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S T A F F LIST
LOOK I N S I D E
ADVISER Cailyn Callaway
NEWS
4-5
OPINION
6-7
REDEFINING NORMALCY
8-9
FEATURES
10-11
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
12-13
SPORTS
14-15
LETTER FROM THE After a full school year without publishing a print issue, The Andalusian staff and I are beyond thrilled to release our first issue of the 2021-22 year, and our first issue back since early 2020! As some of you may have noticed, The Andalusian has undergone some changes since then. That’s because as we head into this year of change, we ourselves are planning to further experiment, explore and evolve this publication. This issue, we sought to tackle the issue of normalcy, or lack thereof, that we have become familiarized with during this pandemic. As we are stuck in this limbo of returning to normal and continuing to be affected by the pandemic, we are also stuck in both reflecting on the past and looking towards the future. What did we miss out on this past yearand-a-half? What will our lives look like after all of this is over? With this issue, we hope to provide answers of our own. Each of us have all had different experiences, good and bad, during this pandemic, and it is rare to find anyone who did not come out of
Editor
quarantine learning something about themselves or having changed perspectives. COVID-19 both divided and brought us together in ways never before seen, and the staff and I hope that this issue allows you to recognize this duality. The Andalusian staff is very thankful to our adviser Ms. Cailyn Callaway for her continuous guidance and support, especially as we transition back into publishing in print. We would also like to thank Mr. Norment and the English department for their encouragement and nurturing of our staff. Of course, we owe many thanks to Mrs. Mayer, who helped make this newspaper possible. Finally, we would like to thank Mr. Charles Beamer, for it is his endless positive energy and enthusiasm for this paper that allow us to improve and flourish. To the staff, I am beyond proud of all that you have accomplished for this issue, and I am extremely excited to work with all of you this year to make The Andalusian the best that it can be! Sincerely, Shelby Watson EDITOR IN CHIEF
EDITOR IN CHIEF Shelby Watson GENERAL EDITORS Gaby Emenike Taylor Hamilton SPORTS EDITOR RJ Hosay MARKETING Taylor Hamilton BUSINESS RJ Hosay
STAFF WRITERS Chichi Amanze Jolie Baus Kate Bulloch Meghan Goletz Amelia Haggins Julia Luck Ella Porcher Merrell Webster SPORTS WRITERS Sawyer Davis Evan Ngyuen Jaclyn Summers DESIGN Kate Bulloch Meghan Goletz Merrell Webster
OPINION POLICY The views and opinions expressed on this website do not reflect those of Maclay School including it’s faculty and staff. Additionally, views and opinions expressed by individual staff writers do not represent those of the entire publication.
EDITORIAL POLICY Articles published as an editorial reflect the opinions of the Andalusian staff. Each editorial is approved by the standing editorial board and must receive a majority vote before it can be published as reflecting the views of the publication. The 2021-22 Editorial Board consists of Editor-In-Chief Shelby Watson, General Editor Taylor Hamilton, General Editor, Gaby Emenike, Sports Editor RJ Hosay and Adviser Cailyn Callaway.
NEED COVERAGE SCAN HERE TO REQUEST COVERAGE. THE ANDALUSIAN IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW INFORMATION, OPINIONS AND EVENTS TO COVER.
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 Maclay School 3737 N Meridian Road Tallahassee, FL. 32312
4 NEWS
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NEWS SPOTLIGHT CATCH UP WITH ON-CAMPUS UPDATES
Leading up to the start of the school year, the Maclay community was looking forward to a more lax mask policy and a return to some semblance or pre-Covid normalcy. Originally, families could opt out of the mask policy, but because of the rapid increase in Covid-19 cases due to the Delta variant, Maclay has returned to stricter safety measures. Students must wear a mask at all times when indoors, and are encouraged to eat and drink outside at a safe distance. When students are outdoors, they can choose whether to take the mask off or keep it on. This mask policy is applied to all students and faculty regardless of vaccination status.
FACING THE FACTS If any student has wanted to check their grades in the past couple of weeks, they might be surprised to find that PowerSchool, the usual grade platform for Maclay, is not being updated. That’s because this year Maclay has moved their grading system to FACTS, a new online platform that offers more than just grades. By logging into their FACTS account, students can see their report card, which is determined by grades on an 18 point scale instead of letter grades, their attendance and their behavior scores. Students are also given access to the Maclay announcements and weekly lunch menu through FACTS, allowing them to stay updated even when checking grades.
FAREWELL OFFICER FORD As students walked campus these first few weeks, they may have noticed that the Maclay community is missing a familiar face: Officer Todd Ford. After three years of keeping Maclay safe, Officer Ford retired at the end of last year. Before his tenure as Maclay’s resource officer, Ford dedicated much of his life to law enforcement, including a career at the Ontario County Sheriff ’s Office. At Maclay, Ford greeted students returning from off-campus lunch and helped train the faculty in proper safety procedures. With the help of Ford’s presence, Maclay students were able to learn and feel safe while doing so. He will be missed by the Maclay community.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
9/13 | Key Club Interest Meeting
9/14 | US Back to School Night
BY SHELBY WATSON
MASK UP
design by Andy Judge
NEW HOME FOR CAE Amongst the general excitement for the new science building that opened last school year, many students wondered what would become of the old science hall. After a bit of refurbishment, the Maclay community received their answer in the form of the new Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). What once housed science classrooms is now the location for tutoring and academic aid services. One of the most popular services, M.A.R.C., will now be held in the Center for Academic Excellence instead of the library. Here, students can get one-on-one help for a range of subjects including math, English, science and history.
