Heritage Talon February 2025 by Heritage Talon

Heritage Girls Bowling Defeats District, State Bound

Pullen & Garrido

Talon Editor-in-chief & Reporter

The unstoppable girls bowling team remained successful throughout the entirety of their season, defeating every school in their dis-

trict, leading to a first place victory at conference sending the girls to state.

These student-athletes have put a lot of work into beating rival schools while also thriving in their academics. Bowling practice oc-

Heritage Responds to U.S TikTok Ban

Pullen

Talon Editor-in-chief

The ban on the popular social media platform TikTok has officially been delayed by a 75 day period and while the app is available for most users, TikTok will not return to the AppStore until ByteDance sells to a U.S party.

The U.S Senate passed the bill on April 23, 2024 that would pressurize the TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell to an American party in nine months which fell on January 19, 2025. The day was being dreaded by the 170 million American citizens and businesses nationwide who use the app to promote and sell their products, as well as the two other apps following the ban: Capcut and Lemon8.

On the evening of January 18, hours before the ban was supposed to take place, TikTok was shut

down. TikTok left a message on the home page of the app saying, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.

A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S...We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”

Fortunately, what was supposed to be a day of digital mourning ended up becoming an emotional roller coaster. Not even 24 hours after the supposed ban, it was undone, allowing users back into the app with zero issues to be found.

“I think the tiktok ban was unnecessary. There have been a lot of other political debates going for years now such as the economy in itself and gun laws. Why have we focused on an app so much? Many people have also said that Tik Tok has been a way to exercise their 1st amendment right, so why take that away?” said Brandon Sanchez (11).

curred every Monday and Wednesday starting all the way back in September. After tryouts, there were 14 girls accepted onto the team. The team were able to unite before the season began, creating a group of strong and supportive women. Bowling continued on p. 2

However, during the ban, people quickly moved to the next popular app, Red Note. Red Note is the English translation of the Chinese social media app “Xiaohongshu” that is a mixture of Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest. The app combines the virtual aspect of scrolling through videos as well as finding daily inspiration or simple how-to videos, etc.

“I was very sad [when Tik Tok was banned] so I downloaded Red Note to see if it was as good as Tik Tok, but everything was in Chinese and I couldn’t read anything on my profile. Then I woke up to it being back and I was so happy,” Macie Laundy (9).

When TikTok made its highly sought out appearance on Monday, January 20, life returned to its old ways, and everything seemed to go back to normal as people watched the presidential inauguration on the reinstated platform.

“The season has been amazing. Our girls team has remained undefeated all year. The coaching staff has witnessed this season a team

Minga App Replaces Flex

Jordan Talon

Reporter

At the start of the 2024-2025 semester, Heritage High School began using a new campus management app meant to create sessions for Eagle Period and club Fridays called Minga.

Replacing Flex, Minga was put into place for organizing Eagle Periods. This was altered due to an abundance of teachers and students finding flex to be glitchy and the opposite of user friendly.

“Flex was all kinds of wrong, I didn’t understand it,” said math teacher Jammi Bice.

When questioned about the benefits Minga would supposedly have over Flex, Principal Chip

Minga continued on p. 2

Garrido

Girls bowling poses for a photo on their last home game of the season, which was also their senior night. The girls won the game against Springdale by 796 pins.

Bowling from p. 1

that has not only grown in their abilities but also in a family aspect. We couldn’t ask for a better group of student-athletes,” said Coach Luc Fenton.

On top of athleticism, the girls have developed the skill of teamwork and the ability to bond with one another through the stress of tournaments as well as the light of social time outside of the alley.

“I could not be more proud of our girls this season. The cohesion and camaraderie has been incredible. I don’t want to jinx anything but I could see this team [getting first at state]. I think what makes our team so great is that every girl is well rounded on and off the lanes. Our fundamentals are great and supporting each other is huge. Sportsmanship is the biggest factor in our success. We need to support each other to be successful throughout the season,” said Coach Juan Garcia.

The winning streak the girls upheld meant nothing when conference day came on Tuesday, February 4. This one day determined whether or not the girls go onto the state competition.

