, and I got fifth place,” Sudibleading up to the competi- yo said. “I was in a very big division, so tion, often spending multi- that was a silver medal. I learned it from ple hours a day in prepara- scratch a month before.” tion for the event.

Despite the fact that this skill was “For this competition learned so recently, Sudibyo was satisfied I practiced almost ev- with her performance. ery day, for about two “I performed to the best of my abiliand a half hours. It’s a ty,” Sudibyo said. “I was quite proud that really big time com- I managed to scrape first place in that mitment for me,” Su- bigger division. I was terrified, but I think dibyo said.

I’m very proud of what I did.”

Sudibyo’s qu a l i f i cation for the World Kung Fu Championships was determined this past summer.

“I qualified for the United States team at a competition in San Francisco last summer,” Sudibyo said. “This was similar to the world championships, just a really big event.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELAINE SUDIBYO At the competition,

December 2025

Fall Sports Recap: Record Breakers

BY KELLEN RINGLAND & CLAY BISKNER

B

Sports Editor & Asst. Sports Editor

ack at it, Creek football ended its regular season with its fourth undefeated season in the past 18 years, and their second straight. Including scoring more than 42 points each in state game during the regular season. Creek football has set a new bar for the coming years.

Ranked #30 nationally by High School

Football America, and #50 on MaxPreps as of Dec. 2025, this is the first time they have ranked within the top 50 since 2020, when they ranked 26 nationally. They reached their 11th state championship game with a semifinal win over Valor on Nov. 29.

Senior three-star running back and UNLV commit Jayden Fox #1 is one of the best weapons on Creek’s offense. Ranked first on the team in touchdowns (25) and rushing yards (1,517). Including MaxPreps ranking him as the 21st running back in Colorado.

Senior three-star quarterback and a Louisiana Tech commit Brady Vodicka

#13, was also a key part of the prestigious offense. With 2,671 passing yards and 36 touchdowns this season, the starting quarterback for all four years at Creek, and he has won three state titles. Leading to the success of Creek football.

In the past seven years, Head Coach Dave Logan has led Creek to five championship victories. These high expectations come with immense pressure on Logan and the team.

INFORMATION AS OF DEC. 5. GO TO UNIONSTREETJOURNAL.COM TO FIND OUT ABOUT FOOTBALL’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

BANNER BREAK: Players run onto the field to kick off against Fountain Fort-Carson in the second round of playoffs.

Football

PHOTO BY ANDREI MACHADO

Field Hockey

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ig time crowd, big time win: yet again, field hockey lifts the championship trophy.

After not winning a state title since 2007, field hockey goes back-to-back after the addition of head coach Tori Karsten.

Moving from Chicago to coach for Creek, going two-for-two with titles, Karson proves that she can win.

“It’s hard to win State once,” Karsten said, “and then to go back-to-back, it’s just an impressive accomplishment for these girls.”

With impressive wins and a

16 | Sports

PHOTO BY ANDREI MACHADO

STRIKE: Junior defender Sadie Homlish (#9) takes a shot aganist Regis in a 4-2 victory.

successful season, having fun is still an important part of high school sports. Karsten tries to build on this narrative and grow people’s love for field hockey, understanding that letting her players have fun during the season helps bring a team together and is the building block of a successful season.

“The season was so fun.

The girls performed and enjoyed it,” Karsten said, “We had many moments where we were laughing and joking.”

Boys’ Soccer

B

esides the heartbreaking quarterfinal loss against Pine Creek, losing on a golden goal in overtime, 1-0, boys’ soccer saw record-breaking success this year.

They ranked #1 in the state of Colorado by MaxPreps and ranked 9th in the nation earlier this year by United Soccer Coaches.

After the loss, the team ranks #67 in the nation on MaxPreps. This is the highest boys’ soccer has achieved nationally in program history; it was their first undefeated regu-

PHOTO BY KELLEN RINGLAND

SET PIECE: Junior fullback Liam Madden (#2) ttempts a free kick againt Pine Creek high school in the third round of playoffs.

lar season ever, scoring 68 goals this season as a team, beating the national average of 44.

Among the talent, senior striker Cooper Alredge was a big part of the team’s success, leading the team with 26 goals, eight assists, and averaging a goal and a half per game.

