THE SHIELD_VOL 66_ISSUE 2

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SHIELD Be Aware.

Bishop Kenny High School Volume 66 | Issue 2 Jacksonville, Fla. BKToday.org

Opinion

News

3 Emma St. John 4 Homecoming Week 6 Kenny Angels

11 Since You Asked...

16 Max’s Corner 17 Hello Gorgeous 18 Cultural Appropriation 20 Toxic Masculinity 21 Police Brutality 22 Potterverse expanding

Feature

7 Scott Sberna 8 Vaping Epidemic 10 Common Fears 14 Mental Health

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A&E

23 Kenny Kupid 25 Kenny Kravings 26 Scary movie review

Sports

27 Volleyball 28 FL/GA Game

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The Shield is a member of FSPA. It is published six times a year by journalism students at Bishop Kenny High School 1055 Kingman Ave., Jacksonville, Fla. 32207 phone: (904) 265-9390 fax: (904) 398-5728 The policy of The Shield is to provide a forum for student expression.

If you are interested in advertising in The Shield email newspaper@bishopkenny. org for more information.

Letters to the editor are encouraged. Please submit them to room 224.

Letters must be signed; names can be withheld upon request.

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Editor-in-Chief Emily Willis Design & Layout Editor Franchesca Peralta Managing Editor Max Montana Business Manager Niah Aleger Web Manager Megan Yates News Editor Hailey Farah Features Editor Julia Rodriguez Opinion Editor Emily Willis Arts & Entertainment Editor Franchesca Peralta Sports Editor Max Montana

Staff Reporters Rita Albert Kaitlyn Bateh Dailey Jackson Rachel Lechwar Katie Loberger Reilly Nance Tara Shear Mary Shoemaker Destiny Tran Emily Yalch Adviser Jessica Durbin

Follow The Shield on Twitter and Online: @bkhs_newspaper www.bktoday.org

October 2018

News

Senior chosen as National Merit Scholarship semifinalist Mary Shoemaker | Staff Reporter

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enior Emma St. John was selected as a semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) due to her success on the PSAT as a junior, among other academic successes, such as earning A’s in all of her classes.

The program chooses students with scores in the top third of the 50,000 high scores from across the country to be semifinalists. NMSP also commended three other seniors: Eric Partain, James Deats and Lucia Macchi.

As a semifinalist, St. John will have to continue earning high letter grades and score high marks on the SAT to qualify as a finalist.

Emma takes pride in her hard work and how it has enabled her to qualify for the scholarship.

“I work really hard for my grades,” St. John said, “So yeah, I get really happy when I do well.”

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One of her go-to study habits is compiling all of her notes into one document that she likes to call a “doodle page.” “ I t r e a l l y h e l p s me right before an exam,” S t .

John said. “ I t ’s just a big document t h a t highlights all the key points a n d

concepts from each chapter. It is really useful because during the test I am able to visualize the picture I drew for a specific topic.”

Like any student, St. John wishes she had approached some aspects of school a bit differently, despite her achievements.

“I typically slack off first quarter,” said St. John. “It’s something I’ve always wished I did differently because it’s just so hard to bring your grades back up.”

S h e encourages other students to learn from her mistakes and to work hard from the beginning.

“One tip I have for younger students is to just work hard from the beginning,” St. John said. “Everything counts, starting freshman year.”

St. John hopes to continue her studies at Duke University, the University of North Carolina or the University of Virginia. She enjoys studying math and would like to pursue a career in business or economics.

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News Katie Loberger | Staff Reporter

Space Day The week started off with Space Day, which was also the dance’s theme.

During lunch, students boogied along to Just Dance, a Wii game in which students can pick a song and follow the movements.

Holiday Day Tuesday was Holiday Day. Students wore the traditional holiday dress for days such as Christmas, Fourth of July and Easter. During lunch, the outside courtyards were adorned with Easter eggs that held candy. Santa also came and a Christmas tree was set up on the stage.

Sports Day Wednesday was Sports Day and students were able to wear their favorite team’s jersey or shirt. During lunch, a ping pong table was set up on the freshman and sophomore side, while the junior and senior stage had cornhole. The assembly, Hard As Nails, discussed the hardships of life and how to overcome them.

Color Your Class Day Thursday was Class Color Day; as tradition, freshman wore yellow, sophomores wore orange, juniors wore blue and seniors wore their pink class shirts, designed by senior Omar Zumot. The lunches held pie eating contests and cornhole.

Spirit Day Friday was Spirit Day. Students wore their homecoming shirts, designed by senior Lauren Ashley. During lunch, the students raced to beat one another in Mario Kart. The day ended with the pep rally to boost excitement for the football game that night.

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October 2018

Bishop Kenny cheerleaders hype up the school at the pep rally on Oct. 19.

Seniors Josephine Morrill and Jewel Tyson ďŹ ght with stuffed batons at the Hard as Nails assembly.

Students join hands and pray in front of a cruciďŹ x at the Hard as Nails assembly on Oct. 16.

Motivational speaker Justin Fatica talks to students as others write their struggles on a card.

Senior Michael Winston dances at the pep rally during the traditional dance off against senior boys and girls.

Senior girls cheer on Grace Wright as she dances solo at the pep rally on Oct. 19.

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News

Kenny Angels members face new changes in their club Destiny Tran | Staff Reporter

Photo by Destiny Tran

Kenny Angels is an all-girl service club on campus that provides an opportunity to earn service hours for working the concession stands at athletic events.

Kenny Angels club members bid farewell to former sponsor Angel Williams and said hello to new head sponsor Ashleigh Bradley, who worked alongside Williams as co-sponsor last year.

The organization was created by Coach Joe Parete in 1978.

“This year is the 40th anniversary of the club; I Mackenna Gregory, Maria Par and Niang San Cing working the didn’t even know that!” during the Oct. 5 volleyball tournament.

Bradley said.

Before games, members This year, Bradley came into the club set out signs and make popcorn and with open ideas to make Kenny Angels an hot dogs and after, they clean up the improved club. concession stands. At first, this club was Membership is open to freshmen exclusively for senior girls and then later for the first time, and there are now 19 they allowed juniors and sophomores to freshmen in the club. join.

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“I am so glad Mrs. Bradley opened the club up to freshmen,” junior Vanessa Welliver said.

Additionally, members will attend the 7:10 morning mass together once every quarter.

Along with mass, Bradley selects a Bible verse in the beginning of every meeting and one of the officers discuss how the verse relates to what they are doing in the club.

Kenny Angels has never done a service project, but this year they plan to serve a meal for Kairos, a spiritual retreat for juniors and seniors hosted concession stand by Campus Ministry.

“We are doing more together and growing together in our faith,” senior Eve Walts said. “Mrs. Bradley has done a good job this year with making Kenny Angels a fun and service-filled club.”

October 2018

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Scott Sberna’s new leg of his journey Dailey Jackson | Staff Reporter

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accounts for less than one percent of cancers and typically affects teens and young adults.

After his diagnosis, Sberna went through chemotherapy for two years until the choice was made to amputate his right leg at mid-thigh in February 1992.

Following the surgery, he went through another two years of chemo, attended

“In the microprocessor knee, the computer in it memorizes and learns your gait, so as I walk, it knows when to dampen and when not to, and if I happen to fall, the knee catches,” Sberna said.

“It’s much more stable.”

Before receiving the new MCK, Sberna looked at other options like osseointegration, the anchoring of a

graduate school and earned a Master’s in school social work in 1998. Finally, in July 2006, Sberna and his family packed up all of their things and moved to Jacksonville to provide better care for his mother, where he took a position at Bishop Kenny.

Recently, Sberna received an upgrade from his current, hydraulic knee to a new Microprocessor Controlled Knee (MCK).

A hydraulic knee uses a piston to reduce the friction when pressure is applied but, as years go by and the piston becomes worn out and the knee becomes unsteady and unreliable. Because of this, Sberna decided to upgrade to a MCK, which gives him the opportunity to do more physical activities with his children, like riding bikes and practicing baseball with his son.

surgical implant by the growth of bone around it, and a form of limb lengthening surgery to develop more tissue for the prosthetic leg to attach to.

