Volume 88 Issue 7

The Beacon

The Student Newspaper of Jackson-Reed High School

Farewell, Class of 2025!

Clara Doyle Managing Editor

They are athletes, artists, scholars, musicians, engineers, and so much more. The class of 2025 has left its mark on JacksonReed and is ready to make their mark on the world.

This class was a historic one. They were the first class since before the pandemic to spend

Trump hires reality star as Holocaust museum board member

Haley Crouch Contributor

On April 29th, 2025, President Trump abruptly terminated several Biden-appointed board members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The replacement board members appointed by Trump include the Real Housewives of New Jersey star Siggy Flicker.

When the Holocaust Museum opened in 1993, a Council established by Congress dedicated to Holocaust remembrance was created; this council now serves as the museum's governing board of trustees. The board consists of 55 members appointed by the presidents: 5 members each from the Senate and House of Representatives, and three ex-official members from the Departments of Interior, Education, and State. The members serve on the board for five years, and 11 new members are appointed yearly.

The council has the task

www.jrbeacon.com

DCPS enacts sweeping tech ban

Students, faculty divided over effectiveness of new policy

Jordana Sloane Peyton Shum News Editor Written Content Editor

Beginning next year, DCPS students will not have access to phones or other personal communication devices during the school day. Teachers appear generally supportive of the new policy while student response has been overwhelmingly negative.

The guidelines prohibit students from accessing a cell phone or personal electronic device while on school premises during the school day. The ban

includes not just phones, but also smartwatches, Bluetooth headphones, laptops, and tablets.

The policy is extremely restrictive and a step up from the previous DCPS policies which left the issue of phones to the discretion of the individual school. All phones and personal devices must be away during the school day, either in student backpacks, lockers, a locked pouch, or a designated place in the school - the exact location is up to the school. However, the schools will have to cover all costs around the

New security threats rattle JR

all four years in the building, and they witnessed the end of "Wilson" High School their freshman year.

Ahead of graduation on June 14 at the CareFirst Arena in Southeast DC, celebrate the 492 grads with a look back at just some of the many accomplishments and stand out members of the class of 2025.

At 1:11 p.m. on May 29, faculty members received a text informing them of an “‘Alert Status' due to an external, undisclosed threat.” Music teacher Eric McMillan hurried his 24 students out of his classroom, C223, across the hall to a room

with a locking door. “I feel unsafe in my room,” McMillan said of his classroom, which doesn’t have a working lock or intercom.

A week later, on June 5, a handgun was found in a student’s bag while going through security. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the DCPS police were immediately contacted, came to the school, and began an investigation.

The threats against JR—

the latest in a series of security dangers in the last three years— stunned the campus and left many staff and students calling on the administration and the city’s Department of General Services (DGS), which is responsible for maintaining DC buildings, to rectify long-standing vulnerabilities. “I’ve been nervous to come to school because anything could happen to

DC to D-I: Coach Tee leaves JR for college job

Sam Bigge Noa Gordon Sports Editor Editor-in-chief

Boys’ basketball head coach

David “Tee” Johnson, who in four years helped transform JacksonReed into a regional powerhouse, announced that he is leaving to become an assistant coach at the Division l University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Coach Tee finished with an

overall record of 112-24, including two DCIAA championships, two DCSAA finals appearances, and two DCIAA coach of the year awards. During his reign, the Tigers reached a national ranking of 19th in the 2023-24 season, the highest ever for the team, and ended the 2024-25 season ranked 38th.

“Every year I’ve been here I’ve improved my craft,” Coach Tee said in an interview with The Beacon. “I tell the guys all the time, comfort

kills, so on this new journey, I’ll just do my best and never try to get comfortable so I can continue to grow in the business.”

UMass Lowell finished as runners up in the America East Conference in 2023 and 2024, but fell to sixth and was eliminated in the first round of the conference tournament. Since their jump to Division I basketball in the 201314 season, the Riverhawks have never won their conference and have never appeared in the NCAA

men’s tournament.

Coach Tee will be joined at UMass Lowell by a strong recruit out of the Class of 2025—JR’s own JJ Massaquoi. “I think it’s a blessing that he’s going to be with me in college,” Massaquoi said. “I actually saw the news on Twitter first, and I was like, ‘Whoa, this is crazy,’ because I knew he was trying to get a college job, but I wasn’t expecting it to be with me.”

Baseball ends year with loss in state final

After winning the DCSAA Championship in 2024, the Jackson-Reed baseball team fought hard but ultimately lost 2-0 to St. Albans in the 2025 Championships, after a dedicated and successful season.

The story of this Tigers season began mid September of 2024. Though it occurred long before the season started, many of the Tiger players formally announced their commitment to play baseball at the college level. The series of commitments built anticipation of the baseball season despite it being several months off.

By the time of the team’s yearly

service trip to the Dominican Republic, the team was rearing to get the season underway with the goal of a DCSAA back-to-back victory. They would be faced with a number of games scheduled against big names, but with the team they had assembled and built over the previous years, they were confident they could take on anyone, starting off with a brilliant 5-2 win over St. Albans as a prelude to their state championship matchup.

This win was followed by two losses on the bounce to WCAC competition, losses to St. Mary’s Ryken and St. John’s (who are currently ranked 5th in the nation).

Sam Bigge Sports Editor

PHOTO BY ARDEN LUCKETT

SENIOR SUNSET - Seniors gather at Fort Reno to celebrate their final days at Jackson-Reed.

see COACH on page 15

see GRAD on page 8 see TRUMP on page 3 see DCSAA on 14

Noa Gordon Sarah Wiesenfelder Kalpana Shipler Editor-in-chief Directors of New Staff

PHOTO BY DANIEL KREPPS

BASEBALL BROS - JR Varisty Baseball huddle up during DCSAA finals. The Tigers showed up and out, demonstrating their succesful and dedicated season.

see THREAT on page 3

see PHONE on page 2

PHOTO BY ALICE PATTERSON

PHONE JAIL - An empty phone pouch hangs in room 318.

WMATA overhauls routes with 'Better Bus Network'

Alice Patterson Jordana Sloane Editor-in-Chief News Editor

The “Better Bus Network” is hitting MetroBuses on June 29, removing approximately 500 bus stops and renaming all bus routes in the DC Metropolitan Area.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) first major bus overhaul in over 50 years, the Better Bus Network aims to better connect people to where they want to go, provide more frequent and consistent bus service, and prepare the DMV Metro system for longevity.

Around 5% of Metrobus stops are being removed to speed up service but most will remain the same. WMATA said they removed stops “to decrease travel time and increase reliability for customers.” The stops were removed after listening to feedback from riders and careful consideration of several factors including distance from nearby stops, safety, and daily use.

attempt to “better serve [DC] communities.”

Currently, WMATA operates around 200 Metrobus routes, while seven other transit providers are in charge of around 250 alternative routes. According to WMATA, developing the system will increase cohesion of routes and

Around 11 bus routes will have direct service to the Tenleytown area, serving the Jackson-Reed community. Feelings about the changes among students are conflicted. Sophomore Luisa Ronnenberg, who lives next to a bus stop, says, “I’m happy that the E4 and M4 are changing… I’m happy it won’t be going right by my house.” On the other hand, sophomore Teddy Metcalfe is irritated about the E4 bus line change, noting that “it’ll be harder for [her] to get to work” and that she “[uses] it to get home from the gym.”

Sophomore Emmanual Abera echoed that sentiment saying that “I’m annoyed about it because I’ll have to walk more to get

Senior events pose logistical challenges

Clara Doyle Jordana Sloane Managing Editor News Editor

This year, graduation for Jackson-Reed’s class of 2025 coincides with a military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 79th birthday. Both events are scheduled to occur on June 14th, which has brought up numerous issues for seniors and their families.

make getting across town with a bunch of family members really impossible”. She pointed out that Walls has already changed the time of their graduation in response.

Senior Sirona Mayes added that, “leaving the venue will be impossible and everyone will have to leave their house so much earlier, so it’s going to be a

Additionally, since 60% of Metrobus customers are low income and 83% are people of color, WMATA has cited rearranging bus routes is an

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chosen method - which poses a challenge for items like locked pouches or lockers.

Schools can grant students access to phones and personal devices for any of three approved reasons. Students can use schoolissued devices for educational purposes during instructional time. Staff can approve access for extenuating circumstances, for example students who are parents of young children or have upcoming court dates. The last exception mentioned in the policy is for students with IEPs, 504 plans, Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plans, or individualized health care plans.

The policy states students must use school-based communication systems (such as classroom and main office phones) to contact parents, for parents to contact students, for staff and teachers to contact students, and in emergency situations.

Sophomore Lousie O’Connell said that “[the ban] feels like a not well-informed decision given the current

routes are being renamed, and the first letter of the bus route now refers to the area it serves: "A" for routes in Arlington/ Alexandria, "C" (crosstown) or "D" (downtown) for routes in DC, "F" for routes in Fairfax County and Falls Church, "M" for routes in Montgomery County, "P" for routes in Prince George's County, and limitedstop routes are indicated by an "X" at the end of their names.

student body and our overall reliance on phones.” Sophomore Kira Mitchiner points out that Jackson-Reed “is built on technology,” and gave examples like teacher announcements via the Remind app or DCPS updates posted on Instagram, both apps that are blocked on school provided computers.

Logistics required to adapt a phone policy for JR’s projected 1732 students are complex.

Principal Sah Brown has said that administration is “thinking through implementation for the start of next school year.” Possible options include phone lockers, Yondr pouches, bins and more.

Security is a major concern and questions have been raised about how the safety of the phones will be ensured during the day, as the policy states DCPS is not responsible for theft or damage to phones. The additional time it would take to get through security and enforcement of the policy are also concerns. The policy would need to be adaptable to students leaving early, off-campus lunch, and other factors.

Students at JR are concerned about the ban. Freshman Leah Fletcher said that “while I’m not surprised about the ban,

The lack of communication with JacksonReed students and the overall Metro customer base has created confusion about the changes. Ronnenberg says she’s been informed in advance, as “they put up a big sign on the bus stop that says it’s changing soon.” However, many students remain in the dark on the updates to the bus system. •

The parade is planned to start with ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery and then a procession of Army tanks and soldiers through the Capital, before culminating in an enlistment ceremony presided over by Trump and fireworks. It is estimated that the parade will cost around $25 to $45 million; however, that excludes costs that DC would have to bear, like public maintenance and damages caused by soldiers or tanks.

The parade also brings about a larger issue for the JacksonReed community. Graduation is hosted at the Carefirst arena in Southeast, which is about 13 miles away from JR and can take over 45 minutes to reach without traffic. With the parade, there will be numerous street closures throughout downtown, which will only increase travel time for many families.

Senior Anjali Dave said that, “it is so so frustrating, it's going to

enforcing it at JR will be difficult and create more work for teachers and administrators.”

For Junior Will Nichols “[his] biggest concern is safety. [JR has] had lots of security threats and being able to communicate with our loved ones is very important.”

Freshman Owen Fedchack agreed with Klein and added that when phones were banned last year at Hardy Middle School, which he previously attended, it wasn’t effective and students “just found worse ways to disrupt class.” However, Klein mentioned that he believes the phone ban would “be good for JR socially because it would push people out of their comfort zones.”

Many teachers at JR support the phone ban. English teacher Caroline Szakats expressed support for the ban, saying that she thinks “phones are a huge detriment to learning and succeeding academically.” She added that many colleagues agree.

History teacher Amanda Chang said that “teachers would still have phones and could just call the front office or 911.”

Interestingly, Szakats also shared a belief that “teachers should make an effort to not engage with phones either, they should

be held to the same standard [as students].” If the administration chooses Yondr pouches, it will not be the first time they have been used at JR. During the 2018-2019 school year, classrooms were given Yondr pouches that each student could put their phone in at the beginning and end of class. A Beacon study at the time found that after the 1st advisory, one-third of Yondr pouches were broken or destroyed due to overuse or student vandalism.

The program was discontinued after a year due to the PTSO’s withdrawal of funding. The program ended with mixed feelings from teachers, students, and administrators, and it is unclear how JR will prevent destruction of the pouches from happening again if the administration chooses to use Yondr Pouches.

Every year, DCPS chooses the dates for graduation and Principal Sah Brown said that DCPS has changed the time for “schools that were affected because they took place in a location that is in close proximity to where the parade is being held.” However, for Jackson-Reed, the location of graduation was deemed as outside of the areas where there’ll be road closures and parade events, thus, the location and time was not moved.

Graduation is not the only JR senior event affected by large DC-wide events, with Prom falling during WorldPride and coinciding with the Pride Parade and a performance by Cynthia Erivo. Mayes said that “while it is logistically bad, it will be so fun to have them on the same day.” However, several seniors have noted concerns that taking photos at the monuments will be disrupted because of the number of people at the monuments and downtown in general.•

The JR Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) recently published a comprehensive report on phone usage at JR. They reported near-universal usage, with 93% of students bringing phones to school daily. According to a report by the group, the biggest concerns, particularly among teachers, were the ability of students to focus and academic performance.

