The Journal (18-19) Issue 1

Volume 97 Issue 1 Aug. 17, 2018

FLY AS

Southport’s culture is changing.

How, why and what’s next? iPass Changes

Administration reforms class to enhance student character. page 5

‘My Fair Lady’

Theater department announces fall musical. page 6

Triathlete

Drew Shellenberger qualifies for the Youth Olympics. page 10

ISSUE NUMBER

1

AUG. 17, 2018

FROM THE EDITOR DEAR READERS,

“You probably

recognize me as the girl at all the SHS events with a camera around her neck... ”

It seems crazy that we are here, at the beginning of another school year and the second year of The Journal being a newsmagazine. My name is Madelyn and most of you probably recognize me as the girl at all the SHS events with a camera around her neck, getting in everyone’s way.

This year, however, I am so excited to be able to take on the opportunity to serve as the Editor-in-chief and push the limits of this magazine as we try to grow and learn throughout every issue.

Our staff has been working outrageously hard in preparation for the first issue of the year. From learning new computer programs and stressing over page designs to conducting an interview with complete strangers and juggling their deadlines with other schoolwork, it’s fair to say that our editors and writers faced many “firsts” during these first few weeks of school. I am so lucky to lead a staff that is committed and dedicated to uniting as one and truly becoming a team. This not only makes creating this magazine a fun experience, but also brings us closer to each other and the school.

This issue, our cover story is about the Booster Club’s theme, “Fly As One.” It dives into the idea that at SHS, we all matter, and we are all important to this community. I think this is an essential topic to cover as we begin the school year as it is always important to understand the meanings and reasonings behind school wide policies and mottos. I hope this story will allow you to evaluate it for yourself.

I am so excited to see what this staff will produce this year and I want to thank everyone that picks up one of our magazines or checks out our website. This year is going to be great!

Madelyn Knight Editor-in-chief 2 Letter From The Editor

Contents Foreign Language 20

News 4

ON THE RISE IN WITH THE NEW

LA PÉRDIDA DE LOS RECIÉN LLEGADOS

Entertainment 6

BACK TO THE CLASSICS INDY TREASURES REVIEW OF ‘A STROWORLD’

Sports 10

NEXT LEVEL REVENGE ON THE REBELS IN THE LONG RUN

The Red Onion 22

HOW I LEARNED TO RULE THE SCHOOL TIPS AND TRICKS: HOW TO SURVIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Opinion 26

MUSIC N’ MUSINGS DON’T BE BUGGED BY BUGS HEALTH IS NOT DETERMINED BY OUTSIDE EXPERIENCE A SOARING AMBITION

Photos 30

Features 15

KICKING IT UP A NOTCH

FLY AS ONE

Editor-in-Chief Madelyn Knight ‘19

Entertainment Editor Savannah Doane ‘19

Online Managing Editor Lyndsay Valadez ‘19

Features Editor Hannah Garrett ‘19

Print Managing Editor Jaycee Fitzgerald ‘19

Foreign Language Yasmin McClellan ‘19

Adviser Mike Klopfenstein

The Red Onion Editor Emma Sprague ‘19

Principal Brian Knight

Photos Editor Noah Thomas ‘19

Business Manager Justin Chambers ‘19

Opinion Editor Rachel Bayler ‘20

Staff Artist Nina Gojko ‘19

News Editor Haley Miller ‘20

Media Manager Clara Oesterling ‘19

@thesopojournal

@theSHSjournal

Sports Editor Michael Long ‘19

@sopojournal

www.facebook.com/ TheSHSJournal

www.thejournalrewired.com

Reporters Tabby Fitzgerald ‘19 Dylan Torres ‘19 Viktoria Vadovicova ‘19 Logan Zrebiec ‘19 Nicole Whitman ‘19 Jordin Baker ‘20 Julia Brookshire ‘20 Grace Campbell ‘20 Russell Peterson-Womack ‘20 Jacob Wiese ‘20 Shelby Denny ‘21 Brianna Henry ‘21 Cobalt Henson ‘21 Emma Herwehe ‘21 Kelsey Jones ‘21 Bailey Kennett ‘21 Marissa Muñoz ‘21 Jessica Paro ‘21 Elizabeth Valadez ‘21

Southport High School 971 E. Banta Road Indianapolis, Ind. 46227

News

Haley Miller, Editor

On the rise

By Grace Campbell, Reporter

I

What an increase in National Honor Society applicants means for SHS

n recent years, there has been a rise in students interested in becoming outstanding in leadership, academics, service and character at SHS. As the amount of students interested in these areas increases, so does the amount of students applying for National Honor Society (NHS), a group that focuses on students who display these characteristics.

Now, with a rising number of students interested in NHS, there has been a change in the requirements to become a member.

According to math teacher Christina Ferguson, a sponsor for the SHS branch The SHS National Honor Society members attend their annual meeting on of NHS, there are currently 77 members Aug. 10. Photo by Haley Miller in NHS compared to 56 last year. Many first semester of junior or senior year. The student factors play into the increase of members, such must also be involved in numerous community as interest in one of the four areas of concern or students looking to receive scholarships. The areas service and extracurricular activities, like sports or clubs. of concern include academics, leadership, service The change made to the requirements of and character. To be inducted in NHS, you have to meet certain requirements in each of these areas. being eligible to join NHS is the higher GPA needed. In the past, it was a minimum of 3.4 to “I believe that there is a lot of increase in be considered to be inducted. On Jan. 12, 2017, interest,” Ferguson said. “One thing we have it was revised and changed from 3.4 to 3.6. The done in the past couple of years is we’ve had a revision was due to the increase in the number of table at freshman orientation.” students eligible to receive applications.

Ferguson has confidence that their table at Senior and NHS member Zam Muan sees the freshman orientation has helped educate more change and growth in NHS to be beneficial as it students on what NHS is and what NHS members helps motivate students with their school work do. She believes that it is important to educate and community service. freshmen about NHS because it may take an “For the future, (the GPA change) makes students extended period of time throughout their high do more and do better in school,” Muan said. school career to meet the NHS requirements by their junior or senior year.

READ MORE ON According to the guidance department, to be eligible to receive an application for NHS, you must have a GPA of 3.6 or above at the end of the 4 News

In with the new Staff and students react to iPass changes

By Elizabeth Valadez, Reporter

T

he athletic version of iPass is like a vitamin for students, according to social studies teacher and cross country coach Nathan Fishel.

Although it will take a while for it to have an effect, he thinks it will make being a student athlete worthwhile. In addition to this new version of iPass, other changes have been made to the period overall.

According to Assistant Principal Andrew Ashcraft, the iPass classes have been reorganized based on grade level and last name so guidance counselors can better interact with their students.

