Volume 97 Issue 6 Jan. 25, 2019
EXPANDING STARS
a shift in the way SHS celebrates success Netflix Frenzy
Streaming service takes over entertainment industry. page 10
Lost And Found
Senior finds passion in rapping and creating music videos. page 26
Swimming
Sophomore works hard to keep up with upperclassmen. page 36
ISSUE NUMBER
6
JAN. 25, 2018
FROM THE EDITOR DEAR READERS,
“Trust me, if you never start, you’ll never finish.”
The sixth production cycle of The Journal went by ridiculously fast. It was just barely enough time to throw together some ideas and start designing. That being said, I’m really happy with how it turned out. I always say that I can’t come up with ideas unless I’m creating. I came in one day last week, stressed because I had absolutely no idea how I was going to design the cover. It’s a weird topic to visualize -- how SHS has changed the way it recognizes top students (page 19 in case you were wondering). So I just started creating. Ask anyone who was watching me work that day, and they will probably say that they were highly questioning my design skills. That was fair, considering all I had was a blank blue background with a couple of stars littered on the screen. As the day went on, it really didn’t get much better. I just kept scrapping ideas over and over. However, that’s what sparked the creativity. With some inspiration and help from other people on staff, I was able to formulate a good idea, and from there, I was off. Along the way, I incorporated some suggestions from the staff until suddenly I was happy with what I created. My point is, each mistake brought me one step closer to the final product, even though I couldn’t really tell while I was doing it. If it wasn’t for the road bumps and problems, I wouldn’t have ended up happy with my finished design. And if I had never started, then you would probably be staring at a blank cover right now. In both The Journal and in the real world, we have to start working on our goals in order to reach them. And while we may fail along the way, those mistakes will only lead us towards an even better opportunity. So, if you’re ever unsure about a goal or worried that you don’t have enough ideas, inspiration or motivation to make it work, take some time to relax and then start. Because trust me, if you never start, you’ll never finish. Enjoy issue six of The Journal and make sure you stay updated with the latest news on thejournalrewired.com.
Madelyn Knight Editor-in-Chief
Contents Foreign Language 6
Features 24
-A HIDDEN TREASURE WORTH LOOKING FOR - LOST AND FOUND
-EL MURO NO SE REALIZARÁ -
Entertainment 10
The Red Onion 28
-THE UPRISING -STRING PULLING PASSION -ALL THE WAY FTK -GO, GO, GOJKO!
-STUDENT TURNS LEFT, GOES RIGHT TO JAIL -DRIVING UNDER GOOD INFLUENCE
Opinion 32
Sports 14
-EARLY BIRD -IN THE LONG RUN -PINK OUT
-MUSIC N’ MUSINGS - LEARNING SELF LOVE -MAKE IT YOUR MUSIC -FAMILY GUY FIASCO
News 19
Photos 36
-SUCCESS, REDEFINED
-BUTTERFLY EFFECT
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
Sports Editor Michael Long ‘19
Adviser Mike Klopfenstein
Foreign Language Editor Yasmin McClellan ‘19
Principal Brian Knight
Photos Editor Noah Thomas ‘19
Business Manager Justin Chambers ‘19
Opinion Editor Rachel Bayler ‘20
Media Manager Clara Oesterling ‘19
The Red Onion Editor Cobalt Henson ‘20
Staff Artist Nina Gojko ‘19
News Editor Haley Miller ‘20
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Reporters Tabby Fitzgerald ‘19 Emma Sprague ‘19 Dylan Torres ‘19 Logan Zrebiec ‘19 Jordin Baker ‘20 Julia Brookshire ‘20 Grace Campbell ‘20 Russell Peterson-Womack ‘20 Jacob Wiese ‘20 Shelby Denny ‘21 Brianna Henry ‘21 Emma Herwehe ‘21 Kelsey Jones ‘21 Bailey Kennett ‘21 Marissa Muñoz ‘21 Jessica Paro ‘21 Elizabeth Valadez ‘21 Mawilda Sulaiman ‘22
Southport High School 971 E. Banta Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46227
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CyberCards gear up for upcoming competition season Category: Features
What are CyberCards doing in preparation for competition season?
SHS annual ‘One Acts’ gallery Category: Photos
See photos from the senior-directed “One Acts.”
Personal experience with panic attacks
New ‘Celeste’ game speaks volumes
Discover ways this reporter found out she had panic attacks and what she does to overcome them.
Going beyond the screen, reporter reveals Celeste’s deeper meaning.
Category: Opinion
Category: Entertainment
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Foreign Language
Yasmin McClellan, Editor
El muro no se realizarรก
El muro no es la solución para nuestros problemas Por Yasmin McClellan
M
ientras estoy sentada con mis padres mirando uno de los discursos del Presidente Donald Trump y escuchando sus comentarios, mi madre y yo estamos completamente desconcertadas por el hecho de que alguien podría ser tan engañoso con sus comentarios. La demonización de los hispanos y grupos minoritarios es simplemente innecesaria, y los comentarios negativos solo se utilizan para intentar obtener apoyo para la financiación del muro fronterizo. El 22 de diciembre de 2018, Trump declaró el cierre del gobierno debido a los desacuerdos entre él y el Congreso de los E.E.U.U. sobre la financiación del muro fronterizo entre los E.E.U.U. y México. El 9 de enero de 2019, en un discurso de la hora de máxima audiencia, Trump dijo que hay una “creciente crisis humanitaria y de seguridad en nuestra frontera sur.” Francamente, no creo que exista la “crisis humanitaria y de seguridad” en la frontera sur. Un problema que Trump trata de
usar para apoyar su creencia en una crisis es las drogas. Es evidente que el uso de drogas ha sido un gran problema para los E.E.U.U., y Trump cree que la solución a los problemas de las drogas es el muro. No creo que construir un muro resuelva el problema debido al hecho de que los E.E.U.U. ya es gran mercado para las drogas. Los E.E.U.U. es uno de los cinco principales países para casi todas las categorías de consumo de drogas en comparación con los países europeos. Según la O.N.U., los E.E.U.U. ocupa el segundo lugar del uso de cannabis detrás de Islandia. Los E.E.U.U. está empatado por primera vez con España en cuanto al uso de cocaína. En comparación con Europa, los E.E.U.U. lidera en el uso de opioides por un amplio margen. Lideramos el camino con 61 usuarios por cada 1.000 personas, mientras que el segundo lugar, la República Checa, solo tiene 27 usuarios por cada 1.000. También tenemos el mayor uso de estimulantes de tipo anfetamínico. Todas estas estadísticas muestran que el uso de drogas es prevalente en los E.E.U.U., lo que puede atraer a las personas que desean traer y vender sus drogas aquí. Según la Evaluación anual de amenazas de drogas de 2018, la mayoría de la heroína ingresa a los E.E.U.U. por los puertos legales. La construcción de un muro no evitaría que eso continuara. Construir un muro no impedirá que los vendedores de medicamentos
traigan sus productos aquí. A pesar de que Trump cree que el muro resolverá el tráfico de drogas, la verdad es que se están utilizando muchos otros métodos además del simple transporte por la frontera. Además del uso de puertos legales, los túneles también se utilizan para transportar drogas ilícitas y el uso de túneles probablemente aumentará si se construye un muro. Otros métodos, como trenes, remolques, barcos, aviones, catapultas y pistolas de compresión de aire, se han utilizado y no necesariamente serían detenidos por una pared. La construcción de un muro tampoco solucionará el creciente problema del fentanilo, ya que el fentanilo generalmente se envía directamente desde China. Parece que la única forma de evitar que las drogas ingresen a nuestro país, con la lógica de Trump, es simplemente construir un muro alrededor de todo los E.E.U.U. para formar una barrera. Dicho esto, parece que la crisis humanitaria tiene que ser a través de los E.E.U.U., no solo en la frontera sur. En varios discursos de Trump, él solo se enfoca en los hispanos para que parezcan a personas malas para obtener apoyo para el muro. La cosa es que las acciones de una persona no determinan las acciones de todos los demás. Él señala específicamente casos como un inmigrante ilegal que dispara a un oficial de policía en California. Está usando casos como estos para inclinar a la