The recently published 2025-26 Student Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy came from the passing of the “Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act,” which was proposed by Councilmember Brooke Pinto. On June 4, the DC Council voted to advance the bill.

DCPS believes that students having access to cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day is preventing them from reaching their full educational potential. They want to refocus instructional time on learning and ensure that the school environment fosters opportunities to engage and bond with peers and teachers. By eliminating the distractions that personal electronic devices have during the school day, DCPS students will be able to greatly focus on actual learning. Additional concerns by teachers, parents, and stakeholders over the damaging effects of electronic device possession, low test scores, and social media usage by young children and teenagers also contributed to this policy. Looking forward to next school year, it is unclear how JR will enforce the new device policy. •

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AP Psychology test postponed due to tech difficulties

Alice Patterson

Clara Doyle Editor-In-Chief Managing Editor

This year, College Board transitioned almost every AP exam to a digital format, with only foreign language exams remaining fully on paper. While most exams occurred without any issues, AP Psychology faced problems with student log-in, preventing all students at Jackson-Reed from taking the exam at its original time.

The exam was scheduled to start around noon, but Bluebook - the online platform used by College Board for exams - experienced widespread login issues at 11:45 am that kept students from taking the exam.

TRUMP

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of overall governance of the museum, controlling policy guidance, strategic direction, general oversight of museum operations, and more. The abrupt firing and replacement of 12 of President Biden’s appointed council members, which no president has done before, has been perceived by many as a partisan attack on the museum. Especially after White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, issued a statement saying that “President Trump looks forward to appointing new individuals who will not only continue to honor the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but who are also steadfast supporters of the State of Israel.”

Discussions have emerged among Council members, who believe that the new appointees pose a threat to the bipartisan nature of the Council and the museum as a whole. Concerns especially rose due to the

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us and we wouldn’t be protected,” junior Jaqueline Downing said.

In the first incident, MPD said in a report that, “On May 29, 2025, between 12:34 pm and 1:50 pm staff members from the listed location reported receiving an email pertaining to a threat to conduct physical harm to staff and students.

Principal Sah Brown said in an email to the JR community that the incident involved a “threat of violence against our building”. He assured JR families that MPD arrived on the scene and conducted a sweep, securing the school’s perimeter.

“I saw like a bunch of police going into the school, and I was really confused,” senior Fiona O’Keeffe said.

MPD monitored the JR campus for the rest of the day, allowing students and staff to enter and exit the building in a regulated way, and after-school programming continued as normal. At 3:30, MPD assisted in dismissal. “Please be

While College Board was able to resolve these issues by 1:45 pm, many students were unable to take the exam because of the issues.

While these issues did not keep all students across the country from testing, it impacted every student at Jackson-Reed. AP Psychology teacher Sonya Gelfand said that while everything went smoothly with check-in, “as they were trying to log into Bluebook, it wasn’t working, it wasn’t letting them log in.” After a few minutes, it became clear that nobody at Jackson-Reed was going to be able to test that day, and students were sent home.

In response, College Board is offering free makeup exams for all students who were unable to

museum’s apparent silence regarding the dismissal of the Biden appointees. Many view this as the possible politicization of the museum, including Amb. Susan Rice, former US Ambassador to the UN, former National Security Adviser, former Domestic Policy Adviser, and one of the Council members appointed by Biden dismissed by Trump whom Trump dismissed. When asked by The Beacon about the museum’s silence regarding this suggested politicization, Rice stated, “I do believe that museum leaders should speak out about the dangers of politicizing the [Holocaust]Museum and, by extension, the Holocaust. In this time of rising and frightening antisemitism, now more than ever we need people of all backgrounds, religions and political orientations to understand history and work together to prevent its repetition. Silence in the face of divisive efforts to politicize Holocaust remembrance does not protect the Museum but rather runs counter to the mission of the Museum.”

President Trump’s appointees themselves have also been a cause

assured that students and staff remained safe and accounted for during this time,” Brown said in his email.

JR was placed under a special attention status by DCPS, which has since been removed. The discovery of the handgun by security at the main entrance renewed the calls for additional security and infrastructure.

After the second security incident, Brown sent another email to the JR community. “Please be assured that no one was harmed, and the weapon did not make it past our abatement equipment and security officers,” he said. “The matter was handled promptly and in accordance with our security procedures.”

Brown also encouraged parents to help their children seek mental health resources if needed. ”Please reach out if we can connect your student with a trusted adult,” he wrote. “The safety of our students is paramount.”

Safety at JR has increasingly become a bigger concern in the minds of teachers and students alike.

Teachers told The Beacon that they have been more vigilant

test. In a press release, they also addressed that they “know how hard students work to prepare for their AP Exams, and we regret that their testing period was disrupted.”

Sophomore Hannah Clark said that while she “was initially annoyed since [she] was excited to get the test done”, she pointed out that the extra time gave her more time to study and “it gave [her] the chance to do better on the test since [she] had more time to study”.

AP Psychology teacher Sonya Gelfand said she “has been so impressed by how resilient all of the students have been”. She said her students have seen this as “an opportunity to prepare more and really come back ready to succeed the second time around.”

of concern for many.

Some of the most notable appointees include Siggy Flicker, a former star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, whose stepson, Tyler Campanella, was charged in connection with the January 6th Capitol Riot. Flicker posted a photo of Campanella inside the Capitol on Instagram, with a caption stating, “I love patriots so much. Stay safe Tyler. We love you. #StopTheSteal”

appointees is, Sid Rosenberg , a radio talk-show host who is known for being contentious. At a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden last November, he stated that Democrats are “a bunch of degenerates … Jewhaters and lowlifes, every one of them.”

community, students participating in the

Junior Isabella Leon-Salgado echoed that sentiment, saying that she used the extra weekend to “make more flashcards and write down definitions I didn’t know.” This issue with AP Psychology is not the only example of issues with Bluebook affecting students’ performance and ability to access AP resources. In the weeks leading up to the AP test, students reported trouble accessing AP Classroom. Junior Alice Debevoise said that in the weeks leading up to APs, “AP Classroom crashed several times which meant we weren’t able to review and so we got behind track.” Additionally, College Board is offering a free makeup exam for all AP Chemistry students because of issues with the online reference sheet.

museum’s high school internship, Bringing the Lessons Home, a program teaching studentswhere students learn to lead tours of the museum’s main exhibition, have expressed concerns for the future of the museum. Sophomore Maren Devereaux, a Bringing the Lessons Home ambassador

Looking forward, Gelfand also pointed out that “any digital exam is going to have this risk, and the more it happens, the more prepared we will be to troubleshoot”. However, one major issue is that when national issues arise with digital exams like this, there is very little Jackson-Reed can do to remedy the problem, and they are dependent on College Board to help.

In order for digital exams to be successful, it is imperative that College Board has the technological ability to support thousands of students taking these exams at one time. With digital exams, there will always be a risk of technological issues arising that prevent students from taking the test to their best ability. •

trainee, said “Trump kind of goes against almost everything that the museum stands for, and I don’t know what they [museum leaders] can do... for the most part because it is government run, but I think that they do have a responsibility to speak out against [Trump].” Sophomore Alexa Lucas, who is also in the Bringing the Lessons Home program, asserted, “As someone currently attending the BTLH program, I believe silence and indifference are two dangerous acts. These past few weeks, I have been taught the importance of advocacy in stopping hatred. I hope to see USHMM [United States Holocaust Memorial Museum] uphold these values in the future, instead of the resounding silence we are met with now.”•

since the first threat. History teacher Robert Geremia said that he was concerned about the door leading outside to the portable and emailed Brown. The principal then repositioned 9th Grade Dean Juan Dixon to monitor the second-floor door.

Other teachers voiced similar concerns. Science teacher Daniela Muñoz said that teachers with classrooms on the second floor were taking new precautions. Muñoz’s classroom is adjacent to big, open windows and an entrance to the greenhouse, but since the threat, she explained, “I’ve been keeping it more covered.”

In recent years, several breaches have exposed vulnerabilities in JR infrastructure. In 2022, JR went on lockdown because of a drive-by shooting on Chesapeake Street. In 2024, on two separate occasions, guns were stopped at the front entrance. In October, earlier this year, students from a different school broke into JR and physically assaulted a student.

The incidents have caused anxiety in students and staff. Concerns center around the lack of intercoms and properly working

locks.

“The intercom in my room has never worked for as long as I've been here,” Joella Braun, an English teacher, said. Other thirdand fourth-floor teachers also said they are unable to receive announcements, posing risks in the event of an emergency.

Brown said the lock on her classroom door doesn’t work properly. “When my door is locked, a student is capable of opening it with his finger,” she said. McMillan has also been teaching in a classroom without a consistently locking door. He said that city workers have come to repair his lock, but “It’s always been broken.”

Many teachers said they wish they had been better informed during the May 29 threat. “I pulled my phone out to text other teachers because I was so confused about what was going on,” Braun said.

Muñoz said that, without fully understanding the situation, teachers can feel stressed and unsure of how to protect students.

“I would have appreciated knowing exactly what the cause of the alert status was,” Muñoz said. “We are adults. And again, we are in charge of protecting [the students] when

we are in our classrooms.”

The Jackson-Reed administration has taken initiative on some of these issues, like adding foot locks to doors that don’t lock.

To request a repair, a teacher must submit a work order that is reviewed first by JR officials, who decide if the issue should be passed on to DGS or resolved internally. Some teachers said they have been waiting months for requests to be fulfilled.

“I have filled in the form,” Braun said, speaking of her experience in trying to get her intercom fixed. “Last year I was very good about filling it in every week, but nothing changed.”

Teachers have complained that the DGS has been unresponsive to intercom repair requests.

, JR Strategy and Logistics Manager Branden Hall noted one ongoing DGS security upgrade: a new monitoring system. “DGS took proactive measures this year and are currently installing new cameras throughout the entire building and new monitors to view footage within the security office,” Hall said. •

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College decisions pages: Do we really need them?

Tessa Frantz

Esme Nouruddin

Section Copy Editor

Written Content Editor

Scrolling through your Instagram, you may have recently seen one or two (hundred) posts about college decisions for JacksonReed’s Class of ‘25. Our seniors have worked tirelessly throughout their high school careers to get to where they are now, but for many their formal education isn’t over. After the difficult college application and decision process, the Instagram page is a chance to showcase the hard work they have put in. For many, DMing their college decision to “jacksonreed_2025” is a moment of celebration. But for their peers it can evoke mixed feelings. Some will be happy for their classmates and others left out of the college experience. Perhaps the most common feeling will be jealousy. We believe that the college decisions page creates a toxic environment that promotes competition and self-comparison, neither of which are healthy.

Think about it; social media has been criticized for epidemic of comparison it has created for today’s youth. Social media is inherently competitive because users compare likes, comments, and followers. Not only are you comparing the numbers, but you are also comparing your life, and with the rise of lifestyle influencers, many have started to question why they are unable to achieve the same state of perfection reflected on social media in their own lives.

Add that to the stress of college applications, and you are essentially comparing the worth of the next four years of your life

with everyone else’s. With this Instagram page, not only are there going to be peers who get into colleges more prestigious than you, but you are also forced to look at people whose posts have more likes and comments than yours. Getting through high school and into college is an accomplishment in itself, and seeing people you believe are better than you can cause many to lose their sense of achievement.

Additionally, it is common for many to apply to the same schools (e.g., the Ivies and “Public Ivies”). When others commit to a school that you were rejected from, it can cause you to feel ashamed and examine why you couldn’t get into the same school your peers did.

Furthermore, in the U.S., college is a tremendous financial burden for many students. The average U.S. college tuition for a single year is $38,270. Many people are be limited to public universities

or community colleges due to their financial situation, while others might not be able to afford college at all. Students choosing to go straight into the workforce (or trade schools, the military, etc) can feel left out of the traditional college experience, and the Instagram page certainly don’t help with that. As a community, we must celebrate all life trajectories, which means not only congratulating those who choose to go to college.

All this being said, the college decision page is enjoyed by many. For sophomores and juniors, it is a resource in their college search process and provides a look into their future. Seeing where the seniors are going exposes other grades to schools they might want to attend, which is, in part, what makes the page so fun. Still, as we head into the class of ‘26 college decisions season, it’s important to consider if the negative impacts outweigh the positive impacts. •

New grading policy discourages student improvement

This school year, a new grading policy was introduced and it’s already caused many frustrations for a majoritylot of students. While it may have been created with good intentions, the policy is making it harder for students to succeed and improve their grades.

Under last year’s policy, students had until the end of the term to turn in missing assignments, even if those

way to focus help on students who are struggling most, but it actually discourages students who are trying to improve. What if I got a 79 on something, but I know I can do better? Shouldn’t I have the chance to push for that 86% or higher?

Policies like these send the message that improvement is only for those who are failing. But many of us want to do better, not because we’re failing, but because we care. We should be encouraged to learn from our mistakes, not blocked from trying again just because our first attempt was “good

released, any assignments from earlier in the term can no longer be submitted. This change removes the opportunity for students to recover from a rough start or deal with unexpected challenges.

