The Bark Volume 2. Issue 1. 10.7.19

Volume 2 . Issue 1.

THE CHARACTER ISSUE

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NEWS 6 NEWS BRIEFS 8 FUTURE READY

How going 1:1 with Chromebooks is helping us with our college and career readiness.

REVIEWS 10 MINECRAFT WITH BEES?

A trend article about a little more in depth information on the latest snapshots for the game.

11 IDENTITY IN FILM

Movie recommendations

FEATURES

21 SPORTS

12 LOST WITHIN YOURSELF

21 BULLDOGS TO WATCH

14 THE STRENGTH WITHIN YOU

23 BULLDOG BATTLE

24 TACKLING LEADERSHIP ON THE FIELD

Losing your identity in high school, while giving ways to rediscover the true you.

Informing readers on what causes low self-esteem, effects of it and what the reader can do to grow theirs.

16 SPREADING KINDNESS

The impacts Instagram has on changing social norms.

Check out 3 rising stars and 3 players to watch!

How leadership and teamwork is vital in the football field.

26 TURNING ON THE OFF SEASON

This article is about how offseason training is vidal to players on season performance.

18 DISCOVERING THE LEADER WITHIN Key qualities of leadership are exposed and expanded upon.

gchs_newspaper @GCHS_newspaper

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE THEBARK.ORG

Letter From The Editor

Does common sense exist? As high school students, our experiences expand in proportion with our independence. Those experiences bring us in contact with a wide variety of people with a wide variety of values.

Each group has a written and unwritten definition or rules of good character. We have to take in these ideas and define good character for ourselves.

The late politician, John Lubbock, explains the general gist of it extremely well. He stated, “Your character will be what you yourself make it.” Okay, now that we’ve defined it, how do we fabricate it? Through our actions and reactions. Through our treatment of others. When we react to the world, how much is it our responsibility to affect others’ definitions of good character?

Often times we assume that the events that happen to us generate our character. It is true that we cannot always choose the good or bad in our lives, but how we choose to react to those events is what generates our good (and bad) character.

For example, if I wake up in an irritated mood, rush to get ready for school because I overslept forty five minutes, and then to top it all off, spill my overpriced and super necessary $5 pumpkin spiced latte on my way to school, how am I going to handle it? I have several options, but my main two are this: get over it and don’t let it ruin my day or hold a grudge and let it affect me and my mood for the next twenty-four hours.

It is within my nature to default to the second choice because that is how humans naturally work. It will always be easier to hold that grudge and be upset for the rest of the day for those annoying inconveniences.

Nonetheless, because of who I have molded into as a person, I strive to find optimism and productive ways to move forward despite the lack of morning lattes.

I find myself reflecting on my personal behavior more and more as

I mature and blossom into my own person. Much too often I realize that there are several aspects within my life that I aspire to change or grow upon. I believe that the character within each person is developed over time and with delicate care.

Every single day we have the choice as humans to prove who we are and who we want to be. Our character serves as a mirror exposing the image we’re choosing to create. Most importantly, who are we going to choose to be today and then eventually in the future?

Specifically at Grant, we strive to endorse an environment that “keeps it red”. Yet, much too often I find myself speculating on what that even means?

How do we have to act and react to produce that type of society within our school? How do we as students have to treat each other in order to create a place where everyone feels welcomed and valued? What do we all have to do in order to assure dedication towards appreciating each other?

There will never be a cut and dry answer, much to my dismay.

However, living here in this moment is an opportunity to develop a common sense of what good character looks like. As students, we only have four years here to define what it means to show decent character within our school and even more so, within our daily lives too.

The variety of character within this single building is immense which provides the perfect scene to develop our character as individuals and as a community.

As you explore The Bark’s first issue for the 2019 school year, I advise that you reflect on not only the development of your own good character, but also the written and unwritten rules of good character in the communities we encounter at Grant.

The Bark Editor, Elizabeth Newcomb

Editors Ethan Dicken Seager Johnson Elizabeth Newcomb Mariah Ona

News Mariah Ona (Editor) Alyssa Aleman Kyra Jagodinski Sarah Viramontes

Features Seager Johnson (Editor) Anthony Haberstroh Kyra Jagodinski Ryan Lewis Elizabeth Newcomb Amariah Vivians

Sports Ethan Dicken (Editor) Adil Siraj Melanie Viscioni

Cover Photo

Photographer: Seager Johnson

Models: (Back Row): Jack Hubbard *Back cover as well (Middle Row - Left to Right) Erin Schimenti, Scott Rose, Luke Bedrosian (Bottom Row) Gabby Mirocha

RED READ

Attendance Challenge Winnners Bulldogs #KeepItRED by coming to school.

Written by: Alex Sullivan It has been great to see all of our Bulldogs back and to welcome our newest students to Grant! During Homecoming week, every student particiapted in the 2019 Attendance Week Challenge. This challenge focused on TEAM room attendance for students here all day, and bus attendance for those at Tech Campus. Last year we took first place with 98.6%! Hard to believe we could beat that percentage...but we did! This year we reached 98.94%! Way to show up and #KeepItRED Bulldogs!

Bulldog Buck Winners Are you doing what you can to #KeepItRED at Grant? Join these Bulldogs in doing your best and making GCHS proud! Completing kind acts and helping those around you are simple ways to earn Bulldog Bucks and help contribute to the welcoming environment we strive for at school.

On Friday, September 20, eight students were chosen as Bulldog Buck winners for their committment to keeping it RED!

Last year, students were treated to a donut party for having the highest attendance percentage during the 2018 Attendance Week Challenge.

Photo: Olivia Jansen

Although we are still waiting to hear where Grant placed in Lake County, we do have a couple TEAM rooms to announce as winners! Students and peer tutors in Mr. Burnet, Ms. Joray, Ms. Dart, Ms. Koske, Mr. Rous, Mr. Barber, Ms. Harker, Ms. Jordan, Ms. Zegler, Ms. Doud, Ms. Wilds, Mr. Schmitt, Mr. Purchatzke, and Mr. Wintersteen’s TEAM rooms/labs will be participating in a donut party celebration on Thursday, September 26.

