The Orb - November 2022-23

High

IN THIS ISSUE NON-DAIRY DILEMMA

OPINION - 4

Tis’ the Season for Holiday Decor

ENTERTAINMENT- 4

Favorite Film Scares, The Watchlist

WORLD NEWS - 7

Pink Ribbon Power, New Leadership in UK

COVER - 8-10

The Art of Thankfulness

FEATURE - 13

A Hairy Month

SPORTS - 14-15

Marching Through Leadership

Page by Paityn O’Neill.

MILK

MEET THE STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cassidy Hayes

STAFFERS

Emma Bieberich

Sornavalli Chockalingam

STAFF OPINION: MEAL DEAL, CHANGE NEEDED

Medline Plus states, “approximately 65 percent of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy,” leading to higher rates of lactose intolerance developing throughout childhood. Milk is the dairy product that is recommended by MyPlate, a program put in place by Michelle Obama and Tom Vilsack in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. At HSE, the dairy milk option is limited to one percent white and chocolate, as well as a dark chocolate Silk milk, but students must pay extra and quantities are limited. But for students who are lactose intolerant? The current guidelines for the school’s meal deal are that students and staff get a dairy milk. Students do not have an option for dairy-free beverage such as coconut, soy, almond, or even water. Additionally, there are inconsistencies between lunch lines charging for a meal deal for students who did not get a dairy option and those who requested not to include. HSE schools isn’t providing enough options for students who are limited to or can’t have any dairy. A change needs to be made to accommodate to all students and staff needing other dairy options.

STAFFER OF THE ISSUE

Joseph Karwowski

Tatum Keaffaber

Paityn O’Neill

NEWS EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR

Lauren Kopka

COPY EDITOR

Nicole Morris

ALUMNI

Kaiden Corliss

Xavier Dokes

Mackenzie Dreher

Grace Duffy

Mame Fall

Parker Farrand

Kameron Grays

Avery Grunder

Marley Hayes

Gabriella Haynes

Benjamin Kruer

Trinity Mackenzie

Trestyn Mayberry

Josephine Neu

Mirabella Russell

Julianna Wells

David Young ADVISER

CHRISTINA POETZ: CLASS OF 2018

After moving to HSE as a freshman, Poetz faced challenges of fitting into a new school. Poestz stated that HSE welcomed her with open arms and after graduating in 2018, she headed to IUPUI to pursue her dreams in journalism and photography. After graduating in 2020 from IUPUI Poetz saw many issues in the country in 2020 and headed west to California as she felt she could make a difference. She now works in advertising for Larson, a law firm in Los Angeles. After witnessing the country in disarray and moving to her dream city in California her message for all HSE Students is, “Get Involved.” Story by Trestyn Mayberry.

CASSIDY HAYES

Cassidy has been on staff for three years. She is helpful in class, is approachable for questions and keeps everyone on task.

Christina Poetz, senior portrait, 2018 Sceptre.

Christina Poetz, 2022. Photo contributed.

FROM SYRIA TO AMERICA

JUNIOR RAYAN OYOUN ELSOND’S STORY

When you moved to America, how old were you?

I moved to the United States on January 17, 2017. I was one month away from turning 11 when I arrived.

Are the education systems different in America than they are in Syria?

When I first started going to school here in the U.S., I was super shocked of the school and the education system. I thought to myself that kids here are so lucky to have schools like this. Back in my country, schools were in a very bad condition due to the civil war that was going on. I was surprised by nice teachers and always wondered, ‘How come teachers here are so nice and understanding,’ because back in my country teachers can be mean and have the permission to discipline the students by hitting them. I never liked school until I came here. I would always skip school and not worry about my grades, but after I came here it took me a while to start loving school all over again, but after I went through that stage I started getting good grades and later got on the honor roll.

Was it difficult going to school and learning English when you moved here?

It was super difficult learning English when I first came here because I speak Turkish and Arabic, and thought that learning English as the third language was going to be very difficult to go through. Teachers have a big part of my journey learning English. Often, I wanted to communicate with my friends so bad, so we started using Google Translate as our only way of communication. Coming here to a totally different culture and language was not easy. Everything was different learning English at school and workplaces, but as the time passed by everything was becoming easy to deal with.