Another part of the policy now limits retakes to only those who scored below a 76%. That may seem like a

This new grading system prioritizes deadl ines and restrictions over growth and understanding. As students, we need a policy that gives us room to grow, improve, and succeed, not one that cuts off opportunities when we need them most. •

The phone ban is not right for Jackson-Reed

People, we need to talk. Over this school year, student’s worst fears have come to life, as countless schools across the country have decided to put their foot down against the increasingly out of hand epidemic of phone usage in class, outright banning the use of cell phones during school hours in an effort to focus more attention on student learning. Not only, some argue, will the change benefit student participation in class, but it is also supposedly aimed to encourage socialization, breaking down harmful barriers to communication in the day of social media, which educators are optimistic will greatly benefit the mental health of many students.

Unfortunately, these dangerous, radical ideas have found their way to our school, placing the very future of DCPS high schools in the balance. The wave of popularity for measures

preventing kids from scrolling in class earlier this year led DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto to propose legislation banning the use of personal devices by students during the school day, requiring phones be locked in a safebox before the start of each new day of school. With Pinto’s policy in action, students would be forced to go eight hours straight without their phones… in school, a fact that Councilman Pinto has fought very hard to make a reality.

Wow, I mean, who does this elected DC Councilmember think she is? A day in school without phones, for many, may as well be a day without water. Actually, air. The day to day difference in our students without access to quick technology could be catastrophic, and many are concerned about how classrooms would look without the regular distractions of a cell phone; they can’t possibly make us sit and learn for that long, right? Are teachers ok if I

get out some light reading when I don’t want to get called on for a discussion, or is that only for English class? Do we have to play Risk in History, or is Monopoly fine? Is a Rubik’s cube too loud?

Of course, these new methods of procrastination would come with even more advanced ways of hiding from the teacher, definitely an interesting silver lining for those bright minds at

our school. No matter the case, a ban on phones will not solve the problem of distractions in class, and I doubt teachers want to adapt to the new challenges a ban would bring. •

Sam Bensky Junior Editor

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Affomia Debebe Junior Editor

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AP classes vs. dual enrollment

Patrick Hutchins Junior Editor

In high schools across the country, students aim want to get ahead and save money by earning college credits in high school to save them the trouble. The two main ways of getting college credit in high school are taking Advanced Placement (AP) AP courses (created by the Ccollege Bboard), or dual enrollment courses in person or virtually at a nearby university. Wh oth classes can be a way to receive college credit there are pros and cons to both AP and dual enrollment.

While the main purpose of both AP and dual enrollmeningt is to receive college credit for both classes, another pro is the rigor they display to colleges. While every college loves straight A students with loads of extracurriculars, another factor they take into account in the admissions process is your high school course rigor. Colleges want to see their applicants challenge themselves, and advanced courses can help satisfy this criteria.

One reason why dual enrollment courses are more beneficial than APs is students are more likely to receive college credits. In AP courses you must pass the final test, to receive college credit. Furthermore, many universities only accept fours or fives. Some don’t take AP credits at all. s. In contrast, simply passing the class is the only requirement for

receiving college credit for dual enrollment.

Another benefit of dual enrollment is the offer of courses that College Board simply doesn’t. For example, the highest level AP math class offered is AP Calculus BC, which is essentially college Calculus II & III. However once you have taken Calculus BC there is no other AP math class to continue progressing while in high school. However, there are dual enrollment classes that are more advanced, such as linear algebra and multivariable calculus.

However, one benefit of AP classes that dual enrollment simply can’t

offer is the fact that AP courses are standardized nationwide. AP courses are the same at every school and every state. Studying for AP courses is much easier as there are thousands of resources online that can be used to study, as opposed to more niche dual enrollment courses that vary from college to college.

AP courses and dual enrollment courses are both rigorous courses with their benefits. From a purely college credit standpoint, dual enrollment is better. However, if you find that eight high school classes is plenty, then AP courses may be the best choice for you. •

Bill of Wrongs: censorship at JR

Jessica McCallum

Greta Bradley-Meal Features Editor Opinions Editor

Most of us like to think of our school as a pretty progressive place - we have discussions about the election in class, we drape the school in pride flags and champion every history month out there. But the truth is, when things become controversial, Jackson-Reed’s administration has a troubling pattern of suppressing free speech, both from students and teachers.

Anyone who runs a club’s social media account is aware, or should be, of the school’s 2024-2025 policy; all social media posts, and posters to be hung around the school must be cleared by JR administration in advance of posting. Those that are deemed inappropriate, including for being “too political”, are not allowed.

Many students surmised that this crackdown was in response to last year’s Arab Student Union (ASU) advertising their showing of a film on Israel’s apartheid, and the ensuing conflict culminating in a lawsuit against JacksonReed for suppression of First Amendment rights. This conflict included a months-long fight by the ASU to host a Palestinian Culture Night, despite the administration’s claims that proper procedure had not been followed. Many members of the ASU and others pointed out that those procedures had never before been enforced, and it was likely because admin found it was too overtly political. This

messaging was reminiscent of the shutting down of the Pennies for Palestine fundraiser in the 20222023 school year for similar reasoning.

The free speech issue extends beyond students as JR staff and teachers have also expressed feelings of hostility from administration when discussing contentious topics. Over the last three years, we’ve written numerous articles about administrative decisions, new school policies and other controversial issues occurring at JR. Nearly every time, teachers and staff have declined to comment, expressly out of fear of administrative retaliation. Those who do comment almost always request to remain anonymous, or carefully workshop quotes to avoid coming across as overly controversial or critical.

These fears of pushback from administration don’t appear to be unfounded. In fact, one JR teacher is currently pursuing a complaint with the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) against DCPS. They’re alleging punitive reassignment of subjects taught, as well as other interference, in retaliation for advocating for student free speech and critiquing administrative crackdowns throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

This year, teachers reported feeling pressure from JR to remove materials they had put out about protective immigration measures for students. This issue was exacerbated for teachers on visas who worried that upsetting the administration could threaten their immigration status. •

Warning signs: Is history repeating itself?

Cecelia Grant Section Copy Editor

Following one of the darkest events in human history, the phrase “Never Again” became known as a resolve to recognize and learn from the genocide known as the Holocaust. This phrase calls the Holocaust out in its entirety and stands as a vow never to allow history to turn in this direction again. However, as we examine the modern world both in and outside of the United States, we can see the disturbingly familiar patterns that enabled the Holocaust to occur begin to repeat themselves.

The Holocaust, which occurred between the years of 1933 and 1945 was the systematic murder of six million Jews and five million other victims. The Nazi regime conducted this atrocity with the intent to destroy the Jewish race and all others deemed inferior . While we look upon this event eighty years later in horror at what occurred, the modern world which we live in today still fails to recognize this atrocity.

In remembrance of the Holocaust, I recently had the privilege of hearing from survivor Abraham Foxman

who discussed his experience as a child during the Holocaust. He expressed both his unsurmountable gratitude towards the woman who saved his life, as well as major concerns and fears as he draws parallels between the events of the Holocaust and current world events. He discusses the legacy of antisemitism following us into today's world in ways that mirror German society during Hitler’s rise to power.

During the Holocaust, thousands of towns and communities were erased by the Nazis. Ancient anti semitic beliefs reemerged in new forms, which were used to vilify the Jewish population in the regions of Eastern and Central Europe. These beliefs were transformed into pseudoscientific systems and laws regarding racial hierarchies which were used to “other” victims of the Holocaust. In the modern world, dangerous forms of propaganda are once again reinvented, aided by the usage of technology. Specifically, the usage of social media algorithms appears strikingly similar to the everyday propaganda used in the 1930s to spread hatred against Jews among German citizens, as these

algorithms work to project biased information upon certain groups. These forms of propaganda often display falsified or exaggerated stereotypes about individuals and can promote extreme views and conspiracy theories, not so different from the conspiracy theories that helped kill twothirds of the Jewish population in Europe. Foxman describes Holocaust denial, distortion, and even glorification surrounding us in today’s world, emphasizing his worry about our futures and our need to speak out against this.

While there were some Holocaust survivors, it is important to note the overall lack of wide-scale support from other countries up until the end of World War Two, with a few notable exceptions, including the Danish and individuals like Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg who rescued an estimated one hundred thousand Hungarian Jews from Nazi deportations. While most perished horrifically, those who survived were left traumatized; these individuals were ripped from families and communities and forced to rebuild their lives from nothing. Others who attempted to seek asylum were

often turned away across the world. World powers like the US rejected thousands of refugees who came on ships in search of safety. They provided little support for many years, despite clear knowledge about the horrors occuring in Europe.

Foxman, who came to the United States as an immigrant, is deeply troubled when he sees the demonization of immigrants continuing in today’s world. After being born in 1930s Nazi Germany as a Jew, he urgently questions, “Why was the world silent? Why did they allow this?” He continues to note that they knew how many Jews were being killed, and for years, the outside world did nothing. He continues to ask how different things could have been if more had been done. He states, “What if one Raoul Wallenberg had been 10,000? What if Switzerland would have permitted the entry of Jewish orphans, and the Dominican Republic said yes? Cuba said yes?” He describes how America and Canada both said no, and that Israel had not yet been formed to open its doors.

The more I heard Mr. Foxman speak, the more it became clear that all he asks

is for us to be human beings. If “Never Again” is to mean anything, it is a call to denounce hate and speak out against the bigotry we see worldwide, so the consequences of ignorance don’t repeat.

However, when I read the news, I can’t help but feel otherwise. Stories of ICE entering public communities like schools and restaurants starting a wave of deportations without due process, books being banned, governments trying to dictate what and to whom universities should teach, the rise of all forms of xenophobia, and extremism on both far left and right, the drastic need for human empathy is more apparent than ever.

Living in the 21st century, the legacy of the Holocaust should be an alarm bell to just how dangerous this is, for anyone and everyone who cares about basic human rights and democracy. Foxman’s statement calls on us as a generation to condemn this hatred and how our presence gives him, and other Holocaust survivors, hope as the eyewitness generation fades with time. He finished by stating that choice is always possible to protect one another, and our future as a society. •

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The value of test-optional admissions

By The Beacon staff

Standardized tests should not be required for college applications because they don’t accurately represent students’ capabilities and give significant advantages to those with more resources.

Standardized tests have long been a major part of college applications, but during the pandemic, many schools shifted to test-optional or test-blind. Test-optional means scores are not required, but could still be helpful, while test-blind means scores are not considered.

Wealthy applicants hold a huge advantage because of private tutors, prep classes or books, and their ability to retake the costly tests. When this test is used as a measure of intelligence, it disproportionately hurts students' college careers, which is detrimental as high quality education is one of the best factors for social mobility.

SAT scores are not the most indicative factor of college success, and when schools define applicants

with them, they often ignore their other capabilities. Basing a student’s academic worth on one single morning’s performance is unreasonable. Also, students may be unprepared to once again prioritize standardized testing, especially given existing stressors.

Many juniors still have no idea if the schools they’re applying to will require test scores, which creates significant stress and uncertainty. For upperclassmen preparing to apply to college and are looking at the dauntingly high average scores, keep in mind that test-optional policies often mean that only those with high scores submit. If your school is returning to requiring scores, their required range could drop.

It’s imperative that schools maintain a testoptional or test blind policy to fully understand the whole person and limit socioeconomic disparities. •

BEACON 24-25 SENIOR STAFF LEGACIES

Rohini: The track star

Izzie: The mediator

Edith: The fashion fanatic

Dani: The supplier

Sam: The DND Warrior

Eli: The paparazzo

Frances: The intimidator

100 Word Rants

Ballon D'Or

Benjamin Mack

As much as it pains me to say it, Ousmane Dembélé is the front-runner for the most coveted personal sporting award in the world – the Ballon d’Or. There are plenty of players in the best forms of their lives, but Dembélé is something else, from a hundredmillion-dollar Barça flop to PSG’s man of the year. His 46 goals and assists in 46 games is a are wild number numbers, but he has also been pivotal in the Champions League, helping his team destroy Arsenal and Liverpool in the same season. If he wins the Champions League final with PSG, there is zero doubt; this year, he’s the best in the world. •

Concerts

Padget Bowers-Shreve

I love concerts with all of my heart, but concert tickets have become too expensive. You might just say that’s the price of fame, but my pockets are getting too lighter. Sure, a concert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but why should I have to pay the price of going broke in return for a sweaty, cramped stadium? In the 90s90’s, the average concert ticket was $25. Now the average is over $130, which is about the amount I make after too many shifts at work. If music is such an important part of our lives, why should we go into debt just to see it live? •

Good TV

Nati Pinilla

Are you bored with movies and TV? Let's talk about it. Movies and shows are becoming more unoriginal and now the same ideas are recycled, just with new actors. I mean the brother triangle trope is in every TV-show now; The Summer I Turned Pretty, My Life With The Walter Boys, even Vampire Diaries, which came out in 2013! In fact, good storylines for TVshows have been cancelled, while the remakes are still prominent in the industry. It's time to cut the remakes and start with original ideas and take more risks. Good TV doesn't happen when playing it safe. •

Which APs are destined to tank your mental health?