Above all, Sberna would like to thank everyone for their help throughout his continuous journey, from raising money and donations, to sending cards and even just welcoming him with kind words every day.

“Anybody who would care enough to offer that amount of money, or any amount of money on my behalf is extremely humbling,” Sberna said. “It certainly makes me appreciate our sense of community, which is very nice to be able to come here every day.”

Photos courtesy of Scott Sberna

he popular idiom, “walk a mile in my shoes,” suggests that we should all consider and understand another person’s experiences and perspective before judging them. But let us take that a step further, and imagine walking a mile in Scott Sberna’s shoes; or should I say, shoe?

Sberna was born and raised in

California, where he enjoyed surfing and tanning the days away. But, when he was in his mid-20s he began to feel discomfort and slight pain behind his right knee and consulted his doctor. Sberna was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer that has almost no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, in October 1991.

“It [the lump] formulated in the back of my knee, so between those two tendons, somehow, it formulated, and I had a cyst back there, which ended up being a tumor, so they took it out,” Sberna said.

A lump is formed when a buildup of synovial fluid, which reduces friction in joints, forms into a clump and later develops into a tumor. Synovial sarcoma

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Feature

What you need to know about vaping, how our administration is discouraging it

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hether it be during a break at his job or feeling overwhelmed at the thought of studying for a test, Milo, a pseudonym of a Bishop Kenny student who is of age to purchase a vaping device, imagines himself ‘hitting the JUUL.’ Milo has been vaping since seventh grade and continues to do so, along with ‘85 to 90%’ of his friends.

“It’s more peer pressure than anything,” Milo said. “They don’t push you to do it, but you do it not to be the odd one out.”

Besides the social appeal of e-cigarettes, Milo acknowledges other features of the JUUL that he enjoys, such as the easy use and the feeling of releasing dopamine.

“You buy it, you click it in and you’re on your way,” Milo said. “It’s a mental break from society and helps clear your head.”

Randall, a pseudonym of another student at Bishop Kenny, realizes the negative consequences of vaping. “A lot of people think that vaping is harmless, but it’s actually the opposite,” Randall said. “Vaping seems to be a scary thing once you look into the effects like popcorn lung.”

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, which include JUULs, vape pens, hookah pens and other vaping p r o d u c t s , according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), have been on the American free market since August 2006.

What was once considered a safe alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes has, as of Sep. 12, been ruled an epidemic by the United

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Max Montana | Managing Editor States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat up nicotine, artificial flavorings and other chemicals in order to turn those substances into a vapor that can be easily inhaled into the lungs.

With e-cigarettes, varying amounts of nicotine and other carcinogens have been found, including formaldehyde

“Although Bishop Kenny has taken action... administration realizes the challenging aspects of this epidemic.” and benzene, which have been linked to impeding brain development and causing lung disease. The FDA has responded to this by imposing rules in 2016 banning the sale of vaping devices to adolescents under 18 years old and that individuals under the age of 26 would have to show a form of identification to purchase a vaping device.

This restriction, however, often does not stop retailers from selling vaping devices to minors, as well as adults purchasing vapes legally, then selling them again to adolescents.

This course of action by the FDA was also undertaken to address e-cigarette use rising from 1.5% in 2011 to 11.7% in 2017 among high school students, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This increased use, partly caused by the launch of the JUUL pod in 2015, has teens inhaling more nicotine and other unknown chemicals than they know. About 66% of e-cigarette users believe that they are only ingesting flavoring, according to the NIDA. While

these consumers do not know the facts, as vaping manufacturers and retailers have only been required by the FDA to state that tobacco is in their products since August 2018, their bodies still have to deal with the consequences.

With nicotine and other chemicals within e-cigarettes being highly addictive, 30.7% of teenagers vaping have been found to start smoking regular cigarettes within six months of picking up a vaping device, according to the NIDA. “And for kids who initiate on e-cigarettes, there’s a great chance of intensive use of cigarettes,” FDA director of the Center for Tobacco Products Mitch Zeller said in an interview with “The New York Times” in January 2018. “As the regulator, we’ve got to factor all that in.”

With more statistics and studies being released to the public, the Bishop Kenny administration has realized the gravity of the effects of vaping and have stated that being in possession, transferring or using a vaping device oncampus or off-campus during a school event will result in a two day suspension that will place that student automatically on disciplinary probation. Other measures have been taken to address the vaping problem.

“We’ve had parents meetings and guest speakers that have come in and emphasized that you need to be more aware of this as a parent,” Assistant Dean of Students Robert Raulerson said.

“We’re trying to stay on the front end of educating both parents and students about it.”

Although Bishop Kenny has taken action, notably by hosting The Parenting for Prevention Seminar on Oct. 19, 2017, in which General Magistrate from the State Attorney’s Office Brooke Brady emphasized the dangers of vaping, the administration realizes the challenging aspects of this epidemic. For instance, e-liquids, or the liquid substance used in e-cigarettes that oftentimes contains nicotine, are frequently packaged in the

October 2018

appearance of lollipops, juice boxes, candy and even cookies. The FDA sent a letter of warning to 13 manufacturers, retailers and distributors of these particular products in May 2018, but the sale of these liquids has continued. For many parents, JUUL pods also come in unexpected forms.

“A lot of parents are not aware of what a JUUL is,” Raulerson said. “It masks itself often as something the students are plugging into their computers.”

While administration has raised awareness and stepped up prevention of e-cigarette use, they cannot prevent the advertisement methods by e-cigarette manufacturers. These campaigns have resulted in 7 in 10 teens being exposed to pro-vaping advertisements through the mediums of retail, internet, TV, movies and magazines, according to the NIDA. Rather than banking on the spoken word and peer pressure proliferating the scope of their product, e-cigarette manufacturing and retail companies have invested in advertisement campaigns to hone in on one aspect of their products. This facet is the flavoring of the vaping device, such as cherry, strawberry, mint, cinnamon and crème brûlée. These flavors, typically offered by the hygienist at your annual visit to the dentist, have been alleged to result in increasing negative health effects.

E-cigarette liquids containing flavorings, even without nicotine, have been linked to causing damage to the cells in the heart and blood vessels by halting natural production of nitric oxide in the body, according to Boston University School of Medicine.

“The loss of nitric oxide is important because it has been associated with heart disease outcomes like heart attacks and strokes,” lead study author Jessica Fetterman said in an interview with Reuters. “Our study suggests that the flavoring additives, on their own in the absence of the other combustion products or components, cause cardiovascular injury.”

Besides seminars, the Bishop Kenny administration have been confronting the issue more directly.

“We have had a few tips submitted to the text-a-tip program,” Dean of Students Laurie Wray said. “But students should be more encouraged to take advantage of the tip line. It could be very beneficial in preventing issues.”

ZIP Club, the extracurricular organization at Bishop Kenny dedicated to spreading awareness and preventing drug use on campus and at Catholic grade schools through the Night-Vision program, which includes an anti-drug

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presentation, has recently begun to speak about the dangers of vaping.

“This is the first year JUULs have been a focus,” ZIP Club President Andrew McBride said.

“Our Night-Vision Program talks about vaping for 50% of the presentation.”

This ongoing situation is one that administration believes will be dealt with proficiently through support and education.

“I think the parents have been very grateful that we’re trying to be proactive about it instead of reactive,” Raulerson said. “Educating is the biggest piece of that.”

Milo believes Bishop Kenny is dealing with the e-cigarette crisis effectively, especially by having administrators check the bathrooms for the use of vaping devices, but he casts doubt on the long-term results of this strategy.

“The trend will last until another trend comes along,” Milo said. “Sooner or later, kids will look at JUULs as we look at cigarettes and then there will be something new on the way.”

