Staff Editorial
Success Without Spotlight
Our school is built around excellence. The goal of many students is to rack up achievements, awards, honor cords, medals, anything that will get them recognized and look good on a college application. But recognition is not the only thing we as students should be striving for. Success can and does exist outside of the things that our school recognizes people for.
For many people, success means a lot of different things. We have students who come from a wide variety of financial situations, home lives, and other circumstances that can make high school a lot more difficult.
Many students come to school full time, and also have to work after school every day, which doesn’t
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allow time for extracurriculars or volunteering for an honor society. For them, success means supporting their families and saving for their education, and they don’t get medals or honor cords for that.
In addition, many students don’t come in at the same high-achieving level that a lot of our students are. While some students effortlessly end each semester with a straight-A report card, there are a lot of students here that are working just as hard, if not harder for a B average. We don’t all start from the same place, and what is easy for some is not easy for everyone.
It is so important to recognize that high achievement looks different for everyone, and in our school’s culture it is more important than ever to recognize that.
Behind the Cover
The cover photo depicts a cap and gown, laid out and ready for graduation day soon to come. The laid out cap and gown are accompanied by a Senior SAGE medal and honor cords from Quill and Scroll, Student Council, FFA, and Computer Science Honor Society. The medal and honor cords are there to represent this issue’s cover story, which covers the push for academic recognition and acolades in the school and the remarkable and extensive involvement of many students here. Photo by Hannah VanLandingham.
Staffer of the Issue
This issue, the staffer that the Orb staff voted as “Staffer of the Issue” is Max Johnson. Max is a senior who has spent his time in Southeastern Media Network working in Newsroom, Broadcast, and on Southeastern Media Network podcasts like Southeastern Insider and Find Your Future with Mrs. Bush. Max is a dedicated staffer who’s passion and attention to detail makes his writing pop off the page. Max is a key part of the Newsroom staff, and he’s a great collaborator who works well with everyone in the room. Max’s work this issue has highlighted his talent for news coverage and intensive research, creating an amazing two page spread.
Max Johnson
Meet the Staff
Charlotte Miksha
Kennedy Ulmer
Dupree Henry Lili Perez Copy Editor Online Content Editor Off-the-Ground Editor Creative Editor
Emma Hayes
Addison Ginther
Maddy Page
Omar Elsayed News Editor Features Editor Voices Editor Sports Editor
Mandy Abeyta Ash Balog Lizzie Dekker Staffer Staffer Staffer
Ava Kashani
Olivia Mitschelen
Mya Pyle Staffer Staffer Staffer
Claire Robertson Staffer
Max Johnson Staffer
Hannah VanLandingham Sydney Pinchouck Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor
NEXT YEAR, NEW CHANGES
Simmons Resignation Followed by New Contracts
Story by Emma Hayes | hayesemm000@hsestudents.org
March 11 of the 2024-2025 school year marked the resignation of principal Reginald Simmons, which will go into effect after the 2024-2025 school year. For many, it came as a shock. Simmon’s has been a part of the district since 2005 and has been principal since 2022.
“HSE is a special place, and I’m blessed and fortunate to have been a part of the school and community,” Simmons said. “After serving in this role for 3 years, I feel that we were beginning to build as a team administratively and influencing a positive student-centered culture. I’ve seen this demonstrated in many tangible ways. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished thus far.”
“I’m blessed and fortunate to have been a part of this school and community.”
move by the school board that shocked many. At the Mar.12 meeting the school board approved administrator contracts. Usually, all administrators’ contracts are approved for a two-year cycle, extending through the 2027 school year.
These contracts, though, shocked many as five Hamilton Southeastern High School administrators got oneyear contracts instead. Karen Bush, Erika Collins, Jeff Cummings, Holly Reine and Paige Vinson’s contracts were all extended for the 2026 school year rather than the usual two-year extensions.
“In this district, this has not been done to my knowledge,” Janet Chandler said. “It also is inconsistent as Deer Creek Elementary principal is retiring this year, but her assistant’s contract was still extended through 2026-2027 school year.”
Chandler was also in attendance to the school board meeting where these budget cuts were approved, and she was one of three community members to make a statement, speaking about the lack of two-year contract renewal for some administrators.
“I am just concerned as to what kind of message this is sending to our building administrators,” Chandler said addressing the School Board. “Do you want them to leave?”
were not renewed.
“The most notable of those changes being the rapid elimination of administrators of color from HSE Schools and Central Office,” Hunt said. “Last night, our community learned that the principal from HSE High School would not be renewing his contract. Tonight, I have to ask you what kind of message you are trying to send to our community and future employees of this district?”
Despite some community pushback, the meeting continued as normal, with the School Board unanimously approving all contracts that were put up for consideration. School board members were reached out to for comment on the issue but declined.
Going into the 2025-2026 school year HSEHS will keep the same administration team and Dr. Craig McCaffery has been announced as the new principal following Simmons. McCaffery comes to HSEHS after serving as principal of Nobelsville High School since 2019.
When reflecting on his time, Simmons expressed love and appreciation for the school.
“This is where my administrative career began 20 years ago as a dean, so I’m sad to go but thankful for the opportunity,” he said. “I want my legacy to be that the students at HSE felt seen and known, that the staff felt valued and respected and that our families felt connected to HSE.”
Over his years at HSE, Simmons has focused on connecting with and supporting students, celebrating and encouraging the many performing arts, promoting inclusivity and much more. His departure hit hard for many in the community; over his years here he has become very connected with both students and staff.
The announcement of his resignation overshadowed another
Another community speaker at the Mar. 12 meeting was Stephanie Hunt, a parent in the HSE community. Hunt specifically noted the fact that many of the districts’ administrators of color were the ones whose contracts
SITES, SAFETY, SECURITY
Hacked Student Accounts Cause New Online Security Changes
Story by Olivia Mitschelen | mitscoli000hsestudents.org
The recent hacking of student accounts has caused new online security changes for Hamilton Southeastern High School. These changes, including new passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), are expected to reduce the number of compromised accounts.
These recent changes are due to security concerns that have affected the school’s entire Microsoft system, including the site Skyward. Chris Reinking, the Senior Systems Administrator for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, says that these compromised accounts were due to password reuse and predictable passwords.
