The Orb: March 2023-24

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GEN Z IN THE CLASSROOM

table of CONTENTS Opinion & Editorial page 4 | Beyond the GPA page 5 | Fro-yo FOMO

Arts & Entertainment page 6 | Sound to Stability page 7 | Peer Art

News

page 8 | Mapes Makes Changes

Staffer of the issue

Cover

Gen Z in the Classroom | page 12

Features

Running for Inclusion| page 17

Connecting Cultures| page 18

Sports

Paityn is the kind, effervescent and creative powerhouse behind all of our operations. She’s always patient when explaining design rules and tolerates nothing less than 100% effort, making us all the better for it.

Unsinkable Swimmer| page 20

Athletic Fasting| page 23

page 10 | Controversy of Care

staff editorial

spread. Not to mention that this is Another Finals the second time in this school year Schedule Controversy that this same issue has occurred.

Earlier this month, teachers and students were both startled with news that the senior class will be finishing finals almost an entire week earlier than the other grades. Reasons behind this change were credited to counselors needing more than a day to comb through every graduating senior to make sure they meet the requirements for their diploma and can therefore walk on graduation.

How did no one see this as an issue before now?

The schedule for the whole year was released well before school started and was finalized. Did no one realize how much of a time crunch that put counselors under?

As an observer of the events of this school, there seems to be a lot of lastminute decision making and a rather egregious lack of foresight on issues such as these. Then, when a change does happen, it starts with hushed rumors that circulate the halls, teachers hinting at change and finally an official announcement that comes sometimes weeks after initial rumors

Table of Contents | 2

We have to wonder, will the schedule change yet again before we actually put pen to paper in May? Signs point to yes from the student point of view.

Inside this issue of the Orb, we talk about what defines our generation, Gen Z in the classroom, so keeping in tune, it is important to remember that according to studies done, Gen Z generally values authenticity in their leaders on a higher average than other generations, so being up front with the students in the building about changes that will directly affect us will help us identify under our leadership and become a unified school. The district would be better for it. However, if finals are such a pain in our side, should we even still proctor them?

Their importance was invalidated by the change from weighting finals from 20 percent to 15, many classes forgo finals and opt for projects or final reflections. Perhaps a better solution can be found before the final schedule changes yet again by being ahead of the curve for what final exam time can be. It starts with authenticity. It starts with our leaders. It starts now.

Behind the cover

This issue dives into Generation Z in the classroom, a fitting topic given that next year’s freshmen are Generation Alpha so we will have an even more diverse student body.

This cover design dives into the uniqueness of our generation with photos of students from multiple classroom settings and subjects.

Featured prominently with hand raised is junior Erin Lock along with other students in various classroom settings.

Vol. 35 | Issue 5 | March 2024

meet the

Lauren Kopka

Ben Kruer

Nicole Morris

STAFF

EDITOr-in-chief

managing editor

creative director

Paityn O’Neill

Avery Grunder

Kennedy Ulmer

Caroline Hiott

Aubrey Matasovsky news editor

Lili Perez

features editor

Mandy Abeyta

Abby Kepler

Charlotte Miksha

Hannah VanLandingham

copy editor

sports editor

OP/ED editor

A&E EDITOR

Omar Elsayed

Addison Ginther Staffer

Emma Hayes

Staffer

Dupree Henry

Staffer

Staffer

Maddy Page

Sydney Pinchouck

Mya Pyle

Claire Robertson

Macie Ruth

Staffer

Staffer

Staffer

Hamilton Southeastern High School

Staffer

Staffer

Staffer

Staffer

Staffer

Staffer

Meet the Staff | 3

BEYOND THE GP

CHANGE

HSE Should Include Students in the Grade-WeightingDiscussion Story by Mandy Abeyta | abeytman000@hsestudents.org, Abby Kepler | kepleabi000@hsestudents.org

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ne of the well-known staples of taking AP, ACP and Honors classes is the additional boost it gives to students’ GPA, sometimes even putting it beyond 4.0. This is a great motivation for students to challenge themselves with an advanced class and stand out with a high GPA. Lately, there has been speculation about a possible change with how weighted GPA works across both high schools in the HSE District.

The introduction of new collegelevel courses each year, such as Ivy Tech classes, has sparked discussion among educators. While no concrete decision has yet been reached, there have already been meetings, with the next one taking place April 18. There is one main question concerning this topic: where are the student voices?

Weighting rigorous courses such as AP or ACP classes considers how difficult they are compared to onlevel classes. Without the weight, a class like AP World History would be evaluated the same way as its non-AP counterpart. Different high schools also weigh classes differently.

For example, some schools may use a six-point scale rather than a fivepoint scale. This is why some colleges recalculate GPA to their specific criteria.

It widely varies across the board.

Where does our school stand?

Currently, the weight for Honors classes is 0.096 while college-level courses like AP, ACP, and IB are weighted at 0.143.

Additional and new Ivy Tech classes seemed to have caused a wrench in our system, so a change may be needed.

Involving students in these discussions about potential changes is paramount.

Their involvement

Op/Ed | 4

ensures that any changes reflect the needs and concerns of those impacted.

As students, our voices should hold significant weight. After all, we are the ones that deal with weights firsthand.

We are the ones that navigate the challenges of the academic world, and we are the ones that will have to deal with the brunt of the changes. We are the key stakeholders. Why exclude our input when it is the one that is the most important to consider?

A study on involving students in educational decisions was conducted in Kenya with 12 public high schools in 2016. The students were involved in making key choices on what schools to enroll in and the creation of rules. The study displayed that when students are included in the decisionmaking, they will also be more invested in the outcome and own the decision. Ownership of their decision resulted in “increased efforts, and as a result, good academic performance” When a school presented with a lack of involvement, “a growing sense of demotivation and demoralization” was present there (Mati et al.).

Incorporating students not only considers our input but fosters better academic performance within our school. Student involvement directly impacts the school environment and student success.

In Nov. 2023, a new exam schedule was released, and no one seemed happy about it. Were teachers asked their thoughts?

We students asked their thoughts?

It seems that the ones making decisions are not the direct stakeholders in the situation. Office

hours were removed and less time was put aside for exams. Overall, it was a decision that impacted everyone here at HSE, but everyone was unhappy.

This situation only further shows how important it is to have everyone’s input on the decision-making process.

Furthermore, student involvement in decision-making processes promotes transparency and accountability at HSE. By including students, educators demonstrate a commitment to fairness and equity, ensuring the polices reflect the concerns and needs of all stakeholders.

Overall, incorporating student voices in these discussions whenever something in the educational landscape needs to change is vital. It is beneficial for students, the academic environment and school community.

Only by embracing student input and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, educators can create the best policies that truly support student success and well-being. We want to be included. We want to be heard. When will our voices be heard?

FFRO-YO RO--YYYO O FFOMO OMO

Shamrock Shake: Magical Milkshake or McDonald’s Miss?

A Chilling Debate

Story by claire robertson | robercla001@hsestudents.org, macie ruth | ruthmac000@hsestudents.org

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RUTHMAC000

rozen yogurt is a tangy and delicious treat. Better known as fro-yo, the ice cream alternative was extremely successful and had a large following, especially in the summertime.

Unfortunately across Hamilton county, many frozen yogurt shops have closed. As WTHR reports, “Orange Leaf closed in 2015.” This loss added to the downfall of frozen yogurt due to the location being so favorable on 116th.

Fro-yo companies such as Menchie’s and Orange Leaf were once popular but have since closed.

Without popular chains like these, the community has been left without local fro-yo options.

There is not one singular location that serves frozen yogurt near Fishers.

The closest location serving fro-yo

SNACKING WITH SYDNEY

Mar 14, 2024 at 9:36:26 AM 70:ae:d5:57:7c:0e

is as far as Fairfield, Ohio. This makes it even more important to bring frozen yogurt back to Indy to save time and money. The devastating loss of something so delicious continues to impact dessert lovers in the area to this very day.

The big question is, should frozen yogurt be brought back?

