Vol. 12 Issue 3

GENEVA QUARTERLY VOLUME 12

ISSUE 3

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MISSION STATEMENT: Geneva Quarterly, a student-led publication of Rhetoric School, serves to provide Geneva and the surrounding community with relevant and accurate news, opinions and entertainment centered around our student culture. Our staff strives to instill boldness, creativity and excellence through our published work. We aim to discover truth laced into our community with integrity and to write all pieces from a biblical worldview to the glory of Jesus Christ.

CONCEPT: As this is GQ 12’s Paris edition, we wanted our cover to highlight the city’s elegance.

Executive of Graphics, Jacob Goodman, did not disappoint with his rendition of the Pont Alexandre III – one of Paris’ most stunning architectural features. Taking a little more creative license for the inside cover, Jacob envisioned the “frenchiest Frenchman” imaginable: complete with a beret and not one, but two baguettes. Perhaps a little stereotypical, but iconic nonetheless. Finally, issue colors include pink, purple and teal for a delicate yet lively aesthetic.

THIS PUBLICATION IS FOR: Geneva School of Boerne 113 Cascade Caverns Road Boerne, Texas 78015 830.755.6101 genevaschooltx.org

SCHOOL INFO: The Geneva School of Boerne exists to provide a classical education from a biblical worldview, to equip students for a lifetime of learning, service and leadership to the glory of Jesus Christ.

Rhetoric School Population: 182

COLOPHON: All verbal and visual content is solicited and selected by the Quarterly staff. Approval is garnered from our adviser, Emily Rawls, and from our headmaster, Matt Donnowitz. All bylined writers are held accountable for their work.

CONTACT:

To purchase an advertisement, contact: erawls@genevaschooltx.org For questions or comments, contact: erawls@genevaschooltx.org

AFFILIATIONS: We are proud to announce our nine-year membership with the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, where we have won a silver Crown Award and seven gold Crown Awards and received a Gold Medalist Rating. We are also members of the Texas Interscholastic Press Association, where we have received the highest rating of Distinguished Merit. In addition, we have been members of the National Scholastic Press Association the past several years and have been named a Pacemaker Award finalist. This is our sixth year to be members of the Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honor Society.

MAGAZINE SPECS: Created in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and printed

by Bright Promotions in Warrior, AL Font Families: Gantari, Tan-Gardenia, Biko, and Arno Pro.

DEAR READER,

Bonjour, and welcome back to the Geneva Quarterly! Now, we know what you’re thinking: why might we have greeted you in French? Or maybe you weren’t thinking that, in which case we apologize. Nonetheless! – for this issue it seemed appropriate, as we have drawn inspiration from a certain, distinguished French city. We have a feeling you’re more than onto us, and we would never try to insult your intelligence, but this little game we play – where we give you key words and you guess the city – is precious to us. Entertain us? Merci? Oh you, we knew you would! Your words are: Eiffel tower, The Louvre, The Seine, macaroons (those delicious little sandwich cookies – mmm), and Ratatouille (never mind that it’s an American production). You got it, the city of the issue is indeed Paris, France. As such, we’ve featured colors, art, and themes drawn from the Parisian experience. With that, we give you volume 12 issue 3 and wish you the happiest reading.

FROM OUR HANDS TO YOURS, Ella Dillinger, Emma Malkowski, Jacob Goodman and Abigail Bussey

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TA BLE OF

cosmopolitan

008 010 012 014 016 019 020 022

Hometown Tourist The Spice of Life More Than a Monument Do You Sea What I Sea? Putting Safety First Handing Over the Spotlight All Things Flower in Time One Nation Under God

metropolitan 026 029

030 031 032 034 036 038 040 042

Not Too Far from Home Cloudy With a Chance of Homework Whose Idea Was That?

All Hail the Smoothie Queen Boom, Roasted Breaking Bucket Boundaries The Student That’s Making a Statement Good Cop Bad Cop Grade “A” Dating Advice Lilly’s Livestock Life

reason 046 048 051 052 054 056

The End of the World As We Know It Deep Thoughts With Emma Here We Go Again…

The Burning Question A Penny for Your Thoughts Mind the Mushroom

artisan 060 062 064 066 068 069 070 073 074 076 078

Stop to Smell the Roses I Can See It in Your Eyes Has the Magic Worn Off? A Few of Our Favorite Things Dance With Me? Does This Make Sense?

Bon Appetit!

Spaced Out Geneva Jam The Gazette The Talon

CO NTE NTS

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Photo Abigail Bussey

COSM OPOL ITAN “We are not citizens of just our hometowns or nations, but of the world.” –Seneca Putting Safety First

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One Nation Under God

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HOMETOWN TOURIST What to do in Texas when staying in town for vacation Words Katie Gray

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week off from school sounds great, right? Your friends are counting down the days until they fly off to a tropical island or snowy mountain. However, in anticipation of an uneventful week at home, you’re not feeling as excited. But a week at home does not have to be boring. The right plans and ideas can turn a few slow days into an unforgettable staycation.

You can have both the relaxed days at home and the adventurous days in a new place. There are the sleep-in-until-noon days, and then there are the days when you wake up before dawn and take a scenic, sunrise drive. The list could be never ending, but here are a few of the many things you can do that are bound to make your staycation one to remember.

If you are someone that likes to stay in the comfort of your own home, these activities are a great way to spend the day!

Movie Marathon: Gather friends or family and press play on that show or movie series you have always loved. You can even get a projector and view the movie on a big screen outside, or make themed snacks for what you’re watching.

“Turn a few slow days into an unforgettable staycation.”

Baking or Cooking: Is there a food you want to make but haven’t gotten around to it? Now is the time to! You can even have a competition with someone else to see who can make the better dish.

Resorts: Pack your bags for a night or two and go stay at a resort, like La Cantera Resort or Hotel Emma in San Antonio. Or, if you’re feeling up to a greater adventure, book a stay at a glamping site or treehouse cabin.

Redecorate: If you have been wanting to spruce up a room or area in your house, there is no time like the present! Go to a store or shop online and find decor that will add a new exciting element to your home.

Waterfronts: There are a number of rivers and lakes near Boerne where you can kayak, tube, paddleboard, and much more. A great location to do this is the Guadalupe River, but if you just want to swim, Blue Hole Park in Wimberley, Texas is one of the best.

Maybe you’re not so much a homebody but rather someone who wants to get out and do something. In that case, here are some ideas for you.

The list could go on for a while, but I hope this leaves you with some ideas of what you can do to make any staycation a memorable one.

Restaurants: Explore new restaurants outside of your usual go-tos. San Antonio is a great place for this. Give Down on Grayson, Bohanan’s or Bliss a try.

Design Emrey Taylor Photos Abigail Bussey

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THE SPICE OF LIFE Ella and Emma rank Old Spice deodorants Words Ella Dillinger + Emma Malkowski

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’m not completely sure what possessed us to want to write this review, but there’s just something so special about inhaling deodorant aromas in the aisles of Walmart with your best friend. As a tried and true deodorant, we thought it was high time to review all the scents Old Spice has to offer.

VOLCANO: Manly; doesn’t smell like burning matter…nice! But we wouldn’t really know. 6/10 TIMBER: It’s going down — Pitbull would love this. Pretty nice: slightly sweet, but not overpowering. 8/10 DEEP SEA: Says it includes “ocean elements”… eww. But it smells pretty alright. Very masculine. 5/10 WILDERNESS: “Notes of lavender and spring water,” it says. Lies. Headache inducing fumes is more like it. And we love lavender! Lavender lovers beware. 2/10 ALPINE: Smells like a public restroom cleaning solution; not a fan. 2/10 GENTLEMAN’S LAVENDER: As a gentleman would say, “quite refreshing!” Buy if you wanna smell like you’ve been rolling around in a field of lavender in a suit. 8/10

GENTLEMAN’S HIMALAYAN SEA SALT AND GLACIER WATERS: Good to know all the melting glaciers are being put to good use. Ella loves salt; she would eat it. 8/10 GENTLEMAN’S EUCALYPTUS AND COCONUT: Smells like the last one, but burnt. How can two climates smell so similar? One effuses the fragrance of glaciers, the other of a tropical beach. They should all be called “nondescript biome.” 7/10 TOTAL BODY MANDARIN AND SANDALWOOD: Where’s the mandarin? We only get sandalwood; what even is that?

You can use it anywhere though! Perfect for between the toes. 5/10 FIJI: Ella’s personal fave; her daily deodorant; essence of beach; kinda peachy. 9/10 BEARGLOVE: Smells exactly like detergent. Ella says it reminds her of being little and climbing into the washing machine and wondering what it would be like to be dirty clothes. How nostalgic. If you’ve ever had the same fantasy, now it can become a smelly reality. We don’t really like it though. 4/10 AQUAREEF: Ironic because it’s formulated with scents of cypress — trees that grow in arid

climates. Are we supposed to be transported to an underwater wonderland, or a barren desert? I just need to know how to pack. 3/10 CAPTAIN: Smells like “manly sailor.” That’s not always a good thing. Even though he definitely doesn’t use deodorant, Captain Jack Sparrow would approve. 7/10 PURE SPORT: Very ambiguous scent. Makes me think of a couch potato instead of a pro athlete. Potatoes smell good sometimes. Like when they’re deep fried. 2/10 STEEL TITAN: We wanted it to smell like pennies because that seems fair and just and right, but it’s just more musk. Everything is beginning to smell like musk. Our thoughts smell like musk. 3/10 CHAMPION: Says it’s “fresh air” scented.

Maybe it does smell like fresh air because it was a breath of fresh air after the heavy scents of the last few. 6/10 SWAGGER: Emma sometimes steals this body wash from her brothers. If you’re looking to get your swag on, this is the deodorant for you.

Super swag. 8/10 RAPTOR-STRIKE: If this is what being eaten by raptors at Jurassic Park smells like, serve me up real nice for those suckers cause this is SCRUMPTIOUS. Let the raptors strike. 9/10 WOLFTHORN: Smells like berries. Why does it smell like berries? Like those Berries ‘N Cherries Welches. It’s one of those “oops all berries” moments. 2/10

panthers out there – you guys can calm down now. 7/10 CLASSIC: Smells like disinfectant. Like the doctor’s office. Like an evil doctor. Like he’s harvesting your organs. Like you inhaled hand sanitizer and accidentally ate it too. Or maybe you purposely ate it; we listen and we don’t judge. If this was the original, how in the Mr. Worldwide has Old Spice stayed in business?

Yuck. 1/10 As we were perusing the aisles of Walmart, we noticed a new Dove - Crumbl Cookie collab and were appalled. Here are the not-so-honorable mentions: STRAWBERRY CRUMB CAKE: NOOOO. Smells like a strawberry threw up all over you. It’s best to avoid that kinda thing. 1/10 – but worse LEMON GLAZE: Not as offensive. Something about the lemon tricks me into thinking this is halfway normal. Better than the rest but still pretty bad. 2/10 CONFETTI CAKE: Triggered our gag reflex; as if you bathed in chemical filled, canned icing and decided it was socially acceptable to leave the house. Stay away. 0/10 Our deodorant sniffing journey might have had some ups and downs, but we hope that this review makes all the sideways looks we got worth it.