gente a su lado, pero cualquiera pudiera haberle disparado al oficial de policía, independiente de su nacionalidad. Según los informes del FBI de 1980 a 2013, el 52 por ciento de las personas que les dispararon a los oficiales de policía eran blancos y el 41 por ciento eran morenos. Eso deja un 7 por ciento para otras razas y etnias, lo que incluye a los hispanos. ¿Qué se supone que hagamos? ¿Qué vamos a hacer para detener los tiroteos por las personas blancas y negras? Te puedo decir que un muro no los detendrá. Pensemos por un momento. Imagina que te dan dos opciones: o te unes a una pandilla y haces lo que ellos quieren o mueres. Algunos optarían por unirse a la pandilla, algunos podrían elegir morir o algunos podrían elegir evitar los dos. La única manera de hacerlo es tratar de escaparse. Esta es una situación común, especialmente para aquellos que viven en Honduras y otros países de América Central. En 2014, Honduras fue considerado el país más violento que no estaba en guerra. Algunas personas prefieren arriesgar todo en vez de quedarse en su violento país de origen. La gente solo quiere mejores vidas y está claro que los E.E.U.U. tiene muchas más oportunidades educativas y laborales. Algunos estadounidenses creen que los inmigrantes indocumentados están robando sus empleos y bajando sus salarios. En un estudio publicado por las Academias Nacionales de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Medicina, economistas y otros académicos descubrieron que a largo plazo, hay “poco o ningún efecto negativo en los salarios generales y el empleo de los trabajadores nativos.” También encontraron que los inmigrantes más calificados han traído creatividad y nuevas ideas a los E.E.U.U., así como también se han sumado a la fuerza laboral para garantizar el crecimiento. Por otro lado, reconozco que las
8 Foreign Language
personas que están aquí ilegalmente le cuestan dinero al gobierno. Sin embargo, no es tanto como Trump afirma. En un tweet, Trump dijo que “la inmigración ilegal le cuesta a los E.E.U.U. más de 200 mil millones de dólares al año.” En un estudio realizado por Jason Richwine y Robert Rector, en realidad encontraron que el costo, que incluía el costo de los servicios recibidos menos sus contribuciones de impuestos, De los inmigrantes indocumentados era en realidad unos 54 mil millones de dólares. Todavía es mucho dinero, pero mucho menos de lo que afirma Trump. También reconozco que algunos inmigrantes indocumentados no necesariamente tienen que pagar tantos impuestos como los otros, pero todavía están pagando. Muchos de los inmigrantes tienen tarjetas de Seguridad Social falsas, lo que significa que efectivamente están pagando impuestos, así como en la Seguridad Social. Algunas compañías les pagan a sus trabajadores en efectivo, lo que significa que no tienen que pagar impuestos, pero no es así en cada situación. Algunos inmigrantes pagan impuestos con la esperanza de que algún día pueda ayudarlos a obtener un estatus legal. No me malinterpretes, creo que hay que hacer algo para solucionar los problemas con la inmigración. Se debe implementar algún tipo de reforma para un camino más rápido y confiable para poder llegar a los E.E.U.U. porque la mayoría de las personas no tienen tiempo para esperar hasta que se arregle todo legalmente. Por lo tanto, no consideraría que todo lo que ocurre en la frontera sur sea una “crisis humanitaria,” ya que las personas que llegan a los E.E.U.U. escapan de la verdadera crisis humanitaria.
Want to read an English version of this story? Scan the QR code.
Can’t read Arabic? Read an English version of this story on
Foreign Language 9
Entertainment
Savannah Doane, Editor
NETFLIX ORIGINAL
THE UPRISING 97% Match 2019 - TV-14 - 1 Season - HD
American media-service provider Netflix stirs hype and conversation through originally-released content By Shelby Denny, Reporter
W
ith a variety of options from dramatic television shows such as “13 Reasons Why” to romance movies like “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Netflix has taken the entertainment industry by storm. The streaming service is now the tenth largest internet company by revenue, and according to Statista, it had over 137 million subscribers in the third quarter of 2018. One of the 137 million subscribers is SHS social studies teacher Nicole Duncan, who, as she says, spends a significant amount of time binge watching shows on Netflix. “I love Netflix,” Duncan said. “I think it’s awesome and that it has gotten a little bit better over the years because they didn’t use to have as many options as they do now.”
10 Entertainment
In 2013, Netflix began to further increase the options of shows it had by releasing its first Netflix Original. That show was “House of Cards.” Since then, Netflix has released 955 Netflix Originals, and will continue to do so. One of the most popular originals being the 2016 drama, “Stranger Things,” along with its second season “Stranger Things 2,” whose first episode was watched by almost 16 million people. Recently, Netflix released the original movie “Bird Box” in December of 2018, which, according to an article from Quartz, 45 million people watched in its first two weeks. According to Netflix, the film had the best first week ever in regards to a homegrown movie. The original film is still growing, as it is projected to be viewed by 80 million subscribers
in just its first four weeks on the media platform. According to Duncan, she loves the Netflix Originals and believes that the content Netflix produces through their originals allows it to be more exclusive and is indeed, ver y original. Duncan also says that she believes the success Netflix has seen since releasing their originals is primarily based on the variety that it offered in their options now and how it appeals to larger groups of people. “It used to just be a few shows that were hit or miss, but I think they are appealing to more demographics and it’s making it to where a lot more people are wanting to access (Netflix),” Duncan said. Aside from gaining publicity through its originals, Netflix has also
gained more subscribers due to the rising costs of cable television in comparison. According Business Insider, an analysis found that an average pay-TV package costs over three times as much, per house of viewing, as Netflix does. According to SHS English teacher, Brian Auger, he believes that Netflix offers more than what typical cable does and that is one of the main things that helps fuel their popularity. “I think they’re popular because there are so many different
choices. With cable TV and U-Verse, you’re more locked in, Netflix has got your options,” Auger said in an email inter view. When it comes to traditional television service packages, the cost per hour has risen from 35 cents to 42 cents, while the cost of Netflix still remains about the same at 10 cents. According to CNN, as of Jan. 15, all three of Netflix’s subscription plans will increase in price from $1 to $2. The standard $11 plan, for example, will increase
to $13 per month. Duncan and Auger both say that while the price increase of their Netflix subscription plans is upsetting, they are still both willing to pay for it due to the fact that the price of Netflix beats the price of cable television services. “I’m ver y upset about it, but I’m always going to be willing to pay for it,” Duncan said. “I think (Netflix) is a good ser vice, and it’s still going to be cheaper than cable.”
