The Oracle Volume 51 Issue 2

40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.

MEN’S

HEALTH

Middle-aged men are twice as likely to have diabetes compared to women.

AWARENESS

MONTH

Men have an average life expectancy of 76 years.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men each year.

The

Oracle NOVEMBER 08, 2023 : VOL. 51, NO. 2

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

01

NEWS

05 West Side Stor y 06 Not Just a Walk in the Park 07 A Fight for Better Rights 08 End of an Era

STUDENTS 09 DEALing with Black Friday 10 Untouched Abundance 11 Unveiling the Allure 12 Take the Field

COVER

13-14 Men’s Health Awareness 15 In Rememberance 16 A Movember to Remember 17 Breaking the Silence 18 Bittersweet

OPINION

19 Banned from Sight 20 Clickbait 21 False Authenticity 22 The Croc Debate

FEATURE

23 A New Look for Girls’ Basketball

24 Passing the Torch 25 A Sight to See 26 Pinning Stereotypes

SPORTS

27 Backboard Strength 28 Bullseye

A&E

29 Never Too Late for Love 30 Haunted Horrors of Indiana

EDITORIAL

Table of Contents design by: Jami Porter

STAFF CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sierra Perkinson

PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sierra Perkinson Sara Durnil

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hen considering ideas for the second issue of The Oracle, featuring Breast Cancer Awareness Month was at the top of the list. However, with further thought, The Oracle staff wanted to highlight the fact that breast cancer in men is certainly not talked about enough. Therefore, it only seemed right to incorporate not just breast cancer, but other health issues in men that are not often mentioned.

These ideas led to a touching story entitled “In Remembrance,” highlighting Anthony Pottorff, a former Social Studies teacher at East who unfortunately passed away due to breast cancer, and his impact at East, written by senior Natalie Vanest, and an informative article titled “Breaking the Silence,” by senior Kindred Shafer, over breast cancer in men.

WEB EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Kindred Shafer Arlynn Fleming

DESIGN EDITOR Jami Porter

BUISNESS MANAGER Cole Staggs

MANAGING EDITORS Nathan Phan Grace McMahon

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Ava Goode

Not only did our staff have the pleasure of informing our readers about an important topic such as breast cancer, but we were also able to feature new happenings at East, including the girls basketball team and their new coach, and the brand new East girls wrestling team.

MULTIMEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

“A New Look for Girls Basketball” is a well-written article by sophomore and content editor Ella Anthis. The story consists of an interview with the new girls basketball coach, Kaitlyn Philips, and her experience before East as well as what she is looking forward to with the new season at a new school.

CONTENT EDITORS

Written by senior Lilly Arnholt, “Pinning Stereotypes” is an enlightening story about East’s new girls wrestling team and the process for getting it started, as well as why. Readers will enjoy interviews with junior Monica McMahon, and one of the team’s coaches, Timothy Shuler.

Looking towards the future, East’s Performing Arts Department has been working hard to produce what will be another wonderful musical, Chicago. Readers can learn all about the leading cast member, Molly Bray, and the musical in Shafer’s article titled “Unveiling the Allure.”

Overall, The Oracle staff is thrilled and excited to present yet another issue for our readers, and we sincerely hope everyone enjoys each article and design.

From all of The Oracle staff to you, have a great rest of the month and, as always, carry on O’s!

Lilly Arnholt

Ella Lynott Ella Anthis Tari Linnemann

STAFF

Kendall Chapple Nataley Cheshire Abigail Dabson Lily Davis Sidney Johnson Lilah Klei Rahianna Logan Ellie Schlaudroff Kailani Scott Natalie Torres Natalie Vanest

ADVISOR Chasidy Kannianen

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Visit Our Website!

CEHSNEWS.COM SIDNEY JOHNSON STAFF

Throughout this issue of The Oracle, I got to design both the “West Side Story” and “Not Just a Walk in the Park”. While designing these stories, I got to learn about a numerous amount of new things. I was shocked when I heard about the new elementary school that could be built. It was also interesting to hear about all of the new, intense updates in the Delphi murders.

Due to this being my first year in Newspaper, this is the second issue I have designed, so I have loved being able to express my creativity in both issues of The Oracle.

NATHAN PHAN

MANAGING EDITOR

LILLY ARNHOLT

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

In this issue, I wrote two stories—one on the food pantry and the other on the girls wrestling team. I got to interview students, teachers and coaches for both of these. I love interviewing and finding information from the source. I also loved writing the stories. Girls wrestling breaks so many stereotypes that have been reinforced for years, and the food pantry story talks about an urgent situation happening at East right now. I have been very passionate about these types of problems for a long time, so getting to write about them was an amazing experience!

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For this issue of The Oracle, I had the pleasure of writing a replica shoe story, athletic department story and cheer competition story. I was able to use my love for sports and shoes to be able to inspire and influence my writing. As a huge basketball fan, it was nice to be able to see how the girls basketball team has already made their stamp on this year. It was also nice to see how hard East’s cheerleaders have worked throughout the season as they look to go to Disney later this year. Lastly, being able to give my input on replicated shoes as someone who cares about my own shoes, I believe everyone should wear what they want, whether it is replicated or not.

Table of Contents design by: Jami Porter

SUDOKU 6 4 5 2 5 9 8 9 7 3 4 5 1 2 4 8 9 7 4 4 3 7 6 2 8 6 9 7 4 5 4 2 5 2 6 3 Missing Numbers 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9

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November 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

West Side Story Possible westside construction of a new elementary school

Ella Lynott

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olumbus, Indiana, a city known for its architectural excellence, is considering a thrilling new project, a 12th elementary school on the westside of town. This potential development could significantly impact the local community, providing more educational opportunities for children. The proposed location is strategic, aiming to balance school distribution across the city. However, like all major projects, it brings a mix of anticipation and possible concern. As the city awaits this decision, residents eagerly await more information on how this school could shape the future of Columbus’s educational layout.

This development addresses the growing need for educational space, accommodating the city’s expanding young population. It could also potentially ease the student load on existing schools, enhancing the quality of education. However, such a project involves careful planning, from securing funding to ensuring environmental sustainability.

