JagWire Newspaper: Volume 22, Issue 4

JAGW IRE

JW

CONTEMPORARY GENDER

As the idea of gender evolves, it is important to respect others’ identities and educate yourself

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 4 FEBRUARY 3, 2022 Mill Valley High School | Shawnee, Kansas

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Feb. 3, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

14

SPORTS

LEVEL 10 GYMNAST

3 OPINIONS 4-5 6-7

FEATURES

ENROLLMENT GUIDE

BIRTH ORDER

8-11 FEATURES

CONTEMPORARY GENDER

12

OPINIONS

13

A&E

5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 Email: jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by Valley Offset Printing

Professional Associations Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association Journalism Educators of Metropolitan KC The 2021 JagWire earned a Pacemaker and an All-American rating from NSPA. It is also a member of the NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

Online Editors in Chief

Gabby Delpleash Avery Gathright

Assistant Editor

Doing a split jump, junior Amaiya Manirad practices her beam routine Thursday, Jan. 20. Photo by Elizabeth Summa

15

GRAPHICS

HISTORY OF THE OLYMPICS

16 PHOTO ESSAY NEW LIBRARY

Sitting at new tables in the media center, students complete assignments on their laptops Thursday, Jan. 20. Photo by Amy Hill

PUBLICATION INFORMATION JagWire Office

Quinn Franken

Hayden Resch

FLEXABILITY IS THE BEST ABILITY

THIS OR THAT: MOVIES EDITION

Editor in Chief

Photo Editor

STAFF EDITORIAL

NEWS

2021-22 STAFF

Editorial Policy We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or a letter to the editor to the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or to the print journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalleynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.

Censorship Policy The Kansas Student Publications Act guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional journalists.

These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity.

This law also prevents censorship of any kind by the adviser, building or district administration.

Madelyn Welch

Reporters & Photographers

Kaitlyn Burke Grace Brookshire Emma Clement Julia Coacher Liz Coenen Alayna Dill Amy Hill Katelyn Krosky Sydney McGlasson Natalie Merley Chloe Miller Baylen Monson Sophie Sena Julia Shumaker Elizabeth Summa Abigail Troilo Luke Wood

ON THE WEB @millvalleynews @millvalleynews1 @Mill Valley News

JagWire

Design by Julia Shumaker

OPINIONS

3

Staff Editorial

RESPECTING GENDER EXPRESSION No one’s gender identity should be assumed no matter how they may present by jagwire staff

I

n today’s society, it is important to be respectful of the identities of those around you, even if they may present in an unconventional way.

Gender expression is the way that a person expresses or presents their gender identity to those around them.

This can range from the way someone dresses to the way that they act and are addressed by society.

However, gender expression does not simply look one specific way depending on a person’s gender. Gender expression can, in fact, manifest in many different ways.

For example, the way that one person views the epitome of their gender might be completely different than the way that another person views theirs.

Some might choose to represent in a more feminine way while another may choose to present themselves in a more masculine way.

It was not too long ago when gender expression was a very rigid concept with lots of societal regulations and rules, such as the idea that only women could wear makeup and that men couldn’t wear skirts or dresses.

In recent years these rigid expectations have been challenged. One of the major factors that has played into this has been the rise of gender neutral expression and transgender identities.

According to Pew Research Center, in 2021, about 42% of Americans reported that they know someone who is transgender/gender non-conforming, up 5% since 2017.

This rise of varying gender expressions has led many people to realize how gender expression can be very different and how it might appear differently from person to person. This

makes identification of someone’s gender based on their expression nearly impossible.

This variation of expression means that pronouns should not be assumed.

In this case, it is as simple as asking for the pronouns of the person that you

“The way that one person views the epitome of their gender might be completely different than the way that another person views theirs.”

JagWire Staff

are talking to along with giving your own in order to add an extra level of comfort for the person. If you are in a position where you cannot ask, just refer to them using the neutral they/

them pronouns or their name.

It is especially important to respect the pronouns of transgender or gender non-conforming people because it will make them feel more secure and safe in their identity.

In fact, surveys from The Trevor Project concluded that by using a person’s preferred pronouns, you can decrease their risk for depression and anxiety as well as suicide.

This study shows just how important it is to respect those around you because you never know how much of an impact that can have on a person.

