THE
ORB
Hamilton Southeastern High School Volume 31 | Issue 5 | January 2020
DECADE REWIND REFLECTING, LOOKING AHEAD [PAGE 8]
THE
ORB
SEASONAL SAFETY..........................................................4
ART UNDER ANALYSIS....................................................................5 MABOR MAJAK: PROFILE.........................................................................6 COVERING CONTROVERSY.............................................................................7 DECADE REWIND.....................................................................................................8 PAST DECADE TIMELINE........................................................................................9 HOPES FOR 2020S............................................................................................10 PREDICTING THE FUTURE........................................................................11 PROCESS OF IMPEACHMENT........................................................12 HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF...............................................13 ON THE CLOCK..............................................14 GIRLS RUGBY.................15
STAFF MEMBERS PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Hayden Sisemore
EDITORS
Grace Barclay Lucas Bisesi Kennedy Fisher Peyton McVeigh Sophia Tomlin
PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATORS Megan Tooman Sarah Woodward
MORALE COORDINATOR Elizabeth Moodispaugh
ADVISERS
STAFF MEMBERS
Sierra Borkowski Kathryn Collins Emily Crousore Vivianna Esqueda Remington Fletcher Gabriella Haynes Kyra Jones Lainee Kirk Brooke Lederman Bailey Lincoln Keira Martin Katelyn Penrod Lauren Riina Isabella Romaine Heidi Schlabach Danielle Wetzel Jamie Whitesell
Jordan Klobusnik David Young
BUSINESS MANAGER
2
Graphique font courtesy of onlinewebfonts.com.
THE ORB
Evan McDonald
STAFF SHOUT-OUT SARAH WOODWARD Sarah always demonstrates her artistic prowess in everything she does, particularly her incredible photography. Mission Statement: The Orb staff is dedicated to bringing interesting, relevant and important news to students and faculty at the school. The staff also focuses on upholding media ethics.
A MOMENT WITH...
JILL MCGRATH
ENGLISH TEACHER DISCUSSES IMPORTANCE OF FEMALE-LED CLASS What made you want to start the Lean-In class? I was trying to think of a class that I wish I could have taken when I was 17 years old and that is where Lean-In came from. Lean-In ended up being really interesting because of the fact that it was mainly all females. What do students learn through the Lean-In class? Lean-In teaches kids about learning their identity and what defines them. We then look at some of the defining elements in society that add to, or try to change, who the students think they are. The class then moves into what the students think other people their age need to know and wind up teaching a lesson based upon that. What do you hope students can gain from the Lean-In class? I want students to gain knowledge about themselves that they can then be aware of the pressures in our society that are trying to change them. I want my students to be strong people in society and not just reactionary. What advice do you have for students who want to talk about sensitive issues, but are afraid to do so? I think the best way to understand and appreciate vulnerability is to practice it. A student can practice vulnerability by starting small and sharing something from their writing or one small opinion with the rest of the class. By doing this, a student can get rid of the negative self-talk that they cannot do something in front of the class. How do you balance your personal life and your teaching life? That has been a challenge because I want to give my all to my own children. But, after eight hours of teaching, it can be pretty exhausting. I always try to carve out family time and try to read to my kids every night. What has been the biggest gift that teaching has brought you? The best gifts that teaching has brought me would be empathy and laughter. Teaching has made me be able to be empathetic towards teenagers by seeing what they are going through, while also being able to teach them how to be empathetic towards adults and each other. Furthermore, teaching has made me a much better mom because I can see the reality of what students are going through. [Teaching] brings me a gift of laughter every day because I get to laugh with my classes. Q&A and photo by Jamie Whitesell.
