The Highland Academy choir brought a heartfelt harmony to the KY-TN Conference party on Wednesday, December 4, transforming Paradise Ranch into a sanctuary of music and gratitude. Arriving at 7:00 pm, the choir set up their electric keyboard, played by Harang Kim, and prepared for an uplifting performance. Students like Naomi Houston shared, “That place was even prettier then I had expected” about the beautiful setting.
After a few words of acknowledgement from Elder Steve Haley, the conference president, and Haraldo Alvarez, the choir director/teacher, the choir sang the following songs: “Goodness Of God,” “Adore,” and “He Is the Everlasting God.” Then Genrickh Semanivskyy played, “Un dia de Noviembre” (A day in
November) by a Cuban composer on his classical guitar. After a round of applause, lyrics were spread out to each staff member present to sing the last song, “Peace, Peace, Peace,” as a congregational. What came next was unexpected. The choir girls spread out and formed a circle around the tables where the staff was seated and sang the song while
the staff joined in. To end the night, everyone put a hand on one another’s back while Haley gave thanks and prayed over everyone. On the bus ride back Keianna Pledge expressed how many felt saying, “I was really nervous at first but it was really fun.” The choir expressed their gratitude to have performed in the beautiful setting and for the Conference.
Look at some photos from our Christmas Concert pg. 2
Learn about Avoidant Attachment Style pg. 3
The Art Corner
Photos
MENTAL HEALTH
Addison Atlee
Photos from the KYTN Instagram Page
Visit the Art Corner to see what Casi has to say about The Four Seasons pg. 4
Shiloh Bushey
AVOIDANT ATTACHMENT STYLE
When it comes to emotional maturity, people grow differently. No one grows at the same speed. Some attachment issues may arise as people grow and interact with the world around them, however. One of those is the avoidant attachment style.
Avoidant Attachment style (AAS) is when one purposefully pulls back from emotional intimacy. This emotional pattern is often caused by a lack of emotional stability in one’s early life. AAS can come from emotionally distant parents, being cheated/betrayed by a loved one, insecurity and lack of physical touch. Other common causes are death, divorce and parents’ mental illness. Those with AAS are less likely to express their emotions. Signs of AAS
are depression and/ or anxiety, avoiding physical touch, eating disorders and seclusion.
Avoiding things like physical touch, romantic gestures, spending time with their partner/ friend, “ghosting” and putting selfneeds above all else (detachment), is where AAS gets its name. For those with AAS, side-stepping conflict rather than working through an
issue is a struggle. Those with AAS also deal with avoiding intimacy, especially emotional intimacy. Conversations with people who have AAS can seem shallow. Often they rely on things like humor and “small talk” to avoid getting too close to someone.
Typically AAS comes with unhealthy coping mechanisms. Commonly, focusing
on one’s career or something they can control is used to avoid anxiety. People with AAS commonly complain rather than communicate that they need support and suppress negative emotions because that’s something they can control. They often come across as mean, cold and rude. This is just a measure of selfprotection.
Just because someone has AAS does not make them incapable of love, it’s just harder for them to trust. AAS is typically seen as insensitive, however, it’s quite the opposite. They feel, and they feel deeply. They just don’t show it. AAS’ roots are deep in one’s adolescent years. Parents telling a child to “be strong” when they are showing emotions teaches them that emotions equal weakness. Having to be “strong” emotionally in their home during their adolescent years has caused them to feel the need to protect themselves in any intimate relationship.
Be kind to yourself and those around you. If you or someone you know shows signs of AAS, it’s okay. Therapy and working it out often helps. It may take more attention than usual, but it’s not impossible to heal and have a healthy relationship. One thing that remains true, even when it’s hard to trust a relationship, is God is always there with you. Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
THE FOUR SEASONS
The Four Seasons:
A set of four paintings produced in 1563, 1572 and 1573 by the Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo—
The first you see in this photo is Spring, then Summer, Autumn, and lastly Winter.
Each shows a profile portrait made up of fruit, vegetables and plants relating to the relevant season. Only Winter and Summer survive from the original work – these are now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The Louvre has a full set of the copies made by the painter for Maximilian to send to Augustus of Saxony – these have a floral frame not used in the original version. Arcimboldo’s paintings have a meaning behind them, and a lesson we all can learn from: “Each phase, unique in its way, brings forth triumphs, challenges, and change. Recognizing and embracing these seasons can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s journey(inkedin).”
Casi Demaree
Larry Ashcraft, a science and IT instructor at Highland Academy, is passionate about being a sponsor of STEM and Bike clubs. This is his 42nd year of teaching, and he plans to continue for a while.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
Ashcraft enjoys repairing things, particularly in engineering, which he is pursuing as a career. Ashcraft shared, “From my experiences with various engineers, engineering isn’t as thrilling as it’s often portrayed. It can be exciting if you’re involved in research and development, but typically, the work involves routine tasks like making and experimenting with things, crunching numbers, and other repetitive activities.”