Milo, who ‘hits’ the JUUL 100 times per week, hopes that he can stop by the end of the college and realizes it has had an impact on his lungs, but affirms he will continue to use vaping devices as long as other people his age are.

“My mom always says that it’s great to be a leader and not a follower,” Milo said. “But sometimes it’s something you have in common with someone, it’s something you could talk about.”

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Delving into the science behind common phobias Tara Shear | Staff Reporter

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ou are waiting in the doctor’s office, your fingers gripping onto the cold examination bed, your nails digging into the vinyl. Your muscles are repeatedly tensing and waves of heat continue to course throughout your body.

It is time to have your blood drawn, and for most people, this is not a problem.

But you tremble as you hear footsteps near the door, and once that door opens, you are faced with the needle. You laugh nervously. You feel nauseated.

You know you have to get it over with. You squeeze your mother’s hand desperately. It does not take too long, but it feels like an eternity. It is just a little needle; why are you so afraid of it?

This fear of injections and needles is called trypanophobia and is common among 50 million Americans, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Whether the fear stems from a traumatic experience with needles or pure fear of being injected, needles appear to be a meager object. They are used frequently in medicine, and they are a good reason as to why you do not have polio today.

“I do not like the idea of something being injected into my skin,” junior Madilyn Otero said. “One time I ran away. I get really nervous. I just can’t look at it. Otherwise, I’ll freak out.”

There are plenty of phobias just like this one. These include fears of insects and spiders, small animals, public speaking, water, and more.

Regularly, these fears are considered irrational. The sight alone of a spider can trigger symptoms of a panic attack in some. How can an often harmless object, animal or idea be so frightening?

The Science Behind Irrational Fears In the past, it was an easily accepted answer that most common phobias were the root of traumatic experiences.

This seems to make sense, but most people do not have bad experiences with falling from a fatally high place or have been bitten by a snake. Scientists inspected deeper to decipher another root of these common phobias.

Humans have an instinctual ‘fight

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or flight’ response embedded? in them, and this response was necessary in order to survive thousands of years ago.

When falling from a high place was a threat that humans faced and had to avoid on a daily basi, the brain was trained to have fears similar to common phobias today. These scientists argue that irrational fears are simply the result of ancient threats that remained hidden in the back of the human brain. Even this

explanation, however, was not satisfactory enough for modern researchers.

Genetics Are Likely at Fault Scientists have also concluded that phobias are sometimes the product of genes. Roughly 25 to 65 percent of irrational fears are the results of genetics, according to Dr. Katherina Hauner of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Although no single gene can be currently determined as the leader to blame, it is common for children

to share their phobias with their parents.

“I am absolutely terrified of cockroaches,” junior Vanessa Welliver said. “When there is one, you know that there are more hidden somewhere else. My mom and I constantly live in fear whenever we see one.”

A study published in the Journal of Nature Neuroscience elaborated on phobias and how they are often passed on to offspring. In the study, mice are used in an experiment where they are presented with the scent of cherry blossoms, a scent that typically does not trigger fear.

The mice were then shocked and began to associate the scent of cherry blossoms with danger. When the mice produced offspring and this new generation was introduced to the scent, the offspring gave a fearful reaction, even though they never suffered the traumatic shock which the parent group of mice did.

This cherry blossom phobia that the generations after the original group of mice developed is the product of none other than genetics. However, it seems reasonable that parents oftentimes teach their children about their own fear, resulting in their children also obtaining those fears. It is difficult for researchers to decipher between a phobia passed on genetically to offspring and a fear that was taught. This is what complicates the research of what exactly makes up a phobia, and the topic remains debatable.

The Bottom Line Irrational fears are completely normal, whether you are a toddler or senior citizen. These fears are imbedded into the brain and are difficult to ignore when a trigger is presented. There is plenty to blame for the anxiety that courses through your veins when you spot a garden snake in your yard or a spider on the ceiling. It could be the result of fears that our ancestors faced daily, or it might be a phobia shared by several members of your family. Whatever the answer may be, it is reasonable to say that we all have a slightly embarrassing irrational fear, and there should be no shame about it.

October 2018

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Since You Asked...

“My fears keep me from enjoying normal tasks on a daily basis. How can I conquer my phobias so that I can live life to the fullest?”

- Perry Noid

Dailey Jackson | Staff Reporter Emily Willis | Editor-in-Chief

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e all know the feeling. That anxiety you feel in the pit of your stomach when you arrive home late at night. Every small noise echoes through your skull and all the blurry lumps you see in the dark are intruders, waiting to pounce.

Everyone experiences fear. Whether it’s flying, clowns or public speaking, fear is not easy to overcome. You must understand where your fear comes from in order to banish it. Fear does not exist in a vacuum; an outside force, at some point in your life, scared you.

Let’s discuss the science behind it.

Phobias are simply caused by a chemical reaction in your brain. The amygdala, a piece of the brain dedicated to detecting and responding to stimuli, is the actor in causing your fear. When you see something potentially harmful, your amygdala decides in a split second whether you should face the attacker, or run away; this is known as the fight-orflight response. This causes the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which quickly prepares your body to spring into action in a stressful situation. Your fear is no more than your brain attempting to protect you.

Now that you understand the cause of phobias, we can begin the process of expelling your fear.

Here are a few methods that may help:

1. Imagine your life without the fear.

Think about how your fear has held you back in life, and stopped you from doing the things you love to do. Do you want

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to travel the world, but are too afraid to travel on an airplane? Imagine the sunsets in Brazil or the chill of the frosty winds near Mount Fuji. Remember how your fear has negatively impacted you and your health. Psychoneuroimmunological testing and epidemiological findings associate stress and fear with a weakened immune system, increased cardiovascular damage, impaired formation of long-term memories and damage to certain parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus, which is in part responsible for our emotions.

2. Begin the steps of conquering your fear head on.

Studies show when we face a threat, our endocrine system releases glucocorticoids, a group of chemicals that work with our metabolism and other hormones, which together with other signals, turn up the systems we need to protect ourselves. It may be difficult, but literally facing your fear is one of the most important steps in overcoming it.

4. Remember that fear is not a simple one-step (or even fourstep) process.

It may take months or years to erase the fear from your mind and move on.

Sometimes it will be easy to wake up and forget about your worries, but other times it may worsen and feel impossible to start another day, and that is okay. It is a normal and vital part of the process to get through. Whenever these lows occur, repeat the steps and start from the beginning; eventually, things will get easier and the fear will go away.

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3. Your fear may be more serious than you realize.

Humans can be afraid of literally anything in the world; any aspect of life, from the ocean to disappointing others, is a potential phobia. While some can quietly deal with fear on their own, others have serious, undiagnosed phobias that may require professional assistance to conquer. If your phobia is causing crippling self-doubt and self-deprecating thoughts, causing you to feel depressed (or worse), the most important step is to ask for help.

Whether it be a friend, parent, sibling, teacher or counselor, someone will help you. If they care about you, they will help you overcome your fear.

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October 2018

Opinion

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Opinion

Examining increasing anxiety levels in teens Rachel Lechwar | Staff Reporter

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tudents across America are acclimated to the norms of a school day. They are constantly balancing their time between classes, club meetings, volunteer events, sports practices, after-school labs, homework, college applications, part-time jobs and maintaining a stable social life. But, as they walk down the halls, there is a festering unease that grasps at the end

of their senses, a constant train of thoughts that threatens to unravel them. It is a battlefield t h a t

students must s t e p onto each day as their minds are met with external and internal challenges that bring an unhealthy amount of stress.

Defined loosely, stress refers to “any change in the environment that requires your body to react and adjust in response,” according to WebMD. Teens reported their stress level as 5.8 on a 10 point scale, in a 2014 survey by the American Psychological Association.

Stress can be narrowed down into two separate categories: eustress and distress. Eustress, or positive stress, is short term and aims to motivate and improve performance, such as pursuing a new hobby. Distress, however, is the anxiety that leads to mental or physical problems that can be difficult to cope with.

