October 2025 by HighlandAcademy

The Highlander

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

By: Danielle Caldwell

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot through the neck while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. This gathering was the first stop of Turning Point USA’s American Comeback Tour, a speaking and debate series Kirk was widely known for these types of debates with college students at different universities The shooter, a man named Tyler Robinson, who had allegedly accused Kirk of spreading hate, shot at Kirk from the rooftop of a building roughly 142 yards away After the attack, Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead less than two hours later Robinson was arrested the next day, and charged with aggravated murder.

He created an environment where people could come to discuss political views and debate their opinions in a respectful way Disagreements are always to be handled in this manner An anonymous student said, “ Learning about others' opinions can help us learn and grow in our own lives

But even if we disagree we’re still called to listen with love and respond with truth, while also showing respect even if we don't see eye to eye” To justify violence as a method of settling disputes only justifies further violence There will always be someone in the world who carries different values than yourself Just because you have vastly different opinions, would that in any way justify you to take their life?

As Christians, God calls us to always seek peace rather than anger and vengeance Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all ”

In the wake of this tragic incident, the media was rife with the reactions of the public The most shocking of these, were those that claimed that Kirk’s assassination benefited society. Some went so far as to even celebrate such an act of domestic terrorism These reactions leave us as citizens of this deeply divided nation to ask the question; how far has our society split that we now go as far as to justify the murder of a man who did no legal wrong? “The murder of Charlie was like a wake up call We live in a world full of evil, but that just means we must stand even stronger in our faith We need to be bold, loving, and rooted in God’s word We need to live with passion and devotion to Jesus, show love to all people based on what Jesus told us, and to be a shining light in our dark world,” said an anonymous student As a nation, the United States is based on principles that allow for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of citizens to organize themselves in peaceful gatherings Kirk simply exercised the rights given to him by the government

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

FALL FEST The Highlander

OnceUponaTime

By: Reuel Jabali & Magdalen Carlson

To welcome the season of fall onto Highland Academy’s campus, the junior class of 2027 hosted this year’s fall festival fundraiser This year’s theme, ‘Once Upon A Time,’ invited students and guests to dress up as characters from Disney, Pixar, princess movies or books, as well as a few animated movies or other characters. Fall Fest took place at Highland Academy’s gymnasium, Raphan Ley Auditorium, and the juniors did not hold back when it came to decorating the place with much help and planning from parents and class sponsors, Sara Bagshaw and Andy Wade

“It was awesome, and I loved the chili that Emmett [Steven’s] dad served,” said sophomore Michael Bushey A few times throughout the event, students would sprint away from the “jail wardens” where people would pay for their friends’ oneminute or five-minute arrests The 3D Printing booth, run by volunteers Tyler Johnson and Andrew Korgan, was one of the coolest booths, offering Disney headbands printed with customizable Mickey Mouse ears, as well as other creations

The students enjoyed themselves, winning prizes and walking around with friends “I like the zip line, and the food was good. I had quesadillas and quesabirria, and I liked the street corn and strawberry Nutella,” shared junior Kathlyn Sampaio

The food stands offered a wide range of options including authentic quesadillas and quesabirria Desserts tables stayed crowded, and cotton candy spun on sticks Later in the evening, a silent auction table featured a variety of items, including water bottles, LEGO pieces, and even a grill, which ended up in the Lopez’s hands

All juniors were dressed up in whatever they could find, and many guests were, as well A few costumes included junior Hunter Darrell in a Mickey Mouse costume, junior Kathlyn Sampaio dressed as Moana, a Disney princess, and freshman Caroline Bagshaw dressed as Merida, another Disney princess They had numerous activities, including a “snowball fight,” a bouncing castle for the little kids, an actual zipline, and they also offered back massages from parents Bekki Wade and April Warren, which a lot of the adults appreciated “It was fun to dress up and hang out with my friends, and I loved the hayride,” said sophomore Keianna Pledge.

