May 10, 2024

The Highlander

ANNUAL HIGHLAND-MADISON GOLF TOURNAMENT

On Thursday, April 25th, the annual Highland-Madison golf tournament took place at The Hermitage: President’s Reserve Course, kicked off by the Highland Academy band. The golf tournament often consists of many contests and personal competitions. This year was no exception. Twentyseven teams and one hundred and five players came for some friendly competition and to raise money for these schools. The overall winners were Benji Maxson,John Khoe, Eric Johnson, and Blake Johnson. They won first place overall by 15 under par and they won a prize of $125 each to the clubhouse.

“We rode Blake Johnson’s coattails the whole way to beat principal Watkins’ team”

Maxson admitted. The tournament raised over $40,000 dollars to split between each school.

This golf tournament comes together each year to raise money for the worthy student funds of both schools, Highland Academy and Madison Academy, giving students who would not be able to attend for financial reasons an opportunity for a Christian-Adventist education. The tournament was sponsored by many businesses including but not limited to:

Kentucky-Tennesee

SDA conference (Title Sponser), Music City Roofers, Southern Adventist University, Pleasure Pools, and Sweet Dreams Anesthesia. This entire tournament would not be possible without our generous sponsors. We appreciate them so much and also want to acknowledge those responsible for pulling it all together. The golf committee consists of Chadd Watkins, Highland Academy Principal, Kris Fuentes, Madison Academy Principal, Rodney Rufo, a Madison alumni, Aaron Jones, Highland Academy Alumni, Aaron Raines, Highland Academy Alumni President, Kelvin DeValle, Madison Development Director, Michelle Jones, Highland Academy Alumni, and Stephanie Rufo, Highland Academy Development Coordinator and Marketing and Media Coordinator. Rufo arrived at the venue early to set up and help with registration and food before people started arriving. None of this could have happened without

everyone involved and their generosity and hard work.

The general rules for the tournament consisted of: 4 person Select Shot (Each player needed to record 2 tee shots). Each player was allowed to lift, clean, and place his or her ball. The ball could be placed one club length from the original location, no closer to the hole. The winners are determined by competing against each other and whatever team gets the most points under 0 wins. You wanted to be under par because that means you took fewer strokes to get the ball in each hole.

The Highland Academy student team was made up by Carson Watkins, sophomore, Isaiah McKenzie, junior, Lincoln Shoemaker, senior, and Bryson Beckworth, senior. They were one team who

chose to do a friendly competition with Chadd Watkins, the principal of Highland Academy. The challenge was whoever had the most points under par would win and the losing team would have to sleep outside on a concrete slab. Not only that, the losing team also had to make a music video that documented the entire experience outside during the sleep out. The winning team was Chadd Watkins and his teammates with 14 under par. He beat the academy students by only 3. The video was shown at awards and memories, and it was definitely a sight to see.

Next year’s tournament is already being prepared as we begin to move into the next school year soon. Your participation can help a student from either school in the Kentucky/ Tennessee conference. Consider getting involved next year and make a difference.

Meet Linda Ashcraft Pg.5

Campus revival pg.2

Camp Meeting is coming up! Pg.3 HIGHLIGHT

RELIGION

NEWS

Isabelle Laneville

Pictures provided by: Isabelle Laneville

Lulu Lopez

Highland Academy hosted a revival on campus the weekend of May 3-5, 2024. This was held at Ponce Hall by guest speaker, Bryant Stewart, or as the students call him “Uncle Stew.” This weekend he talked about a different perspective on the story of Esther. A revival is meant to help grow and increase spiritual interest, hopefully, sparking an interest in people to renew their relationship with God. Stewart’s way of preaching is interactive, and he made the students laugh but also managed to get deep with them and really touch hearts.

Stewart talked about the story of Esther, but focussed on a different part of the narrative. Instead of focusing on her bravery, he talked about Mordecai and his willingness to serve and help. He wanted to make it apparent that Mordecai was really old, over 100 years old, yet he still took Esther in and shaped her and took care of her. God has a plan for all of us, and we have to be willing to accept his plan for us. Alexandria Reid, a senior, said, “I didn't expect to get that narrative on Esther's story, but I like it because now I see the story from all perspectives. I had no idea Mordecai was that old and I liked how he spoke about his age because I think it helped us understand the gravity and sacrifice it must've taken.” Dean JP Mathis also said,

“I thought the sermon was good and it made me think about the story of Esther differently.”