A survey of roughly 30 HSE students revealed that 100% both enjoyed frozen yogurt and wanted it to return.

The popular belief is that frozen yogurt will bring excitement to the community, and businesses would succeed.

In 2020, 75.3 million people consumed frozen yogurt in the country, according to gitnux.org, proving the overriding vote of where people stand in the fight to bring it back.

The conclusive opinion of frozen yogurt: Indiana needs to bring it back. The dessert has been absent, but the memories of indulging in a customized frozen yogurt with unique toppings still live in the hearts of Indiana residents.

STORY BY Sydney Pinchouck | pinchsyd000@hsestudents.org McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is a staple in March all over the world, but there are very drastic opinions on its enjoyability. Some say that it is a masterpiece of mint that they wait for all year. Others would rather order anything else. If you are not sure which side of this debate you are on, or if you fall in the middle ground, this thorough review of the Shamrock Shake is for you!

The Shamrock Shake is a mint flavored milkshake, made with vanilla soft serve and mint flavored syrup. Mint was a great flavor choice for the drink that was executed well.

There is no doubt that the drink was made for mint lovers. The whipped cream that tops the milkshake is perfectly textured, however, the more that it is layered on, the mint flavor becomes more diluted. The texture of the milkshake starts off nice and easy to drink, but the initial thinness causes it to melt very quickly. Once the milkshake has softened, it is no longer worth drinking at all. You can taste how artificial the mint is because the syrup separates itself and it is almost like drinking toothpaste.

If you love mint and a milkshake is your preferred dessert, you would like the Shamrock Shake! But make sure you do not waste time drinking it, or you might end up with a melted drink that you can no longer enjoy.

Op/Ed | 5

SOUND TO STABILITY

How Ruoff Helps Provide Econmic Stability to Surrounding Area Story by Addison Ginther | ginthadd000@hsestudents.org

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ots of people are familiar with Ruoff Music Center. Most go there to see their favorite artists live or to attend different music festivals. Ruoff makes such a big impact on surrounding areas such as businesses and restaurants located around Noblesville and Fishers. Lots of people travel from out of town to come and see artists, some for multiple days at a time. These people bring in a lot of money and abundantly help the surrounding areas of the music center, including Hamilton Town Center businesses.

There are even some places made solely for hosting people that come into town for concerts. Sleepybear Campground is an example of one of these places. It is located directly across from the music center and is always extremely packed when a popular artist comes for multiple days. People like the place because it is easy to access when wanting to attend a preshow or just find some place to spend the night. People bring their recreational vehicles, or RVs, and tents to campout all day on-site.

If people do not like the option of camping out, there are around five different hotels in the area that people have the opportunity of choosing between. All the hotels are within 10 minutes of Ruoff and are reasonably priced. This provides for a variety of

A&E | 6

different options of where people can stay while they are visiting here.

Along with places to stay, people also need to be provided with other necessities such as food. This helps bring in a lot of customers and business around the summer time.

Places like Chuy’s, Houlihan’s, Aspen Creek, Pies & Pints, Ford’s Garage, BJ’s, Olive Garden and many more get most of their profit over the summer when multiple concerts are taking place.

Ruoff also provides multiple different job opportunities for students and adults. Although it is required to be 18 years or older to apply, it is relatively a good job for people of any age. There are also so many different jobs to chose from such as a parking staff, grounds and maintenance crew, backstage coordinator, kitchen manager, waiter, concessions server or a bartender for those that apply. These jobs are perfect for high school students and are in an ideal location for most HSE students, allowing quick, easy access.

Overall, Ruoff provides so many different advantages to its surrounding area. It helps bring in people from all around the world and crowds the Noblesville and Fishers area when popular artists play there. It helps bring in people to different hotels, campgrounds and restaurants. Profits

Photos of inside Ruoff Music Center at a concert. Photos by Addison Ginther and Maddy Page.

Infographic by Addison Ginther.

help fund the different organizations and businesses in the area. Along with providing funds, they also give people a great job option that is relatively close for HSE students. Ruoff provides fun times and memories for people while also providing good economic opportunities to its surrounding area.

Infographic by Caroline Hiott

EXPRESSION THROUGH

Art Department Promotes Kindness, Empathy With Projects

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Story by Maddy Page | pagemad000@hsestudents.org very year at HSE, teachers access to supplies and help from and counselors gather to plan others. Unfortunately, there were the upcoming school year. obvious conflicts due to COVID-19 During these meetings, one often along with students not physically discussed subject is the courses being at school and able to work with that will be offered to current and the mentors and exceptional learners incoming students, and which courses on an art project. However, art will be taken away due to lack of teacher, Mr. Moosbrugger, was able demand. One class in particular that to adapt to the drastic changes that was considered during the 2019-2020 had occurred in the style of teaching school year was a class that would needed during the pandemic, and the involve exceptional learners and class began. mentors in an art setting. At the time, “When the class started in our hybrid there was no other class like this, and year, we met mostly online via Zoom. it was almost unheard of in schools Some of the artists and mentors were around the state. However, there in person, but many were meeting were various programs throughout over Zoom,” Moosbrugger said. “We the country that involved exceptional mostly did coloring pages and had learners in an art setting, which is some good conversations.” what HSE wanted to base the new However, once school began to Peer Art class off of. return to normal and students were One program specifically that is back in school, the class began to take quite similar to the workings of the shape. During a typical fourth period class is the Creative Growth Art in Moosbrugger’s art room, the artists Center, located in the San Francisco and mentors work together on various Bay Area. The center was founded projects. These can often include

by Elias and Florence Katz in 1974 working with paint, building with and has provided a gallery space and clay, and even creating self-portraits, supplies for more than 150 artists with the intention of giving the artists who have worked on a wide range of a way to express themselves through projects ever since. In doing so, the their creations. center has not only given artists a space “I want the artists to understand to express themselves through art but that they have talents and should be has also changed their lives in positive proud to express themselves in new and inspiring ways. According to the ways,” Moosbrugger said.

Art21 website, which has information Additionally, like Scotts’ artwork on the center, artist Judith Scott— through the years, some artists here at who had Downs syndrome and was HSE have had their pieces displayed deaf—joined the program in 1987 and in various businesses and galleries often made sculptures out of fabrics around Fishers. Often, Schoolhouse and twine. The following 18 years of 7 Cafe, located off Cyntheanne Road, her life, she expressed herself through will exhibit the work created by artists her work and displayed her creative in Moosbrugger’s classroom. imagination in her sculptures. Scott’s Ultimately, Moosbrugger hopes work is held permanently in the that mentors and artists will be part Museum of Modern Art, and other of an exceptional classroom filled pieces have been displayed in galleries with kindness and be able to express worldwide too. themselves through their art and Originally, the class was set to begin enjoy doing so. during the 2020-2021 school year “Empathy and understanding are and would be a similar program to the amazing things,” Moosbrugger said.

Creative Growth Art Center. Artists “And I hope they get even the smallest would come to an art classroom and taste of that in here.” be able to create anything they would like, while simultaneously having

Above are three photos of art posters that are hanging on the windows that overlook the courtyard. These posters were one of the projects the Peer Art class worked on, and highlight the importance of inclusion at HSE. Photos by Maddy Page.

A&E | 7

SIT DOWN WITH SIMMONS

Renovations, Choice Day Story by Aubrey Matasovsky | matasaub000@hsestudents.org Between the SAT, college fairs, and superintendent changes, the Orb was able to sit down with Simmons about new opportunities for students ahead.

Most notably: school renovations for 2026 and Choice Day. It is now common knowledge that part of HSE High School will be undergoing renovations. The school is set to open in the fall of 2026, when the renovations are set to be completed. Beyond that basic information little seems to be known.

“We don’t have [the plans] yet. [...]

We haven’t vetted architecture firms, we haven’t gotten to that point yet,” Simmons said. “My understanding is that there will be renovations to [the older] part of the building, what that’s going to look like, I’m not sure.”