CVC POLICY CHANGE
Throughout the entirety of the 2020-21 school year, the CVC policy allowed students to flexibly change between in-person and virtual school. Any student who was sick, on vacation or had to miss school could check into their classes’ Microsoft Team calls. This year, however, the CVC policy is tightening up its rules. A parent or guardian must petition the Maclay administration in order to allow a student to learn remotely. If a student is missing school for non-Covid reasons, then the student will not be permitted to attend virtually and must make up their classwork as a usual absence. Teachers will record classes, so students who are absent can watch the lectures and classwork for themselves.
9/17 | Honor Code Signing
9/27 | Financial Aid 101
10/5-6 | Freshman
Challenge
10/7-8 | No School 10/11-15 | Homecoming Week
10/13 | PSAT on campus
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
ICC FAIR
HOMEROOM HABITUDES Maclay student counseling is offering a brand new homeroom curriculum this year: Habitudes! Habitudes, a program started by Tim Elmore, focuses on shaping the students of today to be leaders using visuals and discussions as its main curriculum. The discussion-based material is what convinced upper school guidance counselor Tammy Eubanks to incorporate Habitudes at Maclay, as she saw the potential in the openness of the homeroom discussions. The course is described as a “social-emotional” leadership curriculum, focusing on topics for social and emotional growth. Habitudes occurs every B day that falls on a Tuesday or Thursday.
GET INVOLVED. MEMBERS OF FILM PRODUCTION CLUB (TOP) AND MUSIC CLUB (BOTTOM) HOST BOOTHS AT THE INTERCLUB COUNCIL (ICC) FAIR FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS. *PHOTOS BY CAILYN CALLAWAY
NEWS 5
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design by Andy Judge
G O L D M E DA L
A D V I C E
The final Friday bell usually signifies the mass exit of students ready to start their weekend. However, after school on Friday Aug. 13, the Webster bleachers were packed and buzzing with eager Maclay students. On the court, Maclay upper school art teacher Kaitlyn Dressel stood waiting to introduce her brother, Caeleb Dressel, who had just returned home from the Tokyo Summer Olympics as one of the most decorated gold medalists of all time, and who was about to address those eager students. On behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization, sponsored by K. Dressel, C. Dressel led a Q & A session, answering questions, offering advice and telling stories about his swimming career. “If I can share any advice, what little wisdom I feel like I have, and if it can help at least
STUDENT ORGANIZATION FCA HOSTS OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CAELEB DRESSEL BY SHELBY WATSON
one person in this room, I feel pro,” C. Dressel said. “Right now into FCA was ‘I’m not going to like that’s a success,” C. Dressel the focus should be coming in, pretend like I go to church every said. “I remember talks with day-in and day-out, for your Sunday or that I read my bible my dad or my coaches or older high school sport and your everyday.’ I love that he kept it brother as a kid that have stuck craft, and moving up the ranks real. This is where he’s at in his with me to this day, and I’m not in that. Not necessarily thinking faith right now, and this is the saying I’m necessarily that, but I that long-term. It can be in the best advice he can give today… hope I learned something from back of your head of course, but He made it relatable to every [the students] as well. I don’t I work a lot better for day-to-day single person in there.” Caeleb Dressel made history consider myself any different goals. Coming into practice with at the 2020 Summer than these people in this Olympics as being only room. They could have one of four male swimmers taught me something who has won at least five just as much as I can gold medals in a single offer them something.” Olympic games. He also As students prepared set multiple records, to return for another including two Olympic school year, Maclay sent records in the 50 and 100 out a notice to families meter freestyle races and announcing C. Dressel’s two world records in the visit. Although parents 4x100 men’s relay and the were not allowed to 100m butterfly. But C. attend, Maclay students Dressel did not come to were able to sit in on the Maclay as a world-famous exclusive Q & A session. athlete ready to boast his For the introduction, accomplishments. He did seniors Lindsay Garrett not speak at some grand and Sarah Caulley Soto podium, nor did he act like described the purpose a closed-off celebrity. He of FCA and encouraged “EVERY POOL IS THE SAME DISTANCE.” C. DRESSEL POSES students interested in WITH MEMBERS OF MACLAY’S VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM AFTER sat with his legs crossed in a simple fold-out chair, faith-based discussions OFFERING HIS PRE-GAME ADVICE. allowing students to pet on athletics to come to *PHOTOS BY SHELBY WATSON his dog and talk to him and upcoming meetings. “It meant a lot that there ‘let’s make this a good practice.’” his wife. His presence was the Before Dressel became a definition of casual, reminding were so many people there watching and listening to household name during the everyone in the room that even Caeleb, and also it was just Tokyo Olympics this past the best of the best are regular great exposure for FCA, even summer, Maclay students and people too. C. Dressel may have though it was very nerve- faculty knew the name Dressel visited Maclay as an Olympian, racking to speak in front of through Kaitlyn Dressel, the but he addressed the student that many people,” Soto said. upper school art teacher who body as a brother and a mentor, After the Dressel siblings has taught almost every high offering guidance and having introduced themselves, school student in classes such conversations with students, and non-athletes a microphone was as Ceramics and Photography. athletes passed around the K. Dressel is also known for alike, in a shining showcase of gathered crowd so sponsoring FCA, the club for humility and kindness. “Find what your potential is that students could ask Christian athletes that meets C. Dressel questions every Friday morning and and find what your standard about his career, faith, is open to everyone. Due to is,” C. Dressel said. “It should life and experience at some student interest, it was K. come from within. This is the the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Dressel who reached out to her one time I think in your life to Following his talk, both brother and asked him to be be selfish, Everyone is capable of students and faculty were given the guest speaker for the FCA doing something great. I don’t know if I have any business the opportunity to take a quick interest meeting. “I think Caeleb is a breath doing what I’m doing, but I’m picture with C. Dressel, as well as ask him for advice on of fresh air of just somebody enjoying it. I’m pushing it as far actually being raw sometimes,” as I can and I’m finding out what high school athletics. “There’s a lot of steps K. Dressel said. “His first my potential is. Everyone else’s between high school and statement that he made walking opinion doesn’t matter.”