Photo by Jaycee Fitzgerald
STRING-PULLING SHS senior finds passion in puppet studio By Jacob Wiese, Reporter
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hen thinking of a typical part-time job that teenagers usually acquire, one might think of those that have to do with dropping fries in a fryer at a fast food restaurant or bagging groceries at a grocery store. However, senior Jordan Cox takes part in a job that is completely different than the average fast food joint or grocery store. Cox spends her time working at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio in the Indiana State Museum where she helps put on puppet shows for anyone to see. “I love doing it,” Cox said. “I feel like people judge me for it because it’s puppets and that’s just something that you don’t hear often, but I love doing it and I don’t care what other people think.” While Cox herself does not perform in the puppet shows too often, she still has several responsibilities that she takes on at the studio. According to Cox, her part at the studio mostly consists of her doing backstage things, such as lights, but she also has to handle the front desk and the box office on the days of performances. Cox also helps make and put together the puppets for the studio to use since the puppets used in the performances at Peewinkle’s, are their own. Cox says that she views the puppet
N S O I S PA
studio as a place to get away and as a stress reliever from things that happen in her life and at school. Cox loves being at the studio primarily because the way she feels at the puppet studio contrasts with the way she feels when taking part in other activities that she is involved in, such as swimming and soccer. “With soccer, I go and go. I’ll be there and I am there, but soccer has its own problems in itself,” Cox said. “There’s drama just like there is in really anything that you do, but there is no drama at the puppet studio.” The Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio has been a big part of Cox’s life since she was 2 years old, as her and her family would frequently go to the studio to see shows, and since then, her passion and love for the studio grew. It is because of this passion that Cox now wants to open a puppet studio of her own in the future, as she loves more of the managing behind owning a business rather than actually performing in the shows. According to Cox, she wants to open up her own puppet studio with one of her friends who works and performs at the studio alongside her, Parker Rottman. “Parker does a lot more performing than I do,” Cox said. “So he would be a performer and I would be backstage doing
Senior Jordan Cox creates puppets and works at The Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio at the Indiana State Museum. Cox has gone to the studio since she was 2 years old and started working there when she was ten. Photos by Savannah Doane
more of the business and technical stuff.” Rottman has been going to the studio since he was seven and he says that Cox is a great, hard worker and he loves working with her. “Jordan and I have had many discussions about opening a studio,” Rottmann said. “We make a great team and I can’t see her not being a part of my life. We both agree that we want to go bigger, meaning more theatrical and complex shows in the future.” Although Cox would love to follow through with owning and managing her own puppet studio alongside Rottman, she is still unsure of what exactly she is going to do in the future. However, one thing Cox is sure of, is that she absolutely wants her passion of puppets to still be a major part of her life. “I love doing it, I’ve always loved doing it and I don’t know why,” Cox said. “I’m always scared that someone is going to ask me, ‘What makes you go back?’ because I can never tell because I just don’t know. There’s just something there that makes me go back all the time.”
All the way FTK Riley Dance Marathon allows members to build strong relationships By Grace Campbell, Reporter
F
rom fundraisers to donation pages to marathons, high school and college students from all across Indiana dedicate hours on end to raising money for children who have had experiences at Riley Hospital. SHS students are involved in this foundation for a number of reasons, including to build a strong team, to show leadership or simply just for the kids. President of RDM, Elizabeth Lamkin, believes that RDM members stay involved just to bring a sense of kindness to the people around them.
“I think some people see the bigger picture that they are doing something good for someone besides themselves,” Lamkin said. “I know that is what keeps me involved, grounded and gives me some perspective.”
For junior Caitlin Lindbeck, the current director of recruitment for RDM, her inspiration to join came from when her neighbor, who recently graduated, told her about it. Lindbeck learned more about what RDM is and instantly realized that she wanted to be involved, even if it meant being overwhelmed at times. “Sometimes throughout the year we get stressed out,” Lindbeck said. “Then we remind ourselves that this is for the kids
Seniors Alyssa Hightower, Aubrey Popovic and Alyssa Smith work on labeling the “No-Shave November” buckets for the teachers who took part in the fundraiser in November of 2018. Photo by Noah Thomas
who can’t always do what we do.” However, RDM is not only about fundraising, but it is also a chance for students to build on different skills, like teamwork and leadership. There are multiple committees with different directors who lead a small group of students throughout the year. The directors make sure that the team members are keeping track of what they raise as well as different tasks they need to fulfill. According to Lindbeck, this has given her the responsibility to make sure that everyone knows what is going on and that people stay involved all year. With a group of encouraging directors and a dedicated team, SHS’s board for
Go, Go, Gojko!
RDM has been able to raise thousands of dollars for the Riley Children’s Foundation. In December, members were even able to collect 1,027 toys for children at Riley. This would not have been accomplished without members loyal to lending a helping hand to children in need. TO READ THE FULL STORY, VISIT
Comic by Nina Gojko
Entertainment 13
Sports
Michael Long, Editor
Early Bird Cardinal flies off to college to pursue football and academic career Photo by Madelyn Knight
By Russell Peterson-Womack, Reporter
A
fter leaving his fifth period class on Dec. 20, senior Eddie Schott walked out of SHS, but unlike other students, Schott would not be returning after winter break as a SHS Cardinal. Instead, he would be attending college as a Ball State University Cardinal. “It was pretty weird kind of leaving those doors for the last time,” Schott said. Schott, who was a varsity quarterback, graduated a semester early in order to get a head start on his college and football career. “(College is) a lot more intense than high school,” Schott said. “Like everything’s just at a higher level.” To graduate early, Schott and his parents sat down and talked with his counselor to make sure he was taking the right classes to get the remaining credits he needed to graduate. In the end, it all worked out for Schott, who left for college months ahead of his peers and friends. During his three seasons with SHS, Schott led the team to three winning
14 Sports
seasons and had 78 passing touchdowns. On the first game of the 2018 season, he threw a 99-yard touchdown to senior Lucas Willoughby against Roncalli, breaking the school record for longest touchdown pass. This success caught the eyes of many colleges and scouts including Yale, Cornell, Eastern Michigan and Eastern Kentucky. According to Schott’s mother, Molly Schott, playing college football has been a dream of his since he was 5 years old. That dream came true when Schott accepted a scholarship to play Division I football at Ball State University in Muncie. “This is a big deal,” Schott’s mother said. “He’s going to be playing Division I football.” Since football season ended before the semester did, Schott has only been able to lift weights, condition and eat with the football team at Ball State. The team lifts four times a week and conditions three times a week. According to Schott, the workouts and atmosphere at Ball State are way more intense and at a higher level. The college football program is much more
Eddie Schott stands in front of his football locker at Ball State University on Jan. 19. Photo contributed by Eddie Schott
organized and serious compared to high school. However, Schott says he welcomes this change. “I’m looking forward to playing against players at the next level,” Schott said. According to Schott, every collegiate football player shares the same background of working harder than others, being successful and having the same goals in mind: winning championships. “College is definitely very humbling because everyone on the team was the best player on their team in high school,” Schott said. Schott’s mother feels that the coaches at Ball State have tried to create a level playing field for all the players. Because of this, she thinks Schott has been able to stay humble and get adjusted to this new mindset. One change that took some getting used to for Schott was his new jersey number. He was allowed three requests for what his jersey number would be for Ball State. He was given his third choice: 19. This is the same number he wore when he first played padded football in third grade. Eddie repped the number 14 at SHS for four years, but has started warming up to the number 19 according to Molly. Schott says that the biggest difference between high school and college is living in the same area where you go to classes, eat and hang out. He is currently majoring in sports administration. However, he is only taking intro classes at the moment and says the work hasn’t gotten too difficult yet. “He seems like he’s doing really well,” his mother said. “He’s really happy. He likes it a lot. He likes the school part of it and the football part of it.” Schott’s mother says she’ll always miss attending his high school games, but that she can’t wait to be there to watch him develop in college. While Schott is eager to play at the next level, there is something about high school he feels he’ll always miss. “The Friday night lights,” Schott said. “There’s nothing else like that environment.”
Now that you’ve committed to being a college athlete, what are you most nervous about? Senior Erniey Hersey
Softball at Wright State University
to being in “aThesporttransition and school all year
around instead of just one time of the season.
”
Senior Jack Vanover
Baseball at Indiana Tech University
education and work load... “Thetrying to balance my time with practice and getting my schoolwork done.
”
Junior Lauren Cullison Volleyball at the University of Indianapolis
much of a higher level “How it’ll be and being able to
amount to the people that are older than me and have more experience.
”
Senior Chaz Hinds
Basketball at the University of Pikeville
Being the young kid again... “That’ll be the biggest change that I’ll have to adapt to. ”
Down to the Digits 4
The boys basketball team lost 86-85 against Beech Grove High School on Jan. 16 in a game that went into 4 overtimes.