The project is being led and managed by the Director of Facilities for HSE Schools, Matt Rapp.

More immediately, Choice is coming up for students. Originally, students had expected to switch Choice Day in for a Day of Service, what Fishers High School completed last year. There have been some changes to that plan, HSE High School is sticking with the original Choice Day with an added component. “Choice Day is Choice Day, like it was last year, but we are encouraging our student groups, especially, to take on passion projects out in the community and then have a teacher representative to support that,” Simmons said. “We really want it to be student led. We’ve already had some things set up at some of our elementary schools.”

School News | 8

Pat Mapes, Superintendent, sits on a couch in the CCA. Photo by Aubrey Matasovsky.

MAPES MAKES CHANGE Interim Period Ends With New Superintendent of HSE Schools

Story by Aubrey Matasovsky | matasaub000@hsestudents.org, Hannah VanLandingham | vanlahan000@hsestudents.org he search for the you out in a job shadowing situation superintendent of Hamilton in what you think you want to do,” Southeastern Schools is over. Mapes said. “I want [students] The district recently announced to have enough opportunities to that Pat Mapes will be taking over explore that, [so] when you go to the position for the foreseeable college you can be focused.” future. This follows the ousting Mapes is also interested in of Dr. Yvonne Stokes and a brief increasing access to advanced interim with Dr. Matt Kegley as courses, looking at the data about acting superintendent. Mapes has enrollment and success to analyze been involved in education for 36 how to best expand opportunities years, originally starting as a social for students at HSE. studies teacher and the coach of a “We are going to take a look at boys’ varsity team at a 7-12 building who is taking our AP courses, who before transitioning into a role is taking our dual credit courses and in administration, working as an why are one group or another group assistant principal at Delta Middle not,” Mapes said. “I think we [have School in Delaware County. to] get better at communicating “[I] became principal there, and with our students about all of the went to Delta High School for four things that are offered here. This is years, and then went into central a fabulous school system and they office,” Mapes said. “I have been offer so many unique opportunities a school superintendent in two that other kids across the state do different locations, and then I not get.” was the assistant superintendent Mapes succinctly summed up of public instruction under Dr. his goals for the district as “I want Bennet’s administration.” students to make mistakes, because Mapes’ experience with both this is the best place to make a Delaware Community and Perry mistake. This is the best place for Meridian Schools is likely to help us to challenge you [...] Because all him achieve his goals throughout his the support in the world is here for term. For high school, this means you,” Mapes said. “Let’s have those more community involvement. experiences now when kids are in “I really would like to see all of our high school so we can really make high school kids have a work-based certain that they’ll be successful after learning experience. Even if you are they leave Hamilton Southeastern going to college, I would like to get Schools.”

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IVF FREEZE

Fertility Clinics Around the Nation are Closing, Here Is What Is Happening Now Story by sydney pinchouck | pinchsyd000@hsestudents.org, claire roberston | robercla001@hsestudents.org

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VF, also known as In Vitro Fertilization is one of the options available to couples’ experiencing infertility. However, due to a recent incident in Alabama, the United States is facing a tough obstacle right now when it comes to pursuing the treatment. During the IVF process, an egg is taken out of a woman’s ovaries and is fertilized with sperm in a lab.

Throughout the process, the woman usually must take medicines and get surgeries to see the best possible outcome. It is a long and mentally draining process for the couples.

The cost is insanely high. In Indiana, the average cost of IVF can range anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000.

However, just because you pay a hefty price does not mean that the treatment will do anything. There is only a 20 to 30 percent chance that a woman will get pregnant from IVF according to the IVF Institute. This is why a successful embryo is often celebrated, and why eggs not used initially need to be stored properly and safe for a later date.

In December of 2020, at a clinic in Alabama, three couples successfully made it through the process of IVF. Once they all gave birth to healthy babies, they made the decision to freeze their spare embryos at the same clinic to save them for a later date. However, one day, a patient went into the clinic and opened the tank in which those embryos were stored. Because the embryos are stored in freezing temperatures, when the patient reached his hand in the freezer, he burnt himself and dropped the embryos resulting them to hit the ground and be destroyed.

Now, four years later, the couples who lost their embryos decided to sue the fertility clinic and hospital it is located in. The two lawsuits the hospital is facing are for negligence and the main one, Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. The couples took their

lawsuit to the highest court in the state, the Supreme Court of Alabama.

Since the embryos are considered personhood, the couples are allowed to pursue their lawsuit. “I fear that legislation such as the Alabama ruling may ultimately endanger other reproductive freedoms in addition to IVF, including access to certain types of contraception,” Obstretician and Gynecologist Dr. Amy K Hayes said.

Because of this problem, there has been a major pause in IVF treatments.

Clinics around Alabama have been closed for the foreseeable future.

This court case is not just affecting people in Alabama, many IVF clinics around the U.S. have temporarily

closed due to patient fear that the same thing will happen to them and their embryos. “The subsequent bill that passed the Alabama legislature after the state Supreme Court ruling, [...] provides civil and criminal immunity to providers and patients for the destruction or damage to embryos,” Hayes said. “Only 2 of the 3 IVF centers have reopened in Alabama.” This could result in many couples not being able to pursue their hopes of being biological parents. The court ruled in favor of the couples, therefore saying that the embryos were considered children.

News | 9

CONTROVERSY OF CARE

Legislation on Gender Affirming Care Medical, Physician Impact of SB 480

Story by Emma Hayes | hayesemm000@hsestudents.org, Nicole Morris | morrinic001@hsestudents.org

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Bills that have been introduced nationally in the past five years that target gender affirming care. Data from Trans Legislation Tracker.

2024 Numbers as of Mar. 13. Infographic by Emma Hayes.

n Feb. 7, after months of being blocked due to an injunction, Indiana Senate Bill 480 has gone into effect across the state. The law blocks the ability to get gender-affirming health care, like hormone therapy and puberty blockers, for transgender minors in the state.

Despite initially being signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb on Apr. 5, 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union filed an injunction on the grounds that it infringed on the rights of transgender minors to receive medically necessary healthcare. This injunction was overturned by the Seventh Circuit of Appeals on Feb. 27, 2024, and is now in effect.

While the effects of the law will be felt across the state, Fishers is unique due to the numerous medical facilities around, like St. Vincent and Community Health. Primary care provider Dr. Derrick Williams, M.D., who currently works at a private practice in Fishers, has worked with numerous transgender patients in the past. “[SB 480] affects medical practices in the fact that it changes the way we can communicate with our patients and the way we can treat them,” Williams said. “It takes it out of the medical realm and into the political realm.”

The goal of gender-affirming care is to help individuals feel more confident in their bodies. Some treatments, like puberty blockers, are reversible. These procedures now carry the possibility

of a revoked medical license and lawsuits for any provider who helps a minor medically transition.

“From a patient perspective, good gender-affirming care can be really lifesaving for a population, especially for a population like this that has a high suicide rate,” Williams said.

“Studies have shown that transgender patients who were not receiving good care had a much higher rate of suicidal ideation.”

The law has many clarifications in place. Specific procedures, like “aesthetic procedures”, only fall under the ban if “knowingly performed for the purpose of assisting an individual with a gender transition.” The bill only affects minors, meaning transgender adults should be able to access care without any legal issues.

“Somebody would probably say back to that ‘well, we’re not saying you can’t give them care, we’re just saying you can’t use medications and surgery’,” Williams said. “But to that aspect, a lot of people need puberty delaying medications while in adolescence, while they’re going through the emotional and psychological evaluations - it really does affect their care. Once you break down the patient-doctor relationship like that, I think it all falls apart.”

SB 480 is not the first nor the last piece of legislation to regulate what care physicians can provide to their patients. Instead, it adds to the growing trend of legislation impacting medical care being proposed across the country.

Lifespan of Senate Bill 480 Jan. 19, 2023

March 1, 2023

Authored

March 28, 2023

April 5, 2023

Returned to Senate Referred to House

June 16, 2023

Feb. 27, 2024

Injunction granted Signed by Governor

Information from the Indiana General Assembly and Fox59. Infographic by Nicole Morris.

