November 16, 2023 Issue

The Highlander

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THE HIGHLANDER • November 15, 2023

November 16 . 2023 - Vol. 1. Issue 8

GUY’S CLUB

CAMPUS LIFE

Trampoline park outing Pg.7

Barn banquet Pg.2

MENTAL HEALTH

How to deal with peer pressure Pg.3

LIFE IN OTHER COUNTRIES Maggie Carlson

Highland Academy has many dorm students, with some from other countries.

Living in a different country as an international student can be difficult because it is difficult to see their parents, and traveling is more problematic. The culture in each country is also very different.

Various Highland students come from China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, and Columbia.

Siblings Youjin and Seojin Kong have lived in Tokyo, Japan, their entire lives. While living there, they would go to school by train at 8 a.m. and return home at 3 p.m. after hanging out with friends. The three main foods they eat in Japan are sushi, ramen, and udon noodles in Dashi. Japan is known for both the sports of karate and sumo wrestling. Karate is a form of combat to protect oneself using feet and hands to both deliver and defend from high and low hits. Sumo Wrestling is a competitive, fullcontact competition that is won by pushing the opponent out of the ring or making them touch the ground with any body part other than their feet.

In discussing cultural differences, “just as people say hello in America, people in Japan bow to anyone unless they are their friends or younger than them,” said Youjin.

Formal clothing such as kimonos are only worn at weddings, funerals, and university graduation ceremonies.

The most significant difference between America’s and Japan’s

Photos by: Google photos

culture is the “tip culture, ladies first, and how they express their opinions.”

Youjin continued.

a sweet-spicy bibimbap sauce. The game Yut Nori, or Yut, is popular in Korean culture and is usually played on holidays. Yut are Sarang Kim and the sticks in the game used Zion Kwon both live in as dice to determine how South Korea when not far a token can advance at Highland Academy. on the board. The game’s In Korea, on October goal is for a player to get 15, Korea celebrates one of their tokens back its Liberation Day, to the beginning before Gwangbokjeol, by the other player. It is covering every door widely played across Korea with a Korean flag. and is quite competitive.

Another celebrated holiday is called Chuseok, Kwon also said one of their traditional dances is also known as Korean called Ganggangsullae, Thanksgiving. They celebrate by making rice performed by women cakes called songpyeon, through singing, dancing, and playing instruments. It visiting their family, and is a dance of holding hands sharing what they are and going around in a thankful for. The most circle in many complicated common food Koreans combinations. Kim said, eat is kimchi, which is fermented cabbage and “During holidays, it radishes. “It is very special is not required, but we are expected because we make our own kimchi in our house,” to wear a hanbok.

A hanbok is a big said Kim. “We have dress with flowers bibimbap, which has on the skirt. And lettuce and cucumbers, if we bow to our and mix it with a spicy grandparents, they sauce and is all mixed will give us money.” in with rice,” said Kwon.

Bibimbap is a rice dish Rachel Liu, a senior, topped with seasoned, lives 7,380 miles away in sautéed vegetables and China. Liu talked about marinated meat with

how “we have the biggest festival called Chinese spring festival. Everyone goes back to their home and spends time with their family. Different family members will gather together and celebrate: maybe just making some food together or just spending some time.

Because many people are working in different cities, this is the biggest and most important festival for them to go back home with their families.” It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. The foods commonly eaten in China are dumplings, hot pot, chow mein, rice, and noodles. These foods are found all around the world but originated in China. “There is a show called Shenyun, which shows how amazing Chinese culture is,” said Liu. It combines classical dance, folk dance, and story-based dance, accompanied by an orchestra and solo performers.

Continued on page 4.

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Campus Life

HIGHLAND ACADEMY’S BARN BANQUET Maggie Carlson

The western-themed Informal Banquet, on October 29, was at Bottom View Farms. Every year, Highland Academy students look forward to both the informal and formal banquets as the school year progresses. For over a month, there have been many girls asking guys to the banquet as this was the girls ask guys event. Campus was alive with students trying to find an outfit and much pondering on what the activities would be while SA worked tirelessly to prepare.

