ORB the Social Media On Trial
by Orb Staff
by Kennedy Ulmer
by Dupree Henry
Fast Lane by Lili Perez
Royal Renovation
HSE Prepares for Updates to A and B Hallways
Story by Kennedy Ulmer | ulmerken000@hsestudents.org
Anew parking lot. Updated equipment in the welding shop, greenhouse, and Applied Sciences kitchens.
A complete remodel of the A and B hallways. These are all principal Dr. McCafferey’s plans for the highly anticipated school renovation.
“The A and B wings have basically looked the same since the school opened in the 1960s,” McCafferey said. “We are way past due for an upgrade.”
School administrators are currently in the early stages of planning a major renovation, focusing on modernization, accessibility, and improving student experience.
“Our school community has displayed a positive response to the open layout in the CCA wing,” McCafferey said. “Our goal is to redesign the A and B hallways to add more collaborative spaces because that is what our students want. We also want to open up the area to make the hallways easier to navigate.”
However, a complete remodel cannot happen without any preparation.
“This summer, we had architects visit the school to complete scans with 3D cameras,” McCafferey said. “They created a digital model of the school’s foor plan, so they can map out the remodel without having to constantly go back and take photos during school hours.”
According to McCafferey, the digital model will be used to assess the condition of the school’s foundation to determine if sections of the A and B wings need to be remodeled or completely rebuilt. “Since this part of the school was built so long ago, some parts might not be up to current code. If an area is up to code, we only will need to remodel; but if it is not, we will have to tear it down and start fresh.”
The main priority of school administrators is to complete the renovation without causing disruptions to the learning environment.
“Our current plan is to build the new wing on the side of the school facing 126th street and keep the original wing standing until the new addition is completed,” McCafferey said. “This way, we will not need to uproot classes and move them into trailers.”
The school intends to demolish the original A and B wings and make that area into a new parking lot.
“Once we have the new parking lot, I hope that we can implement a secure entrance at Door 10, the athletic entrance,” McCafferey said. “That way, we can make the transportation situation more effcient for students, whether that be at the beginning of the school day or for an early dismissal.”
There is no offcial timeline set for the renovation yet, mainly because all of the plans must be approved by Central Offce before the construction workers can break ground.
“One of the main concerns [for the renovation] is the drainage that will result from the construction,” McCafferey said. “I am working alongside Dr. Mapes-our superintendent-along with the district’s fnancial offcer to determine how we can incorporate a drainage pond under the building, as we do not have enough space to make a drainage pond on school property.”
Once Dr. McCafferey works out a solution with Central Offce, effcient for students, whether that be at the beginning of the school day or for an early dismissal.”
There is no offcial timeline set for the renovation yet, mainly because all of the plans must be approved by Central Offce before the construction workers can break
ground.
“One of the main concerns [for the renovation] is the drainage that will result from the construction,” McCafferey said. “I am working alongside Dr. Mapes-our superintendent-along with the district’s fnancial offcer to determine how we can incorporate a drainage pond under the building, as we do not have enough space to make a drainage pond on school property.”
Once Dr. McCafferey works out a solution with Central Offce, they will then present it to the HSE district school board for fnal approval.
The full renovation is expected to take several years to complete.
“We do not want this to be a ‘rushed’ job,” McCafferey said. “This is a big project that will impact several areas of our school, so we want to make sure that we are doing it right.”
To Dr. McCafferey, ‘doing it right’ means that everyone’s opinions are heard.
“We have had meetings with students and teachers to fnd out their suggestions for what needs to be improved at the school,” McCafferey said.
One of the teachers involved in this communication is Mrs. Kelley Goldsberry, a Spanish teacher whose classroom is located in the A hallway.
“[Dr. McCafferey] asked us for our input on the renovation, and most of us agreed that it would be nice to add some department collaboration and more ‘soft seating’ areas for students to work together,” Goldsberry said.
Although it will not be for a little while, the administration is still excited for the changes to the A and B hallways that will improve the student experience.
“The A and B wings have basically looked the same since the school opened in the 1960s. We are way past due for an update.”
-Dr. McCafferey
This corridor, which connects the A and B wing to the fag hallway, is included in the upcoming renovation.
Photo by Nora Felton
This area in between the Newsroom and Engineering classrooms will be renovated.