Have you been back to Syria since you moved?

I never went back to Syria since I came here. I never plan on going there again. I never had a good childhood in Syria. The most I remember about Syria is the war. I would love to see my family back home, but not in Syria. After what I have been through in Syria, I would never feel safe going there again, no matter how safe it is. I would always have the thought of, “Will we survive?” Q&A by Marley Hayes. Photo contributed.

AUSTIN HEPP: CLASS OF 2007

Hepp was once a part of HSETV and HSENews, as one of his favorite segments to film was Royal Plinko. Hepp’s time at HSE paid off as he joined Ball State’s media team. After graduating, he was brought onto the Ellen DeGeneres Show as the Senior Video Editor, a job that led him to 3 Emmy nominations. After Ellen, Hepp took over as Marketing Video Creative Lead at Roku, where he is today. Hepp looks back at his time at HSE and wishes for students to look at something you wish were a part of and go and make it. “Own it. Build something new and inspire others to do the same.” Story by Trestyn Mayberry.

Austin Hepp, senior portrait, 2007 Sceptre.

Austin Hepp, 2022. Photo contributed.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY DECOR

THE RIGHT TIME TO DISPLAY DECORATIONS

As the holiday seasons approach, stores are beginning to put out winter decorations but skip the holiday of Thanksgiving.

According to ABC News, few stores set out holiday decorations during September to spread the joy of the holiday season to their customers rather than being solely driven by profit. Noticing these early decorations in stores, students have voiced their opinion on this issue.

“It is okay to place out holiday decorations after Thanksgiving,” junior Sophie Hosei said. “But most people should stay away from placing decorations before.” This response was also common amongst students, as shown in the infographic below which provides rationale to the argument of when holiday decorations should be placed out.

“Christmas decorations must be put up a month in advance and taken down a week after the holiday.” Government teacher Greg Gastineau said.

This strict rule is because New Year’s comes immediately after Christmas. This situation is similar to Halloween decorations since Thanksgiving comes after the holiday.

“Unlike Christmas, Halloween decorations must be kept out only two weeks prior to the holiday and taken down immediately because there are holidays that come after which need to be recognized.” senior Aman Sarai said.

Students have different perspectives on when to set up and take down decorations, but through popular vote, it is concluded that a majority of students believe that holiday decorations should be placed after Thanksgiving and taken down quickly to celebrate the next coming holiday. Story by Sornavalli Chockalingam and Mirabella Russell.

- Noah Cannon, 10

“I feel like two weeks before the holiday is perfect since it leads up to the holiday.”

“For Christmas, you should place your decorations after Thankgiving.”

- Suhita Chintalacharuvu, 12

“For Halloween, set them up maybe at the end of September. For Christmas, anything after Thanksgiving is good. ”

- Sarah Shanklin, 12

“You don’t put Halloween stuff out until October.”

- Greg Gastineau, Government teacher

FAVORITE FILM SCARES

STUDENTS VOTE ON THEIR FAVORITE HORROR FILMS

Just because the time of spooks and scares has passed does not mean that our favorite horror movies cannot be talked about. An HSENEWS Instagram poll reveals students favorites. The first poll compared students’ opinions about “A Nightmare On Elm Street” and “Get Out.” Both movies will send a horrid chill down your spine. While students said that “A Nightmare On Elm Street” was the better movie, “Get Out” had a more serious tone than the

former and had more of a deeper meaning. Seeing that “Get Out” is a psychological horror, it could even be said that it is scarier because these events could actually occur. Michael Myers vs Ghost Face Killer: while both films have infamously known killers, the students chose “Scream” as their favorite. One is more recognizable than the other at first glance, leading to the heightened success of one over the other. “Halloween” follows a formula that many other horror films do to give them life and suspense, while “Scream” does not.