Since gender expression is such a vast concept, you should never use the way that a person presents to decide their pronouns. You should always ask a person for their preferred pronouns because you can simply never guess. This way of thinking all revolves around the simple concept that outward expression does not equate to one’s gender identity.

Respectfulness of all identities and forms of expression is a way to create an environment where everyone is able to feel safe to be themselves.

4

NEWS

Feb. 3, 2022

COURSING INTO NEXT YEAR

A complete guide to selecting courses for the next year with consideration to interest, rigor and a career path

Answering a question about weighted and unweighted credits, counselor Erin Hayes explains to the upcoming sophmores how to sign up for classes and what grades and classes will mean to them next year Thursday, Jan 20. Photo by Alayna Dill

by gabby delpleash

T

online editor in chief

by madelyn welch assistant editor

he start of the second semester signifies the early preparation for the upcoming school year. As students mull over course guides, meet with teachers and consult with their counselors, the big question of “what classes should I take?” is always met with a diverse set of responses.

When it came to building her sophomore schedule, freshman Sophie Hsu prioritized the courses that would benefit her in the future.

“Most of the courses that I selected for next year will benefit me in the future some way or another,” Hsu said. “My electives are very art-heavy because I want to pursue a career in animation. Building my schedule with classes like Survey of Fine Crafts and AP Art and Design will make my day enjoyable but also prepare me for my possible future career.”

At an enrollment follow-up meet-

ing with junior students on Tuesday, Jan. 18, counselor Trish Chandler encouraged her audience of juniors to select the classes that would take care of graduation credits first before prioritizing electives.

“It’s important to have your required classes finalized before jumping to electives because it makes the remainder of course selection way easier, “Chandler said.

Additionally, the new addition of the Cedar Trails Exploration Center, CTEC, has provided students who plan to take a STEM-related career path with a plethora of new resources. Science teacher Neil McLeod, who teaches several classes at CTEC, believes the building to be a place where academics become more applicable.

“At CTEC, it’s not like your typical classroom environment, you’re much more expected to be self driven,” Mc-

Leod said. “The materials, resources, equipment and contacts that you get out of CTEC you just don’t have at either of the high schools normally.”

Finally, while most AP courses offered give out opportunities to earn college credit through taking an AP exam, a few courses give the opportunity to earn concurrent credit through local universities such as JUCO and Baker University. Counselor Chris Wallace believes that serious thought should be given to an AP course before committing to it.

“In case [colleges] move away from test scores being counted for scholarship purposes then added emphasis needs to be put on GPA,” Wallace said. “That is one of the criteria that major universities use for scholarship consideration. If the risk is related to grades, meaning taking the harder course you’re more likely to get a worse grade, then there might be some benefit to try and protect your GPA a little bit and look at some later options.”

Furthermore, Wallace encourages students to take risks in choosing AP courses that they believe to be a perfect fit if the student is confident in their ability to successfully pass the class.

“If you have to spend more time working on test scores, but you’re still confident in your ability to get the A then I would always lean towards taking the more challenging course,” Wallace said. “The preparation that comes from taking those offerings is more advantageous than not.”

Sophomore Sarah Anderson, who is currently enrolled in AP Physics I, chose to take a variety of different AP courses for her junior year in order to “challenge herself ”.

“Taking AP courses not only challenges me but it helps me earn college-credit before actually going to college,” Anderson said. “Also, I believe AP courses help improve my study habits and work ethic.”

JagWire

Design by Julia Shumaker

NEWS

THE ROAD TO ENROLLMENT Do you like classes that are

HANDS-ON

Classes that involve more hands-on learning can be found in FACS, music and journalism.

FACS: Culinary Essentials (.5), Nutrition and Wellness (.5), Human Growth and Development (.5), Family Studies (.5), Career/Life Planning (.5) Music: Symphonic Band (.5), Choir Foundations (1), Class Piano for Beginners (.5), Jazz Band (1), History of Rock and Roll (.5), Multi-Media Music (.5) Journalism: 21st Century Journalism (.5), Photo Imaging (.5), AV Production Fundamentals (.5), Newspaper (1), Yearbook (1), Broadcast (1) Source: MVHS Counseling Website

Are you looking for

COLLEGE CREDIT

If graduation is your main priority

GET ER’ DONE

An AP Course is a college course offered in high school

The amount of credits that are required for a student to graduate is 25 credits

At the end of an AP Course, students take a test that allows them to earn college credit.

