The Highlander
Want to see what happened on the Senior Class Trip pg. 2 Learn more about mens mental health pg. 3
Senior Dedication
Each senior class is unique and different and gives us cause to celebrate them. Senior Dedication is one of those celebrations, which was held during Friday night vespers on October 11. The dedication opened with Bertin Shyaka, senior pastor, addressing the audience welcoming everyone with an opening prayer. Haraldo Alvarez, music director, Bliss Kuntz, instructor of sciences and Verne Sherman, registrar and all senior class sponsors, took the stage to honor each member of the senior class in a manner that highlighted their individual achievements and aspirations.
As each student was called forward, one of these three staff members would read aloud a carefully prepared list that detailed the student’s favorite memories from their time at school.
This list also included important information about their future plans, such as which college they have chosen to attend, their intended area of study, and their favorite Bible verse, reflecting their personal beliefs, values and walk with God.
Typically, the students would make their way
down the aisle toward the stage accompanied by their parents. However, some students walked alongside a teacher, mentor, or a close friend if their family couldn’t make it. For instance, even though her parents did attend, Casi Demaree chose to walk down the aisle with her former teacher and mentor, demonstrating her appreciation for the guidance and support he provided throughout her educational journey.
Mr. Ken Hallam, former English teacher, was invited as the guest speaker for their dedication speech. He made several amazing points that really stood out, with three main ideas. First, he said, “You don’t have to be perfect to be dedicated.” This means that even if someone has flaws or makes mistakes, that person can still show commitment and hard work to their cause or calling. It emphasizes the idea that dedication is more about effort and intent rather than a need for flawlessness. The second point he made was that “God will use you even in your imperfect state.” This highlights the belief that everyone has value and can be used for good, regardless of their shortcomings. It means that our imperfections do not disqualify us from being effective or meaningful in our lives and the lives of others.
The third important idea he shared was that “Dedication will not guarantee a life protected from trials.” This is a reminder that even when someone is dedicated to their life’s purpose and faith, they will still face challenges and hardships. Difficult times can happen to anyone, and dedication does not shield a person from struggles, but that does not mean they still shouldn’t fight for their goals in life through God.
One clear example from the Bible of not being perfect or worthy is the story of Joseph.
He was sold into slavery by his own brothers, a hurtful act that showed their lack of love and loyalty. Despite this betrayal, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers. His ability to forgive, despite the wrong done to him, reflects the message that one does not need to be perfect or deserving to show compassion or to be used for a greater purpose. This story serves as a powerful example of how dedication and mercy can triumph over imperfection and hardship.
Senior Dedication ended with the students coming off the stage and into the aisles to be surrounded by their friends and families for a prayer of dedication putting the futures of each senior in God’s hands. One thing Senior Dedication does for everyone is displays just how many people care for each individual student. Everyone wants them to accomplish big things and follow their dreams, and many pray for them every day. Join us as we lift up our seniors and the student body of Highland in prayer.
Maggie Carlson
Photo from Highland Facebook
We had church outside this time pg. 4
SENIOR CLASS TRIP
The senior class of 2025 was supposed to make their way to Florida on Monday, October 14. Because of Hurricane Milton, however, the seniors pivoted at the last minute and headed to Branson, Missouri instead after a lot of scrambling to find a house.
On the second day of the trip, the seniors headed to Fritz Adventure, an indoor/outdoor adventure park where people can go on rope courses, climb, and do other activities. Josh Mazibuko said, “At first, going so high up was really scary but after a minute, the outside zip lines were really fun and the wind felt nice.” Samantha Anderson said, “It was fun ziplining with my friends until I saw everyone eating lunch and I was still on the course. Samantha laughed and said jokingly, “I was so mad.”
Day three was another adventure at a go-karting arena.
Emma Ruckle said, “It was so much fun! I got stuck behind Mr. Alvarez for one race, and he wouldn’t let me through. Then I got t-boned by Mr. Kuntz in another race.” Nora Stevens said, “I love go-karting with all of my heart and being able to go gokarting for almost the entire day was amazing.” Fawn Ndanyi said, “At certain points on the track you felt like you were going to die. But that’s what made it so fun!”
The fourth day was spent at Silver Dollar City, full of fun roller coasters, and scary roller coasters, Silver Dollar City was full of entertainment. Michael Barrera said, “Waiting an hour
for food was crazy. But I really enjoyed the roller coasters except the drops. They were so scary.”
