Rarely am I ever at a loss for words, but here I am. Nothing I could ever say would convey how I truly feel. Being part of The Hilight has been the most challenging but rewarding part of my high school experience. Every staff I have been a part of across these three years has been different but beautiful. As co-editor, my current staff has taught me how to lead, listen, and tell stories that matter. I’m so proud of what we’ve created together. Thank you to my guiding light, Ms. Jennifer Calahan. Your presence in my life has left the most massive print on my heart. The quote, “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything,” is true. Thank you for always encouraging me to be truly myself. I love you more than you know. Thank you to the staff, the readers, and everyone who believes in the importance of student voices. I’ll miss the deadlines, the laughter, and the newsroom chaos more than I can say.
Signing off one last time, Anna Beth Burleson, Co-Editor
I have been a part of The Hilight staff for three years now. It is indescribable just how much every staff I have been a part of has impacted me. My first year on staff the seniors gave me incredible role models to look up to. Everyday I came to class and strived to be just as good as they were. My second year I was given an incredible group of friends who made Hilight my favorite part of my day. This year, my third and final year, I have learned the most. I have learned how to forgive, how to be patient, and exactly how much pride one can hold for others. I am extremely proud of everyone on staff this year and how far they have come. The future is very bright for The Hilight and I am so proud I got to be a part of its history.
Signing off one last time, Mack Rudder, Co-Editor
Co-Editors
Anna Beth Burleson
Mack Rudder
Staff Writers
Claire Dossey
Maggie Hope Hetrick
Avery Hice
Elianna Hollis
Jacob Larker
Dane Mauldin
Blyss Murphree
Aubrey Shaddrix
Gavin Smelser
Elizabeth Smith
FEATURES 4
Good Music,Good People
Record store interviews with nearby small businesses
Aubrey Shaddrix, Staff Writer
Blue Moon Records
Hanceville Al
Owner: Neal Watts
1. “ Pretty diverse, I’d say from 13 to 70’s. My biggest sales are young adults from 18 to 25 though.”
2. “ Could probably say Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and the Beatles are the biggest”
3. The Red Clay Strays, I discovered them about this time last year and I’ve already seen them once up in Tennessee in the caverns. We have both of their records and CD’s, they’re awesome.”
4. “ I cant play any instruments or sing, so the best thing I can do is probably listen. Since I was about 13 I’ve been buying records and I never stopped, even in the hay-day of the CD I was still buying records and going to record shows.”
5. “Most are trade-ins, people come in and sell them but I do buy new release as well, only about 20% are newly bought.”
6. “In the long run it has, if it weren’t for those there’d be a record store on every corner probably. But my business is an alternative to that, to those of us who want a physical copy of something instead of just a button you can press. I’m not gonna pay Apple 5 dollars for a song, you don’t get the same cuts or feeling.”
7. “ Well, I honestly couldn’t make it with just the community’s support. This is such a niche business a lot come from far areas who travel looking for record stores nearby who want to swing by. I have sold on Ebay and others, but I prefer selling to the public.”
8. “Maybe, I think records have made their biggest growth already, it’s definitely not for everybody. It’s a big hobby to get into and to maintain a stereo system and a turntable. ”
The Spinning Groove
Arab Al
Owner: Matthew Irmen
1. “I get around 8 years old to about 70”
2. “Alice in Chains, The beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Radiohead”
“I grew up in England, as a little boy I was dancing to the Beatles and they’ll always be my number one”
“there were a lot of days when I was stressed, I operated boilers in the navy and it was hard work. I would get cleaned up and go out to the record store, it was such a different environment and it was so peaceful just flipping through the records and creating a community from it.”
5. “It’s across the board, I often buy from people hoping to trade in and also from distributors.”
“It’s a tug of war. You have people that want to listen to something in the moment and have the availability through apps like spotify, then there’s people who like the feel of a record in their hand. I’ve noticed there is a difference in the listening experience however, you tend to be more absorbed and relaxed in the music when it comes to vinyl.”
7. “Very much so!”
8. “I’d say it’s increasing… The biggest limits are the support we receive and the production of vinyl continuing to be maintained.”
Neal Watts
Matthew Irmen
CAMPUS NEWS 6
The Perks of Being A Bearcat Campus ammenities you may not know about
Jacob Larker, Staff Writer
Between classes, extracurricular activities, and studying for exams, students have access to a wide range of campus resources. These services are intended to help students and make daily tasks more manageable.
The media center is the heart of academic and creative activity. Students can print assignments or papers using the printer by the front door. Mrs. Boyd can provide printing if needed, but students should get their work in beforehand so it is ready. Chromebooks can be borrowed by request, and podcast microphones can be borrowed by asking Ms. Boyd. The media center also has a laminator available for students to use if she can help.
In addition to technology and equipment, the media center also offers materials and space. There is a purple set of drawers full of school supplies like paper, pencils, and other supplies students might need throughout the day. Board games and card games are kept nearby, providing a way to take a brief break. For focused studying or group work, students can book one of the media center’s private study rooms using their Google Calendar.
The Bearcat Den, located to the right of the media center, is also a popular location. Snacks and drinks in vending machines in the space are open all day, but you can only go between classes.
Water refill stations are placed throughout the school. The stations provide an efficient and environmentally friendly method for students to refill bottles and stay hydrated during the school day.
Academic support is also offered through the John Baylor ACT Prep course. Students can log in at ontocollege.com to study test strategies and materials at their convenience. Reduced lunch students qualify for fee waivers that cover AP exams and the ACT.
