November 2024

The Beacon

The Student Newspaper of Jackson-Reed High School

JR REACTS TO TRUMP VICTORY

Students express shock, fear— and a few feel optimistic

Isadora Groves

Maddie Nusbaum Editor-in-Chief Junior Editor

After Donald Trump’s decisive victory in this month’s presidential election, many JR students and staff grappled with feelings of disappointment, despair, and anxiety for the future, while a few celebrated the outcome.

“I was in disbelief,” senior Kaianna Higa said. Like other students, she was originally hopeful that Harris could win, a feeling that soon turned to disappointment and shock.

“I felt sick to my stomach,” said senior Margo Lewis. Freshman Lulu Jorio

said she felt similarly, “I felt sad, and I started crying because I was so mad. I just thought that we had a chance.”

In overwhelmingly democratic DC, Vice President Kamala Harris won 92.5 percent of the vote, slightly more than what President Joe Biden tallied in 2020 when he defeated Trump, who was the Republican incumbent at the time. Most JR students that The

Beacon spoke with supported Harris.

For many students, the 2024 election was the first in which they were deeply involved. And for several seniors, it marked their first vote.

“I was super excited because it was my first time voting,” said senior Zara Dell-Bosak, who turned 18 two weeks before the

Concerned seniors reconsider choices on college location

Rohini Kieffer

Dani Wallace Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor

Amid growing concerns over reproductive and LGBTQ rights following the 2024 presidential election, many JR students have begun to factor political party affiliation into their college application decisions.

“I’m definitely trying to not go to states that are heavily Republican because of the chance of abortion restrictions,” said senior Maya McLaughlin.

Dispensary to open in Tenleytown

Gil Leifman

Arden Luckett News Editor Spanish Editor

A medical cannabis dispensary is set to open on Wisconsin Avenue by December 1. The shop will take the place of the National Diving Center Scuba store at 4932 Wisconsin Avenue. This will be the first licensed medical marijuana retailer in Tenleytown and the second in Ward 3.

The store will be named C’est Moi—“it’s me”—in French. In an interview with American University’s School of Communication’s newspaper, The Wash, owner Colen Jones said that the name represents the individual atmosphere he desires for the store.

Jones, a Northwest DC native, has worked on this project for two years. He emphasized the character of the Tenleytown neighborhood and how it aligned with the kind of facility he wanted to create. “I feel like that’s what [Tenleytown is] missing, an upscale dispensary,” said Jones.

Jones said that the dispensary is designed with the convenience and privacy of shoppers in mind. For example, see WEED on page 3

New security policy causes delays

Corrigan Conaty Managing Editor

On the morning of November 12, as school started, a long line of students formed at JacksonReed’s main entrance due to a new security policy. For the time being, students must take their laptops out of their bags upon arrival due to prior incidents of hidden items, such as vapes, in computers that were not detected by the X-ray machines. Due to the ongoing attempts to bring various banned objects into school, which are

recorded in administration's Student Behavior Tracker, the decision to implement this new policy has been continuously discussed. Director of Culture Stephon Seraile said he and his security team were “going to see how things were going” but then “continued to see enough [confiscations] to think about and make sure that everybody feels safe in the building.”

“We want to maintain a safe learning environment at Jackson-Reed and we regularly look for ways to improve our safety measures,” said Principal Sah Brown. He added that

the procedure is a common method used in airports, further contributing to rationale to implement it.

Whether or not the policy will take a more permanent role at JR depends on “if there’s a decrease in [attempts and confiscations]. It’s not something we hope to do in the long term, but the hope is that other students use their voice,” said Seraile. Additionally, he hopes that students encourage others not to bring in vapes and other products, and that the new procedure will raise awareness of

see SECURITY on page 4

President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to limit abortion access and restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have heightened concerns among students who are deciding whether to apply to colleges in conservative states.

“The financial shift, the protections of students in marginalized groups, and the access to information will change drastically” in the next four years, said U.S. Government teacher Amy Collins. Many students have limited or removed southern schools from their list. “I used to want to

see COLLEGE on page 14

GRAPHIC BY

Portables breached on Halloween

Isadora Groves Gil Leifman Editor-in-Chief News Editor

On Halloween night, two unidentified costumed individuals broke into Jackson-Reed’s portable trailers. They left after a few minutes of tampering with school property, and nothing of significant value was damaged or taken.

The incident follows a series of school security issues, as previously reported on by The Beacon. A student’s handgun was confiscated at security in September during school hours, and JR was also alerted of an anonymous threat against DCPS schools a few days later.

The two individuals trespassed school property by entering through the perimeter gate and the door to the portables, which were both left unlocked. They also entered many of the classrooms, as some teachers in the portables left their doors open or unlocked. “I usually leave my door open because I don’t have a [fob] to get into my room,” explained social studies teacher Michael Petillo.

While some teachers have fobs to access their classrooms in see BREAK-IN on page 4

Edith

PHOTO BY JADEN JONES

Federal aid application delayed for second year

Sofija Petronyte Contributor

The release of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form used by seniors and college students across the nation is delayed from October 1 until December 1 for the second year in a row. The delay is due to an examination of technical difficulties that arose from the form’s initial redesign, which was required by the Simplification Act passed by Congress in December 2020.

Senior Francesca Krevat, who only recently found out about the change in FAFSA schedule, said, “I think that it’s causing more stress in some ways. I’m the type of person who likes to get things done right away, so having [this] delay and not knowing when or how I can use the FAFSA is challenging.”

High school seniors seeking federal financial aid must fill out FAFSA while applying to colleges and each subsequent year they are enrolled. The form determines a student’s eligibility for aid through a series of questions, factoring in the cost of college tuition to calculate the student’s Student Aid Index. Based on their results, which take anywhere from three days to three weeks to process to be calculated, students can be offered any combination of four types of financial aid: grants, scholarships, work-study funds, or student loans.

The National Association

of Student Financial Aid Administration Interim President & CEO Beth Maglione released a statement earlier this year concerning the aftermath of last year’s delay: “The fact that we are still, to this day, dealing with the aftershocks of this years FAFSA rollout shows just how imperative it is that the process is thoroughly tested from end to end.” Maglione referred to the many unexpected technical difficulties that hampered form completion last year, in turn significantly postponing college financial aid package offers to students.

Receiving financial awards late is especially problematic for prospective first-time students who have to commit to a college by May 1. These delays in access to crucial information don’t leave students with adequate time to consider all possible education in financial reach or if applying is worth considering.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, the 2023-24 FAFSA saw a decline of roughly 200,000 submissions from high school seniors—a decrease of 11.6% from the previous year's applications.

Since October 1 of this year, the Department of Education has been piloting beta test forms, selecting a limited number of student applications before expanding availability nationally. These testing periods are being conducted in the hopes of developing a fully functional system by the planned release date. Meanwhile, some

students have benefitted from using the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile according to JR College and Career Center Coordinator Elizabeth Levenson.

The CSS Profile, a system provided by private universities, was created by the College Board and allows access to non-federal grants, loans, and scholarships based on their own calculation of an individual’s financial need.

The main difference between the FAFSA and CSS programs is that the latter is not free and has more personalized support offers.

To help our senior’s families with any related questions, the class of 2025 staff and the College and Career coordinators have come together to host “Tuesday Tea Times” in the mornings from 8:30 to 9:30. This program has taken place in the College and Career Center since Tuesday, November 12 and will last until January 20.

In addition, Principal Sah Brown advised students to get their accounts set up as soon as possible, so that when the FAFSA does open, they can maximize their time and get things done efficiently.

This delay affects nearly every student’s future and family, with roughly 85% of all college students receiving some sort of financial aid via FAFSA according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

“The FAFSA is the first step in any student’s path for financial aid,” said Levenson. •

Ranked-choice voting passes in the District

Cole Zich Written Content Editor

In the 2024 election, DC passed Initiative 83, a ballot measure establishing ranked choice voting and open primaries, both of which will take effect in June 2026.

With over 70% of the vote, the initiative will allow voters to rank the candidates they want in office rather than cast a single vote. In the first round of the election, every voter’s first choice is counted. If no candidate receives greater than 50% of the vote in the initial count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated from the race. All of the people who had that candidate as their first choice have their vote moved to their second choice, and the votes are recounted. This process is repeated until one candidate has over 50% of the vote.

Initiative 83 will also allow independents to vote in primary elections. Independents make up one in six DC voters. As they are not registered to any specific party, they are currently unable to vote in any primaries. However, as a predominantly democratic city, the election is usually decided in the Democratic primary, and the exclusion of independents can mean they lose their voice in deciding a candidate.

Despite passing, ranked choice voting must be funded by the DC Council in order to become law. The majority of the council is democratic and the DC Democratic Party opposed Initiative 83 on the basis that allowing independents to vote in Democratic primaries would undermine the interests of the party.

The DC Democratic Party filed

two lawsuits against the initiative, claiming that opening primaries to independents would violate both the Home Rule charter — the document which offers DC self-governance — and the first and fifth amendments. The Home Rule charter calls for voters to elect officials on a “partisan” basis, and the lawsuits alleged that open primaries would push elections in a nonpartisan direction. The first and fifth amendments allow people to identify with a political party, and the lawsuits claimed open primaries would dilute the power of an individual’s political affiliation.

Some DC leaders have also opposed ranked choice voting.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said she is “against” ranked choice voting in DC, as “our very good experience with elections suggests that we [don’t] need to make any change.”

The DC Council has previously refused to enact initiatives. In 2018, the Council did not enact Initiative 77, a proposal which suggested an end to tipped wages. Additionally, Congress can intervene in the enactment of Initiative 83, as the Home Rule charter requires all legislation passed by DC residents or the DC Council to be accepted by Congress. A Republican majority congress could oppose Initiative 83 and prevent it from being implemented.

Philip Pannell, the treasurer of the Initiative 83 campaign, said people should pray the Council “does the right thing” and enacts the measure. As the initiative succeeded with huge margins, the Council will likely support it, but the response from Congress is harder to gauge. •

SGA holds drives and fundraisers for charity

At Jackson-Reed, the holiday season is all about giving back! Throughout November and December, there will be numerous opportunities for JR students to give back to their community through school-affiliated donations and charity drives.

The JR Student Government Association (SGA) hosted their fourth annual canned and boxed food drive from November 12 to November 22, with donations going to the Van Ness Food Pantry. Students brought in canned and boxed food into their 2A classes, where there was an area for the class to drop off their donations. Whichever class donated the most at the end of the drive will receive a pizza party.

November represents “Gratitude Month,” according to SGA teacher sponsor Simona Spicciani. “We need to do activities that express our

gratitude, and that is this drive,” she said.

The SGA aims to give their fellow students as many ways as possible to partake in community service at school.

“The SGA loves to go beyond the Jackson-Reed community,” said Student Body Vice President Francesca Krevat.

“These drives are a great way to remind us what we are thankful for and how we can do more for others.”

“Community is a big part of Jackson Reed’s values,” added Junior Class President Phoenix Hollingsworth. “The SGA wants to expand our reach and resources to the broader

community, and I hope students realize the impact that has.”

The SGA will be continuing their charitable efforts throughout December, which is their “Giving Month,” by hosting two more drives at school.

The first one is a clothing and toiletry drive for the Harriet

Tubman Women’s Shelter, where students can bring in hats, scarves, coats, as well as items like toothbrushes and hand warmers to donate. The second will be a toy drive for kids ages 0-6 at the Columbia Heights Daycare Center.

Also in December, the Athletic Achievement Academy (AAA) will be hosting a pickleball tournament, and Coach Desmond Dunham is hosting a badminton tournament with the Badminton Club. Both tournaments are fundraisers that will be in partnership with the SGA. While not all the charity organizations are finalized, a portion of the money will be going to helping relocate families who have children in hospitals.

“What we are trying to do is bring everyone together within Jackson-Reed and I think the SGA has done a phenomenal job with that,” said Dunham. “We all want to make a difference, and people just need a reason to and some direction.” •

Devan Mehta News Editor

PHOTO BY ELI SCHWARTZ GIVING BACK - A can drive box sits at JR’s main entrance. The drive is one of many fundraisers planned by SGA, which aims to give back to the local community.

Class size disparities impact staff and students

Henry Brylawski Contributor

During the first six weeks of this school year, extreme underand over-enrollment in core classes impacted both JacksonReed students and teachers, leaving many students in courses they didn’t select, and creating a disproportionate number of notably small or large classes.

The DCPS and Washington Teacher’s Union Collective Bargaining Agreement dictates a maximum of 25 students per class. However, that maximum is void in specialized learning courses like AP classes. JR has struggled with overcrowding and large class sizes for many years. But at the same time, the newly opened MacArthur High School in Palisades, a feeder high school for students at Hardy Middle School, is likely to decrease incoming class sizes in the future.

12th grade Assistant Principal Camille Robinson explained that student course requests can contribute to course size.

“Some classes are graduation requirements,” she said, listing DC History as one example. “Therefore

REACT

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Nov. 5 election. “After waking up and hearing the news, I was very disappointed. I thought everyone cared for their country as much as I did, so it was extremely upsetting to realize that Trump would be in office again.”

On the day after the election, some JR staff members arrived at school dressed in black, highlighting a shift in the school’s atmosphere.

“After the election, it is sad. It’s heavy. I can literally feel it,” AP US Government teacher Amy Collins said. “I just had a student leave the room wearing a shirt that says ‘My body is a battleground,’ and she’s sadly not wrong. I do not believe that there was a better presidential candidate than Kamala Harris.”

For many teachers, fears about a second Trump presidency hit close to home due to the former president’s outspoken views against public education.

“I know that there have been inflammatory comments about getting rid of the Department of Education or changing what things are funded,” biology teacher Rob Flack said. “There is a move toward ‘parents rights,’ which greatly interferes with the expertise of educators. I’m worried about those things, but it is really too soon to tell.”

Along with threats to defund public education, Trump has said that his administration intends to deport hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants, reverse climate action policies, and impose across-the-board tariffs on imported foreign goods. Some of these plans can be found in Project 2025, a presidential transition

we must accommodate all students. Our goal is to have class sizes that maximize instruction and learning.”

DC History and Principles of US Government teacher Michael Petillo experiences varied class sizes firsthand. Petillo previously taught large US History classes (both AP and on-level), but he notices a clear “discrepancy between [the size of some of his] senior requirement classes.” One of his US Government classes had over 40 students before scheduling changes were made and is still overcrowded at 38. However, one of his DC history classes is “much smaller” at only 11 students. “With nearly 40 desks and chairs in a room that is built for less than that, [my] ability to support students is inhibited,” Petillo added.

Lucy Getzinger, a senior in an overenrolled US Government class, echoed Petillo’s concerns.

“It’s really hard to understand a topic when a teacher doesn’t even have time to get to your questions,” she said. Getzinger also experienced a scheduling issue that caused her Marine Science course to be dissolved due to lack of enrollment, which she said

project written by the Heritage Foundation and a coalition of Republican organizations. While Trump distanced himself from the project during his campaign, some JR students expressed worries about its possible implementation.

“I know that it is not good for people of color,” freshman Zoe Robinson said.

Freshman Windsor Baker said she is concerned that the Trump administration and Project 2025 may negatively impact women and the LGBTQ community. “I feel a lot of people are going to be impacted, especially my friends who are women with the possible ban of abortion. I also have some trans friends and I feel their rights may be affected too,” Baker said.

Senior Maddie AebersoldBurke, president of the Birds and the Bees Sexual Health Club, said the election results caused her to feel a mishmash of emotions of terror and sadness. “This is such an astronomical and insane loss for women all over the world, not just in America,” she said. She emphasized that along with being a convicted felon for falsifying tax records, Trump was recently found liable for sexual abuse.

However, other students said they were relieved when Trump won, and are optimistic about his policies.

“I hope that Trump pulls through on everything he has promised us, and to be honest, it already seems to be going well before he has even gotten into office,” senior Lucas Dimou said. Dimou said that he believes that Trump will boost job growth by promoting manufacturing and energy production. He also said he supports Trump’s plans for deporting undocumented immigrants and additionally securing the border. “The

“seriously messed up [her] entire plan for the year.” She reflected that the issues “feel worse” than last year and thinks a similar trend might “continue for a while.” Robinson maintained that

“there will always be courses that are in higher demand.”

She highlighted the work of the administration and counselors in seeking to alleviate these woes, and assured that the school has

made “and will continue to make changes in course and teacher schedules as necessary,” in order to facilitate a comfortable academic environment for everyone. •

previous administration has simply let it get too out of hand,” he said.

