The Triangle, Issue 7, Vol. 105

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THE

TRI NGLE

Columbus North High School • 1400 25th Street, Columbus, IN 47201 • Volume 104 Issue 7 • May 1, 2026

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Alexa Lanam Cecilia Gutierrez Stella Gaylord Annie Green

IN-DEPTH 14-17 ADD TO CART Exploring how and why overconsumption impacts student well-being

PHOTO AND COVERAGE EDITOR Lois Guest IN-DEPTH EDITOR Cassie Osburn IN-DEPTH TEAM Colin Amini Bella Herbert Maddie Williams Claire Rawlings

ONLINE PREVIEW

COPY EDITOR Owen Grimes STAFF Lou Briand Jay Challatur Cayden Chandler Chloe Feliciano Gabe Manning Gabe Marsh Indi Meshberger Vivian Munger Rue Payne Allorah Purtlebaugh Aldo Ramos-Sato Levi Tobias Noah Weidman

ADVISERS Roth Lovins Rachel McCarver

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Editorial Policy The Triangle is the designated forum for student expression at Columbus North High School. The student staff chooses all content.

Signed columns published in The Triangle express the writer’s personal opinion and not the views of The Triangle, student body, BCSC, administration, board of trustees or faculty of Columbus North.

The Triangle practices ethical journalism by providing balanced and fair coverage as determined by community standards. The Triangle strives to achieve 100 percent accuracy by checking sources, spelling, and quotes and attaining multiple sources.

The Triangle encourages letters to the editor, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple letters of the same topic and personal attacks contained in the letter. The Triangle will not edit for content, but reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters should be submitted to room 1507 or sent via e-mail to administrator@ cnhsmedia.com. All Letters much be signed by all persons involved in writing the letter, which the staff will check for validation. A letter sent via e-mail must be validated with a signature from the writer before The Triangle will publish it. If responding to a publication, letters must be turned in within one week of that

publication’s distribution.

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IN FULL BLOOM

Downtown 4th Street hosted Spring’s flourishing market

4-7

NEWS

CONNECTING THE DOTS

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HOUSE OF HOPE

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Downtown 4h Street hosted Spring’s flourishing market

IN FULL BLOOM

6

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

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Students analyze and explore thoughts on the new bus routes

On the way to finding a forever home

As summer approaches, students will have time to meet their community service requirements and help out the community

BI CAPSTONE NIGHT

Outgoing seniors completing the Biomed C4 pathway discuss their Capstone projects and presentation nigh

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STUDENT LIFE TOMORROW’S HEALTH 8

Students’ experience in HOSA and State Leadership Conference in April

SNOW WHITE EN POINTE 9 Dancing through a fairytale dream

BI CAPSTONE NIGHT 10

Outgoing seniors completing the Biomed C4 pathway discuss their capstone projects and presentation night

I HAVE CONFIDENCE 11

Thespians have been preparing for their big show The Sound of Music for the spring musical

EQUAL EFFORT

Competing and connecting as one team

10-11

OPINION ROBOTIC ENTERTAINMENT

12

SURFING ON A PIRATE SHIP

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WHAT DO YOU DO SUCCESSFULLY?

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CORRECT BIG THREE

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AI is taking over every aspect of our lives, and it’s doing so poorly Pirating off the web

Emmy award-winning reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race is reaching a low point within herstory

GEARING UP

Mountain bikers explain some of the fundamentals of the sport

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Rap’s most accurate big three

SPORTS

START SWINGING

Preparations for the upcoming season

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GEARING UP 22

Mountain bikers explain some of the fundamentals of the sport

EQUAL EFFORT 23

Competing and connecting as one team

SIDEWALK SURFER 24

Senior Sam Roberts revisits his nearly five-year skateboarding career

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CONNECTING THE DOTS Students share their thoughts about the new bus routes

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by Owen Grimes design by Nolan Sparkman

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s of late March and early April, ColumbusTransit has shifted into a new direction, officially unveiling its new bus routes to the community on March 23 with the Blue, Green, Orange and Purple Loops and the Red Loops returning on April 6 with a fresh look.

In light of these recent developments and new directions, questions have been raised about the bus loops. Bus driver for the ColumBUS, Derek Johnson, explains how he has communicated this with his passengers and what’s challenging about learning a new bus loop.

“For the first week, we had a second driver on each loop to handle the questions from the riders, so that the one driving the bus was able to concentrate on the driving. We have information printed out for the loops, and we direct them on how to use the transit app,” Johnson said. “I would say it’s not very challenging learning the loops. My only concern is falling back into the habit of an old route and making a turn that we no longer do.

Communication can go a long way when informing those who need to know about events that correlate with their daily lives.

ColumBUS rider, sophomore, Cyrus Moore, elaborates on whether or not he had heard of the new loops and explains his opinion on the new system.

“I did know about the new routes. I feel like they informed everyone quite well with the signs around town/on the buses, and notifications on the app,” Moore said. “The new loops seem more put together and well thought out. I like the new range of where they start and end. Especially far from where I live, Shadow Creek, it makes everything more accessible.”

Moore adds to expand upon why he recommends ColumBUS to anyone searching for a form of transportation, and how the “ColumBUS Transit” app helps the overall process.

“I would recommend the bus to everyone at least once if they needed proper and reliable transportation. It’s easy to know when, at different times, when they won’t be operating, and the routes are easy to understand when you get used to them,” Moore said. “I’ve had the ColumBus app downloaded for a few years now. It definitely helps with times and corrects bus stops or routes. It tells me around the time the bus

NEWS

MAP OF NEW ROUTES

Key

Orange-Orange Route Red-Red Route Green-Green Route Blue-Blue A and B routes will approach, or if it’s going to be late as is an easy form of transportation to get well.” around Columbus. I feel as if it’s easy to comprehend, and the drivers are extremely Giving an insider’s perspective, Johnson nice and chill. I really do recommend people describes why he believes the new network try the buses if they need to get somewhere of loops has had major success. with no ride available,” Moore said. “I don’t “I am sold on the new loops. We have think there’s anything to change after they been getting very positive feedback from the redid the routes. Before, my only problem riders. We can extend our service to areas was how the buses seemed to only go a that were not covered before,” Johnson said. certain distance. Now, everything seems to Summarizing his thinking, Moore offers be okay.” a look into what he loves about taking the bus, as well as anything he would change about the bus loops, and the positive benefits that come with those possible changes.

“I enjoy talking to the bus drivers and meeting all the different people. I recognize people around from the loops I’ve been on, and I’ve made photo by Nolan Sparkman some pretty good A Bus stop near Central Avenue and Parkside Drive relationships with others. The bus

HOUSE OF HOPE On the way to finding a forever home

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By Mikah Staples Design by Cayden Chandler

Photo for The Triangle

Isaiah 117 guests at their meeting which was held at Sandy Hook United Methodist Church

QUICK FACTS Isaiah 117 is a non-profit organization who provides loving homes for children that were removed from houses and family.

saiah 117 House is expanding its mission to Columbus, bringing a new resource aimed at supporting children entering foster care. Both Harper and Traci Andresen emphasize its importance and highlight the impact this home will have on the community.

“Right now, when kids get removed from an unsafe situation, they go to the DSC office,” Harper said. “they stay there until they can get placed in a foster home, and usually that takes a bit, and it’s not the best situation, because there’s lots of people in the office. It’s not really comfortable, and the house would be like a transition spot.”

Providing a more comforting environment can help ease the challenges removal day brings.

“It just makes things a little less traumatic if they have a house to go to on removal day,” Harper said.

In addition to improving comfort, the organization is also addressing a lack of resources.

“We currently don’t have anything locally like this,” Traci said.

For Harper, this mission is also personal.

Goods Provided For children in foster care

Their mission and end goal is to reduce trauma for children entering care.