On day five, the seniors all went to a big strip mall and went shopping. Bertin Shyaka said, “It was fun. I went and was ready to spend a lot but I only had $35. But Mrs Rufo saved me! I had to pay her back obviously, but that day was fun.” Martina Ruba said she also had fun and shared “I won a duck from a random toy store.”
Sabbath was a nice change of pace as the seniors made their way to the park near the house and played various games, went on walks and sat by the water.
Nalayne Matheson said, “It was a great
by Shiloh
experience after a week full of activities, to slow down in the peace and quiet of nature and to spend a few hours with God.”
On day seven, the seniors loaded up the bus and headed back to Highland to face the week ahead. It was a great time together. We will treasure the memories for a lifetime. Thank you to our class sponsors, Kuntz, Alvarez and Sherman!
by Shiloh
Shiloh Bushey
Photos
Bushey
Photos
Bushey
Shiloh Bushey
Men’s mental health is often overlooked. There is a harmful stereotype that men are always toughskinned, and having issues with things like anxiety is seen as weak. This article mentions suicide, drugs and alcohol and eating disorders which may be hard for some to read. While women are more likely to have a mental health disorder, men are less likely to reach out for help. This can cause the problem to worsen rather than get better, hurting not only themselves but those around them as well. As the problem worsens, men’s learned coping mechanisms can be detrimental. Research shows that too often, men turn to drugs and alcohol. Statistically, this can cause men to become violent. Another coping mechanism men statistically turn to is suicide. While women are more likely to commit an act of Non-Suicidal Self-Harm (NSSH), men are more likely to follow through on an attempt. This is because men tend to resort to more effective methods and tend to be more impulsive.
Men, like women, often hide that they are struggling, but there are warning signs to look out for. If you notice your male friend or family member is spending more time at work or doing a hobby alone more than usual, this may be a sign of “escapist behavior.” This is when people avoid loved ones. If you notice they start to have a lot of headaches, stomach aches or other physical symptoms, this could be from too much stress and a warning sign that they are suffering not just physically. Misuse of drugs and alcohol and reckless behavior are also warning signs someone is suffering and needs help. Poor mental health can also
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
manifest as a short fuse or anger issues.
While women are more commonly diagnosed with eating disorders, men account for 10% of patients with bulimia or anorexia (Anxiety & Depression Association of America). In the United States alone, over 6 million men suffer from an eating disorder. Social media has opened the floodgates of body image issues as well. Men see heavily edited and posed photos of men in good lighting that enhance their desired features and compare themselves to them. When people compare themselves, it prevents them from seeing what makes them unique. They focus on one or two flaws of their own and center their lives around them. Body issues stop people from doing things they love, wearing clothes they like, and going out with friends and family.
“Muscle dysmorphia, a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder, which is defined
Association). Our minds are powerful, which can be good and bad. Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is common among young men. Men with MD think they look “too skinny” when in reality they are at an average muscle mass, or more commonly are extremely “buff.” When we think badly about our appearance, we see everything wrong with us to the point of even seeing what is not there or not real.
as an excessive preoccupation with a perceived physical defect or slight physical difference to a point of causing significant impairment in one’s functioning, is an emerging condition that primarily affects male bodybuilders. Such individuals obsess about being adequately muscular. Compulsions include spending many hours in the gym, squandering excessive amounts of money on supplements, abnormal eating patterns, or use of steroids” (National Eating Disorders
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You aren’t weak to admit you’re struggling. If anything, it takes courage to say you need help. Talk to someone, whether it’s a family member, a friend or even a therapist because you don’t have to carry everything on your own. 1 Samuel says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” Work those spiritual heart muscles. That is what the Lord looks for. When the heart is right, the rest will come.
The annual Lawn Concert and Outdoor Church Students took place on October 12. Teachers and members of the Highland community got the chance to show off their musical talents, share their testimonies, and share their experiences from previous mission trips all while raising money through donations for this year’s mission trips scheduled later in the year.