Many of the banquet asks were just simple questions of “Will you go to the banquet with me?” There were still a few that made plans for a “big ask,” however. Clara Reading’s “big ask” was at class-on-class dodgeball.

In the gym during the event, Principal Chadd Watkins started making announcements but was abruptly interrupted by the “Friends” theme song, “I’ll Be There for You,” blasting from the speakers throughout the gymnasium. Everyone appeared confused by what was happening.

Reading walked up from the back of the gym with a gift bag in hand.

Taking the microphone from Watkins, the music suddenly stopped, and Reading asked, “Hey Lincoln, would you be my friend-date to the banquet?” Lincoln Shoemaker slowly walked out from the group of seniors and, speaking into the microphone, answered, “Yes.” They both walked back to their seats as the student body cheered.

At an intramural softball game, Lily Gustafson stood by the opening to the field with a sign and a softball. Levi Hallam made it to home plate, walked out, and read the sign that said, “I might strike out asking, but will you be my catch to…” Once he read the sign, Gustafson handed him the softball that said, “Banquet?” And he answered with a yes.

Martina Ruba asked Isaias Serrano to the banquet by giving him a box of

Photos by: Stephanie Rufo

donuts. On the inside of the box, it read, “Donut say no,” and one of the donuts asked, “Banquet?”

In the gazebo on front campus, Lulu Lopez had a basket full of treats with a sign that said, “Stop horsing around and come with me to banquet.” She gave the basket to Jovan Fritz and also got a “Yes.” The long-awaited day came.

Some gifts were given, and pictures were taken as everyone piled into the vehicles making their way to Bottom View Farms, a few miles from the school. All of the various activities kept people’s attention the entire time. For instance, immediately upon arrival,, many boys and some girls jumped onto little tractor tricycles and entertained each other by running into each others’ tractors or racing around the miniature track. Right next to the race track was a huge jumping pillow, like a trampoline built into the ground.

Aiden Naumann was the first to get on and ended up slipping and sliding everywhere because it was wet from the recent rain. One of the most popular attractions at the farm was the merry-go-round that was immediately spinning when the students got out of the vans.

The main barn building was decorated from top to bottom with string lights, bouquets, plaid runners on the tables, a stage at the front with mics for anyone who wanted to sing, and some hay bales to fit the theme. Lulu Lopez and Aurora Gomez sang “Love Story” by Taylor Swift with Pastor Will. Emmaline Litchfield, Clara Reading, and Rosie Fernandez also sang a song by Taylor Swift called “Our Song.”

While everyone ate burgers and hotdogs, Pastor Will entertained the group by singing songs like “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw, “Kaw-Liga”

by Hank Williams, and “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)”

by John Michael Montgomery. He was accompanied by Brandon Patton who played the harmonica and Chad Carney who played guitar and sang.

There was a soft chatter over the music while some people took pictures and chatted over their meal. Back outside, some students played basketball. Carson Watkins said,

“The pickup basketball game was an absolute doozy wearing country clothes.”

There was a corn bin converted into a ball pit and a couple of slides that students constantly flew down. Elijah Labrenz said, “I think the slide was fun.” The best place to take funny pictures was the small “town.” There was an old post office, a barbershop, a jail, and a saloon. Between the post office and jail was a pillory, which is two boards put together and a hole for both arms and a head. Many people took photos while sticking their heads through it. Next to the jumping pillow was a miniature railroad that ran underground into a small mound. Whoever went in had to bend over so far that if they even twisted their head in the slightest way, they would hit it on the ceiling. On the road leading into the farm, there were cows that a few people visited while everyone else was hanging out and exploring.

Everyone had a lot of fun running around, taking pictures in the fun locations, talking, and taking advantage of the amenities. Pastor Will was still singing by sundown and time to go. Zariah Hamilton said, “I had a blast. The music was lively, and the food was great.” Nadia Bibulovic said, “I had a lot of fun going around with Josh.” Everyone had fun at this year’s banquet. It felt very relaxed, and it was easy just to sit around enjoying the atmosphere and the company of friends. The Western theme was perfect for this year, and we look forward to next year’s informal banquet.

