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OCTOBER 2025-2026 VOL. 71

PILOT BACK TO

CAMPUS

DEAR READERS...

The ratification of the recent cell phone policy has been subject to frequent controversies among adolescents, particularly those here at Lindbergh High School. Students argued that the enforcement of cell phone regulations would only weaken student-teacher relationships, prove inconvenient in both social and academic settings in a variety of ways, and, as stated in a petition signed by nearly half the student body, “[hinder] our ability to learn effectively and [foster] an environment of sneakiness and increased distractions.”

But, following what came with the unfortunate string of events that occurred this early September, more nuanced discussions have emerged from this debate; students began to look further past the cell phone ban and instead garnered their attention to what it implied about the matters of personal autonomy, government infringement on individual rights, and the increasing perversion of technological advancement on modern-day society. Our first issue aims to address these conversations through the exploration of topics such as the utilization of artificial intelligence in educational institutions, the intercorrelation of social media with the polarization surrounding gun violence and, naturally, the cell phone policy.

Despite this, Pilot does not hesitate to remind you that, above all, Lindbergh prides itself on our ability to overcome any such adversities. With this issue’s acknowledgment of the admirable efforts put into this year’s homecoming dance and celebrations of the so-far successful football season, Pilot staff is thrilled to welcome Flyer pride back to campus!

Best regards,

Mira Schoewe and Lily Donaldson Editors-in-chief

STAFF Mira Schoewe Lillian Donaldson Editors-in-chief

Fiona Le Leila Thomas Kelly Forbes Zoe Azzara Martin Corbin-Cornwell Staff writers

PILOT POLICY Pilot is a monthly newsmagazine published by students enrolled in the Pilot Publications class at Lindbergh High School, 5000 Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis Missouri, 63126. The publications office is currently locatred in Room 21.

Opinions of Pilot writers or the Editorial Board are not reflective of the opinions of the staff as a whole, the Pilot, or the administration. The Pilot welcomes responses and letters brought to Room 21.

The Pilot reserves the right to edit submissions as long as their orginal intent remains unaltered, and to refuse to print material for any reason the Editor-in-Cheif and advisor deem appropriate.

More information about our editorial policy can be found on lindberghlookup. com.

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AI: For better or for worse?

Homecoming in review

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News

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Commentary

Gun violence, polarization and social media: what you need to know

HEMA showcases some surprising benefits

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Feature

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A look at Lindbergh library’s new rules

Missouri says ‘yes’ to the phone ban

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News News Leila Leila Thomas Thomas· Staff · Staff Writer Writer

The The Ethics Ethics of of ArtificalIntelligence Intelligence Artifical Exploring Exploringthe thecontroversial controversialuse useofofnew newtechnologies technologiesininthe theclassroom classroom

AA

rtificial rtificial intelligence intelligence has has done done more more than than surpass surpass boundaries---it boundaries boundaries---it boundaries has has helped helped toto create create new new ones. ones.

The The introduction introduction ofof modern modern artificial artificial intelligence intelligence toto the the public public has has sparked sparked several several controversies, controversies, raising raising questions questions about about how how society society must must come come toto terms terms with with these these new new complications. complications.

AA widespread widespread debate, debate, and and one one prevalent prevalent atat Lindbergh, Lindbergh, is is the the debate debate over over the the use use ofof AIAI inin the the classroom. classroom.

The The popularity popularity ofof artificial artificial intelligence intelligence among among educators educators is is rapidly rapidly increasing. increasing.

From From assisting assisting with with class class lesson lesson plans plans toto creating creating presentations, presentations, teachers teachers have have often often cited cited the the most most prominent prominent benefits benefits ofof AIAI asas itsits ability ability toto lessen lessen workload. workload.

InIn the the 2024-2025 2024-2025 school school year, year, data data from from The The 7474 News News Outlet Outlet showed showed that that 60% 60% ofof teachers teachers saved saved upup toto 6 hours 6 hours a week a week ofof work work byby using using AI. AI. Additionally, Additionally, students students themselves themselves have have been been using using AIAI forfor homework homework and and research research assistance; assistance; because because ofof this, this, numerous numerous schools schools across across the the United United States States have have developed developed mixed mixed feelings feelings about about the the potential potential impact impact ofof these these changes changes onon modern modern education. education.

