The Ledger - Issue 1 - Fall 2024

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

FALL 2024

THE

LEDGER

Liberty’s Magazine

Who is Carson Scrogin?

Pages 6-7

This senior isn’t one to back down from something challenging.

FALL SPORTS Pages 16-17

Through their individual and team work ethic, fall sports athletes discuss their season highlights.

The 2024 Presidential Election Pages 4-5

An exploration of the policies and platforms of the presidential candidates.

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL 2275 Sommers Road

Lake St. Louis, MO 63367

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CONTENT ISSUE 1 Designed by Meghan Lynch

Table of Contents 3 | Today’s Global Conflicts 4 & 5 | The 2024 Presidential Election

The Ledger

6 & 7 | Who is Carson Scrogin?

Liberty High School 2275 Sommers Road Lake Saint Louis MO. 63367 libertyledger17@gmail.com

8 | From Milan to America

Volume 12 Issue 1

9 | A Taste of Japan

Intentions

10 & 11 | New School Year, New Worries of Violence

12 & 13 | Is AI in Schools Helpful or Harmful?

14 | School Capacity 15 | The Great Political Divide 16 & 17 | Fall Sports 18 | Commedia Dell’arte in Modern Media

19 | Joker: Folie à Deux A Laughable Disaster

Staff

Editors-in-Chief Meghan Lynch and Ella Quinney

The Ledger is a publication that releases four issues (one issue per quarter) throughout the year, distributing 900 free copies to the student body, faculty, and administration.

The Ledger is a part of the district’s curriculum and is designed to provide a journalistic experience for written expression on a variety of topics. It is a student-led publication class that reports on events related to the school community. Students write, take photos, and design the publication while the adviser supervises the student journalists.

The opinions expressed in the magazine may not be those of Liberty High School, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District faculty, staff or administration. The staff editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the Ledger staff.

Credentials

Layout Editor Faith Vaught

Reporters Keena Boschert, Lexi Hufty, Vanessa Jackson, Sage Kennedy, Brielle Vassel

Copy Editor Loukya Vaka

*Each editor also serves as a reporter

The Ledger is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association.

On the front cover: Matthew Mauck (12) punts the ball to the North Point Grizzlies in a game on Nov. 20. The Eagles rallied to win the game, 15-12. Photo by C. McDonnell On the back cover: Interactive quiz written and designed by Loukya Vaka, In-Depth/Features Editor Photo by C. McDonnell

NEWS OCT. 2024 Designed by Loukya Vaka

Today’s Global News

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Staying informed about the world is crucial.

By Loukya Vaka, In-Depth/Features Editor

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t’s much easier for us to be aware of the things that directly affect us, a large part of our focus going towards watching what lies closely beyond our homes’ doors.

On the other hand, it’s more difficult to pay attention to what is not directly surrounding us, and we tend to be somewhat oblivious until

something comes knocking on our own doors.

“I think I can be pretty well informed at times about national news, I can watch the news and read stuff,” sophomore Izzy Hufty said.

However, she also said that she doesn’t really keep up with foreign news, and she believes this is because she doesn’t live

in other areas. “If it isn’t on my news channel or something, it will probably take me a while to find out about it,” Hufty said.

Now, instead of resigning ourselves to unawareness, let’s take the time to look through the doors of others, understanding the issues affecting others around the globe. After all, no matter the

distance or the differing times, the very thing that connects us all is simply our humanity.

We must acknowledge our humanity, as well the fragility of this concept, for that is the way we stay aware and connected. Here are a few, of many, events occurring on a global scale.

The Israel-Hamas War Continues

Instability in Afghanistan

A year has passed since Hamas launched an attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023–Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responding to this with aerial campaigns and ground operations within the Gaza Strip. However, this conflict stretches back to the later years of the 19th century.

Now, with anxious, agitated feelings at every corner, a war between Israel and Hamas is in motion. After the initial outbreak of war, President Joe Biden made a statement of support for Israel, and the United States announced that it would move its warships in the Mediterranean Sea closer to Israel along with sending more shipments of arms. And, while an emergency meeting was called for by the UN Security Council, in order to discuss the recent violence, there was failure to create a consensus statement. However the main concern was clear: the safety of civilians in Israel and Palestine, the safety of hostages being held by militants in Gaza, and the overall increased loss of life. Both Hamas and Israel have refused to agree to the terms laid out by President Biden for a hostage release and ceasefire, while attacks continue to be orchestrated.

In the midst of all the fighting, tens of thousands of people are being killed or wounded, and Gaza is in desperate need of water, fuel, and supplies. The situation surrounding both Hamas and Israel make it difficult for aid to reach those in need; operations of many humanitarian agencies have been suspended; famine is now imminent in Gaza, according to The World Food Programme; and very few hospitals in the strip are staying partially functional. Ultimately, while it’s unclear when this dangerous dispute will come to an end, there are many different people who are caught in the middle of this war.

