Central High Times - Volume 112, Issue 1 - Fall 2025

Contents

2

24-27

31

32

Back

Aleshire

Jostens

FRONT COVER

The volleyball team huddles before the Homecoming game at Harrison Stadium. Photo by Emily Hernandez.

INSIDE BACK COVER

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Central High Times is a student-produced publication of the Central High School journalism department. The staff and adviser strive to create an open forum for students and teachers. We take responsibility for accuracy and fairness and for work to be unbiased and responsive to the needs of readers in order to encourage the submission of readers’ ideas. We promise to practice honesty, to run the paper as a business and to avoid printing material that is legally considered obscene, libelous or private.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY

The Central High Times encourages the submission of ideas or comments from readers. Letters to the Editor must contain no more than 150 words. Letter to the Editor submissions should be typed, printed, signed and delivered to Central High School’s journalism office (room 024) or sent to keodell@spsmail.org with the subject line “Letter to the CHT Editor.” The Central High Times reserves the right to edit submissions for grammatical and spelling errors and for space limitations.

ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP POLICY

The Central High Times has the right to accept, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. Advertising will not contain any statements, illustrations or implications offensive to good taste or public decency based on the opinion of the Central High Times staff (i.e. any content containing anything racist, sexist or illegal for high school students or violates journalistic principles). Advertisements accepted by the Central High Times staff are not an endorsement from the staff, adviser, administration or Springfield Public Schools District. Advertisements should refrain from attacking competitors unfairly or disparaging their products, services or methods of doing business. If your organization would like to advertise in the Central High Times, or if you would like to provide a financial sponsorship for the Central High Times, please contact the adviser, Kori O’Dell, at keodell@spsmail.org. Sponsorships begins at $25 per year, advertising pricing begins at $50 per issue, and all money raised goes toward our printing budget.

ADVISER Kori O’Dell

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lucy Caplinger

PAGE DESIGNERS

Reese Wood & Emma Lewis

ASSISTANT PAGE DESIGNERS

Abbott Schmidt, Sarah Greene, Jack Herr

COPY EDITORS

Sarah Greene, Jack Herr, Emma Lewis, & Ari Abbott

SENIOR REPORTERS Ari Abbott, Chloe Wootton

REPORTERS

Maggie Moore, Todd Gao, Abbott Schmidt, Dane Scholz, Reese Wood, Avery Rapp, Olive Eck, Emily Huggins

THE CHT Volume 112 Issue 1 CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 423 E. Central St., Springfield, MO 65802

CONTACT keodell@spsmail.org

FONT FAMILIES Function, Century PUBLISHER PrintGroup

Comic in the style of Scott Pilgrim. Graphic by Avery Rapp.

LETTIDOR: NEW STAFF

LUCY CAPLINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For the past year and a half, I have used this space to talk about things that are important to me. The CHT has gained so many new staffers, and I thought that this would be a good opportunity to introduce you to them. I have asked them all a few questions, trying to deeper understand who they are and their relationships with writing.

Olive Eck is a freshman who attended the Central Scholars Program, so she was able to take J1 during her 8th grade year. Eck has found the magazine to be a vehicle for change.

“I like writing because I get to tell people all sorts of things and help people from the seat of my chair. It’s a way I can make an impact on our school without having to spend time finding an audience,” Eck said.

Eck’s passion for writing extends outside of the J2 classroom, as English is her favorite subject, and reading is a major hobby of hers. Eck says that a big goal of hers for this school year is to get better at technical writing as opposed to creative writing and to focus on digesting material rather than just studying for tests.

Todd Gao was also a scholar, but skipped J2 his freshman year due to scheduling issues. This is his first year on staff as a sophomore. Gao finds that his connection to journalism has a lot to do with the skills it influences.

“In my opinion, I think that writing is one of the skills that is important, and can never be replaced. I enjoy writing, and it is a practical thing to have,” Gao said.

Gao likes the challenge of journalism but favors less abstract subjects like math or science. He is even a member of the Central Math Team. Gao is excited to work together with his new journalistic peers and learn the important part of editing, writing and telling a story.

Maggie Moore is a junior and was drawn to writing as a way of expressing the words she can’t get out verbally. “I would explain my love of writing as a way to say the words others could not. I love to be able to listen to everyone around me, how they feel and their dreams.”

Moore has always enjoyed writing, and English is her favorite subject. Entering journalism, interviews are new to her. She told me that she loves them because she gets to help people get their words out, too. “I am involved with the Bulldog Buddies, and I’m an A+ tutor. However, I am interested in either a cabinet or student council position,” Moore said.

Moore is starting out this year as a J2 reporter and is excited to grow within this position and learn more about other parts of the magazine. “I really just want to expand my knowledge and grow in my skills this school year. This year, I want to really just kind of get my foot in the door of my future and hope to do so with all of you!”

Emily Huggins is a sophomore this year. Huggins is excited to be on staff because she can write what she’s thinking without having to say it out loud. Huggins’s main goal for this year in the magazine is to be able to look at the finished product and know that she had a hand in creating it. She wants to be proud of the magazine and excited to start working on the next one. Outside of the magazine, Huggins hopes to keep good grades in her classes and learn as much as she can.

Avery Rapp is joining the J2 staff as a junior. Rapp’s interest in journalism stems from her love of writing. Rapp told me that she has always been fond of creative writing and uses physical words as a way to work out her emotions and better understand what is going on in her life.

“I’ve always loved writing as a way to express myself. I like to journal a lot to get my feelings out, and I used to write creatively a lot more often,” Rapp said. Rapp also says that writing is a good way for her to communicate her thoughts, which she loves to talk about. A big goal for Rapp is to help create a magazine and write stories that she is proud of, and she hopes to share her feats with her loved ones.

Rapp has asked me to share this blurb about her comic, which you can find on the back of this issue:

“It’s supposed to resemble a video game. I tried to imitate the style of Brandon Lee O’Malley, the creator of Scott Pilgrim. The Scott Pilgrim comics have a lot of video game aspects in the text boxes and art style, and the story itself is also video game themed with Scott collecting coins every time he defeats one of the evil exes. I’ll probably do a different artstyle for each comic, but I felt this one would be the best for this issue.”

STAFF CHANGES CENTRAL NEWS:

ARI ABBOTT

SENIOR REPORTER

With staff members leaving Central after the 2024-2025 school year, there are 11 changes within the English, Math, Special Education, World Languages and Family and Consumer Science departments. These changes also include new Assistant Principals and a new Theatre director.

Michael Dalangin has replaced Steve Spence as Athletic Director and Junior Assistant Principal. He is not new to the building, as he previously was a special education teacher and the head wrestling coach. Bryanna Gryzb replaced Dalangin’s teaching position and Hayden Puckett replaced him as a coach.

“I hope our kids and our coaches and our teachers know [that] I’m going to continue to fight, support and do everything that I can to… allow them to have their best success at Central,” Dalangin said.

Brittany Kiser has replaced Christopher Kensinger and is the new Sophomore Assistant Principal. She was previously a math and science teacher at Cherokee Middle School.

“As a teacher, what’s in your classroom is the only thing that’s in your control,” Kiser said. “Growing up in this district, I know that there are some people who worked for SPS [who] helped me get through the hardest times in my life, and I wanted to be able to make an impact on a greater population… from

the administrator side of things, I have an opportunity to get to know and get to pour into more kids than just 25 in my classroom.”

Kiser said that the impact she hopes to make at Central is by being a support system for students.

“High school is one of those times where the real world gets closer and closer, and sometimes that can be a really scary thing to wrap our minds around,” Kiser said. “I want every student to always know that someone is on their team. I’m always rooting for kids. I want every student to know that they belong, and I want to see them grow in confidence and just grow into good people.”

After budget cuts led to her full-time position becoming part-time, Emily Morris, former school librarian, replaced Mark Barger as an English teacher. Tatiana Stout now holds the part-time librarian position.

“I did not want to leave Central when I learned that my library position was being cut through Springfield schools,” Morris said. “That same day, I went to Mr. Brown and said, ‘Hey… I don’t want to leave Central.’ When I found out that there was going to be an English opening, I applied for the job because I love our school.”

Morris said her favorite part of being an English teacher this year is meeting and getting to know students. “This group of freshmen… they’re all new,” Morris said. “Of course, they’re all new to our building, but the incoming freshman for the past three years I have known because the year before I was at Central, I was at Pipkin, and so I got to meet those kids. So this is the first group of kids that are all new to me. So it’s kind of fun to meet all new faces.”

Amanda Boes has also left the English department, replacing Gretchen Teague as Theatre Director. No one was hired to replace Boes as her position was terminated.

“I graduated from Willard High School in 2006, and I was in our theatre program there, and Central was always the one to beat,” Boes said. “Central always had a reputation for having high-quality art that they produced… All of my career, all through college, I understood that Central was a place to go if you wanted to

do great things and show great things, and that they were respected for that reputation that they had. [I] wanted to be a part of that as well. I wanted to see what I could add to that end, what opportunities it would bring me to show people my art and students’ art.”

Melissa Kilburn has moved back to the math department, taking on the positions of Ron Upton and David Winget. Kilburn was a math teacher at Central during the 2022-2023 school year before taking a year off. She then returned as the AT Risk teacher last year.

“With being the AT Risk teacher, in reality, most of the stuff that I was helping students with was their math,” Kilburn said. “So it was kind of like I was still a math teacher, but really, it was a… stipulation basis, whereas… I get to have all the kids that I want to be able to have within my classroom… I get to be the one [who gives] them information to start instead of them having to come to me for help afterwards.”

Kilburn said that the students are what she loves most about Central and is why she continues to stay.

“I could not imagine being anything but a Bulldog,” Kilburn said. “Seeing the pride that students take in that.. [That] staff has in seeing their kids succeed and getting to watch [students] perform and do the things that you guys do… it’s just awesome.”

Athletic Director and Junior Assistant Principal Dalangin discusses with Coach Cardoza in his office. Photo by Emma Lewis.

Former librarian and current English teacher Emily Morris helps a student in her classroom. Photo by Emma Lewis.

THE NEW MASCOT

MAGGIE MOORE, REPORTER

Central is always trying to boost school spirit. One way Central’s Cabinet makes that a reality is the school mascot, Pug. This year, the school is grateful to have an active member of the community stepping up to get involved with the mascot. Many readers may wonder about the identity behind this mascot. The tradition of the mascot consists of a silent cheerleader, one who does not show their face. Although the exact age of the costume is unclear, there are plans in place to refurbish, most recently updating Pug’s wardrobe. Central’s beloved mascot costume, Pug, has been sitting in the school’s spirit closet for 15 years without anyone there to wear it. 2025 is the year of Pug’s return to the school community.

“I think the mascot symbolizes what we have here at Central, and just the bulldog way. It shows us the legacy others have left behind and gives us the opportunity and honor to walk in past alumni footsteps.” Michael Dalangin, AP & Athletic Director, said.

Central’s goal is to succeed, not only academically but also by producing the best cheer group in the area. Central’s goal is also to be in the statistics of the success of schools with active mascots.

“Students really need to get involved,” the mascot, who prefers to remain anonymous, said. “We enjoy the photos and the recognition. We love having students engaged with the school spirit, but unfortunately, most students do not want to do so with a mascot.”

Pug, our mascot, attended events such as the Bulldog Buddy Bash this past summer and will provide a very warm welcome at many upcoming events. Our mascot’s handler aims to become more engaged with the community, bringing smiles to the faces of students. Students who want to get involved with the mascot or maybe even be the next best hidden secret can contact the head cheer coach, Victoria Smith, with any questions or concerns.

“Our mascot is here to stay, refurbished or not,” Dalangin said.“Pug brings us cheer no matter what room he walks into. Central, bring your spirit. Do it the Pug way!”

BULLDOG BUDDIES RETURN

Navigating the transition from middle school to high school can be incredibly challenging. However, this school year, Central provides a solution with one of the most anticipated returning school programs, Bulldog Buddies. Having been on hiatus since 2020, Bulldog Buddies will be returning this school year to help guide new students through their high school journey.

“I’m excited about it because I think it’s a wonderful program that, if done well, can improve student success,” Brandi Nelson, founder of the Bulldog Buddies program and science teacher, said.

The program encourages all students involved in the program to spend a portion of their time interacting with new people, rather than solely focusing on academics.

“I had mentors that benefited from the program because they found a purpose in school and they made lots of new friends,” Nelson said. “I hope that it helps everybody have more connections at school, rather than just academics.”

There is a real impact behind the Bulldog Buddies program, more than just encouraging freshmen to talk.

“I know that it has some effect because I’ve heard stories from students telling me how their freshman year was improved through the program,” Nelson said.

As the Bulldog Buddies program returns this school year, the important positive impacts are once again proven. With most of the activities occurring in the existing school schedule, the program avoids disrupting classroom time.

“Bulldog Buddies is really great at helping other people,” Member Liam Douglas, 9 said. “I have seen a lot of people get help . . . overall, it’s a really great program!”