Photo by Nora Felton
Part of the renovation includes updating equipment, such as this kitchen range in Applied Sciences. Photo by Kennedy Ulmer
The A and B wing is the main sight of the upcoming renovation. Photo by Nora Felton
Big Screen Debut
Student-Led Filmmaking Club Creates Nationally Recognized Movie
Story by Dupree Henry | henrydup000@hsestudents.org
Design by Nora Felton | feltonor000@hsestudents.org, Elizabeth Dekker | dekkeeli000@hsestudents.org
Thousands of dollars spent on the best equipment, full days dedicated to flming and decades of experience at their disposal, yet some professional flmmakers fell short of achieving what last year’s Olio Road Production team was announced to have accomplished in September. Olio Road Productions’ flm, 11:17, was selected to compete in the Heartland International Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying competition open to professional and student flmmakers.
“The Heartland International Film Festival is a prestigious festival,” senior Caroline Baer said. Baer is the art department crew head for Olio Road Productions. “Our movie is competing against those that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and our movie was made by a group of high school students solely based
on our love for flm-making.”
While producing their nationally recognized flm, Olio Road
affected postproduction.”
Olio Road Productions worked through these issues, and the result was refective of their purpose for making the flm. Hoping to touch the hearts of their audience, they tried to convey a message that everyone could relate to.
“We were trying to share the hardships of grief and how everyone grieves differently,” Baer said, “This is meaningful to me because I believe grieving isn’t one linear motion, but one that fuctuates daily. I think our movie shows that there is no stepby-step process or list that needs to be checked off for your grief to be validated.”
Creating a flm that takes an audience through a multifaceted topic is an impressive feat, yet not unheard of. However, doing so as a student organization is much less common, which has separated Olio Road Productions and the school as whole from the rest of the nation.
Productions had to fnd ways to work with their available resources, an issue that many high-budget flms would not have to face.
“One major challenge was the scene decorating,” Baer said, “If there was a specifc item that we needed but couldn’t get, it was a challenge to fnd a replacement object to compromise on since the vision had been set. We overcame this by making a list of everything we would need and making a signup sheet so we knew who had what props that we could use.”
Although they had to hurdle obstacles not all professionals have to encounter, the producers were not spared of the common grievances of making a flm.
“Some of the scenes were more complex and some of the scenes in the movie were longer,” junior Noah Millis said. Millis is the lead score writer for Olio Road Productions. “both of which required more logistics and planning. Some of them required reshoots and a lot of them took a while to flm because they had specifc settings, so that kind of
“No one else in the country is really [producing movies],” Jeremiah Follis said. Follis is the advisor and exective producer for Olio Road Productions. “so it really sets us apart as a school and as a school district. [Competing in the International Heartland Film Festival] is not something high school students get to experience.”
Olio Road Productions brought recognition and a reputation of innovation to the school with their flm, 11:17. Not only has the movie served the school, but it has helped build the characters of the students involved in its production. Through all the obstacles, taking part in something challenging can give students the opportunity to grow and realize hidden potential
“[Getting into the International Heartland Film Festival] sort of showed me that we can do it,” Millis said, “When I came into this club, we were making these flms and we entered one into Heartland that didn’t get in, so this achievement sort of showed me where we were. I’d say it really changed me because it challenged me.”
Member of Olio Rd pose in front of backdrop with their sponsor Mr. Follis.
Photo Contributed
Behind the scenes of shooting. Photo contributed.
Top: Scene from 11:17 with candle, Middle: Cast candid, Bottom: scene from 11:17 in the grass. Photos contributed
Royals Uproar Uplifts The Royals
A New Club Dedicated to Inclusion
Story by Nora Felton | feltonor000@hsestudents.org
Royals Uproar is a club that is meant to bring everyone together. Their main goal is to support the unifed groups at our school and highlight their achievements.
“I feel like our school needed this club to highlight our unifed sports and performing arts,” said club cofounder, Cam Matyanowski. “They work very hard at what they do and deserve the spotlight!”
The club started last year with Izzy Holle and her mother, Jennifer Holle.
“We wanted to bring all groups of people together and feel like they can be a part of a club,” said club president, Izzay Holle
The club is dedicated to being the cheering section for the unifed performing arts and sports teams. Members show up and SCREAM for their peers to support them. They also have events like tie-dying socks and making banners for the unifed groups.
It started with zero people in the club last semester to now having around 30 people involved in the club however getting word out about
the club and convincing people to join/ come to events is a big struggle for them.