The U.S. war in Afghanistan went on for decades. The war started when former U.S. President George W. Bush pledged to “win the war against terrorism”, authorizing the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the infamous 9/11 attacks–where Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked four commercial aircrafts. Since then, the war continued all the way until 2021, which was when U.S. troops were finally withdrawn from Afghanistan.

However, while this was the end of the longest war that the United States had been involved in, the story does not truly come to a close here. After U.S. troops left Afghanistan in August 2021, control of Afghanistan and the government in the nation’s capital, Kabul, was quickly repossessed by the Taliban–a predominantly Pashtun, Islamic fundamentalist group–at a shocking speed. Despite the Taliban’s earlier promises to respect human rights when they took over control in Afghanistan, any advancements in the Afghanistan people’s democratic rights and freedoms over the past 20 years are disappearing. Aggravated by economic shocks and climate change’s worsening effects, there is widespread displacement, poverty, and food insecurity; harsh restrictions to women’s rights have been put in place once more, with consequences to those who protest; strict punishments have been reimposed, including floggings, amputations, and mass executions; even music has been banned. These pressing problems are also accompanied with a difficulty to send over much relief to those living in Afghanistan.

Ultimately, this report does not fully encompass all the factors that are affecting Afghanistan today, but it is clear that true finality to this issue is not something that is in clear sight.

For more information about the IsraelHamas Conflict, visit this website.

For more information about other global conflicts, visit this website.

For more information about the Afghanistan Conflict, visit this website.

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NEWS

ISSUE 1 Designed by Keena Boschert

Democrat

An exploration of the policies and platforms of the presidential candidates.

By Brielle Vassel, Reporter

The 2024

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ormer prosecutor and senator of California, Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president with Tim Walz as her vice president.

Harris wants to protect fundamental freedoms and increase economic security. She also wants to lower housing and grocery costs. If elected, Harris plans to build 3 million rental units and homes in her first term.

Additionally, she wants everyone to have an opportunity to get ahead. She wants to build up the middle class, while also lowering costs. If voted in, she would fight to cut taxes for more than 100 million working class Americans.

She also plans to make healthcare more affordable for all. She plans to do this by protecting Medicare and canceling medical debt for Americans.

Harris wants to expand high quality home care services for seniors and people with disabilities. She also wants to ensure that hard working families get high quality childcare.

Furthermore, Harris will fight to ensure that parents can afford both

high quality childcare and preschool for kids. She would strengthen the public education system and work hard to end unbearable student loan debt.

Harris also believes that no one is above the law. She plans to make sure that no former president would have immunity for crimes committed in the White House.

She defends the right to love who you want; In 2004, she officiated American same sex marriages. Harris would fight to pass the “Equality Act” which will place anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQIA+ specifically for things such as healthcare, housing, education and more.

She inspires to tackle injustice and strengthen democracy. She promotes pro-choice and abortion rights. Harris is pushing for the “New Way Forward” act. This act would mainly end mandatory detention for immigrants. Her ultimate goal is to unite and fight for the American people.

FEELING HELPLESS? The first step to being able to participate in government is knowing your civil rights. So, what can you do?

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We are a democratic country, and therefore have the right to cast our vote. Become registered to vote when you turn 18, or even, when you are 17 and 6 months old.

The First Amendment gives us the right to protest, so use it. Whether you protest through a group/organization, or simply with people you’ve gathered, speak out on things you’re passionate about.

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We are allowed to write letters to politicians to call for change.

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Attend local government meetings. This includes school board meetings. Everyone starts somewhere. If you are able to speak up about our school district, you will know how to move forward into higher forms of government.

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NEWS

Republican

OCT. 2024 Designed by Brielle Vassel

Presidential Election

F

ormer President Donald Trump is rerunning for office with his vice president JD Vance. Trump is coming into this election with a plan to change a multitude of things in the country. He wants to seal the border and stop illegal immigration, as well as destroy drug cartels and lower gang violence. Part of this includes implementing what could be the largest deportation in US history.

Trump’s goals expand beyond the country. He wants to restore peace in Europe and the Middle East, as well as preventing a possible World War III. If he was voted in, Trump plans to protect the country from possible war by building an iron dome missile shield over our entire country.

Trump wants to strengthen and modernize our military, making it the strongest and most powerful military in the world.

He wants to bring America to new record levels of success in the economy. Trumps plans to do this

by lowering inflation and making America the dominant energy producer in the world. To do this, he plans to stop outsourcing the USA in energy production, and turning our country into a manufacturing superpower. He would cancel the electrical vehicle mandate, keeping cities both clean and safe. Trump will put in place large tax cuts for workers, remove taxes on tips, and keep the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency.

In continuation, he plans to cut federal funding for schools that push critical race theory; radical gender ideology; and political, racial, or sexual content.