Administration sees this new process as an opportunity to further help students succeed.

Ashcraft is hopeful that this adjustment will be valuable in the long run.

“We made the iPass change to better serve the students…,” Ashcraft said. “And (to) get the right (information) to the right (students).”

Social studies Now that the iPass teacher and classes have been cross country revised, this allows coach Nathan the first 20 minutes Fishel instructs to be used by his athletic iPass students on counselors. They Aug. 9. Photo by hope this will Jordin Baker help counselors

familiarize themselves with their students and give them information they need. As a result, silent sustained reading is no longer part of iPass.

Along with the change in iPass setup, Ashcraft says that the beginning 20 minutes may be used for lessons to teach students about the culture and values of SHS. He describes these as integrity, perseverance, a sense of community, social conscience, service and responsibility for growth.

Freshman Lawson Shields likes iPass because he feels the team-building exercises and inspirational videos that are given to him and his peers will be beneficial.

“It gives kids more encouragement,” Shields said.

On top of these changes for all iPass classes, specialty iPass classes for student athletes have been made. These athletic iPass classes are taught by different sports coaches and are made up of more than 250 junior and senior varsity athletes.

According to Fishel, who has an athletic iPass, the first 20 minutes will consist of watching or doing something pertaining to athletics. This will be followed by discussion that can lead to more engaged and involved students.

“Hopefully, (iPass) is a time to reflect, appreciate and build upon (athletics) and take something for your life,” Fishel said.

Although staff members are hopeful, some students aren’t on board. Junior and soccer player Kendall Henderson feels that she doesn’t understand what the athletic iPass is supposed to do for her and other student athletes.

Henderson also thinks that this change creates too much separation.

“I think separating the athletes from everybody else is almost like favoritism,” Henderson said.

In the future, though, there is potential for specialty iPass classes for other school organizations. Ashcraft says it all depends on the numbers and commitment of the organization.

News 5

Entertainment Savannah Doane, Editor

Back To The Classics

By Jacob Wiese, Reporter

Two students audition for the upcoming fall musical, “My Fair Lady” on Aug. 13 in the SHS auditorium. The theater department established that “My Fair Lady” would be this year’s fall musical on Aug. 1. Photo by Jordin Baker

By Jacob Wiese, Reporter

F

rom “Under The Sea” to “Be Our Guest,” SHS has performed Disney musicals for the past annual fall musicals. However, this year the theater department has decided to change up the pace by announcing on Wednesday, Aug. 1 that this year’s fall musical will be “My Fair Lady.”

“We wanted something that was contrasting from what we’ve done the last couple of years. I mean we’ve done ‘Grease,’ we did two Disney shows, it’s time to get back to an American classic musical,” SHS choir teacher Katherine Doty said.

The musical “My Fair Lady,” written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, is a classic award-

SHS Musicals Through The Years

Theater department selects ‘My Fair Lady’ for fall musical winning musical about the social class transformation of Eliza Doolittle, and her professor, Henry Higgins, helps her do so. The musical was adapted to a movie in 1964 and won eight Oscars including Best Picture. It also includes several hit songs such as, “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.”

Doty is going to be the head director of the production and will do so with SHS theater teacher, Kimberly Roberts, and SHS music teacher, Cody Wakefield, ready at her side. This is also going to be Roberts’ first musical that she will take part in directing here at SHS. According to her, she is not

“The Sound of Music” 2014

“Grease” 2015

nervous, but rather excited.

According to Doty, this years musical is going to be different than the ones they have done in the past, mainly because of the content. There is also the fact that not very many people at the high school level are not familiar with Students sing along with choir teacher, Katherine Doty at the this musical. musical auditions on Aug. 13. Doty will be the main director “We’re hoping that since many fall of the musical with the help of assistant directors Kimberly people don’t know the title, that Roberts and Cody Wakefeild. Photo by Jordin Baker the kids in the production talk classic musicals…,” senior Maria Guia said. “It’s a way about how much fun their having for everyone to get together and see the difference with the script and the music and that will hopefully from the old musicals and the ones that are newer.” get other people involved,” Doty said.

Despite all the disappointment that many people Since the title was just announced, the theater department is now starting to gear up with auditions felt from the announcement, Doty and the theater for the cast and make arrangements for the orchestra department are thrilled and ready to get working on this year’s musical. Doty is especially excited for pit and crew. it because it means that they get to learn about According to Doty, they prepared for the musical with auditions on Aug. 13 and Aug. 14. Also, there’s a something new.

“I’m really excited for it... It means everyone gets to Google Classroom with more information on it. learn something maybe they didn’t know before and The announcement of the musical brought mixed the goal is to expose people to new stuff,” Doty said. feelings with veterans from past productions and “The content is a little different, (but) you still have even the new people that are wanting to get involved that love story and the character arc where you start this year. This is due to the musical being new to in one place and end in another.” a lot of students at SHS. All the musicals in years The SHS production of “My Fair Lady” starts on prior have been well known stories like “Grease” and Nov. 16 and also has shows on the Nov. 17 and “Beauty and the Beast.”

“At first I was kind of disappointed, but then I was Nov. 18. Listen to announcements and look for flyers in the hallway for more information. excited because not many kids know about these SEE THE VIDEO ON

“The Little Mermaid” 2016

“My Fair Lady” 2018

“Beauty and the Beast” 2017

INDY TREASURES:

Photo by Savannah Doane

By Shelby Denny, Reporter

O

n the corner of Massachusetts Ave. and surrounded by several other little shops in downtown Indianapolis, lies the frozen yogurt and ice cream shop known as Sub Zero.

Sub Zero is an ice cream shop that is primarily known for its abstract ice cream sensational creations and above all, using liquid nitrogen to freeze the premixed liquid cream that contains personally selected ingredients in order to make the ice cream right in front of customers.

Upon walking into the store, I was given a very vintage impression as the shop appeared to me as I would picture an ice cream shop to look in the 1980s. The store is small but big enough to accommodate the large, lengthy ice cream counter on the right side of the store and the several large eating booths to sit in and enjoy your ice cream on the left.

Within seconds of being in the store, the employees making the ice cream and taking orders behind the large, LED-lit counter greeted me and were very friendly. The first employee to come approach and talk to me was Joe. He, along with his manager, Auni, were incredibly helpful with this being my first time in the store.

Auni ended up telling me several interesting facts about the place, such as that they flash freeze the ice cream at -320 degrees below zero

8 Entertainment

which was very fascinating to me. I also learned that Sub Zero is originally based out of Utah and that there are currently only three located in Indiana but more than 60 shops nationwide.

My favorite part of my visit was when it was my turn to order. Since I had never been to this place, I spent some time checking out my options and seeing what I thought looked like something I would want to try.