Design Ella Dillinger

KRAKENGARD: Ella thinks the name is powerful. Notes of mold. 2/10 NIGHT PANTHER: Do you remember that Wild Kratts episode where Zach steals the baby black panther? Us too! This smells like that but mid. 6/10 FRESH: It’s pretty fresh. Basic, for the basic, but we’re into it. As opposed to all the night

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MORE THAN A MONUMENT A history of the Eiffel Tower Words Caroline Pickle

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he Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in the world, located in the famous city of Paris, France. However, there is more to it than meets the eye. The Eiffel Tower was designed by the French engineer, Gustave Eiffel with help from his fellow engineers, Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier.

Construction of the tower began on January 28, 1887 and was completed two years later on March 15, 1889. It was built as the centerpiece for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in Paris, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The project required over 18,000 individual iron parts and was held together by 2.5 million rivets. Upon its completion, the tower stood the tallest manmade structure of its time at 1,083 feet.

Initially, builders thought the Eiffel Tower would only stand for the 20 years following the fair. Additionally, when it was first constructed, many Parisians and prominent artists criticized it. Then, in 1910, the tower faced real threats; once Gustave Eiffel’s 20 year land permit came to an end, many wanted to recycle the materials for bullets and war resources.

Fortunately, it quickly became not only a major attraction for tourists and the symbol of Paris as we know today, but it was a major asset for the city as a whole. They found it was an excellent and effective radio transmission tower, so they began using it for radio broadcasting and telecommunication. Thus, its practical value enabled it to survive, and it is still one of the most profitable monuments to this day.

“...many Parisians and prominent artists criticized it.”

Fun Facts!

1) A month after its opening, the tower had working elevators. This was a huge feature considering the curves of the tower and the weight those elevators had to carry. The tower still has two of its original elevators. Each year, the tower’s elevators travel a combined distance equal to 2.5 trips around the world, or more than 103,000 kilometers (64,000 miles).

2) To keep it from rusting, the tower is repainted with 60 metric tons of paint every 7 years. It takes about 18 months for 25 painters, using 1,500 brushes, to repaint the entire tower.

3) There are 72 names engraved on the base of the Eiffel Tower. Though once covered up, they have since been restored to their golden glory. These engravings pay homage to the mathematicians, scholars and scientists attributed with the tower’s successful construction.

4) During construction, architect Gustave Eiffel secretly included a private apartment. Sitting at 1,000 feet and overlooking Parc du Champ de Mars, this address is quite possibly one of the most interesting in the world!

After reading this article I hope you begin to realize how culturally significant the Eiffel Tower really is. It is far more than just a monument: it resembles human creativity, architectural invention and embodies the spirit of Paris. It will continue to inspire awe and admiration around the world for years to come.

Design Emrey Taylor Graphic Macie Egli

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DO YOU SEA WHAT I SEA? How an artillery platform won national independence Words Jacob Goodman

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n the shadow of the worst country in the world, along the coast of England where the North Sea whispers tales of old maritime exploits, stands one of the most peculiar nations in the world. On an abandoned World War II sea fort, the Principality of Sealand is a micronation unlike any other, with a history steeped in rebellion, ingenuity, and a stubborn insistence on sovereignty.

A Fortress Turned Kingdom The story begins in 1942, during the heat of World War II. The British “Royal Navy” constructed HM Fort Roughs, a platform rising from the sea, designed to defend against German air raids. Decades later, in 1967, this lonely relic of war found new purpose when Paddy Roy Bates, a charismatic former Army major, declared it his own sovereign nation.

Bates had initially intended to use the fort as a base for pirate radio broadcasts, but his vision grew. Ignoring protests from the British “government”, he raised the flag of Sealand and proclaimed himself “Prince Roy.” A constitution was drafted, and the family — including his wife Joan, who became “Princess Joan” — began their life as rulers of a tiny kingdom surrounded by the English Channel.

A Kingdom’s Currency What’s a nation without its own currency?

Sealand’s coins, emblazoned with the royal profile of Prince Roy or symbols of the fort’s maritime heritage, became a novelty among collectors. Though not accepted in any shops

outside the fort, these coins, along with Sealand passports, stamps, and even noble titles, became symbols of the micronation’s determination to forge its own identity.

Revenue from these unique creations helped sustain Sealand’s operations over the years.

For a price, you could become a “Lord” or “Lady” of Sealand, complete with a certificate to impress your friends.

“The Principality of Sealand is a micronation unlike any other.”

Pirate Attacks and a Coup Sealand’s sovereignty hasn’t gone unchallenged. In 1978, the fort became the target of an attempted coup — or what some might call a pirate attack. A group of German and Dutch businessmen, under the guise of negotiating business dealings with Prince Roy Bates, staged a hostile takeover. They took control of the platform while Roy was away, holding members of the Bates family hostage.

In a dramatic turn, Roy Bates and his supporters launched a counterattack by helicopter, retaking the fort and capturing the invaders. True to their independent spirit, the Bates family held the intruders as prisoners of war, releasing them only after negotiations with German diplomats. The event solidified Sealand’s reputation as a nation willing to defend its sovereignty against all odds.

Today, Sealand remains under the stewardship of Roy’s son, Michael Bates, who holds the title of Prince. While the fort no longer hosts pirate radio broadcasts, it has embraced the digital age. Sealand’s website proudly offers noble titles, souvenirs, and even hosting for digital servers, marketing itself as a haven for privacy and freedom in a connected world.

But what is Sealand in the eyes of the world?

Officially, it’s not recognized as a sovereign nation. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the allure of

this audacious project. Sealand is a symbol of defiance, an eccentric reminder that even in a world dominated by global powers, the dream of carving out a piece of the earth — or sea — for yourself remains alive.

A Kingdom of Dreams Sealand is more than just a steel platform battered by North Sea winds. It’s an idea — a statement that sovereignty is not about landmass, but about spirit. For those who visit (and yes, you can arrange to visit this tiny kingdom), it’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary places are born from the most unlikely dreams.

So, the next time you’re gazing out over a windswept coast, spare a thought for the Principality of Sealand. It’s a place where the impossible becomes real, where history and imagination collide, and where a tiny familybuilt kingdom defies the tides of time.

Design Emrey Taylor Graphic Jacob Goodman

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What Geneva has done to protect against the potential of a school shooting Words Ella Dillinger

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remember the panicked text messages I sent out to my friends at Champion High School last year when I heard that there were shooter and bomb threats on campus. After telling them I loved them and asking for updates as soon as they saw my text, I sat through classes with a pit in my stomach. Thankfully, everyone was safe, but that experience made me realize just how terrified I was of losing the people I love in a school shooting.

“That experience made me realize just how terrified I was of losing the people I love in a school shooting.”

The thought of this happening at our own school often plagues my mind as I’m sure it does those of other students. Headlines like “2024 Saw Record Number of School Shootings” and statistics showing how the past couple of years have had a drastic increase in incidents do not help quell those fears. However, after discussing the subject with our Head of School, Mrs. Moeller, I believe that some perspective is needed regarding this issue.

First of all, a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that motor vehicle crash related deaths are more common than firearm related injury deaths for children and adolescents. Furthermore, the media often reports high statistics about school shootings, but these statistics often include accidental discharges of guns at school, gun related suicides, or even shootings on school campuses that do not involve students and are not during school hours. All of these can be listed as shootings at schools in databases, skewing the statistics and muddying up the truth. Therefore, while mass school shootings are high-profile scenarios, they are actually lower on the risk list than we may be led to believe.

I also met with Mrs. Metzger to discuss safeguards and protocols we have in place at Geneva. One thing that she noted was that car traffic is actually more of a safety concern than shootings on our campus, just like mentioned in the earlier study. That is why Geneva has installed more speed bumps and why Mrs. Metzger personally observes the early morning traffic.

Regarding safeguards against shooters, it turns out that Geneva has always been ahead of the curve. In 2006, within the first few years of Geneva being in its current location,

“It turns out that Geneva has always been ahead of the curve.”

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Mr. Ryden started working with the Kendall County Sheriff Office to have an off-duty officer on campus to check locked doors and help increase safety. Then, in 2013, the guard shack was built along with the gate arms. Soon after, a second sheriff was added.

Interestingly enough, officers on campus were not mandated in Texas until 2023, showing how forward-thinking early Geneva was.

Something else that many may not know is that Geneva now lets the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office use our campus to run active shooter drills in the summer, meaning that every single officer is familiar with our school’s layout.

Additionally, thanks to generous donations from our 2023 Benefit, more security measures have been added, including shatter-resistant film on windows, automatic locks on classroom doors, controlled access doors on major buildings, and security cameras throughout campus. Geneva has also implemented a new Standard Response Protocol which accounts

“In the end, the evil and suffering of this world are temporary, but God’s goodness is eternal.”

for all scenarios with commands such as hold, secure, lock-down, evacuate and shelter.

Finally, I would like to remind you of the bigger picture. There will always be various forms of pain and suffering in the world. For past generations, it was World Wars and the risk of nuclear destruction. For us, it is the threat of school shootings.

However, Romans 8:39 tells us, “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” According to Graham Tomlin, a former bishop of the Church of England, if we are Christians, we do not believe in God because we have solved the problem of evil and suffering, but rather because we have met someone who has conquered evil through the power of love. And, it is through that love that Jesus encounters us and seeks a relationship with us. In the end, the evil and suffering of this world are temporary, but God’s goodness is eternal.

Design Ella Dillinger Graphic Macie Egli

Words Will Crews

Shedding some light on the lesser known sport of handball

HANDING OVER THE SPOTLIGHT

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id you know that handball is more than just the name of a soccer penalty? As it turns out, handball is one of the ten or fifteen most popular team sports in the world (depending on how you define the term; I chose to exclude sports like tennis, swimming and gymnastics: even though there are some team elements to them, they are fundamentally single events), ranking just behind giants such as soccer, volleyball and rugby. As one can imagine, it has an international governing body, the IHF (International Handball Federation), as well as many national competitions and championships, even in the United States. Army West Point has typically dominated men’s and women’s handball at the collegiate level. They have two teams each for each gender (the Black and Gold teams), and both usually place in the top five nationwide. On the global scale, European teams tend to dominate the biannual IHF world championships.

The first IHF world championship was held in 1938 in Nazi Germany, but the next did not occur until 1954. The first women’s IHF championship was held in 1957. The most recent champions (in the competitions held in 2023 in Poland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark) were Denmark’s men’s team and the French women’s team. The Denmark men’s team also took gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics while Norway won the women’s tournament.

So how does the game actually work?

In short, imagine water polo on land, or basketball with a soccer net. There are seven players (including one goalkeeper) on the field for each team with up to five substitutes in typical tournament play. The purpose of the game, of course, is to score the ball (which is typically six to seven inches in diameter) in the opposing team’s goal. The player must dribble, like in basketball, in order to move while in

possession of the ball. You can use any part of your body (except your feet or lower legs) to hit the ball (of course, you are not fouled if somebody else throws the ball at your feet). Unlike basketball, when you stop dribbling, you have three seconds to pass or shoot the ball. As you could imagine, games tend to be pretty high-scoring, with professional teams typically scoring between 20 and 40 goals a game.

Handball’s relative obscurity, especially in the United States, is surprising given its popularity on the global scale. The purpose of this article is to combat this stigma of obscurity and shed some light on the exciting aspects of this sport. Since tuning into handball in past Summer Olympics, I have been fascinated by this new, unfamiliar sport that I had never heard of before.

I hope that, through this article, you experience some of the same curiosity.