HSENEWS
3
SEASONAL SAFETY
INFORMATION, ADVICE FOR WINTER DRIVING
4
THE ORB
In the winter time, roads become more dangerous to navigate, and extra precautions should always be taken into consideration. Knowledge is power for the maximum potential of safety. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, around 1.3 million car accidents are caused by weather conditions each year. In November, senior Gabriel Neise suffered an accident that resulted in severe damage to his vehicle after slipping on black ice and being thrown into a field, hitting a tree. This occurred when he went to turn into his neighborhood at night. Thankfully, he and his family members were uninjured. “It really bothered me, because I’ve been driven by other teenagers who have ignored many regulations of driving, yet I’m the one who gets in an accident just to get some extra practice so we could prevent something like this happening later down the road,” Neise said. “It was honestly a miracle that we were all okay, considering the damage done to the car.” According to NHTSA.gov, the proper procedure for being able to drive safely begins with proper maintenance of one’s vehicle. This includes regular examinations to ensure that the car is of adequate conditions for driving. Checking that the tires are adequate for proper traction on roads, consider investing in tires specific for the winter as improved traction in snow and low temperatures makes for a safer driving experience. Apart from one’s vehicle, there are other tips to consider. In addition to driving slowly and defensively on the
roads with much consideration of one’s decisions, having a larger following distance behind other cars is essential as stopping distance is longer than usual on icy roads. Since drivers have a higher risk of losing control of their vehicles, it is especially important to be aware of one’s surroundings when crossing the road. Additionally, make sure the vehicle has come to a complete stop before going to cross the street. Looking out for black ice, which forms more commonly during the night and can appear that road is wet, is essential when avoiding potential accidents. Even if the temperatures become warmer, ice may still linger on the roads as it takes longer to melt. In cases of emergency, it is helpful to have certain items that will help in situations such as an accident or getting stuck in snow. This includes salt, extra food and water, and blankets to stay warm. If one gets stuck, do not spin the tires for too long in the risk of them combusting from high levels of friction. Rather, gently try to move the car back and forth in order to get it to dislodge. Make sure to turn off the vehicle in the case of being submerged in snow as a clogged exhaust pipe leads to carbon monoxide in the car. Continuing research and understanding of how to drive safely will strengthen one’s ability to be a fully experienced driver and will benefit in the long-run for any situation on the roads. For more information, visit resources such as NHSTA.gov, AAA.com, and NSC.org. Story and photo by Megan Tooman.
ART UNDER ANALYSIS COMPARING WHETHER ART CREDITS SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Imagination and creativity are ideas which are generally not taught in schools today. In traditional classes, students follow a strict schedule because of standardized testing, while in art classes, students have creative freedom to express themselves. Art classes such as Drawing or Ceramics can be an escape for high schoolers, whether they are artistically inclined or not. In school, art classes are not required unless students are qualifying for an Academic Honors diploma, which requires two fine arts credits. However, these credits could be achieved in classes other than art specifically. A study by the Brookings Institute found that when arts education was increased in middle schools, there was a 13 percent improvement in standardized writing scores and a 3.6 percent reduction in disciplinary violations.
With evidence like this, it may seem to be obvious to implement art classes into a daily schedule. Nonetheless, there are still a variety of reasons as to why art credits have not been a requirement in the past, and whether that requirement will change is unknown. There are many students with specific interests that do not include art and have no room in their schedule for art classes. Students who feel they are not artistically talented may avoid art classes. An art credit requirement could feel like a restraint on their pursuit of the subject they intend to study in the future. “I do not think that more art credits should be required because some people do not like art as much as others,” junior Ashleigh Havrilesko. “I think it might leave some people dissatisfied with their schedules and unable to pursue classes that they are more interested in.” Although these classes may not be mandatory in school, students choosing
to take them feel strongly about the benefits of art education. “I have been involved in many art classes in my life and noticed a significant change in my social and decision-making skills,” sophomore Lyndsey Baccam said. “Art has aided me tremendously in learning how to converse with others and let my personality loose; there are no rules in art.” Along with students, the teachers of art classes have seen, first-hand, the positive effects art has upon high schoolers. “I believe art credits should be required at our school,” art teacher Greg Sasser said. “It makes people more well-rounded individuals when they focus on things other than core academics.” The debate over art credits remains up in the air, but students will still be entitled to their preferences when it comes to scheduling, whether that involves art classes or not. Story by Lainee Kirk.