Password reuse, or using the same password across multiple services, is one of many unsafe online practices. According to Georgetown University’s Information Security Office, “Password reuse attacks occur when a hacker manages to get a password for one of your accounts, then tries using it to sign in to your other accounts.”
2FA was also implemented because it requires someone to have access to not only a password, but also a phone belonging to that same person before they can enter an account. This is due to 2FA sending a one-time code through messages to the person attempting to log in.
“Digital security requires ongoing vigilance,” Reinking said.
Although the number of hacked accounts has significantly decreased, future changes may occur. These changes may include student training on digital security, password rotations, or implementing 2FA on an increased number of school sites.
As digital security continues to change, it is important to stay alert about the best online practices. Reinking advises using a password manager, such as LastPass or Bitwarden, which are apps that store and generate passwords. He also recommends locking devices when not in use and not logging onto sensitive accounts when on public Wi-Fi.
Creating strong, unique passwords is also a key step in the online safety process. Strong passwords are often characterized as having at least 12 characters, a combination of different letters and numbers, and not being based on personal information.
Student passwords were changed in part to be less predictable due to all passwords previously following the same structure: ‘Hse’ and then student ID numbers.
HSE may have been subject to online security breaches because most student passwords previously included ID numbers, which is a piece of personal information that should not be included in passwords. The predictability of students’ passwords made sites using those passwords vulnerable to brute force attacks, where programs systematically try password combinations until they gain access to an account.
In today’s ever-changing digital world, being informed on how to protect personal information online is an important part of life. Knowing how to create and keep strong passwords is key. The damages of weak online security practices can sometimes only be learned through real-life experiences.
Graphic by Olivia Mitschelen.
Graphic by Olivia Mitschelen
Shuttering Education
President Trump to Close Department of Education
Story by Max Johnson | johnsmax002@hsestudents.org
Fourty-seventh U.S. President Donald Trump has done a lot in the few months he has been in office. He signed 26 executive orders on his first day in office, with the total tallying over 142 as of his first 100 days in office. One of these executive orders, signed on Mar. 20, directs the head of the Department of Education (DOE) to begin steps for shutting down the department.
The department was created in 1867, when President Andrew Johnson signed the legislation forming the first DOE. In its’ first iteration, it mainly focused on collecting statistics on schools throughout the nation. After going through many changes throughout the next century, the DOE that exists today was created by the passing of the Department of Education Organization Act.
The DOE’s main job, according to their website, is to establish, monitor and administer financial aid for education, collecting data and overseeing research on American schools, identify and bring attention to issues in education, enforce statutes prohibiting discrimination in activities and programs receiving federal funds and ensuring equal access to
education in the US. The DOE also states what it does not do, which includes establishing schools and colleges, develop curricula, set enrollment and graduation requirements, determine state education standards or develop or implement testing to ensure whether states are meeting their education standards.
There are critics of the department, however. The Executive Order signed by President Trump states that the department has “entrenched the education bureaucracy”, and this closure would “provide children and their families the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them”. In her statement on the Executive Order closing the DOE, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressed her view of its eventual closure.
“With today’s action, we take a significant step forward to give parents and states control over their children’s education,” McMahon said. “Teachers will be unshackled from burdensome regulations and paperwork, empowering them to get back to teaching basic subjects. Taxpayers will no longer be burdened with tens of billions of
dollars of waste on progressive social experiments and obsolete programs. K-12 and college students will be relieved of the drudgery caused by administrative burdens—and positioned to achieve success in a future career they love.”
It is important to note that the DOE can only be officially closed by Congress, but that has not prevented the signing of the Executive Order. While the Trump Administration can continue its effort to close the department, School Board Member Latricia Schooley is uncertain of the closure’s effects on the school district.
“What can be done without congressional approval is redistributing duties and weakening functions,” Schooley said. “These changes can and will affect the district in all areas but where specifically I don’t know.”
Despite her statement saying that funds would not be cut, Schooley speculates otherwise.
“It is early in the process, but it can affect the district’s ability to recruit and retain great teachers due to financial restraints,” Schooley said. “That would be of great concern. Concurrently, those same financial restraints may cause the elimination of cherished programs. Although not critical for graduation, these hold significant value for our community. We will need to observe how this unfolds.”
When it comes to specific concerns, Schooley expresses a worry for the many student protections granted by the DOE.
“As a mom of a now graduated differently abled student, I am concerned that this will be most detrimental to students who learn differently and need more interventions including our ENL learners,” Schooley said. “As well as the protections from Title VI which
Exterior of Indiana Government Center located in Indianapolis. Photo by Max Johnson.
affect student protections based on race, color, and national origin, Title IX which include student protections from sexual discrimination and Section 504 which include students’ protections regarding disability.This is not an all-encompassing list, but everyone should be concerned.”
McMahon speaks on part of these concerns in her statement, stating that funding will not be cut for those who rely on them, including K-12 students, college student borrowers, students with special needs and others who rely on essential programs, but this statement does not cover the protections Schooley shares concern for. However, in a different statement from McMahon titled “Our Department’s Final Mission”, one of the department’s three convictions is that “taxpayer-funded education should refocus on meaningful learning in math, reading, science, and history—not divisive [Diversity, equity, and inclusion] programs and gender ideology.”
Despite her statement saying that funds would not be cut, Schooley speculates otherwise.
“It is early in the process, but it can affect the district’s ability to recruit and retain great teachers due to financial restraints,” Schooley said.
“That would be of great concern. Concurrently, those same financial restraints may cause the elimination of cherished programs. Although not critical for graduation, these hold significant value for our community. We will need to observe how this unfolds.”
While it is still unclear what the full effects of the closure of the DOE will be, Schooley urges HSE’s
commitment to students to continue.
“I know our community is very active and committed to the success of students,” Schooley said. “We will need this commitment more than ever moving forward through these changes to help every student succeed.”
All statements shared in this article by interviewees are solely their own and are not reflective of HSE Schools.
Indianapolis’ Donwtown Canal located next to the Indiana Government Center. Photo by Max Johnson.
Exterior of Indiana Government Center located in Indianapolis. Photo by Max Johnson.
FRESH & SEASONED Barry Bagel Store Opens in Fishers
Story by Lili perez | perezlil000@hsestudents.com
Recently opened at 8684 E. 116th St., Barry Bagels is a new spot for lunch breaks and easy breakfasts. The origin of Barry Bagels dates back to 1972, when Barry Greenblatt, a native of Detroit, brought fresh-baked bagels to northwest Ohio. Along with his partner, bagelmaker Peter Johnson, Barry opened their inaugural location in Sylvania. They named their establishment “The Bagel Place” and were the first to create boiled and then baked bagels in the region.