The fall festival is a great tradition to usher in the colder seasons and raise money for next year’s graduating class It creates memories for elementary and high school students alike The junior class worked hard to raise funds for their upcoming senior trip and provide a fun experience for the school and community. It was a success!

Photo by HA Staff Photographers

The Highlander

SUICIDE PREVENTION

By: Helena Cortelli & Maggie Carlson

In 2024, a year ago, 48,821 died by suicide in the U S That number represents more than a statistic: it represents sons, daughters, friends, classmates and stories that ended too soon Depression is one of the leading causes behind these tragedies, and it’s something many people silently battle every day

One of those tragedies hits too close to home In October 2025, an 11-year-old girl from Portland, Tennessee died after a suicide attempt: a heartbreaking reminder that depression can touch anyone at any age Her story reflects the growing reality that many young people silently carry deep pain that others can’t always see. One in 10 teens had serious thoughts of suicide in 2024 and before the pandemic, suicide was the second leading cause of death in ages 10-14 and the third for ages 15-24. Depression is one of the leading causes behind these losses However, it’s more than just feeling sad It’s a mood disorder that brings a persistent sense of emptiness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy It can affect how you think, feel and act, and it’s not your fault Depression can be caused by many things, such as trauma, hormonal changes, low self-esteem, or even genetics But no matter the cause, there is always help and healing

Knowing the warning signs can help you or someone you love get help sooner Some signs of depression in teens and young adults include: Withdrawing from friends or activities once enjoyed, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite or energy levels, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, talking or joking about death or suicide, expressing feelings of worthlessness or guilt, sudden mood changes, irritability, anger or emotional numbness If you or someone you know shows any of these signs, don’t ignore them Reach out, even a small check-in can make a difference.

There are several types of depression that can affect teens and young adults, including:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in normal activities Around 7% of Americans experience MDD each year

Bipolar Depression: Involves extreme mood swings, from energetic “highs” (mania) to deep “lows” (depression)

Psychotic Depression: A more severe form of depression that may include symptoms such as anxiety, delusions, or hallucinations

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Often occurs during the winter months when there’s less sunlight leading to low mood, tiredness, or changes in appetite and sleep

Mental Health

If you’re struggling, please know this: your feelings are real, but they are not permanent You are never alone, and help is always within reach Here are some ways to start taking small, meaningful steps toward healing:

Talk to someone you trust, a friend, teacher, family member, or counselor

Make time for movement and fresh air. Even a short walk can lift your mood

Eat balanced meals and rest when your body needs it Remind yourself that it’s okay to ask for help

At Highland Academy, support is available You can reach out to Mrs Logan Johnson, our school psychologist, or Mrs Melissa Weisner, our guidance counselor They’re here to listen, no judgment, no pressure, just care. Prayer can also take you a long way toward growth and healing If you or someone you know ever feels hopeless or in danger, please reach out to the

Photos from Google Images

The Highlander

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

By: Eliayna Burnett

ing Haui aka Huai Huai, is a new junior from Bowling Green, Kentucky Her favorite compliment is that someone likes her smile. Her biggest motivators are her family, friends and God Haui’s favorite song is “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by The Crowded House Her dream job as a child was to be a doctor The best advice she has been given is to do her work first and then have fun.

elena Cortelli is a freshman coming to Highland Academy from Japan Her favorite compliment is when someone says she looks cute Her biggest motivation is getting good grades so she can stay at Highland Her dream vacation is a long trip to England Cortelli’s dream job as a child was to be a ballerina or a baker. The best piece of advice she has ever received was not to compare herself to others

amal Grant, a senior, comes from Boston, Massachusetts. His favorite compliments to receive are that he smells good and looks nice He gets motivated by his friends more than anything else His dream vacation would be to Hawaii Grant’s dream job as a child was to be an NFL football player. His favorite advice is to not care about what others think and keep moving forward

ahir Garcia is a new sophomore from right down the road in Nashville, Tennessee His favorite compliment is about his height at 5 feet, 11 inches His biggest motivator is money. His dream vacation is to Honduras, and he loves honey buns. His dream job as a child was to become a professional athlete