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Freshmen 12

Sophomores 9

Juniors 15

Seniors 13

Check out some of our September Bulldog Buck raffle winners! From left to right: Evan Peavie, Molly Boyd, Caleigh Ahlgren, Aydan White, Davis Maifield, Emily Kelly, and Zachary Pissios.

Photo: Alex Sullivan

Bulldog Cup Standings

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NEWS

News Briefs Bulldog Mentor Program

Written by: Kyra Jagodzinski

Caption for picture Image of Bulldog Buddy Camryn Viti taken by Kyra Jagodzinski.

Once a week, a Bulldog Mentor, a student from Grant Community High School will meet with an elementary student from the community grades Kindergarten - 3rd grade

and will read with them and help with homework in the Fox Lake District Library.

Through the Bulldog Mentor Program, a participating high school student will pair with an elementary school student to help foster a positive relationship between both students.

“I think all students can benefit from an enriching literary experience,” says Mr. Wodzien, a teacher at Grant Community High School.

The Bulldog Mentor Program is a partnership between Grant Community High School and the Fox Lake District Library to help students benefit from meeting weekly to read and work on homework together.

For the high school mentor, they can benefit from the meeting by volunteering with children, and it also helps the Mentor get experience with working with children.

For people who are hoping to go into the educational field, the Bulldog Mentor Program is an amazing opportunity because they can gain background experience in their field.

For the elementary student, they can benefit by getting literacy help from a high schooler, and can also benefit by form-

ing relationships with older kids.

“We [Grant] have a lot of people who maybe are aspiring teachers. It gives them an opportunity to start to practice that craft, build relationships with somebody that they’re working with, and try to teach. And that is a nice little first step for our future educators in [the] future because [they would be] my future colleagues at Grant Community High School.”

Each meeting lasts 45 minutes once a week, with 30 minutes being for reading and the remaining 15 minutes being put towards extra reading time, homework help or game time.

Every meeting is “one-on-one”, so that means no phone time or friends around during any of the meetings. The program starts on September 16th and continues for 10 weeks after that.

The program is useful to both the high school mentor and their elementary school buddy, and it also helps to form a bond between both mentor and buddy. The Bulldog Mentor Program is always looking for new mentors, so if you can’t participate this year, make sure to join next year!

Events Coming Up!

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Horror Movie Festival

Nightmare On Elm Street

Steam Special

Minecraft Mania

Crafts

Finger Knitted Pumpkin

October 11th 6:00 at Fox Lake Library October 5th 11:00 at Fox Lake Library October 7th 3:30 at Fox Lake Library

Environmental Club NEWS

Grant Community High School Opens Its Closet Doors to Students in Need Written by: Alyssa Aleman

As a Bulldog family we understand that many of us have untold stories that we carry with us daily. Grant Community High School serves as an anchor to our community and holds the responsibility of embracing students during difficult times. Mrs. Schroeder and Mrs. Skeels identified this role and came up with a plan to initiate a Comfort Closet at GCHS as a way to provide students with basic necessities.

Mrs. Schroeder and Mrs. Skeels started the comfort closet in the spring of 2019. In the closet are necesseties that are needed such as clothes, hygiene products, backpacks, shoes, and school supplys. The idea started simply because student services had multiple requests to help students and families in need. Shroeder states, “The reason I wanted to get this started was that I wanted to offer a resource to all students no matter what their socioeconomic status may be. That was the driving force behind me approaching my administrator with the idea.”

The comfort closet affects not just our school, but it affects the community letting them know the school is here to help with anything they are struggling with.

Mrs. Schroeder says it only took her six months to get everything together and the minute things started it went viral everywhere and everyone wanted to do whatever they wanted to help including donations of money or clothes. Jokingly she says “We’re going to need the field house for this thing.”Mrs. Skeels was also humbled by the community’s enthusiasm and support for the project. “It was really amazing how many people wanted to help us build our closet inventory,” she commented.

Schroeder believes that it has a lot of potential to become bigger. We can do our part in expanding the closet and keep it running by simply donating money, clothes, supplies, winter clothing, shoes, hygiene products or simply our time. The comfort closet is located in the green hallway by the weight room. Anyone in need of the Comfort Closet’s resources should contact their student adviser.

Mrs. Schroeder and Mrs. Skeels proudly opened the comfort closet in the Spring of 2019 and have already assisted 15 students this school year.

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NEWS

Future Ready

Technology Takes Control for the Better

Written by: Mariah Ona

Student using Chromebooks during free periods.

This year for the first time at Grant Community high school, the school board has distributed individual Chromebooks. Through this change, many studentss routines have changed leading many students to have some sort of an opinion on this.

When asked what is the main problem seen with the Chromebooks, TSI student, Brenden Politick responded, “They are mostly not charged.”

Though this is the most frequent problem, students go to TSI with all sorts of problems, such as any type of computer malfunction or keys that are broken on the keyboard. TSI is all student based and the class has stemmed from students having their own Chromebooks.

“The kids that are in TSI, the Technology Service Internship, they’ve been kind of a key part of this as well”, mentioned Principal Schmidt.

The idea of the Chromebooks was initally so that students can do assignments at home. Obviously having a Chromebook at home would mean no one would have a valid excuse for continuously missing homework.

Student Allison Opaletal stated, “I don’t particularly care that we get to take our Chromebooks home, but it helps the kids who don’t have computers.” Allison does not have a working computer at home and does use her Chromebook for homework at home. She has visited TSI once, but if you find yourself having to take too many trips to TSI, there are consequences.

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However, the process in order to obtain two-thousand Chromebooks is not something to discount. Not only does Grant pay for student Chromebooks they pay for the loaners when your Chromebook is in TSI.