Design Emrey Taylor Graphic Jacob Goodman

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ALL THINGS FLOWER IN TIME

A floral photo story featuring all things spring

Design Ella Dillinger Photos Abigail Bussey

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ONE NATION UNDER GOD

How Christianity shaped early American colonies and institutions Words Nico Nelson

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f you’ve ever thought Christianity’s impact in America is confined to the pulpit, think again! From the founding of America to the creation of Ivy League schools and hospitals, Christianity is deeply woven throughout American history. Knowing Christianity’s origins is key to understanding why we admire the values we hold so close today, whether we realize it or not.

So how did Christianity go from religious practice to the central driving force in shaping the institutions we know today?

The answer lies in the very foundation of America itself. The pursuit of religious freedom propelled the founding of the early American colonies. For example, the Puritans, esteemed for their iconic Thanksgiving feast, led the expedition to Plymouth colony for religious freedom.

Consequently, this led to the founding of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Following closely, Maryland debuted as a colony for Catholic refuge while Pennsylvania served as a haven for Quakers persecuted in England. Collectively, the emphasis on religious freedom laid the foundation for the later development of American hospitals, schools, and our nation’s Constitution.

Additionally, Christianity played a key role in the healthcare we know today. Early Methodist and Baptist churches applied the principle of “love your neighbor as yourself” by assisting those with physical ailments through medical care. Expanding medical access to all was unheard of at the time. These Christian values have become the core of hospitals today, with secular hospitals finding themselves operating under these principles often without realizing it.

Furthermore, Christianity’s emphasis on the importance of knowledge was pivotal in founding American universities. The first American universities, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, were established primarily to train

clergy and provide leaders for churches and local communities. These universities laid the groundwork for America’s moral and academic values by providing theological and intellectual development. This profound effect has defined American education and later influenced the principles of newer schools across the country.

“The pursuit of religious freedom propelled the founding of the early American colonies.”

Thus, Christianity’s influence on America is not only a part of our history, but also the basis of our schools, universities, hospitals, and government. To solely attribute our moral framework to secular and non-religious movements would spin an incomplete narrative. Despite their apparent absence in modern society, Christianity’s basic principles have become covert “cultural norms” for us, giving rise to many of the relevant concepts today.

Design Emrey Taylor Graphics Macie Egli

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Graphic Macie Egli

METR OPOL ITAN

“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” –Dorothy Day Not too Far from Home

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Good Cop Bad Cop

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NOT TOO FAR FROM HOME What lies ahead for the Shady Rest community and what we can do to help Words Nathan Player

here

Adela Morena (center) with her two daughters, Juanita Cruz (left) and Aundrea Vargas (right) along with her two grandchildren, Oliver Cruz (lower left) and Adelynn Rodriguez (upper right)

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ot far from Geneva, off of a small side road adjacent to Currey Creek Church, lies the Shady Rest Mobile Home Park, a humble group of residences for lowerincome families in the quaint town of Boerne.

Recently, in mid-November, every resident there received a letter in the mail bearing an illtimed message: a notice to vacate. This notice mandated that all residents were required to vacate their homes by the end of January, without any hope for leniency from the owner or the city. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Aundrea Vargas, a resident at Shady Rest who is also a friend of Geneva magazine instructor, Emily Rawls. Aundrea has been living at Shady Rest for all 28 years of her life. Her family, however, has a legacy at Shady Rest that extends long before her own lifetime. Her mother, Adela Moreno, has been living at the Park for 42 years and has spent her days there serving the residents in every way she can. Because of this notice to vacate, Aundrea, her husband and her daughter will most likely be living apart from her mother for the foreseeable future. “...Leaving my mom is hard, not just for us, but for everybody… But what hurts me is that the kids, all the kids, go to my mom and call her grandma, and then kids in the neighborhood, when they’re hungry or they don’t have anything, or their parents are working, they go to my mom,” Vargas said.

Aundrea sadly recalls that her mom has always been a kind-hearted giver. She has been the one that always gives what she has, but doesn’t ask for anything in return.

Adela Moreno has been a figure of kindness and leadership throughout the community for many, many years. And Adela isn’t the only member of Aundrea’s family impacted by the sale. Aundrea has a daughter named Valeria, who is set to undergo surgery for a

“When they’re hungry or they don’t have anything or their parents are working, they go to my mom...”

ruptured eardrum soon. This surgery, in the midst of dealing with the sudden requirement to move from the only home she’s ever known, is proving extremely stressful for the family.

Aundrea’s husband does masonry and rock work for the Esperanza neighborhood, and his boss has allowed them to live in a mobile home on his land for five years, but that still doesn’t help with the long-term and emotional impacts of the eviction.

It turns out that the notice to vacate was issued because the most recent owners decided to sell the property.

“All this started because there were two houses just down the road in the corner.

There was drugs coming in and out, there was alcohol. There was always cops called every other day to those houses,” Vargas said.

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According to Aundrea, a shooting incident between two residents and a child living in one of the two drug-infested houses brought negative attention to the neighborhood.

Aundrea says the problem is that the most recent owners began to neglect the community and its residents. They ceased giving background checks or requiring any verification for new residents, caring less for the community than the sum of money it brought in. The neighborhood’s residency has decreased from almost 50 families prior to the notice to vacate, to around 28 as of midJanuary, leaving many families struggling to find secure and healthy housing.

So the questions arise: what can we, the readers, do? How can we make an impact? A dilemma Aundrea and her family are facing is where to keep their trailer w h i l e they’re searching for new housing.

If anyone

{COMMUNITY NOT}

FOR SALE

happens to have extra land that they would be willing to keep the trailer on for a period of time, reach out to Mrs. Rawls to get in connection with Aundrea. It would be a huge blessing. If you’re not sure you can do something as big as that, but still are curious about how you can make an impact, simply stop by the journalism room. Mrs. Rawls will most likely be in there with a smile, ready to accept donations. If you can’t reach her in person, Mrs. Rawls’ Venmo is @emily-rawls-1. Everything received will be given in support of Aundrea and her family.

In conclusion, it is vital to recognize the detriment to the wellbeing of many families, like Aundrea Vargas’s, this sudden sale of the property brings. Such a devastating change will impact the community surrounding Geneva, and therefore, as we are called to love our neighbors, we should feel a conviction to help out in some way, whether it be a small donation or intimate and intentional connection with the impacted families. I pray that this event will serve as a call to arms for the Boerne community to live for others and shine Christ’s love through the darkness of hard times.

Design Mrs. Rawls Photos Nico Nelson

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF HOMEWORK The pros and cons of our outdoor campus Words by Sofia Ramirez

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hat comes to mind when you see a long hall of closed doors that you can’t be in without permission; a bell that tells you when to come in, when to leave, when class starts, when it ends? What does that look like to you?

Frank Locker asks this question after stating a jarring fact: the same people who design prisons also design schools. It’s easy to believe, though, when one takes into account the dull, blocky buildings that seem to drain the energy from anyone who steps foot inside. Almost all highschool students are forced to spend hours every day in these concrete cages, only ever seeing the sun through small windows and rarely getting a breath of fresh air.

As a recent escapee of such a facility, I a p p re c i at e Geneva’s outdoor campus more every day.

While it can be inconvenient to get caught in the blazing Texas heat or in a downpour of rain after class, a Geneva student can also enjoy a beautiful spring day when others are holed up in an endless labyrinth of monotonous hallways and classrooms.

In a regular school, if your friend isn’t in your class, there won’t be much of a chance to see them at all.

Thanks to the n a r ro w, crowded hallways, you’ll be lucky to see them at any point during the school day. At Geneva, however, thanks to the small student body and open Boardwalk, it’s easy to spot your friends from different classes during passing periods. Instead of eating lunch in a stuffy cafeteria, here, students can enjoy their food outside! The air quality in large school buildings is not ideal, and mold grows everywhere, leading to an unhealthy environment, but spending time outdoors is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

We often take for granted all the blessings that we have, and this gift of a campus is one of them. Take some time to appreciate the connection– both to nature and community– that you as a Geneva Design student get to Caroline Pickle experience.

Graphics Kadence Hastings

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WHOSE IDEA WAS THAT?

Can you figure out which Senior belongs with each Thesis topic?

Words by Brooke De Vries

A: Parents and churches should place a greater emphasis on training their youths for the Christian life.

Wyatt Bruss

B: How overconsumption of media has negatively impacted our brains.

Jack Walker Harden

C: The US should prioritize growth over mitigating climate change.

E: Sportswashing should not be supported or encouraged.

Design Caroline Pickle Photos Maebry Caulfield

Micah Briggs

Will Crews

A- Will Crews B- Malyn Arnold C- Micah Briggs D- Wyatt Bruss E- Jack Walker Harden

Malyn Arnold

D: Human Enhancement through technology should be halted until effective regulations can be agreed upon.

Answer Key

ALL HAIL THE SMOOTHIE QUEEN Madison puts popular smoothie bowls on trial

Words by Madison DeLaune

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f you have ever talked to me, you probably know about my addiction: açaí bowls. I talk about açaí bowls more than I do my twin (don’t tell Mason). Açaí bowls are the perfect post practice or school snack. What’s not to love? What with the sweetness of the base, the crunchiness of the granola?

One day, when I was sitting in the Smoothie King drive-thru, waiting on my favorite after school snack, I wondered to myself, “Where are all the best places to get açaí bowls in our area?” I eventually decided to go the extra mile in selfless service to my community. I would rank the açaí bowls of the Hill Country. Thank me later.

At each açaí shop, I got the exact same thing: an açaí bowl with peanut butter, granola and honey.

Fruit on top is nasty, and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on; maybe that’s a topic for next issue…

Novo at La Cantera: To the person on Yelp who gave Novo a five star review, you should go to Walgreens right now and get yourself a Covid test because you, my friend, have no taste. The only way I can describe the flavor of this bowl is walking into Bath and Body Works, buying an açaí scented candle and eating it. The weird, waxy taste of this bowl still has me grossed out.

Ewwwwwwwwwwwww. 0/10 Kelani Yogurts: I never thought my favorite local fro yo shop would switch it up and include açaí bowls.

When I heard about Kelani’s fruity addition, I immediately drove over. When I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised. It had a very natural taste. açaí berry and not genetically engineered in a

lab somewhere (cough, cough…Novo).Overall, I would have to say it was a fun, one-time order, but if I’m going to Kelani, I’m springing for the cookie batter fro yo and maybe not the açaí bowl. 6/10 Tropical Smoothie: When I first tried this smoothie, I thought it would be very similar to my experience with Smoothie King, but I was so wrong. This açaí bowl is HEAVENLY. I’m still thinking about this one. The granola is sweet and crunchy, perfectly encapsulating everything you could want from an açaí bowl.

To the owners of this smoothie chain, can y’all just adopt me? I really want free tropical smoothie bowls for life, and that’s the only way I can think of it happening for me. If you couldn’t tell by this review, I really liked it. 10/10 Terra Cafe at the Rim: This spot is something of a hidden gem, but that’s why I’m here: to give all the underground açaí spots! Terra Cafe offers a super aesthetic atmosphere and even has great coffee! Terra Cafe is connected to a workout studio, so if you want to go and get a pump in before your açaí bowl, go right ahead! This açaí bowl was super satisfying. It had a really nice texture and delicious granola. 7/10 I hope you received some insight from this article that will help you for years to come.

And if you are reading this and are the owners of Tropical Smoothie, I was serious about the adoption thing.