Each house provides children with the ability to eat, play, bathe, and receive toys, blankets, and clean clothes.

“Our family has fostered for over seven years, so seeing how traumatic and how hard the removal day process is, it’s meaningful to know the problem is being a little more handled with,” Harper said.

As the project moves forward, efforts are focusing on community awareness.

“We’re currently in what we’re calling the raising awareness phase. So this is kind of a sixmonth period that started in March of just raising awareness and telling people about the need,” Traci said.

One way they are spreading awareness is through community-based events.

“The nonprofit nationwide does a lemonade stand, and that’s just a chance for us to connect with the community.

And anyone can sign up to be a lemonade stand host,” Traci said, “we’re just hoping that people stop by so we can tell them about Isaiah 117 house.”

Beyond events, there are simple ways for anyone to contribute to the cause.

“There’s so many ways to get involved. And if you know nothing about foster care or removal day, you could just listen and share,” Traci said.

SOAP

Clothes

Food

Cleanliness

Toys

There are 10 Isaiah 117 foundations in the state of Indiana.

NEWS

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IN FULL BLOOM C Downtown 4th Street hosted Spring’s flourishing market

by Gabe Manning

risp spring air. Booths full of color. Music blaring throughout the street. Friends and families with smiles on their faces. Junior Sebastian Hartwell attended the event with his family on that chilly March day.

“I heard about [the Spring Market] through a friend,” Hartwell said. “I decided it would be really fun to go, considering I didn’t have anything else to do that day.”

Sophomore Gabrielle Martinez described the event.

“It was totally worth going to,” Martinez said.

An assortment of vendors with an assortment of products graced 4th Street’s bustling brick road. Hartwell described his favorite part of the event.

“Small businesses galore,” Hartwell said.

“There was this adorable business that sold

little crocheted flowers. I thought that was fun.”

Martinez had a similar response. Her favorite vendor is also a small crochet business.

“It was totally worth going to.”

junior Sebastian Hartwell

“My favorite table was probably the one with all the little crochet cake thingies on them,” Martinez said. “But they were trying to sell those little cakes for, $25 or something, and I was like, ‘oh no, no, no, no, no.’ We are not getting a dog.”

Hartwell saw some unique items at the market.

“I noticed a lot of booths selling mushrooms,” Hartwell said. “I don’t really

MARKET SEASON SEARS Indoor Winter Market December 20 January 17

January 3

January 31 February 14

Downtown Spring Market March 28

April 11

April 25

Columbus Farmer’s Market Saturdays from May 9 September 19

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NEWS

Spring Market on 4th street in downtown Columbus

know what that was about, but there were some really expensive ones.”

Martinez was excited about the food choices.

“Probably the Indian food from Masala Magic,” Martinez said. “Because you’ve got to understand, I need all the food.”

Vendors varied but also carried similar homemade products.

“I would love to see more variety in items in the future,” Hartwell said. “There was already a great number of items, but many of them felt like they were very similar.”

According to Hartwell, the event was a success, as he bought an item from his favorite booth.

“The only thing I bought was the [crochet] flowers,” Hartwell said. “They’re seriously really cool and really fun. And they were very fairly priced.”

HELPING THE COMMUNITY As summer approaches, students will have time to meet their community service requirements and help out the community

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by Chloe Feliciano design by Indi Meshberger olunteer hours are required for most to graduate as part of the Senior Project, but some don’t know the options or which to choose. Columbus has several options for volunteering, from animal shelters to Since summer break is coming up within the next couple months, people will have more opportunities to go and help out the community. Senior Ben Kriesant and Sophomore Allie Wilson have done community service before and gave some locations to try out.

“I did my Senior Project and volunteered for the Bartholomew County Humane Society,” Kriesant said.

The Humane Society is specifically for orphaned animals. They offer and shelter both dogs and cats of any breed. They also have a lost pet line where you can try and find your lost animal.

“The Humane Society provides a place for animals without homes to live,” Kriesant said. “It also provides the community the opportunity to adopt or foster animals if interested.”

The Humane Societies address is 4415 E 200 S, and there are different ways to get in contact with them.

“I believe you can just walk in and fill out a form to volunteer,” Kriesant said. “If you want to walk [animals] you will need to go through training. You can also call the Humane Society for more information.”

Kriesant has volunteered before, but isn’t an active volunteer.

“I have only volunteered here for my

Senior Project, but I will be volunteering here more often,” Kriesant said.

If you volunteer, you will be working with either dogs, cats, or both.

“I highly recommend volunteering here, especially if you love animals,” Kriesant

BY THE NUMBERS

62% of teens volunteer monthly or weekly

of regular

88% volunteers

find a sense of community when volunteering

77% of Gen-Z

use volunteering to gain career skills

data provided by American Red Cross

said. “The Humane Society also loves volunteers because of how much work is needed.”

Similar to the Humane Society, Sophomore Allie Wilson has worked with a different volunteer group that helps animals.

“I have volunteered at Columbus Animal Care Services,” Wilson said. “I also volunteer at the school by recycling with the Environmental Club every Friday after school.”

This group also helps with

orphaned animals and the process of getting them adopted.

“Columbus Animal Care Services cares for dogs and cats that don’t have homes, and works at getting each of them rescued or adopted,” Wilson said. “They are also a no-kill shelter and spay and neuter each animal! I’m sure they do more than I know, though.”

The way to get involved can be found online on their website, where you can find information about the shelter.

“People who want to volunteer can fill out an application found on their website,” Wilson said. “They will likely be contacted

by Julie Daiker, who is the Volunteer Coordinator for Columbus Animal Care Services.”

Their services are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Wilson started volunteering last year.

“I started in January 2025,” Wilson said.

“The most recent time I volunteered there was December 2025. I would love to do more once my schedule clears up!”

Wilson recommends volunteering and has had a good experience there.

“I do recommend volunteering there!”

Wilson said. “It is a great experience because you spend time with loving animals, spend time outside while walking the dogs, learn responsibility, and gain confidence in yourself. Volunteering not only helps your community and the organization you volunteer for, but also your own self-esteem and self-worth.”

PLACES TO VOLUNTEER

Places in Columbus for students to gain their volunteer hours

photo by Lois Guest A Bartholomew Co. Humane Society poster hanging up outside of the visitors center.

The ew Bartholom ne a m u Co. H Society

Love Chapel Food Pantry

Founda tion for Yout h

NEWS

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TOMORROW’S HEALTH Students’ experience in HOSA and State Leadership Conference in April

by Lou Briand

FACTS ABOUT HOSA

A deeper dive into what HOSA is all about Future Health Professionals is a major international student-led organization established in 1976 to promote career opportunities in healthcare.

It offers leadership development, competitive events, and community service for middle school, high school, and college students aiming for medical careers.

Photo provided for The Triangle Opening ceremony at Indiana State Leadership Conference

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ophomore Dharneesh Sutharsan is in his second year participating in HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and attended the state leadership conference (SLC) this year on April 1517. HOSA is an international student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, designed to promote, train, and recognize students pursuing careers in the healthcare industry.

“HOSA is a competitionbased club where you can focus on experience in the medical industry,” Sutharsan said. “While also doing a lot of service projects and volunteering around the local community related to medicine.”

Every year, our HOSA chapter attends SLC in April, among other competitions throughout the year. SLC is an annual state event for middle, high school, and college students pursuing healthcare careers. Senior Sahasra Chalumuri also attended this year’s conference and is currently completing her fourth year in HOSA. “It is a state conference where

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STUDENT LIFE

students get picked and compete in different events related to various careers in the healthcare field, like clinical science, respiratory therapy, and medical terminology,” Chalumuri said.

At the state conference, participants choose events to compete in, attend educational workshops, and network with healthcare professionals.

