Hamilton Southeastern High School October 2018 | Volume 30 | Issue 2
A Moment with... Liz Trinkle Page 3
Fall Club Activities Page 6
Nike Ad: Making Social Statements Page 13
Origins of
Halloween
Contents 04 Homecoming
Staffer of the Issue: Raegan Walsh
Participation in various events from Homecoming Week is shown through photo highlights of the action.
A longtime member of HSETV, Raegan joined the Newsroom staff this semester and immediately put effort into making our pubications the best they can be. This issue, Raegan put in hard work to help fix some last-minute discrepencies to ensure a smooth deadline day.
06 Fall Festivities
Multiple clubs around the school host fall-related events tha stduents are welcome to take part in.
08 Culture Becomes Consumerism A deeper look at the history of Halloween and the traditions that accomany holidays this season.
12 Polarizing Process The Supreme Court nomination pricess is explained, along with how the process has become so partisan.
Editor-in-Chief Laura Stancato Section Editors Grace Barclay Laurel Black Kersti Hash Ilene Marzke Hayden Sisemore Lilyan Wray Business Manager Nicholas Bostock
14 Pacers Preview A look at the upcoming NBA season accompanied by a Q&A with Pacers Media Relations Director
Opinion: Student Choice Day
Staff Carson Etheredge Evelyn Lahr Peyton McVeigh Elizabeth Moodispaugh Yashasvi Phougat Sophia Tomlin Megan Tooman Sara Vianna Raegan Walsh Sarah Woodward SSN Contributors Lillian Cummins Samuel Smith Advisers Jordan Klobusnik David Young
The Fishers High School staff may have found a way to promote brain activity and engagement of students in the classroom. The idea was suggested to give students a “brain break” and further enhance students’ ability to retain information. HSE should adopt this idea in order to help students focus clearly, reduce stress and look forward to learning. This discovery is referred to as “Student Choice Day,” where once a semester regular courses come to a halt and, instead, teachers create their own class based on anything they find enjoyable such as personal interests and hobbies. Once teachers propose the subjects they wish to offer, students then receive a Google form in which they can select four classes. These classes can range from yoga, to a comedy sports, Avengers and possibly everything in between. Former Fishers teacher and current HSE marketing teacher Shawn Crull got the opportunity to participate in constructing his own session. “I believe we can all get stagnant and need breaks,” Crull said.”[It would give us] the chance to still learn but in a ‘non normal’ format which would refresh everybody.” Giving HSE a couple days of relaxation will encourage brain stimulation, reduce fatigue and restore motivation in students and teachers, which makes it a perfect reason why we should take upon this idea. Story by Laurel Black.
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A MOMENT WITH...
Elizabeth TRINKLE Teacher discusses battle with breast cancer, RDM
How long have you been diagnosed breast cancer? I was officially diagnosed the day after school was out this last summer, but I found the tumor on Mother’s Day. I hoped and prayed that it was not cancer. What has been your biggest obstacle? Initially, the hardest thing was telling my daughters and my parents, even though my prognosis is good. How does having breast cancer affect your experience being the sponsor of RDM? I love working with Riley, but there are some long days involved and being in the middle of chemo therapy, sometimes I physically can’t be there that long. I am thrilled to say Mrs. Simmons and I have some teachers stepping up to help out and, of course, the leadership team. What makes a good support system? I have such an awesome support system, just people letting you know they are thinking about you, the leadership shirts our team made, colleagues around the school checking on me and my little corner of the world in the A wing has been awesome support. It is heartwarming to say the least. What have you learned from your experience so far? I have learned more than I ever wanted to know about breast cancer. I do not have a strong family history, so this came as a real shock since I have always been super healthy. What advice would you give to other women in the community who are also a sponsor for a club? As far as being a sponsor and just being back at school, it gives me something else to focus on and to look to the future, rather than dwelling on appoinments and treatments. I take comfort in all the people who have been through this and come out on the other side. Interview by Kersti Hash and Sara Vianna.
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Homecoming Week Highlights
Powderpuff Game, Sept. 18
Royal Olympics, Sept. 20
Pep Session, Sept. 21
Homecoming Game, Sept. 21
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Homecoming Dance, Sept. 22
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Photos by Sarah Woodward.