Design Caroline Pickle Graphic Kadence Hastings

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M O B O , ROASTED.

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hat better way to display campus life than a lighthearted roasting of students by teachers?

Or is it actually lighthearted? Nobody knows.

Teachers make fun of students in good humor Words William Pickle and Will Crews

CHASE DORAN

ROASTED BY MRS. PERALES

You might be familiar with the phrase “ Chatty Cathy”, but let me introduce you to “Chatty Chase”. There are never moments of awkward silence in Biology 9A thanks to Chase!

If silence ever showed up in my class, it’d be kicked out before it even sat down. Chase loves to talk! If talking were an Olympic sport, he’d have more gold medals than Simone Biles. Chase is like a walking TED Talk, but more like a speed walker. He answers all of my questions about biology before I can even ask the question! It’s hard for others to get a word in edgewise. But hey, at least I know someone will answer the questions… even if it’s just for the chance to talk! I’m 100% certain Chase could start a conversation with a rock and have it responding by the end of the week.

With all this talking, he definitely has the makings of a future star. Whether it’s hosting his own show, being the voice of a viral podcast, or running a TED Talk on the art of conversation, he has a gift for gab. I appreciate Chase’s enthusiasm for science conversation. I’ll take it over silence any day! Just remember Chase – when you take the stage, make sure you’re using all that chatter for something great!

JAKE ROBERSON ROASTED BY MR. DONNOWITZ I have chosen not to roast but to praise Jake Roberson. Jake is without doubt the most spiritual guy on campus. Get me a theological dictionary, open it up to godliness, and tell me what you see. Never mind, I already know – a 6’5 strapping young lad with a million-dollar smile named Jake Roberson. While all the other seniors are writing research papers on important issues in the world for their senior theses, Jake has taken the opportunity to write and preach a sermon instead. Jake wears fashionable and biblical shoes – cloggs – what some might call the biblical man’s version of Ugg slippers, which I applaud, as he does not have any insecurity about his masculinity. Jake also works hard as an editor in the yearbook – humbly following instructions and boldly going the extra mile, all while earning a GPA bump for it (though, if it were up to him, he would decline it out of humility). When the Robersons came to Geneva many years ago, it was with the implied agreement that Jake would serve as our campus pastor his senior year.

Honestly though, Jake is our go-to guy around here, for his faith, charm, and speaking ability is second to none. He’s truly an amazing young man. I would go so far as to say that he is God’s gift to us poor sinners. Thank you, Jake.

“You might be familiar with the phrase ‘Chatty Cathy,’ but let me introduce you to ‘Chatty Chase’...”

TUCKER HARDEN

ROASTED BY MR./COACH PLAYER

Tuck, You are the perfect imperfect sheep. The way you run down the court reminds me of this tri-legged ovis imperfecta — or maybe more like a newborn giraffe?! You defy the laws of physics as you move every limb frantically but somehow don’t seem to go anywhere. Fast break? More like slow leak. Which is strange because you dropped Worldview Forum like a flash of lightning.

Maybe next year? You are such a great cheerleader for the basketball team, clapping wildly like a seal performing for the crowd at SeaWorld – oh wait, you are clapping excitedly for yourself after making your first bucket! Just make sure you remember your uniform and don’t leave it in your mom’s car at the airport like your Logic homework. Back to the sheep – I’d make spelling sentences out of you. I’d make you the best Valentine and donate money to your cause. You’re the man, Tuck. Sincerely proud of you and your growth and great attitude this year!

MAEGAN RIEBEL

ROASTED BY COACH JOHNSON

Maegan, It’s been four long years, where do I even begin? Perhaps the time you used sunscreen instead of perfume to mask the fact that you didn’t wash your practice jersey? Or maybe it is the fact that my hearing will never be the same thanks to your screaming version of singing in the vans coming back from Dallas? Or maybe my life will be better for not having to watch your dramatic falls after getting fouled when going to the rim?

And Thomas, what of poor Thomas? I know that right now he might just be some tasty bacon on some random person’s plate, and that might be sad, but that is still better than the life he had under your care. R.I.P. Thomas (2024-2025) It has been four long years, indeed, of dealing with you. But, you know what, I wouldn’t trade it, and I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I am going to miss it.

Design Sofia Ramirez

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K E C T BO U B

S Our Geneva Basketball teams are breaking records left and right Words by Sopris Oglesby

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f you’ve been around Geneva the past couple of years, you have no doubt heard about the success of both the boy’s and girl’s basketball teams. Amazing wins in nail-biting games, tough losses at the state tournament level and major career milestones for both coaches and players have categorized these elite teams as dedicated and determined. None of this would have happened without great leadership from four seniors who have stepped up and made their mark on Geneva history, breaking seemingly unbeatable

records and setting the pace for both of their programs. Wyatt Bruss, Colton Lutz, Maegan Riebel and Kyra Petty are names which are sure to be remembered for seasons to come.

In the world of basketball, there’s nothing better than a little competition, even between our senior leaders. The record for most points scored in a single game has been a battle between Maegan, Colton, and Wyatt. Maegan held this record since last season by scoring 41 points in an overtime

game against Brentwood Christian School, but then, Colton broke it this year scoring 43 points in the boys first district game against John Paul II Schertz. However, he only held the golden record for 3 days before Maegan swept it right out from under his feet by scoring 45 points against Holy Cross in the first round of districts. No one thought this achievement could be topped. I mean, how could anyone score more than 45 points?

Especially considering that district play only becomes more competitive as the season progresses. That is why everyone was shocked when Wyatt broke two school records in one game versus Logos Preparatory Academy. He scored 47 points, and made 13 three pointers, setting the record for most points as well as three pointers scored in a single game. Since beating the record, no one has come close to passing Wyatt, but Maegan’s made it her goal to try.

“I really want to beat his record because we have a bet going so I need to win,” Riebel said.

Even if they don’t all currently hold records, each one of these players are extremely talented and have scored 1000 career points or more.

Wyatt accomplished this his junior year during the Hill Country Classic Tournament over the winter break; Kyra scored 1000 points this year against John Paul II Schertz; Colton achieved this as well against John Paul II Schertz junior year but surpassed it with 1500 points his senior year; and Maegan scored 1000 points against TMI Episcopal junior year and an incredible 2000 points against Holy Cross senior year.

Maegan Riebel is currently the only Geneva basketball player to be in

“the 2000 point club,” an accomplishment that cannot be overstated and is truly a testament to her talent, determination, and competitiveness.

It is important to remember that even massive achievements like these are to be remembered and honored but never placed before the team as a whole.

“Each one of these players are extremely talented and have scored 1000 career points or more.”

“It felt incredible at the time to get an award, but I would trade every accolade for a state championship… The team this year is clicking like never before, and it is the most fun I’ve ever had on the basketball court,” Lutz said.

This unique sport is all about team spirit, making memories with friends, and glorifying God who makes it all possible.

Design Caroline Pickle Photo Maebry Caulfield

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THE STUDENT THAT'S MAKING A STATEMENT Interviewing senior Francessca Dacy in light of Paris Fashion Week Words By Maebry Caulfield

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et’s talk fashion! Every fashion addict awaits a special week each year, preparing themselves to see the newest trends and purchase the most exquisite outfits. If you are new to the fashion world, let me break it down for you. Paris Fashion week is a week to discover the most recent trends to hit the market by designer brands. These include, but are not limited to: Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Hodakova.

Many models walk the catwalk to show off the aspiring talent and intricate designs.

Modeling is a hobby and a job pursued by many young individuals. There are many different genres of modeling. A student here at Geneva, Francesca Dacy, shared a bit of her passion for fashion. The senior has modeled since her sophomore year. Her passion is rooted by her mom, who owns a bridal boutique in smalltown Boerne called LD Bridal. Not only has she modeled for her mom, but also for The Dienger, Bee Pink, Boerne Style Magazines and Paulavmphotography.

“Modeling has helped guide me in my faith by experiencing true beauty through many designs and ideas,” Dacy said.

Francesca then carried on to say that modeling will not be a career in her life to come, but if she is called upon or needed, she will step up to the opportunity.

Fashion is truly an inspiration and an alluring predilection to many people, including models.

This year, on January 21-26, a multitude of creative outfits will be shown in many parts of Paris. Some color trends that have been spotted include: vibrant colors, rich hues, and lots of monochromatic looks, which feature predominantly one color. These colors will be placed on volume pieces (articulate pieces that add movement and drama to the look) and oversized or shrunken tailoring.

“Modeling has helped guide me in my faith by experiencing true beauty through many designs and ideas...”

A few textures we saw include suede and shimmering fabric. The Paris Fashion show is a large show in the fashion industry, having shown men’s and women’s clothes. It is a part of the “Big 4”. The “Big 4” contains New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and of course, Paris Fashion Week. These shows happen semi-annually, which means there are shows for winter/fall and also spring/summer. These fashion shows not only show off new designs, but also pave the way for designers and future styles to come. Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, and its shows will continue to captivate audiences and bring beauty and creativity to those who love fashion.

Design Madison DeLaune Graphic Kadence Hastings

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GOOD COP Design Ella Owens Graphic Kadence Hastings

BAD COP A chat with our campus officers Words by Nathan Player

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distinctly remember every morning when I was in Grammar School; I would boredly look over my shoulder, wholly disinterested in whatever the teacher thought about fractions or Vasco de Gama, and see through the window an officer pass quickly by. These men, working around campus, play a crucial role in the safety and wellbeing of our school, yet we almost never notice them. Whether it be directing traffic during morning drop-off or monitoring the campus, I believe that the officers deserve recognition for their hard work. We interviewed Deputy Aaron Ramirez to hear more about the important purpose these officers serve.

will sit at the guard shack and check people in.

So people that do not have tags and stickers, we check them in and figure out where they’re going to go onto the campus. And then we have another person that actually drives around, walks around, checks doors, and does that roaming kind of thing, you know? So, first thing in the morning, we’re going to do our school zone traffic. We’ll get everybody in and get everybody off of the campus as fast as we can and safe as we can, and then we’ll do the same thing in the afternoon for school release.

“Now, I hope you understand all the work these officers do for our school and for the community.”

A: My specific duty here, of course, is school safety. We got to make sure the kids, the faculty and staff, everybody, is safe. We’ve got to make sure that we keep this place as tightship, as best as we can.

Q: How long have you been working at Geneva?

A: I’m coming up on my sixth year at Geneva. I work with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office… we work here on our days off, and I really enjoy it.

Q: What is your daily routine on an average day of work here at Geneva?

A: Here at Geneva, we get here, and then we determine who is going to do what. We’ve got two different aspects of Geneva: one person

Q: What are your specific duties here at Geneva?

Q: Lastly, what would you say is the most crazy or interesting story that has ever happened in your life on duty, off campus or on campus?

A: I think the craziest call that I’ve ever taken was an 18-Wheeler with 39 people that were being smuggled into the country. It was a September day. It was kind of warm, South Texas. And they were in the back of an 18-wheeler; pretty hot, and we get that call. We located the 18-wheeler, opened up the back hatch of it, and the people were just so grateful to see you.

They were super hot, exhausted. I mean, I think the temperature during that time was pretty much 80 degrees which is not bad, right? But picture being, you know, locked in the back of an 18-wheeler. Nobody was seriously injured.

We did catch the driver;- the driver did get prosecuted for smuggling those people… We did get several interviews with news agencies, throughout the country, actually. So that was one of the craziest calls.