Trump also wants to make it so men are not allowed in women’s sports.

Trump wants to secure America’s elections by doing things such as same day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship. His end goal is to unite our country.

By: Keena Boschert, Reporter •

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Become an election judge to participate directly in elections. Judges will set up voting booths and issue correct ballots to voters. Training is required to hold this position.

Keep up with debates. Not only presidential candidates, but candidates for your local government.

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Photo by E. Quinney

FEATURE OCT. 2024

Designed by Sage Kennedy & Ella Quinney

Who is Carson Scrogin?

Senior Carson Scrogin isn’t one to back down from something challenging.

By Sage Kennedy, Reporter and Ella Quinney, Editor-in-Chief

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onths and months of work, long forms, late nights, and a never ending list of interviews. All for a maybe. Most wouldn’t dedicate so much of their time to something so close to impossible. Most would have heard “nomination packet” and ran from the scene. However, Carson Scrogin (12) isn’t most.

This near impossible task Scrogin has set his sights on is attending either the Air Force Academy or Naval Academy, two very prestigious US military schools. They have acceptance rates of 7% (Naval Academy) and 12% (Air Force Academy).

These schools are highly exclusive, and getting in is a long, tedious process.

This process involves congressional letters of nomination. These letters have to come from a Missouri senator, and a local representative. “Or I could get one from the Vice President, but that’s like the whole country’s poll, so the chances of that are very unlikely,” Scrogin added. Without a letter of nomination, Scrogin can’t continue on with the process.

The next step is to fill out the application forms, and submit letters of recommendation. Following that, if

the schools show interest, Scrogin will be invited to interview with a school representative. Then, if all goes well, he has a chance at getting in.

With this long and tedious application process, the overarching question is: why? Why go through all of this, for the possibility of it ending in rejection? Why not just enlist?

Scrogin has always known that he wanted to join the military, “and this is the hardest way to do it.” Scrogin wants to challenge himself, especially with something he cares so deeply about.

His care for joining the military is rooted in his family. With his uncle and grandfather both having served in the military, Scrogin sees enlisting as a way to “serve” his country, and honor their service.

Knowing that his family is always standing behind him, Scrogin is willing to take on the task of enrolling into these highly exclusive schools, even if the chances are low.

With about 60% of his application process done, Scrogin still has a bit of work to do before we know: was it all worth it?

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FEATURE ISSUE 1

Designed by Ella Quinney

From Milan to America Italian exchange student, Pamela Capelletti, comes to experience the beauty of America.

By Ella Quinney, Editor-in-Chief “It’s my all time favorite book (“Little Women”),” Capelletti said. “I love the romance, and really just everything.” “Little Women” is an American classic, written by Louisa May Alcott.

Photo by E. Quinney

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emnants of a time before surround her. Arched doorways, old paintings, history coming to life. She sits on a bench, reading one of her favorites. People come and go, but time is perfectly still around her. The Castello Sforzesco, a castle, is a beautiful piece of Italian history. A mere 20 minute drive for junior Pamela Capelletti, who typically lives just outside of Milan.

However, she’s currently a few thousand miles away from her beloved castle, choosing to spend the year abroad attending Liberty. With few English teachers in Italy, Capelletti came here to further her understanding of the language.

She’s noticed several differences between America and Italy, from the size of the supermarket to the way schools function. One of the bigger differences Capelletti noticed was the people, saying, “In Italy, the people are very kind, but not so talkative.”

One thing the Midwest definitely doesn’t have is a street dedicated to futball (soccer). This street is known as Quartieri Spagnoli. This street is one of Capelletti’s favorite places in Italy.

It exists, mostly, in honor of Diego Armando Maradona–a famous Argentinian player who holds great importance to the people of Italy.

From the beautiful architecture to the historical significance Italy holds, Capelletti now comes to learn more about the aspects of life in America.

“Everything is big; it’s very beautiful, “

and I like the people; It’s so nice.

Capelletti has enjoyed her experience here at Liberty, finding a haven in the classical section of the library.

Photo by E. Quinney

FEATURE OCT. 2024 Designed by Ella Quinney

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One of Mizumura’s favorite things she’s done in America, so far, is attending a Cardinals game with her host family.

Photo submitted by Y. Mizumura

A Taste of Japan

Japanese exchange student, Yuki Mizumura, is ready to learn about American Culture.

By Ella Quinney, Editor-in-Chief

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he creaminess of the soup, the taste of pork, the delicate noodles, a perfect balance of flavors. The simple description of this classic Japanese Tonkotsu (taang-kaatsoo) ramen does not give it the justice it deserves. While American classics, like cheeseburgers, are great, they don’t quite taste like home to sophomore Yuki Mizumura, one of our exchange students, visiting from Tokyo, Japan.