Soon after, the menu expanded to include various flavored cream cheeses, deli sandwiches, soups, and salads. Nevertheless, the bagels— baked fresh daily throughout the day—established the location as one of the area’s beloved restaurants. In 1979, Peter retired, and the store was eventually renamed “Barry Bagels.”
Bret and Heather Couturier first opened a location in Carmel’s Clay Terrace, but this was just the beginning. A new location has since opened in downtown Fishers. At all locations, bagels are the central product sold, but the menu is not limited to only bagels. At first glance, the menu is diverse and fun. Breakfast items range from sandwiches like the “Eggel” to 17 different types of bagels. Customers can also skip the line and order online at barrybagels.com.
Seniors Serena Zentz and Sam Shipley both work at the Fishers location on weekends. Zentz started working at Barry Bagels in midFebruary, around two weeks before the Fishers location opened. Shipley, on the other hand, is fairly new, having worked at this location for about four weeks.
“I wanted a job that was mostly mornings so I wouldn’t waste away my days in the summer,” Zentz said. “The interview was super relaxed and easy. For training, the job itself isn’t crazy hard, so we were mostly thrown right into the work. I really like my coworkers there. They make it a really
fun environment.”
Barry Bagels has a very outgoing and upbeat atmosphere with busy rushes and welcoming employees. Although learning all the different types of bagels and toppings while working there may seem intimidating, Barry Bagels is easy to jump into, and the people are a big help. The shop itself is colorful and displays all the types of bagels so customers can see the selection.
“I love the vanilla cinnamon bagel with honey brown sugar cream cheese,” Zentz said. “I get it every time because it has the perfect amount of sweetness.”
All the bagels are fresh—made in small batches throughout the day—to ensure the best-tasting products for customers. No one can go wrong with the fan favorites or a plain and simple bagel.
“My favorite menu item is the double chocolate chip muffin because that is my favorite bakery item of all time,” Shipley said.
On top of bagels, muffins, and more, Barry Bagels offers its signature seasoning—”Barry’s Everything Seasoning Mix.”
The 9.5-ounce jar of unique Everything Seasoning blend can transform any dish to taste just like a Barry Bagels Everything Bagel. Perfect for seasoning grilled
LEADING THE WAY Inspiring Women at Southeastern
Story by Mya Pyle | pylemya000@hsestudents.com
During Women’s History Month, it is vital to celebrate the women who make a difference in the community every day.
These women are leaders all throughout the school in several organizations such as Student Council, Riley Dance Marathon, Best Buddies and more.
The female leaders shared their thoughts on what it means to be a woman in a position of power and how it has shaped their experiences.
One of these women, Athziri Santiago-Lemus, is the Assistant Director of Community Service and Outreach for Student Council, and she emphasized the importance of inclusivity in leadership.
“Being a woman in this position means that this position isn’t specific to a gender and shows that women can be part of anything,” SantiagoLemus said. “I’m proud to be a member of this community and to represent women that may be afraid to participate in activities such as this club.”
Her words highlight the importance of representation and breaking barriers for future generations.
Another leader, Cameron Matyanowsky, is the Best Buddies Event Coordinator and junior class President, and she spoke about the strength and confidence that come with leadership.
“To me, being a woman in a high leadership role means a few things. It means leading with strength and knowing that your voice matters. I strive to show that leadership is about ability, not gender. It’s also about lifting others up and creating the most inclusive environment possible and paving the way for future generations, not just in my clubs, but the school,” Matyanowsky said. “I personally love being a woman in a high position, and I hope no one lets their gender limit them.”
Her perspective underscores
the power of lifting others up and fostering an environment where all voices are heard.
For many, leadership is not just about holding a title but about challenging stereotypes and setting an example. Niya Klein, Co-President of Riley Dance Marathon, Co-Officer of Royal Edition and Thespian Troupe 520/HSE Drama Liaison shared her thoughts. “Being a woman in the leadership positions that I hold is very
“Being a woman in this position means that this position isn’t specific to a gender and shows that women can be part of anything, I’m proud to be a member of this community and to represent women that may be afraid to participate in activities such as this club.”-
Athziri Santiago- Lemus, Junior
important and extremely special to me. Not only do I enjoy these roles, but I believe that it’s a chance to break stereotypes and provide positive representation for all women.
“For a while, I was nervous that people would take me less seriously simply because I am a woman. But I
believe I have proven myself to be a good leader, through my actions and work ethic,” Klein said. “I attempt to demonstrate how a job can be done with both emotion and logic, while taking care of what is needed. My hope is that underclassmen, especially women, are seeing that anything is possible within leadership roles, regardless of gender.”
Her story reflects the challenges that women may face in leadership— and the resilience needed to overcome them.
Samantha Francis, Riley Dance Marathon Dance Chair and the HSE Drama/Thespian Troupe 520 Social Media Coordinator, highlighted the influence and impact that leadership provides.
“Being a woman in leadership positions to me means getting the opportunity to influence people without being controlling,” Francis said. “ I am very passionate about the clubs I am in, and I am very grateful to have these opportunities!”
Her gratitude serves as a reminder of the privilege and responsibility that comes with leadership.
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, these voices remind us that leadership knows no gender. The women in this community continuously aim to inspire, uplift and pave the way for future generations.
School Resource Officer Staff Spotlight
Story by Kennedy Ulmer | ulmerken000@hsestudents.org
When School Resource Officer
Brandon Noel patrols the halls of HSE, he is not just protecting the safety of our school, he is building connections. Officer Noel, who started his career as an SRO at the beginning of the 2024–25 school year, comes to work every day with the goal of helping students become “the best versions of themselves.” Part of his job may be maintaining security measures and enforcing rules, but he prioritizes his role as an administrator to build meaningful bonds with the students he serves.
“I’m here to be someone students can trust,” Noel said. “I’m always willing to listen to legal questions or just life in general.”
Officer Noel had a unique path to becoming an SRO. His career began in Colorado, where he served as a state trooper. He completed more than 1,000 hours of field training, greatly exceeding the 40-hour requirement to become a police officer. He then
transferred to Indiana, where he completed another training course, this time with the National Association of School Resource Officers.