My grandma came along with me, so we were looking at the menu together and deciding through options. Suddenly, I saw a sign that said “Create your own” with three different steps on how to do that. We definitely knew that’s what we wanted, so we chose a small cotton candy ice cream with sprinkles for the price of $4.49. I wanted to try something I normally wouldn’t try because it was my first time there, so I wasn’t sure if I would like the cotton candy flavor.

I was certainly wrong. The flavor was absolutely amazing and the sprinkles added such a sweet flavor to it.

My experience at Sub Zero was certainly one I will never forget. I’m so thrilled that I got the opportunity to go and enjoy this for myself. I recommend Sub Zero to anyone and I think everyone who goes will have just as great of a time as I did.

ASTRONOMICAL Review of ‘ASTROWORLD’

Album art from Travis Scott’s Twitter, @trvisXX

By Savannah Doane, Entertainment Editor

A

cross 17 tracks, American rapper Travis Scott brings a theatrical and mesmerizing vibe to his newly released third studio album, “ASTROWORLD.” The album, which was just released Friday, Aug. 3, is jampacked with a wide variety of unique sound, spine-chilling beats and impressive musical guest features to help Scott make a proper statement with this long-anticipated release.

Now don’t get me wrong, rap is a genre of music that I do enjoy and listen to frequently, but it certainly doesn’t cloud my music library. There are some mainstream artists and songs across this genre that I simply just cannot bring myself to listen to or even really enjoy because most of them sound way too much alike.

However, this is not so much the case for Scott’s “ASTROWORLD,” as it has a very distinctive, diverse sound in which the lyrics and beats allow for each track to have its own striking individuality.

The unexpected features of artists like The Weeknd, Drake and Swae Lee on a handful of tracks throughout the album really illuminate the diverse aspect of “ASTROWORLD,” as this allows for a change of flow and sound on the tracks.

Drake’s tasteful, up-beat feature on the irresistable third track, “SICKO MODE” adds an enhanced element to the tranquil and trippy foundation of the album that was set by the first two tracks, “STARGAZING” and “CAROUSEL.” The extremely trippy beat and flow of “SICKO MODE” then hits hard. It doesn’t take long for the song to make you feel like you are going through a strobe lit, illusion tunnel at the circus. There are several songs like this on Scott’s album, but all of them hit and trigger your imagination in different ways.

Out of all the quality tracks on this album, I really enjoy “5% TINT” and “SICKO MODE,” but the one that wins my attention over the rest is the catchy and addicting sound of the pre-released lead single of this album, “BUTTERFLY EFFECT.” This track came out over a year before “ASTROWORLD,” as it was released on May 17, 2017.

“BUTTERFLY EFFECT” is a song that I can genuinely listen to over and over again and never even come close to getting sick of. The captivating, irresistible sound of this year old track consistently allows it to be a song that I can’t help but unhesitantly play first when I choose to listen to this album.

“ASTROWORLD” is without a doubt an album that I can play from beginning to end, as I am fully and genuinely satisfied with most of it. This is a tasteful, worthwhile album that consistently gave me chills as I worked my way through it. If you’re looking for new music, I highly recommend you give “ASTROWORLD” by Travis Scott a listen. You won’t regret it.

ASTROWORLD Travis Scott Tracks:

Rating:

01: STARGAZING 02: CAUROSEL 03: SICKO MODE 04: R.I.P. SCREW 05: STOP TRYING TO BE GOD 06: NO BYSTANDERS 07: SKELETONS 08: WAKE UP 09: 5% TINT 10: NC-17 11: ASTROTHUNDER 12: YOSEMITE 13: CAN’T SAY 14: WHO? WHAT! 15: BUTTERFLY EFFECT 16: HOUSTONFORNICATION 17: COFFEE BEAN

Entertainment 9

Sports

Michael Long, Editor

Next Level SHS athlete qualifies for Youth Olympics and is aiming even higher

A

By Logan Zrebiec, Reporter

fter 18 months of constant work, junior Drew Shellenberger achieved his goal of qualifying for the Youth Olympics, and though he’s excited about competing against the world’s best this October in Argentina, his future ambitions are set even higher.

Shellenberger is an elite competitor in the triathlon, which is a sport consisting of swimming, biking and running. He hopes to participate in the Olympics one day, but for now he has to focus on the task in front of him, the Youth Olympics.

10 Sports

He qualified last month by being the top American finisher in a competition in Ecuador. “(Qualifying for the Youth Olympics) was really just a moment of disbelief,” Shellenberger said. “It had been my goal for the past year and a half.”

To qualify for the Youth Olympics, Shellenberger had to compete in a number of triathlons. These triathlons have taken Shellenberger all over the place, ranging from Virginia to Wisconsin, and even to South America. Since March of this year,

Photo contributed by Drew Shellenberger

Shellenberger has competed in seven triathlons.

Four of these triathlons were part of the Junior Elite Series. Shellenberger won two of these races and took another crown in the North American Championship in Sarasota Florida in March. Shellenberger also competed two in out-of-country races in Brazil and at the qualifier in Ecuador.

The race in Ecuador played a vital role in Shellenberger’s ability to achieve his goal because it was a qualifying competition for the Youth Olympics.

This year, the Youth Olympics will be located in Buenos Aires, Argentina and last from Oct. 6-18. Here, Shellenberger will be competing in two triatlons, one being an individual race known as a sprint triathlon, and the other being a mixed relay, which is a team event. Shellenberger will be the only male representative running in the individual triathlon for the USA team.

This upcoming competition will require Shellenberger to miss some school, but it’s nothing he hasn’t dealt with before. According to Shellenberger, the way he keeps up with his academics is by transitioning into online schooling and teaching himself. “(Teachers) would send (homework via email) and I would print it, do it and then scan it back,” Shellenberger said. “It was just very different trying to teach yourself everything.”

The love of competing in triathlons came to Shellenberger when he was just four-years-old when he wanted to be just like his father. His father, Todd Shellenberger, has been racing in triathlons for almost 30 years now. He is the one who helped enter Shellenberger in an age sixand-under triathlon.

“My first one I literally whistled the whole

bike course,” Shellenberger said. “It was the most fun time I’ve ever had. That’s the reason I still do it today.”

The training that comes with being a multisport athlete is intense. Shellenberger runs cross country, competes in track and field and swims for SHS. He uses these as training mechanisms to help him with the triathlon. Then, he practices biking on his own.

According to Shellenberger, swimming and biking are his strengths when it comes to triathlons.

“I am a swim/biker for sure,” Shellenberger said.

Matthew Jeffries, the swim coach at SHS, has been coaching Shellenberger for nine years now.