Ms. Ms. Maassen, Maassen, anan AP AP Seminar Seminar teacher teacher atat Lindbergh, Lindbergh, shared shared her her opinion opinion and and boundaries boundaries regarding regarding the the use use ofof AIAI inin the the classroom. classroom.

“I“I know know inin the the future, future, it’sit’s going going toto bebe like like what what the the calculator calculator is is toto math math class. class.

But But that’s that’s really really hard hard toto accept accept atat the the moment moment because because it it feels feels like like cheating,” cheating,” Maassen Maassen said. said.

Despite Despite similarities similarities between between the the two, two, aa calculator calculator utilizes utilizes specific specific pre-set pre-set algorithms algorithms toto perform perform mathematical mathematical tasks; tasks; onon the the contrary, contrary, AIAI is is aa dynamic dynamic platform platform capable capable ofof providing providing information information across across various various fields, fields, learning learning lessons lessons based based onon past past “experiences,” “experiences,” and, and, ultimately, ultimately, acting acting asas itsits own own individual individual entity. entity.

InIn a recent a recent interview interview with with CNBC, CNBC, however, however, OpenAI OpenAI CEO CEO Sam Sam Altman Altman noted noted that that the the phrase phrase “a“a calculator calculator forfor words” words” is is hishis preferred preferred description description ofof AI’s AI’s future future possibilities. possibilities.

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“AI “AI is is the the most most important important thing thing toto happen happen inin a very a very long long time,” time,” said said Altman.

Altman.

Contemporary Contemporary Issues Issues and and AP AP Government Government and and Politics Politics teacher teacher Ms. Ms. Lexie Lexie Weitzel Weitzel also also sees sees the the potential potential ofof AI, AI, believing believing students students can can use use it it toto their their advantage. advantage.

“AI “AI is is actually actually a good a good thing. thing.

It It can can bebe used, used, if if correctly, correctly, inin good good ways ways [and] [and] toto foster foster creativity…I creativity…I dodo think think that that there there areare several several good good uses uses ofof AI, AI, and and soso I think I think that that wewe should should bebe teaching teaching students students how how toto use use AIAI appropriately appropriately inin the the classroom,” classroom,” said said Weitzel.

Weitzel.

Researchers Researchers atat the the U.S. U.S. Department Department ofof Education Education have have begun begun examining examining the the potential potential benefits benefits ofof using using AIAI asas a tool a tool forfor students. students.

One One article, article, ‘Artificial ‘Artificial Intelligence Intelligence and and the the Future Future ofof Learning Learning and and Teaching,’ Teaching,’ suggests suggests that that using using AIAI inin the the classroom classroom could could make make it it easier easier forfor students students and and teachers teachers toto complete complete tasks, tasks, find find educational educational resources resources and and support, support, and and possibly possibly even even improve improve their their cognitive cognitive performance. performance.

“Augmented “Augmented intelligence intelligence is is a design a design pattern pattern forfor a humana humancentered centered partnership partnership model model ofof people people and and artificial artificial intelligence intelligence (AI) (AI) working working together together toto enhance enhance cognitive cognitive performance, performance, including including learning, learning, decision decision making, making, and and new new experiences,” experiences,” wrote wrote the the article. article.

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While AI can often assist with learning and provide immediate academic feedback, the article also highlights that it is equally essential to acknowledge the potential dangers and risks. Researchers at the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information have emphasized the impact of AI on student laziness, learning abilities, and decision-making. In addition, numerous scientists have suggested that, when not adequately regulated, AI can be detrimental to vital areas of cognitive development.

“Using electroencephalograms (EEGs) of the brain, linguistic analysis, and post-task interviews, the researchers found that using ChatGPT weakened participants’ neural connectivity, memory, and sense of ownership over their writing. While AI use allowed tasks to feel easier, the lack of effort required could, over time, dull cognition, critical thinking, and creativity,” said psychiatrist and author Marlynn Wei in a ‘Psychology Today’ article discussing recent studies from MIT on the psychological effects of artificial intelligence.

Lindbergh Psychology teacher Ms. Sarah Saunders elaborated on her understanding of the relationship between cognitive function and artificial intelligence.

“Let’s say in school, [you] solve a problem … it requires certain functions of your brain to activate. And if you try to take the easy way out or just put [it] into AI, you’re not practicing those particular neural pathways that solve problems. So then, you don’t practice that, so then you become worse at problem-solving, and you become more dependent on the AI, and you lose that critical thinking ability,” Saunders said. “You need to activate certain parts of your brain [to] keep them active for when you’re older. And if those are the critical thinking areas, because you’ve depended so much on AI or these other tools to [think] for you, as an adult, you won’t have that capability. You’ll be limited.”