“One of my most important events is Clinical Laboratory Science. I chose it because it involves learning different lab techniques like blood smearing, using a microscope, and analyzing urine,” Chalumuri said. “I hope to pursue a career in clinical research of some kind, so it was really cool that I got a chance to learn some of the techniques they use.”

There are a variety of events that students can choose based on their interests. Sophomore Saanvi Pradeep attended SLC and participated in different events.

“The topic for my main event, which is community awareness, is pediatric sports first aid, and I chose that because I have always liked working with kids, and I think this project is a fun way to

While mostly US-based, HOSA has members in American Samoa, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

do something in the community,” Pradeep said. Events allow them to have a positive impact on the community as well as learn and work on areas of healthcare they are interested in.

“I chose medical innovation as it’s a group event where I can try to bring to life an idea we have to assist improvement in medical technology,” Sutharsan said. “I also chose biotechnology as it helps me build my lab skills and creative problem-solving for the challenge it poses, while being an interesting activity with friends.”

SLC is a statewide competition that puts pressure on students, as certain events require a knowledge test to participate. Students must prepare for their events in varying ways, depending on the event.

“I like to start around 3-4 months before SLC and start preparing for tests and starting my projects to allow myself ample time to be competitive,” Sutharsan said. These students have found their love for the healthcare world in different ways, from watching movies to recommended classes; they have

fostered a love for health in their own way.

“I had no idea what career I wanted to pursue when I joined HOSA. The club really gave me a chance to decide what I wanted to do with my life,” Chalumuri said.

One of HOSA’s goals is to help prepare its students for careers in the medical field by giving them experience from the start.

“I want to go into pediatrics or dermatology when I’m older, and I would say that HOSA is helping me by exposing me to a lot of different career choices that I wouldn’t have known about before,” Pradeep said.

HOSA allows students to pursue a variety of careers despite being only one club.

“I’m hoping to pursue a biomedical engineering career, and the medical innovations event allows me to replicate that experience at the high school level and problem-solve with friends,” Sutharsan said.

“It allows me to express my creativity in an innovative way.”

SNOW WHITE EN POINTE

B

Dancing through a fairy tale dream

ackstage, the dancers lace up their shoes and adjust their costumes, preparing to bring Snow White to life under the stage lights, but before they can step into the spotlight, a lot has been done. Dancers Clemence Delfosse and Hazel McCauley share insight into what it’s like to be a part of the Snow White ballet.

“I play the old hag, and she is the transformation of the evil queen who tries to kill Snow White, and it’s really fun,” Delfosse said.

While Delfosse embraces the darker side of the story, her role also pushes her outside of her usual style.

“I do really like the hag, because usually I do more of a princessy style, like even in act two, I have a princess variation. And so it’s definitely making me have to bring a different side of dancing,” Delfosse said.

For McCauley, her character brings a completely different kind of energy to the stage.

“I’m kind of the Queen’s evil henchman.

I’m there to be creepy and make it funny,” McCauley said.

Despite enjoying performing, some challenges come with it.

“Recently, I tried on my costume, and it has a very big hood; it’s very hard to see in it, and it’s kind of heavy, so that’s kind of been the hardest thing is trying to start dancing with something hanging in my face,” Delfosse said.

Even with preparation, working in a group setting adds another dimension.

“Sometimes it can be frustrating when it feels like other people, maybe, don’t know the counts, or they don’t know their dance. So sometimes it’s frustrating, but other times it’s really fun, especially when we’re in a core,” Delfosse said.

Despite the challenges, there are still many highlights of the experience.

“I love the costumes.

Our costume designer, Susanna, she’s absolutely amazing. She always whips up the most insane costumes, and then just being on the stage, that’s really the best, and it makes everything worth it,” Delfosse said.

One of the most rewarding parts comes after the performance.

“I like the feeling after I’ve done it, like I did a good job. I like hanging out in the dressing room with all the other dancers and just playing games and stuff,” McCauley said.

The dancers also rely on one another to help get themselves in the right mindset before going on stage.

“I try to hype myself up with my friends, we’ll be in the dressing room, and we’ll just be blasting music and stuff, just to be in a good mood to go,” Delfosse said. “Because if you doubt yourself at all, then it shows up in your dancing.”

Delfosse believes that anyone thinking about trying ballet should.

“To just do it. It’s so much fun, and honestly, as long as your heart’s in it, and you’re actively trying all the time, you’ll get far,” Delfosse said.

by Mikah Staples design by Rue Payne photos by Lois Guest

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2

3

5

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1. Sophomore Lucy Nevins

performs as Doc in the show 2. 6th grader Sydney Sampson as Snow White 3: Senior Mia Bowers as the evil queen 4: Snow White and her prince wave goodbye to the dwarves and animals 5. Senior Clemence Delfosse performs as the old hag

STUDENT LIFE

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BI CAPSTONE NIGHT C 4

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BS. HBS. MI. BI. Many C4 students are familiar with the Biomedical pathway.

The PLTW course collection ranges from the Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS) introductory class to the senior-level, specialized Biomedical Innovation (BI) course. Senior Aniket Ghatge, a student of the BI Capstone class, details the course.

“We do a lot of work with real-life challenges and applying what we learn to real-life healthcare scenarios and problems that we might see,” Ghatge said. “It’s really been hands-on rather than just, like, being [in] a basic science class.”

The class requires that each student complete a Capstone project during their senior year. Fellow BI student Marilu Benavente discusses the project.

“BI’s project is different because it’s directly focused with healthcare and it takes the whole year to complete,” Benavente said.

Once all projects are finished, the pathway hosts a Capstone Night, where all students present their projects to judges.

“We invite a lot of community members that we know, families, a lot of people that

CAPSTONE NIGHT STATS

44 25

Outgoing seniors completing the Biomed C4 pathway discuss their capstone projects and presentation night

by Vivian Munger

teach at protections around healthcare. the school, as “Due to a variety of laws, there are well as some CRH members,” different terms and phrases that I legally Ghatge said. cannot translate for the hospital,” Benavente Many BI students combine their said. “ I did my best to research and capstone and senior projects due to similar interview individuals to know what I could requirements. translate.”

“My Capstone Ghatge details his “You present not only to the project is my project, completed with senior project partner Ishan Jasuja. judges for your senior project, since it follows Capstone project but also at Capstone Night. You is a“My all the same short film-slashcreate two presentations, turn guidelines; it’s documentary on certain something that in two sets of papers; it’s a lot of communities that struggle generated a with navigating the United positive impact in work, but it’s very rewarding.”

States healthcare system, the community, [it] senior Marilu Benavente and [the film] addresses took me over 40 those problems throughout hours outside of school to execute, and used that documentary,” Ghatge said. advice from my mentor,” Benavente said.

The film, running 15 to 20 minutes long, BI students present to judges twice, was inspired by the work of Ghatge and another contrast to standard senior projects.

Jasuja’s mentor.

For both Benavente and Ghatge, a project “We [published] it on YouTube and then focusing on access to healthcare was did a lot of social media work and also had a instinct. formal online meeting where we shared that “My Capstone project revamped English documentary with community members,” to Spanish translations at Columbus Ghatge said.

Regional Hospital,” Benavente said. “I Finally, Ghatge reflects on the created accessible translation cards for significance that Capstone Night holds. nurses to use, and they’re portable— nurses “I think Capstone Night is a really can clip them onto their badge and take memorable experience in terms of how you them with them.” get to kind of celebrate all the 4 years of More often than not, project ideas hard work that you did in that biomedical have restrictions, especially concerning pathway,” Ghatge said.

capstone projects

judges in attendance

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STUDENT LIFE

BI students and educators pose for a picture at BI Capstone Night on April 14, 2026.

photo by Alexa Lanam

I HAVE CONFIDENCE

Thespians have been preparing for their big show The Sound of Music for the spring musical

T

By Chloe Feliciano design by Allorah Purtlebaugh he hills were alive April 10 when the Sound of Music debuted in Erne Auditorium. Senior Francesca Bates played the Maria von Trapp the lead in the musical that takes place in Austria during the late 1930s, following the life of Maria.

