The Oracle Issue 51 Volume 3

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HOLIDAYS The

Oracle DECEMBER 14, 2023 : VOL. 51, NO. 3

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

01

NEWS

05 Chemical Chaos 06 Crisis Analysis 07 New Leadership in Columbus 08 A Rat’s Tale

STUDENTS 09 Onions and Orchids 10 Floating with Friendship

11 Science Inspired Creativity 12 Fast-Tracked Futures

COVER

13-14 Days of Giving 15 Nourishing Needs 16 Giving Back During the Holidays 17 Kind to the Kids 18 Salvation for the People

OPINION

19 Break Dance 20 East’s Favorite Music Duos 21 The First Snow 22 Personal Touch

FEATURE

23 Lessons in Longevity

24 Educational Duos 25 Frosty the Sad Snowman 26 One Donation at a Time

SPORTS 27 Diving In

28 Skating into a New Season

A&E

29 Inside Scoop 30 The Plastics

EDITORIAL

Table of Contents design by: Jami Porter

STAFF CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sara Durnil

PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sierra Perkinson Sara Durnil

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ith Christmas approaching quickly, The Oracle wants to highlight the “season of giving”. The cover stories of this issue talk about the donation drive that The Oracle is hosting this year in order to give back to the community. Co-written by Tari Linnemann and Lilly Arnholt, we are excited to be able to help out the community and hope peers will join us in the donation drive.

In the News section of this issue, we cover Columbus’ new mayor. This is ground breaking, as Mary Ferdon is the first ever female mayor in our city. We felt this was important to cover because the story helps to educate any new voters and bring awareness to the changes Mayor Ferdon is making in Columbus.

A new idea introduced in this issue is the “Onions and Orchids” story in the Student section. We wanted to give the students at East more of a voice, therefore we had the author, Nathan Phan, ask a variety of students at East to help participate in this story.

The article includes good and bad things students have opinions on.

The Opinion section of this issue has multiple exciting stories, including a story about the date of Winter Formal changing from early December to Winter Break in early January. In addition, there is a story written by Kindred Shafer and Natalie Vanest debating if Christmas trees should be personal or aesthetic. Many people have different opinions and we hope this story offers the audience both sides of the argument.

In addition, Kindred Shafer wrote a story about married couples who work together here at East. We thought it would be interesting to see how teachers who work together and are married balance work and their personal lives. These adorable couples are found on page 24 of The Oracle.

We hope everyone enjoys these stories and learns something new! The Oracle staff wishes everyone happy holidays and a great winter break, and, as always, take care and carry on O’s!

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

MULTIMEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Lilly Arnholt

CONTENT EDITORS 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 Jennifer Carroll

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Visit Our Website!

CEHSNEWS.COM

Listen to our new playlist!

KINDRED SHAFFER WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For this issue of The Oracle, I felt it was really important to highlight married couples from East. For my story, “Educational Duos” I wanted to showcase various couples highlighting the positives of working with a spouse. I learned it is all about growing together and effective communication. Interviewing is a huge step in completing a well written story so being able to use my skills and getting to know teachers was a huge benefit.

This story was a chance for me to adapt to different scenarios and connect with different audiences. I’m really proud of how it turned out!

JAMI PORTER DESIGN EDITOR

Having worked alongside The Oracle staff for two years now, leaving is bittersweet. On the one hand, I get to fast-track my future, but on the other, I have to leave this amazing staff.

Being the Design Editor has been such a privilege for me this year as I have learned so much throughout this process and gained a lot of confidence as a leader! Look for pages 23-24 in this issue of The Oracle to see my last design as a part of this team. I can not wait to see all the upcoming issues and watch The Oracle continue to blossom as the year progresses.

AVA GOODE

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

My name is Ava Goode, and I am a senior who is graduating early after the first semester. This is my last issue in The Oracle for East and I am so excited I was able to write about one of my favorite Pixar movies: Inside Out. My story in this issue gives readers an inside look at what the new movie Inside Out 2 is going to be about. I have enjoyed the community and connections East’s Newspaper has been able to give me in my two years as a writer and am excited to watch Inside Out 2 in theaters on June 14, 2023!

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Table of Contents design by: Jami Porter

Dots & Boxes

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Chemical Chaos

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Acid outbreak in Columbus Factory

00 lives were put at risk the morning of Nov. 9, 2023, in Columbus. Rightway Fasteners provides a wide variety of quality fasteners to the automotive industry, specializing in cold forming, thread rolling and heat treatment.

Because of this, the company tends to hold many dangerous acids in their facility, however, these acids are usually secured away.

In this incident, firefighters were called to the Rightaway Fasteners factory at 9:40 a.m. due to an acid spill. As a precaution, the building was evacuated and no injuries were reported. After further investigation, the fire department that was on-scene revealed the spilled acid to be Picric Acid.

This flammable substance contains a wet compound used in the production of explosives, matches and electric batteries. Around three-quarters of the acid was stored in a chemical cabinet and was found to be leaking and crystallizing.

Although only a leakage, due to the chemical’s flammable properties, a call to the Columbus Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team was requested. After consulting with numerous hazardous material and explosive agencies, the team decided the best course of action was to remove the acid from the facility and destroy it in a controlled area.

The cabinet which contained this acid was later rolled out into a vacant field and then lowered into a four-foot-deep hole lined with road flares. From there, it was lit from a distance and burned to ash. After this, the employees were allowed back into the facility.

Even though the situation has been dealt with and no one was harmed, there is still controversy about how the spill occurred in the first place. It was ruled as an accident, yet there is speculation an employee was fed up with their work environment.

