TheJournalCorner
WhatistheJournalCorner
The Journal Corner will be used for student to share about themselves, share their opinions, and share artwork made and photos taken. We will also be posting little challenges or holding competitions here.
Our first event here will be an Artwork Share. Show off your artistic talent to the rest of the school through the Journal Corner. Scan the QR code to post your artwork
Editor In-Chief
Magdalen Carlson
Reporters
Noemi Pascual
Eliayna Burnett
Reuel Jabali
Evan Parris
Danielle Caldwell
Cartoon Art Design
Joash Alvarez
Design & Art Director
Tristan Naumann
Photographer
Malachi Armantrout
Miguel Bittencourt
Sponsors
Stephanie Rufo
Melissa Weisner
What clubs would you like add to our campus?
WE ARE BACK The Highlander
By: Magdalen Carlson
As the doors of Highland Academy opened once again welcoming students, they are greeted with fun and games: activities called Handshake and Icebreakers to start the year off right. Handshake, a Student Association event took place on August 3 in the Raphan Lay Auditorium before school even started Icebreakers was held at the ball field close to the elementary school This activity was also designed by the Student Association to help people create connections after a long week of classes.
As the year’s very first event, Handshake encouraged students to meet new people Praise and worship were led by SA pastor Saniya Livingston, followed by games like Electricity Race, BarrowBronco-Backpack, Tarp Name Game, and Favorites Switch
During the Electricity Race, four teams lined up holding hands as SA sponsor Tyler Mathis began the chain reaction by squeezing one student’s hand. The first team to pass it down to the end and cheer won “It was a good exercise for team work,” said Sophia Joy, a freshman The night ended with the signature handshake line, where students and staff introduced themselves, exchanged hugs and welcomed new faces
The next weekend was the
Flag Making
Frozen
event planned by SA officers
One of the most frustrating and surprisingly hilarious games at the event this year was called Helium Stick The game involved players standing in two lines across from each other, each with their outstretched fingers resting beneath a bamboo stick The goal seemed simple: lower the stick to the ground without losing contact with it However, the real challenge came from the psychological aspect. As the stick hovered in the air, everyone was so nervous about letting go that they subconsciously pushed it upward instead of lowering it "It was fun to watch the teams get mad at each other," said Sienna Shoemaker "Everyone wanted to put their finger down, but they all pushed up at the same time!" One team even struggled so much that they never managed to finish the game
The highlight of the event was the annual water game, which everyone eagerly looks forward to This year, teams faced off with sponges, tasked with filling a plastic pipe with water until a pingpong ball inside could reach the top The twist? The pipe had holes throughout, and only three team members were allowed to plug them The frantic teamwork and competitive spirit made for an exciting, water-drenched finish to the day’s activities
Continued on page 4
Icebreakers
After a week of even more new students arriving almost daily, school spirit was high and students were ready to compete and win Each team chose a name, color, flag, and pose: red became Queen of Hearts, orange was Construction Crew, green went with Broccoli and grey chose Sharks
Photo by Tristan Naumann
The Highlander
DEALING WITH HOMESICKNESS
By: Danielle Caldwell
Students from around the world come to Highland Academy to immerse themselves in the exciting academic and spiritual experiences that Adventist education has to offer and this year is no different While the school presents many opportunities, the process of becoming comfortable in a new environment can be challenging
The uncertainty of leaving family and friends and the pressure to form new relationships can weigh heavily on one’s mental health We begin to miss the old faces and places left behind This feeling is known as homesickness, and it’s something nearly everyone experiences at some point Understanding it helps in the process of overcoming it
Homesickness is a combination of anxiety, loneliness, fear and nostalgia. While these symptoms are generally mild and manageable, if not addressed properly, they can become more severe and lead to additional negative effects both mental and physical Low self-esteem, self-isolation and feeling overwhelmed may occur Not only do these worsen your mood and outlook, but they also prolong homesickness Physical symptoms such as a lack of appetite, trouble sleeping, nausea, headaches and difficulty concentrating may also arise
Mental Health
Although homesickness is common, it should not be handled casually or overlooked If you feel as though you are struggling, there are several things you can do to help manage it:
Take Care of Your Body
Get exercise
Eat healthy and drink water. Get plenty of rest (teens require a minimum of eight per night).