Now, I hope you understand all the work these officers do for our school and for the community. Next time you see one, consider stopping to thank them for their service and dedication.

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Mr. Vis: Aim high. Shoot for someone more attractive and smarter than yourself, lest you become saddled with an ugly idiot. Make sure you’re the ugly idiot in the relationship…it’s way less pressure for you in the long run.

Words by Emrey Taylor

Teachers share their dating do’s and don’ts

GRADE "A" DATING ADVICE

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ating. In high school, dating is inevitable. Take a look around, and I bet you will spot at least one couple on the Boardwalk. So, since dating is bound to be a hot topic, I got some advice from some of our experienced elders.

“It’s always ok to say no, but how you say it matters.”

Mr. Poole: For the guys: 1. Hygiene.

2. Women are surprisingly forgiving, but they won’t forgive you for boring them. Show her a fabulous time, every time.

3. Stop complaining that girls are expensive. Women cost even more, and they are worth every penny.

4. If you aren’t willing to fight for her with everything you have, you’re not ready to be in a

romantic relationship.

For the ladies: 1. It’s always ok to say no, but how you say it matters. Be kind.

2. Forget what guys SAY and start paying attention to what they DO. They will soon show you who they really are.

3. When a guy shows you who he really is, BELIEVE HIM. 4. If he isn’t willing to fight for you with everything he has, he’s not the one. Move on.

Overall, have spiritual maturity, genuine friendship, and mutual attraction. Stop looking for the perfect partner. Focus on becoming the perfect partner, and they will find you. Don’t be in a hurry. If you meet someone you can live without, do so. P.S. If you ever decide to spray paint a girl’s name on a bridge, make sure you spell it right…

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Mrs. Perales: Dating advice....do not do it!! Your brains are still under construction. It’s like trying to bake a cake with half the ingredients. The amygdala (the part of your brain involved in emotional processing, memory formation, decision-making, and social behavior) is in charge, and trust me, it’s not the best decision-maker. Remember Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Go out on lots of group dates! Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Keep things platonic and drama free.

Mr. Odom: Friendships are more likely to last a lifetime, so seek after those! Hard to do, however, because catching feelings is no joke at that point in life, so no shame. Stay strong because no one is safe from catching strays. If it does happen, then my advice is just be kind and your relationship will be great.

I hope this advice can help you navigate the dating world throughout highschool. Take it to heart, because these teachers have lived through it and know what they are talking about.

Design Caroline Pickle Photos Maebry Caulfield

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LILLY'S LIVE STOCK LIFE What it takes to raise award-winning pigs Words by Molly Donovan

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eet Lilly Jones, a freshman at the Geneva school of Boerne, who spends her mornings caring for her three pigs: Marshmallow, Blueberry, and Yoda.

She is a dedicated 4-H member who grooms, feeds, and walks her pigs to make sure they are ready for the shows. Lilly has been showing pigs for four years, and her parents have been very encouraging while she has been a part of 4H. For Lilly, it isn’t about winning, but about the opportunity to give the pigs a better life.

Every morning, Lilly wakes up before dawn to feed them, clean their pens, and walk them.

Lilly trains her pigs to walk “properly,” meaning the pigs have to walk with their heads held high while maintaining a steady pace. On the weekends, she repeats the same chores but also bathes and weighs them. Once the chores are done, Lilly hangs out with Marshmallow, Blueberry, and Yoda, who each have their own personality. Marshmallow is a Yorkshire pig with a lively spirit. He’s always full of energy, and when Lilly gives him a bath, the soap turns his white fur blue. Then there’s Blueberry, who

stands out with his unique blue spots and his loud screams. Lastly, there’s Yoda, a laid-back pig with “black-and-white stripes that make him look like an Oreo.” Yoda spends most of his free time sleeping and is the easiest to take care of.

“For Lilly, it isn’t about winning, but about the opportunity to give the pigs a better life.”

Now it’s show time! Before the show, they spend a whole day setting up. Lilly says she always looks forward to setting up because it’s fun getting to see all the other animals and watch everything fall into place. Lilly can relax and enjoy the moment, thinking of how far she and her pigs have come. It’s the day of the show, and the mood shifts. Lilly explains how stressful it is making sure everything is just right. But, she still has fun being able to show off her hard work. Fun fact: they put lotion on pigs before showing them to make them more shiny. Lilly has gone to many shows over the course of the year and has placed at some of them. Just recently, she placed first in competition with Marshmallow. But sadly,

the season ended and Lilly had to say goodbye to her pigs.

“I am sad I have to sell them but grateful I can give them a longer and happier life,” Jones said.

Lilly has learned many lessons while being a part of 4H, but the biggest takeaways were the dedication and perseverance it required.

Lilly has to be consistent in caring for her pigs every day. In conclusion, I hope you can all see just how much work goes into these shows and how much fun showing pigs can be.

Design Caroline Pickle Photo Submission

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Photo Harper Deimund

REA SON “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” –Plutarch

The End of the World As We Know It

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Mind the Mushroom

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THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT

Why studying the end times may be more important than we think

Words by Will Crews

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schatology has been a subject that has fascinated me as of late. This is a hotly debated theological subject that has caused quite a bit of division due to the crypticness of Revelations and other biblical texts about the end times. I asked one of our own Bible teachers, Mr. Brian Odom, to speak on the subject.

Jesus, and particular passages of Paul.

Within Revelation, you get some distinct categories simply due to how the 1,000 (millennium) year reign of Christ is to be interpreted. This leads to views such as Premillennial Dispensationalism, Amillennialism, and Postmillennialism.

What are your personal beliefs on these issues and why?

Define eschatology in your own words.

We all know -ology means “study of.”

Eschatos is the Greek word for final, end, or last. So, eschatology is the study of the last things/times.

My personal belief is one that does not necessarily line up with any of the views espoused in the previous question, although if I am to be forced into one, it would be Amillenialism. In my own words, the entire Bible is the story of God’s great love, not only for God’s people, but for God’s own creation. Jesus’s entire mission is to redeem people and restore creation. Never is there any hint of God destroying the good world he created.

What are the major issues and positions within eschatology?

The major “positions” within eschatology as they exist today are primarily built around the interpretation of the book of Revelation, selected teachings of

The biggest problem passage for eschatology, and the foundation for rapture theology, is 1 Thessalonians 4:1318. Paul states, “For the Lord himself… will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air, and we will be with the Lord forever.” The critical word is parousian, or the ‘return’ of Christ. When a Roman ruler returned home, the city would welcome him back outside the gates, not because he is going to relocate them, but because the people are ushering him back to sit on his throne!

This is more in line with what I believe Paul is saying.

quite literally echo into God’s eternity, but if our focus is only on “getting in” in the end, we will completely miss how eschatology impacts the present! In other words, the best use of eschatology is to live a life that brings the end goal of God’s kingdom to a present reality.

With what mindset should Christians approach the subject?

The mindset Christians should have is one of redemption, n o t destruction a n d o b l i t e rat i o n of what God called good, but renewal, re s t o rat i o n , a n d reconciliation of all things to God. That seems to be the overall focus of Scripture and the mission of God. I do not know all the details, but Revelation is clear that good will conquer evil. No matter how much you would like to give yourself to eschatology, live every day as if you are attempting to bring heaven to earth, because in the end, that is what Revelation witnesses. My only advice is to focus less on the unknown but to live every day as a witness to your future hope for the world in Christ.

“The best use of eschatology is to live a life that brings the end goal of God’s kingdom to a present reality.”

How important should eschatology be to Christians relative to other fields of theology? Is it better to prioritize other areas?

I once heard someone use a quote about eschatology that went something like, “We sit around coffee tables and talk about the second coming when billions have not heard of the first.”

It is healthy to think about the end, about legacy, about what work you did that will

Design Ella Owens Graphic Nathan Player

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DEEP THOUGHTS WITH EMMA

author Ross Gay

A recent poetic inspiration Words by Emma Malkowski

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ecently, for my 18th birthday, my utter angel of a big brother made the three hour drive from College Station to whisk me away to a world of unimaginable realities, hallowed antiquities, arresting fantasies, and, quite conveniently, Starbucks: that is, he took me to Barnes and Noble, and we had the richest time. As I was perusing and basking in all the magic of that place and, one could say (though it will not, regretfully, incur the due remorse) appropriating bits and pieces of its treasures into the folds of my brain, I came across a book with the most satisfyingly unique dimensions entitled, The Book of Delights. It is a compilation of mini, personal essays written by one Ross Gay, whose picture on the book’s back cover advertises its spirit entirely: the lines of Ross’ face – congregating around smiling eyes and an undefiled grin – fashion an etched portrait of joy; his hair sits in two bundles, playfully bound up atop his head; he cups his hand to his face as if to soothe the ache of such fearsome beaming. Somehow, the agreeable little book’s buoyancy was exerting a kind of infectious power over me.

Without reading a single page I wondered, “How does this hidden tapestry of words emanate such radiance?” Then I put a stop to my casual exploitation of those shelves and paid the full $18 for the artful experience of a man of whom I know nothing.

The following day (I spent the remainder of my birthday trying to convince myself I wasn’t again going to halt my march toward the end of a certain 700 page book to “catch my breath” in my new, adorably inviting purchase.

But then I did), I went to the dentist, watched some of the inaugural festivities (seeing as it was inauguration day), ate some granola, played Boggle with Christopher Siller and my human-skyscraper little brother, and for the large remainder of the day read my new book of delights. I can’t say it was quite what I was expecting, but that is precisely why it has become so special to me. If you will, allow me to relay a certain portion that especially struck me, and then, if you will, allow me to tell you why.

In this instance, Ross is sitting by the door of a Jersey City bakery on a rainy day, reading while people stroll in and out:

“I invite you to join me in the art of taking the self not allso-seriously.”

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“...A guy on his way out, after buying his Americano and scooting by my big red bobbing foot, and smiling softly at me, and me at him, looked at the drizzle through the big plateglass window, put his coffee down, opened his umbrella, put it over his head, picked up his coffee, then realized, I presume, that he was still inside this bakery…I saw him giggle to himself, realizing, I think, what he had done…and so lowered his umbrella and walked quickly out, with a smirk that today I read as a smirk of gentleness, of selfforgiveness. Do you ever think to yourself, late to your meeting or peed your pants some or sent the private email to the group or burned the soup or ordered your cortado with your fly down or snot on your face or opened your umbrella in the bakery, as the cutest little thing?”

The cutest little thing – what a liberated response. Upon gaining awareness of my public blunders, I almost never respond with anything save paralyzed scrutiny. “Emma, get your head out of the clouds and quit screwing up the chem lab!” or “How do you manage to drive off with the same binder on top of your car THREE times?!” are just a few of the thoughts that have dominated my inner-dialogue.

It got me thinking. Even when I don’t so much entertain the scrutiny toward which my mind is bent, I wonder why I am always so caught off-guard by the public manifestations of my laughably flawed humannature. Now, don’t get me wrong – sometimes I gather really

important feedback from these situations that I do well to take seriously (an important note to self: get some more sleep and check vitals during finals so you don’t manage to lose a semester’s worth of biology material to the wind…again). At the same time, why do I let such instances steal my joy? Define my worth and value? Control the stories I tell myself that then inevitably become sad, isolating realities? In other words, why am I so devastated by the unexpected crystallization of my imperfection?

