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The Highlander

By: Miguel Bittencourt

RING FEST

The Highland Academy Handbell Choir has been working and preparing for the Festival since the start of the year, culminating in the actual performance It took considerable effort because it involved very advanced, technical, demanding pieces Our solo piece, “Dorian Dance,” a challenging and intricate composition, was prepared for combination with Fletcher Academy Haraldo Alvarez, Highland Academy’s music director, would love to conduct “Carillon” by Dean Wagner, who happened to be one of the clinicians this year, at Ring Fest one day “Seeing the students playing with other academies, and being one of the newest programs, we are still playing at the same level as all of those groups,” said Alvarez

Ringfest

This year’s Ring Fest seemed different from last year’s, so I decided to ask some students what made this year’s festival different from previous years Corinthia Lopez says, “The songs were better last year, but the food was good, and we had a better spot to play.” “Well, it seemed that there were a lot fewer ringers, but maybe that is just an optical illusion The main one I would use is that our group this year was way more prepared and experienced, so we played better than last year,” said Seth Gagatam I also wanted to hear from some students who attended Ring Fest for the first time this year Sophia Joy says, “I thought it was gonna be long days of practice and severe soreness, but I had lots of fun and I learned a lot more than I thought I would” “I thought it was going to be all day long, almost no breaks and much soreness Well, some of it was true, but I had so much fun, I learned a lot, like techniques, how to play better and have a good posture when playing” Ring Fest, which first began in 2000 in Toledo, Ohio, has grown in size over the years. As time passed, schools have returned year after year, culminating in the Festival’s 25th anniversary this year

Editor In-Chief

Magdalen Carlson

Reporters

Helena Cortelli

Eliayna Burnett

Reuel Jabali

Evan Parris

Danielle Caldwell

Cartoon Art Design

Joash Alvarez

Design & Art Director

Tristan Naumann

Photographer

Malachi Armantrout

Miguel Bittencourt

The Highlander

THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

By: Reuel Jabali

On October 1, 2025, the United States government plunged into a shutdown as Republicans and Democrats in Congress disagreed on funding bills According to the BBC, “Although budget confrontations are common in US politics, this one is agitated because President Donald Trump began drastically reducing the size of the national government as soon as he returned to office in January, and has threatened to use the current impasse to make further cuts.”

This shutdown has resulted in a damaging 43-day halt to government operations, which as of November 12, is a new record The fallout is evident: hundreds of thousands of federal workers are on furlough, and many others, including military personnel, are forced to work without pay The widespread consequences of this political impasse are significantly impacting the nation, from the closure of national parks and Smithsonian museums to delays in federal loan processing and other services Meanwhile, lawmakers struggle to find common ground on critical spending issues Even some of the Highland Academy students’ own parents are affected by the shutdown Government shutdowns are not only costly; their repercussions can last for years The Congressional sdfgsdf

Debate on the funding bills

public health and safety. While essential services, such as emergency medical care and law enforcement, remain operational, the risk of disruptions to other critical services, including food inspection and air traffic control, is imminent.

The government shutdown highlights the political divisions that plague D.C. and the rest of America. Beyond the numbers and statistics, it affects the daily lives of most Americans who depend on federal support and stability Both parties remained at a standstill until November 12 causing the economic toll on the nation that grew heavier each day Ultimately, this shutdown serves as a reminder of how political conflict can ripple far beyond just one state, disrupting the people’s lives and threatening the nation’s long-term well-being

Budget Office reported that the 2018-2019 shutdown inflicted $11 billion in economic losses, with $3 billion that was never recovered. Current estimates suggest that if this year’s shutdown extends to two months, it could cost the economy approximately $14 billion

During a shutdown, federal agencies must cease all non-essential functions including those related to sdfgsdf

The government shutdown, a historic event, officially concluded on November 12, 2025, as reported by the Georgia Department of Labor This unprecedented shutdown, lasting over 43 days, was the longest in the nation’s history. The House of Representatives and President Trump, through the passage and signing of the bill, successfully brought this prolonged period to a close The impact of this shutdown was deeply felt by many workers, including air traffic controllers, asdfa

Photo from Google Images Continued

The Highlander

By: Eliayna Burnett

OVERTHINKING

Mental Health

total success or total failure is a sign of this type dfghd of overthinking Catastrophizing is making the situations worse than they are This type of overthinking is presented by worry over unrealistic, worst-case scenarios. Overgeneralization is placing expectations for the future on a single event from the past Signs of this habit are placing every outcome under “always” and “never ” Identifying the type, or combination of types you have is a great way to find coping mechanisms that work for you. asdfasdfasdfasdf