Seek Aid and Comfort From God
Pray for His guidance
Do Bible studies that apply to your current situation
Remind yourself that even in your lowest moments, God is always there as a friend, a father and a counselor
Seek out someone who may be experiencing something difficult as well and lift them up as God’s hands and feet to others
At Highland Academy, we are privileged to be surrounded by staff who are willing to help and support us We are also fortunate to have our own counselor and a school Psychologist on campus: Melissa Weisner and Logan Johnson, whose specific purposes are to help students who are struggling There are also members of Connection Crew who are willing to support you as well Make use of the resources the school offers to help you adjust. Remember, you are not alone!
Photo from Google Images
Photo from Google Images
The Highlander
CAFETERIA RENOVATIONS
By: Danielle Caldwell
Following the end of last school year, some muchneeded renovations began in the Highland Academy cafeteria Previous to this, Mrs Anita Watkins, our beloved food director, had expressed dizziness and difficulty breathing when working with the stoves and grills After some investigation and a little help from an air quality sensor, it was discovered that her feeling unwell resulted from a lack of oxygen in the room. The duct system, responsible for sucking up the gas and smoke produced by cooking, was very old and out of code. When it was turned on, it sucked up all the air in the room without circulating fresh air back inside
The day’s heat also causes some discomfort for Watkins and her assistants, Stephanie Thornton and Jill Reading, as they prepare lunch Despite these inconveniences, Mrs Watkins remains grateful and positive “I’m happy to have it,” she said with a smile, regarding the mobile kitchen, “It’s better than eating PB&J sandwiches for every meal ”
The drawing up of plans for the new kitchen space began at the end of May in hopes of having the actual work begin in the middle of June and completed before school began in August However, due to difficulty getting approval from fire marshals, the project was not approved to even begin until July 17 This major setback caused the project to cut into the school year
To prepare hot meals for the students, the cafeteria staff had to resort to using a mobile kitchen trailer This adjustment has its fair share of downfalls The overall functionality of the space is much less efficient than the original kitchen Smaller ovens and deep fryers limit the amount and variety of food the staff are able to prepare
The renovations are planned to be completed between the end of August and the middle of September The cafeteria staff looks forward to having an extra oven, new amenities, and the peace of mind that the kitchen space will be entirely up to code The new duct system, which is currently being installed, will pump just as much fresh air in as it sucks heat and smoke out ensuring the safety of the cafeteria workers After the kitchen is ready for use, students can expect more variety in their meals, and an increase in Mrs Watkin’s homemade vegetarian meats The cafeteria will soon be better than ever for students and staff alike
Photos by Tristan Naumann & Danielle Caldwell
Made by Joash Alvarez
The Highlander MEET THE PASTORS
By: Reuel Jabali
Our dedicated pastors, Benji Maxson and Mikey Ayala, are not just staff members at the Academy, but also serve at the Highland Seventh Day Adventist church Maxson, as a pastor, provides unwavering spiritual guidance to the congregation. At the same time, Ayala, as the primary guest during the week of prayer, leads us in our spiritual journey with steadfast commitment Their dedication extends beyond their roles: they often mingle with students in the cafeteria and foster a sense of community
axson, a minister with 24 years of experience, has been a guiding light in our church for the past 3 years He is not just a pastor, but also a loving father to his son Benjamin and husband to his wife, Kartini, with whom he has shared 25 years of marriage. His admiration for this school’s “excellent reputation for having a family-like atmosphere” reflects his family values. His love for his family is evident in everything he does; he often draws inspiration from them
yala, a pastor who recently got his first full-time pastoral position here at Highland, is a loving husband to his wife Carmen and a father to his son, Matias His hobbies include being a host on the Jesus On a Jon Boat podcast, and he also loves fishing. His love for exploring new food spots and spending time with his family adds a personal touch to his character, making him more relatable and interesting These are pastimes and avenues for him to connect with others, nature, and God These hobbies make him more than just a pastor He’s a friend and a community member.