PARKING SPOTS

Students returning to Central will find a new parking pass system this school year, designed to better organize traffic, manage designated areas and hold drivers accountable for parking. As such, many students want to know the basic procedures and information to obtain a pass.

“A parking pass is an authorization, in the form of a physical hang-tag and decal, that allows a vehicle to park in a designated area for a specified time,” Elizabeth Shephard, the Financial Office secretary, said. “It helps identify approved vehicles and ensures organized use of parking spaces. This approach gives students and staff a sense of ownership over their assigned space and helps reduce careless parking.

Parking decals cost $35.00 and are required to park in any of the four school lots.”

The process only requires registration a licensed driver would already have.

“(Students need) a completed vehicle registration form, a valid driver’s license, and a $35 payment by cash or check–credit/debit cards are not accepted at the Financial Office.” Shephard said.

If you really need to use a card, the financial office can use the MySchoolBucks website to take funds from your account. This is a system that allows students to focus more on academics instead of worrying about their car, students know that their area is secure and monitored. Students can get to school on time since they will not have to spend time looking for a spot. They just go to their assigned parking space.

TODD GAO, REPORTER

TODD GAO, REPORTER

MYP GUEST SPEAKERS

SARAH GREENE

REPORTER

The IB Middle Years Program has undergone changes for this school year.

Most are long-term changes that are slowly taking effect, but some are visible already, like the guest speaker pop-ups.

“One of the components of MYP is community engagement,” Sarah Keeth, the new MYP coordinator, said. “It used to be called service as action or community service. However, I think the IB organization realized that getting the Middle Years kids out into the community is quite difficult because they’re not 16 and can’t drive… We decided, why don’t we try to have a bigger focus on getting community members into the building, since it’s expensive and hard to get kids out of the building? So this year we really tried hard to get lots of speakers in.”

MYP has hosted a number of speakers over the quarter, with the speakers coming into the auditorium during pride time. The pop-ups are open to all MYP freshman and gold space students.

“I need it to be a really fun, dynamic speaker since all the freshmen are going to go and I want it to be like, look how fun this was,” Keeth said. “Don’t you want to come back? Keep your grades up, so you can.

There have been 3 speakers so far; with the first being Central alum & former Scholar Sean Monday.

“Sean Monday, he’s a bass player, and he’s a CHS alumnus, and he’s so talented,” Keeth said. “So I was like, Sean, come play your bass. You’re cool. Talk about being an alumnus. I had completely forgotten that he was also a Scholar. He was one of the very first Scholars… And so he talked about that. And all of our speakers,

we send them the learner profile traits and say, like, if at any point, you can kind of weave in those concepts into your speaking, that would be cool. Talk about your experiences as a student here. Talk about your journey to success.”

After Monday was Nki Calloway, the most recent Captain Springfield and Mosaic Arts Collective artist.

“Somebody suggested Nki Calloway, because she’s again a CHS alumnus,” Keeth. “She had just been elected or nominated Captain Springfield… She was fantastic. We had a small group of like 25, and she really didn’t want any more than that because she wanted them to come up on stage with her. And it was so cool. Like she just sat them in a circle and they did some theater, kind of games or activities and she talked to them and they just had a really great Q&A… And the Mosaic Arts collective, like their whole mission is to help people in the community find mentors and resources to support their artistic passion.”

The rest of the year’s speakers aren’t prescheduled, but still aim to stay on the themes of the MYP units.

“So we start with like the MYP unit outline or scope and sequence, and then that’s kind of the broad theme that we try to hit with,” Keeth said. “And then Mrs. Wilson and I just go through our network and connections. She did a Teacher Externship program through the Chamber of Commerce over the summer. She and Mr. Wallace and Veronica Smith all went to this externship and did some really cool networking… I also have no problem, like just cold call reaching out to someone and being like, hey, I heard you did this really cool thing.

Would you do that really cool thing here?.. Sometimes when you just read out to someone and say, I heard you do this really cool thing, will you share your talents with us, they do. It’s awesome.”

Keeth and the rest of the MYP team plan on keeping the pop-ups going all year and hopefully into the next, as well as encouraging student turnout.

“I want them to be inspired,” Keeth said. “I think hearing other people overcome challenges is so good for us… And sometimes they present messages in a different way, which is kind of nice. It’s just something different. Like, who doesn’t want something different? But most important, I just want kids to just enjoy yourself. Like, enjoy the message, enjoy a break from your daily routine. Enjoy the opportunity to learn from somebody different. Like, I just think it’s cool to learn from other people. And so I think it would be cool for students.”

Sarah Keeth sits at her desk in the IB Office, sending out messages surrounding MYP Guest Speakers.

KILTIES

SPOTLIGHT

MAGGIE MOORE REPORTER

2025 marks the year the Kilties will celebrate their 100th anniversary. As the 100th year Majorette, Malea Johnson serves as a leader during this anniversary and is a part of Kiltie history.

“Being the 100th majorette brings a bittersweet feeling,” Johnson said. “It’s so much pressure, yet I carry so much pride in it.”

The Kilties have spent a century in the spotlight. Each year, leaders must step up to help continue this Central tradition.

“I hope to return as a core of our Kilties corps, but in a leadership role,” Johnson said. “My family helped build all of the progress we have brought to the 100th year.”

Johnson’s family has been, and continues to be, a part of the Kilties for generations.

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to all of our alumni,” Johnson said. “Not only my biological family, but the 100 years’ worth of sisterhood we have created together. We remained a family this entire time; we have been united.”

Johnson and the Kilties will be present at many events, including a larger and local event where the Kilties will perform, such as the Christmas parade in downtown Springfield. Kilties perform year-round and attend events such as Soccer Friday night lights games, assemblies, and outside-of-school events like funerals, parades, banquets, and reunions.

“I want people to see our hard work. We are here every day, and we deserve to be recognized,” Johnson said.

Traditions are a long-lasting moral to the Kilties and Central, whether the tradition be the annual Sword dance at the homecoming assembly or just making it to the next year, with a new group and more effort than ever.

“I expect to see the kilties continue for another 100 years, and beyond.”

100 CORPS, ONE FAMILY

AVERY RAPP

REPORTER

The Kilties are a traditional Scottish drum and bugle corps at Central, they are a century old this year. Entering the fall and through the winter, the Kilties are likely to be spotted at many parades around the Ozarks.

“We are currently booked every weekend until Thanksgiving, with one Saturday off,” Sunday Wildschuetz, Kilties sponsor said.“Our goal is to entertain the community, and we’re asked all the time. And if I have to turn someone down, they’re like, ‘Can we get you next year? We’ll book it right now.”

The Kilties participate in various events throughout the year, including parades, reunions, openings, school games, and funerals.

“It’s an 18-month commitment almost. Cause we have two corps from March to summer, so literally, our year starts and goes forever. We don’t have any downtime. Other sports or events have like a six weeks, or whatever their season is, our season never stops, so we practice all summer, we have performances all fall and winter, and even up until spring. I’m just proud that we are able to be part of the community and important all year,” Wildschuetz said.

Four days a week, the Kilties meet in a variety of locations at 6:30 a.m. to practice for an hour.

“It varies based on what we need to do. Sometimes practices are more informational about upcoming events, just things we’re doing. This morning at practice, we were just running through what we wanted to do at the JV game on Tuesday. Sometimes practices we are just running through what we need to do, sometimes we are getting information, and sometimes we are just working on specific

struggles. So if there’s one song that the whole corps just cannot do, we work on that song. So it’s mostly just whatever it needs to be that day, it’s not always the same,”Soap Johnson, 11, assistant snare captain, said.

For students who don’t like public speaking or singing, The Kilties is an alternative way for them to perform. Being on the Kilties can also form connections and friendships between members of the corps.

“This year, my favorite part is everybody seeing us, because with the older alumni we’re a big deal so whenever we perform there’s always smiles on people’s faces,” Malea Johnson, 12, Kilties majorette, said.

Aside from being a way to perform and make connections, a core part of The Kilties is the tradition they’ve carried for 100 years.

“We have been a continuously marching unit for 100 years. The history. We have had so many amazing events that we have performed at, and we have so many amazing people, family members, and the connection. It’s just the connection that everyone has to it when you’re in public and people are like ‘You’re a Kiltie, we love kilties!’ and not just for that recognition but to know that people know us out there and appreciate us,” Wildschuetz said.

Assistant Majorette Alyssa Kurth smiles while playing her drum. Photo by Paige Bodnar.

Kilties perform at the Hello Day Assembly.

Photo by Paige Bodnar.

POMDOGS:

BEHIND THE SCENES

OLIVE ECK

REPORTER

The Central High Pomdogs are back and ready for the 2025-2026 season.

“We will be performing at soccer games this year instead of football,” Collyn Riley, the dance team coach, said. “We do basketball as well in the winter/spring, and then we also do basketball for Drury and MSU.”

The team has been preparing and getting performance-ready since the end of last year.

“We go to Universal Dance Association (UDA) over the summer, which is our camp,” Riley said. “And we learn most of our routines from UDA. So all the choreography we learn in small groups over the summer, and we just spend the rest of the school year relearning it, cleaning it, and getting formations… the school year is mostly about getting the whole team in it.”

While many of last year’s Pomdogs are back, there are some new dancers on the team.

“I think dance team was definitely the right fit for me,” Harriet Lemmon, 9, said. “We’re all very friendly, and it’s very open and fun.”

The Pomdogs are focused on having a wellbalanced team. This year, the team represents every grade at Central.

“It’s only two times a week,” Lemmon said, “So it’s kind of a time commitment, but you can also do other things. And it’s a lot of fun! You’re definitely going to make some friends, and if you like to make people happy, you’re going to have fun.”

The team practices on Mondays, Wednesdays, and on their own time as needed. The performances are designed to be engaging

and show Central spirit.

“We do a warm-up,” Lemmon said, “and then we run the dance, and sometimes we break it down and clean it.”

The team is already looking forward to the future, too. They encourage anyone who is interested to try out later this year, the week before spring break.

“If you love to dance, join the dance team,” said Riley. “If you feel like you can do TikTok dances really well, then you could probably join the dance team! We’re going to have a lot of openings next year, so we would love to see people audition. And we teach you pretty much everything. As long as you can clap to a beat, then you’re pretty much good.”

Athletes say that the team really feels like a community, not just some students showing up to dance.

“Something people may not know is how much we all help and put into the dances,” said Lemmon.

“Coaches and captains ask for our input a lot, which makes the dances feel more personal for the whole team.”

However, choreography is not everything in dance. The music also plays a big part.

“I’ve liked the music,” said Lemmon. “I definitely think it’s a good vibe, and people at assemblies really like it!”

Overall, the team has a great community, and the Pomdogs are excited to see what this year will bring.

“I think it’s going to be a good school year,” said Lemmon. “I can feel it.”

POMS SPOTLIGHT

MAGGIE MOORE REPORTER

Alana Lokie is a first-year Pomdog and a senior at Central.

“Alana actually came to Central to join the team from an online course,” Coach Collyn Riley said.

Whether those of the students or not, the dance team has drawn many eyes to the school.

“We have people come and speak to us every time we perform. We love hearing the feedback and the joy we bring,” Riley said.

Alana and her fellow Pomdogs can be seen performing at various school events like the Friday night lights, soccer games, assemblies and basketball games. Pomdogs also give back to the community by performing at festivals and parades. Alana and her team regularly look for more opportunities and members to join the team.

“It’s not about the dance,” Riley said. “It’s about the skills we have been taught, the growth, the time, the dedication, and the kindness. We have learned so much as a team.”

The cheer coming from whatever room the performance is held is eternal to the Pomdogs. Making an enjoyable and supportive audience has been said to improve performance and boost confidence.

“We succeed when you all enjoy it,” Riley said.

Alana has been dancing since she was three years old. She joined Central’s Pomdogs team because of the connections ballet had with students attending, as well as for the diversity presented

“The Pomdogs have made me a better dancer, and have really boosted my confidence,” Lokie said.

Carolina Kessinger, 12, performs at the Homecoming Assembly. Photo by Emma Gugliotta

The Pomdogs perform at the Hello Day Assembly.

Photo by Emma Gugliotta

CHEER SPOTLIGHT

EMILY HUGGINS REPORTER

The Central cheerleaders have been known to be full of passion and encouragement, as well as in charge of inspiring camaraderie at school. Senior Paschazia Rutayuga is spending her final year at Central doing just that.

“Being on the team is like being a part of a community and that’s just like being a Central student.”Senior Paschazia Rutayuga said.

Being a cheerleader is something that requires a strong resolve, purpose, and an unwavering mind. Practice also goes into this, hence the cheerleaders’ daily practices.

“What really inspires me to do cheer is being able to motivate and uplift students, faculty, and the community. It takes a fun sport and makes it into a positive experience for everyone,” Rutayuga said.

To Rutayuga, Cheer is not just about flips and competitions but also about the community and the friends she has made along the way.

“I like cheer because of the bonds I’ve created. Again, being on the team is like having a community. So having all of those people to help and guide me over the years has been so impactful on my high school experience, and I hope that I can cultivate that same influence on my teammates,” Rutayuga said.