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THE HIGHLANDER • November 15, 2023

Mental Health Shiloh Bushey

DEALING WITH PEER PRESSURE

Dealing with peer pressure can be challenging. It’s important that we learn not to give in to peer pressure in order to make choices that align with our beliefs and values still maintaining our individuality. From childhood to adulthood, the influence of others plays a significant role in how we shape our choices and how we behave. Oxford Languages defines peer pressure as “influence from members of one’s peer group.” So, by learning to say no, developing selfconfidence, and effectively setting boundaries, you can easily deal with peer pressure.

Saying “no” may be challenging, but by learning how to communicate how you feel, you can properly and effectively decline.

Stay calm. Remaining calm helps you keep control of your emotions and you be able to communicate effectively without room for misinterpretation. It also prevents a tone of judgment. Body language is important, too. By standing straight, avoiding pockets, making eye contact, and keeping your chin up, you show that your opinion is not going to be changed

Photo by: Google photos

and the person will be less likely to try to change your mind. Most importantly, don't be too wordy. Be direct and firm, but not mean. Make sure that it is clear what you are trying to say by not using too many words. This leaves less room for argument.

Keep it simple so no one gets lost and the person knows exactly what you do and don't want. Some examples of an assertive response would be; "No, thank you. That's not something I'm interested in doing" or "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not comfortable with that."

Being confident in yourself helps you be confident in what you say. You can be self-confident by focusing on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. No matter how big or small, focusing on your strengths helps build a positive self-image. Practicing self-compassion and having empathy for yourself provides room for growth when you

acknowledge your mistakes rather than dwelling on them. Some more ways to practice self-compassion include; comforting your body, writing a love letter to yourself, and being aware of your thoughts. Comforting your body may look like taking a nap. It’s a mindbody connection, if your body is relaxed, soon enough your brain will slow down so you can sort out your thoughts. Pay attention to those moments when you start talking to yourself negatively and challenge those thoughts. Do not take on failures or other negative situations as your identity.

It’s not that you are a failure, for instance, it is that you failed at this task. This gives you opportunity to learn from the mistake and move beyond the one situation.

Ask yourself: “Is this thought true? Do I have some event in my life happening that may cause these thoughts?”

Do they define me? Remember, developing self-confidence takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself throughout the process and celebrate your progress along the way.

Setting boundaries is also crucial for dealing with peer pressure. In order to set wellestablished boundaries, you must first know what you want and don’t want in your life.. Know your values before you put them out in a weak boundary. You may change your mind or it may be easy to overstep because it isn't clear.

Define for yourself what is important to you before anyone else can. Once you know your needs, identify what specific boundaries you want to set to maintain those values, such as boundaries in; relationships, work, and personal space. Then you can properly communicate what boundaries you have chosen to set. Be assertive and specific letting those you set the boundaries with know what is acceptable and what is unexpectable. Using nonverbal cues communicates better than words sometimes.

So, if words are hard to find, you can use body language like softly pushing someone off of you or stepping away from the situation altogether. Sometimes body language isn't enough, so, use words even if it's just, “I need some space.” Make sure to communicate respectfully.

Highland Highlight Melissa Weisner

Students around the country took their ACT on October 28 and 29, 2023. Although many colleges no longer require ACT or PSAT for admissions, most still review ACT and PSAT scores to calculate scholarships along with cumulative grade point averages. As scores started coming in at Highland Academy, students could be found in the halls discussing their scores with parents or waiting anxiously for their scores to show up in their emails. Campus was all abuzz as students compared their scores to previous test scores or to each other’s results.

Previous generations did not focus as much on preparing for the ACT or PSAT. When speaking to some of the staff on campus, Stephanie Rufo said,

“I never took the PSAT. It wasn’t offered.

The ACT I only took once as a senior.”