The Highlander

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

By: Danielle Caldwell

iang Tawi, preferably known as Thoy, is a freshman She comes to us from Bowling Green, KY, where she grew up as the middle child of two brothers In her spare time, she enjoys playing instruments, such as the guitar and piano. When not occupying herself with the musical arts, she also enjoys spending time with her friends and socializing She notes that Highland Academy provides her with a welcoming environment, and friendly people that make her feel as though she belongs. Yet, it still can’t quite compare to her home, with her own bed and family that she looks forward to seeing over home leave

ndy Briggman, a senior, is a former homeschool student, from Independence, KY He is the eldest of three siblings, and has one sister and one brother When he isn’t studying (which he also enjoys), he pursues the art of conlanging, which is the practice of creating languages from scratch He also appreciates other forms of art, such as drawing For Andy, the highlight of his Highland Academy experience is the friends that he has made. However, he still somewhat misses the convenience and ease of his homeschool life and wishes he was still able to do his schoolwork outside while laying in a hammock

ym Olvido is a junior from Memphis, TN She comes from a family of six, and is the third second youngest of her three siblings. Kym pursues a wide range of interests, including learning violin, fencing, reading, and drawing She misses being able to spend time with her family as well as her cats She also misses her ability to go out on weekends Despite these fallbacks of academy life, Kym finds that Highland provides her with close connections with her peers and plenty of opportunities to be involved in the school community She finds that the school provides her with a steady, Christ centered environment, aiding her in her spiritual stability and growth

steen Wafula, a freshman, hails from Lexington, KY He has two siblings, one of which is Reuel Wafula, a sophomore In his free time, Osteen enjoys artistic pursuits, particularly painting and sketching He is also fond of video games At Highland, he deeply appreciates the teachers, who he finds to be very understanding and pleasant to learn from He also appreciates his peers and the social environment that they provide. When it comes to his home, Osteen primarily misses his bed and his own space

THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

who continued to work without pay but are now guaranteed to receive “back pay” under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act

Moreover, a proposal has been made to offer bonuses to employees who did not take time off during the shutdown President Trump has suggested a $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers However, they are not entitled “to extra financial compensation”, according to the Government Executive publication, “Agencies may award performance bonuses during a shutdown, but these payments will only be issued once funding is restored” This means that while the proposal for bonuses is on the table, the actual issuance ofthese bonuses is contingent on the restoration of funding

However, the authority to issue such bonuses must be distinct from any legislation specific to shutdowns With the government shutdown coming to an end and agencies calling their furloughed employees back, the Country is slowly recovering from the losses that occurred during the 43-day shutdown

The Highlander DRAMA

By: Eliayna Burnett

One of the many extracurricular activities here at Highland Academy is its drama department Run by Mrs Melissa Weisner and Ms Marklynn Bazzy, the class provides an ideal setting for individuals with aspirations in acting, costume design, directing and other related fields. Recently, the drama department showcased its first performance of the year: “Everyone’s a Critic,” a dinner theatre set in a French restaurant right before a food critic dines. The show took place Saturday night on October 25 in the cafeteria with the audience playing the role of dinner guests and sloothes The performers discovered sabotage at their restaurant, pointing fingers as the audience voted on the suspect None of it would have been possible without the hard work that went on behind the scenes

Months prior, Weisner posted the casting list for the acting roles As the actors worked on memorizing lines, perfecting their facial expressions and polishing their accents, the production crew spent their time ensuring the entire performance ran smoothly

The performance was unique from the other plays the drama department had performed previously It was a very interactive experience; the stage was situated in the middle of the audience, and each guest played the role of a client at the play’s restaurant. The audience also played a crucial role in determining the performance’s outcome Each potential saboteur had a different ending, with multiple actors learning parts that might never be performed. Despite this, every single one gave their all, main characters and optional ones alike

The production crew trained on serving etiquette months in advance Wardrobe created outfits and styles for each actor, ensuring that all the necessary pieces were found Sound and lighting trained new members, helping them learn how to work with microphones and lighting cables The day of the performance, Hair and makeup were set up a few hours before the show, styling the actors for their roles. Lighting and sound set up an hour before, testing mics and positioning the lighting The rest of the production plated food and served it in between each act A couple of the student servers had double the workload, and put in 200% to get the job done Thanks to them, the entire night proceeded seamlessly, and was appreciated by the entire audience.

One guest named John Eric said, “The acting was superb. The food was amazing, and the service by the students was exceptional All in all, “Everyone’s a Critic” was a hit! Our family thoroughly enjoyed the evening!”