During the year, cheer competes and they win trophies for Central high school. Some people love to compete while others compete in competitions.

“I love competitions because we work so hard to make a beautiful routine and it really helps us bond. As a member of the cheer team, we also get a lot of input into our routines by getting to create cheers and choreograph dances, which is such a great experience for me,” Rutayuga said

CHEERIN’

FOR A REASON

EMILY HUGGINS

REPORTER

Cheer means to support, The Central cheerleaders have been known to always support Central whether Central wins or loses.

“Cheer historically started as a way to get the crowd involved and excited during football games. Since then, cheer has evolved into just school spirit in general. Being there to kind of be the face of the school, so for public events, at the games, or that happy smiley face getting you excited about whatever’s going on,” Veronica Smith, Cheer coach, said.

Cheerleaders cheer almost everyday and tryouts start in April. After April the team starts practicing in May and have cheer camp in June. The cheerleaders practice the rest of the summer before heading back to Central to perform and compete during the school year.

“The highest that we placed recently was fifth at state two years ago, so that was really exciting. And we’re hoping we can bring back more awards. I will say, we always bring back trophies from camp when we go. I love to brag that our girls have brought home three times in the last six years, the tradition award,” Smith

said.

The cheerleaders have competitions every year at both the state and regional level.

“We participate in MCCA which is Missouri Cheer Coaches Association, in their regional and state competition. So this year, we will be competing at a regional level in St. Louis the Saturday after homecoming and then the state competition will be November first at Mizzou,” Smith said.

But cheer is not just about competitions it’s also about meeting new people and making new friends. Cheer is about the community and friends one makes along the way.

“Cheer is fun and everybody on the team is nice. We do a lot of fun stuff including stunting.

You get to make new friends and learn more about cheer while doing it. You are also a student and an athlete,” Maddie Hawkins, 9, said.

On Saturday, October 4, the cheer team competed for Central High School. They got fourth and are going to State.

¨We competed in the MCCA (Missouri Cheer Coaches Association) STL Regional Competition. This year it was hosted at Lafayette High School in Wildwood, MO.We placed 4th in the 4A Small-All Girl division. This means the team received a bid to compete at State. State competition will be November 1st at the Mizzou Hernes Center in Columbia, MO,¨ Smith said.

Cheer performs at Hello Day in The Pit.

Photo by Paige Bodnar.

Natalie Crosby, 12, performs at the Hello Day Assembly.

Photo by Emma Gugliotta.

Cheer performs at the Hello Day Assembly.

Photo by Gemma Hower.

ESPORTS ELECTRONIC SPORTS

SARAH GREENE

REPORTER

The Central Esports team, CTRL, established in 2019, has found success since its inception. The team has won 10 total awards so far, and has placed in state championships almost every year they’ve played.

“I think that we have really hit our stride in it, we’ve been doing it for a long time and we have a good feel for what happens,” Eric Grate, English teacher and esports coach, said. “Kickapoo is definitely the second biggest team in the district, and then the other three high schools are below us in size. I think we

to talk… It’s hard to communicate what is important in a way that people will be able to understand you and act on it and ultimately, it just comes down to that communication.”

esports, while new to the athletic stage and different from traditional sports, has grown in and has become a staple in many colleges.

“Like, had this actually been offered during the time I was in high school, I 100% would have done it,” Dalton Sly, Math teacher and esports coach, said. “I think it’s fantastic that we can offer a space for students to sit down,

probably have the best winning record out of SPS, but I think that’s, again, just due to the fact that we’ve had the program the longest and we’ve had the most time to grow people.”

To achieve their high success rate, the team conducts daily, after-school practices.

“So the thing that we focus on more than anything, more than any sort of game skills or game knowledge, is communication, a team that is not talking is never going to win,” Grate said. “I think a lot of people come into esports with the experience of playing alone. And when you play alone, you’re generally not talking to your random teammates that you get matched with. When we have them in the lab, they have

play games, and get scholarships for it.”

Alongside the winning streak, the team remains accepting and open to players of all experience levels.

“Even if you’re not the best, you can still join,” Avanta Martin-Perez, esports athlete, (12) said. “I mean, I feel like skill is definitely a helper, but it’s all really about improvement at the end of the day.”

While this season has already started, the team is always open to new players. The fall and winter seasons are still open, and can be joined by contacting Grate or Sly.

SPOTLIGHT

LUCY CAPLINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Tam Nguyen is a senior varsity E-sports player. Nguyen joined the team this year and is excited to play out a winning season with his teammates. Nguyen’s specialty on the team is Overwatch, which he began playing in the fifth grade. “Games started out as a way to get close to friends and have fun,” Nguyen said. Until this year, video games have just been a hobby in his free time, but as a first year player, Nguyen is already on varsity.

“I am dedicated and passionate about playing,” Nguyen said.

In e-sports, Nguyen expresses that it is crucial that teammates cooperate with one another in order to do well, as well as that Overwatch requires a lot of focus and can even be described as high intensity. Team work among players is important.

“I am good at coordinating with my fellow players about strategy, we work well together,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen wants to not only focus on his positives but also works on his weaknesses to become a well rounded player.

“My weaknesses are critical thinking in the moment because there is a lot of stuff going on and I don’t always make the best decisions for my team,” Nguyen said.

Even though Nguyen is now a varsity player, Overwatch remains something he enjoys in and out of matches–it even brought him closer to his friends.

“Its a way to connect with my friends outside of school, it was very evident during the COVID lockdown because we were all able to escape and hangout without actually being together,” Nguyen said.

Besides being a good way to make friends, video games have become a place for Nguyen to go when everything else is too much.

“Its a good escape for me because the games are truly meaningful, more than people think,” Nguyen said.

Aside from anything else, Nguyen has one goal for his first and last season.

“To win,” Nguyen said.

Tam Nguyen, 12, prepares for his match. Photo by Jack Herr.

STEP

SPOTLIGHT

DANE SCHOLZ REPORTER

Edison Clark, a junior at Central, is a current member of Central’s Step Team. He also participates in archery and tennis, and likes to build models in his free time.

“It’s definitely a positive community. Because there aren’t very many of us, we stick together as a kind of family. We’re also connected with the Hillcrest team, for example,” Clark said.

Clark started step team in his seventh grade year at Reed academy, and has been participating in the extracurricular ever since.

“It was honestly just on a whim. It all started in middle school at Reed Academy, which had a step team, and I decided to join them because I wasn’t in any other activities,” Clark said.

Clark enjoys performing for audiences and exposing people to new things through Step Team.

“I definitely enjoy performing the most to be honest. It’s always fun to learn new things and perform for other people, because people aren’t exposed to stuff like this very much… We’ve recently got the opportunity to do national competitions, and we might get to go to New York,” Clark said.

Clark has learned skills that can be applied outside of a step setting and made connections during his time on the team. He thinks it has helped him learn general performing skills.

“It’s definitely taught me teamwork, it’s helped me focus on a single group activity. Confidence too, because performing in front of a crowd of people is not easy,” Clark said.

MORE THAN A RHYTHM

MAGGIE MOORE

REPORTER

This year, the Central Step team participated in numerous banquets, assemblies, and cultural festivals. Last summer, Step had the opportunity to travel to New York for a competition and hopes to grow with more students joining the team.

“We are not ready to stop,” said Jazmyn Marshall, Step coach.

Step is, by definition, is a group of performers using their entire bodies as instruments to create complex rhythms and sounds.

“My Step members put not only their hearts, their time, and focus, but also their bodies. They love what we do, they love bringing joy to all of you,” Marshall said.

Coach Marshall stepped up to coach, starting as an assistant coach in the spring of 2023; this season is her first as the head coach.

“[I’m eager to] Make Dr. Felton happy, she has set the bar so high and we just want to make her proud,” Marshall said. “I had not even really chosen step, Dr. Felton had asked me, and I realized step really chose me”

Coach Marshall began as a coach without any experience. Now, Step has become a core part of her life.

“We would really appreciate shout-outs, tags, and also your support,” Marshall said.

The step team will be present at assemblies, banquets, and other events throughout the 2025-2026 school year, and hopes to get more involved with the community. The Step team is known for their creativity when performing, whether it is their step or attitude.

“Rhythm, time, attention, is not everything

we do. We fundraise, we help with the concession stands at other events, we do assemblies and banquets.” Marshall said.

The step team looks forward to Central getting more involved and allowing them to grow. Getting involved with the team doesn’t just mean getting in touch with rhythm, music, and cues. One gets involved with the community, learns about culture, and, most importantly, it can become part of their identity. Step members have come forward about the skills and life changes being involved with Step has provided them, including coaches.

“Step is not just a dance to us, it’s a way of life. We hope more students will be interested in the diversity we have to offer.” Marshall said.

Shamaya Lewis, 11, performs at the Hello Day Assembly in the New Gym. Photo by Emma Gugliotta.

Edison Clark, 11, stands in the blue light of the Homecoming Assembly. Photo by Emma Gugliotta.

THE FACTS

OF FOOTBALL

On August 15, 2025, in what came as a shock to many, the Central PIT Instagram account released a statement canceling the upcoming varsity football season for the Bulldogs.

“When I saw on social media that the varsity football team was canceled, I was surprised,” A student at Central High School, Beck Bauer, 11, said. “I was puzzled, mostly because there wasn’t a lot of information regarding the exact reason why the team was canceled.”

After some speculation, it was revealed that the decision to cancel the season was made due to a lack of players, specifically upperclassmen, citing safety concerns. With many believing the situation had been handled sub-optimally, a change.org petition was opened, campaigning for the return of the varsity season. Daniel, a commenter on the petition, expressed his distaste for the timing of the decision.

“They’ve spent countless hours preparing for the season, canceling it on such short notice would be doing them a disservice and sending a poor message to them,” Daniel said. “Without a season, they don’t have a chance to see the improvements from their hard work waking up early to work out and spending days in the heat practicing all summer.”

As of August 27th, 2025, the petition has received over 2,700 signatures. For many in the Central community, football is important. Anne, another commenter on the petition, describes the impact.

“My sister went to Central, and I remember how excited she would be to go to the football games,” Anne said. “I could see from social media and from her stories how electric the stands are and how thrilled they are to support their classmates.”

Canceling the season has impacts across various parts of Central and puts a damper on a fixture of Central life.

“It is a shame the season was canceled and there’s no doubt the decision had an impact on school spirit,” Bauer said.

Despite the less-than-enthusiastic reception, in the eyes of the district policy makers, the decision was the responsible one to make.

“This is not a decision anybody wanted to make, but with the numbers and safety purposes, it’s a decision that we had to make,”

JACK HERR REPORTER

Springfield Public Schools Athletic Director Josh Scott said in a KY3 article. Scott is adamant that the decision was made with the best interests of the school and players in mind.

“We’re looking at the realistic situation of: Are we going to have freshmen as 14-year-old boys to play against 17-year-old young men? We thought the best way to build the program - and have a football program in the future - was to build them up through a JV schedule,” Scott said.

Explaining the reasoning and timing of the decision, Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Grenita Lathan offered comments.

“Last week was the official first week of high school sports practice, and so throughout the summer, we had numbers, but we did not have the numbers we wanted then,” Lathan said. “We wanted to wait and make sure once

practice kicked off to see how many students we had…When we finished on Friday, we were down to four students, four seniors, six juniors.”

The season was canceled after summer practices had been underway. There was a notion that more bodies were needed on the team.

“In light of the announcement we made last Friday,” Lathan said “I want to reiterate that as we think about success ready students and educating every child in Springfield Public Schools. It’s important that students be tied to extracurricular activities and athletics, but we have to also exercise caution and focus on safety when it comes to our student athletes. So, based on the numbers that we were presented with last week, we had to make the decision to cancel the varsity programming for the fall. This was nothing intended to hurt Central or any other programs.”

REGARDING JV

As of October 1, 2025, the Central junior varsity season has also been canceled, citing a lack of eligible players.

“While we had previously hoped to move forward with a JV season, fielding a team with such a drastically reduced roster is not possible.” Josh Scott said. “It would place our remaining players at an unacceptable risk of injury due to lack of rest and limited substitutions.”

Scott hopes that the team can emerge stronger next year, despite the current challenges.

“We understand this news is disappointing, especially for the players who have remained committed to the program. The decision to step away from competition this year was made with the sole focus of protecting our athletes,” Scott said. “For the remainder of the football season, we will continue to support our student athletes by focusing on strength training, skill development and team building during regular practice times.”

The 2025-2026 Football Team prior to the season’s cancellation. Photo courtesy of Central High School.

CHLOE WOOTTON REPORTER

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS

CHRISTEN BROCKMAN

Christen Brockman is starting senior year with a full plate, from involvement in three sports to baking cakes for fun. His athletics include playing football, track and field, and wrestling. Out of these sports, he hopes to continue two of them after high school.

“I would not want to do wrestling in college, but would want to do track and football,” Brockman said. “Right now [I want to go to] Westminster. I like that they have a piece of the Berlin Wall on their campus.”