Saunders claimed that the use of AI during adolescence could have several detrimental effects when not correctly used or regulated.

“The problem with a shortcut is that you have to know the long cut first. You have to have that long cut memorized …

[AI] can be used as an aid, as an accessory,” said Saunders, “but it cannot replace your thinking.”

“I know in the future, it’s going to be like what the calculator is in math class.” ~ Kylee Maassen, English Educator ~

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HOMECOMING in review

“[The] goal is playing our best when it matters the most...What’s most important is how we respond after adversity.

The best is yet to come.”

Players Reflect on Growth and Lessons Learned Throughout the Season Lily Donaldson · Editor-in-chief Feature

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he homecoming football game is more than just another night under the lights – it’s one of the biggest events of the school year.

Students and families crowded the stands, filling them with school colors, painted faces and the sound of the marching band as the football team prepared for one of its most anticipated matchups of the season.

For the players, homecoming is about more than just the game itself. It’s about representing their school, showing how far they’ve come and giving the student section something to cheer for. The season has had its challenges, but the team believes the progress they’ve made will continue to show on the field when it matters most. 12th grader Jackson Bailey, one of the team’s captains, said he’s already seen growth in each player over the first few weeks.

“Week by week we have eliminated more and more mistakes. We played good teams these first few weeks but I can tell that every game we’re doing so much better,” Bailey said.

That progress has come from countless hours of Mira Schoewe work, both during the in the off season.

11th Schoewe grader Photos courtesy of Mira

ber 2025

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Carter Holmes felt dedication was part of what keeps him motivated as a member of the team.

“From the times spent on the field with my teammates or the hours spent training in the offseason, I love it all. The constant grind to get better, and expectations set by myself, my teammates, and my coaches to perform at the highest level makes me love the game even more.”

For football coach Benjamin McNeely, the homecoming game was also a chance to show the school community that the team is determined to always improve, no matter the early record.

“Although we came up short in our first three games, we have improved as a team. Our goal is to be playing our best when it matters the most. We have to have a sense of urgency to improve each day,” McNeely said.

McNeely further emphasized that football isn’t the only lesson being learned.

“We always hope that our players not only develop into better football players, but also into impressive young men. Adversity, whether in football or in life, is bound to happen. What’s most important is how we respond after adversity. The best is yet to come,” he said.

Photos Photos courtesy courtesy of of Mira Mira Schoewe Schoewe

Pilot Pilot Newsmagazine Newsmagazine ·· October October 2025 2025

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Lindbergh Faces Anti-phone Bill

A NIGHT TO

REMEMBER

Senate Bill 68 alters Lindbergh’s preexisting phone policy Fiona Le · Staff Writer Feature

The 2025hehomecoming dance spirit and celebrationtime [or] in the new cell phone policy, also unites known Lindbergh screen,inlike during non-instructional

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as Senate Bill 68, has heavily impacted hallways or lunch,” said Little.

Lindbergh High School students staff. not only intoAscreativity also into handling that monthsbuthave passed sincechallenges the policy tudents gather on the dance floor as brightand lights come up during the planning process.

July andOn music fill9,the2025, gym.Senate Bill 68 was signed was first officially implemented, however, Little “The student councilhave members are usuallythe verynew orgaTheby homecoming at Lindbergh School Missouri’sdance governor, MikeHigh Kehoe.

The now believes students assimilated nized and hard working, but many times we have to deal with stands out as one of the most anticipated traditions bill banned the use of all electronic devices adjustments and demonstrated the social benefits of outside vendors, and I think dealing with students is not their of the year. For many students, the dance is far more during school hours—including phones, headphones the ban. highest priority. We look at our previous year’s reports to see significant than just a night of music and decorations---it’s a and personal computers—with exceptions for “I like we it because I feel students are if there is anything can improve, andlike we also take feedback celebration of school pride and a chance for the community to uses related to education and safety.

Under these [interacting more] with each other in a good way from the community last year to try to change things for the come together. regulations, cannot be used during class, better, ” Pfeffier said.

Planningdevices the event takes months of preparation than [being] stuck on their phones too much.

Additionally, themore, choice of theme quickly became from the Student Council members. pickingwith a theme to passing period or lunch.