Senior middlefielder Owen Lamphear was an addition to the success, with 10 goals, 42 points, and a state-leading 22 assists.

DO

It’s Time for Cozy Cafe Season!

BY AVERY EXELEY

a&e

Asst. A&E Editor

Greenwood Village Cafe Address: 8923 E Union Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 The vibe: With dark and cozy lighting and pictures framing every wall, this cafe is the perfect place for students to go.

Since this cafe is within walking distance, many freshmen find their way over. Many students enjoy the cafe, making it a perfect place to get a sweet treat and study.

“I like the vibe, it’s small but comfy,” senior Jenna Giornazi said.

Recommended item: Grilled cheese and brookie (brownie and cookie) PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNA GIORNAZI

303 Coffee Company Address: 8283 S Akron St #170, Centennial, CO 80112 The vibe: This locally owned spot is perfect if you want to grab a quick bite to eat. As it is located by Park Meadows mall, this is a spot where you have to drive. (Sorry freshmen!) With their cozy drinks and their welcoming atmosphere, students fall in love with this coffee shop.

“I love the fact that it’s a locally owned place that has college kids as employees,” sophomore Rotem Goldschmidt said.

Recommended item: Chai with extra spice PHOTO BY DHANYA RAJENDIRAN

French Press

Milano Coffee

Address: 4668 S Yosemite St, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 The vibe: This one is great if you want a more mature study area with less students around. You will have to go here after school as studentsare not allowed here during school hours. Before school, this place is the perfect morning experience.

“It’s much more peaceful than any other place and [the staff] are always so welcoming,” senior Chloe Morris said.

Recommended Item: Tiramisu and iced lavender chai

Address: 9602 E Arapahoe Rd Suite A, Greenwood Village, CO 80112 The vibe: This coffee shop is one of the more unique ones on the list. Nestled in between the post office this one is certainly a hidden gem. If your flavor profile prefers a more interesting experience this is one you should try.

“Its very calm in there and it’s a nice environment to go and study,” sophomore Dina Syrpes said.

Recommended Item: Hot chocolate and a muffin PHOTO COURTESY OF DINA SYRPES

PHOTO BY PETER PHILPOTT

Movie

Album

“A Very Laufey Holiday” - senior Abigail Shimelis

Book

Movie

“Dead Poets Society” What’s your go-to “Dash & Lily’s Book “Love Actually” of Dares” - librarian - sophomore - sophomore winter rec?

Michelyne Gray Emory Neale Adrija Banerjee

orem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent feugiat odio non enim hendrerit posuere. In hendrerit scelerisque tellus non suscipit. Sed magna arcu, auctor vitae convallis quis, ART BY JACKIE NEWMAN

December 2025

A Trip Around Colombia Movie W

ith over 20 countries speaking Spanish as their official language, Spanish movies are produced from all over the world and in great numbers. Many students around Creek in-

cluding Latinos Unidos member senior Alexa Brandwayn Berg, watch and enjoy Spanish-language movies.

Born in Colombia, Brandwayn Berg views Spanish movies as a way to link and think back to her hometown. These movies have always been a part of her life and have been the “normal” language for her to watch them in.

“It’s always been a part of my life and they remind me of home,” Brandwayn Berg said.

Spanish movies are incredibly diverse and popular. They explore a lot of different and interesting genres.

“They have many themes and teachings that connect back to Colombia and its culture,” Brandwayn Berg said.

Her favorite movie is “La Estrategia del Caracol”. This comedic drama movie shows the story of roommates who have to face the challenge of possibly moving out due to renovations within their city.

Nigeria

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or Black Student Union senior Dami Akinrinola, watching movies from his Nigerian culture helps him understand more about the place where he’s from. Nigerian cinema, best known as Nollywood, is known for its high volume of film production.

It is the second largest film industry in the world, outputting almost 2500 films yearly. These movies show the real side of Africa, the rich, poor, the natural, and unnatural.

“Some of them are really comical while some of them aren’t afraid to dive into more serious things,” Akinrinola said.

These movies connect Akinrinola to his culture, despite being born in the United States. Growing up watching these movies with his family, informed him of his culture and bridged the gap between his American upbringing and his Nigerian heritage.

“As a kid I didn’t fully understand and that makes me feel more connected since don’t actually live there,” Akinrinola said.