This is derived from the brain interpreting external forces as a threat. The issue of this distress has become a prominent topic of discussion amongst teens.

“It makes me feel better knowing that I’m not alone in the sense that I am being crushed by all this schoolwork,” junior Kate Lynn Pudpud said. “It has less of an impact because it’s so normal for us to talk about how we are so stressed.”

These high levels of stress can be attributed to various factors. Sleep deprivation is a growing issue, as 87 percent of high school students do not get the recommended nine hours

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of sleep every night, according to the National Sleep

Foundation. Technology is a source of stress and eight out of 10 people consider themselves to be attached to their devices, according to a survey conducted by PEW Research Center.

“A lot of people feel empty or disconnected from one another and are trying to fill themselves up with things that can’t fill them up,” AP Psychology and religion teacher Alex Maples said.

“It’s like drinking salt water when you’re thirsty -- it’s just going to make you more thirsty.”

The terms stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably. While they are closely connected, stress is the response to a threat and anxiety is a reaction to that stress. Anxiety is the most common mental health issue in the U.S., impacting 40 million adults and eight percent of children and teens, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

In examining the causes of anxiety, both genetics and environment play a role in the risk of experiencing this mental illness and 30 to 40 percent of variability is related to genetic factors, according to Amy Przeworski, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Children have a greater risk of developing a mental disorder if a sibling or parent has one. Children who have anxious temperaments when they are young are susceptible to a disorder later, depending on their experiences, as published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.”

“Sometimes it’s the parents, but usually teens, who struggle with anxiety on a long term basis have that internal drive,” psychotherapist Beth Medina said.

“They have a lot of self-imposed demands and are really hard on themselves and

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Opinion so part of reducing anxiety is looking at that.”

Medina works with adults who struggle with mental disorders by providing them with a space to talk and strategies to cope with issues such as anxiety.

Under the umbrella of anxiety, there are several disorders that point to more severe symptoms of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and specific phobias.

Most anxiety disorders or phobias develop before the age of 20, so there are treatment options for teens who experience any of these or just feel overwhelmed. Therapy offers constructive ways to deal with issues and can put patients on the path to recovery. In some cases, medication is required to manage anxiety levels.

“Sometimes there are people who don’t get a lot of support at home and their parents minimize it,” Medina said.

“If that is happening, that’s a good time to check in with the guidance counselors at school because there are tools they can give them that can help their parents understand more of how to be

**BK student survey

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supportive.”

There are a number of personal strategies adults and teenagers alike can utilize to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

If stress is related to overcommitting, creating a plan for the future, even if that just extends to the next couple weeks or months, can help release tension. Another strategy put forth by research professor Brené Brown aims to reduce the influence others’ opinions have over individuals. It involves cutting out a one inch by one inch card and write down the names of everyone who’s opinion matters to center one’s attention on those people instead of worrying about judgment from others.

For those who struggle with managing anxiety, talking to supportive family members and friends serves to reduce built-up pressures.

“Give yourself a chance to notice what is on your brain instead of just filling it with something else the second you’re not doing

anything, like picking up your phone and scrolling through something,” Maples said.

Mental health is a relevant topic for students managing busy schedules or experience symptoms of mental illnesses.

These struggles among teens and adults alike are common and treatable. Students at Kenny who feel overwhelmed with stress or anxiety have school counselors at their disposal, as well as campus ministry for support.

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Opinion

How surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference Max Montana | Managing Editor

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very single one of us has a friend to whom we no longer speak. Maybe this came as a result of a simple misunderstanding, you both got busy, or maybe one of you enrolled at Bishop Snyder, while the other made the (wise) choice of attending Bishop Kenny. These are common reasons, yet how many of us have cut off a longtime friend for being a negative influence? This ‘negative influence’ is easily recognizable, but I would sum it up as an acquaintance not desiring what is truly best for you.

I would be willing to wager that few of us have actually pulled off the seemingly logical task of separating ourselves from a burdensome ‘friendship.’

Why can’t you ‘break-up’ with a lousy friend? It certainly would leave you better off. Leaving negative friendships can improve cardiovascular health, according to “Psychology Today.” Also, a 2013 study, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, shows that individuals are more likely to smoke cigarettes if their friends do due to peer pressure. These studies show that leaving negative friendships could have as drastic of a result as physical health improvement while staying in one can lead to deadly coping habits like smoking cigarettes.

We like believing that we are in sole control of our actions, but peer pressure is such an ordinary phenomenon in our lives that it has been featured prominently in movies that our generation has grown up watching. For example, in the movie “Finding Nemo,” if Nemo had not been coerced by his schoolmates to touch the ‘butt,’ or boat, then he would not have been separated from his dad.

So, do you stick with these putrid peers out of a sense of loyalty? Possibly, but how much of that loyalty is turned into an attitude of self-martyrdom once that friend has glaring, unfixable faults that negatively affect you? When you think about that, remember the all-too-familiar ‘Golden Rule:’ Treat others as you would

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want to be treated. Although we typically think of this as the ‘Be Kind’ axiom, we have to remember that it is a two-sided coin. We must treat ourselves with the same respect and love, especially by surrounding ourselves with the right crowd, that we are called to share with others.

Instead of sacrificing your own values to prop up a collapsing companionship, consider whether that friend supports you in your upwards aim towards living a purposeful life for Christ. If not, do not be afraid to tell that person the truth about how his or her behavior affects you. Even after this confrontation, however, do not be surprised to see that friendship deteriorate rather than strengthen.

Possessing notably bad traits would have likely led, or already did lead, to that friend becoming cynical and resentful over other people’s good spirits and firmness in their values, including yours. For example, in the Pixar film, “Toy Story,” Woody’s distaste for Buzz Lightyear’s charisma and success leads to near-tragedy for all of Andy’s toys.

Don’t be afraid to leave that toxic friendship, but don’t misuse opportunity to speak your mind as one to talk down

to the friend or to moral grandstand.

Instead, keep in mind the passage from the Gospel of Matthew: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

If your friend decides to part from you, rest assured that you have not completed this journey yet. Before you search for friends with high-quality traits, consider thoughtfully what values you aspire to maintain and live out. Once you have identified those, you will notice who shares similar precepts. Obviously, when pursuing a meaningful friendship, you are bound to face obstacles and roadblocks such as loneliness and differences of opinion. Nevertheless, when you aspire to aim upwards, other people will take notice and will begin to think about their own values and how that affects their behavior and friendships.

Even the greatest people have their faults and make mistakes. But, when you find yourself in a place doing things you would not have done if it was not for that acquaintance, then you should reconsider that friendship. Make friends with those who want to see you thrive.

October 2018

Opinion

Top fall eyeshadow palettes in varying price ranges Julia Rodriguez | Features Editor

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The Shield

Graphics by Rita Albert

etail stores everywhere are putting out autumnal displays during late summer. It seems that every year displays begin to creep further into the end of summer. Here in Florida, it especially feels too early for fall, which doesn’t officially begin until midSeptember, but in Florida beach weather continues into late October.

It is almost impossible to get into the fall mood with 90 degree weather.

This year, we have seen multiple makeup launches and the fall season has only just begun.

There are a great number of new eyeshadow palettes introduced with autumn themes, such as warmtoned neutrals, oranges and reds.

I have chosen the top four palettes for the season from a variety of price ranges.

There are many fall palettes that have been staple items in my collection for years. One in particular is the Jaclyn Hill Palette from Morphe. I have used the Jaclyn Hill palette for almost every makeup look I have created since I purchased it in July of last year. The palette incorporates some color with turquoise and purple shades. The shadows in the palette range from matte shades to pigmented glitter shades. This Jaclyn Hill palette retails for $38.00 in Morphe stores and at select Ulta Beauty locations, including at St. John’s Town Center. It holds 35 eyeshadows and is an incredible deal for the amount of shades you get and the quality of the shadows.