Lola Pearlman-Chang Web Executive Editor

If you’re looking to take APs next year, but aren’t sure which ones will add too much on your plate, don’t stress! Here is a list of the best and worst APs to take based on how stressed out you’ll be, rated 0 (chill) to 10 (crashout worthy).

AP Psychology - 3/10

Starting off strong, we have AP Psychology. While the workload can be a lot, the content itself is pretty interesting! Honestly, as long as you lock in and pay attention, you’ll probably enjoy the class! Sophomore Grey Fischer noted, “It’s really fun. There are a lot of terms, but it’s actually interesting.” If you’re currently a freshman looking for an AP to take next year, or an upperclassman thinking of adding an easier AP to your schedule, psych is definitely a good choice!

AP Pre Calculus - 4/10

Next up, AP Pre Calc. The content can be hard but compared to other APs, this class is relatively low-stress. Something to keep in mind, however, is that the majority of colleges won’t take the credit from the AP exam. As junior Chloe Tinsler puts it, “it was mainly for the GPA boost.” She

also added, “The class is difficult depending on your math skills; if you truly apply yourself then it will be really easy.” Sophomore Emmanuel Abera noted, “Just lock in for unit 7.”

AP Language and Composition - 7/10

If you’re planning on taking this class, expect a lot of writing. Timed essays, rhetorical analysis, all of that. “It was just constantly writing essays,” reflected Charlotte Gately, a current senior who took the class last year. So if writing is your thing, or you want to get better at it, take AP Lang!

AP African American Studies - 2/10

This class is one of the newer courses in the AP lineup and is seemingly not too stressful. Ali Green, sophomore, noted that “most of the information on the test was related to stuff already learned from history class.” She also added, “I spent less time studying compared to other APs, so I wasn’t that stressed.” Overall, there aren’t that many cons to taking it, so if you have room in your schedule, add APAAS!

AP Human Geography - 6/10

Next up, AP HUG. While the class is generally considered easy, it tends to be pretty stressful

because it’s one of the first APs that students take. Grey Fischer, sophomore, stated, “Not my favorite at all. The readings are really boring and there is a lot of work.” However, after the AP exam on May 6th, the feedback was pretty positive. According to sophomore Olma Dagim, “The test was kinda easy. It sort of told you the answer.”

AP United States His tory - 7/10

Get ready to learn hundreds of years of US history all in one class. You’ll be expected to do a lot of reading and writing. Tinsler noted, “it’s manageable if you stay up to date with the content.” If you’re a history buff, this class will be perfect for you! How ever, if you aren’t a history fan, and aren’t open to becoming one, then it’s probably not the class for you.

AP Calculus BC9/10

in almost every unit. If you’re good at math and can learn things at a quick pace, you’ll be fine. But if you’re neither, get ready to stay up till 2AM trying to make sense of the packet of homework you were given. Overall, it will definitely test your limits (get it?) so good luck!

“What even is a polar graph?” said Gately. That pretty much sums up the class. If you took AB and thought that was bad, just you wait. Prepare to be confused

Chemistry - 10/10

Lastly, with the highest stress ratings from all the people inter-

One Acts - behind the scenes

Kalpana Shipler Editor-In-Chief Directors of New Staff

After months of planning, the Jackson-Reed Players proudly presented One Acts in late May. One Acts is a compilation of 9 skits that students have written, directed, and acted in. We wanted to take a closer look behind the curtains of this impressive production, so we stopped by before opening night.

Walking in, we immediately saw the hustle and bustle evident in the Black Box. The Players were hard at work getting the stage ready for opening night. Building sets, practicing lines, preparing lighting, the Players do it all.

“Jackson Reed players and the One Acts are incredibly selfsufficient and independent,” commented teacher sponsor Ms. Braganza, “they tackle everything.” The Players dedication is obvious and it never wanes despite their workload.

Senior Player Will CarlyleDadson emphasized the Players collaboration, saying “everyone does everything. We just split up the work; we all are on the same playing field.”

We then walked over to where senior Players Frances Leibowitz and Henry Brylawski were perched up on a ladder setting up the stage curtains. Leibowitz recounted the extra work that the Players put in, even day of: “Everyone else, like actors and directors, are called at 5:30 but the

Players have to be here as soon as school ends.”

In addition to ensuring that the skits are funny and entertaining, Players must also put their foot down when a skit crosses the line. According to Leibowitz, the Players “usually [produce] like 10 scripts, and [they] receive, like 15.” This means the Players must decide amongst themselves which skits make the cut or not.

Next on our BTS tour, we made our way to the lighting booth, where we struggled to climb up the steep, crooked ladder.

Seniors Sam Lee and Jax Downey were running the show, despite not being Players. “I'm kind of learning as I go along, because it's my first time doing sound for One Acts, but I'm having fun doing it, experimenting with some new

tech stuff in my senior year,” Jax stated, describing the welcoming environment of the Players.

For many actors, being in One Acts is a place where they can go to express themselves and have fun. “I have like no acting experience,” Junior Skylar Luebbert said. “It's very low stakes and it's very fun.”

Even if acting isn’t your cup of tea, going to One Acts is an experience of its own. After learning about the behind-thescenes, we HAD to get tickets of our own. Whether it was the high-quality scripts or the mom’s reactions to One Acts X-rated humor, we couldn’t contain our laughter. Either way, One Acts is a must-see, and the work that goes on behind the scenes is proof of JR students' commitment to selfexpression and humor.

viewed, we have AP Chem. The course is content-packed with a very heavy workload. Tinsler noted, “If you're doing this class on top of other stressful classes it can be very difficult because it’s very time consuming. It’s also two class periods, so more work outside of class.” A few weeks into the class you’ll probably be reconsidering your life choices, but imagine how accomplished you’ll feel by the end of the year! If you decide to take the class, I wish you the best!

Whether you’re trying to stack your schedule for next year or just survive the school year, hopefully this gives you a better idea of what you’re signing up for! Just remember that one person’s experience doesn’t mean it will be yours. Good luck next year, you’ve got this! •

The best times to have free periods

As the end of the school year approaches, rising seniors are starting to plan for one of the biggest privileges that comes with 12th grade: free periods. Unlike other grades, seniors can have one or more free periods in their schedule, depending on their credit requirements. While some students use this time to rest or work, others take advantage of the flexibility to leave campus. With four class periods in a day an important question comes up: which period is the best to have free?

To get a clear answer I conducted a poll of seniors, asking which period they preferred to have off. The results were consistent; the majority of seniors said that fourth period was the most useful period to have free, with first period coming in second. According to those surveyed, having fourth period free offers the most flexibility. Many seniors use it as a way to leave school early, which helps them beat traffic, get to work on time, or simply relax after a long day. For students with heavy academic loads or extracurricular activities, ending the day one period early can make a huge difference in stress levels and time management. However, some did mention that if you have practices for sports or

clubs you might have to return to school after leaving early. First period was also a popular choice, especially among students who aren’t morning people. Having the ability to come to school later allows for slower mornings, less traffic, and a more relaxed start to the day. Still, some students noticed that this schedule can make it harder to stay motivated, especially after getting used to waking up early for school their whole lives. Additionally, some students discussed having morning practices or activities that might cut into that time anyway. Periods two and three received less praise as they don't offer as much flexibility or a feeling of freedom as having first and fourth off do. A free second period was seen as somewhat inconvenient as students are already at school, but it’s still too early in the day to fully relax or even have an extended lunch. Third period had a few fans, especially those who used the time to get ahead on homework or take a longer lunch, but most felt it lacked the advantages of a late arrival or early dismissal. All in all, the best period to have free depends on your individual schedule, responsibilities, and preferences. But based on the feedback from this year’s seniors, if you’re hoping to make the most of your senior year, a free period at the beginning or end of the day may be your best bet! •

Affomia Debebe Junior Editor

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Junior Editor

In 2014, Theodore Chuang became the first Asian American to serve as a judge in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Appointed by President Barack Obama, Chuang says this opportunity was “both a great honor, and a great responsibility.”

Chuang expressed interest in the government and law from a young age, having been in his high school’s student government and having the opportunity to work for a senator and the State Department during college. Chuang also attributes his passion for law to his parents, who immigrated to the United States in the 1960s to live in a more free society.

Chuang earned his bachelor’s degree in 1991 from Harvard University, where he studied economics, before acquiring his

GRAD

from page 1

Varsity Track and Field star Indie Wallace-Persaud has broken countless records in indoor and outdoor track. She credits JR “for teaching me how to step outside my comfort zone and build my confidence.”

Looking forward, she will run Division 1 track at Syracuse University. In ten years, WallacePersaud said that, “I see myself continuing to enjoy life and giving back to my community.”

Varsity baseball player Jackson Loomis also plans to continue his athletic pursuits in college, having committed to Denison University to play Division 3 baseball. At JR, he helped the baseball team win

AAPI profile: Theodore Chuang

law degree from Harvard Law School in 1994. Straight out of law School, Chuang worked as a law clerk for Judge Dorothy Nelson of the U.S. Court of Appeals in California, who was his first inspiration to pursue a career as a judge.

One of the federal judge’s favorite parts of his position is getting to interact with the jury. Chuang enjoys guiding everyday citizens through cases and the law to which he has dedicated his career. Since January 20 of this year, courts around the country have received numerous cases regarding the constitutionality of the current administration’s actions. Despite the added workload of these cases, Chuang recognizes the importance of presiding over these types of cases.

In fact, one of the most significant cases he presided over took place during President Trump’s first term in office with the “Muslim Travel Ban,” which banned travel to the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. Chuang’s court, along

the DCSAA Championship and was DCIAA player of the year in 2024. He said he plans to major in journalism “because of the Journalism Enrichment Program that I took at JR.”

Continuing the trend of highlevel athletes at JR, Wilson Holman has committed to play Division 1 soccer at Temple University. Throughout high school, he played for the DC United U18 academy and believes that JR “taught me a lot about making friends with a diverse group of people and standing up for myself as a person.”

On top of incredible athletes, this class has produced future technological innovators.

Lucy Getzinger will attend the University of Toronto and plans to major in computer science. She was involved in the Information Technology Academy and the

with another court, ruled that the ban was unconstitutional. The ruling was initially upheld by the appeals courts, but eventually the Supreme Court ruled that the policy could stand.

When Chuang was appointed, there weren’t any Asian American federal judges outside of California and Hawaii. ” He considered his appointment meaningful because “it’s important for the community and everyone else to see that we have representation in the government and are trusted by the government to have these roles.”

He noted the responsibility that came with the job: “when you’re the first of anything, people will pay attention and judge the community based on how you do.” Overall, Chuang believes Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is “a great opportunity for everyone to think about and learn about our history as Asian Americans, how far we have come, and to commit to working together to provide even more opportunities for our community.”•

varsity tennis team, and she said that “starting the Technology Student Association DC chapter helped spark my interest in technology and video game design.” Getzinger is grateful to physics teacher Christopher Martineau for “always holding me accountable and pushing me to succeed.”

Inspired by her time in the Engineering Academy, student body president Ava Serafino plans to attend the University of Michigan for architecture. The Engineering Academy was essential in helping “expose me to that type of work and made me realize that I enjoy project based learning.”

Serafino noted that support from JR teachers like Student Government Association sponsor Simona Spicciani, engineering teacher Zachary Meyers, and social

studies teacher Matthew Burgoyne has “helped me grow as a person and achieve my goals.”

Jackson-Reed Players member Henry Brylawski was inspired by Mr. Flack. Brylawski said “I have loved biology ever since Mr. Flack’s freshman biology class.”

Brylawski plans to attend Vassar College and even though he plans to major in biology, JR has taught him about the importance of an interdisciplinary education and he said he wants to add on a minor in a humanities field.

Announcer extraordinaire Maly Westray, who has been doing the morning announcements the past two years, plans to run track at York University and major in communications. Her interest is thanks to her experience at JR doing the announcements that has “helped me to discover my passion

for speaking.” She shouted out Assistant Principal Mark Minsker, Dean Minoso Rogers, and Athletic Director Patrice Arrington for their support.

Many seniors have mixed feelings about graduation. Sirona Mayes said that while she is “excited to graduate, I’m also kind of sad because [JR] has been my home for four years”.

The past four years, the class of 2025 has put in hours of hard-work and dedication. As they graduate, they will take with them the memories and lessons from JR. This class is full of changemakers, and we can’t wait to see all the places they’ll go. We wish you all the best and will be cheering you on as you venture into the world! •

Hall pass to Wisdom - advice for lost lovers

Dear drama queen or king, welcome to Hall Pass to Wisdom, your new favorite Beacon column. We know the crackdown on passes to the bathroom has increased, but unfortunately we don’t have any of those for you. We’ve decided to give you passes to wisdom instead! The following questions are ones that we believe are pressing to the JR community.

“How do I get him to take me off opened for 3 weeks… I’ve already double snapped him”

One and only baddest

We’ve found a great solution is taking his phone and answering your own snaps. Other than that, there’s really nothing to do except find a new man. This one definitely isn’t worth your time, since he

at least a couple minutes while talking to the guy. Innocent till proven guilty, right? Let him dig his own grave before you put him in it with your Gilmore

“I made a single by 16 deal with my kindergarten boyfriend, and now I’m turning 16 in a couple days and we’re both single.”

a PTSA meeting (or on Urban Moms so it really spreads like wildfire), so his family has to move out of town because long distance never works.