Angie Thomas said, “Saturday night’s dinner theater by the Highland drama team was awesome! All the students did an excellent job The story was interesting and got you thinking about ‘who done it ’ It was clear that all the students had put in a lot of hard work The fact that you got to vote on the ending was especially cool The dining experience was excellent. I really loved the flatbread and cheesecake. I think the dinner theater was an excellent idea to help earn money for the drama team Everything was done professionally Our entire family thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t stop talking about it afterward Great job, everyone!"

After the night was over, a giant weight had been lifted off everyone’s shoulders. The performance was a success, and the entire drama department received a well-deserved break for a couple weeks However, the work isn’t over for the team Students have already performed for “Spread the Word,” A Christmas performance is already in the making, and the spring Academy Days’ performance is around the corner We can expect many more excellent works in the future. We hope you can join us next time.

The Highlander JONA RATLIFF

By: Evan Parris Staff Highlight

At the beginning of this year, Highland Academy welcomed a new staff member onto campus, Mrs. Jona Ratliff. She is the new accountant in the business office and lives here, on the Highland Academy campus with her husband Clint Ratliff As students have gotten to know her, her story, drivenness, faith and kindness have already made her a memorable addition to the Highland community.

Where were you born?

Ratliff was born and raised in IloIlo, in the Philippines, she went to Korea to serve as a missionary, but eventually moved to the USA when she started a family She has four siblings, Joe-ann, Joe-per, Jenefer and Joeven Her mother is the one who introduced her to Seventh Day Adventism, she runs her own small business Ratliff’s father is the village captain (Like a mayor)

What was your dream job as a child?

“I wanted to be a nurse,” says Ratliff As it turns out, she once had goals of being a nurse However, her father convinced her that accounting was a better way to support the family Fortunately, she’s now glad she chose accounting “Sometimes a nurse has to stay up late to work, and I probably won't survive!”

What was your first job?

After spending four years learning to be an accountant, Ratliff was unable to find a job, as in the Philippines, accountants tend to work Monday to Saturday Since she is a Seventh Day Adventist, this wasn't an option for her What this meant, however, is that she would apply for a job, pass the interview, but be told they couldn't hire her unless she worked on Sabbath. Unfortunately, she was pressured by her mother to take a job, as supporting four other children was difficult, and her mother wanted help However, Ratliff remained firm in her faith, even after being kicked out of her house Her friend called her, offering her a place to stay, and ended up taking her to the nearby missionary campus There, she decided to become a missionary and spent six months training before being sent to South Korea

How did you meet your husband?

“I told God, Lord, there are two things I want To marry an adventist guy, and for him to not have any children” And then, on her missionary trip to South Korea, she met an adventist guy, who had no children, named Clint The rest, as the saying goes, is history They were married in 2005, and have been married for a grand total of 20 years They also have two girls, named Joy and Love

What's your favorite part about working here?

“The people here are so nice, it’s very peaceful, and the students are very respectful.” The staff as well know she is a blessing to talk to What's your dream vacation?

“Well, I told my husband, if I could go anywhere, I’d want to go to Niagara Falls But, really I just want to help those who are needy or less fortunate.” Ratliff, as perhaps many of us can emphasize with, would enjoy visiting Niagara Falls But her dream to help those in need instead of a relaxing vacation shows what a hardworking person she is

Do you have any hobbies?

Ratliff enjoys reading, listening to christian music, and especially recording encouraging videos, before sharing them with others The book she’s currently reading, The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill, is possibly her favorite. (Aside from of the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy books)

Do you have any advice for students?

“If you seek God first, you'll never go wrong Everytime you make a decision, ask God, ‘Is this what You want me to do?’ If you follow him, he’ll be by your side He’ll help I believe that by spending time with God more and more, by beholding him you become changed.”

Jona Ratliff’s journey from the Philippines to Korea, Thailand and now Highland Academy shows her strength, commitment and unwavering faith Whether she is balancing numbers in the business office, sharing encouragement through her videos or is quietly offering kindness to those around her, she brings a spirit of peace and purpose to campus Her story reminds students that following God’s leading, even when the path is difficult, can open doors they never expected Highland Academy is blessed to have her as a part of the family.