Brockman chose football for one reason: the connections. A friend suggested it, which convinced him to join as a junior and continue playing this year.

“I just love the community, because we may not be the biggest but I definitely have the most fun at our practices. The people and coaches make it fun,” Brockman said. “Friends are my favorite [part] in all three sports. They’re the reason that I do those sports.”

As for why he’s stayed, it’s a combination of friendships and competition. Brockman has attended several football camps, both individual and team camps, which he says have made himself and Central’s team better. Similarly, he supports the importance of a combined effort in the sport--both from players and coaches.

“[Being on the team] taught me that you can’t win by yourself. We do an Oklahoma drill to work on teamwork,” Brockman said. “The coaches encourage us to go out there and try our hardest.”

One of the most notable features of the Central football team is its resilience, even amidst hardship and uncertainty. Although optimism may appear wavering, it isn’t remotely lost.

“I feel like we’ll do good,” Brockman said. “We’re gonna try to face the adversity they set us up for.”

SEVEN PATTERSON

Senior Seven Patterson and his favorite animal, the cheetah, have one thing in common: they love running. Patterson is a standout whether he’s sprinting down the field or racing towards the finish line, with both of his sports utilizing the skill in surprisingly different ways.

“I wouldn’t say they compare. They’re alike because of running, but track takes more techniques. I have been exploring events like relays, long jump, and hurdles…” Patterson said. “My favorite position is wide receiver. It’s the most fun because you’re catching the ball, and you focus on one thing while making sure the QB is looking at you. You plan it out in your head.”

He began playing competitively this year, but that wasn’t the beginning of his interest. Patterson started playing flag football around age seven, with his inspiration coming straight from familial influence.

“I started to make my dad proud. [My favorite football memory is] him getting a cupcake of his least favorite team shoved in his mouth. His team and my aunt’s team went against each other in the Super Bowl and his [team] lost,” Patterson said.

The football team practices almost every day, with regular competition days to prepare for games. In addition to all the practices, occasional events like pickleball and bowling draw the team even closer--that dynamic being one of Patterson’s favorite parts.

“The best part is teamwork. When you’re selfish, it doesn’t really teach you anything. Some players want the ball all to themselves, but here it’s more even and there are no favorites. The coaches give us responsibility and discipline--they treat everyone with respect and kindness,” Patterson said.

Whenever he isn’t at school, practice, or a game, he has a handful of relatively musical pastimes to balance out both athletics and academics.

“I do other sports for fun. I also mess around with soundboards, and I play trumpet, piano, and electric guitar,” Patterson said. “ My favorite artists are all old rap, and I love R&B.”

FOOTBALL

CONSEQUENCES

The change from football to soccer during Friday Night Lights (FNL) has affected more than just the players on those teams. Friday nights serve as a cultural exchange in the Central community. FNL is a dedicated time for activities and teams to perform and express school spirit. Now, activity leaders are advocating for their teams and rallying for these spaces to be recemented.

CHEER

Scarlett Regions has been a cheerleader from freshman to senior year. This change has affected half of the cheerleading season and has changed not only who they are cheering for, but when.

“Transitioning from every Friday night to a more sporadic schedule has really affected the team,” Regions said.

Due to the newness of the change, it has been hard to pin down when the cheer team will perform at the soccer games. This new schedule has also added games to the cheer roster.

“We now don't know when all of the games are. It's fun that they are more abundant but it has messed up the easy flow of things,” Regions said.

Not only have the cheerleaders had a change of schedule, they have also had to learn an entire new sport with completely different rules.

According to Regions, there is also a difference between the crowds.

“Football games tend to have a way higher energy,” Regions said. “We had so much more confidence and experience so the crowd to cheerleader communication was easier.”

Regions has expressed that the change is especially hard because this is her last year on the team before she graduates.

“I do feel like I have been robbed of the traditional senior year stuff. I know it's hard for all of us,” Regions said.

A big positive throughout this process has been the relationships formed between the cheerleaders and the other activities affected.

“It's really fun to finally have such a big community,” Regions said. We had not always talked to the other clubs and all of this change has inspired us to really get closer, which is a good thing.”

POMDOGS

The PomDogs have historically always danced at half-time during football season, which has changed due to the fact that soccer does not have the same time division.

“It's a really big tradition and it's always been something that I look forward to every week and it's upsetting that we don't have Friday night lights,” Elizabeth Mrad, a senior member of the dance team, said.

By changing from football to soccer games, the dance team has had to not only adapt their dances but their schedule as well.

“We used to only have performances on Fridays but with the new soccer schedule we will have performances whenever there are

soccer games,” Mrad said.

Mrad and her teammates have had to adapt to a loss of tradition. Friday nights are not the only longstanding custom being affected.

“We don't get to perform with the band anymore, which is really sad. We look forward to that every year,” Mrad said.

This change has not only brought negatives, as it has become a vehicle for new experiences that will give the Pom Dogs new traditions.

“Getting to do soccer games in general is a big positive. Football used to be pretty much all we did. Now we have more games and we are gaining more experience,” Mrad said.

Along with trying new things, this change has allowed for the team to get closer with not only each other but the other teams who share Harrison Stadium.

“This situation has brought everybody together with a common interest of supporting the team,” Mrad said.

KILTIES

As long-time Friday night performers, the Kilties face changes from the switch.

“For Kilties we have expanded our game schedule a lot since varsity football got cancelled. Instead of just performing at varsity football games we are now performing at soccer and jv football,” Sophia Toth, said.

In previous years, the Kilties have been primarily performing on Friday nights.

“I am pleased that the games are on weeknights instead of Fridays because we have to wake up early on Saturdays for parades,” Toth said.

This new schedule is giving them a break.

Due to the difference between football game halftimes and soccer halftimes, football is shorter, the Kilties performances will have to either be shortened or changed.

“The half times are shorter so I'm sure that will affect our ability to perform," Toth said.

Now, the Kilties get more performance time. While this is hard, the practice is giving the group more experience.

A common theme among all of the teams has been that the crowds at soccer games are noticeably different than that of football games, and this affects the Kilties because they are performing for a smaller audience.

“They turn out definitely and are half the time. We don’t perform for as big of crowds and we don’t get as long of a performance,” Toth said.

“This might just be for me personally but I really enjoy soccer more than football and I know that some other Kilties do as well,” Toth said.

BAND

The band has been considered a staple by many at Friday night football games. With this change, their schedule has moved them to performing at soccer games instead.

This has led to the band getting on the field faster than ever before as they started performing pep tunes at the first soccer game.

“We got the chance to perform in front of people. Though it was just our pep tunes, the ones that we play for assemblies and basketball games, it's an experience for our rookies,” Russel Fullington, a senior drum major, said.

The Central band is very large and has had to adapt to a smaller crowd and a smaller time

The PomDogs perform at Homecoming assembly, Photo by Emily Hernandez

LUCY CAPLINGER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

slot to play in. Their performances so far have been cut to around 20 minutes.

“When we had football games, we could play during the "intermission" between JV and V games, time-outs, touchdowns, any home points, and of course half-time, and the end of the game. We can't do that with soccer,” Fullington said.

This lack of playing time is hard for Fullington and his bandmates and has taken away a lot of time needed to perfect routines. “This year, we perform far less than previous years, and that's taking a toll on everybody. All of our hard work is being pushed back and some days it's hard to be positive about it. As a drum major, it is essentially my job to keep morale high, and this year is putting it to the test,” Fullington said.

While this has been difficult for the team, the band is taking it in stride.

“Collectively as a band, we are determined and motivated. We will make the best out of this season,” Fullington said.

SOCCER STEPS UP

JACK HERR

REPORTER

As a consequence of the cancellation of the varsity football team, a gap opens up in the scheduling of Friday Night Lights; This gap will partially be filled by the Boys Soccer team, who will play at Harrison Stadium in the football team’s stead on two occasions.

“We wanted to create opportunities for our activities to perform on Fridays,” Micheal Dalangin, Central High School Athletic Director, said.

The cancellation of the varsity football season also had an impact on the other clubs and activities who performed at the football games. It was important for Dalangin to keep those activities in the spotlight.

“Kilties, Cheer, Band, and Dance will have the opportunity to perform at the games. We are rotating which groups perform at the varsity level, but every program will have the chance to participate at each game,” Dalangin said. “Our main challenge has been rescheduling nearly every athletic and activity program involved with this change.”

For the students, Friday Night Lights is an important fixture of high school life.

“I’m seeing it as a privilege,” Ethan Edwards, 12, a senior varsity player on the soccer team said.

This opportunity comes at a time of change and expectation for the soccer team.

“Our team was really good, we had Jack Brinkman and Max Robertson who were our two main guys who were really good,” Edwards said. “[This year] I’m feeling personally very confident in our team. We lost those two players that I just listed because they graduated, but I think we will do really well this season. The team has a lot more chemistry, because we’re less dependent on players who are just kind of levels ahead of us. We’re a lot more coordinated and connected, and we have more chemistry, for sure.”

Playing at Harrison Stadium on Fridays gives the team a chance to showcase their best work to the rest of the school, in a way which might not have previously been possible.

“Now we're gonna be playing in front of everyone. I think that’s motivated a lot of people to start working harder, just because we’re going to be spectated by students and peers,” Edwards said.

In Missouri, football is more popular than soccer. This serves as a challenge for the team on Fridays but gives them an opportunity to grow and showcase the sport.

“I’m hoping we can score some goals this season in front of you guys. That would be the best for me, if I scored in front of everyone I’d just be so happy,” Edwards said “I really think that the turnout, towards the beginning won’t be as much, but maybe after people start talking about it.”

In addition to providing exposure to the sport of soccer, the decision helps to protect school spirit across the board.

“One of the most exciting aspects of all this change is that our coaches, directors, and student-athletes have remained positive and have not allowed it to affect their performance in the classroom or during practice/competition. Additionally, because of the switch, our homecoming game will be something unique—something that has not been done in our area before,” Dalangin said. “This decision helps preserve school spirit for future seasons by creating an environment where our student-athletes and student body can come together. We want the stands packed, the crowd loud and energetic, and everyone fully enjoying the moment.”

With all the hubbub and enthusiasm, one must remember that this is a temporary solution. Next year, a return to more traditional Friday nights is anticipated.

“This is not a permanent adjustment. As long as we are able to increase participation— not only in football but also in other programs with lower numbers—all of our teams will remain varsity eligible. We plan for a varsity football schedule next season, but need our students to make it happen,” Dalangin said.

Drum Major Russell Fullington, 12, conducts for the band at a soccer game. Photo by Emma Lewis.

TODAY. STEP INTO TOMORROW

Your

first choice for college starts here!

AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

STEADY SUPPORT FLEXIBLE OPTIONS REAL RESULTS

to explore our programs, find out more information and to apply! Scan the QR Code

cell phone ban

Missouri students and teachers have felt the impacts of the Missouri phone ban. Signed on July 9, 2025, the Missouri Senate passed Senate Bill 68, banning phones in schools. The law is meant to increase standardized test scores, as scores have been going down consistently since cell phones were normalized. It entails the banning of phone use in schools, even for educational purposes. Many people may have been upset or appeased by the new law. With all of these new changes, it is important to know the school policies in regard to this bill, how to abide by them and how to avoid getting devices confiscated.

“I think the rules will be positive as far as student engagement goes, but I am feeling some negative side effects as a teacher,” Mrs. Bryant, a chemistry teacher, said.

Although the phone ban extends even to classwork under typical circumstances, there are some exceptions to the rule. One of the exceptions is 504 plans. If there is an acceptable reason given for a student needing to use their phone in a 504 educational plan, they may be used in a limited capacity.

“I believe as long as there are situations where they should be used and as long as they don’t become abused, I have no problem with the exceptions,” Bryant said.

Phones are permitted to be used in emergency situations as well. If there is an emergency, ranging from a school fire to medical emergencies and break-ins, students may use their phones to contact medical professionals or authorities. Additionally, the bill states that if specifically allowed by school administration, students may be able to use their phones for an educational purpose.

“I think that the exceptions to the rules are good, in some cases they can even save lives,” Owen Gray, 11, said.

While the law is mainly directed towards cell phones, it extends to other electronic devices, including, but not limited to: wireless headphones, smart watches, and personal computers depending on school policy. Central has decided to ban personal computers in their school policy, which means that no computers other than the standard-issue Chromebooks are allowed to be taken to school.

DANE SCHOLZ

REPORTER

“I don’t think that people should be allowed to have their own personal computers at school, because people will often use them for non-educational purposes,” Gabriel Ikemeiyer, 9, said.

There are some mixed opinions on whether the changes will make a positive impact on the school environment. Some students believe that it will remove distractions in the

classroom and help people focus harder on their classwork and studies.

“I think it will be positive for student engagement and the school environment,” Bryant said.

Others believe that the total ban will contribute to apathy towards school.

“I think it will help most students focus on their work, but the people who were on their phones probably won’t be paying attention without them either,” Gray said.

There are some ways that the new phone policy changes will affect teachers as well. With students being unable to use their phones educationally without specific admin permission and supervision, teachers will be unable to include phones in their lessons whatsoever. This means that any QR codes, quizzes using devices other than Chromebooks, and YouTube videos needed for classes, will not be able to be used in lessons by teachers.