OF THE ISSUE JUNIOR HALEE CRAIG
After taking Drawing 1-3, Intro to 3D and Painting 1, junior Halee Craig plans on taking five more art classes next year. “Halee is an outstanding artist. She comes from an artistic family, and she instinctively wants to try new things and ask questions. She is willing to try anything and her curiosity is leading her closer to finding her own unique style.” Daniel Moosbrugger, art teacher “My favorite part about art is being able to think outside the box and just letting some of my crazy ideas become beautiful works. I like how experimental I can get with it, not only style and technique, but supplies as well. Halee Craig, 11 HSENEWS
5
MABORMAJAK SENIOR REFLECTS ON LIFE IN SOUTH SUDAN
Senior Mabor Majak already stands out amongst the crowd at 7 feet 2 inches. At first glance, his height often brings attention to his basketball career, but Majak’s story is a true rebound. Majak spent the majority of his life in South Sudan in Central Africa. In 2011, South Sudan voted to break away from Sudan and this decision caused constant conflict inside the world’s youngest country. Two years later the ongoing South Sudanese Civil War began, which resulted in Majak leaving his home, family, and everything he once knew. The 14 year old arrived in Indiana in April of 2015, confused and alone. “Life in South Sudan was good but very harsh in some cases,” Majak said. “When I came to the United States three years ago it was a great experience but so scary leaving everything and everyone behind.” From the first day Majak set foot in Fishers, he instantly saw a difference. No more bullets flying in a war torn country, but instead a new family, the Fox’s. Despite his new siblings, he often thinks about his family back in South Sudan. “I remember it being a lot colder here in Indy than in South Sudan,” Majak said. “My family is doing well and I plan to visit them before or during college.” Despite all the differences between his life now and the one he left in South Sudan, one passion ties them together. “I started playing basketball five months before coming to the United States. I had never thought I would play [basketball],” Majak said. “I was always really into sports, especially soccer. Majak now is a starting center for the Varsity boys basketball team. Playing as a Royal took some getting used to, however. The change came naturally and Majak recently committed.
6
THE ORB
“I did not know some rules until I started playing AAU basketball,” Majak said. “I am so glad to be committed, Coach Gates has high hopes for me and I look forward to playing for him at Cleveland State University.”
Although he will continue his basketball career in the United States, Majak will always remember his roots and life in South Sudan. Story and Photo by Peyton McVeigh.
COVERING CONTROVERSY COURSES BROADEN PERSPECTIVES THROUGH NOVELS, DISCUSSIONS Topics like racism, sexual assault and mental illness can be challenging topics to discuss in a classroom setting. Despite this, many courses, such as in English, often cover novels and short stories that include these, and similar, themes. Discussing these issues in a classroom environment often helps teachers build a course curriculum that will offer real and relevant insights to its students. Even though students may encounter these topics through social media, television and other outlets, teachers hope that books will act as a pathway to broadening their students’ understandings of these topics, especially for students who have not experienced them personally. “I cover a variety of controversial topics both in AP Literature and in Young Adult Literature,” English teacher Jacqueline Carson said. “We’re dealing with racism, double consciousness, code switching and the topic of police brutality, which can be a very touchy subject. We also cover mental health and discuss assault, as well as its effects and the trauma.” Stories that center on sensitive topics are typically given extra care from a teaching standpoint to present each topic in a clear manner. Additionally, teachers emphasize the creation of a safe environment for discussion.
Inv i Cou sible rse Man : AP Lite ra
tur e
“In my Young Adult Literature class, we set norms that we all agree on,” Carson said. “It’s tough to talk about topics that aren’t first-hand experiences for me, so I try to do my best to treat those topics respectfully. I think students are wanting to discuss these things, but they may not
“We do students a
disservice if we treat them like they can’t handle these topics. We aren’t doing them any favors to shelter them.” always have a safe space to do it.” While the school includes books as part of the curriculum, other schools have taken novels in a different direction, banning them from school libraries instead of studying them. According to the Washington Post, To Kill a Mockingbird, which depicts racism in an individual and institutional context, has been banned or dropped from school
For Cou give M e rse : YA , Leon Lite ard rat P ure eaco ck
districts as recently as 2018. Throughout its time since its publication, the novel has been labeled “immoral” but more recent criticism focus on its inclusion of racial slurs. “I think it’s fear more than anything [that leads to certain titles being banned],” Carson said. “They’re afraid that kids can’t handle those topics or that they shouldn’t be discussed in the home. We do students a disservice if we treat them like they can’t handle these topics. We aren’t doing them any favors to shelter them.” Regardless, Carson believes that some books on issues like these are best left out of the curriculum. But instead of banning titles like these, she suggests students read such books on their own time. “I don’t think [books] should be for shock value,” Carson said. “[Books] should be for learning.” By exposing students to perspectives different than their own, there is the opportunity to gain insights into the experiences of various groups of people. “The books [covered throughout the English curriculum] have a lot of psychology and are really just about people in general,” senior Madeline Thomas said. “I like [when] the characters are interesting and it’s like everyday life.” Story by Hayden Sisemore.
