The Orb- April 2018-19

Hamilton Southeastern High School April 2019 | Volume 30 | Issue 7

Harmful Expectations Digital platforms make unrealistic ideals for relationships

Contents

04 Bigger and Better

Orb Staff

Behind-the-scenes work on grandiose self-portraits.

Editor-in-Chief Laura Stancato

06 ASMR

An explanation of the the inner workings and developments of the ASMR trend.

08 Harmful Expectations How social media can create expectations that lead to harmful effects in relationships.

12 Celebrity Power Alleged victims of celebrities using their status to keep their crimes in the dark take a stand.

Section Editors Grace Barclay Laurel Black Kersti Hash Ilene Marzke Hayden Sisemore Lilyan Wray Business Manager Nicholas Bostock Advisers Jordan Klobusnik David Young

Staff Kelsey Ayres Lucas Bisesi Kathryn Collins Lee Cook Carson Etheredge Kennedy Fisher Lainee Kirk Evelyn Lahr Peyton McVeigh Elizabeth Moodispaugh Yashasvi Phougat Lauren Riina Sophia Tomlin Megan Tooman Paige S. Sara Vianna Raegan Walsh Sarah Woodward

14 Baseball Tanking

A look into a new practice in baseball that may be hurting the sport as a whole.

Staffers of the Issue Sarah Woodward One of our more experienced staffers, Sarah always completes her work on time and is one of the first to offer to cover a sports game, club meeting or other event. She works dilligently every day to improve our publications.

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Megan Tooman As Megan nears the end of her first year on staff, she continues to help out however possible to keep our publications running. She works hard to complete her own work and can always be found helping out a fellow staffer.

A MOMENT WITH...

Officer JANES

Mike Janes details importance of preparation As a high school student, did you imagine yourself working in the position you do currently?

I wanted to be a police officer as a child. I loved watching the TV show CHiPs growing up about California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers. I think it influenced me, along with the local officers in my hometown who I had good interactions with.

How do you apply knowledge from your teenage life to your everyday work?

I tend to think back and realize that we all make mistakes. The most important thing is to admit to mistakes, own them, and use that as a learning experience moving forward. I believe everyone needs to think about how their actions can affect others. I know I am much more mature now than I was as a teenager, but I also wish I had the knowledge I have now back then. I enjoyed my teenage years, but wouldn’t give up what I have now to go back in time.

What advice would you give students who wish to follow in your footsteps as a police officer?

Take advantage of opportunities to better yourself.

Having a diverse background in a variety of things can make you a better police officer. Officers need to be a jack-of-all-trades. I work alongside some fantastic officers who truly want to help this community. Whether you choose to go to college, or join the military, both put you in a good position to become a law enforcement officer. Fishers Police Department has a teen academy each summer and has a citizens police academy each spring and fall, which are good ways to see what being a police officer entails. Doing a ride-along with a police agency is also a great way to see if it is something you thing you would enjoy. Finally, make good decisions. Getting in trouble as a young adult won’t necessarily preclude you from being a police officer depending on the crime, but you should strive to not do anything illegal that could hurt your chances.

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Bigger and Better

Behind-the-scenes look at grandiose self-portrait Students all over campus identify with various passions and interests that make them unique. Senior Sophia Kegley is no different and recently completed a 4-by-8 foot self-portrait an optional project in her AP Studio Art class.

“I got the idea for that project from a book,” art teacher Angela Fritz said.

“I have this idea that if I buy a book or go to a place and get one good idea, I can morph it into something that will be interesting for students to tackle.”

For artists like Kegley, their work is a reflection of their skill and dedication.

“Art has always been very important to me,” Kegley said. “I got into it at a young age and have taken classes since my freshman year. It’s something I can express myself through.”

Kegley had to find the right portrait to signify both the art piece and artist, as the process took a lot of time and exploration. Kegley had only painted one project in the

past, making her progression a timely challenge. “[This project] is a lot bigger and took me a long time,” Kegley said. “I was going to use graphite or colored pencils, but figured it would take too long, so I decided I would try painting. It was a lot of trying different things.”

However, all of the artists put in a lot of work to create a distinctive portrait that is on display for the whole school to see.

“They were very excited to work out in the hallway,” Fritz said. “The students have always been respectful of having artwork in the hallways.”

Overall, the finished work is something that can be appreciated by the creators and viewers alike.