“The rules have affected the way that I am able to have my students submit their work. It’s become more of a struggle to see their work whenever it’s graded, and I have to tell students repeatedly to turn in their assignments,” Bryant said.

The SPS school district has its own rules regarding the enforcement of Senate Bill 68. If a teacher views a student utilizing or displaying an electronic device, they are required to report it to the administration. If administration witnesses a student utilizing or displaying an electronic device, or a teacher reports an incident to them, they will confiscate the device for the rest of the day, request a parent conference, and give up to 2 days of ISS. On further occurrences, there will be more days of ISS given.

“I think the rules are being enforced pretty well, I’ve seen people who get their phones out at lunch have them taken away,” Gray said. Whether students are happy about the changes to school phone policy, they must live with them. If students have problems with the policies, it is not something that the administration or the principal can do anything about. If one has an objection to the law, the first course of action should be directed towards the state legislature.

“I think it’s pretty fair and just that you shouldn’t be able to use your phone in school, but I don’t think that it should be a law,” Ikemeiyer said.

Admin collects confiscated phones, Photo by George Wood

Central Administration gave these posters to teachers to hang in their rooms, Photo by George Wood.

YAY OR NAY ON THE BAN TODAY

Remember the good ol’ days when you could have a TikTok break at lunch? Listen to music while you work? Well, those days are over now that Senate Bill 68 has been signed into law. The purpose of SB 68 is to encourage students to be more productive during class time and to promote collaboration and socialization, but is it really going to do that? Could the bill actually cause more harm than good?

Personally, I am completely for a cell phone ban in the classroom. Districts and schools nationwide have implemented cell phone policies, but the issue hasn’t improved, which leads to the State getting involved. As a student, I can say that the urge to check my phone in between classes or doomscroll during work time instead of doing homework is very strong. I think the biggest positive impact will be that students will learn to use their time wisely, but there are a few caveats to that. While I think a cell phone ban is a necessity, I don’t think the ban we have is very realistic or will encourage the development of responsible adults. Schools should simulate “the real world” and teach students how to navigate

real life experiences. The issue with SB 68 is that it doesn’t allow students to have the freedom to be on their phones during lunch, passing periods and study halls. This does not replicate “the real world,” as most careers have breaks such as these where being on a phone or personal communication device is appropriate. Not allowing students to have the opportunity to use their phones on breaks is not preparing them for the real world and could potentially lead to consequences such as students overindulging on those breaks when they leave school.

Communication is another huge thing that is being negatively impacted by the ban. Almost every club and sport uses some form of technology to communicate information regarding events, games, etc. Students who don’t have their phones can still see these messages if the program is accessible on a school Chromebook, but the response may not be immediate due to the lack of notifications. There are also students who have jobs and responsibilities outside of school that require them to monitor their phones. There has

ARI ABBOTT

REPORTER

yet to be a sustainable solution to this issue. Expecting everyone to contact the school directly is, in my opinion, not sustainable and more disruptive than a student responding to a quick text with teacher permission.

I also think that it’s important to consider unfortunate but very real situations that could happen, and the impact of not having a phone during that time. It is a sad but true reality we live in, in which school shootings are becoming more and more common. I think it is incredibly dangerous to require that students keep their phones powered off and in their bags. What if something happens, and a student can’t call the police in time because their phone is powered off? I think it is insanely reckless to assume that, in the event of a tragedy, there will always be an adult present to call for help if needed.

As a whole, I understand the importance of SB 68, but there needs to be some serious revisions. The bill has the potential to have a great impact on student engagement and collaboration, but I don’t think the benefits are going to extend into adulthood as they should. After all, isn’t graduation the destination?

Missouri Senators passed Bill 68 on February 27, Photo Courtesy of Missouri Senate.

IB MEETS THE PHONE BAN

ABBOTT SCHMIDT REPORTER

This school year, Missouri Senate Bill 68 restricts personal device use in public schools, including IB classes. This prevents cell phones from being a distraction in class, but it also eliminates the use of phones as an academic aid.

“It will be different in positive ways because students won’t have the constant distraction of their phone,” Molly Gray, IB Coordinator, said. “Teachers will have less of a battle for the attention of their students. I think there will be greater student focus and greater participation and involvement.”

Eleanor Rogers, 12, IB art student, agreed with Gray.

“I think more kids who are always shut into their phones and don’t talk to the people around them [would benefit]. This could give them an opportunity to do new things,” Rogers said.

Bach Dao, 12, IB math student, notes a caveat, though. He thinks personal devices like computers are a core component of his workflow.

“One of the positives is that people are on their phone less, so this leads to more listening in classes and more of a connection to the classroom, but I think that this should just only stay with phones and not extend to personal devices,” Dao said.

He also thinks that the phone ban shouldn’t extend to lunch and passing periods.

“I think that IB students as a whole population are influenced as well because a lot of the work that goes into IB is in essay writing and that involves using various materials like research materials that are often banned on the school Chromebooks. We just can’t access those on school Chromebooks and it makes essay writing and that whole research process a lot harder and more time-extensive.” Dao said.

Rogers recommends alternate tools for the academic use of phones. Instead of using phones, students could use more analog tools.

“I think just learning how to use various other resources is the best substitute for phones. So connecting with people outside of school and learning, going back to textbooks and stuff. And more just face-to-face,” Rogers said. “I think that people could find new ways to do things and instead of immediately relying on something as easy as a phone.”

Dao said that there are effects of the phone ban outside of school hours, too. He said slower workflow during school hours will make extracurricular activities more difficult.

“I think that it will just be a lot harder, a lot less convenient to access these articles, and it will just be more time-consuming, and a lot more work will have to be done outside of school,” Dao said, “I know a lot of people have time dedicated outside of school, whether it be for extracurriculars or family or work or something like that, and it’s just time that shouldn’t need to be taken away.”

“Being in HL Math, I connect to a lot of my textbooks online and usually that’s how I do my homework. Usually when I’m doing my homework, I have a Desmos calculator pulled up on my phone or on my computer separately.

So having these electronics bans, it gets rid of another tool that I can use and it just makes it more tedious, like opening up different tabs in the Chromebook,” Dao said.

Molly Gray mentions a problem that Dao didn’t mention: the ability for parents to contact their kids in an emergency.

“The only negative that I see is also as a parent of a high school student—the inability of parents to contact their students as quickly will cause some anxiety, especially in the case of an emergency,” Gray said. However, Gray mentioned alternative communication methods for parents, though.

“There are definitely work-arounds— parents just have to be more patient in their communications with their students and work through the proper channels to contact their student during the day. It will be a learning process for all.”

Students work without phones, Photo by Emily Hernandez

Students in journalism will now be using voice recorders rather than cell phones during interviews, Photo by Kori O’Dell

MIDTOWN CARNEGIE LIBRARY UPDATES

ABBOTT SCHMIDT REPORTER

In June 2025, the Midtown Carnegie Branch finished its year-long renovations. These renovations aimed to add easier access to the building and an improved patron experience. The library’s visual design mixes modern architecture with the style of the historic Midtown Carnegie Library. The construction also renovated the interior elevator to allow easier access for all library patrons, and improved the heating and cooling system, modernizing the 100 year old building.

“The Midtown Carnegie Branch Library began in 1905 as the Springfield Public Library and it is one of about 1700 public libraries in the United States established through a gift by steel tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. We’re one of only about 800 Carnegie libraries still in operation,” Eva Pelkey, Midtown Carnegie Branch Manager, said.

However, the library has recently had some construction done. Modern looking exterior renovations and interior upgrades. Pelkey said it was to increase accessibility for library patrons.

“The work we just completed replaced that outside elevator with two large covered ramps for consistent access to both the lower level and the first floor,” Pelkey said.

The entrances weren’t the only things upgraded. Internal utilities have also had an overhaul, replacing old heating with new technology.

“We also repaired our interior elevator so we have better access to our third floor and we replaced our entire HVAC system. We had an old and undersized boiler providing heat and now we have a new energy-efficient system which makes things more comfortable for patrons and library staff,” Pelkey said.

Also, improvements have been made to the loading dock for the Friends of the Library, a group of volunteers who actively help the library through sales and volunteer work. Before,

Pelkey said that weather could make book sales difficult, but the new renovations have a solution.

“We added a new loading dock onto the building the Friends of Library use to sort

books for their annual book sales supporting the Library District,” Pelkey said. “They needed a safe way to load trailers and wanted to be able to work rain or shine, year-round. They now have a heated/cooled, enclosed dock that makes that possible.”

Pelkey also mentioned the impact that the renovations will have on accessing the other floors. These changes will be beneficial for people with impaired mobility.

“Prior to the renovation, we relied on steps or an elevator to take people from the parking lot to the first-floor entrance,”

Pelkey said. “The elevator was unreliable and uninviting and it was hard for people with mobility issues to enter the building comfortably. We also had a second elevator to provide access to the lower level and second floor. It was also unreliable and had stopped working completely prior to our renovation.” Pelkey said the goal of the renovation was to improve inclusivity to all patrons, allowing people of all mobility levels to enjoy the library.

“Our goal with the renovations was first: accessibility,” Pelkey said. “We wanted everyone, regardless of their mobility levels, to enter the library in the same way and have a safe, pleasant, reliable way to enter the building.”

She also said that the library patron experience was a priority when it came to making the new construction.

“We wanted to update some building systems that were antiquated, such as the HVAC and the water pipes,” Pelkey said. “It’s very expensive to keep this old building running and it’s very challenging to work on because it was not designed for the systems we rely on today.” Pelkey mentioned that the construction process was difficult for a couple of reasons. Most of the difficulties were caused by the age of the building.

“The age of the building was a major roadblock and limited what we could do,” Pelkey said. “It also made construction more difficult - building onto an existing structure is more difficult than constructing an entirely new building. Due to our age there were a lot of surprises. We dealt with incomplete original

blueprints and records, asbestos, thick brick walls and 120 years worth of wiring and piping running through the walls and floors.”

Despite the challenges of the project, Dake Wells Architecture was able to design the new construction.

“The design for the renovation was created by our architects at Dake Wells architecture,” Pelkey said. “Each design had positives and negatives and together we agreed on the final design. We really wanted an entry addition that would allow us to have complete accessibility to both our lower level and first floor and this design provided that in the most reliable way.”

The origin of the modern design didn’t come from creative liberty, but from a design constraint. This led to a mixture of styles: the historical old building and the more modern new section.

“The north side of the building could not be taller than the original building,” Pelkey said. “It had to be able to be removed in the future without damaging the original building and the entire addition had to look different, not like the original building. That is why our addition is modern, instead of trying to match the historic design of the 1905 building.”

Despite the difficulties and the age of the building, Pelkey said the construction went well.

“I’m really pleased with the library renovations,” Pelkey said. “We’ve had a lot of wonderful comments from patrons who are very happy with the changes and find it easier to access the services they need, such as the Computer Training Center, located on our lower level.”

Pelkey said that her main hope for the renovations in the long term is longevity. In the short term, the library has improved accessibility and an upgraded heating and cooling system, but in the long term, the library has been modernized to improve the historical building’s lifespan.

“My hope is that these renovations make it easier and more pleasant to use the library,” Pelkey said, “I also hope it will help ensure our library is still around and running for many more years.”

THE AUTUMN ALMANAC

CHLOE WOOTON

SENIOR REPORTER

The weather may be cooling down, but don’t let it keep you inside! Whether you go with your friends, family, or significant other, Springfield and the surrounding area are overflowing with festivals, seasonal events, and other autumnal activities to occupy the ever-shortening days.

IN SPRINGFIELD

HARVEST FEST AT RUTLEDGE-WILSON FARM PARK MAMA JEAN’S NATURAL MARKET

When: Weekends in October (Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm)

Where: 3825 W Farm Road 146

Cost: Free admission

Looking for a classic, farm-style fall festival? The pumpkin patches, miles-long corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, kettle corn, and homey environment at RutledgeWilson have you covered! With so much to do, all ages can have fun—whether it be on a pony ride or strolling amongst the turning leaves.

When: October 23rd (4-7pm)

Where: 3530 E Sunshine

Cost: Free admission

Celebrating 23 years of business, one of Springfield’s most well-known, local, natural markets is hosting an anniversary celebration with free public entry! Show up for live music, free samples from vendors, a food truck, games, prizes, raffles, and more. Bring friends and family for a fun evening activity.