Additionally, the success of the first “Halloween” movie inspired a multi-film

THE WATCHLIST

MOVIE RELEASES

franchise that is still being released today. “Scream” and “A Nightmare On Elm Street,” the students made their choice and voted “Scream” as the better. However, if a slasher film is judged only on its fear factor, then “A Nightmare on Elm Street” takes the cake. The latter is vastly outclassed by “A Nightmare on Elm Street” as Freddy Kreuger is a monster that can harm someone while you slumber and make dreams into nightmares. It’s easy to know who the scarier antagonist is. Story by Xavier Dokes.

“BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER”

Following the 2018 Black Panther movie, Wakanda’s heroes prepare for what’s next in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. This highly anticipated pg13 movie will arrive in theaters on Nov. 11.

“THE SANTA CLAUSES”

Tim Allen returns as Scott Calvin, who needs to find a replacement because he cannot be Santa Claus forever. This PG miniseries is set to be released on Disney+ on Nov. 16.

“ENOLA HOLMES 2”

This movie is a thrilling mystery sequel that shares Enola Holmes’ first case as a detective in which she enlists her brother Sherlock’s help. This PG13 movie is set to arrive on Netflix on Nov. 4.

“THE FABELMANS”

“The Fabelmans” is loosely based on Steven Spielberg’s childhood. It follows a young boy living in Arizona who finds cinema to be truthfully revealing. This pg-13 movie premieres in theaters on Nov. 11.

Inforgraphic by Avery Grunder.

NOVEMBER ADVENTURES

ACTIVITIES IN AUTUMN

Bolt for the Heart

Bolt is a 501c3 charitable organization that has donated many Automated External Defibrillators to various places. This organization is hosting a 5K run or walk in Carmel on Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. The goal of this 5K run/walk is to raise $10,000 towards their efforts to provide more AEDs to places in need of them. For more details, visit their website.

November Storywalk Cyntheanne

Every month this year, Cyntheanne Park will host an engaging quarter mile story-walk in nature. Each month a different picture book is provided by Hamilton East Public Library. November’s featured book is “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell, a citizen of the Cherokee nation. The word “otsaliheliga,” is used by the Cherokee to express gratitude. For more details, visit the HEPL website.

Michael Treinen Foundation Turkey Trot

While Michael Treinen lost his fight with Leukemia, his foundation was established in 2008. The foundation aspires to help people by teaming up with different organizations with similar goals and holds a 5k run and 2k walk Turkey Trot, but this year they are still virtual. This event is being held wherever participants can run on Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. For more details, visit their website.

Join Conner Prairie in their mission to have a historic holiday experience for everyone. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 18 on various nights throughout the week, guests can enjoy a walk through the interactive festival that features lights, storytelling and so much more. For more details, visit

FUEL FINDS A NEW HOME

NEW HALF-BILLION DOLLAR ARENA TO BE BUILT IN FISHERS

On Sept. 14, the city of Fishers announced a plan to build a new arena for the East Coast Hockey League team, the Indy Fuel. The new arena would replace Indiana Farmer’s Coliseum at the Indiana Fairgrounds as the Fuel’s home arena and costs $550 million to build with 8,500 seats. The arena is part of a broader scope of

development within Fishers, as a $1.1 billion dollar investment in entertainment and economic expansion, announced the same day. While the arena’s main purpose is for hockey games, Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers high schools will begin holding their graduations there as well, according to WISH-TV. There is also talk of regional and sectional basketball games being played there along with other entertainment events like concerts.

“Fishers is thriving, and today’s announcement demonstrates that our momentum isn’t slowing down,” Mayor Scott Fadness said in an Indy Star

article.

“Since 2019, residents and visitors of Fishers have enjoyed The Yard at Fishers District with a demand we haven’t experienced elsewhere. This expansion not only answers the call from CEOs and employees looking for restaurants and entertainment but can now be home to our schools’ graduations and statewide sporting events.”

Citizens in Fishers and the surrounding areas have plenty to be excited in the future after this recent news. Story by Benjamin Kruer.

Merry Prairie Holiday

Story by Avery Grunder and Julianna Wells.