Of course, this is just a rumor and there is no real evidence to create a case. At the end of the day, this mishap highlights the importance of safety and caution in the workplace, even when unexpected.

Ella Lynott

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News design by: Grace McMahon

Sierra Perkinson

Crisis Analysis

The ongoing war between Hamas and Israel

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he Israel-Hamas ongoing war is not a lost topic among Americans and the rest of the world, and it only continues to get worse as United States civilians and others become stuck in the Gaza Strip among constant Israel attacks.

What makes the attack even more baffling is the fact that Hamas decided to attack on a Jewish holiday known as Simchat Torah. The holiday is a two-day celebration which occurs after the annual cycle of reading the Torah in synagogue.

Understanding this war requires some background history. During a war in 1967, Israel inhabited East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which includes the Gaza Strip. The country then occupied Gaza up until 2005, building Jewish settlements along the way. The United Nations (UN) continues to consider Gaza to be occupied by Israel.

This celebration is seen as an especially joyful event, where work, travel, driving or writing is not permitted. Electronic devices are also not to be used during this time. The lack of communication these individuals had is part of why the attack was such a shock for Jews, as many were celebrating their beloved holiday.

Hamas militants invaded Israeli bases in such a manner that Israeli soldiers were killed in their bunks.

They were also able to cut off communication systems at the same rate, leaving the area as a blind spot for the military.

Although it is seen by the UN that Israel occupies Gaza, the territory is ruled by an Islamist group known as Hamas. Since Hamas has gained control in Gaza, their militants have fought many wars with Israel. Israel, along with Egypt, have therefore created a partial blockade on the Gaza Strip in an attempt to stop attacks.

However, Israel did not sit back and take this attack.

The country declared war and launched a ground invasion and bomb campaign in response to the attack.

Israel also blocked supply lines to Gaza as a form of retaliation.

These blockades meant nothing, however, as on October 7, Hamas launched an unexpected attack on Israel, bulldozing the border fence and overwhelming military defenses. This attack killed over 1,400 individuals, with the Hamas kidnapping 200 others and taking them hostage.

Israel declares independence, causing neighboring Arab states to declare war in retaliation.

This is the first Arab-Israeli war.

1948 May

1967 June

The Arab coalition launches a joint surprise attack against Israel on Octobe 6,1973. It becomes known as the “October War”

1973 October

The “Six-Day War” breaks out, with Israel taking control of the Gaza Strip, Sinai, the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and predominantly Arab East Jerulsalem

The Oslo accords are signed, setting a peace process between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, based on previous UN resolutions

1987 December

A Palestinian intifada, or uprising, brings protests to the West bank, Gaza, and Israel.

1993

Overall, the war has been a tragedy for both civilians and militants and hope for safety and recovery is flowing from the US toward all who are in the awful situation.

Israel begins three weeks of attacks on Gaza after Palestinian rockets rain into Israel.

2000

The Second Palestinian Uprising begins, and it continues until 2005, leaving hundreds dead on both sides.

Israel launches airstrikes across the Gaza Strip targeting leaders of the Islamic Jihad Organization, killing 13.

After an Israeli raid on al-Aqsa mosque, Hamas fires rockets toward the city.

Israel retaliates with airstrikes. Over 200 are killed in Gaza, and at 10 killed in Israel

2008 December

2018

Protests take place in Gaza.

Israeli troops kill more than 170 protesters over several months.

2021 May

2022 Spring

2023 May

14 Israelis are killed in Palestinian attacks between March and April. Israel launches the “Break the Wave” military operation in the West Bank. 146 Palestinians are killed in the West Bank.

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New Leadership in Columbus Mary Ferdon takes the lead as the new mayor of Columbus

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ince 2016, the mayor of Columbus has been Jim Leinhoop. After choosing not to serve a third term as mayor, the election for a new mayor had to occur. Republican Mary Ferdon and independent Sean Burton were both running to take this new opportunity.

Ferdon has had past political experience through serving Leinhoop as Executive Director of Administration and Community Development, while Burton is an independent bartender. According to the Republic, Burton ran as mayor to represent blue-collar residents who feel they do not have a say in the local government.

On Nov. 7, 2023, election results were released, with Ferdon winning the election by a landslide and taking the role as the new mayor of Columbus. Thanks to the overwhelming amount of support she received, Ferdon gained 4,755 of the 6,502 votes, beating Burton by 73.13 percent.

Ferdon made a lot of impact on the city of Columbus before even being elected as mayor. She has changed the health and wellness care of the city, the business community, the schooling for STEM and I-Step learning and has developed new expansion opportunities.

Ferdon and her employees have worked together to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the community.

With this transition to mayor, Ferdon will have to find a replacement for her job and assemble a new team to work together.

Throughout the time Columbus has been a city, not many elected mayors have been women. The first mayor of Columbus that was a woman was elected in 1980 for only one term. With this being said, views on Ferdon may be different than past mayors since she is a woman. However, the amount of support she received goes to show this may not be entirely true for everyone.

As the city of Columbus and its city administrators make further decisions regarding Columbus, the community has seemed eager to have Ferdon in office, and await to see what the rest of her term will look like.

Abby Dabson

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A Rat’s Tale

News design by: Kailani Scott

The recurrence of the Nutcracker in Columbus

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30 years ago, the first performance of the Nutcracker was in St. Petersburg, Russia. Ever since then, it has become a tradition world-wide, including the expanding city of Columbus, Indiana. The Nutcracker Ballet is an annual spectacle, a Christmas season tradition of the graceful art of dance and captivating music, that beautifully demonstrates the holiday season.