“I feel good about [the painting.] It’s kind of weird seeing yourself hanging up in the hallway,” Kegley said. “I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do with it after this year, but I feel good now that it’s done.” Story and photos by Paige S.

Artist of the Issue Junior Cameron Knurek is currently enrolled in Painting I after previously taking Drawing I, II and III, Jewelry, Intro to 3D Art and Sculpture.

“Taking art classes at HSE has shown me a variety of different art forms and taught me the skills that they require,” Knurek said. “I’ve learned how to understand forms and shapes, while painting has shown the importance of confidence while making marks.”

With previous works ranging from realistic drawings to abstract paintings, Knurek has a variety of different skills when it comes to creating art. His next project is a selfportrait titled ‘Ink Shower’.

“All of these combined have given me a diverse amount of abilities that will help me for my career in industrial design.”

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The Curious Society Behind-the-scenes of being a Thespian The rustle of the audience slowly turns to silence as the theater dims to dark. It is opening night and the anticipation coming from backstage is almost deafening. The stage lights blink on, suddenly illuminating the cast who are starting the first scene.

Hours of hard work on school nights and weekends have gone into curating this play, but just to be able to participate in this particular one is a hefty task itself.

Each spring since 1980, the drama department has put on a production reserved for only those who have been named a “Thespian”.

The International Thespian Society is an honor society that inducts those who have earned a certain number of service points while participating in productions throughout their high school years. The society offers competitions and workshops for the students to take advantage of if hoping to further their theater experience.

The main difference between regular drama students and those dauning their navy and grey jackets is experience.

Sophomore Anna Cushman was inducted into the society April 18 and will take part in her first Thespian show this spring as part of the ensemble.

“Being a Thespian is a huge honor and I was so excited when I got my Thespian letter,” Cushman said. “I’ve learned that it takes a lot of hard work on and off the stage to really develop

a character and to make a great show. Theater is my entire life and I love every second spent with my drama club family.”

This year’s show is entitled, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”. Based off of the bestselling book by Mark Haddon, the plot revolves around the life of an autistic boy, Christopher John Francis Boone, who sets out to uncover the mystery of the death of a neighborhood dog. As Christopher investigates, his findings report an even deeper outcome than what he originally thought.

“Taking on the role of Christopher has been the biggest, but most fun challenge to take on,” senior Thaddaeus Nyland said. “Although this show is a challenge for everyone involved, with the help of the directors, cast and crew, we will be able to put on the best show we can.”

The actors you see onstage are not the only people eligible to become a Thespian though. Behind the scenes, crew members are responsible for other essential aspects of the show including costumes, hair and makeup, lights, sound, film and props. Without them, the show truly would not go on.

“Being a Thespian throughout my three of the four years of high school has meant so much to me,” Nyland said. “When I was inducted into this amazing society, it was so heartwarming because I accomplished such a high goal. It has been like my second home.” Story by Raegan Walsh.

A S About the Trend

M

ASMR, or “autonomous sensory meridian response,” is a neurological sensation characterized by deep relaxation and tingling in the head that extends throughout the whole body. This sensation occurs in response to certain stimuli of gentle nature and personal attention and is used for its therapeutic benefits.

The most common way people seek to experience ASMR is through podcasts or videos with this stimuli.

Examples include a woman softly whispering into a microphone or a video of someone tapping their fingernails. Although seemingly simplistic, these videos create the characteristic feeling of ASMR in response.

Additionally, ASMR has been reported to help viewers with their well-being. A study from Swansea University stated that ASMR helped with relaxation, sleep and improvement in mood. Also, 42 percent of 475 participants with chronic pain experienced some relief of their symptoms.

Although the psychological mechanics behind ASMR are currently uncertain, the most popular theory is

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that ASMR relates to interpersonal bonding. The same neurotransmitters activate in comparison with intimacy, or being loved, in response to this stimuli.

However, it has also been noted that ASMR has not had the same effect for everyone. Some people do not experience ASMR at all. Others are subject to misophonia, which is known as a deeply unpleasant response to ASMR. At this time, it is indicated that certain personality traits play a role in having different responses, according to a study from the University of Winnipeg in 2017.

Regardless, ASMR has a significant presence around the world. According to YouTube, there are more than ten million results for ASMR-related videos, and single videos have earned more than 40 million views. Several celebrities and businesses have also taken part in this trend, as well.