Mr. Schmidt added, “We took the Future-Ready pledge, which was part of a national initiative”, Mr. Schmidt later told, “One thing

we looked at was infrastructure to support it… It was a lot of work with the administration and the tech team”.

Not only are we preparing to be a Future-Ready school by establishing individual Chromebooks but our school has taken other steps to modify things such as classroom and curriculum.

“The furniture is part of us being a more Future-Ready school as well. It’s more flexible, it’s flexible, it’s more comfortable. It has a really different feel in those classes.”

With all of this new furniture, you probably wonder where all of the furniture from last year or the year prior has gone, such as the old desks in the classrooms, or the computer’s in the library.

“We either donate it or we give it to feeder schools.” explained the principal.

These seemingly small changes will end up making a big difference in this generation’s day to day lives once we grow older.

On the Future Ready website the pledge states, “Future Ready Schools help innovative educators ensure that each student graduates from high school with the agency, passion, and skills to be a productive, successful, and responsible citizen.”

It ensures a reliable education system for students from poverty to people of great wealth, giving all of its active participants a bright future. A part of this program Grant has focused on is being Future Ready from a technology standpoint.

TSI employee providing Natalya Moser with a loaner chromebook.

All photos taken by: Mariah Ona

NEWS

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Minecraft With Bees?

Minecraft’s newest snapshot’s add a new mob!

Written By: Anthony S. Haberstroh

Minecraft has gone through several changes over the years since the game was released. Throughout those changes there have been many mobs that have came into view, from guardians, to foxes, and even polar bears and pandas. A new mob has been announced in one of the latest snapshots for Minecraft.

On August 22, 2019. The new bee mob was revealed in snapshot 19w34a. The Bee had a few items and blocks included with it; like the honeycomb, The Beehive, and Beenest, crystallized honey, and a bottle of honey, restoring 6 hunger points in game. It was a nice addition added to Java edition, but no plans have been made yet to add it to console, or Bedrock Edition/Pocket Edition.

Around a week later on August 28, 2019, snapshot 19w35a came out, with some small changes to the bee’s behavior in game. They now avoided water, for a more realistic touch on them. And if you were to hit one in the game, all nearby bees would become hostile, their eyes turning red, and attempt to sting you, if successful they would poison you, and the bee, or bees would die a little later after stinging you. Bees also now follow you if you hold a flower, and if it was hostile towards you, it would become passive once again after having any type of flower in your hand or hotbar. They can also be bred with flowers, allowing you to make an

easy honey farm.

Bees can also be farmed for honey as well, with the Beenest, which is able to be craftable and used for Bees. Another action that bee’s can do is collect pollen and bring to a home hive, or their hive, and create honey, being stored in their hive. The bottle of honey also was fixed to not replenish as much hunger points, only replenishing 2 hunger points.

A problem that most people have is, “The mob is that it is too large to be a bee, if they made it smaller it would be perfect.” As Graham Morcom, and Amoni Johnson have said.

Overall, people are hyped for the new update that includes bees in it. Piecing together that the main focus on the update will be based around insects/bugs. As the hype for this theory keeps up, more and more fans have created conspiracies around the snapshots, and the update itself. But we will not know until the update is finally shared from Mojang.

The Honey Bottle can be used to increase your hunger points.

As said, they used to replenish 6 hunger points, but were fixed to replenish 2 hunger points instead.This can be crafted with Honeycombs, and a bottle.

The Honeycomb can be used to craft a Beenest with three Honeycomb, and six wooden planks of any kind.The honeycomb can also be used for making Honey Bottles.

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The Crystalized Honey currently does not have a use, but most likely will in the near future of Minecraft’s new (Literal) Bug update.

Identity In Film

Forrest Gump

I first saw this movie at about the age of 10 and every year since I watch it at least twice. It is my sick day go-to and I can almost guarantee it will be yours too .

This story is so dense with tales from our hero’s life that trying to describe the plot in a single article is a fool’s errand. If it is any indicator of how interesting and how many twists and turns this story takes you through, it is based on a book of the same name that contains a story of Forrest getting trapped on a deserted island full of cannibals. The only way he didn’t get eaten was beating the leader in chess every day. That’s what didn’t make it into the movie.

“Forrest Gump is a complex movie that attacks many aspects of life involving identity like bullying, figuring out yourself, and relationships.

People who watch this movie can develop a better understanding of how identity develops differently throughout people and how it can be found within.” -Elis L

The Lion King

“The Lion King” by Khoa Ho is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 This anthropomorphic classic from the Disney renaissance is a Shakespearean tale of a young prince whose (spoiler alert for a movie that came out before you were born) uncle killed his father in an attempt to overthrow and install his own regime of hyenas. The prince, exiled from Pride Rock, is found and raised by two stragglers practicing inner peace and a carefree lifestyle.

His long-forgotten past then creeps back into his life years later when he is reunited with his childhood love.

Inspired to return to his home by a vision of his father, he takes his rightful place as leader back and all is returned to peace. While I am sure most have already seen this film, it is absolutely worth the re-watch.

Written and Photos Taken by: Ryan Lewis

Dinner For Schmucks

Steve Carrel, Paul Rudd, taxadermied rats used to recreate famous paintings. This movie has fun for the whole family. My first experience with this film was an excerpt being acted out at a speech team competition during the 2018-2019 season. Anyone there can tell you I just about stopped breathing because of how hard I laughed.

Thoroughly impressed, I had no idea until my good friend Dion Lopez told me that this was an adaptation of a movie he saw. I then started hyperventilating. I immediately found a copy and to my absolute surprise this movie wasn’t just hilarious. It was extremely heartfelt and genuinely had an incredible story. This hidden gem is severely underrated. Please, check this one out if you haven’t already seen it.

It can show how people handle tragic events in their life or find a way to find meaning in it.