After giving it some thought, I realized my blunders, whether simply silly or painfully ridiculous, haunt me so because I have built up a shell of pride: a shell through which only the uncurated, the raw realities cut. When my pride has been compromised, the sensitive girl underneath internalizes whatever unwelcome circumstance has befallen her, carries it as a solemn reminder, and reinforces the shell, the wall she has erected.

So friends, as I sit here, making myself a promise to lower my defenses and embody a new spirit of forgiveness and compassion, for myself and my neighbor with whom I share my humanity, I invite you to join me in the art of taking the self not all-so-seriously.

Design Ella Owens Photo Ross Gay

HERE WE GO AGAIN We delve into the history of hiccups and explore some real ways to cure them Words by Alexis Oglesby

H

iccups: The annoying nuisance that can interrupt our everyday lives with no warning. What even is a hiccup?

And what is the best way to get rid of them?

I know that I have tried everything from holding my breath to drinking water upside down, but nothing seems to be effective. So, I have made it my mission to find an answer to this pressing question, to end the terror caused by these horrid hiccups.

honestly just rather keep having the hiccups.

I first started by researching exactly what is a hiccup. A hiccup is a sudden contraction of the diaphragm muscle, which separates the chest cavity from the abdomen, resulting in a “hic” sound.

Some main causes of hiccups are eating or drinking too quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, or eating super spicy foods. More long term causes are smoking or brain disorders.

Lastly, here are some interesting statistics about hiccups.

Hiccups are more common in men, and in those who are taller and heavier.

Hiccups usually last for only a few minutes, but can go on for days or months, or years as Osbourne showed us! Some treatments for hiccups include medication, or if worse comes to worst, surgery on the phrenic nerve may even be necessary.

Next, I went to research the most effective ways to make hiccups go away. I looked up the 3 most effective ways to prevent this phenomenon, and this is what I found.

Surprisingly, the top three were: holding your tongue and breathing, eating a lemon and breathing into a paper bag. To say the least, these results surprised me. I would definitely be embarrassed trying these in public; I would

Next, some fun facts about hiccups.The longest hiccup streak held to this day belongs to Charles Osbourne, who had the hiccups from 1922 to 1990 – a whole 68 years! Call that a record. Another interesting fact about hiccups is that they are more common in babies than in adults. That must be why the little humans are so grumpy all the time.

I hope that this information will be put to use for you the next time the hiccups sneak up on you. And, if you find yourself having them often or for long periods of time, maybe go see a doctor. Let’s not end up like Osbourne.

Design Ella Owens Graphic Nathan Player

51

THE BURN ING QUES TION

What would be the first thing you would grab in a fire?

Words by William Pickle

“What would you do in this situation?”

I

n light of the California fires, this story asks what you might think to do in the case of your house burning down.

This story is meant to pose a fun and interesting predicament, however we are continuing to pray for those affected in California who face the real perils of this unimaginable tragedy.

You wake up to the smell of smoke. You look right, look left and see a strange fog billowing from the crack below your door. Your house is on fire and there is no time to waste. What would you do in this situation? Act fast and leap out your front door? Or go deep into the blaze to fetch something you wouldn’t want to burn? What would that thing be? This story will dive into this dilemma, and (hopefully) answer this burning question.

If I woke up in the middle of the night to my house ablaze, I would be set on saving one thing. Well, maybe two. My dogs, Duke and Cooper, would not be burning, no matter what. Even if I had to trek through the fire while getting charred myself, I would make sure my boys make it out in one piece. But what about those of us who don’t have pets? For me, I draw a blank as to what certain thing I would rush to save in the case of my house roasting. My phone, maybe? It would be practical and useful, but that wouldn’t be my number one priority. So, let’s interview some students and see what they would grab.

Will your peers save something practical, like a phone, or go in a completely opposite direction? Let’s find out….

Jesse Mills “Money. I would save my cold, hard cash.”

Practical, and useful, but why not just grab your debit card?

(8/10) Design Ella Owens Graphic Nathan Player

Other Noteworthy Answers: Most Common – Money or phone 2nd Most Common – Pets, ranging from dogs to fish Most Unexpected – “My favorite stuffed animal” Worst Choice – “My bed”: not too sure how this one would work, but sure!

Josh Patteson “I would save my fish.”

For those of you who don’t know, Josh is an experienced fish handler, and it’s nice to see he’s looking out for his pets. Don’t know how you’d carry them out of the fire, but that’s not my problem. (6/10)

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PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS Exploring the impacts and implications of cybernetics Words by Kadence Hastings

those with physical disadvantages such as paralysis, hearing loss, inability to speak, vision loss, and a major amputation. The chip is inserted by a surgical robot because, according to Neuralink’s website, the chip is “so fine that they can’t be inserted by the human hand.”

There has been one trial for the Neuralink, Noland Arbaugh, a swimmer who dislocated his C4-5 vertebrae in a 2016 accident. He has no sensation or function below his shoulders and spent most of his time in his family’s home in Arizona. Arbaugh was not too nervous about the surgery.

“I’m really grounded in my faith, so I felt like I was ready for whatever was to come,” Arbaugh said.

Y

ou know that annoying feeling when you have that question, idea, or even song that you are trying to look up?

You struggle because you can’t seem to type exactly what you are thinking on your phone.

Elon Musk has solved this problem with an invention called Neuralink. It is a chip that is implanted into your skull that can send messages and look things up by thoughts alone.

“Ultimately, I think you’ll be able to do conceptual telepathy, like where you can communicate entire concepts uncompressed to someone else with a Neuralink or to the computer,” Musk said.

The chip’s purpose is to help those with paralysis stimulate brain activity, improve movement, and transfer thoughts to the internet. So far, the chip is only available to

The chip was inserted right below his skull and transmitted through Bluetooth on January 29, 2024. By March 20, he showed off his new ability to move the cursor and click with his mind alone. He loved having the Neuralink as he was able to rekindle his gaming addiction that had been starved for so long. In May, the threads started to detach from his skull, causing him to lose this “superpower.” What Musk will do next remains to be seen, whether he will keep fine tuning Arbaugh’s Neuralink or try again with another patient.

Overall, the motive behind Musk’s invention is extremely considerate and thoughtful.

Although the chip is offered solely to those with physical disabilities, one day, the chip could be offered to anyone. If physically able people receive this chip, is it really beneficial for them? Morally, I don’t think they are gratefully living their life but instead, trying to “perfect” themselves – almost trying to become more like robots than living life joyfully knowing you are skillfully made in God’s image. But let’s not jump to conclusions just yet.

Design Ella Owens Graphic Nathan Player

55

MIND THE MUSHROOM Are mushrooms intelligent?

Words by Emma Malkowski

M

ushrooms. For some odd reason, they get a bad rap amongst most kids aged ten and under and, of course, in Super Mario Bros. To that I say, “What gives?” Mushrooms are some of the weirdest, coolest, most delicious, most subtly powerful organisms on God’s green earth, and scientists are just beginning to observe what may be an underground, fungal mind – capable of exercising extraordinary, neural-like abilities. In this era of technological expansion, advancements in generative AI provoke awe in all to whom intelligence outside the embodied human experience was a thing of fiction. But the more we study the biological world, the more we find evidence of hidden intelligences dispersed all throughout brainless domains.

Particularly in the fungus among us.

Now, when I speak of “intelligence,” I’m describing a level of consciousness and awareness of surroundings such that the conscious – perhaps intelligent – organism registers external information and responds. All living organisms, as far as we’re aware, retain some level of sentience in that they employ modes of perception in encounters with their environment; granted, faculties of perception vary greatly within the living world, but all species must gather and harvest information and resources from external sources. While mushrooms are not unique in their ability to perceive external stimuli, their root-bound,

information-processing pathways resemble cognitive pathways in humans. This network of root pathways is known as the mycelium, and, fun fact, the largest organism on Earth, informally known as the “Humongous Fungus,” has a mycelial network spanning four acres.

“Scientists are just beginning to observe what may be an underground, fungal mind.”

Furthermore, not only are mushrooms’ information-processing mechanisms surprisingly similar to neural processing mechanisms, mushrooms’ perceptive faculties can actually induce tailored responses to specific stimuli, suggesting decisionmaking capabilities. Where plants act rather mechanically in response to resource availability, mushrooms can alter their exact responses in light of other environmental

factors, s u c h as spatial orientation.

For example, when plants and mushrooms were each given two different wooden configurations around which to grow (one cross-plank, one circular), the mushrooms were able to modify rootgrowth trajectory between the different wooden configurations to maximize information-processing potential while the plant’s roots grew in indistinguishable patterns between both configurations.

Thus, the mushroom was able to dictate its movement outward – not simply as a function of growth and nutrient reception – but in a strategic manner: as a behavioral, anticipatory decision.

The plant exhibits an involuntary response to its circumstances while the mushroom exhibits voluntary action.

Finally, though this is more of a parasitic relationship and not necessarily a testament to fungal cognition, I just have to bring up the ‘zombie’ m u s h r o o m (also known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus).

This fungal species invades its host – usually an ant, though other cordyceps target other

insects – takes control of its host’s mind and compels it to station itself where conditions are ideal. Once the host-ant has found a warm, humid station, it bites down on its anchorage and slowly fades away while spores materialize all over the insects’ dying body. Thus, the ant’s graveyard becomes the spawning ground for more cordyceps.

Weird. Gross. Disturbingly fascinating.

I bring it up for, number one, the intrigue of it all, and, number two, because (to me, at least) the ability to control another organism’s mind insinuates that there is some sort of compatible mechanism inherent among fungi: one I find both shockingly incredible and incredibly unusual.

All that being said, I hope you found this mildly interesting, and that it was able to ignite some, if even just a moment’s, consideration for the hidden complexities within the seemingly simple.

Design Ella Owens Graphic Nathan Player

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Graphic Nathan Player

ARTI SAN “Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”

–Albert Einstein

Stop to Smell the Roses

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Has the Magic Worn Off?

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59

STOP TO SMELL THE ROSES An ode to Paris’ world-renowned gardens Words by Ella Owens

P

aris has countless attractions for tourists such as the Eiffel Tower, museums and especially the sites of the city itself.

While such industrial attractions are certainly impressive, one of Paris’ most notable attractions opts instead to highlight the beauty of nature. The Parisian gardens are known for being clean, beautiful, and most of all, made straight from our Lord’s hands. There are many gardens in Paris, but the three most popular are the Luxembourg Gardens, Jardin des Tuileries, and Coulée Verte René-Dumont.

des Tuileries, located extremely close to the Luxembourg Gardens. The Jardin des Tuileries inherits its name from the tile factories that once stood where Queen Catherine de Medicís had the Tuileries Palace built, which no longer stands today. This garden is described as a breath of fresh air and the perfect place for tourists to stroll around and enjoy the culture.

Jardin des Tuileries’ most loved flower is the magnolia. Magnolia trees bud bright pink flowers that are usually the first to bloom each spring.

The Luxembourg Gardens, ranked first in Paris, are described as a charming oasis in the heart of the city. The Gardens include 55 acres of manicured landscape. When visiting, you can soak in the fresh, parisian air and admire the beautifully arranged flower beds as well as the trees towering over you. The most unique thing about these gardens is the grand Luxembourg Palace, which overlooks the venue and adds another perspective of Paris. The Luxembourg Gardens’ most popular flower is the rose, thousands of which line every pathway therein. Naturally, Luxembourg is known as the “The City of Roses” as the rose is the country’s national flower.