Per Cou ks of B rse e : YA ing a Lite Wal lfl rat ure ower
DECADE
8
REWIND THE ORB
REFLECTING ON THE PAST With the beginning of a new decade hopes of achieving fame. comes the conclusion of the previous one, “The internet helps me spread my music an era defined by childhood memories, because I use platforms like Soundcloud technological advancements and the reality and Instagram to post myself singing,” of leaving behind adolescent amusements. Zandi said. “It also helps me discover new The end of the 2010s marked an emotional music and allows me to grow in my love and realization for many people spending their admiration for music.” 7.0 Haiti earthquake final moments reflecting on what will be While superheroes such as Spiderman and causesthe death of left in the past. Batman are best known another hero as 230,000 people. “[Leaving the decade] I kind of felt gripped the attention of media platforms, relieved,” Sophomore Meredith Kuhl said. Marvel introduced the hero Black Panther “It’s a clean slate and a chance for us to set to the cinematic universe in 2018, making Osama Bin Laden new expectations for who we want to be as him the first African American superhero assassinated in individuals and a society.” to grace the big screen. Featuring an all Pakistan. As the years progressed, technology black cast, Black Panther was a significant followed suit. With the development of new movement in black representation in the entertainment sources such as Instagram, film industry and postivitely impacted Twitter and Vine came a focus on bringing members of the black community including Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting kills 27 together users in a new way. junior Camryn Brembry. people. Without knowing it, these launches were “[The representation found in Black critical in defining the era of social media. Panther] made me feel proud to be black Each platform allowed for communication because growing in a predominantly white in a way never seen before. schools and having a Usain Bolt is named Sophomore Donte Gomez lack of representation in the fastest person in dicusses how social “[Leaving the decade] I kind the media I was excited the world. media posts were able to see something that of feel relieved. It’s a clean to reach a further audience, had people that looked connecting this generation slate and a chance for us to like me,” Brembry worldwide. said.“I went to see it Ebola outbreak in West set new expectations for who three times in theaters Africa causes 11,315 “Social media is helpful deaths. in many ways,” Gomez we want to be as individuals and I don’t regret it.” said. “It allows people to Along with see things from a different and as a society.” representation for perspective.” people of color in the These apps also film industry, there was Gay marriage is seemingly created a new language filled an increase of portrayal of LGBT actors legalized in the U.S. with references and jokes to be shared and characters as well. One of the most with all. Alongside humorous gags and unforgettable being 2018 adaptation of quips, the spoken language was changed Love, Simon. The journey of a teenaged boy through the use of technology, as well. struggling to accept his sexual orientation Donald Trump elected Slang terms such as ‘yeet’, ‘lit’ and ‘periodt’ not only proved a story that many LGBT as 45th President of the United States. have infiltrated everyday conversations youths could relate to but also helped cast for youngest generation, including junior member Keiynan Lonsdale accept himself. Kaley McHaffie. “We say, ‘representation matters’, and it’s “I use the new slang terms made in the just the truth,” Lonsdale told The Hollywood #MeToo Movement 2010s a lot,” McHaffie said. “I say y’all a lot, I Reporter March 16th 2018. “You watch kickstarts sexual say ‘mood’ daily and I say ‘extra’ a lot.” something, and depending on how the assault awareness. With the assistance of social media the story is told and how these characters feel entertainment industry thrived with new to you, it influences your life, it influences revelations in pop culture. how you feel about yourself and people that Wildfires burn Los Celebrities were no longer limited to being you meet.” found on the big screen as influencers grew The depiction of a Black Jewish character Angeles, Cal. kills 90 people. their following on a smaller screen instead. coming out was the type of representation Technological advancements created an that the decade strived towards expressing. easier opportunity for regular everyday Expression does not stop at what’s on the people to discover their big break and see inside. It can also transform into things The record high of 417 their name in lights. such as fashions, various fashion trends mass shootings in the Teenagers and school students, like junior were popularized throughout the decade, United States. Donya Zandi, are following the trend of whether it be reviving old ones or creating uploading their talents to the internet in new ones, everyone could find a way to express themselves however they desire.