“My main goal for this club is to not only grow but grow with people who truly want to be here and support our peers,” said Matyanowski.
In the Fast Lane
Student’s Drive for Speed Fuels His Biggest Dream Yet
Story by Lili Perez | perezlil000@hsestudents.org
Sophomore Evan Patton’s love for racing began at K1 Speed, an indoor karting center. He initially raced as a hobby, but it ignited his passion for speed.
“I started winning a lot and wanted something bigger, so I begged my parents to get me a go-kart to race outside,” Patton said. “They fnally did about three years ago, and I was hooked right away.”
However, for how rewarding this club is, joining is super easy. While there was a callout meeting at the beginning of the year, if you show up and start helping, you’re a part of the club.
The support system and weaccept-all mindset is what makes this club special. Put simply, it’s best buddies and blue crew mixed. While there’s not a lot of people, the spirit stays high.
What began as spontaneous fun quickly turned into a fullblown obsession with speed and competition. Patton moved from indoor tracks to Whiteland Raceway Park, joining a team and competing locally and nationally. Each race became an opportunity to test his limits, refne his skills and chase bigger goals. Family infuence played a pivotal role in Patton’s early progress.
“Honestly, my grandparents played a big part. They bought me a go-kart with a roll cage for their house, and since they live out in the country on 25 acres, we made trails and I just kept wanting more and more speed,” Patton said. “Between that, indoor karting, my dad taking me to racetracks to watch races and watching racing on TV, it all gave me the itch to start racing for real. I quit travel baseball after playing for eight years and went all in for racing.”
your timing, because if something’s off, it can mean a crash, a fip or something you didn’t plan for. The rush of it is incredible. our heart’s pounding, you feel e ery ibration in the steering heel, and the orld kind of blurs e cept for the track right in front of you. nd hen you’re out front, leading the pack, that feeling is unbeatable. It’s pure adrenaline and pure focus all at once.”
ot e ery moment on the track has been smooth. ne incident occurred at e astle otorsports Park that Patton described as one of the scariest moments he has e perienced.
I’m not an offcial school athlete, they recognize that I’m chasing my goals and working hard in every avenue possible. Having that support makes it a lot easier to balance racing with school and stay on track with both.”
“We cheer for them, even if no one is there for them,” -Izzy Holle
For Patton, the thrill of racing is unlike anything else. The speed, combined with the adrenaline, is physically demanding for professionals in the feld. Patton puts aside the mental and physical strains and focuses on the fnish line.
“Being on track at full speed is like nothing else,” Patton said. “The fastest I’ve gone is about 115-120 mph in an F1600 car. Of course it’s amazing to feel that speed, but it’s also really technical. Everything has to go right; your braking, your lines,
“ I as go karting at e astle otorsports Park,” Patton said. “I as full speed do n a straighta ay, hitting mph, hen a track orker tried to help a kart that had spun off track. e didn’t ait for me to pass, and I ended up hitting him it totaled my kart. It as a miracle I alked a ay ith no in uries. In that moment, I had a fe choice ords foating through my head and really wanted to shake him and ask what he as thinking. ut I had to keep my cool and keep my feelings inside, because losing my composure there ouldn’t ha e helped anything.”
alancing racing ith school has its o n set of challenges. Patton’s race days can take up to hours. ith the amount of school ork that comes ith high school, a strong support system is essential.
“The hardest part is defnitely missing school for e tended periods and then ha ing really long race days ... and trying to keep up ith home ork,” Patton said. “Thankfully, my teachers and school understand and respect my passion and dreams. en though
Participating in a taxing sport alongside school teaches Patton many core values. Racing comes with hard work and commitment. Giving up time with friends, family, and extracurriculars is just the beginning of the sacrifces Patton must make. “Hands down, the biggest lesson racing has taught me is discipline and patience. You can’t always win right away, but if you put in the work, trust your team and keep believing in yourself, the results will come,” Patton said. “I spend hours practicing, studying tracks, and preparing for races, and that takes focus and dedication every single day. Luckily, I have amazing support from my parents and my sister, who are always there for me, which makes it possible to stay disciplined and keep pushing toward my goals.” Looking ahead, Patton knows exactly what he wants his future to look like. Some seniors do not know what they want their future to look like, but nothing is stopping Patton from dreaming big.