“The basic plot is that Maria is in training to become a nun but she is very happy and wants to do the best things possible for people,” Bates said. “She just has this joy and whimsy, so it’s difficult for her to be a chill nun. Mother Abbess, the main nun, tells her that she’s going to go be a governess, or a teacher nanny, to a family with 7 children.”

After the drama of the musical, it ends with a bittersweet ending.

“Maria and the Captain [then] fall in love and get married,” Bates said. “At this point they are one big happy family and singing group, but the Captain is being asked to join the navy for the Nazis, so they escape to Switzerland.”

The difference between the fall play and the spring musical is that for the musical, the actors have to both act and sing. This adds one extra level of stress combining memorization of music and acting.

“Memorizing music isn’t too difficult for me,” Bates said.

“Memorizing lines definitely takes a lot of work because it has less of an intrinsic melody because it’s flat words. [Singing and Acting] are different enough [for me] that they don’t conflict with each other.”

Along with memorizing lines, people can get stressed when on stage. Bates, however, does not.

“On stage I am completely fine,” Bates said. “What stressed me out is when we had quick costume changes that didn’t pan out well. I actually didn’t

successfully complete my costume changes until opening night. It really stressed me out the entire time. But the actual singing, acting, and interacting is very natural and feels very good.”

Bates enjoyed their experience in the show. “[The musical] was the best show ever,” Bates said. “Best show I’ve ever been a part of; better than anything I could have imagined.”

Bates thanks her peers who also worked on the musical.

“It had a good cast, good crew, and a fantastic director,” Bates said. “Everything was phenomenal.”

Despite not being her typical musical, she has loved the Sound of Music for a long time.

“I do enjoy shows with big ensemble dance numbers, and I know the Sound of Music doesn’t have that and it’s a lot more simple, but it’s been one of my favorite shows because I watched it a lot growing up.”

Everyone has their favorite part of a play. For Bates, it was the ending with the entire family coming together.

“My favorite part was definitely the end of the play, which is cliche,” Bates said. “It was rewarding and bittersweet, going through this whole show and playing out this entire story and now I’m with my new found family; both in the context of the play and also as an actor since we’ve spent so much time together.”

The experience was emotional for Bates, meaning more than just an ending to a musical.

“We walk off the stage into the isles, to Switzerland, leaving behind everyone else,” Bates said. “The nuns are singing this heavenly chorus and I’m holding Nora’s hand. It gets me every time.”

Top: The nuns sing in the Sound of Music Bottom: Senior Francesca Bates plays Maria von Trapp with the von Trapp children.

STUDENT LIFE

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OPINION ROBOTIC ENTERTAINMENT

SURFING ON A PIRATE SHIP

AI is taking over every aspect of our lives, and it’s doing so poorly

Pirating off the web

by Levi Tobias

by Chloe Feliciano

A

I has been making its way into our everyday lives.

From asking Chat GPT aimless questions, to typing in prompts in hopes of generating a picture to their liking, people have fallen hard into AI life.

Personally, I hate AI. I dislike every part about it; from how it hurts the environment to the loss of culture and identity in our society, as well as the intellectual decline I think we’ll see.

Recently, a new craze has hit TikTok: a Fruit Love Island made entirely by AI. It is a poor imitation of the original work, Love Island, which I’m already not fond of, but at least it’s a human creation. In the TikTok videos, or “episodes”, there is a cast of characters that are all humans shaped like fruit.

From the clips I’ve seen on other social media, it looks poor quality, uninteresting, and overall slop. The concept is unoriginal, the writing is terrible from being AIgenerated, and the characters don’t even seem interesting.

How are you supposed to be imitating film and not get the simplest ideas correct? If you’re going to take away jobs from thousands of artists, animators,

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irating, it bears a lot of voice actors, screenwriters, weight, and can seem like and directors, at least make a hefty and aggressive the product good. word. It sounds bad, I find it so shocking that but I don’t believe it is, this abomination of a series has gained so much popularity to an extent. Pirating is what it and so quickly. It feels like we is: stealing. And I know several as a society are declining, and people who are guilty of it. It can our brains are turning to mush. be anything, from getting music There should be no reason for off the internet to genuinely stealing games on the internet. A millions of people to want to watch an AI generated cherry lot of people think that pirating is bad, for it is stealing and is a girl fall in love with a banana criminal offense, but realistically, it guy, or whatever the couples isn’t that bad. are. If you are interested in Things can get lost online, and romance or reality TV just some people dedicate a lot of time turn on the TV! There are so to preserving those things that are many shows that you haven’t watched yet, I’m certain. Even lost in the vastness of the internet.

People who run things like the if the show is bad, at least the show isn’t bad and destroys the hShop, which are dedicated to keeping all of the old Nintendo planet with it.

On a similar note, the sheer games above the surface of the number of people I know that web, and not having them lost to time. use AI on the regular was Some people dedicate their astounding. People I would entire online presence to leaking regard as intelligent and information about news for capable people relying on AI for assignments. It isn’t because content, whether being video of the inability to do the tasks, games or movies. People love it but because they’re simply too when things get leaked, especially when they are something that is lazy to do it themselves. super popular and has a bunch of This is a serious issue that traction behind it. For example, in needs to be addressed by law because there is no reason for GTA 6, the leak was taken well, but people to be relying on AI for the developers were not too happy about it. every assignment or using it A lot of people online usually to make shows when there are people specifically trained for would consider pirating from developers that they see as greedy that.

okay, not something that would be frowned upon. Developers such as Activision or Nintendo are where most of the game piracy comes from. They charge astronomical prices for their work, and most of the time, it is low quality. For older content that was put out during a “prime” for a company is usually what gets pirated or preserved, for it is their best work.

Now, most people think pirating is okay to an extent, but when it comes to stealing from small devs and curators, usually frowned upon. They put in a lot of time into things and their projects, and usually are not charging an astronomical price for their content, so to pirate from them is unethical and rude. There was an event within a community when a game called Silksong came out, and people tried to pirate it. It got to a point where the people who pirate the most decided to say something about it, stating that it was not okay to pirate the game.

Generally, pirating can be frowned upon, but when it comes to the risk of lost media from whatever circumstances, that’s where people will usually argue for it. For the sake of preserving what they have a connection to. When it comes to the smaller developers or the content of smaller creators, it’s extremely frowned upon and not accepted amongst the community.

WHAT DO YOU DO? SUCCESSFULLY? Emmy Award-winning reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race is reaching a low point within herstory.

CORRECT BIG THREE

Rap’s most accurate big three

by Noah Weidman

by Allorah Purtlebaugh

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he franchise “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has laid the groundwork for mainstream drag in the media. The franchise renounced famous stars such as Bianca Del Rio, Jinkxx Monsoon, Alyssa Edwards, and even the famous Trixie Mattel. The show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has expanded into a whopping 18-season phenomenon, with over 20 versions of the franchise internationally and locally.

With the rise of the show, every season and version has one thing in common: their downfall.

With “RuPaul’s Drag Race” expanding into the beast it is today, there has been a noticeable increase in money, popularity, and recognition. With this comes responsibility, which the show does not seem to uphold.

In the earlier seasons of the show, many queens came with the skills needed to be an asset in the competition.

With the new seasons, many queens come with high fashion (usually made by the hands of a seasoned queen) and fabricated fame, usually made from social media.

This destroys the point of the game. Many queens come to this show to get their work out there so they can be the next big thing, or the next big queen. This destroys the aspect of working hard for your fame when it is already handed to you.