-Dion L

Walk The Line

“Johnny Cash Posters” by Lorenzo Belmonte is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse Many a spider-men have graced the silver screen. Dancing emo Spider-Man, young Spider-Man, old spider-man, old trying to be young spider-man, great Spider-Man, and just okay Spider-Men. But never until now has there been a spider-man movie that has John Mulaney as a pig. Not just for this reason, but not, not for this reason, “Into the Spider-Verse” Is one of the best superhero origin movies of all time. Miles Morales is one of those characters that you can more than relate to. We can all see so much of Miles in ourselves. He feels trapped by his life and is struggling to stay afloat in the schooling system, he has a romantic interest that he struggles to talk to, and can only find solace in his friendships. It has a great soundtrack and an even better story.

One would be hardpressed to find a Johnny Cash fan from our generation. If you have any interest in the history of a musical legend, or just like Joaquin Phoenix, then this is absolutely the story for you.

The opening scene is his infamous Folsom Prison performance.

He is seen sitting in a woodshop right behind a cafeteria of prisoners chanting his name. The Tennessee Three play a chugging heavy vamp confused as to where their front man could be. A voice then calls for the distracted Cash and we are taken back to his childhood home.

The man in black is someone, through this story, you will grow to hate, but grow to love much more. His story is one of great pain caused by a world that for better Miles really struggles with his own identity. His dad wants him to act or worse couldn’t let one way but he knows that’s not who him be himself. he is. -Tristan M

FEATURES

Lost Within Yourself

Being in high school and finding the right fit for you can cause you to lose your identity.

Written by: Amariah Vivians At one point in time in a person’s life they have felt lost like they are drowning within themselves, and can’t get their head above the water. Although everyone has felt that way some people are currently facing it and would like advice to get through. Three Grant students ( Seniors Nychelle Stubbs, Jaliyah Washington, and junior Katelyn) give personal testimonies on how losing their identity affected them, while also giving important tips to future/current students struggling in the same situation as well.

Most of society constantly goes through an identity crisis with each new stage of their life.

Although it is normal to 12 constantly try to reinvent 21

yourself and know the true you, 37% of teenagers feel like they don’t even know themselves at all according to stage of life. While people tend to isolate themselves to recover from the lost of their identity they tend to miss out on things they could enjoy. You can never go back to the old you once you lose yourself, but you can become an improved version by interacting with new people and trying new hobbies.

When asking Grant senior Nychelle Stubbs if she has ever felt lost and what was the biggest step she took to find herself she replied with, “Everyday of my life...Realizing that making mistakes doesn’t mean the end of the world for me,

of teen“37% agers feel like they don’t know themselves at all.

and trying to meet new people and try different activities helped quite a lot.”

While others are okay with not fitting in with the crowd and being labeled “loners”, others have lost themselves trying to fit into a group that didn’t fit their identity.

Eventually, the person or people realize it’s not the right group of people for them, or that their personality isn’t worth the damage.

When interviewing Katelyn, I

Grant student Erin Sitting in Grant School Library.

soul is better. You should never be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try joining new activities and sports. Even if school spirit isn’t your cup of tea, you could always start journaling, drawing, or writing creative stories. As long as you feel like you’re being one hundred percent you and you take comfort in that, then make that a normal part of your newly renovated self.

“I think it’s important to express yourself because if you don’t express your soul what’s the point of finding yourself?” Said Senior Jaliyah Washington. Jaliyah is clearly not the only one who felt that way because in order to find herself Katelyn decided to take Tech because it was an interest she wanted to explore.

Katelyn stated “I joined Tech Campus for medical assisting, because it was something I was interested in. You know, either really put yourself out there or continue to feel lost because you’re not opening yourself up for new opportunities.”

What happens if none of these options work? Or you don’t even know where to start, then there’s always back up solutions. You can

always go to school counselors or even therapists since they are specifically trained in helping people and their inner turmoil, states counseling directory.

So even if you feel alone while trying to search for yourself know that everyone has been in this situation even the counselors who are to help you and can help you. You are never alone even when it feels like it because there are always people there to help and listen, but you must also be willing to listen because they cannot help you if you aren’t ready to be helped.

While everyone goes through an identity crisis at least once some people have trouble finding themselves and it can feel like a continuous loop when trying to. Yet it’s important to persevere and keep going because the only person who can truly affect you and your change is you. “ The feeling sucks when you lose yourself, but it’s an important milestone every teenager should face because it helps you grow into the true person you’ll eventually be, after all the world doesn’t define you, you define the world”, Jaliyah Washington

FEATURES

asked if she could recall a time or place she has felt lost and what caused it, she stated “School, I always try to fit in with the crowd, so I kind of lost myself that way.”

School can really be the most troubling time for a teen. It’s the time you feel pressured to join a group or conform to the trends of our society. It’s okay to be different and true to yourself.

Surrounding yourself with people who love and care for you is a great way to aid in recovering yourself. In fact teens say that spending time with their family and friends, and making time for enjoyable hobbies and activities, are one of the most crucial factors in what makes up their identity.

“Just focusing on myself and what I have to do for myself. I also think family plays a large role in that” Junior Katelyn believes“ It’s very important to surround yourself with family because surrounding yourself with people that care about you and helps you rather than dealing with all your problems on your own is very important and comforting”.

Although all of these are very good ways to start and reinvent yourself, expression of your

Grant Red Hallway Two Grant students decorating teacher’s door.

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FEATURES

The Strength Within You

An estimated 45% of teenagers and young adults struggle with low self-esteem. Why do so many of us have low confidence and what can we do to boost ours?

If you struggle with low self-esteem, don’t worry. You are not alone. “Everyone struggles with confidence at some point in their life. If this is something that you are struggling with right now, know that you are not the only one and that it is never too late to do something that will help you feel better,” says Amanda DeCaire-Denk, an Education Specialist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Written by: Kyra Jagodinski

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At Grant, an estimated 45% of the student body has low self esteem. If you are one of them, remember that you aren’t the only one. But, the fact that 45% of students here have low self esteem is unacceptable. If most of us have the same general problem, why don’t we talk about it more?