6 OPINION
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OPINION SPOTLIGHT FAVORITE VACATION SPOTS
design by Merrell Webster
ON STUDENT FAVORITES 206 STUDENTS SURVEYED
FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVORS
FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPINGS
Sausage
Mushrooms
Pineapple
Cookies and Cream
The Mountains(53%)
Vanilla
Famous Cities(31%)
Chocolate
The Beach (77%)
(33%)
Stawberry
Exotic Islands
Mint Chocolate Chip
National Parks(10%)
High School Appreciation CHERISH YOUR FOUR YEARS OF PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITY
BY: MERRELL WEBSTER The beginning of high school means coming face-to-face with the new realities of the next four years of every student’s life. These four years are essential to the start of new transitions, including the change of environments and advancement in the school curriculum. High school is a necessary experience that teaches you new skills and prepares you for the future. While these new endeavors may seem daunting, special opportunities and challenges can not only allow you to appreciate your high school years, but can also enhance your experience as well. Although many teenagers view the idea of high school as a waste of time, students who participate and respect the value of learning tend to appreciate the lifelong lessons high school can offer. Without the full experience, teenagers are less likely to appreciate the skills and qualities they can gain over the critical four years of high school. The time completed in high school can set a strong foundation for every student. The education a student receives teaches them key fundamentals of life and lays the groundwork for any future aspirations. Beyond teaching everyday classroom curriculum, high school can teach students to research, collaborate, problem-
solve and take initiative with their curiosity and imagination. Additionally, teaching time management can help students to not only handle their schoolwork and extracurriculars, but it can also help them to balance their education and social life. “Balancing swimming and school has taught me great time management,” junior Meg Howell said. “I have to wake up super early, so making sure I get my assignments and projects finished early is super important to me.” Participating in high school extracurricular activities, such as clubs and sports, gives young teenagers the opportunity to have great bonds with peers and a more well-rounded high school experience. These various activities allow students to explore new things and interests they enjoy. It is important for students to not only receive an education that consists of numerous academic skills, but social skills as well. “Playing Maclay soccer has allowed me to be a part of a great team and become closer to upperclassmen,” junior Sofia Parades said. “It’s something I look forward to every day.” High school clubs and sports allow students to improve their personal experience by learning teamwork and creating strong
relationships. It can also help students relate to one another, as well as provide an outlet to talk about similar interests. While school teaches students to balance their academic and social life, it also teaches them the vital skill of applying oneself, which will be useful in the future. Along with the important concepts of learning, preparation and socialization that high school provides, students will have a wide range of opportunities after receiving a high school diploma. What many students do not realize is that without a diploma, it can be difficult to pursue careers, making further actions and aspirations limited. “An individual’s educational attainment is one of the most important determinants of their life chances in terms of employment, income, health status, housing and many other amenities,‘’ Columbia Academic professor Henry Levin said. “Life chances depend so heavily on education.” Students who figure out which subjects they enjoy can better prepare themselves for college and real-life decisions. The skills you learn in high school are some of the most essential concepts that will help you succeed in the future. The forming of new relationships and participation in
clubs can also become necessary for most college students and their life endeavors. While most students take high school for granted, it is a crucial part of their academic life that will help with further occupations. “I feel very prepared for college after Maclay because I think the teachers give students a realistic perspective of what a real college class is like,” Maclay graduate (‘21) Ramsay Grant said. “It has allowed me to form really strong connections and friendships so I feel confident that I will be able to do the same in college meeting new friends and professors.” With all the opportunities and preparation a high school experience can offer, it is important that we realize how useful our education can be in the future. Simple skills such as time management and the fundamentals of learning can be a vital part of succeeding in the future. Additionally, after high school ends, the wide range of challenges and experiences we face during these four years will benefit us in college and life. The next time you wake up dreading another day of school, remember that you only get this experience once, and that it is time for students to use these four years wisely to ensure the greatest possible future.