Coming a long way from home, and its delicious cuisine, in order to spend a year learning and immersing herself in American culture.

Experiencing American culture, includes a new diet, new language, and new customs to adapt too. This can be a lot at times. Thankfully, Mizumura didn’t come to the states with no knowledge of American culture. She knows basketball.

“I love to watch and play basketball,” she said.

Mizumura has been following basketball for the past two years, with the Chiba Jets from Japan and the Golden State Warriors from California being her favorite teams. While basketball isn’t the definition of American culture, it is a great start.

With three years of learning English, and a basic understanding of American holidays and events, Mizumura set off to America. Ready to learn more, and experience America to its fullest.

Mizumura misses all of her favorite foods from Japan. Pictured above is Tonkotsu ramen, a popular Japanese dish.

Photo submitted by Y. Mizumura

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IN-DEPTH ISSUE 1 Designed by Keena Boschert

Many students have imagined what their escape plan from school would entail, should a shooting occur at Liberty.

Photo by M. Higlen

Personally, I don’t feel 100% safe. Yes, there’s police. Yes, there are safety measures.

However, these safety measures are probably well known by those who intend to hurt others. In the end, schools, including our own, cannot absolutely guarantee our safety.

Keron Bowman (11)

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Even though there is obviously no evident threat, it is definitely something that I am scared of happening. I always hear many different interviews about people that went through something like that, and I simply cannot imagine witnessing something so horrible.

Isabella Brunelli (12)

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Do YOU Feel Safe?

Photo by K. Boschert

Busy hallways create anxiety, not only about whether or not a student will be able to get to their next class, but if that student would be able to escape the building quickly in an emergency.

IN-DEPTH

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New School Year, New Worries of Violence OCT. 2024 Designed by Keena Boschert

Recent shooting brings light to dangerous environments in schools. By Keena Boschert, Reporter

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he recent reports on the shooting in Georgia at Apalachee High School have reminded many of America’s morbid reality. Classrooms are not always the safest place for a child to be. Just weeks into the school year, four lives were lost due to gun violence. Mason Schermerhorn and Chrisitan Angulo were only 14 years old when they were murdered. Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, fellow victims, were beloved teachers at the school. Nine others were seriously injured, but thankfully, have been predicted to make full recovery.

This tragedy has served as a daunting indication to many that, as we enter into the new school year, we will read more and more headlines about extreme violence.

The K-12 School Shooting Database says that 2023 totaled a grim, record breaking, total of 346 school shootings. It should be noted, however, that this statistic does include instances in which

bullets have hit school property, even when school was not in session.

Regardless, 248 Americans were either harmed or killed due to these shootings. Within recent years, data has shown that the number of victims within the shootings has increased, with more lives being lost each time.

The gruesome tally has spiked and grown in shocking amounts, totaling more and more each year. This means that school shootings have become more fatal over the years. With guns

being the leading cause of death among American

children and teens, we can only wonder how these numbers will look after 2024.

Data taken by the Government Accountability Office on school shootings from 2009 to 2019 found that half of shooters were either current or former students.

While we have seen schools like Liberty adopt new safety features in the classrooms, like the safe-defend boxes and door locking procedures, the fact remains that a shooter may already be aware of the lock-down workings of a school. A current student being a shooter poses the threat that they might be prepared to respond to action taken against them. Many students are left picturing what they would do with an active shooter in the building, questioning if any protections put in place, whether it be a resource officer or a box of self defense appliances, will be able to fully protect them.

School Shootings by the Type of Shooter

37%

50%

5% 8%

The unique nature of school shootings goes without saying. While no one is equipped to handle violence in any capacity, children lack the ability even more so. The media coverage that ensues after any attack also leaves victims of these mass events feeling an amplified sense of anxiety, as they are forced to relive their trauma. Schools are left shaken for years and years after the violence occurs. A study conducted by the American Educational Research Association has shown that, after a shooting has taken place, test scores and the amount of enrollment drops within a school. The National Bureau of Economic Research organized research on Sandy Hook Elementary students after the massacre that occurred in 2012. They found that chronic absenteeism increased in not only Sandy Hook, but also in other schools in the district. The lasting impacts observed in these situations is not grief alone, they are lower grades and dropouts.

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OPINION ISSUE 1 Designed by Meghan Lynch

Is it Helpful?

AI IN AI In

By Lexi Hufty, Reporter

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ou might have heard a lot of bad things about AI. But AI is just a tool - it can help as much as it can harm.

Artificial intelligence has been around for longer than many of us have been alive - starting in the 1950s, with a remote-controlled mouse named Theseus. Theseus could remember the path it took to escape a maze. Since Theseus, technology has advanced exponentially, allowing AI to grow into what we know today. While there are many rightful concerns for AI, when used correctly, it can greatly benefit the classroom.