When asked what benefits a 12th elementary school would bring Bartholomew County, BCSC’s Director of Operations, Dr. Brett Boezeman was prepared to inform.

“Building a new elementary school would allow us to meet the expected growth on the west side and alleviate capacity concerns at other buildings,” Boezeman said.

Although Bartholomew County’s population has been slowly decreasing, Dr. Boezeman is not as worried about the decline on the eastside as he is about the increase on the westside.

“The larger concern is population growth on the westside vs. expected decline on the eastside. To balance school enrollments, students may need to be bussed from the west to the east to attend school, which we want to avoid if at all possible,” Boezeman said.

At the school board meeting on Oct. 30, 2023, officials had to decide if they wanted to release the notice of this possible addition. After the approval from the board, BCSC is now exploring new ways to fund this project.

This potential addition to Columbus’s educational community displays how BCSC prioritizes all aspects of learning as well as giving more opportunities to the young population of Columbus.

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News design by: Sidney Johnson

Not Just a Walk in the Park New leads in the Delphi murder Abby Dabson

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n Feb. 13, 2017, two girls, 13 year-old Abigail Williams, and 14 year-old Liberty German, were murdered at the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Indiana. In the beginning, not much information on the murders was released other than the autopsy of the bodies showing that the girls were stabbed with a sharp object.

Six years after the killing, in June 2023, shocking new information was finally released about the suspect, Richard Allen.

According to wthr.com, documents reveal Allen confessed to killing the two girls over the phone with his wife and mother. Video evidence depicts the two girls walking, along with a man, allegedly Allen, following them, telling them to go down the hill and one of the girls saying he had a gun. Allen also admitted he was at the Monon High Bridge Trail, where the girls were found the same day.

After the bodies were identified, the girls’ clothes were found separated from their bodies, and a few articles of clothing were missing.

After Allen had been charged with the murder of the girls, his attorney filed new claims stating that he had nothing to do with the murders.

As reported by NBC News, Allen’s attorney has claimed that Allen did not commit the murders, but that the girls were sacrificed in a religious ceremony. It is stated that investigators ignored the claims and were seen as hiding evidence.

Not only this, but symbols formed by sticks were found near the bodies, and the bodies were found to have been repositioned.

These pieces of evidence indicated that a group of Odinists had sacrificed the girls. Odinists are referred to as white nationalists in a Pagan Norse religion. It is found that Allen has no relation or links to the religion or sacrifice.

While this case is relatively well-known, especially throughout Indiana, it has also been exceptionally private. Information and evidence has been leaked, causing attorneys to take extraordinary precautions within hearings.

After serious concerns over the privacy of this case, as of October 17, cameras will now be permitted, for the first time, in the courtroom of Allen’s hearing.

These new documents and information are overwhelming after years of not releasing much evidence on the killings. With these conflicting claims, the public has been raving over this recent news.

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

A Fight for Better Rights

People all over America acting as their own advocate

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ne of the defining qualities of living in America is the ability to advocate for not only oneself, but for others as well. The recent strikes in America have revolved around the rights for workers being robbed by CEOs who are neglecting their workers’ rights to a fair contract.

On Sept. 15, 2023, the voice of The United Auto Workers (UAW) union was scoffed at by the Big Three automakers: General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, when addressing the unfairness of their contract.

A method for the UAW union is “Stand Up Strike” when workers use the strategic plan to walk off as a way of using their position to advocate for themselves.

Situations where companies discriminate against employees regarding payments and contracts do not only take place within the blue collar working community. Many strikes have occurred over the years within the writing and acting community as well.

On May 2, 2023, the Writers Guild of America began revolting to advocate for higher royalties in their productions and insurance for prevention of artificial intelligence from taking over their jobs.

On Sept. 27, 2023, after five months of fighting for a revised contract, The Screen Actors Guild changed the benefits for the actors and actresses regarding pay raises, pension and health plans.

It is unknown when shows and movies will begin to be produced again since there was a stall in production. It is expected that day and night shows will be the first to be back on air, but the shows and movies being produced may be on hold for longer considering the actors and performers union is still on strike.

Although the strikes are far from over, the women and men advocating on their own behalf are making a noticeable difference in the automotive, acting and writing industries.

Tari Linnemann s an ncor e i m ty less e in- n i l ua g un o th oda q “E thin int lob S no rated s.”po ution ic stit losev Mi

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“Never do a small ubt that gr though oup of tfu zens ca l citin world.” change the - Marg aret Mead

News design by: Rahianna Logan

End of an Era

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McCarthy makes U.S. history

evin McCarthy, a leading name in American politics, recently faced a significant career shift. Known for his dedication and influential voice, McCarthy's dismissal from his role as a house speaker has sparked discussions nationwide. The circumstances surrounding his dismissal are complex, reflecting on the intricacy of politics. This development has left many pondering the potential implications for the political landscape, and the ripple effects it might have on future policies and decisions.

VOTED OUT!

McCarthy was the first sitting house speaker in U.S. history to be voted off the floor.

The reasons behind McCarthy's departure are multifaceted. Some speculate it is due to a shifting political climate. Others suggest it could be a result of internal party disagreements, highlighting the complexities within political structures. However, these are merely conjectures, as the true reasons may be deeply rooted in the complex dynamics of political maneuvering. The motion to vacate McCarthy shows the unpredictable nature of politics, where change is the only constant. McCarthy's departure signifies a new era in American politics, stirring anticipation for what lies ahead.

Known for his charismatic leadership and strategic prowess, the decision to remove McCarthy has baffled many for what could have caused such a decision. However, the recent vote indicates a shift in the political climate, hinting at a desire for change among the electorate. McCarthy's exit is not just the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter in American politics. It is a testament to the intricate nature of democracy, where power is always in the hands of the people. As we bid farewell to McCarthy, the nation watches with anticipation for what will follow.

Recently, Republican Mike Johnson was elected as the new Speaker of the House, representing the northwest and western regions of Louisiana.