PINK RIBBON POWER

SUPPORT IN THE BREAST CANCER COMMUNITY

Breast Cancer Awareness Brunch (Oct. 1)

– 32 Hst W 10th St, Anderson

Making Strides of Northwest Indiana (Oct. 16)

– Lake Country Fairgrounds, Crown Point

Making Strides of Fort Wayne 5k (Oct. 22)

-Foster Park, Fort Wayne

Bloomington Breast Cancer Awareness Walk (Oct. 29)

– Showers Plaza at City Hall, Bloomington

Sista Strut Indianapolis (Oct. 29)

-Victory Field , Indianapolis

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the community overflows with pink ribbons and events supporting breast cancer research and treatment. Indiana hospitals and organizations provide support for those battling breast cancer through a variety of events.

Listed to the side are just a few events that happened this past month. Many of them will be returning next year and are seeking your support and donations. Story by Mackenzie Dreher.

“My Grandma was affected by breast cancer and I have attended a supporting/ fundraising event at a college football game.”

- Lillie King, 12

NEW LEADERSHIP IN UK

NEW KING, PRIME MINISTERS

The tragic death of Queen Elizabeth II left a dent on hearts around the world. Following her reign, new leaders of the nation have been appointed, one of them being her son: King Charles. He wishes to carry on the late Queen’s tradition by abiding by the Constitution and remaining charitable to the people. King Charles has wants to change the use of the family’s assets to preserve the wealth of the family. He will do this by giving responsibility to a handful of royals and centering the purpose of his reign on the role itself.

Another ruler on the rise after Elizabeth Truss’ resignation is Rishi Sunak, set to be the new prime minister. He promises to bring professionalism and integrity to parliament as a leader

to protect people and businesses. This statement follows after the political struggles Britain has gone through in the past seven weeks.He is up against a wall of critics following the short running of Elizabeth Truss. He is making big strides like, contrary to any previous rulers, Sunak is the first person of color and atheist to rule. Unlike her and former prime minister Boris Johnson, he aims to be strictly professional to set the tone for Britain’s political face after weeks of turmoil and unprofessionalism in Parliament. These faces coming to England will change the direction of the long-standing government to a stricter style, contrary to the late Queen’s style of reign. Story by Tatum Keaffaber.

THE ART OF THANKFULNESS

WHAT DOES GRATEFULNESS MEAN AT HAMILTION SOUTHEASTERN

Gratitude may be given or shown in an endless number of ways. The primary American holiday to celebrate thankfulness is Thanksgiving which is the last Thursday of November, but gratitude and thankfulness can be identified in everyday life. Seen as the past several years are a reminder that life is both challenging and worthy of gratitude. This year, people have many reasons to be thankful, something they express in unique and interesting ways.

According to a poll taken on the HSENEWS Instagram, 79 percent of students celebrate Friendsgiving. Friends was a common reason for which to be thankful for. This is especially true after consecutive pandemic years were connecting with people at school was difficult or nonexistent.

A Friendsgiving is an event where friends come together to share their thankfulness by giving each other gifts or making various foods.

“I have a Friendsgiving…everyone kind of comes over,” senior Melissa Scartezini said. “I’m always giving things to my friends for being there for me and everything that they do.”

This care does not just stay between a closed circle of friends it extends to other activities here at HSE. Organizations such as clubs and sports teams take time with their members to express appreciation and gratefulness within their activities. “Our soccer team does a moment of silence before the games,” Senior Lauren Mcintosh said.

A small amount of time focused on reflection such as the soccer team’s

moment of silence gives students an outlet to express individual or collaborative gratitude. Students branch further than our campus as well to spread the kindness and caring feeling that thankfulness has brought them.

With gatherings with the people around us, featured food and timeless traditions.

There are other people who do not have such luxury which students at HSE have noticed. Certain churches, organizations and clubs here at HSE help

or donate cans of food for people facing food insecurity, all year around.

Junior Cameron Angelica also participates in volunteering work for Holy Spirit Parish at Geist.

“It’s rewarding and fun to work with people I know around my church community to do good for my state,” Angelica said.

The additional emphasis on surrounding yourself with friends, family and loved ones leads that many additional and lasting memories being made around this time of year.