Saturday, Dec. 2nd, Dancer’s Studio presented an enriching performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. This is a yearly occurrence that brings the community of Columbus together for one evening to enjoy the holiday spirit.

This year there is a new addition to the magical making of this performance, the music was played by the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

This element helps create the magical experience that the show produces every year. Along with many students from all schools who participate as dancers, orchestra or crew members, creating a community behind stage.

The Nutcracker Ballet is not just a wonder to watch, it also educates. It’s a portal to the past, back to the 19th century, teaching about the customs, fashion and music of the time. The ballet’s intricate choreography showcases the beauty of human movement, while its narrative explores themes of bravery, transformation and the magic that dreams hold.

It also introduces audiences to classical music, with Tchaikovsky’s impactful composing skills serving as a grand symphony lesson. The Nutcracker is a testament to the power of imagination and the joy dance can bring, making it an entertaining spectacle with an educational undertone that resonates across all ages.

The Nutcracker in Columbus isn’t just a ballet; it’s a tradition loved by many. It’s about the beauty of dance and the joy of the holiday season.

With the mesmerizing dancers mixed with the luring music, it leaves a lasting memory for everyone who sees it.

Ella Lynott

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Onions and Orchids

Nathan Phan

The positives and negatives of East Study guides that match the test

Orchids: Mr. Chastain’s classes

The nursing teachers

Students who are willing to make and learn from mistakes

Onions:

Couples of who constantly show PDA

Students who walk slow in the hallway or stairs Students who leave their food in the cafeteria for others to clean

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OG Fortnite

Students who share resources

Teachers that give their students time to play Just Dance

Students who gather in the bathrooms The lack of windows in some classrooms

Students who are willing to help other students

The Oracle staff

The Office Staff Helen Keller believers

People who don’t stop talking or are loud People who walk on the wrong side of the stairs/hallway

Students who speed in the parking lot When teachers give out random quizzes that are worth a grade

Students design by: Grace McMahon

Floating with Friendship The life skills class at East makes a float for the Festival of Lights

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very year, the life skills class at East gets to build a themed float for the Festival of Lights in Columbus. As the Festival of Lights returns to Columbus this year, the life skills class got to experience building a float again.

Last year, the Festival of Lights was not able to be funded, so there was no parade, but this year, volunteers have taken it into their own hands and have decided to bring the Festival of Lights back on Dec. 2, 2023.

As building the float progresses, students from Best Buddies and Unified Track, including MacKenzie Bailey, will help life skills students make decorations and put the float together.

In the past years that the class has had the opportunity to put a float together for the parade, they have themed it around friendship to represent Best Buddies, an organization that relies on volunteers to help provide opportunities to connect peers and students with disabilities.

“In past years, they have done themes like Toy Story and Friends,” Bailey said. “This year, their theme is Monsters Inc. We all work together to make float decorations, find everyone something to do and put it together.”

Bailey has been helping with Unified Track, a track and field program for students with disabilities, since last school year, and this year is her first year working with Best Buddies.

“After I joined Unified Track last year, they already knew me and asked me to join Best Buddies and help out after school,” Bailey said.

Best Buddies and Unified Track members will continue to help the life skills students build and decorate their Monsters Inc. float until the Festival of Lights parade occurs on Dec. 2 at six pm.

Abby Dabson

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Science Inspired Creativity NAHS’s mural for the art department

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ne unique portion of East’s building that most high schools do not have the privilege of owning is its very own planetarium.

The planetarium is a place where students and staff can go and view images of stars and planets to their content. However, very few students know about the existence of the planetarium.

The reason is not surprising, as the planetarium is located in an obscure location of the building where only students who have a keen eye or are downright interested would know.

With a blank space on a wall right outside of the entrance of the planetarium, the science department believed it would be best to have paint a mural in order to catch the eyes of students while also drawing attention to the uniqueness of East. The club plans to bring in alumni in order to supervise and help with the process at a later date When the idea came about, it was decided the best group of students who would get the honor of creating the mural would be the students who have a love for art: the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). NAHS president Ali Trueblood was big on the idea. “[The science department] knew they wanted to make a mural outside of the planetarium and asked National Art Honor Society to do it and so that’s how we sparked the idea,” Trueblood said.

With the mural being a huge opportunity and privilege to spread the word about NAHS, it has taken major priority along with another art project.

“Right now, it’s our main focus with another project. Our 3D artists are starting on making mugs for a Christmas activity that our club is starting to think about and what we want to do,” Trueblood said. “Then our 2D artists are just now finalizing the sketches for the mural. Once we are finished with the sketches and get it up onto the wall, we plan on having everyone participate in any way they can.”

With the two departments collaborating, it is exciting to see the final outcome of the mural and how the planetarium gains its well-deserved recognition.

Nathan Phan

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NAHS

Students design by: Ellie Schlaudroff

Fast-tracked Futures The benefits of graduating early

Kindred Shafer in December is one of the many benefits of senior year, however, many underclassmen Kindredraduating Shafer

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may not be planning for early graduation until later in their high school careers. When tackling one’s senior year in only one semester, there are many stressors such as cramming in more classes either in person or online and completing senior projects at a more rapid pace.

On the other hand, graduating a semester early means a head start on a career. While one’s peers may still be preparing for graduation in May, one will already be out exploring job opportunities and jumping ahead of the competition. This early success gives students a few extra months to establish a chosen field and get a head start on building a professional network.