COLLEGE COUNSELING College and Career Counselor Nancy Herndon discusses college preparations Freshmen
Students should decide to take a courseload with an appropriate level of rigor; it should initiate improvement without being overwhelming. This is also the time when they should get involved in extracurricular activities and discover their passions, which would help in following a more satisfying career path based on these interests. Students should also start to use their Naviance account, which is found through the school website. This website provides information on every career and university and a rĂŠsumĂŠ section to start filling out for college applications.
Sophomores
Both the PSAT and Pre-ACT are taken by sophomore year. Students should give their best effort as they are effective predictors of scores on the actual tests they will take their junior and senior year. Sophomores can utilize several programs that are available to improve these scores such as Khan Academy, SAT and ACT textbooks and a school-sponsored SAT prep program. Students can also prepare for college by staying active on their Naviance account, where they can see when college representatives will be visiting HSE.
Juniors
Students should have a decent idea of interesting careers and research colleges that are good candidates for these majors. Additionally, they should take time to visit these college campuses in the fall, while students are present, to get a feeling of the student life there. Later in the year, there are college-hosted open house visits that juniors can attend to learn more about these colleges. Make sure to be aware of scholarships open to juniors in order to have enough time to apply. A full list of scholarships is on Naviance.
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Seniors
The most important thing to do in the fall is to officially apply for colleges. This includes organizing letters of recommendation, getting advice on application essays and obtaining a transcript. Completing the Common App account is also an important factor when applying to a potential college. After being accepted, some colleges will have admitted student visits which are great previews of life there. All scholarship applications including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be finalized.
FALL FESTIVITIES
Photo Contributed
Club members discuss fall activities, engaging events and features a haunted house, As the seasons change, the air becomes cool and the leaves change colors, activities like going to the pumpkin scavenger hunt, face painting and other patch, haunted houses and fall festivals become popular. activities. This is one of many fundraisers to meet the year-end goal of $8,000, which Riley Dance Marathon [RDM] and Make-A-Wish Club is about the cost of granting one child’s wish. host fall events every year to raise money for their “My favorite part of the haunted house is causes, with Best Buddies going on a trip to Tuttle watching people come out of the actual Orchards and other activities to celebrate the season. ‘haunted’ part because they always have so “My favorite part Members of RDM also get the much fun,” Co-President and senior Audrey of going to Tuttle Andritsch said. “Everyone should come opportunity to volunteer at Conner Prairie’s fall festival, which is held yearly because it is a great cause and everybody is being able to had a blast.” and is based off the fairy tale story, see everyone Every year Best Buddies holds several Headless Horseman. By volunteering for getting to know events during the season. Along with their this event RDM raises money for Riley first event of every year a trip to Tuttles Children’s Hospital, which is included in their buddies Orchards, this year they are also going to the end of the year goal of $55,000. and delevoping have a fall party with a baking event. Some “I love Halloween and [Headless activities they do at the orchard include Horseman] is surrounded around friendships.” that,” President of Riley Dance -Samantha Seifferlein hayrides, drinking apple cider and picking apples. Marathon Halli Siwik said. “My favorite part of going to Tuttle is being able to see “The activities you do while volunteering everyone getting to know their buddies and developing are super fun and you can bring your friendships,” junior Samantha Seifferlein said. “Best friends.” Buddies is a way to create a strong friendship with Additionally, Make-Asomeone and positively affect their life.” Story by Lilyan Wish Club has its annual Wray. Photo contributed. October event, held at HSE