If that fails, you need to get a glow up so when he shows up on your door with a ring, he drops dead because he can’t handle your hotness (bonus points if the ring is expensive). We hope this works, and if not we’re wishing for a trust fund and an unfortunate accident

We hope you enjoyed our excellent advice. Anyways, in a short few weeks, we will all walk out these doors and never return (until September). So, to celebrate our impending freedom we would like to challenge all of our readers to take the summer and forget all about Jackson-Reed (we know we will). And when we get back, make sure to submit your questions you’re in dire need of an answer to in the link in our bio! <3

XOXO your favorite bad advice givers •

PHOTO

LAYING THE LAW - Theodore Chung, the first Asian America to serve as judge in the United States District Court of Maryland

Jordana Sloane Peyton Shum News Editor Written Content Editor

Spreading positivity: Best Buddies Friendship Walk

Edie Young Contributor

On Saturday, April 26th, thousands of people from around the DMV area, including JacksonReed students, came together for the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk!

The walk took place on the National Mall and was hosted by Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individual friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

There were many free activities in addition to just walking, such as an ice cream tent, face painting, card making for kids in hospitals, and sign making with Best Buddies Volunteers. People could take photos together at the photo booths.

Putting on the walk required many sponsors, as well as school fundraising. St. Albans, National Cathedral School, and Bishop O'Connell fundraised the most money and each of them got their own Best Buddies branded tent near the stage.

JR alum Bennett Younger, a second year attendee and a volunteer for the card making activity, wants people to know it’s open to all. “Anyone can attend no matter what age you are!” He recommends attending next year because “it is a fun walk and it is a

big part of the community.”

Katherine Dorsey, a JacksonReed teacher who attended to

show up and represent! Other schools, such as Gonzaga, had so

the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk. The walk is dedicated to supporting and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

support the Disability Student Alliance for a second time as club sponsor, encourages the JR school community to get more involved. “Jackson-Reed should

many students there. I would love to see better representation from Jackson-Reed.”

She added that she strongly believes “Everyone has a role to

How to upgrade your beach day

Eva Solomon Opinions Editor

Summer is almost here!

And with this perfect list of what you’ll need to bring to the beach, you’ll be prepared to have the best summer ever. An amazing beach day can quickly turn into a much less fun day (I mean, you’re still at the beach) without the proper items. If you want to join me on the best beach days of all time, read on.

Book I know that not everyone is a reader, but imagine this: a sunny day, tanning, and basically being educational. A summer book just raises my mood, and what’s even better is reading a cute book with a pretty view of the water and sand. I highly recommend it, especially when you need a relaxing break from swimming in the ocean.

increases hype. You can bring a speaker, play music from your phone, or just listen to music alone with headphones. The perfect beach playlist can make or break

stay hydrated! I also highly recommend a popsicle of some sort to regain energy and stay cool.

day, so choose your music wisely. I could lie on the sand for hours by just listening to music and closing my eyes (and yes, you may fall asleep).

play in our society. Everyone has strengths. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.”

Jeanette Bray who was a Friendship Walk participant said she believes it is a great way to bring people together and demonstrate “how much fun can be had in an inclusive environment.” In tough political times like the current state of politics. Bray believes it is important to show the community “that there is support for everyone in the community, despite what actions the government is taking.” Bray also believes “it's a great family event and fundraiser for a very worthy cause.”

Sidona Cannon, Development Coordinator of Best Buddies VA and DC said she believes this was the best walk yet because “the schools did a fantastic job spreading the word and inviting their greater school population to get involved. We had fantastic sponsors who believe in our mission of inclusion and talented volunteers who made the whole day special! Plus, the speeches by the wonderful Best Buddies Ambassadors Jean Carlos and Abby brought down the house!”

She also wants people to know that all funds raised by the walk go to support local Best Buddies programming for our area. “All the money raised from the Best Buddies Friendship Walk stays local to Virginia & DC. These funds make it possible for Best

Buddies to continue to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Best Buddies funds go to many programs including more school chapters, more leadership and self advocacy opportunities and support for families and the citizens program which provides fun activities, and connects people with intellectual disabilities to a person without.

Molly Whalen, State Lead of Best Buddies VA & DC, echoed the sentiment saying “Every dollar raised stays right here in VA & DC. All of our Best Buddies programs are free to participants – this money pays for our Best Buddies Program Managers, Employment Consultants, and administrative staff who manage our programs and provide resources to our friendship chapters and leadership programming.”

Whalen wants people to know the whole event was a great environment and created many great memories; she believes “people really need that positivity right now.”

Cannon also added that the Friendship Walk raised over $420,000. In fact, that’s $33,000 above the $387,000 goal! Whalen added that the walk was “our most successful yet!”

If you are looking for an inclusive and celebratory event to attend by yourself or with others to celebrate inclusivity, consider coming to the 2026 Best Buddies Friendship Walk! •

The downfall of spring: allergies

Music : Music always

Cold drink : When the sun is too much and it gets too hot, all you need is a cold drink, be it seltzer, soda, or some other kind! I advise everyone to make sure to

Sport : The beach gets 10 times better when you bring some type of sports equipment. This could be a football, spikeball, soccer, or really anything you want. Playing with family or friends is always fun and is an effortless thing to bring. Whether you’re playing tackle football and trying to fake out your siblings or just passing a lacrosse ball, it’s enjoyable!

Sunscreen : While I know most people want to get tan, please don’t forget to apply sunscreen. You will go straight to a painful red that no one wants, there’s nothing worse than having to stay inside the rest of vacation because of an atrocious sunburn. It’s very possible to get a great tan with sunscreen, trust me.

I highly suggest everyone follow this list if you want a great beach experience this summer! Remember, it’s coming up, so get prepared! •

Avari Moore Contributor

Hear ye, hear ye. Spring has sprung. That magical time when the birds are chirping, the sun is bright, and your immune system is staging a coup. It's officially time to whip out that industrialsize box of tissues and Claritin!

It’s a painful season. As you walk through Fort Reno with your friends, you’re hit with a symphony of 250 sneezes. During practice, you're running on the field, and suddenly you're hit with a pollen bomb. You call timeout because you can no longer catch the ball without your nose dripping. Walking home, an old lady walks up to you asking if you are ok, and as you wonder why she is asking, she hands you a tissue, and you realize your eyes are so watery they could fill two swimming pools. The worst part about allergies is being at school because one cough and you've become the side-eye pariah;you've started the newest plague. You try

to explain yourself: “It's just allergies, everyone has them!!” But it is no use. Your classmates are already scooting away from you. You sneeze and your teacher stops mid-lecture to spray Lysol everywhere.

However, there are a few solutions. So without further ado here is your 2025 guide to surviving allergy season: Rock those sunglassesWear them 24/7. If you already wear glasses, you're in great Lock the windowsThere's no need for fresh air if it's slowly killing

Hydration is your soulmate - Drink water until you feel like a walking fountain.

Tissue mountains Carry a garbage bag with you at all times for those tissues. Bonus you can throw side-eyers in it. Claritin? More like Clari-win. Allergy medicine can be your superman when fighting that pollen. •

PHOTO BY EDIE YOUNG

BEST BUDDIES - Jackson-Reed students participate in

Senior Superlatives

BEST SMILE

Makenzie Battle

MOST NON CHALANT

Jack Corrigan-Conaty and Bella Mackeye

BIGGEST FLIRT

Daniel Brooks Bollinger

MOST LIKELY TO BE A COMEDIAN

Will Carlyle-Dadson

MOST LIKELY TO BE PRESIDENT

Rohini Kieffer

WORST CASE OF SENIORITIS

Rowan Mccray and Peter Strauss

MOST LIKELY TO BE AN OLYMPIAN

Indie Wallace-Persuad

MOST LIKELY TO BE ON A REALITY SHOW

Serena Loscalzo

MOST LIKELY TO BE ON BROADWAY

Devan Mehta and Henry Brylawski

BEST SHOE GAME

Gavin Fletcher

MOST LIKELY TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHER

Eli Schwartz

MOST LIKELY TO WORK AT JR

Sydney Mabry

BEST DRESSED

Edith Corrigan-Conaty and David Taiilbi

MOST LIKELY TO BE FAMOUS

Mabel Canty

CUTEST COUPLE

Ethan Fox Fernandez and Francesca Krevat

América Latina llora la muerte del papa Francisco

Isabella Mara Ornstein Editora Junior

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, conocido en todo el mundo como el Papa Francisco, hizo historia en marzo de 2013 al convertirse en el primer Papa latinoamericano. Tras su fallecimiento el pasado 21 de abril, su legado de compasión y justicia resuena con más fuerza que nunca. El Papa era tremendamente querido por su cercanía con la gente y su enfoque en las necesidades de los marginados. Por ello, la comunidad católica se vio apesadumbrada cuando un derrame cerebral le arrebató la vida un lunes a las 7:35 de la mañana.

En América Latina, se desencadenó una ola de angustia particular, con

misas y conmemoraciones en diferentes países. En Argentina, su país natal, se decretaron siete días de duelo nacional. El Obelisco de Buenos Aires fue iluminado con su imagen y la frase “Recen por mí”, mientras que en la Basílica de San José de Flores, donde Francisco comenzó su camino sacerdotal, se

emotivas, llamándolo “el de Guadalupe para rendir homenaje al papa Francisco. La misa, convocada por el arzobispo primado de México, Carlos Aguiar Retes, desbordó la capilla Mariana, la principal del templo, donde en 2016 Francisco ofició una misa con 50,000 personas. Los

incansablemente traer amor donde había odio”. En Chile, el presidente Gabriel Boric lamentó la pérdida y decretó tres días de duelo nacional. El presidente de Bolivia, Luis Arce, lo describió como “un fiel amigo de la Patria Grande y un ferviente defensor de los más vulnerables”. En definitiva, el Papa Francisco logró conectar profundamente con los

El problema de los apagones crónicos en Puerto Rico

Francisco Blancato Editor Junior

Cuando la gente escuchan “Puerto Rico” se piensan playas, mofongo y tirolesa en El Yunque. Y todas esas cosas son reales y verdaderas. Pero por las tantas maravillas que se tiene en Puerto Rico, también se tiene gran cantidad de problemas, que van desde la corrupción, el colapso de la infraestructura, la deuda masiva y la disminución de la población, y especialmente los cortes de electricidad. El último corte de electricidad en la isla fue el 16 de abril, cuando la Oficina del Gobernador de Puerto Rico dijo que una falla en la transmisión del sistema eléctrico puso a 1.4 millones de clientes en la oscuridad. Miles de turistas estaban en Puerto Rico para la Semana Santa, y las vacaciones de la primavera. Puertorriqueños expresaron frustración con el gobierno por el corte, y muchos llamaron al gobierno a expresar que querian que el gobierno cancela los contratos con las dos compañías de energía allí, Luma y Genera PR. El corte causó el cierre del metro en San Juan, provocando más tráfico en las carreteras, y muchos negocios se vieron obligados a cerrar sin electricidad. Cuando el apagón empezó, casi terminado de comer en un restaurante chino en el centro de San Juan, se apagaron las luces, y el restaurante se quedó oscuro. Un camarero corrió a través del restaurante lleno hasta atrás, para encender el generador de emergencia y todo continuó como nada hubiera pasado. Aún así, fue una experiencia extraña. Aquí en los Estados Unidos continental, no tenemos apagos regulares, solo tenemos un apagón si hay una tormenta fuerte. Nosotras nunca tenemos que preocuparnos por no tener electricidad. Lamentablemente,

y grandes partes de la isla misma, y sus efectos todavía son visibles hoy en día. PR es la parte más pobre de Estados Unidos, superando a Mississippi y Virginia Occidental. Aunque los Estados Unidos es un país rico, muchos de sus territorios no son ricos, incluidas Samoa Americana y las Islas Marianas del Norte, y Puerto Rico. Como turista que estuvo allí, es extremadamente triste ver los problemas de la isla, especialmente porque es un lugar tan increíble que creo que todos deben visitar. Como dije antes, el gobierno de PR es parte culpable por los apagos chronicos en la isla, gracias a la deuda que el gobierno Puertorriqueno tiene. Sin

altísimas, aumentando la deuda. Los Estados Unidos tambien, contribuyo a esta situacion, en diferentes maneras. En 1900, los Estados Unidos obligó a todos a cambiar su moneda puertorriqueña por dólares estadounidenses devaluando el peso puertorriqueño por 40%, sólo dos años después de los Estados Unidos administro a PR. En solo una noche, por declaración legislativa, cada puertorriqueño perdió el 40 % de sus ahorros, riqueza y propiedades. Sin restricciones legales contra la usura, el Banco Colonial Americano se comprometió en préstamos abusivos en toda la isla. Al 1930, todas las fincas de caña de azúcar de Puerto Rico pertenecían

la isla, cualquier disidente fue silenciado,se limitó la libertad de expresión y también se limitaron la autonomía allí. En octubre de 1950, relaciones entre el EE.UU y el PR se empeoro, cuando nacionalistas liderados por Albizu Campos, iniciaron una revuelta a través de la isla contra las fuerzas estadounidenses en las localidades de Ponce, Mayagüez, Naranjito, Arecibo, Utuado, Jayuya y en la capital San Juan. La revuelta fue severamente sofocada por el ejército y la guardia nacional puertorriqueña, que operaban bajo la ley marcial, bombardeando varias ciudades. Los líderes rebeldes fueron encarcelados, pero no sin un intento de asesinato contra el

un solo dólar fuera a Puerto Rico", informó el Washington Post. En vez de dando dinero a Puerto Rico preferia que el dinero fue dirigida a Tejas y a Florida. En un mitin de Trump a finales de 2024 en Nueva York, el comediante Tony Hinchcliffe calificó a Puerto Rico de "isla flotante de basura en medio del océano". Posteriormente, la campaña de Trump anunció que no compartía esta opinión. En medio de los cortes federales y la inestable situación del gobierno local en Washington D. C., los problemas de Puerto Rico desaparecen al fondo de la lista, y por ahora hay pocas señales de que al gobierno de Trump le importe modernizar la red eléctrica de Puerto Rico. •