From 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., students and families arrived and the beautiful day did not go unnoticed as many people basked in the warm weather. “The weather was really nice and I had a lot of fun with my friends,” Noelle Carpenter said. They laid their blankets down and chatted while Pastor Will Labrenz, Chaplain, and students Clara Reading, Rosie Fernandez, Emma Dowd, Josh Mazibuko, Neveah Cano and Caitlyn Murrell, all juniors, led out in song service. Afterward, everyone was split into groups based on their month of birth and assigned a silent skit from
LAWN CONCERT
scripture to perform for the audience to guess. Once all the skits were performed, some funny and some confusing, offering buckets were passed while Highland’s praise team sang songs like “I Would Walk Five Hundred Miles” and “I’ve Got this Hope” getting the audience moving while doing the motions to the songs. Students like Miguel Bittencourt, freshman, and Stephanie Silva, senior, took the opportunity to play violin and piano together. Genrickh Semanivskyy, senior, played a song on the trumpet. Clara Reading, junior, and Saniya Livingston, sophomore, harmonized with each other singing “Blessings” by Laura Story. Then the Weisner family came up and played guitar and sang. All of this was to raise money for the mission trips to Kenya and the Philippines.
Darlie Gagatam, VP of finance, and Seth Gagatam, his son and a junior, then spoke
about the mission trip to the Philippines and all the activities and duties that those who decide to go will be doing such as helping out with surgeries and even pulling teeth. Afterward, Tessa Wade and Clara Reading talked about their experiences on last year’s mission trip to Kenya, Africa and encouraged others to participate in mission. If you have not gone on mission, it is a wonderful opportunity to serve God in another part of the world. You should get involved. If you would like to help students raise money to be able to go, please contact the finance office to donate either to a specific student or to the group. Call 615-3252036 or mail in a donation to mission trips to Highland Academy mission trip funds, 211 Highland Circle Drive, Portland, Tennessee 37148.
by Sienna Shoemaker
Addison Atlee
Photos
MRS. DIANA DRUSKY
Mrs. Diana Drusky is the administrative assistant to Principal Watkins and the Yearbook Advisor at Highland Academy. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and now lives in Portland, Tennessee. Drusky wanted to attend college but didn’t because she and her brothers were raised in a single parent home. She has four brothers, David, Dwayne, Doug and Daniel, as the oldest- Drusky is the middle child, “mama’s only girl.” She grew up when scholarships were not abundant. “In fact, most young ladies didn’t have an opportunity to attend college.” She went on to say that many just got married, and she went to work after graduating high school.
What jobs did you have before coming to Highland Academy?
Drusky said that she had a lot of jobs since graduating high school. She first worked at a company that produced gym bags, jackets, and other school items. She worked in the art department. “I don’t remember how that job came to my fingertips,” she said, “but it was great, and I learned a lot. I also worked in a dark room, developing film.” After that, Drusky decided that learning bookkeeping would be advantageous, so she had a friend help her find someone willing to train her. Drusky worked for a dealership as their bookkeeper until it closed. Then, was hired by her co-worker at a new dealership in Gallatin, Tennessee and that’s where she met her husband, Roy Drusky III. She also worked for Highland Elementary for 13 years and now Highland Academy for 9 years. Drusky worked hard to make sure that her children had the opportunity to attend Highland Elementary and Academy and at times worked multiple jobs to save for this important investment in her children.
How many children do you have?
“I have two children, Roy Drusky IV and Emmylou Drusky Rittenour. Roy Drusky IV lives in Atlanta with his wife, Ellie Drusky and their daughter, Lyla Rae. Emmylou is married to Kendall Rittenour and lives in Washington State. Drusky’s husband, and two children all attended Highland Elementary and graduated from Highland Academy. She said, “I went to public school because we didn’t have any money.” Before she and her husband got married, they dated for 8 years. “We
different from what she was taught with work-based salvation. Drusky’s father-in-law gave her a real-sized Bible that wasn’t a pocket-sized. She said, “I was able to be baptized at the age of 25 by Pastor Fred Fuller; then, a few years later, he married my husband and me.”
What else would you like us to know about you?
Drusky loves going to the beach. She’s been to Hawaii and loved it there, as well as Tybee Island, Amelia Island, and Daytona Beach. Drusky has one grandchild, Lyla Rae a 15 months old apple of her Dee Dee’s eye.
waited that long to see if we were the right fit for each other and we were. We’ve been married 36 years now,” she said.
How did you switch from being raised in the Assembly of God to becoming an Adventist?