Each exam costs $95, but financial assistance is offered to students who need it.

Core class credits:

College Admissions offices are also more prone to look at students who have enrolled in AP Courses.

Some AP Courses available include: -AP Biology -AP European History -AP Language and Composition -AP Studio Art -AP Music Theory -AP Physics

Mathematics: 4 total credits English: 4 total credits Social Science: 3.5 total credits Science: 3 total credits Additional credits: Communications: .5 total credits Phys-Ed/ Health: 1.5 total credits Fine Arts: 1 total credits Tech: 2 total credits Electives: 5.5 total credits

5

If your looking to leave the campus

OFFCAMPUS

CTEC: CTEC offers three different strands, Design, Bioscience, and Emerging Technologies Each strand contains a three step plan that students can particpate in for two years Design: Classes in step one include: Graphic Design (1) and Graphic Design Fundamentals (.5), Animation (1), and Game design (1) Bioscience: Classes in step one include: AP Chemistry (1), Medical Interventions (1) and Biotechnical Engineering (1) Emerging Tech: Classes in step one include: AP Computer Science (1), Digital Electronics (DE) (1), Computer Intergrated Manufacturing (CIM) (1), Intro to Welding (.5), and Production Blueprint Reading (.5)

6

FEATURES

SIBLING

SUPERIORITY

The psychology behind birth order and how it can affect personality traits by kaitlyn burke by baylen monson writer/photographer

writer/photographer

Tierney Fields poses with her siblings. She has two older sisters and one younger brother. Photo submitted

by Mackinley Fields

TRAITS DEPENDING ON BIRTH ORDER

M

Feb. 3, 2022

any have heard the age-old stereotypes about birth order. The oldest is a perfectionist, the middle is forgotten, and the youngest is confident and wild. However popular these stereotypes may be, they are not entirely true. According to psychology teacher Kirsten Crandall who teaches about birth order, the order in which children are born is linked to different personality traits because each child adapts to roles in the family that aren’t already filled, bringing out certain traits in each child.

Oldest children are typically more independent, assertive, and responsible.

Being born first, they try to impress their parents, and as a result, are more conscientious and caretaker-worthy.

Junior Lena Mackie, the oldest of three siblings, believes that caring for their younger sisters made them a caretaker.

“I basically half raised my sisters… because [my mom] is the nurse manager for an entire hospital.” Mackie said, “I feel kind of motherly, and feel the need to protect and take care of people.”

Additionally, oldest siblings tend to take responsibility for things in order to stand up for others. This explains why parents will often place blame on the oldest child since they’re expected to be most responsible.

“I’ll always take the fall for stuff with my friends because I’m used to always getting in trouble, no matter what happens,” Mackie said. Even if my sister does something, I’ll get in trouble for it.”

According to sophomore Chaley Spaulding, she plays a pioneering role in her family dynamic as the oldest child.

“My parents are harder on me being the oldest,” Spaulding said. “I’m their first kid and I’m all of their first experiences.”

FACS teacher Ellen Gray teaches about birth order in her class and has three boys of her own. Gray believes her oldest son demonstrates some of the stereotypical traits that are shared among

Stereotypical traits that are common with children

OLDEST CHILD: CHILD: MIDDLE CHILD: YOUNGEST CHILD: ONLY CHILD: -RELIABLE -CAUTIOUS -CONTROLLING

-PEOPLE-PLEASERS -REBELLIOUS -LARGE SOCIAL CIRCLES

-MANIPULATIVE -OUTGOING -ATTENTION-SEEKERS

-CREATIVE -SPOILED -INDEPENDENT

Source: Parents.com

JagWire firstborn children “He definitely is mature for his age,” Gray said. “He likes to hang out sometimes with older people and talk to them.”

As for middle children, their traits are fairly mellow. Middle children are more likely to be peacemakers, advocates and make for excellent teammates and friends.

They tend to be less family-oriented because they have less of a sense of belonging and have strong social circles instead.

Gray’s middle child shows traits that line up with some of the stereotypical attributes tied to middle kids.