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Allure of Fear
Reasons humans are drawn to horror Entering the theater to watch the latest horror film, viewers expect, and choose, to be frightened and terrorized. While fear is a psychologically negative emotion, people still go out of the way to feel it. There are numerous ways people purposefully seek out fear, turning to blockbuster films or thrill-seeking activities like skydiving or cliff jumping to name a couple. Dr. Norman N. Holland wrote on the topic of horror in an article published on Psychology Today. “I think we turn to literature, stories, poems, plays or movies, in order to have our emotions stimulated, even in unpleasurable ways,” Dr. Holland said. “We do so because we experience, even during the literary work, a continuing release of [brain effort].” The movie industry has capitalized off of fear, with A Quiet Place and It each grossing more than $300 million at the box office. In fact, the New York Times reported that 2017 was the highestgrossing year ever for the horror genre. Holland explains the reason horror films are bearable, even enjoyable, is because the viewer feels no need to act on the fear the movie inspires. “We know before we enter the movie theater that we will
“The scariest movie I have ever seen was Saw because it’s very realistic. None of it is totally out of the realm of possibilities and that adds to the scariness.” Giorgos Stylianou, 12
“The Babodook was scary to me, not only because there was a jumpscare, but the development of creating a monster from somebody’s mind stuck with me for a long time.” Shelby Locke, 9
feel unpleasurable fear during the movie or the story,” Holland said. “But we also know that we will feel pleasure, even during that fear, because we know we won’t have to do anything about it.” Various factors may influence the strength of the drive for fear. Since the foundation for this drive comes from the brain’s need for a range of emotions to be stimulated, psychologists theorize that someone who is brought up in an environment where fear is constant would be less drawn to horror than someone raised in a more secure setting. In addition, the human drive for adrenaline also plays a role in the allure of fear. One way for people to satisfy their sensation-seeking behavior is through activities that lead to a release of adrenaline, which can occur as a response to being affraid. “The adrenaline rush usually occurs when the body senses danger, also known as the ‘fight or flight’ moment,” doctor Shahram Heshmat said. “Extreme sports can be a natural fit for adrenaline junkies.” In other words, the attraction to fear all comes down to the balance of emotions in the brain and chemicals. Story by Hayden Sisemore.
“Paranormal Activity [is the scariest because my coach John Hornaday scared me one time and it reminded me of it. The movie also has a lot of jumpscares.” Brian Micheals, 10
“Steven King’s It [because of] the story and how the action and the cutscenes of [both versions of It] were really good. I thought they were told well beyond just being a scary story.” Chase Jay, 11
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Creation of Celebrations Origins of celebrated holidays Different variations of celebrations dedicated to honoring the deceased exist in multiple cultures throughout the world. Yet, the origins of the traditions which take place on Oct. 31 every year are often overlooked. Halloween originated from a Celtic festival known as Samhain, which was celebrated in present day Ireland. This was not only the Celtic New Years Eve, but it also celebrated the strict boundaries between the living and spirit worlds becoming thinner. The tradition of dressing in costumes on Halloween is based off of this festival, as the Celtic believed that ghosts roamed the fields on this night and if masks or costumes were worn they could trick the spirits into thinking they were of the spirit world, too. Similarly, Dia de los
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Muertos or Day of the Dead honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. This holiday is celebrated in Mexico, where festivals and celebrations take place. Modern adaptations to these celebrations include traditions such as apple bobbing, trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes. However, it is important to understand the celebration of the dead has been a common practice for decades and the traditions that go hand-in-hand with the holiday have deeper meanings. Introduction by Grace Barclay. Photo by Evelyn
Lahr.