He recommends the movie “Wedding Party”.

The film portrays two people on the day of their wedding when things go wrong and it is filled with unexpected shenanigans.

18 | A&E

BY DHANYA RAJENDIRAN A&E Editor

the World: China W Edition

hile most people may think of C-Dramas and other romance movies when they think of Chinese cinema, sophomore Lucy Chen also enjoys watching animated Chinese movies.

While the average production of Chinese movies may be less than that of other film industries, they have very high budgets and are known for being efficient and advanced.

“I feel like Chinese movies are really sophisticated and that makes them so interesting and pleasing to watch,” Chen said.

Chinese movies have always been a part of Chen’s life and they give her a way for her to learn about her culture.

“They have always intrigued me as someone who doesn’t live in China and I think it shows me a lot about my culture,” Chen said. Her favorite Chinese-language movie is “Ne Zha”. This animated movie came out in 2019. It tells the story of Chinese spirits and their reincarnation as human and devil forms.

India

C

hota Bheem was a TV show that was a large part of many Indian children’s lives.

This love for Chota Bheem was what got sophomore Aarushi Hossain into watching more and more Hindi movies as she grew up.

Out of all the film industries in the world, Bollywood is arguably one of the most popular and recognizable. Along with being the biggest film industry in the world, Bollywood specifically refers to the Hindi-language movies typically based in Mumbai, India. Bollywood has been in business for 100 years.

“I actually prefer watching the older movies because they represent how well [people in Bollywood] are at acting, dancing, and singing overall,” Hossain said.

Hossain believes that older Bollywood films had more depth and storytelling. Hossain enjoys watching these movies as they help her learn about people in the Bollywood industry and it also helps her understand cultural objectives.

“It gives you a connection with other people there and what their ideas are like,” Hossain said.

Her favorite movie is “Padosan”. A classic nextdoor neighbor romance, that incorporates music and michief into its winding plot.

December 2025

BY OLIVER SCALA

N

News Editor

early everywhere, the fundamental principles of lighting design are disgracefully broken.

Classrooms often suffer from an exclusive reliance on their integrated fluorescent lighting, (although CCSD recently made the switch to LED, which is negligibly better.) Private homes, too, are poorly lit. Few things induce a migraine quicker than entering a living room solely lit by a solitary “boob light” in the center of the ceiling. When sitting at a kitchen island, who doesn’t love to be utterly blinded by a unit of 90’s track

lighting? Nothing beats looking up to see a Swiss cheese-like installation of recessed potlights (unpopular opinion but I hate them so much.)

My personal favorite item on this list, this lamp is made by Dale Tiffany, a reliable designer and manufacturer of Tiffany and art glass lamps. This piece, depicting an elegant Art Deco feline figurine, is constructed of bronze and utilizes a metal shade paned with golden mica. Mica lamps gained popularity with the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement in the turn of the 20th century, and naturally lend themselves very well to the Craftsman style as well as traditional styles more broadly. Mica as a material provides the ultimate cozy atmosphere through its soft, warm, organic glow. The light bulb used in this lamp is not of a typical size, but not difficult to buy. The light output from this lamp, though undeniably high in quality, is noticeably dim and is best used as

a night light or accent lamp. Dale Tiffany’s mica cat lamp receives five stars in manufacturing quality, five stars in light output quality, five stars for style and design, and three stars for style versatility. (Continue reading this story at unionstreetjournal.com)

PHOTO BY OLIVER SCALA

opinions

Overhead Lighting Is Ruining Everything

Collegiate Dancers Deserve More Support

BY WINSLOW DAVIS

C

Staff Writer

ollegiate dancers have been overlooked for years—no scholarships, little funding, and constantly labeled as “cheerleaders.”

That began to shift after Louisana State University’s (LSU) 2022 hip-hop nationals routine, which exposed how their team couldn’t compete the year before due to lack of support. Their “Like a Boy” routine joked that if they acted more like men, maybe they’d be treated better. LSU’s win drew national attention, but resources for most dancers stayed the same.

20 | Opinions

“Dance was underappreciated at our school,” said San Diego State University (SDSU) dancer Annika Rouse. Even in high school, we’re told to “stand and look pretty” all season, then only recognized if we win. LSU didn’t receive support until after 2022—and even then, scholarships came out of the coach’s own pocket. Dancers support every other sport on game day but rarely get that support back.