“He is very driven, works towards his goal and he doesn’t give up on them,” Jeffries said. “Once he has a goal set, he doesn’t stop till he gets it.”

According to triathlon.org, Shellenberger’s fastest recorded race came on March 10 when he completed the North American Championship triathlon in 54 minutes and 51 seconds. This means Shellenberger completed all three courses in an average time of 18 minutes and 17 seconds.

According to Shellenberger, he has not received any college exposure yet due to triathlons only being a club sport in college.

With college in his plans, he hopes he can land one of the few colleges that do give out scholarships for triathlons.

However, his biggest goal is to reach the Olympics. With already being able to compete in the Youth Olympics, Shellenberger is looking to compete in the 2028 Olympic games, and he believes he will be able to reach this level.

“I am one of the best in my age range,” Shellenberger said.

A grueling competition

Drew Shellenberger’s next triathlon will be in the Youth Olympic competition in Argentina and will consist of swimming, biking and running.

Leg 1 750 meter (0.465 mile) swim

Leg 2

20 kilometer (12.5 mile) bike

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leg 3 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) run

Sports 11

Revenge on the Rebels SHS football team looks to break losing streak against Roncalli

I

By Kelsey Jones, Reporter

n the final seconds of the game, the SHS football team, leading 21-18, was playing defense against the Roncalli Rebels in the opening game of the 2016 season. The game seemed in the bag for SHS until a Roncalli receiver found an opening against the Cards defense, allowing them to score a gamewinning touchdown.

SHS continued their losing streak against Roncalli by losing in the opening 2017 game, 21-3.

“Our offense was kind of inexperienced,” junior wide receiver Ryan Lezon said.

However, the Cards will look to break the losing streak tonight at 7 p.m. at the Cardinal Stadium.

This year, an inexperienced offense is not the case for the Cards. The team has key returning offensive players, such as senior quarterback Eddie Schott, who has thrown for 4,255 yards and 39 touchdowns during his two years as varsity quarterback, and Lezon who led the team in receiving yards last season.

According to head coach Brandon Winters, other players, like senior running back Jalen Caldwell, will also have to play

a more important role, both tonight and for the rest of the season. This is due to the fact that junior LaMarco Yates is out for the season from a torn ACL. “(Yates) put a lot of stress on the other team to try and defend him,” Winters said.

Another obstacle the Cards will face tonight is that they have a large number of inexperienced players.

According to Winters, the Cards will be heading into the battle against Roncalli with a young offensive line and just one returning varsity defensive player.

This inexperience of the Card’s offensive line and defense may prove to be problematic against Roncalli’s senior-loaded team.

“We’re going to have to do some growing up quickly,” Winters said.

Regardless of SHS’s losses against the Rebels, Roncalli is a big rivalry for the SHS football players. According to Winters, a number of players look forward to the Roncalli game more than the Perry Meridian game.

“Everyone on the team wants to beat (Roncalli) pretty bad.”

Schott said.

In the Long run M

By Michael Long, Sports Editor

y whole life, I’ve heard about the high school social hierarchy and how athletes are undoubtedly on top. This idea is emphasized (over emphasized, if you ask me) in movies, TV shows and books, but it’s made its presence here at SHS seemingly now more than ever.

This is, in large part, due to the fact that iPass has changed. There are now “athletic iPass classes,” and I’ve heard backlash from students about how it shows special treatment towards athletes. I’m here to say that this is simply not the case.

The point in changing how iPass works was to, one, make it more productive (because let’s be honest, nobody read anything during silent sustained reading, except their text messages), and two, to help push the culture shift that’s happening at SHS. If you’d like to learn more about this culture shift then there is an entire centerfold story about it. The cover picture is related to it and all of that jazz, but to boil it down for you, the administration wants students to succeed and to succeed together. That is extremely boiled, but for the sake of this column that’s what we’re rolling with.

Anyways, the way the new iPass system will help push this culture shift is by replacing the reading time with a time where the underclassmen can learn what to expect in high school, the upperclassmen can learn how to prepare for after high school and everyone can learn a little something about character development and leadership.

According to my iPass teacher, Chelsea Hoffman, the curriculum for athletic and regular iPass classes are similar, but the athletic iPasses will focus more on SHS’s core values, integrity, service, perseverance, social conscience, sense of community and responsibility for growth and how to apply those to both our lives and our sports.

This, to me, makes perfect sense and doesn’t seem like “special treatment” at all. After all, if the administration’s goal is to build a better culture throughout the school, it is important to make sure your sports teams are in check too. Scratch that, it is VITAL to make sure sports teams are in check.

Principal Brian Knight made an outstanding point in an interview with another Journal staff member when he said, “Most people in this community never step foot in the building. What they know of us is what they see when they drive by Banta or what they see at events.”

With this being said, what are the most attended events? I’ll give you a hint. It’s sporting events.

Not only do people flock in from the Southport community to home sporting events, but SHS athletes are on the road a lot too, representing SHS to other communities. We’re put on a stage for the whole state to see on almost a daily basis. Some athletes understand the power they wield when it comes to creating a positive image for your school. Others don’t, so it is important that these values are being pushed upon them.

Plus, in the athletic iPass classes, we’re discussing how we can apply all of these values to our sports teams. If just a small percentage of student athletes buy in and actually carry the lessons over to their teams, they can set precedents for younger members. Then they can set precedents for future generations of Cards, in the long run, (pun intended), they will be building a better culture within SHS athletics.

It’s this importance to build student athletes with good character that people confuse with “special treatment.”

If you still think this is a bunch of bologna and athletes are just living it up in iPass while everyone else has to watch boring videos, then you might be overlooking a couple of things.

One is that it’s only junior and senior athletes who are put into these athletic iPass classes. Upperclassmen, who are the natural leaders of the school.

Another is that it’s not just athletes who are separated during iPass. There are iPass classes for things like student council and theater too.

So, whether you like it or not, athletes are a face of the school, perhaps the most important and telling face. If you see an athlete succeeding, don’t assume it’s because of special treatment, because I can guarantee that there is more to the story than what meets your judgmental eye.

Sports 13

New Beginnings Community Church prays for a successful school year for all the teachers, staff and students at Southport High School.

New Air Force recruiter in Greenwood, IN Greenwood, IN- SSgt Chavis Kendrick has been assigned to the Air Force recruiting office at 1102 E Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227.

As an Air Force recruiter, Kendrick is responsible for engaging, inspiring and recruiting the brightest, most competitive and diverse men and women for service in America’s Air Force in Southern Indiana and the surrounding areas.

Prior to his assingment in Greenwood, IN, he was assigned to Patrick Air Force Base, Florida as a Pharmacy Technician.