The Modern Renaissance palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills has fewer shades than the Jaclyn Hill palette, but still maintains a good color story. The shades are a mix of warm neutrals with some darker pink shades. This palette caused uproar in the beauty community. When it launched, it rapidly became popular among the majority makeup connoisseurs. It seemed that

everybody in the beauty community and then some had to have this palette and for months after its launch date, retailers like Ulta Beauty and Sephora were sold out. Some of the matte shades tend to be a little chalky and need to be blended

longer. These shades will also have more fallout than the shimmer shades. The majority, if not all, eyeshadow palettes have some fallout, which is when you use an eyeshadow and dust falls from the shade.

No matter what palette you use you will encounter some type of fallout. It is manageable so long as the whole eyeshadow does not fall out of its pan. This palette has nowhere near as much as the Subculture palette, also from Anastasia Beverly Hills.

There are 14 shades and the palette retails for $42.00 at Ulta Beauty.

Huda Beauty has many different palettes that are great for autumn as well. The Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette retails for $65.00 at Sephora.

This palette has not only warmtoned neutrals, but also incorporates some pink shades. The shadows all have cohesive undertones and are capable of creating beautiful looks.

Natasha Denona has multiple palettes, all of which are very expensive. In makeup, almost every single time you get what you pay for. The Sunset Eyeshadow Palette retails for $129.00 at Sephora and has 15 beautiful shades. The shades range from light to dark, and include warm toned light browns to glittery copper and rose gold shades. These shades are creamy and buttery, which helps create the flawless blended natural smokey eye that every girl wants in the fall.

These are simply the palettes I have come to find so helpful to create all my autumn looks. They all have unique warm neutrals that you can also blend with other palettes.

All of these are very good options and great quality palettes. The Jaclyn Hill Palette from Morphe is the best bang for your buck. You get 35 shades for $38.00. At little more than a dollar a shade, the palette is worth the buy. I have yet to find a drugstore palette that has eyeshadows with a cohesive color story which are not super chalky.

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Opinion

Introducing the scariest monster on Halloween

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alloween is the holiday of frights: chilling decorations, horrifying pranks and, of course, ghoulishly wonderful costumes! Not only is this day a vigil dedicated to the saints in the Catholic Church, but it is also an opportunity to express your inner creativity by becoming something completely different than you were the day before. From hair-raising monsters to cute and cuddly animals, and everything in between, there is just about any costume to fit your Halloween needs.

But, there is a terrifying monster lurking about during this day of dread: cultural appropriation.

“Cultural appropriation,” according to the Cambridge English Dictionary, is “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.”

“Culture would best be described as tendencies, both behaviorally, as well as the social norms of different groups of people based on their history and personal preferences,” psychology teacher Matthew Case said.

Combining these definitions, cultural appropriation occurs when the traditions or tendencies of a group of people are used disrespectfully by someone who is

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Dailey Jackson | Staff Reporter

not a member or does not respect the group of people who are part of that culture.

For example, in 2014, the controversy about the logo, mascot, and name of football team the Washington Redskins began. The word “redskin” refers to the name given to Native Americans by colonial men, used as a derogatory term dating all the way back to 1769.

Ultimately, after many legal battles and petitions to the Supreme Court, the team has kept the name and continues to use it to this day.

Overall, people of Native American descent have mixed opinions about the adoption and current usage of the team name, and many have become indifferent to the issue. Rusty Whitworth, who currently lives on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana, believes that it is not the name that is offensive, but the collection of fans wearing feathered headdresses and war paint.

“The way we live is sacred. It shouldn’t be made fun of,” Whitworth said in an interview for the “Washington Post”.

On the other hand, college football team the Florida State Seminoles have had a very close relationship with the Native American tribe of the same name,

since the foundation of the team in 1972, and have focused much of their time on making sure that everything the team does is out of respect. For example, the team intentionally says that they have no mascot, instead they choose a student to represent “Osceola,” a great Seminole warrior, who rides a traditional Native American horse during each football game. The student is chosen by the Durham family, who started the tradition in 1978. To be picked for the prestigious position the student must maintain excellent grades, be of good moral character, including being respectful and honest at all times and must possess exceptional horse riding ability. To maintain the accuracy of the tradition, the clothes that he wears are sewn by women of the Seminole Tribe and approved by all of its members. Because of this, the school and the tribe are able to collaborate on many different occasions, including the selection of Homecoming chief and princess and the addition of an authentic “chickee,” a traditional Seminole structure. This relationship demonstrates the perfect way to not only honor a beautiful culture, but also how to incorporate these cultural traditions into a large society Halloween is particularly susceptible to the monster of cultural appropriation because it involves physically dressing like something or someone you are not.

That is when things can get a little dicey.

In 2017, Sachi Feris wrote a post on Facebook asking people whether or not she should let her child, who is white, dress as Polynesian Disney princess Moana for Halloween. The post went viral, drawing in judgment from other mothers and opinions of the outside world.

There were mixed thoughts, with some praising her and others attacking her way of parenting, but it got people talking.

October 2018

Opinion a certain garb, like a regalia, a ceremonial dress primarily worn by Native American priests, and try to avoid it. Quickly typing in a few words on any search engine and choosing a credible source can display culturally accurate and appropriate images that, when taken advantage of, can aid in creating the perfect Native American costume, where you can honor, not mock, the culture presented. These subconscious rules of how to avoid offending someone with your prized Halloween costume are not meant to trap people in a box, but instead serve as a guide on how to be more conscious about your decisions and how they affect others around you.

Physical attire is not the only form of cultural appropriation. Using slang associated with a certain race or culture, as well as changing features on the body, can also show general disregard for a culture. Modifications like taping your eyes closed shut, for example, can hurt others and will most likely result in scoffs and side glances, and for a good reason.

Do your best not to assume or group together an entire race because every person is unique, no matter his or her nationality. A rule of thumb is that if you think a part of your costume is offensive,

ask for a second opinion or consider how you would feel if someone took advantage of a stereotype that does not apply to you, but is commonly associated with your race or culture.

“Every culture has something unique that they can offer to the rest of the world so I think that it’s important that all cultures remain true to their nature,” Case said.

Choosing a culturally sound costume can not only please yourself and the people who see you in your magnificent creation, but it can also stress the importance of correctly displaying culture in today’s world.

Each and every culture deserves to be represented correctly. This encourages a more culturally diverse world and shows people that they are accepted and welcomed, not outcasted, like another monster on Halloween.

Graphics by Dailey Jackson

Overall, “Moana” has been touted as authentic to Polynesian culture, from the clothing the islanders wear, to the boats used for travel. But, setting that aside, would dressing up as the internationallyknown princess be considered cultural appropriation?

In this scenario, it depends. Children dressing up for Halloween should have the freedom to dress up as whomever they admire, no matter their cultural background. And the children are dressing up as one character, Moana, not a caricature of a Pacific Islander. Many other costumes settle on a fine line like this, like the imitation of a traditional Japanese samurai, or a modern day version of a hippie.

In general, to walk this line and avoid people’s all-judging eyes, do some research on whatever you are planning to dress as and do not capitalize on stereotypes. If you would like to dress as a Native American for Halloween, research the traditional clothing and style of a certain tribe and know what you are getting yourself into before you step into a full bodysuit made of cheap leather and artificially-colored feathers.

On the other side of things, watch out for a sacred or religious meaning behind

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BE A MAN

Opinion

Examining pressure men face, how it affects their masculinity Niah Aleger | Business Manager

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hat does it mean to be a man? Is it toxic masculinity, suppression of your feelings or the fear of never being good enough? In past generations, being a man was associated with being a provider, a leader and a role model. Stereotypically, men were CEOs, construction workers, doctors and engineers. But our society’s failure to acknowledge men’s emotional incapacity is a continuous problem.

Society continuously blames men for the demise of our families, relationships and friendships because it is convenient. However, is it still easy when our family and friends are killing themselves?

Our harsh expectations, blind us from recognizing mistakes on both ends.