NEAR SPRINGFIELD

GARDENER’S ORCHARD AND BAKERY FALL FEST SYCAMORE CREEK FALL ROUND-UP

When: All of October: Mon, Wed-Thur (12-7pm), Fri-Sat (10am-7pm)

Where: 4455 W Farm Rd 2, Brighton, MO 65617

Cost: Kids 3 and under free, $9.95 for military + seniors, $14.95 for all else

One General Farm Pass covers all activities—inflatables, the Piggly Wiggly race, the Orchard Express, photo booths, and much more. If kids aren’t part of your visit, October at Gardener’s is all about pumpkins! The pumpkin patch, pumpkin yard, and various pumpkin-themed confections and drinks brilliantly accompany the rest of the grounds: beautiful flowers, homemade cuisine, apple ciders and floats, a petting zoo, and autumn nostalgia.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

When: September 12-October 26, 10am-6pm

Where: Silver Dollar City

Cost: Purchase of a ticket, standard price = $95 for a day pass

When: October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 and November 1 + 2 (2:30-8:30pm all days)

Where: 2657 Sunset Inn Road, Branson MO

Cost: Online pricing: 12 and up = $17.95, ages 2-11 = $12.45, under 2 = free.

Front gate pricing: 12 and up = $18.95, ages 2-11 = $13.95, under 2 = free.

If you’re up for a little travel, Sycamore Creek’s Fall Roundup is a community-loved festival. From an expansive 6-acre corn maze to their beloved cider slushies, it’s a perfect balance between heartfelt dining and heart-racing fun. Known for their “Hallmark” vibe, this event is also an excellent location to immerse yourself in that wholesome, slow-paced, ranch aesthetic.

Known for its commitment to extravagant themes, handcrafted treats, year-long attractions and endless entertainment, autumn is a popular time to visit Silver Dollar City. Visiting during this time of year offers a unique experience—relish in the shorter lines, crisp weather, and cinnamonscented nostalgia at the park during this time. of year. Enjoy local artisans and over 20,000 pumpkins in addition to seasonal decorations that line the streets and illuminate them during the nighttime.

Whether it be a morning meetup livened by a classic pumpkin-spice latte or an evening escapade through a pumpkin patch, the Ozarks is bursting with diverse autumnal activities—with the above list having something for every age, group, budget, and distance.

FALL FAVORITES

You are walking in the park, the smell of nature and seasonal drinks are in the air. The weather is cooling off from the summer heat and the leaves are changing color. You see a cozy coffee shop and look at the autumnal menu…

¨I love the sweet taste and the coldness, and [ice tea is} really fun to make,¨ Kriti Bande, 7, said.

Tea is a popular fall drink that is versatile because it can be enjoyed both hot and cold.

¨My favorite fall drink is warm tea. It’s not quite hot chocolate since that’s a winter drink, but still warm for the fall season,¨ Michael Lobdell, 10, said. Tea is not the only comforting drink on the students’ fall radar. Other common seasonal flavors include apple and pumpkin.

“Apple cider is the best fall drink. When the temperature gets low, a warm cup of apple cider [does] just the trick,¨Mason Bernskoetter, 9, said.

Fall isn’t only loved for its seasonal drinks but also because it’s the beginning of sweater weather. ¨I like the way the weather is not too hot and not too cold. It lets you wear jackets and sweaters -my favorite things to wear-, and the temperature and weather is really refreshing after summer,¨ Bande said.

EMILY HUGGINS

REPORTER

Curling up with a comforting drink and snack while watching a Halloween special.

is a common fall activity¨Some things I like about fall is the coziness and also that I can drink coffee and eat chili without anyone thinking I am weird. I also love binge watching halloween episodes on disney channel,¨ McKenzie MacDonald, 10, said.

With Autumn, comes Halloween festivities, like dressing up with friends or handing out candy.

¨[I love Halloween,] the vibe and decorations as well as seeing the creativity in costumes,¨ Lobdell said.

Halloween isn’t the only holiday in fall. Thanksgiving is when families and friends come together and enjoy the day with each other and food.

¨Although Halloween and Thanksgiving are both fun, I prefer Thanksgiving; I love hanging out with family and eating delicious food,¨ Bernskoetter said.

You are gathered around the table with family and friends, laughing around a home-cooked feast. The fire crackles as the room fills with laughter. Soon, everyone’s bellies will be stuffed, and the entire family will pile on the couch with a cozy blanket.

Lattes are a common fall treat. Photo by Lucy Caplinger.

Apple and pumpkin pie represent two of the most iconic fall flavors. Photo by Lucy Caplinger.

NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS

ARI ABBOTT

SENIOR REPORTER

BRAYDEN MIAO

The PSAT was a big obstacle for Brayden Miao, and now that it is over, he is able to pursue many opportunities

“It felt relieving knowing a big test was out of the way and knowing the scholarship opportunities that this gave me,” said Miao. “I’ll use it to apply to lots of scholarships. Since my family doesn’t qualify for need based aid, but doesn’t make enough to pay for college comfortably, every scholarship counts.”

Miao plans to use the scholarship to fund his education which will help him help others.

“I just want to make a positive impact on people who need it, and this will help me get the education and resources so I can do that,” Miao said.

KEREN DING

Keren Ding views their scholarship as an accomplishment that will reap many benefits. “I am able to put the recognition into the honors section of my college applications,” Ding said. “While this step does not directly involve earning the scholarship money, I am one step closer to gaining it. I believe that this recognition helps play a part in proving my self studying and testing capabilities.”

The biggest challenge for Ding was preparing for the test. Ding relied on their family to help them overcome studying and fears of failure.

“Motivating myself to study was the biggest obstacle,” Ding said. “I’d sit down, look at the page, and feel like giving up. However, I’d like

to thank my family members for helping me stay on task. I was studying for the SAT at the same time and didn’t test as well as I wanted. This lowered my hope for the PSAT. Luckily, lowering my hope also changed my mindset. Because I thought I was doomed no matter what, I didn’t feel as anxious about the exam. Perhaps that allowed me to remember all that I had learned.”

Being awarded this scholarship has allowed Ding to gain self confidence in their test taking abilities.

“I’d always doubted my testing abilities and viewed scores with fear,” Ding said. “Finding out my score helped raise my self-confidence and gave me hope. In the past, I looked at older students I knew that had got it and never thought myself capable. Now, I see that I can be like them too. To me, the recognition is a promise. It gives me hope in my future pursuits. At the time of the test, many peers felt that it wasn’t too difficult. However, I definitely didn’t think it was easy.”

TORTEN TAYLOR

Torsten Taylor’s biggest advice for achieving the National Merit Scholarship is to aim for success, not reward.

“The National Merit is one of a multitude of metrics to measure your success, and not a particularly strong one,” Taylor said. “Invest your time wisely in doing things that will benefit your community, be useful to you, and what you are capable of improving at, not because of any award or any goal but because you love it. If you do these things, the number of

awards like national merit that you will find in reach without much intentional effort towards reaching them will dramatically increase. It’s like running. Run to run as hard as you can and have no regrets, not to reach a mile marker and then call it good enough.”

Torsten plans to use his achievement to help him get into college and other scholarships.

“I am going to Mizzou, and having this will give me better scholarships,” Taylor said. “I also plan to apply to Harvard and Northwestern to see if there is any chance I get in there, which will probably improve the chance of.”

While Taylor doesn’t have any specific plans, he hopes to make a positive impact on his community.

“I don’t have any grand or global aspirations, and I try not to think of the small things I do as very capable of butterfly effecting, but I want to have a positive impact on my local community,’ Taylor said. “I want to be a good person to work with, do research with, and talk about ideas within the topics in my different fields. Examples being: be someone who other researchers or kids can come to for help with research, help to deliberate problems and techniques of writing and thinking, perform and discuss music with the local music community, and organize different events and clubs that would benefit the community. Perhaps this opportunity will bring me closer to being able to do that in an academic space.”

CONTINUED

BACH DAO

For senior Bach Dao, earning the title of National Merit semifinalist wasn’t just an academic accolade, it was a new opportunity.

“Being a National Merit Semifinalist was a very pleasant surprise for me,” Dao said “Our PSAT last year was a bit different due to extenuating circumstances so we got the option of either submitting our PSAT or taking an outside SAT and submitting that one instead. However, we weren’t allowed to see our score prior to our decision so there was a lot of thought that had to go into that.”

Not only is this title academically validating, it also opens doors to new collegiate resources. “I think that receiving this scholarship boosts my chances at top colleges a lot,” Dao said. “I’m hopeful that I’ll move on to the finalist phase to receive the scholarships, and this will help me out a lot financially.”

As college deadlines only get closer the stress has continued to build on students working on applications. Dao said this milestone has been a confidence boost in an especially difficult time.

“This opportunity has increased my confidence during this college application cycle especially with how stressful everything has been,” Dao said.

While this opportunity hasn’t drastically changed any of Dao’s top schools, the recognition has allowed him to feel more secure in his ambitions and made some colleges more appealing.

“For example, at Mizzou a semifinalist can receive full tuition plus an extra stipend! This certainly moved Mizzou up on my list,” Dao said.

After being recognized as a National Merit Scholar, Dao is able to reflect on how he got here.

“I gave myself a consistent schedule to follow and tried to adhere to this as much as I could,” Dao said. During my studying blocks I

tried to be as focused as I could so I eliminated distractions and put on music to get me in the zone. Some artists I’d recommend are Bladee and Thaiboy Digital.”

Dao’s dedicated approach offers insight to students who also hope to test and become a National Merit semi-finalist. He encourages students on that path to put in the effort and to use the resources available to them.

“I’d recommend finding whatever resources you can. There are a lot of good YouTube videos out there and you can take a lot of practice tests. Also if you could find a cheap tutor locally then that’d be great and it could open a lot of gateways for your studying,” Dao said.

Being recognized as a semi-finalist has only added to Madison Gong’s current application, and in turn has been an added honor for her Common App.

MADISON GONG

“I’m being optimistic and a bit risky about the colleges I’m applying to - one of which is Brown–so while it may not open any doors, I’m hoping that being a National Merit Semifinalist can help my acceptance odds,” Gong said.

Gong’s study techniques were fairly simple.

“I just took a bunch of practice tests,” Gong said.

After graduation, Gong’s plans are in the medical field. She’s hoping to do pre-med and then medical school after that. The recognition of National Merit may help her do that.

“I really just want to help people as much as I can,” Gong said. “I’m hoping National Merit can help me financially and academically, so I can be in a position to do that.”

Gong says in the end, studying is how you get better. She offers one last piece of advice.

“Do practice tests,” Gong said.

LUCY CAPLINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ETHAN

DANG

For Ethan Dang, finding out that his hard work had paid off in the form of a national merit recognition was not only exciting, but also a big relief.

“The award helps strengthen the testing portion of my college application, which to me had felt somewhat fluky,” Dang said. “So I’d say earning this award makes me more confident about myself in that area.”

While this recognition has not changed much about Dang’s ambitions, it has pushed him further in the right direction.

“My plans for college remain the same— get into a college with ample resources and opportunities for a relatively low cost—this award just brings me a step closer,” Dang said. Dang’s consistent rigor has led him to look into top schools around the country and this award has only strengthened his odds.

“Some of my more ambitious colleges are NYU and Northwestern because of how well established they are and the many opportunities that they’re surrounded by,” Dang said. “Another one is USC, which offers $20,000 for National Merit Finalists.

At whichever school he ends up choosing, Dang hopes to go into a STEM pathway and continue his education.

“I’m still deciding what exactly I want to study, though I have been looking toward studying biochemistry, human biology, or public health on the path to a career in healthcare,” Dang said.

In any field, the impact Dang hopes to make is the same.

“I hope my work can promote the general well-being of as many people as possible from various backgrounds. I think doing so would allow me to have a hand in creating direct improvements in the lives of others,” Dang said. This opportunity could grant me more freedom in my education, allowing me to get more experience and insight for my vision.”

AUGUST ALBUMS

AVERY RAPP REPORTER

This summer has been huge for new pop releases, with several albums being released in August alone. There are a few that stand out: for example, “Who’s the Clown?” by Audrey Hobert.

On May 9, 2025, Hobert released her debut single “Sue Me.” The song instantly rose to popularity online for its fun, catchy sound and equally fun and relatable lyrics. ‘Fun’ can also be used to describe “Who’s the Clown?”, Hobert’s debut album. Each song brings a unique campy vibe accompanied by witty lyrics. The songs also do a great job balancing the different thoughts and anxieties that come with being a young adult.

I rate “Who’s the Clown?” four out of five. While I do love all the songs both musically and lyrically, I feel like Hobert could work on expanding her vocal range. Overall, Hobert is an incredibly talented artist, and I’m excited to see what she releases next.

Another rising indie pop artist is Sombr, who dropped his debut album “I Barely Know Her” on August 22nd. The singles “Back to Friends” and “Undressed” climbed the charts, peaking at #30 and #25, respectively, on the Billboard Top 100.

All of the songs on the album focus on Sombr’s past relationships, making it hit close to most people, specifically young adults. The relatability is only one part of the album’s charm, though, as the songs all have a beautiful individual sound. Sombr has a great use of instrumentals in his album. A heavy baseline and percussion is used even in slower songs. He also utilizes the synthesizer in certain tracks, which adds to the nostalgic feel of the album.

I would give the album four out of five stars for its amazing sound. While unity in an album can be good, I would’ve preferred to see a few songs about something other than a past relationship, just to make the album a bit more interesting.