Injunction is overturned, law in effect

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TOTAL ECLIPSE

Total Solar Eclipse Passes Through Indiana April 8 Story By Caroline Hiott | hiottcar000@hsestudents.org, Lili Perez | perezlil000@hsrsutdents.org

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n Monday, April 8, there will be a solar eclipse that spans from Texas to Maine and up to Canada. Although the full eclipse will not happen until April, eclipse fans have already booked hotels that are in the path of the full eclipse.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun and completely blocks the sun’s face causing only a ring to be visible. From Mexico, and traveling through Canada, the path of total eclipse spans between three different countries that can experience this eclipse. Other states that are not in the path will still be able to see a solar eclipse, but instead of a total eclipse, they will be able to experience a partial solar eclipse. A partial solar eclipse does not fully block the sun, but a part of the sun. During the total eclipse, the sky will darken as if it is dawn or dusk, and viewers will be able to experience the several stages of the eclipse.

When the moon starts to cross in front of the sun, the sun’s rays will shine around the moon’s horizon, creating a glowing appearance around the moon called Baily’s Beads. When totality is near, Baily’s Beads will quickly disappear until only a single point of light remains, which people say resembles a glistening diamond ring.

This diamond ring appearance will disappear when totality arrives and there will be no sign of direct sunlight.

The ring and Baily’s Beads will appear again with the partial eclipse on the opposite side of the moon until the sun fully appears again.

“Finally, you get totality.”

Astronomy teacher Jeff Pfister said.

“Only at totality is it safe to view the

solar eclipse. This totality will last close to three and a half minutes.

Then you will get the same phases but in reverse.”

Total eclipses give opportunities for scientists to study the sun and how it interacts uniquely with the Earth throughout the event. During this total eclipse, NASA will have several projects being tested.

It is only safe to view the total eclipse when the moon completely blocks the light of the sun. But, people can also view the solar eclipse with eclipse glasses or hand held solar view before and after totality. Others view the solar eclipse with a telescope or camera that has a solar filter that acts like eclipse glasses.

It is not safe to stare at the sun directly without any special eye protection during the solar eclipse.

Scientists have found that staring at the sun during an eclipse can cause blindness or disrupt vision. Sunglasses do not work as a replacement for eclipse glasses because eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker than sunglasses According to CNN. Indiana will witness the totality 3:01 pm EST. The Moon’s shadow will finally leave the state at 3:12 pm EST. According to IUSTV, “Indiana is within one day driving distance of 70% of the United States, and because of that, city and state leaders are anticipating roughly 300,000 eager eclipse viewers will travel to the Monroe County area. Across the entire state, that number could be well over 1 million people.”

The Indiana State Police is encouraging drivers to plan for the upcoming event ahead of time. A large percentage of the state is going to be within the path of totality, spanning from Kokomo to Scottsburg. This

path is the area in which the moon’s shadow blocks the sun completely.

“Nearly 4 million Hoosiers live within the path of totality, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Indiana for the event,” issued in a press release by Captain Galaviz. “Increased traffic and congestion are also expected as residents and tourists alike make their way to viewing destinations.

Areas near the eclipse centerline are anticipated to see the greatest influx of visitors, including Vincennes, Bloomington, Franklin and just north of Richmond. Indianapolis and Evansville are also included in the path.”

Drivers were encouraged to plan for any possible travel impacts before, during and after the eclipse to ensure a smooth trip by the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Some advice posted in the release included wearing solar eclipse viewing glasses and avoiding damage to your eyes, as well as avoiding travel during the event, and exercising patience after the event due to expected heavy traffic.

The upcoming solar eclipse is a fascinating event that people all around the world are looking forward to. Many students are excited and thrilled to experience the rare sighting of a Solar Eclipse.

“When the last total solar eclipse happened, I was in fourth grade and I remember teachers telling the class about how much of a once-in-alifetime experience it was to even be near a solar eclipse,” Sophomore Vine Saopa said. “Being able to experience another one so close to the previous feels extremely special.”

International News | 11

How Influences Of The Generation Are Impacting Students Now Story by Charlotte Miksha | mikshcha000@hsestudents.org, Abby Kepler | kepleabi000@hsestudents.org, Kennedy Ulmer | ulmerken000@hsestudents.org

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hen they were only children and ecstatic over the announcement of an extended spring break, current high schoolers had no idea they were about to be swept into the largest historical event of their lives thus far. Four years later and equipped with the ability of hindsight, the unknowing, unsettling times seem a distant yet focal memory to them. Certainly, in the midst of virtual schooling and stay-at-home mandates, they could not possibly conceptualize the impact it would have on their already fragile future educational experiences. Although COVID still impacts thousands of people weekly in the United States, it no longer holds the same power over many people’s lives as it did years ago.

Layering this history with the stressinducing and disheartening nature of the high school experience, the issues of academic burnout and the

Cover | 12

effect of social media brain rot seem to be highlighted. From March 2020 to March 2024, how has learning, motivation and mental health changed for those who were spun into the global pandemic during their impressionable years?

Students can now reflect upon their time before, during and after the pandemic with an educated eye.

“We didn’t even realize the gravity of the situation,” sophomore Dani Beauchamp said. “Until [the date we came back to school] kept getting pushed back.”

So, what could this seemingly sudden and drastic change to the classroom structure do to young students? How did the effects of learning at home impact the ability to learn and study effectively and stay focused for long periods of time?

The world of online learning was uncharted territory for many students

and teachers who were used to a more hands-on and engaging style of learning. Jeremiah Follis, a Social Studies teacher who has worked at HSE for 25 years, had to rework the way his classes operated during the school years that were impacted by COVID. “In 2021, HSE started using block scheduling, and I had to rearrange the way I covered content in my classes,” Follis said. “With 80-minute periods every other day instead of 50-minute periods every day, [HSE] lost about 30 days of inclass instruction.”

Being thrown into this new style of learning was no easy task, and learning how to best meet the needs of students was difficult. One of the biggest obstacles was finding new ways to grade and teach students from a distance.

“I had to make separate lessons for students who were 100% virtual and students who were in-person,” Follis said. “It was very hard to keep everyone on track, and it created an unprecedented divide between students.”

At home, there was much less structure for many students than in school, as the teachers hardly had control to keep kids on task and make sure they understood the material.

“If the whole class got it but you didn’t, then there was really nothing they could do about that,” Beauchamp said. “Because they didn’t know how to [help you] online.”

Developing study habits in a new learning environment, particularly a distracting one such as your own home, was a challenge. If students didn’t get the proper help or encouragement to do this, it affected them going back into school.

“I was not keeping up with my assignments, and that really set me back for my next year, especially in

math,” freshman Lauren Bowman said. “[…] I eventually got back on track, but it was hard.”

Teachers have also noticed the ways virtual learning have hindered students’ educational journeys.

“When students started coming back to school full-time, I observed lots of learning loss,” Follis said. “[To me,] COVID feels like a lifetime ago, but I still see students who are not meeting academic benchmarks due to all the school they missed during the pandemic.”

Being at home also allowed students more flexibility in their schedules, which created enormous temptations to move on to other activities, including scrolling on social media.

“I think, especially during COVID,” Beauchamp said, “People were at home, and they had nothing to do, so they really resorted to short form videos.”

The constant gratification and stimulating of the mind can easily cause motivation to drop. Moving

from a mindless, highly entertaining activity to sitting at a desk and studying for hours makes student’s ability to stay focused and motivated much more difficult.

“When I sit down to start doing my homework,” Bowman said, “I always feel so tired. I’ve noticed that almost any energy I had is just drained from my body.”

The overwhelming amount of information a person can take in each day can cause a feeling of exhaustion and mental fatigue.

“When you go home from school,” Beauchamp said, “School doesn’t end.”

On top of six and a half hours of school, students often have homework to begin once they get home, which can be rather late if you have extracurriculars.