“We go to a big family reunion; my dad’s side of the family is huge,” English teacher Katherine Timmons said. “We went up to Michigan. Where most of his family is from. He has a huge family reunion of 100-plus people.”

Along with extended family gatherings comes extensive family feasts in numerous households. Within the feasts students have their go-to selections of food.

“My mom makes a mean green bean casserole,” senior Lauren Mcintosh said. “Sounds disgusting but, it’s good. Also, I love mashed potatoes and gravy.”

Some foods, like green beans, make frequently elicit positive conations.

“I do the normal turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans,” freshman Adam Dodge said. “All sorts of stuff like cranberry juice and stuffing.”

those in need. Some clubs that are participating are Student Council, National Honors Society and Rory’s Closet. Students can also visit the Hamilton County Food Bank to volunteer

In every season, there is reason for gratitude. November is a special opportunity to remember the reasons to be thankful and to express that gratitude with food, family, and serving others.

Story by Kaiden Corliss, Mame Fall and Joseph Karwowski.

ANOTHER SIDE OF THANKSGIVING

SEASSON OF THANKSGIVING, HEALTHY FOODS, INDIGENOUS VOICES

The story of Thanksgiving is never told in full and from different perspectives. Written accounts of the feast exist from the original Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, who inhabited Massachusetts and New England for centuries before Columbus landed on Western soil. Passed down throughout history orally and has been less accounted for by historians until recent generations.

Undisputedly, historians agree that it was the Wampanoag chief, Ousamequin, who initially reached out to the Pilgrims, looking to form an alliance. The Wampanoag went on to teach the Pilgrims how to hunt and plant, saving them from the starvation awaiting them in the upcoming winter. During coincidal talks of an alliance, the Wampanoag walked away with the belief that the small colony of Englishmen would stay small.

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims hosted a three-day-long autumnal celebration

HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS

- Roasted Cranberry Sauce

- Creamy Roasted Squash Puree

- Glazed Green Beans

- Vanilla Roasted Sweet Potatoes

- Spicy Southern Greens

- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower

- Wild Rice with Pepitas

- Lemon Arugula Salad

- Italian Dressing

- Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes

For more information visit this Good Housekeeping website:

to celebrate their bountiful harvest. It is disputed whether the Wampanoags joined in on the feast. Though the only written records from the festivity are from an Englishman named Edward Winslow, who recounts it as a communal celebration.

“Many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men,” Winslow said. “...For three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others,” Winslow stated in documents.

Following the first Thanksgiving, several more boats traversed across the Atlantic bringing with them hundreds more Englishmen searching for religious freedom.

“I don’t think anyone at that point would have gone into an agreement with the Pilgrims if they knew how

A DAY OF MOURNING

For many Indigenous peoples, Thanksgiving is not a day of celebration, but a day of mourning. Dennis W Zotigh, a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Winter Clan, views it as such.

“To most Natives, Thanksgiving is not a celebration,” Zotigh said in an interview with USA Today. “Natives, particularly in the New England area, remember this attempted genocide as a factual part of their history and are reminded each year during the modern Thanksgiving.”

In typical celebration, many Indigenous peoples will take the day to spend with family and friends. Often, stories of ancestors and traditions will not be told over a supermarket turkey, but rather ancestorial food such as wasna, a mixture of dried

quickly they would multiply and start arriving,”

Steven Peters, a spokesman for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe said in an interview with the Cape Cod Times regarding the alliance between the Wampanoags and Pilgrims.

Relations between the Wampanoag and Pilgrims worsened and war broke out in 1675. King Philip’s War, as it was later called, resulted in the majority of Native Americans in Southern New England becoming displaced, enslaved, or dead. Only six of the original sixty-nine tribal communities remain today.

Remembering Thanksgiving includes remembering all aspects of it, not just a fabled Thanksgiving feast. A full understanding of what occurred allows Wampanoag’s story to be raised up and appreciated alongside the original Pilgrims. If you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, keep both parties and sides of history in mind.

Story by Lauren Kopka.

meat (usually buffalo), dried berries and fat traditionally made by the Plains Indians. Others will take the day to fast in somber observance and remembrance of the past.