1:47.48
On Jan. 21, senior Drew Reinke became a Conference Indiana champion in the 200 yard free with a time of 1:47.48.
300
Junior Madison Woodmansee bowled a perfect 300 during practice on Jan. 8.
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In the Long run Baseball has officially been in the rearview mirror of America for some time now. Today, many consider football to be America’s sport, but I don’t buy it. To me, America’s sport was created in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith. Basketball. Basketball currently sits as America’s second-most-watched sport behind football. Being the second-most-watched sport in the country isn’t something to look down on or anything, but many of you may wonder how I could consider giving the label of “America’s” sport to any sport but the most-watched one. Hear me out. Football may be the king of viewership now, but it’s on its way down. Last year’s Super Bowl had the least views since 2009 according to the Wall Street Journal. Plus, since 2015, viewership in the NFL has continued to decline every year up to this season, which has experienced a 3 percent jump. What turns me and many others off about the NFL is issues between the players and the organization. First, there’s the way the league handled the Colin Kaepernick situation, which was, in short, not well. The man was courageously exercising his rights and has been shunned out of the league. With that kind of treatment of a person exercising their First Amendment rights as an American, I don’t see how the NFL can be seen as America’s sport. It’s literally un-American. There are also incidents within the NFL with dissatisfied players. Some players, like Le’Veon Bell, are so unhappy with how they’re being handled by their teams that they refuse to play. Bell actually missed an entire season because he and his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, couldn’t come to an agreement on his contract. If the NFL can’t even keep it’s players happy, it can’t expect to keep it’s viewers happy too. While the NFL has been struggling with these issues and more of their viewers have been disappearing, the NBA has
grown in viewers. An interesting fact, according to Forbes, is the average NBA fan is eight years younger than the average NFL fan. To me, this shows how basketball is more of a young person’s sport. In fact, according to ESPN, basketball is the top sport among America’s youth, America’s future. I think the reasons for that is just the nature of the sport. Basketball and the culture surrounding it is electrifying and as hyped as could be, especially in today’s world, where it always seems like the sickest basketball plays by high schoolers, college players and pros are being thrown in your face on social media. Basketball is a loud sport. Louder than all the rest, which is why I consider it to be America’s sport. It also has the biggest impact on American culture, especially in the youth. The way basketball stars impact rap music, the most popular music genre in our generation, is huge. Basketball stars are name dropped in countless rap songs, and for some reason, that line can make the song 10 times harder. Heck, one of the most hyped songs right now that we all know is “Mo Bamba” by Sheck Wes, is literally named after Orlando Magic’s rookie big man and is almost a tribute to him. Basketball’s impact on fashion is insane too. The tunnels in every stadium and fieldhouse have turned into a runway for professional players, where they can show off their drippiest outfits to the world of photographers ready to publish their photos all over social media. Plus, their shoes have taken over. Ever since Michael Jordan made wearing a basketball shoe for everyday purposes a big thing, they’ve exploded and allowed people to express themselves through their footwear. Basketball’s cultural impact has grabbed the youth and sucked us into it’s exciting vortex. If you don’t see it as America’s sport now, just wait. You’ll see a few years down the road how amazing this game is.
On Jan. 15, the Lady Cards basketball team played against Greenwood High School in their annual “pink out� game, winning 55-36. During the game, many fundraising events took place and the money was donated to Pink Ribbon Connection for breast cancer research. This year, roughly $300 was raised. Photos by Kelsey Jones
To see the entire gallery online, scan below
Junior Lexie Green shoots a free throw. Green led the team with 14 points.
Junior Kyra Duncan attacks her defender from Greenwood. Duncan finished with 12 points.
Junior Brynna Reynolds takes the ball up the court.
Contact SSGT. Chavis Kendrick at: 317-250-8190 Chavis.kendrick@us.af.mil Airforce.com
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Volume 97 Issue 2 Sept. 14, 2018
Volume 97 Issue 5 Dec. 20, 2018
Volume 97 Issue 3 Oct. 5, 2018
Cardinal Tale
The story of the SHS mascot -- its history, its purpose and even its name Game Addiction
Teens affected by obsessive gaming. page 8
5048 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 Phone: 317-782-3779 Fax: 317-783-9396 Chuck Sampson, ‘58
El Paso Experience
Staff members travel to the border to learn about immigration. page 22
Midterms
Journal Address
Elections lead to discussion over young voters. page 4
The Journal gives opinion on the threat against free press. page 29
Too Much Work
Media Manager gives opinion on overworked teens. page 28
Homecoming Parade Gallery displays SHS spirit in annual festivities. page 30
Vaping companies are marketing to minors, and it’s working Christmas Scandal Corrupt companies ‘scam’ holiday shoppers. page 20
El Viaje Aquí
Los estudiantes de SHS comparten sus historias de migración. page 24
More Than Play
Reporter comments on the artistic value of video games. page 28
Contact us at theshsjournal@gmail.com or 365866@student.perryschools.org
News
Haley Miller, Editor
Success, redefined. Administration has altered recognition of the best and brightest By Haley Miller, News Editor, and Bailey Kennett, Reporter
19 News
. e s o l c y l l a e r l l "We are a s. i h t f o t r a p a ing be
, senior Anna As a freshman r ng hi et m so s 20 wa in the top 20 of he being in the top Kendrick was not t ar, rk ye Bu . wo an to to m d sh ed ar nt fre rw wa she t the end of his e was looking fo class. She decided lf of school left, sh ng of the change challenged herse ni d ar an le e on er th up with just three days t w, ge no to t ou ky d uc d an St ram, Clark foun eeding in AP the STARS prog sophomore Noah by taking and succ devalue all to uld wo Once she heard lt . fe n. es ss he io al credit cla information feels frustrat du to d se . es pr ne s ex had do “I don’t think it wa the hard work he s distraught as changing),” wa (w it ly at te ia th ly ed ar m “I im s us very cle wa “I of unfair . id sa s k id. “So it wa kind sa ky uc about it,” Clar St t ou enthralled ab expecting it and definitely not when we were all ing.” cited for it.” what was happen day was were ex at th t ou to Stucky, d un fo k What Clar Now, according ss cla e th , ss his cla r students that starting with she and a few othe no uld wo S at SH the senior of 2021, class rank in the top 20 of the process of longer be used. rry class are in Pe ar, ye ol ho sc 8 eir own top 20 In the 2017-201 itch making th sw to ion cis de e th hang around the Township made to the poster to m ste eate sy nk ra ss . They plan to cr from the cla students school y themselves, an r M . ste m po ste e sy th Latin rating and design by d re ge as many an up tially hang like Clark were ini then print it and ian Br l ipa inc Pr year, the change. This as possible. you’re not pand the STARS ex to e os ch kind of like a ‘If t ’s “It Knigh p to e it ourselves,’ cognized th to do it, we’ll do ing program, which re go a m m su to include Stucky said. 20 students at SHS, ve a 4.0 thing,” ha o Givens feels wh e os th or Senior Hollynd cum laude, th bo ed us ca th in her class and is has GPA or higher. Th differently. She is 27 t en er diff in th wi ent included in the upset and excitem now excited to be . dy bo nt de ram. She explains members of the stu out STARS prog ab y pp ha un re e GPAs near the Those who we was that all of th it at th d ve lie are close to each class rank be ivation, top 20 ot m to dent s rd ga re r, and each stu important in ips. Some othe sh ual lar eq ho sc rth d fo an t e competition had to pu t ou ab point. that th d ne er conc effort to reach that of program s nt S ou students currently AR am ST e se,” Givens clo e afraid that th ar y all m , re ra og all pr e S ar pa AR “We the ST was ex nding other students being a part of ing e lik giv I is y ins wh ion pla at t's ex str ha k ini “T adm said. Kendric . e I worked just thing,” Knight says s program). I feel lik e “something for no (th she felt like she wa ial ec sp e th , ky uc St en ur To senior La r as hard.” would receive fo recognition she
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20 News
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That's why I like " . d r a h s a t s u j d e k r o w ivens I e k i l l e Senior Hollynd G I fe e she worked for. Sh losing something e th r fo ts quiremen believes the new re difficult. program are not as , and if you’re B’s t ge n ca “You t ss, you can still ge taking an AP cla rick said. above a 4.0,” Kend ight, the reason According to Kn the program was behind expanding s. rd bar” for student to create a “standa to ely lik e or ll be m He hopes they wi t enjoy, such as ar ey th es ss take cla t ou t worrying ab or music, withou . on their rank later repercussions for Knight says he e, Furthermor ur who attended fo believes anyone e ov ab d ive d rece years of SHS an d an gh ou en hard a 4.0 worked . ition deserves recogn o ink a student wh th n’t do u yo “If rs te es r seven sem has been here fo that have earned es ss and is taking cla g is not an outstandin them above a 4.0 e u’r yo at wh know student, then I don’t in ink th “I id. sa t looking at…,” Knigh out some pretty t lef ’ve we st, pa the because we have amazing students line at 20.” drawn an arbitrary starting with the , m ra The prog ne recognize ever yo class of 2019, will . de lau m cu a summ who qualifies as ll wi sed ever y year The poster relea ys hough Knight sa be the same, alt e ad m have to be alterations may of r be m owing nu to include the gr s years, students iou ev pr e students. Lik