The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is ranked third of the many Parisian gardens. This garden is also known as the Promenade Plantée. It is an elevated, linear park built on a former railway line, offering a unique perspective to the city.

Simultaneously you can enjoy the beautiful landscape filled with lime and hazelnut trees, climbing plants, rose bushes, and many others.

The Garden is known for its wide variety of trees and the beautiful colors that bloom and thrive in the summer.

The second best garden in Paris is the Jardin

After reviewing the best three gardens of Paris, it is amazing to think that the same God that made these beautiful gardens also made us in His image. The Lord shows His beauty in all things.

“The Parisian gardens are known for being clean, beautiful, and most of all, made straight from our Lord’s hands.”

Design Ella Dillinger Art Siena Svendsen

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I CAN SEE IT IN YOUR EYES What does your eye color say about you?

Words by Abigail Bussey

A

ccording to some people, the eye color of a person can reveal a lot about them. Now, scientifically, this has not been proven as a definite fact; however, some individuals can stereotype or get a glimpse of what a person is like just based on their eye color. I interviewed a couple of students here at Geneva to let them share how they characterize people with different eye colors and let me tell you, they did not hold back.

Landry Smith Brown eyes: Elite – mainly because I have brown eyes. People with brown eyes for sure have a messy room and a cracked phone screen, but they are top tier. You always drive your friends and have the best playlist ever.

Blue eyes: You are kinda weird. You think you are the main character, but you’re not. You also just tell people you have blue eyes but they are definitely hazel. Y’all are #mid. You definitely have a planner that you use religiously, but you never actually use it for important stuff and only use it to make you feel organized.

Y’all are basic for sure. You always eat Chickfil-a and your favorite app is Snapchat.

Green eyes: You’re not real. Y’all have your whole lives put together and never turn in late homework. Y’all always do your laundry on Sundays and definitely meal prep your week.

Y’all are like Ferb from Phineas and Ferb. You never talk, but when you do, you drop some fire lines. Y’all are pale for sure and can’t be out in the sun for longer than twenty minutes before getting roasted.

Hazel eyes: You’re just a chill guy. You definitely know how to solve a Rubik’s Cube and have really good handwriting, but y’all are brain rots. You definitely brag about your Block Blast score to everyone. You are always the loser of fantasy football and a very picky eater.

Two different eye colors: You always have snacks and are sharing with everyone. You always have pencils and pens if your friend needs one, and you are definitely an only child.

“You never talk, but when you do you drop some fine lines.”

Elle Chalmers Brown eyes: People I know that have brown eyes always seem to hate their eyes, but that’s just not fair because they’re pretty! People with brown eyes are super nice and welcoming and easy to make eye contact with.

Blue eyes: Blue has a wide spectrum of colors.

You’ve got your bright blue eyes that are like California blonde moments, and there’s the murky blueish eyes that change appearance depending on the color of your shirt. But, as a generalization, I say that people with blue eyes are intelligent and kind.

Green eyes: To be so honest, I don’t know anyone with green eyes. If you have green eyes, you either have red or brown hair, not black hair, and you sometimes have an attitude. P.S. If I know you, and you have green eyes, don’t hate on me, I’m sorry.

everyone you have hazel eyes, you just want to be different.

Two different eye colors: Literally, only husky dogs have two different eye colors.

Having read these pretty brutal characterizations, do you think you fit into any of them? Do you completely disagree with them? Lastly, if you have been personally offended by this article, please visit junior Elle Chalmers and sophomore Landry Smith to file a complaint.

Design Madison DeLaune Photo Molly Donovan

Hazel eyes: First of all, hazel eyes are basically brown mixed with green. If you’re telling

63

HAS THE MAGIC

The pros and cons of Disney’s recent sequels and remakes Words by Macie Egli (Pro) and Katie Gray (Con)

R

ecently, Disney has been producing a lot of prequels, sequels and remakes to their original movies. It’s all very exciting, but sometimes they disappoint.

Some people love the new movies while others wish they had never watched them.

With that in mind, we created a list of the pros and cons of Disney remakes:

PROS:

-The live action remakes are worth seeing because of the nostalgic experience.

-Lin-Manuel Miranda writes the best soundtracks to accompany the movies.

-Seeing remakes with the villain as the main focus is so interesting because we get to learn how they became evil.

-Good movies keep us wanting more, and the sequels provide that.

-People enjoy seeing their favorite Disney characters come to life.

-Seeing a sequel to a movie that was really phenomenal in the past is a great experience because it enriches the storyline of the movie with new backstories and perspectives.

It’s insightful to look at an actor’s approach to the live action characters.

-Disney remakes can be more inclusive.

O R P

Design Sofia Ramirez Graphics Jacob Goodman

WORN OFF? CONS:

-The animation for the scenery of the original movies was more imaginative than the live action.

-No one needs a remake, sequel or prequel; we want more original ideas.

-The sequel might be unnecessarily dragging out the storyline of the original movie.

CON

-The remake might not do the original justice.

-Lin-Manuel Miranda didn’t return for Moana 2 to write the songs; many people said the music didn’t compare to the original.

-Newer movies use excess CGI, which can make the movie feel overdone compared to the original.

-Live action remakes are incapable of displaying as much emotion (especially from animal characters) than the originals.

-Disney is more interested in pushing a certain agenda these days, leading to movies that feel predictable and forced.

-Remakes aren’t as intriguing, since we’ve already seen the plot and found out what happens in the original movie.

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A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS P GQ editors share their top picks for TV, books, etc.

Words by Harper Deimund

X roducing the Geneva Quarterly involves many moving parts; so, a dedicated team of editors and executives collaborates to bring the final product to life. In the spirit of getting to know the people behind the publication, they’ve come together to share their favorite things: movies, books, music, TV shows and cherished memories.

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-Ella Grace (Editor of the InDesign department) La La Land

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44:19

Celebrating Christmas together this year and having some of Mrs. Rawls’ hot chocolate! @ellagrace!

Trying a bunch of Starbucks drinks and being able to write and design the story.

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Trying to brainstorm headlines and blurbs with Spencer Yarbrough and Guy Kohler @abigailscamera

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The finishing of an issue and the celebration that comes with it!

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All of the people in my grade used to just hang out in this one specific corner in the J room, and I just love the memories of us all joking and arguing with Jacob.

JANUARY BOOK REVIEW!!!!

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DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL VLOG!! (we WON) ellagracevball

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12:15 PM

DANCE WITH ME? Exploring the differences between girls and guys dance asks Words by Macie Egli

Y

ou know what gets me going? School dances. More importantly, the dance proposals! I mean, it’s so exciting to be asked to a dance when you least expect it, am I right? I’ve been thinking that there are some differences between how girls ask for Sadie’s and how guys ask for Homecoming. Do you also wonder what goes on behind the scenes of other people’s asks? I interviewed a couple of students to answer that question for you.

Let’s get going!

First, I interviewed Adelina Vela about her Sadie’s proposal to Colton Selkhe. She had the idea to incorporate his favorite song in her ask.

“Well, I knew that Colton loves blasting FE!N while in the passenger seat of Braden’s truck, so I decided I wanted to do something with that,” Vela said.

Adelina explained that she had to look up what the word ‘fein’ meant to incorporate the lyrics on the sign, which said: Colton I’m a FE!N 4 you… can I take your time 4 the night at Sadie’s? Adelina mentioned that she asked Braden Davis to drive her around the parking lot playing FE!N loudly while she stood in the back of his truck and held up the sign.

“While I hopped into the back of his truck and was steadily moving, Braden decided to absolutely brake check me and I almost fell out the back of his truck,” Vela said.

Next up, Cade Langford asked Megan Egli to Homecoming. Cade asked Megan on the boardwalk right before their first class of the day. The sign said: Megan… I may not be a Swiftie, but I think it’d be nifty if you would “Shake it off” at HOCO with me! For those of you who don’t know, Megan Egli is a hardcore Swiftie.

“My mom and I stayed up late the night before making the final decision (I procrastinated),” Langford said.

He also recalled that his mom helped him make the sign and grabbed the candy last minute.

What I’m gathering here is that the guys procrastinate to the last minute while the girls execute the ask with a lot of thought put into it. As you can see, Adelina examined not only Colton’s favorite song but also his tradition that he does with a friend, while Cade used a common singer. This doesn’t make Cade’s proposal inferior, but it makes Adelina’s more intentional. However, they both utilized the help of others.

Well dear reader, I hope you have been enlightened by this and now understand all the efforts put into these dance proposals.

Until next time!

Design Madison DeLaune Photo Submission

DOES THIS MAKE SENSE? A catalog of messy A.M. thoughts Words by William Pickle

A

look inside a Geneva Student’s internal monologue and how the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance can affect it.

Alarm buzzes. I leap out of bed at approximately 7:31, a minute after I was rudely awoken. I have to be in Dr. Covington’s class in under an hour, so I act fast. I fling open our pantry door to find something: one thing in particular. A light in the darkness.

A beacon of hope in my very own pantry. I snatch the box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch at Mach 1 speed and grab the milk from my fridge to pair with the holy cereal, but no milk was to be found inside the carton. All out. I looked up if Cinnamon Toast Crunch is worse without milk and got the typical “many enjoy this cereal with or without milk,” which REALLY helped out my case. Oh well. I crunch into my dry cereal and hop in the car to go to school. While blaring music on the way (and significantly increasing my risk of hearing loss), I realize I never even pet my dogs this morning. What a horrible thing to do. They don’t even love me anymore. Welp, I can’t do anything about it, so I keep on driving away.

But of course, the back of my mind continues to nag me with images of my dogs playing

and enjoying themselves… without me. I screech into the parking lot and absolutely book it to class. A minute late. Everyone has already sat down and of course, my seat is on the opposite side of the room. I plop my backpack down after walking what felt like a half marathon without any sideyes (maybe).

From there, I go about my day as usual but still can’t shake the feeling that my dogs will never love me again…

This short story attempted to shed some light on something relatively unknown and hard to explain: cognitive dissonance. You know that feeling you get when you do something, anything, and after a while start to think “why is that one thing weighing on me so much?” Maybe you stole Sammy Tapia’s pencil in math class and all of a sudden feel bad about it three periods later. That is just an example of cognitive dissonance, but you get my point. The next time you may feel guilty about something random, or do something entirely different than what you meant to do, that could just be the phenomenon Design of Cognitive Dissonance.

Emrey Taylor Photo Nico Nelson

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M

acarons are an iconic, delicious, mouthwatering dessert – and every baker’s worst nightmare. (Yes, it’s ‘macaron’ and not ‘macaroon’. Macaroons are chocolatecovered coconut bites while macarons are elegant, airy sugar sandwiches.) How did macaron come to be though? And how did they manage to stand the test of time?

BON

E T P I T! P A

A brief history of macarons and how to make them at home Words by Sofia Ramirez

The first appearance of the macaron was in the Middle Ages, brought to France from Italy around the 1500s. In Italy, it is common belief that macarons had been products of Venetian monasteries since the 8th century. While they are commonly seen as a fancy delicacy nowadays, they were originally called, humbly, ‘priest’s belly buttons.’ The first printed macaron recipe appeared in the 1700s, and new versions began to circulate.

“Macarons are an iconic, delicious, mouth-watering dessert – and every baker’s worst nightmare.”