Overall, ASMR has risen from an internet subculture to a popular platform due to the help it has given to those positively affected. Story and photos by Megan Tooman.

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Relaxing Exercise

Yoga, working out help reduce stress levels In today’s age when gun violence is on the rise, social media brings new pressures along with many issues seen on the news like rising suicide rates and sexual harassment it is no secret that stress and mental health is affecting almost everyone. According to the annual Stress in America report done by the American Psychological Association, of the members of Generation Z (people within the age of 15-21), 91% of adults said they had felt physical and emotional symptoms associated with stress. This has made the generation known for having the worst mental health issues out of any other generation.

It is important to focus on how to find safe and beneficial ways to cope with the stress that is harshly affecting our generation. Aside from getting the recommended eight hours of sleep and having a healthy diet, working out or going to a yoga class has been proven to reduce the levels of stress that students are facing. On average, junior Maddie McDermott goes to the gym six days a week.

“I struggle with really bad anxiety, so going to the gym has helped me cope with stress and anxiety,” McDermott said. “I go before school, so I get up at 4:45 and head there and get my workout in. Going to the gym has not only helped my anxiety, but also self-esteem from the results that I get.”

According to the American Institute of stress, side effects of anxiety can bring tense muscles, muscle cramps, headaches, pounding pulse, insomnia, stomach aches and heartburn.

Worrying about these side effects of anxiety can also create an evil worry cycle.

Going to the gym or a yoga class can help stop this unhealthy cycle. During a workout, the release of endorphin chemicals sends positive signals to the brain to reduce pain. These chemicals can help relax muscles and relieve muscle tension throughout the body to eliminate some of the side effects of anxiety.

Yoga is especially helpful when trying to reduce bodily tension and other side effects of stress. Known as “meditation in motion,” it promotes relaxation, clearing your mind and focuses on breathing techniques. As the heart rate decreases and body calms down, the brain takes these hints and does the same. Sophomore Kylie Ostrowski goes to a yoga class every Saturday morning.

“I recommend other people try yoga because I believe it’s not only a connection with your mind to your body but it also connects you with your sense of awareness,” Ostrowski said. “It helps with my stress because when I walk out of the studio I feel more connected with everything around me and I understand that the problems I’m facing are only temporary.”

Although they may seem small and hidden, there are many yoga studios sprinkled around Fishers. Source Yoga, Flourish Yoga, Pure Barre and Sadhaka Yoga Room are just a few options. Classes are also offered at places like LA Fitness and the YMCA. Working out brings other benefits aside from an increase of endorphins, too. During a workout, the heart rate increase gives the body more energy and motivation to tackle hard tasks throughout the day. Having the heart rate increase helps people regulate their sleep patterns, as well. Exercising also leads people to need more recovery time, which results in more sleep and less stress. The human body was not made to sit all day, so it is important to have some form of physical activity to continue living a happy, healthy life.

Repeatedly, exercising also leads to an increase in self-confidence, which can help counteract any of the stressful symptoms.

“Working out has improved my mental health by releasing stress from my school day,” Ostrowski said. “It overall makes me more happy because I know that I’m not only improving myself but I’m also getting to know my strengths and weaknesses. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished so much and that I’ve been productive only if I went for an hour.”

Bringing a friend to exercise with can help reduce any overwhelming feelings a person can get at first and work to motivate each other to continue going. For those with busy schedules or those who cannot access a gym, there are easy alternatives to working out. Walking a dog, hanging out with friends outside, or riding a bike are easy ways to keep moving without having to go to a gym or yoga studio. With today’s technology, it is also easy to watch YouTube videos or read an article to find a workout or yoga routine that works best at home.

“Sometimes going to the gym can be overwhelming because you don’t know where to start, but since I’ve been going for so long I don’t have that anymore,” McDermott said. “There are so many positives for going to the gym.”

Story by Sarah Woodward.

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Harmful Expectations Digital platforms make unrealistic ideals for relationships.

In today’s society teens are surrounded by harmful influences.

For years, society has been influenced by television, movies and social media platforms. Media platforms affect business relationships, friendships and romantic relationships in various in negative and positive ways.

Present day relationships can be seen as being compared to their made up Hollywood relationships and unrealistic expectations. These comparisons can also lead to long-lasting effects of self-esteem issues and the way people view relationships in the future.