“I see myself moving up to racing cars full-time and making a career out of it,” Patton said. “Whether I’m behind the wheel full-time or helping out on a team in motorsports, my goal is to be completely surrounded by racing. Of course, the ultimate dream is to race in the Indy 500… so, anyone want to sponsor me?”
Club members at a Royals Uproar meeting. Photo contributed by Izzy Holle
Club members enjoying their time with one of the buddies. Photo contributed by Izzy Holle
Photo Contributed by Evan Patton
Homecoming
Mrs. Glick Reflects on HSE as a Student and Teacher
Story by Lizzie Dekker | dekkeeli000@hsestudents.org
Hamilton Southeastern originally opened in 1967, in what was then the small town of Fishers, surrounded by mostly farmland. Mrs. Cathy Glick graduated from HSE in 1988 along with 186 other students. She recalled that the original building was primarily where the B wing is now. The school ended at the site of the current library, which originally housed the gymnasium. “Even with the size difference from my time here as a student, it still feels like the same home that I have known”, she said. The physical layout of the school may have changed, but the people remain the same.”
She started kindergarden at Fishers Elementary School and went frst through 12th grade in the district.
The now-populous city of Fishers has two high schools, with a class of 883 students graduating from HSE in May of 2026, displaying a huge growth from the class of 1988. Glick returned to HSE shortly after receiving her degree because of the inspiration she had from her mentors in her time as a student. “I respected and enjoyed what my teachers did for me, so I wanted to do the same for others,” Glick said.
“HSE has brought me so many happy memories and good people.”
On a typical day as a student, Glick attended seven classes, unlike the current block scheduling. is currently in effect. The school day was one hour longer, starting at 7:30 AM. Focus was placed more on core academic classes rather than electives relating to the feld students want to pursue. The limited club and elective options of 1988, however, did not affect the school spirit and community that is still seen today.
The wide range of opportunities provided by the school through extracurricular activities is a big positive for current students.
“Students get to cherry pick clubs where they can really express and be themselves,” Glick said. “We only had National Honor society, Student Council and government, foreign language clubs, drama club, FFA and a few other options.”
Sports and clubs develop skills valuable in career settings like leadership, problem solving, and work ethic.
“We also didn’t have the different cultural clubs that we have now because we were very homogeneous,” Glick said. “One of the really cool things I see in HSE today is the diversity and how students embrace each other’s differences.”
Student organizations give kids a closer community and a larger sense of belonging within the big school.
“Everyone was friends with each other,” Glick said. “Today you may not know everyone, but it still feels very much the same just in smaller groups.”
Some school traditions have never changed like prom, homecoming, and supporting school athletic events through school dress up days which Glick noted they used to be a big deal when she was a student.
“Teachers try to make the school feel like a home,” Glick said. “We work for inclusivity and eliminating cliques.”
1988 yearbook photo.
contributed
She added that she has seen a big decrease in cliques since she was a student.
Technology has been constantly evolving over the last few decades. The biggest difference from Mrs. Glick’s time as a student to teaching is how technology is used in the classroom.
“I’ve grown alongside technology,” Glick said. “When I frst started teaching, I used a paper gradebook.”
She hand recorded and calculated all her students’ grades. All learning was done with paper, pencil, and textbook.
“An artifact of paper gradebooks is that teachers will still do 10, 15, 20-point assignments because back in the day that was easy to calculate,” she said. Online gradebooks do all the calculations for teachers now, so it’s easy to enter a 17-point assignment. When it is done by hand, 17 is more diffcult to calculate than 20.
Throughout Mrs. Glick’s teaching career at HSE, her teaching styles have shifted from traditional textbook learning to student collaboration.
“I feel like I am more of a learning companion for my students now as opposed to a traditional lecture,” Glick said.
Glick was selected to be part of the committee that implemented devices in the classroom when the district decided that each student would have a device. The commitee decided how stuents would use devices as a learning tool and set the foundation for how devices are used in HSE’s classoom’s today.
Glick’s dedication and long-time commitment have made her very knowledgeable about maximizing time at HSE. “I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to relax a little bit more and enjoy the experience rather than worrying so much about the grade,” she said. “HSE has brought me so many happy memories and good people,” Glick said. A statement that students and teachers are able to agree with.
“I actually met my husband in geometry class!” Glick said. “I asked him how his day was going, and he took that as firting,” she said. “He later showed up at my door asking for a geometry assignment, but I knew he wasn’t going to do that assignment, and we’ve been together ever since!”