While the path to becoming an SRO varies, it typically starts with becoming a police officer. A high school diploma is required, and college education is often encouraged. But for Noel, one
thing mattered most: experience.
“There’s no perfect formula for getting into law enforcement,” Noel said. “But shadowing and seeing what the job is really like? That’s huge. I wish I had done more of that early on.”
Officer Noel encourages all students who aspire to have a career in law enforcement to start preparing now.
“Come out and join a cadet program in Fishers or participate in a patrol car ride-along if you’re old enough,” Noel said. “Whatever you do, just make sure you are putting your best foot forward because reputation matters, even when you are just starting out.”
To Officer Noel, policing isn’t about control — it’s about community.
“If people didn’t police themselves, we wouldn’t even have jobs,” Noel said. “Our goal is to help young people develop into the people they want to be.”
National Police Week, observed May 11–17, is approaching, so if you see Officer Noel in the halls during that week (or any time!), make sure to thank him for all the hard work he does to keep our school a safe and welcoming learning environment.
Officer Noel (Left) showing school spirit at an HSE football game. Photo contributed.
Officer Noel serving on the Fishers Police Department Honor Guard.. Photo contributed.
DEAR FUTURE ROYALS
Pen Pal Program Fosters Leadership, New Friendships
Story by Lizzie Dekker | dekkeeli000@hsestudents.org
The Pen Pal program, organized by senior class officers, offers a new opportunity for seniors to build leadership skills while connecting with future Royals. Seniors and second graders at elementary schools across the district partnered up at the beginning of the semester and have been exchanging letters ever since.
While the program is fun, it also positively impacts participants by helping them practice important skills. Students find creative ways to communicate, often drawing pictures and telling stories. This experience gives seniors mentorship and leadership practice while also challenging their communication skills as they must convey their thoughts in ways second graders can understand.
“It benefits the students involved,” senior class officer Katie Follis said, “as we are creating relationships and getting to know future Royals.”
Senior class officer Gabby Johnson added that the program has been essential in promoting school pride. “This program has been helping expand school spirit,” Johnson said, “and gives excitement to future Royals as early as second grade.”
Students write about everything from dinosaurs to their dreams, exchanging fun facts, drawings and brightly colored notes.
“I have definitely written about every food or animal on the planet at this point, but also about the futures these students are hoping to have” Johnson said. “Some of them want to be astronauts, and even one said they hope to be an accountant one day.”
Seniors are reminded of their own elementary school days and are able to reflect on how their aspirations have evolved.
“It’s cool to hear the aspirations of these kids, especially as a senior, because we are about to graduate and pursue the dreams we have had
since elementary school,” Johnson said.
“The second graders can ask us questions about high school, and it has been very wholesome to see the conversations and friendships built from this program,” Follis said. “We often talked about our favorite things, what we enjoy doing, our lives and school.”
The end of the year is quickly approaching, and pen pal program participants have an exciting event to look forward to before the end.
Senior class officers are hosting
a meet and greet for pen pals during senior event week to get to meet their new friends in person.
Approximately 120 seniors are writing to nearly 500 second graders from Thorpe Creek Elementary, Fall Creek Elementary, Southeastern Elementary and Brooks School Elementary.
“This may have been the first year of this project that we as officers thought up and made a reality,” Johnson said. “We hope the following classes continue this tradition!”
A letter sent by a second grader to their senior pen pal. Photo contributed.
FROM CLASSROOM TO CAP TOSS
Class of 2025 Reflects on the High School Journey, From Mental Health to Open Opportunities
Story By Mandy Abeyta | abeytman000@hsestudents.org, Addison Ginther |
ginthadd000@hsestudents.org,
Maddy Page | pagemad000@hsestudents.org, Kennedy Ulmer | ulmerken000@hsestudents.org
With the 2024-25 school year coming to a close, classes are wrapping up and graduation is quickly approaching. In merely one month, over 800 HSE students will end their high school career and embark on a new journey. Graduation caps will be tossed at the Fishers Event Center, a celebration of bittersweet endings and new beginnings. Along with these endings, for some high school seniors, this next month may be the last couple of times they set foot in HSE High School. For many seniors, this is the time to celebrate all their hard work and dedication as they close this chapter of their life and head onto the next one.
RECOGNITION
Typically, towards the end of the year, the school, clubs, athletic organizations and honors societies distribute what are known as ‘cords’ out to the graduating class. These cords are worn as these seniors walk across the stage and symbolize a multitude of accomplishments. Distinguished by color and thickness, these cords are only given out to seniors who have earned them though their organizations.
In the National Honors Society (NHS) program at HSE, graduates must complete a minimum of 20 service hours, 5 of which must be dedicated hours that help the school itself.
In comparison, students who have a certain GPA may be eligible for distinction in various ways. Those who qualify Summa Cum Laude will receive a medal prior to graduation, as they have completed their high school career with a minimum GPA of a 4.300. Alternatively, those in between a 4.29 and a 4.00 will receive a differently colored cord than those
who completed their high school career with a GPA in the range of a 3.67 to a 3.99.
While there are many cords for academic distinctions, there are also cords for athletes and other various clubs and organizations. These cords may not seem entirely significant to some, but for those who are graduating this upcoming June, they are not only a symbol of all their hard work but also a way of showing the school all that they have accomplished throughout their four years here.
On top of this, these cords have also been motivating to some seniors who are trying to finish their time here on a proud note.
“The thought of receiving a cord has definitely motivated me to finish out my requirements for certain cords,” senior Natalie Troung said in an interview. “Without the prospect of a cord, I would feel as though there is no reward for a specific task/ requirement and most likely would not have finished.”
Graphic
by Kennedy Ulmer.
This being said, some seniors have chosen to find these clubs that offer cords and focus mainly on them senior year rather than adding more to their plate.
“My freshman year, I was overwhelmed HSE’s large selection of academic organizations, and I struggled to determine which clubs to join. To make my decision easier, I ended up joining several student groups that I knew offered senior honors cords,” senior Macy Foy said.
“While I have found my work in these organizations to be very fulfilling and have learned that the number of cords I wear as I walk across the graduation stage is not a direct reflection of my self-worth, I do believe that the prospect of a cord helped me determine which clubs to join in my early high school career.”