In the following story, Sociology reach Nanette Wolfe, sophomore Annie Cushman and Indiana University Philosophy professor Leah Savion further explains the lasting effect and how these platforms affect teens and society as a whole. Story by Lilyan Wray.

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Relationships, not just romantic, can often be the centerpiece of the high school experience, but they can also be easily ruined. When it comes to friends or significant others, there are expectations that occur along with them.

There is a feeling of needing to spend every second with them, to have a connection or a big gesture like there is in movies. But as these forms of media that present unrealistic examples of relationships,peopel can unknowingly hold loved ones to impossible standards.

“Whether you are talking about a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a business relationship, the movies sugarcoat things,” Sociology teacher Nanette Wolfe said. “Real life is sometimes very harsh and sometimes things don’t come out the way they do in the movies.”

While movies can be fun to watch at the time, they can have negative effects when they present platonic and romantic relationships in a different manner than life has in mind. At Heriot Watt University, a team of researchers conducted a questionnaire for people to state their expecations when it came to relationships, and it came to

relationships, and it came to prove that fans of cheesy, romantic comedies were failing to communicate with their friends, partners and family effectively.

“Movies and media play a huge role in developing people’s relationships, especially here at HSE,” sophomore Annie Cushman said. “We live in a time where the media plays a gigantic role in all of our lives, whether we’re aware of it or not. In result of this, the relationships we have with friends, family and significant others are influenced by these things. I know that social media has affected all of my friendships, in a positive and negative way.”

As presented in the average television shows, movies and sitcoms [being introduced], there are reoccurrences with friends dropping everything to help one another or having a sudden life event that pushes the story further. In reality, all of one’s energy cannot be put into their friends. There are times in life where someone cannot be present to offer their support or need to be taken for oneself.

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“We seem to be drawn to going to movies and going on social media platforms like Snapchat or Instagram. on the internet,” Wolfe said. “Thinking ‘oh this is going to “While Snapchat is a very cool and new form of happen to me the way it happened to my friends’ or ‘I’m communication, it unfortunately leads to a superficial going to have this successful business relationship with relationship,” Cushman said. “Back when I had this app, this person’.”

I had countless people I used to Snapchat just to keep a Even if these expectations can be seen as toxic, it streak. These people were not my friends; I didn’t have a is not easy for everyone to just walk away from their real connection with any of them. We purely phones. Some of the soul purposes of media platforms, Snapchatted each other to keep a number.” such as Pinterest or Instagram, are to see examples of Though social media can be seen as a fun way to talk a “perfect life”. Most people put their best foot forward to friends, it may also take its toll on our significant to get the most likes or comments on their post, almost others. These platforms want to make people believe that like a highlight reel. After big events like spring break if having many likes, or so many followers makes a or prom, there is an outburst of posts on said platforms profile and someone’s presence on the internet showcasing the vacation or crazy night someone had better. This is shown repeatedly as couples and friends previously experienced. are praised over the media.

“If you take [going on social media] as a way of “[Snapchat] also affects people’s romantic communication, keeping up with people, and take it relationships. People will barely text or talk in person, lightly, it’s probably not going to affect your life that but a relationship will form based on minimal captions much in a negative sense,” Wolfe said. of pictures of each other’s face,” “But if you’re using social media as Cushman said. “This sounds the be all and end all of your extremely dumb, but it happens so relationships, you’re going to get “If you’re using social media much at HSE. I could name countless hurt; you’re going to find that things people who have these types of as the be all and end all life relationships that honestly are not won’t always work out the way you of your relationships, you’re real.” want them to. I think there is so much pressure nowadays, especially with In an experiment done by James going to get hurt,” Nanette young people, who get caught up in McNulty of Ohio State Wolfe said. this.”

University, and Benjamin Karney of There also can be an unequal the University of Florida, 82 recently leveling of closeness one friend has married couples were asked about with another. The façade one shows can lead to a their relationship satisfaction every six months, over the misunderstanding between said “friends.” As one side course of four years. The couples with higher could see a long-lasting friendship, the other could see expectations ended up having the least satisfaction with the relationship as more or less, going as far as a their marriages. possible significant other or a small as an acquaintance.

“Expectations are just one type of categorization These kinds of misunderstandings are definitely shown (classification) that our brains use in order to sort out

What is the hardest part about relationships?