“We had limited access to facilities and funding,” Rouse said. “We were paying out of pocket for everything.”

Some top programs like Ohio State get proper funding, but most teams still fight for basic resources. Penn State’s dancers recently lost major funding due to budget cuts and now have to fundraise. Even at big schools, teams may be “liked” but still lack resources.

Dancers train just as hard as any athlete, yet we’re treated as spirit, not sport.

Only 0.014% of U.S. dancers go on to

dance in college, but even then, schools barely care. I’ve trained since 2013, but the opportunities just aren’t there.

“Until the NCAA classifies dance as a sport, not much will change,” Rouse said.

Recruitment is already competitive— dancers shouldn’t have to fight even harder to be taken seriously. Change has to start with the colleges themselves.

PHOTO BY WINSLOW DAVIS

OUR COMMUNITY: A wall at Starstruck Academy of Dance displays pictures of alumni. Most alumni in these pictures continued their dance careers in college.

College Pennant or College Penance?

BY ELISE DOUGHERTY

O

Asst. Opinions Editor

ne of the most attainable dreams I made for myself in my childhood was to study journalism at Brown University.

Although it was far more realistic than my earlier dreams of being a princess, as I settled into high school, it became apparent that this goal was just as fantastical.

When I was ten, a 5.6 percent acceptance rate was merely a number, but after a few questionable grades my freshman and sophomore years, it possessed a deeper meaning—I would not be attending the university of my dreams. Becoming the Rory Gilmore of Brown was just as probable as finding a genie in an oil lamp.

Now as a junior, I question whether I’ll be able to get into colleges with an acceptance rate of 20 to 30 percent, let alone an Ivy League, and I have dozens of friends who feel the same way.

For generations, students could be admitted into top universities as long as they were dedicated, decently well-rounded, and maintained above-average grades.

Nowadays, students feel pressure to have a GPA above 4.0, play multiple sports, start clubs and nonprofits; you name it. No matter what you’re doing, there’s always something you’re missing that would make you more dignified in the eyes of a college admissions officer.

Even within the past decade, the stan-

dards to get into top universities have been that required a 1550 SAT for acceptance. raised to near impossibility, and students Falling behind in a couple of classes near like me are struggling to keep up with their the beginning of high school helped me peers. Part of this is because the Common realize that there is a lot more to life than App and Early Decisions have become more becoming a textbook student. If I pushed popular, forcing colleges to lower their ac- myself to my breaking point, there would be ceptance rates. a higher chance for me to pursue my dream Social media is also not helpful in this of attending Brown, but how much value scenario, making it easier for students to should I put on that goal? At what point will start idolizing schools. Postgraduate coordi- my academic successes begin to define me? nator and counselor Craig Wittgrove specuIt is extremely important to have goals lates that colleges are simply being perceived throughout high school that you nurture, as more selective because they have such a but it’s even more important to learn that large presence in the media. not everything has a linear path, and not evWhen students see a college romanti- erything is going to fall perfectly into place. cized online, it’s hard to Think of the smartsee beyond the image of est, most successful the school into the nuperson you know; mayWe have systematically ances of what it would be be they did receive a been made to think like to actually spend four brilliant education at a that attending a prestiyears there. I fall victim to nationally ranked unithis consistently, envying versity, but that didn’t gious university is the Ivy League students ‘day in automatically set them only way to prove our my life’ videos all over my up for success in the intelligence. feed and craving an identireal world. cal lifestyle.

A university with Since we were children, an impressive accepwe have seen “name-brand” colleges glori- tance rate, a century-old stone campus, and fied in all types of media. a dozen political activism pottery classes Batman went to Princeton, Blaire Wal- doesn’t ensure a perfect college experience. dorf went to Columbia, even Elle Woods Although it’s hard to look past what is conwas able to finesse an acceptance into Har- sidered an honorable education, there are vard Law. countless options for dedicated students.