Senior Class Officer Farewells Parting words from the leaders of the Class of 2025
Anna Beth Burleson, Co-Editor
Welcome Back Bob Dylan
The
importance of folk music
Aubrey Shaddrix, Staff Writer
It seems that every pivotal moment in history marked with financial oppression, split political parties, and racial tension is also in turn a moment significant for its music. Most importantly, it seems that this resurgence is typical for the Folk music genre, seen in the 1960s with the wave of influential artists from Johnny Cash to Joan Baez. Are we soon facing the same mid-century turn, one filled with hardships but also newfound stars? Folk artists are much more than unique vocalists and guitarists, these musicians are the turning points and influencers of America, they were activists before it was cool, and understanding the parallel between American politics and Folk can help us better indicate upcoming issues.
Folk is not a genre of the past, especially now. Recently a newfound Folk musician by the name of Jesse Welles is rising onto the scene. He was featured on the Jimmy Kimmel Show advertising his new album Middle. But there’s something deeper than this, something less passive than a simple album release by the next hotshot trying to make it big, Jesse Welles is real. I know all people and all famous musicians of course are real people, that’s not my point. Welles is an American, and his music is much more than a hungry attempt at fame, each of his songs is raw and inspired by his own struggle of falling between the cracks of what once was the American Dream. Welles was born in Ozark Arkansas, poverty was no stranger and he uses that inspiration in his art now. Something I found so inspirational about Welles is the fact he’s not using music to escape his roots, he’s using it to highlight the issues he grew up in, and that many still experience. With his platform on the Jimmy Kimmel Show he performed one of his most detailed songs, “The Poor.” I encourage you to listen to it yourself, but it’s not exactly a shocker what the song means or who he’s speaking for. He speaks for a greater gap in America: the kids on re
duced lunch, the poor states, victims of tariff wars, and the increasing economic disparity of today. Just one of his songs touches on one of the most sensitive topics incurrent American culture. And that’s what is so admirable about him, everything he writes is something shied away from and something only people like him dare to share with their expo sure.
Historically, Folk has always been the genre of change. Maybe you recognize Bob Dylan most, highly regarded as one of the most influential artists of the time not only for his unique lyricism and vocals but also for his ideas of change. And then Joan Baez, a whimsical voice with poetic symbolism in each song, all of them exposing greater themes of peace and war. Music, like that created by these Americans, is just as pivotal as any march or peaceful protest. Every song brought light to a new issue, every artist represented a new minority, and every listener represented a newly informed American. Music is not just entertainment, it’s intelligence, and connecting the history of folk better connects us to real change today. So, regarding Jesse
The History of the Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back
Gavin Smelser, Staff Writer
Few hairstyles have sparked as much controversy as the mullet has. The mullet has become more than a haircut, it’s become a cultural statement. Though it has had its ups and downs in popularity over the decades, one thing is certain: the South has played a pivotal role in cementing the mullet’s place in hair history.
While the mullet was seen in many areas across the U.S, the South adopted it with a particular kind of pride. In many Southern communities, the mullet became a symbol of working
class toughness. Country music heavily influenced this trend, artists like Billy Ray Cyrus made the mullet a signature part of their image during the 90s.
The mullet has become a rite of passage in some small towns, with teens proudly growing out their hair into mullets as a show of their pride.
The South also brought some humor to the mullet, em bracing its quirki
ness. Mullet competitions and festivals became regular events in southern towns.
After fading from the spotlight in the early 2000s, the mullet has made a surprising comeback in recent years. Social media, particularly TikTok, has helped the youth rediscover and reinvent the mullet.
In the South, the mullet’s comeback is part nostalgia, part tradition. High school kids rock modernized versions of the cut, while
barbers proudly post before-and-after shots on Instagram. The new wave of mullets has blended tradition with modern fashion.
The mullet’s journey from ancient battlegrounds to Southern backroads, and now to internet fame, is a testament of its staying power. It’s more than just hair, it’s a symbol of identity, and in the South, that attitude fits just right. Whether worn with irony, pride, or both, the mullet remains a uniquely American style with roots in the deep South.
Joan Baez
Bob Dylan
Jesse Welles
ENTERTAINMENT 10
Mack Rudder, Co-Editor
First off- just be yourself (or a better version of yourself)
Don’t force yourself to look or dress a certain way just
Excerise
Confidence is key
Each summer most people our age find themselves looking in the mirror and thinking that they want to come back to school in August as a whole new person, but re-inventing yourself can be hard. Here is my step-by-step guide on how to have your so longed-for summer glow-up.
Color Palette
Along with being your true self, confidence will come. No accessory or hairstyle will ever make an outfit look better than wearing it with confidence would. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t step out of your comfort zone, though. The phrase “fake it until you make it” is essential here. If you aren't confident, pretend you are and eventually you’ll forget you’re pretending.
Take care of your body! You don’t have to be doing intense weight lifting to be working out. Go on a walk with your dog or do yoga with your friends. It doesn’t matter what it is- just do something.
There are people out there who claim to be professionals at determining someone’s color palette, but this is something that can 100% be done at home. Either way, whether you pay someone to determine this for you or do it yourself, finding your color palette is a game-changer. I think everyone should wear what they want and if your favorite color isn’t in your palette then whatever, but if your goal is to look like the best possible version of yourself it’s undeniable that color theory plays a huge part. So to find your color palette at home, first take a clear photo of yourself in good lighting and then use the color swatch feature in your phone’s camera app and get the hex code (the unique numbers assigned to each color) of your hair, your eyes, and your skin tone.
Next open ChatGPT and use the prompt “My hair is this [insert hex code] color, my eyes are this [insert hex code] color, and my skin is this [insert hex code] color. Based on this information, perform an indepth color analysis and tell me what my color palette is based on the seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring.)” It should then tell you what “season” you are and what colors correlate to that season. After finding this you can even ask it to give you advice based on your color palette.