design by Merrell Webster
OPINION 7
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F R E
S
H
M E A
T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F E M B R AC I N G F R E S H M A N Y E A R
T
BY MEGHAN GOLETZ Freshman year is a time when students are filled with tremendous amounts of worry, excitement and uncertainty. The first year of high school can be nerveracking for many students due to the complete change in environment. Students may also feel an enormous amount of pressure because of the high expectation of getting good grades and joining various clubs. However, the best part of freshman year is the new opportunities that arise. Freshman year goes by quickly, which is why it is important to face all the challenges and opportunities that you come across. The worst feeling is finishing freshman year with regret. Students should never be hesitant to speak up in class, not only to participate but also to express a different variety of viewpoints throughout the classroom. Freshman year is the perfect opportunity to try to overcome a timid mindset that one may have by being bold and getting involved. Many students worry about having too much on their plate, especially since some students are either athletes or are involved in other hobbies. Joining high school extracurriculars, however, can be beneficial for several reasons. For one, sitting in a classroom for over seven hours a day takes away the ability to increase one’s heartbeat. Students’ bodies need some sort of extracurricular activity to keep them active. Additionally, by getting involved in clubs and sports, a student has the ability to meet new people, stay healthy and take a break from the stress of high school. “It is important to join a sport your freshman year because it is a great way to become more involved in
the things going on around campus,” sophomore Copeland Frazee said. “Being on a team also creates a lot of close friendships, not only within your grade, but other grades as well.” Joining clubs and sports can enhance a student’s ability for friend groups to bloom and expand. In some ways, it can be easier to make friends with those who are involved in the same sport or club because there is a shared common interest. However, making friendships outside of your hobby or sport is important too. By being bold and putting yourself out there, finding friends inside the classroom will not be a challenge. Through joining a good friend group, freshmen students will have people in their life that will continue to love and support them throughout high school. Freshman year is the foundation for all four years of high school. With qualities such as good grades and many service hours, an impressive freshman year can make a student look more appealing to colleges. “The vast majority of colleges care about your freshman year grades,” Executive Editor of GreatSchools Carol Lloyd said. “By doing your best now, you’ll keep the doors to your dream colleges open.” Grades are more important this first year than one might think. Students can get scholarships starting freshman year if their grades are appealing enough to colleges. If you play sports, a college scout may be watching, so it is important to always do the best that you can do at every game no matter the grade. Colleges are always keeping an eye out for future students to attend their schools. Every
single club or sport that a student participates in during high school is one of the many things that can be listed on someone’s college resume. “It is important to join clubs and get involved with your class, as well as the rest of the upper school. Getting involved with sports teaches you many life skills,” sophomore Victoria Gainey said. “I was involved with clubs and sports my freshman year and it really helped me get out of my comfort zone and make new friendships.” Time management is such an important thing to learn during your freshman year. Balancing time between sports, clubs, friends and education can be too much for a student if they do not use their time wisely. Time management is a solution to the stress that comes with trying to balance so much during high school. By developing good time management early in freshman year, students can carry those skills throughout their high school career. In the future, a student will be able to see all of the wonderful and marvelous accomplishments that one achieved and got them to the point where they are today. High school gives students a glimpse of what life is going to be like in the adult world. While freshman year is often overlooked, it teaches students many social skills that are important during adulthood through being involved in clubs and sports. In reality, students’ futures start their first day of freshman year. High school can be such an interesting and exciting experience if you choose to take each and every opportunity to get involved without overwhelming yourself your freshman year.
ROM F S E I MEMOR AN YEAR FRESHM
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MY FAVORITE MEMORY FROM FRESHMAN YEAR WAS HOMECOMING WEEK! ”
OLIVIA BISHOP
“
MY FAVORITE MEMORY FROM FRESHMAN YEAR WAS THE FRESHMAN CHALLENGE. ”
DE’YANNI STEPHENS
“
HOMECOMING WAS A BLAST. I PLAYED PAINTBALL DURING THE DAY AND HAD A LOT OF FUN AT THE DANCE. ”
JEFFERY KOTTKAMP
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MY FAVORITE MEMORY WAS FIELD DAY. ”
SAMANTHA LEE
REDEFINING
WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO CREAT EDITORIAL
MEMORIES MISSED
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INTERACTING WITH FRIENDS AND CERTAIN ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES DUE TO RESTRICTIONS.”
DILLON WILLIAMS
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HAVING A NORMAL YEAR WHERE WE CAN HAVE DANCES, SPORTING EVENTS AND NOT HAVE TO WEAR MASKS.”