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
HSENEWS
9
At the start of the decade fashion For Our Lives and Black Lives Matter appeared in many unique forms, whether have helped set a tone of hope for the it be grunge, hipster or elegant people new decade. These movements are at could define themselves in whatever the forefocus to many youths impacted way they wanted. One student who and not give into the stereotype of being uses fashion to express herself is senior too young to have a voice in important Morgan Reigeluth. causes. “I express myself through fashion by In spite of these tragic events that presenting myself in a way I think others plagued our nation, they brought a new could understand,” Reigeluth said, “I motivation to students and adults alike, am who I am through the clothes I am sparking the conversation many have wearing.” ignored. Throughout the past decade such styles This new decade gives opportunity for came and went but continued to impact change. For continuing these movements the culture surrending clothing. Clothing and difficult conversations the new era was no longer just shirts and pants it of humanity can continue to evolve and became a symbol of identity. grow, and can continue fight against these As this generation looks back on the issues in order to create a brighter future. decade of their childhood and reflects on “Because of the advancements we the positive memories that came with, made in our life it’s made us better,” it is impossible to ignore the negative senior Lidsney Oren said. “This new reality and lessons that decade will be the came with. same, we will push for As society brings in the “This decade will be the continuous change new year, it must look same, we will push for and improvement back on the mistakes within our society by and issues started in contiunous change and not abandoning the in our movements the previous in order to improvement we’re prevent repeating past society by abandoning fighting for now and by horrors. always fighting for the In 10 years there the movements we’re people who need help.” were over 180 school fighting for now and by The 2010s were shootings in the United always fighting for the about more than States alone according nostalgic memories, to CNN. In 10 years people who need help.” though they were over 25% of states about regular people have enforced some stepping up to fight type of restrictions against the practice for causes they were passionate about. of safe abortions provided to women With the new technology, it allowed for according to Guttmacher Institute. In global broadcasting of these significant 10 years there was a significant increase concerns and topics to spread awareness in women coming forward with sexual to the reality and dangers of them. assault allegations. In 10 years there was “With more people being online and on an increase in police brutality against the social media it allows for more people to black community according to Mapping know about more things and more social Police Violence. issues,” Sophomore Harrison Lakes said. Due to these issues negatively impacting “We can inspire change.” society, it has led to many growing In this new period of life, current high concerns for the future. Junior Connor school students will be leaving their high Wright, shares his fears of what is to come school careers and their hometowns in the new decade. to begin a new chapter of their life. “Personally [in the new decade] I’m Whether it’s continuing down the path worried about being ready for living on of knowledge, or entering an occupation my own and being able to support myself of their choice, each person will truly be financially,” Wright said, “And globally, moving on from their childhood. New I’m worried about a lack of cooperation traditions will begin and other traditions between nations and the potential for a will conclude, facing the reality of recession to limit our job opportunities.” growing up. Story by Kathryn Collins and However, these defining moments Emily Crousore. forever ingrained in history books will allow future generations to look back and reflect upon the improvements made to society. Movements have already been in set in motion, movements such as March
10
THE ORB
WHAT ARE YOUR
HOPES
FOR THE NEW DECADE?
“2020 needs more people being kind to each other because there is no point in being mean.” David Hosei, 10
“I’d like to see more government spending to go to education so that public schools are improved.” Benjamin Rump,12
“I want to see people volunteering more to help save our planet.” Riley Monesmith ,9
PREDICTING THE
FUTURE
WHAT WILL HSE BE LIKE IN 10 YEARS? “I think they may have added another wing onto the school, and the classes will be growing in size considering that the freshman class this year is so large.” Danielle Weitzel, 12
“I think HSE in 2030 will be on block schedule and start later. They would also have a new section installed as well.” Elizabeth Collins, 10
“I think that [even though] it will be in the future, it will still be a lot like it is today.” Logan Kruse, 10
“I think everything will be electronic and it would be beyond my capacity to do anything. I’ll feel like my parents [do now].” Shane Collins, 12
WHAT WILL FISHERS BE LIKE IN 10 YEARS? “I feel like it will be more technologically advanced. Downtown Fishers will be more modern and [I feel like] the city will get rid of the older buildings.” Ashley Baker, 11
“It will probably be like Fort Wayne, [meaning] there will be a lot more people and a lot more city-like. There will be more apartments.” Hayden Fisher, 10
“There will be more merchandising downtown, [including] more clothing store, more retail stores and more places to shop.” Zoe Karner, 9
“There will probably be a lot of new buildings and restaurants in different areas.” Kinsey Bauer, 9