Teachers can use AI for any number of things to make their job easier. AI can help grade papers, give lesson ideas, and perform dull administrative tasks, allowing teachers to focus more on the students in their classroom.

“Teachers are acting like it’s such a bad thing, everyone will be cheating, but that’s not true, because you can make it so that it doesn’t give you the answers,” Memphis Schaffer (10) said. “It’s not gonna do anything unless you tell it that it has to.”

Teachers aren’t the only ones to profit from using AI. When a teacher isn’t available, students can ask AI for help and be guided step-by-step through the problem.

AI is also speedy, reminding students of that one thing they’ve forgotten. Students receive personalized support

by AI analyzing their performance data and applying it.

Schaffer advises, “Don’t use it to cheat. Also, if you’re programming your own AIs, then it’s fine. ‘Cause I do that, a lot.”

Beckett Weibye (10) has more concerns about AI. “It’s just free answers for the students, and that’s not working,” Weibye said. However, he thinks this could be rectified with a regulated, school-issued AI. Louis Stoyanov (11) is also concerned and is. on the fence about it. “I like it for it being used to help others, and being used in a way that doesn’t take away creatively or destroy preexisting things that humans are doing.” he said.

Stoyanov believes AI shouldn’t replace a student’s thoughts and ideas, but rather help them express those thoughts and ideas. In this way, a school-regulated AI could actually bring out a student’s creativity rather than hinder it, such as helping a student structure an essay rather than writing it for them, or giving prompts that help students take the final leap to the answer.

The yearly growth of artificial intelligence is predicted to be 37.3% from 2023 t0 2030. This rapid advancement shows AI’s growing impact in our society.

OPINION OCT. 2024 Designed by Meghan Lynch

Schools

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Is it Harmful?

By Meghan Lynch, Editor-in-Chief

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I is everywhere. It’s on your favorite social media apps, your phone, even your TV. Artificial intelligence has been around for longer than some may think—with the term first being coined by a computer scientist in 1955—but recently it’s had a huge boost in popularity and advancement. While AI can have many benefits in our society, there’s one area where this rising technology could pose major issues: schools.

AI, when used in schools, is most often used to cheat on assignments. Whether it be a research paper, a math quiz, or a lab report, there have been some serious concerns regarding the harmful effects of using artificial intelligence, rather than thinking for oneself. AI can undermine one’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When one has unlimited information at their disposal, why would they need to try and understand a difficult concept for themselves? Why would they not just take the easy way out?

AI is on the rise, both in popularity and in software improvements. But what does this mean for the world we live in today, and how will it affect us tomorrow?

Photo by M. Lynch

“I think it’s dangerous to resign all of those tough questions over to Google or whatever AI generator tool you use.”

- Alexander Schaper

“No one is going to think deeply about a question,” junior Tabitha Musangali said. “If someone is stuck on a question, they’re not gonna ask a friend to ask a teacher to really figure out the question. They’re just going to ask ChatGPT and copy down exactly what ChatGPT is saying.”

Artificial intelligence is robbing society, and students especially, of its ability to think independently and form its own conclusions.

“I think it’s dangerous to resign all of those tough questions over to Google or whatever AI generator tool you use,” ELA teacher Alexander Schaper said. AI could steal away the benefits of an academic environment. If no one is truly learning, we won’t be able to contribute to conversations in an intelligent and constructive way.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool in our lives, as long as we don’t use it as a replacement for real learning. One would hope that our world doesn’t become too caught up in the online world, for fear that we will lose what makes us human: our ideas.

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OPINION ISSUE 1 Designed by Sage Kennedy

School Capacity

Overcrowded and out of options; can reopening restricted areas solve the problem?

By Sage Kennedy, Reporter

“It’s very overcrowded. I feel like it takes forever to get what you need from the lunch line, like there’s just there’s too many people and not enough tables. There were always people lined up in the theater 0) Sofia Shreve (1 hallway our freshman year. We even sat in the theater hallway because there were not enough tables.”

“Some do but some can’t just find tables...some kids just cant find any.”

“Oh, yeah, we need more tables. I see a lot of kids sitting on the floor or on the ground.”

Moss Sin (11)

Photos by S. Kennedy

Mason Pace (9)

“I have a bit of a noise thing, but thats’ personally a me thing. If you needed a quieter section, since you can’t go into the hallways, being in the up two sections is a lot quieter and less overstimulating and it’s so nice to have an hour so we can just go whenever and it’s not so much people moving.”

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tepping out into the crowded corridors, other students are scattered on the floors, next to walls, or on stairwells, while a steady stream of people push others through the halls. Getting bumped into, hearing random shouting and struggling to reach the lunch line is all part of the daily chaos of overcrowding of students.

Outside, there is a slight relief for some students who don’t appreciate the roaring sounds of the lunch room. With students crowding floors and walls, as well as lunch tables, the overcrowding is clear. Reopening restricted areas could be the solution.