Ella Lynott

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

DEALing with Black Friday History of Black Friday and sales to look out for this year

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ach year, millions of individuals prepare for the day when both online and in-person stores have an innumerable amount of deals and sales: Black Friday.

Black Friday was not always seen as a positive event, however. In the 1950’s, shoppers would flood into Philadelphia the Friday after Thanksgiving in order to await the Army-Navy football game.

Police had to control these hordes of incoming crowds, and labeled the day as “Black Friday,” since the crowds were so large and multiple crimes were committed (Memoryroad.com).

Although Black Friday was seen as a dreadful day, retailers decided to change the way it was viewed by creating the idea that the day after Thanksgiving meant the beginning of Christmas, and this was how retail stores would change from a large loss in sales to a massive increase.

The stores began creating discounts specifically for Black Friday, and ever since then, the day of deals has become more widespread (Memoryroad.com).

This year, Black Friday will begin on November 24.

However, some stores decided to release deals earlier than this. For example, Amazon’s October Prime Day on October 10 and 11, was two days of deals ahead of Black Friday. In fact, Amazon continues to have early deals, with sales of 50 percent off AirPods, clothes, air fryers and TV’s (techradar.com).

BestBuy has also decided to participate in the early release of sales. Starting October 30, customers have the opportunity to get up to 1,000 dollars off of TV’s and other deals on laptops and headphones as well.

In-person stores have not strayed from providing consumers with deals they cannot pass up either. This year, Target will provide customers with 40 percent off items such as clothes and appliances. Walmart, yet another retail store, has deals on laptops, AirPods and furniture.

With both the younger and older demographic participating in this event, these early deals only go to show the impact this day has had on all of society. It is a day everyone looks forward to and anticipates in excitement. With all of the “buzz” over Black Friday, one can only wonder how much excitement Cyber Monday will bring.

Sierra Perkinson

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Students design by: Arlynn Fleming

Untouched Abundance

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Everyone deserves a full stomach

any students have noticed posters promoting the food pantry popping up around East recently. The truth behind this poster is that the food pantry is being underused by students. If students continue to avoid the food pantry, it may soon disappear.

The food pantry at East has been ongoing for around eight years, and has helped numerous students. The pantry is available to all families with students attending a Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) school.

However, if students continue to underuse the pantry, it will have to shut down, leaving many families with no way to access food quickly and easily.

Suzanne Romanski, Romanski a special education teacher at East, who also works to coordinate the food pantry, is very passionate about students getting the nutrients they need and encourages students to take a stance against food insecurity.

“Economically in the future, you never know what’s going to happen. So we are doing our best to maintain it and keep it available,” Romanski said.

Often, organizations much like East’s food pantry must shut down due to underusage. Students need to understand that the food pantry is here to help them and their families with food insecurity.

Both families and students can order food to take home. In the near future, there will be an online ordering system, so students can order food on the pantry’s website and pick it up to take home when they have the time.

The food will be pre-bagged in backpacks, duffel and grocery bags so students can take them on the bus or walk home.

Romanski encourages all students who need to use the pantry to take that leap and make an appointment. No one deserves to go hungry, and the food pantry is the easiest way to get the food that families need.

Students should know that there is no paperwork necessary; no questions asked and absolutely no judgement.

Any student that needs to utilize the food pantry should know it is located in the hall behind the library near door 31.

The pantry hours are every Friday from 3 to 3:30 p.m., or by appointment. To find out more information or set up an appointment, email BCSC_EastFoodPantry@bcsc.k12.in.us.

Lilly Arnholt

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Unveiling the Allure

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

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Alongside her is her rival, Velma Kelly, who becomes a celebrity inmate, charming the media and the audience with her sultry performances. The musical's themes of ambition, justice and the pursuit of the spotlight resonate with the students, as the Performing Arts members will bring the characters to life.

Leading the cast as Kelly is senior Molly Bray, Bray with a natural flair for the stage.

“I had to believe in this character and believe she was real.. to the audience she is real, and if I don't buy into her character then the audience won't,” Bray said. “I really had to dig into the role and become her, and I'm living her.”

Bray was thrilled to tackle such an iconic character and worked hard to perfect Kelly’s fierce dance moves and passionate vocals as she had spent hours rehearsing.

“I've been preparing for this since May and prepping hard. I was working out everyday for this since it's a heavy dancing role,” Bray said. “Even in Paris over summer I would listen to the sound track and act along.”

Kelly’s journey throughout the play showcases her resilience, ambition and determination to regain her fame and freedom. She is a captivating character who adds depth and intrigue to the story.

“Velma is the complete opposite of me. She is very narcissistic, vindictive and venomous…she will do whatever it takes to get back on top,” Bray said. “She really is this horrible person but it comes from a place of vulnerability, so getting into her character has been interesting.”

The audience will be captivated by catchy songs, dazzling dance numbers and witty dialogue as a journey unfolds, witnessing the complexities of fame, justice and the blurred lines between truth and illusion.

“I view this [musical] as social commentary and how careless the 20’s were, but also our society and how much women got away with,” Bray said. “It will really suck the audience in and is bending the truth actually a good thing and that really reflects in our set design.”

The musical Chicago serves as a timeless reminder of the danger to the pursuit of fame. With its unforgettable characters and music, Chicago continues to enchant audiences around the world.

Kindred Shafer

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he well-known Chicago musical tells the captivating story of Roxie Hart, a young woman who dreams of stardom and finds herself entangled in a web of murder, fame and corruption.

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A high school's production of an iconic musical

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Taking the Field

Students design by: Lilah klei

Student assembly organizes fun activities for the school Tari Linnemann

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owderpuff is one of the many activities that student assembly puts together every year. It is a football game played by girls, and the teams are divided into four groups: freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

It is double elimination, so after a team loses twice, they are eliminated. This year, the junior team won the overall tournament with the freshman team coming in second.

Junior Jared Brooks had the opportunity to coach the juniors for this year’s game. Brooks is in his third year of football at East, and this is also his third year of coaching powderpuff.

Brooks has been playing football since the age of five and has always felt like he would be adequately prepared for the coaching position considering his background with the sport.