When asked about the preparation for the ACT,

SCORES ARE IN! she said no one emphasized the importance of the test for college admissions or scholarships. Rufo also said, “It was treated more like a right of passage.” Other staff members tell similar stories of knowing little, if anything, about the tests saying all they knew was that they were another set of standardized tests with no real emphasis on their importance.

Today, that looks very different. When searching for a good school, for instance, parents often want to see the average ACT scores from the previous year or several years. Some schools even call themselves ACT Prep schools. It is a very different culture, now, regarding ACT and PSAT testing. Students purchase ACT/PSAT study guides or ACT/PSAT programs to prepare them for testing.

Others hire tutors to prepare their students. Parents and students alike stress over scores and work overtime to increase scores even by 1 or 2 points.

A lot of money is spent on preparing students for these tests. Some may ask why since they are no longer reviewed for admissions purposes by many

colleges. The answer is in the scholarship dollars attached to higher scores. On average, a student with a cumulative score of 21-23 will begin to receive scholarship offers from the schools of their choice. Often this is the beginning of the scholarship threshold with a score of 33-36 being the top tier of scholarship offers. Colleges who consider ACT/PSAT scores for scholarships will often provide free tuition to those rare students who can attain a 33-36.

Another recent development in college admissions involves what is called the “super score.”

Some schools choose to look at the best score from each category of the test rather than the best cumulative test. For example, ACT tests over 4 subject areas: English, Reading, Math, and Science.

Each individual area of study contributes to the cumulative score. A student may take the test one time and receive a cumulative score of 23 with an English score of 17, a Reading score of 19, a math score of 27 and a science score of 24. That same student may attain similar or even worse results on the next ACT with the exception

of a 29 score on Reading. If that is the case, their “super score” could be 24, taking the best of each test to create a new cumulative.

Some colleges will offer the next tier of scholarships for the super score.

Students must find out from their schools of interest if super scoring is accepted for scholarships as each institution operates differently.

Students across the country work to increase their scores throughout the year hoping to increase scholarship money toward their college tuition.

Some students may only be able to afford college without the help of such scholarships. They work tirelessly to avoid taking out student loans whenever possible. If studying for one of these tests offers the ability to avoid debt, it is something many take seriously. Highland Academy will be offering 2 more opportunities to take the ACT on campus. The first is December 10, 2023, and the second is February 11, 2024. After that, the Juniors will have an opportunity on April 23, 2024 as part of their curriculum.

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Life in other countries cont.

In Chinese culture, the biggest difference from America, according to Liu is “I feel Americans are always energetic and open, but this is kind of different with Chinese culture or even toward the entire Asian culture.

We are usually shy or introverted, but there are exceptions.” Liu is proud of her culture because “Chinese is one of the most complex languages in the world. We have one of the longest and most diverse cultures or history, which means a lot of old buildings and museums to visit.” She said, “I love the place I grew up in, because without all my experience and life over there I wouldn’t have become the person like me right now. I appreciate my parents and every awesome person

there because they taught me how to be the person I want to be from the deep of my heart.”

Life in other countries is very different than in America. The cultures are all distinct and unique. No matter which country someone visits, there will always be extraordinary people and places to meet and learn about. Traveling is an excellent way for someone to learn about themselves and learn what they want in life. But also, living in other countries is a great experience.

These are just some of the cultures students have brought to the Highland Academy campus.

Photos by: Worldatlas.com

Creative Corner

ENTER A POETRY CONTEST! Casi Demaree

Poetry Contest Poetry Contest Guidelines:

There is no specific theme, You can write any kind of poem except for blackout poetry. Some of these include lyrical, free verse, haiku, sonnet, concrete poetry, etc..

Poem is nicely populated with strong, authentic, distinctive language; creativity, and vivid details and imagery.

Poem is edited correctly and uses correct punctuation to emphasize the Desired tone, intensity, and indicate pauses.

Poems should strongly reflect the poet’s intended style chosen Submissions must be turned into Mrs. Weisner or emailed to mweisner@highlandacademy.com By December 11.