SENIORITIS
If someone were to walk down the halls of HSE in the weeks leading up to graduation, there is a high chance that they will find a senior venting
by Kennedy Ulmer.
Graphic
about ‘senioritis.’ However, ‘senioritis’ is not something to take lightly.
The term is a nickname to describe something much more severe that affects students worldwide: academic burnout.
Dr. Doug McKenchie, a neuroscientist and medical writer, defines ‘burnout’ as “fatigue, frustration, or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork, or intense activity.”
Beth Feeney, a licensed social worker at HSE, has observed many instances of students falling victim to academic burnout due to the pressure to succeed.
“The repetitive cycle of high school is already mentally and physically exhausting,” Feeney said. “However, for many students, the pressure does not just come from external factors
like parents or teachers—it comes from within.
“We’re in such a high-achieving school that demands excellence,” Feeney said. “Students put pressure on themselves. It’s like they’re competing with themselves.”
In a competitive academic environment like HSE, even students with GPAs above 4.0 may still feel inadequate.
“You could get a 4.2 and still not be in the top 5% of the senior class,” Feeney said. “That kind of competition creates intense pressure.” Feeney reminds students of the importance of maintaining their mental health during this intense time.
“Overworking yourself to the point of exhaustion is not the most effective way to study,” Feeney said. “I recommend scheduling breaks for yourself during study time to relax and try some grounding techniques.”
However, not all pressure has negative impacts. Many students attribute their academic success to their ability to use that pressure as motivation. Take, for example, Manasdev Yadav, a senior who plans on attending the University of Notre Dame on the prestigious Stamps Scholarship to study Pre-Professional Studies and Psychology next year. He never could have gotten to the place he is today if he did not set goals for himself and keep himself accountable throughout high school.
“I want to have a career in medicine,” Yadav said. “I know that I need to build a foundation of academic success to pursue that career path.”
Yadav, who is the President of the Speech and Debate Team and earned his EMT certification as a high schooler, views stress as a factor that motivates him to do his best and work for the future he wants to live.
“I think the amount of work I put in throughout high school has more than paid off,” Yadav said. “But I do not let the stress get to me—even when I was really busy with school, I always found time to balance the studying with fun.” Yadav is proof that establishing a balance between motivation and stress allows students to pursue their goals without sacrificing their mental health in the process.
Graphic by Kennedy Ulmer.
HAMILTON COUNTY ADVANTAGE
Socioeconomic Factors Fuel Academic Success
Story and Graphics by Mandy Abeyta | abeytman000@hsestudents.org
High-performing high schools are specifically known for pushing Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses because they understand the benefits of taking these classes in high school. Many students are able to amass a large amount of college credits before they ever step foot on campus. This provides many students with opportunities to lessen the cost of college by graduating early from their college of choice. With over 30 AP courses and over 40 dual credit courses, there are a multitude of different classes that a student can find to fit their needs.
But why exactly do students here at HSE have a variety of opportunities to flourish so much academically? Obviously, a variety of factors play into the answer of that question. One of these factors that play a significant
“When we look at the data and we look at communities that are in more urban, lower-income areas, they might not be as highachieving...I think HSE is evidence of that as well”
-Beth Feeney, licensed social worker
role is the socioeconomic status (SES) of the residents that make up Hamilton County.
According to American Psychological Association (APA),
Hamilton County’s respective statistic.
Household income is a big determinant of how a student prioritizes academics. In homes
Information sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
SES is determined by “income... educational attainment, occupational prestige, and subjective perceptions of social status and social class.” An individual with higher SES typically means they have a high income and a high educational attainment.
Hamilton County has a high SES, especially compared to Indiana. Hamilton County citizens have consistently achieved a higher level of education and a higher income from their occupation.
When looking at actual data, the significant socioeconomic disparity between Hamilton County and the rest of Indiana is evident. Statistics from the United States Census Bureau show that the median household income for Indiana residents is $70,051. For Hamilton County, the median household income is $117,957, which is roughly 1.7 times the income for Indiana residents in general. Additionally, the percentage of people in poverty is nearly double
with less income, food, shelter and safety may be more of a priority than education. These students will be prioritizing their survival, not their learning. On the contrary, homes with higher income will typically stress the importance of education.
Parents in these homes are also more likely to contribute financially to schools. Another thing to note is that higher-paying occupations typically require more education. Families that are well-off most likely value education more than the average household, and parents will expect their children to do well in school similar to how they did.
Additionally, APA cites another considerable reason students with a lower SES may not achieve as much as their high SES peers: a lack of resources.
Families with lower incomes often don’t have the same access to learning materials for their children in the home, such as “books, computers,
stimulating toys, skill-building lessons, or tutors.” Thus, children of lowincome families fail to cultivate skills vital for the classroom while at home,
system. In turn, these parents have the skills and information to assist their children at home.
Well-educated parents are more
Information sourced from the United States Census Bureau. eventually impacting their academic achievement. Higher income families have more money to spend on their children’s education, providing them with more opportunities to learn and accomplish more.
Furthermore, APA mentions that low-income students are less likely to have access to informational resources about college. Without these resources, they are more likely to fall into a large amount of debt when attending college or they may not attend college at all.
The education level of a student’s parents also has an impact. A study conducted by Javeria Munir and her colleagues, titled “The Impact of Socio-economic Status on Academic Achievement,” acknowledged this contribution. The study found that parents with a higher educational background are knowledgeable and well-acquainted with the schooling
likely to help their children with schoolwork, present their children with other educational opportunities and, overall, encourage a good attitude toward learning. Parental involvement in a child’s schooling is a good predictor for that child’s academic achievement.
The socioeconomic status of the teachers also influences a student’s academic success as well.
Teachers with higher SES are more likely to be well-qualified to teach, as they are more likely to have attained a higher level of education, improving the quality of schooling that students receive. When an educator has the right qualifications, as well, they can teach college-level classes, such as AP or ACP classes. This opportunity of college-level classes being offered to students is another huge advantage. Additionally, a study titled “Socioeconomic Status of Teachers
and Its Impact on Teaching Quality,” conducted by Besim Lutfiu and Laura Lutfiu Hoxha, found that economic status plays a significant role in teaching quality. When teachers obtain a “favorable economic status,” they usually have better well-being, both personally and professionally. Teachers with better economic status are more engaged when teaching and show more participation in professional development activities. Generally, this improvement in a teacher’s career will reflect on their students, and their students will flourish in the classroom.