“I’ve always wanted to be a coach and I knew that if I were to be picked as a coach, I would do a good job” Brooks said. “And yeah, I wanted to be a coach so it was fun.”

Brooks's team consisted of many athletic women that have played in previous years. Hannah Dean has played for two years, her first year being her sophomore year. Hannah’s athletic experience has been focused on the sport of swimming.

As a member of the winning powderpuff team, she did not hesitate to share her excitement upon bringing home the victory for her team and grade level.

“It felt really good because the seniors thought they were going to win like how they usually do, but then they didn’t expect the freshmen to come in, and win and then it felt nice to win the whole thing” Dean said.

Senior Seth Lankey was one of the two coaches for the senior team. This was Lankey’s first year coaching but his experience in the sport helped him coach and prepare the team well for their games.

Lankey has been playing football for 12 years and deeply enjoyed the coaching responsibilities this year.

“I think we did alright” Lankey said. “I definitely think that we could have played a little better in that last game, but it was fun.”

One of many players on the senior team was Anna Asher.

Asher. Like her coach, this is Anna’s first year participating in powderpuff. As a longtime cheerleader, Anna’s sports schedule has never aligned with the powderpuff game day.

Given the opportunity, she would have liked to play again.

“It was really fun and a good way to make new friends and get involved with the school” Asher said.

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H s e ’ a n lth e M

Awareness N

ovember is a month most notably known for its scattered holidays and sporadic shopping. However, one day unknown to many is International Men’s Day. While Men’s Mental Health Month is not until June, Men’s Health Awareness Month takes place in November. Knowing this, the said holiday fits right into the festivities of the month. With nearly 20 years of supporting men’s health, the month has been colloquially known as “Movember”. The main purpose of the month is to spread awareness for the effects of prostate and testicular cancer. These two sects of cancer, similarly to most cancers, are deadly in men and have resulted in nearly 35,170 deaths as of 2023.

This total does not account for the large number of cases which were never disclosed with doctors or medical officials. In fact, most of these deaths could have been avoided, provided the recipients would have gotten the proper care and treatment. The month of November is not only to spread awareness about the physical health of men, but also the mental health and stigmatism men face on a daily basis. One of which is the inability to ask for help as the act is seen as weak to some.

Cole Staggs

NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

In Remembrance

Mr. Pottorff and his impact at East

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“I’ll never be able to replace what he did, he was an amazing teacher and person,” Davis said.

Pottorff originally was an economics teacher but soon gained the license to begin teaching government, sociology, U.S. history and world civilizations. Through teaching so many classes, he met a multitude of students and gained relationships with them.

“He always had the energy for Columbus East, he loved this school and the city of Columbus,” Davis said.

ony Pottorff was a highly respected and loved teacher at East for 19 years. Pottorff sadly passed away Dec. 18, 2020, from stage four breast cancer.

He was an active and influential member of the community as well as a track and cross-country coach.

Pottorff was not only a friendly face, but a go-to person when a student needed guidance or advice. Social studies teacher Tyler Davis was a colleague and close family friend of Pottorff. Davis believes that both his personal and professional relationship with Pottorff encouraged him to be a better teacher and person.

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Through Pottorff’s battle, he remained positive and continued doing what he loved. He was hugely involved in athletics and had a true passion for this school and community.

Pottorff was known for being warm-hearted, compassionate and always having love to give. Pottorff left an impression on every person he met and continued to spread positivity, despite his struggle.

“He didn’t care what differences you had, he loved every one of his students, I don’t know anyone who didn’t like him,” Davis said.

“He pushed me to be more active in clubs and activities here at East, as well as showing me how to be more empathetic towards students,” Davis said.“He was one of the most empathetic teachers I know, he really connected with kids and what they are going through in their personal lives, I feel like that rubbed off on me.”

Pottorff’s passing has influenced Davis to encourage fellow males to get checked for breast cancer and to make it more well-known that men can get it too.

After Pottorff’s passing, Davis stepped in and took over some of his most beloved classes, while he also watched over his students and grieved with them. Although Davis has taken over his classes, he feels Pottorff’s presence is irreplaceable.

As time has gone on, advocacy for male breast cancer in the community has grown thin. Davis believes it needs to be talked about again and Pottorff’s story should continue to be honored.

“More people need to be aware because most men don’t think they can get breast cancer too,” Davis said.

In Memory Anthony J. Pottorff October 1971 - December 2020

Natalie Vanest

Cover design by: Grace McMahon

A Movember to Remember

November marks the start of Men’s Health Awareness

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ovember is a time for sporadic eating and violent shopping; the holidays Thanksgiving and Black Friday dominate the month. However, in all the excitement of food and underpriced televisions, another important holiday is often overlooked.

“Movember” is a month-long holiday created to raise awareness for not only men’s mental health, but also the effects of testicular and prostate cancer. Both of which can be deadly if not treated properly.

November has been dubbed the month of men’s health for nearly 20 years. Men will even withhold shaving their mustaches to raise awareness for men’s cancer and mental health.

With a rise in suicide rates for men, the awareness for such mental health is advocated fiercely. Men make up nearly “75-80% of deaths by suicide,” according to The University of British Columbia, with roughly 105 men dying by suicide daily in the United States.

“Ideally, [mental health awareness] should be an everyday thing,” East Economics teacher Tyler Schmidt said. “And I’ve been through various mental health chal-

lenges, whether it’s anxiety, depression [or] whatever.”

Not only do teenagers deal with mental health issues, but adults also suffer from anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force even recommends anxiety screenings for adults under the age of 64.

In fact, teachers and other workers are even granted a free amount of therapy sessions: “The EAP, Employee Assistance Program,” Schmidt said. “Basically you get a certain amount of free therapy sessions per [year].”

In the United Kingdom “fewer than 1 in 5” men sought professional help, The University of British Columbia said. This statistic, among others, is prolifically caused by a sense of feeling weak, especially in men, due to stigma surrounding mental differences.

However, “Dealing with mental health issues doesn’t mean you’re weak,” Weill Cornell Medicine, said. “It means you’re human.”