Skincare
Take care of your skin and it will take care of you! Skincare routines are incredibly personal and differ widely from person to person. Make sure you know exactly what’s going on your skin and what it’s doing. Cut out unnecessary products and just use what you need. Some of my go to brands for skin care products are Good Molecules (great for sensitive skin), Shi-Seido (an Asian skincare brand with THE greatest sunscreen), La Roche Posay (Great drugstore alternative), Clinique (great for people with stubborn acne but sensitive skin), and my all time favorite is Drunk Elephant which is owned by the same parent company as Shi-Seido.
Hydration
Please just drink water. Hydration affects every part of your body, inside and out. To improve your inner and outer glow, focus on drinking the proper amount of water to maintain your body. The recommended amount of water varies person by person depending on how much physical activity you do, how much water’s going out, age, and size. On average, though, most people should aim to drink around 90 ounces of water a day (that’s only three Stanleys!)
Hair
Find the right hairstyle and color for you! This is probably the hardest part. The easiest way to do this though is to just take the advice of licensed professionals. Almost all salons will give free consultations before you book a service with them. This allows you to get their advice for free!
SPORTS 12
Senior Sports Interviews
Guess Who?
Gavin Smelser, Staff Writer
1. I’ve played soccer, basketball, and tennis, but I choose tennis to be my only sport, because I liked that I was the only one responsible for my game.
2. I’ve been playing tennis for about 10 years.
3. I’m not going there for it, but I’m looking for a spot to play at Nova Southeastern University.
4. It’s definitely all of the highschool varsity girls from this year who have made tennis so much fun. I already loved the sport, but getting to play with them made me love it even more. It’s so cool that we’ve all been together since middle school, and I genuinely think we’re the funniest team ever.
5. I would’ve convinced Coach Bates to let me play doubles with my sister Kassie a long time ago.
1. Soccer is the only sport I have played representing Cullman High School.
2. I have been playing for about 7 years in total.
3. I will most likely not play soccer, but I'm considering cheering at Wallace.
4. Coach Patrick has definitely had the most impact on me throughout my years of playing. He was with me from the start and has always pushed me to be the best version of myself as a player and a teammate.
5. Honestly, I don't think I'd change a thing. Throughout my endeavors as a player, I experienced winning, losing, pride, and disappointment. Even through the hardships, I experienced strong emotions which proved to me that what I felt for the game was real and genuine.
Questions:
1. What sport(s) have you been active in?
2. How many years have you been active in those sports?
3. Do you plan on attending college for your sport? (if so, which college / university)
4. Were there any specific coaches or teammates who had a significant impact on your journey in high school sports?
5. If you could go back, is there anything you would have done differently in your high school sports career?
1. Football and Basketball
2. Probably around 11
3. I do not
4. Coach Finch and Coach Esmann, They kept me going.
5. If I had to change something I would go back and also play baseball. It seems fun.
1. Varsity Track & Field and Varsi ty Cross Country.
2. 4 years for Track and one year for XC.
3. I'm still deciding if I want to pur sue my sport at Wallace State.
4. Mabry Free, Addison Vogelaar, and Lane Hopper.
5. I wish I would have started sooner.
Savanna Privett
2. Preston Gay
3. Jed Hollis
4. Ann Marie Land
SENIOR SECTION 14
4 Years, 4 Words
How I would describe my time at Cullman High School
Anna Beth Burleson, Co-Editor
As my time at Cullman High School comes to an end, I reflect on the last four years of my life and realize that I am not who I once was. Although this proclamation is not surprising, as I came here as a child and left as a woman, my personal growth is. I carefully chose four words to describe my four years at Cullman High and while they were far from perfect they were nothing less than beautifully transformative.
Freshmanyear:New
In ninth grade, everything is shiny and unfamiliar. You feel like a grown-up but still possess naive qualities. You are surrounded by students who look like adults and your presence cowers in their shadow. It is an intimidating yeara year of adjustment, learning what to do and what to steer clear of, all while making mistakes along the way. You get a taste of freedom and that feeling is indescribable. Freshman year Anna Beth truly had no idea all the blessings that would later unfold for her. I can confidently say that she would be proud.
Sophomoreyear:Growth
My tenth grade year was by far the worst year of my life mentally and emotionally. That year made me question who I was. Am I good enough? Why does my body look like this? What is wrong with me? But the truth is nothing was ever wrong with me. The ones making fun of me were actually the ones who had something wrong with them. When you experience deep emotional and psychological turmoil, you find that the people who made you feel that way were projecting their own emotions. If people ever hate you but do not know who you truly are, this is, in my opinion, the best gauge of whether you need to address it or not- if someone has a problem with you, they can call you, if they do not have your phone number then they do not know you well enough to have a problem. This might have been the toughest year of my high school career but even though I cried a lot I learned a lot too. I learned how to ignore the noise, think before I speak, not post anything on your private Snapchat story that you would not be comfortable with everyone seeing, and more. However, the most valuable lesson learned was one on loyalty. I found out that the friends that keep you together while your world is falling apart are the same ones that will cheer you on when you reach your full potential. My friendships with Callie and Sadie are ones that I will cherish forever for without them I am incomplete. Even though this year was hard, I am thankful that I went through it because it made me stronger, kinder, and more aware of who I was and who I wanted to be.
Junioryear:Realization
In my eleventh grade year, everything began to take shape. Since I had been on such a forced personal growth journey the year prior, I was just happy to be able to live my life authentically to who I truly was. My friend group was fulfilling, I had good grades, and I was preparing for my future in college. While I was living a life that I had always dreamed of I had a realization. I realized that those who fed off of drama, who spread and shaped it, more than likely never experienced it like I had. Once you have sat with the darkest parts of yourself, you would not wish that feeling on your worst enemy. That realization propelled me forward. After that, I protected my peace. I did not overshare with untrustworthy “friends,” I did things that nourished my soul, and I surrounded myself with people who were actively living a life that I saw for myself. Junior year Anna Beth healed the darkest parts of herself, and I wish she knew how worth it all of her hard work would be.