What can we do to to understand why so many of us have low self-esteem. To do that, we have to understand the root causes.

There are many factors that contribute to teens development of self-esteem. They need to know that their basic needs are met, such as food, drink, shelter, sleep, etc. They need to know that they are supported and loved by the people around them, and that they are safe to take reasonable chances while having help coping with the consequences.

They should be able to explore new relationships with others and are welcomed to discuss their thoughts freely without being put down.

When these aren’t met, confidence can not grow.

Teenagers also have trouble expessing, understanding and reacting to emotions. According to Deborah Yurgelun-Todd and a group of research scientists at the McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts teenagers use different parts of their brain to process the emotions they are trying to identify compared to the participating adults.

The group of 18 children ages 10 to 18 primarily used the amygdala when identifying the emotions. The amygdala is a small, almond shaped region that guides your brain to make decisions and differentiations based on a “gut” feeling. Unlike the teenagers, the adults relied on the frontal-cortex, which uses reason to make

decisions.

Because of this, the group of adults correctly identified different facial expressions, meanwhile the group of teens didn’t. This makes interacting with adults harder for teenagers to do because the adults and teenagers aren’t understanding and processing the same things the same way. It leads to teenagers feeling like they can’t talk to adults because they “wouldn’t understand.”

Teenagers have a harder time communicating with others, which causes them to feel isolated. It contributes to teenagers using technology as their form of interaction, because it is easier

life isn’t “as perHigh School Freshmen, fect” as Carlos Mondragon everybody else’s, and as a result are more depressed.

There are several different ways that teenagers are more susceptible to falling into a spiral of low self esteem, isolation and depression.

But, there are some things you can do to escape.

►► Try new things: Never be afraid to try new things! As long as you’re safe, never hesitate to try something new. You could discover something you love to do! It can be as major or minor as you wish. Maybe you start to learn how to ice skate and it becomes your newest hobby. Or maybe you set yourself a goal to give a stranger a compliment every day. Either way, try to set a goal for yourself and never regret trying a new activity! ►►

Designed by: Emily O’Dowd

Use your talents to help someone else: You want to try to use what you are good at to make someone else have a better life.

Maybe you could play baseball with your cousin, start to crochet with the elderly in a nursing home or tutor elementary school students in reading. By doing so, you actively demonstrate your worth to others and, more importantly, yourself.

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than talking face to face with others.

But, because teenagers go on their technological devices as often as they do, they also get bullied more. A new study published in the Journal of Abnormal Physiology shows that between 2009 and 2017, there has been more than a 60% increase in depression rates among people ages 12 - 25. It is easier for teenagers to bully others through online sources, which makes bullying rates rise.

Social media is also another reason why teens are experiencing such massive episodes of depression. In particular, Instagram is quite possibly the biggest culprit. According to a study from 2017 by the Royal Society for Public Health of almost 1,500 teens and young adults, they found that although Instagram does promote self-expression and self-identity, it was also linked with depression, bullying, high levels of anxiety and a “fear of missing out.” Instagram is a social media network where people of all backgrounds can share what is going on in their lives, but it also only shows the “picture perfect” sides of life. Teenagers are more likely to feel that their

We Ourselves are Broken When We Have Low Self-Esteem Grant Community

Photographer: Kyra Jagodinski If you choose to work on your confidence, please pick one of these strategies that you feel would work best for you and try to implement it daily on a consistent basis for a few weeks, it is likely that you will start to feel better. If your chosen strategy isn’t working for you, select a different strategy and renew your commitment toward making a daily effort. ►►

Make a list of activities you enjoy: Write out a list of the activities you enjoy doing.

Maybe it’s playing football, painting or playing minecraft with your best friends.

Identify what you love doing and plan out time to do one every day.

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Surround yourself with supportive people: Look for people who will encourage you and care about you unconditionally. You want to be around people who have similar values as yourself, so that you can both thrive together.

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Think about what your talents are and find a way to infuse them into your daily life: Identify some of your talents and try to find a way to do them everyday. When you are doing something you are proud of yourself for being able to do, doing it more often helps you feel more confident in other activities as well.

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Start a journal: At the end of each day, write something that went well during the day, something you did well, something you would like to repeat or something positive you heard. Use this tool to increase your awareness of the positive

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Challenge the negative thoughts that run through your mind: You are always going to be your worst critic, so when your brain thinks a negative thought about yourself, look for evidence to either confirm or contradict that thought. There is a high chance that you are judging yourself harder than you would others.

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FEATURES

Spreading Kindness

Why Instagram is essential to changing the way that we act, see, and think.

Written by: Seager Johnson

Is Instagram important in our changing society? Instagram has become one of the biggest social media platforms, and with this type of platform, news spreads faster. Good character is essential to spreading kindness, and many Instagram users are creating influencer accounts to inspire others into taking action and changing the way they think, see other people, or live.

These accounts have become so popular because of their authenticity and their relatable messages, an important aspect of these accounts.

Changing social norms in today’s generation is so important in creating a better, safer, and kinder tomorrow.

The idea of this story was influenced

by Margo De Luna. He often puts inspiraThe LYT Project tional messages Margo and Kayla show and words of encouragement to others on his story. Each night, there is some kind of message to anyone watching, and even though they are just a short little clip, they have a lot of power. In a personal interview with Margo, he states, “I just choose to put the things on my Instagram, but in the end, it’s their choice to take it in or

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not...I can only hope for other people to actually take it in”. And wanting to do what he can to help other people was a founding element in creating the Live Your Truth Project, a project founded by him and Kayla Mcgill.

The LYT Project takes form as an Instagram account intended to be an influencer and change social norms.

In a different interview with

along or cause other people to see that they can also freely live their truth.

The Live Your Truth Project plans to create videos sharing life experiences and reflecting upon them in a way to inspire others and connect to others who feel broken, this way they can show them the power of living their truth. Margo says living your truth is “being who you are and being vulnerable...accepting yourself from the good side and the bad side of you.”