WHAT WILL THE WORLD BE LIKE IN 10 YEARS? “In 2030, I think we will have ten times the number of inventions we do now with all the science and technology we have stumbled upon. I’m so excited to see it.” Cayelle Fitzgerald, 11
“[I believe that] the world will be burned because of climate change.” Grady Garrard, 9
“There will probably be some flying cars and other more advanced technologies.” Riley Monesmith, 9
“[I think there will be] more trash in the oceans.” Jackson Mundy, 10
HSENEWS
11
PROCESS OF IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS UNFOLD, EVOLVES OVER THE YEARS, PRESIDENCIES When a candidate for President of the United States of America wins the election, many responsibilities are placed upon said person. Amidst keeping up with global, national and personal issues, mistakes are bound to be made, many of them easily brushed past. But when a president commits an action that violates the United States Consitution, that is when impeachment of the president may be considered. In the United States, there is a form of checks and balances within the governmental system. This means that none of the three branches of the government (legislative, judicial and executive) are in full control of another. For example, if Congress were to pass a law and the Supreme Court finds it to be unconstitutional, it can be thrown out. This is the same mentality used when the impeachment process is underway. “An impeachment is when a president is brought up on criminal charge,”Social Studies teacher Chad Janney said. “So, just like the court of law, someone could be charged with something and they will continue to have due process rights to a trial. This is where evidence is presented, testimony is given and people of the jury vote upon guilty or innocent. In the case of impeachment, the same is decided.” When a president is first placed on trial
3
for crimes against the Constitution, it is taken to the House of Representatives. There it is decided as to whether or not the crimes are impeachable offenses. This does not necessarily mean the president will be taken out of office, but if the House of Representatives votes them as guilty, it will then be moved to the Senate. The Senate decides whether or not the crimes committed are, in fact, enough to remove said person from office. Over the past 250 years, only three presidents have been impeached, none of them ever making it past the Senate to be removed. The first was president Andrew Johnson in 1868, followed by Bill Clinton in 1998. Johnson was questioned for his actions in 1863 after violating the system of checks and balances. Johnson
Johnson - 1868 Nixon - 1974 Clinton - 1868
Presidents impeached
12/18/19 12
THE ORB
2/3
vetoed the Tenure of Office Act prior to it being run by Congress. Even though this was an impeachable offense, Johnson was later acquitted by the U.S. Senate and remained in office for the remainder of his term. Richard Nixon was taken to trial for crimes regarding abuse of power and obstructing justice on the other hand, resigned before his impeachable offenses could be tried in 1974. Lastly, Clinton was impeached for lying under oath and obstruction of justice. Most recently, Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives on Dec. 18, 2019. It was found by some that he needed to be called to question on two counts of impeachable offenses: obstruction of Congress and abuse of power. He was found guilty by the House of Representatives, which moved his case to the Senate. On Jan 17, 2020, the ceremonial aspects of the trial were completed. The time it will take for the actual trial for Trump is unknown. In Clinton’s 1999 trial, there were about 37 days when the Senate received the information regarding the articles of impeachment and the vote to keep him in office. For Trump, this could be the same. But since the 2020 elections are approaching, there may be a rush on the decision. Story by Sophia Tomlin.
Senate majority vote needed to impeach
Trump’s Impeachment Date
FHISTORYR REPEATS E EITSELFD O M: CHINA OPPRESES UIGHUR MUSLIMS When students learn about the concentration camps present in WWII, they are often seen as a practice left behind in history. However, the Chinese government is currently holding millions of Uighang Muslims in captivity within the city of Xinjiang, China. “With [American Muslims] living here, the camps do not affect us, but we’re fortunate in what we have,” senior and president of Muslim Student Association, Rami Daas said. “I used to question myself [about] how could people live knowing that their brothers and sisters are dying in concentration camps during the Holocaust, but what I see now is the exact same thing happening yet again.” The camps are the result of civic tensions between the Han Chinese and the Uighur Muslims. China aimed to gain control of Xinjiang from Turkic-speaking Uighurs. After many years of discrimination, ethnic and human rights riots, and many attempts to become a separate nation from China, China, and many other neighboring countries that Muslims sought to find refuge in, referred to the Uighurs as terrorists and separatists, leading China to create the internment camps in order to remove radical intentions. “China’s attacks on the Uighur population are not simply because they are Muslim,” Daas said. “But this repercussion is not just for the Muslim community but for us as a humanity to prevent these incidents” The Xinjiang camps began detaining Muslims as early as April 2017, with over one million Muslims in captivity. Up to present-day, the number of detainees has risen to over two million. The camps are occupied with many Uighur, Kazakhs, and Uzbek Muslims, most of which imprisoned for identifying with the Muslim community. Others were targeted for communicating with countries with seldom relations to China, attending mosque services and communicating through letters embedded with Quranic verses.