“My middle child definitely has what I consider ‘middle child syndrome’ where he feels like no one loves him and we don’t pay attention to him,” Gray said. “He feels like he really connects more with his friends more than his family.”

For junior Tierney Fields, who is the third of four children, it’s difficult to receive recognition for achievements when her older sisters have already achieved the same things first.

“You don’t really have the advantages of doing things first and getting attention from it,” Fields said, “[However,] you also don’t get babied like a younger child.”

The youngest children in the family are often known for being less concerned about doing things right or achieving certain things and more concerned about having fun with their friends. Oftentimes, these children are more extroverted than others and enjoy having less responsibility within their families.

Spaulding believes her younger brother displays characteristics commonly associated with youngest children.

“I think the youngest gets in trouble less, in my family at least,” Spaulding said.

“If it’s between my younger brother and me, it’ll be me that gets in trouble because he’s the youngest.”

Following the aforementioned stereo-

Design by Liz Coenen

In the middle, sophomore Molly Bilhimer sits with her two older sisters. Photo submitted by Molly Bilhimer

types, the youngest children are often left with fewer obligations.

“I think Benton, my younger brother, is more reckless because he doesn’t have as many responsibilities,” Spaulding said.

In opposition to the aforementioned attributes of youngest children, sophomore Molly Bilhimer, the youngest of three girls, believes that being the youngest child in her family is quite different from being the stereotypical sploit, favorite child “Everybody thinks that [the youngest] are very spoiled. I’m pretty sure I’m the least favorite sibling,” Bilhimer said. “[My sisters] really only care about themselves.

A lot of the things that they don’t benefit other people.”

Stereotypical traits based on birth order can all manifest themselves in family constructs in many different ways. Birth order can shape a person’s personality and behaviors in many different ways.

Sophomore Chaley Spalding stands with her family.

Chaley is the oldest sibling and has just one younger brother. Photo submitted by Chaley Spaulding

FEATURES

7

On the left, junior Lena Mackie sits with their family. Lena is the oldest of two younger sisters.

Photo submitted by Lena Mackie

STATISTICS OF FAMILY BIRTH ORDER Overview of the percentile of children and their position in the family

40%

of children are only children

38%

of children are the youngest child

30%

of children are middle children

23%

of children are the oldest child Sources: Today.yougov & BBC Family Tree

8

FEATURES

CONTEMPORARY

GENDER IDENTITIES Students share their journey with gender in hopes to educate on the evolving subject by sophie sena by emma clement by avery gathright writer/photographer

T

writer/photographer

online editor in chief

he meaning of the term gender has evolved over the years and is more subjective than ever. Especially in youth, gender has adopted a new and much more personal meeting and is more commonly viewed as a spectrum of masculinity and femininity. Though many people want to understand this contemporary take on the word, it can be difficult as its meaning constantly seems to shift.

Despite this, many teens simply view gender as a journey and hope that the people around them do everything they can to respect that journey.

GENDER: A PERSONAL JOURNEY Though there are some frequently used labels such as ‘nonbinary’, ‘transgender’ or ‘genderfluid’, these terms aren’t all-encompassing. Hearing different perspectives can help people empathize and understand, as there is no one way to experience gender.

Sophomore Olivia Peters uses the labels nonbinary and genderfluid to describe herself and uses all pronouns for self-referral. She also has a unique way of defining and experiencing gender.

“For me, I would define gender as the internal relationship I have with

masculinity, femininity, how those things interact in society and just how I view them,” Peters said. “Personally, I view gender in a really weird way, like sets of colors and aesthetics and sounds.”

Senior Jackson Ra- v e n , who uses he/they pronouns, believes that he should be able to express his own unique identity.

“It’s been a sort of, not a battle per se, but a discovery,” Raven said. “I didn’t feel totally comfortable with just being labeled as a guy. I mean, I’m fine with being labeled as a dude, but I want to be able to identify as who I want to be.”

Freshman Samuel Maniquis, who was AFAB, explains how his experience with gender began in middle school. “[It’s] confusing,” Maniquis said. “I first started questioning my gender when I was in sixth grade. Before I heard about it, I

Feb. 3, 2022

JagWire

thought maybe going by a girl was not right. I heard about all these names and stuff that I could feel more comfortable with. I think in sixth or seventh grade, I went by she/they and then that just progressed.”