“Conference tournament had a very demanding atmosphere but our teams persevered. The girls [walked] away [from] conference, winning by more than 400 pins,” said Fenton. “We had two boys make all conference and three girls finish in the top 5 earning all conference. Summer Fenton finished first overall for the girls. Also all six starting girls finished in the top 12. Overall I think the day was amazing.”

Minga

from p. 1

Greenwell had a variety of reasons demonstrating how Minga would be a valuable resource and make it easier for students and teachers alike.

“[Minga has] less technical glitches, [it’s] easier for teachers and students to use, [has] better

Summer has been on the girls bowling team since her freshman year, with this season having an average of 172 pins and finishing her senior year conference in first place. This is her second year as a captain of the girls team, and she has incredibly strong bonds with each and everyone of the girls.

“I shot two really good games [at conference], one of them being a 265 which is now my highest game. This is also the second time

communication tools [and is] more price effective,” said Principal Chip Greenwell in an email.

With how often we have been changing what we use for Eagle Periods, many speculate if Minga will be a temporary or permanent fix. Greenwell said, “It’s up to how students and staff like it.”

“I always favor it ‘if it ain’t

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in a row I’ve placed [first at conference],” said Summer Fenton (12).

“The girls on the team are very determined to win and that’s what they’ve proven over the course of our matches. We have been undefeated in the 6A West division during our entire season. These girls were loud and proud at the match and made sure everyone knew we were there and I couldn’t be more proud then to be a part of the team with them.”

broke, don’t fix it. We will continue to seek feedback from students and staff regarding Minga. If our community likes the system, we will keep it. If we are hearing that it’s not what we want, the leadership team will look at alternatives. Ultimately, our students and staff will drive the decision on what direction we want to go,” said Greenwell.

Editorial Staff

Pullen, EIC

Clark

Fraire

Henry Reporter Staff

Boyd

Morales

Cole

Cox

Deere

Garcia

Garrido

Jordan

Perez

Rambo

Britney McLain, Adviser Chip Greenwell, Principal

Corrections

The Talon strives for accuracy in its reporting and will correct all matters of fact. As The Talon is a limited print publication, all corrections will be made on the website promptly and prominently. If you believe the paper has printed an error, please send an email to hhsjour@rpsar.net.

Opinion

The columnists’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff, Rogers Heritage High School or Rogers Public Schools.

Memberships

The Talon is an institutional member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Student Press

The Talon was created by students for students. It is a public forum for student expression, and all students are welcome to submit content, questions or letters for consideration to hhsjour@rpsar.net. The Talon is governed by the Arkansas Student Publications Act of 1995 (A.C.A. § 6-18).

Garrido

The girls and boys team call up every game with a chant.

OPINION

THE TALON

FEB. 13, 2025

Teen Health Overlooked By Heritage Amid Vaping Surge

Boyd Talon Reporter

Despite a mountain of concerns from parents and students, Rogers Heritage High School staff appear to be turning a blind eye to the rampant vaping problem on campus, leaving many questioning their commitment to student well-being.

The vaping issue here has escalated to alarming levels, with students frequently seen using vapes in bathrooms, hallways, and even classrooms. Despite numerous complaints from concerned parents and students, there is little indication that school staff are taking significant action to address the growing problem. With the health risks of vaping becoming more widely acknowledged, many are calling for stronger enforcement of school policies and more proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Students have also expressed their concerns about being able to use the bathrooms, as other students who often vape have taken sanctuary and

filled said bathrooms. When asked about what the staff could do to improve the current vape issue, Jenna Mondragon (9) said, “Honestly, I’m not quite sure but probably moderating less popular bathrooms [though in more popular bathrooms, especially in the cafeteria bathroom, they need to be properly monitored.]”

It’s no secret that vaping has become an epidemic in schools nationwide, and Heritage is no exception. But what’s most frustrating isn’t just the issue’s prevalence— it’s the lack of effective action. Despite the administration’s awareness of the problem, their efforts to curb it have fallen short. Students like Jenna are left speculating on solutions that seem obvious and overdue by the staff. If the administration can’t even keep an eye on high-traffic hotspots, how can students trust that less popular spaces are being handled with any degree of seriousness?

When Jerah Goessens (9) was asked if she felt the staff had done enough against the vape issue she said, “I’m not exactly sure what

Is Hollywood Out of Ideas?