For More Information about Air Force opportunities, please contact SSgt Chavis Kendrick at 317-250-8190 or check him out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SSgtChavisKendrick and on Instagram at Southernindianapolis_airforce.

Features

Hannah Garrett, Editor

Southport’s culture is adapting.

What will ‘Fly As One’ bring out in this Cardinal community?

By Tabby Fitzgerald, Reporter

U

nity, culture, “Fly As One.” These three ideas create the direction SHS is heading towards. Two years ago, Brian Knight became principal of SHS. Since then Knight changed different aspects throughout our school. One major change promoted last year was changing our mission statement to “Southport High School serves our diverse community by developing independent thinkers who excel in an ever-changing world.”

With the new mission statement, the staff developed a new set of core values. These values were then taken to Knight’s student leadership group, who defined what those behaviors would look like.

By doing this, it helped make the expectations clearer on what was expected out of the school.

“It’s a process to hopefully kind of improve the character side of our school as opposed to just worrying about the academic side,” Knight said.

All staff members received a Culture Playbook at the beginning of this school year that provides teachers with a clearer understanding of beliefs, behaviors and outcomes that SHS is trying to achieve through the mission statement and core values.

In the playbook, it lists and explains that the core values are integrity, perseverance, service, sense of community, social conscience and responsibility for growth. Knight hopes that by giving teachers a better understanding it will give the students a more positive experience in the classroom.

“If I have 107 teachers not quite sure about what we’re trying to accomplish, then I have 107 people going in 107 different directions,” Knight said. “That creates frustration for students.”

Knight isn’t the only one inspired to make changes this year. Math teacher Ethan Coffman approached Knight with new ideas for freshman orientation. Knight then told him that some ideas were already being considered. Both Knight and Coffman wanted students to have a more positive experience with their first time in the building.

“I think everybody wanted a change,” Coffman said. “I just think we all kind of got to a point where it was a team effort and said we really need to revamp this and we really need to look at what’s best for kids.”

This year, freshman orientation was reconstructed to help this experience happen. To help with this, 16 Features

Coffman and Student Council sponsor Joseph Leonard sought out student leaders to form a group known as Cardinal Compass. This group, which is composed of juniors and seniors, led the freshman orientation by hyping up the school, introducing themselves and assisting the counselors with handing out schedules. Once drop off time ended, everyone participated in a whole group activity and were then broken up into smaller groups consisting of 3 student leaders and 25 freshmen.

In these small groups, students did different team-building activities such as completing a breakout box and doing an icebreaker before taking a tour of the school. Students were then provided with dinner in the cafeteria before they met up with their parents and had the opportunity to discover clubs and sports who were advertising themselves in the main hallway that night.

“In watching it for two years, (it was) kind of a really boring way to bring freshman into the building,” Knight said. “So we wanted to create an experience.”

Another change implemented this year were knew iPass classes. These classes are now separated by grade level and last name with certain activities separated into their own class. Although student iPass classes will be geared towards different goals, they will all learn about the school’s core values.

Each grade level was separated so that the upperclassmen can get information on how to be successful after high school and the underclassmen can get information on how to be successful in high school, according to Knight.

“If we say these are our values and this is what we believe in then we’ve got to find times that we can teach what those really mean,” Knight said.

The last change Knight hopes to implement is to boost student attendance at school events. He plans to do this by using social media and getting the word out sooner.

Knight believes that the students who are cheering on their peers, whether it’s at a choir concert or a football game, are just as important as those who are performing.

Coffman, along with Knight, wants students to enjoy their time here at SHS. They both hope that students will be able to create a positive experience.

“We hope to create that atmosphere around the school of ‘I’m doing better because even though I have to be here at 7:10 in the morning... I enjoy coming to school (and) I enjoy being part of Southport,’” Knight said.

The Booster Club also hopes to get more students involved by promoting different events taking place around the school such as games or concerts.

They hope that if more students know what is going on then they will be more likely to attend.

They plan to help spread the word by using social media and videos that they make. Their goal for this year is for everyone to feel included and to “Fly As One.” “As a school, we should come together (and) conquer as one...,” senior and

Features 17

What does ‘Fly As One’ mean to you?

“I feel the unity when we (the soccer team) play because our game status really just depends on our fans. We try harder when more people are there.”

-Junior Ootsa Marn

“I think it stands for SHS being more than just a school. We’re a home. We are a family, and we need to support people in games, clubs and music, so if we ‘Fly As One,’ it will be a happier place for everyone.”

- Senior Abby Dunn

“We are a family, a community.”

-Senior Juan Martinez

Booster Club member Payton Frye said. “I feel like we’re most powerful when we’re together.”

Along with these changes, there are different student opinions regarding the changes that have brought up discussion. One student, junior class Vice President Meghan Mendel finds some of these differences, like the new freshman orientation, appealing. She believes that it will give freshmen more experience with the school and a better understanding of where things are located compared to in years past.

Mendel also believes that iPass is more organized this year and that it gives several benefits to students. She thinks that it’s beneficial because it gets students more involved and allows them to meet new people. “(Students are) kind of more involved with their own class…,” Mendel said. “You kind of already know most of the people in your class, but then you get (the chance) to know other people.”

However, not all students agree with the changes that have been made. Senior Jordan Cox believes that splitting iPass up by grade level defeats the purpose of the culture change that is taking place in the school.

Cox believes that if iPass continued to stay the way it has been in the past, randomly assigned, new friendships would continue to blossom compared to this year. This year she believes that students are more likely to be in iPass with other students they already know, so there wouldn’t be as much of a chance for upperclassmen and underclassmen to create friendships.

“I don’t necessarily think that the class iPasses are horrible because you’re more likely to be with your friends,” Cox said. “But you can make more friends, most likely, if you are in an all together iPass.”

Overall, SHS wants to set students up for success, according to Coffman. Studies show that students who get Ds and Fs their freshman and sophomore year will continue to do so in their junior and senior year.

Coffman is hoping that if they can intervene and help students when they first come into high school, it will have an effect on higher graduation rates, better academic success and will allow students to be better people when they walk out the doors for the last time.

“You got one chance to live right,” Coffman said. “You got one life. So, we want to make this experience great and we want to grow kids. Grow kids as people, as humans, first and academics a close second.”

WE FLY AS ONE

Foreign Language Yasmin McClellan, Editor

La pérdid del programa de los recién llegados L

Por Yasmin McClellan

legar a una nueva escuela, por no hablar de estar en un nuevo país, no dominar el inglés puede ser un gran desafío. El programa para los recién llegados a SHS lo hacía más fácil para muchas personas a hacer la transición a la escuela y a los Estados Unidos. El programa de a los recién llegados movían los estudiantes un paso adelante en vez de un paso atrás.