Science teacher Landra Fair explains how her perspective on gender has evolved over time.

“Well, as a teacher, I originally would have said, ‘you are female if you produce eggs and you are male if you produce sperm’,” Fair said. “However, my view of that has changed. Since I’ve met more people that don’t identify as either of those, I don’t know how to define gender.”

Freshman Cora Jones identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Though medically transitioning can play a large role in the transgender and nonbinary experience, Jones feels that readjusting the way they present themself was more important to them.

“I didn’t really go through a very big transition because I already had short hair,” Jones said. “I think what changed the most was how I dressed because I definitely wear a lot more masculine clothing now. I still wear feminine clothing but I think it’s just what I like.”

Similarly, Peters, who has not medically transitioned, finds that socially transitioning is more important.

“I, personally, am pretty comfortable with myself and my body and the way I interact with presenting myself,’’ Peters said. “So I don’t feel the need personally to transition medically. For me, personally, [my pronouns are] an important part of my identity, but it’s not necessarily an important part of the way other people perceive me, unless I’m close to those people,” Peters said.

In contrast, an anonymous transgender junior, who was AMAB, explained how she finds both medically and socially transitioning important.

Additionally, she feels as though coming out was a relieving experience.

“I am medically transitioning right now,” the junior said. “Socially transitioning is kind of newer, but I’ve been out for a while now. [The] majority of the time I felt like this weight had lifted off me, like [coming out] did something good. Then, sometimes, whenever they are referring [to me] as male it doesn’t bother me, but it is like a weight being pushed back onto me. But it’s okay if you mess up sometimes.”

Design by Quinn Franken

FEATURES

TERMS TO KNOW

Terms to know to help understand gender identity and expression

AGENDER

Not having a gender or identifying with a gender.

AFAB/AMAB

Assigned female at birth.

Assigned male at birth.

BIGENDER

Someone who identifies with two distinct genders.

CISGENDER

People who exclusively identify with their sex or gender assigned at birth.

GENDERQUEER

This nonbinary gender identity and term describes someone with a gender that can’t be categorized as exclusively male or female, or exclusively masculine or feminine.

INTERSEX

An umbrella term that describes people who have sex characteristics — such as chromosomes, internal organs, hormones, or anatomy — that can’t be easily categorized into the binary sex framework of male or female.

NONBINARY

Also referred to as enby, this is a gender identity and umbrella term for gender This label is used to describe gender identity identities that can’t be exclusively or expression. It involves the experience of categorized as male or female. moving between genders or having a gender that changes over a particular period of time.

GENDERFLUID

GENDER DYSPHORIA

This is both a medical diagnosis and informal term used to communicate challenging feelings or distress people experience in relation to gender.

SEX

The classification of a person as male, female, or intersex based on the existing system of organizing human bodies and biologies.

FRESHMAN SAM MANIQUIS

9

10 FEATURES

POP CULTURE Popular characters and icons have

become models after breaking gender identity expectactions.

K O L I

Feb. 3, 2022

SOPHOMORE OLIVIA PETERS

from the Marvel Universe identifies as

GENDERFLUID Harry Styles has broken

gender expression

norms with his

feminine style

DOUBLE TROUBLE

from Netflix’s “She-Ra” identifies as

NONBINARY and goes by

THEY/THEM PRONOUNS

ACCEPTANCE IN EDUCATION Although people are becoming more accepting of different peoples’ experiences with gender, many teens still struggle with acceptance within the school system.

For Maniquis, informing the district of his transition was not hard, but getting district students and staff to recognize his pronouns is more difficult.

“I’ll be honest, the main difficult part is that [teachers] don’t usually ask your pronouns,” Maniquis said. “They ask your name or nickname or you say your preferred name, but they’ve rarely ever asked for [my] pronouns.”

Fair attempts to solve this problem in her classrooms by giving students an opportunity to share their preferred pronouns.

“At the beginning of school, I had all my students fill out a get to know you form and I asked them what gender they preferred and what pronouns they preferred, so I would know,” Fair said. “So I know some of the students feel comfortable with me because I asked that, but I don’t know if they’re like that with their other teachers. I do not think in the past I had any students

that identified differently than their birth, gender, and this year I have several.”