Morales Talon Reporter

What do films like Roadhouse, The Crow, and The Garfield Movie have in common? They are all considered among the worst movie remakes of 2024. We are letting loose all the horrible films Hollywood churned out last year. I think it is time we asked: Is Hollywood dried up?

Hollywood’s esteemed Golden Age was around the late 1920s to the ‘60s. This stylized period produced movies that captured the zeitgeist of the Golden Age, i.e. Casablanca, 12 Angry Men, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and King Kong. Compared to the modernity of new-age films, these oldies might seem overrated. Regardless of how it may seem, you must view it through the lens of its time. These films are celebrated due to storylines and innovative practical effects. In the present day, unfortunately, everything is diluted down to reskinned ideas, CGI-diluted scenes, and horrible writing.

Many of the movies from that era were based on books. A great example of this is the book All Quiet on the Western Front. A novel by Erich Maria Remarque that follows a group of young German soldiers during World War One who face the horrors of war. This book was adapted into film three times, once in 1930, then in 1979, and now the most recent being in 2022. This story is one of the few

special cases. It’s important to keep retelling this story through generations as it conveys an important message: War comes at a cost, the lives of naive young men.

Unfortunately, many films that keep popping up in this day and age have no special moral or life-changing message. Scream is a long-lasting murder mystery thriller series, ranking up a short-lived TV show and 6, nearly 7, movies, which garnered millions of fans and a plethora of merchandise. It seems as if the market for new horror icons is scarce. Only one modern-day clown has survived insurmountable odds and made it from a few short films to three features on the big screen. The Terrifer films are a grey area when it comes to this argument. It’s true, it’s mainly an original concept. However, it still takes inspiration from old horror icons such as Pennywise the Clown and Michael Myers.

While on the topic of redundancy in film, I asked Jake Foster (12) what he thought about the repetitiveness of the Spider-Man trilogies, “Yes [they are] 100% necessary. There are different comics and versions of Peter Parker that must be represented. However, I think that the whole spider verse thing is really unnecessary and overly complicated.”

Moviegoers have seen just about everything now and they’re getting tired. When will Hollywood become golden again?

they’re doing, but considering it’s still happening, no.”

The administration’s efforts to address vaping seem to be more about appearance than effectiveness. When even students admit they’re unsure of what, if anything, is being done, it’s a clear sign that the measures in place are failing. Vaping continues to be a persistent issue, and the lack of visible or impactful action only exacerbates the problem. Suppose students don’t feel the staff is doing enough. In that case, it’s not just a perception issue— it’s a failure of leadership and strategy and an invalidation of Heritage’s very own mission statement to provide an environment where all can learn and succeed. What’s most frustrating too is the sense of apathy surrounding the issue. Students and staff alike see the problem happening in real-time, yet there’s a glaring lack of urgency to fix it. The administration must realize that their passive approach sends a dangerous message—that they are either unwilling or unable to protect their students from a growing health hazard.

Heritage’s failure to address the rampant vaping crisis is nothing short of negligent. This is not a minor issue, nor should it be ignored any longer. The vaping epidemic is a direct threat to student health, and the administration’s complete lack of effective action is putting every student at risk. The fact that students are forced to propose such obvious solutions as better bathroom monitoring or vape detectors shows just how badly the staff has dropped the ball. The sheer lack of care shown by the administration is staggering—how can they sit idly by while students are to vape in plain sight, with no meaningful repercussions? This is more than just an oversight; it’s a blatant failure of leadership. The administration has proven time and time again that they’re either unwilling or utterly incapable of confronting this problem. Their consistent unwillingness to take action sends a message that the student’s well-being is not a priority–and that is a message no school should ever send.

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Old Hollywood movie theater in Portland, Oregon.

ENTERTAINMENT

FEB. 13, 2025

Breaking Up, Not Breaking Down: Looking Ahead In Life

Henry Talon Editor

With the Valentine’s season nearing, students are beginning their journey of finding a companion to spend the special day with. What some may not realize is Valentine’s day is for more than just spreading the love, with a staggering 7% of the world’s population using the day to break up with their special person instead.

Breaking up is more difficult for some than others, but it’s not insurmountable. To end a relationship, one doing that may

contribute towards a deciding factor can be getting together with friends and evaluating pros and cons. Typically, the use of an outside source can

bring a differing perspective, which can ultimately dilute your choices.