Senioryear:Peace
Growing up is a funny thing- I once wanted to be rid of Cullman High School forever and never talk to these people again but now the thought of moving on makes me sick. Being a senior is tricky. I mourn the girl I was but simultaneously I am celebrating the woman I am becoming. This final year as a high school student has made me relish peace. Freshman Anna Beth would want all the excitement and noise but now I look forward to the quiet. I have peace solely because I created it for myself and because at the end of the day when I get into bed I love who I am and who I am becoming. Becoming secure in who I am gave me a life that the younger me could only ever hope for and current me a future I can only imagine. Not only did I gain more maturity and self-love this year, but I also found my people. It may have taken me four years but I am confident that my found family in Callie, Sadie, Chloe, Anna Grace, and Samantha will transcend these walls because our friendship is a beautiful thing. I created memories that will last me a lifetime and have laughed so much that I thought I was going to throw up. My senior year has been nothing short of wonderful and for that, I am forever thankful.
As I write this final paragraph, all the emotions are hitting me. I do not want to graduate. I do not want to leave Ms. Calahan, Mrs. Burroughs, and Mrs. Lunsford. I do not want to leave my friends. I do not want to move out of my house. I do not want to be without my mom and dad. I do not want to grow up. Although I have a long list of things I do not want to do, my list of things that I do want to do is long, and constantly getting longer. I want to graduate from Samford Law School at the top of my class. I want to be the best international lawyer anyone has ever seen. I want to fight for human rights and equality for all. I want to live in New York. I want to dance like nobody’s watching. I want to listen to good music, like really good music. I want to experience new cultures and new ways of life. I want to get married. I want to be a mom. As much as I would love to stay in my bubble of familiarity at Cullman High School, I have been extremely well-equipped to get out into the world and make a real difference in my life and those around me. So while I am sad about the life I am leaving behind, I am so looking forward to the life I am about to create.
SENIOR SECTION 15
High School Through Senior Camera Rolls
Favorite memories from high school
Claire Dossey, Staff Writer
SENIOR SECTION 18
Senior Spotlight
What some of our seniors are doing
Maggie Hope Hetrick, Staff Writer
Theater, Band, & Performance
Slade Turbyfield - Performance
Neveah Green - Twirling
Elianna Hollis - Art
Miscellaneous
Kaleigh Green - UNA Nursing
Ayla White - UNA Nursing
Peyton Arnold - Ole Miss Pharmacy
Emma Hankey - UAB Public Health
Kaleigh Green - UNA Nursing
Morgan Fuller - Auburn
Pediatric Pharmacy
Caleb Heis - Covenant College
Baseball & Physical Therapy
Hilight & Southerner
Abbott Green - Alabama Journalism
Mack Rudder - Alabama Journalism
Cheer
Racheal Dueland - Wallace
Karalynn Kalhoff - Coastal Alabama
Alayna Aldridge - USA
Kayti Murillo - Wallace
was recieved from a voluntary survery sent out by Hilight Staff.
Kayti Murillo
Neveah Green
Ayla White
Kaleigh Green
Peyton Arnold
Emma Hankey
Caleb Heis
Karalynn Kalhoff
Alayna Aldridge
SENIOR SECTION 19
by Mack Rudder, Co-Editor and Elianna Hollis, Staff
Nevaeh Green and Slade Turbyfield
LK Granger and Jay Lee
Cole Harrison and Nora Sheffield
Cole Harrison
Nora Sheffield
Olivia Dover and Jake Dorough
Elianna Hollis and Logan Hudson
Price Hall and AG Parks
Kaybri andPatterson
Bennett Johnson
John Mark Johnson and Libby Phillips
AliceAnn Kontogeorge and Mack Dumas
Max Townson and Lily Howze
SENIOR SECTION 21
New Mexico Military Institute: Leo Crabb
Covenant College: Caleb Heis
Western Carolina University: Frankie-Kate Kruger
...and The Places You’ll See wherever you go, you will top all the rest Aubrey Shaddrix, Staff Writer
Ole Miss: Addison McPhillips, Peyton Arnold, Abbott Green
SENIOR SECTION 22
Thank You’s and Farewells
Showing gratitude to those that have impacted us
Elianna Hollis, Staff Writer
Mr. Smith
Elianna Hollis
I firstly want to thank Mr. Smith for taking a chance on me in allowing me into the jazz band. Being in jazz band allowed me to grow closer with my friends already in band, make new friends, and eventually open the door to more opportunities. I am eternally grateful for him seeing in me potential for growth when other candidates may have been more skillful. Secondly, I want to thank him for showing me what it means to be a leader. From his heart-rending speeches during marching season to his ability to laugh at himself and have a sense of humor, I greatly admire the way he leads the band and the way he conducts himself as a teacher and director. His signature catchphrase, “early is on time and on time is late,” rings constantly in the ears of every band kid that has gone through the program. Through these qualities I have learned so much during my time in jazz band and this past year as band manager, not only musically but also personally. I want to thank Mr. Smith for his kindness toward me, his leadership qualities, and his sense of humor. His impact and the qualities he instills in his students will remain with me long past graduation.
Senior Class
Mrs. Putman
Mrs. Lunsford
Grace Thompson
I want to say thank you for being such an understanding and kind person. I was so blessed to be in your 11thgrade AP Lang class. You are one of the best English teachers at CHS and I attribute my essay-writing abilities to you. When I had to be out many times throughout my junior year, you were always there, ready to help me get caught up on the work I had missed. Thank you for making a two-week calendar for me when I had knee surgery. That made it much easier to remember each assignment that was due. You truly made every aspect of school easier and more enjoyable.