Contest winners will be announced in the January issue.

Contest winners will receive a trip to Frist in Nashville and a meal with other contest winners

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THE HIGHLANDER • November 15, 2023

ANIMALS

A SPOTLESS GIRAFFE HAS BEEN BORN! Lulu Lopez

There was a unique spotless giraffe seen at the Brights Zoo, in Limestone Tennessee.

This beautiful spotless, 6- foot baby giraffe was born on July 31, of 2023.

She is a reticulated giraffe which is one of the four different species of giraffe. It was believed that she might be the “only solid-colored giraffe living on this planet,” until shortly after this giraffe was found, another one was also found in Namibia, Africa. This is truly a surprise for the Brights zoo, and for the rest of the world.

Because the giraffe in Nashville is one of a kind, the giraffe was gaining so much attention the zoo decided to ask the public for names. After weeks of submission they decided on Kipkee Firali Shakiri Jamella.

Kipekee means unique in swahili, Firali means unusual or extraordinary, Shakiri meaning she is most beautiful and jamella which means “great beauty”. Kipekee is a reticulated giraffe which basically means she has brown spots broken up by veins of cream off-white, according to studies at Denver Zoo. The brown spots are meant to be used as camouflage in the savannahs of northern Kenya. Those spots are actually said to be a, “sophisticated system of blood vessels’’.

This was said by the giraffe conservation foundation, which is a non profit organization that helps giraffes in the wild of Africa be grown and sustained. Shortly after Kipekee, the first spotless giraffe in the U.S was found, there was another giraffe ‘spotted’ in the wild in Namibia.

She is an Angolan giraffe, which makes up about half of Africa’s giraffe population, and is found in central Botswana. This giraffe was photographed on a private game reserve in Mount Etjo Safari Lodge in central Namibia.

“Before the discovery of the Namibian spotless Angolan giraffe, there were only two records of such [a] brown giraffe, both in zoos in Japan in 1972 and most recently in the USA,” the news release says. Which means that officially only 4 spotless giraffes have

Photo by: Kaleena Fraga

been spotted ever.

There’s not as much information about the second giraffe found, unlike Kipekee, she still has no name, but there are a lot of questions as to how this can even happen. During an interview, Dr. Julian Fennessy, GCF’s Cofounder and Director of Conservation. said that, “The lack of spots could be caused by genetic mutations or recessive genotypes in one or more genes related to the pattern, but without detailed genetic analysis, these are mere speculations.

GCF together with our partner, the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, has done the most detailed research on giraffe genetics in the wild, but it would be difficult to comment on the specifics of these two giraffes.”

There isn’t a set reason to why this happens, and given its rarity, specialists

still need years to study or critically endangered. this “phenomenon”. That’s Fennessy says why Stephanie Fennessy, that GCF’s Executive Director and Co-founder made “Giraffes are in a comment on CF’s trouble and if we Executive Director and don’t act now, Co-founder and she our grandchildren states that, “Maybe we might not be do not always need to have explanations for able to see any everything. Why don’t giraffes in the we simply marvel about wild when they the wonders of nature?! grow up. That And although this is great is what really news and many people worries me!” have been touched by this spotless giraffe, it But the good news is has not helped to draw attention to the real issue that it is not too late! If that giraffes are facing – a we act now, we can all stand tall for giraffes silent extinction.’’ There and secure a future for are only about 117,000 giraffes remaining in all of these gentle giants in the wild. Kipekee is still at Africa. That means that the Brights Zoo with her there is only ONE giraffe mom having the time of for every FOUR African her life, being taken care elephant remaining in of and studied to find out the wild. Giraffes have about her kind, and the already become extinct in at least SEVEN African angolan giraffe is out in countries. There are only Namibia’s wild but still 16,000 reticulated giraffes, being taken care of too.