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News 21
Previous STARS posters included individual pictures of each member of the program. Knight says the poster may have to be changed slightly to accomodate more students. Photos by Julia Brookshire
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2019 22 News
will still attend a banquet and have the opportunity to recognize a teacher who was important to them. One change, however, will be the fact that the amount of students in the program will fluctuate. Each class may have a different number of summa cum laude members. Knight doesn’t see this as an issue, despite those who have voiced complaints. “(Expanding the STARS program) allows you to recognize more kids,” Knight said. “I don't think it lowers the quality of kid we are recognizing.” While junior Nicole Manning personally enjoyed the heavy competition that went along with the STARS program, she says she understands why the administration is making changes. If she were a student who worked hard and wasn’t recognized due to not reaching the top 20, she would doubt herself and ask what she could have done better, she explains. “(The change) is understandable because you have people that have GPAs that are so close together, but they only congratulate the top 20,” Manning said. “I think hearing what (Knight) had to say and what is actually going to happen is a good thing.” Although Perry Township eliminated class rank only recently, Carmel Clay Schools made that decision in the 2007-2008 school year, according to Rachel Cole, director of counseling at Carmel High School, in an email to The Journal. Unlike the Latin rating system at SHS, Carmel uses a special category called “Distinguished Graduates” to recognize high-achieving seniors at graduation. These graduates are determined through a point system based on academics, leadership, service and extracurricular activities. When Perry Township did away with the ranking system, some students at SHS were strongly opposed, but Cole says the initial reaction at Carmel High School was not the same. She says many felt they were doing a “disservice” to their students with the previous system, and like the Perry Township administration, thought that rank did not accurately reflect ability. “We felt the rank did not show what our students are capable of and (was) not a clear measure of the type of student they were...,” Cole wrote. “They have a lot to offer besides a rank.”
According to a recent report by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, more than half of all high schools no longer report student rankings. Most high schools no longer rank because they feel it penalizes many excellent students who may not be in the top 10 percent of their classes, and then they can be overlooked by colleges, the association says. For the sophomore classes and beyond at SHS, class rank was replaced completely by the Latin rating system. It consists of three groups: summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude. Their respective GPA ranges are 4.0 and above, between 3.8 and 4.0 and a minimum of 3.5. Knight says this system is more commonly used in colleges, making it a good replacement for class rank. Ryan McClarnon, director of admissions at the University of Indianapolis, says that while his university does consider class rank, it is not a “make or break” factor. When a school has a class rank, admissions uses it to understand where students stand among their peers. At the University of Indianapolis, like most colleges, they do not have class rank. Instead, individual departments
may choose to recognize their top students, and students receive special distinctions at graduation. Along with this, there is no standard valedictorian or salutatorian. For graduation, the class votes on who will give the traditional speech. In terms of admissions, McClarnon says that while rank could be used, there are many other factors to look
It doesn't award ” “those students who truly put in the extra effort and go above and beyond. Sophomore Noah Clark
at in a student’s application. Some of these items are based on academic performance, such as cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores. Alternatively, admissions also tries to get to know the students by reading recommendation letters and sometimes meeting with the applicant. Ultimately, McClarnon says that an admissions decision would not be changed based on whether or not the school had class rank. He also doesn’t
believe that it will be important to employers later in life. He explains each school should make the decision of whether or not to remove class rank according to the needs of that student population. “Every school corporation has to decide what they see is best for their students,” McClarnon said. “It’s always a work in progress.” Because the class of 2021 and future classes at SHS will not have a valedictorian, summa cum laude students will be able to apply for the speech of their choice--reflection or looking forward--to be given at graduation. Those applying will submit their speeches and audition. Knight hopes this new system will allow for more variety, and the people speaking will be excited to do it. Despite the reasoning, some students at SHS remain unhappy about the changes made to both class rank and the STARS program. Clark believes they do not fit in well with the grading system already in place. “It doesn't award the students who truly put in that extra effort and go above and beyond…,” Clark said. “It definitely means less to get a 4.0 than it did before.”
What's next? Principal Brian Knight says, for the junior and senior classes, administration plans to blend Graduation Pathways, which applies to younger classes, and the traditional graduation requirements. To read more about Graduation Pathways, visit thejournalrewired.com. The sophomore class and future classes will have the opportunity to apply to give speeches at graduation. The only change to the STARS program is the number of students recognized, which may change every year as the number in summa cum laude fluctuates. Art by Nina Gojko
News 23
Features
Hannah Garrett, Editor
24 Features
Photo by Noah Thomas
A HIDDEN TREASURE WORTH LOOKING FOR SHS student proves the importance of applying for scholarships
N
owadays, scholarships are the only way some people have to pay for college. About two-thirds of college students pay for part, or all of their tuition, with scholarships. Athletic scholarships are more common than full-ride scholarships. Full-ride scholarships for academics or, “unicorns,” as guidance counselor Keegan Fox compares them to, as they are a once in a lifetime opportunity for some. There are also many other opportunities that students can take to get these scholarships. Some examples that Fox gives in which students can earn full-ride scholarships for are through theater, music, singing, volunteer work or community service and religious scholarships at private schools. Senior Maria Guia is one SHS student who has earned a scholarship through one of these ways. She recently received a fullride scholarship from 21st Century Scholars for being academically conscious. Only 25 of the kids who applied for the Marian scholarship that Guia applied for could get into Marian University. The college is a part of the 21st Century Scholars program. Guia applied for the scholarship during October. Then
By Brianna Henry, Reporter
she was told she’d have an interview around three weeks later. “(The interviewer) wanted to see where I was, and if I stood out...” Guia said. “and if I could bring in that kind of change into Marian.” The change she refers to is a positive change in Marion’s academics. Guia’s advice to students who want to get a full-ride scholarship is to look at all of their options with colleges, scholarships and to work on the applications early. Fox suggests turning in applications as soon as possible, taking challenging courses in high school and seeking a special talent to pursue. “Keep your grades high, be a well-rounded student, and make sure you’re applying for anything and everything,” Fox said. Guia was very excited about her full-ride scholarship. She received the news over Christmas break. Neither one of them knew they got it until after break when they both messaged each other about it. They were both excited and very supportive of each other. Before getting, or even applying for the scholarship, Guia worked hard in school. She took lots of AP classes, which are required for
the Academic Honors diploma. She also tried to stay on track as much as possible. Trying to keep up grades and not slack was a huge part in her success academically. Guia thinks that academic scholarships are important because it gives an opportunity to kids who aren’t interested in athletics. Students can get the same advantages in college as athletes do based on their academics. SHS provides many helpful resources when it comes to students feeling overwhelmed and scared thinking about college. The main resource counselors use to push college and scholarship information to students is through the website Naviance. Even though some scholarships are only a couple hundred dollars, Fox recommends to apply for any and all scholarships students are qualified for. The counselors update Naviance every day, according to Fox, so checking it every day can help immensely with anyone’s college goals. Overall, academic scholarships are very important to kids like Guia in SHS. They give new opportunities that some kids wouldn’t since they aren’t involved in athletics, and Guia is one example of this.