“We have a saying in our religion: we view our Muslim population as one body,” Daas said. “If a single part of our Muslim community is hurt, it’s as if all of us are hurt.” Though many had their suspicions about the internment camps, it was not until security footage leaked in 2019 that the persecution of the Uighurs was seen by the public. Evidence showed camps forcing the renouncement of Islam, with visuals of Muslims being forced to eat pork and drink alcohol. With the renouncement, Muslims were singing praises for communism, forced to learn Mandarin, and facing disciplinary actions including sleep deprivation and starvation. Females were also targets for sexual abuse within the camps, as they receive abortions and face contraceptive devices against their wills. “The more recent video I saw was of two policemen hitting this man on the floor, stripped down to his underwear and being beat with a walking stick,” senior and officer of MSA Salma Mohammed said. What moved me was that all the while, the man was whispering prayers to himself. There was another one earlier in the year where this woman was being dragged by two policemen, digging her feet into the ground, and they were likely taking her out of her home, likely to be married to a non-Muslim man against her will.” Prior to the release of the security footage, China’s government and Xinjiang’s governor referred to the camps as a method to “carry out antiextremist ideological education”, “boarding schools” and “job training”. It was said that any Muslim within the camps had the same freedom of religion and human rights as any other Chinese citizen. “China can get away with an atrocity like [the internment camps] and have no other country intervene in the process,” Mohammed said. “It’s yet another reminder in the world that [Muslims] feel like we don’t belong.”
As the amount of Xinjiang camps increase, there have been efforts against Xinjiang’s government. Apart from the lack of protest from countries with economic ties with China, such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the United Nations continues to urge China to release the detainees. Chinese human rights groups are working for equality amongst the Chinese and Uighur communities. China had claimed to release detainees of the camps, but relatives of imprisoned Uighur Muslims have yet to hear from their loved ones after being held within the Xinjiang camps. “America has not mentioned intervening into this either, and to me it shows me that my people aren’t worth the fight,” Mohammed said. “That makes me a Muslim, living in America, feel as though my country has no responsibility to me and that my government does not care to protect me.” It has been proven multiple times that WWII was not the only mass spread of concentration camps, especially considering other prosecutions of groups such as Japan and currently through protests in Hong Kong. With the new introduction of the Xinjiang camps in recent years, a somewhat new era of repression is facing the Islamic community. The future of the Xinjiang internment camps is unclear, but with the reappearance of concentration camps, history coincidentally retouches forced religious conversion time and time again. Story by Lauren Riina. Information from Northeastern.edu and cfr.org
HSENEWS
13
ON THE CLOCK STUDENT ATHLETES BALANCE SPORTS, ACADEMICS It’s 10 p.m. You have just returned from an away game or meet at another school after months of physical preparation. Exhausted, you finally have time to take out the homework, from a long day at school, just to prolong the amount of time before you can fall asleep. After hours of work in order to complete every assignment and struggling to keep your eyes open, you set your alarm for 5:00 a.m. Just in time to wake up for practice the next morning. The story of balancing life responsibilities and schoolwork with schedule-consuming athletic events has been an ongoing pattern among student athletes, along with almost any student who participates in extracurriculars that meet outside of school hours. One of the prime examples of this resides with the school’s swimming team, with a schedule consisting of five two-hour practices and a three to five hour meet weekly. Resulting from the length of the meets, some of which take place on school nights, swimmers end up competing until late at night, which can leave little time for other responsibilities that the students may have. “Having late meets has a pretty big effect on you because it limits the amount of time you have to work, do homework or sleep,” junior swimmer Laith Qadan said. “There have been a few late meets to the point where it could affect our next practice at 5:30 to 7:30 a.m.” Along with swimming, the school’s football schedule also impacts player time management. With practices taking place on the majority of school nights every week during the season, players also have to adjust their schedules to compensate for the amount of time spent practicing. “After practices I’m usually tired, so I end up doing my homework in study hall the next morning,” sophomore football
14
THE ORB
player Jaden Smith said. “On game days I’m not really focused on school, but on the game, especially during Mudsock week.” With the constraint of devoting a large portion of a schedule to an athletic team, students who participate in sports are often pushed into a position where schoolwork becomes a secondary priority. In American high schools that assign an average of three hours of homework nightly, according to Health. USNews.com, school assignments require an abundant amount of free time to complete, which isn’t available all of the time for student athletes. With that, important assignments often receive less effort and time, resulting in the possibility of lower-quality work and lower class grades. “Swimming affects my schoolwork heavily, but that might just be me,” Qadan said. “After school and practice, I usually get home around 6:00 p.m., decide to take a nap until 7:30 p.m. and then eat. Once I finish eating, around 8:30, I decide to start homework, which is what most people would say is pretty late.” With these extensive schedules, a possible reduction of practices or a shifting in the lengths of each practice could prove to help the productivity of the athletes, giving them more time to sleep and complete assignments. According to a study done by the New York Times, sleeping less than six hours per night has a direct impact on the amount of effort a person can put into a task. Allotting more time for student athletes outside of practice and guaranteeing the recommended amount of nightly sleep could not only help with their assignments, but with their productivity during practices and events as well. This could then lead to a more efficient team and student body. Story by Lucas Bisesi
“Having late meets
has a pretty big effect on you because it limits the amount of time you have to work, do homework or sleep.”