Before every service, there was a song service, and the songs all were chosen to go with the theme of accepting Jesus, being willing and being grateful for God and his love for us. Diego Reynoso, a junior, said, “my favorite part is always

REVIVAL WEEKEND

the worship before the sermon because I feel like it helps set the tone for the rest of the service.” Sofia Alves also says that the songs they pick are all thought about thoroughly, and the message in the songs are all purposely thought about. She said,“We pray before every

practice, and we wake up early to learn new songs. We just hope to show God's love and help everyone feel connected to him.”

One of the more unorthodox approaches of pastor Stewart was to have a Q/A section in the beginning of his sermons. Questions were asked about how to deal with fear of missing out (FOMO). His response was that there hasn't been a situation he missed out on that he wanted that God hasn't given him back to experience again. Stewart also talked about his own personal experiences in life. He opened up about how he has gotten into a car crash, how life was when he was living paycheck to paycheck, his ADHD, memory problems, and how he's also had to repeat every class he's taken. He did that so he could remind students of the importance of holding on. He said, “I questioned God and I was angry at Him, but I never

once let go.'' Stewart also says how life is full of systems, the situation might change but the outcome won't if you continue to trust in God. Now he has the life of his dreams and there are still struggles, but he can see how far he's come and how far he has to go. Remaining faithful to God is the best decision he has made. Goy Both, a junior, said, “I feel like giving my thanks to Jesus and the words Uncle Stew was saying were very comforting and moving. I want to restart my relationship with God now.”

Pastor Stewart was the speaker at the prayer conference and a couple of students knew him from there and were really excited to hear him preach again. “His style of preaching is very funny and he knows how to connect with the youth,” Sion Kwon said.

It is hard to get in front of teenagers and try to show them the message Pastor Stew said, but he doesn't regret trying. Katie McConnell, senior class president, said, “I see a lot of me in him. He and I share a lot of the same issues because I also have ADHD and it gave me the representation I needed. I understood him and I just felt very heard and seen.”

Pastor Stewart's goal was to touch the students’ hearts and he hoped to make a difference in at least one student's life. That he did. Students felt moved and wanted to re-give themselves to Jeus spiritually. At the end of the revival, he made a call for students who want to have a relationship with God and want to be devoted to Jesus. Many students raised their hands and tears were shed. Seeing Jesus move and work on campus is very rewarding and touching. Students want to make this commitment and they are all willing to let God use them. Alexandria Reida senior, said,

“I think I now see it as being a vessel for God like Mordechai.” Students are ready to be a vessel for God are you?

Pictures provided by: Naomi Houston

CAMP MEETING IS COMING UP

The KentuckyTennessee (KYTN) Conference holds a 9-day camp meeting hosted by Highland Academy. This year, it will be held from May 24 through June 1. KYTN Vice President for Administration, Mike Hewitt, says the theme of the 2024 campmeeting is “Send Me” based on Isaiah 6:8 which says “Here I am. Send me!”

There are seven main speakers this year starting with Shawn Boonstra. Boostra, director of “The Voice of Prophecy” will be speaking the first weekend, May 24- May 25 of campmeeting. Grant Agadjanian who spends his time taking revival across the country will be speaking weekday evenings from May-27May 28. Pastor Andrew Nobile is the associate pastor at Madison Campus Church and he will be doing the morning devotions from May 27- May 31. Mark Anthony who hosts “The Whole Message ‘’ gives advice on the journey for health. Anthony will be giving his messages from May 27-May 31. Richard Stenbakken, Vietnam veteran, was ordained in 1969 and will be speaking weekday mornings from May 27-May31. Ron Price, who is the author of the book series “Play nice in your sandbox,” will be doing the afternoon talks from May 27-May28. Randy Roberts, the senior pastor of Loma Linda University Church, will be speaking on the second weekend of campmeeting from May 27-May 28. There are a range of afternoon seminars. Presented by Anton Kapusi, “Hero Maker: Five essential Practices for Growing and Multiplying Leaders,” will be held in Ray Hall’s Conference Room, Monday through

Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:34 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Presented by Jim and Becky Ingersoll, “Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training: What You Need To Know to Help Your Community in Need,” will be held in the warehouse Monday through Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:24 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Presented by Ron Price, “Communication Tools, Tips, And Techniques- How to Better Understand Others and be Better Understood by Them,” will be held in Ray Hall, Room 1 Monday through Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Presented by Ron Price, “Laughter Truly is a Great Medicine,” will be held in Ray Hall, Monday-Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In Ray Hall, Room 4, Ginger Voigner will present “Charting Your Financial Future: Navigating Life’s Curveballs to Financial Success” Monday-Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:34 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“Claim Your Children Back” will be held in Ray Hall, Room 2, Monday-Tuesday, by Grant Agadjanian from 2:45 p.m. to 3:34 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Presented by DeeAnn Bragaw and Gail McKenzie,

“To Be Sent: Embracing God’s Call for You” will be in Ray Hall, Media Room from

Monday through Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:34 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“Beyond Church Walls: Ministering to and with Children and Youth in a Secular World” will be in Ray Hall, Room 3, Presented by Nelson Silva, Monday through Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:34 p.m.