Similarly, sophomore Frankie Biggs described feeling happy about the result because of possible changes in U.S. foreign policy. “I didn’t like how the previous administration has been doing things,” Biggs said. Biggs said that he was concerned that the United States was involved in conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine “that all could easily lead to escalation.”

While upset about Trump’s victory, many students were not surprised. “Honestly, part of me did expect it.” Jorio said. Junior Silas Rhein said he “had a feeling Trump might win, but I still thought that people might vote for Harris in the end.”

On election night, Trump triumphed in all seven key “battleground” states, giving him 312 electoral votes to Harris’s 226. He also won the popular vote, the first Republican candidate to do so since George W. Bush in 2004.

Students felt the election exposed shortcomings in the Democratic Party. “Kamala Harris wasn’t able to attract the voter demographics that she wanted to, and that’s disappointing,” sophomore Arjun Bhat said.

Social studies teacher Robert Geremia said he urges students who feel discouraged after Trump’s victory to continue to “voice their feelings and voice protest in a productive manner.”

He said students can do this by “being involved in organizations that align with their thoughts and beliefs, or fighting for policies that they believe are important.” •

WEED

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for customers self-conscious about buying cannabis, the front of the store will be designed like an inconspicuous waiting room with a sitting area and drinks available.

While there are currently other dispensaries in the Tenleytown area—like District Glass Studio next to Bandit Taco—none are licensed or adhere to official city regulations. According to DC’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, there are only 11 licensed dispensaries in the city.

DC’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission Chair Jonathan Bender hoped that C’est Moi’s presence will reduce illegal sales to minors reported at these nearby shops.

As of 2015, the possession of cannabis became legal in DC.

Later In 2022, the district expanded access to medical cannabis in the District by allowing anyone 21 or older to qualify for medical cannabis on their own behalf.

community members is that C’est Moi will attract customers under the age of 21. “If they choose to not follow the rules and sell to underage students, then that’s a problem,” said 12th grade Dean Minoso Rodgers. Freshman Khloe Okoboo highlighted the prevalence of peer pressure among high schoolers, and that the presence of a dispensary in the community may add to that environment. Additionally, Rodgers and sophomore Marcus DeMammos pointed out that it's not hard for kids to obtain marijuana and that many do already at local dispensaries. Unlike other stores, Jones said identification will be checked twice: while entering the store and while purchasing. However, seniors Anaxi Escalada and Marley Connor pointed out the possibility for fake IDs to bypass those checks.

In reference to illegal marijuana sales to minors, Rodgers commented, “I hope whoever

Dispensaries in DC have generated between $2.5 million and $2.9 million each month in 2024.

Due to the proximity to Jackson-Reed and American University, a concern among

opens [C’est Moi] is responsible, and makes sure that they're doing it the right way and following the rules.”

PHOTO BY DESMOND PARSONS

OVERCROWDED - Classes have roster sizes that vary in size significantly. Teachers worry about their ability to accommodate every student.

POLICY

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the health risks that come with vaping.

The new policy gained mixed reactions from students. Freshman My Hoang said that the security policy “should be done to ensure that nothing dangerous gets into the school building and for everyone at school to feel safe.” However, freshman Max Greene said “I’m not really a big fan of [the new policy] because I feel like everyone’s paying the price for a few people making bad decisions.”

“People are just going to find new ways to sneak stuff in,” added sophomore Paulina Afonsky.

Many students agreed that their main concern is the added time spent in line to enter the building. “It just takes much

longer for students to get into school. I know some students that didn’t get in until 20 minutes into first period,” said freshman Lars Schneider, in reference to the first day the procedure was enforced. Senior Eden Grim added, “I already have to take off everything to go through security and take things out of my bag—it just adds more time.”

In order to combat the policy’s impact on longer lines, Seraile and his team plan to display signs, alert students when they enter the building to take out their computers early, and send notices home to parents. However, he added that the long lines are similar to what happens after the introduction of anything new, such as the long lines that occur at the start of each school year. “I think over time it will settle down and smooth itself out.” •

JR expects to remove portable trailers next year

Grace Harscheid Contributor

Jackson-Reed’s portable trailers are expected to leave next year, three years after their installation in September 2022. The portables were originally introduced to reduce overcrowding, an issue that has been gradually improving following the opening of MacArthur High School.

The six portable classrooms, each built to hold 25 students, have a total capacity of around 150 people. Principal Sah Brown said that throughout the past two years, the portables have “helped open up more classroom space,” keeping severe overcrowding problems at bay.

Brown explained that the portables “were on a threeyear time frame” and that “this potentially could be the last year that we have them on site.” This is due to the drop in enrollment over the last two years, from roughly 2,200 students to the current 1,855 students. A population of 1,855 students is still over JR’s capacity of 1,704 students, but it is a significant decrease from previous years. Brown credits this drop in enrollment in part to the opening of MacArthur High School.

Pandas return to National Zoo

Brookelyn Lee Contributor

On October 15, after an 8,000-mile journey from China, two giant pandas arrived at Dulles International Airport on a FedEx cargo plane. The pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will make their public debut at the National Zoo this January. This momentous occasion marks the return of giant pandas after almost a year of absence.

Two-year-old male, Bao Li— whose name means “treasure” and “energetic” in Mandarin—was born August 4, 2021, at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) to father An An and mother Bao Bao. Not only was Bao Li’s mother born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in 2013, his grandparents, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, lived at the NZCBI from 2000 to 2023, where they served as ambassadors for their species.

Two-year-old female Qing Bao—whose name means “green” and “treasure” in Mandarin— was born September 12, 2021, at CCRCGP, to father Qing Qing and mother Jia Mei. Her father’s name evokes the lush and mountainous habitat where giant pandas roam in the wild.

On November 8, 2023, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and 3-year-old cub Xiao Qi Ji departed from DC’s NZCBI. Months later on May 29, 2024, the NZCBI announced it will

welcome a pair of 2-year-old giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, to the Zoo by the end of the year.

According to NBC Washington, renovations on the panda enclosure began almost immediately after the pandas left. The zoo claims to have improved both the indoor and outdoor enclosure in order to improve the safety for the pandas as well as space to roam.

Zoo officials stated that “new, permanent furnishings will encourage the pandas to use their natural behaviors to explore, exercise, forage, play and rest. These enriching enhancements include new rock structures with shallow pools, bamboo stands for foraging, multi-level climbing structures and enrichment items to stimulate pandas' physical and cognitive skills.”

A National Zoo spokesperson said that of the nearly two million visitors to the zoo last year, most had stopped in to see the pandas. From January through May, there was a 23% drop in visitors from the same time last year, a direct result of the pandas’ absence and subpar weather during the normally popular spring break window.

According to American University Radio WAMU 88.5, Baked by Yael, a kosher bakery that sits across the street from the Zoo, never stopped selling its “panda pops” last winter and spring. Owner Yael Krigman said the pandas—and the tourism that surrounds them—are critical to her business.

Alice Deal Middle School recently constructed a permanent building to replace their portable trailers. Brown affirmed that JR will not need to replace their portables with any other measures for overcrowding because of MacArthur’s success.

Anna Foxen, a French teacher who has all her classes in the portables, said that when the portables were first installed, “it was so crowded in the main building that teachers couldn't really stand outside their doors during passing time because there was no room.” Foxen also noted that every classroom was occupied: “I even taught one class in the band room.”

While the portables have provided much-needed classroom space, they pose challenges for some faculty. Some teachers are forced to switch classrooms multiple times a day, including to classes in the portables. “I currently move four times for my six classes, so it has been quite difficult,” said social studies teacher Ashley Bryant. “I'm lucky that I am probably the closest classroom in the building to the portables, but even still, it is an inconvenience.”

She noted that there is no ramp on the walk to the portables, so instead of packing up a cart she must “put everything into

BREAK-IN

“It’s not cheap to have a store on Connecticut Avenue and a lot of what we rely on is traffic at the zoo,” Krigman said. “So when it’s a nice day and the pandas are out, then business is booming for the zoo and also for us. When the weather is not great or when the pandas leave, business is not great for us.”

Traditionally, the giant pandas symbolize peace and friendship for China, so there were concerns when the pandas left the Zoo at a time when diplomatic tensions were beginning to rise between China and the U.S.

According to the BBC, the first pandas were sent to the United States in 1941 as a gift from then-President Chiang Kai-Shek for assisting Chinese refugees during China’s war with Japan. It wasn't until 1972 when China gifted Japan two pandas, Kang Kang and Lan Lan, that the two countries normalized diplomatic ties. A panda couple is generally sent to the Smithsonian's National Zoo with a 10 year agreement. Tian Tain and Mei Xiang’s 10 year agreement was extended 3 times before they departed due to tensions and their older age.

In a phone interview with the Washington Post, the Smithsonian’s secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III. said, “I am really pleased that the Smithsonian is able to do something that makes Washington smile. I didn’t want to be the Smithsonian secretary that lost the pandas so I was really committed to making sure we’d get them back.”•

bags and bring [the bags] to the portables,” just for her to carry it all back to her room in the main building after that class ends. Some students are negatively affected by the portables as well. Sophomore Hannah Clark, who has two classes in the portables, feels that oftentimes the portables have “numerous distracting qualities that make learning in the portables very enduring. For example, the inconsistent temperature of the classrooms, mixed with the constant reappearance of loud emergency door beeping, makes it impossible to focus.”

Despite their problems, the portables have their own separate community of teachers due to their removed nature. “It's such a small space, we tend to see each other throughout the day and it's easy to check in with each other. It's easy to ask to borrow supplies or even to find someone who can cover your class in an emergency,” said Foxen. During her time in the main building, she experienced difficulties with finding colleagues if they didn’t share a planning period. Foxen said that the portables’ community, and the “relaxed atmosphere” of the separate space will be missed. •

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the portables, newer teachers, like Petillo, do not. The portable doors lock automatically when they close, so teachers have resorted to leave their doors propped open.

Petillo said that his room “was not the same as [he] left it,” but that “it could've been a lot worse. [The break-in] was sort of just one of those little lapses in the system.”

According to Director of Strategy and Logistics Brandon Hall, the MPD was notified following the incident. However, the individuals could not be identified in the security camera footage due to their costumes and have not been apprehended. It is unknown whether the individuals were Jackson-Reed students.

Following the break-in, Brown said that the administration “reviewed our safety protocols

and expectations with staff.” He emphasized that “maintaining a safe learning environment is important to us.”

Many students were unaware that the break-in took place. “I didn’t know anything about it at all,” said junior Charlie Hall. He said that he was surprised as to why anybody would want to break-in.

An anonymous freshman also said that they weren’t notified about the incident. “I feel like we should up the security,” they said. Hall was indifferent about being notified about the break-in but mentioned that he thinks “it’s probably for the better, so that people don’t start getting bad ideas.” In contrast, sophomore Eva Steinman said, “I think our school needs to do a better job of informing the students.”

“I think it was a wake up call for everyone, if they smashed the SMART Board or stole something of value, that would’ve been really bad,” said Petillo. •

PHOTO BY ELI SCHWARTZ

BROKEN IN - On Halloween night, the portable trailers were broken into. These doors were left unlocked.

GRAPHIC BY

Does class rank really matter? Are we just a number?

Willa Marks Junior Editor

On all Jackson-Reed transcripts your class rank can be found staring back at you in the top right corner. When you go to your annual counselor meeting to review your transcript, this can easily become a point of contention. Students often ask each other what their rank is, only to find that they are 50 spaces higher than their friend because of a B they got in freshman biology. Although most colleges ask for a student’s rank, and it can help some, this ranking is not beneficial at a school like Jackson-Reed.

At JR, there are certain classes that are required for all students to take, including our core and language classes. Because so many students take these classes, each has around five different teachers. Yet, with the variety of different teachers comes a wide range of difficulty and expectations. While some may get a teacher who is an extremely harsh grader with their revision policies following DCPS guidelines to a T, another may have a teacher who is an easier

Lenient dress code fosters self-expression

Jackson-Reed’s dress code is very relaxed; the mere fact that we are writing about said dress code elicited many “we have one?” remarks from our friends. But the leniency of the dress code means that as we walk the hallways of JR, the outfits worn by our fellow tigers never fail to impress.

JR’s casual dress code means that students are able to express themselves through their outfits and try out new styles, figuring out what they like during this critical time in their youth. As teens grow into their own person, it is important they express who they truly are, and if that means wearing sweats or a crop top every day, then so be it! Adolescence is the perfect time to experiment and develop your identity, evident in the diverse personal styles we see everyday.

It’s as simple as the idea that student bodies shouldn’t be policed by administration. Many dress codes have hypersexualized the female body, leading to nonsensical regulation against normal articles of clothing such as tank tops and leggings that are seen as “distracting.” This shames girls for their bodies and creates a culture of sexism in classrooms.

Some schools have attempted to regulate hairstyles, denying students of their cultural identities. This restriction disproportionately impacts students of color, with some being denied an education for the simple act of refusing to cut their hair.

St. Johns and other private school students are required to wear a uniform, preventing students from expressing themselves through their clothing. Overly strict dress codes restrict students' self expression. Jackson-Reed is a place where students not only grow academically, but also learn about who they are as a person and conveying that through clothes, hairstyles, accessories and shoes should be their choice! The only time that a dress code should be strictly enforced is when a student’s clothing is portraying offensive messages or hate speech.

The JR dress code is extremely lenient and that’s how it should be. Students' style allows them to express themselves and is a testament to how diverse our school is. The student body should be able to dress how they like without having to be punished for expressing themselves. •

depression is upon us. It’s that magical time of the year when the sun sets too early and the temperature drops too low. These combinations of factors cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression.

You may be wondering what “seasonal depression” even looks like. Though it can look different for everyone, common symptoms include being more sluggish than a sloth (low energy), mastering the art of naps during inconvenient times (changes in sleep), and living in the emotional state of a waiting room (sadness).

With seasonal depression, you lack the energy to do anything and everything, which doesn't exactly help when homework begins to pile up. Getting up at the same time you normally do in your day-to-day life is made harder with the dark sky and cold weather. Don’t let those tardies pile up!

You might also notice during these winter months that you lose interest in things you usually enjoy

has on students, teachers should consider being more lenient towards students with homework deadlines during these winter months. They should understand that the seasonal depression experienced among students can have a toll on their academic performance. Flexibility from teachers could prevent students from losing motivation and ensure that they give their best effort during class. But fear not my fellow

for a walk, maybe even a run— whatever it takes to get your body moving.

2. Call a friend or a pet! It is a great way to socialize, get out of the bubble you are in, and express your feelings.

3. If neither of these options works, you can always buy one of those expensive fancy lamps that supposedly exposes you to more light.

While seasonal depression is commonly undermined and dismissed, it is a real thing that many people will experience in their lifetime. If you are dealing with this, reach out to a trusted one. Just remember, seasonal depression is seasonal for a reason! •

Affomia Debebe Alexa Lucas Contributors

What reigns supreme: Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas?

Eva Solomon Padget Bowers-Shreve Junior Editors

Ever since Halloween of last year, we have been pondering the so-called oldest question in existence: which holiday deserves to end off the year: Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas?

Halloween: Halloween originally started in Ireland to ward off spirits and quickly became the commercialized, popular holiday it is today. Halloween allows us to dress up as someone else for a night, and celebrate through scary movies, costumes, and masses of candy. Who doesn’t love dressing up with friends to go out, stuffing their faces with candy corn, or scaring your pants off at haunted houses like Markoff’s? Besides people with coulrophobia, who could hate Halloween?

Thanksgiving: At its finest, Thanksgiving is an underrated celebration that brings families together. In modern days, it is a sweet and wholesome tradition that emphasizes the importance

of loved ones and giving back to the community. However, it is completely out of the running for the best because of its history. Of these options, it is also the most irrelevant choice (no hate, just a fact). Who would choose to celebrate Thanksgiving instead of dressing up for Halloween or having two weeks off of school for winter break?

Christmas: Only some celebrate Christmas. Even Eva, who’s Jewish, believes that Christmas is the holiday that fully makes the year complete. When you think of the end of the year or just the winter holiday,

Christmas always comes to mind. This major holiday gives us at least a week off school. Time with cousins, grandparents, or your immediate family is always enjoyable if your siblings aren’t annoying (we can’t relate). It offers many activities like ice skating, sledding, decorating the house, and staying cozy in your home. There are even songs and movies dedicated to how great Christmas is. All we want for Christmas is the answer to our initial question, and I think we found it: Christmas is the ruler of the year’s end. •

DCPS needs to prioritize diverse religious holidays

Nora Goldwasser Contributor

Everyone knows the feeling of Christmas just around the corner, even when they don’t celebrate it, but why? Christmas is so synonymous with excitement for winter, but where is that for other important holidays?