No matter how the day is observed, Indigenous peoples everywhere will carry the purpose of remembrance and thankfulness with them and will continue to educate future generations about Thanksgiving. Being that November is American Indian Heritage Month. but also where Thanksgiving lands, it is important that any celebration that may occur is also paired with the appropriate respect Native American Story by Lauren Kopka.

Infographic by Cassidy Hayes.

Bring Change to Mind

With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, one club is kicked it into high gear. Bring Change to Mind seeks to create awareness, educate and voice mental health concerns: and is a perfect club to join. This month they are holding meetings every other week to talk about struggles, thoughts and feelings. They also draw and listen to music to relieve stress if talking is not what you need.

“We want students to have a safe space to openly talk about mental health issues,” club sponsor Mr. Crull said, “We do care packages, cards, and positivity statements.”

During the month of October, they are hoping to get more students to come to these events, so students have an available outlet with the comfort of peers. Story by Tatum Keaffaber.

Gender Sexuality Alliance

HSE’s Gender Sexuality Alliance meets during Pathways, and has guest speakers who present and discuss topics that are relevant to the GSA, other times the club hangs out and talks during their meetings. “I think the kids enjoy a mixture of the two,” club sponser Tyler Zerbe said. “They want to feel community with each other, which to me is more important.”

The GSA is open to any students that want to come to the meetings.

“It’s an open invitation to a space for kids to come and feel safe and included.” Mr. Zerbe said. “We do have officers that are always present, and a good number of students that attend regularly.” If you are looking to come to a meeting, email tzerbe@hse.k12.in.us or sign up for upcoming Pathways. For more information follow GSA on Instagram and Twitter @HSEGSA. Story by Marley Hayes.

Best Buddies

Best Buddies is a nationwide organization that builds one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is a way to connect with your peers, gain self-confidence, self-esteem, share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy.

“People should join Best Buddies because the kids are some of the best people you will ever meet,” senior Braylee Vicari said. “They have all become my best friends and I love seeing them. It is also a laid back and fun club for everyone.” Club highlights include being able to form lasting friendships through one on one hangouts as well as clubsponsored events.

“Over the last four years, my buddy Nick has become one of my best friends,” Vicari said. “We like to go to El Camino and eat together. It is so fun, and I love to see him. We also see each-other at school and spend time together whenever we can.”

Best Buddies will continue to connect students and create lasting bonds during the rest of the school year and many more to come. Story by Josephine Neu.

A HAIRY MONTH

ONE-MONTH CHALLENGE THAT HAS EVERYONE HAIRY

Have you ever taken a month out of your year to not shave? A onemonth challenge takes place each year, where anyone who takes part cannot shave their hair for a full month. This challenge is the famous “No Shave November.” The official “No Shave” website states the concept of this challenge is to “grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free.” The one-month journey began in 2009 after the death of Matthew Hill, a patient who struggled with colon cancer throughout November 2007.

Last year, about 50 percent of American men put down their razors and tried this new tradition is also inclusive to women and all individuals. Some women stop shaving their armpit and leg hairs throughout the month and donate the money saved on razors and wax. A survey from LendingTree, an online marketplace, found that 24 percent of women are also putting down their razor.

“I haven’t heard much about the No Shave November challenge until now,” sophmore Lauren Lonneman said. “I will look into way to donate for Cancer Prevention since it is such a serious cause.”

Everyone’s hair is beautiful and should be embraced and that is the message this challenge aims to spread. It allows those with hair to appreciate what they have that others do not. The No Shave organization has a couple of requests, asking participants to begin “growing a beard, cultivating a mustache, letting those legs go natural and skipping that waxing appointment,” and “Put down your razor for 30 days and donate your monthly hair-maintenance expenses

to the cause.”

“I decided to do No Shave November to allow my beard to grow longer,” junior Owen Gerig said. “I do think beards are pretty cool.”Owen had plenty of hope as well, Gerig said “I believe my beard will grow two inches in one month.”

Another student, senior Jacob Jilliani, will try to grow some facial hair in the meanwhile.

“I thought about it, and I’ll try” said Jilliani, “I want to try and grow out my mustache this year”.