Overall, the Hamilton Southeastern
“We live in a community that is socioeconomically on the wealthier end of the spectrum. And so, I think that raises expectations.”
-Beth Feeney,
licensed social worker
School district can be looked at as advantageous due to its socioeconomic status. This factor is a significant contributor to the reason students prioritize academics so much, seen in their above 4.0-grade point average (gpa), their top-percentile test scores or the abundance of cords they wear to graduation. Ultimately, the favorable socioeconomic conditions here in Hamilton County provide a robust foundation that significantly contributes to the academic success of HSE students.
How News Stories Have Impacted Student Mental Health
Story and Graphic by Charlotte Miksha | mikshcha000@hsestudents.org
For many Americans, it may appear as if the country has experienced news-breaking changes every single day since the beginning of 2025. Change can be difficult to comprehend and endure, especially for young people, which can result in the mental health issues that have appeared to be on the rise. From the threat of recession to civil rights infringement, students have had a lot to process.
“Many of the stories that have been put out…they’re important but they have more of a sad note to them, or they have a negative connotation,” said senior Katie Follis. “You’re worried about everything, and it’s not good news about good things that are happening in the world.”
The oversaturation of negative stories across news feeds can have an effect on the overall perception of America as well. “A lot of the news stories are about bad things happening in our government,” said senior Kate Jansen. “And it’s making everyone feel very anxious about everything that’s happening.”
Everyone has certain subjects and issues that they feel a personal connection to or care deeply about in one way or the other. A lot of hotbutton topics have been discussed in
the public eye or brought forward for consideration within the government, especially with the recent presidential election. Reactions to these topics have varied across the board based on these aforementioned connections, whether they be influenced by political party, age, location or core beliefs.
“I feel like for me the [stories on the elimination of DEI are] the scariest because diversity and equality are such important things,” said senior Ara Odom. “And if that’s going away, I feel like we lose a lot of culture and traditions and history that America has.”
For Follis, “the tariff” stories were the most impactful, “because there’s just so much talk of a recession or a depression […] that could be so detrimental to America and the economy.”
Meanwhile, the rise of artificial intelligence, or AI, could appear troubling, especially for students. “I feel like we just continue seeing how [AI is] advancing so quickly,” said Jansen. “And I feel like every news story I look at is just about the dangers of AI and how it’s going to take over the world.”
For the seniors soon entering the world or the freshman just being introduced to these topics, it can be
difficult to look past the negative news.
“I like to stay informed about [the news]. I watch The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live and stuff, so I’m going to be informed by it because I watch those types of things every day,” said Follis. “Sometimes I do feel myself be like, ‘I can’t watch anymore’, and go and do something else.”
In times of change, confusion and negativity, it becomes very important to be able to not allow the news to have control over your mental health, although it may be difficult. There’s a lot of changes right now with everything happening in the world,” said Jansen. “So I think once everything settles down and a lot of changes stop happening, […] it will become more normal again even though we don’t see that much of a difference.”
Although many in distress may have the mentality that their now is their forever, this is not always true. “Every generation is scared of change.” said senior Daisy Dayberry.
With over 200 years of experience in air service recruitment, airport strategic business planning, and airport marketing, we’re still just people who love airplanes.
PHOTOS OF THE ISSUE
These photos of the issue are from photographer Violet O’Neill at Prom 2025. The dance, themed Great Gatsby meets Gala, had students dressed in their best Prom attire at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis.
To the far left is a group of students dancing together excitedly, in the middle is a group heading up the stairs of the cathedral, and on the right is a group posing together for a photo.
ASK MRS. BUSH
Director of College and Careers on Finishing the Year
Strong
Story by Sydney Pinchouck | pinchsyd000@hsestudents.org, Hannah VanLandingham | vanlahan000@hsestudents.org
With the school year nearly over, it is crucial that students in all grades remember that they must continue to work hard all the way until the end of the year. Karen Bush, Director of College and Careers, gives advice to every student about their purpose and encourages them to finish the year strong.
Seniors Going to College
“If you are a senior going to college, if you have a case of senioritis, you can come see me and I’ll help you get rid of it. This is not the time to slack off. This is not the time to decide that you are done. Colleges can still take your admission from you if you do not contractually finish the agreement. The agreement was that when you applied to college—when they got your transcript—you were going to take certain courses in the fall and certain courses in the spring. I’ve had some seniors drop classes. You got into schools based on you taking those classes. Before you drop it, you should call that school and find out if dropping it will be detrimental to your admission. I have seen colleges say, ‘You’ve decided not to take that? Well, that’s a requirement here,’ or, ‘To get into this engineering school or business college or music college, you need that, so you can’t drop it.’
Be very clear about keeping your schedule the way you said you were going to keep it. Make sure that you are still trending upwards and not saying, ‘Oh well, it’s over. I got in, I got my dorm, and I paid my money.’ All of that can be taken right back. Make sure you’re trending upwards. Make sure you finish strong, because we’re going to send them your final transcript and they will review it.
There are still some kids on the
deferral list who will be reviewed in June. If you didn’t do what you said you were going to do, and they’ve got kids who have leapfrogged over you and done better, they may give them your slot.
It’s not over until it’s over—until we turn in those final grades. Any missing assignments, any extra work, anything that is extra credit—you should be doing every piece of it. It’s non-negotiable.
At this point, you should start studying for your finals so we can make those go really well. I know a lot of kids don’t start studying for finals until a day before, but in this situation, as a senior—and even as a junior—I think you should really start looking into your finals now and at least get a game plan for when, what, and how you’re going to study.”
Seniors Not Attending College
“If you’re taking a gap year or you’re going into the workforce or you’re still kind of deciding what you’re going to do, you should finish strong too.
An employer is going to look at the same thing and say, ‘Well, what happened?’ They won’t know that you signed up to take a particular course or anything like that, but what they will look at is whether you had a downward trend. They’ll ask questions, and a lot of times you will not be prepared to say, ‘Oh, I had senioritis.’ That’s not going to really endear them to want to hire you because you didn’t complete the contract you said you were going to.
If you’re going to get into a trade, internship, shadow, or job, they’re going to look for the same things. The only difference is that they don’t know what you said you were going to do—
they’re going to see what you did. If it’s not an upward trend, they’re going to ask you questions, and I would suspect you need to be very clear on why it happened. Senioritis is not a thing.”