Many students wonder whether opening more hallways or creating additional spaces for students to gather during lunch, could help alleviate the overcrowding. But, this leads the question: Would reopening Liberty’s restricted areas improve the situation, or only lead to new challenges?

Students roam the school freely during lunch, including the gyms and football stadium. However, there are still many restricted areas across the campus. The LHS school population has expanded with an increasing number of students, up to 400 kids from the new freshman this year. The overcrowded lunch spaces, whether indoors or outdoors, leave many students without a place to sit, forcing them to eat on the floors or stand. This not only highlights the limited space but also raises concerns about whether the school has enough capacity to accommodate its growing population. It’s clear that more spaces or solutions are needed to improve the students’ experience.

The 2023-2024 school year was the first year the school hallways became closed. This has troubled some students, as it is described to be less stressful with the amount of kids that surround the cafeteria or commons area. Principal Edgar Nelson states that after this change was made, “We’re not having the fights that we used to have, and the students aren’t trashing the stairwells; the change did exactly what we had hoped.”

Some students explain that sitting on the floor isn’t always a choice. With so many people crowding the tables , whether full or not, some may feel uncomfortable sitting with unfamiliar faces.

Students wish for the school to have a more roam free space including opening the hallways and welcoming students to more areas around the school. Many believe the school could benefit from adding more lunch tables and creating additional seating areas. Encouraging both the staff and the student body to explore these solutions could make the campus more comfortable and accessible for everyone.

STAFF EDITORIAL

OCT. 2024 Designed by Meghan Lynch

Partisan division is creating a real threat to our national unity.

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he American political scene has drastically changed over the past several years. A shift from professional politics to spectacles and intense controversy has caused a rift to form in American society. A political divide as severe as the one we’re currently facing threatens our unity, security, and quality of life.

It can stop our nation from making any progress.

In the past, political candidates and citizens alike were able to engage in respectful discussions. That’s almost unheard of nowadays. Instead, it’s much more likely for any political discussion to end in arguments and character assassinations.

As of late, it has become much more common for Americans to subscribe to an Us vs. Them mentality, meaning they believe that one side is always right, and the other always wrong.

“Among Democrats, 63% see Republicans as immoral,” NPR said, “For Republicans’ part, 72% see Democrats as immoral.” These percentages have gone up drastically in the last several years, and this mindset makes it almost impossible to have beneficial discussions about politics. Instead of listening to one another, we assume that people with differing opinions are stupid, or even cruel, when in reality, most people form their opinions over the course of many, many years and have specific reasons for them--at least they should. But that’s where we run into another problem.

Social media has become a strong tool in politics, but it is often misleading, which has contributed to the growing divide in our country. “Half of U.S. adults get news at least sometimes from social media,” according to the Pew Research Center.

The kind of information that is posted to these sites is often purposefully crafted to make people upset, meaning that most, if not all, news that you get from social media is biased, and even manipulative. This only makes the divide between parties worse because people will see the news that aligns with their personal beliefs, which leads to a vicious cycle of misunderstandings and anger.

Some people claim that the U.S. has always been politically divided, and while this may be true, it doesn’t often reach the extent it has now. “Ideological thinking is now much more closely aligned with partisanship than in the past,” said the Pew Research Center. The problem is that people are too worried about party loyalty and staying on the so-called right side of an issue, rather than forming their own opinions and having a healthy disagreement.

The only way to bridge the partisan gap is to extend friendship and respect to those we disagree with. It is okay to challenge each other, but it is never okay to insult, lie, and berate people for their beliefs, no matter how one may perceive them. Now is not the time for hostility, but empathy for our fellow Americans.

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The Great Political

By Vanessa Jackson, Reporter

Fall Sports

Through their individual and team work ethic, fall sports athletes discuss their season highlights.

“A highlight of the season would be when we were tied 20-20 with 45 seconds left in the half against Timberland.

Ball on the opposite 30 yard line. And I picked the defense apart throwing pass after pass, completion after completion all the way down the field and got us just short of the end zone before my running back runs it in for a touchdown to end the half.”

Cody McMullen (12) Football Jackson Ryan (12) Football

Varisty Football

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he Eagles are having a good start with a 3-3 record so far into the season. They have a highpowered offense, a fast and aggressive defense, and safeties that play the run incredibly well. However, with it just being a start, the upcoming games

on the schedule have some tough competitors.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t make them back down from a challenge. “Our schemes on both offense and defense are different from the schemes of the teams we play. That makes us a unique matchup for

anyone,” Coach Bradley Smith said. Anything is possible through hard work, imagination, having fun, and simply just trying your best. Even hoping to win the most games in school history, which is the goal for our football players and coaches.

“A highlight of the season would be our game against North Point. The defense played amazing throughout the whole game, including a game-winning sack by Riley Decaro. As the time expired, we celebrated this big victory as teammates and fans rushed the field.”