However, homework is not a novel idea, so what could be causing such obvious levels of academic burnout within our generation?

Senioritis has always been a wellknown phenomenon in high school.

Once seniors have committed to college or decided on a plan after high school, it is simply just a race until the end for most.

“Senioritis has always been a big thing,” Beauchamp said. “But with our generation, I feel like I’ve seen [senioritis] in even the freshman.”

With the more recent pressure surrounding the need to accumulate college credits and prepare for the application process as soon as you enter high school, academic burnout has seemingly increased in all grade levels.

With some students losing motivation for academics immediately after elementary school, it’s no wonder that some are ready to be done with school years later.

“After I started fifth grade, I started to get tired of school,” Bowman said.

“I am honestly not sure why; I just remember that year really being the start of when I didn’t ever want to go to school.”

Infographics by Charlotte Miksha, Abby Kepler and Kennedy Ulmer

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With the increasing pressure added to to college acceptance and scholarships, students are tapping into their perfectionism, and trying to apply themselves enough in high school to excel in the application process.

Is all this pressure for nothing?

PBS News reported that acceptance rates for the top 10 most prestigious colleges in the country went from 16% in 2006 to 6.4% in more recent years.

Even when students do everything in their power to appeal to college admissions officers, there is still a miniscule chance of getting accepted into a highly ranked college. In the same article, PBS noted that social media has negatively impacted a student’s confidence in their academic performance. “[The internet] has made scores and grades viewable online in real time,” said PBS News. “A meta-analysis conducted in 2020 found that this has caused students to develop mindsets of extreme perfectionism to present themselves as ‘successful’ or ‘productive’ to people on social media, like their peers or potential college recruiters.”

College acceptance has always been a huge stressor for high school students, and the added factor of social media has created more pressure on current students.

“Social media has created a culture of competitiveness in academic settings,” Yale professor Sunyia Luthar said. “This added pressure causes adolescents to suffer psychologically, with disturbingly higher rates of substance abuse, anxiety, and depression in students.”

HSE social studies teacher and department chair, Janet Chandler, has noticed the way academic burnout has affected students in a post-pandemic learning environment.

“It seems like students want to spend even less time at school,” Chandler said. “I also see a decrease in class attendance.”

This radical decrease in attendance could be attributed to the fact that stress from academic pressure impacts a student’s physical health, often causing “stomachaches, headaches, and anxiety attacks,” according to

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PBS. Students can feel this pressure no matter where they go to school. For people who love to excel, they can feel academic pressure with the variety of high level courses offered at HSE. Even as a sophomore, Beauchamp has a challenging schedule with collegelevel courses and AP classes.

“It is just an endless cycle,” Beauchamp said. “[Students] have so many things on their plate, and it’s hard to keep up with all of that, and get good grades, and go to their sports, and still have time to make sure that they don’t get burned out and that they’re happy with what they’re doing.”

Life as a student in America has

never been easy, with classwork, extracurriculars and everything else students attempt to do in order to achieve success. However, in the past four years, these difficulties have been accentuated, evident in the falling motivation, grades, and desire to learn among students. This can be easily recognized by teachers and students alike, and yet students still fall victim to the mindless scroll, the demanding nature of academia, and the consequences of COVID. The effects of pandemic learning, academic burnout, and brain rot may never leave Gen Z, even as they embark past high school and into the real world but only time will tell.

Four Years Of Educational Transformation Since Covid-19

Story by Macie Ruth | ruthmac000@hsestudents.org, Omar Elsayed | elsayoma000@hsestudents.org

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n Mar. 13, 2020, the world collectively held its breath as a new, unseen foe emerged, casting a shadow of uncertainty over daily life and education. While some were excited fifth graders and others were anxious eighth graders nearing their entrance to high school, the same collective shock consumed everyone when the news of lockdown arrived. Prior was a time when ‘zoom’ was merely a catchy name for a fastpaced activity, and ‘social distancing’ sounded like a rejected dance move.

Fast forward to today, and while the world has trudged forward, it’s still a reality that has left a lasting imprint on students’ cognitive behavior and the way schools educate.

“Abrupt shifts to remote learning over the past two school years have affected students, negatively impacting their social, emotional, and mental well-being and academic achievement,” an article by the U.S Department of Education said.

“They have also exacerbated racial, socioeconomic, and other educational inequities.”

The virus, which seemed so minimal at the beginning, exploded into a global hibernation that left students falling behind in their education.

This era took a significant blow on what could’ve been a world-changing generation. With this setback, schools are still hoping for an academic rebound.

The depth of the pandemic impact

goes far beyond a social aspect.

Curriculum did not have as much gain on students because of the obvious complications. Being behind a screen served as a prominent barrier that created academics a struggle for students. Education could be seen as a puzzle, and the curriculum a student was to learn their online year is a crucial missing piece. Without it, nothing can entirely connect.

Anyone walking into room A134 can sense the nostalgia with its traditional chalkboards, a feature that has remained unchanged in Mr. Younts’ classroom throughout his entire career. With 47 years of experience at HSE, Mr. Younts, FFA advisor and Applied Sciences teacher, has been a fixture at HSE. He shared his insights on how the pandemic affected his students.

“It’s kind of a two-sided coin; the students that were motivated to do well, their performance stayed the same,” Younts said. “Those who needed that extra help and couldn’t get it because they weren’t in school, took a little longer to catch up to their counterparts.”

Despite the challenges, Younts also highlighted positive impacts as it made him “more technologically aware and adaptive.” “[Zoom] opened more avenues for me,” Younts said. “It made me feel like we can do this.”

However, he mourned the loss of hands-on learning opportunities,

especially in courses like welding, where manual skills are crucial.

“The pandemic didn’t let me do what I want with welding and the hands-on courses. It just wasn’t the same,” Younts said. “You can talk about welding until you’re blue in the face, but they got to get in the booth and actually do it.”

Aside from this, the credentials for a high school graduate greatly loosened with credit, testing and graduation exam requirements.

“These COVID-19- era credentials signal a lower-level aggregate skill than pre-pandemic credentials.” a Brookings article said.

The standard held of students drowned in the sea of at-home learning. A Harvard Magazine study observed testing scores declining along with the “average student lacking one-half year in math and one-third of a year in reading.” The pandemic worsened most academic success and tore down students in their growth. Pre-pandemic, scores were sky-high and applaudable for the country’s success. The shocking wave of online school ended up lasting much longer than expected which pulled down grades with it.

With a more medical perspective, the virus shed light onto learning disabilities and a rise of symptoms.

Following the educational outcome of COVID, the virus still hasn’t finished its battle. As of early 2024, over 774 million cases of coronavirus were confirmed worldwide. Seven million deaths followed this number, making a tragic impact that not many people have knowledge of. The media prefers to market the virus as something of the past. Unfortunately, the numbers serve as a reality check that what we so wish would leave yet manages to crawl into the present.

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Story, Photos by Hannah VanLandingham | vanlahan000@hsestudents.org The Riley Dance Marathon Team has been working hard all year, all culminating in the dance that took place on Mar. 22. In the week leading up to the dance, RDM club members run Push Week. Push Week is their last week to collect donations before they announce their total at the dance. Last year, the club raised $21,393.90 in donations to Riley Children’s hospital. This year’s leadership team has stepped up in hopes of raising even more this year.

“RDM has a motto- ‘we dance for those who can’t’... The goal is to support Riley kids both financially and by creating a positive environment to uplift the families dealing with a difficult time.”

- Lauren Nolan, RDM Secretary, 12

“We have probably called close to 30 places as a club trying to get food donations. Then the hardest part of all which is getting students to come. We try and post on social media and use word of mouth. We also partner with other clubs like best buddies.”

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- Gloria Lane, Co-President, 12

Photos of the Dance Marathon Posted on HSENews.com

Athlete Jose Olvera dances out on the football field with his teammates around him. Photo by Lili Perez.

After running his race, athlete Carson Loggins gives a high-five to former student Joseph Schlabach on the football field. Photo by Lili Perez.