TheCreativeCorner

The Highlander STUDENT VS STAFF SOFTBALL

By: Reuel Jabali

Cheers echoed across the field on September 20, 2025, as students and staff competed in a thrilling softball showdown: one packed with unexpected twists, fierce determination, and a comeback that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Those watching from the sidelines were captivated as they cheered on their friends and teammates Despite the staff’s early success, the students’ support never wavered; their voices echoed throughout the field Their enthusiasm and encouragement highlighted their support for their team’s potential. “It was exciting and I loved cheering for the students,” said senior Malik Ceballo He went on to say, “I knew they were going to win because our team was powerful this year” Without their support, the outcome might have been different

staff and students was more than just a competition; it was a powerful display of sportsmanship and mutual respect that united everyone Both teams demonstrated excellent teamwork and sportsmanship, making the game thrilling and enjoyable for everyone involved The occasion concluded with a genuinely positive atmosphere among the students and their proud parents, who celebrated the students’ victory over the staff

In the end, the students’ relentless effort and cheers resulted in a well-deserved victory of 37-35, a 2 point lead. Although they won by a narrow margin, they took great delight in their victory and celebrated the achievement wholeheartedly “I didn’t think we’d win, but I played because I had a great time,” remarked junior, Aiden Naumann The friendly match between

CARTOON HHS

Photos by Stephanie Rufo

The Highlander STACY DARRELL

By: Magdalen Carlson

Staff Highlight

Beginning the new school year we have gained multiple new staff members, one of them being Stacy Darrell, Highland Academy’s new office administrator She is known throughout Highland and KY-TN Conference as Pathfinder Director, friend, confidant, mom, adopted mom and much more She has three kids, Hunter, a junior in high school, Logan, a senior in high school and Bailey

Where did you grow up?

Darrell was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later moved to Tyler, Texas where she lived for about eight years. When she was 16, her parents became missionaries, and the family relocated to Papua New Guinea, where Darrell finished her junior and senior years of high school

What was your dream job?

“My dream job was to live in Spain somewhere and work, but I had no idea where but I wanted to travel So Darrell majored in International Communications at what was then called Union College, which we now know as Union Adventist University But soon after, she met her husband, changing her plans for the rest of her life.

How’d you meet your husband?

“So I met my husband at Union, our freshmen year He was moving my roommate's best friend into her dorm room He was currently dating her at the time” When Darrell and her husband, Anthony Darrell, met, he shortly afterward broke up with the girlfriend and then asked Stacy to the banquet They have been married for 24 years. What are your hobbies?

“I will have to say Pathfinders is a hobby for sure Laying in my pool and then lately, I have taken up quilting,” which she really seems to enjoy, thanks to her best friend, Nichole Ayers How long have you been involved with Pathfinders?

“I’ve been in pathfinders from age 10; my dad was a director, Anthony’s dad was a director and so it’s just always been a part of my memories from childhood” Because she had been in it, she put her kids in Pathfinders as well When they moved to Kentucky, Highland’s Pathfinder Warriors needed another teacher This was when her oldest, Bailey, was in 7th grade Darrell taught for two years when the director, Will Anderson, was ready to move on, so he passed the job on to her. She has been Director for five years after she taught for two and she loves it

What brought you to take the job here?

“I love the students, I love the pathfinders, so when I found out that Diana [Drusky] was retiring, I was like that’s the job I want I just knew it I’ve always wanted to be involved with the kids, and I’m not a teacher so what else am I gonna do? So in my mind, I’ve kind of just always said, okay, if the secretary ever leaves, that’s me

How did the pool business fall into your hands?