Photo by L. Brown

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SPORTS OCT. 2024

Designed by Vanessa Jackson

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The girls cross country team has only had two meets so far this season.

Their goal is to connect more as a team and make it a better environment.

The boys cross country team has only had two meets so far this season. Throughout this season, the boys goal is to place at state, which is planned to happen on Nov. 8.

The girls golf team has started off the season with a 4-3 in matches.

Their goal is to have a strong showing at GACs, the district tournament, and having some individuals qualify for state.

The boys swim team has had state qualifying times which consists of the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, 400 free relay, Elijah Quest (diving), and Ryan Lipski (50 and 100 free).

Their goal is to qualify for state.

“A highlight of our season so far would have to be watching everyone run their first race at the FZN twilight meet.”

“A highlight of mine so far would definitely be our first meet.”

“A highlight of the season so far was winning matches.”

“A highlight for the season so far has been the team dinners improving our connection as a team.”

Mary-Jane Fleming (11) Girls Cross Country

Trevor Judge (12) Boys Cross Country

Audrey Keller (12) Girls Golf

Ryan Lipski (12) Boys Swim

Sophia Sawyer (12) Girls Volleyball

Alyssa Eudy (12) Girls Softball

Sydney Eilermann (12) Tennis Player

Brody Marino (12) Boys Soccer

“A highlight of the season so far for me would have to be media day.”

“A highlight of the season so far has been beating Timberland 10-3.”

The girls volleyball team so far into the season is currently 7-10. Their goal is to be one of the toughest divisions and to build a stronger bond between players in order to strive at GAC.

“A highlight of the season so far was when we were tied 4-4 and in our last game, Chloe Crone won in a tie break”.

The softball team has an 8-10 in games against other teams this season. Their goal is to win conference, districts, and make state. Furthermore, to win their district tournament at Troy.

“A highlight of the season so far was winning our first champions league match against Vianney.”

The girls tennis team so far into the season has been to secure a winning record. Their goal is to keep the tradition of winning and gain valuable experience through the season.

The boys soccer team is currently 9-1 so far this season.

Their goal is to win their conference tournament and districts.

Portraits by V. Jackson

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A&E ISSUE 1 Designed by Lexi Hufty

Commedia Dell’Arte in Modern Media How has a style of

By Lexi Hufty, Reporter

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he Commedia Dell’Arte (Come-ee-dee-ah dell art-ah) is an early form of Italian theater starting in the 16th century. It’s known for greatly exaggerated movements and characters, having first been performed on the street where the actors had to leap and shout to attract attention, as well as being mostly improvised. Commedia Dell’Arte is silly and fun and quite often without depth - the message is clear and straightforward, no odd metaphors or hidden symbolism. While western theater has made the shift from physical action to psychological thinking, the influence of this older art remains, in easily understandable character tropes.

play from the Italian Renaissance affected today’s storytelling?

Hellequin

Pantalone

The English translation of Arlecchino (Are-luh-keen-oh) is Hellequin, a sort of demon. This name may sound familiar already - Harley Quinn, a character appearing in DC comics.

These characters are similar in both costumes and attitude, sharing bright color and diamond patterns along with a playful mischievousness and an eagerness to serve: Arlecchino to his master, and Harley to the Joker.

Scrooge McDuck, from “DuckTales”, and Pantalone (Pan-tah-low-nay) share more than just their customary red attire- they both love money. These two are both grouchy old men with one wish; to line their pockets with gold.

Spend little, hoard a lot, and expect their younger counterparts to hound them for money. Fun fact: while Scrooge McDuck does not wear pants, ‘Pantalone’ in Italian means just that- pants!

Capitano

Innamorati

Capitano (Cap-ee-tah-no) is probably a person you’ve already encountered. A boastful, annoying man who runs at the slightest scare. As Gaston, from “Beauty and the Beast”, duels the beast only to end up begging for his life, Capitano often alleges great strength and falls short of his magnanimous claims. Both are reckless and dimwitted, thinking more with their claimed strength than with their brains.

The Innamorati (In-ah-more-ah-tee) are what the Commedia Dell’arte often revolves around. Selfish young lovers whose relationship often fluctuates from love to hate, due to complicated misunderstandings and silly events. Penny and Leonard, from “The Big Bang Theory”, have a similar on-and-off relationship, as well as focusing more on themselves than on the good of others.

Ms. Gehrke, theater teacher How do you think Commedia Dell’Arte has influenced modern media?

“Commedia Dell’Arte is kind of the origin of what we call stock characters, which is the characters that you immediately recognize when they come on stage.”

Favorite character: Arlecchino “It is the most popular one. But it’s also that, it’s the most popular for a reason. And it is also one that is so identifiable throughout the centuries since it became a standard thing during the Renaissance.”