Another perk of graduating early is the newfound flexibility with plans. Whether one wants to take some time off to travel, pursue further education or simply take a breather before diving into the working world, an early graduate’s schedule becomes more open and available for different situations. Using the extra time to explore new interests, gain new skills or even start a passion project gives many benefits to success.

While graduating in May is the typical route for most seniors, taking the initiative to complete a high school career a semester earlier has many benefits.

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his year has brought many new changes and challenges for all students, especially the class of 2024.

A new principal, new policies and huge senior project changes are just a few of these new experiences.

Now that senior projects are only a semester-long, students either face the challenge of anxiously waiting for the second semester or struggling to balance senior projects while applying to colleges and preparing for the future.

Both the first and second semesters have advantages and downfalls. The seniors at East feel strongly about semester preference.

Senior Lilly Asher feels that seniors who have to do their project in the second semester, like her, are at more of a disadvantage than those who have it in the first semester.

“I wish I could have done it the first semester so I wouldn’t have to stress over it right before I graduate,” Asher said.

Senior Barbara May feels quite the opposite, though, as she believes that seniors who are up first are given less thinking time.

“We had to choose a project and propose super quickly. I feel if we had it in the second semester we would have more time to think about it and have better quality projects,” May said.

Although there are both positive and negative opinions about the project being only one semester, it is clear that these changes have been a stressful process for both students and teachers. However, one thing to look forward to is that the end of the projects means the finish line is right around the corner.

Natalie Vanest

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his season of giving is surrounded by the stress and anxiety of perfection for the upcoming holidays. To provide some comfort for the families in Columbus for the holiday season, The Oracle is hosting a donation drive. Freshmen should bring in holiday food and utensils. Sophomores should bring in gift wrap and ribbon and juniors should bring in toys. Seniors, last but not least, should bring in clothing for the cold winter season! The winning grade level will receive free first-come-first-serve donuts in room C257 during Advisory.

Lilly Arnholt

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Cover design by: Kendall Chapple

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Nourishing Needs

How the freshman class can help give back to the community through food donations.

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s the Christmas season approaches, so too does the season of giving. The Oracle has been eager to participate in the giving season by hosting a competition of donations to different charities.

This competition will be held between the different grade levels at East, with the winning class receiving an award.

The four charities that will be receiving donations are the East Food Pantry, Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and Beloved. The freshman have been designated with the task of helping to donate to East’s Food Pantry.

The pantry is a teacher and student-supplied charity that offers food to students and families in need of a meal. The Food Pantry gives out to all BCSC students, along with any families in the BCSC district.

The food pantry is located in the back of the school near the entrance to door 31. Any individuals with questions regarding acquiring a meal or who are simply curious about the food pantry can contact Mrs. Romanski, Mrs. Owens or Mrs. Gratz.

Unfortunately, 17 percent of students in BCSC are not aware of where their next meal will come from, which makes the Food Pantry an active hope for those in need.

Students are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to the pantry in order to help create an innovative system for the community to grow and help one another.

Throughout the school year, the food pantry will be open every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

During the summertime, the food pantry will be open on three dates: June 9, June 30 and July 14.

Over 20 BCSC families are willing and excited to have the opportunity to support their community by participating in donating to the food pantry. Students all over Columbus are encouraged to donate or stop by and take advantage of the opportunity to help get food if needed at home.

To get in contact regarding donations or to use the Food Pantry, students or families can call (812) 565-2355 or e-mail romanskis@bcsc.k12.in.us.

Beginning the season of giving, freshmen have the opportunity to give back by participating in the donation drive The Oracle is hosting. Freshmen are in charge of bringing non-perishable food items to room C257 on December 18 or 19. The grade with the most donations wins! Good luck freshman!

Tari Linnemann

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Giving Back During the Holidays

Cover design by: Kendall Chapple

Sophomores taking the initiative to give back to the public.

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nited Way is a group devoted to giving all people an equal chance and opportunity to succeed.

Countless people all over America have been positively impacted by the donations and outreach programs United Way has offered to all communities.

United Way’s contributions spread all over North America and benefit millions of people while helping communities boost education, economic mobility and health resources.

United Way serves 95 percent of U.S. communities as well as 37 countries and territories. This year, sophomores have the privilege of participating in the donation drive The Oracle is organizing this Christmas season.

United Way has been helping to establish relationships and build communities for the past 135 years. In 2008, United Way partnered with H&R Block and the Walmart Foundation to make paying taxes online free and accessible in both English and Spanish.

They have helped taxpayers claim 2 billion dollars in refunds and have helped more than 1.3 million people. The organization’s influence extends far beyond this, however. It has been found that 73 percent of kids impacted by the services of United Way grew up to develop their education and gain jobs.

1.5 million people have volunteered through United Way as well, with 45 thousand companies and organizations with the organization to make a difference.Whether it is giving money, giving time or volunteering, United Way is extremely grateful for any help they recieve.

Ending the 2023 year, Sophomores have been given the opportunity to give back to their community through The Oracle’s very own donation drive. Sophomores can help by donating gift wrap and ribbons.

All donations should be brought to room C257 on December 18 and 19. The Oracle encourages all grade levels to bring in as many donations as possible. he class with the most donations wins free first-come-first-serve donuts during Advisory! Good luck sophomores!

Tari Linnemann

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Kind to the Kids It’s time for East to help out!

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oys for Tots was founded in 1947 by the United States Marine Corps to help impoverished families provide gifts for their children. Toys for Tots is still lifting holiday stress off numerous family’s shoulders and making children happy during the holidays. According to Toys for Tots, 24.4 million toys, books and games were distributed to 9.9 million children in 2022 with the assistance of more than 50,000 volunteers.