‘Hurt people’ hurt people.

Part of living your truth is accepting those vulnerabilities and showing good character by not taking out your hurt on other people, but embracing your hurt and being proud of who you are no matter the flaws that are causing you hurt. Many people relate to others life what matters is the project, not the people behind it. experiences and mottos, which Margo and Kayla, they were asked influencers use to pull people into what the overall goal was for the their plan and change the way people LYT Project, and they both gave the act towards themselves and others in same answer almost simultaneously. society. You don’t have to be perfect, “Change one heart”. This is one of the but you should always role model big things with social media influencbeing kind to everyone because you ers, they can only give you the mesdon’t know what they or their lives sage in hopes that they have at least are like. Just because society makes made a difference in a single person’s someone out to be a type of character, life. Margo and Kayla hope for the one doesn’t mean they are. We need to see heart they change to send the message people as a person before we make

selves for who we are, the people that go out of their way to help other people feel proud to be that person and stop feeling the hurt, the people who will be kind, no matter the aspects of someone’s physical or emotional life.

We all deserve to live our truth. We owe everyone the kindness to live their truth without judgment.

So yes, Instagram plays a big part in changing society. Instagram influencers are changing social norms, changing the way we act, see, and think, and

“Social norms

don’t define us

helping people live their true character, one heart at a time.

In a survey taken by students at Grant Community High School, over 85% of students agreed that they take Instagram influencers seriously. If we all follow the messages that these influencers are giving, we can show others the way to breaking the walls of social norms and living their character, and maybe one day, all people will take this topic seriously. Until we reach that day, keep spreading kindness.

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assumptions about them, an important thing influencers are trying to change in the way we see and think of other people.

Social norms don’t define us. Make that part of your truth. Just like bullies push people down, social norms push back society, and the Live Your Truth Project is doing what they can to show people that it’s ok to be imperfect, we all are. Society should love you for who you are, but more importantly, you should love yourself for who you are. The widespread message among influencers is that we must leave behind expectations and social norms. We need to be the people who can say that we accept our-

Photos by: Seager Johnson

I See You Bulldog

Kiana Kiana comforts her friend when she’s upset.

Kiana is a caring individual who always knows how to approach her friends when they are upset and comfort them when they are ready to talk. She inspires other students with her kindness all the time. Students see her energy and their mood can change instantly.

Lionel Carappia Lionel gives a friend advice during class.

Lionel shows GCHS how to be a great Bulldog. He is always very encouraging and supportive to his classmates during classes. He knows how to make kids feel confident when they are questioning their abilities.

He is a positive addition to the Grant Community.

Megan Kahtzel Megan brings her energy during band.

Megan is a very energetic person who uses her energy to cheer up other kids during class. She always brings a postive atmoshpere to any room she steps in. She can use her energy to brighten somebody’s day when they are having a bad day.

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Written And Collected By: Elizabeth Newcomb

In order to blossom into a productive leader or influencer, it is crucial to consider the 4 c’s on how to act. By acting composed, confident, consistent, and courageous, the world can become impacted by those who behave in a manner such as this.

Often times when reflecting on previous leaders that have served a purpose, many might think of President Abraham Lincoln, or perhaps John F. Kennedy. Both of these activists were prime examples of leaders who acted consistently with a respectful composure.

Other leaders that come to mind could be Oprah or The Queen of England. Each of these women are strong and confident with their power to guide a group. However, while these influencers produce the prime examples of well-known and educated leaders, there is also a variety of other personal and unique leaders that surround society everyday who are much closer to home.

Specifically, within Grant Community High School, it could be obvious that Neil Knudsen is the exact prototype of a star student. Within the last four years, he has been a member of the Math Team, basketball team, Student Council, National Honors Society, theater, and to top it all off, he has been a representative on the Principal’s Advisory Council.

With a plate that has been

Elucidating the process of blossoming into a leader and what it can be classified as within Grant Community High School. loaded full with responsibilities, Neil never lacks to find new ways to improve upon his leadership. He described the key to success as assisting others within finding themselves, so they can become role models as well.

¨Everybody has a niche; an atmosphere where they can reach their full potential...And as a leader it is up to you to help other people explore different things that they could be really good at, because that is what being a leader is; it is developing others.¨

However, in his humble opinion it can be inferred that becoming a successful superior has more to do with character and discovering yourself rather than always focusing on guiding others.

Neil stated, ¨Do not be who you were supposed to be, be who you are. Those are two different things. People have their expectations for you, but you know who you are…

That is where you will thrive as a person and make the greatest difference on the people around you.¨

Similarly to Neil, fellow basketball team member and band enthusiast, Brei Paneras has a parallel mindset. He stated, “Just do you. If you’re not staying true to yourself, then what’s the point of anything?”

When asked about the type of leadership he personally demonstrates everyday, Brei highlighted

what it takes to show character from setting an example. He believes that if students want to learn how to be in a position of power, they need to take action because anyone can become a better leader.

He followed that up by stating, “When I was younger, in elementary through eighth grade, I didn’t really talk to too many people and as I got into high school I wanted to change it, so I did. I became more outgoing and started talking to the people who I thought I wouldn’t want to talk to and now that I have more friends, I’m more outgoing.”

Also within the Grant Community, there is one specific woman leader who has made a tremendous impact within the everyday lifestyle within this high school. To some she is known as Dr. Christine Sefcik, and to others she might be recognized as a real-life example of Superwoman.

“First and foremost, being a leader means having a vision for what our organization can achieve. A good leader needs to be able to share the vision and be successful in motivating people to support and share in the vision. With

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Discovering the Internal Leader Within Us All

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the vision as our guiding force, I see leadership as providing an environment for individuals to feel valued and empowered, the resources for them to be successful, and trusting everyone will do their part to achieve our common goal.”