A fundamental, yet exceedingly challenging step in ending a relationship is to be sure in your choice. It’s never a bad thing to reconsider or take a moment to think and outweigh the choices you must make for your own personal future.

Furthermore, the most crucial step when separating is to be fully honest. Transparency is not only important during the breakup process itself, but is additionally highly important throughout everyday life.

“First of all, I think you have to be honest, and you have to be honest with yourself before you even attempt to start or end a relationship with anyone,” said English teacher Sandy Cruz. Trust is founded on communication, and communication is a pillar to any romance, assisting both

people through hard times, including breakups. It’s not a guarantee in paving an easier process, but it’s a starting point with serious aid if things don’t last.

“If that person is genuinely not what you’re looking for, don’t wait until a good time to [breakup], because it’s never going to be a good time. It’s always going to be awkward,” said Cruz.

The final steps in a breakup that are commonly overthought the most is simply coming to terms with the reality that a bond once so strong is now in the past, and finding a way to separate in a proper way, as appropriately as possible.

In some situations, it’s ordinary for certain people to stay more and more at ease towards the end of a relationship, usually caused by desensitization early on in life.

A great analogy I refer to and use to help friends is similar to if you have been bitten by a snake. If you happen to suffer the fate of a snake bite, the immediate thought is never to chase it and find its motives, but instead to heal from the wound, whether it left a little venom behind or not. Love will come and go, and although saying farewell from what once was can be tough, it is never impossible.

Valentine’s Day: The Rich History Behind The Day of Love

Garcia Talon Reporter

Valentines Day, celebrated every February 14, has its roots in ancient Rome. The day that has been dedicated to love and affection has evolved over centuries from its historical origins to the modern celebration we know today.

The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Held in mid February, Lupercalia was a fertility celebration dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture and to the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. During the festival, Roman priests would sacrifice a goat for fertility and a dog for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them in the sacrificial blood, and gently slap women and crop fields. Roman women welcomed the touch, believing it would make them more fertile in the coming year.

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman empire, the Catholic church sought to replace Pagan festivals with Christian holidays. By the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day, meant to honor St. Valentine of Rome. According to a legend, St. Valentine was a priest who defied emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for

young men. Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret and was eventually executed for his defiance. He was martyred on February 14, which later became the date of the celebration.

Over the centuries, Valentine’s Day evolved into a celebration of romantic love. By the end of the middle ages, it was common for lovers to exchange handwritten notes and tokens of affection. The tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards became popular in the 18 century, and by the 19 century, mass-produced cards became available. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with the exchange of cards, gifts, and expressions of love.

From its ancient Roman roots to its modern day celebrations, Valentine’s Day has a fascinating history. Whether it’s through the exchange of heartfelt messages, the giving of gifts, or the planning of special outings, the spirit of love and affection remains within the hearts of the beloved holiday. Many people also take this opportunity to express their love and appreciation not only to romantic partners but to their friends and family members as well. Schools often participate by having students exchange cards and treats,

fostering a sense of community and friendship. From sunrise to sunset, we’re reminded of the importance of all forms of love and encourage people to take a moment to show their appreciation for the special

people in their lives. As Valentine’s Day continues to be celebrated globally, its rich history and traditions remind us of the enduring power of love and connection.

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A bare tree with paper hearts tied onto it for the Valentine season.

Henry

Teen couples often struggle to navigate the dynamics of a romantic relationship and balancing that with school expectations and social lives.

2025 Grammys Cause a Stir of Excitement Within Media

Henry Talon Editor

The 47th annual Grammy’s has concluded, and the results are sending viewers globally into a frenzy.

For some context, the process begins by an artist creating and submitting a record that can be sold. After that, artists will send their record to Academy members, who will then enter it into nominations.

Once entered, voters cast their vote within the category they are professionally trained in, which will then go through several different stages of voting, leading to an overall winner.

Now that the results are in, the following winners have been voted into these given categories:

• Album of the Year- “Cowboy Carter” Beyonce

• Record of the Year- “Not Like Us” Kendrick Lamar

• Song of the Year- “Not Like Us” Kendrick Lamar

• Best New Artist- Chappell Roan

• Best Recording PackageCharli XCX

The reason the Grammy’s were met with a bit of shock was when the Weeknd was brought on stage for a performance after stating in 2020 that he was going to begin his boycott of the Grammy’s after not being nominated for his song “Blinding Lights.”