During his sophomore year in college, he enrolled in a general education course focused on Ellen White’s book, “Education.” In this class, he discovered his passion for teaching math and science, leading him to major in both subjects.
LARRY ASHCRAFT
but programming classes were available. “I have been surrounded by it throughout my life and have witnessed its evolution alongside new advancements.”
What can you tell us about your wife and children?
In his final year of college, Ashcraft met Linda Ashcraft, marking the beginning of their journey together, which has now
in Chattanooga.”
What piece of knowledge or wisdom could you give to the youth?
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“Understand that we are part of a vast cosmic struggle. There is a fight for your soul, and this struggle is designed to prevent you from forming a transformative relationship with God. Satan seeks to obstruct your path to knowing God. You will become a changed individual if you truly come to know God, as Jesus demonstrated in His teachings. Recognizing the importance of a relationship with God is crucial as the devil works tirelessly to keep you away from Him.”
You possess extensive knowledge of technology and maintenance; where did this expertise come from?
“I grew up when computers were not prevalent, but as technology advanced, computers became more common,” Ashcraft explained. Back then, you couldn’t earn a degree in IT because it didn’t exist,
spanned 42 years of marriage. They chose to start a family later in life and welcomed a newborn daughter, Claire, who was just two weeks old at the time of her adoption. Claire is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is currently a student at Southern Adventist University. She is a social worker, guiding elementary and middle school students. Ashcraft shared, “We adopted our second daughter, Amelia, from Guatemala. She joined our family before her fifth birthday. As she grew, she attended SAU and now works at a large daycare center
Since working at Highland Academy, has an impact been made by working with such a great group of staff and students?
Ashcraft has collaborated with numerous principals throughout his career. He reflected on his experiences, noting that some previous principals lacked morale but regarded Principal Watkins as one of the best. He elaborated, “A leader with a clear vision, humility, and strong interpersonal skills can achieve remarkable outcomes. Conversely, without these qualities, negative consequences can arise.”
When asked about the influence of working with such an exceptional group of students, he remarked, “You can gauge your influence by whether a student chooses a positive path in life, which may stem from your guidance.”
Ashcraft is always prepared to assist whenever needed, whether repairing things or providing support in math and science at the dorms. Highland Academy is truly blessed to have someone like him on campus.
Bertin Shyaka
Photo from Bertin Shyaka
CHRISTMAS CULTURE
What is Christmas? According to Britannica, Christmas is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) originated pretty recently. Christmas is celebrated worldwide, however, regional and cultural differences add flavor to the festivities. In Canada, the holiday season is often marked by British and French influences, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage. For example, Boxing Day ( December 26) is a significant event in Canada, where people enjoy an extra day off and participate in postChristmas sales. In contrast, Boxing Day is less commonly observed in the U.S.
Numerous traditions exist for celebrating Christmas, and when asked about them, the student bodies expressed various aspects of their Christmas culture.
What is your go-to Christmas movie or song? Why?
Katie Beaumont, a junior, responded, “I love the first Home Alone movie because of the creativity, and the kid is so funny.” Similarly, Rhiana Powers, a senior, responded, “I like the movie Home Alone 2 because Kevin is so funny and relatable, and it reminds me of my little brother.” Home Alone seems to be a Highland favorite as Zariah Hamilton, a senior, also chose that as her favorite Christmas movie. She said, “I enjoy the comedy of it. It also shows a kid who is forgotten and is reunited with the family, which I think
should be a good lesson for all families.” Aleks Bibulovic, a senior, prefers the Christmas Chronicles. He said “I think it’s really funny and has a great story.” Others chose Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, Elf, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
Would you rather be stuck wearing flashing Christmas lights for a day or singing “Jingle Bells” whenever someone talks to you? Why?
Emma Ruckle, a senior, responded, “I would probably do flashing Christmas lights because I already like to wear flashy clothes, and there is a possibility of me getting expelled or something for singing Jingle Bells if a teacher were to try to talk to me.” Anna Simplice, a junior, on the other hand, said she would rather sing Jingle Bells. She said, “I feel like the flashing lights would be annoying.” Illetsy Perez, a junior, said she would rather wear the Christmas lights because singing all the time would be embarrassing. How do you celebrate Christmas in your family?
Reuel Jabali, a freshman, said, “Back in Kenya, we would have family, friends, and neighbors over for Christmas to celebrate with dishes like goat and lamb.” Jabali explained an interesting aspect of the Christmas meal: “When the goat is fully cooked and ready to serve, the men partake of its soup as a display of authority while the women drink vegetable soup.” Jabali also mentioned how the lamb and the goat are prepared on Christmas day, while the rest of
the food is prepared the evening before.
Analia Paz, a freshman, shared that her extended family including aunts and uncles and grandparents gather together to share in a traditional Dominican meal. This can include fried plantain, mangu which is mashed plantains with butter and salt with onions on top, a side dish of fried eggs and fried cheese. Later they watch Dominican movies and exchange gifts. Her favorite part of the holiday is definitely the food!