We have systematically been made to An education is an education,. Attending think that attending a prestigious university a college that will put you six figures in debt is the only way to prove our intelligence. by the time you’re 20 isn’t the best option for I used to believe that if I was able to everyone (or the smartest option either, if wear the Brown logo across my chest and we’re being honest). boast about my time at the university, all The most important thing is to realize else would follow. I thought the only way to that no matter where you are there is still prove myself as bright was to attend a school something to be learned.

May 2025 December 2025

Reptiles, Bots, and Bluecifer: Ranking the Web’s Most Unhinged Conspiracy Theories

BY EMILY LAMBERT

A

Design Manager

mong the imbeciles of the internet, there are some who prove their boredom and stupidity with nonsensical conspiracy theories that are too funny to turn a blind eye to.

In response to this, here are my top five ridiculous but also favorite conspiracy theories.

My number one pick would be the embarrassingly far-fetched theories concerning the Denver International Airport (DIA). Although I’ve only been inside DIA once, I can confirm that there are no gargoyles who come alive at night and steal your luggage, or reptilian creatures that tell you government secrets and where to find the missing Mar-a-Lago files.

The seemingly endless theories about DIA are laughable. Who can truly sit down and believe that underneath DIA lies half-human, half-lizard people who conspire about figuring out America’s bomb codes and discuss very legit and very realistic government plans?

Oh, yes, because instead of conversing at the Oval Office or in a safe and secure conference room,

ART BY HAVANA AMANLOU

22 | Opinions and Staff Editorial

politicians must do it under hundreds of single episode, but somehow I always hear people, very plausible. about how The Simpsons always predict Don’t even bring up the idea of the every important event.

32-foot-tall blue, veiny horse that stands They predicted Trump’s presidency back in front of the entrance at the airport. He in 2000 and him getting arrested (literally may be called Bluecifer, but that doesn’t how). They talked about the Ebola virus mean that he’s cursed; he couldn’t control coming back in 2014, which it did (??), and his head falling off and severing his creator, the more I read, the more accurate the preLuis Jiménez’s, artery. That was poor luck. dictions got.

Since we’re on the topic of reptilian Are the writers time travelers, or are shape-shifters, I guess they really good at they control the Earth guessing? I hope for now. My second pick both in all honesty. would be that, contrary My final pick is that I can confirm that there to popular belief, the singers and celebrities are no gargoyles who Earth’s core is actually sell their souls to the not a molten rock! It’s devil. I’m sick of the come alive at night and full of exotic, complex internet. I think that steal your luggage. homes that look oddly wouldn’t be all that bad, similar to Earth’s first having the devil whistrees, that shelter these pering in your ears, reptilian creatures, that telling you bars for your of course, dictate the whole world. next song. Sounds nice.

Now that we understand that human Overall, I don’t believe conspiracy thelizards control the Earth, I do hope I will ories; I find them more humorous and inbe able to join their community as one, oh teresting to delve into. A lot of them can wait, there’s no explanation on how they be disproven with a simple amount of brain got there or if they can get out. I don’t think power and a simple Google search. It is fun building a colony of reptiles under molten to see people genuinely believe them, and lava is very safe.

I get a good amount of entertainment out Moving on from outer worldly creators, of it. let’s go on to my third pick, which is called So no, the Earth isn’t flat, there aren’t the dead internet theory. Back in 2021, a reptilians living inside the Earth, and bots user on Agora Road’s Macintosh Cafe fo- unfortunately don’t run the internet. rum brought to light the bizarre idea that non-human bots are responsible for almost all online activity and content creation.

The idea stemmed from cited articles on the very reliable 4chan, which is commonly known to house the freaks of the internet.

The forums claimed that everything posted on the internet has been calculated by bots for the algorithm. It’s odd to think that the things I post are done by bots. I mean, really, you push the post button with your own finger, and craft that video, with your own hands.

My fourth pick doesn’t really count toART BY IV COLLIER wards a conspiracy, but what is wrong with The Simpsons? I don’t think I’ve even seen a

Online Danger Zones:

STAFF EDITORIAL This is an opinion piece written by the Editorial Staff of the Union St. Journal.

Staff editorials serve as a way for members of the magazine to give commentary on a community-wide issue. The views expressed represent the opinions of the editorial staff, not those of CCHS or CCSD.

Teens Must Take Control Of Their Digital Safety

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ocial media is the breeding ground for child exploitation and has been since its inception.