LOGAN ALBRITTON
“
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY FUN TO ATTEND THE SKI TRIP WITH FRIENDS AS A BREAK FROM SCHOOL AND TO BRING TOGETHER THE CLASS OF ‘22. ”
HANNAH LEATZOW
It felt like there was finally a glimmer of hope, a light at the end of a yearand-a-half long tunnel. The end of this past summer offered us something that we didn’t know if we would ever truly see again: a normal school year. No masks. No social distancing. We could put the pandemic behind us and move forward with a renewed appreciation for life and school. At least, that was our plan. With the Delta variant surging across the nation, come the first week of school, we were back to square one, and our grand desire for normalcy was shattered. For many of us, the longevity of this pandemic has caused us to forget what we truly defined as normal. Was it when we didn’t have to wear masks or stand six feet apart? Was it when we didn’t have words like “pandemic” and “vaccination” in our everyday vocabulary? Or was it when more than 641,000 Americans were still alive? Most of us can mutually agree that
when COVID-19 is truly over, society will return to “normal,” at least physically. Masks will not be worn 24/7, nor will people be separated by plastic barriers. Mental normalcy, on the other hand, is something we will need to work extra hard to achieve, if we ever actually achieve it at all. The hardships we have endured these past 18 months will not be forgotten. The normal awe once knew can never be obtained again, as we have become far too damaged by our loss of life, extreme political divides and lack of memories made. No words can truly describe the tragic losses we’ve experienced because of COVID-19. As of Sep. 2, around 641,725 people have lost their battle with the virus. It seems that every day there is a new story about a family who has lost their loved one to Covid. The statistics may appear as just numbers, but each of those numbers symbolizes somebody’s friend, parent, child or sibling. Our society can
never return to normal after the pandemic because for those people who did lose someone, their lives will never again be the same. Whether it was a police lieutenant who spent his free time coaching or a labor and delivery nurse with five children, so many leaders have passed due to Covid, forever changing their respective communities and forever posing the question of what the future would have looked like with them in it. Ever since COVID-19 shut the nation down in March of 2020, Americans have been split on the guidelines and safety protocols that came with the pandemic. While one side agrees with policies such as mask mandates and vaccination requirements, the other side strongly opposes them. With each side passionately believing in their opinions, it is easy to see why our society has such a lack of unity. Protests have broken out across the nation, causing upheaval in school board meetings, city halls and
p in in p Th h th d m w it C tr li w fo aft to an ou ex aft
on p d ex h h a gr of in h si an n h
NORMALCY EATE AND DEFINE OUR NEW NORMAL
al ic le e, n it nt me d ve rs d, ir es he re ke
19 n ns he ty h ne es d s, ly h ng sy ty y. ut ng d d
public streets. One protest in Los Angeles resulted in multiple fights and a protestor getting stabbed. These political conflicts have grown so intense that simply engaging in discourse and trying to mend our relationships will not work. Whether it be for not taking COVID-19 seriously or trying to take personal liberties away, both sides will harbor resentment for each other many years after. The pandemic is a topic many will not forget, and as a result, politics in our society will remain extremely divided even after this crisis is over. Most people can agree on one aspect of this pandemic: the unfortunate deficit of memories and experiences that typical high school students have had. The last class to have a regular high school graduation was the class of 2019. Current seniors in high school have not had a normal school year since their freshman year, and the junior class has not had a normal year of high school at all. This
pandemic has caused so many young people to lose valuable time that could have been used for making core memories. High school and college only happen once, and are often the times when young adults make long-lasting friendships and have oncein-a-lifetime experiences. In the future, the current generation will not have these memories to look back on, and will instead be constantly reminded of how COVID-19 impacted their lives when they were young. Not everyone is quick to denounce this year of missed opportunities, however. English teacher Lee Norment, along with many others, know that sometimes it’s more beneficial to look at things in a better light. “It’ll be totally unique from other generations, like high school stories,” Norment said. “They’re all basically the same story told over and over again. This is one of the first times that anybody has actually had a unique high school experience compared to
other generations that have come before you. I feel like it will be an incredibly powerful story to share with your children and grandchildren.” Society will never return to the normal we once knew for a multitude of reasons, but it’s crucial to not sink into the despair of our current situation. We have lost loved ones, watched our nation divide itself over politics and had a year of potential memories and experiences wasted. However, we have also grown as a society and as people. During these turbulent times, we have leaned on one another for support and comfort, and have gained a newfound appreciation for spending time with friends and families. Communities have banded together and companies have reached out in ways never seen before. We have seen each other at our lowest. While our lives may never go back to what they once were, we should carry the lessons and values that have been learned into the future and reconstruct a better, “normal” world.
MEMORIES MADE
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EVEN THOUGH I REALLY MISSED MY FRIENDS,[QUARANTINE] ALLOWED ME TO STEP AWAY AND FOCUS ON MYSELF. I ALSO GOT TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH FAMILY. ”
ILANA RACHIN
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I REALLY ENJOYED HAVING A DRIVE-BY BIRTHDAY PARTY WHICH ALLOWED ME TO SEE ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHILE SATYING COVID SAFE. ”
CAROLINE MARTELL
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I REALIZED DURING QUARANTINE WHO MY ACTUAL FRIENDS ARE AND WHO I TRULY ENJOY SPENDING TIME AROUND.”
MADDY LAPINE
10 FEATURE
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FEATURE SPOTLIGHT
design by Merrell Webster
ON STUDENT LEADERSHIP
R YA N D A U N T GRADE: senior
CLUB: Student Council President GOAL: “This year, it’s just to try and find a normal… and find other ways to encourage student life and make the campus a better place.” FUTURE PROJECTS: Once a month, students can expect to have a Friday Flex filled with fun, community activities. Student council members have also been chosen as special chairs, who will help highlight and publicize accomplishments in certain areas such as athletics and the arts. WHAT DO YOU WANT STUDENTS TO KNOW? “Between the petition process and everyone on student council, just bring up issues. If there is an issue, don’t keep it in the dark. We’re willing to tackle it and confront it. We’re here for you to make change.”