The Highlander JUNIOR HISTORY TRIP

By: Magdalen Carlson

History is more than dates and names; it’s the stories that shape who we are For the junior class, this year’s trip offered a rare opportunity to experience those stories firsthand, bringing their lessons from the classroom into the real world The ten day long trek started on October 12, Sunday, with farewells made to friends and family They set off with Pastor Roger Schmidt, the history teacher, and started the 12 hour drive to their first hotel in Fredericksburg, Virginia

First thing the next morning the juniors set off for their tour of the Jamestown Settlement, to which they never arrived. The bus had to stop on the side of the interstate for four to five hours due to a lack of air pressure in the brakes making it unable to safely drive. A new bus was rented and they were sent underway five hours later to Williamsburg, a town alive with 18th century history

On one street in Williamsburg, there were three staff who recruited onlookers to join them for a skit, four of which were juniors from Highland Academy: Kathlyn Simpaio, Saniya Livingston, Kym Olvido and Nakyi Weathersby They all acted out the story of the Gunpowder Incident early in the American Revolutionary War

Throughout the rest of the trip, they visited many historical sites and museums, including Monticello, the American Civil War museum, Arlington National Cemetery and the National Mall When visiting the National Mall, students traveled around on scooters and were all in separate groups. Every year, without fail, someone falls off their scooter This year dffff

By: Magdalen Carlson

it was Evelina Charchian and Lucy Griffin who suffered a crash Lyla Litchfield said her favorite part was, “scootering around DC and walking around Boston It was cool seeing the White House and the Capitol.”

As the class walked the Freedom Trail in Boston they each presented their project on different landmarks along the trail A few of which were the Boston Commons, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old State House, the Old North Church and more

At Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s house, the students toured the huge estate with former slave quarters and its own cemetery Cing Huai said her favorite place to go was, “definitely Thomas Jefferson’s house because we got to see his works and the weird clock [The Great Clock] he made” Lucas Mills also said his favorite place was, “Thomas Jefferson’s house because I got to see who he really was not just his president front, but also his roots where he grew up and how intellectual he was with all that technology”

By the end of their 10 day adventure, the juniors, although exhausted, were deeply inspired by all they had seen. Not only had the trip provided them with a deeper appreciation of America’s history, but also closer connections and memories with old and new friends that will last them a lifetime

SENIOR CLASS TRIP

After three years of hard work, late nights and unforgettable memories, the senior class began their second home leave of the year embarking on their final trip together as a class beginning Oct 13, 2025 But for these students, the experience was about more than the destination. It was about friendship, laughter and the growing awareness that this chapter of their lives is nearing its end

Unlike many schools that schedule senior trips in the spring, Highland Academy traditionally travels during the first semester well before ACT testing, college applications and other responsibilities crowd the calendar for seniors The earlier timing gave seniors a rare chance to bond at the start of the year.

Another highlight was a day on Table Rock Lake, where students swam, relaxed and enjoyed time away from the usual school routine At the lakeside resort, they also had opportunities to tube, kayak, fish and water-ski “The tubing was one of the best parts of the trip,” said senior Emma Dowd, who also pointed to ziplining as a favorite activity

For senior Carson Watkins, the best moment was out on the water “The boat ride The boat was amazing and the sun was beautiful,” he said “It was just fun getting to enjoy being with friends out on the water.”

To close the week, the class attended a live performance of David: Life on Stage at the Sight & Sound Theatre The production offered a meaningful way to end the Sabbath hours and served as a fitting conclusion to the trip

From outdoor adventures to shared moments of reflection, the seniors returned home with memories to carry into their final months of high school and beyond

During their week in Missouri, students spent two days at Silver Dollar City, a theme park featuring more than 40 attractions “We went on the same rollercoaster five times in a row That was pretty fun!” senior Tristan Naumann said page 4

By: Reuel Jabali

The Highlander

LUMBERJACK

This year’s Lumberjack Week was filled with excitement, showcasing strength, laughter, and a few sore muscles by the end With a variety of activities for both the boys’ and girls’ dorms at Highland Academy, competition was intense, and everyone cheered each other on. The week-long event that lasted from October 27 to October 31 culminated in the ultimate showdown: the Warrior Challenge

Throughout the week, students engaged in several exciting events, including a pillow fight, a Kahoot game, arm wrestling, a relay race, and a Nerf war On Saturday night, November 1, the week concluded with a grand event that determined the winners and featured a series of challenges like a sports relay, a jump rope competition, planks, pull-ups, and the highly anticipated bench press Points were recorded after each activity, with scorekeepers tallying the results for both male and female participants

During the bench press challenge, several competitors set new personal records, including Hiram Aguilar, a junior, who lifted an impressive 285 lbs. Ultimately, the title of male warrior was awarded to senior Carson Watkins, who scored the highest points among the boys Danna Hernandez earned the title of female warrior, accumulating the most points among the girls through her participation in both the Warrior Challenge and the pillow fight earlier in the week To win, they didn’t need to have the best scores every time; they simply had to participate in most or all of the competitions and achieve solid scores

Lumberjack Week and the Warrior Challenge are fantastic opportunities to connect with others and show support. They foster a spirit of positive competition and provide something to look forward to during the school year Although many didn’t win this time, there’s always next year for another chance to participate and cheer even louder!

Photos from Eliayna Burnett