Features 25
Lost and Found
Discover the story behind this SHS student who hopes to turn his singing passion into a succesful lifestyle By Elizabeth Valadez, Reporter
“I
f you really push yourself and have motivation, you can make anything possible,” senior Bryan Ortega said. This is the motto Ortega lives by, especially when it comes to following his dreams. Around two years ago, Ortega started investing his time in music: writing his own songs, recording in a studio and uploading to a YouTube channel. Now, he is better known as B Royalty. According to Ortega, he started making music because he felt that
26 Features
he could make something of himself and earn money along the way. This journey he was about to take, though, meant more to him than that. He knew he could help people express their feelings through his music. He says oftentimes people don’t know how to voice what they are feeling, and his music is a great way to change that. Ortega is doing what he does not because anyone inspired him, but because he knew he could inspire others. “I can tell stories (through) my music,” Ortega said.
As Ortega writes all of his own lyrics, he says he does not have a set process every time. Sometimes he will just sit down and write. To him, this writing comes naturally. His feelings go down on paper and a song is made. Ortega’s long-term girlfriend, senior Lizeth Hernandez, says Ortega takes time out of his day to work on his music because he realizes the importance of it and how it could take him places someday. She feels songwriting and recording is a better way for him to work on himself and
SCAN TO SEE ORTEGA’S MUSIC VIDEO
Senior Bryan Ortega records his first song “Love Letter.” The music video for the song has over 900 views on Youtube as on Jan. 22. Photo contributed by Ortega.
his future and stay responsible, when he could easily choose to go down the wrong path. Hernandez says Ortega is a kind person and is not conceited, even with the popularity he has gained through his music. She thinks going into the music industry is a possibility for Ortega’s future because he is good at what he does and could have a positive influence on his audience. “He would be a good person to look up to,” Hernandez said. On top of songwriting, Ortega also records his music in a downtown studio and uploads it to his YouTube channel, B Royalty. On Jan. 1, 2019, he uploaded his first music video for his song “Love Letter.” He wanted to finally present a song in this way because he feels visuals make a difference and allow lyrics and feelings to really come to life
for his listeners. Ortega says simply recording outside of his house fulfilled the vision he had. Even though it wasn’t anything fancy, the setting made for a successful music video in his eyes. Along with writing, recording and uploading, doubts have come along the way, too. Ortega says in the beginning he questioned
himself, but knew that people liked what he produced and didn’t want to give up. He knows that these doubts won’t affect him in the long run because he always looks back to where he started and where he is now. “Sometimes I feel like I can’t do it, but I keep telling myself ‘I can do this,’” Ortega said.
Senior Bryan Ortega poses during the shooting of his music video. Ortega hopes to pursue his passion and become more well known. Photo contributed by Ortega.
Features 27
The Red Onion Cobalt Henson, Editor
STUDENT TURNS
LEFT,
GOES RIGHT TO JAIL S
By Cobalt Henson
tudents are left concerned after what some call a “questionable rule” is being enforced on SHS drivers. Junior Wha Hek was arrested on Jan. 14 after turning left onto Shelby Street, which prompted a police response after motion sensors outside Cardinal Stadium detected the transgression. “It was crazy,” bystander Julie Onlook said. “There were cops everywhere and a cop dog. I even think there was a helicopter hovering up above.” Onlook was on the way to her car when she saw the incident. She says she felt nervous, thinking something big had happened but relaxed when she saw it was under control. “They started yelling at the guy through the loudspeaker,” Onlook said. “Then they finally pinned him to the car after he complied with the demands these guys were giving him.” According to his defense attorney, Wha Hek was “confused as to what was going on, and was concerned for his wellbeing and safety during the whole incident.” Wha Hek also stated that he was not aware of any signs saying not to turn left onto Shelby Street. Hek is being held in Marion County Juvenile Detention without bail for what is described
28 The Red Onion
as “the crime of the century” by various Southport residents. “I don’t feel safe anymore, at home, in my garage, driving around, almost anywhere because people like him are out and about terrorizing this city,” an anonymous Southport resident said. Senior John Wade is one of the many student drivers that was left confused after the signs were placed on school grounds
Junior Wha Hek (below, left) being arrested after turning left out of the student parking lot on Jan. 14. Signs were recently installed instructing students to not turn left out of the lot for safety reasons. Photo by Cobalt Henson
recently. Wade’s commute time has been increased dramatically from an eight-minute commute to 11 minutes. “I want to understand why we can’t just go left out of the lot,” Wade said. “Everyone’s saying different things, from it being a secret deep state conspiracy to it just being that there’s an endangered species that just so happens to cross the street everyday right in time for student dismissal.” Some Southport residents, such as Erika Wright, are protesting on behalf of the student drivers at SHS. Wright organized a campaign to support a movement to free Hek using social media as a communication platform for rallies, attracting attention from school officials. “These kids deserve the right to turn left,” Wright said. “If you can go
left a street up from Shelby, then why can’t you turn left onto Shelby?”
“I want to understand” why we can’t just go left out of the lot... Senior John Wade
SHS administration has addressed the situation in a release to students, stating that the signs are there to encourage students to practice proper driving etiquette. Later in the statement, it is also explained that drivers should start to expect less traffic when pulling out of the student parking lot.
“For all parties involved,” said SHS Assistant Principal Mike Cargon, “This is the best route to go. Sure students may be inconvenienced, but in a way they are serving their community by not causing traffic. In fact, in some of our meetings we talk about offering free parking passes in the coming year. It saves us some hassle, and students get ‘paid back’ for the inconvenience.”
SCAN TO READ EXPERT DRIVING TIPS FROM STUDENT DRIVERS
The Red Onion 29
DRIVING UNDER THE GOOD INFLUENCE
Ar t
by N
ina
Go
Student hailed as hero for allowing car to go before its turn
S
enior Peter Hubbard is being hailed as a hero after he let another driver go in front of him in the parking lot. What began as a mundane day in Hubbard’s life turned into more than he could’ve ever imagined. “I just did what any competent driver would do in my situation,” Hubbard said. “I think more people should be aware of their surroundings and how quickly accidents can happen.” This problem began because there is only one exit out of the lot. There’s usually two lines of traffic after school from each end of the lot, forcing students to merge into one line. Not only students have noticed the challenge of exiting the lot, so has Perry Township Police. “The ideal scenario is every other car zippers into one line, but that is rarely the case at Southport,” SHS police officer Wesley Shift said. “Teenagers are easily distracted so we had to post multiple signs to direct traffic.” Although new measures have been implemented to ease students’ experience leaving the school, little has worked. The situation only worsened with signs at the exit
jko
By Nina Gojko, Reporter
telling student drivers that turning left out of the lot would result in arrests and charges. This change made student drivers more apt to rush out of the lot to avoid officers posted outside the exit after school. “I figure they will take the opportunity to pass me when I vaguely signal that I’m going to let them through,” said senior Bridgette Wells, when asked about why she’s so hesitant to let someone in front of her. Many students have complained about the parking lot conditions with some even turning to protesting outside the PTEC building. Holding signs and shouting phrases like “Left in the dust” and “Students receive mixed signal,” Junior Reagan Mott has posted herself outside for the last week, gathering a small following of like-minded students. “It’s not fair that we have to deal with bad communication and senseless signs,” Mott said. “This could just cause more accidents for all we know.” “I’ve never actually seen an accident yet, but with the way things are headed, one doesn’t look too far off. We’re so grateful for Peter and his selfless behavior,” Perry Township Driving Counselor Diane Ford said. “The amount of students breaking the traffic rules has increased since new
measures were put in place to prevent accidents.” Hubbard will be honored at the Indianapolis Outstanding Citizen Banquet, an event attended by a select few city residents. Held in the Indiana Government Center on Feb. 17, the banquet is comprised of a keynote speaker, a dinner, and multiple guest speakers addressing the importance of teen driver awareness. SHS administration has issued a new scholarship in Hubbard’s name, calling it the Hubbard Helpful Driver Fund. This scholarship will be awarded to students who “display outstanding motor vehicle etiquette in accordance with SHS rules.” “I never thought anything like this would happen to me,” Hubbard said. “I hope this will show others that driving and following the rules aren’t things to be taken lightly.”