NEW YEAR, NEW SPORT COACH KARA FICK DISCUSSES NEW GIRLS RUGBY TEAM With a growing student body, new clubs and sports are common and easily created. However, struggles still appear within thee process. This year, the school is going to have a girls rugby team added to the club sports, despite the difficulties it faced. Many girls are excited for this new opportunity to stay active, including junior Aaliyah Taylor. “I am excited to start rugby because I cannot wait to grow with my team,” Taylor said. “Whatever sport you play, you always find a family. The creation of a girls rugby team has been tried before, but with limited staff and girls interested in playing, unsuccessful. Taylor has pushed for this club sport since her freshman year. “Last year we tried making it happen, but it fell through due to the
lack of coaches,” Taylor said. “The main issue we have now is recruiting enough girls to have subs and two sets of girls.” Luckily, this is the last year of waiting for these girls because Kara Fick stepped up, becoming the head coach of the team. “Rugby is a sport for every shape, size and skill level,” Fick said. Fick, was first approached by the South Eastern Youth Board president about coaching and was given two options, start a 7/8 Southeastern team to coach or a high school team. Since this was her first year coaching, she decided to start with the 7/8 team. But now, with more years under her belt and others to help her along the way, she is ready to coach a high school team. “I was not able to find a head coach
to take the team,” Fick said. “Luckily Troy Dixon, who brings 30+ years of rugby experience to the table, along with a few players from the Indy Men’s Rugby team said they would help me coach, which is what gave me the confidence that I could take on being the head coach.” The call-out date for interested has not been set yet, but it will soon be announced on the student news. The first practice will take place Feb. 9. Story by Elizabeth Moodispaugh.
“Rugby is a sport for every shape, size and skill level.”
ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE KOLE HORNBUCKLE Trait:
Senior Kole Hornbuckle has been playing basketball for the school for all four years of his high school career. He transitioned over to varsity his sophomore year. “Kole Hornbuckle has done a great job of keeping the team together as they have gone through some difficult times over the past year. He is a really good link to help the newer players transition into being on the varsity basketball team.” Chris Roberts, Varsity Basketball Assistant Coach “I would describe my desire on the team as someone who can play defense and just bring the team together. On the court, I am the kind of person who brings people together when it’s not going so well.” Kole Hornbuckle, 12
HSENEWS
15
IN MY
OPINION:
WHAT’S YOUR Scan the QR code that corresponds with your birthday with your camera app on your phone to read your horoscope for 2020.
March 21-April 19
April 20-May 20
May 21-June 20
June 21-July 22
July 23-Aug. 22
Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Jan. 20-Feb.18
PANCAKES OR WAFFLES? Picture this: you are at your favorite breakfast spot, flipping through the menu. The age-old question crosses your mind... pancakes or waffles? Both are tasty options, but when boiled down to the three categories of flavor, texture and versatility, waffles are simply better. First, let’s focus on flavor. Usually, waffles have a more buttery and sugary batter, making them sweeter and richer. They could almost be described as pastry-like. As for the texture, they are crispier and do not get as soggy as pancakes post-toppings. Lastly, waffles offer more versatility. Even without toppings, they are still sweet enough to eat alone, while pancakes are usually bland without toppings and add-ons. So, waffles rank better than pancakes when separated into the most important categories, making them the best breakfast treat. Opinion column by Grace Barclay.
TOP ARTISTS Spotify’s most played artists of the decade as published on newsroom.spotify.com
PANCAKES
WAFFLES
THE PUBLICATIONS STAFF VOTE
21
5
Feb. 19-March 20
#1
#2
DRAKE #3
POST MALONE
ED SHEERAN #4
ARIANA GRANDE
#5
EMINEM