This story is just one example of a lasting memory that contributes to her strong love for HSE, and similar life-long memories are continuing to be made by students today because of good and passionate teachers like Mrs. Glick.
“HSE has always been my home, then and now,” Glick said.
Mrs. Glick’s
Photo
Drawing of Hamilton Southeastern at opening in 1967. Photo contributed
Mrs. Glick’s 2025 yearbook photo. Photo contributed
The Shortlist
Story and Photos by Orb Staff, Design by Lili Perez | perezlil000@hsestudents.org
If you are looking for a place to grab a drink that is anything but ordinary, Twisters Soda Bar is the spot to check out. You can start with a base of soda, lemonade or water and then add all kinds of extras like syrups, purées, popping pearls, fruit, marshmallow or even edible glitter. I recommend the Dancing Queen, which is a mix of Sprite, lemonade, strawberry, cherries, and glitter that tastes just as good as it looks. Twisters also have snacks that are worth trying. The Chocostrawbs are a cup of strawberries covered in warm, melted chocolate, and you can even add marshmallow fuff on top to make it extra sweet.
Yafa Golden Coffee is the kind of place that makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. The smell of fresh espresso flls the air, and the staff are always friendly and quick to help. Their drinks are smooth and full of favor, especially the golden latte, which blends creamy milk with a hint of spice. The food is just as impressive, with the Dubai Chocolate Croissant standing out as a must-try. It is faky, warm, and flled with rich chocolate that melts in your mouth. Yafa is the perfect spot to study, meet up with friends, or just relax with a great drink and pastry.
Bibibop Asia Grill
BIBIBOP is in a build-your-ownbowl format making it easy to create a meal that fts exactly what you are craving. You start by choosing a base such as rice, noodles or salad, then move down the line adding proteins, fresh vegetables, and toppings. Everything is made right in front of you, and the ingredients always look colorful and fresh. The sauces are what really tie it all together, with options like teriyaki, yum yum, or Korean barbecue that add the perfect fnishing touch. With its mix of favor, freshness, and healthy choices, it is easy to see why BIBIBOP has become a local favorite.
Top Choice
Twisters Soda Bar earned our top choice because it is more than just a place to grab a drink. The colorful shop is bright and fun with a modern design that makes it perfect for photos and hanging out with friends. Their drinks are always customizable, but what sets Twisters apart is how creative you can get, from sparkling fruit mixes to drinks topped with marshmallow clouds or candy. The staff are enthusiastic and make ordering easy, even if you are trying something new. Combined with unique snacks like Chocostrawbs and seasonal specials, Twisters is a place you want to come back to again and again.
Locations
Twisters has locations in Noblesville, Pendleton, Yorkton and Muncie
Customize
Make your drink your own with syrups, popping pearls, marshmellows or edible glitter
Homemade
Some syrups and toppings are made inhouse, giving their drinks favors you will not fnd anywhere else
Origin
Twsiters Soda Bar began as a lemonade stand in Aug. 2022 at the Pedleton Farmers Market
Yafa Golden Coffee
Twisters Soda Bar
Social Media On Trial
District Joins Lawsuit Against Social Media
Seeking Change
Story by Dupree Henry | henrydup000@hsestudents.org,
Design by Lili Perez | perezlil000@hsestudents.org
Which apps have the highest average screen time? It may not be surprising that the three phone apps with the highest average screen time are all social media platforms: TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, in that order, according to SQ Magazine. With social media being the primary channel that people receive their information from and interact with others, there has been a growing concern about the infuence that it has on people. School districts across the country have been more so worried about the impact social media may have on their students and their ability to uphold their educational environment.
For those reasons, over 80 school districts joined in a lawsuit against major social media companies to protect their students. In August, Superintendent Mr. Mapes announced the HSE district’s involvement in the lawsuit.
“The social media lawsuit is made up of schools who have seen an adverse impact because of social media in their school setting,” Mapes said. “The schools are prime examples to where social media can come in to cause a disruption in the education process, and our schools would like to see that curtailed somewhat and controlled to make curtain our students can focus academically while they’re here.”
By joining the litigation, the district hopes to take a frm stand against social media and its adverse effects by serving as an example for other schools.