His reasoning behind this was due to the fact that he thought it was racially motivated. During the program, one of the announcers brought it back to light and publicly apologized to him. Once that

was finished, he was brought onto the stage where he performed “Cry For Me” and “Timeless” from the album Hurry Up Tomorrow.

On the topic of performances, there were several others such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Charli XCX. Their show-stopping attitudes held audience members in a trance, and fell nothing short of incredible.

When asked what album she believed should have won for album of the year, Laney Sellers (11) responded, “Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish, because she actually worked so hard, she knows that she deserved it, and I know Jay Z

paid for that award.”

The stigmatism that revolves around Beyonce and her past with award shows continues to this day, and while no one has definite answers, many theorize that she hasn’t actually earned certain awards. Despite this, she remains one of the most successful artists in history, and to some, this album did deserve the recognition it got.

“This ain’t Texas, this is the Grammys,” said Sellers.

In contrast, Chappell Roan won Best New Artist, and in turn, her acceptance speech deeply affected many. Her words moved the audience and viewers alike, with her

emotional yet exquisitely stated announcement. She shed light on an ongoing issue within the world of music, detailing her own personal experiences with being underpaid and uninsured from her previous record label. She demanded that labels begin paying their artists more, due to the hard work and dedication put into their art. The crowd gave her a standing ovation as she simply yet effectively put her frustration and the discontent she felt so deeply into words.

“[Chappell] literally put down the Grammy and spoke, like she doesn’t even care to win, and I love that about her,” said Sellers.

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Richard

Inside our school’s AP psychology classroom is the teacher, Mrs. Richard who does not just educate, but inspires students. Since the opening of Heritage, she’s been teaching U.S history and AP psychology. Her contribution into teaching our schools psychology course goes further than just delivering lessons, she helps her students achieve understanding of themselves and peers, creating prepared individuals for the world.

Q: What brought you into teaching?

Both of my parents were educators and growing up, really all I knew was educating. It was the topic at dinner conversations. And I would teach to my dolls, starting at age 5, I’d line them up and make lesson plans and teach them things. I mean, I think it’s just in me. I think it was what I was called to do and what I loved doing. My husband jokes that I’ll teach to anybody whether they want to be taught or not. I just love it and I’m very passionate about the subjects I teach.

Q: What brought you into teaching psychology? Choice or Coincidence?

Since five I’ve known I wanted to teach. I just didn’t know what I wanted to teach. I know I wanted to teach upper grades for my college emphasis. So I first started with math, because I really loved my math teacher. But calculus was really, really hard for me and I started thinking about what else I would enjoy teaching. My 9th grade history teacher was one of my very favorite teachers that made me really love history and I had always had this passion for history. So I decided to go into social studies. Well [in] social studies, psychology falls under the umbrella. I taught U.S history for a long time and then I was asked what else I wanted to teach. I said psychology would be the only other thing I’d really want to teach. So I started teaching AP psychology and became super passionate about it.

Q: What area of teaching psychology do you find most fascinating and why?

I’ve always said I’m not a science person, I’m a social studies person, but the brain and body [is a] concrete explanation to our behavior and I find that really interesting. Behaviorism is one of my favorites. It applies to our lives millions of times a day. We could dissect our day and understand it. I love the application piece of that one. If I had to pick one [it’d be] either the biology or behaviorism.

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The Grammy awards being lined up before being given out to the winners.

Clark Talon Editor

FEATURES

Heritage Launches Intensive ACT Prep to Boost Scores

Boyd Talon Reporter

Rogers Heritage High School is pulling out all the stops to help students succeed on the ACT, with intensive prep programs and personalized guidance designed to boost scores and confidence.

Teachers play a key role in identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses, offering strategies and resources tailored to individual needs. By embedding ACT prep into regular coursework and emphasizing its long-term benefits, the school ensures students are equipped to balance their test preparation with other commitments.

When asked about what software or apps the school would recommend for ACT prep, English teacher Alicia Schwartz said, “The biggest one is the online actprep. org, which is the one that the school purchases. That one is awesome because it is full of practice tests, and it also has practice-specific skills. So if you need to practice in, say, geometry, you can just practice that.”