STUDENT SUMMER JOBS STUDENT SUMMER JOBS STUDENT SUMMER JOBS
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I WAS AN INTERN AT THE PANACEA MARINE LAB. I LEARNED HOW TO COLLECT SPECIMENS AND MORE ABOUT ANIMALS IN OUR OCEAN. I LEARNED A LOT OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS BY LEADING TOURS AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS. ”
PEYTON CRUMPLER
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I WORKED AT SIMPSONS NURSERIES. I LEARNED THAT YOU NEED TO BE DEDICATED EVERYDAY TO GET MONEY AND TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW. ”
MICHAEL GRANT
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I WORKED AT A RESTAURANT IN HAVANA CALLED GOCKIS. I LEARNED TO STAY ON TASK AND NEVER FALL BEHIND. BEING IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY HELPS YOU LEARN COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND HOW TO HANDLE MORE THAN ONE THING HAPPENING AT ONE TIME. ”
VICTORIA GAINEY
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I WORKED AT THE BESHEARS NURSERY IN MONTICELLO, FLORIDA. I LEARNED TO WORK HARD. ”
TUCKER HICKS
HEATING
design by Merrell Webster
FEATURE 11
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UP THE
KITCHEN
BY: GABY EMENIKE For many high school students, of allergies, so my desire to eat finding a job has been the perfect whatever I wanted inspired me to way to stay in air-conditioning just start creating it myself.” as well as get paid during this With a supportive family scorching summer. With the sky- and extremely talented rocketing increase in job demand grandmother, Lucy’s upbringing and hiring locations, teen jobs has undoubtedly contributed have become more achievable towards her skills. than ever. Maclay junior Lucy “The idea of cooking has Whitehead was among those always been so cool to me,” teens who found themselves Whitehead said. “You start with joining the trend of getting a nasty things and make them summer job, but it wasn’t just taste good. I bring this up to for that summer salary. What say that’s what it’s like when my truly inspired her to join the grandmother cooks. She’ll look workforce this summer was her at ingredients I would classify strong passion for cooking. in the ‘we have no food list’ and While most teens typically make something so delicious.” find themselves working retail And so with a family with or fast-food jobs, Whitehead’s such culinary expertise , it is love for the culinary arts allowed no surprise that Whitehead her to become an employee at a would be able to secure such an true fine dining establishment: advanced job. Itamae. The restaurant “One Thanksgiving I had been specializes in Peruvian-Japanese assigned to make all the sides, like fusion cuisine, or Nikkei, and two pies, stuffing, mac & cheese, is located in the Miami design gumbo, cornbread and I could district. Nikkei cuisine mainly swear some other things too,” uses Peruvian ingredients, such Whitehead said. “My dad and as tropical fish I were legit up all and quinoa, night just cooking I’VE HAD TRUE but is prepared and washing dishes, using Japanese PASSION FOR FOOD and cooking and techniques. dishes, IN ALL FORMS FOR washing Over the course AS LONG AS I CAN until like three of two months, in the morning. I REMEMBER.” Whitehead was just ordered him not only given around for hours. the opportunity to nurture her No idea how I pulled it together.” devotion to cooking through Whitehead has also been learning numerous culinary sure to share her passion with skills, but was also trained in the those other than her family, practice of customer service. as her friends have many fond “I worked the front of house, memories of cooking together but I also did prep on Tuesdays,” with the young chef. Whitehead said. “I really enjoyed “When I went over to her the aspect of transparency. I house, we made fudge together, learned about a lot of other and it was so fun,” close friend positions, like kitchen work, and Maclay junior Tovah hosting and taking orders. I also Levenson said. “I think it is so got to observe fish butchery and cool that she cooks around her sushi making.” limitations!” Despite her young age, So while some of her fellow Whitehead’s passion for the classmates were away at summer culinary arts and food service camps and on vacations, has been ingrained in her since Whitehead was in Miami she was little. It is this lengthy learning the art of running a devotion to her craft, and her love restaurant. Although her time for the creative side of cooking, as a fine dining employee lasted that she attributes to helping her only two months, she was able get this summer opportunity. to gain real-life work experience “I have no idea what truly and fuel her own dreams of sparked my interest, but pursuing a career in the culinary everyone in my family is a great arts. After taking her first steps cook, and I’ve had true passion into the culinary experience, for food in all forms for as long there may be a future awaiting as I can remember,” Whitehead for Whitehead in the kitchen and said. “But at some point I just cooking industry. started cooking. And I have a lot
“
*PHOTO PROVIDED BY LUCY WHITEHEAD
ORDER UP. LUCY WHITEHEAD PRACTICES HER CULINARY SKILLS BY PREPARING AN OLIVE PLATE FOR AWAITING ITAMAE GUESTS.