“We know that social media has had an impact on our school,” Mapes said, “and as we looked at what the Social Media lawsuit was trying to address of getting better control, especially for younger students, the impact that social media has, we felt like putting our name in that lawsuit was very important for the state of Indiana to show that even one of the largest, most infuential school districts in the state was having a concern about what was going on.”
If this lawsuit were to pass in favor of the schools, social media companies would be called to adjust some of their operations. These adjustments would be more so targeted to children to limit its effect on them.
“I think like anything else,” principal Dr. Craig McCaffrey said, “there would be curtain age limits required [for social media] … So hopefully there would be more regulation on age and age verifcation, and there has to be curtain parameters set in place and possible parent regulation as well.”
allowing for better education.
“There would be a fnancial impact from the success of this lawsuit,”
Mapes said. “The dollars we might receive from this settlement we would want to use to ensure we have enough resources to educate our students about what happens on social media and some of the traps that you can get involved in. I think this is very important because we never have enough resources to educate our students about what is going on in the social media world.”
Beyond protecting the educational environment, the school is putting an emphasis on ensuring the mental health of their students is a priority. The lawsuit allows them to address this issue and explore ways to mitigate the impact that social media could have on students’ self-esteem.
“The biggest thing with [social media] is that it can really have a negative impact on someone’s life through constant social pressure,” Dr. McCaffrey said.
“We felt like putting our name in that lawsuit was very important for the state of Indiana...”
- Mapes
The success of this lawsuit would not only impact the social media companies involved, but it would also directly beneft the district by
“I don’t think people see that the person at the other end of [the screen] is an actual person. It lets people say things and do things they would never actually do to someone in person and I think that [limiting social media] would really increase the mental health and help with the personal interactions more so than interacting through a phone.” The district is not alone in their concerns. There has been a nationwide increase
in recognition of the possible harms of social media, even among teens.
According to a study conducted by Pew Research Center, 48 percent of U.S. teens ages 14 to 17 say social media has a negative effect on people their age, an increase from 32 percent in 2022. This statistic reveals the growth in the perception of harm surrounding social media among teens. Those effects are not limited to mental health deterioration, as social interaction and priority management are impacted as well.
“I think there are several factors to decreased performance but specifcally related to social media,” Social Worker Kyleen Toney said.
“I don’t see people looking where
missing assignments.”
However, parents seem to be wearier toward social media, with 58 percent of U.S. parents citing technology and social media as the primary threat to teen mental health, compared to only 30 percent of teens (Pew Research Center). Since parents pay such a large role in their child’s lives, they play an equally great part in managing the reach of social media.
“The role of the parents in this process is imperative,” Mapes said. “They also do an education piece to
parents and it’s our job as a school to reinforce what their parents are teaching.”
It must be recognized that social media can be used as a tool for students. Whether it be networking or decompression, it can provide a gateway for opportunity. However, social media is not a substitute for in-person interaction and communication.
“Our high school students are trying to promote themselves, whether it be for athletics,” Mapes said, “academics, or the workplace. However, there is
nothing that takes the place between face-to-face conversation between two humans; you have to deal with
Social media becomes adverse once misinformation and hate speech is pushed toward students and taken at face value. It is crucial that student flter what they see online, ensuring social media does not become the driver of their lives.
“Everything that’s posted out there is not for the good,” Mapes said. “Unfortunately people will post things on social media for the bad, and they want to see a reaction or disruption. Information is only as good as who it comes from and what it’s going to be utilized for.”
Education segment from the October broadcast of Nickel Plate News explains the implications of the social media lawsuit in the HSE district. Video Contributed by Nickel Plate staff.
Senior Dupree Henry scrolls through social media platforms. Photo by Lili Perez
Fall Sports Recap
The Water Within
Kamau Elston’s Passion for Marching Band Runs Deep
Story by Kennedy Ulmer | ulmerken000@hsestudents.org
The drum major signals for the musicians to take their places, the opening notes of the repertoire “The Water Within” swells, and the show begins.
For most people, performing in front of a crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium may seem nerve-wracking, but Kamau Elston is in his element. Elston, a senior who plans to study mechanical engineering at Tuskegee University in Alabama next year, is no stranger to the spotlight.
“I started playing percussion in sixth grade,” Elston said. “Now, I play bass drum in marching band, winter percussion, and concert band.”
This competition season, the Royal Command and Guard team’s show is titled “The Water Within,” which features the classic hymn “It is Well with my Soul,” as well as
“Of Sailors and Whales,” a piece inspired by the novel Moby Dick
“Our repertoire expresses how the fuidity of water represents the fuidity of emotions,” Elston said.