La pérdida del programa de los recién llegados ha dejado a los nuevos estudiantes sin recursos que los antiguos estudiantes tenían.

“Trabajábamos para adquirir las habilidades nuevas que los estudiantes necesitaban para la escuela, tal como aprender nuevas palabras para navegar la escuela y palabras básicas de inglés,” la maestra de los recién llegados,” Hiba Al Awadh dijo.

El programa de los recién llegados se estableció en 2009 y fue dirigido por Marsha Manning, una anterior maestra.

“El distrito escolar estaba recibiendo a muchos estudiantes cuya lengua materna no era inglés, a los que no habían asistido mucho a la escuela, a los o que no asistían a la escuela en absoluto porque huían del conflicto de su país, y a los que no sabían lo que esperar en una escuela de los Estados Unidos,” Manning le dijo en un correo electrónico a The Journal.

Al principio, el programa fue una clase que duraba un período y que se reunía cada dos días e incluía a los estudiantes de PMHS

Foto de Mirza Smoqi 20 Foreign Language

y SHS. Se enseñaban las clases de idioma para los aprendices de inglés, las habilidades básicas, matemáticas y la clase de salud.

Todas las clases tenían otros maestros que les ayudaban a los estudiantes y hablaban en el idioma de los estudiantes. También, los estudiantes hacían excursiones.

Junto con ayudar a los estudiantes, el programa de recién llegados les ayudaba a los padres. Manning se reunía con los padres y repasaba las expectativas para los estudiantes, las reglas, y las directrices.

“Consideré que el programa de recién llegados confortaba a los estudiantes que estaban en un nuevo país, en una nueva escuela y les ayudaba a hacer los planes de estudios con una manera que era comprensible y adaptada para los estudiantes,” Manning le dijo en un correo electrónico a The Journal.

Según Manning, los estudiantes podían ganar los créditos que se necesitaban para graduarse. Ellos recibían un crédito para la

clase de salud cuando tomaban su clase.

Junior Mirza Smoqi participó en el programa de recién llegados y cree que sus compañeros y él e beneficiaron del programa.

“Nos ayudaba a aprender vocabulario nuevo y cosas como la gramática,” Smoqi dijo. “Nos servía tener algunos amigos que hablaban nuestro idioma y nos ayudaba.”

Debido a la nueva legislación administrativa, hay menos inmigrantes nuevos en los Estados Unidos. El decrecimiento de inmigrantes resulta en menos estudiantes nuevos y también menos necesidad para el programa para los recién llegados. Por no haber suficientes estudiantes este año, el programa de recién llegados fue eliminado.

Aunque el programa se ha eliminado, hay otros recursos disponibles para los alumnos.

“Tenemos un salón donde hay intérpretes y ellos pueden ayudarles a los estudiantes con cosas diferentes,” Al Awadh dijo. “Los estudiantes pueden ir con cualquier cosa que necesitan.”

The story above is about the loss of the newcomer program and the positive effects that it once had on previous students. A short history is included giving background on the original program. The story also includes other resources available to newcomers now.

To read this story in English, visit the foreign language section on thejournalrewired.com today.

On Aug. 24, The Journal will also post an online in-depth covering why the program was lost and its effects on SHS students. To read this story, visit the news section on thejournalrewired.com.

LEARN MORE ON

Foreign Language 21

The Red Onion Emma Sprague, Editor

Photo by Emma Sprague

How I learned to rule the school A

By Yanina Gojko, Staff Artist

t the beginning of freshman year, I had no idea what to expect during my four years at Southport.

I certainly did not think I would be head cheerleader, driving a Porsche and on my way to Harvard Medical School.

My first year of high school was a particularly interesting time. I joined the debate team, leading them to victory at the state championship. My weekends were never free. So many people wanted to hang out with me that I had to schedule them around my other after school activities.

Throughout that first year, I spent a lot of time working hard on my grades. I would turn in every assignment the day before it was due. I would have to ask the teacher beforehand, but at least I got it done before everyone else so I could play Poptropica on my computer. My teachers all loved me and would always ask me to cover for them while they went to make copies or some other teacherly task.

During the summer between freshman and sophomore year, I began investigating summer programs for Ivy League schools. I split the summer between Dartmouth College and Yale University studying medicine and public health relations.

Sophomore year yielded the realization that I wanted to join the cheerleading squad. Over the summer, I had gotten to know some of the girls in my 22 The Red Onion

classes. They convinced me that being a cheerleader was “all the rage,” so I joined and quickly rose to the top of the ranks due to my amazing athletic powers and people skills.

Practices went by in a flash. Since I performed so well at state and national competitions, I did not have to practice at all, I bought Starbucks and painted my nails while everyone else strained under the pressure of the grueling routine.

After getting my license, my parents rewarded me with keys to my very own brand new Porsche. I was ecstatic! I always had to have the best of the best, and cars were no exception. I figured that since it was my second to last year until graduation, I should start planning for my future.

Throughout school, I have always had an interest in medicine, so I thought my most logical career choice was becoming a doctor. Harvard was just the place to do it.

I submitted my transcript, ACT and SAT scores. I waited anxiously over the summer for the school’s response.

Now, here I am at the beginning of my senior year.

I am officially ready to start at the Harvard Medical School in the fall of 2019. This journey has been intense but overall pretty great. I am excited to see where the rest of my life takes me.

Tips & Tricks: How To Survive High School

By Cobalt Henson, Reporter It’s too early, and you just woke up. You have been stressing the past few nights and just tried to pull an all-nighter but failed just as the clock struck three in the morning. You’re exhausted and tripping over yourself. Your homework isn’t done. You have your first exam today, and everything just seems to have gone wrong. But don’t worry! Below is some advice that a very experienced and totally-qualified-to-give-advice upperclassman, Cobalt Henson, has to give to you.

Do

1.

BE LOUD ALL THE TIME

THE BEST WAY TO SHOW SCHOOL SPIRIT AND PRIDE IS TO BE LOUD AT ALL TIMES. FOOTBALL GAMES ARE THE ONLY EXCEPTION. BE AS QUIET AS POSSIBLE WHILE THE GAME IS GOING ON.

2.

LEAVE WHENEVER

IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH THE STRESS OF CLASS, YOU SHOULD LEAVE IF YOU NEED TO. THE TEACHERS WILL UNDERSTAND. ITS NOT LIKE THEY’RE THERE TO TEACH THE STUDENTS OR ANYTHING.

3.

BLOCK THE HALLWAY

4.