Baton in hand, Bridget Bell races towards the finish line. In the background, fans clap in the stands as she runs down the track. Photo by Lili Perez.

RUNNING FOR INCLUSION

How Sports Like Unified Track Are Changing the Game For Athletes Story by Maddy Page | pagemad000@hsestudents.org

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s the weather slowly gets warmer and the days become longer, spring sports are in full swing. Baseball players can be spotted out on the diamonds and the sounds of lacrosse balls hitting the sides of the athletic entrance can be heard into the late afternoon. Additionally, unified track athletes can be seen running around the track and participating in field events like shotput and long jump out by the football field.

At HSE, the unified track team consists of athletes who have intellectual disabilities and athletes who do not. The goal of this team is to emphasize the importance of kindness and inclusion at the school.

Typically, the track practices consist of a warmup and stretching, then stations where participants focus on their specific events. Throughout the season, the team travels to schools around the county and competes in meets.

However, for many years there were no opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sporting events. Unfortunately, there were no programs available, and no one was doing anything about this issue. But, in the late 1960s, activist

Eunice Kennedy Shriver decided to start the drive for change in the sports industry after seeing the unfair lack of opportunities.

In the very beginning of her movement, Shriver started small programs around her community to specifically aid in helping create a team for people with intellectual disabilities to be a part of. In June 1967, she opened a summer camp in her backyard in Washington D.C. to offer an opportunity to experience the fun and exciting aspects of playing sports and being a part of a team.

As time went on, her efforts continued, and Shriver eventually started a small movement with thousands of people supporting her.

In July of 1968, she helped create the first-ever Special Summer Olympics.

The games were held in Chicago, and over 1,000 athletes participated in events specific to track and field. Now, every two years, the Special Olympics rotates between summer and winter events. Each Special Olympics year, athletes from around the world compete in the games.

Eventually, in 2008, the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program was created and

opened new doors for many athletes around Indiana. The foundation has continued to grow each year.

Currently, almost 700 schools around Indiana have unified sports programs that are active.

In doing so, many athletes have been able to participate in events that otherwise would not have been possible. Senior Gabrielle Dodridge has been a part of the unified Track Team for the past three years and shared her experience on the team, including what unified track means to her.

“Unified [track] is very important to me as I’ve never felt more at home than I do when I’m in this club,” Dodridge said. “It’s so important to have the inclusion that we have in unified, especially for people who are given the same opportunities as neurotypical people would.”

If students are interested in joining the team, practices are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 3:15-4:30. The coaches are Mr. Moosbrugger and Mrs. Gerard. The team has their first meet on April 10 at home.

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CONNECTING CULTURES Pilot Family Connections Program Offered at HSE Story by Lauren Kopka | kopkalau000@hsestudents.org

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nchored amidst a sea of cornfields and residential areas, Fishers serves as a booming oasis for the development and growth that spills out from the Northside of Indianapolis. Almost 100 thousand individuals call this city home with more moving in constantly.

Though there is an ever-growing amount of Starbucks in the local area, there are hardly any resources for immigrant families. That is, there were hardly any resources for immigrant families, until English as a New Language teacher Becky Shroeder stepped up in partnership with other ENL teachers and local nonprofit, Indiana Connection to put together the Family Resource Program for HSE families.

Schroeder has fostered a love of cultures since her experiences in working at Walt Disney World in college.

Living in an apartment complex with people from all over the world, Schroeder became inspired to learn more about cultures and ended up spending time in Mexico working with ministries and learning through experience a taste of what being a minority in a foreign country feel like.

“Living [abroad], where I’m not the majority and its not my culture helped me understand what the kids go through,” Schroeder said. “Sometimes you just miss home, you just want to know what is familiar- where not everything seems so different. So, [living abroad] helps me empathize with their experience on days were they just wish they could be where they consider home.”

Through the partnership with Immigrant Connections, Schroeder hopes the program will serve some of the needs that her and principal Reginald Simmons, were able to outline. This pilot program will commence weekly starting April 10 through May 8 from 6:30-8:00 at HSEHS. Childcare will be provided by volunteers and through the five sessions, families will learn important information about HSE schools, the community of Fishers and hopefully will walk away feeling more connected and confident.

“Being an ENL teacher, I feel like families sometimes are disconnected with all that’s available here and all the resources we have,” Schroeder said. “We live in a city that is so welcoming and has so much to help and offer people.

Sometimes you just do not know what you do not know and I believe in bringing the community together.”

This program has the potential to bring far larger of a

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ENL Teacher Becky Schroder sits at her desk at HSEHS. Schroeder has worked here for seven years. Photo by Lauren Kopka.

community than originally envisioned. HSEHS students will be able to volunteer, Anderson students will be available for tutoring for select subjects and guest speakers will be able to speak on the topic of the night to the diverse and eager crowd. Other teachers and community leaders within Fishers have already vouched their time or expertise to this program.

“Two of the ENL teachers here are immigrants themselves, so they talk about the challenges that their families had,” Schroeder said. “I really listen to Lia Rossetti and Rhonda St. Hilaire about their experiences, trying to find a pattern of what’s not known.”

Upon the success of the Family Resource Program in April, a second program will be instated in the fall of next year for Fishers High school, with the possibility of being taken nationally as a model for other communities by Immigrant Connection.

“I hope that families walk away knowing where resources are and they take it back to their communities,” Schroeder said. “I think once you get a few people in the community knowing, people will know where to improve their English, their future, and their needs.”

Guys and Dolls is a Depression-era musical set in downtown New York City. With a lively environment and detailed artistic aim, the musical is brought together by its fantastic set design.

This year, auditorium director Michael Totty sought to create an authentic set for the musical that originally debuted on Broadway in 1950.

“I wanted it to look clean and beautiful,” Totty said.

“As the characters in the show have a facade covering their insecurities and deeper desires, the set is a fantasy of NYC.” Totty’s creation process began with reading through the script and creating Computer-Aided Design software concepts. Through trial and error, Totty has worked since late 2023 to provide an authentic set for the hit musical, despite difficulties foreseen and unforeseen. Totty spear-headed the pursuit of an authentic experience for cast, crew, and audiences alike.

Center stage, Hot Box dancers perform their choreography.

Photo contributed by Kirstin Offenbacher.

Behind Set Design of HSE Drama’s Musical Story by Avery Grunder | grundave000@hsestudents.org

Senior Joshua Batuyong and sophomore Micah Fishel perform on the street scene designed by Totty. Photo contributed by Kirstin Offenbacher.

As the musical opens, senior Evelyn Babcock points towards towers designed by Totty.

Photo contributed by Kirstin Offenbacher.

After set deconstruction, cast and crew take a comemorative group photo. Photo by Carter Luoma.

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UNSINKABLE SWIMMER

Athlete Aiden Stivers: Victories, Challenges With Disabilities Story by Lili Perez | perezlil000@Hsestudents.org, Mya Pyle | pylemya000@Hsestudents.org

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ociety tends to overlook those with disabilities. Within HSE there are students who persevere through adversity due to deformity, injury, or condition.

Many of these students perform at high levels of sports and academics, yet they often do not receive the acknowledgement, awareness and inclusion that they deserve.

Sophomore Aiden Stivers is one of these highly talented individuals who pushes limits and overcomes challenges. At birth, he was diagnosed with amniotic banding syndrome.

ABS occurs when the lining of the amniotic sack is impaired or damaged during pregnancy. Due to the damage, thin strands of tissue get tangled and cause defects which resulted in Stiver’s left hand being cut by doctors to form fingers.

ABS prohibits Stivers from being able to pull the amount of water a nondisabled swimmer would as his hand does not have all five fingers. Struggles he often faces related to swimming are wearing paddles, doing starts, and open turns. Limitations are also presented within the weight room and the equipment. This includes holding the bars, trap bars and dumbbells.

Hardships Stivers experiences are not limited to athletics.