GRAFICO POR CLARE BATES

En memoria de Rubby Pé rez

Isabella Salgado Colaborador

El 8 de abril de 2025, el club nocturno Jet Set, en Santo Domingo, República Dominicana, fue el lugar de una gran tragedia cuando el techo se cayó mientras el cantante de merengue Rubby Pérez estaba cantando. El accidente causó la muerte de unas 235 personas. Rubby Pérez también murió y más de 200 personas resultaron heridas, muchas en estado grave. Rubby estaba en el escenario cuando todo se vino abajo. Fue encontrado con vida entre los escombros, pero murió más tarde en el hospital por sus heridas.

estudió en el Conservatorio Nacional de Música en Santo Domingo y empezó su camino como músico en los años 70. Cuando Rubby empezó su carrera como solista en 1987, llegó a ser conocido como "la voz más alta del merengue".

Rubby Pérez nació el 8 de marzo de 1965 en la República Dominicana. Al principio, quería ser jugador profesional de béisbol. Pero después de un accidente de carro que le lastimó la pierna, ya no pudo jugar. Entonces decidió seguir una carrera en la música. Rubby

Su voz fuerte, sus gestos y sus letras emocionaron a la gente. Canciones como “volvere,” “Buscando tus besos” y “tú vas a volar” fueron muy populares.

Ganó discos de platino en Venezuela y muchos premios, como el de merengue del año.

Rubby Pérez no era solo un cantante famoso. Era un símbolo de orgullo, fuerza y cultura dominicana.

Su música hacía sentir cosas, daba alegría, ayudaba en momentos difíciles y era parte de muchas celebraciones. Muchas personas lloraron su muerte y recordaron todo lo que hizo por la música y la cultura de su país. El recuerdo de Rubby como artista querido y ejemplo de lucha seguirá vivo por mucho tiempo. •

Los 10 mejores lugares para viajar este verano 2025

Sofia Bautista Colaborador

Con el verano a la vuelta, todos tenemos un deseo para salir y dar la vuelta. Disfrutar del clima y conocer nuevos destinos. Ya sea playas, montañas o ciudades llenas de cultura. Esta lista está llena de destinos para los gustos de todos. A continuación, habrá 10 países en donde planear tus próximas vacaciones o si te gustaría quedarte en DC y tener nuevos destinos para explorar cerca de casa.

Islas Griegas, Grecia Mykonos, Santorini o Naxos son unas hermosas islas que tienen la perfecta combinación de sol, lugares históricos y el mar Egeo. Este lugar es ideal para las personas que buscan un lugar relajado con un toque de cultura.

Bali, Indonesia

Un lugar muy tropical, templos antiguos que le dan historia al lugar, arrozales infinitos y lleno de sol y energía, haciendo que Bali sea un lugar inolvidable.

Lisboa y Algavre, Portugal

Entre las colinas de Lisboa y las playas doradas del Algarve, Portugal brilla como un destino accesible y encantador para rellenarte de energía, relajarte y disfrutar unos maravillosos

días.

Pareque nacional Banff, Canada

Para los amantes de la naturaleza banff ofrece paisajes de ensueño, lagos, senderos, y el convivir de cerca con hermosos animales que rara vez volverás a ver en tu vida, y ni halar de las rocosas Canadienses. Si eres nacido deportista y te gusta escalar.

Costa Amalfitana, Italia

Pueblos a la orilla de un acantilado como Positano y Ravello, junto a la mejor gastronomía, su cálida gente hace de esta costa una joya del mediterráneo

Islas Azores

Kioto, Japón

Emely Mejia

Escobar Editora de Español

El artista urbano, Rauw Alejandro, ha llamado la atención con su nuevo tour, Cosa Nuestra. No es solo un concierto normal, sino toda una experiencia con un tema especial. La idea es

recrear el estilo de los años 60, pero muchas personas están llegando vestidas como si fueran de los años 20. La mezcla de épocas ha hecho que el evento se vuelva muy popular.

Mucha gente en las redes sociales han hablado sobre lo original de suque es esta idea. Han dicho que

VESTIDO PARA DIVERTISE - Estudiante Mariapaz Balseca disfrutando con un vestido corto negro, acompañado de perlas y tacones negros, combinando elegancia y estilo perfecto para la ocasión

Rauw está trayendo algo diferente y divertido a la música en vivo. Muchos están pensando en vestirce con todo el glamour de épocas pasadas. Aunque la temática oficial se centra en los años 60, muchos han optado por looks inspirados en los años 20, con trajes de gánster, tirantes, sombreros tipo fedora, vestidos con flecos, guantes largos y accesorios brillantes. En redes sociales, algunos fans han compartido que alquilaron ropa vintage o que están customizando sus propios atuendos para destacar. La idea es aprovechar la ocasión para salir de lo común y disfrutar del evento como si fuera una fiesta temática, donde el vestuario es tan importante como la música.

Algunos estudiantes compartieron sus opiniones sobre el tema de las vestimentas. Por ejemplo, Gabriela Ortiz del grado 10, comenta, “Yo creo que el tema es algo diferente de lo típico, pero no pensó que la gente realmente seguiría el tema porque es de vestirse de vestidos largos y elegantes de los años 60. Creo que va a ser divertido vestirse así, ya que normalmente no te vistes de esa forma para un

Con sus tiempos milenarios y festivales de verano Kioto te ofrece una lluvia de cultura, tradición y belleza

Islandia

El sol de medianoche y su naturaleza salvaje convierten Islandia en una experiencia mágica y espectacular

Costa Rica

Entre selvas volcanes y playas en el caribe y la pacífica costa rica sigue siendo un paraíso de ecoturismo

Huasteca Potosina, México

Justo para jóvenes aventureros con amor para la naturaleza llena de cascadas, ríos, aventuras rapel •

Un archipiélago un poco explorado ideal para los aventureros quienes aman la naturaleza volcánica y la tranquilidad.

Cosa Nuestra, una noche de elegancia

CAPTURANDO EL MOMENTO - Estudiantes Valerie Benitez y Issella Zacarias antes del concierto de Rauw Alejandro. Un reflejo de estilo, amistad y emoción en una noche llena de música. concierto."

También, Galilea Fuentes del grado 9 comentó, "Personalmente creo que el tema del concierto de Rauw es divertido, diferente e interesante. Al inicio me confundió con el tema del concierto, pero pensándolo bien creo que sería entretenido y divertido de

vestirse elegantemente para un concierto.”

Muchos fans están emocionados por el concierto, no solo por la música, sino por la oportunidad de hacer algo fuera de lo común. Cosa Nuestra promete ser una noche única, llena de estilo, nostalgia y mucha energía. •

FOTO CORTESIA DE ISELLA ZACARIAS

GRAFICO POR CARYS GRAY

GRAFICO POR CARYS GRAY

Dickinson commit Jackson Loomis reflects on injury recovery

It was the DCSAA baseball championship game—May 2024, against St. Albans, at Washington Nats Academy. It was my third title game in three years at Jackson-Reed. After losing the previous two, I dreaded the idea of losing again.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, we were down by a score of 3-0. At the climax of the season, I prayed I wouldn’t make an out. I hit a ground ball to the shortstop and sprinted to first. I leapt with my left leg, and as my right leg swung forward, I heard a pop. I flipped beyond the bag. It was close, but the umpire called me safe—maybe out of sympathy.

At that moment, I lost hope—in myself and in the team. In a critical time, all I could think about was my leg. Shocked and angry, I slumped into the dugout, consumed by self-pity. But somehow, we scratched out two runs in the inning. Hope returned.

In the bottom of the last inning, we were behind, 4-2. A couple of players got on base. It was supposed to be my turn again. I ripped off the ice bag, stood up, and my knee buckled. I couldn’t make it to the batter’s box. Being replaced at that moment hurt.

A few good at-bats later, Etan Rosario hit a ground ball up the middle to drive in the winning run. We had just won the second state championship in school

history, 5-4. It felt bittersweet. I was proud of the win, but I knew that my summer—arguably the most important one of my life for college baseball recruiting— was gone. I felt ashamed that I let the injury cloud such a joyful moment. Looking back now, I realize that the injury was temporary, but the memory of that win is permanent. What made it even more special was that every single player contributed. It was the definition of a team win.

After reconstructive surgery in mid June, my life suddenly came to a halt. My calendar, once packed with tournaments and showcases, was blank. I sat idle, unable to relax, knowing I was falling behind in the baseball world. I had great support and distractions, but it felt surreal to sleep through such an important summer. Movies became my escape—watching and writing about them gave me a small sense of direction.

Then my sister came home from college. Everything shifted. With her came a new intensity. Our family conversations turned to politics, justice, and the role we play in the world. She challenged my parents to think more about their responsibility— not just as individuals, but as global citizens. We couldn’t hide behind the excuse that life was already too busy.

She was a catalyst, a wakeup call. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and into deeper

though we were down one.”

The Tigers finished the regular season with a record

The Tigers would get back to winning ways with a key win at Georgetown Prep, 8-5, followed by a 6-4 victory over the Gilman School from Baltimore, in the first game at Fort Reno.

As March turned to April, the Tigers hosted the Landon Bears as a homecoming for former coach Henry Martinez. In a game that saw 3 lead changes, the Tigers clawed back a deficit to force extra innings, winning the game on a walk off RBI by 1st baseman Rowan Hopson that allowed Jackson Loomis to dive into the plate for a victory in back to back years over Martinez’s Landon since his takeover.

“Even though we were down going into the 7th inning, I never really felt like we were going to lose that game,” remarked Zander Leckszas, who was the Tigers’ starting pitcher that day. “I felt like the energy and confidence we had throughout that whole game sort of set the tone for us to win, and we never really got down ourselves and felt like we were losing that game even

questions about the world and my place in it. Together, we

attended protests, held vigils, joined calls with advocacy groups, and posted signs across the city. Those moments became the highlights of my summer. I became part of something so much bigger than myself.

a 12-3 win over DCI. They won their second game against Sidwell 6-4, after a

It was uplifting, and I needed that feeling more than ever. There was camaraderie, cohesion, and a collective sense of purpose. The cause was peace, but the feeling went deeper. It was the idea that even in a fractured world, people can unite for something just. That

starting pitchers, JR’s Nelson Hayes and St. Albans’ Myles Upchurch, were Division 1

of 25-4, finishing the year with a 11-0 domination of Maret, who they had beaten for the state title the previous year.

As usual, they strolled through the DCIAA playoffs, winning the city championship 12-2 over Walls and extending their DCIAA championship win streak to 32 years in a row.

The Tigers kicked off the DCSAA tournament with

resisting a late comeback from Sidwell and a rain delay. They rolled into the DCSAA Championship with lots of condense, ready to take on the team they bested in their first game, St. Albans.

It was obvious from the beginning that the championship would be a low-scoring, defensive matchup, considering both

realization gave me clarity: In the long run, I’ll be grateful I was on the right side of history. Without my sister, I may never have gotten off the couch. The absence of baseball meant I had no distractions, no excuses. I’m not saying I did enough—I didn’t. But I’ve come to understand that the point isn’t to finish the work; it’s to show up. To participate. To contribute however we can.

I get the irony: I’m writing about selflessness and can’t stop talking about myself. But I wish I hadn’t needed to tear three ligaments in my knee to realize that our primary responsibility as people is to show up for each other.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life, like sports, is a team endeavor. Whether we’re recovering from an injury or navigating a transition, we owe it to each other to be a support system.

As tensions grow both at home and abroad, empathy becomes more crucial than ever. The bystander effect—the idea that someone else will handle it—isn’t enough anymore. This is a team sport. It demands participation.