Sadie Dunlap, sophomore How do you think Commedia Dell’Arte has influenced modern media?

“People naturally repeat things, and the shows… really show that. Common character arcs, common protagonists and antagonists, you’ll see the common characteristics through that.”

Would you want to see a Commedia Dell’Arte show in the future?

“I think that it would be a cool opportunity. Well, most of the shows nowadays are very modern, so it’s cool to see when they make an older one.”

A&E

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‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ A Laughable Disaster OCT. 2024 Designed by Faith Vaught

A critical review of a classic story retold.

By Faith Vaught, Layout Editor

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hree words to describe the new movie musical “Joker: Folie à Deux” would be, uninteresting, slow, and confusing. I found myself wondering several times throughout the movie, “when will this pick up?”

“How much longer is this movie?” For this movie to be 2 hours and 18 minutes long and not be able to maintain its audience’s attention is a testament to the director, Todd Phillips’, lack of ability to properly share its characters’ story. Just because a film is long, does not automatically make it interesting. When The movie first begins it shows a “Looney Tunes” like introduction with Arthur Fleck starring in a show called, “Me and My Shadow.” The animation itself is unappealing and quite boring to look at, the colors are dull and the characters are stiff.

The shadow resembling Fleck’s Joker persona shows how it can take control and cause him to be desperately out of it. The animation was not shown again throughout the film, leaving the audience to believe that this was a show of complete inability to show a flashback which absorbs the audiences attention. The movie continues to be visually unappealing all the way till the end. The view being a character’s face or scenes held out for too long leaves the audience with nothing to look at but the actors blank expression.

Then, throughout the film it fails to maintain a plot At first, it’s assumed that the plot we follow would be that Arthur Fleck is going to be in court for his murders; all while staying in “Arkham,” an asylum for the mentally ill. Then we have a side plot of his romance with the character, Harley Quinn reimagined. Her character is now no longer the psychologist of Arthur Fleck, but another patient in the hospital.

When first presented she says that she lived in the same neighborhood as Fleck and that her father beat her but died in a car crash. She then, in a feat of rage, burned their home down. Eventually we find out that this was all a lie and she had checked herself into Arkham. Deciding to change her character to this completely destroys the character Harley Quinn as a whole.

Overall, the main populus of viewers maintain an overall negative opinion of the movie. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Joker: Folie à Deux” only has a 33% on the Tomatometer and an even lower score of 30% on the Popcorn meter. The main criticism is for the script, runtime, pacing, and characterization, which several critics deemed “underdeveloped”. I feel that if Todd Phillips had spent more time on building the plot and maintaining a visually pleasing story, it could have been a good watch.

Spirit Showdown: What Spirit Day Are You? 1. What would you like to do on a Friday night?

A. Go on an adventure, taking on new risks and challenges B. Experience elegant culture through timeless exhibitions C. Spend time with your loved ones in many different ways D. Volunteer to support a good cause E. Attend a fun party or social event

2. What best defines your personality?

A. Bold and daring B. Sophisticated and artistic C. Friendly and loyal D. Supportive and enthusiastic E. Charming and outgoing

4. How do you handle conflict?

A. Using your confidence and wit to gain the advantage B. Planning and negotiating to find the best solution C. Collaborating with others so the whole team can win D. Standing up for what you believe in with positivity E. Not shying away, finding strength in your determination

Mostly A’s - Jail Break Your responses to the questions show that aspects of your personality closely matches with aspects of the Jail Break spirit day. You appear to be quite fearless, not afraid to test limits and try new things.

Mostly B’s - Toga Based on your choices, the spirit day Toga has qualities that are similar to your personality. You are attracted to the refined aspects of life, looking to learn more about the beautiful culture that lives in the past, present, and future.

3. What motivates you the most?

A. Testing limits and finding success B. Educating yourself about the finer parts of the world C. Sharing your love with important people and things D. Working to make the world a better place by helping out whenever you can E. Having fun and making the most out of moments

5. How do you interact with others?

A. You like to experience new things, so you meet new people all the time as you move around B. With your creative views, you engage yourself by discussing interesting topics with others C. You always spend quality time with your inner circle, having fun in big groups D. By finding ways to get involved, you unite people by doing good E. You are the life of the party, making every day a memorable one

Mostly C’s - Minions Your answers to the questions reveal that you share certain characteristics that align with the Minions spirit day. You thrive when you’re around the people you love, being a true friend and team player.

Mostly D’s - Pink Out Based on the way you answered these questions, the Pink Out spirit day has attributes that are similar to some of your own. You enjoy helping others, consistently being a place for optimism and joy.

Mostly E’s - Frat Your responses to the questions display that parts of your personality matches with the Frat spirit day. Big events are your place to shine, and you’re not afraid to have a good time with your extrovertedness and self-assurance.