Schwartz, a passionate advocate for ACT prep, recently discussed with her classes the tools the school recommends for ACT prep. She emphasized the value of actprep.org, a platform that the school provides to students. According to Schwartz, this online resource is particularly beneficial because it offers a wide range of practice tests that closely mirror the format of the actual exam. Additional-

ly, actprep.org allows students to target specific areas of weakness by focusing on individual skills, ensuring they can tailor their study sessions to their needs.

When asked about what motivational support the school provides, English teacher Kim Shepard said, “Students on free and reduced lunch can get four Saturday ACTs paid for their junior and senior year. In the counseling office at the front desk, they have fee waivers, and it’s a credit card to get the free

Black History Month: February

Cox Talon Reporter

February marks the celebration of Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of African Americans throughout history. From the civil rights movement to groundbreaking accomplishments in the arts, science, and politics, this month encourages reflection on the ongoing journey toward equality and recognition.

Black History Month, observed each February, provides an opportunity to honor the enduring legacy of African Americans and their vital role in shaping the nation’s history. This month not only celebrates past achievements but also serves as a time to look back upon the pursuit of racial equality and social justice, reminding us of the work still needed to address systemic inequalities.

“I love Black History Month because it makes me look back on all our African American leaders,” said Quantrell Perry (10).

The contributions of black history leaders, from trailblazers in the civil rights movement to modern-day advocates for social change, have been instrumental in shaping our future as a whole. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to challenging systemic oppression not only altered the course of history but also continue to

inspire new generations to take up the mantle and push for a more equitable society.

“When I think of Black History Month, I think of Martin Luther King,” said Nakevious Golden (10).

Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is particularly significant during Black History Month, as his leadership in the civil rights movement serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for racial equality and the importance of nonviolent activism in creating lasting societal change. His adherence to justice and peace helped to dismantle institutionalized racism and challenged deeply ingrained social and political systems that perpetuated equality. Through his powerful speeches, such as the iconic “I Have a Dream” address, King inspired millions to envision a future where people of all races could coexist harmoniously.

“It’s a month we should really appreciate all that African American leaders have done for this country,” said Emett Blevins (12).

One example of this is the 107th U.S Colored Infantry was an African American regiment during the Civil War. They were organized in 1864 and played a crucial role in Union operations. In the D hallway outside of Akau Anyieth’s class there is a wall that highlights photos of these events.

ACT, so take advantage of it.”

In addition to academic support, Heritage ensures financial barriers don’t stand in the way of students preparing for the ACT. Shepard highlighted that these waivers, available at the counseling office for students on free and reduced lunch, allow students to take the test without the added worry of financial burden, allowing them

to gain valuable experience and improve their scores.

“The kids have had to do some things on their own, on their own time to kind of improve their ACT score. So that is part of the battle is realizing you’re going to have. It is going to have to take some effort. You’re not going to just walk in on the first day and get a perfect score,” said Shepard.

Students Cope With Seasonal Depression

Students with seasonal depression can thrive with the right interventions, support, and understanding from their communities. Recognizing the condition early is key to ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months. It is believed to be triggered by changes in light exposure, which can affect the body’s internal clock and disrupt the production of serotonin and melatonin that regulate mood and sleep. This time of year also provides stress for students with the workload tending to be higher in the months of winter. When work piles up it can cause a lack of motivation and overall stress.

“Some Days it’s hard for me to get out of bed and not wanna do anything. Sometimes I’ll be having a good day and then automatically I’ll get sad or mad over something small and just wanna lay in bed and do nothing,” said Brayley Mccarley (11).

Seasonal depression can cause a lot of physical and mental distress. Mentally, it can lead to persistent sadness, irritability, low energy, difficulty concentrat-

ing, and social withdrawal, often accompanied by feelings of anxiety or guilt. Physically, individuals may experience sleep disturbances, increased fatigue, appetite changes, weakened immunity, etc. Positive social interactions can boost mood, provide emotional comfort, and reduce feelings of isolation. While surrounding yourself with positive people isn’t a cure for seasonal depression, it’s a valuable component of a holistic approach to managing the condition, alongside other strategies like light therapy, exercise, and professional help if needed.