“The loud parts of the songs symbolize chaos and stress, and the quieter parts symbolize tranquility and order. We are telling a story through music and taking the audience on a journey with us.”
To put on a show of this caliber, it takes lots of preparation and collaboration.
“Marching band is a lot more diffcult than people give it credit for,” Elston said. “We have set pieces and props, and we work alongside the color guard team to perform choreography.”
The marching band and color guard practice after school every
day—and all day on Saturdays—to rehearse for competitions.
They most recently competed at Bands of America Super Regionals on October 24-25, which featured performances from over 50 teams across the Midwest.
“We got to compete at Lucas Oil Stadium,” Elston said. “It was the largest venue I have ever performed in; it was so exciting to play for such a huge crowd.”
At each competition, every band’s repertoire is judged based on scores from several categories: execution, diffculty, and even factors like visual quality.
The Royal Command and Guard put up a good fght but unfortunately did not place in the top three like they had hoped at Regionals. However, Elston did not let this setback diminish his passion for marching band.
“I hope to join a marching band at college next year,” Elston said. “The recruiting and auditioning process is so different for the southern colleges than it is for schools around here, but I defnitely see it as a possibility for me.”
Kamau Elston performs as a member of the Drum Line in the Royal Command and Guard. Photo contributed.
Bowling With Pride
The Unified Bowling Team Welcomes A New Coach
Story and graphics by Olivia Mitschelen | mitscoli000@hsestudents.org
With the multitude of clubs and sports taking place at HSE each week, some seem to fall through the cracks of traditional popularity. One such team is the Unifed Bowling Team, run by Coach Kylie Love.
This team provides a strong sense of community to plenty of students, though it is unfortunately unheard of by many within the school. This year, the club falls under new leadership, aiming to increase both attendance and excitement.
In fact, Love, the general Unifed Sports Coach, is very exited for her new position on the team this year. The previous coach, Mrs. Lee, was a good friend of Love.
“Her shoes will be hard to fll,” Love said.
Though Love has been with the Unifed Sports program since the beginning of 2022, she has never worked directly with the Unifed Bowling Team before. She currently holds 3 other positions within the Exceptional Learners Program, including Assistant Unifed Flag Football Coach, Unifed Basketball Coach, and Co-Sponsor of the Best Buddies program. However, even with her already busy schedule, Love is looking forward to her new role. This sports team is all about inclusivity and teamwork.
The Unifed Bowling Team itself is “a great way for students of all abilities to participate in a Unifed Sport at HSE,” according to Love. Last year, the team took part in the Champions Together State Tournament, a part of the Special Olympics Indiana.
The Special Olympics Indiana is an organization aiming to break the barriers between those with and without disabilities. This is a global
Fully Commited
Senior Student Athletes Commit to University Teams
Story by Dupree Henry | henrydup000@hsestudents.org
What are you most excited for in attending your college regarding your sport and why?
I’m super excited to be around a like-minded team, working hard towards a common goal. - Riley Schamp
What are you most excited for in attending college
Cross CountryIndiana Wesleyan University
outside of sports and why?
I’m excited for all the freedoms college will give me, living somewhere I’m studying, eating, and training super close by. - Schamp
What do you hope to take away from college?
I’m honestly ready to just get away from what I’ve always known to learn more about myself, while I’m tested If I’m ready for this next step in my athletic and Academic career. - Schamp
organization in which it was an honor for the team to compete.
This school year, Love has a goal to get more students involved in the club. She also has aspirations to make the State Tournament once more this year.
The Unifed Bowling Team is simply one piece of the Unifed Sports puzzle. This institution is a great source of friendships between all types of students here at HSE, and Coach Love aims to maintain and improve the Bowling aspect of this puzzle.
Camden Bailey
Swimming -
Depauw University
What are you most excited for in attending your college regarding your sport and why?
I am most excited for my team I get to join because when I was looking at colleges and, on the recruiting process, a team that fows well and has good team culture was defnitely a big thing on my list, because of what I have right now so that is defnitely a big reason.Camden Bailey
What are you most excited for in attending college outside of sports and why?
I am excited to go to college because it’s an opportunity to try lots of new things meet lots of new
people and just build relationships that I’ll have for the rest of my life. - Bailey
What do you hope to take away from college?