In addition to pronouns, gender dysphoria is an issue that many people under the transgender umbrella face. For Jones, gender dysphoria can provide a sense of stress and anxiety, especially when it’s related to school.

“For me, I would define gender as the internal relationship I have with masculinity, feminity, how those things interact in society.” sophomore Olivia Peters

“Gender dysphoria is different for every single person who has it,” Jones said. “But for me, I get it the most when I’m being put into something that it genders me so having to be in girls PE creates a lot [of dysphoria], and then on Skyward it says I’m a female. And I’m a swimmer, so swim-

JagWire

SENIOR JACKSON RAVEN

suits are a pretty big thing for me. That creates a lot of gender dysphoria.”

Similarly, Maniquis explains how he experienced gender dysphoria at school and how it affected him emotionally, specifically with pools and PE. “[I experienced gender dysphoria] in the girls’ locker room. I don’t go there anymore,” Maniquis said.

“There are gender-neutral bathrooms right next to it. I got pretty big dysphoria there, and going to pools. Those were pretty big problems. It hurt, not physically hurt, I didn’t cry, but it felt like I wanted to.”

REPRESENTATION AND RESPECT In today’s world, much progress has been made on the road to acceptance but there are still many necessary advancements to be made. Society often treats those with “non-traditional” views on gender with disdain and representation in the media needs to be improved.

The anonymous junior explained how her insecurities can negatively impact how she feels about her gender

Design by Quinn Fanken

FEATURES

11

identity.

“I wish I was not so insecure about things,” the anonymous junior said.

“I just wish it was normal, I guess not a big deal because sometimes I don’t even know I’m trans. Half the time I just feel like I’m normal.”

For Peters, it’s important that others know their experiences with gender are valid, no matter how different they may seem. As someone who has gone through it, they try to create a safe space for those who may be questioning their gender.

“When I talked about not needing to know everything about your own gender and to be willing to explore it and feel comfortable with yourself, I have found that it’s helpful to people to be able to have that kind of conversation,” Peters said.

For Jones, if the media itself were a more inclusive place, there could be better representation. In its current state, though, being out publicly is accompanied by a lot of fear. “[Good representation of gender non-conforming people is] not out there as much as it probably should be,” Jones said. “You don’t see a lot of, especially with genderfluid, people out there who post or express themselves a lot. I feel like a lot more people, if social media was a little bit better, could be out there.”

In contrast, Maniquis believes that those who do represent gender non-conforming people in the media help others gain a better understanding of different gender identities.

“I like having [gender non-conforming representation in] the media because it brings it up more to people [and makes them] more aware of what’s considered rude and what’s not,” Maniquis said.

with varying gender identies STUDENT BODY STATISTICS Many students have experiences DO YOU IDENTIFY AS THE GENDER YOU WERE ASSIGNED 7.8% AT BIRTH? 18.6% of students have questioned their gender identity

Do you personally know anyone who does not identify as the gender they were assigned at birth?

63.7%

said

YES

OF STUDENTS IDENTIFY WITH PRONOUNS OTHER THAN

SHE/HER AND

HE/HIM

YES

92.6% 7.4%

NO

Survey of 204 students

12

OPINIONS

by gabby delpleash

M

Design by Katelyn Krosky

Feb. 3, 2022

FLEXIBILITY IS THE BEST ABILITY Keeping a rigid schedule means you may have to miss out on opportunities in life

online editor in chief

onday signifies an upcoming work week filled with responsibility and early mornings until the weekend finally gives sweet release.

Until the weekend arrives, many people merely try to survive the week.

They fall into a pattern, each day the same as the last, just waiting for a small break. While a daily routine may be the simplest way to get through the day, making each day unique is important to live life to its fullest.

Routines help keep life manageable and aren’t altogether terrible. If the routine isn’t broken, why fix it?

However, routines prevent us from being our best selves. Choosing to live the same day over and over because it is easy is effectively the same as having only one day to live. Furthermore, a study by Columbia University found bored teenagers are 50% more likely to smoke, drink or do drugs. Additionally, Rather than conforming to a rou-

HOW CAN I ACHIEVE THIS?