ThisFrom contrasts They’re discussing and they’re having toarely talking point amongst students, many of whom were excited arranging decorations, the group worked behind the scenes to Lindbergh’s previous phone policy, which imposed on that,” Little said. about the colorful decorations and festive mood it promised to make sureonly the evening special. Elena Adams, an 11th a ban on thefelt useextra of phones strictly during Mrs. Rachel Kleinberg, a psychology teacher, bring. For some, it was the uniqueness of the theme that made it grader, who is the Student Council chairholder, described the instructional class time. shared a so appealing. similar opinion. excitement the event brings.

Mr. Andrew Little, a Lindbergh English “I appreciate the limit are “I love the theme. Since Rio inin andsaying of itselfthere is more “I think the energy around the entire week of hometeacher, shared his initial reservations regarding the times when we are able to focus without that related to partying, color and fun, it’s a great theme because it has coming unites everyone. Homecoming brings together alumni new phone policy. some individuality planning to it, but it’s also connected and students to appreciate our amazing school. I think with all distraction ourand social skills.

Because if we don’t to fun, which is something I like to do, ” said Senna Paredes of the fun activities energy this weekabout brings,the it really makes “Whenand I initially heard phone ban,having do them in these environments, when are they (11).

Lindbergh feel like a home, ” said Adams.

I was like, ‘this is kind of ridiculous’, just because of happening? Like, when are we ever figuring out when That sense of unity is there reflected in the details ofamount the the fact that I thought was a certain to be human with each other?” Kleinberg said. event. Mark Pfeiffer, the group’s sponsor, said they put effort of time students should be able to use their phone Pilot Newsmagazine · January 2025 11 14 2 Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025

Kelly Forbes · Staff Writer Feature

QUIET PLEASE! Lindbergh library faces new rules

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tudents at Lindbergh High School are making new adjustments during Power Lunch this year, specifically with the library’s new rules. Ms. Whitehead, a librarian at Lindbergh, explained some of the new rules.

“We used to just call this, actually, where we’re sitting right now, the silent section, but now the whole library is silent during [lunch],” said Whitehead.

During last year’s Power Lunch, students at were allowed to come into the library to eat lunch, hang out with friends and talk. Students were also given the freedom to work on group projects or sit quietly and do assignments.

However, all that has changed. While the library is still open during Power Lunch, the school has implemented a new set of rules regarding what students are allowed to do in the library during lunch. Ms. Whitehead believes that this has helped students find a much-needed space that wasn’t available before.

“Our students who are looking for a quieter place to be during Power Lunch, where it’s a little bit more of a port in the storm instead of part of the storm. So I think that’s kind of the purpose that it’s trying to serve. And sometimes, like people do, just like need to study real quick for a test they have later,” Whitehead said.

These new rules have made a considerable impact on LHS in comparison to previous years. In the library, students are unable to work on group projects; only individual work is allowed, and it is completed in silence.

Students are still allowed to eat lunch in the library, print and check out books, but they are unable to talk, enter the library on the second floor or sit at the same table as someone else. Contrary to past years, the library is not as lenient as it once was. Ms. Whitehead felt that students were already seeing the benefits of these new regulations.

“I think it was needed. Power Lunch can be quite noisy, I think there is a certain population of students looking for a quieter place at lunch,” said Whitehead.

The library has, in fact, become more manageable during lunch; however, some students have different feelings concerning the new adjustments. Leila Thomas, a student at Lindbergh, thinks that the old rules were more beneficial to students than the new ones.

“I don’t like the new rules because it was a nice space to work on homework together with friends or projects, and it was really nice to have those separated sections of the library where one half was quiet individual work and the other side was group work,” said Thomas.

Power Lunch is one of the many useful tools for students at Lindbergh, and the library is another. While some students feel that the space was more useful when divided between individual and group work, as it was in previous years, others are enjoying this new opportunity for a completely quiet space to work during the loud, hectic lunch period. Mila Lamar, a frequent user of the Lindbergh library, claimed that the new rules are beneficial for her.

“I like the quiet when I’m doing my homework.

It helps me focus, so it’s nice when I need to study during lunch and I can go to the library,” said Lamar.

Due to the new changes, students have been using the library to work instead of hanging out with friends.

Despite mixed reactions to the library’s new rules, the librarians have made it clear they plan on keeping these rules in place for as long as they can to keep students productive.

Mrs. Whitehead beleives it has been working better than it was before.

“I think kids are overall more productive than they have been in past years,” she said.

Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025 13

Lindbergh Faces Anti-phone Bill

Senate Bill 68 alters Lindbergh’s preexisting phone policy Fiona Le · Staff Writer Feature

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he new cell phone policy, also known as Senate Bill 68, has heavily impacted Lindbergh High School students and staff.

On July 9, 2025, Senate Bill 68 was signed

by Missouri’s governor, Mike Kehoe. The bill banned the use of all electronic devices during school hours—including phones, headphones and personal computers—with exceptions for uses related to education and safety. Under these regulations, devices cannot be used during class, passing period or lunch. This contrasts with Lindbergh’s previous phone policy, which imposed a ban only on the use of phones strictly during instructional class time.

Mr. Andrew Little, a Lindbergh English teacher, shared his initial reservations regarding the new phone policy.

“When I initially heard about the phone ban, I was like, ‘this is kind of ridiculous’, just because of the fact that I thought there was a certain amount of time students should be able to use their phone

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Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025

screen, like during non-instructional time [or] in the hallways or lunch,” said Little.

As months have passed since the policy was first officially implemented, however, Little now believes students have assimilated the new adjustments and demonstrated the social benefits of the ban.

“I like it because I feel like students are [interacting more] with each other in a good way than [being] stuck on their phones too much.

They’re discussing more, and they’re having to rely on that,” Little said.

Mrs. Rachel Kleinberg, a psychology teacher, shared a similar opinion.

“I appreciate the limit in saying there are times when we are able to focus without that distraction our social skills. Because if we don’t do them in these environments, when are they happening? Like, when are we ever figuring out when to be human with each other?” Kleinberg said.

Research has proven the detrimental effects of cellular device usage on cognitive performance, including emotional and social well-being and learning capabilities. Increased screen time is also linked to an increase in anxiety and depression, according to the CDC. Despite research evidence and positive responses from Lindbergh High School students, the question remains: Is Senate Bill 68 truly a good fit, or are positive effects only temporary?

“Lindbergh is unique in the fact that the community is different from other school districts. I think you have to do what is ultimately best for your school. This is a hard rule to enforce because of how easily accessible cell phones are [and] how easily you can hide your phone or anything like that. So it’s tough, and there are times [when] I just want to teach,” said Little.

Kleinberg expressed similar frustrations.

“There are some parts about being put on the front lines of enforcing it that make me wonder. It’s all well and good for someone who isn’t going to have to be the person to enforce it. That’s very different. They are not Photos courtesy of Fiona Le and Mira Schoewe the ones potentially getting into these negative interactions with kids about having their phone,” Freshman Lydia Brown is also frustrated with Kleinberg said. phone regulations for similar reasons.

The phone ban’s enforcement is “It’s hard to find your friends, especially since additionally said to be causing pause amongst friends will have a different schedule from you in clubs. staff and students. Junior student Raquel Rojas I’m like, ‘Hey, where are you?’ You’re going to have expressed concerns that the new policy is to [communicate] through email, and then they’re jamming up communication during the school gonna have to check their email and everything, so it’s day. definitely difficult,” Brown said.

“I thought that it was a bit much because To ease students’ concerns, a carve-out was you need to communicate. I would say that added to the law to address emergencies. phones are used for communication, like with “Law enforcement professionals would say your parents, and also your coaches, if you play a in emergency situations, it is typically not the best sport,” said Rojas. thing for everybody to be jamming the cell towers School-provided Chromebooks may or communication lines and to be listening to the allow communication through email applications instructions of whoever is in charge of that space,” said and other related means; however, this may be Kleinberg. inconvenient for students. Rojas suggested there As the new phone ban remains in place, students were safety issues related to students’ inability to and staff are urged to follow enforcement procedures. access their personal devices during school hours. Although students may frequently ask the question, “I want to contact my parents, [but] then “Who voted to pass the bill?” Kleinberg said the answer I have to wait till the bell rings to text them. If is clear. something happens, it’s annoying because I have “Voters voted for the people that voted on to see it at 2:45. If an emergency happens, I can’t the law; we don’t have a direct democracy, we have a see it immediately,” Rojas said. representative democracy,” said Kleinberg.

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Photos courtesy of the New York Times

News Mira Schoewe and Zoe Azzara · Editor-in-chief, Staff Writer

Where We Draw the Line:

A Country Divided Social media’s perceived polarization of gun violence

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n April 20, 1999, American history was redefined. The mass shooting of Columbine brought incomparable urgency and nationwide attention to the gun violence discussion. It challenged the law, threatened traditional values and sparked an ongoing outrage.