First of all, we get time off during December for winter break, allowing people to spend holidays with their families. But, for many people of other religions, this isn’t the case. For Yom Kippur, a very important Jewish holiday, students do not get school off. Those who celebrate are forced to make up schoolwork they miss when they observe the holiday. Isn’t that unfair? On Eid al-Fitr, an important Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan, there is also no time off school. Although much of JacksonReed is made up of Christmas celebraters, those who aren’t deserve days off for their holidays.

Acknowledging all religious holidays is essential to making JR a place where all are valued. DCPS

should give time off for holidays like Hanukkah, Diwali, Ramadan, Lunar New Year, and Eid al Fitr to give equal representation to all. In a school as diverse as ours, this has to be a priority.

It is also important to talk about these different holidays at school. I remember that even in elementary school, during the holiday season, students had to choose between coloring Santa Claus or a Menorah. What I now realize is that from a young age, often, only Christmas and Hanukkah are represented in school.

In high school, many people who celebrate Christmas remain unaware of the other holidays that people celebrate. It should be a priority in early grades that kids learn about different holidays, religions, and cultures around the world.

Providing time off for holidays, not just Christmas, is something that DCPS must do. This issue is deeper than just simply getting time off—it is respecting and acknowledging others’ religions and lives. •

To work or not to work? That is the question.

Henley Kaminskas Features Editor

High school students tend to carry a lot of weight by looking for various extracurriculars to get involved in. While sports and clubs are the more popular and well-known activities to practice one’s interests and meet new people, many also explore the option of part-time jobs.

Part-time jobs are a great way to be exposed at a younger age to real responsibilities that come with having a job. Based on my personal

experience working in a restaurant where I interact and collaborate with people who are older than me, I have been able to learn punctuality, patience, and I have built confidence in speaking with strangers. Learning these skills are crucial in the long run for a full-time job, and can help students with similar adult responsibilities.

Students may be skeptical about getting a job due to the stress it can place on an already-heavy school workload and schedule. However, the difficulty of balancing the two depends on the job, what type of

classes you are taking, and how well you can handle the workload. If you are working three to five hour shifts, it may be more manageable to work after school, especially on a Friday night. If you do have longer shifts, there is always the option to work on the weekends. Additionally, you must find the amount of shifts that work for you; I work twice a week, and I feel I can handle the workload. To ensure that I am not stressed with work, I try to do as much homework as possible the day before.

While exploring jobs and part-time internships are a

great way to explore your interests, the main benefit is getting money while doing it. Beyond just getting paid, having a job has taught me the value of saving my money. Students should learn this crucial skill for the future, because it is always important to have extra saved whether it is for college, housing, or food. Of course, we all deserve to splurge and treat ourselves.

Overall, getting involved in a part-time job depends on

if it is convenient for you, but I believe it is definitely worth exploring. When looking for jobs, I recommend applying to places near school or near your house as it will be more convenient. Additionally, sophomore year is a valuable time to get a job, as you have a smaller workload and can gain work experience early, along with having the ability to build stronger relationships with your boss and co-workers (we all need someone to cover for us sometimes). •

JR should introduce classes for alternative career paths

Patrick Hutchins Contributor

Now that Jackson-Reed’s counselors have made their way to each English class to familiarize students with their options following high school, students are left with the question: does Jackson-Reed really support students who do not plan on taking the traditional four-year college route post graduation?

Most classes at JR are in fields requiring some level of postsecondary education to become professional. The majority of academies, such as engineering, biomed, and computer science, require an extensive amount of education following graduation. However, many students simply don’t see themselves in classrooms after high school. What

about options that include employment, apprenticeships, and university? Therefore, JR should offer more classes on trades that a person can go into directly after high school.

For example, JR could offer a class on welding to support students who don’t necessarily thrive in a traditional academic setting. Welding is an essential part of many manufacturing industries, such as automotive, aviation, and kitchenware manufacturing. Welding is a skill that will always be required as long as humans are creating large vehicles and buildings. In fact, some extremely skilled welders, whose skills are vital to success in assisting many other professions, can make over six figures with years of experience.

Welders can start a professional career immediately after high school

with apprenticeship programs, where beginners can learn how to weld on the job with the guidance of highly experienced craftsmen. Many students have trouble with traditional learning, either from a professor or the textbook; a lot of students learn better from hands-on experience, something that welding offers. Students who choose not to attend college are often judged by society when many successful tradespeople who live comfortable lives start out as teenagers searching for their path.

The ultimate goal of high school is for students to take a variety of classes to figure out what careers they may want to pursue after graduation. Still, many students at JR do not enjoy the more “academic” classes they must take and want something different. If JR had a welding

class, some students who were previously unsure about their future might find their passion. In addition to this, students with learning disabilities that do not thrive in traditional learning could be supported. It may only take one 90-minute class to make a student interested in welding and just like that they could finally be excited about a career to pursue graduation. •

PHOTO BY ELI SCHWARTZ

CAREER COLLAGE - Flyers hang from a bulletin board at the College and Career Center with post-secondary opportunities and advice.

The Beacon

Jackson-Reed High School

3950 Chesapeake St. NW, Washington DC, 20016 www.jrbeacon.com beaconchiefeditor@gmail.com

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Public Relations and Communications

We are afraid.

By The Beacon staff

Following Donald Trump’s win, we, The Beacon, are concerned about the impact his second term may have on JR students, our community, and others around the country.

As public school students, we are worried about the treatment of our peers. Trump has threatened to abolish the Department of Education or use it to remove protections for some students. The department is charged with ensuring equal access to public education, and currently provides protections for transgender students and those with disabilities. If Trump were to carry out either threat, our learning environment could become less accessible and safe for some of our peers.

As learners, we fear that diverse voices may be silenced in school curricula. Trump has promised to curb the discussion of gender and race in the classroom. Beyond DCPS, we have already watched states eradicate AP African American Studies and school districts ban books by Nobel Laureates. Ignorance leads to indifference, inaction, and hate. As we watch history disappear and voices be silenced across the country, we are worried. High school students must be taught about the social, cultural, and historical context of our society.

As student journalists, we are concerned about the protection of our voices and the broader freedom of the press. Trump has repeatedly deemed the media the “enemy of the American people.” His attacks on the press and labeling stories as “fake news” undermine trust in credible journalism. With Trump’s majority share in Truth Social, the social media platform he created after being banned from both Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)—and his growing alliance with X’s owner, Elon Musk—the government and social media could become dangerously linked, threatening the existence of free press. Let it not be forgotten that a Trump tweet helped spark the insurrection on January 6.

As DC residents, we are also worried for our home. For the

last 50 years, the Home Rule Act has delegated the city a degree of autonomy through the mayor and city council. Trump has been outspoken about reasserting federal control over DC. If he were to remove Home Rule, DC would be left without self-governance, and our city's institutions would suffer.

As individuals, we are worried for others. During his presidency, Trump did more to restrict abortion rights than any other president. He appointed three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, and then proudly took credit. Outlawing abortions will not stop abortions. It will only stop safe ones. Women across the country will face the possibility of diminishing access to abortion, birth control, and basic healthcare. For the next four years women will need to fight for control over their own bodies.

We fear for undocumented immigrants in the face of Trump’s threats of mass deportation aided by the military in a school where some of our peers may be personally affected. We believe that if carried out, this aggressive immigration approach is inhumane, divisive, and will have extreme consequences.

We stand with the LGBTQ community against Trump’s agenda to target transgender people. Trump’s priorities to ban trans people from the military and restrict gender-affirming health care for minors will undo the powerful fight for progress and human rights.

As youth, we are worried for our climate. Trump has repeatedly claimed that global warming is a “hoax,” and will likely once again pull the US out of the Paris Accords, roll back environmental regulations, and expand fossil fuel development.

As the student voice of our diverse school, we will continue to be a platform for discussion and expression in a time when many people will be in danger of being silenced. Though we are scared, we must continue to exercise our rights to free speech, press, and assembly to stand up for what we believe in. •

Top 10 things to NOT bring up at Thanksgiving

Daylight savings

By Jessica McCallum

If the sun isn’t up, why should I have to be? Had daylight savings happened earlier, perhaps when I was still waking up in the earliest hours of the day, maybe I could have appreciated it a little more (because nothing says morning practice like pitch dark until 7:30 am). But the fall season is over, and nothing is sadder than showing up to school and leaving your after school activity in the dark. Seasonal depression is no joke, and is it too much to ask that the sun tries a little bit harder to be there for me? •

By Ava Serafino

Everyday our school becomes more and more like an airport, especially after the new computer rule. Next thing we know we will be taking off our shoes and submitting applications for TSA PreCheck. When I tell non-DCPS kids about this process, they say “I thought that only happened in the movies.” Starbucks, eyelash curlers, perfume, what’s next? For the kids who are ruining getting into school smoothly (you know who you are), do us all a favor and stop. I am tired of it, your classmates are tired of it, and I promise above all our security guards are tired of it. •

Stairwell

By Anna Gordous

Please please please I beg of you, stay to your side of the stairwell. From the dawn of time when stairwells were created, they were created so that people moving up the stairs could do so on one side, and people moving down the stairs could do so on the opposite side. You go up the upside and down the down side. Seems simple right? It should be. Apparently not to some people because everytime I’m going up the stairs there are people shoving their way down. There is a whole other side for you to go down. Use it! •

Maya Roskes Spread Editor

When walking through the halls of Jackson-Reed, one often hears the sound of a high-five “clap!” and catches glimpses of an arm raised high amongst the sea of students. The person this infamous right hand belongs to?

Aireon Boone, the 9th-grade dean and a beloved member of the JR staff. Despite his popularity, Boone has never before been profiled by the Beacon; now is the time to right that wrong.

Growing up in Northwest DC, Boone attended Paul Public Charter School for middle and high school, and briefly attended Delaware State University in pursuit of a business degree. Boone then returned to DC, landing his first job at the Whole Foods in Silver Spring. “It was a nice starter job, [but I] don’t think I will ever go back to a Whole Foods ever again,” Boone admits.

Since then, Boone has worked at JR, starting as a data clerk. For the last three years, he has been a Dean of Students,

FEATURES

Dean Boone is #TigerPride

where he handles behavioral issues, clears hallways between classes, and serves as a trusted adult that students can talk to.

Boone says that a major part of his job is “building healthy positive relationships with our students,” as well as aiding teachers in forming those connections. He is also a member of the culture team, a group that works to ensure JR is a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. This is Boone’s sixth year at JR. In addition to his main job that keeps him busy from 8:00-4:30, Boone is an assistant coach for the girls basketball team. “I’ve been coaching [here] for four years. My duties and responsibilities have changed every year, from just watching and observing, to creating practice plans, to drawing up plays.”

Boone’s interest in coaching is no surprise considering his unwavering passion for athletics.

“I used to play almost every sport. When I was in high school I played baseball, football, and basketball, and I ran track a little bit.” Outside of work, Boone can be found watching new movies

and listening to new albums, ultimately admitting that “I’m typically just resting so I can be 100% when I come back [to JR].”

Despite having to rouse students to class every day and staff Homecoming every year, Boone truly loves his job at JR. He values day-to-day interactions with students and shouts out the “couple kids who stop by and just chat with me, or bother me.” However, there are some aspects of the school that Boone would like to see change, one of them being the enforcement of the written pass system. While he understands that teachers often do not want to take time out of their lessons to write passes, he emphasizes that the system helps deans “know who's supposed to be where.”

Boone would also like to see a more involved student body, highlighting how much JR has to offer for athletes, musicians, and artists. He mentions that “[JR] is probably the only school I’ve seen that offers as much as they do, so I would definitely advise all of our students to take advantage of these opportunities.” More than

anything, Boone wants to leave students with a fulfilling and happy high school experience. While he understands that it is improbable for students to be 100 percent satisfied with their time at JR, he expresses that “[if] they can say ‘I thank Mr. Boone,’ that works for me.”

Fortunately for us, Boone plans on remaining at JR for the

Our fulfilling experience working at the polls

Noa Gordan Kalpana Shipler Sports Editor Junior Editor

Leading up to the election, like many, we could feel anxiety and a pit in our stomachs, not knowing what was to come. Instead of sitting on our butts all day doing nothing, we decided to distract ourselves and work at the election polls. Hearing about the opportunity in Constitutional Law class last year, our interests were immediately sparked. Not only would it distract us, but we would also get paid. Excitedly, we submitted our application and signed up for the required fourhour training class.

As we made our way to the class in downtown DC, we were prepared for a light and easy training. We quickly discovered that it was NOT light OR easy. We suffered through endless instructions about how to help people through the voting process. Finally, we had to take a daunting quiz that would secure our certification as poll workers. After weeks of waiting, we finally got our assigned poll location and despite requesting the same location, we weren’t together. A tragedy. We almost gave up on this quest but persevered for the sake of democracy.

Come November 5, we woke up way too early for a non-school day. As we made our way to our

separate locations, Kalpana to the Cleveland Park Library and Noa to Marie-Reed Elementary School, we were intimidated by all the adults. As a nice surprise, MarieReed had free Dunkin coffee and doughnuts which made Noa much happier.

At the break of dawn, Kalpana arrived at the library, half awake because she only got five hours of sleep the night before. After standing there for an hour as the adults talked about politics, the polls finally opened. She was assigned to help voters put their ballots in the ballot box so they could be properly counted. She stood there for six hours saying the scripted words to everyone passing. “Good morning! Take

your ballot out of the folder and place it in that slot right there! Thank you so much, have a great day!” She was met with all types of people, ranging from first-time voters, extremely rude people, kind people, and people with MAGA shirts (even though political merchandise isn’t allowed).

Meanwhile, in Adams Morgan, Noa was immediately put to work at the welcome desk outside the Marie-Reed location. Her job was to answer questions such as, “Is this a voting center” (yes, yes it is) and direct people on where to go. Working an eighthour shift outside in the elements was not for the weak, but it did come with its perks. A voter bought her food from a bake sale

next couple of years. He hopes to one day become a full-time head coach for basketball, whether that be for the school or somewhere else.

Find Boone in his secondfloor office or in the hallways, where he may leave you with a helpful piece of advice such as this: “It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish.” •

and passersby would thank her for her service. Another aspect of working outside was helping with curbside voting for those with disabilities. When people would roll into the parking space, it was Noa’s job to get them the proper documents and follow the correct procedure so that they could vote. The highlight of Noa’s day was when her friend kindly brought her Chipotle for lunch.

The experience was extremely rewarding, and it was an honor to participate in the democratic process even though we can’t vote yet. We definitely recommend signing up to work at the polls next election. •

APES boat trip: real life exposure to climate change

Rohini Kieffer

Frances Leibovich Editor-in-Chief Director of Art and Design

Picture a classic boat day. It is 80 degrees and you put on your life vest to catch some fish, and watch the birds fly by. Now, stop imagining your casual lake day because this is no summer vacation. Instead, transport your daydream to the Anacostia River and prepare to be walked through an AP Environmental Science (APES) field trip.

On November 6, science teacher Will Gomaa’s APES class congregated in front of the school at 9 AM. Rather than going inside, they set out for the Metro. One transfer and a five-minute walk later, they reached their destina-

tion: The Wharf Marina. It was a gorgeous day to be at the Wharf. The sun was shining, the water was clear, and the breeze was warm. Students began to wonder, why was this the weather in the middle of fall? At this point, DC was experiencing its fourth-longest drought in history. Throughout the course of the day, students were continuously reminded of the impacts of global warming. As the students proceeded through the activities provided to them and enjoyed the views, the shadow of climate change loomed overhead and was intensified by the election results that had been confirmed that morning.

“Because it was the day after the election, everything felt surreal and uncertain. It kinda felt like everyone was upset and

confused and just not sure how to navigate their lives and their normal routines after such a big disruption” said senior Maddie Aebersold-Burke. Senior Helen Gaston added that “it was honestly kind of nice to be able to get away on a boat after so much stress was caused by the election.”