In Bartholomew County, Toys for Tots has been a major Christmas charity to donate to. The coordinator for the Bartholomew County Toys for Tots is Kelly Sullivan, who sets up the annual toy drive and makes several posts to inform individuals about what Toys for Tots does for the community.

The donated toys are usually collected downtown. More information is available on the Toys for Tots Bartholomew County Facebook page.

To help more children around the world, Toys for Tots is sponsored by major toy companies such as LEGO, The Walt Disney Company, Build-a-Bear and more. All of these sponsors make and distribute toys children love, so their contributions to this charity means the world to the children receiving gifts.

Toys become increasingly more enticing to children as the Christmas season begins and letters to Santa are written. All toys which are donated to Toys for Tots are given to families in need, helping to make the holidays more festive and cheerful. Now, it is time for East to take on the responsibility of helping out the community.

During this season of giving, juniors can assist in giving donations to Toys for Tots.

The Oracle is hosting a donation drive in room C257 on December 18 and 19. Bring as many toys as possible to win a competition for your grade level! Good luck juniors!

Lilly Arnholt

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Cover design by: Kendall Chapple

Salvation for the People Seniors! Bringing in the donations!

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ost often, Salvation Army volunteers are known for sitting outside stores, ringing bells and asking for change people can spare.

The Salvation Army, founded in 1865 in England, was created by William Booth when he abandoned the traditional concept of the church pulpit, instead opting to take the scriptures of Jesus Christ directly to the people. He converted many individuals to Christianity through this process.

Soon after, Booth penned the name “Salvation Army”, and their message has rapidly spread. The organization reached countries such as America, India, Germany, South Africa and many others. The Salvation Army continues to serve in 133 countries around the world.

Over 1.8 million members, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents, are part of the Salvation Army to provide for those in need. The organization and its members help over 23 million Americans annually, with the help of several non-Christmas related programs to assist with any problems people have. Additionally, the program has services for disaster response, senior centers and many more.

Christmas donation drives mostly revolve around the Red Kettle and Angel Tree donations. Most people know the Red Kettle donation drives at Walmart or other stores. The ringing of a bell is what signifies them the most.

There are also Angel Tree donations that are made directly to a child in need. An individual can buy gifts for the child they are given to provide for and help local families.

With the Red Kettle and the Angel Tree donations, the money and gifts donated are given to families who need them the most. Families are given gifts for children and the remaining funds are used to help local families with food, shelter and utility assistance.

This year, seniors can help with the gift-giving season and assist many families throughout the year! The Oracle is holding a donation drive that gives all grade levels the opportunity to help out the community. Seniors are encouraged to bring any winter apparel to be donated.

This includes coats, gloves and stocking caps.

Students should bring their donations to room C257 on Dec. 18 and 19. Whichever class brings the most donations will win the competition, good luck seniors!

Lilly Arnholt

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Break Dance

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Students share their feelings on formal now being over winter break Winter Formal is an event students at East look forward to every year. The event is usually held in late November or mid-December, but this year it will be held on the last weekend of Christmas break: January 6th.

Students have been questioning the reason for the date change as the dance being over break is unusual from what students were expecting.

Erin Walters, the President of Student Assembly explains that the Formal date was changed to appease students’ schedules and not interfere with winter sports as well as the Festival of Lights Parade.

When planning the event, Student Assembly officers typically reach out to Athletic Director David Miller to find a date that does not cause conflict with the winter sports schedule.

“In the end, we didn’t want people having to choose what to attend,” Walters said.

Members of Student Assembly want to ensure students feel included and have a chance to voice their opinions.

“The biggest struggle when planning an event like this is making everyone happy, especially since we want everyone to have a say,” Walters said.

Freshman Raelee Warfield feels formal being over winter break is a good idea as it gives students more time to shop and makes preparing for the event less stressful.

“I think it’s good. Since it’s not a school week people won’t be as tired, and more people will be able to go,” Warfield said.

Junior Chris Gilroy voiced his opinion on the date change and feels that Formal should be in November or December, as it typically is, rather than January. Although Gilroy is not a fan of the date change, he is keeping an open mind for the event.

“It is what it is, people will still have fun,” Gilroy said.

Despite the mixed feedback, Student Assembly is expecting this year’s formal to be highly successful and memorable for all students.

Natalie Vanest

W E L C O M E

Fabulous

LAS VEGAS 19

East’s Favorite Music Duos

Opinion design by: Lilah Klei

Who do East students listen to?

Ella Anthis

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ith a new generation means new music. Whether it is Drake or Zach Bryan, music genres extend far and wide within East.

Although many people enjoy listening to one person, some might prefer listening to more than one of their favorite artists in one song, or even in a whole album.

According to ChartMasters, Drake is the most listened-to music artist, with over 60 billion songs streamed. Sophomore Ben Ellegood believes Drake and Future are the best music duo.

“I just think they sound good together. I mean I think their flows mashup good,” Ellegood said.

Drake and Future have worked together many times and created quality music both together and separately. Their number one song together is “What A Time To Be Alive,” as stated in Billboard. Although Ellegood has his own opinion, sophomore Tony Cowan’s favorite music collaboration is Lil Baby and Gunna.

“Just their lyrics…they say some good stuff and they sound good together,” Cowan said.

Lil Baby and Gunna had their first collaborative album, Drip Harder, make number four on the Billboard chart. The most popular song from their first album together is “I Am,” according to Billboard.

Everyone at East has different opinions over who the best music duo is.

I believe Travis Scott and SZA make the best music together. SZA has a great voice and Travis Scott always adds to it.