“ Elevate Your Garden: A Comprehensive Gardening Seminar” will be held at Highland Elementary Monday through Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:34 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. lead by Brian Milano. There is also a children’s program, Teens program, and young adults program running all week.

In Raphan Ley Auditorium, there is a prayer tent available at all times with prayer warriors available after evening meetings until 10:00 p.m. for those wanting someone to pray with them. Many fun activities for children and teens such as dare base and the snack shop will be happening, as well. The snack shop is a staple in camp meeting activities. You can find it located under the ABC store. Led by Stacey Darrell, the snack shop provides a variety of fun foods and offers a great opportunity to connect with others. Proceeds go to help the local pathfinders.We hope to see you at the 2024 campmeeting “Send Me!”

Pictures provided by: KYTN Conference of of Seventh Day Adventists

Shiloh Bushey

Shiloh Bushey

As finals week approaches, it is important to take care of one’s mental health. /As finals week can often be described as late-night study sessions and cramming a semester’s worth of knowledge in a few hours, the stress levels obviously rise during this time. Another aspect of finals week is unhealthy selftalk. It is important to remember to value yourself, even when you may get disappointed at the outcomes of all your hard work.

Be kind to yourself! Saying harsh words to yourself only sets you back, keeping you from being fully confident and taking your ability to rest. Don’t put an unrealistic expectation on yourself. Finals are stressful and that’s a fact. Don’t make it worse by expecting a perfect score if you have not prepared throughout the year, for example

Get good rest!

Physical rest is so important because when your body is tired, so is your brain. Studying effectively is difficult and retention is not optimal when trying to study while exhausted. The 20-10 rule works well when trying to maintain brain function while studying. That means study for 20 minutes and then take a break for 10 minutes. Paul Kelley and Terry Whatson with ncbi.nlm. nih.gov recommend “studying intensely for 20 minutes, and then give your brain a break by switching to a different activity for 10 minutes. The key is that the “break” activity has to use alternate brain centers, so you don’t overwrite your newly formed memories of the information you are trying to

THE STRESS OF FINALS

memorize.” This method of studying is called “Space Learning” or the 20/10 method. When taking a 10 minute break, aim for something physically active like walking or stretching. Exercise is a natural antidepressant causing you

to become more motivated and awake for your next 20 minutes of study.

Ask for help! You aren’t dumb if you feel you may need a tutor. So whether you go to a friend, teacher, or parent, getting help when you need it is extremely useful. Studying on your own may lead you to getting stuck. If you don’t get help, you may not ever understand the subject matter you’re stuck on. Studying doesn’t have to be isolated. Unless you have trouble focusing with a friend around, having a study buddy is good to keep you on track and make your study sessions a bit more lighthearted and less stressful. It has even been proven that if you take turns

teaching each other the material, the one teaching will retain the information better.

Some tips to keep focused would be creating a space where you have dedicated to studying. Just like when you lay in bed and fall asleep, when you sit at a desk you are more likely to be able to stay on track. Create a good playlist of study music to help improve focus. Music like classical music have proven to be helpful in aiding focus and retaining information. According to sciencedirect.com, “music — classical music, specifically — can help your brain absorb and interpret new information more easily.” Not everyone’s the same, however, so if you find classical music does not help, any music will do!

Studying for finals seems so complicated, but in reality, you can make it less so. There are plenty of great study methods and if you don’t procrastinate, you get good sleep, and you ask for help when you need it, you’ll be just fine.

Stop putting it off! The sooner you start studying the better. Your future self will thank you and you can rest your head knowing that you’re prepared.

Lulu Lopez

Mrs. Linda Ashcraft has been working at Highland Academy for the last 10 years. She’s worked hard in finance, selflessly helping students with a smile on her face.Sadly, she is retiring after being such a part of Highland.