When Culture Becomes Consumerism Teachers discuss changes in holiday values In many cultures, harvest time has always held a place in many traditional practices from all parts of the world. In pre-Catholicism Ireland, there were many pagan celebrations in place to protect villages, celebrate childbirth, promote a good crop season and celebrate a successful harvest. Samhain, the Celtic celebration of the end of the harvest and the start of winter, was a practice that symbolized the time where the veil between the living and dead was the thinnest, allowing the Pagan gods and spirits to come into the world of the living. The celebration that lasted from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 was meant to appease these spirits in the hopes that the families and livestock would survive the unforgiving northern winters. After Catholicism was introduced to the northern European nations, a similar practice replaced the pagan holiday known as All Souls and All Saints Day, which was a time to clean the gravesites of ancestors, attend Mass and remember fallen family members. Arguably the most famous end-of-harvest celebration, Day of the Dead or Día de Los Muertos, has been celebrated as far back as the Aztec empire and has been deeply rooted in the importance of remembering ancestors and deceased family members. Traditionally, families would build ofrendas or shrines to their ancestors, which were decorated with candles, photos, toys and food. At midnight on Oct. 31, the gates of heaven would open, and the spirits of all deceased children would come down and visit their family’s ofrenda, playing with the toys and eating the food that was left out for them. Then on Nov. 2 the spirits of adults would come and visit their ofrenda as well. Celebrations would sometimes move into the
cemeteries, where families would clean tombs together and eat with their buried loved ones. These traditions are still practiced today in many Central and South American countries. These practices, though all different in origin and tradition, were all centered around family values and the preservation of their culture. Now, Halloween traditions have changed and what was once meant to celebrate one’s history has become a night rooted in costumes, candy and consumerism. Throughout time, thought, traditions such as these have disappeared into thin air. The traditions seem almost ghostlike during holidays where such traditions used to occur. Halloween was originally about hiding from the evil spirits that escaped, and Day of the Dead was about honoring ancestors who had pasted with food, drinks and gifts. “Our world has gotten so busy,” Caliz said. “We have gotten to a point where our jobs or our immediate family or the commitment we have with friends and our kids has kind of taken an importance over the focus on traditions.” Some traditions are unknown by many around us. When thinking of Day of the Dead, many of some would simply think of sugar skulls, but this holiday has a much deeper meaning. “I think that because [Day of the Dead] coincides so closely with the date of Halloween that many people who are just ignorant, like for Cinco de Mayo, they just think it is the Mexican Halloween,” Caliz said. “Many students don’t know the actual meaning or significance and I think that is because they just assume.” Those who are not enrolled in a Spanish class may have never even heard of such a holiday. As of now, there are new traditions in our world. Such as Elf on the Shelf and other Hallmark sellouts. Many
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As of now, there are multiple new traditions being celebrated. Such as Elf on the Shelf and other Hallmark ocassions However, many argue that these new traditions have less meaning. “There’s a large majority of us who do not have traditions: It’s new traditions that mean less,” Caliz said. “Many do these traditions just to show that they honor their families. Traditions revolve around family.” Halloween and Day of the Dead have had a cultural change over time, but this is not the only way these holidays have changed. “I am 31 years old and ever since I’ve been trick-or-treating or taking my kids trick-or-treating, It’s never been about anything other than candy,” Caliz said. “In order to get said candy, we must spend money. Lots of money.” Economically, Halloween is one of the most successful money-making holidays in America. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2017 the average American spent $86.13 on Halloween preparations. This grossed a total of $9.1 billion across America. Costumes make up the largest chunk of spending at $3.4 billion and 10% of celebrants even buy costumes for their four-legged friends. More than one-third of consumers start shopping in September or earlier. Consumerism on this scale has a substantial impact on the economy, but this switch from culture to consumer did not happen overnight. Hamilton Southeastern High School Marketing teacher Shawn Crull commented on the shift. “I think [the change] was in the early 90s because of how well the economy was doing,” Crull said. “Christmas took off and from that retailers saw an opportunity because there is a lull between back to school and thanksgiving.” The beginning of the decade did not start off well. With the effects of the Savings and Loan Scandal of 1989 still damaging the economy in a
manner much like the recession that began in 2007 a comeback shouldn’t have been seen until the late 90s. However, the election of 1992 helped give the country a boost. This boost started what the National Bureau of Economic research called the longest period of economic growth in U.S. history, which lasted into 2001. With the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing from -1.8% to 3.14% at the turn of the century, people were comfortable spending their money on decorations, candy and costumes, and thus began the first big boom in Halloween celebration interest. Since then, events such as the terrorist attack on 9/11 and the recession in 2008 have changed the way society values celebrations such as Halloween. Many wanted an excuse to celebrate and often times escape the reality of our situation, which influenced costume designs and sales rates. In 2001, the first Halloween to be celebrated after 9/11, the most popular children’s costumes sold were the heroes from the Harry Potter series. In 2008 after the recession, Batman was in high demand. Psychologically, Americans needed a hero in those times. “We all look for that escape. It is interesting to see because in times of economic downturn, the entertainment industry never really falters,” Crull said. “People want that escape to forget about their problems for a little while.” The world is in a constant state of change, evident through the progression of style, technology, social media and politics. Some may see the change positively, as an opportunity to build new traditions, whereas others see the change as an abandonment of traditional family values for consumerist desire. While it can be argued both ways, one cant deny that society is at a turning point that could determine what we, as a community and a country, value most. Story by Elizabeth
“We all look for that escape. The entertainment industry never really falters because people want that escape to forget about their problems for a little while.”