How you can become more mentally flexable according to the experts

Source: Psychology Today

tine just because it is easy, seek out opportunities to make each day unique.

Most of us, at some point in our lives, have done work for people who are rigid and unyielding but these work cultures breed mediocrity and deaden the soul, not to mention they hinder productivity and creativity.

“Choosing to live the same day over and over because it is easy is effectively the same as having only one day to live.” junior Gabby Delpleash

Trying new things does more than just break up a daily routine. Being

1. Try out new challenges and experiences:

Learning new things, whether or not they are grand, force your mind to work together to learn something new, or a new skill.

open to trying new things broadens how much of the world you get to experience. Being flexible to new experiences can teach new hobbies and create new friends. Trying new music subconsciously activates our brain’s pattern recognition, which can yield intellectual and satisfactory benefits, a study conducted by Valerie Salimpoor found.

While we will all die one day, we also have the opportunity to live each day. With such limited time, we can’t just survive until the next step in our lives, we have to make today’s step meaningful. Taking a small action each day, such as trying new music, will eventually cause a large impact on your life, but taking no new actions causes your life to have no impact.

It may be tempting to take the easy road and stick to your tried and true routine. However, trying new things will not overthrow your way of life, but it might help give you a way to have your best life.

2. Do things you 3. Meet already know how new people: naturally tend to to do differently Humans like people like themselves, and frequently: but the more you expose Staying in a predictable routine can actually diminish our cognitive abilities. So changing things up is very important.

yourself to different people improves both your mental flexibility and your moral compass.

THIS THAT MOVIE EDITION

JagWire

Design by Chloe Miller

A&E

13

OR

Students reveal their favorite movie genres *survey of 195

HORROR

69%

VS

“I think [horror movies] are funny and I like when people get scared watching them, so I try to scare them” - sophomore Brooke Belhumuer

Favorite movie: “It Chapter 2”

ROMANCE

64% Favorite movie: “Titanic”

SCI-FI

51%

Favorite movie: “Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back”

Favorite movie: “Stepbrothers”

ACTION

36%

“Romance movies are way too cheesy and easy to predict.”

- sophomore Ried Livingston

VS

“I like sci-fi movies because of the amazing use of CGI and making things that are fake come to life.”

- sophomore Adam Seymour

31%

“I like comedy movies more because they are fun to watch with people, and they make me laugh so hard and they are very entertaining.”

- sophomore Kate Ricker

VS

“[I] honestly don’t know why I like it, I just like them. I really like the characters in them though, like Leonardo DiCaprio and Ryan Gosling.”

- sophomore Kiera Bret

COMEDY

Favorite movie: “Iron Man”

DRAMA

49% “Sci-fi is creepier and dramas are more interesting.”

- sophomore Madi Angell

Favorite movie: “After We Collided”

14 SPORTS

A SECOND HOME

Design by Chloe Miller Feb. 3, 2022

Through her passion for gymnastics, junior Amaiya Manirad has found her second family

Balancing on the beam, junior Amaiya Manirad practices her routine Thursday, Jan. 29. This is Amaiya’s 9th year competing in gymnastics. Photo by Elizabeth Summa

by abigail troilo

M

writer/photographer

any people have something they are good at or a sport they have a passion for. Junior Amaiya Manirad’s is gymnastics, and she’s dedicated her life to it since a young age.

Manirad first started the sport of gymnastics at age 6 after being introduced to it at a birthday party. She then joined Pinnacles Gymnastics’ rec classes.

Now, she is on the competitive gymnastics team in Level 10, which is the highest level in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Program. After Level 10, the next step is choosing a college or getting recruited by a college coach.

Manirad has grown up in the gym while being beside her friends and teammates, as she considers them her second family.

“My favorite thing [about gymnastics] is just being able to do it with my teammates, like they’re family,” Manirad said. “Just being able to have that bond with them, it’s really different from any other sport.”

Training at Level 10 is not only more

competitive, but also extremely time demanding for Manirad, along with taking honors courses in school.

“When I first started practicing a lot it was really hard, but I just try my best to get everything done during school and seminar and study halls and stuff,” Manirad said.

Recently, Manirad had a phone call interview with the coach of the Yale gymnastics team, Andrew Leis. The interview was enjoyable, and Manirad says it was a “good way to learn more about the school.”