Laufey released her third album “A Matter of Time” the same day as Sombr, August 22nd. The album is jazz-pop and shows the messier side of Laufey through romance and friendships. One of the singles from the album, “Tough Luck,” gained popularity online for the harsh wording she uses and the intensity and speed of the chorus, both a step outside her regular music.

To keep with the theme of time, the album’s first track, “Clockwork,” has a ‘ding-dong’ sound that repeats throughout the song. This, along with the classical jazz instrumentals in the song, gives it a Christmas-y vibe, despite the album being released in August.

This album deserves five out of five stars. As someone who was not a previous Laufey fan, I adore this album. Laufey’s third album is everything it should be; the songs have similarities but are unique, the instrumentation is beautiful and different from other modern songs being put out, the vocals are beautiful, and the lyrics are insightful.

Musically, most of the songs on the album lack any substance. The album’s genre is pop, but most of the songs lack the catchy, upbeat choruses that Carpenter’s other hits are known for. The album also has elements of funk and R&B, utilizing instruments such as the ‘80s synthesizer and slide guitar. The ‘80s elements apparent in some of the songs are the only thing that makes them remotely interesting. Most of them, besides “Manchild,” “When Did You Get Hot,” and “Go Go Juice, “ have a slow and steady pace resembling Carpenter’s “Don’t Smile” from “Short n’ Sweet,” but not as catchy or interesting. This album only gets two and a half out of five stars from me. I enjoyed Carpenter’s past music, but I think she does a lot better on her more classic pop songs than on her slower songs, which this album was full of. Also, while I understand her branding, I wish she’d branch out more from only singing about her experiences with men or dating. This would show her range as a lyricist and make her appeal to a larger audience. I have hope for Carpenter’s future career, but only if she takes more time on her next release instead of putting out another half-baked album.

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY

Although the summer has come to an end, one aspect of the season remains central to the shared culture of today. If you’re anything like me, you find yourself staying up each Tuesday evening into Wednesday at 2:00AM for the moment you’ve anticipated all evening; when the weekly trials of Isabel (Belly) Conklin hit Prime Video. The Summer I Turned Pretty is a television series following the aforementioned Belly Conklin, her relationship with the Fisher family, and eventual coming-of-age in their beloved beach house. For myself and the other 25 million global viewers of the series, The Summer I Turned Pretty brings about a feeling of excitement and community unlike any other show on television today. Whether you are entirely out of the loop or indulge in the series just as much as I do, it is clear that the series has made its mark on mainstream media.

Each year, mother Laurel Conklin and her best friend Susannah “Beck” Fisher have brought their children down to Cousins Beach to spend the summer. As the youngest, Belly had always felt excluded from the Fisher boys, as well as her own brother Stephen. The series begins with Belly experiencing a shift in confidence surrounding her looks as she comes into young womanhood, shaping her relationships with those around her. While she always had feelings for eldest brother Conrad, Belly eventually comes to believe that he will never reciprocate and uses the summer to broaden her horizons in regards to romance. As the series progresses, Belly becomes entangled with both Cousins Beach resident Cam Cameron and younger brother Jeremiah. Behind closed doors, Conrad has found out that Susannah’s cancer has returned and feels the obligation to keep things to himself. Ultimately, the families must deal with the grief surrounding Susannah as well the complications surrounding romance that arise.

This season, we have experienced the gradual downfall of Jeremiah and Belly’s longterm relationship, the root cause being her lingering desire for Conrad. After a called-off wedding and an impromptu move to Paris, Conrad eventually flies across the Atlantic for Belly’s birthday. There,the pair dramatically reconcile. Following the end of the series, creator Jenny Han announced that the series will eventually be receiving a corresponding movie. Without a release date or teaser, fans have taken to social media,speculating about the premise of the film.

The Summer I Turned Pretty is probably the most popular series across platforms today. But what makes it so compelling to audiences? At

its core, the novel and corresponding show are uniquely centered around female perspectives, feelings, and views on romance, culminating in what is known as the female gaze. Much like previous favorites from Jenny Han, readers become deeply familiar with a young girl transitioning into adulthood, with a whole host of challenges outside of romance. The sections of the narrative that do cover boys, however, carry it out in a way that refrains from making the leading lady seem like an accessory - the romance happens exactly the way girls of our generation dream of.

The romantic structure of the show itself follows the female gaze. While shows aimed at men tend to portray a whole host of gorgeous girls pursuing an ordinary guy, modern media directed toward young women has often followed the pattern of a love triangle. This sort of dilemma doesn’t typically happen to the typical girl in real life. Instead of reflecting reality, love triangles represent a newfound autonomy for women. Into the mid-twentieth century, no longer were girls paired with the first man their family selects; in the context of a love triangle, the leading female is empowered to make a choice for her own life. Of course, in the real world, Belly’s toying with Jeremiah and Conrad’s hearts is cruel. However, because her feelings toward them are distinct and deeply personal, we come to sympathize with her internal struggle surrounding which boy to choose.

The Summer I Turned Pretty isn’t just compelling because it’s a love triangle; it’s compelling because it’s a love triangle done right. Jeremiah and Conrad are two extremely different people that follow distinct narrative arcs, and there isn’t a clear “right” decision between the two on paper. Jeremiah may be fun-loving, easy, and friendly, but he struggles when it comes to adult responsibility. On the other hand, Conrad is intellectually bright, ambitious, and connects with Belly on a deep level, but has a tendency to be emotionally unavailable. Throughout the course of season three, fans have been thrilled to virtually share their thoughts, analysis, and most importantly, which brother they root for Belly to be with in the end.

The Summer I Turned Pretty reflects a unique moment within Western culture, demonstrating what compels female audiences. Regardless of which team you support, keeping up with developments in the series has been an enjoyable pastime for millions. As the series comes to an end, one thing holds true: I will have one less activity each Wednesday morning.

EMMA LEWIS REPORTER

THE SUMMER I

DEFENDED JEREMIAH

LUCY CAPLINGER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As The Summer I turned Pretty gains online popularity, so does the hatred for Jeremiah. I would like to share my side as someone who read the books and is, for the most part, team Jeremiah.

For this defense, I must begin by saying that losing a parent is an incredibly hard thing, and it is my belief that however one deals with that is their right.

My claim also lies without the comparison of Conrad to Jeremiah. I don’t necessarily think that Jeremiah is right for Belly, but I don’t think he’s a bad guy.

In the first book, it is evident that Jeremiah cares deeply for everyone around him, including Belly. He helps her learn how to drive for her birthday and stays by her side whenever she feels self conscious about Taylor. He is very obviously always there for her and tries to make her feel welcome in their summer home.

It is unfair to let Jeremiah’s one big mistake create a shadow over all of the good that he did. To me, it doesn’t matter if Jeremiah and Belly weren’t good together romantically, he was a sturdy and supportive friend when no one else was.

That being said, it is crucial to recognize that he did make mistakes. To me, I am able to see a very stark difference between Jeremiah in the first two books, vs. him in the last book.

His ‘love’ for Belly turns into codependency. He is trying to replace his relationship with his mother with his and Belly’s.

NO, that is not healthy, but YES, it is understandable. Jeremiah lost a lot of his support when his mother died. He was obviously in an awkward relationship with his dad, and Conrad was also dealing with his own grief. I feel as though I cannot blame a 16 year old boy for not knowing how to handle his mother’s death.

Jeremiah, along with every character in The Summer I Turned Pretty, made a lot of mistakes. Still, he is not a bad person.

SUPERHERO SUMMER

FANTASTIC FOUR

“It’s clobbering time!” The Thing said. In the grand year of 2025, a new fantastic movie was released. With four superstar actors, Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Venessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn, under the director of Matt Shakman. Together, they represent the latest iteration of not-so-Fantastic Four movies that have hit the silver screen.

Speaking of silver, the Silver Surfer was shown in the film visiting Earth-828. She comes bearing the grim news of the imminent destruction of the world; it is to be consumed by Galactus and his insatiable hunger. It is up to the Fantastic Four to save the Earth. They need to get the entire world behind them for them to defend Earth successfully. Can they do it? What will it cost them? Will they pay that price?

The film poses surprisingly complex ethical questions for a Marvel movie, asking what is worth sacrificing for the greater good of the world. Galactus offered the Fantastic Four a deal, but Susan Storm and Reed Richards’ child rejected it. This choice in the movie and outside of the story is highly criticized. A

criticism of the movie is that it has multiple moments where suspension of disbelief is very much challenged. For example, the Fantastic Four magically get every single country on the planet to work together and use huge amounts of resources.

I believe that this is definitely a better film than what Marvel has been releasing in the past years, but that isn’t a very high bar. Recently, Marvel movies have been costing more and more, while not bringing in nearly enough money for this cycle to be realistically sustainable. I think that if you’re looking for a movie where you can turn your brain off, I’d recommend this movie. A solid three out of five stars.

SUPERMAN

Faster than a speeding bullet, the newest Superman iteration has entered the public zeitgeist around superhero movies. This film echoes the positivity and moral strength that the original Superman comics were very fond of. Directed by James Gunn, with Superman played by David Corensweat, Lois Lane played by Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

GEORGE WOOD REPORTER

Kal-El comes from a broken home, literally. His parents launched him on an escape ship from their planet, Krypton, which blew up and broke apart. His adoptive parents on Earth raised him with a strong moral compass. As an adult, KalElL, who is now Superman, intervenes in a war between the fictional countries of Boravia and Jarhnapur. He gets criticism for “destabilizing the tender situation.” He responds with the now-famous lines “People were going to die!” His main enemy, Lex Luther, used less-thanlegitimate means to get damning information on Superman. The whole world turns on him, and he turns himself in to the government.

Superman 2025 has a very moving moral to the story about always doing what is right, even in the face of adversity. There have been comparisons made between Borovia and Israel, as well as between Jahrnapur and Palestine. The positive message has gained traction online as a micromovement that emphasizes the value of standing up for justice.

Overall, I found Superman 2025 to be a excellent movie, and I highly recommend it for anyone who’s looking to watch a great superhero film. I believe that the movie’s message is very good and agree that we should all strive to be more like Superman.

Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Venessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn in promotional Fantastic Four imagery. Photo courtesy of Yahoo.

The official poster for Superman 2025. Photo courtesy of IMDB.

REPORTER

FALL INTO A

WICKED: FOR GOOD NEW MOVIE

If you’re looking for a movie to get excited for, you might want to try Wicked: For Good. Since the first Wicked movie’s release in November of last year, the sequel has been long-awaited. The movies are based on the Broadway musical Wicked, which tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. The movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Wicked: For Good comes out on November 21, nearly a year after the first movie.

Overall, the first movie had a good reception; Wicked made over $753 million worldwide, becoming the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation. If the second movie corresponds to the second act, as people are proposing, then it begins after Elphaba has decided to take a stand against the oppression of animals in Oz. However, by doing this, she has to live on the run as a fugitive. On the other hand, Glinda, who decided not to join Elphaba in rebelling against the Wizard, is spending her time as the Wizard’s spokesperson. The movie will likely be full of twists and turns, and it eventually incorporates the plot of The Wizard of Oz.

If Wicked: For Good is at least as good as the first movie, then it is worth a watch. Whether you are looking for something to sing along to or if you are just looking for a good way to spend your afternoon, Wicked: For Good is a good choice for a musical to watch.

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS

If you’ve been paying attention to music lately, you might’ve heard songs like “Golden” or “Soda Pop”. If you look at the artist, you may realize that these songs are from two fictional bands: Huntr/x and the Saja Boys from the movie KPop Demon Hunters. KPop Demon Hunters came out on Netflix on June 20, 2025, while the singalong was released to theaters on August 23, 2025. It quickly became Netflix’s most-watched film ever, with over 236 million views. It is the highest charting soundtrack for 2025 at No. 2, which is where Wicked was last year.

KPop Demon Hunters follows the story of the girl group Huntr/x, who is made up of Rumi (Ejae), Mira (Audrey Nuna), and Zoey (Rei Ami). They are known to the world as a KPop group, but they are also undercover demon hunters. The movie starts with Huntr/x discovering the existence of a boy band called the Saja Boys, who are secretly demons. Huntr/x spends the 1 hour 36 minute long movie dealing with the struggles of being a girl group, along with the challenges of being demon hunters. The characters’ need for day to day things like junk food and couch time are easy to relate to, and it has good animation and lots of music to sing along to. It also has four songs on the Billboard Top 100, which is amazing for any animated movie. Overall, the movie is good for anyone who likes music or anyone who needs a good way to spend an afternoon.

HAMIL-TEN

It’s hard to believe, but the groundbreaking musical Hamilton is already ten years old. Hamilton had its first show on Broadway on August 6, 2015, and it has been performed on the famous street 3,535 times since. The filmed version of Hamilton came out on Disney+ in 2020, perfect for those who were looking for something to watch during the pandemic. However, it never went to theaters - until now. This year, Hamilton opened in movie theaters on September 7. Many people have already watched Hamilton, with an estimated 7.8 million people watching it on stage and about 2.7 million people watching it on Disney+. It’s also the 16th-longest-running show on Broadway, and the soundtrack had 500 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.