Evan Wilson
Mr. Searels
I can honestly say this senior class is one of my favorite classes of all the 30 total groups I’ve had the honor of teaching and also getting to know those I didn’t teach. I think I looked forward to coming to school every day - even on the worst weather days - because of these rascals. I loved how they were all so different, got along well with each other, definitely had a sense of humor, were honest, did their work even when they didn’t really want to, made me laugh on bumpy days, and above all made me remember why I loved teaching on a regular basis. I will genuinely miss this class of 2025, their spirit and their quick smiles. It’s bittersweet now to admit that these seniors are finally ready for real world challenges and experiences.
I’m thankful I got to be a part of their journey at CHS, and my memories are richer because of them.
Seniors...Stay Gold
Evan Wilson is a remarkable young man and a true standout in my AP Computer Science Principles class at Cullman High School. His passion for computer science, paired with an incredible work ethic, has been both inspiring and energizing to witness. Evan approaches every challenge with curiosity and determination, always seeking to understand the “why” behind the code. His thoughtful questions and consistent drive to grow make it clear that he has a bright and promising future in the world of technology. I have no doubt that Evan will go on to accomplish amazing things, and I am honored to have been a part of his journey.
Mrs. Burroughs
John JohnsonMark
I would like to thank Mrs. Burroughs for being an amazing English teacher and having a significant impact on my time at CHS. I have very much enjoyed having her as a teacher in honors English sophomore year and AP Lit this year. The feedback she provides to my ideas and assignments have always made it apparent that I am on the right track and are very much appreciated. I can tell she is very knowledgeable in what she teaches and is very passionate about doing so. Thank you, Mrs.Burroughs, for all you have taught me.
Senior Class Ms. Calahan
Being asked to identify a current senior who has impacted my time at CHS is an impossible task to complete. I taught 82 of this graduating class during their freshman year; I have had seven of the seniors one semester or more on the newspaper staff for the last three years; I have watched all of the seniors navigate the halls, the stage, the fields, the courts, the track, and the classrooms of Cullman High School. I have seen artwork, read written work, listened to musical performances, watched athletic games, participated in pep rallies--I have enjoyed all four years of these seniors! To name one or even two who have had an impact on me would be impossible; however, I can say that many of these seniors know (I hope) that my life is richer and my heart is more joyful because our paths crossed.
SENIOR SECTION23
Senior Setlist
The perfect mix of nostalgia and summer
Avery Hice, Staff Writer
SENIOR SECTION 24
By Popular Vote
What our seniors picked to represent their year
Anna Beth Burleson, Co-Editor
Class Slow Song: "Vienna" by
Billy Joel
Class Fast Song: "Where'd All the Time Go" by Dr. Dog
Class Quote:
"Life moves pretty fast If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it " Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Senior Cords
A look at the different cords earned Elizabeth Smith, Staff Writer
Graduation Word Search
A puzzle to pass the slow-moving time Elianna Hollis, Staff Writer
SENIOR SECTION 25
26 SENIOR SECTION
Ms. Calahan’s Legacy: More Than a Teacher
Honoring Ms. Calahan’s impact at Cullman
Mack Rudder, Co-Editor
While Ms. Calahan has undoubtedly served Cullman High School to the best of her ability as an educator, to many here at CHS she is much more than just a teacher. Ms. Calahan is an amazing mentor, a stand-in grandmother to many, an excellent advice-giver, a cheerful pep talk provider, a motivator, a reminder that God is always looking out for you, and most importantly a friend to everyone. You will never go into her classroom without her having a smile on her face, even on her hardest days. If you come to her with a problem, she provides a plethora of solutions. She is a true inspiration to all and has been a beaming bright spot on campus for faculty and students for nearly three and a half decades.
Personally, Ms. Calahan is my role model. She has shown me what it means to be strong and unwavering in the things that you believe in. I’ve never met someone in my life who carries as much wisdom as Ms. Calahan does. She is incredibly humble and if you ask her how she is so wise, she will give all the glory to God. I first met Ms. Calahan freshman year when I took her 9th grade Honors English class. She taught me my first lesson that year- while quite silly- that it isn’t cool to cuss. Specifically, she said to me “I’ve never met someone who cussed in every sentence and thought ‘Wow, what
a great vocabulary!’” I still frequently remind myself of that before speaking. At the end of that year, she encouraged me to join The Hilight staff and I was entirely unsure. I never thought that Hilight would become my place at Cullman High School. Despite my reluctance, I joined and continued to be on staff for three years.
During my sophomore year Ms. Calahan taught me how to work hard and encouraged me to put forth my best work. I spent the second semester of my sophomore year as an honorary virtual Hilight writer as I couldn’t fit the class in my schedule. I came to Ms. Calahan’s room every day during lunch so I didn’t miss anything. Despite my not physically being there most of the time, Ms. Calahan always made me feel included as part of the staff. Ms. Calahan has always poured her entire heart and soul into The Hilight, always putting us above herself. She cannot bear for anyone to not also love Hilight with all of their heart. Watching the way she impacts others is one of the greatest parts of knowing Ms. Calahan.
Now it is my senior year (and Ms. Calahan’s) and I feel so at home in her classroom: I cannot imagine another teacher moving in next year (and I’m honestly glad I won’t be here to see it.) This year she has pushed us all to
be our very best, and while we’ve had lots of ups and downs, I can say with 100% confidence that we have done the best that we could and that we 100% could not have done it without Ms. Calahan’s encouragement. When Annabeth and I became editors this year, we were extremely eager to be able to make the paper our own. We wanted to change everything from the fonts to the setup of the paper itself and I am so grateful for Ms. Calahan and her support. When proposing all of our big dreams for this year and all of our ideas she never once told us that something would be too difficult or that we couldn’t at least try it. She believed in us and our vision (or at least hid her doubt very well.) Even during this edition when we set out to have a 32-page paper at most and somehow ended up with a 36-page paper, she was nothing but encouraging and supportive.