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Moodispaugh and Evelyn Lahr.
Timeline of Traditions Oct. 31 Families start preparing for the gates of heaven to open at midnight. They decorate their ofrenda(s) (altar) for when their lost loved ones return home.
Nov. 1 At midnight, the gates of heaven open and only the spirits of children are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours.
Nov. 2 The adult spirits are allowed to reunite with their families. The celebration is transferred from houses to cemeteries, where families clean the tombstones, play cards and listen to music.
While most cultures tend to mourn over the death of a loved one, Mexican families choose to celebrate the lives of the dead during Day of the Dead. On Nov. 1, small, decorated skulls are placed on the ofrenda (altar) representing children who have passed away. On Nov. 2, larger, more detailed skulls replace the smaller ones representing the adults. Families might write the name of the deceased on the skull’s forehead. The skulls along with marigolds, candles and food are put on the altar to guide and encourage the dead to return home.
Halloween Memories
“When I was younger, I used to go trick-ortreating with my two older sisters and I would go as the same pirate for like five years in a row. My favorite part was dressing up and going trick-ortreating with my family and getting all the candy.” Nathan Vershae, 11
“It was the year 2004 and I did not take this face paint off for the next two days because I wanted to keep it on so badly.” Sarah Ballard, 11
“My favorite Halloween memory would be when I was going through my old neighborhood and my sister, dad and I went to our neighbor’s house. She scared us so badly that she gave us a whole bucket of candy after.” Lauren Wyatt, 10
“My favorite Halloween memory was freshman year when my best friend and I dressed up as a life alert button and an old woman for a Halloween party.” Alexys Allan, 10
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Polarizing Process
Partisanship takes over Supreme Court confirmation With the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy, President Trump has nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court. The nomination of justices to the Supreme Court is a power that has been held by the Executive Branch since the founding of America. After a judge is appointed, the process of confirming him or her begins with the Senate Judiciary Committee, a committee of select senators who hold hearings and question the nominee about their qualifications, judicial philosophy and record. The committee then votes to bring the vote to the Senate floor, where each senator votes on whether to confirm the judge or not. In 1987, Justice Kennedy was confirmed unanimously to the position by the United States Senate, a vote practically unheard of in today’s America. The shift in the confirmation of justices has been a gradual one. In a 1992 speech, then-Senator Joseph Biden argued that presidents should not nominate justices in an election year. This became known as the “Biden Rule” and the typical argument of the opposition party of the president when a Supreme Court seat became vacant. The argument became notorious in 2016 when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that he would not allow President Barack Obama to fill the Supreme Court vacancy caused by Justice Antonin
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Scalia’s death. When President Obama appointed Judge Merrick Garland, Leader McConnell would not even allow hearings on the nominee. The blocked confirmation of Judge Garland led Democrats in Congress to believe that the Supreme Court seat was stolen from them. From then on, Democrats have attempted to block every judicial nominee appointed by President Trump. As seniors in We the People learn about the judicial system, they are taking notice of the increased partisanship in Supreme Court confirmation and the Court in general. “In this time, [judges] are almost forced to choose a side on the political spectrum,” senior Daniel Pickard-Carlisle said. “Even if you don’t want to be considered [political], you are based on the decisions and ideals you hold.” With more Americans viewing judges as political appointees, the process of their confirmation becomes political as well. “I don’t think unanimous confirmations can happen again because politics have become so much more polarized in recent years,” senior Jillian Grant said. “I think there will always be people who won’t confirm a justice because of their political views.” Story by Yashasvi
Phougat.