Why is Mrs. Ashcraft retiring?

Ashcraft says she is tired of working. She said, “I’ve been working for over 40 years, and I’m just tired of working. My mother is also 90 years old and she lives right next door, so I need to spend some more time with her.”

Ashcraft deserves this retirement as she has worked really hard taking care of students and parents and staff over the years. It’s time for her to take care of herself and spend time with loved ones.

Favorite part of the job?

Ashcraft said, “I do enjoy a lot of parts of my work. Sometimes stresses and phones and all I don’t like but I like working with money and sheets.’’ Working with money takes a lot of intelligence and you have to be really trustworthy and a credible person. Not everyone can do that, so thank you Mrs. Ashcraft!

MEET LINDA ASHCRAFT

How did Mrs. Ashcraft and Mr. Ashcraft get together?

They both went to Southern Adventist University, known as Southern College at the time. She said, “we had a friend in common and he had asked me out during the summer for one sabbath morning to go up this mountain behind the school and have breakfast. He ended up bringing several friends with him. It rained and it was a miserable time, but Mr. Ashcraft was one of the guys he brought with him.” That’s how she said they met and how they

first started talking. She said after that terrible experience at the mountain, they left to go to their mutual friend’s house for lunch that day and they hit it off. They have been talking ever since then. “We went on a few dates after that.

How did he ask you out?

Ashcraft shared, “The first time he called, he called to ask me out and he sounded like ‘’you don’t really want to go out with me do you?”

He didn’t say that specifically, but that’s what he sounded like. A fun fact about this story is that Mr.

Highlight

Ashcraft was doing his student teaching and Mrs. Ashcraft was still in school. She went to a girl’s club retreat in Cades Cove and they met up one of those days. That’s when they officially started dating.That happened about a year after they had met. She remembered fondly, “He drove all the way to me.” Mr. Ashcraft is quite romantic.

What song takes you back to highschool?

The song “ Side by Side,” she said, because after vespers, everyone would go around the flagpole and sing “Side by Side” and most of the time it was just so kids could hold hands with their boyfriend or girlfriends. She said, “I always took advantage of that time to run over to the dorm and take a warm shower before everyone came in and used all the warm water.” Most students to this day rush to the dorm to get their warm shower on that day. Some things never really go away!

Advice for seniors

Ashcraft recommends that you go into something that will get you a lot of money. Being in debt is not fun and living paycheck to paycheck isn’t either. Having money gives security and it’s important to be cautious when picking a career because in this economy, everything has a price.

Would your younger self be proud of who you are now?

Ashcraft says she thinks she would be. She explained,“I keep thinking about being young again and starting over or starting out. I’m just so glad I am where I am. I am ready to retire and just spend time with loved ones and enjoy myself.”

Ashcraft will leave her mark here at Highland Academy. Her presence and love for this school will be missed around campus. It can be sad to say goodbye, but we are all happy that Mrs. Linda Ashcraft is taking time for herself and we hope she enjoys retirement as much as we have all enjoyed her.

FACE TO FACE WITH A ROSE

Deep inside of me

There's always a little pain

Always something that hurts

That slowly tears away

-tears away from my smile

The little things that bring me joy

Casting a shadow on all my roses

Creating dry, cold soil

My heart wants to grow

And reach out so far

But all the pain deep inside

Buries and crushes my fragile heart

-the sharp pain of loss

Losing something so dear

Or the loss of something you never had

So far but yet so near

That it breaks your heart every time

It approaches you face to face

Throwing you back into the darkness

The cold from which you came

-the pain of being forgotten

Or never even being known

Looking around a full garden

But always feeling alone

And so tired of trying

To get to the one things you really truly want

-being excepted, feeling wanted

And sincerely being loved

-the pain of confusion

Always questioning why

The one word the is so empty

It can't even be filled with the tears i cry

As i ask this question

To anyone or anything that will listen

The walls that surround me

And even the garden

I question every rose

And wonder if God hears me

If all the pain I feel

Is worth every breath i breath

Because the pain is so deep

Like the roots of the rose

But it blooms and flowers

And with its roots it grows

So im face to face with rase

And a broken heart in my chest

Trying to pick up all its petals

That the latest storm has left

And i keep asking why

Why it's hard to go through this pain

If God knows its fragile

Why put His hand over the rain

Roses need rain

Just as they need their roots to grow

God has out his hand over me

Because he knows i can't do this alone

Just as the rose

So will i grow tall

With the rain the storms

And every pedal that falls

I am a rose

Face to face with myself

In a garden surrounded by others

Simply trying to figure things out

I'm not there yet

But growing take time

So ill face the storms knowing God is on my side

Cassi Demaree

MOTHER’S DAY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

Magdalen Carlson

Mother’s Day began as a movement to better the lives of Americans. It is a holiday that exists to celebrate mothers. In the United States, Mother’s Day 2024 falls on Sunday, May 12. The creation of a National Mother’s Day is primarily attributed to three women: Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann’s daughter, Anna M. Jarvis. Its forgotten origins come from two activists who worked toward better health, welfare, and peace. Mothers have always, throughout many generations, protected and provided for their kids.