Photo by Cobalt Henson
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ATTENTION SENIORS!
SHS Adult Athletic Booster Club Scholarship The SHSAABC awards two scholarships annually:
• One $1,000 scholarship to a male athlete, team trainer or team manager • One $1,000 scholarship to a female athlete, team trainer or team manager
To be eligible, a student must meet the following criteria:
• A graduating senior • Female or male athlete, team trainer or team manager • Four year participation as an athlete, a team manager and/or team trainer in one or more sports • Following graduation, will be attending an institution of higher education, formal or technical. • Current grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher • Has exhibited good sportsmanship, attitude and team participation during all four years of participation in SHS athletics • Is an athlete, team manager or team trainer in good standing and conduct during all four years of participation in athletics (clean school discipline record – no suspensions, expulsions, good attendance record, no truancy, etc) • Is not receiving a full scholarship from an institute of higher education; these students are not eligible for SHSAABC scholarships. • Must complete a 500 word essay and submit to guidance department by specified deadline. Essay subject: “What My SHS Athletic Experience has Meant to Me”
Deadline:
Essay must be turned into the Guidance or Athletic office on or before March 8th, 2019. Winners of the scholarships will be selected at the April 2019 meeting of the SHS Adult Athletic Booster Club Board. Award disbursements will be sent directly to the institution by SHSAABC. If you are interested in being considered for this scholarship, please talk to your guidance counselor or the athletic department.
Opinion
Rachel Bayler, Editor
Music ‘n Musings Carried away in a landslide Column by Rachel Bayler
I’ve recently really gotten back into 70s music now that the Christmas season is over. One day when I absentmindedly hit the shuffle button of my Oldies playlist, a song I hadn’t heard in a while, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, came on and really struck a chord with me. Fleetwood Mac is one of my favorite bands, not only for the drama that seems to follow in its members’ wake, but for the massive impact they have had on the music industry over their 40-year tenure. “Landslide” was penned by Stevie Nicks, one of the lead singers, and seems to have been heavily influenced by her relationship with another bandmate, singer and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. In the song, written before Nicks and Buckingham joined the group in 1974, Nicks highlights her doubts about the stability of her relationship and how she’s afraid of some impending change. She “takes her love, takes it down,” and describes Art by Nina Gojko herself going on a
HOT 2009 v. 2019 pictures “Spiderman: Far From Home” trailer Gillette Ad 26 Opinion
type of self-exploratory journey as she evaluates what to do next in this transitional waiting period. I think we’ve all been in Nicks’ shoes at one point. Sometimes I think high school itself is its own form of a transitional period, where we are not quite adults but not quite kids and are still struggling to find our place in the world. And with it being almost a month into 2019, and some of us will be graduating come May, the change we spend our whole high school lives preparing for, the move to college or into the workforce, becomes terrifying. I sometimes catch myself questioning my future and if I’ll be able to handle the “real world.” Nicks does the same thing in “Landslide.” She thinks out loud, asking “what is love? / Can the child within my heart rise above? / Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? / Can I handle the seasons of my life?” If this doesn’t describe the dilemma of high school, and our eventual transition into adulthood, I don’t know what does. We all have doubts about ourselves, our
capabilities, what we want our future to look like and if we can even shape our future into what we want it to be. It’s these exact doubts that my favorite part of the song attempts to highlight. Nicks sings, “I took my love, I took it down / Climbed a mountain and I turned around / And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills / ‘Til the landslide brought me down.” In other words, she took a step back, reevaluated where she was and where she has been, brought herself back to reality. And the reality of our situation is that we really have no say in what the future holds. 2019 could be one of the best years of our individual lives, or one of the worst. But when these doubts and fears strike, and make us scared to move ahead, we need to take a step back, breathe in and out and face head-on the things that scare us. I won’t lie, I’m a little scared about 2019 and what it could possibly hold, good or bad. But “time makes you bolder,” and as long as I step forward confident in what I hold dear, I know it’s going to turn out A-Ok.
NOT R Kelly scandal “Flexing” your Apple AirPods Government workers working without pay
Scan to listen to the featured song!
Learning self love
Improving self-esteem is a day by day process By Shelby Denny, Reporter
For me, it’s definitely been more difficult having confidence and selfesteem since high school rolled around. There are so many people I interact with each and every day, and it’s so easy to compare myself to someone random I see in the hallway. Something important to remember is that everyone is unique. Everyone is so different in their own way, and just because someone has something that you don’t doesn’t mean you are any less appreciated than them. Learning to have self-respect is different for anyone and everyone who struggles with self-confidence or self-esteem issues. Sometimes it’s confusing because you only know how you view yourself and you most likely have no idea how other people view you. That’s what always worried me and sometimes still does. Social media plays such a big part in contributing to this issue and its effects on different people. It has made me feel like I’m not good enough or am worth less than the people I see on social media. According to Statista, in 2015 there were approximately more than 77.6 million active Instagram users in the U.S. This figure is projected to surpass 111 million in 2019. Being able to see that many people and what they’re doing and how they look makes it so easy to compare yourself and think you aren’t as talented or smart as they are. Not to mention the heightened effect other social media apps such as Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter could have when used at the same time. Anyone who has dealt with or is dealing with any kind of selfesteem issues probably has certain things they do that help them work on overcoming their worries and insecurities. I definitely do. I always try to remind myself that I am the way I am for a reason and so is everyone
else. I try to remember that it’s okay to have differences and we’re not all different for the purpose of comparing ourselves. Another thing that also helps me is to write my thoughts in a journal on days where something happens that results in my self-esteem issues getting better or worse. Then, I can reflect on what I wrote and work on what needs to be fixed and get to where I hope to be this year. People who have helped me throughout the years with these issues are my friends and family. Sometimes talking about it may not seem like the best thing because a lot of people can judge you or not take what you say seriously. You should have the right to say whatever you feel and say exactly how you feel because your opinion is valid. I have a couple of really close friends who have stood by me for so long and who I always go to when I’m feeling down or having an off day. Having a good emotional support system is probably the most effective thing in terms of overcoming low selfesteem because it’s nice to have an outlet for my feelings and feel like someone understands. According to Psychology Today, “Talking with another person can give you perspective. Just know that you can minimize your problems by discussing them with those you trust.” One thing I always remind myself is that I’m certainly not the only one who’s going through this. Sometimes it feels like you’re all alone and no one knows how you feel, when most people
are probably going through it at the same time you are. Being in high school, everyone is figuring out who they are and what they want, and that can be very confusing. Everyone goes through different things during this time in their life. So just because someone isn’t dealing with confidence or selfesteem issues outwardly doesn’t mean that they aren’t going through anything at all. Learning to love yourself and being confident with who you are is something that may or may not take a while to get to. I feel that anyone, no matter who they are, can make it to a happy and positive place in heir life. It does get difficult and sometimes it’s hard to see the light, but I remind myself that I can pull through whatever I’m going through. Having the right mentality can always help and if you ever feel like someone isn’t helping you or encouraging you, then encourage yourself. Tell yourself you can learn to love yourself, and in time, you will.