Nike Ad: Making Social Statements
Students discuss differing opinions on advertising controversy
Although I am a fan of Nike’s products, I do not agree with their new series of ads. The quote they used on Kaepernick’s photo states ‘Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything.’ This quote is referring to his lawsuit against the NFL and his decision to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. To me, Nike’s new advertisements are supporting forms of disrespectful protest. Kneeling during the national anthem may be seen as disrespectful to people who fought for our country. I also do not agree with the use of the word ‘sacrifice’. I think this represents the wrong message and a much better word could take its place and possibly be less disrespectful. I do not see what Colin Kaepernick is sacrificing, meanwhile the people who fight for our Nation are sacrificing their lives daily. I believe that people should be able to protest in a more respectful manner, unlike what is being shown in Nike’s new ads. Additionally, Nike’s choice to use a famous football player sparked even more controversy to bring attention to its brand. I think Nike most likely created some of this controversy purposefully in order to promote their brand and increase customers. Although I think that it is a good idea for large brands to speak out on social issues similar to this, I think Nike could have done it in a more respectful way without the intent of promoting their business. Overall, I disagree with Nike’s new advertisements because I think they are encouraging customers to protest things they don’t believe in disrespectfully.
I think the Nike advertisement with Colin Kaepernick is a good message for kids and teenagers. I see the advertisement as Nike and Kaepernick telling me and others to believe in what I want and make new ideas. For other companies, I also think it is a good idea for them to speak out on social issues kind of like Nike did. I know that I am personally more interested in watching a sports advertisment and would notice a logo like the ‘swoosh’ or a slogan like ‘Just Do It’ on TV more than I would care about news on politicians. It is important because my peers and I will listen to what these sport companies have to say rather than politicians. I do not agree so much for what Colin Kaepernick is doing exactly, but I think the Nike ad is an overall good message for the next generation. The advertisement is encouraging everyone to believe in something, whether it be adults or kids because everyones opinion should matter. The future generations should start making their own decisions about these real world issues because of the information that these companies are talking about. Other companies should reach out to more than just adults with their messages and appeal and follow in the footsteps of the influence Nike created. I also think that it was smart to use a professional football player in the ad to appeal to a bigger audience because that appeals to more people. I don’t neccessarily agree exactly with what he said but I do think it was a good idea for Nike to speak out about social issues.
Evan Wang, 10
Madeline Rockey, 10
Anthem Kneeling Timeline Aug. 2016 San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sits out the National Anthem in a statement of protest against injustice. Other professional athletes follow his example, sparking a national debate.
March 2017 Kaepernick opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent. President Trump claims in a tweet that NFL owners will refuse to sign Kaepernick because they are afraid of possible consequences.
May 2018 A new policy allows the league to fine the teams of players who kneel during the national anthem. The NFL cited that players were gaining “unpatriotic” reputations and they would work closely with players to promote social justice.
Sept. 2018 Nike launches an advertising campaign centered around Kaepernick, leading to Nike boycotts. Despite protests, Nike sales increase.
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PACERS PREVIEW A look at the upcoming season Last season, the Pacers turned heads around the NBA, exceding many experts expectations. After trading Paul George in the summer of 2017 for Victor Oladipo and Domontas Sabonis, the Pacers were expected to be in “rebuilding mode.” However, that changed when the Pacers finished with a record of 48-34 in the regular season and took LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to a seven game series in the first round of the NBA playoffs. This season, the Pacers are looking to continue their success from last year. During the off season, the team added more pieces to their roster, with the signings of veterans Doug McDermott, Tyreke Evans and Kyle O’ Quinn, as well as the drafting of former UCLA point guared Aaron Holiday. The team also retained Darren
Collison, Bojan Bogdonavic and Thaddeus Young, while Lance Stephenson signed with the Los Angeles Lakers to play with LeBron James. Finally, the Pacers signed Coach Nate McMillan to a 3-year extension. This season, the path to the Eastern Conference Finals is considerably different. In July, LeBron James announced that he was signing with the Lakers, leaving the Pacers free of the man who has knocked them out of the playoffs multiple years. The team is banking on the development of Myles Turner and Victor Oladipo to be the leaders of the team, and will certainly be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. But whether they are a championship contender is yet to be determined. Story by Samuel Smith. Photo by Raegan Walsh.
Q&A: David Brenner, Pacers Director of Media Relations How do the Pacers expect the chemistry in the locker room to continue from last season with new additions? President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard often referred to last year as creating a culture within our team and that culture came to fruition. It is expected with the new additions, this shouldn’t be a problem. What is the feeling around the organization this season? Optimism, based on last season and the main part of our roster returns. You see and hear about the offseason work put in by Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, along with our rookies from last season and this season and you feel strongly they will be prepared.