We, as a society, need to change. We need to acknowledge the ways in which we have failed them. It is time for us to redefine what it means to be a man.

The pessimistic connotation of being a man is contributing to the deaths of our men. Men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women do, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

As a young boy, pressures and expectations from society come early.

Boys are shown little to no empathy while playing sports, becoming injured, or even suffering from depression.

In a random survey of male students at Bishop Kenny, 71% reported that

they have been told to “toughen up” or “stop crying.” This is not and should not be acceptable. Restraining boys from showing their feelings takes away what it means to be human.

Insisting that boys toughen up and quit crying doesn’t only affect them, but their future children as well. Young children grow up and heavily mimic their parents and role models.

Hence, boys will grow up to become f a t h e r s and poorly influence their

is okay to make mistakes and feel upset over defeat. If we continue to minimize the margin for error, men will continue to fail to recognize that they need help.

“I didn’t want to admit that I was wrong and hurting myself,” religion and debate teacher Matthew Sills said.

The narrative that crying is “feminine” is dangerous. The mental health of men could be decaying but we would not be aware because we don’t allow room for that conversation.

Society does not let men speak about their mental health issues without patronizing them. This is why men are shutting down and experiencing mental breakdowns. They are tired and drained.

Our society is the reason why our fathers, uncles and brothers are broken.

We do not know what we want from men and cannot define what we need from men. As a society, we need to see men as more than someone who just pays the bills or works all day.

It is time to apologize for failing men. And as a man, you should recognize and apologize to yourself. You’re more than an emotional rock for society, you are more than a shell of a human and you deserve to express yourself without fear of societal rejection.

You are good enough and more of a man than one who denies his humanity by locking all his emotion inside.

“The narrative that crying is ‘feminine’ is dangerous.”

“Restraining boys from showing their own children from experience. feelings takes away According to the same survey, what it means to be 77.4% of male students said human.” they have never

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seen their father cry more than once. As a result, many men find difficulty in expressing their dejection.

“There was a time in my young adult life where I never cried,” philosophy and religion teacher Robert Sims said. “I didn’t know how.”

In addition to boy’s negative influences growing up, our society’s high expectation of success from men doesn’t allow them to be vulnerable. Men often forget that it

October2018 2018 October

Opinion “The Hate U Give” inspires call to end racial profiling Emily Willis | Editor-in-Chief

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familiar scene takes hold in the courtroom: a sobbing AfricanAmerican mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle and friend sit on the side of the prosecutor. Opposite this sorrowful parade, a man, looking down, sits beside a confident lawyer. A judge and jury watch, knowing the verdict will be controversial and, no matter what, someone will feel as though the system failed them.

The backstory of this case is cliche: in an encounter with the man, a member of the weeping family was killed. While racial profiling cases do seem to be more frequent in the past century, the release of “The Hate U Give,” a movie based on the novel by Angie Thomas, has made it a hot topic.

In the film, African-American teenager Starr Carter witnesses a police officer, who is referred to by his badge number, “OneFifteen,” shoot her unarmed friend Khalil when he was pulled over for speeding.

After talking back to the officer, Khalil is asked to exit the car and stand still while he is searched. When Khalil reaches in the car to check on Starr, he is shot in the back.

Starr overhears her Uncle Carlos, who works on the police force with One-Fifteen, insist that his coworker is innocent. Rumors are also spreading at Starr’s prep school that Khalil was a gang member and drug dealer. Most of her town is is the side of One-Fifteen, but several small protests break out in Starr’s neighborhood. They believe that Khalil was innocent and did not deserve to be shot.

Feeling as though she is the only person who knows the truth regarding Khalil’s death, Starr testifies in the trial against One-Fifteen, who is ultimately found not guilty.

“This movie shines a light on the Black Lives Matter movement and how white people have a privilege that minorities do not have,” sophomore Abigail Parker said.

This narrative rings true for black lives all over America. If you turn on any news channel, you are likely to see a story involving racial profiling in some capacity.

In the past, laws have been passed that discriminate against AfricanAmericans. For example, the Jim Crow Laws, passed in the late 1800s, claimed to be a way to incorporate recently-freed slaves into society with a “separate but equal” mindset. These laws introduced

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“colored” water fountains and waiting rooms. Soon, these laws were repealed, but the mid-1900s held a new era of injustice. While it was illegal to punish African-Americans simply for being black, it happened more often than not.

This is made clear by the Illinois Crime Survey. Conducted between 1927 and 1928, the survey was published by the Illinois Association for Criminal Justice to study high crime rates in Chicago and Cook County. The data showed that, while African-Americans only made of 5% of the population at the time, 30% of police killings were black.

After the statistics of the Illinois Crime Survey were revealed, people began to speak out. While these protests were often met with tear gas and fire hoses,

“This movie shines a light on the Black Lives Matter movement and how white people have a privilege that minorities do not have.” they exposed the racism taking place in the police force.

Advancement in technology is another factor that has caused racial profiling to become a heavily-studied topic. In 1991, the beating of black cab driver Rodney King was recorded on a video camera and played on national news outlets. The men, who hit King with their batons over 50 times, were acquitted. This verdict incited the L.A. Riots, and is still referenced as racial profiling and discrimination to this day.

Before casting doubt on the entire police force, remember that it is not a

carefree, put-your-feet-up-and-relax type of job. The Police Academy required training averages 840 hours to become a police officer.

“Policing is a psychologically stressful work environment filled with danger, high demands, ambiguity in work encounters, human misery and exposure to death,” 23-year veteran of the New York State Police John Violanti said, in a University of Buffalo study.

It is also true that civilians should be expected to behave a certain way around a police officer. They are, after all, simply doing their job when they look for suspicious activity. Law enforcement is in place to protect the people and treating them with respect is necessary.

Police brutality is difficult question for a reason. An outsider will never know the true intentions of those involved. Is it really that simple: a police officer mistook a cell phone for a gun and did what he thought was necessary to save his life?

Or is the underlying cause something deeper? Do police officers need a more thorough test of their mental state before entering the force? Or rather, is their perceived bigotry rooted in an institution put in place to protect all individuals?

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Opinion

Harry Potter universe evolves for new generation of fans

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Rachel Lechwar | Staff Reporter

With the release of “Quidditch through the Ages,” “The Tales of the Beedle and the Bard,” and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in 2001, 2008 and 2016 respectively, many devoted fans felt as though they had been invited to come into that world again. This idea was strengthened through the movie “Fantastic Beasts” and the incorporation of America in the Harry Potter universe.

Muggles from across the globe

Graphic by Rachel Lechwar

nyone who has ever dreamed of getting their Hogwarts letter or being whisked away to an enchanted version of reality has witnessed the magic of Harry Potter. This does not require a wand or a message from an owl, but exists in the spirit of the Harry Potter universe that continues to touch the lives of children and adults alike.

For many readers, all was not well when they turned the last page of the Deathly Hallows. The series that began in 1997 finally came to a close after 20 years, and for those who grew up with Harry, it was like saying goodbye to an old friend.

“I feel like the magic never goes away,” junior Sephora Affa said. “It is critical to revisit the series because you appreciate that magic in a different way after you have experienced new things.”

While I was late to board the Hogwarts Express and did not pick up the series until middle school, I still consider the Harry Potter series to be an integral part of my childhood. Most of my friends fell in love with the story in third grade, but even before then, an entire generation of fans was well on its way to adulthood. As I started reading, I was no longer in my own bedroom; I was in the cupboard under the stairs on Privet Drive, or in the candle-lit Great Hall or soaring above the Quidditch match, searching for the golden snitch. Even though the books are on a lower reading level, the themes within them are applicable to many age groups and for that reason, I have read them several times since.

“The most important lesson in Harry Potter is the ability to take something that’s unknown to you and embrace it to find yourself,” creative writing and English teacher Jeanie Wilks said.

Some argue that, due to the unparalleled nature of the original seven books, none of the new material could ever match it. While that is true on some level, the expansion of the universe and addition of new storylines keeps that spark of magic alive and draws younger fans into this vast world.