Manirad hopes to consider Yale as an option for now, but either way doing gymnastics in college is something she definitely wants to pursue.

Manirad’s mother, Vanna Manirad, is one of her biggest supporters and has been with her since the start of her gymnastics journey.

“My favorite part of [it] is seeing her improve because I can look back at when she first started and see mentally how much she’s grown,” Vanna said.

Competitive gymnastics takes a lot more than just practicing, as Manirad and her family are often driving and

traveling to different states for competitions.

“You just kind of have to look at the schedule for gymnastics and then plan your life and everything according to that,” Vanna said.

A key factor for Manirad’s parents when beginning competitive gymnastics was to have a good relationship with Manirad’s coaches.

“We wouldn’t have gotten this far if we didn’t have a good relationship with the coaches,” Vanna said.

One of Manirad’s coaches, Morgan Kuchynka, was the person who discovered Manirad at an early age and brought her into the team program at Pinnacle.

“I like to think that she feels like she has the same amount of support in the gym as she does in her own home,” Kuchynka said.

Kuchynka views Manirad as a great gymnast, but also a great person who is always a teammate to others.

“I love Amaiya’s smile and her confidence when she’s performing something that she has been working really hard on,” Kuchynka said. “She’s also just a great teammate and cheers on others.”

According to Kuchynka, “[Manirad] has the passion, skill and the work ethic that have brought her to this level.”

MANIRAD’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS Over the past year, Manirad has made many personal accomplishments

After a brutal knee injury mid-season, Manirad still made both Regionals and State At state, Manirad placed 4th all around

JagWire

Design by Grace Brookshire Research by Julia Coacher

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

A guide to sports that will take place in the 2022 Winter Olympics

1908 London Games was the debut of figure skating in the Winter Olympics Figure skating is the oldest Olympic sport of the Olympic Winter Games

26% of students say snowboarding is their favorite sport

Snowboarding had its Olympic debut in 1998 at the Nagona Games Snowboarding is the combination of surfing, skateboarding and skiing

Both mens and womens alpine skiing first debuted in the Olympics in 1936 Skiing changed from a form of transportation to an actual sport in the late 19th century

14%

of students say alpine skiing is their favorite sport

Bobsledding was introduced to the Chamonix Winter Olympics in 1924 Four-person bobsleds can reach speeds close to 100 mph

CURLING

WINTER SPORTS TRIVIA See answers at the bottom of the page What year was the first Winter Olympics?

A. 1920 B. 1924

7%

Curling had its Winter Olympic debut in 1924 Its nickname is “The Roaring Game” because of the sound of students say curling is their favorite sport the granite stone makes

C. 1927 D. 1930

What country has won the most medals in the winter games?

A. USA C. Norway B. Canada D. Switzerland Where were the first winter Olympics held?

A. France B. USA

C. Canada D. Germany

Medal Count

Total medals won by the U.S. in the Winter Olympic Games

105

BOBSLEDDING

of students say bobsledding is their favorite sport

Survey of 195 students

of students say figure skating is their favorite sport

SNOWBOARDING

ALPINE SKIING

8%

45%

15

90

110

Answers: 1924, Norway, France

FIGURE SKATING

GRAPHICS

16 PHOTO ESSAY

Design by Hayden Resch

Feb. 3, 2022

THAT NEW BOOK SMELL Over the summer, the school library underwent many changes making it a more modern space for students

Sitting at the new tables, sophomores in English teacher Sara Sedgwick’s Honors English 10 class work on their research for a project Thursday, Jan. 20. The new tables and shelves were purchased using leftover money from the school renovations last summer. Photo by Amy Hill Working on their laptops, sophomores Sarah Anderson, Brittany Knickerbocker, Audrey Holick and Madeline Olivier sit at the new tables Friday, Jan. 21. Photo

by Natalie Merley

Librarian Ashley Bennett watches over her seminar students, Junior Shelby Kindt and Sophomore Kaylen Hyde, as they discuss an assignment Tuesday, Jan. 18. Photo

by Natalie Merley

Completing his homework at one of the new library tables Tuesday, Jan 18, sophomore Lincoln Gray works independently.

Including window seats, there are 18 new tables in the library.

Photo by Luke Wood