Not only does the show feature uncreative challenges

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and unfair critiques in recent hen it comes to seasons, but the show is also the rap genre a setup. Many deem the show in recent years, as “a race to second place,” one of the which cannot be more true, major dramas especially now. Season 17 that happened was the Drake vs. winner Onya Nurve and Kendrick Lamar beef. With the Season 15 queen Sasha Colby rivalry came the emergence of a have been seemingly given so-called “big three” of the genre: their wins, which is made Kendrick, Drake, and J. Cole; but I clear through the number think it’s completely wrong. I think of wins received within the the current top three are Drake, season. This damages the Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator. actual talented queens in the Drake was in the original big three, same seasons. In the most as he draws in almost 90 million recent season, season 18, fan monthly listeners on Spotify alone, favorite Myki Meeks was and he’s always one of the most seemingly separated from talked-about artists. Travis released her peers by featuring on “Utopia” a couple of years back, exclusive talk shows such which was a huge release. Tyler as Drew Barrymore’s talk has been on a roll recently, with the show, The Drew Barrymore release of “Chromakopia” and “Don’t Show. With the season finale Tap the Glass”, and he’s been touring nearing air, many fans are and selling out shows left and right. speculating that Myki Meeks J. Cole also released an album is going to be set up yet again recently, but Tyler has definitely for a win. been more relevant in recent years.

Not only has the “setup My personal big three would be aspect” of the show Drake, A$AP Rocky and Childish diminished the meaning Gambino. Drake still makes it, completely, but the show, definitely not because of his newer as of recently, also damages releases, but because his older local queens in drag-oriented albums have some of my most areas. Renowned drag queen played and favorite rap songs of all and lifelong friend of RuPaul time. When I think of my top Drake herself, Lady Bunny, has said songs, or rap songs in general, it’s that if you’re coming to see hard to make a list without including a drag race queen, then you songs like “Houstatlantavegas” or don’t appreciate the true art “Uptown off” or “So Far Gone”. of drag. This couldn’t be more Finally, I can’t forget about songs true in the state that the show like “Club Paradise”, “Trust Issues” is in now. While RuPaul’s or “Care Package”, which are more Drag Race is one of the most emotional and deep. And that’s not influential and monumental even diving into his unreleased pieces of reality TV of our music, with songs like “Vital, Zodiac time, it has definitely lost its Sign” and “Wu-Tang Forever” being spark, creativity, and fun that some of his best work. When I so many fans fell in love with finally switched from my old music the show for.

app to Spotify Premium, Drake was immediately in my top five most listened to artists. Right now, he has my most listened to track since switching, with “Fancy” racking up almost 500 minutes in four months.

He’s also currently sitting at 2,250 minutes listened to.

Next is A$AP Rocky, who is my second most listened to artist currently, accumulating 1,800 minutes in the four months since I switched platforms. His work with Clams Casino and Imogen Heap includes some of my favorite rap songs of all time, including “I Smoked Away My Brain”, which I played 92 times in one month alone. In addition, some of A$AP’s strongest moments include songs like “Sandman”, “Houston Old Head”, “PMW”, and “Pharsyde”; all of which have amazing production. He has some of my favorite beats of all time, and that’s without considering his unreleased work.

Childish Gambino is the last to make my prestigious top three. As my current third most listened to artist, with 1,600 minutes in four months, he just barely beats out artists like Kanye West, Travis Scott and Mac Miller. Childish Gambino has some of my most listened to songs with “Les”, “Me and Your Mama” and “Heartbeat”. Other great Gambino songs include “Feels Like Summer”, “Redbone” and “Letter Home”. Each song has great production, amazing instrumentals, and outstanding songwriting. And those are just a few. He also has a great unreleased catalog.

OPINION

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TOO MUCH?

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Triangle staff discuss overconsumption ith the widespread availability of seemingly anything and everything, overconsumption as a topic has been becoming more and more apparent across social media, with various influencers being called out for their consumption habits, to trends such as “overconsumption-core” versus “underconsumption-core” adding to the discussion of what is and isn’t overconsumption. With more and more people learning and becoming aware of their own consumption, consumption consciousness has become something that more and more people have become mindful of, as according to meteamedia. org, “overconsumption has become normalized and a growing habit among younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, driven largely by digital culture, influencer marketing, and algorithm-driven trends.”

According to Merriam-Webster, overconsumption is simply defined as the “overuse of something”. Although overconsumption has been a topic in recent years, and with such a broad

definition, it can mean something different from person to person, making it hard to gauge what is and isn’t overconsumption.

With the United States being a capitalist economy, American culture and consumption are deeply intertwined.

Think about all of the different options consumers have: from simple everyday products to more niche products, the options available to American consumers are seemingly endless, with more and more options being advertised and magnified by the Internet. But not every purchase is made with overconsumption in mind, as according to earth.org, “up to 73% of Americans report that most of their purchases are impulsive, with 40% of e-commerce driven by, or originating from, impulse buying.”

A huge factor of the concern surrounding overconsumption is the environmental impact and how this affects the overall longevity of Earth as a whole. According to the UAB Institute for Human Rights, if everyone consumed like Americans, “five Earths would be needed to support the global population.” With developments in

factories and production, it only meant more and more options would be easily available to consumers, for better or for worse, as globally “material consumption has more than tripled since 1970, causing increasing environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of materials and products” according to the Systems Change Lab. With the amount of attention that overconsumption has brought to the average person, solutions to the global issue have become something that is thought about by not just normal civilians, but by companies and organizations that aim to protect and raise awareness to the environmental issues caused by overconsumption.

Although overconsumption has taken a toll on the Earth, sentientmedia.org said that “unless we make a change, overconsumption will destroy our ecosystems— and possibly humanity’s ability to live within them.”

COMICS BY CLAIRE

Junior Claire Rawlings doodles about overconsumption

IN-DEPTH

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ADD TO CART

Exploring how and why overconsumption impacts student well-being

by Colin Amini, Cassie Osburn, Claire Rawlings design by Bella Herbert, Maddie Williams

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IN-DEPTH

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he sounds of footsteps and chattering voices echo through the mall. In every store, racks upon racks of brand-new merchandise tempt customers with a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. But of the products purchased, most will be forgotten or thrown away – according to Fashion United, at least 50 percent of clothing pieces in wardrobes remain unworn.

Over 65 percent are thrown out within 12 months. It’s not just the fashion industry either. According to CSIS, over 1.3 billion tons of food are either lost or wasted per year. Non-traditional consumption, like social media usage, has undergone a similar skyrocket within the past decade. As landfills and credit card bills balloon in size, the issue of overconsumption -- the action of consuming something to an excess -- has increasingly become a more prevalent issue.

Senior Kaelynn Engelau details specifically how she defines overconsumption in terms of fashion.

“It becomes abnormal when you’re buying clothes just for fun, not because you need new clothes,” Engelau said. “Or if you see something and your instinct is to immediately want it and buy it.”

However, sophomore Idhika Shetty believes overconsumption doesn’t necessarily have to have a negative connotation. “[I overconsume] without realizing it,” Shetty said. “I think we all do in some ways. But sometimes, maybe it can be a little healthy if you’re very interested in something. But I guess not really if that’s all you’re thinking about ever.”

Sophomore Sienna Isaac also notes that overconsumption can take numerous forms.

“I feel like everyone overconsumes in their own way,” Isaac said. “I do it less towards shopping, but I probably purchase more food than I need or stuff like that.”

One of the most common causes of overconsumption can be poor spending habits, according to Shetty.

“I feel like some people will only have a job to buy the newest thing,” Shetty said.

“They don’t save their money, they just keep spending and spending and spending. And I guess that leads to

overconsumption.”

According to Isaac, overconsumption can often be simply a function of how society is structured.

“Well, the United States is capitalist, so it’s kind of told to people that retail therapy and overconsuming will make them happier, so they tend to buy into fast trends in order to get that quick dopamine,” Isaac said.

Isaac expands on how social structure impacts overconsumption.