Ann helped start “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to care for their children properly. These clubs later became a unifying force in a part of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868, Ann organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” where mothers gathered with soldiers to help them regain reconciliation.

Ann noted that “Mother’s” should “be a singular possessive, for each family to honor their mother, not a plural possessive commemorating all mothers in the world.” Although it is celebrated on different days in different nations, Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide.

Mothers’ love for their children is the definition of true love. No matter if they are someone’s biological or adopted mother, they want to do their best for the sake of their children. A defining aspect of a mother’s love is her willingness to sacrifice her comfort, needs, and desires for the well-being of her children. A mother’s selflessness knows no bounds, from sleepless nights during infancy to putting dreams on hold to provide support.

Through the years and the ups and downs of life, a mother’s love never wavers. “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind of precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness and cause peace to return to our hearts,” said American author Washington Irving.

Moms are superheroes to some and a safe space for others. They’re with you through thick and thin, encouraging you to keep going. Sometimes, they may get frustrated with you or disappointed, but that will never take their love away. They push you when they know you can endure it. They know struggles will make you stronger because they survived, too. Never question their reasoning; they only want you to be safe.

Even though they are superheroes, moms are people, too. They struggle sometimes or do not say the right things, but they push through for their children, which is why they deserve their children’s respect and obedience. Elkie Tidwell, freshman, said,

“I love my mom because of how much she’s willing to sacrifice for her kids, and she shows us an insane amount of care everyday.”

Mother’s Day celebrates the Mom, Ma, Mama, and Mommys of the world. During their special day, moms are usually treated to a spa day, a movie, a dance class or simply just a day to be with her babies. People are honoring their mothers because these women are so important to the nurturing and sustaining of young lives and deserve to be honored. So, on May 12, 2024, take your mom to dinner or take her to see or do her favorite thing. Even if it is a small act, she will greatly appreciate it. Even if you live in a different state, call her! She most likely misses you but doesn’t want to bother you.

EXECUTIONS IN KENTUCKY

According to The Associated Press, Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd, whose order blocked Kentucky’s lethal injections in 2010, wrote in a ruling on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, that he would hold off on deciding on the ban, saying there have been changes to lethal injection regulations since then. He said there may also be constitutional questions about the new rules that have to be settled.

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, a Republican who took office in January, has called on Shepherd to reverse his injunction arguing that the families of victims “have suffered in limbo for long enough.” They deserve the justice that was lawfully delivered by a jury,” Coleman said to The San Diego UnionTribunein in a media release.

They go on to say that Coleman’s office argued in a hearing in Shepherd’s court the

week prior that recent changes made by the state to capital punishment regulations bring them into compliance with the concerns raised by the 2010 injunction. The new regulation updates the methods by which inmates are found ineligible for execution due to intellectual disabilities.

A motion filed by Coleman’s office in March, 2024 said other concerns raised in the injunction, including the drugs used in lethal injection, were previously resolved.

“There is no longer any basis for the injunction, and the court should lift it,” Coleman’s motion said.

According to WHAS 11, Shepherd noted in the ruling Wednesday that the plaintiff who initially sought the injunction, inmate Gregory Wilson, had his death sentence commuted by former Gov. Matt Bevin in 2019. The judge wrote that there were questions about Wilson’s

mental disabilities along with “unresolved issues concerning the lethal injection protocols.”

The ongoing legal saga surrounding Kentucky’s lethal injection protocols reflects the complex intersection of legal, ethical, and constitutional considerations in the realm of capital punishment. Judge Phillip Shepherd’s recent ruling to hold off on deciding the fate of the injunction, citing changes to the regulations and potential constitutional questions, underscores the need for thorough examination and deliberation. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman’s call to lift the injunction emphasizes the desire for closure and justice for victims’ families while also highlighting the state’s efforts to address previous concerns regarding execution protocols. Nevertheless, the case’s complexities persist with lingering questions regarding inmate Gregory Wilson’s mental disabilities and unresolved issues surrounding lethal injection procedures. Ultimately, the resolution of this matter will not only impact Kentucky’s approach to capital punishment, but also reflect broader debates surrounding the administration of justice in the United States.