12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
maclayandalusian.com
A&E SPOTLIGHT AMELIA’S TOP SUMMER TRENDS 1. Statement sleeves 2. Mini skirts 3. Bold color strappy sandals 4. Colorful beaded chokers
ANDALUSIAN STAFF MEMBERS RECAP THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT OF SUMMER 2021
JULIA’S TOP SUMMER TV SHOWS 1. Outer Banks 2. Never Have I Ever 3. My Unorthodox Life 4. Heist
JOLIE’S TOP SUMMER MOVIES 1. A Quiet Place Part II 2. Black Widow 3. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
4. The Forever Purge 5. Escape Room: Tournament of Champions
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Happier Than Ever? BY: LAUREN PRICE Billie Eilish, the singer known for her dark persona, has changed her dark, grunge image to a softer, more airy portrayal of the singer throughout her new album. On July 30, Eilish released “Happier Than Ever,” her second studio album. Packed full of feelings, the album features 16
design by Kate Bulloch
songs, five of which she released over the course of a year prior to the album. While Eilish’s look and voice seem to be much softer upon first glance, after listening to the album deeper, fans can see that she has not strayed far from her original sound. Despite the title, none of the songs are happy or upbeat. The wide range of emotions makes this album particularly attractive. “Getting Older” explains itself mostly in the title. The track focuses on the theme of growth and self-realization. “I Didn’t Change My Number” holds a lot of anger in its lyrics. “Don’t take it out on me / I’m out of sympathy for you / Maybe you should leave / Before I get too mean”, Eilish sings in her signature soft voice. “Halley’s Comet” is exceptionally dreamy, with an overarching theme of regret for falling in love. Each song on the album holds distinct relatable *PHOTO FROM GENIUS
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BILLIE EILISH NEW ALBUM DELIVERS SOFTER LOOK, SAME GRUNGY LYRICS emotions; however, for the listeners that don’t connect with the lyrics, the beat and instrumentals beautifully deliver the same mood. The track that holds the album name, “Happier Than Ever”, may have the most misleading title on the album. The song begins with an impressively soft sound. This dreamlike melody continues for almost three minutes and what follows seems to be an angry EIlish letting out her pain, anger and agony. “So don’t waste the time I don’t have / And don’t try to make me feel bad / I could talk about every time that you showed up on time / But I’d have an empty line ‘cause you never did”, she sings, though it seems more like a rant with the newly introduced hard thumping drums and other explosive instrumentals. Eilish sparked great interest on April 26, when she posted a tiktok featuring the title track, “Happier Than Ever.” The sound quickly drew attention, partially because of the huge difference
in the overall mood of the song. In the past, the singer had been known for wearing dark colors and sporting brightly colored hair. The album, “Happier Than Ever,” has a much different look than what Eilish’s fans are used to. She has adopted a more subdued look, with blonde hair and angelically soft vocals. Eilish’s album gained recognition quickly. Five days after it’s release, the single, “Happier Than Ever,” sat at number six on Spotify’s Top 200 chart. Every song on the album has at least 4 million streams on Spotify but “Therefore I Am” reached 400 million. As expected, “Happier Than Ever” was a piece of art. While it was a change in direction for Eilish as an artist, the album overall caters to every type of listener and then some. Eilish’s music has always been received well, and while her change in look was drastic, her beloved talent and genuine lyrics have remained the same.
design by Kate Bulloch
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 13
NOT SO SOUR
THE BREAKUP ALBUM THAT LED TO STARDOM BY: KATE BULLOCH
After the increasing popularity that came from her single, “drivers license,” artist Olivia Rodrigo released her first pop album “Sour” on May 21. The album portrays the different emotions that one might feel during a teenage breakup. In the wake of her rumored separation from Disney star Joshua Bassett, Rodrigo released the album recounting her frustrations and heartbreak. Most of the songs in the album explain her initial emotion of sadness, while others pertain to jealousy, anger and disbelief. Rodrigo’s album walks her listeners through the emotions felt by any teenager following a breakup, even allowing older generations to be reminded of their own youthful experiences. The album has caused fans to compare Rodrigo to Taylor Swift as a result of their similar styles of music, their abundance of love for their fans and their positive impact on young girls. The release of “Sour” resulted in an immediate and overwhelmingly positive response. All around the world, fans became obsessed with the album due to its organic authenticity. Each song contains unique lyrics and has great structure, making it a strong album. Plus, the rumored separation between the
two Disney stars kept many fans interested and on their toes. The album contains 11 heartfelt songs, all the way from “drivers license” to “hope ur ok,” that take the listener through a roller coaster of emotions, such as loneliness and sadness, which creates a common ground between Rodrigo and her fans. One of Rodrigo’s most popular hits, titled “jealousy, jealousy,” struck a chord with teenagers because of its relatable lyrics and catchy beat. Many young kids and teenagers struggle with the instant need to compare themselves to
Rodrigo that had never been seen before, as she strayed away from her typical sweet, slow songs and embraced her wild side. “Good 4 u” is upbeat, rebellious and questions her ex-boyfriend’s true feelings about her. Rodrigo uses the lyrics “I’ve spent the night crying on the floor of my bathroom. But you’re so unaffected, I really don’t get it. But I guess good for you.” These lines emphasize the utter shock that Rodrigo felt about her boyfriend moving on, meanwhile she is still heartbroken. These lyrics tug on fans’ heartstrings, making them feel extremely connected to the artist. After listening to this album, it is easy to adore Rodrigo’s strength and admire her confidence throughout the album and heartbreaking time period. Aside from Rodrigo’s hits that highlight the importance of independence and self-love, her slow songs that revolve around heartbreak won over teens across America. One of the album’s songs, “traitor,” contains over 150 million streams on Spotify and illustrates her initial feelings of betrayal by her former *PHOTO FROM GENIUS partner. Rodrigo includes the lyrics “It took you two weeks to others. The feeling of not being go off and date her. Guess you didn’t “good enough” in other people’s cheat, but you’re still a traitor.” This eyes can cause serious self-esteem addresses Rodrigo’s suspicions of issues. During her song, Rodrigo a secret romance between Bassett talks about being jealous of girls and former Disney star Sabrina with “paper white teeth and perfect Carpenter. The passion behind the bodies.” Rodrigo states that “this lyrics in this song create a sense of type of comparison at such a young raw emotion. age is an unhealthy way to think Despite her young age, Rodrigo and live.” The purpose of Rodrigo’s has experienced so many obstacles song is to create a sense of comfort that have helped her write her first for girls in their own skin. As album, one in which the world fell a teenage influencer, Rodrigo in love with. In addition to her uses her songs and experiences amazing music, Rodrigo is seen as a method to relate to teens in as such an inspiration and role modern-day society. model to many. She encourages Along with “jealously, jealously,” self-love and promotes positivity Rodrigo released another pop hit to her audience, creating a strong that shot up to number one on and supportive fanbase. Her album the Billboard Hot 100 song chart. “Sour” is a hit around the world, “Good 4 u” was released May and fans cannot wait to see what 14 prior to the complete album else she has in the works. drop. This song showed a side of
14 SPORTS
maclayandalusian.com
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
design by Meghan Goletz
ON TEAM CAPTAINS ELLIE VANLANDINGHAM
RILEY KARPINSKI GRADE: senior
GRADE: senior
SPORT: Varsity Cheerleading
SPORT: Varsity Cheerleading
YEARS ON THE TEAM: Five
YEARS ON THE TEAM: Four
GOALS FOR THE TEAM: To have a great year and do well this competition season.