“The hardest part of a relationship is balancing your time, school and relationship” Augustus Isaac, 10

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“Making sure you’re communicating effectively and avoiding misunderstanding.”

Lorelei Porter, 11

“The hardest part of any relationship is having time away from them and trusting they are being loyal and honest with you.”

Kate Schreck, 1o

objects and events quickly,” Philosophy professor at Indiana University, Leah Savion said. “Give a ready-made explanation of any phenomenon (physical, emotional, social), and help us make fairly reliable predictions necessary to keep us functioning.”

These expectations can be cognately explained as our brains choose to go towards social acceptance. In which social acceptance is the link between wanting the surreal scenes shown on television screens. Catering to the belief that if someone comes across these fantasies, that they will be excepted.

“Social connectivity is an adaptive disposition we have, a ‘hill we’re ready to die on’,” Savion said. “Most of us are willing to give up moral values, integrity, and even sacrifice close relationships for a broad social acceptance.”

As Aristotle believed, there is a divide between mental health later on,” Cushman said. “These factors theoretical wisdom, derived from ideals and intuition, play into our everyday relationships, and as technology and practical. Our use of theoretical wisdom creates further develops, their effect on society and epitomes for the relationships we wish to have in life. relationships will only grow.”

Especially as we see “perfect” relationships and Lives are spent creating relationships, but in the friendships on social media platforms, Theoretical digital age of today people are constantly focused on wisdom makes believe that this is what needs to be what television shows ormovies to watch next, and happy. the latest news on their favorite celebrity. Whether it’s “The theoretical wisdom says that second and third watching the newest weekly episode of a show people tier friendships are most beneficial for advancing goals.” have been watching for years, finishing an entire series Savion said. “[For example] getting a degree, finding a in a single weekend, or even just glancing at a phone, the job, a mate, etc, since the closest friends are often media has convinced the world that it deserves a love competitors.” story like The Notebook or You’ve Got Mail. It wants to Everything in life plays a role in the ideals made for impose that everyone has a dramatic friendship like the our future. The long-lasting effect of relationships and characters in Stranger Things and Friends. One might media deal with people’s ability to communicate with want the grand gestures seen on the screen, but it needs people in person. It can also impact the way we learn to be realized that people failing to meet drastic ideals is to communicate with others, altering the way people not always their fault. Story by Lauren Riina and Lilyan Wray. believe what is right and what is wrong.

Information from American Phsycology Association and Oxford Academic “At the end of the day, lots of our relationships are “Help me I’m artificial, which can deeply effect our lives and mental stuck in an infograph! Help me I’m stuck in an infograph! Help me I’m stuck “Making time for “Developing a “Owning up to in each other and level of trust your mistakes, finding time in that allows you putting it all out your schedule to be open and there and to focus on that honest.” accepting people person.”

Kyle Gomez, 11 for who they are.”

Cecelia Vigren, 12 Sarah Longdon, 9

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Celebrity Power Undermined New era holds celebrities accountable

In October 2017, the media industry was shaken by the now famous #MeToo movement, which forced celebrities to face the consequences of their actions of sex-related charges, even though most had occured years or decades previously. Despite its growing popularity within the 21st century, this is not the beginning of victims exposing their accused. Many famous celebrities have been accused of criminal activities, whether it be sexual assault, pedophilia or even murder. While some may be found guilty in a court of law, others battle accusations their entire career, even post-humorously.

One of the most notable names referenced when speaking of the movement is Harvey Weinstein, cofounder of the production company Miramax, and successful producer of many well-known films like cultclassic Pulp Fiction. More than 80 women eventually came forward with similar stories of assault over a period of 30 years. Often, these women were young actresses hoping to make it into the business. Some who alleged refused recounted chilling stories of his refusal to take no for an answer. By preying on young actresses who were not well known, their silence was often bought with threats to prevent them from being given any notable roles. Weinstein’s power in the film industry made him seemingly untouchable to many and therefore claims often bounced off him as rumors. While none of the accusations could be proven in the court of law due to a lack of physical evidence, the overwhelming number of survivors who came forward was enough for many people to make their own judgments of his character.

Another famous name related to the #MeToo movement is the accusations against longtime comedian Bill Cosby. Like in the case of Weinstein, accusations all came around the time of the movement and all stories were fairly similar. Again, his power and popularity made it hard to make an accusation stick in court and to

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his fans, which quickly came to his defense claiming he just wasn’t capable of doing such a thing. It has become apparent that a pattern of accusation and public denial surround these issues involving some celebrities, such as the #MeToo movement. This pattern can still be seen even in those who have passed away.