The story itself follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary. The show begins with his arrival to colonial America, and it follows his life all the way to his death and legacy. It has a total runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with only about 8 minutes of the musical not spent singing. The storyline is engaging, and the best part is, you’re learning about the history of the nation while you watch. There are some inaccuracies regarding slavery and timelines in real life versus the musical, but as long as you know what’s wrong, it is an entertaining and enjoyable musical that you can now go see in theaters. Whether you want to watch it on stage, on your phone or at the theater, Hamilton is a good way to learn about historical figures and have something to sing along to.

THE BOSS, TODAY

JACK HERR

REPORTER

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is an upcoming musical biopic about the master of Americana, the boss: Bruce Springsteen. In anticipation of Jeremy Allen White’s portrayal of Springsteen as he navigates the creation of Nebraska, Joel Slingerland, history teacher, offers comments.

“‘Born in the U.S.A.’ and ‘Born to Run’ are my favorite records,” Slingerland said.

To many, Bruce Springsteen is an important manifestation of American culture. His lyrics are known for both being catchy and full of meaning, belief, and passion in a very unique sense.

“I think Bruce Springsteen embodies the experience of the common man in his music,” Slingerland said. “The subject of his songs are highly relatable – Americana for the win! While there are many artists that have a similar trait, I think with Bruce, it is a throughline with all the records he’s made.”

Owing to that sort of relatability and universality, Springsteen’s records continue to hold up today.

“The themes he interrogates in his tunes are as old as time – a sense of belonging, the struggle to make it, love and love loss,” Slingerland said.

I have been a fan of Bruce Springsteen for my whole life. Below are my humble recommendations, offering a wide array of good music to listen to in anticipation of Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.

GREETINGS

FROM ASBURY PARK, N.J.

I strongly believe that “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J” is the single greatest debut album of all time. This is an opinion that I am incredibly confident in and incredibly passionate about. It embodies the Ray Orbison style wall of sound that became such a sensation. This is one of the few albums I’ve listened to with zero songs worth skipping, layer upon layer of guitar, vocals, and percussion, making every listening experience interesting. Personal favorites from this album include “For You” and “Blinded by the Light.” Each song on this album offers a glimpse into one of the many styles that Springsteen explores later on into his career, making it a valuable listen for more seasoned fans.

TRACKS II: THE LOST ALBUMS NEBRASKA

A series of studio collections, “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” is a great choice for understanding the themes present across Springsteen’s career. It is a great pick for the new Bruce listener and the old alike. Being released in June of this year, it contains a wealth of tracks previously unheard by the public. In addition to being a purely enjoyable listen, this collective provides the connective tissue of Springsteen’s career, how one moves from “Greetings from Asbury Park N.J,” to “Born to Run,” to “The River,” and eventually to “Nebraska.” This collection covers all the themes that are present across Springsteen’s career, a longing for purpose, romance, and freedom, discussions surrounding economic disparity, desolation, and desperation, among many others. Some of my favorites from this collection are “Little Girl Like You,” “I’m Not Sleeping” and a new recording of “My Hometown.” With such a broad variety of good music, one can’t really go wrong.

BORN IN THE U.S.A

Endorsed by Joel Slingerland, “Born in the U.S.A.” is the embodiment of that classic Springsteen sound. It combines punchy, enjoyable choruses with lyrics investigating the struggles of American life masterfully. In addition, it lays claim to one of the most iconic pieces of album-cover art in the history of the medium. The oft-misinterpreted title track is one that many will recognize being played at Fourth of July and other patriotic events. For those who have only taken a cursory glance at Springsteen’s career, it is essential to listen to this album. Some favorites from this album include the titular track, “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Glory Days.”

Interpreted as one of his darkest albums, “Nebraska” is important material for preparing for Deliver Me From Nowhere, as the setting of the film. “Nebraska” came out of a newfound appreciation of American culture and history. Taking inspiration from artists like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, Springsteen hoped to chronicle the American experience in a more concrete sense than his previous albums. “Nebraska” primarily revolves around the theme of desolation with characters making dangerous decisions, such as in the song “State Trooper”. The songs on “Nebraska” fit less into the rock genre that Springsteen previously used, sounding more like a folk album. “Mansion on the Hill” and “Nebraska” best establish the overall tone of the album, but it is my belief that “Atlantic City” is the best track on “Nebraska,” being one of the most catchy songs, with many layers of vocalization. Springsteen is currently working on releasing an all-electric version of the album.

“Born in the U.S.A” is one of Springsteen’s most

This is by no means a comprehensive list. Every one of Springsteen’s projects is worth a listen. I would encourage you, the reader, to take a moment, listen, and learn a little about what The Boss is saying.

Deliver Me From Nowhere is set around the making of “Nebraska” Photo courtesy of Bruce Springsteen.

popular projects. Photo courtesy of Bruce Springsteen.

Although many schools have went test optional, taking the ACT/SAT exams can be a huge monetary benefit to all students. These exams enhance your scholarship amounts, show schools that you are serious about your studies, and set you apart from your peers who opt to not take the exams. Our proven program is backed with a 2-point increase for the ACT and 150-point increase for the SAT. Come take a practice test with us for FREE, and let us show you how we can increase your score and get you more moolah for college. Set yourself apart from your peers who have opted to not take the exams.

MIND YOUR

CONSUMERISM

We live in a world where we never have enough, and we keep selfishly demanding more. In today’s society, hyperconsumerism has become a prominent force in shaping our economy and lifestyles. When products go viral, there is pressure for people to buy things just to stay on top of current trends. The craze over Dubai chocolate or Labubu toys is a perfect example.

In simple terms, Hypercosumerism is dependent on an individual’s selfish desire to continuously buy and participate in the consumerist culture, usually due to an annoying self-centered desire to participate in these “amazing” social media trends. Prompted by large-scale overproduction of material goods, unethical marketing campaigns, and the customer’s mind to drive up sales, this consumption is often falsely equated to success and being trendy.

A long past example could be Stanley tumblers, where people would try and purchase every single color of the tumbler to display on social media. This represents the number of tumblers they bought is not a necessity, but people still thought it was a good idea to stand in line for hours to collect all the different colors. The constant purchase of cheap trendy clothing is another example of hyperconsumerism. According to the Massive Earth Foundation, a “fashion conscious” buyer can buy, discard, and buy new products in a period of a week. After these fashion “connoisseurs” have finished showing off, most of the waste ends up in poor developing countries, contributing to unnecessary waste and toxic disposal.

As companies create a fear of missing out (FOMO), link trends to social status, and sell products designed to degrade quickly, waves of consumers decide to toss their old devices to buy a trendy new device.

Companies create a fear of missing out (FOMO), link trends to social status, and sell products engineered to degrade quickly. At the same time, waves of consumers toss their old phone for a trendy new device. The worst part about this is that toxic materials like batteries and lead don’t get recycled properly. In fact, in 2022, only 20% of electronics were recycled

or disposed of in a professional setting, with the rest being deposited in another country (UNITAR Global e-Waste Monitor 2024).

“Khan” and “Noor” (fake names in fear of retaliation from their employers) shared their experience in an article done by Rest of World. They can earn as little as 50 cents a day, have little to no safety gear, and work in a lawless environment. “I put on a bandage [on my hand] every week” said Noor as she showed her working conditions. “But I continue out of compulsion. I do not know anything else”.

There’s an undeniable connection between consumerism and joy. Many individuals can end up falling into a toxic cycle, and have hyperconsumerism ruin their mental health. Economic sociologist Adam Hayes from Investopedia mentions how excessive consumption can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, financial debt and disconnection from the world around you.

Hyperconsumerism enhances economic inequality, disproportionately supporting large corporations while taking advantage of labor and widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Further, such a phenomenon leads to poor working conditions and low wages for laborers” Meanwhile, wealth accumulates at the top, further targeting those at the bottom of the economic hierarchy. This unfair imbalance underscores the darker side of overconsumption, offering people on the

TODD GAO REPORTER

bottom no way out.

Hyperconsumerism can lead to increased anxiety and dissatisfaction, because individuals are caught in a perpetual cycle of wanting more yet not getting/feeling “enough.” The constant pursuit of material goods as a source of enjoyment creates a short feeling of happiness, only to be quickly replaced by a feeling of loneliness that encourages further consumption. This cycle fosters a sense of emptiness, even amidst material abundance, as true contentment and self-worth are sought externally rather than cultivated from within. Over time, this relentless chase can destroy someone’s mental state, leaving people feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.

A common excuse for these influencers and consumers when they are criticized is that they are simply following their interests, and anyone that calls them out is an outdated person that can’t keep up with these new trends. I believe that these wasteful trends should be stopped, and they are caused by unethical marketing practices through social media. Simply, a corrupt mind that seeks to keep purchasing, and countries/companies overproducing goods.

Hyperconsumerism, if continued with, will only lead to emptiness, fueled by corrupt marketing tactics, social media, and a fear of missing out. There is a difference between a want and a waste; but today it doesn’t matter to most people.

Cell phone chargers in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo courtesy of Chris Jordan, a photographer aiming to help Americans understand the overwhelming statistics of hyperconsumerism.

BEYOND THE HASHTAGS: PERFORMATIVE MALE

EMMA LEWIS REPORTER

Entering the new school year, the halls of Central have been flooded with an infamous monolith. Flashes of pale green matcha lattes, unread pages of feminist literature, and boxy plaid button-ups have culminated in a uniquely recognizable caricature; the performative male. Whether you fall victim to their alleged male manipulation or put on the persona yourself, it is undeniable that this trend has left an imprint on our current cultural imagination. Divisiveness aside, I believe the distaste toward performative males comes from our stringent alignment with what is expected of men, as well as the unique visibility inherent to social media. Beyond the hashtags, the performative male phenomenon serves as a case study as to what we, as content consumers, find interesting and our reaction to diversions in social expectations.

For anyone with a daily screen time below four hours, discussion surrounding the performative male phenomenon may sound like a foreign language. Although the phrase fully came into the public eye the summer of 2025, discussions of men “performatively” centering their personality around literature began as early as August of 2024 in The Times with Allegra Handelsman’s I wouldn’t date a man reading Catcher in the Rye. Today, more and more young women have come to relate to Handelsman’s sentiment: many indie, artistic

men who read are only doing it for female attention. Over time, social media communities have come to understand the performative male as an archetype involving performative feminism, listening to “niche” artists, and drinking matcha lattes. At the heart of these behaviors is the idea of a man behaving in an inauthentic manner, with the sole objective of pursuing women and gaining female affection. Despite the origin of this caricature, it has come to be applied to anyone aligning with these characteristics, even if they do not internally align with the inauthentic goal of female attention.

Just as rapidly as they rose to fame, those categorized as performative males received an uproar of backlash. At best, performative males are regarded as men that hold some unfortunately stereotypical quirks, and, at worst, are performers of feminism that seek to trick and deceive. They have gone from trendy to champions of what we find cringe. Performative males often face criticism for intruding into female spaces, attempting to appeal to a socalled “female gaze” for malicious intent. The perceived problem with this archetype is found within the name - performing, a rejection of authenticity, a celebration of a half-truth persona, and alignment with trend cycles. Romantic partners manipulate all the time; but we are pattern oriented creatures. Thus, this set of interests has been associated with toxic traits, labeled as danger signals. Combined with topics and consumerist items that are already popular, the performative male has captured our collective attention.

Despite the hate online, I find myself not as abhorrently opposed to performative males as those around me. Our obsession and corresponding backlash toward performative males arises from a cynicism toward people’s genuine interests, as well as our culture’s stringent alignment with masculinity.

Personally, I enjoy some of the styles that are categorized as performative, and I love matcha as much as the next person. But why is everyone so critical toward performative males? The prominence of social media has brought us to a unique era of visibility, where both the viewer and object of attention recognize their status. Categorizing others as performative for acting a certain way - which

sounds ridiculous when you really think about it - is the logical conclusion of that. If we know people are constantly being watched, especially on social media or within the world of dating, it makes sense to label their personality as performative.

On the other hand, it’s interesting to note that the traits of the performative male are certainly feminine in nature. In a sense, the critique of men falling out of alignment with manliness and the assumption that it must be with a goal of female attention is a reflection of our obsession with masculinity. I have observed that the hate toward performative men has caused a sense of pride toward nonperformative men, even if they themselves are similarly performing for female attention. The barriers between what we regard as real and fake are not based on intention, but perception. We favor testosterone over tote bags and muscles over matcha, even if both guys just want to get a date.

In short, I encourage any and all guys reading this to not be ashamed of being performative. When you’re shopping for clothes and a peer calls you performative, shrug it off. If your Spotify is scrutinized for too much Clairo, turn the music up. Embrace the aesthetics you connect with, and keep on enjoying the sweet taste of matcha.

Ben Willis, 11, stands in the doorway of Mrs. Talty’s classroom. Sporting his baggy jeans, he is another selfidentifying performative male. Photo by Emma Lewis.

Bracken Potter, 12, a self-acclaimed performative male, reads two copies of The Island of Missing Trees at once. Photo by Emma Lewis.