The duo have many songs together that have all become very popular.

According to Billboard, “Love Galore,” a song written by SZA and featured with Travis Scott, has hit number one on Adult R&B Songs Chart.

As reported by J-14, the most iconic music collaboration of 2023 is Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice. This collaboration is very different from what many students have said. However, each student has their own opinion on who the best duos are.

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

The First Snow

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Should the Christmas season start before Thanksgiving

etween the festivities of Halloween and Thanksgiving, a deep-rooted feud is fought as people throw costumes to the ground and prepare for a feast: should the Christmas season start before or after Thanksgiving?

The start of Christmas is most notably started with large-scale shopping and the setting-up of bright lights. Stockings are hung from the fireplace with care and nary a mouse may squeak or scare.

Traveling back to the time of Norse vikings around 800 AD, there were none of these novelties, save for an infestation of mice. However, from the Norse is where most modern holidays originate.

In fact, a large portion of the world begins the Christmas season on the same day the Norse believed winter began: Nov. 14. Thanksgiving, as is made clear, would be in closer proximity to this date.

With this being said, the start of the Christmas season should begin on the morning after the events of Thanksgiving. After all, Black Friday is the largest start to Christmas shopping in the United States.

Not only this, but starting Christmas cheer before Thanksgiving undermines the holiday as a whole. Nobody is centered around giving thanks to those around them, they are purely focused on how costly a tree and ornaments are.

Therefore, everyone who believes the Christmas season starts directly after Halloween would not be able to enrich themselves in the deep tradition of Thanksgiving; a day to be with family and friends while enjoying the last day of autumn.

In addition, there are many who believe the festivities should start with the first snowfall. Climatology has shown “since 1943, Indianapolis has had an average first measurable snowfall on Nov. 21,” WishTV said.

This constant stress to keep up with holidays after another takes a toll on everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving and Christmas, so there is a necessary break from such rush in between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

People should take the time between these two frosty holidays and rest before they start the Christmas season properly.

Cole Staggs

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Personal Touch

Opinion design by: Rahianna Logan

Expressing unique styles within Christmas trees

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lthough personalized Christmas trees can reflect memories and have sentimental value, aesthetic trees are the current craze. “Aesthetically pleasing” trees have taken over social media and Christmas lovers are debating which is better.

Aesthetic trees create a cohesive and visually pleasing look in your home. These trees often follow a specific color scheme, making a person’s home feel more cozy and festive. They give a certain visual appeal and elevate the holiday atmosphere in someone’s home.

Not only are aesthetic trees pleasing to the eye, but they are also an outlet for creativity. A person can tailor them to match their personal style and the level of customization allows them to express creativity and showcase their unique taste.

Aesthetic trees are carefully curated with ornaments, ribbons, lights and garlands.

They are a work of art inside a home. These trees are often designed with an eye for photography and the creators wish for them to be picture-perfect.

With an aesthetic tree, people are able to share the beauty and joy of their tree with friends, family and social media. Sharing these beautiful creations is one more way to spread the holiday spirit.

Natalie Vanest

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ersonal Christmas trees allow people to express their unique style and personality. A person can decorate it with ornaments that hold sentimental value or reflect personal interests. The tree becomes a reflection of who a person is, making it extra special.

I believe personal Christmas trees create a sense of nostalgia and tradition as my family has numerous ornaments from my childhood as well as ones that simply reflect things we love.

Decorating a Christmas tree is one of my favorite things to do during the holidays as we all pick a day to be together and decorate. Everyone gets involved in picking out the perfect tree, decorating it together and making it something special that the whole family can adore.

Personal Christmas trees give you the freedom to be creative. You can experiment with different themes, colors and styles. It is a chance to let your imagination run wild and create a truly one-of-a-kind tree.

While aesthetic Christmas trees may look beautiful, personal Christmas trees offer a deeper connection and a chance to make the holiday season truly special.

Kindred Shafer

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Lessons in Longevity A look into what changes teachers have seen throughout East

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hange is common around East, and there are many teachers here that have been around to notice some of the major differences. Ranging from the students to the culture, East is in a constant state of change, and Sarah Gentry, an English teacher at East, has noticed.

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“I was here the entire time that Mr. Newell was principal,” Gentry said.

Gentry has been a Bartholemew Consolidated School Corporation teacher for 25 years, however, she has spent the majority of her time teaching at East. Although she never felt that there were changes in leadership dynamics at East with new principals, she noticed more changes within the students.

“I think the social climate changes,” Gentry said.

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Gentry has noticed that over the years she has spent at East, most behaviors stay pretty common between students. She does point out, though, that there is a constant change in the social climate and how students are interacting with each other.

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“There are lots of kids who are passionate about their causes and what is important to them,” Gentry said. “I don’t think that their passion for things change, I think that how it is represented changes.”

Gentry emphasizes how important the welcoming and accepting culture of East is. Having a place where students feel they can be themselves and strive for the best is one of the things that has always remained at the school.

“We are lucky that we have the kind of culture in our building that is very accepting of everybody,” Gentry said.

She has been around East long enough to notice that while some major things might change, there are always things that will remain the same, just like the passion that students have.

Gentry emphasized how change within the students has been positive throughout the years. Even with all of the changes that happen outside of East, the students never fail to make an environment that is safe and welcoming inside of the school.

Lily Davis

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Feature design by: Jami Porter

Educational Duos

Married teachers share their experiences

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here are many teachers at East that not only have worked here for many years but are also married. The intertwining of personal and professional lives creates a dynamic, as the couples are given the unique opportunity to witness each other’s strengths and talents in an entirely new light.