Since last May, everything has changed. The process has been overwhelming, painful, and transformative. But in hindsight, I wouldn’t change much. As John Steinbeck wrote, it’s been an “aching kind of growing.” Difficult? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. •

inning, Upchurch smashed the ball over the centerfield wall for a two-run homerun, putting the Bulldogs up 2-0. In the 7th inning, the score still 2-0, down to their final chance, the Tigers would cycle back to the top of the batting order with Freeman Hunt. “When we got to the last inning, you know, it's your last at bat,” remarked Hunt. “I went up there with a smile and it paid off, so I couldn't have asked for anything more.”

commits. Upchurch struggled in the season opener but was looking to close out his high school career in style. Hayes and Upchurch pitched nearly flawless games, and the Tigers showed out in the field, with players like Hopson and 2nd baseman Evan Rosario making excellent plays to deny opportunities for St. Albans.

In the top of the 6th

Hunt would give the Tigers hope by hitting a single, and Loomis advanced him to third base with a single for himself. With Rosario at the plate and Loomis successfully stealing second, it seemed that the Tigers may have had a shot at replicating last year’s comeback. However, it was not meant to be, as Upchurch proceeded to strike Rosario out, winning the championship for St. Albans. “I mean, that was a really tough game, two great pitchers, no errors all game, but they got the hit they needed, and we couldn't respond,” reflected Hopson. “But, you know, that's the way we went out. We went out fighting, and that's what we always do.” •

PHOTO BY DANIEL KREPPS

HUDDLE UP- JR Boy’s Baseball team joins together for game plan

Jackson Loomis Contributor

PHOTO BY DESMOND PARSONS

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE – The Tigers

LOOMIS LOCKED IN - Jackson Loomis gears up for the debut game of his junior season.

Top three sports moments of the 2024-25 year GIRLS BOYS

1. Softball team continues their legacy as DCIAA champions

On Monday, May 5, the DCIAA finals began. Jackson-Reed was playing School-Without-Walls, who they had lost to earlier in the season, 13-14. Throughout the 7 innings, the Penguins and Tigers stayed neck-in-neck, and tied 19-19 at the bottom of the 7 inning with the tigers up at bat. The bases were loaded, sophomore catcher Natalia Weinstein was up with a count of zero balls, one strike, when the game got postponed due to lightning. It resumed on May 8th, at the tigers’ home field Guy Mason, and Weinstein was once again up to bat. Tension was high, and they needed only one run to win. In the end,

with a score of 3-0. The team’s senior captains each scored a goal: forward Rowan McCrary, Clara Durante, and right-wing Olivia Heinemann–who celebrated her goal with a penguin victory dance. Many players were also awarded with honors, senior midfielder Ema Blanco made All-State second team, and Durante and McCrary both made All-State first team. The team felt a huge sense of accomplishment. It was a perfect ending to the DCIAA, especially for coach Kelle Belvine, who was already making milestones and leaving her mark on the girls soccer program in her first year with the position. Overall, the Tigers’ final record was 18-3-2, with a league record

1. JR boys Track crushes the competition at the Gator Invitational

Of the many incredible meets of this track season, one meet stands out above the rest: the Gator Invitational. In the competitive meet in April, many runners PR’ed and medaled. While the boys were confident, they knew they faced tough competition. However, they pulled through, and quickly led the boys 4x100, ending with a group PR of 43.62 seconds. The boys 800m runners were ready to keep up the momentum. Coming out the gate, Senior Harry Bertsch placed second after starting in the back, running a PR of 1:56 and boosting spirits. Runners

boat, dominating the entire race, beat out Gonzaga and secured the first Gold Medal for JR at the WMIRA Championships in school history. Rowers didn’t just show up to this tournament, they brought their A game, even PR’ing across different boats. This tournament showed the team’s willingness to put good work to action and bring home wins.

3. JR Baseball’s Walk Off over Landon

Going into the game, stakes were high. Not only is there a history of intensity, this rivalry runs deeper than most. Henry Martinez, current head coach of Landon, used to work for JR. As the game got off to a chippy start,

Weinstein won the game with a walk, bringing sophomore first-baseman Alex Nehrer home for the game-ending run and a final score of 20-19,one of the many reasons Weinstein was awarded the MVP of the game. Senior pitcher Lia Pollock became the DCIAA ‘Player of the Year’ for the second year in a row; freshman center-fielder London Cullins gained the DCIAA All-League Second-Team title; and Pollock, freshman Sydney Kass, and freshman third baseman–a student at McCarthur–Maddie Williams were on the DCIAA All-League First-Team.

2. Girls soccer reclaim their DCIAA title in a win against Walls

After last year’s unexpected 0-1 loss against Walls, breaking their record of 13 consecutive wins, the girls soccer team went into the DCIAA championships determined to get revenge on the Penguins. Nerves were high, and all eyes seemed to be on the players and new varsity coach, Kelle Belvine. On October 30, the team brought their all and prevailed

COACH

from page 1

Massaquoi is not the only Tiger to play at UMass Lowell. Ayinde Hikim, who graduated in 2019 and played under Coach Tee when he was a JR assistant, played at UMass Lowell for three years. This helped build the relationship between Coach Tee and the UMass Lowell program, specifically head coach Pat Duquette.

“I built a relationship with Duquette there to make sure that

of 7-0.

3. Girls Crew brought their all to the WMIRA championships, winning an array of medals

On May 4, 2025, the JR crew team battled in the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing Association (WMIRA) championships for what would be the last race of their regular season, putting up an incredible performance. The 2V won gold, crowning themselves as WMIRA Regional Champions. The freshmen boat earned bronze for the second year in a row. The 3V finished just 0.4 seconds away from first, securing silver. Previously, the girls 3V had a tough fight against St Andrew’s school from Delaware at their invitational, ending in a disappointing loss. Despite this, when it mattered the most, 3V stepped up and surpassed St Andrews to secure their medal. Girls crew is on a roll, has kept their intensity throughout the year, and JR has every faith that they will truly excel in the Stotesbury cup regatta. •

Ayinde was on track to be a good player and student and graduate from there, and the relationship came from there, and he’s been following me ever since,” Coach Tee said. “He loved the job I did here as coach, and my ability to build relationships with players around the DMV.”

In only a few years, Coach Tee has achieved one of the best reputations out of any basketball coach in the DMV. In addition to coaching JR, he has also been the coach of the 17U team for Team Durant, one of the top AAU programs in the region and

sophomore Conrad Day, junior Mark Suardi, and sophomore Arjun Bhat, each followed, all earning a new PR, placing first, second and third respectively (Conrad even doing it with a ripped shoe). In the end, JR proved their team's cohesion and dominance over the competition. In the end, they left the meet having deemed it as one of the best of the season.

2. JR’s crew team upholds its culture of hard work

Last Month, the rowers went to Occoquan River in Northern Virginia, ready to do well in the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing Association (WMIRA) regional tournament. The JR boys team had never won in this regatta, so the rowers’ determination was astounding. They beat out tough schools like Gonzaga, Whitman, and St Albans to secure the team’s first regional gold. Leading for much of the race, the first and third boats managed to secure silver–the first for JR in ten years. The second

the country, where he has helped develop players from around the region.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity, but I hate to leave,” Coach Tee said. “This is a place I call home, a place of family, and because of the community that we’ve built, I’m going to miss it. But I’ll continue to support Jackson-Reed, and show support and love, regardless of how far I go.”

Despite Coach Tee’s departure, players and staff said they are excited to see what he does at the college level. “I just

with multiple Landon players ejected, both teams knew the importance of sticking it to the other team by securing a win. Following an entertaining seven innings, both teams were tied at three going into extra innings, a sudden death overtime that ended when one team had the lead at the end of an inning. Shutting out the Landon offense, JR took to the batter's box knowing that one run would secure a win. When a sacrifice bunt put Captain Jackson Loomis on second, the team knew how close they were to a storybook win in the bottom of the eighth. In the next play, Loomis, in an attempt to steal third, found himself caught, with a risk of restarting the team’s progress. However, through sheer acrobatic ability, he managed to dodge what was a sure tagout, sliding into third with just enough time to be called safe. Following another Landon ejection, first baseman and Senior Rowan Hopson hit a sacrifice fly on the very next pitch, driving in Loomis, and winning the game on a walkoff . •

felt pure happiness,” said senior guard Pete Newman. “I’m really happy for him, and he really deserves the job, and I can’t see a better coach for the job.”

“I am so sad but I’m happy for him too. I want coaches to have opportunities like that,” Athletic Director Patrice Arrington said. The AD has already sent out a email to possible coaching prospects. Then, a search committee will start looking at resumes.

Current assistant coach Bill Bourgouin, will be taking

over as interim head coach. Arrington expressed confidence in Bourgouin, saying, “he knows this program inside and out,” and adding, “[the basketball team] won’t skip a beat.”

“Obviously it won’t be the same without him, but we learned a lot from him during his time here,” sophomore forward Lane Mahan said. “We’ll be able to use what we learned to continue playing like we did before, and even though he is leaving, we want to be as good as we have been in the past.”•

PHOTOS BY DANIEL KREPPS

Grace Harscheid Sports Editor

Sam Bensky Junior Editor

Celebrating with WorldPride 2025 in DC

Javier Thompson Sarah Wiesenfelder Managing Editor Director of New Staff

For the first time ever, Washington, DC, is hosting WorldPride. WorldPride is an international LGBTQ+ celebration that occurs in different cities every two years. WorldPride promotes visibility and awareness of the LGBTQ+ community on a global scale. This year, DC is being blessed with a beautiful lineup of 39 artists and celebrities, ranging from Paris Hilton to Troye Sivan. With all these performers, it's hard to decide who to get the most excited about. But don't worry, because we're here to tell you the five artists who we think are going to bring the biggest bang.

First up is Troye Sivan. Sivan is easily one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ singers. Recently coming off the SWEAT tour with Charli XCX, Sivan is guaranteed to do his big one. Who knows? He might bring out a surprise to top his recent iconic concerts with Charli.

Second, we have our queen, Trisha Paytas. After seeing The Eras of Trish Tour, there is no question that her performance won’t be over the top in all the best ways. From her iconic Lady Gaga tributes to her original music like GAY, she is sure to bring a chaotic, rhinestone-filled spectacle.

Josie Ritter

Third, there is the actual queen herself, Ms. RuPaul. From a drag race to a concert, RuPaul rules the stage and will undoubtedly bring the absolute energy to WorldPride. With the presence of RuPaul, WorldPride is assured to have the energy it needs to take over the city.

Fourth, following the queen of drag, we have the princess, Sasha Colby. Colby was a cast member of season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. For anyone who doesn’t know, she was the winner of her season and sashayed her way to victory throughout the show. Being the icon she is, it's obvious she’ll get the crowd going wild at WorldPride.

success is truly possible in the music industry, and will certainly bring out the T energy in LGBTQ+. Sixth, to bring a socialite perspective to the festival, Ms. Paris Hilton will be in attendance to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community at WorldPride gets a taste of American personality in its truest form. Hilton will surely bring attention, social media presence, and icon energy to the festival.

You have time: how to maximize productivity

Affomia Debebe Junior Editor

While summer break is the perfect time to relax and recharge, it’s also a perfect opportunity to get ahead. Whether you’re thinking about college, a career, or just want to make your resume stand out, now’s the time to gain experience and set yourself up for success. Here’s how to stay locked in this summer.

retail or babysitting, every job teaches you something: how to show up on time, work with others, manage money, or handle responsibilities. These experiences look great on college applications and show that you’re a dependable candidate and motivated to succeed.

Fifth, with the attendance of the queer icon Kim Petras, WorldPride is surely going to be… Unholy. Petras has repeatedly set examples for trans artists that

The final artist on the list, per his closing of the festival, Zedd is going to bring WorldPride to an electric end. How else could WorldPride end in the gayest city in the United States without an electronic EDM exit? It's safe to say that the DJ will close out WorldPride with enough energy to leave a mark as one of the most iconic performances of the festival. Overall, WorldPride in DC is sure to bring an electric energy to the city and leave a mark on the bi-annual festival as one of the greatest of the extravaganzas to occur in the history of WorldPride.•

Apply for internships, even unpaid ones! Internships aren’t just for college students. Many organizations offer summer programs for high schoolers where you can learn real-world skills, network with professionals, and figure out what you actually enjoy doing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to local businesses, nonprofits, or even our career center to find options!

Certifications are a great way to show colleges and employers you’re serious. You can earn them online in areas like digital marketing (Google), IT support, coding, or even CPR and babysitting safety (Red Cross). They might take time but you’ll walk away with valuable experience and with proof of your skills.

Whether you’re working

You can also start putting your experiences together in a resume, even if it’s just one page. If you’re 16 or older, make a LinkedIn profile! You can showcase your school activities, certifications, jobs or internships that you might have done and it will help you see strengths in your accomplishments and applications. It might seem early, but building your resume now gives you a head start later. Still not sure what you want to do? That’s okay. Use the summer to explore. Job shadow someone, go to virtual info sessions, or take a free course online. Learning what you don’t like is just as valuable as discovering what you do. This summer, you’ve got the time to chill but also the opportunity to grow and get ahead. Internships, certifications, and jobs can open doors you didn’t even know existed. So, stay locked in and make this summer one that sets you apart. •

Fashion in the halls: end-of-year outfits

Sophie Rothschild Emma Godavitarne Contributors

What do you think while picking out your outfit for the day?