In 1993, Michael Jackson faced molestation charges and a lawsuit was filed by Evan Chandler, who accused Jackson of child sexual abuse against his 13-year-old son Jordan Chandler. Jackson walked free for 12 years before facing a court date in 2005, when he was accused by a second 13-year-old boy named Gavin Arvizo.

Without physical evidence of abuse, the prosecution relied heavily on testimonies from the victims and their families. The defense claimed the testimonies were unreliable and freed Jackson of all charges. Jackson claimed his innocence until his death in June 2009. The memory of Michael Jackson remained relativley positive until the release of the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which features stories from two accusers.

Many fans jumped to the defense of Jackson, but in the wake of the #MeToo movement, others are beginning to reject support for celebrities who have been accused of forms ofsexual assault.

Sexual allegations within Hollywood, politics and everyday life are not an issue that only began with the #MeToo movement, but are ones that men and women alike have been facing for years. The power behind one voice has the ability to inspire others to take a stand against their abuser and make our generation stronger in the fight against sexual abuse and hold abusers accountable for their actions. Story by Kathryn Collins and Evelyn Lahr. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

Beneath the Surface

Celebrities struggle with mental health, drug abuse Rapper Mac Miller was found dead on Sept. 7, at his home at the age of 26 of an accidental overdose. L.A. County police stated the cause of death was a “mixed toxicity.” Alcohol, cocaine and fentanyl were found in his body after the autopsy. The rapper had previously struggled with substance abuse throughout his life, battling an addiction to lean at the beginning of his career. Mac Miller was at the height of his career with his latest album “Swimming” before the accidental overdose.

The 27 club is a phenomenon in pop culture. The term names a group of artists who died at the young age of twenty-seven, most often at the height of their career. Celebrities such as Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin are members. Kurt Cobain, for instance, member of the rock band Nirvana, was found dead at his house in Seattle in 1994. The vocalist committed suicide like many of the other members of the club.

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Demi Lovato, a popular actress and singer, began working with Disney Channel in 2007, and starred in many shows and movies. Lovato was rushed to the hospital after a drug overdose on July 24 2018. In 2010, prior to the relapse, Lovato seeked help for an eating disorder, self-harm issues and bipolar disorder. In interviews before her overdose, Lovato said she tried cocaine at age of 17 and alcohol at 19.

In 2007, Britney Spears had a very public episode of emotional distress.

In February, Spears went to a drug rehabilitation center for less than a day. The next night, she shaved her head. This would become the infamous symbol of the episode for years to come. Spears was then admitted to other treatment facilities in the next weeks. In October, she lost custody of her children to her recently divorced ex-husband, and later said the breakdown was the product of severe anxiety.

Info from CBS, Rolling Stone, CNN and Hello Magazine.

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Baseball Tanking

MLB attendance problem, play on the field America’s favorite pastime has hit the field again as the MLB starts another year of baseball. The organization, now 116 years old, has been through its share of problems to the sport in its past. However a unique problem has assailed the sports viewership and popularity.

“Tanking” is a process where teams will sell off higher end talent and expensive contracts to gain more cap space and that they will lose more to get higher draft picks. Essentially sacrificing the present team for prospects and a large cap space to pay for possible future success. The most famous case is the Houston Astros who currently are enjoying a run at the top of the league after previously “tanking”.

With the apparent success of this tactic, more and more teams have taken to following in their footsteps.

However, this has affected the entirety of baseball as a whole. Teams who tank end up turning away local fans who won’t pay to watch a team who isn’t looking to win and is purposefully putting out inferior talent to achieve that end. It means that sales and viewership for the sport drop and there creates a divide between playoff contenders and teams that are at the bott The bigger issue is when teams are stuck in a tank and fail due to lack of support from fans which means that teams don’t earn money from ticket and concessions sales. Once a team begis to tank it’s not possible to go back to being competitive, which often leaves teams in a cycle until they get enough to gather enough talent, again which sometimes may not happen with teams attempting to tank. Now that it has become an accepted practice more and more, teams now crowd the bottom of the league, with three teams having more than 100 loses

during the 2018 season.One the flipside, more teams are also dominating with a record-breaking three teams with 100 wins creating a divide between the good teams and bad teams that hurts the sport.