During my time at Cullman High School, there are many teachers and faculty members whom I have become close, but Ms. Calahan is much more than just a teacher to me and to many others. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of all of the good things in life than Ms. Calahan. Your impact has been so substantial; thank you for everything, and happy retirement Ms. C!
With love, Mack
Words from Students!
“Ms. Calahan, The greatest impression you made on me was the strength of your character. Your unwavering belief in the Lord and His plan inspired me daily. Every day, your love and kind spirit were a direct image of the Lord and His fatherly love towards us.”
- Mimi Lunsford, Graduate of the class of 2023
“Ms. Calahan is one of the kindest, most maternal cornerstones of our school’s faculty. She is always ready to listen and give warm advice whenever needed. No matter the day, she always rises to the occasion and shows up to school with a cheerful attitude.”
- Elianna Hollis, current staff writer
Her Impact on Cullman High School
Ms. Calahan, current CHS Hilight sponsor and English teacher is set to retire this year after 35 years of dedication to her field. Ms. Calahan began teaching at Cullman High School in the fall of 1990 and was originally Cullman’s drama teacher. She started teaching after gaining an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Immediately after finishing that degree, she went back for her master’s degree in education also from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
After gaining her master’s, Ms. Calahan then secured a specialist in education degree from the University of Alabama in 2013. Only 8% of teachers nationwide hold a specialist degree, setting Ms. Calahan apart from many.
After ten years of teaching drama, Ms. Calahan stepped down after having her son Jacob Calahan, who is her pride and joy. This year Ms. Calahan went back to her roots and gave her final performance at Cullman High School in the theatre department’s production of Tuck Everlasting. She was exquisitely cast by Mr. Cook and Mrs. Skinner as the eldest Winnie Foster and gave a show-stopping and emotional performance.
Ms. Calahan has served in many capacities at Cullman High School, spending time as the National Honor Society sponsor, the sponsor of CATS 55 (an on-campus student-run cable TV station), the Cats for Christ sponsor, a dual enrollment teacher through Wallace State University, an A+ College Ready Trainer, as well as teaching freshman and sophomore Honors English, AP Lang, Bible as Literature, Public speaking, and serving as the English Department Chairperson for a number of years.
“Ms. Calahan, I hope you know that your class was always the highlight of my school day, and it was for many other students as well”
- Drew Williamson, Co-Editor of the 2023-2024 Hilight Staff
Ms. Calahan took over as The Hilight staff sponsor in the fall of 2003, and under her leadership the program has seen exponential growth. Just this year The Hilight broke the record for the number of awards brought home from the Alabama Scholastic Press Association competition. The Hilight staff and Ms. Calahan have compiled a long list of awards and accomplishments over the years and many of her students from The Hilight have pursued careers in journalism or related fields. Despite her and the staff’s long list of accomplishments, Ms. Calahan has stayed humble and servient to God.
EDITORIALS 28
How to Enhance your Aura
Feeling down? Look here to settle your Mindset Lag
Maggie Hope Hetrick, Staff Writer
Are you familiar with the term seasonal depression? Or maybe you’re quite fond of that deep yearning for something more - for some sort of excitement in life to magically step out from around the corner… Or maybe you’re just in a dull, tiresome, and boring spell. Now that I have you thinking, let me ask you this; do you know what romanticization is? I don’t just mean hyping up some important event in your head for months, or counting down the days till Christmas. The definition of romanticization means to view or portray something in a way
sphere and people being completely and utterly disinterested in truly having a bright, vibrant and lively life.
If you’re interested in sharpening your… Aura, keep reading.
typically is not, and has a rather simple fix. There’s a chance you could be stressed, your diet might be lacking tryptophan, you could be on some sort of medication that is causing an imbalance, or you might just simply be in need of some sunshine. Feeling down in the dumps has thousands of causes at the end of the day, but they typically always all have a similar situation.
that makes it more interesting, attractive, or exciting… which doesn’t just go for the big occasions that take place in your life. Romanticizing life ranges from details that some wouldn’t even pay attention to on a day to day basis… like going on a little drive around your neighborhood with the windows
Now let’s not just write depression, or even just sadness off as a mindset. Some people truly do have a mental disorder that causes them to chemically feel the way they do, that can’t simply be prevented or stopped by going on a picnic. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, bored with your life, or just bleh… this is for you.
One of the most common causes of these feelings is seasonal depression. Seasonal Depression is defined as a ruption in the body’s natural rhythms due to changes in sunlight exposure,” typically takes place during the fall and winter months. The reason this affects us humans emotionally is because this disruption messes with our brain chemistry, which leads to mood changes and symptoms of depression. Now this isn’t always the case for some, but I personally have experienced a bout or two (more like 7) of the lovely winter depression, and it truly can crumble your mental stability over those long and grueling three months.
If the root of your mindset blind isn’t due to the gloomy, cold, and dark winter months… it’s more than likely due to your serotonin levels, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. Now this is something that can be genetic… but
In order for you to live your life to the fullest potential and soak up every moment to the greatest extent, you need to step into the world of romanticization. Whether you think it’s cringe or not, or maybe you’re scared of being judged for being embarrassing… Romanticism is extremely beneficial in a multitude of areas of your life. Romanticizing one’s life has the ability to improve personal relationships, performance in work or school, mental health, and activities of daily living. In general, the ideas surrounding romanticism alone have the ability to influence one to improve their life, and focus on the art of embracing not just themselves as an individual, but everything that is around them as well. Actually following through with it is what places you in an entirely different atmosphere of life. You can start romanticising your life literally anywhere - if you don’t have some sort of routine in the morning that sets your day off right, try starting there. Find places in your life where you can personally see that it lacks excitement, find an area that you know you want and could
improve if you gave it a chance, and then try. Pinpoint these specific areas in your day to day life that you don’t particularly like, or aren’t extremely fond of, and then come up with a way to improve it. It doesn’t have to be some huge, dras change. It can be as simple as making your bed as soon as you wake up in the morning, or even deciding to dress up for no reason. Romanti cization is about both prior tizing yourself as well as placing more attention on living a fulfilling life. I find that even just rolling the windows down, turning up my music, and honestly just living in the moment can improve my day - even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, or possibly just burnt out on life… Try throwing on a pair of headphones, listening to your favorite songs, and just allow yourself to relax. Dance around your room if you want to, sing along if you really get into it, y’know. Life is too short to stay hung up on one, what other people think of you, and two, not want ing to be perceived as cringe, or embarrassing. Embrace romanticism. Embrace living your life not for those around you, but for yourself. You will find that focussing on those little, happy, self-oriented moments will significantly improve your mental health when you’re feeling down, and will overall put you in a more positive mindset. Through romanticization of both life and yourself, you will be opening yourself up to improving your mindset, your relationship with yourself, and those around you.