Cole Staggs

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

Breaking the Silence Women are not the only ones affected by breast cancer

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hile breast cancer is often associated with women, men can also develop breast cancer and it is crucial to recognize that men can also be affected by this disease. While it is rare, accounting for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases, it is still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

According to YaleMedicine.org, there are around 2,650 new cases of male breast cancer diagnosed each year in the United States alone. The risk factors for male breast cancer are similar to those for women.

The risk increases with age. Family history plays a role too; if there is a history of breast cancer in your family, it is important to be aware. Certain genetic mutations, like BRCA2, can also increase the risk.

Exposure to estrogen, whether through hormone therapy or certain medical conditions, can be a contributing factor as well. Lastly, past radiation exposure to the chest area can also increase the risk.

The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those in women and may include a lump or swelling in the breast tissue, changes in the skin texture or color, and nipple inversion.

It is essential for men to pay attention to any changes in their breast area and seek medical attention if they notice anything unusual.

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Regular self-examinations can help one become familiar with their breast tissue and notice any changes. If one notices something unusual, do not hesitate to reach out to a doctor for further evaluation.

Doctors may recommend imaging tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, and possibly a biopsy to determine if cancer is present.

Treatment options for male breast cancer are similar to those for women and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.

Support and awareness are essential for individuals affected by male breast cancer. Various organizations, such as the Male Breast Cancer Coalition, provide resources, support groups and educational materials to help those impacted by this disease.

Breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender. By staying informed and spreading awareness, we can all contribute to early detection and improved outcomes for everyone affected by breast cancer.

Kindred Shafer

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Cover design by: Grace McMahon

Bittersweet The not-so-sweet truth about diabetes in men

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iabetes, although very common, is rarely brought up in or outside of school. This fact is concerning as, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, with one in five Americans unaware of being affected.

Not only is diabetes a quiet subject, but it is unknown to many individuals that, according to News-Medical.net, “Type 2 diabetes is more frequently found in men, especially at ages 35-54, where men are twice as likely to develop diabetes…”

As written in EASD e-Learning, America is rated fourth in the top ten countries in the world by numbers of adults with diabetes. If this many Americans are clearly affected by diabetes, especially in the United States, it is extremely important for individuals to become informed about warning signs, prevention and treatment for this disease, specifically type two diabetes.

While Type one diabetes is a common disease in both men and women, Type two diabetes is more often identified in men. Type two diabetes develops over a span of several years, and many who have it may not notice any symptoms, but it can be managed. Since this is the case, some risk factors to be aware of are prediabetes, obesity, if an individual is 45 or older or have a parent, brother or sister with type two diabetes (CDC).

It is significant to understand risk factors and symptoms in order to be able to spot whether or not one should seek medical attention or take blood tests for type two diabetes. While this is true, it is also important to note how to prevent this disease.

According to WebMD, one of the best things a person can do to prevent type two diabetes is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

“Those who followed a program of exercise and diet geared to losing excess weight…lowered their risk of diabetes by 58 percent…And these were people who already had a high risk of diabetes,” WebMD said.

If an individual has been diagnosed with type two diabetes, common treatments are oral or injectable medications that lower blood sugar levels. However, if these do not suffice, doctors may prescribe insulin along with oral medication (WebMD).

Although both men and women are affected by this disease, men should pay careful attention to warning signs and prevention methods, as 90 to 95 percent of 13 million men with diabetes have been diagnosed with type two diabetes (WebMD). Healthcare must be a priority for all, and diabetes is no exception.

Sierra Perkinson

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

Banned from Sight The new enforced cell phone policy

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Ella Anthis

veryone at East has heard about the new cell phone policy. Dr. Parsons, the new principal at East, has decided to enforce this rule after fall break. Students seem to have mixed feelings about this enforcement, either agreeing with it or thinking that it is not exactly necessary.

There are certain rules that go along with this phone policy, including no phones during class unless a teacher says otherwise and consequences whenever a student chooses to ignore said rule.

The first offense is a verbal warning by a staff member and contact to home. The second is a parent meeting in the front office. Next is a Friday detention. Fourth is a parent and student conference to address failure to comply and one day in-school suspension. The cell phone also needs to be picked up by a parent or guardian. Finally, the fifth offense is another parent and student conference and a one day out of school suspension. With every offense resulting after the second involves confiscation of the device to be retrieved by a parent or guardian.

The cell phone policy is not limited to just phones, however.

There are also rules against earbuds and headphones. The policy’s main goal is to help students overcome the “obsession” or “addiction” to cell phones and earbuds. Parsons wants the students to get the proper education they deserve.

The only times students are allowed to use their cell phones is during passing periods, lunch and resources if they have their work done. Students can also be given permission to be on their cell phones by their teachers, only during specified times.

Parsons has decided to enforce a couple of rules throughout his first year as principal resulting in a fairly different school year than years past. Students overall have mixed feelings about some of the rules, but believe the cell phone policy could be good for a few reasons, while it could also be unnecessary for others.

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Clickbait

Opinion design by: Sara Durnil

Rumors say Temu and Tiktok shop are a scam Natalie Torres

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s of recently, the online shops Temu and TikTok Shop have been circling the internet. There have been many questions and concerns about whether or not these online stores are trustworthy and should be used.

Online stores such as Temu and TikTok Shop sell a variety of items ranging from clothes to electronics and home decor. TikTok Shop is made up of creators who sell their own items as well as companies who sell name brand products.

Temu and Shein are similar in this way, but are mostly focused on fashion and home products.

Temu has become the most downloaded app in both the Apple and Google Play Store, along with Shein. Both of these online stores have allegedly stolen pictures of items from other creators who sell their products for themselves in order to sell a recreated version.

Shein and Temu are both popular apps that have similar formats. They sell a range of almost identical items at a low cost, causing them to be rivals. In the United States, Temu sued Shein accusing them of antitrust laws. This follows another lawsuit of Shein suing Temu in December of 2022 for allegedly mobilizing social media influences to belittle Shein online.