In an attempt to maintain normalcy, the group went about the activities as if it were any other day. The morning was consumed by a scavenger hunt and water testing. The scavenger hunt was nothing out of the ordinary—students spotted planes, buildings, and bridges with the aid of some fashionable binoculars. Then, they divided into groups to test the Anacostia water. “[Collectively], we tested the water for pH, salinity, nitrates,

and phosphates. My group tested the acidity levels,” said senior Owen Stone.

The threat of global warming was evident in the results of the water testing. “The water was cleaner than normal because there wasn’t a lot of runoff from rain, because of the drought we were in,” stated senior Ishan Dave. “However, once all the rain and the runoff came [after the drought], our tour guide said that the things we tested in the water would all get way worse.”

In light of the recent election, where climate change was a contentious and debated topic, the threat of global warming and pollution felt all the more important.

After a lunch of eating, chatting, and enjoying the outdoors came arguably the most excit-

ing part of the field trip. The class divided into two groups. One group stood in a single file line on the port while the other mirrored them on the starboard. Together, the class reeled in a net full of fish, which were later examined and identified in small buckets. Students could pick up the fish in their hands to take a closer look. A few students even got the opportunity to (safely) put their fingers in the mouth of a catfish they had caught.

The APES field trip to the Wharf provided students with more than just a day on the water—it was an immersive experience for students to contextualize their learning with local examples and global challenges, especially in an era of uncertainty about the future of our climate. •

PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOKOL

BALLER BOONE - To know him is to love him. Aireon Boone doubles as a dean and a girls basketball coach.

Celebration of art and culture at Uptown Theater's reopening

Adler Amolsch Director of New Staff

After closing in March 2020, the historic Washington DC Uptown Theater is finally on track to reopen. Sandro Kereslidze and Tatiana Pastukhova, who recently purchased the Uptown, hope to continue the theater's long-standing legacy and impact on the Cleveland Park Community.

As founders of the DCbased Artechouse, Pastukhova, and Kereselidze have always been inspired by and passionate about the arts. Their Artechouse exhibition is dedicated to leading immersive digital art productions by groundbreaking artists. The two are prepared to expand the cinematic experience at the Uptown.

AMC, the world's largest theater movie chain, acquired the theater in 2005. However, their long-standing lease on the building expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the extreme economic struggles the industry was experiencing at the time, the company chose

not to renew its contract for the Uptown building. Once roaring with film, culture, and life, the theater now lies barren on Connecticut Avenue, a relic of its former glory.

The Uptown Theater first opened its doors in 1936, notable not only for its liveliness and beauty but also for innovations in film. The theater underwent a renovation to accommodate a wrap-around screen using a three-screen projector with a new high 70mm resolution. Making waves in the technological field, the Uptown also hosted an array of world premieres, from the original Star Wars in 1977 to Jurassic Park in 1993.

The theater maintained its status as a center for Washingtonians to celebrate film, culture, and art for decades. Despite thinning crowds in the 2000s, the Uptown still managed to draw masses of fans who camped out in front of the theater for screenings of the Star Wars prequels. Viewers and fanatics relished returning to the cinema to watch the newest chapter in the Star Wars saga in such a historic landmark, honoring

the theater's connection to the original trilogy.

Although the 84-yearold cinema has since closed, spectators can find peace knowing the theater's revival is on the horizon. Expecting the reopening to be a multi-million

dollar pursuit, the new owners hope to bring back the glamor of the Uptown Theater and rekindle its role as a community gathering place. While there is yet to be a confirmed timeline for when the cinema will reopen, the

landmark building is prepared to return years after its extinction.

The Uptown Theater's rebirth holds a promise not only to restore a historic venue but to infuse the Cleveland Park area with a fresh artistic vision that respects its legendary past. •

It's not a wish, it’s a need: top gifts this holiday season

Padget Bowers-Shreve Junior Editor

Are you excited for the holiday season? I know I am! Despite the never-ending list of products available to be consumed, you might have some trouble deciding what gifts you want for the holidays. To help you out, I compiled a list of items for the upcoming winter months!

Off-campus lunch for all grades

The freshmen and sophomores are jealous, and I’ll be the first to say it. I speak for all of us when I say we want the freedom of going into Tenleytown and getting Cava for lunch, and we want it now.

Less Dior Sauvage

Let’s say it together: this cologne makes you smell like a male manipulator. According to Dior, it smells like “an ozone

blue sky that dominates a white-hot rocky landscape,” but to us, it smells like the guy that love-bombed and ghosted you. Respectfully, when I smell this, I turn the other way and bury my face in my hands.

The old grading policy

Consider this a formal petition to DCPS: we miss our old grading policy! Especially for some of us (*ahem,* the sophomores) who are in our first year of APs and failing miserably. Please, we’ll do anything, just let us pass AP Psychology.

Less PDA

Don’t get me wrong, you guys are a

and get PDA thrown in their faces. No offense, but we’re exhausted, and you’re nasty.

Escalators We can’t all be studentathletes, and I know your back hurts from walking up four flights of stairs to first period every other day. This school needs an accessible option for those of us who have absolutely no stamina in the morning, and escalators seem like the perfect option.

Walking faster in the hallway

If you’re one of the people who walks slowly in the hallways, we have beef (not actually, but you’re

annoying). I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been late getting to class, lunch, or even getting out of school because of the slowpokes in the hallway. Pick up the pace! Act like this is the Olympics and you’re Gabby Thomas because if I have to hire someone to shove you out of the way, that’s what I’m gonna do.

These are my ideal items for the holiday season, but if anybody has any ideas for some more holiday demands, come find me! I hope you guys have an amazing holiday and break, with or without the smell of Dior Sauvage. •

Throwback: When the Wilson clock was kidnapped

Dani Wallace Managing Editor

Since 1935, the building now called Jackson-Reed High School has been everchanging. Still, since the earliest photographs of the structure and through the most recent renovation in 2011, one major element has remained relatively untouched: the clock tower. Or has it?

New Clock to Fill Hole in Tower

The gaping hole in Wilson’s tower will soon be filled by a new clock.

The installation is expected to be completed early in February by Standard Electric Company at a total cost of approximately $2,000,

including the price of the clock itself.

The story of the hole in the tower began as a prank when two students in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 1, 1964, removed the clock from its mornings, brought it to the ground and hauled it away.

Wilsonites coming to school the next morning immediately noticed the clock’s disappearance and began asking questions. Police were swamped with calls from students suggesting that a rival school engineered the stealing of the clock.

The answer came when police apprehended the two pranksters. The clue that led them to their suspects was the

discovery the next morning of a library slip bearing a student’s name and address found in the tower. The owner of the slip admitted involvement in the theft.

Police learned that shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, the two secretly entered the school building, went up to the third floor and climbed the 60-foot ladder in the tower to reach the clock. They carried with them a screwdriver, flashlight, blanket and rope. After unfastening the 60-pound clock from its niche, they lowered it wrapped in the blanket, put it in a car and drove away. The whole operation took approximately six hours.

The clock was found by police in a Georgetown lot. The

yard-wide face of the timepiece was broken in three parts and a few of its roman numerals were missing. The motive given by the pranksters was that they intended to make a coffee table out of the face.

The two students were charged with housebreaking and theft of District property. They were placed in the custody of their parents and brought before a Juvenile Court. The presiding judge ordered the two to make restitution so that the clock could be replaced.

After a lapse of nine months, the order issued by the judge is becoming effective.

Both Dr. Carl Hansen, superintendent of schools, and Mr. H. Murray Schere,

principal, have maintained a close and continued interest in seeing that a new clock was installed in the tower.

“It is only right and proper that the clock be replaced in Wilson’s tower,” said Mr. Schere. “I know that, speaking for all students, we are delighted at its anticipated return.”

The clock remains today, a pillar in our ever changing school. With such little documentation available to current students roaming the building, this fun tidbit has flown very much under the radar. Coming up on the 60 year anniversary that the clock was taken from its perch, it only begs the question as to what else JR students aren’t aware of our building’s vast history. •

PHOTO BY JULIAN DURBIN

UPTOWN IS UP - The historic Uptown Theater is reopening! The building has been and will continue to be a keystone DC cinematic history.

super cute couple, but nobody wants to walk into English class at 9 in the morning

Eli Herr Contributor

High school academies have become increasingly popular in the past decade, as they push students to explore specific areas of interest. Although being in an academy isn’t mandatory, many students at Jackson-Reed take advantage of the targeted learning opportunity.

One of JR’s various options is the Engineering Academy, which is popular amongst students as the engineering field can yield many different jobs and is extremely versatile. You want to work in the medical field? There are medical engineers who work on the latest medical technology. You want to work on cars and vehicles? That’s engineering. Freshman Alex Grayson said that he would recommend the academy to, “people who like to build and create.”

One of the first classes to the academy is Introduction

Academy spotlight: Engineering

to Engineering Design in 9th grade, where students learned about block tower design and were given wooden blocks in varying shapes. In one activity students were told to make a tower as tall as possible that can withstand the table being shaken. Students also made catapults out of rubber bands and popsicle sticks, and launched marshmallows into a cup at the other end of the table.

Zachary Meyers, the Intro to Engineering Design teacher, said that “the game

unit is the favorite amongst many freshmen since you get to create and build a game that is interactive and assessed by engineers from across the district.”

After learning basic engineering principles, students take Principles of Engineering in 10th grade.

In this course, students work on

Are you smarter than a freshman?

Javier Thompson

Sarah Weisenfelder

Opinions Editor

Section Copy Editor

Welcome to “Are You Smarter than a Freshman?” Today, our contestants are English teacher Elsie Palmieri and freshman Ansel Kripke. In this game, we take one random teacher or senior and put them head-to-head with one random freshman. They will answer a set of 10 questions across various subjects. Contestants are also provided with one lifeline of their choice. Without further ado, let's find out who’s smarter!

Test your knowledge by answering some questions yourself. The real answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. Who was the second president of the United States?

Ms. Palmieri: This is so hard… I know Thomas Jefferson was the first.

Ansel: Miller, something?

2. How many equal sides does an isosceles triangle have?

Ms. Palmieri: Four?...Two (after

a drawn example).

Ansel’s answer: Two.

3. What is the highest point of natural elevation in DC?

Ms. Palmieri: The park… Reno…Fort Reno.

Ansel’s answer: Fort Reno.

4. What is the powerhouse of the cell?

Ms. Palmieri: No.

Ansel: Neutron.

5. What is a verb?

Ms Palmieri: An action.

Ansel: An action word.

6. Who created the album Lemonade?

Ms. Palmieri: Beyonce, duh.

Ansel: SZA?

7. What are the three branches of government?

Ms. Palmieri: Judiciary, Legislative…. Executive.

Ansel: Legislative, Judicial, Executive? (Used lifeline)

8. What is the Pythagorean Theorem?

Ms. Palmieri: a2 + b2 = c2 (Used lifeline)

Ansel’s answer: a2 + b2 = c2

9. Who wrote Romeo & Juliet?

Ms. Palmieri: William Shakespeare.

Ansel: Shakespeare.

10. What celebrity was recently found with 1000 bottles of baby oil in their home?

Ms. Palmieri: Puff Daddy.

Ansel: P-Diddy…ain’t no party like a Diddy party.

The winner of this “Are You Smarter than a Freshman?” round is…Ms. Palmieri!! With a score of 8, she came out on top with 1 more correct answer than freshman Ansel.

Keep up with your facts. Who knows, you may be the next contestant in the “Are You Smarter than a Freshman?”!

subjects such as mechanisms, the strength of some materials, and automation. After learning these, students take on tasks such as designing a self-driving car. As students progress through the Engineering Academy’s track, In 11th grade, students can choose between two options for classes: Aerospace Engineering or Digital Engineering. In Aerospace Engineering, students learn about the physics of flight, design gliders, and more. In Digital Engineering, students work on circuit design and combinational logic. Concluding the academy in 12th grade, students take Engineering Design and Development.

The Engineering Academy puts students on a pathway for success in college and in their future careers. “Engineering offers a variety of experiences with different skills that allow students to create, implement, and test ideas,” concluded Meyers. •

A hidden secret: Trick-or-treating at the embassies

Cecelia Grant Junior Editor

Living in the nation’s capital in October allows for a number of spooky season festivities! One of DC’s unique Halloween activities takes place on Embassy Row. Here, by Massachusetts Avenue, visitors go door-to-door for treats and tours of several embassies.

While it’s assumed that trick or treating has to occur in the dark of night, trick or treating at the embassies comes prior to nightfall, taking place in the afternoon. Even though this may come as a surprise to many, or could even be considered an

“inauthentic” trick or treating experience, this leaves time to pursue later Halloween plans and hype up the overall spooky experience. The early start is because many of the people at these embassies are devoting their nights to either trick or treating themselves, or having a series of other events going on. For instance, this year Halloween fell during Diwali, which prevented a multitude of embassies like India and Sri Lanka from engaging in Halloween festivities as they were instead closed in observance of the Hindu holiday. Fortunately, seven

embassies participated in the tradition this year! This included the embassies of Belize, Greece, Paraguay, Portugal, Lesotho, Slovenia, and Indonesia. To add even more of a special flavor, embassies have been known to pass out both American candies and traditional

treats from their home countries.

Many embassies offer indoor tours during this event as well, creating a unique experience which allows a range of cultures to be shared with one another, and is open to us, the public! This adds a whole

new dimension to common fall festivities, with each embassy showcasing its own decoration from common Halloween motifs to displays of each country’s heritage.

So, if you’re interested in attending this annual tradition blending culture and festivity, I urge you to pay Embassy Row a visit and kick off Halloween a couple of hours early next year! •

Answers: 1. John Adams - 2. Two - 3. Fort Reno - 4. The mitochondria - 5. Action word - 6. Beyoncé - 7. Legislative, Judicial, and Executive - 8. a2 + b2 = c2 - 9.

William Shakespeare - 10. Sean

Combs.

On November 5, Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States and will return to the White House to serve for a second term. To provide a platform for students to reflect on the election and its impact, The Beacon asked students about their reactions, and how they think their own lives and the lives of others

will change moving forward. These pages include short responses, op-eds, and a thought bubble where students described how they felt about the election in one word. By creating this forum, The Beacon is attempting to give students a safe space to share their thoughts about this pivotal time and document the impact of this historical moment on the JR community.

How are you feeling postelection?

2024 ELECTION Disappointed Scared

Worry

Sad

Inevitable Unsure

Disheartened Indifferent FrustratedUpset Despair Grief Sick Defeated

Horrified

"Living in DC is going to be hard knowing that he is living a few Metro stops from me."

"The democratic party cannot succeed on a platform of neoliberalism and lip service to minorities."

- Sawyer Van Dyck

"As a woman, first generation American, and teenager in high school, I can’t help but be concerned for the next four years under Donald Trump's presidency. Being a daughter of immigrants, I don't know how our rights will be protected. I’m not sure how immigration could be handled, especially since so many people within our country do not have homes of their own. Despite this, I am scared that the people who come in will be treated with more disrespect."

Trump won. What happened?

Public education faces a threatening four years

The second Trump presidency will have immense repercussions on public education in the United States. Trump plans to fight “wokeness” in schools by censoring curriculums, sending decisions surrounding schooling back to the state level, and increasing barriers for LGBTQ+ students at school.

One of the 20 main goals of his presidency laid out on the Trump campaign website is to “cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children.”

According to Project 2025 and Trump’s campaign, any school that discusses diversity, racial biases, and LGBTQ+ rights in its curriculum would be eligible to be defunded. That means that schools across the country could have their funding cut for simply discussing said issues.

At Jackson-Reed, diversity is a topic that is regularly discussed in many classes. Under Trump’s presidency, JR would have to either scale back teaching about diversity or face funding consequences, and certain classes, like African

the Trump presidency is already a reality. JR’s AP African American Studies and World History I teacher Ariel Alford used to teach in a Virginia public high school. Governor Younkin of Virginia had established a tip line for all VA high schools in 2022 (which has since been shut down) where students and parents could report teachers for talking about “divisive” topics.

At one point, a group of Alford’s students reported her “for not having an American Flag in [her] classroom and teaching in an unpatriotic way”. While the only consequence ultimately was having to talk with the students and hear their concerns, Alford saw how “even this small idea that parents and students could report teachers emboldened and empowered students” to file reports, discouraging teachers from educating on controversial topics. As Alford points out, “all these things that we are scared of happening have already been enacted, just not in DC”. With Trump’s second term, these attacks on free speech and diversity in schools in many red states could expand nationwide.

Trump also plans to attack LGBTQ+ rights in schools, especially on sports teams. Legislation already exists in many states around school curriculum

outings in schools (a requirement for transgender students to identify that they are transgender); these policies may become federal or easier for states to enact.