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How will the Pacers find leadership and energy with the loss of veterans Al Jefferson and Lance Stephenson? Al will be missed because of his attitude, whether he played or didn’t play. His leadership in the locker room was a key part of our success. But our basketball people think we have a similar guy in Kyle O’Quinn, a competent player who is a good locker room guy. When we visited with him before signing, it was explained to him about our culture and what his role may be. As for Lance, he will be missed as a an ‘energy’ guy and a good player. We hoped to re-sign him, but free agency can go many ways. Watching our team last year, that energy this year will come from guys like Victor, Domantas, Myles and Cory Joseph as the keys. Their energy, like Lance’s, will likely infect the rest of the team.
Return to the Top
Tiger Woods wins first Major in five years Ten years ago, Tiger Woods was the go-to golfer. Now, ask anyone to name a golfer and they would most likely respond with Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy or Dustin Johnson. Through scandals, arrests and lower back complications, Woods was left in a slump. Two back surgeries within six weeks last year left Woods unable to do anything without pain and feeling unsure about his return to golf. But just a little over a year later, Tiger Woods is back on the course and is ready to come out on top again. The 42 year old golfer has won 14 major championships: four in The Masters, three in the U.S. Open, three in the British Open and four in the PGA Championship. Woods was ranked number one in the world for 281 consecutive weeks between the years 2005 and 2010, and 683 weeks in total. Over the span of his career, he has earned more than $115 million. On Sunday Sept. 23, Woods won his first major tournament in five years. This marks his 80th PGA Tour career win since his transition to professional golf in 1996. In a span of nine months, Woods has climbed the world rankings, moving from 1,199th to now 13th. “I’ve had a not-so-easy couple of years, but I’ve worked my way back and I couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone around me. It’s just hard to believe I’ve won the tour championship,” Woods said in his interview with Steve Sands after receiving his trophy.
The only disappointment of the day for Woods was finishing second to Justin Rose in the FedEx Cup, who made birdie to clinch the title, leaving Woods in second place after starting in 20th going into the Tour Championship. Putting the FedEx Cup aside, Woods congratulated Rose and placed his own focus on his milestone win at East Lake. Within the past four years Woods has experienced a series of back surgeries, with the most recent one being in April 2017. An anterior lumbar interbody fusion, a rare procedure for professional golfers, allows the player to make slow progressions in their game. In eight months, they can be back on the golf course playing full rounds. However, these are the normal results for an amateur golfer, not one who spends hours a day perfecting their swing. “At the beginning of the year [returning to golf] was a tall order but as the year progressed I proved that I could play,” Woods told Sands. “I found a swing and put pieces together. I knew I could do it again.” Senior John Cherry on the school golf team has been and continues to be influenced by Woods. “Tiger makes golf exciting and he brings an energy to the game that other players don’t,” Cherry said. “I think him winning again is a great direction for golf. He is a fan favorite, so I am happy to see him succeed again.” But golf fans are still left with one question: How long will Tiger’s success last? Story by Raegan Walsh.
Athlete of the Issue
Jacob Wiggers Trait: Dedication
Wiggers is a senior on the boys varstity cross country team. He has competed since freshman year. “Jacob has put in hard work since last track season and it has paid off. He’s seeing the results now and is a constant staple on the varsity team.” Nathan Price, boys cross country coach “Cross Country is important to me because our seven guys work hard to achieve one goal, which is to be in the top five in the state. It also forms a strong bond of friendship between us.” Jacob Wiggers, 12
Photo by Scott Dean.
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With the holiday season right around the corner, different events begin to pop up throughout the school, inviting students to partake in seasonal activities. But where did these holidays originate? In this issue of the Orb, we decided to take a closer look at the meaning behind Halloween, All Saint’s Day and more. This season holds an opportunity for us as Royals to grow closer to one another by taking part in club-sponsored activities, such as a trip to the pumpkin patch or a night at a haunted house. While this season may be stressful for those figuring out college applications and preparing for the future, there are countless opprtunities to de-stress and spend time with friends. However you choose to spend this spooky season, we here at the Orb hope this issue gives some fun ideas to start.