One of the biggest concerns with these shops are shipping and the quality of the products. Some customers receive items in up to weeks or months, while others do not receive them at all. This causes a lot of fear within the buyers not knowing if they will receive their items or not.

Another concern about these companies is money. Online shopping is risky, especially on apps and sites with “great deals.” There are many TikTokers who have noticed activity with their bank accounts, claiming that large transactions were made after purchasing from Temu.

Many are wondering what the truth is. Some are worried their card information might be stolen or if these shops are truly a scam, that they will not get their money back.

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

False Authenticity

The evolution of replica shoes manufacturing

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s many people get dressed up for the days ahead, a great outfit is essential in order for someone to make their mark on the day. A component that can help make or break an outfit are the shoes. From nice and fancy dress shoes to more athletic, running shoes this part of the outfit can come in many different forms.

There are a high number of companies such as DHgate and MyBestJump that specialize in the replication of popular brand sneakers. There are mixed opinions on this practice as some people care enough about the authenticity of sneakers to where they disagree with buying from these companies whereas others see this as an opportunity to purchase shoes that they have wanted for many years. Replicas offer an affordable alternative while not losing any quality measures.

As technology has progressed, these manufacturers have mastered the art of replicating many Nike and Adidas sneakers to a point where the quality of their products match, and in some cases, are superior to the quality of these big brand companies.

As someone whose identity partly revolves around shoes, I could care less about replicas and do recommend them as a viable option. It is affordable, great quality and a great option to those who want a specific pair of shoes but are not willing to spend money on the after markets.

Personally, I would not purchase them for myself as I have pride in the authenticity of my own shoes, but to each their own.

Nathan Phan

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Real vs. Fake

Shoes have always held more of a value to people who collect them compared to others who see them as just shoes that are used to walk.

Many of whom are willing to spend up to hundreds of thousands of dollars just for a pair of shoes, this bodes the question of why spend an outrageous amount of money on shoes when there are companies who produce the shoes at a lesser price compared to the market.

The Croc Debate

Opinion design by: Nataley Cheshire

The debate over whether or not Crocs are worth the purchase

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hese beloved shoes have become even more popular today, with the recent release of the Crocs Classic Cowboy Boot and the Mater Crocs. The variety of style and movies utilized by the Crocs company are only part of what makes buyers willing and eager to purchase the shoes.

However, these shoes have not always been seen as lovable. In fact, part of the debate is that either people adore Crocs or they despise them. Those who hate Crocs usually argue the shoes are rubbery, ugly and overall unstylish, while those who love them think Crocs are comfortable and easy to access.

For me, Crocs have never been at the top of my list of shoes to wear, but I appreciate their comfort, and believe they are easy shoes to throw on and wear for almost any occasion.

The lightweight material and the fact that the shoes are not too clunky make Crocs the perfect shoes to wear for comfortability. Not only this, but because of Jibbitz, Crocs become a fun, customizable shoe perfect for any person.

Throughout the years, Crocs have become a staple for all ages. Though worn by the teenage demographic, Crocs are extremely popular among all age groups. According to Today.com, Crocs have held their place as one of Amazon’s bestsellers for over a year.

Although some may hate them, it cannot be denied that Crocs are a simple, easy, and popular shoe that has made its way up the charts. Overall, if you are someone who prefers easy comfortability and is willing to pay between 30 and 60 dollars for shoes, Crocs are the way to go. If not, steer a different direction and perhaps buy some fuzzy socks and slippers.

Sierra Perkinson

Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 4-6 pm

We invite you to participate in an “Evening of Remembrance” to honor your loved one.

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n this special night, Garland Brook Cemetery will provide luminaries for your personal graveside ceremony. Enjoy the Holiday music and stop by the office for hot cocoa and cookies.

This is a free event and open to the public.

Please enter through the South Entrance by the brick office and exit through the North Gate.

For more information, Please call Garland Brook Cemetery 812.376.6375

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

A New Look for Girls’ Basketball Changes for East’s girls’ basketball team

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ith winter sports on the horizon, word has been going around about the new coach for the Lady Olympian basketball team, Kaitlyn Philips.

Philips Prior to taking on the role as East coach, Philips used to be the junior varsity coach at Whiteland High School.

With seven years of experience as a high school girls basketball coach, Philips led the Whiteland JV team to a 14-4 record this past season. Due to that previous success, East has high hopes for this year’s upcoming season.

The girls basketball team was able to experience and understand the way Philips coaches as they competed throughout the whole month of June. Many of the players expect great things for this upcoming season.

All throughout August and September, there were many pre-season practices for the athletes who were not participating in a fall sport. These practices included a large amount of conditioning as well as drills to get the athletes prepared for the upcoming season.

Tryouts for the team were held on October 16 and 17 from three-thirty to six. As the tryouts finished, their first scrimmage was on October 25 versus Jennings County at six. The team’s first real game was coincidentally on Halloween against Purdue Poly at six as well. The games have been going on very quickly ever since, an average of about two games per week all throughout November.

Philips appears to enjoy the East athletic community more and more as the season starts up.

“I really like the change of scenery and the best thing about Columbus so far is the community, atmosphere and the way that all the people who live in Columbus and work at Columbus East and have children especially that go to Columbus East, it’s all very much one program and one school. So that’s been really nice and everybody is supportive” Philips said. “One thing I really like about Columbus that Whiteland didn’t have is a lot of multi-sport athletes. So if there’s a lot of my players who play several other sports which helps their bodies and their athleticism and also gives them a break from the sport of basketball so when they do come back to basketball, they’re a lot more excited, energized and ready for the season.”

Ella Anthis

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photo by: cehsathletics

Feature design by: Ellie Schlaudroff

Passing the Torch Welcoming the new boy’s varsity basketball coach

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ith this year’s basketball season starting, the boy’s varsity basketball team is led by a new coach. Perr y Nash has been coaching for 23 years, but this will be his first year coaching the basketball team at East.

“We need a lot of the focus to be on us and how we do things,” Nash said.

The team has been working together to identify and alter the team dynamic to make sure they can be the best they are able to be.

“First we want to be able to create our culture and try to establish the way we want to play,” Nash said.