Additionally, Trump is a big proponent of school choice, allowing families to choose their schooling options. In the past, he has said he “is going to take the Department of Education, close it in Washington, [and] let the states run their education.”

As a part of his support of school choice, he advocates for private school tuition vouchers, which help subsidize private school tuition for families. Private school vouchers tend to help rich families save money on tuition and take away from public school funding, leaving schools with less federal money and students. While vouchers offer increased school choices, those who cannot access them are left with less money and resources for their education.

Eliminating the Department of Education would eliminate all federal oversight of school funding, financial aid, and discrimination, allowing states to make these decisions on their own. States could fund public schools as they please and teach whatever they want.

Whether you support Trump’s policies or not, the next

Why Trump gained

"As

a transgender person, I’m worried for my future. I am scared that I won’t be able to fulfill my prescriptions for my testosterone, which has saved my life. This election has caused me to question my first choice for college as I fear that their transgender policies will be swayed after Trump takes office. "

"It's okay to be angry."

"Yet again, a highly qualified woman has been overlooked because of bias."

n Washington, DC, a largely Democratic and liberal community where 97% of voters supported Vice President Kamala Harris, it can be difficult to understand why Trump gained Latino voters. After his rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27th, featuring a comedian who referred to Puerto Rico disparagingly, made crude jokes about the size of the latin population, and invoked the racist 'border hopper' stereotype, it raises the question: why would Latinos support such a candidate?

While it might seem like a

and undocumented migrants, 2) a fear of left-wing policies, and 3) a dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party.

Despite Trump’s history of offensive comments, many Latino voters don’t see these remarks as personally directed at them. Instead, general statements about immigration are often interpreted as criticisms specifically of "illegal" migrants, which some Latinos feel is distinct from their own experience. Among working-class Latinos, there can be a “me vs. them” mindset, where undocumented migrants are viewed as potential competition for jobs. Trump’s rhetoric about protecting American jobs appealed to many

"Can’t believe our country would and capable woman. More upset someone who incited a riot, took saulted women

Clara Doyle Web Technical Editor

Elena Arbealez Contributor

happened? What's next?

gained the Latino vote

for Trump is the distrust of leftwing policies among many Latino Americans. Having left countries with histories of radical leftist or communist governments, some Latino immigrants are reactive to any socialist legislation, such as homeowner and education subsidies, most common in the democratic party. This fear is particularly strong within the Cuban-American community, which has historically fled communism in Cuba. Trump’s rhetoric opposing “socialism” resonated with these voters and even led Miami-Dade County to vote Republican for the first time in nearly 40 years. Finally, there is a growing

appear inclusive, many Latinos feel their needs are often overlooked. For example, inflation under President Biden has hit the working class hard, affecting Latino communities disproportionately. Additionally, some Latinos who hoped for progressive immigration reforms under Democratic leadership felt lied to by the lack of meaningful change. Vice President Harris’s more neutral stance on immigration only deepened this sentiment.

In an era where identity politics have often shaped voting behavior, it doesn't seem to be enough for America's largest minority group. In 2016, around 28% of Latino voters voted for Trump, in 2024, its being

White dudes, enemies, and shortcomings were key

Lucas Dimou Contributor

Going into the 2024 race, President-elect Donald Trump faced two impeachments, 34 felony counts, the bitter history of January 6th, and he felt that the world stood against him. The Democrats felt that they had high chances of beating him with the perspective that his character was too horrendous for anyone to vote for.

However, it quickly became apparent that riding the Trump hate train would fall short. Many American citizens no longer wanted to hear Vice President Harris explain why they should not vote for him, but rather why they should vote for her. While Harris busily tried to destroy Trump’s image even further, he got busy reaching out to voters and young men, proving himself to the working class, and creating a strong appearance that ultimately helped him win the race.

Trump went on a run of “bro” podcasts, creating viral moments for his cult-like MAGA followers to adore, and for Harris supporters to

appeared as though he was a friend one could talk to. The host, Joe Rogan, is one of many voters who were once outspokenly antiTrump but ended up endorsing him just days before the election.

I believe that many people, like Rogan, have flipped after being fed up with the way that the Democrats are currently running the country. With Harris’ inability to distinguish herself from the Biden administration, many realized that her campaign had no real substance besides putting Trump in a negative light. This is potentially what caused nearly nine million Biden voters to not side with Harris.

The biggest benefit of Trump going on JRE was the audience he reached. Rogan’s podcast has predominantly male listeners who are under the age of 30. These men played one of the biggest roles in securing the victory for Trump, who managed to pull 7% more of this demographic than Harris this election.

Beyond strengthening the support from his voter base, Trump formed alliances with people who previously opposed him. The most prime example of this is his

Vance, who just a couple years ago compared Trump to Hitler. The combination of these impactful alliances and strengthened support from his voter base helped Trump win the election.

Even when not looking at all this work from Trump, I think one fact remains: Harris underperformed. In all fairness to her, she was assigned the extremely tough job of trying to prove how she would be different from the administration she had been a part of for the last four years.

Still, she failed to perform well in interviews and in getting votes from Biden supporters. The Harris campaign relied too heavily on the hope that Republicans would yet again not turn out to vote, that Trump's image was too horrendous for him to win, and that Biden’s voter base in 2020 was going to be enough.

Young white men were of course a key factor in securing Trump’s win, pulling 56% of firsttime voters. Harris won, but still underperformed with nearly every kind of young person, including White women, Black voters, and Latinos, who sided with her by

"Maybe the dems could have won if they hadn’t put one of the worst politicians in modern history up there. I think [lives] will improve and we will see many positives, including a boost in our economy, a reduction in illegal border

would choose a felon over a smart upset that our judicial system let classified materials, and asrun again."

"The

"When will there be unity in our country?"

country is becoming more and more divided. More resentment between people of different political parties, and this seems to have sparked scapegoating of different people groups."

PHOTO COURTESY OF

2024 ELECTION

Trump's win is a setback for women

Peyton Shum Avani Patel Junior Editor Contributor

The 2024 election brought with it the possibility to break the continuous cycle of men running our country. That opportunity is now crushed. Had

encouraged, as they would see a woman in a position that has only ever been dominated by men, and young women would be more inspired for their own futures. Instead, a rapist, felon, and fraud was elected to lead the country. With his misogynistic views, pro-life perspectives, and more, Donald Trump’s second presidency will have a terrible

Trump has made astoundingly sexist remarks throughout the years; in a leaked footage from 2005 that surfaced in 2016, he spoke of his pursuit of women, stating “I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait.” How are women supposed to feel safe under a president who openly wants to assault them? In recent speeches, Trump has often mentioned that

"Even though we might disagree with a candidate, we still should not shame those who voted in a way that is different from you (unless they are racist, misogynistic, classist, ableist, just all out prejudiced, even then shaming someone will NOT change the way they think)."

"How will the next four years impact my life?"

COLLEGE

"Creo

Trump was also found guilty of sexual assault, he faced a lack of female voters, a clear sign of how Trump’s election win will impact women. He sends a message to men across the country that there are little consequences to rape. In fact, one can still become President. Additionally, his beliefs will create policies that are unfair and harmful to women, such as abortion bans.

Since the beginning of his campaign dating back to 2016, former President Trump has always been pro-life. In his first term, President Trump appointed three Justices to the Supreme Court who struck down Roe v. Wade 1973 in 2022. This ended the laws that stood in this country for nearly half a century

individual states. Many fear that with the overturning of Roe, some states could revert back to their pre-Roe era, where abortion was completely illegal.

Now that President Trump has won the 2024 Presidential Election, there is no telling what he has in mind for women and their reproductive rights. Some believe that since Trump has accomplished his goal of overturning Roe v. Wade, he will back off and leave abortion decisions up to states. However, an overwhelming majority disagree. Medical providers, politicians, and reproductive rights advocates worry that Trump might seek out a federal ban on abortion, despite him recently saying that he is okay with a 15 week maximum.

"There's this sense of "now what?" Like do I just continue as if I haven't been deemed lesser than by almost a third of the population?" - Alecille Lucas

que mucha gente ahora tiene el derecho al voto pero no saben lque es el poder legislativo, el poder judicial, el poder ejecutivo, que hace el presidente, que es la constitución, que es una democracia directa, que es una democracia indirecta, que tipo de democracia es Estados Unidos, etc." - Jesús Ellsworth

from page 1

apply to UNC and schools in Florida,” said senior Naoma Huta. “Now, I’m looking at fewer schools in the south and more schools in Canada.”

Huta attributed her change in thinking to reproductive rights. “Women’s reproductive health is just going to go on a decline—it already has,” she said. “There are already fewer OBGYNs in Texas and the South and I feel like in college having access to abortion and reproductive rights is

really important.”

Trump’s stance on abortion access has been contradictory.

During his first term in office, he appointed three Supreme Court justices who voted in the majority in the 6-3 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. In March, Trump suggested that he would support a nationwide ban on abortion after 15 weeks’ gestation, while in 2017 he supported a House bill to ban abortion nationwide after 20 weeks. He also has said that he believes states should determine their own abortion policies.

The election results drove

some parents in Democratic DC to take a more hands-on approach to their senior’s college process. Senior Tabitha Haythe said that her mom removed Texas A&M from her list following Trump’s win. She said the decision was influenced by the school’s status as a predominantly white institution located in a red state. “Texas A&M used to be my top choice,” Haythe said.

For transgender students, concerns over restricted access to LGBTQ healthcare also will likely play a significant role in college decisions. “As a transgender student applying to colleges, I have to consider the area’s

safety—especially anti-transgender legislature that has been introduced,” senior Jax Downey said.

Agenda47, the 2024 GOP platform, details the Republican party’s plans to revoke previous policies on gender-affirming care. Trump referred to such care as “a process that includes giving kids puberty blockers, mutating their physical appearance, and ultimately performing surgery on minor children” in a public video posted to his campaign website in February 2023.

“Since the election, I’ve had to do more research on the state governments at my top schools and

their views on transgender issues. I have concerns about my ability to continue receiving my hormone treatment in certain states after Trump takes office,” Downey said. Regardless of local political agendas, Huta said she would be uncomfortable in a conservative environment. “I don’t want to have to go into my college town and see a bunch of Trump flags,” she said.

Added Downey, “The election results have caused me to reconsider some of my top choices, as well as begin thinking about applying to international schools.”•

Powderpuff: tradición y rivalidad entre grados

Kalplana Shipler

Emely Mejia Editoras Junior

Powderpuff es uno de los eventos más esperados cada otoño. Durante una tarde, los roles se invierten: las chicas juegan al fútbol americano, y los chicos son los porristas. Las jugadoras siempre tienen a un entrenador del equipo de fútbol americano y se preparan durante las semanas previas al partido. Powderpuff es un evento que une a la comunidad y a los estudiantes de JacksonReed.

Lila Ellenbogen, estudiante de noveno grado, participó en la actividad para hacer algo emocionante y divertido con sus amigos. "Pensé que era algo divertido para hacer con mis amigos,” dijo. También agregó que

“recomendaría a otros que lo hicieran". A pesar de que los juniors anotaron muchos puntos, los seniors ganaron el partido. A lo largo del tiempo, se ha especulado mucho sobre si el juego siempre está arreglado para que los mayores ganen, pero nunca se ha demostrado. Cuando preguntamos a Lila si el juego fue injusto, ella confirmó: “Sí, el juego estaba arreglado para que los mayores ganaran. Primero, el tiempo seguía corriendo cuando no había jugadoras en la cancha, y segundo, no sabíamos que era 10 contra 10; pensamos que era 7 contra 7.” Sin embargo, Lila tuvo una experiencia divertida y quiere participar otra vez. Olivia Heinemann, estudiante de 12º grado, dijo que lleva dos años participando en este

evento. “Es mi último año y fue una buena oportunidad para crear muchos recuerdos con mi clase,” comentó. También mencionó que su parte favorita de Powderpuff fue “cuando ganamos, todos empezaron a celebrar en la cancha.” Heinemann recomendaría a otros participar en este evento escolar ya que es una forma de salir de la zona de confort y crear nuevos recuerdos de una manera divertida.

Aunque Powderpuff genera algunas controversias, sigue siendo un evento muy divertido tanto para los jugadores como para los espectadores. Si quieres participar, vivirás una experiencia emocionante de unión comunitaria y la oportunidad de salir de tu zona de confort. •

Impacto de la presidencia de Trump en la educación pública

La segunda presidencia de Trump tendrá inmensas repercusiones en la educación pública en los Estados Unidos. Trump planea combatir la “ideología woke” en las escuelas censurando los planes de estudio, devolviendo las decisiones sobre educación al nivel del estado y aumentando las barreras para los estudiantes LGBTQ+ en las escuelas.

Uno de los 20 objetivos principales de su presidencia, detallado en el sitio web de la campaña de Trump, es “recortar los fondos federales para cualquier escuela que promueva la teoría crítica de la raza, la ideología radical de género y otros contenidos raciales, sexuales o políticos inapropiados para nuestros hijos.” Según el Proyecto 2025 y la campaña de Trump, cualquier escuela que discuta la diversidad, los prejuicios raciales

y los derechos LGBTQ+ en su plan de estudios sería elegible para ser desfinanciada. Esto significa que las escuelas de todo el país podrían perder financiamiento simplemente por abordar dichos temas. En Jackson-Reed, la diversidad es un tema que se discute regularmente en muchas clases. Bajo la presidencia de Trump, JR tendría que reducir la enseñanza sobre diversidad o enfrentarse a las consecuencias de financiamiento, y ciertas clases, como Estudios Afroamericanos, podrían ser prohibidas. En algunos estados, la censura que podría venir con la presidencia de Trump ya es una realidad. Ariel Alford, profesor de AP Estudios Afroamericanos e Historia Mundial I en JR, solía enseñar en una escuela pública de Virginia. El gobernador Younkin de Virginia estableció en 2022 una línea de denuncias para todas las escuelas secundarias de VA (que desde entonces ha sido cerrada) donde estudiantes

y padres podían reportar a los profesores por hablar sobre temas “divisivos”. En un momento, un grupo de estudiantes de Alford lo reportó “por no tener una bandera estadounidense en [su] salón de clases y por enseñar de una manera antipatriótica”. Aunque la única consecuencia final fue tener que hablar con los estudiantes y escuchar sus preocupaciones, Alford observó cómo “incluso esta pequeña idea de que los padres y estudiantes pudieran reportar a los profesores envalentonó y empoderó a los estudiantes” para presentar informes, desalentando a los profesores de educar sobre temas controvertidos. Como señala Alford, “todas estas cosas que tememos que sucedan ya se han implementado, solo que no en DC”. Con un segundo mandato de Trump, estos ataques a la libertad de expresión y a la diversidad en las escuelas de muchos estados conservadores podrían expandirse a nivel nacional. Trump también planea

El impacto de las elecciones en las

Peyton Shum

Avani Patel Editora Junior Colaboradora

Las elecciones de 2024 trajeron consigo la posibilidad de romper el ciclo continuo de hombres dirigiendo nuestro país. Esa oportunidad ahora está destrozada. Si la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris hubiera ganado, las mujeres se habrían sentido empoderadas y motivadas al ver a una mujer en una posición que siempre ha sido dominada por hombres, y las mujeres se habrían sentido más inspiradas para su propio futuro. En cambio, un violador, criminal y estafador fue elegido para liderar el país. Con

sus puntos de vista misóginos, sus perspectivas pro-vida y más, la segunda presidencia de Donald Trump tendrá un efecto terrible en las mujeres de Estados Unidos, quitándoles su seguridad y libertad. Trump ha hecho comentarios asombrosamente sexistas a lo largo de los años; en una grabación filtrada de 2005 que salió a la luz en 2016, habló sobre las mujeres, diciendo: "Simplemente empiezo a besarlas. Es como un imán. Solo beso. Ni siquiera espero". ¿Cómo se supone que las mujeres se sientan seguras bajo un presidente que abiertamente desea agredirlas?

En discursos recientes, Trump ha mencionado frecuentemente que quiere proteger a las mujeres, haciendo que sus comunidades

sean más seguras. Cuando sus asesores le aconsejaron que no dijera esa línea, él rechazó el consejo y les dijo: "Voy a hacerlo, les guste o no a las mujeres. Voy a protegerlas". ¿Cómo puede ser esto cierto cuando estas dos frases se contradicen entre sí?