The Highlander DEAN JOE HESS
By: Reuel Jabali Staff Highlight
Here at Highland Academy, a fresh face is joining our staff, Joe Hess, the new Head Dean of the boys’ dormitory Dean Hess brings a wealth of experience and a passion for mentorship that have shaped his career over the past 15 years at Upper Columbia Academy, a high school in Spokane County, Washington Hess had never set out to become a dean He had no clear career plans when he first entered college However, his time spent in the dorm during his third year set him on a path that would change his life and the lives of many others
Hess first considered deaning because of his experience in the dormitory in college He loved being in the dorm! It was his third year in college, and he still didn’t know what he wanted to do after graduation He said, “There was a young dean in college , who said, ‘Well, you like the dorm and maybe you should look to be a student missionary dean,’ and so he was very instrumental,” said Hess
For Hess, being a dean is more than just a job it was a calling. He views his work not as a career, but as a ministry This perspective has allowed him to continue in the role for over a decade, inspiring, guiding and supporting the young men under his care.
Outside his role as Head Dean, Hess is a devoted father and husband to Chelle Hess Hailing from Alaska, Hess named his children after local landmarks his daughter McKinley, after a mountain, and Paxon, his son, after a small Alaskan town He also cherishes his family time, which often includes spending quality moments with his children, whether bike riding or enjoying a favorite sport The values of family, nature, and a strong community made him who he is, and these continue to influence the way he leads today.
Looking back on his career, Hess offers advice to his younger self “If I could go back, I would tell myself to view my work as a ministry rather than just a job. It’s easy to burn out if you don’t have the right perspective” He explains that while the role of a dean can be demanding, shifting the mindset to one of service and purpose has made all the difference in his long-lasting enthusiasm for the position
The Dean credits much of his success to those who have inspired him. Two figures who particularly influenced his journey as a dean were his dean in college at Walla Walla College, David Evans, and his colleague at Upper Columbia Academy, John Willis Dean Hess has also worked with some other Highland campus staff; they all loved working with him before and are very grateful that he decided to join them here
Pastor Benji Maxon, the Highland Seventh Day Adventist church pastor, has worked with Dean Hess at Upper Columbia Academy He has some interesting stories about himself and Dean Hess. They were up on the field playing staff against student activities While they were there, Hess had used a nickname toward Maxon. One of the kids overheard them and started using it Hess ran away, for he was afraid of what would happen to him for leaking that nickname, Maxon recalled “He is very student-focused He loves relationships with the kids, and he also loves seeing kids grow in Jesus,” Maxon added
Sharing high praise, Dean Reading, coach of the Gymnix team and the boys’ assistant dean, also worked with Hess at the Upper Columbia Academy He said, “Joe is amazing I remember him helping with announcing games during my time as the athletic director. His energy and connection with the guys were evident He’s the type of person who brings positivity wherever he goes He’s a man of character full of vitality and life He’s not just a great leader, but a true friend”
“He’s an amazing person with compassion and love toward everyone,” said Malik, an RA in the boys’ dormitory.
“He has a great sense of humor and an effortless way of making people feel comfortable around him,” said Miguel Bittencourt, a sophomore and 2 year dorm student
“Dean Hess is very cool, nice and motivational, ” said Sing, also a sophomore and dorm worker.