Kyle Dudgeon

Magdalen Carlson

MARRIAGE AND DATING RATES

Throughout the last few years, the COVID pandemic has affected many people’s mental state negatively. Those who went through their teen years while stuck at home from quarantine have different values compared to older generations affecting how this world’s future is changed. This is how experts explain Generation Z’s rising marriage rates, creating solid marriages, and decreasing divorce rates.

In the past few years, U.S. marriage rates have slowly risen to pre-pandemic levels and have continued to rise. Throughout the COVID pandemic, marriage rates decreased by about 12%. Not only have face-to-face connections been a cause since the virtual barrier was taken down, but this new generation of young adults has raised the number of marriages even higher since 2019. According to usatoday. com, “In 2022, the U.S. saw a total of 2,065,905 marriages, the first year since 2019 to surpass the 2 million mark. Likewise, the 6.2 per 1,000 population rate is the highest since 2018, when it was 6.5 with 2,132,853 marriages.”

Gen Z is currently the second-youngest generation, with millennials before and Generation Alpha after. The first Gen Zers were born when the internet had just achieved widespread use. They are called “digital natives”—the first generation to grow up with the internet as a part of daily life. The generation spans a wide range: the oldest Gen Zers have jobs and mortgages, while the youngest are still preteens. The youngest of Generation Z was born in 2012, and the oldest in 1997.

According to the New York Post, Tinder’s global expert in relationship insights, Paul C. Brunson, believes that Gen Z’s focus on mental health and boundary setting will lay the foundation for them to have “the most successful marriages yet.” Gen Z’s focus on mental health has contributed significantly to marriage quality. “Couples who learn healthy behaviors and then embody that in their relationships typically have a higher satisfaction relationship. So, that’s kind of the premise that I used,” he said.

Brunson then compared this

to the behaviors displayed by Gen Z, branding them the “healthiest dating generation ever,” pointing to their focus on self-improvement, communication, boundary setting, therapy, and mental health. Never has any generation been so focused on mental health and what is best for them.

For older generations, dating is considered a casual, get-to-

know-you experience, but it has a different meaning for the newest generations. More than half of Millennials surveyed agreed that dating is healthier for 18 to 25-year-olds today than when they were the same age.

Generation Z has created the popularity of having quality in marriage over earlier marriages. For the past 50 years, marriage rates have plummeted by roughly 60 percent, according to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research. However, recently, the rates have started going back up. This recent generation has been rejecting social norms from the past. All of this creates a healthier dating environment for younger people. In earlier decades, parents raised children with the expectation of finding a spouse and rearing a family. Today,

however, cultural and intellectual influencers teach youth to place career aspirations and so-called self-discovery above all else. Putting ones own needs above others’ needs can help show oneself a better perspective giving the person ability to choose wisely, taking the time needed to develop communication skills and other important aspects of relationship building.

According to India Times, as Generation Z makes more valuesdriven dating decisions, they emphasize putting themselves first, setting boundaries, and expressing their true selves. So, to Gen Z, it is no surprise that not being honest and transparent about dating intentions is the most crucial dating red flag. Knowing red flags makes discerning between fake and loyal relationships much more straightforward, making people more confident in their relationships.

Ever since marriage rates have started going back up, there has been an increase in Christian beliefs and the values that Christians hold close to their heart regarding relationships. This happened because Gen Z’s newfound values matched many Christian beliefs.

Marriage rates are rising, stronger marriages are being created, and divorce rates are going down almost all because of Gen Z. From all of the milestones Gen Z has been through, their goals and values were strongly affected, marriages included. Their focus is mainly on mental health and personal well-being. These goals cause people to work on themselves before marriage so that they can be their best selves for their spouse. If Gen Z could claim a scripture that is their motto for relationships, it could be, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024!

The Highlander Staff

Editor-in-chief

Magdalen Carlson

Designer and Art Director

Isabelle Laneville

Hosler

Shiloh Bushey Photographers Ana Anderson Kyle Dudgeon Naomi Houston

Sabrina Mann

Stephanie Rufo

Shara Juanita Cabrales

Sponsors

Melissa Weisner

Stephanie Rufo