This year he wants his team to focus on how they can work together to create a strong team and a hard-working environment.

“We are starting to see some great leadership from Jack Fischvogt and Mason Reeves” Nash said. “Mason and Jack have done an amazing job stepping up and becoming leaders because they bring guys in every morning to practice.”

Having players from the team stepping up as leaders has had a huge impact on the relationships of the players. Being able to practice every morning with each other has brought them closer and shown them that they are able to work as a team effectively, which will help them on the court.

“We worked all summer and took a break and now this fall we have practice two times a week for two hours,” Nash said.

He has put a big focus on team building and wants to ensure that the players are able to work together well and use what they have learned so far to boost their team.

The first game will be November 28 against Whiteland. Nash is looking forward to seeing how the team will play and use what they have been working on all summer.

Lilly Davis

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

A Sight to See

Explore columbus in a new way

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Ava Goode

ne thing that Columbus is most known for is its amazing architecture. For years, Columbus has had new additions to keep the city booming with art.

At East, many students work on architecture to jump start their careers in welding and engineering. Students have enjoyed working on Columbus’s architecture and continue to help the area grow.

2023 Exhibit Columbus highlights the community in an artistic way. This yearly community art through architecture project engages the public in educational activities and public events that highlight pieces on display.

East junior Bell James wants to go into welding. Her love for this continues to show through her work. Derik Gratz, the welding instructor at North, utilized Exhibit Columbus as a way for students to share their talents with the community.

“It was a super fun opportunity. I have never done anything out in the field before so I enjoyed doing it,” James said.

This community art project took about 3 to 4 weeks. The architecture students created a design to be fabricated by the welding students.

There are 12 displays in Exhibit Columbus. The most commonly seen piece of artwork is the dome at the intersection of Washington and Fourth street, named InterOculus, which James helped to fabricate. The dome is a physical representation of Columbus’s diverse communities and mindsets coming together.

InterOculus was designed by Vishaan Chakrabarti and Richard McCoy and the installation was completed in late August.

Exhibit Columbus will be shown until November 26. On the website Exhibit Columbus people can find multiple activities and a field guide to explore Columbus and these new features while they are still being displayed.

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PINNING

Feature design by: Jami Porter

STER EOT Y PES Lilly Arnholt

Girls wrestling makes its way into East

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imothy Shuler, one of the coaches for the all-girls wrestling team, has been very passionate about the incorporation of girls into wrestling. He and Chris Cooper started an after-school program to recruit and persuade girls to join and take part in the practices. This resulted in a completely new team consisting of eight girls.

Indiana is behind when it comes to girls wrestling. Around America, girls wrestling has become more and more popular. However, Indiana has been one of the only states to not have been sanctioned.

“So, I’ve been passionate about making sure girls wrestling gets a voice and it’s heard and that girls are also going to participate in the same things guys do,” Shuler said.

Shuler encourages girls of all ages to come to their off-season practices and try out wrestling for themselves. Schuler wants to make girls wrestling more prominent throughout the community in the coming years.

While girls wrestling is different from boys wrestling, it is still similar in many ways. For example, weight classes are much more scattered and there are less people on the team.

“My hope for this season is to establish a foundation. To let girls, especially in East and CSA, know that there’s something that they can do,” Shuler said.

Junior Monica McMahon is a member of the girls wrestling team. She has always been drawn to wrestling, and she is happy to say that she is enjoying it and making her way up the ladder to state.

“Wrestling has always been a part of my family, all my brothers do it and my dad did it. It has always been a part of my life,” McMahon said.

McMahon finds that wrestling gives her the opportunity to relieve stress and get stronger both mentally and physically. In addition, wrestling has a personal and a team aspect added on to it.

“We have some very strong girls signed up. I’m really excited for the meets we have coming up. My goals are pretty high,” McMahon said.

McMahon has very high hopes for the team, and is excited to see how the sport will continue to grow in the next few years. She hopes the team can make it to state and place.

Join The Oracle in wishing Grace McMahon, Monica McMahon, Madison Mount, Saige Plummer, Eden Knight, Taylor Engelking, Allison Pool and Lucynda Destin best wishes on their first season.

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

Backboard Strength Girls’ basketball in support of their fellow athletes

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s fall turns to winter, there comes a new wave of athletics for the students to enjoy and athletes to participate in. One thing that has flown under the radar as the Lady Olympians basketball team have already made their positive impact on their fellow students. They look to be as supportive as possible before their season begins.

As the volleyball players looked to face their crosstown rivals, nerves were at an all time high as East proved to be questionable against North, tying in both soccer games and losing in football. Getting their first win against North this year was important, so stakes were high.

In order to calm those nerves, the girls basketball team provided the volleyball players breakfast during Advisory to support the girls as they prepared to face the Bulldogs later that night. The result of that dine-in: an epic victory for the Olympians as they stomped the Bulldogs in four sets.

On the court for that victory was junior Kimberly Carothers.

Carothers. who also plays basketball for East. Seeing her teammates supporting her and the volleyball team helped her succeed on the court while boosting excitement for the upcoming basketball season.

“It was nice to be able to see my teammates from basketball support me and the volleyball players prior to our game against North,” Carothers said. “Being able to see what they did, along with our coach sorting all of it out was super heart-warming.”

Carothers has been big into basketball even at a young age, beginning her basketball career in kindergarten.

“I have been playing basketball since kindergarten but started to take it more seriously as I got older,” Carothers said. “I got into basketball since my sister was also into basketball and grew a love for it.”

Part of the group of girls who cooked breakfast for the volleyball team was senior Victoria Cuhadar . Cooking that breakfast was not only an act, but also a message to the athletes that the girls basketball team has their back.

“We have a couple of athletes who participate in both volleyball and basketball, so we really wanted to let them know, along with the non-basketball players, that the team was there to support them,” Cuhadar said. “We wanted to let the volleyball players know that we had their backs, they had a big game that night against North, so getting them motivated was at the top of the agenda.”