“It can sometimes be difficult for me in the social aspect when people see my hand and immediately shut me out as a friend. It may seem like this does not happen, but from what I have noticed throughout school and the public, you would be shocked,” Stivers said.

“I would also get called disrespectful nicknames, like crab hand. ... I wasn’t able to do different things in school.

In art class, I struggled using clay and

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molding with my hands. I was never able to do simple things, like when the teacher would ask the class to hold eight fingers up. I couldn’t do that.”

In early 2022, his previous coach suggested Stivers meet with Dalton Herendeen, a coach from the Franklin Regional Swim Team. Dalton was a former two-time Paralympian, he later encouraged Stivers to participate, which he did in May 2022.

Now, Stivers competes in regional meets for USA swimming. Along with these meets, he competes at regular club and state-level meets like Senior State. These meets function differently. Athletes with disabilities receive different cuts to adapt to their disability. These accommodations help Stivers swim at a high level.

In these meets, the scorers add more time for those who have greater handicaps. Additionally, swimmers are divided into different classifications for specific disabilities.

Stivers performs breaststroke events, butterfly, backstroke, freestyle events, and individual medley events.

Stivers recently swam at his second U.S. Paralympics Nationals, where he placed 2nd in the 200-meter breaststroke and set an American record. In May, he will be competing at the Indianapolis Para World Series meet and the Paralympic Trials in Minneapolis.

In December, at the 2023 US Paralympic National, Stivers swam his best times at 2:46.42 for the 200-meter breaststroke and 2:36.22 for the 200-meter individual medley.

Stivers was also recently named the 2023 Indiana Disabled Swimmer of the Year.

All these achievements come with

hard work and training. Stivers has water training seven to eight times a week and strength and conditioning training three times a week. With the help of his coaches, Christian Hanselman, Dorsey Tierney-Walker and Blake Brewer, Stivers is steadily improving and working hard toward his goals.

“My main goal this year is to make the U.S. Paralympics in Paris, which is determined by my performance at the Paralympic Trials,” Stivers said. “I also would like to achieve my national cut in the 100-meter breaststroke, which I am less than a second shy of.

Getting this cut will name me to the National team and give me the chance to go to World Para Series meets at no cost, along with other benefits.”

Stivers’ story is a testament to his determination and perseverance.

Disabilities do not change how great or skillful a person is academically or physically. Awareness is key to showing the world how amazing our peers are who have disabilities or diagnoses.

“It’s super important to shine a light on [disabilities] in media, schools, sports, and just our day-to-day lives.

In movies and TV shows, we need more characters with disabilities who are real, relatable, and not just token representations,” Stivers said.

“In schools, teaching kids about disabilities helps build empathy and understanding. And in sports, let’s make sure there are opportunities for everyone to participate, regardless of ability. Ultimately, it’s about making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and included in all aspects of life.”

OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT

Disecting Reasons Behind NBA’s Scoring Burst

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Story by Dupree Henry | henrydup000@hsestudents.org, Ben Kruer | kruerben000@hsestudents.org

efensive rating is an advanced metric used in basketball that measures how well any given team, or player, stops the other from scoring. It is by no means a perfect stat, but it is revealing, nonetheless. At the time of this writing, this year’s Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons make up the four worst defenses of all time by this metric.

Conversely, offensive rating measures the exact opposite and how good any given team, or player, plays offense. This year the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks make up the four best offenses of all time by this metric.

This is not a coincidence, and no, the eyes don’t deceive, the NBA has a problem with the scoring output. Teams play a defense that is the equivalent to a doggy-door.

Most possessions result in either uncontested layups or threes.

Offensive players can careen, lurch and even fling themselves at defenders and are promptly rewarded with a foul call. Even when teams do play great defense it doesn’t always matter.

Offensively, players are now skilled enough to score from anywhere on the court and hit well defended shots.

Because of how good players are now, most teams do not play helpside defense, resulting in open driving lanes to the basket. The talent of the league has grown so much that defenses would rather give up a wideopen layup than risk someone hitting a corner three. Defenders almost act as matadors, their feigning defense emulating the red cape. It is hard to watch, but also hard to argue with.

Plenty of players possess the skills to defend wire-to-wire but that doesn’t

even guarantee a defensive stop.

The league is too talented to defend straight up so most teams just hope for a miss, mistake or steal from behind.

The NBA is finally taking notice as of February this year. Joe Dumars, the executive vice president and head of basketball operations at the NBA, released a statement saying that the league would begin to monitor the scoring outbursts and investigate the balance between offense and defense.

Perhaps this statement was prompted by the two 70-point performances that took place in January. Luka Dončić scored 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks, again one of the worst defensive teams ever.

Just 4 days prior to that, Joel Embiid scored 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs, shooting a total of 23 free throws in the process. Although both performances are impressive, they either came from playing against a historically awful defense or being gifted 20 extra points by the referees.

Last season there were two other 70-point scorers, Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard, who each scored 71. In the entire history of the NBA there have been 15 games in which someone has scored 70 or more points, when four of them occurred within the last two seasons, questions should be asked.

An often-overlooked part of this equation is the pace of these games; on average, how many possessions a team has per game. A higher pace means more possessions, which means more shots, which means more points. This year, the New York Knicks rank dead last in pace with 96.42 possessions, however 20 years ago, the Knicks would easily clear the field and rank first in the league.

Teams have begun to favor quick

shots early in the shot clock, because the less time used means more shots being taken.

This analytical method has led to great success, as the Phoenix Suns of the mid-2000s used their “7 Seconds or Less” offense to routinely compete in the playoffs. The Suns prioritized getting up and down the court quickly, which created weaknesses in the defense which they could then exploit.

The issue is that teams use this model but do not understand what made it so great. Instead of looking to break down a defense with cutting, screens and movement, teams instead focus on shooting countless shots, early in the shot clock. They move at lighting speed, shooting the first shot, not the best shot, nearly every possession leading to a whole lot of misses.

Together, awful defense and superb offense, combined with a breakneck pace has diminished the NBA’s product. If this level of scoring continues to rise, the NBA is in big trouble. Fixing a problem this fundamental will not be easy for the NBA. Scoring is fun and exciting to watch, no matter how bad it ultimately is for the game of basketball. In an age where most people consume NBA through clips and social media, a barrage of threes or a bevy of dunks is more appealing than a great defensive possession. Yet, those who watch the games struggle with the changes.

The NBA is taking a step in the right direction by acknowledging the issue and some observant fans have even noticed slight differences in the way games have been officiated post-All Star break. There may be no answer to this issue, but the NBA must do something, or basketball will never be the same again.

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THE BULLETIN

Indy Ignite banner flies high in the unfinished frame of the Fishers Event Center Feb. 29.

Photo by Lauren Kopka.

Bowers, Colts: A Perfect Match

Story by Ben Kruer | kruerben000@hsestudents.org A longer version of this column can be found on hsenews.com or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.

The NFL Draft is still about a month away, but it is never too early to imagine the perfect player for each team. This year’s crop has plenty of top-tier talent, but one player stands out to me more than any other: Brock Bowers.

Bowers has some of the most ludicrous college film in recent memory. Bowers is listed as a tight end, yet he has the speed to beat linebackers out wide, the technique to block on the line, the route-running to line up in the slot, the ball skills to take handoffs and the hands to make contested catches. Tight ends like Bowers aren’t usually what you build your offensive attack around, but Bowers, like Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, should be the exception to this train of thought.

The Indianapolis Colts strike me as the best team for Bowers. What Shane Steichen did in his first season as a head coach is remarkable.

The Colts offensive cupboard was bare, yet somehow, in 13 of the 17 games, they scored 20 or more points. This is a minor miracle made nearly impossible, considering that star rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson only played in four games.

Steichen could use Bowers as a Swiss Army knife, maximizing his potential.

The Colts have had a revolving door at the tight end position and Bowers could act as a stabilizer. Bowers would also be a safety valve for Richardson, who will have to shake off some rust in his second season.

Bowers is too unique and too good of a player for the Colts to pass on, even if it means trading up to draft him.