Sarang Kim, a senior, says that Korea has no real unified Christmas traditions. However, her family typically goes skiing or they go out to eat. There is a K-Pop concert on Christmas every single year, “so a lot of my friends go to that concert, too.” Kim excitedly went on to express the New Year’s traditions that are culturally significant. “After the first day of the new year, they eat tteokguk, which is a traditional Korean rice cake soup…Korea used to count the age year by year so by eating tteokguk, there’s a meaning of you gaining an age. You become a year older, but if you don’t eat it, you don’t gain an age.” Of course, this is not real, but it is fun. After the first day of the year, many shops give the tteokguk away for free.
So many cultures celebrate the holidays in so many different ways. Enjoy your Christmas traditions this year and have a Happy New Year!
Bertin Shyaka
Student
Meet Sara Scott, she is a senior and a dorm student at Highland Academy. She owns three dogs and one cat and loves swimming, she’s even a lifeguard! Her favorite thing about Highland is the staff members. Scott loves to sew or bake in her free time. She even designs and makes formal gowns! Her favorite subject is Precalculus and her favorite movie is National Treasure. Scott is a part of Student Council, Yearbook Club, National Honors Society and Hope Squad. She has one older brother named Noah and her favorite bible verse is Isaiah 35:10, “and those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Savanna Jackson is a junior and dorm student here at Highland Academy. She likes it here at Highland because of the friendly people. She is in bells and choir, and her favorite food served on campus is pasta bar. She reads a lot in her free time and she says “oh goodness” a lot. One thing she wants us to know is that everything good she does comes from God and her favorite thing here at Highland is hanging out with her friends in the dorm.
Editor-in-chief
Magdalen Carlson
Designer and Art
Director
Tristan Naumann
Reuel Jabali, a freshman dorm student at Highland, is passionate about photography, video games, and soccer, with a deep admiration for FC Barcelona. Born in Kenya, he spent the first 12 years of his life immersed in its vibrant culture before moving to the United States in 2021, and his fluency in both English and Swahili reflects his global perspective. In his free time, Jabali enjoys coloring, a “silly hobby” that showcases his creative side, and his favorite meal is chapati with his mom’s lentil soup, though he also delights in dishes from Chinese buffets. One of his lifelong dreams is to visit Tokyo, Japan, a city he envisions as a captivating blend of modern innovation and tradition, driven by his curiosity about Japanese culture. Jabali values the environment at Highland, particularly the caring and dedicated teachers who are committed to student success.
Evelina Charchian is a sophomore and dorm student at Highland Academy. She came to Highland her freshman year and lives in Jasper, Tennessee, with her brother, Nikita Charchian. Before moving to Tennessee, she lived in Russia where she spoke Russian for most of her life. The hardest part of coming to Highland was learning English and speaking it daily, though she learned quickly over the past two years. Charchian’s favorite things about Highland Academy are the people and the Christian environment.
The Highlander Staff
Reporters
Shiloh Bushey
Addison Atlee
Bertin Shyaka
Samantha Anderson
Photographers
Miguel Bittencourt
Shiloh Bushey
Sponsors
Melissa Weisner
Stephanie Rufo
Activities/Art
Samantha Roddy
Rosie Fernandez
Casi Demaree
Social Media
Stephanie Rufo
Samantha Roddy
Rosie Fernandez
Magdalen Carlson
Stephanie Silva
Leslie Smith
Addison Atlee
Samantha Anderson
WHO IS NIBI THE BEAVER?
A two-year-old beaver named Nibi is under trial on whether she should be released into the wild. Nibi grew up in captivity at the Newhouse Wildlife Rescue and was put to trial to be released into the wild during winter because Mass Wildlife Officials, the state’s division, said that she needed to be released. New House pleaded with them to let Nibi stay because they did think she was ready to be released into the wild. This all started two years ago when a beaver was found on the side of the
road no more than a couple of days old. A baby that size couldn’t swim back to the nest, so they decided to take the beaver. They named the beaver Nibi, an Ojibwe word for water.
The plan was to release her when she was old enough, but it wouldn’t be for a while because baby beavers require the longest rehab of any North American animal.
The staff of New House tried pairing her up with other beavers to hopefully help her become able to survive on her own. Nibi turned out to be a diva and was aggressive to the other beavers. Even after Nibi would have stopped living with her parents, the
staff believed she was unfit to live in the wild. She had become domesticated and didn’t know how to fend for herself. So when it was set that Nibi would be released, hope was not lost; as word of Nibis release got out, an uproar started, and a petition was made to let Nibi stay at the wildlife center. Things heated up when Officials were sent to get Nibi, the wildlife center, called for an injunction and a court hearing was set. When Gov. Maura Healsey heard the case, she ruled in favor of letting Nibi stay at the center where she lives now as an educational beaver.