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dreamed of going to Hogwarts, but now that Rowling has expanded her horizons, fans have the choice of seven Wizarding schools. Ilvermorny, the supposed American school, is located in modern-day Massachusetts. Instead of the houses Harry Potter fans have grown so accustomed to, there is Thunderbird, Wampus, Horned Serpent and Pukwudgie.

Those who are curious about which Ilvermorny or Hogwarts house they would be sorted into can check out on Pottermore.com, a website that provides character profiles, feature articles, quizzes and material from the author herself.

There’s a Patronus quiz to find the creature that will protect you from dementors, as well as a wand quiz so you can feel like a true wizard, even if you cannot make it to Ollivander’s in Diagon Alley.

The movie “Fantastic Beasts” pulled

me back into the universe and I came to fall in love with the story of enchanting beasts and their nurturing protector, Newt Scamander. While the story takes place in New York in the 1920s, Newt himself attended the familiar school of Hogwarts and represents Hufflepuff house.

“I am glad though that Hufflepuff is getting more screen time, because maybe then they will start selling more Hufflepuff swag - right now it is pretty lacking and Mr. Lowe does not approve,” former algebra teacher Nicholas Lowe said.

The Harry Potter spirit is kept alive by Rowling as well as fans who remain enthusiastic in the story and proudly wear merchandise, such as socks or shirts printed with quotes from the series. These fans eagerly await news on movie releases, trailers, and the approval of fan theories by Rowling on social media.

Some of these creative readers develop their own explanations for events in the series, such as the theory that Dumbledore created a horcrux out of his phoenix, Fawkes, though this was firmly denied by Rowling on Twitter.

With the expansion of the Harry Potter universe, children are growing up with not only the book series, but also a number of resources and movies at their fingertips.

“Young fans are still fans, and while the world that we share with them may look different, it is still a wonderful world,” Lowe said. “Being a Harry Potter fan has always been about sharing the wonder and joy of a magical world with characters who we can relate to. If those characters are new and different, that is not a bad thing.”

I missed out on the book release parties and dressing up for movie premiers that so many Harry Potter generation fans experienced, but the Fantastic Beasts movies give me a chance to get together with friends and share in that magic. We do not need a Hogwarts letter to be a part of that world.

So, will Harry Potter fans continue to return to the theaters and bookstores for new material after all this time? The answer is, as a certain Potions professor would say, always.

October 2018

Arts and Entertainment

Dear Kenny Kupid,

It’s spooky season and the spooky reality of it all i s that I think my girlfriend wants me to break up with her.

I started to suspect something was up when she attempted to hold my hand in the hallway. We’ve only been dating for two years, but it feels like a week. She and I agreed to take things slow and stay in the “talking” stage, but I made the mistake of asking her out. Now, I think she’s trying to embarrass

Dear Frightened Freshman,

I have the perfect solution for you to put her in her place and get her act to normal. It’ll take a little effort but it’s worth it for your freedom.

Step 1: Hold her hand everywhere you two go. If she thinks she could hold your hand in front of other girls, then show her you can do it better. Hold her hand in the hallways, in the classroom or even at her basketball practices.

You could even kiss the top of her hand like the olden

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me in front of all my guy friends, then curve me. First, she brought me Chick-n-Minis for breakfast last week. Then, she tried talking to me when I was talking to other girls, even after we agreed that she would never do that. Lastly, she got upset that I was liking other girls’ Instagram pictures.

She calls this “entertaining” other girls and making them feel special, when I just think it’s networking and keeping connections with my friends... I really think she’s purposely trying to push me away. I don’t know what I did

days. Smother her back with the love she is giving you.

Step 2: Delete all other girls on social media and this will raise her suspicion. She’ll be so scared that you’ll break up with her, it’ll make her act correctly. Any sign of loyalty and stability is a major red flag; no boy ever does that for his girl. Why do you think nice and loyal boys never get the girl of their dreams.

If you start to delete people off your our social media, she will back off. In fact, she will stop coming to your car, stop holding your hand, and your relationship can resume activity as normal.

Alternate Step 2: Post her all over your Instagram, and it’s over. If you want her to break up with you, she will after this step. Posting your girl on Instagram isn’t a joke; it’s serious. This will mean that all the boys and girls in Jacksonville know you’re taken.

wrong to deserve all this attention from her.

So please, Kenny Kupid, help me relieve this awkward tension and suffocating love.

Sincerely,

A Frightened Freshman

No more acting single or searching for other girls! It’s like the modernday version of proposing to the love of your life. There is not doubt that she will break up with you.

Step 3: Make her a spooky little basket. This is mandatory and not up for debate. Make sure to put fuzzy socks, Halloween movies, candy corn, a Starbucks gift card and a pumpkin spice candle. She will probably hate it and back off. No girl would ever enjoy that much attention or effort from their significant other. Why do you think it’s called spooky? It’s absolutely gross and revolting. I guarantee that she will throw up.

Good luck,

Kenny Kupid

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October 2018

Arts and Entertainment

Franchesca Peralta | Design and Layout Editor

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he fall season is in full swing and the love for Halloween, sweaters, cold weather and especially pumpkin goodies has shot through the roof. I traveled around Jacksonville and taste tested three recommended pumpkin flavored items from three popular spots to tell you which place has the best pumpkin treat with the best price.

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino - Starbucks $5.40 You know it is fall when Pumpkin Spice comes back to the Starbucks menu, so it is no surprise that I tried this classic. Instead of ordering the standard Pumpkin Spice Latte, I ordered the Frappuccino version as I do not like hot drinks. I am not going to lie, the first sip I took tasted like I was licking a cinnamon broom; for me, the spice flavor was overpowering.

However, after a couple more sips and mixing in the whipped cream, the flavor became less strong and more enjoyable. This is a nice treat, especially in here in Florida, as we do not really have “fall” temperatures since it is a nice 85 degrees until January when it gets down to 70.

Pumpkin Spice Bundlet - Nothing Bundt Cakes $4.00 This miniature cake is just what you look for in a pumpkin snack: moist, a balanced pumpkin taste and is topped with just enough cream cheese icing.

The spice flavor in this cake is not overpowering at all, unlike the Starbucks drink. A bundlet is just the right size to share with a friend or even eat the whole thing as a meal to treat yourself after a day full of tests as it is just that good.

However, The Shield does not encourage stress eating (read more on page 14 to find out better ways to deal with stress). This was my favorite pumpkin treat of the three and, although I did make the far drive from my house out to the beach to get this treat, I would say that the commute is definitely worth it.

Pumpkin Muffin - Panera $2.49 This bakery treat had the lowest price, but with the lowest price came the lowest rating. This pumpkin muffin was dry and had me yearning for the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino to wash it down. The pumpkin taste was also very subtle, to the point of being nonexistent. This muffin was not completely terrible, however, as it was partially saved by its topping of a nice layer of powdered sugar. Although this definitely was not the worst muffin I have had, I will not be ordering it again in the future.

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Arts and Entertainment

“The House with a Clock in Its Walls” makes Halloween come to life Rita Albert | Staff Reporter

WARNING: Spoilers Ahead

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however, had supposedly taken a liking to him and ended up trying to prevent him from leaving by sending a chair to block his way. Needless to say, he freaked out. His uncle explained that magic is real, which sparked Lewis’s interest and he begged his uncle to teach him.

The house originally belonged to an evil wizard, Isaac Izard (Kyle MacLachlan), who was Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman’s friend. Izard went to war and came back changed, emitting an evil aura. He married a woman named Selena (Goldsberry) who was as evil as

Graphic by Rita Albert

ased on the novel by John Bellairs, “The House with a Clock in Its Walls,” is a mystical story filled with magic, overcoming bullies and evil villains. The film, starring Jack Black, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Cate Blanchett, was released on September 21.

Set in 1975, the film began with Lewis (Owen Vaccaro), a young boy who was being sent to live with his uncle Jonathan after both his parents died in a car crash.