Meanwhile, attendance across the league has been on decline due to these practices. As reported by the Washington Post, the league has had a seven percent drop in attendance from the 2017 to 2018 seasons, and the publicity of tanking now has turned people away from the sport in cities where it now happens. Along with the rise of streaming of sports people haven’t found reason to come out to ballparks to watch a game of baseball.

The issue is that the MLB would rather quash the view of tanking rather than deal with the issues that come with the practice. This has been a common theme with the NBA seeming to also want to sweep the practice under the rug rather than dealing with the practical issues that come with the practice. Solutions have been out their as to how the league can inspire teams to compete even if they might not be the top teams. Ideas have sprung about tweaking the draft system to where it is not just the worst team getting the best pick but a competition among the lower quarter of teams for draft position.

It’s a practice that will have to be fixed by the MLB through a reworking of the system of how contracts and drafts work so that incentives are made for teams to compete in the long run without choosing to tank.

Allowing for every team to attempt to succeed and attempt to put the best team on the field that they can field. Story by Carson Etheredge

What is your favorite MLB team?

“My favorite MLB team is the Pirates because the name is cool and they have good ratings every year.”

Robert Stanley, 12

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“I like to watch the Milwaukee Brewers because my family grew up in Wisconsin and the tradition stuck with me. ” Brock Cardinal, 10

“The MLB team i enjoy to watch the most is the Chicago White Sox because my mom grew up liking them.

Lauren Jaynes, 11

A Starting Point

New athletes joining school sports High school: a four year timespan often seen as countless new opportunities for students to find their personal interests and hobbies. For some, that may be joining clubs or organizations, while others find themselves playing a sport. School sports unite people with different backgrounds, classes and ages through teamwork to reach a common goal. Despite a lack of experience, several students have joined a new sport, which positively impacted their high school experience.

Sophomore Zack Bostock came into high school his freshman year in search of a way to relieve stress from classes, while also getting closer to some classmates.

Bostock soon found his answer in swimming.

“My older brother is a senior swimmer and before my freshman year I noticed how much he enjoyed being with his friends after school,” Bostock said. “Swimming has not only made me a stronger person physically, but I also made stronger bonds through the sport.”

Balancing grades, a social life and any other after school activites is a challenge for any student. But adding a sport to the mix adds to an already hectic schedule. Waking up at 5:00 am for practices and additionally staying after school for a couple more hours,

the schedule of a student athlete is draining. After returning home from practice, students cram in studying for upcoming tests and complete homework.

Add school organizations and clubs, and hours are taken away from family and friends. The chaotic lifestyle of a student athlete is an intimidating challenge.

Senior Megan Merryman started playing lacrosse her sophomore year and has learned the importance of priorities.

“I started playing lacrosse because my best friend dedicated her free time to it and loved it,” Merryman said. “I have made so many wondeful friends who support me both on and off of the field. Lacrosse is a lot of work, physically and mentally, but it is definitely worth it because I found something that I love to do every day.” Story by Peyton McVeigh.

Athlete of the Issue

Lauren Bopp Trait: Perseverance Lauren Bopp is a sophomore on the unified track team.

She is currently undecided about her future college plans.

“Lauren shows perseverance by her willingness to do any track event and never giving up. She comes to every practice ready to run and to cheer on her friends.

Last year she did the 400-meter run and it was a far distance for Lauren, but she ran the whole way with encouragment from her teammates.”

Marsha Lee, Unified Track Coach “I love being on the team because I get to be around, and play with, all my closest friends.”

Lauren Bopp, 10 HSENews.com

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In this Issue...

For years, movies, television shows and social media platforms have created a false representation of relationships. As relationships are compared to the ones depicted on screens, insecurities can be formed regarding the viewer’s relationships and loved ones. These comparisons can lead to long lasting effects that change the way future relationships are handled. It can be traced back to the brain’s theoretical wisdom and its response to the media.

The Orb staff wanted to examine how the media affects society and relationships in an attempt to provide possible corrections for the situation (page 8).

This issue also highlights the works of both visual and performing artists, discussing AP Art Studio and the thespian show (page 4). In addition, this issue explores new health trends (page 6), celebrity controversies (page 14) and what to expect from the upcoming Major League Baseball season (page 14).