“So my grandfather started the pool business back in the ‘50s in Michigan And then my parents moved here and opened up a branch down here with the pool business. They still live here, but they didn’t want to work anymore, so they asked us to come join them and take over So, we came over here for that and the school.” Until now Stacy and Anthony had been the co-owners of Pleasure Pool; now Anthony is in charge

What are your kids like?

“Hunter in general is entertaining us with his excitement over everything. Like anything he wants he’s into it 100% until the next thing comes along and then he’s into it for 200% He’s just fun to watch as he goes from one thing to the next ”

“Logan is just that chill guy but let me tell you what, he has Anthony’s funny wit, and he can come out with the craziest things if you just listen, but he doesn’t always speak ”

“Bailey is just my best friend: So just chill, just knows what she’s doing. She’s got her plan, she’s got it all together.”

“And somehow all of them are gonna do just fine”

Her kids were asked what their favorite thing about Darrell is: Bailey Darrell said, “My mom embodies the definition of what it means to be selfless, supportive and hardworking Everything she does is fueled by her desire to help others She puts everything on the line for the people she loves and does it with a smile on her face She is the first one to encourage in all situations and sees the good when others don’t To be around her is a blessing that everyone can agree on”

Her oldest son, Logan Darrell, said, “My favorite thing about my mom is that she always seems to see the bright side of things Her glass is always half full ”

Advice for students or graduating seniors?

“Live in the moment, don’t be in a hurry to grow up. Another is to always trust that God knows your path, even if you don’t ” Together, these ideas promote a mindset of patient trust and presence in God. The sentiment aligns with Proverbs 3:5-6, which states, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" This verse means that by surrendering our own understanding, we allow God to direct our paths

Stacy Darrell’s journey, from growing up across the globe to leading Highland Academy’s office and Pathfinders program, is a testament to her dedication, faith and love for community Her story reminds us that life often takes unexpected turns, but with passion and trust in God’s plan, those detours can lead to meaningful and fulfilling paths Highland Academy is lucky to have such a caring and spirited leader among its staff, inspiring students both inside and outside school.

Photos from Stacy Darrell

The Highlander

BANQUET

By: Danielle Caldwell

At Highland Academy, banquets are a tradition that allows students to branch out of their comfort zone. It provides them with an opportunity to get better acquainted with their peers, particularly those who they had asked as their date, and to make memories that will last a lifetime For newer students, such an event can be rather intimidating, but for the upperclassmen, the tradition is a long-standing right of passage

Upon arrival, students met up with their dates, took pictures, and found their seats at the tables named after Hawaiian islands Announcements were made and guidelines for the evening were provided before students were released to participate in their choice of activities: axe throwing, pineapple bowling, hat decorating, “mechanical” bull riding and much more “I really enjoyed axe throwing, even though I didn’t make a bullseye,” shares Gabriella Pascual

After the students had time to enjoy all of the pastimes, they were all directed back to their seats in the pavilion They were dismissed by table to choose toppings for their burger in the serving line and to quench their thirst with a glass of refreshing pineapple punch Andrea Alvarado said, “It was really fun, and the food was pretty good The drink was one of the best things”

When all the tables had been dismissed and given time to finish their meal, SA sponsor Tyler Mathis, announced that a table a short way from the pavilion was full of graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars that students could use to prepare s’mores as their dessert They gathered around small fire pits, with roasting sticks in hand to prepare the perfect marshmallow for their s’more. As students finished up their s’mores, it was announced that there would be one final hayride before the last events of the night The hayride made its last trip with students piled on to the back, with almost no room for another person

On the evening of Sunday, September 28, Highland Academy students made their way to the church pavilion for the SA Informal Banquet Everything, including the people, was decorated to the theme of the evening: a Tennessee Luau Students dressed in skirts, sundresses, Hawaiian shirts, jeans, cowboy hats and boots Tiki torches lit the areas for the activities, and in the pavilion, tables were decked with decorative pineapples, monstera leaf placemats and table runners in an array of tropical colors.