This plot is a typical beginning for stories such as “The Little Princess” and “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Right off the bat, viewers can see the quirky nature of his uncle Jonathan (Black) who came to pick Lewis up in a kimono and later told Lewis to eat cookies for all meals of the day (which sounds like a dream but is not exactly the best for a developing boy). When they entered the home, Lewis sensed that something was different because the house was filled with magic, but uncle Jonathan didn’t want him to find out. He also meets his uncle’s best friend, Mrs. Zimmerman (Blanchett). The first night, Lewis woke up to loud ticking. He exited his room to see his uncle looking around for something and decides to go back to sleep.

During his first day of school, Lewis only made one “friend,” the only person who talked to Lewis when he moved to Michigan just to win his vote in the school election, Tarby Corrigan (Sunny Suljic).

Funny enough, Lewis found out about the magic after an incident where Tarby later implied that Uncle Jonathan was a murderer; legend has it that the last person to live there died. Lewis woke up in the middle of the night hearing the loud ticking of the clock within the walls for the second night in a row and tiptoed from his room to try and discover what was happening.

He walked in on his uncle chopping the wall with an axe and panics, leading him to attempt to escape. The house,

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he had become. He made a deal with a demon and started to practice in blood magic, and died during one of the sacrifice rituals, but left a clock within the walls of the house that would erase humanity once activated. Lewis wanted to fit in and show Tarby that magic was real so he unwittingly brought Izard back

to life. Lewis ended up being the one to stop Izard and his creepy wife from erasing all humanity with the magic he had learned and saved the world.

This film is categorized into genres such as fantasy, horror, comedy, mystery and family, but the mood most noticeably shifts from comedy to horror. The comedy is usually depicted during the daytime, like when Lewis accidentally made Uncle Jonathan float while he was vacuuming. At night the horror came out with the loud ticking from the walls and Izard rising from the dead. Jump scares pop out suddenly throughout the movie, invoking screams from audience members, including myself.

Many people are calling this film “Universal’s Harry Potter,” and while I see similarities, such as having magic, both parents dying and being sent to live with his uncle and fighting a pale, creepy villain, but I do not agree. “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” has a different setting and vibe to it than Harry Potter, which is more focused on the magical aspect and escaping a troubled reality while “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” focuses more on the aspect of saving the world from an evil character.

I enjoyed the film, though, I did feel scared. I usually steer clear of the horror genre, but I’m glad that I took the risk and decided to watch this. The characters were round and dynamic with backstories and complex personalities such as Lewis: his parents died, he was bullied for being nerdy and he was in a new place, yet, he still embraced who he was and became more confident in himself. The special effects and design added vibrant colors and neon electric lights to convey the powerful magic, such as the magic in the garden; it was as if space had come down onto the Earth and the protagonists played with stars that twinkle brightly.

You should watch “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” soon because the time is ticking before it is out of theaters.

October 2018

Sports

Junior volleyball player Kiersten Connolly strives for greatness Reilly Nance | Staff Reporter

The Shield

attitude to her strong faith.

“There is never a time where I see Kiersten without a smile on her face,” junior Madison Alligood said. “She is one of the most inspiring people I know.”

Kiersten’s positive attitude is shared with the people around her daily.

“Even on the most stressful days Kiersten knows how to make me smile,” junior Brianna Dominger said.

“Her smile is infectious and I can’t help but laugh when I’m with her.”

D u r i n g volleyball’s off season, Connolly plays for the school’s basketball team. As a multi-sport athlete, she rarely takes a break.

Connolly is a role model for her three younger siblings. Her sister, Kayla Connolly, plays volleyball for the freshman team at Bishop Kenny.

This shared interest has brought them closer.

“I’ve learned so much from Kiersten while playing volleyball,” said Connolly’s sister.

“I can’t wait for the seasons to come.”

The pressure to do well is prevalent as she plays in her games. As a perfectionist, Connolly cares deeply about her performance in both practices and tournaments.

“I feel pressure from my coach because I know she's expecting greatness,” Connolly said.

“That’s how I want to perform.”

The team’s strong bond has impacted

Connolly’s life as they support and push each other to do their best. The practices, tournaments and games spent together have brought them to be close friends.

“We are like sisters,” teammate Malena Liguori said. “There’s never drama between anyone and we all love each other equally.”

Connolly believes the friendship shared with her teammates allows her to execute the diving plays necessary to bring a win home.

Photo by Reilly Nance

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onnolly felt her heartbeat as the teams went down to the wire.

Suddenly, she spotted the ball plummeting to her feet. A last-ditch effort allowed her to hit the ball as high as she could in the air, to the glee of her teammate, who spiked it to the opposing team’s side.

Junior Kiersten Connolly has played on the Bishop Kenny volleyball team since her freshman year. Connolly’s position on the team is setter, meaning she is in charge of orchestrating the offense and has to decide which teammate receives the ball and when.

She must consistently deliver a good ball for her teammates to hit.

Before joining Bishop Kenny’s volleyball team in her freshman year, Connolly played for three years at St. Joseph’s Catholic School. This experience, she says, equipped her to handle the grueling practice schedule: six days a week, three hours long. This schedule has taught Connolly how to manage her time efficiently.

“Learning how to stay up to date on coursework has been a challenge,” Connolly said. “I try and make time for school work along with family and friends.”

She has maintained honor roll throughout all semesters.

Along with her dedication to schoolwork, Connolly’s Catholic faith has played a role in her volleyball career.

Leaving the school’s chapel after attending morning mass, Connolly smiles knowing this short time spent with God will get her through the busy day ahead.

Attending Latin mass every Sunday morning with her family and praying for God’s guidance throughout the week has proved to be beneficial.

Connolly attributes her positive

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Sports

Florida, Georgia fans bond over history of annual game in River City Kaitlyn Bateh | Staff Reporter

T

wo grown men bark at a crowd of orange and blue fans, who respond by stretching out their arms and clapping the, together in a gesture widely regarded as the “Gator Chomp.” No words are needed to express this rivalry, and it all goes down right here in Jacksonville every fall.

This is a day when two historic rival Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams compete in front of seventy thousand fans at TIAA Bank Field. But the question still lingers: why do Florida and Georgia play their rivalry game in Jacksonville?

This tradition began in 1933, and since then, only the games held in 1994 and 1995 were not played in Jacksonville, according to flgajax.com.

Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, referred to as the Gator Bowl, had to be rebuilt when the city got its own NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 1994, the teams played in Gainesville, while in 1995 the game took place in Athens.

Back in 1933, University of Florida (UF) and the University of Georgia (UGA) students could travel by train to Jacksonville from their college town with ease, which made it a perfect choice for a neutral playing field. The first year Florida and Georgia played each other, it sold out, and to this day, the game maintains high numbers in attendance.

When it comes to UF and UGA’s geographic location, the city of Jacksonville is a reasonable distance to travel, with Gainesville being approximately 70 miles away, and Athens is about 340 miles away. Although Gator fans have an advantage in distance from Jacksonville, fans are split down the middle at games.

Junior Hannah Harms has been a Georgia Bulldog fan for the past three years. She hopes to attend UGA after graduation and has been to several Florida vs. Georgia games.

“My experience was very fun tailgating, but intense during the game,” Harms said. “Florida-Georgia is different from other games they play during the

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season because it’s a tradition that has been going on for a very long time, and the players look forward to it, too.”

Junior George Farmand has been a Florida Gator fan his entire life and has attended two Florida vs Georgia games.

“There is nothing like a FloridaGeorgia game,” Farmand said. “The tailgating and the game is one of a kind.

The atmosphere is one that is different

than any other atmosphere, and it starts on that Saturday morning before or after Halloween. This is also where the biggest cocktail party in the world takes place.”

Harms and Farmand will enter the stadium before 3:30 p.m. kickoff this Saturday to see the crowds of rowdy Bulldog and Gator fans barking and chomping.

October 2018