In the 1800s, pâtisserie Laduree popularized the dessert as we know it today, the macaron parisien. A more recent promotion of the macaron came in 2006, when the movie Marie Antoinette features a scene where the queen is surrounded by thousands of stacks of macarons.

Since then, the little cookie has skyrocketed in popularity in North America and Asia where it no longer needs any sort of introduction. While they were originally simply almond-flavored, modern takes on macarons have come up with so many new flavors that it’s impossible to keep track of them all. Some of my personal favorites include salted caramel, raspberry, lemon and even chai spice. Macarons are customized by adding extracts or essence to the macaron batter, experimenting with creative fillings and adding decorations or toppings. For this recipe, we’ll keep things simple and learn to make an easy – but delicious – vanilla macaron.

INGREDIENTS 100g egg whites (usually between 3–4 large egg whites) 1/4 teaspoon (1g) cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon extract such as vanilla, almond, coconut, etc. (optional) 80g superfine sugar (aka caster sugar, see note) 1–2 drops gel food coloring (optional) 125g almond flour 125g confectioners’ sugar Desired macaron filling (have this decided before you bake!)

INSTRUCTIONS -Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

-Add egg whites, cream of tartar, and extract (if using). Using a mixer, beat together on medium speed until soft peaks form. (This takes a few minutes. At first, the mixture will be foamy.

Then, the bubbles will begin to tighten and the beaters will leave tracks as the egg whites build volume. Once they begin leaving tracks, you likely have soft peaks.) Stop beating.

-Add about 1/3 of the superfine sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 5 seconds, then with the mixer continuing to run, add another 1/3 of the sugar. Beat for 5 seconds, then with the mixer continuing to run, add the remaining sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff glossy peaks form. (This means the whites have stiff, smooth, and sharp points in the bowl or on the lifted beaters. Stiff peaks do

not droop down. You can turn the bowl upside down and the egg whites will not move.) Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the food coloring (if using) into the egg whites.

-Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together in a large glass or metal mixing bowl.

-Slowly fold the beaten egg whites into the almond flour mixture in 3 separate additions, folding until combined before adding the next addition. After you add all of the egg whites, pay close attention to the batter’s consistency.

Continue folding until it thins out. Drop the macaron batter off of your spatula in the form of a figure 8. The figure 8 should take no more than 10 seconds to sink back into itself. If it takes longer, continue slowly folding the batter to deflate more air, then perform the figure 8 test again. Don’t over mix!

-Spoon the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a medium round piping tip. Pipe batter in 1.5 – 2 inch rounds on baking sheets.

Use a toothpick to pop any remaining air bubbles.

-Let the piped macarons sit out until they are dry and smooth on top (30-60 minutes). Do not let them sit out for too long, because they could begin to deflate. Preheat the oven to 325°F. -Bake for 13 minutes. As the shells bake, they should form feet (a rough lining on the bottom edge). Lightly touch the top of a macaron with your finger. If the macaron seems wobbly, it needs another 1-2 minutes.

-Let the shells cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to continue cooling. The macaron shells may stick to the parchment paper if you try to remove them too early. If this happens, let them cool a little longer before removing.

-After cooling, the shells are ready to fill and sandwich together. Butter cream is an easy filling, but make sure to research plenty of filling ideas to make your macarons tastier!

Pipe the filling using the same round tip you used for the macaron batter.

Design Sofia Ramirez Photo Molly Donovan

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SPACED OUT Things aren’t always as they seem

Design Ella Dillinger Graphic Jacob Goodman

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1. Hey Lover by The Daughters of Eve 2. Tout doucement by Feist 3. L’amour à La Plage by Alice et Moi 4. Unknown / Nth by Hozier 5. Sold out of Love by The Nude Party 6. Evergreen Love by Strings and Heart 7. Run by Coin 8. You Know It by Colony House 9. Margaret (feat. Bleachers) by Lana Del Rey 10. All My Life by The Lathums 11. Suivre Le Soleil by Vanille 12. Chemtrails Over The Country Club by Lana Del Rey 13. Linger by The Cranberries 14. Real Love Baby by Father John Misty 15. Free Now by Gracie Abrams

Design Ella Dillinger

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t s Be on the lookout for their next concert and make sure to show up!

The anapests are a local band featuring Geneva’s very own Mr. Johnson and Mr. Higdon.

To keep up with all of their music, search them up on Spotify and follow them on Instagram @the.anapests

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Owner: Megan Egli Model: Barbie Reebok

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Did ya know? Fermented foods (ie: kombucha, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, kefir) are good for your gut? They’re jam-packed with probiotics, which can boost your immune system, lower the ’s risk of chronic illness, and enhance food nutritional value. Fermented foods can also , improve skin health, reduce inflammation th. aid in weight loss, and improve bone heal a Next time you’re at HEB, grab a kombuch is r flavo E ORIT instead of a soda! My FAV Prickly Pear by Holy Kombucha (found at Epicure). Thank me later.

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Mrs. Rawls’ Health Tip

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Feb 27

Café Critiques

Feb 28

Sophomore Sofia Ramirez

Mar 1

Café Nuances: *Orders strawberry matcha* Not the best, but definitely not the worst!

Lots of strawberry syrup. 8/10

Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6

Laura Toda: *Orders matcha cookie and caramel cookie* DELICIOUS and hot cookies!

9/10 Les Deux Palais: *Order: croque madame sandwich* Best sandwich I've ever had! 10/10

Mar 7

Mrs. Ward's Sticky Note of Wisdom

Sofia Ramirez

Words Sofia Ramirez Design Nico Nelson Graphics Nathan Player & Macie Egli

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Established in 2007 Words Mr. Donnowitz Socrates and His Wife Xanthippe Fail the Bird Test Xanthippe: “Socrates, look! A bird perched on that olive tree’s branch!”

Socrates: “Where?”

Xanthippe: “Right over there! Do you see it, Socrates?”

Socrates: “Hm, yes, I see it. What of it, Xanthippe?”

Xanthippe: “I saw it and wanted you to see it.”

Socrates: “It’s a common shrike in a common tree. They’re everywhere around Athens. Nothing to note, Xanthippe.”

Xanthippe: “Nothing to note, Socrates?”

Socrates: “Is there something remarkable about the bird sitting in the olive tree?”

Xanthippe: “Well, no, but I mentioned it and thought you would be more interested.”

Socrates: “I am interested in many things you say, Xanthippe. But your excitement over this bird is confusing. Are you feeling ill? Am I missing something?”

Xanthippe: “It’s a test, Socrates! And you failed!”

Socrates: “What test? What did I fail?”

Xanthippe: “I offered you a bid for connection, and you rejected it.”

Socrates: “A bid for connection?”

Xanthippe: “Yes, I mentioned the bird and you should have expressed greater interest in it to show how we connect on a deeper level.”

Socrates: “We were supposed to connect on a deeper level over a common bird in a common tree?”

Xanthippe: “Yes.” Socrates: “And this test measures the strength of our relationship?”

Xanthippe: “Yes.” Socrates: “One might say it measures the strength of one’s self-importance.”

Xanthippe: “What do you mean?”

Socrates: “Assuming that one’s spouse must, by nature, be interested in everything one says fails to recognize that we are often boring and say uninteresting things.

Am I compelled to feign interest in an uninteresting topic because you feigned interest in it to test me?”

Xanthippe: “Well, yes. I mean, no. You should not have feigned interest. You should have been genuinely interested because I appeared to be interested in it.”

Socrates: “But your interest was feigned, and the topic itself was uninteresting and unremarkable, as you yourself said. And because I did not accept the bid, the test concludes that our relationship is weak.”

Xanthippe: “You didn’t know I feigned interest. Besides, the bird test is just an example. The idea is to see whether you express interest in an uninteresting topic simply because I’m interested in it.”

Socrates: “Would you prefer me to be interested in uninteresting things?”

Xanthippe: “A strong relationship finds uninteresting things interesting because of your interest in the other person, Socrates. You should be interested in what I am interested in.”

Socrates: “I am, or at least I thought I was, interested in what you are interested in. This is what brought us together to begin with, Xanthippe. We shared an interest in interesting things and spoke about them in meaningful ways. This led to a shared depth between us, such a depth that even silence does not disturb. In fact, being silent together is a better test of a relationship than feigned interest in uninteresting things.”

Xanthippe: “I agree we would not have been brought together had our conversations been about uninteresting things.”

Socrates: “Our relationship is founded on the shared depth of our interior lives, not the superficiality of meaningless chatter. And certainly not upon testing one another.”

Xanthippe: “Certainly not. We have always been honest with one another.”

Socrates: “What do you mean ‘honest with one another’?”

Xanthippe: “We don’t patronize one another. Doing so would undermine our relationship. In fact, I’m glad you failed the bird test, for it shows you are neither superficial nor patronizing.”

Socrates: “So, where did this all come from, Xanthippe?”

Xanthippe: “...I saw it on TikTok.” Socrates: “TikTok?” Xanthippe: “Yes, it’s a social media platform from the future where people dance and give advice for life. And sometimes film themselves crying or shouting.”

Socrates: “Hm, I see. Is it a place for future philosophers and debaters like the Acropolis?”

Xanthippe: “Not exactly.”

Socrates: “Do people in the future test their relationships based on advice they hear on TikTok?” Xanthippe: “Yes, many do.”

Socrates: “I see. Tell me, Xanthippe, are people in the future happier?”

Xanthippe: “No, I don’t believe so. More miserable, I’ve been told.”

Socrates: “Has TikTok made the world a better, happier place?”

Xanthippe: “Definitely not. More lonely and miserable it appears.”

Socrates: “Do people enjoy using TikTok and other such things?”

Xanthippe: “I don’t think they enjoy it, really, or at least not in the long run. It’s a very passing pleasure, as are most things in the future, especially for shallow and superficial people.”

Socrates: “Are relationships deeper and more meaningful in the future? Are families more stable?”

Xanthippe: “The exact opposite, Socrates. Most people only love themselves and are terribly miserable and unstable.”

Socrates: “Do you think this is the result of superficiality and the constant seeking of cheap pleasures?”

Xanthippe: “It is the result.”

Socrates: “Do people from the future have any advice to give to people of our own times, what they would call ‘the past’?

Xanthippe: “Nothing we don’t already know. If they did have any insight, they would tell us keep things like they are in the past.”

Socrates: “Well then, let us be thankful that we live and will die before TikTok comes into existence.”

Xanthippe: “Look, Socrates, another bird!”

Socrates: “My dear Xanthippe, I will fail the test again and again, for you and for the happiness of the human race.”

Design Mrs. Rawls Graphic Hailey Kirchner

the

quarterly staff GRAPHICS:

Nathan Player Macie Egli Kadence Hastings

PHOTOS:

Harper Deimund (Social Media Manager) Nico Nelson Maebry Caulfield Molly Donovan

INDESIGN:

Ella Owens (Editor) Emrey Taylor Caroline Pickle Sofia Ramirez Madison DeLaune

EDITORIAL:

Sopris Oglesby (Editor) Will Crews William Pickle

Katie Gray Lexi Oglesby Brooke DeVries

ADVISOR: Mrs. Rawls

EXECS:

Ella Dillinger (Design + Concept) Emma Malkowski (Content + Managing) Jacob Goodman (Graphics) Abigail Bussey (Photography)

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VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3 GENEVA SCHOOL OF BOERNE 2024-2025