GOALS FOR THE TEAM: For our competitive team to do good this year. FAVORITE CHEER: “Red Hot”
FAVORITE CHEER: “Come on Rauders get Fired Up”
FAVORITE STUNT: Lib Pyramids
FAVORITE STUNT: Switch up because it requires a lot of momentum and is exciting when we hit it.
M
A
FOOTBALL
R
A
U
D
SCOREBOARD CROSS Country
PORT ST. JOE L 37-50
BIG BEND INVITATIONAL GIRLS 2ND BOYS 3RD
HAMILTON COUNTY CANCELED
E
R
*PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: MADISON MINACCI
volleyball BLOUNTSTOWN W 3-1 JOHN PAUL II W 3-0
BROOKWOOD W 34-27
U P C O M I N G
SEPTEMBER SPORTS
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FOOTBALL September 10th Maclay vs JPII
September 17th Walton @ Maclay
CROSS COUNTRY
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September 11th @JPII
September 18th @Lake City
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VOLLEYBALL September 15th Chiles @ Maclay
September 18th Maggie Coffey Tournament
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SWIMMING
September 15th
Maclay vs Lincoln
design by Meghan Goletz
maclayandalusian.com
SPORTS 15
Performence Fuel:
THE IMPORTANCE OF ATHLETES MAINTAINING PROPER NUTRITION BY SAWYER DAVIS Nutrition amongst professional, student and beginner athletes is vital to each athlete’s mental and physical well-being. Not only does nutrition keep athletes healthy, but it also helps boost an athlete’s performance in their respective sport, giving their team the contribution they need to come out victorious. Maintaining a healthy nutritional diet is not as necessary for many young athletes as it is for older professional athletes. However, that does not take away the true importance of nutritional diets, as athletes who deny the consumption of a large, healthy diet fall behind those who maintain their nutritional values. Experienced athletes must maintain their muscle mass while they burn calories during their athletic activities. Globally, Olympians burn up to 300-800 calories a day while training for their sports. The amount of exercise they endure requires them to eat bigger meals containing lots of protein. It also requires adding greens and fruit to their palette to produce the vitamins needed. An excellent way for both of these necessities to be consumed is to combine them in a blender, making a two-way smoothie with any combination wanted. Smoothies are important for any athlete’s lifestyle. Both protein and fruit smoothies are some of the most efficient ways to keep a balanced diet. In order to have a stable diet, it is most effective to consume protein within 30 minutes of a workout, as often the workout is not beneficial when there is no protein consumed. Although protein and fruit smoothies are one of the best items for an athlete’s nutrition, it is not the only way an athlete can keep their mental and
physical well-being in-check. An athlete can gather the protein and calories they need to maintain or gain muscle mass after a heavy workout with foods such as grilled chicken, scrambled eggs and Greek yogurt. Some other foods help athletes get a boost of energy before a workout or game. These foods include items such as bananas, oats and slices of bread. If an athlete keeps a routine that includes some of these
foods before and after a workout, they will perform better physically in their sport and mentally in school or work. Although food plays an enormous role in an athlete’s diet, the most important part of an athlete’s nutrition is their routine and consistency. On numerous occasions, athletes have b e c ome lazy when it comes to their food consumption, in which case some have become bored of eating the same food. This process creates a huge issue for some as they start to
*PHOTO BY MEGHAN GOLETZ
develop several “cheat meals” without realizing how rapidly these meals build up. A few of these meals can not only throw an athlete’s whole routine and diet off, but it can also damage their performance as they would not have consumed the protein their body needs. Some examples of cheat meals include pizza, sugary drinks, candy, ice cream and more. Nutritional diets go hand-and-hand with exercise. If an athlete starts changing their food consumption, they begin to lose benefits from their exercise including gaining muscle mass and strength. This can lead to an overall change in not only athletics but academics and sleep as well. Sleeping habits are heavily affected among athletes, and if they consistently increase their body fat from an unhealthy diet, they could develop a sleeping disorder As long as athletes are able to stay consistent with their sustenance every day, they will continue to see a noticeable difference in their health and be able to provide a healthy skill set for their teams. The importance of nutrition within the sports world is not just a myth, as some might believe it is, which is evident in the intense diets that almost all professional athletes must consume for them to stay at peak performance. Additionally, an athlete’s routine can serve as a blueprint and motivation for amateur and younger student athletes. Building habits early on benefits an athlete’s lifestyle by helping them stay active and healthy, as well as allowing them to continue their passionate and lively careers.
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