Debido a que Trump también fue hallado culpable de agresión sexual, enfrentó una falta de votantes femeninas, una clara señal de cómo la victoria de Trump afectará a las mujeres. Envía un mensaje a los hombres en todo el país de que hay pocas consecuencias por cometer una violación. De hecho, uno aún puede llegar a ser presidente. Además, sus creencias crearán políticas injustas y perjudiciales para las mujeres,

atacar los derechos LGBTQ+ en las escuelas, especialmente en los equipos deportivos. Ya existe legislación en muchos estados sobre la prohibición de ciertos contenidos en los planes de estudio, restricciones en la atención médica y revelaciones forzadas en las escuelas (un requisito para que los estudiantes transgénero identifiquen que son transgénero); estas políticas podrían convertirse en federales o más fáciles de implementar a nivel estatal

Además, Trump es un gran defensor de la elección de escuela, permitiendo a las familias elegir sus opciones educativas. En el pasado, ha dicho que “va a tomar el Departamento de Educación, cerrarlo en Washington, [y] dejar que los estados manejen su educación.”

Como parte de su apoyo a la elección de escuela, él lucha por los vales de matrícula para escuelas privadas, que ayudan a subsidiar la matrícula de escuelas

mujeres

como las prohibiciones del aborto.

Desde el inicio de su campaña en 2016, el expresidente Trump siempre ha sido pro-vida. En su primer mandato, el presidente Trump nombró a tres jueces en la Corte Suprema que anularon Roe v. Wade en 2022. Esto puso fin a las leyes que habían estado en pie en el país durante casi medio siglo y dejó las leyes sobre el aborto en manos de los estados. Muchos temen que con la anulación de Roe, algunos estados puedan volver a su era anterior a Roe, donde el aborto era completamente ilegal. Ahora que el presidente Trump ha ganado las elecciones presidenciales de 2024, no se sabe qué tiene en mente para las mujeres y sus derechos reproductivos.

privadas para las familias. Los vales escolares privados tienden a ayudar a las familias ricas a ahorrar dinero en matrícula y a reducir el financiamiento para las escuelas públicas, dejando a estas con menos fondos federales y estudiantes. Aunque los vales ofrecen más opciones de escuela, aquellos que no pueden acceder a ellos se quedan con menos dinero y recursos para su educación. Eliminar el Departamento de Educación eliminaría toda supervisión federal del financiamiento escolar, la ayuda financiera y la discriminación, permitiendo que los estados tomen estas decisiones por su cuenta. Los estados podrían financiar las escuelas públicas como quisieran y enseñar lo que deseen.

Ya sea que apoyes o no las políticas de Trump, los próximos cuatro años cambiarán enormemente la educación pública en Estados Unidos. •

Algunos creen que, dado que Trump ha logrado su objetivo de anular Roe v. Wade, retrocederá y dejará las decisiones sobre el aborto en manos de los estados. Sin embargo, una abrumadora mayoría no está de acuerdo. Médicos, políticos y defensores de los derechos reproductivos temen que Trump pueda buscar una prohibición federal del aborto, a pesar de que recientemente dijo que está de acuerdo con un máximo de 15 semanas.

A todos los que se sienten preocupados y confundidos sobre el futuro, los entendemos. A medida que ingresamos juntos en esta nueva etapa, esperamos que los derechos de las mujeres no sean ignorados. •

FOTO POR ELI SCHWARTZ

TRADICIÓN Y DIVERSIÓN - Los niños animan a las niñas mientras ellas juegan un partido de fútbol americano.

Clara Doyle Editora Técnica de Web

La razón por la que Trump ganó el voto latino

Elena Arbelaez Colaboradora

estereotipo racista de "border hopper", plantea la pregunta: ¿Por qué los latinos apoyarían a tal candidato?

A pesar de la historia de comentarios ofensivos de Trump, muchos votantes latinos no ven estos comentarios como

La segunda razón para el apoyo a Trump es la desconfianza hacia las políticas de izquierda entre muchos latinoamericanos. Habiendo dejado países con historias de gobiernos radicales de izquierda o comunistas, algunos inmigrantes latinos son reactivos a cualquier legislación socialista, como los subsidios para los nuevos propietarios de vivienda y la educación, más comunes en el Partido Demócrata. Este temor es particularmente fuerte dentro de la comunidad cubanoamericana, que históricamente ha huido del comunismo en Cuba. La retórica de Trump oponiéndose al "socialismo" resonó con estos votantes e incluso llevó al condado de Miami-Dade a votar por los republicanos por primera vez en casi 40 años. Finalmente, hay un descontento creciente con el Partido Demócrata entre los votantes latinos. Mientras que los demócratas pueden hacer gestos o declaraciones que parecen inclusivas, muchos latinos sienten que con

frecuencia se pasan por alto sus necesidades. Por ejemplo, la inflación bajo el presidente Biden ha golpeado fuerte a la clase trabajadora, afectando a las comunidades latinas de manera desproporcionada. Además, algunos latinos que esperaban reformas migratorias progresistas bajo el liderazgo demócrata se sintieron defraudados por la falta de cambios significativos. La postura más neutral de la vicepresidenta Harris sobre la inmigración solo profundizó este sentimiento.

En una era en la que la política de identidad ha influido en los patrones de votación, no parece ser suficiente para el grupo minoritario más grande de Estados Unidos. En 2016, alrededor del 28% de los votantes latinos votaron por Trump, en 2024, se estima un enorme 46%. Para recuperar los votos latinos, los demócratas necesitan centrarse menos en el simbolismo y trabajar para resolver mejor las preocupaciones reales de la comunidad latina. •

¡Bienvenidos de nuevo al zoologico, pandas!

desde China, dos pandas gigantes llegaron al aeropuerto internacional de Dulles en un avión de carga de FedEx. Los pandas, Bao Li y Qing Bao, harán su debut en público en el Zoológico Nacional el próximo mes de enero. Esta ocasión trascendental marca el regreso de los pandas gigantes tras casi un año de ausencia.

El macho de dos años Bao Li -cuyo nombre significa “tesoro” y “enérgico” en chino mandarín- nació el 4 de agosto de 2021 en el Centro de Conservación e Investigación del Panda Gigante de China (CCRCGP) de padre An An y madre Bao Bao. La madre de Bao Li no solo nació en el Zoológico Nacional e Instituto de Biología de la Conservación (NZCBI) del Smithsonian en 2013, sino que sus abuelos, Tian Tian y Mei Xiang, vivieron en el NZCBI de 2000 a 2023, donde ejercieron de embajadores de su especie.

La hembra de dos años Qing Bao -cuyo nombre significa «verde» y «tesoro» en chino mandarín- nació el 12 de septiembre de 2021 en el CCRCGP, de padre Qing Qing y madre Jia Mei. Qing. El nombre de su padre evoca el hábitat exuberante y montañoso por el que deambulan los pandas gigantes en libertad.

El 8 de noviembre de 2023, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang

las renovaciones en el recinto de los pandas comenzaron casi inmediatamente después de su marcha. El zoo afirma haber mejorado tanto el recinto interior como el exterior con el fin de mejorar la seguridad de los pandas, así como el espacio para deambular. Los responsables del zoo declararon que “el nuevo mobiliario permanente animará a los pandas a utilizar sus comportamientos naturales para explorar, hacer ejercicio, buscar comida, jugar y descansar”. Estas mejoras enriquecedoras incluyen nuevas estructuras rocosas con estanques poco profundos, soportes de bambú para buscar comida, estructuras de escalada de varios niveles y artículos de enriquecimiento para estimular las habilidades físicas y cognitivas de los pandas».

Un portavoz del Zoológico Nacional dijo que de los casi dos millones de visitantes que recibió el zoo el año pasado, la mayoría había pasado para ver a los pandas. De enero a mayo, el número de visitantes descendió un 23% respecto al mismo periodo del año anterior, como consecuencia directa de la ausencia de los pandas y del mal tiempo durante las vacaciones de primavera.

Según la emisora WAMU 88.5 de la American University, Baked by Yael, una panadería

kosher situada frente al zoo, no dejó de vender sus «panda pops» el invierno y la primavera pasados. Su propietaria, Yael Krigman, afirma que los pandas -y el turismo que los rodea- son fundamentales para su negocio. «No es barato tener una tienda en Connecticut Avenue, y en gran parte dependemos del tráfico del zoo», explica Krigman. “Cuando hace buen tiempo y los pandas están fuera, el negocio va viento en popa para el zoo y también para nosotros. Cuando el tiempo no es bueno o cuando los pandas se van, el negocio no es grande para nosotros”. Tradicionalmente, los pandas gigantes simbolizan la paz y la amistad para China, y

cuando Tian Tian y Mei Xiang abandonaron el zoo en un momento en que empezaban a aumentar las tensiones diplomáticas entre China y EE.UU. fue preocupante para muchos. Según la BBC, los dos primeros pandas fueron enviados a Estados Unidos en 1941 como regalo de China por el entonces Presidente Chiang Kai-Shek por ayudar a los refugiados chinos durante la guerra del país con Japón en 1941. No fue hasta 1972, cuando China regaló a Japón dos pandas, Kang Kang y Lan Lan, que ambos países normalizaron sus relaciones diplomáticas. Por lo general, una pareja de pandas se envía al Zoológico Nacional del Smithsonian con un acuerdo

de 10 años. El acuerdo de 10 años de Tian Tain y Mei Xiang se prorrogó 3 veces antes de que partieran debido a tensiones y a su avanzada edad. Durante su estancia en el zoo, los cachorros de panda que nacían eran enviados a China a los 4 años. En una entrevista telefónica con el Washington Post, el secretario del Smithsonian, Lonnie G. Bunch III, declaró: «Me complace mucho que el Smithsonian pueda hacer algo que haga sonreír a Washington. No quería ser el secretario del Smithsonian que perdiera los pandas, así que me comprometí de verdad a asegurarme de que los recuperáramos». •

GRAPHIC BY

DCIAA comeback: Girls' soccer reclaims title

Noa Gordon Sports Editor

On October 30, the girls varsity soccer team reclaimed the crown as DCIAA champions in a 3-0 victory over School Without Walls.

With new head coach Kelle Bevine and a rebranded team culture, the Tigers have reached new heights. The team finished 18-3, their best record since 2015 and remained undefeated within regular season conference play for the fifth consecutive year.

After a bye for their ranking going into the tournament, the team began the DCIAA semifinals against Banneker on a high. “That was a game we loved to play,” said junior defender Celia Joldersma, crediting the opportunity to build confidence and find rhythm. “Most of the time that is a 10-0 win for us.” In the end, the Tigers won the game 11-1.

The Tigers came ready to play against the Penguins in the conference finals. After losing to Walls in that same game last year, the defeat was fresh on their minds. Bevine remembered the 2023 loss well: “Last year's loss was devastating. When the team was given the opportunity of a rematch a year later, [they said that they] were not gonna make that mistake again.”

In a blowout, the Tigers

were victorious, winning 3-0. A momentum building moment came early on from a corner kick by junior midfielder Sonora Hale, which set up senior captain forward Rowan McCrary for their first goal. Senior captain forward Clara Durante quickly followed up the team’s first goal with one of her own to put the Tigers up by two. Coming out of halftime, the Tigers refused to let up and continued to dominate Walls, smothering them defensively. To cap off the incredible all around performance, senior captain

forward Olivia Heinemann cemented their victory with a goal in the 63rd minute.

Atop the city once again, Bevine could only express her pride for the team. Heinemann acknowledged the value in the championship “as it represented growth in our team since last season.” Joldersma put it simply: “This could not have gone better.”

Using the momentum from the conference title, the Tigers geared up for DCSAA playoffs. For the quarterfinals, JR went up against the Maret Frogs on

their home turf. Previously this season, the Tigers went home with a tight 4-3 victory in Maret’s homecoming game. Despite the previous win, the girls were not overconfident, as Heinemann said that the game was “scary at first,” but they managed to go “in with confidence.”

The Frogs proved no match for the Tigers, who won 3-0.

Unfortunately, this continued momentum did not carry the team through the rest of DCSAA playoffs. Though the Tigers lost to the eventual champions St. Johns

against Walls last year. in the semifinals with a score of 1-0, the girls didn’t let the loss define their season. In all, the Tigers remember their incredible 18-3 record and DCIAA championship. Bevine is already looking toward next year and is focused on how to rebuild the program, since the team is losing eight starting seniors. “How can we make sure we put together the strongest team going forward? I'm looking forward to that.” Bevine is optimistic and knows that next season will be both “a challenge and fun.” •

Volleyball coach Arrington surpasses 500 wins

Grace Harscheid Contributor

On October 31, head coach Dr. Perette Arrington led the varsity volleyball team to a DCIAA championship for the ninth consecutive year. That same day, Arrington recorded the 505th win in her 25 years of leading the program.

In all, Arrington has won 21 out of 23 of the program’s DCIAA titles along with claiming the championship and regular season undefeated for the ninth year straight. Ending the 2024 season, her career record with the Tigers is 506-118. Even against non-league competition,

they remained dominant and finished as semifinalists in this year’s DCSAA volleyball playoffs.

It’s not easy for a team to remain on top, especially in such a rigorous sport. Arrington’s competitive spirit, passion for volleyball, and excellent coaching has kept the team motivated. She explained that the challenge is what she loves about volleyball: “It's a complicated sport and that has lots of nuances. Not everybody can do it.”

This love for volleyball started when she was a player, and not just as a coach. She played at nearby Oxon Hill High School and racked up a resumé full of success; she

and her fellow Lady Clippers were crowned Prince George’s county champions and 4A division state finalists. She went on to play D1 volleyball at Seton Hall University and earned her bachelor's in psychology.

The lessons and skills she learned playing volleyball compelled her to give back to other female athletes. She carries this responsibility with pride, ensuring the student-athletes she coaches develop their skills while feeling passionate about what they do on and off the court.

In 1998, Arrington got her start at Jackson-Reed as a master’s-level school psychologist, but something was missing. She wanted to coach

BY JANE WALLACE

the volleyball team. It wasn’t until 2002 that she became varsity head coach. Although she paused her work to pursue her doctorate, she never gave up her coaching role, even if it meant commuting from Gaithersburg to DC.

Arrington wants the best for her players and strives to prepare them for not only the next level of the sport, but for life. So, she coaches her team like a college program. She wants to train them harder than they expect, believing that if you coach at the same level currently played, athletes will never progress.

She not only sees their potential, but expands on it, creating a path for her players to go as far as they’re willing to go.

“I always say I have a crystal ball because I can see the potential in a player. I can see where they can be one, two, three, four years from now, and they don't even know how good they can become,” Arrington said. “I'm training my players the way I was trained, with the same level, feedback and the correction [as] that's the only way you can grow in the sport.”

If they end up not doing so well, or losing a game, Arrington will take the time to review it in practice. She routinely goes over the “do’s and don’ts” of volleyball and gives her players constructive feedback.

As she is also the school’s psychologist, Arrington incorporates that knowledge into coaching. If she notices a player being down on themselves during practice, she pulls them to the side and has a heart-toheart conversation with them. Although in a game situation there is less time to talk, she still will quickly pull them to the side and make comments such as “get out of your own way” and “you've got this!”

Even though Arrington has a winning mindset, she prioritizes the other outcomes of team sports. She believes that learning the game directly correlates to developing a sisterhood, memories that will last a lifetime, and confidence that will help later in life. As a coach who pushes her players to be the best they can be, Arrington is passionate about what she does and the impact she has on her players. Ultimately, she wants them to carry her lessons with them throughout their lives. From one strong female athlete to another, “we are competitors and it's okay to be tough. It's okay to go hard. It's not just men that are competitors. Women's sports is another glass ceiling that we have to break.” •

PHOTO

500 AND COUNTING - Dr. Perette Arrington has been the varsity volleyball coach for 25 years. She eclipsed 500 wins on October 21

BY DANIEL KREPPS

CHAMPS AGAIN - Girls soccer team poses with their medals after winning the DCIAA championship. They beat School Without Walls 3-0, reclaiming their title after losing 1-0

New coach sparks hope for girls' basketball team

Landon Green Contributor

As the 2024-25 girls' basketball season approaches, the team is looking to make it to the DCIAA and DCSAA playoffs and win it all this season. During the offseason, the program made some key changes, one of which was the acquisition of Varsity Head Coach Stephon Seraile, Director of Climate and Culture here at JR.