And now, nearly 30 years later, society continues to face the consequences.

“I think students feel less safe than they used to, you know? It’s really interesting to me—this has been a topic I’ve tracked my entire educational career. My first year of teaching was the year that Columbine happened, and Columbine was the first. It wasn’t the first school shooting, and it wasn’t even the first mass school shooting, but there was something about Columbine that was different, that really got this country’s attention.

And it has felt like, since Columbine, these things have just been happening with greater regularity,” said Lindbergh High School principal Dr. Cochran.

Since Columbine, the frequency of active shootings has increased exponentially. According to Statista, in 2023 alone, there were 350 separate incidents—the most documented in a single year. Although these events have brought more attention to the issue, the crisis remains unsolved.

Recently, however, many Americans have began to wonder if the country’s lack of official gun law could be playing a key role in the situation’s increasing severity. Ms. Weitzel, Lindbergh’s Contemporary Issues and AP Government and Politics teacher, provided her insight on the situation.

“I do think that there are policies that can be put in place [without] taking away the right to bear arms. I think we should meet in the middle and compromise to keep our guns, if you want to keep your gun, but also think about how we can make the process a little more difficult if someone is struggling and gets their hands on a gun. There’s a lot that we can do to tighten up our policies so people still have the right to bear arms, but [are] still kept safe,” said Weitzel.

The regulation of firearms, or lack thereof, is perhaps among the most infamous of modern political discussions. Controversial in nature and frequently at the center of heated debate, the conversation has maintained relevance in American thought for decades. Researchers at Cambridge University have started to investigate the issue, suggesting that these conflicts have only increased in tandem with the growing popularity of cell phones and online platforms; consequently, the new generation now holds an unceasing political war in their back pockets. Dr. Cochran expressed his concerns regarding the negative influence that the online provision of these topics has on adolescents.

“Like just about anybody in this country, I have my own personal views about the causes of gun violence in the country. It’s probably multifaceted.

I am generally concerned about the impact of social media in a variety of ways. I think it has impacted our political environment [negatively]…it’s driven a lot of people to extreme views that ordinarily, without social media, probably wouldn’t have some of those extreme views,” said Cochran.

Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025

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“The fact we’re not able to sit down ble to sit down and compromise the way people e ompromise thehave way people in this country for well over ry for well over two centuries is frustrating.” nturies is frustrating.”

The recent Pew Research Center article, “Algorithmic Categorizations Deepen Divides,” along hat I can say is I don’t I can’tother see the future.

Butsuggested what I can saysocial is withknow, numerous studies, have that that [social thatmedia it is creating a political divide to because that [social algorithms are designed cater to users by often ain things. The ial media] algorithmideologically is only showing youcontent. certain things.

The withholding diverse This has partially des of any issue,” en solution to that to is to always look at both of any issue,” contributed recent polarization andsides heightened tensions rtially saidsurrounding Saunders. the gun violence discussion. Ms. Saunders, a ion is, and may nsions Though debate ofteacher, gun regulation and may Lindbergh APthe Psychology defines is, this phenomenon f all political s, a remain, controversial, American citizensconcept of all political as “echo chambers,” a psychological referring to the reserving menon affiliations onideological a common communities goal: preserving creationcan of agree isolated through the lack es. to the educational safetyofand protecting loved ones. and perspectives. of promotion diverse content, opinions h sides of this the lack “I sincerely believe people botha sides “[Echo chambers] only on create largerof orthis more o stop. Nobody ctives. issue want the sameSo thing: want to stop.

Nobody intense feeling. whenthey you’re in this a group like that (it’s e to sit down and e wants this.anAnd the fact that your we’reideas not able sit down called ‘in-group bias’), and to beliefs tendand to way people have s listen to each other and compromise people become more extreme as you talk,the andway as you hearhave this. two centuries is o compromised in this wellfrom overthe twocenter, centuries is You begin to movecountry furtherfor away the more to do what we s. frustrating.

Frustrating that we’redivision not ablegoing to dotowhat weless of you engage with that.

Is that create more usedanto,” said Cochran. opportunity to come together as people with differing ess of beliefs? ring

er 2025

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Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025

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I don’t know, I can’t see the future. But what I can say is that it is creating a political divide because that [social media] algorithm is only showing you certain things. The solution to that is to always look at both sides of any issue,” said Saunders.