Underclassmen
“For everyone else, it’s just important to finish strong because you are building your transcript. You are building your résumé for college— juniors especially—because this is the last semester you have to put a bow on it. This is the last semester outside of summer school. When we get back in August, that’s what the colleges are going to see. Juniors should really be studying now because you’ve got to make sure your grades are trending up.
I always refer to grades like the building of a house. Freshman year is the foundation, sophomore year is the walls, junior year is the furniture and all the stuff that makes it look pretty— because senior year, we’re going to try to sell it.
What you do at the end of this year is very critical. If there’s a class that you can take off your senior year to help your GPA, take it this summer. If there’s a D or F on your transcript, take it this summer.”
Juniors
“You should be taking the ACT or SAT this summer. A lot of colleges are moving back to the test.
By now, juniors should have their test scores. See where your test score and your GPA line up. If they don’t match up, you need to take another test. At least take the ACT. I know we don’t talk about the ACT a lot here in Indiana because we have a state mandate to take the SAT, but the ACT is just another test. In Ohio, they take
the ACT instead.
I would try to take the SAT again, and then take the ACT. See which one you did better on. If you did better on the ACT, take the ACT again. The reason I say take the ACT twice is they superscore. If you have a higher math score on one test and a higher English score on the other, they’ll make you a new score.
Then, sign up for my boot camp on June 9 and 10! It is all day. I feed you breakfast and lunch. I’ve got people coming from different colleges to talk. We literally start on the Common App.
That is the one thing that keeps kids from applying to college—because they haven’t finished the Common App. It’s painful. There’s a lot to do. You have to put all of your stuff in there and all your parents’ stuff in there, and then you need to take your transcript and put it all in there.
Then you’ve got to go in, and for every school that you apply to, you have to answer all their questions. We try to get through all of that in two days so that in August, all you have to do is put your colleges and essay in there. We also start on your essay.
We also talk about stress and rejection—because there’s a lot of rejection. Most kids have never been rejected before, and being rejected by an institution is hard. Kids think it means they’re not good enough. It’s not that.
The colleges have decided what they want their freshman class to look like for 2026. It’s not personal. That’s why you do college research at the boot camp. I make you really go into your college list. The boot camp is just about getting students ready for college. Most of the kids who do my boot camp never come to see me during the year—because they don’t need me anymore.”
Freshmen
contributed.
J U N I O R S
to increase your GPA as high as you want it and then maintain it.
“You have a 4.0 GPA when you walk into high school. You come in with a clean slate. What do you do to keep it? You have three years for college admissions. Freshman and sophomore years are so important because you have no credits, so you’re really defining what your GPA is going to look like. This is the opportunity
If your GPA gets lower, you decrease your options. If you go below a 2.5, you can go to Ivy Tech. If you’re at a 2.5 to 3.0, you’re at Indiana State. If you’re trying to go to the big major colleges, you have to have over a 3.0. If you’re trying to get the Core 40 with Academic Honors, you have to have over a 3.0. You can’t have any D’s or F’s on your transcript.
A lot of kids are not focusing on that. Take the time now to focus. You control your GPA. You control your options. Not the teacher, not the principal, not your parents—you do.
It’s how you study, how you plan. What are your goals? A goal without a
plan is just a wish. Studying is a plan. If you have a test, plan two weeks ahead of time to study for that test. It’s really self-motivation. Where do you want to go, and how do we make sure we get you there so that you can be happy and have the life that you want? That should be the motivation. What do you want?”have the life that you want? That should be the motivation. What do you want?”
For more information from Mrs. Bush, subscribe or listen to her podcast, Find Your Future with Mrs. Bush, or check the College and Careers page on Canvas. Juniors, make sure to sign up for College Boot Camp to get prepared for college applications ahead of time.
Graphic
WHOLE NEW GAME
New Basketball Coach Brings Fresh Eyes to the Team
Story by Dupree Henry | henrydup000@hsestudents.org
Every great sports team has something in common, something that keeps them grounded, motivated and professional. Especially in regard to basketball, a head coach can turn a lottery team into a sleeper pick, a mediocre team into playoff contenders, or a firstround exit into champions. Knowing this, it makes the hiring of the new Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach, Bobby Allen, both exciting and hopeful for the 2025-2026 season.
The boys’ basketball team has not seen post season success in over 10 years, with their last sectional championship coming in 2014. Despite the team’s recent postseason struggles, introducing Allen as the head of the basketball program opens the door for the team to take that next step. Adding a new head coach to a team has been a difference maker for multiple franchises in the NBA.
Perhaps the most popular example of this lies within the career of one of the greatest basketball players of all time: Michael Jordan. Before 1991, Jordan failed to find postseason success in the seven years he had played in the league despite being regarded as the best player in the NBA at the time. However, his career would take a turn two years before
his first championship when the Chicago Bulls signed head coach Phil Jackson. Jackson brought a sense of connection within the team, which he felt gave them the edge they needed to go on to win six NBA Championships during his time with the team.
“We had the talent in place to win a championship but there was an important piece missing,” Jackson said in an interview for the documentary The Last Dance, “In a word, the Bulls needed to become a tribe.”
More relevant to the current state of the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers signed retired NBA player JJ Redick on a four-year deal at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season. This move followed a first-round exit the year before as the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Although the Lakers failed to make it past the first round in the playoffs this year, they climbed to the third seed in the West and made the playoffs without the Play-In-Tournament for the first time since their 2020 NBA Championship run.
This all goes to show how a new perspective can quickly make an impact on any given basketball team, and that is what Allen can potentially offer to the program. He has already
begun adjusting the team’s preseason and off-season practice schedule and drawing up new plays for the team to bring into next season. Not only that, but soon after Allen joined the basketball program, new assistant coach Mike Bennet joined the staff as well. With a new coaching staff, a new gameplan, and new players creating a whole different team for next season, student fans will have to be on the lookout for the start of next year’s boys basketball season to show support for their fellow royals.
Boys Basketball team stands for the National Anthem before the 2024 Mudsock game. Photo by Josh Coulon.
Former boys basketball head coach, John Ashworth, coaches the team during the 2025 IHSAA Sectional game. Ashworth stepped down as head coach at the end of this postseason run. Photo by Josh Coulon.
ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE
On April 29 at Ken Seitz Field against Lawrence Central, Senior Maddux Bach made school history by breaking the record of stolen bases. Bach officially claimed the top-spot with his 50th career base, surpassing the previous record of 49 stolen bases that was once held by Justin Striebel. The moment marked a major milestone not just for Bach, but also for his entire team who proudly celebrated his achievement after the game. Throughout his high school career, Bach has made himself well-known through his relentless work ethic and ability to perform under pressure. With the season still far from over, there is no telling how far Bach will continue to raise the bar, but one thing is certain: his legacy is just getting started.
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE ISSUE
After two semesters behind the lens, senior Laksh Bhakti has redefined what it means to be a sports photographe. Ranging from Unified Flag Football, to Boys Baseball, Bhakti consistently captures highquality visuals that bring the energy and emotion of each game to life. His commitment for sports coverage doesn’t go unnoticed. Whether he’s shooting under night lights or traveling far from home, his relentless drive to improve inspires the media program to push their creative limits and elevate their craft.
Junior Kian Kelly and First Base Coach Jackson Howard jump and high-five as they celebrate a good play made during a game.
Photo by Laksh Bhakti.
Sophomore Clark Bucher swings at the ball during a game. Photo by Laksh Bhakti.
Right: Senior Maddux Bach proudly stands at first base after breaking the previous school record for stolen bases. Photo by Ava Kashani.
A NEW ATHLETIC ERA
National Tournament Brings Spotlight, Upgrades, and Opportunity to HSE
For the first time in its 16-year history, the boys and girls Chipotle Nationals basketball tournament was held at Hamilton Southeastern High School. The annual event, which features the nation’s top high school basketball teams, ran from April 2-5, bringing elite competition and national attention to HSE and the Fishers community. Although the games are over, the impact of hosting such a high-profile event is still unfolding and fueling conversations about the future of the athletic program.
Originally known as the National High School Invitational and later GEICO Nationals, the tournament was established in 2009 to provide a competitive platform for the best high school teams in the country. Over the years, the event has moved from New York City to Florida and, most recently, to Indiana. Many future NBA stars have competed in this tournament, and this year’s edition continued that tradition with some of the biggest names in high school basketball taking the court.
Among the standout players from this year’s tournament were the Duke-committed Boozer twins from Columbus High School (Florida), sons of former NBA star Carlos Boozer. Other big names included Syracuse commit Kiyan Anthony, son of former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, who plays for Long Island Lutheran, and Kansas commit Darryn Peterson, a five-star junior from Prolific Prep (California) widely regarded as one of the top two prospects in the class of 2025. Beyond those headliners, the tournament featured 60 ESPN-ranked players, all representing the future of
Duke University commit, Cayden Boozer, stands ready as media members bring national attention to the Chipotle Nationals tournament held at Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Photo by Sports Center Next.
college and professional basketball.
Hosting an event of this caliber requires high-level facilities and organization. Athletic Director Drew Tower emphasized that relationships played a significant role in bringing the event to the school.
“Well, I think everything is about relationships,” Tower said. “We had a prior relationship when I hosted it last year in Brownsburg, and when we transitioned over, I think it became less about the venue and more about the people. We have a great relationship with them, but there’s also tremendous opportunity at Hamilton Southeastern and in the Fishers community with all the amenities we have and the administrative support behind us.”
To ensure that HSE was ready to host a tournament of this magnitude, the school made significant upgrades to its athletic facilities.
“It was a full facelift for everything athletics-related. New paint, new signage, an upgrade to the Royal Den, and video boards in the main gym,” Tower said. “It takes a team to make all of this happen, and our facilities and maintenance staff have been incredible throughout the process.”
Other key improvements include redesigning hardwood floors, installing new gym lights and shot clocks, and upgraded technology to accommodate streaming and media coverage.
Complementing the upgraded facilities, the Chipotle Nationals also provided unique learning opportunities for student media members. Southeastern Media Network’s Sports Public Relations and Sports Broadcasting classes met with representatives from Paragon Marketing, the group that partnered with ESPN to operate the tournament. Students toured production facilities, spoke with professionals in sports media, and got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to broadcast a national event.
All the preparation and planning
came together in four exciting days of basketball. As the tournament concluded, Columbus High School claimed the boys’ national title, defeating Dynamic Prep 67-49 in the championship. In the girls’ bracket, IMG Academy and Montverde Academy battled to a close finish, with IMG Academy ultimately winning 80-78.
Beyond the competition, hosting these televised matchups brought more than just great basketball, it also highlighted the broader Fishers community. Coverage from outlets like SportsCenter Next (1 million followers) and ESPN (23 million followers) drew national attention, packed the stands, and gave HSE a chance to shine on the biggest stage of high school basketball.
“I think it’s great for our athletic program because it’s an honor to host something of this magnitude, but it’s even bigger for the Fishers community,” Tower said. “People from all over the country are coming here, staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, and supporting local businesses for five or six days. A community impact report from that event, whether it’s as a school district or really Fishers, shows that we brought in more than $300,000.”
The upgraded facilities increased national visibility, and hands-on experiences provided by Chipotle Nationals have positioned HSE as a potential future hub for hosting sporting events, leaving the community excited about what’s next. As the dust settles from national spotlight, the sense of momentum around HSE athletics has never been stronger.
“I just want us to have the best experience possible for our kids,” Tower said. “I think facilities are an area where we can improve.”
In recent years, HSE’s athletic department has made strides to improve the student-athlete experience, from infrastructure to exposure. The success of hosting the Chipotle Nationals wasn’t just about basketball, it was a proof that HSE can operate at a national level. According to Tower, it’s part of a larger philosophy.
“I think student experience is huge. That transcends any projects. That’s athletics. That’s other activities. That’s the classroom.
- Drew Tower Athletic Director
With the successful hosting of this year’s event, HSE may continue to be a destination for major high school sports tournaments in the future.
“I think events like this set us up for more opportunities in the future,” Tower said. “Obviously, we have our eyes on next year as this tournament potentially returns.”
“I think student experience is huge,” Tower said. “That transcends any projects. That’s athletics. That’s other activities. That’s the classroom.
While this year’s improvements have already sparked a visible transformation, Tower hints that this may only be the beginning.
“There are conversations, but there’s nothing moving forward at this time.” Tower said.
Though no new projects have been officially announced, the momentum from recent upgrades and national exposure has opened the door to further conversations about what’s possible for the future.