Is Greek Life Cult Life?
Are sororities/frats cults?
Blyss Murphree, Staff Writer
A cult is described by Google as: “a system or group of people who practice excessive devotion to a figure, object, or belief system.” Now, ask yourself, what makes a cult? You may be thinking– well, first of all a cult is to worship someone or something, they usually have robes, rituals, sacrifices, black magic in some sense… oh oh! And a cult is usually a group of people with the same beliefs with a couple ring leaders. Okay now, I want you to think about what individuals within a sorority or fraternity does to keep themselves occupied. Parties, bonfires, they recruit people into their frat or sorority, they all buy matching outfits, and they live together. While reading this you may want to sketch out a T- chart or venn-diagram, because if you couldn’t figure out from this paragraph; there are lots of similarities.
I cannot say that frats and sororities do blood bonds and black magic; however, they do possess the barebone characteristics of a cult. If a cult is “a system or group of people who practice excessive devotion to a figure, object, or belief system,” this can be applied to almost every organization on the planet. However, when you take the list of characteristics of a cult and apply it to
**This piece is satire and not meant to be taken offensively.**
a frat or sorority this is what it would sound like if I were telling you about a college experience being in a sorority: *fictional scenario
“Yeah I really like my sorority. You should join! If or when you do, you will be greeted at the door with your house uniform –we usually only use them for parties and pictures– you will be given a robe, a list of names, a house key, a document with all the passwords to our streaming services and our WI-FI. Then, you will be handed a weekly schedule starting on the day you arrive. You will be shown the whiteboard on the fridge with your household chores already assigned, and finally…you will be given a house tour. I really think you would enjoy it! I really do! Here, if that didn’t sell you, I’ll go ahead and give you our social media accounts so you can see the kind of stuff we do, but if you really want to see everything, you gotta come to our party Friday! There will be a bonfire, and you’re supposed to wear pink!”
Okay, now that you have read that; here is what it would sound like if I were trying to explain an experience I had with the first ever cult meeting I accidentally attended: *fictional scenario
“They had told me it was a bonfire party so I went… At some point the group of hosts came out of this giant white house, all in matching purple robes. They started chanting 1“pars ignis” over and over for about 2 minutes until everyone went quiet. Then, they started circulating around the bonfire and slowly taking jars of grass or herbs or something– and throwing the mysterious contents into the fire. The fire turned purple! When the flame changed colors everyone started saying “woah” and “ooh” like we were at a magic show– which is what it felt like… until about 4 people out of the group of hosts went back to the house and brought out a pig on a stick…”
These scenarios may not seem too common, but put yourself in the situation where you go to a frat party and they all come out into the woods in matching robes. What would your first thought be? I know my immediate thought would be, “Oh my this is a cult!” Take this quote from reddit as an example that Blyss actually did research for this article, ”I was in a fraternity for 4 years at a small private college. We had about 10-25 active members on any given year. I can confirm the entire process was extremely
How Will Tariffs Affect Overconsumption
Is your Temu subscription at risk?
Claire Dossey, Staff Writer
In today’s age almost all of our shopping can be done with just the click of a button. Whether it’s groceries, gifts, or just personal shopping it can all be done on something we, all have in our pockets 24/7. This has become a problem because eventually we run out of things to purchase that we could actually use and start making and consuming some of the most useless products known to man, like backpacks for your water bottles. Most of these useless products are produced in China and are bought off of websites like Temu, Shein, and TikTok Shop. These websites grew very popular because they had everything you could think of for extremely cheap, and it’s very tempting because “So what, it’s less than a dollar?” We are constantly fed advertisements for these products while scrolling through any and all social media platforms, and eventually, you start to make yourself believe that you need these things and that they would help you out in everyday life, when in reality, there is probably something that does the same thing sitting in your junk drawer while you press the ‘confirm purchase’ button.
However, with president Donald Trump’s new policy to impose tariffs on all of our biggest importers like Mexico, Canada, Japan, and China,
this addiction to overconsumption might start affecting us a little more than just a dollar here and there. Originally Trump only unveiled a 34% tariff on goods imported from China, but China did not like that and countered with its own 34% tariff on American goods. President Trump then added another 50% to the already 34% tariff on Chinese goods making the total tariff increase on Chinese goods a whopping 84%. The next day he then added another 50% after China would not repeal their 34% tariff they placed on American goods, making the new total 104%.
Continuing this pattern Trump put a 90-day pause of reciprocal tariffs for other countries, however China was not included in this pause, and Trump blamed Beijing’s retaliatory actions and followed with an announcement to immediately raise the total duties on Chinese imports to 145%.
With the new tariff total coming out to a whopping 145%, how will we be affected? Packages shipped from China off of websites like Shein, Temu, DH Gate, and other mass producing websites that are based in China, will no longer be able to enter the US without paying these import duties. These duties will initially fall on the company themselves, but to keep their income steady, they will charge
cult like.”- AceAttornie
Now that you have read each scenario, I use the venn-diagram to see if you can come to a conclusion if sororities and frats are cults.