Continued...

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Women’s Sports Rush to Forefront of Global, Local Attention Story by Paityn O’Neill | oneipai000@hsestudents.org, Mya Pyle | pylemya000@hsestudents.org

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omen’s sports in the media have been overlooked for decades.

Decreased coverage has led to poor attendance at games and matches, ultimately producing a stigma that women’s sports are not as interesting or entertaining in comparison to their male counterparts.

In an article by Spectrum, “Within the media, it’s a big notice how much the men’s athletics get covered versus women. The general stigma that has been around for a while is that women’s athletics aren’t as entertaining which isn’t true at all,” said Syra Tanchin, a former North Dakota State University volleyball player. Because of the stigma, women have felt underappreciated as athletes resulting in a lack of confidence. It has historically left women wondering whether a change in perspective will ever come.

Yet, over the past couple of months, women’s sports have gained a large following. Many thanks to Caitlin Clark, Iowa Hawkeyes basketball player. Her accomplishments have gained a major appeal to viewers, attendance at her games and in women’s sports. According to the Hawkeyes Sports website for women’s basketball, attendees ranged from 13,000 to almost 20,000 people just since the year began. These numbers left the team ranking number two nationally for attendance in women’s collegiate sports. The University of Iowa Athletics website remarked,

before the season even started, tickets were sold out for the 2023-2024 season.

There has been a rise in positive morale for women’s basketball in Indiana too. Clark is being projected as the first overall pick in this year’s WNBA draft and the Indiana Fever hold said pick. Barring some catastrophe, the Fever will draft Clark, leading to an increase in ticket sales. In a quote from the Pacers Sports and Entertainment through Associated Press, “We’ve seen a lot of enthusiasm online and on social media. The organization has also seen the enthusiasm lead to a spike in ticket inquiries.”

With the growing attention around women’s sports, many fans have started looking towards high school sports as well. Even at HSE, some of the most viewed Southeastern Sports Network broadcasts have been women’s sports. Talking to some female HSE athletes, they too give credit to Caitlin Clark for the growing attention on women sports in all grade levels.

“I think people are becoming more interested in women’s sports because it’s fun to watch women have the confidence to do the same things that men can do, and many women share their love for sports to others and it expands the popularity,” sophomore varsity volleyball player Maye McConnell said. “Overall, I think the big thing is that it’s giving younger girls many hopes and dreams for their

ATHLETIC FASTING

Muslim Student-Athletes Perform Through Mental, Physical Roadblocks from Fasting Running Through the Day

5:45-6:20Am

Muslim students often wake up to eat a pre-sunrise meal, called Suhoor.

7:30-8:00Am A fairly normal day ensues after they get up, as this time can be used to prepare for school.

8:30am-3PM

During the school day, Muslim students may take time out of the day to pray Dhuhr in the library.

The library is a common place to stay during lunch as well.

3:30-5:00Pm This is practice time, and it is often a mental and physical struggle. If they feel faint during practice, they will seek assistance from an athletic trainer.

Story by Dupree Henry | henrydup000@hsestudents.org

H

eadaches, fatigue and muscle weakness are common side effects of exercise combined with dehydration or malnutrition. During Ramadan, Muslim student-athletes sometimes must overcome these symptoms during their athletic season, which can severely impact their performance.

“Fasting will make the next few weeks a little more difficult for athletes,” Athletic Trainer Jenna Casale said. “Our bodies need fuel in order to perform at a high level, and Muslim athletes will be going long periods of time without fuel.”

Although these effects of fasting are often present, athletes tend to lose themselves in the heat of competition.

Thus, it is possible that it may not impact their performance as much since they are mentally distracted by their sport. However, it seems the opposite may be the case.

“There’s a dip in my performance during Ramadan but it varies,” junior long jumper Waard Okab said. “At practices it’s not so bad but during late meets there’s a big difference because I don’t have much energy to spare.”

Not only does fasting eat into student athlete performance, but it also affects their academics. This is the truth for many Muslim students.

The little sleep paired with common symptoms of fasting would likely cause tiredness.

“The first week or two is difficult because it’s very hard to focus,” sophomore Ayman Daiya said. “But after those first two weeks it gets a lot easier because you eventually get used to working on low energy.”

When considering the downsides and adverse effects that fasting has on one’s academic and athletic performance, the benefits should also be discussed.

“I believe fasting is worth it despite the effects it has on my performance because it’s good for our bodies and cleanses us,” Okab said.

Such benefits warrant the possibility that athletic performance would even improve after Ramadan.

“I would say my performance definitely improves after fasting consistently for so long because of the confidence boost,” Okab said. “We work hard while fasting and then after we can start getting food and water into our body, we feel much better which makes us run better.”

Although this improvement seems apparent, nutrition is the determining factor when wreaking the benefits of fasting. “[Fasting] does cleanse the body and help get rid of junk,” Casale said. “However, athletic performance depends on fuel, nutrition and energy. So, in theory it could help, but the body needs energy to be able to respond effectively.”

Outside of the physical benefits of fasting during Ramadan, it is a part of the Islamic faith, as Muslims believe that the true benefits will come later down the line.

“The whole idea of Ramadan is to pay attention to what you need instead of what you want and to focus on being a better Muslim,” Daiya said.

Although physical and mental challenges accompany devoting a month to fasting for Ramadan, Muslims are able to persevere through these obstacles every year as a testament to their spiritual journeys. During this period of time, support and recognition is critical to aid the Muslim student-athletes who quietly perform through their mental and physical fatigue so that HSE is able to accommodate the entirety of its student body.

5:30-6:00PM After an exhausting practice, it is likely that Muslim athletes will take this time to rest and recover.

6:00-7:45PM This period of time is often dedicated to completing homework.

7:45-8:00PM

The fast is broken in this time, typically with water and a date, which is a type of fruit.

8:15-8:25PM

They will stop eating to pray the sundown prayer, Maghrib.

9:00-11:00PM

Muslims dedicate two hours to praying Taraweeh during Ramadan.

11:30Pm

This is the earliest that most are able to get to bed, but some have remaining schoolwork.

Sports | 23

WHO WANTS FREE MONEY?

Where, How, When to Search for Scholarships in High School Story by Lauren Kopka I kopkalau000@hsestudents.org

Where to Look Naviance

“There is a national scholarship search,” Karen Bush said.

“Our database has 3.5 million scholarships worth more than 18 billion dollars.”

College and Careers Canvas Page College-Specific Scholarships

*Requirements and deadlines may vary.

Vocational- or Trade School-Specific Scholarships Search Engines Social Media Sites like Tik-Tok or Facebook

I

t is that time of the year when the weather teeter-totters from winter to spring and everyone within the building is counting down the days until the final bell rings and spring break begins. Though it is nearing the end of the year, it is the perfect time for students of all grade levels to be thinking about what the next year will bring...and for many this means starting (or for seniors frantically finishing) scholarship searches. Below is the master list of Bush’s NEED TO KNOW

information for scholarship searches.

How to Prepare in High School Freshmen, Sophomores

- Focus on grades, extracurricular activities and academics.

Juniors - Keep up grades, extracurricular actives and academics

- Apply to secondary education institutions August through October.

- Research scholarships a student may be qualified for

- Have a serious talk with parents or legal guardians about financing college or secondary education.

- Start organizing scholarships for easy access later. (Bush recommends Excel.)

- Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (needed for some schools or scholarships) - Hammer down on scholarship applications Oct. Through May

“

Is searching for scholarships a part-time job? Yes. If you need money you have to do something. It is not going to come to you.

-Karen Bush

”

GET IN TOUCH “i

College and Career Office, F104 across from the Guidance Office Karen Bush Director of College & Career Counseling kbush@hse.k12.in.us

...to schedule a meeting with Mrs. Bush.

Seniors

Jen Holle Office Manager of College & Career jholle@hse.k12.in.us

- Reassess finances and accept loans - DO NOT PANIC! students can and should apply for scholarships during their college or vocational careers.