While some just put on whatever they see first, others use clothes to express who they are. What you wear gives your peers a look into your mind, whether you're making a statement or a first impression. To find out what the students in our high school think about fashion, we interviewed people whose outfits stand out to us daily: Emily Constantino (senior)

Outfit details: Low rise true religion jeans, report wedge boots, and her moms red bedazzled backless red marine blue halter top

Q: Do you feel your fashion expresses who you are?

Emily: 100%, I think that fashion is a silent form of selfexpression, and you don’t need to say much or do much in order for people to see through your mind, or through your clothes.

Q: Do you think you dress more for yourself or others?

Emily: Definitely for myself. And that ties into how I choose my outfits in the morning, because I will not care if my mom likes my outfit. I don’t care if anyone else likes my outfit. I need to like my outfit. If I don’t feel like the energy, even the color, if the color is not what I’m feeling for that day, then… you know, I just go with my gut.

Alec Nicholson

(sophomore)

Outfit details: Reinvigorate hoodie, goodfellow t-shirt, Asics, and shorts that were thrifted

Q: Where do you get your clothes from?

Alec: Probably Instagram. There are a lot of underground, nice brands on Instagram.

Q: What's something new in fashion that you want to try?

Alec: Denim jackets, like different types of jackets. I think those are really cool.

Q: How do you finalize your outfits or like accessories?

Alec: My main accessory is my wired earbuds. I think that's the best “accessory” I got.

Ean Neal (junior)

Outfit details: Polo sweats, old thrasher t-shirt, and Tan Margielas

Q: Do you feel like the clothes that you wear express who you are?

Ean: No, maybe.. I don't know. Like I wake up, I have things in my agenda, so I dress according to how comfortable I want to be.

Q: So, where do you like to get your clothes?

Ean: My closet.

*Laughs*

Ean: No, I'm being so serious, I have so many clothes that I find new stuff every week. I've never worn this shirt before.

Q: Do you like wearing accessories?

Ean: Yea, I do. I like them a lot because accessories express me, while what I wear doesn't necessarily.

Natalie Heredia-Lee (sophomore)

Outfit details: Thrifted green zip up, Forever 21 tank top, thrifted baggy jeans that she cut into jorts, and burnt cedar Ugg Tasmans.

Q: Who is your fashion inspiration or favorite fashion icon?

Natalie: My fashion inspiration is Molly Santana because her outfits always look good… and I’m like, wow, I wanna dress like her one day.

Q: Okay, be honest, do you dress for yourself or others?

Natalie: I dress for myself because I feel like it expresses me inside and out, and I just like dressing for myself and looking good all the time.

Q: How did you dress in middle school, and how does that compare to how you dress now?

Natalie: Oh my god! I used to wear those flower vests…

Q: Oh my god, those sweater vests?

Natalie: Yes! The sweater vests with the collared undershirt, and then I would wear these bulky shoes with ripped jeans with flowers on them. I thought I ate, but I definitely did not. Let’s just say my style has improved. •

GRAPHIC BY CLARE BATES

Page-turners for a tan on the sand

Layla Suarfel Contributor

As summer approaches, the shelves begin to clear and you’re missing one essential thing for your beach bag;The summer book. The book for all things warm and sunny, that will have you hooked the whole way through. So, if you’re into romance, memoirs, thrillers, or a YA contemporary, I have a recommendation for you.

The Glass Castle - A memorable memoir that almost reads like a fiction with the way the plot twists and turns. I was staring at the wall for hours once I finished it because the realization that this was someone's life hit me. It's chaotic, it's raw, it's eccentric and honest. It follows Jeanette as she grows up in a dysfunctional house and she navigates how to survive and rely on herself. It's a short but compelling read and I promise, two Shirley Temples and a club sandwich in, you’re hooked.

Just For The SummerPicture this. UV 9 solo tanning sesh and what better to do than to soak up the sun with a book that will leave your heart full and happy after each chapter. We watch Emma and Justin find themselves bonding over an oddly similar repeated dating experience and they make a pact to “end the curse”. The slow burn romance has all the makings of a book that keeps a smile on your face like good banter, but it also

touches on more serious topics that makes the characters more whole. By the end of the book you can’t help but fall in love with the characters, making it perfect for the romance readers.

Unscripted, Joss ByrdUnscripted is taking place on a movie set on a beach (a dream) and while it is a young adult fiction, it’s not a light hearted story, rather it is more emotional. It's very realistic but it has you rooting for Joss Byrd every second. We are reading about a child actress who is acting in a movie about her director's life. She is a little older now than when she started acting, and with a few movies under her belt, she's starting to realize that her costars are acting because they want to, not because they need to. Joss is learning more about herself while also not taking any nonsense from the people who try to take advantage of her. This is my personal favorite beach read and I read it every summer, apart from the multiple

other times I read it a year. It is the perfect read for curling up on the couch after a long day at the beach.

Imposter- For those who get a little too hot at the beach, this bone-chilling thriller is perfect for you. It's the kind of book you take on an outdoor solo lunch date overlooking the beach and water to remind yourself everything will be okay. There is a killer on the loose and a forensic psychologist is on the case. You receive all leads with him, but the who and why of these killings are still unclear. This book had my brain confused in the beginning, heart racing in the middle, and jaw dropped in the end. All while working on a tan.

While these are my favorite beach books, any book is really a beach book. Pack a book in your bag on your summer vacation and actually read it. The sun, water, sunscreen, and a good book is how I'm spending my beach days and I recommend you do too•

Recipes for a superb summer

Cecelia Grant Section Copy Editor

As the school year winds down and anticipation for summer reaches previously unknown heights, the ever-present topic of food remains on my mind: What better way to welcome the summer season than to discover some new recipes? Whether you’re in search of a simple fruit salad or classic savory dish, these three recipes welcome the heat with a refreshing and flavorful kick, pairing together to make a delicious summer meal, verified by food enthusiast, Cecelia Grant.

Watermelon Corn Salad

The first recipe I wanted to note is relatively simple and has proven to be a healthy, versatile addition to any summer meal. The mix of fresh, juicy watermelon and sweet summer corn provides an appetizing and colorful salad that can be used in any, and every meal.

From my experience, ‘Watermelon Corn Salad’ is an easy side dish for often overpowering dishes, acting equally healthy and delicious! One perk of this recipe is that it can be enhanced in a number of ways, with

a simple sprinkle of feta, basil, and lime.

Smoky, Summer Ribs

Known as the pinnacle of iconic, American barbecue, a classic but unforgettable recipe has got to be ‘Smoky Summer Ribs.’ While a bit more complex than salad, these ribs aren’t overly difficult to make and well worth the energy: after seasoning with the dry rub recipe detailed below, throw them on the grill and get excited for a fantastic, mouthwatering meal. Combining salty, smoky, savory, and spicy flavors, you just can’t go wrong with ribs.

Mint Lemonade

To accompany such a high amount of flavor, or just to cool down as you lay around by the pool, what better to drink than mint lemonade? Mint lemonade

Favorite summer feature films Mission Impossible 101

Peyton Shum

Jordana Sloane

Written Content Editor News Editor

While some people may argue that you shouldn’t be watching movies all summer, but rather outside enjoying the weather, we disagree. There is nothing better than a good movie post beach or bonfire. Here’s a comprehensive list of our favorite summer watches for you to enjoy.

High School Musical 2

A “Fabulous” way to start summer, HSM 2 is a timeless classic, even though all our “towels imported from Turkey” are now tariffed (rip our bank accounts). Even though neither of us have actually watched the movie fully, we can both attest to its brilliance through our Instagram feed. Bonus points are given because you can show this while babysitting, racking up the cash and enlightening the minds of some five year-olds, which is a true win-win scenario.

deter you from watching. The Summer I Turned Pretty

This may not be a movie, but it is the epitome of summer taking place in your ideal beach town and covering the dream summer romance. With season three coming out this July, the ultimate Conrad v. Jeremiah debate is

Barbie Welcome to summer 2023 everyone. Our job may not be “beach”, but we love a girl power summer. You’ll either end crying to “What Was I Made For” or partying in your mojo dojo casa house to “I’m Just Ken”. Either way, we wish we were president Barbie or astronaut Barbie and cannot wait

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Wow, where to even start. This movie has it all, from a cute summer romance, to a findyourself-plot, to a shockingly deep twist. If you need a movie to watch on a summer night, we recommend this one. Though fair warning, you will need a box of tissues (iykyk), but don’t let that

and Jordana a Conrad supporter, we recommend getting a neutral third party to mediate discussions (anyone over the age of 65 is usually good).

Mamma Mia

While Jordana has never even watched Mamma Mia, even she agreed to this movie making the list without hesitation, proving its dominance. It’s the definition of summer, and we look forward to blasting the classic ABBA songs while imagining we’re in Greece.

Even though this romcom takes place during the school year, it gives us all the summer vibes with its sunny Beverly Hills backdrop and classic miniskirts. Sit back and watch Cher’s masterful art of makeovers, and know you’ll end up wanting her whole wardrobe. (“Ugh, as if”).

Movies are the best way to avoid the impending doom of the start of school (even if it’s July), so get out there and start watching because 123movies awaits you. •

Since 1996, Tom Cruise has been sprinting across the silver screen as the international superspy Ethan Hunt. Throughout the franchise, there are a plethora of fun and fantastic movies, but it’s crunch time now. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to catch up on 29 years of epic action all within a few hundred words.

The most important movies to watch will be Mission: Impossible (1996), as it is the very first in the series, and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (2023). Throughout the films, Hunt works with his team of spies, notably tech experts Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), to ensure the world stays safe from international threats such as arms dealers, biowarfare, and even nuclear terrorists.

Dead Reckoning left our heroes fighting against a seemingly omnipotent artificial intelligence and an antagonist akin to a ghost, using the A.I. to torment the world without a trace. Ethan must now walk a delicate line. Working to stop “The Entity” whilst also ensuring the key to this world-conquering power does not fall into the hands of any government, including his

own. With enemies on all sides and backed into a corner, Ethan must choose who he trusts very carefully to save the world one last time.

Like any movie in this franchise, everyone behind its creation has worked tirelessly to create the masterpiece we see. What truly makes them stand out is the authenticity that permeates each frame.

Not only are all the stunts real (yes, including when Cruise is motorcycling off cliffs and dangling off planes), but unlike many action movies nowadays, the characters are allowed to be humans. Ethan isn’t an unstoppable Terminator or a perfect, suave James Bond type spy. He makes mistakes, he cares for his friends, and he is vulnerable.

While the fast-paced action and insane stunts are incredibly fun, they also know when to slow down and savor the little moments of connection between characters who hold the weight of the world on their shoulders. The characters feel closer to a family than a team of spies, which is both refreshing and also adds much higher stakes. Overall, the Mission: Impossible franchise is handsdown the best spy franchise to ever hit the big screen and Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning will be a blast for both new and returning fans to enjoy. •

James Davis Contributor

GRAPHIC BY

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC BY KATE WALTER

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

By Ben Holland

BEACON MAZE

Show the ropes

Youngest of the Obamas

Functions

BEACONNECTIONS

Jackson-Reebus Countries

SPELLING BEECON

Find as many words as you can! Words must be at least 4 letters long and use the center letter at least once. Letters can repeat.

Horoscopes

Aries- Go get your driver’s license. Right now.

Taurus- Don’t forget your sunscreen, I see a bad sunburn in your future

Gemini- AP Stats is NOT the way to go next year. Trust me

Cancer- Is it multitasking or procrastinating?

Leo- Stop trying to grow that mustache, you look like a creep

Virgo- You WILL pass all of your AP exams

Libra- Yes, please keep explaining your jokes, it makes them funnier

Scorpio- Are you sure that’s what you want to be wearing today? You do you I guess

Sagittarius- You are definitely going viral this month

Capricorn- You WON’T pass your AP exams

Aquarius- Get that haircut, it’s been too long

Pisces- Don’t forget to look both ways before crossing the road

What is your advice for freshman?

Bribe your counselors

Samara Cuaresma, 12

Go outside, touch grass, enjoy life

Rockwell Lewis, 12

Jayne Carter, 12

The staff room bathroom is elite for code browns

Paschal Fowlkes, 12

Take a gym class senior year

Adiv Brooks-Rubin, 12

Invest in water proof mascara

Zinnia Deora, 12

Pursue that two man! Sophia Harper, 12

Sports injuries are the hack for elevator passes

Sydney Mabry, 12 Calvin Davis, 12

Say good morning to security

Dani Jablonski, 12

Will Carlyle-Dadson, 12

Frances Leibovich, 12

Become friends with the deans ...trust

Francesca Krevat, 12

Ava Serafino, 12

Befriend Rogers

Dani Wallace, 12

Dean Rogers Rohini Kieffer, 12

Use the third floor bathroom in the main building. It’s the cleanest Niko Epstein, 12

Don’t make eye contact with the kids in the Whole Foods stairwell

Alex Frommer, 12