After they returned, the two competitions that would end the night began The first was a limbo contest The stars of this event were Melissa Gongora and Bryson Reading. A hula hooping contest followed providing the comical scene of students struggling to keep their hula hoop above their hips The top five in this event were Kathlyn Sampaio, Savanna Jackson, Josh Moyo, Kym Olvido and Saniya Livingston The winners were given beautiful leis in reward of their win

With all the events over, the students said goodbye to their dates and returned to their dorms As students settle into their lives here at Highland, the banquet offers a sense of solidifying their connections with others by gathering together and enjoying one another’s presence.

Photos by Reuel Jabali

The Highlander

By: Eliayna Burnett

FACULTY FAMILY

Highland Academy prides itself on its close, caring environment, taking extra care to make sure its students feel loved and accepted They understand that being away from home can be challenging, and lacking a family to support you is sometimes frightening. To compensate for the extended time away from home, they created a way to replicate that familial feel by grouping students and staff to create “faculty families.” Every few months the school takes a Friday night or Saturday night off so students can go with their staff parents to various places for the afternoon or evening

Isabella Garcia, a freshman, spent her afternoon with her faculty dad, Pastor Will Labrenz, along with the other students in her “family” consisting of senior Ilanit Roth, freshman Joab Luna, senior Melissa Gongora and others. They went to a hibachi restaurant, then returned to his house, where they played games Afterward, they had a group discussion on the topic of abundance, which is the theme of the school year for Highland Garcia’s highlight from the night was the feeling of community and the opportunity to make new friends such as Gongora, her dorm big sister “It was a nice experience,” she recounts Meanwhile, Kathlyn Sampaio, a junior, hung out with Dean Hess, the boys’ dean She enjoyed an array of asian foods, as well as brownies and ice cream for dessert. They did many activities, such as putting on talent shows, painting portraits of people, and participating in simple throwing games They had a worship, and then went into the boys’ dorm, where they played hide and seek in the pitch dark Her favorite

part was how she learned about all the skills her peers enjoyed doing like singing, playing piano and doing gymnastics She said, “Even if we hadn’t gone out to eat and just stayed at the house, we would’ve had a great time”

Andrea Alvarado-Perez, a freshman in Mrs Stephanie Rufo’s faculty family also had a blast with her fellow classmates: Cing Huai, Miguel Bittencourt, and others They ate tacos and played games like Uno and jackbox They ended the night watching Lilo and Stitch She felt very connected to her peers and faculty parents “It was really fun,” she said, “we need to do it again soon.”

Experiences like this make Highland Academy such a memorable place to be We are honored to have staff willing to take in students and care for them as their own. It really shows the ABUNDANT kindness students have and the Christ-filled individuals with whom they are able to surround themselves.

ADVENTIST COLLEGE FAIR

By: Magdalen Carlson

High school seniors across the globe face the same big question each year: what’s next? For our upperclassmen, the annual college fair offered a chance to start finding answers With representatives from a wide range of Seventh Day Adventist colleges and universities, the event gave students a firsthand look at the possibilities awaiting them after graduation A few of the colleges being represented included Southern Adventist University, Andrews University, Advent Health University, La Sierra University, Kettering College, Southwestern Adventist University and more As both juniors and seniors went around to speak with the various representatives of each college, seniors were given applications to most all colleges with application fees waived They were given pamphlets and some went into detail for a few of the degrees and extracurricular options they offer. Every college there talked about their spiritual program, like their bible study groups, worship groups and other ways to connect with other students and with God

Many students left the fair feeling both inspired and reassured, realizing that while the future can feel uncertain, it’s also filled with opportunity and possibility The event reminded everyone that choosing a college isn’t just about academics, it’s about finding a place to grow spiritually, socially and personally For the seniors preparing to take their next step and the juniors beginning to dream about theirs, the college fair marked more than just an event: it was the start of envisioning who they might become beyond high school.

Photo by Various Staff

Photo by Stephanie Rufo