While Gerig and Jilliani will be taking part in the challenge, Senior Joshua Burks said he would not be. “No, I don’t really have the facial hair for that.” said Burks,

“I have like peachfuzz’ so there is really no point also, I do not think a month would really change anything.”

To take part or donate, go to

- Owen Gerig, 11

- Joshua Burks, 12

- Jacob Jilliani, 12

- Lauren Lonneman, 10

MARCHING THROUGH LEADERSHIP

CHANGES IN PROGRAM LEAD TO SUCCESS TOWARDS STATE

New uniforms of black, blue, and purple glisten in the sunlight during the halftime show of the next football game.

Marching around the field, the members entertain the eager crowd, serenading everyone with the rhythm of their instruments. Working hard during the season, the Royal Command and Guard has excelled through their many games and competitions, allowing for a record-breaking season. The Royals are destined to make a run for the state title for the first time in history.

After rebounding from a 6-point penalty at ISSMA Regionals in 2021, the Royal Command and Guard returned for their 2022 season, coming back better than ever. Their new, engaging shows and great leadership and teamwork make for an amazing season. The Royal Command and Guard has worked extremely hard, beginning with the influential leadership of the seniors, including Edyn Curry.

Edyn Curry is an overall hardworking student and guard member.

She is a leader for the underclassmen and has set a splendid example.

“When I was a freshman in guard, I did not really have any guidance to help me with different expectations and experiences, so I hope to have made a difference in the members’ lives,” Curry said. “Being a leader means to guide a team to achieve some sort of goal through motivation and guidance. I hope I have made a difference in the members’ lives.”

Royal Command and Guard has had a showstopping season, performing in many competitions around the state. The strong leadership portrayed by the upperclassmen has also helped the younger members’ experience.

According to Owen Flanagan, a sophomore and baritone saxophone player, Royal Command and Guard has had excellent leadership throughout the years. “The upperclassmen contribute to Royal Command and Guard by helping those who need the time to focus in on what needs to be completed,” Flanagan said. “The upperclassmen create [the future of] this team and the people that come after them.”

In all, the Royal Command and Guard has had a successful season thus far, performing well at games and competitions and will continue to reach many team achievements during the season. State competitions are quickly approaching, and the band is practicing hard to perform to the best of their ability. Utilizing great leadership and encouragement from the upper-class students, the team is destined for success.

Story by Emma Bieberich and Grace Duffy. Photos by Parker Farrand.

FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Varsity Football 7-0

Varsity Boys Soccer 9-1-3

Varsity Girls Soccer 11-2

Varsity Girls Volleyball 14-1

Boys Varsity Tennis 4-3

Boys Cross Country

Varsity Girls Golf

Girls Cross Country

Fishers 28-27

Avon 48-13

Lawrence Central 28-7

Fishers 1 0 Noblesville 2-1 Westfield 2-1

Fishers 2-1

Fishers 3-0 Fishers 4-1 Zionsville Invitational 2nd place

County Tournament 4th place

Wildcat Classic Invitational 1st place

Carmel 9-1 Avon 3-0 Carmel 1-4 Wildcat Classic Invitational 2nd place

HSE Invitational 3rd place Zionsville Invitational 2nd place

Noblesville 1-0 Westfield 3-0 Zionsville 2-3

Riverview Health Invitational 4th place

Lapel Invitational 2nd place

Hamilton County 3rd place

Infograph by Grace Duffy.

OF THE ISSUE: BREONNA GOSSATHLETE

TRAIT: COMPETITIVENESS

Jogging off the court, junior Breonna Goss has been with the girls’ volleyball team for four years. This was her third year playing. Goss describes the school team as a big family, always pushing each other to the next level.

Even in hard times, the team is able to relate with one another and work together to bounce back. Goss acts as a leader to her teammates by bringing a level of competition into each and every activity the team does.

“In volleyball we do a lot of scrimmages, a lot of games, going back and forth, competing to win even the little drills,” Goss said. “[The same goes] in school, competing to get the highest grade [and] to work faster.” Story and photo by Parker Farrand.