From inappropriate photos being sent to unsuspecting minors to social media pages profiting off of videos of violence, children and teens have always been the target. It’s unrealistic to expect all teens to go offline, but students should be educating themselves and report signs of grooming, violence, and radicalization when they see them online.

Groomers Predatory behavior on sites frequented by minors, such as Roblox, is a serious risk for teens and children. Adults who pose as peers on games and social media use chats to build trust with the minor before attempting to exploit them. What may seem like harmless fun can quickly become dangerous.

According to Our Rescue, a mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation, one in seven minors gets asked for sexual images by strangers on a daily or weekly basis, and 46 percent have shared intimate content with people they have met online.

A chat can shift from casual messaging to adults trying to request personal information in ways chat filters or moderators don’t detect. They might try to isolate and threaten the minor, taking them away from a supportive community and creating an individual easier to manipulate.

Through a process referred to as grooming, these conversations quickly escalate into requesting personal information or contacting outside safe platforms. Predators rely on secrecy and manipulation to target vulnerable users. Ensuring that minors are aware of this manipulation and that harsher regulations are put on this platform can keep online spaces safe.

Violence There are many other threats to teens’ well-being than predators on social media.

On Sept. 10, Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University. As a major political figure, his death sent shock waves through online communities, but many were shocked to see his uncensored murder while scrolling through TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X.

Students saw it, some wanting to; some not. The event was livestreamed, but even after the fact, the video of the violence was spread all over social media, gaining millions of views. But this was not a one-off occurrence. Videos of the Evergreen High School shooting that same day were plastered all over online platforms. Furthermore, in 2014 ISIS shared a video of the beheading of a British aid worker and a live-streamed video of a mass shooting in 2019.

Even CBS has reported how accounts with names like @deadshootingcrew amass hundreds of thousands of followers per post.

Being a participating member online, teens have always been under a constant threat of accidentally seeing violent videos and pictures.

Though Instagram Reels have made attempts at banning inappropriate content from infiltrating online spaces. Their restrictions are easily evaded and don’t even touch accounts that are posting violent content. According to CBS, violent content that is restricted is only banned advertisers like “gambling sites, crypto apps, porn agencies.”

Minors and adults alike should be advocating for tighter restrictions and a larger separation of violent content from diverse social media sites.

Radicalization Lone wolf terrorism, an ideology motivated act that is done by one individual alone, has become the most prominent form of terrorism in Western Countries, equally about 93 percent of total terrorism.

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IN FAVOR

OPPOSED

The USJ’s Editorial Board voted on the subject of this staff editorial.

This is because adolescence is a critical phase of identity and community development. Teenagers have a greater sense of emotional reactivity due to brain development and hormonal fluctuations. Social media facilitates the radicalization and normalization of extremist ideology. In 2016 alone, social media factored into the radicalization and mobilization processes of 88.23% of the lone actors in the PIRUS data. It begins with innocuous memes perpetuating biases.

Rather than creating tense filtration, teens should be dusting off their media literacy tools and taking control of their online experiences. Taking control can be diversifying your news and reporting false or misleading posts. Misinformation will spread the longer it is online, so it’s important to quickly shut them down.

The Solution Official classes that face inappropriate and violent content have been failing, so it’s time for teens to take a step individually to educate themselves. Teens who notice violence or inappropriate content on their page should notify trusted adults, teachers, and parents. To be educated further on media literacy and relationships with online space, Common Sense, a non-profit focused on educating a protect teens online, has a good high school digital literacy course, among others. Teens can fight online epidemics of online predators, violence, and manipulation if they attempt to educate themselves.

ART BY JACKIE NEWMAN

December 2025

Talk With the Team:

Basketball Q&A With Senior Addy Beck & Freshman Avery Hamilton Addy Beck:

Avery Hamilton:

1. “About the

1. “I start-

2. “Just as a

2. “I Played

3. “The Denver

3. “I was also

4. “AP Micro-

4. “Honors

second or third grade.”

kid, I watched [basketball] on TV. And I wanted to play.”

Nuggets and the Phoenix Mercury because I’m a big Phoenix fan.”

economics”

ed in the first grade.”

since I was little, because my brothers played [basketball].”

going to say the [Denver] Nuggets and the [Phoenix] Mercury.”

English 9.”