LEAVE YOUR RINGER ON

GOTTA TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS? ESPECIALLY THAT ONE YOU ONLY SAW TWO HOURS AGO? HAVE YOUR FRIENDS HELP YOU BLOCK THE HALLWAY OFF.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN SOMETHING MAY HAPPEN AT HOME, ESPECIALLY IN THOSE STUFFY TESTING ROOMS.

5.

USE YOUR SPEAKERS

EVERYONE LOVES MUSIC.W SHARE WHAT YOU LISTEN TO!

1.

DoN’t WALK FAST

IF YOU WALK FAST, YOU’LL TRIP. IF YOU TRIP, YOU FALL. IF YOU FALL, YOU’LL BREAK YOUR CHROMEBOOK. IF YOU BREAK YOUR CHROMEBOOK, YOU’LL GET FEES. DONT GET FEES, WALK SLOW.

2.

STAY SEATED

NO ONE DOES THIS. STAND NEXT TO THE DOOR, DON’T BE THAT GUY THAT JUST SITS THERE YELLING AT EVERYONE TO SIT DOWN.

3.

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

4.

FORGET TO SNAP

5.

PARK IN ONE SPACE

EVERYONE WANTS AS MANY OPINIONS AS POSSIBLE. EAVESDROP AND GIVE YOUR UNSOLICITED ADVICE! PEOPLE ACTUALLY LOVE IT!

WHETHER IT IS TO PERFECTLY BALANCE THE UNIVERSE OR TO GET THAT STREAK TO YOUR FRIEND, MAKE IT HAPPEN.

CAR INSURANCE IS EXPENSIVE. EVEN WORSE ONCE YOU GET INTO A WRECK. SO TO PREVENT THIS, PARK IN TWO SPACES SO YOU HAVE A CUSHION.

The Red Onion 23

Aries (March 21- April 19) Sit back and relax. The skies will eventually turn from the baby poop green to sweet baby blue. Tornadoes don’t last forever.

Cancer (June 21- July 22) Your dog forgives you for stepping on his paw, but he will never forget.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Stopping something cold turkey can lead to lukewarm turkey. Ease out of it and you’ll get hot turkey. Yum.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) STORES ARE STARTING TO SELL CANDY CORN RIGHT IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN! BUY IT IN BULK BEFORE THEY RUN OUT.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Just stop drinking water. That is the only solution to the multitude of kidney problems you’ve been dealing with lately.

Leo

(July 23 - Aug. 22)

Throw away all of that emotional baggage. You’re going to hurt your back. If it’s too soon to get rid of it, simply lift with your knees.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) You’ll become friends with the new class pet in Mrs. Schnepp’s classroom. Just ignore people when they ask about the scorpion on your shoulder.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Shoot for the moon and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. Be careful the stars are lowkey creepy, but you didn’t hear that from me.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Don’t worry about the lack of sleep. Eventually you’ll be able to sleep like a baby even if it is 30 minutes after your first period class has started.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) This is your time to play. By play I don’t mean play a game, I mean play with people’s feelings. It always ends well.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

“Whatever you do, be an eh one.”

- Abraham Lincoln

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) “Get your head in the game.”

- Troy Bolton

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Opinion Rachel Bayler, Editor

Music ‘n Musings

A

By Rachel Bayler

Be open to new experiences

bout a week before school started, I was sitting outside swinging on our old swing set enjoying the breeze and listening to my oldies playlist. I was only slightly zoned out, watching two robins chase each other around my backyard, when I was suddenly struck by the lyrics to the song that was playing.

It was “Wasted on the Way” by Crosby, Stills and Nash, a song I usually don’t pay much attention to when it comes on. But for some reason, as the words “Look around you now, you must go for what you wanted/ Look at all my friends who did and got what they deserved” played, something inside me really resonated with the lyrics as I thought about this upcoming school year. It drove me to want to do more and really put myself out there, something I feel everyone should strive to do at some point in their high school career.

High school is what you make it, and one of the easiest ways to find your niche and make school enjoyable is to try new things and branch out into new clubs or activities.

When I started freshman year, I was fully prepared to completely coast through. All I participated in was the musical, leaving almost half the year completely open and boring once it was done. High school became a drag and the thought of three more years of boredom made me groan out loud.

So, at the end of freshman year I made the decision

to do more sophomore year. I wasn’t quite sure what to try out for, so I did a little bit of everything. I applied to the newspaper, auditioned for show choir and braved a scathing remark from my scariest teacher in order to make it into Cardinal Cadre, getting accepted into all of them. The prospect of sophomore year became exciting, and it turned out to be one of the best years of my life.

I had finally found a place for myself, one where I felt like I was growing as a person. The sense of accomplishment and happiness I felt far outweighed the added stress, and instead of dreading the rest of my time in high school I started to hope the good times would never end.

Whether you’re a newly arrived freshman or a tired senior who can’t wait to graduate, you can always find something here at SHS to spice up your year and make high school more enjoyable.

For me, it was finding a way to express myself with people who shared my same interests and passion.

Sure, grades and academics during high school are important and should be your main focus, but they aren’t everything.

Finding a club or sport that makes you feel good or fulfills one of your passions is so important, so seize the opportunities you have at this school and make these years some of the best. It could change your entire outlook on these last few carefree years.

HOT

Shane Dawson Cardi B’s ‘ASTROWORLD’ The Zoom Challenge videos baby, Kulture

NOT

‘In My Feelings’ Stopping in the Playing music on Instagram story questions Challenge middle of the your speakers in the hallway hallway

26 Opinion

Don’t be bugged by bugs

By Noah Thomas, Photos Editor

W

hen most people think about bugs they typically imagine the stereotypical living nightmare that creeps around your basement and hides in the cracks and corners of the floor, waiting to prey on anything walking by.

While some bugs may have this tendency, most have their own specific role in improving and maintaining ecosystems around the world.

One primary reason why bugs are imperative to all life is because they do a considerable amount of work that benefits us. In the decomposition of waste, insects typically seen as pests, such as flies and beetles, break down and recycle organic matter.

By doing this widespread decomposition, other life, such as plants are able to thrive and grow. This process is essential because it maintains the waste on Earth and it helps other organisms live.

Another way that insects are beneficial is by pollinating all of the Earth’s plant life. While bees are the renowned pollinators, many other species of bugs take part in the pollinating process and are important to the survival of all species.

According to the USDA, insects like butterflies, flies and beetles all take part in pollination. Without the help of these pollinators, the world’s plant life would struggle to survive and in turn would affect all other species that rely on plants.

Bugs themselves are also heavily relied on around the world because they are a main food source for many animals. If we didn’t have the amount of insects and arachnids we have today, a large amount of the world’s animal species would have no source of food and would likely perish completely.