Nathan Phan

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Bullseye

Feature design by: Kailani Scott East Competitive Cheer looks to punch their ticket to Disney

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ome of the most important athletes present at football and basketball games are not just the athletes who are playing, but also the cheerleaders who look to “up the ante” and provide energy to the crowd and players.

That is not the only part of cheerleading that East offers as there is also its very own competitive (comp) cheerleaders who look to compete against other schools in the nation.

Since being on varsity for three years, senior Calla Bauman has experience with what it takes to be on the comp team at East.

“I first joined comp as a sophomore, which was when they started it up. I’ve been on the team for three years now,” Bauman said. “The reason I joined was because I was really interested in the competitive nature of comp. I also knew that I would be able to create a lot of friendships as I would have to be really close with my teammates in order for us to work together smoothly.”

With comp cheer, it differs from regular cheerleading as practice is more rigorous and consists of different techniques to master the overall routine performed for competitions.

“With comp practice, it’s way more effort. It consists of a three minute sprint multiple times every practice as we are practicing and going through the routine full out,” Bauman said. “This means that we are doing all of the jumps, all the tumbling, all the motions and yelling, whereas in a normal practice, we are kind of more laid back and just work on specific areas.”

Going from normal cheer to comp cheer can be quite challenging, as the two have their differences. Normal cheer is at games, in front of a crowd whereas comp cheer is at competitions, in front of judges and other teams.

Having prior experience has given junior Sadie Harris an advantage as she is used to all of the little things already.

“One takeaway that I was able to transfer from my time with competitive cheer to school competitive cheer was all of the facial expressions that we must have throughout a routine,” Harris said. “Looking excited and happy during the span of a routine is one of the most important components in order to be successful.”

Done with two competitions and having already received a bid to Nationals in Disney, the comp team looks ahead to the future, with four more competitions on their calendar.

Wish them the best of luck when Nationals rolls around as they look to compete against the best teams around the nation.

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Nathan Phan

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NOVEMBER 08, 2023 cehsnews.com

Never Too Late For Love

Gerry Turner is the first ‘Golden Bachelor’ and is attempting to find new love Natalie Vanest

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BC’s “The Golden Bachelor” is a spinoff of “The Bachelor” that consists of 71-year-old Gerry Turner looking for love among 22 women. This version of “The Bachelor” gives the older generation a chance to make new connections and feel young again.

This season's main character is Gerry Turner, a 71-year-old Indiana resident. Turner is described as charming and romantic in his ABC profile. He was encouraged to join the new reality show by his two daughters after his wife tragically passed away in 2017.

They married in 1974 and he believes she was the love of his life. According to his daughters, he is now known as a “hopeless romantic.”

Turner stated in an interview with Good Morning America (GMA) that meeting the women “literally feels like Christmas morning.” In his interview with GMA, he revealed how excited he is and how amazing it feels to be the first senior-aged man to lead the show.

Although there are 22 women fighting for his love, he is determined to find the one who fits his lifestyle best. Turner is a retired restaurateur who now fills his days with golfing and playing pickleball. He hopes to find a partner who enjoys the same hobbies as him and can experience new activities together.

Turner was impressed by each woman he met but was sure to “keep his eye on the prize” to find the new love of his life.

In his GMA interview, Turner stated “There were very specific characteristics I was looking for.” For example, he wants someone who is high-energy and will go golfing with him. Turner hopes to find someone who enjoys hosting barbeques and cheering on his favorite Chicago sports team.

Along with his future partner having specific attributes, he has dating deal breakers. Turner disclosed that he will not date someone who smokes or someone who lives too far, however, he is trying his best to stay open-minded.

During his GMA interview, Turner told his peers “It’s never too late for love again, don’t give up, there's always possibilities.”

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Tune in November 16 to find out who Turner gives the final rose to.

Haunted Horrors of Indiana

Myths and horror stories in indiana counties Ava Goode

Arts & Entertainment design by: Kendall Chapple

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ill Race Park is located downtown Columbus near the courthouse. The tale of the Mill Race Monster has been around for generations. It all started a long time ago when two teenagers that were on a date were sitting in a car at Mill Race. They started to hear commotion over by the pond and went to go check it out. Not knowing what the sound was it became louder and more disturbing. They started creeping out of the car to see who or what was disrupting their date. While doing this they kept seeing things rush across the ground. They got closer to where the sound was coming from and they saw a horrific sight: a slimy, slithering monster. Many people believe different stories of the Mill Race Monster because it has been around for generations. Some say it is a river monster, others say it is a huge snake. To keep this tale alive, many generations have passed down the story of the Mill Race Monster. Upon further research, there are different versions of this story. The Oracle staff wonders what really happened.

The Lady in Gray is a ghost who lives in Evansville, Indiana and is said to be seen in the Willard Public Library. Many people believe the ghost is the daughter of the owner who purchased the library in 1876. His plans were to grow the library and make it a place for people in Evansville to come for books. Sadly, he passed before being able to complete the task. Instead of leaving his inheritance to his children, his last wish was that all his money was put into the library. This caused a major rift between the siblings as they were upset that they did not get anything from their father’s passing. The sibling who was most irritated with this was his daughter, Louise Carpenter. Throughout the years, she continued to hold a grudge. Eventually she died and people believe, due to the grudge she held, her spirit is still alive in the library. Many guests who have visited the library claim they have captured her in photographs. A custodian who had worked at the library for years started to witness weird paranormal activity. As such, the library hosts “haunted” walkthroughs in October so residents and visitors can verify the story of the Lady in Gray for themselves.

In the early 1900s there was a young woman driving a carriage with her one year old child passing down an old road in Brown County. On this road was an old bridge that was not crossed due its weak structure. A hunter who was out hunting accidently fired at them. This startled the woman and she lost control of the carriage, causing the child to be thrown into the water and drowned. The woman went mad and could not cope with the grief of her deceased child. Since then, she would visit every night with a lantern in hand and search for her baby under the bridge. Some people say if you put your car on this bridge and rev the enginge, a baby will begin to cry and a woman will appear searching for her child. Witnesses say they still see a light walking over the bridge and near the water and assume it is the woman continuing to search for her child.

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