1 Pars Ignis - latin term that translates to “fire party”
Being involved in Greek Life is not wrong, just don’t allow it to rule your life
the customer for the extra cost. They also removed the duty free exemption from lower priced packages so an item that is worth one dollar will now cost you at least ten dollars. You may not think that ten dollars is much, but when the product is worth a dollar, it really doesn’t sound worth it to spend anything more than a dollar on it.
Next time you are mindlessly scroll ing on Shein, looking for your ‘summer shein haul,’ remember that it will no longer cost you one hundred dollars for 60+ items, and maybe go to the thrift store instead.
EDITORIALS 30
The 27 Club A death sentence written into fame
Avery
Hice, Staff Writer
There is a shadow that looms over the brightest lights in music history — a pattern so chilling it has become a modern legend. The 27 Club, as it is called, is more than a grim list of artists who died at the age of 27. It is a morbid symbol of brilliance cursed by fate, and a collection of lives that burned too hot, too fast, only to be extinguished at their most incandescent. But beyond the headlines and eulogies, beyond the mourning crowds and immortal records, lies something more unsettling. Was it coincidence? Industry exploitation? Or something far more sinister?
Many trace the origins of the 27 Club to the ghostly story of Robert Johnson, the Delta bluesman whose fingers moved like no others. The legend tells of a lonely crossroads at midnight, where Johnson bartered his soul for musical genius. His songs — raw, aching, and haunting — carried the weight of that fateful bargain. He died under mysterious circumstances at 27, poisoned or hexed, depending on who you ask. His final recordings are soaked with an eerie foreboding, as if he himself knew his time was borrowed. Then, in a grim sequence between 1969 and 1971, four titans fell in quick succession: Brian Jones
the surface, skeptics point to lifestyle excesses — the drugs, the alcohol, the relentless demands of fame. But even hardened rationalists find it difficult to explain why so many cultural giants perish at this exact age. The number 27 has become a mark of dread among rising stars, an ominous milestone that feels less like a birthday and more like a countdown. For those drawn to darker explanations, the 27 Club feels like a blood pact echoing through generations.
The Faustian Bargain, Revived Robert
The White Lighter Curse
It sounds absurd until you see the pattern. A persistent urban legend claims many members of the 27 Club were found with white cigarette lighters at the time of their deaths. Joplin, Hendrix, Morrison, and Cobain are often cited, and though timelines don’t perfectly align (Bic didn’t produce white lighters until after some of these deaths), the myth endures. Smokers still eye white lighters with suspicion, as if holding one tempts the same dark fate.
Saturn’s Reckoning In astrology, the Saturn Return is a time of reckoning — a cosmic mirror forcing you to confront your deepest flaws. For those already caught precariously between genius and madness, this astrological storm could push them over the edge. Whether you believe in the stars or not, the uncanny timing feels like fate
they are chewed up and spat out, their deaths quietly turned into posthumous profits. Behind every platinum album and sold-out show is a system designed to consume them whole. What makes the 27 Club so terrifying is not just the deaths themselves, but the way they feel inevitable. Fans track their idols’ birthdays with growing anxiety. Artists themselves have joked, nervously, about “making it past 27.” The number has become a psychological weight, a finish line edged in shadows. Even worse, there is the risk of romanticizing these tragedies.
In death, the members of the 27 Club are frozen in time, immortalized in youthful rebellion and artistic glory, but beneath the mythology lies pain, exploitation, and unresolved despair. The 27 Club is not just a curiosity of pop culture. It is a chilling reminder of the cost of burning too brightly in a world eager to consume brilliance. Whether it is the cruel hand of fate, the grind of an unfeeling industry, or something darker still, these artists are gone — their voices now echoes, their final notes hanging forever in the air. And as long as new talent rises, daring to chase greatness, the shadow of the 27 Club will linger — waiting.
“That’s really selfish to live to 90 years old unless you have something to offer like maybe William Burroughs. I definitely don’t want to be that old. I feel more bonded with the Jim Morrison type of living on the edge, rock & roll poet, in a conservative way.” –Kurt Cobain, October 9, 1991, almost 4 years before his death
Spend plenty of time with your friends.
Learn that it's not always a good idea to talk.
Whatever you do, remember to not be a pro at procrastination.
Go to School.
Live for the plot. Do things you will in fact regret.
Join a random sport.
Have a trip to PCB for spring break (every high school student should have the Panama experience).
Do the Homecoming Relay Race and Participate in Lip Sync!
Visit a college.
Actually do your summer reading and don't rely on sparknotes.
Make sure you participate in some sort of play or pageant before graduating, something in the theater department.
They should make the most of any school activity be the loudest and brightest person in the room.
What we (senior class of 2025) think you (underclassmen) should do before you graduate!
by Mack Rudder, Co-Editor and Elianna Hollis, Staff Writer
Take AP classes! AP classes are super helpful when you get to college, even if they are taxing in high school. They also prep you for college so much more than normal high school classes.
Get a baseball before the team sends a player to get it (practice or game).
Do an actually good senior prank like releasing some baby chicks in the quad.
I think every underclass- man should participate in at least one spring theatre show!
Save your money/get a job.
Skip school and do something fun.
Take a class taught by the GOAT Coach Goble.
Go on a shopping trip with friends.
Get into trouble (not too much trouble) & put yourself out there.
Go to events! Even if you go once and don't like it, you still got to experience it that one time!
Do something out of your comfort zone: wear those pants, go to that event, talk to that person, try something new!!
Do something dumb. Rules exist to keep people safe and stuff, but doing some- thing small but dumb is fun and honestly an essential part of being a highschooler. Study!