If those animals die off, then their predators would face the same fate, and this would continue through to the top of the food chain. Without bugs, the entire food system would collapse and could possibly devastate all life on Earth. This may seem a little extreme, but it is a possible consequence.

Many believe insects seemingly have no

purpose other than to annoy and gross out people. They are often questioned for their existence. Along with that, people often wonder what the world would be like if they just disappeared completely and if their lives would be any easier. According to the National Science Teachers Association, many of the species people dislike the most, such as mosquitoes, flies and bees, have the most to contribute to the environment as decomposers and pollinators and are key to the survival of other plants and animals alike.

Because of their importance, humans should be more grateful that bugs exist. The benefits they provide for us and our lives are endless, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. So, before freaking out about the ant that just crossed your path, remember that it, just like you, has a purpose and is doing its best to protect and preserve our shared ecosystem.

Health is not determined by outside appearance

By Grace Campbell, Reporter them to receive all of the nutrients their body needs.

I remember when I first started to take notice of what I look like. I was in second grade and I noticed Society has an issue with assuming someone’s state of health just by what they see on the outside. my body did not look the same as other girls in my Physical appearance becomes one of the main class. From then on, I put thought into everything I focuses for people and can truly destroy wore, making sure it was baggy and hid their mental health. They may start to what I looked like. I practically lived eat too much unhealthy food or restrict in sweatshirts and loose pants out of themselves from eating depending on what pure insecurity. they see when they look at themselves.

I started to associate my body According to adolescentgrowth.com, with my health in seventh grade. about 5.4 percent of children ages 13 to 18 Just because I was not a certain size, will suffer from an eating disorder at some I immediately thought that I was point in their lifetime. That is around 2.2 unhealthy. Now, I realize that health million adolescents. is a general term and can be seen I believe that being healthy all starts with from different aspects: physically and one’s mental state. Society needs to get rid of the mentally, not just body shape or size. idea that someone’s physical and mental health According to the United Nations census of is determined strictly on what someone’s body August 2018, there are 7.6 billion people in the looks like. People need to start focusing on what world, so it is not surprising that everyone is they view as healthy rather than what the rest of shaped differently. the world views as healthy. As long as someone Some people may have a very healthy diet, but are still bigger due to their genetics or the way their is accepting and pleased with who they are and what they look like, then they are just as healthy as body carries weight. Some may be a lot skinnier, anybody else. but may have an eating disorder that doesn’t allow

What are you most excited for this school year?

Branden Kery, freshman

Blessing Vanoso, sophomore

“The new opportunities I have being a

“Getting to know new friends and

high schooler.”

preparing myself for college.”

Brianne Osburn, English teacher

Kareem Carter, junior

Julissa Mejia, senior

“I’m really excited to meet all the new

“(To) be one of the best (on the football

“Just being at school and having a

students and get to know them as

team) and (pass) my theater class.”

good time.”

students, as people, as writers.”

A soaring ambition Why I want to join the Air Force Every summer, I try to visit my grandparents in Fayetteville, N.C. They live near Fort Bragg, an Army base. Last summer, we went to the military museum on base, which sparked my interest in joining the military. I’d never viewed it as a viable option before, because I never saw myself as the type of person who would fit in a military environment.

Being a part of the military is a great decision. Countless people have reaped the benefits of a military career. Joining opens access to funds for college, valuable skills and pride in serving your country. I think everyone should at least consider this path because it’s a vital part of the fabric of American society. Giving up a small part of your life and freedoms will be well worth it, because in exchange you’ll be getting immeasurable experience and advantages to propel you to the front of the pack when applying to college or looking for a job.

I realized it was a great option for me so I presented the idea to my parents, unsure of what to expect. They were shocked and didn’t ever expect for me to consider this with my small stature and size, but they were very supportive. We discussed all the branches and which one might be a good fit for me, and we decided the Air Force was it.

After meeting and speaking at length with the Indianapolis recruiter, Sergeant Kendrick, in May of last year, I felt confident that this was the right decision for me. I won’t ramble on and on about the process, so fast forward to the first day of my senior year, after mountains of paperwork and medical tests, I’m about 75 percent on my way to being enlisted in the Air Force.

Having an idea of what you want to do when you graduate can help you really focus on your last year.

The military is a great option for anyone and I highly encourage you to look into it even if you know you’re not interested in the military.

The reason I still choose to go through this process though is because I know it will benefit me in the future. Hopefully, I can get training that will benefit me later in life and I can have more

By Nina Gojko, Staff Artist

opportunities opened up to me.

The military offers training, good pay and travel opportunities. My grandpa is a Marine veteran, having served in Vietnam, and we’ve been talking a lot more about his service now that I’ve expressed my interests in it. I asked him why he chose to join the Marines out of all the branches, and he said that he wanted to see if he could do it, if he was able to fight with the toughest of the American military.

That’s my main reason, to see if I can even do it. Bootcamp, tech school, possibly deployment, all of it. In my family, no woman has ever joined the armed forces, much less the Air Force, so that will make me a first on two counts if I am able to enlist.

After the Department of Defense opened all combat jobs to women in 2016, there’s more opportunity than ever for women to serve in much needed positions. According to the New York Times, allowance of women in all jobs means 220,000 positions are now available for an increasing amount of servicewomen.

This career and life path isn’t for everyone. Most high school graduates aren’t fully informed about the opportunities the armed forces provides, or are too intimidated to join. I encourage you to look past this though, and to do some research before ruling it out for yourself.

According to the website Chron, at the lowest enlisted rank, the salary is a little more than $18,000 a year. Contrast that amount with how much someone working for $7.25 an hour (the federal minimum wage) makes in a year, which is just over $15,000 a year. Add the unbeatable training and educational assistance and you can see why so many people consider joining the military each year.

There are many benefits to joining the military including patriotism, a guaranteed job, full medical benefits and a sense of purpose. If you want to find out more information about the military and how to join, just contact your local recruiter for whatever branch you’re interested in. It’s not for everyone, but if you decide to do it, I am sure you won’t regret it.

Opinion 29

Photos

Noah Thomas, Editor

The girls varsity soccer team practices on Thursday, Aug. 9. (Top to bottom) Freshman Par Sung, sophomore Chloe Patton and freshman Natalie Tidd. Photos by Noah Thomas. Background photo from Google free-use images.

Kicking it up a notch The boys and girls soccer teams have begun their seasons.

The girls have been practicing to start of on the right foot and played their first game on Wednesday, Aug. 15.

The boys played their first game on Saturday, Aug. 11.

The boys team won 2-0 against Columbus North.

The boys varsity soccer team plays its first game on Saturday, Aug. 11 against Columbus North. (Top to bottom) Senior Van Tin Thang, junior Christian Thang and senior Emanual Liantu. Photos by Noah Thomas