Through his years of experience, his love for family, and his perspective on his career, Joe Hess continues to impact the lives of students and staff alike His dedication to his role as Head Dean proves his commitment to cultivating the next generation
Photos provided by Joe Hess
The Highlander LANYARDS - ONE YEAR IN
By: Magdalen Carlson
As the world progresses, there is one thing that is apparent: school safety is no longer easy to maintain It must be intentional Over these past few years, Highland Academy has implemented new policies for both staff and students as a way to be intentional about school safety One of these policies involves carrying around ID cards visible on each person This is such a crucial part of the new safety rules that it is even written into the dress code for Highland Academy’s students
At the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, Highland implemented a new access control system across the majority of the school buildings This system was meant to enhance the security of Highland Academy’s campus and help ensure that only authorized individuals are able to enter Every student and staff carries an ID specifically programmed for that person This allows students and staff to only enter buildings and doors they are authorized to enter only at the times authorized
around their necks, the student body wanted a change The lanyards were uncomfortable and got in the way Many students went to Student Council members, their own classmates, and told them about what they wanted The Student Council submitted an Ad Council request, and within the next month the rules changed Students were no longer required to wear ID cards around their neck as long as it was somewhere on their person and visible to those around them.
When the program first was tested with all the students there were a few hiccups They had to work to create the habit of taking their IDs with them Within the first week many students would either leave their IDs at home or in their dorm room with one recurring offender according to his peers, this year’s senior, Logan Darrell. According to Larry Ashcraft, technological genius and teacher at Highland Academy, there were more faulty cards than lost cards
Last school year, after a few months had passed of abiding by the dress code and wearing the IDs on a lanyard
Both Handshake and Icebreakers proved to be incredible ways to kick off the school year, helping students break out of their shells and build connections that will last throughout the year From the laughter and excitement of the games to the meaningful interactions during handshakes and team activities, these events set the tone for a fun and community-centered year ahead
As students and staff came together, both old and new faces were welcomed with open arms, ensuring that Highland Academy’s spirit of friendship, teamwork and school spirit would be felt all year long
When asked about any future plans, Principal Chadd Watkins stated, “Looking toward the future, we’re already planning additional upgrades to our access control system One of our longer-term goals is to expand the number of access points across campus, especially in areas like other academic classrooms, other buildings on campus, and potentially dormitory rooms. This would give us even greater flexibility in terms of controlling access to different areas, while also ensuring that security protocols are strictly adhered to” With the lessons learned from last year, Highland Academy looks forward to the smooth process of the usage this year of IDs. Just like what Principal Watkins said, the IDs are here for staff and student safety As upgrades continue and technology advances, Highland Academy remains focused on their ultimate goal: creating a campus where learning can thrive because students, staff and parents alike know that security is a priority.
Continued from Icebreakers
Photos by Tristan Naumann
The Highlander
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
By: Eliayna Burnett
Photos by Eliayna Burnett
ophia Joy is a freshman at Highland Academy from Ooltewah, Tennessee. One of her favorite things about Highland is the very good friends she’s already made. While she enjoys the cafeteria food, she does miss the food from home A fun fact about Joy is that she runs her own tshirt printing business called Sloth-Ink. Sophia is a dorm student, and her roommate is Autumn Nicholas.
utumn Nicholas is a freshman at Highland Academy. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she now resides in Tennessee. Her favorite aspect of Highland so far is the familial environment created by her peers She appreciates how the teachers seem to genuinely care about her and her educational experience Although she feels comfortable at the school, she misses her dogs, Arcturus and Orion, back home. A fun fact about Nicholas is that she knows the definition of “pulchritudinous.” You’ll have to ask her for the definition
in Piang is a freshman from Bowling Green, Kentucky His favorite thing about Highland is the opportunity to meet up with his friends. He enjoys connecting with his peers while also growing closer to God What he misses most from home are his family, siblings, and his bed. A fun fact about Piang is that he is originally from Malaysia. He lives in the dorms with his roommate, DJ Corro
lise Gains is a freshman from Birmingham, Alabama She enjoys the campus atmosphere and how friendly the people are. Elise sees a lot of potential and opportunities for herself at Highland Academy and believes she will be grateful for this experience once her time here is complete. While she misses her family, she enjoys playing soccer. Her favorite show is Orange Is the New Black Elise resides in the dorm with her roommate, Jaeda Fritz.