Drusky went to the Assembly of God until she was 18. Roy Drusky III her then-boyfriend, invited her to attend a Seventh-Day Adventist Church where Lois Cornell asked her to help in the kindergarten class. Drusky was impressed with the new church because at her old church there wasn’t much engagement. However, that all changed when Drusky switched churches. The switch came with learning more about the love of Jesus, which was
Some of Drusky’s hobbies include reading autobiographies, and mysteries learning more about people. When not reading she enjoys sewing, and making cards. Drusky said “It’s fun to send a card to somebody who is sick, not feeling well, or going through hard times. as a way to show she cares.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Drusky thinks her hidden talent is helping people.“As a young girl at Christmas time, my family hardly had anything and my mother was sick, so I remember somebody bringing over a box of food for us, we don’t know who did it, but it made all the difference in the world because we weren’t going to have a special meal for Christmas that year. My mother gave me instructions on what to do to prepare the meal and because of this box of food we were able to enjoy a wonderful dinner.” This is the definition of a hidden talent! Drusky likes to do things like this, having that care and heart to serve others and not necessarily receiving recognition to do the behind-thescenes tasks. Drusky states that she is more of a Martha from the Bible, always busy helping, but would like to be more like a Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet. More than anything, Drusky cares about the people around her. We are blessed to have her on campus.
Bertin Shyaka
Photo from Diana Drusky
Bertin Shyaka
HOW INFO OVERLOAD IS KILLING US
Information overload is killing us. According to TechTarget, Information overload is a state of being overwhelmed by the amount of data presented for one’s attention or processing. The term refers to situations involving too much data for a given decision and the constant inundation of data from many sources. These are characteristics of modern life. Information overload can lead to feelings of stress, distraction, and difficulty in making decisions. People have difficulty setting time away from being inundated with information to consider and process it in a way that makes it possible to make decisions. In today’s world, getting bombarded with overwhelming information is easy. We get emails that flood our inboxes, social media messages and platforms that lure us in with endless, mindless scrolling, affecting the brain, productivity, focus and decisionmaking ability.
Our brains are not designed to handle the information thrown at us daily. Research done by Torkel Klingberg has shown that this can have a detrimental effect on our cognitive abilities. It can impair working memory and decrease our ability to concentrate, thus reducing overall productivity. This can make studying difficult as the ability to retain what we study continually diminishes. Furthermore, constant exposure to excessive information can lead to decision paralysis. Decision paralysis is when individuals struggle to decide or act when confronted with excessive options or overwhelming information.
The constant barrage of information, especially negative, distressing news or doom scrolling, can contribute to feelings of anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed. There have been times when I faced
decision paralysis because I had gotten caught in the trap of doom or aimlessly scrolling through social media. While in that cycle, I let other people down. It is challenging to make choices due to the overwhelming number of options available. I would get stuck in a loop of overthinking and indecision, ultimately hindering my ability to take action.
Gideon Abako, a Researcher in AI Framework, Global Health and Nutrition Humanitarian Innovation, shared some ways to cope with social media information overload: limiting your time on social media. Set boundaries for how much time you spend on each platform daily or weekly. Use apps or tools or block access after each specific limit. Choose your sources carefully. Follow accounts that provide reliable, accurate, and positive information and eliminate those that use whatever information they can as “click bait.” Take
breaks from social media regularly. Schedule some time each day or week when you disconnect from all devices and online platforms to be more productive with school work, family, and friends. Use this time to engage in offline activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, exercising, or spending time in nature as well as building your relationships. Lastly, seek support when needed. If you feel overwhelmed by social media or information overload, talk to someone you trust such as a friend, family member, or therapist. They can help you process emotions and offer perspective and comfort.
Social media information overload can affect our mental health in various ways, but we don’t have to let it control us. By following these tips, we can reduce its negative impacts and enjoy its positive aspects.
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Sienna Shoemaker is a village freshman who has lived in Portland, Tennessee her whole life. Her favorite classes are Algebra 1 and computers. Some of Shoemaker’s hobbies are reading and gymnastics, though she said she doesn’t have a favorite genre to read. Her favorite meals from the cafe are 3’P pasta and pad thai. For fast food, Chick-fil-A is her place. Shoemaker’s favorite Highland Academy event so far this year was the Dodgeball tournament, which was a class-on-class tournament. Some of her most famous catchphrases include “Oh, Oh, Oh,” laughing nonstop and “Oh my word!” Forget shopping at brick and mortar stores. When Shoemaker needs something, she shops on Amazon to find it. Her other “shopping” option includes her brother, Lincoln’s closet. When you see Shoemaker in the halls, don’t hesitate to say hello!