As if that wasn’t inspiring enough, Dr. Sefcik has motivated not only herself, but the people around her by demonstrating what it means to be a dedicated worker and a passionate mentor. When asked to reflect on her personal accomplishments, her answers show truly how deep her enthusiasm for diligence has come.

“There are many things in my life that I’m proud of, but my family comes to mind first.

I completed both my Master’s and Doctoral degrees while working full-time and with young children at home...I’m also very proud to serve as the superintendent and be a part of the Grant community... When I began in 1996, there were approximately 800 students.

We now have 1,863 students.

Over the course of that time, so much has changed through the support of the community. We all benefit from having a campus that’s safe, beautiful, and provides an excellent learning environment. Academic, extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities for students have expanded tremendously...There are so many things to be proud of here!”

It couldn’t have been stated better than that. Grant Community High School has some of the best leadership qualities within students and staff.

One could only assume that each of these role models follow the four c’s and have crafted a unique path for themselves and others to follow.

Perhaps even someday, Neil Knudsen could be the most influential president of the United States or Brei Paneras will be the next Oprah!

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A guide on how to achieve the best leadership skills.

Generated through Canva and made by Elizabeth Newcomb

Photo taken by Elizabeth Newcomb! Pictured above is the equilibrium of academics and sports as they both create involvement for role models.

SPORTS

3 Players on the Rise Benjamin Jensen

Senior - Football

A fast 3-0 start for the Grant football team doesn’t happen without leadership and respect. That’s what Benjamin brings to this team.

Which goes along way with having a contending football team and that’s what Ben and the rest of the Bulldogs have their eyes on. “We have very high expectations for the season and we are off to a good start being 3-0 but our main goal is still to win the conference and make it to the playoffs…” he says. Working hard is a key factor in this teams success and Ben knows that. “I learned that if you work hard enough at something it will pay off, because after last year when we only won three games, but a lot of came out again this year and have worked hard and stayed focused…”. With Ben Jensen and others helping lead the Bulldogs we can all count on having a spectacular season.

Courtney Levy

Junior - Volleyball

With the volleyball season kicking off for the girls, Courtney Levy knows the teams success is going to rely heavily on their chemistry together as a team. “Our team has really put emphasis on becoming very strong and competitive in the NLCC and are working hard towards contending for the conference championship this year. We also hope to make a long postseason run into regionals and sectionals which will be very achievable for us if we continue to strengthen the chemistry that we have with each other and stayed disciplined in our mental toughness on the court…”. Courtney is trying to be a leader for her team and she learned last year what it takes to be one. “Last year I learned about the importance of being a good teammate and how vital having a positive mindset is in the game of volleyball. I think it’s very important that I give my teammates someone to look up too.

Zeven Linbo

Sophomore - Golf

For Zeven to grow as a golfer in the offseason he needed to keep things simple and fun. Working on little tools and watching others has him ready for this season. “In the off-season I am working on mechanics I learn from the golf channel…”. The coaches have also helped Zeven adjust his game. “The coaches have walked with us on the course and gave us little pointers on how that could be better which always helps…”. With all the help Zeven has gotten this offseason he learned last year that golf is a mental game too. “I learned that especially in golf you have to keep your head high…”. Zeven is ready for this season and ready to get the job done. “ I look forward to having fun with my team and the coaches and winning some golf matches…”.

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3 Most Valuable Players Gianna Vavalle

Sophomore - Tennis

Gianna Vavalle is having a tougher start to the season but she is hoping it will turn out to be a season to remember. “This year my expectations are pretty low due to the fact that I am playing number 1 singles.

I want to win as much as possible but I know it’s going to be extremely hard…”. With the obstacles she is facing this season she improved her game by practicing day in and day out. “...Last year I would hit with the boys to help improve my game and my technique. In my off season I hit with the boys during their season…”. Gianna still isn’t done working on her game and has a couple areas she knows she needs to work on. “...I need to keep working on my serves and being more aggressive so we can win…”.

Gianna’s eyes are set on helping this team move forward and contend in the conference. “I am looking forward to helping the team and pushing for the win at conference and for a win at sectionals to get to state…”.

Jose Luna

Senior-Soccer

Nothing is more threatening than a Senior in his final year at high school, coming in more determined than ever before. That’s exactly how Jose Luna is feeling entering the season. Wanting to improve from last year Jose is ready for the task at hand. “For this season, I expect a lot from my team and myself. Also, I know we can do big things. For the team, I expect us to work hard and improve our record from the past year…” he says. Like everything else, growth helps us learn from our mistakes and use what we learned to excel. Jose has grown from last year to this year and is ready to show what he is capable of.

Alyssa Negovetich

Sophomore - Cross Country

For Alyssa the off-season for Cross Country doesn’t stop her from continuing to grow as a runner. The drive to get better and better each year puts Alyssa in an elite class and she is reaching for the stars this season.

“For me personally, sectionals and state are the main goals. I want to be a top 5 at state this season.”The obstacles she faced last year were addressed in the off-season. “Last year, I struggled with nutrition. But now coming into this season, I have figured out what works for me to let me perform at my best. I have been training since track season ended in May for all of the races this season. I have put in more miles than I have ever before.” One thing is for certain: Alyssa is growing on the course and off, making her a force to be reckoned with.

The Bulldog Battle SPORTS

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September 7, 2019: Who let the dawgs out? Looking to make a move on the opponent.

1 August 28, 2019: Pederson controls a wedge into the green.

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September 13, 2019: Bulldogs pounce a Panther at Homecoming 2019.

3 September 10, 2019: A trio of dawgs attacking forward on McHenry.

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5 September 16, 2019: The dawgs serving up Zion-Benton.

SPORTS

Tackling Leadership On the Field Leadership and Teamwork

are qualities that Football require inside their players to

function normally

BY ADIL SIRAJ

John Bolton (Left) and Luke Bedrosian (Right) Taking Pride on the field Football Captains John Bolton and Luke Bedrosian help guide their team through Leadership and Teamwork to a 4-0 record.