These two gems of the which are kipekees, left in the world, according to wild are truly one of a kind and we hope to keep the giraffe conservation them around for longer. foundation. Also there is said to be 117,000 giraffes If you want to help keep their two baby giraffes across the four species, safe, there are always and 9 subspecies many ways to help donate. which are designated vulnerable, endangered

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Religion

COMFORT AND HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS Sheila Walsh

As I write to you, I glance over the top of my computer, and my eyes are immediately drawn to the 8-foot artificial Christmas tree in the corner of our den. It’s been up since Christmas 2020. It was a little embarrassing at first when friends came over in the middle of June and saw our tree, but I got over that because I love it.

Every morning, I get up and switch on the Christmas lights. The sight makes me smile!

I think part of the initial reason we left the tree up after Christmas 2020 was that life was so hard and colorless. With countless others, I found myself struggling with depression again as we felt the impact of a global pandemic.

Then I realized that somehow the tree’s sparkling lights speak of hope, reminding me of better days. But it is also much more than that. The tree reminds me daily of that moment that changed the world forever — the coming of our Savior, the moment when hope began in the middle of a lifeless world.

There is a lot of debate over the origin of the Christmas tree, but I love the account of Martin Luther. In her children’s book Luther’s Children Celebrate Christmas, Dorothy Haskins says that Martin Luther was walking through the woods near his house one night. Snow had fallen on the branches of the trees, and they sparkled in the moonlight. He was so taken by their quiet, brilliant beauty.

“The little trees

Photo by: google photos

stood there bravely, keeping green while everything else around them went dry and drab and lifeless.”

So Luther cut down a tree, carried it home and decorated it with candles.

According to Haskins, “He explained to his children that the tree is green in the winter like our faith in Christ. It stays fresh even in a time of trouble. Our faith in Christ stays green even in sorrow. His comfort remains even in the midst of despair.” If you think about it, the beginning of our story started with a tree.

When God placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, He told them they could eat freely from every tree except one. They were forbidden to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or they would die. When the serpent entered the garden, his first act was to make Adam and Eve question God: “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit …?” (Genesis 3:1b, NLT). His second act was to call God a liar: “You won’t die!” (Genesis 3:4, NLT). His third was to insinuate that God was holding out on them: “God knows that your eyes will be opened …” (Genesis 3:5, NLT).

When Adam and Eve listened to the serpent’s lies

and not only picked fruit from the forbidden tree but ate the fruit, the whole earth shuddered. Everything changed. Suddenly, Adam and Eve felt shame and hid from God. In His mercy, God clothed them in the skins of animals and sent them out of the garden (Genesis 3:6-21). If they had stayed, they could have eaten the fruit from the tree of life and lived forever … but forever broken. God loved them too much for that, and He loves you too much for that as well.

So just as our desolation came from a tree, so also our redemption came on a tree. Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, was willing to become a curse in the eyes of God and humanity to bridge the great divide between a holy God and sinners such as you and me.

It’s hard to take in the weight of that kind of love.

God describes Himself this way: “I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me” (Hosea 14:8). When I think of that image during the Christmas season, I’m reminded He hears our prayers and He is our constant provider.

If you feel anxious or afraid this season, remember that the evergreen mercy of God is with you. Just as those trees captivated Martin Luther’s heart and brought joy to his children by candlelight, you and I can remember as we gaze upon the trees this season that God is always with us.

Let’s share the light of His love with those around us.

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THE HIGHLANDER • November 15, 2023

Guy’s Club

BOY’S CLUB GOES TO THE TRAMPOLINE PARK Kyle Dudegon

November 5, 2023, was the Boy’s Club trip to Altitude Trampoline Park. This location is in Hermitage, Tennessee. The boys were excited for a chance to get off campus and hang out with their friends while having some much needed fun. The day was filled with fun and excitement.

The boys loaded up the bus at twelve o’clock to head over to the park. It was a long 45 minute drive to get there. When they arrived, they received instruction and headed over to some tables to sit and put on their socks. They then went to enjoy the two hours of fun they had been waiting for..The dodgeball seemed to be very popular for the first few minutes that they were there as most of the guys were there playing.

The excitement of the dodgeball died down as soon as they spotted the basketball.