Meet Samantha Roddy, junior and village student at Highland Academy, who became a part of the Highland community as a freshman. She is a part of the class of 2026. She has two brothers, Jackson and Grant. Jackson graduated last year from Highland and Grant is still in elementary school. Her favorite animals are cows, but she does have three dogs. Her favorite thing about Highland Academy is getting to hang out with her friends. Roddy’s hobbies include baking. A random and interesting fact about her is that she was born on Christmas! Roddy’s favorite subject is History with Pastor Roger Schmidt. Her favorite Bible verse is John 14:27, which says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Meet Ellie Cortez, a sophomore and dorm student who grew up in Meridian, Mississippi. In her free time, Cortez likes to kayak, color and bake. Currently, she isn’t working on anything. Some of Cortez’s catchphrases are: “Good Golly” and “My bad guys.” She has two older sisters and one younger brother. Her favorite cafeteria meal is pasta, but she really likes tofu, too. She listens to R&B and pop music saying, “Anything calm with a good meaning.” Cortez is currently serving as part of Hope Squad, a campus ministry, for her second year in a row. One thing she wants you to know is, “I cherish my friends and their friendship. I think friendship is extremely important.” Finally, Cortez’s favorite thing about Highland is the people. “One of my favorite things about Highland is how close everyone is. I feel like I can talk to anyone and not feel awkward.”
Meet Nadia Bibulovic. She is a senior and a dorm student who grew up in Hoffman, Illinois near Chicago. When she is at home, her hobbies include cooking and reading, but here at school, she does her homework in her free time. Bibulovic is in the Drama Class here at Highland Academy and has been for all four years of her high school career. This year she was given the President position for her commitment to drama and her ability to lead by example. Some of Nadia’s catchphrases are “Byee” when leaving somewhere, and “Oh you…” when playfully yelling at her brother or friends. She has one sibling, her twin, Aleks Bibulovic. Her favorite cafe food is 3’P Pasta. One thing she wants people to know about her is that she is a daughter of God. Her favorite part of Highland Academy is meeting new people.
The Highlander Staff
Editor-in-chief
Sponsors
Rosie
Leslie Smith
Samantha Anderson
Maggie Carlson
Shiloh Bushey
Addison Atlee
MYSTERY OF THE HIGHLAND COWS
At the start of this school year, Mrs. Jill Reading, mom of Clara Reading and Coach Reading’s wife, found a Highland cow figurine hiding in the gazebo on front campus. It was an interesting find, but it left the question, where did it come from? She asked around and nobody knew. It has become a great mystery on campus!
Some people, like Sing Muan, a freshman, and Yari Rosario, a senior, have found the mini cows in the school lunchroom hiding in the autumn decorations.
Senior Kyle Dudgeon found a Highland cow hiding in the administration building by a plant next to the front desk. Other students like juniors Ana Anderson, Seth Gagatam, and senior Rhiana Powers have also found
the Highland cow figurines scattered across campus. An anonymous individual has planted hidden Highland cow figurines all around the Highland Academy campus to represent the Highland Academy unofficial mascot. Who is doing it? Why are they doing it? These questions are on the minds of many students and staff alike. The presence of these hidden Highland cows has turned into a fun challenge for the Highland Academy community. With each new find, the excitement grows. Join in the hunt and see if you can
find a Highland cow. See if you can sleuth the answer to the mystery of who is hiding them.
PESTO THE PENGUIN
Hatched on January 30, 2024, Pesto the Penguin is recorded as the largest king penguin born at the Melbourne Sealife Aquarium. Pesto became famous for his enormous size gaining the nicknames “absolute unit” and “linebacker.” In just a few months’ time, Pesto
weighed in at 50 pounds, which is more than his adoptive parents combined. Pesto was born after five previous hatches all being girls saving the zoo from king penguins dying out. They needed a male to continue the line. Although Pesto is loved by all, he has a tragic backstory. Pesto’s birth mom passed away and his biological dad was too old to care
for him, so when needing to find parents, the caretakers chose Tango and Roy. Pesto is his cute chubby self now, but vets say he will start to slim down when fledging starts. For now, though, we can enjoy the adorable linebacker known as Pesto. If you have not seen him look him up. You might become a fan, too.
Samantha Anderson
Photo by Stephanie Rufo