A native Washingtonian, Seraile is a former hooper (and football player) who was introduced to the game as a child at St. Jerome’s Academy. From there, he went on to play for

Sam Bigge Junior Editor

DeMatha Catholic High School and Morehouse College. Seraile got his start coaching basketball while being a middle school teacher. “One of the parents asked me if I wanted to coach AAU basketball. I had been coaching boys for a minute, but I decided to make the pivot and coach girls basketball,” Seraile said.

For about a year, Seraile put a pause on coaching after the birth of his daughter but became interested in getting back to it after watching the girls' team play last season. “I was coaching at Good Counsel High School for two seasons and as well as college basketball before I came here,” he said. “After seeing the girls play and wanting to get back into coaching,

it was brought to my attention that there would be a potential opening for next season. I said that I would definitely take a look at it and eventually I accepted the job.”

Seraile was one addition to a revamped coaching staff. Additionally, four-year JR basketball coach and ninth grade lead dean Aireon Boone was named assistant coach, along with Kelly Oeltjenbruns, Lawrence Leonard, and Dave Mason. The Tigers begin their season on December 2 against Bishop O’Connell.

In terms of preparation for the season, Seraile noted the team has been conditioning and doing skills work to get in shape and continue to hone their game. “The focus has

been on getting stronger, faster, and better, working hard, that’s the biggest thing.”

This season, Seraile hopes that the Tigers will work hard, play hard, and ultimately give their all every time they step on the court, regardless of whether it's at practice or in a game. “That’s my main expectation, I want them to have fun with the game of basketball, create lifelong bonds with one another, and fall in love with the process of getting better every single day,” he said. “If they do that, everything else will fall into place.”

That starts with a strong culture Seraile and his fellow coaches have implemented. “The girls should know that they are all

respected members of the school community and they should value the experience of being studentathletes while carrying themselves with class.”

Seraile believes that young hoopers hoping to play at the next level need to be comfortable with failure. “Everything isn’t always going to come easy, you can’t just expect quick results with this game because it’s not gonna happen,” he said. “The important thing is that you use that failure to continue to drive yourself forward.” Seraile often advises his athletes to ask themselves these questions: “What are you doing to get better? Are you using your time productively or are you simply wasting it?” •

Boys' soccer falls short in postseason

After turning around their regular season, the magic of the boys varsity soccer team ran out in the playoffs.

The team finished as semifinalists in the DCIAA playoffs and quarterfinalists in states. It was the first season the program fell short of winning either championship since 2021.

“We lost so much talent with seniors graduating and had to build with our new team to begin the season. We really learned how important passion is for the game over talent,” said senior defender Max Fotter. “Some of these teams weren’t as good as us talent wise, but wanted it more than us.”

“Once we had that great mix of passion and talent later on in the year, we felt unstoppable. It was just about how consistent we could be with both in the playoffs,” Fotter added.

After their season opener was forfeited by Roosevelt, the Tiger’s first game of the season was at home against one of their biggest rivals, St John’s. The match was closely fought and very competitive, but the scoreboard said otherwise, as the Tigers lost 3-0.

Despite the result, things were still looking up for the Tigers, but in mid-September things took a turn for the worse. After losses to DC International and Coolidge, the latter being their first regular season DCIAA loss since 2019, it

was clear that the team had fallen short of establishing a proper identity.

“We needed to stay serious in training,” said junior goalkeeper Jonah Beers. “I’d be warming up with the other goalies, I’d look around and see all of the team not really being serious, so we gotta work on that for next year.”

Things would get worse before they got better. When the team lost 6-0 at the hands of St. Albans, it was the confirmation that this was not the old boys soccer team. However, following this monumental loss, fortunes appeared to turn around for the Tigers.

They would close out the regular season on a nine game winning streak, with nonconference wins coming against Sidwell and Eleanor Roosevelt.

A little over one month from their slow start, the Tigers would end the regular season with two season defining wins, a 3-0 victory over Bell, who are historically their biggest conference opponent, and a 1-0 triumph over Washington International School, their first win over them since 2017.

Despite a fairly rocky regular season, the Tigers went into the DCIAA playoffs in the best form they had been in all season. Everything was going to plan in their quarterfinal match against Cardozo, with the Tigers leading 2-0 with 20 minutes left in the game. Then, Cardozo scored two goals within three minutes to tie the game, in a matchup that was expected to be an easy Tigers win.

This would send the match to extra time, and before the game went into penalty kicks the Tigers

came across heroics. A cleared ball in overtime fell to sophomore midfielder Paxton Sand, who took one touch with his chest, before smashing the ball into the top left corner to score a beauty of a winner.

“I just hit it, and after I did I thought, wow that actually went in,” said Sand.

Despite the eventual win, the team knew that they shouldn’t have been in that position to begin with. When the DCIAA semifinal came around, the team knew they would need a better performance in order to make it to their fourth consecutive DCIAA championship. They faced a Bell team they had put three goals on just two weeks prior, but struggled with getting the ball upfield and couldn’t match the pace of their opponents. Ultimately, they lost

the semifinals 2-0.

Even with dropping out of the city tournament, the season wasn’t over yet. The Tigers would begin their DCSAA campaign with a first round clash against Washington Latin. However, just like their city playoff game against Cardozo, the Tigers would give up a two goal lead late on, as the match would end 3-3 forcing another extra time. Just like the Cardozo match, the Tigers would win the game off of individual brilliance, as senior captain Quinn McInerney dribbled past two defenders and beat the goalie at his near post for a goal, giving the Tigers a 4-3 win. The team had survived another nail-biting game.

In the state semifinal game, the Tigers matched up against St. Albans. The first half of the game was close, staying knotted at zero for 35 minutes as each team missed opportunities. However, St. Albans would score twice just before halftime, and run away with the second half, finishing the game 8-0 and ending the Tigers season in cruel fashion. “I don’t think those losses to St. Albans reflected how we play as a team,” said senior Luther Sand. “In the first half, we showed we were playing better, but over time we kinda just fell apart.”

Those sentiments overarch the team’s season. The end of year results spoke the message of what could’ve been. Now, the team is motivated entering the off-season stretch looking to retool after falling short. •

Get ready to shred: What you need to demolish the slopes

With lots of snow (hopefully) around the corner, people are excited to get on the slopes. Whether that means skiing or snowboarding, there are a couple of things those planning a snowbased excursion should know.

The first thing is gear. Though renting the basic gear at the mountain seems most efficient, there are better ways. One method is to rent your gear for a season. At ski stores such as Sun & Ski Sports

located in Falls Church, Virginia, you can rent gear for as long as you need. By renting beforehand, you can skip the rental lines in the morning and get straight to the slopes to maximize your ski time. The second way to skip the lines and get your gear ahead of time is to buy them secondhand. Sun & Ski Sports also has a vast selection of nice secondhand gear for a lot cheaper than new ones. When you rent gear at the mountain, it is often overused, making it more uncomfortable and less functional during your time on the slopes. When you rent

for a season or buy secondhand, your gear is nicer and the hassle of needing to rent gear every time you want to go skiing is eliminated. The next thing to tend to is your ski passes. The obvious option is to buy a day pass. A pass at ski resorts like Liberty or Whitetail will set you back around $60 for a day of skiing. Another option is the Epic or Ikon passes, which are season long passes to a variety of different mountains. These are best if you plan to do a lot of skiing or plan to ski at different mountains. The price of such passes are always changing

but usually around $1000, which in many cases can be cheaper than buying all of your passes at the window day of. The Ikon and Epic passes are different because they serve two distinct mountains, and the closest mountains to us, Liberty and Whitetail, are Epic. There is no end as to what you can bring to make your experience nicer, but you should definitely have the essentials. It can get very windy on the peak, so it is important to be warm. Long underwear, gloves, snow jackets, and a ski mask are pretty basic musts, but if you want to step it

up, you can purchase foot and hand warmers. Slip them into your boots and gloves and you are sure to be toasty.

As far as safety on the slope, a helmet and a good pair of goggles are crucial. Every year, accidents happen on the ski slopes and result in serious injuries, which could have been avoided if helmets were worn. Goggles are also a necessity as they protect your eyes from snow and wind as well as helping you see where you are heading.

With all these tips and tricks, I hope to see you out there! •

James Fowlkes Contributor

PHOTO BY DANIEL KREPPS

HUDDLING UP - The boys varsity soccer team built comradery to finish their regular season strong, but was unable to carry that momentum to the postseason, ending in the DCIAA semifinals and DCSAA quarterfinals. The boys look to bounce back next season, despite losing a handful of impactful seniors.

In a down football season, senior Aidan Giles shines

Justin Glenn Sports Editor

Although the football season concluded with another 1-9 record, there’s opportunity for individual success. On the gridiron, senior Aidan Giles did so by excelling as both running back and linebacker this fall.

On November 8, Giles became the first varsity football player since 2019 to record over 600 all purpose yards. He is the first Tiger to do so since Elizabeth State University half-back Rashard Biggs, a 2020 JR alum, who recorded over 1,700 yards five years ago.

“I would just put credit toward playing varsity football for three years,” said Giles, speaking of his formality to the competition. “I’ve gotten the experience of the game and have been able to adjust to the speed of it.”

Playing both offense and defense, the senior recorded 466 yards rushing, 162 receiving, seven total touchdowns, four interceptions, and 26 tackles. He led the team in rushing, total

touchdowns, and defensive turnovers.

“Knowing it was my senior year I came into the season having the mentality of being ‘that guy,’” said Giles, referencing being depended on through availability and production. “Knowing the team would depend on me and count on big plays is what I thought of.”

Giles had over 100 carries in the backfield at running back for the Tigers. He accounted for 35% of the team’s offensive plays.

“[Giles’] season has been remarkable, excelling on offense, defense, and special teams. With those stats, he’s demonstrated versatility and resilience across the field,” said head varsity football coach and math teacher Jason Strickland.

“He has consistently delivered in all phases of the game, making him an invaluable asset to our team. His work ethic and ability to impact every facet of the game set a high standard,” Strickland added. “He truly embodied what it means to be a complete and committed player this season.”

That commitment started as an incoming freshman during the COVID-19 pandemic during workouts.

“I was doing workouts over at RFK field working out kids from other schools. A lot of them were Wilson kids at the time, trying to keep them active and close to football once we got the chance to play again,” said former JR varsity football head coach, current Restorative Practice coordinator/12th Grade Dean, and Giles’s football mentor Minoso Rodgers. “[Giles] was one of the first eighth graders I met that was a Wilson incoming freshman. His first workout, he really showed his attention to detail, he would do mental reps on the side when it wasn’t his turn. He’s coachable, he's trying his best and gives it his all.”

In a game this fall against St. Albans, Giles ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Later on in the season, he had a four game interception streak.

Rodgers noted that going the extra mile of joining the track team last off-season is what has allowed

“You got to see it on the field this year. You saw him stand out, big runs he made in the beginning of the season and big defensive plays he made in the end of the year,” Rodgers said. “He was always on the field but never complained. At the college level he has the ability to be an excellent player. can take him, he’s not going to get in his own way.”

Giles, like the rest of his fellow senior teammates, will now continue the phase of college recruitment.

“Hopefully after gathering my film and sending it out to coaches` I can find a situation where I feel comfortable going and spend my

From robotics to crew, there's a winter sport for you

Idan Kumin Contributor

nationally-ranked boys basketball team.

For the first time in recent memory, the Washington Commanders are off to a stellar start. Following a despicable 2023 campaign, ending 4-13 with the worst point differential in the league, the 7-4 Commanders sit second in the NFC East standings through eleven weeks. The question is: how long will this last? Are the Commanders a legitimate team, or do they just have an easy schedule?

The Commanders’ success this year has been largely attributed to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and rightfully so. Daniels has been off to a strong start: ninth in the league in completion percentage, fifth in

teams: varsity boys, girls, novice boys, and novice girls. Robotics is winter sports. The team uses advanced tools such as a laser engraver, 3D printer, drill press, band saw, a variety of saws, and power tools to achieve precision and success in their award-winning designs. Their highly advanced robots lead the team to an overall victory in the citywide regional robotics competition. With tons of sports, especially in the wintertime, each team needs lots of support and school spirit to continue their respective traditions of success. See you in the stands! •

New look: Commanders are off to a successful start

As of now, Daniels looks like the franchise quarterback the Commanders have been looking for. Though he could throw more touchdowns and more could be seen from him late in close games, as of now, there is little to worry about among Washington fans. The rest of their offense is excellent, especially the run game. With running back Brian Robinson leading the charge (as well as Daniels’ scrambling contributions), the Commanders are third in the league in rushing yards and first in rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is the obvious standout among pass catchers, continuing to be elite in his sixth year in the league. The O-line has

the division will be week sixteen at home. A win against the Eagles will prove they’re legit and can

highest pass block win rate and second-highest run block win rate in the league. This improved line gives Daniels much more protection than they gave Sam Howell last year, ensuring a safe pocket for Daniels to work in. Overall, this offense is special and could be a serious problem for NFC defenses come January. On the other side of the ball, their defense is passable. Their secondary unit is mediocre, allowing a completion percentage around 70% and a passer rating over 100. Their pass rush is better, having 29 sacks through eleven

defensive end Chase Young was still here. Before punching their ticket into the Super Bowl, the Commanders need to beat some better teams. According to ESPN, they have the second-lowest strength of victory in the NFC. The best team they have beaten so far is probably the 6-4 Cardinals. They beat them in week four and haven’t beat any above .500 team since. The team they need to beat is their strongest division rival, the Eagles. They just lost to them in Philadelphia, so their last chance to beat them and potentially take

This has been a season Commanders fans should be proud of. A team that just a season ago looked like it had no future is now one of the best in the league. That being said, with the NFC full of uber-elite teams like the Lions and the Vikings, getting past them for a spot in the Super Bowl may be too tall of a task for the Commanders. Daniels has no playoff experience, and their defense probably won’t be enough to mitigate the best offenses in the league. While they’ve been great, Commanders fans will likely have to wait a little bit longer before they see the team’s first bowl appearance in over three decades. •

PHOTO BY NABI YEMANE

GLORIOUS GILES - Despite a tumultous season, senior Aidan Giles showed out as a two-way player.

GRAPHIC BY

Tessa Frantz

Cecelia Grant Junior Editor

From Christmas socks and holiday pillows to matching pajamas, ‘tis the season for the cheesiest holiday finds. Amongst all these colorfully outrageous picks, we’ve found the most ridiculous and extravagant decorations to spark your holiday spirit.

Cheez-it Christmas tree ornament:

By far the cheeziest (pun intended) holiday find was located at TJ-Maxx: a Cheez-It Christmas tree ornament. This one was a personal favorite. It’s a metal box, colored and shaped like a box of Cheez-Its, complete with a picture of the box, and even an accurate nutrition label on the back. A fun decoration for Cheez-It lovers, despite the fact that it’s a somewhat meaningless thing to adorn your tree with. In actuality, it doesn’t matter what you put on

The corniest holiday finds

your tree, it should be fun and what you want. Nonetheless, it begs the question, what ornaments are you willing to use to embellish the greenery in your living room, and does a fake box of everyone’s favorite cheese-flavored snack make the cut?

Lifesize nutcracker named Phil:

By its sheer size and impressive mustache alone, we knew that this couldn’t be left out. Introducing the Life Size Nutcracker Man: self-titled “Phil.” He stands at over two feet tall with a top hat and elaborate red, gold, and black outfit. While Phil may be quite elegant and striking, he takes up too much space, and unfortunately would end up in a garage sale 50 years later, alongside old magazines. With that in mind, we came to the conclusion that this is the kind of item that is a pointless buy, as it won’t be of use for more than a month a year.

Dollhouses: A less intense and strictly

Christmas-y item, this intricate dollhouse contains a variety of miniature animals in the place of the dolls that would typically live there. This house’s adorably decorated walls and featured Christmas lights could not be ignored. It showcases a festive but more muted color scheme alongside a snowy roof, and as the weather gets colder, we only wish we could live in this cozy little home, perfectly designed for winter. The only problem was that the more attention we paid to the house, the more we noticed the enormous amounts of decorations within, setting a standard to model our homes after.

Cookie carousel:

Another TJ-Maxx find was the cookie carousel, decorated to the absolute max (no pun intended!) and covered in different Christmas-themed candies. Made up of incredibly accurate details and intricate frosting designs detailed upon warm, toasty gingerbread, this carousel was absolutely

delicious looking and the perfect piece to have in your home. Decorated with cute little reindeer, a real life version of this carousel sounds like a dream and is perfect for the holiday season!