“The appeal of the products is getting that rush after you buy something new and knowing that other people are also following the same trend.” Isaac said. “So you just feel like you’re fitting in.”

Business teacher Scott Seavers additionally believes in this idea.

“I think [because of] human nature, we upgrade,” Seavers said. “When a newer TV comes out, we want the newer TV when our TV works perfectly fine and we have got to stop ourselves from just upgrading all the time.”

One of the sources of this philosophy is social media, according to Engelau.

“I would say social media is one of the main reasons that people would want to consume more,” Engelau said. “They see someone that has this thing and then they want to buy it, and then they see someone with a different thing. The cycle just continues.”

Isaac believes that the trends perpetually present on social media only compound the issue.

“Social media pushes the amount of trends coming in and out, which also pushes overconsumption as people are buying more and more to fit into it,” Isaac said. “Social media has led to trends just coming in so much faster than it did 40 years ago.”

Trends aren’t always the only harm associated with social media, according to Seavers.

“I also think social media does this harm in that when people post on social media, they only post their best days,” Seavers said.

“They only post their wonderful vacations or their new cars or their bigger house. And their new clothes. They don’t ever post their credit card bills or how much debt they’re in.

And so it’s not a fair comparison, and that’s another reason I’m not the biggest fan of social media. It’s easy to hide our debt.”

Because of how social media is structured, it can oft feel inescapable, in Spanish teacher Rebecca Burbrink’s experience.

“We can’t get away from it on our social media because, unless you pay out the wazoo for some things, you’re going to get ads,” Burbrink said. “And all of those, a lot of those ads are about buying what’s the newest, the trendiest, and all that.”

Isaac elaborates on how the cycle of social media trends generates waste.

“I would say trends come and go,” Isaac said. “Suddenly there’s this new squishy thing where everyone’s buying 20 squishies.

And those are going to end up in the landfill one day, unless you actually have a passion for and want these for years. But soon that trend’s going to die down and the next big thing’s going to be slime or something. Then people are buying 20 things of slime that will also end up in the landfill.”

When it comes to clothing, Burbrink says that there’s a term for these kinds of massproduced, trendy products.

“Fast fashion is when a company decides to use products to create fashion that is very poor quality and then they hire workers at very low rates and don’t provide all the necessary benefits to those workers, mainly in countries that are more third world,” Burbrink said.

According to Seavers, the way people consume clothing, including fast fashion, has changed.

“We are buying 60 percent more clothing than we did 15 years ago, and we’re only keeping them for half the

photo by Maddie Williams and Bella Herbert Pile of CNHS students’ clothes IN-DEPTH

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way cannot more be than we “I would say my need in destroyed,” most cases.” personal definition of Isaac said.

Engelau overconsumption is having “So then it just agrees and sees keeps crowding this trend among more things than you actually up. And then her peers. need and then having so many also in oceans, you “There are a lot of can just see piles of people, for example, things that starts harming the clothes” who buy Shein clothes Seavers also takes and then get an entirely environment or yourself or issue with the amount of new closet every so often those around you.” waste overconsumption can just because the trends are produce. changing,” Engelau said. sophomore “That’s what I can’t stand Burbrink further explains Sienna Issac the thought of: waste,” Seavers why people feel the urge to said. “Wasting money, wasting purchase new clothes. electricity, wasting energy, wasting “I think there’s a boredom at time, and sometimes I look back and times when you go to your closet,” think about the things I bought and I Burbrink said. “It’s just that need to think it was a waste and it could have fulfill and in the moment, you go ‘Oh been put to better use.” look that’s new, that’s different.’”

Seavers finds it important to be aware Engelau believes that fastof uncultivated materials, as it is a form of changing trends also contribute to the overconsumption. overconsumption of clothing.

“The assignment is that I ask students to “Since it doesn’t last a long time, you track their spending because I think people just have to keep buying new stuff, and then don’t really know, a lot of times, where their the trends of fashion keep changing, so then money is going and I think before we make any you’re forced to buy new clothes as the trends kind of legitimate changes and improvements in change, and it’s just the cycle of buying more our finances, we need to know where our money is clothes,” Engelau said. going first,” Seavers said.

For high schoolers, Burbrink thinks the Both Seavers and Burbrink agree that awareness pressure to overconsume clothing is especially is a critical skill to be proficient in before beginning strong. to purchase excessively.

“High schoolers are in the zone of focusing on “We look at statistics of where things are produced what they look like to others around them,” Burbrink and what part of that production took place in which said. “So a lot of times, you want to buy something countries to kind of give us a better awareness,” that someone else would look at and think, ‘Oh, that’s Burbrink said. trendy.’”

Being fully knowledgeable about where spending However, Burbrink worries that they don’t think goes is an important trait, and according to Seavers, will about the ethical issues associated with fast fashion. set habits for future economic goals.

“I don’t think people think about it at all, especially “I guess what I want for high school kids is to get into at this age,” Burbrink said. “You’re looking at your good habits now, because whatever they do in terms of budget, and you’re going to spend less money or habits, they’ll do the rest of their lives,” Seavers said. “So if whatever amount you can, and just wherever you can go they start putting money aside right now, they’ll do that for that’s easiest.” the rest of their lives. If they can avoid debt, if they can put Isaac points out that fast fashion is often made of off instant gratification, they’re going to be better off. Those non-biodegradable materials, creating an environmental are hard things to do, but they’re important.” concern.

Shetty explains why she believes that setting limits “On the planet, I would say, landfills are just getting on social media is just as important as curbing spending filled with a ton of plastic and polyester clothing that

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habits. [advice] “Set timers on your social media apps,” Shetty said.

“It’s definitely difficult, but I think it’s important because why would you want to consume yourself and completely have social media consume yourself.”

Engelau lists other options for those who are willing to take the next step in diminishing their unrestricted consumption.

“I think if people want to reduce how much they’re consuming, they should look into secondhand shops or stores, just buying things used off of like eBay or Facebook Marketplace,” Engelau said.

Burbrink explains the process she uses when spending money; she quizzes herself to make sure she is making an educated purchase.

“Definitely create a budget for yourself that’s a healthy budget and before you buy, ask yourself those questions,” Burbrink said.

“Do I really need it? Do I have enough money in my bank right now? Is it going to overspend me? And then where was it made? Should I at least look where it was made?”

If unsure whether the purchase will be beneficial, Isaac explains how to slow down and think about the need for it.

“For people who are looking to reduce, they can start

reviewing an item for a couple months before they purchase it, and making sure that’s something that they actually want, or waiting for the trend to die down,” Isaac said.

Agreeing with the idea to slow down and think about a purchase, Shetty offers tangible strategies to obtain this goal.

“Social media should not define you,” Shetty said. “The most important thing to do is take a step back and if that just means like putting your phone away or for that specific moment or setting timers on like to track yourself and like how much you’re on social media or just like I don’t know, having your parents hold your debit card or credit card whenever you feel like the need to make a purchase.”

Isaac clarifies the consequences of not employing some of these strategies.

“I would say it could lead to them not feeling satisfied until they keep hitting that overconsumption urge and buying more and more things, which can lead to an addiction to shopping,” Isaac said. “It can also feel crowded, I guess. If you have so many things and you just don’t know what to do with them.”

Seavers adds that feelings of satisfaction should not

WHAT DO YOU OVERCONSUME THE MOST? 29.91% technology and media

8.55% random 1.71% games 5.13% supplies 10.26% beauty products

31.62% food 13.68% clothes

stats surveyed from 173 students

Students buy new clothes every

Students get a new phone every

on average

on average

3 months

22.17%

3.3 years Students own

of students see beauty products advertised most on social media

7.3 pairs

be emitted from material possessions, and should come from other values.

“I think joy comes from the person you are, your values, your family and your friendships and that’s ultimately way more important,” Seavers said. “And we look for all of that sometimes in things, and it’s not very fulfilling most of the time.”