Photo Credit to Mrs. Maestranzi Who are Grant’s football captains and what makes them who they are? Is it the diligence they put into their work, or the endless hours they use to better themselves indefinitely? As a result, the impact the captain has is what matters.

The teamwork and leadership that the position requires is a skill that only a few select can natural fulfill. Mr. Robinson is the Head Coach of the football teams and has experienced the role of captain Mr. Robinson’s perspective of a good captain is someone who leads by example and makes sure that whatever they do is followed in the team’s best interest.

Captains have to have a good sense of responsibility, follow the expectations of the coaches, and understand that if they do not, they’ll lose the position. Cer-

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tain traits and attributes that a captain requires to be fruitful in the current season. Leading is a must have, as there is always eyes on them and their actions.

Being able to take criticism and having a thick skin is a must have.

Having the capability to be on the same page as your fellow captains and communicate easily is a must have on the team to ensure that you all can work easily with one another.

Captains have a great deal of pressure on them no matter what, as Mr. Robinson said, they have to act a certain way wherever they are to uphold the reputation that is expected of them, alongside always being a teammate and making sure that they always are helping their partners behind.

Luke Bedrosian embodies and under-

stands the amount of dedication and commitment as a football captain. He knows how the pressure feels in the heat of the moment and how to deal with it extensively. You have to remember that on the field and in the game, you always have to keep your feelings and ego out to prevent yourself from messing up.

Expectations are always high, alongside making sure to help your teammates to provide everyone with the sort of mindset to keep whomever going and improving.

Teamwork and leadership are traits that captains require on the field. These traits and many others are all needed to run as a smooth machine and continue onwards. Take out these two, and you’ll be stuck with no fuel to keep running onto triumph.

John Bolton is someone who under-

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A Grant Community High School Football Player.

Jimmy Taylor preparing to catch a ball acquiring new skills.

Photo Credit to VIP stands this personally and uses it to the football team’s advantage as they advance through the season. Pressure is something that the majority of the players handle game after game alongside resulting in victory as they deal with it triumphantly.

The team has to remember that they are allowed to have fun, but keep it serious when they play other opponents. Remembering to keep up and have spirits high is key, if you don’t, then things will get low and everyone will become tired, not putting in effort. You have to remember to keep going uphill and make sure everyone is alright, then the mood will lower and once more effort will be at an all-time low.

This year, as John Bolton said, “We got a lot of help from plenty of people. Especially the seniors this year. It’s better than the last few years.” The players are contending especially well due to this as they are able to bond successfully with one another and understand what they need to do. Making sure grudges and anger are not apparent, ensures that once more they know how to perform and take advantage of the fact.

The football team has successful leadership and teamwork to effectively play alongside one another and use it on their conquest to face challenges time after time. Game after game, they continue to work hard and achieve success

for the sweet taste of victory.

“They’re on their best behavior, not just on the field, but also in the classroom, at home, out in public.

They have to be the role models for the team.” This quote from Mr. Robinson is one that helps show how the players should act on and of the field.

Being on your best behavior helps

Image of Coach Robinson taken by Adil Siraj

gives respectability and dignity to the Grant Community and Bulldog name, and to be a role model lets the team maintain a level of normality aside each other.

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SPORTS

Turning On The Off Season

As athletes prepare for the ongoing season, the weight room awaits them with open arms

By: Melanie Viscioni Imagine starting a sports season with tively. Especially if you have never no training or practice. Imagine athdone a certain sport before. letes being given uniforms just moWhen asked about the ben- Pictured above is athlete Abby Capulong training in the weightroom. ments before the first game or compeplays softball in the spring and is efits of off-season training, tition, throwing them on, hitting the a current member of the volleyball varsity football athlete Jacob Mitchell court and just, well, going for it. How team. She also agrees that all difsaid, “I didn’t always realize the would those players do? The answer ferent levels of the same sport train benefits of pre-season training, but is obvious. Not. Very. Well. the same. With her simple answer as soon as I did, I stopped skipping.

Fall and spring athletes Abby Capuis, “Yes, we all train the same. It I definitely don’t do that anymore. I long (volleyball) and Jacob Mitchell creates a team atmosphere where think lifting weights a lot and run(football), who have been training we are all encouraged to train at a ning more is how many players get since the summer for their fall sports high level and meet our individual stronger, faster, and better.” wholeheartedly agree that without and team goals.”

Pre-season training is important for proper off-season training, athletes Another perspective comes from all level athletes. Varsity and JV and teams would be ill-prepared to girls volleyball coach, Kyle Kujala. trainings aren’t very different either. hit the field/court Coach Kujala in late August. emphasizes, Offseason train“it gives them ing is important more time and so vital to on the court both players and and opportucoaches who are nity to build trying to build chemistry with strong teams and teammates.” who can compete This is a very at higher levels important detail of whatever sport to train. All they are in. Off teammates need season training to be at least not only makes friendly in order athletes faster, to play well on stronger and the court, but in better, but one of order for teams its biggest benefits to be great there is the character needs to be real building and team bonding done Weight Room - Photo taken by: Melanie Viscioni building that takes with one another Rusted weights that have been used for hundreds of workouts. place during this before the season time. The mental begins. aspect of most games are equally With all stakeholders being on the After all, today’s freshmen team is important as the physical ones and same page regarding off season tomorrow’s varsity team. “In order teaching that type of grit is a main training, it seems that everyone for athletes to reach their goals all component of off-season training. from dancers to shortstops to levels train the same or similar,” Off-season training trains goalies and two-handed bowlers Mitchell explains. “I think we do your mental health to think benefit from this time bonding with everything the same, and we’re all more confidently and positheir teammates, coaches and their on the same page.” sport.

Multi-sport athlete Abby Caplong

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SPORTS

Pregame Workout - Photo taken by: Melanie Viscioni Abby Capulong grabbing a weight for a pregame workout.

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