Themed dishes:

In any festive holiday store, you can easily find some kind of dishes, utensils or measuring cups made special for the season; our favorites include red and green plates with reindeer riding bikes, full sets of bowls, cups, spoons, and anything else you need for baking in various themes like gingerbread and candy cane, nutcracker-shaped cups with straws, and more. One set contained just about everything, with a sparkly rolling pin, candy cane cheese spreaders, and gingerbreadshaped corks. Every kitchen item you can imagine now comes with a festive design for the one month a year you actually bake.

Grinch Crawling Out of Mug:

This mug was so bizarre, it would be hard not to include it in our list. The mug displayed a picture of the Grinch embracing the Christmas spirit, or perhaps preparing to steal all the decorations in Whoville. Inside this festive mug, there was a ceramic mini-Grinch trying to crawl out over the brim with a mischievous grin on his face. Although (mostly) cute and good for the season, we can’t imagine seeing him around for more than the holiday season, and in reality he would spend about ten months of the year in hiding at the bottom of a closet. Watch out for this one though, if you leave him unattended you may wake up to find your Christmas tree missing.

To wrap up our list of absurd festive finds, we encourage you to go out shopping this holiday season. After all, what can’t you find a holiday decoration for, if you can find a ceramic grinch crawling out of a mug? •

The best gifts to get your loved ones this holiday season

Rose O’Leary

Emma Canedo Contributors

With the holidays coming up, we know finding the right gift can be a struggle. Let’s be honest, gift cards are nice, but they are not meaningful. If you want to find the perfect, special gift for someone, whether you’ve got a budget or not, you're in the right place!

People have always said that it’s the thought that counts, and with no budget we can make this work!

For example, a framed photo is always a good option. It’s relatively easy to put together, not too time consuming, and a great way to memorialize a special moment. They are also very versatile and can be perfect for girlfriends/ boyfriends, siblings, grandparents, and even teachers! A framed photo is a classic keepsake for a reason.

But if photos aren’t your vibe, another simple gift everyone

is guaranteed to love is candy. Including someone’s favorite candy in their gift is just another way to personalize it that much more. Plus it’s very practical; it comes in all sizes, it’s something that can be enjoyed, and it isn’t too messy, or too expensive! Even beyond candy, gifting their favorite treat or drink is always an easy way to please anyone.

And of course, you can never go wrong with a homemade card. You can really do anything with cards; go as extra as you want or keep it simple. Consider a DIY card if you want to add something personal to your gift.

In case you can’t think of a gift to get someone, need to find something last minute, or maybe you’re just broke, any of these gifts are a great way to go. But for those of us with a larger gift-giving budget, however, here are some ideas that everyone will love!

First: a weighted blanket

is truly one of the most genius inventions on the planet. It's a blanket that is always there to mimic a warm hug! What's better than that? Imagine you're missing friends from camp, or a loved one who's passed away; having a blanket like this can embody a hug that is no longer close to you, and that is the best gift anyone could give.

Second, a metal water bottle. Yes, this gift is basic, but it really is life changing. Metal water bottles are insanely overpriced, which is why they are such a great gift to receive. So many people are too stubborn to buy themselves a metal water bottle, but when it's a hot summer day, and their water is the same temperature as the air around them, they are going to wish they had something to keep it cold. So do your stubborn friends and family members a favor and get them that metal water bottle. Finally, arts and crafts are

always a hit. Paint by number, crochet supplies, glitter tattoos, or any step-by-step craft will make a great gift. Crafts are a great way for people to unwind, relax, and take a step away from screens. When you give someone a gift like this you are doing them a favor by letting them take a break from their busy lives to enjoy the simplicity of art. This is a great gift for anyone overwhelmed, or those just looking for a new hobby!

gifts are definitely on the

more expensive side, but they are a great way to spoil your friends and family this holiday season! We hope this guide will help you make the holidays just that much merrier! Happy holidays

How to keep spirits up this winter in DC

We all need an escape to keep our spirits high before winter break when the cold and dark days replace warm weather and sunny moods. Luckily, DC has many fun and affordable activities to keep the season festive! Here is our list of the top activities to keep us entertained (and sane) through the holiday countdown!

Kalpana Shipler

Section Copy Editor

Junior Editor

An extremely popular activity, Zoolights features lights, live music, and food stalls. The event goes from November 22 through January 4 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, from 5-9 pm. Animal lights line the zoo walkways and illuminate the trees, creating a colorful and joyful path.

Although extremely busy during the holidays, Georgetown is another picturesque option, with lights and holiday decorations galore. From holiday shopping to hot chocolate at cute cafes, there are a variety of activities to choose from. A favorite for all age groups is ice skating at the Washington Harbor rink, which opens November

18 and closes February 23. Not only is it right by the Georgetown waterfront, but there are also many restaurants perfect for grabbing a warm bite away from the cold.

Another winter must is the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, open November 22 through December 15, offering an open-air shopping experience filled with winter charm. Featuring over 30 local vendors and artists, the market will showcase unique crafts and holiday treats. Immerse yourself in this cozy atmosphere and find one-of-a-kind presents for your family and friends.

Finally, the Holiday Boat Parade is a can’t-miss DC event

which takes place at the Wharf on December 8. Watch over 60 boats adorned in shining lights and dazzling holiday decor parade along the Washington Channel. This free experience offers live music, festive treats, and finishes with a firework display. Bundle up and head to the Wharf to get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank! With so many festive, affordable activities around DC there is no shortage of ways to keep spirits high this winter season. Take a break from your homework, gather your loved ones, and make the most of these magical events in the city! •

Sarah Weisenfelder

Peyton Shum Jordana Sloane Junior Editors

They say the grass is always greener on the other side, and in regards to the Tenleytown Target, it's true. The many other DMV Targets boast superior qualities, so here’s a comprehensive list to fulfill your overconsumption needs.

Tenley 4/10

Starting off with the most familiar, the only redeeming quality of this Target is its proximity to school. Other than that, it does not stand out. After school, it could take 45 minutes to get through the line. Most of the aisles are empty or locked up, and they likely don’t have what you’re

Uncovering DC’s top Target

looking for. The employees also roam the aisles and tell students to hurry up and leave. As eighth graders we dreamed of endlessly strolling those aisles, but now our hopes are crushed.

Cleveland Park 8.5/10

This unassuming Target right off of the Cleveland Park Metro takes first place in our hearts. Though seemingly small from above ground, with an abundance of clothing, food, and decorations, this store manages to fit more than Tenley. While its aisles are overcrowded and hard to navigate, they are less picked over and locked up than Tenley. It's easy accessibility via the Red Line makes up for the cramped feeling. The lines to check out aren’t long and the self-checkouts all took cash. Although we wish

it had been a bit bigger, there’s a good chance you’ll find us here in the future.

Rosslyn 3/10

Spending little time near Arlington, we didn’t know exactly what we were getting into at this Target. We had high hopes for what appears to be a giant store, but they quickly crashed and burned. First, we encountered navigational troubles finding the door, and once we entered we were met with a sparse clothing display. Some shelves were empty, and we struggled finding drinks to refresh us after our long journey (Red Line to Blue Line and a walk was too much). This Target somehow had less stuff than the Tenley Target, was much farther, and was an overall disappointment. It also had a

District Taco underneath, a clear copycat of Tenley. Columbia Heights 9/10

This Target sported the best supply of makeup, clothes, food, decorations, and other necessities. This two story Target has almost everything you would want, including a Starbucks, but the layout was slightly confusing. Located on the second floor of a mini-shopping center, Target has many other stores near it, like Best Buy and Marshalls. However, located on the Green Line, the journey to this store is long and complicated. We recommend this Target for clothes shopping, although we hate the “seven items max” rule for fitting rooms. Overall, we were surprised that DC had finally managed to produce a good sized and well stocked target.

Rockville 11/10

The Holy Grail of Targets. Immediately upon entering, the world seemed to be at our fingertips. We recommend heading first to the Starbucks to get refreshed before wandering the aisles. A mega-target, spending is easier than ever here, and the sheer abundance of items feels like heaven. A fifteen minute walk off a Red Line stop, this target is mildly inaccessible, but if you do make it there you’ll never want to leave. We go to bed dreaming of this Target replacing Tenley, but alas, it is not so.

The holiday season is upon us, and with that comes endless hours browsing the aisles. So go hop on the Red Line (or your car if you’re lucky) and go burn that cash. •

'Saturday Night': The not so humble beginnings of SNL

Elizabeth Block Junior Editor

Starting in 1975 and being a successful show ever since, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. In recognition of their fifty years of production, the movie Saturday Night brings the audience to the stressful hour-and-a-half before the show’s premiere, focusing on creator Lorne Michaels’— portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle—

attempts to get his cast and crew ready for the big moment.

From the very start of the movie, the audience is placed directly into the stress-inducing chaos experienced the night of the premiere, emphasizing the limited time before the live broadcast and uncertainty about the show’s success. Despite its fast pace, however, each main member of the ensemble cast is given their moment to shine.

George Carlin, the first ever host of SNL, was very

Indigenous artist spotlight: The impactful Mary Holiday Black

Avani Patel Contributor

Tradition keeps our history and stories alive. But what happens if these traditions don’t get passed onto the next generation? Mary Black created baskets with new techniques, allowing these stories to survive.

Mary Black (maiden name Holiday) was born around 1934 to Navajo parents. Black was the oldest of six and was expected to care for her younger siblings and the household. Black never had the chance to attend school and, at the age of eleven, learned how to weave rugs and baskets. Not only did she master the techniques of gathering, cutting, dyeing, and weaving, but she also learned about the significance and history associated with basket weaving.

In the 1950s, Black met and married Jessie Black, eventually having 11 children. Black passed her skills to their children and several of them have since become accomplished basket makers. After four decades of marriage, Jessie Black passed away in 1994. Black played a major role in the revival of basket weaving. In the 1960s, fewer Navajos weaved baskets. Many Navajo women switched from basket weaving to rug weaving as for the higher income. Not only did Black keep the tradition of basket weaving alive, but she also experimented with different designs and

techniques. However, when developing new techniques, Black received criticism from others in the community who said they felt uncomfortable with her use of religious images in her designs, soon accepting her new designs and acknowledging the decorative nature. Historically, baskets were ceremonial and representative of cultural identity, artistic expression, along with the continuation of ancient techniques. Many Native Americans didn’t write down aspects of their culture, instead passing traditions down through stories or by creating baskets and rugs.

In 1993, Black received the Utah Governor's Award for the Arts, and two years later she was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Black was the first artist from Utah to receive this award, as well as the first Navajo artist to do so. In 2013, several baskets created by the Black family were featured in a Smithsonian exhibit, “Weaving a Revolution: A Celebration of Contemporary Navajo baskets,” one of the first major museum exhibits focused on Navajo basket weaving.

Though Black passed away on December 13, 2022, her legacy continues to live on, as inspiration for not only her own children but many Navajo artists around the country. •

vocal about his distaste for the show’s premise. Playing him in Saturday Night, Matthew Rhys portrayed this to perfection despite his limited time on screen. Matt Wood brings life to long-deceased John Belushi, telling the complex story of the comedian’s disbelief in the show and unwillingness to be a part of it. Lamorne Morris demonstrates Garret Morris’ uncertainty about his own part, and Cory Michael Smith is absorbed into his role as

Chevy Chase, bringing forward the older actor’s charm, which gained him traction early in his own career. Unfortunately, most of the female cast members are sidelined besides writer Rosie Shuster, portrayed by Rachel Sennott.

Saturday Night is clearly made from a place of love, with set design eerily matching the backdrops and props used in the first episode. Jon Batiste, who does double duty with his portrayal of singer Billy Preston

and as the composer of the film, made sure to bring members of the Saturday Night Live Band to help compose the score. And the film makes sure to shout out long time art director Leo ‘Akira’ Yoshimura with an inside joke about him being gone within a week.

The film ends by reenacting the first ever skit broadcasted, stating the famous lines “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” which opens every show. •

Best chicken in Tenleytown

We’re here today to give you the top five chicken spots of Tenley. Before we jump into our list, let’s clarify what qualifies us.

After all, we are merely teenagers. First, every time we have hung out in the past four years, we have bought chicken. This year alone, we have spent over $200 on chicken. That’s not it though, we assembled a team to help us rank

way too much breading, we had to knock it down a few places. We would rank the tenders higher than the boneless wings, but to be fair we only considered nuggets. Sorry

to spit out a finger). Sorry Wawa lovers, your chicken earned itself a 2/10. Sauce did not improve the texture, but taste was ok with BBQ.

4. Popeyes: best potential We are Popeyes lovers. We

the chicken. Also, one of our team members loved the ranch, so we got a solid middle ranking. Left something to be desired, but not bad at all!

2. McDonalds: most reliable

Is it real chicken? Unclear. But you know her, you love her, she

has a good crunch, the barbeque never disappoints, and it’s very budget friendly. Mickey D’s never goes out of style (barring the recent quarter-pounder E. coli outbreak).

1. Chick-fil-A: best overall First, we do not condone their politics, this is just about chicken. It is always packed at lunch and afterschool. We were heartbroken when it shut down this summer. It is never open on Sundays, the one day we want it. It is our goto chicken spot; Chicken Felina (better known as Chick-fil-A). Mascot, crispy bits on the side of the tender, all perfect. We won’t lie, sometimes we get a bare nugget and it’s disappointing, but 99%

Amanda Chau Caroline Downs Contributors

have

SPELLING BEECON

as many words as you can! Words

be at least 4 letters

use the center letter at least once. Letters can repeat.

JACKSON-REEBUS: HOLIDAY MOVIES

By Frances Leibovich

CROSSWORD

By Simone Meisnere

PLAYTHESEGAMES ANDMOREONLINE!!!

MINI CROSSWORD

By Ben Holland

SPOT THE 12 DIFFERENCES

By Molly Troy

Crossword tips from the expert

Simone Meisnere Games Editor

A good crossword solver doesn’t always know all the answers but they do have a few tricks in their toolkit to help them crush every puzzle that comes their way. These five tips will help you improve your crosswordsolving skills and become an even better solver!

Tip one : Think about clue patterns. If a clue is in the past tense, pull out your -ED! The answer has to be in that tense as well. If a clue is plural, get your -S ready; the answer has to be plural. Lastly, if you see a foreign language in the clue, expect a foreign language answer.

Tip two: Find the easy clues! Every puzzle has them! Scan through the puzzle, find the clues you are sure about, and fill them in. Once you have letters to build on, the rest of the puzzle starts to fall into place. See anything you definitely know? Pencil it in! Are there any fill-in-the-blank clues?

Those are usually the easiest. Tip three: Don’t be afraid to erase. Solving can be scary! Use a pencil and if you think you know the answer lightly write it in but if you are unsure later, feel free to erase and try something else.

Tip four : Take breaks! Sometimes all your brain needs is a little rest before trying again. Put the puzzle away and take a look back later, sometimes things will come to you that you never saw coming!

Tip five: Looking up answers is cheating, right? Wrong! Having references will help you if you are stuck. Don’t be afraid to consult a dictionary, encyclopedia, or the internet. The most valuable part of solving a crossword is coming away with more knowledge than you started with. Don’t be afraid to look things up!! Well, readers, these are the five best tips for you to use on your next puzzle. You can even test these tips out right now on this edition’s winter themed puzzle! Happy solving! •

WORD SEARCH

BROCCOLI GRAVY MASHEDPOTATO CORNBREAD GREENBEANS PIE CRANBERRYSAUCE MACANDCHEESE TURKEY

SUDOKU

How to play: each column, row and box must have the numbers 1 to 9. A number cannot repeat within a column, row or box.

What

“Chat GPT” Marc Scurry, London Cullins, 9

“Kindness” Leo Schliefer, 12

“That they don’t give you detention for being late at this school ” Anjali Dave, 12

“Friendship”

Gabriel Brauss, Cole Andersen, Jack Klein, 10

are you thankful for?

fine senior”

“Google translate” Lars Schneider, Max Greene, Charlie Brylawski, 9

“History of Baking Club “ Isaak Greiff, 11

“

“PrizePicks

Gianlucca Ban-Goodrich, 11

“Popeyes chicken sandwich” Emma Britton, Natalene Pinilla, 10

“Lil Uzi’s new album” Zuri Gunthrope, 11

“My fans” Lucia Nawar, 11

“JJ” Francesca Krevat, Ethan Fox Fernandez, 12

"That

Betiko Harris, 11