Physics teacher, Dellvenna Hambling gives insight into working with her spouse and Biology teacher, Steve Hambling.

“We would actually co-teach a class together if we could, that is our dream position…we even worked together before we started teaching together,” D. Hambling said. “He’s my person.”

One may think there would be downsides to working with a significant other such as career differences, lack of individuality and even balancing a healthy work-life relationship. The truth is that there are downsides, but also positives.

Special Education teacher Stacey Meier conveys the positives and negatives of working with her husband and Social Studies teacher Mark Meier.

“We have a lot of things in common so there is a lot to talk about since we do the same job,” S. Meier said. “[A downside is] when I have students in his class and I try to get him to go easier on them.”

The shared experiences, challenges and triumphs serve as the foundation for their unbreakable bond, fostering an environment of support and understanding that extends beyond the classroom walls.

“We can relate to what we are talking about when there’s something going on at school and we can bounce ideas off one another… it’s just nice to see her during the day,” M. Meier said. “Another positive is being on the same schedule and having the same days off, that is really nice.”

Math teacher, Jonathan Gratz expresses gratitude for shared experiences with former teacher and Universal Design for Learning Director, Kathleen Gratz.

“It’s nice to have somebody at home where we can talk about stuff and they understand, whereas if she wasn’t in the same field it would be harder for her to understand,” J. Gratz said.

When couples work together, they can easily bounce ideas off each other, share resources and support one another. Being on the same academic calendar and having similar work hours can make it easier for couples to plan vacations, attend school events and spend quality time together. However, it is crucial to navigate the challenges that come with this arrangement to maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensure professional integrity.

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Frosty the Sad Snowman

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Seasonal depression’s effects on people

inter is often looked on with admiration. With parties for hosting and marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow, winter is seen as one of the happiest seasons. Unfortunately, winter is also known as one of the saddest seasons.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition where less sunlight and shorter days cause a short-term depression.

The depressive episode normally falters as the days become extended and the sun stays longer in the sky.

The chance of developing SAD decreases with age, meaning adolescents are at the highest risk of developing this disorder. With around four percent (approximately 280 million people) affected by SAD each year, a large portion of the population does not know about SAD. “I don’t really know what Seasonal Depression is,” Anonymous said. “But I feel like I’ve heard about it before when talking among peers.”

With this lack of understanding, there is a large portion of the population who have developed SAD or long-term depression and are undiagnosed. With the winter season starting, a multitude of these symptoms begin to surface.

“At least one of [my friends] has been affected,” Anonymous said. “It’s not that big of a deal; just certain days where [they] feel really sad.”

The changes in mood vary from person to person, with most experiencing only a slight shift in tone or positivity. However slight the change is, counseling is recommended, as the symptoms can get worse with time.

Nearly all professionals, whether therapists or doctors, are familiar with SAD or a different version of the disorder.

With this being said, most of the population still refuses to visit psychiatrists.

“There should be more help for [SAD],” Anonymous said. “Because a lot of people are different, everybody has different emotions and [reactions] towards it.”

As depression, SAD and many other mental differences are more widely expressed, there is a new hope for anyone who feels they cannot communicate their differences to friends, teachers and peers.

Cole Staggs

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Feature design by: Sidney Johnson

One Donation at a Time

East participates in the United Way campaign to benefit the community

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here are many non-profit organizations and networking companies throughout Columbus that strive to benefit the community and its members. One of these organizations that BCSC works with is United Way.

Every November, BCSC holds a campaign drive for United Way, an international network of local non-profit organizations. BCSC participates with the United Way to help benefit the local community which provides services for community members, including students and families in BCSC. East is just one BCSC school to participate in the campaign, with staff members engaging in miniature events such as a Silent Auction and Chili Cook-Off. Kristin Beck, the Director of Counseling at East, took on the role of the United Way Campaign Champion for East’s building.

East participates in the United Way campaign through events for staff members that are hosted and planned by the building’s United Way Champion, along with a pledge that staff members have the option of filling out as a way of donating.

“Buildings can have additional events, so that’s what we did here,” Beck said. “Mrs. Fountain and I met and talked about what events we wanted to have, so in addition to the pledge forms, we had a jar in the office…people could bring change from their cars and donate it.”

As mentioned before, East’s Chili Cook-Off is a fundraiser in which staff members volunteer to make chili for donations. The winner of this cook-off is East’s very own art teacher Allison Buck for her Smoking Ghost Chili.

Additionally, a Silent Auction was also held in the Orange Room as a donation event.

“Staff members could donate items, purchase items, make something, it’s very broad,” Beck said. “We had all those items in the Orange Room, and any staff member could come through and make a bid on those various items.”

All donations and money earned from these individual events went directly to United Way, and therefore to the community and students within BCSC. The campaign is a wonderful way to help those in need in both a fun and joyful manner.

Sierra Perkinson

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

Diving In

East’s new dive coach makes a splash.

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hile temperatures drop, student-athletes and coaches begin to move indoors as their seasons start up. While basketball takes a majority of the attention, one group of athletes who do not get the recognition they deserve are swimmers and divers.

With every season comes a multitude of experiences and fresh faces for players and coaches. New to East is diving coach Lisa Likens. Despite being the new coach, diving is something Likens is very familiar with.

“I started diving when I was in middle school with Donner and dove while I was in high school, so it has been with me since then,” Likens said. “When I was approached and asked if I was interested in a position here, it was a no-brainer.”