Additionally, Seavers adds that many consumers purchase more and more in order to feel fulfillment; he doesn’t believe this strategy will ever let them reach satisfaction.

“I think we’ve always had human nature saying ‘If you just got this, if you just got more of that, if you got a bigger one of these you’d be happy,’” Seavers said. “It’s called the hedonic treadmill, or the arrival fallacy when it arrives. ‘When I get it, I’ll be happy.’ But the fact is it almost never does. It brings us happiness for a short period of time, and then we see someone else who has another one that’s better, brighter, bigger, and faster, and then we want that.

There’s always something we want, and I don’t think we’re ever fully satisfied.”

Burbrink explains why purchasing material goods cannot take the place of

fulfillment through human relationships.

“If you do not balance what you’re buying with other types of fulfillment like relationships and things and you hyper focus on just [consuming], then you are not a balanced, well-rounded person and it could negatively impact your mental health because you’re not getting fulfilled in the right way,” Burbrink said.

Seavers agrees that fulfillment through material goods is overall unhealthy, and will never let consumers reach the contentment that they are pursuing.

“I think this shiny new thing is always tempting us, and I think it brings us a bit of shortterm happiness or joy, but it’s not long-lasting, because there will always be another thing that comes up very quickly,” Seavers said. “And so if we look to new things to bring us joy and satisfaction and happiness, we’re always going to be disappointed.

We do have to stop ourselves and say ‘What are we thankful for?’ and try not to always chase the newest, better, brighter, bigger, faster, nicer thing because it’s such a short term buzz.”

of shoes on average

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START SWINGING Preparations for the upcoming season

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by Levi Tobias design by Cayden Chandler ith spring in full swing, so are the golf clubs. The boys’ golf team took off March 25, many of the golfers heading over to Harrison Country Club to practice their craft. Some of the golfers, such as sophomore Reid Perry, have been playing for quite an amount of time.

“I have been playing golf for pretty much my whole life, I did not play in any tournaments until eighth grade.” Perry said.

With golf being a leisure sport and easy to play on your own time, it would make it easy for him to get on the team through years of practice.

With golf being a relatively easy sport to play outside of a school sanctioned practice, Perry can practice his craft a lot.

“During the season I am at the course a lot,” Perry said, “whether it is after practice or on the weekends when we don’t have an invitational to play in.”

This helps Perry work on his skills, and it doesn’t really affect how he plays, as his mindset stays rather unchanged no matter the course.

“With golf I just have to have the same mindset going into every round I play,” Perry said, “no matter how hard or easy the course

is.”

Another sophomore player, Hunter Koharchick also plays golf, and generally enjoys it.

“I usually play for fun, and with golf being a school sport, I gave it a shot and made the team,” Koharchick said.

Even though he does enjoy the game, he usually enjoys playing it solo.

“I don’t really like talking when I play, I usually like to focus and spend time by myself,” Koharchick said.

Along with playing for fun, Koharchick also has his own favorite golf course he really enjoys playing on.

“I really like Timbergate because I’ve had a lot of fun rounds there,” Koharchick said.

However, the course is just part of the equation, because although the course may be easy or hard, it really does come down to your personal technique and skill set. This was something that took Perry time to do.

“The part of my game that took me the longest to improve on was definitely my short game,” Perry said. “The difference between an average player and a really good player is their short game and how good they are around the greens, so it definitely took some time to become good around the greens but there is still so much I can improve at.”

With that being said, an

important aspect during golf is the swing itself, and Perry has a pretty general strategy to keep his skills sharp.

“The way that I stay consistent with my golf swing is just finding time to get extra reps in,” Perry said. “For me the more balls that I hit the better I feel going into a round.”

After your big swing, you eventually have to get to putting, which Perry says that it is one of the hardest things in golf.

“Putting is definitely one of the harder parts of golf, but if you want to be a good putter you have to be relaxed and committed to every putt that you hit,” Perry said. “If you don’t have full confidence in every putt you hit, you will never be a good putter.”

The mentality and pressure are both something that correlate together, and responding to the pressure is something that Perry does with his own strategies.

“The way that I handle pressure in a golf match is not trying to overswing or overthink the shot I’m going to hit,” Perry said, “but instead make a smooth swing.”

But his technique is not the only factor of his play, as his mentality plays a big part of his performance.

“Your mentality is so important when it comes to golf, you could be a great golfer but if your mentality is bad you will never be good enough to succeed,” Perry said.

GOLF HOME MEETS The home matches for both Boys Varsity and JV Golf, will be held at Harrison Lake Country Club

Photo by Levi Tobias Columbus North golf players playing at their home course

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SPORTS

Against Columbus East High School

Against Brownsburg High School

Against Providence High School

5/07 4:00 P.M

5/14 3:15 P.M

5/28 1:00 P.M

GEARING UP Mountain bikers explain some of the fundamentals of the sport

by Owen Grimes design by Aldo Ramos-Soto PLACES TO BIKE + THEIR INTENSITY • Town Run Trial [Intermediate] • Fort Benjamin H. State [Intermediate] • Brown County State [Medium] • Cherokee/Seneca [Medium] • O’Banon Woods State [Difficult] • Expert Loop, Anderson [Difficult]

photo for The Triangle

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Luke Brown during a race

he Interscholastic Indiana Cycling League, or The NICA for short, provides a program across the state for young mountain bikers between the grades 6th-12th. Our local team, The South Central Indiana Eagles MTB Team in Brown County, offers athletes the opportunity to ride with the team, and with the option to participate in races. A Cyclist for the team, freshman Luke Brown, explains some details about the group and what practice entails.

“When it comes to racing, it’s solo, you against everyone else. But when it comes to practices, the team is such a giant part of it!

It’s really fun to hang out with teammates; the team is smallish, so everyone kind of knows everyone else,” Brown said. “We usually do warm up, and we’ll have a route where we go on a couple of trails or maybe do time trials.”

Competitive sports often present many unique crossroads for athletes to face in the moment of triumph. Senior Will Simonton offers insight on things to consider when mountain biking competitively.

“When biking competitively, the first thing to remember is not to push yourself too hard at the start; you’ll wear yourself out before later laps. It’s really important to pace yourself with the rest of the riders. After that, picking the right line, the path on the

trail that’s fastest and most efficient, is key,” Simonton said.

Simonton also lays out some important details about mountain biking to remember.

“Staying positive and focused is also crucial; thinking negatively can really hold you back. And finally, ride in a way that feels comfortable for you,” Simonton said. “Don’t force yourself into an uncomfortable spot, like getting stuck behind someone or trying to pass in a tricky section. Staying in control and confident is what helps you perform your best.”

Staying on the path, sophomore Andy Bays explains why mountain biking has a few challenging aspects and elaborates on how bikers confront these obstacles within the sport.

“Compared to other MTB disciplines, cross-country riding is pretty tame. But, it is still challenging compared to other crosscountry sports because it requires you to navigate tight turns, descents, sudden climbs, and avoid obstacles,” Bays said. “Also, you must remember the trail as you fly through it. Plus, this must be done when you’re exhausted.”

Bays elaborates on how bikers confront these obstacles within the sport.

“The challenges are overcome by riding within your skill level. If you try to do something too advanced too soon and crash,

it can be hard to gain back confidence. This is why it is important to ride within your skill level,” Bays said.

Mountain biking has many components to consider when taking the course. Simonton weighs in and addresses the specific levels of difficulty on the biking trails.

“Trails are usually graded by color: green is the easiest, blue is intermediate, and black is harder,” Simonton said. “Then there are some really technical trails, often marked with red or yellow, which are the most difficult and require a lot of skill.”

On top of the numerous biking trails available for developing all kinds of different skills. Simonton describes the trails the team commonly rides on.