“I don’t [have motivation] to do anything, and I’m always in my own space, not wanting to talk to anyone. I want to avoid everything and I don’t feel like taking care of myself anymore. [Trying to overcome seasonal depression isn’t easy], but I try to stay positive and hangout with my friends and stay around people who bring me up and lift my spirit,” said Izzy Mayhew (10).

Getting through seasonal depression is especially difficult with school, but reminding yourself that you have a reason to get out of bed and you have people to go to when things get hard gives you every reason to keep pushing.

“Having a reason to get out of my room and knowing I have a reason to keep going helps a lot,” said Mccarley.

Pullen

Practice text books for the ACT that can be found in Wayne Levering’s room.

Deere

Talon Reporter

Heritage Baseball and Softball Teams Aim For Success

trying to get through the motions [and] trying to do them right not just do the motions but have intent.”

The softball and baseball season is close at hand, and players are looking forward to the season to put their hard work into action.

The Heritage varsity baseball team will have a benefit game on February 27, 2025 at Greenwood High School. The baseball season will officially begin on March 3, 2025, one day before the softball season starts on March 4, 2025.

When asked about what type of training and practices the boys do, baseball player Derek Garcia (9) said, “Just normal everyday practice [includes] defense hitting practice, we shuffle through those

The Heritage baseball team is hard at work, day to day, ready to start the season off strong. Their desire is to make each move meaningful, with plenty of thought and dedication behind it. Not a day passes by where a single player isn’t putting the game above all else, truly demonstrating the sacrifice and nerve the sport requires.

“Right now we are lifting weights and we’re practicing every day, from three to five, and we’re just putting in the hard work,” said softball player Sadie Roper (9th).

The Heritage softball community is in full effect, commonly

Heritage Boys and Girls Soccer Prepare For Season

Jordan Talon Reporter

Both Heritage High School’s boys soccer team and girls soccer team are ready to begin the new season, combining new players and returning players to demonstrate their countless hours of dedication and training.

The boys, as well as girls soccer teams, have continued to persevere and put their best foot forward since the beginning of the school year, and with both team’s new faces, they’ve remained especially keen on practicing their social compatibility.

“What excites me most is the chemistry that I’ve created within our new team. We just got a new coach and he’s really emphasized team bonding and the importance of chemistry, so I’m excited to see how well we work together,” said Taylor Manning (11).

Every single player has been greatly determined, putting in constant effort and even attempting new field positions for better understanding of their teammates, furthering the goal of social satis-

faction. Even through harsh weather, they haven’t backed down, giving their undivided attention to every minute detail, making sure they are prepared for upcoming games.

“We’ve been practicing a lot every single day, every chance we get, even with the weather. if we have to practice later we’ve been practicing later. We’ve been hitting the weight room and we’ve been doing a bunch of new drills. Not only that, but new players have been trying new positions so that were more fluid within our team.” said Manning.

The players are eager for the games to begin, acknowledging that all their hard work is going to pay off. Byron Banuelos (11), in particular, is excited to see how everything has come together and to see if the team’s efforts have really made a difference.

“What I’m really excited about this season is to see all the hard work that we have [put in] this past year and doing our offseason now. We’re going to put it to the test this upcoming February,” said Banuelos.

found in the weight room to improve their overall athletic abilities, such as speed and accuracy. As a bonus, their diligent training is also allowing them to maintain keen hand-eye coordination. This constant, everyday training will assist heavily in the team’s performance this season.

Several sports teams have a ritual of some sort, usually before games, such as the softball team. They resort to motivating affirmations that boost the teams greatly, in mood and performance. For some players, the ritual is more individually unique, like taking time to rest or even stress snacking. These rituals often improve the overall energy and attitude, positively affecting the player’s abili-

ties on the field.

“Well I usually just listen to music and probably take a dump before a game,” said Garcia.

We always have a talk, and we call it up by [expressing] a certain saying to encourage us to do better,” said Roper.

So far, the Heritage softball and baseball players are incredibly excited to have the opportunity of experiencing the season’s ups and downs with their teammates. They are prepared to show off their own personal abilities, as well as their competitive nature.

“I am looking forward to just having all the games with all my teammates and getting to go through all the wins and losses with my teammates,” said Roper.