Though the debate of gun regulation is, and may remain, controversial, American citizens of all political affiliations can agree on a common goal: preserving educational safety and protecting loved ones.

“I sincerely believe people on both sides of this issue want the same thing: they want this to stop. Nobody wants this. And the fact that we’re not able to sit down and listen to each other and compromise the way people have compromised in this country for well over two centuries is frustrating. Frustrating that we’re not able to do what we used to,” said Cochran.

Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025

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Photo courtesy of mhfs – malmö Historiska Fäktskola Photo courtesy of mhfs – malmö Historiska Fäktskola

Martin Corbin-Cornwell • Staff Writer Commentary Martin Corbin-Cornwell • Staff Writer Commentary

PARRY AND STRIKE! PARRY AND STRIKE! HEMA helped me find a new form of self expression. canahelp HEMAHere’s helpedhow meitfind newyou, formtoo. of self expression.

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It’s also more affordsimply refer to it as swordfighting. a safer environment. Most often, it does not require arHEMA. While may know as medieval able, you could most likely get all the materials you need HEMAsome can benefit the itbody in many ways. From mor of any kind; the worst thing you can get injured from reenactment or Live-Action Roleplay (LARP), for down to around $150 if you choose the right store. using simple movements like a flick of the wrist to more is lack of awareness or the terrain.

It’s also more affordothers simply refer to it as swordfighting.

Now back to the HEMA side, I would like complex actions like lunging or defending, HEMA is anable, you could most likely get all the materials you need to share HEMA source can benefit the body many ways. From my personal favorite instrument to use, and one I hope efficient of whole bodyin exercise. for down aroundsoon: $150aiffauchard, you choose the right store. using simple movements like a flick of the wrist to more toto acquire a medieval HEMA also provides several mental health Now back to the HEMA side, I would towith sharea slight complexbenefits actions including like lunging or defending, HEMAonis the an spot European pole-arm that consists of a like blade stress relief, enhancing my personal favorite instrument to use, and one I hope efficientthinking, source ofdeveloping whole bodycourage exercise. outward curve mounted upon a six to eight foot pole. I further, using muscle to acquire soon: a fauchard, HEMA also provides several mental health have modified mine atomedieval have an end spike that is used to memory to feel the thrill of the moment and enjoying European pole-arm that consists of aweapon blade with a slight back, benefitsyourself including stress relief, enhancing on the spot stab my opponent when my is knocked with people who share the same passion as you. outwardallowing curve mounted upon a six to eight foot pole.

I thinking, developing courage further, using muscle me to seamlesly transition into an attack.

There are multiple forms of HEMA, such as steel have modified mine to have an end spike that is used to memoryand to feel thecombat. thrill ofSteel the moment and enjoying Additionally, I hope to acquire the shuang-ji, heavy combat is most often fought stab my opponent whenhead my weapon is knocked yourselfwith withinstruments people who such shareasthe same passion as you. which is a spear with two crescent back, blades on either the rapier, feder, saber and allowing me to seamlesly transition into an attack.

There are multiple forms of HEMA, such as steel side of it mounted to a 5-8 foot pole.

Its unique shape dagger. On the other hand, heavy combat uses gear such Additionally, I hope toweapon acquiretothe shuang-ji, and heavy combat.

Steel combat is most often fought makes it a challenging learn, but makes it as long swords, spears, pole-arms, shields, warhammerswhich is a spear head with two crescent blades on either with instruments such as the rapier, feder, saber and efficient in combat as well. and many other equipment geared towards the more war side of it mounted to a 5-8 foot pole. Its unique shape dagger. On other heavy combat uses gear such HEMA is a great source of exercise and relief. Any like the aspect of hand, medieval combat. makes it a challenging weapon to learn, but makes it as long swords, spears, pole-arms, warhammers can easily get into it through local competitions, onAdditionally, thereshields, is another kind of medievalefficientone in combat as well. and many other geared equipment geared towards the Boffer more war line and in person groups, or starting on their own with combat towards children called Fighting.

HEMA a great source of exercise and relief. Any like aspect of medieval combat.

BofferisFighting. one can easily get into it through local competitions, onAdditionally, there is another kind of medieval line and in person groups, or starting on their own with combat geared towards children called Boffer Fighting.

Boffer Fighting.

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Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025 Pilot Newsmagazine · October 2025

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