“For terrain, I ride a mix of road and mountain biking trails. Road riding is generally easier and a different experience; it’s smoother and less technical. Mountain biking is a whole other challenge because every trail is different and has its own level of difficulty,” Simonton said.

Freshman Tatum Wilson clarifies why students should mountain bike and explains the benefits despite the challenges.

“On top of how fun mountain biking already is, it is so amazing to put your mind to it and get faster and stronger and see how hard work pays off.”

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EQUAL EFFORT Competing and connecting as one team

design by Jaidheep Chalatur by Noah Weidman

photo for the Triangle

Students in the Unified Track team celebrating over their performance at a meet

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he Unified Track team kicked off its season on Apr. 8 in a dual meet against Seymour with a huge victory of 124-43.

Sophomore Logan Morales is experiencing his first season.

“I joined Unified Track because I heard it was fun, and it seemed like a good opportunity to help the community,” Morales said.

“Helping the athletes is a really rewarding feeling because it makes them really happy.”

Morales is most proud of how well the team handles respect.

“I feel really proud of everyone on the team for treating everyone else with respect,” Morales said.

Morales competes mainly in the long jump and the 100-meter dash. For him, the environment would help his performance as a whole by helping him to make friends and excel in the sport.

“It’s a very friendly environment, and most people on the team do it to help others,” Morales said. “I feel like I have learned that even the smallest

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thing or act of kindness can make someone’s day a lot better because you never know what someone could have going on.”

Gambiani agress with Morales with the positive environment.

“The team environment is very welcoming and kind,” Gambiani said. “Everyone works together really well, and we are all very close.”

Gambiani runs the 4x100-meter relay as well as participating in shotput. For her, the most challenging part has to do with confidence.

“The most challenging part is staying confident even when you don’t do your best,” Gambiani said.

Gambiani reflects about how the team supports one another, as well as one of her favorite moments when she was most proud of the team.

“We support each other by cheering each other on and motivating each other to do better,” Gambiani said. “I felt really proud of my team when we

beat Columbus East.”

In addition, Gambiani mentions favorite part of being on the team.

“My favorite part about being on the team is getting to build relationships with new people,” Gambiani said.

Junior Addison Dawson, who competes in the 400-meter dash, as well as the 4x100-meter relay and long jump, also brought up the bond between teammates.

“I love watching Coach Dwyer celebrate wins with the athletes,” Dawson said. “We cheer on everybody, even our opponents, we cheer loud and proud.”

Dawson initially joined because she loves running and wanted to help others.

“I love to watch them achieve their goals and do something they love,” Dawson said.

Through meets and practices, Dawson reinforces just how Top: Students cheer at the positive the team environment is. North vs East meet “The team environment is Bottom: Senior Eva Thomas uplifting, supportive, caring, and runs at the North vs East meet fun,” Dawson said.

SIDEWALK SURFER Senior Sam Roberts revisits his nearly five-year skateboarding career

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by Vivian Munger design by Gabe Marsh heels clash as senior Sam Roberts attempts a layback air, landing on the pavement of the bowl structures at the Jolie Crider Memorial Skatepark. Roberts, who has been skating for nearly five years, details this as his hardest trick to date.

“When I was little, I used to be a little daredevil kind of kid,” Roberts said. “We used to go camping a lot, and I’d ride a bike or a scooter and purposely veer off to the grass, so I could “crash”.”

Roberts details the importance of failure as an amateur.

“As much as you want to learn tricks, you have to learn how to fall and [that’s] probably the best way you can progress, because you don’t get scared about things,” Roberts said.

“If you don’t know how to fall safely or roll or whatever, then you’re not going to want to commit to anything [that] you won’t learn as fast.”

Although Roberts’ skating journey has been long, the moments of victory are rewarding.

“My first trick was pretty silly, but I was super stoked,” Roberts. “I just kind of built from there.

Many new skaters start with getting familiar with the board, gaining speed, and maintaining control, and then progress through tricks. Roberts details a layback air.

“It’s kind of like a hand plant, but you don’t go completely upside down,” Roberts said.

“You twist your body in such a way where you can’t really see where you’re gonna land and you have to hold on for longer than you think; you can land sideways pretty easily and slam.”

Roberts details the composition of his setups, featuring bigger wheels and fishshaped boards that resemble the norm of the 80s.

“The whole setup, not just the board, [has] the trucks and everything,” Roberts said. “I have 2 setups going on right now. They’re both old school.”

For this year’s Spring Break, Roberts traveled to Utah to try a sport he had never tried before.

“Snowboarding is very similar to riding a bowl and a skateboard because you have to carve,” Roberts said. “If you’re really good at street skateboarding, it’ll take a bit longer to get used to snowboarding, but if you ride transition ramps and stuff, you have that kind of motion or power sliding where you can drift; that helps the snowboarding too.”

Roberts, a band member, splits time between two passions: music and skating.

“Before I started to get really into music, I actually wanted to be a professional skateboarder,” Roberts said.

Other activities, however, have limited Roberts’ ability to skate as much as he used to.

“Ideally, I’d like to skate two or three hours a day, 15 to 20 hours a week,” Roberts said. “I actually used to compete in [local] competitions too, and I would watch my friends, really just root for my friends.”

Roberts’ skating community is spread throughout Indiana in Columbus, Bloomington and Muncie.

“I have a lot of buddies, especially in Bloomington,” Roberts said. “I tell people

photo for the Triangle

Sam Roberts practices his skateboarding tricks

[that] Bloomington is like the Venice for skateboarders, because everybody who grows up in Venice and skates, they get crazy good. That’s how Bloomington is.”

At each location, Roberts is able to lean into the skating community offline.

“I don’t really call many people up; I don’t have any [phone] numbers, but the off chance that I meet somebody there that I already know is pretty high,” Roberts said.

Roberts leans into the skating community everywhere and tries to help keep it alive.

“I would always rather go to a local skate shop somewhere,” Roberts said. “There used to be one in Bloomington, but they went out of business; there’s [also] one in Indy. So, if I go to Indianapolis, if I’m not gonna buy something crazy, I’ll always buy a sticker to support them.”

MOST COMMON SKATEBOARDING TRICK Beginner tricks: Ollie, Pop Shove-it Intermediate tricks: Kickflip, Heelflip Advanced tricks: 360 Flip, Varial Heelflip

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Taking care of yourself Finding a creative outlet According to the University of Arizona Health Sciences. “Studies consistently show that engaging in creative activities lowers stress.

In one well-known study, just 45 minutes of art-making significantly reduced cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Structured, repetitive activities, like pattern drawing or coloring, have also been shown to reduce anxiety. A large review found that more than 80% of arts-based interventions reported reduced stress.”

One of the most important ways to reduce stress is taking care of yourself. If you can’t take care of your body, you can’t take care of your mind. Prioritizing 8-10 hours of sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and using positive affirmations to stay grounded.

According to Mental Health America, “Taking good care of your body and mind can make a difference in how well you do in school and how well you manage change. Exercising, eating right, getting Teens surveyed feel like social media is enough rest and relaxing will help you do a way to connect with others, while it’s better, enjoy school more and improve how negative affects can creep you deal with life’s challenges. Caring up in the background. for yourself may take a little extra time, but you will feel better and be more Sometimes feel left out or excluded successful.” when using social media

Breaking Away From Social Media

29% Feel bad about themselves if no one comments or likes their posts

11%

83%

of students report school being a major source of stress.

The second biggest source being getting into a good college and decisions about what to do after high school.

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source: American Red Cross

70%

Managing

stress

by Indi Meshberger

April is National Stress Awareness month. Here are some statistics and techniques to stay in the know, and keep your stress levels limited during the last weeks of school.

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43% of teens report that their stress levels have gone up since the pandemic, and 45% said they have had a hard time concentrating on schoolwork.

Many feel less motivated.