The big thing that I hope to take away from college is not only a
successful athletic career, but new friendships and relationships that will last forever. - Bailey
Photo and Graphic by Dupree Henry
Photo Contributed and Graphic by Dupree Henry
Riley Schamp
Self Serve Sweets
Should Fishers Open a Frozen Yogurt Store?
Story and graphics by Olivia Mitschelen | mitscoli000@hsestudents.org
Since the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020, frozen yogurt shops have seemingly disappeared. Why has frozen yogurt left locations like Fishers, Indiana and should residents be awaiting its return? While frozen yogurt has its similarities to ice cream, it has its pros that make it deserving of a place in Fishers.
In 2020, internationalfrozenyogurt.com shared a list of permanently closed frozen yogurt shops. This list included 39 shops and mentioned that most associated the closure to COVID-19 and the diffculty to run a self-serve based shop during that time period.
With the COVID-19 pandemic offcially ending in 2023, our society has taken a few years to recover from the public health scare. As we stand in 2025, many businesses have implemented safer practices when it comes to food. We have certainly noticed the safer practices in most restaurants, including mask usage and less self-serve options. Though the pandemic was a major reason for the decline in frozen yogurt shops, these closures leave a longer impact than it
might seem. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, most current teens were children or pre-teens. This demographic may remember going to frozen yogurt shops for an afternoon treat. whether with family friends, or a sports team. Since the apparent disappearance of these stores, teens may miss the childhood nostalgia of this sweet.
Some people consider frozen yogurt to be traditionally healthier than ice cream, but is this actually the case? While the two desserts have a similar content of some ingredients, including protein and carbohydrates, they differ in other areas.
Though the amount of each ingredient varies depending on the brand of each dessert, eatingwell.com states that some brands of frozen yogurt hold less calories and less fat than ice cream. However, ice cream is higher in the vitamin B12,
which helps produce energy. Frozen yogurt shops also seem to provide easier access to toppings such as fresh fruit or granola, whereas toppings for ice cream are often coated in artifcial sweeteners to extend their shelf life.
This, combined with the ingredient differences between ice cream and frozen yogurt, prove that the latter is the obvious choice.
We believe that Fishers, Indiana should open a frozen yogurt store. It would provide a place for any Fishers resident to purchase a nostalgic, healthier sweet treat.
State Legislature: New Voices Act
How Freedom of the Press Applies to Students
Story by Kennedy Ulmer | ulmerken000@hsestudents.org
The United States of America was founded on the principle of free speech. The First Amendment to the US Constitution the right to freedom of speech, assembly, religion, petition, and press to every American—right?
Actually, due to the precedent sets by the 1988 Supreme Court case Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, school administrators are allowed to censor the work of student journalists if they deem it “inappropriate for a school setting.”
Student journalists have the duty to keep their community informed and connected, even about controversial topics.
Silencing a student journalist’s voice is essentially denying their First Amendment rights, and some states have recently recognized the hypocrisy.
As of July 2025, 19 out of the 50 states have implemented the New Voices Law, which reverses the decision made in Hazelwood, and lifts some restrictions on student press.
According to the Journalism Education Association, “[The New Voices Law] limits censorship, gives students more control over their writing, and protects students and advisers from retaliation from school administration.”
While many student journalists across the US enjoy increased protection and freedom of the press, Indiana student journalists are not included. By refusing to pass the New Voices bill into law, Indiana legislature restricts student journalists from reporting on current events that are relevant to their peers.
In today’s social climate, it is imperative for student journalists to have the permission to relay information to their audience so students can become more educated, engaged citizens.
The Student Press Law Center has reported that the Indiana House of Representatives has seriously considered passing the New Voices bill into law, such as in 2018, where the House Bill was approved, but only “four votes of shy of the number needed to be considered by the Indiana Senate,” but in light of the recent censorship dispute surrounding the Indiana Daily Student, the Indiana University student newspaper, it is unlikely that there will be much progress in New Voices becoming a law in Indiana.
Infographics by Kennedy Ulmer
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Meet the Staff
Editor In Chief - Dupree Henry
Dupree Henry joined The Orb staff at the start of his sophomore year after a semester of Sports Journalism. Through his passion for writing, readiness to help where ever he can, and openness to learning, he has become an avid leader in the staff. Henry is excited to lead the staff as Editor in Chief and is dedicated to keeping his fellow students informed and connected.
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