A lot of them went over there, but some raced to the balance beam.

The guys started going across and knocking each other in. Bertin Shyaka, a junior, said,

“ I loved knocking people into the pit at the bridge.”

Even after people were knocked off the bridge, they would stay in the pit and push people’s legs until they fell, too.

When Lucus Mills, a freshman, was pushed, he hit his side on the bar. While Mills was in the pit laughing, people were yelling “man down.”

When someone went to retrieve him, they really just ended up dropping him further into the pit. People were laughing and yelling “Mayday Mayday,” as they drug Mills out of the pit.

As that was happening, people were on the other side

of the pit throwing each other in. Soon after, people started to migrate to other parts of the park to see what else the park had to offer. A couple of people headed to this game where you were supposed to jump and hit some buttons before they turned red. Lucus Mills was able to get a highscore of 101 points in the game.

people were just completely failing. Some people were also a little timid to go for it, thinking that they might embarrass themselves or hurt themselves trying.

Steve Rogers, gymnastics coach and guys’ dean, even joined in on the dunking fun.

He decided to go in and try to block Diomedes Surez, a senior, on the dunk. Suarez tried to deal saying, “If I A few of the guys spotted dunk on you, you have to a game that you jump over make me the new dean,” this rotating arm without which made everyone, being hit by it. It wasn’t including Rogers laugh out very fast but if you lost loud. He jokingly accepted your focus, you would get the terms then had Suarez smacked by it. Some people made his attempt at dunking would do dives over the on him. On Suarez’ first try arm, some would flip over it, he didn’t go all the way to and some would just plain the rim because he tripped, jump. It was a spectacle to but on his second try he behold whenever someone easily dunked on Rogers. didn’t make it over the slow Everyone started screaming moving arm. They would and Suarez started land awkwardly on the proclaiming loudly, arm and it would come to “Call me Dean a complete stop. At one Suarez!” point, the guys were just over and over as he walked sitting down in the middle back to the walkway. of the trampolines talking, Right after, everyone started while some were doing flips cheering for Khumbula around them. Others were Msibi, a senior, to dunk, jumping from platform to as he was the only person platform while using the that hadn’t dunked yet. trampolines in between to He said that he wouldn’t, assist them with avoiding but Jackson Roddy, also a the walls and obstacles . senior, yelled, “Come on, After resting, some of the even Kyle could do it. So guys decided to go back to then Msibi said that he the basketball hoops to do would do it if Kyle did it, some more dunking. While referring to Kyle Dudgeon, they were playing, a little a junior. So he got up and kid walked up to them and went for the dunk. When started to play with them. he hit it, everyone cheered The guys embraced the kid Finally, after some more and enjoyed including him. persuasion, Msibi decided At times, they started trying to go for the dunk two to dunk on each other, with minutes before leaving. varying success, and some

People started pulling out their phones to record his attempt. His first try proved to be a failure like most people’s first tries, but he grabbed the ball and tried again. This time he did it and everyone cheered before making their way back to the bus.

Once they Finally got back to the school, the deans ordered pizza for everyone. When the pizza finally arrived, people sprinted out of their rooms at full speed because of how hungry they were.

There were pizzas, sodas, and root beer floats for the boys to enjoy.

Sam Fernandez said “ I enjoyed having fun with my friends.” All the guys seemed to have had a great time together at the trampoline park. And they seemed to enjoy the bounty of food upon their return. It was a great day for everyone that they will not soon forget.

Photo By: Kyle Dudegon

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Activities

Aurora Gomez

Photos by: Google photos

The Highlander Staff Editor-in-chief Abi Hosler

Designer and Art Director Isabelle Laneville

Reporters

Maggie Carlson Abi Hosler LuLu Lopez Kyle Dudegon

Photographers Ana Anderson Kyle Dudegon Naomi Housten Sabrina Mann

Sponsors

Melissa Weisner Stephanie Rufo

Activities

Aurora Gomez Casi Demaree

Social Media

Stephanie Rufo Shara Juanita Cabrales