As Likens enters coaching, she is learning from the divers as much as they learn from her.

“I’ve been teaching them the style that I want, but I’m also learning there’s some new approaches to the board,” Likens said.

With the divers gaining a new coach, swim coach Doug Trueblood stays with the Olympians for another year while taking on more responsibilities.

“After the previous girls swim coach retired, I felt that it would be more convenient and motivating to take over for them and to have all of the swimmers practice all at once,” Trueblood said.

With these new changes, Trueblood believes taking over for the girls will help all of the swimmers succeed.

“Before, practices would be split amongst the girls and the boys. But now, having everyone together is much easier and motivating,” Trueblood said. “This way, we have both groups pushing one another as they look to get better.”

As the swim and dive season starts, the athletes look to work on themselves, succeed in meets and have a great season.

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Swim Coach

Dive Coach

Doug Trueblood

Lisa Likens

Feature design by: Arlynn Fleming

Skating into a New Season How to prepare to join hockey.

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s winter approaches, so does the upcoming hockey season. Columbus has provided many aspiring hockey players with the opportunity to compete through a club run by the Columbus Department of Parks and Rec known as the Icemen.

Practices and competitions for the sport are held in the Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena.

While it is not an extremely well-known sport, there are still many individuals within Columbus who are interested in joining. Since that is the case, here are some things one may need to know before beginning.

For those concerned about being unable to skate, this setback can be overcome through both open ice skating or lessons at the Ice Arena. Once an individual gets accustomed to skating, they can immediately prepare to jump into the sport.

As far as equipment goes, a main necessity is skates. Ensuring that an aspiring hockey player has the correct comfortable and well-fitted skates is essential to enjoying the sport.

There are two types of skates: player ice hockey skates and goalie hockey ice skates. However, beginners should not worry about this until they have acquired a spot on the team and should stick with a regular pair of player skates.

The next essential piece of equipment is a helmet. A helmet should fit snugly on the head without constriction, cover about half of the forehead or just above the brow and should not wobble on the player’s head.

The rest of the equipment may depend on the position an individual plays. For example, gloves, a stick and shoulder and neck pads are other fundamental equipment players may need.

The Columbus Icemen Varsity hockey team has already begun their season with practices and competitions and has been eager to compete in each game. Readers should continue to check cehsnews.com for updates about the results of each match.

Sierra Perkinson

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DECEMBER 14, 2023 cehsnews.com

The Inside Scoop

What new emotions does Riley have?

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he movie Inside Out has been a beloved and cherished film by many Disney and Pixar fans. After the movie came out nine years ago, viewers were elated by the thought of another movie showing how the main character, Riley Anderson, grows up.

The first movie of this forthcoming duology focuses on a young girl and her journey through new life events. In the movie, Riley and her family move to California from Minnesota in order to be closer to her father’s new job.

Throughout the film, five emotions are introduced: Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness and Disgust. The emotions guide Riley throughout her life and try to help her with the adjustment of moving.

However, a tragic incident happens that causes Joy and Sadness to separate and no longer help guide Riley through her obstacles.

The absence of these two characters causes Riley to fall into a chaotic rabbit hole, therefore making their journey back home even more difficult.

In the end, the film closes with Riley and her parents sharing a hug as they celebrate accepting their new life in Minnesota and comforting Riley as they know it is hard for her to be in a new place.

After the movie was released, fans became obsessed with and pushed for another movie with more than just the five emotions.

Since 2015, viewers have been waiting for a sequel and were elated by the announcement of a second Inside Out movie coming out in June of 2024.

A sneak peek trailer was released by Pixar on Nov. 9, 2023, and has put fans in a craze. The trailer consists of fans’ favorite emotions getting a new control center installed.

After the emotions glance at the control center, they notice a change in the color and realize a brand new emotion was making it orange by touching it. The new emotion introduces herself as Anxiety.

Inside Out 2 is said to pick up where the first movie left off and start with Riley entering puberty.

The trailer ends shortly after Anxiety is introduced, leaving fans’ minds racing to solve the exciting question: who else is going to be an emotion in the new movie and what will Riley’s life become?

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Arts & Entertainment design by: Nataley Cheshire

The Plastics

Mean girls but make it a musical

Natalie Torres

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he movie Mean Girls fans have been waiting for, the Mean Girls Musical, will finally arrive in local theaters on January 12. The movie will bring back some of the cast from the 2004 original, Tina Fey, who played Ms. Norbury, as well as Tim Meadows who played Principal Duvall.

The sneak peek trailer shows how the film is similar to the original, recreating certain scenes and overall bringing the same attitude and energy. The trailer begins with a warning: “This is not your mother’s Mean Girls”.

We also get a glimpse of the new cast. Renne Rapp plays the iconic Regina George wearing the letter ‘R’ around her neck and bringing back the fan-favorite line: “Get in, losers.”

Additionally, the movie includes the return of the hot pink Burn Book and a recreation of the catastrophic jingle bell rock dance at the winter talent show.

Similarly to the 2004 movie, the musical is based around the character Cady Heron who was born and raised in Africa and then moved to Illinois. She enters a new high school with people who are judged and separated by cliques.

Cady begins to fit in with the misfits, which is not what she was ideally trying to do. She does everything and more to fit in with the plastics, the most popular clique in North Shore High.

Although most are excited to see this movie, others are not as eager.

There has been talk that this movie would have been better off not being a musical. Some have said Fey is “trashing her talent” and others say the music has “bad lyrics.”

Overall there is a lot of excitement to see how this movie plays out in theaters, whether the cast fits their roles and if the movie is in a position for a musical.

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