Make it your music
Societal changes have led to a more tame music industry By Brianna Henry, Reporter If you look at music over the past five to 10 years, you will notice a change. Music has gotten less vulgar or blunt. I think it’s clear that people have become more sensitive to what they hear or see online nowadays. Due to this, some artists have had to become more attentive to the opinions of their listeners, and making sure they create music that doesn’t upset society. One artist that I think represents this well is Tyler, the Creator. In his earlier albums such as “Goblin” or “Bastard,” Tyler, the Creator is not as careful with his words. He mentions sexual assault and other topics that aren’t the most family-friendly. If he said these lyrics today, I feel as if it would be covered by all news outlets, people would be furious and he would probably be pushed out of the music community. One example of a song that I think shows this very well is “Blurred Lines.” It created a lot of controversy due to its suggestive lyrics and
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creepy undertones. People became very mad once a meaning had been brought to their attention. Now, this happened in 2013, but since “Bastard” came out in 2009, society was much more different. Tyler, the Creator has slowly changed over the years to a more mellow rap artist who mainly talks about love and does more of an R&B style. I think this is mostly because he saw that he had to adapt to the music industry to be successful. If he kept his past stance on music and kept creating his old type of rap music, I don’t think he would be nearly as successful as he is today. He would’ve gotten turned down because record labels wouldn’t want to produce such problematic music. It could ruin the producer or label and no one would want to partner with them. Another artist that I think has transformed their style is Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover. In his past albums, such
as “Camp” from 2011, in one song, “Campfire,” Glover mentions topics such as the song being “retarded” so he calls it a slow jam. He also says the n-word with a “hard r.” I also think that if he said stuff like this today, he would definitely be bombarded by angry people who think that stuff like that shouldn’t be in today’s music. Overall, I think this filtration that is pushed on musicians is not good for their overall performance. I don’t think they should have to filter themselves to be a “good musician.” I also feel as if it’s mainly pushed upon the rap community. You don’t hear many pop songs from a while back that are questioned when it comes to their lyrics. If a musician is blatantly offensive, I think they should have some sense of filtration. Although, artists shouldn’t have to conform to the opinions of their fans. Prohibiting an artist seems as punishment in a way.
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Art by familyguyyourself.com
Family Guy Fiasco
Changes in comedy are not the result of oversensitivity By Jaycee Fitzgerald, Print Managing Editor
In a recent interview with TVLine, the “Family Guy” creators said they have been phasing out gay jokes, along with other offensive jokes. After this, social media was flooded with people who were angry with the creators’ choices to do so. Lots of people said the show will now be too politically correct, that gay people are too sensitive or that jokes are just jokes. But, I think there are a few things these people aren’t seeing. First of all, I think what the “Family Guy” creators said in their interview was taken out of context. The interview was set up after an episode of “Family Guy” where the characters Peter Griffin and President Donald Trump fight. During the fight, Trump says to Peter, “Many children have learned their favorite Jewish, black and gay jokes by watching your show over the years.” Peter responds by saying, “In fairness, we’ve been trying to phase out the gay stuff.” So, in the interview the creators are asked if they really have tried to phase gay jokes out. Executive producers Alec Sulkin and Rich Appel say that they have. They say, though, that they’ve always done this, so it isn’t anything new. “It’s almost unique to ‘Family Guy,’ though…,” Appel said in the interview with TVLine. “If a show has literally
been on the air for 20 years, the culture changes.” Appel then went on to say that they aren’t phasing the jokes out because they think people won’t let them say them, but rather because they have grown and developed different views, so what they put on their show has grown and changed as well. But, despite this, many are still going to say that the show should still have gay jokes, and if gay people don’t like that they’re too sensitive. In a way, I can sort of see some people’s point in this. Some people can be too sensitive to jokes and can take everything literally, but that isn’t something unique to just gay people nor is it all gay people. Honestly, I can’t name one person who makes more gay jokes about me than myself. So, to say gay people are just too sensitive isn’t true. Some people can be, but that’s not why the producers are going to make less gay jokes. “Some of the things we felt comfortable saying and joking about back then, we now understand is not acceptable,” Sulkin said in the interview with TVLine. And lastly, for the people who say the jokes are just jokes, they’re really not. “Family Guy” has been a popular show in the U.S. since its debut in
1999 and still is today. At one point in time, it was considered a key show in American comedy, shaping what people thought was funny and what the rest of the comedy world joked about. With that kind of popularity, the jokes they make aren’t always just jokes. By phasing out these kinds of jokes, they can set the standard with what’s acceptable and not acceptable to joke about because some of their jokes in the past just weren’t funny. Gay jokes shouldn’t be off limits, but the creators can draw a line of where to stop. An example would be like in a 2012 episode where they joked about gay men having HIV. Not exactly funny. Basically, what I’m saying is I don’t think people should be mad that “Family Guy” is doing the right thing. Offensive jokes towards minorities just help reinforce stereotypes and validate stigmas against them. So, the creators of “Family Guy” are doing what’s right. They have grown and learned over the past 20 years what is right and wrong, so they are deciding to reflect that in their show. If you decide that you won’t watch the show because of that, then don’t watch it. But if gay jokes are all you find funny, you might just need a better sense of humor and a little more social awareness.
Opinion 35
Photos
NoahThomas, Thomas,Editor Editor Noah
BUTTERFLY
EFFECT
Sophomore Blake Kottlowski swims the butterfly stroke during the meet against PMHS on Jan. 10. To read more about Kottlowski, turn to the next page. Photo by Noah Thomas
Swim team flourishes as sophomore takes on graduates position By Kelsey Jones, Reporter
S
ophomore Daniel Hiller learned last year that he would be a key swimmer for the team this year. He’d have to fill a position on two relay teams left by SHS graduate Scott Speiser, and he’d have to keep up with the upperclassmen on the team. “I was really startled,” Hiller said. “I was like you’re picking me to fill the spot? Like what?” Hiller was surprised at how much he had to take on at first, but he quickly gained confidence. The spot has required him to work harder to mentally and physically step up to seniors Noah Fishel, Drew Reinke and junior Drew Shellenberger. “It’s a lot more pressure, but that pressure I’ve been able to turn into energy and motivation to push myself faster in the races,” Hiller said. Like Speiser, Hiller is a breaststroke swimmer, which made the choice easier for head coach Matt Jeffries. “It was sort of a natural fit and Daniel’s abilities put him in the right place,” Jeffries said. According to Hiller, he has prepared for this spot by listening to his coach, working on his technique and always doing his best. He’s also pushed himself by taking suggestions from other teammates. Then, when it came down to the first meet, Hiller’s times showed the work he had put in. Hiller swims the 200 individual medley and the 100 breastroke. He also swims in two relays, the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. Fishel, Reinke, Shellenberger and Hiller swam the 200 freestyle relay on Jan. 10 and broke the school record of 1:31.70 and is now 1:31.60. Hiller has also improved his breaststroke split relay, which was at 30.5 at the beginning of the year but is now at 28.24 seconds. His 400 freestyle relay was at 54.5 and is now at 51.96 seconds at county. Now Hiller is looking forward to the sectionals meet when the swimmers will shave their heads for tradition. He hopes to improve even more and fine tune his strokes by the sectionals meet. SCAN TO READ MORE ON
Sophomore Daniel Hiller swims in the meet against PMHS on Jan. 10. Photo by Noah Thomas
Freshman Caroline Reinke cheers for an SHS swimmer on her seventh lap. Photo by Noah Thomas
Senior Liz Lamkin prepares to dive next to PMHS opponents. Photo by Noah Thomas
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